Book 8: Chapter 46: G

Book 8: Chapter 46: G

[Barbara Clark will edit a chapter in October! Look forward to it! Also, vote in the Patreon poll! These two things are not related. At all.]

One. Kiscre. Two. Highsword. Three. Seizhe. Four

I dont know Seizhe.

Mountain City Tribe.

Mm.

Four. Filthblade.

Redfang. How many?

Over three dozen. Held a hill.

Mm. Not as many as war.

Still too many.

Not as many as a battle, Chieftain.

Five. Escre. Six

It was incomprehensible at first, over her terror. Lady Hekushatechnically lady as it was a noble title, if ornamental, for she owned no formal land nor had a houseor Magus Hekusha as they failed to call her. Were even surprised by her insistence on the title.

Hekky. That would be aa childhood name. Although the rag-tag group that had used to call her that was long-since grown. No more adventures. No more watching them play at being proper [Ladies]which they were, even thenbut devolving into actual fistfights.

Well, back then only Pryde and Bethal had hated each other that much. And it was more like a rivalry which blew out of proportion at times.

Nevertheless, Hekusha was too terrified to make sense of it. The quiet voices, the reasoned, even carefully enunciated wordsat least from the smaller one. The Chieftain, for all the big one seemed more in line with the image. It took her a while to realize what was happening.

Numbers and names. A simple system. The little onecalled Ragswas counting the dead. Apparently the Goblins hadnt overrun Tenbault without loss. It was stillso strange.

For she counted just over a hundred names, solemnly, refusing to let one off her list, even those that didnt have official names and were just that one with the scar on his and so on. Strange, because she thought a hundred Goblins to defeat a Named Rank adventurer and Tenbaults defenders was too high a cost.

Strange, because why did Goblins sound like they cared about anything? She was only glad they hadnt touched or harmed her. Yet.

The woman flinched when the big Goblin looked down at her. There were three on the Wyverns back, though the last one didnt speak. She had red paint on her arms and, of all things, a strange, spectacle-like headpiece. A helmet, but with eye-coverings. Hekusha had never seen the likebut then, she had never seen a Goblin flying a Wyvern before. The [Wyvern Rider] grunted, taking orders from the little Goblin.

It was the big Hob who grunted at the terrified woman lashed into place on the Wyverns back. The great creature was grumbling with four passengers, nevermind that two were child-sized, and the [Wyvern Rider] kept reassuring it, urging it on.

They were being followed. And whilst Hekusha, known to all and sundry as The Healer of Tenbault, and not by any other name, dearly wished for her freedom, she was terrified that any battle in the air would result in her falling to her death. And she couldnt quite recall [Featherfall] off the top of her head. If she had her spellbook

Her teeth chattered and she really needed to pee. She was still shellshocked and afraid of what would come next. Andshe shrank back, trying not to disturb the angry Hob. They were clearly aware of her value, which was good, but they were dangerously unpredictable, angry, for all they could speak.

Calescent, stop smiling.

Rags glanced up once and saw the Healer of Tenbaults terrified expression. Her [Spice Chef] gave her a hurt look.

I have great smile.

No you dont. Humans scared of more than thirty teeth. Sharp teeth, too.

Calescent frowned. He opened his mouth and began to count his first row of teeth. The horrified look on the womans faceRags sighed.

Kevins alive.

Hh. Dnt nd tll uf.

Calescent retorted, finger tapping each tooth. Rags rolled her eyes. She had just received a signal from Taganchiel. She brushed absently at something on her wrist.

A glowing mark in paint. Taganchiel was from Mountain Citys tribe. He was a former apprentice of none other than Ulvama herself, and as such, practiced her brand of shamanic magic. When Rags had discussed the issue of [Message] spells being difficultshe couldnt cast them herself, and he was a [Shaman], not to mention interceptionhed shown her how they did it.

The magical paint wasnt nearly as complex as the stuff that could turn to armor or produce advanced effects. But Taganchiel could make the white paint glow certain colors. Right now it was glowing a steady blue.

Safety. Hed broken down the marking into different quadrants. She saw all four were blue. He was safe, the bulk of the Goblins were safe, Poisonbite was safe, Kevin was safe.

She sighed. The last word theyd gotten before they were out of range was of the messy withdrawal. Her Wyvern flew alone through dark skies, having long since passed nearly two days in travel time.

Fleeing Tenbault. That had not been the plan. ButRags glanced over her shoulder.

Fightipilota.

She poked the Goblin in front of her. The Redfang turned her head, and Rags rolled her eyes at the newly named Goblin. Officially sanctioned, by no less than the Goblin herself and Taganchiel. Just in case it helped land her the coveted class.

Any Humans following, still?

Fightipilota shrugged.

Went into clouds, Chieftain. Hard see. Night. Maybe track?

Her shrug went to indicate that all things being equal, the Wyvern they were flying was overburdened, however, given the Humans lack of aerial forces in any number, the few flying carpets and solo Pegasus would not easily catch them unless they had advanced tracking capabilities.

Rags nodded. It was as good as you got. She glanced down and frowned as the Wyvern made a rumbling mraarh sound, which meant it wanted a break.

Idiots still following.

Idiot.

Calescent stopped poking his teeth long enough to agree. Rags sighed.

Fighti. Down. There.

She pointed to a forest. They were headed north, fleeing a massive Human army trying to get back their beloved Healer. Alone. Rags had told the other Goblins to get back to Goblinhome, and take Kevin back to Liscor and await their return. If they lost the Humans, they could circle back. It was risky with one Wyvern, but they had a better shot than multiple Wyverns.

The problem wasnt just that, though. It was that some idiot had decided to heck with Rags orders and followed them. Hed barely been on the horizon yesterday. By the time they landed, hed sped up and Rags guessed that hed be on them in less than twenty minutes. She glared as the Wyvern dove quickly, hoping to escape notice; the nearest Human settlement was a ways away. Even so, she still spotted the group of sixteen, led by the giant wolf.

Rags dismounted in a clearing as Fighti took the Wyvern in slow at the end, saving the monster from tearing its wings on the branches.

The Frost Wyvern whined, much like a dog. It did not like forests, where the canopies could shred its wings if it landed fast or hard enough. In fact, Rags had heard that Wyverns sometimes died to Griffins, their rivals to the north, a species from Terandria, who loved to bait them into dives that crashed them into the trees, leaving them easy prey from above.

Fighti reassured her mount, and set to work. She fed the Wyvern a meal-bag, a huge amount of dried Eater Goat meat that the beast scarfed down as it also pooed. Rags wrinkled her nose at the smell, but Fighti was already offering it a stamina potion and slashing the branches overhead, readying for a fast takeoff.

O-oh, dead gods

A weak voice made Rags look over. The Healer was slowly sliding down the Wyverns back. Her hands were tied, and her wand was gone, in Rags own belt. The woman looked like she wouldnt have put up much of a fight, even without these precautions.

She was a bitdisappointing. Rags had expected the brilliant Healer of Izril, for all she hadnt liked Tenbault itself. At the very least, shed expected a kind of Erin, or powerful Humansomeone with power, for good or ill.

The Healer was, rather than that, a strange, strikingly ordinary person. In that she had a look to her. Beauty products had given her fair skin even advancing into her forties, as smooth as some babys bottom, which Rags had no idea why Humans loved to use as points of comparison.

She had rather lustrous hair, beautiful magical robes, and what Rags assumed was a fairly lovely complexion. She might be a [Mage], but she had no spectacles and didnt dress like youd think. She looked aristocratic in all the rich ways, at least.

But she held herself like a mouse. And she had not the power Rags expected out of her, either in presence or magic. She stared around, then jumped and backed away as Calescent thumped to the ground.

Ten minutes. Good for snack.

He announced. The Healer backed up as if she expected she was the snack. She stared around at Rags, then folded her hands.

I

She stared at Rags and the Goblin waited. She peered at the woman, heard a choking sound, and realized the woman had completely lost her next words.

You stay there. We rest. Twenty minutes.

Rags ordered the woman. She got an instant, terrified nod.

Of course. I am your prisoner. I am in complete cooperation, ChieftainChieftain Rags, isnt it? Believe me, I will not offer you any

She trailed off again, and that look of horror resumed. Rags rubbed at her head. Two days of this. She knew the woman was listening to them, watching them, but she was scared spitless.

Not, however, incapable of being dangerous. Rags peered at the Healers hands as she turned to talk to Fighti. She swung back and snapped.

Dont take off ring!

The Healers hands flew back. Calescent whirled, a spatula raised like the wrath of cuisine.

I wasnt! I was justits a lovely ring you gave me, Chieftain! It was just chafing a bit

The womans huge, reassuring smile failed under the spotlight of Rags crimson glare. The Goblin crossed her arms as the Frost Wyvern begged for more food and Fighti offered him a huge cow femur.

Dont. Take off. Ring.

She stared pointedly at the Healer. The woman nodded. Rags snorted as the Healer cast her eyes to the sky.

Humans cant track you with an anti-scrying ring. Do you think Im stupid?

The woman jumped. She stared at her ring, then at Rags.

This is?

Rags traded a glance with Calescent. The Hob gave her a weird look. Did she think Rags had just made her put on jewelry? The first thing Rags had done when shed woken the woman out of her faint was to make her put on the ring.

And warn her not to cast [Message]. Rags rolled her eyes.

Take off the ring and Calescent takes off your hand, got it? And hell make you eat it. No [Message] spells. I can tell.

The Healer went dead-white. She looked at Calescent and the offended [Chef], preparing a fast meal on a little pan, put his hands on his hips.

No meat on hands. I dont feed hands, Chieftain. Althoughif marinate

He tapped a finger to his lips, then smiled reassuringly at the Healer, without his teeth.

She just stared at her hands as Rags, grumbling, strode over to Fighti.

Can we turn yet? Find way to turn?

Got to find no-Humans place, Chieftain. Humans see us turn, they turn. Like this.

Fightipilota made a little diagram in the dirt, to indicate that their ability to turn left or right was hampered by them having to go through pursuers, who could then cross a shorter distance to reach them. Simple geometrya word she had no idea about. But she knew how to raid and get away.

Rags grumbled.

What about hiding?

Hah! Good one. Chieftain wants to hide? From [Trackers]? How long?

Fair point. Rags sighed.

North, then. Butgo that way. Too many Human settlements, see? Aim for here.

She pulled out a map and showed Fighti where she thought they were, and tried to chart them into areas with no Human settlements. Fighti nodded.

Okay, Chieftain. You, boss. I get promotion if we get back?

Rags gave the Redfang-turned-[Wyvern Rider] a long look.

You Redfang. I promote what, Poisonbite job?

Nomaybe Air Force Major? Maam! Sir! Drop bombs! Vrooom!

She made sounds and gesticulated, trying to get across her limited understanding of Earths air forces and the powers shed get. Rags stared at her.

Sure.

She blamed Kevin for that. The Human was a huge boon in many ways, not least of which was the casual way hed come to Goblinhome and justhung out. Done ollies with Goblins. Shown them there was one Human who just thought they were cool.

Also, hed helped her design a new kind of ballista they were already prototyping, given her insight into Earths industrial complex, the power of gears and bicycle schematics, knowledge about Earth that reframed Erin Solstice in an entire new lighteven helped design two pieces of gear for this mission.

Fighti had an experimental helmet with goggles. In this case, two pieces of glass that saved her eyes from being blown out by bugs or grit hitting her at high-speed, embedded in a leather helmet. It wasnt advanced, and Kevin had talked about plastic being probably better, or enchanted glass, but they had done it!

Mainly by literally stealing glass from a window and cutting it into the right shape. But Fighti had told Rags it made seeing a lot easier. She also had the same gear Rags still had around her neck, hanging down from the strap.

A crude breathing mask, or gas mask as Kevin had called it. It was a curious snout-like device with a filter, but it had worked to keep the dust out. It too used glass and leather, their two main objects, or metal in Calescents case, though the [Smiths] hadnt had enough iron or time to do all of them.

Rags really liked the idea, even though these were literally only dust-grade. Kevin had suggested them and told her about filtering, although he only had charcoal and various layers of cotton and cloth as a filter, with no idea of how to make an actual one to filter out gasses.

That was sort of his weak point. He was friendly, laid back, informativebut he had all the [Wyvern Riders] chanting fighter pilot, fighter pilot, fighter pilot, jet pilot, each night as they went to bed. He couldnt tell Rags how gunpowder was made, and a lot of what he knew was neat. It was up to her to turn neat into useful.

Even so, she had to own that hed helped spur her to make the Tenbault assault a reality. And he had been for it, too.

Save Erin Solstice. Bring her back. Rags had once again gone to war, but this time for the [Innkeeper]. What a curious feeling.

She had the Healer. Now they just had to get her to Liscor or Goblinhome. And it would be so much easier if Rags only had to worry about one Wyvern. Howevershe turned, sighing, as a sound broke into the clearing. Calescent looked up and casually shifted his grip on the frying pan, ready to toss the contents in someones face. Fighti and her Wyvern turned, and the Healer started. Rags saw a figure break into the clearing, and heard the panting whine of a huge beast that even the Frost Wyvern edged back from.

Thunderfur, the mightiest Carn Wolf, and Redscar. The Goblin hopped to the ground, grinning, two pieces of cotton wedged into his ears. Rags glared at him.

Idiot. I told you to go back.

What, Chieftain? Cant hear! I come for backup!

The Goblin cheerfully bellowed. Rags threw some dirt at him, but then fifteen more Redfangs, all on Carn Wolves, raced into the clearing. They were the best group, which had gone with Redscar in the assault. They had also declined to flee, and punched through the Human lines after her.

Finally caught up!

A Goblin moaned in relief and slid from his saddle, clutching at his groin. A female Redfang and Fighti cackled. Rags gave the ailing Goblin a blank look; she was told that Carn Wolves loping pace was harder on male Goblins than even horses. She had no idea why.

Redscar, you alive? You rode for two days. Need a break? Stupid. Any injuries?

She poked at the taller Goblin, scowling. He was mostly a Hob, though lean as ever, and eating three times what he used to. Hed shot up in height, and was now a reflection of Garenalbeit different in a number of ways. Nevertheless, the bladesman had survived a clash with a Named-rank, albeit on advantageous ground.

Just not unhindered.

What?Sorry, Chieftain! Cant hear!

Redscar bellowed cheerfully. He hadnt actually been pretending. His hearingno, all the Redfangswas clearly gone. Even the Carn Wolves, which made loud sounds, were clearly bemused by their new state of being.

Rags bit her lip. Not good. She hoped his hearing would return. But if it didnt

The Healer had looked up as Rags gave up on words and signed to Redscar, who replied with ease. If anything, his one concern about hearing loss wasnt for a lack of communication given how well Goblins read each other, it was in his situational awareness on the battlefield.

The woman jumped as Calescent tapped her on the shoulder. Her shriek was so loud that even the deaf Redfangs and Carn Wolves looked over. The [Spice Chef] gave her a long look.

Food.

He offered her a plate ofthe woman peered at it.

W-what is this?

Savor Pancakes. Is good. Eater Goat meat. Not hand.

The Healer of Tenbault stared at the pancakes in sheer stupefaction, then at the sizzling pan over a quick fire. Calescent had, in the course of fifteen minutes, set up a fire, unwrapped some pre-made dough from a cloth bundle, and mixed it with stringy goat meat in a pan to create Savor Pancakes, which were a meat-based, savory pancake you ate hot with gravy and butter.

