Book 9: Chapter 28

Book 9: Chapter 28

This is a story about [Drivers]. At least, in part.

They took many forms. Sometimes, they were just [Wagon Drivers]; other times, they were more magical and didnt actually need horses. They just teleported cargo like the bored [Dockmaster] who did all the actual loading and unloading in Fissivals Teleportarium.

Sometimesthey were the kind of wild, on the edge of your seat racers who would gallop some screaming horses past some screaming [Bandits] while the carriage doors flew open and a narked [Lady] and five [Maids] shot crossbows.

They might even be an overworked, under-thanked Death of Magic, who was a glorified [Teleport Mage] sometimes. Put a [Spy] here. Just fly over to Baleros and cast [Greater Teleport], would you?

But most of the time, they did have wagons or the like, and they were pulled by mundane animals. They were not Runners, who ran with life on the line. Sometimes, they were ambushed and held upbut most of the time, the [Wagon Drivers] would hand the cargo over. Because it wasnt worth dying over.

One of them, a new cadet serving under a living legend, Termin the Omnipresent, was a young man with black skin. He had a huge coat on because it was cold, edging below freezing on mornings when he awoke with frost covering the ground, and he sat hunched in his seat as he followed a second wagon through the night until dawn.

His name was Rhaldon, and every time he straightened, his shoulder clicked and he felt something shift and a tightness snap across his arm.

He was sure that was a bad sign. And doubly sureit hadnt been doing that a few months ago. Then againif that were the worst he got for having been shot, Rhaldon would take it.

You holding up alright there, lad?

Termins voice floated back to him through the fog. The two were running a late-night delivery across known roads. A mix of dangerbut Termin had taken the risk because the area they were passing through wasnt safe stopping ground.

A word on terminology, first. Rhaldon knew the lexicon of each profession varied. He, personally, had a thousand words that no one with a sane mind would ever need to think of. Or words whose context varied dramatically. Absorptiona process in chemistry, not to be confused with adsorptionatomic numbers, an entire list of elements and how they worked with each other

Not very useful stuff unless he had the tools of another world to make good on it. Althoughperhaps invaluable for the same reason.

But wagon drivers, the Drivers Guilds of Izril, had their own terms and techniques, and so Rhaldon had written down a list. Termin thought it was odd behavior, but he just remembered it all. Why not write it down? It had never occurred to him.

Late-night delivery. Not a fun thing to do. Most wagon-drivers didnt like doing them. For one thing, the night was full of danger. Anotheryour animals needed rest. Even if you could push them with Skills or just encouragement to pull through the night, it would take a toll on them mentally and physically. Throwing a shoe, breaking a horses ankleit was something you only did across known roads.

Known roadsnot just mapped roads, but trade routes, roads beyond any variance. These were the only places a sane driver would do a late-night drive. No backwoods trail could count as these. It had to have enough trafficand enough people watching for monstersthat you wouldnt get yourself killed.

The reason they were doing this moderately risky thing even on known roads was due to the last term. Safe stopping ground. In shortthe last two towns and villages that Termin had passed by on their way to Celum werent safe.

They were heading back from a northern excursion, far past the local High Passes region. Nowhere near as far as Invrisiltheyd headed from Romswicht, and Celum was their destination. The city was in need of a delivery of Romswichts largest product.

Salamander tails. And scales. And other parts.

Oh, if you headed to Romswicht as a normalthe Drivers terms for people who didnt understand what Izril looked likeyou might think it was just a warmer city than usual with huge-armed [Miners] boasting about finding a lump of gold in their active mines. Or youd stop by the hot baths or take a chance panning for some gems.

And you might reasonably think this citys a big mining city like Esthelm or Salazsar. And youd say that, and Romswichts populace would agree. And every [Trader], [Merchant], and [Wagon Driver] in earshot would laugh at your ignorance.

It was true they sold such things. And it probably even made up a good amount of the citys trade. But the real value was the salamanders.

They were everywhere. They nested in buildings, in the mines, would appear in your batheven leap into your morning cup of tea in a suicidal bid to get you to spill it all over your face. But the truth was, the pests were highly, highly valuable. So much so that there was a Catchers Guild devoted to dealing with the pests.

[Alchemists] loved them. The same natural magicore and hot springs that made the town of Romswicht so warm led the salamanderscold-blooded and magicalto infest the area. Their tails, skin, and everything else were valuable low-level reagents.

Celum wanted them. But reallyit was what Celum was connected to that made the trip worthwhile.

Just a bit further, lad. Celum to Invrisil and Pallass. It makes our trip fasterif cheaperbut Ill be damned if most [Drivers] wont hate the route. Two no-stop zones.

Termin grimaced. The last two places hed passed had been apparently dangerous enough that he hadnt considered pulling into an inn.

How bad was it? They didnt looknasty.

Rhaldon called out. Termin grumbled as he patted Ermas head. Or FoxRhaldon couldnt tell who was who in the mist.

Maybe not. But two [Drivers] got jumped in their sleep last year. Thats more than enough to take it off our lists.

The Drivers Guild was very careful about the places they knew as safe. They had lists of inns, pubs, and even had established routes youd follow as a new driver to maximize your safety. And they had a bit of weight; entire villages and overnight hostels had wondered why they had lost a substantial number of customers. Many would never realize that no [Driver] had stepped through their doorthey were an overnight guest, but there could be hundreds each month.

Incidentally, the inn that Termin wanted to stay at was not on the safe-list, but as a top-tier [Driver], Termin often explored new routes and reported his findings to the guild. But he was not exactly charitable to The Wandering Inn at the moment.

The damned door is throwing all our routes off. Good on Miss Solstice for having it, but its making our lives harder, eh, Rhaldon? You not nodding off?

Mm. Im doing okay right now.

Rhaldon assured Termin and sat up a bit. This was an expensive amount of cargo to haul, and messing it up would be disastrous. Reassuredthat was probably why hed slowedTermin moved on.

Well have a hot drink on me when we get in. ThenIm thinking maybe another day off before we hit the road. Youyou sure you dont want to have me introduce you to Miss Solstice? We might get rooms this time.

They had been at the inn no less than three weeks ago. And thentheyd moved straight on, back to work. Rhaldon sat in the drivers seat and thought about it.

She looked busy last time.

Being dead does that to you. Cant believe it myself. And the 7th Hive of the Antinium and the Haven on the move. Damn Haven. Larracels probably transported a hundred tonnes of goods on the sly. Job-stealing [Innkeeper]. Miss Solstice has the decency not to undercut us that much, but her

Another funny thing was that the [Drivers] hated the Haven. Larracel could and sometimes did transport items or people in her mobile inn. And while her inn was slowthere was no beating a magical fortress like the Haven.

But Termin liked The Wandering Inn. He had hugged Erinbeen given all the new favorite foods and been part of that moment. Rhaldon had eaten a meal in the innand then left.

He hadnt spoken to Erin Solstice. Nor to Kevin of Solar Cycles or Joseph the Coach. All of whom Rhaldon suspected he had things to say to.

Termin noticed. Termin noticed a lot, and as Rhaldon now knewTermin had the ability to meet people who might matter on the road. He could drive his coachshift it across vast tracts of land, and he was a veteran of his job.

So he was obviously curious as to why his young protg was not rushing to meet Erin Solstice. The answer? Well, there were a few.

Its a dangerous inn.

Rhaldon broke the silence as their wagons descended a slight incline. The dirt road was wet by the moonlight now cutting through the mists. It appeared in front of them, fifty feet at a time, and Termins figure sat a bit too light in the saddle. Rhaldon knew that the older man had a club under his seat.

Their voices were low as a field of what might be wheat passed to one side, like a whispering sea of hands reaching up. It was justthey were speaking to fill the silence. But so quietly, just over the clop-clop of hooves and the creaking of the wagon wheels. In case something was out there.

That monster that attacked it? Fair enough. Its never going to be a safe-spot for [Drivers] even if a decade passes with nary another attack. But Miss Solstice is generous. Is it the Goblins? Antinium?

Rhaldon shook his head. He smiled at the suggestion.

She seems pretty open-minded to me.

Termin couldnt guess why Rhaldon would take that as a good sign. The man grunted.

Them monsters make my hair stand on endbut theyre decent sorts. One of them even gambles. The fellow with the guitar. Almost like people.

Amazing how that happens.

If he noticed Rhaldons sardonic comment, Termin didnt react. The man rubbed his gloved hands together.

It it Erin herself?

Mm.

I admitseeing her with them flaming eyes and those wings gave me a start. Who knew chess was that dramatic, eh?

Rhaldons heart beat faster just remembering it. He had seen Erin Solstice playing her now-famous match against Pisces. Felt the inn shaking.

Intimidating didnt cover it. Perhaps if you had known her longer or you were as famous in your own way as Termin, it was normal. But Rhaldon was like Inkar, though neither had met the other.

They were newcomers, and they saw someone from their world who seemed to now belong to this one.

Myth and legend andshe was intense. Rhaldon couldnt describe it any other way. He had once met someone who had come off active-duty service. Fresh from a plane-ride home. They had beenwell, theyd talked and spoken and reacted normally, but they were also somewhere else. And Rhaldon had felt like they were ready for something he couldnt even dream of.

