Book 8: Chapter 13: F

Book 8: Chapter 13: F

On Sunday, 6 PM EST, Rebecca Brewer, the editor who worked on 8.11 E will be doing a Q&A in the #publishing channel on the Discord server! Join here if you want to watch or participate! Also, she has done an interview with The Fantasy Inn! Click here to read it!

That she could not investigate the Potion of Regeneration didnt surprise Octavia Cotton. The Drake representative had kept it in his possession after the failed revival attempt and he and the other Drakes from Salazsar would gut anyone who so much as looked at it cross-eyed.

Which was only appropriate. If it was just her entrails, the Stitch-Girl would hand them over willingly to even look at a drop of the stuff.

She couldnt. Fair was fair; she doubted even Master Saliss could easily replicate it even if he had the entire sample within a year. Within a decade? She was sure Saliss of Lights could do it. It would be the discovery of the decade if he did, too.

For now, she was busy enough not to even try to get a hold of a drop or two. Octavia did not remain in the inn or Stitchworks, which was temporarily closed. It was too sad. And she had work. Lots of it.

Paid work! Leveling work! She sweat over vials, little pellets of powder she was mixing upready to dive behind the steel counters if she knocked anything over. Saliss laboratory held only Octavia. The apprentice had a master-class [Alchemist]s personal working environs at her fingertips!

And she was making potions and formulating reagents which she compiled into powders, tonics, salves, and more. Working off meticulous notes. Some of the creations were beyond her, but Saliss had gone over the ones she could make.

It was Octavia Cotton who was helping replenish Saliss lost armaments. She was making Blast Potions by the dozen, and it was not a fun experience. Yes, she was learning. Yes, she was being paid by Saliss and using his equipment.

One potion could blow her brains across the wall if she dropped it wrong. Saliss had given her protective artifacts and Octavia, as a Stitch Person, could replace arms melted off by acidthat had happened already, just a drop had begun eating her entire hand away!but she was still as cautious as could be.

Oh, and one more thing. Octavia walked over to the logbook of [Messages] and read the latest entry.

Octavia, do the thing with the potions for the person for the money. Thanks,

Saliss.

She stared at the [Message] and cursed her master. Then, she went back and read his correspondence where hed accepted an offer to produce eighteen Battle Veteran Draughtsshe abandoned work on his Blast Potions to fill the order.

What a good apprentice she was. Leveling, that was the ticket. And making her own notes based off Saliss. He knew she was going to do it and she was helping! Give and take, that was the [Alchemist]-way. Give, take, and explode things. Hopefully not yourself.

[Purity Check]. Bad, good, badwhos selling this rot to Master Saliss? Aha! 98% purity? Thatsgood. I think.

Octavia made a note, frowning. She had a Skill Saliss lacked. Not a great one, but she was doing a test of ingredients before she got to work. Some of the ingredients werent pure and shed have to refine or filter them. Skills and levels.

-

At the same time as Octavia was becoming a recluse who hadnt seen daylight for the last six days straight, someone else was getting all the daylight.

Also, the stares. The female Hobgoblin breasted boobily as she titillatingly perked her way down the street.

That was to say, she walked down the street of Liscor, ignoring the looks some people were giving her. Some people.

Mrsha had never really bothered to notice it before, but Ulvama made it obvious. Nor did she seem bothered. If anything, she was trying to elicit that reaction.

It was almost comforting to the Hobgoblin [Shaman]. Her reason being that in this city of Drakes and Gnolls and Humans, the familiar stares were preferable to someone pointing at the Goblin and reaching for a weapon.

Not that it wasnt scandalous.

Goblin! Just look at the way she dresses! Savages.

Mrshas ears perked up. She glared at the Drake. Selys just rubbed at her head.

The fact that a Goblin could walk around Liscor was the product of many concessions. Once, they had died at the gates. Later, it had been fights, riots, over one Hobgoblin walking through.

Today? Well, the Watch was shadowing them and Ulvama was causing a second disturbance for other reasons, but she was getting away with it.

The interesting thing to Mrshanot interesting, egregious, to use a Lyonette-wordwas that Ulvama might have less clothing than many on the street, and her magical paints, and she was, apparently, highly attractive, but all of that wasnt different from how Plains Gnolls dressed all the time.

Savages was a word Mrsha used to hear the Stone Spears Gnolls being called behind their backs when they traded with Drakes. She didnt like it then, and she didnt like it now.

However, the Ulvama-method of provoking attraction and dislike of her body almost took away from the Goblin element. She was cunning. Likea cunning thing. Mrsha had no analogy here.

The point was that Ulvama, after two weeks of being in the inn, had snapped. She wanted to see the city! She wanted, at least, to get new things. She had explained this to Mrsha in an Ulvama-way, by poking her.

I give you list. You buy me things.

Mrsha had refused. Ulvama had promptly picked her up by her feet and dangled her there. Mrsha had punched her in the stomach. Then theyd played serious tag, wherein Ulvama eventually locked Mrsha down with a vine-trap spell and sat on her with her stupid butt until Mrsha decided to get Selys for help.

Surprisingly, the Drake had decided to give it a shot. So here they were.

Timbors inn is open. Maybe we should, ah, go there?

Ulvama didnt respond as Selys gave her the side-eye. She was staring around. Then she hurried off. Mrsha and Selys saw her peering at a display full of bracelets. The Drake watched her carefully, no doubt fearing the Goblin would steal something and run off. The Goblin made Selys pay for what she wanted. She was happy enough to obey the law if she had Selys-money behind her.

She was beginning to really like all the things this inn was giving her for free. Ulvama dragged the other two along as she began searching for what she really wanted: dyes, paint powders, and so on. Shed already pilfered Octavias shop of everything she could use, and the Stitch Girl was going to be really steamed when she discovered the thefts.

Mrsha made Selys carry her after the third shop Ulvama visited. The Drake groaned as she held Mrsha, who was getting heavier. Mrsha wanted to be back at the inn. There were more interesting things than stupid shopping. She had evil rats to catch! Her inn had an infestation. Or mice.

-

The point was, people were getting on with their lives. Returning to their professions. Timbor Parthian, formerly of Celum, had been told that his city was rebuilding with all the gold that had been sent in. A windfall, hope, charity to dig deeper foundations and replant after the destruction the Bloodfeast Raiders had caused.

He would not be returning. It was thoughtfully that the [Innkeeper] polished a tabletop, although the Drake [Waiter] had done a fine job already, as he watched his customers come in.

Thoughtfully, like every day since hed begun to rebuild with Erin Solstices help. He thought of her and his throat constricted as he swallowed. He had gone to war for her, a damn foolish thing in the heat of the moment.

Yet hed survived. And nowhe looked around. The [Mayor] of Celum had personally invited him to return, offering money to rebuild Timbors inn.

A tempting thing. But The Drunken Swordsman was gone, and rebuilding in the same spot would just bring back memories of the death, the griefThe Drunken Gnoll was the new inn in Liscor.

Timbor saw potential here. He was in the new quarter going up, yes. His inn still had sharp corners, yes. All the Humans were new to their jobs, Liscor had seen monsters attacks, yes, yes, yes.

Even so, look! All his guests were Human. They came here for his extremely-affordable breakfasts. Those were loyal customers for the next decade if he made his inn a place they could come to, rain or shine.

Humans were new in Liscor, but they were already proving their worth. Drakes and Gnolls didnt take to them with all the welcome in the world of course; Timbor had heard of two fights just yesterday between work crews. Humans stealing jobs was the new refrain.

Still, he thought Liscor was the place to be. The Players of Liscor had bought a theatre and Timbor had, with some quick insight, persuaded them to buy the building across the street from his inn. Masterstroke, really. Drakes and Gnolls were coming to his inn after each play and he had a discount for anyone who had one of the little play pamphlets.

Timbor would not return to Celum. Liscor was the future. He had an eye for commerce. Esthelms metals were coming through Liscor. Pallass had a connection here. There were plays, and now?

His eyes moved to the first non-Human customer to move into the inn. Oh yes. Timbor saw the Gnoll park the wooden skateboard and look around, almost challengingly, as two of his friends stopped.

Welcome! Can I get you something on-the-go? One of our fast food bags? Or will it be drinks and a meal?

The Gnolls and one Drake looked at Timbors welcoming smile. The [Innkeeper] had seen more and more skateboards, even a bicycle, one of the cheap ones, in Liscors streets. Did Celum have that?

Well get three fast-food bags.

