Book 8: Chapter 60

Book 8: Chapter 60

[This chapter is out, as is customary for Patreons and Public readers! Which means the Public readers have to wait a week instead of a Tuesday release. Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays? Chapters out!]

Today was a very special day.

You could not tell, at first.

Fall was coming to Liscor, but it wasnt obvious. A chill in the air. A certain lack of summers clear skies. Old [Veterans] grumbling about aches in their bones.

However, Liscor had no forests, so the glorious flare of color and light was entirely absent from the canopies. No one admired Boombark Trees up close. The few trees in the city did change color, but the largest indication of the season was

The grass. Some of the many grass species of the Floodplains changed color with the passing of seasons. Why? It was unclear why grass emulated leaves, but the effect was to create entire rivers and swathes of the green landscape in orange, yellow, and even a purple hue.

Like a vast art piece. Orrivers of color, fading into winter.

The [Guards] on Liscors walls were tired of seeing it already. When you had battlement-duty, you quickly lost patience with the beautiful landscape and found yourself wishing for better boots or a chair. However, the Watch Captain had them marching, checking their corners, and, of course, watching for monsters.

The newbies didnt get that bored. The Humans were willing to work harder to impress. As for the Antinium? They would stare into the changing world around them like it was the first and possibly last thing theyd ever see.

So maybe you did appreciate it a bit more, when you realized that and heard the stories.

It was a special day. The [Sergeant] on duty knew it the moment an Antinium wearing the guards uniform waved an arm and rang the tiny bell the Worker carried.

Across the wall, heads snapped up. [Guards] grabbed their weapons. Antinium never rang the alarm lightly. The Worker had seen something.

Helm, what are you seeing?

The [Sergeant] jogged across the battlements, sweating already. Helm, or Iron Helm, denoted by the customized [Guardsman]s helmet the Worker had been given, pointed. And spoke; they just didnt like to all the time.

Convoy, [Sergeant]. Danger?

Three words. Which might be all Iron Helm said that day. The [Sergeant] cursed as she peered down. Iron Helm wasnt an idiot. Hed been treated like that until the Watch realized he wasnt stupid, just quiet. Antinium could tell apart a caravan from [Bandits]and Liscor had had [Bandits] for the first time in living memory.

Bastards trying to prey on the outlying farmsteads and new villages. The [Sergeant] had a list of problems that convoy and danger could mean. Bandits, Bloodfeast Raiders, Hectval

Raskghar?

She followed the Antiniums finger down and frowned. She had a standard-issue seeing-glass, enchanted with doubling-vision. She pulled it out now, swore, and, after a gut-churning moment, the [Guards] on the battlements saw her pull her hand away from the alarm-horn and laugh.

[Sergeant]? Whats up?

Stand down. Its not an attack! Someone get me a Street Runner!

Below, the figures at the gate winch took their hands off it. Liscor was now used to attacks, such that if the [Sergeant] had shouted, sworn loudly enough, or made that gurgling sound that suggested someone had shot an arrow through her throat, the portcullis would be down and the alarm would be going up across the walls in a heartbeat.

Instead, a figure whod been half-asleep, lying on a bench next to the stairs, jerked, and shot up the stairs.

Message, [Sergeant]? Who?

The Human boy wiped at his nose as the Drake glanced at him.

Watch Captain Zevara. Tell her to get to the battlements. Ancestors, tell the entire barracks!

She pointed. A Gnoll shielded his brows, stared at the odd procession moving their way, which could be danger, an army in miniatureand then laughed. The [Sergeant] grinned as the Antinium and Humans looked blankly at her.

Tell Watch Captain Zevara that Senior Guardsman Relc is back.

She pointed at a tiny figure leading hundreds, maybe thousands of people across the Floodplains. It was hard to tell; they kept vanishing as they went up and down valleys, and many were riding covered wagons. Most were Gnolls, too, but there was no mistaking that huge Drake marching with a spear in hand. She even thought he was singing.

[Guards] flocked to the walls and pointed. They shouted and waved, and the Drake looked up and shaded his brows as Cellidels Gnolls slowed. Relc raised one claw and smiled.

He was home.

Vok stared up at a foreign Drake city with higher walls than Cellidel. Nothing like Cellidels Prelon orchards; there were virtually no trees, and the odd landscape? Much less the Bloodfields theyd passed in the distance

It was all so strange for a Gnoll whod lived his entire life in a single city. There had been danger, but not much. Mostly, arguments. Drake cities, wanting to know what a Gnoll tribe was doing, having to be talked down. Buying food, and once a monster attackquickly quashed by the power of Relc kicking a giant fanged termite-thing about twenty feet.

Strangely, this was the most frightening thing of all. Hickery looked nervous as she and the Guard-squad, the nickname for the Gnolls and Drakes whod banded together during the riots, marched alongside the caravan. Not that theyd fight alone. Most of the adults had bows or a single weapon, but theyd stuck to trade roads, pooled coin and resources to hire Bronze-rank teams for escort.

At last they were here, and it was nerve-wracking. Vok looked ahead at the back and tail hed followed with his family all this way.

Senior Guardsman Relc. Gnolls had left their city by the thousand, and some others had left their cities too, hearing of the exodus to Liscor. Not many; many had stayed, and those that left had not gone for Relc alone.

They had left because of how Cellidel had been. But they had gone together because of him. For Liscors promise, yes.

But mainly because he told them this was somewhere that had what they wanted:

A fair chance.

It had been nearly a month and a half of travel. Not bad progress for a group like this, even on the trade roads. Theyd been wary as they passed the Bloodfields, but the instant they came to the Floodplains, Relc had relaxed.

All that weve got here is Rock Crabs, and you can beat one at a time. A groups trouble.

Hed pointed out the giant scuttling rocks in the distance, and Vok had decided that was a Relc concept, to beat one of those monsters solo.

The Drake turned, now, and grinned as the weary travelers looked up. He pointed, like hed done the last three hours.

Almost there! I think theyve spotted us! That village did. Theyve got villages now. I bet thats a pain to patrol.

Indeed, the gates were fully open, and, in the distance, Vok saw a number of figures in armor gathering. He felt a moment of instinctive apprehension at seeing [Guards]then frowned, shaded his eyes, and sniffed.

It was too far at first, but a chance gust of autumn wind brought a scent to his nose. Hickery pointed.

Look. Lots of Gnolls.

Her parents shaded their eyes too.

Senior Guardsman Relc looked ahead and blinked.

Lots of Gnolls turned out to be three. Three, loitering around with a Drake and six Humans on the southern gates, and a few on the walls. But yes, that essentially constituted all of the Gnoll-[Guard] population in an entire district of Cellidel.

It was almost unheard of to see a group of Gnolls in a patrol in Cellidel. Relc just shrugged, then he grinned, slowed, and clapped Vok on the shoulder.

I told you weve got Gnolls in the Watch. I dont think Krshias back from the Meeting of Tribes, but itll be great. Trust me.

I see bug-people on the walls. Antinium.

Someone whispered. Relc glanced up.

Klbno.

He shaded his eyes. Cellidels convoy slowed as people pointed up. Of everything, the sight of the dread Antinium stopped them. But Relc raised his arms.

Hang on. Its just a Worker. One of the painted ones, I think. Dont worrytheyre peaceful. Remember the stories I told you?

He had told them so many tales of Liscor, not all reassuring. Vok half-expected ice cream to be dripping out of the walls while Humans ran around causing riots and spitting blood and doing wondrously silly things.

It is?

Relc smiled reassuringly. His pointing claw shifted.

Yep. Thats a Soldier.

Voks gaze moved to the huge Antinium staring down at him and quailed. Relc glanced at the Gnolls face and realized hed made a mistake.

He forgot how the rest of Izril and the world saw Antinium. He tried to rally the convoy and realized half of them looked ready to turn around and march back.

Come on, guys. Its just a few Antinium. You outnumber them, right? Lets just get through the gatestheyre friendly. See?

He waved a hand at the walls with a grin. Relc saw the Antinium stare at him. Vok, Hickery, and the Gnolls looked at Relc, but then saw a [Sergeant] waving down. Relc grinned in relief as a voice shouted down.

Senior Guardsman Relc, as I live and breathe! Did you have to bring trouble while I was on duty?

The Drake grinned.

Thats Mudsa. Hey, Mudsa, who promoted you to [Sergeant]?

Go shove your tail right up your

Mudsa hesitated as she realized she was shouting to a few thousand Gnolls and children.

er, come on in! The Watch Captains on her way!

She beckoned, and Relc stepped forwards. He looked back and saw the wagons begin to roll forwards once more. Relc was relieved, and wondered if Mudsa had gained a new Skill like he haduntil he realized why the fears were partially alleviated.

He looked up and saw the Antinium Worker with the iron helmet and the Soldier waving all four hands. They did it carefully, and you couldnt see them smiletheir faces were alien, bug-like.

But they were waving.

Relc grinned up at them and saluted with one claw. Then, he walked towards the gates of Liscor. The [Guards] on duty stared at him.

Hey. Hows it been, Rudell? Vrik, right?

The [Guards] Relc recognized glanced at each other. Rudell snorted. Vrik pointed at his chest.

Thats not my name. Literally no letter in Vrik matches my name. Im Calog.

Right. Sorry. Ive, uh, got visitors. I mean, new citizens.

Relc jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the Gnolls and people slowly stopping for an inspection. The [Guards] peered over Relcs shoulder. Calog, Rudell, and the other [Guards] looked at each other. Calog rubbed at his face.

Youre definitely Relc. What are we doing? Entry checks ondead gods, there must be thousands.

Theyre not monsters or fugitives. Most are civilians.

Calog glowered and leaned forwards.

I know that, but you cant just let them in! Wheres Sergeant Mudsa?

Right here.

The [Sergeant] was storming down the steps. She strode over, raised a fist, and bumped it into Relcs.

You big idiot, Relc. Its great to see you. Where the hell were you? Some Drake city?

Cellidel, actually

Tell us later. I think weve got to split up. [Detect Truth] crystals on each gate and we just cycle them in with a basic question in groups. South, East, West?

Better make it South, East, and North gates, Mudsa. West is too far.

The [Guards] conferred as Relc stood there, blinking. It was so familiar. And different. This was the kind of thing [Guards] had to do. Mudsa slapped her forehead.

Human district. Right. But isnt there an auxiliary gate? Lets just get them in, but they have to meet in one place, right? So we need extra [Guards] to escort them towhatShivertails Plaza?

Relc interrupted as Rudell began adding up numbers.

Wheres that?

Center plaza in front of City Hall. They renamed it in honor of General Shivertail.

Oh. Thats

Then Calog caught sight of one of the Guard-squad.

Are those Gnoll kids holding spears? Dead gods, Relc!

Vok, Hickery, and the other young Gnolls started uneasily. They had drawn close enough to hear the discussion at the gates. Relc saw uncertain faces peeking at him, and he waved a claw, trying to smile.

Theyre alright. I taught them some tricks. Cellidel was nasty.

Mudsa nodded.

I heard. But look, lets get them split up. We can sort the rest later

At this point Relc interrupted.

Hold on. Theyre going to all need housing. I know Liscors offering them resettling fees, but I was thinking they needed a place to rest first off. Put things? Is there a place they can all stay together while we sort that out? The new place Hexels building? Even a plaza would work; they have tents and they can park the wagons. Weve got enough food for meals, so if we keep them together, we can roll them into the city and sort it out later. Can we just pull all the [Guards] here so they dont feel worried about splitting up? We can just line up and send them in. Theyve had a bad run with Cellidels Watch.

Mudsa, Calog, and Rudell, all the veteran [Guards], stopped and turned to Relc. They stared at him, agog. Relc looked from face to face.

What? No good?

Nothat would work. Hold on. Do we have anti-doppelganger gear? Calog, you heard that?

I think I did. I might be sick. Did Relc just come up with a plan?

The Gnoll felt at one ear. Relc folded his arms.

Ive been thinking on how to get them into the city for the last three days, guys. What?

Relc is making plans. Relc.

Youre hurting my feelings. Were wasting time here.

Relc mock-glared, but Rudell put up his spear.

Excuse me, sir. Please tell me something the real Relc would know.

You have warts on your tail. Come on

The [Guards] were laughing, and the newbies were grinning. So was Relc, but he was conscious of the nervous Cellidel people. And, sure enough, a Gnoll walked forwards hesitantly.

Guardspeople. I am [Jeweler] Reson. Can I assist you in any way with the entry process? Were quite willing to wait if it might take some time

He held his hands slightly to his sides, and he had divested himself of his weapon, a simple club. He waited for a truth crystal to be produced. Instantly, the [Guards] stopped laughing and Calog raised his brows.

The Gnoll [Guard] gave Relc a quick glance. Relc raised his brows in a silent right?, and Mudsa glanced at him. After a second, Calog stepped forwards. He offered Reson a paw. The other Gnoll blinked at it.

You dont need to be searched, Artisan Reson, sir. Apologies for the delay. Were simply trying to expedite the entry process. Well summon more [Guards] and have you all into the city within the hour. My name is Guardsman Calog, on gate-duty for this day. Can I assist you all? Are any of you hungry, in need of the privy?

Reson blinked. He took Calogs hand uncertainly.

Ithats very good of you, Guardsman Calog. There might be some people, but were content to enter properly.

He emphasized the word. Relc smiled slightly as Calog glanced at him. Mudsa whispered to Relc.

You werent kidding.

He nodded as Calog turned his head and whistled.

Its only a formality, sir. We have the Watch Captain on the way to meet you all. Theres no need for alarm. We only need to ask you, under truth spell, about past crimes and intentionswere a Gnoll-friendly city, see?

Six more [Guards] walked out of their posts, trading with Humans, Drakes, and an Antinium with a baton. They were all Gnolls, and waved or smiled at the Cellidel crowd. Relc smiled as Reson relaxed at the sight of them.

Indeed, beyond the gates, citizens of Liscor had certainly noticed the commotion. And unlike Cellidels people, they had no problems walking out of the gates. Drakes, Gnolls, and Humans. Someone peered at the crowd.

Oh, are these more visitors? People coming to Liscor? What a crowd! Andwait a second, is that Relc? Id recognize you anywhere!

A finger pointed accusingly at Relc. He turned and saw a Drake pointing at him.

Where have you been all this time? Are these that horrible Drake citys people I heard about?

The Cellidel folk started. A group of Gnolls came out of the city and stared. They waved, and one even began to howl before someone kicked her. The growing crowd was murmuring.

