Book 9: Chapter 49

Book 9: Chapter 49

I hear that The Wandering Inn has a beach. We should go there.

A half-Elf sitting on a rock, watching the snow fall, said that. It kept falling, even now, turning the world into a second sea. It seemed like nothing and no one could live here, yet improbably, a bunch of furry folk had created light in that oblivion.

Tents, rounded, with little stacks of smoke rising ever higher. From afar, it looked like a small gathering, despite being home to nearly a hundred thousand souls.

The Meeting of Tribes was no Walled City with their millions, but that was because the tribes of Izril were no longer gathered. Someday, they would return, but many had left for the New Lands, for other parts of Izril to defend their homes, or to other continents altogether.

As for the half-Elf, she had a skeletal hand, and she was dressed just in robes despite the weather that had even the Antinium sitting next to her wearing a huge, poofy fur coat. It was oversized, adjusted so it could cover his shell, and a giant hood had two holes for his antennae to poke through. Since even chitin could freeze, someone had knitted two woolen coverings, and they hugged the antennae like socks.

The knitter was not Yvlon Byres. Yvlon was wearing a less-warm travel ensemble from her adventuring days before Skinner, and shivering. She just had wool and three layers, and the wind chilled her to the core especially with her metal arms, which, despite having reduced sensation, were freezing since metal was a bad insulator.

Pisces was just dead. He sat, trying to cast a [Frostskin] spell, shivering uncontrollably with a blanket wrapped around him. This was despite the sweater and jacket over his white robeswhich made him look ridiculousand the shirt underneath.

So Ceria Springwalker was already not the most popular member of her team because she looked like she was enjoying the cold weather. At her comment, the Horns of Hammerad looked up. They regarded their captain, and Yvlon made a snowball and threw it.

It clocked Ceria in the head, and she went tumbling down the hill, swearing.

Oops. Sorry, Ceria.

Sorry? You hit me!

I thought Id miss. Are you insane? Is that circlet eating your mind yet? We just left.

Ceria crawled back up the hill, rubbing at her head. The invisible circlet appeared for a second as she re-seated it.

Im just saying. Its a beach. It sounds hilarious. Plus, Jelaquas getting married. I already miss Erins unpredictability. And the Winter Solstice is coming. You know somethings going down.

We do? Comrade Pisces, what is going down on the Winter Solstice? Have I missed critical information?

Pisces stopped shivering to death and looked up at Ceria with a huge frown.

W-w-we dont k-know anything. B-but Erin did say

Oh, for the love of trees. [Frostskin]. There.

Ceria groaned and performed the spell. Pisces stopped shivering at once, and Yvlon, also shudderingly cold, felt her skin warm slightly, or at least, stop feeling the cold.

I nearly had it, Ceria!

He glared. Ceria rolled her eyes.

Sure you did. You just cant admit that, for once, I learned a spell faster than you. Its stronger than the [Lesser Resistance] spells by far, isnt it?

Neither she nor Pisces had known [Frostskin] before heading south. Ceria had never really needed it as a [Cryomancer] since cold-resistance was a staple of her class. But it seemed her intelligence-boosting circlet had more power than Yvlon had thought. Well, it was also a spell from her specialty.

Pisces scowled and folded his arms.

Ive been studying other magic, Ill have you know, Springwalker. As to Ksmvrs questionwe know something is happening on the Solstice. But we could hardly wait around for months. Wed turn into Lehra.

Plus, we had an engagement at the Meeting of Tribes. If we head back, wed just have done a bit here, andarent we headed to the New Lands, oh intelligent Captain of mine?

Yvlon was spicy, even in the chill, but she and Ceria had mostly made up their quarrel over the past month. Indeed, Yvlons pointed remarks werent followed by a dangerously annoyed glare. She just looked regularly piqued.

Venting your feelings honestly was a key to managing your temper. Better to let off some steam than hold it in according to Honored Berr. After a month of his tutelage, Yvlon felt like she had mastered some of his lessons. The levels hadnt reflected that for her [Armsmistress] class, but she was Level 40. Expecting to level from a months training was ridiculous.

Then againshe had leveled a bit in her other new class. But Yvlon was keeping that to herself since it was just a side-class like Ksmvrs tree-collecting habit, and it was silly.

Ceria, for her part, seemed equanimous and even thoughtful as she rested her chin in her bony hand. She nodded.

Yeah. Its true wed waste timeaside from getting our armor and meeting the Gnolls here. But we could bring back a bunch of stuff for Krshias Silverfangs, even escort Rose north if shes going. Shes said she wants to leave.

Yvlon frowned.

What about the Steelfur Chieftain? Arent they together?

The half-Elfs brows rose.

Adetr? I dont think so. And even if they are, Rose still has business at the inn. Its not like shes Inkar, who likes this life. Shes a city-person.

Huh. But still, why would we go back?

Ceria glanced north, towards the High Passes, so far away that they werent even visible on the horizon. It would be a long journey. But

Well, if were needed. Erin has her [Knights], now, and the other Gold-rank teams and even Saliss. But somethings coming on the Winter Solstice. Erin died once. Do you think shell get a third chance? If we miss itdo you want to live with that?

Her eyes were calm and cold. That was from her class. But the circlets intelligence shone through that gaze. A cold understanding of what might come. Yvlon looked up, and her shiver this time had nothing to do with the cold. In silence, Pisces glanced up, and his eyes spoke volumes as his hand reached for his rapier.

I, for one, will vote to return if it means helping Miss Solstice. But if it is so dire, will we be enough?

A Gold-rank in the right spots worth more than a company, especially against something like Facestealer. But I was sort of thinking wed get backup if were certain. After allwe could bring back more help on a level even the Drakes respect. Not just our cheerful friend. What about Berr, Gadiekh, Colth, and Theikha? And, uh, Adetr? Hes probably as good as a Gold-rank, at least.

Ceria Springwalker really was scheming hard. Even Pisces brows rose, but Yvlon had to admitif you were going to bring in the cavalry, you might as well bring the [Elephant Riders]. And that would be a force.

Think we can?

We could ask. Im mulling it over, mulling it over. Want to visit the Earth Tent and get something to eat? Then pitch it to Theikha?

The other Horns agreed. They got up from the snowy hill, and Yvlon Byres, Ksmvr, and Pisces stretched. Theyd been out here in the snowy wasteland to do more than just talk in private. Ceria raised a hand and shouted.

Hey! Colth! Were heading back! You done yet?

Almost! Give me thirteen more minutes! Is Gire done yet?

Ceria shaded her eyes and sighed.

Thirty minutes?

Perfect!

He blew her a kiss. Ceria went to sit back down, and Pisces, groaning, opened his spellbook. For a Gold-rank team, they did a lot of sitting around. He glanced up, but he couldnt tell what Colth was doing in the distance. Yvlon squinted at the figure sitting in the snow below the hill, unmoving as the snow poured down.

Is he really divining or something?

Ceria nodded.

Looks like it. Hes been staring at that contraption and the sky. I think it lets him see the stars at night.

Ksmvr chirped in happily.

Suspicious.

Ceria snorted.

Are you listening to someone else, Ksmvr? Its perfectly normal. Ive never heard of any [Diviner] consulting the stars. Thats [Seer] territory. But hes fine. He just gets secret [Messages] from all over Izril. I think he gets sixteen a week.

Yvlon twisted around, impressed.

You can tell?

Once more, Ceria tapped the circlet on her head.

I cant intercept, but this thing detects them. Colth also knows eleven Gnolls who give him tips, each in a different tribe. I think hes looking into something southwardsI heard him asking about roads.

Huh. Think hes got business around Zeres?

Could be, could be. But thats not suspicious at all, Ksmvr.

Ah, I see. I will be more naive and guileless in the future, Captain Ceria. That was a joke. Ha. Ha. Ha? Was that a funny joke?

Hilarious.

Pisces muttered, glancing at Ceria. She returned the stare, and after a second, Pisces murmured.

We might not need to go back to the inn in a month. I cannot imagine we can do better than the current protections. Isnt Lord Tyrion Veltras staying at the inn? With Lady Reinhart and whatnotit would be a waste of time, I think.

He waved a hand, and Ceria eyed Pisces. She said nothing, and neither did Yvlon, but if both considered Colth sort of suspicious, Pisces statement had just put him way above Colth.

He would be the first person to go back to Erins defense, whether hed admit it or not. What did he know?

Well, the [Necromancer] was thinking of a promise that had been made to him by a certain other Necromancer. And he sincerely doubted he could do more than the Archmage of Death could.

Then again? Did he trust that? Then again again? Could even four Named-ranks stop Azkerash? Pisces sat, reading the spellbook, and that was where the Horns were.

At another waypoint on their long journey. But soonCeria sighed as she turned, watching a huge, red-furred Gnoll running around in the distance.

Dead gods, she doesnt get tired. Hey, Yvlon, youre a muscly warrior-type. You want to?

Yvlon turned, and the person they were supposed to mind along with Colth, Chieftain Gireulashia, was still running in the distance. She was exercising. Training, rather.

