The Wandering Inn Book 8: Chapter 60

[This chapter is out, as is customary for Patreons and Public readers! Which ans the Public readers have to wait a week instead of a Tuesday release. rry Christmas? Happy Holidays? Chapters out!]

Today was a very special day.

You could not tell, at first.

Fall was coming to Liscor, but it wasnt obvious. A chill in the air. A certain lack of sumrs clear skies. Old [Veterans] grumbling about aches in their bones.

However, Liscor had no forests, so the glorious flare of color and light was entirely absent from the canopies. No one admired Boombark Trees up close. The few trees in the city did change color, but the largest indication of the season was

The grass. So of the many grass species of the Floodplains changed color with the passing of seasons. Why? It was unclear why grass emulated leaves, but the effect was to create entire rivers and swathes of the green landscape in orange, yellow, and even a purple hue.

Like a vast art piece. Orrivers of color, fading into winter.

The [Guards] on Liscors walls were tired of seeing it already. When you had battlent-duty, you quickly lost patience with the beautiful landscape and found yourself wishing for better boots or a chair. However, the Watch Captain had them marching, checking their corners, and, of course, watching for monsters.

The newbies didnt get that bored. The Humans were willing to work harder to impress. As for the Antinium? They would stare into the changing world around them like it was the first and possibly last thing theyd ever see.

So maybe you did appreciate it a bit more, when you realized that and heard the stories.

It was a special day. The [Sergeant] on duty knew it the mont an Antinium wearing the guards uniform waved an arm and rang the tiny bell the Worker carried.

Across the wall, heads snapped up. [Guards] grabbed their weapons. Antinium never rang the alarm lightly. The Worker had seen sothing.

Helm, what are you seeing?

The [Sergeant] jogged across the battlents, sweating already. Helm, or Iron Helm, denoted by the customized [Guardsman]s helt the Worker had been given, pointed. And spoke; they just didnt like to all the ti.

Convoy, [Sergeant]. Danger?

Three words. Which might be all Iron Helm said that day. The [Sergeant] cursed as she peered down. Iron Helm wasnt an idiot. Hed been treated like that until the Watch realized he wasnt stupid, just quiet. Antinium could tell apart a caravan from [Bandits]and Liscor had had [Bandits] for the first ti in living mory.

Bastards trying to prey on the outlying farmsteads and new villages. The [Sergeant] had a list of problems that convoy and danger could an. Bandits, Bloodfeast Raiders, Hectval

Raskghar?

She followed the Antiniums finger down and frowned. She had a standard-issue seeing-glass, enchanted with doubling-vision. She pulled it out now, swore, and, after a gut-churning mont, the [Guards] on the battlents saw her pull her hand away from the alarm-horn and laugh.

[Sergeant]? Whats up?

Stand down. Its not an attack! Soone get a Street Runner!

Below, the figures at the gate winch took their hands off it. Liscor was now used to attacks, such that if the [Sergeant] had shouted, sworn loudly enough, or made that gurgling sound that suggested soone had shot an arrow through her throat, the portcullis would be down and the alarm would be going up across the walls in a heartbeat.

Instead, a figure whod been half-asleep, lying on a bench next to the stairs, jerked, and shot up the stairs.

ssage, [Sergeant]? Who?

The Human boy wiped at his nose as the Drake glanced at him.

Watch Captain Zevara. Tell her to get to the battlents. Ancestors, tell the entire barracks!

She pointed. A Gnoll shielded his brows, stared at the odd procession moving their way, which could be danger, an army in miniatureand then laughed. The [Sergeant] grinned as the Antinium and Humans looked blankly at her.

Tell Watch Captain Zevara that Senior Guardsman Relc is back.

She pointed at a tiny figure leading hundreds, maybe thousands of people across the Floodplains. It was hard to tell; they kept vanishing as they went up and down valleys, and many were riding covered wagons. Most were Gnolls, too, but there was no mistaking that huge Drake marching with a spear in hand. She even thought he was singing.

[Guards] flocked to the walls and pointed. They shouted and waved, and the Drake looked up and shaded his brows as Cellidels Gnolls slowed. Relc raised one claw and smiled.

He was ho.

Vok stared up at a foreign Drake city with higher walls than Cellidel. Nothing like Cellidels Prelon orchards; there were virtually no trees, and the odd landscape? Much less the Bloodfields theyd passed in the distance

It was all so strange for a Gnoll whod lived his entire life in a single city. There had been danger, but not much. Mostly, argunts. Drake cities, wanting to know what a Gnoll tribe was doing, having to be talked down. Buying food, and once a monster attackquickly quashed by the power of Relc kicking a giant fanged termite-thing about twenty feet.

Strangely, this was the most frightening thing of all. Hickery looked nervous as she and the Guard-squad, the nickna for the Gnolls and Drakes whod banded together during the riots, marched alongside the caravan. Not that theyd fight alone. Most of the adults had bows or a single weapon, but theyd stuck to trade roads, pooled coin and resources to hire Bronze-rank teams for escort.

At last they were here, and it was nerve-wracking. Vok looked ahead at the back and tail hed followed with his family all this way.

Senior Guardsman Relc. Gnolls had left their city by the thousand, and so others had left their cities too, hearing of the exodus to Liscor. Not many; many had stayed, and those that left had not gone for Relc alone.

They had left because of how Cellidel had been. But they had gone together because of him. For Liscors promise, yes.

But mainly because he told them this was sowhere that had what they wanted:

A fair chance.

It had been nearly a month and a half of travel. Not bad progress for a group like this, even on the trade roads. Theyd been wary as they passed the Bloodfields, but the instant they ca to the Floodplains, Relc had relaxed.

All that weve got here is Rock Crabs, and you can beat one at a ti. A groups trouble.

Hed pointed out the giant scuttling rocks in the distance, and Vok had decided that was a Relc concept, to beat one of those monsters solo.

The Drake turned, now, and grinned as the weary travelers looked up. He pointed, like hed done the last three hours.

Almost there! I think theyve spotted us! That village did. Theyve got villages now. I bet thats a pain to patrol.

Indeed, the gates were fully open, and, in the distance, Vok saw a number of figures in armor gathering. He felt a mont of instinctive apprehension at seeing [Guards]then frowned, shaded his eyes, and sniffed.

It was too far at first, but a chance gust of autumn wind brought a scent to his nose. Hickery pointed.

Look. Lots of Gnolls.

Her parents shaded their eyes too.

Senior Guardsman Relc looked ahead and blinked.

Lots of Gnolls turned out to be three. Three, loitering around with a Drake and six Humans on the southern gates, and a few on the walls. But yes, that essentially constituted all of the Gnoll-[Guard] population in an entire district of Cellidel.

It was almost unheard of to see a group of Gnolls in a patrol in Cellidel. Relc just shrugged, then he grinned, slowed, and clapped Vok on the shoulder.

I told you weve got Gnolls in the Watch. I dont think Krshias back from the eting of Tribes, but itll be great. Trust .

I see bug-people on the walls. Antinium.

Soone whispered. Relc glanced up.

Klbno.

He shaded his eyes. Cellidels convoy slowed as people pointed up. Of everything, the sight of the dread Antinium stopped them. But Relc raised his arms.

Hang on. Its just a Worker. One of the painted ones, I think. Dont worrytheyre peaceful. Rember the stories I told you?

He had told them so many tales of Liscor, not all reassuring. Vok half-expected ice cream to be dripping out of the walls while Humans ran around causing riots and spitting blood and doing wondrously silly things.

It is?

Relc smiled reassuringly. His pointing claw shifted.

Yep. Thats a Soldier.

Voks gaze moved to the huge Antinium staring down at him and quailed. Relc glanced at the Gnolls face and realized hed made a mistake.

He forgot how the rest of Izril and the world saw Antinium. He tried to rally the convoy and realized half of them looked ready to turn around and march back.

Co on, guys. Its just a few Antinium. You outnumber them, right? Lets just get through the gatestheyre friendly. See?

He waved a hand at the walls with a grin. Relc saw the Antinium stare at him. Vok, Hickery, and the Gnolls looked at Relc, but then saw a [Sergeant] waving down. Relc grinned in relief as a voice shouted down.

Senior Guardsman Relc, as I live and breathe! Did you have to bring trouble while I was on duty?

The Drake grinned.

Thats Mudsa. Hey, Mudsa, who promoted you to [Sergeant]?

Go shove your tail right up your

Mudsa hesitated as she realized she was shouting to a few thousand Gnolls and children.

er, co on in! The Watch Captains on her way!

She beckoned, and Relc stepped forwards. He looked back and saw the wagons begin to roll forwards once more. Relc was relieved, and wondered if Mudsa had gained a new Skill like he haduntil he realized why the fears were partially alleviated.

He looked up and saw the Antinium Worker with the iron helt and the Soldier waving all four hands. They did it carefully, and you couldnt see them smiletheir faces were alien, bug-like.

But they were waving.

Relc grinned up at them and saluted with one claw. Then, he walked towards the gates of Liscor. The [Guards] on duty stared at him.

Hey. Hows it been, Rudell? Vrik, right?

The [Guards] Relc recognized glanced at each other. Rudell snorted. Vrik pointed at his chest.

Thats not my na. Literally no letter in Vrik matches my na. Im Calog.

Right. Sorry. Ive, uh, got visitors. I an, new citizens.

Relc jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the Gnolls and people slowly stopping for an inspection. The [Guards] peered over Relcs shoulder. Calog, Rudell, and the other [Guards] looked at each other. Calog rubbed at his face.

Youre definitely Relc. What are we doing? Entry checks ondead gods, there must be thousands.

Theyre not monsters or fugitives. Most are civilians.

Calog glowered and leaned forwards.

I know that, but you cant just let them in! Wheres Sergeant Mudsa?

Right here.

The [Sergeant] was storming down the steps. She strode over, raised a fist, and bumped it into Relcs.

You big idiot, Relc. Its great to see you. Where the hell were you? So Drake city?

Cellidel, actually

Tell us later. I think weve got to split up. [Detect Truth] crystals on each gate and we just cycle them in with a basic question in groups. South, East, West?

Better make it South, East, and North gates, Mudsa. West is too far.

The [Guards] conferred as Relc stood there, blinking. It was so familiar. And different. This was the kind of thing [Guards] had to do. Mudsa slapped her forehead.

Human district. Right. But isnt there an auxiliary gate? Lets just get them in, but they have to et in one place, right? So we need extra [Guards] to escort them towhatShivertails Plaza?

Relc interrupted as Rudell began adding up numbers.

Wheres that?

Center plaza in front of City Hall. They renad it in honor of General Shivertail.

Oh. Thats

Then Calog caught sight of one of the Guard-squad.

Are those Gnoll kids holding spears? Dead gods, Relc!

Vok, Hickery, and the other young Gnolls started uneasily. They had drawn close enough to hear the discussion at the gates. Relc saw uncertain faces peeking at him, and he waved a claw, trying to smile.

Theyre alright. I taught them so tricks. Cellidel was nasty.

Mudsa nodded.

I heard. But look, lets get them split up. We can sort the rest later

At this point Relc interrupted.

Hold on. Theyre going to all need housing. I know Liscors offering them resettling fees, but I was thinking they needed a place to rest first off. Put things? Is there a place they can all stay together while we sort that out? The new place Hexels building? Even a plaza would work; they have tents and they can park the wagons. Weve got enough food for als, so if we keep them together, we can roll them into the city and sort it out later. Can we just pull all the [Guards] here so they dont feel worried about splitting up? We can just line up and send them in. Theyve had a bad run with Cellidels Watch.

Mudsa, Calog, and Rudell, all the veteran [Guards], stopped and turned to Relc. They stared at him, agog. Relc looked from face to face.

What? No good?

Nothat would work. Hold on. Do we have anti-doppelganger gear? Calog, you heard that?

I think I did. I might be sick. Did Relc just co up with a plan?

The Gnoll felt at one ear. Relc folded his arms.

Ive been thinking on how to get them into the city for the last three days, guys. What?

Relc is making plans. Relc.

Youre hurting my feelings. Were wasting ti here.

Relc mock-glared, but Rudell put up his spear.

Excuse , sir. Please tell sothing the real Relc would know.

You have warts on your tail. Co on

The [Guards] were laughing, and the newbies were grinning. So was Relc, but he was conscious of the nervous Cellidel people. And, sure enough, a Gnoll walked forwards hesitantly.

Guardspeople. I am [Jeweler] Reson. Can I assist you in any way with the entry process? Were quite willing to wait if it might take so ti

He held his hands slightly to his sides, and he had divested himself of his weapon, a simple club. He waited for a truth crystal to be produced. Instantly, the [Guards] stopped laughing and Calog raised his brows.

The Gnoll [Guard] gave Relc a quick glance. Relc raised his brows in a silent right?, and Mudsa glanced at him. After a second, Calog stepped forwards. He offered Reson a paw. The other Gnoll blinked at it.

You dont need to be searched, Artisan Reson, sir. Apologies for the delay. Were simply trying to expedite the entry process. Well summon more [Guards] and have you all into the city within the hour. My na is Guardsman Calog, on gate-duty for this day. Can I assist you all? Are any of you hungry, in need of the privy?

Reson blinked. He took Calogs hand uncertainly.

Ithats very good of you, Guardsman Calog. There might be so people, but were content to enter properly.

He emphasized the word. Relc smiled slightly as Calog glanced at him. Mudsa whispered to Relc.

You werent kidding.

He nodded as Calog turned his head and whistled.

Its only a formality, sir. We have the Watch Captain on the way to et you all. Theres no need for alarm. We only need to ask you, under truth spell, about past cris and intentionswere a Gnoll-friendly city, see?

Six more [Guards] walked out of their posts, trading with Humans, Drakes, and an Antinium with a baton. They were all Gnolls, and waved or smiled at the Cellidel crowd. Relc smiled as Reson relaxed at the sight of them.

Indeed, beyond the gates, citizens of Liscor had certainly noticed the commotion. And unlike Cellidels people, they had no problems walking out of the gates. Drakes, Gnolls, and Humans. Soone peered at the crowd.

Oh, are these more visitors? People coming to Liscor? What a crowd! Andwait a second, is that Relc? Id recognize you anywhere!

A finger pointed accusingly at Relc. He turned and saw a Drake pointing at him.

Where have you been all this ti? Are these that horrible Drake citys people I heard about?

The Cellidel folk started. A group of Gnolls ca out of the city and stared. They waved, and one even began to howl before soone kicked her. The growing crowd was murmuring.

Oh, look. More Gnolls. Maybe we can put them in our district and win the vote this year.

Is that Relc? Wheres he been?

Why are we all standing here? Monster attack? New food? News?