If the sky fell downtheyd be the ones who ducked.

What did you have to live through to get like that? He wondered. These were both two good, obvious reasons. She was an established something, and he wasnt sure he should trust her.

Hed seen the Singer of Terandrias music video. Hed heardwell, hed seen the Meeting of Tribes play out on the scrying orb. Roshal existed.

All these things made Rhaldons skin crawl, but why not speak to Erin Solstice? Why not? There was one last reason, and it was this:

I know her, you know, Termin. Ornot know, but I knew her name before we met her.

The [Driver] twisted around in his seat. His eyes glinted from below his hat.

You dont say? Are you from her homeland? I thought so.

Exactly her homeland. I know Kevin too. Not Joseph.

How? Is she a famous chess player back there?

Funny you mention that. I think they even said something like that. The second chess prodigy gone missing.

Missing?

The young man hesitated. He schooled his face, but his skin kept crawling. Because she didnt really look like the picture of her. No, not at all.

Something had aged her. Five yearsbut she didnt look five years older. Not physically. She had aged in the way emotions and maturity aged her, but her biological age was closer to the image hed seen.

Almost every single night on news bulletins. On the dedicated websites. Rhaldon spoke, and he knew it might be risky to tell Termin, but someone had to know. The thing was

I didnt even believe she was real. Even when I saw her. I thought, no way.

Someones searching for her?

You could say that.

A tenth of the country was on the streets, knocking on doors, demanding to search their neighbors houses. Every single organization from the FBI to local policeand half the countries were pointing fingers at each other. Taking sides.

You, uh, think she might want to go back?

Its not that simple.

He was going to be on that listif they didnt declare him dead. Rhaldon shivered. He spoke, trying to explain to Termin what had happened.

Erin isone of a few people who vanished, Termin. Now, I guess we know what happened, but back homeno one knew. And people didnt really take notice until later. But now, everyones noticing. There are a lot of false positives. Even more conspiracies. The lockdown didnt help either

Curfew? Now they see Miss Solstice, surely the panics over.

Its an insular nation.

Ah. Inland?

No. Private. No scrying orbs.

Termin whistled as Rhaldon invented a different way to explain the issue. The [Driver] glanced sideways.

So a lot of disappearing folk makes for trouble. Even I dont have to guess that.

Well, we had a bad few years. Sickness, warsand were having people vanish. On camera

I thought you said they didnt have them television things.

No, theyre just within our nations boundaries.

Ah. Right.

Rhaldon rolled his eyes. This was stupid. But he wasnt going to explain the entire thing right now, so he went on.

The pointis that no one trusts the crown. Add in the curfew, and nothings changed. Now people are seeingvisions. And nothing else is getting better. There were protests. Along with people trying to search homes. Arrest peoplevigilantes. Extremists. So there were two kinds of protests. And some of them were put down hard.

He felt at his shoulder. Termins keen-eyed stare shifted to that.

You wouldnt have happened to be at one of them, would you?

Yes.

Maybe it was just one idiot using live-rounds. But that wasnt what it had sounded like. That wasnt

Rhaldon tried not to think about what might have happened again. It had been a peaceful protestish. With almost as many officers to make sure it stayed that way. Right up until the counter-protest got violent.

Disaster back home. And if this were what was really going on, behind the scenes, no wonder no one had any answers. Because this was no conspiracy. Or if it was, it went even above the nations of Earthunless they were in on this.

He was going too far into Stargate-esqueconspiracies. Bring it back, bring it back. The young man closed his eyes and breathed. What he knew was still unbelievable.

He wished he knew a factoid about Erin Solstice beyond the most obvious things. But againshe was one of thousands. And those were only the people from America.

Termin was silent, digesting all of Rhaldons half-truths and no doubt forming his own conclusions. He tipped his hat up.

Well, lad, I cant blame you for being wary. But Miss Solstice is as real as they come and generous. Think on it, huh? Not that I mind the extra help. Youre a deft [Driver], and youre levelling a tad too fast for my ego. I wasnt Level 14 until I was

Rhaldon smiled. Hed leveled so fast Termin was jealous. Level 14 might seem lowbut he had done it in bare months. Right now, he only had a few minor Skills, but some were nice. And Termin, for all his abilities, liked having someone with Skills in the same area.

Howre we looking on the track, lad?

[Pathfinder].

Rhaldon obligingly used the Skill. A long arrow that looked suspiciously like something from home snaked out in front of him, illuminating the road. It curved left in the distance.

Left turn up ahead.

Sounds about right.

The light was rising, but because the High Passes blocked the sun, theyd be traveling through the mists for a while yet. The horses were calmer than the [Drivers]. This pre-dawn hour was when trouble struck.

Rhaldon had a club as well, but Termin had told him to surrender unless the [Bandits] were out for blood. Monstersif it were monsters, you unhitched the horses and took cover. Hide under the wagons or run.

The [Driver] was scratching at some light stubble on his chin and wondering if he had the courage to try shaving on the bumpy wagon when he heard something.

Scritch. Scritch.

The hairs on the back of his neck rose. It was coming from behind him. Slowly, his head swung around. Short, unevenly cropped hair from a Level 5 [Barber]s haircut covered by a riding hood exposed two careful, amber-brown eyes.

Was something moving in the back of his wagon? Rhaldon stared at the covered bags of salamander skins and tails and jars of goods.

One of the salamanders wasnt dead? Some were wholesale, dried. He hoped that was the case. But then he heard the sound again.

Scritch. Something made a loud, scratchy noise. And he saw some of the canvas move. Something too big to be a salamander

Lad? You heard that?

Termin glanced around. Rhaldon didnt make a sound. The horses plodded along, and he saw the other [Driver] turning his head in the darkness. He opened his mouthand Rhaldon pointed.

Termins wagon slowed. Erma and Foxs eyes went round in the midnightand the man slowly reached under his seat.

Ill, ah

His voice trailed low. Rhaldon gripped the hard handle of his club with a suddenly sweaty palm. He turnedit was rustling closer. Termin looked at Rhaldonthen he grabbed the edge of his seat. His wagon slowedand Rhaldon lifted the bulls-eye lantern shining ahead and swung it back.

Get em! Erma, Fox[Run Free]!

The two ponies leapt out of their positions as Termin freed them with a Skill. The older [Driver] and Rhaldon whirled on the thing in the back of his wagon. Rhaldons wild, dancing light illuminated the creature bent over the first bundle of salamanders, holding on with its mouth. The monster reared up in alarm. The

fox

Freaked out and did a screaming jump, landed on its back, and leapt out of the wagon, shrieking. Rhaldon froze, club comically raised, and Termin nearly slammed into the wagons side.

A fox.

The two stared at each other, and then Termin let out a breath. Rhaldon began laughing shakily. He put down the club and felt limp with exhaustion. He wiped some sweat away from his face. Termin climbed back on the wagon as Erma and Fox trotted back.

Dead gods, lad.

I thought it was

Me too. Foxes. Too brave by half! Did it jump up? Eating salamanders? Mustve been hungry for the winter. Little bastard. Lets go.

He had to re-hitch Erma and Fox. Rhaldon sat back, then soothed his nervous horses. He heard Termin fussing with the reins and a few loud stomps from the two ponies. And a squarb sound.

Termin?

Hed never heard Erma and Fox say that. Rhaldon looked up and saw three shapes in the mist. Erma, Fox, Terminno, wait, Termin was standing behind Erma. The tip of his hat stood out. So who was the fourth

The Garbichug had a mouthful of Termins salamander cargo. It opened its toothy beakthen smacked Termin in the face with a wing as he gaped at it. Rhaldon reached for his club and then heard a second sound at his back.

Squarb?

Octavia Cotton was grumpy in the morning as she waited for her delivery. She had a cup of coffee, which made her less-grumpy. The highly caffeinated beverage was a hit among [Alchemists].

But she was grumpyas she always was when she had to spend gold on things she didnt need to spend gold on.

In this casean entire set of alchemy supplies. Someones new cat had broken them. And while Reagen was now a proud member of the inn with Erin Solstices blessing, guess who had to buy a new set?

How many vials?

Fifteen. Three flasks. Four beakers. Oh, and he fouled up all my alchemy work for the day, so I have cat hair and a mix of thirty-eight grams of associated reagents all swept up on the floor.

A wince didnt begin to describe the reaction of the other two people keeping her company. They stoodall of them glaring at the sun as it dared to rise just outside the gates of Celum.

Erins door was actually in Celum once more; Wailant was getting tired of the foot-traffic, and besides, a crossroads was not always the safest place to be, even one close to the Strongheart farm. That Octavia was here didnt endear her to her former home of several years.

She remembered how shed left. But she had to be here, because she was expecting a delivery.

Salamander tails. They were essential in creating warming tonics and for a lot of low-level potions. Theyd be popular this time of yearthe winter got cold, and she could also use some parts in her matches, and it was good to buy them cheap, wholesale from Romswicht.

