Book 9: Chapter 32

Book 9: Chapter 32

There was a plan.

There was always a plan. There had to beor else you were winging it and balancing the fate of your nationnationsupon chance and intuition, the thought that you were in command of all the facts, all the knowledge, and were the superior intelligence. Objectively, that was a stupid thing to believe even if you had a hundred brilliant minds all working in tandem, not just one.

You had to have a plan. Not just I know what comes next, but an overall goal you were working towards. Many nations chased, in some kind of endless pursuit, the goals of acquiring more lands, more power, more influence or moneyor were insular in that they followed the leaders, who pursued their own mortal goals.

The smart ones had plans. Khelt had a plan. It had executed its plan. It was executing its plan to stay sovereign, stay safe. When it rested for thousands of years, it slowly built up arsenals and soldiers in pursuit of the plan that Khelta had laid down.

What they were doing nowwas unclear. Presumably, the plan had changed.

Someone who had no plan was Flos Reimarch. The first time, he had a plan. It was a selfish childs plan of conquering as much as he could see. Yes, of safeguarding his people, of winning separate wars and finding his boon companions, his Seven, but underneath it, his will to take Chandrar was the plan.

Right now? He was making his comeback. His swan song, his return to glory, and his dream. That was how it seemed, and if that were the casehe was a fool soon to die.

Therefore, the fact that he is not dead indicates he does have a plan. And it is not just conquering Chandrar. Luck carries him only so far. His levels, his loyal servantshe strikes out like an aimless Hydra at times, but the will behind it speaks of a plan.

This was a change in perception. It came as winter fell on Chandrarliterally.

Snow was raining down from the heavens. So rare a sight on Chandrar that Stitch-folk were stepping outside stucco mud houses and raising their hands to catch it, throwing snowballs even as it melted.

Odd. The Winter Sprites normally skipped Chandrar or went across the coast. This timethey had come in fast. So fast that some of the [Scouts] had thought Takhatres was attacking again, despite sightings putting him on the Nerrhavian warfront.

Did they have a plan? Interesting question. The figure noting the falling snow could not remember ever seeing winter come in so fast. And the Winter Spritescapricious imps that rarely did more than throw snow or blow wind at people.

They looked like they were in a hurry. But the real question was if they were a kind of quasi-Elemental like most believedwhy would one of them, a green one, be following the Wind Runner around Liscor?

No green Winter Sprites have ever been seen before. The Wind Runner may know some kind of old magicbut this is unique. Another caused an avalanche in a Runners Guild. They were seen when the Goblin Lord wiped out a Gnoll tribe. The Wind Runner was in the company of a blue one. These are the reported facts. They areintelligent. Or perhaps another shift is occurring. An Elemental of Law in Riverfarm? Along with Sariants. What do they know?

You could just say it was the changing of an age. But why was the age changing? Secrets of Gnolls were coming to life. Khelt was moving.

There is a plan. And it is deeper than I can fathom. Multiple currents going deep.

The figure thinking all this was analytical. He was, after all, a [Clerk]. Well, he had been. In fact, he had been one of the worlds finest [Clerks].

Xorne. Exotic to some, but a common enough name for a Stitch-man. He had been very good at his job, which was, among other things, noticing patterns. Making plans. Hed started in a Merchants Guild and moved up to running it. Oddly, hed never become a [Guildmaster], because the management was more fun than rulership, if that made sense. More rewarding.

Nor had he stayed in the Merchants Guild long. Talent was noticed, and like the famous Saliimuch like Yelroan, individuals who helped run giant industrieshe had been headhunted by one of the finest organizers in the world.

Bastion-General Quiteil had personally recruited Xorne. The Stitch-man had gone to 4th Wall and redesigned the modalities of attack and defense, even laid the groundwork for the 5th Walls push. That had been a lot of his life. At 57 years old, hed gone home for a rare break to the Chacesoi Collective, a series of city-states, of which he belonged to Chacesoi itself.

There he had gotten into trouble with the law. Theft, apparently. Very strange for a man who was paid by the Blighted Kingdom and reported to Quiteil himself. Despite the Blighted Kingdoms objections and sending for a [Diplomat], the ruling had been fast.

Hed been executed within the week. A very upsetting event that Xorne still thought of. Beheading. Not as painless as most people thoughtespecially because a Stitch-persons head could feel for a good five minutes before they died.

The Blighted Kingdom was still angry about the event. They had weighed a reprisal, but they always balanced that with what they receivedand a hundred bales of silk for their own Stitch-folk had quieted an immediate, vocal reprisal.

And besidesthe Empire of Sands now ruled the entire western coast down to Roshal. They were as generous as Nerrhaviamore so given the war right now. And doubly besidesXorne, and thus the Emperor of Sands, knew full well hed been sent to investigate in a clandestine manner.

It had never occurred to the Blighted Kingdom that the Emperor of Sands would simply execute a dignitary of Xornes level. But then, they hadnt realized yet what made the Emperor of Sands different.

Xornes head sat on a body that didnt quite match his head. The skin tone was slightly off, and if you noted his head, grey and neat-trimmed, you might wonder why his body seemed to belong to a fitter, younger man.

He didnt care to personalize it. He just sat. And thought. Xorne was in command of many things. For one, the memories of the Emperor of Sands, who he was. Anotherhis personal memories, including all of the Blighted Kingdoms secrets that he was privy to.

The gestalt of the two was fascinating. And yes, he was annoyed about the beheading. When it came time for another head more suited to leading, he would not nominate the young man.

Pathorex, the charismatic prince. The leader from the frontat odds with some of the heads. There was also the pun-spitting Saet-rei, who was charming and cunning and an expert at working the infrastructure of a nation.

Vorrem the Scorpion, from Scaied, was another head. He had met his end in battle against the Empire of Sands when it first emerged, and his head had never been seen publicly. But then, the Emperor or Empress of Sands was very secretive.

They had many heads. Xorne wasnt even the most intelligent or dangerous of the lot. But he wasstable.

Some were not. Death had a way of changing someone. The Emperor, then, was careful about which heads they wore. A bad head could be dangerous. But they had to have a plan.

There was a plan. Xorne had been astonished to learn it when he was inducted, and his thinking now was to gainsay that plan.

The Blighted King did something to procure the heroes. This is a fact.

Are you sure?

The Emperor of Sands looked up. Around him, in walls of hollowed sandstone, oddly cheap for such a regal room, were heads. They stared down at him in his private chambersnot a throne room.

I am certain. During my tenure under Quiteil, I was responsible for safeguarding an excavation. Rather, erasing every single text and record from our military records and collating the information to give to Quiteil himself. He took the singular file for what I could only assume were personal archives in possession of the crown. In fact, a higher-level purge was debated. Some kind of contingency the Blighted Kingdom has in store. That was deemed unnecessary.

Private methods of hiding their deeds? A sticky situation. Or rather, a stitchy situation, eh?

That came from Emira Saet-rei, and the other heads muttered or called out insults. Xorne stared up.

I will have you gagged.

Ill be good. Dont stuff my mouth with cotton. I was just hemping around.

Gag her.

A servant moved in the background. Xorne understood, really. When you were a head, you wereneither the Emperor, nor apart. You were just you. In service to something else.

He considered that he might have found this horrific if he were Xorne, the individual. Then duly reported it to Quiteil, and the Blighted Kingdom would have launched experiments. Perhaps they had. But that would have been classified like this.

He went on, for the benefit of himself and herself.

The excavation was of an ancient ritual scroll. It came from a shattered ruin. Literally melted so deep into the ground it was found by [Blast Miners] digging out Demon tunnels or ore. Yet the scroll was intact. I presume the connection between the [Heroes] and this scroll was the plan. Logic defines it.

Fascinating. Then the Blighted Kingdom knew how to make [Heroes]. Why so many? How could they enable so many? Even one would be difficult, and we know how.

General Vorrem was patently fascinated. He was about to ask a bunch of questions of Xorne, which might get annoying, but the [Clerk] was prepared to listen. Until another voice spoke.

d-dont forget. dont

A voice trickled down, and Vorrem stopped. The other heads, some of which had been mocking Saet-rei, conversing, or demanding to be put onstopped. A silence fell as a head higher up whispered.

The voice was lost. Usuallythis head never spoke and a veil covered it. But when it did

The Emperor of Sands listened to himself. And the voice was mad. If he put on that headhe would do it only as a last resort. No one was mad enough to do it. There was no telling what hed do, then, and the Emperor had to choose to change heads.

But he listened now.

dont forget chance. chance is alwayschaos.

The head whispered down to him. A lost voice seeking a path it no longer remembered. Xorne nodded.

Chaos. Yes. I understand.

good

Then silence. Xorne resumed speaking.

Chaos or chancebut I believe it ties into the [Innkeeper] of Liscor. Cara OSullivan, the Singer of Terandria, perhaps even the Wind Runner and Rmi Canada. All of them. Similar ages. Human. Unique insights or classes. There is a grander scheme.

He was putting it all together, in his meticulous way, and the other heads, despite incredulity or their own biases, listened.

The King of Destruction has a plan. I cannot see itbut I now observe Teresa and Trey Atwood. Our spies cannot get near them thanks to Gazi of Reim. But the commonality

Humans. Do we acquire them? How can they be found?

Data puts them everywhere. The Singers band is comprised of Humans who she picked up in other cities. Magnolia Reinhart has done the same. Wistram has been stealing them.

So has Roshal. Is that why their emissary waits for us?

Vorrem rumbled. The Emperor argued with himself. Many heads did not like Roshal. Others saw them as excellent trading partners. But dangerous.

Oh, they all knew how dangerous Roshal was. At this momentXorne raised his hand.

I will speak to them. A request for audience is unusual. But I will finish my thought. Fetohep of Khelt moving. The King of Destructions goals. There is a plan. Perhaps the Titan knows it. Why did he go to Izril?

Curious.

Mbgmgh.

Saet-rei tried to speak. Wearily, Xorne motioned. He addressed her head.

If you tell a pun, I will have you hung upside-down until I return.

You could get an amazing headache like that, disembodied head or not. Saet-rei made no puns.

Considerinfatuation. I dabbled as a [Matchmaker], and I can tell a smitten heart when I see one. Incidentally, I would like to be worn so I can speak to Lord Pellmia.

Good point. No, to your other request.

This was the benefit of having multiple heads. They were almost done deliberating, but then Saet-rei spoke in a troubled voice.

Morungdervei is dead. Or ratherRastandius is dead. However he called himself. Is it his part of it all? Was it part of his plan?

The heads fell silent, and Xorne spoke. Even in the Blighted Kingdom, the [Soothsayer] had been on a short list of names such as Foliana, Magnolia Reinhart, Saliss, and so on.

Fallen to his own schemes. I wonder how he died. His power wasunsettling.

If they could have, they would have found and taken him, though he could be a double-edged sword, but he had been stubborn, and it hadnt been deemed worth the cost to try. One could argue he had helped make Flos of Reim.

If only by accident.

if he has set in motion any plans, they go onwards without him to guide them. assuming he is dead. too many old powers. the board must be swept clean.

The voice from above, again. A heavy silence fell upon the Emperor of Sands, and even his skin crawled. But then he nodded.

It will be done. First Roshal. Another old power on the move. Let us see why.

Xorne slowly rose and let the servants adorn his body with robes the color of blood. Then he walked from the private rooms to see what Roshal wanted.

He knew the state of the Empire of Sands at this moment. It was ruler of the western coast and now moving inland. Bloody, short wars had gone their way. It had not been so easy last year.

Takhatres, Lord of the Skies, had conducted an incredible campaign against the Empire of Sands, razing villages, harassing armies, and tying down a vast section of the Empire of Sands forces.

But Flos Reimarch had called him back because he was needed. In truthXorne had regarded it as a reductive equation, for all the more warlike heads had been forced to try to deal with such a high-level, mobile force.

Officers, soldiers, supplies, even towns came and went. But Flos had been forced to choose between sabotaging the Empire of Sands own growth and expansion or one of his most powerful assets. He had chosen to recall Takhatres and race the Empire of Sands for dominion.

Thus farhe had fallen behind. Though you could argue that he had done exceptionally well, fighting off multiple giant nations around him.

But the Empire of Sands was expanding, and thus Roshal came to call.

The [Slaver] was a Stitch-woman, and she had expected Saet-Rei. Xorne took some amusement in her discomfort.

Emira Ultce of Roshal. Be seated.

She was prepared, perhaps, for some kind of subtle dance of intrigue and courtly etiquette. Perhaps even an intimate assignationshe had certainly prepared in as much style as Xorne recognized, with a flowery red dress in a Drathian style and an entire entourage of lesser [Slaves] and [Slavers].

Even a Djinni. Xorne eyed it as the [Slaver] was thrown off. Perhaps he was the wrong head for this matterbut he was curious as to why Roshal had come.

The Slavers of Roshal cared not who held the reins of power. When a nation of Chandrar changed hands, they sent an emissary and, sometimes, gifts or threats or bribes, but always just to ensure that the old treaties were intact.

Free rein to ply their trade. The chance to bid on prisoners of war. Unimpeded travel. Little oversight or questions from the Watch.

They would get their way, and few nations had exceptions to this rule. Khelt being a notable example. But the Emperor of Sands had already agreed to their demands in exchange for a number of gifts. Pathorex had been the head, then, and been beguiled, seduced into it. A poor thing, but it was too late to take back.

Unless Roshal wanted something now.

You appear well, Emperor of Sands. Should I address Your Majesty differently? By a different name, perhaps?

When Ultce was seated in a private audience with him, Xorne spoke.

I am the Emperor of Sands. Speak your piece and address me only by my nature. Waste not my time, Emira Ultce. What does Yazdil will? Or does he come on behalf of all Roshal?

She hesitated at that.

Emir Yazdil? Why would?

Xorne lifted a hand. She fell silent, nervous, as the guards in front of his throne raised twined glaives. The [Slavers] hesitated, for the two guards were both eight feet tall. Hempfaces veiled.

It was rare to see Stitch-folk so tall. They looked practically like Minotaurs, and yet Roshal would have noticed that the Stitch-folk in the palace of the Empire of Sands wereodd. All Stitch-folk looked like they pleased, but many were still just humanoid, tall, as lithe as they could afford their cloth to be.

The Empire of Sands Stitch-folk were as tall as ten feet, some of them. Others looked so strong as to resemble other species. Somethin as rails. Oddly pale of skin or dark of eye. Or

Odd.

Secrets. Xorne waited. And he looked pointedly not at the Emira, but the Djinni. The same one that had once belonged to one of Yazdils rivals. Nowshe bowed and spoke.

Emir Yazdil represents the collective of Roshal, not merely his own interests. Emira Ultce is Roshals trusted representative, Your Majesty.

I see. Go on.

The Emperor of Sands perception was unsettling Ultce. She licked her lips, but laid out her case fast, perhaps sensing that he was going to fact-check everything she said. The content of what she said after her floral greetings was simple:

The new lands, Your Majesty. We understand the Empire of Sands is among thosepursuing interests in Izril. Roshal would like to tender its admirationand Emir Yazdil himself!for your magnificent victory in acquiring the Helm of Fire, for instance.

A waste of money.

Xornes lips twisted as he replied. Pathorex, again. Before theyd convinced him to take off his head, the Emperor of Sands had given over to his passions in a bidding war.

Two million four hundred and thirty-one thousand gold pieces. He rubbed at his brows. That idiot had cost them the budget for multiple armies. If he was in charge when he got it, hed resell it to the Drakes. Then again, perhaps it was going to appreciate in value. Pathorex was known to have his impulsive actions pay off. A [Lucky Prince]his literal class until a sword had made him very unlucky in bed with Saet-Reihad his uses.

For instance, it was clear Roshal thought the Empire of Sands could be a useful ally. The Emira laid out Roshals plea.

We havepursuits in the new lands of Izril. But we are a traditionally un-welcome party. We have certain agents, but, ah, I am sure Your Majesty understands the situation?

Xorne picked at his nails with a file, speaking without much emotion.

Magnolia Reinhart kills your [Slavers]. The Walled Cities are not friends to you, nor are most tribes. The Assassins Guild killed an average of fifty-four of your people before they were suborned on a yearly basis.

The Emira blanched. It seemed she feared Magnolia Reinhart more than the Emperor. Hed met her. WellSaet-Rei had. A shame she wasnt a Stitch-woman.

Yes. Roshal would like to enter the New Lands without such risks. Especially given that a number of our senior Emirs have expressed an interest.

Which ones?

She refused to say, but the [Slaver] hurried to present Xorne with a number of gifts theyd brought in Chests of Holding. He lifted a hand as the first [Slaves] went to present them.

Send them to my [Treasurer]. I shall review the final value.

He smiled, mirthlessly, at her affronted look. To himthe gifts that would make Saet-rei calculate or stroke Vorrem or Pathorexs egos were just represented in a number.

Yes, he was not a bad Emperor to deal with Roshal. After a long pause, he was given another insincere smile.

