B01DCAV4W2 (S) Read Online Free Page B

mouth, curving both slightly and whistled sharply.  The gnome and dwarf looked up at him surprised, seemingly having forgotten that he was even present.  “Enough!  Beyan, Krom is right.  The production of quality arms and armor for our village is the primary concern.  We must be able to defend ourselves.”  Seeing the gnome’s crestfallen look, Richter decided to throw him a bone.  “I am interested in this… Philosopher’s Cauldron, I believe you called it.  Jot down the important points and get it to Randolphus here.  He and I will discuss the idea and will decide its merit.”
    Beyan opened his mouth to protest again, most likely to argue that once the Magic Core was used, then there wouldn’t be any point to talking about the Cauldron anymore.  Richter just held up his hand to forestall the argument and told the gnome to have faith.  Looking over, Richter saw Krom with an overly smug expression on his face.  Seeing that smarmy grin, Richter couldn’t help responding to that as well.  “And Krom, I’ll thank you to let me speak for myself.  If you are so obsessed with what I have to say, then you can give up your position as village smith and become my secretary!”  Richter raised his voice to a yell at the end.  Not because he was actually angry mind you, but because Krom seemed to respond better to it. 
    With a pull on his beard, a chastised Krom bowed his head slightly, “Of course yer Lordship!  Didn’t mean to speak on your behalf.”
    Feeling that everything was right with the world again, Richter looked to Beyan one more time, “Please find me after the evening meal.   I believe you are our most senior potion maker, and I will need your help with a project.” 
    Beyan nodded his head in near pantomime of Krom, but then corrected Richter, “Er, alchemist, my Lord.”
    “What,” Richter asked confused.
    “I am an alchemist, my Lord.  The skill is called Alchemy, and it actually covers the making of potions, salves, powders, medicines and many other useful items.  Alchemist is the correct term.”
    Shaking his head and the bald and officious gnome, Richter just decided to take another tact.  He analyzed the gnome.
    Name: Beyan.  Arcane Gnome. Level 9. Health 130.  Mana 400.  Stamina 110.  Disposition: Friendly.  Arcane gnomes are obsessed with knowledge.  Increased dodge and sneak.  Gifted in magical arts.  Bonus to Intelligence each level.  Arcane Gnomes get three points to distribute per level and each level gives +2 intelligence.
    Richter raised an eyebrow.  That mana pool was more than respectable.  It was almost the same size as his and his level was twice as high.  Of course, Beyan would have gotten his racial Intelligence bonus of 180 mana points, but that still didn’t explain all of it. 
    “Why is your mana level so high,” he asked.  “Are you a caster?” 
    Beyan’s face froze a bit before answering, “No, Lord Richter.  I always wanted to learn to cast, but I don’t have any affinity unfortunately.  I invested points into Intelligence hoping that I would one day be able to cast some type of spell, but I was never so lucky.”
    Richter’s eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded the gnome.  The man was clearly lying.  He was deciding how to proceed when Krom spoke up again.
    “So yer Lordship, do you have something for me?”  The dwarf was rubbing his hands together in gleeful anticipation.  His smile was somewhat hidden behind his black beard, but Richter still saw the flash of white teeth.
    Richter continued to stare at Beyan for a second, somewhat enjoying the fact that the gnome was now squirming under his scrutiny.  Richter didn’t mind his people having their own private lives, but he hated being lied to so blatantly!  It was most likely because he personally enjoyed lying so much and really didn’t appreciate it when people didn’t take the craft seriously!  He decided to put in one more dig before just getting Randy to