Oh, look. More Gnolls. Maybe we can put them in our district and win the vote this year.

Is that Relc? Wheres he been?

Why are we all standing here? Monster attack? New food? News?

Aha! This is the Cellidel group! They made it. Wheres a councilmember? Theyre going to want to be here to take charge

More and more people were staring at Relc. He waved, recognizing faces, but his stomach lurched. There were people in that crowd who had fallen victim to the Golden Triangle scam. And he had not been gone long.

However, no one seemed angry. If anythingthey pointed at him. Some even grinned. And then came a voice out of the crowd.

You did it, you bastard.

The others went silent. They turned, and someone called out.

You got them from Cellidel, and showed that city whats what. Welcome back, Relc. Well done.

A Gnoll called out. The people of Liscor looked at him, along with the Watch, Cellidels peopleVok saw the Gnoll hesitate, grimace.

What? Someone had to say it. It doesnt sound right. Well done, Relc. Sounds wrong. But someone had to.

People laughed, but more murmured agreement. A few even clapped, but that was going too far. Relc looked around and smiled. He was turning back to Mudsa to figure out the entry process when someone shouted.

Senior Guardsman Relc! Stand to attention!

Senior Guardsman Relc snapped up as a familiar voice rang out, and the marching sound of boots echoed down the street. Cellidels people froze.

Here came the Watch. Butthe female Drake leading them had a mostly Gnoll army of [Guards]. She must have pulled every Gnoll on-duty and on patrol and switched them out.

Watch Captain Zevara, scales glinting light blue, strode down the street in full uniform. She came to a halt as citizens and [Guards] parted, and Relc drew himself up and saluted her.

Watch Captain.

Guardsman Relc. Im pleased to see you made it. Is this the entire Cellidel delegation?

The Watch Captain halted in front of him, face impassive. Relc hesitated.

Yes, Watch Captain. Two thousand, five hundred, and nine by my count. I was hoping to get them settled somewhere and, uhI had the idea to put them in a plaza

He trailed off. The Watch Captain looked him up and down from head to toe. Relc was dusty from the road, and his light green scales were a bit sweaty from marching in his armor. He wore the chainmail hed taken from Cellidels armory since it went well with his leather armor, and his enchanted spear stood at his side.

He was much the same, physically, as before. Even so, Relc was different. He even looked different. It wasnt so much in the way he stood, with pristine military discipline when he needed to.

It was the way he glanced back, mindful of Vok and the others. Grinned at them.

Senior Guardsman Relc. [Trusted Sergeant of the Watch].

Zevara nodded. She took a deep breath, and spoke.

I understand. Senior Guardsman Relc, well done. I will expect your debriefing and formal report on the Cellidel situation in person at two past dawning tomorrow. You are formally relieved of day-watch. Go sign out and have a break.

The Drake [Guardsman] blinked at her. Vok and the others stirred, and Relc jerked his thumb at them.

Whsign out? But the Cellidel people have to get in and

On it.

Indeed, [Guards] were lining up with truth stones, arranging themselves such that they could take entire families and do cursory wagon checks before they rolled into the city. Watch Captain Zevara saw Relc glance at them.

What about lodging

Councilmembers Elirr and Lism have been working on that. Miss Selys has kindly offered some of the new complexes being built, and weve temporarily opened some of the reserved spacing under construction for the investors. We have them in District 3thats the new citys layout. Theyll all be together. Now that we know youre here, I think we even have [Cooks] who can begin preparing the food. Some inns will also be serving for freethe Drunken Gnoll is close by, and their [Innkeeper], Timbor, has accepted a day contract.

Relc blinked at Zevara. Then he saw a pair of figures hurrying down the street. One ran into the crowd, tried to part them like Zevara, and ended up having to push through. He was adjusting some formal robes, while the Gnoll followed in his wake.

Who notified Watch Captain Zevara first? Commendable, but what about us? Have I missed them? Wheres my speech, Elirr?

I threw it away.

Here came Councilmembers Lism and Elirr. The Gnoll was smiling and nodded to Relc; Lisms claw was ready to shake every citizens who came through the gates, whether they liked it or not. Relc saw a puffing group of [Guards] and officials followingcarrying a huge bag of what looked like coins.

Councilmember Lism. Are you going to give away the money as they come in? I told you

You get the money just as promised, Watch Captain. And who is this? Councilmembers Lism and Elirr of Liscor. Delighted to meet you! Come in, come in! Why are they standing around? Where are the refreshments?

Reson jumped as Lism strode at him, purple-scaled claw thrust out for a handshake. Zevara exhaled a plume of exasperated smokecoughedthen glanced at him.

Ive got this.

But

The Watch Captain put an arm on Relcs. He looked at her. She met his gaze, and nodded.

Ill handle it. Take a break, Relc. If you want to help, you can help get everyone moving and answer questions. But youre relieved of duty. This is my city.

She smiled, and Relc felt like a huge weight had left his shoulders. He looked at her, and a slow smile spread from earhole to earhole. Relc slowly saluted.

Thanks, Captain Z.

She rolled her eyes.

Some things never change. Alright. Councilmember Lism, to the rear! Excuse me, ladies and gentlegnolls! I am Watch Captain Zevara of Liscor, and these are Councilmembers Elirr and Lism. We will be admitting you into the city momentarily and answering any questions you might have! Please line up in front of the [Guards], who will conduct quick inspections! If you are hungry, in need of water or other facilities, please let us know!

Like clockwork, the uncertain crowd found itself moving forwards, splitting into neat lines as Gnolls walked down, asked a few questions, shook paws, even talked and jested with the new people.

Try the Drunken Gnoll. Its run by a Human, but he employs a lot of our folk. Youll get food from a bunch of places that want your businessbut they have a very good [Chef] couple there. Imani and Palt. New food youve never tried before.

Merka, a Gnoll, advised Voks parents as Relc hovered nearby. Another Gnoll he vaguely remembered called Geils, a Drake name, was passing Vok.

Spear-skills and a [Guard] class?

Yes, Guardsman.

Geils raised his brows. He gave Vok a toothy grin, which the young man didnt know how to respond to.

Well, if you want to apply for the Watch, we might need to account for your age, but youre clear to move through the gates. Welcome! I think there are many Gnolls waiting to welcome you in, but well get you settled before they come at you, yes?

Vok glanced at Relc, and the Drake grinned. There was something in the air. The wariness was turning into the same thing that had propelled these people here. Only, realized.

Hope. Hope, that wasnt an illusion. Hickery was hopping up and down. She felt it. She was excitedly staring at little Gnolls and Drakes and Humans who were running about. A little Visma was even holding up a Welcome to Liscor sign shed hand-painted.

Cellidels people had mostly entered Liscor, looking at the coins Lism had put in each paw with some amazement, by the time Relc actually began taking a break. He took a glass of water, sipped at it, frowned at the lemon wedge attached to the glass, and looked around.

Liscors changed.

He had seen the expansion to the city from afar, and he had been there when it had first gone up. Yet the stone was creeping into an actual wall, andthere were a lot more Humans and Antinium on the streets.

Even a Dullahan, strolling about with an odd covering over their armor. Was that a shirt over the metal plate that said I Survived Liscor Hunting? Relc had absolutely no context for that, but he wanted some.

You have no idea. Some of its great. What are you doing now?

Uh

Relc had been expecting to be settling people all day, but Lism and Elirr had an army of officials helping do just that.

Go to my apartno, wait. I dont have one.

Then well get you settled. Dont worry, theres cheap rooms everywhere.

Mudsa assured him. Relc nodded; he had his bag of holding with all of his worldly possessions anyways. She jerked a thumb-claw.

I cant stay long, but you have to have a drink. Everyone at the barracks wants to ask what went down in Cellidel. Some Creler-crap, huh?

You could say that. What, youre too good to say hi to me?

Relc grinned. The [Sergeant] gave him a mock-glare.

Ive scheduled a date with my boyfriend for the last two weeks and if I miss it, hell give me ten Rhirs. Were going on a walk to see the leaves. A wine-walk. You sip wine and, uh, stare at trees or something.

Relc nodded, bemused.

Wait. Trees? What trees?

Invrisil. Nowait. Somewhere north of there. Its a special portal to one of those Human lands. It wasnt cheap, and I had to reserve it right off.

A portaloh. The door.

Suddenly, Relc went still, and the jollity of the other [Guards] faded. Someone nudged Mudsa, and she hesitated.

Yeah. They moved it to Shivertails Plaza. Theres a system and everything. Convenientsort of. You have to have times and now they even want you to sign up on lists. But it worksfor a fee. You can see it.

Right. Howsthe inn?

The others exchanged looks.

I havent been in, but we patrol around it and everywhere. Its still standing.

Right.

Relc glanced towards the gates. He had seen it, of course, but chosen to enter the city first. Now, thoughMudsa broke the silence by gesturing to the other [Guards] whod been called down to help with the immigration.

Youve, uh, seen the new [Guards], right?

Oh. Yeah. Hey, Im Relc.

Senior Guardsman Relc. Hell be working once he sets in. Hes the guy you call to break up bar fights. Not that bright, but

Relc feigned a punch, then stopped and began to introduce himself. He shook hands with some Humans, and met Iron Helm, the Worker.

Antinium in the Watch?

Yep. We even have an Antinium [Sergeant]. He used to lead the Antinium-only patrol, but Zevara started mixing us up. Yellow Splatters?

I know him. Wow. So

Relc was looking around, at a loss for what to exactly say.

This is how I remember it. But not. He remembered the feeling quite well. Relc looked for Vok, Hickery, or someone who needed him to reassure them they werent dreaming or being tricked.

There wasnt anyone.

Suddenly, he was alone. A sense of terrible isolation washed over Relcfor a moment. Another familiar feeling, but he had a thought.

Wheres my kwheres Embria? Wing Commander Embria and 4th Company?

The [Guards] fell silent again, and exchanged looks in a way Relc didnt like. Rudell coughed.

You didnt hear about? Theyre engaged. 4th Company. And Liscors Volunteer Army.

Volunteer Army. Is that what theyre calling it? Theyre fighting with the Hectval-Drisshia-Luldem alliance.

Calog muttered. Relcs stomach twisted up. So thats why the letters stopped reaching him. He had assumed theyd been sent to Cellidel while he was on the march.

Hows it going?

Complicated.

The answer no one wanted to hear. Relc had often been part of complicated. But he had seldom been the one receiving news. The [Guards] looked at his face.

Lets get a drink, eh? Maybe find some of the off-duty [Guards]? Jeiss will join us. We can visit one of the bars. The Drunken Gnoll. How about it?

Sounds good.

Mudsa tried to reassure Relc as those nearing their cycle end made sure their replacements were here.

4th Companys been in the fighting, but I havent heard of significant casualties from them. Wed know if Embria were hurt.

Right. Then who has been taking casualties?

Letsstart from the beginning.

They were heading off when someone began panicking. Relcs head snapped up as he heard a voice crying out.

Antinium! Its the Antinium

Oh, dead gods. Is it a full march of Soldiers or something? Sounds like your people, Relc.

The Senior Guardsman turned with the others. He was almost glad of the interruption.

For while he was sure he would be riveted by the discussion of the war, and he was glad to be among the Watch, it struck him once he realized Embria was gone. The inn was closed, of course. Watch Captain Zevara had promised to find him once her work day was over, but she worked day and night.

Maybe hed find Menolit or some of the retirees, or see if one of the puzzle-heads, [Traders] or otherwise, was in the city.

Selys? Right, Selys, Drassihed say hi. But they werent his closest friends. He would stop by the inn withsomething. Check on Vok and Hickeryintroduce them to Visma and Ekirra. That was a smart idea.

But that was Senior Guardsman Relcs routine. His new routine, which was complicated and difficult, but necessarily so, and it mattered.

Relc? Relc was the same as hed always been, and he knew it.

Alone.

Perhaps hed go after Mrsha. Or Embria. It depended on if he was needed. He had been needed with Cellidels people.

Now? Relc strode over to stop someone having a panic attack, but was he really needed?

Apparently so, because there was a bevy of [Guards] standing around, even Liscors friendly citizens, and the shouting was continuing. A high, panicked voice from a Gnoll woman, pointing.

Hey now, whats wrong? I told you, the Antinium are friendly kids. Mostly.

Relc tried to grin, but he saw a few hands on blades. What? And then he had a thought.

Aberration?

It all came into his mind a flicker before he saw what the problem was. The Gnoll woman backed away, running into someone else. She pointed a paw.

The Antiniumthe Antinium. Its that one! The Prognugator. Thethe

Relcs head turned. He saw someone standing in the street, and even Captain Zevara looked astonished.

Xrn? Wasnt she wounded in

Then Relc knew. He gently took the Gnoll womans paws off his arm, and stepped forwards. At last, the words came out.

That famous name.

The Slayer.

Watch Captain Zevara started. She looked away from the slimmer, taller Antinium standing there. Watching her. She hesitated and spoke.

No.

Yes.

Klbkch the Slayer, Centenium, corrected Zevara. He stood in the center of the street, resting two hands on the silver swords sheathed at his sides.

Relc stared.

Klb?

The Antinium looked up. He was not the Klbkch that Relc remembered. His head was mostly the same, but every other part of him had changed.

He was lean, with a distinctly humanoid body, rather than the rounded shell of the Workers. His legs were oddly articulated, almost like someone had added a natural curve to the thin legs and feet. His chitin, the shell, was no longer the brown-black, but an odd, dark grey. It looked shadowy.

The real change, however, was in his arms. He had been using only two simple arms in his humanoid body before.

Now, the slightly refined movements had turned into something different. Klbkch seemed like he was balanced, standing at ease in the street. His arms had a reinforced look, as did his upper torso. He wore no clothing nor armor above his waist, and had a simple, kilt-like piece of clothing along his belt.

It was the same belt as when he had been a [Guard], with a little bag of holding added on. But Klbkch? He looked like his body was armored, shaped chitin moving smoothly as he turned his head.

He moved like a [Swordmaster]. He had always been good with his swords, but Relc had seen this one time before. That night Klbkch had lost his temper. He slid as he stepped forwards, as if any moment he could change direction to whichever he pleased.

As if gravity touched him less. Someone in complete control of his faculties.

Only the swords marked him as even remotely close to the Klbkch of old. But it was thatthe famous blades that had marked him out in two warsthat the Gnoll woman had recognized.

Relc, and the others in the Watch, recognized Klbkch. Yet they all stood there, looking at him.

