Book 8: Chapter 39

Book 8: Chapter 39

The Last Tide An Innverse Graphic Novel from pirateaba

Kickstarter Note: 36 Celsius or 96.8 Fahrenheit depending on which you use. Well, this is no good.

I keep checking it, but I cant call it a fever either way. Yet here I am. I havent slept. I lay down, but I dont think I slept after two hours. And I already stayed up late.

Its strange. I feel feverish. I cant have even the lightest sheet on me. My mind is racing even though its tired and I should be asleep to write the end of this chapter.

I cannot. The Kickstarter for The Last Tide launches today, and if it does well, it means another comic is likely to come out, success, work justified for over a yearand that was the drawing, not the pre-production and other parts!and people get paid, including me.

If it fails? It wont be the worst thing in the world, but Ive never felt as stressed as I have now. Even other chapters let me sleep, but this is a big project beyond me. I keep thinking Ill be able to lie down.

I cant. So Im writing the second half of the chapter with zero sleep, and I might crash, but the Kickstarter is going live sometime today. If you see something that looks interesting, please consider backing it! It is a comic based on a story I wrote and both parts, which is the full comic, are finally out. The pandemic delayed everything, but you can now pre-order physical copies and other bonuses like figurines and artwork.

I hope its a success. Please consider spreading the word too! It would really help for anyone interested to see this and word-of-mouth helps a lot.

Either way. I have to write so I can release a chapter. And then perhaps Ill sleep. See you in the Authors Note, if it exists.

pirateaba

While news trickled in of the wars on other continents, of the wounded King of Destruction, of friends and adventurers freed, ancient kingdoms of death, and missing [Doctors], all grand events that mattered, her daughter was still missing.

Her beloved daughter, whom she had vowed to protect. Who she should have brought with her. And if Mrsha died, was dead?

There was no word, but all of Izril had seen the broadcast. There was no concrete evidence of her, alive or dead.

So the [Princess] danced. She danced, from ball to party, a whirling spectacle. A Human, in the City of Growth, Oteslia under siege. Wildly, passionately, laughing, kissing an ivy-scaled Drake on the cheek. Flirting outrageously with his friends, then flitting around the room, sometimes talking with other fixtures of the new high society, the Human [Lady] from the north, or the Wall Lord of Salazsar.

Or Wall Lady. Or

Saliss of Lights watched Lyonette as she let Cirediel whisper in her ear. She laughed, bit her lip, as if deciding, and nodded after a judicious interval spent talking with someone else. The young Drake didnt try to conceal raising his fist in victory and going to slap tails with his friends.

When she returned to the more permanent, formal residence they had been granted by the First Gardener of Oteslia for their stay while the Walled City was under siege, Saliss and Xif traded looks. The Gnoll [Alchemist] played it off.

Ill get back to looking at those Faerie Flowers. Lovely party. What in the name of exploding vials did we eat?

Canapes?

Disgusting. Is Lyonette?

She had not come with them. She had left with Cire and the younger Drakes and Gnolls, early for a more informal party of their own. Saliss had seen Ratici and Wilovan slip after them. And two more groups. Oteslia? Ilvriss? Magnolia? He was not as concerned about another assassination attempt so soon. Ratherhe didnt go to the alchemy station he and Xif had set up.

A clouded mind was no good when working with dangerous ingredients. Saliss sighed, and, grumbling, went to unpack the last shipment from Pallass his apprentice had sent to him. And no more would be coming because she had gone running offthe one time he could have actually used someone making potions!

The Drake was reading the newspaper from Pallass. War. War. War. Ooh. Eir Gel prices were up. Why? Someone with a speculation Skill, no doubt.

The war between Ailendamus and the Dawn Concordat? He bookmarked that page for Lyonette; it was just trivial news, like the [Princesses] of Calanfer going on tour in the safe regions of Kaliv to hearten the soldiers.

How much heart they imparted was dubious, but Lyonette would doubtless care. Saliss was really just passing the time. He looked up, as, at around 10:32 if the moonwater clock was right, Lyonette du Marquin stumbled in with a brief burst of noise and laughter. Saliss spotted figures waving at her, a plaintive call. She blew a kiss backwards.

That was for Paill, not you, Cire!

Then she closed the door. Lyonettes eyes were bright and she smelled like Dreamleaf, Oteslias root-ale, andSaliss sniffed. Sweat?

Well, he wasnt great at deciphering things by smell after too many strongly-scented ingredients. Saliss saw a Drake tip his cap and a Gnoll wearily adjust his top hat and do the same. Saliss nodded at them, jerked a thumb.

Want a drink? Xif and I rolled a keg of something into the larder.

Youre a gentleman, Saliss, sir.

No Im not.

The Drake mildly nodded to Wilovan as the Gnoll went to refresh himself. He must have been watching Lyonette all day, and the Gentlemen Callers didnt drink on the job. Saliss idly wondered how much their service would cost if they were charging Lyonette anything. But his eyes were really on Lyonette.

She stood in the hallway, for a moment. Her cheeks were flushed, and she had been smiling. Genuinely smiling. Then she strode towards her guest room. Saliss, of course, followed after.

Dearest Pawn,

I am writing to tell you Ive been unfaithful. I shall be direct, and tell you that I cannot remain in a relationship with you, honestly. I have seen other people for reasons I cannot explain. Simply put, I am sorry. Forget about me, please.

There was no artistry to the letter. None of the usual tact and delicacy she made Mrsha write with. Lyonettes quill trembled as she wrote, dashing the letters down onto the paper. Everything in the room was a gift of Oteslias First Gardener, who had many sympathies for Lyonettes plight.

How did her sisters write letters like this? Never so brazenly. Theyd use careful expressions, even if they had been caught. Lyonette knew Pawn wouldnt understand them. And she

Huh. So you did sleep with him? Seems early. He just talked you into going out into the city for the first time.

Saliss voice made Lyonette jump. He was peering over her shoulder, and as silent as Wilovan or Ratici. Lyonette looked at the letter, then began to fold it up into an envelope. She addressed it, poured wax over the seal, and only then turned to glare at Saliss.

He held out a claw. The yellow-scaled [Alchemist] and Named Adventurer had a smile on his face, but Saliss smiles were not all the same. His eyes were speculative, watching her.

Want me to bring it to the Runners Guild? Or is it the Mages Guild for confidential [Message] spells? You know they read them, dont you?

I am well aware. I will send it by City Runner myself.

Lyonette didnt make as if to rise. She put the letter on the corner of her desk, and looked at it. Saliss peered at her.

So youre going to sleep with that kid. Cirediel or whatever the First Gardeners son is named?

The [Worldly Princess] did not want to speak to Saliss right now. Yet, among her friends in Oteslia, he was the only one to talk to. Xif, Ratici, Wilovan, or Saliss were her immediate allies. Mivifabut she was only an acquaintance.

And for some reason, Lyonette didnt see the judgement she expected in Saliss gaze. The Named Adventurer looked a bit too knowing. So she replied, brusquely.

Of course I will. If I have to. Im leading him on.

If you had a tail, hed be twined all around it. So youll dowhat? Tell the First Gardener youve married her son, send an army to find Mrsha?

Lyonette glowered at Saliss.

Cirediel has the First Gardeners authority. Not just him. Ill do whatever it takes. The letter isIll send it if I must.

So the [Princess] sells herself for her daughter.

Its what were good at. Or have you never met a [Princess], Saliss? We are tools of the crown. I would have gone to another kingdom to forge an alliance. Thisat least I care about this.

The Drake nodded. He was watching Lyonette. Gone was her carefree smile. As she sat there, Lyonette du Marquin was cold.

Calculating. She did not weep, or scream, or try to break out of the city like a fool. Even when she had received word her daughter was goneshe had begun outrageously flirting with Cirediel that day.

Calm. Her blue eyes held a degree of ruthlessness that even [Soldiers] on the battlefield lacked, to Saliss mind. She had weighed her options, the things available to her. What would she do to ensure her daughter might be found and saved? Whatever it took.

Saliss hated it. Lyonette stood to head downstairs. She tripped over an outstretched foot. She didnt actually fall, but caught herself and whirled, glaring.

Saliss! This is not the time!

Theres always time to annoy people.

The nudist Drake turned. His own eyes had violet pupils. Lyonnete expected a mocking grin.

He wasnt smiling. And his eyes, locked on hers, were too

The [Worldly Princess] hesitated. Saliss of Lights shook his head.

I like annoying people. Annoying people is simple, egalitarian. It treats everyone with the assumption that they all deserve to be annoyed. I dont like treating other people with respect because theyre a [General], or because theyre a Wall Lady. Or a [Princess].

He closed one eye, and regarded Lyonette.

I dont like it when they treat themselves differently, either.

Saliss. Dont talk me out of this. This is all I can do. I am a [Princess]. We have always been the currency of kingdoms!

Lyonette snapped. The Drake exhaled. Then he looked at Lyonette, seriously. The Drake reached outand poked Lyonette in the chest.

You are depressing. Is that how you Humans think, in Terandria? De. Pres. Sing.

