Book 7: Chapter 60
A day had passed since the run that defined Izril, for a moment. Nojust a night. And what a sleepless night, for so many.
The electric shock of adrenaline in the veins, the excitement. The grief and fury and satisfaction of victoryall of that mixed together in the body, both chemical, emotional, until sleep was an impossibility.
Rewatch the clips being broadcast on Wistram News Network. Talk with the others whod seen it. Speculate. Worry.
The day after an event as momentous as the Wind Runners Deliveryor perhaps, Maviola Els Final Rideor Saliss of Lights Saves Those Stupid Humans From Themselves as the other species were naming the event, was far too much to process.
Especially if you werent used to such moments in your life. A certain [Innkeeper] and her clientele, for instance, could actually get some sleep after the events of the run. Even if they worried for Ryoka Griffin. Even if friends had diedthey had lived through such days.
The unprepared did not sleep. And indeed, he was so exhausted that after riding for two hours and returning the plough horse hed borrowed, Farmer Lupp practically collapsed into his bed.
He could have slept for sixteen hours, despite going to sleep as the sun was rising. As it turned out, he got exactly three hours.
Someone knocked on his door, loudly. The [Farmer] ignored it until the banging became too loud to ignore. He stumbled upright.
Corn crows take it, whos making a racket at?
Well, it was a proper time to get up. The [Farmer] blearily looked around, and realized he didnt need to put on clothes; hed had them on.
He walked towards the door. Scowling at first. Then smiling.
She did it. The Wind Runner, Ryoka Griffin. Someone he knew. Come to thatall of Reizmelt had celebrated. Lupp would have stuck around, but the huge gathering didnt suit him. And hed been happy enough to see the Lischelle-Drakle family receive news that their daughter was well.
Maybe hed head into the city, see if people were still talking about it. Bring some corn, roast it and share it about.
The [Farmer] was smiling as he opened the door. Right up until he saw the four people standing on his doorstep.
Farmer Lupp.
It was not a question. The [Farmer] looked at the four people. They wore ordinary travellers clothing. Innocuous, inconspicuous, bearing common self-defense weapons. A dagger, a sword, a bow on ones back and a small quiver. They could have been [Hunters] and perhaps if he saw them on the road, riding the four horses tied to his gate, Lupp would have ignored them completely.
What made them different today was that they had put on hoods, tied strips of cloth over their faces, covering all but their eyes. A simple disguise you could put on and take off in a minute.
[Assassins]. The [Farmer] tried to back up. One of the four swung up a crossbow and aimed it at his chest.
III dont have much gold. Its under my bed
He started, even as he knew that wasnt why they were here. The [Assassin] looked at him.
Farmer Lupp. Local [Farmer], grower of corn
Good corn.
One of them had plucked some freshly grown corn. Lupp, for a moment, was terribly offended. He defended his corn against crows and thievesthe scarecrow standing in the field was proof of that. As if that was the worst sin they would commit on his land this morning.
T-thats me. If youre here to rob me
He had gold from Lady Bethal, who bought his corn these days. The [Assassin] shook his head.
You know why were here.
I dontplease
Farmer Lupp. An acquaintance of the Wind Runner of Reizmelt, Ryoka Griffin. Afriend.
The [Assassin] hesitated. He looked at the others, almost embarrassed.
One of the few acquaintances she has. Shes paid you visits for more than just deliveries.
Just to deliver things from my daughter. I dont know her at all.
The [Farmer] had a bow. And he had shovels, pitchforksnone of which came to hand. He was no killer, either. The [Assassin] looked at him, almost pityingly.
Blame yourself, [Farmer]. Theres not many on our list. And youre by far the easiest.
The others. Fierre, an Information Broker, used to watching her back. Mad Madain? A former Gold-rank Adventurer? A [Fistfighter] in Invrisil? Forget the damned inn.
Who will miss a [Farmer]? Step out and well make it quick.
Lupp had the door in his hands. He pushedbut one of the [Assassins] was holding it open.
I dont know her.
A lie. The [Assassin] produced a red, glowing stone. He offered it to Lupp. He did not lookhappy to do this. Just resigned. Tired.
The Guild of Assassins was burning. But neither Lupp nor Ryoka had considered that even if the Faces were massacred, the Guild brokenthey could still find one or two agents to take vengeance.
You dont have to do this.
He tried one last time. The [Assassin] in front looked at him.
Youre friends with Ryoka Griffin. She destroyed our home. Will it be slow or quick, farmer?
The old mans heart beat too quickly. He was shaking. Like other people in this situation, he was searching for a way out. But few attempts on his life had been made like this. A [Mugger], a [Thief]a confrontation at a tavern.
Thiswas different. The [Farmer] looked at the [Assassins]. If he shoved the door closed and went to run
Theyd put a bolt in his back before he even took a step. The [Corn Farmer] looked at them. Thenhe let go of the door.
I know Ryoka Griffin.
They stirred. The [Farmer] opened and closed his hands.
I know that young woman. Shes a friend. Not one I knew long. But I think I knew her well enough. She was so sad. Too sad for a girl her age. Youngern my daughter, even.
He was shaking harder. His eyes blurred a bit. Lupp had to say it, though.
I saw her on that orb. Running for her life. Defying your Guild. She never looked
He swallowed. Then smiled through the tears.
She never looked happier. She flew. I was never prouder of anyone. If youre here to kill me for being her friendd-do it. Ill never regret knowing the Wind Runner.
Lupps voice stumbled a bit. He wished hed said his last words as bravely as he thought them, with confidence and daring.
It was enough. The [Assassins] listened, politely. Then, the one in front nodded.
Said well enough. Do it.
The one with the crossbow raised it. Lupp closed his eyes.
Snap. A bowstring cracking.
Thud.
-
Lupp cracked one eye open. He saw the [Assassin] collapse. An arrow was sticking out of his head.
The scarecrow had shot him in the face.
The scarecrow had?
The [Assassins] whirled. A second arrow knocked the leader down. He screamed as he tried to drag it out of his thigh. Lupp stared. He fell back, as the other two crashed around the side of the house, for cover.
Lupp was stunned. He didnt know what was happening. He certainly wasnt about to fight or take cover more effectively. He just had one thought.
Ive leveled up. Ive gained [Awaken Scarecrows]. No[Automated Scarecrows]. I didnt hear it. I must have leveled
He realized, a moment later, that this wasnt true. The big hint was the shouting voice.
Take them!
It wasnt the [Assassins]. Lupp heard them die. Screamstwo more thunks as arrows hit them. He dared to peek out his door. He saw his scarecrow lower the bow. Thenbrush at its face.
The wicker creation he used to scare crows away as, even dressed up as himself, became a figure standing in the field. The illusion spell melted off the [Archer] as she looked around.
More figures spread out in his field of corn. Each one had a bow. Theyd killed the [Assassins].
Secure the farm! Make sure theres no backup. What word from the other teams?
Reizmelt secure. Second farm secure. Assassin team headed to the farm intercepted and dead.
Good.
The figure walked up the hill towards Lupp. Reflexively, he almost closed the door in her face.
Farmer Lupp? Its safe.
Whowho are
The figure nodded at him. Sheit was a shewas wearing a strange armor that seemed to take on the characteristics of whatever was around her. Right now it looked like the dirt of his farms path; if she laid down, shed be all but invisible.
I am a [Stealth Archer] in the employ of the House of El, Farmer Lupp. You are under the protection of the Five Families.
The House of
The woman nodded, her eyes on the distance.
The aegis of the Veltras Family is on you. Until the Guild is destroyed, we will be protecting your farm.
The other figures in his field, searching the bodies of the [Assassins], wore the colors of House Veltras. [Soldiers]. Expert [Marksmen]. Lupp stared.
Buthow
Lord Veltras requested aid from the Five Families. Friends and family of the Wind Runner of Reizmelt are to be guarded. Obviously.
The [Stealth Archer] smiled, eying the dead [Assassins]. She turned to Farmer Lupp.
Apologies about the delay. Veltras agents were still getting into position. I would have taken all four if I had to, but
She shrugged. She must have come first; the other [Archers] looked exhausted, having ridden through the night to get here. Lupp was at a loss for words. He looked at the [Stealth Archer]. At the dead [Assassins]. Relief made him weak.
As before, so, now. All the [Farmer] could think to do was point towards his open door.
Thank you. Thank you. Would you likesome corn?
Even their most tertiary agents were dying. The Guild of Assassins lay in ruins. The headquarters in First Landing was obliterated and two more of their bases were burning.
There was no leadership. Conflicting [Messages], ordering them to regroup, or strike at their enemiesthe agents of the Circle of Thorns were similarly panicked.
The truth wastheir great gambit had failed. In every conceivable way. And now that the threat upon his sons was ended, both Tyrion Veltras and the Five Familiesand even lesser houses of Izril were turning their might upon the Guild without fear.
The worst had happened to them. Sonow came wrath and ruination.
-
House of El. Lord Deilan had, with Zedaliens advice, stones brought out. [Appraisal], [Truth]to find agents in his lands. Any that were located were not engaged directly, like Veltras forces who were running down every [Assassin] they could find.
Seeker arrows. Target is fleeing.
One of the El Familys [Archers] stood on the roof of their manor. He drew a crafted arrow, one of the El Familys creations, and loosed it. It flew up and kept flying, defying physics, arcing with more range and accuracy than even most Skills could allow. The [Eagle-eye Marksman] saw the fleeing figure crumple.
