Book 9: Chapter

Book 9: Chapter

They called it the Waning World, the era of decline where magic was somehow less magical and legends were only sort of inspiring. When the worlds greatest foe, the King of Destruction, was a conquering [King] rather than the world-ending horde of Crelers, for instance.

These were the days when Dragons might be around. When Giants were agreed to be the last. The Demon Kingdom still existed, but the world was just that.

Waning.

That was the age of less than ten days ago. The facts had not changed: Dragons were still not something anyone expected to see. The old species were still dead.

However, this world was not the same. Ghosts had appeared in numbers never glimpsed since the oldest days of myth and legend. They had brought Skills and knowledge, dire warnings, and something terrible had occurred.

In Ailendamus, at Talenqual, and upon the Great Plains, the world had changed in dramatic ways. The Archmage of Chandrar was free.

This was now the Journey of the Living, a new era named by the ghost of Archmage Kishkeria, a Gnoll who had split Izril in twain with two other ghoststhen raised new lands.

If youd been there, you would remember any one of those events forever. The day the truth of Doombearers was revealed. The sight of a thousand ghostly [Kings] taking to the field.

A Fraerling City appearing for the first time in eight thousand years. Wellan intact Fraerling city.

And yes, the price for such moments was beyond high. The world might never know the sacrifice of the dead. However, the bodies of the living could be counted.

Gnolls had died by the tens of thousands. Fraerlingslikewise. The Dyed Lands were overrun, and entire cities had vanished. Despite many officers surviving behind the front, the Drake armies had hurled their soldiers into the fire.

Those were just numbers. People, people you knew, with an entire future ahead of them, had died. Tribes had been wiped out or shattered.

A terrible cost paid to reveal and bring down a tribe led by a monster hoarding luck. A sacrifice to stop the Walled Cities from wiping out the foes they saw in the Gnolls.

Armies, fighting ghosts, countless people, and even nations working together to bring back one person:

Erin Solstice.

It may not be what the world focused on. It might not matter in the grand scheme of things. Yet. But was it worth it?

Nine days after the events at the Great Plains of Izril. Nine days after the end of the Waning World and the event that some [Historians] were already calling the Days of Returnafter the ghosts, since calling it the treachery of those Drakes or the Gnolls new lands was already in debate.

Nine days later, the dead were still being put to rest.

The Great Plains were filling with undead. They rose from the ground, the water that had covered them and the mud theyd sunk into now revealing foul, rotted corpses buzzing with acid flies and stinking of battle.

Drakes, Gnollsbut mostly Gnolls. The Walled Cities had recovered many of their dead and disposed of the bodies in ways that would not allow death magic to gather.

However, in the aftermath of the war, the armies that could have put down the dead and dealt with the issues of burialleft.

Khelt and Chandrars armies had to fall back or be encircled by hostile Drakes. Likewisethe Drakes had fled the wrath of the Gnolls ancestors. Which left the tribes with a battlefield filled with death.

It was not something anyone had considered at the time, obviously. But even when the undead began to spawn, the Drakes didnt offer any help.

Doubly ironically, the one nation that could have dealt with all these issues and even used the undead that roseKheltwas already on Chandrar. So it was amidst the mud and ruined ground caused by the split in Izril as well as Zeres First Tideand the mass-attack spells that had torn up the ground, and the fire that had rained down as Plains Eye cast their spellsthat the Gnolls of the plains had to behold as they tended to their home.

There might be an undead army if they were left unchecked. So, weary Gnolls loosed arrows while warriors kept back the faster, more dangerous undead like Ghouls. Emerging Crypt Lords and more powerful undead were simply blasted where they stood by adventurers and Gnoll [Shamans].

Or [Mages]. A few Gnolls held staves, wands, and tossed weak [Flame Arrow] spells at the undead. They glimmered with magic reclaimed.

Some Gnolls had brown fur, others black, or red, orwhite. A few had white fur. Ironically, most of these were still despised and worked alone, but for different reasons this time.

A filthy, broken piece of land scattered with ruined tents, people scavenging for valuable armor or weapons amidst rotting bodies where the Meeting of Tribes had been just two weeks ago. None would be held here in the future; the death aside, the landscape was ruined. If you stood in the center of it, in the corpse-filled bog, the buzzing flies, groans of undead, and smell of gasses bloating and changing them

That was a hell. If you had seen the slaughter, senseless, as the Witch of Webs killed with a laugh for mortality, you might ask what the point of even fighting had been. Had you even made a difference?

Still, he smiled. Though he could smell the rot. Though the pain in his back and legs hadnt stopped, only become a burning haze that sometimes disappeared when he fell unconscious. Though they were dead.

He smiled, for he had done it. He had been there and looked at the sea. The white froth as it surged against the ground, rushing so cool and terrifyingly powerful against his armored legs. A vast world of water without endand he could not swim.

He saw it still. As he held the warhammer in his four arms, an army of scales, mostly green or blue, coming towards him, the neck-spines protruding behind the angled helmets. Zeres, the City of Waves, surging towards the little white Gnoll hed heard so much about. And Erin Solstice, the sky herself.

All he heard, then and now, was the roar in his head, louder than the battlefield. Louder than his heart. He felt the thud as the Beriad of the Antinium stomped, singing with pride. It burned in him like nothing had ever before.

Honor and pride. This mattered. That was what Calruz the Minotaur had given himall of them. A hundred Antinium made their stand in the waters that turned green and red with blood. And a Minotaur had stood with them, holding a green blade of diamonds, and the Beriad had seen The Crimson Soldier and then

They had felt the other minds and known they were not alone. A Unitasis Network. He had felt the minds of the Queens, bigger than he could have guessed, wearier and more afraid than he had ever knownand more familiar than he expected.

For a glorious few minutes, it had been like that. Then Zeres had overwhelmed their position. But for a minute, perhaps two, the Beriad had held back the City of Waves. That was glory. That was duty, and it was that he clung to in his grave. Even if he had not been killed, only wounded, and his issued healing potion smashed, he couldnt move, and the undead were rising around him.

But hed done it. Hed made a difference. So he smiled. Through the pain, through his fear of death and grief. And never once did the Soldier realize that if he had stood in front of Calruz or Venaz or any warrior with a heart, that smile would have been familiar. It would have marked him as something else. The new kind of Antinium that Klbkch and the Free Queen had once dreamed of. The same kind of warrior that had lived and breathed since the world was created.

Nothing would ever be the same again. The Soldier might not have known that, but he had seen the Sky and the white Gnoll, and thus he considered he had been among the most fortunate of Antinium who had ever lived.

He had also heard the Minotaur, and he considered that was the most important person of all. To him. He couldnt speak for the rest of the Crusade, but the Minotaur had been

Not kind. Not gentle. In many ways, far more than Klbkch, but what a standard, eh? No, what he had been was certain. He had told the Beriad what honor was. And honor was meaning. He had given them a reason to fight and not fear they had no meaning. For this Soldier, Crusader 221-3, the third replacement, he considered it had all gone far better than he could have hoped.

It just hurt. It hurt, and not even his levels stopped the pain. He had a bunch of nifty Skillsthat didnt help. His legs wouldnt move. His shell was broken; he felt the pieces digging into his flesh, but hed stopped bleeding. His arms were pinned, and not even his strength could shift the weight pressing down on him.

He was buried alive, and that he hadnt suffocated was because the bodies on him were letting some air in. He might drown if it rained.

All these things being equal, Crusader 221-3 was justwaiting. Waiting, and between sleep and pain, reliving that moment of glory. Hed been there. Hed felt their minds. Hed

Down there, Im certain.

A voice? The Soldier stirred, but aside from the groans or sounds of undead moving, he hadnt heard anything aside from the wind or insects. This voice was faint, but it grew louder, and there was another one, with that delightful growl in some words.

Youre sure, yes? It looks like a pile of bodies. It could be aa fox?

No, its far too big. Im certain. Theres another survivor.

Well, if theyre down there, theyve been trapped for nearly ten days. I needthere are too many zombies, and more might be in that pile. I need thirty, now. Wheres

The voices receded a second, and Crusader 221-3 didnt know what to make of this situation. Was it good or bad? He could detect Gnoll voices, but his understanding was that if it wasnt a Liscorian armyhe was still dead. However, then the first voice came back.

Hey! We know youre down there! Were going to come back, okay? Just hang on a little while longer!

What a friendly voice. Two Gnolls, then. Crusader 221-3 spent the next amount of time guessing what theyd be like. Tall? Short? Umextra furry?

He was ready for whatever came next. He just hoped that if he was going to die, he could do an honor-duel to the death. Calruz had explained that it wasnt honorable to kill someone in a duel, unless it was clearly a matter in which death resolved a lack of honor, but the act of honor-duels was, in itself, honorable if honorable. Otherwise, it was stupid, and the King of Minos (who was actually female, but who cared?) had outlawed it.

It was that kind of lesson that the Beriad had spent a lot of cognitive power figuring out. So far, Crusader 221-3 understood that the most honorable way to go out was in battle like he had, holding the line against overwhelming odds to do something important like save lives. Or live a fulfilling life filled with charitable and good acts of intent and die surrounded by your loved ones and children. Given the options, Crusader 221-3 had understood he had one choice.

The Gnolls came back at some point. The Soldier realized he was somewhat delusional, because he hadnt noticed them return and start removing bodies and killing undead. His thoughts wereaddled.

He hoped they understood that hed done his best to fight to the end. He didnt want anyone to tell Calruz

The Beriad had all fought without running or flinching. Hed just failed to die when the Drake had cut him down and woken up later. He hoped they understood as well.

Nine days was a long time to go without food or water. Some of the First Tide that Zeres had conjured had left muddy runoff that Crusader 221-3 had ingested. But reallyhe had gotten hungry.

And the dead Drake on top of him still tasted better than paste in the Free Hive. A lot better, actually.

Crusader 221-3 had no direction on the honor of eating the dead, a surprising oversight from Calruz. So when the rescue crew got to him, they were dismayed to find a bit less of the corpse than theyd thought.

Eugh. What happened toare the undead eating each other?

Better hope not. I heard that some undead cannibalize each other. Or living people. Theyre dangerous. Likesuper Ghouls.

Thats all we need. If theres a Drake down here, I swear Ill

Enough. Shaman Theikhas declared a peace. Better to get gold anyways.

Yeah. Yeah. I thinkaah! Oh, its just a dead Antinium.

Daylight. Crusader 221-3 didnt blink or react much, because he didnt have a nose or eyelids, but he was still blinded. With daylight came fresh air, a sprinkling of dirt, and

A furry pair of faces. One male, one female, pulling back the Drakes corpse with a grimace. Behind them, weary Gnolls were covering the dead bodies with arrows and tossing the rest on what looked like a pyre.

One of the Ants? Looks like it took down all the Drakes with it.

Only nine. They had fought together, back-to-back, seeing through each others eyes. With the knowledge and Skills of the other Antinium crowding their heads. He had felt his comrades dying. But he had smiledbecause not all of them had.

The Soldier decided at this point it was time to prevent the Gnolls from being surprised. So he clicked his mandibles very gently as the two Gnolls hauled the Drake body back.

The effect was actually underwhelming. One of the Gnolls, the male one, blinked.

Did you see?

The female Gnoll glanced around and saw Crusader 221-3 trying to move his head. He could wiggle a bit, but it hurt, so he stopped. He clicked his mandibles and waved one good antenna. She stared down at him.

Um.

The two Gnolls looked at each other and slowly, sloooowly, stepped back from the pit. They put the Drake body down. Crusader 221-3 saw them vanish out of sightthen a furry head pop back and stare at him.

Click, click.

Yep, its definitely a living Antinium.

The Gnoll turned, looked around, and to Crusader 221-3s vague disappointment, didnt scream Antinium. Like Crusader 221-3, the Gnoll had seen too much at this point. What he did do was raise his voice.

[Shaman]! We found your survivor! Weve gotAntinium! What do we do?

There was a moments pause. Then someone irate and clearly wiping at one muddy ear shouted back.

You havewhat did you say?

So this was it. Crusader 221-3 waited for the arrow or spear. He was under no illusions. No Antinium survived a battlefield if they didnt make it back to their side.

