Camden was a large village bordering on being a full town. We arrived faster than expected, reaching the outskirts in the early morning on the second day. I was so focused on solving the water issue that I worked on nothing else. Anicia was already in the village, asking questions, being escorted around by Corina. I didn't even have to tell them to look out for supplies anymore.

  Ben and Michael were tending to the horses and unloading the tents; Julia was cooking, using the magical flames from the grill and a deep copper pot to make some stew. Teaching her how to use the oven took half a day and cost seven of the unbaked loaves. Speaking of eating, I made sure they feasted on meat and fresh bread the first night. When they realized that’s how they would eat every day, at no cost to themselves, the fear and tension they all had faded quickly.

  Edine just stared at me often; her big brown eyes were unblinking. But she hurried to perform the minor tasks I couldn't be bothered with.

  I got to work drawing circles in the dirt with a stick. “Fetch me some scrap metal,” I said to the girl. She did an amusing squeak before she sprang to her feet and ran towards Ben’s wagon.

  It took three trips. “That’s enough.”

  Immediately, I got to work, creating a new water generator, this time adding gold for the runes for increased efficiency.

  The square base was 1.5 feet wide and 2.5 feet tall, with a few new added components. First was an arcane circle at the bottom to absorb heat from the surrounding air. The passive binding was as strong as I could make it, with an expanded sphere of influence nearly 30 feet wide. I went as far as melting down my platinum and gold heat absorption ring to use for both the air intake, water extraction, and heat absorption circuit.

  I intended to use the heat from the surrounding air as a source of energy. A three-inch ring of platinum and gold for a heat absorption circuit wasn't nearly enough to power the water generator.

  That meant I had to use my new passive binding to artificially increase the sphere of influence. This increase should, at least according to my math, result in at least 200,000 times the amount of energy contained in a three-inch sphere by just the increase in volume of air. However, artificially increasing the sphere imposes massive efficiency losses. My maximum sphere of influence was a little over 150 feet, impressive to be sure, but that required me to push myself to the limit. Even then, the inefficiency past 30 wasn't worth the effort.

  Regardless of the limitation, the amount of energy was still enormous; one sphere was enough to keep my amulet from draining to empty, and two could actually fill it, given that they didn't intersect.

  After a day of work, I sat down, stared at the new water generator, pushed my animus to the limit, and created a passive binding.

  Based on the rush of air and the occasional trickle of water, it was more than effective. Then I proceeded to make three more and remade my initial water generator.

  Since the four spheres of influence intersected, the efficiency was even further reduced. That still resulted in the air dropping in temperature enough for me to become uncomfortable.

  I ignored the dumbstruck, slack-jawed stares of my audience as I proceeded to make three more water generators. It was a challenging process, as I simultaneously managed the heat to keep the liquid molten while shaping three different metals: iron, platinum, and gold. While I wasn't sure of the skill of the average magus, I doubted many could match me.

  As the air grew colder, so too did the amount of water being collected, though every time there was a fresh gust of wind, the extraction would pick up again.

  ~

  It took a little under an hour and a half of listening to the constant, annoying rush of air before the last water generator was filled.

  ‘Let’s say, in the worst case, the scenario in the desert is a tenth…no, a 20th of the amount of water. Then it would take 30 hours to fill a single container. With each being 40 gallons or so, that’s more than enough water. No… enough is not enough; I’ll do four generators for each carriage, so that’s roughly 384 gallons of water generated a day for three carriages, or 162 assuming absolute worst-case conditions, and then I continue the process, adding 4 for every new carriage. And considering the desert is hotter, it would be even more effective. Though I still have to test its effectiveness at night.’

  I stood pacing back and forth as I thought about our water consumption.

  ‘I’d say I drink around a gallon a day. Each horse was around 20 gallons at least, depending on how much we traveled. That’s 162 gallons a day for all of us, well within the required amount. So even if we were in an environment where there was only 5% or even 2.5% of the current air moisture content, we were well within our daily requirements.’

