Interlude The Great Race

Interlude The Great Race

[I wrote an essay becausebecause. Check it out /essay-ais-and-the-future-of-writing/]

Some day, huh?

What were you supposed to do after meeting a Dragon? Cold shower, lots of cuddling with significant others? Talk with friends and make sure you hadnt gone crazy?

The funny thing was that the instinct to run around in the streets and scream that youd met a Dragon or wait for your interview with Wistram News Network didnt happen. Not a single noble, nor even the servants or staff, talkedpublicly, at least.

There were doubtless a lot of late-night talks with family and friends, but the Eternal Throne had issued a clamp order, and the Thronebearers had a word with everyone. The second reason why the nobility didnt talk publicly was because they were busy screaming at their respective rulers, who were busy screaming back lots of questions.

Now, if this were the archetypal fire-breathing Dragon that left a lot of ash and bones in its wake, of course no one would hide the truth. But if you felt like you had just received an invitation from a creature of legendthat was a different card you kept closer to your chest.

So no news leakedimmediately. Which was to say a lot of people heard that night, from the Iron Vanguard, who had a really bad time in their respective toilets at the emotions that produced, to the Quarass, to Rhisveri himself. Yet the populace was ignorant of the facts.

Some day. The world was full of enough exciting news as it was, frankly. Even if no one threw a Dragon into the mixthis felt like a year to be alive. New lands, wars, Antinium crusades? Why were you staying in your job scraping barnacles off a ship or grinding herbs in a mortar and pestle?

Adventure waited. If you stayed here, nowyou could never again complain that youd missed your moment to shine.

Even so, some people stayed put. They said, yes, new lands, adventure, magic, the Archmage of Izril, the beginning of a better era. ButI just dont have enough silver to buy a sword or something. Where would I begin?

And that was the end of that. The impetus to action was dividing families, driving youngand old!out of their homes, provoking change.

For instance, Liska Coresh Silverfang was considering leaving her job. Coresh and Silverfang were her two last names, incidentally. She was technically a Silverfang; she and her brother, Ishkr, had been born before coming to Liscor, but they werent the tribe. So City Gnolls often took another last name and thus developed a middle one if they hadnt already.

Anyways, Liska was seriously considering leaving her job. She didnt like being the door-Gnoll in The Wandering Inn. Oh, it was exciting, but she hated working for family. Her annoying older brother was bad enough at home. At work? He was always giving her orders, and she had a hard enough time obeying the Watch.

But Shashi wanted a job at the inn, and she thought it was so fantasticif dangerous. Which was getting on Liskas nerves too. They might break up. But the dating scene was really poor in Liscor, and forget about Pallass. Theyd actually arrest you.

Even Invrisil was apparently quiet. But Liska hadnt gotten enough time off from her job to really find a contact point. Which was part of why she wanted to quit.

But she stayed. Oh, the Gnoll with light grey fur and a snaggle-tooth that other Gnoll boys found attractive until she spat on them was too young to worry about a permanent job. She liked the perks of the inn, like the weights-room, free scrying television, and foodbut she didnt like having to change the magic door every five seconds.

Or Ishkr. It was mainly Ishkr. Liska would admit, under torture, that she had some affection for him. He was just soboring. He never got fired from his job. He took care of Liska in the sense that he often bailed her out if he found her in the Watchs lockups, and he was always scolding.

Do this, do that, dont kiss in public, stop antagonizing the older Gnolls, dont throw rocks through a window of Peslas inn for being a speciesist.

Brotherly stuff. But Liska stayed. Even though she was thinking of leaving with all the Antinium and Goblins coming to work here. Not because she hated them; they made her job easier. If anything, that was a reason to quit working because she wouldnt leave Ishkr holding down an entire inn.

Erin and Lyonette had no idea how hard it was to work with just two Gnolls for an entire inn! Ishkr had kept it running for ages by himself. TrueLiska might have quit, but even so, hed been alone.

Anyways, she was staying out of solidarity. His girlfriend had just broken up with him.

Now, Erin, upon hearing that, might then expectorate all the liquid from in her mouth outside of her body. Ishkr had a girlfriend? Well, yes. Had.

Liska was angrier about it than Ishkr that morning.

What did she say? Ishkr?

He was combing his hair. Just the face and arms; theyd eat in the inn. It was so early Liska was yawning, but Ishkr replied quietly.

She said shes going to go with the Silverfangs. She was angry that I wanted to stay at my job.

Keisha said that? Where is she?

Dont go and fight her. And come onyoure late. Where are your shoes?

He meant the wide, cloth sandals that Gnolls favored. Liska gave him a blank look.

Somewhere.

She cast around the small apartment they shared. It was only two bedrooms and a tiny kitchen and dining room, but they made it work.

The deal was that if one person came back late at night from partying or working, they didnt wake the other one up. They both had a key, and if you made noise enough to wake the other, you were immediately smacked.

The second deal wasif you saw a loop of cloth around the doorknob to the apartment, you never entered. Even if the apartment were on fire. Lest you see something you would never forget.

Ishkr growled. He looked around, and the two finally found Liskas sandals under the table where shed kicked them.

Come on. Lets go.

The apartment was sorta clean. Neither Liska nor Ishkr cleaned up much; he did that as a job and refused to deal with her messes. If anything, her boring brother barely spent time here.

Why do we have to get up at the crack of dawn? Why dont we stay at the inn?

Ishkr paused. He put on his apron; he was so professional that he was never late. And he kept clothes from work.

I dont want to inconvenience Miss Solstice. She used to have only a few rooms. Besides, its dangerous sometimes.

Crelers?

Monsters. Bar fightsanything.

Hah, I bet there were only a dozen Crelers.

Liska laughed, but uncertainly. She had never actually heard how many there were. Ishkr had been there, and hed refused to talk about it. Shed heard from the Watch that an entire army had been surrounding the inn. If Ishkr hadnt talked about it, it had probably not been that bad. Plus, Senior Guardsman Relc had been there, among others.

What about now? We could get free rooms. Each!

Ishkr sighed as Liska imagined a room of her own.

Erin locks her doors at night. No coming back after dawn for you.

Damn. What if you get a room and I stay here?

He did not dignify this with a response. Ishkr pushed open the door, and Liska trailed after him. Her brother snapped, looking vexed.

Come on, well be late.

Why are you solike that? Youre not even crying that Keisha broke up with you.

She waved her paws at him. He had been seeing Keisha for two months. Shed been really worried after his dry spell of three years. Keisha was another hard-worker whod been apprenticing herself under Raekeas Foundry, and Liska was privately glad she wasnt going out to defend Ishkrs honor. Keisha could probably take them both in a fight.

She was also very annoyed. Yes, Ishkr was boring, but he was reliably boring. Keisha just had to go off and leave him? She trailed after Ishkr, asking more questions.

How is The Wandering Inn safe? I didnt hear you sniffling last night.

Gnoll noses and ears were too advanced to keep secrets. Ishkr just sighed.

I wasnt that surprised. It didnt feel like it was working out.

Why?

He gave her a side-glare.

Because.

Why? Why? Why? Whywhywhywhy

She followed him down the stairs, lowering her voice since this was an apartment complex. But Ishkr finally snapped back.

Because she kept trying to drag me to her family and friends and kept hinting about having children.

Liska was so astonished she was still for an entire twenty seconds. By the time she ran after Ishkr, he was halfway down Scuttle Street.

It was named after Shield Spiders and had a bit of an octagonal design with the streets which branched off the main street into eight sub-blocks; a kind of suburb that was attached to a larger street. It often got crowded at rush hour, but they were too early for that. Hexel had apparently sworn to remodel this section of Liscor personally.

She wanted to start a family? You didnt say!

Thats private.

You could have told me.

I could have.

And?

Youre annoying.

The siblings argument was punctuated by a scuffle that a passing [Guardswoman] saw. The Drake eyed the two hitting each other lightly and seemed to recognize they were siblings.

Morning. No entry to this street. Please move along.

What? Why?

Liska glanced up, instantly annoyed, but Ishkr just peered past the yawning Drake as she pointed.

Sewers.

I thought they were clean!

There had been the bad smells, and the sewers always had problems, but adventurers kept them clean, and they hadnt had bad blockages for ages. People said that the city was using some new way to clean them, and that was great. Unfortunatelythe [Guardswoman] grimaced, and the two Gnolls noticed she had plugs in her nose-holes.