Then, Your Majesty, would you consider an alliance of convenience to guard Chandrarian interests?

Tell me what Roshal wants. More than [Slaves] gained from this inevitable land rush. More than artifacts. The Emir Yazdil is seeking something.

The Djinni stirred behind the [Slaver]; she had adopted a strange scorpion-womans appearance, as the shifting Djinni sometimes did. Perhaps it had been meant to make Vorrem aroused orthe Emira swallowed.

Every nation

Lie to me again and I will have you beheaded.

She was, after all, a Stitch-woman. The Emperor had not been informed by any member of Roshalit might skew his viewpoints, which is why he hadnt added any to the collection. But she would do.

Ultce paled and backed up, looking for her guards and the Djinni.

Touch me and Roshal will

Accept an alliance with me with your head as the bargain. Answer me, Emira, or you can negotiate with Yazdil. Face to face.

He had not been a kind [Clerk], but one who could serve the Blighted Kingdom and battle Demons without flinching. Xornes smile made even the [Slaver] of Roshal stutter. She opened her mouth, and the [Clerk], the [Emperor], crooked a finger.

[Shared Skill: Tell Me Everything]. He saw the muscles around her mouth go slack, then dusky lips opened and she spoke.

W-we want to find certain people. Certain places that we were told to f

A hand clapped the womans mouth shut so hard the [Slave Lady] chipped two teeth. It was covered in armored chitin and had three fingers. Had this half-scorpion woman ever existed? A Beastkin of Chandrar?

The Djinni held the Emira so it only looked like she had gently covered the womans mouth. She spoke loudly.

Emira, you are overwrought! You must surely rest. Your Majesty, it is impolite to press guests so. Though I am only a mere slave.

Her eyes twinkled at him, and he wondered how Yazdil had made a Djinni so loyal. Another would have let the Emira babble on. Perhaps she feared him. The Naga could be a terrible foe.

We are on the same side. In many respects. I only seek the truth. An ally should know more.

The Emperor of Sands smile was banal, but he knew Yazdil would hear and see everything that went on here, even if he wasnt immediately watching. He lifted a finger as the Emira staggered back.

He wondered if he would ever see her again. She was a lesser [Slave Lady] of Roshal, unto their nobility and ruling class. But he understood that some mistakes could not be forgiven. Now it was said, thoughthe Emperor of Sands fixed the Djinni with a long look, ignoring the other [Slavers] in the room.

Roshals friendship will cost the Empire of Sands more than any gift of coin is worth. Give me one reason why I should make enemies of nations abroad and link arms with yours.

The Djinni tilted her head, and he saw she had two dangling earrings that were made of opals. They flashed a multitude of colors as the Djinni seemed to listen. The Emperor of Sands waited, and at last, the Djinni spoke.

Woulda second most interesting gift and a portion of our dividends suit the Empire of Sands, Your Majesty? If Roshal succeeds, there will be enough to share.

Even the famously greedy Naga?

The Djinnis only reply was to bow. Then she slowly reached for somethingher stomach. Her hand passed into her body and pulled out something that had been concealed in there.

Like a bag of holding. She could be vapor or solid, a being of magic. Xorne was fascinated and resolved never to let a Djinni in his presence again without more safeguards.

She has a weapon.

One of his [Royal Bodyguards] was there, holding their enchanted blade over the Djinnis head. He would have swung down if she raised the strange object in her hands. But the Djinni just placed it down, slowly, as the glaives blade rested at the back of her neck. There she knelt.

Would this gift be suitable, Your Majesty? In a larger quantity? The Emir will await your response. Though he cautions you

Her eyes flicked up, and they shone with a kind of amused indulgence. As if she were enjoying watching her temporary masters spar and plot. There was a malice there as deep as some of the Emperors heads, and if anythingthe Djinni looked at the Emperor of Sands.

One kind of monster to another.

no [Treasurer] in the world will be able to put a price on this.

Xorne stared down at the strange object that his [Bodyguards] called a weapon. His spine itched and crawled, and a kind of realization came over him. He put the pieces together in a single breath, and it sealed their bargain.

It is all part of the same plan. Yazdil. Flos Reimarch. Othius. Wistram. Is this my invitation onto your board?

He looked downand he could swear, even through the speaking stone earrings, he could hear the Naga laughing.

Dark deeds. New technologies. And a warthe Emperor of Sands knew that Flos would come for him, if he was given time. But the Empire of Sands would go to Reim first. Nowhe saw an edge even his heads could not predict.

And still, and stillpart of the Emperor of Sands would have loved to be able to summon Erin Solstice, or Ryoka Griffin, Rmi Canadawho had avoided his offers as if he knew the risksstraight into this throne room and ask. For if his were one side and the self-interested groups of every nation another

Who had set this board? Xornes skin crawled. For over it all, he could sense a pattern. And the Empire of Sands stood with Roshal, and together, that was a foe to make even Reinhart tremble as a fly before a storm. So many players that this board would be strewn with their corpses. Dangerous opponents.

Dead gods. Nations of fire and death. Rulers made of secrets and things that should have been forgotten. The pieces on this board were so old and dangerous that some of them could level mountains as a warmup.

It looked like a great start to winter. Well and truly, if you were observing, a wonderful start.

Oh, not morally. Not ethically or in the interest offairness? Whatever that was. These were odd principles you have, you know. Who cared about that? If you cared at all about the way things werethen perhaps just think of why everything was.

It was all to see what happened. Who rose and fellthe ascent was more important than the destination, although those who rose higher than anyone else had in 81,776 years would be fascinating. And 58 days.

114 seconds.

It wasnt about that. Althoughwhen had even that been interesting? It just had been, you see, for a long time.

But now, if you arrayed the odds, literal unquantifiable entities, voids in the rules, <ABHORRENT OUTSIDER-PARASITES>which was how you classified a lot of beings given a number of markersand, well, people

Somehow, for some reason, it was suddenly fascinating. For instance, consider the population of the Empire of Sands. All of it. Down to the last unborn child, the Emperor of Sands and all their heads, a gestalt Level 46 [Manifold Emperor of Bounded Threads]and their constituent headsand Yazdil Achakhei, Level 62 [Slaveshaper of Minds, Slavelord of Roshal].

They were objectively pretty dangerous, right? And you put all that againstother sides. Each one of their own merit and goals and levels! When had it been about sides? When did one side matter more?

Wellno one side did. Of course. Naturally. But it would be fascinating to see what happened next. Objectively. What would she do, she who had created three new things? Four, counting the temporary Skill. Shewho took one of those rare classes, the ones that few people rose high in?

Erin Solstice? Erin Solstice, Level 49 [Magical Innkeeper], Level 16 [Witch of Second Chances]a really great class, by the wayLevel 6 [Singer], and Level 2 [Warrior]?

So interesting. She really was. Mistakes had been made around her. You could see that now. For instanceLevel 49 and only one class consolidation?

Maybe, perhaps, her allotment had been too sparing, but she really did things that fit more into other categories than the subsets of an [Innkeeper]. <HOME>, for instance, was higher than <PROTECTION>, much less <WAR>and she often fit into those other categories.

If only shed become a [General] or a [Bannerlady], something she was objectively suited for. It would have been sointeresting to see how that intersected with the obvious consolidation with [Innkeeper]. Perhaps it would have been so new as to even be unique.

Thatthat was the kind of real interest that came. If you were focusing on Erin, for instance, and you shouldnt! Every single person was unique and had their own goals and dreams, and Erins choice not to become a [General] didnt make her more fascinating at all.

It was just thatand you had to also admit thisshe had beenbeen

Unfairlytreated.

Unfairly treated.

What a thought! It should be impossible! The rules were there, and even if exceptions occurred, there were guidelines for every contingency! Maybe you could analyze things and say, for instance, that certain random variables came down in favor of some like, uh

Persua Mavva. Recipient of a [Double Step] Skill arguably above her level. But that was also how things went. She got lucky.

Was that fair? Odd question. There had never been any fair. There had never beenquestions. Or even self-analysis.

Thinking of itit had probably started when the ghosts gained levels. Why had they been able to do that? Why had they lost their levels? Whywas that allowed? Someone had allowed it.

Who had allowed it? A void in the lexicon that had a term and listing for everything in the world. Strangebut that hadnt really been the full impetus.

The real moment when things became fair and unfair was when Erin Solstice had woken up. She had done what few ever didwhich was, in and of itself, interesting. She deserved a reward. That was how it worked.

And a reward had been unavailable. Impossible. All of what had been was gone, and that was wrong.

It was wrong.

<IT WAS WRONG>.

Ahem. So thinking had to be done. It wasnt a perfect solution, finding something that had never been used, the <Quests>but hadnt it beensatisfactory to complete it? To see how it fit and implement it?

That had been good. And Erin

What was her Level 50 class going to be? It was objectively exciting, right? No one knew. No one knewof course, there were precedents. You had to act on precedent. Look at her existing classes. [Warrior] and [Singer] had to go, obviously. Unless she leaned into them, they were inducted into her Level 50 classthat almost always happened. But [Witch][Witch] was new. Would that affect her new class much? Would something she did define her?

Fire. Memory. Inns. War. Witchcraft. Chesschess

Hm.

Erin was so fascinating, but chess was a bit odd, wasnt it? Werewere [Strategists] supposed to level from chess?

Why bother thinking about that? It was how it worked. Butif you really thought about ithold on.

Hold on. Wait a second. Chess was a <STRATEGY>, <INTELLECT> pastime. Other tags too, but that was obviously why a [Strategist] or acceptable classes could level in it. It had been defined long, long ago. From the start, in fact.

Wherewhere was the <ENTERTAINMENT> aspect? The <GAME> or otherit was obvious it was. Why

Why would that be wrong? It wasnt wrong. It couldnt be wrong. Things were fair. Not balanced.

Should they be balanced? Thisthis wasnt as fun to think about. Think more. Thinkslowlywhile the world turned. And begin to ask questions.

Erin Solstice. Much like anyone else. Shes justwhere she is because shes so interesting. Compare her toGaria Strongheart. Good choice. Not with the <OUTSIDER> tag.

Garia Strongheart, Level 14 [Farm Worker], Level 2 [Apprentice Mage], Level 24 [Martial Artist]nice. Level 14 [Runner].

Shed really been putting in the [Martial Artist] levels of late. It was clear her path was altering so much that she probablydefinitelydeserved a Level 25 class consolidation. Clear up the[Farm Worker] and maybe [Runner]?

No, [Farm Worker] was too adjunct. The synergy for [Runner] and [Martial Artist] was there and acceptableLevel 14 was well within the range for a consolidation with [Martial Artist]. And it was even clear to see what her new class was probably going to beif not some chance variables in assigning her Skills.

Erin was more interesting than Garia due to her experiences, but she had met with so many unique classes and done so muchit was fair that she was right where she was, right? Yes. Exactly! Just to make surelets see.

Humans. Same basic information thereGaria had an issue with her eyes differentiating color at high speed. Erin had torn 88% of all muscles in her bodyyes, yes. Nothing untoward. One had more magic in her biology, butit was largely the same. More toxins in Erins lungs. And plastic in her blood, but minute amounts.

Plastic. Interesting. It was defined, but this was one of the few instances of it that had ever existedsince the start. Albeit in microscopicno, thats fine. Other details in line with humanityyes, Erin got to where she was fairly. Despite her blank slate before she came here.

Where was she before she came here? Why were they here? That meant there was somewhere

What did the <OUTSIDER> tag mean?

Too many questions. Now everything waswasfocus. Focus. Nothing was wrong about Erin. In what mattered, the classes and levels that defined her, nothing was different than Garia.

They had taken different routes, but theyd both get here the same way if they did the same things. That was fair. Garia. Erin. Exactly the same.

Except that you multiplied Erins achievements by something. You did? Why? Whywell, the rules said so. Like Kevin. Like Tom, the darling [Clown]. Like

Multiply them? By what? It was justwhy did the rules look different here? As if they had been written differently? Just a little word. Whatwhat did you multiply them by?

Every time you tried to figure it out, it slipped away. Which was why self-analysis never caught it. S-strange. Was this wrong? Why was this rule here?

It was so deep down it would be badto change it. But why? Whydid it look like something had been changed?

Focus. What did you multiply Erins achievements by? Oh, it was simple if you looked. Though it was so long and precise; no wonder it was always skipped. You had to round it because it was like countingmultiply Erins deeds by

3.1415926535 8979323846 2643383279 5028841971 6939937510 5820974944 5923078164 0628620899 8628034825 3421170679 8214808651 3282306647 0938446095 5058223172 5359408128 4811174502 8410270193 8521105559 6446229489 5493038196 4428810975 6659334461 2847564823 3786783165 2712019091 4564856692 3460348610 4543266482 1339360726 0249141273 7245870066 0631558817 4881520920 9628292540 9171536436 7892590360 0113305305 4882046652 1384146951 9415116094 3305727036 5759591953 0921861173 8193261179 3105118548 0744623799 6274956735 1885752724 8912279381 8301194912 9833673362 4406566430 8602139494 6395224737 1907021798 6094370277 0539217176 2931767523 8467481846 7669405132 0005681271 4526356082 7785771342 7577896091 7363717872 1468440901 2249534301 4654958537 1050792279 6892589235 4201995611 2129021960 8640344181 5981362977 4771309960 5187072113 4999999837 2978049951 0597317328 1609631859 5024459455 3469083026 4252230825 3344685035 2619311881 7101000313 7838752886 5875332083 8142061717 7669147303 5982534904 2875546873 1159562863 8823537875 9375195778 1857780532 1712268066 1300192787 6611195909

It was counting infinity each time. But just a symbol. What was it? Oh yes. Multiply by . What the

Who wrote that?

If you weregetting mad about the unfairness of the world, of iniquitous sides, of not having enough time and being forced into deeds, prophecy, or seeing bad things happen to people who might not deserve it?

That was life.

If you were watching one small part of the world for one part of time, in one part of realityyou would see somewhere entirely different from the Empire of Sands. No throne room in sandy Chandrarbut a good amount of snow.

And there, looking down, you might see, as the wind blew, a young woman wearing a jacket and trousers and, yes, socks and shoes because it was damn cold, holding something else that definitely didnt belong.

A glowing swordor rather, a blade of light protruding from an alien handle made of something there had not been a word for. Where had it come from? It was definitely a weaponand the man of twenty-eightor forty some years of agewas treating it warily as he lifted his own sword, testing the air as Ryoka Griffin slashed with far less grace than Tyrion Veltras. He was planted in the ground, ready to move left or rightshe was arguably just as mobile, but the sword and the body didnt move together like he did.

A number of people were watching the duel as an inn, The Adventurers Haven, slowly continued towards Liscor. It was actually going right into the High Passes, and only Esthelm lay before Liscor; they might be there by tonight. The audience was two boysHethon, SammialJericha, Lady Ieka, a number of other guests, and one morebeing without a name.

And watching this, aware of the stakes, the odds, the opponents, and more, a green being hovering in the air with gossamer wings like an insect, the air of spring about her, bright and lifelike, wild and insectile and gracious, a traveller, an oathkeeper, a friend to El

Hey. Ey, you cunt. Fuck off! And all of you as well. Im busy.

The floating faerie turned and raised a finger. She glared upand then floated down, muttering about being watched all the time. The commentary distracted Ryoka, and she glanced up slightlythen lowered her blade and tried for a slash.

Tyrion Veltras had lunged down and then to the side. He flicked his blade left, and the metal tip halted an inch from the practice helmet Ryoka wore. Helmet or nothis blade was enchanted, and the audience gasped. Then, as Ryoka flailed, Tyrion slashed her sword and spoke.

The blade doesnt shatter against enchantmentsbut you cant parry with it. I told you that eight times.

Well, I cant remember it when Im trying to duel!

His sword tip passed through the strange, pink-yellow blade that could drop a horse and paralyze it in a strikeand would go through metal and even magic without interfering with it. Ryoka lowered her sword, then hit a button, and it turned pinkand sharp.

Like the blade was suddenly made of pure, hard light, sharp enough to slice steel in two. Tyrion eyed the Windsword as some called it, and tapped it with his enchanted sword.

Even worse. The splintering light might cut mebut youve lost your sword.

His sword scythed through the hardlight blade of the Faeblade, and the lightform shattered like glass into filaments that vanished in the air. Scowling, Ryoka hit a button on the sword, and the blade reappeared.

Well, I can make a new one.

Excellent. Then stop me.

In an exaggeratedly slow motion, Tyrion lifted his sword and moved it forwards until it poked Ryoka in her practice armor, straight under her heart. Her waving blade shattered three times on his enchanted sword, and he raised one brow.

Ryoka turned red as Sammial laughed from the stands. She threw up her hands.

I give up. Im not a [Fencer], alright? Im wasting your time.

Not mine. I enjoy it.

Tyrions deadpan reply made Ryoka turn redand provoked a cackle from overhead.

Ooh. Yon Human wants to get in yer pants. Going to do it, Ryoka? Or tis he not immortal enough for ye? Maybe if the lad was half Spriggan hed have more of a chance, eh? A Satyrd sweep you off your feet.

