Book 9: Chapter 11: W

Book 9: Chapter 11: W

Inkarr the Traveller was what Gnolls called her. She was, to ask the Longstalkers Fang Tribe, a sociable, kind Human. Someone who got exasperated by their rolling rs in her name, a wonderful emissary for her people. Brave, fond of a silly [Guardsman]and Lehra Ruinstriders paramour, among about a hundred others.

She didntact like that since coming to Liscor. Tkrn had wondered if she was sick in their brief, private moments. Only then had Inkar told him she was fine.

I am just being quiet. Because I am a guest of Liscor and this is new. And because of Erin.

Why? She likes you. She even puts up with meand after what I did with Calruz and Mrsha

Tkrn looked guilty, confused, and he didnt see. Inkar just looked thoughtfully into a hand-mirror as they readied themselves for the last day of travel to Riverfarm.

She may like me. I like her, a bit. Shes very kind, and she cares for Goblins. And Gnolls. She promised she would give me something to help Eska.

And?

The [Worldly Traveller] looked up.

I think she might. She scares me.

Who, Erin? She does weird things, and shes chaotic, and Zevara hates her, but Erin? Shes so nice.

Inkar looked at Tkrn seriously enough that he stopped eating cold jerky and glanced at her.

She reminds me of Chieftain Xherw. But backwards. She broke a building by hammering a nail into it. She is friends with the Antinium who nearly conquered Liscor. Now, she is coming to meet an [Emperor] and maybemaybe set all his Goblins free.

Tkrn swallowed hard and wished hed brought Relc along.

S-she said that?

The worst part was that neither one thought it was impossible, or at the very least, impossible for Erin to try. Inkar shook her head.

Erin Solstice came back from the dead. She scares me.

She does like you.

Tkrn pointed out. Inkar turned to Tkrn and patted him on the head, which became more affectionate as he craned his head left and right so she could scratch it.

Yes. She does like me. Imagineimagine a hill speaking one day and saying it liked you.

Ah.

Today, no mountains trembled where Erin walked. People did cheer, but Inkar had seen the Meeting of Tribes, so it only put Erin on the level of a famous adventurer or figure among Gnolls.

An [Emperor] greeted Erin, and Inkar smiled, touched, as Erin met Griffon Hunt and a little Goblin with a chefs hat clung to her, sobbing, and the entire event turned into melancholic happiness. No, happiness colored by loss and regret and triumph, greater for it.

Like a beautiful flame, the likes of which Erin could conjure. A different kind of storm, passing over Riverfarm.

Not like the Wind Runner, who came in like a hurricane, building until she left amidst destruction and loss and great deeds.

Erin? She came in already burning, and it only grew hotter from there as more people met the flame. The [Emperor] was first.

Then came the Goblins, the [Witches]. Inkar saw it all and thought she was not wrong to try to get on Erins side, but stay away.

Your Majesty, the Goblins have left the Goblinlands!

Inkars head turned, and she saw Numbtongue straighten, eyes widening. Ulvama just counted, and Gothica spun around with a look of delight and relief.

For there came Goblins. Across Riverfarms tamed grounds, marching out of the wide forest and the mountain in the backdrop, past the double-layered walls, one slightly higher than the other.

Green folk. Some short like children, racing next to tall Hobs, round or lithe. But what struck Inkar was how they looked.

Goblins had always been described to her by Eska and Deskie as monstrous savages at worst, barely clothed and cannibalistic, to opportunistic raiders at best, predatory and cunning but uncivilized.

These Goblins put a hole in that idea, if Erin and the others had not already. Like Numbtongue, like GothicaUlvama played into the stereotype with how she talked and dressedthey looked like people.

They wore clothing, most of it simply spun cotton or wool, but Inkar realized, thanks to her acquaintanceship with Honored Deskie, that it came from the same [Weavers] as Riverfarms folk.

The colors and make were exactly the same. Some of the Goblins had forgone the Unseen Empires motif or added curious red stripes or other symbols of the tribes they had been part of, but a few looked identically clothed to the Humans.

More than thatthey had a different air to them than even Numbtongue. Numbtongue was polite, well-spokenbut as cautious as Inkar was to Erin. He behaved like he expected someone to produce a mob out for his blood at any moment. Ditto for Ulvama.

But these Goblins strolled along, some scratching at their bellies or pointing. Many had weapons, but that was personality, rather than their fear of Riverfarms people.

And indeed, the Humans were drawing back, but not fleeing for weapons. Many glared, but Inkar noticed how many looked resigned or watched the [Emperor]. If the Goblins were disliked, it was as a bad neighbor was, rather than monsters.

Fascinating. How much did Erin realize? She turned, her eyes wide, and made a choking sound. Then she began to walk forwards as Pebblesnatch clung to her like an anchor, still sobbing.

In response, the Goblins pointed at her. Some waved. Others lookedwell, they just observed Erin, much like Inkar. A few waved at Gothica or recognized Numbtongue and roared in delight.

Leafarmor and Raidpear raced along the ground ahead of the others as Numbtongues eyes widened. They met in an explosion, tackling each other, slamming hands on each others backs, chatting in their language of gestures and oddly fluid sounds to Inkars ear. She wondered what language it might be likeit wasnt like Kazakh or Russian in many ways, the only two she knew besides English.

Ulvama got the least amount of reception. Some of the Goblins peered at her and shrugged. Oh, shes back again.

But they had one thing that made Inkar do a double-take. She saw a Goblin raise a rectangular device in its hands, and a flash made Erin pause, mid-run. A Goblin held up the smartphone, cackled, and showed the others.

Video, video, stupid. Me hugging her!

One scolded the other, and the Goblin sighed and held the phone up in landscape-mode like a proper person did. Erin pointed at it.

Whthatswhat the

Then a Goblin snuck up behind her and gave Erin a huge hug, beaming for the camera. The other Goblins clustered around, patting at Erins head, prying off Pebblesnatch, and pointing out Mrsha.

Hey, I knew that Gnoll! The Cave Goblins were especially nostalgic. And once they realized Gothica was one of them, they surrounded her, trying to take her parasol, asking questionsand getting kicks until they backed up to let the [Goth] assert her isolated rebelliousness.

For once, Erin was overwhelmed. She kept having Goblins pat her on the head or pose, grinning, and she was lost for words.

That is a smartphone! How theyoure alive! Youre walking about? No ones beating you with sticks?

No sticks. Unless for fun? Ulvama back. Probably more of that.

One Goblin assured Erin in cheerful, if slightly stilted, English. Erin pointed at Riverfarm. Griffon Hunt.

Halrac was still overwhelmed, but Revi was pushing back Goblins trying to pat her head with a growl, and Briganda had backed up. YetRiverfarms people mostly watched. One, a huge man with a [Blacksmith]s apron, called out to one of the Goblins.

Hey, you lot got any of that iron ore? We could use more

Yeah, yeah. Later. Im busy.

A Hob snapped back. It was such a strange reaction as he posed with Erin for the next camera shot that Erin was lost for words.

Here was something that not even Liscor had. And then she turned her head and saw a blind man smiling as he leaned on a scowling half-Troll girls arm. Erin stared at him and thought the smile looked slightly smug.

ThenErins head turned as the last group made themselves known. The final power of Riverfarm came strutting across the ground, heads held high. Like a group headed to a ball, they strode past the Humans, who moved aside respectfully. They approached Erin, haughtily sizing her up. The Sariant Lambs plodded towards Erinuntil a boot nearly kicked one into a building.

Oops, sorry about that.

The lambs scattered, and people booed and made sounds of outrage, but Hedag strode forwards, aiming another kick at a lamb who fled, mewling. Erin looked up, and here came [Witches].

Agratha, Oliyaya, Hedag, Eloise, apprentices and adults. Even Alevica, side-by-side. They parted the streets like the Sariant Lambs, but the hats

Hats of every color! Friendly and stern, some black as midnight, others brown, one even as red as an apple. [Witches] all.

Erins eyes grew wider, because she had noticed the [Witches], of course, but she had never seen any. Not since coming back from the dead. And here they were. Her eyes searched the crowd for a girlbut there were many girls, and none looked likelike

A flapping sound in the air broke the slow advance of the [Witches]. A gigantic crow landed on a rooftop, perching, staring down at Erinand then it was a woman. Mavika peered down at Erin, and she gasped in recognition. Lightly, the Crow Witch leapt to the ground, and she joined the line of hatted women.

They stopped, as Goblins turned, and regarded Erin. She felt dozens of keen eyes on hers. Dozens ofwhat?

It wasnt like Laken, who was still a presence that defined this land, an aura like a vast eye watching her, although not as unfriendly as Sauron, but there. The [Witches] were more likeideas.

Not even ideas, scenes. Erin could look at them, and it was like a movie began playing in her head, but replete with sound and smell. One look at the short woman with the pressed tea leaves and flowers sewn into her hat and the gentle, if inquisitive smile, and Erin felt like sitting outside and having a cup of tea and talking the older [Witch]s ear off. Sniffing the tea, tasting it with the tip of her tongue until it wasnt too hot and the gentle taste of sour green tea filled her mouth, sip by sip

By contrast, the woman who had an axe on her shoulder and a build to match the [Blacksmith] put Erin in mind of striding through the forest on grim business. Going tofell a tree? Not quite right. Something about that smile made Erin fear the axes downswing, yet it was necessary, like a [Woodcutter] removing trees plagued by blight.

The [Witch] with the cardigan sweater? Erin felt like shed be in class, dozing a bit, and sitting up and answering a question, and you had to raise your hand or youd get a scolding, but she was the kind of [Teacher] who wanted to be cool and was thus uncoolbut she had candies on her desk that she passed out after class.

All of this passed in a moment for Erin, like a wonderful banquet where the smells alone drew you into a seat. But she could have savored it far longer, seen far more

Yet what did they see of her? The [Witches] looked at the [Innkeeper]. And they saw a woman with no hat.

A woman, no longer a girl. To the woman who was as much crow as person in Erins eyes, Mavika, Erin still smelled of the battlefields. Blood and death clung to her, but she also was the scent of baking, ashwheat, rich and warm on the breeze. Tears baked into the dough.

To Alevica, Erin seemed like many of the clients shed met; not the ones who shouted loud, but the ones for whom the Witch Runner did actual, quality deliveries. Power unseen, just out of sight, that didnt need to bragbut only halfway. The other half was like Charlay, a loud, brash donkey who kicked up a fuss, the loudest person in the room.

However, what all of them saw was fire. It was so closely part of the young [Witch] that it defined her. A great passion, burning a myriad of colors, each one glorious and wonderful.

But mostly, she had no hat. So all these potentialities were strong in her, but untamed. Unfocused, like a gem that could be a prism, refracting light, but only showed strong, fuzzy colors.

The [Witches] and Erin were silent for a long moment. Even the Goblins watched, and Mrsha sneezed and coughed as she stared at the strange women, and Pebblesnatch looked around for Garry. Then, as onethe [Witches] did the quintessential greeting between their kind.

As one, young and old, dozens, possibly as many as seventy in this street alone

They tipped their hats. Erin hesitated, looked from face to face, and started.

Her hand rose, but she had no hat, even an invisible one, so she waved weakly, a little waggle of the hand.

Um. H-hi.

She paused, glanced at her hand, and made a face.

Okay, I get it. Thats why you have a hat.

Giggling. Some of the apprentices covered their mouths, and Erins head snapped up. She saw the Tea Witch cover her mouth politely, but the woman with the axe threw her head back and laughed almost as loudly as Briganda. And thenthe Crow Witch glanced around, irritated, and spoke into the second hush she caused.

Witch of Liscor. Witch of the Wandering Inn. Innkeeper Witch. Witch Erin Solstice. We have been expecting you.

You hI mean, greetings. Witch?

Mavikas eyes fixed Erin with a disapproving look. She tilted her head unnaturally to one side.