-
The Wellfar Family at sea sunk another burning ship. The Guild had ships, some of whom had been trying to flee. In vain; Wellfars navy was their strength, and even their flagship was out. In a show of force, it had bombarded the cutter-sized ship with firepower meant for another warship.
It was raining, as water fell around one of the [Captains]. He grimaced and wiped at his cap. Then turned his attention towards the coast, sighting other ships. Not one rat would flee Izril.
For Gresaria and Regein Wellfar. The Harbormistress of First Landings reputation had been such that even [Captains] who had disliked her work keeping the docks clear of contraband were refusing to carry [Assassins].
It was personal to them, such that the [Lords] and [Ladies] were leading their own ships, on the hunt for [Assassins] in the waters. Out for blood.
-
The Terland Family was more prosaic. They did not take to arms themselves; well, some of the younger hotheads did. But Ulva Terland simply gave one order, and remained secluded, safeguarded until the threat passed.
For the Terland family, that was enough.
The Guilds stronghold in the northeast was fortified against magical attack as well as mundane. It was less-obvious than the one in First Landing. But overconfidence had lost its chief protectionsecrecy. And like the Guild in First Landing, it might have staved off an army with its fortifications.
But not a bombardment from a relic of the House of Wellfar. And similarly
Theyre coming!
A cry. The [Assassins] watched the doors, which were being battered by some unknown force. The Guild was trembling with the impacts. They coated their weapons with poisons, trained Wands of [Fireball] on the door.
An [Assassin] peeked out an arrow slit. But the fog-spells made it impossible to see what was assailing them. House Terland, of course. But what kind of army? Theyd loosed arrows and bolts and spells, but heard no cry of
A fist punched through the arrow slit. Through enchanted stone. The [Assassin] screameda second before the fist tried to draw her through the small opening.
Her body resisted. But the Golems strength was inexorable. It pulledand most of the [Assassin] followed.
The other [Assassins] saw a glowing rune as the Golem proceeded to punch through the wall again. Then the double doors burst open.
Theyre just Golems! Destroy them and
The words left the [Assassin] leading the defense. The wind sucked out of the room. They gaspedlooking up.
A glowing Golems Heart. Whirling pieces of armor surrounding it. But the body of one of Terlands greatest relic-protectors was just
Poetically, perhaps. Given the Wind Runners involvement. The [Assassins] did not admire the Wind Golem. They fell, choking for air or grabbing emergency artifacts like Jars of Air as the lesser Golems charged into their guild. The few Humans hung back until the job was done.
-
The Reinhart Family, mostly confined to their estates in decadence, placed bets on how many [Assassins] were dying. They had lost nothing, given nothing. They took part in small ways.
Their matriarch, and not well-beloved, was gone. Most watched the slaughter with urbane amusement.
-
House Veltras army had long been considered the largest and most powerful, at least under Tyrion Veltras. A standing force that was mightyyet, as the [Assassins] had proven, flawed in some crucial areas.
Counterintelligence was the game of Reinharts. That would change. But at least in open conflict, they were greatly feared. And all the pent-up wrath of nearly a month was unleashed in the bloodiest purge of their lands and the surrounding region.
[Assassins] fought [Soldiers] in one-sided melees. The Skills that allowed them to kill foes in armor, from afar, in secret, were of less use in a pitched battle. And the best of them, who had killed [Knights] and high-level foes, the Faces, were dead.
Or being hunted down.
There were three. One was fifteen, a daughter, an [Alchemist] in training. Like her mother, she had a gift. A boy, fourteen, held back by the younger daughter, who was eleven. The daughter had inherited somethingodd. A preternatural strength that meant that even at her age, she was stronger than her siblings.
It came from her mother. They had not seen her for the last month; she was a travelling [Trader]-[Alchemist], who had a lot of clients.
They, and her husband, had been shocked beyond belief when she returned, missing an arm, in the late hours of the night. She had told them to pack everything in their comfortable manor. To run with her.
They had asked too many questions. Or perhaps
An army had followed them. The [Commander] wore the insignia of House Veltras. A reassuring sight; they had lived on the edges of House Veltras territory all their lives.
But the [Soldiers] were training their weapons upon the manor. And the [Commander] was shouting.
Mire of the Assassins Guild. Leave your manor now or we will demolish it to ash.
Mire? Mother, whos that?
The oldest daughter stared up their mother, Chena Vall. Chena said nothing.
Chenawhats going on? They have to be joking. This
Her husband was a local [Vintner], respected for his quality. Hed met Chena while working on an alchemical stock of his wine
Decades lay between them. Her children had grown up here without fear of hunger or sickness. Everything she had wanted. Mire looked at her husband and the truth, the real truth of who she was, finally gave way.
Maybe he had suspicions. Tiny clues he pushed aside. Perhaps he had wondered about their youngest daughters gifts, somehow transmitted by potions shed drunk while carrying her.
It broke him in two. The [Vintner] exited the manor, holding his hands up.
There has to be some kind of mistake. My wifeher name is Chena. Chena Vall. Im Loren Vall. [Commander]
Mire the [Alchemist] is a one-armed [Assassin] from the Guild. Hold your ground, sir. You will be taken in for questioning in your involvement in the Guilds attempt on the lives of Lord Sammial and Hethon Veltras and the threats made to the Five Families of Izril.
His eyes bulged.
Lordsbut we sent our wishes for their health! Weve been staunch supporters of the Veltras family all our lives. Chena! Chena, come out and tell them
He wanted to go back towards the manor. The children looked up at their mother. She was croucheda glowing potion in her grip.Findd new stories at novelhall.com
Mother? Whats that potion?
Her daughter locked eyes on the glowing liquid, of a far greater potency than the humble [Trader]-[Alchemist] should have been able to brew. Her mother said nothing.
Stay down. The windows are warded.
Chena! Come out here! This is all a mistake, Commander
Stay where you are! Do not go inside!
The man didnt listen. He went for the door after a moments hesitation.
Loose!
A snap of bowstrings. A scream from inside. Mire said nothing.
Father!
The youngest daughter let go of her brother. He ran for the door.
Stop
The bows which had slain Loren trained on the boy. He halted. And Mire spoke at last.
Enough! Dont kill him!
Exit with your arms raised.
The [Assassin] did. Her arm, actually. The [Commander] stared at her.
Thats her. [Assassin]! Drop your gear on the ground! [Mages]
They were checking her, appraising her to make sure she had no secret weapons. Bitterly, Mire tossed her potion, her belt, her bag of holding, secret blades on the ground.
Her son, her daughters, stared at her. The illusion ended. The [Assassin] laughed.
Youve taken it all from me. I surrender. Justjust let them live and Ill tell you everything.
Secure her.
The [Commander] didnt take his burning eyes off Mire. [Soldiers]Veltras bestdragged her down, securing her in cuffs that blocked both Skills and magic. Relics in their own right. Mire bared her teeth as they shackled her legs; hard to do with one arm.
Mother!
Keep them back. Mire the Alchemist. You have made an attempt on the lives of multiple members of the Five Families. What say you, if anything?
They forced her face into the dirt. Mire spat up at them.
Im an [Assassin]. I had my orders. Youre a [Soldier]. Listen, I know all the Faces, and the Guilds locations
Im sure you do. My duty, however, is clear. For your crimes, the House of Veltras judges you guilty. By admission. By witness. By magic. That is enough. The sentence is death. Execute her.
Whno! I have information!
Mire had not been expecting that. Shed been prepared to bargain it all away. There was a cry from the manor.
Keep the children back. Nolock them inside. Away from the windows.
The [Commander] glanced over Mires shoulder. Mire struggled then, trying to throw the arms off. Break the gripsfight barehanded.
Sword.
The [Commander] dismounted. Mire cursed, screaming. There were voices from behind her. Arguing, begging, pleading. One of the [Soldiers] cried out as the youngest daughter shoved him aside. The children raced past the guards. It couldnt be true. Even now
Mire looked up as the sword swung down. Her head rolled. The [Commander] wiped the blade and handed it to the [Soldier].
Target neutralized. To the next. Youyou. Ensure the children are managed until Lord Veltras decides their fate.
Such was House Veltras justice.
-
The hatred of itit was almost funny. Look how efficiently vicious they were when you roused them to it.
House Veltras, and its prideful [Lord]. If only they were this ruthless to begin with, it would have never come to that.
You couldnt have threatened Magnolia Reinhart the same way you did Lord Tyrion. But now hed found his wrath.
We were close. I had my hand on his throat. I could have killed them. I was more powerful than the leader of one of the Five Families.
She mumbled. Not sure if the words were actually coming out of her lips. She felt odd. Naked.
Her mask was gone. That was worse than the lack of her gear. Her mask.
The [Toxins Expert] had wondered why she wasnt dead when she first woke up. But the answer was obvious.
To her disappointment, it was not Lord Tyrion Veltras who descended the steps into this small place. But it made a lot of sense. The [Assassin] mumbled.
Am I in the Veltras Manor?
I would not suffer your presence. Nor would Ullim. Your companions are dead. Your Guild is burning, [Assassin]. The cure has been delivered. All your plans have come to naught.