We hired some adventurers to supplement the bone rthe cleaning service because of all the influx of people.

And?

One of the idiots cast [Tidal Wave]. The backsplash has flooded this street and the next one.

Ishkr and Liska sniffed the air and wished they hadnt. You smelled the sewers and bad things all the time, but that was concentrated odor coming from ahead.

Ah, were going to be late.

Liska realized theyd have to cut through multiple streets to get around this spill. Ishkr just grunted.

I have to open the inn. And get breakfastcome on.

He began to jog. Liska kept up easily; of the two, she was actually more fit. Not just naturally either. She had a lot of experience running from the Watch, and she had done more physical jobs than Ishkr who lifted, what, chairs at most?

However, she was lazy, it was early, and so she whined.

Ishkr, come on.

Hurry up.

He sped up, and she growled at him. She was definitely going to quit. As soon as she made sure he wasnt drowning his sorrows or really broken up about Keisha. In truth, Liska was a bit disappointed by the lack of emotion. Did nothing change his attitude?

She lost sight of Ishkr, and by the time she rounded the corner, taking the long, long way across Market Street, he was gone. He really did take being the [Head Server] seriously. She rolled her eyesthen groaned.

It seemed like the entire damn city was trying to stop her from getting to work today! Ishkr must have seen the mess in the middle of Market Street. It was a classic Three-Cart Pileup; nothing fancy. A [Merchant] was wailing as he pointed to the spilled cargo.

My Prelons! Theyre the last shipment from Cellidel

Ah, good riddance, then.

A Drake [Guardsman] glowered as he turned to the angry Human [Trader] who hadnt given way, leading to the collision. Liska debated wading through the Prelonsthen gave up. Now she had to run down another street.

Straight into a dawn-performance of a bunch of Drakes, Gnolls, and even Humans. The Players of Liscor were rehearsing as a huge crowd of admirers blocked the street. Liska was losing her temper. But she actually recognized the tired Human man shouting at them.

No, no, its prithee! Not pissy!

Oh, that makes a lot more sense in context. Sorry, Manager Temile! Dont fire me

The leader of the Players of Celum for Liscor and Invrisil had come up in the world, but Temile looked tired.

Lets take it from the top. Ladies and gentlemen, please, youre blocking the road!

He remonstrated with the crowd as Liska ran, now growling, to a fourth street.

By the time she got to the western gates, Liska had a stitch in her side. She was also fifteen minutes late, and shed started running. She thought shed beaten Ishkr. He wasnt a good runner, and Liska staggered over to the door that stood next to the new Adventurers Guild, Mages Guild, and main Watch House.

It was a good spot for it, and while the door was often used for city-to-city transit, Liska knew shed left it open. So she yanked the door open, stepped inside, and found herself in the new transit room. She stalked forwards, and a figure detached itself from the wall.

Miss Liska. Thought youd be happening by.

Aaaah! Aaaah!

Alcaz raised his hands as Liska freaked out. She forgot the inn had security these days. Panting, Liska clutched at her heart attack and the stitch in her side.

Sorry, Miss.

I dont smell or hear you!

The Brother grinned and tipped his hat to her. Liska turned to the door that led to the trapped hallway. It was the coolest part of the inn to her. She loved all the hidden traps and weapons, though Ishkr had lectured her for an hour last time shed taken one of the crossbows out to show Shashi.

Sorry. There was a sewer backflow and a cart pileup and the Players and someone had bees.

Bees?

Alcaz raised his brows. Liska shook her head.

Some idiot [Beekeeper] brought bees to the city and had no idea we have Ashfire Bees. I saw, like, fifty of them chasing the small bees around. How late am I?

Ertwenty-four minutes, Miss?

Liska groaned. They were supposed to have breakfast ready in six! And theyd put the chairs up to mop the floors because that was responsible, and they needed to warm up todays breakfast and get the water andshe dashed into the common room as Alcaz stayed put.

Were going to be late! Whos still here for breakfast? Did the Horns arrive back yet? No, its only been one dayis Ishkr here yet?

Even as a bad employee with little motivation, Liska knew the job from Ishkr making her do it. She entered the common room and came to a stop.

Ishkr looked up from pouring a hot broth into a bowl from a container on a table. The chairs and the tables were perfectly arranged, and plates and bowls were already set out as the first early-morning risers like Architect Hexel and Normen came down the stairs.

WhIshkr?

Hed beaten her! And he wasnt even breathing hard! And everything was in place. Her brother gave her a look, but just motioned to the side.

Youve got a bowl there. Eat fast.

Howd you get here? Did you miss the bee-man?

No. Architect, heres your breakfast. Do you want it here or to go?

To go. Day of work. Must slither.

Hexel was yawning, but he brightened up as Ishkr presented him with something.

This is for you then, sir. Two coupons. A meal for you and Mister Elirr at Barehoof Kitchens. Miss Imani said to tell you this was better than a boxed lunch that sits around all day.

Wonderful.

Hexel inspected the colorful bits of paper as Liska tasted the mornings meal. Imani was still pulling double-duty, although she often just ran her food to The Wandering Inn. Todays breakfast was a chowder. Yum.

Liska watched Ishkr out of the corner of her eye. No waterworks, and no one else knew he had broken up with anyone. She sat and ate, fast, trying to get to work. Even Liska had a conscience, and Ishkr had told the rest of the help not to turn up until after breakfast.

Which was odd. Now that she was sitting and watching Ishkr, rather than doing whatever chore he assigned her to, she realized the inn really was in trouble.

Oh, sure, Lyonette and Erin were recruiting Antinium, and there were allegedly Goblins coming to be employed, but this inn had permanent guests, a huge amount of space thanks to the [Grand Theatre] and all the improvements, and a regular crowd.

Who but stood in the way of the masses and all the dust, dirt, and unfilled orders? Ishkr. Liska saw the rest of the guests coming downstairs.

Kevin, on the days he didnt sleep in Esthelms bike shop, Imani herself, Palt, Joseph, Relc, Hexels three Lizardfolk assistants, Normen, and that was excluding Alcaz, the adventurers, and the rest of the crowd since most were with Erin.

Nor were they easy guests, all of them. Some, like Hexel, only wanted a lunch to go and even skipped breakfast. But Liska had a difficulty chart.

It was one of the few things Ishkr liked and sometimes collaborated on in secret. The Wandering Inns secret files. Employee edition. If you read the sacred texts, you might get entries like the following:

() Kevin Hall, [Mechanic or Something]. Pretty chill, dude. Says a lot of funny stuff. Easy to deal with. Just wants food when hes dying. Sometimes comes back late and hungry. Tips. Shows lots of gadgets and metal.

() Pisces Jealnet, (but dont use his last name), [Necromancer]. Sniffy. Tell him anything cooked is sous veid, or if he asks if its prepared in such and such style, say yes or tell him to talk to Imani. Sometimes goes invisible and complains when you bump into him. Asks for tons of things. Lots of bone dust everywhere.

(-) Mrsha, [Troublemaker probably]. Steals everything from plates. Lies. If shes smiling guiltily, something has gone wrong. Do not let her play ball with Ekirra or shell kick a ball into someones face. She has no dessert permissions. She has no authority. Get Lyonette or Ulvama to reliably deal with her. May attract monsters. Is rude. Never tips.

You were only supposed to have a 5-star difficulty rating in the system theyd worked up, but Mrsha demanded one more. She had been the worst offender on their system so far along with a few other 5-star guests. Until the latest entry.

(-) Gothica, [Goth]. Hides among the corpses in the basement. Sits in cupboards and screams at you. Stares at you in the hallway in the middle of the night or mutters just out of earshot while youre alone.

Anyways, even if there were no 5-star guests here, Relc was a solid 3-star himself. He was pretty nice, and hed gotten downgraded after coming back from Cellidel, but he ate a lot, was messy, and somehow at least one chair overturned itself in his presence every single time.

Juggle that with Joseph asking if they had something lighter than chowder and one of the Lizardfolk being uncertain whether or not he was allergic to the chowder and Ishkr got both different meals. This was in between serving everyone, bussing the tables free of plates, and going to let in the crowds at the pre-arranged times from Liscor, Invrisil, and Pallass.

