Book 8: Chapter 7: L

Book 8: Chapter 7: L

(Flowers of Esthelm, Book 3 of The Wandering Inn is coming out on audible! Click the link here to preorder it! Spread the word!)

another defeat for the Dawn Concordat today, after a night-battle we were unable to broadcast. Details are still coming in, but the facts are the facts, isnt that right, Miss Drassi?

Until we find out the facts were wrong, Sir Relz, yes.

Ahem. What we do know is that Ailendamus launched a surprise attack on the city ofGerex, am I pronouncing that right? With some kind of alchemical or magical explosive. Hence the sneak attack; our monitoring of the impending battlefield may have actually necessitated the event.

The real question is: did they do something that violates Terandrias conduct of war, Sir Relz?

We have no proof to that indication, Miss Drassi

Right. So why did they attack at night? Just the element of surprise?

It is a viable tactic to one versed in strategy,Miss Drassi.

Well, Sir Relzto someone not versed in the art of war, poison gas spells seem like a violation of Terandrias rules of war. But guess who used it?

-

Drassi and Sir Relz were not amiable co-hosts like Noass and Sir Relz were. But that just made for better television, so they got put together for the Ailendamus coverage.

People liked Drassis forked-tongue-in-cheek commentary. Other people, who sometimes overlapped with the first, appreciated Sir Relzs perspective as someone who often linked events to ongoing economic or business factors, and had a working knowledge of adventurer teams, nations, and so on that Drassi lacked.

It was another defeat for the Dawn Concordat. Fair was fair; Ailendamus outnumbered the three nations in landmass, population, and every other factor except number of royal [Princesses], tamed Griffins, or half-Elf population in large ways.

However, analysts were quick to point out reasons for the failure or success on the part of the Dawn Concordat. Ailendamus was the established aggressor. They fielded multiple armies of high-quality troops, Greatbow artillery, [Mages], [Knights]it was simplistic to say they were average, but perhaps well-rounded without noticeable flaw was more appropriate.

They were hard to beat with cheap tactics, as a good army should be, unlike, say, specialized armies that were infantry-specific, or all-bow, and so on and so forth.

The Dawn Concordat was interesting. They had excellent archers from Gaiil-Drome, and half-Elf forces to call upon. Griffins from Kaliv, as well as goat-cavalry. And Calanfer had the Thronebearers as well as strong political strengthand six [Princesses], three of whom were married, as well as the Second Prince, so four strong alliances with nearby kingdoms.

Howeversome unique factors had entered the war.

The first was the immortal Griffin Prince of Kaliv, who had now slain three major officers in ambushes or full-out-assaults. The first attack had been notable, but he had still killed two more officers in incredible feats of non-mortal ability.

Dropped from the skies to slaughter an enemy command.

Challenging the enemy [General] to a duel and slaying him after eighteen deaths, despite the enchanted weapons and poisons brought to end him permanently.

And the last and most notableadopting an Antinium war tactic. Emerging from the ground after having been buried there while the enemy camped, killing the enemy leader, and fleeing.

It was the kind of thing a depressed Anand could watch all day. The [Strategist] sat in a lump in the middle of blankets, with a bunch of Free Antinium, curled up, eating ramen, or the recipe Erin had once fed them.

Specialty noodles made of a non-flour substitute, thick and chewy. Flavored and seasoned hot water which you boiled them in, and added meat, egg, and bugs. Preparable in a large pot.

Imani had actually figured out the way to make it Antinium-edible. Squash could be noodled. Lentils could be noodled. Erin had been appalled by how many things could challenge the sanctity of regular noodles.

But she had come up with the idea, so Anand liked to remember it as it being her ramen. Shed taught Garry and him and Pawn and Bird one happy, boring day. And hed been shocked to realize that such happiness could grow boring compared to his old life.

Bird had added only turkey, goose, and chicken meat to his ramen. Anand went slurp as he watched the glowing scrying orb.

Yes, the Griffin Prince was extraordinary. The fact that he used Antinium-tactics made Anandhappy. Or intrigued orsomething. He would have been that, rather.

If Erin werent dead and the world collapsed into meaningless oblivion.

But a surprising flaw had also emerged and it was the golden [Knights] of Calanfer. The Thronebearers.

They had lost battles because, when relied on for their martial might and to be the sledgehammer of the vanguard, they were more like a mallet. They were justnotgood.

And everyone was mocking them. From their fellow Orders to the [Strategist] commentators to the Drakes to

The Armored Antinium can be fielded in larger numbers than these elite [Knights]. And achieve the same, if not greater effect since they do not retreat as much as they do. This is my derision. I am mean. Ahaha.

Anand spoke dully. Two of the Free Antinium huddled in the mass of blankets and food looked at him. Archer A11 slurped down a noodle. Goat nodded once.

The Free Antinium did not move. They just watched TV. Erin had said that was what one did when sad things happened. Blanket, TV, food. Anand had remembered it.

It didnt help much. But it was something to do. The Free Antinium had been broken by the newsthose in the Hivelands, that was. Belgrade and the [Crusaders] prepared for war.

But no one was testing boats hereother Antinium were doing it and doing a bad job. Anand refused to move, though.

Even when the Grand Queen poked him. She stared at the huddle of Antinium in her throne room, watching TV.

Anand. Do you intend to spend another day in mourning?

Probably.

The Grand Queen, on her mound in the center of the cavernous room, commanding the Antinium of Izrilstared down at Anand. She had tried threats, bullying, persuasion, waitingit had not occurred to her to try to be nice. She opened and closed her mandibles.

When will you finish this waste of time? It was one Human

Anand looked up. He met the Queens gaze. And the Custodium surrounding the Grand Queen stirred as he replied, openly, without a hint of subservience.

It is not for you to tell me when to stop mourning, my Queen.

The Queen saw him turn back to watching the scrying orb. After a minute, Goat turned up the volume. The Grand Queen opened and closed her mandibles as her antennae worked frantically. If he was not so necessarythe Free Antinium

She just wished theyd stop watching in her throne room. It was getting distracting.

-

Just dont see how these Thronebearers are losing so badly. For [Knights], youd expect some great strength. But were not seeing aura abilities, poison, unique mountsreally feels like Calanfer is letting down their alliance in terms of contributions so far.

Commentary from a Balerosian [Strategist]. Who knew so much about the Thronebearers of Calanfer. If you knew them

You knew that was sort of accurate. The Thronebearers of Calanfer were not among the most militant [Knight] orders. The truth was, they were good on parade. They were excellent diplomats compared to many. They were large enough, numbering in the thousands; she had never actually known their numbers, but they were large for a [Knight] order. Maybe over ten thousand of them?

But they were not the most fantastic [Knights]. They had strong membersa fewbut to see it now was to see their weakness.

And it hurt. It hurt, because the commentary was truthful and also inaccurate, but impossible to refute. More than that?

It was her home. And it hurt to see spectacle made of war threatening everything she had known.

Her kingdom.

Lyonette du Marquin could still not look away. And even now, on the last leg of her journey to Oteslia, after threeno, four days counting this morningof almost non-stop riding in the enchanted carriage with Ferris, Wilovan, Ratici, and Saliss, she was still watching.

Somewhat rude, that woman. They fought hard.

Wilovan delicately adjusted his hat in the carriage. Perhaps he might have made a more indecorous remark in private company, but with the young lady so passionate about her kingdom and their protectors, a man had to choose his words.

Ratici nodded.

Fellows fought hard and moved out when things were lost. Fight another day.

The two Gentlemen Callers exchanged a glance as Lyonette didnt look away from the glowing scrying orb. They felt like their tongues would have been better suited if they were silver. At least then, theyd have an excuse for not being encouraging. Not their strong suit.

On the other hand, the naked Drake lying across his entire half of the carriage on the padded seatshis front objectionably facing the sky, without a blanket for modestyspoke without even an attempt at preserving anyones feelings.

They suck. Lyonette. Hey, Lyonette. If I walked into their headquarters with all of them there, think I could take all of them on, or are they as bad as they look?

He poked her in the leg. The carriage was not that large, and he used his tail with dexterity. The [Princess] didnt replyfor about ten pokes.

Wilovan swatted the tail on poke eleven. Saliss gave him a look.

Miss Marquin is having adifficult day, sir. A bit of kindness isnt unwarranted, a man should think.

The Gnoll addressed Saliss stiffly. Saliss washard to enjoy when he was being Saliss. He could be a great friend. But there was such a thing as too much of one person. Especially Saliss.

And theyd been cooped up in this carriage for four days. Saliss bared his teeth.

Well, Im a big believer in not lyingabout hopeless causes. And they look pretty inept to me.

Wilovan was just drawing breath when Lyonette muttered.

The champion of their order hasnt taken to the field. Fathe [King] must be holding back all the high-level ones as well.

All eyes swung to her. Ratici leaned over, in the midst of playing a version of solitaire with himselfand getting annoyed since he was making Raticis life harder by cheating.

Their champion?

They call him the Lightherald of Calanfer.

For a moment, she was far away. Far awayand back in time. And she was in Calanfer.

Home. Oh, but it had been so long, despite being less than a full year! A lifetime ago.

And now she remembered it, it was as the Lyonette of now. Not the Lyonette who walked around calling people peon and being used to servants and being so constantly, secretly miserable.

She remembered the Eternal Throne of Calanfer. She remembered her family and how she had acted. She was ashamed.

Nostalgic.

And fearful for this war. Because she knew Terandrian politics. She knew Ailendamus.

They wont destroy Calanfer, even if the Dawn Concordat loses. Theyll just make them subservient. Father wouldnt give in even if the armies were at the gates of the palace. Hes cunning. Hell sign a dealthe other kingdoms wont allow the Dawn Concordat to just vanish. Some land taken, vassalizationnot be destroyed or the crowns eradicated.

But what if Ailendamus just decides to take everything? Who will stop them?

To prevent the fears rising up in her chestas if she needed moreLyonette spoke. The coach was quiet; Ferris drove in the front, and it was muffled. The windows were shut, and Lyonette looked at an image.

A shining [Knight] in armor. The first time he had walked into the throne room and knelt, the radiance of his aura had made the child wonder. She had thought her father commanded the greatest of warriors the world had ever seen.

The thousandth time, she was tired of the pageantry. The ten thousandth

The Lightherald of Calanfer? Never heard of him. Is he good?

Ratici saw Wilovan try to kick Saliss tail. The [Alchemist] twitched it out of the way. Lyonette shook her head, smiling bitterly.

Its not one person, Saliss. Its a royal title. And its a trick. My f

She hesitated. Then gave up. Wilovan, Ratici, Salissknew. She hadnt been good with her guise.

My father, King Reclishas a Skill. He bestows the power of Calanfer on his chosen [Knight] and they gain a powerful aura. Skills.

[Boon of the Throne]. That was why she knew her own boon Skill, had been so enamored of it. She knew the true power. Saliss sat up slightly.

Oh. Interesting. And you said there are higher-level [Knights]?

Yes. Thronebearers get auras of light. Blinding, and they have enchanted armor. Good enchantmentsI thought so. But father wont commit them until he has to.

Seems like Kaliv is in trouble.

Lyonette shook her head. It looked like that, but

Those are low-lying cities. Once Ailendamus besieges the higher-altitude settlementsthats when the danger begins. Or if they try to push through the passes.

Ah. Then perhaps the news is exaggerating the situation, Miss Marquin?

Wilovan suggested. Lyonette looked at him. Then at the orb.

No. Theyre in trouble.

She bowed her head. The carriage fell silent, even Saliss. ThenLyonette felt the momentum slow for the first time that day.

Passengers, Miss Marquin, Adventurer Saliss and companywe have arrived at Oteslia at last.

Ferris deeply relieved voice sounded via the embedded speaking stone in the wall of the coach. Lyonette pulled down the window.

Oteslia at last. She stared at the City of Growth and the central, vast tree behind the walls. Around the overgrown walls, covered in massive vines, she saw the Walled City was surrounded by a vastmoat? No, a lake in truth. Defense and water source.

Countless floating rafts seemed to be semi-permanently stationed here. Lyonette saw birdsso many of themflying about. Animals, on the walls themselves! And in the sky, among the smaller fliers

Pegasi. Oldblood Drakes, too. She stared at the Walled City known for its agriculture and forgot about Calanfer for a moment. For here

She had come here to bring back a friend. A member of her family in Liscor.

For hope. It had been too long already. Saliss sighed as he leaned out the window.

About time. I thought you said this coach was fast. Were not tipping!

Ferris turned and gave the Drake a look.

-

Four days to Oteslia from Pallass was incredibly fast. You were going down the main roads, true, which cut down on dangers like monster attacks or bandits, but only an enchanted carriage could dream of doing that.

It was a good part of the south! So, Ferris being part of the best travelling company in all of Izril had seemed like a stroke of luck.

The one stroke of luck in the midst of the worst thing ever.

-

Before.

Lyonette du Marquin sat with Mrsha. Holding her. She was weepingbut she had long since plumbed the depths of that well.

Why? Why now? Why

Why like that? Hectval? Of all the things

Numbtongue sat on the hill. Mrsha didnt move. Bird had locked himself in his room. Everyone was grieving.

Erin lay in the [Garden of Sanctuary] and only a miracle would cure her.

So a miracle the [Princess] had to find. It had not been easy. She spent days grieving. Hopingbut none came.

She said goodbye to Mrsha, even though it was like tearing at her chest with a barbed hook. She begged the Gentlemen Callers for aidbut they gave it without even naming a price.

She went to Saliss. He was already preparing to leave himself.

Well go together, then.

Lyonette had gone to Ferris, relieved. She had gotten in the carriage andleft.

Left her daughter behind.

Left the inn, and Erin lying there.

Left, promising to return, carrying all the gold she could take, chasing madness.

An antidote? A potion to cure mortal wounds and a frozen body? A means to unfreeze Erin while keeping her from dying completely?

