Interlude Innovation and Invention

Interlude Innovation and Invention

The following story took place during the winter break of dinner dates, dancing, and a suspiciously quiet inn.

Rufelt, what do you dream about?

The co-owner of Tails and Scales paused in cleaning a mug at his bar. The glossy countertop and recently reupholstered chairs were polished by a thousand occupants, the wood smoothed and stained by countless spilled drinks.

He got a lot of questions as a [Bartender]. What do you think I should order? Wheres the bathroom? Who are you to tell me how much Ive had to drink?

Those were all popular ones, but he also got questions like that from his regular guests. Any [Bartender] could tell you that there were times when you were just a drinks-dispenser or doing crowd control and counting coins coming in.

Then there were moments when someone sat down and, whether you liked it or not, you were getting a story. It was a clich becauseit happened.

The bartender was not your friend. At the same time, they were being paid to serve you drinks. To some people, they were one of the few confidants you could meet in your day, and the drinks didnt hurt with loosening the tongue.

No one paid him enough to hear the dark stories. No one had enough gold for one of the nights when someone confessed something that had him calling the Watch as soon as he could slip outor staying up thinking about what they had told him.

Mind you, Tails and Scales had a selective clientele. They took anyone on some nights when they wanted to make money, but Lasica and Rufelt got to choose their customers, and some were so well-paying that they made up for clients who ordered the cheapest drinks.

Rufelts bar was back in business. Things weregood between him and Lasica.

Good.

Not perfect. But there wasnt an illusion that things would be perfect. They were notas they had beendrowning in things said and unsaid. It felt like Rufelt had woken from a dark dream.

And that dreamthat nightmarewas a woman and a period of his life he would never forget. Belavierrand the work of Demons.

He talked to people about it. Not his patrons, mostly. But hed joined a group of people who talked about how they were doing, and after his run-in with the Stitch Witch, hed been directed to a class hed never known existed.

Chaldion, or rather, one of his people, had introduced Rufelt to an odd subclass that was rarely seen outside of a city like Pallass.

[Thought Healers].

It was an odd class. How did you heal a thought? Before his loss, Rufelt wouldnt have understood what the need was for thator rather, how it touched on him. But that was because he would have thought it was something a [Soldier] or [Adventurer] needed.

It didnt occur to him that everyone lost a loved one eventually. It never seemed to the Gnoll, the City Gnoll, that you talked to anyone about that, aside from maybe your family, your partner, or your closest friends.

He knew the Plains Gnolls shared things, but it was inconceivable to him. Yet Pallass did have [Thought Healers].

He wasnt sure how well they did their job. The first thing the [Thought Healer] had asked was whether he wanted to work with a specialist on erasure or one on reflection. When asked, they had explained that some [Thought Healers] could simply help you block out a terrible memory. They worked with [Soldiers] a lot.

The one hed worked with leaned on Skills. [Introspective Moment] was their Level 20 capstone, and hed use it to reflect on things. See how he and Lasica had gotten to their lowest point. It was usefulbut it was a Level 20 Skill.

Rufelt, as a Level 40+ [Bartender], waskeenly aware sometimes that he out-levelled everyone he met. Everyone. It wasnt bad, but it didnt make him happy to realize he was higher-level than some [Generals] of Pallass. Yes, they had a different class, but Rufelt was sometimes a bit of a levelist when it came to hiring people to reshingle the bar or do plumbing and so on.

He knew he shouldnt be. There was talent, and levels didnt match competency or ethics, etcetera, etceterabut the [Thought Healers] of Pallass were low-level.

Not a one over Level 30. It suggested to him that their methods werent perfect. But they worked, he talked to peopleand he always had a treat for a certain little Gnoll girl with white fur.

She would come into his bar, sigh, order a cup of milk in the most pretentious way possible, and hed stir in some syrup or honey with a flourish and maybe froth the milk up and draw something in the foam.

He was onto coffee, now, too. Milk froth let you decorate it in shapes. Annoyingly, Lasica and one of his helpers were really good at doing bunnies or cute shapes. Rufelt was more into stylized artand everyone kept asking for Lasicas coffee drawings.

Anyways, that snooty little child would soon start forgetting to copy her mother, and shed often have a friend and giggle and laugh and pester some guests. A kid. But a brave one.

The point was that Rufelt went to a [Thought Healer], but he thought he was mostly done with his sessions. They were fairly expensive, anyways. What did this have to do with the question being asked to him?

Wellthe Gnoll who was leaning over his single cup of cheap Wheat Ale was sipping it and trying to make it last the night over a plate of fried greens and half a venison steak.

That was one of the cheapest meals you could order. It was still as tasty as Lasica could make it. Snap peas fried up with butter but still moist enough to crunch, the kind you could pick up with your paws and nibble on over your drink all night. Rare venisonRufelt had never met a Gnoll who liked well-done steaks that he respected. Spiced up properly, though, and still steaming since Lasicas dishes had [Retain Heat] on them. You got an entire hour before they even began to cool.

But the meal fit the Gnoll who was in his work-clothes. A bright gray hat with Pallass symbolscales and a gear in place over a brass plate on the top of the capand overalls stained with oil. His fur had a bit of it as well, and he looked tired and was slightly hoarse.

Felkhr, or the Flying Gnoll of Pallass, was as famous in Pallass as Rufelt, if not more so. He was a subject of either ridicule, sympathy, or a kind of wary amusement depending on who you asked. Like Saliss, he was one of Pallass crazies.

The Gnoll was famous for jumping off the walls of Pallass and trying to fly. Hed been doing it foroh, Rufelt had to guess at least eleven years. Not consistently; hed get into a spree of attempts, back off, not do it for eight months, then be back at it again.

All kinds of contraptions too. Wings made of bird feathers, parasols, even entire vehicles, which shattered and he had to clean up. The poor fellow had broken more bones in his body than Rufelt had broken mugs in his life. Spent more money, too, on [Featherfall] scrolls, his inventions

He was a regular at the bar. He came in like clockwork most nights, ordered the cheapest option on the menu, and took his time over one drink if it was the last day in his shift.

Tonight, Rufelt made a gesturing motion with his paw. He didnt answer the question right away.

Slide me that mug, would you, Felkhr? Im testing out something new.

Without a word, the Gnoll slid the mug two-thirds empty over the bar. Rufelt caught it and then pressed down on something as he lifted a tube up.

A glossy tube made of links of metal shot some more ale into the mug. Felkhr grunted.

Walls, what is that?

Its a tube. For dispensing drinks. I bought it to test out. It might beat walking over to the keg if Im selling drinks.

I can see that. But why in the name of someone elses Ancestors did you add that? Look at it. Each link has to be forged manually, and its got to be airtight. What a pain in the paws to make, and it must cost a fortune.

Rufelt paused, about to brag about his latest acquisition in the name of bartending technology. He blushedand Lasica, whod come out with a plate for Chaldion at his table, turned.

Do my ears deceive me? I could have sworn I heard my voice over there. But it cant be because my darling Rufelt doesnt listen to that nonsense. He has to have the keg tap. No matter what it costs.

Rufelt blush deepened, and he slid the mug back towards Felkhr. Some of the guests chuckled as Lasica gave Felkhr a smile, and he raised his mug. Rufelt muttered under his breath.

It didnt cost that much.

Felkhr was sipping from the frothy head of his cup. The pretext for the demonstration had filled his mug, and he seemed genuinely embarrassed.

Sorry. I didnt mean to get in the way of a spat.

Its nothing. Youre rightits too expensive to do for anyone but my bar. I hear some of my colleagues are trying wood

Huh. I doubt itd work. Youd have to be careful with it. Even if you did links of the wood in slats a foot longyou have to have a resin at the seams. And its hard to have something both watertight and malleable. One split and youve got drinks on the floor, and if you flex it wrongitll just rupture.

The Flying Gnoll indicated the idea with his paws and grimaced just imagining it. Rufelt nodded.

It might workbut youd have to be very careful.

No, its not even good for that. The woodll get filthy and nasty, and the resins we useyou want to drink that?

Good point. Maybe a tube made out of leather or?

Felkhr was nodding.

You have to make sure its not alchemically enchanted. Frankly, you want an intestine or something.

Gross.

But practical. Metals the other option. What is that, steel? No, its not steelits in links, and each link flexes just enough to give you a tube. Who made that? Pelt?

He had a good eye for this kind of thing. Then again, he worked with [Engineers] every day even if he wasnt one himself. Felkhr was a lift operator when he wasnt jumping off the walls. Rufelt leaned over.

Actuallyits a special alloy. Not sure what it is, but its not Dwarfsteel. But guess where I got it?

Dwarfhalls Rest? So theyre finally working the smithies.

Felkhrs eyes lit up, and Rufelt smiled.

They had an expert in Invrisil, and they came through Pallass. We got to talking, and I put in an order, oh, a month back. It showed up already.

Now thats metalwork. Our smithies are in trouble. Its definitely not steel; itd be far heavier than that. Can I inspect it?

Felkhr got up and inspected the metal with great interest. To Rufelt, it was just a fun device for his bar with great practical uses, no matter what his wife thought. But Felkhr

Its not Dwarfsteel. Its light, probably toughfascinating. Can I ask who you talked to?

Ill give you their [Message] contact. Sowhats this about dreams?

When Felkhr sat down, he had a fresh mug of ale, and Rufelt might offer him a third top-up that night. And Lasica was going to send out some fries in a second, he just bet.

The Gnoll accepted the little gifts gratefully. He was miserly with his coin, but hed always put a silver coin in the tips-jar at the end of every week. Hed done that since a decade ago, and their relationship wasnt as strong as some.

You could argue that the Grand Strategist, Chaldion, was one of the guests that Rufelt knew very well. Or Saliss. Even Magus Grimalkin, a new customer, was showing his face more and more often.

Especially since he had a guestLady Pryde Ulta, and the Sinew Magus did not actually eat out that much. Lasica wouldnt stop speculating about that.

The dream is just a question I keep getting asked. By Totene, our mutual healer.

Oh.

That was another thing Rufelt had in common with Felkhr. He hadnt realized it, but the two Gnolls both went to the same [Thought Healer]. Theyd seen each other in the clinic one time, and it had surprised Rufelt.

DreamsIve discussed a lot with them. Not dreams, per-se. But they were mostly making sure I wasnt cursed. Lots of magical tests and charms. What, do you move onto dreams?

I think theyre getting desperate. Its been six years, and they keep asking me. I think theyre onto something, but I keep lying to their faces.

Huh. Why do you keep going if youre lying?

Felkhr paused with a bite of venison raised to his mouth. He blinked at Rufelt, then grinned.

I have to. Remember? The Assembly of Welfare passed that resolution?

Rufelts mouth opened, and he put the mug to one side.

Wait a second. That was six years back. All that hullabaloo about your flying attempts. Theyre still paying for it?

Youre still paying for it with your taxes. Twice a month.

Ancestors. And no ones told them to stop?

Felkhr shrugged.

Eh, its fun. I steal those snacks they have for us in bowls all the time. And I do know all of them by name, but most have given up on talking me out of my crazy ideas. Totenes onto dreams, now.

He spoke so casually that Rufelt had to remember the incident back then. There had been an entire resolution of concerned citizens, and hed refused to sign the petitionFelkhr sat there, staring across the bar.

He had good weeks and bad weeks. Everyone did. This seemed like a bad week. Maybe a bad year. After allRufelt looked around and then grabbed the keg tap.

Give me eight minutes.

The Gnoll whirled across the bar, filled mugs, and took fifteen custom orders and one magical one.

For that, he took one of the floating liquids out of the special-made containers across the huge back of his bar, glowing with rare and exotic drinks, and poured it carefully into a cup. Then he swished in a dense, practically sap-thick drink like toffee and a shot of Firebreath whiskey.

The end result was a gravity-neutral orb he prodded into place over a bowl. He handed the bemused Human a spoon.

Enjoy, sir. Take it slow and dont stir it about or youll get some of the stuff on the ceiling.

Erthank you, Master Bartender. Quite a delight.

The man bowed, then hurried over in delight to show his companions.

Dame Ushar, look at this! Have you seen the like? Even the bars back in our capital

Ser Sest, you will be the death of me. Her HMiss Lyonette gives us time off and a stipend and youve spent half on a drink.

I shall use it as an anecdote for decades, Dame Ushar. Ser Lormel, would you care to try it? I shall not offer it to Dame Ushar, who seems not to believe in my cause.

Now, hold on. I never said I wouldnt try a sip

Three [Knights]though theyd taken off their armorwere occupying a corner of his bar. Rufelt shook his head but he decided they were funny, and if Lasica didnt object, theyd be allowed to come back. He understood they were on break, which meant the inn was probably under guard by the infamous Shriekblade and the last member of their order.

The Wandering Inn was just crazy. But then againhe returned to Felkhr, who did indeed have a plate of complimentary fries.

Where were we? The dream? Why do you lie to your [Healer]?

I think theyre still trying to find a reason to have me stopped. And the dreamits been coming back again. Ever since the Wind Runner started flying. Ive had it every night since the Archmage lifted Fissival.

Rufelt saw Felkhr staring at something, far past the colorful flasks of alcohol. He bit his lip as he looked at the Flying Gnoll.

Felkhr was a famousfailure in Pallass. Unlike Saliss, who was a nuisance but a Named-rank Adventurer, Felkhr could not fly. He had failed for over a decade, since he was a young lad. Which was fine.

He had a dream, and Rufelt happened to know that Felkhr was actually as smart as a [Mage]. Why, hed repaired Rufelts taps for a song back when the Gnoll was dirt-poor and didnt want to pay for decent brass. He kept inventing things, and he made enough in his joband he was respected enough to be a lift operatorto keep himself afloat.

But it had to be hard for not one, but two famous individuals to appear in Izril who were capable of flight. Valeterisa was the better of the two, even. She was an Archmage; she had magic.

Ryoka Griffin, though? Shewas flying. She had a wind suit and her glider, and children were copying her. Rufelt had even asked Erin to bring her friend into the bar so he could meet her properly.

The problem was that she had done what Felkhr had dreamed of for over a decadeand she was flying around Izril.

The problem was actually Felkhrs greatest ally. Everyone saw Ryoka flying and turned to him. But he hadnt managed her flight yet. On one paw, Ryoka proved the dream was possible.

On the othershe had done it first. The Gnoll didnt talk about her bitterly, though. But his thousand-mile stare was another story.

Tell me about your dream.

The two Gnolls were at one end of the bar, and though Rufelt had to step away to deal with customers as the night wore on, he took a seat next to Felkhr. The dream came out in anecdotes, and only afterwards, as he cleaned up, took a shower with the plumbing of Pallass, then lay in bed, did Rufelt put it together and stare at the ceiling as he did on those nights.