Before some [Trader] got ahold of the delivery and marked everything up by 30%, she was going to buy the goods in person. Which was why she was here, shivering in the pre-dawn light, with two other people.

Saliss of Lights and Xif of Pallass were the two other [Alchemists] who could persuade Liska and Erin to let them through before dawn. Only friends of the inn could prevail on the annoyed [Innkeeper] to make an exceptionand so the three of them were sharing cups of coffee.

At least youve got a shop.

Xif whined. Saliss glared sideways with red-eyes.

Shut up, Xif.

Someone burned down my shop!

His entire fortune and home, ruined. The Gnoll seemed close to tears as he recounted itbut Saliss just glared.

The city helped you build a temporary oneand I gave you some reagents. Its tragic, horrendous, blah, blah. I let you have the first thousand complaints. This is one thousand two hundred and five.

Was he actually counting or making that up? Xif grumbled into his fur. He didnt look cold in the dawn chill. Then again, neither did Saliss. Saliss just looked tired.

I feel like an apprentice starting from scratch. Having to beat the rush on salamander parts. At least itll be a huge profit once I put out Warmth Tonics on sale. You dont do mass-produced items. Why are you here?

Saliss glared.

Salamanders go boom.

Ah.

Mm.

Octavia and Xif nodded. That checked out. They were three kinds of [Alchemist], standing in a line at the gates. Octavia had yet to find her true specialtybut Xif was a famous producer of more standard potions while Saliss was an exotics and battle-oriented catalyst expert.

That meant his specialty was in explosive reactions or just deadly ones. There were [Alchemists] of completely different breeds, who did work with more classic acids or metallurgy or were even able to harness Skills and put them in a bottle.

Octavia was in awe of the two older [Alchemists].

She sneezed.

Well, mostly in awe. They were more normal than you thought once you got to know them. Even Master Saliss. Xif eyed the naked Drake as Saliss poured some coffee into his mouth and began to gargle.

Why are you sleep-deprived? I thought youd reconstructed most of your battle potions.

Fifty percent.

Dead gods. Youve been putting Octavia on grinding and mixing for months. How many did you have?

Saliss glared at Xif as he lowered the cup of coffee.

Enough to create a damn lake and blow up an entire Guild of Assassins. Enough to crater all of the 9th Floor. When you sleep at night, remember that.

The Gnoll shuddered. He took another sip from his cup of coffee and grimaced.

But you could at least sleep rather than bite our tails off.

Cant. Im researching the stuff from the laboratory the adventurers found. And youre supposed to be helping.

I have to sleep, Saliss.

Bah.

The Drake seemed to be determined to drink his way back to wakefulness. He poured another cup of coffee out of the flask and gave Octavia and Xif a top-up. Octavia took a sip and promptly sprayed Xif with it.

Dead gods! Master Salissthis is filled with sugar!

Its called energy. More efficient than eating.

My fur! Saliss, give me a cleaning tonic. I know you have somenot a fur-remover! You turned me bald two years ago, and I havent forgotten it!

The three [Alchemists] were bickering as Saliss laughed at Xif and the enraged Gnoll demanded a cleaning tonic. Octavia was apologizing when she saw the two wagons finally roll in.

At last! There they are! Over here! Woh dear.

The Watch and the [Alchemists] noticed the two [Drivers] coming in and stopped grousing about their own mortal complaints. Mostly because they were staring at two half-ransacked wagons.

And two dirty, battered, pecked, scratched, vomited-upon, and foul-tempered drivers. The horses too.

Dead gods, what happened to you?

One of the [Guards] strode out the gates, worried. All Termin did was grunt.

Garbichugs. Three of em. Theyre still out there. Find them and shoot the damn things.

Garbichugs? They attacked you?

We had to fight them off.

The younger man made Octavia blink. He looked like someone from home, but he had no stitching. He was lankier than she expected as he stood up, and he had on a cheap waxed riding cloak and some horribly-cut hair a [Barber] had mangled into clumps.

Also, about fifty-two scratches she could see. Most unhealed.

Dont you have a potion?

Think were stupid? A potion costs too muchand those things are foul as can be. Those roads are supposed to be safe! The Drivers Guild will be lodging a protest, and if there are more Garbichugs, no onell be driving or running the roads!

Termin growled back. Saliss agreed as he strode over. From being annoying, he was all business as he inspected the foul odor. Even Xif and Octavia, veterans of bad smells, were keeping back.

Dont put a potion on that. Youll turn into a ball of infections. Heredouse yourselves with this. Its a cleaning vial. Get a bucket of water, heat it up, put this in it, and douse. Clothes, everything cutand then keep it dry.

Thank you. Alchemist Saliss, isnt it?

My cleaning fluid!

Xif whined, but Termin looked grateful. Saliss strode over to the carts next as the young man, wincing, felt at a cut.

How likely is it we were infected? One threw up on me.

Self-defense mechanism. They shouldnt be this widespread. But the damn things love garbageGarbichugs. You cant even burn em. Some explode, and others create toxic gas. They arent worth anything. Not hides, not any part

The guards were groaning at each other. But Saliss was peering at the salamander parts, and his shout drew everyones attention.

No! Half the parts are fouled!

Everyone rushed over to the carts. And sure enoughthe hungry animals had eaten and broken into dozens of crates and sacks and jars. Termin grabbed at his hair.

Tell me the remainder can be used.

After a Garbichug so much as looks at them? Are you mad?

The [Alchemists] clustered around, groaning. Octavias heart sank as she saw the mess. You could purify some thingslike orebut the salamanders and a Garbichugs filth introduced far, far too much contamination into most alchemist procedures.

You can sell the bad parts at rock-bottom ratesbut not much else. Dead gods, the Alchemists Guild is going to die. Waitis this the entire Romswicht delivery? All of the last four months?

Termin and Rhaldon exchanged a long glance as Saliss looked between them. Xif, paling, began counting less than a third of the drivers goods that could be sold. Octavia reached for a money pouch.

Ill buy anything I can affordright now.

Me too. And Ill double your going rate.

Ill triple it. This is going to be a cold damn winter.

The [Alchemists] began fighting over what remained. Termin, meanwhile, just grabbed the cleansing fluid and motioned to Rhaldon.

One side, [Alchemists]. This was a Merchants Guild deliverysort it out with them. But were getting cleaned up first. Master Saliss, here.

He tossed a good bag of dead salamanders at the Drake.

This is no good. Might as well take it. Thanks for the potion.

The Drake made the bag of bad parts disappear and nodded. Termin, shaking his head, grabbed the reins and headed for the Merchants Guild. First thing, hed get himself, Rhaldon, and the animals cleaned up.

No telling what kind of nasty was on those Garbichugs.

What really annoyed him about the modern era was that it was so pathetic. They had no great weapons of war.

The Emperor of Lightning had once mass-produced spell-weapons like the cheap wands of Tier 2 magic. In his day

In Tolveiloukas day, those were standard armaments any force might lug around if they could afford them. An [Alchemist] of the level of that Drake would have been normal in any major hub.

Then again, there had been a lot fewer cities and towns about. The Humans had infested the north and spread out.

They were weaker, more pathetic, and their warriors were inferior to his age of grand strife. He had fought with Dragons.

Here? Dragons were a myth. The half-Elf, the being of death who had served the Putrid One, stood at a remove, watching the two drivers delivering their destroyed cargo to the city.

Garbichugs. Rihal had bred them. The stupid imperium hadnt realized how much of a pest they were. Of course, Tolveilouka and his master had laughed at the creatures, and they only spread minor plagues.

But they were fun to germinate. They had come from Rhirand if you knew a trick and had the mana

The three Garbichugs that had gone after the wagon drivers were nursing their wounds. Tolveilouka had actually been impressedthe two ponies had fought off the Garbichugs, and the three giant birds were all six feet tall and fairly dangerous.

A more competent driver. But you have served well enough. So[Plague Pustule].

Even he would not kiss a Garbichug. Tolveilouka reached outtouched a Garbichug on the head, and the duck-creature jerked up in alarm. It didnt see him under [Greater Invisibility]but it did see the pure amalgam of putrefaction slowly swelling in its chest.

The other two Garbichugs looked up as the first ran around, squawking and screaming. The pustule grew and grewthen exploded.

Tolveilouka held up a parasol from the Empire of Drath as bits of the creature rained down.

Alas, thou hast met a cruel fate. Sayest anything for thy kin, fellow Garbichugs? What noblereugh.

Mid-eulogy, he wrinkled his nose. Garbichugs really were disgusting. They were trying to eat the pieces of their fallen comrade.

He kicked one, and it went flying over the nearest hill. The other decided this was a dangerous place and ran for it. Wisely.

Now, why had he killed the first one? Tolveilouka bent over the one hed exploded with the plague spell. Andeven after seeing this a thousand times, he was always amused.

The pieces of the destroyed bird were shaking. Coalescing into a ballthen morphing. Of course, he had accelerated the process a hundredfold with his spell. But it was remarkable.

A tiny, tiny Garbichug squawked as it rose from its dead parent. And it was accompanied by sixty more such voices as Tolveilouka saw the infused parents remains shifting.