Of course. Thatll be

Timbor went for the pantry with Runes of Preservation hed had enchanted just last week. Unlike the kitchen, this was separate, right next to the little drawer with money you could change coins with. He took the silver, returned some coppers, and handed over three little bags of food.

It was a variation on the foods Erin had made. Smart business! Well, he hadnt come up with the idea but implemented it. A cheap bag, some paper wrap, and you could have burger, fries, a bit of ketchup or the mayonnaise or something else, and with a preservation spell, have food in peoples hands in moments.

Erin Solstice was not the only person who could do quick food. Timbors breakfasts-on-the-go were increasingly popular and other [Innkeepers] were copying him. But they had a harder time beating his prices, his food, and him being first than they did stealing from Erin. Timbor was competitive.

Speaking of which, as he personally took the money, he poked his head into the kitchen. The breakfast crowd who were eating in the inn rather than taking the to-go meals were a happy lot.

Miss Imani, we just sold three more of your fast-food bags.

Well, you can have the second [Cook] make more. Im off for a class in twenty minutes! I can do all the breakfast ordersis Palt here yet?

A voice snapped back. Imani did not like the fast-food system, or the impression she was running it, despite adding some quality to the items. Timbor glanced around.

Not yet. Ill let you know when he comes in.

Humming, he moved around his inn. Yes, Liscor was making him feel young again. Adventurous. Starting a new business, working with a challengehe was leveling once more!

He didnt even bat more than an eyelid when Ulvama, Selys, and Mrsha came into the inn for lunch. Although he did stare for a bit.

-

Another Hobgoblin had no one staring at his chest. Unless it was bare, covered in glistening sweat, rippling with muscle and

But that was not now. Also, he would have ignored the stares regardless since he was used to them by now.

Numbtongue sat in the Garden of Sanctuary. He ate, he slept, but he still had yet to move. He still waited.

The inn was returning to some kind of life. Mrsha and Ulvama had formed an unlikely bond, or at least, a truce of convenience.

The Earthers had their jobs. Even Troy and Leon were staying out of trouble. Troy kept going to Pallass; Leon stayed in his rooms, hogging the laptop or went into Liscor. One seemed happier than the other, but there you were. Rose had gone south; other friends of the inn like Pelt had thrown themselves back into work. Many were gone, on missions relating to the frozen [Innkeeper] like Lyonette. Others prepared for war.

Antinium clad in armor were drilling in the Floodplains. The sight of several thousand of them swinging weapons or marching in formation was a sight to unnerve the enemies of Liscor, as was the growing army of the Watch, now with a mandate to take battle to enemies outside of the walls of Liscor as well as police inwards.

Montressa and Bezale popped their heads into the inn regularly, but sometimes they stayed in Invrisil or even Pallass; they were prone to leading groups through the magical door, still facilitating the links between cities. Palt and Imani had work in the city, when they werent being disgustingly cute togetherat least, according to Mrsha, who handed them yuck notes now and then.

Somehow, The Wandering Inn still made money thanks to those portal-fees. And the guests. Hexel still stayed in the inn, although he was talking of finding other accommodations in the city while leaving his three Lizardfolk apprentices to stay at the inn. Imani still kept enough food for Ishkr and the limited staff to serve anyone who was around.

The inn was empty, but not dead. And all the guests were accounted for.

Werent they? You could lose track. Mrsha, Ulvama, Numbtongue, Apista if you counted her, Kevin, Imani, Palt, Joseph, Rose, and so on, Montressa and Bezale, HexelBird had reclaimed his pillows and blankets and had not gone on his one-Antinium war, and that was a relief Hed sold his arrows to Liscors new army, ironically making a profit.

That was surely everyone. Everyone who wasnt abroad like the Horns, Ryoka, Lyonette, and so on, right? Wait, Octavia! Pallass, though. So that was fine. Grimalkin hadnt appeared for a while, but one assumed he was flexing elsewhere.

The problem was that no one was counting. There was no Lyonette. No Erin. For if there had been, someone might have noticed that one of the newest guests wasabsent. If she appeared, it was not at a time that even Ulvama or keen-eared Mrsha would notice.

Perhaps the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings, still holding sentry, counted her. But a gentleman did not inquire into a ladys affairs, even late at night. Everyone had forgotten about her, in the tragedy and events since the Summer Solstice.

The young woman who had come with Ryoka and Salamani, and unlike the two Runners, stayed behind. The somewhat mysterious Opener from Reizmelt, far in the north. A girl who might be sixteen years old, always wearing dark, covering clothing, with that tight-lipped smile, red eyes and pale skin.

The Vampire.

Fierre. Shed been having adventures too.

The day after Fierre was mugged; she woke up to discover shed grown an inch.

It was my fault, really.

After investigating places to set up her Opener business and realizing how much competition there was in Invrisil, shed been walking late at night when she noticed the man following her.

Like a moth to the lantern, the young woman had done all the wrong things. Look over her shoulder anxiously, change directions, hurry down a streetand found herself herded towards a quiet alleyway.

The Vampire girl had known that the latest hours of the nights in the unfriendliest parts of the city were not when a seemingly sixteen-year-old young woman should be wandering around alone with no perceivable artifactsor even with.

No one should really do that. And having lived in the reasonably-large city of Reizmelt for years, Fierre had known exactly what she was inviting. In fact, she had wanted that.

Vampire. I am a Vampire! Predator of the night! A true Vampire. Come on, a bit closer

The [Thug] or whomever he had been, [Kidnapper], or something just as bad or worse, had been grinning. A man whod covered his features with a hood and strips of cloth. Sensible if Fierre got away.

Dont fight back or itll go worse for you.

Hed warned Fierre as she stood halfway down the alley. Shed backed up and hed moved forwards, head on a swivel for a chance patrol of the Watch.

Just a bit closer. This isnt going to go the way you want.

The Vampire girl had grinned then, her eyes flashing red, her mouth opening in a predators fanged bite. But subtly so the man didnt know how the tables were turning.

Ithadnt gone the way it was supposed to. In Fierres head, it was a classic reversal of fortunes. The Human monster finding he was trying to victimize the real threat. A single scream in the night of Invrisil, a corpse, or bewildered man left unconscious the next day. She hadnt really planned that one out.

But instead of grabbing his arm and swinging him into the brick wall, Fierre had seen the man draw back before he lunged.

[Dangersense]? Shit

Hed turned to run. Shed gone after him, cursing. In her newfound arrogance shed sort of forgotten that the criminal element got warning Skills like everyone else and a smart [Mugger] might well have something like that for situations just like this.

Shed leapt on his back and borne him down, even so. She was fast! But he was fast too, and had ripped a knife out of his sleeve. Hed slashedshed tried to hit him but the knife was so quick shed realized she had to hit him with all her strength even if she got slashed. Unless he got her heart or throat or face

Shed drawn back a fist and fallen over. Limp, Fierre had lain on the ground as the man threw her off him. She heard the voice behind her as the [Mage] shed his [Camouflage] spell. Hed crept up on them as they fought.

[Paralysis Touch]. She nearly got you.

The [Mugger] spat. He lurched to his feet and kicked Fierre in the chest. He turned to his accomplice.

Bitch. One of the fuckin Sisters you think? She nearly tore my arm off!

The other [Spell Ambusher] looked up and down the street.

Didnt see a shadow. Grab or stab?

Grab. Lets get her. She down?

Yep. Ill cast [Sleep].

They busied themselves as Fierres head fell back, grabbing arms and legs. They were halfway out of the alley when the [Mage] saw the clawed hand shoot up and grab his neck. Fierre squeezed.

The [Mugger] dropped her legs with a shout of horror as she took the other mans throat. This time he didnt even stop but whirled on his heels. Fierre took him with a single leap. She tossed him back into the alley and ran over to kick him in the chest until he stopped moving. Then shed slid down a wall, panting, until she realized she could not stay here with two corpses. Shed drunk their blood and fled, panting and cursing her idiocy.

Only two things had saved Fierre that night. The first was the [Mage] failing to reapply the [Paralysis Touch] and trusting to [Sleep] instead. Shed not been completely immobilized by the first spell, but they could have killed her. Shed gathered her strength as the spell quickly wore off to kill him.

The second thing that saved her was the fact that they hadnt been high-level. If they had? Fierre had shuddered all the way back to her rooms in The Wandering Inn.

Idiot! You nearly got killed! If they got youif that [Mage] had been ten levels higher

At the same time, a plaintive thought had rung through her head all night, until she finally got to sleep.