It was the kind of thing even the Carn Wolves would eat, which either spoke to the adaptability of Calescents cooking, or its bottom denominator. The Redfangs scarfed it down quick, the first real meal theyd had from hard riding. Calescent had some spice he offered everyone for taste, but no one was stupid enough to take him up on the offer.

It was technically more of a flatbread-like parathas than a pancake, but since no one had educated Calescent on the fine art of naming things specifically, he called them pancakes.

Rags checked on all the warriors first, and then got her plate. Her Savor Pancake was a bit too moist and didnt have any gravy, despite her demanding a double-helping! She stared at her pancake, about to take Calescent to rare task, when she heard a huffing sound that was slightlyguilty.

She looked over and saw Thunderfur turning his head away, the wolf licking his chops. She looked at her pancake and recognized Carn Wolf drool all over it. Hed licked her pancake clean!

The Redfangs laughed at the fight between the Chieftain and Thunderfur, as Redscar sat, exhausted. He poked at one ear and grunted in disgust; it was filled with dried blood. He poked with one claw, still hearing a ringing sound in the back of his head.

Not good. Hed known the risks going in, but wow, did this suck. The Hobgoblin wondered if theyd get back to Goblinhome in time. He wasnt too concerned with the next steps; Rags was in charge and she was smart. He just had to win against any foe they met. If they did that

It was as he sat there, wondering if hed have to retrain himself to notice what his ears could not, that he felt a tentative, cold hand on his shoulder. He jumped, and heard

toration].

A spell. Rags stopped punching Thunderfurs left foreleg and whirled. Redscar jerked back, then grabbed at his ears. He stared at the Healer of Tenbault as she backed away.

Its only a healing spell! See? I can be useful! Im an asset. It shouldit did work, didnt it? Ive never healed a Goblin

What? What did yI can hear.

Redscar stopped shouting, and felt at his ears. Suddenly, he could hear. Thunderfur bounded over and the Healer fled with a shriek. She hid behind a tree as Rags got to her feet. Calescents eyebrows were in his hair, and Rags saw the Healer staring at Redscar as the other warriors got to their feet.

I can heal you! Just dontdont touch me, understand? Dont do bad things. I can be very valuable, but only if Im treated well!

She called at them. The Goblins exchanged a look. Rags exhaled, slowly. Oh yeah. That was right. Theyd kidnapped the Healer of Tenbault.

[Restoration]?

Rags had never heard of the spell before. The Healer of Tenbault, who was apparently named Hekusha, looked a bit offended as she sat, half-comatose, on Thunderfurs back.

Rags was riding pillion on a second Carn Wolf, so only Fighti and Calescent were in the skies, to let the Wyvern fly ahead and at a reduced burden.

Also because Hekusha could barely sit upright and you didnt want to play catch the Healer at high altitude.

Shed cast the spell that made her famous four times, as Goblins and Carn Wolves lined up to have their hearing restored. Only four times, and shed done it quickjust about twenty seconds of what looked like magical prep time, and then, like a miracle, the Goblins could hear, and Thunderfur howled in delight before being shushed.

Even healing potions hadnt saved the ruptured eardrumsat least, not from Merdons voice. But the Healer had cast her spell and restored them to as good as new.

In fact, two Redfangs had complained shed removed their new war scars, and some old ones! A grizzled veteran of nearly ten years had pointed at her hip and complained it didnt ache anymore.

Three times. Then the Healer had touched the final Goblin, cast her spell, and keeled over. Justdead backwards, such that she would have hit the ground hard if Calescent hadnt caught her.

Mana drain. I can only cast itfour or five times a day. With potions, up to ten. Ill cast more tomorrow!

Hekusha hurried to assure Rags. The Goblin Chieftain folded her arms.

Ten? But only ear-damage. Why so muchmana?

She was no expert, but Hekusha had to be what, Level 40? Level 30 at least, since she claimed [Restoration] was actually a Tier 6 specialized spell. Rags was awed she could cast it. Rags was awed they werent dead if someone could throw that kind of magic around.

Itdoes not differentiate. [Restoration] is a set-cost spell. It isa bitimpractical to use repeatedly. I was only capable of casting it once per day, you know. Even with nearly a dozen Skills dedicated to casting one spell, four per day is what I normally do. Three or four.

Rags raised her brows.

How did you learn?

AI am a friend, a great friendof Magnolia Reinharts. The Lady of House Reinhart? Of the Five Families?

Hekusha looked hopeful. Rags nodded.

I know who that is.

Duh.

Redscar grumbled. Hekusha stared at him, then gave Rags another big, still-scared smile. But she had relaxed enough to talk after the Goblins expressed approval in no uncertain way.

We werechildhood friends. I was common-born, back then, but they hired me to act as a kind ofmagical follower. I was their age, and later Magnolia Reinhart, who is deeply much a friend, helped find a mentor to teach me this spell. Which no one else has mastered! Thus my name.

She seemed to really want Rags to know Magnolia was her friend. Rags nodded.

So you cast it. So you arent a [Healer]?

No. A [Mage]. [Restoration], you see, is one of the few healing-class spells. The school of life-magic is thought to be relatively non-existent in modern-day magic, given that few spells to heal exist. I, ah, am I making sense?

Yes. Go on.

Wellthats it. I can cast [Restoration], and I have quite a lot of people who want me to cast the spell, you know. I have a lot of money. At the Merchants Guild. I could, uh, give it to you if you set me free.

Hm. No. We want you to heal someone.

The Healers eyes lit up.

Heal someone? A Goblin? I can do that! And then youll let me go?

Yup.

Oh. Really? Imso delighted youre reasonable! You know, this has happened three times before. Normally by people who demand I heal someone. But uhnever by Goblins. I thought Merdon would protect me properly. Hes never allowed anyone to capture me. Is he alive?

Redscar?

Mm. Stupid armor. Big-voice-man fine. Lots of shouting.

Oh, thats good. Redscar, is it?

Mhm. Chieftain, maybe we can keep her? Good for not dying bleed-bleed-death.

Rags sighed at Hekushas expression.

No, Redscar. Hekusha. We want you to heal one person. Redfangs, any Goblin hurt, but one person. Then you can go. Well drop you off at, uh, close to a Human place.

Thats so very generous of you, Chieftain!

The Healer smiled wanly. Rags raised her eyebrows. She wouldnt have described her own actions as generous, but the woman had clearly expected a Tremborag-type Chieftain, to judge by her reaction. Rags tapped her chest.

No one touches you. Except maybe to keep you from stepping in wolf poo. I promise.

Of course Ithats good. Thank you.

Rags nodded. This was a good step. Hekusha relaxed, and they passed a few minutes as Redscar followed the column pursuing Fighti flying ahead of them, occasionally correcting their course to keep hidden in valleys or forests. After a second, she spoke.

Um. Who am I healing? An important Goblin, surely. What are they suffering from? Disease? Its often disease or poison that leads people to come to me. Or permanent illnesses. I have Named Adventurers among my clients, you know. But if its just one person and youre letting me go, maybe I could even signal to them Im well?

Hrr. Doubt that. It is not a Goblin. ShesHuman.

R-really?

Mhm. Shot. By crossbows. Six.

Oh dear. Shes not dead?

No.

Hekusha relaxed. Shed clearly been worried about that. Rags went on.

Poisoned crossbows. She was hurtbad. Lost a lot of blood. Soshes frozen. In ice.

In

Rags watched the womans face. She nodded slowly.

Solid ice, almost. She is not deadspells dont say so. But not alive, either. Sofrozen. With crossbow bolts in her, see? Right here. In the chest. Youwe warm her, somehow. You heal her. Maybe through ice? Then you can go.

She waited. Hekushas expression changed slowly. She tried to keep up her smiling, nodding face, but Rags saw the look of deep, deep uncertainty and fear. The Chieftain gritted her teeth.

Can you do it?

Imaybe? I have Skills. Yes, of course. Yes. Of course.

Rags stared at her. Then she turned her head forwards, so she didnt see anything that contradicted the hope she had to cling to. And they were still headed north. Away from the High Passes.

How far did they have to run? Rags head turned forwards, as Redscar took over the questioning, keeping his smile toothless. The other Goblins clustered a bit closer, a bit fascinated by the second or third Human theyd ever truly met, who did try to smile back, if tremulously.

Rags, though, looked ahead. Searching. Her eyes flickered, and she saw Fighti bank, turning. Perhaps it was just a gust up there. Or she felt it too. Likecandles in the dark.

Something Rags had never seen, but knew the moment shed heard it described to her.

Lighthouses.

Four days of battle. Four days of strange war. Then he fell.

Luck, experience, and his levels had carried him this far. Yet war was war; he slipped on a patch of mud. A rookie mistake, but he hadnt even seen it in the press of bodies.

Rabbiteater fell. His shield rose, reflexively, but he was armed with a sword, not the enchanted axe, in the melee.

There the [Knight] stood, violet armor battered. A mace in two hands. It swung down, and the Goblin tried to guess where it would land. He failed. He guarded his face and it struck his gut.

A crushing blow that knocked the wind out of him, and touched him inside. Like a shockwavesome kind of Skill. Despite himself, the [Champion], [Knight-Errant], curled up reflexively. Then the mace rose, and fell. No grand pronouncement or movement to it. Just the efficient two-stroke to finish off a wounded foe.

How sensible. If the Goblin had the time, he might have grinned or even nodded, but every fiber in him was reaching to raise his sinking shield, twist out of the way.

He was too slow. The mace thudded into its target as the embattled Order of Seasons gave ground to their foe.

Which was the mud, right next to Rabbiteaters helmet. The Goblin blinked. Hed expected to die. And he could not believe anyone had aim that poor. Had something thrown his enemy off?

I have you, ser! Yield like a good chap!

A huge, booming, cheerful voice emerged from the helmet. Rabbiteater stared upwards at the [Knight] of the Order of the Hydra. He carefully kicked up.

The blow to the groin had [Enhanced Strength] behind it. [Aspect of the Champion]. Codpiece or no, he heard an oath from behind the helm, but then found hed miscalculated as much as his foe. The figure grabbed his leg.

Unsporting, ser! Yield; youve been bested!

Rabbiteater!

A voice out of the melee and Ser Markus broke through with Meisa. The two Spring Knights were battered, their armor showing dents, their own spring green revealing grey underneath.

The female [Knight] turned, mace rising as she let go of his leg. Rabbiteater struggled up, but the foreign [Knight] just gave him a glare.

Ive bested your friend, [Knights]! The fellow doesnt intend to yield.

Rabbiteater?

Ser Markus lowered his blade. He glanced at the Goblin, and Meisa motioned him down.

Yield, RabbitSolstice! Yield! Well win!

Hah! Two against one? Hardly sporting!

At this, Ser Markus put up his blade. Dame Meisa saluted the [Knight], wielding hatchets in both hands. An unexpectedly aggressive approach, but Spring was often unexpected.

Not two against one. En garde, Dame Knight!

The Hydra Knight charged, mace swinging, but Meisa just whirled away and began her chopping assault, forcing the cursing opponent to back up for fear of the enchanted blades that could cut her armor if struck right.

Solstice. That is to say, Rabbiteater, are you alright?

Im fine.

Rabbiteater was still gasping from the blow hed taken. But he wanted to jump Meisas opponent. Markus held him back.

Youve been bested, Rabbiteater. Stay down. Its unchivalrous. By rights, you cant participate in the battle. Youve seen it done enough times! Is this the first time youve been beaten?

Yes. Who cares?

Rabbiteater wanted to open his visor to spit what felt like blood or phlegm. He watched as Ser Markus restrained him by the shoulder. Meisa was winning, unexpectedly.

The other [Knight] was good, but her mace was just steel. Meisas hatchets came from the Orders armories, and they had already taken nasty gashes out of her foes armor. Markus watched, but didnt look like hed intervene even if things went south. Indeed, the milling battle around them

Aha! A pair of foes. I challenge you two!

Another group emerged from the fighting. No less than six Knights of the Hydra. Damn. Rabbiteater reached for his axe, but Ser Markus blocked him with an arm.

My companions been bested.

Has he? Crying shame. You then, Ser? I challenge your Season of Spring! I am Ser Hedey.

Ser Markus of the Spring. Very well. En garde!

And they fought. Rabbiteater watched as one of the Hydra Knights began to duel Markus in a ringing boutthey both had sword and shieldwhile the five others looked on. One even nodded at Rabbiteater.

They could have jumped Ser Markus and, even if Rabbiteater had joined in, he doubted theyd fare happily two on six. But instead, they dueled.

Dueled. And when the Hydra [Mace Knight] fell to one knee, bleeding from a limp arm and croaked yield, Meisa raised her hatchets.

A well-fought match. Watch her hatchets, friends. Dame Spring! At your convenience.

Another of the Hydra Knights bowed slightly. Two more helped the fallen Hydra Knight back up and towed her away. Meisa removed her helmetan incredibly stupid move given arrows might be falling around them, but there were no arrowsand drank a stamina potion.

Im ready.

Are you sure?

Positive.

Very well then

Rabbiteater watched, arms folded. After a second he looked at Markus, who might have the edge. Again, because his armor and weapon were a cut above the Hydras [Knight]. But there were more opponents for him even if he won. And in the distanceRabbiteater saw a huge shape, fighting a literal fireball.

Hah! A fourth time, Summers Champion?

The Dame of the Hills, the huge half-Giant [Knight], saluted an invisible opponent as the two champions of their respective orders advanced on each other. Around them, [Knights] of both sides clashed, but in duels, for the most part. Melees in others, butso few died. Most shouted that damn word.

Yield. Rabbiteater stared at the fight, then stomped off. Four times someone tried to stop him, and he just shrugged.

I yielded.

And they let him go. Rabbiteater retreated to safety, where other fallen [Knights] and the wounded were recuperating, or resting before entering the fray. He sat down and fished out a healing potion for his stomach.

This was a stupid way to fight wars.

Or, alternatively, a smart one. Because, and here was the thingthe Order of Seasons lost this battle.

The Summers Champion didnt. Rabbiteater saw the cursing half-Giant woman, the famous Great Knight of Ailendamus, retreat, her armor scorched all the way up her arms and legs. But the Summers Champion, Greysten, had fought two thirds of the battle against her alone, and couldnt shift the odds even after his victory.

Nor had he killed the Dame of the Hills, Merila. By now, the Order of Seasons was too battered and losing [Knights]. Which was to say that some were taken prisoner. Not killed.

Twelve dead on both sides. Twelve. Because most [Knights] never finished the kill-stroke, and armor saved them from the worst wounds, as did a quickly-applied healing potion. Thousands of [Knights] had clashed, under a thousand now from the Order of Seasons side, but the Order of the Hydra had sent over ten thousand.

Many had been bested in duels, but the Order of Seasons didnt take any prisoner. They couldnt; they were forced to flee on horseback, as a furious rearguard held off the unmounted [Knights] who cheerfully pursued for a mile or two then gave up as the victors, nearly eighty [Knights] now prisoners of war.

A stupid kind of battle. A [Knight]s kind of battle. Ser Markus and Rabbiteater argued in one rare moment of discord as they wearily retreated.

It is not stupid, Rabbiteater.

Is.