Jericha descended the steps and looked at the [Toxins Expert]. The [Assassin] paused. It had been she whod defeated the [Assassin] in the moments when Lord Tyrion had gone to secure the cure. If it had been the [Lord]well, the [Toxins Expert] thought she wouldnt have been in one piece.
Comparatively. She spat some blood, hoping that the woman would come closer. Even her blood was poisonous. But the second to Lord Tyrion was careful. Shed removed all the [Assassin]s weapons, even the hidden ones.
The Guilds being destroyed? The other Faces?
Dead or being hunted.
The Circle?
It will be rooted out and purged. Every traitorous member. My [Lord] has sworn it.
Huh. Okay.
Jericha hesitated. She eyed the restrained [Assassin].
You have nothing else to say?
I never liked the Guild. Or my fellows. I had a few friends. I came close, though. Your [Lord] begged me on his knees for my help.
Jericha clenched one hand. She took a step forwardsthen relaxed. She stepped back, sighed.
House Veltras is extinguishing your fellow [Assassins] one by one, [Assassin]. But your existence proves we were unprepared. There are more, arent there?
Oh yes.
The [Mage] found a seat. She sat there, and the [Toxins Expert] looked up at her.
You will tell me everything. Your Guildyour secrets. Where you all sprung from.
And if I doyoull kill me swiftly?
A hoarse laugh. Jerichas stony face twitched. She looked at the [Assassin] and almost smiled.
No. That is what you will tell me. Either way, youll live. We have personal business to settle.
Ah.
The [Assassin] began to giggle, and laugh. She wondered if Jericha even knew how shed been trained. If she should surpass thatshed be very impressed.
Oh well. She kept laughing, until the [Silence] spell cut off the sound. And still laughed then.
Shed been so close! For a no one like herhadnt that been something?
Alas. Here came the consequences.
-
Our best [Assassins] are dead. Some of our agents have been compromised. Rooted out. Theytheyve killed one of the Petals of Death!
The Circle of Thorns met thusly. Not in person; but their representatives filled the room built for them. Some from far away. Puppet proxies, magical reflections, their origin and sending disguised.
One of them was shouting. Raving, in a panic. In fear of his very life. Some of the others were likewise. Two were silent. The rest?
We are all in danger! What will we do? The Five Familiesthat damned Veltras has sworn to find all of us! We have to hide. Wewe must
They had tried to take it all, and in the process, lost everything they had. The Circle could still fight back, though. They had agents, members of the Guild who werent active fighters. They just had to
The inner sanctum of the Circle of Thorns was suddenly filled with a strange sound. The Petals of Death, and the speaker, jerked. Suddenly
There was applause. Half of the Petals of Death stood on their feet, applauding, a standing ovation. One of them spoke.
Well done! Splendid! This has been the greatest display of ineptitude from the Circle! More than in a thousand years! More blood spilled, more members lost! A disaster like none ever seen! The guild is broken, the Circle is hunted!
The Petal of Death laughed. The others were laughing, applauding, even cheering.
The other Petals stirred.
Whwhat? Are you mad? Theres no time to applaud!
On the contrary. Its exactly what we wanted!
It was a standing ovation. Half the Petals applauded, the other half sat in bewildered silence.
For so long, your Guild has been a powerful force. Reinhart used it to kill our agents. It may have preyed on Izrilbut it was a spider that caught too many flies. And the Circle has been both a check on the Five Families and an opponent of all who would take Izril. No more. Well done.
Another Petal leaned forwards. The Petals of Death who hadnt applauded stirred. They were, of course, minor [Lords] and [Ladies]. Those who had connections with the Circle. Who desired a change in how things were.
Butwhat had that Petal said? Your Guild? Suddenlythe Petals were silent.
You. We inducted you into our order. Youre[Lady] Melisaw.
One of the Petals murmured. It was anathema to reveal one of their members to each other. Butthe figure appeared, shedding the disguise on her scrying mirror.
It was Lady Melisaw. A slightly pudgy [Lady]. Born of a small House in Izril, who had faithfully worked her way up the ranks. It was her
And then it wasnt. A blur surrounded the real woman. It might not even have been Human. The Petals recoiled.
Well done. But we dont meet face-to-face, do we? And all my lovely agents swore that I was who I said I was.
Youwho are you?
The other Petals, whod applauded, changed. They laughed. The Circle of Thorns, the true Circle, looked at their imposters.
Izrils famous Guild lies in ruins. Nobles are dead, fighting each other, and more will die as the Circle is destroyed. The best part isI couldnt have even planned this. I was prepared to do something, but you all hung yourselves without me needing to do more than nod along.
Another fake Petal chuckled. The others laughed.
You were once called Izrils unseen dagger. A weapon that fought in secrecy. Look at you now. Rot and decay have crept into your ranks. If all of us could infiltrateyou deluded fools. Well, we have you to thank. Well see you all soon enough. Count on it, fools.
The blurred woman. She sneered as the Petals of Izril looked at each other in horror. Other species! Other nations.
Other continents. The Circle of Thorns was filled with more mocking laughter. Then the traitorous half vanished. The remaining Petals realizedthey were compromised. The Circle had been infected from the start. They panicked, shouting at each other, screaming, the smart ones disconnecting from their conference right away.
Only two remained, in silence. Perhapsshock? Or something else. The last two Petals sat there a moment, regarding each other. Then they too, vanished.
-
So. Deception on all sides. Vengeance and death. The day after the cure was delivered and two young [Lord]s lives were saved contained almost as much death as the day before.
From some. Blood and panic and wrath.
Not all. The [Lord] of House Veltras, for instance, surprisingly, had forsworn the same fury that led his people to cleanse his lands. He knelt at his sons bedside, listening to calm breathing in slumber. It was a sweet sound.
It could consume you, that bitter need to draw blood. To exact more pain than youd taken. Some things mattered more, though. Tyrion Veltras just listened to his sons sleeping. If not for themhe would have heard nothing else.
Presently, he rose. Ullim remained. And countless guards. Tyrion was exhausted. But he stopped at one more room, to look in, for a moment.
The savior of House Veltras lay unconscious. The [Healer] still ministered to her. Worried. But she still breathed. Tyrion Veltras nodded to her again, then went to rest for the first time since this ordeal began.
-
Away from Izrils north, boiling with anger. Away from bloodshed. The news was focused on all these things of course, the discourse of the world obsessing over the new Courier, the implications, a weakened Izril
But this time, this time, they hadnt missed it. It had been a tagline on other events around Liscor, the Wyvern attack on Pallass. Hints of it had appeared before.
Nowit was impossible to ignore. It was a name, which was suddenly on everyones tongues. Multiple names.
The Wandering Inn.Liscor. And, following that, an almost inevitable question.
Who is Erin Solstice?
Why was that name important? Yetif you traced why the [Lord] of House Everight had fought at Invrisilwhy Grimalkin of Pallass had been seen fightingthe Black Tideit came down to a name.
Erin Solstice. You had to be smart to uncover that name. Most curious viewers would only get as far as The Wandering Inn, and only if they broke down the events at Invrisil in a meaningful way.
Most remember Maviola El, Saliss of Lights, Ryoka Griffin, as the names. But the clever ones?
Who is Erin Solstice?
The question appeared on the streets of Liscor. Humans from Invrisil sidled up to groups of Drakes or Gnolls. Hello, fellow citizen! What an event. I am much shock! Are you? We are all friends here. What say you know about Erin Solstice?
About that level of subterfuge, from some of them. The Liscorians would give the Humans odd looks. They were clearly outsiders, but they were only too happy to talk.
The Crazy Human of Liscor? Been here for ages. You want to know about her?
And of course, they did. So the others would chuckle, motion a friend over, and relay what was almost becoming a sport of its own, or tradition in Liscor. Telling stories of the [Innkeeper]. Erin Solstice.
Now, look. She might look normal on the outside. But shes strong as a [Minotaur]. Once beat a [Knight] barehanded. I saw it myself.
Shes actually an adventurer. Went into Liscors dungeon. You didnt hear about that? Shes a retired adventurercarries jars of acid around.
The best chess player in all of Liscor. She beat our [Strategist] on her first day here. Undefeatable. I tried playing her myselfshe beat me while making a pie! Without even looking at the board!
Shes actually not entirely Human. Part-Drake. Oldblood. She can spit blood. Its like, her special attack. That, and throwing frying pans. Why? Dont ask me. Shes crazy.
Employs Goblins and Antinium. Not that theres anything wrong with either! I know this Painted Workerhas a bee on his chest and yellow striped antennae. I wave at him all the time. Theres some good ones! Anyways, theyre her security.
Dont kill Goblins. Dont even joke about that. Shes mad. Rip your legs off and beat you to death with them. Shes so crazy, she destroyed her own inn. Twice! Burned it down just to build it up again.
The [Informants] and such were writing down notes frantically. The happy citizens went on.
She makes all kinds of new food. Wellbrings em over. Shes Terandrian, I think. A [Princess]or related to the throne. Ive heard it, now and then.
Shes been married. At least once. Young, for her age, but then, I was married at sixteen myself. To a Gnoll. Thats the little white Gnoll running about.
And inevitably, at some point, one of the others would interrupt.
Hold on, thats not true! That kids the last Gnoll of a tribe. The Human only rescued her. Fought the Goblin Lord one-on-one.