Geneva Scala had written the problem, not the method. She had been frank about the odds. But Lyonette had seen no other way, no other place to go than Oteslia. The Healer of Tenbault? She knew the odds of getting in there.

She had cried, missing Mrsha on the first night they camped. The second night, the third

She was on the fourth day. Lyonette felt naught but guilt at how Mrsha had begged her to stay. But it was dangerous. She had to hurry. Hurry, to find a panacea.

-

Now.

The Eternal Throne of Calanferthe official name for the crown and capital city of Calanferwas a wondrous place.

Lyonette compared every great feat of architecture to it; she had never had to in Liscor because, erthere was no competition.

But now, seeing Oteslia, an overgrown wonder for any [Druid] or a nightmare for a [Gardener], in front of her, she had to compare it to Calanfer.

And everywhere was found wanting.

She had gone through First Landing. She had left Pheislant, but seen the palace from afar, and gone to dances and gatherings in other nations.

Nowhere was as fine, as majestic, asamazing as Calanfer. They were comparable in other ways; Invrisil was a wonderful trading city. Pallass, one of the great Walled Cities of old, and so on.

But Calanfer was built out of, on top of, something that had existed perhaps before Pallass itself. It was a kind of open secret; no one talked about it directly, but most royal families probably knew, and especially the ruling one of Calanfer.

The Eternal Throne was, in fact, a Dragonthrone, one of the ancient seats of power used by Dragons in eras when there were Dragonlords.

A relicno Dragonthrone was alike, some were contained worlds, others had apparently been mobile, according to the legendsCalanfer had been founded on one. Of course, people knew the throne was magic.

How could you not stare at the golden staircase ascending to the heavens, the great dais where you walked on air until you came to the Eternal Throne and knelt before the [King] of Calanfer and [Queen]?

What they forgot was that the Dragonthrone was more thanthe throne. And in fact, the Eternal Throne was built for Humans, and the entire dais was in fact the original throne, altered for the new rulers.

They forgot thateverything was the Dragonthrone. For more than one Dragon had been meant to sit in conclave, or as guests.

So when you marveled about Calanfers streets, the nigh-indestructible inner city, carved of shining rock and metal and the comparatively paltry outer city, but founded on the glowing roads and walkways that invigorated you just to tread upon? When you gazed upon the six gates to the city, each fortified with dread magic?

Those had been thrones. The buildings had been constructed out of other thrones, and the roads had been part of the Dragonthrone. The power that made those gates so dangerous to assail, the power in the throne?

The Dragonthrones original power, taken.

Lyonette had been shocked to learn that. She had always assumed the place had been made by half-Elves, Dwarves, great Human [Masons] of old. The truth was painful, especially because every Calanfer citizen visited the Eternal Throne and the city once in their lives.

It was like becoming an adult. Until you had seen the wonder of the city, knelt before the monarch and known your kingdom was made of greatness the likes of which other kingdoms could not aspire toyou had not known your homeland.

That was why Calanfers people were devoted, the [Knights] even named Thronebearers. There were even laws about spitting or emptying chamber pots in the streets. The Eternal Throne was kept clean and you could be beaten by lawor just by anyone who saw you at the time.

So. Compared to that, Oteslia wasdifferent. The untidy greenery of it all, the rampant nature actually offended Lyonettes sensibilities at first. Who would let those gigantic roots and vines cover the walls?

But then she saw it as the worlds greatest garden and had to respect that. Especially since Oteslia could feed all six Walled Cities in times of need and produced every variety of herb, root, plant, and many livestock animals you could name. And hopefullyall the things needed to counteract Hectvals poison.

You can cure it, cant you?

The four passengers had disembarked to stretch as Oteslia came into view. They saw the bridge to the Walled City was in fact similar to Liscors. Floating wooden structures that could be sunk.

I could cure it if she was up. I have six antidotes that worked on the sample you gave me.

Saliss was slowly gyrating his hipsthen stretching one arm over his body, the nextsome of the people in vehicles exiting or entering the city were staring.

And you didnt mention that because?

The Drake saw Lyonettes stare. He shrugged.

None of them work on frozen bodies. Thats my problem, Lyonette. Ive never had to apply something to an ice cube.

Dont call Erin that!

Lyonette was shocked by the flippant tone in his voice. But one look at Saliss eyes made her stop. He grinned; the grin never reached his pupils.

Fine. Ice-girl. Better?

Wilovan shifted. He hadnt noticed Saliss eyes, and the trick of reading him there. Erin had taught that to Lyonette; she noticed stuff like that.

Wilovan and Ratici, though, were so unlike Saliss. Criminals, but honorable ones. And Saliss was so different from Lyonette

What a motley crew. Lyonette shook her head. The only normal person was Ferris, and she felt bad for the poor Gnoll. Hed been carrying them here at a very reasonable price.

Ferris? Were ready to go.

The water-bridge was large enough for multiple vehicles on the left-hand side to roll in, while ones on the right came out. There was little delay, but no one was zooming across the deep, deep lake. That gave Lyonette plenty of time to eye the curious floating objects on the water.

They looked like rafts, at first. But when she looked closer she realized.

Saliss. Youve been to Oteslia before, yes?

Yup. My secondno, third-most visited city. First is Pallass, seconds Manus. Third is Oteslia, fourth is Salazsar for gemstones. Fifth is Fissival, sixth is Zeres.

Lyonette hadnt asked for his ranking. She saw he was sticking his butt out the carriage window, mooning the passing people to let his tail swing in the breeze.

Why are you doing that?

Because theyre screaming at me. Whats your question, Lyonette?

He grinned. The [Princess] had forgotten. She listened to Drakes shouting insults at Ferris and Saliss, then stared out the lakeside window. Wilovan was looking at Ratici and the Drake was shrugging.

Oh, yes. What are those floating rafts? They lookno ones living on them, or fishing. Well, some are.

Saliss popped back onto her side. He peered out and Lyonette pointed to Gnolls and Drakes on the rafts. They werent reallypaddling. Some were fishing, but that seemed like a secondary thing to their main occupation. He grinned.

Ah, yes. Those are [Farmers].

[Farmers]?

Mhm. Theyre using floating gardens. Never seen one before? Look, I think some are harvesting.

Indeed, now he explained it, it all made sense. Lyonette saw them tending to crops sewn into floating gardens! The rafts were made of dried roots, or something buoyant, and the soil held evenly-spaced crops which loved water. The fishing [Farmers] were actually on their breaks.

Thats ingenious!

Yep. Thats Oteslia for you. If someone grew something, they found out how to do it. See? The floating beds arent the only lakeside agriculture. They have fisheries along the edges and from the city. And therethats where all the rice in Izril comes from so we dont import it from Baleros.

He pointed to paddies along the lake. Lyonette peered at the submerged rice growing there.

Paddies, floating raft-gardensand they hadnt even entered the City of Growth. She shook her head.

Wehavent talked much about Oteslia.

Too busy mourning. Well, Im here so Ill be your guide until we find someone better.

You know your way around? And youll help us?

The Named-rank Adventurer looked at Lyonette. He hesitated, opened his mouth to make a flippant remark, and sighed.

Yes. I have to buy a lot of my stock since Im out of potions. But yes. It wont be easy, you know. I dont have a lot of weight in Oteslia; even the old man doesnt. Different cities, different rules, and Pallass fights Oteslia as much as helps it.

He meant Chaldion. Lyonette nodded.

Ill do whatever it takes. But do you know where to start?

Saliss scratched at his head. He turned his dusky yellow scales to catch the light.

I think I do. I dont have a lot of weightbut I do have some contacts. I just hope I dont annoy them, showing up relatively unannounced. Tact, people. Lets remember decorum and politeness while were at a new city. Obviously.

Lyonette, Wilovan, and Ratici stared at Saliss. The [Alchemist] stared out the window, deliberately oblivious.

They were already doomed.

-

It was an interesting time in Oteslia. The city was at war with the Walled City of Zeres.

But then, it had been for months now. And the enemy armies were fighting sporadically to the south. Mercenary forces doing most of the work.

It was mostly the expense that had people groaning. But Zeres was trying to impose tariffs on exported produce, so what could you do but go to war? Drake city politics.

More of actual note was Magnolia Reinharts arrival to Oteslia. She had landed at Zeres two days ago, and already entered the City of Growth. Now, the gathering at Oteslia was attracting attention.

People were arriving to meet the first member of the Five Families to walk in the south for centuries. Not all as her ally.

To say it was troublesome was to underplay the First Gardeners migraine. And she had at least one per week. She took all kinds of medicinal aids.

Pills, supplements, medicineit was an ongoing struggle the last four Gardeners had suffered from.

The problem was that healing potions healed wounds. Mental painor migraines brought on by stresswere harder to solve. You could drug yourself into not feeling it, but how could you work?

Effective painkillersshe gulped down a pill from the isles of Drath shed used her meager budget to purchase and grimaced.

Barely effective. But it did do something. The First Gardener, Shaerrha Brasswing, suffered on. She had lots to do. This Magnolia Reinhart had brought trouble; of course shed known the Five Families could be dangerous, but this was more than shed bargained for. The Serpentine Matriarch, already at odds with Oteslia, was holding a grudge. And all these dignitaries from abroad, as well as the Meeting of Tribes bringing a lot of foreign trade to the city

Oteslia was closest to the Gnoll Plains, and thus actually in a position to benefitor suffer if the Meeting of Tribes brought conflict.

So, Magnolia, Zeres, Gnoll tribesand that was only the big stuff. There were the [Strategists] with their wounded friend still attracting [Bounty Hunters] after their artifacts, aftereffects of the Golden Triangle scam, which had impoverished the poorest of the Walled Citys citizens, the Demons Curse

And always, always, the cause of her migraines, her stress, and yes, affection and pride at times, her adopted son.

Cire. Cirediel Anvidualln Olicuemerdn, to be precise.

The Dragon of Oteslia, the boynot yet grown, not for another centurywho was the reason the First Gardeners had a lifespan twenty years shorter than average. Stress.

And it wasnt just the First Gardener who had to deal with Cire, oh no. She just had to clean up after his messes, and act as his mother.

The real challenge was faced by the people on the front, the unsung heroes who worked every day.

-

Mivifa Selifscale, Named Adventurer of Oteslia, spent up to an hour in front of the vanity every morning.

Which was ironic because her careful attention to the makeup, copious expenditure on potions and creams and other beauty products wasnt for hernot really. She grimaced as she checked for grey in her scales; added a bit of color here, tried to remove some wrinkles here.

The Oldblood of Feathers, as she was known, was a famous adventurer. She could sprout wings of feathers due to her connection with her Pegasi companion. She was the highest-level [Beast Master]-[Rider] adventurer in all of Oteslia, perhaps all of Izril now that Tritel, the Moonlight Rider, was dead.

It gave her no pleasure to hear of his death. She thought about that, and Ci, the horse part of the duo. What was happening to her?

When she had time, shed head north and check. But Mivifa was one of the types of adventurers who was always busy. No cycle of extreme danger and then long relaxation for her, like some who had made it to the top.

Every day she had something to do. And that something began the moment she finished her scrupulous routine.

Unlike Humans, sagging skin wasnt really a Drake thing. No, it was discolored scaleswrinkles did appear, in a sensebut also just how your neck spines were, the vibrancy of color.

It sometimes shocked people who got to know her how much the Oldblood of Feathers spent on beauty products, especially those to make her young. But as quirks for Named Adventurers went, it was a mild one. Most had some weird flaw or obsession; so what if the female Drake wanted to look like she was still in her twenties, despite being twice that age? Let it be. She was responsible, without scandal, and a hero of her city.

The truth was, Mivifa would have done away with all the beauty products and time spent if she could.

But it wasnt for her.

So, Mividel Maxiclaw, no relation to the Named Adventurer, Silver-rank in her twenties, exited her relatively modest apartment an hour after waking. And stretching; you had to stretch. She already knew someone would be waiting for her.

Mivi, whats on the wing?

A Drake folded his arms and leaned against the doorway. It was the kind of lean with attitude. He spoke casually, without formality; his neck-spines were oiled back, and he had on a trendy jacket and shorts. He was Oldblood; his wings were long and vermillion, like his scales.

Fetale, I was just monking out over breakfast. I am good to fly today. Wheres Cire?

The Drake raised one thumb-claw, using the common vernacular of Oteslias youth, despite not having wings herself. The other male Drake, Fetale, made a psht sound.

How should I know? Hes circling. I figured wed meet up at the Rootsee whats what.

Mivi nodded. They leaned on the balcony of her apartment. After a moment, they both saw that Mivis neighbor, a female Drake in her late thirties, was sweeping her porch. She had systematically winced her way through the entire greeting and was giving them a side-eye. She hurried inside after a moment.

Mividelsagged after a moment. She looked around, checking the skies, and after a moment shuffled over to Fetale.

Where is he actually?

Cire. Fetale dropped the casual lounge-maneuver, which took a lot of practice and was actually straining on the back. He rubbed at his shoulders.

Morning fly with some of the actual kids. Weve got eyes on him. Were meeting at the Root to hang out.

Got it.

Mividel sighed. That was her actual name; Mivifa was the alias, the Named Adventurer. She lived in this apartment, unlike the very nice, much more sumptuous one she had in the upper part of the city. But she had gone out that door in full youth-mode.

Just in case he was there, as he sometimes was. She nodded.

Lets slide on down to the Root, then.

She was trying. But Fetale caught her before they headed onto the street.

Mivi. I cant do this anymore.

She looked at the other young Drake. Fetale could have beennineteen. Orif you looked past his glossy scales, his trendy dress for anyone still in their teens, and looked at him

Thirty.

Mividel was older than her neighbor, and she knew the other Drake had long-since figured it out. Oteslias Treewatch had probably spoken to her and let her knoweverything, if she didnt just know already.

That one look had made Mivi feel old. She stared at Fetale.