Aha! This is the Cellidel group! They made it. Wheres a councilmber? Theyre going to want to be here to take charge

More and more people were staring at Relc. He waved, recognizing faces, but his stomach lurched. There were people in that crowd who had fallen victim to the Golden Triangle scam. And he had not been gone long.

However, no one seed angry. If anythingthey pointed at him. So even grinned. And then ca a voice out of the crowd.

You did it, you bastard.

The others went silent. They turned, and soone called out.

You got them from Cellidel, and showed that city whats what. Welco back, Relc. Well done.

A Gnoll called out. The people of Liscor looked at him, along with the Watch, Cellidels peopleVok saw the Gnoll hesitate, grimace.

What? Soone had to say it. It doesnt sound right. Well done, Relc. Sounds wrong. But soone had to.

People laughed, but more murmured agreent. A few even clapped, but that was going too far. Relc looked around and smiled. He was turning back to Mudsa to figure out the entry process when soone shouted.

Senior Guardsman Relc! Stand to attention!

Senior Guardsman Relc snapped up as a familiar voice rang out, and the marching sound of boots echoed down the street. Cellidels people froze.

Here ca the Watch. Butthe female Drake leading them had a mostly Gnoll army of [Guards]. She must have pulled every Gnoll on-duty and on patrol and switched them out.

Watch Captain Zevara, scales glinting light blue, strode down the street in full uniform. She ca to a halt as citizens and [Guards] parted, and Relc drew himself up and saluted her.

Watch Captain.

Guardsman Relc. Im pleased to see you made it. Is this the entire Cellidel delegation?

The Watch Captain halted in front of him, face impassive. Relc hesitated.

Yes, Watch Captain. Two thousand, five hundred, and nine by my count. I was hoping to get them settled sowhere and, uhI had the idea to put them in a plaza

He trailed off. The Watch Captain looked him up and down from head to toe. Relc was dusty from the road, and his light green scales were a bit sweaty from marching in his armor. He wore the chainmail hed taken from Cellidels armory since it went well with his leather armor, and his enchanted spear stood at his side.

He was much the sa, physically, as before. Even so, Relc was different. He even looked different. It wasnt so much in the way he stood, with pristine military discipline when he needed to.

It was the way he glanced back, mindful of Vok and the others. Grinned at them.

Senior Guardsman Relc. [Trusted Sergeant of the Watch].

Zevara nodded. She took a deep breath, and spoke.

I understand. Senior Guardsman Relc, well done. I will expect your debriefing and formal report on the Cellidel situation in person at two past dawning tomorrow. You are formally relieved of day-watch. Go sign out and have a break.

The Drake [Guardsman] blinked at her. Vok and the others stirred, and Relc jerked his thumb at them.

Whsign out? But the Cellidel people have to get in and

On it.

Indeed, [Guards] were lining up with truth stones, arranging themselves such that they could take entire families and do cursory wagon checks before they rolled into the city. Watch Captain Zevara saw Relc glance at them.

What about lodging

Councilmbers Elirr and Lism have been working on that. Miss Selys has kindly offered so of the new complexes being built, and weve temporarily opened so of the reserved spacing under construction for the investors. We have them in District 3thats the new citys layout. Theyll all be together. Now that we know youre here, I think we even have [Cooks] who can begin preparing the food. So inns will also be serving for freethe Drunken Gnoll is close by, and their [Innkeeper], Timbor, has accepted a day contract.

Relc blinked at Zevara. Then he saw a pair of figures hurrying down the street. One ran into the crowd, tried to part them like Zevara, and ended up having to push through. He was adjusting so formal robes, while the Gnoll followed in his wake.

Who notified Watch Captain Zevara first? Comndable, but what about us? Have I missed them? Wheres my speech, Elirr?

I threw it away.

Here ca Councilmbers Lism and Elirr. The Gnoll was smiling and nodded to Relc; Lisms claw was ready to shake every citizens who ca through the gates, whether they liked it or not. Relc saw a puffing group of [Guards] and officials followingcarrying a huge bag of what looked like coins.

Councilmber Lism. Are you going to give away the money as they co in? I told you

You get the money just as promised, Watch Captain. And who is this? Councilmbers Lism and Elirr of Liscor. Delighted to et you! Co in, co in! Why are they standing around? Where are the refreshnts?

Reson jumped as Lism strode at him, purple-scaled claw thrust out for a handshake. Zevara exhaled a plu of exasperated smokecoughedthen glanced at him.

Ive got this.

But

The Watch Captain put an arm on Relcs. He looked at her. She t his gaze, and nodded.

Ill handle it. Take a break, Relc. If you want to help, you can help get everyone moving and answer questions. But youre relieved of duty. This is my city.

She smiled, and Relc felt like a huge weight had left his shoulders. He looked at her, and a slow smile spread from earhole to earhole. Relc slowly saluted.

Thanks, Captain Z.

She rolled her eyes.

So things never change. Alright. Councilmber Lism, to the rear! Excuse , ladies and gentlegnolls! I am Watch Captain Zevara of Liscor, and these are Councilmbers Elirr and Lism. We will be admitting you into the city montarily and answering any questions you might have! Please line up in front of the [Guards], who will conduct quick inspections! If you are hungry, in need of water or other facilities, please let us know!

Like clockwork, the uncertain crowd found itself moving forwards, splitting into neat lines as Gnolls walked down, asked a few questions, shook paws, even talked and jested with the new people.

Try the Drunken Gnoll. Its run by a Human, but he employs a lot of our folk. Youll get food from a bunch of places that want your businessbut they have a very good [Chef] couple there. Imani and Palt. New food youve never tried before.

rka, a Gnoll, advised Voks parents as Relc hovered nearby. Another Gnoll he vaguely rembered called Geils, a Drake na, was passing Vok.

Spear-skills and a [Guard] class?

Yes, Guardsman.

Geils raised his brows. He gave Vok a toothy grin, which the young man didnt know how to respond to.

Well, if you want to apply for the Watch, we might need to account for your age, but youre clear to move through the gates. Welco! I think there are many Gnolls waiting to welco you in, but well get you settled before they co at you, yes?

Vok glanced at Relc, and the Drake grinned. There was sothing in the air. The wariness was turning into the sa thing that had propelled these people here. Only, realized.

Hope. Hope, that wasnt an illusion. Hickery was hopping up and down. She felt it. She was excitedly staring at little Gnolls and Drakes and Humans who were running about. A little Visma was even holding up a Welco to Liscor sign shed hand-painted.

Cellidels people had mostly entered Liscor, looking at the coins Lism had put in each paw with so amazent, by the ti Relc actually began taking a break. He took a glass of water, sipped at it, frowned at the lemon wedge attached to the glass, and looked around.

Liscors changed.

He had seen the expansion to the city from afar, and he had been there when it had first gone up. Yet the stone was creeping into an actual wall, andthere were a lot more Humans and Antinium on the streets.

Even a Dullahan, strolling about with an odd covering over their armor. Was that a shirt over the tal plate that said I Survived Liscor Hunting? Relc had absolutely no context for that, but he wanted so.

You have no idea. So of its great. What are you doing now?

Uh

Relc had been expecting to be settling people all day, but Lism and Elirr had an army of officials helping do just that.

Go to my apartno, wait. I dont have one.

Then well get you settled. Dont worry, theres cheap rooms everywhere.

Mudsa assured him. Relc nodded; he had his bag of holding with all of his worldly possessions anyways. She jerked a thumb-claw.

I cant stay long, but you have to have a drink. Everyone at the barracks wants to ask what went down in Cellidel. So Creler-crap, huh?

You could say that. What, youre too good to say hi to ?

Relc grinned. The [Sergeant] gave him a mock-glare.

Ive scheduled a date with my boyfriend for the last two weeks and if I miss it, hell give ten Rhirs. Were going on a walk to see the leaves. A wine-walk. You sip wine and, uh, stare at trees or sothing.

Relc nodded, bemused.

Wait. Trees? What trees?

Invrisil. Nowait. Sowhere north of there. Its a special portal to one of those Human lands. It wasnt cheap, and I had to reserve it right off.

A portaloh. The door.

Suddenly, Relc went still, and the jollity of the other [Guards] faded. Soone nudged Mudsa, and she hesitated.

Yeah. They moved it to Shivertails Plaza. Theres a system and everything. Convenientsort of. You have to have tis and now they even want you to sign up on lists. But it worksfor a fee. You can see it.

Right. Howsthe inn?

The others exchanged looks.

I havent been in, but we patrol around it and everywhere. Its still standing.

Right.

Relc glanced towards the gates. He had seen it, of course, but chosen to enter the city first. Now, thoughMudsa broke the silence by gesturing to the other [Guards] whod been called down to help with the immigration.

Youve, uh, seen the new [Guards], right?

Oh. Yeah. Hey, Im Relc.

Senior Guardsman Relc. Hell be working once he sets in. Hes the guy you call to break up bar fights. Not that bright, but

Relc feigned a punch, then stopped and began to introduce himself. He shook hands with so Humans, and t Iron Helm, the Worker.

Antinium in the Watch?

Yep. We even have an Antinium [Sergeant]. He used to lead the Antinium-only patrol, but Zevara started mixing us up. Yellow Splatters?

I know him. Wow. So

Relc was looking around, at a loss for what to exactly say.

This is how I rember it. But not. He rembered the feeling quite well. Relc looked for Vok, Hickery, or soone who needed him to reassure them they werent dreaming or being tricked.

There wasnt anyone.

Suddenly, he was alone. A sense of terrible isolation washed over Relcfor a mont. Another familiar feeling, but he had a thought.

Wheres my kwheres Embria? Wing Commander Embria and 4th Company?

The [Guards] fell silent again, and exchanged looks in a way Relc didnt like. Rudell coughed.

You didnt hear about? Theyre engaged. 4th Company. And Liscors Volunteer Army.

Volunteer Army. Is that what theyre calling it? Theyre fighting with the Hectval-Drisshia-Luldem alliance.

Calog muttered. Relcs stomach twisted up. So thats why the letters stopped reaching him. He had assud theyd been sent to Cellidel while he was on the march.

Hows it going?

Complicated.

The answer no one wanted to hear. Relc had often been part of complicated. But he had seldom been the one receiving news. The [Guards] looked at his face.

Lets get a drink, eh? Maybe find so of the off-duty [Guards]? Jeiss will join us. We can visit one of the bars. The Drunken Gnoll. How about it?

Sounds good.

Mudsa tried to reassure Relc as those nearing their cycle end made sure their replacents were here.

4th Companys been in the fighting, but I havent heard of significant casualties from them. Wed know if Embria were hurt.

Right. Then who has been taking casualties?

Letsstart from the beginning.

They were heading off when soone began panicking. Relcs head snapped up as he heard a voice crying out.

Antinium! Its the Antinium

Oh, dead gods. Is it a full march of Soldiers or sothing? Sounds like your people, Relc.

The Senior Guardsman turned with the others. He was almost glad of the interruption.

For while he was sure he would be riveted by the discussion of the war, and he was glad to be among the Watch, it struck him once he realized Embria was gone. The inn was closed, of course. Watch Captain Zevara had promised to find him once her work day was over, but she worked day and night.

Maybe hed find nolit or so of the retirees, or see if one of the puzzle-heads, [Traders] or otherwise, was in the city.

Selys? Right, Selys, Drassihed say hi. But they werent his closest friends. He would stop by the inn withsothing. Check on Vok and Hickeryintroduce them to Visma and Ekirra. That was a smart idea.

But that was Senior Guardsman Relcs routine. His new routine, which was complicated and difficult, but necessarily so, and it mattered.

Relc? Relc was the sa as hed always been, and he knew it.

Alone.

Perhaps hed go after Mrsha. Or Embria. It depended on if he was needed. He had been needed with Cellidels people.

Now? Relc strode over to stop soone having a panic attack, but was he really needed?

Apparently so, because there was a bevy of [Guards] standing around, even Liscors friendly citizens, and the shouting was continuing. A high, panicked voice from a Gnoll woman, pointing.

Hey now, whats wrong? I told you, the Antinium are friendly kids. Mostly.

Relc tried to grin, but he saw a few hands on blades. What? And then he had a thought.

Aberration?

It all ca into his mind a flicker before he saw what the problem was. The Gnoll woman backed away, running into soone else. She pointed a paw.

The Antiniumthe Antinium. Its that one! The Prognugator. Thethe

Relcs head turned. He saw soone standing in the street, and even Captain Zevara looked astonished.

Xrn? Wasnt she wounded in

Then Relc knew. He gently took the Gnoll womans paws off his arm, and stepped forwards. At last, the words ca out.

That famous na.

The Slayer.

Watch Captain Zevara started. She looked away from the slimr, taller Antinium standing there. Watching her. She hesitated and spoke.

No.

Yes.

Klbkch the Slayer, Centenium, corrected Zevara. He stood in the center of the street, resting two hands on the silver swords sheathed at his sides.

Relc stared.

Klb?

The Antinium looked up. He was not the Klbkch that Relc rembered. His head was mostly the sa, but every other part of him had changed.

He was lean, with a distinctly humanoid body, rather than the rounded shell of the Workers. His legs were oddly articulated, almost like soone had added a natural curve to the thin legs and feet. His chitin, the shell, was no longer the brown-black, but an odd, dark grey. It looked shadowy.

The real change, however, was in his arms. He had been using only two simple arms in his humanoid body before.

Now, the slightly refined movents had turned into sothing different. Klbkch seed like he was balanced, standing at ease in the street. His arms had a reinforced look, as did his upper torso. He wore no clothing nor armor above his waist, and had a simple, kilt-like piece of clothing along his belt.

It was the sa belt as when he had been a [Guard], with a little bag of holding added on. But Klbkch? He looked like his body was armored, shaped chitin moving smoothly as he turned his head.

He moved like a [Swordmaster]. He had always been good with his swords, but Relc had seen this one ti before. That night Klbkch had lost his temper. He slid as he stepped forwards, as if any mont he could change direction to whichever he pleased.

As if gravity touched him less. Soone in complete control of his faculties.

Only the swords marked him as even remotely close to the Klbkch of old. But it was thatthe famous blades that had marked him out in two warsthat the Gnoll woman had recognized.

Relc, and the others in the Watch, recognized Klbkch. Yet they all stood there, looking at him.

Because

Am I not how you rember ? Watch Captain Zevara, Sergeant Mudsa. Senior Guardsman Relc. Greetings.

Klbkchs voice was the sa, at least. He shrugged, and the long travellers cloak around his shoulders moved slightly. He rested his hands on the shortswords and looked around.

I appear to have interrupted the Watch in the course of their duties. Forgive .

Not at all. Klbkch. Is that you, Klbkch?