Because

Am I not how you remember me? Watch Captain Zevara, Sergeant Mudsa. Senior Guardsman Relc. Greetings.

Klbkchs voice was the same, at least. He shrugged, and the long travellers cloak around his shoulders moved slightly. He rested his hands on the shortswords and looked around.

I appear to have interrupted the Watch in the course of their duties. Forgive me.

Not at all. Klbkch. Is that you, Klbkch?

Zevara didnt sound certain. Klbkch turned his head, and Relc recognized the slight head-tilt, as did Zevara.

Of course, Watch Captain. I would like to inform you I have returned from my leave of absence. But I do not know if I will be quite able to return to my old position in the same capacity.

Oh, uhIll check the schedule. We can discuss

Zevara trailed off, but Relc inhaled. Because he recognized it. Klbkch was as formal and precise as ever, but even Klb didnt really expect to talk work the moment he returned.

He was, in his sly way, having fun. The Antiniums head turned, and he looked around. He surveyed the cautious faces and nodded.

Relc.

Klb, buddy. What happened to you?

The Antinium turned to face the Drake as everyone else drew back. There they were. Relc remembered precisely the last time theyd truly metand fought. Klbkch looked Relc up and down. He opened his mandibles, which had developed an odd, purplish tinge at the edges.

Poison? The Slayer shifted and so did Relc, moving his weight onto his right foot.

Will we fight to the death, now? Watch Captain Zevara is within her authority to request my termination. As she always has been. I am Klbkch the Slayer of the Hives. I claim the authority of the Grand Queen of the Antinium. Well?

The last note in his voice made the hair raise and scales tingle on a number of watchers, even his friends. Zevaras head snapped up, but Relc Grasstongue just stood there. He had his spear in his claw, but he slowly reached out with his other claw.

Klbkch.

That is my name, Relc.

The Drake reached outhesitatedand then grabbed Klbkchs shoulder. The Antinium let it happen. He grabbed Relcs arm, gently, just above the elbow.

The two stared at each other for a long moment. Then Klbkch opened his mandibles and raised them.

I trust you have not gotten into too much trouble while I was absent.

Relc looked around at the citizens of Cellidel still nearby. He looked at Klbkch, and then a grin spread over his face. He raised his claw, and then slapped Klbkch on his flexible back-shell.

You have no idea, Klb, how many times I needed you to sort things out.

The Antinium twitched his antennae and sighed audibly.

Some things never change. I am quite glad I left, in that case. Then again

He looked around Liscor, and Relc saw something like his feelings flit over Klbkchs face. It was so subtle. A shift in the way the light shone on his insectoid eyes. A movement, from foot to foot. The slow turn of his head and the way his antennae moved.

Even the other AntiniumKlbkch paused on them, and they stared at him. A stranger. Klbkch looked around Liscor, then seemed to focus on Relc, Zevara, and the Watch. He nodded to himself, slowly.

I am back.

Senior Guardsman Klbkch and Senior Guardsman Relc walked down the street. Off-duty, but word spread ahead of them like a storm.

They were back. The huge Drake with arm muscles second only to Magus Grimalkin, and his huge grin, strode along next to Klbkch, who had gained in height. Yet he adopted the relaxed swagger of a [Guard] on long patrol, nodding to people who stared at him.

For a moment, they just walked like that. As they always had. Walked, and the city of Liscor turned with them.

Hey. Market Streets the same as always. Does Lism still have his shop?

Evidently. Would you like to make a purchase?

Of what? Pork belly? Hes selling pork belly?

Am I to understand this is a particularly fine cut of meat? Pig bellies being desirable because?

Klb. Klb. Dont tell me youve never had pork belly before?

I have never inquired into the body parts I eat. That is a hamburger. Do you ask which nose went into it?

A Human paused with a double-fish-pork burger and stared at it with a look of horrortrumped only by the look she gave Klbkch. The stall owner glared, and Relc slapped Klbkch on the shoulder.

Now thats the Klbkch I know. Ruining things for everyone.

I simply do not see why a belly is more desirable.

Taste, probably. I dunno. If something tastes better, everyone wants it, right?

Yes. This is simple fact. However, are all pigs the same in terms of belly-quality? Would not some pigs havesuperior legs? Would, in theory, a pigs ear not be better than your average pigs belly?

Its a belly, Klbkch. Dont overthink it.

A statement perfectly at home with people who possess bellies and belly-buttons. I do not. This is all somewhat strange to me.

Heads turned as the two [Guards] bantered back and forth. The metaphysics of belly-economics made half the shoppers decide to head to Lisms stall, manned by a shop assistant, just to find out. Relc half-glared at Klbkch, but the huge smile on his face was too big to make it work.

Youve lived in Liscor for ten years, Klb. You need to stop being confused all the time.

And you, Relc, need to stop assuming the world is easy to understand. I highlight my ignorance, rather than assume I know everything erroneously.

Yeah, wellyou could eat pork belly whenever you want.

But why would I?

They turned a corner, and Relc laughed. He inhaled, laughed, and then nearly sneezed on Klbkch, who dodged.

Please stop that.

Phew. You stink, Klb, buddy! I didnt notice it before but

Relc sniffed, then went to plug his nostrils. Klbkch indeed had a fugue about him. Not entirely foul, but altogether so

It smells like you got muskedbut not by a skunk! It smells like a butchersbut without the blood. It smells like

Thank you for shouting how much I stink to the street.

An elbow hit Relc in the stomach so fast he barely saw it coming. He grunted.

And youre faster. What happened?

Klbkch raised one arm and apparently sniffed it, though he had no nose and didnt make the same sound.

Ah. I left so quickly the odor must still be on me. My body was just reconnected. Or ratherthe ligaments were healed via a potion. The Birther sac must still be on me.

Relc gave him a side-eye.

What? Did you just get born or something? Birthers make Antinium, dont they?

Yes. My body was remade. Hence my sudden reappearance; I am still somewhat stiff from the healing potions that were used to finalize the process. Inefficient, but effective. Incidentally, if you would like to eliminate me as a threat, now would be the best time.

Relc stopped. He looked at Klbkch, who turned his head to regard him calmly.

Klb. I just got back. Youre my best friendor you wereand we havent seen each other for ages.

Ah. But you do have orders to watch me. And if necessaryif the Antinium of the Free Hive were ever to become treacherous, we both know your role.

Relc nodded slowly.

Yeah. But I just got back. If were going to kill each other, can we do it after we eat? Or tomorrow?

The Antinium Senior Guardsman looked at Relc. The two stared at each other as every Gnoll on the street sweated under their fur, then Klbkch smiled and Relc laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.

They kept walking. Klbkch didnt laugh like Relc, who chortled all the way down the street, but he smiled. For Klbkch

They were back again. Klbkch pointed.

[Pickpocket]. Left.

Relc turned his head and saw a Human boy sneaking over. He raised a fist.

Wait a second, neither of us are on duty. Were not clocked in, even. I bet someone took my locker.

Indeed. So we are civilians with a Watch class, walking about.

The two looked at each other. Relc raised a fist and shouted so loudly the entire street jumped.

Hey, you! You brat! Get lost or Ill break your legs! Wait, am I allowed to do that?

Klbkch tapped at his chin as the [Pickpocket] looked up and ran for it.

I believe not, as that would be assault on another person. However, if you witnessed the pickpocketing in progress, perhaps that would be aggravated retaliation against a criminal, in which case you might receive a warning. Threats are, however, quite acceptable.

Awesome. Not that Id do it, you know. I am a [Trusted Sergeant of the Watch], now.

Relc ran a claw through his neck spines. Klbkch came to a stop. He stared at Relc.

You are a Watch Sergeant. You consolidated your class.

Relc puffed out his chest.

Yep. Twice, actually. [Guardsman of Trust] and then [Sergeant] from my army class. Nothing big. You, uh, level up any? Get some fancy new class?

Klbkch didnt reply. He walked forwards, then stopped and turned his head.

You are a [Trusted Sergeant]. You.

Technically, I outrank you now. Not that it matters, Senior Guardsman Klbkch. But, uh, yep. New Skills too, by the way. Squad Skills, even. Probably necessitates a pay raise. And your new class isyou got how many levels?

The Antiniums mandibles slowly opened and closed.

I have received a new composite body at the height of Antinium form-shaping on Izril, with a multitude of unique capabilities.

Right, right. So no new class is what Im hearing.

My mandibles are poisoned.

Yeah? And my farts smell. Youve got nothing.

Klbkch walked along for a few more steps as Relc grinned behind him. Then the Drake saw Klbkch turn.

I do not know if I will still act as a [Guardsman]. There is little reason for me to do so any longer. I returned to see Liscor. I did not know you had left until you returned.

The Drakes smile faded. He looked at Klbkch, and the Antinium stood there.

Youve changed, Relc.

The six-foot-three Centenium with his shadow-grey body and lithe form remarked. The Drake checked himself, and tugged at his new chainmail and identical body. He nodded slowly.

I guess I have. Sorry for springing it on you, Klb. It just happened.

The Antinium looked at Relc. He exhaled.

I forgive you. Would you like to go for a walk, Relc?

The Drake glanced about.

I thought we were.

Klbkchhezeim shook his head. He looked to the walls, and Relc followed his gaze. Slowly, the Drake murmured.

Oh. In that casesure.

Two [Guards] walked out of the gates of Liscor and across the Floodplains, talking. Arguing, bickering sometimes, but just walking.

Off-duty. One had a spear over his shoulders, the other walked with twin swords at his waist.

One was Antinium, the other a Drake. They were headed towards a building.

An inn, on a hill.

That was how it always had been. For a year. Exactly one year, they had walked like this. Sometimes it had been one or the other. Or one hadnt gone. Or

But this was how it started.

It was not the same. They didnt have as far to go anymore, and they were changed. One greatly; he was a [Watch Sergeant] now.

The circumstances were different, too. Both kept looking towards the inn.

Dark. It always used to look like that in that village, remember? A ghost inn, staying up when the rest fell to pieces. You always did say someone might squat there. [Bandits].

Superior construction to the other buildings. Perhaps the old [Innkeeper] had a Skill.

Yeah. Now

The windows were dark. Glass, dimly reflecting the sunlight. It wasnt evening. The time was off. It should have been evening, and the fading sunlight turning the Floodplains to an ocean of orange and red.

But it wasnt. Nor was there any light merrily shining from within. A telltale smokestack

Like the old days. She thought I was a Dragon, remember?

I believe you told me that over a hundred times that week, yes.

And she had those blue fruits. Dead gods, I asked about them when we got back to town and some people sold them, but everyone warned me about the poison.

Yes. They did.

The Drake fell silent, because his companion gave him so little to work with. As if he didnt careuntil the Antinium spoke.

Acid flies.

Hm? Oh, right. Her catching them and you eating them.

Such innovation. And I recall the high-grade Potion of Cleansing Wounds

Yep. All on her hand. Good call, though. If it wasnt high-grade, youd have blasted her hand off. Wow, the hand-cut from the fish. I almost forgot.

Yes.

Their footsteps slowed as they looked up the hill. The inn was dark. After a moment, Relc spoke.

Maybe shell be in there when we open that door. Shell say something like, I saw a Dragon!.

That sounds quite like her. She will not be.

You dont know that.

Klbkch opened his mandibles. He looked at Relc, then slowly nodded.

I do not. There is a chance, however small. A chance so minute, so incomprehensible, you would have to be a fool beyond saving to believe it

Yeah, just watch it, Klbkch. I can still punch you one.

The Antinium saw Relc raise a threatening fist. Klbkch looked up at the windows. He went on after a moment.

a chance so minute it cannot happen. But if there were a chance.

Yeah. Do you want to?

For an answer, Klbkch began walking up the hill. Slowly. So slowly. Relc followed him after a moment. They didnt speak for the first few steps, then Klbkch did.

Hectval is at war with Liscor. I did not realize.

Hm? Yeah. We sent the army out. The new army, I mean. Embrias there.

Your daughter. Yes. Are you worried?

Shes alive. Ill ask more later. What about you? I heard we sent Antinium to the front.

Klbkch hesitated. He touched his swords.

I could make a difference. However, if I enter the war, it will escalate.

Yeah. Do you know whats happening, though?

The Antinium nodded.

Of course. What do you wish to know? The shape of the war? The military gains? The losses?

Just how it is.

Klbkch thought about the question. When he answered, it was simply.

It is how you have always talked about Liscors wars to me.

Relc Grasstongue looked up at Klbkchs back. His eyes flickered.

Brave kids. Heroes and bastards. Miracles and chance. A lot of dying.

Yes.

They came to the front door. Relc hesitated. He craned his neck back and pointed.

There it is.

Klbkch nodded. He had seen it too. Hanging right under the name of the inn. And a sign hammered into the ground with the original lettering peeling slightly, but perfectly legible.

Do you know where all the Goblins went? I expected the inn to be crowded, even without Erin.

Relc started. He looked at Klbkch and slapped his forehead.

Ancestors, Klb! You dont know about Mrsha? I heard on the way back. Not about Mrsha or?

I know about the Horns of Hammerad. Is that what you are referring to?

Dead gods. No. Its

Relc hesitated. His voice trailed off as he raised a claw and curled it into a fist. He looked at Klbkch and then knocked. The Revalantor went still. The two waited.

Shes not there.

Of course not. It would be silly tI hear footsteps.

The two stared at each other. Then Relc put one earhole to the door. He looked at Klbkch. Wordlessly, the Antinium stepped back. The two held their breaths and stared at the door.

The Wandering Inns front door opened slowly. Both Drake and Antinium stared at the figure in the shadowed hallway, holding their breath. Three hearts beat rapidly. It couldnt be. But just maybe. Mayb

Guardsman Relc? Guardsman Klbkch? Its you.

Ishkr stood in the doorway. Relc exhaled in a rush, and Klbkch nodded.

Ah. Ishkr. I hope we are not intruding?

The Gnoll [Head Server] looked at the two. Then he smiled.

Not at all. Would you like to come in?

Ahno. No, we both just got back and

The inn was dark behind Ishkr. Relc looked at Klbkch.

Erins not here, so

Shes here.

Klbkch murmured. Relc stopped. He stared ahead, down that long hallway. His voice lowered, and his hand grasped onto his spear tightly.

Yeah. Of course she is.

The two lingered for a while, but then stepped through the entryway. The floorboards didnt squeak like the old inn, and there was no dust because someone still kept them clean.