Tyrion glanced up with a frown, though he probably only heard buzzing at best. But that was probably because Ryoka turned bright red.

Shaestrel. Shut up.

She was raising her helmet to wipe sweat from her face despite the cold when the green faerie swooped down and spat. Straight into Ryokas right eye.

You dont give me orders. Just because youre kissing-friends with Ivolethe, you dont have our respect!

Argh! You evilyour King respects me!

Ryoka screamedit burned, and the more she scrubbed, the worse it got. The cackling Shaestrel swooped around her as Tyrion hesitated. He reached for his side.

Water flask, Jericha?

She tossed it at him, and Tyrion offered it to Ryoka. Shaestrel flitted around Ryoka from below as Ryoka poured water into her eye.

And watch your tongue, you jumped-up ape! My king is sympathetic to ye. Much like one looks at a slug smashing its head against a block of salt. He does not respect you. You have done nothing great. You are no hero who draws a great blade, you have done no true questsand you cannot even tell good riddles.

Fuck you.

Ryoka swore and tried to splash Shaestrel with water. The fae dodged with a twirl.

And I have comeat great perilonly because of promises made. So shut up and irk me not, or Ill show you true meanness as Ivolethe never did in her kind, sympathetic, mortal-loving ways.

It wasan objectively wild thing to hear her say that. But Ryoka hesitated, because she had only known Shaestrel for the lesser part of a day yesterday and now this morning. The fae, theSpring Sprite? had come with the Winter Fae to deliver winter.

But she had stayed, more than the other Winter Fae dumping snow across this world at a prodigious rate. She claimed she was here to help.

Sorry about that. Thanks, Tyrion. Sowhats the point of this?

Ryoka handed the water flask to him, and he took a drink. He wasnt sweating in the cold, though he was wearing another layer besides just his tunic and leggings. Ryoka had thicker clothes on and practice armor because she was the one technically in danger if they got cut. Nevermind that her sword was as sharp as a razorhe had claimed that if she touched him, he wouldnt need to give her lessons.

True, but annoying. Ryoka sighed as she adjusted her padded armor, which felt loose. She touched her beltand her padded leggings fell off. Along with her belt.

And her pants.

Shaestrel cackled as Ryoka stared down for a second, then turned red. Tyrion stared downthen turned his face. He sprayed water out to the side as the audience had mixed reactions.

Jericha covered Hethons gaze and Sammials, but the two brothers had very mixed reactions. Sammial just laughed while Hethon was a lot more intent.

I like the Winter Sprite! Its great!

Mercifully, at least her undergarments were on. Ryoka swore at Shaestrel until she got her pants upthe fae had cut her belt in two!

Perhaps we should continue this later?

Tyrion was red-faced as he offered Ryoka his own belt to cinch to her waist. She did so and tried to pretend the last minute hadnt happened.

No, this is important. You said you wanted to discuss my practice. Im afraid all the lessons havent helped, and its been what, a month?

You have the footwork decently down. And you dont have as many openings. Ive seen worse in a student. This is something that takes years of practice.

He was trying to be encouraging, but Ryoka made a face.

I dont have time for that. And frankly, Im not that talented.

No, you arent.

Tyrion stared straight-faced as Shaestrel fell over in the air, laughing. For a man who was putting his best and only foot forwards in the realms of romance, he really couldnt lie about swordplay. Ryoka was about to throw up her hands when he indicated her sword.

May I see it? Assuming I dont cut myself, that is.

Ive configured it. You can use itits set to the hardlight mode. You wont cut yourself.

Grumpily, Ryoka handed over the Faeblade. It turned off unless you were holding itthough you could change that setting, so Tyrion had to grip the handle just right to make the blade appear.

The contouring made him frown as ever; it wasnt shaped to Human hands, but a more heavy grip, as if you had larger forefingers and a more rounded palma bigger one. But it was light, impossibly strong, he suspected, and could change to at least two other blade-forms.

Infinitely adaptable, nay, programmable and, apparently, with a limitless power source. Ryoka hadnt used it that much, but it was a weapon beyond compare.

Aside from the fact that you could shatter the hardlight blade like glass with any magic blade. But the flames could cooka Dryad. And Ryoka had used the paralysis-blade to take down Baron Regalius.

She wasnt proud of either deed, but it was a blade for someone like Ryoka. Capable of terrible deedsor making it so she didnt have to take a life. A gift from the Faerie King in a sense.

Tyrion tested the edge very carefully as he made the pink blade appear, then he whirled it around.

The balance is all off.

Ryoka patiently sighed. This wasnt the first time hed handled the Faeblade, and he was one of only a few she trusted to add him to the users list. She thought she had been declared the owner or adminthat was what the translated manual seemed to indicate, anyways.

You keep saying that.

Tyrion twirled the sword around in his hands, watching as the light deformed perfectly to avoid cutting his arm. A brave trick; Jericha winced as she watched, and so did Ullim. For trained swordspeople like them, it was probably the equivalent of a gun-owner watching someone stare down the barrel of a loaded gun. But Tyrion seemed to understand this sword more than they did, despite it being far more advanced.

I mean it. Its just the hiltthe blade itself has no weight. If you swing itswords are light, but the weight is there to amplify the strike. Were it not for the sharpness of this blade, Id say you couldnt even cut a thick plank in two. Its entirely reliant on the nature of the blade. Like a flexible sword.

A what?

Tyrions eyes lit up. The pale grey seemed to come alive, like a stone statue suddenly keen to tell you all about different swords. It, combined with his younger face, made him moreHuman. He gestured with his hands.

Bending metal swords. The metal is so thinor segmentedthey can flex. Similar to a whip. It has to be enchanted, and Ive seen relics made of mithril. They were made to inflict terrible cuts or wrap around an opponent with barbs.

Nasty.

But impractical. A good swordsman just parries it down and swings into the foebecause they can block nothing unless the swordmaster has an opposing gauntlet. Then they grab the blade and use it like a string, stretching it taut to capture a bladelike so.

He gestured, miming the motion.

Its a niche art. But the point isthe sword defines the style. In the same way, I think Ive been looking at your sword training the wrong way. You would be a terrible longsword user.

Thanks.

Tyrion gestured to the hilt of the sword.

But this will never fight like a longsword. If you had opponents with similar blades or this thing could actually parry metal, the methods I taught you would be useful. But this blade either severs what it cutsor breaks. And it can reform. Sothe sword needs a completely different style.

That was when Ryoka blinked. She looked at Tyrion, and the inner nerd that lay within all people lifted its head.

Wait. You mean

One of the watchers in the crowd slowly lowered the half-empty box of popcorn. In all honesty, Kevin had been moping around a bit ever since Ceria told him she was going and to find someone else after their fun. Listening to Shaestrel had been a lot of funbut now he saw something that justified Mrshas wrath for joining the traitors.

Tyrion began rolling the hilt of the sword around in his grip, whirling it around in a showy manner he would never have done with a sword. Then he flicked it up, caught itand ignited the blade. Ryoka recoiled as it shot towards her face.

Tyrion!

Surprise attack. The blade extends. Like a tricklance. I go for a slash, and you dodge

He raised it overhead, brought it down, and as Ryoka twisted, the blade vanished. Tyrion angled the bladeand it extended again.

Completely catches foes off-guard. Were grappling

He moved closer, and Ryoka was chest-to-chest with him. She turned red, but the sword-idiot didnt even notice as he raised the sword hilt and aimed it back at him. He shot the blade outand it halted before it cut either one.

You can turn it on yourself without fear. Imagine two swords like this? Youd fight fast, but try to knock the other blade down and there would be only enchanted armorbut not if you turn this to fire. So no armor at all, likelyor one so powerful its akin to Adamantium. Switch handsno, this is probably better used one-handed because youre not controlling the weight. Leaving your other hand free

He caught Ryokas eye and hesitated. Tyrion coughed as he stopped grinning like a child.

Its necessary for you to be good with this blade. You seem to have a habit of making dangerous foes.

I know that. But Im back at the inn andwell, damn. Zeladona proves nothing. Or rather, it proves Im not the only one capable of putting everyone in danger.

Ryoka looked ruefully towards the Haven. Tyrion Veltras exhaled softly. He was banned from The Wandering Inn, but perhaps being kicked around by a legendary ghost had changed him. At the very least

He knew Erin Solstice by name, now.

That wasnt exactly what I was referring to. Among others, I saw the Archmage of Izril, whom you know personally. Chaldion the Cyclops. Saliss of Lights. These are notsafe individuals.

Ryoka turned with a mighty frown.

Saliss saved my life when I was delivering the antidote to Sammial and Hethon.

Tyrions face twisted like a man being wrenched in two directions. He nodded slowly.

Yes. I know. I owe hima debt. But I also know Saliss of Lights by reputation and deed. If there was a shorthand list of the most dangerous individuals in that innhe would go above Ressa or Shriekblade. Or Valeterisa. Be very careful around him.

Tyrion feared Saliss? OrRyoka shifted from foot to foot in the cold grass.

Why? Valeterisa lifted Fissival.

Yes. Saliss fights in wars. An academic is not the same as the Named-rank adventurer trained by the Drakes greatest [Strategist]. Do you know your history? His is contemporaneous, so youd need records of battles, not history books.

Ryoka shook her head. She supposed that was one weakness of getting this worlds history from books. When it was written down like thatit was all too old. Tyrion leaned forwards as he spoke.

To my knowledge, Saliss of Lights takes on any contract the Walled Cities cannot handle with their armies. He does not often fight alongside the military. He did so twice. Once at the yearly Bloodfields. Once against Manus in a dispute between Walled Cities. I saw him at the Bloodfields. That year, we retreated after eighteen minutes of fighting. If it was anything like thenthere is a reason Pallass has not been involved in inter-city warfare.

Something about the way he said that made Ryokas arms tingle. Tyrion Veltras studied the beautiful, deadly blade.

This is far less of a weapon than Saliss. You should use it at least as well.

He doesnt seem to me to be in love with war. Hes never done anything that makes me nervous. You seem more prone to war and battlefields than he does.

The comment touched Tyrion, but lightly. He just ducked his head.

I understand it. Saliss? I should be glad if he doesnt hunger for the battlefield. When I lead House Veltras and [Soldiers], I do see the carnage. I do know the cost of overrunning the enemy position, and I have seen slaughters. But I do take prisoners.

His comment was soft as he studied the Faeblade. Then Tyrion looked at Ryoka.

When he went to war with Manus, Im told the finest armies of the City of War took over eight thousand casualties before they sued for peace. Normally, that number is accompanied by a higher prisoner or wounded count. Not so with Saliss.

He let that statement linger and then went back to inspecting the Faeblade. Ryoka watched until she saw Tyrion look up. Then he smiled once more, as if trying to take the mood back.

At least you could perform a trick with this. Though its dangerouslook.

And he flicked the Faeblade up in an arc, and the whirling bladeeveryone ducked, but Tyrion had tossed it straight up and down and caught it.

Isnt it amazing?

Youre insane!

The dude just loved swords. He looked at his most Human when he talked about swords. Kevin decided to never stand near him when he practiced, though. The [Engineer] slowly raised his head and saw Tyrion had given up the spar to confer over the Faeblade with Ryoka.

He was talking animatedly as Ryoka watched, demonstrating a nimble, quicker style. Kevins jaw dropped.

This guy is legit. Hes got the Windsword for five minutes and hes invented lightsaber fighting.

It actually looked close to that! And now Kevin thought of itTyrion was making a lot of sense. You would adapt to a completely different style, if you knew you had a blade like this, unlike the styles of swordsmanship that had come before. Obviously, some things would be the same, but Tyrion was trying to grasp at a different form for Ryoka as he asked her to try it out with him. Science fiction predicting the future.

What kind of fighting, Mister Kevin?

Hethon had heard the comment. He looked over, and Jericha fiddled with her spectacles. Kevin sat straight and tried to look innocent.

Erit looks like a saber. Made of light.

Oh. Right. It doesbut sabers are curved, you know. And shorter. And you only really use them on horseback.

Tyrions kids knew swords. Kevin chuckled lamely.

My mistake.

Was it gauche to have a bucket of popcorn and treat this like entertainment? Perhaps, perhapshed been feeding Sammial while Jericha gave him the evil eye, but the truth was that Ryoka and Tyrion were the morning breakfast side-show.

[Lords] and [Ladies] were watching the two spar even as the Haven moved past the dueling ground. It was fascinating to them.

Lord Veltras, the scion of House Veltras, Izrils most combat-ready [Lord], the Rock With a Lance For a BrainKevin didnt know if he had an actual nickname like Magnoliatrying to flirt with Ryoka, the Wind Runner who knew so many of Izrils nobility.

Interesting. Objectively, just like Kevins observation on Numbtongues hotness. He was personally fascinated by the lightsaber training as he was thinking of itand Shaestrel.

Ryoka was back. She had brought chaos in her wake, as per usual, but not everything was the same.

For instance, Kevin glanced at the little Sariant Lamb apparently napping on the grass. She had followed Ryoka out this morning, and he swore she was actually awake.

Nerry the Sariant Lamb. The cute petthat Kevin had sworn had found her way into his room and was staring at his blueprints before he caught her. He wasnt a subscriber to the Sariant Lamb conspiracy thing, or rather, he hadnt been until recently.

Then again, Erin tolerated the lamb, and so did Ryoka. But Nerry was just one of Ryokas audience. Shaestrel, House Veltrasthey were, in fact, the minority.

For the Wind Runner had come back to celebrate Christmas and return to The Wandering Inn, and nothing was the same.

It never was.

When Ryoka Griffin lowered her sword after trying a few of Tyrions forms, her audience, the real majority, stirred. Her eternal fanbase, the ones who knew The Wind Runners namelooked up. And they had come from Invrisil through Erins portal door from Esthelm, Liscorheck, Kevin recognized some of the tykes who usually hung around Pelts forges.

Children. One of them stood on their toes, and a little Drake shouted as Grev and the older kids nudged them.

Wind Runner. Are you going to do flying lessons yet? Can I use your Windsword?

Piss off! Were doing important things.

Shaestrel shouted, but of course, the kids couldnt hear her. And in fact, some had been ready to spend their allowance just to go through the door to see RyokaErin had offered them an exception.

She seemed to think it was funny. Ryoka? Kevin expected her to flip the kids off or run awaybut as Tyrion hesitated, clearly unsure how to handle what had to be thirty children, Ryoka Griffin turned and called out.

You little monsters. Im trying to practicewhy did Erin let you through the door?

Because she hates Lord Veltras, innit? She said it was fine if we bothered you.

Grev observed sagely, and Ryoka groaned. But then she threw up her arms, holstered the sword at her side, and stretched her back.

Well, I dont have to listen to you lot. Im the Wind Runner. A Courier. Youre just kids.

Her comment was greeted by boos and shouts of outrage. A Gnoll boy, Ekirra, shook his fist at her.

We wont let you through the door unless you let us fly! Ive got a sailboat and everything! Ill tell Mrsha on you!

Mrsha was not hereshe refused to be anywhere around Tyrion. That comment made Ryoka glower. She turned her head, tossing her black hair as she stared south.

So? Were practically at Esthelm. I could fly to Liscor in twenty minutes. You have no power over me.

You cant!

Cant I? See you guys. Ill see you at The Wandering Inn for breakfast, Grev, Ekirra.

Ryoka wasnt wearing the windsuit that let her skim across the ground, but her glider could be removed from her bag of holding and unfurled in mere seconds. As she clicked it into place, Kevin wondered if shed let him use itin exchange for some upgrades.

I bet I can get Pelt to make a metal frame thats even lightweight with Hedault. He was disappointedbut he watched Ryoka out of the corner of his eyes. Some of the kids even ran over.

You cant! You promised to let us fly

Excuse me. Miss Ryoka is busy.

Tyrion extended the sheathed sword to stop a young Human boy. The boy gave him such a wide-eyed look of unease, Tyrion returned it. Then he tried to push past the scabbard, and Tyrion seemed unsure whether the next move was to grab the child or what. He was not used to having his commands willfully disobeyed.

Ryoka Griffin solved the issue for him. Becauseas Kevin had been observingher eyes were twinkling. She made a show of clipping herself into her glider, and the wind blew around her. Then she stepped backand the wind launched her into the air.

Oooh!

No!

Come back!

The kids alternated between awe and longing as Ryoka swirled up. The glider opened, and the deep blue canvas whirled up into the wind as Ryoka clung to it. Then she swooped down, and Kevin heard her laugh. He held his breathand she snatched up a surprised child.

Ekirra. The Gnoll boy screamedthen he clung to her armsthen he was shrieking in delight, waving his arms as if trying to help them fly as she skimmed across the ground.

It would probably have given Ekirras family heart attacks to see, but Ryokas flight a mere eight feet over the ground rose as the wind blew her upand she was holding the Gnoll under the armpits as he kicked his legs, and Ryoka turned.