Zevara didnt sound certain. Klbkch turned his head, and Relc recognized the slight head-tilt, as did Zevara.

Of course, Watch Captain. I would like to inform you I have returned from my leave of absence. But I do not know if I will be quite able to return to my old position in the sa capacity.

Oh, uhIll check the schedule. We can discuss

Zevara trailed off, but Relc inhaled. Because he recognized it. Klbkch was as formal and precise as ever, but even Klb didnt really expect to talk work the mont he returned.

He was, in his sly way, having fun. The Antiniums head turned, and he looked around. He surveyed the cautious faces and nodded.

Relc.

Klb, buddy. What happened to you?

The Antinium turned to face the Drake as everyone else drew back. There they were. Relc rembered precisely the last ti theyd truly tand fought. Klbkch looked Relc up and down. He opened his mandibles, which had developed an odd, purplish tinge at the edges.

Poison? The Slayer shifted and so did Relc, moving his weight onto his right foot.

Will we fight to the death, now? Watch Captain Zevara is within her authority to request my termination. As she always has been. I am Klbkch the Slayer of the Hives. I claim the authority of the Grand Queen of the Antinium. Well?

The last note in his voice made the hair raise and scales tingle on a number of watchers, even his friends. Zevaras head snapped up, but Relc Grasstongue just stood there. He had his spear in his claw, but he slowly reached out with his other claw.

Klbkch.

That is my na, Relc.

The Drake reached outhesitatedand then grabbed Klbkchs shoulder. The Antinium let it happen. He grabbed Relcs arm, gently, just above the elbow.

The two stared at each other for a long mont. Then Klbkch opened his mandibles and raised them.

I trust you have not gotten into too much trouble while I was absent.

Relc looked around at the citizens of Cellidel still nearby. He looked at Klbkch, and then a grin spread over his face. He raised his claw, and then slapped Klbkch on his flexible back-shell.

You have no idea, Klb, how many tis I needed you to sort things out.

The Antinium twitched his antennae and sighed audibly.

So things never change. I am quite glad I left, in that case. Then again

He looked around Liscor, and Relc saw sothing like his feelings flit over Klbkchs face. It was so subtle. A shift in the way the light shone on his insectoid eyes. A movent, from foot to foot. The slow turn of his head and the way his antennae moved.

Even the other AntiniumKlbkch paused on them, and they stared at him. A stranger. Klbkch looked around Liscor, then seed to focus on Relc, Zevara, and the Watch. He nodded to himself, slowly.

I am back.

Senior Guardsman Klbkch and Senior Guardsman Relc walked down the street. Off-duty, but word spread ahead of them like a storm.

They were back. The huge Drake with arm muscles second only to Magus Grimalkin, and his huge grin, strode along next to Klbkch, who had gained in height. Yet he adopted the relaxed swagger of a [Guard] on long patrol, nodding to people who stared at him.

For a mont, they just walked like that. As they always had. Walked, and the city of Liscor turned with them.

Hey. Market Streets the sa as always. Does Lism still have his shop?

Evidently. Would you like to make a purchase?

Of what? Pork belly? Hes selling pork belly?

Am I to understand this is a particularly fine cut of at? Pig bellies being desirable because?

Klb. Klb. Dont tell youve never had pork belly before?

I have never inquired into the body parts I eat. That is a hamburger. Do you ask which nose went into it?

A Human paused with a double-fish-pork burger and stared at it with a look of horrortrumped only by the look she gave Klbkch. The stall owner glared, and Relc slapped Klbkch on the shoulder.

Now thats the Klbkch I know. Ruining things for everyone.

I simply do not see why a belly is more desirable.

Taste, probably. I dunno. If sothing tastes better, everyone wants it, right?

Yes. This is simple fact. However, are all pigs the sa in terms of belly-quality? Would not so pigs havesuperior legs? Would, in theory, a pigs ear not be better than your average pigs belly?

Its a belly, Klbkch. Dont overthink it.

A statent perfectly at ho with people who possess bellies and belly-buttons. I do not. This is all sowhat strange to .

Heads turned as the two [Guards] bantered back and forth. The taphysics of belly-economics made half the shoppers decide to head to Lisms stall, manned by a shop assistant, just to find out. Relc half-glared at Klbkch, but the huge smile on his face was too big to make it work.

Youve lived in Liscor for ten years, Klb. You need to stop being confused all the ti.

And you, Relc, need to stop assuming the world is easy to understand. I highlight my ignorance, rather than assu I know everything erroneously.

Yeah, wellyou could eat pork belly whenever you want.

But why would I?

They turned a corner, and Relc laughed. He inhaled, laughed, and then nearly sneezed on Klbkch, who dodged.

Please stop that.

Phew. You stink, Klb, buddy! I didnt notice it before but

Relc sniffed, then went to plug his nostrils. Klbkch indeed had a fugue about him. Not entirely foul, but altogether so

It slls like you got muskedbut not by a skunk! It slls like a butchersbut without the blood. It slls like

Thank you for shouting how much I stink to the street.

An elbow hit Relc in the stomach so fast he barely saw it coming. He grunted.

And youre faster. What happened?

Klbkch raised one arm and apparently sniffed it, though he had no nose and didnt make the sa sound.

Ah. I left so quickly the odor must still be on . My body was just reconnected. Or ratherthe ligants were healed via a potion. The Birther sac must still be on .

Relc gave him a side-eye.

What? Did you just get born or sothing? Birthers make Antinium, dont they?

Yes. My body was remade. Hence my sudden reappearance; I am still sowhat stiff from the healing potions that were used to finalize the process. Inefficient, but effective. Incidentally, if you would like to eliminate as a threat, now would be the best ti.

Relc stopped. He looked at Klbkch, who turned his head to regard him calmly.

Klb. I just got back. Youre my best friendor you wereand we havent seen each other for ages.

Ah. But you do have orders to watch . And if necessaryif the Antinium of the Free Hive were ever to beco treacherous, we both know your role.

Relc nodded slowly.

Yeah. But I just got back. If were going to kill each other, can we do it after we eat? Or tomorrow?

The Antinium Senior Guardsman looked at Relc. The two stared at each other as every Gnoll on the street sweated under their fur, then Klbkch smiled and Relc laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.

They kept walking. Klbkch didnt laugh like Relc, who chortled all the way down the street, but he smiled. For Klbkch

They were back again. Klbkch pointed.

[Pickpocket]. Left.

Relc turned his head and saw a Human boy sneaking over. He raised a fist.

Wait a second, neither of us are on duty. Were not clocked in, even. I bet soone took my locker.

Indeed. So we are civilians with a Watch class, walking about.

The two looked at each other. Relc raised a fist and shouted so loudly the entire street jumped.

Hey, you! You brat! Get lost or Ill break your legs! Wait, am I allowed to do that?

Klbkch tapped at his chin as the [Pickpocket] looked up and ran for it.

I believe not, as that would be assault on another person. However, if you witnessed the pickpocketing in progress, perhaps that would be aggravated retaliation against a criminal, in which case you might receive a warning. Threats are, however, quite acceptable.

Aweso. Not that Id do it, you know. I am a [Trusted Sergeant of the Watch], now.

Relc ran a claw through his neck spines. Klbkch ca to a stop. He stared at Relc.

You are a Watch Sergeant. You consolidated your class.

Relc puffed out his chest.

Yep. Twice, actually. [Guardsman of Trust] and then [Sergeant] from my army class. Nothing big. You, uh, level up any? Get so fancy new class?

Klbkch didnt reply. He walked forwards, then stopped and turned his head.

You are a [Trusted Sergeant]. You.

Technically, I outrank you now. Not that it matters, Senior Guardsman Klbkch. But, uh, yep. New Skills too, by the way. Squad Skills, even. Probably necessitates a pay raise. And your new class isyou got how many levels?

The Antiniums mandibles slowly opened and closed.

I have received a new composite body at the height of Antinium form-shaping on Izril, with a multitude of unique capabilities.

Right, right. So no new class is what Im hearing.

My mandibles are poisoned.

Yeah? And my farts sll. Youve got nothing.

Klbkch walked along for a few more steps as Relc grinned behind him. Then the Drake saw Klbkch turn.

I do not know if I will still act as a [Guardsman]. There is little reason for to do so any longer. I returned to see Liscor. I did not know you had left until you returned.

The Drakes smile faded. He looked at Klbkch, and the Antinium stood there.

Youve changed, Relc.

The six-foot-three Centenium with his shadow-grey body and lithe form remarked. The Drake checked himself, and tugged at his new chainmail and identical body. He nodded slowly.

I guess I have. Sorry for springing it on you, Klb. It just happened.

The Antinium looked at Relc. He exhaled.

I forgive you. Would you like to go for a walk, Relc?

The Drake glanced about.

I thought we were.

Klbkchhezeim shook his head. He looked to the walls, and Relc followed his gaze. Slowly, the Drake murmured.

Oh. In that casesure.

Two [Guards] walked out of the gates of Liscor and across the Floodplains, talking. Arguing, bickering sotis, but just walking.

Off-duty. One had a spear over his shoulders, the other walked with twin swords at his waist.

One was Antinium, the other a Drake. They were headed towards a building.

An inn, on a hill.

That was how it always had been. For a year. Exactly one year, they had walked like this. Sotis it had been one or the other. Or one hadnt gone. Or

But this was how it started.

It was not the sa. They didnt have as far to go anymore, and they were changed. One greatly; he was a [Watch Sergeant] now.

The circumstances were different, too. Both kept looking towards the inn.

Dark. It always used to look like that in that village, rember? A ghost inn, staying up when the rest fell to pieces. You always did say soone might squat there. [Bandits].

Superior construction to the other buildings. Perhaps the old [Innkeeper] had a Skill.

Yeah. Now

The windows were dark. Glass, dimly reflecting the sunlight. It wasnt evening. The ti was off. It should have been evening, and the fading sunlight turning the Floodplains to an ocean of orange and red.

But it wasnt. Nor was there any light rrily shining from within. A telltale smokestack

Like the old days. She thought I was a Dragon, rember?

I believe you told that over a hundred tis that week, yes.

And she had those blue fruits. Dead gods, I asked about them when we got back to town and so people sold them, but everyone warned about the poison.

Yes. They did.

The Drake fell silent, because his companion gave him so little to work with. As if he didnt careuntil the Antinium spoke.

Acid flies.

Hm? Oh, right. Her catching them and you eating them.

Such innovation. And I recall the high-grade Potion of Cleansing Wounds

Yep. All on her hand. Good call, though. If it wasnt high-grade, youd have blasted her hand off. Wow, the hand-cut from the fish. I almost forgot.

Yes.

Their footsteps slowed as they looked up the hill. The inn was dark. After a mont, Relc spoke.

Maybe shell be in there when we open that door. Shell say sothing like, I saw a Dragon!.

That sounds quite like her. She will not be.

You dont know that.

Klbkch opened his mandibles. He looked at Relc, then slowly nodded.

I do not. There is a chance, however small. A chance so minute, so incomprehensible, you would have to be a fool beyond saving to believe it

Yeah, just watch it, Klbkch. I can still punch you one.

The Antinium saw Relc raise a threatening fist. Klbkch looked up at the windows. He went on after a mont.

a chance so minute it cannot happen. But if there were a chance.

Yeah. Do you want to?

For an answer, Klbkch began walking up the hill. Slowly. So slowly. Relc followed him after a mont. They didnt speak for the first few steps, then Klbkch did.

Hectval is at war with Liscor. I did not realize.

Hm? Yeah. We sent the army out. The new army, I an. Embrias there.

Your daughter. Yes. Are you worried?

Shes alive. Ill ask more later. What about you? I heard we sent Antinium to the front.

Klbkch hesitated. He touched his swords.

I could make a difference. However, if I enter the war, it will escalate.

Yeah. Do you know whats happening, though?

The Antinium nodded.

Of course. What do you wish to know? The shape of the war? The military gains? The losses?

Just how it is.

Klbkch thought about the question. When he answered, it was simply.

It is how you have always talked about Liscors wars to .

Relc Grasstongue looked up at Klbkchs back. His eyes flickered.

Brave kids. Heroes and bastards. Miracles and chance. A lot of dying.

Yes.

They ca to the front door. Relc hesitated. He craned his neck back and pointed.

There it is.

Klbkch nodded. He had seen it too. Hanging right under the na of the inn. And a sign hamred into the ground with the original lettering peeling slightly, but perfectly legible.

Do you know where all the Goblins went? I expected the inn to be crowded, even without Erin.

Relc started. He looked at Klbkch and slapped his forehead.

Ancestors, Klb! You dont know about Mrsha? I heard on the way back. Not about Mrsha or?

I know about the Horns of Hamrad. Is that what you are referring to?

Dead gods. No. Its

Relc hesitated. His voice trailed off as he raised a claw and curled it into a fist. He looked at Klbkch and then knocked. The Revalantor went still. The two waited.

Shes not there.

Of course not. It would be silly tI hear footsteps.

The two stared at each other. Then Relc put one earhole to the door. He looked at Klbkch. Wordlessly, the Antinium stepped back. The two held their breaths and stared at the door.

The Wandering Inns front door opened slowly. Both Drake and Antinium stared at the figure in the shadowed hallway, holding their breath. Three hearts beat rapidly. It couldnt be. But just maybe. Mayb

Guardsman Relc? Guardsman Klbkch? Its you.

Ishkr stood in the doorway. Relc exhaled in a rush, and Klbkch nodded.

Ah. Ishkr. I hope we are not intruding?

The Gnoll [Head Server] looked at the two. Then he smiled.

Not at all. Would you like to co in?

Ahno. No, we both just got back and

The inn was dark behind Ishkr. Relc looked at Klbkch.

Erins not here, so

Shes here.

Klbkch murmured. Relc stopped. He stared ahead, down that long hallway. His voice lowered, and his hand grasped onto his spear tightly.

Yeah. Of course she is.

The two lingered for a while, but then stepped through the entryway. The floorboards didnt squeak like the old inn, and there was no dust because soone still kept them clean.

The [Grand Theater] was very big, and very dark, with only sunlight. It was echoingly haunted. Relc looked around the front of the common room, and it felt familiar. The bar and layout had changed slightly, and far more had been added.

He saw Lyonettes work schedule pinned to one wall, an actual nu hanging up, chairs ready to be placed at other tables, even the giant mirror that Palt had enchanted to show the news.

There were nus hand-illustrated and sitting up as well, and soone had kept watering the flower boxes that held regular, beautiful flowers along each window.

Yet the kitchen was dark and there was no white furry thing scurrying around. The stage was dark, without soone strutting their hour behind the curtain. No [Bard] sat playing guitar in a corner, and there was no bee or chatty [Bartender].

It was just like they rembered it. And not.

