Book 9: Chapter 12

Book 9: Chapter 12

While Erin Solstice was learning a lesson about [Witches], the rest of the world had their eyes on Izril. Not in a grand sense of it being the most important part of the world.

Arguably, the King of Destruction took priority there. He was now back with every living member of his Seven, and Nerrhavias Fallen was his only foe who had not yet quit the field. If you had a grudge or saw an opportunity in the ensuing bloodbath

Similarly, The Dyed Lands dominated Balerosian news. It would have surprised Erin, if she were even near a scrying orb, because Noass and Sir Relz did not cover the news daily. For better or worse, Wistram News Network had become mostly popular in Izril, although it was the most worldwide of any cycle.

However, the Great Companies of Baleros rallying the continent against the monsters was a good contrast to Izril. If you found a scrying orb, you could see the cities being evacuated live. Mercenary companies, paid to hold a line in the sand or evacuate settlements.

On the forefront of that news was him.

The Titan of Baleros company was closest to The Dyed Lands, aside from the reclusive Eyes of Baleros. His was a vast company, and it was obviously still locked in combat with Jungle Tails.

Howeverit had been two weeks since The Dyed Lands moved forwards in time. Two weeks, and eight lesser cities had been evacuated or were being overrun bycolors.

Colors. Each one unique. Pale white stalking beasts, all fangs and ivory, their hides fragile, but often invisible as they fought forwards in skirmishing tribes, dragging off prey. They skirted and fought with bright, bright red flower-creatures. Plant-based monsters who often swept forwards under paralytic or allergen-based pollen storms.

Each color fought the other for dominance and, now freed of their temporal prison, were trying to grab land as fast as they could. Their disunity was one of the only reasons The Dyed Lands hadnt claimed more cities.

For some of the apex predators of each color had already been certified as Gold-rank threats, and they were only going to rise higher. A Named-rank threat was a rare one, but people had pointed up at the three-headed flier that was one of the most famous icons of this new death-zone.

Each neck was reptilian, folds of skin layered over dead-white flesh, curved talons on a body that had six legs and was vaguely like a manticore, two massive wings carrying the monster aloft. Its nickname was a Three-Headed Grabghast. Mostly because the creature would render itself invisible, a trick of the white-zone, then extend each head insanely long.

It could stretch as far as nine feet with each head and bite a victim, whereupon the face, shaped like some weeping lion, oddly distorted, would begin to rend its victims with its teeth and retreat.

It was a fiend, a worthy monster outside of any horde, and they could fly so far and high they were among the fastest-moving threats coming from that place. The Grabghasts went after vulnerable targets, heedless of walls or civilization. They ate and ate and left vein-colored eggs in their wake, some method of reproducing or leaving some aspect of itself behind.

No egg had yet hatched, and those that were found had been smashed. And the Grabghasts themselves could be killed.

The Titan of Baleros was checking his hair when the scrying orb turned to him. He nodded into the camera and spoke curtly.

I wont waste your time. Were pulling the Iron Vanguard and Maelstroms Howling together for a full force that will shatter The Dyed Lands into shards. If Jungle Tails would see fit to cease-fire, Id have an easier time. Nevertheless, the Forgotten Wing company will hold them across the Corthien Valley. Bring it down[Mark Target]. Loose!

The scrying orb rotated, and the air vibrated and roared ahead of a marching column of Lizardfolk and Selphid [Mercenaries]. The Corthien Valley was wide farmlands dotted by nali-stick farms, irrigated in classic terraces. Right now, the [Farmers] were peeking out of their houses.

The Grabghast had been hiding in a clump of huge, tangling bushes. It ignored the thick hedges, but not the first volley of stones. The Lizardfolk swung up slings, and pebbles bounced off the hide of the monster. It came surging down towards the braced Selphids as Niers watched.

Slow it.

[Suppressing Fire]. [Mark Target: Reduced Mobility].

Camerals voice trembled as the Dullahan [Strategist] pointed and the Grabghasts momentum faltered. Its necks were already trying to stretch, and Niers nodded.

Slings, down! Arrowsgive me a wood-tipped volley! No Skills!

The Lizardfolk stopped whirling their strings, and a second rank armed with shortbows loosed a volley. Niers peered at the Grabghast. One head shot out like a snakes, and a Selphid shouted.

Inc

Someone speared the head, and the beast howled as it retracted its face. Howeverthe brave [Pikewoman] reeled, and a cry went up.

Body down! Chest wound

One of the Selphids in front was missing a chunk of its chest, and the wounded Selphid went reeling. Niers eyes narrowed.

That was nearly thirty feet, not the nine advertised. Someone update the entry in our encyclopedias. Its got a bite that goes through iron. Wooden arrowssink into the hide.

Half the fletchings had stuck in the hide, but only lightly. Niers nodded.

Enough playing. [Thorn Formation]flame spells and full volleynow!

The Grabghasts scream turned into a whine of terror as the third and final volley lanced it. No cheap wooden arrows or stones, but steel-tipped arrows and Skills. It didnt even turn to Niers formation, but tried to run. Thin, pale grey liquid leaked from its sides, and Niers ran a commentary as his [Archers] filled it with arrows.

Wood-tipped arrows can keep these Grabghasts bleeding. Well test poison on more; its reported to work. If your local forces have no poison or arrows, you must surround it. They can and will strike and run. Use dust or sand in the air with wind spells to identify them. Astoragon, signing out. Forgotten Wing, advance!

The Grabghast was still dying as a Selphid stormed forwards with an axe to cut off its heads. Niers Astoragon moved ahead with the rest of his battalion. He was scrambling his forces, engaging every monster he came across. Behind him, some fascinated [Scholars] and adventurers and [Naturalists] were vying for a chance to dissect this new monster.

An organized advance from a Great Company. Baleros expected nothing less, and Niers had made a point of doing these broadcasts as efficiently as possible. Thus far, the Dullahans had taken the same cues, although Maelstroms Howling was more effusive at times. The Great Companies, for all their vying, had seen a threat and were headed to stomp it out as fast as possible.

The Titans brief moment on the scrying orb showcased Baleros attitude to new threats. There were elements to be desired, and Niers was certainly winning by engaging the most far-flung of the monsters coming out of that place, but it was a contrastable moment.

Especially to the horde coming out of the High Passes. Were the Gargoyles and Eater Goats a proportionally far smaller threat?

Absolutely. However, thousands of Gargoyles and Eater Goats were still a force capable of wiping out city after city. And the north, in this hour of need, sent

Adventurers. Adventurers, militia, a <Quest> with a steadily rising reward, and no armies.

No centralized army. As Sir Relz interviewed the local nobility, he was stressed on that fact.

What you do not understand, ah, Sir Drake, is that there is a difference between noble estates and commonwealth cities. The cities closest to the High Passes, I believe, Celum being thethe one of note, are not under anyones definitive authority. Lady Reinhart has a mansion in Celumbut the city pays her no tithes.

Its not Celum thats closest to this section of the High Passes, Lord Gorne. The monsters have exited a higher plateau farther up along the mountain range.

Really? Erwhere are they, then? Are they near aboutermsome other place?

The [Lord] looked surprised, and Sir Relz consulted the map displaying the region.

Celum is far to the east. The nearest citywell, townis Somegel, and I believe the populace has mostly fled. Then we reach the city of Orefellis Celum the only city you know?

Lord Gorne shrugged and patted at his forehead uncomfortably with a handkerchief. He was wearing full-plate armor, and, despite mostly standing still, even in the fall sun, he was baking a bit. He was one of the closest nobles, and his estates lay a comfortable forty miles north of Celum and well clear of the High Passes proper.

There you are, then. No noble family has migrated that far south or been established. Let alone one of the Five Families. Now, my army is standing ready to repel the monsters, and I anticipate, nay, I am sure House Veltras will lead a counteroffensive well before they reach my lands. I have written to Lord Tyrion himself, and if the man is removed from where we are, his people are not.

So what Im hearing is that the north is waiting on one of the Five Families to do something? You do not, in fact, intend to march to the aid of Orefell?

Lord Gorne bristled. He indicated his army, which was a thin force of six thousand by some Drake city standardsit still made him the largest force in the region by far. Hed trotted out eight hundred to do some parade drills for this interview.

I hardly intend to bleed my peoples protectors against the monsters alone, Sir Drake. I might say that the High Passes are everyones issue! Wherere your Drake armies?

Sir Relz ignored that. The Drake shuffled some papers with his claws and nodded to one side at an off-screen person.

The north is Human land. I think that answers our questions. Thank you, Lord Gorne, and it seems like the adventurers and cities responding to the muster will determine who meets the monsters in the field. Hardly the response of a Walled City for a Drake settlement in need, but I suppose these things happen.

He almost got away with it, but Lord Gornes rapidly-purpling expression turned calm for one moment. He might have been pompous, but he was still a [Lord], and he snapped back coolly.

A fine sentiment, sir. Where were those armies when Liscor was nearly taken? It seemed to me that Pallass quite ignored the requests for aid, and your Oteslia was the only Walled City to give a damn. I suppose border settlements are ignored everywhere, eh?

That is a complete mischaracterization of

Sir Relz began to respond, but the viewpoint switched, and he was left, fuming, as another guest from the Adventurers Guild in Invrisil came on air.

It was sort of amazing. Izrils coverage of the High Passes disaster as it unfolded was non-stop, and it had a lot more dramaand a lot less actual action. Someone watching the scrying orb of Sir Relz turned to the other people sitting and watching.

Dyou think this makes us look bad?

Relc Grasstongue scratched under his chin absently as he looked around The Wandering Inn. It was mostly empty, but the inn was back open, and that meant the regulars still came. Menolit, Relc, KlbkchIshkr and a small staff were serving the clients watching the news in the rec-room.

Menolit put down a hand of cards and glanced up idly.

Hows it make us look bad, exactly?

As Izrilians. Baleros looked pretty damn sharp. Nice formations, and that Selphid only got hurt because that monster had that trick up its sleeve. Meanwhile, that [Lord] cant take a single stick out his ass and hit a goat with it.

A few snorts from around the room. It was comfortable with Erin gone. You hated to admit it, butthere was a time for drama and a time for relaxing.

Having a nice drink of blue juice with a hot toddy for later to accompany a pretzel or some fries? You could bleed a bit of coin to get something piping hot like a slice of pizza, and Ishkr had cleverly opened the windows a bit.

So it was cold as fall blew in, but hed lit a fire in the rec room, and there were blankets, so it was really better than just being amiably warm. Relc had two blankets on, and he was almost dozing by the fire after a dawn-shift as a [Guard]. He yawned and waited for Menolit to reply, but speaking of hot toddies, Captain Todi put down a card and responded.

Hes just looking out for himself. Its classic politics. If he marched his army down, everyoned call him a hero, but hed lose two-thirds of his army even if he won. Gorne doesnt have that many [Knights]; hes got low-level [Soldiers]. [Militia], even. And if he did march, no oned help.

Hows that, then?

Menolit frowned. The rec room listened with interest. Relc, Menolit, and Todi were some of the more notable regulars, but there were the usual Antinium, a GoblinRasktoothnapping next to Infinitypear, and even some Players of Celum from Invrisil.

More Antinium than regular, actually. Not only did the Free Antinium send patrols up, but the army was now granting leave to a lot of its members since the war against Hectval had slowed. A few [Crusaders] were watching the card games and wondering if this was a good use of their hard-earned gold.

Even Menolit had a heart, though, so he had not fleeced the new Antinium soldiers out of any coin. As for Todi, the Gold-rank Captain explained with casual cynicism.

Easy. If hes going to stop the monsters, why should anyone else help? If he stays put, everyone will band together over the threat. Adventurers get called in to do their thing, and yeah, a few cities might have to evacuate or fight off the horde, but the nobles dont suffer any fucking thing.

Menolit frowned darkly as he tossed his cards down in disgust.

Thats terrible. You Humans do it like that?

Todi gave him a wry look.

You think we like it? Im talking noble politics.

Oh. Yeah. Like Walled Cities wagging their tails. Fine, finepoor Orefell, though. Anyone know the place?

I bet its got lots of ore.

Relc muttered dreamily. He felt bad, in a vague sense, and Captain Todi shrugged.

Never been. We skipped by it when we went to the High Passes and hunted Wyverns. Ambrol? You said you worked around there.

