Book 8: Chapter 16
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Among other things happening that week, Grand Magus Eldavin formally led the censure of the Revivalist party in Wistram, in the process co-opting the loyalties of nearly two-dozen powerful [Mages] in Wistram Academy with the lure of forgotten magical spells and theories.
Palt and Imani had sex, which was no ones concern except all of the Gnolls who couldnt avoid smelling it.
Kevin was nearly assassinated by an angry agent of one of his clients, saved only by Master Hedault.
Erin was still dead.
And the King of Destruction laid waste to another Nerrhavian army with Takhatres, the Lord of the Skies forces providing the overwhelming edge in the engagement.
Of all these events, major and trivial, only the last of which was even news. A footnote at that; until something major happened, in the arbitrary and sometimes contradictory view of the world, or rather, the media organizations, none of this was news. A battle far bloodier than the war between Jecrass and Reim would not even get five seconds on Wistram News Network.
Indeed, Fetohep of Khelts far less bloody march into Medain, demanding the King of Duels freedom, garnered far more attention worldwide. The army of the undead was both fascinating and disturbing to many sensibilities, despite Fetohep taking Medains surrendering army prisoner, ensuring far fewer were slaughtered, and actually releasing said prisoners rather than ransoming them to a [Slaver] of Roshal.
News was not always a reflection of real life. Despite seeing her friend, the young man, lying sick, as Hedault stood watch with his wand raised over the smoking corpse of the [Assassin], calling for a [Healer], Drassi did not report that on the news because it was, in Sir Relzs words, not important or germane to worldly affairs.
Of course, that just meant the Drake wrote about it in the Liscorian Gazette, reflecting that they really needed a local channel for the news.
-
If a single young mans life or death was news that might spread around a city at best, what hope did someone have of being important enough to merit the attention of a nation?
For that matter, each nation had countless concerns at any moment that the news would never touch. Food shortages, crime, local monsters, rebellious individuals, treachery, discoveries
In each nation, someone had to handle the crises and opportunities. For better or worse, in many nations, it was only a small body of people, or one person, albeit aided by advisors. They cared about their subjects, if they were good rulers.
Of course, good rulers might only care because a murder was destabilizing, or indicated a monster or crime, not for the people themselves. Harsh, logical yet reasonable [Tyrants] sometimes made better rulers than [Good Kings].
Or so people liked to argue. In truth, and in one rulers experience, the life of a single person still mattered. It was just that some lives had a larger effect. Some did not.
For instance, one lost life had had a great effect on her kingdom. Because the lost life was connected to a powerful individual highly placed within her kingdom.
Like pebbles adding up to deflect a rivers course. She reflected on this as she held court. Her advisors attended to her, in a regal antechamber, not the throne room. In fact, she seldom held court in the throne room. Right now, she lounged, relaxing, heedless of the dozen or so top officials of her realm.
Is the Knight-Marshal of Rains still not willing to prevail upon our royal majesty inhere?
She demanded of her people. One of her top [Generals] bowed.
He has refused your summons, your Majesty.
Ah. Did he say that? What was his wording?
A polite refusal, Your Majesty. It may have come from the Knight-Marshal; the reply came from his estates through all official channels
The [Queen]s eyes opened and she replied with a snap in her voice.
Then Earl Altestiel did not make the reply. He is sulking. Someone tell him to present himself, here, now, withinthree hours. Or I will strip him of his titles.
The advisors looked at each other. That was not an idle threat. The Queen of Desonis had, in wrath, done just that. The [General] nodded and a [Messenger] ran to deliver the summons.
Your Majesty, is it wise to make it an ultimatum? Depending on the Earls mood, he might
The [Court Mage] shut herself up as the [Queen] glowered her way. Geilouna of Desonis did not have the fiery red hair of many of Terandrias monarchs. Rather, hers mimicked the common folks penchant; mud brown laced with green, much like the very marshes of Desonis in which the coastal kingdom had been founded.
Desonis by the sea. Desonis of Marshes. She had a few strands of glorious red mixed into the distinctive pattern, but one would hardly notice because of the messy hair. Bed hair was an apt term, but it did not even begin to describe the tangle. She rolled over from her lounging position, hardly the regal posture of many monarchs.
Then again, since she was the [Queen], it was regal by default. That was also her attitude towards many things.
We are the Queen of Desonis. Desonis is me. Desonis are us.
Geilouna rolled over again.
If we summon the Earl, he must obey! For it is not I, but Desonis that summons him! When he offends us, he offends Desonis. I am Desonis wrath, its justice, its law.
She lifted a hand and the advisors tensed. Queen Geilouna held the hand upthen let her head fall back onto a pillow.
Observe. Desonis rests. How long have we been at the affairs of the day, my council?
Twenty minutes, your Majesty.
The [Queen] didnt bestir her head. Nor had she actually bothered to dress herself as resplendently as other rulers might for her day.
Too long! Bring me my gelato! Bring me more fluffy animals from the menagerie!
She clapped her hands. It was done. Servants entered the room. Geilouna delicately tasted some of the ice cream, which Altestiel had brought back in recipe-form, thus saving her nation quite a bit of money.
In fairness, she hadnt even eaten it regularly until it had become as cheap as the cost of creating it. As for the fluffy animals? A Slyphcat twined about her on the bed. The water-faring cat species nuzzled the [Queen], who affectionately pet itthen the cute little sheep, a miniature fluff ball purchased from a [Merchant] who sold such adorable animals.
Her advisors waited. Geilouna went on, waving a spoon.
Altestiel is an emotional brat. We are responsible for the fates of thousands of lives. You desire his council on the Ailendamus conflict, do you not, General Irsh?
The General nodded. Of course, he was one of Desonis best [Generals]but Altestiel was the [Knight-Marshal of the Rains]. Essentially the best leader in times of war. Certainly the most high-level.
Yes, your Majesty. Your war council has made preparations in the unlikely event Ailendamus attempts to draw us into the war, or the Dawn Concordat likewise. However, the Knight-Marshals extraordinary instincts would be
Reassuring. Well, he will come and do just that. Poofball, do not eat that ice cream. This is for the [Queen], not you.
The Sariant Lamb, renowned as one of the cutest animals in the world, baahed, and the [General] bowed as Queen Geilouna nodded. She paused, then spoke around the silver spoon in her mouth.
However, that is only if the situation changes. We have seen how the war progresses. Ailendamus continues its march into Kaliv. Now, it sends armies around the mountains, through other nations. None of which are Desonis, although some share borders.
That was the situation. The Dawn Concordat was fighting fairly well, but Ailendamus was a war machine and it was beginning to roll. Her advisors were grateful Geilouna listened. In factshe was nodding impatiently at them.
Therefore, since we are not a fool, Desonis has made its decision!
She lifted a hand and once again, their hearts palpitated. Geilouna waitedthen shrugged.
Lets just stay out of it. Crops are more important. Removing monsters from the marshes? More important. If we live to a hundred years and never fight another war, we will be remembered as a good [Queen]. Court dismissed. We will reconvene when Altestiel arrives.
She rolled over again and pulled the sheets over both cat and sheep, who joined her. Geilouna lay as her advisors shuffled out of the room.
Of course, she knew Ailendamus designs on empire. She saw the dangerand she also saw how Desonis was not going to be the first nation to jump up and get hammered flat by Ailendamus. If she kept her kingdom safe, prosperous, and well for another forty years or somethingand had proper heirs, not bad marriages and divorcesshe would be known as a successful [Queen], by Terandrian reckonings. If not by her fellow rulers, certainly her people.
Her royal court left, and the Queen lay there. Incidentally, as she had given her grand pronouncements, her royal orders, she had not done so from couch, palanquin, or throne. Rather, she remained, as she had since they had woke her in her bed.
Her regal bed sheets moved as Poofball squirmed across them. Queen Geilouna was surrounded by pillows, blankets, and her bed was not King-sized, or Queen-sized, but about three times larger than any regular bed.
This, then, was Geilouna Desoyvel. Monarch of the moderately prosperous, marshy, coastal kingdom of Desonis, known for its unique landscape, most of which was watery. Known for the Earl of the Rains as much as its [Queen], its [Marsh Knights], known derisively as Swamp Knights by those who liked to mock them.
Which was anyone who had never been ambushed by the aquatic [Knights] and dragged into the swamp to be happily beaten to death while drowning. Another reason why Desonis was famously hard to invade.
Its [Queen] lay there, her fame not quite overshadowed by the [Knight Marshal of the Rains] as the old tale of King Redoris and Archmage Chandlerwhich she had watched, of course, with a bowl of the popped corn, a very apt nameyesterday. She too had a fame that was more than her crown.
Geilouna. The Queen of the Marshes, the Bearer of the Crown of Waters, and, a nickname for this individual rather than the position
The Bedtime Queen.
If you knew nothing else of Desonis, you knew of the [Knight-Marshal of the Rains]and the Bedtime Queen. Nothing about her personality, ruling abilities, or anything else. Just the name and the reputation of the sleepy ruler of the marsh kingdom.
The name had come to her unfairly as a child, because shed contracted a disease that had made her sleep for days, weeks on end with only an hour or two of waking. For four years. She had gone from twelve to sixteen in this state of slumber, the [Healers] unable to help.
The Slumbering Princess. The Sleepy Queen. The Bedtime Queen. The Sovereign of Softness. The Ruler of Pillows and Sheets.
She rather liked the titles, incidentally. That was Geilouna. Was she a good [Queen], though? Well
-
The Earl Altestiel was one of the most eligible bachelors in Desonis. A contrast to his [Queen], who had been divorced twice and was not one of the most eligible bachelorettes among Terandrian monarchs for a number of reasons.
He was in his early forties, but looked far younger, having light purple-and-silver hair, hawkish nose, piercing bright yellow eyes, and he dressed in magical cloth armor, such that his nature and charm meant he swept Desonis courts whenever he arrived.
Usually. This time, Geilouna woke from her slumber to hear the patter of rain overhead. That was not unusual; Desonis had rain more than sun. However, it soon became a roar. And since her [Weather Mages] had not predicted this
Altestiel.
She sighed and went back to sleep until he stormed in. Incidentally, a fact few knew about Geilouna was that she had suffered from the sleeping sickness as a girl, but she did not still have it. She could drop off to sleep in two seconds whenever she wished, but that was a Skill.
[Sleep Storage] and [Quick Slumber] had evolved with her, such that in an hour of needor weeksGeilouna could tend to the affairs of her nation without need of sleep, for a month straight if need be. She had done that once.
In practice though, she was just lazy and liked lying in bed.
Anyways, here came the Earl. The court saw him drip into the royal palace, hair sopping wet, disheveled, a small raincloud still pouring over his head despite the best efforts of his [Strategist], Kiish, and the small retinue to stop it.
What a child.
Queen Geilouna remarked as the Earl was brought to her bedchambers and sometimes ruling seat of office. The Earl glared at her.
Your Majesty wanted to see me? Youve already helped kill the one woman I could have married. The greatest chess player in the world! Youyou jealous hag! Wont you leave me alone? Take out your bad marriages on someone else!
The dozing [Queen], who had not deigned to sit up as the Earl was escorted in, opened one eye. Her cat and sheep clambered off the bed. The air was humid, thundery and rainy, filled with Altestiels powerful aura. Now? The advisors, who had returned, servants, and Altestiels retinue all flinched.
You little brat. First you run off when Ailendamus is at war, you ignore our royal command for weeks, and now you have the gall to lecture us on love? So sayeth the boy who enjoys sulking about love lost more than cherishing it!
A finger pointed. Nothing happened. Geilouna waved itthen reached for her crown, hung on a banister on the bed. She slapped it on her head; pointed.
A gout of water blasted at Altestiel. He didnt even bother dodging; he let it lay him out. The soaked Earl glowered at his Queen as his people picked him up from the floor.
Child? At least I can get out of bed in the morning! I dont care about Ailendamus. You want to stay out of war? Fine. Im going back to my estates.
He turned to march out of the room. Geilouna sat up, propping pillows for a backrest.
No, you will not. I have more need of you here, and you have sulked for over a month, now. My [Admiral] complained of storms the entire way back. You will stop mourning this [Innkeeper]. Her death was regrettable. But we do not allow you to return and starve yourself silly.
Altestiel glared at her, and the court held their breaths. It was known that the two were, in fact, good friends and drinking buddies at times. However, their fights were also legendary.
Go ahead and strip my lands. Exile me. I dont care!
The Earl dared the [Queen]. Every head flicked back to Geilouna as her eyes narrowed. Would she dare? Then the Bedtime Queen proved why she had managed to keep Altestiels loyalty and rule the famously temperamental Earl of Rains.
As the cloud of despondency over his head grew, soaking his retinue and the court, Geilouna pointed at him warningly.
Altestiel. Stop sulking. If you rain on my sheets, I will marry you to Kiish and have done with it.
The cloud stopped growing. Altestiels head rose, and his dripping hair was pushed back to fix his [Queen] with a scowl. But an uncertain one.