No, youre both wrong. I was there. She rescued the kid from bees. Poor mite was carried off by Ashfire Beestheres a colony nearby. So the [Innkeeper] took some magic flowers, put the hive to sleep
Everyone stared at the last speaker. He threw up his claws.
What, you believe everything but that? Its true! She has magic flowers
No one listened to the more obviously fake tales. But there was documented proof! Shed fought Skinner, she had an army of Antinium at her beck and call
And shes a sexual fiend.
One of the Gnolls whispered to the others in confidence. He looked around.
Insatiable. I heard shes had sex with Senior Guardsmen, the strategist of Liscor
The other listeners turned to him. One of the other Drakes nudged his friend. He indicated the Gnoll, who was sighing over Erin Solstices sexual conquests.
Why do you hang out with him? And whats he on about? Sexual fiend? He is so creepy.
I know. I thought he was fun, butyeesh. Ancestors.
They edged out of that particular gossip circle. Some people always ruined a good thing. But so it went. The Wandering Inns name was repeated on distant continents. And as for the [Innkeeper]? People wondered about her. Some people added her to their internal lists, or tried to factor her into plans.
They didnt know her completely. Not yet. But they knew her name.
-
And in time, Erin Solstice woke up. She stretched out in her bed and looked up at the sun shining through the window.
It was rare that she got up after the sun rose. For a moment, Erin Solstice stared at the ceiling.
Had everything that happened last nightactually happened? Yes, it had. The good and the bad.
Living and the dead. Erin Solstice thought about all of it.
Ryoka flying, MaviolaSaliss. Some were still out there, their fates unclear. But Ryoka was alive. She would live.
The [Innkeeper] lay there, thinking of getting up. Shewas tired. She had called every favor she could think of. And today, it was over. It was cleanup and aftermath.
She went back to sleep. The [Innkeeper] dozed, woke up, stared at the ceiling again, felt the sore muscles in her arms and legs from yesterday. She put a pillow over her head to block the sun. Curled up in her bed sheets.
Erin? Erin? You know what? I bet shes asleep.
Montressas voice at the door. Erin heard it, then dozed off. This was nice. This was
The chatter of a beaver. A door, and the fresh air of a place. The [Garden of Sanctuary]. Erins head sleepily rose
Pow. Mrshas flying head butt hit Erin in the back. She screamed.
Mrsha!
The white Gnoll had no time for sleeping [Innkeepers]. She leapt onto the bed. That was okay. It was when a Fortress Beaver tried to climb onto the bed that Erin jumped out of it. The giant beaver weighed more than she did! By a lot, actually!
Alright! Thats it! Everyone, get out!
Mrsha and the beavers fled. Erin threw a shoe after them.
Stop coming into my room when Im sleeping! Mrsha! You were warned!
She dressed herself, rubbing at her lower back and groaning. Mrsha had learned you could get anyone out of bed if you did that. It was certainly true, but it was a bad lesson.
Ow. Ow. Ow.
Erin hobbled past her chess board. She paused. She has three in her room these days. One for studying, one for fun, and the magical one. You needed at least three in your room, obviously. The magical chessboard and the go board, arranged side-by-side for moments like this, had a message on it via both arranged pieces.
Want to talk?
Erin stared at the board. Well, it was more like wnt 2 tlk?, since there were a finite amount of pieces. She groaned, rubbed at her back, then her stomach.
Srry. Bsy. Ltr.
She scrawled, and then hobbled downstairs, not seeing the frantic counter message. Erin appreciated her mysterious opponent.
But here was more immediate. And now she was awake, Erins stomach was growling.
Food! Im so hungry!
She hopped down the stairs and shouted it, spreading her arms wide. Erin stopped.
Her inn, her full inn, with countless guests at the tables, all turned to stare at Erin. Dead silent. They gave the [Innkeeper] the stare, the one that asked who she was. That waited for her to explode, spit blood, or conjure armies.
Expectant, bewildered, amused or awed, or more emotions. There werehundreds of people in her inn? At least a hundred! Humans, Drakes, GnollsErin realized her arms were still spread.
She lowered them. She looked around at the sea of faces. Erin glanced over her shoulder. She backed up the stairs, slowly.
Erin?
Lyonette unfroze as the inn murmured. A good portion of the regulars were laughing their tails off. The rest were askingwas that her? She signaled to Silveran and found Erin upstairs, peeking down.
Why is the inn so full, Lyonette?
Because we have a lot of customers?
Erin gave Lyonette a long look. The [Princess] rolled her eyes.
Because you brought an army to Invrisil?
Yeah, but I didnt think theyd all come back to have breakfast!
Brunch. Youve been asleep for a long time. I was going to let you sleep in; or are the walls not soundproof?
Nah. I was attacked by Mrsha. And the beavers.
That littleIll have a word with her. Do you need a potion?
The [Innkeeper] rubbed at her back. Yes.
No. Are uh, all those people
Most just want to know about the inn. But it is fairly busy. Tell you whatoh, thank you, Silveran!
The Worker had come up the stairs with a tray of breakfast. Erin brightened up.
I could eat it in my room!
No. Thats how we get more bugs. Um. No offense Silveran. Bug-bugs. Were not repeating Birds room. Take it to the private dining room, please?
The Worker nodded. Erin shuddered. Bird had cultivated an infestation of buzzing insects in his dead bird collection one time. Preserved they might be, but that still didnt stop the creepy-crawlies.
Silveran! Ill eat in the Garden instead! There, please?
Lyonette nodded. The Worker turned and instead of going downstairs, walked at a wall. The door appeared, and Erin followed.
-
It was a sign that Imani was swamped by the guests that she was taking out the premade foods. Breakfast for Erin was a bacon-and-egg hash, one shed made oh, a month ago. It was still fresh as when shed made it, and hot!
Mm. Thanks, Silveran. Whats that? Milk? Thank you!
Erin sat on the hilltop, next to the Sages Grass, which had a faint aroma, and ate breakfast in the sun. She realized she was not alone.
The flood of people in the main inn had chased the shy or reclusive into the Garden. Those with access, that was. A trio of Goblins looked up from the arid section. Erin stared down at them, mouth full of hash.
Issatahem. Numbtongue! Badarrow! Snapjaw!
She waved at them, coughing. The three Goblins looked up. What were they doing? They were all lying down and
Sunbathing? Erin saw them sit up. Save for towels or undergarments, they had been lazily basking in the sun! With a bowl of roasted peanuts.
I didnt know you guys sunbathed!
Erin saw Numbtongues head rise, and then fall. The [Bard] was snoozing. And because Erin wasnt the new, amazing thing, he let Badarrow get up. The [Sniper] ascended the hill as Erin turned towards him.
Badarrow.
Erin.
They looked at each other for a long while. In the rush of, well, everything, his arrival had been slightly overshadowed. Not entirely, but it was still something to see him standing there. He looked at her like a long-lost friend. Uncertain of what to say.
Erin knew what to say.
Want something to eat? Take a seat, take a seat! Did you have breakfast?
Badarrow sat cross-legged. He smiled as Erin indicated her plate.
Had food. Good
He tried to think of the word.
Thick soup.
Porridge?
He shook his head.
Tasty thick soup. Dark skin cook make. Say from home.
Oh. Imanis porridges. Yeah, theyre more savory. Like, made out of pureed beans.
What that? Bug?
The [Sniper] was alarmed by the word pureed for a second. Erin laughed.
No, its fine! Its regular beans. Not bugs. She just blends it all up really smooth. Thats probably what you ate.
Oh. Yes. Good. Pureed soup. Ate lots. Too many Humans so
He waved at the Garden. Erin laughed. She took a bite of her breakfastshe was starving.
Thats great. I didnt know you sunbathed, though!
At Goblinhome. High Passes cold. SoGoblins lie in sun when sun out.
What? No way! You do it like that?
No. Furs. Wrap up like
He gestured. Erin had forgotten that Badarrow was the least-talkative, but he had no choice with her. And his diction was much improved! Snapjaw?
Watch out for Razorbeaks or Wyverns, but warm. Also, wrap up next to big fire. With Carn Wolf at night. Lots of Goblins.
You all snuggle together?
The [Innkeeper] was delighted. Badarrow hesitated. She was probably right, but he disliked how she said it for some reason he couldnt explain.
Sit together for warm.
He corrected her. Erin laughed.
Call it what you like. But thats so great! SoIm glad youre okay.
Shed locked them in here during the battle. But theyd gotten out and fought near the end. Badarrow gazed at Erin.
Lots of fighting. Lots of Humans. [Assassins]. Entire city fighting.
Because of you. He looked at Erin. And the days events became realer in her mind. She ran a hand through her hair.
Has anyone found Maviola? Saliss?
He shrugged. The Hobgoblin didnt know who they were, not having met them for long enough.
Ill ask. Im just gladyou three are okay. It was something.
Yes.
Heck of a Tuesday, huh? Wait till next week.
The [Archer] blinked at Erin. Then he narrowed his eyes. Erin kept her face straight. The Hob hesitated, then reached out and shoved her slightly.
Lie.
You got me!
Erin giggled with laughter. Badarrow relaxed. The [Innkeeper] sat with him, offering the Hob some of her bacon, asking how hed slept, in peace while her inn buzzed.
A shape in the large pond made Erin turn. She saw a huge Fortress Beaver and some kits surface, their large dam and some fish the residents of that area of her garden. And thena rather wet, giant, white fish beached itself.
