The Wandering Inn Book 9: Chapter 19

[Andrew Rowe has co out with Book 4 in his series, Arcane Ascension! Silence of the Unworthy Gods (great title, were on the sa page), is out now! Check out the book and series here!]

In Baleros, there is a [Doctor].

Her na is Geneva Scala, and she needs to be found. She is waiting, waitinga guest of the Minds of Selphids. Few people know this, and even if they do, who can find her, much less bring her back?

The Minds have her. And whichever Minds they arethey are both secluded and guarded by an army.

The Titan of Baleros had lots of maps. And he had found at least one group of Minds before. As for an army? He had a few. Now, the trick was sneaking up on a telepathic group of super-brains, or at least, cornering them.

Find, locate, extractand the prize would be eting the Last Light of Baleros, a woman from another world. Earth.

The Titan mulled over his maps as he sipped a mug of coffee, which he was probably already addicted to. And he had one, crucial thought.

Damn the [Doctor].

The reason why he had a cup of coffee was not because Oteslias new product had spread to Balerosironically, the species of plant that made coffee was endemic to Baleros anyways.

The reason was because the Titan of Baleros kept tabs on things, so he had heard about the drink. But he was mainly drinking it because

The Wandering Inn was selling coffee. At a huge markup. The Titan of Baleros happenedjust happened to know this, because next to his maps and notes about the offensive against The Dyed Lands, finding Geneva Scala, and pushing back Jungle Tails was a scrying orb.

One of four. But this one just happened to be a feed of The Wandering Inns common room. And he was, right now, watching as a flood of Goblins, Antinium, adventurers, and interesting people poured into the inn in what would be a three-day ga party.

And he had just seen Erin Solstice return from her vacation with what he swore was a flaming hat. How Niers wished he could be there.

He had heard, down the grapevine, that The Wandering Inn had famous parties. And an Antinium army would be returning to the city as well as even more fun guests in the next few days.

The Titan was piqued. He hesitated, scribbled in a little Fraerling-sized scroll, then tried to stop. But he couldnt. So he kept compounding his problem, butthe [ssage] scroll read sothing like this.

Niers: Heard about the river incident. Anything interesting happen with your [Emperor]?

Niers: Pekis at the battlefield. Not my fault.

Niers: Thoughts on the Crusade? Have you t Xrn?

Niers: Nice hat.

He told himself that four was too many. Which was why six ssages since Erins last comnt was, uhhe was fiddling with a quill when soone passed by his table littered with tools at breakfast.

Foliana was used to Niers in work-mode. But she definitely noticed the non-war-related paraphernalia at the table. Niers tried to hide the scroll behind his back, and the squirrel just shuffled around him.

She looked up at Niers as he opened and closed his mouth. Then Foliana killed him. She leaned forwards, and her huge squirrel-face contorted into a terrible glee and, worse, sympathy for him as the Fraerling looked at her in horror.

La.

She left Niers skewered on the table and hopped off. The Titan slowly rolled up the [ssage] scroll and went back to plotting to kill people. Possibly with more vengeance than before. But he didnt miss the inns commotion. He couldnt see the private elents, of course, but he was watching.

The [Princess] was standing in a flurry of people, organizing them pretty well, calling out nas, eting with a Watch Captain and a few Councilmbers of Liscor. A party. They were having a party, and multiple cities were invited.

But the little Goblin Chieftain and Erin Solstice were nowhere to be seen.

Lyonette du Marquin stood in The Wandering Inn, and Pawn was glad to see her. He had missed Lyonette terribly, and he walked forwards.

Lyonette. You are back. I have missed you. How was

Then, like usual since she had returned, a figure in golden armor subtly interposed himself between Pawn and Lyonette. Ser Lorl coughed as the [Princess] hurried into the inn, escorting a young girl.

Who was this? Pawn tried to edge past Ser Lorl as the Thronebearer blocked him. The others were like that, too. Whenever he and Lyonette tried to be private, one of them was there.

He waited for Lyonette to turn to him and order her people out of the way, but she was busy talking to a young Human girl.

Im so sorry its chaotic, Nanette.

Not at all, Miss Lyonette. I should see how the inn is if Im to live here.

Yes, but I did hope it would be less chaotic. What am I saying? Heres the inns common room, and as you can see

Lyonette. Lyonette, what are these Goblins doing here? I need to talk to you or Erin about so many.

Watch Captain Zevara ran into the sa problem as Pawn was slowly trying to push Lorl into a wall. Ser Dalimont checked her with an arm, and she stared at him.

Excuse , Miss. Her Highness is busy.

I am Watch Captain Zevara on business of Liscor. And this inn is technically part of Liscor. One side.

I regret that no authority but the crown of Calanfer can supercede my orders, Watch Captain.

Ser Dalimont and Zevara clashed in a rather impressive way. The Watch Captain was literally breathing fire, but Dalimont didnt move. And Lyonette was showing Nanette around, still.

Was this a new guest of the inn? Another child?

In Pawns view of the world, children could be born naturally, a process which he was still fuzzy about since the Antinium had no place in other species biological reproduction. Or they appeared, like Mrsha. Thus, he was the only person to guess that Nanette was staying at the inn. In which case he should obviously introduce himself to her to make a good impression. He had failed with Mrsha, but she was a rapscallion.

Excuse , I need to speak to Lyonette. Please move.

I regret that Her Highness is busy, Mister Pawn.

Lorl had the friendly look of soone who really wasnt that friendly. Pawn frowned.

I have not insisted because I am being polite to Lyonettes guards. But I must. Please move.

Mister Pawn, I am well aware of youracquaintanceship with Her Highness, but I regret to say that she is busy.

Lorl stressed the words with that sa veneer. Pawn suspected that he wasnt regretful at all. If he were, he would have let Lyonette know Pawn was standing there. What annoyed the Antinium more than the lies was sothing else, though.

I am not Mister Pawn.

Oh? Pardon , sir. I simply use it as a term to refer to people. As [Knights] of Calanfer do, sir.

I am not sir, either. I am a [Priest].

Lorl hesitated for a second. He eyed Pawn with a look of slight unease, then smiled.

Well, er, Priest Pawn, as Ser Dalimont said, no force besides the crown of Calanfer supercedes Her Highness own will. Please step back, and we will let Princess Lyonette know soone is petitioning her ti at her convenience.

Pawn stared at Lorl as a familiar feeling of frustration began to build in him.

You know my relationship with Lyonette.

Lorls lips compressed, and his eyes swiveled about, but the inn was floodingliterally flooding with people. Ceria escaped through the door as a flood of people asking for autographs charged in after her. Mrsha had t a wild Grev, and the two were high-fiving as Gireulashia gently picked up a startled Human and moved them out of the way so she could find her little friend.

No one had heard, so the Thronebearer leaned forwards.

I know nothing of the kind, sir, and I would hope you will be silent about most untoward accusations against Her Highness integrity.

Pawn looked at him. Then sothing clicked in his head, and he realized they knew. Which ant they were doing this on purpose. And disapproved. And

Calmly, he patted Ser Lorl on the arm.

My private life is my business. And Lyonettes. Who I will now see at our convenience. Thank you for not getting in my way further, Ser Lorl. I would hate to disturb your work.

I regret

Ser Lorl reached for Pawn, and Gireulashia bodily checked him into a table.

Mrsha, MrshaMrshaMrsha, lets sit here withoops! Im so sorry!

She hadnt seen him, and the Thronebearer went stumbling into a table. Lorl turned to grab Pawn, who was marching towards Lyonette, and slipped. On his ankle.

[Bane of Luck].

Lorl was down, and Dalimont, Sest, and Ushar closed ranks. And all the while? This was the least important thing in the inn in so sense.

Because there were Goblins, and the [Princess] had promised a party. The only problem wasthere was no Erin wandering about organizing everything in her odd way. There was a party, and this ti, it was Lyonette who had to deliver.

The [Princess] was stressed out. But in that way where she invited the stress. Lyonette was deliberately buying ti to think by showing Nanette around the rooms and organizing the little witch her spot.

But she was well aware that Zevara was breathing smoke, and that Lism, Krshia, Elirr, and the Councilmbers were waiting for her.

And the [Mayor] of Invrisil. Nanette seed to sense it too.

Miss Lyonette, you can let look around. Its safe in the inn, isnt it?

Yes

Nanette gave her a brave smile. She looked around the common room and found Mrsha speaking excitedly with Gire. Her eyes went round at the sight of the huge Gnoll.

She must be Ekhtouch! Mrshas hereshe can help if Im lost, cant she? I can look around myself.

That instantly placed her as older than Mrsha. Lyonette hesitated.

If youre sure. Erin would be here, but we are in the middle of everything. Thank you, Nanette. I shall make it up to you.

The girl went to tip her hat again, caught herself, and just smiled. Guiltily, Lyonette nodded to her, stepped back, then clapped her hands.

Every head in the inn turned as the [Princess] invoked her aura. And her voice.

Attention, everyone! The Wandering Inn is open for business.

Those familiar words. Smiles appeared on toothy fangs and mandibles, and then Lyonette saw familiar faces in the guests.

Old friends. Repeat custors.

They were already here, because they had sensed the mont the instant it began building.

Senior Guardsman Relc, tugging his daughter over to the table that Klbkch had already secured. The changed Antinium had a bowl of acid flies in one hand, and they were seated right next to nolit, wearing his Liscor Hunted apparel.

New visitors too, like Venaz, staring at the Goblins with undisguised wariness. He twisted in his seat, and Wil put a hand on his shoulder with rrik as Redscar entered the inn.

With Thunderfur. The Carn Wolf scared every cat in existence into hiding behind Elirr as the [Beast Trainer] eyed the giant wolf with appreciation. Lyonette saw a Lamia poking his head out from behind Elirrs back and smiled.

Nerry the Sariant Lamb scuttled into Garias arms as Numbtongue looked around. And he grinned as a sleepy [Alchemist] poked her head out of her shop and smiled and waved at him. But there was Badarrow and Snapjaw and

Ishkr. The [Head Server] was everywhere, showing Antinium who to give food to and how to record receipts in the busy inn. Amazingly, he was keeping up with the chaos so far, but one look and Lyonette knew he needed backup.

Sowith countless more faces she knew, like grumpy Tekshia banging a claw on the table and demanding cookies, Ceria slyly offering Bird a stone bird wing shed claid from a Gargoyles corpse and getting a hug in return, Lyonette called out.

We are slightly busy! So I hope you will bear in mind that these are going to be busy days. Please do not disturb any other guests, including the adventurers. The second floor is off-limits. Lastly, do not go into the kitchen for food, no matter how hungry you are. We store jars of acid in there.

So of the guests blanched, but the others just laughed. Mrsha was staring at Lyonette, and the [Princess] caught her daughters eye. She jerked her head and gave a aningful nod to Nanette, who was watching Lyonettes crowd managent appreciatively.

Mrshas eyes went round, as if shed forgotten Nanette. She had to be responsible now! She slid out of her seat and went to grab Nanettes hand, much to Gires shock. Grev, the rascal, was just grinning, his feet up on a table as he leaned back in his chair.

The inn was warm with so many bodies and slled like sothing wonderfully spicy coming from the kitchens. The Goblins slled a bit travel-worn, a bit muddy, wet, like clothing got or leather, after being frozen and doused in water, and so were shivering from their long, high-altitude flight. So Lyonette gave orders fast.

I could use a larger fire and a second fire, Liska. Ishkr, please call out if youre in trouble, but focus on food for the tables.

They had no bartender, unfortunately, which ant Ishkr would have to sohow fill mugs as well as deliver food.

That was what Lyonette thought until a familiar figure paused and tried to duck behind the counter. She thought it was that other [Innkeeper]until she saw the beetle shell. And the waving silver antennae.

The Antinium polishing the counter clean and filling mugs peeked up at her as he surreptitiously took money and filled a mug of ale. Lyonette glared at Silveran, but it was not Silveran.

Because of the huge, bushy mustache he wore, see? He stroked it as Silverstache, the temporary [Bartender], got to clean up all the horrible sses on the bartop. And yes, it was a silver mustache on his face.

Lyonette just sighed, but all hands were needed, and more were in fact wanted. So she clapped her hands.

Right now, I would like to ask anyone with personal business to waitI need to speak to Liscors Council, Watch Captain Zevara, and the [Mayors] of Invrisil, Celum, and anyone from Pallass regarding the parade. Next, I would appreciate it if nolit, Temile, Kevin, Josephsoone find them if theyre not hereImani and Palt, uhm, Selys, and a few others would wait for . I wont be more than fifteen minutes.

Now that was odd. It was like Erin telegraphing her seemingly-random moves ahead. But this was Lyonette style, and nolit looked as curious as Kevin. Selys glanced at Lyonette sharply, but the [Princess] was already heading off to et with Zevara. She passed by Pawn, smiled at him, took his hand for a second, and had to go.

For the news was this: the inn was throwing a party. But it required everyones help.

A holiday? Really?

The news in the rest of Liscor was simple. The Council, after a flash-eting with the [Princess] at the inn, had co to an agreent.

In fact, the word was being cried across Liscor. A panting Ser Lorl, trying to escape his run of slips and bad luck, was standing at a bakery supplier.

Yes, sir. And I shall need all the sugar you have. Flour, erI have a list

Lyonette had called for supplies knowing that among the things you could sell in this three-day holiday would be cakes, cookies, and other confections. Ser Lorl wanted them run to The Wandering Inn, but the [Baker] wasnt done. He eyed the radiant Thronebearerwho had fallen in the mud on the way hereand frowned.

Well, I can do you a lot of these goods. All your at stuff? Try the [Butcher]s three doors down. Liscor Cutsbeen open for decades, you know.

Thank you, sir. Now, if you could deliver within the hour, we can pay

Unfortunately, Ser Lorl had run into a Drake who would have his say. Not because he spoke fast, but because he would speak over you until you listened.

decades, a family run business. Not that we arent adapting. Those new [Farrs], the shady ones? In that theyre all wearing dark clothing? The Humans? Wonderful products. Lischelle Herders, even Ive heard of em. So youll get fine at there. Not that well be open since apparently its a holiday. Nevermind that we got no warning. I suppose Ill keep the store open today and tomorrow and maybe close it. Them Antinium are coming back on the third day, right?

Lorl realized there was nothing to do but rehash the entire plan Liscor had laid out.

Yes, sir. Well have two days of celebration whereupon the Crusade should arrive by the third day. Or even tomorrow if they march fast enough. The Council and Celum and Invrisil have not shut down businesses; in fact, many are advised that this is a profitable mont, but they quite encourage it, and there will be activities, free, free goods which will be paid for by Liscors Council. Which you may want to get on, sir?

The [Baker] hmd; his shop was filled with busy [Apprentices] and the orders. Yet he had the ti to look Ser Lorl up and down.

And all this is by way of The Wandering Inn, eh? Going to be music?

Yes, sir, that is planned.

Dancing? Sothing crazy? No monsters this ti.

If it can be helped, sirwe have Goblins, which is why I am slightly pressed for

Youve changed.

The Thronebearer hesitated.

Excuse ?

The Drake shook his head slowly and sadly. He tapped a claw on the table.

Youve changed. Tell that [Innkeeper] that. I rember when shed have her big parties out of nowhere. One second Im dusting flour off my claws, the next? Moths. And then were eating snacks and clubbing the stragglers down. Or what about the party with music? Now youre organizing it? Youve changed.

Iwill relay that to Miss Solstice at your convenience, sir.

You do that. Now, as I was saying, what kind of flour did you want? Because theres acorn flour and wheat flour, and I assu your list just says flour, which is wheat flour, but sotis you get things wrong. Why, once, I delivered six bags of wheat flour only to learn that I was supposed to have

Ser Lorls smile calcified in place. But while so [Bakers] could object, the rest of the city liked the actual ti they had to prepare for this big celebratory bash.

The only question wasso people were making plans to close up the next day or already headed to the inn, which was a known quantity in celebrations.

But the question waswhat was going to be on offer today, tomorrow, and so on? Drinks? Food? The mont? Yes, but if it were a holiday, there was a plan, right?

Lyonette du Marquin was a Calanferian [Princess]. She knew she had upped the stakes by calling for a parade and holiday.

If anything, she had had the easiest ti talking the various leaders of cities into it. The potential for profits drove Liscors Council straight into a yes, as well the opportunity to garner attention and acclaim for their army.

Invrisil? The City of Adventurers [Mayor] had been bowled over by Lyonette in the first engagent, and they were no stranger to delights and parties. Sa for Celum; the [Mayor], Cetris Duiland, had practically begged to be invited to the festivities.

Because there was a high, high profit incentive. Imagine, Lyonette had claid, having a door open to all the cities? Obviously, Invrisil would be a long commute, but what if visitors trickled into Liscor for two days in preparation for the third one? Then, on the third day, theyd be able to transit to local cities like Esthelm, Celum, and a few would get to hop to Invrisil or Pallass.

During that ti, all the cities would be putting on a joint holiday, and so youd get your share of activities in each city, pay for food or lodging at inns, and fill the coffers of every city. This event had the potential to draw in people in the radii of every city, from noble guests to people who wanted to see the Antinium or be part of a news event.

Most of the leaders of their cities were canny enough to see how valuable this could be, and they agreed to spread the word. Visitors from Wales would head to Celum to see their army celebrated. Nobles in Invrisil could co to Liscor to safely see the Antinium and appear on the news.

All great. All wonderful. Howeverthat left Lyonette with a problem she knew would co up, and it was this.

Activities. Festivities. You needed them. Now, Erin could throw a party in a second, but she mainly threw it around sothing new, like baseball being invented or a monster disaster being defeated. But for days of festivities?

Calanfer had [Troubadours] who sang in shifts. They had events for little children, late-night festivities; so funded taverns to hand out free drinks all day, and a parade was almost inevitable, with at least one [Princess].

And that was the baseline for Ielane to even consider sothing. She always kept Calanfers celebrations fresh and exciting. Lyonette had no smaller aspirations.

Fortunately, she had four Thronebearers who knew the score, and she had talked to Lism in a quick conference.

You need to subsidize several taverns to give out free food.

Subsidize?

He said the word like it was a filthy thing. Krshia was also huddled with him, and she gave Lyonette a puzzled look.

Ah, like the eting of Tribes?

Exactly. Free foodbut not so much. Dont scowl at , Lism. It just needs to be a mix of free and paid food. Find a hole in your budget.

Our budget is calculated, youyouokay. I can see the point. Free samples. What else?

Parade routes. How is the army coming in? Where are you giving speeches, and how many tis are you going to repeat them? Get a map of Liscor, Dalimont? Thank you. I suggest doing a route. You need to avoid crowds so pedestrians can get aroundtalk to Hexel. Now, I will try to provide entertainnts, but youll need to help . Invrisil has a lot of perforrs, so I suggest dividing them up.

And were paying for them too?

Lyonette gave the Drake a sweet smile.

I suggest taking an estimate of how much coin you think will be paid and selling permits for [Shopkeepers]like yourselvesto sell at the best points, Councilmber. Also, rember the door travel fee.