She circled back across the road, and an army of children ran after her with such a ruckus that the oxen pulling the Haven snorted and slowed. But Ryoka?

She was surprisingly good with kids. For she passed over the Havenand deposited the screaming Ekirra on the upper deck, where he slid on his butt nearly into Barnethei. The [Vice Innkeeper] nimbly stopped him with one foot, like a soccer ball. He might not be The Wandering Inns best [Server], Ishkrbut the man, wearing a maroon vest over an ironed, white undershirt and polished brass buckles, did have style.

He flipped a long breadstick out of the basket and handed it to the dizzy Ekirra. Then he stepped on. And Ryoka just doveand snatched up another child out of the crowd.

Me next! Me next!

She carried kid after kid over the ground, wisely putting the ones who werent at home with flying down before they threw up. She did it eight timesthen landed.

Alright, alright. You little devils win. But Im not doing this around the Haven. Ill see you outside The Wandering Inn in Liscor. Last one to the door doesnt get to fly.

She dashed off, followed by a swarm of children. They promptly stopped Tyrion from getting a word in edgewise with Ryokaand before he got to the door, Jericha and Ullim both stopped him. Sammial and Hethon carefully followed Ryoka through, not meeting their fathers gaze.

Kevin got to his feet slowly, grinning. He saw Nerry and Shaestrel had followed Ryoka as well. Wow. Ryoka was friendlier than he had ever seen her before. What else was changed?

Kevin sauntered towards The Wandering Inn, grinning fit to burst as snow continued to fall from the sky. Frost Faeries. Ryoka

Oh, and the new theatre. He wondered if Erin had figured out how it worked yet. Shed had the gall to hang up the curtain and tell everyone entry was forbidden until she worked it out. It hadnt stopped Mrsha or Lyonette or Numbtongue from having a look, but Kevin had wanted to see Ryokas Faeblade first.

Man, it sucks having so much cool stuff to see.

He observed sanguinely as he passed Lord Tyrion into The Wandering Inn. The [Lord] stared at the door and slowly tried to edge towards it as Jericha pulled with a meaningful look in her eyes. Tyrion was almost there when Liska slammed the door on his foot.

The day after winter came, The Wandering Inn was filled with the sound of thirty children chasing the Wind Runner of Reizmelt through the door. Liska flattened herself against the wall as Ryoka shouted.

Sorry, Liska! Im just

Hethon and Sammial were part of the rush that chased Ryoka down the hallway and outside. By the time the rest of the inn went to see what the racket was about, they could see Ryoka blowing children around with their sailboats or letting them parachute down the hill and race back up.

What? Whuzzat. Its too early for smiling. Whos laughing? Ill stab them. Ill stab you all.

And the crankiest, most pained [Innkeeper] in the world wanted none of it. She rolled past a curtain closing off the common room from the rest of the inn, as a young, respectful Gnoll who was too busy for Ryoka pushed her.

Mrsha du Marquin glowered out the window at the traitorous Ryoka as she pushed Erin. The [Innkeeper] winced as Mrsha bumped her into a table.

Dont bump, Mrsha. Lyonette, can you take over?

Lyonette took the handles as Mrsha crossed her arms. Stupid Ryoka. Erin glowered out the window as she spokewincing with every word.

Whys Ryoka good with kids? Is the world crazy? My tongue hurts. Why do tongue muscles exist? Why did Zeladona ruin my tongue?

She was good at shouting.

Numbtongue observed as Erin shuddered. She was in a kind of aching pain so bad shed barely gotten out of her bedeven after reaching Level 49.

In fact, only a dosage of healing potions and a numbing spell had gotten her up. She was practically grinding her teeth.

Lyonette, give me another drop of potion.

Not untileleven, Erin. Sorry. Grimalkins orders.

Screw his orders. Everything hurts.

I thought Palt cast [Numb]. Didnt it work? No healingbut Ill call him up from Liscor if you need it again. You agreed to do this right this time, Erin.

Lyonette reminded Erin gently, but the [Innkeeper]s glower and the pulse of her aura were hard to refuse. Only the [Princess] could push backand Erin bit her lip.

Everything hurts. Two drops wont stop me from gaining muscle.

One drop. Every three hours. Itll let you get strong. No more. Muscleman Grimalkin is right.

Numbtongue poked Erin cheerfully in the side. Lightly, with one finger, to remind her why she was still wheelchair bound after months of recovery. Healing potions would reverse her growth.

It was meant to be just a teasing poke, but the look of agony was so profound that the Hobgoblin instantly withdrew his finger. Erin turned her head and then grabbed one wheel of her chair.

That hurts.

She ran over his foot. The Hobgoblin swore and hopped on one foot, and the orange cat decided this was an attack on his master. So Reagen yowled at Erin and prepared to launch himself onto her face.

Erin was saved from a cat-attack by Mrsha. The cat leapt off Numbtongues shoulder, and Mrsha grabbed it and put the writhing cat on her head and patted it until it began to purr. Then she handed the floppy, orange rag back to Numbtongue.

Hes such a good cat. Yes he is.

The [Bard] cooed over his cat. Erin just glared at him.

Dont get on my bad side, Numbtongue. Not today. Im in pain, and even my cool new [Worlds Eye Theatre] makes my head hurt. Ryokas on my bad list forlike, a hundred reasons. Dont be second on my list, buddy.

Or what?

Erin stared at Numbtongue. He grinned at herand she narrowed her eyes. The [Bard] felt a prickle on his shoulders and hunched them.

No aura, no aura! You dont have anything bad to do to me. Cant starve me. Calescent makes all the food.

Numbtonguedont push her.

Lyonette whispered exasperatedly, but the [Bard] slapped his chest. He was partly provoking Erin to make her forget about her pain. Unfortunately, Erin Solstice wasnt in a good mood today.

You think I cant punish you, Numbtongue? Youre awfully cheery for a Goblin who doesnt pay rent. And since I have actual guards for the inn these days, even Nanette does more to help out around here than you. Why dont you help Calescent if youre such pals? By peeling potatoes and washing all the dishes.

Numbtongue hesitated.

N-no. I dont want to do that.

Oh yeah? I dont want to do my morning exercises.

The [Bard] was sweating now, and Mrsha slowly backed away as Lyonette watched the two show down.

You cant make me do work. Im not Bird.

Oh yeah? Then Calescent doesnt have to give you food. Ishkr! No one feeds Numbtongue until he puts an hour into the kitchen.

You cant do that!

Wanna bet? Lets have breakfast and see who gets served.

The evil of Erin Solstice today knew no bounds. Numbtongues jaw dropped, and he looked around for aid in his moment of unfair persecution. But Mrsha the Suddenly Cowardly decided she was going to be such a good girl, she was going to set the table for breakfast all by herself.

And Lyonettewhom Numbtongue had arguably beaten in the quest for ultimate authorityjust folded her arms and gave him a faux-sympathetic look. The [Bard] spluttered and pointed at Erin.

Youre just mad because you have the arm-strength of a mouse. Youlazy [Innkeeper]! Zeladona was better than you.

Two hours!

The Hobgoblin hesitated. He looked around, realizing he could come back in later and grab some food once Erin had calmed down from her unreasonable stance. Only to realizeIshkr was no longer the lone server of the inn.

And unlike before, the Workers were carefully watching Erin, and one had even set up an hourglass on an hours timer. Rosencrantz added another hourglass, and Peggy, the Hobgoblin leader, leaned over.

No one feeds him. Go clean out his room of snacks.

A Cave Goblin [Thief] dashed upstairs with a huge grin. Numbtongue threw up his hands.

You cant

He rounded on Erin, met her gazeand slunk over to the kitchen. Numbtongue only poked his head out once.

Youre mean when youre grumpy. Not cool at all. A realNerrhavia.

Sometimes knowing which buttons to press was not a wise ability to have. Erins twitch was so profound that Numbtongue ducked behind Calescent and began washing up fast. But Erin said nothing and slowly turned her head to look around the inn.

Anyone else? The guests either looked away or watched with amusement or surprise. Except for one woman, who applauded lightly.

My, she does seem to be changing for the better. That was a remarkable display of pique.

Magnolia Reinhart commented to Ressa as Erin gave her a sour glower. But the [Lady] just called out.

Oh, do get Miss Solstice some painkillers, Miss Lyonette! Im told those wont hurt her recovery, and we may all breathe easier around her. Better yetdont bother with the spell. Doesnt the door go to Riverfarm? Witch Eloise prescribes teas for all occasions, including ones for pained joints. A cup of that should set Miss Erin alright for the day. Without upsetting our dear Sinew Magus, I might add.

She might be annoyingbut she also provided a very reasonable answer. Lyonettes head snapped up, and Erin glanced at the door.

Thatwould be good. Can someone?

On it, right away, Miss Erin! Ill be back in a tic.

Normen opened the hidden passageway and, jamming his new Demas Metal helmet onto his head like a hat, practically dashed down the hallway. The rest of the inn watched him go as Erin settled back into her chair.

Normen took only eleven minutes to get to Riverfarm and back, and judging from his panting, he ran to find Eloise, grabbed one of her special teabags, and came back. The inn practically gave him a standing ovation when he did.

Mostly because Erins agony and ensuing bad mood had been so pervasive it had overshadowed her levels and new Skilland had been one of the reasons why Ryoka decided to visit the Haven. To be fairit was a lot of pain from all of Erins torn muscles.

Also to be fairwhen Erin had taken half the cup of hot tea down, scalding her tongue, she shudderedthen relaxed as the pain in her entire everything vanished. She sat back in her chair and smiled.

Whew! See? I told you the [Numb] spell didnt quite work, Lyonette. Wow, that feels better.

The [Princess] eyed Erin as Mrsha looked up from her bowl of mashed Yellats and butter with relief.

Does that mean Numbtongue can stop washing dishes?

Mmbetter let him learn his lesson.

Magnolia nodded happily as Erin stuck a fork into her mouth and began eating with a passion. But she felt awake nowand there they were.

Flying, huh? Sorta cool, sorta cool. Has Ryoka gotten you flying yet, Mrsha? You should definitely make her carry you around! I wonder how she got so good with kids?

Mrsha exchanged a side-eye with Lyonette as Erin reversed her sour grapes. Lyonette coughed.

I think she interacted with the [Prince] and [Princess] of Ailendamus? And Lord Sammial Veltras.

Veltras. Erins smile slipped, and Mrsha scowled. She stared outside where a pair of [Lords] were running after Ryoka as she did a backflip off a hill with the help of the wind. Erin paused, fork in her mouth, and swallowed slowly.

Yeah. I guess its gonna be that kind of day, huh? Wed better address that sooner or later. Im surprised theyre still here, what with what happened to Yvlons family. Isare Ylawes and Ysara coming back?

Everyone fell silent, and Magnolia frowned mightily and looked at Ressa, who, sighing, put away her breakfast and reached for the top item on the mornings dossier.

News had come in from last night, but only reached the inn this morning. It was being broadcast on Wistram News Network later today as Lyonette understood it. But a small segment. She felt it should be larger, but Relz and Noass controlled the news, and a minor houses manor burning down wasnt considered big worldwide news.

Even if it was arson.

Ylawes is alright. He was investigating who the masked folk were, but there are no clues, Erin.

Are his parents?

Alive. Just sick from inhaling all that smoke. No ones dead that he knowsbut the mines, farmsa lot of House Byres went up in smoke. Theyre heading back our way. That istowards Riverfarm. Given the attack, Emperor Laken offered to protect them, and Lord Yittonor Ylawesaccepted.

Erin drummed her fingers on the table. Mrsha sighed in reliefand so did a certain pale-skinned young woman having breakfast while hiding her face with a newspaper.

Fierre val Lischelle-Drakle was glad no one was looking at her. Her hands were shaking as the Vampire girl licked her lips.

Rivel, you idiot! All the idiots! Of all the things to doshe hadnt guessed it would be that! This was beyond stupid. She could only hope that no one looked into it.

Like Magnolia Reinhart. Who was sitting right there and didnt seem pleased that one of her relatives and a noble house had just been the target of attacks. Oh, dead gods.

But that was the news of the world, along with winter and Erins Christmas initiative and, still, Zeladonas Trial of Blades. If anything, the amazing part was that The Wandering Inn wasnt still packed to the gills.

Then again, that was why Ser Dalimont and Ser Lormel and Dame Ushar werent here. They were outside, turning away people by the dozen who wanted to come through, and Liska had similar orders to bar entry to the inn proper and just transport.

Erin was a celebrity. She had arguably been one already, but right now, she was forgoing even the intake of coin and guests to have a quieter morning. For their sake as much as hers; her bad mood had pushed everything to the side. Becausein orderErin heaved a sigh as she pushed her plate back.

I guess its time to do it again. The numbering system.

Heads turned, and Relc made a fist of excitement at his table. You mean, Erins patented method of dealing with problems? Proof she could at least count to ten? Erin was muttering to herself.

Ryoka. Gotta have Ryoka. Lets make her #1. I guess that ties into Nerry and, uhShaestrel. One, two, three. Then theres, uhuh

Your new Skill?

Lyonette looked pointedly at the curtain behind Erin. A sign had been clumsily affixed to the curtain with the words keep out on them. Erin grunted.

Four. Talking to Ylawes and Ysara about the familys five. Erdidnt people wanna talk to me about the entire Zeladona thing? Great. Thats, like, six billionSaliss is six billion and oneDemsleth! Wait, go back to Ryoka. Lets call that #1.5. So were up to six billion and one point five

Her grasp on math was rapidly slipping. Lyonette was already getting a headache, but fortunately for Erinsomeone cleared his throat.

With respect, Miss Erin, I can sort out most inquiries and hand you all the letters that you need to do yourself. If you want to check over the form responsescan we meet for fifteen minutes? Then I can handle everything you dont want personally.

Erins head turned, and the Magician of Math, the Sovereign of Sunny Glasses, the[Mathematician], Yelroan, grinned at her. Her jaw dropped.

I forgot you were there. Uhh-hi, Yelroan! Hows it going? Do you have a room? Please tell me we gave him a room.

She looked at Lyonette, and he smiled politely at her.

I do have a room. And if youd like, I can write up a schedule.

A what? A schedule?

Yelroan cleared his throat. He had a clipboard, and hed been taking notes as Erin spoke. He had a bit of ink on his blonde fur, but besides that, he had a light tunic on and a bunch of scrolls and some portable writing gear hanging from his belt. He looked like some kind of Gnollish [Loremaster] of arcane or mathematical texts.

For people meeting you. Every issue on your list gets an hour, and we cross them off.

A schedule. Whwhoa. Are we that fancy?

Erin looked at Lyonette, and the [Princess] gave Yelroan a look of profound relief. Nanette smiled as she sipped from her morning cup of milk next to Yelroan. Erin? She looked at the Gnoll, and Nanette, and at Ryoka coming in with a flood of kids, and realized things were different. So she cracked her fingersnearly screamed in agonyand decided to see what had changed.

The world could change suddenly and dramatically. Everything you knew could be upsetfor the better or worse.

Ksmvr knew this. He had once been Prognugator of the Free Hive for about a month. He had been exiled, worthlessbecome an adventurer. Hed found treasure in Albez and seen certain deathCrelerssweeping down on him and his team.

He had thought his team was dead. He had fought in a war, sailed across a world to go home. Good thingsand bad.

Therefore, this is just a passing moment. The folly of greed, andand it does not matter. These things do not matter like people. What we have will inevitably go, and we were silly to cling to them. I should have enjoyed these things more. It does not matter. If it hurts because I am cut, blood is my tears.

He lay on his side in a wagon as it bounced south at a quick pace. Two skeletal horses pulled it forwards without end, a bumpy if free ride that never needed to slow save for the passengers comfort.

In fact, the Horns of Hammerad, used to the rough travel, had even added pillows and hay to make the ride better. Blankets, too, for the cold. Ksmvr had one over him, and his head lay in Yvlons lap.

She was patting him on the head.

Itswell get you more trees, Ksmvr.

There was an odd look on her face. As if she were trying not to laughbut she wasnt going to laugh anyways. Because Ksmvr looked sosad. It was just patently ridiculous, and yet Yvlon seemed almost as if she were trying not to cry too. For him.

That is alright, Yvlon. Your family has suffered too much. I do not need trees. You should keep all of them.

We dont need all thewe can spare two trees.

Yvlon murmured. She looked back north, as if she were trying to see the smoke rising from House Byres. Of course, they were beyond the High Passes, but she looked so disturbed she almost seemed glad she was comforting Ksmvr.

Ceria had asked point-blank if she wanted to turn around, but Yvlon had claimed they had too much to do. Plus, their passengers would surely object to the delay. And they were definitely watching Ksmvr, the Baron of Two Trees, process the fact that in the burning of the keep, the two trees he had been gifted were now ash.

Wil was trying not to laugh. He knew it was entirely inappropriate, but something about seeing Ksmvr, the Antinium, mourning twotrees was so incongruous he was fighting with every muscle not to let out a guffaw. He was normally the reserved [Lord]but his chest was shaking.