A very unhappy giant Gnoll was racing through the snow so fast that she was leaving a shower of snow behind her. Yvlon thought she might be able to outrun some people on dry ground she was going so fast. And yet she had no less than fifteen Ekhtouch tribe members and two snow-specialists egging her on and chasing her around.

Two literal bears, too, and a bunch of hounds. They were playing the most serious game of tag possible.

Id rather let Berr toss me half a mile for fun. That looks exhausting.

Thats how you learn a Skill. I think shell punch the bears if they keep making her do it, though.

Gireulashias howling complaints were audible even from here. The Horns were just here as minders for her in case monsters attacked. After all, shed been running around for the last hour, and she was exhausted, even for a [Paragon Chieftain].

You could learn a Skill, Yvlon.

I would throw up everything in my stomach and my stomach trying to run that hard. I cant even figure out how shes moving that fast in the snow. I dont need terrain Skills, anyways.

Slacker.

Yvlon made another snowball with her hands and took careful aim.

I dont want to hear that from you

Ceria pointed a finger, and a snowball half as large as Yvlon sent her tumbling down the hill. The [Armsmistress] came back up, shouting, and the Horns of Hammerad merrily ran around pelting each other with snow.

What a carefree lot. Below them, sitting cross-legged as he consulted his divination, Colth the Supporter sighed.

Dead gods. They have no focus.

And yetthey did get places. Slowly, unpredictably, but forward momentum was happening. Colth packed up his things as he brushed snow off his winter gear.

Yep. Almost time.

When they got back to the Meeting of Tribes, the first thing that the Horns checked on was the Soliest Yerr Tribe. It might have been odd, given their affiliations were with Gaarh Marsh, Weatherfur, and Silverfang,

The three tribes who had taken the Doombearers side and come to define that side of the schism within Gnolls were effectively the major forces in the Meeting of Tribes. They had both political and physical presence and were at the center of a new network of tribal alliances.

Strong allies like Longstalkers Fang and Ekhtouch meant that tribes who disagreed with themor who had taken the opposite sidewere moving away or in disgrace.

Azmuzarre was ruined. Plains Eye had become a splinter heading to the New Lands under Merish. Some tribes like Steelfur were trying to rebuild, but they had lost their Chieftain and thus their powerful armored fur.

And some tribes, like Soliest Yerr, were just considering a future where they no longer endured. Soliest Yerr was a famousthe famous tribe for armors and hides. But their Chieftain was dead. They had taken Plains Eyes side, and a third of their warriors had perished fighting Zeres army.

A third of their warriors. The damage to the tribe meant that they had little prospects of returning to their normal hunting grounds. They normally operated on the coast, but the tensions with Zeres would have had them wary even if they could defend themselves.

It might be that this was their endso the tribe was in active negotiations to stay at the Meeting of Tribes or be subsumed into another tribe.

It was no easy thing. Even if they were allowed to keep their customs, imagine becoming a Weatherfur Gnoll? Would both tribes be able to merge and forget old wounds?

The one thing Soliest Yerr had was their Honored Gnoll, Shedrkh the Hidemaster. He was old, seventy-eight years old, and now it seemed like the weight of his tribe rested on his shoulders.

He did not bear it well. He lookedhunted. As if sleep had left him, leaving dark traces under his eyes, and his grey fur was tangled. Despite the impressive clothing he wore, hand-tanned, and his many apprentices, sons, daughters, grandchildren, and moreit seemed like the realization that the Doombearers had not been evil had broken something in him.

However, he knew his craft and threw himself into that.

Honored Shedrkh. How goes it?

The Horns had initially come all this way to meet him. Nearly a month back theyd been introduced, and the old Gnoll just raised a paw as Yvlon called out. Hed been working for a month in the winter to tan Stalkers hide. A monthand he was almost done, which was a lightning fast pace for the job.

One month ago.

What a magnificent hide. You were right to take it to me.

When the Horns first met Shedrkh, it became clear why Shaman Theikha and Chieftain Feshi were so happy to introduce them to him. They had feared his skills might be in such high demandand that they were asking so muchthat theyd have to haggle hard to even get an audience.

The reverse was actually true. The Gnoll had been sitting in his hut, the smelly camp of Soliest Yerr, which stank to high heaven, wrapped in blankets and looking sick. He hadnt responded to much of anything, even one of his sons trying to get him to eat.

Hed only roused at the name Colth the Supporter, and when hed been told he had a job, hed gotten up with alacrity.

He tore at a piece of jerky as his helpers, his extended family, gathered around in relief. Theyd been tanning Wyvern hide and an impressive amount of Corusdeer leather and other local animals, but none of it interested The Keeper of Hides.

Stalkers hide did. He handled the huge, thick hide with great care as Gnolls sniffed and recoiled and Colth recounted finding it.

A monsters hide that hasnt rotted indecades? Hundreds of years? This is clearly a mythical monster. Better than anything Ive worked on in the last decade. Only that Wyvern Lord would be as nice. And thissomeone bring me our [Shaman]. Have we worked this before? You want armor, of course.

Of course. Can we talk payment? And, erare you available for the job?

The person negotiating was Yvlon. Ceria had tried, but the half-Elf had exposed a significant weakness despite being Captain of the Horns of Hammerad: she didnt know armor.

Or rather, Ceria knew armor, but shed never messed with it that much, and Shedrkh only liked people who knew how valuable he was. Pisces sniffed too much, and because Soliest Yerr stank, he was holding his nose.

Tanners. Hidemakers. Leatherworkers. The chemical stink actually reminded Yvlon of Xif and how the [Alchemist] had taken a job working with pungent chemicals despite his sense of smell. Certainly, this tribe stayed far away from the others.

Of course I can work on it. But it will take time. Timeand negotiations are a delicate matter. I must inspect this first. [Detect Impurities]no mites, no parasites. Poison?

One of the Gnolls sniffing the hide glanced up.

I am sure Honored Colth would have noticed, but I detect none, Honored Shedrkh.

The old Gnoll had grey, grey fur, watery brown eyes, and looked frail compared to other Gnolls his age. But his paws were delicate and stained at the tips with dark dyes, and his eyes lit up like a second sun, even in winter.

Pity. It feels like this beast was made to hide. Strange. Its stronger than steel by far. Mithril-grade? Better? But so strange. Did

He glanced up suspiciously.

Has someone worked this before me?

Not at all, Honored Shedrkh, and may the ground open me if I lie.

Colth was squatting there, watching him work, and he clearly knew the old Gnoll. Shedrkh frowned.

Thenwhat a strange hide. I wonder who attached it to this beast?

The Horns paused, and Colths eyes sharpened. Yvlon hesitated.

Hmm? What do you mean by that, Honored Shedrkh?

Shedrkh slowly ran his paws down the soft, dark hide.

Its just a feeling. But this hide feels like its been worked already. Ive heard of madness like this. It almost feels like this was attached to the beast and it grew from there. As if I can sense an older hand on it.

That was the intuition of the greatest [Tanner] and [Leatherworker] living. Yvlon felt a chill roll down her arms, and Shedrkh pointed to the hide.

Did someone make this beast?

Facestealer had been hiding within its own flesh. Skinner had been a Flesh Worm encased in skin. It only made sense that the third guardian of the dungeon would be similar.

Regardless of his intuition, Shedrkh required three days before making a judgment. He summoned Yvlon and showed her his calculations, which were precisely in how much material he thought hed get.

There were little notes and a huge sketcheven if they were mostly an oral-traditions people, Soliest Yerr had precise measurements and had sketched the hide out to point out how theyd cut it for the most materials, and they had accounted even for scraps.

Yvlon respectfully sat cross-legged as he and she consumed silkap, and the negotiations were brisk. When either side didnt like what was offered, a subtle way of showing it would be to ask for another kind of snack.

There were fifteen dishes, from sweet date fruits from Chandrar to pickled eggs to hot, spicy bread-bites filled with meat by the time they were done.

I must have one sets worth. Gold? We need it not, no. But one set of armor will sell for far more than any fee I could charge you.

The [Shaman] acting as the temporary [Chieftain] seemed to think gold would be fine, but Shedrkh wanted a cut of the hide. Since Stalker had been huge, Yvlon anticipated it was no problem, but it seemed the Horns wouldnt all get geared out.

The hidewill shrink in the process of tanning it properly. I cannot help it. It is magical hide; to keep the power, it will require treatments that dry and shrink it. So there will be less. Enough! But not enough for six sets of armor. Half that.

Yvlon groaned.

Really? But the hides stayed together so far. What if we just cut it up

Colth elbowed her hard, and Shedrkh glared.

If you did that, why come to me? Just hack it up and stitch it together! I take hide and make it better. I can improve the power withinbut only if I do my work!

I apologize, Honored Shedrkh. I meant no offense.

He furiously ate and drank his way through an entire bowl of the meat-filled dough, and Shaman Theikha, who was observing so she could witness the deal, raised her voice.

I mean all the offense. Keep eating, Shedrkh. You are skin and bones.

He glared, but his appetite was raised. He pointed to his notes.

I will have one set of half top-grain, half split leather for my tribe. Which leavesenough to manufacture leggings and armguards for Honored Colth out of top-grain. If that is what he wants?

Yvlon eyed Colth, and the [Supporter] grinned.

Leggings and armguards will do. And a helmet?