He poked her. She swatted at his claw, but his hand was too fast. Saliss went on, frowning mightily.

Even for the Walled Cities youreno, wait. Nah. You fit in. With the most cynical, cold-hearted Drakes. Everyones just a thing to be used. And so are you? Wrong. Stupid. Dont do that, Lyonette. It will cost more than you think. Believe me.

He shook his head. Lyonette hesitated.

And how would you know?

She snapped, unguarded, angry, because his words struck home too much. What Lyonette was not prepared for was the look she got.

Because I know.

It was rather like being doused by cold water. Lyonette looked at Saliss and suddenly had many questions. Many questions, but the Drakeslookprohibited any of them. At last, Lyonette turned. She clenched her hands so hard her fingernails dug into her skin.

And what am I supposed to do? Mrsha is out there. And I cant

Her shoulders shook. Saliss, mouth closed in memory, was lost for a moment. Then he saw the young womans shoulder shake. She sat down, not even bothering to find a bed or chair. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

The Named Adventurer looked down at her.

Oh, of course. Lyonette sat, overcome by grief. Zeres army had Oteslia surrounded. And it might have been possible for her to leaveif she hadnt been marked by two Admirals of Zeres and the Sharkcaptain.

There, there.

Saliss awkwardly patted her shoulder. He sighed and produced the letter hed looted from her desk. Damn Ancestors.

Saliss tore it up. She could always re-write it, but maybe she wouldnt send it at all if she thought about it again.

It was socomplicated. Depressing girls that reminded Saliss ofwell.

Herself.

If only it were an easy solution like kill everything. The [Alchemist] was good at that. However. He sat, patting Lyonettes shoulder. Well. It was still interesting.

They were a bit similar after all. It made Saliss want to help this young idiot. But how?

Oteslia was under siege. Zeres had come with an army, and Liscors famed mercenaries were also contributing to a blockade over the issue of the Human [Lady].

And other issues. Frankly, they were also there due to the Meeting of Tribes, because Zeres and Oteslia had been at war for quite some timeit was a siege as usual.

Such normality meant that there was still traffic in and out of Oteslia. City Runners and a small number of vehicles were stopped by Zeres [Soldiers] and let go.

Because, of course, City Runners were an independent body. Same with the Wyverns or Pegasi that might travel through the air. It was a curious standard; of course Oteslias [Pegasus Riders] were the enemy. But Oteslias Pegasi that fulfilled the Walled Citys transport or other vital services superseded the mere state of war and were allowed to fly.

It said a lot that Oteslians were so used to being besieged in the Walled City of Growth that some had penpals in said army camped outside their walls. In the end, the move was as symbolic as it was a war of financial pressure; it cost money to keep Zeres army in the field, but Oteslia in turn was deprived of trade.

Magnolia Reinharts presence nowthat had escalated the situation. As had a number of other factors, like Salazsar sending no less than five representatives, including Wall Lord Ilvriss, Wall Lady Navine, and Helessia Gemscale. It worried concerned minds that there might be an actual possibility of some kind ofpeace?

Unacceptable. Of course, that was one angle. Sheer disgust at Magnolia Reinhart was a simple motive. There were far more that were unexpected and unforeseen.

Such as Manus growing agitation. Not for any reason Zeres could have known, and the City of War did not want to show how upset they were. However, a certain Wall Lady Rafaemas presence in what could hypothetically be a warzone?

Absolutely not. If Lyonettes cold rationalization and mentality was as a mother to a child in danger, so wasall of Manusto Rafaema. They were considering all moves without revealing why they wanted this war ended, but an unconditional kill order had been sent to Hunt Commander Makhir and every agent in the city regarding protecting Rafaema.

Honestly, the Dragon hated it. Did they think she was an idiot? She had a copy of the very same orders that were making the newly-freed Ferris and Makhir practically follow her into the toilet. What really insulted her was their insistence they had no special orders to obliterate anyone who so much as sneezed in her direction.

Rafaema was willing to own she was not a grown, adult Dragon, and wouldnt be for another hundred years. 200 was the age of maturity among Dragonsbut it didnt mean they were children all that time!

Half-Elves grew at a normal rate to Humans until their teens. Same with Dragons. When Rafaema had been 14 years old, she hadnt been a drooling idiot; shed been a girl, but still functional!

Shed learned how to crack Manus internal code ciphers no matter how much they changed when she was twenty three. She had a century of being coddled and she was done.

Ferris. What are the odds Zeres actually attacks Oteslia?

Somewhere below 1%, Wall Lady Rafaema.

Right. It would be disastrous. Even if they tried, Im sure Manus would intercede. Or even hire Liscors army to halt Zeres. This is a political siege. Theyre mad about Magnolia Reinhart and the army might be here because of all the cities getting burned along the Great Plains.

Ferris hesitated as Makhir scanned the street they were walking down. The [Hunt Commander] had a double bodyguard of [Soldiers] from Manus, all with bows, casually strolling along. Rafaema saw him glance at Makhir and the Gnoll coughed.

In regards to that, Rafaema, we cant discuss intelligence or possible moves

The Dragon rolled her eyes. It was obvious to her. Zeres loved to throw its weight around depending on which Serpentine Matriarch was in charge and this one was spicy.

Hah! Name me one that wasnt. Rafaema concluded her argument.

Either way, an actual attack is beyond unlikely. So, Ferris, Hunt Commander. Kindly stop breathing down my tail or I will toss you over the walls.

Ferris and Makhir glanced at each other, and the Gnolls stopped shadowing Rafaema so closely she could feel their fur brushing her scales.

Apologies, Rafaema. But we are on duty and if anything should happen to you while it was just us on duty

Makhir grimaced. Rafaema frowned at him.

Why would that matter?

Were the only officers in the city. Im sure Manus would like at least one more, although were quite aware you can handle yourself, as you proved with that [Assassin]!

Makhirs words were complimentary, but Rafaema espied somethingshe glanced at the two and finally got what she had missed.

Both Gnolls looked meaningfully at each other. Rafaemas brows snapped together.

Youre both officers of Manus! Does the Dragonspeaker and High Command think youll throw me over for the Gnoll tribes or something?

She turned, and the Drake [Soldiers] walking with them studiously looked everywhere but at Makhir, Rafaema, or Ferris. The Dragon stomped forwards.

Unbelievable. This is why Manus is on the decline. You people dont see it. You live likeas long as toads! And you wonder why we cant recruit Steelfurs warriors to serve in our armies? Because every two decades, some [Captain] is called out for calling Gnolls dogs or Manus supports a Drake city over a Gnoll tribe! You forget. They dont. Neither do I!

Rafaema, your voice

Makhir murmured, but he looked gratified. Rafaema just snorted and the air ionized around her as the Lightning Dragon walked on. The others, her bodyguards of Manus? The Drakes looked at their Ancestor among them, who already spoke like that. Lead us into the future.

It was heavy. Rafaema could see herself making a difference, though. That was why Makhir and Spearmaster Lulv were two of her closest allies; the Gnolls could see how she would change things.

Drakes. Her people could be courageous, smart, dedicated and hardworking. Or stubborn, arrogant, closeted, and prejudiced. It was not that they were worse than Humans or Gnolls; it was just that she knew them too well. They thought she, their Ancestor, would take them into another era of glory.

Rafaema, the Dragon, considered that the best way would be to take the strengths of other races as well as her relatives, the Drakes. They thought of themselves as closest to her. She thought of Drakes and Gnolls as almost equally distant.

In a way, it was like how Humans were distantly related to rats as mammalian species, but were closer to primates like monkeys and apes. The only difference was that Rafaema, and perhaps Dragons in general, saw the remove as equal. Monkeys? Rats? Like Gnolls and Drakes, they were both distant relatives to Dragons, if at all.

She didnt tell any of them that, of course. Rafaema was conscious of her authority. She was done with being a troublemaking wild child. And as if to mock her efforts, the burden on her wings and shoulders

Hey Raf! You done monking around? Lets hang out! Itll be an Archmage dayLyonettes hitting the streets with us!

The female Dragon closed her eyes. Even Makhir and Ferris winced. A figure leapt down from where all of the bodyguards, Makhir, Ferris, and Rafaema had seen him lurking five minutes ago.

Cirediel, the Earth Dragon of Oteslia, was the brat to Rafaemas reserve. It just went to show; it was about your mentality, not a mere difference in ages. He went to slap Rafaemas shoulder, and saw Makhir glaring at him.

Whoa. Raf, you have to stop hanging around with the Dulls. Theyre armored plodders. Come on, youre in my city! Lets fly!

Dulls? As in, dull, plodding? Which also suggested Dullahans? Rafaema crossed her arms and glowered at Cirediel.

Cire, Oteslia is at war.

So? Its just a siege. Come on, you never visit and you want to walk about?

Its up to you, Wall Lady. We can catch up.

And here came the double standards. Her overprotective escort, Makhir, Ferris, and the Manus soldiers, rather than threaten to break Cires legs, instead all gave her the go-ahead nod.

Because Cire had Oteslias bodyguard in the skies. Also, because the two Dragons getting along was priority #2, after Rafaemas safety.

