The World Dragon's Heir - Chapter 675: Spells of The South

Chapter 675: Spells of The South

General Marshall brought out a handful of shining gems and placed them on the table.

“These are the ones I think will be most desired here in Wistover. They’re among the most versatile and valuable spells that we possess, other than combat magic,” he explained.

Dominic examined the spell gems.

[Create Coal] was one that he already had, but he could see how it was incredibly valuable to a nomadic tribe, as coal for heat and cooking stoves was essential if you didn’t have trees nearby.

[Mirage] was a barrier type spell that hid a location with reflections of light.

[Wings of Light] created white feathered wings on the caster, allowing flight.

And finally, [Wall of Brambles] created a tangled mass of durable thorny vines, perfect for defending a camp against Goblins or other small monsters.

“Wall of Brambles has a secondary purpose. While the vines are spiked and unnaturally durable, they can also flower with roses. So, you can use them on an existing building to make your defensive wall look like a natural growth.

The higher the level, the more durable, and the sharper the thorns.

I’ve got it memorized, and at level twenty-two it will tear easily through Ogre hide or bronze armour.” Marshall explained.

“Well, I’ll want that one just because it creates a wall of roses. In fact, we have customers for all of them. The first question will be what your trade priority is. Do you need household goods, food, clothing, carriages, or magitech trucks?

We’ve got so many things you’re likely short on that if you’ve got multiples of some of these, you could have nearly anything you need.”

Alexis took a seat at the table and picked up the [Wings of Light] spell gem.

“Oh, this is lovely. How powerful is the flight?”

“At level one, it’s barely walking speed and takes a lot of effort. At level twenty, it’s nearly effortless, gliding like a condor and as fast as a diving falcon.

I had forgotten that it would be so valuable to you, though the Prince would look a bit odd with feathered wings and horns.”

Dominic laughed. “I’ve got my own wings, thanks. However, I doubt that I fly as fast as that spell would allow. Perhaps they can work together?”

General Marshall smiled. “They do. I use it all the time because I am more of a gliding capable dragonkin than one that can fly without magic. My wings are impressive, but my body is heavy. It puts feathers over my wings when it is active, which is unfortunate from a subtlety perspective.”

“In that case, we will need at least a dozen of them if you’ve got them. Needing to have a mage memorize the spell, then make copies, would be inefficient.”

The General nodded. “I do have more copies. We made them in hopes that a Mage Sect would purchase them. What would you like so many for?”

“The Royal Guard. They’re a cavalry force. But we could make them winged paratroopers with this spell. Perfect for ambushes in the forest or mountains.”

Marshall smiled. “That’s how we use it as well. Even at level one, the flight is enough to ambush targets in the valleys of the badlands. Surround and dive down at them. Though I am told that your force has rifles that are actually better than a bow.”

“Indeed, we do. They’re quite lovely. They’ve proven fairly difficult for others to replicate, but I make them myself.”

Marshall gave an honest laugh. “Of course, they’re hard for humans to replicate. Half the species struggles to just turn on a lamp, expecting them to weave magic like a dragonkin is far too much to ask.

However, if you made them an exact blueprint, they should be able to follow it. It’s an oddity of magic, but following a known correct design allows humans to make things that they normally wouldn’t be capable of.”

That was something that Dominic already knew, but he assumed it was a lack of talent, not a limitation of the species.

Dominic called Alistair over with a gesture at the gems. “Get us an appraisal on those, with a dozen of the Wings of Light gems. It will give us an idea of trade volumes.”

Alistair nodded, then did a short mental calculation before writing out a number.

It was a bit lower than Dominic had expected, but not bad.

“I’m assuming that you aren’t particularly interested in Cygnian gold coins or Monster Cores. So, I will translate directly. The [Create Coal] spell is less valuable here, as we have plentiful trees, and mostly use magitech stoves. But the others are very useful to me personally.

I can offer you twelve tonnes of local vegetables, a bundle of uncommon grade spears, and a locally made magitech fireplace insert for them.”

Marshall mentally calculated, his face as blank as possible. Dominic could see that he was pleased with the price, but this was a negotiation, first and foremost.

“Make it six of the magitech fireplace inserts, and we have a deal.”

Dominic extended his hand to seal the deal, while Dave ran off to get what they needed.

There were spare spears in storage for the militia, new and never used. The warehouse had plenty of the fireplace inserts, but he would have to buy the vegetables from the farmers market.

It would likely wipe out most of what was there today, but the farmers wouldn’t be mad about it.

“Are there particular vegetables you want? Or should I just let Dave pick anything that works well for soup?”

Marshall shrugged. “Whatever stores well. The trolls can make nearly anything into an edible soup. They grow most of our food, but the soil is so bad, and we’re moving so often, that even they struggle.”

“Wonderful. Now, we just need to wait for the delivery. Do you prefer tea or coffee? We have both.”

Marshall shrugged. “I got used to drinking Ale.”

“Oh, that reminds me. If you have a spell for making Ale, like the one for making wine, I want that too.”

Marshall laughed and began to cast a spell.

[Create Gem] was one that Amie had taught Dominic, but as everyone around him knew more magic than he did, he didn’t have much reason to make spell gems unless they were making new magitech.

The General placed the gem on the table, and Dominic smiled. Then, he took one of the mana revolvers from his inventory and placed it on the table.

“A direct trade between me and you,” he insisted.

Trade between Wistover and a foreign Army, even if it was only in name, was an issue. But personal trades for magic? How could that be restricted?