This is what Felkhr said:

I have a dream. It isnt every month that I have it. I cant remember when it began. When I was eighteen? After the first dozen attempts, I think. In my dream, its a nice fall day. The suns out, but its so cold I can feel the wind blowing on my fur behind me. Im staring out across Pallass, and the High Passes are frosted with snow. Todays the day, I think.

So I jump. I jump, and I spread my armsbut then I realize Im not carrying anything. I dont have any wings. No flying invention. And no scrolls or potions or wand. And Im falling. Then its no longer day, but night, and the wind is rushing around me.

The Walls of Pallass are three hundred feet high. Three hundred feet. It takes a while to get to the ground, even if you jump, you know. And in that moment, everything feels so slow. But this time, I know theres no surviving the fall.

The Flying Gnoll lifted his cup as Rufelt sat there, as Lasica peeked out the kitchen and the last regulars looked up. He spoke with the faintest of smiles on his face.

And I thinkthis is it. At last. Im afraid, at first. Terrified. Then Im relieved.

Relieved? Why?

Rufelt broke in, the only voice in the quiet bar. A trio of [Knights], listening from their table. A [Chef], no longer cleaning dishes.

One glowing eye as the Grand Strategist sat in his booth, smoking a cigar that sparked in the late night. Felkhr looked at Rufelt, then stared into the distance.

Because Ill know. Ive always wondered whether, in that last moment before I hit the ground, Ill find the secret. Whatever was holding me back. Maybe Ill pass out and gain the right class. Maybe Ill find a secret. Magic. I dont know. But Im relieved in that dream because Ill know by the time I land whether I can fly.

He looked around, then drained the last of his mug.

I dont think the [Thought Healers] would see it that way, though. Thank you for the drinks. Ive got to be going. Im going to try again tomorrow.

Then he got up and walked out that bar and into Pallass, the snow that had fallen melting under the streetlamps, the great lifts shut off for the night, the clank of the city silent. One Gnoll out of millions of people.

That was the Flying Gnoll as Rufelt understood him.

Felkhr of Pallass had grown up in the City of Inventions all his life. He wasnt a Gnoll. He wasnt a City Gnoll. He was a citizen of Pallass before anything else.

They did love their city. Pallassians took pride in the fact that they did things the other Walled Cities would never dream of. The clank of gears turning, the feeling of your stomach dropping through your feet when you rode an elevator, everything that visitors swore theyd never get used tothat was home to Felkhr.

It wasnt enough. It wasnt perfect. Did he enjoy Pallass the same after hearing about the stolen magic of Gnolls? Did he always agree with everything the city did?

Nobut he was still a Pallassian. Yet even here, in his City of Inventions, sometimes, Felkhr despaired.

City of Inventions. It wasnt just the name of his city, it was their motto. It was what kept the Walled City fed. Alchemy, engineering, steelnew ideas flowing in and out.

And yet, in his experience, he could divide everyone he met into two campsthose that supported him and those that did not. He knew it was childish, but he couldnt help but notice how many proud Pallassians would brag about the great lifts or some new potion or point to Maughinthen tell him he was an idiot.

Couldnt they see he was doing what every [Engineer] didonly in his way? But no, they only saw the feathered wings and laughed at the broken flying vehicles as if they thought it all had to work. The [Engineers] made silly gears, tried out projects that failedwith supervision, safety, budgets, and planning, of courseall the time.

But he did count the people who believed in him as the few friends in his city.

Rufelt and Lasica were the good ones. Felkhr had known them when they were a dueling Gnoll and Drake who would try to steal each others business every night. They gave him that extra snack or drink.

Some of the ones who believed in him. Most did not. And Felkhr knew that was true because he felt like hed talked with at least a third of Pallass directly.

The thing about being infamousfor better or worsewas that people came up and talked to you. Whether it was before he took that leap of faith or theyd come up to him and buy him a drink at a bar.

They had predictable questions. The first was justwhy? Then theyd ask if he was scared, or crazy, or whether you got a good class out of jumping and breaking your bones, or how far hed gotten.

Mundane questions, but hed learned to be polite when answering. The other benefit of being so infamous was that Felkhr knew everyone.

For instance, he had met Saliss of Lights. Hed talked to General Thrissiam, General Dulnevery General except the new ones. He had exchanged comments with Grimalkin about healingactually, the Drake had come in to study his recovery. Felkhr had even talked with Chaldion.

Most of themgot it. Even if they thought he was crazy for wanting to fly. Felkhr remembered the first thing Saliss had said to him.

The [Alchemist] had transformed the ground into something soft. Softer than mud, which had caught a screaming Felkhr who had been tumbling as his safety linehis emergency linesnapped. The Gnoll had pulled himself out of the slime. The Drake had kicked him as he lay panting on the ground.

Hey. Im the insane one here. You want to fight for top crazy? Im afraid youd win. Who wants to fly?

But hed grinned at Felkhr, and told him never to try to jump without a [Featherfall] scroll again. Hegot it.

So did Pelt. Maughin was too polite to do more than tell Felkhr he was overbooked for most of the Gnolls requests. And the Dwarf was too greedy or drunk. But he never laughed at Felkhr.

Okay, he laughed at the Gnoll a lot, especially when he came by with a broken leg or arm. But never at the idea. Hed just spit.

I never wanted to climb a damn staircase. You want to fly? Good luck building those shitmetal wings. Feh. Only a dreamer runs down a road no ones even sure exists.

Saliss, Pelt, Grimalkin, Rufeltthey understood. Whether or not they thought his goal or methods were mad, it felt, to Felkhr, that the high-level members of Pallass got the attempt. The citizensdid not.

Some of them tried to talk him out of his jumps. Others were more drastic, hounding him, telling him he was mad.

Six years ago, a petition had been formed by the concerned members of Pallass. They had demanded the Assembly of Welfarea subdivision of the overall Assembly of Craftspersonally forbid Felkhr from trying his flying experiments and, if he refused, exile him from Pallass.

Their reasoning had been that his attempts were disruptive to the peace, distressing to people who observed him falling, and a bad example to the children of the city.

That had been the maddest Felkhr had ever gotten. A public forum had been convened, and the entire argument had been the topic of discussion for all of Pallass for a month. He had said, publicly, that it was possible.

Of course it was! If Oldblood Drakes and Garuda, both subsections of Pallass population, could fly, why not a Gnoll or regular Drake? Why shouldnt he be allowed to try? It wasnt like they had to look.

But the same damned citizens who would complain about an offensive aesthetic to a home, or the Dullahans who would object to another Dullahans armor decorations, had pushed the issue until the Assembly of Welfare heard the topic.

Felkhr had been afraid hed be forced to stop, and hed wondered if hed have to move to another city ordo something else. But that was when hed met Chaldion.

The Grand Strategist had summoned Felkhr to his office. The nervous Gnoll had waited nearly an hour until Chaldion walked in and told him to explain his idea.

He had listened to the entire thing without blinking more than once or twice, then told Felkhr that he thought the concept was ridiculous, impossible, and that there wasnt much strategic merit in it anyways, since they had Garuda. Felkhr had replied that it wasnt Chaldions job to tell him what to do.

Then that old Drake had smiled and told Felkhr to go home and not worry about the drama. The next day, the Assembly of Welfare had ruled that Felkhr would attend the [Thought Healers], but unless they deemed it an actual matter of insanity, he could not be stopped from his flying experiments so long as he endangered no one else and didnt block the activities of regular citizenry.

Felkhr often thought about that encounter when he saw Chaldion at the bar. The [Strategist] didnt say much to him other than greetings now and then. Same as Saliss.

The Named-rank adventurer wasnt his friend. Rufelt and Lasica weregood acquaintances or friends he hung out with at their business at best. But he was glad to know them. Some days, especially of late, Felkhr thought hed have given up and packed his dreams away but for people like them.

Especially of late. Which was odd, wasnt it? Why was he at his lowest now when a Human was flying across Izrils skies with a contraption? Why now when people were taking notice and there was a Human in the Engineers Guild talking about air travel like a real thing, and he was being offered money?

Wellperhaps because Earthers ruined everything. Including dreams.

Troydel didnt understand why he was so unpopular. Not in general. But specifically in the Engineers Guild.

He was an Apprentice Journeyman, a technical rank in the guilds hierarchy that meant he was allowed to submit proposals and do basic work like installing devicesbut only with supervision. He had skipped the entire apprentice section mainly because the Guildmaster of the Engineering Guild, Chaldion, and a number of Pallassian officials wanted him to explain and implement Earther concepts.

The problem wasTroydel could only give them ideas, not facts. How did you make a combustion engine? Combustgasoline.

How did you make gasoline? Oil? Refine it? How?

What did an axel cylinder look like? Okay, a car was understandable. How did the steering wheel, mechanically, turn the wheels? And why did Drakes hate him so much?

Even with memory spells and help, Troydel just didnt know the answers. But having the end result was still a net boon and a direction for Drakes to rush down, right? Troy just didnt get the hate.

That was, until he heard an [Engineer] grousing as they lined up near the great lifts.

The Great Lifts of Pallass were not the private ones that let citizens ride up and down. These were the massive transport lifts that went up from the ground floor. It made Pallass insanely odd design of an inverted pyramid work; you didnt have to physically haul items up each floor or via stairs. They just were pushed onto the lifts, and the lifts would slowly ascend to the 9th with ore, to the 5th Floor with parts, head down to the 1st Floor with outgoing goods or to pick up more supplies

There were eight, two per cardinal direction, and they ran until dusk, when noise ordinances had them cease working except for great need. Instead of electricity or gas fueling the engines that turned the gears, it was all magic.

Magical gems or raw mana powered the elevators, and they were expensive. Rather like Erins door, it was a huge loss in mana to provide a great net boon in transport.

But the amount of organization and effort required to run the Great Lifts was intense. The huge gears that Troydel could see turning in the exposed shaft were under heavy strain. They were steel, checked repeatedly, and [Repaired], but they could snag or get jammed.

Also, the elevators had a manual braking system, so if someone operating them didnt hit the brakes at exactly the right moment, you were either too high or too low. And the elevators had a warmup time, so adjusting could foul you up precious minutes.

Thereforethe Lift Operators had an important job. There were only a few, but they were well-respected and good at their tasks.

The technical job name was Floor Lift Operator, and Troydel had been told it was an actual ranking that could outrank several members of the Engineering Guild, especially in a crisis. Drake command was such that you could pin the level of an [Engineer]s rank in a guild against a [Captain] in the Pallassian army and know who outranked who.

He had a cheat-sheet in his room. And he did have nice rooms and a huge allowance granted to him by the city. But sometimes, Troy missed having Leon around and staying at the inn. He still had rooms thereif a Goblin or Antinium hadnt gotten them. But he just didnt fit with Erin.

The Drakes, though, disliked Troy, and one was saying it loudly as they lined up with a bunch of parts to head to the new hydroponics attempt on Floor 3. The Guildmaster had Troydel working practical assignments as well as blueprinting, because he wanted Troy to understand the guildand level up.

Its that Human. I hate him.

Hes not an ass. Id rather work with him than 4th Army any day. They treat us like [Sappers] and hate being told no. And theres bad Masters too. Troy just tells you to come up with an idea for how something works, and its usually wrong.

Thats not it. I hatehis inventions. Or wherever they come from. Every time you think you have some brilliant idea and you take it to the Guildmaster, he tells you, talk to Troydel. And wouldnt you know it, but hes already thought of that. Or he says, oh, I know how that works, and heres how its supposed to be done! It makes me want to quit. Whats the point of being an [Engineer] if theres nothing left to invent? Ioh, hi, Troy.

Troy hunched his shoulders as the Drake stopped grousing and gave him a fake smile. The other [Engineers] stopped nodding along and coughed and pretended they hadnt heard what was going on.

So that was why. Troy finally got it, and his heart sank. So that was why the [Engineers] waving their weird gear-designs, like a triangle or just different circles, all had that disappointed look when he told them what hed remembered.

Oh. You already did it. Thatsgreat.But what about my achieving it from scratch?

The problem was actually something he felt a strong kinship towards. Becauseit was the problem of Earth, honestly.

Oh, there were tons of inventions and exciting new technologies coming out every year. Robots, advanced designs, home-inventors were probably better than they had ever been. But what Troy liked about this world was that it wasnt explored.

On Earth, they knew every body of land. The only parts they didnt know fully and werent settled were the deep Amazon orunderwater or space. Or the Arctic, he supposed, what little of it wasnt melted. This world was newyet somehow, he was bringing more of Earth over.

H-hows the blueprinting going, Troy? I heard that the Guildmasters approved some designs.

OhIm not sure Im allowed to talk about it.

The other Journeymen and women and apprentices nodded, sighing. So, instantly, Troy told them everything because he wanted them to like him.

I can tell you were going to work on steam engines. For the gears since Pallass is so good at it. Steam-powered elevator. Ohand we might do hot air balloons.

Ooh! Thatd be great!

Instantly, the Drakes warmed up and got excited. One of them glanced knowingly at Troydel.

How about the flying gliders like the Wind Runner has?

HonestlyI think someone else is working on that. Theyre literally copying it. I just gave them notes.

There were a lot of projects going on in the Engineering Guild, and a few of the [Journeymen] murmured.

Id love to work on that. Hey, we might get a chance to fly them! Imagine being the first non-Garuda or Oldblood Drake to fly. The Flying Gnoll will literally eat his fur if

Shh!

Troydel saw another Drake nudge the talkative onethe same one whod insulted himand point. And there he saw a Gnoll glance up, and his cap with the brass badge of Pallass flashed.

Floor 5! Lift ready?

A tired [Worker] whod helped wrestle the last bin of parts onto Great Lift #4 shouted. He got a response.

Floor 5 confirms! Lift ready!

A speaking stone barked.

Floor 3, lift ready!

Heading down!

Then the Gnoll pulled the first lever, disengaged the brake, and Troy felt the elevator lurch slightly, and gravity did the rest. They descended, and the Drakes from the guild muttered quietly.

I forgot he works here.

I heard he was a Journeyman too, before he quit. Floor Lift Operator pays better than what we make.

Him? But his flying contraptions are stupid. Seriously, why doesnt he just copy the Wind Runners Glider or her Wind Suit? Shes flying, and he was trying feathered wings last week. Maybe hes just an idiot?

Troydel was glancing at Felkhr, but if the Gnoll heard, he was busy pulling the first brake as they slowed to 3rd Floor. He had multiple leversthe entire Great Lift was more like a train, and as they stopped, it was within three feet of the ground of the 3rd Floor.

Which was obviously unacceptable for Earths elevators. But given that Felkhr was slowing the elevator just by using markings and his understanding of how the brake-system worked, it was good enough, and the Drakes, in classic Pallassian fashion, had improvised a workaround to the issue.

Lift stop!