Are you sure, Colth?

He indicated his armor, shrugging.

Ive got enchanted chainmail; the other parts are where my armors just artifact-quality. I can do interesting things with even a bit of armor thanks to my Skills. Thats handsome enough.

His unique class and skillset meant this was true, and Yvlon nodded. Shedrkh made notes.

In that casewe have enough for about one set of split and top-grain for the rest of the Horns. How shall we divide it? If your Antinium wants armor, it will require more of both. He is too bulky.

He looked at Ksmvr, who had never been called fat before and seemed rather offended. In truth, it was just that there was more of him to cover, especially his back-shell.

Psst. Yvlon. What the hell is top-grain?

Ceria had to interject as more food was brought in. Yvlon whispered back as even Pisces leaned in, trying to pretend he knew.

Its how leather gets worked. You slice it up horizontally. Top-grain is the tough outer stuff. Split leather is the inside.

Both of which will be toughbut only one will have the magical camouflage. The inside is merely superior leather. Do you have a preference for who will wear it?

Everyone looked at each other, and Yvlon raised a hand.

I wear metal armor, Honored Shedrkh. And I have a plate set. HonestlyI think we know who should get it.

Ksmvr stared around politely until he realized they meant him. Then he raised his hands.

But I am the lowest

Pisces flicked one of his antennae, Ceria elbowed him, and Ksmvr sighed.

I am being bullied by affection.

Ksmvr was the most logical choice for leather armor. As a [Skirmisher], it behooved him to have a lightweight armor, and the camouflage would be invaluable.

He did have the Ring of Barkskin, but hed taken too many wounds in battle before. However, there was a problem.

Soliest Yerr actually made a bunch of leather armor for Colth and Ksmvr to wear. The magical hide was so valuable they were willing to work up prototypes to ensure everything would fit and function perfectly.

This was important because as it turned outKsmvr could not wear armor.

I dont like it. I dont like it. Is this what skin is like? Get it off. Get it off.

He freaked out when he was put in the armor adapted for his shell. At first, Yvlon thought Ksmvr was just unused to the feeling, but she realized his panic was more than just instinctual.

I feel sick. I dont want it.

Something was wrong. Colth inspected Ksmvr as the form-fitting leather was put on, and then he walked off as Ceria told Ksmvr not to be a baby. He actually snapped his mandibles at her, and after that, they realized he really wasnt having a reaction like his fear of water.

I think he cant breathe. He might have air-holes in his chitin, or hes heating up. The coats all very well since its more breathableleather isnt.

Colth came back with five beetles hed dug up from the ground, having inspected them closely. Yvlon stared as he pointed at one that had expired when hed coated it in a gel.

I met someone who studied insects, once. Some of them dont breathe through the mouth. Im afraid to say that unless we know where Ksmvr breathes fromand it could be all overthe armors not a good idea.

Ceria rubbed at her hair as Ksmvr shed the armor in relief.

Good to know before we commissioned it. Damn. Then who gets the armor?

Yvlon thought about it for a while. Then her eyes slid left towards Pisces. Ceria glanced left, too. Pisces looked horribly offended.

Me? What do you take me for? Some armor-wearing luddite?

Yvlon stared pointedly at the rapier on Pisces hip, and he protectively covered it.

I am a sword-capable [Mage]. And low-level [Fencer], I admit, but I am not a [Warrior]!

Colth threw an arm around Pisces shoulders.

Ah, yes. And no [Duelist] would ever wear armor. Ever. And you stay out of combat and dont ever use that rapier except in self-defense. Completely understandable.

Pisces turned red.

It made sense to give Pisces armor. Ceria was debatedbut the half-Elf claimed that she could use her [Ice Armor] spells.

Can you use magic with armor on?

Itblocks you a bit, but Pisces should be able to do it. He can cast magic without a wand. Armors not that much worse. Can we give him a full set?

Shedrkh was performing calculations.

Hrr. Split-grain. The weaker material. I will use as much of it and the remaining top-grain for Yvlon Byres as well. A flexible underarmor.

He had an idea for both. Pisces would get a full set of armor he could wear under his robes if he so chose, thin and light. But Yvlon was also going to get armor.

Shedrkh had a design that protected your armpits, kneesall the places where traditional plate armor tended to have gaps. The two bodysuit-type armors would be lightweight and powerful, but not have the camouflage effect that Soliest Yerr and Colth would get.

This wasnt ideal, which was why all the split-grain leather was going to the Horns. And they had insisted on some of the magical top-grain for themselves. Which was why part of the sketch allocated a very handsome cloak for Ksmvr.

I would like to have the Horns sigil on it, please. And my name on it because people keep stealing my personal possessions, like the Empress of Beasts.

Ksmvr was talking to one of Shedrkhs assistants, who was showing him stitching he could get. A cloak was the perfect answer to his armor problem. Itd cover his back, let him breatheand the magical cloaking effect would be a huge upgrade to his previous cloak, which had been destroyed in Illivere anyways.

I think we have our armor distributed. What happens to the scraps?

There would be a lot of shavings, and Shedrkh assured the Horns they would go to good use.

We will use them for tying the armor togetheror straps and other fittings if need be. Not a single part will be wasted. But this will take a month at least. If it were not winterwe will need wood. Wood to dry, and more magicore! And!

The process of tanning was long. Once Stalkers hide had been portioned, well, even in negotiations, Soliest Yerr had gotten to work with a will.

Mostly because the Gnolls knew how long it would take. Here was the process that Yvlon observed day after day:

First, the hide of Stalker was put in quick-acting lime to help remove excess parts. Normally, the lime swelled leather up a bit, but in Stalkers case, it was mostly to disinfect it. Next, the leather had to be fleshedwhich was literally scraping any fat or other material off. A difficult task that had Gnolls with mithril blades whetting them again and again and taking minute parts off the leather.

After that, you trimmed the leather before splitting it into the top-grain and split leather. Yvlon had heard that tanneries would use huge bladed contraptions in big citiesor Golems in the northbut in this case, Shedrkh did it all by hand.

The Gnoll alone had to cut the huge hide with a single knife, and it took him days of work almost without rest. But he was obsessively checking to make sure his cut was straightand he had decades of practice.

How can he cut it so easily?

Soliest Yerr had broken out old mithril blades passed down in their tribe to even flesh Stalkers hide, but as far as Yvlon could tell, Shedrkh used a steel blade. Colth just grinned.

[My Knife Cuts All]. Probably only works on leather and hides, but imagine someone coming at you with that in a battle and slicing your fancy artifact-armor to bits?

Can hedo that?

Colth winked.

Thats how you apply your Skills creatively. Mind you, youd have to be good with a blade to want to risk it, but he can definitely do the cutting.

Indeed, Shedrkhs unique abilities were actually most evident in the next processthe tanning.

Tanning was a long and complicated process where dyes, alchemical stuff, and more liquids would turn the raw fibers in hide into what leather was. After soaking, the hide had to be spun, heated, and dried, hence the famous stench of tanneries and their exhaust.

It was also, frankly, a pain to do, and Yvlon saw Gnolls wringing the leather out, re-tanning it again, drying itand drying was so damn hard in the snow. They had special tents set up, and it smelled so bad that apparently most Gnolls in their tribe lost a large portion of their ability to smell at a young age.

Well, they made up for it with the ability to keep the magic in the hide when it was turned to leather. It was a trade secret, but Shedrkh was only too willing to brag about it.

Most Wyvern leather is just tough leather. Not a shred of magic left in it. That Frost Wyvern hide? Wasted. The Drakes of Pallass were smart enough to send much of the hides to us. Our armor will have [Lesser Frost Resistance]; the stuff made by their low-level [Tanners] will lack it. But Stalkers armor will be more powerful still.

At least one component of his unique tanning was magicore, which either kept the magic in or did something to it. But at any rate, that was the rest of the month.

They stretched Stalkers hide out on a huge rack, heated it to dry it with fires that were constantly stoked, then flexed the leather, adding a paste to repair any cracking or imperfections as well as bringing out more luster and making it soft before buffing and sanding the leather. Then they had to spray and treat it again with more chemicals before it began to look like actual leather to Yvlon.

And thenand then they could finally cut the stuff up and begin turning it into armor.

Now.

We have just begun fashioning Honored Colths helmet. Would he care to have it fitted?

Hed care immensely. Thank you!

Colth brightened up, despite still looking cold from the hours hed spent outside. Yvlon herself found Shedrkh proudly embossing the leather with a stamp, and it looked

Interesting.

Stalkers hide was grey when it came out, which you could think of as disappointinguntil you noticed the shadowy grey color seemed to adjust depending on how much light there was. Inside the huts with less light, it turned almost black, like shadows. Outside in sunlight when it shone through the wintery skies? It was a pale cloud-grey.

What can it do? Turn invisible?

Not just invisible. Camouflage. Invisible implies you would see through it. As it so happensthis can do both.

Shedrkh indicated the helmet, and it vanished as Colth tried it on, much to Yvlons shock. It looked like he was bare-headed!

Colths smile grew wide and only slightly sinister as he took the helmet off and it reappeared.