You woul
By right of the Crown of Waters, as [Queen] of this land, I now pronounce Earl Altestiel and Miss Kiish of Desonis as husband and
Geilouna uttered the phrase so fast that Altestiel was halfway across the room before he stopped, quivering. Kiish looked ready to faintor cheer. The longtime aide and deep admirer of the Earl of Rains saw him slowly, slowly, bow, a huge glare on his face.
By your gracious Slumbering Majestys will, I will stop sulking.
However, the rain had stopped. Geilouna waved an indulgent hand.
This pleases us, Altestiel. You are hereby granted clemency and poor Kiish the solitude ofnot-marriage unless you sulk. In which case I will marry you two. Now, consult my [Generals]. Court, I have made many great strides in Desonis welfare today. I shall watch television and have brunch now. Dismissed!
The court stirred. Altestiel glared at Geilouna.
Am I to make myself helpful, then?
Geilouna poked her head out from under the pillow fort she was making for herself and her animals.
What? No. Go, do strategic things, Altestiel. I did not make you stop sulking for that. Rather, you have a guest. A quite charming one, which I would not see wait about fruitlessly. Go unto him. Andput in a good word for me.
She gave Altestiel a meaningful stare as the Earl of Rains blinked in surprise.
I would grant you an estate if you managed a date. Hint, hint.
-
The reason Desonis courtwhich was, actually, one of the eighteen most populous, if not the most impressive due to the marshy and often rainy weather and climate leading to a very strong desire for indoor socialization by the nobility who often attended the capitalhad not descended on Altestiel, rain or not, was because someone else had eclipsed even the fame of the Earl of Rains.
Which was hard to do! However, the amazing, the unparalleled, the extraordinary [Lord] who stood at a center of attention had no equals.
Not in war. Not in fashion sense. Certainly not on the dance floor.
Lord Belchaus Meron, named the #1 currently-living [Lord] in the world, was no stranger to Desonis. Nadel to the east was his Kingdom, even smaller, but made famous because of his famous presence, which kept the entire region free of piracy. Another example of where subject eclipsed ruler.
Then again, it wasnt the same as the story of Azkerash either because the ruling family were huge fans of Lord Belchaus, or Bel to his friends.
The Lord of the Dance was not dancing right now as his reputation might indicate. However, he was certainly conversing, flirting, talking animatedly with the huge crowd around him. He never seemed to stop moving, having that restless energy of some people. Indeed, he was so graceful that he seemed to flow from gesture to step.
To look at Lord Bel was to see different things. For some, it was to see an object of desire, in many different forms. For others, he was a target of envy or jealousy, although he was charming.
Some, however, saw other aspects the casual observer took for granted. Such as how Lord Belchaus had no wasted movements, like a [Duelist] or [Fencer]. Footwork on the dance floor equated to skill in battle, and Lord Belchaus was also famous for his strategic genius.
In short, perfect at everything. Which was what reputation did for you. Belchaus had his flaws.
Lots of flaws. Like showing up on friends unannounced! The Earl made his way to the gathering, and Lord Bel spotted him.
Altestiel! My friend!
He spread his arms and clapped the Earl on the back after giving him a gentle hug, conscious of the wet clothing. His escort was, like Altestiels, small, having travelled here for the visit.
Unlike Altestiels mix of [Strategists] and [Marsh Knights] however, Lord Bels group were all [Dancers] or [Warriors]or both. Lightly armored, if at all, as graceful as him.
Bel. Why are you here?
Lord Bels sparkling smile faded a bit. He glanced at Altestiel, then, conscious of the listeners, smiled.
Can two friends not prevail on one another? I heard you were in a gloom and came to visit; although her Majesty seems to have snapped you out of it.
She managed to make enough petty threats to snap me out of it. Petty is what shes good at, though. Come on, then. Unless shes offered you a banquet, lets go to my estates. Kiish.
The gloomy [Earl] nodded to his [Strategist], who bowed, blushing slightly as Lord Bel kissed her hand. He turned to the disappointed crowd.
Im afraid thats my cue. Where are my people? No, dont object, please. I will of course return
For the disappointed court had begun protesting Altestiel, or perhaps his remarks, which caused Geilouna to throw a fit of pique when she heard them for about fifteen seconds. Earl Altestiel didnt wait up for Lord Bel; the man had to catch up as the Earl stomped out of the court, into the rain, and the waiting carriagewheels enchanted to run on mud or even shallow water.
They headed to his estates, and the rather fine mansion. It was built like much of Desonis architecture; raised buildings, sometimes on stilts, which let floods pass comfortably underneath. No one had root cellars in Desonis.
It took Altestiel a moment to remember why Lord Bel had really come. Then, of course, he just got more despondent still.
-
It was easier to be told Lord Bels flaws than to see them at first glance. One of them was this: the Lord of the Dance took nearly thirty minutes to join Altestiel in the carriage. He had to say goodbye to everyone he knew by name, gently flirt with two [Ladies], accept a [Lord]s invitation, share two jests
When he reached the carriage and entered, he seemedtired. Altestiel had rudely departed Desonis palace, but it had not all been pique. Mostly, but he knew Lord Bel.
The Lord of the Dance looked tired, as he sometimes did if he was at a court too long. His energetic personality, his social mingling was not an act. However, one of his faults was that he could not turn it off.
It was entirely possible to lay the Lord of the Dance low by making him stay for eight hours in a court setting, where he could dance for eight hours straight on the battlefield or on the ballroom floor with no problem. He nodded to his friend in appreciation of this fact.
I confess, I might have stayed the entire day at court if you hadnt shown up. Your [Queen] is rather gracious, Altestiel. I forgot how they mob me. Oh, thank you, Kiish.
She offered him a restorative draught mixed with a savory drink, a specialty of Desonis. Bel took a gulp and brightened.
Desonis court is just bored. So, how can I help you?
You surely know. However, lets keep that for your estates. Some things should be done over dinner, Altestiel! Dont tell me youve forgotten all your graces in Izril. I admit, Drakes are sometimes that rude, but the Flowers of the North were just as hospitable as any Terandrian nobility when I visited.
Lord Bel tapped an ear and Altestiel stirred. He gave the other [Lord] a frown; Bel just smiled politely.
And Kiish, you are as lovely as ever. I heardand rumor does swim in Desonisthat Her Majesty of Desonis nearly married you off. Would that be so terrible? And would you consider anyone else other than Altestiel, because I know several of Nadels young men would court you if they had a chance
Gratified and flattered, Kiish tried to keep up with Bels light teasing. More interested now, Altestiel sat up, breaking out of his funk a second time.
Just what did Bel think they needed that much privacy for? Perhapsbut he didnt know what Altestiel had found. So he had something of his own.
Altestiels estates were, of course, warded, staffed well, and he had the right to house and train his own [Marsh Knights], the Knights of Desonis, by right of the crown. In fact, his vigilant bodyguards who had fought in Invrisil against the [Assassins] only now fully removed their armor, or walked aboutuncoveredas it were.
Indeed, Altestiel had a larger population of Drowned Folk than most. Desonis, of course, had a population of Humans, Drowned Folk, Lizardfolk, and half-Elves in that order, Drowned Folk being in remarkable number for a minority, much less on land.
Earl Altestiel! Youre back! Have you lost all your estates? Is that the Lord of the Dance?
Some chattering children raced up, ignoring the rain, seeing his carriage return. Lizardfolk mingled with an amused [Marsh Knight], whose half-Shrimp body wore custom-adjusted armor. Lord Bel signed the waved autographs, although rain smudged them, and one of his people did a little jig of fancy footwork for the delighted children and people.
Lord Altestiel, will you stop this rain?
The aggrieved voice came from a Naga, who had come out of her hut. Altestiel sighed, but the rain began to disperse.
Hello, everyone. Lord Bel is prevailing upon me, so he cannot stay
The chorus of sadness made The Lord of the Dance, predictably, turn.
However, my people will show you the latest dances from Nadel! And I will try to make an appearance t
Altestiel dragged him off before he could promise anything.
Lord Altestiel, is that really the Lord of the Dance?
Some wide-eyed servants, [Squires], and more of his people greeted Altestiel at his mansion. He nodded.
Make his people welcome. I counted sixteen with Lord Belchaus. Theyre staying here.
Not at the palace, Earl? Id have thoughtLord Belchaus being of Nadel and a welcome guest
That came from a young [Lordling], barely fifteen, who was being trained and tutored in Altestiels care. Hed been too young to go to Izril, but Altestiel, who wanted nothing more than to sit and talk in private, grudgingly turned.
It would tire him too much. Her Majesty will understand. Probably. And if she doesnt, she can take away my estates. You may speak to Lord Bel if he meets you, but none of you are to take up his time! He wont mind, but you should.
The assembled group nodded, catching Altestiels will. One Lizardfolk [Maid] couldnt help but wave a claw.
II have to know! Is it true though that Lord Belchaus is the best [Dancer] in the world? Someone said he was, not just the best dancing [Lord]! Did he once participate in a dance competition so exciting and difficult that he exploded his opponents legs?
The others looked skeptical. Altestiel sighed.
Thats myths for you. He didnt explode his opponents legs. Thats silly.
Oh, of c
They just fell off. Thats all.
Stitchfolk. However, Altestiel was amused enough by the furor until he and Lord Bel retreated to his study.
-
Unlike a certain dead [Innkeeper]s fantasies, Lord Altestiels private rooms were not some huge, carpeted vista with a roaring fire and couches and such with huge glass windows overlooking Desonis.
It was close. There were big glass windows since nothing beat watching the rain pour down over the landscape. However, Altestiel followed Desonis styles. Which was to say, a style of peoples used to the pervasive humidity, and two species who outright welcomed it.
Come on in, Lord Bel.
Ah, how I forget the luxuries of Desonis.
Lord Bel paused, his towel fluttering about himthen he tossed it aside and joined Altestiel in the pool of water. Heated wonderfully by magic.
Perhaps only Desonis people considered that you should have an indoor hot tub inside your homes instead of a couch for socialization. Also, that clothing was an outdoors conceit.
Thus, Earl Altestiel offered Lord Belchaus a drink and snacks, both of which were on cork, floating trays, bobbing in the steaming hot tub as they sat, comfortably naked in the scented waters with expensive perfumes and alchemical oils, watching the rain stop falling from the windows.
If they got bored of this, they could retreat to drier settings, including the heated floor upon which one relaxed with nary more than a cushion or blanket; a favorite among Lizardfolk, hated by Drowned People.
However, they were unlikely to. Lord Belchaus eyes closed as he relaxed in the enchanted waters, which one could sit in for six hours without developing a single wrinkle, and Altestiel leaned back, luxuriating in the heat.
So.
So.
The two traded glance with each other. Altestiel sipped from a strong drink; Lord Bel had something far less stiff. The Lord of the Dance eyed the Earl of Rains.
They were friends. Not the closest, but certainly they respected each other as daring strategists and [Lords] of nearby nations might. Also, because both played chess.
At times though, they might be enemies. Nadel fought with Desonis, so their relationship was based upon such facts.
However, chess had made a distant respect closer to actual friendship. Altestiel knew why Bel had come.
I found them.
I was going to ask! But when you returned and I heard you were shut up with rain falling, I assumedwell, I assumed it was a she, and she dumped you.
Altestiel scowled, and a miniature thundercloud threatened to strike Lord Bel, who held up hands and a ready smile. Almost nervous, actually. Lord Bels friends understood that he did not like letting his friends down, or upsetting them.
Youre almost right. It was a she. And she was as good as we thought. Better. I even proposed
Stop!
Bel lifted a pleading hand. He reached out, snagging one of the breaded shrimpno relation to the Drowned Knight, who positively enjoyed the things herselfand took a bite along with some dip.
You must tell me from the beginning, Altestiel. Its old news to you, however it ended, but I am agog to hear about it. Do me the favor? Please?
His look was so pleading, like a puppy paddling around the hot tub, that Altestiel hadnt the heart to refuse. Bad-naturedly, he took a handful of the shrimp and ate as he talked.
Ohvery well. Our guess was right on. The player that this Tactician Olesm was writing in his chess magazines about, was in Liscor. I met him too, by the way. A talented young Drake. It took me a long time to get all the way there, but theres a magic door in Invrisil
Lord Bel leaned in, excitedly listening as the two men talked. Occasionally a servant would enter to see if they wanted anything, but aside from that, they were confidential, warded by the best spells Altestiel could acquire.
The two chess partners were among the best in the region, Lord Bel having won their unofficial tournament. Of course, they had learned the game from the Titan and avidly searched for new strategies.
So naturally theyd read Chess Weekly, back when it was Chess Monthly, and before even that, when copies of an amazing game had begun spreading about. Along with the theories of chess notation, elegant openings
To the two gifted chess players, it had been the realization that they were talented amateurs, nothing more. It had been like the first Humans to discover fire, glancing over and seeing a lighthouse in the distance. The sharpness of the chess, the change in style!