Lift stop confirmed! Brakes engaged!

Clearancethree feet, two inches!

Three feet, two inches!

Instantly, a bunch of workers came out with wooden blocks to create a mini-ramp that let the bins of parts roll off the lift. They shoved them into place, and the passengers waited for the lift to unload. The gossipy-Drake might have badmouthed Felkhr further, but someone slapped him on the back of the head with a clipboard.

That Gnoll can operate the Great Lift without a single Skill. He doesnt even have [Operator] as a class. Step to your job and let him do his.

An older, visibly annoyed Master Engineer stepped past the Drake as the Journeyman ducked. Everyone went silent, then the engineers flooded out to get to work. Most were heading towards the hydroponics project.

The idea was simple. Giant irrigation systems of water would pump water up via reserve water-wheels to feed gardens of produce. That way, Pallass would be able to grow plants in the city like Oteslia and not be at the mercy of local farms. It could draw straight from the riveronce they managed to make everything work properly.

Who in Rhirs hells is that?

The Journeyman Drake hissed until one of the other Drakes, a female apprentice, poked him and hissed.

Mind your tail, idiot! Hes the inventor of the Rascale Mk. 4 Safety Harness!

The Mk. 4? Oh, come on, thats just a stupid bit of rope.

At this, the rest of the Drakes began to kick the talkative one, and some of the actual workers gave the Drake an annoyed look. One of the ones who worked on the Great Lifts tapped the Journeyman on the shoulder. He indicated his safety-harness, and Troy glanced at an actually approximate version of a harness that people would use in his world.

With it, you could hook yourself into scaffolding or, in this case, hooks such that if the Great Lift fell suddenly, you wouldnt go with it. Even now, there were Drakes, hanging high up, performing maintenance on one of the parts of the Great Lift.

Listen, idiot. Go back to the Engineering Guild and review the reason why this bit of rope exists. Because if youre so smart, well give you a Mk. 3 and let you suffer the consequences. See this?

He yanked out a piece of yellow rope from a side of the harness. It would extend down, and it was just a support. The Drake stood on it as he raised his voice to the other workers.

The reason this exists is that if you take a fall and youre dangling up there, the harness keeps you from dropping to your death! But guess what? You hang there for an hour and your legs die. No blood down there. This bit of rope is what you stand on, and it saves your legs and your body from needing a [Healer]! Its so impressive that the City of Ropes paid us for the design. They use it in their city, and they climb for a living. Got it?

He kept shouting as Troy moved on, berating the Journeyman Drake who was probably never going to badmouth the Mk. 4 harness ever again.

That was the good thing about Pallass systems. Even Troydels plans in the Engineering Guild would run through dozens and dozens of tests before they were rolled out for public use. But the Drakes were running with countless different ideas. Troy looked back once at the Gnoll who was waiting for the goods to be unloaded and staring ahead.

As if he were dreamingbut he was paying careful attention to his controls and the lift too. But Troy wondered what Felkhr was thinking of.

He was avoiding The Wandering Inn.

Yet he had to go. After his six-hour shiftFloor Lift Operators were not allowed to report to work tired or work more than six hours due to the dangers of a slip upFelkhr returned to his home.

He had an apartment, one of the copper-ones cheap as anything, but he slept here more than anywhere. And here was a workshop hed rented next to one of the foundries.

It was cheap because it was loud as hell and often too warmbut the giant, blazing foundries that produced Pallass steel, which was sold the continent, the world over, were warm in the winter.

He had a one-room studio cluttered with projects and inventions, but little of it was worth anything to anyone but him. Twice, a [Thief] had broken in and left without taking anything besides supplies.

Felkhr had a blanket, pillow, and other objects piled up on one table; he slept under it if he needed to. He tossed his cap and jacket down on a bench and sighed.

Bastards.

He was getting sensitive of late if some young [Journeyman] could get under his fur. But hed spotted Troydel in line, andmaybe it had compounded his worries.

Absently, Felkhr began to sort through his designs as he tried to get in the mood to create something new. He had sheafs and sheafs of parchment, blueprints for things hed made, budgets for how to make them with his limited salary, and notes.

How far hed flown, what seemed to workand yes, weights of materials, cost of enchanting items, and a neat notation of his own bodyweight and details few people ever bothered counting.

Likethe speed of the wind. Felkhr hadnt measured it for a while, but he had this spinning contraption with spoon-like bowls that hed tied to a moving piece of red chalk. It was on a slider, so if it spun fast enough, it created a circle.

The more wind, the bigger the circle. On windy days, it would create variable circleshe took the aggregate and tried to assign it a numerical value so he could calculate wind-speed. Felkhr couldnt remember why. Oh, right, hed wanted to test on a day when it was windy enough that he had enough backwind to catch some of his inventions.

The notes for that were pinned to one wall. Absently, he cleaned them off and shuffled them into a pile. He didnt need that right now. Felkhr stared gloomily at the principle design in front of him.

It wasa glider.

It wasnt hard to see how Ryoka Griffins hang glider worked. Felkhr had distilled it down into parts and even done measurements. How? Well, he knew that the Drivers Guild had standardized wheel sizes. So hed found an image of Ryoka Griffin next to a wagon and then calculated her rough height from that. Then hed copied it all onto a piece of paper and done some guesses about the right canvas for the wings and which wood to use.

That was easy. The world was filled with things you could measure, and bending your head around that was just a matter of knowing where to start. The hard partwould be copying the Wind Runner.

Just like the Journeyman had said. Felkhr was not copying Ryoka Griffin. He didnt want to.

It felt like cheating. More than that, it felt like he had been reaching for his goal, reaching with all his heart and souland someone had just handed it to him.

There has to be something else. Why not wings? Damn itand she has wind magic, so its not as if this thing works. Its just a way to slow yourself while falling!

Frustrated, the Gnoll tore the parchment off his drawing board, tossed it aside, and went back to his designs.

He knew it could work. It should work! The problem wasit didnt.

What had he gotten wrong? Last attemptFelkhr reviewed the notes and winced as he remembered hitting the ground too hard. Even with [Featherfall].

Concept: Garuda-feather wings. Maybe the issue with his flying wasfeathers. He had bought chicken feathers, used goose, but Garuda were one of the few species who could fly yet were of humanoid size.

They were the biggest flying species in the world that flew under their own weight. By that, he meant that they didnt have some lift that defied his understanding.

Wyverns, for example, were heavy, thousands of pounds, yet flew. Magic was the reason. The Garuda hed interviewed had told him they had hollow bones.

He had bought enough bones of chickens and other flying birds to know it was true; birds were incredibly light compared to other ground-based species. In that sense, he was woefully too heavy.

However, Garuda claimed they could produce enough lift with their wings to fly without needing magic. They were an incredibly lightweight species, and he had begged and bought enough feathers off them to make two huge wings.

Bigger wingspan, bigger birds. Hed combined that with a new wing-shape and tried to glide like Ryoka Griffin. He thought it had workedfor about five seconds, his fall hadnt been that fast.

Then the wings had snapped.

I need stronger materials. Damn it!

Half his inventions snapped due to the sheer force of the wind. Orresistance. In the air. Felkhr threw down his pencil, unhappy, and looked at the wreckage hed salvaged.

Half the feathers were gone, and the sturdy wooden strutshed made it like a basket, with little struts and wood thin as sticks to hold the weight.

Hed even copied a Garudas wing. It was incredibly, incredibly hard to get a mold of a wing. Hed had to pay a Garuda to let him encase their wing-arm in a proper mold to get a pattern, and then hed had to pay for cleaning the gunk off their feathers.

But the end result was a mold of a wingand he had one of a seagull, a chickenchickens could flyand an Oldblood Drake, all made out of a plaster. It was probably the most valuable thing in the studio as they looked like pieces of art.

Certainlythe person who knocked on the door and came in seemed impressed. Felkhr spun, but the Drake raised her claws.

Peace. Mister Felkhr, youre not answering our notes.

Who are you? Get out. Yourewait a second. Arent you Chaldions people?

The Drake paused as she adjusted some plain, nondescript clothing. She looked like a common citizen bundled up in a jacket, but he recognized her from his meetings with them. And she came to the Engineers Guild.

Im a representative of the city, Mister Felkhr. And the cityand High Command and the Engineers Guildwould like very much to work with you.

The Gnoll folded his arms.

Are you the people whove been moving my notes around? Help yourself. Like everyones sayingthe Wind Runner has her flying glider. Im being left behind.

The Drake made a show of looking innocent.

It wasnt me. Mister Felkhrhave you seen our notes?

Maybe. Was it the one you stuck in my sandwich? I ate half of it before I wondered why it tasted funny.

The Eye of Pallass rubbed at her forehead.

Some of my colleagues have a taste for the dramatic. I apologize. They should have left it on your drawing board. If you were not aware, let me repeat: we want you to head up a project in the Engineering Guild. Wethat is, the Guildare prepared to reinstate you as a Senior Journeyman and have you head our Flying Initiatives. We have a handsome salary and budget. Youll be working with Pallass best. Heres what you could make as an income. Not the budget.

She scribbled a number down, and Felkhr blinked at it.

I could pay for a lot of Garuda feathers with that. But then he looked up and shook his head.

Not interested.

The Drake seemed to be expecting this. She found a seat on a table as she carefully put one of his first attempts at a flying vehicle aside. Hed seen the spinner-toys you could whirl up into the air, based on actual seeds that fell from trees, and tried to make one that carried him upbut it had seemed stupid and dangerous, so he quit.

May I ask why? If its a matter of not wanting to take orders, I couldfind you a project where you are in full control.

Nope.

The Gnoll kept his arms folded. The Drake felt her way out tentatively.

If you need more coins

I dont want to be told what to work on. Do you have any blueprints for what the Engineers Guild is making? You have to have them. That kid, Troydel, probably submitted them.

Mister Felkhr, I have no idea what youre talking about. Were just beginning the projects.

This time, the Eye of Pallass gave him a completely blank look, and he almost fell for it.

What am I saying? Thats stupid. I

Felkhr jabbed himself in the paw with a quill, and the Skill failed. She blinked, and the Flying Gnoll laughed at her.

What Skill was that?

[Misdirect Thoughts]. Why did it fail? You dont have any notes on your file about being able to beat mental Skills.

Felkhr waved a paw nervously. They were scarier than hed thought, Pallass agents. But she seemed curious, and in the interest of everything staying friendly, he explained.

That only works if I dont know the facts. Which is that the Engineers Guild never approves a project without a plan.

Oh. Damn. Well, I

Show me the blueprints or Im not interested at all. I bet you I know what they look like, anyways. Hot air balloon. Hang glider. Aeroplane. Wingsuit. Uhzippy lines?

The Eye of Pallass stiffened.

How do you know that? How do youare those blueprints of them? Let me see that!

She snatched some experimental sketches and yanked out a binder from her jacket. Then she shuffled over and compared the two. Felkhr called out.

No one told me. I justoverheard things. Engineers talk.

Damn them. Well have to work on that. As for thisthis is why we want you. I am sharing this with you to get you to come aboard. Understand that were improving and figuring out how to implement each. You wont be able to do this yourself, Felkhr, and its already been done. Got it?

She handed him her binder, and Felkhrs eyes widened. What he saw were mostly sketches.

Ideas. Based on Troydels descriptions of what should be. [Engineers] had gotten into the job of figuring out how each worked. But he

Incredible. Wait. Is this a plane? Why does the wing look so odd?

He had never seen this before. ThenFelkhr remembered where they had come from and jerked his eyes away as if burned. The agent folded her arms.

Search me. Something about wind direction orlift. That boy has no clue. He knows what it should be, but not all of why, and the explanations make my head hurt

She coughed, and Felkhr glanced up. Did she speak with Troy? He, on the other hand, was caught. He was staring at the oddest wing design everand something was going ping in his brain, while at the same time he was telling himself he didnt want to know.

He forced himself to slap the binder shut and thrust it back at the agent.

Iam not going to work on that for Pallass.

Why not? You can tell were ahead of you.

The Flying Gnoll gave the agent a weary look.

Whats your name, Miss?

She was slightly offended by the question.

I dont know if thats helpful.

Cant you give me a fake one? I dont like speaking to people I dont know.

Fine. Call me Zemize. Pallass is offering you all the support you never had, Felkhr of Pallass. Your city wants you.

He folded his arms again.

Its got a funny way of showing it after a decade.

The Drake winced as she glanced around his workshop.

The times change. Your ideas were never practical, butwe can see that its a viable path forwards, Felkhr. Consider your salary an apology. How large would you like it to be?

Felkhr bared his teeth.

Still not interested. I dont want to be told tocopy someone elses idea. Which is what that kid has. I dont know where it comes from. Some ancient nation? Chieftain Serunials tribe? Another world?

He was just throwing things out there, and the agents tail twitched back and forth as she laughed at the ideas. But Felkhr shook his head.

Regardless. I believe itd workbut its not my way. And my way will be the only way I do it. Im not interested in making a hundred of those flying machines for the army, either. I wantto fly.

He had never wanted anything more in his life. If he looked out the window, he could see the snow falling, and he imagined soaring up into those grey skies.

He was at his least motivated ever. He was at his most motivated ever. Because he knew it could be done. Because he wasnt sure if he was barking up the wrong tree

But he still believed in his plans. And he would not be a copycat to Ryoka Griffin or Troydel. He would rather just line up and buy one of the Wind Runners gliders when Pallass manufactured them and admit defeat rather than stop experimenting.

You could do all this so much better with money. Well be spying on your designs, you know. You cant defeat Troydel when it comes to ideas. Believe me. Ill tell you thisIm one of his assigned handlers, and he has plenty of people keeping him happy because he knows enough to turn Izril on its head. But all the things we need to makewe need you, Felkhr.

He smiled politely at Zemize.

But I dont need the city. Not yet. And between you and me, Zemize, theres another reason I dont want to work with the Engineering Guild.

Which is?

She leaned over, and he whispered to her.

Theyre slow. They have safety protocols and review boards, and they wont test anything without trialing it a hundred times first. Which is great for the city and their people. Im faster.

Then he got up and showed her to the door. Felkhr kept smiling for nearly an hour until she was gone. Then he curled up and howled under his pillow for a while.

Theyd figured it out! They had the whole of it! It made him sosoangry. He wanted to punch a hole in a wall.

Lacking that, the first thing Felkhr did when he got to Liscor after paying for a days travel was punch the snowman outside.

Stupid designs! Why do wings look like that? Stupidknow-it-allWind Runner!

He hadnt slept all last night. Hed been translating as many things hed seen from his scan of the blueprints Troydel had made as he could onto parchment, then figuring them out. But he had stopped himself from begging to see the rest and was glad he hadnt seen more than hints.

He didnt. Want. To. Know.