What do you mean, Fetale? Today or?

Her heart sank as the Drake leaned on the balcony. He stared down at the street, with genuine, 100% actually young people, and older ones, mingling, going about their day.

This, Mivi. I cant do it. I was doing my appearance this morning and I looked myself in the eye. It all justfell apart.

Dont do that. Listen, Fetale

No. Im serious. MiviI cant be you. I gave it my best shot. But Im thirty, and my wife is talking about a family. She knows the job, butam I supposed to tell her to wait another decade? Five years? Please. I need out.

This was the conversation she hated to have. And it had looked likewell, this was setting the tone for her morning. MivifaMividelMivichewed on her lip for a second, and then realized she might be ruining the gloss.

Fine. I get it, Fetale. Butfoursix months. Six months, alright? Well phase you out. You can even bring up settling down. Starting tomorrow, start easing back on the makeup. Got it?

He gave her a relieved smile, and a guilty one.

Thank you, Mivi. Im sorry. I thought I could keep doing it. Its just

Silently, she patted him on the arm.

Its fine. Well put you on surveillance, or one of the non-contact jobs. But you get to find your replacement, or train one, huh?

He groaned. Thenchecked the position of the sun.

Wed better take wing. Roots just opening and you know Cirell be there. And he doesnt wait.

Mivi knew it full well. He might wait for herbut why risk it? She and Fetale hurried down into the street. There they moved at a jog. Sprightly. Youthful.

She was the only one who had done it for this long. Everyone else hadquit. Fetale was actually fairly long for his job. Ten yearsno, fourteen, reallysince hed been recruited. And he had been a deliberate choice. Mividel had been an accident. Her becoming Named Adventurer had also beenwellaccidental. But she was ideally placed, such that the First Gardener relied on her and she essentially commanded the Treewatchs branch in this area.

But how much longer could she be Cires friend? She and Fetale were old, and growing older. At least, compared to the people they were hurrying to meet.

There they were, about eleven Drakes, two Gnolls, all sitting, around four tables at the Root, a popular hangout for younger people in Oteslia. Mivi recognized them all; two more planted individuals like her and Fetale; the rest actual kids.

Four unpredictable ones. Those not in the know, or not trustworthy. She grimaced. It might be a rough day.

She, Fetale, and the two Drakes who casually called out to her, had a class in common. Mivi was a [Beast Master], a [Pegasus Flier]

And an [Actor]. The class had existed before the Players of Celum. She slid over, actually sliding on her claws.

Hey, people. Whats growing? I miss anything?

Mivi!

A loud voice called out. Mividel turned, and in the center of the gaggle of teens washim. The young Drake, who could have been seventeen, lounging around with all the others, at home, and not acting.

The one who never changed. The reason for the Gardeners headaches, Mivis strange circumstances.

A beautiful young manboy. Something in between. His scales were brown and purple and green, blending across his body. He was apparently Oldblood; he had full wings, and could spit an acid. But that was to trivialize what he was.

Among the other Drakes, even ones naturally gifted with beauty or extraordinary athleticism, he stood out. He was so handsome it hurt, and he never seemed to run out of energy.

He was Ciredielbut everyone called him Cire. Son of the First Gardener.

Dragon of Earth.

Yo, Cire.

Mivi slid into a seat hed kept waiting for her. Cire, her best friend, grinned at her.

Took you long enough! Youre never up when we are for the mornings!

He teased her. Mivi grinned.

You know me. I eat breakfast, Cire.

And I cant wake up at dawn anymore, especially if I have to do my makeup. Fetale just jerked his chin at Cire, too cool for greetings. Cire copied it.

Went for a fly since we were all wearing wings. We were talking about whats going next. Thought we might go see if we can get out the gates. The Meeting of Tribes is whats what, and everyones talking about mad sights. Whats your thought?

Mivi grimaced, but only inwardly. She glanced around casually and saw a covert claw-sign from one of the other plants.

The Drake with her leg up on the table, leaning back, had given Mivi the sign. Neclawith dyed neck-spines, the tips of her wings painted to almost resemble claws; oh, and her actual claws too. She looked like she spent half her time running with a gang, and the serving staff of the Root were glaring at her. Shed added a spiked collar, another fashion trend, and she had bite me scrawled on one arm over her scales.

Anyone could have reasonably assumed this was a teen in the height of rebellion, like many of the people Cire surrounded himself with. And they did have Neclas look. What made the Drake stand out was that she was twenty six, a decorated [Wing Lieutenant], and extremely serious in actuality.

The covert sign meant that this was not a planted idea. Mivi glanced around and saw a young Drake with crimson scales and black wings smirking and nodding at a Gnoll she didnt know.

Great, Cires made more friends. The Dragon boy did so easily; he was popular in the city, famous, and likable. But it did complicate things.

You want to go over the walls, Cire, my guy? Your mother will tear up. Twice.

Fetale jumped in before Mivi. Cire scoffed.

Her? I dont follow her rules. We could fly to the Meeting of Tribes, get backno one notices. What do you think, Mivi?

He looked at her. The Drake swept back her neck spines in a practiced, bored motion.

You want to fly all the way to the Meeting of Tribes, Cire? Thats likemiles. Dozens and dozens. And Im not flying there.

Oh, come on. Youve got Fessi

He meant her Pegasus. Mividel was still a [Pegasus Flier], one who was a Silver-rank adventurer. Fiction was based on fact. But the Drake just leaned back as she grabbed for a morning tart as a platter was brought around. Everyone tried to snag a snack.

Please, Cire. You want to fly all the way there when theres better glamour to be had here? Im not monking for hours just to stare at a few stalls for an hour or two before we have to get back.

Thats whats what. I say we wing about the lakes. See what we can get into locally. You want excite? Check the bazaars; Gnollsll come here to sell.

Necla added. Mivi jerked her head at her. Good timing.

The three voices made Cire hesitate.

Thats a good point. Hey Meltno-go on the Meeting of Tribes. Maybe if something interesting is there.

Aw, come on, Cire. Its amazing!

Melt, the Drake whod suggested it, was actually young. He glanced at Mivi, annoyed, and pointed to the horizon.

Theyve got a Named Adventurer there! The Stargnoll and her team! And it only happens every twenty years! Youre saying you dont want to see that?

Cire hesitated. He cast a glance at Mivi, then relaxed.

Named Adventurer? Oteslias got twono, three coming in and out. And Ive met one. Theyre boring as Dullahans.

No way. Youre rogueing with me.

Am not.

The Earth Dragon flicked one wing.

Met Mivifa the Oldblood last year. My mmy old woman had her over. Stuffy and boring as you can get.

Aw. Really? I heard she was cool.

You think that, but she wouldnt even fly with me.

Mivi relaxed, nodding along, feeling a surreal sensation creep down her back. Cire thought he knew her, but that was an [Actress] who had played in for Mivi.

All was going well. These rogue elements, Melt and the two Gnolls, plus the Drake girlfriend of one of the two Gnolls, werent interfering too much. That was when it happened.

Besides, the Meeting of Tribes isnt that rare. Ive known likefour that took place. We can always go to the next one.

Melt frowned. Around the table, half the people stirred. The other half just blinked.

What are you talking about, Cire? Its every twentyyears.

Nah, its not. Its

Cire frowned. His eyes flickered. Before he could say or do anything, Necla lifted her foot, and smacked it on the table.

All the dishes jumped. Everyone stared at her as she rocked onto her feet.

Im bored as a Dullahan. You lot going to monk about Gnoll events? No offensebut Cire probably remembers some other random gathering. You know his memorys shot.

Hey!

Cire feinted a punch at her shoulder. Everyone laughed, and some of the Gnolls chuckled.

Tribes, theyre always gathering and meeting. I cant fly and unless someones carrying me, I say lets scatterbrain and see whats what.

To Mivis relief, one of the City Gnolls echoed Neclas statement. Cire leapt to his feet. He crammed another tart into his mouth.

Sounds good. Lets see the bazaar, though!

Mivi hopped to her feet and felt a twinge in her back. Gah! Posture! She frowned at the tarts. Theyd have to get another [Chef] if he kept having breakfasts like this. One who could incorporate something better than jam, sugar, and bread into the snack-foods.

One minor crisis averted. She checked the others to see if they were thinking about the Meeting of Tribes comment Cire had let slip, but she didnt think it was a huge issue. She nodded to Fetale and Necla. Then she strode after Cire.

It was hard. Harder than being a Named Adventurerwell, not trying to fight Wrymvr. Shed been laid out with a flu for the last two weeks, and so had had to be with Cire after that. Hed been worried about her.

This was her job. As long as she could do it, she would. But she was forty four. She couldnt do this another century.

Oh. Mivi closed her eyes. And for a second, she was a young Drake again.

And he had never changed. Cire ran down the street, laughing, jumping and gliding down a staircase.

He didnt change. Not since she was eleven and met the cool, older Drake and wanted to inspire his respect. And then realized he didnt grow taller. That some of the older Drakes and Gnolls wereoff.

That was why Fetale and the others quit. Not just because they got too old. But because it hurt to move at different speeds through time.

-

Oteslia, the Walled City of Growth, had four gates you could enter through the lake over bridges. Lyonette was anxious; but she knew the city was vast, and they might need to be here a while.

But shed go home to Liscor and Mrsha after two weeks, bring them here if she had to. She checked the gold in her bag of holding, her enchanted artifacts, and saw that even Saliss was making concessions to this foreign city.

He had put on pants. Not any upper garments, but some alchemy-stained pants.

What? Im not in Pallass and I cant spend a week in jail.

He grinned as he inserted his tail through the hole in the Drake-style pants. Lyonette looked at Wilovan and Ratici.

You couldnt have put those on during the four days it took to get here?

I could have. But why would I do that?

Anyways, he was an asset, an asset. Lyonette reminded herself of that as the carriage stopped. The Drakes and Gnolls were speeding people through the gate after stopping them for only a few seconds. When it came to thema problem arose.

Lets seeIzrils Wonders, right. Passengers?

Four.

The [Guard] did a bored head-sweep. He blinked at Lyonette, but took it in stride. He nodded, stepped back; hed been holding a gemstone. He consulted itthen did a double-take. He stared at the passengers.

It must have been an artifact-scanner or something to detect magic-levels because he seemed to perk up a bit. He blinked at them again, and then held up a claw.

Quickly, with practice, he rifled open a small flipbook of loose papers. It looked like

Ah. That would be bounties and warning illustrations.

Wilovan murmured. Lyonettelooked at him.

As in, for criminals?

Killers, famous [Thieves], and so on.

Ratici nodded. Lyonette stared at the [Gentleman Thief]. Ratici adjusted his cap.

And you didnt think to?

Miss Marquin. We are an upstanding lot!

Wilovan looked hurt. And indeed, the [Guard] went through the flipbook, checked them again, this time tapping another amulet, and saw that they werent under an illusionand didnt match his papers.

Very good. Sorry, everyone, random security check. But you seemgood to go.

Lyonette exhaled. She had been worried about herself as much asshe smiled and then the [Guard] held out a claw.

I just need to see your travel documents.

Salissblinked. Wilovan, Ratici, and Lyonette, stirred. They stared at Ferris through the sliding door gap. The Gnoll slowly hunched his shoulders.

Shit.

-

The problem wasand this was most embarrassing to Ferrished planned on taking Erin to Manus. In which case he wouldnt have had a problem.

But he and Saliss had forgotten since they had little need to deal with basic travel. They were a special agent and Named Adventurer, respectively.

The [Watch Sergeant] came over to see what the holdup was as the Oteslian [Guard] spoke to Lyonette as if she was mad.

You have a passport, Miss, dont you? I assume your travel grade is at least Grade-2 to request official transport? Izrils Wonders is an established company.

Of course it is. Butwe werent asked for a passport when we hired the carriage.

Now all eyes were on Ferris. The [Watch Sergeant] frowned.

I will investigate this with Izrils Wonders, Miss. They need to check documentation. You, [Driver]. Your name?

Ferris was cursing to himself as he produced his documents. The [Sergeant] turned to Lyonette and smiled apologetically.

This appears to be a simple error in produce. In that case, may I see your Grade-1 passport, Miss?

She visibly hesitated. The Gnoll [Sergeant] paused.

You do have some passport, Miss? What Drake city did you come in from?

Wellwe came from the north.

Past Pallass? And you didnt stop at any city along the way? Really.

The [Sergeant] gestured and more Oteslian [Guards] sauntered over. That was a bad cover story. Any Drake city she entered would have issued her at least a Grade-1 passport.

Idid not know I needed a passport. But I can prove I came from Pallass. I would like to send a [Message] to someone who can vouch for my authenticity, if I may.

Chaldion? Grimalkin? Lyonettes mind was racing. The [Sergeant] just raised her brows.

If you entered Pallass, miss, you would have been issued a passport. I think this calls for an investigation.

She felt a tug at her arm. The first [Guard] whispered in her ear. Inside, Lyonette was looking at Wilovan and Ratici, who hadtensed a bit at the word investigation.

Sargeits high-quality artifacts. They didnt fit any of the wanted posters, so I was just going to mark them and let them through, but

She grimaced. This was getting hairier by the second and it was the morning. She was just about to tell everyone to step out slowly, when the door opened.

She recoiled as a Drake wearing only pants emerged. She lifted her spear and the other [Guards] hefted their weapons, but he shoved something at her.

Saliss of Lights. Hi, this Humans with me.

The [Sergeant] blinked. Then she stared at the mithril-plated card, glowing magical writing, and her eyes went round. One of the [Guards] made a sound.

Named Adventurerhold on. Someone get me a Glass of Identification. Excuse me

Five minutes later, the [Sergeant] completed the check. She handed the card back and bowed.

Adventurer Saliss! Your identity checks out. Please excuse usyoure free to enter the city. The other passengers, though

She looked into the carriage. Saliss reached out and casually unhooked the door.