She wasnt happy about that prospect either. Oh, did Rafaema think about it. Cire too. She caught his eyes on her wings. And then saw them slide sideways, lighting on her armor, her undershirt

Alright, Cire. Lets fly.

Rafaemas retribution was swift. Alsohorrifying to males in general, and anyone expecting Dragon offspring. Cirediel lay in a familiar pose to all males, legs crossed, whimpering. Makhir grabbed a healing potion.

She did fly, though. Rafaema leapt straight up, in a soaring jump that even other Oldblood Drakes would have been pressed to copy. Her rapid acceleration left her guards behind, and for a moment, Rafaema breathed in the morning air, cool and wonderful on her scales, the varied scents of Oteslia, pollen and sweet fruits.

She felt free.

Right up until Cirediel flew after her, squawking. He never caught up immediately; she was faster, stronger, and far more skilled with a blade than he was. But he had that annoying endurance to chase her around the city. He never got tired.

You are so not Archmage, Rafaema! Youyoubooted bastard!

Rafaema glanced down at her boots.

Dont you mean, creler, Cire?

She slowed to let him catch up. The Earth Dragon sulked as they flew around the city, keeping well clear of the walls.

No. Crelering is bad. Youre a boot. You know, the Watch?

Boots?

Armored boots who beat up innocent people. Didnt you hear about how they were treating people? Like in Cellidel?

Isnt that where Sellme lives? And thats the Watch, Cire. Theyre not nice. They enforce order.

Hah! Youre all mind-controlled by spells and what the brass says, Rafaema. Wake up! Manus is all boots and no smart people at all.

The Lightning Dragon had to turn in the skies and stare at Cirediel, with such frank incredulity he checked himself.

Cire. Your guardiyour mother is the First Gardener of Oteslia! Youre as connected to the High Command of a Walled City as anyone is!

He blew out his cheeks.

Well, yeah. But I dont let her mindwash me!

What did you even say to that? Rafaema just dove and Cire followed.

Oh, come on, Raf!

Dont call me that!

She turned and Cire dove just in time to dodge the actual fork of lightning. He flew back, squawking.

No lightning! No breath! Dont make me fight you, Rafaema!

Yes, Im so nervous of you fighting me.

She sneered. Although it was true that Cirediel could spit acidshe sighed, folded her arms.

Are those your minders?

Cirediel turned his head and saw some Drakes with wings and two [Pegasus Fliers] following from a distance. He grimaced.

Yep.

Lets lose them.

The two Dragons glanced at each other and dropped, so fast that the Oteslian [Guards] couldnt keep up. They hit the ground hard, but they were Dragons and were running down the street. Rafaema saw Cire running with a huge grin on his face. She rolled her eyes.

But for all they fought, they were alike. Two people who knew what it was like to be minded all the time, watched.

And to be alone. So when they paused, in the lee of a building and glanced up, they saw Oteslias watchers circling.

Lost us. Do they have magical seekers on you, Cire?

Nope. I told them Id run off if they did. You?

I blasted a hole through a priceless painting or statue every time I found one on me.

Archmage.

Rafaema sighed.

Hunt Commander Makhir will find us, though, or Ferris. They have tracking Skills.

They do? Thats so

Shut up. If I hear one more bit of street slang, I will kick you again. Lets walk and talk before they find us.

The two did. In a sense, this was a time for them to be children still. Rafaema was aware of the politics regarding the siege, and the beyond paranoid decisions regarding her safety, but no one had asked her input on how to shape events.

They let her into the war council meetings, but she was still a child. At least, when she was with Cire, they were equals. Even if he was annoying. And they did talk.

They let you into the war council meetings? Really?

Rafaema gave him a steady look.

I keep telling you, you could insist.

Yeah, butI mean, theyd probably let me in, but Id have to sit there for hours and theyd want me to keep going

So dont. Dead gods, Cire. Do you just want to be let into all the important meetings but never actually go?

He gave her two thumbs up and a grin.

Yep! Unless something totally Archawesome happens, though.

Unbelievable.

Rafaema had a real reason beyond evading her captors to talk to Cire, though. She slowed, dragging him under a waterway that allowed Oteslias waters to feed many gardens. They talked, amid what looked like a lot of graffiti. Cire flapped his wings happily.

Oh, cool! You know our hideouts? I did this piece. Do you like

Shut up.

She whispered. He went still as Rafaema lowered her voice and twisted a ring on her finger. Magic was hard for her, but she was learning it too. She whispered.

Have you actually gotten that Human to talk to you? The [Princess]? Lyonette?

Cire went still, and an unusual look of seriousness crossed his face. He rubbed at his neck spines.

Who? Her? Yeah, weve been hanging

Ive seen that. Shes all over you this week.

Yeah, well, I just had to turn my natural charm up and

Rafaema raised a fist and Cire shielded his face.

What? She likes me!

It certainly seemed that way, Rafaema allowed. She sighed.

But have you gotten her alone?

Im hoping to get more thandont hit me, dont hit me! No, I havent. Shes sorta interested in the group. Me, obviously, but everyone.

Well, you need to get her alone. Not to sleep with her, you twit! To ask her about what we both picked up on! The other Dragon!

Cire bit his lip.

Are you sure its real, Rafaema? Its been getting fainter each week

Its still there.

It wasnt pheromones, or if it was, it wasnt anything Ferris or Makhir could smell. It was more like asense. The same sense Rafaema and Cire had for each other. When they had first met, theyd known, even under illusion spells.

We are Dragons. We are kin.

It was faint, though, and growing fainter. Rafaemas only explanation was that Lyonette had not only run into a Dragon some time ago, but actually been close to one. Thenher heart fluttered at the thought.

Were not the last ones.

Forget flirting. Just find a way to get her alone and ask. That isdo it covertly! Dont just come out with it. Shes the 6th Princess of Calanfer. Be discreet. We could put both our cities in danger if shes a spy or reporting back.

So I dont tell her Im a Dragon?

Rafaemas mouth worked. Cire looked at her face.

I dont. I knew that! Okay, okay. Illtry to get her alone.

Do it today! Im tired of waiting!

The Earth Dragon looked hurt.

Its hard to get a girl alone without, yknow, Raf. I have to be suave. Ill do it! But she is into me, dont you think? She keeps flirting with that old bag of scales.

You mean, Wall Lord Ilvriss, Wall Lord of Salazsar and one of the richest Drakes?

Cire huffed.

Hes old. Im way cooler. Im a Dragon. You think shes into me, right? She was flirting with one of my buddies

Rafaema sat under the waterway and stared at a dripping block. Unbelievable. She was finding the first Dragon besides Cire ever, perhaps one of the last ones in existence, and she had to rely on his tact and acumen. She closed her eyes.

This is impossible. Alright.

Her gaze opened. Maybe she could do something. Now she thought of itMakhir and Ferris would probably be happy if she hung out with Cire. Rafaema had declined to do so because her image as a responsible Wall Lady of Manus would be ruined among Oteslia for a decade or more if she consorted with those idiots. Howevershe glanced down at one of the rings on her claws.

She did have a trick to pull.

On their long journey, the lowly grasshopper student observed the true levels of sagacity of a master of evasion, trickery, and deception.

Wanderer and Mrsha had been on the move for over a week now, and moving fast. Mrsha, who had been reluctant about the entire half-kidnapping affair, still had mixed feelings. She had to admit two things, however:

Gnolls were hunting for her with ill intent. AndWanderer was good at his job.

Not being nice to Mrsha, or patting her on the head, or tucking her into bed with a big glass of milk and providing cookies. But keeping Mrsha safe, evading what felt like every Gnoll on the continent, and moving fast?

Oh yes, he could do that. The Gnoll was geared beyond even the Gold-ranks that Mrsha knew. He had special boots, a special cloak, a special quarterstaff, and special Skills.

He could use [Grasshoppers Run] to leap across terrain. He could blur across long distances like Pisces [Flash Step]; even disappear and reappear in limited circumstances. This was because Wanderer, or Wer, was high-level. Not just high-level.

A [Guardian]. Of what, and the specifics, he refused to tell Mrsha. He was thus [Wanderer] in class, and [Guardian]. Of Gnolls like her.

Even so, with all his considerable abilities, the pursuit had been getting more extreme. At first it had just been a few Drakes joking about every little Gnoll girl maybe being the missing Gnoll on television. Then it had been Gnolls giving her the side-eye sometimes as they walked on the streets.

Mrsha had realized they were actually out for her when she saw a group of eight Gnolls with bows being arrested by the Watch. Wer had tossed her into a group of young Gnoll children going home from the Drake school and Mrsha had watched as the arguing Plains Gnolls had been arrested after a tense stand-off with the Drakes.

Those arrows were meant for her. The danger Mrsha felt ratcheted up after the second close call. Wanderer had been letting her splash around in a pond. Someone must have seen them, because he had come running, grabbed her, and they had run out of the little forest and seen nearly a hundred Gnolls on horseback surrounding and charging in, howling.

