Shalin, p.36
Shalin, page 36
The reunion with the family lasted for hours with hugs, kisses, laughter, and tears of joy. There was a bit of awkwardness with the slender gnome's true appearance, and some of the women seemed to be confronted by residual feelings about Marigold lying to them, which had lingered even after two years. Those feelings wouldn't disappear overnight, and would need to be acknowledged and discussed.
For the slender gnome's part she was obviously wracked with guilt over the trouble she'd caused the family; even as the other women spoke proudly of how they'd organized into the Shadow Crusade and the victories they'd won against the Consortium, she seemed to mourn that the peaceful, happy family and household of Phoenix Manor had become this determined, martial force.
But in spite of those reservations warmth and joy carried the reunion, and most seemed willing to give Marigold a second chance. Dare wasn't sure about his own feelings, and kind of dreaded the inevitable conversation with his former, and perhaps could be again, consort.
As for Marcus, he obviously wasn't used to children and was shy at first. Especially when his siblings all mobbed him, excited about having a new brother to play with. Gelaa, ever the responsible big sister, seemed to realize it and diverted everyone's attention from Marcus to all playing a game together, then stayed by his side giving off a protective vibe.
Before long Marcus was following her around everywhere, having found a new best friend.
He also developed a quick rapport with Eloise, who was soft-spoken and sweet and tended to create a bubble of calm around her flower. It was a popular place for naps, as well as for those seeking peace and quiet or a place to escape when they were upset.
Not just among the kids, either.
Marcus also ended up gravitating towards Ash. Once he'd gotten used to the velociraptor a bit, Dare had introduced them and helped the toddler pet his faithful companion. After Marcus realized that was okay he became a lot more comfortable around Ash, petting him and following him around.
When the little boy saw how the other kids hugged the velociraptor and even rode him like a miniature ostrich, he became even more comfortable with his new feathery friend. And for Ash's part while he remained solemn as ever, vigilant in protecting his master's family, he was patient and affectionate with the kids when they wanted to play.
Dare was surprised but pleased at how quickly his gnome son warmed up to him. It certainly helped that he loved going Zoom, which is what all the kids called it when Dare ran around with them at swift but safe speeds; like everyone else, they'd picked it up from Zuri from way back when he had first run around with her everywhere.
His first wife still occasionally asked him to pick her up and sprint full out while she squealed with delight.
Marcus warmed up more slowly to all the women in the family, introduced as his aunts. Probably because there were so many of them, and he was a bit overwhelmed at all the new people.
Although Rose seemed to have her usual magic when it came to children quickly falling in love with her; whenever the toddler wasn't running and playing or sitting in Marigold's lap, he usually found his way into the shy bunny girl's to cuddle.
That evening Ireni staved off potential awkwardness by arranging for a room for Marigold and Marcus. It was clear they weren't ready to invite her into the huge bed in the master bedroom as if nothing had happened.
Especially Dare, who tried not to show his relief at not having to address the issue that night.
Even so they stayed up late into the night with Marigold, talking and laughing and exchanging news.
She was dismayed to confirm her fears that her father had ordered Gular to destroy Phoenix Manor less than an hour after taking her away, just as she'd warned he would. Although intensely relieved that they'd all managed to escape unscathed.
“I would've left to spare you trouble,” she mourned, looking away in guilt even though no accusations had been directed at her. “But when Gari came around again I was torn between the hope that even then he didn't know for sure, and fearful certainty that if Father had found out I was here he'd come at you even if I was gone, in vengeance for taking me in to begin with.
“Running away would've just raised his suspicions even more, so staying close and keeping up my disguise, while ready to plead on your behalf if it ever came to it, was the best thing I could think of to do.”
The slender gnome looked away. “Or at least, that was my reasoning. I know it turned out disastrously, but I was doing the best I could to keep our family safe. I've trained in espionage and subterfuge all my life, so I knew better than anyone that even warning you've might been more dangerous than staying quiet, since knowing the risk would make you change your behavior.”
“But you did warn us,” Lily pointed out.
The slender gnome nodded, eyes still firmly fixed on the floor between her feet. “Pinning it on Gari was a safe alternative to a truth that would've just put us all in danger. It let us prepare as much as we could . . . if we'd been strong enough, Father might've tried to treat with us instead of just dropping the boot on our heads.”
“Let's not get into that now,” Buttercup said, looking distressed. “This is a happy day.”
The family seemed eager to follow her encouragement, and quickly turned the discussion to Marigold's real past.
It had been one of unimaginable privilege, even beyond what a princess like Celicia enjoyed. But it was also unimaginably oppressive, even beyond the security measures Haraldar's princess endured.
Wary of assassins or betrayal from within, Malin had ordered that Marigold never be out of sight of at least one her female bodyguards, and that they were to remain in Stealth at all times if they weren't attending her. Practically speaking, that meant she was observed as she relieved herself, bathed, and at all other times. No privacy or solitude whatsoever.
“What about your mother?” Misini asked, looking distressed for her sake. “Didn't she have anything to say about it?”