Hectval had taken no prisoners that he knew of. Hed survived a good while. But this wasnt Liscor. This was Izril, and Antinium, the Black Tide, were the enemies of Drakes, Gnolls, Humans

That was how it was, and even the young Soldier knew his history and the basic politics well enough to get that. But Crusader 221-3 made one mistake, and it was this:

The world was changing. So, when the Gnolls returned, they did have bows and spears and a [Shaman] with a glowing staff, but they merely trained the weapons on the Soldier while six Gnolls dug down and ended up pulling him out with ropes. Crusader 221-3 felt a lot of pain, and one of them stopped and shouted.

Its bleedingum, green! Are there any healing potions? Looks like the Antiniums legs are all busted up.

So they stopped and poured some on him, and he felt great about that. Crusader 221-3 wiggled his limbs and found three out of the six worked, which was pretty good. He stared up as the Gnolls surrounded him and he didnt die.

Instead, the [Shaman] who wore a mix of dyed paints, a Weatherfur [Shaman], stared into Crusader 221-3s eyes. He clicked helpfully, and the [Shaman] recoiled. Then the female Gnoll turned.

This is too much for me. Find StrategChieftain Feshi. Make sure the camp knows no one is to harm the Antinium.

The Gnolls didnt even really argue, just debate how best to carry Crusader 221-3 back to their camp. Carry, as if they couldnt drag him on his shell.

Crusader 221-3 stared up at the blue sky and smelled all the aforementioned rot and destruction. But he also tasted something else on his mandibles.

Perhaps it was regret. Guilt for leaving his comrades behind. But Calruz had told him to continue on. So the Antinium stared up at the sky, then the curious, sad face of a [Strategist] who everyone called Chieftain Feshi.

A live Antinium. If it were a few months ago, the Professor would tell uswhat? A security risk? You cant gain anything from Soldiers or Workersaside from Roshals damned bounties. Today?

Feshi Weatherfur, standing among the Weatherfur tribe and the Gnolls still inhabiting the Great Plains, looked at Crusader 221-3 as he sat, chewing on some honeycomb with his mandibles and clicking now and then. She looked around as his head rose, and though he had no pupilsthere was something in that gaze. The Gnoll shivered, but not with fear.

What orders, Chieftain?

Feshi almost snapped at the person who asked, but she was the [Strategist] whod taken command after Chieftain Torishidied. Somehow, no one had ever relieved her of that duty. She held the hilt of the black diamond dagger of Serept as she thought a second. Crusader 221-3 looked at her, and the Gnoll nodded once.

Keep a light guard. Find one of the cages we have for the Drake [Soldiers], but give thethis Antinium blankets. Food. But before that, I need a [Message] spell. Send it to Liscor. Send it towhat was it called?

She snapped her furry fingers a few times before she had it. Crusader 221-3 was waving his hand, but he remembered he didnt have a voice, and he hadnt figured out how to speak like The Crimson Soldier. He wished hed spent the last nine days practicing, but he really thought he was going to die.

Well, that was honey on his face. Crusader 221-3 wiped some off and tasted it as Feshi came up with the name.

Send a message to The Wandering Inn. Tell them we have an Antinium here.

The city of Liscor didnt smell like death today. What it did smell like was baking.

Baking soda and rising dough, from a lot of bakeries working overtime. Not just in general; Liscor was full of more people than it had ever been. The armythe civilian armyhad returned and dumped a lot of off-duty soldiers as they maneuvered back to the war front.

Also, there were Gnolls, survivors from the Great Plains battles as well asSilverfangs.

But Silverfang Silverfangs, if that made sense. Not your average Gnoll who kept up with the community but was a City Gnoll with that last name, but the Plains Gnoll who strode about with silver earrings and a hunting bow on her back and would shoot you a hare for eight copper coins in a heartbeat.

They were about as perplexed by Liscor as the citizens were by them. More so, in fact; the Silverfangs had spent a lot of time at the latest attractions. If only to distract themselves.

Plays, ice cream, stall food like hamburgers, and the door. More Gnolls had visited Invrisil in the last nine days than had ever occurred in the history of the city.

Pallass, was, for some reason, not a popular tourist destination for said Gnolls at the moment.

At any rate, it smelled of baking. Bread coming out golden and fluffy from the ovens, not flat like the little Gnoll could still remember eating. Of course, flatbread was wonderful too, and you could really chew it down with a lovely stew and dip your bread in the bowl, and if you were lucky, there was some butter or Sweetberry jam.

But this was good too. The little white Gnoll girl, sitting outside the inn on the hill, could actually smell the almonds baked into one piece of bread. And another was filled with spiced ground meat

That was the level of Gnoll noses. With every good gust of air, she got happier. If you thought the world was just bread, it was indeed simple.

A younger, less mature girl of a few months ago might have run down into the city with some coins and gotten herself into a scrape like the scamp she was. However, this Gnoll girl knew that if she did leave this hill, she would not only alarm the caretaker watching her with one eye as she cleaned the tables, but get into trouble.

If she wanted to go into the city, she had to request authorization from the overlady, and that red-haired tyrant would make her go into the city with a guardian.

Which could be good, right? Wrong. The guardian might be, in and of themselves, a fun fellow with a guitar or a bird-obsessed maniacbut one you lovedor even a shockingly competent and boring [Head Waiter]. However, that wasnt the problem.

The problem wasthe chores. There would be no easy bread run. There was always, Mrsha, dear, would you get some yogurt? or, Mrsha, can you just send this to Krshia while youre there?

As if she were made of time. The Gnoll girl huffed to herself as she folded her arms. And while she grumbled, she wasif not happy, content.

Overwhelmingly content that this was something she could grumble about. Because it beat everything else that had been. So she sat and smelled bread and thoughthow wonderful it is that I can do this.

It didnt feel real, and she pinched herself now and then. And glanced up towards a certain window three from the left of where she sat.

That windowwell, the occupant wasnt up yet. But she was there. And that was strange, too. In fact, The Wandering Inn, even nine days later, felt a bit hushed. A bit shocked, as if there was still some uncertainty.

Had these days returned? Was this reality?

If so, it was the good stuff. And though tragedy still made the little girl cry at timesone good thing had happened. One amazing, unbelievable thing.

Then there it was again. Uncertainty. The girl hesitated and stared at the window. It would be the work of a moment to climb up the stairs and open the door a crack. But, of course, the occupant needed her sleep. Or she could use the door to the [Garden of Sanctuary] and take a peek, but sheand everyone elsehad been scolded for doing that, and the owner of this inn got grumpy.

But was she really? A doubt crept over Mrsha du Marquin once more. Though it had been nine days and probably nine hundred peeks and moments where she reminded herself, she wasnt certain.

Then something struck her from above. A revelation. It blossomed in her head, words, not just words, but meaning, a kind of certainty that wrote itself in her mind. So neatly that the girl gasped and her eyes went wide. It was more than a thought, and it wasnt hers. It was

<Basic Quest A Bucket of Water!>

Limits: Mrsha, 10 Minutes

Dear Mrsha, will you fetch a bucket of water? Its important because Im pretty sure were out. Please give it to Ishkr or put it in the cauldron! We should really get a pump or something, but I dunno. Thanks!

Posted Reward: Erin Solstices huge gratitude, love you, Mrsha! Plus, um, pancake breakfast?

Quest Reward: 2 Copper Coins, experience in <Housekeeping> classes.

The little girls eyes flickered as the information was presented into her mind, but she took a few seconds to process it. It was there if she wanted to access it, but understanding the quest wasnt instantaneous.

The moment of wonder and surprise turned toa hefty sigh as she felt the quest waiting for her to accept or refuse. Ten minutes? A bucket of water and two copper coins.

Now, if this were the Mrsha of nine days ago, if she got a quest, she would flip out, grab her wand, and do whatever was required. But that Mrsha was a fool, a peon with no understanding.

This Mrsha had completed thirty-one quests. Over the latter five days, since the first four had mostly been sleeping, recovering from the fighting, and processing it for everyone.

Thirty-one quests. Clean the Tables! Fetch Me a Cup of Milk! Give Bird a Big Hug!

She was getting sick of it. Especially since the rewards were just trash. Two copper coins? Mrsha might have lost her bag of holding, but if she poked Selys, she could get some allowance that would make up for all the quests shed done and more.

And yetand yetit proved the quest-giver was alive. And awake. And apparently desirous of water. Mrsha folded her arms and grumped for a minute. Then she got up and, sighing, walked over eight feet and stared at a well.

She tossed a bucket into it, waited for the splash, and began to haul on the rope, grumbling to herself. Bucket this. Bucket that. Now, if it were the stream, shed be fighting for her life against those biting, jumping fish. But this?

She had a bit of fun with it at the end by leaping up and hauling the bucket up by using her own weight to pull the rope down. Then she nearly fell into the well and decided to haul it up responsibly.

Bucket acquired! It wasnt much water, and it slopped around a bit as Mrsha pulled it up, filled the second bucket, and began to carry it into the inn.

She didnt actually resent the quest that much. It was justwhen you thought about it, it was clearly just a way to have fun. Because Mrshas single bucket wouldnt do much, would it? Now, Ishkr could take like four buckets to the inn. In terms of water-hauling, Mrsha would freely admit she was a poor choice for optimization.

But someone loved posting questsat least for Mrsha. So the Gnoll was fumbling with the door handle, cursing the tyranny of tall people and doorknobs and wishing she were an Antinium with four arms, when someone opened the door and bowed.

Now, it was important to understand that at this point, Mrsha wasnt actually that upset. She was more grumbling for the fun of it, and the quests hadnt lost their allure entirely such that she was upset. She was enjoying being put-upon and rather glad that shed gotten the quest.

However, the moment the door opened and the shining figure in gold armor bowed, one hand across his chest, the other moving backshe got an actual scowl on her face.

Lady Mrsha? May I assist you w

Sir Sest backed away as she swung the bucket dangerously. Mrsha slapped something on her hand as he reached for the bucket, and a little, dangling stone chirped a sound.

No.

She fumbled with it, and another pre-programmed response played.

Im busy. Go away.

Sir Sest ran a finger along the thin, perfectly plucked mustache running across his upper lip. Mrsha thought it looked like a black centipede. His hair was perfectly combed. and his armor gleamed, a vivid gold that was brighter than the actual thing.

The motifs of Calanfer, the Eternal Throne, shone on the Thronebearers armor as he bowed.

I see. It must be a grand quest, Lady Mrsha. Then allow me to humbly assist you upon your task!

And he proceeded to hold the door open as Mrsha glared at him. Yes, it made her life easier, but the Thronebearer followed her as she walked into the inn on two feet, and then he bowed to the harried [Princess] cleaning tables.

Mrsha? Oh, is it water? Thank you. Its a quest, isnt it?

Yup.And Ive got a leech.

Mrsha gave Lyonette du Marquin a glare and jerked a thumb at the Thronebearer. Lyonette sighed, but she didnt reprimand Ser Sest. If anything, the Thronebearer got what Lyonette probably thought was a covert nod of approval.

Mrshas glare intensified. Yes, the inn was back, but things were different. And

Well. Lyonette was here. Her mother was scrubbing tables, and even if a horrified Ser Lormel was doing likewise with Ishkr to spare her the workeven if Ser Sest was almost always lurking around, or Dame Ushar or Ser Dalimont

Mrsha would take it over the bad times of before any day. It was just annoying. So, sighing, she walked into the kitchen.

Breakfast isnt ready. I told you, Palt. Timbor has to woh, Mrsha?

A harried [Chef] with her hair tied back was snapping before she saw Mrsha. Imani pointed Mrsha at the water cauldron, which was running low.

Thank you, Mrsha! Have you seen Palt?

Mrsha had not, and Imani was whipping together breakfast anyways. True, she could just reheat some pre-made food, but fresh, hot food was still something good. It looked like today was a sweet yogurt and salads.

So thats where it went. Well, Mrsha brightened up as she saw a bowl that looked very tasty. Chock full of sweet fruits and even a glowing Sweetberry. Imani noticed the look.

Itll be six minutes or less, Mrsha. Can you put the water there? Is Erin?

Shes awake. Mrsha nodded, and Imani glanced towards the door.

I have to finish up and run to the Drunken Gnoll. Just put the water there, please.

Mrsha was already tipping the bucket into the cauldron. She checked the glowing crystal half-submerged in the clear water just in case; it glowed a pure blue.

No contaminants. It was one of the things Imani had brought to the kitchen. Apparently most [Chefs] invested in such things, especially for water.

The quest was done. Mrsha the Water Fetcher closed her eyes, and even in her rush, Imani slowed a moment.