He turned to one of his Gold-rank teammates, and the [Mage] muttered.

I grew up two towns over. Its not a huge mining city. Esthelms arguably got more. Orefell was moreaspirational. Poor bastards were founded by a [Lord] with no sense of the land. They do better trade panning the rivers. Jade, not ore. Decent fishingyou get the same damn bitey fish around here as Orefell.

No herding? Its pretty flat land coming out of the High Passes entrance up north.

Todi asked idly. His teammate shook his head.

Carn Wolves, Eater Goats, Gargoyles, Wyverns. Farmings out for the same reason. Orefell is all about semi-precious stones. If you are mining, its cave-mining. You hit a likely spot, grab whatevers most precious, and leg it back to the city. No permanent seams or mines. Its all expeditions. Anyone works hard, gets some gold, and moves back east. I did thatgot a big chunk of jade and bought my first set of chainmail.

Todi whistled quietly.

Well, their already bad luck just ran out. Sucks to be Orefell. I bet itll have to be evacuated. Even if the Horns and other Gold-rank teams are making a stand, they wont be able to do more than pick off parts of that horde. If it divides up, maybe only a few villages will burn. If notitll take a while for one of the Five Families or a few nobles to rally a big enough army to slap it down. All those militias and other cities will do their best, but Gargoyles are tough bastards, and Eater Goats dont stop.

The rest of the room muttered, and Relc opened one eye and sighed. Poor Orefell. That was the consensus.

Poor Orefell, and what a shame. Relc thought of Liscors army, but the chances of them navigating past Esthelm and all the way up and around the High Passes to Orefell from Hectval in time were impossible. Besidesit was the norths problem. He lay back in his rocking chair and began to snore until someone threw a fork at him to make him stop.

Relc almost wished hed called in sickfor a weekto go with Erin to Riverfarm. However, he was a trusted sergeant. Plus, hed heard Manus had been striking the north, and Relc had a pretty good idea of what theyd been up to. It was warm down here, and his kid was getting her own break from the army tomorrow.

So he rested, and The Wandering Inn watched the news, content in the fact that they werent part of this particular drama for once.

That was the evening after Erin had left. The day when she posted the <Heroic Quest>. It was a meaningless moment. And it also changeda lot.

Who went to the High Passes? Who could reach Orefell in time? Erins door was limited; even if Liscor had wanted to send Strategos Olesm, they wouldnt have been capable of doing so. The only people who could move that fast, in general and with the door, were small groups.

Adventurers.

Yet once again, Todi was sitting in The Wandering Inn, completely unmoved by the bounties on the monsters or appeals of the local cities. And while Todi was often considered a bastard and a coward or both

He was a weathervane for the average adventurer. Todi saw little opportunity in playing [Hero] and a lot of death. However, adventurers did still go.

The Horns of Hammerad were arranging transit to Orefell outside of Invrisil when the Halfseekers arrived. Captain Jelaqua Ivirith, pale-skinned in her dead Human body, was tying something to her belt when she called out.

Ceria! There you are. Mind if we ride along?

Ceria Springwalker turned and laughed when she saw the Halfseekers.

Jelaqua! I thought we were the only ones crazy enough to join in. Whats wrong with your team? Dont you have Maughin to hold you back?

The Selphids smile was crooked, and she looked less relaxed than some times. Her team, accordingly, looked grimmer. Moore almost seemed to have reverted backwards; he barely nodded to Ksmvr, who was patting some horses on their heads as he came to a halt. Seborn was checking and rechecking his blades, and Ulinde shyly nodded to Pisces.

Ah, well, we thought about it. It wasnt Maughinit was hearing the people begging for help on the scrying orb. Orefell will never evacuate in time. Were not looking to fight that horde, but Maughin understood; the Halfseekers couldnt sit in Pallass. You felt the same way?

Ceria hesitated and glanced at her teammates. Yvlon was stretching her metal arms, and she nodded to Moores new set of armor, courtesy of Maughin. She clasped Seborns hand, and Ksmvr turned as a wagon was brought out and, surprisingly, unhitched.

Sure. I mean, of course. Its all heroic nonsense over here. Yvlon was raring to go, and we had a discussion, and I said wed die, but were going.

She mimed slitting her throat, and Jelaqua laughed. Unconsciously, she patted the object hanging on her side.

It was a little hammer, so fresh it was still tinged blue from the forge fires. Ceria glanced at it, and Jelaqua explained.

Lucky charm. For [Lovers]. Which I am.

Ooh. Want to play cards tonight?

It was light banter, and both Gold-rank Captains glanced around and noticed they had a few eyes on them. Jelaqua called out to a group skulking in the distance, a few sheathed blades prominent alongside their armor.

Any of you fancy on coming with? Theres plenty of room, and we can always get another wagon!

At her words, the group started and then backed up. Cerias eyes followed them. Jelaqua glanced at her.

Who was that?

Some Silver-rank team. I can count how many are going to Orefell on one hand.

She raised four fingers, and Jelaqua raised her brows.

Whore the other two?

The Pride of Kelia and a Gold-rank team. Spoken Vow. Ever heard of them?

Jelaqua had a vague inkling.

Some mixed-group team, fairly new. Decent. Good on the Pride. Is Nailren still heading it? Im disappointed the Wings and Flamewardens arent coming.

For answer, the half-Elf shrugged.

The Wings were really interested in the new lands, so they might be tied up in negotiations for a scouting gig. Plus, they were down a member, remember? As for the FlamewardensKeldrass heavy armor doesnt move fast. Even if he has the Heartflame Breastplate, I dont think they want to outrun Eater Goats.

Her analysis sombered Jelaqua further, and it wasnt like shed come dancing out of Maughins bed.

True. We cant fight them en-masse without an escape route. Maybe we should buy some of those [Lesser Teleport] scrollshow long are you waiting?

Ceria turned and jerked a thumb at the wagon. The horses had been unhitched, and the [Stablehand] was asking Ksmvr for an autograph.

We were about to go, but well wait. Pisces was just conjuring our ride.

On cue, the [Necromancer] spilled bones from a pouch, pointed, and two undead horses rose upwards to the [Stablehand]s horror. Horrorbut he didnt scream, and no one called the Watch.

That was the level of fame the Horns had reached. The other horses shied away as Pisces began to tether them, and Jelaqua whistled.

I forgot how economical you all are. Give us a second. Seborn! Want to check on scrolls in Invrisil?

The Drowned Man turned from a quiet talk with Yvlon.

Dont bother. Word is theyve all been taken. Black markets gone to people close to the hordes who want out. Nervous nobility and rich folk bought the rest.

Damn. Were the ones heading to the fighting! Invrisilsoh, wait. It was via Celum, wasnt it?

Glumly, Jelaqua realized that Erin had enabled unique market conditions where someone living near Celum could, for a nominal fee and far less effort, get ahold of a magical item. Which was normally greatexcept when the adventurers could have really used the magic.

Well be fine. Im working on a plan, and Ive told everyone we are not charging into the monsters. Hop on.

Ceria assured the Selphid, and the two teams loaded up. Jelaqua looked around, but no other team joined them. She sat there, staring ahead blankly as Pisces trotted the wagon out of the gates.

I feel like Ill betray my age if I say something like, when I was a Silver-rank adventurer, any decent team would go and fight. Im fifty-eight years old.

Well, youre younger than me. Go ahead and say it.

The [Cryomancer] leaned back, and Jelaqua tried to smile. She gazed around and sighed.

Nah. Even in Baleros, its risk-reward all the way down. And thisIve packed the Raskghar bodies. Frankly, if Ulinde and I burn through them, itll just make the Gnolls happier. But I dont want to lose anyone or even come close. Not for this. Its a shame to say, but weve had too many close calls, Ceria. No Village of the Dead, but I have to go.

She glanced sideways, hoping the half-Elf wouldnt castigate her, but Ceria just nodded, eyes sharp.

Trust me, Jelaqua. I understand. After ChandrarI have a plan. Ill lay it on you as we go. No gambling with lives. I just hope theres more [Soldiers] or the most well be able to do is slow down breakaway packs.

Jelaqua nodded and sat up, and Ceria offered her some of Erins new mana candies for the road. They were eating and talking when they spotted a group of Gnolls on horseback and another wagon headed west. Pisces horses didnt tire, so they caught up to practically the only travellers headed this way. Already, Ceria could see a flow towards Invrisil.

And these are just people worried about the monsters. Not in the line of traffic. Theyd be going as fast as they could all day and night. She estimated theyd get there in about three daysfaster now that Nailrens party trotted over and offered to join the expedition. That was about how much time Orefell had too.

The adventurers crammed over, and Ceria met with Spoken Vow, a team of five, who looked slightly intimidated, slightly competitive when they were introduced to the Horns. She shook hands with their leader, a decent [Warrior] with a tower shield named Mickey the Moored, much to Moores vague amusement. A self-trained [Hedge Mage] who had learned how to throw flaming sparks, a [Trick-Shot Archer], and a [Dual Slingshot Skirmisher].

A Gold-rank team. Oh, and their last member was a new rookie who had made Gold-rank on her own. A [Knife Fighter]. Ceria gave her a second look, and Seborn whispered.

Typhenous kind.

Ah.

Ceria shook hands, with the too-polite smile on the womans face, and nodded. She sat back with Nailren, who began asking about the Meeting of Tribes, and listened to Ksmvr introduce himself to the other adventurers.

Hello, I am Ksmvr. I do not eat people. I am, in fact, a great lover of animals except camels. Any stories you have heard about me as Ksmvr of Chandrar are greatly exaggerated, except for my personal acts of heroism. I did not free the Empress of Tiqr, although we are friends, and she has stolen my sword. Hello, I am Ksmvr

Ceria sat back and stared at the sky, smiling, but in that way that was deliberate, not genuine. She knew she was wearing the circlet of the Putrid One, but even so, she had to believe

The half-Elf subtly took it off, although it was still invisible. She pretended to be stuffing her face and waited for two minutes as her head felt tighter, more clouded, and she grew decidedly more stupider.

More stupider? Moreless intellectual? Less erudite? Ceria gave up. The rebound effect was not fun, and shed put the circlet back on in a second. She just waited, then exhaled. Ceria flipped the circlet back onto her head and was relieved by everything returning to better-than-normal. But she had to make sure, and she felt the same way.

Yep. That checks out. Were in trouble.

On the second day since the hordes announcement, the roads became clogged with fleeing people. Each city, town, and village was advised by Wistram to evacuate.

They listened. They had always known the threat of a horde might come from the High Passes, but this was faster than they thought. Worse than they thought.

A smaller horde, even the Eater Goats by the hundreds or thousands, could be defeated by a citys walls and luck. Eater Goats led by Gargoyles?

One was made worse by the other. Gargoyles alone were strong, tough enough to ignore casual arrows, and capable of flying. They spat out bits of stone like [Stone Shard] spellsbut cast by an experienced [Mage]and their rock-like skin covering their orange insides made them a Silver-rank threat for a whole team.

Yet they could be killed by enough determined people, even at low-levels. Eater Goats, by contrast, never stopped. They were largely stupid, and while they could jump, they died to a lot of things and would eat their own dead. One or the other was a manageable threat.

But together, they could overwhelm a city. And they were moving fast. The first place to fall was Somegel.

The city had been evacuating all night. First had gone the horses as every single person with one was offered increasing sums of gold or begged to hitch theirs to a wagon. Offers became less polite, and by the time day broke, any horse left in the city would be requisitionedby blade.

Not that many waited till dawn. The first hours after the announcement were full of panicand many left instantly, grabbing valuables and evacuating.

HoweverHuman or peoples natures were more complex. The gangs in Somegel were small, but they realized there was a profit to be had in acquiring transit, or promising it, and looting houses evacuated by other citizens.

Some refused to go, trusting to the walls of Somegel, which were still fifteen feet high, as befitted a city near the High Passes. They bunkered down, organized into militiasand watched the news.

When the first scrying spells finally found the monsters and revealed the scope of the hordethousands of Eater Goats surging across the base of the High Passes, Gargoyles bickering with each other, tearing apart weaker monsters who fell or even bledmany more decided to go.

The scramble began as the fastest to leave Somegel left the rest to go on foot, forced to abandon possessions or try to barter them for a horse.