But arent I supposed to be strong?

-

A few more things. Fierre was an inch taller. She stared at herself in the mirror and checked again, but she looked taller. Evenolder.

Why?

The answer was obvious. The blood. Shed drunk both criminals blood, and then slashed their necks with the dagger to hide the evidence. It had been foul, but shed been hungry, hence the stunt to begin with.

What had happened, though, was not Fierre becoming a Level 2 [Mugger] or [Mage]. Rather, shed tasted the blood, gulped it down, but hated it. Foul, disgusting!

She hadnt heard the level-ups. Fierre, a Level 7 [Assassin], learned something that moment about her species and about how they leveled up.

You could refuse to absorb levels. Something about the two men had been repugnant, so Fierre had only taken their blood.

This was the result.

Blood or levels.

Fierre eyed herself. She had always been scrawny, short, and sick. Now, she was an inch taller, and healthier by farif still pale. All because shed killed two men, and before that, fed on numerous [Assassins] after the battle in Invrisils streets.

Vampire. Fierre bared her teeth at herself in the blank mirror. There was no actual Fierre staring back, but she knew she was an inch taller because she used a classic Vampire trick for when they wanted to measure their heights. The blank mirror showed her roomand the book Fierre had put on her head, hovering in the air. Not her clothing or her features.

Such vas the mysterious nature of ze Vampire. Ze bloodlines of old, ze great power of ze night. Fierre felt like her mother, Colfa val Drakle-Lischelle, was narrating in her head. She recalled all of Bamers stories of true Vampires, their fabled strength, ability to heal from anything but stakes or silver or the greatest magic, Lords and Ladies of the Night! Shape changers, spellcastersinvisible to mirrors, afraid of sunlight and garlic, but immortal otherwise.

Vampire. Sherecalled how close shed come to a bad end last night and deflated.

Some Vampire. Did Ryokas panacea not do everything? Am I just a bad Vampire? Is it my waning bloodline, the silver in my family for generations?

Do I just suck?

The answer was probably yes on both accounts. Fierre felt like how Ryoka often described herself. All hot air, little substance. And shed been so sure she was better than Ryoka at fighting because she was a Vampire.

It defined Fierre. Pride in her species, fear of being found out. Resignation about her eventual death, too early. She had worked part-time jobs, drinking animal blood, quietly a bit miserable as she watched other people level and dream of greatness because of that.

Thenone dayshe had met the newest person to come to their strange little inn. A City Runner from far-off Celum.

Ryoka had run into her life and turned it upside down. Her Opener job, her twenty six years of life as a Vampire, knowing her fateoverturned in a few months. Now, Fierre was in Invrisil, she had been cured of the silver toxins in her blood that had haunted her all her life, and she was a Vampire who could drain levels from other people.

I am everything Bamers stories say I should be. I can levelor steal it from other people. Im stronger, faster, tougher than I ever was before. I beat down magical Golems with my bare fists! I met the Archmage of Izril! Im

Still low-level. Im below Level 10. Idiot. You got overconfident. What happens if someone finds the corpses? What if they were in a gang that investigates? If they have magical bloodhound classes? Idiot.

She bonked her head against the mirror a few times. Fierre and Ryoka were more similar than either knew. Fierre also spoke to herself; it came with being an Opener, and her job of categorizing secrets and information. She was normally deliberate, cautious, keeping opinions to herself.

Her newfound power had gone to her head. Now, Fierre calmed herself down. She had to be careful! She flitted downstairs before daylight could sear her skin and fished around in the kitchen.

Imani wasnt there. Fierre had ablood sense that allowed her to tell when beating hearts and blood were about. She could also use the Garden of Sanctuary, but she was fast enough that no one noticed as she collected a few items and went upstairs.

She had no need of food. Food had been last night and Fierre had found she could go a day or two on regular meals before she needed blood. Instead, she found a bucket of broken ice and put several ice chunks in a towel. Then she put the bundle on her head.

Fierres body was always cold, but she could sit in the snow and be happy.

Lets see. Confirm, collate, categorize. The tenets of the Opener. What do I now know about my nature? Well, I can absorb levels. I need actual, people-blood to feed. Animals dont cut it anymore.

Im a Level 7 [Assassin] with a number of useful Skills. I should have used [Bloodform Blades] on those muggers! I shouldnt have been so careless. I need more levels, more experience with fighting if Im going to do it.

Am I going to do it? I need blood. Mugging peoplehow long till the Watch wonders whos killing people and leaving bloodless bodies? Thats stupid. Mother and father and Bamer would all tell me Im putting all of us in danger.

But I need levels. I need blood. Im thirsty.

It was so sweet. Tastier than any blood shed ever had, even the foul blood of those two last night. Animal blood was justfood. This was life, energy! She knew shed grown because of the blood. Her body had been malnourished her entire life. Would she be taller, even stronger, actually beautiful like her mother, if she drank enough blood?

Fierre was twenty-six. Now she lookedseventeen. The urge to change was upon her. To drink. Butcareful.

Level 7 [Assassin]. If you exclude the Vampire element, a Level 16 [Thug] should probably be able to take a Level 7 [Assassin] in anything like a fair fight. Idiot. [Lesser Dexterity], [Reject Toxins], [Bloodform Blades], and [Concealing Presence] are all weak! And if you dont even use one, how are you supposed to beat anyone? Thats two combat Skills, one stealth Skill, and one other.

I should be a Level 60 [Assassin] or something, shouldnt I? I cant even remember how many people II was so hungry.

Twenty levelsat least twenty!became three. And that was the first person. It could have been a 10:1 ratio. Or even less! Twenty to one, for all I know.

It makes sense, because if I have both levels and my nature, Ill be unstoppable.

Fierre exhaled. Analysis complete. She now knew a great secret about Vampires. Put the clues together and it was obvious.

House Byres had killed them. They had won the war against Vampires by poisoning every well and river with silver. They had lost the battle by winning the war. Vampires had lost the ability to steal levels because of the silver in them.

Only Ryoka had saved Fierre, with some great magic from Eldavin the Grand Magus. Fierre owed her friend a huge debt. But she was in no position to repay it, even as a bodyguard. She was weak, but she knew how to be stronger.

Issue? Getting blood isnt that easy. Especially since youre stealing levels and I just bet a Level 30 [Ranger] would object if he lost his levels. Do they lose their Skills? Do I actually steal levels, or just the power?

There was no one to experiment on, but Fierre appended a delicate unlikely in her head to those questions. The Opener thought on, sorting her head.

I need to choose what levels I get.

There was no question she would gain more levels, even if it meant theft. Leveling was a rush. The sensation of getting stronger, realizing she could do backflips with ease and walk on the edge of rooftops with even more grace than shed possessed before thanks to [Lesser Dexterity] was amazing.

And shed always been a Vampire, able to leap onto a rooftop, throw Ryoka about, punch holes in wood, and heal from being impaled with hundreds of needles. Fierre had always wanted to be, well, superhuman. She was already inhuman.

[Assassin] is a great class. What other classes would be ideal? [Mage], definitely. Um. [Archer]? I dont know how to use a bow. How would that help?

Fierres character was such that as another day rose, and Mrsha rolled down the hallway until she slid down the stairs one at a time on her back, Fierre found herself consulting her notes on classes and making a list of good classes to acquire levels from. And she had lots of secret notes.

[Rogue] can consolidate into [Assassin]. I could almost assume that I could merge levels. Or if not, one class will consolidate the other in time. And [Rogues]there are a lot of them in gangs.

[Thug]s not the same. Be carefulI need a Ring of Appraisal. I need one for my job, anyways.

[Mage] is great because magic consolidates with everything. [Spell Ambusher] from [Thug], for instancethats probably who jumped me last night. [Spellblade] for [Assassin]?

Hm. Records of one of the greatest criminals class being The Killer X, for the scar he or she left. Confirmed dead, bounty claimedclass was [Arch Bladefiend]. That sounds like some kind of [Slaughterer][Mage] consolidation if ever I heard one.

[Mage], then, and [Assassin]. [Warrior]? I meansure. [Merchant]? Nah. No artisan classesright? I could become a master-potter and do what? Make the most amazing bowls to keep blood in? Although, there was that [Potter] whowheres my notes on him? Oh yeah, could create pots that extended your life so long as they didnt break?

Every class gets better the higher you go. I need to choose a path.

And that path was probably being stronger. Fierre had enjoyed the raid on Valeterisas mansion, for all the danger. She felt a rush from fighting, cutting loose.