Mrsha the Fish had been swimming around in the pond, hiding in the dam from the wrath of adults. Now she galloped up the hill, charging at Erin.
Oh no you dont! No, Mrsha
She was going to tackle Erin and then shake herself dry! The [Innkeeper] was serious this time! She did not need this! But Mrsha was filled with too much energyand perhaps, worry. She was the ruiner of clothes! The bringer of baths! The
Badarrow grabbed Mrsha as she leapt. The Gnoll found herself under one arm. She struggled, but the Hob carried her down the hill. Then he tossed her into the pond.
Mrsha the Cannonball hit the pond with a splash. Erin laughed until she nearly choked on some potato. That was why you needed a Goblin around!
And that was how Erin Solstice greeted the next day. She finished her breakfast as Mrsha tried to tackle Badarrow and the [Archer] tossed her in the pond three more times. Eventually, Mrsha the Waterlogged gave up and went over to Snapjaw and Numbtongue to dry off. Erin finished breakfast.
The Wandering Inn came alive.
-
Olesm Swifttail found Erin Solstice as she emerged from the Garden of Sanctuary. People flooded towards herand then back as three Hobgoblins emerged behind Erin. And one wet Gnoll, ready to shake herself like a dog on her unsuspecting victims.
Olesm thoughwas used to the inn. He pushed past wretched Humanity, wailing as Mrsha the Waterlogged unloaded her vengeance to shouts of dismay.
Erin! Erin, we found Maviola! Shes alive!
Mrsha! Youre in so muchwhat? She is? Thats great! What about Saliss?
A [Fisherman] saw him float past! Hes alive too!
Thats amazing news!
Erin threw her arms up. She hugged Olesm tight. And Fierre was safe and Salamani had gone after Ryoka! That wasshe let go of Olesm, beaming.
I was so worried! They have to get back here buttheyre alive. Thank you for telling me, Olesm! [Boon of the Guest]!
She pointed at him. The blue Drake, who had been demurring, blinked.
It was nothing, Erin. I was so wwhat?
Erin waggled her finger.
[Boon of the Guest]? Aw, come on.
Can you authenticate his identity?
Kevin interrupted Enitere. The haughty fellow hesitated.
Au-authenticate?
Prove his identity? Well take Mages Guild certificationsthey have to come and tell me in person, though. Merchants Guild works too.
How dare you imply that I
Also, does he beat a [Marquis]? This Lord Helmaunt? Or Lord Deilan El?
Kevin happily interrupted the man. The [Merchant] lost his words again.
Aa [Marquis]?
The first few orders had been scary. And theyd come in like rain, even yesterday. But today, Kevin had a system down. He helpfully showed the man the list he was working on.
Youll have to be put on the reserve list, mister. Once you authenticate. I have dozens of orders, and Master Pelt and Master Hedault are at work at once, but we do have to go by priority. Some people have paid for itand we cant rightly offend the leader of the House of El, can we?
Er. No. Lord Deilan ahthat is to say
Also, our prices are high. But hereIm having these worked up. But heres a prototype. Prices subject to change.
Kevin helpfully offered the man a small catalogue with all the prototype bikes. Tricycles, the standard bike, a highly-tuned version like the one Ryoka had riddenhe hoped the one she had was still working, he wanted it back!and more. The [Merchant] took it.
Er, thank you.
Tell your [Lord] well accept his order and get right back to him! Solar Cycles!
Kevin called after the man. He went back to work. Every few minutes someone would interrupt. An [Engineer] from Pallass, a [Trader] seeking to get on the ground floor of this business way too late
All his experience running the counter on Earth made Kevinideally placed for this job. In fact, he had talked to a number of people not even in this room.
Mechanic Kevin? Another speaking stone for you!
A Gnoll City Runner knocked on his office, breathless. She was half-exasperated, half in awe. A speaking stone! Way above the [Messages] that you normally got. YetKevin had defaulted to the service industry standard. He didnt even think as he thumbed itafter tossing the City Runner a seal and a tipand raised it to his lips.
Hed done phones too, after all.
Yello. This is Solar Cycles. Im Kevin. Were not accepting new orders at the moment, but if youd like to leave an order, I can get back to you. Inquire at your Mages Guild for prices and options. Hello?
It could have been anyone Kevin was talking to. A member of the Four Great Companiesroyalty from some distant nation.
The smart ones made appointments. But Kevin just spoke casually. He was taking a page out of the Erin-book, or rather, the Kevin-manual. Just roll with it, like begging in Invrisil.
He heard silence from the other end for a moment. And wondered if hed failed to activate the stone. It looked expensive. A custom-linked speaking stonea lodestone enchanted that you could link with another across the world. Not like even the other ones the Mages Guild had given him. Odd. Was it not a stone at all? It looked like
bone
Then the voice spoke.
I am Fetohep of Khelt.
Kevins fingers jerked back. He stared at the speaking stone.
Um. Hi? Can I help you
He was scrambling for an encyclopedia of names. Khelt, Kheltthat name sounded familiar. The hollow voice spoke in his ear.
I desire these bicycles for my kingdom. Money is no object.
Kevin found Fetoheps name in the encyclopedia. He instantly made a notation at the top of his list.
Erof course, your Majesty. Your Undying Majesty, Ruler of the Sands, Guardian of the Kingdom of Khelt in death and life
He was reading off a list of appellations provided by the Diplomats Handbook, Edition #2411. This seemed to please the Ruler of Khelt.
I wish a dozen of these vehicles.
Y-yes. Absolutely, your Majesty. But Solar Cyclesour shop is just manufacturing these highly-artisan, custom-forged works. We cant mass-produce them. Wehave orders for a lot of [Lords] and [Ladies]other kingdoms, even
Khelt shall obtain them first.
It was not a question. Kevin winced.
The issue is
Whatever the highest order isI will double it. Do not take more of my time with the minutiae of lesser bidders. Simply inform the Mages Guild of Khelt of the price and it shall be paid. I am content to wait for the peak of craftsmanship. Time matters less to me.
Kevin was writing like a madman, underlining Fetoheps words and desperately wishing he had an auto-transcription Skill. Selys needed to hire a [Receptionist] or [Secretary] now. If he had a minute to runbut he was speaking frantically.
Absolutely, your Majesty. We have a small selectionI will send it via the Mages Guild.
Good. Now you will answer my queries. You are the inventor of thesebicycles?
The delicate question made Kevin hesitate. This was where it got tricky. Hed done this before and slowly replied.
Itsa collaboration, your Majesty. The idea isnt mine. Im just a [Mechanic] that puts together the pieces which are made by Masters
Then where does the notion of this device hail from? Somenewcreation?
Im afraid I cant reveal confidential details, your Majesty. Itsnew, yes.
Isee. The secrets shall remain thusly, then. Send your selection to my Mages Guild.
The pregnant pauses could have formed a baby shower. Kevin was sweating. But hed deflected well enough.
At once, your Majesty. And we will deliver the first bicycle to you right away
And notify everyone else theyre being bumped down the list. Kevin was no entrepreneur, but hed heard of bidding wars over less back home. You could dream. He relaxeda moment too soon.
The voice of the undead ruler spoke through the speaking stone.
This is well. I await your work with interest. And should your work please me, Khelts borders will lie open to you and your kin. Remember that, Kevin of Earth. I shall not forget your name.
Kevins fingers slipped. He gasped and involuntarily, spoke.
How did
He snapped his mouth shut. But too late. The chuckle was all he heardthen the bone speaking charm disintegrated. Kevin stared at the bone dust on his table.
They knew. And there were some smart people out there. The kind who had insight. Who listened. Who looked for the root of things.
Kevins papers scattered as he vaulted his desk and ran.
-
It was too late to put the Djinni back in the bottle. Too late to take back awareness.
Too late to take back friendships, too.
Delanay dArtien waved at the group being cheered into Invrisil. The Silver Swords were still a bit grimy, but they entered the city to wild cheers. Ylawes looked right at his childhood friend and Delanay blinked as he saw Ylawes intent gaze.
-
It was unmistakable. Look at them. Even if they hid their levels via anti-appraisal gear. Look at them.
Erin Solstice. Lyonette. Standing amid [Actors], an Earl, Antinium unlike any other
It was only a matter of time. And with that understanding, everything shifted. Sometimes you had to be bold.
Erin Solstice was talking urgently with Kevin. The young man was wide-eyed. She pointed towards the Garden.
The Gnoll sighed as he stood, adjusting his clothing. Damn well past time. He strode forwards.
Miss Solstice? My name is Ferris
He got that out before someone shoved him. The Gnoll stumbled. Erins head turned. Ferris turned.
Excuse me
Someone dragged him off his feet. The [Infiltrator] went for his sidearm. But he paused as he felt the prick on his fur.
Ferry! My old buddy! Lets go for a drink!
A grinning Gnoll had grabbed him. The same one who pushed him. Ferris growled, on sudden alert.
Im sorry, I think youre
He heard a whisper, in his mind. A kind of sub-vocalization Skill that you used if you had certain classes.
Youre out of your jurisdiction, Manus. Play along. Pallass Eyes.
The Gnoll grinned at him. Ferris twisted, debating his options. And he saw someone stroll past him, using a cane for support.