A horse! Or someone with travel classes? More than one [Scoundrel] rode into Somegel, having traveled all night, and traded their horse for a few jewels, a bag of gold. Then they joined the crowds heading out on foot, delighteduntil they realized how fast the monsters were moving.

When the horde appeared by daybreak, Somegel was a quarter full. The rest were either hiding in basements or joining the militia defending the walls.

Even with the scrying orbs visions of the monsters, it hadnt quite sunk in yet, for the Humans of Somegel, just how many monsters there were. When the Eater Goats began storming over the horizon and braying, braying with their shrieking calls until the stones were vibrating as much as your ear canalsthe defenders nerves began to break. Some tried to get out the sealed gates or decided to hide instead. But even those who managed to force the eastward gate open and run were far too slow.

Somegel fell in one hour. Not the monsters took the walls in one hour or they fought for one hour. The entire town was gone and the monsters were moving off in an hour.

A town of six thousand was sprawling enough and rich enough to put wooden walls in place. Not enchanted. And yes, more than three quarters had gone rather than fight.

But that still left nigh on a thousand Humans to try and hold the walls against the monsters. Humans with Skills, weapons, tacticsand it worked.

For about five minutes. The Eater Goats swarmed around the gates, trying to eat the wood banded by iron, but even their jaws had little purchase. Some jumped, but unless they springboarded off each other, they never would reach the top of the fifteen-foot walls. The [Archers] pelted arrows down, and even if an Eater Goat was strong enough to take a shot straight through the back, it would be a target for its own kind and weakened.

Howeverthere were so many of them. They began tossing their own up, an Eater Goat leaping up and letting another leap off its back like some kind of circus act. However, those that got to the walls were minced up by half a dozen thrusting blades. They fought, biting, tearing into the panicked Humans, but even a deep bite was seldom fatal. Armor protected flesh, and a bit of healing potion saved even a grave wound.

If it were just the goatsSomegel would still have fallen. The goats pressed in around the walls from every angle, spreading out and trying to find a way inside. Once one pocket was breached, they would flood in and the neat lines of defense would waver.

However, the Gargoyles expedited the process. The Humans in the militia looked up at the first sound of giant wings tearing the air and saw a Gargoyle Bossel crash down. The curved beak opened and spat stone shards at a Human with a shield.

[Deflecting Parry]!

The shield deflected the spray of stones, saving the life of the [Warrior]. The Skill did not activate twice. The Bossel swung a stone axe down and crushed the Human as they staggered from the first attack. Then it whirled, ignoring the swords and spears jabbing into it, and began laying about as more Gargoyles landed.

If it was one or a dozenbut it was dozens, and more afterwards. Many of the Gargoyles and Eater Goats just waited outside as a wall was breached. A few hammered on the gates, and when the first gap emerged, they poured into the city.

It wasmerciful that the [Scrying] spells showed none of the bloodbath in detail. The Eater Goats sniffed out anything edible, and that included people hiding in their basements. Some might have been spared because the Gargoyles herded the Eater Goats forwards.

Bloated, some so fat their ribs were distended to make room for the food they were digesting, the Eater Goats reluctantly abandoned tearing apart Somegel for everything. The Gargoyles themselves had smashed into homes and looted what they valued: metal for weapons, food they might like, or shiny trinkets. They recognized magic, although Somegel had been left with precious little of it for the Gargoyles to fight over.

Strange. It was all strange to the experts who knew monsters. The Gargoyles might have squatted, even taken over Somegel as a base, some of them. But they kept moving, driving the Eater Goats on as if they were afraid to stayor aware their enemies were mobilizing against them.

It looked much the same. Somegel was a ruined city afterwards, with few dead bodies or much more than bloodand the Eater Goats had even licked the walls clean in their hunger. A few goats roamed around, still bleating for food, but the horde left before the sun had even finished rising.

A few survivors would emerge later, shell-shocked, to flee or scavenge and try to last, but some would come down with sickness, a strange malady of the skin.

Not that those who watched Somegels fall saw the later, insidious effects of the hordes presence. Drassi somberly covered the broadcast with Colmet, a Gnoll from Pallass who was her new co-anchor. The [Scrying] spells followed the horde as the Gargoyles continued onwards, and a facet of Eater Goat biology revealed itself then.

They were reproducing. Not in a traditional way you expected. Instead, the Eater Goats whod eaten so much they were bloated to the point of actually rupturing their stomachs digested at an insane, unbelievable rate. But they swelled up as all that excess energy, instead of being converted to fat, resulted in a strange gestation. In little over three hours, an Eater Goat would halt, despite the Gargoyles lashing them or their kind bumping into them, and vomit a younger Eater Goat onto the ground.

Naked, with teeth as sharp as flint and already hungry, the bleating younger goats left the horde. The Gargoyles ignored them as the newborn Eater Goats roamed backwards to the High Passes; it would take them days or weeks to grow their tough fur hides and become a fully dangerous Eater Goat.

As for the cute, small, black goat amidst the hordeit hopped along, sometimes carried by a very unhappy and nervous Gargoyle, a strange collar around its neck. It was upset it had nothing to eat and kept trying to bite off the collar, but it had weak teeth compared to the rest of its kind. When a few other Eater Goats had tried to bite off the collar, they had torn out their teeth with the force of their bites to no avail.

By now, everyone who was headed to Orefell was already en-route. Just who that was became clearer as Drassi sorted out people headed to combat the hordeor fleeing it as best they could. Some forces had not declared their intentions, but the distance was such that anyone as far away as Invrisil had to gonow.

However, like the Goblin Lords rampage had shown, the power of the north, was, well, north. Few cities or nobles had an army large enough to contribute to a monster rampage of this size, and those that did, like Lord Gorne, were playing politics.

A city could be rebuilt. People? Better to flee rather than face Somegels fate, even if you were a city.

The problem was this: Somegel was a city of six thousand souls. It had been able to let everyone out through the gates, on horseback, riding wagons, or on foot, but the people on foot were now racing to get away from the monsters who could move faster than they could.

But a city? A city of tens of thousands or larger?

The gates were choked, and some of the Watch had abandoned their posts. People were fleeing in such numbers that the roads were practically ignored as people marched alongside the road, tripping, wheels breaking, arguing, fighting, pleading

Orefell did not evacuate completely because it was impossible to. And even if they didhow would they take enough food for everyone? Where was the organization, the future?

A large percentage of the citys fifty-six thousand population stayed as the horde began to swarm their way. That was the second day, and by now, their [Governor] was putting out every distress call she could, using speaking stones, appealing to Wistram, Eldavin, the Five Families, calling in every favor she thought she had, threatening and begging.

Sowho was coming to help?

On the third day, Gershal of Vaunt arrived and was very unhappy his horse hadnt thrown a shoe. Or that four hundred horses hadnt done the same.

He was a [Lieutenant of the Line], and unfortunately, his forces had been able and willing to ride to Orefells defense. Gershal was doubly-unfortunately the officer assigned to the cause for a few reasons.

Firstly, he was no [General] of Vaunt, a city famous for its cheese. Good cheese, plenty of bries, a few camembertssoft cheese, none of that hard, break-your-grater nonsense. But Vaunt had cheese, not amazing forces.

Well, they had enough to maintain some proper [Soldiers], and one supposed being a city that traded cheeses gave them a conscience or at least the desire to be a sociable neighbor. The second reason theyd sent Gershal was

He had done this before. The [Lieutenant] had been six levels lower when he had met Zel Shivertail and fought with the Tidebreaker in the ill-fated battle against the Goblin Lord. He had earned five of those six levels on that day.

He still had nightmares. It gave Gershal no good impressions of this desperate mission of mercy. If he was happy about one thingit was that Captain Salvia of Nonelmar wasnt there.

Nonelmar and Vaunt had a famous rivalry which, of course, you knew about. Because it was so famous. Ahem. Gershal was aware it was small cheese curds compared to the rest of the region, but he and Salvia had been cordial rivals and fought with Zel Shivertail. Her [Riders] were far more mobile than his forces, which had only upgraded to horses recently.

But damn him if he wasnt glad she was missing. Because Gershal didnt know if they were going to survive this in many pieces.

Vaunts sent only four hundred? There are more Gargoyles than your soldiers, [Lieutenant]!

The first thing the [Governor] shouted at him was thatbefore she collected herself. She had a turban set with a jewel on her head, and she was a [Trade Governor] and very, very stressed. She didnt look like shed slept, which made two of them.

Governor Cuarte, I have ridden night and day to give aid to our distant friends in Orefell. Vaunt is not the closest city to Invrisil, let alone Orefell. We have given what we can.

Yes, of course. Justsomeone will find a place for your men.

Gershal nodded and waited, but the Governor lapsed into a blank silence and stare. Her advisory council was half-gone, deserted, and Gershal coughed into one fist.

Hm? What?

Is there a commanding officer, a [General] of Orefell I should present myself to, Madam Governor? We could use supplies, and I would like to rest our horses. If the monster horde arrives tomorrow, we will need all the rest we can get.

The [Governor] gave him a bug-eyed look and then ran her hands through her hair.

Supplies? Half our warehouses were lootedwe can find something. You, Danna, find the [Lieutenant] a place to stay. The barracks. But watch your horses, [Lieutenant]. Tie them up, and someone will steal them. Did you say [General]? You are an officer-class, arent you? Dont you have a plan of attack?

Gershals heart sank lower into his boots.

Iwould hope there is someone in the field commanding the defenses.

The [Governor] laughed bleakly, like someone dropping pieces of glass off a balcony.

We had a [Militia Commander]. A good one, whos fought monsters from the High Passes. Only, I cant find her. I know there are other groups coming to fight. A dozen. Adventurers. IllIll find you their names.

While she searched for a list, Gershal sent a [Message] to Vaunt asking their [General] for orders. He wanted them to tell him to turn around and escort some civilians to safety, but instead, he got the worst news yet.

After consultation with the Five Families, Vaunt has placed its forces under the command of the leading officer in the field. In the absence of any direct commands, you, Lieutenant Gershal, are to skirmish and delay the monsters to allow Orefell to evacuate as best you are able.

Skirmish and delay?

He nearly tore the [Message] up. Gershal had seen the monsters on the scrying orb. He had seen another town burning in the distance and taken fifty of his [Soldiers] to scout it out.

One look at the flying Gargoyles, who moved far faster than he wanted giant stone monstersthe smallest of whom were seven feet tallto move, or the Eater Goats running full-tilt, and he knew there would be no skirmish. His Skills were devoted to holding a spot, and unlike other armies, if they were surrounded, his people were dead.

Were holding the walls. If we sortie, it will only be because Orefell is overrun. All we have to do is perform a fighting withdrawal. The adventurers will help draw off the monsters.

He gave a little speech to his command and got bleak looks in reply. Someone muttered as Gershal strode back to find the other commanders in the city.

What adventurers?

There were precious few in the city. Gershal understood, by now, that the Five Families were waking up to the crisis. House Terland and House El had begun mobilizing a number of Gold-rank teams, and a Golem-led force was moving south from one of their strongholds.

Far, far north of Invrisil. They had pledged that not a single monster would sack Celum, which was far enough east of Orefell for that to be at least a week out from the hordes path. Gershal imagined they would keep that promise, especially because House Veltras seemed to be moving quick too, a force heading down from around the High Passes range and going south to pincer the horde.

Too far from Orefell. Gershal remembered when Magnolia had put out her call for aid and Tyrion Veltras had sucked the forces meant for Zels army into his. He felt much the same thing happening here, only this time, he couldnt blame House Veltras. So he blamed everyone else instead.

Pisces Jealnet didnt sleep well on the ride to Orefell. Mostly because he hated camping.

In a larger sense, it was his nerves about the crisis and his telling his team what had happened with Roshal. They were very supporting, as Erin had claimed. He had felt silly when, before getting through one of his notecards, Yvlon had leapt up, swearing to hunt down every [Slaver] between here and Roshal.

But it made him think of his friends in Pomle. And, he had found, sharing his trauma with his team had hurt him by hurting them. Ksmvr had looked so shocked and had been so upset he hadnt slept for two days before hed passed out in the wagon. Pisces was glad of it.

He didnt want it.

Yet the monsters remained. He was an adventurer, and that was an odd thought for the [Necromancer]. Ceria had been joking that they hadnt been back to Liscor a month before they were called away on adventurer business. To which he had said, that is yours and Yvlons concern, I am merely an unwilling participant.