Theyd looked into it, and concluded that the mysterious chess player, who might be the same as the Titans mysterious opponent, could be the same person and in Liscor! After all, it wasnt Lord Bel, who was the guess most people made.
To cut a long story short, after many back-and-forths, delightful evenings and time spent at this guessing game, the hunt turned into an obsession. They had to know if they were right! So Altestiel had gone, as Lord Belchaus could not leave his post so easily with war afoot.
And she was there? The chess player? Waitwait. Let me guess. It was the Watch Captain, wasnt it?
Altestiel smirked behind his drink. Lord Bels clear, light blue eyes, almost like glass, were shining with excitement. He had postulated that it was the Watch Captain of Liscor; how else would the city have survived so many monster attacks?
Wrong. It was an [Innkeeper], in an inn just outside the city. She owns the magical door. Shes also onlytwenty years old. However, everything we thought was correct. She showed Strategist Olesm all those games. And shes the Titans chess partner. Ill bet every gold piece I have.
Bels eyes widened. He sat back, whistling.
Twenty? Is she a [Strategist] or something? No, its just talent, isnt it?
Altestiel swirled his glass.
Talent? Hard work, she said. Practice. She lived and breathed the game. For years.
Years, she had said. Implying that she had spent longer thanbut Bel was watching him, knowingly.
I see. Two questions. First? How good is she?
I lost. I never even made it to her. Someone was playing via a magical chessboard. Sound familiar? And
As Lord Bel nearly choked on his shrimp, Altestiel went on, savoring the bitter pain of watching the other [Lord]s reactions.
And Chaldion of Pallass decided to show up, just to play in a little tournament. Antinium too.
Youre telling me the Cyclops, the Titan, Antinium, and the Earl of Rains all played in the same tourney?
Yep. She and the Titan were the final players. I only got to play in other settings. Bel. Even with Skills, she beat me. I used all my Skills one game and she beat me with ability alone.
The Lord of the Dance sat there, quivering with excitement.
Well, I have to play her now. Are you in contact? If you have a magical chessboard and youve been hiding it
He couldnt hide it any longer. Altestiel tossed his empty glass to one side, sank up to his chin in the water.
Shes dead, Bel. I left her for a day and she died. If Id stayed
The Lord of the Dance looked at Altestiel. He did not exclaim, or doubt. After a moment, he sank into the waters too.
How?
The enchanted tub had many functions. No wrinkling, no need to clean it; it was an enchanted tub. If you were going to have a magic hot tub, it had better be worth everything.
Another function was cycling liquid. The steaming waters turned to a viscous mud. Not muck, but hot, thick sludge that was actually quite pure and clean. Another thing Lizardfolk loved. It fit Altestiels mood.
I left her.
He told Bel the story simply. The Lord of the Dance sat, his head back, resting on a towel. Kiish had joined them, albeit with a towel, to recollect since Altestiel hadnt the will to tell it all.
The frozen bier. The grieving city. Six worthless crossbow bolts, shot by petty Drakes. An accident
The worlds greatest chess player. Dead. All because of an inter-city feud. The Titans opponent, an [Innkeeper] who led the Black Tide to wardo you think his absence ties into this?
The Earl half-shook his head. It was possible. Even likely. Howeverhe would not find what he was hoping for. He thought of Erin.
She could beat him in chess. I think she did, before my very eyes. She was smiling. Keep talking. You still cant imagine her. Erin Solstice.
Altestiel whispered. He was drinking more, and Kiish was giving him a look of concern. Yet no rain poured from over his head. He was past the grievingat least, directly. Now
Im surprised you didnt raze Hectval.
I would have. But her Majesty threatened to imprison me if I didnt return. That Drake, Olesm, swore to do so. Im
Altestiel dabbed at his face with a towel. More than perspiration had glimmered there. Lord Bel didnt even hide his tears.
What a waste. You actually tried to marry her?
I should have pressed my suit. I should have stayed. One day. I could have married her and
Visions of Erin Solstice meeting Geilouna, of finding a way to take her inn here filled Altestiels mind. The Queen was right in that it was a childish fantasy, of course. A romance with no bones of reality to it.
Now though, he regretted it. The two [Lords] sank in the deep mud-bath, until the waters cleared. They rose, neither mud nor oil sticking to them, and sat, Bel reclining with a towel for modesty, Altestiel, similar, but cross-legged in the heated room.
So. Erin Solstice.
Lord Bel raised a cup and Altestiel echoed it.
To this sodding world and worthless people who make it worse!
They drank. Altestiel gasped as the liquid burned.
Theyre trying to save her, you know. Theres somesome assertion that freezing her didnt kill her.
I dont understand that. Everyone would know about it, if so. You said they were a strange lot of young men and women?
The one who made bicycles was one of her people. All extraordinary.
Altestiel recalled. Lord Belchaus glanced at him, and then shifted his position. Careful as any [Dancer], he relented from the subject that had wounded Altestiel so.
Speaking of what everyone knowsI came for a second reason, Altestiel. I admit, curiosity and concern for you was the greater, but I thought you should know that Nadel received some interesting messages of late. [Messages] from Wistram.
Altestiel opened one eye.
What about? Desonis has had none.
Geilouna would mention it if so. Lord Bel nodded.
I dont doubt it. This comes to me by way of His MajestyI am sharing it because it is a concern as much as it is helpful. Between us.
His serious tone made Altestiel sit straighter and nod. Kiish, who had left to clothe herself, rose.
I will see myself out, my lords.
Thank you, Kiish.
Bel smiled gratefully, and then turned to the Earl. He did not beat about the bush.
In the last two weekstwo weeks for the first, yesterday for the second, his Majesty of Nadel received two [Messages]. First, from Archmage Viltach, second, from a Grand Magus Eldavin, of whom I think you know.
Altestiel nodded slowly.
What did they want?
Nothing. Rather, Archmage Viltach first hinted and then the Grand Magus that there wassomethingNadel should know. Or perhaps, certain Kingdoms of auspicious influence. It was suggested, rather strongly, that it was my presence that allowed Nadel to fit on this list. An insult to his Majesty, of course.
Bel waved a hand away, as if not aware of how his presence alone had changed shipping routes, made Nadel a major sea-faring power.
So, what was the thing Nadel should know?
The fact that Desonis was not on this list did not surprise Altestiel. He was the Earl of Rains, but the Lord of the Dance was a greater presence, he had to admit. He did not like that, but there it was. An Archmage of Wistram would court the [Lord] who could stop trade or secure safe passage far more than the Bedtime Queen.
Thats just it. We werent told what it was we should know. Both [Mages] only said that there was something. In fact, they intimated that just us knowing that there was something to know was a favor in itself.
[Mages]. They wonder why people hate them.
Altestiel sighed. However, his mind was racing. Belchaus leaned on his elbows.
You know something, Altestiel.
I dont know anything, Bel.
You suspect something, then. Out with it. Fair is fair.
The [Earl] nodded slowly.
Erin Solstice. She told me, when I asked, that she wasnt talented. I believed her; she was probably as talented as you are, but she said shed been playing since she was a girl.
Bels eyes rose.
Is she the Titans protg, when he was developing the game, then?
No. I dont think so, or else why would heI think he didnt know who she was either. Bel, her friends were interesting too. Those plays youve heard of in Invrisil?
Bel slapped the floor.
I was going to ask you for a copy of their scripts, or whatever they use! Autographs too! Ah, but
They came from her. She taught the Players of Celum. And she knew the recipe for ice cream. Also, mayonnaise, and a dozen other foods Id never heard of before. The bicycle came from a young man staying in her inn. Ohand you know the Wind Runner of Reizmelt? A friend of Erin Solstice. Whatever contraption she used? Erin Solstice knew about it.
Bels eyes narrowed slightly. He did not speak for a good two minutes, then, in a contemplative voice, murmured.
You dont need to be a dancer to see a pattern in that. Strategist either. What does it mean?
Altestiel didnt know. A secret nation? A pocket dimension? Time travel? He and Bel speculated with wild theories into the night, but they were too far from their mark.
That night, at least. Altestiel talked with his friend, Bel. He drank until he wept. He wept until he slept.
The last tears for Erin Solstice, the last of grieving.
-
He woke, and found he was not alone. Altestiel was clinging tightly to someone. Not Bel, but Kiish. She was watching him, and had been stroking his hair.
Of course, she didnt talk about it, practically vaulting out of bed. Altestiel reflected that Geilouna was too intelligent sometimes. Or too lucky.
If Lord Bel had spent the night in company, he did not show it. He and Altestiel played a game of chess with breakfast, the first Altestiel had played since leaving Izril.
Tactful as always, he said nothing, but his other nature made him murmur as the two men rose to walk Altestiels estates and talk further.
You might consider marrying her, you know. It would be unfair to let it go on like this.
I know.
-
The Earl of the Rains kept a vigilant watch over his lands, because Desonis demanded it. Marshes and swamps abounded with life, even compared to forests, and the predators here were varied and nasty.
Perhaps, then, it was inevitable that when trouble called, both [Lords] were able to respond at once. The Earl of Rains and Lord Belchaus were walking with their people, talking candidly about the Ailendamus war.
Nadel and Desonis might be next, but if we involve ourselves, Ailendamus will go after us. So, I dont see us making the first step, which of course means an empty dance floor and a shy audience, waiting for
Belchaus head rose, and Altestiel held up a hand as he heard the same thing. A distant scream.
Kiish?
Pinpointing, Lord Altestielfive friendlies, zero attack value! One hostilelarge, high attack value! Hydra, most-likely, full-grown.
Is someone in the marshes? IdiotsKnights of Desonis, to arms! Kiish, summon reinforcements from the mansion. Bel
Of course, the Lord of the Dance was already gone. Earl Altestiel charged after him. Where Lord Bel ran across the water, his feet barely casting ripples as his troupe of escorts surged after him, a touch less gracefully, Altestiel just raced upwards on a [Water Bridge], for height and vantage.
He saw the five terrified children and the two corpses a moment later. It was a Hydra, large as a house! They had walked right into its lair. A Hydra this close to his lands would have already necessitated a hunting party, yet this one was fierce.
Poison type. Not as magical as some variants.
Take aim! Bel! Distract it!
Altestiel saw the Lord of the Dance swing up his sword as he shouted. Altestiel looked down at the five children. Humans. Young, wearing bright clothingparalyzed in fear. Grouped up so the multi-headed Hydra, this one with nine heads, could tear them apart in seconds.
Hydra, to me!
Bel shouted, and the Hydra turned. A targeting Skill on himself, of course. Altestiel seized that moment. He leapt off the water-bridge, fifty feet in the air. The young people gawked upwards and pointed in astonishment as a second bridge appeared under Altestiel.
He shot down a slide of water, balancing, used to the dramatic entry to a battlefield and the unparalleled speed it offered. His [Marsh Knights] and Kiish were a second behind.
Follow me! Keep them covered!
Lord Bel
Leave him!
The group landed, and the [Marsh Knights] grabbed the stunned group. They began ushering them to safety, on the lookout for Hydra young or more threats.
With me!
Altestiels sword was drawn. He looked at the young people, watching as the Hydra surged after Lord Bel. He heard a strangled voice, a sob, screams
Oh my god, what is
Altestiels head turned slightly. However, then the Hydra leapt at the Lord of the Dance.
The Hydra was as fast as a striking snakeas large as a house. Some could get larger, with heads that could swallow an armored man in a single gulp. This one was bad enough.
Nine heads, all with venom dripping from their fangs. A scaly body like armor, which regenerated with unnatural speed.
Altestiel had heard comparisons between Terandrian Griffins, Wyverns of Izril, Manticores of ChandrarHydras were worse. This one was focused on Lord Bel as the man stopped in the muddy, wet ground. All he had was a sword and his dress clothing, both enchanted, but the [Marsh Knights] surging at him, his own peopleboth were too far away as the Hydra struck.
A head shot forwards and struck the mud. The [Lord] side-stepped before it struck him, so close the wind rippled his clothing. A second head shot forwards like a lance and Lord Bel leaned under the biting serpents head.
Altestiel slowly lowered his sword. He saw Lord Bels eyes flick up. The Lord of the Dance grinned. Thenspun.
Three more of the Hydras heads struck the water, missing the Lord of the Dance by inches. The Hydra recoiled, confused, then seemed to think the man had only gotten lucky. It struck, all nine heads twining to form a wall of scaled flesh that wouldnt miss
Lord Bel stepped on an open mouth, between the teeth, leapt up, landed on a crest, swung himself upand landed behind the Hydra.
Altestiel shook his head. The charging [Marsh Knights] halted. They looked at Altestiel, and even the young people stopped screaming.
Hold. Let him handle it. Get me bows.
The Hydra turned, searching for the man. Again, it struck, this time with its tail before spitting venom, striking, biting
It never touched him, Lord Bel swayed under striking mouths, walking around the Hydras increasingly-frenzied blows. The Hydra never had a chance.
Show off.
Altestiel did not know all of Bels Skills, but he knew these two. The Lord of the Dance had actually closed his eyes, and was stepping before the Hydra moved.