Shame she was so bad at it.

-

The problem was, Fierre was an Opener by profession. Shed done other things, like helping mix super-toxic plants for [Alchemists] because Vampires had different weaknesses than regular people, laborer jobs; she could actually butcher an animal as well as most apprentice [Butchers], even without Skills.

She could also raise sheep, farm, andnone of this was a background in the art of war. Fierre didnt even know how to swing a sword. Oh, shed gotten a few lessons when she worked part-time as a [Guard], but she was realizing more and more how ill-prepared shed been.

Even that [Thug] with the knife had nearly tagged her with her inhuman, Vampire reflexes. And hed been Level 14 or something! As much as Fierre hated to admit iteven Ryoka was better at fighting with her fists.

Fierres strategy was grab something, tear an arm off, or punch so hard she could shatter every bone in someones body. She had once beaten Ryoka by grabbing her and throwing her into a wall hard enough to knock her out.

Which was great. Vampire strength and all. But that meant that if you ran into someone with your level of strength and speed, you were still going to lose.

Fierre knew this because she wasnt an only child. Or an only-Vampire. And she had grown up tussling with her brother, Rivel, and testing herself against her father, Himilt, her mother, Colfa, Bamer, and all the other Vampires shed ever met.

She was distinctly average. Before her curing, Rivel could beat her in a fight, or it was close enough not to matter. And Himilt had been faster, stronger, than any of his family when he cared to be.

Now, Fierre wished shed stayed to talk to her father, who was descended from the lineage of Vampires, had married Colfa, a Human woman.

She checked at the Mages Guild in Liscor that morning and got a [Message] from them. And Ryoka. Fierre itched to read Ryokas first, but she tipped the [Scribe] and opened her familys first.

You always tipped the [Scribes]. They had rough jobs. Fierre would know; shed worked as one as well, copying down dictations or letters to be sent, often verbatim from impatient clients with improper understandings of grammar who got mad at you when you corrected them. The Gnoll had smiled at her with that understanding; Fierre got it.

Anyways, her familys message was short. They didnt want to waste money, and they had to talk in code. Fierre read slowlyit was from Himilt himself.

Fierre, weve talked it over. We might dig new wells. If the olds gone bad, dig new ones. Alls not lost. But hows the grass around Liscor?

Huh.

She exhaled. That was strange, until she thought about it. The Lischelle-Drakle family had been in uproar after Byres treachery had been uncovered. In the heat of the moment theyd known they had to leave because of the poison in them, in the ground.

But that was their familys home. It had been for a long time. It was tempting to stay, to dig fresh wells and watch them. Fierre scribbled a note to write back, muttering.

Liscors great; open land, but spring rains are troublesometons of space. Rock Crabs are dangerous, but a good hill costs nothing, except building everything, of course. Think about it, love

She turned to Ryokas note with considerably more interest. However, she was dissatisfied to see how short it was.

Fierre, Im still not able to return to Liscor. Horns of Hammeradattacking the Village of the Dead? Are they insane? Trying tomud in my veins, what is she getting herself into now? Cant she stay out of trouble for five minutes?

Fierre tore up the note in fury and stormed off.

-

She was out of her loop, not having her contacts or regular sources of information. She was starting over in Invrisil, and still setting up.

Fierre quickly confirmed the obvious, which shed already know about if she was in Reizmelt. Yep, adventurers were heading north. A lot of teams, surprising, given how crazy the Horns of Hammerads raid was.

Fierre drummed her fingers on the table, irritated. She had no idea what Ryoka was planning, but knowing her friend, it was going to involve Ryoka baiting the entire army of the undead byrunning around the village naked while shooting Wands of [Fireball] into the sky and somehow blowing off an ear.

Id really like to see that first bit. The Vampire hesitated as she heard her own thought. But it wasnt something she was going to deny.

Ryoka wasFierre squirmed as she thought about it.

A mystery, a friend, and more. Come to that, Ryoka was still a mystery. Where did she come from? Why did she seem to know things? What was the Erin-connection? The [Innkeeper]s death had put a hold on all of Fierres attempts to uncover the secrets, but this was why shed come with Ryoka to begin with.

ShelikedRyoka. It was a strange realization for Fierre. But she really liked Ryoka. She smacked her lips absently. And it wasnt just for her blood! But that was one of the things.

She liked Ryoka? Then that meantthey had a word for that kind of person in the south, didnt they? Turnscale.

It bounced off Fierre. She was a Vampire. Superior to all species. She just hadnt really realized it. Maybe it was just Ryoka?

Then again, Fierre had been tempted by others in the inn. Erin herself. Lyonetteeven the female [Shaman]. Although Fierre didnt want to risk any of that. Or be a [Shaman].

But thats definitely a pattern. She hesitated.

Forget that! Youre not getting anyones blood without them knowing. What are you going to do about Ryoka?

Well, nothing. What could she do? She had few contacts, no teams she could demand to help Ryoka that werent goingFierre gritted her teeth.

Ryoka was drama running, though. If she survived this incidentand she wouldthe next one would need Fierre. Belavierr had been Fierres first introduction to Ryoka-level problems. So it was time to get a head start on her Opening business. To that end, Fierre made a few social calls.

-

Hello, Im Fierre. An Opener. Ive started my business in Invrisil. Heres the address. Im happy to offer Runners discounts for the first month. And Ive worked with and know the Wind Runner and the Mage Runner. Excuse me, Mage Rider.

It was not quite a lie to imply Salamani had used her services. Also, Fierres practiced introduction and tight-lipped, but friendly smile and the money she slipped to the [Bartender] was the eleventh visit so far.

Not to just any [Bartender]. She was a [Broker] in her own right. The fact Fierre knew to talk to her, and the truth-verified statement, made the woman grunt.

New in Invrisil? Reizmelt, right?

It was her showing off a bit. Fierre blinked, and realized word about her had gotten around. Also, that Im important enough to have word spread about me.

She was just a bit pleased about it. The [Bartender] gave her a nod.

I can spread word to the Runners who come to me. Cant say anyll jump ship right away.

There will be openings.

There always were. Openers changed jobs fast, sometimes with the law or angry people whose letters theyd opened on their tails. Sometimes their change of job was due to opening a letter a tad bit too roughlyand you needed to peel what was left of them off the floor.

Anything I should know?

The bartender pretended to polish a glass as they spoke in the crowded bar, one of the popular dens for the right sort.

Only that this aint Reizmelt. Got a bodyguard?

Ive got a door. Brought it with me, even.

Fierre joked. She got a grin, but the woman leaned over. Like many, she looked a bit protective of the young girl Opener. Another advantage and Fierre used them all.

Look, kid. A doors good. Enchanted? Great. But you need a bodyguard. The gangs can play rough. Even if you stay on their good side, all it takes is one.

I can handle myself. Fierre caught those words. Dont show your hand!

Ill do that. Thanks. Also, Im obviously in the information broker business too. Willing to trade secrets. Ill bring you a bottle of Reizmelts best and see what youre willing to share?

Hah! You are experienced. So young? Did they all die of old age in Reizmelt?

Another look, almost pitying or sad. But gone in a flash. You couldnt show that kind of weakness. Fierre pretended not to notice the womans look as she grinned.

Nope, too slow.

The laugh Fierre got was one of the better interactions that day. Everyone watched everyone, so being confident, even suave, and showing you knew what you were doing was great to establish credibility.

She took a hint from the [Bartender] as well. So her final port of call was justadvertisement and showmanship. Showvampireship.

The seven-foot Iron Golem was locking the door into place as people watched. It wasnt as beautiful as some of the Golems the [Merchant] had been offering, or as tough. But it had been delivered, Fierre had paid a lot for itand if you were going to have a bodyguard, it might as well be a Golem.

Look out, Invrisil, this Openers got a Golem! Fierre hoped the crowd, including some Runners checking out the new Opener, thought that she was a one-trick Opener. That she was relying on this Iron Golem for protection. That meant theyd go for it rather than her, underestimating her if the worst came to it.

Of course, the trick was never to let it get that far. But Fierres stunt meant that someone rapped on the door less than an hour after it had gone up. She let the first City Runner walk in. He was, predictably, a Mouse.

Openers had their own lingo. Not charitable; you had Mice, Morons, Knights, and Needles. That referred to the style of Runner you were going to get.

Mice were like rats. They had low credibility-scores, or they were just below-average to average Runners. They didnt tend to get good letters to open and steal secrets from and theyd turn if anyone so much as sneezed at them.