Well, well. It seems there are some interesting players in the inn today. Would you mind if I joined your company?
Altestiel had sensed the intruder and his escort before seeing him. The [Knight Marshal] was already on his feet.
Erins head turned.
Chaldion?
Kiish straightened. The [Knights] of Desonis and the others in the Earls escort looked up. The [Soldiers] of Pallass that Chaldion had managed to bring into Erins inn despite her ban eyed the Humans.
The [Knight Marshal of the Rains] and the [Grand Strategist of Victory] locked gazes. It was like distant storms, humidity and wind in the air meeting the clarion call of horns, the sound of metal on metal.
Everyone flinched back as the two looked at each other.
Grand Strategist. What an unexpected surprise.
The Earl of Desonis, the Knight Marshal of Rains. It has been a while since I met a Terandrian of such note.
Chaldions good eye glittered. Olesm slid back from his table. He couldnt help it. Nor had his legs moved. He stared down. His chair was being pushed with a slow screeching sound without anything touching it.
Ancestors.
He breathed. The others were of the same opinion. Desonis company squared up as the Drakes behind Chaldion halted. Everyone was far clear of the clash. They watched with trepidation, awe, speculation, or just sheer enjoyment of the moment.
The two hadnt blinked. And for all Chaldion only had one eye to Altestiels twowas he stronger? Two invisible forces clashedthe players outside looked up, as if sensing a change in the weather. The intensity in the air was like nothing theyd felt except those few times
Dun dun. Dun dun dun. Ba dum.
A voice from the side. Altestiels gaze flickered. Chaldion looked sideways. Erin Solstice.
She did a quiet drumroll on the table.
Dun dun dun!
Both auras collapsed in an instant. Tension had a half-life of seconds in front of that kind ofErin looked at the two.
Stop stare-fighting in my inn. Want to play chess?
She looked at the two. Chaldions lips moved. The Earl laughed. Erin Solstice looked at the two as the inn relaxed. Then she had a thought. She went upstairs and came down.
I have a special board Id like you two to play on. You two are pretty good at chess. So do your best. I will too.
Dun dun dun. They stared at the chessboard and the smart ones remembered another kind of legend. A mysterious opponent.
You couldnt take it back. Nor did Erin Solstice try. She sat down and moved a pawn forwards.
-
The Wandering Inn.
Ignorant of the chess tournament occurring in the inn itself, Geneva Scala stared at the tiny spot on the map where Liscor was. Shed had to look it up.
Paige, Daly, everyone was clustered around.
Josephs there?
Yep. And a bike. AndRyoka Griffin?
Could be.
Daly traced a finger across the map. It wasnt even a world map; and the distances were already vast. He looked at Geneva.
Its a long way away. If we even wanted to get over there. Let alone move the entire company
Do we need to?
Strength in numbers.
He countered. The others murmured. It was so far. A continent away. But there wascertainty.
One person could make the journey. But itd take a long time.
Paige muttered. Siri looked around. Luan rubbed at his neck.
Its really far, yeah?
Ken and Aiko nodded. The [Rower] glanced at them and looked at Geneva.
To get there in any reasonable timewed need a Courier or something like that.
There was significance in his words. The other stirred. After a moment, Kirana sighed.
Seve is on a delivery.
For now.
That was all Geneva said. It was far indeed. And who might go to who? Did they need to? Rather
She wanted to meet them. Joseph, the owner of The Wandering Inn, perhaps. Ryoka Griffin.
-
Names to remember. Certainly, other people wanted to meet Ryoka Griffin. Humble and grand.
Like the Gnoll who stood on Pallass walls. He had worked all night. Feverish. But nowthe [Soldiers] who liked to mock him were staring. Eying something different than the feathered wings. It looked like wings still. But the fabric, the copy
He leapt. And the Flying Gnoll of Pallass, Felkhr, jerked as something happened. His usual falling turned intothe Pallassian [Soldiers] on the walls stared. Someone fainted.
Im flying! Im f
Felkhr shouted as the wind let him glide down the walls. Then he made a rookies mistake in the annals of flight.
Encouraged by his performance thus far, he tried to flap the wing-gliders hed fashioned. Instantly, he lost the air resistance and went into a nosedive.
Everyone winced. Potions of Featherfalling normally saved Felkhr. Not this time; hed gone down faster due to the aerodynamics of the wings.
II was flying
They ported him off the ground in a stretcher. The Gnoll lay there, moaning. Both his arms were broken.
It wasnt the first time, but this time hurt more. He was onto something! He was close! The Gnoll almost wept with frustration. His head lolled back.
Had he fallen unconsciousnot a good thing as the [Healer] kept slapping him awake so they could set the arms and tend to the bleeding firsthe might have been rewarded.
But perhaps that was just as well. Someone caught him in the knot of onlookers. The Flying Gnoll moaned as he was carried towards one of the large elevators.
I was so close
Youll do better next time. And I think I can improve your designs. You dont flap the wings, see. Not unless you had a lot more coverage. You could probably enchant them, but youre doing it wrong. Youre way too heavy, to begin with.
Someone spoke to him. The Gnoll, through a haze of pain, looked up.
Whwhore you?
The voice was so confident. The young man stepped into the Flying Gnolls line of view.
Im Troy. And I like flying.
-
The chess tournament was Olesm vs Bird. Erin vs the magical chessboard.
The Earl vs Chaldion. For round one. Lesser players queued up, but the line of other Pallassian [Strategists] and Kiish and Belgrade were putting down weaker players before they ran into the top seeds.
And here was the competitive spirit. The Earl half-turned in his seat as he placed a knight, threatening two pieces at once. Chaldion looked annoyed as Altestiel smiled at Erin.
You are aware, Miss Solstice, that your chess ability is so supreme that it is actually of considerable material value? One can level after playing you, and I would imagine that the effect reduces quite considerably after the first few gamesbut any [Strategist] or [General] would benefit from playing you. So long as they continued to struggle. I wonder if anyone ever mentioned that to you outright? I feel it is only natural to do so.
Olesm guiltily knocked over a piece. Chaldion regarded the Earl steadily as Erin blinked and looked up. The [Grand Strategist] interrupted Erins reply.
That was obvious, I assumed, Earl Altestiel. If I lost my first game against Miss Solstice, I might have benefitted more. Unfortunately, I won.
The [Knight Marshal]s smile faded. The two stared at each other and went back to the game. Erin finished her game with her opponent first. She was instantly deluged in offers for a game while the Earl and Chaldion played a slowintense grudge-match.
Kiish. Play this board. Ill wait for the next opponent.
Erin thrust the [Strategist] into the seat across from the magical chessboard, which was resetting its side. The [Strategist] instantly froze up.
Me? Play
Chaldion and the Earl turned to look at her. It could be someone else. But Kiishs fingers trembled as she moved the pieces.
Erin! Play me, play me
Miss Solstice.
Is that chessboard?
Erin backed up as she realized the crowd shed dispersed had come back threefold. She looked around. Saw two Hobs walking out of the inn, and came to an instant decision.
Okay, bathroom break!
That stopped the mob in their tracks. There were acceptable things to follow someone around forthat wasnt one of them. Erin edged out of the inn. She hurried after the two Goblins and flung her arms around their shoulders.
Gotcha!
Badarrow and Snapjaw started. They looked over their shoulders.
Erin? Not playing game?
Snapjaw pointed at the inn. Erin rolled her eyes.
Ill come back after twenty minutes.
Shed ditched them! Just like that! She winked at the Goblins.
Its not like the tournament revolves around me.
How she liked to lie. The [Innkeeper] walked past the outhouses with the Goblins.
So, tell me about Goblinhome.
The two looked at each other. They had just been looking up at the High Passes, where Goblinhome was buried. Talking about the future.
Dont say much. Secret place. Secret things. Humans should not find.
Snapjaw said it half to Badarrow, half to Erin. He glared at her, hurt on Erins behalf. But the [Innkeeper] just nodded.
Dont tell me where it is. But Ill give you a mana stone if it reachesor again. We can figure it out. Justhow can I help?
The two looked at her. Snapjaw hesitated. Badarrow nudged her. See? See? She hadnt believed him. She ignored his smirk deliberately.
Goblinhome needs things. Nails. Potions. Rabbiteater got. Butwas going to buy from there.
She waved a claw at Liscor. Erin looked alarmed.
Thatsdangerous. Numbtongue tries it sometimes, but
Both Hobgoblins grinned. They produced helmets and put them on. Erin started laughing.
Hah! But waitif you need stuff, Krshia can help. And Lyonette! What do you need? I bet you they can get discounts.
Snapjaw removed her helmet with some relief. It was tight on her head! She consulted the internal list Rags had given her and went to the very first thing in light of recent events and in general.
Potions?
Badarrows eyes brightened. So did Erins. Theyd had the same thought.
Why didnt you say so? If thats what you wanthere. Lets walk around the side and
She ushered the two Hobs around the side of The Wandering Inn. Then, Erin pointed and asked for a boost.
They climbed through Stitchworks window. Octavia nearly tossed the vial she was working on at them.
Erin! Dont do that!
She clutched at her heart. Erin paused.
Sorry, I didnt think wed scare you!
Octavia had a thing about surprise-visitors of late. She waved it off.
Its okay. Justdont do that. Why didnt you use the [Garden]?