It is how Terandria has always fought. Are you calling millenia of tradition stupid?

Yup.

Ser Markus made an indignant squawk. Meisa rode up on Rabbiteaters other side. She was beaten, having lost her last duel, but shed been able to escape, as the [Knights] hadnt been able to demand she accompany them to their back lines.

Few [Knights] died, Rabbiteater. Better that than a slaughter. You would have died if not for the rules of war.

Yup.

Well? And dont give me a one-word answer.

She poked at him with a gauntleted finger, which was a very Goblin thing to do. Ser Markus saw the annoyed Ser Solstice turn his helmet, then elaborate.

We took no prisoners. They did. Theyre winning.

He pointed back at the Order of the Hydra.

They certainly have the numbers on their side. Ordinarily wed establish prisoner trainsescorts to take our prisoners away. But they have us on the run.

Markus agreed wearily. Rabbiteater shook his head.

There are thousands of them. Theyre winning.

Not if we break their lines! The Orders won greater battles with less, Rabbiteater, and reinforcements should be coming.

Pgrh.

The Goblin made a rude sound in his helmet. He rode ahead as the two Spring Knights exchanged exasperated glances.

Whats wrong with fighting a war where you dont kill the other fellow, Rabbiteater? Isnt that better, from what youve told us of Izrils conflicts?

Rabbiteater stopped. He glared back at them as the Spring Knights around them caught up with the main force. He pointed a furious finger.

I dont care about how you fight. [Knights] fight like the other onespeople. A person. What about the people who dont get to be people on the battlefield?

He was not as eloquent as Numbtongue, and even now struggled to make himself clear. But one finger was enough. Meisa and Markus turned and saw the army that had taken casualties. In the hundreds.

Pheislants forces and Ailendamus forces had fought, but there was a distinction between [Knights] andnon-[Knights]. Youd often see both fighting together, but in this case, the Order of the Hydra was playing to the rules and essentially boxing out the Order of Seasons from fighting the regular [Soldiers] of Ailendamus. They formed a wall of duels and melees, such that the Order of the Summer couldnt use their famous fire aura to burn the [Soldiers] en-masse.

Which meant that two armies of mostly non-[Knights] fought. Ailendamus army, and Pheislants mostly mounted force. Again, it was people on horses versus a very grounded army.

Unfortunately, no rules of war existed there for yielding. Ailendamus army had torn Pheislants to pieces. Again. Theyd sat on a hill, and showered the poor [Soldiers] with crossbow bolts, keeping them from helping the Order of Seasons.

The dead. Rabbiteater saw Greysten talking to the bloodied Pheislant commander. Ser Markus followed after.

Its a damned shame. If we could have broken through again to help thembut yielding and the code of honorable engagements doesnt work as well with [Soldiers], Rabbiteater. They dont have our armor, by and large.

Yes. So the [Knights] get to live. Everyone else gets to fight like theyre monsters. Or Goblins.

Thats not fair!

Markus. Let him be angry.

Meisa drew back her companion. Markus glowered, but let Rabbiteater ride on. The Goblin Knight slowed as Greysten removed his helmet.

Damn. Is there any way out of it?

No, Summers Champion.

Then we break west. Now. Rabbiteater, were being boxed in. Damn. Damn!

The Summers Champion tossed his helmet down. He looked bruised. His entire body looked like one bruise, and no wonder. Hed been battling a literal giant. Wellhalf-Giant, but kin to Zamea and the largest of her kind.

A half-Giant with levels. That Greysten had driven her off was amazing. Even so, he had the energy to command.

Whats a box?

This valley. Theyve driven us into a corner. Well need to break west. And we must take the battle to Ailendamus lines. Theyve torn up the [Soldiers] again. Crossbows. Im sure Pheislants own could rout them if they got a good charge in, but they can never get close.

Rabbiteater grunted. Hed seen that. Whoever was commanding Ailendamus forces had seen how the last army got beaten and had done everything in their power to not let that happen. They played on the Orders knightly nature by forcing the individually inferior, yet numerous Order of the Hydra to hold them in place.

Even if the Order of the Hydra lost, the Order of Seasons couldnt take the [Knights] prisoner. In the meantime, Ailendamus had the boring-but-efficient strategy of creating a fortified line behind which their far superior and numerous archers punished Pheislants riders for coming close.

This is a stupid war. Stupid rules.

Rabbiteater growled. Greysten was drinking from a water bottle. He looked at Rabbiteater.

I heard you were bested, Rabbiteater. Im glad they didnt take you prisoner, although the Order of the Hydras reported to be an honorable lot. They probably would have let you keep your armor.

Thats notthe point. How you [Knights] fight is stupid.

Rabbiteater glowered. Greysten stoppered the canteen and sighed.

Youre entitled to being angry, Rabbiteater. But if you keep calling how we fight stupid, Ill have to smack you. Its how were fighting, and were not about to change how the rules of war work.

The Goblin hesitated. Then he saw how Greysten was actually giving off steam, even in the warm evening breeze. He was as angry as Rabbiteateronly his aura showed it. He went for another drink of water, and grimaced as steam rose out of his canteen.

Damn. And damn that gianthalf-Giantgiantwoman!

He made a fist and shook it at the figure still visible in the distance. Someone else joined them and tossed Greysten her water flask. Dame Voost, one of the best duelists in the Season of Summer.

Cool yourself, Summers Champion. Ser Solstice.

Rabbiteater nodded at the woman whod yet to be bested in the duels. On the other side, Ser Zulv, another of Greystens close companions and leader of one of their strike groups, joined them.

You must refuse her challenge, Summers Champion. Neither you nor she ever wins, only forces the other to retreat.

I know. But she can force me to it! [A Knights Duel]! I can scorch her and melt her weapons, but her damn [Squire] keeps tossing more in. And shes as strong aswell, a half-Giant.

Rabbiteater had seen Greysten fighting the nigh thirty-foot tall [Knight]. It seemed like hed lose any encounter, but he had levels on her. So while she could strike him like a hammer, his Skills could turn blows or hold his ground, and she had to be wary of Greystens flame; conjuring a fireball like a [Mage] was the least of his tricks.

If only the Springs Warden was here. Shed do betteror the Knight-Commander or the Winters Watcher. Im not a good match for someone with that kind of reach, who can stay clear of me. And we cant let her go rampaging into our lines!

Perhaps if I challenged her?

Voost offered. Greysten grunted.

Im not sure you could win, Voost.

Neither am I. But if it means you could break the stalemate

The [Knights] talked strategy as Rabbiteater cooled off and listened. The brunt of it was this: after multiple battles, their glorious advance into Ailendamus had stalled out. The enemy army had been made to fight them, and they had to break out of this trap and fight out of the valley or be captured.

Which didnt mean dying. For the [Knights], at least. Theyd all be prisoners of war for a time, ransomed when convenient. Even the [Soldiers], if they surrendered en-masse.

Later in his tent, as they ate around a pot of food, Greysten had a more reasoned discussion with Rabbiteater.

To your point, Rabbiteater, it may be that only [Knights] have the luxury of a safer battle, but we do not exactly attempt to slaughter our foes in general. Many an army has lost only a tenth or fifth of its numbers and surrendered. Still bloody, but better.

Goblins dont get that mercy.

The Hobgoblin snapped. Greysten stopped filling a bowl and nodded.

Aye, they dont. But thats an issuedamn, I wish Venoriat was here to talk about it.

He meant the Falls Sentinel. Greysten offered Rabbiteater a bowl and the Goblin ate hungrily as Greysten tried to figure out what to say.

If every people fought like this, it wouldnt be bad, though, would it? And I would like everyone to fight like this. Ive seen bad battles, where the bloods turned the ground red. Id like to see no more if possible. Can we agree on that?

Fine. But its still stupid. No ones going to level.

Yes they will. Dont be a prat.

Greysten heaved a ladle at Rabbiteater. Then, grumbling, he scooped up the soup with a bowl. Rabbiteater glowered, but it wasnt as hostile as the wide-eyed Markus and Meisa thought. They were guests and probably saw tossing ladles as the height of acrimony. To Rabbiteater and Greysten, it was more like how Redfangs argued. If they threw a punch, well, it meant they were annoyed.

Dame Meisa, you levelled up last battle, didnt you? And Markus?

Yes, Ser Greysten. Two levels so far.

See?

The angry Summers Champion waved a spoon at Rabbiteater, gobbling so fast it looked like the two were also racing to see who could finish their bowl faster, as if that conferred some legitimacy to their arguments.

Not as much as a real battle. I am high-level for your [Knights]. And Im just a Goblin. But a Goblin who fought real battles. They trained for years with fancy dummies. Magic and good food and techniques and practice. Im higher level.

Fancy dummies? Greystens lips moved until Markus coughed.

Training dummies.

Oh.

Rabbiteater jabbed his chest with his thumb.

You fight in a way that makes you weaker. Ever fought Crelers? Eater Goats? Gargoyles? They dont yield. Real fightingno yielding. Fight like that, and youll level.

He glared at Greysten. The Summers Champion glanced at him.

Its true, Rabbiteater. You are higher-level than most of my [Knights], even Summers lot. Youd be a veteran among them if your main class was your [Knight]s class. However, with all due respect, the fact that I am higher-level than you by quite a bit proves we can still level. And survive. If I fought like you, I would be dead many times over because I have been bested. You are higher-level, Rabbiteater. Buttheres only one of you.

Markus inhaled. Rabbiteater stared at Greysten for a long moment, and the Summers Champion waited, chewing. At last, the Goblin grunted, reached for the pot, and filled his bowl.

Yeah. True.

What else could you say but that he was right? Rabbiteater ate slowly. The coming battle would be fierce. He saw Greysten grimace.

If we are routed here, surrender or not, we will fail both Pheislant and the Dawn Concordat. We must break through their lines. Or I fear this war will not last long at all. We are meant to ride to Kalivs defense. Seeing how theyve held down an entire Season

He sat there, face dark, fiery hair reflecting the cookfires light. Markus and Meisa stirred.

I fear for all of Terandrias south if Ailendamus isnt checked. Can we do it, though? Lend me your strength for this next battle, Rabbiteater. I wish I had talked one of my peers into joining us. I didnt think they could hold us back like this.

Rabbiteater nodded. This was not his war. He didnt know the Dawn Concordat, or hold Ailendamus as an enemy in any real way. Buthe looked at Markus, Meisa, Greysten, and thought of the Order of Seasons.

A tribe of Humans. Friends. If he could have, he would have taken them back to the inn after this was over, to show a surprised [Innkeeper] who hed found that was like her. You fought and died for friends and family. He ate with Greysten, and dreamt of an inn. If only she was alive. Then, surelyeven if the coming battle had twice the odds against them

He wouldnt lose. But the boon had long since left him. All he had were memories.

Something strange happened over the next day of travel. Rags noticed it first, over breakfast.

Ta. Da?

Calescent had covered it with a plate. Hekusha blinked at the complex little puffball in the charred, wooden cup.

U-um, whats this? Calescent, is it?

The [Spice Chef] gave her a beaming smile.

Souffl.

He looked triumphantly at Rags. Hekusha peered at the item he served her for breakfast. Rags stared down at her porridge and cinnamon and gave him a thin-eyed glare. Clearly someone had been laboring harder over a certain dish than others.

How did you make?

The Hobgoblin was exceptionally proud of himself and showed the two. Hed worked on the basic ingredients for the souffl by having a Redfang raid birds nests for eggs. He had flour, along with a variety of travel rations like your basic salt, spices, and so on. He had the recipe from his studies with Imani and one could pan-fry a lot.

But souffls also required ovens, so Calescent had, after much thinking, improvised one by carefully laying embers in a hole in the ground and constantly replacing them to get as close to an even bake in a primitive field-kitchen as one could hope for.

Incidentally, Redscar and Fighti were eating his failed attempts with considerable relish. The [Spice Chef] waited like some anxious contestant on a cooking show as Hekusha ate the food which she had never actually partaken of before. Variants, of course, but her eyes went wide.

Itsdelicious!

Calescent clapped his hands and whooped, much to her shock. Rags just glared at her porridge, but Hekushas appreciation trumped her annoyance. Indeed, Calescent was keen to tell her he could cook.

Lasagnas. Souffls. Quiches. Egg-dishes is nice. Eggs is nice. But I have been toldthere are good dishes. Needs rice. Or bread. Curry. Have you eaten curry?

I have not. CurryIve, ah, had those other dishes. And you know how to cook them?

Calescent nodded self-importantly.

I have a cookbook.

You do? Ivethat was quite delicious, that souffl. Ive eaten at restaurants with [Chefs] who have cooked worse.

Ah! Ah, that is good.

The Hobgoblin beamed, already trying to figure out a new dish. To impress her. Hekusha glanced over as a Redfang looked over.

You eat fancy food? All the time? Likecake?

Cake? Youve eaten cake? But thats the newest thing to come out of the kitchens! Frosted cakes, that is. Itsyou have?

The Goblins grinned. Rags listened, in silence, as the Healer of Tenbault was taken aback. She explained.

I do visit fine restaurants regularly, actually. I ah, do it in disguise. I have a ring. That isI believe your Chieftain has it.

Rags had confiscated all of her magical items. Frowning, she dug in her bag of holding and produced one.

This?

The carved eye was clouded over, a milky-white gemstone inset in the ring. A Ring of Illusory Form, as it turned out. Hekusha nodded.

Yes, well, its not good to be so popular as I am. So I must go abroad like someone else. The Healer rarely leaves Tenbault publicly, you see. Itsmystique.

Mystique. Why?

Calescent savored the word. Hekusha brushed at her hair, uncombed, and losing some of its sheen from days of travel. But last night the other Goblins had even found a stream for her to wash in.

Wellits, ah, important not to let people find me, especially when I travel. They make demands, or pleasI cant help everyone. Hence the system at Tenbault. A lottery and purchased tickets. It provides an income for the city, you see, and my guards, and my work.

The Goblins gave her blank looks. The Healer tried to elaborate.

Much of my income goes to keeping Tenbault running. Hiring a Named Adventurer is not cheap, but I do have the opportunity to travel and visit restaurants, dine with company, and see attractions fairly regularly. However, I also have magical research. Into magic in general, but also [Restoration] as a spell. To make it moreaccessible.

Ah, so many people can cast it? Useful.

Redscar nodded thoughtfully. Hekusha hesitated.

Well, a few. I have apprentices and staff. I hope they escaped.

They did. Ran off.

Rags murmured. Hekusha nodded. The little Goblin fished in her bag of holding, but before she could produce some of the objects theyd taken from the Healers home, Calescent broke in.

Do you know ice cream?

You meangelato? Its extraordinarily expensive, but I bought eight pounds of it. And it went by distressingly fastdont tell me you know how toreally?

I will make you some. When we get to Goblinhome.

The [Chef] looked happy, although Rags knew for a fact he hadnt ever made any, since ice was harder to get. Even so, him smiling at her, the other Redfangs chatting, asking her what fancy things shed seen

It was notable to Rags. They were really trying to reassure Hekusha. Noshe sensed the same hunger she felt once upon a time, with a certain [Innkeeper]. Kevin had rekindled it, but Hekusha was, ironically, the one who truly brought it out.

Because she was terrified of them, or had been, and they wanted her to see. Look at us.Were people. Not for just anyone would Calescent have burned his fingers making a souffl in the early morning.