Mavika. With me stand the [Witches] of the Unseen Empire, though we are no coven formal. A great pact has been forged across this land, and we gather. All save the Stitch Witch are offered sanctuary here. Yet the crows know your name. The wind whispers it. An [Emperor] welcomes you, as do we. Will you speak with us, Witch of Liscor?

She was so formal. There was a ritual to this, and Erin felt it, she had been taught it. Yet she hesitated. She tried to smile.

Me? I mean, sure. I was hoping to find a Nanette. II sent word. I have something to tell her. But Id like to speak to all of you! Hello!

Again, Erin smiled, but this time, it didnt go over as well. There was no chuckle. There were some smiles, but Mavika was staring a hole into Erins face.

You speak with none of the old ways, Witch Solstice. Though I feel them in my bones. I smell the grave on you, yet you speak like a child to our craft.

Erin bit her tongue. She felt like Somillune or one of the other [Witches] was upbraiding her. Erin hesitated and spoke more carefully.

I have been taught some of the old ways, Witch Mavika. But I am no [Witch] of years. I dont evenI do not even have a hat. If I am informal, I apologize. But I have come here as a friend to all, and a friend to all I hope to be! I have come upon Witch Califors will to meet Nanette, and I have more to speak of

Califors name provoked a response within the coven, who turned their heads and murmured, but the sound was doused as the older [Witches] turned their heads. Erin went on, speaking into the silence.

But I am an [Innkeeper] too. A guest of Riverfarm and Emperor Godart, and I would like to be a friend. So I am sorry, and I hope to get to know you. After alla [Witch] is a [Witch]!

Erin beamed and winked at Mavika. The Crow Witchs face never changed, but her beady eyes lingered on Erins face.

Yes. Some are ruder than others. Some less a [Witch]. But you breathe like the oldest thunder still rolling from ages past. You smell of corpseblood of kingdoms, and I hear the horn in your voice like the greatest war. So I take my hat off to you and will listen to your words.

With that, she removed her hat, revealing strands of grey hair, and bowed her head ever-so-slightly. Then she put it on her head. Erin saw Mavika turn away. The [Innkeeper] saw the other [Witches] break up and turned around. Goblins, [Emperor], her friends, and Riverfarms folk saw Erin smile uncertainly.

Umdid I make her mad?

And that was how Erin Solstice came to Riverfarm. But the two [Witches] who mattered most to her, in some waysshe had yet to meet.

Once again, Laken Godart approached, and the introductions began again, explanations and unpacking and more. But Erin, perplexed by the [Witches], slightly off-put by Mavika, still waiting to meet Nanette, and anxious and relieved by the Goblins, rubbed at her ears. It was faint, but stillshe supposed it was a trick of her mind.

Because no one else had mentioned, behind the greetings and speeches, the talk and silence, the faint sound of someonecrying.

Wiskeria knew the old ways. She had been taught by the greatest [Witch] living. Erin had been taught by the greatest coven in existence.

Yet neither had been the perfect student. Erin had not been a [Witch]. And Wiskeria

Wiskeria had been a girl. How did you teach either the old craft, the deepest ways?

The answer was that you didnt. Nevertheless, when Wiskeria saw Nanette and her hat full of sadness, which threatened to crush her, she offered the younger [Witch] her knowledge.

I couldteach you how to sacrifice it.

Sacrifice what?

Nanette dreamily clung to Wiskerias hand. She had not met the [Innkeeper], but she was going to. Erin had asked to meet with her, and so Wiskeria was taking her into Lakens throne room. It was the first time they would meet her up close.

Your sadness.

Wiskeria said it like it was obvious. Nanette looked up at Wiskerias bespectacled face as the [Witch] nodded to people, smiled and greeted them. Wiskeria. Belavierrs daughter. The ordinary [Witch].

What would happen?

The younger [Witch] was curious. She knew her answer, but Wiskeria replied absently.

Youd never feel sad again. Possibly only about your mother, but generally too. I dont recommend it, necessarily, but the option is there. You might get something good for it. Its just an option; stop me if you dont want to.

There it was. Like offering to cut Nanettes hair. The girl pondered what kind of person she might be without sadness. Much less for her mother. It sounded like a joke.

But imagine it. Someone who was never sad. That was a frightening thing. Yet more than that, Nanette was curious, so she tilted her head up to stare at Wiskeria. Her hat hurt her head. To be rid of itwould be nice. But not like that.

Could you really do that? Do you know how to sacrifice sadness, Wiskeria?

Mm. Yes. Sort of. Enough to get us started. I dont know how to do a lot of the deep craft. Its more likemy mother taught me the first steps. Thats the tricky bit, she claims. Anyone can keep walking, but finding the path? I have all the options, but Id learn the rest.

I see. Califor never taught me that.

Wiskeria nodded amiably.

She was one of the great teachers, though. I dont think she was wrong to hold it back from you. My mother was a poor teacher. A poor mother. I think even shed admit that. She did her best, though. But she made a lot of mistakes.

How?

The [Witch of Law] smiled brightly, like a white lie. A pleasant nothing on her face, disguising whatever she might feel. That was the thingNanette couldnt read Wiskeria. A [Witch] could pull emotion out of a moment or person, even if it wasnt their craft. Even Nanette could do that. She had sensed Ryokas sadness and guilt, just like her relief.

Yet Wiskeria was blank. Only rarely did some emotions seep through. Mavika, Eloise, Hedag, they were all guarded, but it was the difference between something being there but out of sight, behind an opaque glass wall.

Versus not being there at all. Still, Wiskeria had feelings. She had a past. Sothe trick was this. Wiskeria tilted her hat up as she took Nanette through Riverfarm. And she said it all, plain as you like, for Nanette to hear.

How was Belavierr a bad mother? I supposeshe spoiled me.

Spoiled? The older Wiskeria had come to that conclusion long after being a girl. When she dreamed, it was almost always lucid dreaming.

She couldnt help it. She slipped into consciousness and interacted with her dream, rather than being a passenger on the ride. Wiskeria always knew she was dreaming, so she was unfortunately never truly surprised.

It had some benefits, but like much of her life, it was a consequence of having been Belavierrs daughter.

It was a famous story. An unprecedented thing. To hear Belavierr tell it, the moment was chance. She had found Wiskeria, a victim of some accident, dying alone. And unlike any other babe the Stitch Witch had sacrificed or abandoned, bartered or ignoredshe had scooped Wiskeria up and made her a daughter.

The first in an immortal lifespan.

Why? The girl had wondered if it were fate, but Belavierr had always denied it, and she rarely lied outright. It was justa decision.

Perhaps it was Belavierr sensing a need to change herself. But whatever the case, she had still been the immortal Witch of Webs. ThenSer Raim had not yet burned her layers of immortality away. She had been more secure, more entrenched in her power than most points in her life.

So when the older Wiskeria looked at a dream of herself, she could see a girl with blue hair hurrying to keep up with a striding woman who had never truly changed. Onlythe Belavierr of her childhood had a blank face. Even compared to the one of now, she wasdistant. Sometimes, she forgot to speak or breathe, but whenever the girl spoke, Belavierr would stop and listen.

That was the first way in which Wiskeria was spoiled. Never, ever, had Wiskeria met someone else like Belavierr. Even the most loving parents had moments when a childs questions became nattering or when a good friend lost focus of a conversation.

But Belavierr? Every time Wiskeria spoke, the Stitch Witch focused utterly and absolutely on her daughter.

Mother, I am hungry. I have not eaten in a day.

The little Wiskeria didnt look thin, but she certainly did not have the fed look of some children in Terandria. She walked with experience, even six years old, and she seemed older, used to doing things.

Not that her mother hadnt fed her or taken care of her with great fastidiousness. It was just that when she realized Wiskeria could feed herself or ask for food, she had abandoned the notion entirely.

Look at her. The older Wiskeria observed how, even as a child, shed realized how off her mother was and how she needed to speak differently. Belavierr tilted her head left and right, then replied slowly.

Eating is good for a child. You should eat more, Wiskeria. Why did you not ask?

A flat question for a flat face, but not uncaring. Young-Wiskeria shrugged.

I had snacks. May I have something to eat, Mother?

Yes, of course. What do you desire?

And there it was. The older Wiskeria saw the young ones face light up, and she closed her eyes, for this was bad parenting. She remembered it clearlythe young Wiskeria beamed with delight.

I dreamed of eating a great fish from the sea, Mother! The [Sailors] said there are fearsome sharks as big as boats! May I have a fish like that?

Nowto anyone else, that question would have resulted in a different answer. A kindly way to say no, or a version of that request. A fish with teeth, or a bit of one, or maybe a clever bit of cooking to put husks of cornmeal in a fishs mouth, or cut up a bit of meat or

But the child knew she could ask, and worsethe mother straightened at once.

A fish with teeth as large as a ship? Do you care which it is?

Nobut may I see you catch it?

The Stitch Witch nodded. So, she let Wiskeria hold her hand as the child and mother walked differently and sped up, crossing the land like a blur, like a stroll. Until they reached the sea. Then her mother produced a fishhook as large as an anchor and tied it to a piece of hair that had come from a unicorn.

A fishing hamlet watched in silence and terror as the Stitch Witch took a tiny hook out and let Wiskeria whirl the little hook and toss it into the sea. The girl tried three times before she got it into the water.

Only on the third time did the great anchor-hook fly into the distance and sink in a tremendous splash. Belavierr whispered as Wiskeria hummed and laughed and waved at the village. Thensomething began tugging, and the young Wiskeria pulled, and the water began to writhe and tear as something tremendous thrashed in the distance.

Hold on tight, my daughter.

The child wrestled with the little line as Belavierr carefully pointed at the great beast coming closer. Then a needle like a harpoon speared down, and five moreand Wiskeria was laughing and clapping her hands as the bloody side of a whale shark rose from the waters.

The older Wiskeria watched all this sadly. She had been a sailor on a ship when she left home and her mother. She had crewed vessels, eaten the days catch and the fine work of a [Cook] most nights.

She had never quite enjoyed it as when she had been a girl upon a beach, eating a whales heart as it still tried to beat. Belavierr had made some classic parenting mistakes.

A child should not have everything. If she ever had another child, she probably wouldnt have made the same error.

But what a thought. Belavierr with a second child? She had never beenevil. No, she had been evil, but she had taught her daughter without lies.

One day, as Wiskeria was playing with an artifact Belavierr had bought which let Wiskeria hover and fly about, the Stitch Witch was watching her.

The girl was getting older now: she was eight. Eightand Belavierr had begun teaching her the old ways. Bits and pieces, although the girl had no craft yet. She was already an [Apprentice Witch], but no full [Witch]. Not yet.

Wiskeria. Come here.

Wiskeria stopped floating about and landed. It was rare Belavierr told her to do anything, so Wiskeria stood with hands folded.

Yes, Mother?

Belavierrs ringed eyes blinked slowly, and she regarded Wiskeria, touching her head, feeling at her cheeks, making sure she was well with a spell to check her health.

Wiskeria. Are you happy?

Yes, Mother. Im very happy right now.

Belavierr nodded slowly. She gazed at Wiskeria and then spoke.

Good. Then hold still, Wiskeria. I am going to slap you.

The little girls face wrinkled with puzzlement. She opened her mouth and then held still, curious.

She did not expect the slap to be hard. Or if she didWiskeria opened her eyes and stared at the sky. She felt at her cheek and found it was swelling so fast that it puffed up under her fingers. She realized her mouth was bloody, but it didnt hurt. Not yet.

When she got up, Belavierr was sitting there. The same face. She just watched Wiskeria as the girl began to feel the pain. Wiskeria gulped for air, and her eyes glistened, but she made no sound until Belavierr spoke.

If you wish to cry, cry. Tears befit anyone when they are needed. I have a potion to heal your wounds, and I will give it to you after you learn the lesson.