And then, the Spoken Vow team had given Pisces an odd look, and he had remembered hed voted to go there. Hed looked around and realized hed become one of them.

One of those swashbuckling, ale-drinking adventure-havers, who went on errands andand it felt normal. It felt right. Even if this was the stupidest decision since the Village of the Dead raid, Pisces couldnt imagine anything else happening.

It was so strange coming to Orefell, too. When he first left Wistram, Pisces had headed straight south to Liscor on a pilgrimage to see where the Necromancer had died. A meandering pilgrimage often falling afoul of the law, it was true, but Orefell was not a place to visit.

It was surprisingly industrial, and he saw two huge cranes designed for picking up huge loads of stone, a rare engineering marvel, in the city from a distance. They had been for the mines that had never panned out, but they were good for loading and unloading, and the walls were high.

Twenty feet. Stone. Liscors got better ones, and these dont look like they have more than a single Tier 4 binding on them.

Ceria pronounced at a distance. Pisces raised his brows; she was getting better at enchantments if she was as certain as she sounded. He saw a stream of people passing by, a flow like the last two days had shown him.

Human pettiness and misery in its fullness. Pisces had seen how few teams and people were headed this way. And yetwhat surprised him was not that, but the reactions.

To his team. People looked up and pointed as the undead horses clattered down the road, and then they began to cheer. They saw Ksmvr and began to shout.

The Horns of Hammerad!

Ksmvr of Chandrar! Its Pisces the [Necromancer]! Ceria the Ice Squirrel! The Silver Killer of

Yvlons face turned beet red, and Ceria choked on her own spit laughing. Pisces stared down as the people threatened to flood the wagon, and Jelaqua had to get up and shout.

Keep it moving, people! Keep going! We need to get into that city! Thank you!

Moore was trudging next to the wagon, and people stared up at him. He looked down at a family and a crying girl staring at an upended wagon. It had broken, and Moore stepped over and lifted the wagon up, halting the flow of people.

If you have another wheel, I can hold it. Or we may have one in our cart.

He told the stunned parents, and Jelaqua cursed.

Moore! Oh, dead godssomeone get the spare wheel! Moorealright, alright, Im coming. Ulinde, can you just [Repair] that or is it too much damage?

The Halfseekers were quintessentially good people, and they deserved the cheers more than the Horns in Pisces opinion. However, it was when Ceria met the [Governor] and was dragged away by the frantic woman that he met Gershal of Vaunt.

The [Lieutenant] almost looked ready to cry when he presented himself as a leader of a four hundred soldier force. He turned to Pisces and, to the [Necromancer]s amazement, shook his hand.

Adventurer Pisces? It is good, damned good, if youll excuse me, to see some Gold-rank teams here. How many?

Pisces was so surprised that Ksmvr spoke for him.

Four. The Pride of Kelia is Silver-rank, but they are excellent archers, and we have Spoken Vow and the Halfseekers. Hello, Lieutenant. I am Ksmvr. You may know me as Ksmvr of Chandrar, but I must assure you that any tales about me are exaggerated except for my skill at petting animals.

Gershal gave Ksmvr a bug-eyed look, which the [Skirmisher] returned, but then he held out a slow hand.

I believe Ive seen you dancing.

Ksmvr hesitated and clacked his mandibles together.

I do not dance upon request, but I am pleased you have observed me in a private act. Hello.

They shook hands, and Gershal didnt even wipe his handsalthough he was wearing gloves. But that made him a better person than most, and the man proved to be a better information source than the [Governor] practically clinging to Ceria.

There are two other Gold-rank teams here. Two. One is large enough to be a forcetheyre called A Pact of Flame and Sword. Do you know them?

No. How large are they?

Pisces waved Yvlon over as she spoke to Nailren and Spoken Vows Captain, Mickeyhe thought they were arranging a place to meet tonight, which would be good. They only had a day left.

A Pact of Flame and Sword? Thirty strong.

Thirty?

That caught Pisces and Ksmvrs ear, but Yvlon nodded when she heard that.

I know the Pact. Gold-rank team, but they have a few members who are Gold themselves. Theyre like Todi, Pisces. More upstanding, more mercenary.

Well, that was something. Gershal did seem relieved to have three more, and he spoke quickly.

Frankly, Adventurers, Im not even sure if we want to come to a battle. Each town and village has gone down in less than an hour. Orefell has fine wallsbut the [Governor] is bleeding her soldiers day by day. We thought the city would be a place to fight atbut its two-thirds empty.

I thought there was no way Orefell could be evacuated.

Yvlon looked concerned. Gershal gave her a waxy smile.

It cant. Not fully, but the scrying spells are waking up everyone to how many monsters are coming. The [Governor] is thinking of calling for a full evacuation.

That would be disastrous! If she hasnt done it already

Gershal interrupted Yvlon.

Half her remaining militia fled, yesterday and today, Adventurer Yvlon. It may be wiser to escort however many can flee on foot.

That made Yvlon hold her tongue. Ironically, Wistrams calls for evacuation were going too well. Pisces estimation of how bad this was sunk from bad to worse.

If they do evacuate, we may be able to stall part of the monsters. The rest will surely go for the city. What if there was a fighting withdrawal?

Exactly what the consensus is among the leadership, Adventurer Pisces, sir!

Sir. Gershal looked at Pisces with relief, and at this point, the [Necromancer]s fragile ego forced his tongue into saying something stupid as usual. He sniffed.

I am, ah, a [Necromancer], you know, Lieutenant Gershal. I might save your thanks. I fear you might be sullied by association.

To that, the man gave Pisces the blankest of looks.

I know that, Adventurer Pisces. But you also went into the Village of the Dead. If there was ever a time for a [Necromancer]

He left Pisces with his mouth slightly open. The [Necromancer] looked at Yvlon, but it was Ksmvr who put a hand on his shoulder.

You have become widely accepted, Comrade Pisces. I am glad, although you must not let other people assert dominance over you so easily.

His mandibles lifted and opened. Pisces was glad someone could smile about all this. But the more he saw of Orefell, the more he agreed with Gershals sudden decision to evacuate more.

This city was not in a good place.

Low-level soldiers. Sparse reinforcements and a magnification, nay, an awareness of how they were on the chopping block since no great armies had come to save them.

That saw Orefell emptying at an increasing rate over the course of the day. The Horns were a single line in the sand, and they were doing calculations on how much weight the Gold-rank adventurers might have to pull.

Lets say theres only a thousand Gargoyles.

The leader of Spoken Vow spat out their biscuit. Ceria went on as another Gold-rank team Captain nervously did figures with her. The Pacts leader was a tall man, with, of all things, a bit of Gnollish heritage. It made him almost as hairy as Nailren, albeit only where he should have hair naturally, and the Gnoll had smiled.

For about five minutes until the teams had gathered for a recce. They had a few local Silver and Bronze-ranks, but most had fled. The ones who had come and might come were only here because of

The quest. That darned Erin Solstice. Ceria smiled ruefully. She shifted from foot-to-foot and kept glancing sidelong at the <Quest> posted to the empty Adventurers Guild, which a [Receptionist] was updating with new figures every few seconds.

Even when she was goneCeria went on.

Lets say the soldiers can handle half or stall them. And lets say there are only two thousand Eater Goats.

There are more.

Nailren spoke flatly. He was a [Ranger], and Ceria nodded to him.

Lets say there are for the sake of easy numbers. Thats 500 Gargoyles, 1000 Eater Goats. We have, with all our adventurers combined, around maybe fifty decent fighters. Gold and Silver. So each one of us takes on five Gargoyles and ten Eater Goats.

Silence. After a second, Spoken Vows leader Mickey laughed nervously.

II can handle ten Eater Goats if they dont all jump me at once. Hell, all ten at the same time. Five Gargoyles, by myself?

Thats reductionist, Ceria. We never fight alone. Hold them, stall them, break them at choke points. We have to do it. I say that if we hold Orefell, we fight building-to-building. Once the walls fallwe barely try to hold them. Let the monsters have them; we should blockade streets, force them into coming after us. Then we hole up in a defensive spot. The mines.

Jelaqua looked tired as she leaned over a map of the city. Ceria nodded. She had done that math as a point.

And if they evacuate?

We try to stall as many as we can while everyone runs.

Theyll catch the civilians eventually. Eater Goats dont stop runnin. Ive seen it happen.

Pacts Captain was named Nethengrel, and he looked around slowly. Ceria nodded and glanced at a larger map.

The nearest villageno, if we want a city, its thirty-two miles. But how long would they hold? Well be running and defending people getting torn to shreds.

Either that or we blockade ourselves in some mines and hope the horde passes us by.

Two bad options. Some of the lower-level Captains looked like they didnt want to be here. Ceria didnt want to be here, but she was, and so she did all she could to survive.

We can stall them. Frankly, I think its a better option. Adventurers keep mobile, on horseback, and we clash with the monsters. I have [Ice Walls]. My entire class is about freezing things. Moores an expert in green magicwe can trip up the monsters. What we cant do is get boxed in by those Bossels. Some of our people can go toe-to-toe with them, like Jelaqua and Yvlon, but my vote is convincing the [Governor] to evacuate everyone tonight. Within the hour, and we hope like hell the monsters divide up enough to sack Orefell.

Agreed.

Nailren spoke instantly. He didnt fancy dying in a box, and his team were ranged experts. The other two Gold-rank Captains looked uncertain if they had a vote, being individually Silver-rank, but Jelaqua nodded.

Youre the one with a plan, Ceria, and youve got one for the battle.

One of the other Captains coughed.

Which is?

[Fortress of the Ice Queen]. [Frozen Floor]. Stagger up the goats, maybe, but keep them off while we hit the Gargoyles. Repeat. I cant promise I can do it much, but I hope those buggers arent that nimble. We can throw one Frostmarrow Behemoth at thembut it wont last long against that many.

The adventurers murmured, and they were almost in agreement when the final Gold-rank team captain came striding into the room. He was breathless and pulling off a helmet as he clanked in.

Im sorry Im late. I was helping organize the evacuationwe have to empty this city. Half the battlements were abandoned, and I cannot, in good conscience, claim anyone remaining is safe. Whos in charge ofCeria?

The half-Elf heard a familiar voice and whirled in disbelief. Her mouth opened in a delighted, if resigned, smile, and Jelaqua struck her forehead with a palm.

Of all thehow are you here? You idiot, do you just smell suicidal causes? Ylawes!

She spread her arms and hugged and kissed the [Knight] as he blinked at her.

Jelaqua? Youre hereof course you are. Ceria! I had no idea the Horns were fighting the good fight. Youre a welcome sight.

He clasped hands with Ceria, and the half-Elf smiled grimly. Even Ylawes Byres didnt make the odds seem better, but the [Knight] still smiled and actually hugged her.

Is my sister here? Is she well?

Ill take you to her, Ylawes. But firstthe [Governor]. We have to go.

The citys full evacuation was declared by evening. The monsters would arrive the next day, and instead of rest, Ceria found herself telling frightened civilians that the adventurers would not hold the walls unless they had to run into the mines for cover. Anyone who wanted to stay could find a hiding spot or find an area of the mines that Moore was helping set up to collapse. Let Sir Relz and the other nobles and [Strategists] offer their far-flung armchair commentary. Cerias view was that Orefell was a deathtrap.

Five Gold-rank teams and less than three thousand full [Soldiers] spent a sleepless night in Orefell facing a horde of monsters. When they rose, they had the task of combatting a horde of monsters greater in numbers, and the most appetizing target on the road were trying to flee a horde of monsters with possessions on their backs slowing every damn step.

Those were the stakes, and those were the odds. But by dawn, at least there was some hope. After alleven if she wasnt here, Erin had sent all she could.

A <Quest>, her hopes and feelings, whatever that was worth, and something far more tangible.

A [Boon].

She had only one. But with Lyonette? It made two. When Ceria woke up, Gershal of Vaunt was shouting across their localized speaking stones.

The horde is visible in the distance! Adventurer Nailren says it has not spread out muchwe have reinforcements from the north and east and south all claiming to have arrived but none in sight. Adventurers, is everyone prepared?

Hold on, Lieutenantwe have a situation.

What kind of

A good one! Dead gods! Tree rot! Fortress Beavers!

Ceria ran out of exclamations. She stared at a member of her team who had been given a boon from the [Innkeeper]. Because Erin wouldnt let her friends go into danger without doing everything she could.