It seemed to be working too, if the Healers more relaxed riding and talking was any indication. Rags wasnt as eager as the others and just went back to trying to read the Healers notes. They were written quite legibly by Hekushas own hands, but the magical theorems were mind-boggling to Rags.

Not for the first time, she bemoaned not getting Pisces to teach her everything hed known. Noears had been the best [Mage] that Rags had ever met among her kind, but even he hadnt been academic. Hed learned magic by studying, not like [Sorcerers], it was true, but it was from scavenged spellbooks.

Perhaps Hekusha could teach her? When Rags asked, the Healer was all too willing.

Of course! Im er, all too willing to do so! I dont teach much, and [Restoration] is technically a spell for Level 40 [Mages] at least. You need a verydedicated teacher to learn it at lower-levels.

Did you?

Rags frowned as Hekusha tried to show her a basic spell[Featherfall]. Learning while riding was difficult, but Rags had little better to do; Fighti was taking them on a course they had arranged last night with the map. Hekusha bit her lip.

I learned fromwell, I suppose theres no harm in saying to you all. A rather mysterious person that one of my childhood friends knew. She asked me if I was willing to change my career, and I accepted. It was an intensive apprenticeship. Four monthsnot all personal mentoring! But I would have never understood it withoutan old half-Elf. I actually heard he reappeared, which is astonishing

So there were two people who could cast [Restoration]. Rags eyebrows rose. Then she focused on the spell, and the Healer of Tenbault was amazed how fast Rags learned.

You really are gifted. And you taught yourself magic?

I had a teacher.

Incredible. Well, I can certainly teach you more! Do you have more Goblins who can cast magic at thisGoblinhome? Where is it?

Mm. Somewhere else. We have to go around, first. Lose trackers.

Rags cast a warning glance at Calescent, who ducked his head. The Healer nodded a few times.

Of course. Maybe I could write them a letter, though? Signal them Im safe? Some of my pursuers wont give up

Maybe. I dont see any so far.

Rags frowned back the way theyd come. Hekusha bit her lip.

Im sure theyre out there. Magnolia Reinhart is a dear friend. You know, if we head to this person who needs healingIm sure Magnolia might ransom me for a spell scroll of similar value. She certainly has a Scroll of Restoration lying around.

Eh. Maybe.

In fact, there was a bit of a problem with the Healers pursuit. Oh, there was all the will in the world. Izrils north didnt have as established a flying contingent, a fact they sorely regretted now.

But there was a Pegasus in the air, flying carpets, House Zolde providing two of theirs, and ground pursuit too. The speed the Goblins were moving astounded their pursuers, though. Top-level Skills and the Carn Wolves made them hard to catch.

However, they would be caught! In any other time, the pink carriage of Magnolia Reinhart would have been on an intercept course, loaded with her staff. Or House Veltras fastest would be racing after the Goblins. Or

Well, Magnolia Reinhart was in the south. House Veltras had politely declined to join the chase in a significant way and then gone off to sail on Terandria. They were smashing an Ailendamus fleet after a two-day chase even now.

So while there were pursuers, the highest-levelled Skills werent behind them, or the same kind of organization. A weary [Pegasus Flier] landed, ready to demand food, water, a conference with the trackersand found no one at all, least of all the carefully-grown magical grasses the Pegasus demanded.

The carpet riders swore they had the Goblins dead to rights, and signalled for an intercept, only to find the only force capable of bringing battle to the Goblins was over twenty miles back, and no one had thought to move forces from ahead of them.

Coordination was a virtue. Coordination won wars, and while there was a lot of force, it wasnt directed. That was why more formal institutions, love em or hate em, were often employed in situations like this. A fast-moving target with elusive qualities in small numbers?

Send the Guild of Assassins. A perfect match. But oh wait.

They were all dead, or in hiding. Funny how that worked out. As for the Healer of Tenbault, she was an asset.

Yet the lone [Assassin] left in the North, to his knowledge the only one still endorsed and in the employ of one of the Five Families, thought it was really a sign of how much Magnolia Reinhart liked the Healer.

Because shed put him on the job.

Him.

T-Theofore. Who everyone remembered.

Right?

No one had even come after him when theyd purged the Assassins Guild. His own guild had put a bounty on his head for siding with Magnolia Reinhartthen promptly forgotten all about him. Hed thought hed have an easier time of it, with Ressa and Reynold and Magnolias fearsome staff.

But noooo. The instant Magnolia Reinhart heard about the Healer being missing, shed chartered a Pegasus, flown him to Pallass, and made him join the hunt.

Five days without sleeping in a bed. Two on a non-stop Pegasus flight, one getting through damned Pallass and Liscor and Invrisil because no one would answer the portal door, and two more flying on carpet.

Theofore hated his job. He didnt want to find the Goblins, but he had a terrible, sinking suspicion that he was on their trail. He certainly wasnt about to kill them or try to rescue the [Healer].

Hed levelled up a lot by the horrors of Magnolia Reinhart making him pursue the Wind Runner, clash with fellow [Assassins], and Ressas hell-training. She was a former Face of the Assassins Guild, and Theofore had thought those days of recruit-training were behind him. Even so, he wouldnt want to fight multiple Hobs and a Chieftain.

He was simply on reconnaissance, and could report back to Magnolia where they were headed. Theofore hunched on the carpet he was flying and prayed like hell he didnt hit a goose flight in midair. You heard horror stories of how you died on these flying death-traps. Even with a Scroll of Featherfalling, he was terrified, miserableand flying through rain.

I hate Magnolia Reinhart. I hate Ressa. I hate that damned Wind Runner, Ryoka Griffin. I hate rain. I hate Goblins. I hate the Healer of Tenbault. I hate Izril. I hate the Assassins Guild. I hate rain. I hate rain. I hate Pegasi. I hate Drakes. I hate

His litany of misery was only abated slightly by being right. He began to compose a [Message] spellor would when he got out of the damned rain. Whether Magnolia Reinhart wanted to act on it was up to her.

However, Theofore now knew where the Goblins were headed. It wasnt that he was a good tracker, or was faster than the other people in the sky or on the ground. Theofore was still an [Assassin], and hed used his knowledge of Izril and a map and common sense to figure out where the Goblins were going.

There was only one place a Goblin in this region of the upper north might go to escape pursuers. Theofore grimaced as he descended and confirmed hed found a giant Wyvern stool lying across a horrified rabbits den.

You and me both.

He muttered at the poor bunny. Theofore nodded and checked the map. There wereplaces that someone in his line of work knew. No doubt about it. When Goblins fled, they tended to go to places no one was around. That was elementary. Or, in this case

Other Goblins.

The change in landscape and temperature wasnt immediate, but it was fairly quick. Rags saw Fighti descend as the terrain changed.

What had been rather green lands had slowly begun to grow a bit barren. A bithotter too, come to think of it. And rather than forests, what they now found were more like swamps, as the indigenous trees and flora turned tropical.

Chieftain. Air smells funny.

Fighti coughed as she circled back. Rags frowned. She stared ahead at a distant smoke stack and a valley.

Too hot?

Not for Snowscale. But funny air. Funny land. Not good hide.

Fighti patted the Frost Wyvern who exhaled a plume of cold. Rags glanced ahead.

Hekusha. You know where we are?

Imaybe? It looks like were close to the Deuse Valley.

Whats that?

The Healer licked her lips.

Mostly abandoned land. Theres not much habitable there and its hot. An active volcano, I believe. Do youknow what that is?

Rags had no idea. The Healer explained.

Its this phenomenon where hot, molten stone shoots up. I would recommend we go around this place. No one comes here, not even [Alchemists]. Monsters and Lava Golems and others might love the heat, and its simply inhospitable.

So no ones here.

Yes, but

Good place to hide. Fighti, you keep going. Besides

Rags glanced at Hekusha and completed the statement in her head.

There are Goblins here.

She sensed them. In fact, she sensed the Chieftain, a strong presence. Althoughand Rags had never experienced this before, dimmed. Greydath had been invisible, but this was like a light you only saw when you got close. She was fascinated, but mainly just hoped they could break east or west and head back south.

Fighti took to the air, but with clear reservations. Rags didnt understand why, but Redscar tasted the air and spat.

Weird air. Smoke. Smells like alchemy.

That might be sulfur. Its a compound [Alchemists] sometimes use.

Huh. So [Alchemists] come here?

Oh, no. Never.

Then how they get it? It lying around all over the place?

Hekusha shrugged.

Its simply not in that much demand. I suppose Ive never asked, but its clear the market has saturation. Erthat means there is enough to buy. But I do know this valley is deserted.

Redscar grinned.

Right. Sure.

The Healer didnt know. The Goblins grinned at each other, chuckling. Hekusha smiled uncertainly; she really seemed to have taken her ease with them. The Carn Wolves grumbled, not liking the hotter air, especially as they proceeded in.

Rags first warning that something was wrong was when she heard a shriek from above. She looked up, tensing, and saw Fighti bank back. Calescent had joined her and was waving frantically. Rags saw the Wyvern, a small shape, wobble in the air. Thendrop.

Attack!

Redscar howled. He pointed as the Wyvern went into a sudden, uncontrolled dive. ButRags stared. Nothing had hit them! Was it a tiny projectile?

Nothe Wyvern, Snowscale, flapped his wings and caught himself from the deadly dive. He wobbled, descended, tried to rise, then came down too fast. Rags whirled.

To them! Go, go!

Hekusha cried out, but Rags left her with two Redfangs as Redscar charged with Thunderfur. She was right behind him, clinging to a Redfangs back.

They found Snowscale lying on his side, breathing with a wheeze. Fighti was trying to tend to him, but Calescent wasnt helping. He was lying on the ground.

Calescent! What happened?

Wheres enemy?

Redscar demanded. He had both his swords drawn, but Fighti just shook her head. Calescent wheezed.

No enemy.

No enemy? What?

No enemy. Badair.

Rags stared up, then she too felt a strange, burning pain in her lungs. She began to cough, and finally saw something rising into the air, invisible by the time it got higher.

Steam. No, steam and

The correct word for it was a fumarole, a natural steam-vent created by the heat of volcanic activity. It emitted gas, not just water vapor.

Sulfuric gas. And a host of other bad things in the smoke that had knocked Snowscale out of the air when it had accidentally flown too low over a vent.

Not just sulfur. One of the Carn Wolves began sneezing and backing away from the vent, still six hundred meters distant. A Goblin joined the wolf.

Chieftain. Poison.

The Redfang did double-duty in Poisonbites unit and knew what she was talking about. When she spoke, all the Goblins moved. Snowscale was urged up, and forced, whining, to lumber away.

What is that?

The fumarole didnt look like deadly poison to Rags, but the instant they retreated further, she felt the stinging pain in her lungs and incessant need to cough dissipating. Redscar swore and shaded his eyes.

Not just smoke. Chieftain. You see?

Rags squinted ahead. And the barren landscape began to resolve itself into something else.

Yes, it was hot. And the stone and dirt had that dry, igneous quality that came from being situated near a heat source that leeched water out of the ground.

However. This was not a place lacking water. It pooled in groundwells, often thin and shallow, at least, from what Rags saw. The swampy outer region gave way to this different kind of marsh. But there was still life here.

Maybe it would be harder if this was Kevins Earth. All these poisonous compounds made even small life difficult to sustain, let alone a complex organism.

Here, magic provided. And only magic. Rags saw strange clumps of plants growing along the water shed never drink even if she was dying of thirst. Strange plants, mosseseven some of the stones were odd.

Yellow sulfur deposits. She frowned at them. Shed never seen the powdery, yellow stuff before. Sand? This wasnt sand. However, her attention was on the plants. Some were located right over the vents, and if her eyes didnt deceive her, they were adding their own mixture to the smoke.

Poison plants. Great.

The Redfang nodded.

Chieftain, poof-air places death. Choke-poison death. There. There. Theremaybe there, safe.

She pointed, and Rags saw her tracing a route away from the poisonous vents located near anything growing. The other ones might just emit a toxic smoke, but

Rags growled.

Wonderful.

She liked sarcasm. It suited her. Fighti anxiously propped herself up on her shoulder.

Snowscale sick, Chieftain.

A retching sound made Rags look over as the Frost Wyvern threw up. And it was a lot for a Wyvern to throw up. Rags grimaced.

Get Snowscale up.

But Chieftain

Get up. We take to Hekusha, okay? She healswe go on foot. Maybe scout. Oh, and masks.

Kevins masks help?

Calescent was on his feet, and grimacing, shaking his head a bit woozily. Rags shrugged.

Better than not, right? Now

She turned as a warning howl came from behind them. Where the Healer was. Cursing, Rags ran for the Carn Wolves. Redscar raced back the way theyd come. What now? What?

What now turned out to beGoblins. Goblins, of course, but more Goblins. In fact?

A tribe. Nearly two hundred Goblins, surrounding the two Redfangs and Carn Wolves, who were riding around a terrified Hekusha hiding behind a barrier shed cast.

Such strange Goblins though. Rags and Redscar halted. She heard whoops, the classic yiyiyiyi of Goblin war-screams, but the Goblins looked different.

They all wore masks. Carved, wooden ones. Stone ones. Even a metal one on what was clearly the Chieftain-Hob. Some were painted, others crude. But each one was securely over the Goblins face, giving it a terrifying visage.

Goblins were monsters and horrifying to regular people. For the first time, Rags got something of that sense from seeing these Goblins. Was this what Humans felt like? Strange, unknown creatures?

They were still Goblins, though, and their chatter and interplay were still familiar to Rags, so the dissonance only lasted a second. And they hadnt attacked, though two spears buried in the ground a ways away from the Redfangs whod drawn bows clearly showed they werent happy.

Redfang! Stay back!

Redscar advanced with a snarling Thunderfur. At the sight of him on the mighty wolf, the other Goblins scampered back. However, the Chieftain roared and slapped his chest.

Our tribe! Not here-Goblins. You leave! Now!

It had been a while since Rags met Goblins who were not part of her tribe. It was almost refreshing. She raised a hand and the Hob turned to her, then to Redscar, confused. Rags saw Redscar nod to her, and thus confirm she was in charge.

I am Chieftain of Flooded Waters tribe! Not to fight!

Leave! My tribe strong!

The Hob bellowed back. He saw the other Goblins and even Snowscale and Fighti loping over and hesitated.

Not because the Frost Wyvern was particularly horrifying with vomit and drool leaking out of its jaws, wings folded, limping along. Although it was still certainly big. Rather, because of the basic dynamic among Goblins.

He was a single Hob, a powerful, well-fed Goblin with scavenged armor that might even be steel, or iron; it was rusted from heat and weather. His tribe of two hundred was armed with bows, spears, throwing javelins, slings, and so on. Not bad

But the real denominator that separated him and Rags was Hobgoblins. Hobs were a measure of strength and Redscar and six of his warriors were all Hobs, as well as Calescent. Any one of them was an equal to this Chieftain in theory, and he grew warier still.

You leave. You come, we fight!

He warned them as the little Goblins drew back on bows. Rags didnt like the way her [Dangersense] pricked her when she stared at them.

Arrows might be poisoned, Chieftain.

Her expert in the field whispered. Rags grimaced. It made sense. Give a Goblin any natural poison and you bet they were putting it on their bows.