For here it came. The water being deposited into the cauldron was something only Mrsha, Imani, and Ser Sest saw. It was conceivable that the quest-poster might have sensed the water being poured, just as she had noticed the water running low, but she didnt need to be actively monitoring the situation.

Something else was watching, and Mrsha felt a vague thrill even for the thirty-second time as she heard that voice in her head announce

<Basic Quest A Bucket of Water completed!>

Nothing other than that, at least in words. But the feeling of completion was instantaneously followed by a small sound and a glow of light. Imani looked up, and Mrsha opened her paws.

Even now, she stared up in awe at somethingnew. Something unheard of, that everyone was speculating about. The new power of [Innkeepers]all [Innkeepers] apparently, and even some people working in related professions.

But especially this one. Mrsha saw the glow of gentle light turn from bright white intotwo copper coins.

They fell out of the air and into her paws, and she stared at them. Just two copper coins, one slightly notched in the side, worn from use. They had Pallass logo on them; they must have been minted in the Walled City, and the Merchants Guild had ratified them.

Ordinary copper coins. Which had just appeared the instant she finished her quest.

That was magic. That waswell, frankly unbelievable.

Quests? Were they living in a fairy tale or Numbtongues video games? Mrsha flipped a copper coin up and down and felt it. Then she noticed something else.

Hold up. Hold up. Mrshas eyes went round, and Ser Sest murmured.

Eternal Throne.

Something else floated down from the air. Imani blinked as a third flash of light producedMrsha grabbed for the falling object in astonishment. It had happened again! She held up the huge, bright blue feather and heard the voice speaking.

<Quest Reward: 2 Copper Coins awarded. Bonus Item: Arctic Corabird Feather awarded.>

A bonus item. Mrsha knew that had not been on the quest description. It had not been guaranteed. It wasa bonus.

But where had it come from? Nowhere? Somewhere? Birds stash? Mrsha stared at the feather and knew, knew that Bird didnt have a feather this nice. It was a brilliant cobalt-blue, but it had this wonderful white striation near the base. Faint white lines like snow across the sky.

It was probably worth more than two copper coins. Possibly as much as eight, if you sold it to a [Fletcher]. Then again, a certain feather-maniac would give Mrsha gold coins without a seconds hesitation for this.

Did the voice know that? Or was it just a random reward? Was this bird native to Izril, or was it truly just coincidence that Mrsha got a feather? Then again, shed also been awarded with a bit of quartz, an extra copper coin, and a tomato in the last ten quests.

Not even a good tomato, and no, she hadnt been allowed to eat it. Imani didnt freak out like everyone had the first time it had happened, but she still gasped and stopped working.

It happened again! A feather this time? Good job, Mrsha!

She smiled, and Mrsha did too, for the sheer wonder of it. She put the feather behind her ear and turnedand Ser Sest spoiled her mood by applauding loudly.

Well done, Lady Mrsha! Another feather in your cap, eh? A splendid job!

Mrsha and Imani gave him a long look, but the Thronebearer had [Total Immunity: Shame], apparently. Mrsha sighed, walked past him, and handed him the copper coins.

Er, Lady Mrsha?

She kept the feather.

This was The Wandering Inn. And if you thought it was quiet, well, that was only because the regulars werent allowed in until actual morning. Or youd have people camping out just to come in.

It was also quiet because a lot of the new guests or people whod come to Liscor were giving the inn some space. It was quiet becauseof her.

The crazy Human. The [Innkeeper]. The girl who livedthen diedthen lived again. Not General Sserys, but she had been. The friend of Goblins and Antinium.

Erin Solstice, who had nothing to do with the war in Ailendamus. Or the battle with the Gnollsor Khelt. Certainly nothing to do with any ghosts. A humble [Innkeeper], and dont let anyone catch you spying on her or your legs will be broken.

It was safe to say there were eyes on the inn. But from a distance, because a few inquiring minds had found that you couldnt spy on the inn that easily. The Thronebearers, for all their glitter, were very good as bodyguards, and there were incredibly powerful [Mages], Gnolls, and other people who would evict anyone causing trouble.

There would be no trouble. Or crossbows. Not again. Never again. Erin Solstice had returned, and as she woke up, she came downstairs via the [Garden of Sanctuary].

The door opened, spilling in light, a gardens scents, and a female voice, laughing and light, coughing a bit as she spoke. Mrsha whirled, and the few people in the inn looked up. It was time to open. She was awake, and that voice was already calling out.

Numbtongue, stop it! Go back and play your video games! Im fine! Come for breakfast! Did Mrsha do her big quest? Good morning, everyone!

Erin Solstice appeared through the door to the garden as Ser Lormel stepped over and went to hold open the doornot that it was necessary, since it opened by itself. Smiling, the [Innkeeper]s face appeared as Mrshas heart fluttered.

Though it had been nine days, there was still a moment of uncertainty. A thought that Mrsha could be dreaming. But then she saw the hazel eyes, the brown hair. A voice that could be silly or serious as the need arose, and two bright eyes that were only scary when she was angry. More than anything? It was that smile that made Mrsha smile and brighten up and scamper over, but respectfully.

Erin Solstice slowly wheeled the chair through the door, waving to Mrsha. The [Innkeeper] snagged the wheels as she came off the grass, but she pushed and got onto the hardwood floors before Ser Lormel could help her. Mrsha raced up next to Erin, and the [Innkeeper] swatted at the [Knight]s hands.

Shall I escort you to a table, Miss Solstice?

No! Shoo! I can push myself. Mrsha, you want to do it? Ohfine. But I dont want to go racing around, got it?

Mrsha kicked at Ser Lormel and the Thronebearer retreated. Carefully, she got up and pushed at the two handlebars of the chair and moved Erin gently towards a table. It was not the same as a wheelchair from Earth, incidentally.

Mrsha had seen the mockups Kevin had made, and she understood that there were apparently better ones. This was just a padded chair that Hedault had helped to enchant with some alterations like the wheels. It had been an odd concept and project since these things didnt really exist in the common mindset.

Palt had brought up floating chairs, which some of the nobility used, and other methods, but Erin wanted to maneuver around herself. Besidesthis wouldnt be forever, so she didnt want to waste energy on it.

There were still things that needed to be done, so the table that Mrsha pushed Erin to was lower. The [Innkeeper] smiled over her shoulder.

Didja do my quest, Mrsha? Its two whole coppers.

Mrsha gave Erin a polite smile and waved the feather.

Ooh! Is that a bonus reward? Thats amazing! See? This is why you do quests! Next time well get you washing dishes! All the dishes!

Dead gods, please no. Mrsha shook her head, but Erins eyes were twinkling.

I bet you I can make a super basic quest. I mean, I havent done anything else beyond, um, fetch quests, Kevin called it? But Ill figure out some big one and see what kind of reward I can post. Its too bad I have to pay for it. How about a thousand dishes? And if you break one, you fail! But I bet youd get, like, [Dishwasher] guaranteed! No? How about doing the trash for

Erin was getting excited and speaking faster. Then she began to cough. Mrsha heard the wheezing, deep cough as the young woman had to stop a second. Imani, coming out of the kitchen, paused as Erin panted for air. Coughing.

Mrsha stared at her anxiously, but Erin regained her breath. There was only a slight wheeze as she looked at Mrsha then around.

She was no fool. But she smiled.

Justcatching my breath. Okay, fine. Maybe not a thousand dishes. Is it time for breakfast? Im hungry!

And there it was. Lyonette never missed a beat as she walked over, and Mrsha climbed into a seat. A Hobgoblin poked his head through the garden, and Bird came down the stairs. They were the first, but the rest of the guests seemed to pop up as if by magic.

Or, as if theyd been waiting for her to wake. But they didnt crowd her. Nornor did they bring the same level of drama into the inn, at least not by intention. Erin Solstice noticed it all, but she waved in her wheelchair and called out to people as they came down the stairs. They were cautious of her, that was all.

She was the same young woman that Mrsha remembered. But perhaps older. Something had changed Erin Solstice when shed been dead. Not just her body, but she seemed

Well, she hadnt said much yet. Just asked what had happened to the others. Demanded to see the events that had been captured on scrying orb. Hugged everyone, including Mrsha.

Erin Solstice was back. But she couldnt walk, and she had trouble breathing sometimes. She had been dead. It was a miracle to see her, and nothing was the same. For now, Mrsha sat next to Erin, close enough to feel the young woman moving as she raised a hand.

This was good enough. More than enough.

The Horns of Hammerad had been watching for the moment Erin appeared. They came down the stairs, trying to look like they hadnt all been waiting there.

It was a bad act. Not only was Yvlon a poor actorPisces was infamous for usually sleeping in. However, they were changed from Chandrar and, well, it didnt matter.

Pisces! Youre up early!

Erin made the same joke shed made for the last four days straight. The [Necromancer] rolled his eyes, but didnt sniff.

Early is a relative term, Erin. I could point out that most inns are up at the crack of d

Ceria kicked him in the ankle so hard tears sprang to his eyes. Erin Solstices smile slipped only a second.

Yeah, well, Lyonettes taking over, and Im a bit tired for now. Sodont compete about sleep with me, buddy! Or Ill give you a quest to wake up at, um, 3 AM! Every day!

I believe I would refuse that. Is there not a lawgoverning trivial quest posting?

Nope. I can be as trivial as I want. Im the ultimate trivial quest-poster. I just made Mrsha fetch water!

The little white Gnoll sighed loudly at the table as Ceria grinned. Ksmvr waved with all four hands as he stepped towards the table with Yvlon.

Hello, Miss Erin. Hello, Mrsha. Hello, Princess Lyonette

Its just Lyonette, Ksmvr.

The inn wasnt open for the public, but Lyonette still looked around. Yvlon gave Lyonette a half-bow that only added to the agony on the [Princess] face, but she was eying the Thronebearers. Ser Sest himself was carrying over the yogurt breakfast.

How can you hide it, Lyonette? With

Ceria gave a nod to Sest, and Lyonette sighed.

Illfigure something out.

She said that out of the corner of her mouth as the two Thronebearers politely pretended not to hear anything. Yet there it was. The Thronebearers had found their [Princess].

What might happen next? For that matterthe Horns glanced at each other, and then Ceria finally identified the prickling on the back of her neck. She couldnt see anything or anyone, but her new magical abilities allowed her to sense relative heat.

Even then, she couldnt detect the unseen watcher, but her circlet helped her pick out a whiff of magic in the room. Pisces kept glancing around, and Yvlon scowled because she knew that the watcher was there.

The clue was the Thronebearers glancing every now and then towards one of the beams across the ceiling of the tall common room. Erin Solstice was the other clue; she just stared straight up at the Named Adventurer.

Um. Do you want to come down for breakfastTessa?

There was a muffled sound, and Ceria saw a flicker of movement, then a figure leapt towards the hallway. Tessa, Shriekblade, paused a second with what looked like a looted steak from the kitchen and vanished.

Huh. You know, I think she gets mad that I can sense her.

Erin grinned around the table, as if being able to spot a Named Adventurer trying to hide were normal. But thatthat was Erin.

Ceria was just sitting down at the table when more guests began to appear. Not all stayed at The Wandering Inn. Few did, in fact. Once they had learned of Erins condition, many had voluntarily removed themselves.

There was also the issue of staffing, if not rooms, so the first visitors to win admission past Ser Sest were the friends of the inn.

Friends, not acquaintances. Nor even comrades in arms. They would surely come laterif Lyonette didnt block them first. Not everyone could make it every day, but one person came like clockwork. And she was tall.

Mrsha! Is that yogurt I smell? Mrsha, I learned a new spell!

Gireulashia, the [Paragon] of Ekhtouch, bounded into the inn, and Pisces had a hand on his rapier. The sight of a nine-foot-tall Gnoll entering like a storm of red and brown furwell, that could scare you.

Gire, be careful

Lyonette heard a warning voice but it was too late. Gire grabbed Mrsha as the Gnoll girl performed a flying leap from her table into her friends arms. The [Paragon] swung Mrsha around in a dizzying arc and sat down in a chair next to Mrsha, all in one move.

Gire! Be careful! Erins

The admonition faded as someone else hurried into the inn after Gire. A scolding Drake, Selys Shivertail, caught herself and waved a claw as she adjusted her light dress. Erin Solstice frownedat Selys.

Selys, its okay! Hi, Gire!

Hullo, Miss Erin.