Funny story. They actually came from Liscor via Pallass. Magic door. So they never went through the gates.

Liscor?

The Gnoll was blank. But one of the [Guards] had heard about it.

Theyve got some kind of teleportation door, [Sergeant]. It might have actually happened.

Thats a violation in protocol. And Liscor doesnt issue travel documents?

They havent really had to in centuries.

She tsked.

Well, in that casewell go through Pallass and confirm this. The drivers in trouble either way. Im sorry for the confusion, Adventurer Saliss. Are these passengers acquaintances of yours? It wont take more than a few hours if all is in order.

He nodded reasonably.

I get that. However, Im Saliss.

She hesitated as she went to unlatch the doors.

Yes, sir, you are. Free to go

She reached out and he stepped in front of her.

But Im Saliss.

Yes, Adventurer?

She stared at him. He gestured at the passengers. He spoke slowly, as if to try and get the words to sink in.

Theyre with me. And I vouch for them. And Im Saliss.

She replied, just as slowly, as if talking to a child or an extremely fragile person they were having to stop.

Yes, Adventurer Saliss. But theres protocol

And Im Saliss. Theyre with me. Why dont you contact Pallass now?

He smiled. Lyonette, in the carriage, saw the [Sergeant] thinking.

-

It was true that Drakes had rules and regulations that Human cities lacked. But it was also true that a Named Adventurer was a Named Adventurer. Saliss relaxed as their carriage was taken to the side.

Ferris was in trouble; Saliss hadnt given him any protection, but Lyonette, Wilovan, and Ratici were having their Grade-2 documents written up at this very moment, instead of the hours-long wait. Authority was speed in bureaucracy.

I forgot about those stupid documents. I never have to worry because Im Saliss.

So youve said. Can you explain what they were talking about?

Lyonette saw the [Scribe] working on her paper documents; theyd get stamps and time codes, signatures, and such, but they werent anything like his mithril card. Saliss shrugged.

Grade-1 is basic. You can enter cities, and youre not a criminal. Almost anyone can get those. Grade-2 means you can use services like carriages, buy goods in bulk, etc. Grade-3 means you can purchase land; most people can get Grades 1-3. Grade-4s more about your clearance. And so on. They go up pretty high.

Lyonette eyed him.

So what is yours?

He was picking at his teeth.

Me? Grade-6. Because they dont like me. I should have like, a Grade-8; Grade-9 is for top brass like a [General] or head of state. Walled Cities are petty. You know, Zel Shivertail was only actually Grade-7?

She nodded slowly. This might not matter too much for her future, but it was just another way in which she was realizing how cut-off Liscor had been.

Miss? Were nearly done with your background certifications. Pallass has provided thatI can write in the last details. Adventurer Saliss, can you sign one of the authentication forms here?

Saliss sighed and did it three times. The [Scribe] stared at him; she was in awe of Saliss, probably because she hadnt ever metSalissand only knew the better rumors.

Yes, what do I do?

Lyonette sat there. The Drake smiled.

Just your name, age, country of origin, and minor details, Miss.

Ah. Lyonette du Marquin hesitated. She eyed Wilovan and Ratici, who both looked just as unhappy about this kind of documentation. She opened her mouthand then had an idea.

Lyon Solstice. Spelled L-I-O-N, by the way. I come from CInvrisil.

I see, I see. Lion Solsticeage?

Eightno, nineteen this year.

We try to be accurate, miss. Eighteena few more questionsany prior criminal charges with a Drake city? Nomhm

Lyonette was sweating a bit. But the [Scribe] was writing all of it down! Wilovan and Ratici gave identical responses, nearly. First Landing was where they came from.

All right! This is all set.

The three relaxed. The [Scribe] smiled brightly.

Now, all I have to do is take your statement via truth stone that the following is correct, you sign here, I sign hereand were done. Let me just find my stone

Lyonette began sweating again. She saw the [Scribe] fussing about and then the Drake of the hour swept in. His name was Saliss. It should have been Chaos.

Hey. I know this is taking a bit, so Im going to just stand outside in front of the carriages until youre done, alright?

The [Scribe], Watch Sergeant, and other people in the gatehouse office looked around. Saliss stood up.

And he had removed his pants. The [Scribe] recoiled. The Desk Sergeant stared.

Adventurer Saliss, what are you

Dont mind me! Just going to do some stretches while I wait. Not like Im in a hurry or a famous adventurer or anything! Excuse me! Stop! Pushups here. One, two

Adventurer Saliss, we have a procedurewhy are you naked?

Lyonette began to breathe as she heard a commotion. People were shouting, screaming, and still, Saliss was quite audible.

Dont mind me! Nothing to see here! How long will it take? Thirty minutes? A thousand pushupsno, two thousand. Hey! What are you staring at?

Lyonette had never seen someone sign or stamp the passports as fast as in the next two minutes. She received hers, the ink still wet, and she was practically thrown out of the gatehouse, with Saliss pants. He put them back on and Wilovan inspected his passport.

Now that, sir, was a handy bit of improvisation.

I blame Ferris. I hope they take it out on him. What kind of [Driver] doesnt do this? I thought he was a professionaler, [Driver].

Saliss grumbled as he put on his pants. The [Guards] stepped back. The unlucky gate crew had gotten word from higher-ups; Saliss had been here before.

Thus, Lyonette entered the city. And the effort it had taken just to do thatsort of set the stage for everything else. This was not Pallass, where they had numerous connections. She had gold, and Saliss was a Named Adventurer.

But Oteslia wasnt their city. Lyonette felt at her money in the bag of holding and wished there was a lot more. She wished she had an Erin to let loose to get all the favors they might need. Orsomething of true value. She had some of Numbtongues gemstones, all the gold the inn could spare.

There was one thing she could parlay. One very valuable item that even the City of Growth might not have. A flower from a land beyond this one.

Or she would have. If only. Because disaster struck time and time again. Something had happened on the Summer Solstice. It had barely mattered among all the rest. But still, it twisted in Lyonettes gut. A dark visitor, never seen. And a consequence of their passage

All the faerie flowers were dead.

-

Hey, why are we monking around when we said thered be something Archmage around here instead of the Meeting of Tribes?

Translation: Why are we wasting time, sitting around, doing something pointless, when we said there would be something grandiose, exciting, magical around here instead of the Meeting of Tribes?

The slang was the hardest part to keep up with. It kept changing and it was really only the kids who used it. Mivi had never heard a fellow adventurer use monking as a verb. Nor was it entirely accurate. They said Archmage to mean cool.

But they had clearly never met an Archmage before. Anyways, she and the others were sitting on a rooftop. Those without wings had climbed up. They were tossing bits of tart at flocks of birds; a monkey climbed up and was shooed away by one of the Gnolls.

Oteslia had animals. It was haven to countless species, and it was considered the least-militant of all the cities along with Fissival. One of the most inclusive too; Gnolls were in far higher numbers here, along with other species like Garuda, Humans, even Selphids, and half-Elves in fair numbers.

Nature was for Oteslia. It wasnt always great, though. The streets got dirty from all the uh, excrement, and if youd ever been hit by aerial Pegasi poo, you understood why the streets had lots of cloth canvas awnings and splatter shields.

Hey Vuc, you dont like it, you can Creler off.

Mivi retorted to one of the genuine young people. He huffed and gave her a side-long look of appraisal. She ground her teeth. He knewbut he wasnt suited for this.

Come on, Vuc. This is fun. Look at all the sunlight down there.

Cire was admiring the visitors, especially young Drakes or Gnolls of a female persuasion. Mivi sighed. He waspredictable. And unfortunately, once he had reached a certain point in his adulthoodabout when shed been twentyhed hit a Dragons stage in puberty.

As in, he had sex. And he went through relationships like Mivi went through scale polish cream. It was really, really troublesome to deal with and a new phase in Oteslias difficulties rearing him.

Mivi had heard that the Dragon of Manus had been just as bad, although she was female and perhaps easier to deal with in some ways than a brash Dragon boy. Then againperhaps not.

Different, not easier. Anyways, Cire was infamous for it. And the problem was

Hey, dont be jealous, Miv.

He was sitting next to her. He twined his tail around hers and tried to put a claw down the back of her pants.

Mivi nearly kicked Cire off the rooftop.

Cire, knock it off.

He looked hurt and scooted back as the others laughed.

Come on, Miv! Its been ages since we were a thing. I thought you were down with it. Whats gotten into you? Well, whatever.

He looked hurt, then turned his head as if he didnt care at all. Mivi tried to calm down. But that?

Twenty plus years ago, then, for a while ten years back. And heforgot. Deliberately, or accidentally. Mivi on the other hand had long-since changed.

If Mivis giving you the cold wing, Cire, take a look at that. Theres a Plains Gnoll! Shining.

One of the other genuine youths pointed. Cire was staring in a moment.

Where? Where? Wow. Is that markings from her tribe on her fur? Shes wearing nothing?

Necla gave Mivi a look and muttered.

You okay?

Yes. Forget about it.

Perhaps she shouldretire. Her past relationships, when they had been the same age and she had been head-over-tail in love with him, was complicating the now, especially when he thought they were still back then, or no time had passed. She was to blame, as well as the elaborate system of lies and deception. But the alternative had been bad, too.

Fetale was going to start aging up. Hed stop using makeup, start being too old to hang with. Soon, Cire would understand he was older and if he met Fetale

But he wouldnt. Fetale and he wouldnt meet again. So it went.

Resigned, Mivi listened to the young Drakes pointing out attractive females. This, at least, was the true occupation of young males of most species. It wasnt just her and Necla rolling their eyes.

I bet you that you couldnt talk to her for more than a minute, Vuc.

You what, Cire? Bet.

The Drake Oldblood, outraged, leapt from the rooftop and made his way through the crowd. His friends jeered or laughed as he went for the Plains Gnoll they were so taken with. He did his best, leaning against the stall and introducing himself.

He struck out after eight seconds. The Gnoll was clearly older than him, and clearly not in the mood for this. Vuc flew back as Cire and the others made fun of him.

Told you. I bet I could get her to laugh, though.

You wish.

Vuc muttered sullenly. He was blushing, but trying not to show it. Cire pointed arrogantly down at the crowd of visitors coming through the northern gate.

You name any one down thereIve got Gold-rank moves. Everyone knows that.

He bragged. That raised their tempers. Mivi sighed. Vucs head turned.

You dont have madwhat about her, then?

The same Gnoll? Psst. You ruined that, Vuc.

Oh yeah? What about her?

Another Gnoll. Cire shrugged.

Not interested.

Oh yeah? That Garuda, there.

Ieh. I could do it. If I wanted to.

I dare you to.

Why that Garuda? Im not into feathers. What about that Drake, there?

Cire pointed. Vuc snorted.

I thought you could talk up anyone, Cire. Not just your own species.

Oooh. Some of the new Gnolls whistled. Cire turned red.

Oh yeah? Point and Ill decide. Give me options!

That Gnoll. Or thatMinotauress! Hah, youve got moves enough for her, Cire?

Not interested.

Why are you wagging your tails off, Vuc, Cire? This is boring.

Mivi called out. She gave the young Drake, Vuc, a warning glance. But he was too angry. He pointed.

What about that Gnoll? Come on, Cire! I [Druid]-dare you. No, I Demon-dare you!

Vuc

Cire was getting angry. So was Mivi. She knew what the Drake was doing.

He knew what Cire was. And he also knew that a lot of Cires Gold-rank moves had to do with the fact that Oteslians knew too.

That was why Vuc was pointing out Gnolls, non-Oteslians who werent in the know. It was stupid, childishhe deliberately turned away.

Come on, Cire. How aboutthat one? I Dragon-dare you.

Mivi heard another oooh, and laughter. But Cires head spun around. He stared down at the person and then looked at Vuc.

Sure. Youre on.

There was no way hed have turned down that dare, even though it was common parlance. He leapt from the rooftops and sauntered through the crowd.

Vuc was grinning triumphantlyright up until Mivi tugged him back with a friendly arm like steel. She dragged him away as the others watched Cire make his move on the female visitor that Vuc had pointed out.

In an alleyway, Vuc grinned, almost as if he expected something.

Whats this about, Miv

She put an arm against his throat and pushed his head into the wall.

Listen, you little hatchling. Stop egging Cire on or I will throw you into a Shield Spider nest, understand?

He gurgled. Mivi was a Named Adventurer; he was just a kid. She increased the pressure slightly.

You know exactly why not to provoke Cire. And you. Are. Doing. It. Enough. Stop talking, find an excuse to leave, and dont let me see you again or we will have problems. Understand?

She kept the pressure on. He gasped when she lowered her arm.

Youyou cant do that! Imyoure an adventurer! Ill tell

Mivifa folded her arms.

Tell someone? Listen up. Thats two mistakes youve made today. If you dont want to forget the last three months since you met Cire and wake up in your bed, you are going to walk out of this alleyway, and leave. Dont go back on the roof. Tell someone? Go ahead and find a Guardswoman. See what happens.

She stared at him. He flinched. This was Oteslias secret. Mivi pointed.

Get lost.

He ran. She looked around, and saw Necla lounging at the alleyways entrance.

Send a group after him. I dont trust him to be halfway smart.

Got it.

He was going to wake up with hazy memories at best. And Oteslia would have spent gold on another stupid kid who couldnt handle the truth. Mivi rested her head against the wall before leaving.

Wouldnt it be better to?

No, the truth could not come out. Cire was too young, and she knew exactly how other citiesother nations might respond. But this actingmaybe that had to end. She felt like there were Drakes like Vuc every week. No wonder Oteslia was poor. Well, this was a poor excuse. But shed seen the budget and it wasnt helping.

Why did Cire have to take so long to grow? She felt bad about scaring Vuc already. He was just a young Drake. Barely more than a brat and she was a Named Adventurer. She went out of the alleyway just in time to see Cire accost a young woman in the street.