I wont cry, Mother. What lesson was that? There was no reason in it. No

Wiskeria held her cheek. The old ways had many horrible things, but they were all for a reason. That? Belavierr spoke calmly.

That was no lesson in witchcraft, my daughter. I slapped you for a simple reason: you will never fully trust me again. I have betrayed every pact. Broken oaths sworn in blood. I have known mothers who devour their daughters for life, for power, for jealousy and greed. If I one day change, you must be able to slay me.

H-how could I slay you, Mother?

The girl whispered, looking up at an omen as tall as a mountain. Layers of immortality. She was beginning to see, and a hundred mouths whispered back to her, safe from time and mortal blades.

That, I must teach you. Enough to give you even a chance. Or what sort of a mother would I be?

By the time the girl met the boy, she was twelve. Not that she met him on her birthday or any auspicious hour. She was doing perfect cartwheels along the side of a mountain when he swooped down on a young Griffin.

He was the boy who would be called the Griffin Prince of Kaliv, in time, and thirteen. Kaliv let their [Prince] fly with only a speaking stone because the Royal Griffin he had been raised with was better than any dog or bodyguard. As long as he stayed in sight of their capital city, he was allowed to roam.

So, the sight of a young girl, alone, doing cartwheels where monsters could appear had him curious. Even a feral Griffin could kill someone, and she was no Kaliv citizen.

Health above, so below! What are you doing, Miss? Its not safe out here.

The young Griffin Prince swooped down, keeping his voice low in case of avalanches. The girl looked up.

Oh, health below and so above to you too. Hello, there. Im cartwheeling and waiting for my mother to come back. Im fine, thanks. Nothing will harm me.

She was so confident that the [Prince] was taken aback. He was young, and she had the look already of someone who had a secret on the tip of her tongue. A too-old look of someone who had seen her mother bring down the moon and had listened to all the whispers of the ages.

At that time, Wiskeria was not old, and she still did not know her mother entirely. So she was arrogant. And it came off wrong on a [Prince] of Kaliv, so the boy spoke up, putting a hand on his sword.

Even Im not safe here. Even a full [Griffin Rider] would be wary, Miss. Let me take you home. My mother, the [Queen], can find your mother.

The girl did another cartwheel, and only now did the [Prince] realizeshe had a pointed hat on her head, blue as could be, but it never moved. There was no strap, but even when she rotated in a cartwheel and it brushed the ground, it never came off her head.

Mm. No. I dont think so. No one can find my mother. And nothing can harm me. My mother sewed a good-luck charm into this amulet, see?

She showed him a cloth bag, and the Griffin Prince didnt recognize it as an amulet. He grew angrier and spoke.

I bet I could do you harm if I wanted to. Or Coalwing, here.

He indicated his Griffin, and the young Coalwing cawed uneasily, a warning the Griffin Prince didnt heed. Wiskerias head rose, and she looked at the boy.

No, you couldnt. At least, you couldnt kill me.

I bet I could.

You couldnt. Would you like me to prove it to you?

If you like.

The entire conversation was getting away from the young [Prince]. It felt silly and childish like an argument with someone else, but alsohe didnt realize she was serious until Wiskeria was striding towards him. Then he put up his hands jokingly.

I dont want to punch you.

Okay. Then draw your sword. But I have your eye.

The boy sat down, and Coalwing shrieked. Only after he felt the searing pain and began to scream and clawed at his sword did he realize she had poked out his eye.

He was afraid to cut her, despite that, but she drew a knife, and he realized his sword kept turning. Even his Griffin was screaming as she drew a wand and set fire to his feathers. He cut Wiskeria twice, and she cried out as blood ran down, but she kept fighting.

Do you admit it? Do you admit it?

He didnt understand what she wanted him to admit. She was getting exasperated, and his eye was gone, and he was bleeding from two stabs. Wiskeria seized his head.

Dont make me kill you! Admit you cant kill me!

She stared into one eye running with tears, the other with blood, and looked confused.

Why are you so sad? Its not even that Ive hurt you. Youresad. Dont be.

She dropped her knife and fished out a handkerchief. The boy was dying of blood loss, but she pulled out a potion and healed him. Then she sat, asking him why he was crying and why he wouldnt just admit the obvious.

My eye. My eye!

He screamed at her, and she looked more and more puzzled until her mother appeared. She came striding up the mountain, up a cliff face, and the boy froze when he saw that ringed stare, that hat.

Wiskeria. What are you doing with a [Prince]? Youve taken his eye. Did he attack you? If so, he dies.

She drew a sewing needle, and his heart stopped, but Wiskeria leapt up.

No, Mother! I poked out his eye because we argued, but hes crying and hes sad.

People are sad when they lose their eyes, my daughter. Hm. This will not do. He is the son of a [Queen]. It should not be as much a fuss if he vanishes. Or I can remove you from his mind.

Wiskeria looked back at the terrified boy and scuffed a foot on the ground.

Dont do that. I like him. Can you heal him, Mother?

Belavierr tilted her head.

As you wish, my daughter.

So, she took the terrified [Prince] and found where his eye had run onto the ground and made him scoop up the dirt and press it into the bloody socket. Then, when the dirt fell away and he blinked with two eyes, she stitched up his torn clothing and listened as he exclaimed and talked with Wiskeria.

The young girl was powerfully interested in this crying boy and begged her mother to let him introduce her to his mother. SoBelavierr walked higher, and she walked into Kalivs courts and met Novakya, the Griffin Queen, and introduced herself and her daughter.

To say they caused a stir was an understatement. Every great warrior stormed into the court as the Griffin Queen swept her son behind her, but Belavierr tipped her hat andbecause her daughter had no friends and liked the young [Prince]offered the Griffin Queen a deal.

Thereafter, the Stitch Witch would visit, sometimes every day, sometimes once every few months, and bring her daughter to meet the [Prince]. Upon request, she would sewfor a discounted pricewhat was asked of her.

Some armor for a warrior. Sew an arm back onto a body. Sew a little charm into a tunic. And Wiskeria and the [Prince] would play, and she would slowlyslowlyrealize why he had cried when she took out his eye. He, in turn, would speak with the Stitch Witch and her daughter and develop a friendship, or infatuation, that only grew the older they got.

When he was fifteen, she was fourteen, and two years had passed, Wiskeria was more like a person. But still, she loved her mother and sometimes asked the [Prince] if he wanted anything.

Anything? Your mother makes my mother worried, Wiskeria.

I know. And sometimes she says we might become enemies or she might eat me. But she hasnt, and she gives me what I ask for. I have asked for Wyvern meat, to fly and touch clouds. I almost asked to pet a Unicorn, but she does too much, you know. But youre the Griffin Prince. Isnt Ailendamus worrying to your mother?

He nodded, thinking back to the meetings he sometimes eavesdropped on or the [Advisors] and [Strategists] would tell him about, or his mother and his siblings.

It is. I have to learn a lot. I hopeyour mother will stay friends with Kaliv, even if some people call her a monster.

Wiskeria smiled brightly.

So long as Im here, she will! But dont you want something else? Shes so miserly, but if I ask her, shell do something for free.

But the cost

Wiskeria waved that away eagerly. She had never convinced the [Prince] of this much before.

Shell pay it for me because of love and complain about the cost of being a mother. Or Ill help you pay it! What do you want? A sword? Shes no good with swords, but she can sew almost anything.

So the young man thought and thought and then had a brilliant idea as he read stories of old. He was shy, but Wiskeria got it out of him, and nearly a month later, she bade her mother listen to his request. For Kaliv, for the future, the [Prince] asked if the Stitch Witch could make him a warrior who would never die.

What happened then, as Belavierrs daughter watched and realized what it was to see a friend in pain, when she looked at her mothers blank face and saw her, in the days after, when Kaliv expelled the Stitch Witch and the disgraced [Prince] lost his name and futureall of that came from a simple tragedy.

The Griffin Prince asked if the Stitch Witch could make him into a warrior who would not die. The horror, the tragedy of it wasshe did.

Wiskerias past, her guilts, the failures of youth, of growing up and her mistakes that had driven her away from her mother until now, were old stories.

She had told Nanette some of them, but possibly only the Griffin Prince and Wiskeria knew them all. Even Mavika did not know Wiskerias childhood.

Yet, when Wiskeria met the Witch of Liscor, the [Innkeeper], Erin Solstice, they came back to her. A bland, normal [Witch] fiddled with her glasses as Erin Solstice turned with a white Gnoll who touched luck in her arms. With a [Princess] by her side, a Hobgoblin possessed by ghosts, a traveller with a dress woven by someone who knew thread in this day and age, and so many more.

Wiskeria looked at Erin Solstice and felt nostalgia as Nanette stopped and felt her hat shake slightly. But Wiskeria, ignored by Erin, and even most of the room, looked at the [Witch] with no hat. She nodded to herself. She was right.

She did not like Erin at all.

Before they entered, the voices coming from within were audible through a window opened for ventilation. Lakens throne room was, after all, a converted storage warehouse, and plans were being made for a far grander installation.

However, there were benefits to being able to listen in on conversations within, and Laken had done that more than once. This might have been coincidental, but even sothe two [Witches] listened to the young womans voice from within.

I owe you so much, and Ryoka does too. But you were part of the army that attacked Liscor. Goblins died there. I was there.

I know. So was I. It was not my choice, nor did I know what Tyrion Veltras had planned. That is not an excuse. Had I known he intended to siege a Drake city, I would have refused to go with him. But I will tell you this, Erin. The Goblin Chieftain, Tremborag, raided Riverfarm and destroyed many villages like Windrest. They murdered my people. I would not have stood in Tyrions way when he destroyed the mountain of Goblins or when he saved my people when they fought your Chieftain, Rags.

Shes not myGoblins are people!

Yes. And some of them are terrible. Some of them are not. That is the lesson I learnedlater. Which is why the Goblinlands exist. I am guilty of my mistakes, Erin. But I did make them with the best of intentions.

Silence, then. Nanette fidgeted, one of her rare movements, and she adjusted her hat. She was staring at the walls as if looking for something. The acrimonious discussion was petering out, and the [Emperor] seemed tired. It was not the first time he had argued this, and he had done it both ways, apologizing to the Wind Runner, defending the Goblins to others.

But the [Innkeeper] continued, and there was a tone in her voice unlike how she had met the [Witches] of Riverfarm. She didnt raise her voice or speak faster, but it slid into the conversation like a pair of brass knuckles being gripped in a pocket.

Then. If the Goblins want to go, will you let them?

The [Emperor] paused a moment.

They are my subjects. A Goblin can walk around Riverfarm without being murdered in cold blood. I dont believe Liscor is that safe.

There are other places for Goblins. If they want to leaveUlvama told me they might not be able to. If they want to leave with me, when I go

Youll take them, it sounds like. Are you telling me what you intend or asking?

Im just asking.

A low chuckle, but not a pleased one. Wiskeria tilted her head and whispered to Nanette.

He soundsirritated.

It was rare for Laken to lose his patience after months of doing this. But there was definitely a hostile note in his voice, and just as clearly, he was holding onto his temper. The [Emperor] snapped back.

You ask like a proper [Witch], at least, Erin. No, nevermind. Thats unkind, and I apologize. But if you wont discuss anything that matters, ghosts, your quests? Well have dinner, later. Perhaps then. I understand Nanette and Wiskeria are waiting outside. I shall tour Riverfarm. Do let me know what you decide.

Shuffling, then the [Emperor] came striding out the door with Prost and Rie behind him. No one looked happy, but Laken caught himself, turned to Wiskeria and Nanette, and smiled apologetically.

Did you hear that?

Im sorry I was absent, Your Majesty.

Wiskeria tipped her hat, and Laken waved that off.