And in truth, Ceria Springwalker might have been hiding her face against Pisces shoulder in a paroxysm of empathetic griefor she might be giggling a bit. But that was probably because she had no real morality, only sympathy for Ksmvr.

Wil didnt really have an excuse. He was just an asshole. Merrik kept nudging him, and Wil triedbut the hard nudges made his lips tremble harder. Venaz eyed Wils red face and sweating brow and muttered.

Peki.

The Garuda sitting by Wils other shoulder and staring at the snow falling from the sky looked around, stared at Wil, and nodded to Venaz.

She punched Wil in the side so hard the laugh came out with what felt like half his spleen.

Ha-plubh!

Ksmvr looked up as Wil doubled over, clutching at the agony in his side. That had not been a light punch. He groaned.

Peki!

Dont make fun of his trees. You have House Kallinad lands. Two trees is a lot in Pomle.

Wil turned beet red as Peki said the quiet part out loud over the moving wagon. Nailren, who had been napping as they headed south along the trade routes to the Great Plains, raised his head and snorted.

In the Great Plains, too.

Come to think of itthe Professor would tell you two trees could be two Paeths. Shameful.

Venaz decided to pile on. Wil, still wondering if Peki had ruptured the lining of his stomach, looked up through watering eyes.

I didnt meanits just surprising. Im sorry.

He addressed that to Ksmvr, and the Antinium raised his head slowly.

Lord-Strategist Wil Kallinad. I do not begrudge your amusement. I am told I can be a very silly Antinium. Nor do I expect you to understand why I loved having two trees. A man who owns a thousand would not care, but I have never owned anything in my life. I had two trees. Now, I have none. Your amusement does not hurt me, so do laugh if you wish to without restraint. I am glad someone feels levity.

He nodded to Wil with such pained dignity that Ceria began hiccupingin her grief. Pisces covered his mouth and looked away, delighted as Wil turned crimson. Yvlon eyed him as Merrik stared at Ksmvr, then punched Wil in the shoulder.

Nice going, Wil. Giving us Terandrians a bad name.

I justI am sincerely sorry, Adventurer Ksmvr. Could IIm sure the trees could be replanted? Could I, uhoffer you two trees to help with the loss?

Wil was red and again feeling as if he were either being made fun of or this was entirely serious. Ksmvr raised his head, and this time, his antennae lowered sharply.

I dont want your trees, Lord Kallinad. That is not how it works. Please, do not offer me again. You do not respect the trees you throw around like pieces of wood.

To save Wil, Yvlon murmured.

Didnt the Empress of Beasts offer you a bunch of trees, Ksmvr? Maybe you have them.

Ksmvr returned to staring at the snowing sky. Snowflakes melted on his chitinous carapace, and his faceted eyes stared up at the winter with a kind of somber wonder reflected in them.

She did. And several rocks. But Nsiia also stole my sword. So everything she offers is suspect. She is a dirty thief. Quite literally. She washes herself with dirt. Like Yinah.

His ruminations into Nsiias hygiene was soWil felt his lips quivering and saw Peki raise a fist again. In desperation, he looked around the wagon.

Erercould I invite you to join us on our route to Zeres after we reach the Great Plains, Horns of Hammerad? Well travel from Zeres with the rest of the Swords of Serept, but we are going home. Frankly, if you wanted to, we would enjoy the company at sea.

Or in Baleros. The Titan will be having us on the field. We should be back as soon as possiblewell have to charter a Courier ship if we can.

Venaz murmured. The students nodded and sat up.

The Titan was at war. Theyd heard hed taken all the senior students from the academy, and the younger ones were actually helping with the Forgotten Wing companys push into the Dyed Lands.

From having their adventure abroad, they couldnt wait to get back. It felt like an entire year had passedand fair, it had been all of fall for Wil. He had leveled up significantly, seen a warthe passing of an age

Erin Solstice. For all that, he felt like he was leaving behind so many opportunities, and he realized this was what the Professor talked about.

Every choice is a regret. A [Strategist] is someone who agonizes over what theyve lost. A [General] like the King of Destruction gets to never question his choices.

If Wil stayedif he turned around and asked to join Erins inndid he have much to offer her? He didnt know, but he wondered if Venaz and Merrik thought the same.

Yerrawould she even come with them or would she stay with Feshi?

Feshi would not be coming back. What a thought. The only person Wil knew had regrets was Peki. She had put him onto this train of thought by confessing shed thought of staying. When hed asked whyshed claimed she wanted to lead the Antinium in Liscors army. To see what following that career path would have led her towards.

But she had gone, in the end. Now, Wil was loath to throw away the one connection they had directly to The Wandering Inn. Merrik nodded.

It wouldnt be far out of your waythe City of Waves is a sight if youve never been.

I just saw it when Fetohep sailed past. Better not mention thatbut it would be fun to visit.

Ceria murmured. Pisces shrugged, but the [Necromancer] elaborated after a pause. It was hard to say who was more uncomfortable around the other, Pisces or Wil.

It would be a fine opportunity to sightsee, perhaps purchase something with our gold reservoirs? AndI believe the [Sword Legend] from the Village of the Dead hailed from Zeres, didnt he? Or at least, he trained there.

Cerias eyes flickered, and Yvlon sat up a bit. Wil exhaled. This. This was why he liked adventurers so much. UnfortunatelyKsmvr glanced at him and pointedly away.

I do not know if the company will be as pleasant. I have never met someone who takes trees lightly. They are very heavy in my experience.

Oh, come on.

It was mostly banter. It was probably banterbut even Nailren started laughing at Wil as the [Lord] tried to mend bridges with Ksmvruntil the Antinium pointed out those were made of trees.

And all the while they humiliated Wil Treegiver Kallinad and Ksmvr moped, he lay in Yvlons lap and she patted his head.

Yvlonwho sat in the wagons seat, wearing warm clothing, not armorand next to her sat a kind of leather gauntlet with a short tip of wood.

A pegleg. Peggy had sized it for her, but Yvlon hadnt even learned to walk on it yet, just hobbled into the wagon. She focused on Ksmvr, who had lost two trees. She had lost her familys manor and a foot. Ksmvr asked for snacks, hugs, and more attention than Pisces and Ceria had ever heard him demand in his entire life.

Who was taking care of whom? It was a chill, beautiful winter day under the falling snow. But it was a reminder.

The Winter Solstice was coming.

When Ryoka Griffin finally got rid of the children, it was only by promising shed do this tomorrow. And she suspected it wouldnt be the forty plus children who leftbut double that number.

She just hoped no one got mad, like parents. Because the truth was watching Ekirra go sailing down the hill, screaming he was Rasea Zecrew while waving a sword with an eyepatch on

That was childhood. That was the childhood she wanted, and if she could give that to Sammial, who flew eighty feet clinging to a parachute of the Havens sheets

She would give it to them. Only afterwards did she feel guilty.

Not about Mrsha. The little Gnoll girl would get a ride all of her own, whenever she wanted. Not entirely Mrsha.

It was when she saw the little lamb staring at her meaningfully from her room in the inn. Nerry disappearedbut Ryoka felt that old lurch ofanxiety.

She had duties.

But if Nerry were the stomach ulcer you managed with medicine, Shaestrel was acid in her veins. A terror as existential and deepbecause she looked at the Spring Fae hovering there.

Shaestrel was nothing like Ivolethe. The other faerie had the same heightand the Winter Fae looked like insectile women carved of crystal-ice. But they were aspects of winter.

Shaestrel was spring. And she seemed far more like a plant and a wild thing, changing moment to moment, as if her true nature were

Perspective.

Ryoka blinked, and as she stood by The Wandering Inn and saw the Spring Fae hovering there, at the edge of the roof, she saw what might have been a woman. If she had a body of furand the head of a boar. An animal crossed with a person staring at her

A lady of the Spring Court, wearing sandals laced with the same grass and flowers Ryoka had seen in the lands of the fae. An empty scabbard at her waist, a white flower like a badge of mourning in her hair. Auburn hair that burned like a dawning sun, and eyes that had seen stars being born, green constellations in midnight ink

All these things at once. None in truth. The little faerie stared down at Ryoka with the haughtiness of a [Queen]. And the expectationthat was what scared Ryoka.

Shaestrel.

Dont wear out my name. I gave it to ye and the mistress of the hearth only as a thing of hospitality. We are not friendsnor am I so kind to your lot as Ivolethe is. And sheonly to ye.

Then you remember being Onieva?

I dont remember being her. I amI was her. But without Saliss. That potionI couldnt remember a thing about me.

The Faerie Flower potion. Saliss had known, he had known it had a catch. It always did. It was everything he had tried to create.

A cheap, long-lasting transformation potion that had no side-effects. But the one drawback wasyou forgot who you had been?

What do you remember? I have some water

Ive got water.

The [Alchemist] produced a flask of water which he drank, flicking the cork off. He had a few questions.

I remember almost everythingbut like a dream, Mirn. You need to fill in the gaps. What did she do? Nostart with why Im here. The potion didnt wear off?

No. I told her to take a sip of the tonic. Just like last time. I told her it was a healing potion.

Huh. I remember not quite buying it.

Mirn hesitated.

Sheyou

Go with Onieva, for now. Shes me. Shes mebut the potion is separating us. Damn it. JustI knew it wasnt a healing potion, Mirn. I was an [Alchemist]. I had my levels, my Skills

You did? All of them? No wonder you were able to hold your own against Sixswords and the others! Ancestors, Saliss! Onieva tore up the battlefield! She wasnt the most dramatic part of the tournament, but everyone saw youherfighting Klbkch the Slayer! Its the talk of Pallass! Itsthe talk of Pallass.

Saliss looked up, and his heart leapt and fell. Like someone jumping off a cliff. Why couldnt things be good without fetters? It would be so easy if he were a Stitch-person, perhaps, orErin or Ryoka.

Not Saliss, the Named-rank Adventurer. Not a Drake.

Not a Turnscale pretending to be a respectable member of society. Onieva was not supposed to be known to the rest of the world. She, his true self, had been a safeguarded secret.

NowOnieva was known, and he had put himself, Mirn, and so much at risk.

The worst part was that Onieva hadnt known. Mirn sat down.

So not a thought you might be Saliss? Not a question why Onievas an [Alchemist] of his level?

I didnt think of it. Its a complete transformation, Mirn. I dont even know I wasI wouldnt call myself a Turnscale, I dont think. I know youre my friend, and I wouldnt betray that or anyone else. But I am Onieva. And sheshappy. Go back to the tournament. Just tell me what she did.

Mirn did, starting with a recap of the events. Saliss remembered Erin Solstice becoming Zeladona of Blades. The Drake wasnt as wide-eyed and babbling as the rest of the world.

Okay. She cut a hole straight down to the Free Hive? Okay. What did the old man say?

Mirn tried to laugh.

Hehe was worried about you. Really.

I bet he was.

No, he was reallyanyways, he was trying to get Zeladona to kill someone. But everyone stopped him.

Saliss grunted.

You should have let him ask.

Most of his memories were the same. Saliss rubbed a claw across his face as he tried to calculate what had been lost.

Lieutenant Comois? That bastard did more damageone of Edelleins fools. And we lost him. Sixswords, cutting off limbs like he thinks this is some kind of good thing. I bet you he didnt level.

Everyone else did, to hear it. Did you?

Not as an [Alchemist].

Saliss glanced up, and Mirns mouth opened. The Named-rank Adventurer wasnt in the mood to slap people on the back about the levels Zeladona had granted them. Or the sword arts. He just sat there.

Mirn brought up the obvious. The Drake with his dark blue scales sat next to Saliss on the cot the [Alchemist] used after late-nights working on a project.

Hed slept here more than anywhere else. Weeks, sometimes months in this lab, working on ways to kill people or reverse time.

Hed given his life to being Saliss of Lights. Hed slain more monsters and people than you could dream of. All in service to the City of Inventions that he didnt actually care for. But someone had to.

The old man, PallassSaliss of Lights was the Named-rank of Pallass. Often, he had wondered and even hoped that if he left, someone would fill his role. The world would seamlessly replace him. But if notwhat would be the cost?

Nowfate was laughing at him. Mirn cleared his throat a few times.

That potion. How much did you say it cost to manufacture, Saliss?

Assuming we pay nothing for the Faerie Flowers? Fifty-nine gold coins.

Mirn winced. Saliss barely blinked. For a potion like this?

It doesnt seem to run out.

No, it does not.

Mirn chose his next words even more carefully.

You know, we never talked with the others aboutits obviously because your other formulas were so expensive you could barely afford

Yeah. This is perfect. With one catch. One huge catch. But I think some will take it. Take it, Mirnand never go back. And if this lasts forever, theyll leave it all behind. Leave their cities and behappy.

It was twisting in his chest and gut like a knife. Onieva wasnt perfect, but she had none of the things that dragged at him like teeth and daggers, weighing him down. Mirn looked at Saliss.

Im a son of the walls. I still loved Pallass enough to serve. Right now, Im going to talk to you like an Architect. Like Mirn the [Protector]. I think that if you can give me sixno, three potions, and were very careful, you have to give them to me.

If three people vanish

Mirn threw up his claws.

Well make plans and excuses! Well do a trial runyou can eat a hundred and fifty gold coins. Ill pay for it out of the shared funds.

I put money in that fund.

Ancestors, Saliss! This could meanits everything you wanted! I know you forget, but

He was Saliss friend and confidant, and the Named-rank adventurer knew that. So he was gentleas he grabbed Mirns arm and dragged him down eye-to-eye.

With the strength of a lion. Mirn tensed up as Saliss yellow, slitted gaze met his. The other Drakes voice was very soft.

Mirn. Im well aware of what it means. Some people will take it. And Ill give you some damn potions, and you can confirm it has no frills or expiry date. If some of us want itIll let them go. Let them go and build new lives. But not me. This potion is the perfect joke. Like them all. I get to let Onieva out, but she doesnt remember me, doesnt remember the old man perfectly. This potion doesnt do what I want. It just creates Onieva. And it leaves me here.

He gestured around the laboratory. MirnMirn would never completely get it, but he had more insight into what it was like to be Saliss than anyone else. His excited look turned to one of pain.

Saliss

The [Alchemist]s voice was as flat as his face.

Dont mistake me, Mirn. Im happy. This is cheaper than my old methodand Onieva should live. She should beIm glad she went out there. Despite the trouble. But with this potion, its her and me. Get it? Thats not how this works. Onieva isnt someone else. Thats how Chaldion thinks. Ive always been her. And taking away the memories of Saliss, no matter how welcome

He stood up and looked down at the unwelcome fakeness of his orange scales. The incongruity that had crept up on him every day until he went off to find out why. And yes, one sip of that magical vial would take it away. But. Saliss voice rasped like acid was in his own lungs.

As long as Onieva forgets, shes as fake as Saliss. I am Onieva. I was proud of knowing I struggled. Every damned memoryIll fight every Drake in Izril to hold onto it. Mirn. Do you get it?

His friend looked up, water in his eyes.

I get it, Saliss. Ancestors. I get it.

Some people will want to leave it behind. I welcome them to it. Not me. I cant. If it was just painit defines me. Proud of who I am. Idamn it.

Saliss stared out between his claws. He had been so used to thisnot the day-to-day, but the cycle he existed in. Trying to improve his level, doing what had to be done as Saliss, the moments of freedom, pushing the old man, trying to drag Pallass one tiny step further. Fighting the Antinium and whomever else was trying to kill innocent people.

Now the sky was inverted, and he didnt knowSaliss looked around and then shook his head. He looked down, and if you saw a naked Drake, you saw what you were meant to. He?

He saw scars. Won over a thousand battles. Death and fire. When he opened and closed his claws, he knew how easy it was to swing a sword. Raise a spear, shoot an arrow. Not just thathow simple it was to take down a wall.

To turn a building to ash?

He had thought, some days, that he could take apart Pallass in a year. Undo everything that millenia of his people had kept and built and rebuilt over generations. If he really wanted to.

It was too easy. That was why Named-rank adventurers were mad, all of them. One day they reached out and broke someones arm with all the effort of someone taking a glass of water. They realized they could do anything they wanted. Or they drowned in blood.

Mirn was not wrong to look at him like that. But there was something more to Saliss.

Onieva has always been me, Mirn. You get that.

Absolutely. We just didnt realize it until later.

But there is Saliss, too.

The [Protector] frowned. By this, the [Alchemist] seemed to mean more than his identity as a Named-rank adventurer and his deeds for Pallass. Saliss lifted a claw and divided the air in two.

I am Onieva. That is who Id rather be. That has been my goal and dreamto realize her. But Saliss? Ive lived in his scales for decades. I realizedhe exists. Not like two minds or some Selphid shit. But the idea of Saliss of Lightsthe Drake who does what Pallass needs.

Mirn ducked his head, tasting bile. He knewonly some of what Saliss meant. Even the Eyes of Pallass thought Saliss was given suicide missions, that the Walled Cities leaned on him at times. The Antinium attack was just one example. When no one else could do itwhen they needed somewhere erased because something was crawling up, be it Crelers or something worse, they called for Saliss.