Klbkch sat down at a table. Relc trailed along one wall.

They started putting up guest testimonials?

Miss Solstice did.

No way. Whyhey, thats Magus Grimalkin. Why is his face up here?

Relc pointed at the illustration and lengthy dissertation on the proper etiquette and form of using the weights room. Ishkr smiled slightly.

Miss Solstice decided to put up a few illustrations, on the theory that so guests would appreciate it. She neverfinished the project.

Oh. Right. The inns clean.

Relc ran a claw over a table. Ishkr nodded.

I clean it.

Obviously, duh. I just ant

Silveran cos by now and then. One of the Workers.

Oh. Thats kind of him.

Ishkr stood there, half in darkness, half in the sunlight leaking through the windows. He gestured to the stairs.

Miss Imani and Palt moved out, as did Mage Bezale. Recently. Architect Hexel and his staffmy sister sotis stays here as her landlady gives her issues and she doesnt sign up for the new housing. Your room is still here. If you would like, I can give you the key.

Really. Ino. I wont stay here yet.

Klbkch looked up from reading the nu as Relc brushed at his neck scales again. The Senior Guardsman nodded to Ishkr.

Well justsit here, if thats okay. For a mont?

As long as you need. I will get out of your fur.

Thanks. Uhyou dont have tothanks. Nice guy.

Relc said that last part to Klbkch as he sat down. The Antinium nodded simply. Relc leaned on the table across from him.

Here they were. But no young woman ca rushing out of the kitchen. Relc caught himself glancing at the doorway, and felt embarrasseduntil he realized Klbkch kept watching the stairs.

A lots happened. I missed it.

That was all Relc said after a long while. Klbkch nodded.

You were gone in Cellidel? On voluntary posting? Did you do sothing wrong?

Relcs head lowered.

Yeah. I didnt have you to talk out of it. I went to Cellidel. Its a long story.

In brief?

The Drake hesitated and struggled for words.

Nothing big. Justidiots thinking they can beat on citizens and do whatever they want. Bad stuff happening. The Watch was a ssnothing like Captain Z. Thats all of it. Riotsso [Painter] guy. But just idiots. What about you? Howd you lose your last body after

Klbkch shrugged.

Largely similar. Incompetence uncovered on a fundantal level. I have yet to address it fully.

Huh. So you really are going to manage the Hives, then?

Yes. I believe I must. Xrn is wounded. She may never recover.

Really.

Klbkch slowly opened and closed his hand.

Not as things stand. They must change. You have made a change. Now I must. Not here. I do not know if I am needed here any longer.

neither.

They exchanged glances, and then looked away. Relc looked for an open door. A garden. But it didnt co, and he didnt summon it.

It was too quiet. And KlbkchRelc stared at the kitchen, then checked the sky.

I promised to et so of my people. And I dont know if youre busy

I have over a hundred tasks to accomplish, yes.

Which ant literally over a hundred, and Klbkch could list each one if he wanted. Relc nodded. He put his huge claws on the table to push himself back.

We cancatch up later. If you want. I know

He had gotten up when Klbkch held up a hand. So Relc stopped. The Antinium hesitated. He sat there and hesitated, and it was an odd thing for Klbkch to do.

I returned to the Hives, as you know. Incidents occured that ant I would receive a new body, but one of the things I did was to reestablish contact with the Queens of the Hives. Five Queens, and Wrymvr the Deathless. A fellow Centenium of old.

The Drake [Spearmaster] stilled. He looked at Klbkch, and, aside from the [Strategists] and leaders who had dedicated their lives to studying the Antinium, and a few other people, he was one of the few who understood what that ant.

Yeah?

Klbkch drumd his fingers slowly on the table. His mandibles opened and closed. He made a kcrch sound, and then coughed.

Wrymvr. It is difficult for to express this properly, as I have never had to. HoweverRelc.

He looked up into his friends yellow gaze. Relc just waited. Klbkch searched and spoke.

I have known Wrymvr since he was created. I am the older of the two of us, but our existence reaches back to the beginning of the Antinium as a true species. We have served the sa positions, and our goals are identical. We have experienced the sa events, and we were created of the sa Queen. Our history is a shared one.

The Drake said nothing. At last, Klbkch looked at Relc.

Despite that. He was less pleasant to be around. I have thought of that, now and then.

Relc blinked. Klbkch went on, as he looked around the quiet inn.

It occurs to , Relc, that over our career as [Guardsn] of Liscor, you have asked to go with you for a drink and/or al over a thousand tis. I can count the number of tis I have done so on two hands. We have often had snacks together in an acceptable way as [Guards]. Seldom als upon pre-arranged request.

Yeah?

Klbkch slowly reached down for sothing and placed it on the table. Relc looked down, and Ishkr, like the excellent staff mber he was, reappeared.

A single gold coin glinted on the table. Gross overpaynt, of course, but you didnt co here for the fiscal value. Klbkch looked up at Relc.

As I believe it is customary, Relc, I cordially invite you to have a drink. Let us also have a al. I will buy the first round. Tell about Cellidel.

The Drakes eyes widened. He looked down at the gold coin, and then pulled his chair out. He sat down, and Ishkr hurried over.

Can I get you two anything? The kitchen doesnt have a [Cook], but I can do [Basic Cooking], and we do have stored foods. Any preferences?

Relc glanced at Klbkch. The Antinium looked at him, and they both knew what they were going to order. Relc raised a claw and smiled.

Do you have pasta? Spaghetti? And so blue fruit juice?

Ishkr blinked. Then nodded. Klbkch raised his hand.

I will have pasta as well, as I can finally tabolize it. Acid flies on mine, if you have any.

Aw, co on, Klb

You can put at on yours. Pork belly.

Oh. Yeah. Pork belly for the both of us! If youve got it. And, uh, Ill have an ale with the blue fruit

The two began ordering. Ishkr ended up rushing out to see if he could get so pork belly, but he set them up with a bowl of acid flies, french fries, and drinks. Relc and Klbkch sat there. It wasnt about the additions. It was the pasta and blue fruit that mattered.

The gold coin glittered on the table, catching the light as Relc fussed about the fireplace, and Klbkch eventually pointed a Wand of Fla Ray and lit it.

So things were different. But then they sat, smiling, talking, and telling each other what had happened. They ate and drank in The Wandering Inn, the pair of them. Then, after a while

They went to find Erin and say hello.

It was a very special day. Because it wasnt.

Any day could be quite special. Extraordinary, even. All it took was a reunion, a new ideaand the mundane was kicked out of the way by the fantabulously interesting.

That was the lesson theyd all learned. Your boring every afternoon didnt have to look like that. Of course, with that precious knowledge ca the other side.

Terrible things could happen out of the blue. Disaster could be waiting around the corner with a crossbow.

It was a special day, because they thought of her.

Klbkch and Relc stood on a hill, chatting. No solemn silence. No flowers. It might have been that if they had co earlier. It didntwork.

Not today. Not for them. Klbkch pushed Relc slightly as the Drake joked around.

And Ive been gaining classes. Klb here just has his new body.

With poisoned mandibles.

So he cant even kiss soone. He makes it sound good, but I think the Queens ssed up.

This is not an issue that has ever been presented to . Nor do I intend to seek the opportunity out.

Relc gestured helplessly at his friend.

You see? What am I supposed to do withthis guy?

He trailed off. The [Innkeeper] smiled at him. Relc took a breath, and a bit of mist escaped his lips. The frozen bier was like it had been the last ti. The flowers frozen and dead. The trinkets

So I might go off soon. I had to get the kids back from Cellidel. But after that, Ill be after Mrsha. You know . Kidnapping? Im great at chasing and hitting people.

Klbkch looked at Relc and nodded.

I will also look into the matter.

Yeah.

Relc knelt down, then decided to just sit. Klbkch kept standingfor a minute. Then, as if gravity were leaning on him, he sat too. They sat there, as Ishkr looked up from the door to the inn.

Youll be back. Right, Klb? Shell be back.

The Antinium opened and closed his mandibles.

If anyone could, it would be her.

Relc nodded. They kept sitting there. Klbkch glanced at Relc and kept nearly speaking. The Drake just stared ahead, at Erin, at sothing else. They sat there, as frost crept over both, scales and chitin.

They didnt move for a long ti. It was that kind of day. That was how it began.

With mories. Withthe thought of ho.

How ho should be.

Even if it wasnt.

The problem was that the world was better. The problem was that the world was more interconnected. In the old days, which were the bad days, you couldnt talk with people around the world.

Or, if it were possible, it was the kind of thing that took multiple Couriers or magic beyond the ken of most mortals and so on and so forth.

If sothing terrible or glorious happened, youd hear about it in the news, and that was a grand and montousyet distantthing.

Now? [ssages] were common and cheap, and the world was changing faster. The result was that you didnt leave people behind; you could talk to them, talk with soone around the entire world, and that was glorious.

Sotis, though

It only reminded you that you were alone. Or that Erin wasnt back yet.

Krshia Silverfang took a long sip of wine. One sip, and she put the cup down. She had business to do[Chieftains] to et, and she could not be tipsy when she was one of the faces of the Silverfangs, in the spotlight and grasping at the future with both paws.

But she took that sip, because she had to. She didnt know if it was good, what she did. But Chieftain Torishi had advised her to tell the little Gnoll girl.

She has had enough secrets. This is good news. Mourning and happiness are part of life. We must flee from neither.

That was Weatherfurs wisdom, from soone older and wiser. So Krshia told Mrsha.

Relc has returned. And Klbkch, yes? Gnolls from Cellidel.

The little Gnoll girl brightened up and smiled. Relc? He was back from stinky Cellidel? And Klbkch too? Great news! She began writing that Krshia should tell them she was welluntil she realized Krshia would have to code that. Then she began to ask how many Gnolls.

Then she thought of Erin. And Krshia saw Mrsha look lost. The girl looked around for her mother, or Numbtongue, and recalled how far away all of them were.

On a questto save her. Not even Erin. She looked for Apista, or Bird, or Selysthen glanced up and kindly settled for Krshia. So the Gnoll [Shopkeeper] wouldnt feel bad.

We will be ho soon, yes?

Krshia hugged Mrsha tightly. The girl patted Krshia on the head.

Yes, we will.

Krshia wanted to linger, but Akrisa was already in a eting. So she hugged Mrsha again.

I will get word to them that you are well, so they do not run across the continent, hm? Do you want to go with soone?

Mrsha held up a card with a big na written on it.

Gire.

Krshia nodded and took her by the paw out of the tent. She found the giant Gnoll waiting for her morning playdate with her best friend, and smiled. Gire sniffed the sip of wine on her breath, of course, but made no comnt. Krshia saw Mrsha off, then turned. She strode, almost ran, to her first eting, to shake hands and make complicated deals.

If she stopped too long, she would start crying.

As for Mrsha? The Gnoll looked solemnly up at Gire, who paused.

Do you want to do sothing else today, Mrsha? Buy another lobster? Or we can go and see so sights? How about horse races?

She was excited, and clearly doing sums in her head about how much food Mrsha could buy on the pretext of snacks. Normally, Mrsha would be raring to go as well. Today? Mrsha put up a paw, massaging at her back.

Not today, Gire. One mont, one mont.

She hobbled over to a table in the Silverfang camp like an old woman and sat down. Gire frowned as Mrsha searched around, made a groaning sound, picked up a cup, and headed over to the food tent. She ca back, put the cup down, and cleared the space around it. Then she put a paw around the cup andexhaled.

The cup was filled with goats milk, incidentally. However, the Gnoll girl began to nurse it. Taking small sips, exhaling.

Mrsha? Is sothing wrong? Are you thirsty?

Sit, sit. The Gnoll gestured with a paw. Gire sat. Mrsha stared past her. Around her, Silverfangs Gnolls were bustling about, and a few Ekhtouch Gnolls were condescending about. Longstalkers Fang, Greenpawand there was Rose, pretending not to see Adetr waiting for another chat.

Inkar and Tkrn. Even Feshi, glancing around for them with so of the Weatherfur Gnolls. Great and powerful allies. Interesting people, all.

Yet Mrsha didnt run about. Not today. Gire poked her, and Mrsha slapped the finger down and snarled.

Not a friendly snarl either. Gire didnt try it again. She saw Mrsha take another gulp, and finally recognized what Mrsha was doing. It was a copy of what Gire and Mrsha had seenbut Mrsha had been to more bars than Gire, and had seen this late at night.

A figure at a table or bar, slipping into their cups. Like nolit, and an [Innkeeper] talking to them. She copied them, not because it was fun

But because this was one of the ways Mrsha knew how to cry in public. She stared past Gire, and there were not enough words to write down to explain it.

Or just two.

Erin Solstice.

Gire watched as Mrsha began to sniff. The little Gnoll girls eyes welled up.

Mrsha? Whats wrong? Does your stomach hurt? Dont cry

Erin.

Mrsha wrote it down and pushed the card over. Gire turned the card over, but it lacked context, even for the [Paragon].

Is thatyour friend? The one whos sick? OhohMrsha, dont cry.

The girl began sniffing into her cup. Huge, blobby tears fell from her brown eyes as Gnolls looked at her. Girepanicked.

Dont cry, Mrsha. Its alright. See? I can juggle. Look! I can juggle eleven things. See? Isnt it funny?

She grabbed so silverware, cups, a plate, and tossed eleven objects up and did actually create a double-helix. Mrsha didnt even stare at it. Gire stopped, not knowing what to do. Because she was young, and Ekhtouch didnt teach you how to deal with tears.

Mrsha didnt want Gire to do anything. She just cried into her cup as the others ca over. Inkar didnt know why.

Tkrn did. So did Beilmark and other Gnolls from ho. So the Senior Guardswoman sat down, took off her helm, placed her badge on the table, and put Mrsha on her knee. Tkrn tried to explain, and Mrsha kept crying. For a bit.

She didnt let Gire stop her, or anyone cheer her up until she was done. Because she was supposed to cry when bad things happened. She clung to Gires arm too, and rubbed her snot into Gires fur.

Ew.

Yet the [Paragon] didnt pull away. She listened.

This was how it went. It was likea stack of cards. A pile of painted wooden blocks. And soone had just kicked in one of the support beams.

Not maliciously, but in that Relc-wayit was him.

News of ho.

It struck them all differently. Lyonette du Marquin looked up.

Hes back?

A figure nodded. Soone stirred uneasily. One of the Thronebearers glanced warily at her, but Raticis hat was off his headand held between his claws.

It was not the sa. Lyonette saw the Drakes somber face.

Im glad.

She put down her quill for a second. Cirediel and Rafaema, hovering there, looked at the [Princess] as she pressed the heels of her palms into her eyes. A [Princess] did not cry, though; that would ruin her makeup.