Now thats a good way of keeping your foes off-guard. It feels slippery, too. I doubt itd show up if someone cast [Detect Magic].

It will not. Any [Rogue] will pay a fortune for it. Which, perhaps, will be the client for the set of armor my tribe makes. I am considering an auctionI must place my tribe in a good position now. But I will finish your armor first. Come, Yvlon Byres. Let me make sure yours will fit too.

Shedrkh looked tired as Colth requested his helmet be adjusted ever so slightly, and Yvlon found her new underarmor was exceptionally comfy and flexible.

Good luck to anyone thinking theyll stab you through your plate armor. Frankly, the enchanted steel is now the weaker part of your armor. You should upgrade that once you get the chance. Not that I think you can buy the right gear on the open market.

Colth commented as Yvlon checked her armor. She glared because she thought he was making a crack about their finances.

We are rich, now, as you keep pointing out, Colth.

Oh, I know that. But no one sells Relics, and when they do, they go for millions like the Helm of Fire. Youve got to kill the beast for armor yourself. Which is why this is going to be nice.

Colth really had done all this just to upgrade his armor. Any edge at their level meant life or death, and Yvlon nodded.

It really was about upgrades. She just worried that because she, Ksmvr, and Pisces were getting substantial upgrades in their armor, a certain half-Elf would feel left out.

As it so happened, Cerias upgrade had already been in progress. And so was Pisces.

You have to stop. I know they said were honored guests, but theyre starting to look at us every time we come in.

Shut up, Pisces. You could study your damn spellbook outside.

Im just here for the ambiance.

Ceria lowered her sunglasses as she sat at the restaurant in the Earth simulation. She eyed Pisces, who avoided her gaze as he raised a hand.

Ill have a second plate with more truffles. Oh, andthis wine. A sauvignon. The entire bottle.

He actually said it properly, as if he had ever drunk the damn stuff before. The waiter was only too happy to fetch the bottlebecause this was a very expensive, top-floor restaurant with a huge view through the windows.

Ceria just bet that itd costwell, she knew the cost, and it was thousands of dollars, which wasnt gold coins, but it still would have made her wince.

If she and Pisces were going to pay for any of this, of course. The beauty of Earth was that anything you did in the simulation was temporary. Food didnt stick to your bones. Injuries didnt kill you.

And you could eat anywhere you pleased, even if you didnt have any money. When the bill came? Just leave the Skill.

Ceria did have to admit the Gnolls were giving her resigned looks because she came by every day to eat and shop and experience this worlds delights. But then, so did Pisces, and he rubbed his hands as the truffled whatever came over.

You know, theyre just big mushrooms? I think this world makes a lot out of some dishes. Like caviar. Thats fish eggs. Actual fish fresh-caught? Thats the real stuff.

Springwalker, part of savoring a dish is knowing the cost and effort that goes into making it.

Oh, you mean posing.

Pisces scowl said that Ceria had landed a point, but both went back to studying shortly after that, which was slightly annoying the matre d. But they were well paying guests, so he pretended not to notice Pisces was reading from his spellbook.

Learning anything good, are we?

An endless amount. Ahthis isnt the necromancy book. This is the other one.

Ceria eyed the Djinnis spellbook that Pisces had kept from the Village of the Dead raid. Hed been alternating between the two, and it was interesting because he clearly had come by a very powerful necromancy spellbookbut the one that theyd stolen from the Putrid One seemed to fascinate Pisces more.

Whats so fascinating, if I might ask?

Pisces kept eating his fancy spaghetti, which he was definitely going to tell Erin about and harass her about her lack of truffles upon his return to The Wandering Inn.

I have a conclusion I have been coming to and a fascinating one about the nature of magic as we practice it. But, ahtell me. What have you learned?

Pisces had two spellbooks. He was also getting a suit of armor. Ceria had gotten squat. The circlet was on her head, of course, but you could argue she had every right to be annoyed about her lack of recent progress.

Except for one thing. She did have a new piece of instruction material, and it had come from the most unlikely of sources. It had taken her two days to find it, and shed given up until someone had reported spotting it.

What Ive learned is that the Death of Magic could have literally murdered us in this simulation. Shes scary as shit. This thing didnt vanishits not melting nowand one of the Gnolls found it lodged in a telephone pole despite [The World of You and Me] literally resetting.

Pisces blinked and glanced up as he poured himself a glass of wine.

You mean?

Ceria Springwalker held up the shard of ice that Silvenia had fired at her when the Deaths had appeared out of nowhere.

It didnt vanish. Most magical ice vanishes after an hour at most, but this? Scary. As. Shit.

It was a soft blue color, harder than steel, and when she tapped it on the table, even the other guests turned and stared at the beautiful, thin sliver of ice. Pisces could feel the cold from where he sat, and it was shaped like a dangerous, jagged needle.

Its quite thin compared to your [Ice Spike] spell.

Ceria normally fired projectiles as thick around as a hand, in a vague teardrop shape. This was a thin razor, and Ceria nodded.

Im copying the design. It might be more aerodynamic, and its certainly probably better at piercing things. But I doubt I can even figure out what makes the icebetter. Do you think its poisoned?

She waved it at Pisces, and he leaned back slowly.

Did that occur to you just now or are you still holding it with your bare hands despite thinking it?

Ceria tapped her head.

No. Im logicing it out, Pisces. Think about it. Silvenia, Czautha, and the third one with wings, that giant Harpy, were here. They could have murdered us in a second. Dead gods, they could have wiped the entire Meeting of Tribes out.

They wouldnt have done that.

He murmured softly, thinking of Czauthas look. Ceria nodded.

No, they didnt. And Silvenia clearly missed me on purpose. So shes probably not poisoned this. ActuallyI think its like a lesson. Learn from this ice. And I almost feel like theres something else about it. Ive been trying to crack it open, actually. But its even made differently on a tiny level. Lots of triangles.

Triangles?

In the ice. Its so smallwell, its like the grain of metal. Do triangles make things stronger?

Pisces had no idea. But since it was his turn to share, he steepled his fingers together.

Perhaps they do, but I doubt you will copy that [Ice Spike] with your spell, Ceria. Rathereverything about Silvenias magic appears to be her own type of spellcasting. WhichI am beginning to believe is superior to modern magic.

Oho. Thats treasonous talk. Wheres your Wistram pride?

Cerias eyes glinted as she smiled. Pisces lifted his spellbook and flashed it at her.

Dead and reanimated, thank you. This is a book that every Archmage would die for, and it belongs above Zelkyrs final test. Would you like to hear my theories?

Go on.

Pisces had been wrapping his mind around the magic within this book, and Cerias own magic seemed to be a perfect vector to theorize on. He began to write on a napkin with a pen. The staff looked askanceso the two [Mages] just ordered dessert.

Let me ask you a question, Ceria. Why do you think Silvenias [Ice Spike] is superior to yours? Or rather, if you were going to copy her magic, how would you do it?

Ceria hmmed.

Without Skills or advancing in levels or sheer mana? Or learning a higher-level spell like [Silvenias Scary Ice Spike]?

Yes.

Ceria twirled the ice spike in her fingers, frowning hard.

Firebreath Whiskey was potent stuff. Colth had asked for half in his mug, half ale, and the first one had already sent him nodding a bit. He was on his second, and Pisces was hissing at him after half an hour of eating.

Pisces was not hungry, and hed barely touched the roasted potatoes and meat, having eaten a satisfactory dinner.

Colth! Why are we here? Colth?

Relax, Pisces. Im tired, youre cold. And grumpy. And just relax. Sit there if you dont want to bebe

Pisces had hoped it was a trick, but Colth actually seemed to forget the next words and snapped his fingers together.

Dead gods, Im drunk. Fuck. I must be getting old as Deniusthwho dyes his hairif two can take me down. Then again, Mihaela can drink this down like water thanks to her constitution. You want to know how Named-ranks do things? Information-gathering, Pisces. Friendliness. Observe!

He stood up unsteadily, went to tap his nose, and missed. Then Colth took his drink and plate over and sat down at a table with some of the guards.

Hoi there! Are you lot from Chandrar? Im Colth, Named-rank adventurer. How was the sea voyage? Mind if I buy you all a drink?

The [Guards] were a mercenary lot, but the instant Colth sat down, a few stiffened. The rest, though, younger ones, cheered up at free drink, and Colth instantly raised a hand.

The [Slaves] were running around like the [Barmaids], and they brought everyone drinks as Pisces watched darkly. He had eyes on him, but Colth was speaking loudly, energetically, and he was definitely drunk.

Whats the word from Khelt? Nothe King of Destruction?

Wehave not passed through Khelt or Reim, Adventurer Colth. We set sail from Roshal.

One of the younger [Guards] willing to talk spoke politely, inclining his head. He had a faint accent that made Pisces tense, but Colth just laughed.

Ah, Roshal. Ive been to Lailight Scintillation. How is the Harbor of Sighs?

Youve been there?

Instantly, the denizens of Roshal grew more interested, and Gamurs head rose a second from his table. Colth waved a hand.

I have been to every continent, friends. Is that bastard who makes the bread that gives people explosive diarrhea still selling from the harbor mouth? I meant to buy someit feels like itd work on monsters too.