However, her boon was a Skill seldom used even by herself. Erin had no idea how it worked except in one specific case. So she had needed to choose both a recipient and a guest who had visited her inn. Who had she chosen?

The most hilarious combo possible, that was who. There he stood, in front of the other awed adventurers. His robes blew around him, rippling in the wind as it ruffled Pisces Jealnets hair. When he stood with one foot propped up on a chair, he looked like he could be standing in some portrait of a hero upon a quest, a windswept background behind him.

In this case, the wind kept blowing despite Pisces clear chagrin at Jelaqua laughing herself sick. [Boon of the Guest]! And who had been the guest?

Ryoka Griffin. Pisces was red-faced as Ksmvr felt at the winds with delight.

I cant make it stop! Its like a wind familiar. See?

He pointed to a cup where his breakfast plate lay spinning in a circle, and the wind tried to pick the cup up. But it was so clumsy Pisces ducked as a spray of liquid flew past him.

That is the most useless Skill ever!

Ceria laughed. Yvlon shook her head.

There has to be some utility. Pisces, Ill try to punch you. Stop me.

What? No, not you, Yvlon. Anyone but

Pisces backed up and threw up a hand as she raised one metal arm, but before he could even summon the wind, a jet blast suddenly kicked Yvlon off her feet. She landed, somewhat stunned, and blinked up at Ylawes as he raised his shield reflexively.

Automatic wind protection? Nice! Does it do it twice?

Ceria threw a mug at Pisces. He ducked it with a glower, and she supposed it only worked every so often. He shifted from foot-to-foot uneasily.

I do not care for this at all. I find it makes me a larger target andI have the strangest itching in my feet. I feel like I should be jogging a lap around the city. And my shoes are too tight.

He stared down at his shoes, which, hither-to, he had never bothered to worry about aside from making sure they had no holes in them. Cerias lips twitched.

Are you saying you want to go barefoot?

Pisces head snapped up.

Absolutely not! Yes. And I feel like I can sense minute currents of air, for the useless ability that it is. For instance, Miss Falene just passed wind.

He turned to a half-Elf and Dwarf coming downstairs, and Falene Skyskrall turned white with fury as Dawil began laughing. That wasuntil the second boon-holder came walking indoors and everyone went quiet.

Of the two adventurersErin probably had Pisces on her mind, but there was someone else that Lyonette had allocated her precious [Boon of the Princess] to. And it was as much her daughters choice as hers. So Cerias breath caught in her throat, and Nailren was the one who spoke after a moment.

Dead gods, Moore. Youre as fearsome as any [Shaman] of the tribes.

Moore shifted uncomfortably. He had ducked to enter the Adventurers Guild because he was so tall, but now, even ducking, his head scraped the ceiling. Or rather

The antlers. Moore had been wearing chainmail yesterday, good Pallassian steel. Today? It was like the outfit had sprouted with hide legging and shoulders, and a bark covering melded with the metal. To complete it, his helmet had antlers. He looked like some kind of natural guardian underneath it, and the vines winding up his boots were green turning to the blood red he had learned to use.

I cant take it off! Or rather, when I put on my armor, this happens. Its a Skill called [Vestments of the Warrior of Green]. One Skill.

And tough as Orichalcum. I gave him a stab and barely went through it. Mrsha knows who needed armor the most.

Seborn looked approving. Moore scratched at his head and nearly tangled his gauntleted hands with the antlers.

I just feel silly. Im glad she thought of meand Lyonettebut how do I look?

The Eater Goats looked at each other. Death? They brayed a challenge, but the mysterious, eerie creatures just kept chanting without a voice.

Come. Come and die.

Nothing in the Eater Goats lives had ever uttered a challenge to them aside from their own kind. The monsters began shrieking and started charging across the ground. The [Crusaders] waited, and the Antinium with the banner shouted.

Crossbows!

A rank of Antinium swung up their crossbows. The Soldiers fired and then began to reload. Artur watched a rank of goats stumble.

Bows!

Workers with bows loosed a volley into the air. The stone-tipped arrows glanced off the Gargoyles, wounding the Eater Goats. Artur cursed until an arrow streaked past his face and took a Gargoyle through the eye.

The [Banner Commander] turned, and one of the [Avengers] lowered his bow in the squad he was commanding. He was already shaking with rage. These were not Hectvals soldiers, but monsters? How many monsters had killed his people? His second arrow blew a chunk out of a Gargoyles face, and it dropped as Eater Goats began to bite at the corpse.

The Bossels realized that this army was dangerous. More and more Gargoyles were loping away from their onslaught on the Humans and Dwarves. The first rank of Eater Goats surged forwards, a ravening mass of mouths looking to bring down the Antinium. Even the Dwarves defensive line had struggled to stand against that onslaught.

Thento the disbelief of the watchers and against strategic sensea group of Antinium began a counter-charge. They broke past the lines of braced Antinium and ran at the Eater Goats.

Somethingthe Eater Goats looked up and saw something strange. In their eyes. They were just an insects eyes, edible like everything, multifaceted and pupilless. Foreign even to strange creatures like Eater Goats. But there was something else there. A kind of fervor, an idea given a material presence in this world.

It surrounded them like an aura or magic, as Tolveilouka had seen before. But like the rarest of classes, like the hated [Paladin], there was something else there. That uneasy feeling before his beloved master died. Something beyond even the Putrid Ones craft.

That had been a dream in his era, a long-lost secret. This was the conceptualization of that idea. The Antinium pounded across the ground, sixty strong. The [Crusaders] who had served in the army.

[Templars]. The one in front raised a sword and shield, holding two daggers in his lower hands as the first Eater Goat leapt. He had no voice, but he spoke.

[Miracle: Holy Sword].

He had seen Manus break. Tolveiloukas skin erupted into goosebumps. The Grand Strategist of Pallass quailed. Those watcherswhat did they see?

A high-level Antinium. Terrifying. The Eater Goats looked up and wondered why a sword hovered above them. Made out of that light that was so terrifyingly bright. Then it fell, and a dozen Eater Goats vanished.

The new [Crusaders] watched in awe and a terror of their own. One of their kind had summoned a sword made of light! This wasnt what Antinium were! They were doomed to die, dozens to bring down a single Crypt Worm. But another of their kind, the one with a voice like beauty, Theogrin, raised a shield.

[Barrier of Faith]!

Leaping Eater Goats slammed into a wall of light, like a magic spell. It lasted for moments as more plowed into the gap, but the dazed monsters halted. They saw the shimmering barrier appear, and an Antinium brought down a tower shield. It snapped an Eater Goats back, and a Gargoyle swung into it, but the club rebounded as the [Templar] refused to budge. The Gargoyles eyes widened, and it spat projectiles into a [Crusader]s chest. The Antinium fell back as the point-blank stone shards cut into his chest, piercing the steel. He raised a hand as green blood ran from a deep wound.

[Heal Minor Wounds].

A [Crusader] grabbed him, and the wound closed. The [Crusader] charged, screaming, and the Gargoyle backed up as a glowing sword pierced his stomach.

Then the mass of monsters hit the center of the Antinium forces, and Antinium fell back as Eater Goats swarmed them. Gargoyles began leaping, spitting stone and landing among the low-level [Crusaders]. The Antinium bunched up, bringing the Gargoyles down. Soldiers and Workers falling as Eater Goats brought them down. Biting back with their mandibles.

They were not invincible. A [Crusader] fell, brought down by goats. A dozen Workers armed with bows found themselves facing a Bossel. But then the [Avenger] shot an arrow at point-blank range, and an experienced squad stormed left, cutting down the goats.

The Antinium were here. And they were maneuvering.

Gershal of Vaunt couldnt believe his eyes! It was one thing to fight alongside an experienced adventurer like Pisces, [Necromancer] or not, or see Ksmvr of Chandrar, but this was an Antinium army. How had it gotten here? From the south? How had no one seen it?

This was all in the back of his mind. Most of his attention was still devoted to surviving. Vaunts lines were breaking.

Too late, he realized Cerias dire pronouncements had been right. The half-Elf had been blunt, but she had told him to sacrifice the civilians of Orefell in their own battalion. Not place them among Vaunts soldiers.

They were like cork in a brick wall. They fought hard, but they gave way, and the areas where they died or fell backwards bowed inwards. On the other side, the Dwarves were like a rock, refusing to give an inch. The Antinium had come from that side, but Gershal was screaming for the other officers posted on his end to use their Skills.

[Axebreaker Formation]! Axebreakerwheres my Skill?

He looked around and got his answer as he saw a corpse standing amongst a terrified group of screaming men and women. A Gargoyle Bossel had sniped one of the [Strategists].

Fall back! Fall back!

Which citys soldiers were shouting that? Gershal howled.

Hold your ground or were all dead! Vaunt, hold the line! Tidebreakers stand!

He invoked that day, and his diminishing [Soldiers] halted their flight. They looked up as Gargoyles lunged forwards. Gershal raised his sword, and a sword of bent iron struck him so hard his other arm nearly broke. He landed and saw a Gargoyle staring down at him.

The [Lieutenant of the Line] rose in a single leap. His sword shot straight up in a thrust.

[Piercing Leap].

His swords tip went up and through the roof of that red mouth. The orange blood gushed around the curved beak, and the Gargoyle screamed. Gershal landed on his feet, and his enchanted sword hacked at the stone flesh.

To the lieutenant!

Three spears came to his rescue, knocking the Gargoyle back. It retreated, still covering its mouth, and Gershal found he was alive another second. Hehad he just used that Skill to regain his footing? He had never thought to use that Skill like that before.

If he lived through the battleGershal looked around and heard no more Skills ringing in the air. They were used or the officers were dead. He was calling for adventurers, knowing they were about to expose their flanks and damn them when, to his astonishment, the fleeing civilians and soldiers came back.

Charge! Charge, damn you!

A voice roared in Gershals ears, and he saw a wild-eyed [Soldier] charging an astonished Eater Goat and clubbing the monster down. The Gargoyles blinked in the face of this sudden onslaught of courage, and Gershal felt a furious anger engulf him.

A Skill? Then he saw and felt his spirits rise. They rose, and the odds against him seemed, if not worse, than something to fight rather than despair at. Gershal looked around for the source of this strange feeling and saw it.

A foreign flag, waving in the breeze. And the being who held it wasan Antinium. The [Banner Commander] pointed, and Humans rushed forwards.

[Unit: Moment of Frenzy]! Bring down the Gargoyles!

Arturs waving flag was deflecting the Gargoyles spitting shards of stone at him. Gershal halted, panting, and his broken arm almost rose in a salute as the Antinium snapped at him.

Where is your commanding officer? I am Artur, [Banner Commander] of Liscors Second Army.

Im in charge of this spot! Lieutenant Gershal of Vaunt!

We are being overrun. Your lines are in disarray.

Artur spoke calmly, as if he was used to speaking to Humans. Gershal looked around and knew it was true. He glanced over his shoulder.

The [Brigadier] is leading the charge, and the adventurers are fighting the Bossels. There are no more reinforcements!

Just civilians, and their wild attack was already faltering. Artur glanced around sharply and then pointed straight ahead, along the edge of the hill where they were fighting beside Cerias melting ice-walls.

I see. Then we hold them here. I need reinforcements to my position! The lines are about to break!

He called into a speaking stone, and Gershal looked around wildly. But the Antinium had the other flankthis lone standard bearer must have run into the fighting to support them.

Gershal felt light, somehow. Fighting alongside Antinium and Dwarves? He gave Artur a wild salute with his sword.

We hold them, then. If your flag stops the Gargoyles spitting stonewell stop them. Vaunt, to arms! Liscors with us, and the Black Tide! Do the Tidebreaker proud!

Men and women joined a line as the [Lieutenant] laughed. Thenan Eater Goat was biting into his leg and he was stabbing it through the face, but the jaw kept biting even when the monster was dead, and he had to saw it off his armor. Gershal screamed as he tore its teeth loose and set himself against a charging Gargoyle. Fighting desperately. For pride. For life.

He wanted to live and ask that Antinium with a flageverything.

Artur whirled around, but there was no one but the Humans. He saw adventurers putting up a terrible fight in the distance, and some of the [Crusaders] were maneuvering around the back of the battle, but that brave man was dying.

He did not charge into the front lines. He was no great warrior. As he had done many times now, Artur watched as good people died in front of him and he held a flag.