  ‘I'd better add a circuit to prevent rust; this is just regular steel, after all. I should also add something to heat and cool the water before pouring, just in case. Perhaps I should make these out of copper; I’m already using gold and platinum. It’s not like the cost matters. No, no, no, the outer shell should be made of steel for strength and an inner container of copper.’

  I sighed, realizing I’ll have to remake everything.

  ‘Energy is becoming a problem. The only sources I know of are potential energy, which is largely useless unless there are no alternatives; Heat, rotational energy from water wheels; and the stones… Wait…what about light? The dryad said she used light. Though according to her, converting light, water, and air to sugar for energy was beyond me. It’s something to think about, though.’

  “Ben,” I shouted.

  He perked up and ran over. “Run into the village, find Anicia, and buy more scrap… 30 pounds at least; prioritize copper…pots, pans. I don't care. Purchase it at double the price of steel. ”

  He did a clumsy bow and sprinted off with a pep in his step. After a quick conversation with Michael, the two rode off towards the village.

  ‘It’s not enough; I need to learn more about the deserts, how to travel, and where to go if by chance everything falls apart.’

  ~

  An hour later, Anicia returned, looking smug and carrying a bottle of wine. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the bottle.

  “Ahhh, my dear Anicia, how did you happen upon this?” I asked, cradling the bottle.

  “A wine trader; caught him just as he left town.” She said smugly. “And if you're interested, we might even have a job.”

  Looking at Edine, I said, “Put this in my carriage; be careful not to drop it.” The young, quiet girl took the bottle and scampered off.

  “Before we get to that, did you manage to find the information?” I asked.

  Anicia nodded. “Aye, it’s a lot. Desert travel is…complicated.”

  “Good, what about this job?”

  “An emerald merchant, apparently. He’s rich enough that he could tell at a glance that this crossbow is magic. I didn’t want to promise nothin’. So I came back and checked with you. He wants to meet at a local tavern to discuss business. He has a dozen guardsmen in plate and chain. But when one had some ideas about me, he spotted it and immediately called them off. So that means he’s either honorable or smart, right?”

  I nodded. “You handled it well… Think of a reward for yourself. For now, let’s speak to this merchant.”

  Turning to Meatshield, I shouted, “Ben, grab your weapons and follow.” He nodded, grinned, and scrambled for his sword and shield.

  I turned to Corina. “Watch the family for me.” Knowing that I didn't trust them alone with my carriage and all the valuables inside, she nodded in acceptance. Anicia was as safe as she could be with me, after all.

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  “As we walk, tell me what you’ve learned.”

  Before I took a single step, I looked at my clothing. “I need to change.”

  ~

  Desert travel was different when compared to traveling through the empire. Instead of taking the fastest route, traders, merchants, or anyone traveling long distances used pre-established routes that followed dozens of wells dug throughout each barony. Without these wells, the water that these travelers carried would be gone within days.

  I certainly wasn't going to add days or weeks to a journey following these wells when I had magic. But it was information I intended to use wisely.

  Next were our horses. Most travelers used what were called sand steeds. They were bred for hundreds of generations for use in the deserts; they were called sand steeds for the color of their fur. They required less water than a normal horse and could easily withstand the sun and heat. However, they were expensive, and to get a proper breed, I would need to travel to a capital city. I could easily decrease the temperature of the surrounding air, negating the necessity of specialized horses. But it was still something to look into.

  Banditry was high, especially the deeper one went into the desert. In the baronies further south, slavers roamed. There was a constant ebb and flow of forces to stamp out slavery operations, but it could never completely wipe it out. Mostly because the slavers stuck to poor, unimportant villages and towns. The slavers were even smart enough to avoid anyone who showed even the smallest amount of wealth. Going too far could spark a war.

  Officially, the Ferosian nobility condemned the actions of slavers, but anyone with sense knew otherwise. It was a balance that lasted for centuries. All at the expense of the lives of peasants.

  ~

  As I walked into a local tavern, I paid close attention to the many golden-haired horses standing tall, attached to over a dozen carriages.

  “They are beautiful,” I muttered already, desiring the mounts for myself.

  “Aye, we should get some for ourselves,” Anicia said.

