The Wandering Inn

Book 6: Chapter 62: L

Book 6: Chapter 62: L

Senior Guardsman Klbkch walked through the city of Liscor, leaving the Watch barracks behind. He was off-duty, having signed out for the day. And it had been a long day. Nearly nine hours straight, excluding breaks for meals. But being a [Guardsman] was a strenuous job. You didnt quit the job, even when you were out of uniform.

As he walked down the street, Klbkch greeted people, nodding, exchanging comments, his pace slowed due to the number of people who recognized him. That was inevitable. Not only was he a Senior Guardsman, a position of respect, he was noticeable because he wasKlbkch. The Antinium.

The Slayer. But also, to the people of Liscor, Senior Guardsman Klbkch, who had been the only real face of the Antinium for over a decade. And over that decade, hed found a place in the hearts of all but the most die-hard Antinium haters.

Senior Guardsman Klbkch. A word, please? I had a break in last night

Im afraid Im off-duty, sir. The nearest Watch patrol will be able to investigate the crime.

Guardsman, you must do something about the roaches in my apartments! Its beyond neglect! The prices are one thing, but we need [Exterminators]!

Please inquire into the Watch Barracks, miss. Otherwise, I will look into it when I sign in tomorrow.

Senior Guardsman! Over here!

Klbkch didnt sigh or groan, and he might have. Instead, he politely and swiftly stepped over to the angry Gnoll waving a paw at him. It was one of the reasons why people liked him. The City had about thirty Senior Guards, a very small number that was essentially a rank below Watch Captain in a city like Liscor. But even the best of them, like Beilmark, hated being bothered on their days off.

But Klbkch never complained. He inclined his head as the Gnoll, who had a few white marks along the fur on her neck, began to speak in a glowering tone.

Guardsman, youve got to settle this dispute between me and my neighbor! Hes up all night, bothering me with his damn thumping.

Maam, I am off-duty. If the situation cannot be resolved amicably, the nearest Watch patrol

I dont want some Drakes! Ive asked, but they dont get my problem! I have sensitive ears and that Drake doesnt care! I wanted to ask for Beilmark, but shes on desk duty! Youre the only Senior Guardsman I could find! Cant you do something?

The Gnoll whined at him. Klbkch shook his head slightly.

Miss, I am afraid you must wait until tomorrow for me to resume my duties. However, I can recommend you a pair on patrol this moment. Guardsman Tkrn and Guardswoman Jerci are both on patrol down Market Street right now

He gave the female Gnoll directions, patiently reassuring her that they would do their utmost to resolve her situation. Then Klbkch went on.

The exchange had taken five minutes. But when the female Gnoll was hurrying off, Klbkch calmly went back on his way. And still his expression, the mandibles, insectile eyes, antennae, never seemed to change. He might be alien, a bug, but he was polite. He never got angry. And dead gods damn it; he was good at his job!

That was why people liked him. Not just Erin Solstice. There had been a wake when he died. And when he came back to life, people had been happy. Because Klbkch was the Senior Guardsman whod taken down criminals. He managed his partner Relc, who was the definition of a loose flaming arrow, and he always had time for people. You got the impression he cared. Because he did.

Klbkch rounded the corner and came to the empty street that held the entrance to the Antinium Hive. A few Workers were exiting, holding buckets filled with tools. They squeezed themselves to one side despite the large street as the taller Antinium walked down into the Hive, ignoring the concealed Soldiers who stiffened as he passed by. Only then did he sigh, letting loose a soft breath.

Klbkchs mandibles clicked slightly as he entered the underground. The Hive moved around him and he readjusted his thoughts. Senior Guardsman Klbkch became Revalantor Klbkch. If there was a Klbkch above, who worked tirelessly each day of the week, there was another below. He worked just as hard. But it had never been said of him below that he was kind.

-

We believe there is a Heaven. We believe in a place after death. We believe in forgiveness. Salvation of the soul. We believe that pain ends, that life has a meaning, and that we will be together when we pass. We believe in Heaven. No, we know it to be true.

The Free Antinium of Liscor stood in silence as a voice spoke down to them. Workers and Soldier stood side by side, listening. Looking up at the figure who spoke from the podium. Pawns voice was quiet, but the room was so silent his words were clearly audible no matter where you stood. And there was a resonance to Pawns tone. A certainty that rang through.

Hope. The Antinium spoke briefly, but with emotion as he looked down at the Painted Antinium. His flock.

Remember that you must live. Death is not something to be craved. But know that it matters. Every Antinium who has fallen lives beyond. Remember that. Go dreaming of peace. Amen.

Just that. He did not give long sermons. Most of the Antinium didnt have the time for that. They had duties. Jobs. And Pawn gave his sermon thrice daily, before each meal. He didnt need to change the words, but he did, sometimes. To keep it fresh. But the content was always the same.