I leave this as a matter of [Witches]. I ama bit piqued at the moment. Its affecting my mood. Just know that I will support your decisions, regardless, Nanette.

Thank you, Emperor Laken.

The girl murmured without looking up. Laken smiled at her and turned his head back.

I hold Erin Solstice in the utmost of respect. The woman herself is somewhat difficult. No wonder Magnolia Reinhart herself had trouble.

Then he was gone. Wiskeria adjusted her hat again, but she only waited a bit as Nanette stood there.

Are you alright, Nanette?

No.

A fair answer, so Wiskeria took her hand again, pushed the door open, and there stood Erin Solstice.

She was not alone, but when she saw Nanette, the rest of the world stopped existing for the two of them. She fixed her eyes on Nanettes face, and the girl looked up and felt her hat trembling. Wiskeria was ignored, so she stood there, taking in the [Princess], the Hobgoblin, the [Knights], and the uneasy feeling on the back of her neck.

Wiskeria looked right, left, up, and then around, but she never saw Tessa. Yet she calmly put her back to the wall as Erin began to speak.

You. Youre Nanette, arent you? Im Erin. Erin Solstice, an [Innkeeper] from Liscor. IIm a [Witch] as well, a new one.

She stumbled over her words slightly, and the tone that had rung throughout her voice when speaking to the [Emperor] was gone. She should have kept it, but the speech the [Innkeeper] had rehearsed had fled her mind. Wiskeria thought she saw it go, like vapor leaving the light brown hair, the uncertain, earnest face.

Erin licked her lips nervously and fidgeted as Nanette took her time responding. She looked nothing like the aura she had or the feeling in the air. Just a plain [Innkeeper] who would fit an apron, maybe making eggs in a frying pan or chatting with her guests.

Until those hazel eyes shone, until she stood in the center of an event like a stone with the waters rushing around her, influencing it all. Wiskeria did not like Erin. But she listened for the same reason Nanette looked up and made her dry throat, unused to speech, work.

Im Nanette. You have no hat.

Erin put a hand to her head and tried to chuckle.

Ihavent found one I like yet. Sorry. I know its a witchy thing to do. But Im new. I was just taught, when I was dead. I hadthe greatest of teachers.

You were dead?

Erin waved it off with one hand. Her eyes never left Nanettes face.

Someone shot me with crossbows. I got better. Its a long story, butNanette. Nanette Weishart, I dont know quite how to say this. Please, believe me. I was dead for a while, and I walked the lands of the dead. I had an adventure. A terrible, grandsad adventure.

Erins eyes became distant, and some of the people behind her shivered or looked at her, half-believing. But the [Witches] just stared at Erin in wonder.

Not even Belavierr walked with ghosts in this era. Yet Nanettes hand had suddenly tightened on the brim of her hat. Erin breathed the next words.

I only survived because I had a guide. I met a great [Witch] who saved my lifemy souland taught me many things. She convened the last, greatest coven of dead [Witches]. And she made me promise that if I lived, I would find her daughter. Her name was Califor, and I have come to Riverfarm to make good on my promise. She asked me to find you, Nanette. Andand if you wanted, make sure you grew up safely, grew up as well as I could. I know this is a lot to take in

Erin was speaking faster and faster, like someone who was spinning the most incredible of tales and trying to reach the end before it all fell apart, a fantasy. And she was trying very hard not to tear up.

Yet Nanette just listened, listened and fixed her eyes on Erin. Not in disbelief, nor outrage. Nor even much sadness.

Her hat was too full. Wiskeria watched Nanette as carefully as Erin. The girl who had walked among the dead still smelled of the grave. There were flashes of light around her, like Dragonfire, and if Wiskeria listened hard, she thought she could hear someone blowing a horn.

She was so much like Belavierr that Wiskeria felt an itching in her back. Like Belavierrbut there was no grandness at times. She had no hat, no formality.

If it had been Belavierr, she would have walked into Riverfarm with a storm at her back. She would have walked straight to Nanette, ignoring the [Emperor], and spoken her promise before all and only one.

Wiskeria wondered which would have been more appropriate here. Neither, most likely. For Nanette listened to Erin until the [Innkeeper] trailed off, waiting anxiously for the girl to say something. When Nanette raised her heavy head, the girl looked at Erin with her brown locks curling around a face lost and blank.

Okay.

That was all Nanette said. Erin blinked. The [Princess] stirred and looked like she almost wanted to embrace the girl, but she held still. Erin half-turned, then focused on Nanette.

Doesdoes that mean you want to come with me? Its your choice, Nanette.

The young [Witch] spoke almost instantly, her voice distant.

If thats what my mother said, Ill go. You met Califor?

Y-yes.

Is she still there?

Erin closed her eyes.

No. Nono one is. The lands of the dead

Okay.

Nanette interrupted her again. The little [Witch] looked at Erin and then turned to gaze up to Wiskeria. The ordinary [Witch] bent down, and Nanette spoke softly, to Erin, to Wiskeria.

Im going to sit down again. Tell me when I should go.

Are youdont you have questions?

Erin faltered, but Nanette just looked back at Erin. For a moment, her lips seemed to writhe and burstthen her hat weighed down her tongue, and she shook her head.

Im tired. Did my mother say anything to me?

I havethere are some things that

A third time, Nanettes eyes flickered, and her voice went flattest of all.

Okay. Ill listen. Later. I want to sit down, now. Wiskeria?

Sure.

Wiskeria took the hand and tried to draw some of the sadness out, but Nanette jerked her hand back and stared up at her. Wiskeria took her hand and nothing else and went for the door.

Butokay. Okay, Ill find you, alright, Nanette?

Erin was staring, her face stricken, as she saw Nanettes hat. Only then did her eyes find Wiskeria. The Witch of Law tipped her hat.

Hello, Witch Erin Solstice. Its good to meet you. Im Wiskeria. Belavierrs daughter. I trust well speak again later.

A little Gnoll made a sound of choking horror. Erins eyes opened wide.

WhuhBelavierrs

What?

The [Princess] shrieked at the same time as the Hobgoblin nearly drew his sword. Wiskeria pushed the door open and led Nanette outside. She looked down at the girl. Only when she was outside and the door had closed did Nanette fall over.

She didnt collapse. Nor did she faint. She just keeled over, forwards, and would have slammed her nose into the ground had Wiskeria not caught her just in time. The older [Witch] grunted and lifted Nanette up.

The young [Witch] was still awake, but her face was pale and her eyes stared at nothing. Wiskeria gently carried her away from the throne room and to her home. She put Nanette into her bed, and the girl stared up at the ceiling. Wiskeria pointed at her hat.

Sacrifice your sadness or use it, Nanette. Its been too long. It will be your end.

The girl didnt respond, and it was her choice. So Wiskeria left. And she knewknew that even when Nanette stirred, even when she went back to sit under that tree, and even though her mother had sent back a mortal agent to take care of hereven then, with her name hanging in the air

The girl shed not a single tear.

The first day at Riverfarm was mostly settling in. Introducing themselves. Telling what needed to be told, like a version of Erins witnessing of the lands of the dead.

Whether or not anyone believed was up to them. Erin herself listened to the tale of Belavierr and Riverfarms rise to power and had to reckon with tales of a young Chieftain who had burned a path across Riverfarm and nearly destroyed the [Emperor]s lands.

An [Innkeeper] met an [Emperor]. An [Innkeeper] met [Witches]. Erin Solstice stood before Mavika, Agratha, Oliyaya, Hedag, and a few other [Witches] and greeted them somewhat formally. Agratha was knitting energetically.

You have no hat. Will you make one? Theres a contest, my dear. A [Witch] should have a hat. And you should apprentice yourself with one of us. Or we could find a suitable teacher.

A contest? I dunno, Im no good at sewing and stuff. Ill get a hat, dont worry. But, uh, Ive never been a hat-girl. But I am a [Witch]. Its just, Ill be my kind of [Witch], yknow?

The older [Witches] exchanged glances, and not even Hedag laughed. Mavika leaned forwards, and Erin leaned back from the hooked nose and expression.

You were taught by the greatest [Witches] ever to walk this world. Will you share their craft?

Ohsure. I mean, they didnt teach me huge things. More like the basics and some tricks. But anything I can. Absolutely. I want to help people. Thats part of why I came here.

The [Witches] looked at each other and muttered. Another difficult one. Oliyaya cackled and shook her head.

I will not teach her! Nor will I be a good apprentice. She has no craft, either. So. Let us listen and speak and learn each other. Welcome, Witch.

She tipped her hat to Erin, and this time, it was like one of the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings, a genteel gesture from a stranger to a stranger. Erin smiled uncertainly and gave everyone a thumbs-up. Mavika stared at the thumb like she wanted to bite it off.

However, it wasnt all like that. Erin was assigned a house, and her entire group got no less than six guest houses between them. They didnt even end up using them all, but such was Lakens attitude towards his guests from Liscor.

They were to be treated like Lord Gralton or Yitton Byres. Any amenities within reason should be given to them, and if they wanted for entertainment, theyd have it. Erin had no timetable for her vacation, nor anything but two vague goals of Goblins and Nanette. She was, in many ways, an exceptionally inconvenient visitor.

The next day, Erins group split up. They had a fine breakfast delivered to them in their very comfortable houses, and it began to feel like a vacation in earnest. Even Mrsha began to be a bit less snuffly, and so everyone agreed to split up and try to enjoy their visit to the Unseen Empire.

Unlike yesterday, it wasnt standing around awkwardly making conversations or delivering news. It was, disquietingly, unbelievably

Sort of fun.

Think about it. Unlike Liscor, or even Pallass, this was a land where a Goblin could walk around and not alarm people. Even the Walled City of Invention was not as safe as Lakens lands where he saw almost everything.

It meant little Gnolls could not cause trouble, even if they tried. There was no inn to run, and they were literally out of range of a magic door that could deliver trouble to them. Even the Mages Guild wasnt strong enough for Erin to really send rapid-fire [Messages] back home to worry about the High Passes.

Riverfarm was an oasis, a remote part of Izril. As vacations went, it might not have pristine beaches or magnificent cliff faces or even much water aside from the river, but it was free. And lest anyone think it was some place with nothing to do

The interesting things found the visitors. In the case of Ser Dalimont, a hand literally pulled him out of marching behind Lyonette. He turned, looked up into a face like stone, and Durene peered down at the Thronebearer.

Youre a [Knight].

I am. Er, Lady Durene?

The half-Troll girls face crinkled up in amusement.

Its just Durene. Youre those Thronebearers of Calanfer? Your armors wonderful.

She wore none of the armor of yesterday, but she had a huge mace strapped to her back and a tower shield as well. She was far taller than Dalimont, but she didnt loomand there was something about her that was uncannily familiar to Dalimont.

The other three Thronebearers were far warier, although they were studiously polite, but Durene just nodded as she looked Dalimont up and down. She checked her simple tunic and leggings and then pointed to the south.

Laken told me an undead horde popped out of some old cemetery. Theres about one to two hundred coming north, and Im going to fight them before they get near a village. Lets go together.

Whan undead horde?

Lyonette turned, but Durene hastily raised her hands.

Shh! Laken said to keep it quiet. Its a tiny one, and its thirty miles away. Ill deal with it myself. You should come with me, though.

Us? Fight a hundred undead? What kind? Zombies? Skeletons?

Some Ghouls. Maybe more. Im not taking my armor. You should take off yours.

The Thronebearers of Calanfer stared up at Durene, and then Dalimont realized why she felt sofamiliar. He had read a briefing report on her, and he knew the half-Troll girls unusual class.

[Paladin]. She stood before the [Knights], unarmored save for her skin and the shield and mace she carried. Durene flexed one arm and looked at them challengingly.

Why not? Riverfarms peaceful. If we dont take riskshow do we improve? Are you [Knights] or not? Im a [Paladin] by the way. Sorryum, Your Majesty? I didnt mean to steal your bodyguard.