By the time a guilty Liska jumped up, shed seen Ishkr pass her table eleven times.

Where do I go?

Door. Let in Silveran and the Antinium. They should be coming now.

Liska went to do just that. She had just changed the dial to Liscor when an Antinium walked in with the new hires.

Hello, Silveran.

Hello, Liska. This is Liska. She works here. You must be very conscientious of her and Ishkr as they are the only two employees.

Silveran entered with the new Antinium hires. Theyd been on the job this last week, but they were still new. And his presence wasif not unusual, slightly unnecessary. Yet ever since the cleaning incident, Silveran had realized he could come here as a paying guest. Which wasnt bad, but he got 2-stars in the Liska book because he kept cleaning up things and pretending to work here.

Six Antinium trundled in after him. Each one had an apron on, and they were armed with cleaning supplies, and one had a hammer and nails. Theyd be useful for fixing small things since four were Workers. The two Soldiers looked quite nervous; Liska eyed them, wondering how theyd use their hands to help. But Erin had said it was equal-opportunity after a talk with Pawn, and she was the boss. The weird boss. She was still better than bossy Lyonette. The only appealing thing about her was her red hair.

Anyways, Liska eyed the Workers attire. They even had a pawprint in black next to a stylized inn.

Silveran. Did you buy the Workers supplies?

The [Cleaner] hesitated.

If I did, that is within my rights as a related Antinium. Besides, as I note, this inn lacks for the Goblin staff. So if I saw any dust, it would be my responsibility as a citizen to do my duty as a good samaritan and clean it up.

So that was the angle he was going for this time. Silveran inspected the floorboards as Liska rolled her eyes.

Well, only a modicum of dirt here. But if we enter the hallway and see the criminally overworkedhmm. Wait. Where is my dirt?

He hunted around as the Antinium presented themselves to Ishkr. He patiently assigned them each to a chore and watched them as Silveran glared accusingly at Ishkr.

Ishkr.

Silveran.

I see youve mopped the floors. And waxed them?

Last week.

I see. I see. How good of you. But have you cleaned Birds tower?

He hurried past Ishkr to the always-occupied Birds tower.

() Bird, [Hunter] Leaves rotting birds in hiding spots. Asks for bird-related food. Lie and tell him that broccoli comes from broccoli birds. Sings okay. Its mostly the rotting birds.

Silveran came down a minute later, looking mad. His antennae twitched as Ishkr innocently held a bowl of chowder out.

Breakfast, Silveran?

I see Bird is attended to and the tower is moderately clean. Well done. Well done. Perhaps I shall have chowder after all. Oops!

The Antinium took the bowl and innocently tried to toss it over a table as Liska poked her head back into the inn to ask if they had any more unscheduled guests. She saw Ishkr catch the bowl before it could tip. He and Silveran exchanged another glance as the Antinium turned to stare at them.

Careful, Mister Silveran. You might not get to work on time.

Thank you, Ishkr.

The two stared silently at each other. After a moment, Ishkr sighed gustily.

The Players of Liscor are putting on a performance tonight. Two plays. Would you like to clean up for a small fee afterwards?

Silveran instantly brightened up. He stuck out a hand, and Ishkr shook it.

Excellent service as always. Tonight? I will be there.

Amazing. Somehow, Ishkr actually dealt with the problematic Silveranwhich was an issue Liska had never thought would crop up. Indeed, he seemed to be on top of things as she monitored the door.

Liska was yawning by the time morning was done, but she perked up when the most attractive

Wait a second, it was Gireulashia. Liska sighed. The gigantic Gnoll with brilliant dusky red fur, perfect features, and build was apparently fifteen. And she was accompanied by no less than three of the Ekhtouch Tribe.

Hot. Even the guys were moderately attractive. One older woman and two younger ones, maybe in their late thirties and mid-twenties respectively. Liska saw Gireulashia walk into the inn, and her ears heard them speaking inside from the open doorway.

That was the thing. Even if she had to stand and watch a door, she could at least hear fun things.

They were discussing something slightly fascinating as Ishkr got them a lot of food. Liska heard a growl.

Chieftain Gireulashia

Chieftain or Chieftain Gire.

The [Paragon] corrected them. The Gnoll sighed.

Chieftain Gire. The rest of the tribe is asking where to meet up. Our separated groups are already bound for the Great Plains, but where shall we go afterwards?

Gire grumbled as she munched on what smelled like a steak. For breakfast? She answered with a younger girls complaint in her carefully-enunciated tones.

Cant you all do anything? Its not hard. Were still nomadic. Its justget me a map. A cheap one I can draw on.

Without a word, Liska changed the dial to Liscor and opened the door for the Gnoll who went back to Liscor. Less than eight minutes later, she had to open the door again and let them back into the inn. She decided to find a seat. Why hadnt she thought of that? She could just sit, read a book, and occasionally check the door, right?

She took one from the common room, despite Ishkrs glares. She noticed he was carefully pouringLiskas jaw dropped.

Is that acid?

A glowing vat of acid was being ladled into jars. Instantly, all the Ekhtouch Gnolls and Gire looked around. Ishkr growled back.

Yes. Erin has the acidfly traps, remember? Someone forgot to check them yesterday.

His look of accusation made Liska turn her head and whistle. Another jar was being filled with dead acid-flies.

What do we do with the acid?

Ishkr gestured to a bag of holding that the inns staff could use.

Ill take it down to the Adventurers Guild. They sell it. Or someone could do it. Or bag up the flies

Why dont I watch the door? I have to let in Pallass guests.Updated chapters at novelhall.com

He sighed. Then Ishkr waved away an Antinium offering to help. It was a dangerous job for rookies. You also used some acid for the bathrooms; you tossed it down the toilet. And Erin had a few jars

Should I do the toilets, Ishkr?

Liska offered. Only for today, as a heartbreak younger-sister special. But Ishkr just shook his head.

Done.

I could bring toilet paper?

Done.

Really? But Menolit had a reallyand I mean, I smelled hima really bad time

Done. Its all clean.

A mystified look passed between Liska and Ishkr, who was sighing at his annoying younger sister. She opened her mouth, then Gire began speaking.

Here. This is where we can go. Its very simple. Wheres the red chalk? Okay. Look

On the pretext of getting a few magazines and newspapers, like Chess Weekly and the Liscorian Gazette, for her spot, Liska managed a glance at the map. Gire was circling Izrils south busily.

She was drawing countless red circles around each Drake city and Walled City of different radii. Liska had no idea what made each circle different, but then Gire explained.

If were rallying or movingwe dont enter these zones if we can. Duh. This is where most armies not on deployment from the cities could be in reach. Theyre all hostile right now or untrustworthy. And herepass me the blue chalkhere are all the tribes territories. And this is the uninhabitable spots or dangerous areas in black. Since Plains Eye and some big tribes are gone, that leaves us with

Liska eyed the map as Gire held it up. The [Paragon] peered at the spots not covered by one color or another. One of the Ekhtouch Gnolls glanced at Liska and then coughed.

About half a mile on the southeastern coast, Chieftain?

Gire glared at him. She threw up her paws.

We go north past Liscor or to the new lands! Both are dangerous. Were not self-sufficient, but it might beat fighting Humans. We could live in a neutral city too. Were not that large.

Which is it, Chieftain?

Gire folded her arms and seemed to draw into herself. She sulked.

I dont know. I dont know. Have them come here, and well strike in either direction. I want to see if the healing potion market is gone for good and if anyone else declares a war. Terandrias coming to the new lands. So theres even more danger there. Heres where theyll enter, so if we do go, the spots we could secure would be here, herebut we dont know whats waiting for us.

She began pointing more spots out on the map, but Liskas ears perked up. Terandria, the entire continent, was definitely going to the new lands? Then she saw Gireulashia glance up and realized all the Ekhtouch Gnolls were looking at her.

Flushing, Liska fled. But she did find one more object and put it in the portal chamber.

One of the temporary scrying mirrors that Palt had enchanted. That was when she got to watch Wistram News Network and Sir Relz break the news that a compact at Calanfer was going to send a lot of Humans to Izril.

And wasnt that a day? Liska sat, yawning as she did her duties to the minimum requirements, and thought that Liscor would be abuzz with people talking about this, and more people would be speculating about leaving for the new lands.