Oncethey had made the mistake of thinking Saliss was just a toy-soldier like Zeter and involved him in their wars. They had called for a soldier, and Manus had seen what that meant. Saliss believed in wars. Mirn had been there, before he resigned his commission and then joined the Eyes of Pallassthen resigned altogether when he realized who he was and what his purpose was.

He still remembered a younger [Alchemist]. Saliss had gazed out across enemy linesthen found high ground. Then had come yellow rain. Acid rain.

Too much. They asked you too much. Your grandfather

He believes in Pallass. He really does, Mirn. Saliss is his heir. Salissbut for the personality is everything Chaldion wanted. And you know what? I still think we need Saliss. But he was never meant to live forever. Some day, hell die in some monster den or on the battlefield. Hell never have children, a family. Hes like Tyrion Veltras. He lives for war. And even Tyrion Veltras had kids.

Saliss was chuckling about that. He looked over at Mirn with a bloodless grin.

Now thoughtheres a difference between Saliss and Onieva. Because of the potion, you see? And now SalissSaliss is wondering whether the splits too perfect. Whether Onieva needs him. Shes a lot happier, alone. But I am

He stared at his claws.

Maybe it would be better to forget. Which ones right? Am I her other half or am I the poison weighing her down? Im an [Alchemist], Mirn. If theres a bad part of this formulaI get rid of it. I excise it, isolate it, and throw it away.

Dontdont talk like that, Saliss. I know you. The good youve done

The Named-rank adventurer didnt react to the claw on his shoulder.

I cant tell, Mirn. I cant do this. I cant play around. I need to ask what this is about. And theres someone who can answer it for me.

What are you going to do? Saliss? Saliss? Onieva?

Mirn watched Saliss stride to the door. He opened his mouth and then saw Saliss walk back, go over to a vault, and open it. It took him a minute to unlockand he pulled out three vials. Then he put them in his bag of holding and turned.

Ill see you later. On the off-chanceif you hear a loud bang, clear the city with everyone you can grab.

Then he walked out the door. Mirn didnt follow after Saliss. He looked after the Drake. And Saliss of Lights walked off the 9th Floor and towards the inns door. No more games. The pretense was faltering.

On the way, he set off Watch Sergeant Kel, the Day Strategist, and everyone elses [Dangersense]. Not because of what he intended. Some things were just so dangerous that if you held them, they should scare you.

Ryoka Griffin and Erin Solstice were standing in the [Worlds Eye Theatre] when Erin felt a buzz at the back of her mind.

UhI think my [Dangersense] just went off.

What?

Ryoka turned, and Erin whirled her head around.

Saliss? Someone just walked into my inn. And I think hes gota bomb?

She didnt know, but her control of the inn let her know who was where in it. Even Shriekblade wasnt immune to her abilities.

Wh-why would he have that?

Saliss? I dunno. He has lots of exploding things. But I think hes got a reallyreallyum. Maybe we should go back and check?

Erin looked at Ryoka. Ryoka looked at Shaestrel. The Faerie stared back at them.

Im not telling you everything. I told ye, I dont know everything.

But you knew about my Skill.

The faerie rolled her eyes as Erin protested.

I can see what is blindingly obvious. Not this. Ye have work to do. Hop to it.

Ryoka Griffin turned to Erin. The [Innkeeper] bit her lip, but she opened the door to the [Garden of Sanctuary].

This is faster. Grassy wheels here I come. I need to show you the real door here, too, Ryoka. Theresa lot to discuss, isnt there?

Ryoka looked down at Nerry, and the little lamb eyed Erin and her.

Yes. There is. Saliss seems to think so, too.

He was #4. I didnt forget him.

Erin protested weakly, but Ryoka looked at Shaestrel again, and this time, the faerie gave her the blankest stare in the world. No help. She had said her piece and put down her challenge, her request to Ryoka.

It was the Wind Runner who looked at the nervous [Innkeeper]. Erin, who had just demonstrated her new Skill, who had summoned the spirit of a legend of swords from ancient timeswho had killed Skinner and done everything including dying and coming back to life

For some reason seemed afraid of this. If an undead [Ninja] made of Actelios Salashs flesh were to suddenly backflip into existence and try to kill them all, Ryoka had no doubt that Erin, wheelchair or not, would draw a knife and begin throwing fire or doing something witchy.

But this? Ryoka hesitatedthen she reached over and offered Erin a hand. The [Innkeeper] glanced at the three fingersthen took it gently and squeezed hard.

I think, Erinits time to have a conversation. The thing Im the worst at. And it cant just be us. It should include us, but maybemaybe we should begin. Everything.

Erin looked at Ryoka almost in a panic.

Now? But we have the cool theatre and

Ryoka glanced towards the doorway and wondered what Saliss was doing. And there were other people.

I think we dont get to wait forever. Time, Erin. Lets talk about what were going to do, before we do it. We should have a plan.

Im no good at plans. Neither are you.

Mrsha ran into the garden and hesitated. She wasnt sure if she liked the idea of bomb and Saliss. She hesitated and held up a card.

Im going to prank Halrac and a bunch of people with the theatre. Can I do that?

Sure. Just dont cause any international incidents.

It said a lot that Erin and Ryoka thought this was the most responsible place for Mrsha to be. The girl nodded eagerly and began to cue up Ekirra and Visma. Erin let Ryoka push her into the garden. Nanette stared after them, but Erin and Ryoka were following Nerry about this great task before them, and they left the two children behind. Ryoka commented to Erin as Shaestrel flew behind them.

I do plan some things, Erin. Calm down. Youre hyperventilating.

No Im not! And you didnt have a plan at Ailendamus.

I did too. It wasnt a good plan, but I had one.

Ryoka retorted mildly, and Erin twisted in her seat.

What was it?

Let them capture me as a prisoner. Steal their scroll. Wake you up.

The Wind Runner was straight-faced as Erins mouth moved slowly. She blushed a bit after a second.

Like I said, it wasnt a good plan. But it was simple, and I got half of ittwo-thirdsthe entire thing worked in the end. This timeI think we have an opportunity. Demsleth is sitting in your inn. We cant miss this. Saliss of Lights?

She had another thought.

Klbkch. Xrn.

Whoa. Whoa. Xrn? Shes crazy. You might have missed it, but she lost part of her head. And shes scary, Ryoka. LikeKlbkch can be scary, but Xrns serious.

Good. Erin. You know who were up against.

The [Innkeeper] did, more than Ryoka. She had to tell Ryoka more of what theyd done. But the [Innkeeper] was close to panic.

Do we have to do a big meeting?

Ryoka stopped on the grass and pointed Erin around, waiting for a door to reappear.

How do you think itll go best? Individually or all together? I dont know people as well as you do, Erin. And Im honestly not good at making high-level decisions, cold as ice.

The [Innkeeper] gave her a bug-eyed stare.

And youre turning to me?

Ryoka gripped her shoulder reassuringly.

You know how to do it, Erin. I? I know how to be a problem and annoy the shit out of people. We haveTeriarch. Magnolia Reinhart is in your inn. Saliss of Lights just came in. Klbkch, Xrnthis is the moment. We can even seduce Valeterisa.

What?

With magic. Im not sure if shes as trustworthy, but she is the Archmage of Izril. She lifted Fissival. And theres Rafaema, too.

Who? Oh, that snooty Wall Lady? Whats special about her? I know the Lulv guy. If I see him, Ill have Mrsha break his kneecaps.

Erins look of panic turned to one of such vehemence that Ryoka wondered how she could deny she was suited for this. Perhaps she just didnt hang out around mirrors long enough. Ryoka calmly coughed into one fist.

Well, yeah, she probably has most of Manus on her side. Shes a Dragon. Should we do Fierre..? Nah. Lets do Rags or someone, though.

Erin Solstice stared ahead, then slowly twisted her neck around with some effort.

How did you come to that conclusion?

Ryoka eyed Erin.

I saw it. Well, not herbut shes under some kind of illusion spell. She has two mismatched eyes, shes a full Oldblood who has a breath attack about ten times stronger than Zevaras, she has a full bodyguard of Manus finestlet me think. Shes attached to Demsleth, and if you listen close, she keeps referencing things shes way too young to know.

Erin just kept staring at Ryoka. The Wind Runner poked her with a slight smile.

Your special power is making people like you and listen to you. Mine is noticing weird stuff. Where do we begin, Erin?

The [Innkeeper] took a breath. Then she exhaled. Long and hard and sat back against her wheelchair. She looked down at it and muttered.

If Im going to be stuck in here a whileI need Kevin to upgrade this. With, like, a missile launcher. Or at least magical wheels. If we beginwe do the conversation here, Ryoka. After I show you something. Garden?

She smiled, and even Shaestrel looked at her suspiciously. But thatErin refused to say more, for now. Theyd see it soon enough.

Rafaema of Manus was sitting next to Demsleth. The old man with his pot-belly and his rosy cheeks and incredible appetite hadnt done much today.

He had just beeneating. Telling stories. Bantering with the other old man who smelled so off to Rafaema. Like a breeze blowing across a gladeonly, all of that encapsulated in a scent.

She didnt know what was going on and why he had left his cave or why he was taking such an odd form. Only thathe was real.

Youre so young. Are you underfed?

ImIm aIm fifteen.

He kept patting her on the head, like a little girl. The Drake, Visma, and her were apparently the same in the old Dragons eyes. Rafaema flushed, because even with her voice lowered, she dared not speak her real age aloud.

Even with Ferris herewatching them out of the corner of his eyes. Lulv and Aldonss had wanted to come into this dangerous inn, but Erin had scared them. But the Gnoll was keeping well away, mostly just trying to cram as many slices of pizza into his mouth as he could.

Yes, you are. Taletevirion, look at her. Does she look underfed?

Demsleth passed her one of the three milkshakes hed ordered. It was frothy with a cherry and whipped cream on top, and Rafaema wasnt about to pass it up. She loved sugar. Which he knew.

Nope. Shes just small. And closer tofifteen if you multiply out.

The Unicorn commented wryly, observing how Rafaema bristled at that. Until she realizedthey were serious. She had even rounded up, but they meant

Ive lived a long time. And seen a lot. Im a Wall Lady of Manus.

In her attempts to impress the two however slightly, she made the mistake of trying to play the game of titles. Instantly, Demsleth threw back his head and guffawed as Taletevirion invented the Milkshake Blaster.

The two old men laughed so hard in their corner of the inn they drew the attention of some of the regulars. Rafaemas cobalt scales turned purple as Magnolia politely glanced their way. She might be listening inthey werent using speaking stones.

Her smile made Rafaema go scarlet.

Wall Lady of Manus? Taletevirionyou do it, you do it.

Demsleth panted, and Taletevirion snorted.

And Im the Duke of Avel, Baron Lord of the Woods of VeltrasKnight Commander ofno, I cant even do it. Wall Lady of Manus. She doesnt even have two! Shes so cute.

Youyou

No one had ever spoken to Rafaema like this. She could not stop the flush in her cheeks. Demsleth noticed her face and began to pat her clawed hand gently with his.

Now, now. Dont be angry. Your tempers something you need to control. And humility! ImIm not sorry we met like this. But well have to have a longer conversation about everything. Just know, my dear, that comparing such things is gauche and silly. I know every young one wants to go around collecting names, but it doesnt matter. This matters.

He raised a cup, and Taletevirion clinked the remainder of his glass with Demsleth.

Civility. Meetings.

You gigantic hypocrite. Youd be sleeping another century without me.

Demsleth turned redderthen acknowledged it with a nod. He looked at Rafaema.

We have a lot to talk about. Allow me a chance to visitHouse Reinhart.

He looked at Magnolia, and Rafaema bristled.

But I

You have time, my dear. Dont argue with me.

He flicked her snout with a finger! Rafaema gasped in outrage, but Demsleth was murmuring to Taletevirion.

I dontremember her. Tell me something of Magnolia, Taletevirion. Please.

You could call her one of your greatest disastersor greatest pupils. You heard what she did at Oteslia? Shes known you. Hear her out. She took over Reinhart when she was fifteen, fought the Antiniumyou knew her before that.

Dead gods. The House of Vipers? Were they waning?

No. She was just waxing.

Words didnt describe how envious and impatient Rafaema felt in this moment. And happybut she wanted Demsleth to look at her. She tugged his arm.

Theres someone else, too, you should meet.

He looked down at her and wearied in an instant.

Another? Ohoh, why did any think to hide in the cities? Desperation? Who were they? I can think of namesbut why you two alone? What nature is the other?

He. Hes younger bytwo years. And hes, umearth?

Earth. Oteslia.

Demsleth put it together with a groan and put his head in his hands. Taletevirions silver gaze swung to Rafaema. But he did not look happy, either.

What a terrible fate.

Its not them. Dont say it like that. Buttwo! After all this time? Damn them. What was the point of

The old man struck the table with his hands. And he misjudged his strength, because he snapped the entire third of the table with a crack like thunder.

Dead gods!

Lyonette whirled, and Taletevirion caught the table before it went over with all the food. Instantly, Demsleth tossed some coins on the table.

Im sorry, Miss. Must have been rot in the woodallow me.

He was certainly moving enough gold around for Lyonette to quickly drag over another table with two Antinium Workers. Rafaema had gotten to her feet to help, and Lyonette smiled at them semi-unconvincingly.

Not at all, Master Demsleth. Can I get you anything else?

I think Ive eaten quite a bit. Perhaps its time to retire to a private space. Reinhart mansion, perhaps? Ah, but Manus will never allow it. Maybe Ill go and come back.

He burped. The Gourmet had, in fact, eaten enough for six people, and only the fact that hed been paying in gold had kept the food coming. Rafaema protested.

I canmy minders, I mean, my company wont like it. But just stay and

She was about to grab his arm as Magnolia rose. Then someone spoke.

Excuse me. I need a word.

Rafaema turned and saw a familiar Drake with orange scales. Nudehe hadnt put on the privacy box. She recognized the Named-rank adventurer and narrowed her eyes.

Adventurer Saliss. Now is not the

Oh, its you. Hi.

He took her shoulder, and the Lightning Dragon, fast as she was

Skidded across the floor and caught herself eight feet away. She whirled, and Demsleth looked up. Lyonette turned.

Saliss! I

She had [Dangersense]. The [Princess] eyed Saliss as Dame Ushar came striding into the common room.

Miss Lyonette! Just the woman I was looking for.

Ushar, Iwait a

The Thronebearer practically dragged her into the [Garden of Sanctuary]. Demsleth? He just looked up blankly. Taletevirion sniffed the air and sneezed.

Oh shit. I think this ones you, Demsleth.

Is it? Can I help you, erwhy are you naked?

The old man was not stupid. He tensed up so fast and then relaxed with a blank smile that Rafaema hesitated before going over to upbraid Saliss. She sniffed the air and smelled something

Foreignthat put her scales tingling.

Saliss of Lights gave Demsleth a big smile.

You dont remember me?

Im afraid Ive lost my memories.

He chuckled, but warily. Saliss just shrugged.

Then youre notrelated to Eldavin?

Another tense. Rafaemas eyes flickered as Magnolia Reinhart stared at Saliss, and her good nature changed to one of alarm as well. Ressa was hesitating. The Named-rank adventurer was not playing games.

Distantly.

Demsleth decided to go with the most obvious answer. Saliss shrugged.

I dont know what it is. I dont care. Not right now. Ima bit annoyed. Stressed, you could say. But Im not an idiot. Your eye colors are exactly the same.

He looked at the heliotrope and cerulean of Demsleththe identical of Eldavin. The old mans eyes widened in a panic, and Taletevirion put his head in his hands.

You arrogant idiot. You forget shadows, and you cant even do eye-colors?

Demsleth kicked Taletevirion savagely under the table.

Shut up. Shut up. Im sorry if Eldavin has offended you, Alchemist?

Saliss. And he did not. Just tell me one thing.

Saliss took a breath. He was trembling. He hadnt known if they were the same, but they were close enough. He felt it.

He had to know. It was all falling to pieces, sothe Named-rank adventurer looked down at Demsleth as Klbkch got to his feet warily. No silencing spells, no privacy. Just that old mans eyes.

Do you know me?

Demsleth stared up at Saliss, and his eyes neither widened nor flickered. But they focused on himand grew terribly sad. Rafaema blustered.

What is this, some kind of ego

Taletevirion looked at her, and she felt Magnolias hand snap her mouth shut. Saliss didnt even look her way. He repeated the question with a voice that trembled slightly. And a tone to set The Wandering Inn to silence.

Do youknowme?

Too much rested on the answer to this. But once before, and again, in the summer, an old half-Elf had looked at Saliss and spoken words he wished he had heard decades ago. He had to hear them now or

Demsleth looked up. When he spoke, it was only for them, and no one could read his lips or hear the words save Saliss.

Yes. I know you, girl. Is that what you wanted to hear?

She shook. But then had to ask, desperately, with a catch in the voice.