There was more than pride at stake. More than the joy of accomplishing it himself. Felkhr had not gotten to where he was by taking the easy path.

He was more than the Flying Gnoll of Pallass. True, he might look like a crazy Gnoll punching a snowman to death as people edged around him outside the innbut he had a secret.

Felkhr was a [Dreamer].

He was also an [Inventor].

And guess what? Neither class wanted Troydels certain knowledge. The Gnoll felt in his bones that hed ruin himself if he saw the blueprints, and he had every reason to be proud.

Because he was a Level 33 [Dreamer of Flight].

And a Level 31 [Crazed Inventor].

Some people got to the famous thirty before thirty hallmark of talent. Which was reaching Level 30 before reaching the age of 30.

Well, Felkhr had done it twice. And if you thought you didnt get good Skillsthere was some irony in what Felkhr got, actually.

He had gained, in his approximation, about the same amount of Skills as a regular Level 30 person between two classes. Mostly because the [Dreamer] class was, by and large, a famous dud.

Felkhr wasnt even someone who daydreamed, so some of the Skills some sleep-enthusiasts got he had straight-out refused. The Skills he did get were odd.

The thing about wanting to fly is that when he was younger, he had assumed it would be given to him by levels.

You seelevels provided. Everyone knew that a class could shape you, but you also tended to get Skills that affected your lifes path by levelling.

So why would a Level 33 [Dreamer of Flight] not get the ability to fly?

[Realization of Your Deepest Dream] or something pithy like that? Hed fly for five minutes each day, and thatd probably satisfy him.

But he didnt get that Skill.

His [Inventor] class was simple. He had a lot of abilities like [Phantom Tool], which allowed him to adjust something from the inside rather than having to take it apart. [Incredible Adhesive] was one of his capstones that allowed him to make a glue twice as strong as regular.

He had [Detect Fault], which was invaluable for dealing with wood or metal, [Accident Prevention]which had saved his life a few times and gave him a dodge from the first accident in a workplace each day. A literal dodgeor hed catch himself from pouring solvent next to a candle or the like.

[A Scroll A Day: Parchment] meant he drowned in writing material. Even used it as toilet paper. He could adjust something he made, measure it down to exacting specifications, and make his simple tools work like magic.

His [Dreamer] class? Thatgave him so few Skills he suspected something was laughing at him.

Here was an example of what the [Dreamer] class gave him. At first, hed gotten [Lucid Dreaming], [Perfect Memory: Imagination], and so on, but then the class had seemed tochange.

Level 30 [Dreamer of Flight]. Capstone Skill?

[My Dream of Flight: 30% Discount]! Which meant he could walk into any shop, go to any [Merchant] in the worldand if he needed something for his dream, he only had to pay 70% of the price. The remaining bit would magically appearor hed find the coins in his pocket after paying.

Why. That? Why not let me fly, you stupid class? Why not[Super Jump]?

Another [Dreamer] Skill hed gotten?

[Mending Recovery]! For breaking your bones! [Increased Income: Job]! For more pay when you got your income from working as a Lift Operator! [Powerful Persuasion: Enchanters], for when you needed them to enchant your latest creation!

[Locate Item: Scroll of Featherfall] so he could go bargain-hunting for the scrolls.

Literally. He could detect [Featherfall] scrolls anywhere in Pallass. You want to find a [Featherfall] scroll? You talk to Felkhr. He could tell you that Grimalkin of Pallass had eighteen in his mansion.

Classes were stupid. And that was why Felkhr was in a crisis. He had not come this far on his own just to cheat his way to the end.

Assuming he could find the end and it wasnt by following Ryoka Griffin, Troydel, or the Archmage of Izril.

The Gnoll was understandably vexed by recent events. Stressed. Sleep-deprived, which was a terrible thing to be, and great sympathy should have been given to anyone lacking even an hour of sleep. Especially [Writers]. And [Engineers] and [Inventors] and [Dreamers].

So it was understandable that he beat the poor snowman to death. But, uhwhen Felkhr finally caught himself and stopped mashing in the Yellat-nose and the remains of two eyes, he looked up and saw he had an audience.

Besides the visitors coming in and out to The Wandering Inn via the door, he also had two little Gnolls and two Drakes who were staring at him in horror.

They had a wheelbarrow of snow, and their beloved snowman was dead. Mrsha, Kenva, Visma, and Ekirra gave Felkhr a long look as he straightened up and looked at their snowman.

Oh. I, uhhe was just standing there and

He killed Mister Snowy! He was an Antinium! Hes racist!

Visma began shouting. Felkhr raised his paws.

No, no, I was just mad

It occurred to him it was the wrong thing to say. Mrsha was whistling, and a man in armor was striding towards him.

Excuse me, sir. Back away from the children

No, no, I was just

Felkhr was worried. He tried to back upthen felt the hairs on his neck rise. He looked upand a glinting arrow was trained on him.

Should I shoot him in the legs, Mrsha?

Bird the Hunter called out from the tower. The Gnoll froze and held his paws straight up. His bad morning was getting worse.

Someone else having a bad day was Kevin.

Also Watch Captain Zevara.

They sat across from each other as he put his head on the table. Erin was mediating. The Watch Captains arms were crossed, and she had a bandage on her tail.

Two, actually. One was fresher than the other.

I dont understand it. Am I cursed? Or do you have a grudge against me? Are you trying to get bicycles banned from the city?

Yeah, Kevin. Whats wrong with you?

I was swerving. This time it wasnt my fault! Some idiot wasnt looking and stepped into me, and it was either run him over or go left.

And the Watch Captains tail got run over.

Erin turned to Zevara, and the Watch Captain nodded.

How do you not see it?

Kevin threw up his hands.

Im sorry. Tails are hard to see! Im not used to having to navigate around Drakes, and yours is sort of long!

Dont be lewd, Kevin.

Erin slapped him on the shoulder as Zevara twitched her tail under the table defensively. The [Innkeeper] was not helping, but she was highly amused.

If you do it again, Ill arrest you. Your fine you can pay off now.

He nodded, red-faced.

I am so sorry, Watch Captain. Seriously. Its likeI dont know how its happened three times this month.

To be fair, the first time in Esthelm and the second time had been close together, but shed dodged him all month until now. Zevara shook her head. But Erin was offering something.

Whats that? Did someone saypeppermint, magical candy cane for the Watch Captain and Kevin the tail-killer?

Kevin perked up a bit. Zevaras face didnt move. She refused to look as the [Innkeeper] danced overthen got tired and sat in her wheelchair.

Im tired. Standing is too much work. Ishkr, lets get some candy canes out! Do I hear applause?

You do not.

Erin eyed Zevara.

Just a little bit of applause?

No. What is peppermint? What is this candy cane?

Before Erin could answer, there was a commotion outside. Zevaras panic finally set in.

This is it. I knew a month of nothing more than an inedible scone would be too much for her.

She turned, claw on her sword, ready to face whatever came in

Another criminal for you, Watch Captain. Although perhaps this falls under Miss Solstices purview. This fellow just killed Mister Snowy.

Zevara and Erin both sat up in alarm.

What?

He killed who?

Ser Lormel pushed a rather wet and nervous Gnoll forwards. He shuffled into the inn as Mrsha trained her wand on his back and the other three furious children walked forwards. Nanette looked smug as they marched him over to the others.

A snowman.

Oh. Lead with that, please.

Zevara sat back, claw on her chest. Nanette gave Mrsha an arch look.

I told you making snow-birds and mini snow-people was cuter.

Eat poo.

Mrsha wrote back. The two had had their first fight this morningover making cute little snow creations on the outside of windowsills and lining Birds tower, versus Mister Snowy, an exercise in creating the largest snowman possible.

Nanette instantly and pettily side-stepped Mrsha, so the Gnoll girls written comment was in sight of her mother.

Mrsha du Marquin, mind your manners! Did you write that at Nanette?

Lyonette scolded, and Mrsha stared at Nanette in horror.

Nn.

The witch stuck her tongue out, and the first war of The Wandering Inn began. Lyonette was duped into striking a blow against Mrshabut she would inevitably turncoat for her daughters side.

Erin Solstice, the independent nation, looked on in a mild dawning realization as Numbtongue laughed at Mrsha, once again placing himself on the wrong side of history as he opposed cute, white-furred Doombearers.

But that was another tale. The one in front of Zevara looked miserable, and frankly, the Watch Captain didnt care if he killed a snowman. Snow Golems were a hazard, but destroying a childrens playtime?

She was about to dress him down and suggest a fine without going through on it when Erin peered at the Gnolls face and blinked at the striped fur along his ears, a lighter brown, and some colorful white splashes of color across his paws and arms.

Felkhr? Is that you? Hey, long time no see! What are you doing beating up snow people? Guys, this is Felkhr! He saved my life in Pallass!

Hello, Erin. I, uhIm sorry about the trouble.

The Gnoll smiled weakly, and Kevin blinked. He looked at Erin, and Felkhr looked at him.

The two knew each other. And instantlyboth wanted to talk.

Erin Solstice was very forgiving of snow-people murder. Which went to show she had flaws, despite her championing of Antinium and Goblin rights. In fact, when she saw Felkhr was shivering, she had him pull up a chair in front of the fire.

Someone get this Gnoll a coffee! Felkhr, anything you want to eat? On the house. He saved my life so no buts, Lyonette!

You get to comp five meals each week, Erin. Thats one.

The [Princess] called back, and Erins face fell.

Darn organization.

Ishkr brought over a cup instantly, and Felkhr blinked, hesitating. But he wasnt one to turn down free food.

Could I getthe Continental Allstar breakfast please?

Ooh, good choice. See, someone likes the classics. Ishkr, can you run the order to Calescent?

The Gnoll flicked his paw as he wrote down the order on a piece of paper. He tore the note off, and it vanished.

Already there.

Look at that guy. He can [Memo], now. This is Ishkr, Felkhr. My super-waiter. And this is

The Flying Gnoll of Pallass.

Felkhr actually played into his reputation a bit, because he felt like it was a way of repaying Erin. Ishkr smiled.

I have heard of you. Havent you come in a few times?

I think during a party or two. But the inn looksnice. Im sorry about the snowman. I was justmad, and it was staring at me.

Huh. I guess it happens.

No, punish him!

Visma stuck her head up from the table, and Felkhr began apologizing. But, unexpectedly for once, Erin played peacekeeper.

Visma, it was an accident. Felkhr looks pretty rough. What ifI give you all a snack on the house and you let it slide? Please?

Ekirra, Visma, and Kenva whispered together and came back with a counter.

We want one of Miss Imanis newest things!

WhImani?

Erin recoiled in her seat. Ekirra bounced up and down, smiling as the [Innkeeper] stared ahead, face waxy.

Yeah, shes made super good food.

But I havecake

Felkhr eyed Erin as Ekirra delivered the finishing blow.

But her cake is better! She made viennetta cake. Well forgive this guy for that! Just say we can, and shell let us have a slice!

Erins nod was that of a corpse. She sat there as Calescent poked his head out of the kitchen in a kind of outraged horror too. Ishkr frowned.

We should compete with them. Calescent isnt a dessert expert.

Nope. Goblins dont use sugar much. We beat them? Like Nanette beat Mrsha at making cute snow things?

Lyonettes head snapped around, and Mrshas jaw dropped as Calescent pointed proudly to his mini snow-Goblin on the windowsill outside. It was shaped like Pebblesnatch, and it had a poofy hat.

I dont know. I think she might be getting overambitious.

Ishkr replied calmly. Lyonette and Mrshas first ally walked over as Nanettes smug smile faded, and she gulped. Ishkr was not someone you wanted as an enemy.

H-hold on, guys. Felkhr, I, uh, think Ive gotta go. You stay and enjoy the food! Guys? This is silly. I mean, even for me, what are we mad about? Come on

Erin rolled after Nanette and Mrsha, who were running to secure allies already committed by treaty to either side.

Felkhr had no idea what was going on. He was just blearily glad for food and coffee. The children had rushed out to redeem their dessert, and only after hed chowed down on the big plate a Goblin brought him did he realize someone was watching him.

Hey. Im Kevin. Mind if I sit?

Go right ahead. Tables empty. Yourethe owner of Solar Cycles, right? Half the Engineers Guild in Pallass would love to shake your hand and steal your designs.

Kevin blushed faintly and waved it off.

Nah. Dude. Thats way too much. I justknew how to make bicycles, and I had Master Pelt and Hedault helping me. I didnt invent them.

Instantly, he put himself ahead of Troy in Felkhrs eyes. The young man was modest in how he led-in with the conversation, and within moments, Felkhr and he were talking.

I hear Pallass makes all the steel stuff, all the time. I know Master Pelt leaving was a blow

Felkhr coughed into one paw.

With respect to him, and even Master Maughin, theyre artisans. They churn out the finest worksmastercrafted armor, enchantable items, and so on. Gears for new projects in the Engineering Guildbut we have massive foundries for bulk steel. One Master Pelt work comes out at the rate it takes to make a thousand spears.

Right. Industry. Dude, I didnt think of that. I guess they have nothing to worry about in Esthelm.

In Esthelm, perhaps. But Dwarfhalls Rest has got my city worried. They have Dwarfsteel, which Pallass cant match. If it depresses priceswell, the New Lands rush has the foundries working overtime. Competition can be good.

Kevins eyes lit up as he nodded.

It would be! Master Pelts the guy doing my bicyclesbut hes been complaining hes bored of doing anything but the best bikes. Er, the ones that need his touch. And his apprentices have more orders than just my stuff. Do you think Pallass could do my bikes?

Why not? Although you might as well ask Dwarfhalls Rest if youre doing that. Between you and me, Im exceptionally curious how theyre made.

Kevin stood up.

Ive gotta go to Esthelm anyways to get money for a fine. Want to see them?

This time, Felkhr hesitated. He looked at Kevin, but it wasnt gliders the young man made. He got up.

Magnificent. I can see how it all works together. But its soelegant compared to Pallass clunky gears. And these brakes!

A bicycle was a wondrous thing to Felkhr. Kevin stood back proudly as the Gnoll inspected itbut with some degree of wonder himself.

Because of all the people that Kevin had ever met, including Pelt, Felkhr was one of the few people to look at a bicycle and wonder how it worked.

Mechanically, that was. Pelt understood metal. But Felkhr understood function. As proof of that, he had already deduced how the bicycle could be taken apart for repairs, but he stopped when he noticed Kevin looking.

Im sorry, I was just

No, go ahead! Pull it apart; anything can go back together.

Nothing would do but for the Gnoll [Inventor] to pull apart the gear system, inspecting the chains and murmuring in awe.

Its so smooth how it rotates. I see it nowthe gears are layered up on one another. Incredibly economical, and it can change from one to another. Why? Because the smaller ones in diameter require more torque. So you can change how much energy it takes to move this!