Here she was, just doing her job. The new lands were tempting, vaguely. But if she wentLiska was no fighter. Nor was she a Plains Gnoll in her heart. Besides. If she left, who would keep an eye on Ishkr? He was so boring hed fade away without her to watch over him.

She only blinked when Ishkr opened the door to Liscor. From Liscors side. He walked back in, and Liska stared at him.

Howd you do that?

He gave her a blank look.

The inn is barely a few minutes from the gates. I went down and sold the acid jars.

But I thought

Liska had seen him less than eight minutes ago fetching Gireulashia half a cake as a snack and telling her Mrsha was still at Riverfarm and wouldnt be back for at least two more days yet. Ishkr sighed.

Liska, just open the door on schedule, alright?

He tapped the chalkboard with the times listed and underlined for each spot. Liska was so busy gaping that Ishkr went on overly patiently.

Antinium cant do it because it makes the other species who havent seen them before nervous. You get off work in four more hours. Break in eighteen minutes. Alright? Im busy.

Then he headed back into the inn. Liska craned her neck after him. And all she could think was

Odd. But then again, even Liska didnt really think much about Ishkr, and he was her brother. He was so normal. The only normal person in The Wandering Inn.

Right?

If the Dragon wasnt part of todays news cycle, Calanfers diplomatic agreement was. Ailendamus had just lost a political battle, and the Humans were coming to Izril.

Wonderful. Yeah, what Izril really needed was more Humans. Because that had worked out so well, historically.

Even the Five Families didnt like it. Here came their royal cousins, who sneered at them from across the pond, coming to lord it over everyone. It accelerated timetables.

In fact, even the Antinium crusades danger was getting a bit sidetracked by the new lands. It was amazing, really. One second, the Five Families were worried about the Black Tide, the next, everyone was discussing the land rush.

Then again, Ryoka Griffin supposed she was responsible for a bit of that. She had assured the leaders of the Five Families they had less to fear than they thought. Right now, she was eating as the nobility at the breakfast get-together in The Culpable Appetite, one of First Landings finest restaurants, were chattering.

just seems to me as if this is not simply a matter for one noble house, but a concerted effort by an entire Family. If not all Five Families. What do you think, Lady Oswen?

A Terland nobleman was speaking to Lady Buscrei, who almost snorted her tea out of her nose she demurred so hard. He looked appalled, which compounded her point.

That is a fine idea, Lord Telvin. I cant see it working. The best is that all Five Families will make their efforts and well try not to stab or step on each others feet.

But the kingdoms are presenting a united front.

Hardly united, Telvin.

Those amused, mocking tones made Ryokas skin crawl a bit. But the slightly droopy [Lord] of House Reinhart smiled unctuously as he broke in, turning from his meal.

Every allegiance has fractures to be exploited. If anything, joining arms threatens to drown all our endeavors together. Why pretend to civility when this is far more entertaining?

Lord Gorthes Reinhart, I have never agreed with you more. Which is really unfortunate.

Buscrei retorted, and the man smiled coldly at her. He eyed Ryoka as if hoping the Wind Runner would chime in. But Ryoka had her hands full, thanks for asking. She was done with making messes. Yep, yep.

Which was why it was so discouraging to have a mess all over her clothes. The Culpable Appetite made wonderful food, really. They hadnt gone all the way into replacing taste with gimmicks like some high-level restaurants did. They mixed a reasonable amount of plain good food with a high-level set of Skills on behalf of their staff.

Such as their advertised Free Brunch. Which wasnt free. The nobility would laugh at the occasional [Sailors] or visitors who inquired about it.

What was free was hardly the price in gold. What was free was that you could eat until your stomach was bursting with the sinful food, some of it cooked in butter, and you wouldnt put on a pound.

And like that, Ryoka realized how Magnolia Reinhart was not dying of diabetes if this were what you could get with high-level [Chefs]. Of course, this appealing meal didnt mean Buscrei needed it; she had declined the Skill on her food, as had Lord Veltras and a number of House Veltras. They had ordered light breakfasts

Except for the huge plate of waffles, delicately crisped sugar caramelized on the outsides of the hot pastry. The pockets were filled with syrup, agave, not maple. Just to be interesting? Slices of sweetberry, raspberries, and strawberry were piled on top of the scoop of gelato placed on top of the hot meal.

Ryoka was wearing a quarter of the meal on her front. Sticky syrup was dripping down one leg, and some was, incredibly, mixed with a bit of ice cream sliding down past the neckline of her tunic. On the inside.

To say this was uncomfortable was an understatement. Clearly, at least Lord Gorthes found this mildly attractive for reasons Ryoka did not want to contemplate.

He was not the only one. A [Lady] with hair bluer than the sea reflected out the window was taking a third deep, deep draft of her morning tea as she fanned herself. Lady Ieka Imarris was practically unseen by the nobles as she watched Ryoka from afar.

She would have personally loved to help Ryoka Griffin clean up that appalling mess. Oh my, yes. Of all the coincidences to see the Wind Runner here on business? She was getting distracted.

Unfortunately, Ryoka was with House Veltras, and even if Ieka would have liked to introduce herself, there was such a thing as timing. As wellthe biggest impediment to her socialization was the reason why Ryoka was so unaccountably sticky.

Ryoka Griffin did not eat like a starving Eater Goat. Even if her enemies would have believed it, the incredible amount of mess generated was not her fault. She had barely eaten a quarter of one of the waffles like a civilized person.

The starving wolverine in question who was adding to the mess was no less than Sammial Veltras. He was gulping down another mouthful of food as Jericha watched in mild horror, and Tyrion Veltras was lecturing him again about table-manners.

But the boy was on a sugar crazeand the second boy on Ryokas other leg, currently turning it numb, was Hethon Veltras.

Hethon, Sammial, you are acting like pigs at a trough.

Tyrion lowered his voice, but one of the Veltras just laughed. Lord Swey, his good hand awkwardly fiddling with a fork, nudged the far younger man.

Come now, Tyrion. Theyre lads who know they can eat as many sweets as they want! Poor Wind Runner.

Even one of Oswens magical baths wont save you from that mess. Maybe a dip in the ocean?

Buscrei teased Ryoka. Hethon looked up guiltily, but he and Sammial were practically glued to Ryoka. Especially Hethon.

Ryoka felt embarrassed. And slightly pleased. When he had come to First Landing, escorted by countless soldiers, hed run up and given her a huge hug. Now, he and Sammial were so dedicated to not losing Ryoka again, they had insisted on sitting on her lap. Well, Sammial had, and the table was so packed that Hethon had done it mostly to make room. In truth, he was more squeezed against her from one side by Swey; Pellmia; Pellmias wife and daughter, Betta and Keireen; their silent son, Gilam, looking annoyed with the gathering; Buscrei, her husband and oldest son whod ridden out to meet her; two members of House Veltras Ryoka didnt know by name

At one table. Their servants and guards stood to the sides and walls, and Ullim, the old [Majordomo], stood with Jericha, Pellmias own faithful retainers, their guards

Lord Tyrion Veltras looked aghast at everything. But half the eyes of the diners here were still on the young Lord Tyrion, who had magically de-aged himself. The other men looked envious, and Ryoka could see why a few [Ladies] looked appreciative.

Tyrion was sort of sharp-looking. He glanced sideways at her, a trimmed, thin beard combed to the exact standards his son lacked. Jet black hair, perfect posturehe glanced at Ryokas mess and then coughed and turned his head.

Did his cheeks turn red ever-so-slightly? Ryoka thought the tips of his ears did, but when she saw that, she stared at Sammials head very, very deliberately.

It would behoove us to let Miss Ryoka clean up. Unless you would prefer a [Cleanse] spell via Jericha, Ryoka?

It was not unique to Salazsars Merchants Guild. In fact, the largest notices were plastered across many guilds in a region, whereas the smaller offers were specific to a few cities depending on the power of that particular guild or [Merchant].

[Merchant] Concies Venture to the New Lands! Sign up now with applicable classes* to journey to the new lands! Food, supplies, and even weapons will all be accounted for by the Level 34 [Enterprising Merchant], Concie!

Day pay 1 sp, 4 cp. Additional rewards for exemplary performance. Treasure splits to be negotiated. Inquire with Merchant Concies representatives.

That was one of the kinds of notices that Alrric fetched for Wall Lord Ilvriss and Zail. It was one of a dozen, and the Wall Lord just sat there.