[Feel the Rhythm]. The animals instinctual attacks were like any song or beat to him. As Altestiel saw Kiish appear with [Longbow Archers], he raised a hand.
Take aim! Ignore the Lord of the Dance! Volley!
The [Marsh Knights] hesitated. But they too had bows and dozens of shafts clouded the air, flickering towards the [Lord] and the Hydra.
Lord Bel pivoted, side-stepping the arrows. They struck the Hydra full-on. It screamed, and Altestiel counted.
What was the rhythm? One, two, three, four
Loose!
This time, somehow, the angry Hydra charged into the second flight of arrows so it turned itself into a pincushion. The young people, the [Marsh Knights], all stared.
[Change the Flow]. The Lord of the Dance walked back, having manipulated the dance hed started. Altestiel called for five more volleys, then an enchanted arrow to finish the job.
When it was done, the Hydra lay dead, and the two [Lords] could attend to the frightened people. And the two unlucky casualties.
-
Later that day, the court of Desonis was graced by some surprising visitors. Firstly, Earl Altestiel and the Lord of the Dance.
Also, her Majesty, Geilouna and the recently-rescued group who had been spared from death via Hydra, and were now given the opportunity to visit the court.
Of course, the nobles and such considered it an act of kindness. It was not. As Earl Altestiel bowed to the bemused Bedtime Queen, who had roused herself for Lord Beland his urgent [Message]he couldnt help but think of Erin Solstice.
Ah. It all made sense now. He kept glancing at the terrified group of five, who were alternating between wonder, grief, and sheer shock.
The Lord of the Dance could not keep his eyes off them either. He kept staring at them.
Sometimes, the great confluence of events was discernible by the greatest minds in this world, if they were given the right hints and followed logical conclusions to their inevitable centereven if they got a bit off-track with theories about time travel.
However, sometimes you asked a group of young people whod been wandering in the marshes for two days, where are you from?
And they told you.
Altestiel. What is this about? Its not like you to show off.
For once, Altestiel didnt spar with Geilouna as she blinked at him, sleepily irritated at being woken up before midday. He simply bowed.
I have something rather interesting to show you, your Majesty. Privately, I hope? I should hate to make a fuss about it.
Her eyes flickered once, then she yawned.
In my chambers, then, if one must.
They left as quickly and unobtrusively as they could. Naturally, not make a fuss was their code phrase. If one of them said that, the other reached for the Crown of Watersor a sword.
This was the mark of the Queen of Desonis value. When Altestiel spoke, having invoked the code phrase, she listened. She sat on her bed, pets and fluffy blankets forgotten, head propped on her hands, but attentive. The inner council, the advisors beyond reproach or question, listened too, mouths agape. Twice someone said something like thats impossible, or are you sure?
The second time, Geilouna ordered the person removed and tossed out into the hallway. Altestiel concluded his brief summary.
Another world. Youre sure?
It fits the puzzle, your Majesty. I do not think they are lying. That is what they are. I would stake my aura on it.
Queen Geilouna sat back, on her pillows. It would be later she processed it, with Altestiel and as much alcohol as she could consume, in her bedroom, with the private thoughts she did not ever utter aloud. Over the next week and months too, which would define her reign, she now knew. It was her story, and not the worlds story, so only she would know it and it did not need to be the center of other tales.
For now, the Bedtime Queen simply nodded. Then she began shouting invectives at the top of her lungs. When Kiish, Altestiel, and the council had uncovered their ears, Geilouna was calm.
So much for my peaceful rule and death! What do we do, Altestiel?
The Earl didnt blink.
Some of them may go with Lord Bel.
Do we allow that? Or kill him? At least, refuse, imprison?
The advisors stirred as Geilouna gave Altestiel a flat-lidded look. Reassuring, despite the cold remark.
We allow that, your Majesty. Nadel is an ally. Lord Bel would be one beyond reproach.
Good. What else?
Altestiel had many thoughts, including going back and placing everyone in The Wandering Inn under Desonis protection. And screaming at Erin Solstices grave. For now?
Your Majesty. The young people say they are fromDens Mark.
Denmark, Earl.
Kiish whispered. Altestiel nodded.
Denmark. They were far from alone. If whatever teleportation effect missed themI suggest we comb the swamps. All of Desonis!
All of it?
The Bedtime Queen raised a hand. She looked at Altestiel. She nodded.
It will be done.
-
That day, the normally sleepy-but-sociable court and government of Desonis turned upside down. Every [Mayor], ruling body, or [Headman] of every village, town, and city, got a summons to report certain criteria to the palace.
[Scriveners], [Record-Keepers], and so on were mobilized to find unusual immigrants. [Harbormasters] were called to give an accounting of strange young people bound to Wistram, with dates and places.
Anyoneno, any Humanhad to be reported. Especially with certain clothing, phrases. Devices?
Normally, that kind of thing would be something slowly put into motion by bureaucracy, with a local official carrying it out to the levels of diligence they possessed.
Not this time. The Knights of Desonis marched into the swamp, with [Hunters], and the bewildered lower-ranking leadership realized they couldnt answer the [Message] spell after tea. They answered it now or they lost their jobs.
The [Chamberlain] was breathing down the necks of the royal [Knights], as well as the Minister of the Treasury, the Diplomat of Desonis, Earl Altestiel
The Bedtime Queen marched about, inspiring people to action by her presence, as much as anything else. She would not rest until she was sure no other child of Earth was in her kingdom, and if she wasnt resting, no one else damn well would!
Results appeared, if only because the authority present demanded results and competenceor heads.
-
They found one more, bound for Wistram. Altestiel and Kiish were preparing to head for that harbor, to intercept the young woman waiting there, who apparently didnt even speak the common tongue; the [Harbormaster] reported her as being Drathian, but not seeming at all like a native of Drath.
Geilouna flopped back in her bed when she decided theyd found all they could, dead from the unaccustomed exertion. However, she accompanied Altestiel to court. He was going with Kiish and a squad of Knights of Desonis; no overconfidence here.
If the Wistram [Mage] whod found this young woman wanted to play games, shed find out whether a tidal wave beat a [Fireball]. In Altestiels experience? It did.
Before they left, though, a crying voice interrupted them. The five Earthers, safely in the court, were nonetheless in tearsat least, two of the five.
One of the courtiers or nobles had, with goodwill and all the subtlety of a knife to the gut, inquired after the dead, or made some insensitive-but-well-meaning comment. Someone was in hysterics.
Go. Ill deal with this.
Geilouna whispered to Altestiel. He noddedand then heard a familiar whine of sound.
One of Nadels [Dancers] struck out on a fiddle, or a stringed instrument. Noa Chandrarian one, so, a wailing sound. Another pulled out a drum. The rest were clapping.
There he was. The Lord of the Dance stepped back, looking around. The screaming weeping haltedLord Bel glanced at the young man hed been talking to.
Another Earther. Far darker skin than one got in Desonis, where sun was rarer than rain. Lord Bel smiled at the crying Earther gentlythen turned back to the young man.
He stepped back, and his escort raised their hands as they began to stomp their feet, setting up a beat. Some of the court joined them, enthusiastically. Lord Bel gestured.
Altestiel hesitated. It wasso like Belchaus Meron. Faced with the knowledge that would shake this world, revelations and the knowledge they were behind Wistram and other organizations, the first thing he asked was this.
The [Lord] was gesturing. The young man was lifting his hands, but you could tell what he was saying. The young man was demurring, but Lord Bel was gently insistent.
Show me.
The music took on an insistent tone. Faced with the clapping court, the music, and the Lord of the Dance, the young man threw caution to the wind. Embarrassed, he did a quick-step of some kind.
Altestiel knew court dances, but hed never seen the complex footworkoutside of Nadel. Lord Bel laughed. Thenhe copied the little trick.
The tears of the other Earthers stopped. Lord Bel called something at them, clearly trying to cheer them up. He gestured, and, encouraged by the Lord of the Dances people, the young man performed a move clearly meant to be done alone.
It looked so silly that Geilouna laughed. Altestiel glanced at Kiish. The young man was speaking in front of the embarrassed court.
video game
The laughter broke off as Lord Bel copied it. Move for move, shaking his body in the absurd little gesture, perfectly copying the young man. And what was on his face was nothing but enjoyment.
I knew the Singer of Terandria had been taught that from somewhere! Show me more, show me more!
Two of his people tried to copy the move, and they did so on the first try. The Earthers looked astonished, but they were realizingthey were in the presence of the worlds best [Dancers]. Anything they could do
After some conference, a young woman tried a moonwalk and failed. Lord Bel promptly demonstrated the technique, moving in a circle as if his feet were sliding on ice to applause. Of coursethen, it became a competition.
Could they show him anything that he couldnt copy? Dances from Fortnite became attempts at capoeira, or breakdancing moves; at least one of the Earthers could dance.
Lord Bel went step for step with the young man trying to surprise him. Thenthey began doing the break-dancing moves that Altestiel would have paid ten thousand gold coins to see a [Lady] do in a dress on a ballroom floor at the same time. Lord Bel didnt just copy, he and the young man began moving in sync.
Astonished, the Earther stopped. Lord Bel just clapped him on the shoulder. Then, his head turned and looked at Altestiel. The Earl of Rains nodded, and gestured at Kiish, who was waiting with the carriage.
The Lord of the Dance kept dancing. Where other nations would greet the strange young people in their borders with hostility, fear, wonder, curiosityLord Bel greeted them with a dance.
More were coming. Most arrived there, in that room where he had torn a hole.
The rest elsewhere. They were coming.
Altestiel was just among the first to know it.
-
Ironic. Purely ironic, although only a fewbeingswould be in a position to find it such.
Ironic, that Desonis and now Nadel, at least the upper echelons, might learn something that far more powerful nations and individuals had yet to even get a whiff of. Azkerash was blissfully ignorant, consumed with finding the last of Silvarias tomes in his library, reading through them.
So too was Queen Yisame ignorant of whatever it was she should know, despite the Grand Magus warning. She was, of course, aware that she was unaware, and had roused her court to fury, not least because she now owed the half-Elf a debt.
However, realization would be a long time in coming, even for those blessed with a hint from Wistram.
Entire species knew now, like the Drowned Folk, whereas great kingdoms lay unawares.
Not that they were concerned because if you didnt know what you were supposed to know, or didnt even know that you were supposed to know what you didnt know.
Ailendamus was not concerned with little hints, even from Archmages. Six times Viltach had tried, but King Itorin II was too important to bother directly with an Archmages concerns. Lesser officials, yes, but Viltach had insisted on speaking to Itorin II directlyand failed.
Grand Magus Eldavin too. Not that Itorin II didnt have concerns. He had tons of them.
War with the Dawn Concordat, which he wanted done, uncomfortable with the eyes of the new television on his designs for conquest. It made what he was doing a little too obvious. He wasnt an [Emperor]yetfor the very reason of optics. Television was making his job harder. He had a lot to do in any case.
Diplomacy, at home and abroad, to keep Ailendamus allies together and his enemies from working together. Jumped-up little [Lords] on Izril, foreign powers
Not to mention the Demons ritual and whatever weapon had slain his [Knight] abroad. Of course, he attributed that to Demons. Not anything else.
Itorin Zessoprical, the Second, King of the Empire of Ailendamusas it had swallowed smaller kingdoms over its meteoric risesat on his throne.
In his palace. Doing kingly things.
In another place in the palace of Ailendamus, someone almost as important was shouting at [Knights]. To be specific, the Order of the Thirsting Veil, one of three that Ailendamus boasted.
This is not a small concern! Your petty excuses do not bear weight with me! Your Order will find out or
Sir. Sir, we have no leads to go on!
That is not good enough!
A man howled in the face of one of Ailendamus [Knight-Generals], which was astonishing given the other mans rank. The man, clean-shaven, wearing expensive dark-purple silk robes ostentatiously augmented by Truegold, was gaudy as could be. He had numerous magical rings, and though he carried no weapon, he made up for it with all the other artifacts on his person.
Dame Hevcla of the Order of the Thirsting Veil, who had once met the Knight-Commander Calirn of the Order of Seasons, couldnt believe this mans audacity. Her leader was not a patient man, and he had challenged Ailendamus nobility to duels for less.
Especially because King Itorin II was well aware of the value of his [Knights]. Howeverit seemed this man was too important for even a [Knight-General] to reprimand for spraying spit in his face.
Your Grace
The Duke shouted again. Given Ailendamus sprawling nobility and royal family and relatives, that wasnt as impressive as another nationbut it was still just below the royal family. However, that was complicated by the fact that this man was, in fact, the uncle of King Itorin II, albeit separated from the direct line of the monarchy. So then again, it was as impressive as it should be.
Duke Rhisveri Zessoprical drew breath to scream again, and Dame Hevcla interrupted with a crisp salute.
Your Grace Rhisveri, perhaps you could illuminate us on what was lost? We are aware of the break-in, of course.
The hugest lapse in security since Ailendamus itself was founded. A massive embarrassment as someone had apparently entered, nearly stolen a treasure, and fled without a trace when the alarms went off and the guard rushed in.