Why did they want her dead so much? Mrsha was a Plains Gnoll and she heard the stories. Doom came to those with white fur, and they were bad luck. Terrible things happened around them, like tornados and monster attacks.

She now knew that was partly true and the white fur meant they had powers. But this level of animosity?

It frightened her. Her own kind were after her, and Wanderer did not help.

They think youll bring disaster on other tribes by living. Listenlisten. That damned Drake did us no favors.

Drassi is nice! Be nice!

She punched his arm as he sat in the private dining room in the inn of the city of Marwsh, a cat-infested city with a sizeable Gnoll population. However, it was excellent cover; the Plains Gnolls were unlikely to suspect them of having gone here, and Wers Level 4 passport had gotten them into the city and even merited respect from the Drake [Innkeeper].

Mrsha saw Wanderer tiredly fumbling at his pouch as he chewed on a corned beef meal. It was good food, but he looked worn. Hed had to literally pick her up and run to evade Gnoll groups stopping anyone with a Gnoll her age. Sometimes for hours. Sometimes at night!

She might be nice, but that idiot had no idea what she was doing.

Wer snapped back. He put something on the table. Mrsha saw it was a gold coin and some silver; hed paid for high-class rooms, posing as a travelling [Merchant] on holiday with his son. Mrsha was the son. She fooled the Drake [Innkeeper] mainly because he couldnt tell the difference.

Mrsha had some travelling trousers on, and a smock that Gnolls sometimes wore. She didnt like both, but Wanderer went on as he put more objects on the table.

Its got to be a big tribe thats organizing this hunt. They do it, you see, because theyve put so much on us. They can blame us for a lot of what goes wrong, but it means they have to back up their claims. So many pursuersIm running out of tricks and were not even halfway there.

It had been nearly half a dozen close calls. Mrsha nodded, writing carefully on a note card. Wer grunted.

Still think youd have been safe at Liscor? Like I said, if theyre sending hunting groups into the city, youd have had to hide in a safe room because if they even saw you, theyd take a shot. Whats this?

He read the card.

If we cant get to Salazsar, maybe we can go to Oteslia? Pwease?My mothers there.

Mrsha had realized their route had taken them closer to Oteslia as much as Salazsar; Wer had taken them further south to confuse their pursuers. In response, he just growled.

Oteslia? Right along the Great Plains? Why dont I hang us both? Not that there isnt a good pointbut no. Im one Gnoll and we need to get you a cover story. Its getting too hard.

The problem was it was the two of them, and one adult Gnoll and one little girl exactly matched the description Drassi had put out. Hence the close calls.

Only one thing had saved them. Even Wers many Skills and artifacts eventually would have failed. But for the luck.

A Watchwoman interviewing them spotting a [Thief]. Suspicious groups heading their way seeing a fat flock of ducks they just had to hunt. The latest example had been the most dramatic; Gnolls chasing after them suddenly fell into a sinkhole that engulfed them out of nowhere.

Luck. Wer was using his power. ButMrsha peered anxiously as the Gnoll sat there. He lookedhollowed out.

Grey. His fur had lost its luster. Now, Wanderer produced something and placed it on the table.

Ive used up all my luck. RatherIve run a deficit. I need to make it up before the backlash hits.

Mrsha peered at him. Backlash? Deficit? Wanderer grinned at her.

Told you there were consequences. I drew too heavily, and believe me, itll hit me right back. I think I can hold it off, but sometimes you cant. So here. While we eat, lets play a game. Have you ever played dice?

He jiggled a cup and bone dice. Mrsha blinked. Of course she knew dice!

Lets play Rolling Gems. With actual money. You have the money I gave you? Well do a silver coin in the pot.

It was a simple game. Whoever was higher won, and could take the current pot or demand the other player ante in again. It was a Drake game, all about greed.

There were a few derivative rules Mrsha didnt remember that Wer educated her on. You rolled four dice; all four of one number meant you doubled your tally, so even all 2s was great.

On the other hand, all 6s on the six-sided dice was an instant-win and the opponent had to double the contents of the pot. All 1s was an instant loss, but Mrsha could either keep the pot or make Wer double it, not both.

Simple rules. Mrsha was amused they were playing for real coins. Wer just shrugged.

Ill let you keep what you win. It wouldnt be an actual game otherwise.

Oho. Mrshas eyes gleamed. Mrsha the Gambler wasnt about to turn down some spare change. She began to roll the dice eagerly as they ate and plotted their next course.

Well take another carriage by evening. I need to restlet me sleep after this. Ill settle up with the [Innkeeper] so we can leave by noon. Then well go by carriage. Maybe we need to hire someone to pretend were a family, but if they think youre the stolen child

What if I vouch for me not being stolen?

Mrsha rolled a 3, a 1, a 5, and a 2. Wer rolled a 3, a 4, a 2, and a 4. Glowering, Mrsha let him take two silver coins. She slapped down another one. She wasnt seeing much bad luck here!

They rolled again and Mrsha took the pot. Wer sighed.

You mean, vouch that youre not the mute little girl who only writes by offering them proof in writing?

Mrsha glowered as Wer took the third pot, then the fourth. She wanted to send word to Lyonette she was alright, but Wer had told her that would lead the enemy right to them. And they were already close. She tried to think on how to convince him to go to Oteslia. OrLyonette had said she was going to the Meeting of Tribes, and to Liscor.

Was she there? Or

Mrshas drooping face made Wer glance at her. He saw her roll the dice and put her little chin on the table.

This isnt fun.

She handed him a card. Wer saw her glance at the door. The Drake [Server] had been plenty polite, the Drakes made the joke about is this the missing girl? Whoops, not white fur! that almost half of them did; Mrshas fur was reddish brown.

But really, it was the hatred. It was the fear.

Why do they hate us?

The Gnoll had told her the answer, but Mrsha still asked. She had rolled 2, 2, 2, and 3, so she waited. Wanderer had no answer for her. Or at least, not one that didnt include a lot of history. This was the way it was. He picked up the dice, and rolled

All 1s.

Mrsha perked up. She pointed at the four dice, clapped her paws, and did a little dance in her seat. She pointed at Wanderer. Ha ha! Bad luck!

The older Gnoll just sighed and asked what Mrsha wanted.

Double the pot or take it?

Mrsha the Greedy thought about it, and made him add two more silver to the pot. She smugly saw Wer pick up the dice. He shrugged, tossed them out

And rolled four ones again.

Mrshas eyes went round. She stared at the dice, which had tumbled, but somehow bounced back to their original spots. She stared at Wer.

I guess that doesnt count? No, but he was looking at her.

Take the pot or double it?

Mrsha hesitated. She hesitantly held up double the pot. After all, now he had to put in four silver to match the four in the pot. Even if she lost, she had odds at reversing all her losses thus far. She reached for the dice.

And rolled a 3, 2, 5, and 5. Mrsha blinked. Not a bad roll! She just had thought it would be all 6s or something. Wer reached for the cup. He rattled the dice for a bit. And when he rolled

Four 1s again. Mrsha stopped. She stared down at the dice, up at Wer.

Told you.

Blank-faced, the Gnoll gestured at the eight silver coins.

Double or take?

Double? Mrsha stopped Wer as he reached for the cup this time. She took one die out, and held it.

Roll three. And throw them hard!

He did. The sixteen silver coins on the table reflected the dice as they bounced. Mrsha saw one bounce onto her plate, another off a cup. The last landed on the floor. She stared at the first die. The second. Then she went onto the floor and picked up the die.

Wer didnt even stare at the dice. He looked at the one in her paw.

Do you want to roll it? Go ahead. Ill let it count.

Mrsha hesitantly did. It rolled across the table two times. Stopped.

Four ones.

If I were you, Id double up. That means Id owea gold coin and a half. Almost.

Twenty silver to a gold piece. Mrsha bit her lip. She slowly nodded, and didnt even bother rolling that turn; hed lost by default. Wer let her roll the next one.

Three ones and a two. Mrsha stared at it. She stared at his cup as it jangled and he tossed them out.

Four

Double or take?

Wer stared at the pot. Then he put three gold coins in, taking the rest out. Mrsha didnt argue he was off by a few silver. Mrsha the Gambler had stopped smiling. She just stared as he went to roll the dice.

No, wait! She took the dice, and put them in her paw. Ill roll for you, okay?

If you want. Remember. Its your gold. I mean it. I will not take it back. Were playing for real money.

Wer had his money pouch on the table and Mrsha knew he had lots of gold. Even so.she hesitantly rolled a die out.

One. She stared at the single pip. Mrsha popped a die out, saw it clattering aboutand slapped it. It shot across the table, bounced off Wers paw as he blocked it, rolled backon the same face.

One.

Mrsha was getting nervous now. She looked up at Wanderer. His face. He looked tired. Exhausted. But more than that? A terrible calmness hung over him.

A deficit of luck.

Keep playing. It helps, a bit. Please, Mrsha.

Slowly, she rolled the last die. Mrsha looked at it once, and had had enough. She deliberately reached out, and slapped a die down.