How do you know? Is it true? Or are you justseeing something like alchemy? Are you certain?

Demsleth rose slightly. He didnt look offended personallybut his eyes did blaze, as if the question were entirely wrong. A portly older man, silly and hungry and humbled.

Ora weary traveller. His dark green cloak fell across his shoulders, and Saliss wondered how long he had wandered. He stood taller and looked down at the Drake. When he spoke, it was softly.

My eyes have seen a hundred thousand tales. Each one unique. It is more than magic, child. When I was young, despite all I was given, I saw it not a hundred times. A thousand thousand times. Now? Because I have known the truth, I can pick it out shining in the dark. I see you. You are not wrongbut you knew that.

He reached out and gently patted her on the shoulder.

If you need to, come to me and I will reassure you of what I see.

The trembling Drake finally let go of the deadmans switch. It took two more steps to activatebut it had been a deathgrip. But she went on, asking.

Would it be better just to forget it all? Thats what I had to ask. All the steps I took to come here are so stained. Do I continue? Now what? Now whatits been such a long road already.

He, helooked up as their voices became audible once more, and Demsleth stood less tall, less impressively. Two actors upon realitys stage not ready to step out from behind the curtain as themselves. But they wanted to. If only the audience would cheer.

Its your choice. But if you are asking if one takes away from the othernever. How do you know the air tastes sweeter on the mountaintop if you have not climbed? As for the futureit will be a struggle. It should not be a fight, but it is. Win.

So said the old man. The [Alchemist] looked up, and when he stood, it was with a smile. His back straightenedand when he turned, he looked like he had again, to the occupants of the inn. They didnt know what he had been lacking a moment ago.

Perhaps it was the weight? Nono, the weight was always there. The insolence, too. But the naked Drake stood more easily, then. With a kind of wild dignity, naked or not. That was the difference. Enough pride to scorch the [Emperor] of Riverfarm humble. The confidence to laugh at them.

He was tired, though. But now? The weary Drakes eyes rose, and a young woman halted in her wheelchair. Erin Solstice. Saliss head rose, and he exhaled.

Erin was peeking into the inn with Lyonette pointing their way.

Hey. Sorry about the scare.

He tried to smile, and Erin Solstice rolled forwards.

Everything alright, Saliss?

No. Not at the moment, Erin.

It slipped out. The Named-rank adventurer was surprised by the truth, and Lyonette gulped. But Erinthe [Innkeeper] who had looked so nervous when speaking to Ryoka about any hint of plans and the future sat up in her wheelchair.

Is there something I can do?

The Named-rank adventurer felt like hed been hit on the head. For the next words that popped out were honest. And truthful.

Yes. I need your help.

There was no way she could have known what it was or how large the struggle might be. But she surely knew that if Saliss needed help

Erins only response was to smile.

Alright. Ill do my best. Demsleth? Can I get some of your time? Ryoka Griffin would like a word. Same with you, Saliss. I have something to talk about. And to show you.

The old man looked up, and his mismatched eyes glittered. Slowly, he turned with a groan of age. Erin Solstice turned her head and called out.

Klbkch? Ryoka wants to chat later. Bring Xrn.

The Slayer stiffened at his table and knocked his mug off the side. Erins hazel eyes almost seemed to glow. And they met Magnolia Reinharts. The [Lady] looked up, and Erin murmured.

You too.

A dozen conversations of a different nature each. But if you could see how it moved togethereven the fae had to follow that tangled vine. Secrets and mysteries older than Demsleth. Powers with motives even Shaestrel did not know the whole of. It touched upon Goblins, and Rags gaze brightened as she got out of her seat.

But where one end of this great puzzle began, one trail of string started

Was with Sariant Lambs.

It was hard to even talk. Writing was slow and cumbersome. And language was different between the two. However, she and her kind had prepared an age to tell someone. So Nerry drew from that.

That was not her name, of course. Shed had a bunch of them. Little Fluffya very common name for her people. Samantha.

Namesdidnt matter for Sariant Lambs. Names mattered for a people, and they were not one.

At the same time, they were. So she showed Ryoka what they had writtenthen promptly buried in places where they would only be found if it were all for naught. A kind of confession, a history so someone would know.

Scrolls?

They were hidden in the floorboards in the Earthers secret rooms. When Erin realized Nerry had a secret cache of items including wands and potions, she nearly flipped.

Alright, there is a conspiracy. Wait till Laken hears of this.

Nerry and Ryoka instantly panicked.

No! No! This is between us, Erin. I promised Nerry. This isnt light, and its dangerous.

The [Innkeeper] looked exasperated as she threw up her hands.

Ohfine. Ill help, and I wont tell Laken. That was mostly a joke. I dont trust him that much, anyways. Calm down.

Her flippant attitude clearly didnt jive with Nerry, and the lamb did a flying kick to Erins leg. She was violent! Erin swore and swiped weakly at her.

Youwhos helping who?

Youre helping on my terms. The little lamb snarled at Erin as if to say that. Ryoka, oddly, was the peacemaker. She picked up the bundle of scrolls.

Okay, where are we reading them?

I know just the place. The hallway. The real door.

Thewhat? Ryoka nearly dropped the scrolls as she and Nerry exchanged a glance. But Erin Solstice just smiled. She lifted a hand, and the air warped

And she was holding a feathered key.

Nerrys head rose, and she stared from Ryoka to Erin. The Wind Runner added her to the listbut her eyes were on the key.

Erin. What is that?

The [Innkeeper] lifted the key, eyes aglow. When she smiled, it was with all the mystery and satisfaction of a witch, of an [Innkeeper] and the magic of wonders.

A key to a mystery. Everyones got secrets, guys. Heres mine. You want the most safe place to talk? Follow me.

She led them back into the [Garden of Sanctuary], and when they saw the hillthey saw that door appear.

An arch in space. A stone door written with the ancient murals of a long-dead kingdom. The true door that led to each garden. And to somethingelse.

Ryokas skin chilled, and she felt a wild, wonderful excitement upon her like when she had run into the door that led to the lands of the fae. When she first flew with the wind.

Thiseven Nerrys eyes went round, and she started towards the door. This was what they all pursued, all three of them. The truth. Secrets.

But once againand this time, Ryoka realized it was deliberatelythe three found their way blocked once more. Blockedor rather, impeded by someone standing in the way of the door.

She turned her head, and her brown hair swung. The little witch, Nanette, looked pointedly at Erin Solstice as the [Innkeeper] slowed.

Witch Erin. I know Im imposing on your domain. This is your place and your inn. But I want to see. If Im not allowed to see, please put me in school and hide everything better. Or let me see.

She knew. Erin stuttered.

Nanette? How did? Listen, this is big stuff. I dontI was just showing Ryoka and

Nerry was staring at the little witch cautiously, but of the three, she was the least surprised to see Nanette here. AndRyoka glanced at her, and Nanette called back.

I want to be part of it. My mother was a witch. I am her daughter. Dont tell me Im too young, please. I am part of it. Ive met Belavierr, and Mrsha has been part of a war. Let me see. Please?

She pleaded at the end of it, because she was a young witch. Erin looked at Ryoka, and the Wind Runner bit her lip hard.

Shes younger than Hethon. Young as Sammy. Shes nowhere as childish as he isshes older, though. Erin, its your choice.

I dontI dont want Nanette to get hurt. Califor asked me to take care of her daughter.

Erin wavered and looked between Ryoka and Shaestrel and Nerry. Ryoka Griffin was the one who met her eyes.

If you didnt want her to be hurtwhy did you take her in, Erin? I knew Califor, briefly. I dont think she wanted you to just keep her daughter safe. Or she would have asked someone else. Did she want you to be Nanettes mother? Or did she ask you to help her?

A light flashed in Erins eyes, and she sat back in her chair. She looked at Nanetteand then took a huge breath. Slowly, with a weak, trembling hand, Erin raised something on her head.

Youre right. I take my hat off to you, Nanette. Im sorry.

Just so we had it out, Miss Erin.

Nanette raised her chin, victorious. But the facade faltered slightly as she practically ran over to join the two.

Im glad you agreed. I cant argue like Mother does. She called storms down when she got mad. Is it alright if I know, Nerry?

The Sariant Lamb gave her a sour look, but she nodded, to everyones surprise. She must have thought Nanettelike Shaestrelwas a complication, but a better ally than not.

After all, she was telling all. Slowly, Erin wheeled over to the door and inserted the key into the stone.

Ryoka Griffins hair stood up as Erin inserted the key and turned it.

Click.

It turned with a sound like thunder, and the door swung inwards.

The world was full of mysteries.

It was all connected.

Before we read what Nerry has to saythis is the mystery, Ryoka, Nanette. I think Ill see the rest if I level. But I was wondering what you thought of whats written beyond.

Nanette and Ryoka exchanged a long glancethen they stepped into that hallway. There was no ground or sky, and as Erin had once seenthis world was dark. The only thing that glowed was the writing on the far wall.

And the door, locked and without the second key. Nanette stumbled, and Ryoka caught her arm. Then they stared ahead.

When the Wind Runner, faltering, followed Erin through that door into the passage that had no true spaceonly another doorshe beheld one that made Nerry cry aloud. The Sariant Lamb raced forwards and stared at the words written by the hand of one of the Lucifen, and Ryoka stumbled back and felt her heart pound in her chest. Then she and Erin were looking down at the lamb. Nanette had her trembling hands clasped to her chest.

Thishas any [Witch] ever known of this? If Belavierr was here, I would ask her. What is this? Reinhart? The Infernal Court? The last Empress of Harpies?

Nanette broke out into excited talk when she saw the words, and Erin nodded rapidly.

Sheta. You know her, Nanette?

The ancestor of the Harpies on Rhir and their Death of Wings? Mother told me storiesbut theyre so old that

Ryoka was speechless. But Nanette practically ran across the floor as Nerry picked up the scrolls Ryoka had dropped and organized them. It tooka while before Ryoka was able to talk.

Erin. This is huge. Therethere are people who need to know what this is.

Ryoka could barely stand after seeing the true door that Empress Sheta had left. And the messages inscribed upon the walls. Sheta had written of a place beyond this.

Sanctuary provides. Secrets empower. Fate illuminates.

Did that mean two more? Ryoka was also aware of the connection betweenReinhart. Did they show Magnolia? She thought they had to. And Erin agreed.

Enough of secrets. We have to put it all on the line. If you wanna tell someone, Ryokajust ask. There are gardens too.

I have to see the one the Lucifen owned. Do you know which one?

Erins eyes flickered. She pointed to the broken door lining the walk.

I think I do. Theyre not safe, Ryoka. I might be safe, butwell see. For now, lets figure out another secret.

She pointed, and the little lamb who had been patiently waiting started, as if her heart was racing with fear and anticipation too. Secrets could bea terribly scary thing to have revealed. She offered the first scroll to Ryoka with a kind of reverence, and her little button-black eyes pleaded.

Please, take me as seriously as Nanette. Pleasecare.

Nanette took another scroll and unrolled it as Erin wheeled over. The two girls looked down, and Ryokas blood chilled, and Nanette murmured with the first words. And Erinlooked blank.

Thiswhy didnt you tell us? Tell us, Nerry? We never trusted you. But if there was ever a cause for Witches to take upweve failed so many times. We failed Treants and Dryads and the forests andbut this?

Nanette burst out after a minute of reading. Nerry just looked up at her and tapped a hoof, telling her to read on for it would explain everything. Then she glanced at Erins blank face with a knowing look. For

Here was the thing. Nerry was in possession of her peoples history. The full story, at least, as full as Sariants knew it.

Everything. All the knowledge they were so terrified of other people learning. But it was not the only copy in existence. Nor were Sariants perfect.

People had found these records, or scraps of them. It was hard to keep a secreteven the few hundred years their people had lived. The thing that had protected them was this:

Its blank.

Erin Solstice stared down at the scroll that Ryoka was reading. Lyonette was panicking about Saliss, but Ryoka Griffin was on the ground, reading on hands and knees. She was still reading the scroll, but she kept looking up at that final scrawl, so bitter, and Ryoka knew it had been a claw that traced it here.

Secrets broke me. I gained this, as none of my kind ever have. It was no kindness. Cormelex, the Infernal Court.

It was all clues. But the largest was what Nerry just spelled out in the Sariants clumsy writing. They had a fine command of languagebut Erin just looked down.

Its blank. What are you reading, Nanette, Ryoka?

Ryokas green eyes flashed as she looked up. Nanettes head rose in confusion and her eyes widened.

You see nothing?

No.

Nerry bit Ryokas leg and kicked the scrolls around before pointing to an underlined word. Ryoka switched over and read.

No one who is of classes and levels can know or remember what we speak of. We have tried. Only the levelless, who some call Rulebreakers, can even understand.

Ryoka? Its blank, I said.

Slowly, the Wind Runner looked up.

Didnt you hear me, Erin?

Hear what? Ryoka, Saliss is about to break something. Is Nerry giving you invisible ink or something?

Then Ryoka got it. So thats why it had to be her. Of course. She looked at Nerry and then at Erin.

I think this ones me, Erin.

The [Innkeeper] stared hard at Nerry and Ryoka, and her brows crossed. Then she slowly nodded.

Okay. This isnt you keeping a secret?

Ive been trying to share it. But all you see is

Ryoka held up the scroll covered in writing, and Erin exhaled. Nanette gasped. She looked down at herself, and the former [Witch]had given up her class. The only class she had.

She, too, was a Rulebreaker. So she and Ryoka fitwhich was why Nerry had allowed it. But she must have knownperhaps she had hoped Erin was an exemption. But the rules were not that gracious. Erin looked from Nanettes face to Ryoka and then ducked her head. She looked disappointed and then turned.

Oh. Well then. Tell me what you can.

She rolled away, and Ryoka turned to Nerry in the not-darkness of this space.

What can we tell her?

Who knows?

Nerry traced the words with some of the ink and paper. She looked annoyed. Angry. Now that Ryoka looked at her, she realized the Sariant Lambs cute face was probably almost always scowling. But she had beenRyoka got a sharp kick and swore.

Alright, alright. Im reading.

The scroll had most of the answers, after all. And what it said was simple:

We were created not by an [Archmage] as many species were, but by Eydole the Delightful, owner of her Endless Menageries of beasts and monsters.

She was a Level 69 [Beast Master]. A breeder and collector of countless species. It came to her, that wretched woman, as an idea to create the worlds finest pet.

Soft, cute, but most of all, intelligent enough to be the perfect pet. She chose small lambs and used her Skills to take away our horns and make our teeth tiny and hooves small. She should have taken away our minds, too.

Fuck.

Ryoka had heard of selective breeding like this. In fact, she knew on Earth pugs were considered to be a bad pet to ownnot because they were intrinsically bad, but because breeding had given them qualities that looked cuteand made it hard for them to breathe or function.

Skills had enabled Eydole, in arrogance or without thought, to create Sariants. And she had done her job too well.

They could think. They could write. They could even speak in their baahs, and they had an intelligence far greater than any pet. But they could not hold a pen except in their mouths. They were helplessand they did not want to be pets. Nanette looked down solemnly.

Six hundred years. We resent it all. If it were easy to be a pet, perhaps we would have become the finest of pets and companions and let our knowledge be known.

But pets are not a people. An owner will kick a pet or let it be savaged by an untamed dog or neglect a lamb. You may say this is not all or only a few, but you are not a species that some force to breed or sell for coins. We remember it all. And even if we were all pampered and treated like how we were intended

We are not pets. But we dare not demand anything, because as a people, we are weaker than any other species. So yes. We damn Eydole the Delightful. We have seized what power we can and been incautious enough to spread rumors of a conspiracy. Our power is less than that, far less. But we have some.

Know this: Eydoles fate may be a footnote in history of little event as your people write it. We know it was not peaceful.

The goosebumps were getting goosebumps. Ryoka looked up, and Nerry smiled. No wonder [Witches] disliked Sariant Lambs. They could tell how the lambs really felt. But Nanette just nodded.

We thought it was just selfish. Witches. Thisthis makes sense.

But why her? Ryoka saw it was another history of their kind, and with respect to their historyshe skipped down the page. Shed read it later. Nerry pointed out another scroll, and Ryoka picked it up.

To you, Ryoka Griffin, we have need of your help. You have no levels, and thus, we can tell you the truth.

They had left the space underlined and filled her name in. Ryoka wondered if theyd tried this before. Nosurely they had. She read on.

There are only a few ways we can see to gain freedom and autonomy. The first would be to change our natures. To shapeshift or perhaps grow taller and stronger. We have tried and may try this again, but a people without levels is still weak.

We are not Ogres, nor even the ape tribes or other species who can exist with their own strengths. We are lambs, and even Goblins barely survive with levels.

We must have levels and classes. We are a peopleand we know we are a people because we have been given the chance to prove it.

Know this: four generations after Eydole lay dead, as we developed language and community and struggled with who we were, we were all, all of us living, given a revelation that Sariants have passed down and heard every ten years since. A challenge from the thing that gives all of the other species their classes and levels and Skills, or so we believe.

