Building Bridges

Chapter 24: Building Bridges

The following morning arrived with the sound of bustling workers. Alden stood outside, watching as the foundation of his laboratory began to take shape. The air was crisp, and the soft hum of morning activity filled the estate grounds. Stone, wood, and glass had been delivered, and a small team of labourers was busily arranging materials under Hale's direction.

It wasn't much—a simple stone building with wide windows for ventilation, a small cellar for storing seeds, and a workspace large enough for Alden to begin his experiments. But it was a start. As the sun rose higher, Alden's thoughts were already shifting towards his next move: the capital.

Final Preparations

By midday, the builders had laid the framework for the lab, and Alden returned to his study to finalise his plans for the journey ahead. His mind drifted back to the scholars he had seen at the Hall of Scholars on his last visit to the capital. He hadn't been ready then, but now he felt more prepared.

He knew the scholars valued practical applications of magic and knowledge, so his approach would be simple: first, he would show them the value of selective breeding in agriculture, something that was desperately needed in the drought-stricken kingdom of Eryndor. He imagined the capital, a place where magic was as abundant as breath itself, would be more receptive to such ideas—especially if they saw tangible benefits.

His excitement, however, was tinged with trepidation. This wasn't just about agriculture or even genetics. It was about convincing an entire society that knowledge of biology, of life's natural processes, could hold as much power as the magic they revered.

As Alden packed his things for the journey, he made a list of the things he would need: samples of his work with the crops, the parchments detailing the selective breeding processes, and the notebooks where he'd outlined his understanding of genetics.

But beyond the scientific tools, there was something else Alden would need: allies. He would need to make connections, find influential figures in the capital who could vouch for his work and help him gain the trust of the scholarly community.

Back to the Capital

The road to the capital was long and winding, but Alden had always found the journey somewhat soothing. The rugged beauty of Eryndor stretched out before him—rolling hills of golden grass, patches of forest clinging to the rocky outcroppings, and the occasional glimpse of distant rivers shimmering in the sunlight.

Yet, despite the natural beauty, there was an undeniable sense of strain in the land. The drought that had plagued the kingdom had left the fields dry and barren, withered crops standing as testament to the hardships the people endured. Alden hoped his work, once shared, would be a small balm for the wounds the drought had inflicted on Eryndor.

As he neared the capital, the landscape began to shift. The sprawling countryside gave way to smaller villages, and then to the outskirts of the great city itself. Tall, slender spires jutted into the sky, shimmering with a faint, magical glow that illuminated the air around them. Magical wards and symbols etched into the city's walls pulsed with power, a testament to the skilled mages who maintained them.

Alden's heart quickened as he entered the capital proper. The streets were alive with people, some of them moving through the air using wind magic, their robes fluttering in the breeze. Alden marvelled at the ease with which they defied gravity, flying gracefully through the bustling city. It was a stark contrast to the quiet simplicity of the countryside.

Then, as he rounded a corner, his eyes caught a glimpse of something remarkable—a figure in robes, soaring through the air not with wind magic, but standing on a gleaming sword of metal. The sword glided through the air like a bird, and the figure moved with it, guiding the blade as if it were an extension of themselves. Alden watched in awe as the mage, a master of metal magic, disappeared into the clouds above.

The Hall of Scholars

The Hall of Scholars was a magnificent structure, nestled in the heart of the capital. Its towering arches and grand staircases were illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted lights. As Alden approached, the weight of his task settled upon him. This was where the greatest minds of the kingdom gathered—mages, philosophers, and scholars who shaped the course of knowledge and power in Eryndor.

Inside, the hall buzzed with quiet activity. Scholars moved between rows of bookshelves, their hands tracing glowing sigils in the air, calling forth texts from ancient repositories. Others sat at long tables, poring over tomes and manuscripts, their brows furrowed in concentration. The smell of old parchment and ink permeated the air, mixed with the faint scent of burning incense.

Alden made his way toward the large, circular desk in the centre of the hall. There, a clerk sat, organising scrolls.

"I'm here to request an audience with one of the scholars," Alden said, his voice steady but filled with anticipation.

The clerk, a young man with spectacles perched on the end of his nose, looked up with mild curiosity. "And what is the nature of your request?"

Alden drew a deep breath. "I have been working on agricultural techniques that could alleviate the effects of the drought. I believe the scholars would find my findings of great interest."

The clerk's eyes flicked over Alden, his expression momentarily sceptical. "The Hall sees many proposals," he said flatly. "It is not easy to gain an audience."

Alden, sensing the clerk's resistance, decided to shift his strategy. "This isn't just about agriculture. It's about understanding the natural laws of life itself. I've been studying plants—selectively breeding them to create stronger, more resilient varieties. I believe there is a pattern, a system beneath it all, one that could change how we understand both nature and magic."

The clerk paused, his scepticism softening slightly at Alden's words. "Very well," he said, his tone measured. "I will pass your request to the Council of Scholars. If they find merit in your proposal, you will receive a summons."

The Library of Eryndor

With his request submitted, Alden moved deeper into the Hall of Scholars, wandering toward the vast library housed within. The library was a place of wonder, filled with ancient texts, maps, and scrolls from distant lands. As Alden wandered through the aisles, he began to learn more about the wider world—lands like Yvenlar, a desert kingdom ruled by fire mages; Rhezin, a forest realm where people communed with spirits; and Caalis, an island nation where alchemists wielded great influence.

But it wasn't just geography that fascinated him. The religion of Eryndor centred around Aeloria, the Weaver of Stars. The more Alden read, the more he realised how deeply magic and faith were intertwined in this world. Aeloria was believed to have woven the very fabric of the universe, using her cosmic tool known as The Loom. Magic was seen as a gift from Aeloria, and those who wielded it were viewed as conduits of her divine will.

Alden saw a parallel between this belief and his own work. Just as Aeloria wove the stars, Alden believed genetics wove the tapestry of life. He smiled to himself, imagining how he might present his work to the scholars—framing it as an extension of Aeloria's divine design.

With newfound determination, Alden left the library, the words of ancient texts echoing in his mind. He was one step closer to bringing genetics into this world. Now, it was only a matter of time.