None taken, Lady Durene.

Lyonette breathed faintly. She was definitely unused to meeting the consort of an [Emperor] who was both Durene and Durene. The Thronebearers were formulating a polite refusal when Dalimont removed his helmet.

It would be my pleasure, Paladin Durene. Give me five minutes to remove my armor. Princess Marquin, by your leave, I would like to request permission to accompany Paladin Durene on her mission.

Lyonette turned, and Ser Sest gave Dalimont a look as if he were insane. But Dalimont looked up at Durene, and his past in Noelictus lay before him.

It would be my honor. I have known one [Paladin] before you, Dame Durene. To fight by ones side again is a privilege.

Durenes eyes widened and then crinkled up again with delight. Lyonette looked at Dalimont and made a vague shooing gesture.

Ervery well. Riverfarm is safe. Why not?

Of course, no Thronebearer would let Lyonette go completely unguarded, so Ser Lormel got to stay behind, but that was how three Thronebearers, divested of their armor, began jogging after Durene as she loped into the distance. Ser Sest loudly panted after Durene.

I say, did you, uh, say thirty miles, Dame Durene? How shall we get there?

Run? Well get there by nightfall.

I see, I seewait, what?

However, then he just ran after Durene, who kept her head held high and smiled as she ran. She was changing too; this was not the first time she had gone, alone, to fight monsters.

Mind you, if Durene had wanted proper companions for a fight, she could have recruited far more than just the Thronebearers, but she still did not like Goblins.

And since Pyrites ghost had warned Numbtongue that the Troll girl was somewhat ornery and had a swing that could take his head off, the [Bard] decided not to run thirty miles and fight a few hundred undead. As fun as that sounded.

He was doing a [Bard] thing. Numbtongue had slept in a house the first night, but he decided he might spend the rest of the time in Riverfarm in the Goblinlands. He had seen the two walls that protected the Goblins from the Humans and vice-versa, and now he sat in their, well, village.

Not a town. They were behind the Humans in numbers and buildings, but they had homes. In fact, they had a well. They had a mine, and, as Numbtongue tuned his guitar, he watched some industrious Goblins hefting pickaxes, buckets, and even pushing a cart and going into the mines.

You mine and sell with the Humans?

He looked disbelievingly at one of the former Goldstone Goblins who led the mining crews. The Goblin picked at his teeth.

Is good work. Humans want iron. They give us things. Pillows, gold, foodwhat, you not work?

Im a [Bard]. I live in the inn. With Erin?

Numbtongue reminded the Goblin. This one had never been to The Wandering Inn, so he gave Numbtongue a toothy grin.

Oh! So you dont work. Is good for some.

He glanced to the side, and Erin saw dozens of girls in hats sitting on the banks. Older [Witches] were arriving, bringing their apprentices. Most watched, standing or sitting, but Agratha had brought a picnic blanket and was offering a canteen of soup around.

Erin bit her lip. She saw Halrac glance at her and then at his team. Unfortunately, Halrac Everam didnt have much supportRevi had entered her gothic-rebel phase, Typhenous was greedily watching the goings-on, and Briganda was busy drying herself, and she was a happy-go-lucky sort anyways. Cade was probably Halracs backup that this wasnt a good idea, and that was just because the boy wanted to go to the bathroom.

What? Oh, come on, Halrac. Its just a littleLakens cool. Mm. Maybe hes not cool.

Halrac didnt say anything. He just kept watching Erin. The [Innkeeper] blew out her cheeks.

Im not

She stared at the ground, then peered around. Erin seemed to demarcate part of the sky and grumbled.

Its all his. Land, people, airwho just claims everything? Isnt that arrogant? Whatddya think about this [Emperor], Halrac? Is he arrogant or a jerk or?

The [Marksman] shifted slightly and lowered his voice.

Maybe. Hes certainly self-assured.

Exactly!

But hes also an [Emperor]. Tens of thousands of people look up to him. He is far more restrained than some. Ive met Gold-rank adventurers with more grating egos. I think you could name at least one.

Todi? Yeah. I

Erin looked down at the spot of the ritual and then up as a few [Witches] brought over some gelatin and materials. She stared at the sky and groaned.

Damnit. Ive got to do this.

Glumly, Erin got up and turned. She walked towards Riverfarm, but as it turned out, Laken was already heading her way. He had his entourage, and he clearly knew something was going on.

Ah, Erin. Is somethingeventful taking place? Something suitably witchy?

The worst part was that he even sounded polite, like he was sure it was okay, but he was just coming to inquire.

Sorta.

Erin mumbled and scuffed at the ground with one foot. She glanced back at Halrac and then looked at Laken.

I, uhIm doing something with your river, Laken. Im trying to summon the spirit of a Water Elemental.

You what?

The strangled voice came from Nesor, the nervous [Mage] in the back. He was the only person who could appreciate that statement. Lakens brows rose.

Indeed?

Erin nodded glumly.

But I realized I have to ask you. Because its your land and sort of your river. Also, I was hoping hed come with me. I dont think an elemental listens to an [Emperor], but hes been crying since I got here. Anyways. Can I summon an Elemental? Itll only take like ten minutes to try. Ill probably fail, anyways.

As requests went, it was terrible. But that was because Erin really didnt want to ask. She felt like she knew the answer already, and she was about to sulk off when the [Emperor] replied.

Yes.

Erins bowed head came up suspiciously.

Whreally?

Laken raised his brows.

You want to summon an elemental of a river? As long as you think its safe and my subjects can stay back, absolutely, try. In what scenario would I not want to meet one?

Maybe a blood elemental or something like that. Uhwow! Thanks, Laken! Youre cooler than I thought! I meanthats exactly what I meant.

Erin gave him a thumbs-up, and the [Emperor] hesitated. He strolled after Erin as she ran back to Halrac, shouting.

Halrac! I got permission! Lets do this thing!

Was that a good idea, Rie? Thoughts?

Laken whispered to the others. He felt rather like the cool principal who okayed the students skateboarding down the hallways. And he had never even thought of himself as a principal. In some generic American school. With lots of lockers, allegedly, for shoving people into. That was how he pictured it.

It seems incredible she could do that off-handed. From Nesors babbling, it seems impossible, Your Majesty. But it would be a useful lesson to learn even if it fails. Whether it is dangerous? I remind you of our Solstice party.

Laken hesitated. It did seem impossible that the cheerful young woman could do that. But thenher aura was only middling, weaker than Ries had been when they first met. Perhaps because this wasnt her inn?

Yet the stories about herLaken murmured to Prost.

Maybe move Riverfarms people back if they want to watch. The [Witches] are all over the riverbank.

He decided to watch at a remove as Griffon Hunt, a few older [Witches], and Erin fussed around the riverbank. Erin didnt seem to need much time for a first try. Laken told himself he wasnt going to find the proverbial high-schooler with a broken neck in five minutes. There was no way she was as bad as Ryoka, right?

And when he thought that, the [Emperor] got really worried.

For a grand meeting, it was likepreparing for a guest. If you did it right, for someone like Khoteizetrough, or who he would be, you needed to honor them in a suitable way.

Set the table and prepare a feast. Sweep the floor, set a crackling fire ablaze. Clean the guest room, replace the sheets, and throw open the windows. Welcome them, these distant guests, with open arms and hope they would choose to live with you awhile. Some might stay and put their lives with yours or stay with your childrens children. Great protectors, beings of magic and wisdom.

Erin had no banquet adorned for this old man. She barely had a can of soup, and she was improvising a can opener with a stick and two rocks. Her guest room was a pallet of straw, and she knew it.

Yet she was still inviting him. Not just because she wanted to meet him or desired his power, but because he was crying.

Weeping and begging to be let in. She had never heard of someone doing that. He knew she was there, and he wanted to meet her as much as she did him. So, though it was poor, Erin Solstice mixed up tea and gelatin powder and water and grimaced at the mess in the cauldrons. She lifted the ladle, and someone actually tried to taste it.

Witch Oliyaya!

Agratha was shocked, but Oliyaya cackled.

It tastes as foul as tea and riverwater and mud might. But its closer to jelly than naught. Add some spit in for substance?

I think not. Although this is, ah, improvised? Will this do?

The [Witches] turned to Erin. She eyed the mess and then the stone with the geode in it. Slowly, she lowered the stone into the cauldron of vaguely-green jelly.

Its terrible. If it was anyone else, Id expect them to be really upset. But I can hearhes practically reaching for the cauldron. Can you hear him?

She turned expectantly, and Mavika shook her head. She was as deaf to the voice of water as most birds. If she had been the [Witch of Penguins]maybe that kind of witch-bird would have heard.

However, more than one [Witch] was craning their necks and peering into the river. It was lapping hard at the banks, now. Interestingly, against the natural laws of physics, the water seemed to surge against the side of the river Erin was on.

I can hear something.

Oliyaya whispered, and Eloise adjusted her hat, eying the river.

Yes. He wants to meet us. This is uncanny. I have walked the Vail Forest and listened long. I have some gift with herbs and water myself, but no voice was even half as loud. I wonder why.

Hedag stood furthest back. Her eyes were locked on the river, and she had not joined the ritual. Erin turned to her.

Um, Witch Hedag? Is something wrong?

I do not know. But best summon him, eh, Witch Erin? If he is this loud, better to swing clean than stop halfway.

So Erin had Halrac and Briganda help carry the cauldron to the edge of the river, where the water lapped around the cauldron. Cade sucked his thumb as Gothica copied him, and Riverfarms folk stood far back. Then the adventurers took a step back, and it was Erin alone.

The [Witch of Second Chances] felt uncertain with so many eyes upon her. She feltoff. This was no proper invitation, no rich meal. Yet the guest was pounding at the door and weeping.

How long had he waited? Her heart went out to him. He sounded so old. He had lain here, sleeping, as ages passed. Waking and calling out and weeping in silence.

It was the [Witches] who had first woken him up. The great coven coming across this land. No, the [Emperor] himself. But the only ones to hear him had ignored his voice. Now

Erin Solstice had no drawn ritual. No sacrifice of magic. She waded into the banks of the river and felt the current pulling at her shoes. She shivered, for it was a strong river and pulled her, but called out.

Hello? Its me. I can hear you. I have nothing to offer you, but will you meet with me?

The [Witches] watched. Riverfarms folk eyed the [Innkeeper] standing in the water, as silly and odd as shed come. A [Princess] hurried forth, exasperated, as a little Gnoll girl stopped racing about with her new friends and halted.

Mrsha, the [Druid], felt Erin reaching down. She scampered forwards and joined the crowd, observing as Erin tried to make contact.

Now, how did it go? It was just a matter of perspective. If you set the table right, if they were willing to listen and you had a place for them to stayyou had to get their attention.

You had to open the door and see them. Erin bent over the river, looking down into the waters. But it was not the riverbed she was trying to see. She looked down, and down, until her eyes began to play tricks on her.

Like anything, if you stared at it too long, if you focused on a word, the less sense it made. But Erin kept staring, blinking when she needed to, but holding her gaze in one spot. Until the little tricks her mind played beganmorphing together. Until the murmurs of people behind her were overtaken by the rushing of waters. The coldness in her feet spreadand then numbed her flesh

And then Erin fell. Not physically, but fell into a world of rushing blue. Where the muddy banks became the floor of a world where water was everything. She almost gasped, almost jerked back, but held herself as she fell deeper.

There you are.

It was a vast world of water. An oceanbut an ocean of so many parts. If the water had been colored, Erin thought she would have seen a hundred myriad streams, each unique, blending and mixing and warring and joining together.

The will of water. Perhaps the ocean itself had a will. Perhaps the oceans could be elementals, like ponds and lakes and rivers.

But nowshe looked around as she sank, following this stream, and Erins heart clenched. Because this ocean was still.