Does anyone actually take this kind of offer up? A silver piece per daythats rock-bottom.

I imagine thats on top of other incentives. But yes, it is one of the weaker options. However, there are entire groups of [Merchants] pooling resources, Ilvriss. I saw a headhunter notice asking for anyone with [Settler] or applicable classes over Level 20. There was a 20-gold signing fee.

Still low.

Zail grunted, but Ilvriss was starting to get worried. If that was what you got from the public advertisementshe tapped a claw urgently on the table.

Alrric, how many pickaxes oror wagons are left in Salazsar?

The [Administrator] gave Ilvriss a proud look, like a [Teacher] finding a great pupil.

As a matter of fact, I secured as many of them as I could. A pickaxes value is already 344% what it used to be. The smithies are working overtime churning out nails and other related goodsI can only imagine how much Pallass is doing in business.

It was great to have someone like Alrric. Ilvriss exhaled, but Alrric continued.

So, as you can see, Wall Lords, there will be thousands of individual ventures. And theyre all headhunting. Talented individuals are in a sellers market.

Your point is made. The competition is everyone, Administrator Alrric. Nowhow is House Gemscale going to do this? Im sure Ilvriss has a plan.

Zail sat there like he was still overseeing the company, and Ilvriss really hoped that this wasnt going to become a regular thing. He had a bad feeling about this, especially because Alrric seemed used to Zail being here.

Ilvriss had expected the Gemscale company to tank in profits after he sold the Adamantium mine shares, but they had apparently found a new seamwell, an old oneand they were booming in profits. He was beginning to wonder how lucky that had been.

But the hazards and value of the new lands were established. No one knew what was thereeveryone wanted to go. The methodology would set apart each individual groups success or failure along with luck and all the other random events you could run into.

Even soIlvriss nodded to Alrric, and the presentation he gave to Zail was a warm-up for the other nobles in Salazsar.

Weve been busy. I am going to call up eight experts, Wall Lord Zail, whom weve contracted for the last two weeks, ever since we realized the extent of the new lands. Theyve all put together plans and lists which Alrric has helpfully compiled. We reached out to Gold-rank Adventurers, an [Explorer] from Baleros familiar with the Dyed Lands, a [Ranger], and, crucially, a [Quartermaster] in Salazsars own forces, and a [Caravanner] used to long-hauls from Chandrar. All of these experts advised us on how difficult it would be to travel across Izril, then to sustain a force in the new lands. We have compositions of classes to take and the kind of gear well need.

The Gemscale Companys approach to this kind of problem was to turn to experts in the field and source experience. If they were going to go, it was going to be organized and based on previous known ventures. Theyd take the most comprehensive group they could to handle any possible problem.

It was going to cost a fortune, but as Ilvriss now knew, the profits were there. Alrrics model was one he could back. Play it cautiousor rather, play it reliable. If they couldnt produce the most gifted [Explorers] or [Caravaners] to use their Skills to keep people safe and efficient, they werent spending enough gold. Zail nodded along as the neat papers were passed out. Alrric, of course, had copies for everyone.

Ilvriss was a boring Drake sometimes. Even with the Erin-influence, he knew how to organize a venture. In that wayhis was the approach to compare every other group to. His methods of dealing with the problem would cover most foreseeable bases, so it depended on his competitors to see whether or not they exceeded his plansor miserably failed.

For instance, Lady Ieka Imarris, in between trying to invite Ryoka to her estates in First Landing, made a rapid series of [Message] spells to her representatives in the south.

I want you to send all the people we can. Now. No, dont take wagons. Riders. On horses. Have them take two of the enchanted carriages. We will send the slower groups to catch up with you.

When she saw the Yoldenites, she knew that she was running out of time. So Ieka hatched a different plan.

Speed. Speed was key. She had been hiring Silver and even Bronze-rank adventurers, as well as the most eager and promising individuals. Now she pushed them to hurry via the door in Invrisil to leave from Pallass that very day.

Lady Imarris, what about materials to construct anything? A full push will still take at least a week

Ieka snapped a fan open as she furiously amended her plans. She hissed at one of her [Maids], echoing Magnolias style. She hated to admit it, but a lot of her success was in observing what worked in the other [Ladies] who were more famous than she in Izril.

But she was also Valeterisas niece, and she had never been more proud of her aunt. Ieka was a [Mage Lady], and she trusted to that.

Magic. Load up their bags of holding and send them with tents. We dont need to build anythingwe need to find whats worth building next to, first! I want a dozen groups exploring ahead of all these [Settlers] and [Colonists]. They can sleep in the wild for a while. As for food? Bags of holding have a 0.8 rate of decay on average. Chests and well-made ones can be 0.6 times as slow to rot food. These are not the days after the end of magic where people had to haul everything on their backs and bang rocks together to start fires!

She had [Mages] on her payroll, and magic would provide almost anything but food. Fire? Magic. Protection? Magic. Ieka was tired of playing second-fiddle to Magnolia. This time, she was going to be first there.

The other thing Ieka had failed in was her attitude towards preparing the expeditions. She had made lists, had her servants find and secure good, talented individuals, and had bought or arranged for the supplies, even if she was throwing the first wave out first.

But what she hadnt done was talk to experts. Or rather, all the experts.

Ieka had bought supplies and hired people she thought might be needed to establish a town. Wagons for timber, [Carpenters], [Guards], and [Rangers]. And, of course, [Mages].

She had forgotten to hire what Ilvriss wanted. Which was, for instance, a good [Blacksmith]. Or even better, a [Farrier]. She had forgotten that horses threw shoes. Lady Ieka had been doing a lot of thinking, but it was still in the mindset of a [Lady] used to Izrils north. She had sent [Healers] with bandages, but no one who knew how to sew bandages.

Even so, Ieka was at least quick, and her [Mages] were a cut above some of the ventures out there. However, her lack of insight into one area or another was going to be a repeated theme.

For instance, the First Landing Trade Company of the north, which combined no less than twenty Merchants Guilds into a single venture, was going to have a bad time.

Oh, they had funding to match and exceed Ieka Imarris. They had resources, connections in many cities, and the motivation to set themselves up as the new landed nobility.

What the [Merchants] didnt have was the sense to double-check their so-called experts. They had prepared their group with what they thought was needed to begin searching for wealth. They had sensibly hired [Rangers] and other wildlife experts.

Calidus Reinhart couldnt stop laughing about it. He was using his spy networks to see what everyone else was doing just because it was so fascinatingand hilarious.

Theyre hiring [Rangers]. Rangers

He wheezed to Zeom, his [Genius Polymath]. The older man looked annoyed by Calidus, who kept coming over to laugh about one group or another.

Whats the problem with that? Seems like the tick-covered fools you want to scout ahead.

Calidus wiped at his eyes. He waggled a finger in Zeoms face.

Oh, Zeom, Zeom. So smart, like the [Merchants]. But not at all practical. You must be thinking of a man or woman of the wilds, used to living out in nature, sleeping with wolves. Perhaps light on clothing

He sighed, imagining some toned woman with a wild look about her. Sticks in the hair and whatnot. Zeom edged away from him as he experimented with a vial, working up some kind of new poison for a blade. The [Assassins] were already availing themselves of his services. They were mostly unobtrusive, probably trying to get on Calidus good side. They didnt realize that his good side was always best found reflected through a wine bottle.

But Calidus had been having a lot of fun thinking about the new lands, so he kept forgetting to drink. He conjured that image of the archetypal [Ranger], then snorted at his own fancies.

Stories are not reality, Zeom. You dont hire [Rangers] for exploration. Thats [Explorers]. [Scouts] at least! [Rangers] are used to their own territory.

Ah. The wrong class?

Calidus eyes danced with mirth.

I imagine there will be a spread. Some will be very competent at leading their groupsothers will not. But the [Merchants] made another mistakethey hired highlands and forest experts from the Vail Forest region and Izrils climates. And the new lands are

Zeom snapped his fingers.

Buried coastal regions. They are stupid as shite.

Calidus nodded again.

Chandrar. Balerosif they have local experts, those experts have to know theyre out of their depth. Literally. The only group that might be used to this terrain are Drowned Folk, and now its aboveland. Any Skills that use terrain as an advantageno. Even the basic plantstuffwill be different. You dont need [Rangers], you need [Herbalists]!