Hes dead. Some fool killed him, and the Naga killed them over it.

Apparently, Colth had just proven he knew the city, because the entire group got to gossiping at once. Pisces mistrust grew and grewespecially when he noticed Gamur glaring at Colth. When the Gnoll met Pisces eyes, he gave Pisces a glower that clearly meant something threatening.

Pisces didnt know what to make of the sudden appearance of Gamur the Axe. He was searching his mind for any knowledge of the Named-rank other than his name.

Gamur, Gamura southern Named-rank famous for fighting monsters. That was literally it. But the Gnoll looked like an adventurer out of stories. He had scarred grey-brown fur, and he was like a gigantic, hunched boulder.

It would not be a favorable comparison, but the only brawnier Gnolls that Pisces had ever seen were Raskghar. Gamurs huge battleaxe had runework on the edge, and it was a massive, two-handed weapon that you could use to cut open a Wyvern.

His warning stare, though. What did it mean? Pisces widened his eyes as the two locked gazes, searching for a subtle sign.

Gamurs glare widened, and then he flicked his eyes to Colth. Pisces jerked his head right at Colth and then towards the door.

Are we to leave? He shifted, touching his fingers to his mug. He tapped two fingers, then one, glancing at Gamur. There are two of us, one of youreinforcements? Are we in trouble?

The Gnoll [Warrior] stared at the door, then Pisces fingers, and looked patently confused. He hesitated, then shook his head. He glared and folded his arms. Pisces raised his brows. Gamur thought about itthen turned around slowly in his seat.

Wonderful. Pisces had no idea if hed misread the signs or if Gamur just had Yvlon-levels of subterfuge. He feared the latter, but then, why was the Gnoll here?

Perhaps they shouldnt be here? Pisces would have liked to leave, but Colth was on his third drink and telling everyone to mix Firebreath Whiskey with the ale.

It had to be at least four shots of whiskey per mug plus half of it ale! The [Guards] instantly grew more intoxicated, and more came over to have drinks, but the ones Pisces marked as probably being veterans moved back towards that [Slaver].

So youre all top-guards, eh? What about the [Slavers]? If one of the big [Slave Lords] got killed by the Naga

No fear on that, Adventurer. There are multiple new [Slave Lords]. They appeared overnight. And their hands stretch far. I saw two of them in the marketplace, and they were a match for the Nagas presence, or you can have my eyes.

One of the Stitch-folk made a plucking gesture, and Colth leaned forwards.

New [Slave Lords] like the Naga? You jest, sir.

I do not. One had a set of scales, with which he measured every little thing. The other had what seemed like a thousand staring eyes, and a daring [Thief] tried to steal from himhe knew in the moment it occurred and even which way they ran.

Whatre their names? Perhaps I know them

Colth leaned forwards, but someone cleared their throat loudly, and the over-eager young [Guard] fell silent. Instantly, the others clammed up, and Colth looked up.

Supporter Colth. As much as I enjoy your company, and it gives my men levity, I must ask you do not pry into Roshals affairs. We are upon the business of our city, and my men talk overloud.

The [Slaver] lifted a ringed hand, and Colth lifted an unsteady one in reply. Gamur snorted as Colth tried to stand and got up unsteadily.

Not to fear, Master?

Toriernd. We travel humbly upon the Drakes trade-roads, north. Without incident or quarrel. We would not wish any here.

Nor I. Nor I. Drakes love their damn investigations, and no one messes with the law unless they want every city from here to Liscor coming down on them. The law is safety, after all.

Exactly.

The deep rumble came from Gamur, and the glare he shot Colth made the [Supporter] raise his hands and roll his eyes.

Oh, and here comes a minder from who, Theikha? Im not doing anything. Witness it to the tribes!

I am.

The Named-rank shot back, and the [Slaver] relaxed as Pisces cursed under his breath. So they had been followed, and this was a huge waste of time!

Well, the news about new, high-level [Slave Lords] was deeply unpleasant. But perhaps Colth was showing him what he was doing? The unsteady [Supporter] was genuinely drunk, and Gamurs presence clearly made the [Slaver] feel at home. So he smiled and approached with two of his [Guards].

I must confess, I had not realized you were so knowledgeable about Roshal. We have Named-ranks of our own, Colth the Supporter, but almost none are native-born. When did you come to our city?

Colth turned and stood there, mug in hand. Then he found it was empty and pulled the Firebreath Whiskey bottle up, filling the mug with it raw. Pisces wondered if hed have to roll the man back to the camp.

Oh, a lifetime ago and under a different name. I learned a lot.

Indeed?

The [Supporter] nodded as he raised his mug.

It wasnt always a pleasant lesson, but you learn it well. Roshal is a fountain of knowledge most parts of the world have lost.

This is very true. I am glad you say it; few nations respect our knowledge.

Toriernd seemed very pleased by this, and he glanced at Pisces and smiled. The [Necromancer] bristled, and the [Slaver] lifted a hand.

Peace. I say it now, to be open. I know you have hadissues with our great nation, Necromancer Pisces, but at this time, we are all friends.

Everyone turned back to Pisces, and the [Innkeeper] looked over, clearly not knowing their history. Pisces stared at Colth, but the [Supporter] gave him an encouraging smile.

Whatever he was playingPisces felt a flash of rage.

I am not your friend, [Slaver]. Nor will I be. Do not bandy words with me here or I will remind you of what happened to every [Slaver] I have ever met. I wish the same on you.

The cheerful smile on the [Guards] faces went out, and they slowly reached for their blades. But Colth threw up a hand.

Piscesforgive him, Toriernd.

That would be hard. That is quite an insultbut I expected nothing less. I hope you know, Necromancer Pisces, that we are protected under Drake law. You insult us, threaten us, and would attack us and make the Walled Cities your enemy.

And?

Pisces slowly got up, feeling drunk on hatred despite not having touched a drop. The words came out the instant he had to trade words with the [Slaver], and he had not realized how enraged he was.

Human. Sit.

A paw clapped Pisces on the shoulder, and he went down so hard he nearly broke the chair in two. Gamur the Axe warningly leaned his huge battleaxe on the table. He leaned on Pisces, and the [Necromancer] turned, but he was so heavy

The [Slaver] was all smiles. He turned back to Colth, clearly relishing Pisces glare of impotent hatred.

Once again, Adventurer Colth, you have odd companions. You were saying about learning? Roshals knowledge?

Oh, yes. Roshals knowledge. Where was I? I learned a lot. Your people know every written language and even have your own. Did you know that?

I do indeed. Though True Roshalian is spoken only as a kind of mark of prestige. It has little use as a spoken language if it ever did.

Toriernd was greatly impressed now, and Colth tapped his nose as he took a sip, then a longer draft of his drink. The two [Guards] were watching him, and Pisces saw neither were as calm as the [Slaver]. But they kept their hands well away from the blades they hadtwo long daggers and a scimitar, respectively.

Enchanted armor. Most of the [Guards] had some, even the young ones. The youngest might still be Level 20+.

What were they here for? Colth had asked that very question, but none had answered. Now, the [Supporter] exhaled, fumes on his breath.

Youre right, Toriernd. True Roshalian is just command-words and such. The language of masters. Why, youd say talac et Sitivnia or some such thing and

He took a huge drink from his mug, and Pisces saw the two [Guards] next to the [Slave Master] jerk. The [Slaver]s eyes went round, and he made a gasping sound.

What didst

Then the first [Guard] drew his scimitar and tried to cut Colth from head to groin in a vicious blow. Pisces swore he saw a glowing red crest of light on the mans face

The Drake [Innkeeper] had just come out with another bottle of Firebreath Whiskey when the sword fell. Gamur cursed as he let go of Pisces shoulder. Colth looked up, eyes wideningthen tried to dodge left.

The blow slashed down his mithril chainmail armor, but cut along his shoulder, arm, through the old leather armor, and red blood splattered the floor. The [Supporter] leapt back as a Drake adding logs to the fire choked.

Stop! Eske drek! Drek!

The [Slaver] shouted, face pale, and the [Guard]s frenzied look turned to confusion, and the second [Guard] halted, blades drawn. Colth was stumbling back, blood running down his face, and the [Innkeeper] shouted.

What is going

Then Pisces saw Colths look of pain and alarm and confusion turn to fury. He turnedand in one second, caught Pisces eye. There, at last, Pisces saw it.

A grinning man.

A smiling Demon staring straight out of those pupils. Colth, mouth still full of Firebreath Whiskey, reached for his side without a sword as the [Guards] froze. Then he put the first dagger through the [Guard]s throat and twisted.

A spray of blood spattered Colths face as the tip of the shining blade went through the mans neck and came out the other side. The [Slaver] froze as Colth withdrew the blade.

Crelerspawn

The second [Guard] lifted his blades, and Colths second hand blurred. Pisces flinched as a head landed on the ground. The body slowly collapsed, and Pisces saw the wide, bulging eyes of the second [Chainguard].

The Stitch-man was still alive. The mouth was moving in ragethen confusionthen pain and fear. Then it began to scream, but there were no lungs.

The Stitch-folk lived for a little while after losing their heads. The face screamed as blood ran down.