The [Grand Theater] was very big, and very dark, with only sunlight. It was echoingly haunted. Relc looked around the front of the common room, and it felt familiar. The bar and layout had changed slightly, and far more had been added.

He saw Lyonettes work schedule pinned to one wall, an actual menu hanging up, chairs ready to be placed at other tables, even the giant mirror that Palt had enchanted to show the news.

There were menus hand-illustrated and sitting up as well, and someone had kept watering the flower boxes that held regular, beautiful flowers along each window.

Yet the kitchen was dark and there was no white furry thing scurrying around. The stage was dark, without someone strutting their hour behind the curtain. No [Bard] sat playing guitar in a corner, and there was no bee or chatty [Bartender].

It was just like they remembered it. And not.

Klbkch sat down at a table. Relc trailed along one wall.

They started putting up guest testimonials?

Miss Solstice did.

No way. Whyhey, thats Magus Grimalkin. Why is his face up here?

Relc pointed at the illustration and lengthy dissertation on the proper etiquette and form of using the weights room. Ishkr smiled slightly.

Miss Solstice decided to put up a few illustrations, on the theory that some guests would appreciate it. She neverfinished the project.

Oh. Right. The inns clean.

Relc ran a claw over a table. Ishkr nodded.

I clean it.

Obviously, duh. I just meant

Silveran comes by now and then. One of the Workers.

Oh. Thats kind of him.

Ishkr stood there, half in darkness, half in the sunlight leaking through the windows. He gestured to the stairs.

Miss Imani and Palt moved out, as did Mage Bezale. Recently. Architect Hexel and his staffmy sister sometimes stays here as her landlady gives her issues and she doesnt sign up for the new housing. Your room is still here. If you would like, I can give you the key.

Really. Ino. I wont stay here yet.

Klbkch looked up from reading the menu as Relc brushed at his neck scales again. The Senior Guardsman nodded to Ishkr.

Well justsit here, if thats okay. For a moment?

As long as you need. I will get out of your fur.

Thanks. Uhyou dont have tothanks. Nice guy.

Relc said that last part to Klbkch as he sat down. The Antinium nodded simply. Relc leaned on the table across from him.

Here they were. But no young woman came rushing out of the kitchen. Relc caught himself glancing at the doorway, and felt embarrasseduntil he realized Klbkch kept watching the stairs.

A lots happened. I missed it.

That was all Relc said after a long while. Klbkch nodded.

You were gone in Cellidel? On voluntary posting? Did you do something wrong?

Relcs head lowered.

Yeah. I didnt have you to talk me out of it. I went to Cellidel. Its a long story.

In brief?

The Drake hesitated and struggled for words.

Nothing big. Justidiots thinking they can beat on citizens and do whatever they want. Bad stuff happening. The Watch was a messnothing like Captain Z. Thats all of it. Riotssome [Painter] guy. But just idiots. What about you? Howd you lose your last body after

Klbkch shrugged.

Largely similar. Incompetence uncovered on a fundamental level. I have yet to address it fully.

Huh. So you really are going to manage the Hives, then?

Yes. I believe I must. Xrn is wounded. She may never recover.

Really.

Klbkch slowly opened and closed his hand.

Not as things stand. They must change. You have made a change. Now I must. Not here. I do not know if I am needed here any longer.

Me neither.

They exchanged glances, and then looked away. Relc looked for an open door. A garden. But it didnt come, and he didnt summon it.

It was too quiet. And KlbkchRelc stared at the kitchen, then checked the sky.

I promised to meet some of my people. And I dont know if youre busy

I have over a hundred tasks to accomplish, yes.

Which meant literally over a hundred, and Klbkch could list each one if he wanted. Relc nodded. He put his huge claws on the table to push himself back.

We cancatch up later. If you want. I know

He had gotten up when Klbkch held up a hand. So Relc stopped. The Antinium hesitated. He sat there and hesitated, and it was an odd thing for Klbkch to do.

I returned to the Hives, as you know. Incidents occured that meant I would receive a new body, but one of the things I did was to reestablish contact with the Queens of the Hives. Five Queens, and Wrymvr the Deathless. A fellow Centenium of old.

The Drake [Spearmaster] stilled. He looked at Klbkch, and, aside from the [Strategists] and leaders who had dedicated their lives to studying the Antinium, and a few other people, he was one of the few who understood what that meant.

Yeah?

Klbkch drummed his fingers slowly on the table. His mandibles opened and closed. He made a kcrch sound, and then coughed.

Wrymvr. It is difficult for me to express this properly, as I have never had to. HoweverRelc.

He looked up into his friends yellow gaze. Relc just waited. Klbkch searched and spoke.

I have known Wrymvr since he was created. I am the older of the two of us, but our existence reaches back to the beginning of the Antinium as a true species. We have served the same positions, and our goals are identical. We have experienced the same events, and we were created of the same Queen. Our history is a shared one.

The Drake said nothing. At last, Klbkch looked at Relc.

Despite that. He was less pleasant to be around. I have thought of that, now and then.

Relc blinked. Klbkch went on, as he looked around the quiet inn.

It occurs to me, Relc, that over our career as [Guardsmen] of Liscor, you have asked me to go with you for a drink and/or meal over a thousand times. I can count the number of times I have done so on two hands. We have often had snacks together in an acceptable way as [Guards]. Seldom meals upon pre-arranged request.

Yeah?

Klbkch slowly reached down for something and placed it on the table. Relc looked down, and Ishkr, like the excellent staff member he was, reappeared.

A single gold coin glinted on the table. Gross overpayment, of course, but you didnt come here for the fiscal value. Klbkch looked up at Relc.

As I believe it is customary, Relc, I cordially invite you to have a drink. Let us also have a meal. I will buy the first round. Tell me about Cellidel.

The Drakes eyes widened. He looked down at the gold coin, and then pulled his chair out. He sat down, and Ishkr hurried over.

Can I get you two anything? The kitchen doesnt have a [Cook], but I can do [Basic Cooking], and we do have stored foods. Any preferences?

Relc glanced at Klbkch. The Antinium looked at him, and they both knew what they were going to order. Relc raised a claw and smiled.

Do you have pasta? Spaghetti? And some blue fruit juice?

Ishkr blinked. Then nodded. Klbkch raised his hand.

I will have pasta as well, as I can finally metabolize it. Acid flies on mine, if you have any.

Aw, come on, Klb

You can put meat on yours. Pork belly.

Oh. Yeah. Pork belly for the both of us! If youve got it. And, uh, Ill have an ale with the blue fruit

The two began ordering. Ishkr ended up rushing out to see if he could get some pork belly, but he set them up with a bowl of acid flies, french fries, and drinks. Relc and Klbkch sat there. It wasnt about the additions. It was the pasta and blue fruit that mattered.

The gold coin glittered on the table, catching the light as Relc fussed about the fireplace, and Klbkch eventually pointed a Wand of Flame Ray and lit it.

Some things were different. But then they sat, smiling, talking, and telling each other what had happened. They ate and drank in The Wandering Inn, the pair of them. Then, after a while

They went to find Erin and say hello.

It was a very special day. Because it wasnt.

Any day could be quite special. Extraordinary, even. All it took was a reunion, a new ideaand the mundane was kicked out of the way by the fantabulously interesting.

That was the lesson theyd all learned. Your boring every afternoon didnt have to look like that. Of course, with that precious knowledge came the other side.

Terrible things could happen out of the blue. Disaster could be waiting around the corner with a crossbow.

It was a special day, because they thought of her.

Klbkch and Relc stood on a hill, chatting. No solemn silence. No flowers. It might have been that if they had come earlier. It didntwork.

Not today. Not for them. Klbkch pushed Relc slightly as the Drake joked around.

And Ive been gaining classes. Klb here just has his new body.

With poisoned mandibles.

So he cant even kiss someone. He makes it sound good, but I think the Queens messed up.

This is not an issue that has ever been presented to me. Nor do I intend to seek the opportunity out.

Relc gestured helplessly at his friend.

You see? What am I supposed to do withthis guy?

He trailed off. The [Innkeeper] smiled at him. Relc took a breath, and a bit of mist escaped his lips. The frozen bier was like it had been the last time. The flowers frozen and dead. The trinkets

So I might go off soon. I had to get the kids back from Cellidel. But after that, Ill be after Mrsha. You know me. Kidnapping? Im great at chasing and hitting people.

Klbkch looked at Relc and nodded.

I will also look into the matter.

Yeah.

Relc knelt down, then decided to just sit. Klbkch kept standingfor a minute. Then, as if gravity were leaning on him, he sat too. They sat there, as Ishkr looked up from the door to the inn.

Youll be back. Right, Klb? Shell be back.

The Antinium opened and closed his mandibles.

If anyone could, it would be her.

Relc nodded. They kept sitting there. Klbkch glanced at Relc and kept nearly speaking. The Drake just stared ahead, at Erin, at something else. They sat there, as frost crept over both, scales and chitin.

They didnt move for a long time. It was that kind of day. That was how it began.

With memories. Withthe thought of home.

How home should be.

Even if it wasnt.

The problem was that the world was better. The problem was that the world was more interconnected. In the old days, which were the bad days, you couldnt talk with people around the world.

Or, if it were possible, it was the kind of thing that took multiple Couriers or magic beyond the ken of most mortals and so on and so forth.

If something terrible or glorious happened, youd hear about it in the news, and that was a grand and momentousyet distantthing.

Now? [Messages] were common and cheap, and the world was changing faster. The result was that you didnt leave people behind; you could talk to them, talk with someone around the entire world, and that was glorious.

Sometimes, though

It only reminded you that you were alone. Or that Erin wasnt back yet.

Krshia Silverfang took a long sip of wine. One sip, and she put the cup down. She had business to do[Chieftains] to meet, and she could not be tipsy when she was one of the faces of the Silverfangs, in the spotlight and grasping at the future with both paws.

But she took that sip, because she had to. She didnt know if it was good, what she did. But Chieftain Torishi had advised her to tell the little Gnoll girl.

She has had enough secrets. This is good news. Mourning and happiness are part of life. We must flee from neither.

That was Weatherfurs wisdom, from someone older and wiser. So Krshia told Mrsha.

Relc has returned. And Klbkch, yes? Gnolls from Cellidel.

The little Gnoll girl brightened up and smiled. Relc? He was back from stinky Cellidel? And Klbkch too? Great news! She began writing that Krshia should tell them she was welluntil she realized Krshia would have to code that. Then she began to ask how many Gnolls.

Then she thought of Erin. And Krshia saw Mrsha look lost. The girl looked around for her mother, or Numbtongue, and recalled how far away all of them were.

On a questto save her. Not even Erin. She looked for Apista, or Bird, or Selysthen glanced up and kindly settled for Krshia. So the Gnoll [Shopkeeper] wouldnt feel bad.

We will be home soon, yes?

Krshia hugged Mrsha tightly. The girl patted Krshia on the head.

Yes, we will.

Krshia wanted to linger, but Akrisa was already in a meeting. So she hugged Mrsha again.

I will get word to them that you are well, so they do not run across the continent, hm? Do you want to go with someone?

Mrsha held up a card with a big name written on it.

Gire.

Krshia nodded and took her by the paw out of the tent. She found the giant Gnoll waiting for her morning playdate with her best friend, and smiled. Gire sniffed the sip of wine on her breath, of course, but made no comment. Krshia saw Mrsha off, then turned. She strode, almost ran, to her first meeting, to shake hands and make complicated deals.

If she stopped too long, she would start crying.

As for Mrsha? The Gnoll looked solemnly up at Gire, who paused.

Do you want to do something else today, Mrsha? Buy another lobster? Or we can go and see some sights? How about horse races?

She was excited, and clearly doing sums in her head about how much food Mrsha could buy on the pretext of snacks. Normally, Mrsha would be raring to go as well. Today? Mrsha put up a paw, massaging at her back.

Not today, Gire. One moment, one moment.

She hobbled over to a table in the Silverfang camp like an old woman and sat down. Gire frowned as Mrsha searched around, made a groaning sound, picked up a cup, and headed over to the food tent. She came back, put the cup down, and cleared the space around it. Then she put a paw around the cup andexhaled.

The cup was filled with goats milk, incidentally. However, the Gnoll girl began to nurse it. Taking small sips, exhaling.

Mrsha? Is something wrong? Are you thirsty?

Sit, sit. The Gnoll gestured with a paw. Gire sat. Mrsha stared past her. Around her, Silverfangs Gnolls were bustling about, and a few Ekhtouch Gnolls were condescending about. Longstalkers Fang, Greenpawand there was Rose, pretending not to see Adetr waiting for another chat.

Inkar and Tkrn. Even Feshi, glancing around for them with some of the Weatherfur Gnolls. Great and powerful allies. Interesting people, all.

Yet Mrsha didnt run about. Not today. Gire poked her, and Mrsha slapped the finger down and snarled.

Not a friendly snarl either. Gire didnt try it again. She saw Mrsha take another gulp, and finally recognized what Mrsha was doing. It was a copy of what Gire and Mrsha had seenbut Mrsha had been to more bars than Gire, and had seen this late at night.

A figure at a table or bar, slipping into their cups. Like Menolit, and an [Innkeeper] talking to them. She copied them, not because it was fun

But because this was one of the ways Mrsha knew how to cry in public. She stared past Gire, and there were not enough words to write down to explain it.

Or just two.

Erin Solstice.

Gire watched as Mrsha began to sniff. The little Gnoll girls eyes welled up.

Mrsha? Whats wrong? Does your stomach hurt? Dont cry

Erin.

Mrsha wrote it down and pushed the card over. Gire turned the card over, but it lacked context, even for the [Paragon].

Is thatyour friend? The one whos sick? OhohMrsha, dont cry.

The girl began sniffing into her cup. Huge, blobby tears fell from her brown eyes as Gnolls looked at her. Girepanicked.

Dont cry, Mrsha. Its alright. See? I can juggle. Look! I can juggle eleven things. See? Isnt it funny?

She grabbed some silverware, cups, a plate, and tossed eleven objects up and did actually create a double-helix. Mrsha didnt even stare at it. Gire stopped, not knowing what to do. Because she was young, and Ekhtouch didnt teach you how to deal with tears.

Mrsha didnt want Gire to do anything. She just cried into her cup as the others came over. Inkar didnt know why.

Tkrn did. So did Beilmark and other Gnolls from home. So the Senior Guardswoman sat down, took off her helm, placed her badge on the table, and put Mrsha on her knee. Tkrn tried to explain, and Mrsha kept crying. For a bit.