A memory of a frozen Human struck her. She shook her head. No. They would not repeat that. Not here. She pointed at the Hob.

No fight. We run from Humans. Rest here. Get sick. Bad air. Okay?

She gestured at Snowscale. The Hob clearly understood what happened, but he glared, and shook his head.

Take Human. Go now! No stay! You fightall tribes fight! This Molten Stone tribe! They come? Kill you all!

Rags ears pricked up. Molten Stone? He wasnt talking about his tribe. More tribes would fight them if they advanced? She tried to shout, coughed.

Hah! Sick Goblin. You leave. Leave!

Arrows showered the ground in front of Rags group. Redscar snarled. He drew his swords and the Hob Chieftain backed up.

Chieftain. I challenge him?

No. Leave him.

Rags didnt want Redscar to antagonize this tribe, though she was sure he could win. She coughed again and saw Hekusha standing there.

Hekusha, heal Snowscale.

Heal a Wyvern? But

She hadnt gotten much of the interplay between Goblins. Rags pointed and the Healer hesitated.

But my barrier

Well shield you. They wont attack. Go!

Even so, Calescent had to gently urge Hekusha before shed drop the barrier, and she scurried over, using his body as a shield.

Might be fighting, Chieftain. Cant turn back.

Redscar muttered. Rags bit her tongue.

Maybe. I dont want to fight poison. Challenge Chieftain if they attack. Theyll probably run when you win.

Mm.

The tense standoff might have gone on longer, as the Redfangs took out bows and their Carn Wolves snarled. Rags was preparing her own last resort. Her Dwarfsteel crossbow with [Dual Shot], and [Fast Fireball], would make the Goblins think twice, but she really didnt want to fight them, even if she took over their tribe.

She was actually wondering why this Chieftain was sohostile. Normally, Goblin tribes didnt like to stick together and the Mountain City tribe was a rarity, but Goblin tribes didnt just brawl when they met. They usually traded, exchanged news, and agreed to part after a short meeting.

Sometimes a tribe took over other tribes, but instant hostility without aggression was strange. She would have been curious and at least talked to the foreign Goblins. Maybe they thought having a Human would be trouble?

The jeering tribe of mask-Goblins suddenly went silent. Rags saw a few lower bows and point. She turned.

What was?

Calescent, waiting for Hekusha to heal Snowscale, had clearly had enough of this toxic environment. Grumbling, the [Spice Chef] had taken his hand away from his death-spice bag, ready to dump in an attackers face, and pulled something out of his bag of holding.

A leather mask, with glass eye sockets. The complex little filter Kevin had worked up went over Calescents mouth and he breathed a bit easier.

Hrm. Better breathing. Harder seeing. Chieftain, masks help. Chieftain?

Then he noticed that the other tribe had gone still. The mask-wearing Goblins stared at the curious device on Calescents face. Rags turned, saw their avid expressions, the way the Chieftain hesitated, and whirled.

Everyone. Put on Kevin-masks. Now.

The Redfangs didnt hesitate. They pulled out the masks, and fastened them. Hekusha, devoid of mask or comprehension, just watched as two sides stared at each other behind masks. Even then, the other Goblins wavered.

What broke the spell was when Redscar dismounted, fished out a complex hood, and put it over a whining Thunderfurs face. The Carn Wolfs mask to keep him from inhaling dust looked like a cross between horse blinders and an elephants trunk. Rags saw the masked Chieftains figure joltthen he nearly fell over laughing.

Mask! Mask for dog! They know mask-dog!

Goblins hooted, and Rags saw their hostility evaporate in an instant. They holstered their weapons, then marched over, pointing at Thunderfur, who looked really indignant about all of this.

It upset the Goblin [Witch] of the Burning Snow tribe, who was trying to explain her grand plan to them all. She shouted at him.

Stop snoozing you stupidstupid Great Chieftain!

Then she threw a ball of fire at him and singed his eyebrows off. Which sort of ruined the dignified showcase and plan she was trying to get the other Goblin Chieftains on board with, but they just didnt have a good place or the will.

A Goblin academy is good. But where? Gazers have jungles. Dullahans will find you in the north. Underground?

He tried to console her afterwards, as the Chieftains went to more interesting activities. The Goblin [Witch], sulking, muttered.

Maybe somewhere else. Chandrar. Izril.

Far to go.

The Great Chieftain stretched. Anazurhe shrugged.

Maybe.

That was his first meeting with the [Witch] named Anazurhe. She did leave for Izril, and he saw her only a few times before then. Then once morefifty years later. And then? He was already

Rags jolted. She stumbled backwards and Prixall caught her. The Chieftain was breathing heavily. She looked up and saw.

Velan the Kind. He sat there, staring over her head into the distance. At something amusing orcontenting.

His statue, of course. The Goblin Kingno, he wasnt quite the Goblin King, was he? It had triggered the memory in her, but this Goblin wasnt the same one who had raged across Izril. A bit younger.

Chieftain Rags. Are you alright?

Rags looked up and saw Prixall looking concerned. She realized what had happened to Rags.

Chieftains see it differently. Some Goblins too.

Velan. He was just like her memories, but it was something to see him sculpted out of stone. Ragslooked around, and saw a figure sitting by the fountain.

Anazurhe was looking at her. The Great Witch had commissioned the statue. The statue of one of the most hated beings in the world. Her eyes were distant as she looked at Rags.

You did know him.

Of course I did. Some Goblins are older, Rags. I saw him be the great Goblin Lord that they called kind. The one they made pacts with. Thenmadness. That is the fate of Goblin Kings. He was mad when he died. And I do not know why.

She looked so sad. Rags shook her head. From wanting to take Anazurhe to task, she had gone to respecting her vision toshe could not condemn it any longer. Not someone who had been there. No wonder she hid her tribe here, playing a longer game.

I saw what you are making.

Ah. You knew?

I have seen another.

Anazurhes pointed hat tilted up. Her eyes glinted.

Interesting.

Quiet, please. I am committing these notes to memory.

Valeterisa muttered from the side. Anazurhe looked over, and poked her hard in the side. The Archmage did not respond.

You see much, Chieftain Rags.

I do. I sayit is Goblin if it matters, Chieftain Anazurhe.

The Witch smiled. Rags went on.

I would like some of what you do for my tribe. We are young

She glanced at Prixall.

Very young. But we are making something in the High Passes. Maybe it is in danger. Maybe it will not last. But if you will let some of your Goblins come, we will try to make something like this.

And what is this? A safe place? A place of power?

Rags shook her head. The Great Chieftain was testing her. She gestured around.

A place that does not need to steal.

Ah.

Anazurhe smiled. She nodded. That was what Rags liked most of all. This was not Tremborags domain. Everything she saw had been won fairly. You could not walk here and say this was stolen, that Goblins were a people who could only raid and destroy.

Only she had done that. She looked at the Healers notes, shamefaced. But she had a task she needed done, and it was worth the cost, she thought.

If a Goblin wishes to go with you, I will let them. They will not.

Not one?

Anazurhe shook her head.

They know what lies outside. You have little to offer them. They will go, like the island-Goblins, to die, for great deeds. But not because they see hope.

That was the weariness. Rags shrugged.

I will ask.

Not one Goblin volunteered. Not even Redscars fans. They were tempted, from the little [Witches] to [Mages] to the [Warlocks], but they looked at Prixall, at Rags, and the old Redscar and Redfangs, and saw exactly how long theyd live.

Rags couldnt blame them. But she needed them. She was trying and failing to figure out how to convince them, as the Molten Stone tribe feasted them. Rags saw Calescent, a bit happier, trading his death spice with the Goblin [Chefs] and showing the Molten Stone tribe that there was fire they had yet to experience.

Could Ipurchase a bit of that? Might be a cheaper way to distract someone.

Even Roell made a purchase of Calescents death-spice after he sampled it. Rags herself munched on a delicacy of their tribes; some kind of weird preservation technique. The Molten Stone tribe loved to bury eggs, Yellats, and other foods like fish, in clay pots with ash and other thingsand let them rot into weird, discolored foods.

Well, not rot. They were perfectly edible. It wasnt quite fermenting as her experts knew it, but it certainly took advantage of the natural terrain. Rags poked an egg with a brown outside and a black yolk. Hekusha stared in horror at her plate; the Goblins had, with careful spitefulness, served her a huge bowl of them.

Rags shrugged, took a bite, and found it was good! She liked it a lot more than bugs. She tried a pickled bit of herring next and chomped it down.

Your Healer does not like you.

Anazurhe murmured as she removed her mask to eat. Hekusha had indeed shown her colors and she was alone. Rags grimaced.

She will heal Erin or not. Then we let her leave. We kidnapped her. She does not need to like us.

Mm. I dont think she can.

Rags heart sank. She looked at Anazurhe, then shook her head.

If there is a chance

Potion of Regeneration failed. Will [Restoration] work? Weaker spell. Different, but weaker.

Maybe she can heal Erins body.

Hmm. She is not a [Healer]. She can only cast the spell. She is a [Mage] who casts a spell efficiently. Not someone who knows why and how to kill sickness. There is a difference.

Rags stabbed at one of the eggs with her claw. She had to believe this was for something. She had to do something!

We will try.

Mhm. But do not bet on her. She is a greedy thing. Like crows.

Anazurhe gestured. Rags turned and saw a giant, fire-resistant crow hassling Snowscale for his food. Apparently, due to some pact with another [Witch], the Molten Stone tribe had fliers who could use special masks. The crows were far smaller, though, and only a normal-sized Goblin could ride them, not a Hob.

Valeterisa was munching down on the black eggs, oblivious to what she was eating as she read the notes.

It is interesting. Healer Hekusha, you seem capable of teaching this [Restoration] spell to other [Mages]. I believe I can learn it. Note to selflearn[Restoration]devote eight processes to memorization and casting.

You cant steal my magic!

The Healer of Tenbault wailed. Valeterisa raised her eyebrows. She rubbed at one ear.

Oh, I stopped listening. One secondah. Why not, Healer Hekusha? It is clear you decoded the spell you were taught nearly five years ago. Your research changed, and I do not believe this spell is being communicated. Even Wistram has lost it, with the exception of Grand Magus Eldavin.

Rags ears sharpened. She looked at Hekusha. The woman stuttered.

II was attempting to simplify it. To allow me to

Valeterisa scanned the notes and shook her head.

You were not. Your research is plainly devoted to developing link-spells that you might cast it more efficiently. Not simplify it for others. In fact, half your research is designed to encode the spell. Interesting.

Anazurhes eyes narrowed. She looked at Rags and the Goblin made a face. They understood. Valeterisa calmly reached for an egg, then stared at it.

Is this poisonous? [Detect Poison]. No? Very well. It is now clear why Magnolia Reinhart declined to support you. Mystery solved. Note to selftell Iekaexcuse me, Witch Anazurhe? Is there an acceptable magical present I could buy here?

Want a mask?

Anazurhe turned to Rags. She nodded at the magical notes and Hekusha, watching someone effortlessly copy her spell. And unveil the truth.

Greedy Human. If she can savewho is it?

An ice cube.

Rags stared down at her plate, no longer hungry. She sat there, doodling on the table.

You knowand I am being social here, hello Chieftain Rags, I hope we can do good business together, please accept this friendliness as a discount for favors owed for magical notesthis entire business with healing someone reminds me of an issue I must look into. Perhaps [Restoration] would help? I am looking into a frozen young woman inLiscor, The Wandering Inn. How strange. Coincidence. Ahahahaha.

Valeterisas polite laughter cut off as Rags jolted. The Archmage looked up as every Goblin in Rags entourage stared at her.

Was that a faux pas?

Roell looked over from his dish where he was telling Vinn hed done a good job, relax, have a drink, go to bed. Rags saw him bow politely.

Excuse me, Great Chieftain? Er, other Great Chieftain, Archmage? This wouldnt happen to be about the Oteslia-Khelt puzzle, would it?

Everyone looked over. Rags frowned.

The what?

The [Rogue] realized he had everyones ears. He fumbled to recall.

Itssomething in the Mages Guilds. Oteslia put out an alchemical problem. Something to do with a complex poison thing. You know, Oteslian generosity? Theyre researching it, but Khelt put out a huge bounty on anyone who solves a number of problems. Think its reversing a freeze spell, finishing an antidotecourse it might not have reached you, but I just thought Id mention it.

Anazurhe tapped her lips thoughtfully. Valeterisa began bothering the nearest Mages Guild about it. The Great [Witch of Flames] glanced at Rags.

Oteslia and Khelt? Are they helping?

Rags sat there. Yes. Perhaps! And yet, if the best [Alchemists] and [Researchers] of Oteslia could do naught, and the other [Witches] of Riverfarm, and all the people helping Erin, even the Healer of Tenbault, who could? She sat there, but Anazurhe was moving.

Let us check.

Rabbiteater was fighting with the Spring Knights, not in the thick of the fighting but on the edges. He battered down faces, yanked Markus out of a knot of [Knights], and dueled.

Challenge!

And like idiots, Spring Knights leapt from saddles or fought on horseback against their opponents. Rabbiteater had to admitit was easier than a melee. The Order of Seasons would be squished against such numbers.

But maybe, theyd also combine their auras and burn their enemies out of their plate armor. He grimly battered a [Knight]s guard down and rammed his shield into a face. The fellow fell down stupidly and Rabbiteater drove the sword point down next to his visor.

Alas, Ser Domost. A valiant effort! At your leisure, Ser Plain Armor!

Another Hydra [Knight] saluted Rabbiteater. The Goblin actually tilted his visor open and took a drink of a stamina potion. This was so

He was no closer to any edge of the fighting. And hed been trying to push out. The duels made it impossible. Rabbiteater kept staring towards the edge of the fighting.

The thing was, he saw something. The Order of the Hydra was boxing in the Order of Seasons, wearing them down despite the dangerous charges. But they were on foot. Fast as they were, if you broke clear of themcould they catch up?

Youd have to do that, first. And if Rabbiteater refused a duel, he was fairly sure theyd take him out in a second. He was still sick of it, though. So when he heard a shout that he liked, his head swivelled instantly.

No fair, Ser! That is unsporting!

A [Knight] lay on the ground. Order of the Hydra, plate dented. An energetic [Knight] in a kind of purple and fading orange had bashed him flat. It had been a one-sided match, mainly because when the Hydra Knight had gone down, hed never been able to get back up.

Mostly due to the vines holding his limbs down. The Fall Knight, or Autumn Knight of the Order of Seasons, turned, wiping sweat from his brow as he loosened his helmet.

Nonsense. Magics perfectly acceptable. You can use potions or scrolls, I can use magic. I trained with a mace and spells. Next?

A Hydra Knight charged him. The Autumn Knight waited and the figure slipped on a patch of greased ground. He was on him with less skill than some of his counterparts, but a considerable vigor in attacking downed foes. The other waiting [Knights] booed the display.

Rabbiteater loved it. He made his way over to the Autumn Knight. The waiting [Knight] who wanted to duel him sighed, but let him do it.

More fool, he. The Autumn Knight spun.

Is that Ser Solstice? Were getting thrashed out here. Our people are, at any rate.

Rabbiteater turned to the same sight hed been watching; Ailendamus huge crossbow corps raining fire down on the enemy while their infantry held them back. He glared.

Yes. Whore you?