Six!I rolled it, so there! Wer glanced at the die. Mrsha defiantly stared at him. She reached for the cup so she could roll, and then

Excuse me! Is the food alright? Can I get you

The Drake [Server] coming in to check on the private guests opened the door. She saw the little brown Gnolls paw jerk. She blinked as Wer lifted a paw.

Everythings fine.

Oh, alright then. If you need anything, just ring

The two were silent until the Drake went. Mrsha saw Wer calmly appraise her, as if checking to see if she had been spying on them or was reporting them. Mrsha had gone still.

She was so well-meaning. Like Drassi. Mrsha felt it all happening, like evil clockwork. Pieces fitting into place, but a bad puzzle. Spinning, adjusting themselves.

Like dice.

Mrsha saw the gaggle of figures outside the inn slow. The Gnolls in the common room looked up. Theyd been listening. Their heads turned. Mrsha saw Wer move.

He exploded out of the air next to her. The Gnoll stepped out of space, scattering the terrified cats. He said one word in her ear.

Run!

As quiet as a whisper. As desperate as death. Mrsha saw his paw blur. He struck her with a shower of liquid. Mrsha?

She vanished. The little Gnoll hit the ground, the invisibility potion coating her fur. There was no potion like that for Wer. He downed a tonic that made the fur on his body harden, like it was suddenly made of stone. A second tonicand then he exploded forwards, catching the Gnolls coming out of the back door of the inn and down the alleyway by surprise.

Mrsha had never heard a Gnoll roar like that. It surprised everyone. Wer had a dagger in one paw. He plunged it into the chest of the first Gnoll, and the quarterstaff was already spinning, striking another.

Wanderer roared as Mrsha ran, streaking past the Gnolls, the Watch blowing their whistles. Screams filled the air. But the Plains Gnolls, the [Shamanic Warriors]they moved faster than the Watch. They came for the alleyway, weapons drawn, magical markings glowing. Howling a call to the hunt.

A call to death. Mrsha heard the furious cadence. They were here to kill both.

She ran, looking back. Wer! Wanderer! He was fighting alone in the alleyway! How long could he hold them off? Could he hold them off?

She had to run. Get into the sewersno, find somewhere to hide her scent! Get out of the city? She had to do something. Cats. [Druid]. She was a [Druid]. She just had to

There you are.

A kindly claw plucked the little Gnoll off the ground as she scampered past the adults, invisible, fast as could be. Mrsha could be smelled and heard, but even the [Shamanic Warriors] who might have detected her were distracted by the roaring Gnoll.

Who could see a little Gnoll? Who had spotted the little girl?

A kind Guardswoman, thats who. The Drake plucked Mrsha up as her squad recoiled.

[Anti-Invisibility Sight]. [Danger-Spotter]. You glow. Ive never seen anything like that. Youre safe now, dear.

Mrsha struggled, frantically, but the Senior Guardswoman had her! She frowned, trying to soothe Mrsha, and one of the Plains Gnolls, a huge Gnoll with two axes, bellowing the attack, turned. He saw the struggling outlines of Mrsha in the air and his eyes widened.

Merish! Is that the Doomguy whos stealing children? Merish? Was your friend right? Is it?

A little Lizardman bounded over, hopping on one foot, with a staff of all things. Merish, the Gnoll leader, didnt answer. He just stared at Mrsha as the oblivious Senior Guardswoman tried to assure her she would be reunited with her family.

Ill luck.

It was a tableau of too many scenes. Marwsh was one of those travelling cities, a popular hub to stay in while on the road. Unless you were allergic to cats.

Even thenit was a good place to blend in, in theory. So many people intersecting meant that the Watch wasnt as scrupulous about identities or as familiar as a city with few visitors. A perfect place if you were on the lam.

The Drake sneezed as he watched with the other guests of the inn. Outrageous, really. Turned out of their inn by the Watch!

Tyrannical armored boots.

The young Drake muttered, scowling. Someone should draw a mural about it! But apparently, and thankfully, this wasnt about himnot that there would be any reason for him to be worried.

Whats up? Dont tell me you caused trouble again, Tesy? It was one day.

An exasperated voice whispered in his ear. The pale-scaled Drake jumped, dragged his hood higher, then relaxed.

Vetn! Dont scare me like that!

The taller young man grinned. He was about Tesys age, but he had a black fur complexion with faint, light blue highlights around his ears and on his arms. Well, today he did.

Appearance was variable, as Tesy well knew. The rose-scaled Drake had a very light pink coloration. Alsovariable. But you could do a lot if you knew something about dyes and colors.

The two recognized each other despite the differences in coloration; they were old friends. Vetn scrutinized the commotion as he slid into the crowd watching the inn. More of the Watch were arriving and he and Tesy both eyed them with some degree of distrust, although if Vetn was wary, Tesy was actively hostile. A key difference between the two.

Youre as jumpy as Ive ever seen you. Whats up? How bad is it? What did you do, draw inside the inn? Why are there so many [Guards]? Ive been travelling all week to meet up. Tesy, I wanted a break

I dont know if Im in trouble! And this isnt my fault! This is unrelated, I swear!

Vetn gave him an unconvinced look. But he watched, arms folded.

I heard about Cellidel. Was that it? Did you get spotted? I thought you would have all fought instead of letting them get killed.

Yes! No! We were fighting the boots! But this one Senior Guardsman took all of us out! All of the free fighters! And he knows what I look like!

Vetns face turned worried at once.

Thats a disaster. Tesy!

He might not tell. Listen, its complicated.

Might not tell? Why? You have some kind of blackmail over him? Youd better explain this, Tesy.

I will. Its just

The roar from the alleyway made both dive for cover. Tesy ended up with Vetn on his back; theyd both dove behind a nearby wagon with unmatched reflexes.

WellVetn was agile enough to be crouching. Tesy was just flat on his face.

Get off! What was that? What was

The [Innkeeper] ran screaming as the Watch jerked, and Gnolls began charging forwards. Tesy heard a scream.

Dead gods! Its the kidnapper!

Call for reinforcements! Wheres the child! Stop! The Gnolls just

Whistles filled the air. Tesy and Vetn poked their heads over the wagonright before it went rolling as the [Driver] leapt into the front and steered it away from danger. They stood, with the rest of the crowd, at a remove, then decided to back up further as the first bloody Gnoll stumbled out of the alley and fell down.

Ancestors! Ancestors!

Tesy turned pale at the sight of the maimed Gnoll. Vetn was even more alarmed. He pulled Tesy.

Get back!

Both young men werent used to this kind of violence, but again, there was a difference. Vetn was ready to bolt; Tesy craned his neck to see.

Is it the boots? They said kidnapperVetn, I think this is about that Gnoll kid who was on the scrying orbs!

Well, come away and lets watch from a safe distance! Dont get involved! Those are Plains Gnolls[Shamanic Warriors], not the Watch! Dont get involved, Tesy

It was only then they became aware of the altercation surrounding the Watch patrol, which hadnt entered the fray. Tesy pointed. Vetn blinked as a little Gnoll finally came into view as a Drake [Guard] emptied a flask over her head.

What the

Invisibility?

Then they saw the second layer of the drama. The furious, frantic little Gnoll fighting to get free, the Senior Guardswoman.

And the Plains Eye Gnolls, who turned away from the battle in the alleyway to stare at the little girl. Tesy was oblivious, but Vetns eyes flicked to their markings and he identified their tribe.

He grew tenser as Tesy edged closer to hear.

Its definitely the Gnoll who matches the description, Senior Guardswoman. Doesnt speakare you Mrsha? Youre safe now, Miss Mrsha.

One of the Drakes was trying to talk to Mrsha. Another was investigating her sopping wet fur.

Shes all brown, though. Is her fur dyed? Did that maniac?

Its not uncommon. Waters not making it come off, though. Shes still in danger. Muster up, squad! Look sharp! That kidnappers in the alley! Where are the reinforcements?

The Senior Guardswoman made the rest of her squad jump back to attention. Tesy didnt like boots, as he referred to them. But he had to admit, she reminded him a bit of that other Drake.

He folded his arms, watching keenly. The little Gnoll girl was wide-eyed, frantic, trying to tear free, and when that failed, tearing something out of her bag of holding. Gold coins fell to the ground in a shower and Vetn blinked.

Whoa! Thats a lot of money! And shes got some nice gear on her! A good magic wand, a nice bag of holdingis she a rich kid or what?

He peered at a gold coin in his paw, despite the shower of coins only landing a few feet around Mrsha. But she didnt even care. She was scribbling, writing desperately ona bit of paper?

Guardswoman. Thisthis is the Gnoll child.

One of the [Shamanic Warriors] had walked over, flanked by two more. The Gnoll girl went still when she saw them. Tesy did not like the way she shrank. He recognized that.

Fear.

The Senior Guardswoman saw it too. She coolly held Mrsha up, letting the Gnoll write with shaking paws. She glanced at Mrsha, the alleyway where the fighting was still background, and at the Gnoll warrior.

It seems that way. We need to take her to a safe place. Can your warriors handle that Gnoll, Chief WarriorMerish, was it?