Marigold's expression became sorrowful. “I don't know. I was taken away from her after birth and never got to meet her, and nobody I asked would ever tell me anything about her.” Her expression tightened. “Father wouldn't either, but one time when I pressed him while he was in his cups he told me she had no value. Not just to him but to anyone. I think she was probably a pleasure slave or whore. He said the only valuable thing she ever did was grow his seed in her womb, and once she was done with that her usefulness ended.”
“That motherfucker,” Leilanna growled, dark pink eyes flashing.
The tiny gnome laughed bitterly. “My childhood was anything but normal. I probably wouldn't even know how decent, kind people behaved if I hadn't been fortunate enough to join Lady Marona's household.”
The mature noblewoman rested a gentle hand on her knee, and Celise hugged her shoulder. The gnome woman took a shaky breath and continued to describe her childhood.
During her self-conscious teenage years the constant bodyguard presence had been particularly intrusive. She'd had to repress all her curiosity about the changes to her body, and of course there was zero hope of romance.
Which wouldn't have been possible for Marigold anyway since she was confined indoors, or to the gardens of whatever house she was currently staying at. She never got to meet new people.
She didn't even have the comfort of a permanent home, since her father was constantly moving her to reduce the chances of her being found by assassins. But moving didn't mean much to her since she never got to leave the walls of whatever manor she was at. At best she could look out at the view and see places she'd never get to go.
Her only contact for most of her life had been the staff hired to serve her, and if any besides her bodyguards got too close they were rotated or more likely fired. “To prevent potential points of vulnerability, Nilsa called it,” she said bitterly.
Marigold had only attempted one affair with a member of the staff, a stable girl her age she was friendly with. But of course they were always observed, and at the slightest hint of a connection between them Malin had squashed the budding romance.
Not by firing the girl, however. To send a message to his daughter he'd had the stable girl horsewhipped in front of her, then she'd never seen her again.
“I can understand your hatred for your father,” Pella said as she hugged the tiny gnome, tears in her eyes.
“I'm curious,” Dare said, grasping to distract her from her painful memories. “If your father's so protective of you, why did he only have six mid-level bodyguards watching you?”
“Well first off he relied on secrecy and the strength of the wards to protect me, and the manor had a hidden exit leading to a hardened safe room where I could call for a portal to extract me in case of trouble,” Marigold said. “Also six Level 40s and 50s is a pretty damn powerful full time bodyguard element for one person within the safety of her own compound.”
She grinned. “Although with how much you've leveled since I last saw you, and the sheer power and influence of the enemies you face daily, that may be harder for you to recognize at this point. Also the only real people who'd be looking for me are you, and he didn't think you were much threat. His mistake.”
Her smiled faded as her bitterness returned in force. “But mostly, the bodyguards were there to keep me from escaping. And while I could never get any of them to admit it, I strongly believe they had standing orders to kill me before allowing me to be captured and used against Father.”
That drew a chorus of horrified and outraged gasps, and more women crowded around to hug her protectively.
She seemed to appreciate the comfort as she continued. “You have to understand, Father has no sentiment. He trained me to be a spy and then his right hand in the Consortium to carry on his legacy. When I eventually balked, refusing to assist him in his vile plots, he lost interest in me. He would never have shed a tear if I'd died or been stolen, although he would've burned all of Shalin to avenge or recover me for his pride.”
“How did you get away the first time?” Zuri asked, hugging her back and nuzzling the top of her head.
Marigold finally brightened, looking proud. “It took me years to plan, starting after Father whipped Maya in front of me. That was the breaking point for me.” Her expression briefly darkened, then cleared. “I got out by killing myself.”
They all stared at her in shock and horror, and she laughed. “Not really, of course, or I wouldn't be here.” Her smile faded. “Although there were times . . .” She shook her head firmly. “Anyway, I've been around Stealthed people all my life, so I have a pretty good idea of when they're distracted.
“In one of those brief times while watched by a lesser trained and more lax bodyguard, I managed to hurl a stool wrapped in one of my dresses through a window overlooking a cliff. At the same time I flung myself backwards beneath the bed to hide. It was a gamble, but as I'd hoped my bodyguard saw fluttering cloth disappearing through the broken window and panicked.”
The aristocratic gnome smiled grimly. “She didn't give a shit about me, but she damn well shit herself when she thought I'd thrown myself off a cliff on her watch. She screamed, looked out the window and saw the broken dress-wrapped stool hundreds of feet below, screamed again, and ran out of there sounding the alarm.
“That was when leveling and training me as an Infiltrator bit Father in the ass. I cast my personal Illusion to make myself look like one of the staff, caught the woman I was impersonating by surprise as she was gaping at her doppelganger, and left her tied and gagged in the closet. Then I joined the rest of the staff streaming out the front gate of the mansion to check on my “corpse” at the base of the cliff.”
She shrugged her narrow shoulders. “Not much to say after that. I managed to slip away in the confusion and made it to a nearby village, took the appearance of one of the people there, and kept going. A few miles out I again took the appearance of one of the people I passed, and so on and so forth, spending the next few months on the move, getting farther and farther away, changing identities every day. Sometimes every hour. I decided Father's influence would be smallest in Bastion and made my way up there, ultimately using my knowledge of professional servants to impersonate one for Lady Marona.”