  I adjusted my corset, straightened my sleeves, and continued to walk towards the cavern. I was wearing my best; platinum and gold jewelry decorated my fingers, neck, and ears. It was a ridiculous amount of wealth to wear, really, but in this world, modesty wasn't respected. If someone didn't wear wealth, they didn't have it and thus were unworthy of respect. The only thing I didn't show was my reservoir.

  Ben and Anicia walked ahead of me. There was a short conversation with two guards standing outside, a glance, and another word was enough for us to enter.

  It was empty inside, save for a single, portly man with short-cropped blonde hair and a handsome, bare face softened by fat. Even in this rather unimpressive village, he was covered in jewels, as I expected of a merchant. In each corner of the room were more men-at-arms.

  The merchant, dressed in bright purple, looked me up and down as I walked forward, spending far too much time on my chest and hips.

  He stood, smiled, and said, “Greetings… Myr, is it?” I nodded. He gestured to the seat across from himself. “Please, it would be my honor.”

  Ben walked forward and pulled my chair out for me.

  “I must say, I never thought I would see Myr, the maiden herself, in the flesh. ” He snapped his fingers, and a young woman dressed in a scantily clad dress walked over carrying a bottle of wine. “Do you drink?”

  I shook my head. “It’s too early in the morning.”

  “Your loss then; this is a fine vintage. ” He fondled the woman's rear end as she poured him a glass. With a firm smack, she scampered off.

  “Bold of you to summon a magus.”

  He smiled wryly. “In truth, I didn't think you were the same, Myr. Otherwise, I would have been more formal with my inquiry.”

  He lowered his head for a moment in deference. “As an apology for my presumptuousness…” He snapped his fingers, and the same woman returned, carrying an ornate redwood box. She placed it in front of me.

  Opening it revealed a stunning silver brooch in the shape of a bird, its wings outstretched, as if I were looking at it from a top-down perspective. In the middle of its back was a perfect emerald.

  ‘Wealthy and smart enough to assume he is of a lower station. So he’s dealt with nobility before, if he isn't a noble himself. Most likely a lech, but that didn't matter to me.’

  While it was stunning to look at and no doubt expensive, I showed no outward emotion; I closed the box and handed it to Anicia.

  “Apology accepted, Ser Cramer. What is this job you speak of?”

  His eyes tightened, and calm came over him. “It’s rather simple, really. I am a merchant, with not a drop of noble blood in me. The only thing my family owned was land…worthless, dry, and hot. One day, we found a small cave, and in that cave were emeralds.” With a smirk, he continued, “We kept digging, and we kept finding more. And so the Cramer family gained wealth.

  ‘Clearly, he doesn't live in his own lands, and he despises the climate.’

  Glancing at the guards, I stated. “You’re having problems with your mine, which could spell disaster for your family. You despise the heat and dryness, so you moved away and left it to others to manage, and now you need to reassert your ownership by force.”

  He blinked twice, then nodded. “You have the right of it. Shipments to my jewelers are dropping off significantly, and it's affecting profit. I get no answers from my inquiries. The cause could be anything from banditry to a manager who has grown too bold.”

  “And what do you need me for? Your men are well armed, two dozen by my count.” He smirked.

  “One of my men approached your young lady here. She pulled a crossbow on him. A small thing that shouldn't be able to even scratch his armor. Yet there was not an ounce of fear in her eyes. That’s when I realized it had to be magic, then I approached, resolved the situation, and managed to learn your name.” He laughed under his breath. “I took a gamble that you were the Myr from the stories. I, like the goddess, do not believe in taking chances. I will go to my mine, kill, and hang those who need to be killed and hanged. And replace everyone else. I don't believe in fighting nobly; I'll stack the odds in my favor and win with overwhelming force.”

  ‘He certainly talks a lot.’

  I relaxed into my chair. “And I am an opportunity to push the scales even further.”