One second, twoand Lyonette took a deep breath. She looked up, and her eyes shone, but her jaw was set.

Thats wonderful news. If you could send him a wordtell him that we will see him soon. I maysend him sothing else later.

Of course, Miss Lyonette.

Ratici dipped his head and walked back. Wilovan took off his hat for a second. The two Gentlen Callers went for a walk, hats in their hands.

They scared the living daylights out of everyone they t, but they held the hats. Talking softly, walking like gentlen. If anyone stopped them

That was why they held the hats. Not today.

Lyonette du Marquin looked around.

Would you allexcuse for a mont? I must freshen myself up.

What, the toil

Rafaema stamped so hard and fast that Cire doubled over, clutching wordlessly at his foot. She nodded, and Lyonette rose. Ser Sest held the door open as she retreated.

To shed tears in private. The others stood around, uncertain of what to do. So people went around calmly.

Xif and Saliss glanced up when they heard the news. The Gnoll blinked and wiped at his spectacles. Saliss claws never wavered.

Thanks. Shut the door on your way out. Semi-poisonous gas.

They kept working.

Like Ilvriss. On such days, he kept writing orders to his company, Alrric, and the Salazsar forces. His quill scritched across the parchnt, and Osthia Blackwing didnt see anything different about him.

But on such days, soti between her delivering [ssages] and correspondence, sothing would appear on the desk, carefully placed above the pages and away from the quill and inkpot.

It would be a little amulet with a clasp. The kind you could open. The Wall Lord would carefully angle it and keep working. He would never glance at it that she could see in the brief snippets when she saw him.

However, it was there. If you saw it, youd put the nonsense about Lyonette and wedding rings behind you.

That little illustration he had found sowhere and put in the amulet was not of a Human. Not a [Princess] nor an [Innkeeper]. After all. When he thought of Erin

He thought of her.

It might be resonance.

Or synchronicity.

The explanation might be Relc.

Or a mory of the fall. When she first ca to this world.

Perhaps it was just ti.

Realizing how long it had been. Again, it was different. Similar, but different.

Ceria Springwalker stopped eating, refused to play cards, and marched with the army of Savere. She took out a spellbook that Revine had gifted her and began leafing through it.

Her pale eyes held no tears. She just kept glancing up at the sky, north. And the air

Grew colder. So cold that she turned the sand and dirt hard and frosty when [Bandits] followed in her wake. The wind behind her so chilled that a gap opened up in the army behind her.

It was so uncharacteristic of the Ice Squirrel that everyone noticed it more than if she had been crying. Ceria brushed at her hair and looked at her skeletal hand. She smiled ruefully, and went back to reading.

Yvlon Byres sat and talked with Queen Yisa and the Great Sage Etrikah. She talked, as the [Queen] dabbed at her eyes and the [Sage] listened. She talked and paced and was restless.

Her hands clenched and road, touching silverware, checking her skin as if she were making sure it was pure. She sat back heavily, then stood. Resting her weight on the table.

Helplessly moving about. Frustrated with inaction.

It was the opposite of how Ksmvr did it. He rode along, so quiet that no one noticed for a while. Only until he refused to eat breakfast and lunch did Nsiia ride over.

Is sothing wrong, Ksmvr? If you are feeling sick, tell us. Sickness can run through an army and leave it legless.

Ksmvr looked at her thoughtfully, then shook his head.

No, Nsiia. I am perfectly physically well. I believe I am sad, but I have not learned how to cry. I am uncertain what I should do.

The Empress of Beasts eyes sharpened on Ksmvrs face. His severed arm, his damaged antennae and exoskeletonhe had worn his injuries without noticeable pain.

Right now? He looked uncertain. As if moving would pain him, and he was afraid of it. Ksmvr kept touching his chest with one of his hands.

Why are you sad, Ksmvr?

I do not know. It is unreasonable, so I would like it to stop. The person I am thinking of has already been in her present state for a long ti. I am continuing to work towards her revival. Therefore, this sadness has no timing or reason. Iwould like it to stop, now. How do you do that?

Nsiia inhaled sharply. Dohead, walking by Ksmvr, turned, as the Empress of Beasts placed her arm on Ksmvrs shoulder.

Rmi Canada hesitated as Leka Thri tilted his head. No emotion was visible on the Loquea Dree warriors beak, but he listened as Ksmvr tried to explain.

Rmi? He hesitated. Began to lower the cara. Then caught the motion and raised it to capture the Antiniums face. Arguing the ethics of

The Antinium [Skirmisher] looked around.

It makes no sense. It does not feel good. I would rather be sick. Why is that?

Nsiia looked at him.

Because sickness goes away in ti.

Ksmvr leaned on Spitty as the cal glanced at him, pursed his lips, and decided against. The [Skirmisher] nodded.

That makes sense.

Pisces Jealnet was practicing fencing when Eloque, rr, Bearig, Rophir, and Qshom found him.

Is sothing wrong, Pisces?

Why would sothing be wrong?

He turned, genuinely confused. Sweat was running down his face, and so of the freed [Slaves] and [Rebels] were watching him. He had been performing an excellent fencers drill.

Eloque studied Pisces. He seed perfectly befuddled, and his face was straight.

Youve been doing that for two hours.

I am keeping in shape. Refining my magic.

Yes.

And?

A hint of a defensive tone entered the [Necromancer]s voice. He frowned around. Eloque looked at him, and the look turned to hesitation.

You havent said a word to anyone all day. Whats wrong?

The [Necromancer] scratched at the scarred skin around his neck, snatched his hand down, and gazed past them all.

Nothing. Just thoughts.

His friends looked at him. The [Necromancer] glanced about and realized he hadnt refined any of the undead into advanced versions and hadnt he better do that? He hurried off, and they followed.

It took them nearly four hours to get the reason out of him.

The music grated on his nerves. Niers Astoragon sat on the little pedestal hed had recreated so he could ride in the view of others.

It got on his nerves, yet he didnt snap at the Hobgoblin playing it because he knew exactly why it was playing.

It wasnt even a sad song. It was

The Ballad of the Redfangs. Numbtongue played it, again and again, and added another verse. As he played, Antinium looked up at the sky.

The others did. Infinitypear, Grass Shell, Touma the Greatand the Goblins chattered. Telling stories. The others listened, the Ghostly Hand tribe, to the Cave Goblins who told them of the leader of the Redfangs.

Salvation from the Raskghar. Rasktooth showed the tooth and waved his claws. Trying to get them to see it.

Cookies. A poofy hat from the luckiest Goblin ever. Five Hobgoblins and a cave. Another ti.

A little bee buzzed about the heads of the Antinium, flying through the sky and rembering when shed first co out of that little jar, and the world had been terrifying until that big blob with the red stuff fed her. And there had been that other blob too.

She missed that blob. Everything had been simpler, back then. She missed the white one, too. Apista didnt smoke any Dreamleaf.

Niers didnt either. But he had lit a bit of actual tobacco. He smoked it, sitting with an expression like thunder such that not even the biggest Gnoll fans quite dared approach him.

Failure. The [Strategist] counted each one. Listed it out, exactly in every mistake hed made. Overconfidence, a lack of awareness. Preparation.

He worked backwards in ti and his list had countless entries. He went back, then started again. The list had nas and places. People. He smoked furiously. An angry Fraerling glaring at nothing.

Numbtongue just sat there. The Antinium stared at the sky. Only the Crimson Soldier looked ahead. The world was far better. If she ca back, she ca back.

It was far better even so, and she joined the fallen.

Garia and Fals jogged ahead, not really saying anything. Fierre scribbled furiously, sending little [ssage] spells, checking the news, and not really processing anything she did. Gna and Salkis looked about. Gna knew part of it and was silent.

Salkis was impatient, fidgety, but aware this was not the ti to interrupt. Pivr and Xeu looked about, wondering what everyone was staring at up above them and what they were missing.

The Brothers of Serendipitous etings, like their comrades, held their hats in their hands, walking along solemnly.

As for Ulvama? She sat in the wagon, pretending to be sleeping, as Octavia listened to Numbtongues songs and occasionally shed so tears. Upon which, shed uncork a vial, let the tears roll into it, and hurry to start a potion or grind so ingredients. Thenher hands would slow until she was wiping at her eyes again.

Ulvama just stared up at the sky, one eyelid cracked open. Listening to the Goblins talk. Gothica added another spike to her parasol. Apista flew up, showing a Screaming Hawk her stinger.

Co on, bring it. Bring it.No? Why are you flying away, buddy? Huh? Huuuh?

There were more, of course. Many people knew her, and wanted to help. Griffon Hunt. The Halfseekers.

So knew her, but didnt mourn. Not fully. They had never known her.

Almost. A few more days and he would have.

The [Emperor] thought of that, now and then.

But not this day.

If you grieved, properly, you had known her. Like the [Strategist] pushing forwards with blood on the ground. Pursuing the one foe he had no forgiveness for. For two deaths.

However. Grief went hand in hand with glory. And it was that first story, that even the Cave Goblins didnt know, that Rags told the Goblins of the Molten Stone tribe.

Anazurhe, the Goblin Chieftain [Witch], listened to the first tale of Erin Solstice. A Human who had every reason to hate Goblins because they had not been kind to her. Who had earned her first nickna.

Destroyer. She had killed a Goblin Chieftain. They had tried to kill her, more than once. They had killed her friend.

What was astonishing, why she mattered so much, was not that she had extended a hand in rcy and kindness to Goblins. Others had done that before. What mattered was that she had done that after it all. Despite it all. Because not all Goblins were alike.

Perhaps that was why the little Goblin, Rags, sat there in the great halls of the Molten Stone Goblins, dining with rich foods that were bought or obtained from far off. Calescent sat, munching happily on the food and trading secrets with the [Chef] hereso he could bring them back to the inn.

Yet Rags? She could have ordered anything she wanted, or trusted to the Molten Stone tribe to provide her with an unforgettable al, like the giant, cooked roach they had placed in front of the Healer of Tenbault.

Actually tasty, if the woman bothered to try it.

Yet Rags had not. She poked at the plate in front of her, which was almost offensively plain

Spaghetti. Anazurhe kept glancing at it, because Rags was eating.

Ah. Is that why you eat that?

She pointed a finger at Rags. The Great Chieftain of the Flooded Waters tribe glanced up and nodded. She took another bite.

It tastes like mory.

How many? The Players of Celum raised a glass, and perford with a tribute to the inspiration behind their play, the Innkeeper of Solstice, that night.

[Lords] and [Ladies] who had t the strange young woman, seen her at Lord Toldos funeral, remarked on the tragedy.

People of Liscor told stories about the really interesting tis, when Liscor had begun to change, to the newcors.

A Dwarf [Smith] worked furiously at his anvil.

Kevin stopped climbing back towards the resting Wyverns and looked around, before sighing hard and continuing his march.

Imani checked out of work early to go for a walk with Palt.

The Free Antinium stood silent and listened to a [Priest].

And there were far more. A [Baker] who baked bread and passed out loaves of it within his Hive. A Sinew Magus who pushed his apprentices so hard they collapsed because he had seen better and braver.

A couple who ran a bar in Pallass.

A young man in Wistram, who looked at all the magic and wondrous artifacts and felt sothing was still missing.

A [Knight] paused as he rode swiftly through a forest, evading [Scouts]. He looked around, and rembered an inn. A vision. A [General]s strength.

Rabbiteater felt a hand on his shoulder, pushing him, so he straightened his shoulders. As weary [Knights] sagged around him, he sat up and rode ahead. Wondering how he would tell her about this part of his adventure.

But for those who had never t herthe people who interacted with these scattered folk, each one acting a different wayhow did you describe her?

Hyperbole? That she was the one, the only person who had ever made a difference?

No. Yetyou could do it wrong, too.

Emphasize the mundanity of her, the silliness, and leave your audience thinking that was all she was, soone with no head for money, easily distractible, bad at managing a full team, and with a high weakness to crossbow bolts.

Which, to be fair, was a common vulnerability.

That wasnt Erin Solstice, though. The true her lay between myth and laughter. To capture that essence of heryou had to tell stories of what shed done.

Or perhaps it was you. How you said it. How you looked, as you clenched your hand and stared at the three fingers and scars.

That despite everything, as the wind blew around you, blowing your raven-dark hair into the air, and you shifted from bare foot to foot

You talked about her like that. A Courier, describing soone incredible.

The Wind Runner, friend of the fae, talking about soone who could do things she never could.

Her eyes shining, watering, as she stumbled over her words and kept going back.

To her friend. How they had t. Silly antics.

Glorious fire.

How did you say it? She tried.

Ica here for her. Because it matters. Because with everything thats happening and going to happenwe need her.

Who?

Ryoka Griffin turned.

Everyone. People do. Shes the reason why the Antinium are changing. Shesshes not invincible. She makes mistakes. She cant stop a war on her own. But she ets people and connects with them. Because of her, a city didnt fall to siege. Because of her, I saved two kids. She matters, so much that I ca across the world.

Enough to risk your life?

Ryoka looked up and t a glittering stare. Two dark eyes. An amused audiencehalf amused or curious or indifferent. The other half sympathetic, understanding, teary themselves, though they had never known her.

A few others. Yet Ryoka t each and every eye as her head moved about. She put her hand on the hilt of a sword from another ti.

Yes. Enough to walk the lands of the Tuatha D. Enough to seek a boon from the Faerie King, and challenge a Wyrms wrath. If it could be done, I would do it. Not because she is your salvation, or mine. Or that of nations. However. She will make soones life better. Many peoples. That is goodness.

Well said.

Two peoples stood before her, and a gathering of other immortals. Gilaw, norkel, Fithea, Ned, and more. Yet on one side sat Agelumthe other, Lucifen.

One side saw why. The Lucifen stirred, regarding their cousins.

Goodness. Temporary, frail deeds. Explain it to us, now, why she matters.

Ryoka Griffin saw a mocking smile. Paxere, one of the younger ones, who attracted disapproval from the more stately elders. They were better at hiding such things. Visophecin just tapped his lips as Ryoka glaredthen relaxed.

She looked so rarely confident it took the younger Lucifen unawares. Ryoka turned back to the capital, where the Singer of Terandria was drawing her backand norkel as well. But she looked Paxere straight in the eye.

Because she broke the Assassins Guild in two and held Tyrion Veltras and his army back from Liscor. She is the worlds finest chess player, and Antinium and Goblins consider her a friend. She is the best at sothing. That is sothing no one here can boast lightly. Not even the ageless.

She looked around, daring the Lucifen or Agelum to claim they were the finest in the entire world atwhat? Being old? Magic? Breadth of knowledge? She knew a Dragon who had a far better claim than any of them to that.