This was, incidentally, why you had to burn the damn things. Garbichugs reproduced when they died. Anything they ate turned into fuel for another generationand they could do wonderfully in sewers. Or against plague spells.

Rihal had tried to use them as weapons of war against the Putrid Oneuntil he had realized he could just multiply the pests. They, ironically, halted some of the worst plagues, but spread tons of low-level ones. It was why the imperium had declinedthough it had stuck around for a long time, apparently.

And they were very helpful in ruining shipments of alchemical items. Tolveilouka was just annoyed about one thing.

This modern era. Inferior. No more great beingsor very few. Such a lack of elegance. Pitiful nationsno more Walled Cities to replace the ones that had fallen.

And yethe glanced up, annoyed, as he stared at the city in the distance.

Why were they all so damn determined to wash their hands? When he had roamed the world with his master, the idea of constant obsessive cleanliness was more of a thing you did every few days. Half-Elves would famously go for months without bothering. A bit of dirt was natural. If you could see skin, it was good.

It was almost as if something or someone had traumatized generations into learning to heat water and use soap. A weird legacy, but his master might have laughed.

Oh, his master. Tolveilouka clutched at his heart. Time to go back to the city and lay there a while. He tracked down the mostly-dead Garbichug hed kickedyou didnt survive that kind of impact anywaysand created fifty more to harass the area. Then he continued on his way north.

It wasnt really about starting an avalanche of Garbichugs or ruining the entire salamander supply. It was just about resources. As invaluable heating gels and tonics were already in high demand for the winter.

Izril would make do, even if a dozen suppliers of the reagents had shortages. After all, they had big, lovely cities to cling to. It wasnt as if there were thousands of people headed to new lands. Was there?

The half-Elf stopped by a field of wheat and admired it. Then he pointed a finger.

[Flame Swathe].

In his masters experience, you could starve a nation, and that hurt them. But it was one thing for everyone to starve with nothing to eat. Far betterif two nations began fighting over a half-supply.

Whistling, the half-Elf began flying north, towards that so-called City of Adventurers, then faster. Every now and then, he stopped and cast a spell. You could deliver a lot of misery if you just put in the effort. He quite respected [Wagon Drivers]. It might be humblebut Tolveilouka was also putting in a hard days work.

When Rhaldon felt clean, he met the [Alchemists]. They were busy fighting the [Merchants] for the salamander parts, and the [Merchants] were arguing with Termin.

We were counting on the entire delivery, Master Termin

Take it up with the Drivers Guild. Accidents happen. We were attacked on the road!

Yes, but

The angry [Merchant] blustered. The rest of his sentence was something like, yes, we know there are accidents and we have a standing arrangement with the Drivers Guild and we know we cant hold you responsible for monster attacks. But its inconvenient, and we want to blame you.

Termin, though, was foul-tempered enough to get into a chest-jabbing match with the [Merchant] and high-level enough that the furious debate had lasted twenty minutes.

Meanwhile, Octavia Cotton, Saliss, and Xif were shoveling as many salamander parts as they could into bags of holding. They were paying four times the going ratebecause they all knew that would be cheap compared to the prices soon.

Damn. Alright, apprentice, Im going to Pallass. Damn, damn, damn. These alchemy shortages.

At least were going to make a profit!

The Gnoll, Xif, looked happy, and Saliss jabbed him in the side hard.

Sometimes, its not about a profit, Xif. Whos going to afford your warming tonics? Not the lower half of Pallass citizens anymore. Eat Garbichug. Apprenticedrop by my shop to do some work later. Oh, and tell Erin Im really busy, and it had better be something good. Nicely or something.

He stomped off. Which left Octavia looking around the Merchants Guild. She walked over to the counter as Rhaldonlistening in to the conversation about Erinheard her speaking to one of the workers there.

Excuse me. Can I lodge an order through the Drivers Guild? Or do you have a [Merchant] or [Trader] on stock with the following items? Alchemy-related.

The man at the desk nodded and brought out a catalog. If you were anyone with money, the Merchants Guild would order items, hold them, or just provide you with what you wanted from their stocks. The Runners Guild was for fast items, letters, and individual-deliveries like groceries.

The Merchants Guild, in tandem with the Drivers Guild, fulfilled orders for shops, restaurants, smithies, and so onwhich was why Termin could shout at a [Merchant] without being blacklisted forever. Both sides needed the other.

I need good beakers, vials, uhtons of low-level reagents. Can I get someone good on the job? Please?

Do you have a specific [Driver], Miss?

Not Grenim. Or Llerif. Or this Gnoll who likes chewing on a piece of straw. Or a HumanMoodif. Or Rena. Or

Octavia rattled out a list of nearly eighteen [Drivers] as the [Clerk] looked a bit harried.

I meant, do you have someone youd like to run the delivery, Miss?

Im telling you who I dont want. Those are all bad [Drivers]. They dont know how to store alchemical items, they cant transport glassand Id like the delivery to me, not sitting in the Merchants Guild where its improperly stored too.

The [Clerk] gave Octavia a long-suffering look as Rhaldon listened in. Hed heard [Drivers] hated working for [Alchemists], and he could see why. If it were even remotely like home

Well, even the salamander parts had taken Termin, a good driver, to transport them safely, and Rhaldon had made sure they were not going to be rained on or frozen. Termin had grumbled about storing them from the frost, but Rhaldon could only imagine how tough it was to be a chemist. Especially if this worlds version of the USPS dropped or bounced things around on a wagon.

Actually, he felt for the [Drivers]. Imagine transporting something you knew was volatile.

Miss, I can only lodge an order. And I dont know when itll be fulfilled. Well ask our Merchants Guild to inquire with traditional suppliers.

The Stitch-girl looked more and more peeved.

Theres no dedicated [Merchant] around? What about the Golden Gnoll? The Silver Merchant? They sell alchemy items too!

Arent they in Liscor? Wouldnt you have better access to them?

Octavia pulled at her dreadlocks in frustration.

I already asked! I meanttheres no good [Merchant] you can prevail upon?

They are two of the larger multi-specialists in Liscor. You wouldnt happen to know Miss Qwera personally, would you? Id love to attend one of her seminars

Octavia groaned. It was at this point, as she was glumly telling the [Clerk] that Qwera was giving a seminar later that day, that Rhaldon strolled over.

If you need glassware, doesnt Invrisil have an entire import of it from one of the coastal cities? I know [Alchemists]. Pallass should have dozens of suppliers, shouldnt they?

Surprised, Octavia and the [Clerk] looked around. The man was about to tell Rhaldon this was private when he recognized Rhaldon as a driver. Octavia swiveled around, looking mildly exasperated by the obvious questions. But she relented when she noticed Rhaldon.

Pallass? They dont import the reagents cheap. Are youoh, youre that poor [Driver]. The problem isyou cant go to a big city. Everyone in the damn Merchants Guild marks everything up at least 20%.

Octavia gave the [Clerk] the evil-eye. He smiled politely.

Guild practice, Miss Cotton.

Yeah, well, thats why I want a [Merchant] to haul the goods from another town or get a [Driver] to get it to me direct. Even hiring them, its a profit. That damn glassware is too expensive in Invrisil.

The [Clerk] was nodding with Rhaldon.

Well, Miss, what if you rode out to one of the towns where the goods pass by and negotiate with someone to buy the goods there? Thats what any basic [Trader] doesand if they can do it, why not an [Alchemist]? Youd have all your glassware for cheap instead of going through the Guild.

Octavia gave the [Clerk] a long, long look.

Am I made of time? Do I look like I want to ride four days and nights to get a beaker? Ill pay your prices, thanks. As for the reagentsgive me the entire catalog. If Im paying in bulk, I might as well

She glumly began writing down notes, and Rhaldon eyed the sheet. That was alot of gold.

What a racket! No wonder the Merchants Guild ruled each city. He hesitatedand glanced at Terminbut then he couldnt help it. When he saw the prices on what looked like salt, he winced, tapped Octavia on the shoulder, and took a breath.

Umexcuse me, Miss? I could get you all of that. I know theres a glassware route from Invrisil. Its a four-day round trip if you have [Faster Rolling], which I do. And if I ask a few [Drivers] to pick up the other things you want at villages they pass by, I can get you the rest. Its only a few [Message] spells. If you want to cover that and my prices, itll cost you about half of what youll pay here.

Octavia looked up, and the [Clerk] frowned at Rhaldon. Technically, you werent supposed to ask other [Drivers] to share the load, but Rhaldon knew that you could do it. Octavia turned, eyes wide.

Really? Wait, whats your name? Im Octavia. Stitch-folk [Alchemist].

Rhaldon. [Driver]. ErHuman?

He took her hand and smiled. She looked him up and down and eyed his haircut with a wince. But then she was nodding.

If you can do a delivery for meIm willing to wait. Id wait longer with this lot.

If it is a request through the Merchants Guild, there is a fee and I can arrange it now, Miss. It would be a personal delivery request throughDriver Rhaldon. Ah, youre new, but Master Termin vouches for you. Is that what we are doing today?

The [Clerk] folded up his catalog and poised, quill in hand, ready to make another order. Rhaldon hesitatedand then a few other people heard.