That was the hilarity to Calidus. Zeom actually abandoned the bubbling concoction of some kind of tar as he leaned over his table, genuinely interested.

So whats your take on how to fix it?

Calidus shrugged.

Search me. I know Im no expert in what it takes to build a new colony. Take everything. Every class. The error in thinking is pretending you know it all. Dear Aunt Magnolia wouldnt be so silly. Ah, if only she was doing this.

He sighed, suddenly maudlin again, but then brightened up just as fast.

Been hitting the crystals? You dont smell like youre on drugs.

Zeom eyed the [Lord], and Calidus stepped spritely, twirling as if he were on a dance floor. He could move very agilely despite his size.

Oh, Zeom. Im having fun. A rarity without help, I assure you. Since Aunt Magnolia isnt here to be outstanding, I, Calidus, will be organizing a few ventures to the new lands myself.

The [Polymath] eyed Calidus in silence, then he began laughing so hard he nearly knocked over his poisonous resin.

You? Youll be a disaster!

Exactly.

Calidus beamed. Zeom hesitated.

Wait, what?

The [Lord] steepled his fingers and gave Zeom a serious look.

Ive been talking with some of the other members of the family and even some of the [Merchant] groups. Ill sponsor my own forces, but I engineered some delightfully stupid ventures. Just to see what happens. For instance, Im planning on sending a small group equipped to set up a village. Theyll have the appropriate classes, be led by decent folk who arent half as corrupt as the usual employees hereupstanding.

Go on.

Zeom carefully began to scrape the resin into a tin enchanted to keep it airtight and sealed. Calidus smile grew wider.

But theyll need one thing. Security. Now, a lot of the [Merchants] and other groups will hire adventurers, which I think is stupid. Theyre a selfish, unreliable lot. You cant tell what you get. Or theyll get [Mercenaries], [Guards]guess whos guarding this group?

Zeom glanced up and then snorted.

No.

[Assassins].

Youre mad. Just

Calidus spread his hands out.

Just [Assassins]. Theyll be in charge aside from a competent leader. Monsters? Assassins. Enemy forces? Assassins. I want to see what happens.

Dear grandfather Regis had actually given Calidus a budget. And this was how he was using it? Zeom nearly put his hands on his face before he realized they might be poisonous.

And people wondered why Magnolia was the best of Reinharts. The worst part washe turned to Calidus.

Do you think they have a chance?

Calidus just shook his head, eyes glinting in delight.

Thats the thing, my dear Zeom. Adversity builds character, or so my beautiful bastard of a father said. What it actually builds is levels. Why try for a perfect move when you can make a flawed one that might produce something better? Okay, assassin-colony is one group. Another is going to enter with a specific bent. Animals. Warhounds, [Beast Tamers], dead gods, I even arranged for a shipment of Sariant Lambs, and they were expensive! Their orders are to tame anything they see.

Calidus was chortling. He was spending too much gold, he knew, but the outcomes promised to be so insane that he thought he wouldnt sleep for days! Which of course left the best ideas out there.

Ive been trying to contact a bunch of [Pirates], but they dont like the idea of work. So I thoughtif youre going to send a bunch of settlers to explore and tame new lands, do you know what they need?

Please, tell me.

Zeom, despite himself, was like a man trying to look away from a beautiful, horrible disaster. Calidus eyes glinted.

Nuts.

Nuts?

Zeom knew his employer was crazy, but he had always thought it was the stupid crazy of a noble, even with sharp wits at times. Nowhe saw Calidus spread his hands.

Peanuts. Walnuts. Cashews. Acorns. Their regular provisions will last them a good week into the new lands. Whereupon they will find in the timed locks I put on their Chests of Holdingnuts. Enough for at least a few months of provisions.

He was mad. Zeom slowly packaged the poison, and Calidus followed him out, still babbling.

Come on, Zeom. Give me another idea. I was thinking of giving another group all wine instead of water, but they felt too set up to fail. I need more ideas. The old man is doing his thing, but I advised one of the cousins that she should really invest in rugged folk at a cheap cost and introduced her to some of those [Bandits] you can hire. Zeom? Speak to me, man. What about a group of Drakes who find out the other half of their expedition are Lizardfolk? [Nudists]. Yeshow many of them are there?

Some people were just doing this for fun. Then again, if Calidus was deliberately pushing the envelope off a clifffilled with rats

A few nations were just biased enough to be interesting in themselves. For instance, the Kingdom of Avel was sending their colonists out. You could count how many swords they had. But the amount of bows?

Incalculable. Many groups depended on what made them unique. If anything, having a type of expert like Ieka would at least guarantee an edge in that area.

Calanfer was not going to be sending true experts in anything but diplomacy. And could you get water out of a rock? Yet they had pledged to send a [Princess]. So she would have [Thronebearers] and more funding than some, but Calanfer would not have the kind of true blue competence some groups did.

Even assuming they accounted for the biases of classes like [Rangers]. Even assuming they made all the logical preparations they could by speaking to people who knew what they were doing instead of relying on their own ego and judgmenta poor move unless you were doing it on purpose like Calidus

Even then. The new lands might be appealing, but were you ready for them?

Go to the new lands? You mad? It sounds like hell. Ill sponsor it. Im not going myself. And if we send a group from House Veltras, theyd better be ready for anything.

Lady Buscreis opinion surprised Ryoka Griffin. She thought that the [Hunting Lady] would be all for the adventure, but Buscrei just shook her head as they walked through First Landing.

Everyone was talking about the idea, much like a thought experiment. Ryoka had Sammial in one handmostly because hed walk off if you didnt have a hold of him. Hethon was part of the group that included Buscrei and Swey.

Lord Tyrion was doing the murmuring and talking with the other nobles about alliances and such. Ryoka was trying very hard not to be caught up in it, hence the stroll.

Mind youthere was enough to see in First Landing. A group of Cenidau [Sailors] were having an axe-throwing competition theyd set up, and Ryoka was super interested in trying. But Sammial was all-too-eager as well, and she doubted his aim.

They passed by a young woman with clearly dyed black hairshe had a bit of blonde at the rootswho tried to get close to Ryoka. She wantedan autograph? Ryoka saw several of House Veltras guards keeping her back then did a double-take.

What the

Wind Runner! Can I get an autograph? Im going to become a Runner like you!

The young woman had fairer skin than Ryokas, but she had the same unmaidenly trousers and t-shirt despite possibly being of the nobility. And she was barefoot. Ryoka stared at the cheap copy of herself, and Sammials jaw opened. Ryokas fan waved at Ryoka as another girl jogged over, wincing as her bare feet scraped on the pavement.

Buscreis mouth opened for a good five minutes until Ryoka spoke with the two girls. By the time she stopped chortling, they were headed to the park. Buscrei stared with a bit of dismay at the neat, manicured grass that had been pesticided or magically bombed out of all insects. Each tree was tended to, and there wasnt any wildlife in First Landing but some squirrels and birds who were fed by some of the parks guests.

Look at this place. If thats what a lot of the Five Families think is waiting for them in the new lands, theyre crazy. If I was trying to go therewell, Id head out with light gear and tell the boys to bring all the supplies. But Id pack very light and explore a good month. Slowly.

Oswens folk were natural hunters, and Swey came from the plateau, which was why it was so interesting to hear the Veltras being cautious. Ryoka raised her brows as Hethon turned bright red; one of the younger Ryoka-clones was waving at him.

You dont think itd be easier for you?

Buscrei shuddered and gave Ryoka an incredulous look.

You kidding? I know Oswens marshes, but my people have lived there all my life. What I dont know is where a Mossbears territory is in this new place or if theres hidden underground caves, faults in the rocksnew land is dangerous. If Veltras is going, Tyrion knows enough to send real rugged types. Hes the most city-like of most of the family, but he wont go in with [Soldiers]. Its a bad idea. Send people who can hunt for game and produce enough to eat over there.

But there are bags of holding, and its not impossible to ferry food out.

Buscrei stared at the ceiling.

Bags of holding. Chests of holding. Food runs out fastern you think, Ryoka. If you cant make sure theres food coming in, itll be a short land rush. What do you think, Swey?

He nodded.

I think theyd better take [Druids] and dirt. We have Chests of Holding? I saydirt, wood, and [Druids] and [Gardeners]. [Farmers] too. Even if they find pure rock, they can build a self-contained farm.