She saw flashes of red ire from the Lucifen. Wide grins on the Agelums faces as they watched the Wind Runner rile their cousins up. Visophecin dipped his head to Ryoka with a slight smile.

Well said. Although Lady Fithea could lay claim to expertise in earth magic.

Only in this world. Only

The Dryads murmur was background. Ryoka looked around. She was trying, oh, so very hard

Not to cry. Not in front of them all. Half might care, but the other half would just quietly smile, delighted by her suffering.

Nor in front of Rhisveri, who wouldnt care. Ryoka Griffin spread her hands helplessly. She was out of words. Only the burning desire. How did she describe that?

No. They knew. Each and every one of them here. Even Rhisveri.

They knew what it was like.

To want soone back.

That was why, across the world, it was not difficult to explain. Oh, imnsely difficult, impossible to explain her with re words.

But not that. Not needing soone. Ryoka Griffin had her explanation at last.

I want her back. There are other people I want back. So manybut its impossible.

Or if it isjust one

She pushed the scroll out of her mind. Because that was the point. Ryoka looked around. Visophecin, Gadrea, Fithea, Gilaw

They understood. The Wind Runner took in a shuddering breath.

If it were possible? So many. The difference isErintheres a chance. Its so slim, but its there. What would you do for a chance?

Ah. They exhaled slowly. That, they understood. Ryoka closed her eyes.

If death were sothing you could fightthey would all, every living person, make such war as was never dreamt of before or since. But you couldnt.

This was the lone battle. For one person she loved. Her friend.

She was not dead yet.

All the pieces were falling into place.

Yet sothing was missing.

Soone did not grieve, for she had never seen the person nad Erin Solstice. Though she owed her a grave debt.

However, she fought for that chance like she would for anyone else. It all was so close. So close

But there was sothing else.

So Geneva Scala fell. Into the depths of the Mind.

It was a void into which a hundred thousand different scenes repeated themselves. She could look around and see it.

Geneva Scala stood over a dead young woman. The features kept changing because she didnt know them. Skin tone, height, weightbut always a young woman.

Skin frosted over. Or completely ice.

Crossbow bolts sticking out of her chestsidesbarbed, poison still dripping from the tips as she removed them, or enchanted.

A hundred thousand Genevas worked. With a team or alone, with magic or Skills. Casting spells she had no access to in life, pausing ti, walking about. Fighting

She was grateful. The [Doctor] was so grateful despite it all, for the Mind.

Because this would have been a lesson learned on the bodies of countless patients in the real world. She would have had only theory there.

Here? She saw the effects of each spell. Saw her failures repeated without consequence.

To the living. But in each room, Geneva Scala fought, sotis cursing, desperately, crying out with frustration. Chasing after that spark.

Almost. It was entirely theoretical. Heresy in modern science, to actually freeze soone and expect them to co back to life. Theyd do this to rodents, not people.

There were so many factors. Cellular degradation from the freezing, poison, the crossbow bolts themselves, the sheer traumanot to ntion reviving her.

Impossible, Geneva would have said, even for modern dicine on Earth. Here? She had magic. Magic and Skills and it was still not enough.

Ohshe had pieces. Geneva Scala saw the Minds providing them to her.

Ethereal antidote. It seeped through the skin, neutralizing poison as it ran through her. Imagine how effective it could be! Imagine healing an internal wound with that precision? Removing a kidney stone? Or would it harm the tissue?

So many possibilities. She was learning. And the Minds had insights few living people had.

A Potion of Regeneration. So powerful, even in her visions, individual Genevas recoiled from the sheer potency in the air, that made her hair grow in real ti and fingernails lengthen.

Antidote, healingand a spell to defrost the young woman without killing her. All three factors were in flux. Geneva tried different combinations of each; could you do it with a [Restoration] spell? How did you warm her consistently without turning her into a pile of at and bone?

How did you keep her alive?

Heartbeat.

She heard it. A beating, fluttering heart, one out of every four attempts. Thenthree out of five. Geneva Scalas tried compressions, even shocks to keep it moving. They refined the process. Made sure the antidote hit the poison and neutralized it completely.

She heard the heart beat. Then flutter.

Then silence.

Sothing was missing. Geneva Scala drifted downwards as the scenes replayed themselves, trying to figure out what the crucial elent was. She almost had it.

What is missing here? The Mind was silent, using its entire, vast collective to generate these scenarios for her. It had no answer. Geneva Scala found herself at a loss.

Thenthe Third Mind thought at her.

What do you need?

Another perspective. Another!

Geneva called out into the void. Frustrated. She shoutedthen stumbled as she landed on the floor of the United Nations headquarters.

A woman sat across from her, fiddling with a cup. She looked antsy, and her brown hair, pinned back behind a white shirt and Lizardfolk-style sarong, swung as her head snapped up.

Youre here. Good. Lets figure it out.

Geneva Scala blinked atGeneva Scala. The [Doctor] gestured impatiently.

Take a seat. Unless you want sothing to eat?

No. I cant figure it out.

Geneva glowered at herself.

Neither can I. Lets articulate the problem, as if we were attending a lecture. The cause of death was imdiate exsanguination. Hemorrhage. Poisoned bolts.

Geneva found herself fiddling with the sa cup, a replica of the Geneva across from her. She stopped, spread her hands on the table. She needed

A quill was in her hands, so she took notes, quillno, pendarting across the page.

Then freezing, right. If we remove the freezing elent, we are attempting to restart her heart. Provide blood, neutralize the poison.

The freezing complicates it. We cannot perform the necessary steps before warming her, and that alone is causing massive trauma.

Exactly. But the right spells and potions can account for it, in part. The lacking part is

Both Genevas stopped. They looked at each other and one balled up the paper and tossed it down.

Its not dical.

It is. It simply cos out in other terminology and processes. Youve felt it.

Geneva Scala nodded.

Itsher life.

Not blood loss. Not her heart failing. Not the componentsit was that sheer concept of her life. The individual body parts Geneva could fight to protect. Brain, blood flowing to organs, even the heart.

Yet the patient as a whole? Shedied. The thing that dical professionals still couldnt entirely grasp, the difference between soone who was alive when hooked up to a dical instrunt

Life. It slipped away. The body was so badly damaged that all but the best scenarios, the strongest constitutionshad no chance.

Thats what youre missing.

Geneva Scala told her mirror image. The [Doctor] across from her nodded. She put her hands on the table, rose

And Geneva vanished. The Geneva across from her blinked at her copys dispersal, but then nodded.

Thats it. Thats

Her eyes widened. She had a thought.

Oh.

Geneva Scala whispered. It was such a non-question for most dical practitioners. Of course the patient died. Of course they failed to capture life itselfthat life was a function of many parts, so focus on that.

That was an Earth-solution. Yet she was not on Earth. So life itself? Geneva Scala breathed as sothing began to connect in her mind.

Thats what I was missing.

There it was.

She found it at last.

-

Like a good [Doctor] should, Geneva tried her theory. The Third Mind realized what she was doing and approved.

It made sense. There were even real-life examples that Geneva had put down to hyperbole, or the phenonon ofwell, it did happen.

This, though?

What might I do? How many more chances might I receive? Patients who diedGenevas brain was whirling.

Now that is worth.

The smug tone of the Third Mind was the last thing she heard. Then Geneva was dropping out of the air, gently landing in Idis arms.

What are you doing? I can keep going. I need to prove it works. A thousandten thousand trials.

Geneva felt limited, like she was squeezed into her body, the physical world where she couldnt fly or summon whatever she wanted to at the drop of a hat. Such a dangerous place, the mind.

She almost forgot to breathe and that she needed to move to reach things. Idis helped Geneva stand as the [Doctor] protested weakly.

She has pushed her every limit. Her theory is sound. It works. Enough. Few, even Selphids, have walked in the Mind so long. The [Doctor]s will is strong when it cos to her dicine.

The Third Mind was right. Even the [Psychic Guardians] in attendance and Calectus seed surprised at how long Geneva had communed with the Mind.

Did you do it, Geneva?

Idis was patently curious. The other Selphids turned to the Third Mind.

Is this a discovery which might cure the Wasting or be substantive?

Wasting? Perhaps. Perhaps not, but perhaps. As to substantive changeGeneva Scala has formulated a way to improve the efficacy of [Healers]. Experintation is needed.

Yes. Yesbut alsoit works. I know what theyre missing. I need to tell them.

Geneva struggled to her feet.

Who?

Calectus looked at her, concerned. The [Doctor] looked at the floating Third Mind.

Even if they gather everything, theyll never cure her. Or the odds will be remote without it. I need

She trailed off as she realized what she needed. The Third Mind slowed in its sedate rotation.

Can that be arranged?

The [Doctor] looked up. The Third Mind deliberated with itself.

There is a non-negative risk. This Mind shall take a poll of the others.

Please.

The Third Mind seed to regard Geneva.

You have never t Erin Solstice. You do not know she is of your world, only suspect.

Geneva Scala, the [Telepath], felt the force of the Minds intelligence. But she pushed back.

I owe her a debt. So do Selphids, and all those who might have died of the Yellow Rivers disease. If not even thatshe is a patient. If they succeed, it will prove I am right. For these reasonsplease ask the others and tell them it is necessary.

The Selphid composite listened to her argunt much like an analytical computer, weighing the weight of each. Not like the Second Mind at all. But, eventually, it thought at her.

We will see.

Ryoka Griffin sat outside, next to Ser Tubeliges grave, in the manor of House Lucifen. She knew the other [Knights] were about, but she didnt talk to them.

Visophecin had brought her back for the rest of her visit after her eting with Rhisveri, and the morning was bright and cheery, and the Agelum were amazing hosts.

Yet she lacked the daring, the sense of needing to win over immortals after yesterday. Nor would the visit be extended; the Singer of Terandria was here, and everyone wanted to go to the capital.

Even so of the Lucifen and Agelum, though the latter would most likely be denied. However, they were arguing.

It amused Ryoka, vaguely, even in her current state, to see how Paxere was arguing with Azemith and Igolze. The three stood together under the shadow of an aspen tree, and Ryoka thought the shadows seed to move slightly off with the figures in the shade.

The faint glow of red across their eyes made her notice the slight movent along the ground. Oh. The shadows had tails.

The people just looked like well-dressed business-elites. Paxere waswhat? Visophecin had described Azemith as Paxeres guardianwhich perhaps implied mother.

But none of them used that term. And, indeed, Paxere was angrily pointing to the Agelum, who were pestering Visophecin despite his best efforts to leave; one had a hold on his arm and he could not break free.

She is a cultural phenonon. Politically importantwe have a file on her. As House Shoel, I could represent us to her. Besides which, her music is a significant force of her ti, and artistic.

Vexatious. It is not proper music, and it abrades the hearing. I do not see your point. Moreover, you are still not adept enough to navigate even the Court of Masks. You needle when you could employ tact.

Azemith retorted. Paxeres eyes narrowed dangerously.

Perhaps I do not employ tact when a needle is most direct. Especially around the quality of opponent found in closest company.

Igolze chuckled, which earned him a narrow stare from Azemith. She and Paxere drew closer, smiling dangerously. Azemiths fingers scintillated in the air, her painted nails flickering.

That is a very bold claim. Need I remind you how young you are? Or shall I expect an apology?

Need I repeat it several tis? Your hearing is clearly as deficient as your regard for the Singer of Terandria is.

The two never blinked, and it was like if Ryoka had made the terrible, just completely wrong-headed decision of having a child and the two of them went at it.

On the other hand, it was objectively hilarious, especially as Igolze made an off-handed comnt to deflect the tension. Language, setting, and identity of the two Lucifen aside, it sounded to Ryoka like the parents not getting the newest music and the daughter exasperated with the people who just didnt understand.

Funny. So things never change. You know, I really thought I could do it this ti. But I failed. I just keep going around like this.

Ryoka Griffin spoke to the air. At first, the distant [Knight], Da Chorisa, thought Ryoka was speaking to her, but her words werent comprehensible from so far away, and she wasnt looking at Chorisa.

The Wind Runner sighed.

I tried. Then Rhisveri justtwistedmy best plans. I wish I could just do sothing, take the victory, like saving Hethon and Sammial, and just quit. But I cant. Theres always sothing else. If she hadnt gotten hurtmaybe Id be running from Tyrion Veltras giving flowers or sothing. I wish that was my problem.

She didnt really expect a reply, though it wouldnt be the weirdest thing that happened all week. Ryoka looked up again.

It must be a simple life. A grand one. You save one girl from drowning, and you get a knighthood and food for the rest of your life. I envy you.

The visage of Ser Tubeliges didnt answer her. But the noble Sariant Lambs statue was a kind of inspiration. Look upon , and know true happiness. Am I not the valorous lamb, who hath achieved both morality and the limits of hedonistic bliss?

Ryoka was just guessing. She stared as an actual Sariant Lamb wled its way across the manor, looking for soone to pamper it. They were funny creatures, too. For instance, this one was searching for a loving pair of hands to feed, bathe, and comb its fur. It took one look at Paxere and the Lucifen and decided Ryoka was the most generous soul in existence.

A lamb actually did a little wiggle of its body as it trotted up to Ryoka. This Sariant Lamb had a pendantnot a collar, a pendantand it had learned to do an approximation of a shy smile.

Ryoka glanced at the statue, at the Sariant Lamb, and flapped her hands.

Shoo. Shoo. Im not buying it, and youre not a [Knight]. Co back when you are.

She was rewarded with the Sariant Lamb nosing forwards, making a sweet little whining sound. It nearly ran into Ryokas bare foot and recoiled with clear disgust.

Yeah, you like that? Ill wipe my feet all over your wool. Back off.

The lamb trotted back, crying with distress. It peeked at Ryoka as it covered its little face with a hoofsaw she was frowning at itand the most amazing thing happened.

The Sariant Lamb, whose na according to her gold leaf pendant was Sarathine, realized Ryoka wasnt going to be a pamperer, and her face changed. Sarathines innocent expression turned into a hostile glare, and the lamb made a cheh sound and turned. It dug its back hooves into the ground and sprayed Ryoka with so dirt.

Hey!

Sarathine trotted off. Ryoka stared at its backside.

No way. Are they really in control ofdamn it. I better not have made an enemy of the Sariant Lamb cartel or sothing. Hey, that wasnt personal! Im having a bad day!

Ryoka didnt get an answer, but she caught herself and realized she was pleading with a lamb not to hold a grudge. She had low points, but could she go lower?

The answer was always yes, of course, but Ryoka hung her head with a sigh. That was, until she heard soone cough.

Excuse . Pretend I am not here a mont.

Brimstonethe scent of forgefires.

A shadow leaned across the Wind Runner. Its owner stood against the lee of the statue. Viscount Visophecin adjusted his tie, and Ryoka saw, behind him, a bunch of Agelum casting about.

