Chapter 5: Agreements and Misunderstandings
The day of the familiar exhibition dawned bright and bustling at the academy. Ragnos stood in the tower's atrium, inspecting the final details of the preparations. He had ensured that Louise had bonded with one of the dragon shells in his care and finalized the arrangements for the crucial meeting between his brother and the princess.
If all went according to plan, Ragnos intended to purchase a plot near the academy for a monastery and a second for an embassy and trade hub. His vision for strengthening the ties between Fjordsvain and Tristain seemed closer to fruition.
Reaching the entrance, Ragnos paused, smirking as he saw Louise, Tabitha, Kirche, and Guiche gawking at Ghraal. The massive Dragonborn stood proudly, hefting Ingrid into the air with ease as though her heavily armored frame weighed nothing. "If you two are done showing off, I'd like to get things started," Ragnos said with a chuckle. "Louise, did you invite your parents to the academy today?" Louise nodded, her eyes still wide as Ingrid dropped to her feet with a practiced bounce. Ingrid whispered something to Ghraal before both moved to flank Ragnos. "Good," Ragnos continued. "Louise, Ghraal will help you with physical training, while Ingrid and our scholar will oversee your magical studies. Afterward, you'll have a break before the exhibition, and I'll meet with your family after the negotiations. Later, we have treaty negotiations with the princess, so today will be busy. Let's get moving." Louise paled as she glanced at Ghraal, who loomed over her with a toothy grin that could rival a dragon's. Her voice trembled as she asked, "W-Why is he t-training me?" Ghraal's deep laugh reverberated through the chamber. "Because, little maggot, I can break you down and build you back up better than anyone else. Now, RUN!" He brandished a sparking wooden rod capped with metal. Louise squeaked in panic and bolted, Ghraal keeping pace with her effortlessly.
Tabitha quietly left for the library, catching Ragnos's attention. "Something about her worries me," he muttered. Ingrid teased him, but Ragnos dismissed it with a wave. "Check on her while Ghraal makes Louise curse his name," he instructed, before heading off to find Shera and ensure she wasn't raiding the kitchens. An hour later, Louise glared daggers at Ghraal, who smirked in amusement. "You survived better than expected," he said. A restorative spell soothed her muscles, and he sent her off to prepare for the exhibition. Once alone, Ghraal began assembling equipment for her next training session, including a custom set of plate armor for younger trainees. He chuckled at the thought of Louise's reaction to his grueling regimen.
At the exhibition, Louise stepped forward with a confident flourish, presenting her familiar. The crowd gasped as the chromatic dragon swept over their heads, landing beside her. It displayed its elemental mastery with golden flames, black frost, lightning streaks, and corrosive mist, leaving the audience in stunned silence as Louise mounted the dragon and took flight.
Later, Louise introduced her parents to Ragnos, who greeted them formally. Discussions flowed smoothly until Ghraal approached, asking to patrol during the negotiations. "You suspect trouble?" Ragnos asked. Ghraal nodded. "Wrap any thieves or assassins like presents," Ragnos said with a grin. Ghraal laughed, taking to the rooftops to keep watch.
High above the academy grounds, Ghraal's sharp eyes scanned for trouble. His instincts proved correct when he spotted Fouquet and her massive earthen golem sneaking toward the treasury. With a roar that echoed through the courtyard, Ghraal descended like a thunderbolt, landing in a spray of shattered cobblestones.
Fouquet sneered, commanding her golem to attack. The massive construct swung a stone fist at Ghraal, but the Dragonborn caught it mid-swing, his claws digging into the rock as he pushed it back. "Pathetic," Ghraal rumbled. "Let me show you true power."
With a deep inhale, Ghraal unleashed a torrent of lightning breath. The crackling energy arced over the golem, shattering its structure and reducing it to rubble. Fouquet scrambled to retreat, but Ghraal was faster, cutting her off with another burst of frost breath that encased her legs in ice. She raised her wand, but Ghraal swatted it away with contempt. "You thought this would work? Against me?" Effortlessly binding her hands with enchanted cuffs, Ghraal hoisted the thief into a large sack, tying it with a neat bow. He smirked, thinking of how this delivery would amuse Ragnos.
Back in the meeting room, negotiations were underway. Louise's parents sat alongside the Tristain delegation, including members of the Church of Brimir. The Fjordsvain delegation stood in stark contrast, a diverse mix of races that included tieflings, elves, and Dragonborn, all radiating an aura of discipline and strength.
The Church bristled at the sight of the tiefling archmage, their disdain evident. Just as tensions seemed poised to boil over, trumpets announced the arrival of King Fenris Highvalor. Clad in ceremonial finery that outshone even the wealthiest nobles, he entered with an aura of authority that silenced the room. Ragnos followed, his ceremonial armor glowing with a soft inner light. "Greetings," King Fenris began, his voice deep and commanding. "I am King Fenris Highvalor of Fjordsvain. I welcome you to these negotiations. If you harbor prejudices, leave them outside. In my kingdom, worth is earned through actions, not birthright."
The Church of Brimir erupted in protest, demanding the removal of the "demon" and elves. The tiefling archmage raised a hand, and with a flick of his wrist, the offending clergy vanished from the room. "I relocated them outside the academy," he explained coolly. "If there are more objections, speak now." The negotiations resumed with newfound focus. Terms of trade and mutual aid were discussed, with both sides finding common ground. Fjordsvain offered enchanted goods and magical expertise, while Tristain pledged agricultural resources and military support. Louise's family observed with a mix of pride and curiosity as Ragnos deftly navigated the discussions.
The session was interrupted when Ghraal entered, carrying the bound thief. "Got a gift for you," he announced, dropping the sack with a thud. Fouquet tumbled out, her bindings glowing faintly. Gasps filled the room as musketeers stepped forward to take her into custody. Ghraal grinned. "One thief, gift-wrapped and delivered."
The display reinforced Fjordsvain's might and efficiency, smoothing over any lingering doubts. By the end of the day, the treaty was signed, marking the beginning of a promising alliance.
As the day wound down, Louise reflected on the whirlwind of events. Despite the grueling training and overwhelming responsibilities, she felt a flicker of pride. Her path as Ragnos's apprentice was just beginning, and though it would be challenging, she vowed to rise to the occasion.