Ser Ilm. Autumns children. Ive been separated from my lance. Want to join up? See here, well duel you two at a time! My sword-arms getting tired, Ser Solstice, but if you back me up

For once, the Hydra Knights werent as keen to take the fight. One pointed at Ser Ilm.

Youll just cast magic on us! Were not loosing arrows at you!

Too true, Dame Hydra! It is a duel. I could throw a [Fireball] at you all, but I wont.

The Autumn Knight had a practical, almost needling tone that Rabbiteater liked. And his presence gave Rabbiteater an idea. The Goblin dragged at Ser Ilms shoulder.

Lets retreat. Get Markus. Meisa.

The lance was already falling back to rest and charge again. Ilm nodded. They waited for a duel, but the Hydra Knights just folded their arms.

Lets take on the Summer Knights. Theyre sporting, even if they melt your armor. Yons Dame Talia Kalinad, over there. You know, from the games at Daquin? It would be a feather in your cap to take her out.

They moved left, and Rabbiteater saw the fiery blade of the first [Knight] he had liked. He shook his head and pulled Ser Ilm back.

They are going to win, Ser Solstice.

The Autumn Knight calmly spoke when they were riding back to the defensive line of skirmishing [Knights]. Markus and Meisa, both of whom had survived their duels, looked at Rabbiteater. Ser Thaime was also there; Dame Ingrela was not. Shed been captured, along with Raist.

Rabbiteater nodded. He stared out at Ailendamus army. Andhe kept seeing the figure there. Hed assumed it was a feint, but from the way he saw the figure strutting about, followed by a unit of fighters, he thought it was what it looked like.

There was Ailendamus [General]. A [General] could empower an army beyond belief, and since he had those pikes, he had put all of his fancy archers in one spot. Eggs and baskets and all that.

Of course, there was a wall of Hydra Knights keeping the Order of Seasons back. And they had Voost surrounded, forcing her into duels she was winning, but unable to break out from, like Zulv. Rabbiteater looked at Ilm, his friends.

I have an idea. We cant win without playing differentgames. Not like Ailendamus.

He tried to explain. Markus frowned, but Meisa lifted a hand.

We cant just violate the rules of engagement, Rabbiteater. It goes both ways.

She glanced at Ailendamus army.

There is a way to die quick, and its out there.

Rabbiteater nodded.

But. One person can change everything.

Youre speaking like youre the Summers Champion.

Ser Thaime snorted, but he eyed the Goblin Slayer, whom hed ridden with. Ser Ilm leaned on his horses saddle, interested. Rabbiteater shrugged.

Maybe. But you dont need him. One person can do it.

You seem sure. Were not high-level

Doesnt matter.

Rabbiteater stared at something only he could see. Levels? Status? It didnt matter. He had learned the lesson Greysten had, and the heads of each order.

One person was all it took. He saw a young woman with a white flag. If she had not stood there. If she had not been therehis hand tightened. He longed for the same power, the hand of the Drake [General] on his shoulder.

He didnt have it. All he had wasa memory.

It was enough. Just because it was a memory did not mean it had not happened. He had been there. He had bested the Bear of Ailendamus. Rabbiteater reached for that feeling. And foundsome of it was in him.

Ser Markus was about to object that he didnt want his friend to die. The words slowed on his tongue. He squinted at Rabbiteater. He feltthe Spring Knights eyes widened, but Meisa nudged him. Her eyes were glittering.

Do you have a plan, Ser Solstice? I am willing to listen.

Thaime was sensing the same thing. He removed his helmet, his sharp mustache gleaming with sweat, and looked at Rabbiteater. The Goblin glanced at the Autumn Knight. He hesitated. One was coming.

Maybe. Ser Ilm. Are there any more Autumn Knights with you?

The [Knight] grinned.

Were spread out. Why?

What kind of magic can you cast? Any of these spells?

The [Knight] listened. Then he really began to smile. And Rabbiteater felt something welling inside of him. He looked back ahead. Reaching for it.

[Communication] was a Tier 4 spell, and [Message] was Tier 3. Both were used at Mages Guilds, although not everyone could use the [Communication] spell.

Nevertheless, any large Mages Guild could. The [Mage] taking incoming calls grumbled, but the friendly, female voice didnt add to his bad mood on this mundane day of days.

Oteslias Mage Guild. If youre calling about a delayed shipment, please be advised we are currently under siegehow can I help you?

Hello! Im from the Mages Guild in Anazuland. I was just communicating an information request regarding a bounty, if thats alright?

Anazuland? The Drake had a map out. You got vague directions the further you cast the spell from, and he checked the map. Some place in the middle of nowhere next to a huge uninhabited area. About right. Hed never been to Anazuland, but it was on the lists they sent out and did some basic communicating.

No problem, Miss. What can I look up?

Just the bounty on a Seifre Poison Frozen Complications, I believe the research topic is called.

Ah, another one.

The Drake even had the applicable materials here; everyone wanted a piece of that bounty. But hed noted no one had actually come back with a solution. He read it out.

Lets see. Khelts backing this information requestverified cures only. A partial solution awards you twenty two thousand gold.

Oh my. Thatshey, get away from there, you ***** brat!

That last part wasnt censored, but it was a word the Drake had never known before. He heard a screech, remarkably high-pitched, and the voice returned.

I am so sorry about that.

Probably children in this small-town Mages Guild. The Drake assured her it was fine and gave her the rest of the relevant details as she copied the notes down. He thought no more about the interaction, instead counting the minutes down to his lunch.

In the Mages Guild of Anazuland, Rags stared with open-mouth at a Goblin [Mage] whod chirpily requested the info. Shed stopped only once, to kick a little Goblin trying to peer at her scrying orb. However, even swearing in Goblin hadnt broken her cover.

Anazurhe inspected the bounty as it was printed out. Even Valeterisa looked mildly interested at the money offered.

However, the problem was clearly that the Healer of Tenbault had her spell, not an answer to the rest. Rags had Lyonettes information.

Cure for being an ice cube. Antidote for poison. Way to bring a sort-of-dead person back. Way to mend her flesh, even if she isnt technically alive.

A four-part process, and the [Doctor] whod written it up had hinted there were more problems she hadnt worked out yet before disappearing. They might have one with the Healer. Maybe.

But the rest? Anazurhe looked at the antidote and listed poison. She tsked.

Okay poison. Bad if shot. In veins? Frozen in blood? Yuck.

She was so casual it made Rags angry, despite knowing that the Goblin Witch had no reference for Erin Solstice. Anazurhe nodded. Valeterisa was peering at the details.

Hm. Liquid would not work. Potions require a living system. Powder? Gas? If the body is frozenah. No wonder it is so difficult to administer. Ihm. I would risk applying it to the body as it warmed. But then the patient might die. Which I assume is not the desired outcome? No? Simply inquiring.

She was rather interested by the puzzle as an academic, but she had no good answers either. Rags offered it to Hekusha, who gave the entire sheet a blank look.

What would you do?

C-cast [Restoration]? I seldom get immediate poison victims

Valeterisa, Rags, and Anazurhe looked at the Healer of Tenbault. Now here was someone who had a single answer for everything. Mind youit worked, but still.

Anazurhe tapped the sheet thoughtfully. Rags hopefully looked at her.

Is your tribe filled with many poison-experts?

She glanced at the crowd of Goblins that Redscar, Fighti and Calescent were trying to recruit into coming with them. The Goblins listened to stories of battle and looked at the celebritiesbut shook their heads. More were clustered around the scrying orb, and Calescent stopped and went to sit with them, giving up.

Not like a great tribe. No. But this

Anazurhe frowned. She inspected the details provided by Oteslias [Researchers], who believed in communication. She ran her finger down attempted solutions that had not worked on frozen trial rodents. And her eyes turned.

She looked left, and Rags looked left as well. Anazurhe spoke.

There is the Goblin who could find the cure.

She pointed at Velan the Kind. Who had once been one of the greatest [Alchemists] ever. That was what Rags kept forgetting. He had made such medicines that his body had become as strong as any [Warrior]. He had travelled to Drath, had learned secrets

And was dead. Did the answer lie in memory? Anazurhe looked at the list. She turned it over. Frowned.

Hm. Hmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Rags head rose. No one hmmed like that for nothing. Anazurhes eyes flickered down the list again, and she muttered.

There is one potion. Not tried? Not known? MaybemaybePrixall! Get over here!

She snapped at the [Witch]. The Goblin walked over with an exasperated look Rags recognized. Safety or not, it couldnt be fun being the eldest daughter of the Great Chieftain for sixty years. If only she could get Prixall. Alas, Redscar wasnt enough, especially since he probably would refuse to seduce her.

Chieftain?

Get that thing. The drink for ceremonies. Useless drink.

Anazurhe snapped her fingers, clearly at a loss for what she wanted. She glared at Prixall as the Goblin suggested fifteen different names, finally got the one Anazurhe had forgotten, and stomped off to get it.

What is it?

Valeterisa was still engrossed in the problem. Anazurhe, on the other hand, explained, her eyes glittering.

Useless drink.

Great.

Rags snorted. Anazurhe rolled her eyes, flapped her hat at Rags, and explained haughtily.

A useless drink now. Somethingmade it less useful. It used to be used all the time. Goblins Lament made it. Some tribes made it. A very valuable drink. Less useful now than many, many lifetimes ago. Uselessnow. I tried many times. But

She spread her claws.

No good. I put it in special cups, put it in special ceremonies. Nothing happened. It is not a drink for us.

Drink? Not medicine? Drink for who?

Spirits.

Rags eyes narrowed. Prixall came back, and Anazurhe shook her head. She stared about.

So quiet. So empty. Nothing comesone did, but didnt stay. Only one? Used to be many. Here.

She took a mostly-empty container and held it out. It glowed with magic, and Valeterisa dropped the notes instantly and came over.

What a fascinating magical binding. It is a specific barrier on this amphora.

She tapped the clay vessel. Anazurhe slapped her hands away.

Yes, yes. Obvious. Duh. Now, look, Chieftain Rags. Prixall. Cup!

The [Witch] held out a hand. She opened and closed it, then turned her head.

You didnt say get a cup, Chieftain.

Prixall glowered. Anazurhe spoke slowly.

Getacup.

Prixal was about to burst, but Rags offered her own canteen.

Will this do?

Sure.

Anazurhe held the canteen out, not even bothering to align it with the amphora. Rags worried shed waste it, but, as it turned out, there was no need.

The liquid that flowed out of the amphora didnt fall like regular water. Itdrifted, as if it was made less of liquid, but not quite gas. Oh, and it was a light green, swimming with motes of violet and even particles that might have been for taste or a byproduct of how it was made, for it was surely old, as the vessel indicated.

It went straight through the canteen. Straight through Anazurhes hand. As if neither were there. It fell into the ground and vanished. Valeterisas head followed the small stream down. Anazurhe looked at Rags.

Hmm? Only a special barrier keeps it inside, you see.

Rags stared at the liquid. Then at Anazurhe. She flicked her eyes back to the scattered bounty, and her eyes opened wide.

Does itdo anything?

Spirits drink this. But ethereal poison? Very bad. You take an arrow, dip it, and it goes through armor. Like that ones sword.

She looked at Redscar. Valeterisa nodded happily.

Goblins have their own version of a Ghost Touch liquid. Fascinating. I have never seen this kind of potion, although I do not foray into alchemy

Yes, yes. Shut up. This is hard to get. This is a drink. If an [Alchemist] uses the ingredientsmaybe an antidote goes through her, you see? Your ice cube.

Rags was hopping from foot to foot. Yes! Yes! That did seem likely! Anazurhe smiled.

And I get the partial bounty. Twenty two thousand gold! Everyone wins!

Where can we get it? How is it made? Do you know?

Hmm. I know how. Or I can remember from [Shamans] past. The problem isingredients are rare. Rarer than Kraken Hearts, maybe.

Rags stopped dancing.

Where are they? Do you have any?

I did. I used them to make this, see?

The Goblin [Witch] helpfully held out the useless amphora of ghost happy-juice. Rags was tempted to kick it into the fountain.

Do you have more ingredients? Where are they?

I know of three.

Anazurhe was enjoying Rags impatience. She held up three fingers.

One comes from fish deep in the ocean. Hard to get. Drowned Folk maybe can get it. The second? A Baleros creature deep in the jungles. Might be none left. Both are one in a decade.

No, no, no! Rags was tearing at her hair. So close and yetno wonder not even Oteslia had any! Anazurhe waited until Rags was about to explode, and then smiled.

Fortunately, Chieftain Rags, the last one is more plentiful. There is one place to get it. Or ratherone tribe in Izril grows the mushroom. Harvests it. Uses it. Maybe they are dead. Maybe they live. I think, with the Goblin Lord, they may be dead, but maybe some remain.

Who?

Rags stared at Anazurhe. The Great Witch smiled.

The Ghostly Hand tribe.

Rags stared at her. Anazurhe went to inform Oteslia of the possible solution and put in for a partial bounty. Rags just stood there. Howhow was she supposed to get there? In southern Izril? How in the?

Shoo. Shoo.

Numbtongue kept urging the little Goblins away as they followed the Gnolls to their tribe. The [Hunters] were tolerant, but the Goblins were still putting them all in danger.

Even so, the annoying Goblins with the white handprint on their skin could tell he was a Hob. One kept poking him.

You Hob. We Goblins.

Yes. Go away.

We have tribe.

Good for you. Go away.

You visit?

No.

Please?

No.

You have ghosts. Chieftain have ghosts. We show?

Nwhat?

The Goblin grinned at him and stared at Pyrite. The Hob stared back. He waved slowly. She grinned wider and waved back.

Hope. Secrets. Other tribes. Rags was mixed on what shed learned, but she felt in her marrow shed found a clue. Healer of Tenbault aside.

This was something, if she could get to Goblinhome. Anazurhe assured her that she could help speed and aid their journey. They would also go with something from Valeterisa, who kept avoiding Rags mentioning payback for the notes.

But Rags would not go with other Goblins. They had refused. Maybe some of the Goblins from the outlying tribes, but no one from this academy. Not yet.

She had nothing to show them. Only stories of death. What could inspire them? What couldand not Kevin. Not this time. He wasnt a Goblin, and that was the point.

Redscar had given up on recruiting to speculate with Rags about a way back. Fighti kept trying, but no one was listening. Calescent sat at the scrying orb as Hekusha tried to re-ingratiate herself with him.

I just meantyou must understand. I quite like your cooking, but, you see

Goblins perched on swings or lay about the scrying orb, with their favorite new hobby. Watching television. Calescent gloomily watched too. He wished they had a cooking section. All they showed were angry Gnolls, angry Drakes, and now people killing each other. War, strifehe stared at a figure as Drassi began to commentate. Then he frowned. Then

Hekusha backed up as Calescent made a fist. She squeaked and hid her face as he swung it. Then stared. Calescent picked himself back up and rubbed at his jaw. He checked the news. Then he shot to his feet with a roar.

Chieftain!

Rags turned. Anazurhe saw the [Chef] shoot to his feet, sadness forgotten. He waved his arms, scattering children and the Healer as he pointed, lost for words.

Him! Him! Chieftain, here! Its him!

Who?

Rabbiteater!

And then every Goblin was running over. Pushing each other aside. Anazurhe picked up a Goblin child, squealing as his space was invaded, and tossed him at Prixall. She threw herself down and saw the [Knight]. Youd never know he was a Goblin unless you knew.