I think Mrshas using it to play teleport-tag with some kids. I dont want them to smash into a wall.
The games Mrsha played with her friends were really fun. Teleport tag meant you could run through walls and it was almost as fun as monster hide-and-seek. That was where Palt cast [Cloud of Darkness] and the monster found peopleyou could move around in the dark.
Why are you here, Erin? Its a huge crowd out there, by the way. And no ones buying. They keep asking if Saliss is here. Or where the restroom is. Or Solar Cycles.
Glumly, Octavia went back to her brew. It was fair. She wasnt the highest-level yet and her first Invisibility Potion attempt had failed.
But here was Erin Solstice. And Snapjaw and Badarrow. Erin pointed at the two.
They want mana potions.
Octavias ears perked up. She turned around.
Really?
Then she eyed her potential customers.
Umalthough, Erin, I have some I can give out. But the cost is
They can pay, Octavia.
The [Alchemist] brightened up instantly.
Excellent! Not that I would have been stingy! Its justmoney for goods. How many mana potions do you need? I have a deal with Wailant, that cutpurse farming bbut I have lots of Sages Grass, even if I do have to pay more than I should for it. You wont get cheaper potions around!
Snapjaw nudged Badarrow. Whoa. And she thought all his coincidence-stories had been just talk! Octavia pointed at rows of potions, sold generally to the [Mages] in the inn.
How many are you looking for, um, Snapjaw? Badarrow? Great to see you again, by the way. I said that, right?
Badarrow nodded. Snapjaw consulted her internal orders. She pointed at the shelf.
All of it?
Octavia turned around slowly. She removed an ear and Snapjaw nearly leapt into Badarrows arms.
What was that? Let me just resew
As many as have. And healing potions. As many as can buy?
Badarrow informed her. Octavia looked at Erinthe [Innkeeper] was just as amazed.
Erand whats your budget?
The two Hobgoblins conferred. That made Octavia worryright up until Snapjaw pulled something out of her bag of holding.
Gold?
She put a handful on the counter. Then another. Thena lump of gold. Erin and Octavia stared at it.
How did
Badarrow smirked. Numbtongue wasnt the only gifted Goblin miner. Pyrites legacy. Snapjaw shrugged.
Found some in Goblinhome when digging. Kept running into it. Very pretty. Too heavy, though. Used for adventurer bait. Is good as gold coins? Have more. Alsothis?
She produced something else that made both of them stir.
A wyverns fang. Octavia blinked at it.
Thats
Good for arrowheads. Weapons. Got more. Good meat?
D-do you have a Wyverns head?
Bones? Good soup stock. Calescent make good Wyvern-brain jelly.
Badarrow shook his head rapidly behind Snapjaw, making a gagging motion. Octavia was blinking.
Goblins. Who had artifacts, gold from adventurers. Who didnt prize money. And who had access to a lot of monster parts. Heck, even Goblin toenails if you believed Xif
Will give more. For potions. All potions. Many as can make.
Badarrow informed Octavia. She looked around. Her shelf of mana potions? All she could make?
She looked at Erin. Then she thought about the offer from Pallass. Octavia shook her head.
This is why I stick around.
Erin Solstice returned to the chess tournament after a few more minutes. So much was happening. But she should have been watchful.
All this attentionnot all of it was positive. You had to watch for the future. Someone waited for their moment to get to her.
And someone found Joseph as he went for some hydration, panting. The games of football and baseball were underway. He was ascending the hill, and reflecting that they needed a barrel of water and some oranges or something.
Ishkr, could we get
Someone grabbed him and pulled him behind the inn. Joseph jerked.
Hey, what the
Joseph of The Wandering Inn.
Someone whispered into his ear. Joseph twisted. He saw a figure, covered inshadows? They came from a hat he wore on his head. Someone in disguise.
Who are you? Hey! H
The figure stopped him again. Joseph realized the sounds from the game and inn had stopped. They were in a bubble of silence. The figure advanced.
I have an offer for you from my employers.
Whatever you want
Hear me out.
Joseph held still. The figure looked around. And then advanced.
You stand to make a lot of gold. If you agree. Listen to me, carefully. Do you think you could train a football team to beat both Liscor and Pallass teams within the month?
The young man from Spain stared at the shadowysuddenly much-less-frightening figure. The Invrisil representative produced an exclusivity contract for their new teamthey wanted to be the best team in all of Izril! And they were both Humans hereif Joseph would become exclusive manager, theyd payJosephs eyes bulged at the sum.
Hewas going to need to talk with Erin about that.
-
Calruz of Hammerad did not go out to celebrate. Nordid he leave his cell. That being difficult. But he did stare at the scrying orb someone had left behind by accident.
Placed just outside his cell, actually. Since the cell would have cut off the signal. He could ask for it turned off since you could watch it all day. Rhata and Haldagaz were sitting on his head, watching the replay. The Minotaur kept watching.
Well done, Ryoka.
He waited. Doing one-armed pushups. Then lifting weights. It was odd to think he was in far better shape now than even before entering prison. But what else was he supposed to do?
-
Erin Solstice actually had to go to the bathroom after four more games.
Stop following me!
She opened the door to the outhouse twice to throw things at the crowd, who hadnt believed her after her first bit of duplicity. Erin eventually stopped throwing rolls of toilet paper as the crowd dispersed, mostly thanks to the cloud of smoke covering them.
Thank you, Palt.
Someone was waiting for her after she left. Erin stopped adjusting her belt and blinked.
Oh. You.
She had been prepared to throw something at the next person to bother her. But this person merited some respect.
I wonder if I might borrow you for a moment before you return to that engaging tournament? Im taking part myselfbut we have urgent business.
We do? Urgent? What about?
Erin followed the long, sinuous tail and walked apace with Hexel the [Architect] as they left the inn. Instantlya crowd spotted her.
Shes trying to get away! Get
They walked into the [Garden] and everyone who wasnt wise splatted into the seemingly-open doorway.
The Lamia was here. Of course he was. With a Gnoll who had been cheering him on as he rose through the tournaments ranks. But the [Architect] had business with Erin. As they slowly walked around the Garden, he admired the Fortress Beavers dam.
You are aware I love buildings, dont you, Miss Solstice? Theres something indescribable about edifices. Permanentuntil someone knocks them down.
Or blows em up.
The [Architect] nodded.
In your case, your inn has been destroyed, what, twice now?
Mhm. Wait. Maybe three times? You lose track. You know, Lyonette wanted to hire you, but she said you declined.
I was rather busy with my principal job. I still am; I must design an entire city, and that is no small task. One I enjoybut I have realized your inn should become just as high a priority.
Erin waved a hand awkwardly.
Aw. You dont have to. Its decent as it isunless you think theres something wrong?
No, its quite Terandrian in design, but wonderfully made. The Antinium did a fine job. I certainly dont intend to redesign everythingbut I would like to offer my services for certain improvements that you desperately need. This day, in fact.
Like what?
Erin couldnt think what was alarming the Lamia so. Hexel looked at her, and sighed.
Your magical door. With this incident with the Guild of Assassins, the door must be guarded at all times. It is no longer appropriate to just leave itunsecured.
We have the hallway of traps.
Hexel rolled his eyes.
Yes. ButMiss Solstice. Allow me to put it like this. You are aware one can simplypick up the magic door and move it wherever they please? If I wanted, I could grab the door and drag it out of the inn.
No ones done that more than once. Besides, we need to move it sometimes. For tactical advantage and stuff.
Erin shuffled her feet, coughed. Hexel gave her a long look.
So you left it unsecured. Moreovereven with the hallway of traps, the [Assassins] simply walked into your inn because you did not detect them.
If youre going to tell me Im being stupid, Ill admit to that, but its hurtful, Hexel.
The Lamia laughed at this.
I would not be that indiscreet. And rather like your [Farmer] friends solution to your doors mana problemI have an [Architect]s solution to these needs. If you will look at this?
He murmured a Skill and produced a piece of paper. It unfoldedinto multiple dimensions. Erin saw a three-dimensional projection, a blueprint in color and detail, appear.
She had not seen his presentation to the Council of Liscor and was agog. The Lamia gestured at the floating design.
Allow me to show you my proposed fix. This is the simplest of methods to secure your door. You see?
Erin saw. And it was so much easier to see than a blueprint, or even a picture. She saw the door, suspended above a small staircase. Fixed in place by
Bars of wood? No, wait
Yes! They were like wooden door bars, except they secured the door by all four corners! And they hadlocks! They turned as Hexel manipulated the design. The door came clear and two Gnolls that looked like Ishkr carried it off.
A simple lock and wooden bars means ordinary wood with your [Reinforced Structure] Skill can lock the door into place when it is in this entry spot. And it would still be strongerfar strongerthan normal brickwork or stone. The cost, with Antinium labor, is almost negligible. You could make this almost instantaneously.
Thats so smart! Hexel, youre a genius!
You only noticed now?
The Lamia grinned. Then he rolled up the scroll, making the projection vanish.
Thats the simplest measure of course; one could still break the wood itself. This is a more ambitious design. I made it for fun.
The second Portal Entry Room as hed titled it appeared and Erins eyes bulged. The first design had spoken to the practical [Architect], who could create something cost-effective and workable. This was the mad dream of a builder with an unlimited budget.
The second room was a lot larger than the first. A dedicated area for people to enter and exit by. Howeverit was trapped to all hell and back.