The water was dead. The land was cold where it met this ocean in the distance, and the last glorious singers had fled this continent, into the sea. Long ago, and so he wept.

An old man. He looked nothing like a person as Erin sank down. If he had hair, if she had to make sense of that face that gazed upwards and the tears that fell, his hair was like old water, twisting around a face made of a ripple, a passing reflection of the things that passed above him.

Yet she knew he was old. Old and lonely. He wept because someone had died. Notwo someones. The last of a forest and a great protector.

Salty tears ran from Erins eyes, mixing with the sea around her. She reached downthe water was all around her, in her lungs, but she whispered without breath.

Hello. Do you want to come with me?

The old man looked up at her and raised his head where he sat, alone. She saw that head of currents, a face made of waters, rise, and then swam upwards. Reaching for her, looking up at her pitiful offering. But a smile of delight spread across his face, and he shot up, faster and faster, and Erin gulped as she realized how large he was. Even if he wasnt as old or powerful, he was a river. He carried her up in his wake, and she

Erin had gone completely still. The [Witches] were not fooled, but Riverfarms folk were greatly perplexed by what they saw. They had seen her call out once, then just stand there as her trousers were soaked by the lapping waters. There was something off about the river, and the longer they watched, the more the hair prickled down their necks and a shiver ran up their spines.

Yet she didnt do anything interesting. Not at first. She gazed down, immobile, as the cauldron slowly threatened to tip over and the waters lashing grew stronger.

Thenthe river turned as flat as glass. It still ran, but gasps of shock and awe rose and then fell to silence as the rushing waters stopped pushing. Erin Solstices lips moved, but no words came out. She reached down as Wiskeria reached the edge of Riverfarm, clutching at a stitch in her side.

No, stop!

Too late. She saw Erin bending down. She saw the old man rising, and Wiskeria ran, lungs bursting with pain.

What they all saw, [Witches], people, was Erin Solstice completing the simple gesture. She reached down with one hand into the water and grabbed something there. Someone elses hand. Erin began to pull upbut the old man was rising.

The river convulsed, and a geyser of water blew upwards. A stream of liquid, enough to douse a house twice over in a single jet. It could have hammered Erin flat in a momentthe [Witches] stepped back warily. Briganda shielded Cade, but the jet of water was a perfect arc, a parabola which had only one target.

The cauldron. Down the water came, and it struck the little iron cauldron so hard that it cracked and burst apart in a second. The metal tore as if someone had taken an equivalent of paper and ripped it asunder.

Yet the water and metal didnt spray everywhere. The river water poured down as Erin staggered back, eyes wide with shock and then delight. The jet of water surged down and down, and surely the cauldron could not have held it all. But like a bag of holding, it filled without end. Thensomething rocked within the metal prison. It rotated awkwardly and then spilled out onto the muddy grass of the riverbank. Amidst the reeds and a frog hopping around wondering what the hell had happened, a being poured out of the cauldron.

Rie. What do you see?

Laken Godart stood, uncertain amongst all the people gasping and pointing. For he saw nothing, obviously, but his senses as an [Emperor] told him something else. His palms were sweaty.

For it felt as though the river had suddenly left the riverbed, and a portion of it, a representative, was rolling about less than a hundred feet from him. A mass of water, a force of nature grounded in some object.

He didnt like it. He wished Durene were here, yet it was also inspiring. Laken had often wondered what it was like to stand before a waterfall and see it, rather than hear the all-encompassing roar, and feel the spray upon his face of so much water falling. Thisthis was his experience.

Lady Rie took a moment to swallow. When she replied, her voice was slightly unsteady, and he thought she too was reconsidering all the stories shed heard about Erin. But what she said wasnt what he expected.

Itsas though Im seeing a wave breaking upon the land, Your Majesty. It never runs out. A waveor a hand?

A hand? A wave?

A hand of water? No, now its become aa cube of water! Its bobbing, like a dewdrop, now a whirlpool

Not a slime?

The [Emperor] was confused. From everything hed heard, he expected it to be like a tea-slime thing. Some round orb of water. But Rie was shaking her head, knowing he could sense it.

Not at all. It has a greenish tinge, but it moves too fast for anyone to call it a slime. It hascolor.

Color?

Green in the body, mudalmost like eyes. But white as well, streaks of it. Prost, what would you call water that does that?

The [Steward] broke out of his fascinated observation and spoke.

Whitewater, Rie, Your Majesty. Rippling whitewater as if I was a lad and rafting down this very river among the rapids.

Laken Godart exhaled. He sensed the river whirling around Erin, who was raising her hands and calling out to it. But it flowed so fast past hersurging towards the [Witches] watching, whirling around.

Like a dog, perhaps. One of Graltons otter-dogs, exploring a new home. Yet there was too much sentience there. Laken felt the water ripple backwards towards the [Innkeeper] and heard a shout of alarm.

Erin!

That was Lyonette. The Water Elemental engulfed Erin up to her neck and lifted her up. Erin was laughing, trying to shout.

Its cold! Wait, wait! Youre so happy! Hello!

She was laughing as Lakens head turned, and he sensed Wiskeria running through the fields. He heard her a few seconds later, a shouting, distant voice amidst it all. Then Lakens heart sank. For what Wiskeria said was this:

Dont do it! Dont get near him! Hes a bastard! Hes an Elemental. Hes a river, and he understands nothing about what we call right and wrong!

The [Emperor]s head swung back just as Erins laughter turned into a note of alarm. Then the Elemental of the River swallowed her head, and she began to drown.

He was so happy. He really had been lonely, and now he whirled around, changing forms, rejoicing in being able to leave his pre-set path. There was no malice in him.

Not even when he engulfed her head. Erin inhaled water and began drowning on dry land as the Water Elemental seized her up.

Stop! Stop, stop, stopstopstop

Her instant panic confused the elemental. It was young, now, part river, part the form she had given it. Far weaker than a river in all its majesty, but able to grow. It cast around, looking for a foe. Then it abandoned Erin as she tried to tell it to let her go.

Erin!

The [Innkeeper] landed, spewing out water, and it felt like a buckets worth, before she coughed and inhaled. She looked up as the Water Elemental whirled around her.

What had gone wrong? It didnt know why Erin was sufferingbut it was concerned for her. Yet suddenly, Erin was no longer as confident as she had been a moment ago. She coughed as Halrac ran over. And he had his invisible bow drawn.

No, hes still friendly to me. I

Erin was hacking out more water, coughing, as the Water Elemental began to flow around. Now, Witch Agratha was backing up in alarm, and Eloise and Mavika were whispering quickly. They sensed it too.

An infinite curiosity, a rejoicing to be alive! And a complete disregard and understanding of what this land was about. The Water Elemental cast left, cast right. Then Erin realized what Wiskeria had known from the start.

For the river and the Water Elemental surged around, past the nervous mortals, and it recognized something. Oh! I know this! The elemental reached out, and with all the strength of thousands of pounds of water, as quick as a tidal wave, and as cheerfully as could be

It plucked Cade out from behind Briganda and tossed him into the center of the river. The boys eyes went wide as he flew up, and Briganda was knocked sprawling. He flew and was almost smiling, his face wide with shock and alarm. Then the water reached up and swallowed him. Then it began dragging him down into the deeps.

Cade!

Briganda was on her feet in a second, screaming. She ran towards the riverbank, and the boy was struggling as the water dragged him down, down to the riverbed. The Water Elemental reached out cheerfully, and a little Gnoll girl ran, screaming.

Ive done this before. Erin was frozen in shock and horror. She got a flash from the river. It recognized people. People and children. Some stole parts of it, but others swam about. And when it rained, or sometimes, they sank low and never came back out.

It was trying to drown Cade. The Water Elemental reached for Mrsha, inviting the [Druid] to join it forever, and Mrsha ran, screaming, but it flowed like a racing currentuntil Halracs arrow blew the top half of it into a gout of steam.

Halrac!

Get Cade! Erin, stop it!

The [Marksman] reached for a second arrow as Briganda dove into the waters. Erin shouted, running at the water elemental as it pivoted wildly, confused.

That hurt. It had no pain receptors, but its body was it. The elemental cast around, spotted its attacker, and launched a ball of water at Halrac.

He tried to dodge, but they were too close. So what hit him was a ball of water. Just waterheavy and fast, like a catapult throwing a stone. It knocked him flat, and Erin was shouting at it.

Stop, stop! Let him go!

She pointed at the water, and the river noticed Briganda trying to free the boy. So it lifted Cade up and tossed her out of the water. Now, the boy was hovering in the air, and the river was marveling that it could do this.

It had magic. And a body. And this was its heart. Cade was struggling fainter now. Erin looked at the water elemental, gathering more of itself back.

Stop this. Stop this!

It turned to her, wondering why she was so upset. The [Innkeeper] was blazing, blazing with fury and fear.

Put him down.

The river hesitated. What if I dont want to? It waved the dying boy around, and then Erin punched it.

[Minotaur Punch]. Her fist splattered part of its face and then sank into the water. Curiously, the river felt at her hand. Then it ignored her.

Everyone was trying to get to Cade, now, but most of the people were just standing at the rivers edge, looking at the mass of water holding the boy. It was tossing anyone trying to leap into it out, and Typhenous was trying to cut the water holding Cade up. But he might as well have been trying to cut sand. Even if he severed part of the river, it was water. There was a seemingly endless amount of it.

Then the old [Mage] tried to block the river with a [Forcewall]. His spell lasted a tenth of a second, and the water rippled. The river did not like that. Typhenous was already reeling when another jet of water struck him and sent him sprawling.

The Water Elemental was getting confused by the sudden animosity it was feeling from its savior. She was making demands of it, and it didnt like them. The boy was almost part of it, now. It lifted him higherand then Wiskeria was there.

River, let go and run elsewhere or Ill break your heart! Leave be and hold fast or this moment will be your last!

She ran past Erin and plunged both hands into the Water Elementals body. It jerkedbut it hadnt learned to hide its heart. She had hold of the geode riverstone in her hands, and she was pulling it. The Water Elemental heaved as Erin looked at Wiskeriathen it swatted them both.

Erin landed on her back, dazed, head ringing, and got up amidst the shouting. Wiskeria staggered up next to her, cursing and spitting blood.

You damned thing. We have to kill its body!

Kill it?

Erin gasped. She looked at the elemental, and Wiskeria seized her arm.

It wont kill the river! Theyre not separate yet. Just break that damn stone!

No, Cade

The [Innkeeper] whirled for the boy. He was about to drown! Then she saw a [Princess] lift a finger. Lyonette du Marquin looked around at the [Emperor] shouting for his soldiers and at the boy, reaching for his mother helplessly trying to swim up at him.

Lyonette shouted one thing, in desperation and certainty.

SHRIEKBLADE.

A screaming blur launched itself out of the shadows of a house. Erin didnt even see the Drake she was moving so fast. The Named Adventurer leapt, blades drawn, and raced across the ground. The river barely noticed her, one individual amongst all the others. But then Shriekblade leapt and hit the body of water holding Cade.

A part of the river exploded. The mass of water jerked, and the Water Elemental convulsed in fright and outrage. It cast around, and Tessa landed in a roll, the boy in her arms. She stared at him, held him upside down, and he began puking out water. Then she saw Briganda charging at her and handed him to his mother. Tessa looked up and cartwheeled out of the way of a blast of water.

Enough!

Erin strode over the muddy ground with Wiskeria. She pointed at the Water Elemental and shouted at it.

Stop attacking people! Listen to me!

Back down, old man. Quiet, river, and listen to her voice!

Wiskeria shouted, but the river never stopped moving. And it was getting pissed. It launched a blob of water at the [Marksman] who shot an arrow into it that burned and sizzled and turned it to steam.

River!

Who said it? Erin? Wiskeria? They caught sight of each other, standing side-by-side, and both realized what they had to do. Erin clenched her fist, but she was wet, and she had no flame for this. Nor the regret and anger, not yet.