Termin had finished arguing with the [Merchant]. He was red-faced, but he strode over.

Whats this now? Rhaldon, are you doing your first personal delivery? Good lad!

Rhaldon had been afraid Termin would be angry, but the [Wagon Driver] looked delighted instead.

About time we got you doing independent work! Not that I couldnt roll with you tooh, glassware, is it? Damn fragile stuff. And alchemy? Are you sure you can handle it? You need to keep it dry and such.

He knew the job, and Rhaldon felt worriedbut then again, he did know how to be cautious in a lab environment.

Transporting the stuff will be rough. But hed promised, and Octavia looked so hopeful Rhaldon gave her and Termin a smile.

I think Im ready to try as long as Miss Octavias going to give me a shot.

I will! Especially at these prices. Hey. Hey, Xif!

The Gnoll turned from where he was still packaging up his salamander parts. He came over, whining.

Its Master Xif, Miss Octavia. Please. I know youre Saliss apprentice, but

His eyes focused on Rhaldon as Octavia introduced the young man and his offer. Xif peered down his spectacles at Rhaldon.

You think you can get all of what we need at those prices? Are you, uh, experienced in delivering alchemical items, young man? Even Saliss would rather get his goods in person. I went to Oteslia because good delivery [Drivers] for alchemical items are so far and few between. We had a wonderful Drake who ran practically all of Pallass deliveries, Norish, two years back.

He put a paw over his heart and sighed wistfully. Rhaldon and Octavia hesitated as Termin winced.

What happened to him?

Explosion.

Thatsaid it all, really. Rhaldon gulped, but then he took a deep breath.

I am actually familiar with keeping to lab protocols, Master Xif. If you could give me a list of dangerous items youre requesting and how to store themI think I can do it.

Well, well. A list? No driver has ever asked for a list of procedures before. As it happens, I could give you a basic guide for young [Alchemists]. Why not?

That reply seemed to impress Xif, and soon, he was writing down his order on top of Octavias.

Saliss!

Its tough. What?

His teeth couldnt break the thread either, and Octavia ended up with a pocketSaliss the hemlineand Revi and Edere other parts of the bright green stitching.

Can we

Go ahead! Hey! Anyone know how many eggs weve got? I need dinobird eggs! Someone call for Bird!

While Erin was baking away, Edere, Octavia, and Revi began digging into the mystery of the thread. Saliss, by now, was inspecting the vase. He cracked part of itit wasnt that tough, just thickand bore it and his sample of thread away to Pallass.

Meanwhile, Octavia tried a knife on the thread. It wouldnt cut. She tried to burn it with a match.

It did not burn. Staring at the green thread, Octavia felt a tingle in her own cloth.

Theres no way. Is thisthe old Adamantium bricks story?

Revi looked up sharply and Edere blankly. But now, Octavia was watching Revi experimenting with sharper blades. Octavia went the other way. She looked aroundand pulled something off one of the walls.

The acid jar needed a safe place to experimentso she went to her lab, made sure Reagen wasnt ambling aboutthen put the thread in a metal tray. Then she poured some acid over the top.

She watched the thread floating about as the rest of the cloth smoked and dissolved in seconds. Octavia stared at the thread.

Yep. Thats not normal.

She looked up when she heard an aha from the common room.

I cut it! Or ratherNumbtongue did!

Revi had won the war. Numbtongue was pantingand hed cut a line straight into the inns floorboards. Lyonette was throwing a fit.

Numbtongue!

It was hard!

He had his Dragonblood crystal sword outand two tables had been secured with the string stretched between two heavy rocks. Numbtongue had been swinging his sword down, trying to cut the string.

Hed managed it after Shorthilt had taken over, and the resulting slash had cut through the floor too. Numbtongue stared at the thread suspiciously as Lyonette groaned. Erin just poked her head out of the kitchen.

Hey, where are the baking trays? Dont worry about the floor, Lyonette. [Partial Reconstruction]!

The inns floor began to mend as Numbtongue felt at the thread. It was as strong as could be!

Thats the kind of thread youd want to use in fishing for sharks. What kind of material is it?

By now, Seborn had cottoned onto Revis experiments, and Octavia came back to report it was odd thread too.

Acid-proof?

More like the acid doesnt even begin to dissolve it. It might be dissolvablebut not by acid-flies.

Everyone gathered around the thread, wondering what it could be. It was the most important part of the dressLady Edere was sighing.

The color is sobright! It would be hard to fit in subtly anywhere. But the strength of it!

Its a strong thread. Not exactly armor, my dear.

Alman had the blank look of an oblivious husband being dragged along to a shopping outing. But Edere looked outraged.

Alman! You have some nerve saying that! You know thread goes into your precious suits of armor, dont you? A piece of leather is only as good as the stitching that binds it! And thread begets cloth! Why, if you had enough of this, you could make a shirt so tough only yonGoblincould cut it!

And he barely got one thread! Imagine making my stitches with this! Id never have split ends again!

Revi was nodding. Numbtongue was red-faced. He stowed his sword.

Its tough thread! Im going to go practice with my sword. With the Horns. Ill be back when I beat up Pisces, Ksmvr, and Yvlon.

He stomped off, ignoring his brothers ghost, who was saying much the same thing as Revibut in even less kindly terms.

The real question iswhat is the thread? Because I should dearly love some more, wouldnt you? Miss Solstice! Miss Solstice, do you think that antique store might have more such dresses?

Everyone looked up eagerly, and Erin screamed.

Im on fire! Im onoh wait, its okay.

She came out, dusting flames off her. Alman stared as Erin tossed some flames onto the floor.

Force of habit. What was the question? Oh, the dresses? Nah. I think the pot and dress were the only special things. Or I would have found more fingers in other pockets.

Everything about what you just said made no sense. From the fire to the fingers. Explain.

Lady Pryde folded her arms, glaring, and she had been there. Grimalkin gave her a look of deep sympathies. He had just come into the inn.

Grimalkin! Man, everyones coming here today. Kitchens busy, but are you here to talk? Im a bit busycan you guys reverse-engineer the thread or something?

Its just a simple thread. We need more

Edere was peering at the thread and wishing she had some spectacles from home. Grimalkin just grunted.

I suspected something was up.

Hows that?

The Sinew Magus nodded back the way hed come, and Erin distantly heard the wail of something in the background. Did she smell smoke?

Saliss of Lights blew a hole in the top of his laboratory. Its now on fire. Youwouldnt happen to know anything about that, would you?

Everyone stopped as they heard the fire alarms in Pallass going off. Erin stared at Grimalkin. She slowly walked back into the kitchen and pretended she wasnt there.

By the time Valeterisa, the Archmage of Izril, came to the inn, there was so much fascinating stuff happening that she barely listened to Montressa whispering in her ear.

The first thing she saw was a sooty Drake, Saliss of Lights, pointing at a bit of thread and the vase.

Both are highly magical. I dont know what either one isbut its the Adamantium bricks story. The threads so tough I had to cut it with a Mithril razor. The pot has something in it. Baked into the damn ceramics. AndI think Ive seen something similar in the ingredients from Albez.

He was grinning like a madman despite having been caught up in the blast. Valeterisa peered at the pot fragment as everyone drew back.

When you removed the lesser parts of the ceramic, you got some kind of glittering powder. It was whiteor translucent?

Oh, and it was apparently so reactive that it had blown a hole through Saliss fortified laboratory when he tried to find out what it did.

Erin Solstices eyes were glitteringbut she was also peering at something in her oven. So that was why Nerrhavia had called her.

Whats this about Adamantium bricks?

Lady Edere didnt get the reference. Valeterisa explained absently as she tried to grab one of the thread pieces. Saliss slapped her hand down.

Ouch. The Adamantium bricks is a popularand historically accuratestory about a Chandrarian [Brick Layer] who didnt realize he had found Adamantium ore in its unprocessed state. A Dwarven [Smith] recognized that entire brick walls had been built out of the raw Adamantium ore. The parable is used to describe something valuable hidden in plain sight. Give me that piece of thread, please. I would like to inspect it. Montressa, secure a sample.

Archmage

Montressa was thrust forward like some kind of attack-apprentice. She stared at Salissbut he grabbed Octavia and put her in front of him.

Apprenticethrow an acid jar! Attack!

Apprentice Montressa, use a barrier spell. Counter with [Light Arrows].

Before the two respective masters could make their apprentices do battle, Lord Alman Sanito jumped.

Archmage Valeterisa?

He knew she was staying at the Haven, but now she was hereand apparently here for him! Valeterisa focused on the [Lord] as she slowly levitated a piece of thread up with one finger. Saliss grabbed it.

Ah, Lord Alman Sanito. I am told you are my first test subject.

T-test subject?

What Archmage Valeterisa means is that she would be delighted to help you with your issues regarding trade! Can we discuss the matter somewhere private?

Montressa hurried forwards and nudged Valeterisa aside. Valeterisa was trying to speak, and she had that uncanny, too-friendly smile on.