But he was not the Worker who had watched his comrades die. The [Banner Commander] was shouting, directing Humans into the breach, a magnet for the Gargoyles shooting stones at him. Yetthis was not all he could do.

There was something else. Artur kicked an Eater Goat who had gotten past the fighters in the face, shattering its jagged teeth, and hesitated.

Hesitated for one second. He turned his head to the glorious [Templars], fighting in a knot and pushing the monsters back. The dying Soldiers and Workers fighting in his new crusade. He had started this.

So. It was one second. Only one, and Artur broke all the rules. Not just ducking through loopholes or unwritten rules.

He broke all of them. Intentionally, in a moment, with no regrets. Because he could, and it mattered. Because

The Antinium had been there when General Sserys brought the Antinium into the Meeting of Tribes. He had seen, reflected in the [Innkeeper]s face, another great legend of the Drakes. His enemy?

His inspiration. Soldiers of Liscor. And he had been there.

Artur had leveled up. So the Level 31 [Banner Commander] raised his hand as he pointed to the side of Vaunts final stand. He looked up at the sky and spoke.

Get me the group with the best punching power. [Company, On Me].

His finger felt electric. A charge ran through the battlefield, and Arturs eyes flashed for a second as Gershals head rose. Thena hundred [Soldiers] appeared in a flash.

Squad 5, Battalion 1, raised their heads as something dragged them across the world. Again. Crusader 53 was sitting in a chair, and his butt hit the ground, the bowl of soup he was holding spilling all over him. Crusader 57 raised his head.

whAt the FuCK.

Whats going on?

Zimrah scrambled to her feet. Poor Crusader 87 was caught, squatting in what hed thought was a latrine. The Antinium scrambled for their weapons, and then they caught onto what was happening.

Monsters? Soldiers. Crusader 53 shot up and grabbed a mace as a familiar voice called out to them.

Artur.

Battalion 1, flank the monsters! Charge, charge!

That was all they needed to hear. They might have been relaxing in Liscors camp, but this was the second time it had happened. Squad 5 found each other in seconds. Crusader 57 was still screaming insults.

DeaD gOds damnIT. gODdaMnit! Its her fault! I know it!

Shut up!

Someone shouted at him, and the offended Worker looked around, then hefted his greatsword onto one shoulder. Squad 5 prepared to charge. It took them eight seconds as the Gargoyles turned to face a hundred Antinium.

The horror of the watching officers, seeing Sserys famous Skill in the hands of an Antinium, was lost on Crusader 53. He heard a piercing sound.

Crusader 57 had bought a whistle in Liscor with his money. A tin flute, it was called. He stuck it between his mandibles and blew a mocking tune. The Gargoyles had seen their kin fighting the Antinium and knew they were a threat. A Bossel turned, still confident he was the biggest and most dangerous thing on the field aside from that fearsome half-Giant clubbing his kin.

Squad 5 charged. The Bossel raised a club as long as Crusader 53, and the [Maceman] raised his mace. Itsparked. The Bossels eyes fixed on the strange material in the elegant, nay, beautiful mace with flanged edges as sharp as the day it had been carved out of Dragonbone. It swung at Crusader 53, and he swung the mace he had taken from a champion of Azmuzarre.

The Gargoyles arm twisted, and the club half-exploded in a roar as the relic unleashed a discharge of furious lightning. The Bossel recoiled and realized something was wrong.

These Antinium had levels. Crusader 57 whirled his sword down.

[Zweihander Chop]. Rookie, get back!

He kicked Crusader 59 as he cut down a line of Eater Goats. The younger [Crusader] stumbled back, and the Bossels arm strained as it tried to bring the club down. It saw Crusader 53 raise his mace and braced itself.

[Mace Art: Big Hammer].

A giant, glowing copy of 53s mace struck the Bossel in the chest and face. Crusader 53 ran at the toppled monster as it fell backwards and looked down. He clubbed what remained of the face just in case and whirled. A Gargoyle saw what had happened to its leader and backed up. The Dragonbone mace sang.

Battalion 1!

Liscors camp was in uproar. They had vanished! Belgrade was screaming Arturs name, and [Strategos] Olesm had come racing down from his command tent where hed been watching the Antinium do battle. Everyone from the Council to the High Commands of the Walled Cities were shouting at him, but Olesm had only one thing in his mind.

Arturs summoning companies!

Just like at the Great Plains. He had inherited Sserys Skill, or close enough. Now, with all the foresight in the world, he was involving Liscors full army in the battle for the north.

Merrik was laughing. Tears were running down his face as he saw Battalion 1 charging into battle.

Glorious. Professor, do you see it?

He had no doubt that the [Banner Commander] would be used as a lesson in class tomorrow. Now the Eater Goats and Gargoyles were stalemated as Battalion 1 slammed into their side, but it was the main crusade that was faltering.

The veterans were fighting without losing ground, but inexperienced Soldiers and Workers were suffering Gargoyles rampaging through their ranks. That banner was racing back to cover his army, and Olesm felt an electric shock in his veins.

Because he knew what would come next. And a few people saw history repeating itself.

A horned head slowly rose. Calruz turned and looked around.

No. Not them. Let meat least let me

Venaz gave Calruz a blank look as the one-armed [Prisoner] whispered. Then Calruz was running, breaking out of the mess tent. Venaz realized what was happening a second later. He tore something out of his belt pouch.

Your Majesty. My King. I have something to show you.

They were waiting. The instant they had heard Battalion 1 was gone, another hundred Antinium, new recruits and veterans, so few veterans, had gathered. Horns on their helmets, as silly or as glorious as you chose to see it.

Stop! St

Calruz was running towards them, and at first he was shouting orders, but he halted and his voice died. As if he couldnt bear to stop them and couldnt bear to see it happen at the same time. Venaz held the scrying mirror up and showed the House of Minos a sight he had come all this way to see. His blood chilled, and he broke into a cold sweat, but his smile

Battalion 6, the Beriad, had formed a line as Liscors army shouted and watched. They all had their single weaponsgreatswords, hammers, battleaxesin hand. They were stomping and raising their blades to the sky.

Demanding, demanding Artur do what they knew was coming next. Honor and glory, just like when they had halted Zeres amidst the waves.

The [Banner Commander] was calling them. Buthe was not the only clever person who saw an opportunity. Peki whirled, looking at the scrying orb on delay. She looked at the chanting Beriad, Calruzs expression of pain and awe. Then she seized Olesm.

I enlist in Liscors army. Okay?

What? WhI accept.

Olesm took one look at the Garuda, and his eyes flickered. He pointed.

Battalion 6! Commanding officerPeki, whatever your last name is!

Peki of Pomle! [Drop Strike Lieutenant]! Last names are stup

The Garuda charged across the ground as the Antinium looked up. Merrik shouted.

Peki!

Then she vanished. Along with a hundred Antinium.

They appeared in battle, ready. Like thunder. Like a roar of voices, unheard.

Antherr saw them. He was stomping, his bandaged arms raised as he lifted a blade hed seized from the Gnolls. Termin and the other Human were watching him, but the Soldier was screaming silently at the sky.

The [Immortal] was shouting.

Me! Take me too! His Battalion appeared in a blaze, facing the Gargoyles and Eater Goats.

But Antherr did not. He felt the pulland then it failed.

He was too far away. Perhaps he was separated from his company. Perhaps Artur wasnt that strong. All the Antinium could do was watch.

Once again, they appeared.

Though it was not water and mud rushing through their feet. Though it was monsters instead of Gnolls and Drakesthe Beriad cared not.

What did Minotaurs see? A hundred Antinium stomping and raising their blades. Fearless, a Garuda taking wing and surveying the battlefield so she could tell the Titanwhat it was like to lead Antinium.

The Beriad pushed past the low-level [Crusaders]. Antinium were knocked aside, kindly, by striding [Juggernauts] and [Warriors of Honor]. Their leader pointed, and a Gargoyle Bossel howled.

A single Antinium with a greatsword charged, but not even Crusader 57 was so mad. The other Beriad stood back as a Bossel pounded towards him.

Madness. Honor? The first cut was thrown back by a shield, and the Bossel struck the Antinium [Honorguard] like a hammer. Armor tore, and the Antinium cut back, dodging another blow. He hacked into the legthe Gargoyle crushed his shoulder. One of his arms went limp, but he had three more.

He was half the size of the Bossel, and it brought down the axe, crushing part of the Antiniums head. The Beriad watched as the Antinium swung the greatsword once. It bit into a leg, and the Gargoyle brought the axe down again.

Then a second Antinium strode forwards with a greathammer. The Gargoyle whirled and spat shards of stone that lodged in gauntlets as the Antinium shielded its face. Again, that axe swung downand the greathammer knocked it aside.

A Skill. The hammer came down and crushed a foot. The Bossel screamed, and the Antinium followed it up with another blowthen went stumbling backwards as a strike caved in part of his chest. He strode forwards, bleeding, and struck the knee again.

Then the Gargoyle fell. It clawed at the ground, raising a shield to defend itself, and saw the Antiniumwaiting. The Gargoyle tensedlungedand a hammer struck the Bossels face.

The Beriad watched as the Bossel went still. Then another warrior faced down a Gargoyle. An Antinium swung a battleaxe up as he pointed at a Gargoyle who answered the challenge with a shriek.

They were fighting like Minotaurs engaging in honor-duels! To anyone who understood what they were seeing

Peki landed and scream-shouted at the Beriad.

Stop!

They looked at her, offended as she pointed.

Stop fighting one-on-one! Kill and take them down!

Not honorable.

A Worker offered her haughtily. The Garuda gave him a tilt of the head and spoke like she was talking to Venaz.

Honorable is letting your friends die? Follow me and kill everything with tactics!

The Beriad hesitated and saw the embattled [Crusaders] falling. Without a word, they abandoned their duels, and Peki found herself commanding Antinium.

She didnt know what it would be like. Would they even follow orders? She had to know. The [Lieutenant] pointed a fist.

Follow in a wedge! [Unit: Thunder Punch].

She leapt across the ground as she activated a Skill. A free Skill. Did they know how to use it? Would they?

The Garuda looked back, and every Antinium was charging after her. She pounded out of the fighting and ran in a curving arc. Like they had been drilling this for a month, the Antinium followed. They hit the side of the monsters, and Peki leapt up.

[Half-Giants Launch Kick]!

A Gargoyle went tumbling over Eater Goats, and the [Martial Artist] kicked an Eater Goats skull in. She shouted.

Keep moving! There, there

She pointed, and two more wedges pierced in from alternate angles. The Garuda was astonished, but she couldnt have realized how obvious her commands were. Not her voice, but the way she gestured. Intuitively, like a [Martial Artist], something Antinium could read perfectly.

The Beriad followed Peki into battle, swinging with such force they cleared everything around them. On the other side, Battalion 1 was stabilizing the battle as adventurers broke away from their spots to reinforce this weaker area.

The Antinium crusade was turning the odds towards victory. But as Battalion 1, Battalion 8, and the Beriad entered the fray like thunder, a curious thing happened among the rest of the crusade.

The Antiniums momentum and moralefaltered. The new [Crusaders], still Level 1 or 2 at most, looked up, and their fighting slowed, because they were too busy watching.

The [Templars] were fighting in a knot, surrounded by monsters and warded by faith. Some were physically taller than any other Antinium, but only by a foot at most. Yet it seemed like a hundred feet.

They looked like Giants. The ordinary Workers and Soldiers gazed at the fearless Antinium, and they had not seen how the grinding brutality of war struck sparks of courage and sacrifice. How faith made commonplace heroes out of lowly insects like them.

Even he, Embraim, understood. Crusader 802, Battalion 8. He looked at the Soldiers and Workers, then to the distant [Templars]. The fearless Beriad. Battalion 1, from whom had come the legendary Crusader 51.

He did not feel able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. He felt short. His spear felt heavy, and his shell fragile, a bare layer over thin blood in his body.

Faith took some of the crusade like a magical hurricane, sweeping them forwards over their foes. Not so for mortal Antinium. How could they ever aspire to be that?

Yet he was a [Soldier]. He had seen Manus break. Now, Embraim saw mortal men and women, like him, rallying for the charge.

To the rear! I will split their lines or I will plant our banners where I fall!