Thenyou saw him.

Ser Greystens arm was burning from mortal exhaustion, not from fire. He felt like his entire body rang from throwing himself into terrible blows against the Dame of the Hills. She was stronger. He was higher-level and refused to burn her.

Neither would yield. And because of that, his Order was losing. He cursed, surging forwards as she drank a potion, to deny her that.

Hardly sporting, Ser Greysten!

Then damn sport! Fight, Dame of the Hills, until one falls!

She grinned, tossing the bottle aside. Her [Squire] ran after it, since a bottle fit for her was actually too expensive to waste. Greysten rode at the half-Giant, into her shadow, and felt Rabbiteater was right. Ailendamus had played their [Knightly] nature against them. Perhaps not the Order of the Hydra, but someone

It was the same conclusion Dame Talia came to. She looked around as a cluster of [Summer Knights] fought inwards. Winning duels, or the crushing meleebut hindered by the rules of, well, chivalry.

How would Wil do this? How would the Titan? She imagined them sailing a ship into the middle of a formation. [Strategists] didnt fight fair. She grimly set herselfand then saw it.

Someone was recording this battle to see whether the Order of Seasons won or lost their bid to aid the Dawn Concordat. But it had not been exciting; a bunch of armored people bashing each other down, or Ailendamus calmly shooting Pheislants forces from afar, was hardly the stuff of prime-time television after the King of Destruction and similar battles.

And that was the case right up until the shouts of dismay. The cry of impropriety. Talia turned her head. There was only one [Knight] on this field who would do such a thing. She saw what was happening at once.

Hydra Knights by the dozens were shouting, flailing, hacking atwebs. More were slipping and falling all over each other as the ground turned to butter. A cadre of Autumn Knights was standing, throwing non-lethal, but highly annoying spells into a section of the bunched [Knights].

Unsporting! They are attacking with magic!

Well, have at them!

A roar went up from the Hydra Knights. Outraged, they charged the emplaced Autumn [Knights], who began to cast more [Sticky Webs], [Tripvines], and other spells. However, this backfired almost at once.

[Dispel Magic]!

A [Knight] drew a scroll and Talia grimaced as the webs and other hindering spells vanished at once. Of course they had magical countermeasures. She bet Rabbiteater had thought he could overrun them. Chivalrous rules went two ways!

The Goblin. She felt a tightness in her chest, an anger at his name, which went hand-in-hand with Greystens lecture and her own sense of betrayal. Even soshe looked for him.

If he was in the knot of Autumn Knights being swarmed by the Order of the Hydra, he was dismounted or already down. They refused to duelthey took out the [Mage-Knights] fast, knocking them off their saddles, some going as far as to aim blunt-tipped crossbows which dented plate armor. Talia winced. And now theyd just lost six Autumn Knights. Thatshe turned to see if she could spot him or Markus.

There was no one there. The Hydra Knights picked themselves up, reprimanded the six Autumn Knights, and frowned at the grins on the captured groups faces.

Oops! Looks like that ploy didnt work, eh, Sir Relz?

Noass laughed as the two went over light coverage of the battle, in between Drassis Gnoll-segments. Sir Relz chuckled, but then frowned.

Hold on, Noass. Do you see that?

He pointed out something odd in the battlefield. Noass frowned.

Indeed I do, Sir Relz. What is that?

Looks like something our scrying spells are picking up. Clearly magical. Excuse me? Can we zoom in onthere! Theres ten of them! See?

A disturbance in the lines of the Order of the Hydra, exactly opposite where the Autumn Knights had made their brief stand. The Hydra Knights were resetting themselves, but they were a bit disjointed there. Some were being knocked down, looking around, confused. Shoutingand not seeing ten [Knights] riding through their ranks.

Not at first. Noass eyed the glittering figures.

They must be invisible. I think we have a situation. We are watching, live, ladies and gentlemen, ten [Knights] under [Invisibility] spells trying to break the Order of the Hydras lines. Theyre clearly noticing, but they dont see them. Will they make it? This is Wistram News Network and

Rabbiteater wasnt technically breaking any rules of chivalry. The Autumn Knights had, and theyd been punished for it. But what was he doing? He wasnt attacking the [Knights]. Okay, his horse bumped several over, but he was just

Invisible. He surged forwards, as Ser Ilm cursed.

Theyre on us.

[Invisibility] spells! To arms! To arms!

The Hydra Knights werent stupid. Seeing the space where the group of ten were pushing through, the [Knights] on foot and anyone bumped by a horse could put two and two together. The Hydra Knights, caught off-guard, began to converge.

Too late. Rabbiteater roared.

Charge!

Spring ends! With Ser Solstice!

Markus shouted, another invisible figure. They rode forwards, no longer trying to hide. Hydra Knights tried to block their path, but they couldnt see, and Rabbiteater knocked two flat, breaking through more and more trying to form a wall of flesh and armor. But theyd been distracted.

Classic tactics. Goblin tactics in this case. Burn a farm and hit a road twenty miles away. Rabbiteater rode and saw their back lines desperately closing.

Break free! Go!

It was only ten of them. Then nine, as Ser Thaime got tangled at the rear. He lashed around him, reappearing as someone dispelled the magic on the group.

Another Spring Knight ran into eight [Knights]. Horse or not, it was she and her mount that were stopped cold. Eight.

Rabbiteater leaned down and struck a helmet with his sword. It jarred the blade from his hand and he cursed, abandoning it, but thenhe was clear. The Order of the Hydra turned as one.

Theyve broken the lines! After them! Signal the army!

Horns began to blare. Ailendamus forces turned from their systematic breakdown of Pheislants forces. Accordingly, the [Soldiers] of Pheislant cheered to see eight [Knights] riding clear.

Eight.

Rabbiteater saw Ser Ilm, Dame Meisa, and Markus riding next to him as the last [Invisibility] spell melted away. He looked back and saw a furious wave of purple pounding after him; Hydra Knights.

If we slow, theyll get us! Where are we going?

There.

Rabbiteater pointed at the army. The [General] of Ailendamus, a head turning in a plumed helmet. But if the [General] lacked for [Knights]

Infantry! Reposition!

A row of pikes rotated smoothly, and two battalions of crossbows pivoted. Rabbiteater saw Markus wild grin waver.

This was why no one had tried this. The [Knights] surging towards Ailendamus lines found themselves running towards the enemy [Archers]. Less infantry, but there were eight of them. The Order of the Hydra was in chaos behind them, nearly half trying to intercept the [Knights] or force the rest of the Order of Seasons back.

Rabbiteater. Were going to run right into the crossbows.

Yeah.

The Goblin never turned. He rode, not at a gallop, slower, enough so that the Hydra Knights almost appeared to be gaining. Markus looked at Meisa. One of the Spring Knights cursed.

Theres no chivalry in dying like a porcupine, Ser Solstice!

I know.

He knew that. They said she had died like

Something was burning in Rabbiteaters chest. A feeling. Home.

An adventure. He looked back at the army behind him, [Knights] fighting [Knights]. This was not his war. Not his people or land. But they were his friends.

He looked forwards. He could still feel it. A claw on his back, a hand on his shoulder. An [Innkeeper] and a [General].

Meisa looked at Rabbiteater, then at the other Spring Knights.

I will ride with Ser Solstice! Fall back! But I tell you this, my sisters and brothers! Spring ends!

They looked at each other. And then the Spring Knight who had protested squared his shoulders.

I am Ser Jauslef of Pheislant! I will ride with you, Ser Solstice! To victory! To the end of Spring!

Rabbiteater nodded. Eight figures streaked forwards. And nowAilendamus crossbows were levelled. Eight [Knights] rode at a wall of pikes.

They were going to die. Talia Kallinad was fighting clear of the Order of Hydra. Her group had seized the moment to break away, and they were going to the aid of Ser Greysten, who might well defeat the Dame of the Hills judging from his fiery onslaught. If he did, they needed to escort him into the next charge. She waited for the crossbows to fire. She did not want Markus to die. Nor Meisaor even Rabbiteater.

She waited. But the deadly hail never fell. Talia didnt understand it. She saw the [General] signalling in frustration. Why?

Then she saw. Of course. Eight [Knights] were charging the enemy lines, but behind them

As the Summer Knights broke free of the Order of the Hydras forces and a second wave turned to follow them, she saw hundreds of [Knights] on foot, pounding right behind Rabbiteater. Right in the line of fire if any crossbows missed.

Turn back! Turn back, you idiots!

The Ailendamus [General] was shouting fury at the courageous idiots fouling his lines of fire. Well, he ordered the crossbows to hold. It was only eight [Knights]. The pikes would tear them up. And if they didnt? The [Crossbowmen] were terrified of [Knights] and heavy infantry in their ranks, but why would they fear eight [Knights]? His own bodyguard outnumbered them.

Why indeed? Then he felt something on his face. The [General] turned back. He was a [General of the Line], not a particularly powerful one to work with the Order of the Hydra, but good enough to serve in this specialized kind of engagement and bully Pheislants army.

And good enough to see auras. The Order of Seasons was like a light show, but only three main auras; Spring, Summer, and Fall. He squinted back the way hed come.

What kind of an aura is that?

It was like nothing hed seen. Thenhe shivered. Something happened.

A fell wind blew across the battlefield. A biting breeze in the midst of summer. Such that the pikes, archers, and even [General] felt it. He felt a terrible suspicion creeping in the back of his mind. The leader of this band of eight was charging in plain, grey armor. Yet the wind blew cold.

And everyone knew they were battling the famed Order of Seasons, heroes, if not in this case. They fought Summer, Spring, and a bit of Autumn. Of their Order, there was only one [Knight] who might not wear the colors given to them.

Now? Out of nowhere? But that was how it always happened. A lone [Knight]or only eight. Who would be so mad?

It was cold. The [General]s skin broke out in sudden goosebumps. No. It couldnt be. He stared at the [Knight] with the strange aura and recalled that General V-something had been defeated by an unknown [Knight] too, hadnt he? Then he heard it.

A voice, one of the Spring Knights bellowing.

theer!

It was too faint at first. But then, as he rode, someone magnified his voice with magic. Then the entire battlefield heard it. A man, Ser Markus, roaring.

To battle! To victory! To the Winters Watcher! Spring ends! Winter dies! For the Order of Seasons!

Greystens blood froze in his veins. He raised his head as the cry went out. Suddenly, it was around him. Even the Dame of the Hills turned and cursed, on the back foot.

Already?

The Winters Watcher! To the Winters Watcher!

Greysten whirled. Had reinforcements come? Another head of the Order of Seasons? A smile broke across his lips. Then he saw who was shouting it. His smile flickered.

That was not the Winters Watcher. He knew it because it wasnt snowing. Because the Winters Watcher had specific armor. Because he would have felt the champion of winter.

Yetthe wind did blow cold. And a [Knight] shouted it. And because he shouted it, it must be true. He was a [Knight]. He fooled even his own Order. Greystens lips moved in horror. He almost laughed. But that was not the Winters Watcher. And that charge was

Rabbiteater was laughing. Ser Markus was bellowing, crimson with embarrassment. But Ailendamus was recoiling as one army. The air was cold. The [Soldiers] stared in horror at the legend of frost. Or what they thought was the Winters Watcher.

The cold?

Ser Ilm had a wand in one glove.

[Cold Air]. [Cold Air]

He was concentrating so hard on blasting the enemy army that he nearly was caught from behind. For the Order of the Hydra had doubled their chase.

Rabbiteater, theyre all turning on us!

Good. Pheislant gets away if we die.

The pikes were lowering. A [General] was bellowing; Rabbiteater heard his voice.

[Hold the Line]! The brave Order of Hydra will bring down this Winters Watcher! Hold your ground, brave sons and daughters of Ailendamus!

Damn. Rabbiteater saw the glittering tips of spears. He looked back. Then he sped up.

Rabbiteater!

But the [Champion] had drawn his axe. A cloak of blood flew behind him as the glowing axe rose. The [Pikemen] stared in grim terror at the [Knight] bearing down on them. They would fight to the death.

So be it. Something was calling to him. He felt it in his chest. Tidebreaker. He felt like he could almost triumph. Almostalmost

But why couldnt he reach it? Why? Something was in the way of that feeling. Conflicting. The power of the greatest [General] of Izrilfaltered.

Because it wasnt all he was. He wasnt Rabbiteater of war. He wasnt even as good at it as his brothers. Shorthilt. Numbtongue. Headscratcher. Badarrow. Rabbiteater was the average one. And Zel Shivertail had not been the only one in that memory.

Erin Solstice sat there at a table, smiling at him.

Is this it? Hey. Hey.

She poked Zel. The [General] snapped.

You poking me is the rudest gesture imaginable, Miss Solstice.

Well, sorry. Its a Goblin thing. You calling them rude, huh?

The Drake [General] gave Erin a withering look that said she was beneath that kind of argument. And Rabbiteater

Laughed. The burning strength in his arms faded. She was there too. Inside his memory. He clung to that.

Home. A different kind of strength. The two warred in him. He was afraid. He didnt want to die.

He was doing it for both reasons. He had never fought for glory. Only for the inn. Friends. His tribe. His family. But the strength to do it

He saw the line of pikes approaching. Not yet. He didnthe didnt think he could

The [Champion] plunged onwards, fighting to seize one or the other. Unable to reconcile the feelings. Meisa spurred her horse, shouting for him to stop. She was too slow.

They were Spring Knights. Even Rabbiteater was too low-level. Spring was young. It needed more. It needed age to grow. Light and wrath, even winter to temper it.

So the [Knight] shouted. Summers wrath.

Knights of Summer! To arms! To the Winters Watcher! With mecharge! Charge!

The Order of the Hydra turned, too late. They saw a second wedge of armored figures, a full lance, thundering to their left. Orange and yellow and red. The colors of summer.

Talia Kallinad lowered her lance as Rabbiteater twisted in his saddle. The [Summer Knights] accelerated, as the faith of the first line of pikes wavered. They saw the light blazing from the tips of the lances, a match for their pikes. Heard the massed oath.

Summer fades!

The [Knight] glanced sideways at Rabbiteater. She couldnt see his face behind the visor as it turned towards her. Did she see a surprised glint of red?

Then they hit Ailendamus lines. Talia Kallinad rammed her lance home before two pike tips slammed into her breastplate. She kept going, abandoning the lance and swinging her sword, as the Season of Summer and then Spring overran the first rank of pikes. Fighting forwards, following the Goblin [Knight].

An oath fulfilled. Just in time.

So long as your cause is just, your heart unwavering, and you live with honor, I will be your ally. I will stand with you.

She had wavered in her oath. Nor was he perfectly honorable. But he was as good as she had ever met in a Goblin. For nowTalia Kallinad rode with Rabbiteater.

Rags saw it all. The feint. A classic Redfang trick that had Redscar and every Goblin with her on their feet, cheering. Then the charge, the shouting.

Thats a Goblin?

Prixall stared at Rabbiteater. The Humans didnt get it; like hell a Goblin was going to reveal the secret. They just thought the Goblins loved good television, which this was, even without the secret.

Rabbiteater.

She had thought he was going to die. Rags had tried to throw a Skill across the world, but she wasnt strong enough. And there wasnt enough time. Anazurhe had had the same thought, looking towards her ritual room.