Pitch #1: Hello sir or madam! I have the offer of a lifetime for you. Are you interested in magical transportation similar to Fissivals Teleportarium grid? Tired of slow [Drivers]? I can send your goods across Izril at a fraction of the cost. No livestock, irreplaceable goods, or people for now. Accidents may occur. I am not liable for any magical accidents, vortexes, or destruction of property that may occur

Before the rest of the dreadful spiel could be laid upon House Sanito, Montressa elbowed Valeterisa and spoke.

[Master, Allow Me].

Valeterisa blinkedshut upand then began to silently nod as Montressa took over a more rational explanation of what was going on. Yetwith a deal of magical knowledge that even Montressa couldnt speak on normally.

We can do eighty miles, Lord Alman. Eighty milesand what were calculating at six point four filled crates of ten feet by ten per day. Until we work out magical leylines and recharging the spellsthink on it. It might not be much, but it will be a daily shipment.

He was blinking as Montressa spoke. Valeterisa was impressed. Those were her calculations. She hadnt even told Montressa that. Did the Skill let Montressa use Valeterisas magical knowledge?

Imagine how many spells and projects she could make Montressa do. Valeterisa rubbed her hands together. Saliss himself looked envious.

Thats a good [Apprentice] Skill. Octavia, beat her up and steal her Skill.

Lady Pryde was listening in sharply, and when she heard what Montressa was offeringGrimalkin was staring at Valeterisa, but in a resigned way.

Fissival.

That was his only comment. Meanwhile, everyone was staring at the thread and powdered vase-stuff. Lady Edere coughed.

How would one find what the thread was spun from? If it isit may be highly valuable, but what there isis limited here.

Just enough to stitch up a dress, really. Five Families knew she wanted more, but even Ederes own [Seamstress] class couldnt pick up what the thread was.

Some people from home could probably figure it out. If Erin wants to send it to Nerrhavias Fallendead gods, Ill send it back home myself.

Octavia looked passionate about the thread, but Saliss just grunted as he brushed soot off his face.

Dont do that. Youll never get it back if its valuable. Itll be confiscated. You needa kind of [Historian]-[Scholar]-[Tailor]. I guess its back to the old Oteslian research teams again. Hey, Erin! Can we send this off to someone to see what it is?

No!

For once, the [Innkeeper] refused. Now, the smells of something hot and lovely were coming from her ovens, and she emerged with a smile. She pointed at what Saliss hadalchemy and thread.

Dont send it to Nerrhavias Fallen or Oteslia. Can you divide the thread and powder into three?

Theres more than enough for three samples. Who do we send it to?

Revi was skeptical that Erin Solstice could think of anyone better to talk to than Stitch-folkuntil Erin started speaking.

Send it to the Longstalkers Fang tribe and ask for that famous [Magic Spinner] that Inkar knows. Send the powdery stuff to the other Gnoll tribes and ask if anyone remembers what it is. Thats one group. Send the other parts to Wiskeria and the [Witches]. Ill make Ser Dalimont run it over. And give the last to Kevin.

Why Kevin?

Erin gave them a blank look.

Hell send it to Khelt. Fetoheps got a good [Potter].

Somehow, amidst all the chaos of discovery, Valeterisa, and Erin baking with craft and magic

Nothing had exploded.

Well, in the inn. Saliss didnt count. It was so odd that Lyonette kept checking on Erins kitchen, but all she saw was an [Innkeeper] cursing, experimenting, feeding her failed experiments to Mrsha, Rhata, and Ekirra and getting them to attack guestsand working hard.

Most of the day, in fact, Erin just stayed in the kitchen. Working.

Two last things happened that day that made Erin break off cooking, even for a few seconds. She was experimenting with her doughs and realizing she needed a very low heat for the first part of her processand she had to be exquisitely careful with the second bake.

Ill never get it to Oteslia fast. Darn! Even if my door can go to Pallassanyone know how you get something super-quick to Oteslia? Thisll be too much to fit in most bags of holding.

Valeterisa appeared, munching on one of Erins failed prototypes.

I am busy flying to House Sanito. I am also not working with the Walled Cities as of yet. Inquire later. I will be approaching Liscors Council after my trial runs.

Whokay?

Erin stared at the Archmage blankly. Valeterisa gave her the same look.

I thought we were discussing deliveries.

You deliver things?

I transport them now. We are in competition.

We are?

Possibly only Valeterisa could beat Erin in the obfuscation of reality game. And that was because Valeterisa genuinely looked as confused as Erin. But as she walked off, someone else popped up.

Miss Solstice. I think I could take whatever youre wishful of. Wont be a hard trip down the trade roads. Give me a few days, and Ill run it down, quick, just for you. My own apprentice is doing his first solo-delivery.

And there he was. The forgotten manTermin, the [Wagon Driver] in the background. He had been quite ignored in all the excitement, but when you needed himthe delivery man appeared.

Erin turned to Termin, delighted.

Termin! Youre sure? Are you that fast?

Termin the Omnipresents eyes glinted.

When it comes to it, I can make good time. Not as fast as a Courier or their fancy Pegasibut if itll wait a few daysthese important gentlemen you need me to deliver to?

The most important. And the most gentlemenish. Itll wait till then. Its probably good if no one notices. I think Im almost done. Can you set off the next morning? If I need to bake through the night doing two more batches, I will.

Termins eyes glinted. He focused on what Erin was making, and she showed him the trick. He grinned.

Id be interested in seeing what that does. I can do a tiny cart with Erma and Fox, then. Make brilliant time. The more important the delivery, the faster I go, Miss Solstice.

Hey. In that caselets talk fees.

Erin gave him a floury handshake and beamed. Then Mrsha raced in, waving a notecard.

Erin, Erin!

Erin and Termin turned. Mrsha was dancing aroundbut she had to put a second notecard down and write out what she wanted to say.

Erin, Ryoka is coming! Shes almost at Invrisil!

What? No way! Thats great news! Roll out the red carpetRyokas coming back, everyone!

Erin laughed in delight. Mrsha smileduntil she wondered if she should be mad Ryoka hadnt come back sooner. But this was good, and she decided to beam.

Ryoka?

Relc poked his head into the kitchen. He was coming in, and his scales were a bit wet from the chill outside. He coughed into one gloved hand.

Itd be nice to see her.

The [Innkeeper] blinked at Relc as the Drake Guardsman developed a nasty cough. But then he indicated the door.

Thats better news than what Ive got. Hows it going, Erin? Hey, weird food. Mind if I try

She smacked his hand.

No! Im going to need as much as I can. Have a burger.

You dont make them well.

Relc sulked. Erin raised a fist.

Pizza?

Oh, okay. I deserve a slice! I was at work all dayserious work, you know. There was nearly a fight at the gates. Youll never guess who just flounced into Liscor, throwing their tails around.

Erin went back to baking.

Who?

Relc grimaced as he decided he needed to check his appearance in a mirror.

Manus. Some Wall Lady who caused trouble is back, and youll never guess who I ran into. Captain Z herself had to keep a fight from breaking out. The balls on thembut they are allies. I guess.

Manus? Great. Arent those the war-jerks? WaitRiverfarm. Laken is going to hate that.

Erin shuddered. Then she shook her head as she reached for another shot of rum.

Eh, Im sure we can keep them from heading over. Whats the worst that could happen? Oop! Murphys law. Remember when I used to talk about that all the time?

Chuckling, she rapped her knuckles on the wood counter. Relc gave her a blank look as Erin turned. Mrsha eyed the counter. Maybe it was from the Facestealer attack, but the wooden counter had a huge crack in it.

The last notable incident that occurred came as Erin stared at her final creation. Proudly. She was exhausted, sweaty, her back and shoulders hurt from kneadingbut she was proud.

Her hat was half-empty. Whichwas actually amazing when you thought about it. But when Erin did a testby waving it in front of Valeterisas face, then Bezales, both magic-users were mostly either perplexed and hungry or politely annoyed.

Good enough.

Venaz, Wil, Peki, and Merrik had come in with some news. Merrik cleared his throat.

Miss Solstice, I think tomorrows our last day here. Were heading south to pick up Yerraif shes coming. And to say goodbye to Feshi. Could we ask if its too much trouble to have a little party?

Erin beamed at him. Sadly, but she wiped sweat from her brow as Qwera, Ysara, and Ylawes new, expanded team tromped in with the [Knight] and the Silver Swords themselves.

You bet. A big party? We can break out the cake and ice cream! Play a few rounds of chess.

Can that be for us, too? Im heading north. Qwera is going backbut Im visiting my family. With Ylawesand Yvlon too, if we can manage it.

Ysara Byres looked as happy as a slug showered in salt. Ylawes kept glancing at her, but he nodded.

We wont be as longbut I thought returning to home before we set out wouldnt hurt.

Are you taking?

Erin stared at Infinitypear and Rasktooth, and the Cave Goblin and Worker grinned.

Were going to House Silver! As adventurers. See?

They showed her bronze badges, and Erins jaw dropped. Nothing would do but for her to give them a big hug.

It was going to be a big day! Erin promised both groups shed have a huge party for them and told the other guests to get ready too. The only thing that could dampen that good mood was Numbtongue, bleeding from the mouth and nose, being dragged in on his back.