You

The [Supporter] stood there as two bloody bodies fell and smiled. The [Slaver] was stepping back as the other [Guards] reached for their blades unconsciously, unable, even for them, to believe what was going on.

But Colth reacted as Pisces shoved his chair back. Colths arms slashed in an x, and Toriernd looked down at his opened chest. He stumbled backwards, slipped on the blood, and then fell over. He stared at the blood rushing from his chest, and then he began to scream.

Stop. Stop!

The [Innkeeper] was shouting. He rushed forwardsthen reversed as he saw the blood. Colth turned as the first [Guards] threw their table over. They rose in a roar, and he spat.

His mouth was full of Firebreath Whiskey. But what came out wasnt alcohol but fire. It caught four [Guards], and they caught flame in an instant. The screaming Stitch-men tried to put out the flame, but Colth just knocked one aside.

Theyre trying to kill us! To arms! Pisces!

He roared and then leapt at another [Guard] on his feet. The drunk [Slaver] was trying to pull out a shield. He never had a chance.

Colth skewered him with both blades, then dragged them out of the body effortlessly. He turned, dodged left, and rammed his blade through a chest.

[Drunken Strength]. [Animate Corpse].

He was too strong to parry. Colth whirled on another [Guard], but they had Skills. One backflipped out of the way, landed, dodging two slashes

[Weapon Switch].

The long dagger in his right hand vanished. Colth pointed a crossbow left and fired it point-blank through the [Guard]s head. The dagger reappeared in his hand, and he leaned out of the way.

[Mighty Swing]. [Blade Flare]. [Flurry of Cuts]. Get him!

A flash, and a combo of slashes coming at Colth. The [Supporter] just leapt back, and the [Slaver] slipped ona vial of oil? The dangerous combo of Skills turned into a scream as Colth landed on the attacker and buried his blades in their stomach and wrenched them apart. Then he was backing up, grinning.

[Deflect Arrows].

He whirled his daggers up, slashing two out of the air as the [Slavers] tried to find coverthen uncorked a vial, hurled it, and the boom shook the rafters as the vial exploded.

Colth was slaughtering them. Pisces just stood there. Even as a Gold-rank adventurer, he hadnt seen someone kill so fast. The [Slavers] were finally on their feet. One ran at Colth, and he sidestepped them.

[Hefty Push].

He kicked them across the room and towards Pisces. The [Necromancer] stepped aside, drawing his rapier. His blood was turning to fire. He met Colths eyes, and the [Supporter] gestured to the door.

You could always leave.But look what Im doing. Do you want in?

Crunch. Pisces turned, and Gamur swore. The Named-rank adventurer had been as stunned by the violence as Pisces. But his axehe had a hand on his battleaxe, and Colth had kicked the [Slaver] straight onto the head.

Blood. It was dripping down, and one of the dead [Slavers] was rising as an undead. The [Innkeeper] was screaming. The [Slaves] were running, and more people were thundering downstairs. The rest of the caravan. One raised a crossbow of their own. Pisces saw Colth switching back to both blades, and his head turned. He was smilingpreparing to dodge

Pisces flicked his wrist, and the [Shatterbolt] hit the crossbow woman in the arm. He heard the cracking like fireworks, and she collapsedwrongly. Without bones to hold the body up.

Kill them! Kill

The [Necromancer]s rapier ran through a second [Guard], and he felt the shock run through his arm.

Bad strike, boy. It should feel like air. He thought he could hear his fathers voice. Pisces didnt care. He stared at those wide eyes and felt like he could see Igheriz staring out the other side. He yanked his rapier back and then whispered.

[Deathbolt].

The death magic hit the [Slaver] in the chest. They stumbled and dropped the healing potion theyd yanked out. They might have used it, despite being run through. Pisces looked around, and now Colth was laughing.

Defend yourself, Pisces.

Defend yourself? Gamur was swearing at Colth, but the [Slavers] attacked in a roar. And they just saw three adventurers.

Pisces had only seen Colth smile like this when fighting Facestealer. But now, he was doing it again.

He and Colth were cutting around them in the center of the inn, and Colth was tracing blade-forms with his long daggers, cutting and slashing limbs off. Pisces was raising the undead as he fired [Deathbolts] with one hand and cut and slashed with his flaming rapier.

One of his new skeletons was laying about it with a scimitar. A second leapt, ignoring the swords slashing its arms, and dug its fingers into a screaming Stitch-mans eyes.

Fire was coating parts of the floor. Colths flame-breath attack wasnt the only thing he was using. He kicked another bottle of Firebreath Whiskey at a cluster of [Slavers].

[Volatile Mix]. [Instantaneous Reload].

He flipped the crossbow up again, fired it left, and took out another archer. Then the bottle of potent liquor exploded.

He had a thousand and one Skills. Pisces? He had fury and death. The Skeleton Champions charged, slicing their opponents with their own blades, and Gamur the Axe was howling.

The huge Gnoll was swinging his axe left and right, cleaving through everything he touched. Someone shot him point-blank with a wand, and his fur caught fire. He ignored the flames, swung through the spellcaster, and then lunged at Colth.

The [Supporter] parried the axe, went to kick Gamur in the chest, and the Gnoll swung an arm. Colth hit a wall and went through it. He came back in as snow poured through the opening. Both Named-ranks stared at each other, Colth tensingthen Gamur whirled left.

[Hill Cleaver].

[Emergency Evacuation]. Watch the innocents, idiot!

Colth pointed, and a [Slave] and one of the staff screamed and vanished. Pisces saw a glowing axe cut through the entire bar and wall behind it. Wood showered down as a beam splintered in half, and a dozen bodies fell, cut to bits. Gamur roaredturned to Colth, and someone leapt on his back, trying to stab. The Gnoll rammed himself backwards, smashing into a wall, and Pisces slashed through a throat. The [Slaver] closed it with a potionthen drank it.

Pisces stabbed three times, and a hole opened up in the Stitch-mans chestthen the third blow was deflected by a rib. The [Slaver] kept coming, slashing back, laying Pisces arm open, catching him once below the ribs with a shortsword.

Searing pain. Pisces pointed a finger, and the [Deathbolt] made the [Guard] stagger. But he was literally drinking the healing potion in his moutha high-grade one. Pisces flash-stepped back, and Colth turned as the [Slaver] came at him.

[Doubled Healing: Potions]? Nice trick.

Pisces slumped over, feeling hot and sick, leaning on a table, and Colth backed up. The shortsword was poisoned. Colth dodged backwards as the [Slaver] attacked, clearly ready to be cut

Colth waited for his opening, then slashed. He didnt get a killing blow in, but he managed to hack straight through the mans groin. A red stain filled the cloth as the liquid came out the Stitch-mans mouth, and he tried to scream. Then Colth planted his blade through the Stitch-mans brain.

Idiot.

It wasnt clear who he meant as he yanked something out and grabbed Pisces. He applied a salve, and Pisces spinning head cleared. Colth glanced over his shoulder as three Skeleton Champions emerged, bones coated in blood. Then he yanked Pisces up.

Come on. Lets get them.

They had Skills. It was not like fighting monsters at all. Pisces had fought entire battles where he had come out uninjured, but he took another arrow to the leg within moments. The arrow had ricocheted into him!

Watch the Skills! Dont let them attack! Use the undead, you idiot!

Colth shouted, and Pisces screened himself with the fearless Skeletal Champions. He felt like an amateur in a fight against opponents with Skills, but even Colth was attacking carefully. He murdered anyone he got into close-range with, but he would throw a vial or attack in an unpredictable way rather than charge into a four-on-one combat.

He was impossible to predict. That was the terror of Colth. A [Slaver] rushed at him, and he murmured.

[Remove Stitches].

The womans boot came off. Surely, if Colth could have, he would have removed the Stitch-womans limbs, but it must have been impossible.

As it washe shot a crossbow straight through her foot, nailing her to the ground, then finished her off.

It was still an entire caravans worth of guards. Pisces thought they might have been in trouble, despite his and Colths level differencebut for one figure.

Gamur the Axe. He hadnt been prepared for Colths sudden violence, which had taken even him off-guard. But once the fight started, Pisces realized he was a Named-rank as he cleared the floor.

[Gallows Swing]!

A fool with a greatsword tried to match Gamur blow for blow. Rather than dodge, the Gnoll swung back, and their weapons collided.

The enchanted greatsword tore out of the Stitch-mans grip, and Pisces heard a bone snap. The man screamed, and Gamur buried his axe in their chest, kicked the [Slaver] off the blade

And he hadnt used a Skill. He had beaten the Skill with pure strength. He kept moving, throwing a punch that flipped someone over a table, turned, and brought his axe up.

[Slash the Sky]! [Howl of the Plains].

Then Pisces went deaf, despite holding his hands over his ears. The wave of sound blasted plates and utensils off tables. Gamur took two steps forwards, and a crossbow bolt thunked into his chest. He glanced down at it, ripped the bolt out, and a hole was visible in his fur.

Where was his armor? The Gnoll took another two steps, buried his axe in a head with a roar, and then swept it around, clearing a pocket of [Slavers]. When he straightened, turning his headthe hole was gone.