He didnt even glance over his shoulders. The Gnoll had both paws on the hilts of his axes, clearly ready to charge into battle, but he was locked onto the little Gnoll girl.

They can.

In that casesquad, defensive perimeter! Were taking this girl to the Watch house. Double time. Shes still in danger.

The rest of the Watch began to move with the Senior Guardswoman, but they came to a halt. Tesy saw, to his growing confusion, the other Plains Gnolls on the street abandon their posts or attempts to get a vantage to shoot into the melee and instead come out tosurroundthe patrol.

Oh no.

Vetn muttered. He was staring at Mrsha. Mrsha and at the alleys entrance and at the Gnolls from the tribe he recognized.

Move aside.

One moment, Guardswoman. Check if it is her. Who has

The Gnoll grunted. He caught something as it was tossed to him and uncorked it. The Drake blocked it, but he offered it to her.

Dye remover.

She hesitated, checked the contents, then glanced down at Mrsha. The little Gnolls eyes were wide, but the Senior Guardswoman let a few drops land on her head.

Mrshas fur turned white instantly.

The sound the Gnolls made, then, was not a sigh, or a gasp, or even a murmur. It was more like agrowl

Vetn whispered.

Oh no. Oh, no, no

Tesy didnt understand.

Vetn. Whats going on? Her furs white. You told me Gnolls dont get white fur naturally.

Its her. Shes definitely the kidnapped child, Senior Guardswoman. Were going to be on the news!

One of the [Guards] celebrated, oblivious to what was happening. But the Senior Guardswoman was looking down at something Mrsha was holding up. The Gnoll girl was holding the notes out to the Chief Warrior, who was not looking at her, but at his companions. At the little Lizardman, who had picked up on the growl too.

Its her, Chief Warrior. Doom.

A Gnoll hissed. Merish raised a paw.

Viri. One moment. Senior Guardswoman, we will take thechild.

No.

The Senior Guardswoman replied. She tried to walk out of the small encirclement. Now she was sweating. She looked down at Mrsha. Around.

[Danger-Spotter]. Youre stillmove aside. Were grateful for your assistance. This is Watch business, however! Leave the child to us!

She raised her voice, but the rest of the Watch was heading towards the alleyway, not seeing the standoff here. Merish didnt move. He was looking at Viri, who was glancing at the Senior Guardswoman to Merish.

Shes Doom, Merish? But I thoughtwhats going on?

Viri.

No, no

Tesy was shaking Vetn. One of the Plains Gnolls reached for Mrsha.

Give her to us, Senior Guardswoman. Now.

It was not a request. The Drakes grip tightened.

No. Move aside. I said, move aside. By the order of the Watch

She raised something in her free claw. Not a dagger. Not a shield or a baton.

A whistle. She nearly had it in her lips when the Plains Gnoll growled, glanced at Merish who was arguing with the little Lizardman, so out of place, and drew a dagger.

She ran the Senior Guardswoman through the belly.

Time slowed. Tesy turned, eyes open wide in shock. The crowd of onlookers saw the Senior Guardswoman slowly drop Mrsha. The rest of her squad recoiled.

Then there was blood. It ran down onto the street. A [Guardsman] reached for a baton. Another for her whistle.

Then there was more blood. The Plains Gnolls were fast. Tesy saw five dead bodies drop so quickonly the Senior Guardswoman sat there, holding the dagger and her guts. She was fumbling for a healing potion.

The people in the street were running, screaming. Tesy was dragging Vetn back now. Thishe did not understand. He just looked at the tableau as Vetn muttered.

No, no

Doom.

The Plains Gnoll with bloody paws turned to the shaking little Gnoll girl on the ground. Her eyes locked on the white fur on her head.

The alleyway had gone terribly silent. The little Lizardman was shouting in horror.

Merish! What are you all doing? Merish!

Chief Warrior.

The big Gnoll was turning. He stared at the blood on the street, the Senior Guardswoman gasping up at him. He looked at the others.

Those are innocent guards! I did not give the order for this!

This is your first hunt. Not ours. Doom is alive! End it!

Another Gnoll spat back. Merish looked down.

A little Gnoll held out a card in trembling paws. Her inky little words ran together, and her entire body shook. Tears were in her eyes.

Please, stop. I did nothing wrong.

I loved my tribe. It wasnt my fault. I really think it wasnt my fault.

Why do you hate me?

But no one read it. They didnt care. Tesy stared. This wasnt happening. Why was it happening? This was a dream. He knew of terrible injustice, but this?

This was cold murder. They were going to

His claws fumbled for his side, for a brush, his tools, but it would be too late, too slow, too far away, even if he thought he could fight nearly three dozen Gnolls of that level.

Even so. His entire being revolted. He had to do something.

Someone moved then, in that little void between the Chief Warrior slowly reaching for the axe at his side. Down the long street, hundreds of feet distant. Little Gnoll, Plains Gnolls, bleeding Senior Guardswoman. A voice Tesy knew all too well.

Oh no. No, no. No.

Vetn. He began to run forwards. Tesys head turned.

Vetn. What are you doing? Vetn

His words were already too late. The Gnoll left them behind. He started forwards, and Tesy ripped at his concealed pouch of holding. He looked up as his friend

Accelerated.

Vetns bare feet hit the ground. Pads striking cobblestone. Ignored by the distant Gnolls. His feet moved faster.

In the frozen world, as Merish reached for the axe, drew it, and lifted it up, there were seconds. In between those seconds, in adrenaline and the life-and-death flashes, everything slowed down. The world becameslowbut so were you.

Except for him. Somehow, Vetn sped up. He moved like a few people could in any world.

In a time apart. At a speed no one else could match. He jogged down the street, and his stride began to lengthen. His legs lengthened, long limbs carrying him faster with each stride. Then he started running.

His feet touched the cobblestones, pushed off the stone, and Vetns posture changed further. Not down. Not like the four-legged gallop some Gnolls resorted to, even as adults. Looser, upright. A sprinters upright run.

Some of the Gnolls noticed the figure breaking towards to them. Heads turned, some even recognized the figure. But this was still in the time an axe took to rise to its apex and fall.

Hundreds of feet. A distant figure. A hundred meters.

A single sprinter, legs and arms pumping. Going faster with each step. Vetn went from his standing posture to a run. To a sprint.

Tesys brush finally cleared its hiding place. A painting palette rose as the Drake lifted it, mouthing the words of a Skill. Not Tesy.

Sellme. The famous [Magical Painter]. He was only a part of the audience, though. Backup. Backdrop. To another professional at work. Another famous figure.

Vetn leapt. Merish saw a blur as his axe dropped through the air. He saw Viri tear free of the paws holding him and leap, bellowing.

The axe stopped. Viri crashed into Merishs side and bounced off to no avail. But there was no point.

Mrsha was gone. The little girl in front of Merish justvanished. The Chief Warrior blinked. He stared at the ground. The Gnolls who had turned towards the running figure whirled around, seeing nothing, eyes wide. Then all of them looked down the street.

Forty feet away, Vetn reappeared. His cargo was under one arm, eyes wide, disbelieving. The Gnoll turned. Only Tesy understood what hed done.

[Flicker Theft]. The Drakes heart was pounding out of his chest. Merishs eyes went wide. He pointed, and his voice joined the other Gnolls.

Stop that Gnoll! That

They were so close. So close. The Gnoll began to run, the young man carrying the girl under one arm. Back the way hed come, past the surprised Gnolls. They lunged at him.

He ran up a wall and raced over their heads. As if gravity didnt matter. As if

Dooms accomplices! Kill them!

A Plains Gnoll howled. She nocked an arrow to her bow and a Lizardman kicked her in the face with a flying jump. Someone else tackled him and pinned him, but more Gnolls drew bows and more still were racing after Vetn, almost as fast. They charged down the street.

Straight into a brick wall. The Gnolls slammed into a brick wall in the middle of the street. Where had it come from? Why? A brick?

They were lovely red bricks and strong mortar. Tesy had drawn them way back when.

[Artbook: Saved Sketch]! [Art Comes to Life]! [The World is My Canvas]. [Speedpainting].

The brushs tip was still wet. Sellme panted. He saw Vetn slow, and a wide-eyed little girl staring at him.

Sellme! What are you standing around for?

His companion, compatriot, fellow professional bellowed. The Drake turned and took to his heels. Now two were running. The Gnolls streaming down the street ran around the wall, climbed over it.

Wer emerged from the alleyway, covered in blood, just in time to see two figures running. Two young people. Both male. Gnoll and Drake. His lips moved.

What the?

He saw a little Gnoll girl, her fur shining white behind the dye, looking at him. He felt it.

Luck.

Travellers. Coincidence? Not really.

Who are they? Get them! Kill them!

The Plains Gnolls were howling. They were coming down the street, weapons covered in blood, promising death. Seasoned killers.

They ran into a mud pit. Slammed into an invisible glass wall that shattered. The Gnolls charged through both. Then they hit the tripwire.

Damn it, stop painting and run!

Mrsha felt her savior slowing, turning with her under one arm. The rose-scaled Drake with the hood was a blur, the brush he carried drawing the obstacles so fast she could barely process it. Like a pre-rendered scene, being translated to the real world in moments.