He spun the pedals, and Kevin nearly spat out his coffee. Hed known grown-ass adults who didnt understand how the gears on their bikes worked.

I hear youre sort of an engineer yourself. You, uh, try to fly, right?

Kevin was reminded of the earliest pioneers of flight when he looked at Felkhr. The combination between mad and genius, and the more the Gnoll talked, the more Kevin suspected where he lay. Felkhr paused.

Thats right. Im behind the famous Wind Runner. Shes not here, is she?

He looked around Solar Cycles, and Kevin clarified.

No, but she comes to The Wandering Inn a lot. The Havens heading southitll actually be close to Pallass within a few days, and then theyll be out-of-range of Erins door, whichll be something. Uhdo you want to meet her?

No.

The answer surprised Kevin. The [Engineer] scratched his head as Felkhr avoided his gaze. He was inspecting the gears.

The turning mechanism on this is so useful. Not that I have that much call for it myself. But the framepure steel and enchanted. Damn. Thats probably as tough as anything I need. If only I could afford it.

He sighed. Kevin was moved at this point to ask a pointed question.

So youre making flying devices yourself, huh? Ivestudied a bit into that. Are you having troubles?

Another pause. Felkhr glanced up, but he was open enough.

Ive never gotten them working. Ive tried wings, different things like spinning blades, even parasols. I can slow my fall, but the Wind Runners got more than I can do. Even Pallass is chasing her way of flying. For as good as itll do them.

He went back to inspecting Kevins tools, some of which were custom-made for the purpose of working on the bicycles. Kevin hesitated.

Ryoka and Erin had opinions on how much to share with people. He?

He had told Rags about B2 bombers and speculated on how to make everything he could with her. But by the same token, Kevin was also more careful with Felkhr.

Would youwant a hint? Doing things Ryokas way, I mean. Or with ideas on how to fly other ways?

The Gnolls head snapped up. He looked at Kevinand then shook his head.

No. Thank you. You must be like Troydel.

Kevin jumped, then scowled.

That motherfhes in Pallass, isnt he? I forgot!

Felkhr grinned.

Hes giving the Engineering Guild a runaround. But I dont want help, thank you. Like I said, Ryoka Griffins way of flying isnt what I want.

Now, that made Kevin curious. He squatted down and passed Felkhr a wrench so he could remove a bolt. The Gnoll eyed the washer and grunted.

The Goblins. They dashed for the cave entranceand the first Eater Goat was crushed as the entire cave entrance collapsed, nearly knocking the Wyvern Lord off his perch. Outraged, he screeched and flew up.

What the hell? He wasnt that heavy! How did?

The Goblins had collapsed the cave on themselves rather than get eaten. They were flooding towards an emergency exit theyd dug, a safety precaution for just this event.

All but one.

Balancestep had been knocked flat by the icy Wyvern Lords breath. His friends had tried to pull him to safety, but it had been him or everyone. When the rocks fell, he had been lucky not to be crushed. Nowhe got up with the iron ore spilled around him, the basket half-frozen and lying on the ground, and saw the Eater Goats eying him.

As well as the Wyvern Lord. A huge serpentine head turned, and the Wyvern snorted icy flumes as the Eater Goats opened their mouths. The little Goblin was dead. He looked around, and Wyvern riders were screaming alarms as Goblinhome heard about the attack.

But theyd never reach him in time. The first Eater Goat was already detaching its jaw, running at him with a mouth that looked large enough to take half of him away in one bite. So the little Goblin cried out. He knew hed never outrun a Wyvern. Not here. But then he remembered what was on his back and looked down.

The path up to the iron mines was rocky, a hellish climb upwards and almost as bad down. There was a lot of crusted dirt and stone. It was the most vertical slope you could imagine short of an actual cliff, and an army would lose hundreds on the ascent if a better channel wasnt cut.

But it was a slope. There were a billion jagged edgesbut the little Goblin didnt think. He yanked the skateboard off his backand looked back once. The Eater Goat leapt.

Do or die. Balancestep put his foot forwards and went over the ledge. The Eater Goat snapped its jaw shut, but didnt feel any welcome contact. It looked aroundand then saw a Goblin going down the slope on a skateboard.

What the? You bastard, we had a truce!

Rafaema screamed at the Wyvern Lord. He snorted as he eyed this foreign Wyvern Lord. She was yellow and sounded similar to that cute Dragon. Yet her scales were the wrong color. He didnt suffer competition, especially from other Wyvern weyrs. Yet the speeding Goblin distracted him.

Those weyr-stealing bastards. He took off, ignoring the challenger to his turf. The Wyvern dove after Balancestep, scattering Eater Goats behind him. The Goblin wasnt enough for a mouthfulthis was just petty vengeance.

Balancestep couldnt believe he was alive. The first second he went down the slopes, he knew why no Goblin had tried this.

It was like a skateboarder from Earth going down a mountainside. The wheels of the board were meant for hard surfaces, not dirt and gravel. ButBalancestep was a [Boarder], just like Kevin.

[Wheels: Uneven Rolling]. Even if the class was new and the entire concept of skateboarding was wild and new and excitingthe system that governed levels and classes knew how the Skills worked. The skateboard bounced as it went over stones and gravel, and the Goblin swerved left around a pillar of stone.

One hit and he would be dead. But one look over his shoulder and Balancestep saw an azure Wyvern diving, mouth trailing frost vapors even in the cold. So he bent his knees and sped up.

He hit a rock too big to be nullified by his Skill a second later. The impact should have either snapped the wheel of the board or tossed him. Insteadthe Goblin felt a Skill activating.

[Ignore Bump (Twice)].

He tried to avoid the next rock he came across. The third would be his doom. In doing sohe forgot he was being chased.

The Wyvern Lord screamed, and a claw smacked the ground next to Balancestep. He swerved rightand struck one of the rocky inclines. His arm went numb, but he just went flying.

Flying like a comet to go splatting on the rocks as his skateboard flew past him. The Goblin looked down. He never thought hed die of falling-death.

And he wasnt going to if he could help it. The Level 11 [Boarder] activated his final Skill. His capstone.

[Skateboard: Get Back On Board]!

To the disbelieving Wyvern Lord, head poised to snap the Goblin upit looked like the Goblin twisted in midair and the skateboard slowed. Thenhe landed and kept going, shooting down the cliff side.

What the heck? The Wyvern Lord blinked. Then ducked an arrow screaming past its head. It looked around, snarling, and saw the archer.

Badarrow had emerged from one of Goblinhomes secret entrances. The swearing Hob was completely naked, but he had his bow. He loaded the special arrow as the Wyvern Lord kept going after Balancestep.

The Goblin was headed straight for Goblinhome. In a literal sense. He wasnt going down to the stiff climb where the rocky terrain became impossible to roll over. He was stuck, the Wyvern Lord diving after him. And so he headed straight ahead.

Towards the edge of a cliff. There was a ramp of stone, and the Goblin shot up it. He went up, up into the air, and passed by the Wyvern Lords head.

Whoa. The Goblin and Wyvern locked eyes, and even the Wyvern looked impressed. ThenBalancestep was falling and laughing. His feet were still locked to the board, and he looked down.

There was no way hed survive landing. Right?

The valley that Goblinhome lay against descended around him, and the Goblin looked at one of the canyon walls. Like a second floor. He reached down as Badarrow fired his second arrowand wondered if it would work.

[Rushing Wallride].

His skateboard touched the canyon wall and shot down the side of it. The Goblin laughed in disbeliefand the Wyvern Lord screamed. He would have hit the Goblin with all the frost breath in his bodybut Badarrows second arrow hit him straight in the chest.

It shouldnt have gone through the Wyvern Lords scales even if it was enchantedand it didnt. But the [Sniper] hadnt meant to hurt him with the arrow. Rather, it was the object tethered to the arrow that jangled.

The Bell of Pain rang, and the Wyvern Lord recoiled, trying to get the tip of the arrow just lodged in the outermost layer of his scales free. But every time he moved, the bell dinged.

Got him!

Badarrow shouted. The bell worked! But his ebullience as the Wyvern Lord flew away, screaming in agony as it tore the arrow free, turned to grief instantly.

Hed seen the Goblin kid falling. He looked across the distanceand Redfangs on Carn Wolves were racing out of Goblinhome.

They stopped around a little figure lying on the ground at the end of his journey. One of the Goblins, Redscar himself, swung out of the saddle and looked down.

A skateboard was smashed to bits. It had travelled almost the entire length of the canyon wall, riding diagonally across the wall until it met the ground. And the rider? Redscar bent down slowly. Then he poked the little figure on the ground and heard a muffled shout.

Broken leg.

Broken leg? What about rest of him?

One of the other Redfangs demanded incredulously. The others were staring at the cliff. Redscars grin was the largest thing in the world.

Lucky. Big levels tonight.

He raised a claw and made a fistand Badarrow and the other Goblins began cheering. The tale of Balancestepor Balanceboard as he was re-nicknamed, would take a longer time to reach Kevin.

Nor was this use of a skateboard a sane idea. But if it was that or get eaten by a monstermore than one Goblin began seriously taking an emergency skateboard with them. And the class continued evolving.

[Death-defying Skateboarder Level 17!]

[Bound Spell Featherfall obtained!]

[Skill Launch Step obtained!]

[Skill Board: Tough as Steel obtained!]

[Skill Defer Damage: Skateboard obtained!]

When Felkhr woke up, he knew it was bad. Hed been hurt worse before.

Twice.

And those times, hed had healing potions. This time, to be fair, theyd had to use a healing potion or he would be dead.

Hed shattered most of his ribs, and his legs had been thoroughly broken in multiple, multiple places. That was what had hit the ground first; the glider had brought him down like a weight and slammed him down.

The only thing that had saved him was the fact that his [Featherfall] spell arrested his personal fall and thus the entire descent. And the fact that the glider, heavy as it was, had still not gotten to a truly terminal velocity.

He felt like a fool. The [Healer] finished rattling off his injuries and then told him to get some sleep. But Felkhr dwelled on it in the week it took him to exit the clinic on crutches.

Which, incidentally, the [Healers] hadnt believed possible. But he had [Mending Recovery], and they were not used to patients who healed that fast without healing potions.

Some bitter irony that his habit of getting hurt meant he was one of the luckier ones in this world without healing potions.

It didnt change the fact that he had nearly killed himself without even testing Hedaults enchantment. In the [Enchanter]s defense this time, Hedault would have probably assumed any sane being would have run a test flight with a bag of stones instead of trying to just fly with that spell.

And that did not change the fact that Yoiss was dead. When Felkhr emerged from his recovery, the first thing he ran into was a petition.

No more dangerous experiments. No more flying, no more dead citizens of Pallass! Its time to regulate this madness.

Just like six years ago, a group of citizens were petitioning the Assembly of Welfare to take a role in restricting Felkhrs experiments.

It was too late for Yoissbut the sight of him falling off the zipline had pulled public sentiment one way. Felkhrs near-death wasnt as bad, but in the wake of the scrutiny over the Engineers Guild, he was an easy, logical target.

Since he couldnt attend a hearing on his feet, the Assembly ruled that theyd heard his arguments before and he could rest at home. So the Gnoll dragged himself to his apartment, which was cold and hadnt been occupied for two weeks, and lay there.

Theyre definitely going to stop me this time. Last time, he had argued tooth-and-nail against his detractors. This timethey had just seen the consequences of idiocy like his, and they would have the chance to make every argument without him even defending himself.

He wished he could say it was unfair. But the longer the Gnoll stared at the ceiling, the more he felt ashamed.

What had he been doing? Hed been caught up in a competitive spirit with his enemies at the Guild. As if theyd stolen from him. As if he had a monopoly on flying.

As ifthe Wind Runner had taken his thunder.

When the truth was that an honest Felkhr, a better Felkhr would have rejoiced at anyone flying at all.

But a part of him was still proud of what he had done. It hated Troydel and Kevin andanyone making it easy.

Ten years. Twelve. Twelve and I wasted it.

His bones had been crushed. Even if he could use crutchesit would be a month or more before he could even think about working. He had no finances, his dream was broken, and he

He was weeping. Snotty. And yet stillhe stared up at a window. He still wanted to go up there.

It wasnt right. Not that way. I did it all wrong. But I cantbeg Kevin or Ryoka Griffin for help. Its not that. And its not the way I did it. Its something else. Im such a fool.

Felkhr snuffled, snotty, and hunted around.

Tissue. Tissue.

He feared he didnt have any and it was going to be a nasty time with nothing to wipe his face but his fur. But in the dark, cold apartment, someone blew their nose, or rather, nostrils noisily.

Its so sad. Heres a tissue. Dont worry, its used.

Saliss of Lights handed Felkhr a wet tissue, and the Gnoll, lying in his bed, nearly broke every one of his mending ribs in terror. Someone slapped the claw down, and a huge arm handed Felkhr a box.

Here.

Whhow did you get in here?

How. He asks us how. How do you pass gas? Its easy, Felkhr. How couldnt we get in here? Window, pick locks, phase through stone, Grimalkin punches through a wall, we shadow you inside, shadowstep, copy your key[Unlocking] spells, hello?

A yellow-scaled Drake stepped out of a shadow in Felkhrs rooms where he had been standing so still that he had been invisible. As for the huge Drake with forest-green scales, well, he had been actually [Invisible], because there was no way for Grimalkin of Pallass to hide even with the powers of standing still and shadows.

We apologize for surprising you, Felkhr. But its hard to have a private word. ActuallyI didnt realize Saliss was here.

He was standing there, and I tickled his tail. Ever hear Grimalkin scream? Itsless funny than you think. He just sounds loud.

Saliss grinned, and Grimalkin turned red under his scales. Saliss paused a second as Felkhr lay there, eyes darting from one to the other.

Wait a second. One, twohey. If the third persons hiding here, come on out. Make your cool entrance already.

He turned around slowly and glared around the room. Grimalkin pausedand he and Felkhr looked around. Everyone waited.

Alright, it was just us. Sometimes it happens.

Saliss muttered, looking embarrassed. He and Grimalkin looked at Felkhr, and the Gnoll croaked.

Why are you two breaking into my home? To recruit me into the Engineers Guild? They dont need me. An idiot who cant even test an enchantment?

Saliss and Grimalkin both shook their heads. The [Alchemist] raised a claw.

I dont do dirty work for Pallass. Or to be precise, thats all I do, but I dont do dirty work that I can delegate.

I did not come here for that reason either. I amhere as a neutral party. Despite my position in the military and Pallass projects, I am here as an individual. A concerned one.

Grimalkin looked more uncomfortable between the two. He kept glancing over his shoulder. Saliss patted him on the shoulder and pretended to wipe away a tear.

Hes actually serious. Hes going behind the Eyes backs. I never thought Id see the day.