She didnt let Gire stop her, or anyone cheer her up until she was done. Because she was supposed to cry when bad things happened. She clung to Gires arm too, and rubbed her snot into Gires fur.

Ew.

Yet the [Paragon] didnt pull away. She listened.

This was how it went. It was likea stack of cards. A pile of painted wooden blocks. And someone had just kicked in one of the support beams.

Not maliciously, but in that Relc-wayit was him.

News of home.

It struck them all differently. Lyonette du Marquin looked up.

Hes back?

A figure nodded. Someone stirred uneasily. One of the Thronebearers glanced warily at her, but Raticis hat was off his headand held between his claws.

It was not the same. Lyonette saw the Drakes somber face.

Im glad.

She put down her quill for a second. Cirediel and Rafaema, hovering there, looked at the [Princess] as she pressed the heels of her palms into her eyes. A [Princess] did not cry, though; that would ruin her makeup.

One second, twoand Lyonette took a deep breath. She looked up, and her eyes shone, but her jaw was set.

Thats wonderful news. If you could send him a wordtell him that we will see him soon. I maysend him something else later.

Of course, Miss Lyonette.

Ratici dipped his head and walked back. Wilovan took off his hat for a second. The two Gentlemen Callers went for a walk, hats in their hands.

They scared the living daylights out of everyone they met, but they held the hats. Talking softly, walking like gentlemen. If anyone stopped them

That was why they held the hats. Not today.

Lyonette du Marquin looked around.

Would you allexcuse me for a moment? I must freshen myself up.

What, the toil

Rafaema stamped so hard and fast that Cire doubled over, clutching wordlessly at his foot. She nodded, and Lyonette rose. Ser Sest held the door open as she retreated.

To shed tears in private. The others stood around, uncertain of what to do. Some people went around calmly.

Xif and Saliss glanced up when they heard the news. The Gnoll blinked and wiped at his spectacles. Saliss claws never wavered.

Thanks. Shut the door on your way out. Semi-poisonous gas.

They kept working.

Like Ilvriss. On such days, he kept writing orders to his company, Alrric, and the Salazsar forces. His quill scritched across the parchment, and Osthia Blackwing didnt see anything different about him.

But on such days, sometime between her delivering [Messages] and correspondence, something would appear on the desk, carefully placed above the pages and away from the quill and inkpot.

It would be a little amulet with a clasp. The kind you could open. The Wall Lord would carefully angle it and keep working. He would never glance at it that she could see in the brief snippets when she saw him.

However, it was there. If you saw it, youd put the nonsense about Lyonette and wedding rings behind you.

That little illustration he had found somewhere and put in the amulet was not of a Human. Not a [Princess] nor an [Innkeeper]. After all. When he thought of Erin

He thought of her.

It might be resonance.

Or synchronicity.

The explanation might be Relc.

Or a memory of the fall. When she first came to this world.

Perhaps it was just time.

Realizing how long it had been. Again, it was different. Similar, but different.

Ceria Springwalker stopped eating, refused to play cards, and marched with the army of Savere. She took out a spellbook that Revine had gifted her and began leafing through it.

Her pale eyes held no tears. She just kept glancing up at the sky, north. And the air

Grew colder. So cold that she turned the sand and dirt hard and frosty when [Bandits] followed in her wake. The wind behind her so chilled that a gap opened up in the army behind her.

It was so uncharacteristic of the Ice Squirrel that everyone noticed it more than if she had been crying. Ceria brushed at her hair and looked at her skeletal hand. She smiled ruefully, and went back to reading.

Yvlon Byres sat and talked with Queen Yisame and the Great Sage Etrikah. She talked, as the [Queen] dabbed at her eyes and the [Sage] listened. She talked and paced and was restless.

Her hands clenched and roamed, touching silverware, checking her skin as if she were making sure it was pure. She sat back heavily, then stood. Resting her weight on the table.

Helplessly moving about. Frustrated with inaction.

It was the opposite of how Ksmvr did it. He rode along, so quiet that no one noticed for a while. Only until he refused to eat breakfast and lunch did Nsiia ride over.

Is something wrong, Ksmvr? If you are feeling sick, tell us. Sickness can run through an army and leave it legless.

Ksmvr looked at her thoughtfully, then shook his head.

No, Nsiia. I am perfectly physically well. I believe I am sad, but I have not learned how to cry. I am uncertain what I should do.

The Empress of Beasts eyes sharpened on Ksmvrs face. His severed arm, his damaged antennae and exoskeletonhe had worn his injuries without noticeable pain.

Right now? He looked uncertain. As if moving would pain him, and he was afraid of it. Ksmvr kept touching his chest with one of his hands.

jort2003: lol

Viscount V: What is that name?

Eldavin: That expression

GSNF: I assume someone sneezed on the parchment or thats a word.

Alchemist I: In which dictionary.

jort2003: srry. this is wild.

Eldavin: Correct your spelling at once. Name yourself. Pallass?

jort2003: !!!

Viscount V: Ah, backtracing. I would politely ask you refrain from doing so.

Eldavin: Noted, but I am attempting to understand if this is a literal child or fool.

Mri: One must take the child firmly in hand and feed them a cookie. For how will they not learn if they are not fed?

Joseph Ortega: Sorry. Im not used to this.

GSNF: Oh, its that one. Why am I even surprised at this point?

Alchemist I: Fascinating.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Beyond fascinating. Hello. I am an incredible fan of your televised performance.

Joseph Ortega: Oh, thanks. This is amazing. Who are you all?

Eldavin: I am Grand Magus Eldavin of Wistram.

Joseph Ortega: ()

GSNF: Hes doing it again. Have they justforgotten how to write in Pallass?

Saliss: It would honestly not surprise me. Believe me, sometimes I wonder if they know how to use toilet paper.

Eldavin: HAH.

Magus G: As a representative of Pallass proper, I can assure you, Saliss, that our hygiene is superior to most cities. As you might recall.

Saliss: And here come the [Fun Murderers].

Eldavin: Ah, is this Magus G? Have we met?

Magus G: Salutations, sir. Another achievement, however modest.

Eldavin: Mm. Only in reconstructing what is lost. Much like a [Historian]. But thank you. We must take wine and discuss magic.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I am humbled. Is this the redoubtable Magus Grimalkin himself? I am a humble spellcaster compared to you all.

Magus Grimalkin, Pallass: You are exceptionally kind.

It was becoming so chaotic that even Fetohep with three [Message] scrolls floating before him was running out of hands. Much less the shouting ghosts behind him. He glared as he wrote.

Fetohep: I, Fetohep of Khelt, greet the following in brevity unbefitting my manner but the state of this hurried conversation

Lionette: Mri, are you safe?

Mri: Though I confess to peckishness betimes, I have managed my salutary meals of leafed varieties with more wholesome peccadillos of sustenance, thank you. I eagerly await our meeting posthaste.

Lionette: I will come soon. If all is well.

Fetohep: Magus Grimalkin of Pallass, Joseph Ortega, the individuals referring to themselves as Sandquen, YlawesB, Alchemist I

Krshia: All is very well as it can be. Is all well over there?

Saliss: Hey, someone show respect to Fetohep. Hes writing over there.

RainyEarl: Hello? Hello, can you see this?

Fetohep gave up. He looked around, glared, and then spoke into a scrying orb.

There is a situation that requires your presence immediately. Return unto me at your quickest spell, Vizir Hecrelunn.

A snide voice came from the scrying orb, replaced by a face with two glowing pinpoints of crimson light.

You do not have more ridiculous speeches for me to write? Another army to wipe out as if I were a lap dog? Mind yourself, King of Khelt. You do not order your betters, but beseech.

Fetoheps golden flames flashed. He wrote, slowly.

Fetohep: I would like to remind those present upon the nature of this meeting.

GSNF: Yes, yes. But we have a situation and someone is about to stab me with a fork if I donthere.

Yvlon: Ice Squirrel?

Ice Squirrel: YV!

YlawesB: Are you well?

Golden Gnoll: Its Ysara. Yvlon, is that you? Say something you said to me.

Yvlon: Belt over boots?

Ice Squirrel: ??

YlawesB: Thats her.

Golden Gnoll: Maybeare you alright?

Fetohep: I am copying this message unto these separate rooms. The quarry is the revival of Erin Solstice.

Ice Squirrel: oop

Yvlon: Is something wrong, Ceria?

Ice Squirrel: No, Fetohep.

GSNF: I dont think he quite understands how this works. I need to look up precedent.

Eldavin: They used to do thisalbeit in different formats. I have removed the limitations of speed.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Truly? It seems old, even for my knowledge of Wistram.

Eldavin: Ah, well, some of us are older than others.

Viscount V: It must be very old.

YlawesB: Are you in need of help, Yvlon? Are you still in prison?

Alchemist I: I dont recall anything of the nature.

GSNF: Go back to your discussion room. This is private business.

Mri: Upon my sword, I shall rescue you, Yvlon Byres! If rescue needs be the occasioned, you have my sword.

Joseph Ortega: AND MY AXE.

Windy Girl: Dead gods.

Yvlon: Thank you, Mri? Do I know you?

GSNF: GET OUT

Golden Gnoll: If you need transport, or anything, we can fund it. Whats the situation?

Yvlon: Im very well set. I have allies in high places. There is some issue, but Prince Zenol, a Gold-rank adventurer, is here and helping me.

Ice Squirrel: Zenol!?!? Great!

YlawesB: Thats wonderful news. I will head out with my team at once to help you.

Golden Gnoll: YLAWES, ENOUGH

Yvlon: No. I am quite well Ylawes, and I will make my way home and recover my team on my own means, thank you.

YlawesB: Apologies?

Beard Lad: Lad

Fetohep: I will be overseeing the main discussion, what I believe is now referred to as Room A: Efforts unto a Satisfactory Cure.

Ice Squirrel: Anyone seen Bone Boy? Thats what well call him.

Yvlon: Hes in trouble.

Queen R: Your friend is out of Roshals grip. More than that will depend on the future.

GSNF: Whos this now?

Ice Squirrel: Friend?

Queen R: Friend.

Saliss: Saliss!

Sandquen: Oh, this is wonderful. So many powerful people helping towards one cause! Hello! Im hoping I can help in some way!

GSNF: Sigh.

Hecrelunn was still arguing via the scrying orb. Fetohep heard voices. Hecrelunns, obviously, the Mages Guildmistress begging forgiveness, some of his own researchers who were trying to enter the chat, and more.

The living, the undead

I will return as I deem fit. Brief me on the situation and I may agree

And the dead.

Fetohep, it is I, Khelta. We cannot read this scroll as it lies too much in the living world. Repeat what is being said to us, verbatim.

Ooh! Ooh! Did he say Lyonettes there? Say hi for me! No, wait. Lets play it cool.

I, His-Xe, have a solution to this conundrum. A verbosity spell to read the words aloud.

Well thought, His-Xe. I have always admired your reign.

Thank you, Serept. I believe the Vizir could cast it easily. Where is he?

Being stubborn again. He was always so. Why is Fetohep not speaking?

It was the exact same. He thought he had escaped it in part, but it was playing out verbally and on the text. Fetohep spoke.

Vizir Hecrelunn, you will return to the palace now.

The sneering Revenant laughed in his face.

Is this your paltry little display of command? I believe I will

Fetohep rose. His voice magnified, and the Guildmistress froze. The [Servants] working in the palace and every citizen within three blocks looked up as a heartstopping voice echoed out like thunder.

In the name of Khelt Eternal, you will return now. Be silent, Little Brother-King.

Hecrelunn faltered. His image in the scrying orb stared at Fetohep, and he made a choking noise. Fetohep slowly sat back in perfect dignityonly ruined by the gales of ghostly laughter in his ears.

No, wait. That made it better. The Vizir began casting a spell. Fetohep was writing when he popped into space outside of the capital proper and began flying in. Fetohep wordlessly tossed him a [Message] scroll.

We will require a verbosity spell on my scroll, I believe. It is organized into

I see it.

The [Vizir] quietly cast the spell. He didnt meet Fetoheps eyes, and he was silent as he began to write. Fetohep rather thought he liked the Vizirs new attitude. The words began to echo as he wrote.

Fetohep: With apologies, I introduce the Vizir Hecrelunn.

Windy Girl: Hi.

Vizir Hecrelunn of Khelt Eternal, In Service to Her Majesty, Khelta, Undisputed of His Class, Steward of the Lands Claimed by Undeath: It is my

Joseph Ortega: yo, is it that guy I saw on the news? this is wild

RainyEarl: yo yourself?

Vizir Hecrelunn, The Fire of Khelts Wrath, Face of the Limitless Armies of Khelta, Empowered of the Servants of Chandrar: I am the Vizir of Khelt and I will have

ArchmageV: I am a huge admirer of Kheltian magics from that era. Do you have a full, working spellbook? I would love to compare notes.

Vizir Hecrelunn, Who Will Not Be Interrupted, Sovereign King in Lieu of

Mri: I too possess some aptitude with magic. We should compare spellbooks.

ArchmageV: Are you a fellow spellcaster?

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I as well. I believe I know you, Archmage Valeterisa? Well met. I am able to cast Tier 5 magics; a handful of spells. It is my singular accomplishment in life.

Eldavin: Respectable, respectable. A Revenant aside from Fetohep of Khelt? Possibly Tier 6-7. I sincerely doubt he can manage a Tier 8 unlinked, but I suppose backup spellcasters are useful.

VizirH: What did you just say?

Eldavin: I am the Grand Magus pledged to restoring Miss Solstice to life, as Windy Girl is aware. It is a compounding issue, but I believe I can do it once my affairs here are done. Which reminds me, Windy Girlyour situation?

Windy Girl: Good?

Eldavin: Where are you?

Windy Girl: You cant tell?

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Oh my.

Eldavin: It is difficult with so many connections, and I believe I was asked to be private.

Magus G: I am amazed this ritual can hold so many individual links.

Eldavin: Well, in truth, this is a completely different magical system than the one Wistram or the Walled Cities apply. Far more efficient.

VizirH: BE SILENT, MORTALS. I AM SPEAKING. MY MAGIC AND WISDOM FAR SURPASSES ANY PRESENT.

Saliss: Oooh. This is going to be hilarious. Youre new here, arent you?

Mri: Thou hast met many foes in your lifetime, Mighty Vizir Hecrelunn of Khelt, but you have not met Mri, the Great and Terrible. Many have known my wrath; few have escaped unscathed.