Every great [Thief] of this age was being scrutinized for motive, but what had nearly been lost wasthe Duke turned on Dame Hevcla. She saw sneering contempt replace fury in a moment.
You are all not privy to the true value of the royal familys treasures, [Knight]. I demand only that you find the assailant! Are you Ailendamus finest or not? Employ [Trackers]! Employ magic! Must I do it for you?
No, your Grace. However, the trail really is
Silence, you incompetent!
The [Knight-General]s face turned redder. He slowly wiped away some spit, but he said nothing in reply. This was the same man who had once drawn his sword in the presence of a foreign [King] for impugning Ailendamus honor.
Duke Rhisveri looked at the [Knights]. He was breathing hard.
I will furnish you with the details if I must. You will find this thief. And you will bring them to me. Alive. All limbs intact. I want to know how they got past the protections. My protections!
His fingers sparked with magic. He stalked back the way hed come, to the royal wing, beyond which even [Knights] were not allowed passage. An entire wing for King Itorins family. Dame Hevcla watched him go, wondering just what had been so close to being stolen as to enrage the Duke so much. King Itorin II had not mentioned itbut perhaps it was something he had entrusted the Duke with.
The point was, whomever it was, be it the Lightning Thief, the Thief of Clouds, or anyone elsethe full wrath of Ailendamus had been roused against them. They were in a lot of trouble.
Shame their name was so damn confusing to scry. The Duke had been getting headaches all week long, and hed used [Greater Scry] in his desperation. The wards returned precise weight, gender, species, and all kinds of other measurementssome of which were confusingbut the name kept blanking out because it was impossible to translate to the spells parameters. He didnt even know what the second thing had been. But he was going to find out. Oh yes.
-
On the subject of scrying, Wistram had now given up on monitoring the Antinium Queens. Theyd kept recordinguntil it became clear beyond all shadow of a doubt that the Antinium now knew they were being watched.
Some oddities had been put down to the Antinium peculiarities, but after the failure of the Antinium to actually go to war and the huge embarrassment to Wistram after the Invrisil eventit had been clear.
The final clue though, had been the discussion between the Flying Queen and her Prognugators on war tactics, in which she turned to the scrying mirror every five seconds and said something along the lines of:
I wonder what I should do? How puzzling.
I do hope no one is listening to my grand plans.
It would be so inconvenient if someone learned of our secret weapons buried here.
With a map.
Back to traditional scrying attempts. However, if Wistram had kept monitoring the now-compromised scrying devices, they would have seen someone wander past the disused scrying devices replaced by more secure connections.
Life is suffering.
Anand walked into a wall. He fell down, and curled up. After a while, a few other Free Antinium found him and helped him up. They replaced the cover on the scrying mirror in the empty room and tried to bring him back to their base.
They were still guests of the Grand Queen, although they travelled to every Hive in the Hivelandssave for the Twisted Hive. Anand shook off the kind hands.
Life is worthless. Erin is dead. II am drunk! I will now eject the contents of my stomach!
He gave it a try, like hed seen some guests doing. Eventually, he gave up and lay down.
Erin was dead. No one was here to help Anand. Not Belgrade. Not Pawn, not Bird or Garry orAnand got up after a moment.
Klbkch! Klbkch, Erin is dead. I am sad. What do we do?
He entered the room and eight Custodium, and six Queens stared at him.
Oh.
Klbkch himself stared at Anand. His head, slowly growing a mass of tendrils being connected to a body-in-progress, was suspended in a custom vat. A Birther. Anand looked at the Silent Queen, who was performing the most complex creation of a new body in the history of the Antinium of Izril.
Anand. Get. Out.
The [Strategist] slowly backed out of the room. He wandered out of the Silent Antiniums Hive, knowing he had made a mistake. Angered Klbkch.
No longer caring. Erin was dead. Anand knew this was not factually true, but it felt like it. He
All he wanted was for his small Greenpaw tribe to do better. He did not like talk of war; his tribe was a rare settlement-tribe, not a nomadic one that could flee enemy armies.
Nor was his tribe large enough to like thinking of fighting any Drake city. So he was doubly unhappy with the news, especially since he had really liked the gold bracelet hed been given until he realized it was purloined goods.
Well, all that meant he was restless, but he composed his face because the other Chieftain was important. More important than Greenpaw; perhaps an up and coming tribe. It hurt a bit, but that was new tribes with momentum for you.
Yet the young Gnoll was very, very respectful. Which was so gratifying to Orelighn, who was often at the bottom of such pecking orders.
Chieftain Mrell, thank you for your time. Apologies if I find the news of the Woven Bladegrass actionsdisturbing.
Not at all, Chieftain Orelighn. Our tribes are both stationary tribes. Mine smelts, yours farms. We should be more cautious of antagonism with other tribes.
The Chieftain of the Demas Metal tribe had a covered object in front of him. Orelighn nodded gratefully. The younger Gnoll was a former [Warrior], perhaps, but his new tribe had taken to smithing.
Indeed. I am ah, curious, as all are in your new, wondrous metal. Demas.
A mix of Orichalcum and other alloys. Not as impressive as adamantinebut as good as mithril, if a bit heavier. Howeverdurable beyond steel, even Dwarfsteel! I hope it will change the fortunes of all Gnoll tribes.
Mrell did not lack for ambition. However, he had asked to meet Orelighn for some reason, when he could be talking to Steelfur. Orelighn nodded.
An ambition I share, of course. How can Greenpaw aid your Demas Metal tribe then, Chieftain Mrell? Have some more snacks, I encourage you.
The younger Chieftain brightened and he ate some of the snacks from the Silverfangs and Liscor. Orelighn hadnt eaten them, despite being sorely tempted, and was using them to impress visitors.
You are too kind, Chieftain Orelighn. These come from the north?
Yes, Liscor. Delightful, arent they?
The Gnoll nodded.
I have been north and south, but never encountered such disheswonderful.
You are widely travelled. A Plains Gnoll all your life?
All my life. I learned how to spot new ores, so discovering Demas Metalwell, my tribe is small, new, and I am the first Chieftain, but it may be large one day. However, we are [Smiths], [Smelters], [Miners]not [Growers]. I came to you, Chieftain Orelighn, because your tribe is known to grow food best of all tribes.
Hardly as well as Oteslia. A poor choice in some ways for a tribe.
Orelighn was still flattered. Mrell had a way with words. The young Chieftain shook his head.
As we now see, Drake cities and Gnoll tribes are not always allies. Chieftain Orelighn, your fields could feed my tribe. If we could come to a trade arrangement, both tribes could grow richer.
That made Orelighn excited. A steady partner tribe, especially one like this? He nodded, sitting back and having some of the sweet, flavored popcorn himself.
This is an idea I wouldcertainly love to explore.
I as well. I hope this gift may convince you that Demas Metal would offer more than mere gold. Please; when I knew I would meet with you, I had my [Smiths] commission it.
Orelighns heart beat faster. Surely not? He tugged the cloth aside and saw ahoemade out of the blue Demas Metal. Sky-blue, delicate, with a ribbon pattern
Fit for a blade. But a hoe? Orelighn blinked.
So much Demas in this! This hoeit is a wonderfully forged piece, Chieftain Mrell. But a hoe?
I know it may seem an odd gift, but I encourage you to have your people attempt to use it. I considered a scythe, but a hoe would strike rocks, and soil constantly. Even the strongest steel dulls.
True enough. Orelighn hated the costs of replacing them. Normally, hoes were durable, but if you were chopping magical plants with their stupid, edge-dulling roots for instance
Mrell gestured to the gleaming farming tool.
This is lighter than steel. AndI wish you to test thisI do not think it will dull! If it does, it will be at a twentieth, a thirtieth the rate of steel. Perhaps even a hundred times slower. Consider that for your workers.
Orelighn did. He began to like this gift more and more.
Chieftain Mrell, I will give it to my best [Farmers]. Thisthis is a generous gift. You have my thanks.
The other Chieftain nodded, modestly. He took another bite of the popcorn and then went on.
It is my only regret that the Demas metal is not finished. It could be improved. It is a new alloy, and another insight into new metallurgy would benefit my tribe greatly.
Orelighn paused, in inspecting the tool. He glanced up. Mrell met his eyes.
I have heard, Chieftain Orelighn, that the Greenpaw tribe has an object of fine metallurgy. It is my hope I could obtain a sample. Just a sample, that our tribes might work together.
The other Chieftain licked his lips. Who had told him? How did he know? Well, every Gnoll had a mouthhe hesitated.
This is a complex issue, Chieftain Mrell. It is a gift to the tribes, and I am alreadyalliedwith other tribes. It is not something that belongs to me alone.
I understand, Chieftain Orelighn. Nor would I interfere with any of that. However, just a piece might allow me to level or my tribe to improve. Time is of the essence, after all.
Especially if he wanted to make a breakthrough to improve his tribes worth. Orelighns eyes flickered. He was still inclined to say no. Right up until Chieftain Mrell presented him with a second bundle.
I would consider it a deep debt between our tribes, Chieftain Orelighn.
It was a bag of holding. And insideOrelighn gulped at the gold coins glittering there. He looked up and Chieftain Mrell was poised. Polite, confidentrich from his new metal.
PerhapsI could part with a small piece or two. If it was kept extremely secret.
Both Gnolls smiled. Orelighn gestured.
A sample is in a safe place. If you will follow me?
They rose. Orelighn hurried Mrell out of the tent, looking around. There werent many Silverfangs or Longstalkers Fang Gnolls in his poorer camp, but they were close by.
It wasnt a betrayal! Wellit was just him using every connection he could. Orelighn told himself that Mrell was a Gnoll it was good to make connections with. Just a piece
He was searching for Krshia, Inkarr, Deskie, Eskaanyone who might see them when a loud commotion made him flinch. Mrell turned, head sharp, and the two Chieftains saw an event taking place.
Onlynot one aimed at them. Orelighn slipped into the guarded storehouse and handed Mrell a covered object the Gnoll took, inspected, smiled at, and slipped into his bag of holding. He bowed to Orelighn and then the two went to see what the issue was.
Make way! This Gnoll is a criminal! Make way!
A group of Gnolls charged with keeping order were forcing the crowd apart, for all theyd summoned them with a banging of a gong. Orelighn and Mrell both appeared to see one of the traditionalist tribes, Sofang, escorting a Gnoll between them.
Sofangwhat was that? Orelighn recalled they were a loyal tribe to the old ways.
Sofang? Theyre charged with making sure order occurs in the Meeting of Tribes.
Mrell was surprised. Orelighn blinked.
You know them?
Trap specialists. Good fighters; they often work for Plains Eye. Traditionalists.
Which meant he and his Demas Metal were the exact opposite of theirsalthough Demas Metal had been carefully neutral. All that was fine and the two Chieftains stood at the front of the crowd, having done nothing wrong, only perhaps a trifle underhanded and that was on Orelighns conscience.
So why did one of the Gnolls with a bow spot the two and spit at their feet? Orelighn was shocked! Mrell though, just appeared resigned.
What was that about? Is Demas Metal at odds with Sofang?
No. Not at all, Chieftain Orelighn.
Mrell watched the [Archer] walk past, one of the security detail. She never looked at him again. He shook his head.
Mypartner. That is all. I was part of Sofang, for a while. I left to start Demas Metal.
Ah. I understand.
Love and loss. Orelighn was used to that sort of thing as a Chieftain. He felt that young Inkarr might have the same relationship with Tkrn in timethen again, perhaps not. Human and Gnoll? It could work.
It was just a backdrop to the moment. The real event was when the Sofangs leadernot the [Archer]shouted.
This Gnoll has been discovered to be tricking other Gnolls and falsely claiming abilities she does not have! She will now admit such for all to hear and apologize to the tribes!
He yanked the hood off the Gnolls face. And there she was. Orelighn stared up at the young female Gnoll, who stammered her confession of guilt before the booing and shouting drowned her out. He looked up at Ferkr.
He had no idea who she was.
Krshia Silverfang did, though. The Gnoll [Mage]s admission of guilt rocked her. Especially because Ferkr was confessing to not being a [Mage] at all. To have been lying to her master, Grimalkin, and pretending to use mage-magic when she was just a [Shaman].
She was lying, of course. Krshia stared at Ferkr as the Gnoll was summarily expelled from the Meeting of Tribes by the guards. She was lying.
Butwhy? All Krshia knew was that she had found Grimalkins apprentice. The Sinew Magus was not going to like this, though.
Not one bit.
-
Torture sucked. It didnt have to be physicalmental torture was a terrible thing. Yet physical tortureit was bad too.
On the whole of it, magical spells blasting your mind or changing you, erasing parts of yourself was perhaps the greater threat as a whole and every smart military body trained their people to resist that kind of thing as best they could.
Howeverphysical torture came in many forms. Horrible forms. Mutilation, rape, physical pain
It was hard not to run through the list of ways she knew she could be tortured. Especially the most obvious one. She knewshe knew it was not likely. She hoped it was not.