To do what?

Felkhr thought he knew, but it was stupid. He tried to sit up, coughing. It was Grimalkin who offered him a cup of what turned out to be water.

Hydration is important during recovery. The [Healers] prescribed you a healthy diet, but I can get you on your feet, at least. You must have a healing Skill, though.

[Mending Recovery].

Saliss nodded.

Nice.

Grimalkins brows rose. Then he looked around.

This apartment is freezing. Let me at least put down a rune of warmth regardless of what happens before we go.

He doesnt need this. He can sleep in his workshop. I took a look inside, and its decent. Rune that place and put a few explosive locks on the door for the snoops. If you throw five off the edge of the floors, the sixth one gets the message. I havent done that for ages.

Saliss rubbed his claws together, and Grimalkin sighed. He looked at Felkhr.

If it is not obvious, Felkhr, we would like to offer you our support. Saliss and I. We came to the conclusion separately, but as you can see

He indicated Saliss, and the Drake nodded. Felkhr just lay there, looking at them.

You want to help me? Not the Engineering Guilds flying project?

Saliss pretended to spit to one side.

Nuts to them. They can request anyone they wantexcept me. Theyve got all of Pallass backing their cute projects, and after that kid died, theyre double-checking everything. But youre poor. I took a look at that glider you copied, and you made Ryokas glider out of cheap wood and cotton cloth. Aside from the idiotic enchantment, you need funds. Im rich. And Grimalkin might not be an expert, but he can enchant decently well.

The Sinew Magus nodded, arms crossed.

I can indeed. It wont be nearly as good as Master Hedault, but I can volunteer my magic, and I think its for the best. After alla flying solution accessible to all should not be gated by levels.

I dontwhy now? Do you feel sorry for me? Is Chaldion telling you to do this? You know that kid, Troydel, and Kevin and probably Ryoka Griffin know how to make flying machines. I cant. Ive failed. Im going to be exiled or banned from even trying. Why help me?

Felkhrs voice was weak. But he wanted their help. Yet he couldnt believe it. In replySaliss looked to one side, grinning, but it seemed like a grimace, and Grimalkin studied his feet. Saliss nudged Grimalkin, and, surprisingly, Grimalkin nudged him back. Saliss was the one who replied.

You never asked for help. Which, fine, we never offered. We should have. But I thought it really was impossible, and Im a selfish, conceited, annoying monster of a Named-rank Adventurer. I dont know what Grimalkins excuse is.

The Sinew Magus head bowed.

Perspective, perhaps. Believing something can be done is easier with a proof of concept. Im not proud to say that my desire to approach you came after hearing about the flying initiatives Pallass launched. I couldnt put a voice to it until I saw you, Felkhr. I would liketo support your project. Neither Saliss nor I want to take any role in doing more than being consultants or partners in this affair at best. No management.

But why?

They were both going behind Pallass tail or, at the very least, setting him up as a rival when they could have offered their services to the guild. Yetthe answer came to Felkhr as the chins of the two Drakes rose and they looked almost indignantly at Felkhr. Saliss eyes gleamed as he replied.

Why didnt you join the Engineers Guild, Felkhr? Why didnt you just run over to the Wind Runner when she first appeared? You know, all these special projects come from us copying another worlds technology. The kids, the Earthers, know how to do it.

Grimalkin nudged Saliss again, hard, but the Drake went on.

Its fine if we copy some things and do it safe. Like the damn ziplines or a cake. But flying?

He ground his teeth together audibly and jabbed a thumb-claw into his chest.

We are the City of Inventions. And here we are copying all these cute tricks without a thought to making them special, making them ours. Earth has no conception of magic, but were chasing after them as if theyre the only minds between two worlds. If we just copied their stupid flying planes without a hint of innovation? Id rather back an idiot like you over a copycat any day.

He articulated what was in Felkhrs chest. The Gnoll looked upand that was it.

It wasnt that he hated flying. It wasnt that he hated taking notes from those geniuses who had gone before.

He hated the idea that he had nothing to offer. Nothing but the ability to realize what had already been done. Magic, technology, science, levelsall of what had been done?

He wanted to make something new out of it. More than a noisy plane like Bird described. More than a glider that required someone elses connection with the wind. A bridge between it all.

Flying.

Maybe it would be one small, infinitesimally tiny step forwards based on all these thingsbut that idea burned in Felkhr anew.

So the [Dreamer] looked at Saliss and Grimalkin and saw them. People with high levels who knew the impossible could be done. Sons of Pallass, prideful, both experts in their fields. Slowly, Felkhr nodded.

II can try again. But I need to ask for theories this time. I need to know more, and more about magic too.

I have both, and I can explain them.

Grimalkin, the note taker of legend, had all the facts. Saliss grinned.

And youll make it practical, wont you? No nonsense about Ryokas unique magic. Anyone can drink a potion of [Featherweight] and fly. This has to beworkable.

Yes. Yes. Maybe it is the glider, but it has to fly under its own power.

Grimalkin flipped a page open in his notepad to show everyone a sketch. Or rather, a magical picture that might have been taken from one of the movie-nights.

There are ways to do it. Propulsion based on turning propellers

Saliss nudged Grimalkin.

Let him propose and we fulfill. First, we need this guy on his feet. Maybe I can pull out a potion. Ill deliver some gold, you deliver the notes.

Felkhr looked between his first two serious backers, and his heart was filled with more hope than he had in ages. But thenhis face fell.

Ill never be able to practice in Pallass, though. Is there a room in Liscor or Invrisil? Theyll ban me from trying in the Assembly of Welfare.

Grimalkin and Saliss had been discussing first steps, which mainly seemed to be getting Felkhr a room, burning this one to the ground, and hazing the Eyes of Pallass. But both looked over at this statement, and to Felkhrs astonishmentthey laughed.

Both were amused. Even Grimalkin chuckled, and Saliss rolled his eyes at Felkhrs blank expression.

Oh, thats sweet. You think the Assembly will kick a poor Gnoll puppy boy like you when hes down? Well, they would in a heartbeat. But you think I care? Not that we have to defy them anyways. I think the resolution isnt going to pass. Your supporters showed up, and theyre having it out with the ones who want you to quit. Not that it matters. The old man decides, and hes watching you.

What? I have supporters? Rufelt and Lasica?

Felkhr was bewildered. Grimalkin looked surprised at his blank expression, but Saliss just shook his head.

Come on. Youve always known they were there, Felkhr. Theyve given you the most help. Maybe you should have asked for more help, but they turned up before Grimalkin or I. Actuallythats what got me moving. And I really didnt want Erin to suggest I help you. Some things I can do on my own.

Once again, those eyes flashedand Felkhr tried to think. Supporters? He had people who thought he was doing a good thing, like

Like the Wind Runner?

Do you mean children?

Saliss slapped a palm to his forehead. And only when he helped drag Felkhr out of his apartments did the Gnoll remember. It was them.

It was always them.

Two kinds of people were in Pallass. Those that supported Felkhr, the few, the high level, and those who did not.

But one entire group had never derided him nor made fun of his attempts.

Oh, well, that wasnt entirely true. There were always exceptions who poked fun at him or laughed along. But one entire body of people in Pallass had never sneered. And that group was

Garuda.

They never did. When they saw him pacing along the walls testing his flying devices, theyd ask him how it was going. Theyd humor him and give him feathers or talk to him about what flying was like.

They never mocked him, only watched and sometimes gave him a few words of encouragement, bought him an ale. Most clearly thought he was mad, but there was also something behind their gazes.

Expectation, perhaps. As if they were wondering and hoping hed do it. Spread his wings and fly and join them.

Perhaps they remembered the tale of the Gnoll who had gone to their peoples greatest kingdom and learned to fly. Perhaps they simply respected anyone who wanted to do what they did.

Perhaps they were lonely, the last species able to fly in the skies of the world without prejudice or war at their wings.

Over a hundred Garuda showed up when the Assembly of Welfare decided to hear Felkhrs case. The issue of the Flying Gnoll of Pallass and public safety had been opened to the publicwhich was a move to let the detractors have their say.

It backfired splendidly on the [Senators] who heard person after person demand Felkhr be given his chance to fly. When they did rulethey allowed him his right to continue experimentation providing he did not injure himself that badly again. If he did, they would immediately halt his self-endangering activities.

They did not have to worry in that regard. For the rest of the month, Felkhr didnt so much as jump high. And not because he was grounded in his apartment, either.

He was actually only laid up for eight days.

He had broken almost every rib and shattered several bones in his legs. Even if he could hobble back to his apartment, he should have been practically immobile.

But as Saliss had observed, these things often came in threes. Only in this case, the third member of the Felkhr alliance was banned from Pallass by name. So Bird waited until Felkhr had hobbled into the inn to talk with Kevin before he sprang on the Gnoll.

Felkhr! How badly are you hurt?

Ivebroken a lot of bones, Bird. Please dont hug me.

Are you terribly, mundanely wounded by your encounter with the ground?

Yes.

Excellent!

Bird rubbed all four hands together, and Felkhr almost got maduntil Bird pointed to an Antinium he had brought over.

This is Zimrah. She is going to heal you, Felkhr.

I dont need a potion, Bird. And theres a limit unless you know [Restoration].

Bird just laughed at Felkhr.

Ha. Hahaha. You are so funny, Felkhr. I do not need that silly spell. Healing is a funny rule. I like breaking rules. Like truth, it is easy to fool, and Zimrah cheats.

Then she put her hands on himand Felkhr thought the Antinium were scarier and more powerful than the Walled Cities could ever dream of.

Then again, Saliss and Grimalkin knew quite a lot. For one thing, both were actually quite knowledgeable about flyingif not in the way Felkhr wanted. Saliss was trying to show them how other people flew.

Ever heard of the combo attack the Havens crew does? Ive seen it. They can toss Eldertuin like a twig, literally catapult him into foes. Skills cheat. What were doing here is limited, because any big spell or Skill cant be replicated. So lets call it a cap at Tier 4 magic at most.

Grimalkin raised a quill.

No Dwarfsteel. I took a look at whatever that metal Rufelt has isand its one of their secret alloys. Plain wood will do if I enchant it lighter.

Felkhr was nodding as he wrote down a plan.

Thenthe first thing I want you two to do is for Saliss to pay for a bunch of wooden rods Ill fabricate. Well use those as the structure, and Grimalkin will put his best protective spell on them. Then I break them.

Ah. I knew he was crazy. Go on.

Saliss laughed, but he understood instantly what Felkhr was describing. He showed Grimalkin a little contraption hed worked out, and the Drake looked outraged.

Those are my weights! I gifted you that weights-set to work out with!

Yesbut theyre perfectly calibrated for this. See? I can test the strength of each object.

Felkhr innocently pulled on a string and added fifty pounds to a device he could test the tensile strength of an object with. Of course, tensile was not the word he used, but he had heard how easy it was to break a flying vehicle in the air.

Having a baseline for the force put upon the entire flying machine would be important. But even Felkhr confessed that it was guesswork.

Unless I know how powerful the wind will be, I dont know how strong this entire device should beor how each rod interacts with one another. I assume it adds to how much force it can support, but its more complicated than that.

Hmm. Hmmmmm. You know, its more than I want to deal with too. But I know a Gnoll who could render that kind of issue into numbers. If anyone can do it. Hey, Grimalkin, introduce Felkhr to the Math Gnoll himself. And ask those annoying know-it-alls if theres an equation to measure force from the wind on a surface.

The Math Gnoll?

Felkhr raised his brows in disbelief. But he learned to soon respect the flashing of sunglasses. Someone else believed in his visionand Yelroan believed you could calculate the force a mace hit armor with. And if you could do thatthe strength of any vehicle was just an equation. All they had to do was know the formula.

During Ryoka Griffins month of dinner dates and Erins month of dancing, a bitter cold war between Nanette and Mrsha blew across the inn.

At the same time, Felkhr studied flying. He watched Ryoka Griffin skimming across the snow and saw it was good, but impractical.

He re-watched Valeterisa lifting Fissival and noted the antigravity spells on the rocks as impracticalbut also noted the air spell and flames with great interest. But he didnt miss the fact that shed had Djinni support.

Apista, ironically, was the best case example of how to fly on multiple levels. The bee flew far differently than the birds that Bird caught, living and dead, as examples. She also had her jetflame spell.

The act of paring down the materials into the lightest, sturdiest compromise between strength and weight was simple for Grimalkin and Saliss. One knew every material there was to work with in alchemy, the other could do the enchanting and actually break most of the pieces with his bare biceps and compare which was stronger on a personal, if merely qualitative, level.

And Yelroan would read Felkhrs blueprints and try to calculate lift and drag and the structural integrity as Felkhr made tiny prototypes and launched them.

Then the four of them, two Gnolls, two Drakes, and sometimes one Bird, would gather in The Wandering Inn to talk, or Tails and Scales, although Bird couldnt go to Pallass.

For the first time he could remember, Felkhr was sitting with more than work colleagues at a table in the pub instead of at the bar, eating while arguing fiercely and drawing on the table until Lasica shouted at them. Felkhr was gnashing his teeth over the issue.

Its impossible to fly without some form of propulsion. The most we can do is glide. Wingsuits, hang gliders, parasailingare all dependent on incredible velocity and height. Or at the very least, a strong backwind and a hot day.

Saliss grinned, stuffing half of the fries into his bag of holding for later.

So whats our propulsion? Weve got jet fuel, propellers, hot air

No propellers.

Everyone but Saliss chorused instantly. Saliss spread his claws.

But

Felkhr shook his head.

Its loud, dangerous, we dont have an engine, and those helicopters and gyrocopters sound like death-machines.

Kevin had described in detail the dangers of literal beheading when you so much as walked around a helicopters spinning blades. Besides, as Felkhr indicated

The problem is size. A plane is so big because of the need to power everything. The magical solution has to be superior to the stuff Earth has. Look at my design. Its only possible with a rune enchantment. Well, maybe Earth could do the same, but I think theyd have another technique.

Everyone leaned over, and Yelroan agreed.

Thats definitely not safe if they had to produce that from a live flame and combustion. Buthmm. I like that a lot.

He grinned, and Grimalkin raised his brows.

Interesting conception. Up and down.

Felkhr was onto something. He kept scratching his head and hoped he didnt have any dandruff as he spoke, slowly, working the entire thought out.

Propulsion only goes one way. The other should be ambient heat. Can you do it?

The Sinew Magus grimaced as he made some notes on his notepad then pulled out his spellbook.

I can do the spells. But there is no way I can power them off ambient mana, Felkhr. Im sorry. Youll get a gentle breeze at most, and thats not practical.

The Gnoll heaved a huge sigh.

Then were using a magical fuel. We can still beat Earth. More compact, lighterand it has to be within budget.