Dirt.

Ryoka glanced at Buscrei, but she was smiling.

Hey, now theres an idea. That way theyll be sure to have a crop coming in. Mind you, its fall

One of those wooden structures filled with dirt and light spells. [Druids] have made themtheyll grow food even in the snow. Warm inside. Speaking of which, theyll need lots of stuff to bundle up with. No guarantees theyll even have wood.

Right.

Food and warmth. House Veltras priorities were some of the most basic for any colony. Nor did Ryoka think Tyrion would ignore their suggestions. She began to feel an itch in her feet herself, but Sammial clung to one hand, and Hethon grabbed the other arm.

Look, Hethon! Shes going to run off again! Get her!

What? No, Im not. I have plenty to do in the north. Ervisit Liscor. And, uh

Find a Dryad? That might be Invrisil. But Hethon just hung on as Sammial clung to Ryokas hand.

Youre not getting away! Dad! Dad, shes going to fly off again!

He began screaming for Tyrion, and Ryoka sighed. At least she could fly. It meant that if she needed to move, she could get across Izril in a fraction of the time of most. And it occurred to her that only one man in the world could probably follow her where she went.

Or any Garuda in existence.

Sometimes it distressed Magnolia Reinhart to see idiocy repeat itself.

Oh, not House Veltras approach to exploring new lands. They were very pragmatic. They focused on survival. House Wellfar and Terland?

Less pragmatic, maybe. Wellfar was going to believe it could keep up a sea-route to supply whatever coastal colony it made. Terlands? Terlands sent their specialists, who would protect and build without getting tired.

Golems.

It might work, but it was so typical of them it made her sigh. The House of El, predictably, wanted to have some of their [Mercenaries] escort a group looking for new ideas. And as for Reinhart

Well, she would not dignify some of the ventures coming out of her family with a compliment. But they were certainly ideas.

Nor could Magnolia stop even her family from trying to go to the new lands. The real question waswhy?

Why do we need new lands? Yes, trade and what not. Yes, the value in such and such resources yet undiscovered. But we are not yet done exploring Izrils north, Ressa. Do we need more?

Half the pies never enough. Give a man a slice and hell ask for two.

Ressas dour comment made Magnolia scowl harder. She stared pointedly at the pumpkin pie topped with the whipped cream that Ressa was guarding.

I will have another piece, and thank you to keep your analogies about greed in general and not my diet.

Silently, Ressa cut a slice of pie so thin that it was half the width of Magnolias pinkie. She placed it on the plate, and Magnolia stared at her.

Oteslia was growing on herat least the local cuisine. She would also just like to point out that the pumpkin pie was pumpkin. At least, she assumed so. It was quite delightfully sweet.

At any rate, Ressa raised her brows.

The local Drakes are still placing bets on you backing out of your promise not to go for the new lands yourself. Regis Reinhart had a few choice words for you.

Oh, delightful. Send me a copy if he was stroppy. I shall frame it.

Magnolia purred. She sat back and sighed. It seemed to the world that Magnolia Reinhart had once again backed out, in her peacemaking ways, from a profitable venture to endear herself to the Drakes.

Which was completely true. But she was not idle. If anything, her staff were so busy that a recovering Reynold was up to his knees in paperwork.

Well, have our best teams continue to muster, Ressa. I want our irregulars reminded of their promises to me and mustering in Drake cities or in ports, ready to go. Alsoa list of all the Gold-rank teams and even Named-ranks who are unspoken for. What were, oh, those Horns of Hammerad doing?

Magnolia could still pull a lot of people around from Oteslia. Ressa consulted her list.

They havent agreed to go with any group, but theyre still headed back from the High Passes. Ill keep them on the list if you want?

Magnolia frowned, thinking about Yvlon.

Do. Keep the Silver Swords off that list, though. Ylawes is Ylawes, and he will be wherever he thinks hes needed. The Horns might be erratic, but I do think they have promise.

Ressa made a few notes. The reason Magnolia was thinking of Gold-rank teams was because she did have an expedition force planned.

No less than fifteen, in fact, and even Bekia, the Gnoll [Maid], was on a shortlist of reserves for more groups. They were armed, supplies were loaded in mobile wagons, and ready.

Magnolia could have stormed the new lands before Ieka got out of bed this morning. But she didnt. If anything, she bemoaned the loss of her new carriage, and she hoped herfriend would come back. Let him come back, even if he didnt remember her.

Magnolia squeezed her fingers together, but then relaxed. All was ready.

Reynold?

She called out to the [Butler], and Reynold jumped a bit.

Yes, Lady Reinhart?

Magnolia, Reynold. I think youve proven you deserve at least that. Tell me, Reynold. Is there a betting pool among the staff on how soon the first colonial group gets wiped out?

Reynold bit his tongue. He glanced at Ressa, and the [Head Maid]s blank face led Magnolia to believe there was gold and pride on the books. Also, that Ressa might be the bookkeeper.

Theremight be a small bet placed, Lady Reinhart. Informally.

The man coughed. Magnolia smiled.

Put me down for two gold on a week or less. In which case, we will be busy indeed.

She had no intention of fighting for land. InsteadMagnolia Reinhart glanced at the map of her people waiting in the wings.

The wings, placed to head into the new lands and grab the starving, hunted, or just desperate people who would fail in this damned venture. She did not like trying to best nature. Instead, Magnolia wanted to save as many lives as she could.

Not purely for acclaim or altruism either. She had to admitit was because Izril would need the people who might die there. There would be more than innocent young men and women sent into the new lands. High-level individuals, even noble peersa [Princess] was the first.

It rather reminded her of one of the mothers she had once seen in House Reinhart. The woman had told her children not to touch that or not to do all the sensible things. But she had let her children stick a hand into a pot of boiling water and then quickly bailed them out and applied a potion to the wound. Save people after they kick the beehive.

Then again, that mother had been terrible. But at least Magnolia would not have to hear how her people had to defend themselves against another greedy force and have blood on the ground. She had spilled enough, so she sighed and began to count again.

I want more spies. More spies, Ressa, in the other groups coming. Put them in the established colonies as they appear. Helpful people offering their services. When the real Crelers begin seeding IzrilI want them gone or to fail. When Roshal comes to Izril, let them smell the flowers. I intend them to all have poisonous thorns.

Her real enemies were not the stupid, greedy, or naive. It was the snakes. It was the rot in the flowerbed, and they were corruptive indeed. Poison spread like an idea, and Magnolia could almost see her real opponents looking to sway minds just like she was. She slowly reached out for the entire pie, and Ressa slapped her hands.

The King of Destruction, Flos Reimarch, was sitting in his garden in the palace of Reim, talking excitedly. He gestured with his hands as Orthenon laboriously took notes.

Not in specifics, but in what he wanted. He had experienced vassals who knew their job. He had talent from multiple conquered nations. But it was still his vision, and so he spoke energetically to Teres and Trey.

I think itll be simpler to expedite than most countries.

Oh, colonizing new lands is so easy.

Teresa raised her hands sarcastically, mimicking him. She was tetchy, and Flos looked insulted.

I didnt say that.

You dont even know how to build a house! Youre just telling Orthenon to deal with everything.

Teresa pointed at the [Steward], and he shifted, whether in agreement or disapproval, it was hard to tell. Trey slowly fed Minizi a Yellat as the Lifesand Golem masticated the vegetable, then spat it onto the ground. The real Gazi eyed her duplicate.

Flos drew himself up with annoyed dignity.

You start with the foundation of the house. Then add beams and such. Ive helped build some. Drevish made everyone work on his damned plans. Besides, I have the broad idea in mind. Well treat it like a campaign.

Wait, so you are going to Izril?

Trey was patently disbelieving. Flos sighed.

Trey. Trey. Trey. How could I not? If I didnt try to settle the new lands while conquering Nerrhavia, I would be ashamed of myself.

Trey slapped his forehead silently and wished he were visiting Fetohep. Flos just took this as a sign of approval.

A campaign. I dont know how to explore entirely new lands. Ive ventured into Zeikhal, Teresa, but youre right. So well just prepare for a long campaign.

Thats stupid. Thats insane! You cant treat settling new lands like a campaign!

No, its actually not.

Mars commented, and Teresa spun.