Theyre going to kill us! What did you get us into? I dont have many paintings saved!

The Drake screamed back. The Gnoll cursed. He ran back.

You dont? Thats your entire job, you idiot!

He took one look at a snarling Gnoll bounding at them, his magical paints giving him speed. Vetn lowered his body, and dove under the slashing block from a spear. Then he whirled, changed course, and hoisted the Drake onto his shoulder. Carrying Mrsha under one arm and Tesy hanging from his left shoulder, Vetn ran.

[Loot Weighs Nothing]! Sellme gasped, winded. The Plains Gnolls chasing after them leapt, howling in triumph as the strange Gnoll slowed

And completely missed him. He was fifteen feet away by the time they swung their blades.

Merish had activated [Markings of Speed]. [Vanguards Advance]. [Adrenaline Rush]. He felt like he was running underwater as he charged after the Gnoll. How?

So fast. The Gnoll was storming towards the gates with a Drake on his shoulder and the child under his arm. The childMerish tore his eyes away from her. He had seen this before.

He had seen this before. This speed! This insanity!

He ran with the other Gnolls, towards the gates, but the Gnoll was so fast they were running towards some horses saddled and unattended as he ran vertically up the wall, leapt past the surprised [Guards], and over.

After him!

The Gnolls jumped onto horseback. They swarmed out of the city, riding for all they were worth. The [Magical Painter] was shouting as the Gnoll ran. He was tiring. Yet even now, he was the fastest.

Faster than Couriers! Faster than horses! The Plains Eye tribes Doomslayers raced after him during the time when he was fastest. Who had to be this quick? Only someone who had to outrun everyone and everything. Who could steal jewels from under your nose in the time it took to blink.

And here came his famous calling card. Only, it came from the [Magical Painter] who called it out of a drawing. A team effort that had given him his name.

A cloud. It blasted Merish in the face, a fog of mist and wetness. The Gnolls crashed into each other, shouted, lost sight of the Gnoll. Then Merish felt something odd happening to the saddle he was sitting in. His horse slowed

And the painted creature turned back into paint. Merish and the other Doomslayers found themselves sitting in the grass outside of the city as a huge cloud floated upwards. A mocking smile, a raised thumb. Such that all of the people in Marwsh saw it, floating upwards.

They shouted his name. Merish bellowed it as it came to him, howling at the empty plains where the three had disappeared.

Thief of Clouds!

In relief? Then they were gone, and Merish wasleft with the Drake city up in arms, giving pursuit, neither quarry had.

And Viri, the little Lizardman, stared at the dead Watch in disbelief. At the sudden violence and slaughter. At what Doom was, and his friend. Slowly, he bent down and picked up a little notecard.

He read it.

Bad decisions. Regrettable mistakes.

The right thing for the wrong reasons or the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. Sometimes they were just mistakes.

But sometimesyou did anything you had to. Anything at all. For more than vengeance. For more than hatred. For the only friend you had. For kindness. For hope.

For Erin Solstice. The [Innkeeper] who was friend to their kind. Too long had those with debts left them unpaid. She had asked them, their [Great Chieftain], if it was worth paying.

And as they had once saidyou never stopped paying the debts that mattered. Until you died. Not even then, sometimes.

The city never saw it coming. Why should they? It was not an attack at dawn, the proverbial time of ambushes and surprise battles. It was not dusk, thematically appropriate. It was not by night when darkness hid them.

It came at sort of after midday. Right when you were digesting lunch. A deadly time for the unaware.

The first sign of their coming was shadows in the sky. Sentries on duty looked up and murmured.

Wyverns. Damn bastards. Someone call out if one circles. We have to kill it in case its hunting here. Bows?

But they were out of bow-range and circling before any were trained on it. The sky was beautifully clear. The grass was green. The earth was presumably still earth.

A few [Dangersenses] went off an hour before. A quiet alarm was raised.

Then a louder one. But they attributed it to the Wyverns, perhaps a hunting weyr. Lower-level [Dangersenses] began to fire off closer too.

By now, the city was alarmed. It was on guard, and the highest-levelled defenders patrolled, wary, uncertain. They spotted the Wyvern again flying, high, high overhead, so high it was in danger of the thin atmosphere.

Damn, whats got it flying that high? Some kind of other monster?

My [Dangersense] keeps going off. Whats?

And then something began to drop from the Wyvern overhead. A strangecloud. No, a plume of descending brown and beige. It took the defenders of the city a few seconds to process what it was.

Dirt?

Yes, dirt. A huge amount of it, emptied from a bag of holding from overhead.

They began to realize something was wrong, then. [Messages] began to bounce to other cities, butwhat was?

An attack. From another city! From the damned Drakes! A full-scale alarm began to ring as more Wyverns began to fly overhead. And these ones clearly had riders. They dropped more clouds of dirt over the city. Like a certain Wind Runners tactics.

After allGoblins were good at copying.

Goblins. The first shout identifying them came seconds before the clouds of dust began to whip up. The [Mages] realized someone was playing with the weather, and the few who could manipulate the air began to fight for it. But there was a [Shaman] or five out there and they just wanted to blow the wind.

A dust storm hit the city. The confused fighters on the walls cried out, realizing they were blind to whatever was out there! It was happening fast. They had warning, but they had squandered it, thinking there would be monster attacks. And they could handle monsters.

After all, who would dare attack this city? What would be the point? After all, it wasnt as if theyd done anything wrong.

This wasntHectval. Not that anyone in the city even knew the name of the Drake city. They had thought this was a Drake attack, already dramatic enough. But it wasnt.

The dust began to clear as the first wave of Wyverns passed over, circling and reloading their stocks of dust. They flew well out of bow-range, and there were high-level individuals who could shoot down the Wyverns. If they could see.

The civilians were panicking, rushing towards the inner gates, demanding answers, protection. The defenders locked the enchanted gates, looked to their furious leader, who had only one goal: protect the client.

It was one of their [Archers] who saw through the concealing dust and spotted the first figures on the horizon. Saw the crimson eyes of the riders on the Wyverns backs and realized the truth, and screamed the alarm that shot across every nearby city. Of course! Only they would be mad enough to attack this place!

Goblins. Filthy, mindless, warlike Goblins! It was a raiding party! No, an entire tribe! They had no idea what they were doing!They were going to charge the walls and

And? The attack didnt come. Coughing, blowing the dust out of the air, the Humans waited. Panicking people flooded out of the gates, saw what was coming, and ran screaming back towards the inner city.

The adventurers standing together, multiple teams of Gold-ranks supplemented by Silver-ranks, enough to fight off any casual foe, visitor, or supplicant, saw the dust clear. Then they saw the Goblins sitting casually behind oversized crossbows, newly-made ballistae, and trebuchets. They had carefully emerged from the hiding places theyd snuck into over the last few days, set up their siege weapons, and now

Dead gods.

A Gold-rank adventurer whispered. He had a bow. Which was nice. It was even enchanted with Longshot.

The Hobgoblin grinning at him had no fancy bow. But she did have a giant Thunderbow-style crossbow made of Wyvern bone and sinew and two loading partners. The [Greatbow Archer] adjusted her sights. Lovely idea, adding a little glass sight to magnify her shot. Why didnt all bows and crossbows have something like that?

She was glad the Human had thought of it.

Itsa siege encampment. Theyve got siege weapons!

A [Mage] stated the obvious with amazing talent. He pointed a trembling finger at the Goblins. Someone else cursed.

Fuck me, whats that? Ogres! Ogres!

An armored core of Ogres was lugging a battering ram forwards, grumbling. They halted, next to a force of Goblins on wolves.

It was a small army. Ferried here over many days by Wyvern. They still outnumbered the adventurers many times over. And it was adventurers who held this city. There were overpaid members of the Watch, a desultory militia, and a lot of civilians.

Not just civilians. Families, individuals, rich and poor. Of course, the richer ones had a better chance. But all lined up each day for the lottery. All of them came here, hoping for a miracle. To this city no one dared attack because it was neutral ground.

Tenbault. Where the famed Healer of Tenbault dispensed aid to a lucky few. Crowdcaller Merdon and the adventurers hired to protect the Healer stared at the Goblin raiders. The Named Adventurers eyes bulged. He heard the first horns blow as the Chieftain of the Goblins slowly advanced and held up a hand.

Everyone fell silent for a second, waiting Goblins, Ogres, impatient to loot the valuable mana potions, adventurers, and terrified civilians. The little Goblin bellowed.

Humans. Give us the Healer and no one gets hurt! Well give her back.

Of course, she didnt really expect it to work. But it was worth it, just to hear the Named Adventurer howl.

Rags had heard Tenbault was some miraculous city. It hadnt looked so good even before she covered it in dirt. It looked like an idea.

The inner city, guarded by adventurers and enchanted gates, was beautiful. The outer city, with the desperate throngs, was dirty and unkempt. It seemed to Rags that the inner part could have shared with the other part.

But what did she know? She was just a Goblin. And she had no time to wait in line, even if they would have her.