That mollified him. Krshia gave Lyonette a respectful nod, but she glanced at the second group waiting in the wings.

And what about the entertainnts?

Lyonette bit her lip. She smiled at Krshia anxiously.

I intend to have sothing grand. I will let you know on the hour, Krshia. Alright?

The Gnoll gave Lyonette a look that said she knew Lyonette had no plan, but she nodded and then grabbed Lism and put him into an clothesline across the throat because he was trying to talk to Lyonette.

So lets talk about civic awards. How many dals does Invrisil give out? Do they even have a tradKrshia, let go, youre strangling .

We can ask the [Mayor] ourselves, eh, Lism? Elirr, you stay here and monitor the inn.

Elirr jumped. He was monitoring a drink and a sidebar of tapas that Imani had delivered as he chatted with Redscar, who, amazingly, was prone to socialness. He gave Krshia a relieved nod, and she winked.

Lism was being strangled by Krshia. He hissed at her.

Youre choking . I do thesave that for later, Silverfang. Fine, lets convene the Council. Wheres Jeiss?

anwhile, Zevara was storming out to convene the Watch. She was hopping mad about the impromptu paradebut she did have the ti to prepare. And she was bribed; Lyonette had handed her a bag of coffee beans. Zevara had justified it by saying it would be shared through the Watch House. Theyd probably need it.

As for the celebrations? Lyonette sat in one of the private dining rooms and thought. She turned to the dozen people who had filed in after her and smiled.

Does anyone rember how Erins big parties went? She was always good at having one main event, but we need activities for this celebration. I need ideas. How did Erin do it?

Well

The answer ca from a scarred Drake who wore a shirt that said, I survived Liscor Hunted and they gave this shirt on the back. He had gotten that idea from Kevin, but the originator of the now-profitable Liscor Hunted activities was none other than nolit.

He had no tail, but the [Veteran] looked happy to be here and far more fulfilled than he used to be.

He was also an old custor of Erins, and he scratched at his chin.

If were talking about monster attacks, I recall there being a lot of gore. But youd have drinks, food, and everyone just gobbled down everything in sight. Conversation? Mostly recounting nearly getting your face torn off by a moth. Then youd be drunk and high on life and kiss the nearest pretty Drake and pass out. Thats how I rember it.

He looked around for confirmation, and the rest of the guests chuckled or sighed. Selys scratched at her neck spines, looking slightly miffed.

Thats mostly you, nolit. Erin tended to have sothing else be the spotlight. Rember her plays? It was all about the Players, right, Temile?

The Human man nodded, straightening his flamboyant dress as befit the [Producer].

The light shines on the stage, and the food and drinks are background. I recall the ball ga being much the sa. Erins inn was always stocked up.

But she has no secondary activities.

The people are the secondary activities. Always soone new to talk to.

nolit waved a claw, and Lyonette saw the subtle genius in it. Entertainnt via excitent, her mother would have called it. You could get a ballroom of the nobility chattering for hours without needing more than a single string quartet in the background and enough to eat.

The problem wasthe Antinium had already won their battle. The people might celebrate, but celebrate what?

Are there any activities that Antinium do? Pawn?

Eat? Paint True Antinium? Play chess?

He looked happy to be included in the group of successful business people that Lyonette had convened. Temile, Selys, even Palt and Imani, Kevin, Joseph for Earthers

She needed ideas. Unfortunately, her guests were sympatheticand not that helpful. Kevin waved a hand.

What if Numbtongue got the old band back together? We could, like, play so songs.

What band?

Mrsha, , Numbtongue, Octavia, Saliss.

Saliss of Lights is in a band?

Temiles jaw worked as he tried to digest that. Lyonette had almost forgotten that mont! Which just showed how Erin did have secondary activities. She shook her head.

Good idea, Kevin, but this needs to be systematic. A band can only be in one place. Yes, we might well do that, but I need all-day activities that tens of thousands can participate in. Even if each city puts on their own performances, we need to give them ideas. Anyone?

The group shifted. nolit slowly raised a claw.

Well, Liscor Hunted can help. What if we let several people go in our groups for free and took so hunting Corusdeer or fighting Shield Spiders? Thats why you asked us, right, Lyonette?

She smiled at him.

Yes, thank you, nolit. And I know that the Players of Celum and Liscor have agreed to put on performancesbut we need more. Kevin, Joseph, Imani. You three arefrom Erins ho. Is there another sport you could introduce?

Kevin, Joseph, and Imani looked at each other. The [Chef] looked surprised.

What, just introduce a sport? LyonetteI an, there are so we havent done. Kevin?

He hesitated.

What aboutbasketball?

Anyone got a basketball?

Joseph was well aware of how you needed the right ball for the ga. Kevin shook his head. He looked around, scratching his head.

Dont they have catgut in Liscor? Or sothing similar? What about tennis?

Do we have bouncy balls? Badminton?

The Earthers broke off to make a separate group to figure out the problem. But they had only a day or two and none of them knew how Erin had managed to bully her way into creating sports practically overnight.

And Erin was not here! Good! Lyonette was going to do this on her own. Besides, Erin needed rest and to speak to her friend. So the [Princess] turned, desperately, back to the group.

What if we also involved the Silverfang Gnolls? Krshia?

Krshia had elected to stay to help this part of the festivities and to let Liscors Council to weigh in. But at the ntion of the Silverfang contingent in Liscor, she frowned.

How do you an, involve the Silverfangs, Lyonette? We do not have a surplus of goods nor do we have the ti to prepare as if this were the eting of Tribes.

The [Princess] shook her head.

I know that. ButGnolls are one of the most famous species after the eting of Tribes. Could wecould we bring so of that here? Wait a second. What about Liscor Hunted?

She turned to nolit. He raised his brows.

What about it?

What ifwe asked Gnolls to take people out to build fires, set up tents, and live like Gnolls? Show them what the lifestyle is like?

That could tie up thousands if they had enough [Hunters] and such. Lyonette thought the idea had ritright until Krshia snorted.

No.

No?

Lyonette turned to her, and the [Shopkeeper] shook her head. She gave Lyonette a firm stare.

My tribe is in mourning still. We may participate, but we are not going to show visitors our lives. Not in the Floodplains. Not Drakes. Nor even Humans, not right now.

The [Princess] face fell. She needed ideas! To her relief, Selys suggested one, glancing at Pawn.

Well, if nothing elsewhat if we have a contest?

A contest?

The [Heiress] nodded as everyone turned to her.

Drakes love contests. Humans too. Dead gods, we have a lot of crafters and visitors to Liscor too. Rember the Yoldenites are here?

How can I not? They were singing all last night.

Krshia grumbled; the Yoldenites were living it up in Liscor. Selys smiled playfully.

Wellthey make amazing helts. Could we have a contest to make helts?

Like Riverfarms hat contest with the [Witches]. Lyonette had never seen who won, but the idea sparked more in her head, and she blurted out.

Songs. Anthems. Helts. Paint!

Everyone looked at her as if she had gone crazy, but Lyonette was already motioning to Sest to write up a plan.

Thats brilliant, Selys. Calanfer often had contests where [Bards] would compose poems, and the winning one would win a prize. What abouta contest for Liscors anthem? Helt-making lessons. Im sure the Yoldenites would oblige. And we could paint, um, the Antiniums colors. Hang them up on pretty pieces of paper or kites. Sothing like that.

Whats the prize?

Gold. Ora Yoldenite-made helt. A bit of gemstone for other contests? Numbtongue has a few rubies lying about. He might oblige!

He does? Who has rubies lying around?

nolit was struggling to grasp the idea, but he liked it. And yetcontests would not an entire event make. Lyonette knew it full well. She just had to hope the Earthers ca through. The Wandering Inn was full of fantastic guests.

Surely one would get up to sothing amusing? She kept brainstorming as, outside, Kevin, Imani, and Joseph tromped out onto the grass, followed by a small crowd of interested people.

There were Goblins from Goblinho among the guests. Including Poisonbite, and the Goblin imdiately found Kevin and showed him a skateboard theyd made.

Oh, cool. Hey, Poisonbite. Hows it going?

Joseph eyed the Goblins as Kevin fist-bumped everyone he knew. Which was everyone. anwhile, Joseph was throwing his hands up.

How am I supposed to make a feathercock and badminton racket out of nothing? Wed have to put an order in, get a [Crafter]how did Erin do it?

Well, she had a few leather balls, and she commissioned soone to carve a bat. Baseballs not that hard. What if we went old-school? Imani, wheres your hoof-shodboyfriend?

Kevin grinned at Imani, trying to play on their affectionate titles for each other. Palt, passing by, buffeted Kevin gently with one hand.

Thats how I flirt with Imani, thank you. Sorry, I had to tell Lyonette to bother Wistram. They might be installing one of their Adventure Rooms in Invrisil. If they can put so energy into itand I bet they canthatll be a huge draw.

Already, so things were coming together, and Kevin grinned as he punched Palts flank. Joseph was frowning.

Old school? Yeah. Ping pong requires a stupidly bouncy ball, but we could have a wooden paddle, right? And can you enchant a ball to bounce, Palt?

Of course I can. Im a generalist. I passed Wistram with flying colors. Got a ball?

Joseph shrugged.

I bought the soccer balls from a shop that sold Ekirras balls. HellEkirra? Do you have a ball we could use?

He turned, and an excited little Gnoll wearing his jersey perked up in the crowd. People were following the Earthers outside on a hunch, and Josephs smallest fan was tagging along. He wagged his tail excitedly as Joseph singled him out.

You want a ball, Coach? I can get one!

What about a piece of wood? Hey, can anyone carve? We just need a racket like this

Kevin could sketch decently well, and his tennis racket was a simple idea. Yes, you needed a strong sh, but if you just needed sothing to whack aroundPalt raised his brows.

Doesnt seem hard. Does anyone have carving Skills? You could turn that into a square with a handle.

The crowd susurrated until soone spoke up.

Ive got a sword. Want to give it a shot?

It was, unsurprisingly, Venaz, who thought he had the answer to the worlds problems. He strode forwards with his greatsword, and Kevin eyed it. However, the inn had planks of wood for repairs, and with a few cuts and a bit of cloth to wrap the handle, they had the ugliest racket in existence.

In thatit was a flat piece of wood attached to a handle. Joseph and Imani didnt quite look at Kevin as he swung it around.

Okay, its heavy.

And Palt had to enchant it so it wouldnt break. But Ekirra ca racing back with a little leather ball he liked to throw and play catch with, and the Centaur galy enchanted it to be light and bouncy. Kevin tapped it up as Venaz cut a second piece of wood into the shape of a paddle. He raised the mismatched rackets and asked Palt to cast a [Lightwall] spell.

Right here. Yay high. Can you do that?

Im enchanting your stupid pieces of wood. One secondoh, thank you, Ceria.

A wall of ice rose as the [Cryomancer] ca out to see what everyone was doing. She was watching Palt work, and she looked amused as she chomped on fries.

That worked. Kevin handed Joseph a paddle, and the two faced each other across a flat piece of ground down the hill and just outside Liscors gates. There were no lines marking the field, they held two pieces of unbalanced, rough wood as their paddles, and the enchanted ball bounced way too far when Kevin awkwardly served it over the ice wall. Joseph ran after it, cursing, and then lobbed it back. They managed to return it two tis each before Kevin failed to return the tennis ball.

He turned to the watching crowd. Kevin waved the racket at the Drakes, Humans, Gnolls, Antinium, and Goblins. Even the Antinium looked unimpressed.

Tada. Tennis. Alright, whos up for a ga?

He waited for volunteers. The crowd looked at each other, and finally, a Drake raised a claw.

Wait. Isnt that just Toresball? Only, your paddles are too wide. I play it all the ti in Pallass.

Kevins face fell.

What? You have that ga?

The Drake gave Kevin a long, long look.

Yeah. Its hitting a ball with a stick. Walled Cities play it indoors.

The crowd muttered. Several Humans knew a similar ga with horses and long poles where you played a kind of golf. Kevins heart sank.

Well, what aboutbasketball? Joseph, basketball?

Ringshot? Lizardfolk play that with hoops in Baleros. Theirs are sideways, though. Got any other ones?

Jelaqua leaned against Maughin, cuddling her beau whod co out to et her as Joseph slapped his forehead.

The Earthers conferred, talking about other gas of varying levels of entertainnt. What did they have? Board gas? Umhockey? anwhile, the crowd eyed their tennis example. One called out.

Youve changed, man. The inn used to be fun.

Shut up! Were trying!

Joseph shouted back at a [Baker] in the crowd. Of course, that just provoked jeers, and the Earthers turned into the amusent. Imani shook her head as she climbed onto Palts back.

I have to go. We need to cook up a storm. Tell Lyonette we tried.

The Centaur galloped into Liscor as Kevin looked around for support. But to his chagrin, even Venaz looked disappointed and headed back to the inn in search of more entertainnt. Ceria wandered off, munching on her food, and Kevin stood thereuntil soone poked him repeatedly in the side.

Hey. Skateboard? Show tricks. And give bike.

Poisonbite grinned at him. Then Kevin realized the Goblins were cashing in on so promises he made. Slowly, he sidled off with the Goblins until Joseph realized he was alone.

Lyonettes inspiration would co, just not from the sources that Erin had used. And she realized thatthey did have baseball and soccer here.

So why not put on so gas? Let people compete. Yes, compete.

She was coming up with a roster of ideas now, from finger-painting the Painted Antinium sigils and putting them on kites for children and adults to sports. And

A chess tournant.

Every head in her group of brainstorrs turned to her. Lyonette sat there and snapped her fingers.

Erin always puts one onbut just between her guests. Why not a real tournant? With a hundred gold prize! The inn will sponsor that.

A hundred gold? You sure?

Lyonette smiled sweetly.

Well, we shall enter Erin herself into the competition, so I dont consider it a cost. But why not? We can even have people play remotely, via scrying orb.

She was so desperate for ideas, the significance of the first paid tournant of chess didnt occur to her. anwhile, Lyonette was still keenly aware that no idea thus far was large enough to justify a huge crowd.

Yet the eting of Tribes had done it. Calanfer could do itshe just needed sothing. Frustrated, Lyonette looked at Krshia.

How did the big tribes keep everyone entertained?

Aside from reunions and the deals each tribe made? They put on grand shows and activities, but Lyonettethe eting of Tribes in itself was the event.

Krshia raised her brows, urbanely amused. She gestured to her silver earrings, which were in the shape of tiny, twisting Dragons today.

Silverfang sold goods every day of the eting for months. Each tribe had sothing. Ask Gireulashia.

She nodded out a window where everyone could see the big [Paragon] following two children around. Mrsha was showing Nanette around the inn in Lyonettes place.

For so reason, she had started with the outhouses. And then the stables, filled with snoozing Carn WolvesGire was following, glaring at Nanette. Krshia snorted fondly at Gires obvious jealousy.

Ekhtouch, they had less goods and more services. One expert might teach you how to perfect your aim with a bow or another make you sothing only they could. Not just goods! There were great [Tailors] and artisans who took orders during the ti they were there.

Now, Lyonette saw it. She chewed at her lip, trying to think of what one city, Celum, Liscor, Esthelm, or Invrisil could do that another might want beyond belief.

The problem wasaside from Invrisil and Esthelm, Celum and Liscor were not hugely famous cities. Liscors army and the spring floods were their biggest draws, neither of which were here.

As for Invrisil, they had perforrs and adventurers and trade, but that didnt entice their populace. Even the Players of Celum were rely famous, rather than the all-consuming fad theyd been months ago.

And Esthelm? Well, it had one of the best [Smiths] in the world, but Lyonette had a fairly good idea of how asking Pelt to create tal fast for an audience would go.

She valued her toes. And yet, surprisingly, at this point, soone spoke up with an idea that Lyonette hadnt thought of.

Well, if its a market or services youre looking forwhy not go to Pallass, Lyonette? I was just at their bazaar, and I saw a Djinnis bottle on sale. An actual Djinnis bottle.

Lyonette looked up. Selys Shivertail sat there as every head turned to her. nolit frowned at Selys.

The what? Pallass has a bazaar?

Selys gave him a long, strange look. Then she gazed around the entire room.

Yes. Its famous. 1st Floor, rember? Youve probably seen it when you walk Pallass.

Oh, sure, all the tis I just visit Pallass. Ive seen scrying orbs of it. It doesnt look that great, and Erin said there wasnt much aside from the 9th floor.

nolit snorted, waving his claw. Selys jaw opened and closed, and she hesitated.

nolit.

Yes?

Youve never been to Pallass have you?

No. So what?

So youve never been to Pallass, and your one piece of insight into the City of Inventions is Erin? Erin, who barely knows more than ten streets in Liscor? Erin, who had no idea we had a City Council until they held elections?

nolit hesitated. When she put it like that, it sounded bad. Selys shook her head.

Erin has been on the 1st Floor of Pallass twice. They have one of the most famous trading hubs in all of Izril! Theyre practically what Invrisil is to the north because theyre in the middle of so many trade roads. Lyonette, if you want to trade

That was when Lyonette saw it. She had a sudden vision and stood up slowly.

Da Ushar? I need to go to Pallass. I have to speak to their [Senators] and see how many [rchants] can co here. Theyll need to bring goods. But what if

She spoke, running ahead of her ideas to everyone else. They listened, as Lyonette envisioned it.

In our largest plaza in Liscor. AShivertail Plaza. Everyone brings sothing. Goods, heirlooms they dont want, artifactsand five cities and everyone who wants to co is allowed in. But heres the catchno one is allowed to sell with coin. Only goods for goods. Okay, maybe so coin, but the point is that youre trading items for items. Things that Drakes have never seen in the south. Helts, soccer ballsan emporium of goods!

Oh, bartering.

Krshia looked amused, but Lyonette had the idea from the eting of Tribes. It didnt solve all of her problems, but it was one of the larger things she could put on.

She quickly arranged the others to do their part; Selys was interested in bankrolling so of the activities, and the other business owners had events they were willing to put on. In fact, Lyonette asked Ser Sest to call up [Innkeepers] next. As soon as she got back to Liscor, shed speak to them.

But for now, she rushed to Pallass. And when she looked down from the 8th Floor, she saw the largest floor, the bottom, sprawling with colorful tent canopies, people milling about, rolling wagons, the huge elevators

Like Market Street in Liscor, but a thousand tis larger. Lyonettes eyes shone as she practically ran to an elevator. Yes, that would do. And in her great rush and hurry, she barely saw Pawn waving a hand and trying to speak to her.

While all of the exciting things were happening outside, a young woman was speaking with a Goblin inside a garden.

Ti passed slowly. Not because it was immortal, but just because it was just the two of them.

No one entered through that door to the garden.

It didnt exist. And while that might be selfish with such a busy and exciting ti outside, the [Innkeeper] wanted nothing to disturb her conversation with the Goblin. So that was why ti felt so slow. Perhaps ti itself had been waiting for them to talk.

Properly.