Morons were gullible, or hotheads. Ryoka would have fit into that categoryor Knights, who never divulged secrets at all and rarely used Openers.

Needles were Couriers or good City Runners. They might run afoul of someone trying to use a City Runner in a scheme, or Courier, but it could backfire because a strong Courier might deliver something despite all odds. That was definitely Ryoka in all the Openers books, now. A Needle-Knight.

Mice, thoughshe handled it easily. Low-discount, nothing worth opening in the letter he thought held something truly valuable like saffron. She smelled the spice packet someone was trying to send without paying a tax before even opening the letter, and the Runner went away, disappointed. He might well pocket the spices one [Chef] was sending to a [Cook] in another city.

Two more Runners came, to get a picture of her. They didnt like how young she was, but she rattled them by addressing them by name before they introduced themselves. That was just Fierre having a list of all Runners and matching them to the portraits shed paid for.

Elementary. It would take time to consolidate a new base of power and Fierre worked for four hours, mainly setting up and taking those calls. She would work here for 4-6 hours each day, and everyone who was smart would know when theyd be able to knock. Her Iron Golem would keep her place of business safe; [Thieves] knew Openers guarded their wealth of knowledge and would retaliate, and the Golem was another deterrent.

Fierre had no time to waste, though. So her second call that day happened after dusk. And this time the person came to meet her.

Reizmelt. Drakle?

Lischelle-Drakle.

Oh, thats right. The marriage. Ive never been north myself.

The other Vampire settled back into a seat in her Openers office. It was the best place for a meeting like this. He eyed the Golem warily, but with a confidence that Fierre didnt miss.

Well, he was an [Assassin]. Ex-Guild; that was public knowledge by now. It had saved his life. Hed split from them during the famous Wind Runners delivery.

He was older, lean, with scars despite his Vampire nature. Magical damage. His eyes were red, but a brighter red than hers, and his hair was, ironically enough, dyed silver at the edges. Darker red to black near the roots. Now here was a Vampire who had style.

They were both Vampires. And he had agreed to meet with Fierre in a moment when shed reached out to him with one of the classic signs.

Vampires existed across Izril. Some in entire villages or towns, others in families. They knew how to find each other. One of the most obvious ways was to invite them to dinner.

Fancy some liver? I have a good sausage Ive been dying to share with some cheese.

Obvious stuff like that. You mentioned a blood-related dish and they knew who you were. It wasnt like many people looked for Vampires. Then again

The Vampire assassin lowered his cup. He was an [Assassin] in namenot practice. Fierre had bought a Ring of Appraisal that morning and he was blank. But she was smart enough to know that his anti-appraisal ring was actually the truth. He nodded at her, relaxing as she gestured the Golem to wait outside.

Nice drink. Stiff. Smokey. Whats this, a scotch?

Reizmelt, yep.

He took another sip. His fangs, his entire posture, was business-like, not flirtatious. Relaxed more than anything. Fierre was glad. Some Vampires you met just thought you were interested in meeting your own kind. Well, a lot of marriages happened because of that.

But this fellow understood.

Vaulont is my name here. Vaulont the AshI turn all my victims to ash.

Ah, smart.

He nodded, with a dry smile.

A perk of the job. Anyways. I cant promise Ill hold to blood-ties here. Im not accepting offers on one of usbut I cant watch your back. You understand?

Of course!

Whod demand another Vampire to cover for them just because were the same species? Has someone done that? Fierre was insulted by the suggestion. Vaulont relaxed a hair further.

I didnt go after Ryokathe Wind Runner as well. I backed out. Glad she survived. I wasnt going to cross blades with the Faces. Im amazed she made it.

I know. Id have never asked otherwise. I wanted to thank you for that.

We owe her.

The assassin shrugged again. Fierre nodded.

They knew. If not all of it, enough. He spat.

Silver in the water. If anyone puts out a hit on House Byres, especially that [Knight]Im taking it for coppers. Ive lived every day of my life with scars I got from rashes as a child. My entire family died early. Silver.

I know. Do you have plans? My familys debating moving.

He shrugged, moodily.

Aside from eating charcoal like its a snack? I have no roots.

Oh.

Forget about it. Listen. While were talking about them, watch out for a Delanay dArtien. Hes an Emergency Runner and hes one of the old families. Dresses like a giant target. Red leather, crossbowbut hes smart.

Understood, thank you. Anyone else?

Huh. Reinhart was what Id say. Dont mess with her business. Her servants are no joke. But they leave the Gangs alone if they dont cause trouble. But shes gone south. Her [Gardener] thoughthat ones killed more Faces than youd expect. Idiots dont see a high-level [Druid], just an angry [Gardener].

Also got it.

They were swapping the Vampires essential info. There were multiple reasons Fierre had invited Vaulont, though. After a moment, he slid her a bit of parchment.

There are three of us in Invrisil. Two natural-born. Wife and husband run this [Butcher]s. Export elsewhere.

Ah, wonderful.

Fierre lied. She would never drink animal blood unless she had to again. Shed had to dig out some of the safe blood from her packs just to host Vaulont. He was sipping the blood greedily.

This is good stuff. Fresh. I have to use days-old stuff on the job, until a kill. And theyre not always private with time to harvest. So, how can I help you?

Actuallythat was what I wanted to talk to you about. Im far from home, and I, uhIm curious.

Ten minutes later, Fierre was limping back to the inn, head hanging low. The Rock Crab had fled, not because of the fear of the predator of the night, but because Bird had shot two seed cores at it, the anti-crab arrows hed made by tying the fragile blue fruit cores to an arrow.

Im supposed to be strong!

The Vampire cried inwardly. She was! She was as strong asas

Garia. Stronger than any Human could dream of normally beingor close to the Human limit of someone many times her weight! Fast, as fast as a Human athlete! And combined, she had strength and speed and a healing factor all beyond humanity, whose most outstanding members could only hope to equal or surpass her in one aspect.

None of that meant superior to a giant crab with claws as big as she was, who carried around huge boulders weighing over a ton as a shell.

Fierre had tried to punch through the shell. She had learned Vampire strength, if not directed properly, could not break stone that easily. Also, trying to box with a Rock Crab was a bad idea.

Goblins and brave adventurers went under the shell with weapons and tore the Rock Crab apart, or hit it from afar through gaps. Fierre had, with all the intelligence of a new-born Vampire, punched its shell and tried to tear a claw off until it nearly severed her leg.

She did not know how to fight. Fierre went to thank Bird. The Antinium called down at her from the tower as Palt trotted out of the inn with a wandhed heard Birds alarm.

Hello! You are welcome, Miss Fierre! You are very strong and very weak at fighting! Do not run around when I am sleeping or you will be food for crabs. Good night!

Fierre accepted a hot cup of goats milk and hid in the corner of her room for the rest of the night.

-

The worst part was that she grew another half-inch, again overnight. Her body ingested the blood it was missing, and was making the comeback of a lifetime, turning her into the older Fierre she had wanted to be.

None of that helped her complete combat-ineptness. The next day, Fierre listened as Bird happily ate a bird pie for breakfast.

As inboiled eggs and chicken baked into a pie crust. Imani looked appalled as she served it to him, but Bird had asked for it as a reward for his heroism.

I thought I could just run about and try out a new Skill. I didnt know Rock Crabs were sodeadly. Thank you, again, Bird.

That was Fierres lame excuse. She was glad he didnt mention seeing her toss boulders about.

Miss Fierre is very bad at fighting. As bad as Mrsha, but worse.

Ishkr coughed and Palt hesitated.

Maybe thats enough of retelling, Bird.

Okay. Thank you for the bird-bird pie. I am very happy. If you would like to be endangered again, Miss Fierre, I will save you so I can have another pie.

Ill think about it.

Was she worse than Mrsha? No way! Absolutely not! Fierre stared at Mrsha as the Gnoll girl decided to prove her mettle. She stood up on two paws, and began to punch at Ulvamas face, just close enough to make the Hobgoblin flinch.

Ulvama picked Mrsha up, and tossed her over her shoulder.

Ishkr dove for Mrsha.

Mrsha hit the ground, rolled onto all fours, charged back the way shed come and performed a flying head-butt into Ulvamas right side.

The Hobgoblin [Shaman] fell out of her chair, swearing and clutching at her side. As Numbtongue had taught her, Mrsha performed a flying elbowonto Ulvamas belly. The Hobgoblin made an urgh sound. Mrsha took one look at her face and decided she maybe had gone too far.