Saliss was tapping his claws on the table, frowning hard. He stared at the runes as he listened to the discussion of magicore versus gemstones versus mana supply. Then he coughed into one fist.

We might be able to make this thing slim and compact after all. It wont be accessible to everyone. Not right away. But if you want that proof-of-concept, FelkhrIve got a power source.

Everyone stopped and stared at him. Grimalkin flipped the pages of his spellbook.

Enough to power two Tier 1 spells at a Tier 4 consumption rate?

The [Alchemist] gave him a surprisingly somber look.

All day and all night, Grimalkin. Or at least for a few hours. But its on me to figure out how to make a controlled output, not an actual explosion. But I have to do it anyways, and if I dokeep away from the 9th Floor for a bit.

Everyone looked at him incredulously, but Felkhr was willing to take a lot of what Saliss said on credit. He lifted a mug as Rufelt sent over a pitcher for the table.

Heres to new ideas.

Heres to working together!

Yelroan smiled. Saliss raised a cup.

Heres to being alone and having no one who loves us because were all insanely married to our jobs!

The other three stopped as he took a huge gulp of his drink. And then Saliss looked sideways.

Whoops, sorry. I forgot Grimalkin was here.

The Sinew Magus looked hurt as Saliss bounced an onion ring off his chest. He seemed to be having as much fun with peers aswell, Felkhr and Yelroan.

What are you talking about, Saliss? I am married to my work. I havent cultivated a personal relationship like that.

Saliss paused with his toothy mouth open, and his eyes slid sideways to Felkhr and Yelroan. The [Mathematician] slowly sipped from his mug.

I see.

Saliss shook his head with a grimace.

Wow. Thats just painful to hear. I feel so bad for someone Im not going to name right now. Alright, heres to that!

Felkhr would never quite forget the completely blank look on Grimalkins face.

He thought he had never had a finer month. He had never laughed more, enjoyed dinners more.

Gotten angrier more. Angry enough to have a shouting match over designs with Yelroan, or so sad he shed tears over a prototype smashed to bits carrying all his plans. Or more excited.

And it seemed to him as if the world itself were waiting for him to finish his work. As if Pallass had suddenly caught a new scent on the breeze.

Less people mocked him than before. Zemize didnt show up at his workplace, and Saliss reported not having to trounce half as many spies as he thought.

Sometimes the Eyes of Pallass are smart. Smart enough not to interfere with things.

That was his only comment, but Felkhr thought he could see Drakes and Gnolls, Garuda and Dullahans, watching him. Hed quit his job and was working full-time on his first prototype. Obviously, theyd thrown things off the walls already and gone to Liscor to test things out.

But the flight daythat would be the first day Felkhr got into his Rascale Safety Harness Mk. 5 and marched out of his worksite. He couldnt believe that day came when it did.

Or the fact that the Mk. 5 was a creation of Troy, who had seen the disastrous events surrounding Felkhrs and Yoiss falls and invented a way to disengage out of the harness. It wasnt fast because that was not something you wanted to do by accident, but if you removed three clips, you could yank the harness into two pieces by disengaging a central lynchpin strap.

But that was all a different story and going on as the Flying Gnoll pursued one dream. When his day came, it was, perhaps, a small story.

At first. But Pallass had been waiting a long time, laughing, mocking, and now, silently expecting. Felkhr could have waited more years, but it felt like it was all coming together fast.

But thenif this day had been a long time coming

His true class had come first. It did not carry him to his goal. It just helped him get there sooner.

On the day of Saelsmorn, the second day of the week, in the the month of Mouring, the fourteenth month of the year, twenty-three years after the King of Destructions first slumber, Felkhr of Pallass checked his safety harness and accepted the helmet that Yelroan handed him.

The [Mathematician] was the only person in his workshop. He let Felkhr inspect the padded helmet.

Not enchanted. Grimalkin doesnt want any magical interference.

Thanks.

Safety goggles went under the helmet, and Felkhr felt a bit warm in the jacket and pantsbut it was cold up there even for a Gnoll. It was getting into the middle of winter.

10/14/23. Not a fancy day by any means. Saliss had almost begged Felkhr to lie on the records and claim hed done it on 13/13/23 or lie entirely and say it was 2/2/22 just to annoy the [Historians]. But theyd agreed that this was a good day, weather conditions notwithstanding. Yelroan was updating Felkhr on the conditions as the Gnoll checked his gear.

Theres a slight breeze up there. You can call it off. Grimalkin wants to kill the weather magic.

No altering the weather. Were proving it works. Can you help me strap in?

Yelroan did, and he was nervous and excited. Hed switched his sunglasses for non-shiny ones so he didnt blind Felkhr by accident.

Theres a crowd up there. And speaking of weatherGrimalkin says youve got a few important guests. He said not to tell you if youre nervous.

Im not nervous.

Felkhr was about to pee. Hed done it eighteen times so far, and now he was in his harness, he regretted not trying one more time to squeeze something out. He was terrifiedand exhilarated.

This was it. The object moving with his arms was bulkybut theyd folded it up, and he could walk around with it.

It looked like a bunch of moth wings secured by wood to his back. Silk indeed, and it fanned out somewhat like the Wind Runners suit if Felkhr spread his armsbut it was detachable instead.

And it had a few other tricks that the Wind Runner didnt need. Felkhr barely noticed the weight; it was light as could be.

Of course, as he knew, light still meant his entire bodys weight needed to get off the ground, and that was going to be a challenge.

Wheres the canister? Careful, careful

Saliss had told them there was no chance of it going boom. But he said that with five holes in his laboratory, and Felkhr knew how much power that had to go into anything to damage Saliss lab. Yelroan very carefully attached it, and Felkhr felt his back heating up.

Alright. Runes working.

The connection to the mana stones good?

He had one in each glove of his suit. Felkhr nodded and tested both. Yelroan confirmed both spells were working.

Aside from the passive enchantments, there were only two active spells that required the power source Saliss had provided. Steering was not one of them.

After much consultation with flying experts like Apista, Bevussa, and so on, it was clear to Felkhr that fliers were very sensitive to the slightest movement in the air. A wheel or rudder was too powerful; hed shift his body weight left or right to yaw.

There were a lot of dangers, though, and he was armed with a Scroll of Featherfall but determined not to use it unless he had to. Besidesas he had learned, the acceleration of other objects could still mean his end.

But he had his class. It burned in him, and Yelroan stepped back.

Alright. This is it. Theyre waiting for you on the 10th floor. Want to take an elevator?

Im not walking.

The two Gnolls grinned at each other, and then they began to walk outside. And this time

They were lining up as they had always done. Idle passers by, citizens. People hoping for an accident or, sometimes, those who thought this time hed do it.

Only this time, they knew what was coming. So Felkhr was surprised to see people lining the street by his workshop on the 8th Floor. He looked aroundand saw familiar faces.

The Engineering Guild. Garuda. And Drakes, Gnolls, slowing as they saw the commotion. Felkhr heard whispers as he and Yelroan marched forward. He looked different this time, with his helmet and goggles and an actual suit.

Whats happening now?

Thats the Flying Gnoll of Pallass. Is he doing something again? I thought they banned him?

Whys there a crowd this time? His contraption doesnt look better than last time.

I saw the Wind Runner on the walls. And the [Innkeeper] of Liscor. Maybe

Felkhr stumbled a bitand Yelroan grinned.

Told you.

Ryoka Griffin was fidgeting on the cold battlements as a young woman in a wheelchair sat, warm under a blanket. The Barefoot Runner was paying for her arrogance, but she was also nervous.

I feel like he hates my guts. Am I paranoid, Erin?

Ryoka, you think everyone hates you. In this case, he might. Grimalkin, does Felkhr hate Ryoka?

The Sinew Magus turned from checking the air currents. He frowned at Ryoka.

No. Felkhr quite admires you, Miss Griffin. That would be paranoia.

But hes never asked to talk to me. I only heard about this project yesterday!

Ryoka protested. She was eying the sky, checking the wind. There was more powerful wind above. Grimalkin folded his arms.

Felkhr wanted to do this without relying too much on outsiders. This is a Pallassian project. He felt that too much copying would undermine his conclusions.

Maybe I should talk to him. Ordo you want me to help with the wind?

No. Any attempts and I will dispel your wind magic.

Grimalkin snapped. Ryoka lifted her hands.

Oh, come on, Grimalkin! This isnt a game!

We know. But Felkhr will prove he can do this without help. No magic except for his gear. No Skills save his own. And none of that will help him fly.

Pardon me for trying to help.

Ryoka went off to sulk with someone else not always beloved. She walked over and cleared her throat.

Hey. We havent talked. Im Ryoka.

Youre blocking my view.

Chaldion of Pallass had a huge fur coat on and his own seat. Ryoka threw up her hands, and he grinned.

The Grand Strategist of Pallass just happened to be here. Despite Grimalkin and Saliss doing their best to keep the day secrethere he was. And there were a number of Pallassian officials in the crowd.

Old man, I will throw you off the walls first. This isnt your moment.

Saliss beamed as he kicked one of the soldiers trying to block him from Chaldion in the shins. The old Drake raised one brow innocently.

Its a custom to watch the Flying Gnoll make his attempts. Theres no law against me being up here.

The [Alchemist] had an annoyed look on his face.

Right. And the crowds just turned up. General Duln, [Senators] on your good listall because theyre interested.

Chaldion sipped from a cup of steaming tea without a word.

Im sure Noass and his camera crew are just here because they can sense a good moment. Miss Drassi as well.

Channel 1 and Channel 2 were fighting in the background for the best spot. Saliss teeth ground together, but even he was too excited to stand still. But he had to point to the forty assorted Drakes and Gnolls and Dullahans and Garuda standing on a set of bleachers to the side.

And the damn choir?

Chaldion made a show of looking sideways, and his good eye widened.

My, is that our city choir? I had no idea they were there. One good eye, you see. Bad peripheral vision.

By the time Felkhr got up to the 10th Floor, there were thousands of Pallassians waiting and thousands more coming up. Saliss trying to heave his grandfather over the edge of the walls wasnt even noticeable to the Gnoll.

He walked forwards and looked around.

This is it.

Unlike last time, there was no certainty in his bones. He was terrified, nervous, and he had been as thorough as could be. Prepped for this. Even done underwater tests to prove the ideas worked. Hed thrown more sandbags with his face attached to them onto the ground than he could count.

But there was something in his chest. It was burningand he didnt pay attention to Noass and Drassi wanting a word. The choir was warming up around himand he just looked at Yelroan, Saliss, Grimalkin.

Is Bird here?

He couldnt make it, Felkhr supposed. But then he heard an excited voice.

I am here, Felkhr! Hello! I can see everything through the theatre! Zimrah and many of us are here, watching! The Flying Queen is shouting through Pivr. Pivr, shut up.

An excited Bird was peering out of a scrying orb. He meant the Antinium. Felkhr smiled at them and Rufelt and Lasica. Behind him, Noass was throwing elbows.

Felkhr, a word before you set out on your latest attempt? Do you have a word for the crowds?

The couple holding the scrying orb waved to Felkhr. Rufelt grinned as he looked at Felkhr, shaking with nerves himself.

Is this it, Felkhr? Youre not dreaming.

The Gnoll pinched himself. He knew there were probably countless people watching. Not just Antinium or Pallass.

Goblins were watching from Goblinhome. Gnolls in the Great Plains had stopped and gathered around scrying orbs, murmuring a name and asking who he was. Garuda flitted down in Chandrar, alerted by their cousins from Pallass that something was going on.

The Titan and leaders of war were tuning inand all Felkhr saw were the people who had supported him. And the sky.

It was blue as could be with great clouds threatening more snow in the distance. But the spots he saw were so vividly, painfully clearhe stared up and up, and he knew how high the sky was.

Higher than the depths of the sea. Many times the size of the High Passes. A cloud was inconceivably highhe felt the two mana stones in his gloves tingle as he pressed his paws down on them. Then he turned to Rufelt and Lasica.

No. Im not. Dreaming, that is. But then again, I am. Because this is the day I find out.

It was a statement only Rufelt and Lasica and his friends would understand. A Human woman with raven hair was elbowing Noass, and the [Innkeeper] was waving at him as Mrsha and Nanette peered at him expectantly.

And it was all too much. Felkhrs heart was pounding out of his chest. He had never had a ceremony. He had always done this alone, with mockery and no great expectations on him.

All except for the Garuda. He looked at them nowand raised a paw. But Felkhrs last words in this moment were just

Im not dreaming.

Then he was running across the 10th floor.

No one was ready for that. The [Senators] were getting ready for a speech. Erin blinked as Felkhr dashed past her. She saw him slip on some melted snow, and his arms windmilled. But then he was at the edge of the battlements, and his stride lengthened. She saw him arc his back, spread his arms, and those wings snapped into place. Wider than his wingspan, a wingsuit perhaps. But what was that strange thing suddenly rising over his helmeted head?

Then he leapt, ahead of the gasps and cries, and the Choir of Pallass began to sing.

The Choir of Pallass, the recognized entity with the best singersamateur and professionalwas a hotly contested spot that had the honor of singing at formal events. In this case, it was an honor because they were cold and Chaldion had summoned them and made them stand here an hour and a half.

They had one job, which was also nerve-wracking: sing the anthem of Pallass. Something they knew by heartbut they didnt know when to sing. Hed just said that at some point the Flying Gnoll of Pallass would fly, and crash or succeed, they had better be singing on time for the cameras.

His sudden run meant they began singing in a panic as he cleared the ledge. They were quite drowned out by all the screaming and cries. And in all honesty, the singers were all watching Felkhr go over the edge.

It was not the best launch. The wing on the right side took two tries to click into place, and he was angled badly after that slip. All the while, he was going down, and they wondered if they would be singing his funeral dirge.

But then they saw the wings of his suit inflatethe wings lengthened, the cloth stretching to follow the sliding wood extending outwards and snapping into place.

Not a wingsuit! More like a flying suit with the wingspan of a smaller glider. Felkhr had insisted on it. Ryoka Griffin could fly with her Windsuit and her glider, but both were reliant on the wind, and the Windsuit was not meant for gliding. It was a fast way to travel, across great distance and downbut not up or even to maintain your altitude.

His flying wings had nine feet of clearance from either side. And they extended behind him like the wings of a great butterfly.

Yet they were rigid, enforced by magic, and the silk fabric was a bright sunshine yellow, the color of Pallass. As the choirs voices faltered and they staredthe wings caught the wind, and their aerofoil design arrested Felkhrs fall.

He was gliding now! He had achieved the ability to glide downwards. But the Garuda were murmuring. Bevussa peered down.

Hes got the wingspan. But there arent any thermals. Hes in trouble.

Without the ability to flap his wings or go uphe was just headed down. And those wings didnt seem like he had the abilityor the strengthto flap them. One of the things that made flying so hard for his weight was the force that it would take to flap wings that large! Even the strongest Gnoll would be in trouble.