The irony, then, was that their conversation was so slow to begin. Because it was slightly awkward.

There they were. Goblin and Human. Two of the first people in The Wandering Inns long tale, and they wereshy.

Shy, despite their long connection. As if they werent quite sure that the image they had of the other person was right. So they took their ti.

Im glad to see you. Do you wanna see my garden? I an, youve already seen a lot of it. But Ive got more gardens these days. Lots.

I know.

The first thing that ca out of Erins mouth was silly. She was taking Rags on a walk around her garden. As if she were Mrsha, showing Nanette every crack and crevice of the inn.

Yet the Goblin seed to enjoy it. Erin led Rags down that dreadful, beautiful hill, and the Goblin seed to breathe easier. She looked back over her shoulder, but Erin was pointing out the Sages Grass and flowers.

Theyre both super important. One fuels the door with magicand theyre totally safe. Isnt that cool?

Very smart. Free magic. What about the yellow flowers?

Erin twisted slightly and, once again, marveled that Rags spoke. She was even eloquent, not like how Ulvama pretended not to know syntax and diction. Yet she had sothing of the old Rags in her.

A recalcitrance to speech. Not as if she were shy like Numbtongue, but weighing her words, choosing them as if each one she spoke were important and reflected back on her.

If Mrsha could speak, she would be a silly babbler at tis or as prone to pontificating as Pisces. That was not badbut Rags way of speaking made Erin hang on the words. Because they were ones that the Goblin could never have said to Erin long ago.

And here they were, talking about flowers. Erins silly mouth spoke on.

I got em from faeries. Do you rember the faeries?

Winter Sprites? They dont bother Goblins.

No, I guess not. Ryoka says sothings up with them. Theyre actually faeries from another world.

At this, Rags stopped and gave Erin the strangest look in the world.

Really?

Yep. Faerie-people from another world. Youd have to ask Ryoka more, though. She had one as a friend. Ivolethe. Sheswell. Ryokas alive. And this is my garden. My [Garden of Sanctuary]. Its my best Skill, that I got at Level 40. I an, [Immortal Mont] is cool and I have a few other ones like my fire Skill, but this is really great. And I have more gardens, like I said!

Hmm. I know.

You do?

Rags bared her teeth in a grin as she looked around and inhaled the faint sll of mushrooms and damp earth in the soil where that circle of mushrooms sprang up in a faerie ring. She bent down to pick one and stopped.

I saw it on the scrying orb. The snowy garden. And I know about Ryoka. Shes not dead. I saw her fly.

Erin realized Rags knew more of her than she did about Rags. She feltErin flapped her hands at Rags hurriedly.

Go ahead and pick a mushroom if you want! Ive never tried eating one. Anything you want! And look! My [Garden of Sanctuary] opens anywhere in my inn! Its super convenient to get around and sneak up on people. See?

She demonstrated, opening a door straight into the kitchen. A Goblin [Chef] was tasting a mana candy surreptitiously. He turned, spotted them, and scread.

Whaaah!

Aaah! Who was that?

Erin slamd the door shut, then turned to Rags. And the little [Chieftain] was grinning. She pointed back to the empty wall.

Calescent. My best [Chef]. You wanted one, so he kept annoying until I told him he could co. I sent more Goblins. As helpers.

You did? Ohthank you!

Erin put a hand over her chest and felt bad about scaring him. Then she frowned.

Have youdidnt I et him before?

When you woke up. Hes a [Spice Chef]. A very good fighter. Very dangerous.

With a cleaver or sothing?

The Goblin snorted.

Nope. Throws spice in peoples faces and blinds them. Even Gold-rank adventurers fall for it.

Erin put a hand over her mouth, then laughed.

I did the sa thing with a bowl of soup one ti! No, wait, it was curry. I bet you he and I will get along great! Are you sure its okay? Thank you, I an! I felt bad about making the request.

Rags brushed at her shoulder as if dismissing Erins concern.

Its fine. Everyone likes your inn. Not everyone wanted to go. Calescent likes to cook. Just stay away from Redscar. And all the Goblins who fly.

Why? Are theymad at ? For what I did?

The first real question entered the conversation five minutes in. Rags glanced up, and Erin saw the little Goblin studying her face. But Rags just shook her head again.

No. Silly. They want you topost a . I have questions about that, too. They want you to give them classes or secrets.

OhI can do that.

Erin was so relieved she nodded, but Rags held up a claw. The [Chieftain] searched for words.

Theywould also like you to make one of my Goblins gain a class. Redscar said, if she can make a [Knight], she should make a [Fighter Pilot]. Kevin told him about it. Idiot.

She gave Erin a helpless, slightly annoyed, amused look, as if she werewell, a Chieftain who had to hear that kind of request all the ti. Erins jaw was dropped in a satisfying manner, and she didnt know whether to laugh or

The two stared at each other slightly too long. And then Erin realized she hadnt laughed and tried to, but it sounded unnatural.

Oh. Hahaha! Thats great!

Mm. You dont have to.

Rags grunted, and Erin fell silent. She tried to insert a word into that silenceand fumbled.

She fumbled. Where she had spoken to people she hated or, at least, talked to them and known how to persuade them to think or do sothing, she couldnt quite do the sa with Rags. That bothered her.

Ill definitely post that can help, Rags. Definitely. You just ask. You need food? Or, umthings? I can post a if you want. Even a hidden, private one.

You can do that?

Rags head raised. Her red eyes shone with interest, and she spoke quickly.

I thought you did. I have questions. About how they work. About the rewards. Are they really random?

Yes! Theyre totally new. ActuallyI might have, uh, unlocked them.

You unlocked them?

Rags just blinked at Erin and then snorted and rolled her eyes.

Of course. Duh. Strangers from other worlds. You unlocking and coming back from the dead. Very normal.

Erins smile felt strained. She didnt feel like Rags was insulting her. She was justdesperately

What?

What? What was so wrong that made this feel more painful than it should be? It should be the best. But Rags?

Perhaps Rags felt the sa, because she caught herself and shook her head. She kicked at a mushroom and sent it flying.

Ino. I dont want to ask you about that. Not yet. Later.

She stopped, took a breath, and Erin thought she saw the uncertainty in Rags face for a second. The Goblin looked up and pointed to the hill.

I saw the statues there. Is thatpart of your garden?

Erins heart squeezed. Then she looked at Rags, and the bit of cheery artifice shed put into her voice faded. She looked around and realized that the only bench in the entire garden was up in the hill of mists.

Lets go walk up on the hill. I can sit in the grass. Sorry. I get tired.

Rags nodded. They walked up the hill, and Erin, to her great embarrassnt, had to lean on Rags shoulders. She was still tired from her excitent in Riverfarm. But the Goblin didnt say a word.

Sorry. Im still

Its okay. Youre not heavy. Sotis Thunderfur lies on .

She ant the huge wolf? Erin smiled and hid her head. Rags glanced at Erinthen she poked Erin in the side.

The [Innkeeper] nearly jumped off the hill, and Rags glanced at her. But the [Innkeeper] finally sat down, and when she spoke, it was facing the hill shrouded in mists.

Yeah. The hill was there when the garden was given to . Its everyone. EveryoneIm sorry I didnt warn you.

Its fine. I saw it the first ti I ca here.

Rags settled, cross-legged, as Erin stretched her own feet out. The [Innkeeper] gave Rags a puzzled glance, and the Goblin elaborated.

When you were dead.

Oh. You visited mymy grave?

Instantly, Erin realized shed said the wrong word.

My body, I an? When it was frozen?

Rags just nodded.

Yes. I got here too late. Im sorry.

Dont be sorry. It was my fault. I was silly and careless and

The young woman swallowed a lump in the middle of her throat. She looked down at her weak legs and felt the sa sensation that she rembered in her dreams.

A sudden push at her chest and a strange, alien feeling. Lying on the ground and wondering why she couldnt breathe. A piece of wood and steel buried in her lungs.

Dying. The worst part of all was that in her mories, in that drearin Solstice died smiling. She died too soon, unexpectedly, in the stupidest of ways.

But no force in this world could stop her. No miracle ca, and she knew it and left them her last words.

That last mont before the world ended sotis called to her. And it pulled her down and down until she wokeand her lungs had stopped, and she rolled over and coughed and sobbed for air. But what frightened her was that calm certainty.

The fear that this was all a dream. The fear that she had died, and this was a true death, and the fantastical land of the dead and ever after was justan illusion.

Erin had not often questioned if this world were a real one. It felt too real. So, then. Her death had been far, far too vivid, and it haunted her.

The Goblin noticed how Erin stopped. She looked down and regarded Erin, the [Innkeeper] who had begun this, who had co first of all to this world by chance.

Rags said this:

You changed, Erin.

The [Innkeeper] looked up at Rags guiltily. But the Goblin didnt an it like an accusation. She just sat up slightly, cross-legged, and looked at the [Innkeeper].

I wanted to say, thank you. I said it. I ca back to thank you for everything. I was too late. You died, and I looked down at you and knew you were dead. NowI see you living again. Strange. I thought I saw so many strange things that I wouldnt get tired. Now. I wonder if Im dreaming.

Erin jumped, and Rags seed to be echoing her very thoughts, but the Goblin went on, engrossed, reading out her deepest emotions like a list.

You died, Erin. I did my best to save youbut I didnt know if it would really work. I did it because I hoped. But when you did wake, after everything? I realized that I was too late. You changed. When I said those words, that Erin wasnt the one I wanted to thank.

The [Innkeeper] was having trouble breathing. She looked at Rags, unable to respond. And she realized this wasnt an accusation either.

II changed a lot in the lands of the dead, Rags. They were all there. Ghosts. Everyone I had ever tonly I couldnt et them all. Everyone but Goblins.

No Goblins?

Rags didnt look surprised by the revelation. Erin shook her head, and the Goblin grinned. Sadly.

Where do they go? Nowhere?

I dont know. No one does. Exceptno. I dont know, Rags.

Maybe it is nowhere. Maybe Ants are right and sowhere should exist. Maybe its here.

Rags tapped her head, and Erin didnt reply. The Goblin looked at Erin.

When you were deadno, its not important. I was too late, Erin. Youre sorry? Im sorry. The Erin I wanted to thank isnt here. But. Neither is the Goblin who should have thanked her.

She tapped her own chest, and she looked rueful. Erin gazed at her, and her eyes opened.

Oh. Oh. You dont an Imall wrong.

Wrong? No. Why would I?

Rags blinked and gave Erin an exasperated look. The [Innkeeper] ducked her head, and Rags gazed at her. That knowing gaze shifted.

She had pupils, in those crimson eyes. Just a slightly different shade of red. Now, Rags fixed on Erin.

Who says youre wrong?

No one. I just wonder. I woke up, and I can post , and Im a [Witch] now, Rags. I should have told you about that. Theres a world of things to tell you. I just dont quite know if Erin woke back up. Or if she died in the grass outside her inn and soone else is here, now.

The [Innkeeper] stared down at her chest. That scared her. Not just the paralysis or the dreams of dying, but when her family looked at her as if she were made of glass and she thought of who she had been andwondered if she could ever be that person again. If she had lost a piece of herself, perhaps, as if the crossbow bolts had broken off a piece of who she was and shed lost it even when they put her back together.

She said this to Rags and felt like she was unloading an ocean as heavy as the one that had poured out of Nanettes hat. Too quick. This wasnt how she wanted to do this.

Rags. Im sorry. You ca back to see , and Im just blabbing on. Lets try again. Let get you a plate of spaghetti, and

Erin began to try to heave herself up, but her arms shook. To her surprise, Rags grabbed at her arm. The Goblin peered at Erin and then gently tugged her down.

That was all it took for Erin to collapse onto her back. Rags noticed Erins weakness and let go at once. She seed ashad, and Erin played it off.

Im as weak as a baby. You could kick my butt right now, if you wanted. I bet thats what you wanted to do to the old Erin. Even if you thanked herbeat her up for being so weird, huh? So silly?

Nah.

Rags uncrossed her legs and copied Erin. She stared at the hill, as if trying to rember, now, the lines of a script.

Let think. I was going to thank you. Then I would sit down, and you would give aa hug. Probably. Then a plate of spaghetti and blue juice. Then I would challenge you to chess. And win. Or surprise you.

Really? We can do that.

Erin almost laughed at the idea, but Rags just shook her head.

Its only a thought. It would never happen like that. The Goblinthat Rags is long gone.

The young woman pulled herself up urgently. She propped herself up on one arm and turned to Rags. She looked over the Goblin, and yes, she was taller, but not by much! She had not changed markedly in one year, and neither had Erin. Physically, at least?

What happened to her? No shes not. Im looking at her.

She was lying. Rags gazed at Erin, and the young woman tried to connect this to the Goblin with almost no hair, wearing practically nothing but filthy rags, scared of everyone, buoyed up only by courage and her wits.

Rags, now, was clothed. The starving monster had been wearing clothes because she was cold. If Rags tossed all her clothes to the winds now, shed be naked.

That was a bad analogy, but it was the difference in how she held herself. The eyes. Erin had seen those eyes when Olesm ca back. They were the sa kind of eyes that Maviola El had, that she imagined Niers had. Soone who had commanded and failed and watched people die.

But cruciallythe eyes of soone who would do it again. When Rags looked around, it was too knowingly.

A child salivated over a plate of spaghetti. This Rags would pick up a knife and fork and look for seasonings or check if anyone else was eating.

She had beco an adult so fast that Erin understood, bitterly, how Goblins aged.

As for Rags?

She saw the sa face, but more worn. Not by ti, but by struggle. Erins cheeks flushed too quick, and she panted, weakly, if she exerted herself. It was all over her. Not that Rags had seen her collapse, but the knowledge that she might. The sudden, painful frailty of soone who had felt their body betray them completely.

And Erin was only one year older. She had seen so many friends diethe wonder that shone through and her determination, however clumsy, was changed to sothing else.

A great wariness. A terrible fear and knowledge buried deep down. The [Innkeeper] who had chased off Rock Crabs and fought monsters had been brave, generous, and good. She had nearly died, but she had the willpower to fight, the intelligence that Rags admired.

That young woman had no enemies. This woman did, and she knew them well and waited for the day they would return. She had seen every failure in her actions, and she no longer pushed ahead blindly.

The two people they had been were still there, in Erin, in Rags. But there was almost more of them in the mories the others had of them. They saw it reflected in each others gazes and looked away.

Silence fell once more. Erin didnt know what to say. Secrets, perhaps. Even the great secrets of dead gods. Zineryr. She might have told Rags everything

But that wasnt what she wanted to say to Rags. It was all going wrong. Erin thought of Ryoka and how they had t after so long. It was like that, but even worse, because unlike Ryoka, she had never talked to Rags.

Whatwhat were you going to do after the chess ga?

Rags shrugged.

I dont know. That was all I dread about. Thanking you for helping .

I didnt, really.

Rags just narrowed her eyes slightly, and Erin protested.

I didnt! I gave you a bit of food, but I never helped you build your tribe, Rags. I didnt help you against the Goblin Lord. I didnt domuch of anything, really.

More than any other person Ive ever t. Even Goblins.

So? I could have done so much more.

Rags fell silent. Again, it seed like sothing was on the tip of her tongue, but she left it unsaid. Rather than argue against Erin, she just dropped the matter.

Erin wasnt expecting that. And she realized, to her chagrin, that despite their mutualrespectfor one another, they had very poor chemistry in dialogue. She couldnt figure Rags out, how to speak to her. Erin could with Grimalkin or Relc, but Rags didnt respond in the sa way. Perhaps because she wasnt certain how to speak to Erin herself.

Whowho did you bring to the inn? Helpers, you said?

Rags sighed slightly, but she nodded. She gestured to the far wall.

Goblins. Two Hobs. Mostly small ones.

Good workers? Um. Lyonette will want to know. Do they have classes like [Server]? [Cook]?

Nope. Theyre all different. One is missing a leg. Got eaten by an Eater Goat. Another? [Petty Thief]. One Goblin who wanted to co, hepicks up sticks.

Oh?

Just that. Picks up sticks. Very good at picking up sticks, but he keeps nearly getting eaten by Wyverns. Goblins like that.

Erin was silent for a second, but a word was on her tongue too fast for her to stop it.

Are you giving troublemakers?

Rags grinned.

Yep. Goblins who are hard to fit in Goblinho. Thats the place where we are. Maybe you can help them. Like .

Ill try. Theyll be safer here, I think. There are jerks, butthe inn is safe.

Erin hoped that was true. She turned to Rags.

Weve got so of the Goblins who went with Badarrow, too. I didnt know if they wanted to stay, but

If they want to co, well take them. Not all survived. Most did. More than I thought. Badarrow and Snapjaw lived. It was good.

How many died when you kidnapped the Healer of Tenbault? I had no idea you did that. It was so dangerousbut you did it for . Thanks. Again.

Rags waved a claw.

Less. It was my choice. My choice, Erin. The only Goblins who died for you went with Numbtongue. I chose to raid Tenbault.

For . Erin fidgeted, and Rags seed to take sothing else from the subtle motion. She lifted a finger.

If you dont like them, I will take any back. If the [Thief] stealsits not hard. Its an experint. I can send good Goblins, but I need most.

No, I think itll be worth trying.

Rags shrugged.

Just send back the ones who dont work. Silly Goblins are easy to deal with. All cause problems. Even my best ones.

She heaved a huge sigh, and Erin tried to rember the Goblins shed passed by.

Badarrow wasnt here long, but he told there are a few who, um, work right under you. Calescentwait, thats the [Chef]? Poisonbite, Redscar, Taganchielis Ulvama part of your tribe?

Eh. Maybe. She would be useful, but I dont like her.

Really? Shes not that bad

The Goblin [Great Chieftain] gave Erin another look that was a mix of annoyance and patience. Erin hesitated and anded her statent.

Okay, shes a bit of a lazy pest. But Mrsha says shes actually nice, and she went to save Mrsha. Thats sothing.

More than I ever saw.

Rags grudgingly admitted. She sighed and brushed at her tufts of hair with a claw.

Maybe Ill take her back. Badarrow is my lieutenant, too. Snapjaw as well. All of them have problems. Thats my concern. How about you? Does your inn need guards? Is Numbtongue doing well?

Numbtongue? Great. Hes, uh

Erin was going to say, indiscriminately cuddling, but it felt too childish. And after her conversation with him last nightshe lowered her head. Rags noticed and changed the subject again.

So. You were at Riverfarm. Are the Goblins well?

Again, Erin started, but Rags seed to have sources of intelligence that at least matched Selys. Erin nodded.

Yeah, they were good. I t this [Emperor]he says he has a history with your tribe, actually. But he seed to be treating the Goblins under his rule well. They didnt even want to co back with .

Nor . Good. If they were unhappy, theyd leave. Soa good vacation?

Rags said the word as if she had no real idea what it ant, and Erin nodded.

Oh, yeah. I t a friend, and I brought back this young witchforr witchto stay at the inn. Ill introduce you to her. Her nas Nanette, and I t a bunch of [Witches] and refined my craft. Oh! We even summoned a River Elental and nearly flooded everything, but then we found a Law Elental, and that was wild.