Ulvama grabbed at her, shrieking with fury. Mrsha ran for the [Garden of Sanctuary], dodging between chairs, evading a spell that missed her tail by inches. Ulvama sped up, and blocked the door, eyes flashing with fury.

Mrsha threw dirt in her face. [Dirt Spray]! She slipped between Ulvamas legs, still waving her wand.

The [Shaman] went after her. She ran into the beaver gang.

Fierre put her head in her hands.

She was worse than Mrsha at fighting.

-

Strength without technique was still strength. Fierre got over her despair after she realized that for all her cunning and fighting ability, the Vampire could still throw her opponents through a wall where Mrsha could barely throw a ball.

However, it still stung to be humbled twice in so many days. Yet, look at Mrsha. Fierre conducted a background check like she had a client who wanted a full analysis on Mrsha. The client being her, in this case.

Plains Gnoll, probably went hunting or at least knew how to skin animals, even shoot a bow or at least what to do in dangerous situations with her tribe. Survived the Goblin Lords attack. Trained by Numbtongue, Redfang Hobgoblin [Warrior]. Trained (perhaps against the will of caretakers), by Relc Grasstongue, Senior Guardsman and [Spearmaster]. Mentored by [Druid], Nalsomething. Survivor of Raskghar and multiple inn attacks.

Fierre? She looked at her notes on herself.

Took boxing lessons from Ryoka once. Punched magical Golems at the Archmage of Izrils mansion. Fought with brother. Worked part-time as a [Watchwoman] (no actual combat), and at a [Butcher]s. Vampire.

There was a discrepancy here that anyone could see. And this was with a child.

Something had to be done. Fierre worked on the issue while she went back to her job. Two more Runners, swapping secrets with an Information Broker who clearly thought she was some incompetent from the rural countryside

She snapped at the overconfident man trying to look big and intimidating and scare her into giving up her wealth of knowledge.

No, listen. One of us knows how to summon the Unmarked Coach. One of us has sixteen contact listings with major Gangs. You want that kind of knowledge? Come back with a thousand gold pieces per piece of information and then well talk. Or give me something I want, not lists of data I can pay five silver for.

She kicked the broker out. Fierre might not know how to throw a punch, but she was a pretty important Opener. Yeahyeahshe stared glumly at her Iron Golem and spoke to it.

Im not that bad at fighting.

It looked at her blankly. Even her Golem didnt seem to believe her.

-

In the end, Fierre closed up early. She couldnt sit still, anyways. Her body was vibrating with energy thanks to the blood shed ingested. A shame she couldnt use it.

Also, a double-shame that she was Fierre the Opener, not Fierre the Adventurer because she couldnt ask for a [Weapon Master] to train her or something without them wondering how she had [Greater Strength], [Enhanced Speed], and so on.

However, it occurred to Fierre that there was one person whom she could prevail on, who might not take her abilities amiss. Who had an actual, working knowledge of how to fight with Fierres best weaponsher fists and feet.

It was

-

Not Ryoka. Fierre rapped on the bedroom door and a tousle-haired City Runner opened it.

Fierre?

Garia was still at her parents home. Alber was not. Fierre had heard from Wailant that the [Boxer] had fled the next morning after a single night there which involved eight boxing bouts against father and daughter.

Still, the Strongheart family was hospitable. Overly-so, perhaps. Fierre had eaten a second-breakfast despite only wanting to meet Garia.

How can I help you?

Garia yawned over her breakfast, but she grew excited as Fierre confessed her problems.

You want to learn how to defend yourself? I can help! Mom, Im borrowing the barn.

Viceria Strongheart raised two resigned brows.

Just dont break anything. And dont wake your father! He hurt his back brawling with that poor young man. If you see him, you owe him some food. Correct me if Im wrong, but it seems to me like you dragged him here just to beat him sillyall without paying him.

The [Martial Artist]-[Runner] looked a bit embarrassed. It was not the first time Garia Strongheart had seconded someone to help her train. ActuallyWailant kept abducting Numbtongue on his lonesome as well.

I can definitely help you. Im a [Martial Artist]and Ive been talking with some people in Pomle and Master Grimalkin. I know youre fast and strong from when we sparred. I can definitely help! Im free all day. Do you know where Albers staying? I should apologize.

Fierre didnt, but it wasnt hard to look up and she promised to tell Garia when she swung by tomorrow. They headed to the barn, chatting.

So youre running deliveries around Invrisil?

Garia jogged along, looking energetic in the daylight. Fierre was glad theyd chosen an indoor spot; even with hood over her head and clothing, she felt like she was already burning in the light.

Yep! The Guildmistress of Celum actually recommended I go. I was super nervous, but she told me Im at that level now! Me! Can you believe it?

The Vampire thought about Garia punching Alber into the window yesterday and could believe it. If anything remained of the Garia that Ryoka knew, it was still a bit of an inferiority complex.

However, Garias nerves disappeared in her impromptu sparring ring. And it was Garia that Fierre realized she needed to meet.

Its not [Enhanced Strength] anymore. Its [Greater Strength]. Even Dad was impressed. Im getting all of the other basics, too. [Lesser Dexterity], [Enhanced Endurance]you have the same, right?

Something similar. I got really lucky.

Me too. But Pomles people keep telling me that I need to change the way I fight. They like me practicing basic moves, but its all different at our level. I wish I could go there and learn from them, but at least I have [Messages] now!

Different how?

The [Martial Artist] in training beckoned, an eager grin on her face.

Come on and Ill show you.

This time Fierre took her opponent seriously. In the confines of the barn, the cows, two magical, some horses, and a pig watched as the two circled. Fierre crouchedthen leapt to one side, almost on all fours like Mrsha! She blurred left as Garia yelped in surprise.

Youre even faster

Fierre shot a punch at Garias side. Not as hard as she could. She was t

Garia grabbed her, and threw her. Fierre once again experienced the joys of flight. The Stronghearts had a big barn. Garia winced as Fierre crashed into one of the beams and dropped, nearly thirty feet distant.

Sorry! Youre okay, right?

Imfine.

Her ego was bruised more than her body. Fierre charged back inshe punched twice, and Garia blocked both before sending her flying again.

How are you doing that?

Frustrated, Fierre threw up her hands. Garia pointed.

Footwork. Listen, its all in what the [Martial Artists] taught me. Once you get to a certain point

Everything changed. Fierre ended up sitting on some hay as Garia explained. All of her preconceived notions of combat were somehow right and totally wrong.

When you have [Greater Strength], or even [Enhanced Strength], normal swords and stuff might actually hold you back. Sure, if youre fast enough, keep doing the same thing. Buthave you ever seen those massive swords some people use? The kind that look silly?

Greatswords? Zweihanders?

Swords could get absurdly large or heavy. Even battleaxes, which surely werent practical, were the tools of high-level [Warriors].

Its because no one can normally swing them around quick enough to be practical. But if you can swing a ten-foot battleaxe and clear everything around youwhy not, right? According to the experts I talk to, the problem is when normal people think they can copy that. Plus, the reason why weapons get larger is because sometimes youre fighting giant monsters.

Right, right. But I cant beat anything.

Garia shook her head.

Thats because you dont move right.

Im fast!

Fierre was stung. The [Martial Artist] looked at her.

But Im just as fast, or nearly. And you run around. Here. Try to jump me from the side again. Ill show you how I can keep up.

Fierre did. She spun leftand saw Garia execute a simple turn. Three steps, and she had pivoted to face Fierre.

Oh.

Garia smiled as the Vampire finally got it.

What the [Martial Artists] say is that you have to fight differently to use all your strength or speed. Like throwing youthats actually a bad idea.

How come?

I might be able to throw you fifty feet. You wont get more hurt, though, and Ive wasted time. If I throw you, I should throw you straight down so all my strength transfers. Stuff like that. Also thougheven if youre fast as lightning, footwork matters.

This was the kind of thing Fierre needed to be taught. Ironically, the Vampires natural abilities were on par with a [Martial Artist]s way of thinking. She wanted to spar more, but Garia had her practicing pivots and how to punch or kick.

I had to start the same way. Youre welcome to come over as much as you want, though! Id love to have someone to practice with at my level.

It was not the great revelation Fierre wanted, but she accepted she had to learn everything about combat. She did feel like she had unleashed some of the nervous energy in her body, too, so after three hours of Garia-lessons, she promised to make this a regular thing and went back to the inn.

