She had used enough communication crystals in the past to know roughly how they worked. They used each other, relaying messages rather than reaching out directly. The easier methods provided were simply meant to call upon the prepared relays. And with this one untethered, she could reach out easily. Within twenty counts, the desired connection became active. The image of a servant became visible to all. Flustered, the woman bowed. "Ah, the Duke has retired for the night. How can I be of service?"
Distant communication always causes complications when a message should be delivered as soon as possible. Reporting a need for reinforcements, the demise of a ruler, or simply the result of a battle, all do better when the message is delivered quickly and dependably. And while normal magic is limited in range, so-called communication crystals face less of a distance restriction. Their ability to connect both audibly and visibly means they are an absolute must to be able to access.
That said, they are hard to come by and complicated to use. It requires several mages to construct one, with methods that rulers prefer to be kept a secret. That way, this enhanced communication requires their involvement and approval. No secret discussions with enemies, or easy covert plots to rise up in rebellion.
The basic of a communication crystal is a large mana stone, of a size that allows enchanting. Mages will imbue one with the spells it needs for remote communication, as well as a way for them to reach out and obtain the required mana. Then, connections must be made with other crystals, to communicate with. Given the cost and effort involved, normally only nobles from a sufficient level will receive one. For example, in
Mǣdweburh, each dukedom has only one, located at the home of its leading Duke or Duchess.
As the connections are related to its location, if a crystal is moved, these connections will break. Properly establishing the connections is what mages call tethering, to tie the crystal to its surroundings. It should be noted that connections involve position, meaning that it is possible for mages to replace a crystal with a new one, as long as it is tethered the same way.
There have been mages researching ways to make mobile crystals, but so far their efforts seem in vain. This means an army will not be able to use one, while it also means nobles prefer staying near one. And lesser nobles need to stay in the good graces of their superiors, in case they ever are in need of a crystal for an urgent message.
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