The [Brigadier], amidst all this chaos, was riding across the rear of the monster horde. She had fought through the screaming goats, and even now, she was performing pure strategy. She deserved backup.

Battalion 8s veterans had taken several hundred Antinium Soldiers and Workers and moved to Arturs flanking spot. They were advancing, but the hypnotic battle ahead was making the Antiniums famously unbreakable willfalter.

This would not do. So the bug, the [Battalion Leader], the mere man who was Embraim took something out. Something he had found, that covetous thief. Like the first legends of Earth, he had stolen it. Hoarded it, for it made him strong.

A few Gargoyle Bossels were turning to face the Humans on horseback. They feared the charge of the [Lancers] less than most, but they were wary of the Antinium group too. What they saw, amidst that small force poised to charge their rear, was something curious.

It looked, to the confused [Brigadier] and the Human allies as well, nonsensical. To an Earther, it might appear as though Embraim washaving a cookout.

Like he had set up a barbeque grill and was making burgers. He had a kind of brazier that he had bought from Liscors street-vendors who did that very outdoor grilling. The Antinium had loaded up the metal frame with wood and charcoal. Nowto the bewilderment of all, he lit a flame.

It was pink. Embraim, Battalion 8s leader, drew it from a locket around his neck. A coal burst into fire as he reverentially placed it in the brazier, and every Antinium, these ordinary insects, turned to stare at it. Hypnotized by the glow.

It burned pink and bright. It reflected every fallen soldier of Liscor, Antinium and Drake and Gnoll and Human, that Embraim had ever served with. In it, he saw Embria, dipping her spear and letting the fire burn across the wood and steel.

It gave him strength. Slowly, Embraim lowered his own spear into the flame, and the veterans joined him. Swords, even shields and maces, coating themselves in that glorious fire.

Come.

The other Soldiers and Workers slowly approached and laid their blades along that fire. Passing and carrying a part of it. The monsters turned, and the Eater Goats looked up as the Antinium turned.

A single brazier became an inferno. Now, they were ready. Embraim saluted the [Brigadier], who gave him a wondering look. Then he kicked over the brazier, and the flame licked across the ground. He ran through the flames, shouting.

Eighth Battalion, forwards!

They followed him, burning insects, and even the Eater Goats backed away from them. Even they couldnt eat flame.

Six hundred flaming Antinium made the night glow like wildfire. The half-Elf was laughing, for she knew that fire. Even when she was gonethose Antinium!

Prometheus, like the legend she had heard Erin telling Mrsha and Bird, hundreds of them, stealing the [Innkeeper]s flame.

The Antinium are pushing the monsters back! Erins in so much trouble!

Ceria was still shouting her misinformation, but the relieved fighters would have kissed the [Innkeeper], mistake or not. Nailrens team, the Pride of Kelia, were loosing arrows into the monster horde.

Eater Goats. Headshots. Nailrens paw burned as he lifted his recurve, and he cursed not being Gold-rank. If he were Halrac, hed be using enchanted arrows to kill the Gargoyles. As it was, he thought hed killed at least fifty goats.

So why was he still shaking with fear? In factwhy were all the Gold-rank adventurers suddenly here?

As if they had sensed something, Spoken Vow, the Pact, the Silver Swords, and the Halfseekers had joined the Horns. Ylawes was still staring at the [Crusaders] in a kind of stupefaction, but it was Moore, tallest of them all, who shaded his eyes and spoke in a booming voice as he hefted a mace covered with bloody thorns.

Something is coming. Its among the monsters. Get ready.

Nailrens head snapped up. Then he saw what had made the Eater Goats and Gargoyles hurl themselves forwards with such ferocity. It wasnt just bloodlust.

It was fear. As the monster press let up, he saw a Gargoyle run forwards, flailing its limbs. And itvanished.

No, half of it vanished. Its arms dropped, as if perfectly severed, and the Gnoll blanched.

What the?

Then he saw a little black goat hop forwards, open its mouth, and swallow a fifteen-meter section of land in a huge sphere. It opened its mouth again, and a little hole with no light opened, not black, but a void. It sucked in fleeing goats, the ground, even half of a trembling Gargoyle Bossel holding

A leash. The Void Goat had been unleashed, but Tolveilouka hadnt told the Bossels what would happen when they used their secret weapon.

Dead fucking gods and my grandmothers tits! What is that?

Even Jelaqua had no idea. Nailren had never heard of this goat-type, but he didnt need to think. His bow rose, and he aimed an arrow at the goat.

The arrow sped straight and true at the Void Goats head and was sucked into the void. Nailren saw the arrow twist, elongate, and his stomach churned as it was subjected to physics he could barely understand.

What happened if that were done to flesh? The other Gold-rank adventurers didnt want to find out.

They opened up. [Mages] began casting spells, and [Archers] shot arrows. Ksmvr raised his crossbows, but hesitated.

He saw Cerias lance of ice and Pisces [Deathbolt] both curve into the void that the goat was merrily projecting. It was eating up everything, such that the goat was even standing on a single piece of land as everything else eroded below it. A near-perfect sphere of annihilation.

And it ate the magic. Ceria swore softly, and Pisces stared as the death magic was captured like it was Nailrens arrow.

Aw. Hells.

Dawil muttered. He hefted his axe, felt at the broken piece of metal that had been his throwing axeand shook his head.

The Void Eater Goat beamed. It had been getting really upset, but look at all thisit stared at the Gold-rank adventurers. Yum.

It had a priority list. Unlike its lesser kin, it was really interested in whatever was on that half-Elfs head and the woman with metal arms. And that mace that bug-thing carried.

It hopped forwards merrily, and Ksmvr fired.

[Weapon Art Aggregate Volley].

All his crossbows unloaded at once as the void the goat had conjured vanished. The Void Goat blinked, its two independent eyes staring vacantly around in the seconds it had

Its mouth opened, closed, in a snap. Ksmvr lowered his crossbows as his shots fired.

That is distressing.

It ate his Skill and then opened its mouth. This time, the little vortex began sucking everything up in front of the goat, and it trotted forwards.

It could direct whatever the hell that was? The Gold-rank adventurers were already backing up, and so were the regular [Soldiers]. But they were adventurers. This was a monster.

No one get near that thing.

Jelaquas flail with the Demas Metal blades was practically useless, as were Seborns daggers, unless he wanted to try a sneak-attack. It might come to that, but the Selphid glanced at Ulinde.

Moore, Ulinde. Sneak spire. Give it something to eat, Ulinde.

Yes, Jelaqua!

The [Spellslinger] leapt up. With a Drake body, she began firing spells from her two wands. Tier 2 spells, [Flame Bolt], [Lightning Jolt], a stream like Falene was capable of.

The Void Goat actually halted to let her feed it, and it never noticed Moore moving left. The half-Giant struck the ground and concentrated. Then a spire of earth, piercing, shot upwards.

The goat hadnt expected that. Nailren heard a confused baaaah and hoped it had died. The impact had killed three Eater Goats around it, sending their broken corpses flying. He looked around and then saw a black shape land.

On its hooves. The same [Earthen Spire] that had punched a Gargoyle in the chest and broken its ribs had hit the Void Goat. The miffed animal landed, hopped forwards, and began advancing faster.

What?

Someone whispered. Nailren shot another arrow as Jelaqua barked.

Moore! Pits!

This time, the half-Giant struck the earth, and a hole opened under the goat. It tried to leap it and sucked up a volley of spells.

But it missed the jet of wind that came from Pisces. The [Necromancer]s finger trembled as Erins boon slammed the goat down from overhead.

Nice, Pisces!

Ceria whooped as the Void Goat fell into the hole. Moore was sweating as he struck the ground. The earth snapped shut, trapping the goat in a tomb of dirt. Everyone stared at the ground.

No way it works. No way that worked.

Someone muttered. A Gnoll in Nailrens team. He snarled.

Shut up. Dont jinx

Then the ground vanished, and a Void Goat clambered out of the ground, looking peeved. It had just eaten its way out of the earth.

Okay. Thats it. Run. Unless we catch it off-guard, theres no way it dies!

Jelaqua snapped, and the adventurers began trying to flee. But the Void Goat began galloping after them. It wasnt as fast as its kin, but it was like a terrifying tag. The vortex had a gravitational pull, and if it caught you

It saw the adventurers running for it and merrily swerved. The Gargoyles, Eater Goats, screamed, and the Void Goat began devouring monsters. Then it headed straight for the soldiers. The adventurers turned and tried to slow it down, but it was too late.

Squad 8?

Crusader 57 turned his head as he sensed something happen. He looked over, but the Antinium supposed to be fighting behind them were gone. Justgone. The Worker looked around and then heard the screaming.

The silence. The roaring vortex as the Void Goat approached. Crusader 53 motioned everyone behind him. A rain of arrows fell, and those around the goat were sucked into oblivion. It looked at Squad 5, grinned, and then plunged into the Antinium crusades ranks.

Hunting them. Hunting them all.

Workers and Soldiers vanished. New [Crusaders] and old. The Void Goat trotted forwards so fast that the Antinium had no idea what was going on until Peki, Artur, and the other commanders screamed at them.

Run!

Then everyone was running. Into Eater Goats and Gargoyles, their formations breaking as a single monster destabilized the entire battlefield. Crusader 57 was looking around as Squad 5 ran. Zimrah, their [Priest], was screaming.

Youyou!

Squad 8? Those idiots owe me money.

He looked back at that merry little goat running around with its mouth open. So cute and small compared to the others. Crusader 57s grip tightened on his zweihander.

Im going to kill you.

Half of Squad 5 had to drag him back. Even the Beriad were backing up as the Void Goat ran around. A hundred Antinium had vanished. More. It curved left, towards Squad 5, and a knot of fighting Antinium refused to budge.

A [Templar] with two tower shields was taking on a pair of Bossels. [Taunt the Foe]. They swung weapons like cudgels into his shields, but the Soldier refused to move. Then the Templar heaved, and his shields began to glow.

[My Noble Virtue: Protection].[Retribution of the Defender].

He heaved, and both Bossels went stumbling back. But the Void Goat was coming, and a [Templar] spotted it.

An Antinium went striding forwards as desperate arrows and spells were sucked into oblivion by the goat. The few that struck itit seemed to be tougher than its kin. It barely noticed one of Nailrens arrows that found the small gap in its creation of the void. The Void Goat smiled merrily as the [Templar] pointed.

[Holy Swo

He vanished. The ground, the Antiniumthe Void Goat did a backflip of joy. An obscene little monster. Then its look of delight turned to confusion. It stared around, and those two vertical pupils blinked once. It narrowed its eyes and stared at something.

The Void Goat opened its mouth and inhaled. The air warped, and the other [Templar] fell back. The Void Goat stared at where the [Templar] had been and then skipped over. It circled the ground, confused. Then it looked around, and another [Templar] split off from his fellows.

He had a pair of crossbows and fired, one after another, circling, feinting. This time, the Void Goat concentrated whatever it was doing. It ate an arm, and the Antinium stared at his arm. He charged, swinging. Fell.

The Void Eater Goat stood over the Antinium as it bit at the monster. It trotted around the Antiniumand a hole appeared in the world. But the goat didnt seem satisfied. It stared at something. Perplexed. Annoyed.

Just like Tolveiloukano, the undead thing was different. Thisthis wasnt a failure to use its power. The Void Goat baahed.

I cant eat that. What is that? It had thought, naively, that it had figured out the ultimate solution to lifes many difficult substances. It could eat magic, even Skills.

But not that. Whatever the Antinium had, it was vexing. So the Void Goat decided to consume as many of them as possible.

It began to run, and now the remaining monsters had the living at their mercy. Gargoyles formed up to hack the desperate Humans, Dwarves, and Antinium to bits. So long as the goat focused on them

The first Bossels, the ones with the magical blades, the looted armor, strode to the [Riders] led by the [Brigadier] fleeing the Void Goat. A collision that the Humans couldnt avoid. They opened their mouths as the [Brigadier] screamed.

Charge for Wales! Charge for Orefell and

Her horse went down as the first volley of stone shards lanced the [Riders]. The Bossels charged amid the vortex of the goats destruction. The screams, the Eater Goats shrieking, and the beating of wings. One heard a familiar sound, a tearing of air, and felt a chill on its back.

It looked up at that uneasy memory and made a strangled sound. Just one before the Frost Wyvern exhaled.