Numbtongue!

He was a mess! He had cuts on his face, his chestand someone had punched both his eyes black! Erin whirledthen her hand went for her knife. The [Strategists] turned as Octavia whirled and looked around for one of her potions.

What happened? Who did this? Wheres Manus

Shriekblade appeared, scrutinizing the damage, but to Erins astonishment, the two people whod helped carry Numbtongue in stopped her.

Hold it, Erin. Its not Manus or anyone else. The real culprits right there.

Erin turned and saw it was Ceria. The half-Elf had a knot on her head, and she looked grim. The other person was Ksmvr. He was unharmed, but he looked unhappyand shaken.

A furious argument burst through the doors as Ylawes and Ysara turned. They saw their younger sister, Yvlon Byres, face completely red, as Pisces walked in. He was grimacing and holding his ribs.

But it was the last person, Colth the [Supporter], who was furiously speaking to Yvlon Byres. Yvlonwho, Erin realizedwas responsible for most of the injuries.

Including her own. No one had used a healing potion, and Octavia herself was halted by Saliss, who told her not to waste the potion on the injuries. It was so startling everyone had to check themselves.

If Saliss and Octavia couldnt waste healing potions on bruises, bloody noses, cuts

Yvlon might have needed it the most, though. Numbtongue had given as good as he gotand the other Horns had put up a fight too. Especially when she came after them.

You are not ready to adventure. You have a Blood Skill, and you are going to get yourself or your team killed. I may not have the authority to stop you, but your team will if they have any sense. Find a way to remove it or control it or you can forget about adventuring again.

Colth snapped. He didnt look hurt, just disheveled.

What happened?

Mrsha was shaking Numbtongue, who sat up and groaned before lying back down. Yvlon didnt say a wordshe was breathing hard, and she avoided everyones gazes. Especially her brother and sisters.

[Berserkers Rage].

Colth said itand the inn fell quiet. He looked at Yvlon and spoke flatly.

You need to find an expert to help you. Ask Emper[Monks] know this kind of thing.

I

Yvlon took a huge breath, and someone interrupted. Gireulashia peered at Yvlon and then nodded.

Talk to Honored Berr. Of the Wild Wastes tribe. Youre heading to the tribes anyways, arent you? If youre after Honored Shedrkhspeak with Berr as well. He knows rage. If youre lucky, his tribe wont have left the Meeting of Tribes yet.

The Horns of Hammerad looked at each other. Yvlon said nothingbut they had two reasons to head south, now. Venaz glanced at Yvlon and, for once, decided to keep his mouth shut. Erin Solstice bit her lip, but Numbtongue was getting up with less hard feelings than mostand Erin exhaled.

Ryoka had better not bring anything weird this time. Its gonna be good. Just a few hiccups.

Lyonette turned to Erin, and the rest of the inn did too. Relc was eying Infinitypears spearYlawes Byres was staring after his sister while Ysara stared a hole in the wall. Lady Pryde and Grimalkin were both taking notes on Erins pot and dress.

Valeterisa was in direct competition with the Drivers Guild. Qwera was leaving, and soon, Niers students, the Horns, the Silver Swords, and possibly even Gire and the other Gnolls might have to move on too.

In the midst of it all, Ishkr looked around. He knew Ryoka. He had heard Manus was comingand he saw Erin knocking a hand on a wooden beam. Ishkr eyed Nerry and for once wondered if he should take off work tomorrow.

Instead, he grabbed Peggy by the shoulder.

Peggyget the Workers and your Goblins. Tell them to put everything breakable in the Garden of Sanctuary. And is Rags coming back soon?

The Hob turned warily.

Chieftain Rags? You want her not to come?

Ishkr paused a pregnant moment.

I doubt she can make it worse. But put some bedrolls in the Garden too. Just in case.

He looked around and thought that Rags plus Manus multiplied by the partyand the Havenat the start of winter, the most normal time for the inn. Maybe these were mitigating factors. He didnt know.

The [Head Server of Tales and Fables] made only one mistake, the first huge one in his career. He just thought itbut he did think it in the back of his mind.

I just dont see what could make this any worse.

It probably wasnt the power of Murphys Law. These things just happened. They were already in motion.

But the power of Termin meant that the next morning, very early, the Wagon Driver set out with a small hamper of carefully covered and packed items fresh from Erins kitchen. He rather liked the innbut Termin the Omnipresent hadnt gotten to his level lightly.

Erma and Fox made amazing time from Pallass. It took some doing to let them through the [Portal Door] and hitch them to the waiting cart, but the door was bigger and a sleepy Liska obliged.

The normally-lazy ponies actually generated a trail of wind behind them as they clopped down the trade-road towards Oteslia. Like Terminthey could sense trouble.

He was leaving it behind him, thank you. The [Wagon Driver] was doubly certain hed made the right move when he saw a group of yawning people exiting a carriage just outside of Pallass for an inspection.

Magnolia Reinhart was grumpy from sleeping in a carriagebut she was gracious enough despite the [Maids] and Ressa being used to her more indecorous states of being. As Reynold presented passports to some very surly Drakes, she turned to the two guests of her carriage.

And here we are! I should hope we put any unpleasantness behind us. At least for you, young man. As for you, Mister Yelroan, isnt it? Wont you reconsider my offer?

Sunlight flashed off a pair of amazingly sharp glasses, and a Gnoll grinned. He blinded a dozen [Guards] as he smiled.

Yelroan ducked his head.

I made a promise, Lady Reinhart. Thank you for picking me up.

That poor horse should be just fine. It was my pleasure. The roads are not safeand you, young man? You might need more help. Shall we discuss the matter? My estates are linked via the door and well-guarded.

Magnolia turned some keen eyes to the shivering second passenger who had joined them in the night. In much distress. But the white-scaled Drake, who went by Tesy, just shook his head and glanced behind him. The road was silent this early in the morning.

II have friends in Liscor. I think theyre there. Ill be fine.

Mm. Well see. Happily, I have business in Liscor as well. I may speak to a friendan acquaintance. Larracel. Shall we go together?

They entered Pallass as Termin flapped his reins and Erma and Fox trotted faster. Magnolia Reinhart turned her head.

Is that Termin I see?

Hello, Lady Reinhart! Goodbye!

Reynold himself turned his head, amazed. He had thought he ran the fastest carriage in all of Izril, but the famous [Driver] was set to beat him. Termin fled like a partridge before a magical hurricane.

And this one was called Hurricane Ryoka-Rafaema-Tyrion-Manus-Erins Party-Winter

It touched down in Liscor later that morning. But as things went, Termin only heard about it later. And he didnt regret leaving at all.

By the time Termin rolled into Oteslia, everyone had seen the scrying orbs, and the world had changed as it always did. He was unnoticed as he unpacked, asked about the Gentlemen Callers or a Rickel, and found the latter.

By the time the Drivers Guild had stopped pestering him about what had gone down and if hed knownTermin met a young man who hurried up, inspected his cargo, and laughed his butt off before agreeing to find the Gentleman Callers.

It was a little thing, in the grand scheme of what was going on. Termin sat in the Drivers Guild as a group of hatted men came in.

The [Drivers] were wary of thembut since these folk were actually far better to deal with than Earthtenders or the like, they let a pair of smiling men, a Gnoll with a fantastic suit and a Drake [Thief] assuring the others this would work, inspect the cargo.

Termin watched out of the corner of his eye as they read Erins note. He had his own [Message] from Rhaldon; the young man had written that hed gotten the glassware and was heading back on a very safe route to grab some alchemical ingredients.

The Drivers Guild was abuzz with the newsas well as concerning talk of competition.

just flew down, Termin. Then began chanting magic for six hours, and she said she had a teleport-thing for House Sanito! Shell run us out of work!

Dont ask me about it. I just got in. Give me a moment with my breakfast!

Termin snarled at the worried Guildmaster. Then he sat back and realized Valeterisa was going to be a problem. Izril was changing, and he had been there. But sometimes he was glad he wasnt there. He was glad Rhaldon was a sensible young fellow and had missed the worst of it too.

Dead gods. Hed thought Erin had run out of surprises.

The Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings were still fighting the Earthtenders in the streets. They gained groundveterans from the north had come, and they were taking apart the Earthtenders, who had gotten complacent in their dominance of Oteslia.

Yetthe Watch still arrested knots of fighting [Thugs] and [Thieves] and [Rogues] and so forth. Neither side wanted to incur the wrath of Otesliayet.

And in the prisons, the battle for dominance went one way.

Youll get your items back once you enter. No weapons, no tools; if we search you and youre hiding something, you lose it.

The Watch Sergeant lecturing the newest prisoners arrested in a scrape was tiredbut watchful. The Earthtenders with black eyes and bloody lips were glaring at three of the young Gnolls with hats.

They looked confident, and the Watch Sergeant was worried. Worriedbecause the First Gardeners son had put in a request to check on the prisons and a series of murders happening in the ranks.

Someone had blades on the inside. The Earthtenders. But while Cire of Oteslia wasknown to the Watch Sergeant, he also had orders not to disrupt things.