-

Okay, whats our first step?

I think its to meet with my contact. Unless you have somewhere you want to start?

Saliss of Lights sauntered into Oteslia with Lyonette, Wilovan, and Ratici. The Gentlemen Callers held back, politely letting the two take lead. Lyonette nodded.

She had no contacts here. No knowledge of where to start.

Whos your friend? Another [Alchemist]?

Saliss winked at her.

You think my only friends are [Alchemists]? Wait, you think I have friends? Touching. But we need a place to stay, and introductions. Oteslia is about knowing people as much as having gold to spend. And well have to go outside of my regular suppliers to find the exotic stuff and experts.

Lyonette had feared that. She nodded.

Do you know where to find them?

Eh, I thought Id ask. Heyhey you. Is the Oldblood of Feathers in the city? Im Saliss. Excuse me

The Drake promptly went to the nearest person, a Plains Gnoll shopping in the market right by the gates, and tapped her on the shoulder. Lyonette sighed.

He had Erin-energy. Which could be a good thing, butshe looked around.

She didnt know where to begin. Did Saliss even need her? Ratici sidled up.

Miss Marquin. If you feel safe in Saliss presence, Wilovan and I might do a bit of recon ourselves, as it were. See what our scene looks like.

She glanced at him.

You wont cause trouble?

The Gentleman Caller tipped his cap.

Well be discreet. But theres few ways for us to help you aside from sorting out the wrong sort unless

Yes, thank you. Erwhatever you need to do. Ill stay with Saliss.

Youll be safe?

Ratici studied her. Lyonette swirled the Cloak of Balshadow and showed him her ringsand the Wand of [Fireballs] that Hedault had recharged for her.

I think so.

He nodded. Wilovan tipped his tall hat and they vanished in a second. Lyonette turned back to Saliss

And the Drake was gone. How did an [Alchemist] without a shirt vanish? The crowd swirled around her.

It was like being in a new city again. Lyonette felt a moments apprehension. She was alonelike Erin had been. Maybe she should have asked for one of the two to stay with her? But it wasnt like shed be hurt in a crowd. Surely. She made her way forwards, looking for familiar scales or a voiceor just someone screaming about nudity.

Hey, lovely lady. You look lost. New to Oteslia? I could show you around.

Tell me. Excuse me, Miss Lyonette. But it is confidential between research facilitiesdoes this have to do with?

She walked away with Dromenl. Lyonette wished she could read lips or had a hearing spell, but the facility was probably guarded. She walked back.

Seems something is attracting attention, Miss Lyon. Wed like to help, but Ratici and I arent the most charming of sorts insofar as it comes to polite negotiations between upstanding sorts.

Wilovan murmured. Lyonette shook her head.

Its fine, Wilovan. Thank you for looking around. I dont know what this issomething wrong, Ratici?

The Drake was scratching at the back of his neck. He tipped his cap.

Begging your pardon, Miss Lyon. Old habits.

Ah. The [Thief]. She hesitated.

I dont think Mivifa would take kindly to any

Not me, Miss Lyon. I wouldnt jeopardize anything. Its justtheres something valuable back there. Familiar. I was trying to place it.

Lyonette blinked. She wondered what made Raticis [Thief] senses tingle. She glanced at Wilovan.

You cant hear?

They ward the entire facility. Sensible, Miss Lyon. Im afraid were in the dark, so to speak.

He shrugged and she sighed.

Mivifa was no better. She knewbut obviously it was a secret matter.

I can see why they dont want to help. The First Gardener might be able to insist one drops the issue. They dont all have to work on the same thing, although if one gets luckyIll bring it up with her. But it is a find, Miss Lyon. Lets find Saliss and see if hes had any luck.

-

He had not. Saliss was spitting mad as he stomped from shop to shop. Wilovan and Ratici had taken themselves off to do some investigating on the sly, as it were, and Mivifa was checking more researchers to confirm they were all on the same thing.

Lyonette glumly watched him enter another shop, the smallest so far compared to all the big ones. He had been shouting really pithy insults at all of the unified sellers of herbs as he realized they were working together to raise prices on all the things he needed.

She expected him to do as he had done in the last shop; kick the door open, and ask if the shopkeeper wanted to make money, or be an obstinate Lizard.

However. This shop wasinteresting. The Drake at the counter leaned over and blinked.

Is that Saliss?

She was middle-aged. Saliss walked up.

Herissa. Please tell me its not everyone marking up their prices?

She swished her tail as Lyonette looked around the establishment. This wasnt a huge facility, but it was doing well. The [Herbalist] sighed.

They smell money, and youre rich, Saliss. Sorry. Whats your list? As if I dont knowits been going around.

So theyre working together? Creler eggs! Id chuck it in their gardens if it wasnt a war crime!

Dont be too madtheyre doing it to all the [Alchemists]. They know theres a shortageor will be once youre done buying. The television.

Damn Sir Relz and that thing. Im gonna take off his pants live!

She laughed at that.

Let me know so I can watch! Alright, alright. Stop stamping around. Lets see. Obsidian LeafsulfurEir GelSages Grasswhy do you need that? And whos your Human friend?

She was glancing warily at Lyonette. Saliss waved a claw.

Shes from Liscor.

Really? The Liscor Ive heard about? Is she?

No, but shes a friend. And I bought Sages Grass from the [Farmer] in Celum, but hes a damned [Pirate]. Literally. Still cheaper than Oteslia, but his is only one farmI need it all.

The [Herbalist] pursed her lips.

Well, I need some for my brews too. Alright, heres what I have. I made it up as soon as I knew what you were dealing with. Its all I can spare.

Lyonette blinked. The Drake [Herbalist] began putting box upon box on the counter. Saliss relaxed.

Thats your entire stock.

Well, I can get more faster than you can. And you can pay me just enough for a profit.

Saliss hesitated.

Let me at least do market-value. Everyone else is going to gouge meyou might as well earn something. Maybe theyll think twice now that you did this. Unless you want me to keep silent?

She waved a claw.

Theyll be furious, but it happens. Good luck, Saliss. Hows Pallass been?

The Drake glanced at her.

Same old, same old. Oteslia?

Better than Pallass.

Hm. Need a tail while Im here on anything in particular?

Another look at Lyonette. The Drake shook her head.

Nothing I can really complain of. Just dont get yourself killed, Saliss. I nearly swallowed my tail when I saw the fight with those Human [Assassins]. Tell Mirn hes welcome to vacation here at any time.

Saliss nodded. They actually hugged. Lyonette blinked as he put the boxes in his bag of holding and signed a slip for her to cash in at the Merchants Guild.

You got your ingredients?

Enough to begin working. Herissas not a huge supplierbut she gave me what she could. Maybe itll help. Hopefully it doesnt put her in too much trouble with the Herbalists Guild.

He sighed. Lyonette hesitated. The Drake had just forked it all over without even haggling, unlike the united [Herbalists] and [Suppliers] of every species.

Do you know her? It sounded like she owed you a debt.

Saliss glanced at Lyonette.

Were old friends. And yes, we help each other. Forget about it. Friendship and stuff goes beyond economics. I still need more. I could wish for ten Herissas and Id still need more. Damn. Lets see if that makes Igniz change his tune. Any luck on the [Researchers]?

No. Theyre all working on some project or other.

Really. Thats what I heard. Half the shops are selling something in the backrooms. But Im not interested right now. Probably some wonder herb like usual. Ill see if I can find out what it is after this.

They were walking back into Leafhold when they saw an angry customer arguing with Mister Igniz.

But this is ridiculous, no? Listen, you cannot charge these prices! Pallass [Alchemists] cannot afford it!

Then they will buy it somewhere else. Oh, Baleros maybe.

The angry Gnoll with stained fur stuck his finger up at the Drake as Saliss and Lyonette came to an abrupt standstill. He was actually trembling with fury. The Gnoll was old and he still wore his partly-corroded apron.

This is robbery! We have been doing good business for years! And right when I need help most, you

Xif?

The Gnoll turned at Lyonettes voice. He started, then stared.

Is that Miss Lyon? And

His gaze turned left. The yellow-scaled Drake gave him a huge smile. Xif went white under his fur as Saliss opened his arms wide.

Xif! Just the Gnoll I didnt want to see! Lyonette, run and get me some shears, will you? I have a promise to keep. Xif, remember the inn and those [Assassins]? This is how I express gratitude!

Saliss!

The Gnoll [Alchemist] yelped. Lyonette saw his hand go to his side as Saliss strode forwards, claw clenching into a fist. She saw the Gnoll [Alchemist], second-best in Pallass turn

Then rip a club from his side and charge at Saliss. Even the Named Adventurer didnt expect that.

You bastard, Saliss!

Me? You big-mouthed [Alchemist] idiot

The two went rolling onto the floor, punching and biting at each other. Master Igniz shouted as the shops employees and guests scattered. Saliss was howling.

Do you know how many potions I wasted because you couldnt keep your mouth shut? I could have walked to House Veltras, but noooooIm going to burn your shop down, Xif!

Was it you? Was it you? Everything I had was there! You

Saliss caught the club as the old Gnoll panted. He held Xif off him effortlessly.

Wait, what?

He forced Xif back as the guards and Lyonette dragged him back. The Gnoll struggled, but he was older, andthere were tears in his eyes.

My shop. Was it you?

Saliss hesitated. He sat up.

Wait

Someone burned it down. My shop! Everything I had!

Xif was sobbing. The old [Alchemist] looked weary. And sad. Saliss and Lyonette blinked. The Named Adventurer got to his feet.

OkayIve said a lot of things. But I didnt do that. When?

Two days ago. I was coming here to do business and my apprentice saidits all gone. All my work, my laboratory, my homeI knew it wasnt you. But someone heard what you were saying orthe Watch said it was arson.

Arson. Saliss stood there, blinking at Xif.

Waitbut someone didthats madness. Pallass needs your potions! And burn down your shop? Even Im not crazy enough to actually do that!

It took out eighteen other buildings. They actually burned itI had anti-fire wards, but someone must haveIve lost everything, Saliss.

The Gnoll collapsed, weeping. Lyonette stared at him as Saliss looked around. Master Igniz looked apologetic.

Alchemists, Im deeply sorry to hear about this. But pleaseno fighting in my shop.

Both Xif and Saliss glared at him. Xif slowly rose, pointing a trembling paw at Igniz. He turned to Saliss.

You arriving makes sense. I was trying to buy enough to make potions again when the prices skyrocketed. No ones willing to help me in my hour of need!

Too right. Oteslian price-gougers!

Saliss patted Xif on the shoulder. The two outraged [Alchemists] turned on Igniz. The Drake folded his arms.

Pallass has always lived richly off the ingredients we supply. Im sorry about your shop, Xif, but you both have gold.

Yes, and we earned it! Or do you think making a Potion of Blast is as easy as watching an herb grow for six months?

Have you not ever seen Vorepillar infestations? Let me tell you

The heated argument took place as Lyonette stood back. Xif, Saliss, and Igniz were trading insults as Mivifa, Ratici, and Wilovan arrived to once again report no luck. At last, Igniz threw up his claws.

Alright! Alright, listen. I know its hard, but our prices arent that far off! Try negotiating rather than telling us were all cutthroat [Pirates]! Were willing to come down if youre willing to come up.

Above market price? Come on!

Saliss snapped. Suddenly he and Xif were united. Igniz hesitated. He lifted a claw.

tell you what. Ill sweeten the deal. You two give me a fairer offer, and Ill throw in a sample of a new ingredient both of you will be begging me to buy. I wanted to have a larger sample, butfollow me.

The two [Alchemists] exchanged suspicious looks. But they followed Igniz into the back of the shop. Lyonette watched as she turned to Ratici and Wilovan.

Someone actually burned down Xifs shop.

Thats terrible. A man shouldnt lose everything.

Wilovan looked shocked. Lyonette nodded. She felt bad for Xif, and she had been right on team-shave with Saliss a moment ago. But that was just talk. Some idiot had actually?

What do we do about the researchers? Mivifa, can you share anything about what theyre researching?

The Oldblood of Feathers looked uncomfortable.

II dont know, Lyonette. Its business. I can share that its new, and its very efficacious. Ive seen it working myself. Maybe if Saliss finds outIgniz might have a sample. But I cant just divulge th

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

The voice was so loud that everyone flinched. Saliss came raging out of the backrooms with Igniz dragging at him.

You thief! You crook!

Saliss, let go! Thats mine! I only have one sample

Who is responsible for this? Ill burn down your shop!

Xif was right behind Saliss, waving his enchanted club. Lyonette had no idea why they were so upset. Thenshe saw the mysterious item that had been sweeping Oteslias research teams, and the [Herbalists] shops. The enigmatic wonder-herb of the moment. The secretobvious

She stared at the little yellow flower in the pot and Saliss face. He turned to her, eyes wide with fury.

And all the pieces fell into place.

-

They were called Faerie Flowers. Wil Kallinad had heard it more and more from the best [Herbalists] in Oteslia. Apparently someone had managed to cultivate the things and while they were few in number, they had astonishing effects.

And they were easy to work with. So much so that research was exploding. And the results were already

Yerranola? Can you hear me?

The Selphids eyes opened slowly. She gasped, as the Gnoll body jerked; she had been taking command of its systems. She opened her eyesmade them move in different directions, opened and closed her mouththen looked at him.

Wil?

He grabbed her in a fierce hug. Feshi let out a howl of delight.

It worked! Yerraare you?

The Selphid flexed her body, still testing it out, then gently hugged Wil.

II can move! It doesnt hurt!

There were no tears in her eyes like Wils, but a bit of orange fluid had been excreted when he had first administered the new medicinal variant. She shuddered.

The painI was in agony for days. Weeks! How long?

Nearly a month. The poisons still in there. Im so sorry. We went as fast as we could, yes, but

Feshi was hovering next to her. Yerra nodded.

I remember. You all worked so hard.