Gire ducked her head abashedly, but Erin just smiled hugely.

Gire can have all the fun she wants, right, Mrsha? Im not made of glass!

She looked around challengingly, and no one exactly met her eyes. Ksmvr replied brightly.

No, you are not a Golem. Although, I would say that in light of your condition, if you wanted to replace your legs, I have observed that a housecat has benefited very well from

Another kick, this time from Pisces and Yvlon each, shut him up. Ksmvr then made it worse by covering his mandibles with all four hands.

Four hands. Not three. His last hand was a bit stumpy since the digits were regrowing, but the Antinium could apparently regrow limbs with their gel. It didnt work on Goblins or anyone else. They had asked, again, for Erin.

The [Innkeeper] bore it all in stride as they began to eat their colorful breakfast of fruit. Numbtongue hadnt said much this morning, only patted Mrsha on the head. He looked a bit sleepy, but he never missed breakfast.

No one would. Even Bird had come down. Of course, he and Numbtongue glumly stared at their meatless, birdless dish, but they began to eat up as Imani narrowed her eyes at them.

I have to run. Erin, Ill see you later.

Oh, thanks, Imani. Um, do we have food for today? I could

Youre all set. No need to cook.

Right, right. Gotcha. Thanks for breakfast!

Imani vanished out the door with a smile. Not the magic doorit wasnt at the inn. The regular door. Erin dug a spoon into her bowl just in time for a vibrating Bird to break the silence.

Mrsha. Where did you get that feather? Have you been hunting without me? Is there a blue bird around Liscor? I. Demand. Answers.

He slapped the table hard enough to make the bowls jump. Gire watched with a look of delighted fascination as Mrsha waved the feather in Birds face.

Bird, do not be crude. Its Mrshas quest reward.

Lyonette scolded Bird. Instantly, he sat up.

You can get feathers as rewards for Erins useless quests? Then they are not so useless.

Hey! Theyre great! Its the random rewards. Its so amazing. Whaddya mean, useless?

Erin protested. Everyone coughed or looked away. The [Innkeeper] was hurt.

Im putting down good money for easy quests!

I am Bird. I do not wash dishes.

Mrsha, Numbtongue, and Ceria nodded emphatically.

Guys. Listen. Quest posting isnt easy. Im still figuring it out. I cant post just any quest. Believe me, I tried.

Oh, really? Pray, would there be anything to drink with this repast? Ser Knight, I shall have an orange juice, perhaps. Or some other refreshing beverage. Tea, if nothing else.

Pisces flagged down Ser Sest, who gave him an affronted look. It was Selys and Yvlons turn to try and kick Pisces, but he had lifted his feet, so they just kicked Ceria instead. Mrsha and Gire giggled in delight and put in their order for goats milk, and since Lyonette asked for tea, Ser Sest obliged them all.

There were not, as yet, the Halfseekers. Or Joseph, Kevin, the [Strategists], Krshia or the other Gnolls, or even Tkrn or Inkar. Or Salkis, Gna, Rags, Badarrow, Snapjaw, Infinitypearthe list went on.

However, the gathering was small today. Actually, that was for the best. The first few days after Erin woke up, everyone was herewhich meant nothing got done all day. People just sat there and tried to convince themselves she was alive.

In factErin jumped halfway through her bowl and scowled.

Numbtongue, stop that!

He had poked her in the side. The Hobgoblin withdrew a finger. Mrsha prodded Erins arm, and the young woman slapped her hands around.

Stop that! Were not doing this again!

She was alive. Just checking. The conversation at the table was light as Erin groused.

You people think its easy posting quests? Its super hard. I have to figure everything out, and I cant post it without having the reward in my hands. Plus, I cant post more than one Basic Quest per hour.

And you waste it on hauling water?

Pisces jerked back from the napkin Erin threw at him so fast his chair went crashing backwards. He was on his feet, and Erin lowered her hand, blinking. Yvlon stared as Pisces caught himself, and his hand was on the hilt of his sword

He relaxed, but that wassomething. Another something which no one said anything about as Pisces sat back down. Erin hesitated, then went on as if nothing had happened.

Iuhyeah. Because I cant do other quests, see? I had this idea to try and post a quest to kill a Rock Crab, right? But then I thoughtis that animal cruelty?

No.

Selys instantly replied. Erin waved a hand.

Yeah, but I felt bad. So then I saidShield Spiders. There are still some, even if NathalimooNathalristretosetolouswiped out most of them. So I was gonna post a quest: wipe out a nest!

And?

Ceria was watching Pisces. His breathing was calm after a moment, and his face was blank. Butno, not the time. They hadnt discussed it, but if you looked, you could see scarred, rough flesh around his neck.

They didnt talk about it. Nor did anyone see much different with Ceria. She looked like normal: pale blue eyes, blonde hair, a skeletal hand.

And a circlet on her head. But no one saw it. Cerias fingers drummed idly as Erin gesticulated.

I couldnt post it! I kept tryingI was gonna do a Wyvern, right? No dice. I tried Rock Crabs, Eater Goats, and it didnt work. But then I figured out the problem. I cant post a quest if I dont know the targetthingexists!

The table exchanged glances. Bird raised a hand.

Rock Crabs do not exist? Thenwhat have I been seeing all this time?

His mandibles opened in horror. Mrsha immediately began giggling with Gire. Erin waved a hand.

No, I meanI dont know theres a Rock Crab around so it doesnt work, Bird. Rock Crabs exist.

Oh, good.

So you need to know theyre present? Thats oddly specific, Miss Erin. Then you cant post a quest like the Adventurers Guild to exterminate a number of pests. It seems odd. Arent quests supposed to be what we adventurers do?

Yvlon frowned, chewing as she thought. Erin corrected her.

Aha! But Id be able to post the quest if I knew there was a problem. Im pretty sure. I just cant sayI think theres like a bajillion Shield Spiders out there. Go stomp em. In fact, I dont think I can ask for a bajillion Shield Spiders on my quests.

Because that is not a number, correct.

Pisces saw Erin lift her hand, but she caught herself and waggled a finger at him.

Listen, buddy. Dont use facts against me. Im saying that I can feel it wouldnt work. I cannot post a Basic Quest to kill more thana nest or two of Shield Spiders. A thousand is way too much. For now? Huh. But I could post a Rare Quest to destroy a thousand Shield Spiders. However, II know I cant ask you to do it for cheap. I could offer two copper coins to destroy a Shield Spider nest as a Basic Quest. I cant do the same for a Rare Quest.

Everyone tried to work that out. Gireulashia had emptied three bowls of yogurt.

So youre saying there are minimum requirements per quest.

Yes! Hey, thats a great way of putting it.

Mrsha patted Gires arm proudly. Bird took her feather, and Mrsha snatched for it, but he stopped her with one hand.

I have the feather. It is mine by right of force and

Gire snatched it back so fast Bird was left staring at his hand. He gazed up at the [Paragon], who put it behind Mrshas ear.

Oho. I have been challenged. Is it war?

Oh, dead gods. Birdstop that!

He raised all four arms and tried to grab for the feather, but Gire slapped the hands down in a blur, still eating with her other hand. Numbtongue looked quite amusedand somewhat intimidated by the fifteen-year-old [Paragon]. He joined Bird, and the blur of hands and Mrsha flailing her fists made Lyonette try to break up the fight.

Stop that! We are having breakfast! Be civil, you two! This is not somesome backwater court!

No, its an inn. Shoo, shoo.

Numbtongue retorted. Lyonette tried to stop them, but all the combatants were having fun. Then Bird picked up a cup.

Aha! Water attack!

He splashed at Gire, and the [Paragon] evaded the attack, rolling with Mrsha up in her arms. Numbtongue was less graceful, and Ceria also went ducking with a curse and smacked her head on the table.

Whoa! Holdargh!

Then it happened. The dishes went bumping around, and Pisces and Yvlon rescued their side of the table with Ksmvr. Selys had already backed up from the child fight, but the jostling and dodging people knocked Erin Solstice over. Her chairnot perfectly designedrotated at the wheels, and she hit the floor.

Instantly, the commotion stopped. Mrsha leapt down as Erin pushed herself up.

Ow, you guys! Bird, youre not a Pokemon. Dont

Everyone surrounded Erin, and she looked up into the hush. Slowly, Erin began to push herself up but her arms trembled. Numbtongue instantly lifted Erin, and Pisces bent down on the other side.

Guys, Im fine. Guys

Erin was back in her wheelchair in a few seconds, but the mood had lost its playfulness. Mrsha hugged Erin, and Bird put the cup behind his back.

I am sorry, Erin. It was allSelys fault. She made me do it.

The [Liar] pointed to Selys, and the Drake slapped his shoulder. Erin smiled, but weakly.

Im not hurt. Its lots of fun, right?

Right.

Everyone agreed. Super fun. No one was hurt.

The silence remained. Erin Solstice looked around and blew out her cheeks.

Im fine. Really.

Shed just been dead. The [Innkeeper] stared around at all her loving friends and family and their uncertain looks behind the smiles. She took a huge breath and coughed. And coughed.

Coming back from the dead wasnt easy. And before anyone could say anything else or get back on track, the first person broke into the inn.

Excuse meexcuse me, Erin!

Someone had gotten past Ser Lormel on door-duty. Garia Strongheart jogged into the inn, and everyone turned in relief. Garia was waving a slip of parchment with a [Message] on it.

I have a missive from Feshi Weatherfur! Theres an Antinium they found in the Great Plains!

Instantly, everyone became alert. Ceria glanced at Bird and Ksmvr, and both Antinium looked at each other. Numbtongue cursed and closed his eyes, and Gires smile flickered. Lyonette turned to Erin, and the [Innkeeper]hesitated.

Who?

While Crusader 221-3 was in the Great Plains, he learned a few things. One of which was that he would walk again.

It turned out that the wounds hed taken were bad; hed shattered the lower back half of his shell, had a hand severed, and been practically hamstrung by the blade that had slashed his abdomen and taken him down, but no wounds had been of the limb-dismembering kind, aside from his hand.

It is only a surprise the healing potion did not kill himit. You should not have used it on the wounded.

The [Healer] admonished the Gnolls whod found Crusader 221-3. Abashed, they ducked their heads, but Crusader 221-3 would have happily referred them to the Antiniums very low attrition rate due to infection as a defense. He had been engineered to survive worse.

Now, if that were all, and he was checked up onthey gave him enough pillows and blankets to construct the legendary Fortress of Fluff of which Crusader 221-3 had heard so much aboutand given good food, he would have considered himself the luckiest of Antinium.

However, he was in his prison all of three hours. That was as long as it took to get a [Message] back from Liscor, and apparently his situation was the cause of concern, so Chieftain Feshi was organizing something.

But Crusader 221-3 was let out of his prison the moment an old Gnoll with grey fur walked over to his cell and demanded he be let out.

But Shaman

Then the old Gnoll glared, and the guards instantly let Crusader 221-3 out. Thus, he met Shaman Theikha of Gaarh Marsh.

Crusader 221-3 had no idea who the old Gnoll was or that she was the oldest, arguably highest-level, and certainly most respected Gnoll [Shaman] living among all Gnolls. Then againhe didnt need to be told.

He felt it. He saw it. Heheard it.

Whomever Shaman Theikha had been before the Meeting of Tribes was not the Gnoll that Crusader 221-3 met. Oh, the body was the same. He imagined that, before, the Gnoll would have looked smaller. A bit shrunken, which happened to old peoplenot Antiniumbut the Drakes and Gnolls hed seen in Liscor on patrols. She would have probably had a very kind smile and the manner that made children and adults who acted like children rethink causing trouble.

She would have been fairly nimble, butfaded. A glorious candle with enough energy for one last deed. One last Meeting of Tribes. Before she faded away or burnt out in a blaze.

She had done just that. In the last great battle, Shaman Theikhas heart had stopped. Then, the Earth Elemental, Khoteizetrough, had given her one last gift. Theikhas heart continued to beat.

And, oh, Crusader 221-3 heard it.

ThumThumThum.

It was slow, unhurried, and so audible that he heard it, possibly even felt it through his feet. Shaman Theikhas heart was now so loud any Gnoll within ten feet of her could hear her when she was calm.

The old [Shaman] was still old. But it seemed like a vitality had sprung up behind her eyes. As ifthose ancient brown eyes had a layer of green beneath, as pure and vibrant as spring. As if the withered oak shell of a dying tree had been filled with new growth from within.