She still felt like all the blood shed drunk had done more for her than just improve her body. Fierre had, by cleaning up the blood-type experiments and taking some of the blood donations, drunk probably a gallon of people-blood yesterday.

And she could still go for more. Did she look at Garias sweaty neck and feel the urge to taste sweet ichor? Yes, but Fierre was always thirsty. Was she ashamed of that? No.

She had been thirsty her entire life. Now, she could finally drink. Fierre pushed open the door to The Wandering Inn after a twenty-minute delay, and saw the [Urban Tracker] and squad of Invrisils Watch waiting for her.

-

Two murders in Invrisil?

Montressa looked unsettledBezale did not.

There must be countless crimes per day. Why are we under investigation for the death of two common criminals on the street?

Just a hunch, [Mages]. Nothing personal. I track via scent. Its muddledbut theres a good chance the attacker came through here. I wish Id gotten to the scene earlier, so Im following all leads. May I speak to you one at a time? And then you, Miss

Fierre.

The Vampire girls teeth tried not to chatter. The Dog Beastkin gave her a nod.

He was a rare sight outside of Baleros. Beastkin, not Gnoll. Ishkr was eying him, and one could not help but see the more canine features, from the floppier ears to the different shape of the head and body. The [Urban Tracker], Jeck, was shorter than most Gnolls, slimmer, but he was an experienced member of the Watch they called in for murders.

It was odd they were working so hard on this murder, especially for two common criminals. Then againFierre had made another huge mistake in thinking no one would notice.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? I have to run. I cant run, theyll know! I dont have any lying Skills or artifacts! Oh, dead gods. What do I do?

The Watch patrol accompanying Jeck was politely waiting in the common room while he interviewed Montressa, Bezale, and then Fierre, one at a time. They were the only people whod been through to Invrisil. Hed done Kevin by the time Fierre arrived.

Waste of time.

Bezale grumbled as Montressa exited the room. It was ten minutes for her, and the Minotauress. Fierre was paralyzed.

If she ran, theyd know. She knew the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings were keeping watch, but they werent going to stop a Watch investigation.

Shed have to fight. If Jeck found outtheyd search her and know. Shed lie. Lie! And if she had to fight, shed count on the Brothers to fight the watch patrol. There were only six. How strong was Jeck, though? He looked high-level.

She couldnt read his level with her Ring of Appraisal, so he had to be strong. She wasnt ready!

Fierre didnt want

Miss Fierre? This wont take but a moment.

The Dog Beastkin smiled at her as the Vampire girl sat down across from him.

Dont be nervous.

He was reading Fierre, eyes sharp, flicking to her face, her bodyFierre tried to act normal.

Im sorry. I just dont interact with the Watch much.

Really? I would have thought an Opener at least knew Reizmelts Watch. We make use of your peoples services when we have to.

She jumped.

Ian Opener? I dont know what

The [Tracker] sighed.

Miss Lischelle. May I call you Fierre?

She nodded dumbly. He knew her name, her identityJeck went on.

If youre worried about your profession, Im just here investigating the two murders. Your class is not going to get you arrested.

He eyed her as Fierre tried to relax and smile. She did a better job of it now; her heart was thundering, but she didnt perspire. She knew how to lie. She had lied in plenty of encounters with the Watch and Gangs, in high-stakes scenarios.

Stakes, oh, slap me with sunshine. Why did I have to think about stakes?

Shed lied, but never about being a Vampire. And her guilt in this case was clear. He was going to use a truth spell and that would be that. She couldnt stop that.

Was she going to have to fight? He had to have enchanted weapons. She couldnt beat Garia.

Just a few questions, Miss Fierre. We only need to cross you off our list of investigations.

Really? About the two dead men?

Exactly. If I can get you to swear on a truth stone youve never heard of them, no knowledge of what happened, and so on, Ill be gone. Shall we begin?

Iof course. But this is the second time Ive had to talk to an officer, you know. Dont your records show that Ive already been asked? The night it happened, actually.

Jeck blinked. He rifled through his report.

Really? By whom?

A Guardswoman. On the way back to the inn. I must have been close by the placeI think it was those two. Two men?

What are you doing? You idiot! Idiot!

What else was she supposed to say? Liebefore he used the truth stone! She watched the Dog Beastkin check through his papers.

I see. Thatsnot recorded. Mixups happen. Youre sure you were investigated about this particular crime, Miss Fierre? Truly?

He looked up. Fierre met his eyes with all the desperate genuine innocence she did not have. Jecks eyes felt like they were boring into her soul and uncovering her guilt. Did he have Skills? [Detect Guilt]? Why hadnt she prepared?

Fool. This was how it all ended. Sostupid

Her eyes burned with unshed tears. Fierre kept her mask up. She tried to keep her gaze from wavering.

They locked gazes for ten seconds. Then twenty. Too late, Fierre realized she had made another rookie mistake.

Keeping his gaze without blinking! One of the easiest signs of a liar! Blinking too much or not at all, idiot! Only Nagas and Dullahans do that!

This was it. Sheshed say she was an [Assassin]. He could verify that. Shed take her anti-appraisal ring off, claimit would be a mess. However, she feared Jeck would ask too much and then shed have to kill him and run, run far and fast as she could unless all of her kind was exposed

Would Vaulont kill him for me?

All these things passed in Fierres mind at once. Her eyes burned. She couldnt look away from Jeck. He sniffed the air. Fierre clenched her hands so hard her nails cut her flesh.

Why cant you just believe me?

Her eyeshurtFierre saw Jecks eyes widen. And then

-

The door slammed open. The [Senior Guardswoman] on the patrol looked up, hand shifting to her sword. Jeck had warned her, confidentially, that this might actually lead to an arrest.

Investigator?

She used Jecks title. The Dog Beastkin stomped out of the room, and the Watch patrol readied themselves for

Im terribly sorry, Miss Fierre. Well be on our way. Squad, with me.

The [Tracker] grumpily marched them towards the door as the [Server], Ishkr, went ahead of them. The [Senior Guardswoman] leaned in.

Did you find your suspect, sir?

No. And I want a word with the Watch Captain or whoevers in charge of coordinating these things! It was a waste of time.

Sir?

He growled at her, vexed.

You idiots. Double-check where our other teams go! Someone already asked her.

Oh. The [Guards] relaxed, looking annoyed or embarrassed or rolling their eyes. Jeck shook his head, and they erased Fierre and the inn from the possible suspects.

There was no chance Jeck had made a mistake. Of course hed been using a truth spell in his interrogations. It was unthinkable that an expert [Urban Tracker] and [Watchman] like him would ever slip up. If he suspected Fierre or the [Mages] could break a truth spell, hed have suspicions even with a pass.

Fierre was undoubtedly in the clear.

-

Fierre had to use the outhouse, urgently, after the encounter. As she sat on the toilet, she had a few thoughts.

I need to watch out for people who can resist mind-effects like Ryoka.

And

I have my mothers eyes.

The power of Vampires had manifested. Not just her bodys superior attributes. Forget that. Her heritage had awakened. Fierre had gained the power that Colfa possessed weakly. Yet her daughter had all the strength denied to the silver-poisoned Vampires of the Lischelle-Drakle clan.

Eyes of Charm.

-

Jeck let the patrol go after they returned to Invrisil. He filed a report and a complaint that would no doubt be ignored, and huffed out of the Watch House.

He met someone afterwards, just for a moment. It wasnt an inconspicuous meeting. You couldnt hide in a crimson leather overcoat, or with the flashy hat and manner of Delanay dArtien.

Well?

The Emergency Runner was frowning. Jeck shrugged. The [Tracker] sniffed the air, coughing at all the scents.

No good. Someone interviewed her first. Under truth spell and everything.

Delanays face fell.

Youre sure?

Am I a professional or what?

Jeck snapped. The young woman had explained it all and hed tested her with a truth stone. No signs of a liar there. Hed thought so, but it had been just the Opener class. He rubbed at his furred forehead as Delanay sighed.

Okay, it was just a hunch. Damn. Sorry for wasting your time. I guess shes off the list.

Favor for a favor. Dont mention it.

Delanay frowned. So Ylawes was twice-wrong. Wellit had just been a hunch. He thanked Jeck and offered to treat him to lunch. Fierre. Not a Vampire.

Hed been almost convinced hed find something this time. But he never had. Oh well.

-

Eyes of Charm. Not even magical wards could fully block it. You had to have strong willpower, according to the legends.

Of course, no one tried to use it to do more than win an uneven trade with a [Merchant] or convince someone they hadnt seen you drink red liquid. Colfa was the strongest user of the Vampire power in generations and she couldnt even overpower Ryoka.