Lionette: Mri

True Grit: What are you doing to my academy? This is ridiculous. These days of [Mages] and petty politics have begun again.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Havent they always been petty?

Rhis: Hah! Well said! They have always been petty and pathetic.

It was getting chaotic. Fetohep gave up on that room. The Vizir was so angry his [Message] scroll burst into flames, but the thing about being the immortal king of Khelt was that you had plenty of those.

Fetohep scribbled furiously.

Fetohep: Once again, I convene this to be Room B: Succinct Conversations Unto a Cure. Please focus your attention upon the issue.

Eldavin: Apologies. Frankly, this system needs work. Perhaps an overall moderator?

Saliss: And whos that, Wistram? Funny how its always Wistram, huh?

Fetohep: We are getting off-track. Please remain focused.

Joseph Ortega: Its off-topic.

The Revenant twitched. Fetoheps quill paused, but before he could go on, more words appeared.

Windy Girl: Fetohep is right. Were all here for the same reasons, arent we? You might need three rooms, though. Arent there three components? Healing, antidote, freezing spell?

Ilvriss: The potion has been taken care of. Healing, I mean. Unless a Potion of Regeneration at about one third dosage is not acceptable?

Fetohep: Ah, this is commendable. A replacement can be arranged if need be, but I am assured it is effective. I shall set up such rooms then and preannounce them.

Windy Girl: Dont do that. Ill write it into potions and tagum, Saliss, Witch A, and Alchemist I. Anyone who wants can jump in. Thats efficient.

Hecrelunn, Vizir: You are insolent, whomsoever you are, before the rulers of Khelt.

Windy Girl: Hey, Hecrelunn. Shut up.

Which was a mistake, or so he feltuntil he saw Windy Girl disappear from that chat and appear in another room. The furious Hecrelunn followed her in, and their exchange of insults was joined by Mri, Saliss, and Beard Lad.

Impressive. He saw what this person was doing. Meanwhilea kind of order restored itself. Yet even that wasbeyond interesting.

Saliss: Alright, alright. Antidotes. Everyone keeps saying ethereal-type reagents are the way to go, but who has any?

Witch A: I have a few, but not enough to make a full potion out of.

Alchemist I: Or experiment. Sadly, my stocks would also be lacking, but I have the expertise to alterany standard antidote. Is this some kind of advanced poison? Rotlung? Hetheic Death? Magical-vectors?

Saliss: Itsa poisonous berry enhanced with some snake venom. Cosqe Stinger is the local term. About Intensity14 on Reliks Scale.

Alchemist I: I seeand the issue is? Not that I would trust Saliss of Lights to cure warts.

Witch A: Funny. :)

Saliss: Youre hilarious. Everyone must love you. Listen, Ive made the cure. Liquid, gasits for a giant ice cube, and thats why its difficult. Understand? Do you need me to write down the exact ingredients?

Alchemist I: You may if you are attempting to alter a potion to interact with frozen flesh. What have you tried?

Saliss: Funny thing. You only get one chance. I think theyre trying the cure on squirrels.

GSNF: Regular squirrels, or is that a euphemism?

Saliss: Regular squirrels. I gave them a simple liquid injection, but ethereal-type potions aside, theres no good vector.

Viscount V: Have you considered teleporting the liquids into the injuries?

Saliss: What.

Witch A: That is not how potions work.

Viscount V: Apologies.

Archmage V: I have actually looked into a spell that would simultaneously redivide and redirect such potions like thatbut the complexity and variance in each body makes it difficult.

Saliss: What she said. Listen, I dont have another solution. Frozen flesh. Non-moving blood

Alchemist I: Seeker liquid.

Saliss: Seeker

Witch A: So smart. :o

GSNF: Hold on, can anyone actually make seeker liquids anymore? Im only familiar with hostile liquids.

Alchemist I: I assure you, its possible. Seeker liquid antidote combined with a high intensity soak-factor.

Saliss: Youll poison her with the antidote.

Witch A: Not if you use Skills. [Beneficial Tonic]?

Alchemist I: Exactly. I would also venture a guess that you could trial the ethereal-antidotes by replacing the missing component with a translucence-type reagent. Obviously, you would alter for the actual ingredient, but a sample antidote recipe lacking only for the exact ingredient could be formulated. I am close to my workstation and can attempt it tonight. Someone must, it seems.

Witch A: Brutal. :)

Saliss: I think I know who you are, Alchemist I. How did you get over here? I wouldnt feed your antidotes to Crelers.

Alchemist I: You couldnt cure Creler poison.

Witch A: <3 :) :) :)

Alchemist I: Thank you.

Saliss: Thats it. Im preparing a set of antidotes right now. Ive created water-soluble liquids and Im forwarding them to the [Researchers] and well see how good my cures are.

Alchemist I: And I will demonstrate actual progress on my end shortly. Heading to my laboratory now.

GSNF: Dead gods. Sands save me from competing egos. Will someone start writing recipes? Ill trial both.

Saliss: Ill write down each successful iteration. You know who I have helping me? Alchemist Xif of Pallass himself.

Alchemist I: Is that a net benefit?

Saliss: How dare you. Xif is the most hard-working, respected [Alchemist] in Pallassaside from me. He is a credit to the City of Invention, and you will not slander his good name.

Witch A: Maybe I will make a cure too. I am good with ingredients.

Alchemist I: That would be helpful, but I believe we have enough expertise on our end to formulate a cure if possible, Miss Witch A.

Saliss: Yeah, what he said.

Witch A: (_). I am a [Witch]. I am good at magic and alchemy.

Saliss: Yeah. Sort of in both.

Alchemist I: We are both [Alchemists].

Witch A: (_)(_)(_). I will hex you. I am better. I will make a potion. I have better Skills and levels.

Saliss: Listen to this. Lets find out. Put your exploding bottle where your mouth is. Ill have my first entry here in 15 minutes.

Alchemist I: 10.

GSNF: Sigh.

However, it still meant there were two, possibly three [Alchemists] competing. Not even that.

Sandquen: I have two [Alchemists] looking into these cures.

RainyEarl: I commissioned one a month ago.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: I, as well, believe I have at least ten in a research team undergoing trials.

Fetohep: I have eighty-eight. The issue is not the cure itself, but a new reagent orspell. If anything, I believe the antidote is lesser to a more adept ice spell.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: True. We have had only standard [Mages] researching spells. Is there any capable [Cryomancer] here? Anyone with a passing knowledge of such magic?

Eldavin: You could say that.

Magus G: Perhaps. I also know about the bodys interactions with cold.

Viscount V: I too, am similarly proficient in ice magic.

Ice Squirrel: Me?

Queen R: I as well.

Rhis: Hm

ArchmageV: I know in excess of three hundred spells, yes.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I hope to be of some small assistance with you all.

The Vizirs head rose triumphantly. Fetohep smiled, and he heard the ghosts cheering. He bent over the scroll.

Fetohep: I am prepared to offer a prize for any spell that is most effective, whereupon I introduce Researcher Dromenl and Cryomancer Ulea who have led the issue. They may communicate more, but the issue as it is presented to me is that the body is damaged when heated unevenly. A superior, elegant magic is required.

Lionette: Thank you all for helping. I and Wall Lord Ilvriss will also contribute in any way if that is an incentive at all, not that I would dare to assume I can add to Khelts largesse.

Mri: Yes, thank you. Please help her.

Viscount V: Not to disturb those here, but I must ask: this young woman frozen is alive, is she not?

Lionette: Neither [Detect Life] nor [Detect Death] work on her.

Viscount V: That is notentirely encouraging. An object would also fail to register on both spells.

Eldavin: I assure you, a dead body would have some residual death magic.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I would concur with that based on my observations.

Viscount V: Encouraging, then.

Fetohep: Erin Solstice is alive. I assure you of that. If she were hereshe would be more concerned with the wellbeing of others. She is alive.

Windy Girl: That sounds exactly like her.

Magus G: How do all of you know her?

Ice Squirrel: Friends of friends or just friends. Lets not get distracted.

Researcher Dromenl, Oteslia: Yes, hello! I am very gratified by all these experts. Very gratified. I would love to talk about any spells anyone might have an understanding ofwe have to teach and cast the spells ourselves, you see, and there are few dedicated [Cryomancers] with ice Skills. Any help would be greatly appreciatedand I also would like to know more details on the live peoples trials, Cryomancer Ulea. Apparently one lived but shortly expired?

Fetohep: Enough. Desist, Researcher Dromenl. Some details are not to be m

Windy Girl: The WHAT

GSNF: Uh oh.

Alchemist I: May I hear more about this.

Eldavin: I believe this requires an explanation.

Fetohep: Standby.

He did not return to the chat, incidentally. Something about having that read aloud might have caused

Issues.

Yet here it was. Ice magic. In Fetoheps absence, the chat room cast around for good spellcastersand found more than you could shake a dead body at.

Eldavin: I am the most senior [Mage], so I will list five spells which might possibly be of some use: [Iceflesh], [Rune of Warmth]if applied correctly, of course. Is the rate of warming essential? [Greater Resistance: Cold] for the opposite qualities. [Heated Room]. [Solar Ray: Wide Diffusion]. Each one creates a powerful warming or anti-cold effect.

Researcher Dromenl: Were aware of all five, but these are all very potent spellswhich we cannot cast. At least, [Heated Room], but [Rune of Warmth] would require a Fissival-trained expert, and we were unsure of the efficacy. Can you please elaborate?

Eldavin: Ah, of course. The healing aspect of warming the flesh intrigues me. Enough for a Potion of Regeneration to work but avoiding the trauma of the injuries?

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I believe all those spells may fail.

Eldavin: Really? You base this on?

Magus G: He may be right, with great respect, Grand Magus. [Iceflesh] and [Greater Resistance: Cold] are based on a living target. Which is disqualified in this case. Moreover, simply warming flesh still creates intensive damage.

Eldavin: Ah.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Significant damage on a low level. Degradation of the flesh.

Eldavin: These were simply the five most accessible spells.

Rhis: Utterly juvenile. Is that the best spellcasting of a Grand Magus of Wistram?

Ryoka Griffins head slowly rose. Viscount Visophecin, resting in the moving carriage while the rest of the Lucifen argued, glanced up at her.

Azemith sounded smug as she flicked her fingers, casting a spell.

Someones trying to find out where you are, Ryoka Griffin. They keep trying to locate you. Wistram.

Ryoka gulped.

Visophecin. Do you think?

He is an adept spellcaster. He must have noticed the [Message] linking spell.

They both stared down at the scroll.

Eldavin: I find your tone insulting. I take it that this is Duke Rhisveri of Ailendamus?

Rhis: None other, Grand Magus Eldavin of Wistram.

Eldavin: Well met.

Rhis: Indeed.

Eldavin: And I suppose you know instantaneously which spell will be most efficacious?

Rhis: I would not stoop to mediocre spells. Cast [Blessing of the Winter Warrior] and begin from there.

Archmage V: That is a lost Tier 6 spell!

Rhis: For some.

Eldavin: Quite a bold claim. And you suggest a [Researcher] in Oteslia can cast this spell because?

Rhis: Do spell scrolls not exist in your understanding of the world?

Eldavin: No more than politeness lacks in yours, apparently. I would not fortify Miss Solstices flesh. If I were to skip to advanced spells, I would cast [Room of Paradise], which would, as a byproduct of the spell, instantly remove all ice and cold from her body.

Viscount V: That is quite apowerful spell.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Indeed. This is beyond me, greatly. Which spell school is this?

Rhis: Transmutation.

Eldavin: Transmutation.

Rhis: You also lack finesse. [Room of Paradise] simply removes and maintains an environment; the actual removal of said cold and ice is done poorly. I would venture [Inferno Skin] for the most instantaneous change possible.

Eldavin: You forget Miss Solstice is neither animate nor inanimate. Your spell would lack grounding.

Rhis: In the hypothetical situation.

Eldavin: Mhm.

Hecrelunn: You can alter that spell to target inanimate objects. Or do neither of you practice spell theory?

Archmage V: Wait, would you elaborate on that? Which method is this?

Viscount V: That is an old style of spellcasting.

Eldavin: I am quite aware of that. I wondered if Duke Rhisveri was?

Rhis: For someone who thinks runecraft on a frozen body wouldnt take into account her natural magical field and leylines, you are quite thoughtful.

Queen R: This is astonishingly unhelpful, you fools.

Eldavin: Excuse me?

Rhis: Oho.

Hecrelunn: And your name is?

Queen R: I am someone who actually practices ice magic. None of these spells focus on what matters. Which is maintaining the person affected by the spell. Speed is not as essential as keeping them safe. I knew a fellow spellcaster who froze her own flesh, and she was a [Cryomancer].

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I concur with that theory. If you could apply [Greater Resistance: Cold] to the young womanthat is a working theory. If someone could experiment? I might be able to cast it in a weaker version. Hold on.

GSNF: Thats not going to work.

Eldavin: There are quite a lot of unverified claims flying about. Your expertise and classes?

Queen R: Private. I am an expert, however. At least, in this area. Ice Squirrel, youre silent.

Ice Squirrel: Thinking.

Viscount V: We are trying this.

Ryoka grabbed for Paxeres arm.

No, no! Stop!

Its a bunny.

The squealing rabbit looked terrified as the amused Lucifen girl held a cold hand towards its face. Viscount Visophecin glanced at Ryoka, puzzled.

Ah, ethics. Paxere, enough.

Mortals. This is to help your friend!

The Lucifen girl sighedthen tossed the rabbit out the rolling carriage. Ryoka pointed and the wind caught the bunny

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Ive already trialed this.

Viscount V: Really?

Eldavin: Thats remarkably quick.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I may know my way around this theorythe problem is that the [Resistance: Cold] spell applied to all of the frozen sample. Including the actual ice, and, I would imagine, clothing

Magus G: This is true. Damn. Can you re-focus the spell?

Hecrelunn: In my age, any [Cryomancer] would be able to affect such changes instantly. They have frozen and unfrozen people.

Rhis: Historically? Yes. What you neglect to mention is that such individuals, aside from the highest-leveled [Warriors] or those possessed of great recovery magic, expired in less than a month from the traumaand only those immediately unfrozen. Those frozen for any period died within days or a week at most.

Hecrelunn: Perhaps.

Queen R: Listen to me, you dont need a higher-tier magic, but a specific one. Even something as simple as [Ices Caress]if you could cast it on this person despite them not being alivecombined with [Warming Touch] would work.