But then she saw the glow of magic, and something rose over Felkhrs back. The Flying Gnoll had deployed the secret part of the Pallassian Flying Suit Mk. 1.

It waswell, it looked like a parachute. Or perhaps a parasail was more like it. Kevin grabbed Troydels arm as the two stood on the battlements. He was holding a scrying mirror steady for the Goblins, but he began shouting.

Its a parasail. Is he parasailing, Troy, you bastard? Tell me!

I dont know! I thought he was working with you, asshole!

A parasail and a glider? Why both? Then Kevins eyes narrowed.

It really was strange. There was no point to having two types of materials which moved at different speeds. One would just outperform the other, and then the other was dead weight or would get in the way.

So why did that parasail open so fast? And whydid it look like Felkhr was suddenly rising?

What the fuck?

Felkhrs back was warm. Yet it wasnt burning, and it was welcome in this cold temperature. It was working.

The first rune on his suit was activepowered by Saliss fuel source, it was directed up. It was currently heating the air around itand shooting it straight up.

Straight into the parasail. The concept was simplehot air balloons, parasailers, all obeyed the same laws that Garuda and birds used.

Hot air rose. They rose on thermals, but unlike them, Felkhr would generate his own. It was a concept Earth might have dabbled with, but they had no way of miniaturizing an entire generator on that level. Nor were most people keen on having a dangerous, combustible object on their backs.

But Felkhr was using magic. He could not attain the lift he needed via a Tier 2 spell. So in order to counterbalance his weightthe parasail was inflating with hot air.

And at the same time, he felt the [Wind Jet] spell on his back. It was blasting out behind him, and a little Ashfire Bee saluted him from the top of Lyonettes head.

Two forces, one lifting, the other pushing him forwards. The jetstream of air wasnt a propeller. They had moved straight past that because wind magic was free and simple. And now he was stopping his dive, levelling out.

For the first time in his life, Felkhr stopped falling. And then he was going straight ahead, adjusting the heat from the parasail that could pull him up, adding more speed to the [Wind Jet] spell moving him forwards. He was flying.

Hes doing it! Rufelt! Do you see it? Hes flying! How is he doing it?

Lasica was grabbing Rufelts arm and pointing. Pallass was shouting with noise, and Chaldion was clearing his throat and staring at the silent Choir of Pallass.

The Flying Gnoll is flying. He is flying

They had completely forgotten to sing. Everyone was trying to figure out how Felkhr was keeping aloft. Even the [Mages] watching werent sure how Felkhr was doing it. Everyone knew you could cast [Levitate].

This was arguably harder. But that Gnoll had no magic in his body. He was flyingand flying better than someone with [Levitate]. He was slowly curving now, getting a feel for how to turn the wings and angle them so that he slowly turned left.

A thousand commentators, each with the wrong idea how he was doing it, were chattering away to their superiors and anyone who would listen.

But the Garuda were cheering.

Hes flying! The Gnolls fly once more!

They were leaping into the air, but they didnt want to get in his way. And franklyhe was faster than most. Now, Felkhr was pumping as much magic as could be outputted from the canister at his side, and he shot over Pallass skyline.

They were staring up. [Engineers], citizens, Troy, and all of them saw Felkhr flying. Suddenly, the dream wasnt a dreambut a reality.

This was just the start. Suddenly, in the heads of many popped ideas. If you could put a Gnoll up therewhat about a ship? What about a ship in the skies? What about a house?

It was like they could feel the world changing as the impossible became possible. But these were the people who were too late. They had latched onto somethingbut Felkhr had seen it before they could even imagine this reality.

That was the difference. Only Chaldion looked up and murmured.

We have fliers already. Long-distance scouts, perhaps. Novel transit. Itll kill more idiots, I suppose.

Someone slapped his arm.

Old man, youre the worst.

Chaldion looked sideways at Saliss. The Drake was smiling genuinely for once. He stared up as Felkhr flew overhead, laughing incredulously, and he was smiling.

I let it happen. I always believed he had a chance. Look up there. That Gnoll is the very definition of Pallass. He did it with a world against him. That is why he flew. He, like every member of the Walled Cities, did it alone. These are the people who drag us forwards, step by step, against every odd. Who level.

The old [Grand Strategist] gave Felkhr a look of respect. A rare look, and a nod for the few in this world he ever acknowledged. He saw something of himself in Felkhr.

So did Saliss. But where the two differedthe Drake seized his grandfather by the jacket and hauled him out of his chair. Cheerfully, he stared into Chaldions eyes and hissed back.

Imagine what he would have done if Pallass had supported him. We would all be flying by now.

The two locked gazes, mystified, as if wondering how the other had come to their similar and yet completely opposite conclusions. Then Saliss pointed up. His voice was quiet in the chaos around them.

Old man. Im calling in my rank. Put out an all-call across every Walled City. Top-priority, on the desk of every leader and High Command.

For what?

Shaken, Chaldion sat. Saliss pointed at Felkhr, then pulled something out of his pocket. It was in a solution of gel, but Chaldions good eye locked on it. There was a written note on the bottle. Saliss whispered as he looked up at Felkhr.

If you want to copy Earths tech, go ahead. But this will make Gnolls fly. I need as much of it as you can find, and I need to know where it can be found. Its calledseith. And it will power more than just flight.

He didnt mind Chaldion taking a sample, and he knew how to handle the stuff now. Hed already told Erin. Saliss let Chaldion fumble the bottle away and went back to watching. That was for later. For now

This was Felkhrs moment. And higher the Gnoll flew. Higherlike the stories of flying people from Earth.

Ryoka Griffin could think of a good tale like that.

Icarus came to mind.

He was doing it! But the joy Felkhr felt quickly turned to worry.

Wait a second. How am I going to land?

Theyd worked so hard on flying and staying safe that theyd sort of assumed he might just disengage and use the [Featherfall] spell. But there was no way that he was going to ruin this beautiful thing now.

Hed probably hit the heating rune and float down using it while disengaging the thrust. There was an entire set ofterms that Felkhr realized he needed to describe this.

Three-dimensional movement like this meant that it was the realm of Garuda and Earths fliers. Yaw, for instance, the way he was angled, was influencing how he flew.

Every slight movement made his direction change. Scratching his nose, holding an arm outand the wind would catch it and turn him. He was afraid to tilt sideways and glad the parasail was stabilizing him. It only occurred to Felkhr now how crazy Ryoka Griffin was.

Wingsuit diving in general; there was no stabilizing force like the ground. Whereas this design incorporated a steadying force above him. That was allowing him a far more natural time steering.

As he increased the heat lifting him higher and decreased his thrust, Felkhr nearly began to dangle, so he hurriedly increased speed.

There was a minimum speed to keep going in the air; any slower and hed just stall out. But as he rose higher, he thought he heard a voice.

Careful, carefulstop, Grimalkin!

Huh? Who was that? Was someonetalking to him?

No, it sounded like the wind carrying someones voice. Felkhr blinked. Then the Wind Runners warning hit home.

As Felkhr rose, he ran into something his ground-based observations of the wind had never quite captured, even with the highest kites.

Which was that the wind was not all one thing. There were currents in the sky. Just like there were currents in the oceanexactly like thosethere were cross-currents and powerful jets high, high above where most people could tread.

He ran into one now, and a fell breeze slammed into his wings so hard he was dragged a thousand feet sideways in a second.

Ancestors

That was what Ryoka had been so afraid of. The wind was her friend; it enabled her to perform incredible stunts and kept her safe.

But it was not Felkhrs friend. Helplessly, he was caught in a slipstream in the skies. Then he was going faster than he had ever thought possible.

-

Felkhr? Felkhr? Hes out of speaking stone range. He wasnt supposed to go that far up. Whats going on?

Yelroan was paging the Gnoll desperately. Ryoka pushed forwards.

Hes gotten caught. Its a gale up there! I told youlet me go up there!

Grimalkin still refused to budge, and he was looking straight up now, whispering a vision spell.

No, he can still handle it.

Handle it? He just lost his parasail!

Everyone was craning their heads up to see. But Ryoka could feel the wind moving.

Aye. Torn right off. The strings werent tough enough for the wind up there. Ye need a way to reel it back in or youll lose it. Like a net afore a whale.

Shaestrel commented darkly. She and Ryoka were peering upand now, the Flying Gnoll was encountering another thing only fliers knew about.

Spin.

The little figure up in the air began to fall as he tried to break free of the wind threatening to blow him miles off-course. But as a resultthe wind seized his wings and sent him down.

Into something that Ryoka knew only too well. A stall spin as he went down like a corkscrew. And he did not know how to arrest his fall.

The force of the spin halted, which was goodbecause the centrifugal force alone could kill him. He had, in fact, passed out. When he opened his eyes as the wind blasted his face, he was staring down at the fields outside of Pallass.

Then Felkhr was in a familiar position. Face-down. Falling. And his wings refused to budge. He was caught in a nosedive. And he was locked into his flying wings. Without the parasail, the hot air spell was useless.

I have no way to arrest my fall! His physical strength wasnt enough to shift the wings! Felkhr stared down and imagined how it would be if this was his end. Crashing on his first flight, a cautionary tale.

He could bail out, though. His paws were on the clampsbut then Felkhr gritted his teeth. He was so high up he had time before he crashed.

Not like this. He had already flownnow, he was going to wrest triumph from defeat.

He couldnt do it before. But nowthe Gnolls eye snapped wide under his goggles. The [Dreamer] was awake, living the dream he had chased all his life. The [Inventor] had finished his creation, and nowthe next step awaited.

Felkhr dropped over Pallass with millions of eyes looking up at him. He would surely level againbut the world had already recognized his achievement the first day he had trialed a glider with the hot air spell and soared four hundred yards on the Floodplains.

He was a [Visionary of Flight]. And every silly [Dreamer]s Skill had finally turned into something different. His class had always believed in him. Nowhe shouted.

[Innovation Never Ceases]!

He was both falling and there was another part of him on the ground. Standing at his workshop bench with every tool and material he had ever used hanging around him.

Likethe most perfect waking dream. He could seize a brush and half feel it, move as fast as thought. And he would have to be fast as thought because he was staring at his flying suit in front of him.

The Pallassian Flying Suit Mk. 2. In his mind, Felkhr worked like a storm. He neededso that was why the wings had those parts that moved.

Flaps. Trim. Tabs. Ways of adjusting in midair! Of course! But it was more than just needing to lift a part of the wings up and down. He needed a way to do that while strapped in.

A lever? No, nothing so clunky. How would it move? He saw something in his minds eye and grabbed it. A vision of Kevins bicycle gears. But he had to lock it into place

Bail out, Felkhr! Get out!

Yelroan was howling at him. Felkhr was working on the completed contraption in his minds eye. He had any tool he wanted. Any material.

[Innovation Never Ceases (50 Gold)]. Any change he wanted, he could bring to life. Within his budget. Felkhr felt his gold allotment burning awaybut then he seized the image in his headand dragged it into the physical world.

There!

He pulled a hand-crank, and a flap opened. And slowlythen all at once, he levelled out of the killing dive. Felkhr was panting, but his Skills were burning.

[My Creation Never Dies Full Recreation]!

He looked upand the parasail inflated once more. Felkhr was still heading down, but levelling out nowhe thought he could hear people screaming and cheering and calling out.

Was that singing?

The Choir of Pallass had watched Felkhr plummeting to his end. Andfor some reason, that was when they had remembered their jobs and begun singing.

So long as our heads rise to the sky

Neer shall our city silent lie.

The screaming of people watching the Flying Gnoll plummet was growing louder. Desperately, the choir sang as the scrying orbs played Felkhr across every screen. The [Senators] were screaming for the [Mages] to cut the feed, and Wistram was screaming right back not to.

Dragon marvel from behind

At the glorious mortal design!

Then he had levelled out! The Gnoll flew overhead, and the Choir of Pallass sang on.

Dawn beholds a day it never dreamed,

onwards our armies scream!

Pallass may you never be the same!

Let the world hear thy eternal name

City to put all others to shame!

Issrysil marvels! Issrysil marvels!

Some of the non-Pallassians with their mouths open were gaping for entirely different reasons than Felkhrs flight. Erin Solstice, Ryoka, and Lyonette all stared sideways at the Choir of Pallass, who had gone into the next verse.

That was their national anthem?

A purple-scaled Drake sighed as he watched from a lower floor of Pallass.

We have got to have a national anthem half as good as that.

Krshia looked at Elirr as Jeiss nodded along to Lism. The two Gnolls shook their heads. Krshia pointed straight up.

We have to have a flying Gnoll.

Good point. Lets steal both.

Then Felkhr was landing. In a field outside of Pallass, knees too shaky to stand. He staggered out of his harness, fell to his knees, and said the dumbest thing he could think of.

Flyingflying is sort of scary. Walking isnt that bad.

He flopped onto his backthen stared up at the sky. And instantlyhe wondered if he could go back up there.

He had flown. It wasnt something that required a machine. It took magic, but he had controlled everything.

It was just like hed flown in his dreams. The [Visionary] lay there for a momentuntil he heard the sound of all of Pallass running out of the city towards him. Then he sat up in alarm. Looking so stupid because he had never thought about the popularity or attention hed get after becoming the first non-mage to fly.

He had forgotten in his long quest what it would be like to change the world. The Gnoll stood up slowly and looked around.

Was this all a dream? He blinkedand then realized he had always been dreaming. He had just finally pulled that dream out of the sky and into reality. So the Flying Gnoll of Pallass, Felkhr, looked up and whispered.

Dad. I did it. I finally figured it out.

Then he spread his wings and took off into the sky.

[Visionary of Flight Level 38!]

[Skill My Dream Never Ran Out of Fuel obtained!]

Authors Note: You voted on the poll, I delivered.

Im tired. I try to work hard on any chapter, of course, but in this case I knew Felkhr was waiting for his chapter, and I was glad that choice won.

I was sort of sad the other two chapters lost because I know what both of them are tooand despite 11 million words, The Wandering Inn feels like me running around and trying to give each perspective its due time.

Because when I do, I hope you agree that the story is original, fun, and adds to a character. But it takes work. And so I sometimes ask for Patrons to vote on the next side story, or just choose one path to run down, and I cant do the rest or if I do, they wait.

Hopefully you thought this was a good chapter for this update. Ill catch you next time, and until thenI dont much like plane-flying. Helicopters scare me. But flying like that? I could do that.

No wingsuits, though. Thats suicide. I had an idea for a helium-filled suit that made you practically gravity-neutral so you could jump really high or fly with a simple fan, but it turns out helium cant lift crap.

Someone invent me a super-helium. Alright, you have your assignment, I have mine. Thanks for reading!

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