The magic door hung suspended over a walkway with a hundred foot drop into a pit. The inn actually extended all that way down, having been built extensively downwards. Meanwhile, a single suspended bridge allowed access to the inn which could not only be collapsed at will, but was also supported by an advanced version of Belgrades kill box.
For final effect, the entire room was underneath a body of waterErin read the floating words lake? Connected to Liscor reservoir? scrawled there. If necessary, and via trapdoors, you could flood the entire room and seal it underwater in an emergency.
That would be the second-most daring design. As I said, not practical. Very fun to draw up.
Hexel rolled up the scroll and Erins mouth closed.
That is insane. You made that for fun?
You didnt like it?
I did, butwhy are you helping? Not that I mind, Hexel, butyou have a job.
The [Architect] smiled with his pointed teeth.
I do. Its self-interest as much as my occupation. I wouldnt like to have the door stolen, or have [Assassins] bothering me in my sleep. Ive nearly died once on Izril; thats enough. If youd like, I can work on a simple security system and have it donetoday?
Whthe door entryway?
No. Thats quite another thing. You would have to dedicate a roomand even with my Skills and Antinium labor, it would take longer. I mean, a security system just in the interim. It is remarkably easy. Give me one hour and the use of your Workers?
Erin ran to get Belgrade.
-
She played two more long games against the Earl and Chaldion and beat both in the next hour. At the same time her mysterious chess opponent did the same.
Undefeated. They were playing at the top of their games. Erin was angling for a rematch when Hexel told her the security device was done.
She found him overseeing an archway just over the door. It was locked into the wall with a variant of the door-latch system hed showed her. A very simple one, but hed attached a metal lock to the bar.
What is this?
The archway looked close to one of those Japanese arches in temples to Erins eyes. The wood wasdifferent.
I had the Antinium and my assistants cut this to design. Its just an amplifying design, Miss Solstice. Nowinstall it there, and there, please.
The Antinium were already lowering the beams of the arch into the hallway. Theyd cut holes perfectly fitting the pieces. Hexel was admiring of their technique.
Antinium have a wonderful design system. Positively reminiscent of Dullahans, actually. Their concept of building individual pieces that can be assembled on-location is so much more efficient than static designs. Andaha!
He gestured to the arch, a tiny bit smaller than the hallway itself. People would pass throughand it had something in the center. A socket. Erin stared at it blankly.
It looks nice. But whats it for?
Hexel produced a glowing gem. He showed it to Erin.
This is mine. The archway goes here. Truth stone embeds here.
He reached up as the stone glowed blue. Erins eyes widened as Hexel extended his body and placed the stone in the socket.
Truth spells can replace it later, but your average truth stone wont run out of charge for three daysnow, we test it. You there. Halt!
Liska, whod let in another group from Invrisil, looked up. And the mob of mostly-Humans stopped in their tracks. Hexel gestured at the stone, concealed from them.
It was about twelve people. The Lamia addressed them as they looked uncertainly at him and Erin.
All of you. Are you entering this inn for malign purposes of any kind, be that theft, subterfuge, violence, magical works, or any purpose that goes against the interests of Liscor, The Wandering Inn, or the occupants of each? Answer one at a time, please.
He pointed at the woman in front. She hesitated.
No?
The truth stone glowed blue. Erin clapped her hands together as she realized. How simple! And how elegant! Todi and his Elites, whod been doing the same with truth stones, looked at the [Architect].
Trust a [Builder] to make it simple. Alright, Miss! Go on through. Next!
The Gold-rank Captain motioned the woman through with the voice of command. Erin stared at Todi.
Thanks. Um. Who the heck are you?
The mans face fell. Meanwhile, Hexel asked the others to respond. He didnt even have to repeat the question. They came through one at a timeuntil one man blustered at the back.
No, obviously not! This is such a waste of time
The truth stone glowedviolet. Erins head turned. Todis head snapped around.
Back! Wands up!
Instantly, his entire team lifted [Wands of Fireball]. Hexel was already slithering back. The man froze as Liska stared at the glowing wands.
Dont shoot! Liskas there!
Erin shouted. Hexel was looking at the stone. He peeked out from behind Todi.
Half-truth. Theyre not entirely lying
The white-faced man was backed against the wall, scrambling to open the door. Todi cocked a crossbow and aimed it at his stomach.
Dont move or well nail you to the wall. Got it?
Okay! Dont hurt me!
The man began to sob. He was not an [Assassin]. Or the stone would have been red. Todis Elites made him divest himself of his belt, his money pouch, and his dagger. They got the truth out of him as the crowd watched at a safe distance.
I was supposed to hire her. By any means necessary! Steal her recipe book, otherwise! Im just an agent! Im not a [Thief], though! Im just a [Line Cook]! Dont eat me!
He begged to Erin. She blinked. Eat him? And who was he pointing at?
Imani. The [Cook] looked exasperated.
Im teaching people recipes! Steal my book? You could buy a copy of whatever you wanted! I
Her face turned thoughtful.
I could hold classes.
Hexel slithered over to Erin as the panic subsided. The [Innkeeper] was about to go to the finals of the gamewhen he stopped her.
That is a stopgap. There are criminals and other classes who can beat an average truth stone. But as I said, I worked last night on designs and I can continue to do so. Add some design-based improvements to your inn to complement your Skillsyour [Grand Theatre], for instance. Ive worked with similar Skills.
Really?
Erin brightened up at once. Then her face fell.
H-how much would it cost?
Lyonette was there in a moment. Apista buzzed off her shoulder, chasing Erin away.
Erin, allow me to handle this.
She smiled at the Lamia. The [Architect] watched Erin run back to her chess tourney in some relief, and then Apista go back to terrorizing guests with her very presence.
The [Princess] and [Architect] had some measure of each other. They regarded each other in silence. Then, Lyonette gave him a sweet smile. She didnt insult him by wasting his time, but she ushered him over to a table. A drink was already waitingthe sweet milkshakes the Lamia loved.
Master Hexel, in addition to free room and board for you and your teamand we can certainly upgrade you to a room of your design, and individual rooms for your assistants if you would likewhat else can we offer in addition to your fees?
The Lamia chuckled as he took the milkshake and sipped gently.
Ah, a reasonable Human at last! Well, to begin with, do you offer private dining?
Lyonettes eyes sparkled.
Exclusive. A permanently reserved room for you and any guest? Antinium Workers can serve it; complete anonymity. Unlimited drinks from the bar, save for obviously excessive consumption?
Hexel smiled widely.
I think we can talk. Oh yes, indeed.
-
The final chess game of the tourney began. You could focus on chessbut there was so much going on that sometimes it was a waste.
Chess did not define everything. Then againhe did so love it.
Earl Altestiel watched Erin Solstice play an opponent who was unknownand who he thought he knew.
Look at her. Amid the drama. An [Architect], the [Players], games of sports outside. He had been right to come here.
He only wished he could stay forever. Ortake that kind of crazy magic with him. But therein lay the rub.
Earl Altestiel was intelligent. Intelligent enough to make Chaldion come to the inn. To worry, perhaps, a certain chess player.
And because he was intelligent, and hed done his research, he saw the problem and didnt make the others mistakes. He did not sweep in with grandeur and offers of an estate. Even a royal titleand he thought he could convince his Queen to give onebecause that was stupid.
Know your opponent. Not money, not threats, and not offers of power. The Earl had thought about it and he was stumped.
How did you get Erin Solstice to leave her inn? He sighed. At least he was here first, instead of that damned Fraerling. Perhaps it was this chess tournament?
People wanted to meet Erin Solstice. If only to play chess. And for other reasons.
-
A certain Wall Lord. A certain Fraerling. A [Necromancer], a King of Destruction
Many people took or tried to change what they thought the future would be today. And it was all coming together. All these plans, people tugging on strings.
For today, The Wandering Inn was just the center of potential. It was a day of excitement, a day of rest.
Until the last person came to the inn. And the future, potential, uncertain, arrived.
Too soon, perhaps too late.
Krshia?
The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] interrupted Erin from her game. She smiled. But her eyes were looking southwards. Ferris head rose. Ishkr looked at her. And Mrsha stopped playing and looked at Krshia Silverfang.
It is time, Erin Solstice. The Meeting of Tribes will begin soon. Past time to go. The Silverfang tribe marches. Many from Liscor have already gone. I would like to speak with you, now, if I may. About Mrsha.
Authors Note: Can you feel the Volume ending? I have one more chapter left before my November break. I hope youve enjoyed these chapters.
Theyve worn me down. Enough so that my actual musclestendons, whatever, are a big unhappy. But stretching helps and its not actual pain. That part of my writing career sucked.
Ill enjoy this break. But one more chapter. Let me know if you liked this aftermath chapter. And well see if you can tell how Volume 7 ends.
Thanks for reading! Until next time, Ill leave you with art by pkay, who did, among other things, an amazing Volume 7 cover about Ryoka, art of Erin by Arh, and more Erin, Cutlery Yvlon, and a commission of Pirate the character by Me! Not mesomeone with a username of Megive them lots of love!
Volume 7 Ryoka, Pisces, Yvlon, and more by pkay!
Sad Erin, Cutlery Yvlon, and Pirate commissioned by Me!
Chess, and Erin by Arh, colored by Enyavar!
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