The [Chieftain] nodded along, listening. But she only broke in near the end.

Mhm. What is a Law Elental? River Elentals? Tell about them.

She was far more interested in the Elentals as a subject than Riverfarm. Erin gave Rags a brief recount of her ti in Riverfarm and trip back. All the while, she was conscious of how painfully stilted their conversation was.

Hows Goblinho, Rags?

Oh. Well. We had a goat attack and Gargoyles. So we are building more defenses. Most went down the High Passes, but we are tunneling. Like Antinium, but slower. Sorry. Goblinho looks like this. First, we inhabited a large cave at the end of a plateau in the mountains. Then we built it out with wood. We had a rampart, like a Terandrian castle, but we decided to make it almost completely indoors. No aerial defenses except in cover, because Wyverns would try to steal Goblins, and Eater Goats attack everything. So now it looks like this. If the original caves are here, we dug out here, here, and began adding wooden exteriors which we covered

The more Rags talked, the stranger it beca. She was soneat with how she laid out things. She gestured, tried to give Erin a complete picture of what she was talking aboutand Erin had never known Rags thought like that.

The [Innkeeper] was beginning to despair about everything, and Rags was petering off her summary of the choke-points and kill-zones shed set up to defend her colony. She muttered.

Its fine. Goblins are Goblins. Silly creatures. Even when theyre fed and no one is attacking, they get into trouble. Like Poisonbite. And her relationships.

Hm? Whats wrong with Poisonbite?

Rags had to explain that Poisonbite, one of the leaders of the mostly-female Goblin forces, often had an off-and-on relationship with a Hobgoblin under her command. Which then led into all kinds of Mountain City Goblin interpersonal drama, grudges, affairs

It sounded dreadfully Human to Erin. Rags was apparently called in when the issues got so bad they were on the verge of provoking mass brawls, and her growing scowl indicated how she felt about her ti being used that way. And despite herself, Erin couldnt help but venture a tiny, sarcastic comnt.

Oh man. If Goblins cant escape relationship drama, who can? That was just like yesterday when I had to talk about

She hesitated, guiltily, because that was private.

stuff in relationships. I hate it. I would rather eat a handful of grass. Two handfuls! And dirt!

Erin stopped herself because she was venting the guilt and unhappiness shed felt about hurting Numbtongue like that. And she was sure Rags didnt want to hear about it. But to her surprise, the shorter Goblin snorted in amusent.

You have love troubles, too? I would have thought you had easier tis. I thought you were dating the Titan of Baleros.

Who said that? Ill slap em with a pan!

Erin sat up with a yelp. Rags just shrugged.

Rumors. So. Do people co up to you and try to get you to have sex with them? Ask to hold hands? Begirl-Human and boy-Human?

She flapped her claws at Erin, urbanely amused. Erin flushed, but she was in it now.

No, but not for want of trying. I have the Titan in one corner, and, umsoone just sorta confessed to , but it didnt work out. And it hadnt worked out, so II dont think I handled it well.

Ah, Numbtongue.

Erin bit her lip. Rags just peered back at the inn. She nodded to herself.

Im right. I can sense sad Goblins. I am a [Chieftain].

Oh no. Is he broken up about it? This is like Altestiel all over again.

Now, Rags was counting.

Threeany more?

No! And its three too many! People were already making rumors that I was engaged to Ilvriss!

Thats four. Lets see. [Earl], famous [Strategist], Wall Lord. Numbtongue is the worst one. Only a [Bard].

Erin glared at Rags. The Goblin seed to find this hilarious. Erin didnt find it amusing. At all. The snap in her tone made Rags go quiet, as did the flash in Erins eyes.

Its not funny! I keep hurting them. Its not right of . Its not fairand I know that. I want to find love, but ImIm not able to. Even though I died. I realized I didnt want to die without trying, but Imsuch a failure.

She was whispering by the end, and another piece of her heart felt like it was out of place. As if she was on the wrong track, going the wrong way, with no idea how to right things. Let alone between her and Numbtongue.

Then Erin felt bad for flaring up at Rags. She thought of Olesm and Niers andand wondered why she was so terrible.

To her surprise, the Great Chieftain of the Flooded Waters tribe didnt take offense. Her eyes widened, and she sat back as her armor crushed the soft grass and a Faerie Flower. Rags gazed at Erin and then spoke, sounding surprised and hesitant.

I didnt an it was silly. I just laughed becauseit sounds like my life. Too many Goblins, all of whom want to hop in my bed. Or throw other Goblins in.

What now?

Erin sat up as Rags heaved the largest sigh in creation. She gestured emphatically as she stared across the garden.

Goblins want a Chieftain to have partners. It makes Chieftains more balanced. Thats what they say. Children are good. First it was Pyrite, then Redscarbut that was stupid. Now Taganchiel, but he doesnt want to. Thenwell, all this year, Poisonbite tries until I kick her out of Goblinho and lock the doors. Now? Probably Ulvama. Or Badarrow or Snapjaw. Or both.

She glared past Erin, clearly venting over a long-standing issue between her and her tribe. Erin was mildly appalled.

What, they want you to get in a three-way relationship?

Eh. Anything.

Whats the basis in thinking that a partner makes a Chieftain stable?

Rags counted on her claws.

Garen? No partner. Very crazy. Tremborag? Only has sex. Very crazy. Reiss? Goblin Lord. Very crazy. No partner. Goblins get stupid ideas.

Erin had to admit, when she put it like that, there might be causation or correlation. But Rags wasnt done.

Now? They just want to have fun. So every fourth night, I find Goblin in bed. Naked. In my bed. Tall, short, big, small. Very muscly, very scarred. Very magicall the attractive Goblins, even ones in relationships.

Attractive aning, of course, any quality a Goblin thought was attractive, including the more technical aspects of sex to being a very attentive companion. Rags had shot them all down faster than Fightipilota in her dreams of soaring through the air in a jet plane.

Her scowl was huge, and, when she realized she was confiding all this in Erin, hugely embarrassed. Rags turned away.

Stupid problems to have.

Youre telling . Do youdo you feel bad?

About what?

Rags looked over, and Erins face was guilty. And wistful.

Not giving any of them a shot? I an, I dont have people in my bedand that sounds like a real problem. Especially if they dont wash their feet first! But II almost wish I had given all of the relationships a try, yknow? Just so I could say I tried. Its not like I didnt like Altestiel, you know?

No.

The [Chieftain] gave Erin a strange look, but Erin was trying to explain. Her cheeks flushed.

I liked Altestiel. A bit. Just not in the way I thought I should if I was gonna love him or anything. But isnt that how it starts? You really like soone and that turns into love?

Rags sneered.

Looks more like needing to jump each other, first. Love? Different. Snapjaw and Badarrow are a couple. Not like Poisonbite and her problems.

Erin hung her head.

Yeah. Thats what I thought. But I do like Altestiel. I do like Numbtongue and even Niers.

Rags cast a glance at Erin.

So you dont try. Hmm. I thought you would have an easy ti. Be an easy person.

What? ?

Erin turned red and grew a bit outraged, but Rags just shrugged.

Love. Not sex. Easy person to have loves with. Bah. What do I know?

She stared moodily away, but Erin turned to her. Hungrily.

No, wait. Why would I be good at it? Im terrible. Ive never held down a good relationship for more than, like, two weeks. Except one ti, and that was long-distance. On a computer. Whatwhat makes good at it?

The Goblin thought for a mont how to explain it. Then she jerked a thumb to the do above them and the opening.

Did you see the Carn Wolves in the stables?

Erin gave her a strange look, and a door swung open.

A doorway appeared in the grass on the hill, a line that slowly opened, as if it were always there, but hidden by so geotry such that it swung open and revealed itself in one motion. Through the portal in space, a stable appeared, past the outhouses, where a bunch of rust-red shapes were piled up.

Rags nearly backflipped into the Sages Grass in surprise. The doors appearance was uncanny. She was also unsure of what she was looking ata wooden stables with wide berths, filled with red fur?

Then she saw a bunch of Carn Wolves snoozing from their ride from the High Passes. They were munching on so fat bones that Ishkr had found for them, and a few were forming the most natural fortress of fluff that Erin had ever seen.

Whoa. Big doggies!

One perked an ear up at her voice and saw the door open on one wall of the inn. The Carn Wolf blinked at Erin and Rags, and then its eyes opened wide. It howled and freaked out in surprise. Erin guiltily closed the door as the snooze-pile turned into a chaos of barks.

Sorry. What about them?

Rags picked herself up, grumbling.

Carn Wolves. Even they have pairs. One wolf, male and female. For life. So just have sex, like Poisonbite. But when they are a coupleeven Carn Wolves love uniquely. Thats what it looks like. Like Badarrow finding weird things to feed Snapjaw. Not like any other relationship. Goblins in the Molten Stone Tribe trade masks or make each other a mask. Mountain City Goblins make rings. But each one is different.

She was making a point Erin understood, but she was still astonished when Rags pointed at her.

You are those monts. Even if not love itselfunique. So. I thought it would be easy for soone to fall in love. Because its alreadyspecial.

That was the most interesting way of thinking about a relationship that Erin had ever heard. She knew it had to co out of Rags observing these things and thinking hard. And yetit also struck her as quintessentially wrong. She shook her head, smiling sadly.

Yeah, but Ragsloving like that would an Im likein a relationship with everyone. It should be even more special with that person youre going to spend all your ti with, right? And its not like that for . Look at Jelaqua.

Who? Oh, the Selphid. What?

Erin tried to explain.

Jelaqua likes everyone. Shes great. Shes nice, doesnt judge, and shes friendly. But once she t Maughin, she really did change a bit. She sotis gets nervous that things are gonna fall apart. She gets anxious, obsessed with being a good partnershes even a [Lover], you know?

The Chieftain grunted as she scratched at her head.

Seems like she got worse.

Maybebut she does seem happy. I dont see myself adding more thanwell, being the best of friends. Even with Numbtongue.

Erin swallowed a lump in her throat. She hesitated and then burst out a bit.

Maybe Im just cold. In a relationship. Romantically, I an. Soone told that once.

The Goblin turned her head to Erin. She raised both of her brows, then saw how seriously Erin said it. Instead of laughing at the idea, Rags stared at the jungle of trees in part of the garden and shook her head.

Cold people dont have hats made of fire. Cold people dont see Goblins instead of monsters. That was wrong.

It made Erin feel better to hear Rags say that. Silly as it wasshe ducked her head.

Thanks. Its just that Ive ssed up all the relationships and dates I had backback ho. On Earth. I did tell you about it, right?

Eh. I heard it from Kevin.

Kevin!

Erin shook her fist randomly at the sky. Then she laughed.

What are we doing talking about romance when we could talk about my world? Or anything else, Rags?

The Goblin Chieftain sighed.

Were both bad at it. Besides. I cant talk to my Goblins. I tell them Im not interested, and they told Kevin to sleep in my room. Which he did. I had to find another bed. They want to be happy. Maybe Im young. But lots of Goblins my age are happy having sex, falling in love. Not . I am cold. Or Chieftain. Probably both.

She sighed and looked so tired that Erins heart went out to Rags. The Goblin gazed at Erin for a mont and hesitated.

Can I ask you a question, Erin?

Shoot. Were being personal. Anything you want. Except the super embarrassing stuff.

Rags rolled her eyes. Then she paused and seed confused. Hesitantly, she looked at Erin.

You said you were dead and knew you wanted to find love. Why did you? No, why were you certain?

The [Innkeeper] scrunched her legs up to her chin and curled into a sitting ball, but she relaxed after a mont. It wasnt a hard answer. If anything, it was the easiest thing to say. She gazed at a sleepy little bee napping on a branch of the tree. And she thought of how she had wept in the lands of the dead and heard their sorrows until Gresaria Wellfar reminded her of what it was to be alive. How empty shed begun to feel until Fetohep promised her to bring her back.

I was dead, Rags. Dead, and I thoughtId never get back to my body. If that was it, if that was all I hadI thought Id regret not trying to find soone forever. Even now? Im afraid of dying withoutwithout

Her voice trembled, and she couldnt go on. That was the fear of the lands of the dead, as they had been. A void of forever with nothing but your regrets, if you let them haunt you.

Her words struck a chord with Rags, but not the one that Erin had expected. The Goblin sat up and exhaled.

Regrets. I understand that. If you die tomorrowif I diethere are so many things I want to do.

Yeah.

Erin closed her eyes and imagined all the things she had left to do. The terror of the burden she might leave behindopposing Kasignaweighed her down. As well as the small desires to love and be loved. To findeven more happiness than she had right now. To stand and run, without feeling weak again. To put a smile on Nanettes face.

To tell her parents where she had gone and tell them she was alright. Erin closed her eyes, and when she opened them, Rags was staring at her own vision of life. Life and the clear things left done and undone. If you looked at it with death at your side, it all beca so easy to see.

And what Rags said was this:

I dont see it. Your need to have soone. My tribe is that soone.

Erin knew what she ant, but she gave Rags an incredulous look.

You dontwant soone specific, Rags? Not one person? Soone toto share things with, to reach out and touch?

For answer, the Goblin reached out and poked Erins arm.

Not privately. Not like that. No. I dont get it. If I die tomorrow, I will leave too many things not done. Finding a lover isnt one of them. I dont have ti. Its not interesting.

She turned back to Erin and gave her a rueful smile.

Maybe Im a child, still. Not a Hob.

Erin sat up and looked at Rags in astonishnt. Could that be true? Nothe Goblin was as old as many shed t. And yet, Rags shook her head.

I dont want these things. I never have. Its just curious to . Curious. Silly. If you want to find soone, Erin. Good for you. But I just want to be left alone. I wanted to co here and find you. I wanted to thank you, and I wanted to talk and sit here and not be a Chieftain for a while. But I will be a Chieftain. I like you, Erin. More than any person in this world, living or dead. But I want my bed to be empty.

Her teeth flashed, and the little Goblin stood there, arms folded, glaring into a world filled with disgusting beds and nosy people. Erin Solstice looked at her friend, Rags, and then she giggled. She laughed as Rags scowled harder.

I an it. Theyre my sheets. Theyre silk and furs. Theyre my sheets, and they get dirty. Its a Chieftains bed. Stop laughing.

But Erin did. She giggled and threw back her head and laughed, and eventually, Rags chuckled herself. Then, when they looked again, Erin saw no more stranger in Rags.

She just saw an incredibly picky little Goblin getting hilariously mad at attractive Goblins flirting with her from between the sheets. And Rags? She saw a person, lonely and silly and grand

But not the [Innkeeper] who towered over her, mysterious and kindbut just a mory. Slowly, Rags reached down, and Erin felt a claw ruffle her hair.

Blinking, wide-eyed, Erin saw and felt the Goblin rub at her hair, then pat Erin on the head. Rags stood, triumphantly, over the sitting [Innkeeper]. She turned and spoke out of the corner of her mouth.

I wanted to be taller than you, too. This is fine. I hated it when you patted on the head.

Erin blinked. She eyed Rags styled hair and hesitated.

Is that an invitation to do it again for old tis sake?

She reached a hand up, and Rags slapped it down.

No.

Then they were laughing, and Erin was getting a feel for the Goblin that she had known and not known for ages. They had already shared a secret that both were too nervous to talk about to anyone else. SoErin eventually got up.

Hey, Rags.

Hmm?

Wanna see my secret gardens?

The Goblin glanced up, and she grinned in that familiar way. When she sprang to her feet, Erin thought that this felt right.

New friendships could be disastrous. Old friendships rekindled could burst into a flaming fireball if things didnt work right.

They were unpredictable, and not always because there wasnt willingness. Sotis it was about the circumstances. The outsiders, the secrets, the pasts

The jealousy.

The Wandering Inn was experiencing one of those booms in guests coming through. If it wasnt actually partying, the sight of half of Pallass top [rchants] and [Traders] coming through the doors was enough to grab anyones attention. In fact, Lyonette had gone back to an old habitbegging the [Mages] to charge the door. Then she had to shell out coins to pay [Mages] to charge the door up via the system Liscor had figured out.

Spend money to make money, one supposed. Not that Mrsha supposed a lot. She patted a wall, proudly, as Nanette and Gireulashia, behind her, stared at it.

Whats behind this? Whats behind this innocent wall?

The Gnoll girl held up a card. Nanette hmd. It took her a few seconds to see the ventilation slits of the secret, inner rooms, and Gire interrupted Mrsha.

Theyre hidden rooms. You can see where soone blocked off the walls. There and there. And you can sll sothing from inside. Obviously. See the vents?

Mrshas ears flattened a bit as Gire folded her arms and gave Nanette an arch look. For her part, the girl shyly ducked her head.

Is that true, Mrsha?

Yes! And Ill show you, but Erin is busy. And well go to the playgroundand Ekirra and Visma are here! But let show you Birds tower next!

Mrsha went scampering up the stairs. She had a less organized way of showing people around and often travelled across the inn to one spot before running back. But fair was fairNanette and Gire had energy to burn unlike the sluggish Lyonette and Erin, who got tired and had jobs or had been shot with crossbows.

Nanette began to hurry after Mrsha until a huge Gnoll with reddish fur blocked her and ran after Mrsha, just slow enough to keep forcing Nanette to halt. She saw Gire give her a huge scowl as they went up to Birds tower.

Mrsha. Shoo. I am eating a rock bird. Go away. Oh, hello, Gire.

Bird was just as friendly as the rest of the inn. Nanette found herself greeting him, and the Antinium was instantly fascinated with her.

Do [Witches] fly? What requirents does a [Witch] have for the class?

Only being female and having a hat, Mister Bird.

Tricky. Tricky. And how good at flying is this Alevica?

She can fly fora few minutes. I think longer if she charges her craft, but its not forever.

Bird wrote this down.

I see. Miss Ryoka can fly longer, but she sotis breaks every bone in her body. Also, she may attract bolts of lightning and drama. Whatever this ans. On the other hand, a [Mage] can cast [Levitation]. Thank you for telling about [Witches], but they seem suboptimal on my ranking list.

Nanette covered her mouth as Mrsha pointed at Bird, who was indeed a character. The [Witch] saw Gire fidgeting. She spoke up loudly.

Wellyou could ride a Roc like Azmuzarres tribe, Bird. We saw one, right, Mrsha?

Really?

The little Gnoll shook her head emphatically. No old tribe stuff, thanks! Gires face fell, and Nanette smiled. She couldnt help it.

You could turn into a bird if you were Witch Mavika, Bird. And she has thousands of birds.

Whreally? Tell more! Your class has now reached the top of Birds flying class ranking. You are Nanette? Can you turn into a bird? Not yet? Then I will be nicer to you than Mrsha in case you ever develop this power. That is called foresight.

Giggling, Nanette shook all four hands. Mrsha was beamingand Gire was not. Her scowl had manifested itself the mont Mrsha had told her about her new best friend.

Which wasnt a misnor. Children could have multiple best friends, and Mrsha ant it in the sense of wanting to be one.

