The Heart of Alchemy by James Wisher (i like reading books txt) 📗

Putting his fate in the hands of demon worshipers he wasn’t even sure were still alive seemed like pushing his luck. On the other hand, if the empire was as sealed off as she claimed, there might not be any other option. Once he’d had a look around the city and spoken with their agent, he’d make up his mind for sure.

Feeling a little better about his decision, Otto turned to find Corina staring at him. “Did you need something?”

“No, it’s just that you’ve seemed on edge since we left that awful place. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about what happened?”

Otto had remained silent about his conversation with Lady White for the very simple reason that he didn’t feel like explaining his decisions. And there was no question in his mind that his apprentice and his bodyguards, not to mention his brother, would all disapprove of him doing business with the Cult of Astaroth. Which was fine, he didn’t especially care what they thought. Otto just didn’t want to have a debate.

“They offered me a way into the empire in exchange for helping them remove a local magistrate that’s causing them problems. It’s a last resort, so don’t worry about it.”

“They only offered you a way in? What about the rest of us?”

He’d been thinking about that. After what happened in Audin, he would actually prefer to leave them behind this time. Worrying about Hans and Corina getting into trouble was a distraction he didn’t need. If the price was having no one to watch his back, then so be it.

“You all will remain behind and prepare for the voyage home. The ship will need a full refit and maintenance. That’s plenty to keep you busy.”

“But you could get into trouble without us,” Corina said.

Otto shook his head. He appreciated the concern, but on this his mind was made up. “Not this time. Once I secure the Heart, I’m coming straight back here via the ether. I can’t take you or the guys with me. If it all falls apart, I can escape on my own more easily. It’ll be safer for all of us.”

She looked like she wanted to argue some more but he held up a hand. “I know you want to help. And I appreciate it, but this time, the best thing you can do is watch over the ship and make sure everything is ready for my return. Depending on how things go, we may need to leave in a hurry.”

“Hans isn’t going to like it,” she said.

“Of that I have no doubt.”

Chapter 35

Port Han wasn’t actually part of the Celestial Empire. It was the largest city on a peninsula that jutted out into the ocean to the south. It wasn’t a particularly large area and Otto couldn’t imagine why the empire didn’t simply conquer it and claim the port for their own, but for whatever reason, they hadn’t.

He stretched and yawned, enjoying the early morning air from his place in the ship’s forecastle. Since leaving the Land of the Demon Binders, Otto had gotten rested and his magic was now at full strength. If this mission was anything like what he had to deal with in Colt’s Workshop, he was going to need every bit of power he could muster. Especially since he wouldn’t have any backup.

Neither Axel nor Hans had been thrilled when he told them he was going in alone, but in the end, they really had little to say about it. Considering how tightly controlled the empire was, a dozen foreigners would stick out too much to be useful. They’d be caught and executed in hours at best. Otto wasn’t exactly happy about the situation either, but it was what it was.

Ahead of them, the city grew larger by the minute. After the City of Coins, Port Han’s wall wasn’t terribly impressive, but it no doubt served its purpose. The buildings consisted of large warehouses near the dock, and smaller buildings further inland. All pretty typical.

Four hours later they sailed into the port without so much as a greeting from anyone in charge. No ships patrolled the harbor or surrounding water. Ships of every size were tied up seemingly at random.

Axel joined him as the sailors finished their work. “This can’t be normal.”

“It might be normal for here,” Otto said. “The business district in Garen used to let people come and go as they pleased before we changed the rules. This might be something similar. Either way, we need to have a look around. Leave six men to guard the ship. The rest of us will go exploring.”

Axel nodded and went to issue orders. Otto made his way to the helm where Captain Wainwright stood with his arms crossed as he gazed out over the city.

“Not what you were expecting, Captain?” Otto asked.

“Not exactly. Aside from the style of the buildings, this could be any of a dozen ports I’ve visited. I thought things might be more exotic.”

“I’m taking a party to look around. Would you like to join us? I’m sure you need supplies to prepare the ship for the journey home.”

“I’ll take you up on that. We have room enough for ten more casks. If I can find some kind of preserved food that will last long enough, maybe we can avoid any stops on the way home.”

“That would suit me very well. I’ll leave it in your hands as I fear logistics are outside my area of expertise.”

The shore party set out down the dock toward the city. With every step Otto expected some sort of official to show up and ask for money, either a bribe or tax or whatever. But they reached the city proper without issue.

“At least there’s no fog,” Corina said.

Otto smiled and turned the group away from the warehouses and towards an open-air market. “The ether is pure here as well. We should be able to use our magic safely.”

The sounds