She shot the mature noblewoman a sheepish look. “Although in practice it was a lot harder than it looked. I'm fortunate you were so kind and understanding, my Lady. And that Miss Garena and Celise went out of their way to train me.”
Marona patted her hand, and Celise hugged her shoulder.
“How did you feed yourself during all that time?” Leilanna asked. “Surviving in the wilds is so hard if you're not a class like Hunter, Trapper, or Forager.”
Marigold smiled grimly. “I took a chance on spawn points near population centers, clearing the Level 1 or low level monsters in them. As a Level 31 it wasn't much of a risk, and I was able to earn enough from the loot to buy cheap meals and the occasional bed in a stables or barn. Also there were a lot of kind people who helped me in small ways, and only a few who tried to hurt me.”
Her grim smile widened. “My would-be attackers were caught by surprise when I was 15 to 20 levels higher than they expected, and it didn't go well for them. Also escaping pursuit is pretty easy when you can round a corner or mingle with a crowd and become a different person.”
A yawn escaped her, and her eyelids drooped. “I want to talk more, but I don't think I can keep awake for much longer,” she admitted with a rueful laugh.
“You've had a long and eventful day,” Dare said. “And a long night before that. Get some rest and sleep in as long as you need.”
The other women were quick to urge her to rest, giving her goodnight hugs and kisses. Then Celise wrapped her arms around the smaller woman to help support her. “Come on,” she said, kissing the top of her head. “I'll keep you company tonight so you're not lonely.”
“Thank you,” Marigold said, voice catching. “For everything.” She looked back at them, tears in her big dark blue eyes. “All of you. I love you.”
She looked at Dare especially, expression hopeful, and he smiled and knelt to kiss her forehead. “Welcome home, Marigold.”
The aristocratic gnome hesitated, eyes full of all the things she wanted to say, then rested her forehead against his for a moment before turning and letting Celise guide her out of the room.
Chapter Nineteen
Changes
Marigold knew a shit ton about the Consortium. But also, as she admitted with a snort of disgust, “I don't know shit about them.”
The organization was just that vast, and the people at the top were that paranoid. She didn't even know where her father was, or how to find him. Nobody did, aside from his personal Level 70 Phasewarper who was the only one who could get in and out of his compound, using the control rings for the defensive wards that kept other spells from penetrating the powerful defenses.
Visitors to Malin's compound never saw outside, and usually only saw a few rooms so they couldn't get a picture of how big the place was. They were also under constant watch by Marlon and a dozen other Level 60+ Stealth bodyguards, and he had an entire team of high level support classes assisting with security.
As for the Phasewarper that was the only key in and out of the place, while he lived a life of luxury he wasn't allowed to leave and was constantly attended by four “bodyguards”. Marlon and all the other bodyguards and staff were similarly watched with redundant layers.
Malin took zero chances.
“I think his compound is in the middle of nowhere, in such a desolate and unoccupied area of Collisa that it'll never be stumbled across,” she said. “I'm not sure how we'll find it, although I have some ideas we can try. Or if that doesn't work then we can try to lure him out . . . there are some things even Father would leave the safety of his impregnable fortress for.”
“Like when he came to personally get you,” Lily said, nodding.
Marigold grimaced. “Don't remind me.”
That wasn't the only surprise about Malin. It turned out that like Dare, whenever he ventured out he had an illusion on, although only to change his perceived level.
In his arrogance he kept his appearance, so he could terrify those who'd met him personally. And he didn't feel the need to change his Calculator class, since only those who had the Adventurer's Eye and Fargazers Level 60 and above could see that information about others.
The little psychopath was actually Level 60, having spent decades leeching experience with the help of professional adventurers for a few days every week. He'd even arranged it so he could manage his business empire while gaining levels.
At first he'd done it at the insistence of Marlon, to make him a less vulnerable target to assassination. And personally the thought of having an extra 10 years of life appealed to him. But then when he discovered that Calculators got the ability to ignore pain at 55 he'd kept going to get the perks.
Then he'd decided that since he was so close to Level 60 and dual class, he might as well get it. He'd gone for Leyviewer as his second class so he could detect enchantments, wards, and natural magical phenomena, have advanced warning of magical threats, and see what sort of magic the people he dealt with had on them.
Beyond helping him stay alive, all of those could be pretty handy during negotiations.
Malin's level and classes and a bit about his past was all nice to know, but didn't get them any closer to catching the gnome kingpin; he'd stopped his leveling once he hit 60, and even before then he'd had his Phasewarper take him to monster spawn points at random to level, and he'd always gone with a strong contingent of bodyguards.
No opportunities to nab him while he was grinding experience.
While Malin was a dead end, for now, Marigold knew an incredible amount about the organization. Her father had been grooming her to serve as his right hand before she rebelled, and he'd taught her everything he knew about business, trade, and underworld tactics. He'd also introduced her to many of the Consortium's highest leaders.