But Gire was behavingwell, in a way as unfamiliar to her as Mrsha, really. She had never been jealous, and Mrsha was the one who was mostly jealous, vengeful, and petty.

So Mrsha didnt notice Gire slowly ramping up her campaign of sabotage and harassnt. First, she got in Nanettes way. Thenshe got really petty.

Hello? Hello?

Nanette was in the outhouse when she realized the door was blocked. She tried pushing, then using both her legs, but sothingnaly a nine-foot tall Gnollkept her blocked in for four minutes until Mrsha ca to see if Nanette needed more toilet paper.

Whereupon Gire was innocent and helpful. Nanette adjusted her robes as she stared at Gire, and the [Paragon] gave her a challenging look behind Mrsha. Again, the Doombearer was more focused on swinging the door open and shut to make sure no one else was stuck in a dark purgatory.

Butwell, the three were running around a busy inn. In fact, multiple [Innkeepers] were now coming to the inn itself.

So they ca. Walking up to the inn by themselves in small groups, coming from Celum, Esthelm, Invrisiland even Pallass.

Timbor Parithad, Peslas Folktale, Ulia Ovena. Drakes and Gnolls and Humans.

So paused before The Wandering Inn and gulped. Others walked in as if they were Silver-rank adventurers entering a Gold-ranks domain. Or defiantly, as if denying sothing right before their eyes.

One or two walked in like challengers or peers. Such as a Drake who Peslas practically fawned over.

Adalton Serristail of The Nobles Fancy in Pallass. But most, like Timbor, ca sowhat humbly. They were seeking an audience with The Wandering Inn regarding the coming celebrations.

After allthe inn would be the focal point for all the visitors and traffic flowing through the door. And while they did not have control over the peoplethey could recomnd any inn they pleased. So if you were hoping to have your inn packed and full of paying guests

Lyonette was holding court like the [Princess] she was. Mrsha rolled her eyes as she, Nanette, and Gire slowed to let the procession of [Innkeepers] past as they ca down the trapped hallway. It was always funny to Mrsha to see the reactions of guests who looked up and saw a murder hole. Then she pointed.

Look! That scoundrel! That wastrel of no good purpose!

Miss Agnes was trying to hide behind Ulia, ducking, as she ca into the inn. A coughing man was being helped by her. Miss Agnes and her husband! What was his na?

Mrshas glower softened a tiny bit, because she rembered Agnes husband was sick. Nanette, obviously, had no context for the grudge Mrsha held against The Frenzied Hare. Mrsha turned to tell Nanette all of this in writing and found the [Witch] had disappeared.

Mostly because Gire had picked Nanette up, opened the hidden side passage in the main hallway, tossed her into it, and shut it in her face. She looked innocent as could be as Mrsha saw Nanette breathlessly open the hallway door, scaring the daylights out of Ulia.

At this point, Mrsha got the first sense that Gire might not like Nanette. The little [Druid]s flaw was that she didnt quite believe Gire would be so an. In that sense, Mrsha made a mistake, because Gire had no idea who Nanette was. Mrsha, in her way, thought everyone knew why Nanette should be loved and made to feel happy and warm.

So she was uncertain and wavered before calling Gireulashia out on anything. Which could have led to a very unpleasant day for Nanette indeedexcept for one thing. Sothing Gire had failed to consider or didnt know and Mrsha and Erin and Lyonette and everyone worrying over her had forgotten.

She was Califors daughter. She was a witch, even if she had no hat or class. Kind as Nanette wasAlevica and Mavika had been [Witches] she regularly t, and she had road for twelve years with Califor in places hostile to [Witches].

So when she ca back, she marched over to Gireulashia and looked up. The [Paragon] gave her a sinister smirk, as if daring Nanette to call her out on it. That smirk turned to chagrin as Nanette did just that. She stuck a tiny finger up at Gire.

Miss Gireulashia, I must tell you I dont appreciate you pulling tricks on . I dont believe Ive done anything wrong to you. Im sorry if you feel upset that Im taking Mrshas ti away from you, but I just want to be Mrshas friend, not your enemy.

Gires eyes went round and innocent as Mrsha stared up at Gire with a sudden suspicion.

? What are you talking about? Shes lying, Mrsha. What did I do?

Nanette refused to play into the [Paragon]s gas. She just reached for her hat and then folded her arms.

Miss Gire, I have done nothing wrong to you, and you have been a bit unkind. If you cannot tolerate , that is how it must be. But I want you to know that I would like to be your friend. I do not wish to make Mrsha unhappy by fighting for her affection, but I will not be bullied.

I didntIm not

Gire was turning red under her fur. Nanette held her ground, her round cheeks slightly flushed. She looked around, and even Ulia, the [Innkeeper] who ran Blazehound in Celum, was taken by the girls composure.

Gire! What did you do? Apologize! Im sorry, Nanette!

Mrsha was writing furiously. Gire was mumbling an apology as if she were a third her actual age, but again, Nanette just pulled her robes straight.

Thank you, Mrsha. I think Ill explore the inn by myself for a bit.

No, wait, Im sorry!

Gire looked hunted as Nanette began to march off. The little witch turned back to her and, to Gires surprise, smiled.

A kind smile, if not a happy one. Nanette dipped her head and looked at Mrsha.

Then you can prove it in a bit. Lets try again in half an hour, Miss Gire. Mrsha, dont be an to her. Everyone makes mistakes.

And with that, Nanette walked off, leaving the [Paragon] speechless. She also put the fears of Lyonette and Erin to restif only the two could have seen her.

The sight of a twelve year-old girl lecturing soone twice her height and fifteen years old while they fought for a seven year-olds affection was so mundane as to pass everyone by in the inn.

Getting Norn the [Knight]s autograph was far more entertaining. Or looking at the Goblins, who were largely left alone by all the new guests. Liscorians were friendly; other cities were not. As Nanette wandered through the inn, she saw people investigating the weights room, the rec room with the billiards table and cards, and all the while, people were buying food and drinks.

Ishkr was everywhere. He raced down one hallway with a platter of drinks, showing a pair of Antinium how to take the food in and collect coins, then Nanette saw him behind the bar, serving more guests. She turned her head back, walked into the hallway, and stared as the two Antinium trundled back with empty serving trays.

She definitely didnt imagine that. Nanettes brows rose. But then she was stepping aside to let the Workers pass, and soone was speaking loudly.

Ants. Ants and Goblins. Whos in charge here? Theyre monsters! Monsters. Are you all blind?

The angry voice was coming from soone in armor. An adventurer from Invrisil who was calling out. So people turned, but the Human from the Waterborn Raiders, a team of Gold-ranks, was actually lost in the general hubbub.

He was staring at the Goblins with such hostility that so of the warriors were eying him back. However, what made the Gold-ranker so nervous was how the Redfang veterans whod co with Rags were sizing him up.

As if he would be the one who regretted drawing a blade.

The rest of the Waterborn Raiders were not here, so the man was making a broad appeal to what he saw as common sense. Relc, leaning against a wall and trying to convince Embria that this would be a great opportunity for them to check out Pallass puzzle market together, glanced over.

Whats that?

Goblins! Youre a fighter, right? Whos in charge?

Relc cupped a claw to one earhole.

Goblins? Right! Yeah, are they getting served first? Damn Goblins!

He shook a fist at them, and this might have been true; they were all accounted for. The man stared at Relc and decided hed get better backup if he just forced the issue. He headed for the Goblins, a hand on his sword.

Excuse , sir. No attacking Goblins. No killing Goblins in this inn. Theres a sign.

Ishkr intercepted the man as Nanette looked around for Lyonettebut the [Princess] and her Thronebearers were eting with the [Innkeepers] in another room. She was worried for Ishkr and, broadly, for the man if he drew blades.

After all, Shriekblade was about. But even soit just took one stab for Ishkr to be in trouble. Or dead.

Yet the Gnoll was fearlessly blocking the Gold-rank, who was shouting now, and people were turning.

Those damn Goblins are murdering monsters! Theres letting [Bandits] at your inn and theres this!

SirI will have to ask you to leave if you dont lower your voice. No one is harming Goblins.

The man finally focused on Ishkr. He turned his uncertainty over whether or not hed be able to beat the Goblins in a fight into a certainty about the Gnoll [Server].

If youre with them, you flea-ridden bastard, youll have every Gold-rank in Invrisil coming down on your head! Get your hands off .

There was a flurry as Ishkr tried to gently move him back. At this point, Nanette was reaching for a wand and looking for help.

And help was there. Todi had heard the argunt, and Selys bodyguard and enforcer of all things Selys was pushing through the crowd with three of his team.

He was too late. A scrum ford and broke up fast as people crowded in as the Waterborn Raider exploded into physical fury. Todi drew a club, cursingand saw Ishkr, panting, next to the bar.

Where is he? Ishkr, you alright?

Captain Todi? Everythings fine.

Ishkr looked up, and Todi whirled, looking for a ducking figure.

Whered the bastard go?

Ishkr got up. He was breathing only a bit hard. He nodded to the closest window.

Outside.

Todi stared at the window, a good eight feet away. He strode over to it, cracked the glass open, and stared down straight at a mans crotch. Never a good place to stare, but that was because he was staring at the Waterborn Raiderupside-down and struggling to get up. Todi glanced back at Ishkr and then shrugged.

He cracked open the window and happily leapt on his opponent as he called for his three teammates to back him up. The Todi school of fighting had all kinds of ways to kick soone when they were down. Very few moves in an honest fight.

The entire scene was just one of many in the inn. Nanette saw it because she kept her eyes open. She walked around the inn, sizing it up.

So that was how she t the new [Chef].

He was in the kitchen, warming up food and serving it out, but Calescent was cursing and sweating.

Not because he didnt get how Erins inn worked. He had been here before, and her system of serving preserved food was perfect for rushes like this.

No, he was upset because he was trying to cook and he had no idea where anything was. You see, the Goblin was trying to make a good impression. And the problem washe wanted to prove to Erin he could cook sothing for the guests.

Like so hot-hot fries, which he made with so sliced, roasted bell peppers, a unique spread of his own you lathered over cut french fries that made it delicious with his Skills.

He felt like this would be a good showcase of his talents. But Calescent was heating up lasagna and other stuff like pizza in the ovens while trying to find everything.

Pepper. Where is peppers?

The [Chef] was, in short, having the crisis of anyone thrust into soone elses kitchen. All the organization and where you put certain tools and foods was unknown to him, and Erin had not, as of yet, labeled everything.

Can we get pizza sliced for nine? Nine?

Liska appeared at the kitchen door as Calescent banged around. The Goblin yanked a pizza out, drew a knife, and had to calculate the geotry of a pizza. Then he was hunting for a peeler for potatoes before he realizedhed burned his bell peppers!

The chef had to toss them out. This was not a good look! And then he had to begin heating up a tureen of soup

If Erin or Lyonette could have seen him, they would have probably advised the [Chef] that he didnt need to try so hard and been very sympathetic to his plight, but Calescent wanted to make this work. So he was suffering. Not in any grand way like being stabbed through the stomach and bleeding out on the ground, but in a ntal way that was new to him, even with a horde of hungry Goblins banging on the table and demanding less spice.

After all, these were paying custors. Ishkr had also left Calescent with the least help because he understood that the Goblin at least knew his trade.

Well, Calescent was going to make at least so fries!

Bell peppers. Potatoes! Where is the peeler thingwaaah!

He had a knife out to peel the potatoes without a specific tool when he scread. In a very embarrassing way. Mostly because a little Human girl had suddenly appeared at one of the counters.

Nanette jumped, but she kept her hands steady. Calescent peered at her. He recognized her from the inns staffLyonette had done that muchbut he was afraid she was going to grab a bunch of food like Mrsha and uncertain if he should stop her.

That was, until he saw what Nanette was doing. Nalyslicing up bell peppers for him. She did it in very neat rows, copying him as she pulled the seeds out of a pepper. Then she took a smaller knife and began to peel a potato in one continuous strip.

Soone had taught her how to cook. The girl looked up innocently and slightly warily at Calescent. Yet she had t Goblins. Even a Goblin [Witch].

Hello, sir. Do you need any help?

The Goblin blinked at her. Then a huge smile ca over his face. He looked around and saw a secondary poofy chef hat on the wall. He took it off the peg and handed it to Nanette. She tried it on and smiled shyly at him.

In that mont, Calescent began to pick up on how Nanette might be better for the inn than most of the others. The sa girl who had survived wherever she went with Califor could at least handle the chaos of the inn. He began asking her to dice up the potatoes for him as two people took on the hungry custors of the inn.

Mrsha du Marquin was mad at Gire. She peeked inside the kitchen and saw Nanette was helping the Goblin [Chef] and chatting up a storm. So she went outside and sulked.

Mrsha? Mrsha, Im sorry. I was just jealous. Dont hate !

A big Gnoll snuffled and tried to pick her up, but Mrsha just bit at Gires arms until she let go. Mrsha sat on the ground, arms and legs crossed, refusing to look at the [Paragon] as she apologized.

When Nanette ca back, she had better be super nice! Or Mrsha was gonna go back to her savage days of poisoning sandwiches!

The girl was justifiably upset over Nanette, and even the sight of Todi, three Gold-ranks, and Alcaz kicking a man on the ground didnt cheer her up. They hauled the fellow off with admonitions as Mrsha eyed the crowd outside the inn.

Kevin and Joseph were still doing their best to provide a floor show. Kevin had brought a few bikes from his shop and was letting people take them on ridesbut not joyrides. In fact, Poisonbite and her gang helped here; whenever soone looked like they might be trying to make a break for it with a new bike, the Goblins would chase after them.

Mrsha was writing a dissertation on why Nanette was a treasure and that anyone who bullied her was compounding multiple instances of horribleness, and Gire was learning the error of her ways as Joseph organized a soccer ga.

Butit wasnt the Erin mont that Lyonette wanted. Maybe this bazaar would be fun, but there wasnt a high enough zany quotient in the air for Mrshas tastes. Still, people were getting into the mood, and there were celebrities.

Not just the Players, but the adventurers. Jelaqua was autographing peoples cards, blushing orange as she stood next to Maughin. In fact, she was making him sign the cards too.

Its Maughin and Jelaqua. A couple! Hes the best [Armorer] in Pallass. In facthes been teaching to smith too.

Youre very good at it, Jelaqua.

Well, I did need to learn to repair gearSeborn! Seborn, stop acting aloof!

The Drowned Man was refusing to autograph cards. He was giving Wailant a play-by-play of the battle as the two old seadogs talked, and there was a smaller crowd around him. Even the Drowned Man looked pleased by the attention.

As for Moore? He was talking with none other thanMrsha sniffed the air. Yes, that was definitely Himilt. Fierres dad? Moore was leaning on a staff and asking about plants or farming, and Mrsha was thinking of going over there and giving him more hugs.

However, there were also the Horns of Hamrad. And the Silver Swords should be coming soon! Mrsha had a few pranks to pull on Ylawes, and she wanted to say hi to Dawil.

Even if it wasnt entertainnt, it was pretty darn good in the friends departnt for Mrsha, and if Gire straightened up, they might have a fun few days! She saw Ksmvr signing autographs with all four hands; he was so popular as Ksmvr of Chandrar.

But where was Pisces? Mrshas ears perked up as the [Necromancer] himself ca out, talking quietly with Yvlon.

Ceria go? If shes eating those spicy fries

Just find the nearest plate of food. I swear, shes going to gain weight all over again. So are you sure that womans from your ho, Pisces? Thats an incredible coincidence.

They were speaking so quietly only Mrsha and Gire, with their excellent hearing, could pick their voices out in the crowd. The irony was that Gnolls had great ears, but even adults had to struggle to differentiate individual conversations when it was so noisy. Pisces muttered.

I think so. There were things only Ama could know. She likely fled Terandria.

Soare you going to catch up with her? If she was robbing battlefields, thats not an upstanding person to associate with, Pisces.

Itsa [Necromancer] thing to do. I shall wait at her eting point and see what she has to say.

Take with you. Or Ceria. Or Ksmvr. What do you hope will co of it?

Pisces looked troubled as he scanned the crowds.

Knowing if anyone else made it. Ithere you are. Ceria! Here!

He waved, and Mrshas head turned as a half-Elf walked out of the inn, behind Pisces and Yvlon. It seed like theyd missed her, but Ceria wasnt holding a plate of food. If anything, shed changed clothes and swapped robes for so light travel gear.

Hey, you two. Whats going on?

Were talking about Ama. What are you doing?

Yvlon eyed Cerias dress. The thing about [Mages] was that they were sort of pigeonholed into the sa attire; if you had magical robes, you tended to wear them at all tis. Right now, Ceria was wearing a kind of pale blue Liscorian jeans, a light red jacket over a knitted maroon sweater, and even a belt.

It looked modern, and Kevin pointed Ceria out to Joseph, as if Ceria could walk into their world and almost fit in.

But for the pointed ears. And the skeletal hand. But she even had a variant of sneakers on, and the half-Elf [Cryomancer] grinned.

Just doing so training. I told you; we looked bad out there, against the monsters.

Pisces and Yvlon exchanged a look. The [Armsmistress] inserted a tal finger in her ear and winced because it was cold.

You. Training. Of your own free will?

Ceria gave Yvlon a look as she put her hands on her hips. She noticed Mrsha watching and winked at the Gnoll girl and waved.

I deserve that. Hey, Mrsha. Hello, Gireulashia. Anything fun happening?

Not as of yet. Our festivities, while potentially entertaining in the future, have been thus far as dull as to leave recumbent.

Gire read for Mrsha, and Ceria laughed. Pisces was working on the last word as Yvlon shook her head over the flowery prose.

WellI had the sa thought. And since Erins busy and were out of shape, Im going to work on my flaws. I noticed a lot in our battle. We werent mobile; we lost the Behemoth fast, and Yvlon and Ksmvr were just fighting.

As opposed to staring?

Pisces was sardonic, but Yvlon nodded slowly. Ceria rolled her eyes.

Pisces, were Gold-ranks. Yvlon once killed an Adult Creler with a broken sword. Everyones changed classes; we should either be able to lock down half the battlefield or take out the huge threats. Youve always been the best in your role. You can [Flash Step] for mobility, turn invisible, and now you can animate dead while firing [Deathbolts]. Youre the least flawed. The rest of us need work, and we need team tactics. The chariots no longer good enough.

Oh, wellIm pleased soone recognizes my talents.

Pisces was great because if you complinted him genuinely, he turned red and got embarrassed. Mrsha smirked at him as he glared at her. But Ceria seedwell, confident.

I have ideas on how to fix my problems. Ive been fighting like an [Ice Mage]or how people see my class. Stationary, wallsbut theres a better way. I found it on Chandrar, but Ive been so lazy I didnt keep at it. Vacations over. Ill just find so space over there. Its not like Ill be throwing too many spells around. SayMrsha, are you bored?

Mrsha nodded eagerly, and Ceria flashed her a smile.

Well then, maybe you can join . Itll be fun.