Was it all Theikha, or something more? All Crusader 221-3 knew was that the Gnoll who stared down at him as he stood uphe wasnt shackledwas not so much terrifying as impressive. He didnt feel endangered by her, but he felt like he had when Erin Solstice met his eyes.

Do you have a name, Soldier of the Antinium? I am Shaman Theikha. Forgive me if I err. I hope I do not misjudge you either. It is a strange time. A terrible moment for Gnolls. But if we do not learn and growthen we are fools twice.

Theikha let Crusader 221-3 out of his cell, and he didnt know what to say. He noddedthen raised his fingers. He had three hands, so he put them together. Happily, he had digits lower than 5 in his name, so he could show her.

Two. Another two. A oneand then a three? You aretwo two one three? Or are you, ah, eight?

Theikhas brows came together, and Crusader 221-3 nodded helpfully. She got it with a bit of help.

You are 221-3. But the three is separate from 221. I see.

He nodded. She was clearly the wisest of Gnolls; shed figured out what Liscors [Soldiers] had to be told outright. Theikha regarded Crusader 221-3 for a moment.

Are you in pain, 221-3? Do you require more food? Anything else?

He shook his head twice and waved his hands. What else could you want? Besideshonor.

Perhaps Theikha realized that a rich internal life and monologue was going on behind Crusader 221-3s eyes. She certainly seemed to guess that he had something to say.

Will you walk with me, 221-3?

But [Shaman], Chieftain Feshi is arranging a way for him to go to Liscor and

And he is Antinium? A threat?

Theikha turned, and the Weatherfur [Guard]who hadnt actually lifted the axe he carriedhesitated. He shook his head quickly, adjusting the hide armor he wore.

Not to you, Shaman. I justwonder if we cannot do whatever needs to be done?

The answer pleased Theikha. She smiled briefly.

There are many things that need to be done, but learningthis is an Antinium in our midst, and I think that if we had time, all Chieftains would be here to talk and learn. The Meeting of Tribes has ended, but this is still vital. Since we are all busy and some are at Liscorask when Gireulashia will return. I will accompany 221-3 for now.

Yes, Shaman Theikha.

Thus, the Soldier found himself leaving the cells for prisoners of war, and he saw the new circumstances of the Plains Gnolls. He passed by cages where sullen Drakes sat and flinched from him and Theikha. He walked into a camp much like the Meeting of Tribes.

Only, with less tribes and a lot of soldiers rotating in from killing undead or keeping an eye out for Drakes. They lookeddispirited. They looked like they were grieving. Crusader 221-3 heard some howls, but he mostly just saw exhaustion.

Exhaustion, crossed with hope when they saw Theikha. Strangely, even when they saw him. Great tribes had perished, like Azmuzarre, or were forever broken like Steelfur, which had no more Iraz to give them their famous fur.

However, they had survived, so what propelled every Gnoll on their feet was a kind of exhausted daring. Like someone throwing out their hands and baring their chest and daring the world to throw just one more thing at them.

And it was Theikha who promised them that there would be that future. Her beating heart. Nonot just that.

From ash, there would be some new life. All Crusader 221-3 had to do to believe that was to look out and see

A new land. It ran through the Great Plains, but it stretched into the distance. Like a crack, a splinter driven into Izril, it was not so much a chunk as a wedge, and that new land had been yanked from the bottom of the ocean, blanketed in magic. It had changed the landscape, forcing the great river that Khelt had sailed up to pool into a lake caused by the fighting before diverting and rejoining its old course.

The new lands had forced Zeres away, creating a huge divide between Drake cities across the southwest of Izril. And while Crusader 221-3 could not see far into that strange landscapehe saw where it began.

At the Meeting of Tribes, where the grand tent still stood, scorched but a semi-permanent headquarters. It stood next to a fortress of dirt and wood where the Doombearers allies had fought. To mark this place would be this battlefield, this great camp of Gnolls.

And the hill that had been Khoteizetrough, blooming with so many flowers that it dazzled the Antiniums eyes. A small swamp had already formed around it.

You fought for our side, did you not, 221-3? This is the folly of Gnolls in part. It will not be our end. Even now, my people set foot on Chandrar, and while the tribes have been badly decimated, our kin from cities and elsewhere on Izril make for us here. We have you to thank, yes?

Crusader 221-3 modestly waved his antennae. He didnt know about that. One moment hed been rushing to where Company 3 had vanished, the next Erin Solstice told him to hold the line. So he did.

He was very modest about himself. Not the Beriad. They were the heroes beyond heroes, and each one would never be forgotten. They had died with honor, and he would write their names on the walls of the Painted Antinium if he were allowed. They might not have been Painted Antiniumnot all the crusade had been

That was scary! Who does that for fun? ActuallyI could do that again. But not if I crash! Hey, thanks, who are you?

Guardsman Vamolt, Miss Solstice. Can I help you back to your inn?

Vamolt saw Erin Solstice smile as he helped her into her chair and brushed grass and dirt off her arms. She shook her head.

Nah, Im justgoing into the city for a bit. The Adventurers Guild. Ill pop in and out, dont worry.

She gave him a quick grin, and he gave her a sickly salute and smile. She wheeled past him, muttering about getting a wheelchair with brakes. And he knew.

Vamolt. Vamolt.

The [Guards] on the eastern wall had watched her wheel past. They waved him over, and he almost ran towards his coworkers. A Gnoll hissed at him. A pair of Humans were staring at Erin, looking amused and uncomprehending. New hires. Oh, they were from Celum and a village respectively, but they didnt know.

Did you see that smile? Your Ancestors, its happening.

I know. Did the Watch Sergeant see?

One of the two Humans looked at the Gnoll and Drake whispering.

Uh, Vamolt, Senior Guardsman Derra, whats wrong? Thats the [Innkeeper], right? She didnt cause trouble yesterday.

Yeah. But shes smiling. Watch Sergeant

The Watch Sergeant on the walls came hurrying down.

I saw it. Ive sent a [Message] to Watch Captain Zevara already. Are you two sure? Im sure.

The two Humans looked from the Drakes and Gnolls with growing apprehension. Vamolt shuddered.

Its the smile. No chance yesterday with the [Princess] and the escort.

The [Princess]?

Shush, newbies. Catch up on common knowledge. This is crucial. Were all in agreement, then?

The [Guards] nodded. The Watch Sergeant closed her eyes and then nodded.

Alright. Im confirming with Zevara, and Ill send a copy of the [Message] to the Council. The betting pool winsten days! Did she say where she was going?

UmAdventurers Guild. A little errand.

Dead gods have mercy on them.

Erin Solstice didnt really notice the quiet movement in the streets as she wheeled around. She was worriedly looking for Lyonette or another snitch, so she missed the actual people stalking her.

Patrol 1 is in place, Watch Captain. Solstice Contingency active.

Watch Captain Zevara didnt see Erin, but she was already striding to the location.

Shes on track to the Adventurers Guild?

Yes, maam.

Advise them to clear out now. Anyone who wants to staycan. Where are Guardsmen Klbkch and Relc?

Relcs asleep. Were getting him out of his apartment, and Guardsman Klbkch said that hell be on the surface in five.

Good, good. [Message] to Lyonette du Marquin?

Shes on her way.

Watch Captain Zevara nodded to herself. You could play this multiple ways. Lyonette du Marquin might be able to defuse the situation, but in Zevaras experience, Lyonette couldnt always trump Erin.

There had been some discussion internally about the issue, and Jeiss had suggested they do something stupid like try and stop the next event. Which was foolish; it was like trying to cover a bursting dam. If you stopped her in one spot, she just caused havoc somewhere else. You contained the event.

Now, any other Watch Captain would have probably laughed their tail off at Zevara or called this some kind of satire. They would keep laughing until they realized that Zevara was not exaggerating. She was taking the relaxed approach, trusting Erin.

That was the mistake [Spies] made. They said yes, she is probably a Level 40+ [Innkeeper]. She is almost definitely responsible for many of the tales coming out of Liscor, and General Sserys may have possessed her. It stands to reason that half the rumors about her are true.

And that was their error. They thought it was half. Now, Zevara knew that Erin Solstice could not always work miracles. She had seen Erin die, after all, and knew she was not infallible.

HoweverErin Solstice had come back from the dead. She had somehow, somehow been part of the greatest events in world history, and now she was heading into Liscor with all the hallmarks of a Solstice Event. Even in Zevaras most optimistic opinion

She didnt think this was going to be small at all. And to be honest? The Watch Captain was all here for it, although she would deny that to her dying day.

But what would this one be? The Watch had bets, and that was the thing. They knew she could do it. Not whatbut Erin Solstice had come back from the lands of the dead.

It was interesting. So interesting that Watch Captain Zevara had to intercede herself before Erin got to the Adventurers Guild.

Miss Solstice. Good morning.

I didnt do anything yoh, hi, Watch Captain Zevara.

The young woman jumped guiltily in her wheelchair and looked back at Zevara with a terrible fake smile. Or was she as cunning as Mister Soot had been?

Im sure I dont know what you mean, Miss Solstice. I just wanted to greet you. I hope youre feeling better aftereverything?

Zevara met Erins eyes and looked the young woman up and down. She did see the wheelchair, with two of Solar Cycles wheels, and the way Erin was already tired from this trip. She looked frailer, but she smiled as she drew in some air, coughed, and nodded.

Imgood. I mean, I was dead. But Im gonna get better with time. Im justgoing to the Adventurers Guild to put up a qa notice.

Of course. Good day to you.

Zevara gave Erin a crisp salute and saw those hazel eyes glance at her. Erin Solstice turned to go, and Zevara was sure.

What a strange thing. Lyonette had come to her office just the other day for their get-togethers, which had resumed once the [Princess] came back to the city, and shed talked Zevaras earholes off about how difficult it was and how frail Erin looked.

Which was true. Zevara had seen [Guards] laid up after wounds that had Erins pallor. But those eyes.

Shed brought something back from the lands of the dead after all. Zevara hadnt missed the rolls of parchment Erin was trying to hide on her lap. And Erin?

She glanced back mischievously, and the Watch Captain realized she might have lost that exchange. Because the [Innkeeper] winked as she rolled away.

Innocent until I do something bad, right?

Uh oh. Zevara kept her polite smile, and her claw waved urgently at the [Guard] patrol with her. This might be bigger than she thought.

Watch Captain Zevara was sure. Everyone else was less so.

In fact, Timbor Parithad, the owner of The Drunken Gnoll, a new inn in Liscor that did some really fine business with the Human and Gnoll populations now overturning the huge Drake majorityhe was certain that Erin Solstice was made of glass.

At least, that was how the people in his inn talked about her. The Wandering Inn was, as mentioned, empty. Even Erins friends treated it like a sanctuary for the wounded [Innkeeper].

Which meant they came to his inn while they kept away. It was inevitable; Imani was working here, so Palt and his acquaintances would prefer it over another inn. Timbor liked to think he ran a nice inn, with fast food on your table and always a clean seat, even in the rush hours. But the truth was that Imani was now a huge lure because she was an excellent [Chef].

He was worried hed lose her, because she was from The Wandering Inn, and Timbor was making his peace with that and planning for the future. However, in the interim, he had the dubious pleasure of hosting Erins regulars.

And they were weird.

For instance, not only did Timbor have Goblins in his inn, he had a number of adventurers and even celebrities like Joseph who wandered in and out. In fact, they spent an inordinate amount of time here.

Staying away from Erin. Timbor happened to overhear them as he put some baked potatoes down as snacks.

Did she fall out of bed as well as stop breathing?

No, that was something else. I dont know, man. Shes going to get better, right?

Kevin and Joseph barely looked up as the [Innkeeper] surreptitiously cleaned a table. They did go for the food, mainly because if they didnt it would soon vanish. They lost a loaded baked potato anywaysa shadowy hand grabbed it, and two red eyes glowed beneath a canopy of darkness.

Gothica sat with Kevin, Joseph, and a somewhat perplexed Inkar at the table. The [Goth] had a parasol that seemed to make everything under it darker. Combined with charcoal eyeliner and a black dress, she was turning heads whenever someone unfamiliar with her walked into the room.

Goblins. Timbor had no sign that said No Killing Goblins. They werent allowed in the citybut there were a number of Goblins that came and went. Unlike Erin, he had a method, which was that a [Server] at the door would grab anyone about to scream for the Watch and give them the rundown. Then about sixty percent of the customers would sit down and stare at the Goblin, and that was free business.