You took the arrow meant for me. If it hadnt been for you

Wil Kallinad was thinner. He hadnt slept or rested fully until Yerra had been better. And even after the first antidotes had been manufactured, coming from Xif of Pallass by Courierhe had spent money liberally to see it done. But even then.Yerra shuddered.

The pain. It didnt go away, even though I felt the antidotes working. But that new medicinewhat is it?

Shed been getting better, but agonizingly slowly, able to talk and tell them how much it hurt in her glass jar enchanted to hold her, but it had been too hard to see. ButWil gestured with a trembling hand.

Its a new pain-drug one of the [Researchers] came up with. Faerie flowers. Youll need to take it along with more antidote treatments until youre all better, buttheres no pain?

She wept an orange tear that matted her fur.

None. Thank you, Wil. Thank you.

She hugged him tight. Wil relaxed. He didnt mention how much the experimental medicine had cost, nor the rarity of the plant. But there was more growing andYerra was better.

At last.

-

Xif had once bought a single faerie flower from Erin, using a Skill to force the sale. Saliss had been given more for friendship.

Both had sent them to Oteslia after [Gardeners] in Pallass had failed. Because Oteslia grew things. It was their specialty. It had beenmonths ago.

It was tempting to blame Xif. But his Skill was [The Avid Collector]. And he had paid what Erin was willing to sell the flower for.

It was an unfriendly sale, as Salazsar would well know, but it had been legal. It occurred to Lyonette, now, that she wasnt needed here. The best person to have would have been

Selys.

[Everything Had a Price] would have let Saliss and Xif buy what they wanted. Maybe at the same prices? Maybe not. But either waythe faerie flowers were in Oteslia.

But they werent a secret, or being kept by one person. And againyou couldnt blame Xif.

Because he was as angry and confused as Saliss.

I have forty one flowers, which is all the person I sent them to could produce. And they had numerous failures and setbacks! What about you?

I told my [Gardener] that this was top-secret. Which is why I cant see why Igniz had onelet alone all these [Researchers]!

The Gnoll and Drake traded looks. They came to the same conclusion at the same time Lyonette did.

-

Saliss kicked the door to the indoor growing house open.

Master Elroz! We need to chat!

He bellowed. Lyonette stared into one of Oteslias greenhouses for unique plants.

Shed heard Erin talk about greenhouses, but hadnt been as surprised as Erin thought. Because of course, Oteslia and other places had enchanted buildings to grow plants year-round.

For instancethis greenhouse specialized in difficult plants. It cultivated things like Glasswhistle, the exceptionally fragile plant that would actually kill itself under its own weight in time. That was how it reproduced, but large varieties of the thin, weak plant were more valuable.

So there was a low-gravity chamber where hanging pots of the plant grew, suspended in the air, branch-structures slowly expanding under glass roofs.

There was a chamber Saliss stormed through that Lyonette wonderingly saw had massive trees with roots nearly twenty feet long, as to touch the water below. That was because the roots were valuable, so the trees were encouraged to grow them long.

Saliss found Master Elroz tending to the faerie flowers. They were in a room of their own, bathed in sunlight andLyonette noted, planted spaced-out in beds filled withmana stones?

Yes, glittering mana stones, and surrounded by pools filled with chopped-up Sages Grass and water! She felt the mana density here; they were feeding the faerie flowers with rich mana, as well as strong fertilizers, Skills, and everything else. There were other experimental beds at hotter or colder temperatures, and the Gnoll was replanting a handful of

Alchemist Saliss! I was just going t

He got no further before Saliss put him in a headlock. Xif had his club drawn.

Master Elroz, Master Elroz. I was going to pay you a visit after shopping, but it seems like I have to put you at the top of my list. And Im getting sort of annoyed about my list. I told youI paid youto grow Faerie Flowers in secret. So why does half of Oteslia have one?

The Gnoll [Gardener] tried to speak. But all he made was a spluttering sound; Saliss was choking him. Xif was swinging his club.

Lets do my [Culturist] next. What say we lay him out, burn the place down and

Father! Father! Ancestors, stop! Someone call the Treewatch!

A horrified Gnoll raced across the greenhouse. She grabbed at Saliss, but the Drake refused to let go.

Saliss! Enough!

It was Mivifa who strode in and forced the Drake to stop choking the Gnoll [Gardener]. The Named Adventurer saw the [Gardener] collapse, gasping, to the floor. Lyonette watched with Wilovan and Ratici.

-

II didnt sell a thing, Master Saliss! I obeyed your instructions to the letter!

The Gnoll protestedfrom behind Mivifawhen he could finally speak. His daughter, a younger [Gardener] with dirt in her fur, was protectively shielding him. Saliss was furious. Lyonette had never seen him so angry and Mivifa actually had a hand on her sword as she blocked him.

Then who was it? Xifs person?

I dont know, Master Saliss. But more samples began popping up as I was having success with my flowers. I assumed more people were sending it in, or another source had been discovered

Xif and Saliss traded looks. They charged out the door, Xif with his club raised. Lyonette looked at Mivifa. The Named Adventurer was cursing.

Saliss! Dont kill them! Master Elroz, I need you to swear to me that it wasnt you. Im sure Saliss confirmed it

I swear, Miss Mivifa. I cant speak for whomever Alchemist Xif hired. It might have beenhe was persuaded to shareOteslian generosity.

The Gnoll coughed. Mivifa bit her lip. She turned to Lyonette.

Is there any chance that it could have come from anywhere else, Miss Lyon? Thesefaerie flowers?

Thats what everyones talking about, isnt it?

Lyon met her eyes. The frightened daughter of Elroz, the Gnoll, and Mivifa all nodded.

Its the newest thing. We thought Master Saliss had found a source, but someone else had discovered it. Like adventurers finding it in a dungeon. Isnt it possible it was just someone else?

Lyonette smiled. That was a fair assumption. She met Mivifas eyes and shook her head.

No, Miss Mivifa. Its impossible. Because I know where the faerie flowers come from and theres no way anyone got another sample.

The Named Adventurer blinked.

You know? Then it was Liscor. Theres no chance?

None. So it was Xifs person. Orno. I cant imagine how anyone else would get that.

Unless the Frost Faeries had tricked someone else with fake gold. And they didnt even look like faeries to anyone but Earthers. Mivifa saw the certainty in Lyonettes eyes and cursed.

Ancestors. Then this is Crelered to all hells and back. Id better stop those two from murderingMaster Elroz, you stay here. Ill make sure Saliss doesnt lose it.

The Gnoll nodded, eyes wide. Lyonette barely stopped at Creler as a verb, but it was curious. She hurried after Mivifa.

But how did it happen? Someone sold it despite Xifs orders?

Yesno. Sort of. ItsOteslian generosity.

Lyonette stared at Mivifas back. The Named Adventurer gave her a pained look.

-

The [Culturist] had gotten word Xif and Saliss were on the warpath. Her private gardens were closed, and she was nowhere in sight. Xif and Saliss had broken down the door and searched the place.

Oteslian generosity.

Saliss spat when Lyonette repeated the phrase. The [Princess] raised her brows.

Meaning?

Meaning, I bet the [Culturist] Xif hired went to someone else after she failed to grow the flowers. Asked for tipsmaybe even lent one out if she had spares. As a thank you. And someone else began growing them and selling them

I told herI paid her for secrecy!

Xif stared around. Mivifa cleared her throat.

Master Xif, Saliss. Oteslias more liberal about sharing ideas and

And goods that we paid to be kept secret?

Both [Alchemists] turned on her. She raised her claws.

Dont snap at me! Lyon claims its impossible for the flowers to have been spread, but youre certain no one even took a single flower or clipping?

Lyonette hesitated. So did Saliss and Xif. It waspossiblethat someone might have used a dried faerie flower, or taken one back when they were on the windowsills in the inn. OrErin took them out to use for the faerie drinks and the Minotaurs Punch. Someone could have stolen one.

Possible, but unlikely. Extremely so. She repeated that, and Mivifa ran a claw through her neck spines.

Saliss, Master Xifneither of you hits or attacks anything. Ill help you sort this out, but peacefully. You dont do that, and Ill call the Treewatch, understand?

The two [Alchemists] fumed, but they nodded. Saliss snapped.

I want to find Xifs person. Who is it, Xif?

Culturist Greeka.

Ill ask the Treewatch to investigate. In the meanwhilelets see where Master Igniz got his flower.

Lyonette fell behind the three as they stormed off with the power of fury to the herbalist. Wilovan and Ratici found her panting and slowed.

Bit of a spot it seems, Miss Lyon. Goods misplacedgrown, should I say. Tricky business. Not something Im used to. Rather like growing gold, isnt it, Wilovan?

Indeed, Ratici, indeed. Would that it were so simple with our lot.

What do you twothink? Did Master Elroz or his daughter sell the flowers? The culturist?

Lyonette panted. The Gentleman Callers glanced at each other. Wilovan tapped the side of his nose.

A gentleman never suspects a lady. And his daughter looked innocent as could be to my eyes, Miss Lyon. Wasnt questioned; didnt need to be, honestly. Master Saliss is a sharp sort, and that Miss Mivifa, but it could be wasnt even the culturist to blame.

Really?

Lyonette doubted that. Ratici illuminated her. He leaned in.

Master Elroz has a number of staff, Miss Lyon. Assistant hands. So too would a good [Culturist]. Seems to meeven if one of the two was to blame, theres plenty of cracks for a flower to slip through. And the problem with growing isit wont be easy to find the source.

She looked at him. Raticis words turned out to be prophetic. Master Igniz was all too alarmed as Mivifa herself confronted him with the angry [Alchemists], but he was willing to say where hed gotten the flowers.

It was a friend, alright, Alchemists, Adventurer Mivifa? A[Gardener].

A [Culturist]?

Saliss snapped. Igniz frowned.

No. a friend. And respectfullyunless the Treewatch orders me to, I will decline to divulge who it was.

Master Igniz, this may be a matter of theft. I am a Named Adventurer, true, but I will bring in the Watch if I must. You know my authority. By the First Gardener, I am conducting this investigation and everything you say is being tested under truth stone and Master Saliss potions.

The [Herbalist] gulped. But he held his ground.

I swear to you, Adventurer Mivifa, it was not a [Culturist]. Moreovermy friend gave me a sample as a token of appreciation. Iunderstandhe had nearly a dozen more and was growing more as fast as possible and giving a few more out for handsome sums to other researchers.

Lyonettes eyes narrowed. This was unacceptable! Saliss didnt even keep the words inside.

Tell me who. Tell me now, Igniz, or so help me, Ill do to this place what I dreamt of doing to Xifs!

The Gnoll was nodding. Mivifa rounded on Saliss.

Saliss! Enough!

Igniz backed up.

I dontlisten. If you tell them, it wasnt from me. I stole nothing!

Then give me the flower!

Xif reached for it, but the guards and employees closed ranks around Igniz. He guarded the pot with both arms.

Absolutely not! It could be worth a fortune! No one has any to sell from Oteslia yet, but I have a buyer overseas

Its not yours to sell!

Xif roared. Mivifa had to push both [Alchemists] out of the shop.

Master Igniz, you will not sell that until the Treewatch and First Gardener decide on this. Saliss, back up. This isnt your city. Dont make me call a group to arrest you.

Saliss calmed down. He stormed towards his next victim, the [Gardner]. But Lyonette was beginning to sense a bad pattern.

-

The [Bluemoon Gardener] was made of sterner stuff than all the rest. He refused to let them see how many flowers he had. And even when grabbed by Saliss, he refused to waver.

Look, Alchemists. Ive stolen nothing. And I can swear before any number of truth stones you want! I was given this flower. Yes, I grew more! So what? And yes, Im sharing or selling it about! Its a wondrous plant! Looks like gold if you look at it under the right lightand it has any number of properties! Im no [Alchemist], and even I can uncover a few! Its going to make me rich.

Its. Not. Yours. And it wasnt meant to be spread about!

Saliss snarled in his face. The [Gardener] was unmoved.

Its not yours either, Alchemist. Its a plant and it can benefit everyone! Maybe someone illegally spread it about to begin with. Wellcharge them. But the rest of us gave each other notes on how to grow the tricky devils properly. And were sharing it with the research teams because everyone will benefit once all the effects are documented. Oteslian generosity!

Oteslian generosity. Lyonette was getting sick of the expression. It wasnt a hard concept to grasp.

Sometimes, a [Researcher] needed to look into, say, the effects of Threadvine. So maybe a [Gardener] helped with that. Maybe they were paid back in turn. Perhaps the horticulturalist techniques of growing a tricky flower were spread around.

Everyone benefited. This was a community. Oteslian generosity explained why the flower was in so many places, despite still being so few in quantity. Everyone of note had one.

Lyonette saw the reason, even sound arguments for that kind of goodwill and cooperation. However, the notion of free exchange of goods and mutual cooperation for everyones benefit horrified the Pallassian [Alchemists], who had wanted it to be secret.

How dare these lizards work together? This means war! A boycott, Saliss! We have to tell the Alchemists Guild in Pallass!

Xif was growling and Saliss was nodding as they paced about Mivifas home. The Oldblood of Feathers was exasperated. At their attitudes, as well as the situation in general.

Without finding the first thief and recipient, everyone else could and did claim innocence, as Ratici had warned. Moreoverit was exceptionally hard to take the flowers back. Mainly because, as Igniz pointed out when summoned to the First Gardeners residence, how did you know it had come from Saliss or Xif?

-

First Gardener. Yes, Alchemists Saliss and Xif might have had those flowers first. But they are a plant. Its entirely possible someone else got a hold of them.

Impossible!

Igniz glowered at Saliss as the First Gardener, headache-free, listened to the argument. The [Herbalist] and a group of fellow [Gardeners], [Researchers], and so on, were pleading their case.

The fact remains that Master Xif and Saliss sent the flowers here. They are claiming ownership of the faerie flowers, which were illegally grown despite their payments for security and secrecy.