Youre not one to talk! You need explorers

[Scouts].

The girl hesitated.

You need people to build! Set up infrastructure

[Quartermasters]. [Blacksmiths]. A war camp needs a huge supply line. [Handlers] for horses, [Cooks]dead gods, they built their own camps all the time.

But

Teresa looked outraged that Flos thought it was this simple. But Trey thought Flos had a point, unfortunately. The King of Destruction grinned.

Its true we might need more supplies than not, but its not a bad idea, is it, Teresa? There will be fighting. But it seems to me that even if we lack the exploratory armits not who finds the treasure, its who has the treasure. We can always find more help while were there.

Oh boy.

The [Glass Mage] muttered. He was already seeing why Flos was so happy about that. He saw another fight brewing, and he intended to go in ready for it. Teresa spluttered, but she had one last card to play. Unfortunately, it was a 2. She pointed at the palace.

Wellyoud better take all the armies, because theres no way that the other nations will let your people be. The King of Destruction is the enemy of everyone. Do you have enough soldiers for that?

For answer, Flos simply rose from his haunches and peered at his palace, hands behind his back. Then he turned.

One of you guardsover here, please? Dont I know you? Lno, Nerise?

He nodded to a Stitch-man with that weird memory of his for names and faces. Flos Reimarch stood the guard just so and looked him up and down. The [Guard] wore armor that had seen recent use and carried a halberd. He also had a badge, pinning an enchanted cloak to his shoulders. It bore Reims symbol.

Flos pointed to the [Guard].

Here stands a son of Reim, soldier of the King of Destruction.

Then he reached out to the badge and removed it.

Now, here stands a Stitchman of unknown origin. See?

He turned to Teresa, beaming like a young man whod won an argument by flipping the table over on his opponent. Trey slapped his forehead harder and heard a twin sound. He looked over and saw Amerys had done the exact same thing.

The King of Destruction just laughed as Teresa spluttered about [Detect Truth] spells. He turned and stared around.

Itll be fun, Teresa. Funand now that Amerys is back, we have mobility and magic. Its time to conduct a real war on all fronts. I expect Orthenon will account for many issues and assign competent leaders. I will hand-pick some myself. If they end up in trouble they cannot handle?

His eyes glinted as he looked back.

Ill send some of my Seven. Amerys? Find me one of Nerrhavias treasuries. I want flying carpets.

And so we have an agreement. Sign here, here, and here. Thank you, Wall Lords and Ladies.

Ilvriss finally scrawled his signature, and the magical contract flashed. He stretched and then shook claws with the Drakes who had been six hours at the meeting. But theyd finally hammered out acceptable terms.

What a disaster.

He muttered and saw Wall Lady Terith looking nervous. Ilvriss clarified.

I meant the new lands. It is going to be the most chaotic scene ever.

Ill keep my scrying orb handy.

The Wall Lady chuckled, but Ilvriss smile was a bit pained. A lot of good Drakes were going out there. He might not know all their names, but they did not deserve shallow graves.

He had agreed to a comprehensive, competent push on limited terms, but he knew it was going to get messy. After allit had just occurred to Ilvriss that this was the perfect time for the Necromancer to make his move.

But what could he do? WellIlvriss had just signed his contract. It locked House Gemscale into providing gold, supplies, and people, but there were clauses that let him add to the effort for proportional rewards.

He had asked for that, and it meant he could hire or send forces if he felt there was a need. Like the Erchirite Spearsbut that wasnt what Ilvriss was thinking of.

It was too bad Shriekblade had quit his employ. Or ratherhe was still paying her to protect Erin. Yet a Named-rank would be a force in the new lands.

Even so, there are things I can do.

Ilvriss retired to his tower and was moderately glad Zail wasnt here. His father was taking an active role in the company, and Ilvriss was glad to see it.

It did feel stifling, though. Well, Ilvriss wouldnt be in Salazsar all the time, so maybe it would actually be a net positive? Zail was going to be pulling strings, and hed even hinted he had contacts he could prevail on to keep things working well between the Walled Cities.

Yet Ilvriss feltthere was something he could well and truly do to help ensure that the new lands were not disastrous. Or rather, that any disaster might be improved.

His claws twitched over a [Message] scroll hed set up, one of those permanent two-way lines. Another new Wistram service, but hed been cautious, and it hadnt been used that much. He scrolled down it and saw a few new entries from the other side.

Mrsha Hey, its me.

Mrsha Hello? I am collecting money for the Liscor Cookie Fund. I accept donations in gold and gemstones.

[Prince] Merton the Fabulous Hello, Wall Lord, sir. I am a [Prince] from Baleros who has fallen on hard times. I only require 50 gold pieces to reclaim my fortune. I will then send you 500 gold pieces in return.

Erin Mrshas grounded. Sorry. Hows it going, Ilvriss?

He smiled at that. And Ilvriss quill hesitated as he dipped it in ink and studied his other [Message] scrolls and correspondence.

He was tempted. Oh, so tempted to ask a certain [Innkeeper] whether shed be interested in setting up a wing of her inn or a temporary inn in the new lands. After all, everyone needed a drink. A place to stay. And surely there would be fewer places more equipped to deal with monsters and chaos, eh?

But he doubted Erin would go, and even with her impishness asidehe would not put a little girl in danger. Again.

That was what he needed, though. Salazsar was being competent. But Ilvriss well remembered how their competent, highly-trained army had once lost to a tiny group of Drake cities led by Zel Shivertail.

When you were up against the smartest and best, like Chaldion or the King of Destruction, and wrestling against foes who outmatched youyou needed a random [Innkeeper] with a frying pan to add some confusion to the mix.

So what was Ilvriss plan? He thought for a really, really long time. But he was rich. And he did have plausible deniability. And besideshe thought Erin might laugh about this for a while. Unless she punched him.

At last, Ilvriss wrote on the scroll a short reply to Erin, letting her know how things were. Then he rolled up the scroll and reached for another one.

Alrric had not really said how he got the second scroll, only that he had a contact. Well, everyone said that, but Alrric had actually managed to go through the black market that Ilvriss knew existed in Salazsar. Thiswas still something.

Ilvriss slowly opened the scroll and chose his words carefully before writing.

To the Goblin Chieftain, Rags. I would like to hire your forces for a task in the new lands. If you are interested, please reply to this [Message] within the week. I am prepared to compensate you quite handsomely in gold or other means.

I may add that while our correspondence is not secret due to these scrolls, we have a mutual friend in the inn. Though I do not care for flies.

Employer I

He wondered if the [Rogues] or whomever were reading this would think it was advanced code. Ilvriss sighed. He sat back, heart beating a bit faster and smiled to himself as he put his feet up on his desk.

Chaos.

Authors Thoughts: Did I do it? Is this a shorter chapter? Well, I have one thing Id like to write.

And thats Reasons to Hate Tolkien #4: his songs.

Hear me out. Tolkien has some famous speeches and songs that movies and fans have adapted. And some of it is great. Yes, they tinker with it, but Theodens speeches and Clamavi De Profundis, a Youtube group, are amazingly good at making actually good stuff.

And I hate Tolkien for it. Because he just had to be an expert in old English taleseven translate famous ones like Beowolf. He literally redefined parts of mythos. He was a professor, survived a war, wrote the most famous fantasy books of all time

And he can do poetry and songs. In actual decent meter and verse.

I had a song from the Yoldenites earlier in the chapter and I think it works, but its not chained well to a melody nor is it sing-able as it is, I think. And thats fine; the genre and speed of web serials prevents me from workshopping it since it was written very quick.

However, remember the survey I did? I havent forgotten about it! Its just taking a long time to parse through liketwo thousand entries. Im sure theres at least someone with song-writing abilities in there. Its my intention to someday try and get some of the songs re-written and maybe performed if its good enough.

Of all the songs, Great Plains Sing is probably the one I worked hardest on, but I think music is a great part of stories. Too bad copyright laws suck. But my point is that Tolkien is too good at all the things he did and I hate him for it. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the chapter.

I hope Ill recharge after this shorter one and get some editing done. Thanks for reading and rememberdont go camping. Let alone colonizing land. It seems like a lot of work.

The Wandering Inn, by chinhdwc on reddit. Commissioned by dado!

Emotes and Erin Hill by butts!

Chess Towers by Enuryn the /Enuryn_Nat