Timbor had calculated that the optimal ratio of non-Goblins to Goblins was about 9:1. Any more Goblins or Hobs and people were more likely to back away.

At any rate, this was an encounter of people who knew Erin, if only by name, but werent at The Wandering Inn. Why? Well

Joseph hesitated as he dug a fork into his potato.

We could go up and check.

Kevin hesitated.

I dunno. Lyonette gave me a death-glare last time I was talking about Solar Cycles. I have a, umwell, I want to talk with her about a lot. Rags is still around, or maybe shes going back from here to Gto her place. But yeah. Theres so much I want to say, but thats a lot to put on her.

Like what?

Kevin shrugged self-consciously. He lowered his voice, but Timbor had ears like a hawk when it came to gossip.

Well, theres this thing with the Goblins after they kidnapped the Healer of Tenbault. And, uh, now were a bike shop, everythings great, but I had Grimalkin walk in two weeks ago with a list telling me there would be five hundred and fifty-six deaths in Pallass each year unless I stopped selling skateboards. Because of the ramps and people hitting each other. So I was just going to ask what Erin thought of that. What do you think, Joseph?

The [World-Renowned Coach] of Pallass and Liscors soccer teams, who was embroiled in an inter-city rivalry himself and trying to weigh the ethics and challenges of establishing a soccer league without too much biashesitated.

Fuck, I dont know.

Timbor slipped on his table. What did Kevin just say? They were the ones who? Kevin nodded and looked around.

What about you, Inkar?

The young woman jumped and looked for Tkrn, but hed gone to the lavatory and hadnt come back. She spoke nervously.

I havent truly met Erin. I would like to. Idont know about football. Or Goblins.

And that was a perfectly reasonable response. When most people, Timbor included, were asked what their opinions were on the ethics of skateboarding, they might give their opinion, but not if they were going to be held responsible for anything that came next, thank-you-very-much. That was a terrifying thing.

As for Kevins other issue, it was also a rare person who made a habit of looking up at Sinew Magus Grimalkin and telling six feet and hundreds of pounds of pure muscle no as a hobby.

Gothica kept eating as she listened to the Humans talk. She hadnt met Erin eithernot as Gothica. And she wanted to. But it was hard to get time with Erin, and these were not easy things to talk about.

Like the Horns of Hammerad, whod decided to base themselves in Timbors inn. Ceria had found Pisces, Ksmvr, and Yvlon having a sedate conversation about the new lands of Izril.

So, some people are suggesting as much as a third of Izril has been added. But in a wedge, so its shifted Zeres here. If were redrawing the maps based on what the [Cartographers] think

Yvlon was trying to work out what had happened to the world with Pisces and Ksmvr. The [Necromancer] objected instantly.

Yvlon. Yvlon, surely that also implies the northern section swung up?

What, the entire continent? Dont be ridiculous, Pisces. The crack is here, and theres this landmass here

Yvlon was doodling on a piece of parchment with some charcoal, trying to figure out what the continent might look like. Pisces tried to redraw the north.

Why not? The ghosts split a continentthey might have well shifted everything up or even changed Izrils angle. We can agree that there is land roughly here and here.

He made two ovals demarcating where people were assuming the furthest reaches of the new lands were. Images were actually scarce, but people had seen the cliffs of this new part of Izril from sea and Chandrar. Yvlon growled at him as he erased her markings. Ksmvr stared down at the map.

The new part of Izril looks much like a buttocks.

Cerias drink came out her nose as she broke her silence. Pisces and Yvlon stared down at the map, and Pisces erased the outlines.

Surely not.

How would you know, Comrade Pisces? A buttocks is a reasonable image of comparison. It is a natural image. I observe you have one, and Yvlon, and Captain Ceria.

The [Silversteel Armsmistress] pinched the bridge of her nose.

Izril does not have a buttocks now, Ksmvr. I refuse tomy continent does notits a sketch. But we do know that Zeres is off from its original location. Silver and steel, theres so much to explore!

Pisces sniffed.

Only a bit of a continent.

Yvlon looked outraged. She stabbed a metal finger into the table, and Timbor winced as he saw her gouge a divot out of the wood. The Horns instantly tried to play it cool, and he pretended not to see.

Hed add it to their tab. Yvlon went on irately.

Only a bit of a continent? Thats thousands of miles! New land never seen! And alsothe Dyed Lands are completely changed. Theyve overwhelmed their old area, and theyre expanding. I cant even imagine what the adventurers in the area are doing.

Forget them. Armies are forming a containment zone.

Ceria pointed outthe Dyed Lands were a Baleros problem, but they were as captivating as everything else. A piece of Baleros had sped up centuries, and unfortunately, it had been the most magically charged area. Yvlon shook her head again.

Ah, but itll be adventurers who go in, Ceria. ItI wonder how much thats worth? Some people said they found a dungeon from the people who lived there, but its mostly just the Dyed Lands itself. Is that worth risking your life for?

She glanced at Ceria, and the half-Elf chewed over the thought.

Depends on the reagents. I remember when I was a child, I heard something about a rare alchemical reagent being found and adventurers hunting the animal for its hair. Some kind of elk? There has to be at least one valuable monster or thing in the Dyed Lands. You can make a fortune if you bring back the next Sages Grass.

The adventurers nodded. It wasnt a relic-class item, but that was another kind of way you became a legendary success. Ksmvr clicked his mandibles, making notes of all this, and then looked up brightly.

So, are we to go to the new lands of Izril or the Dyed Lands? It seems this would be the moment to go as everyone else is in the same horrible boat on water to use an expression. This is a competition to explore.

The Horns light chat cut off. Pisces shifted, and his eyes, fixed on the map, suddenly rose, troubled. Ceria chewed on a bit of potato, scratching at her head, but she was mainly looking at

Pisces. And Yvlon herself looked troubled. Ksmvr gazed at Izrils map and then further down at the tip of Chandrar outlined there.

What the Horns did talk about was what most people were talking about in Timbors inn. The new world, the events of the Gnoll tribes. What they didnt say was so heavy that Timbor sometimes walked into it, like a cloud.

They too were waiting for a word. And if anyone deserved a word with Erin Solstice, it was surely them. But they were letting her rest. Timbor went back to work, but he felt a tingling on the back of his neck. He felt like something was up today, but he couldnt say why. Not yet.

They were all being considerate of her. Which Erin Solstice respected. They thought she was tired, and they were all probably exhausted by what theyd done for her.

She bore that in mind. Shed been thinking hard. About this Crusader 221-3 orAntherr Twotwentyonethree Herodotus. She wanted to meet him.

But what could she, Erin, do? She didnt know any adventurers in the Great Plains personally, and people were going to arrange transport and protection.

Lyonette made a good point that Erin was not herself more organized or capable of helping than Liscors Council, the Gnolls, or the Forgotten Wing company.

She had been the [Innkeeper] like that. The [Innkeeper] with friends, and her reach was her friends, some of whom were very important. But that was all. Erin had thought that was all she needed.

Well, I guess Im wrong. Thats egg on my face and crossbow bolts in my chest, right?

The young woman wheeled into the Adventurers Guild clutching a few rolls of parchment in one hand. Was she nervous? Yesespecially if this didnt work. Because shed look silly.

But she was pretty certain it would work. Was she concerned about thethe consequences? Of course.

Did it have to be done? Erin took a few breaths and looked around Liscors guild for comfort.

It was the same slightly-homey place that she remembered. Oh, it had been expanded to make room for actual Gold-rank teams coming for the dungeon and actually physically relocated, but this was the same place she had once walked into. Nostalgic. Theyd pulled the counters, worn tables filled with nicks and stains, and even most of the walls so someone could build a newer building in the old spot. So it was the same guild to Erin, down to the floorboards. Why, this was where shed met Selys back in the day.

Andwell, where a few things had happened.

Hello, Miss! Do you need a hand getting to the [Receptionist]s desk?

At first, Erin thought she was being teased, but the adventurer looked genuinely interested in her chair and seemed to want to do that thing where people pushed you around. Erin had not been in a wheelchair long, but she already resented someone pushing her without asking.

No, thanks. Im justgoing to look around. Hello!

Hello, yourself, Miss! Are you making a request of the guild? The [Receptionist]s desk is over there.

The speaker was a friendly woman, in fact, a Gold-rank adventurer. Jewel of Glitterblade, a small team, was new to Liscor. She had been here a few times and even participated in some of the incidents, but four months and a dead [Innkeeper] had been obscured by everything else that had happened. The quiet girl in the wheelchair was not the same girl who had led the Antinium into Invrisil.

She thusly didnt recognize Erin. Nor had she taken the [Guardsman] seriously when he advised those within the guild to perhaps leave.

She was being friendly to the clearly injured young woman, but she let go of the wheelchairs handlebars as Erin looked around for Selys. She didnt see Selys or the grumpy Tekshia, and she didnt recognize any receptionists by name.

Umexcuse me? Sorry, Im Erin.

What a familiar name. Jewel thought she knew it, but where had she? She put on a big smile as she nodded.

Adventurer Jewel, Miss. What are you looking for, exactly?

Wheres your, uh, job board? That place where you put up requests?

Jewel instantly pointed to a cork board at one side of the guild where a few adventurers were perusing the assignments on display. Kill a certain monster in the dungeon and harvest its parts, eradicate pests or dangers to the villagesthose were stock standard. Some people put bounties on pests in their homes or something more interesting, but Jewel was used to not actually accepting many requests.

Frankly, killing monsters and getting their bounties in the dungeon was more profitable, or hoping you found a treasure room. Not that shed been doing either; her team had come back from a semi-profitable Wyvern hunting expedition for that huge bounty. Two Wyverns was four thousand gold pieces. Not bad for a week of jumping at every shadow in the High Passes and waiting for a Wyvern to take the bait.

Yes, the bounty was still being claimed because there was still money in the Adventurers Guild vaults. Until it ran outwell, Liscor was the place to be in Jewels mind. It had access to two major cities, and shed heard so much about it.

Not enough, apparently, to recognize Erins name. The young woman thanked her and began wheeling over to the board. She had two pieces of parchment, and shed even brought her own hammer and a nail.

Ohexcuse me, Miss Erin. You cant do that.

Jewel intercepted the young woman and saved her from making a mistake. Erin frowned at Jewel.

What? Why? Im just going to put this up

Im afraid only registered requests can go up there. Youll need to run it by a [Receptionist]. Just over there, see?

Plus, who hammered nails into a cork board? Erin Solstice opened her mouth and hesitated.

But I have an, uh, an actual quest type thing. I know Selys, one of the [Receptionists]. Ill just

She tried to wheel around Jewel, but the Gold-rank adventurer was insistent.

You cant do that, Miss. Thats a board for Gold-rank requests, anyways.

Erin was trying to get to a sparsely-occupied board. It wasnt the backrooms of Invrisils Adventurers Guild with its pecking order, but there were still a few Gold-rank teams in Liscor, and Jewel blocked Erin. She was treated to a kindly, if exasperated smile.

I know, excuse me. Ill talk to the Guildmistress or anyone. Im just going to

Let me just get a [Receptionist] for you, Miss. Gold-rank requests are very expensive, and you have to put down gold first to prove you can back it. Im sure its vitalexcuse me! Can we get a [Receptionist] for?

And then Jewel turned Erin around in her chair and began rolling her towards the counter. It was all very well-intentioned, if pushy, but it was a continuation of Erins treatment for the last ten days.

By a stranger. Now, at this point the real question was: what would come next? Also, why had no one stopped Jewel?

Surely someone in the guild knew her. Of course they did. But half the [Receptionists] had already slipped out the back doors and were staring through the windows. As for the other Gold-rank teams or veterans?

Hey. Hey. Anith. Look what that Gold-adventurers doing.

Insill whispered in horror as he watched the entire event unfold. Anith looked up from his book as Vuliel Drae watched Jewel first meet Erin. Anith hesitated.

We should stop her.

He knew Erin Solstice, but before the Jackal Beastkin could move, someone else grabbed his arm.

No. Dont.

A deep voice echoed from where Seborn was sitting, taking his ease. He hadnt greeted Erin. Anith stared at the Drowned Mans serious gaze. Like the other Halfseekers, Seborn had given Erin her space after returning to Liscor. Or rather, hed followed Jelaquas lead.

Why not, Seborn?