Where did he go?

Inside? Anyone see Visophecin?

A squad of wheelchairs and even a floating bed soared off in pursuit. The Lucifen held perfectly still, and Ryoka saw him peek around the statue. Then he relaxed and nodded to her.

They should not visit the capital. They have a habit of exerting themselves. I fear they would take to the Singer of Terandria too well, and my cousins can be quite diplomatic and subtlebut only when they choose to be.

You think theyd dislike the Singer? Or trust her with too much?

Visophecin sighed. He gave his garnts a tug.

I fear they would attend her concerts and insist on dancing.

Ryoka smiled. And she felt a pang for the Agelum. She heaved a sigh, and Visophecin hesitated, before sitting next to her.

We will expedite our return to the capital. I understand Duke Rhisveri has complicated your efforts to save your friend. That you ca to Ailendamus willingly for her sake isinteresting. I will discuss the nature of your theft with Rhisveri himself, as it is off-limits to you.

Ryoka nodded wordlessly. The Lucifen looked at Ryoka.

A noble decision, I believe so would call it.

What would the Lucifen say about doing everything to save soones life?

The Devil smiled slightly. A bleak expression; not because he was hurt, but because he searched inside for any shred of empathy and found it was gone.

Foolishness in the extre. Especially given the odds. Especially for a mortal. House Shoel respects no altruism or friendship outside of our own. But if it was to cure soone else

His gaze rose, and he looked at Uzine, rolling about and calling for Visophecin. His odd stare of multi-faceted eyes found Ryoka and he smiled, seeing her, but Visophecin was sohow invisible.

Lots of practice. The Lucifen watched Uzine roll by, and paused.

Yes. That is different.

Ryoka nodded. She sat there, tired.

I feel like a fool. I was so obsessed with what Rhisveri hadnot to give it away. But I may have been chasing after the wrong thing the entire ti. Everything else, thoughnothing has worked.

Viscount Visophecin saw Ryoka shake her head.

The Village of the Dead. Oteslia. Even people I have never t. Everyones trying sothing and it doesntwork. So I bet everything on this and I might have to walk away.

That is wisdom. Better to walk than lose everything.

Is that immortal wisdom?

Ryoka snapped, tired and grumpy. Visophecin didnt smile.

No. Observation of how all peoples die. They cling to what they love. It has killed every species in existence. I have not yet found the way out. Perhaps because I do not search.

Ryokas head moved left, and she and the Viscount exchanged a long look. The Lucifen went on, after a mont.

You may indeed fail, and I would caution you not to risk Rhisveris wrath. Yet you have trusted House Shoel with your quest. You have done what few do, and attracted the attention of both Lucifen and Agelum. And with respect to my fair cousinsthe Lucifen are the far more difficult of the two to sway.

Thanks. I know it is an achievent, butits one of those days. Im just tired. I could have used an easy win.

Ryoka stared up at Ser Tubeliges. Visophecin glanced upwards. He stared at the smug Sariant Lamb, and Sarathine, trotting around looking for love from the Agelum, and his eyes burned for one second.

Four hundred and twelve gold pieces.

Hm?

Ryoka glanced at him. The Devil muttered.

The price of having the statue sculpteddiscounted due to previous works commissioned and a template to draw on. Because Sariant Lambs look alike. Generous overpaynt from House Shoel. Rush work, and granite from the Erthine mines. Even so. Four hundred and twelve gold pieces.

He raised one long, perfectly manicured finger. Ryoka saw Visophecin half-rise and push at Ser Tubeliges feet where they t the base of the statue. She saw him press so hard his pale-grey skin turned white with the strainthen heard a faint cracking sound.

The Wind Runner stirred. Visophecin pushed at the other set of legs with his other finger, and there was another crack. He looked at Ryoka, and then, with a slight smile, pushed the statue slightly.

Ser Tubeliges statue went over with a whump onto the ground and nearly added Sarathine to the glorious ranks of the hereafter in this cetery. The Sariant Lamb ran with a scream as she looked up. She stared up, and saw Visophecin and Ryoka glaring at her. The Lucifen pointed a finger, and a miniature arrow of fla passed over the Sariant Lambs head.

Sariant Lamb fact: like birds and other species, they void their bowels for increased speed when they flee. Or maybe just Sarathine does when Visophecin nearly blasts her with fire.

Ryoka saw Visophecin smile with genuine pleasure as he watched Sarathine flee. She glanced at the fallen lambs statue.

How much would you call that?

Visophecin regarded Ser Tubeliges and lowered his foot. He pressed and smashed the face into the flagstones.

With [Repair] spells, perhaps cheaply. I consider that a four hundred gold reconstruction cost happily paid.

He calmly kicked the statue into the grass. Ryoka heard a smattering of applause and turned to see Paxere and her two parents applauding Visophecin with great approval. He bowed slightly to them.

Now, to business. You left so quickly, and the discussion turned to the Singer of Terandria such that I could not ask you more about the incident around Erin Solstice. Will you tell ?

He turned to Ryoka. The young woman glanced up at him.

Why? The people who did it are dead. And I

She hesitated. Stared at the Sariant Lambs defaced statue. Then at Visophecin. Ryoka spoke slowly.

Ca to Ailendamus to find sothing to heal her. But nothing short of that has worked. I think they even tried a Potion of Regeneration. There are things she needs. Aan unfreezing spell. An antidote for the poison, and a healing chanism. Or sothing more.

The Lucifen looked down at Ryoka. He raised one eyebrow.

It seems like an unusual problem and a grievous injury, especially for a Human. Yet, Ryoka Griffin. What is difficult or impossible short of a great relic for mortals is not so in Ailendamus. You stand in House Shoel, where so of the greatest spellcasters in the world gather. Lady Fithea is a magic user from an era where spells were created that used no conventional magic of today. I am Viscount of Ailendamus. Tell about your friend. I care little for people with no value to , or outside of Ailendamus.

He extended a hand as he slowly brought out a dark glove to put on. Ryoka looked at it.

But we are allies. Whilst it is not in my natureI know of more frost spells than any [Mage] of Cenidau or Archmage of Wistram living. I would bet upon that.

Visophecins eyes glinted. Which just went to show how much he knew about betting. Ryoka looked up at him. Then her eyes widened. She rose, taking his hand, and he turned, as if they were dancing under the night sky in the shattered forr palace.

The Lucifen and Wind Runner walked forwards, talking, suddenly with the young woman animated. The Viscount curious. Listening, casting a spell.

House Shoel turned as they heard the Wind Runner exclaim. Saw her eyes brighten. They listenedall aside from Gadrea, who paused in horror and stared down as she cried out.

Ser Tubeliges! What happened to his statue? Did anyone see?

It was a special day. But, you understand, it wasnt really one day. It was a special day whenever it ca to them, and you saw it happening.

Do you see?

A thread?

Many threads. Drawing together. Good girl.

A mother and a daughter sat, having a picnic in a forest, staring at so embroidery. The mother even patted the daughter on the head.

They stared past a swaying Zombie Giant, into the open facade of a castle of dark stone as the undead milled about. Powerful undeadwho avoided the Stitch Witch on pure instinct.

A Necromancer sat in a smooth crater of dirt. It was just dirt, but sothing had scooped the most geotrically precise sphere out of the world. He inhaledon reflex.

I am alive. Have I lost any of my Chosen? Report?

N-no, Master.

Ijvani was hiding behind the remains of a pillar. She sounded shaken. A few of the Chosen appeared. A wall had fallen on Venitra. Part of the castle was

Missing. Not knocked down or scattered about, but more in the vein of disintegrated. Or dragged into an entirely different plane. Which was why the Witch and her daughter, Maviola, were watching from a distance.

It was probably safe to return now the ritual was complete. Probably. So Belavierr hung back. She saw the Necromancer inhale again.

Repairs. Ijvani, oversee them. I must

His eyes flickered.

Pisces. Roshal has been left unchecked. Ijvani, see to it.

The Skeleton [Mage] stared blankly up at the gaping wall and stone structure only standing because of the enchanted stone, not due to any laws of physics.

Yes, Master?

Azkerash was striding towards the stairs when he was intercepted. An odd thing, that. No one got in his way.

Except for the depressed skeleton leaning on a wall, his violet eyes burning low. An anxious Healing Sli circled around him, but he was in a bad way. He had mold on his skull, and he was holding sothing in his hands.

The Necromancer barely paid attention to the undead after his harrowing battle with magic that threatened even him. He was also checking in on Pisces, so he did what he had done for a century in life: he walked around Toren.

Or tried to. Azkerash absently realized soone was still in his way, so he spoke and stepped the other way.

Excuse .

Only then did he realize soone was deliberately stepping into his path. The Necromancer refocused on the world around him. Venitra, Ijvani, Bea, Devail, and Wesixa all turned. Venitras eyes flashed with outrage.

How dare

Toren ignored Azkerash. He reached out, placed a bony hand on the Necromancers shoulder. Azkerash stared at the familiar gesture. Ijvanis jaw dropped straight off her skull in horror.

Listen, pal. I know youre busy, butgive a second.

That was the attitude Toren projected. He handed Azkerash sothing. The Necromancer took it blankly, and stared down at a young womans face.

Fake Erins head stared back at him. Or rather, what was left of it after being half-sucked into the void. Toren gave Azkerash another pat.

See?

Ah. The puppet. That iscompletely fine. I am busy. I will return to

The Necromancer paused as Toren handed him sothing. Venitra was taphorically frothing at the mouth as Azkerash took it. It was

A [ssage] scroll. Toren patted him on the shoulder again. He aningfully took Erins head and tossed it over his shoulder. Then he gave the Necromancer two finger guns.

Priorities.

He wandered off, leaving the Necromancer staring at the [ssage] scroll. It had a copy of one of the open bounties on a certain cure. Soone had underlined it helpfully and circled it.

Belavierr watched Toren go. She turned to Maviola.

You see? A thread.

He is a funny skeleton. I like him.

Maviola smiled. Belavierrs orange, ringed eyes narrowed disapprovingly.

Do not emulate that one.

Yes, mother. Sorry, mother.

It began with a [ssage] spell. Or scroll, if you owned one of the artifacts that could auto-project a [ssage] chain onto it.

Or an inquiry to the Mages Guild to source a particular conversation or open-viewing [ssage].

It was actually a rather highly convoluted system that required a centralized location where all the relevant [ssages] were stored. They didnt justlinger; soone had to write them down.

Highly inefficient, really. You could magically store data, and create an efficient, working system. But why bother to do that when you could pay for countless [Scribes] around the world to do it the hard way?

Wistram ntality.

The Grand Magus grumbled and added it to his list of things to fix. Yes, indeed, why bother learning magical data theory when you could just write down every [ssage] and charge people to recover it? So people said it was an economic boon. He, Eldavin, called that an excuse.

He was in a bad mood, so the half-Elf was going at twice the necessary speed as the [High Mage] and [Communication Mages] and [Scriers] in the group desperately cribbed notes.

Its very simple. The Walled Cities can do it. This is not even a [Communication] spell in terms of difficulty. You simply connect multiple [ssage]-sending mages together. Like so, you see?

Theyd done it for a phone call, but inefficiently. He was showing the others how to do it with about a pound of soot, fifteen grams of magic-infused quartz, powdered, and your left foot in forty seconds.

The magical diagram shimred as it connected a group for this trial run.

There. Does soone have it?

I thinkI think I do, Grand Magus! This is extraordinary! Why, every Mages Guild could offer linked [ssage]-casting

Yes. Exactly. Group chattery, or whatever the Earthers call it. One of you teach the others. Ill co back and teach you how to encrypt [ssages] later.

Encrypt

Eldavin pinched at his nose as he walked away. It really was justinfuriating. Gratifying, yes, but the umpteenth ti soone goggled at you when you told them it was possible to do sothing as mundane as the magical equivalent of tying your shoes? It beca more depressing than anything else.

He was overworked, understaffedwith intelligent, capable peopleand he had been having odd problems health-wise of late. He had too many projects, but the Grand Magus took a mont out of his day between heading to teach [Green Mages] how to properly infuse plants with mana as he realized soone was doing sothing vaguely interesting.

A conversation hed been monitoring in his mind suddenly pinged. Rather, the detection spell hed set up told him soone was adding to a chain of [ssage] spells that had gone silent. He put it on his ntal notecard to review tonight. Thenthe spell chid in his head again, and then again.

Hm? Thats odd. Whats

It began with the Great Sage Etrikah doing what [Sages] did best. Demonstrating the wisdom of her class.

Great Sage Etrikah of Nerrhavias Fallen requests the exalted honor of communication with the Eternal Kingdom of Khelts Illustrious Mages Guild in regards to a bounty and discussion of a cure marked within its listed bounties as of Althine, 12th, sothing sothing A.F.

It took about twelve minutes before a reply ca, in which ti Yvlon Byres was stabbing shrimp as she described Pisces anonymous contact. The Great Sage frowned and scribbled as Yisa peeked over her shoulder, and Yvlon broke off her discussion.

Sothing?

Keep talking. There are formalities I need to get through.

The Mages Guild of Khelt replies as follows to the Great Sage of Nerrhavias Fallen, may tyrants rest uneasy. Herewithin lies the docuntation of the will of no less than His Exalted Majesty of the Eternal Lands, Sovereign of Khelt as ordained by Khelta the First

A lengthy copy of the bounty followed. Etrikah rolled her eyes as she wrote back.

The Great Sage of Nerrhavias Fallen requests further clarification on said topic, with all available information and attempted cures or progress. I, the GSNF, beseech Khelt humbly with all due praise to his eminence, King Fetohep etc. etc. as it is my intention to join my efforts to Glorious Khelt etc.

There was a pause, as the poor person on the other end had to both decipher what GSNF ant and wonder if the Exalted Kingdom of Khelt was being slighted, pranked, or so on.

To the Great Sage of Nerrhavias Fallen, in regards to your query. Such information is classified in partial relation to Khelt, but the Mages Guild will forward an information-sharing request to Oteslia for all pertinent

GSNF: I dont have ti for that. Kindly inform His Majesty or whover is leading this project I am willing to devote my ti and effort to this issue, but I would like to communicate with soone who can speak to on the issue at hand.

The Mages Guild of Exalted Khelt: The persons in question are currently occupied. The Mages Guild will petition His Majesty for a response upon the approval of

GSNF: That will take weeks. Please inform Fetohep of Khelt that Queen Yisa would like to forward this matter to his attention.

The Mages Guild of Exalted Khelt: As His Majesty is preoccupied with the rule of Khelt, the Mages Guild will lodge a

GSNF: Queen Yisa will send His Majesty of Etc. Khelt a request to speak personally within the hour. In which, she may be displeased by the inconvenience of needing to intercede upon a simple request and highlight the issue. Your choice.