The other Bossels froze in place. Someliterally, but most shook off the covering of ice, feeling the deadly chill. They gazed upwards in alarm, and one leapt up to strike at the Frost Wyvern, their old foe, pursuing them from the High Passes!

The Bossel saw a strange thing riding on top of the Wyvern. Why, it looked like a saddle. Like some of those stupid Wolves. And on it was a Goblin with a helmet with glass goggles and a Hobgoblin. The Hob lifted a big, big crossbow and

It sounded like thunder.

The Bossels headless corpse dropped to the ground with a crash. The monsters gazed upwards as a familiar shriek gave them pause. Then a second Frost Wyvern dove and coated Eater Goats in a layer of icy death. More explosions of sounda bolt blasted into the ground straight in front of [Field Captain] Rlint. He swore, then eyed the bone bolt.

Whos got crossbows like?

He looked up as a Wyvern passed overhead. The gaping Dwarf caught sight of a little Goblin as she gave him a two-fingered salute. Then the Hob aiming a Thunderbow fired again.

Goblins?

Suddenly, there were Goblins. Frost Wyverns dropped out of the sky, coming from the west. From the High Passes. A disbelieving Gershal watched as a Hob leapt off a Wyvern with a squad of Goblins and set up another of those oversized crossbows.

Five hundred feet distant, he calmly set up with two more and began firing into the monsters backs. With a pure, contemptuous disregard for close-quarters combat.

Strategy. The Frost Wyverns were strafing the Eater Goats, and the Gargoyles were suddenly targets for the crossbows and Goblins on the ground. A racing group of Carn Wolves leapt onto the backs of some Gargoyles, and their riders speared the monsters. One, holding twin blades, beheaded a Gargoyle with a single cut as he rode forwards.

The Goblins are shooting down the monsters! Dont attack! Dont attack!

Someone shouted that, but the Antinium didnt even need to be told. The Goblins were clearly attacking the monsters, so the [Crusaders] pushed forwards as the Void Goat halted.

Oh, its you lot again. Hello. It stared at the Goblins and then hopped left as a crossbow bolt ploughed into the ground.

A flaming crossbow bolt. One of the Wyverns was carrying a Goblin Chieftain. She pointedand a [Fireball] shot downwards, as fast as a baseball being thrown by a professional pitcher. It exploded just in front of the Void Goats protective vortex, and the creature looked annoyed.

Thats how you do it! Area spellshit it! Ceria, freeze that bastard!

The adventurers realized the trick. The Void Goat could eat even the blast of a [Fireball], but the shockwave and heat annoyed it. Frost Wyverns circled as their riders unloaded, shooting crossbow bolts from all angles.

Now, the Eater Goats were fleeing. They recognized the Redfang stripes on some of the Goblins, and Frost Wyverns were a threat that preyed on them. The Bossels hesitated, but as another fell to the Antinium with their faith-powered weapons, they realized that even if the terrifying half-Elf massacred themthis was a sure death.

That left only the Void Goat. It stood, defiantly consuming arrows, magic, even the instruments of faith hurled against it. Someone was making it cold, and it was shivering a bit, but even Ceria couldnt freeze the wretched monster.

However, the Void Goats stretched open mouth was trembling. It stood under the onslaught of fire as a Goblin shouted down at the stunned [Brigadier].

Fire, fire! It can only do it for forty-eight seconds!

Forty-eight?

Then the desperate fighters saw the Void Goat snap its mouth shut and dodge. It leapt forwards, then it opened its mouth again.

But an arrow was sticking out of its side, and it looked mad. The Void Eater Goat began running towards the nearest group of archers, but they fled, and it could only do its void trick so long.

Like someone holding their breath. And now, Hobs were reloading their bows. Waiting, waiting, firing in cycles. The Void Eater Goats eyes rolled, and Rags snapped.

[Instantaneous Reload]! Loose!

The Void Eater Goat tried to dodge. Three dozen Thunderbows fired. Two struck it, but even the powerful bolts from the Wyvernbone bows only sent it stumbling backwards. It screamedand a black bolt passed through it at the same time as a [Fireball] lit up the entire Void Goat.

Falenes [Fireball] and Pisces [Deathbolt] made the goat stumble. Burning, eyes wide with wrath, it began running back towards the High Passes. But it had an army after it this time, and they wanted it dead. It opened a void as it ran backwards, but its jaw was already trembling with exhaustion.

A line of Antinium [Archers] were loosing arrows at it, and the Void Goat looked back at the Goblins in the air, the adventurers. Its eyes narrowed.

The Void Goat closed its mouth. Thensuddenlyits body bulged, and it opened the maw and

Reversed the void.

The thunder in Gershals ears was replaced by cries and shrieks. It turned out to be from a Wyvern, lying with wings shredded.

He got up, looked around, and saw someone had torn a line through the earth. Gershal wandered around as people got up, some having survivedwhat?

The Void Goat. He looked around, but it was gone. Fleeingand no one seemed ready to chase it. After all, it had shown another trickwhich was reversing its ability.

It had thrownflesh. Blood. Dirt, stone, all compressed, out of whatever pocket-dimension it had. Its stomach? They had re-expanded as they came out, and the explosion was something like a Tier 5 spell.

Maybe Tier 6.

A lot of people were down. The Antiniumno, they were picking up their comrades, forming into groups. The Goblins were shouting, half-deafened, as the small one, their leader, screamed curses.

Stupid goat! I will eat you! You and the thing with faces!

Rags howled, but then she pointed at Redscar, who was riding at the fleeing Gargoyles.

Kill monsters! Someone find Hungry Hungry Goat!

The monsters were fleeing. But as one, the Humans, Dwarves, Antinium, adventurers, and now Goblins turned on the last Eater Goats and Gargoyles with a vengeance. Charging [Crusaders] joined [Lancers] and a [Necromancer] on a chariot as Goblins aimed crossbows down at the horde.

It was a sight never seen before in the history of the world. Not by Tolveilouka, not by anyone. When it was done, at least for now, Field Captain Rlint stared at the first Goblin Chieftain he had ever seen up close.

What happened here?

That was all the Dwarf said. He looked at the Antinium, who were admiring [Brigadier] Forounts mustache. The woman seemed dazed from hitting her head after going down, but she was speaking energetically to a curious Goblin. With a [Chef]s hat. And Artur, the [Banner Commander] who had saved Gershals life.

The mustache? Entirely real. You dont get points for buying some fake hair and gluing it to your face. Theres hair tonics for everyone. I heard some Drake grows his own beard.

What points?

Artur was patently confused. The [Brigadier] laughed, staring at him, then at Calescent, who was gathering Eater Goat meat for a roast.

Ahthats just an expression. I justliked mustaches. Splendid things. So I got one.

Such style.

Fightipilota was grinning. The [Brigadier] straightened and looked proud.

Im gladyou think so, Miss.

This was something. Rlint just knew it. He couldnt tell whether he was endangering the Dwarven expedition or not. The Five Families were sure to be throwing a fit at anyone consorting with what was clearly a powerful Goblin tribe and the Antinium. The Walled Cities would not be happy.

But then, the Dwarf thoughtwhere the hell were any of them? He glanced at Dawil and coughed.

Field Captain Rlint of Derthal-Vel. Were resettling Dwarfhalls Rest. May I present my compliments to the commanders of both forces?

He held out a hand, and both Antiniums bug-like eyes and the Goblins crimson eyes found him. Rlint had misgivings about thisbut the Grandfathers had many stories of bastards, and that was apparently everyone, even women, at times in history.

They had never said much bad about Goblins, though. He found himself shaking a [Templar]s hand and asking about the class. Then a little Goblin called Rags shook his hand. He noticed her crossbow.

Thats Dwarfsteel. Did youget it from a customer of ours?

The Goblin peered at him, then grinned.

Found it off a dead adventurer. Good stuff. How much for a hundred?

To which he had nothing to say. But the Antinium were standing in formation, and they were here. Antinium in the north.

One of the vocal ones, a Worker with a huge sword, made a kacshaw sound. A sneeze? The rest of his squad stared at him. He looked so offended as he wiped at his mandibles that he turned.

Ew. I think I caught a cold again. Zimrah. Cure me.

A [Priest] walked over, sighing, and put a hand on Crusader 57s head, and he brightened up.

That feels nice. Thanks, I guess.

The moment passed almost everyone by but a certain half-Elf standing about sixteen miles away, who began flipping out. Rlint didnt notice; he was shaking hands with everyone, gore-spattered or not.

Whats going to become of this now?

The consequences were so huge that no one could guess, not even Ceria. She looked at the Antinium [Crusaders] and the Goblins, and Rags eyes glittered.

Wheres Erin?

Not here, for once. Apparently, she had nothing to do with the Antinium.

Rags eyes rose in pure disbelief, but then she shrugged and sighed. She nodded at the [Chef], Calescent, who was bouncing on his toes excitedly.

I have a stupid [Chef] to get rid of. My best [Chef]. I will go to Liscor, soon. Had to help fight monsters. Not sure why they all left.

Oh. Thanks. Are you sure

Ceria didnt know what to say. Are you sure it was worth it? Rags glanced around and then up at the sky, as if she could see the scrying spells. She grinned and waved, then held out a clawed hand.

Maybe. Maybe not. But this? Maybe this makes sense to them.

She held out her claw, concentrated, and Ceria wondered what she was doing. Then Rags blinked, and a shower of gold coins fell into her claws. Quite a lot of gold coins, in fact. It came down so hard that the little Goblin ran, cursing and shielding her head as her portion of the <Heroic Quest> rained down.

Not just gold. Ceria saw a half-empty tub ofbutter fall out of the sky. Straight into her hands. The half-Elf stared at it and then at the gold raining down. An agate hit Jelaqua in the head, and then she blinked.

Whoa! What thea wand!

A redwood wand landed amidst her rewards. Gershal of Vaunt stared up, and the pommel of a magic sword clocked him in the jaw.

That wasnt on the quest reward! Ceria gaped around, and Ksmvr placed a hand on her shoulder solemnly.

I believe we have received the half-pot of butter. In the future, Captain Ceria

She waited for him to ask for the butter or say something humorous, but the [Skirmisher] just gave her a grave look.

Perhaps the quest rewards should be given to someone luckier? I would like a free magic sword.

The Free Antinium were all getting a share of the rewards, so only a handful of coins popped out of the air, or a few objects per Antinium. But againsometimessomething clearly unusual appeared, like a glowing gem that bounced off a Workers head. Ceria stared around and then down at her rewards.

She had gotten quite a good amount of gold, given her contributions, so she wondered how it was divided up. Butif she glanced at the lucky Gershal, swearing and exclaiming as Pisces and Falene told him not to touch the sword until appraised, the celebrating people, the Goblins and Antinium, she slowly picked up one of the coins in the pile at her feet amidst the mud and gore.

On a hunch, Ceria bit into it, and the slightly off-gold dented a bit, revealing a brassy surface underneath. Ceria stared at the fake coin and sighed.

Predictable.

Then she put her arms around Pisces and Yvlons shoulders as Ksmvr peered at the [Crusaders] and they peered back. As Rags and Artur and a few Antinium met the wide-eyed [Governor] of Orefell, and the civilians looked upon their rescuers with the rest of the world. In the chaotic moment, Gershal of Vaunt slowly unwrapped a piece of brie and looked around surreptitiously.

Is anyone hungry?

Authors Notes: I did this in two days. Not three.

I would like you to understand my writing process. I have, in the past, remarked that I now write over the course of three days. It used to be one and frankly, the more time I have for a chapter, the better.

This was done in two days. I wrote more, and faster, and I hope, better, than average. But I did it to a reason.

I am hoping to cut (most) chapters shorter so I have one day to work on Volume 1 revisions. This may not work, or it may temporarily lower the quality or length of the chapters, but my goal has been getting Volume 1 done by Christmas of this year. To avoid this rewrite taking ages, I need to sacrifice something.

Well, this chapter is done and I had it planned for a while, which was why it came out more speedily. Was it done well? I hope you enjoyed this changing world and yesa lot is going to happen.

As ever. Thanks for reading and I will, if successful, append any finished chapters to the rewrite pages, but Ill just mention them every time. Lets see if this works. Thanks for reading!

Face-Eater Moth by /lechatdemonStash with all the TWI related art:https://sta.sh/222s6jxhlt0

Garuda by Adventurer!

Bells by /quintenthebird