So saying, she pointed, and Mrsha raced over as Ceria led Pisces, Yvlon, Gire, and a small group of people listening in down the hill. A Thronebearer was following them, Mrsha realized.

Ser Dalimont was still doing his job. She gave him a grudging nod as Ceria stopped halfway down the hill.

So what is it? Are we shooting at things? Raising mighty blockades?

Mrsha had her own wand out, ready to cast her single [Stone Dart] spell. She looked at Ceria, and the [Cryomancer] laughed. She raised a wand and glanced at Mrsha.

No. Just try to keep your balance.

The little Gnolls face went slack. What? What was that supposed to m

Then Mrsha realized she was sliding. Sliding, and her arms flailed as she tried to keep her balance. She sat down on her butt, and it was cold. Cold, slickand she saw Ceria brace, lowering her stance.

The two began sliding down the [Icy Floor] spell that Ceria had cast. Mrshas eyes went round. She tried to stow her wand, fell flat on her back, and then she was going faster, faster

Miss Mrsha!

Ser Dalimont ran down the hill as the Gnoll went careening down the first hill, over the slick ramp of ice. Heads turned as Ceria, laughing, went skating down the ice.

Whoa! Mrsha! Are you okay?

The smaller Gnoll went streaking down the hill, and the montum carried her up a smaller hill. And the slippery ice launched a flailing little Gnoll up into the air.

Mrsha landed on her back on the grass with a whumph that forced all the air out of her lungs. She stared at the sky, wide-eyed, as Ser Dalimont nearly slipped and went crashing down himself. Then she got up and, laughing, leapt down the ice.

Icy floor? Ceria, what are you doing?

Yvlon tested the ice with one foot. It was far, far slicker than she thought. Not like Cerias regular ice, but slick, that stage between solid ice and ltwater. In fact, it refused to give even a bit of traction, and Yvlon slipped, cursing.

Pisces had begun laughing when he saw Mrshas expression, but he doubled over as Yvlon went down on her back. The [Armsmistress] skidded down the hill as Ceria, windmilling her arms, ca to a halt.

Its all hills and valleys! Well, I suppose this is training. Pisces! Do you get it?

He did. The [Necromancer] felt a pang in his heart, but he was smiling. He shouted one word down to Ceria.

Illphres!

The [Cryomancer]s smile was his reward. Yes, just like shed tried against the Bloodtear Pirates in Savereshe tried to do a run-up on the ice and nearly slipped. Windmilling her arms, the half-Elf cursed, grabbed at her head, and righted herself.

If I can skateI can move as fast as Ksmvr. If I can skate! I dont know how Illphres did it!

Ceria! Warn next ti! Mrsha, are you okay?

Yvlon had hurt herself more than Mrsha. She got up just as the Gnoll did a cannonball onto the icy ramp. Ceria was casting her spell wider, and Mrsha slid past Yvlon.

Now this was what shed been waiting for! Mrsha got up on all fours, instead of her two legs like normal. She scampered forwards and began sliding. Then she tried to run on the ice and barely got anywhere.

It was so silly that Pisces kept snorting as he tested the ice himself. But it reminded Mrsha of the Horns finest hour.

Not killing Crelersbut sliding on waxed floors at night. Yvlon herself got up, tested the ground, and eyed Cerias sneakers.

So thats why you took off your boots. Do you even know how to skate, Ceria?

The half-Elf made a face at Yvlon.

My village didnt do it during the winter. Too dangerous, they said. My grandmother told she used to skate now and then, but no. Illphres made do it a bit, but I never picked up her style.

Ah. Wellyou could wear ice skates.

What?

Ceria had never actually heard of the tal blades you could put on your feet. But Yvlon had.

House Byres looks wonderful in the winter. The lake near our keep freezes over. AlthoughI dont think you can walk around with skates on.

Another thing this world already has. Cross it off the list, Joseph!

Soone called out. Kevin was standing on the edge of Cerias skating rink, delighted. He tried a few steps and slid on his shoes. Then he wiped out.

My hip! Whoa, this is slippery!

Ceria ca to a stop again and nearly face-planted as she realized halting was just as hard. She grinned at Kevin.

Like it? Ive been experinting with my ice. See, Pisces, Yvlon? I can create barriers and ramps. So if I can manage my balancewhats wrong, Pisces? Afraid?

He was still testing his balance on the edge of the ice. At her words, the [Necromancer] glanced up. Then he did a little hop and went shooting down the side of the hill. He passed by Ceria and Yvlon, arms spread wide, and even did a little twirl on one foot as his teammates stared at him.

Mrsha stuck out a foot, and Pisces tripped and went flying. She laughed until he ca up with a bloody nose. But the [Necromancer] just grabbed her and tossed. Mrsha went skidding past Ceria like a giant, white puck.

Okay, slightly dangerous.

Pisces dabbed at his nose with so potion. But he gave Ceria an arch look as he cleaned the blood away.

As Lyonette saw fit to remind I do co from Ailendamus. They had frozen winters, and I learned to keep my balance on ice. As part of my fathers wonderful training.

Indeed, Ceria saw Yvlon was gingerly trying to skate on her own boots. The half-Elf tried to copy her two teammates and nearly wiped out.

Wait. Im the [Cryomancer]. You twooff the ice! Im the one whos supposed to be better than you two.

Oh, indeed? Dear , then Im sure youre holding back.

Pisces, smirking, skated in circles around Ceria as Yvlon managed to do a straight line and break. Ceria wobbled, tried to take a step, and fell forwards. Mrsha skated past her, this ti giggling as Gire hopped onto the ice and did a perfect slide.

This is wonderful! Ive only done this once before. Mrsha! Lets skate!

There was nothing like a [Paragon] for making you feel like an idiot. Gire skated with one leg raised behind her, wobbling, and looked delighted when she nearly fell over. And by now, Kevin was asking if anyone did have skates. When it turned out no one did, he did a running start, leapt onto his knees, and did a slide, arms raised.

Cerias ice was indeed like a maintained ice rink from Earth. Wet, fresh, and slippery. Possibly too slippery. The half-Elf got up ruefully and pointed at the ice.

Maybe I need more grip. Or those skates. Let try drying it out a bit. Ioh, there you are, Ksmvr!

The Antinium had spotted his team doing sothing without him and ca running.

Captain Ceria, are we training on icy terrain? Novel idea! Let try to whoawhoa!

To Cerias great satisfaction, their [Skirmisher] slipped a bit as he ran forwards. Despite his [Sure Footing] Skill, ice was ice. He slipped onto his back

And flashed past his teammates. Ksmvrs four limbs flailed as he shot past Mrsha on his back shell.

His back shellwhich was perfectly smooth. Like an Antinium cannonball, he ramped up over a hill and landed on the other sideand kept going on the ice.

I believe I have discovered a faster thod of travel

Pisces and Yvlon were laughing. But then Ksmvr got up and, to Cerias great pique, began to hop across the ice, running about with his Skill with only a minor amount of slippage.

Ceria, this is great. Can you make your spell go further? Pisces, how good at ice skating are you?

Only as talented as the most capable amateur.

Pisces polished his nails on his robes. Yvlon bared her teeth at him.

Race you all the way over to the edge, there? Ceria, make the ice three hundred feet long. First one wins, but if you slip, you lose.

Hey! Im the [Cryomancer].

But it was too late. Pisces and Yvlon were off, and Pisces did a running start, then just stopped, sliding and maintaining his balance. Yvlon went running, then drew her sheathed sword and used it as a guide to push herself onwards. Pisces shouted as Ksmvr ran past him, ignoring the slippery ice.

No fair!

They werebetter than she was! Cerias outrage knew no end. She tried to speed up, raised a ramp of ice to leap off of, as if she were jumping over a Gargoyle

Kevin watched and then winced as a sprawling half-Elf went flying over a ramp, six feet into the air and

Oooh! Oh god!

Joseph covered his eyes. It was one thing to see soone bellyflop like that. Another to see soone hit solid ice that hard.

All the Horns skated over as Ceria slowly picked herself up.

If anyone laughs, you freeze. My master could do it. Dead gods, she could skate over waves. She once sawed a ship in half.

She what? Whats all this ice? Are you talking about that story about a crazy [Cryomancer] skating on the ocean? Thats a myth I heard eight years back!

Wailant had discovered the icy skating area. More people were testing the edges of the ice, but only a few were willing to risk their safety. He laugheduntil Pisces and Ceria gave him a strange look.

Icy floor? Interesting idea. I wonder how many monsters can skate.

Seborn was just as nimble as Ksmvr and Pisces. He stepped onto the ice and began to slide.

Oh, look at that! Rember when I told you about the waxed floors, Maughin? Lets try it!

Jelaqua was eager, but the huge, armored Dullahan had a healthy respect for how hard you could fall. He demurred as so Goblins ca marching over.

Kevin! More bikes! What this?

Poisonbite tugged him over as she scuffed at the frozen ice covering the grass. Kevin got up reluctantly.

Its skating. Its fun! Damn, if Pelt wouldnt kill , I could ask him to make so skates. I bet he could in minutes.

Poisonbite just gave Kevin a look.

Good way to break head open. Only crazy people run on ice.

She stared deliberately at Ceria. Mrsha didnt care. Ekirra had found the ice rink and had run onto it with his soccer ball. She watched him try to scamper after it and go sliding the wrong way and begin running on all fours to get back to it.

Ice physics were hilarious. Mrsha was having so much fun, and she noticed more and more people taking interest in Cerias winter wonderland.

However, that wasnt when it got interesting. Not yet. The interesting part ca with the most uninteresting, boring man in Mrshas personal fun-rankings. She was surprised to even see him, but the annoyed [Enchanter] ca marching down from the inn, and Kevin groaned.

Oh no. Hedault, Im sorry

You missed our eting, Kevin. I have been waiting for twenty minutes. I should have known the inn was to bla. Again. I have the latest ball bearings enchanted andwhy is half the area covered in ice? Ah, the Horns of Hamrad. I will be leaving now. Will you be attending the eting or not?

Hedault took one look at Ceria and the Horns, and his expression of distaste for everything here ramped up. Kevin got up, apologizing profusely, and Ceria blew Hedault a kiss.

Hey, Hedault! Nice to see you too! Dont you want to join the party?

Hedaults look of antagonism only grew when he saw Mrsha, begging to be turned into a shot-put by Gireulashia. He only stopped when he saw sothing strange.

Poisonbite. Not that the Goblin was, to the [Enchanter], novel. See one Goblin in a non-antagonistic setting and youd seen them all.

No, what Hedault focused on was sothing the Goblin had in her hands as she tried to drag Kevin back to the Goblins in her posse. It was hardly similar to the ones he had been making for fun with Kevin. A modest side-business that was plaguing Pallass.

Noit wasnt steel, enchanted, or finely machined.

But it was a skateboard. The Goblin had made it out of wood and pieces of scrap shed salvaged from around Goblinho. It ran downhill fairly well, but not much on straights. Then againthe High Passes were all downhill. And cliffs. To be a Goblin skateboarder, even for fun, was to risk your life.

The one thing that Poisonbite had that Hedault hadnt seen before was style. In that shed decorated her skateboard with paint to resemble a snarling Carn Wolf on the board. His head turned, and he pointed.

Why does she have that?

A skateboard? Ohthe Goblins like to skateboard. So of them. Yeah, you can have a bike. But not the enchanted ones!

Kevin was distracted. He was admiring Cerias ice ramp. He looked frankly envious as he turned to Ceria.

Ive gotta go, Ceria. But that ramp of yours isgnarly. Is it easy to, yknow, just make them?

Sure, why?

The Californian surfer, biker, and general enthusiast gave Ceria a wistful look.

You would have been so popular back ho, you have no idea. Being able to makewell, it reminds of a skateboarding park.

A what park?

And there it was. Hedaults head turned, and the slightly balding [Enchanter] with orange hairs almost perpetually annoyed expression of impatience turned to fascination as Kevin described what a half pipe was. Ceria was so taken that she tried to replicate it, raising ice to form walls.

I thought about that. But unless I can keep my balance, there is no way Ill be able to risk it in a fight. Youre telling people do tricks? With skateboards?

Sure. Let get your board, Poisonbite. Not on ice, usually, but

Kevin was no huge expert in the field of skateboarding. He was, like many people, an amateur with enthusiasm whod done it more in his youth. He could ollie, and hed shown Hedault and Poisonbite how to do that. Now he wanted to show a kickflip. To his extre mortification, he couldnt do it instantly.

Wellyoud do that on the top of a ramp, during a jump. Then you land on your skateboard and keep going. You can grind down railingsoh man. I suck. Dude. I cant do it. Ive gotten old. Joseph, were old!

The [Football Coach] flipped him off. Kevin was just eying the ramp and wondering if he dared try skateboarding on ice to show them how it looked when he saw Hedault move.

The [Enchanter] was fishing around in his bag of holding. Kevin was afraid he was going to storm offuntil he saw the familiar, steel skateboard that he had worked on as a prototype.

The sa, insanely dangerous, enchanted piece of tal was in Hedaults possession? Kevin had always thought that one of the Pallassians had stolen the first copy.

Then he rembered how Hedault had gone down Pallass ramps. Kevin hadthoughtthat Hedault had just done it for fun once. After all, the [Enchanter] had never done it again.

Because he didnt visit Pallass. And there were rules about it, and Hedault probably read the rules. Now, though? The [Enchanter] eyed the ramp as every head turned. Mrshas jaw dropped as Hedault put one foot on the back of the skateboard, kicking it up. Then he put his other foot down, and the tip of the board touched the ice.

Hedaultdude

And down the [Enchanter] ca. Poisonbite had been sneering at the Human until she saw the skateboard. She monopolized Kevins ti! Then her eyes went round as the bearded man, balanced low, ca shooting down The Wandering Inns hill. The over-tuned magical skateboard was already ridiculously fast.

On Cerias ice? He blasted past the Horns of Hamrad as Kevin shouted.

Hedault, watch

Up the ramp. Ceria had made one six feet high, the one shed fallen off of. Hedault shot down the hill, along a valley, and summited the ramp in seconds. He went flying into the air. That would have been enough to make even Calescent, the guests staring out the windows, stare.

But Hedault, that precise genius who could morize any enchantnthad watched Kevin demonstrating the kick flip. He tried it, his foot sliding across the board as he went off the ramp.

And the skateboard spun. A Human torpedo flew through the air, over the Goblins heads and their open mouths. Mrsha the Extrely La stared up at the coolest sight she had ever conceived of, mouth agape.

And Hedaults feet ca down and found the skateboards top. He looked downand there was only grass. Hed cleared Cerias ice, and he landed on a hill covered with grass.

He should have wiped out and possibly fractured a foot, but a ring flashed, and he slowed a millisecond before impact. The tal skateboard hit the earth and buried itself a third into the dirt like a deadly missile. The [Enchanter] turned, glanced at his stunned audience

And smiled.

The ice spread. By the ti Lyonette poked her head out of the inn, she saw a foreign landscape, filled with ramps, half-pipesand even an insane loop-de-loop that Ceria made just to see if anyone would try to do a complete rotation.

What?

That was when Lyonette saw her first big attraction spontaneously generating itself. She saw skateboards, Goblins doing tricks, and an [Enchanter] flying through the sky with a screaming white Gnoll clinging to his back.

Lyonette shriekeduntil she saw Hedaults magic saving Mrsha and him from the crash. In factKevin was as horrified as Lyonette, because the people of this world had a different attitude towards the threat to life and limb skateboarders faced.

They just ignored it. Hedault could ramp off a jump twelve feet high after shooting down a hill and land head-first, and his ring would just flip him right-side up and land him like a feather. And if you thought there wasnt much of a market for his featherfall rings before?

Here was the thing about ice. It was cheap, easy to make if you had a Level 35 [Cryomancer] around, and it was cold. A few minutes running about on the ice and you were in the mood for sothing hot.

Skateboards? Skateboards had been around for a while, but as the Pallassians had notedwhile it was hugely appealing, it was dangerous as all hell and a hazard to pedestrians in the City of Inventions. The ramps on the great walkways were, ironically, too steep for anyone to actually do more than risk breaking every bone in their bodies if they wiped out.

It was almost like you needed a separatecontainedmoderately challengingspace for people who wanted to pursue sothing like this. Like a skatepark or ice rink.

Or both. Hedault had completely forgotten about his eting with Kevin. So had Kevinhe was wheeling one of the new bikes over to the tallest hill and eying a ramp.

Hes not going to

Kevin went down the ice, tried to do a bike jump, and wiped out. He was followed by fifteen of Poisonbites Goblins and Poisonbite herself, who tried to do a series of tricks on the boards. Half made it and then raced back to do it again.

I think weve got so entertainnt.

Lyonette spoke, amused, and the [Innkeepers] peered outside. So of them looked horrified by the dangerous sport. Others, like Ulia, were quite interested.

Should we let it continue, Miss Lyonette?

Ushar was glaring at Dalimont, who was allowing the Mrsha-endangernt, even if she had a ring. Lyonette tapped her finger on her lips.

Erin would. Erin would embrace this whole-heartedly. But Lyonette? She closed her eyes.

No. No, Ushar. Approach Ceriano, shell agree. Find [Woodworkers], [Carpenters], and ask Kevin how the skateboards are made. If they can be made easily, then requisition their services. Then we will organize a proper parkpotentially not with such dangerous ice. Is there anywhere in Celum, Invrisil? Would wood work? Then we will have Kevin do tutorials and let people make these boards. And he can advertise Solar Cycles.

Da Ushar gave Lyonette a respectful nod as the [Princess] smiled.

We also might need to make sure no one gets hurt, Your H

She glanced at the [Innkeepers].

Miss Lyonette.

The mother gave Ushar a happy smile.

Of course! Which is why well sell those helts and pads Kevin wants to make with the bicycles. To parents. [Tailors] and [Armorers]. Oh, and find Drassi and tell her we have a story.

Are you sure shell find it newsworthy?

Lyonette eyed Hedault, the fad [Enchanter] of Invrisil, doing a 360-degree spin through the air before landing and continuing his mad tricks.

Im sure she will. Now, back to business. [Innkeepers], please tell how many guests your inns can handle and what kind of guests you can host. Please, dont exaggerate. We will have lists and track how many guests we send where. And you, in turn, will kindly direct them to the following attractions

She turned to the [Innkeepers] briskly, and they were listening, and Lyonette was being fair. Even to Agnes. She had a grand celebration to run, and it had skateboarding, a bazaarand it was starting to feel like an actual party.

The [Princess] had such grand dreams. And she might well do it all by herself. Wistram was setting up its Adventure Rooms for a huge opening, and she had so many people speaking to her, learning her na as soone who did these things.

All the while, the actual [Innkeeper] was almost forgotten. She was in a world of her own with Rags. She put one guest above thousands.

That was just her way. Erin Solstice and Rags stood in the [Garden of Sanctuary], brushing snow off their clothes. Erin was shivering despite having gone into her room for a coat. Rags was warm enough; they had just co back from the icy Dullahans fortress.