He was treated to a serious look from the [Rogue]-[Faith Seeker]. Seborns face was grave as he whispered back.

Because it will be the funniest thing Ive seen in months.

And like that, Jewel was left alone to her fate by the other adventurers. She pushed the protesting Erin forwards until the young woman stopped her with her feet.

Miss Erin

Let go of my chair, please. Im going to do my thing. Get a [Receptionist] if you want, but they know me at this guild.

Erin looked annoyed at this point, and Jewel hesitated. At this point, she thought she should just let this young woman be admonished.

Incidentally, she was younger than Erin, but as a Gold-rank adventurer, Jewel was trying to be the responsible party. She watched Erin wheel up to the Gold-rank request board and then realized the same thing Erin did.

The [Innkeeper] was too short to reach the board properly in her chair. Erin tried to get up twice, then gave up. She scowled at the bottom of the request-board.

You think this makes you better than me? I dont need you anyways!

She waved a hammer at the board, and Jewel began wondering if Erin were actually just crazy. She got her answer a second later as Erin, grumbling, unrolled one piece of parchment and put a nail in place.

She was going to hammer it into the wall!

Miss! Miss

Jewel hurried over. Erin ignored her until she felt herself being pulled back again. This timeErin turned her head once.

Let. Go.

Jewels hands leapt from the wheelchairs handlebars, and she jerked back. It was like a shock, as if the handlebars had been charged.

An aura? She stared at Erin in surprise. But then she reached for Erin.

I cant let you

Erin calmly let Jewel grab one armit was a gentle grip, if strong. So it was a gentle flame that covered Jewels arm.

Aaah! What the

The Gold-rank [Swashbuckler] leapt back, waving away a bright orange flame. Even Seborn stirred at this point, because he had never seen that before. The grumpy flame of irritation covered Jewels hands, scorching her lightly before she could remove it. She had to stomp on it; it refused to go out.

Huh. New fire. And its lame.

Erin peered at the ground then shrugged. Jewel looked at Erin and then around the room. Nowas her other two teammates half-rose and gazed at their captain, Jewel realized she was being watched.

Situational awareness. A real veteran would have noted they were walking into a trap already, but Jewel was new to her rank. She hesitated and looked at Erin.

Was this some kind of advanced hazing prank? She could walk off, but she had embarrassed herself already. She was in too deep.

But what was the move? The young woman was clearly high-level in something, so Jewel was wrong in that she had no right to do whatever she was doing. Pulling her away would cause a scene, and she was ignoring Jewel.

So, the right thing to do that the [Swashbuckler] came up with was to approach, somewhat humbly, rubbing her burnt hand and smiling. Erin glanced over with resignation.

You came back. Are you really going to do this a third time? Because its gonna be bad.

Jewel hesitated. She could hear some titters in the background from the peanut gallery, but she put the best smile on her face and swept Erin a slight bow.

Miss Erin. I, umIm sorry for bothering you. Let me make it up to you. Im Jewel, Captain of Glitterblade. A Gold-rank team. As an apology, Id be happy to accept any request youre putting up.

That was her way out. A bit of the old Moribus Obligeadventurers responsibility in the old language. It might have even worked on someone else.

Erin Solstice stopped with the hammer raised. Jewel noticed that the cheap parchment that the young woman was writing on hadglittering lettering. Some fancy [Alchemist]s ink? Erin gave Jewel a long look that made the [Swashbuckler] feel as if she were looking straight through her. Then Erin smiled.

Yeah. Thats a kind offer. But I dont think itll really work. Your team might be under-level for this one. No offense.

The sheer audacity of that statement left Jewel at a loss for words. The laugher that ran around the room made Jewel flush. So she grabbed the request.

Shes killing herself. Im going in!

Insill stood up, but half a dozen hands from other adventurers pulled him back. They were watching all of it like a wagon heading towards an adamantium wall. Jewel was making a lot of mistakes, but again, to be fairshe was something of a prodigy.

A Gold-rank adventurer at her age? She had over 30 levels in [Swashbuckler], and her team had killed fearsome monsters, if not Adult Crelers. Being told she was underleveled for Erins request had to stingand Erin was in her antagonistic mode.

Grabbing the parchment was still the wrong move, though. Erins eyes flashed as Jewel snapped to everyone present.

Ill be the judge of that, Miss. My team will do it free if its

And then someone came to spoil this wonderful moment. Lyonette du Marquin charged into the guild with all four Thronebearers behind her. She spotted Erin and pointed.

No! Selysget in here!

Here came the cavalry. Selys Shivertail ran into the guild followed by a second group. No less than Todis Elites and Todi himself. All of them, [Knights], adventurers, [Princess], and [Heiress] ran at Erin.

No, you dont, Erin! What are you doing?

Lyonette advanced on the [Innkeeper] as Erin groaned. Erin put her hands up.

Lyonette, I have to

Youve just recovered! Do you have to make a scene?

Its really important. No one believes me. Dalimont, tell her! I was dead! And I had this

You didnt tell me. What are you doing? Give me that, Miss.

Lyonette grabbed for the parchment, and Jewel held on, staring at Todi. Selys was looking around.

Todi, grab that. Erin, do you have your rings on?

Stop babying me! And if one of you Thronebearers puts a hand on my wheelchair, Ill set you on fire! Back, back!

Erin produced a knife, and because it was Pelts, everyone backed up as she waved it around. Lyonette was sweating, and Selys saw the parchment in Jewels hand. Both [Princess] and adventurer were fighting for it, and the funny thing was

They thought they could stop this. Seborn was chortling so loudly that Todi noticed him. The Gold-rank veteran hesitated, but Selys snapped.

Todi, get the parchment.

Todi? What are youlet go! Im going to acceptwho is this?

Give me that, Jewel. What are you, a Bronze-rank rookie?

Todi snapped and tried to grab the parchment, but Jewel was hanging onto it like the last shreds of sanity. The piece of parchment stretched between all three hands as they fought for it, and then Lyonette, Jewel, and Todi realized something.

Erin had used foolscap parchment, cheap, frayed, and practically tearing itself to write down her little request. It already had a few breaks, but despite all three practically leaning on it, it wasnt so much as fraying.

And then they noticed that letteringshining. Selys Shivertail looked at the words, and one stood out to her. Slowly, she looked at Erin, who was watching the altercation with exasperation and amusement.

Erin. What is that?

Everyone turned to the [Innkeeper] as Jewel finally let go, and Lyonette and Todi went stumbling. Erin smiled. It was that wide, too-innocent smile of someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

Todi, right? Give me that.

He had it in his hands. Selys and Lyonette held out their hands, but Erin beckoned.

Give. I can always make a new one, I think.

I, er

Give.

The Gold-rank Captain looked from the [Princess] of Calanfer to Selys, his employer and [Heiress] and owner of the Heartflame Breastplate. Then at Erin Solstice. He performed a quick calculation and handed the parchment over.

Todi!

Selys and Lyonette began to argue, but Erin was already turning back to the wall. Todi stepped back, checked his wand and sword, and elbowed Jewel hard. She jumped and looked at him.

Thats how a Gold-rank adventurer does it, amateur.

Never let it be said that Todi couldnt read the room. He watched Selys and Lyonette trying to dissuade Erin Solstice. Jewel stared at Erin, and so did Todi. Because they, like Selys, had seen something of what that parchment said. Erin raised the hammer and nail as Tekshia Shivertail woke up from her nap in her office upstairs and wondered what all the damn shouting was about.

On the topic of Quests. The announcement that had rung through the ears of every [Innkeeper] in the world ten days ago was one of the many things that had happened.

To inquiring minds, it was very significant. As much as new lands rising? Wellin some ways, yes.

For instance, Timbor Parithad had heard the announcement in his head like this:

<Class: Innkeeper> [Quests unlocked.]

[Post: Basic Quest obtained!]

[Post: Rare Quest obtained!]

Very respectable for a Level 30+ [Innkeeper] like him. He, like every other [Innkeeper], had panicked a bit, made sure everyone else had heard it, and done some experimentation.

The benefits were already becoming apparentif figures of authority even knew this had happened.

Chaldion of Pallass, for instance, knew. Because he was Chaldion, and the owner of The Nobles Fancy, the fanciest inn in Pallass, had let him know what was going on via way of Rufelt.

That had incidentally gotten one of the junior [Strategists] assigned to sifting through reports reprimanded severely, because she hadnt forwarded the information to Chaldion, considering it not worth his time given all that was going on.

Right now, he was standing with the Drake in the aristocratic halls of the inn, which was more like a mansion and catered to the richest clients. If you wanted to feel like Terandrian royaltythis was the place.

So you can post [Rare Quests], but nothing more?

No, Grand Strategist.

What is your level at this moment, Innkeeper Adalton?

The Drake hesitated. He was wearing a suit rather reminiscent of a butler, but hed added some flared inner cloth that shone bright yellow with Pallass colors when he moved to the somber exterior. He had a lot of respect for Chaldion, but he was still a private person.

Er

Let me rephrase that. Are you over Level 40?

Rufelt coughed, because he knew the answer to this one. The Drake hemmed and hawed, and Chaldion sighed.

No, then. I could assume Level 40 is the cutoff forwhatever comes next. Hrm. If thats the case

He had one fake, gemstone eye that stared ahead, this one glowing bright blue, but his real one flickered to the doors. Rufelt had the same thought that Chaldion did.

I may confirm it later. Although my source isrecovering. This cant be a coincidence. Ten days ago exactly?

Yes, Grand Strategist. And I might addI can post a [Basic Quest] on the hour.

Killing rats, hauling grain. And the rewards are sometimesrandom?

Extra rewards, yes, Grand Strategist. Why, I had my neighbors son clean the guttersa huge project for a lad like him, but I promised him thirteen silvers for it. When he got the silver it was the instant he finished cleaning upand he did a better job than regular for the quest to finish! Then he got the silversand a football. One of the good ones.

A football.

Chaldions voice was flat. The [Innkeeper] nodded rapidly.

Exactly the same as the one on display hed been saving up for. Only, I did think it might have been taken or something, and the [Shopkeeper] swore his inventory was still there, but he thought it was a replica! Oh, and the boy got the [Cleaner] class after sleeping. Hes less happy about that.

Thats

Chaldion didnt say impossible because that was an objectively stupid thing to say when presented with fact. However, he might have said concerning. Or more.

As a [Strategist], the news set the Drakes mind racing. For instanceif you could get more value than what a Quest posted was worthwhat kind of rewards could you get if you could get a football?

What would a [Rare Quest] look like? Did you really advance a class from doing a quest? And how in the name of Dragons had this occurred?

Well, he suspected many of his answers lay in another inn. Respite or not, he would have them. Chaldion also knew that this matter would be surfacing across the world, and he was determined to have an edge on the competition.

No matter what it took. He was thanking Adalton absently and pressing him for any more salient details while trying to plan out his attack.

Hed have to use [Path to Victory], but his opponent had beaten it before. Chaldion needed to assemble his forces carefully. Grimalkin was good, but sometimes a negative impact. Hed have to call inSaliss too, but he might be sabotaged from within. Rufelt and Lasica, definitely.

Someone had to run interference with the [Princess]and did they need a bribe? Chaldion could almost envision the battle ahead, and it would be a tough one to drag anything helpful out of the jaws of the [Innkeeper] of The Wandering Inn, but he had a Walled Citys resources to call upon. It might just work.

Chaldion was just about to muster the troops to sally forth when it happened. Adalton was about to speculate on a [Rare Quest] if Chaldion would help him figure out how to get the conditions right, and they were a bit tricky.

In Liscor, Lyonette was reaching for Erins shoulder, and a much more sensible Selys was fetching a broomstick to prod Erin with. The stubborn [Innkeeper], watched through the windows by the adventurers and Zevara and her Watch, raised the hammer and placed the nail on the piece of parchment.

She brought the hammer down and struck the nail slightly, tapping it into the wood of the Adventurers Guild wall.

Toc.

What was that, Grand Strategist?

Adalton turned as Chaldion began to walk away. The Grand Strategist looked back.

Nothing.

Oh, my mistake.

Toc. Toc.

The Drake looked around, frowning. The [Innkeeper] glanced around The Nobles Fancy, wondering if one of the brats of hisesteemed guests had found a hammer.

Do you hear that?

Hear what?

Rufelt, Chaldion, and his escort looked back. Adalton rubbed at one earhole.

Nothing. But I could swearhuh?