TMGEK: Do not do that with great respect. We will imdiately contact the palace. Please hold.

GSFN GSNF: Thank you. I would like this information now, with a direct line of [ssages] or speaking stone if one can be arranged.

TMGEK: This may prove difficult. His Majesty has sealed the project

GSNF: Then please add that to his request. Also, put in touch with the person in Oteslia who is heading this project.

TMGEK: We are retrieving the na. Your contact is a Lionette Solstice, who is partially funding the project along with Saliss Oliwing, and the projects research and information belongs to a [Researcher] Dronl of the Institute of Inquiry in

Wistram: Hello! I see you are conducting a multiple [ssage] spell program. Could I interest the participants in a new, multiple-[ssage] spell connection at a nominal fee?

The Fox Beastkin woman nearly spilled soup all over her [ssage] scroll. Yisa looked up from writing down a scene involving the real shipwhich was clearly when Ksmvr ca to Zenols rescue.

Whats wrong, Etrikah?

I have no clue.

GSNF: What is this?

TMGEK: There is no [ssage] from Wistram inbound. Please hold

Wistram: We see that Khelts Mages Guild is conducting multiple [ssages] on the sa topic. If one of the recipients would like to trial our new system, please affirm with a YES. We will take that as a signal for consent and apply a slight surcharge of four silver and two copper for the entire trial period, as this magical system is in testing.

GSNF: Stop reading my private correspondence. This is Nerrhavia Fallens business.

Wistram: We apologize for any intrusion. This is a generic ssage being written into every active conversation with multiple contacts.

GSNF: Rhirs demon-infested hells it is. I am lodging a formal complaint. Who is the fool on the other end sending this?

TMGEK: Wistram, please desist with sending [ssages]. This is Khelts confidential business.

Wistram: This is an automated ssage. Please disregard any intrusin into your conversations.

GSNF: You misspelled intrusion. Wistram can automate spells and I can use my tails to fly.

Eldavin: You are an embarrassnt to the Academy. Apologies. I am shutting down Wistrams end of this conversation. Prepare for [Multi-ssage Link].

GSNF: Thats an advanced ritual. Wistram cant just

And then her [ssage] scroll suddenly exploded with text. Etrikah yanked her paws away with an oath as an entire wall of text appeared that had hither-to not been there.

Soone elses conversation.

Ailendamus: I believe our conversation is being intruded upon.

The Mages Guild of Eternal Khelt: That is an unusual claim. Please verify. We are rechecking our connection.

Wistram: Hello! I see you are conducting a multiple [ssage] spell program. Could I interest the participants in a new, multiple-[ssage] spell connection at a nominal fee?

Ailendamus: I would like to lodge a formal complaint.

The Mages Guild of Eternal Khelt: We deeply apologize for

Etrikahs page flickered, as more text skimd across it, replacing the old words. Yisa was now leaning over.

Etrikah, what is going on?

Soones using a linking spell for [ssages]. But it shouldnt be easy. Whatshold on.

A few shimring nas engraved themselves at the top of her [ssage] scroll. Etrikah eyed them, then saw the blank page begin to cross with words simultaneously. She read what looked like participants ina group conversation.

Lionette: What happened? I was asking about the availability of Ghost Shrooms when the [Mage] at my guild started panicking. What is this? Is it Wistram?

Ailendamus: I believe this is a multi-[ssage] link. Intriguing.

GSNF: Is this Lionette Solstice? Are you related to Erin Solstice?

Ice Squirrel: Whoa.

Ailendamus: Lyon LIONETTE is that you?

Ailendamus: Apologies, there are multiple individuals present. Please disregard.

Lionette: Who is this, please? I am related to Erin Solstice, yes. I am her sister.

GSNF: Erin Solstice has no sister. Who is this truly?

Ice Squirrel: Ailendamus? Is that Ailendamus the nation? Whats a GSNF?

Viscount V: I apologize for the misunderstanding. I am representing Ailendamus in inquiry to the cure regarding an Erin Solstice and collaboration between Oteslia and Khelt.

Ice Squirrel: Khelt istrying to cure Erin?

The Mages Guild of Eternal Khelt: We are deeply sorry for this misunderstanding and event. It appears the Academy of Wistram is employing a [ssage]-altering spell via the magic linking us. We are unsure of how this is occurring and are trying to receive clarification.

Lionette: I would appreciate being takenoffthis spell, please. My information is confidential.

Viscount V: As are my affairs. I intend to lodge a formal complaint with

SALISS: THIS IS SO INTERESTING.

Ice Squirrel: What.

GSNF (Great Sage of Nerrhavias Fallen): Is that Nad Adventurer Saliss of Lights?

Lionette: Saliss? What are you doing? Where are you?

Witch A: Hello? I am inquiring about a cure for Erin Solstice. What is this, please? We are calling from the Mages Guild of Anazuland. Very confused.

Viscount V: This is entirely chaotic. Exalted Mages Guild of Khelt. Upon resending a [ssage] spell, I am re-looped into this [ssage] chain. Will you send the requested information at a later date?

The Mages Guild of Eternal Khelt: With greatest apologies, we are still contacting Wistram for a formal explanation.

Lionette: Wait, is everyone inquiring into a cure for Erin?

Ice Squirrel: Yes, its , Lionette.

Viscount V: Yes.

GSNF: Yes. Wistram is mucking things up. As usual.

SAAAALIIISSSS: TELL WHEN THATS NOT WISTRAM. HAH.

Witch A: Why is that ssage appearing in capital letters? What is wrong with the na? What is going on? We are inquiring into a cure, yes.

TMGEK: Please hold, we are working on the issue.

Ice Squirrel: Who? Oh.

Lionette: Who is this now?

The Mages Guild of Eternal Khelt: We are shortening our address to TMGEK for clarify.

Lionette: That is clarity?

Fetohep of Khelt: I am exceptionally displeased.

Ice Squirrel: Oh wow.

The Mages Guild of Exalted Khelt With Great Apologies to His Exalted Majesty: We are attempting to clarify the situation with

Fetohep of Khelt: Enough. Desist. I will take this matter over myself. To all those present, I am King of Khelt, who oversees the project in regards to a cure for an individual known as Erin Solstice. Direct such inquiries unto and

S.A.L.I.S.S: Youre in charge? Who put you in charge?

Fetohep: Desist in your writing.

Sal-iss: I didnt put you in charge.

Fetohep: Enough. You speak to the ruler of Exalted Khelt. Deference is required.

Not Saliss: Make .

Viscount Visophecin of Ailendamus: It is our extre pleasure to tender our regards to His Majesty of Khelt, regardless of war or the circumstances. To the sand eternal, may Khelt reign.

Great Sage of Nerrhavias Fallen: Greetings to Khelt. This is a disaster. Is Wistram just tossing around magic link spells? I dont need every conversation to be like the Arbitration Council.

Fetohep: I greet you, Viscount Visophecin and Sage Etrikah, to whom I believe I am writing. In regards to this conversation, it is my understanding that Wistram has ignorantly applied its magic to a similar interest. In regards to

THAT DRAKE WITH THE POTIONS: HEY.

Fetohep: the cure for Erin Solstice as first attempted by Oteslia. Khelt has funded and taken over.

NAD ADVENTURER SALISS: HEEEEEY~~

Lionette: Khelt has not taken over any project to my knowledge. I am Lionette, Erins cousin. I am attempting to work on a cure. I am exceptionally willing to talk to whover may have information or aid regarding Erin Solstice.

GSNF: You said you were her sister.

Saliss of Lights: Did you know that the Demonsoul Skunk has a musk that can be slled over a mile away at peak potency?

Lionette: SALISS. STOP.

Ice Squirrel: Thats Saliss, right? Saliss, its ! Im not alone, though.

Saliss: Clarabessa?

Ice Squirrel: No.

It was at this point a few things happened.

Viscount Visophecin sat back to pour himself a drink of water and watch while Ryoka stared at the scroll. The Lucifen looked amused and exceptionally interested by turns.

Lyonette du Marquin looked around, saw the naked Drake energetically scribbling at a counter next to hers, and threw an inkwell, which he dodged.

Half the [Rogues] around Ceria started taking bets on whether this was real.

Sage Etrikah decided she needed a drink as Yisa and Yvlon stared at the parchnt.

And then the others began joining in.

Grand Magus Eldavin was only partly aware of Wistram trying out their new spell like a child with a wand. He had stopped in his progress back to eject the fool who had caused this trouble with multiplereigning heads of state from the academys nearest window because another fool was in his way.

Grand Magus. I know we have spoken, and you are busy, but I hope you will hear my request.

Ah. I believe we have t. Now is not a good ti.

The interloper nodded.

Nevertheless, Grand Magus. I insist. I hope you will hear out. I am prepared for your displeasure.

Eldavin considered ejecting this young man through the nearest window as well, but there was a certain set to his jaw and determination the half-Elf liked. So Eldavin pointed.

Very well. I respect preparation. Goodbye.

The giant hand grabbed the Human young man with blonde hair and, before he could move, tossed Ylawes Byres out the window. Eldavin heard a shout as he strode on, followed by the sounds of alarm from outdoors.

The [Knight] caught him halfway to his destination, panting. Eldavin eyed Ylawes wet clothing and look of grim determination, and nodded.

Youve earned five minutes. Speak.

The [Knight] inhaled sharply.

Its about two things, Grand Magus. My sister is currently captive of Nerrhavias Fallen. She is a Gold-rank adventurer. Thatand I ca to Wistram with my team in the hopes that you could cure soone whosnot dead, but not alive. Trapped in a stasis spell.

What, the kind that ends with a kiss? Do they still do that?

Eldavin wrinkled his nose. Ylawes shook his head.

No, Grand Magus. She was injured and frozen. Shot by poisoned crossbow bolts, but she survived and

Eldavin held up a finger. The half-Elf stared ahead of him, put a finger to his brow, and looked at Ylawes.

He had the strangest sense ofall three things. And one of his greater goals, that girl who kept getting herself into

Erin Solstice. You anErin Solstice.

Ylawes eyes widened. He looked at the Grand Magus. The half-Elf stared at him, then put a finger to his temple.

Co with . Find a Scroll of [ssages]. Ohand if you see an idiot wearing blue robes, toss him out the nearest window. Or just stab him.

It was at this mont when the little Gnoll girl shyly ducked her head in front of the oldest [Shaman] in the eting of Tribes. Perhaps the world.

Shaman Perbne, the [Chief Shaman] of the tribe, bowed as the old, old Shaman Theikha of Gaarh Marsh, semi-retired but most venerable of all, peered at Mrsha.

She had graciously co to their location, upon no less than Weatherfur and Ekhtouchs request. It was highly unusual; even if two famous tribes asked, they should co to her.

However, Theikha was spry enough, and the odd request was curious. Now, she fixed Mrsha with a calm stare that had the nervous girl sitting up straight. Mrsha was no stranger to important people, but this old Gnoll woman reminded her of her [Shaman].

AndMrsha needed her help.

Shaman Theikha. I thank you greatly for coming. The circumstances areodd. Such that we must trouble you. However, the long and short of it is that Silverfang and four other tribes ask that you give us your great wisdom in divining a cure for a deathly-ill Human. A great friend of Gnolls. This child has co so far and hopes you will help us.

Ah. I see.

Theikha glanced at Mrsha, and the Gnoll shyly waved. An over-nervous Gnoll woman interrupted.

Honored Theikha, I am Krshia Silverfang. This is Mri, and she is very shy, but wished to see you. May I offer you food, refreshnt? Anything else?

They had all of that placed in front of Theikha, but Krshia and Chieftain Torishi Weatherfur and Akrisa were all here. So were Gire, Shaman Cetrule, even Satar as a young [Shaman], and two of Weatherfurs [Shamans].

Not just because necessity demanded honoring Theikha, but because they wanted to et one of the oldest [Shamans] themselves. The old Gnoll looked at Mrsha again and nodded to Krshia.

Let us hear your plea. We can do no less for brave Silverfang, who has unveiled dark truths to us in these tis. Do you have details?

I do, and a first-hand account, Honored Theikha. There are many factorsa friend is in Oteslia, seeking a cure, and we are retrieving their work. There is an [Alchemist]but I get ahead of myself, forgive .

Krshia stuttered with nervousness, but Theikha smiled and she relaxed a bit. Mrsha edged backwards towards the opening of the tent, where soone was poring over an artifact.

Well? Can she help?

Rose whispered to Mrsha. The Gnoll girl hesitated, but Gire shook her head.

Theyre explaining the situation. Wheres the details about the injury?

She hugged Mrsha as the Gnoll girl ca out. Tkrn, even Tesy and Vetn, were all huddled around the tents opening, but kept fleeing every ti Akrisa turned to glower. An annoyed Gnoll with golden fur was growling to herself.

Im trying to get it! Dead gods, dont any of you believe in prep-work?

Whats wrong? Doesnt the Mages Guild in Oteslia have it?

Qwera, the Golden Gnoll of Izril stared down at her [ssage] Scroll as Mrsha peeked over her shoulder. So did a Human woman, a [rchant], Ysara Byres, with her brows raised. Qwera shook her head.

You will not believe this

Lyonette du Marquin was frozen. Saliss was half-eying Wilovan, who had his fist slightly raised. The calm Gentleman Caller looked like even his patience was fraying.

But they were all looking down at the ssage scroll. Because this?

Lyonettes lips moved. There was only one effect she had ever known that could cause this. Her hands were shaking.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: Hello. Hello, is there an expert on frost magic in this discussion room? I am prepared to financially back any project with a verifiable cure. Paynt on successful delivery.

Fetohep of Khelt: I am Fetohep of Khelt. No paynt is necessary. One shall not want for fulfillnt as Khelt is my witness.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: Is thisFetohep of Khelt, Ruler of Khelt, the nation?

Fetohep of Khelt: No less.

Golden Gnoll: Buttered goat testicles, is this real?

Fetohep: Im Fetohep and I hate undead. Bleh.

Lionette: Dead gods. I am so sorry. I apologize without reservethat is Saliss again.

Viscount Visophecin: It becos clear that fraud is an issue. This system proposed by Wistram reveals more faults than benefits.

GSNF: True, but we are communicating multi-way. Thats sothing only a few groups like the Walled Cities can manage.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: I can verify this. Although the Walled Cities networks are encrypted. I believe this is an unsecured spell?

Fetohep: My sendings are secure. I cannot vouch for individuals elsewhere. Nor do I lack for such ans.

Witch A: Were just a Mages Guild in Anazuland. Hello! Please dont spy on us, Wistram. :