The Snow Golems had not troubled them. The survivors watched Erin, but the owner of the Key of Reprieve was not troubled. Nor was Rags, so long as she stayed close enough to Erin.

So thats what it looked like. How many are there?

Dozens. Um. Two dozen? I forget. Not as many as a hundred by far. Do you want to explore the others? I havent really, so far.

Erin turned to Rags, and the shorter Goblin nodded, smiling with interest. The smile was mirrored on Erins expression. This felt like the old days.

Strangeness, sothing new and wondrous. Andtalking. But talking while doing sothing else. So Erin took Rags by the hand, and the Goblin frowned at her.

Im not a child. Do you need to hold my hand?

Erin went to ruffle her hair, and Rags poked her in the side. The [Innkeeper] protested, teasing the Goblin.

Aw, co on. Your tribe isnt watching. You can do mine too.

The Goblin glanced up at Erin and finger-combed her spiky mane.

Your hair isnt that nice.

Whhow dare you?

Erins hands flew up to her own brown hair.

I comb my hair every day!

Yeah. So do Carn Wolves. No style.

Areare you and Gothica sharing notes? Stop bullying about my fashion. Just because you wear color-coded armor and fur anddo you do anything with your hair?

Rags snorted.

Duh. Redfangs have great style. We have a [Stylish Cutmaster].

A what? Youre making all this up. I wont be bullied about my hair.

You dont need to. Your hair bullies itself.

Erin opened and closed her mouth. Of all the fights she didnt want to pick, her style was not one she was comfortable with. Stupid [Goths] and [Chieftains] and people with their aesthetics. She didnt let go of Rags hand, but pulled her on.

Rags huffed and rolled her eyes, but she let Erin drag her to another waiting door. They were, after all, alone. Completely alone.

A huge bee crawled over the front of the door, and Erin scread.

Aah! Apista! I forgot you were here!

The bee gave Erin a hurt look as she fanned her good wing.

You and everyone else! Whos this? She eyed the Goblin, whod put a hand on her sword. Erin guiltily reached out, and Apista crawled onto her hand.

This is Apista, Rags. Oh my gosh, I forgot she was sleeping here! We left her when we went to Riverfarm. She doesnt look hungry

Ive seen the bee. Want to take her with?

The bee certainly seed to be trying to cling to Erins hair. Like a second, insectile hat. Erin grimaced, but she didnt have the heart to chase Apista away.

Ohfine. But it might be, uh, dangerous. Sanctuary only extends to this place. Sostay close to , you two. Its just whats in the garden that might be dangerous, but there were huge Frost Golems.

Rags checked her sword and shield and nodded. Apista jabbed her stinger into Erins hair.

I got you, kid. Ive stabbed a legendary [Witch]s eye out and a [Shaman]s eyes. Im the eye-stabber.

The door to the other gardens changed depending on what the garden had been. The camouflage stone door to the [General]s frozen garden was a contrast to the rosewood door that led to the Drathian flower garden with the lacquered bridged and beautiful pond.

It took but monts for Erin and Rags to hurry out of the frozen, snowy keep, kicking snow off their boots, into the far warr, pleasant red bridge over the water. Rags felt the air change in a mont and inhaled faint pollen and floral scents. She felt wood, not freezing stone underfoot, and turned as the other door swung shut.

From one garden to another. Door by door. Erin could walk through completely different worlds at will, and this one was the quiet, natural garden surrounded by the flowing stream that encircled a ditative garden filled with splashing, the gentle thock of a bamboo pole filling with water and striking a rock every few seconds, and the splash of fish.

A place to rest and be happy. Erin smiled as she stopped shivering and spread her arms wide to the Goblin, and even Rags laughed for a second in delight at the new garden.

Apista hated it. The koi fish were everywhere, splashing under the bridge, and she climbed all over Erins face, breaking the mont up.

They were certainly a bit too nurous to fit the garden; a thousand greedy mouths gaped up at Erin as the fish begged for food or just wondered what had disturbed their peaceful utopia again. Rags eyed them.

Nice. Free food.

You think that, but they dont taste that good. Plus, I feel bad about harvesting them. They are everywhere, though. I think they eat each other. Not everything here isperfect. Especially after the owners die.

Sounds fitting. If the owners die, this is no longer a sanctuary. Anything special in here?

Nojust so poetry in another language. Kevin thinks it might be Japanese, but what does he know? He was in here with his computer, trying to translate it before we left. Ohthat reminds , you should see our computer and stuff!

Mm. He promised to show it to too.

Erin chuckled as Rags stopped to admire so of the trees, including the one shedding pale green petals.

That Kevin. He gets around everywhere. Hes pretty good at that.

Not as good as you. But close.

Erin didnt know what to say to that. She let go of Rags hand so the Goblin could get on her hands and knees and peer at the flowers growing around here. Apista crawled down, and Erin held her out so she could suck up nectar.

Sorry, Apista. We really havent been nice to you. Ill make it up to you, I promise. And well get you flying around, sohow. I swear.

Erin had asked if the Antiniums restorative gel would work on Apista, and Pawn had told her flat out that Apista was an insect. Antinium had developed their biology to the point where they could teach it to regeneratethe gel would be useless for Apista as well as anyone else.

Erin could have sworn the tiny bee gave her a salute with her antennae. Erin cuddled the bee gently. And to think shed once been weirded out by Lyonettes pet.

The restful garden was the favorite of the two doors that Erin had explored remotely thoroughly. Which wasnt saying much. Rags glanced at Erin.

This place is nice. Where next?

Ohwell, I havent checked out the other ones. Shall we try one more?

Apista tensed a bit, but Rags just nodded.

How? Do you know a good one?

Nah, nah. Watch this. Theres a trick to it. When I first discovered the gardenI asked this place for sothing exciting. WellI can ask for a door.

Erin closed her eyes and thought for a second. Then she cracked an eye open.

What should I ask for?

Rags slapped her face. She thought and narrowed her eyes.

How aboutthe most dangerous garden? So you can see which is bad.

Oh! Good idea! Ercan you hold Apista? Just in case. Give the most dangerous garden! Stand backIm safe, youre not.

As far as she knows.

Rags warily put Apista on her shoulder as the bee nodded. She drew a sword and waited as Erin closed her eyes.

A door appeared in front of her, and Erin recognized it. She hesitatedbut then she inspected the door. It was shaped oddly oval-like, a different style of architecture. The knob was completely changed; it looked like a handle in the center that you pulled the door open with.

Strange. What species would use that? Erin had seen this door before, and she knew what lay inside. Warily, she eyed the writing on top of the door, which had a very jagged look.

What species writes like this, Rags?

The Goblin peered at the words and shrugged.

Not Drake, Gnoll, or Human. Another species?

Hmm. Could be anyone. Okaystand back. And, uh, maybe put that sword down.

The Goblin frowned at Erin.

Why?

For answerErin swung the most dangerous garden open. She wondered what the criteria was, but she had a feeling she knew at least one reason why this one might be, uhdeadly.

The first thing Rags saw, or rather, didnt see, was the flash. Then a howl of rain that made Apista flinch. A bolt of lightning touched down re feet from where Erin and Rags stood, and the garden with the hill covered in strange pieces of tal and lightning crashing down was in front of them. A vast tree was the only thing in the distance, aside from blowing rain, mud and water and the flashing lightning.

That was all Erin saw. Water spilled into the koi garden, a deluge. There must have been drainage because not everything was floodedbut even so, the storm was in full tempest.

Bolts of lightning kept falling. Not with the full force of a true storm in the skies, but still alarmingly loud and deadly. Apista took one look at the thunder and tried to crawl into Rags armor.

No thank you!

Hold on! Im going to try and turn the storm off!

What?

Rags shouted back, but Erin was calling to the garden. To her amazentthe rain lessened. The skies stopped flashing, and soon it was barely dripping. Erin stared into the drenched garden, as amazed as Rags.

Wow. I guess I do have authority over this place. Wellgive a second. Im going to look around.

Im coming.

But what if you get hurt? The keys mine.

And I cant follow you if the door closes. Co on.

Rags stepped forwards boldly, and Erin hurried through ahead of the Goblin. They found themselves in the wettest, muddiest bog that Erin could have imagined.

But that was because of the endless rainstorm. Even with it gone, Erin slledthe most muddy, destroyed ground ever.

She wondered how long it had rained. That the garden had kept any shape at all was probably because there was nowhere else for the rain to deposit the silt and dirt.

But this was certainly not how the garden had looked. Erin stood on a relatively flat plain, mud sloshing around her shoes, with a single hill. Now she could see more than a foot in front of her, she realized the tree had more of those odd spikes of tal sticking out of the ground.

Lightning rods for the lightningbut the tree that should have been even more of a magnet, tall as it was, was no tree that Erin had ever seen before.

It was crystalline. In the shape of a tree, glowing with inner light. In factErin realized that it was the catalyst for the storm. She grabbed Rags arm and pointed to the translucent interior.

Look! Its lightning inside the tree! Its electric!

Magicore, maybe. Thats dangerous.

Rags had stowed her sword, and she and Erin both felt the charge in the air. Erins own [Dangersense] tingled as she looked at the tree.

Best guess is that the trees charged like a power outlet. One touch and you could go boom. UhI can see why this is the most dangerous garden.

Rags nodded. But she almost looked disappointed as she stared around the rest of the garden. They were all huge, but this one was just a flat plain. Mud had indeed destroyed all gradients aside from the hill, and Erin realized that the hill had only survived because the tree had crystal roots that held up the hill. So were exposed by the deluge.

Darn. I guess so gardens really get ruined if you leave the weather on. Which I did not know I could do, by the by. Ive got this really cool light trick I can do in my garden. Uw. Its so muddy.

Erin sloshed a few steps around as Rags peered forwards.

It seed like there was a path of those rusted pieces of tal leading up to the hill. They werent everywhere, and if you marked the pieces of tal, only a few feet high in places, others taller than she was

They would have ford a semi-circular base around the tree and the hill. Rags could imagine, perhaps, a kind of ramp. Which ant this room was one where you approached through this door.

Erin was walking left, around another edge of the dod room. There were no vines here; the endless water had drowned all but a layer of moss and sli on the wooden walls. She was peering at the flat mud as her [Dangersense] twinged. Rags called out.

Erin, wait.

Huh? Why?

The mud is everywhere. It might not be ground everywhere.

Rags had begun to wonder what the garden was supposed to look like. She turned to ask if Erin could telland saw Erin take a step and plunge into the mud.

She sank so fast that she was up to her neck before Rags charged into the mud. The Goblin had to try and haul Erin out, and a frantic Apista was buzzing on Erins face as the [Innkeeper] shouted.

Pull up! Pull up! Its deep!

Her feet werent even touching the bottom. Rags heaved, and Erin pulled frantically at the muddy embanknt. She hauled herself up. Then she crawled onto the ground, up to her wrists in mud, and panted.

Rags stared at the hidden drop next to Erin, and the [Innkeeper] felt Apista fanning her wing desperately on her hair.

Oh man. Oh manthat was scary. Idiot!

She ant herself. No wonder this was dangerous! Rags nodded. She pulled Erin up, and they staggered back to the door leading out of here.

Lets go, Rags. Im not coming back, and this is off-limits for Mrsha and anyone else until I find a snorkel. Noa breathing tank. How will I even find whats here?

Turning off the water helps. Maybe you have to dredge it? Put all the stuff inside sowhere else?

That would be a terrible task. Erin was almost out when Rags stopped her.

Wait. I thinkI want to check sothing else.

What? The trees made of electricity, and theres sinkholes everywhere! What else do you want to see? Whether or not there are evil mud-fish-monsters in the deep?

Rags head rose warily.

Are there?

Erin had to think. She concentrated. She could sense what was in the gardens, vaguely. She closed her eyes and felt out.

No. But theres a huge underground space. Were on a kind ofraised area, around the hill with the tree. Dont go left or right. The bridge is narrow, and you can fall!

I know. I can see.

The Goblin was wading through the mud to the nearest bit of tal. Erin raised a hand.

Rags! I dont know what that is!

I think I do. What was this place supposed to be? A [Garden of Sanctuary]. So maybe this was all grass. Or dirt.

Rags was bending down, scraping at a visible piece of thin tal sticking out of the mud four feet high. Erin slowly walked over, cautiously making sure she had footholds. But Rags seed to have a better idea of this place than even Erin.

Apista, for her part, was freaking out. She hated water, she hated mud, and she hated snow. Erin was 1 for 3 on her gardens that Apista had seen. No, 0 for 3the koi fish in the relaxing garden were monsters.

Yetthis was like playing detective. Or trying to see the intentions of each owner of the [Garden of Sanctuary]. In this case, all the clues were mostly obfuscated by ti and the unfortunate rainstorm.

But think of what this might have been. Rags imagined a walkway leading up to that hill. And planted in the walkway, with rain falling and lightningwere these thin pieces of tal.

Very thin, and mostly, very rusted. This piece flaked apart at a touch from her gloved hands. Rags eyed the tal and had no doubt the rain had done this. Yetshe gazed around, eyes narrowing.

What do you think these are? I think I know.

Erin peered at the upright pieces of tal. Now the rain was gone, she saw not all were completely corroded. She saw a flash of bright steel as Rags waded over to another. Then Erins eyes widened. She rembered seeing a bolt of yellow lightning striking the object that shed seen before. It would have electrocuted both Human and Goblin in the water, another reason why this was the most dangerous garden.

Because all of the objects planted here were tal. And Erin realized they werent just tal. Rags reached down and slowly pulled out sothing that neither rain nor ti had broken. Nor even the falling lightning.

She lifted a sword out of the muck. It was old, so old that Erin recognized the mithril blade in an instant. But the handle was strangeit had a long guard across the handle, but the handle was curved and contoured in a way Erin had never seen.

It had not been ant for Human hands, but so other grip. Erins eyes went wide. She looked around, and then she saw it.

Swords?

Then she made sense of the huge, thin pillar of tal in the distance. The way they all stood mostly upright. Swords! Rags looked around, and Erin caught a flash of what this garden must have been.

A grave of swords. Monunts to warriors, perhaps, or had the owner been a [Smith]? They had been planted in the rain as lightning struck down. Like so kind of terrible art piece.

Rags felt at the blade and jumped. Erin actually felt a tingle in the water as the Goblin cursed and yanked her armored hand away from the blade.

Rags?

Shocking. Its still charged.

Or ratherit was charged by the falling lightning. Erin didnt see any visible crackle running down the blade, but then Rags slashed the water.

Yeowch!

The electricity electrocuted Rags, Erin, and Apista, and all three practically leapt out of the water as Rags held the sword upright. The bee angrily jabbed her stinger in Rags direction as the Goblin apologized.

Sorry. It must be active when I hold it.

She eyed the blade, and Erin, wincing, gazed into the garden. Now she knew what they were, she saw most of the enchanted blades had probably succumbed to the battering long ago. Only the most powerful or durable ones were still untouched.

Electric swords. Who made electric swords? Are they all powered by lightning? And its expensive, too! Look at that handle, Rags. Whover had it hadclaws.

That was the only thing she could think of. The sword had deeper divots in the grip than any Human would want, but it fit a Drake or other clawed grip better. Rags nodded; her hands fit a bit better than Erins did.

Insignias worn off. Nice sword, though. Balanced.

It was a shortsword, and it had a curiously slanted diagonal edge along a flat, wide blade. Rags could actually balance it, and she seed so engrossed Erin pointed at it.

Why dont you take it with you?

Rags blinked.

? Doesnt it belong there?

Erin gazed into the muddy pit and shook her head.

Whatever this garden wasId rather take the swords out than risk electrocuting myself. And frankly, whoever owned the garden doesnt deserve how it looks. Do you need a sword?

Rags eyed her plain sword enchanted with a bit of sharpness and durability. Then at the mithril blade from a bygone era. She raised her brows.

I will take it. If you want?

The [Innkeeper] smiled down at Rags.

I dont wanna give anything in the gardens to just anyone. Like that Dullahan [General]s stuff. So keep this private. But if its you, Ragsyeah.

Thank you.

The [Chieftain] looked up, and Erin waved a hand awkwardly. She reached down and grabbed Rags muddy glove. This ti, the Chieftain let her do it.

Co on, weve got bathsbut I wonder. Hey, is there a garden where we can clean up? And dont do the snowy one. Im already cold.

She trudged over to another door as it appeared and then reached out. Erin eyed the strangest door yet that looked like a squarehatch? She reached out, nudged the handleand the door fell over.

Whumph. Erin jumped, and she and Rags stared as her door fell flat. Erins mouth worked.

What the

Are they supposed to do that?

No! Did I break it?

Anxiously, Erin bent over the door and pulled. Her face turned red, and she tried to use both hands. Rags bent down and heavedand the heavy hatch ca up. Erin and Rags looked down, and Apista began lightly smacking Erin with her good legs.

You. Have. Terrible. Gardens.

She backed up and began crawling for safety. After allErin and Rags were staring down, down through the wood of an ancient ships hold

Straight into a garden flooded by water. Erin gazed down at the surprisingly bright depths and saw a sandbar just below her and, further down, illuminated by bright coral and even lights, a ho untouched by more than the fish swimming around

Oh wow. A Drowned Folk garden!

Rags whistled. Now she understood why the hatch looked like that. What if this had been in a ship? Youd open it and leap into the depths. The water was so close to the hatch that Erin could actually reach down and splash so on her muddy clothing. She splashed so in her mouth as she washed her head and instantly spat it out.

Peh! Peh! Aw man. Its saltwater.

Mhm. Plus lots of fish. Probably been pooing and dying in there for hundreds of years.

Erin gagged. She ran back to her first garden and splashed around in the pond as Rags backed away.

Yet another garden that was, for now, unexplorable. Rags took off her armor so she could let it dry, and Erin saw she was dressed in a casual set of clothing underneath. She splashed at Rags.

Hey! Look whos lightening up! After this, let give you so cake and ice cream, huh? And that spaghetti and blue fruit juice!

Rags thought about it and shrugged. She frowned at Erin, then scowled. Sothing was again off about the way Erin was talking now.

Cake and ice cream? Im not a child. Or Ulvama.

She had seen how Mrsha was treated, and she had a feeling Erins hand-holding was more than trying to keep her safe. Erin ducked her head.

No, I know that. But youre young!

Rags folded her arms. She eyed Erinthen kicked a huge splash of water all over the [Innkeeper].

Rags! How dare you! Ill

Do what? Im a child. Right? Dont treat like one. Garen did. So did Tremborag. Im tired of it. I am a [Great Chieftain], Erin. Even if were friends, I dont like it.

She looked Erin in the eyes, and the [Innkeeper]s face fell.

Oh. Okay. I got it. I didnt an to offend you.

Rags sighed. There was sothing strange about Erin. She treated Antinium like people. She had treated her skeleton like a lamp. And Rags?

Erin glanced sideways at the Goblin, and Rags saw her bite her lip. The Goblin pretended not to notice. She let Apista crawl over onto her shoulder and stood.