Yet Captain Bevussa of the Wings of Pallass still thought of it. She was a prisoner of Goblins. She thought these werenot the same Goblins who might do that.
However, every adventurer knew the danger. Especially female adventurers. Kin and Issa were female. Bevussa was female.
Captain. If theres a chance
Shut. Up. Kin. If it comes to thatwe deal with it.
Bevussa sat in her cell. No manacles; Kin and Issa were in other cells. Which was interesting, because the cells seemed new. As insomeone had built them just for right now.
The three Wings of Pallass looked at each other. Three. It should have been four. Zassil was dead. Killed in the battle with Hectval. She still missed him.
If she had led her team into the worst nightmare for a female adventurerBevussa closed her eyes.
I have a pill in my ankle-bracelet.
Issa spoke grimly. Bevussa opened her eyes.
Its not going to come to that, you two.
But if it does
It would have happened already. You know what happens with [Bandits] orother groups.
The two Drakes hesitated. That was true. Theyd been tossed in here for a day, but none of them had been assaulted or tortured. In fact, theyd been fed a quite nice meal by a Goblin who just grunted when they asked questions. The only torture had been the spices.
The worry in Bevussas mind, even if these were the Goblins she thought they were, was the battle. It had been chaos and theyd been fighting for their lives, but she knew her team had killed or wounded some Goblins. Fair was fair; the Goblins had hit both their teams as they went for the Titan and fought monsters, but would they see it that way?
The Titan of Baleros, and those idiots had to be greedy. He had literally called down the mountains on their heads. Thunderstorms, monster attacks and the Goblins. Dead gods. Bevussa didnt know what to expect next, but she was prepared for the worst.
A door opened. A Goblin walked down the steps, slowly. Kin and Issa tensed. Bevussas beak opened wide. She reached for the iron bars.
Listen. We know Erin Solstice. The Wandering Inn. We didnt know Goblins were here, but we know Erin Solstice.
The Hobgoblin looked at her. Bevussa stopped speaking and stared. Badarrow regarded Bevussa through red-rimmed eyes.
I know.
-
The fortress was called Goblinhome. It was home to the last major Goblin tribe in this region of Izril. The Flooded Waters tribe. Or that was what they had been.
Now, they were Redfangs, Mountain City Goblins, Cave Goblins, Goldstone Goblins, and many more. They were her Goblins, and this was their last, their first, their only home.
Goblinhome. Built into the trapped valley, a fortress of stone and wood. It had repelled Frost Wyverns, other monsters, and even taken out adventurers.
However, its greatest strength had been secrecy; that no one knew it was here. Now, they did.
Rags did not like that. Then again, she did not like many things that happened to her. They happened anyways. Adventurers had escaped the impromptu battle in the High Passes that had started due to some kind ofSkill that made Sharpstick attack.
He was doing penance, as he saw it. Dangerous patrols, shoveling poo-pitsRags had told him it was not his fault. Sometimes, though, a Goblin had to do what they felt was right.
Adventurers were going to come and attack. She knew it was an inevitability. She just wished she had longer to prepare.
Then again, they were always coming. Goblinhome was far more than the primitive fortifications it had been. Miners had dug into the rock, constructed very lovely inner tunnels, choke points, and the layers of traps had been reinforced again and again. With as much cunning as Rags brain could come up with.
However, she had also faced the problems of a growing tribe, even one depleted by the battle at Liscor where so many had died. Goblins made babies quick, and little Goblin bands had found her.
Plus, she had Ogres to feed. That was whyshe closed her eyes.
She had done what had to be done. Even before the incident with adventurers, she knew reprisals would occur. She checked her new, shiny boots.
Leather, in her size no less. Very well-made.
Not made for Goblins, but theyd been adjusted. Rags stared at them for a moment, then checked her armor, the enchanted chainmail and leather, Carn Wolf fur neck, the huge crossbow that was now more comfortable on her growing back, her shortsword, also enchanted, and the two magical rings shed added.
Then and only then, she went to meet Bevussa. Rags marched down tunnels in Goblinhome, past shorter Goblins. She had always been small, even for a regular Goblin, but she was growing. Slowly; not as fast as Hobs. She was very young to be a Hob, hence why they thought she was growing slower.
Maybe it was a Chieftain thing. For here walked the [Great Chieftain] of the High Passes. Rags. She was met by a Goblin waiting, also shorter than average for a Hob, but taller than her as of yet.
Redscar.
Chieftain.
He nodded at her. Redscar had his twin swords; no Thunderfur since the Carn Wolf hated the narrower corridors deeper in the fortress.
Coming?
Just for while. Gold-ranks all walking about.
His voice wascautious. Rags caught the implicit language in the way he stood, the way he didnt reach for his swords. Of course she trusted him and he trusted her judgment. Just in case, then.
She didnt argue. Rags marched into one of the great rooms in Goblinhome and found the three adventurers staring at the manufacturing halls. For a second she felt a flash of irritation. Did Badarrow have to take them here?
The [Sniper] had confirmed them, but there was such a thing as caution! The Wings of Pallass were now front-row to seeing a Thunderbow being constructed from Wyvern parts. The massive bone chassis of the bow flexed as Goblins tested its strength, arming the oversized crossbow that had to be mounted on the ground, not carried. It could take down a Wyvern in time and it was one of Rags new projects.
Thunderbows for her archers. Anyone climbing to attack Goblinhome would be met with crisscrossing fire from hidden nests, that would equalize artifact advantages. Meanwhile, Redscar would ride down on them with his Redfang riders on Carn Wolves. If that wasnt enough?
Rags looked down and saw another of her commanders watching the Wings of Pallass, a lot less sanguinely than Redscar. She pointed, and the Hob flipping the dagger right next to Issa scowled, but relented.
Poisonbite slunk back to her group of Goblins. Cave Goblins, regular Goblins, and Hobs, all who wore grey and faded into the landscape. Unlike Redfangs, they never attacked from the front. They were ambushers, all of them armed with poison. Theyd happily tag you with a poison arrow, or slash your leg and run off while you tried to heal that.
Specialist forces. Everything Rags had lacked in previous battles. With time, with effort, she was creating an army based on what she thought could take on any foe. Nowshe might have to put it to the test.
The last group of her dedicated forces present was manifest in the Ogre napping, ignoring the manufacturing going on.
The Ogre had 0% of the discipline of even the most basic Goblins in Goblinhome. He was one of eighteen warriors from the Tormek Al clan along with non-fighter Ogres whod joined them. Rags sighed.
Somo would have to deal with discipline in her ranks. She was the female Ogre who had first volunteered to join Rags tribe. A weak warrior among her clan, shed greatly enjoyed the food in Goblinhome, but added to the need for more, as well as mana potions, which the Ogres took in payment for their services as happily as gold or jewels.
In return, they formed the shock troopers of Goblinhome. If Redscars or Poisonbites forces werent enough, or if it was a stand-up fight, in went the Ogresas well as Calescents feared spicy-brigade, who laced their weapons with pepper dust. If you laughed at that, youd never had him blow a handful of his secret blend into your eyes. Rags would rather have been stabbed in the stomach than face that after shed asked for a demonstration.
Well, the Ogres might be weak in Inveks eyes, but Rags had quickly turned the Ogres into warriors the rest of their tribe would walk wide around. Not only had she asked Redscar to put some actual training and physical conditioning into the somewhat lazy Ogre warriors, shed made use of their abilities.
They had thick skin like armor. So she gave them more armor. Each one was covered in iron or steel armor, even Wyvern bone or hide in places to make up for the need to adjust smaller sets to them.
When they went into combat, woe to the adventurers who faced them, because the Ogres would have the same gear as [Knights]if not enchanted. Yet.
How many will I have to kill? Rags sighed. She leaned on the balcony as Bevussa spotted her. Had they ever met? She vaguely recallednever meeting a Garuda in her life.
Badarrow was here, the leader of her archer squads, but Snapjaw was not. She was the head of [Wyvern Riders] now, having struck a connection with the huge, hungry beasts. Thanks to them, Goblinhome had mobility.
All of this meant that when Rags walked down into the manufacturing hall, the Gold-ranks stared at her like theyd seen Tremborag in war-form. Small she might be, but they saw what she had built.
Dead gods, Captain. Thisthis is
Shut up. Let me talk.
Rags heard the Garuda whisper to one of the two Oldblood Drakes. She turned and after a second, bowed slightly.
Chieftain Rags, is it?
Mm.
Rags grunted. Badarrow eyed her, although Redscars face was carefully impassive. Bevussa looked at Rags.
Were friends of Erin Solstice. FromThe Wandering Inn? You know her?
Mm. Tell them I know Erin.
Rags turned to Badarrow, and the Goblin translated. Shed said that in Goblin tongue, not the common one. Bevussa eyed Rags. She nodded again.
We aresorry that we attacked your people. It was a mistake. We do not want to fight.
She spoke more slowly. Rags grunted again. She nodded after a moment.
Stupid mistake. What had made Sharpstick think I told him to fight? She turned to Badarrow. He explained after a moment.
Bevussa says it was accident. Not Sharpsticks fault either. They said small [Strategist] did it. Titan.
Rags brow wrinkled. A small Titan? She saw Bevussa exchange glances with her team.
In this way, Rags realized there was a lot about the world she still didnt know. She might have, if she had remained at the inn.
The inn. She thought of Erin. Dead? She still couldntBevussa was looking at her. Rags schooled her features.
You. Bevussa. What do if let go?
She grunted, in passable common, but barely. Bevussa hesitated. Now, Rags eyed her, keeping her face mildly aggrieved.
We wouldleave. And not tell anyone about what youre doing.
Captain
Rags saw Bevussa glance at Issaor Kinshe didnt know which, warningly. Rags made herself smile.
Not tell? Promise?
We would promise. So long as Goblins dont attack other peoplewe would promise. On truth spells.
Bevussa nodded seriously at Rags. The little Chieftain thought about this. She glanced past Bevussa.
Taganchiel. Were they telling the truth, or was that a lie?
She called past Bevussa. The Garudas eyes widened as Rags spoke, far more fluently than before. She turnedand the [Shaman] sitting on the balcony opened his eyes.
He was from the Mountain City tribe, and was the best [Shaman] in Goblinhome.
Half-truth, Chieftain.
I see.
Rags saw Bevussa turn to look at her, the Oldblood Drakes patently shocked. Everyone thought someone who spoke poorly was stupid. She had learned that from Pyrite. So many lessons she had learned he hadnt even needed to outright tell her. So many more she wished shed had time to learn.
If I let you go, you might bring an army back to attack Goblinhome. That would be a sad thing. I do not wish to have to kill an army of Drakes.
She met Bevussas eyes. Rags gestured around Goblinhome.
This is where Goblins live. You killed us one time.
We did not.
Bevussa countered. Rags sighed.
You? You are from Liscor, yes?
The Gold-rank Captain nodded.
We came after the battle, the siege. It was Humans who attacked your army.
Yes, I know. I was there. Humans attacked us. Drakes closed the gates in our faces. I saw both. Pallass tried to kill the Goblin Lord. You are Pallass adventurers, loyal Drakes and Garuda. I do not trust you. Somake me trust you. Or you will stay here.
Rags met Bevussas eyes. Shaken, the Garuda stared at the little [Great Chieftain] of Goblinhome. Rags smiled.
Do not worry. I am the nicest Goblin you will meet. I only wonder: are you honorable Gold-rank adventurers? Questions, questions.
Then she walked off, rather pleased with one of her first conversations with a non-Goblin. Especially the goggle-eyed expressions. She had been practicing.
But the person she had wanted to talk to was dead.
-
She was probably going to let them go. Probably. Rags had considered her options.
She was not Tremborag. She would not torture the Gold-ranks. Keeping them prisoner? Theyd just try to break out, and the odds were that someone would come to rescue them.
Prey on their notions of honor, make them sweat and swear, and hope. That was all Rags could do. She was already thinking of what to do if Pallass or someone else sent an army up here.
Part of her wanted to see them run up against the High Passes innumerable threats. However, Rags would never forget Tyrion Veltras army destroying three tribes in a single stroke.
The enemy could be terribly unfair. Which was why you cheated even harder.
Rags let Bevussa stew and talk to Badarrow. She, correspondingly, listened to news of Liscor that he relayed to her.
Nothing new with the dungeon. No new armiesGnolls in some meeting of tribes? The inn was quiet.
Erin was dead. Rags nodded. She had known as much from when he returned. Right now, she had few goals in life.
Make sure her tribe was safe. Find out what Velan had hid, and the second key, which could be anywhere in Izril, or the world.
Grow stronger. Find out the secret of Goblin Kings. Kick Greydath in between the legs.
See if Erin could live again.
Bold goals, big goals. Impossible to quantify or easily make progress towards, except in steps. The one immediate thing Rags was thinking of as the [Sniper] stood in front of her was.
Numbtongue. And Ulvama. Both in inn. Which one do you want, if either?