The [Herbalist] scoffed.

But that doesnt mean our flowers came from them, First Gardener! Flowers germinate. With respect to the [Alchemist], even Sages Grass came from numerous sources when it was first grown en masse!

Not in this case and you damn well know it!

Saliss hissed. The First Gardener turned to him.

Alchemist. Can you prove that these flowers only came from one source that only you and Xif could have access to?

The Named Adventurer hesitated.

I can swear via truth spell, First Gardener

But can you swear that there was no chance it came from anywhere else? We need proof! How did these miraculous plants only fall into your possession?

And there it was. Saliss hesitated and glanced at Lyonette for just a second. So did Mivifa. The problem wasSaliss probably could explain they had only come by way of Erin Solstice, or Lyonette could.

But she would have to explain about the frost faeries and Lyonette didnt know how much Saliss knew. The end result was that it was hard to say yes, those faerie flowers absolutely came from the samples sent by Xif and Saliss and not from the inn by way of someone else, also I cant tell you how I know those flowers are the only ones in the entire world.

The First Gardener pointed this out, albeit more diplomatically. The two [Alchemists] listened as she spoke.

I cannot simply order each flower confiscated and given to the two [Alchemists].

Thats fine. Well let you burn them. So long as you dont inhale the fumes.

Researcher Dromenl burst out at the same time as the others.

What? Outrageous!

This could revolutionize medicine! First Gardener, youve already

Ooh, burning them does something? What?

Silence, please!

The First Gardener rubbed at her temples unconsciously, although she didnt really have a headache. Lyonette, who was listening in, realized what was happening as she tried to soothe the [Alchemists].

She was going to let the faerie flowers stay in the possession of the Oteslians. The [Princess] knew this to be a fact.

Why? Because she was a [Princess]. And the First Gardener ruled Oteslia. Lyonette hadnt missed that the First Gardener was using a pill based on faerie flowers. And even thenwho would turn down the next Sages Grass?

I am terribly sorry, [Alchemists], but I do not rule in favor of destruction or confiscation.

Xif made a strangled sound and turned away, throwing his paws up. Saliss? He narrowed his eyes.

This is between Oteslia and Pallass, First Gardener. I warn youthis will become more than a little incident.

She hesitated. The Oteslians went silent and even Mivifa looked uneasy. The grandson of Chaldion waited. The First Gardener slowly shook her head.

Even then, Alchemist. I hope we can discuss the issue further, perhaps even offer compensation and certainly find the culprit. But I cannot simply take away this product from the different groups present.

She indicated them all. They all stood there, representatives or individuals, smiling, thanking her. Saliss looked at the First Gardener. He walked to the doors, opened them, and slammed them so hard they shook on the way out. Lyonette followed him, thinking.

-

For the first time ever, Saliss had lost in terms ofpersonality? The Saliss-level antagonism had fallen apart in face of Oteslian, well generosity.

It was not fair. It was not right

But flip it on its head and it was two [Alchemists] trying to suppress a miracle ingredient that might help countless people! Who mattered more, the individual, or the group, no matter if there had been some illegality?

That was Oteslias ethos. Lyonette sat in Mivifas apartment. Outside, she, Xif, and Saliss were bellowing at each other.

A right to-do.

Wilovan commented as he fixed himself a drink. Feathi stuck her face in his mug and sipped the strong bourbon. The Gnoll stared at herthen put the mug down and made himself another.

The problem to Lyonette, was that the faerie flowers were not of this world. They were Erins. And the [Innkeeper] had never wanted to share them with Xif or spread them.

But she refused to say it, even if it changed things. And honestly?

It would not. The First Gardener was a ruler. She wanted those faerie flowers. So Lyonette sat there.

She felt useless. And seeing Saliss run into thisthisoutrage hadnt helped her bad mood. She closed her eyes.

The faerie flowers should be our trump card. Thats not fair.

It seldom is, Miss. Begging your pardon, but all levels play with daggers under the table. The daggers just look different.

Ratici tipped his cap as he took a drink from Wilovan. The other Gnoll nodded. Lyonette nodded too.

I know that. Its just

She felt like those Oteslians were arrogant. Sneering at Pallassian greed while denying any wrongdoing had taken place on their part. It rankled her. She knew pride and rude prejudice. She had embodied it. It was no more fun to see in this form, or fair.

But what could be done? She sat there, thinking. There was something she could do, wasnt there? She hadnt come all this way for nothing.

She had come for Erin. This? This was just a distraction! Lyonettes eyes opened wide. Yeswhy did it even matter?

Because the [Researchers] were focused on the flower. What ifshe told them Erin had been responsible for them? She frowned.

But Erin had no more left. And yetdamn! She felt at her pouch. Slowly, she took something out.

We dont have anything more than Saliss gold. And I dont have the flowers myself. If I did, I couldprovebut they all died. And I wish Erin was here. If she wasI dont have

She was fumbling with something. Staring at it. Ratici glanced up.

Whats that you have there, Miss?

Wilovan looked up too. Lyonette hesitated. She put it back in her belt pouch.

Nothing. Maybe. I dont think it can helphere. I just

She had left the inn. But she had taken one thing when she had stopped in Erins room for something, anything. A bit of hope, an edge.

A ring.

But it was just brass. Maybe Erin had only used it as jewelry. Lyonette put it out of her mind.

What do you two think of the flowers, Ratici, Wilovan?

The two Gentlemen Callers looked at each other. Wilovan tipped up his hat and scratched at his head.

Well, its a straight snatch-and-whistle, if you dont mind me being a bit of the street, Miss Lyonette.

Snatch and whistle?

She smiled. The [Worldly Princess] liked to learn new things, but they came from a different world than even the one she had learned. Wilovan explained.

Fellow snatches something, passes it onto the next. That fellow puts it down, or hands it off. So the third fellow can say he dont know how it was gottenor say he paid for it all legal. Easier than saying it fell off a wagon, which truth spells fail. By the time its gone from six people, its hard as can be to identify the culprit.

Mind you, the smart Watches dont care and make trouble for everyone. But you canpersuade law to not bother investigating. The First Gardeners a bit tricksome, if you dont mind me saying.

Everyone is. My father included. Hed do exactly as shes doing.

Lyonette sighed. She respected that, actually. It was justthey were doing it to her. She sat there, thinking.

But what would Erin Solstice have done, if shed come here and learned of this? Accepted it? Done what Saliss was doing and gone to war between Walled Cities? Lyonette thought. Then her eyes opened wide. Ratici and Wilovan blinked as she stood up.

Miss Lyon? Heading out?

They reached for their coats. Lyonette looked at them and nodded. She raised her chin and inhaled.

Yes. I might not be as good as her, butits time.

-

The doors to Igniz shop, Leafhold, blew open. The [Herbalist] looked up and the additional [Guards] hed hired stirred apprehensively, but it was not Saliss of Lights who enteredbut a young woman.

Master Igniz?

Yes? Can I help you, Miss? Does Alchemist Saliss or the First Gardener have another request?

He eyed her, recognizing Lyonette from earlier. The young woman shook her head. She put one arm on the table as Wilovan and Ratici tipped their hats and loitered, inspecting goods.

I am Lyon Solstice. And I believe I have a way to resolve the issue of the faerie flowers.

The Drake hesitated.

Indeed? I am not willing to sell them.

The [Princess] smiled. Her blue eyes glittered as she tossed her red hair back.

No, Master Igniz. Ichallenge you. To a game of chess. The winner takes the faerie flower!

The Drake blinked. The customers, employees, guards, and two Gentlemen Callers stirred. Lyonette smiled with serene confidence, belying the flutter in her chest.

But she had learned from the greatest player this world had ever seen. And [Flawless Attempt] burned in her mind. Master Igniz blinked, looked at her, and

-

Lyonette du Marquin sat with her head buried in her knees. Outside, Saliss was still laughing. The Gentlemen Callers sat, clearing their throats, giving her room.

Master Igniz had refused to take her chess challenge. In fact, he had laughed her so hard out of his shop hed actually hurt himself.

Everyone had. Lyonettes cheeks and ears were burning.

Stupid. Shed tried. She really had! But shed failed to pull off the origin of the [Innkeeper] of Liscors mythos for a few reasons.

Firstly? Erin hadnt challenged Lism. Shed confronted him and hed tried to trick her, not knowing of her chess skill.

Second? Who was going to wager a flower of that much worth on a chess game?

Thirdly? Well, it was just a stupid idea. Lyonette knew Erin would have been more inventive. She would havehave

Well, if she knew, shed be Erin! And come to that, Erin didnt always succeed. In fact, business and economics were where she, Lyonette, was supposed to excel!

But she had no tools! No leverage! The [Princess] sat there until Feathi licked her ear. Then she yelped.

Im fine! Thank you, Feathi!

The [Princess] looked at the Pegasus. Feathi gave her a sympathetic look. Lyonette stared about, glumly.

The problem wasshe was a [Princess]. And it occurred to Lyonette now that a [Princess] wasnt the person who charged into battle. Or if she didit was with an army at her back.

She was good at managing people. At diplomacy, yes, and a [Worldly Princess] did a lot of things. But she had always had her staff.

And she had left them all behind. All she had was Saliss, now incapacitated by hilarity, maybe Xif, Mivifas friendship, and the Gentlemen Callers, who didnt have the Skills to fight in the world of negotiation or business treachery.

Lyonette sat there, calming down.

What would Erin do? How about you stop thinking what Erin would do, hm?

The problem is, there is something here. I just

The [Princess] frowned. And thought. And then she had a good ideaor the beginnings of one. She blinked.

What would Erin do? How about this? What would Erin not do? What could Erin not do that Lyonette could?

Because she had an Erin, who was actually Saliss. Lawbreakeror maybe just chaotic influence. But Lyonette had seen him fail. He had gold, insanity, and levels on his side, but Oteslia had beaten him.

It was time for a [Princess] to do something. And Lyonettes head slowly rose. She had resources. Fewbut they were there. Sports, knowledge, and

Wilovan, would you care to pass me the chips?

I do believe I would, Ratici, old chum.

Fascinating turn of phrase, that. Old chum. Nautical?

One assumes so. Although chum is not a rather endearing thing, to my understanding of it.

Well, I shall take it in the spirit it was intended, then. Here are the chips.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, old chum.

She stared at the Gentlemen Callers. Lyonette had investigated into them, a bit. Or at least, listened to Palt.

Ratici, Wilovan. I have arequest.

She spoke slowly. The Drake and Gnoll duo looked over. They saw Lyonette du Marquin sit up slowly.

She had no crown. Nor was she Lyonette at this moment, but Lyon Solstice. And yetSaliss had failed. Oteslias First Gardener was unwilling to help.

Perhaps it was time for some good, old-fashioned, underhanded monarchy. After allshe was a [Princess] of Calanfer. The smiling, angry [Princess] beckoned the two Gentlemen Callers over. They looked at each other.

That was when the Gentleman Callers errand of guilt and aid, sprung from their failure got interesting. Because the [Princess] had just remembered who they were. And if Lyonette didnt know how to lay bricksshe did know how to hire the [Bricklayer].

-

Later that evening, Master Igniz was locking up for the day. He still felt smug about putting it to those Pallassian [Alchemists]. Prices would soon mean his stockpiles of goods would be worth a lot more, and the flowers? This coming meeting of the rich and powerful and the Meeting of Tribes?

Business was good. He carried the faerie flower with him as he locked up. He was going to put it somewhere safe. The First Gardener had instructed him to not sell it while the matter was investigated, but hed have this on a Courier-ship to Chandrar as soon as was legal.

He didnt break the law. Humming, the Drake locked the shop, activated the enchanted seals

Whoops, terribly sorry, sir.

He turned and collided with a Gnoll. The man steadied Igniz. The Drake wasnt concerned about himself. He checked the pot and the flowerit was intact. He smiled.

No problem at all. Have a good

The Drakes eyes rolled up and he collapsed. People in the street turned as the man cried out in alarm.

Someone call the [Healer]! I think the poor fellows had some kind of fit!

He stood there, reaching for a potion, as someone ran to do just that. The passersby were worriedbut the Gnoll seemed to know just what to do. He stood there, until Master Igniz began to come around, and then, certain he was well, walked off before Igniz woke up.

Must have been the sunmaybe you were hurt, or maybe its overwork. You were lucky, Master Igniz. Someone had a potionshame I didnt see what the cause was, but youre in the peak of health. But do stop by my clinic, just in case.

The local [Healer] assured Igniz. The Drake groggily sat up.

Thatthat was fortunate. Maybe it was stress? Or the day? I

He looked around. Then, in alarm, patted his vest. He stared about.

The flower. Where did it go?

The [Healer] stared at him, puzzled. Igniz shot to his feet and demanded everyone turn out their pockets or look for

But of course, the flower pot was long gone.

-

Researcher Dromenl was working all-night. Again. He knew he should sleep, but half the staff were sleeping here rather than going home. It was justtoo exciting!

They had eight samples of the flowers, dearly acquired, rather than the one of everyone else. But thenthey had a staff of eight of the best [Researchers] in the city! They would crack the flowers secrets first, he was certain.

He was even certain that the flowers had another form that no [Gardener] had managed to grow. It was thanks to Dromenl that they even knew how to germinate the things.

Bee pollination. Cross-pollination Skills kept failing so use bees. Simple. Butterfliesthey resist Skills, but hand-tending yields fascinating results.

He murmured to himself as he walked back from the bathroom to the flower he was working on. Hed known about incineration, but he wondered if freezing a bit of his sample might? Well, better to hold off until he had more

The man dropped his cup of tea with a shattering sound that had all the [Researchers] on their feet. They ran to check on him, make sure nothing valuable had been br

The faerie flower pot was still there. And the soil. But the bloom was gone. Scooped out, replaced by a single, fat gold coin. So were all of the other seven. In the span of time Dromenl had gone to the bathroom. Gone.