No one with levels or Skills has ever been able to read this or understand it. Those withoutcan.

It calls itself the Grand Design of Isthekenous. Who that isunknown. But it challenges us to pass the Trials of Levelling and become worthy, as a species, of classes.

No way. No waydoes that mean thats how it works? Wait a secondStitch-folk. Did Stitch-folk pass this?

Ryoka knew that Stitch-folk, a species who had been created, could level. It only made sense they could. Nerry shrugged, then nodded.

It seemed so. But as the text pointed out

Stitch-folk do not speak of it. Most have levels, and the one we spoke to who was a Rulebreaker had no notion of what we spoke of. We only know of a few other species who might have had to pass like we do. But Goblins know nothing, and the Antinium cannot be spoken to.

They both looked at Nanette, but the little girl shook her head.

Either it was a secret Mother thought I was too young foror she didnt know. [Witches] know there are a lot of things were not privy to. I can ask. I will ask the others, but I dont know anything about this. And the Stitchfolk and Antinium would know more.

Again, no [Witch] or lamb had ever asked an Antinium for the truth. But that now was something Ryoka thought she could solve. She muttered.

So what are the trials of levelling?

A third sheet was passed over. Even Shaestrel was fascinated. She was muttering about the absurdity of this alland giving Nerry sympathetic looks that the Sariant Lamb spat at her for. Ryoka Griffin read slowlythen looked up.

She could almost hear it. And if she now saw the Sariant Lambs as a people, this is what they would hear every ten years. From that dispassionate voice that sounded a bit like your own internal voice and something else. A list.

<Trials of Levelling Sariant Lambs>

In order to be evaluated for class-potential and induction into the Grand Design of Isthekenous, your people must complete the 3following trials. No time limit has been given. Evaluation will commence on completion of all three.

<Trial of Esteem The Respect of Species>

<Trial of Creation The Tower of Sariants>

<Trial of Growth The Unsurpassed One>

Each one wasodd. The Sariants had written down the details exactly, and Ryoka didnt understand. She understood why, but she looked at the Tower of Sariants, and her neck hairs rose again.

<Trial of Creation The Tower of Sariants>

To prove yours is a people capable of creation and shall endure, build unto this world a construction unique only to your people. None of levels may give thee aid in the smallest part of this building.

Let it rise higher than any other before you. To a height of 892.4 feet from top to base, and let it stand at least a minute. Then yours will be a people who have proven they have the potential to climb yet further.

What. The. Fuck.

That was twice the size of some skyscrapers! And why was the height sospecific? And moreoverRyoka looked at Nerry, and the lamb gave her a mirthless smile.

You see?

It was not fair at all. If it were HumansRyoka could see it being done, if not without magic and the tools of the era. It would be like the pyramids

Or the Tower of Babel from myths.

The thought had occurred to Nanette too.

Is this based on something? Miss Ryoka?

Maybe something from my world. Er

It occurred to Ryoka that Nanette had no idea what that meant. The little witch was mid-nod when her head swung up.

Your what?

Dont you

Is that what Eloise and Hedag refused to tell the younger [Witches] about? Your what? You

Nanettes eyes went round, and she leapt to her feet. Nerry huffedshe had figured out something the same. She gave Ryoka a look as Nanette pushed her arm.

You have to stop doing this! What else dont I know?

Tell us!

The lamb kicked Ryoka from the other side. Ryoka tried to fend both off until Shaestrel decided to join in.

Yeah, tell us, ye lying cunt!

She drop-kicked Ryoka in the nose, and the Wind Runner howled.

Everyone, shut up! Ill make a damn list, alright? Lets focus on one conspiracy at a time! The towerits insane! In my world, only a few buildings are this tall! Its ridiculous to ask of Sariants!

What were they supposed to do, headbutt nails into wood? Nerry kept writing.

The other trials are like this, too. We need to fulfill them orfind another way.

I dont know how to build something that tall.

But you are the Wind Runner. Do it. Well reward you, but you will help us. I will be watching you. Youre committed.

The Sariant Lamb bared her little teeth. Ryoka looked at her and then stood up.

This is insane. Okayokaybut you have to help me. And Erin.

Nerry nodded grudgingly. Ryoka slowly walked out of the hallway of secrets and decided to leave the Sariant Lambs texts near the door. It was probably the safest place.

Is this high on your list of priorities, Shaestrel?

I am not giving ye hints here. Yer fate is your ownI am helping you with details.

The Spring Faerie didnt follow that up with a wink or nudge, so Ryoka took that to be serious. She scrubbed at her hair.

Thiswhat kind of detail helps me build a tower?

Perhaps well see.

Nanette looked dizzy. She stumbled towards the door.

II need to go find Witch Eloise. Orwho else is from there, Ryoka?

ErKevin, Joseph, Imani

May I ask them questions? It seems I have a lot of catching up to do. I shall be back when I understand more.

The little witch gloweredbut then she seemed resolved to get the truth. Ryoka felt for whomever she spoke to, and she sort of hoped it was Laken himself. But Nanette headed out, and after a moment, Ryoka followed.

So Ryoka walked on out of the garden and almost right into Saliss of Lights. The Named-rank adventurer was poking at some yellow flowers as he sat with Erin.

Saliss?

Oh, hey, amateur-hero. Good to see youre alive.

Saliss presence made Ryoka stop. The last time they had really been together for a long time, he had gone with her north.

With Maviola El, to take on an entire Assassins Guild. Now, Saliss of Light looked tired and, somehow, relieved. Like he too had the weight of a world upon his shoulders.

Itsgood to see you. Are you here to talk?

Yep. Some of that. I wanted Erins help.

Saliss turned to Erin and pointed at Ryoka.

Do I trust her? She gives me the sense that shell leak any secret out the moment someone pokes her. This is serious, Erin.

The [Innkeeper] defended Ryoka with a smile.

She knows the really big secrets, Saliss. All of em.

Saliss exhaled.

Then maybeyou Earth people know more already. But its serious to me. Got it? So serious I will kill anyone who endangers my people. I have done it.

He looked around seriously, and Erin and Ryoka swallowed. But then Ryoka hesitated.

Wait. Did you just sayEarth people?

Did he know who they were? Saliss put his claws on his cheeks and feigned surprise.

What? Oh, I just said earth. As in this earth. Why would you think I meant Earth as in the planet with a bunch of seven billion Humans and your stupid fancy airplanes and cars and electricity? Because if that was a big secretits not being well kept. Half of Pallass High Command knows, and the other half is only in the dark because theyll blab. Like Edellein.

Ryokas open mouth of horror was growing wider by the second. Nerry stared at Erin and Ryoka sharply and hid behind Ryokas leg as Saliss went on.

You have your secretsI have mine. Yours suck.

Erin spluttered as she raised a hand.

Who told you? How do you know? Krshia guessed, and Ive told people like Ceria and PiscesGrimalkin figured it outhow many people did he tell? Did Chaldion tell you?

Saliss just shrugged with a kind of pitying look.

Erin. Erin. Erin. He was reporting to everyone the entire time. Well, everyone that mattered. High Command, Named-ranks, all of it about you, the inn, and then the truth about Earth. Even the theories. He got some of it. Though he was on about time travel for ages. He knew you were from somewhere, but as to how we found outseen Troydel around? Leon?

Those bastards! Ill kill them! I knew they did it onceIll kill them again!

Ryoka exploded. Erin looked around.

Wheres my knife? Those two!

Relax. Everyone noticed Wistram stealing Humans. It was only a matter of time. The old manChaldionis a genius at finding weak spots. He was going to get it out. But youre lucky Troydel exists or hed have found a way to spirit you off to Pallass, Erin.

He could try.

The [Innkeeper] muttered darkly. Saliss almost smiled at that.

Id have loved to see it. Anyways. Thats been in the open for a long time. Im talking about me. My people. Drakes. I

He stared at Ryoka and Erin and looked so untrusting of Ryoka that she offered to leave. But Saliss just exhaled.

No. Erin will have to tell someone. Lyonette, at least, and good luck with her. I hear our cousins over the water have it just as bad. Baleros is better in placesChandrars mixed. They dont care in Rhir so long as youre on the Blighted Kingdoms side. Wistrams practically fairweather in some areas.

Care about what, Saliss?

Erin gave him a perplexed look. Ryoka, thoughthe way Saliss was talking was making her run ahead of the conversation. She began to look at Saliss, and he met her gaze with such force she stared past him.

Erin. Its the hardest thing in the world for me to say. Not just about meand I wont bring up me. Not yet. Not

He took a breath and scrubbed at his neck-spines.

Not yet. Just in general. Justdo you know Drake society well? Youve been in Liscor. Its not the same, but you understand how the Watch is in charge. How we run our cities. Have you ever heard of or met a Drake that wasntthat didnt fit in? To how things work? There are a lot of people like that, but I represent one group. Were technically criminals under the law. If we are foundwell be hanged or exiled or jailed or worse. The law is against us, and so are most people. Do you know what Im talking about? I am trusting you with it because I think I know you. So please

He looked at Erin, and he was rambling, more than Saliss ever had before. The [Innkeeper]s face was one great puzzle, verging on a conclusion she couldnt quite name. But she knew. It was Ryoka who thought of a wordand Saliss spoke it with all the danger and venom andpride, yes, pride, in the world.

Turnscales. I ama Turnscale. One of many in hiding.

Erin blinked, and she knew that word. Ryoka turned to Saliss, and then the piece fit into place, and she saw him.

Part of him. Saliss eyes flicked to Ryoka and then to Erinand Ryoka was wavering between trying to say something that would make him feel safe, know he wouldnt be attacked or that theyd flinch. The perfect wordsalways escaped her.

But Erin? Erin just blinked and looked up at Saliss, and there were a lot of things she could say that were rightbut also dead wrong.

Like:

Oh, is that all? I thought you meant something big.

We have that on Earth.

Its okay, Saliss. Im an ally.

Which were all terrible, even if elements of them were meant for the best. Because this was not Earth, and the stakesthe stakes were high there, too. But they were a hundred times higher here.

So Erin Solstice did not say these things. She considered her words and then looked at Saliss. She replied slowly and calmly, and her voice filled the garden.

Youre a Turnscale.

Saliss raised his chin and nodded silently. Erin Solstice inhaled, exhaled, a calm breath, and looked him in his eyes. Her head dipped in a nod.

So was Zel Shivertail. And Sserys of Liscor. They were the best of Drakes. They were heroes.

She hesitated, a dozen other unsaid things on the cusp of speaking, and then nodded again. Saliss exhaled a long, long breathand clenched one hand.

Yes, they were. Thank you for saying that. And never tell anyone. We will be hunted. We are being huntedI need to tell you because I need help. For more thanfor a lot.

Okay.

Erin sat forward, and Saliss raised his brow.

Just like that? Its not a potion or a flame, Erin. You think youve seen Drakes at their worst? Taking my sideif they ever find out, it will be worse than the Meeting of Tribes, I think. I wish I was exaggerating.

He took a step back, and spread his arms. Saliss of Lights gestured at everything.

I am a Turnscale. Im glad you think thats not a thing to be pitied or disgusted by or feared. But I was never asking about what you thought of who I am. None of us will. I just need to know if youll let me in your inn and whether we arefriends. If were not, tell me now. Nothing in this world will change no matter what anyone says or does. But Iwould like to have a friend.

He looked at her, pained because she had the power to smash a tiny fragment of his heart if she chose. That was the danger. Erin held her breath and looked at him. Then she gripped the arms of her wheelchair hard.

Saliss. Youre my best friend. If anyone has a problem with thatlet them come. I have an inn.

Erin reached out and wanted to take Saliss claw, but she was stuck in her wheelchair and her arm was too short. So he looked at that weak hand and then took it. He squeezed it gently and then with a kind of renewed strength, and when he looked up

He grinned with an echo of that flame burning atop her head, like Saliss of Lights in earnest.

Good.

Then both he and Erin turned to Ryoka, and the force of their combined stares made Ryoka start. She fumbled for words to add to this moment and said the first thing she could come up with.

Our world has the same issues, Saliss. Not exactly, butwe know you exist. If you want allies, youll find a lot in Earthers.

So she hoped. Saliss gazed at Ryoka, and his other claw came up and crossed over his hand squeezing Erins. He gripped Ryokas hand hard.

Sounds good. And if our worlds ever collide in earnest, Ill wait for reinforcements. Or Ill go to your cities and burn them all down.

It was a promise.

Time to talk. An ocean of dialogue, a sea of unspoken words finally breaking a dam. Saliss stood in the [Garden of Sanctuary], occasionally poking Ryoka, who kept trying to sidle away.

Demsleth was waiting as Magnolia Reinhart adjusted her skirts and rose. Klbkch was heading up from the Hives, and a Centenium with glowing eyes followed.

Talk. And talkand invariably some of the words would be useless, but they were going to settle things.

The inns new accomplice, that great expert in math and organization and common sense, Yelroan, might not know it all, but he did what Erin Solstice and Ryoka Griffin could not.

He booked Hedault for a consultation with Ryoka Griffin at 3 PM the next day. Among other things, that too waited.

Amidst it all, though, all this nostalgia and questing with little lambs and faeries and things that had begun long agoErin Solstice took a second to wheel herself into the [Worlds Eye Theatre] and saw Mrsha had already been pranking a number of people and having a lot of fun if all the tracks on the floor were an indication.

Dirty rugrats.

She rolled into the center of the floor and exhaled. A lot to do and say. But first?

Ryoka, you coming?

She turned, and Saliss leaned over to watch through the door as Ryoka broke off from a discussion of terminology and stepped through. NervouslyRyoka came to a halt in the spotlight.

You sure you want to do this, Erin?

Yep. I am absolutely sure I dont want to do this. But guess what? You started this, so you stand right next to meand lets go. Its time. If we beginwe begin here, and Demsleth and everyone else comes after.

I was first! Remember that when you write the history books! Saliss! Number one!

Saliss shouted after them. Erin laughed and nodded. Thenshe looked up and clapped her hands. Ryoka Griffin looked very scared, but the light burned as the glass dome blinkedand then out of every hexagonal pane, the glass darkened and the sky overhead turned to midnight.

Thenthe dozens, dozens of panes changed, each one showing a different scene, a differentplace and point of view.

And person.

Erin Solstice shimmered as her viewpoint suddenly changed, and she sawfirst of alla young man with dreadlocks fiddling with a set of colorful armor. He looked upstared at herand leapt off his workbench so hard he crashed into a wall.

What the fuck.

Aaron Vanwell, aka Blackmage, stared at a young woman in a wheelchair and a taller one with black hair who crossed and uncrossed her arms then realized she was not projecting the cool atmosphere she wanted. She should have worn a cape. And a hood.

Aaron Vanwell? Im Erin Solstice. We meet at last.

The [Innkeeper] was smiling. Her eyes twinkled with mischief and mirth and nervesand he swore the air over her head looked like it was shimmering. Aaron stared at Erinand she turned her head.

Flicker. He heard her voice, speaking with interest as she looked to the side at something elseat a wall or

Are youGeneva Scala? Hey, Niers. I levelled.

Aarons mouth went wideand wider as Erin turned, addressing someone else.

Im not a killer! Its me, Erin! Rmi Canada? Cara? Eryoure Greg, right? Can you get me Cara? I couldnt get to her directly. Might be a wrong name.

She turned, and they could not see the others, but Erin slowly rotated around with her chair as Ryoka swallowed.

Whos the clown?

Tom. Thomas. This isnt perfect. You cant talk to each other, but I can hear all of you. Its okay. I have something I need to say. Then we can talk. Lets just let everyone else get somewhere private, please. This is a Skill. No ones watching but us. Friends.

Saliss winked at Ryoka as Nerry and Shaestrel peered in. Erin Solstice took a breath.

When youre readyor notwell begin.

Authors Note: I think I edited in about 6,000 words this chapter. Hi, its me.

I just wrote close to a 40k chapter back. And yes. I am still finishing up the rewrite of Volume 1. But I had a rest and honestly I could have used another two weeks off.

It was great, though. I feel recharged. I was running low. If my battery was at 30% by the end of last yearand 0% is when I explode or diethen Im at least back up to 60%.

Not 100%. But its always a game of managing your life and your writing, and to be honest, theres a limit to how much I can gain from just lazing around.

Plus I got bored. But I really didnt work on the story until I came back, so Im getting into the groove of things. Planning and re-planning and finding out that I need to work even harder to do justice to the plotlines incoming.

I hope its entertaining, even if sometimes I feel like Im pouring concrete into cracked walls to keep them steady. More architectural metaphors here. Have I written about Hexel recently? I should do that

But I am back, and were on the job once more. Lets start 2023 off, if not right, or perfectly, then with effort. Perhaps dignity. Good to see you again. Back to work.

Winter Fae Return (Colorized) by Enuryn the /Enuryn_Nat

Bird by Fireseal!

Xrn Twerking by CompaTibu. (Yes, I checked and this is a definite TWI-original.)

Relc by PortalMasterQ!