Impossible! Pisces stared and nearly got hit by a spell himself. When he next saw Gamur, the Gnoll was striding out of more of the fire Colth had started, swatting at the flames. But his burnt hair was regrowing.

No defense. No ability to dodge. But his offensive abilitieshe checked a wound on his arm, threw a hatchet from his belt through a fleeing [Slaver]s back, and the cut closed.

He was healing every time he wounded a foe! That was

That was a Named-rank power. No wonder he was one of the Gnolls champions! Gamur also had some kind of battlesense that eclipsed even Colths and Pisces. Five [Guards] tried to rush him, getting in under the range of his battleaxe. He took three down, but two went at him with knives. Gamur dropped his axe, raised his paws, and after Pisces saw him again, he was kicking over two dead [Slavers].

Yvlon should take lessons from him! I shouldthen Pisces saw Colth throw a blade across the room, into the eye of a [Slaver].

[Explosive Flesh]. [Recall Blade]. [Climbers Hold].

The head exploded, showering the other enemies with bone and blood. Colth caught the blade, leapt up, and clung to a rafter one-handed. Then he dropped onto the group whod tried to rush him.

Two kinds of Named-rank adventurer. And Pisces.

The fight took fourteen minutes. It felt like an hour, but when it was done, the inn was half on fire. Colth stood on the bloody floor, wind blowing in broken windows, smoke rising around him. He turned, smiling, and looked around.

Pisces was panting for air. Gamur was covered in blood, and he stared at Colth. Gamur raised his axe, and again, they sized each other up. In silenceColth lifted his crossbow. Then he glanced around and found the restroom. He paused a second, stared at something, then shot through the door.

He reloadedshot again. Then he looked around as blood ran from the crack by the door and nodded.

Got them. Have I missed anyone, Pisces?

The [Necromancer] looked around, eyes glowing as he cast [Detect Life] and [Detect Death]. No one was playing dead that he could tell. But

The [Slaves]. There are sixteen.

I saw them. Lets get out of here.

Colth walked out of the inn, into the snow. The Drake [Innkeeper] had been screaming, but one look at the three adventurers and he fled, silently, from the three bloody figures.

You fool. The Walled Cities will investigate this.

They swung first. I can swear on a truth stone. Did Theikha tell you to stop me? Shes not that stupid.

Gamur the Axe folded his arms and growled.

The Shaman told me you might get into trouble. I followed you. Did you think about the trouble youd bring on Gnolls?

He growledbut the [Supporter]s smile was filled with teeth as he lowered his voice.

And do you want Roshals [Slavers] wandering your Great Plains? This was my fight. You just involved yourself. Thats not on me. Think harder next time you stick your nose in.

Peh. Youd have gotten your friend hurt without me.

Gamur retorted, and Colth rolled his eyes, showing the whites.

You think I havent seen someone dance better with blades? Dont lecture me on how to hunt, Gamur. You hunt monsters. I hunt vermin. Those rats will swarm you before they get to me. I saw how much blood you lost. How many scratches do you see on me?

He raised his arm, and Pisces realized that but for the first cutColth was virtually unharmed. Gamur did not appreciate the challenge and snarled, but Colth just glared him down.

Colth was not the pleasant, friendly figure that Gamur and Pisces were used to. He seemed to glitter like a dangerous dagger, eyes and bared teeth. Gamurs fur rose, and he eyed Colthbut the [Supporter] was walking into the snow after the [Slaves].

They stared at him, and he halted, blades wet with blood. He pointed, and they flinched. But Pisces just saw him point right.

That way. Stay here if you want to go back. But if you go that wayperhaps something will happen. You have nothing left to lose. Make your choice.

All Pisces saw in the distance was whirling snow. Even his spells didnt tell him what was there. The [Slaves] looked at Colth, and he whirled.

Come on. They wont decide with us here. If were unlucky, the Drakes will have a damn patrol on the road. I doubt it, though. Anyone see the horses?

Youre just leaving them there?

Absolutely. Theyve got slave collars on. It would be suicide to grab them. Theyll just die or be tracked.

Then what were you pointing

Pisces trailed off. Colth gave him a long look and grinned.

Who knows? Maybe someones waiting that way. But on the off chance some decide to be loyal and stayRoshal has to prove things. You cant prove I said anything. Its all truth-stone logic, Pisces.

The [Necromancer] stared at him, then back at the ruined inn. He didnt quite understand how fast it had gone to blood himself. But he was starting to

You start a lot of these fights?

Gamur was washing his burnt and bloody fur in the snow. Colth grabbed the reins of his horse.

Me? Never. Roshal starts fights all the time, though. They used to be all over the north, back in the day. How many do you see up there these days? Mind you, Im the nice one. The Reinharts have their own way of greeting guests.

Magnolia Reinhart? Pisces was panting as he got into his saddle. Gamur just stood there, staring at the inn, and Colth kicked his horse.

Ill see you back at the camp, Gamur. Ill buy you a drink to make up for it.

The Named-rank turned, and Gamur the Axe growled as he met Colths eyes.

Forget it. Im not drinking with you. Ever.

The Ultimate Supporter laughed and took off. Pisces followed as the Gnoll began to search for his own horse. They were riding back through the snow when Pisces shouted.

So who told you?

A flying magic bird. And if you want more than that, Id have to trust you. But I dont.

Colth turned his head and gave Pisces a sardonic look. The [Necromancer] was so astounded his mouth opened and closed.

Me? Trust me?

Yep. You Horns are fairly untrustworthy and, frankly, suspicious. Youre lucky Im so trusting in general, but why would I trust you? Lets leave it at that. Sometimes I get a little bird in my ear. At other times, its a pink [Lady] who gives me a little tip. But I wish Id gotten more, frankly. I thought theyd be riled up by youwell, we did all we could. The rest will avoid us, and its not always that easy.

Easy.

Pisces couldnt imagine walking into a room and taking out sixty foes. He realized Colth must have been using [Drunkard] Skills, but even so. Colth shook his head.

We just hit one group. There are at least a dozen more. I dont know what they want, butI dont like it. The word is that some high-level members of Roshal are also in Izril. The Nagas own hound. Gamur, you, and I would all have to think twice before we went at him without a plan. But come on. Lets get back before your team notices. Did you enjoy it?

Pisces didnt know how to answer that, so he did the only thing a good [Mage] would do.

Did you?

Colths smile stretched ear-to-ear.

Guess.

I take it back. Hes not suspicious. Hes just scary.

Ceria Springwalker heard a version of Pisces report that night after he got back. The [Necromancer] still smelled of blood, and Yvlon was angry. Ksmvr was furious.

Comrade Pisces, Comrade Pisces. Are we teammates?

Yes, Ksmvr.

Then why did you not take me? Especially if you were in danger!

Leave it, Ksmvr. At least we know what Colth does for fun. I doubt that was an act. Something tells me even Roshal wouldnt throw away their people like that. Hmm. Darn, darn, darn.

Ceria tapped the shard of ice on the ground and scrubbed a hand through her hair. Yvlon was just shaking her own head.

Hes a liability. Even if he claims self-defensethe Walled Cities arent stupid!

No, but theyre also not all friends with Roshal. And what do you want to bet that Magnolia Reinhart never cared what Colth did? Rhirs Hells, he seemed to imply she hired him if she didnt do it herself! Hes never done us wrong, but now we know what we get into if Colths on our side.

Given that they are trying to enslave Pisces, I think Colth is a fine ally. He has done nothing wrong.

Everyone turned to Ksmvr as the Antinium folded his arms. Yvlons mouth opened as she tried to parse how incorrect that was, but Pisces just sat there. Then he raised his eyes.

Well, Colth seems to think theres a danger in Roshals actions. I wont go off without telling you, but it was goodto see what he did. Ceria, what do you think?

The half-Elf sighed loudly.

I thinkwe just got entangled in more politics. And this time, we had better step carefully, Horns, because well have big alliesand even bigger enemies.

We can always deny we knew Colth was on the side ofI mean, are we just overlooking he might be in cahoots with Demons?

Yvlons voice squeaked a bit as she struggled to get over that part. Ceria just shrugged. She was thinking hard about what she had presumed to be reality. Ksmvr didnt really have any view of Rhir other than it used to be home, and Pisces clearly had more good feelings towards Czautha than anyone else on Rhir, so Yvlon was the one digging her heels in.

Even so. Ceria tapped the shard of ice again and againand then raised it to the light.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Yvlon. Colth got us Stalkers armor. And do you want to live forever?

No, but Id like to live another year!

The half-Elf laughed as Ksmvr finished bandaging a cut on Pisces arm.

Well then, should I pretend I cant see this?

Then the other Horns looked at Ceria, and she held up the crystal of ice to the light. She hadnt managed to break it open after all, even with a hammer and her own ice magic. Ceria had a feeling itd vanish after another day or two, and she had feared shed fail to uncover whatever the Death of Magic had challenged her with.

Then it had occurred to Ceria she might still be stupid. And shed thought of the entire matter like a [Trickster], rather than a [Mage]. Slowly, she lifted up the [Ice Spike] and spoke dreamily.

Anyone got a piece of paper? Even with vision spells, its tiny. But I think I found the start.