The lawwas a hard thing to balance against what was best for Oteslia. The Watch Sergeant wondered if hed lose his class this month or if it would change. The three Gnolls didnt deserve what was waiting for them inside.

Let us have our hats!

One of the Gnolls growled as a [Guardsman] briskly inspected his possessions. The belt-knife, coins, miscellaneous items like a match boxall went into a lockbox for the Gnoll in question. But the [Guard] stopped and eyed one item.

Whats this? Charcoal?

Its a snack.

The Watch Sergeant eyed it and called for a test.

Not magical that we can see.

It might have a needle inside!

One of the Earthtenders called out, and the Watch Sergeant glared. He bit his tongueand broke the item open.

A needle? Fine

The Sergeant inspected the pieces. Nothing. Glowering, he handed it back to the Gnoll, who put the pieces in his hat and pressed them together.

Its just bread. Let him eat itthey wont last in the lockbox. Move them into the cells!

No one paid much attention to the Gnolls snack. The three Brothers joined a small group of their own, and the other inmates gave them sympathetic looks.

Dead men, hat men. You may rule the streets, but the Earthtenders have roots inside.

One called out to the trio of Gnolls, who joined some very scared new recruits. But, strangely, the trio of young men looked more confident than the others. Fools, perhaps.

Here, lads. Take one of these. A little snack.

Each of the three Brothers had three pieces of breadwhich the Watch Captain had assumed were just snacks.

Bad snacks, too. They looked like charcoal briquettes, and when hed broken them open, hed seen burnt bread. But sometimes a fellow got hungry, and theyd been in the hats.

In factthe [Guards] had missed all but one of the little pieces of hard bread. Unleavened and small. Theyd fit in the palm of your paw, so they did.

The Brotherseven the new oneslooked at the pieces of bread in dismay, but they had to trust. And recess was coming upthe cells were being opened and groups being led into that courtyard. The Earthtenders, a huge mass of them, strode ahead, some winking at the Brothers.

Ifif you last a few seconds, the [Guards] come. But it just takes a moment. Theyve got shivs. They got Rudinel last weeksaid theyd get us one by one. Unless we join up and tell them everything we know.

A terrified younger Gnoll was whispering. Rudinel was the Gnoll who Wilovan and Ratici had buried.

Thats how it was. But no longer. As it were.

The new Gnolls were learning the lingo, so they werent quite as adept as Wilovan and Ratici. When they strolled out, it was nervously.

Communal gardenseven weight sets to work out at. No bladesthe prisoners werent even allowed gardening tools for the danger.

Yet the Earthtenders were watching them, clustered up, and the [Guards] looked the other way. Ashamed, perhaps, of their class.

Howd the rhyme Ratici taught us go? Its this or nothing.

One of the younger men muttered. The Gnolls looked at each other as a group began to walk their way, smiling. Hands in their coats holding something. They began to humand even the other gangs, criminals, members of Oteslias underworld, and people who knew nothing at all of this worldturned.

The nights been long and the bodies are wet,

But dont you fret; be quick and aint not a guard wholl be upset

The good folk are rising, and were off to our beds,

The smart thieves away with the loot and the slow ones are dead.

They raised something and put it to their mouths. It just looked like a piece of burnt bread. The Earthtenders frowned, and the hair on the back of their necks, their scales prickled.

They stepped fasteras the Brothers took a bite of the bread.

It didnt crunch like it looked like to the [Guards] and the Watch Sergeant. There was a crustbut it just looked black.

Black as midnight, dark with wheat from Noelictus. The crust was hard indeed, and even they had to chew it downthere was even iron dust baked into the exterior. It had strange ingredients within.

Stonelizard scales. Lemon juice. Lots of mintbut also Wyvern tendons. Corusdeer venison, beetsall these things were appetizingly baked within the flour. Chopped up fine as could be, their taste mitigated by the dough. Dense as a lump of steel, small as a hidden dagger.

If that were all, it would be scary enough. Scary as the look in a [Witch]s eyes as she made something she knew was illegal. For a friend in low places.

For brave men in hats. But there was a secret in the bread. The Watch Sergeant had not seen it when he tore the biscuit apart. It only appeared after the first hard bite.

Somethinginside the bread. It flashed bright under the sunlight shining down on the City of Growth. A second bit of bread inside the first.

Pink dough? Why was it pink? One of the Gnolls stared at it and then nearly dropped his snack. For it was

The dough had turned pink with half a bottle of rum. Half a bottle of rumset on fire. The pink dough within the brick of dark midnight loaf reacted to the light and air.

And then the bit of black bread was on fire. On firelike a glowing ember. The Gnoll nearly dropped itthen he closed his eyes and took a huge bite. Almost choking as he gulped it down.

The Earthtenders slowed. One drew a knife, not bothering to conceal it. He lungedand the daggers tip buried itself in the first Brothers chest.

A shout, and the onlookers backed up. The [Guards] turned, knowing that even when they ran, they would be too slow. Too slow for

A pair of paws gripped the knifes handle and drew the tip out of his fur. It had gone in about half an inch. No more. Andthe Drake [Knifemaster]s arm jerked back. Or tried to.

Because it was locked in a grip far, far too strong for the Level 13 [Street Tough]. Fur as hard as iron. Arms cording with muscle that locked the Drakes arm in place. He tried to raise a fistand a head cracked his skull.

The other Earthtenders froze. A Gnoll with fur as strong as iron, as strong as a certain [Innkeeper]s bisqueturned. If that were all

His eyes burned pink a moment. Burning like the flame. Glory.

The Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings exercised their necks and raised their paws as the Earthtenders halted. Then the two sides were striding at each otherand one was backing up. When the [Guards] reached them, it was too late. Half a dozen Earthtenders were downand when they were dragged away, both sides searched, they only found the knives on the Earthtenders.

No sign of what the Brothers had just done. When a curious [Rogue] picked up one of the remaining pieces of bread and bit into it, intending to prove what had been donehe made a face and spat out a cloud of black dust.

The Brothers grinned as they were led back to their cells. And they tipped their hats to the staring inmates. This wasnt about the inn, really. Or great deeds.

It was just about drivers. Transport, baking, and secret things. And friends. Two thousand pieces of Emberbread came in from The Wandering Inn, and if they needed more, the [Innkeeper] had their backs.

The Earthtenders kept losing the streets. And it began to be whisperedthe Earthtenders might have the Watch on their side. They had roots in the cells and vines across the City of Growth.

But the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings were the thugs on the streets. Gentlemen in the sheets. They had hats on their headsand fire in bed. The men of fancy dress

Were going to put Oteslias war to rest.

[Witch of Second Chances Level 16!]

[Skill Hat Trick (Minor Arcana) obtained!]

Authors Note:

I was gonna have a quiet Christmas. Then I started setting up dominos the size of my house. Well, this is how it is, and I have a few things to say.

FirstlyI have just reached the final few chapters of Volume 1s editing process. I didnt share them out after all because its still the first re-write and Ill go through it again. Editing is like that, refining.

But I may take an update off or write a half-chapter so I can re-write a huge chunk of one of V1s chapters. If I do, Ill let you know. But were getting close to the finish line, and thatll be good for me not working on two fronts at once!

Second, that was all I really had because my life is boring. I could talk about video games, and again, I have tons of opinions I normally share about games I think are lacking (usually in the storytelling department). Ironically, I sometimes like games with less story than the ones who have a lot of story and cinematics and do it badly.

Good games are hard to find. Much less ones you can continually replay. For instance, I played Stardew Valley Expanded + Ridgeside Village and Ive already gotten to Level 120 in the Cavern, Level 9-10 in all Skills, 20 Ancient Fruits, 80 Kegsand its Winter, Day 1, Year 1.

See? None of this makes sense unless you know what Im talking about. I also had a dream that my favorite Battletech Mod, Roguetech, was playable as a text and low-graphic game that simulated all the combat rather than the costly graphics system that currently runs on a faulty Unity engine that can crash a modern desktop semi-regularly.

It would be called PotatoTech and simulate all the games actions and attacks such that a Chromebook could run itIm saying this because I wanted to play games while Im on vacation and I have a Chromebook. Which runs nothing.

I like those kinds of games. By contrast, I still havent touched Dwarf Fortress, a famous other game created mostly with text because apparently, it tracks all 36 teeth each individual Dwarf has, you have to literally make shoes for your Dwarves, and its so famously complex I think it might be the most in-depth simulator ever made in the video game world.

I dont like those kinds of games. Stardew/Roguetech is as far as I can go, and frankly, The Wandering Inn is like that for me. Keeping track of too many details in a game? Id forget Tyrions mole on his second ring-hand finger.

Alright, enough rambling. This was a longer, weirder Authors Note. Blame tortellini for breakfast, and thanks for reading.

Try and Apista and Sprigaena sketch by ArtsyNada!

Instagram: /illudanajohns/Ko-fi: /illudanajohnsCommission info: /OmNDuK8.jpg

Stream art! Apprentice battle, Tesy and Vetn, and more by /buttsarts

Stream art! Bald Xif, Termin Escape, and more by Fiore!