My conversation with Little Water sparks an uncomfortable thought; maybe there's a reason summoning has been oppressed.

In theory, summoning is restrained by two things: self-preservation and common sense. I'm sure there are plenty of creatures that travel the many realms in search of an idiot that will let them devour their world. However, no one with any intelligence would form a contract with such a being.

If some madman is willing to burn the world if it means he gets to rule the ashes, those types of elementals don't take well to being at the beck and call of another. They always try to kill their summoners, so they can trick another sucker and devour another world.

Even if someone is insane enough to want to destroy the world and doesn't care about losing their life in the process, they tend to have little ability. As someone who has been both incredibly weak and incredibly powerful, I can attest to the allure of strength. Power comes in all forms. A king who can command an army is certainly powerful. However, looking down on others while protected by a wall of shields can't compare to the thrill of walking into the enemy's attacks, knowing you can't be harmed. There is something immensely satisfying about being able to grab another person, especially one you know is competent, and have their life in your hands.

It's not a feeling one passes on if it's at all obtainable; no one likes putting their fate in the hands of another if they can avoid it. So, summoners tend to be those who can't. It draws the unwanted and the untalented. It's a way to circumvent fate, not a fate anyone chooses if they have options.

In theory, a master caster could throw away everything and summon a Cosmo-like entity to destroy everything, but it's only theory. For someone to do something like that, they have to have no stake in the world, no connections to anyone or anything. Becoming a master is a journey of a lifetime. The world can be cruel but I find it hard to believe someone can live several decades without witnessing or experiencing a single good thing that would make them think twice about damning us all.

My proof? It hasn't happened yet. Summoning has been in Harvest for five centuries. That's dozens of generations. I'm sure people have faced unspeakable tragedies in that time but the world is still intact.

That's why I'm not worried about Mr. Self-Made and his Grand Summoners. Summoning Arrbutor isn't a great start but that's the worst I can imagine them getting up to; he isn't exactly trowling the Hall for master casters. And while the Scarlet Hand might be a tragedy for Harvest if it were to go unchecked, against the world? It's not a threat worth mentioning. Apparently, there is an entire province of elves that have done and currently do much worse than that thing's experiments.

Poor Little Water. Her hopes of getting in my good graces were painfully obvious. I felt bad outright telling her it was useless, but I can't exactly trade favors for interesting gossip. It'd be easier if I knew what the lady lizard wanted from me. It's clear she wants the two of us to be on good terms, but for what purpose?

If it's about my maybe-dragon-sister, that isn't a matter of goodwill. No one except the glossy man himself gets to weigh in on that decision. Honestly, I hope he does as I'm at a total loss. Sure, I could let his mandate to bring amusement to the world guide my actions, but I don't know if I can cause the next world war for a laugh.

Aside from that, I suppose I could weigh in on her relationship with Khan. Thing is, she doesn't need to butter me up for that. I'm all for the drama that union will cause; aside from the first interspecies alliance in the history of Harvest, I'm certain Khan sees that relationship differently than she does. Namely, he thinks they have a forbidden romance while the estrazi sees it as a political alliance at best, a business transaction at worst.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

I throw the lazy lizard a bone, thanking her for the information and tasking her to keep an eye on the Grand Summoners; she doesn't say the words, but she's practically begging to be useful and it'd be good to know what they're getting up to with something like Arrbutor in their midst.

I send the lady lizard off and then it's time for my meeting with the elder Guiness sister. The carriage is much easier, as most of the clan isn't interested in what the merchants have to say and there's good odds that it's going to be a boring afternoon; I'm not opposed to a little ass-kissing, but I hardly seek it out and I'm not the least bit interested in watching it happen to someone else. Kierra and Alana prefer their training and the succubi have far more important things to do.

Surprisingly, Talia asks to accompany me and I welcome the company. Maxine steps onto the carriage and her pet pirate follows right after. Pleading gray eyes turn to me, asking me to intervene as Rey settles in, kicking her feet up on the end of my bench. I smile at my friend and then pointedly look away, knocking the back wall to tell Earl we're ready. As if I'd help her. She made her bed. Now she can lie in it, cuddling her monstrous maiden.

The ride is blissfully peaceful, with only a little rocking and a handful of stops so Earl could clear the road. Soon, we roll to a stop in front of the luxurious hotel and are greeted by the lady of the hour.

It always amazes me how different the two sisters are. Maxine is slim and petite, her willowy figure making her average height seem taller. Combined with a competent etiquette teacher, she has the grace of a water bird, her charm that of competence and poise.

I wouldn't say that Marcella lacks either of those attributes. They're simply overwhelmed by others. Mainly, her sensuality. I've never seen a woman with her curves. Everything about her is soft and inviting, from her wavy hair to her soft gray eyes. She knows how attractive she is and doesn't hesitate to take advantage of it. The Golden Feathers is far enough north to have escaped the damage of the battle, but it's a little jarring to see her wearing a vibrant blue dress and a big smile after riding through a ruined city, especially during what I expected to be a solemn occasion.

The woman is temptation and I can't deny being tempted. Sigh. It's too bad my elf doesn't approve. Something about the older merchant sister rubs my lovely savage the wrong way. In fact, Marcella is the first potential partner Kierra has rejected. I don't quite understand why but it's good enough she's not comfortable. Saints know I've turned down plenty that've caught her interest, or that she jokingly shows interest in. Hard to know how serious she is with that Atainna blood coursing through her.

As we dismount, I notice something wrong in Marcella's warm demeanor. Her control is exceptional but what gives her away are things that can't be controlled. Marcella smells of fear. More telling, the Guiness knights standing on either side of the door are tense, and only grow tenser as we approach.

Something about this meeting has them on edge.

Is that why she's greeting us when a servant usually handles as much? She knows I'm not one to stand on formality. Maybe she's hoping I'd see something. Is she afraid for us? No, that doesn't make sense. More likely, she's afraid for herself. Or maybe her money?

Either way, I'm undeterred. If there is a problem, I'd rather know about it now than let it grow out of my sight.

Her smile twitches the tiniest bit as we stop in front of her. "Lou. I'm so happy you accepted my invitation. The chefs have already prepared lunch. We can talk over refreshments."

"I never say no to a good meal."

"And I see my sister accompanied you." Marcella turns to Maxine. "I was surprised that you immediately ran off after such a long journey. You should take the afternoon to rest."

She's trying to get her sister out of danger, I'm sure of it. It's too bad that Maxine isn't as perceptive as me. The younger sister straightens, taking the words as a challenge.

"I am still weary from the road but I'm hungrier still. Surely, you wouldn't mind sharing a meal. Unless your business is private? I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Not at all. There's plenty for everyone. Including your friend." I can imagine Marcella secretly scowling as she turns around, leading us into the hotel. I strain my senses, searching for the source of her apprehension, but the hotel is too full. From what my nose and ears tell me, everyone that can afford to, and maybe a few that can't, have a room at the Feathers.

Whatever threat is lurking in the luxurious halls, I'll have to wait to uncover it.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.