She examined Badarrow. The [Sniper] sat there, in a chair, also not of Goblin make. Rather plush. Rags had put the best items in her rooms. Luxuries of a Chieftain.
Numbtongue. Ulvama isodd. If Chieftain wants, Chieftain gets.
Would Numbtongue come?
No. He stays there. With Erin.
Badarrow looked at Rags. She nodded heavily. The five Redfangs who had saved the Cave Goblins, who had met Erin and protected herwere no more. There was only Badarrow, Rabbiteater, and Numbtongue left.
Rabbiteater had gone far away. Badarrow was here, and Numbtongue? She had never met him, but he seemed to be Erins guardian.
For all the good it did. Rags put the bitter thought aside. What had shocked her was the knowledge that Ulvama was alive. She remembered the [Shaman] and their brief encounterbut she was dubious on Ulvama.
The [Shaman] had tried to persuade Badarrow to take her, but hed been understandably wary. Rags shared his judgment. Ulvama had been intelligent, but cunning, a fit for Tremborag. Not Goblinhome, not necessarily. Still, a [Shaman] of her caliber would be greatly useful.
More important to Rags was the knowledge that there were Goblins being held in a land to the north! A land she knew. Her fist clenched.
Riverfarm matters more than Ulvama. Dangerous [Emperor] has them.
Safe though, says Ulvama.
Rags shrugged. A little Cave Goblin she had known was apparently among their number, if Badarrows news from Ulvama was to be trusted. Rags would have already set out to rescue them, but the logistics of saving Goblins from that [Emperor] were dangerous. Still, she had [Wyvern Riders].
If only she had Gold-rank Adventurers of her own shed rest easy. Redscar was arguably that goodRags herself might qualify to some degree, and Badarrow and Snapjaw, but they were few compared to the monsters out there.
Like Elia Arcsinger.
Well, Rags could have debated the consequences of all these actions all day. This was a familiar tangle of thoughts, a paralysis of command shed grown used to. She looked at Badarrow.
You go rest. Have sad sex with Snapjaw or something. I will let Wings of Pallass go free soon.
Yes, Chieftain.
He almost smiled at her joke. Rags watched him go. Then she sat back. Numbtongue and Ulvama.
Fine. [Emperor] is treating Goblins okay? Well see. If not
First things first. Rags sat back up, and as Badarrow left her office, went to meet her second appointment of the day. She walked into the room and Calescent, Redscar, and Poisonbite all turned to her. Her [Shaman], Taganchiel, looked at her as the second prisoner-visitor to Goblinhome in as many days raised his head.
Rags pursed her lips as she stared at the Human [Rogue] whod climbed all the way up to their mountain fortress and surrendered to the Goblins.
Why are all of you coming now?
The man grinned.
-
As it happens, Im not so much with that inn. Although I am by way of Ullsinoi and we do business with the Brothers now and then. My gangs not all smash or even flash, though.
Rags listened to the street cant as the [Rogue] spoke. Hed been divested of his gear, but he was high-level. And hed dodged two Goblin ambush volleys before surrendering.
They might have killed him even so, but hed gotten the Cave Goblins in the first trap-zone to hesitate. Because hed spoken in Goblin.
She had no idea what he meant by Ullsinoi or the Brothershe seemed to think she was more tied to The Wandering Inn than she was. So Rags dissembled.
None mentioned your gang. How do you know Goblin?
His eyes crossed and he replied slowly, with effort.
Goblin taught me, obviously.
Rags glanced at Redscar. The Goblin scowled.
Wrong. Impossimposs
Impossible. How would Goblins and Humans work together?
Redscar nodded as Rags turned to the [Rogue], whose name was Whet. Probably an alias.
Yknow, its always been funny to me, Chieftain Rags. A fellow hears that from Humans when they hear about Goblins in gangs. Yet Goblins say the same thing when they hear we do business.
Whet leaned back in his chair, looking calm. Rags wasnt fooled. He was nervous. He was a good liar, but shed upgraded herself far past being a little Goblin taught by a [Necromancer].
Her eyes flickered and she saw how hot he was. Nothot hot, as in sexy. Rags was still not at that point. Yet the [Steelflame Strategist] could see heat. It was trickier to tell lies, but it still worked.
We could have killed you. How many Goblins tribes kill youpeople like you?
Whet licked his lips and smiled genially. He tried to charm her, or do somethingit bounced off her aura. It did work on Redscar, who had no resistance against that kind of thing, and an appreciation for anyone with a toned body. Rags scowled, jerked a thumb. Redscar left the room.
I admit, its risky, making contact. Theres some unfriendly tribes out there. Heard of the Kraken Eaters? They dont talk. Poor fellows learned that the hard way. But theres another reasonable tribe out there. And Im assured you knew one of the tribes we worked with from time to time. The Mountain City Tribe? Great Chieftain Tremborag?
Rags blinked. Tremborag had? Of course he had. She folded her arms.
What is it you do? Buy slaves? Ask Goblins to raid places? I am not Tremborag. I would not kill you
Whet smiled wider, relieved. Rags went on.
But I would tell Poisonbite to chop off here if I dont like what I hear.
She gestured. Poisonbite grinned. Calescent and Whet looked uneasy. Rags wasnt going to do that, but the [Rogue] spoke quickly.
We dont demand anything, Chieftain. Were justhereto be mutually profitable. Goblins have gold. Yet they cant spend it. A long time ago, whomever started my gang decided that was a shame. If you had anythinganything you needed, like potions, books, trinkets you cant get the usual waywe can help.
Ah, they were [Traders]. Rags was surprised, then not. She supposed that she should have expected Goblins to join the underworldif they could. Anything to survive. As for making money? Humans were greedy.
Well, then. You can live. And keep testicles. And gonads. Even trade. If you tell about Goblinhome, though
She listened as Whet made his pitch, relieved to keep all his possessions. In fact, Rags asked for a catalogue, and after eying the list, turned to Calescent.
Calescent.
Chieftain?
He was pointing at something in the catalog. Rags slapped his hand down. He pointed again, at the shiny cooking set. He waggled his brows. Rags scowled.
We will buy things on this list.
She wrote down a short list of items. After a second, she turned, punched him in the leg, and added the cooking sethe hadnt stopped poking her until she did. Rags glared at him, and then addressed the [Chef].
Go disarm Stupid Adventurer traps #2 and #7. Also, get playthings from crche.
Playthings?
For a second, Rags heard the word differently. She shook her head and looked at Whet. The curious [Rogue] saw the Chieftain smile.
Playthings for little Goblins. Jewels, gold. No use for it otherwise. Same with traps.
His mouth opened wide. Especially when she showed him the pile of gold and gemstonesright over the pitfall trap. Rags smirked.
It was amazing how many adventurers fell for it. They knew it was a trap, but they still tried to get the goldlong enough for a Goblin with a club to sneak up behind them out of the secret passage.
-
Rags brilliance among her tribe was her defining characteristic as a Chieftain. Reiss had been amazing at learning, copying. Garen was the warrior of warriorsTremborag was fat.
Each Chieftain had a specialty. Rags was in plays like this. She saw Bevussa and the Wings of Pallass off at the same time as Whet.
Both [Rogue] and Gold-rank adventurer looked extremely uncomfortable as they saw each other. Rags just smiled.
Keep promises. Goblinhome is secret.
And good luck figuring out who the other person is. Rags had left Whet with a fortune in gold and gemstones, though. So that was why he had come with an empty bag of holding.
She shook her head, but hed furnished her with two samples which were gifts of his black market organization to make her eager to do business. She would have paid far more than their ludicrous rates for them anyways, and she had managed to strike a discount by pointing out to Whet that her tribe could actually buy goods via Liscor.
Of course, none of her tribe had actually gone to Liscor since Badarrow and Snapjaw, but one look at the portal stone and hed believed it and given her a 19% discount. Rags wouldnt have risked a door to Goblinhome anyways.
So were free to go?
As Whet left, Rags eyed Bevussa.
Almost. Before you goone more thing.
She studied the Gold-ranks, who seemed a bit tense, wary, surrounded by so many Goblins. Rags sighed. Whet was an unexpected bonus, but Goblinhomes secret was out, one way or the other. Bevussa had sworn to keep her secret, but
You have a question.
Bevussa blinked. Then nodded slowly. She looked around at the Goblins. Then at Rags.
I swore to keep thisGoblinhome and your tribes secret. If you didnt attack other groups.
Rags nodded, face blank. Bevussa frowned, her expression warring between a kind of sympathy, a desire not to believeand suspicion. She peered down. Pointed.
I have to ask. Where did you get those boots?
Kin and Issa looked down. Rags sighed. Stupid, clever bird-people. She lifted the boots, which no Goblin had made. Same as the chairs in her room, which Whet had noticed. She sighed at Bevussa.
Goblins must live.
She had decided to do it, in the end. Again and again. How will we break the cycle?
They needed more than they could produce, though. So again she had ordered it.
Burn the playthings. She remembered the voice. The burning Human villages. Rags eyes flashed crimson as Bevussa tensed. Rags turned.
Grab them.
The three Gold-ranks struggled, but gave up as the Hobs around them did just that. Bevussa nearly got into the airbut one look at Snapjaw, riding her personal Wyvern made her slow.
Damn it.
Captain. You just had to
Issa was cut off as she was gagged. Rags nodded to the other Goblins.
What now, Chieftain?
Redscar looked at Rags. She pondered for a moment, and met Bevussas gaze. Rags smiled. The nicest Goblin the Garuda would ever meet shrugged.
No help for it. Before they telllets raid.
The Redfangs whooped and grinned. Rags swung up behind Snapjaw on the Wyvern. She turned her head.
Bring the Gold-ranks too. Well drop them on the way.
-
Bevussa wished she could have kept her fat beak shut. She was a prisoner, dangling from a Wyverns claw as it flew. Goblins rode on the back, light as could be; they had bags of holding.
Perfect raiders. Damn it! I should have just asked later. But I had to know. I didnt think shed
She thought Rags had been the Goblin that Erin had met and talked about. A kindly little Goblin.
Time had changed her. Bevussa had no idea who that [Rogue] was, but she knew one thing: Goblinhome was raiding.
Maybe the Humans. Maybe Pallass wouldnt care? She owed it to her city to report it. She hoped Rags wouldntforce her.
But her hopes were dashed. As if to make a point, to dare them, Rags and her group flew onto a raid. Carn Wolves followed by ground.
They blindfolded the Garuda and Kin and Issa as they left Goblinhome, so they didnt get a perfect aerial view of where the fortress was. Not that Bevussa needed it; she knew the rough area.
They could have let the three Gold-ranks go there. They could have, with only suspicions, a pair of boots, a few strange items like high-quality soap, manufactured, dyed fabric.
They showed the three everything. Two days after her capture and then release, as Eldavins great history lesson was going on, the Goblins let the prisoners watch a raid.
It was everything Bevussa had feared. WorseRags gave her orders, watching the history lecture on a scrying orb with half an eye for the battle. She pointed, once.
[Fireball].
The explosion consumed a trio of [Guards]. Bevussa saw the last go flying like a toy doll. She wanted to believeno.
That was not non-lethal. If she had any doubts, watching the Redfangs on Carn Wolves descend and attack the survivors of the Thunderbows ambush settled her doubts. They swung their blades with lethal efficiency, and then the Goblins stripped the caravan.
Worsethis would mean intervention. This was not something Pallass would entertain, to weaken the north.
They were Drakes dying. Rags looked at Bevussa, from her perch where shed directed the slaughter.
Do you see?
Bevussa saw. She glared, gagged, unable to speak. Rags looked at her. She gestured.
Not yet. Snapjaw! How many more caravans by scout?
Three. They want supplies bad. Big escorts.
Rags snorted.
Take them.
She and the Goblin warband were on the wing within twenty minutes. They dove out of the skies on the second caravan. Bevussa saw Rags sitting on her Wyvern. The Goblin Chieftain bellowed.
Loose!
Like a [Commander]. Like a miniature [Warlord] in green. Her sword pointed, and the Drakes looked up at the unfamiliar voice. They scrambled
Six huge Hobs whod set up Thunderbows fired. The bolts took out the [Caravan Leader], the head of the [Guards], a [Mage]and they were reloading.
Redscar raced out of cover, whooping. Snapjaw and her Wyvern dove from above, dropping a stone from a bag of holding that sent the [Guards] scrambling for cover.
A second slaughter. Bevussa saw Rags turn to her.
Do you see?
Bevussa struggled to shout. Kin and Issa were staring hatred. Rags looked at Bevussa. Pleadingly? Nonot even that guiltily. She spoke.
I was angry. I am. Figure it out. Third caravan. Snapjaw, go!
They flew. The third caravan knew. They were spread out, using the wagons as cover. It didnt matter. Rags blew apart one barricade with a [Fireball], her magic. She set up the Thunderbows out of the Drakes range and made them sally forth or die. This time the Redfangs loosed bows, refusing to even close.
A bloodless victory on one side. Death on the other. Bevussa saw halfway through the last Drakes dying, refusing to surrender. Drakes did not run.