Rhis: [Warming Touch]. What are we, children?

Queen R: You are irking me, little man. Stop posturing.

Witch A: So says the girl who cant even hide her location. XD

Rhis: Hah! True.

Viscount V: I do not know if Queen R is fitting. Without identity checks, I am leery of the concept

Queen R: You are all getting on my nerves. I will remember this. I am among the finest spellcasters here, I have no doubt.

Rhis: What amazingly misplaced confidence.

Eldavin: With respect, my dear, I am the Grand Magus of Wistram.

Queen R: I am not your dear. I am over Level 40 in my magic class and

Mri: Pshaw! Is that all? Come back when thou art of proper age, child. Have a goats milk.

Rhis: Hilarious. It was worth coming here.

Eldavin: Heh.

Witch A: XD XD XD

Queen R: I will remember this. All of you. All of you are upon my list.

Mri: I shake in my boots.

Queen R left the chat, much to the amusement of the others, but in that moment, someone began to write.

Ice Squirrel: I remember freezing the skin off my hand.

Witch A: :O. Painful.

Rhis: Wonderful. Is this an example not to learn from?

Hecrelunn: Hm.

Ice Squirrel: My master always warned me about that backlash. [Cryomancers] survive cold magic by having natural resistance to cold, dont they?

Magus G: That is standard theory, yes. Where are you going with this, Ice Squirrel? Glad youre alive.

Ice Squirrel: Thanks, Testicles.

Rhis: What.

Mri: HAHAHAHA

YlawesB: I get that reference! I think?

Ice Squirrel: However, [Cryomancers] have to cast magic aroundother people. Normally we restrict the area of casting or just cast frost protection spells. However, if you do need to thaw fleshdoes [Cooling Wind] make sense to anyone?

Eldavin: Hmm!

Archmage V: That is odd. That is a Tier 1 aeromancy-cryomancy spell, more focus on aeromancy, with little efficacious effects. I cannot see why you would mention it.

Ice Squirrel: Something my master once said? I dont recall. The theory iswell, I cant quite reach it. Can someone help me out?

Rhis: Interesting.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I believe I am grasping what shes talking about.

Eldavin: Oh? I think I understand.

Rhis: Enlighten us and we will check your theory.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: [Cooling Wind] has little use as a spell foranything. Aside from temperature regulation. However, it is so low-level that its closer to Tier 0.

Archmage V: Yes! But it has one interesting feature. It does not generate any cold.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Precisely. It removes cold from one target to create cold air. Which is why it is not even that coolinghowever, on a fundamental level, its different from the generation of heat.

Rhis: Of course.

Viscount V: I begin to understand. This is similar to [Void Room] in theory. The removal of something rather than

Ice Squirrel: Yes! Thats it! She said there was a way to remove cold rather than heating andhurting the flesh?

Eldavin: Magus G? Your opinion?

Magus G: In theory, removing the cold itself is less traumatizing than heating skin and creating two opposing elements. It would certainly be the smoothest method of thawing Miss Solstice I could imagineif you could scale that up for a body-wide, seamless induction of heat.

Visophecin V: Ah. Adjust this spell in that manner? Quite possible.

Magus G: I dont believe it is that simple. Most spells cannot be altered at a fundamental level.

Eldavin: I believe you may be putting egg on your face, as the children refer to it, Magus G.

Mri: Children do not say that.

Rhis: Its beyond possible.

Magus G: I will leave it to experts, then.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: I will test this theory on a rodent or two if I can find one. Thisseems plausible, but I would like suggestions as to spells and the methods.

Ice Squirrel: [Frost Vortex] but you pull the cold out and chain the effect to one spot?

Rhis: Inefficient. It could work, but use [Zone of Absolute Chill]. Or [Hidden Spot of Deep Freeze].

Archmage V: Oh! Ambush magic? You walk into it and you die? Do you actually know the spell, or is this an example?

Researcher Dromenl: Er, this is all very helpful, but some of these spells might be beyond our capabilities here. Cryomancer Ulea?

Cryomancer Ulea: No. Absolutely not. How would you use the effects of [Cooling Wind] on another spell?

Rhis: Unbelievable.

Eldavin: I will begin writing up a lesson. Ice Squirrel, do you have any other insights into this?

Ice Squirrel: Nottoo much for projecting sheer cold. I have an aura.

Rhis: Of course. Auras. Thatcould work if someone were there. However, for spells

Hecrelunn: [Void Air]. Tier 4. Even amateurs can use it.

Ice Squirrel: Oh! Oh!

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Thank you, Vizir. Testing

Ice Squirrel: Me too! I just need to find something. UhIve got bugs?

Viscount V: Searching for rats.

Mri: I can get a rat. Not sure about the magic. I am passing glad we are all working together to find a solution so effectively. Lets all pat ourselves on the back.

It was surreal and strange. This was only one of the conversations happening, but for those reading it, it felt like something was happening.

So many things coming together. So many plans. So manyconversations.

Yvlon: Go to Nerrhavias Fallen. I have allies.

Ice Squirrel: So do I. Uhwherere our boys?

Yvlon: Well find them.

YlawesB: Do you need help?

Queen R: They have help.

GSNF: Indeed.

The [Princess] wrote with trembling hands as the Thronebearers shielded her back.

Lionette: I will find you.

Mri: I know.

Krshia: She is here and will be protected. I promise.

RainyEarl: Do you needhelp?

Wall Lord Ilvriss: They will have all the help they need.

RainyEarl: Good, but if you need itcall.

Windy Girl: Whats going on now? Do you need assistance?

Viscount V: I represent some power within my kingdom. Is there an issue?

Lionette: Ibelieve we are not all on the same page.

Not all of it was friendly. Indeed, Rhis and Eldavin were trading barbs. There were wildcards like Hecrelunn in chat, and rivalries like Witch A and so on.

Someone was trying to find all of them, and there was an invisible magical war going on that half the Lucifen travelling with Visophecin were involved in.

What was more shockingor so it seemed to Ryokawas that they found they werent the undisputed masters of this chat room, even discounting Rhisveri.

It was all working. Or sort of working. People were discussing spells and saying, this might work, or this will work.

But Ryoka and the others had heard them saying that before. These grand hopes could be dashed, or go stale.

The chat rooms moved faster or slower depending on how quickly people wrote. As the others converged on the three main discussions, funding and organization, alchemy, and magica new person crept in around the outsides.

Chatting. Moving from room to room, learning, like all the others. But different.

Almost like they were searching for something.

Much like a creature.

Aspider.

Belavierr: Hello. I see that you are looking for something with ethereal qualities. I have a spool of thread to sell. Are you interested?

Saliss: Who is this now? Are we [Weavers] or something? Waitthat is interesting.

Belavierr: I am a salesperson. I have many objects for sale. Alchemy related and otherwise. Hello.

Alchemist I: Is thisa joke?

GSNF: Wait. That name.

Two users disconnected. Saliss left the room too. It was quick. Lightning strikes of realization.

Belavierr: Is someone interested in a spellbook?

RainyEarl: No. No!

Archmage V: Dont be hasty. Spellbooks are always welcome. What kind are we referring to?

RainyEarl: No. Do not respond to this person.

Magus G: Agreed. Is this real? Grand Magus Eldavin, into this chat now.

Belavierr: I am prepared to make a deal. The means change and are unfamiliar. There are always those that want something.

Golden Gnoll: Who is this?

Wall Lord Ilvriss: Im not sure. Everyone is leaving. Wait. Wait.

Witch A: You.

Belavierr: Me?

Almost as if the emptying rooms were like actual rooms, squeezing together. Until that name entered the chat.

Belavierr: Hello. I hope I am not interrupting anything. I followed someone here.

GSNF: This is an advisement: do not speak to this individual. Do not mention her name. Do not make any deals. It could be a hoax. If not

Eldavin: I know that name.

Rhis: I do too

Viscount V: Ah. I believe this is either a hoax orthe most significant event I can imagine.

Mons: Oh no. No, no, no.

Archmage V: I am hugely interested. Are you truly Belavierr? If so, I would greatly like to talk to you.

Belavierr: What do you have to offer?

Lionette: You? You?

Mri: Dont talk to her. Shes evil.

Belavierr: Odd. What a strange thing. I know you? I do know you. I do know you. There you are.

YlawesB: Whats going on? My ink just turned red.

Mri: Im just me. Go away, stinky. Stupid face.

RainyEarl: Stop talking to her. Grand Magus!

Eldavin: I see it. The link isnt breaking. Its

Lionette: Mri, leave, now. Krshia?

Krshia: I have her.

Eldavin: stuck? I cant sever the magic.

Rhis: That name.

Windy Girl: You.

Belavierr: I will find you.

Queen R: Who is this?

Ice Squirrel: I dont know. I dont like this. Thats not regular magic.

Alchemist I: Leave. I would advise you all to leave.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Belavierr. You are not welcome here. I would advise you to leave, much less make threats.

Belavierr: I will hunt you down, oath or not. You are my nemesis. I will not harm you. You will wish you were harmed. I see your thread. You. You.

Hecrelunn: Who is this interloper? Why does that name sound familiar, even now? You invoke violence in the presence of Fetohep of Khelt. Begone.

GSNF: Truly, begone. This has gone from amusing to chaos to danger.

Magus G: Your presence is unwanted. By the rule of three, begone.

Belavierr: Where is she? Tell me.

Windy Girl: That is a child. I will not let you harm her. Do not make me invoke my friends. You were warned.

Fetohep: What.

Eldavin: What.

Belavierr: Her battles are not yours. Do not involve yourself.

RainyEarl: You are hunted. Someone, trace her magic. I will send it to the Hunters Guild of Terandria.

Belavierr: No one can follow my thread.

Hecrelunn: Begone, [Witch]. Or I will scorch your frail hat with fire. You cannot threaten Khelt.

Eldavin: Agreed. Wistram will not suffer magical interlopers.

Rhis: Nor Ailendamus, one supposes.

Viscount V: Not children. Nor the Spider of Terandria. Begone. You are marked, Belavierr.

Belavierr: I did not come here to offend. This is a personal matter.

Queen R: It becomes personal. Lose yourself, whomever you are.

Archmage V: In solidarity, I suppose. Begone.

Rhis: You do not want me as your enemy. Trouble me not.

Belavierr: Very well.

Then, like a spell was listed, her name disappeared. And the chat went back to normal.

Normal, but shaken. Like a cold hand made of water had doused the excitement.

Like frost.

Reality.

Saliss: Damn. You chased her off. Does no one think about tracing her so we can teleport explosive potions to her?

Alchemist I: You do not wish to attempt that. Not at range. Not with her.

Golden Gnoll: Im suddenly less positive about this phenomenon.

Eldavin: That will not happen again. This is an aberration.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: I suppose we should discuss future meetings and efforts. This may not all come together perfectly.

GSNF: I doubt this will happen twice. Wistram was pestering everyone to get involved, for ill or worse. I will contribute my time. We made good progress.

Saliss: ProgressI hate that word. Its slow.

Alchemist I: Sometimes, a project takes aeons. You must know that.

Saliss: It is too slow.

Windy Girl: Yes, it is.

Eldavin: It will not be long now. I will see you, Windy Girl. And you and I will discuss matters later, Rhisveri of Ailendamus.

Rhis: We may just do that indeed.

Acrimony. Different sides, even united across the same purpose. Fetohep sat in his throne, listening to a ghost cry out. Not for herself, but for the dead in her name.

The chat room didnt end. That wasnt how it worked. It just grew silent, as no one quite knew what to say, and they were busy. And perhaps they too stared at the blank bit of text, trying to figure out what to say, but not finding the right moment to continue. Wishing someone else had something truly meaningful to say, but they had gone into magic and alchemy anddone all they could.

What else was there? So the page stayed blank. For a while. Until something happened.

Into that day of hope, despair, sadness, and surprise

Came the last person of all.

Geneva: Am I too late? Is everyone gone?

There was a long silence as fingers reached for quills. Thena little entry.

Mri: No. Are you here to help Erin too? Can you help? She needs help, please.

Geneva: I think I can. My name is Geneva. I am a [Doctor].

RainyEarl: The Last Light of Baleros.

Geneva: Some call me that. Its not accurate.

Lionette: You! I tried to contact you, but you were gone.

Geneva: Im sorry. I have been indisposed. However, I did not forget my promise.

Hecrelunn: [Doctor]? That depraved class still exists? What mad sawbones is this? I doubt, Fetohep, that this is one you wish to court, even in this sorry excuse for an era.

Alchemist I: Ah! Greetings! A fellow practitioner of the craft?

Saliss: Oh, dead gods.

Magus G: No.

Joseph Ortega: No. Its a [Doctor]. A real?

Geneva: Hello to all. Im sorry Ive been out of contact. As I said, I am a [Doctor]. I have been working on the case of Erin Solstice. I must be brief, as I do not have much time, and I believe there is some issue about the security of these messages?

Eldavin: None at all, and your secrecy is assured, I pledge it upon my magic.

Geneva: Thank you. I will still be as direct as possible. I was the one who first drafted the possibility of a cure for Erin Solstice. However, I am not a professional in this field, and my understanding of cryonics this area is incomplete.

GSNF: Oho.

Viscount V: Indeed.

Geneva: I formulated the cure in three parts. Curing the poison before or after thawing the patient without damaging her body, or doing so in a way that would allow a sufficient healing potion or spell to take over.

Witch A: Yes. But it does not work :(. Not properly. Healing is tricky.

Geneva: It is. Even with medicine and magic, healing someone whose heart is entirely stopped isthe most difficult thing.

Windy Girl: Can it even be done? Restart a completely dead heart?

Lionette: Let her write, please, Windy Girl.

Geneva: I would consider it nearly impossible. There is a difference between a heart with an electrical signal and onewithout. Someone who is functionally dead in all respects is not the same as bringing back someone who has suffered a heart attack or drowned, for instance. In those cases, clearing the airways, restoring blood flow, is enough to continue the bodys operation. Not here.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: What is the answer, then? A Selphid?

Geneva: A Selphid can make a body move, but if the person is truly dead, they are only moving a dead body. Perhaps there is some way to move every part of the body, restore blood flow, artificially or with magic. I do not know if I could consider that life.

True Grit: Someone will answer you when that time comes again.

Eldavin: Yes. They will. Please continue, Doctor Geneva. Do you have an answer?

Geneva: Yes, and again, I apologize because I wish to explain this to those working on the cure. There is a way to fill that last part.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: The missing piece.