She eyed the tip of the translucent, blue piece of ice, and Yvlon squinted at the ice. Pisces leaned forwards, and when he magnified his own vision, and the light caught the ice just right, he finally saw it.

Tiny, tiny little words inscribed on the inside of the ice, caught like bubbles in water. If you stared at it just rightit looked like a message.

I am Silvenia, the Death of Magic, and I remember the Crossroads of Izril

The Death of Magics words and letter to the Horns of Hammerad would kick off a gathering storm as snow fell and fell. The half-Elf was laughing, somewhere, and Ceria grinned as Colth the Supporter strolled on over to their tent. He was laughing, good-natured

Right until Shaman Theikha grabbed his ear.

Authors Note: I have a bunch of notes from my break after this. But Ill just say that this chapter is short, and Im still down to write day-chapters, but Ill also write traditional chapters of a longer length.

Its just whatever fits. Im a bit less rested coming off this break, as the notes below will explain. Also, I really am a night-person. I keep trying to wake up with yknow, daylight, and I feel tired and groggy. Well, if I need to write like Batman in the night, I will. For now, I hope you enjoy this small offeringI think its one more Horns chapter and then the poll and chem-chapter if its ready to go.

But dont hold me to it. Life is a mystery. Anyways, glad to be back to work. Now for my other copious notes.

Week Off Recap: So. Do you recall me writing about catastrophic computer failure which forced me, once again, to get a new PC? That was five months ago, I think.

The new, expensive one I bought is also dead. And the one I sent into repair came back and it wouldnt boot up. So I had TWO new desktops, both of which had incredible technical issues.

Anyways, the first four days of my break were without a working PC and it took me four days of trying to debug, then literally switching computer parts around to luckily diagnose the problem. I havesomething wrong with one PC that Ill have to send in for full repair, and the one that was repaired has a dead GPU which I could replace.

I am not a computer person. I know enough to do basic diagnosis and I have built one PC ever, so that was not a fun time. I dont feel as rested mentally as Id like, but life decided to be difficult for me for a bit and thats that. My life is so hard. Harder than someone in a waror in a sub about to implode

Im always mindful of my job and life being the product of good fortune. I guess the irony is that it is hard to write to the level I want and these things get in the way. However! I have stepped back and stopped trying to write a novel in a month. With that said, the deadline is coming up again, but I will try not to collapse a second time. I am definitely going to need to take off time, and will probably work half this month, then write the rest of Gravesong 2 into August and finish it, no matter how hard it is. Ill post whatever Im happy with, but if I burn too hard on multiple ends, I burn out.

Writing Thoughts: Ive been reflecting on the matter of upcoming arcs and I have to say, the biggest thing on my mind is the Winter Solstice, which as you might guess, is probably the end of Volume 9. What it will be is something only I know, and yet, weve been in beach-mode, short-chapter mode, and thatis a very good thing.

Some people may be impatient for the Solstice. Or have other critiques. I dont often discuss writing in the sense of looking for help. I often tell beta-readers I just want feelings and whether they liked it, more than trying to articulate things or trying to tell me what to write. If theres a problem, point in the general direction and I should see it. Its interesting, because the only people Ive met who have given me advice that is consistently reliable in a technical writing sense have been the editors I like. It really is a dedicated skillset.

However, writing is an endless world of analogies. Ive done ships. Ive done sludge-searching. How about candy?

Have you ever seen someone making a taffy or candy that you can twist or pull at high temperatures? Firstly? Skin burns. Secondly? Its an art. The experience it takes to move that candy, or know instinctively when its about to break when its thin as stringthats like writing. Thats like the beach chapters.

Sometimes the story needs time to breathe. Sometimes I need time to plan ahead and I have been thinking of the upcoming arcs and storylines and Ive come up with some good stuff. If I had rushed into the Winter Solstice, it would have been both premature, too much of Volume 8 still leaking through, and frankly, I would have been exhausted and might have burnt out again in the midst of it. This storyis a process and I have to figure out when things are dragging or going too fast. So the beach chapter I like and we will see how long this should last.

That is the eternal advantage of web serial writing. Other published books like the never-coming-out third book of Name of the Winds by Rothfuss have to be contained stories. GRR Martin has to know how many miles his characters travel and touch countless plotlines in each novel and I suspect that the medium is one of the reasons those two cant put out another book. Then again, it seems like Martin will get to a book before Rothfuss.

Motivations hard. But writing is more than motivationI think I mentioned that hydration, exercise, good rest, and many more things all annoyingly make up good writing. Imagine my personal health being necessary to write. Bleh. Anyways, Ive felt good about the beach writing. Finishing that novel is still going to be a bloodbath.

Reading Thoughts: Because I was bored and my gaming computer was dead, I consumed stories over my break. And I had consumed parts before, but I dont always talk reading so heres my reading list.

1. Level 999 Villager.

2. I Reincarnated as a Slime.

3. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)

4. Bard Loen the Peoples Knight

5. MY S-RANK PARTY FIRED ME FOR BEING A CURSIFICER ~ I CAN ONLY MAKE CURSED ITEMS, BUT THEYRE ARTIFACT CLASS!

And more. But I really want you to look at that list. Especially 5. I knew what I was getting into. Here are my notes.

They are all. Trash. Stories. Except for Bard Loen. And I know Kimetsu no Yaiba is popular and the art is amazing. The storys bad.

I complain about bad stories. I refused to play the new Star Wars: Fallen Order game. I complain about movies. I complain about games. I know Im picky, but I dont think Im wrong when I say Kimetsu no Yaiba is generic shounen stuff. The characters struggle, and it has depthfor the first few chapters. But then they pull a new secret move out of their butts or try harder and win. It has one great defeat in it, pyrrhic victories, but ultimately its a younger story. If its your first time, its probably a good story but to me it wasnt great. Still amazing art, but it reminds me of Bleach. I hated Bleach and of Naruto and One Piece, Bleach was the worst of the golden three stories of the era.

Tensei shitara Slime Datta KenI Reincarnated as a Slimeis bad, but its still better than most isekais. The bar is currently under the ground, so thats not much, but I actually liked reading it because its one of the more classic isekais. If Sword Art Online was one of the examples of the first wave, along with perhapsOverlord being wave 1 or wave 2, then Slime manga is probably wave three.

The Wandering Inn, for reference, I might place as a wave 2 web serial story. I define waves as the first stories to come out in a genre or sphere, so Worm by Wildbow is a wave 1, classic web serial that launched the genre.

That earns you some points for being first, but the slime manga is still an example of everything isekais are bad about. Overpowered protagonists, bad events being resolved easily, attractive protagonistss with convenient abilties, harems..

But its not as bad as the other isekais which take all these attributes and run with them. The slime manga treats its protagonist like the manager of a Japanese companyand it works a bit. Its still a bad story, but I feel the need to explain the fact that I see the effort in construction even if I disagree with the premise and see the lazy shortcuts at times and feel less engaged than I could be. Because otherwise, how would I be able to tell you what trash looks like?

MY S-RANK PARTY FIRED ME FOR BEING A CURSIFICERis better than Level 999 Villager. I actually read all of the chapters available to me, about 20. Level 999 Villager I dropped like a bag of crelers once I got past the intro and saw what it was made of. And even thenit can get worse.

If there is a bottom, these are still one or two ranks below the absolute level of trash isekais can get to. I am not kidding, and if you have picked up the dime-a-dozen stories infesting manga right now, you can find even worse. I wont rant about isekais and all the pitfalls of the genreor the cultural differences that sometimes appearjust know that reading these two stories was like eating fast food.

Regardless of whether I enjoyed a bit of it, I dont feel good afterwards. Or I feel neutral at best, not satisfied. So, after all these stories, I re-read Bard Loen, a manga a reader of TWI recommended to me.

And it felt good. It felt satisfying. Bard Loen has a lot of traits of mangaits not an isekai, but it has a powerful protagonist. Its not the most dramatic of stories. Its slice-of-life OP Protagonist good things will happenand thats a genre in manga. But this one feels good to read because the story is there. Its not perfect, but it feelssatisyfing.

I complain about bad games constantly. Even my family asks me if I enjoy things and the answer is yes. I should mention that more. Bramble, Cassette Beasts, Roguetech, System Shock remastered, are all games I played recently that I liked. If I had the courage to actually play Amnesia: The Bunker, I think itd also meet that list.

Bad stories annoy me more than most people, I suspect, so I cant turn off my brain and enjoy the gameplay or visuals if the story is so bad it distracts me. But in the same way, I dislike bad manga. I like Bard Loen. Im catching up on Marblegate, a web comic and going to re-read The Property of Hate. These are good stories, and if I hate other stories, especially a lot of AAA-games or productions, its because I think they can do better, especially given their budgets. Theyre safe, and it may sell but I dont respect it.

Anyways, Ill try watching something too, but I like reading more, and I can read a manga series in a day whereas movies and TV shows take more of my time. This has been my indulgence of writing my thoughts out. See you next chapter.

pirateaba

Silvenia by Maxswell, commisioned by Linu!

Site:https://max-art.carrd.co/

Hundredfriends Courier by /cmarguel

No Gods, No Masters (a redone version) by u/Joxonart, commisioned by dado!

Pisces by Pizzabel!