The Accidental Archmage by Edmund Batara (read out loud books .TXT) 📕

The energy does leave residues which can be noticed, not

mention the surge of energy is like a bonfire at night. Attracts attention. But me, poor

mad and crazy Loki? Everybody knows I am the leading tourist in Adar! Been here,

been there, been almost everywhere! Nobody takes notice of my traveling anymore.”

For some reason, Tyler was disturbed by Loki’s statement. He couldn’t put finger on it

but he felt there was something in the innocuous statement. Then Loki noticed Tyler’s

ring.

“Aha! I knew there was a reason why I couldn’t find you.” Loki started to laugh. Not an

evil, nutty laugh but an amused one. Like one does when hearing a really good joke.

“Ptah’s ring of concealment! A useful gift! You know, when I saw Ptah forging it, he told

me it was for a friend. I didn’t expect it to be my father. Small world, isn’t it! Anyhow,

here’s my gift. I know it will also be useful. No, it’s not another ring. I can make it out to be a pair of earrings if you want. No? You would have made a fashion statement in

this corner of Adar. Some warriors do wear earrings if you don’t know.”

The god brought out a small bracelet-like object, made of silver. Tyler took and looked

at it. Then quickly placed it in his pocket.

“A Celtic torc. Something different, of course. I make my own fashion path. Wear it on

your upper arm. Don’t worry about standing out. Warriors here also wear armbands. Of

gold sometimes. No nose rings for you. I hate those things. Makes you look like a

cannibal. This torc enables you to disguise yourself as another mortal. Just look at

somebody you would like to copy, concentrate and you got yourself a new you! You can

copy the attire only or the entire person. You still remain you, of course. But runes and

those with an excellent sense of smell can pierce the disguise.”

“Thanks! Forgive me for asking but no strings? No hidden things to mark or track me?

“I am insulted, Tyler,” Loki said with a pout. But as Tyler was going to apologize

further, Loki gave a small guffaw.

“Good! You have learned, my friend. A gift from the Trickster God? Of course, you should be suspicious! But no, no strings or anything like that. Upon the name of my

dear wife, I give you my word. You’re doing fine by yourself anyway. But I do think you

will need that trinket. Not only in Skaney.”

“I am sorry for asking anyway. At least you do know I have my reasons.”

“Don’t worry about it. Now, I have to go. Just dropped by as I said. But the torc has a

limitation. You can’t copy the appearance of a divine being or even a lesser spirit. One

Loki is enough for this world. I can’t have you going around and doing good deeds in

my name. Scandalous ones will be fine but I doubt you would be that cooperative. For

the other beings, put it this way, right now I don’t need more of them mad at me.”

“Would you mind one more question, Farman?”

“Of course, I mind! But go ahead.”

Talking to Loki is really bewildering, Tyler noted. He says one thing but it could mean

two or three totally different topics.

“Aren’t you involved with… You know, this war.”

“That logically-challenged giant? Noooooooo. Why would I? Ragnarok, as I said, is

finito. What would I get if they win with my help? A freezing kingdom together with

those half-blind dark elves? Nope. Never happen. There’s so much to see in this world.

So much variety and cultures to feed one’s mind. Loved to hang out with my friends in

warmer climes. Warmer not hot. As in Sutr-hot. He’s not interested in Ymir’s gambit

anyhow. Yet. I may be mad but I am not crazy. Got to go, mage-man.”

Loki stood up and Tyler walked him to the door. As they reached the door, Loki

whispered something interesting.

“Oh, by the way, this may be Ymir’s gambit but he’s not going to show up front. Hope

that helps.”

With that, Loki walked out. Tyler watched him until he turned the street corner.

He does have something going on. Besides, Loki’s command of English raises some

questions. His slang and the way he talks is too modern for an archaic being. There’s

no way he could talk like that unless he had access to at least a viewing portal. But

that’s something which even Loki will hide well and keep to himself. The consequences

of discovery are too grave for any chance of being found out. But if anybody is mad

enough and had the balls to do such a dangerous act, it would be him.

Tyler went back to the table to finish his ale and thought about his latest meeting with the trickster.

I absolutely have the feeling something bigger is going on. If someone is being played,

that would be me. But I have no idea of what the game is with Loki and Odin. Eira

turned out to be the least complicated player among them. Those Greek gods too. Now

they are aware of me, one with a grudge to boot. Will they make further inquiries? Or I

get to be raped by Athena? I wish? Will Eira poison me if I give Athena some loving

attention? Athena does have that reputation. Or will it turn into an all-out brawl

between the two, with me as collateral damage? Assuming, of course, Eira really is

interested in me.”

Shaking his head, he shelved all such thoughts for now. Turning to Jorund, he gestured

for the man to come over.

“Jorund, is it still possible to sell jewels in Scarburg?”

“Yes, my lord. Some merchants are still around though I suspect all those who don’t

want to get caught in the fighting will leave upon news of the enemy entering the Gap.

When that happens, it will take the enemy around two days at the fastest to reach

Scarburg.”

“Please sell this for our needs.” Tyler took out more than half of the contents of the

pouch Eira gave him. Jorund’s eyes widened.

“Get a good price for the lot. We’ll need the money for the inn and other necessities.

Buy detection runes immediately, at least three. Plus, a small covered