She began laughing hysterically through her gag. Rags looked at her. She began laughing too. She cut at Bevussas gag and stood back. The Gold-rank Captain focused on Rags. She inspected the distant caravan, which the Goblins were setting to light after looting it of whatever they wanted. But before they did, she spoke.
Hectval.
Issa and Kin stopped struggling. They peered at the caravan and guards. The Drake caravan. No Humans, no Gnolls, which was odd if you thought about it. Liscor wouldnt run a one-species caravan.
Rags grinned. She gestured, and her Wyverns took wing. She was raiding caravans. She was attackingjust not every target.
The reason Hectval-Luldem-Drisshia had not attacked Liscor was due to the distance, and their defeat, however pyrrhic it had been. Also, fear of the Antinium.
But also because every trading caravan had been hit in the last month. Only with an armys worth of [Soldiers] for an escort would their mysterious attackers not strike.
It was not justice. However. Rags was content with that. She looked at Bevussas expression, and nodded.
One more stop. Then you go.
-
A truth of all species was that change was inevitable. Smart peoples prepared for it, as Rags had known Goblinhome would always one day be revealed.
Change. Sometimes it was individuals.
Anand had not moved since Wrymvr had left, although it had been about eight hours. He spoke.
You are lucky. Youancestor of mine. For you know nothing of pain exceptpain. Which doesnt hurt as much as feelings.
The little ant crawled on his finger. Anand stared at it, and then flicked it off him. He lay on his back.
Until he heard the thrumming. The vast beating of wings unlike any bird or creature in the skies save one.
Wrymvr the Deathless had returned. He was carrying something too. Anand heard the screaming long before the Centenium landed. He gazed up. His mandibles opened wide.
Goat? What happened to you?
He scrambled to his feet. The Soldier slid off Wrymvrs back and lay on the ground in a ball. He hated flying. Anand looked at Wrymvr, shocked, angry!
However, he realized the screaming hadnt stopped. After all, Goat was a Soldier. They didnt make sounds the same way as Workers.
Slowly, the [Strategist] turned as Wrymvr put something on the ground. It scrambled away from the Centenium, screaming.
Antinium! You monsters! Dead godsfleets take me. ImIm
Anand saw the half-fish features. The duskier skin. His mandibles opened wide.
Seborn?
The Drowned Person turned to him and Anand realizedthis was not Seborn! Seborn was male. And the fish-parts were different. He slowly rotated.
Wrymvr. What have youdone?
For answer, Wrymvr gently pulled something off his back. Even a good bag of holding could only store a certain amount of material. Perfect bags of holding like the ones Ryoka Griffin had were magically neutralbut couldnt hold more than the contents of a single room at most.
Which was why [Merchants] used chests of holding. Wrymvr couldnt strap it to his back, of course. And hands were usefuleven a Soldiers hands. Which was why hed brought Goat.
It was a very nice chest of holding too. Even so, only half of the small ship had fit inside.
Have to get second. Come, Goat.
Wrymvr picked up the Soldier, who flailed again. Anand shouted.
Whatwhat have you done?
The Centenium turned to him, looking as amused as he could be. The Drowned Person was running, but Antinium were already emerging from the Hive. To capture it. Wrymvr indicated the broken wreckage.
Ship.
He pointed at the distant Drowned Person.
Shipwright.
Wh-whreally? You just attacked
Anand was hyperventilating. Wrymvr hesitated. He looked at the Drowned Person, cleaned some blood off a mandible, and amended his statement.
Just a [Pirate]. Anand will build ships.
He took off again. Anand looked at the half of a ship. He looked at the Drowned Person, screaming, and then at Wrymvr, flying, clutching the flailing Goat under him.
He was never drinking again. See what happened?
-
The potential for someone to change things was great. Krshia Silverfang knew that too. Of course, she was often surprised by chance-encounters and events. Just look at Tkrn and Inkar. She had no idea how that had turned into Lehra, of course.
Now, though, she thought that this would improve matters greatly. She waved from the hilltop where shed been waiting and heard an answering howl. A group of [Riders] accelerated. Yet that was not who Krshia bounded down the slope to meet.
Rather, it was the strange vehicle and young woman determinedly peddling it towards the Gnoll camp. Rose looked sweaty, but shed gotten the hang of ridingand the bike could actually outdistance the horses!
Krshia!
Miss Rose. You are just in time, yes? So quickly, too! Where is Mrsha?
Not here, Krshia. Elirr decided she was too young for the trip.
She will have to come soon.
Krshia scowled, but then beamed at Rose. Not least because Rose had brought the bicycle, spare sports equipment, copies of the playsany number of gifts for Lehra and the other tribes.
This is going to be amazing. Wheres Inkar? I have some electronics to show herI want to hug her and ask her about everything! She must have been so
Rose was walking a bit unsteadily after days of riding the bike. However, her face fell as she looked at the other Gnolls. For all they were glad to be here in safety after their journey, their faces quickly turned from relief to
What is the matter?
Krshia halted. Had they gotten wind of the Woven Bladegrass madness? Was it already affecting the other citys dispositions?
No. Rose looked at the leader of the caravan. The Silverfang Gnoll looked at Krshia, gravely.
We made it here, but we were barely ahead of the second group on the road, Honored Krshia. Theyre right behind us.
What other group? Another tribe?
No. They came the same way as wethey left earlier, but moved far slower. Theyre literally an hour behind. Azmuzarre practically ignored us. Youyou may have to tell them to stop. They were ready to slaughter all of them, Pallass escort or not.
Slaughter all of? Krshias hair rose. She scented it, carried on the group. She spoke one word.
Raskghar.
They had arrived. Prisoners, yes.
But Raskghar. Krshia looked at Rose, then shook her head.
Come. Worry not about Raskghar, no. You, Rosecome.
She led them forwards. Inkar, talking with Tkrn, tickling him gently, looked up. Her hands fell away. She stood, uncertainly. Rose gasped. She began running, arms spread wide. Inkar heard her shouting, and her eyes filled with tears.
Rose met Inkar.
-
The last visitors of the day to the city of Esthelm came through the gates. They were promptly stopped by the [Guards].
You there. Halt.
The Guard instructed one of the figures. The person turned, looking surprised, but not saying a word. They gestured at their face as if to say, me, but why me?
The [Guards] were more vigilant than most cities. They were former [Militia] whod become regular [Soldiers], [Warriors], [Sentries], [Watchwomen], and so on.
This [Gate Watchwoman], a specialist in fighting atgatesrolled her eyes.
Yes, you. Are you serious? Your group. Stop. Hands up.
The figures halted. The other people entering the cityand they werent manybacked away as the [Guards] drew their weapons. They didnt play games. The [Watchwoman] pointed.
Ive never seenyou think you can just walk in? Like that? Are you serious?
The masked figure in front, with a hood over their head, began to speak. The [Watchwoman] ignored her.
Mask off! Hood off!
She looked at her squad, who were ready for anything. Part of the [Gate Guard] was justincredulous. Who thought someone wearing a face-mask and a hood wasnt suspicious?
The carved, painted wooden mask was blocking the persons features, and the rest of the small group. They wore heavy hooded cloaks that disguised everything about them. They were the most suspicious group the [Gate Guard] had ever seen.
The great disguise of Garen Redfang, as it turned out, was not that useful as the legends said. The arrows were nocked, ready to fire. The leader of the trio hesitated.
Mask off or we fire!
The [Gate Guard] had already signaled for reinforcements. At this, the leader apparently decided there was no help for it. Slowly, they reached up, removed the mask
And spoke.
Hold your fire, Guardswoman. Please.
The [Watchwoman] saw Bevussa look at her as she tossed her hood back. Issa removed her mask, and so did Kin.
Is thatthe Wings of Pallass?
One of the [Guards] recognized the three. The [Watchwoman] lowered her crossbow.
Captain Bevussa? Why are you dressed like that?
Its a long story, Guardswoman
Bevussa had no idea, really. All she knew was that Rags last request was that Bevussa had to wear hood, robes, and mask as they were dropped off a walking distance away from Esthelm. She was as confused as the [Guards], but it was clear she wasnt a Goblin.
On the other hand, further into the city, a Goblin happily walked into Esthelm, glancing around merrily, nudging his companion every five seconds.
Look at that.
I see it. Stop nudging.
Look at that. Chieftain, buy me that.
He pointed to a window display, tugging her back to point at a handsome cast iron pan. Imagine how many meals he could make on that! Rags punched his leg.
To any amused observer, it seemed like a daughter punching her father in the leg. Wellthey appeared vaguely related, and that was enough for silly Humans who hadnt seen many of their kind. A male half-Elf and a younger, female half-Elf child.
Rags wondered if the illusion on the rings did that because of the pointed ears. She kept checking her reflection, but she hadnt even needed Bevussas distraction.
Amazing. Am I handsome?
Calescent stared at himself. Rags snorted.
For a half-Elf, maybe. Hurry up.
Whets gifts to the Chieftain of the Flooded Waters tribe had been calculated to impress a Goblin like her. They probably would have given Tremborag food or something. However, Rags? Whet had warned her shed need to use more elaborate tricks to get into Pallass or any city with actual magical checks, but shed walked into Esthelm easily enough.
Stop that.
She towed Calescent away from the stall where he was admiring knives, next, already flirting with the [Shopkeeper]. The [Chef] was happy to be here.
Redscar had refused. Snapjaw was with Badarrow, and he didnt want to come back. So that left Calescent or Poisonbite.
Given the two, Rags preferred the [Chef]. She walked through Esthelm. There were many things to see. Many possibilities. Many things to do.
She knew the legendary smith was in this city and she wanted to meet him. She wanted to see these bikes.
But first.
First
-
Liska smiled as Imani and Palt went out to Liscor, arm in arm.
Have a good evening, sir or madam!
She parroted the instructions Ishkr had given her. The Gnoll, who was on door-duty, waited until she closed the door and had begun changing the dial, checking the other doors. She did pause to sniff the air, though.
How, though? Is itlotsand lots of oil? Is he really, really small? Or do they have a contraption? Or maybe
She opened the door, letting in someone from Celum who wanted to go to Pallass. Sighing, Liska did that, letting them deal with the checkpoint.
She was counting the minutes until her break. At least she didnt have to talk to people. She opened the door to Esthelm.
Anyone through to Liscor or elsewhere? We are not accepting guests for The Wandering Inn, as the inn is closed
She stopped as someone stepped through. The second visitor was a genial half-Elf, who peered around, rubbing his hands. But the first person, who was fumbling with her hand, had been shielded by his back.
A short Goblin walked into the inn as Liskas eyes opened wide. She breathed in, slowly, and stared around the portal room. She looked at the Gnoll, at the unfamiliar walls, floor
So familiar. So not. She listened, to the silent inn, scampering feet, to her own beating heart. Rags waited a moment.
Then she stepped forwards.
She was back. She walked out of the portal room as Liska eyed Rags, the half-Elf, decided it wasnt her business, and went back to spacing out until the sand timer counted down ten minutes again. Rags emerged into the hallway that was unnaturally long, and gave her eerie vibes, and halted.
So quiet. Soforlorn. Someone was missing.
Someone had returned. And as if that changed things, amid the silence of the inn, the few living people, the Hobgoblin with his head bowed in the [Garden of Sanctuary], the [Shaman] and little Gnoll playing tag, the Titan sitting and scowling next to the bee in the rafters
The door of The Wandering Inn burst open. Someone rushed in the regular way, having not been able to get through the portal door with Liska operating it in time. She was panting, clutching at her chest, having run all the way here.
Her light green scales and dress were a bit sweaty. Selys gasped, and then shouted, missing Rags and Calescent, whod drawn a kitchen knife and bag of red powder.
Everyone! Everyone
Selys Shivertail shouted. The noises stopped. She gasped, then shouted, her voice cracking with nerves.
Theyre doing it! Theyre attacking the Village of the Dead! Its just begun!
A shout from further down in the inn. Calescent blinked. Selys gasped for airthen saw the little Goblin staring up at her.
WhRRahow?
She spluttered. Rags looked up at her. She listened to the crash, the sounds of life. She smiled, nodded at Selys.
Long time no see.
The Drake stood, stunned, as Rags walked over to the secret door, opened it, and went inside The Wandering Inn.
To have a bite to eat.
Authors Note: Thems lots of words.
Not as many words as last time, butam I gaining in word count even now? It feels so, but surely the hard-stop is my arms. Well, I do have a lot more management techniques, but there is such a thing as too many words.
Then again, for big chapters, you need lots of words. This wasnt one chapter, but it is advancement. Thats Volume 8, I guess.
I hope you enjoyed it. Im not sure what chapter comes next. I guess Ill figure it out~
Nah, theres only two it could be. Two good chapters, hopefully. Ill see you then. For now, thanks for reading!
Todays artist is not an artist, but a composer of songs! SystemGlitch101 has composed three new TWI-themed tracks! Give them all the approbations!
Soundcloud: /systemglitchy
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