Viscount V: A piece was missing?

Geneva: It was. To heal Erin Solstice, I am confident of this: it can be done.

Mri: YES!

Fetohep: Hush, child.

Geneva: The process is nearly the same as my rough outline. There are streamlined elements regarding the healing, antidote, and cold spells. I have read the backlog here, and the proposed changes work close to my own solution that is most efficacious in projected trials. I will append my notes. However, one more thing must be present when the cure is administered.

They waited. Geneva Scala wrote swiftly, and they waited.

What? The soul? Something like that?

If it were so simplethat was beyond the [Doctor]s purview, anyways. So perhaps it was five things, but there was something else. Something simple, which made sense.

Geneva: When you revive Erin Solstice, you will need a particular class.

Lionette: [Priest]? [Priest]!

Windy Girl: wtf

Eldavin: Hm? Whats that?

Geneva: No. Please, let me explain.

Lionette: Im sorry.

Geneva: When you revive her, it isnt contingent on a powerful healing spell alone. If she truly is dead, she will die even as the healing is being administered.

Cryomancer Ulea: This is exactly what we have observed. Then what do we need?

Geneva: A [General]. You need a [General]. Or a leader, someone with a Skill that boosts and enables warriors and soldiers to fight beyond their limit.

Windy Girl: !!!

Witch A: Clever.

RainyEarl: Oh.

Eldavin: Of course. Elegant.

Yvlon: I dont get it. I think I do, but please explain.

Geneva: A [General]. With a Skill that enables someone to survive the shock and trauma of deathhold on for that healing to take place.

Her quill trembled in her hands. Geneva Scala was breathing hard, but that was it. The thing every doctor from her world, every [Healer] wanted.

That thing you couldnt really account for, and that was the will of the patient. How did you help them fight? Cling to life, start that heart? It was impossible. It depended on them.

On Earth, it did. But hereyou could reach out and give them a hand. Now, her quill flew.

Geneva: Thats it. The most powerful Skill you can find.

Viscount V: You are referring to a phenomenon I have seen on the battlefield.

Geneva: Yes. But this will save them, not bring them back. Time. You are buying time. Perhaps even the most grievous injuries can be healed withtime. Another ten seconds. A minute. Thats forever, for us.

Fetohep: My [Healers] and [Mages] believe you are right, Doctor Geneva.

Lionette: It makes sense. Itmakes sense.

Joseph Ortega: Is that it? Is thatI mean, it sounds good, but is that it?

Magus G: That is it. That may be everything. It may change a great deal.

Windy Girl: Yes. Is that what we need? I think I know someone who might be able to help.

Lionette: I do too.

RainyEarl: I can find someone to help.

Wall Lord Ilvriss: And I.

Mri: Thank you, Doctor. Thank you.

Geneva: Do not thank me yet. I have played a scenario out many, many times via a Skill. The chance is two in three with the best odds I can give her, the best spells and magic and Skills I can envision.

Fetohep: She will have the best this world can offer.

Mri: Thank you.

Krshia: Thank you, Doctor. We will do this. It can be done. A [Shaman] smiles; she thinks you have found something.

Anonymous Spellcaster A: Something magic alone cannot provide. I agree. She has something. I hope for your success. I will help if I can.

Witch A: Yes. If only you have the right ingredients, the potion will come. Magic? You need a good [Mage]. I know one. But the ingredients are missing.

Eldavin: Can anyone locate these ethereal-type reagents? Wistram can transport them from around the world. Khelt, I am assured, can pay for them. That is what is missing. The rest is here, is it not? [Mage]?

Witch A: Yes.

Windy Girl: Potion?

Wall Lord Ilvriss: Done.

Saliss: So just the antidote.

They lingered there. On that last piece. Geneva Scala read through the chat, but only one person had offered it, and they had banished her for reasons she only partly knew.

A chat full of interested people. Each one who knew or was related to Erin. A few observers, and one very confused adventurer who was just there because she wanted the money.

So someone who had been silent up till now calmly picked up a quill. His eyes had narrowed when he saw the [Doctor]s name. But he had read it all in silence. Now, he leaned over, and nodded to a pair of crimson eyes. And a wide grin.

That was Fierre, but Chieftain Shaik also smiled.

Tallman: You will get your mushrooms. Alchemist Saliss, expect a delivery into Oteslia with your name on it tomorrow or the day after at the absolute latest. Coordinate with Alchemist I and Witch A regarding the details of the antidote.

Windy Girl: Wha

Tallman: Transport will be needed from Oteslia to Liscor. A Courier can be arranged, which I believe Fetohep of Khelt can provide. Funding for all three can also be paid, I take it? Whereupon all that is needed is a spellcaster competent enough to affect the spell and a high-level [Leader]. Magus G may be able to source multiple spellcasters given Pallass proximity to the inn. Please contact Chaldion of Pallass regarding a proper [General] or [Officer].

Fetohep: Who is this?

Tallman: Will Khelt pay a research and production fee for the underlined, as well as transport.

Fetohep: By Kheltas name, it will be done.

Hecrelunn: Witnessed by the Vizir.

YlawesB: Who is this?

GSNF: You ignorant child. Guess.

Mri: It is you?

Tallman: Its me. Expect the mushrooms immediately. Theyre definitely the ones you want. Three dozen.

RainyEarl: Well done.

Witch A: THAT IS ENOUGH FOR MANY POTIONS. GIVE SOME TO ME. HOW DO YOU HAVE THEM

Alchemist I: Could I also obtain some?

Saliss: Eat your tail. Ill make it. Thanks, Tall Guy.

Yvlon: But who is this?

Niers Astoragon kicked the edge of the [Message] scroll and it rolled up. Someone nearly flicked him off the table in return. The Titan looked up at Numbtongue, Garia, Fals, Gothica, Infinitypear

Everyone. Fierre unrolled her [Message] scroll, but Niers was walking away.

He wasnt smiling. He stood, with his hands on his hips, looking out at the halted procession of Gnolls.

An army indeed. The Lomost Tribe and the Ghostly Hand tribe. Goblins, Gnollsand the group from the inn, who had all stopped to read the scroll.

Fierre herself had brought it to his attention. Niers Astoragon inhaled and exhaled. His heart was beating fast, as it always did when he saw everything on the table, or in the air.

He felt it too. But unlike them, the [Grandmaster Strategist] watched. He waited. Until the puzzle fit. Until the moment came to strike. And then

The [Bard] Hobgoblin looked at Niers. He had strode away, but the Fraerling was so small that he was only to the edge of the table. Numbtongue pointed urgently at the scroll.

What are you doing?

Stop unrolling that scroll and dont reply. I shielded us via Skills from their magic game of tag, but those are some high-level people in chat.

But the cure. You said youd give them all the mushrooms.

Chieftain Shaik corrected Garia. She tapped her chest where the white handprint was.

Our mushrooms. You pay? Very hard to grow.

Niers raised his brows at her.

Khelts gold. Undead gold. But lots of it. Maybe even artifacts. How does that sound? He is a Revenant, but he keeps his word, even to Goblins.

The Goblin Chieftain raised her brows and gave him a wicked grin.

You can take.

But the mushrooms. We need to get them to Otesliaby tomorrow? Thats a long run. I mean, were close. Fals, if you and I push it

Fierre broke in, waving a hand urgently.

I can help. I can run almost as fast as Ryoka. What if we took a Wyvern?

Theres an army camped around Oteslia. Bad death. Lots-of-arrows death.

Icecube looked alarmed as Snapjaw patted his leg. Niers just smiled to himself. Numbtongue narrowed his eyes. He put his finger against his thumb, and held it ready to flick.

You keen on losing that finger, Numbtongue?

Niers didnt even look around. The [Bard] narrowed his eyes.

Funny man. You have a plan.

The others stopped arguing and looked up. Salkis slapped her forehead.

Of course he does. Thats the Titan. Am I dreaming? Someone hit me.

Shed asked that for days straight. Gothica obligingly kicked her in the shin with her boots. The Titan of Baleros just laughed. He stared up at the sky.

Yes, I do. Do you think Im a fool? Dont answer that.

Bird lowered his hand and Badarrow nudged him, grinning. Niers went on.

There was a reason I asked for the [Message] scroll at the start and kept my cards close to my chest. You cant interrupt a good flow. Besideswhat could I have done other than be part of it?

Aside from being part of it? The others looked at him. Niers just smiled.

Wait. Watch. When they clash and the glory is on the field, the [Strategist] is watching. They dont lead that final charge or die in the heart of it. They were never there. If they are, its because they have to shift the odds themselves. I dont usually risk it, but Ive been known to. I looked at this all, learned what I couldtook notes for later. But there was only one thing I could do.

And?

Numbtongue demanded. It had been a long watch, heart-wrenching without being able to say anything. Hours of discussion and glorious chaos. Yet the Titan just pulled out his cigar and puffed on it.

There was a story they told across the worlds. It had a lot of different variations, and some revolved around holidays. Others were just that. Stories.

One, for instance, had this fat man who forced reindeer to pull a sleigh and broke into peoples homes and left them gifts. Another, more recent, they told in only one village.

That was of a young woman who would run through the snow to deliver food and gifts, aid, in the darkest days of the year.

But these were two stories only around one time of the year. Others had tales of the [Messenger] who ran day and night, burning their life out to deliver warnings or medicine.

They had told these stories before, on Earth, this world, and more. They would again. Niers Astoragon stared at the sun setting across the horizon of Izril. Towards the distant ridge of the world, the High Passes.

Somewhere there was Erin Solstice. Or, at least, her body. Beyond the High Passes lay the northto the west, Baleros, where he needed to be.

To the south lay a little girl who was still in distress. Two species embroiled in a bitter war.

So much ground. So many stakes, and he knew all too well how hard it was to get something anywhere, especially at speed. So Niers didnt promise to go to Oteslia and break that siege.

He didnt say hed be at Liscor to be the one to help Erin Solstice, because he knew how things shook out. When the Titan put his stake in the pot, his finger on the scaleshe did it the best way, the only way he knew would work.

Youre all bright young men and women. But you are children.

Numbtongue glanced at Ulvama. She motioned. Flick him off that cliff. Niers ignored her. He smoked as he stared across the horizon.

Heres a tip from the Titan of Baleros: when you know its time to strike, dont do it too fast. Wait. Make sure youre on-target. That you know whatll come after. But then strike. Before youre too late. I saw this all beginning this morning. Mushrooms. Damned mushrooms. Do you think Id wait until the end of this to say, well, Id better get to work? Idiots. Thats a [Message] scroll.

Numbtongue saw Fierre go almost cross-eyed as she stared down at the scroll she held. Octavia got it first and clapped her hands as the Vampire girl suddenly began checking it.

You mean?

Fals looked at the Fraerling.

Niers Astoragon whispered.

Fierre can tell you exactly how I wrote it. But I thinkwhen you need them, call. Call. We have two tribes worth of funds here. There may be dangerso what?

He took the cigar out of his mouth and pointed with it. And now everyones heads turned, seeking, finding the thing he was watching, racing across the road. The Titan nodded to himself.

When you need themcall. No expense spared. No delay. For the Innkeeper of Solstice, come. Let neither war nor rain nor monsters slow them. Calling the Couriers of Couriers for a delivery of mercy. Izrils finest.

He looked down the road. It could have been anyone. But hed known it wouldnt be just anyone. He had sent out the call this morning.

Someone had answered. There the Courier came, streaking across the ground so fast that even the birds looked slow. That sight you saw on the roads, the symbol that had made the Wind Runner famous.

From Izril to Baleros, across Igawizs Jet, to deliver a cure. Against the Assassins Guild of Izrilif there was something to be proud of in this continent, it was probably them.

Which Courier? Everyone strained to see. Then they saw the Courier.

No

Couriers? There were two, but it was one. When you heard their name, you might not understand. Each Courier had a title. But the name belonged to neither.

Niers understood. He saw a man, a [Mage], riding a horse as pale as the rays of the night sky, silver and grey. One half of a pair that would never meet again.

Ci. And the man, Salamani. The Mage Runner and one half of the Moonlight Rider. So when they referred to the two now, they called them:

Tritels Legacy.

The Courier rode towards Niers Astoragon as he stood there. He lifted a hand, and Bird looked at him and lifted all four of his so Salamani could see. The Antinium waved, and the Courier slowed down. He looked at their faces, Salamanis haunted more since they had seen him. Yet he slid from the saddle.

Erin Solstice?

That was all he said. He looked at the Titan of Baleros and blinked, but Niers Astoragon just nodded. He took the hat from his head.

Part of the cure, bound for Saliss of Lights in Oteslia, Courier. The Forgotten Wing Company and Khelt back your delivery. Let nothing stand between you and Oteslia.

He gestured and Salamani stared at the Goblins. He saw the basket one offered him, with an autograph card, and ignored the latter. He reached out for the mushrooms, so translucent they looked like a memory, and hesitated as he went to put them on Cis saddle. The horse looked past them all, and Salamani turned.

This. Is this part of the cure? Or is it something that will help? Is it?

Niers Astoragon looked him straight in the eye.

Its time.

Salamani nodded. He almost smiled. Then he leapt into the saddle and rode.

Straight ahead, on a delivery to complete a task from around the world. Many peoples efforts, sacrifice, and hopes. He rode as if there were no army, walls, or obstacles between him and his destination. Nor did he slow.

At last

It was time.

Authors Note: It is my custom to release this chapter to the Public and Patreons at the same time. So if you are here, welcome to both of you.

I had a grand announcement for today. But since I have one more chapter before my break, I will announce it there since it is a lengthy explanation. Then I will rest for a time, but I will deliver the New Years gift sometime afterNew Years.

For later. For now, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It may be a bitlatedepending on where you are, but Ive worked to get it done, and I hope you like it if you read. If not, I hope you are having a happy holidays no matter where you are.

Thanks for reading. I could say more, but I always say that since thats pretty much all of it. The rest is just how it looks. I hope to see you next year and that this story gives you something. Until next chapter,

pirateaba

A Collaboration Christmas Image by GridCube, AuspiciousOctopi, Red, QtheBird, EdgeDancer, Giraffe, Pop[Pisces Enthusiast], Nenka, Me, MezzoCatorce, Lanrae, Brack, LeChatDemon,SystemGlitch!

Ghost Talks and Proposals (That Never Happened) by /lechatdemonStash with all the TWI related art: https://sta.sh/222s6jxhlt0

Calendar 21-24 by /illudanajohnsCommission /OmNDuK8.jpg