Well, Ryoka might be a special case. Yet Fierre had just overpowered a Level 30+ [Tracker], she was sure of it.

With silver out of my veins, my bloodline powers are here!The powers of a real Vampire!

It was hereditary, bloodline powers. At least, if you were born naturally from a Vampire couple. You inherited mother and fathers powers. If you were sired like Colfa had been by Himilt, it was up to chance, hence her mother gaining the Eyes of Charm, rather than the other powers of Vampire clans.

According to the stories, each Vampire was different, like each person was. The powers they inherited or gained were stronger in some, weaker in others. But living memory didnt provide specifics, only basic knowledge.

Bamer, for instance, liked high places and had no fear of falling. He was lighter than the others, because the primary strength of his clan had been flight in ages past.

At least Fierre knew her other strength. If everything checked out, she had inherited two powers. She stared at the blank mirror, wishing she could see her eyes and see if the ruby reds had changed when she activated the charming, hypnotic gaze.

Charm from her mother. From her fatherthe power of the Drakle Clan.

Her father took to the power of transformation. Not becoming other animals, but the ability to becomemist. Fog.

In legends, Vampires could fit through cracks in walls, ambush foes, becoming intangible, nigh-invisible. In the modern era?

Himilt could generate a bit of mist on overcast days when it already appeared. He could appear out of the fog like a ghost at best. Since she had been born naturally, she would have that too.

Fierre concentrated. Her head throbbed, already from the effort of activating her eyes a few times. Yet she felt it. The incredible energy of so much blood, the suppressed adolescence, the freedom of the pain of silver!

She was becoming who she was meant to be. A Vampire! Predator of civilization! Apex species! She was

Her body strained. Fierre cried out with frustration. She

Developed a nosebleed.

-

Glumly, Fierre sat on her bed, exhausted after eleven more attempts. Nothing worked. She could apparently burst blood vessels in her nose at will, though. If she tried hard enough.

The irony of a Vampire bleeding was not lost on her. Exhausted, she flopped onto her back. She was so tired. She relaxed every muscle in her body, wistfully turned to mist, and sank around her bed.

Fierre appeared under her bed before she seeped through the floorboards. She shot up, rolled out from under the bed, and threw her arms up in the air!

I did it!

Relaxation, that was it! She had to push with her eyes, imposing her will, her desire! But mist? Calmness, letting herself drift apart. No wonder her father was so good at it! Nothing ruffled his feathers!

The Vampire girl danced in her room in The Wandering Inn, laughing, tears in her eyes.

Tears of joy. Her dreams were coming true. Like every child who had ever been born to their species, Fierre had dreamed that she would be the one.

That her cough would go, her sickness end, and her people be delivered from whatever was killing them. That she would live longer than sixty years.

That she would be a Vampire. Ryoka had delivered it to her. Her dreams were coming true. Fierre shout-whispered so no one would hear.

Im going to be the greatest Vampire of all time!

So quietly even a Gnoll would not hear if the door was open. And the door was closed, the windows shuttered and blocked. Fierre was no fool. She danced past her mirror, invisible, and saw her room, no trace of her clothing or body which she had always, secretly, longed to see.

The grass.

The open door

Fierre slowed.

It was true that she had barred all doors, locked them, and given no entry by which her secret might escape. She had just forgotten that it was this inn, where a single key opened all locks.

Or in this case, a door led to all rooms.

The trouble with friends was that sometimes they liked to pop in, unannounced. They liked to surprise you, which was a terribly inconvenient thing if you were an introvert.

Or a Vampire.

Also, little Gnolls, like the white-furred one staring at Fierre, and who had seen the mist-trick, tended not to have a sense of privacy.

Mind you, Apista could have flown through Mrshas mouth and back out of it at this moment. The bee nearly tried with Garia and Alber, who were delivering a Strongheart pie that Viceria had given Garia to share with her fight-friends.

Mrsha, Garia, AlberNumbtongue was too far away on the hilltop to see or hearbut Ulvama was not. The Hobgoblin [Shaman] had her legs in the pond and was eating a frittata with her bare claws.

All of them had seen. Her transformation, heard her now very inadvisable shout-whisper. Fierre stared back at the stunned group.

They were all paralyzed with the shock of seeing mist turn into Fierre. Hearingwell, they didnt even know what a Vampire was. They were stunned, nonetheless.

Except for Ulvama. The Goblin [Shaman] gave Fierre one look and snorted.

Oh. Bloodbiters are back.

She kept stuffing herself with frittata.

-

Terror of discovery was a modern Vampires fear. Burned alive, staked through the chest, left to scream and die in the sunlight, hunted with silverdrowned in baths of garlic

You thought wed do that to you?

Garia was horrified. After some thought, Fierre had to admit it was a bit silly.

Not you, butpeople. [Knights] used to hunt us! There were wars!

Were your friends, though. And I didnt even know what a Vampire was, until I saw you! If Im fine with Goblinsfriends with them, evendo you think Id try to kill you?

The [Martial Artist] pointed out. Fierre hesitated.

Like Ryoka, no one was reaching for a stake. If anything, while Garia and Alber were unsettled and surprised by the revelation, Ulvama hadnt even blinked.

Mrsha on the other hand? She looked up at Fierre with shining eyes.

Would a little child be horrified by a super-strong, fast predator who had fangs and could turn into mist? Or would a little Gnoll, especially one with white fur who knew what it was like to be different, think that was the coolest thing ever? Except for the burning in the sun thing.

Fierre was still hyperventilating. But her secret was held by four now, five if you counted Ryoka. And no one would tell. Not even little Mrsha, who understood the danger, perhaps better than Alber.

He was just looking at her. More intently than the [Fist Fighter]-turned-[Boxer] had ever really done. He had seen Fierre as someone he didnt need to think twice about.

Now? Garia slapped her knees and Fierre jumped. The [Martial Artist] grinned.

I knew it. I just knew Ryoka didnt have normal friends! Ersorry.

She looked at Fierre. The Vampire laughed, despite herself. She looked at Alber.

No ones going to tell? Please? Not even other people.

Garia, Alber, and Mrsha all shook their heads. Apista rotated horizontally in the air. They looked serious. Fierre felt something stir in her chest. Alber she hadnt been certain about, but

How much?

Ulvama rubbed two clawed fingers together as she put aside the tin. Mrsha darted over and pushed her into the lake.

Beavers.

Fierre looked at Alber. He just studied her, and then smiled.

So thats why you stayed at Madains inn.

Yep. Secrets. Everyone has some.

Ryoka, FierreGaria in a way had her parents. Mrsha nodded. She had tons. She began to write some down to share.

What about you? Are you arelated to a [Lord]? A [Magician]? Something?

He gave it some thought. Alber sat cross-legged in the grass in the [Garden of Sanctuary] for a moment. At last, he opened his eyes and looked at Fierre.

I can fit six boiled eggs into my mouth at once.

Fierre stared at him, and then began to giggle. Garia laughed and so did Alber, after a moment. Mrsha rolled around on the ground, until Ulvama picked her up and began dunking her head-first in the lake while holding her legs.

The secret spread. Fierre would be more cautious in the future. Probably. But she was learning, about herself, how to fight, how to be a newer Fierre.

Ryokas secret she kept. Nor would she make more mistakes. She would not hunt people in the streets, that was for sure, even murderers and criminals. She had a choice of how she wanted to embrace her heritage.

She was Ryokas best friend. A Vampire of honor. Fierre built around that. She would see what happened.

She owed her strange friend from Earth so much. And that was what Fierre concentrated on. Ryoka made enemies like other people passed water. Fierre would prey on no people.

But shed drink Ryokas enemies dry. Down to the last drop.

Authors Note: Vampires! Vampires! Vampires? Look, this is all Ive got.

Hi, Im tired. If you thought of a Dad-joke, please leave.

I finished the revision. Im learning, but mainly, at this moment in time, Im wiped. There is one more chapter, and Ill be back on the 30th, so the breaks might come more mid-month from now on.

All this to say that this was an interim-sort of chapter. Not as strenuous as the one I had planned, which was good because everyone needs a break. Ill see you on Saturday for one more big chapter before I go. Hope youve enjoyed the editing process and these chapters! Well do another onebut in a few months! Gotta recharge.

See you next time! Relax! Take breaks! Drink blood? Thanks for reading.

The Garden of Sanctuary by Enuryn the [Naturalist]!