This ones for Erin Solstice. She lifted a claw and pointed.

Attack.

The Thunderbows firing split the air like their very names. Bolts shot forwards. Not at the Humans cowering in their city, but at the right target.

The adventurers. They had magical shields, high-levels, and powerful gear. But they were used to tackling groups, armed retinues at best. Not actual armies. They took cover behind the walls or shields as flaming bolts targeted them, and stones from the trebuchets thudded into the walls and ground.

Flaming. [Battlefield: Power of Fire]. Also[Rapid Reload]. Those were Rags Skills, not even including targeting Skills and other abilities each Hob gunner had.

Gunner. Nice term. She wondered if they could get the class. Rags watched as two Hobs dragged a Thunderbows arms back, loaded a bolt up, and stepped back so it could fire, all in seconds. It was already hurling another deadly bolt through the air as the Ogres advanced.

Ogres in heavy armor. Shields raised. Shed made them carry shields, and the sight of a [Fireball] striking a shield and making the Ogre swear but do little else reaffirmed Rags tactics.

[Lightning Bolts] were different, as were piercing arrows, but the Ogres shielded their faces and made use of the healing potions they carried. Anyways, they were the anvil.

The hammer was already in the city, racing through the choking dust. Rags saw Carn Wolf riders shooting forwards after their leader. She saw adventurers panicking, saw her Wyverns dropping dirt and now stones, circling downwards.

And then the one complication. That voice.

Operatic. Huge! It blasted the dust out of the air. It knocked bolts from the sky, and sent Goblins falling down, some vomiting, others clutching at burst eardrums.

Crowdcaller Merdon. Named Adventurer! Rags narrowed her eyes. She pointed a finger. Time to see if shed learned anything at all.

Hold your ground, you idiots! If you run Ill make sure youre kicked down to Bronze-rank for the rest of your lives!

Merdons voice was audible in every part of the city. And that wasnt when he shouted. When he shouted, it was a sonic cone you could see in the dust, and a radius of ear-splitting death.

Literal death. The Goblins hadnt believed it, at first. Even for them, voice death sounded stupid. But the truth was evident just from feeling it.

Merdons voice could actually damage your insides. Not just deafen you; it was so loud it became an attack unto itself.

And it was working. The Carn Wolves howled in agony despite the wax packed into their ears. [Silence] spells cast onto them did nothing to Merdons voice.

Forget about casting it on the man himself. He made the Ogres balk; just by screaming he could probably take out an army.

That was a Named Adventurer for you. However, he had one weakness, and that was why the Carn Wolves and their Goblin riders held back, circling, until they saw if the plan worked. If it didnt, theyd be in trouble. Same with Poisonbites [Rogues]both Goblin strike forces waited, nervously keeping back from the inner city where the voice emanated from. Then they heard it.

A cough. Swearing. A voice.

Get this dust out of the air!

The wind blew, but the [Shamans] pushed back. And the Wyverns dumped more out of the sky. A Goblin sitting astride the largest Carn Wolf grinned and raised his clawed hand. He pointed and the [Riders] howled and charged, though they were still deafened by their own protective gear so they couldnt hear it.

A voice that huge surely had to suck in more air than usual. They had little chance of prevailing against such a warrior in a fair fighteven their best. But what if you could make the air more dust than air? Well, that was a problem for Goblins too. Right until their helpful Human introduced the concept of a mask with filtration, for Carn Wolves and Goblins.

Crowdcaller Merdon was shouting, coughing, slashing around in the dust as adventurers tried to keep the gates to the inner city. But the Goblins were everywhere. They were hitting the walls with bolts, climbing the wallshe shouted and blew a hole in the storm of dust, then kept hacking.

My lungs! The man was raging. Hed fought against people who tried to [Silence] him, or use other tricks, but no one had justfilled the air with dust! He could blow away a single [Dust Storm] and had before, but the Wyverns kept dumping dust on him! And he couldnt take the time to knock them out of the skies, even if he could see them.

Someone was out there. The Named Adventurer gritted his teeth and turned. His enchanted mace and shield, not his first weapons of choice, rose as he turned.

Glowing eyes in the dust. Who are you?

Merdon opened his voice to bellow, and jerked aside. Someone had tossed a ball of powder straight at him. Not just any powder, Merdon realized. He began to hack harder.

Had they put something in this damn dust cloud? Why was everything burning?

Calescent makes good spice. Poisonbitestop the shouting.

A figure emerged from the confusion. He was riding a gigantic Carn Wolf, and he was a Hob. A Hob with two swords. One was red, like the warpaint on his body. The other was frost and cold.

Redscar and Thunderfur circled Merdon as Poisonbite, grinning, circled the Named Adventurer. He opened his mouth to roar, ignoring the pain and his burning eyes. Redscar charged, laughing. Lets see how good you are with blades!

The woman inside the inner citys innerbuildingwas not in a palace as you might expect. It had a lot of glitter on the outside, but the inside was more like a library crossed with a mages workshop. Which is what it was, really.

She was frantically throwing items into a bag of holding when she really should have already been running. But that was amateurs for you. She turned as the bloodcurdling scream from the entrance told her that time was up. She lifted a trembling wand.

II am under the protection of the Five Families! I am a valuable [Mage][Healer], you understand? Im worth more alive than dead! Alive! Take what you want!

She shouted, then tried to hide behind a desk. The invader, who had halted with her squad on the inside, sighed and scratched her head.

Well, this was disappointing. She whistled.

Get Wyvern ready. Tell Redscar to pull back. Ten minutes! Grab and go!

Goblins raced forwards, as three trained crossbows on the trembling figure. The Healer of Tenbault wasRags blinked at the middle-aged woman in slippers, a [Mage]s robe, and holding a wand in one trembling hand. She looked like nothing.

Im the Healer of Tenbault. Im not valuable dead!

She whispered. To Calescent, who was bigger than Rags. The little Goblin sighed.

I know. We dont kidnap dead bodies. Wellnot yet.

She glanced outside, to where another ear-splitting roar filled the air. They were running out of time. Rags nodded to Calescent.

The Healer stared at Rags in disbelief. She processed the [Chieftain]s words, then her eyes grew round with alarm. She took aim at Rags. The Goblin sidled behind a pillar as a bolt of light slashed through the air.

Help! Help! Im being

The Healer turned as Calescent charged her from the side. She opened her mouth, raised her wand, and he tossed his death-spice in her face. Then slung the woman over one shoulder.

Go!

Rags and Calescent ran to the first Wyvern as the other Goblins kept looting. They mounted up and flew, the Goblins abandoning the lightning siege of the city. The Humans were already coming from multiple cities.

Too slow. Too late. It was done. Merdon shouted at the sky, bleeding, stumbling after the Goblins and clutching at his torn armor. He could barely speak through his torn throat and streaming eyes.

Stop!

Of course, they never did. The Goblins took to the air, already fleeing pursuit as the entire north of Izril went chasing after the kidnapped Healer of Tenbault. Rags gave hasty orders, the woman webbed to the Wyverns back. She glanced at the horse archers and changed their course north, cursing, away from the High Passes.

Split! Get to Goblinhome! Well take Healer! Go, go!

They were all following her, breaking up to follow each Wyvern or the Goblins on Carn Wolves, unsure of which group to follow. Rags saw Redscar leading a charge on the pursuers before breaking away. She flew, knowing they wouldnt forgive her for this.

Well. She didnt need their forgiveness. The Goblin Chieftain laughed. Then she turned her head, looking south. She had a long way to go. But not so long, now.

Time to heal her Human. If no one would do it, she would.

Soon. Rags closed her eyes.

Hurry up. They were all of them, all her friends, her comrades, her family. Soso

Impatient.

Authors Note: I wrote chapters like this, back in the day, without multiple days. 20,000 was about the limit for a single writing day.

As I said, I couldnt sleep. Id been having odd sleep, feeling sick, or off. I think I know why. The Kickstarter was a big event I knew was coming up and while I kept working as usual, I was clearly stressed.

Because it does matter. I hope its a success and not just because of the money, but because people want a comic based on The Wandering Inn and other stories. But this is the test, isnt it? Wallets speak louder than words.

Actually, that doesnt seem quite right and Im sure Merdon would object, but you know what I mean. I havent checked the Kickstarter yet, but I hope to go past the goal not just based on huge backers, but a lot of people buying the hopefully cheap comic. I know not everyone will want it, but thats hope for you.

We take chances and sometimes they pay off. Its all about chances. Good decisions, bad oneslike staying up with about 1 hour of sleep to write 10,000 more words. Bah, I wouldnt have slept anyways.

I may after this. Hopefully, actually. I dont want to stay up 48 hours. Its already beenuh21. The chapter is done and the Kickstarter is out. Thanks for reading. Consider even sharing the Kickstarter, and see you next time.

Fat Ducks (The Wandering Inn Readers) by /kalmiayarn

Maviola, drawn by Bobo Plushie, commissioned by /boboplushie

Pan Slap by Brack! (Idont know what to say about this /shurkin/gallery/

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/brack

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