  “Indeed. We pass through a significant portion of the desert a few weeks further southeast. Not the worst of it, but it will be hot and dry. After that, I’ll head to the capital, where I will remain for half a year, sorting out some business, reassuring partners, and the like. After we deal with the mine, we can go our separate ways, or you can accompany me to the capital.” A small and what I assumed to be a seductive smile streaked across his face. I could almost feel the anger coming from Anicia as she released a breath from her nostrils. But she didn't speak; she knew it wasn't her place.

  I returned the smile and leaned forward just a bit. “I admit I am interested in traveling. And I’d be happy to see the capital of a desert king. But you must know, Ser Cramer hiring someone like me is rather costly.”

  He placed a hand on his chest. “My Lady, not even a mountain of gold and jewels could ever hope to match your brilliance. Even if I robbed the royal treasury and offered it to you, such a paltry sum would be an insult. But I am just a regular mortal man, so please, I beg of you, offer me mercy.”

  I offered him my best smile, pretending as if he appeased my vanity, and said, “Your wish will be granted, sir. I’ll only ask for two golden royals a day, a fair deal, no?”

  There was the barest hint of consternation in his eyes. After weeks of travel, the coin will pile up significantly. 64 royals a month was something minor nobles could never afford, but this man, practically covered in riches, certainly could.

  “My lady, you are too kind. As a gesture of goodwill, I will pay the first week in advance.” A well-dressed man came over, and after a short conversation, he left and returned with a silk coin purse. I handed it to Anicia without checking.

  ‘I could have probably gotten away with three or four. Something to think about later. Either way, this is good experience.’

  “I’m surprised you didn’t ask for proof. I could be a charlatan walking around with magical tools.”

  He nodded. “Indeed, I had my doubts until you walked through the doors. Eyes like yours, not the color, mind you… The intensity is not common. Power is the only thing that creates such confidence. It can't be faked, so that is why I didn't insult you by asking for proof.”

  “Good enough. For now, let’s discuss the details of this arrangement.” I stated seriously.

  Quickly, the mask of congeniality disappeared from his face, and a career businessman took its place.

  ~

  We left after half an hour of talking.

  “You’re not going to ride in his carriage, are you?” Anicia asked. Cramer offered, since his carriage was massive and no doubt comfortable. And since I was supposed to play the role of protector, it would be reasonable. No doubt he would try to proposition me. I could have shut that door completely, but I wanted to experiment with different methods of negotiation. And I wanted to observe Anicia's reaction.

  “At the time, I likely will. I intend to pick his mind about the desert kings. The information could prove valuable.”

  She nodded, not managing to hide her disapproval, though she couldn't find a good counterargument. Then she straightened. “I…I should be there, right, to learn.”

  After a moment of pretending to think about it, I nodded. “Yes, that is a good suggestion.” Relief flowed over her.

  ‘Ahh, you’ve grown too used to my attention; we’ve been traveling for months together, and you don't want my gaze to stray anywhere else. I’ll give you my attention, affection, and much more if you’re willing. But slowly and one small drop at a time. You’ll need to keep proving yourself to me, Anicia. Work harder, grow smarter, and become perfect; only then will I give you what you want. You probably don't even know it yet, but you will…in weeks, months, or perhaps years. Just keep working, and I will reward you.’

  ~

  Hours later, after the sun finally set, I retested the water generator to find that it was even more effective at night. Though the cold was uncomfortable, it was worth it. As that was finished, I continued to work on sphere projection long after everyone else was asleep. I was working on it for weeks, and after what was likely hundreds of attempts per day, the binding finally succeeded.

  After a minute of drawing a circuit to condense air, I placed the small drawing on the ground and created the sphere projection binding. Immediately, air began to condense, not in the center of the circle drawn on the paper, but a foot above where my animus decided the sphere was. With a force of will, the sphere moved upward away from the paper, and the condensing ball of air followed until there was a loud pop as that air rapidly expanded in the same instant I ran out of energy.

  ‘It’s horrifically inefficient to the point of uselessness, but the concept works. I just need to refine the binding for a few more weeks at least.’

  A malicious chuckle escaped my throat. ‘The ball of fire, lightning, and much more. It’s all possible now. Oh, Heywood, you’re in for such a surprise when we next meet.'