Wiskeria looked at Erin and saw her honest mistake, and she drew her wand. She aimed her wand at the Water Elementals heart.

[Ice Spike]!

The Tier 2 spell barely got in a foot before it sank into the water, and the Water Elemental was growing by the second. Wiskeria checked her wand; she was no battle-caster. Typhenous threw a comet into the Water Elemental, and it shielded its core, swiveling towards him.

Hes right next to his body. We have to cut him from his vessel! By craft or with mortal blade!

Wiskeria shouted in Erins ear. Both [Witches] whirled, and Erin stared at her fist, felt the pan, kitchen knife, and jar of acidnone of which were good against a mass of water.

They needed something more. So both [Witches] reached for their craft. Erin tried to conjure a spell, anythingand realized she didnt even know what her craft was. She had no hat.

And Wiskerias hat was empty. The [Witch of Law] clutched at her hat and cursed. Then, the other [Witches] nodded to each other. Erin saw someone tip her hat up, and Mavikas voice crowed in her ears, despite the shouting and sounds.

A [Witch] without a craft is a [Mage] without a single spell.

She raised her hand, and a howling gale blew into the Water Elemental, a vortex of wind that sent water raining up and down. The river turned, outraged and alarmed, and a second [Witch] drew something as it launched a blast of water to pound Mavikas bones into dust.

A [Witch] with no hat is a flame with no fuel.

Agratha unfolded the parasol and held it like a [Pikeman] before a charge. A torrent of water struck it and filled the air with mist and thunder, but the light fabric didnt so much as waver. Then the last [Witch] raised her head. Hedag focused on Cade, choking and clinging to his mother, and she raised her axe and strode across the ground.

A [Witch] is a [Witch], but you two have much to learn.

The Water Elemental recoiled as the Hedag brought up that rusted headsmans axe. She swung it down, through a grasping hand. Through the body of water.

Through the river stone. Erin and Wiskeria heard the old man shriek and try to hold on, but his connection was gone and he was too newly-formed. The river slumped back and began to run according to nature once more. The gelatinous body quiveredthen sagged and oozed amidst the mud and flowed into the waters.

It was done. Erin looked around as Laken came striding forwards, as Briganda turned with a mothers wrath. She looked at Wiskeria, and the other [Witch] caught her eyes.

They looked at each other in silence, and Erin hung her head. Wiskeria just breathed and spoke into that moment.

I hate it when they try to teach us a lesson.

It had been a long time since Wiskeria felt something like this. She felt things, of course.

She felt the water on her robes, the sodden, unpleasant feeling of it clinging to her skin. That wasnt fun, nor the adrenaline in her veins or fear that had been in her heart.

A [Witch] felt emotions. She felt emotions. It wasnt as if her mother had taken them away. When she was stabbed, she screamed. When she stubbed a toe, she cursed and wept. She was hardly immortal or even tough.

It was just that these were natural things, and sometimes she could let them pass over her or think amidst blinding agony if she had to. But that was just a trick of concentration; any [Warrior] could do that.

Strong feelings, though, especially the good ones, were rare. She had once been a girl, and her mother had shown her every wonder and horror; it had made her numb until her first friend taught her how to be close to a normal person. However, even now, Wiskeria remembered her great emotions.

Her betrayal when Odveig revealed herself as Sacra. Her rage against her mothers deeds. Her sense of righteousness when she found her craft. Her sadness for Nanette.

Now, she savored a different kind of feeling. Which was sympathy for Erin Solstice.

The young woman sat there, a blanket on her shoulders, staring at the fire in her guest-house. Wiskeria had lit it for her. Erin didnt seem keen on moving.

She still had a bruise, a bad one, from where Briganda had punched her. Which was a fair and honest blow, and there hadnt been two or four. No one was dead, but there was a lot of cleaning up to do. The old man was howling his fury, and Riverfarms folk were understandably upset by what theyd seen.

However, Wiskeria was slightly peeved. Indignant, and she ventured some words into the silence.

They knew it would probably go bad. They let you summon the Water Elemental and make that mistake. I hate it when they do that.

Erin hadnt stirred until now, but her head began to rise. Her voice croaked.

They knew hed?

Wiskeria sensed her rising outrage and corrected herself.

They probably didnt know hed try to kill Cade. Hedag would have stopped you herself. Butlets say they let it happen. Say, rather, they allowed you to make a mistake because they thought they could control it if they were there. Which was true. And they probably wanted to learn how to do what you did. Many purposes to a deed. Thats witchcraft.

How could they let me do that?

Erins voice was hushed, angry, and hurt. Wiskeria smiled.

Because you came to them without a hat and no craft but told them you were the student of the greatest coven, and it made them mad. [Witches] can be petty. They dont like me much, either, because Im a [Witch of Law] and Belavierrs daughter and I wont tell them any secrets. Some of them dont care, but they push us to be what they think is best. Thats a [Witch]-y thing to do.

Thats outrageous. I nI dI dont appreciate people doing it to me.

Erin was at least conscientious enough not to be hypocritical. Then she looked at Wiskeria again.

I didnt mean to be rude. Wellsorta. I just didnt want to go in with thees and thous, you know?

The other [Witch] considered this and shrugged.

You should have. Mavika especially wants that.

But why? Why cant I be casual?

For answer, Wiskeria nodded out the window at the angry river.

Because witchcraft has rules. Its likewiping your feet at the door. Its courtesy, and sometimes, the rules about where to walk or how to talk save your life. Didnt the ghosts teach you that?

She said it so matter-of-factly, as if she believed Erins stories implicitly. Even the people who knew Erin best didnt quitebelieve. They tried, but Wiskeria just tilted her head, and Erin hesitated.

Ithey taught me how to be a [Witch]. How to be one, not secrets. Not like the other ghosts.

Oh, how to be one. Then they probably expected you to make a bunch of mistakes. My mother was the other way. She taught me all the secrets and none of how to be. A [Witch] is a [Witch]. She coined that expression, you know.

Did she? Your mothers really Belavierr? The Stitch Witch? The one that?

Murdered Califor? Nearly killed that girl, Mrsha? Slaughtered Gnolls at the Meeting of Tribes? The Threadbreaker of Stitchfolk? The Witch of Webs, the Immortal Spider? The woman whos stolen lives and sewn faces onto a thousand puppets and victims? Yes.

Wiskerias face never changed. Erins mouth opened, and she gave Wiskeria much the same look others gave her.

Youre so casual about it.

Wiskeria shrugged.

Ive been used to it all my days. It was stranger for me to find out other people had a mother and father, or that they wept when they bled. Im aware Im notnormal. But please dont tell anyone. Ive done a good job of late, and I think they think Im somewhat normal. For a [Witch].

A surprisingly anxious look crossed her face, and Erins odd stare intensified. She had never met someone who wanted to be normal. Except maybe Ishkr.

I promise. You do a good job. I barely noticed you until after I talked to Nanette. Oh no, shell never want to come with me now. Ive screwed things up. Briganda hates me, and I messed up Lakens village and

And the Witches are going to try to apprentice you off, now. Just you wait.

Wiskeria patted Erin on the head. When the [Innkeeper] gave her a strange look, Wiskeria tried the shoulder and then the back. Erin laughed.

Youre like Bird.

Who? Do you mean a bird, in general, or is that a name?

A name. Dont worry! You pat me on the shoulder, I think. Back is if Im crying.

Really? When do I pat you on the head? If youre a child?

Erin frowned.

Yeahor if we were, like, super close or something. Or if you want to treat me like a kid. Um. You can stop patting me, now.

Wiskeria stopped. Erin looked at her, and Wiskeria felt a shiver of delight. Because if Erin had failed with the old man, once she saw Wiskeria, the [Witch of Law] understood how an [Innkeeper] could be a [Witch].

You have good eyes for people. No wonder Califor made you her apprentice. She had good eyes, too.

Erin ducked her head.

I dunno, I think I was the only one she got. Um. Wiskeria, right? What did you mean when you said theyd make me their apprentice? Thats not the plan, at all.

Wiskeria snorted.

I know, but thats what you think. What they think is that now youve been humbled, they can get one of them to teach you. And learn from you. A good [Witch] learns from their apprentice. How likely is that?

Erin made a face, and Wiskeria studied it.

Is that a no?

No! I dont want toI like them, sort of, but I dont think I want to be an apprentice. How many good ones are there?

Er, the ones who you saw? Eloise, Hedag, Mavika, Oliyaya, Agratha. There are a few others, but those are the ones who were here the longest.

Erins expression of sucking sour lemons intensified.

I dont want any of them to teach me. Eloise is the coolest of the lot, but shes like Lyonette. Is Oliyaya the one with thecackle?

Mhm. Agratha is the one who tries to make people smile even if they dont want to.

Tries tooh! Thats a wonderful description! I dont want any of them to teach me, thanks. No sir. No way.

Erin shook her head adamantly, and Wiskeria nodded.

I suppose, then, that youll have to teach yourself. Just dont try to summon anyone else you meet. Not without doing your research.

The [Innkeeper]s face fell. She hung her head.

He was so sad. I thought I was doing a good deed. It was a small vessel.

Wiskeria patted Erins knee and got a nod of approval. She explained, as patiently as she could. It was amazing Erin didnt see it.

I know he was sad, but he didnt understand why drowning children was bad. Even my mother knows right and wrong, but hes water. Hes killed more children over his life than most monsters who walk on two legs. He weepsbut most spirits lie, even if its also to themselves. You have to do your research, first. Be very sure before you act. When I heard him weeping, I checked with some of the locals, and they told me how he overflows his banks and how many hes killed. If it was a Dryad? She might be nice to that [Druid] girl, Mrsha, but shed strangle Cade in a heartbeat for plucking a single flower.

Erin shuddered. Then she looked sideways at Wiskeria.

How dyou know all that? Did Belavierr teach you?

Wiskeria nodded absently.

Some. The rest is just stories. Reading books and so on. I met countless [Witches] of Terandria, and Ive met a lot of the ones in Izril. Not that Im an expert. As you can see, my hat is empty. I am a [Witch] with no great deeds, but thats fine. It annoys my mother, and theres nothing grand about me. I was simply Belavierrs daughter. If I went around summoning elementals, it would be so boring of me, wouldnt it?

Wiskeria stopped talking abruptly and almost jumped. Erin had sucked the words out of her like a sponge did water! She turned, abashed, but Erin had a look of delight and chagrin on her face. The [Innkeeper] vibrated and then almost burst out.

Youre fascinating! Youre nothing like what I thought youd beif I even knew Belavierr had a daughter! Wiskeria, I like you!

Really? I hated you from the moment I saw you.

Her brows were faintly blue now the dye had washed out a bit. Erins face fell.

Whyou did? Why?

Because you remind me of my mother. She would have summoned that old man in a heartbeat if she thought he was worth it. Even if he drowned everyone in Riverfarm. She never asks whether something is right or wrong, or even smart. She just does it. Youre all grand deeds like the people in your company. You do what you think you have to, even if you break every rule. Am I wrong?

The [Innkeeper] looked terribly offended by the comparison and then tentatively outraged.

I dont always do that. Its just how things shake up. You cant always follow the rules. You dont get anything done that way.

Spoken like Belavierr.

Hey! Take that back. Ive never met her, but every story Ive heard makes her super bad!

Wiskeria nodded reasonably.

Shes worse than the stories. And you are like her. I can see the connection, and my words are fair. I swear it, upon my hat and hair.

She added a bit of magic, a bit of solemness so Erin could see she was serious. But that only outraged Erin more.

Take it back! Take it back! Ill

She began to poke Wiskeria and then punch her gently. In response, Wiskeria raised a fist.

No, no punching!

Erin saw the future in an instant and put up her hands. She spoke quickly as Wiskeria lowered her fist.