But then they had seen the Summer Knights charge. With Rabbiteater. Humans, fighting with a Goblin. Following him. Rags looked at Prixalls eyes, fixed on him. All the Goblins, transfixed on a Goblin on televisionnot one being slaughtered, or hunted, but the hero even Sir Relz and Noass were cheering on.

A hero. No.

A [Champion]. And he set the Humans to flight.

Flee! Flee!

Rabbiteater cut through Ailendamus [Archers] like a [Farmer] through wheat with an enchanted scythe. But his axe did not fall and cut the Humans to pieces, though he could have killed dozens with the jade axe.

He didnt. He thought of Erin, and what she might do.

I am the Winters Watcher! Flee or perish! Winter dies!

Ser Ilm was laughing, magnifying Rabbiteaters voice and tossing [Snowballs]. The sight of the Summer Knights charging, that famous name

The [Crossbowmen] in Ailendamus army were brave, experienced [Soldiers] who honestly liked their kingdom. They were probably even paid well.

But they didnt want to be killed. They broke and ran, screaming, as Rabbiteater tore apart the orderly formation. Pheislants army regrouped, free of the harassing crossbow fire. It was allfalling apart.

The Order of the Hydra was trying to stem the chaos, attacking from behind. Yet they had no hope of stopping the rout of the army. Only one person could do that.

The [General]. He was waiting for Rabbiteater. No flight on horses. A bodyguard of two dozen surrounded him and he was restoring order to some battalions, but hed set himself, sword drawn. Rabbiteater headed towards him.

Rabbiteater! Watch out! Theyre [Bodyguards]! Theyll

Ser Markus fell. A Knight of the Order of the Hydra took him down with a halberd to the stomach and the Spring Knight was on the ground, fighting. Talia rode with Rabbiteater, four Knights of the Summer with her.

Strike the head from the Hydras neck! Follow Ser Solstice!

She bellowed. They crashed towards the [General]. Rabbiteater saw the [Bodyguard] brace. Some were superior [Armsmen] and [Armswomen]. But there were sixhis eyes narrowed as he saw lightly armored figures stepping in an ominously familiar way. Each one carried only a blade in one hand, and a buckler, dagger, wand, or nothing at all in the other. They looked like

Pisces

The [Duelists] struck in unison as the [Knights] charged in. Rabbiteater saw a blur and heard multiple voices at once.

[Disarming Strike]!

[Weapon Clash]! [Sundering Slash]!

[Dismounting

He hit the ground hard as Talia and the other Summer Knights shouted in horror and frustration. Their weapons were cut from their hands. In one case, a [Knight] clutched at a suddenly-limp arm, expertly slashed.

My axe. Rabbiteater stared at his empty hand. He looked around for an axe, but then they were on top of him in the melee. A man ran at him with a polearm. Rabbiteater had lost his sword, his axeso he threw his shield at the man. It hit him in the gorget and Rabbiteater kicked him to the ground.

Defend the [General]! Push them back!

Talia was fighting with a blade made of pure fire, keeping two [Duelists] at bay. One spotted Rabbiteater. The woman lunged, in that perfect, deadly strike. Rabbiteater twisted, and the blade pierced only the first layer of armor, then tore it up.

Champions gear. He retreated, panting. The woman slashed, keeping him well out of range. Rabbiteater had no time to retrieve his weapon or find a new one. He reached for his bag of holding and she slashed it from his belt.

Surrender or die!

He said nothing. The [Duelist] waited only a second before slashing. This time she scored a blow across his gauntlets that cut all the way through. Red blood ran down his arm. The Goblin stared at it.

Damn. That was a sharp sword. And he had no weapons. If only he could block it. But shed slice his hands off. Or poke him through the neck.

Something was coming out of him. Like your lunch coming out of your chest. But not in a bad way. He had never felt this way before.

How had it gone? Rabbiteater felt like he was swimming through the air. His hands opened. Nonot hands. They looked like

Claws.

The [Duelist] lunged, in a strike to one leg, at perfect range. He slashed at her blade, and she flicked her sword to cut across his hands. If he lost a finger

Her rapier rebounded. The force sent a shock rippling down her sword and nearly twisted it out of her hands. The [Duelist] backed up, eyes widening, then checked herself. But the [Knight] was charging her. She didnt panic.

[Long Backstep]. Her sword aimed, a piercing thrust that could turn into a slash. He didnt expect that and she lunged. The blade struck his side andbent.

The armor was hard. Her eyes went round. Was that a Skill? Now he was too close. She slashed with her parrying dagger.

He caught her hand. The [Duelist] cursed. She went for a slash to his arm, but he caught that too. She stared at him. Then saw the helmet come back.

Oh dead g

The [General] saw the headbutt. He felt it. The [Knight] dropped the [Duelist] and turned.

You are not the Winters Watcher.

The [General of the Line] felt calm in saying that. He lifted his sword; his bodyguard was in shambles, fighting for their lives. And this [Knight] had no sword.

But he had the strangest aura the [General] had ever seen. It twisted suddenly, and the [General] struck. A slicing blow that evaded the desperate hands which were so strong. It struck the [Knight]s shoulder, andbounced.

The [General] whirled back as the [Knight] stumbled. He checked his artifact. Even a Summer Knight should have been cut. What Skill was that?

Not a Skill. Aura. But a different one. What washe looked up.

Who are you?

Rabbiteater was shaking. His hands felt like Zel Shivertails. He felt like he had when he fought the Bear of Ailendamus, almost. As if he could bring down even the Dame of the Hills.

But that was not what saved his life. It was something else. Twice now, a blade had come for him. They had been turned by something else. The second feeling.

Like an [Innkeeper], standing in front of her inn with a frying pan. He thought she was staring into his soul. It filled him, and Talia shouted.

An aura?

Of course. After so long in their company, it was inevitable. Butwhat a strange aura. Both [General] and [Summer Knight] saw it. It was flickering. Between two

The [General] tried another strike. Again he got through, and again he hit something. Somethinglike hitting a wall. Of an inn. The man stared at the [Knight]. His lips moved.

I smell something.

Of all the things to say. But it was true. It smelled like fresh bread. The air felt warm, like there was a fire nearby. A strange fruits smell hung in the air. Cooking.

Home.

Then the [Knight] charged. The sword struck his armor and bounced. He tore the blade free. And then there were the [General] and [Knight], barehanded.

Soldiers of Ailendamus saw the [General] recoil, reaching for a dagger. The [Knight] needed no blades. His fist rose. The [General] had been in bar-fights. He had been a [Soldier] and a common man. He put up his fists.

The uppercut broke his guard. It broke his teeth. It lifted his feet off the ground. An [Armsman] charged. Talia saw the Goblin dent his chestplate and send him flying backwards. The [General] wobbled, threw a punch. The Goblin threw a headbutt.

Invincible. Unstoppable. Indomitable. Never give up, the Drake roared in his ears. You cannot fall!

A [Duelist] slashed across his chest. Cutting armor. The blade stopped a second before it cut through his ribs.

Im waiting for you to come back.

It smelled like pasta. The fist of a [General] broke a nose. Talia saw the reeling [General] backing up, barely able to see, spitting fragments of teeth and blood. The [Knight] charged, and she realized what she was seeing.

Two. Two auras. One. Then the other. Somehow linked. Thenboth.

The Goblin hit the [General] in the stomach. He threw an elbow up, whirled to backhand a [Soldier]. Jabbed, and followed it up with his right. A swaying figure stood there, his jaw broken, as he saw the Goblin twist, a fist raised, bloody metal knuckles swinging.

The ghosts waited. Three figures were clustered around the small incline. One nodded to a bewildered ghost who had just appeared, lying on the ground.

Aha, you see? Experience does provide, even when Skill abandons us. As I projected, we should see one or the other appear shortly, with a veritable bountitude of modern information.

The [Strategist] saw one of Terandrias ghosts approach to interrogate the bewildered survivor. He did not move; he was waiting. The other two, companions, looked at each other.

One was a [Warlord] from ages past. The other scratched at her chin.

Whats he talking about?

The [Warlord] rolled his eyes.

Some idiot [General] got charged by a high-level [Knight] and is getting the shit kicked out of them. Were here to interrogate whichever one dies. Figure out whats going on in this war and such.

Ah.

The [Strategist] glared at his two companions. Their only sources of information came from the dead, so battlefields like this were important. You could even see who was winning or losing.

Now, they waited. For one or the other or even both to pop up. It seemed bad, to hear it from a recently-dead [Soldier].

They waited. Seconds. Then a minute. Then

The final punch never came. The Goblin looked at the swaying [General]. The Human was unconscious. If Rabbiteater hit him, he would die.

The Goblin pulled out a healing potion and splashed it on the mans face. The Human sagged, and the Goblin caught him before he hit the ground. Becausehe didnt have to die.

Erin wouldnt have killed him. This was not that kind of war. Rabbiteater looked around.

Flee!

Ailendamus army broke, their [General] lost, seeing the Winters Watcher or some great [Knight] standing in the ruined command tent. Pheislants army was already charging their way.

Only the Order of the Hydra remained. They tried to take the command where the Summer Knights, Spring Knights, and mysterious warrior stood. One of them cursed as he saw the army of Pheislant coming.

Back! Back to the Dame of the Hills! Prepare for an attack on both sides!

The Order of the Hydra disengaged. But their leader pointed a finger at the mysterious warrior.

You are not the Winters Watcher! Name yourself, Ser!

The mysterious figure hesitated. Then he nodded. He spoke a gravelly word.

Rabbiteater.

The Hydra Knight hesitated. Then he nodded and ran.

The battle had reversed in a moment, as battles did. The Order of the Hydra turned, as they realized they were in a bad spot. Pheislants army was to their rear and [Soldiers] or not, they were ready to attack.

It would be a fight to remember. The Dame of the Hills had abandoned her duel.

We will die and they will die. Ten thousand [Knights] stand ready for battle! For Ailendamus!

The Order of the Hydra set itself. They waited, as the milling forces around the ruined camp and their fleeing support army tried to regroup. They turned as half their forces held back the furious, reinvigorated Order of Seasons and Champion of Summer. Setting themelseves. Arming their rear ranks with crossbows for a full battle. Waiting

Pheislants forces and the [Knights] never came. In fact, they began to stream away from the battle.

What? Theyre running?

The [Knight-Commander] couldnt believe it. But Pheislants forces declined to save their beleaguered Season of Summer. Only as they headed away and the [Knights] whod been fighting them returned did he realize

Break ranks! After them! Send all [Riders]! Send word!

Too late. The army was breaking off. Not attacking the dangerous Order of the Hydra. Rather, without anyone to stop them, they rampaged back the way theyd come. Riding. Racing towards

Ailendamus war camp. Where their supplies, baggage trains, support like [Cooks], [Healers], and so on were located

And the prisoners. They had a rear-guard there. But by the time the Order of the Hydra arrived, everything not taken was burning. And the prisoners of the Order of Seasons, so hard-won?

Gone. Thisthis was a disaster, even if General Avring was alive! This wasnt how the Order of Seasons fought! This was more like

A raid.

Rabbiteater laughed. He was racing east, with the newly-liberated Order of Seasons [Knights]. With Pheislants army, breaking away from Greystens forces. Rabbiteater hoped hed escaped, but hed told the others they werent going to join up.

Thats not how you fight! Strike here! Strike there! And take prisoners!

You mean, free prisoners. I say, is that chivalrous or not?

Ser Markus had a bandage on his head. He looked concerned, but Dame Meisa just grinned.

They were prisoners, and we rescued them! Just like the Bear-[General]s camp! Its completely fair!

Well, it feels jolly unsporting. I might like it!

Dame Talia rode with Rabbiteater. She looked at the Goblin. She was not the only one. He didnt know how a tribe of Goblins cheered him. The Flooded Waters champion. A symbol.

A [Champion]. But alsohe smiled.

A [Knight]. And he carried that memory with him still. Two things.

[Champion Level 34!]

[Skill Aura of the Hearth obtained!]

[Knight-Errant Level 15!]

[Conditions Met: Knight-Errant Aura Knight Class!]

[Skill Aura of the Brave obtained!]

Copies of that memory. Rabbiteater closed his eyes.

Theyll be following us.

Ser Ilm observed. Rabbiteater nodded. He looked forwards.

So. Onwards?

Onwards.

Dame Meisa smiled, her eyes alight. Markus raised his fist.

Onwards! The Order of Seasons rides to the Dawn Concordats aid! With

He realized that Greysten wasnt with them and wavered. So Talia spoke.

The Knight of Solstice?

She glanced at him. Markus and Meisa turned. The Spring Knights eyes lit up.

Yes. A fitting name. The Knight of Solstice!

And that was the kind of story to move even Goblins to action. Hope. Daring. Adventure. But more than thata Goblin riding in the company of friends.

It puzzled the Order of the Hydra, even as word came that reinforcements would be coming. The few [Knights] who had clashed with the mysterious warrior gave their reports, and it was the [Knight-Commander] and the Dame of the Hills herself who speculated who it could be.

A warrior from Izril. A Drake?

Perhaps. But its the name he gave you that makes me question that, Dame Merila. Rabbiteaterhave you ever heard of such a name?

The Dame of the Hills sat cross-legged, not angry for having lost a battle. If anything, the foreign knight had lit the spark of battle in her eyes. She spoke, slowly.

I have not, [Knight-Commander]. But I think we are being tootoo literal. Think of it. Ser Berst asked this [Knight] his name. What sort of fellow would use deceit in such a way? What fine, proud lot like the Order of Seasons would do such a thing?

The Order of the Hydra snorted. They had fought rich [Knights] in enchanted armor and thrashed them until this battle. The Dame of the Hills grinned.

Not a proper [Knight] poncing down on his stallion, no. That fellow fought with fists and beat a street-boy of Ailendamus hand-to-hand. Humbled [Duelists]! He didnt give you his name, Ser Berst. Think on it.

The Hydra Knight did, and then his eyes widened.

Of course!

I dont follow.

Rabbiteater, Knight-Commander. A rabbit eater. Common-folk, as we are. Tis a challenge to us! No rich fellow! Well, I take it as a personal vendetta. To this Rabbit Eater, Ill bring him down, upon my oath as a Great Knight of Ailendamus!

The Dame of the Hills rose, and cast her gaze eastwards. So there it rang, from Ailendamus Court of Masks to Izril. That [Knight] of Izril. The mysterious Goblin Slayer.

Ser Rabbiteater Solstice.

Authors Note: I swear, I thought it could be 22,000 words. I was trying for it since I wrote 38,000 words and even with a small break, Im at the end of my writing cycle. The next chapter is the one before my break and I was trying to take it easy.

.Hah. Well, I wont divide this one up, but I will commit to a shorter chapter or my name isnt pirateaba! Um. Anyways. I hope you liked it and I did get to the end of my outline, for better or worse. Thanks for reading. I dont have much to say right now, but I will be doing an edited chapter this month! It might even be the one right after my break!

Ill speak on it next chapter, if it has words left. See you next time!

PS: I know we have a lot of fun here, but dont eat rabbits. I like them.

Mrsha Fries and Cheeseburger Request by Foe!

Numbtongue, Toren, and Masked Toren by Eris!

Goblins by Flingering QtheBird [Holy Chicken], Pontastic, ArtsyNada, LeChatDemon, and Panzer of the Seven Entire Roles!