TOC. This time the sound was louder. And the Drake felt it in his scales, like a vibration. He flinched, and Chaldions magical eye fixed on him.

What?

That sound! Can you hearhey! Whosits not in my inn. My head!

Adalton grabbed his head and looked around. The sound changed. The sound of a hammer hitting a nail had grown louder, but it couldnt be called that now.

Thum. It echoed. Adalton gazed around wildly, then his head turned and fixed in a strange direction.

What in the name of flying squirrels is that?

Chaldion held up a claw, and one of the [Soldiers] escorting him hesitated, a claw on his sword. The [Strategist] eyed Adaltons head and looked at the wall.

What direction is that?

Grand Strategist? Er

North?

North.

Rufelt confirmed quietly. Both Chaldion and the [Barkeeper] looked at each other and knew at once. Chaldion wavered between here and the door. He decided to stay and watch, but turned to one of his escort.

Get me Grimalkin. Send him into Liscor now. Signal Manus, and tell them to find an [Innkeeper]. High priority.

Adalton flinched again. The sound was growing louder. And his innChaldion looked up as, finally, the other people heard it and saw it.

The walls vibrated. And if they were moving herethe sound in Adaltons head grew louder. He clapped his claws over his earholes.

And in Liscor?

What is going on in my Guild?

Tekshia Shivertail came down the stairs with spear in hand, screaming. When she saw Erin Solstice, she stopped.

You!

She would have gone for Erin, but then it happened again. The [Innkeeper] raised that hammer in slow motioneverything felt like it was slow. The [Spearmaster] wondered if it were a time dilation Skill. She started forwards, and then the [Innkeeper] struck the nail again, hammering the piece of parchment into the wall.

Toc.

The entire Adventurers Guild shook. Tekshia raised her spear, but what was she going to do? Instead, she looked around.

Getget out of the guild! Now!

No one needed to be told twice. Todi was already running Selys out. Lyonette hesitated.

Erin!

The [Innkeeper] didnt seem to hear her, she was so focused. Lyonette looked around.

Stay with her!

She ordered the Thronebearers forwards and ran for it. Tekshia hesitated, but this was more than just worry about the sound. Erin brought the hammer down one more time, and Tekshia saw and felt her guild

Crack. A splinter cracked the old, sturdy masonry on one wall. Tekshia stared at it in horror; it was like the earthquakes shed seen! The crack ran up to the ceiling in a flash. Then part of the ceiling collapsed.

My guild!

The [Spearmaster] howled. And then that hammer drew back again, and she saw the words glowing on the parchment. Tekshia froze.

The hammer fell once more. Outside, the audience saw a wall fall down and the guild begin to collapse. Watch Captain Zevara had her head in her hands.

She had not expected this.

Timbor Parithad was shouting. Everyone in his inn was staring as the [Innkeeper] stumbled around.

Whats going on, Timbor?

Imani came out of her kitchen, and Timbor stumbled past her. The Horns were on their feet. They had the same thought as most.

The Wandering Inn. Get to

They ran, but in the wrong direction. Meanwhile, Timbor found something. He grabbed a piece of paper he used for noting orders and a quill.

The sound in his head was so loud, but there was something else that seized his mind. He did not have tobut he wanted to write it down. Just to show them. To prove he wasnt mad.

The same sound, the same words, surelythey must echo in the [Innkeepers] minds in Celum, from Agnes to Ulia, and even as far away as Pallass.

How far could they hear this?

The answer was simple. Every [Innkeeper] in Izril heard it. Even ones on Terandrias southern shores or Chandrars northeast. Ones further still feltsomething. The highest-level even heard words.

The second-highest level [Innkeeper] on the continent hammered the nail into the wood and sat back. As she did, Timbor wrote, transcribing the words shed scrawled on that simple piece of parchment down verbatim. He could have slept and done anything else and he would remember it. It was in his head, waiting for him to speak it.

It wasa Quest.

Erin Solstice rolled back from the wall a bit and exhaled. Only then did her intense focus slacken enough for her to look around. She felt drained, but she had done it.

Then she jumped and nearly fell out of her chair.

What thewhered the guild go?

Erin Solstice looked left and saw not the tables and chairs and walls of the guild. She looked past a dusty, wide-eyed Ser Dalimont with a shield raised overhead at the bright, shining sun and collapsedrubble

And the crowd, staring at what remained of Liscors Adventurers Guild. Erin Solstice goggled at them and saw Watch Captain Zevara, Relc, standing on his tiptoes and laughing next to Seborn, who was almost doubled-over, the other staring adventurers

Then she looked around and realized there was no guild. Not behind her, certainly not abovein fact, the only thing that remained of the guild was the wall shed been hammering into.

It was still there. Sort of. It had broken to pieces around the piece of parchment now fluttering in the breeze. Erin slowly wheeled past it and gulped. Behind the wall, she saw Tekshia Shivertail standing there and staring at the four-foot high piece of wood and stone that was all that remained of her guild.

Oh. H-hi, Tekshia. Fancy meeting you here.

The Guildmistress had a spear in her hand, but she was at a loss for words. Erin looked around, and the only person in this moment with anything beyond shock, awe, fear, or curiosity was Jewel.

Who felt a bit of schadenfreude that she had been right after all. But what was the quest? Before Tekshia began screaming and trying to stab Erin, before the commotion and shouting, everyone had to read what it said.

It burned across the continent in a moment. [Messages] lit up from city to city, asking whether this was a hoax. Was this real? Erin Solstice held up her hands and refused to explain anything, even when Tekshia shook her.

She knew what she was doing. And what she was doing was a trick Erin had learned long ago. When a poor Antinium Soldier was in danger of being kidnapped by interested powers, what was the right move? Arrange proper transport, responsible guards, and take logical countermeasures? Sure, sure.

Or you could set fire to the High Passes and distract everyone with that. Erin Solstices quest, and it was Erin Solstices quest, appeared in every inn and guild in the world within a day. It read thusly:

<Mythical Quest Find the Lost City of Stars!>

Limits: No armies, max of twenty adventurers per group for reasons. Big reasons.

The City of Stars is called Mershi! Its one of those lost Walled Cities, but its totally out there. Find it. Search for the Blades of Mershi, and the keys will lead you home.

The Walled City is waiting, but theres a lot of danger. Like, Named-rank+ danger.*** To get to it, you need more than just the keys. You need to find the ways back, and all the ones in regular Izril are shattered.

Does the City of Stars need to come back? Maybe not. They did a lot of bad things, but they were still a Walled City, and their legacy is lost. No one deserves to go out the way they did. The world might need what they have in the days to come, and its all there.

The Crossroads of Izril (Isssryssil?) are your first key. Please see the Heroic Quest or come to The Wandering Inn to inquire for details. Free lunch to whomever finds the City of Stars.

Posted Reward: Free lunch at The Wandering Inn. Lots of glory? Ill shake your hand.

Quest Reward: Renowned legend class of <Drakes>, the key to the Armory of Stars.

*** (Too hard for Jewel or her team!)

There were also two more quests that Erin Solstice postedlower down on the piece of broken wall. One was attached to that first quest.

<Heroic Quest Connect the Crossroads of Izril!>

Limits: None.

The Crossroads of Izril are totally a thing that exists. Its like thiscrossroadsthat people went on. But it was a cool place that let you travel to other places that were more magical!

I dont know how to get there aside from waystones. And its apparently not a fun place anymore. But its pretty darn important, and the old Walled Cities might have a way in or something. Oh, and you can get to other places from there.

They were never meant to be closed off. Find a way to open at least one gate that everyone can use, and everyone will benefit. But, um, make sure to lock the door before someone gets security around it. There might be things there.

Posted Reward: None, see Quest Rewards. And 10 gold pieces. (Imlerith was the City of Crossroads, btw. You need the passphrase to go to all the cool places).

Quest Reward: The Passphrase of Imlerith, experience in <Explorer> classes. Access to the [Crossroads of Izril] Skill.

Two quests beyond the scope of most [Innkeepers] to even contemplate posting. They hadnt even known they existed.

The real question was how she could do it. As every [Innkeeper] would come to realizeas Erin Solstice herself had, the quests were not an Adventurers Guilds fare.

They shouldnt even have been posted in an Adventurers Guild. They belonged to inns. Because you could not post a quest without knowing the truth.

Without guaranteeing the Quest Reward. And she could. The [Innkeeper] wheeled herself back from posting the second quest, panting a bit. She looked at Lyonette, and the [Princess] eyes were wide.

How, Erin?

Just something I picked up. I guess Ill leave it at that. Ohwell, theres this one, but I dont have enough wall.

Erin decided to hammer it into the side of the broken wall instead. This one didnt echo in anyones minds but the [Innkeepers] of Liscor. Yet it was the last one which also mattered.

<Rare Quest Bring Him Home!>

Limits: Not a jerk to Antinium. Has a vehicle or something.

His name is Antherr Twotwentyonethree Herodotus or Crusader 221-3. Hes a Soldier, and hes in the Great Plains of Izril, camp of Weatherfur. Please see Chieftain Feshi Weatherfur for exact location.

Transport him safely back to Liscor! If he dies or is hurt, the quest is off. Keep him safe from bad people like Walled Cities or [Bounty Hunters]. Oh, and keep him fed and happy.

Posted Reward: Free food for a week! Within reason.

Quest Reward: 80 gold pieces, experience in <Escort>, <Guard> classes.

Erin Solstice smiled and looked around as she regarded her three posted quests. Then she stretched and turned to her audience.

By now, they were all there. The Horns, Mrsha, Goblins, citizens of Liscor, and even Apista, buzzing on top of Rasktooths head. Erin Solstice inhaledthen began hacking because there was dust everywhere.

She caught her breath and looked at everyone. Erin rubbed at her face and smiled.

Im back, guys. And I brought something with me. I havemessages for some of you.

She looked at Ceria Springwalker, and the half-Elf flinched slightly, but she was caught by Erin. The [Innkeeper] swept her gaze over them, and they realized what she meant. She had brought something back.

From the lands of the dead. For them. Erin Solstice stared at Octavia, then a naked Drake jogging up. And the secrets of alchemy whispered in her mind, waiting to be posted as quests. She looked at Numbtongue, and the Hobgoblin felt an electric thrill run up his spine as Erin fixed her gaze on his sword.

What she said was this. With a smile, with weariness, but also, leaning forwards on her wheelchair, speaking earnestly.

Im a bit tired. I know youve all done so much, and I have to do things differently. We all do. But Im back, and I wont be still forever. I want to talk to you. So talk to me. Andand I think we need to do more good things.

She looked around.

I want to have more fun. I want to experience great moments with you all and help you with anything you want to do. And fall in

She trailed off. Erin Solstice looked back and met their gazes. Then she coughed again.

Sorry about the guild. I guess Ill post the other quests later. Party at The Wandering Inn!

Slowly, she pushed herself forwards, and one of the Thronebearers helped her over the rocky ground. Erin rolled forwards until the silence became voices. Then cheering as Numbtongue and Jelaqua and the others lifted her chair overhead. She left behind a broken Adventurers Guild and chaos.

And The Wandering Inn? It was back in business. The first Mythical Quest was posted again on the walls later that day. It would not be the last.

Authors Note: And were back. Volume 9 has begun and Im tired. Time for another break!

Im kidding. Or am I? In truth, I think I actually spent the first fourteen days of rest just recovering. Only after that period did I feel like a person, and I ran into some severe exhaustion, but I think a lot of its cleared up.

I definitely needed the month off and, as promised, Im back. But also as promisedIm trying to take it easy.

With a 28,000 word chapter to bring us into Volume 9. It could be 38,000. It could be 48,000. Itll be a work in progress, filled with false promises Im sure, but were going to try and take it easy.

And work on Volume 1s rewrite! And maybe other stuff! I will keep you posted and no, the schedule I showed Patreons will not be the set plan. Im going to play it by ear this month and get back into writing. Also, no side story poll! Sorry, but for the first few chapters itd be weird if you voted on the first few chapters.

Hopefully you liked our first chapter back. I feel rusty, ironically, but I think Ill get back into the best flow soon enough. Thanks for reading and tell your friends! Tell your enemies! Tell the beesThe Wandering Inn is back.

And so is Erin Solstice.

Waking Up and Lets Go Mrsha by /boboplushie

Ceria by laavente, commissioned by Finn_Ryan!

Twitter: /laaventer

Erin by slaetus!