You dont punch people when they play-fight! Important lesson, especially with kids!

Wiskeria smiled politely.

I know. But I wanted you to stop.

Erin gave her a bug-eyed look, and then she burst out laughing. It turned into something like a sob or a moan, and she hugged the towel around her tighter and edged closer to her fire.

This sucks. Ive fallen into my old ways. I should have listened. I should have been polite, but its hard. I should have a stupidhat. But I dont like being bullied, and I dont wanna apprentice myself to them.

Mm. And the old mans gotten a taste for power. Hell be back.

Erin gave Wiskeria such a woebegone look that Wiskeria felt more sympathy for her. She patted Erin on the head, and the [Innkeeper] sniffled into her towel.

Whats so bad about being a [Witch of Law], Wiskeria? You sound like youre not a proper witch. Are you happy, working with Laken? What happened between you and your mother?

That was a long story, so Wiskeria told some of it to Erin. But as for the restshe shrugged.

I like Laken. Hes definitely fated, like you and Inkar. Or if not fated, somethings on his side. Hes an [Emperor] in Izril. He doesnt fit. I like Riverfarm because its no old power like the Five Families. I like it because it welcomes me, as odd as I am. Im fine with being a poor [Witch]. As I said, it would be too easy to become a grand, bland one.

Erin gave Wiskeria the side-eye, and then a smile spread across her face.

You know what, Wiskeria? I just had a brilliant idea. I dont really want to have a teacher, but while Im hereyou should teach me!

Me?

Wiskeria blinked. She had not an ounce of power under her hat, but Erin nodded excitedly.

Yes! Youve seen how my style of witchcraft goes bad. You know more than most witches, and youre nice, unlike the others. Teach me witchcraft for a bit? Please? And help me get to Nanette.

Thoughtfully, Wiskeria took off her hat and studied it. She glanced at Erin and saw the [Innkeeper]s pleading expression.

You and I are not alike at all. I think our crafts might end up opposed. I dont like you that much, and you seem like youd be a poor student. Are you sure?

Erin sucked in her breath.

You could, uh, use more tact.

Again, I learned tact, but I dont need to employ it. Were [Witches]. If you want me to teach you a bit, I will. But only if you learn.

The [Innkeeper] chewed on her lip, but then she nodded slowly.

I have to. I must. Even if the other [Witches] are right about that, thoughI am not like them. I am an [Innkeeper] and a [Witch], and Ill be a weird one no matter what happens. I want to choose my teacher, so I choose you, Wiskeria!

She laughed and smiled, and Wiskeria considered the offer. She looked up at the ceiling, tried to divine the future with commonsense and foresight, and then thought of her own regrets and her mothers lessons. At last, she nodded.

Very well. In that case, I will teach you as long as you stay. But youll follow my orders and do as I say. No arguments. Questions, but you have to try to learn, agreed?

Agreed! Whats my first step?

Erin shot up as if she had gotten her second wind. Wiskeria thoughtfully looked out the window.

To begin with, well go back and apologize to Briganda fully once more. Then you and I will help repair the bridge or clean up. After that, well tell Laken to watch the old man and tell the [Witches] Im teaching you and that youll enter the hat competition. Then, I have to walk back to Tessias, so well do that and talk.

Erins face fell. She raised a hand, and Wiskeria stared at it until Erin spoke.

This isnt an objection! But, uh, that all doesnt sound very witchy.

And to that, Wiskeria sighed and put her hat on her head.

Your first lesson, Erin, is that a [Witch] is always a [Witch]. Once you see the magic in everything, you can do something properly. Lets go.

She stood up, and Erin trailed after Wiskeria, wondering if this would be fun or a good idea, but feeling better because shed found a teacher even more unique than she was. And, well, Wiskeria walked with a curious feeling. It was no pricking in her thumbs, just the odd sensation of responsibility, of trying to teach a younger Wiskeria how not to be quite so badly her.

So it seems Erin Solstice is going to be staying here a while longer. Wellas first day events go, no one is dead. I cannot quite believe that is where we are setting the bar, but at least we have that.

Laken Godart swilled some liquid around in a cup and felt it moving. It was fairly odorless, and so he indulged himself in sensation before he took a sip and felt the sting. He coughed.

Damn me. This is fiery. Do Drakes really enjoy this?

He heard a surprised laugh, and then the other person sitting in one of the grand chairs next to the fire in Lakens mansion-home in Riverfarm spoke.

All the time. Pain is how they enjoy anything. How do you know our language?

Numbtongue saw the [Emperor]s face wrinkle up. Laken spoke after a few seconds.

I got something like pain, and Im sure there was a question in that. What did you ask?

How do you know our language?

The Hobgoblin sat with Laken Godart late at night after all the fuss had died down. They were both aware Gamel was sitting in another room; Durene hadnt come back yet, but the [Knight] was not-eavesdropping, but there for Lakens safety.

Nevertheless, the [Emperor] had insisted upon meeting Numbtongue, and the [Bard] had shown up as if hed read Lakens mind.

After all, they had a history. They had only met once, but Laken felt such a strong connection, he wished he could see Numbtongue. This was the Goblin he had found after the Siege of Liscor. Per his request, Numbtongue had let Laken feel at his face. In return, the Hob had anything hed asked for, but hed brought his own drinks.

The [Emperor] kept coughing into one hand politely, then rattled off a bit of French.

Im multilingual, you know. I dont have a gift, but as you must surely knowmy world has more than one language. I thought that I could learn your peoples language, and Pebblesnatch has taught me.

Hm. Weird. You are a weird [Emperor].

Laken raised his brows.

How many have you met?

The [Bard] just laughed heartily. He took a long drink from his cup, then tried Riverfarms new grape wine. It evidently pleased him, and there was a bevy of snacks. After a while, Laken broke the silence.

How do you enjoy Riverfarm, Numbtongue?

The [Bard] responded quietly.

Lots of little lambs. They have cunning eyes.

You noticed that?

Hrm. They remind me of Mrsha.

Egh. Im just imagining if the Sariants could talk. But the Goblinlands is what I meant.

I know.

Numbtongue didnt reply for a while, and Laken waited, feeling more nervous of the Hobgoblins judgment than Erin or Ryokas. When Numbtongue replied, it was simply.

There is a Watch Captain in Liscor named Zevara. She does not like me. I think she understands I am me, and because of her, I can enter Liscor and am not killed. But she always puts [Guards] on me, for my protection, and if there were many Goblins, I think she would be wary of me. I do not hate her. Erin gets mad, but if I were her, and I knew Redfangs, I would try to wipe out my tribe.

Why?

Numbtongues grin was on his teeth, in his voice, even unseen.

Because we were raiders. We attacked Humans and Drakes, even Gnolls if we found them. I have never met Tremborag, but I havefriendswho knew him. And he was someone I would kill. If his tribe came to you, and I were you, I would kill him. But I wouldnt have killed the Goblins who came to Erins inn. They were my people, and some were even innocent of everything.

The [Emperor]s head bowed. Numbtongue went on in the silence.

But we attacked you, and you thought all of us were one Goblin. Now you know better, and I see Goblins walking around. I was dying and you helped kill me and bring me back. Erin is always Erin. She would cry for one Goblin. We are not rats. We are Goblins, and someday, you will have to suffer if you want to protect us.

I know.

Laken thought of the bearded mans distaste. He thought of the other nobility and the rumblings of his people. Numbtongue put down his cup with a clink.

When that day comes, have an escape tunnel for them. And you.

Laken waited.

What about the rest?

The [Bard] stretched his legs out and quietly farted into his chair. He waved it in the direction of a sheep spying on the two of them from a bookshelf where it had hollowed out a spot behind the books.

I dont like you, Laken Godart. You killed a lot of my friends. I dont hate you, Laken Godart. Youre better than most Humans. Thats pretty good, eh?

He looked over, and the blind [Emperor] smiled.

Thats a high compliment. And a good place to start. Do you think we can be friends?

Numbtongue shrugged, although he knew Laken couldnt see it.

Friends. Allies. Sure. What did you have in mind?

Laken tilted his head, and the Sariant ran, squeaking, as he focused on it. Gamel had to get up and take it outside, and Laken looked at Numbtongue in that moment of silence.

Lets trade secrets. A few interesting ones. We are on a side, and I would like you to know some things Ive been told. Maybe you can do more than I can, even with an empire.

The Hobgoblins eyes gleamed with interest.

We are on good sides. Erin talks too much.

That she does. And frankly, I feel like Id call on her if I needed a battering ram. Sometimes, I suspect, you need to protect her from herself. Today might be an example, but I dont know her well.

The Hob chuckled.

She gets good things instead of bad two thirds of the time. Two other days, you would have a cute Water Elemental rolling around.

Lakens smile was rueful.

Well, I can respect that kind of gambling. But there are reasons to keep things from her. For instancethis. I told the Mages Guild to lock down the news, and the lambs stole all the [Message] scrolls from your company. Just so Erin doesnt make thisworse? Lady Rie will report that she is definitely here, and if anyone scries her, she was here and had nothing to do with anything.

With what? Did something happen withthe monsters?

Numbtongue sat up instantly, and Laken produced a [Message].

Its happening. Take a look.

Numbtongue began to read, and Laken appreciated the multicultural level of swearing that began as Numbtongue realized they had really missed great events taking place. But what that was, Erin would find out later.

For now, a [Bard] sat with an [Emperor], and they enjoyed a quiet conversation in the night.

One last thing.

Wiskeria had a long chat with Erin as they mended what bridges they could, metaphorically and literally. She talked, for a while, about what it was like to be Belavierrs daughter and listened to Erins tales.

It sounded like she had a lot to teach Erin. Least of all because, of all the coven that had taught ErinCalifor was probably the only good mother and teacher of the lot.

They had all been the greatest monsters of their ages. Somillune? Erin hadnt known the tales that made the [Witch of Ash] as feared as she was respected. They had put her on a road to becoming something like them.

Wiskeria would be the other voice in Erins ear for a little bit. Shed been up for a while, thinking about lessons, but shed drifted off in the night. As always, she listened, even if she didnt want to act on the things she heard, omens and fate.

Tonight, she heard an old man shouting his fury, and he would be a problem. Wiskeria muttered as she turned over and hoped Erin got some sleep.

Sleep for another thousand years, old man. By the twitching in my toesfuck off.

He went silent, and Wiskeria began snoring softly as she began to dream. Thenher eyes snapped open, and she stared up in pure alarm and surprise. Wiskeria sat bolt upright and whirled, looking right and looking left.

Hello? Whos there?

She got up, drew a dagger, and crept around her house for a good thirty minutes, even going outside. But then she went back to her bed and crawled into it. She put her wand, dagger, and hat all close by on her bed and tried to sleep, rattled.

She had never heard anything like that before. It was no watery voice from the deep. It was closeand it sounded like a wail, an eerie sound with no vocal cords. It spoke to her, and Wiskeria listened.

Authors Notes: It was a three-parter after all. Darn!

I suppose its inevitable that when you have a place you havent been before, you have to re-explore and such. But here is part of Erins adventure in Riverfarm.

However. I think well cut away from here and come back later. I have a plan! The plan just changes now and then. I also need to figure out how to move faster on the Volume 1 rewrites. And the other projects. And Gravesongs sequel and

You know, its a good problem to have, too many stories to write. But its keeping quality up and not abandoning the project that matters. The Wandering Inn is like that with all the plotlines and Riverfarm has been gone for a while. Nevertheless, we do the best we can.

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading! Rest assured, all questions will be answered. In fact, if you were reading this any day except the day it was published, you could probably skip ahead and find out what happens next! Its not a cliffhanger. Its just a matter of perspective. See you later!

Irurx and Writing for Ducks by Brack!

DeviantArt: /Brack_Giraffe

Erin by Detton!

Pisces and Ceria by butts!