Do you want to keep exploring or not?

She thought she had ruined the mood, but Erin shook her head after glancing at the far wall.

No. NoI want to keep doing this together. So long as you do.

She looked so earnest that Rags said nothing more, and slowly, the two ford up. Erin was wet and shivering a bit, so Rags suggested she get more clothes.

Dont look, okay? Im just gonna change

Yeah, yeah.

Rags waited as Erin shuffled into new clothes. Apista was buzzing on Rags shoulder as the Goblin patted her head.

One more garden, one more bad one and I swear, Im stinging both of yous.

When Erin ca back into the garden, Rags glanced at her black pants and mismatched, yellow shirt. Apista gave Erin an approving look, but the [Innkeeper] defended herself.

I was in a rush! Selys bought all kinds of weird stuff. Whats our garden? Lets do one more, at least.

Your bee is going to sting us if we take her anywhere wet.

Rags pointed to the fuming Apista, and the bee nodded. Even Erin and Rags could tell how ticked off she was, so Erin clapped her hands.

What about this, then? Garden! Take us to the place Apista will like most!

The final door was made of glass and as clear as the blue skies. Erin peered at it as Rags felt at the nigh-invisible handle. Apista fanned her wings longingly, and Erin stared into the last garden.

Oh. Wow. This one was a Garudas, right?

She opened the door, and the wind blew, and Erin inhaled a sll like spring and sky. She knew she had to show this to Ryoka, because this garden?

This one had belonged to soone who could fly.

The ground was not, actually, flowers and grass like Erin would have pictured. So of it was hard-packed earth, dry because the sun had shone down on this place for such a long ti. There were tough plants growing around, including what Erin thought was a bushuntil she realized that all the leaves were, in fact, hiding little cotton balls!

The instant the wind blew, a dozen scattered into the air, and Erin looked up and saw the largest garden yet.

It was so tall, vertically, that Erin and Rags stared up and up and finally saw the do concealed amongst a backdrop that seed like a world of clouds and blue sky. Until you realized that was an illusion projected across the backdrop of the do.

Apista was fanning her good wing as the wind blew, almost picking her up, and Erin spread her arms and ran, laughing, across the ground.

Wow! This is a great garden! Look, Rags! Are those floating structures?

She pointed up, and Rags shielded her gaze against the sunlight.

Nope. Just wood.

But they were concealed along the edges of the do such that it did look like rooms and places were hiding high up there. Erin stomped a foot.

Yet another secret area out of reach! Just you wait until my friend gets here! She can fly!

Then she looked down at Apista guiltily, because the bee was staring up longingly into this place where she could fly free. Erin hugged the bee until Apista crawled out and began to hobble across the ground.

Then Erin looked so despondent that Rags had to say sothing.

Maybe you can heal her?

If we had a drop of Potion of Regenerationwe could. But we dont have any right now. Ilvriss took his bottle back.

Erin bent down as Apista crawled along. She looked up at Rags, and her glee was gone.

Im sorry, Rags.

What about?

Erin shook her head.

Rember when Relc hated you? I kicked you out of the inn right after the Goblin attacks oror sothing, rember? You had that big Goblin with you, Garen? And I asked you to go? That was the last ti I saw you until the siege at Liscor.

I rember. Its fine. You did what you thought you needed to. Goblins did attack and kill people. Garen killed his team. Even Goblins didnt forgive him. Even his tribe.

Rags squatted there, and she saw Erin shake her head guiltily.

Thanks for saying that. Its justI havent done enough for Goblins. I even got a Skill. [Natural Allies]. ButI dont feel like a friend to Goblins. Not all the ti.

Rags gave Erin the blankest look in creation. If she didnt feel like a Goblinfriend, who did?

She spoke after a second.

Do you know Gna?

Who? Ohthe [Sergeant] who ca with Numbtongue and the others, right? Shes with the army now. She helped. What about her?

Hmm. Badarrow told about her. Do you know her class?

Erin hadnt t Gna personally, but her class was unforgettable. She grinned.

[Bug Captain Goblinfriend] or sothing like that?

Rags grinned.

Yep. She got that class, and I think its funny. But she got that class, and Badarrow told she didnt like Goblins that much. Even at the end, she was wary. But she got that class because even marching with Goblins was enough to be a friend. You? Youre the only ally Goblins have.

The praise might have fallen upon deaf ears. Erin just shook her head.

But here I am, treating you like a kid. Sorry.

Its not a problem.

Now Rags felt annoyed that Erin was taking it so personally, and she glanced at Erin.

I know Im small. I know Im young. I shouldnt snap at you. You have kids like Mrsha. Who is a child. A spoiled one.

Erin snorted and hoped Rags wouldnt say that to Mrsha or Lyonettes faces. She was sort ofa savage, verbally! Not in any other way. But she shook her head.

No, I know youre not a child like that, Rags. I know youre a [Great Chieftain]Badarrow told of everything youve done and what you an to the tribe. Its just

She looked wistfully upwards as Apista began to smoke. Rags and Erin glanced at her in alarm, but the bee just ignited and then turned off the flas. She must have been pleasedshe was staring around the windy garden, and Erins heart went out to her.

Like Rags, actually. The Goblin glanced at Erin.

Say it.

Youre gonna be mad.

Im not. Say it.

Promise you wont get mad? Its justI had a dream, too, about you. But its sillier than you wanting to thank . Promise?

Rags just raised her brows, turning to face Erin. The [Innkeeper] ducked her head. She eyed Rags and then confessed.

II had this idea, Rags. Whenever you ca back. Whenever I got my inn in order. Youd be grumpy, and Id cheer you up. And then Id feed you, and, umgiveyouapiggybackride.

What was that last part?

Give you a ride. On my back.

Rags gave Erin a blank look. It grew blanker as Erin explained. Rags had seen little Goblins riding on older Goblins backs, but seldom for fun.

You wanted to give a ride?

Horseback ride. Thats where youre super high up. Legs around my shoulders. I thought youd laugh andand you can stop looking at like that!

Erin defended herself, blushing. It didnt work anymore, not with the Goblin giving her the long look.

Rags could have snapped at Erin, but she knew the [Innkeeper] felt guilty. If anything? She was curious.

Why? In what scenario of knowing did you think Id enjoy that? Pebblesnatch would have enjoyed that.

Not her. But Erin looked so wistful that any wrath that Rags might have felt was already gone.

I know. I know, Rags. But in my headyou were the sa Goblin I first t. Terrible things happened to you. I justI wish I could have gone back and my inn of now, this garden, could be back then. Because then I would have been able to properly protect you, give you a room, not just food whenever you ca in. I should have.

We were dangerous back then. So of the Goblins would have slit your throat.

I know. But I wishI wish you werent so old, Rags.

The [Innkeeper] cried out. She looked at Rags sadly.

Youre young! You are small, and I wanted you to be a kid. Properly. I know youre a [Great Chieftain] and youve done so much, but you shouldnt have been. You should have been like Mrsha, even shes gone through too much.

Ah. Now Rags saw why Erin was so upset. The Goblin leaned back and stared at the sky as Apista ignited again, this ti testing sothing out. She stared up.

To live, I had to be a [Chieftain]. I could have been young. I could have refused to beco a [Great Chieftain]. I am no Goblin Lord, Erin. I fear being one. But I want to know why Goblin Kings kill. I want to stop it.

Erin looked at Rags. Her hands clenched in the dirt, and she exhaled. Then it seed like she let go of sothing. She brushed at her face.

Ow. Dirt in my eyes. I know thats what you want to do, Rags. I think its so brave. And I promisewhatever you need, if youre ever in trouble, my inn will always be open. Ive said that to so many people. No Gnoll will ever leave hungry. Wellno Goblin will die within my walls. Not if I can help it. Whatever happens, no matter what trouble your tribe runs intoyou can co here.

She ant it. Every word. Yet Erins smile wasnt reflected in Rags troubled expression.

Dont say that. Dont promise that.

Why not?

Rags had not told Erin about how she had burned across Riverfarms lands. She wondered if Erin knew. Now, she told Erin.

I am not a goodperson. Dont promise to always protect without knowing what will happen. I kidnapped the Healer of Tenbault. To do that, I killed people. And I would do it again. If they ca after my tribeand they willI will kill Humans, Drakes, and Gnolls. I am afraid of becoming Reiss.

She looked up. Or Tremborag. She didnt know how, but this long road was one they had all walked before. The [Innkeeper] was silent for a long while. Then she exhaled.

Im not a good person either, Rags. No one is.

Youre better than most.

Erin turned her head, and she gave Rags much the sa look that Rags had given Erin when she realized she was being treated like a child.

No, Rags. Theres a part of that knows exactly what youre talking about. Its like fire. Maviola El taught to see part of myself, and Ive felt it more than once. Youre not good? I killed the Raskghar when they kidnapped Mrsha. I would have wiped them out if I had to. If she was deadthere are things Ive thought about doing. So things I might do, against my enemies. No matter what, I will kill them, and if it is as painfully as I can imagineI wont hesitate.

The Goblin looked at the [Innkeeper]s serious face. Then she stood up lightly. The wind ran through her hair and blew at her clothing, and she felt unguarded without her armor. She had been speaking to the one person she wanted to talk to for a long ti. And it had not been what she expected, but it had not been horrible. SoRags hesitated and looked around this wide plain stretching upwards.

Alright. Just one ti.

One what?

The Goblin glanced at Erin, and she looked completely amused. She gave Erin a real grin.

You can carry on your shoulders. I sort of want to see what happens. Unless youre too tired.

The [Innkeeper] gave Rags a wide-eyed stare, and then she scrambled to her feet.

I can do it! Hop on! Itll be the ride of your life!

Rags climbed onto Erins shoulders and felt the most childish she had felt all year. Erin hoisted her up with a grunt, and Rags was displeased that even the weakened young woman could do it. Then Erin began jogging across the ground.

Alright. Let just build up so speedhow am I doing, Rags? How does it feel? Do you feel like a child?

Its bumpy. Go faster.

Erin laughed and panted, and she actually sped up. Rags was tense, expecting Erin to wipe out at any second, but she realized that she was fairly stable. And if she fell? The Goblin leaned back and saw the sky moving slowly overhead.

The warm air whipped around them as Erin ran, and Rags realized she was laughing with the sheer stupidity of the mont. The innocent laughter filled the air. Rags looked up, and then she wondered if this were how it might have been.

Like Mrsha and Lyonette, a little Goblin riding on an [Innkeeper]s shoulders. Rags eyes stung. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly. Then she opened them and smiled.

Just smiled as she rode on Erins shoulders like the child shed never been and never known she wanted to be until this mont. An adult capturing sothing shed missed.

Wheeeeeee.

Erin ran until she wiped out. She stumbled, Rags leapt off her shoulders, and Erin flopped on her back, wheezing for air. Yet they were smiling.

The little bee, flapping her one wing in the quiet garden, watched as Erin and Rags sat up. Then Erin hugged Rags tightly, and the [Chieftain] hugged her back.

Apista thought they might be friends after all. What did the bee see? She was the only observer, besides the empty garden itself, besides the will of classes and levels.

She saw sothing different, in her bee-like way, as the two spoke. Erin was ablaze with joy. It radiated out from her as she looked at Rags.

A hat full of fla. Yet she was that fire to Apista. A burning hill of fire, like Inkar saw. She was the inn and garden, inheritor of this sanctuary and the will of flas. She was glorious and grand when she was filled with life.

And Rags? Apista saw a little Goblin standing there. As she had stood before Tremborag and the last Dragonlord of Fla. The [Innkeeper], all her foesRags image of herself was different.

For there stood just a Goblin. But even shorter than Rags was in reality, in Apistas insight into the two. Just a tiny Goblin, barefoot, wearing nothing but tattered clothing, staring at fla and fire and giants.

Facing them all down. Then the flaming giant wavered, and she took Rags hands.

I wanted you to be young, Rags! I wanted you to be young and grow up slowly. Im sorry. I didnt do enough. Anyone else can say I did, even you. But I never did enough for the friends I t. And no one is a Goblins friend, so I should have been a better one.

She was suddenly uncertain. A wavering spark of light buffeted by her own fears and trials and weaknesses, and they lood large. She kept reaching out, for people. For love. And she was unable to grasp it. She chased a spark she herself couldnt feel. Not yet.

The Goblin, though, just took Erins hands, and she was proud. She stood, leader of a tribe, buoyed up and sheltering, responsible for tens of thousands of lives. They were all close to her, all connected.

Yet she was proudly alone. She neither wanted nor needed what part of Erin would cry out for. And gently, she squeezed Erins hands.

I was old before I t you, Erin. Goblins. Humans. I will pull us forwards one step, our species, if I can manage it. Half a step, if that is all. Until we can be children together. But I cant do it alone. You gave a hungry Goblin food. If Im ever hungry and lost latercan I co here?

Always.

The [Magical Innkeeper]s eyes shone, and she grabbed Rags hands with all the strength in her body. The [Great Chieftain] bared her teeth in a true smile, and Erins aura grew larger.

Fire. Those flas that Apista saw around her sotisand the Ashfire Bee knew fireso wondrous and powerful.

It filled the inn and grew from the garden. Such that even the [Princess], the other [Innkeepers], and the guests felt it. They looked up and smiled and suddenly laughed.

From the witch who raised her head and bead at the ceiling to the nervous Goblins who slowly relaxed and knew their Chieftain would be back shortly. To the giggling, snorting Gnoll girl and the adventurers who nudged each other.

A warm feeling, as if it was inviting them in. The [Princess] threw up her hands, mildly exasperated

Because she couldnt top that.

Slowly, a [Baker] glanced up from the table where he had been complaining about everyone and everything and this faulty party. He glanced up and looked around.

Ah. Now this feels more like it.

Fla. Rags own aura flickered around her, that lonely [Aura of Command]. Butshe looked in Erins eyes and felt like she was lacking.

She was more than the Goblin who wanted to be a leader. A leader? She gazed around, and it was this inn, if not this exact garden and place, she had always been coming back to.

She took in Erin, and the Goblin reached out, across species and ti, and took the [Innkeeper]s hand.

Goblin and Human, not shaking hands, but holding each others hand as if supporting one another. Smiling as flas flickered around them.

The inn was shaking. Apista felt the tremor under her feelers and wondered just how it felt in the actual inn. But she waited as so of that glorious fla licked off Erin, pure aura and will. Almost, almost

Then the little bee fanned her wings and ignited her own flas. Like one of Octavias pieces of fire flaring off a match head, she caught fire. The flas jetted from little vents in her carapacebut Apista was focusing. So winked off on one side as her good wing beat frantically.

Focus. Focus. Can we do it? Here we go. Herewego.

The bee had little to do while she was resting and while Lyonette was gone. All she could do was watch the scrying orb. For instancethe Archmage of Izrils famous lifting of Fissival.

To the little bee, shed seen sothing really interesting when Valeterisa did that. And if it worked for a city

A jet of green-red fla shot out, startling Erin and Rags. They looked over, and Erins jaw dropped. Rags took one look over and closed her eyes.

No. Fightipilota was right?

A fla was burning upwards, and a tiny little thing, a bee, was corkscrewing madly through the air. She was flying! Apista was internally screaming for joy and sheer panic because she was not in control.

But the first jet-powered bee was using her wing and the flas burning out of her body to propel herself through the air. She buzzed past Erin as the [Innkeeper] gaped up at her.

Hey. Thats my fire. Thats my fire!

Apista saluted them with one antennae. Then Erin was laughing and running after her, and Rags aura was changing. The Goblin looked up and sighed.

Later, she would hear the voice telling her what she already knew. But that new aura flickered around her. Changed by her eting with the [Innkeeper].

Erin Solstice.

One last thing happened to the inn as a tremor ran through it, disturbing dishes, startling guests, and heralding the beginning of strange, fantastic days.

The Goblins, Humans, Drakes, and Gnolls all didnt see it at first. But then Numbtongue nearly ran smack-bang into it when he and Octavia were running out to see what Erin had made explode. He stopped, and his eyes went round.

Is thatfrom the garden? It has to be. Numbtongue!

Other guests hadnt even realized what had happened. They turnedand exclaid. So leapt out of their seats in shock. Relc? His eyes bugged out.

Thats not supposed to happen. Youthats from the garden. Erin! Is she alright? Is she

He leapt to his feet in a panic, but Numbtongue didnt think Erin was hurt. Or perhapshe stared at what was standing in the common room of The Wandering Inn.

It had appeared in the center of the room on a little pedestal. Just grey stone. A functionone of the oldest functions of the [Garden of Sanctuary].

Yet the two statues who stood there shouldnt have been present. Notnot yet. Erin and Rags stood there. Clasping hands and smiling at one another.

How? Numbtongue didnt think they were dead. Yethe looked at the door to the garden, where a laughing [Innkeeper] and the [Chieftain] were coming from, following an out-of-control bee.

She had died. That was her garden, and so Erins statue belonged there. As for Rags? It might not be ti for her. But the garden surely knew who would one day stand on that hill.

Perhaps that was why. Numbtongues claws trembled as he looked at the first statue to fill The Wandering Inn for all to see. It was a [ssage] louder than even the Goblins presence as helpers.

For you could call them [rcenaries] or servants or even justify their existence as so did without calling them people.

But if you did, then that statue made no sense. For they were not shaking hands to seal any deal. There was no partnership nor give or take on the gently smiling Goblins face or the [Innkeeper]s beaming smile.

Just friends. They clasped hands as, once again, The Wandering Inn saw its [Innkeeper] walk out of the gardens doors to cheers. Erin looked around and blinked out a window.

Is that a skating rink? What have you guys been up to? Lets do this party!

She laughed, and Rags smiled. Then the two of them walked out, properly. Not to thank each other anymore, but as friends.

[Great Chieftain Level 35!]

[Skill Change Aura of Command Aura of the Emissary obtained!]

[Spell: Apistas Jetfla created.]

[Skill The Innkeepers Daily Bounty (The Wandering Inn) obtained!]

Authors Note: I edited 1.02 R along with doing this 30k chapter. In three days. And it was good, substantive edits.

I uhIm working hard. I may need to take a day off just to do edits or screw around with fun side-writings. If so, I will let you know, but I think that my rewrite speed on Volu 1 is too slow. Taking an entire update off would be a lot, but I am pushing harder than usual, I think.

Mind you, editing on the third day does sotis really increase quality so I may change my writing schedule in general, but I am burning hot. And the candle. From both ends. Not with a flathrower yet; that was the end of Volu 8. But Im just trying to manage projects and I have more than I thought.

Well, the story does co out fast, and I try to keep quality as high as you can ask for. But wow, having a year to write a book would be so nice. Imagine months of not having to do muchthis is more efficient. Just letting you know I might need to borrow so ti, but I hope you enjoy and that the waits are worth it.

Also, I would love a garden of my own. Mine would probably be different from the ones I write, though. But well see more. Thanks for reading!

Knight Norman by decarbry, commissioned by True Godking Roguish!(Wait, we have another one to kill?)

Fire Hat by Brack!