-

Across the city, a crime spree was taking place. It was fast. Expertly done.

One of the best [Horticulturists] opened his window for some fresh air. He closed it after a minute when a bee climbed in. He didnt even notice his flower had been replaced by a little bell-flower for the next hour.

The Garuda [Scholar] that Lyonette had talked with didnt sleep in his research area. He awoke the next day to find someone had broken in. Rather than fight the double-enchanted lock with six cunning tumblerstheyd grabbed the door and ripped it out of the socket. Theyd left goldenough to cover the costs! But the flower was gone.

And those were the mundane heists. The real ones were far more impressive. Like the shadow that flickered through one of the private gardens and stole twenty two flowers in between the [Gardeners] tending them, and raising the alarm. First five were missing, then eightthey realized the rest had been stolen as they panicked and looked around!

Word spread of the thefts, but too slowly. Nowhere was safe! A flower in a vault with ventilation too small for anything but air to enter was stolen! How? The owner was found asleep at his desk, with nary a bruise, and his key placed in front of him!

Stealth and force. Where one didnt work, use the other. And where neither one worked alone, use both.

A pair of men strolled across Oteslia by night. They had a list. After alla fellow should plan things straight out. Normally, theyd take more time.

But a [Princess] had seen all of the anxious people trying to protect their interests. And she had a good memory. They hummed a haunting tune, a childrens rhyme. Occasionally one or the other would part for a bit, and join the other.

The nights been long and the bodies are wet,

But dont you fret; be quick and aint not a guard wholl be upset

The good folk are rising, and were off to our beds,

The smart thieves away with the loot and the slow ones are dead.

The rhyme of one of the great gangs of Izril. And two experts. Oh, but it had been a long time since they practiced their craft. It felt good. Liberating.

Oteslia knew crime. But it did not know one of the best duos in Izril. They were so quick.

Enchanted window.

I see it. One, two, three

Wilovan seized the crack of the window, yanked it up. His Skill silenced the explosive crack of masonry and wood. Ratici leapt through the narrow gap, his body twistingit would have been a struggle for him normally, but the single leap carried his entire body through without even brushing the sides.

four, fiveWilovan counted to ten. He heard a rustle, and Ratici dove back out.

That fast?

Sitting on the table. On we go.

The rich man awakes and his goods are gone,

The wise man doesnt ask, and looks at the ones who yawn;

But says not a word from dusk till dawn.

What a glorious night! Wilovans head was bare at times, and he was an indistinguishable Gnoll, or one wearing a maskRatici likewise. But they strolled and did a jig near the end, chuckling, singing together.

Ah, but theres a smart girl. A [Princess], youre sure?

So they say. Bright future ahead. I feel like weve earned our beds, eh, Wilovan?

Ratici sat back. Wilovan nodded. They both stared down.

Sixty seven faerie flowers. That was all that had been produced beyond what Xif and Saliss had personally had grown. A littleand a lot, spread out across Oteslia. But there they were, brightly poking up at the two from the little cup.

A fortune. A wondrous plant. Wilovan slowly turned to Ratici.

A mans fortune can look like a lot, Ratici, old friend. Makes you think.

I think a mans fortune is his word, which is his bond, Wilovan.

The Gnoll touched the brim of his hat.

Too true. I was rather thinking that some should be sent back to the innto grow again.

Ratici relaxed.

Ah, that. Miss Lyon said they were cared for. That Saliss will open his shop and have Miss Octavia transplant some he had in his laboratory.

Oh, good. Beautiful little things, eh? Look like gold if youwell then.

Wilovan put the cup of flowers down. Ratici produced something from his pocket. He poured the liquid into the cup.

There was a striking sound. Wilovan tossed the match and both men stood back. Theyd been warned.

The cup flared as the liquid ignited. The match vaporized. They stood there a moment. Then walked off, humming, as the sun began to rise.

-

The next day, the Treewatch and Oteslias best growers and scholars descended upon Mivifas home. Saliss and Xif were both summoned before the First Gardener.

Theyre all gone! Where did you take them? I never thought youd sink so low

Lyonette listened to the proceedings. But the Oteslians had made a mistake. Both Xif and Saliss were honestly bewildered, as was Mivifa.

Saliss glanced at her just once. But under truth spell, they admitted to knowing nothing.

So did Lyonette.

I swear I did not instruct anyone to steal anything, or conspire to do so myself, or use magic or Skills to effect the theft of the faerie flowers. Nor do I know where they are.

She hadnt, either. Sheddiscussed the matter. With two men of certain understandings.

As it were.

It was all in how you worded it, and the distracted [Guardsman] and the crowd had only focused on Saliss and Xif.

Misdirection. Even so, everyone knew.

First Gardener, we demand the flowers in the two [Alchemist]s possessions be distributed amongst us! It is only fair!

The group beseeched the First Gardener. Saliss and Xifs eyes flared.

I will burn it all before I let that happen! This will be more than an incident!

Xif vowed. Lyonette just watched the First Gardener massage her temples.

The [Princess] knew more than the [Alchemist]. The First Gardener would do just thatshed waver and try to placate, but shed never let this slip away. So, as the First Gardener was turning to Mivifawho had also been looking at Lyonette and the conspicuously absent Wilovan and Ratici, for all she hadnt mentioned anythingLyonette spoke up.

Excuse me, First Gardener. But I believe this has gone on long enough. We have been very patient, but this is too much. I request adjudication by [Druid]!

The angry crowd stirred. The First Gardener blinkedthen narrowed her eyes as she spotted Lyonette. Cire, poking his head out of his rooms to see why everyone was shoutingstared too.

However, Igniz and the others were triumphant. He practically crowed.

Hah! Let the [Druids] sort this out, yes! Good idea!

But hed celebrated too soon. The First Gardener looked at Lyonette, frowning.

That is your right, Miss Solstice. But are you sure? The [Druids] aredirect. And even I cannot lightly overturn their judgment.

Lyonette du Marquin smiled. And the First Gardener felt a twinge ofbut it was too late.

Yes, First Gardener. I request adjudication by Druidand I name the Druids Shassa and Nalthaliarstrelous to pass judgment!

The room went quiet. Saliss began to laugh again. He nodded at Lyonette and she inclined her head to him.

-

A non-Oteslian [Druid] cannot pass judgment in Oteslia!

He is the highest of his circle in Invrisil.

Hes biased

I am a [Druid]. Be silent or I will hit you.

Nalthaliarstrelous stood with Druid Shassa in the center of the arguing crowd. More than one [Druid] had come; they knew about the precious flowers. But Lyonette had requested the two by name.

She had remembered, as a [Princess] does, how the child-kidnapping [Druids] had intended to go to Oteslia. How clever! Magnolia Reinharts great warrior of nature, here in Oteslia when she was.

Perhaps it was just coincidence. Now, Nalthaliarstrelous regarded her. He turned to Shassa as they eyed one of the flowers taken from the two surviving gardensboth under watch. Theyd be confiscated by Saliss and Xif if they won.

If not? They went to the people of Oteslia.

It is clear someone stole all the flowers, Druid Nalthaliarstrelous.

Shassa ventured after a moment. The [Spider Druid] was clearly nervous.

He was not. The [Druid] looked at Lyonette.

Yes, someone. Thieves, no doubt, with a reason to do so.

She smiled innocently back, keeping her face straight. Nalthaliarstrelous pointed.

I mean, you.

But there is no proof, Druid.

She calmly replied. Everyone was glaring. Nalthaliarstrelous harrumphed.

I do not need proof. You called for [Druids]. The evidence is plain as the smile on your face. Which is my evidence. Explain yourself, Miss Solstice.

The [Princess] did not sweat. She did incline her head.

Very well, elder [Druids]. Perhaps the flowers were stolen. Destroyed?

Destroyed?

Igniz repeated. Lyonette didnt even look at him.

Who knows? But Druid Nalthaliarstrelous

His eyebrows rose as she actually pronounced his name.

I believe you and I, and Druid Shassa, know that there was only one place they came from. And if they appeared in places other than that of Xif and Saliss gardens, they were stolen. I have no proof. But you were there.

Both had walked Erins [Garden of Sanctuary]. They had seen the flowers. Nalthaliarstrelous had even commented on them. Shassa bit her lip and looked at Nalthaliarstrelous.

His eyes narrowed.

Burning such plants should be a crime. And if they can help Otesliamany people and animals, I rule that they should be spread around as widely as can be, as Sages Grass was, rather than hoarded!

Lyonette felt sweat run down her back. Shed forgotten how much he made her mad. But this was her shot. So she went on, nodding.

Perhaps so, Druid Nalthaliarstrelous. But do you deny that it is also wrong to steal and lie about the truth, even if it is obvious but without evidence?

She indicated the Oteslians and they shifted. Nalthaliarstrelous snorted.

This entire affair is petty and childish. I agree with that. And I say those flowers came from one garden alone. Druid Shassa. Do you deny that?

IIbut they were grown elsewhere and they are plants, Druid Nal

He glowered at her and raised his staff. Half the [Druids] edged away from his wrath. Shassa actually had to block his staff as it swung at her head.

Okay! Yes! I dont see how they could have come from anywhere else!

The First Gardener looked worried.

But Druid Nalthaliarstrelous, this incident is highly tenuous. Could we perhaps take a break to

You called for [Druids]! We dont wait on justice!

He snapped back. She looked at the other Oteslian [Druids]. Lyonette just smiled.

Druid Nalthaliarstrelous. Let me assure you of one thing. Oteslia will not be without the faerie flowers. But it will accede to basic law of possession.

The old man in his filthy robes looked at her.

Explain.

Saliss and Xif have their flowers. Oteslia can trade for them. But they will trade.

She met his eyes. The [Druid] harrumphed.

So thats your game. If you werent the little landfriends mother, I would hit you. As it is[Stinking Cloud].

Wha

Lyonette was engulfed in a cloud of putrid, foul brown air. She stumbled out of it, coughing and hacking. Nalthaliarstrelous was already turning away.

The flowers are the [Alchemist]s. They were stolen, and it is a crime to steal that which was so carefully raised and taken care of. Shut up, all of you!

The other [Druids] were protesting. Nalthaliarstrelous raised his staff and Lyonette saw druid-politics at its finest. He shouted on.

They came from a place of old roots and power! You know they were stolen, shared about! Well, this is what comes of lies and deceit. Buy the damn things! They must be boughtso be it! Beg or buy for them. This judgment is over!

He slammed his staff on the ground and walked off. Lyonette shouted an insult at his back and got another [Stinking Cloud] to the face.

But shed won.

-

Afterwards, Lyonette regretted tellinghintingfor Wilovan and Ratici to burn their stash. But Saliss and Xif had flowers, and she hadnt been sure if Mivifa would order them searched.

Better to deny anything.

She soaked for three hours before the magical spell abated. Feathi was fanning her dry as the first people slowly came to negotiate.

Saliss and Xif were waiting. They had desires. Lots of herbs, ingredientsand they were about as kindly-disposed to the people who wanted the flowers as Lyonette was to Nalthaliarstrelous.

However, there was business to be done. And more than one [Researcher] wanted those flowers. Sothey had to negotiate.

It had begun. And it had only taken two days. Lyonette sighed as she saw Dromenl in the waiting crowd. She beckoned at him, smiling.

Mivi looked at the strange Human girl. She eyed Saliss and Xif, who had put their feet up on the table while Igniz took a seat, having to drag it across the room.

How things changed. Just a few more things had shifted in those two days, that not even Lyonette could predict.

Rumors about the heist. Oh, what a splendid job. How skillful. You might applaud if you heard about it and realized a small group had done itand a new one to the city.

Oteslias gangs were unhappy. Not as it were. They were as angry as could be. They had been assured burning down Xifs shop would skyrocket the value of the flowers. Nowwhat theyd been intending to steal once the value was established was in a Named Adventurers claws. They began to ask just whom had tread in their city.

The second thing? A Dragon was daydreaming as he sat, rather unhappily, with his mother at a tea time.

So that Human was a mother? No way. So young. Cire knew it happenednever to anyone he slept withbut Fetale had been talking about it. He couldnt imagine

Hed known Lyon was special when he looked at her. But why? He didnt care about the flowers, but Mivi had dropped by to say she might have access to a skateboard soon, which was totally Archmage. He yawned at the table and the First Gardener judged him.

Cirediel! Be polite. I am so sorryshould I say Lady Reinhart, or?

The Dragon looked up. A woman dressed in pink smiled at him as a [Maid] stiffly poured more tea. Magnolia Reinhart met Cires eyes and he thought there was something too-knowing about her look. But then the [Lady] was laughing.

You must call me Magnolia, Shaerrha! We should be friends before we part! But do tell me about that curious incidentand what was that young womans name? Lyon? How very interesting.

Cire blinked and sat back. At least it seemed like interesting things had come to Oteslia. He wouldnt be bored for a while. And he had heard Rafaema was coming too.

He was excited for that, even if hed play it cool. He eyed the tall [Maid]. He wondered if he could talk to her instead of the [Lady]. She was probably into him.

That would be so Archmage.

-

[Worldly Princess Level 23!]

[Skill Endowment of the Thief obtained!]

Lyonette woke up from a nap with a single faerie flower on her blankets. Feathi ate it and then went cross-eyedor as much as a horse could. Lyonette eyed her chest and sighed in relief.

Authors Note: Too many words! Also, someones got to read them! If you didnt seeBook 3 is coming out! And yes, they are books now.

Slang is hard. Writing Cire is actually so hard.

I might have been able to do two chapters. But I challenge myself every time I write! Somehow, its never successful when that challenge is to write less!

But I got through everything on my notes for this chaptersometimes I dont, and perhaps thats a good thing. But I did, so thats that. Let me know what you think and thanks for reading! Until next timeconsider preordering the audiobook or spreading the word!

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