Hope. A dream of Heaven. As Pawn raised his head, the Antinium stirred. They looked to him. And then, as they always did, they turned to a giant among Antinium. He wasa bit taller than the other Soldiers. But in that way, he stood out. The Painted Soldiers all wore unique colors, each one different in that way. But Yellow Splatters was truly different.

He had come back. He had been reborn. And he had seen heaven. He was proof of Pawns words. So the Antinium looked at him and then began to eat.

Dream of peace. A good meal to you. The sky exists.

Pawn murmured as he went down the rows of tables and chairs. Well, mounds of dirt, packed hard for the Antinium to sit on. The cafeteria/sermon hall was the latest addition to the growing barracks that was now the realm of the Painted Antinium. And there were nearly seven hundred of them. Pawn looked around and remembered a time when there had only been a bunch of Soldiers. And before that, just a few chess tables with Workers.

Now there was something else. The Worker walked over to where Yellow Splatters was sitting. The table was filled with Workers and Soldiers. They gravitated towards him. The [Sergeant] looked up.

Pawn.

Yellow Splatters.

It was still startling to hear the Soldier speak. Startling, but good. Yellow Splatters inclined his head.

Will you eat here?

The Workers and Soldiers looked up, all ready to rise. Pawn shook his head.

No. You should all enjoy your meal. Butthank you for your own words today. You give them all hope. More than I can by myself.

Yellow Splatters had spoken before Pawn. He did that sometimes, at the sermons. The [Sergeant] paused. And his voice was deep, slow, as he shook his head.

I only told them what I saw. Without you, there would have been nothing.

But you were there. You saw it.

Pawn whispered the words. Heaven. A tiny thing, but there. Yellow Splatters had seen it, glimpsed a place where Antinium would go when they died. The [Sergeant] nodded slowly.

It must grow.

Yes.

That was all they said. Pawn nodded to Yellow Splatters and looked down the room. Soldiers and Workers were eating the nutritional paste that was sounique to the Antinium. It was brownish-yellow today, for reasons that couldnt be explained. Pawn knew what it tasted like. Sometimes there was nuance, but the flavor was always uniquely that. He shuddered. And then, because he knew what it tasted like, he raised his hands.

[Create Bread].

The Free Antinium looked up. And they saw a miracle. Pawn pressed his four arms to his chest, cradling something. At first it was just air. But then, suddenly, he held loaves of bread. Thick, steaming with warmth. Not loaves like Erin considered proper, in the quintessential breadbox shape that had been developed and cemented as sandwich bread in America, but a loaf, rounded, even cut across the top and baked perfectly.

Bread. Pawn remembered it because it was one of the first and only times hed eaten bread at Erins inn when shed first gained baking soda. And gotten promptly sick afterwards. But the memory had stayed.

Now, it reappeared in his arms. Pawn slowly and carefully put the loaves down on one of the tables. The Workers and Soldiers stared. But Pawn was carefully breaking up the bread. He put a tiny piece, barely a pebbles size, in front of a Soldier.

Take and eat it. This is bread, but it will not make you ill with this much. It is fluffy because it was made with baking soda. Or magic.

He slowly went down the table. Yellow Splatters accepted the morsel and chewed it slowly. It was good bread. Soft. Fluffy, as Pawn had said, but with enough chew to make it worth the bite. And fresh. Hot! The other Workers and Soldiers savored their bites, masticating the morsel slowly.

First Yellow Splatters table, then the others. Pawn walked down the room, doling out the bread loaves in tiny pieces, so that every Worker and Soldier got a piece. He was so preoccupied with his task he barely noticed the other Worker sitting at a far table until he handed the last piece of bread and looked up.

Anand?

The [Strategist] regarded the piece of bread thoughtfully in his hand. He was eating from a bowl with a bunch of the Workers who had been turned into [Archers]. They carried their bows everywhere they went. Archer B23 was nibbling at his bite of bread. Anand just looked intrigued.

Hello, Pawn. It is good to see you. I had to come here to witness your Skill for myself. You have leveled up.

Iyes. I have. Four days ago, I gained this Skill.

Pawn stared at Anand. He hadnt seen his friend, one of the original Workers, for nearly two weeks. It happened like that, even in the Hive. Anand was a [Strategist], always working to keep the Hive safe. Now, Anand carefully bit into the piece of bread. His mandibles tore a piece loose and he consumed it.

Hm. It tastes exactly like the bread Miss Erin gave us. The very bread that made us sick. You recall?

How could I not? I think that is the memory that makes this bread.

Anand nodded.

Fascinating. And I believe it is real bread. Not even just magic bread, from a cornucopia artifact. I thought it might be, but apparently, that bread is not actually bread. It is simply nutrition which dissolves if not eaten. But thisam I right in thinking this will make me sick if I eat too much?

Not if its just a bite. That is why I divide it. I wish I had gained another Skill, but I think creating bread is traditional.

Pawn explained. Anand nodded as he inspected the bread, feeling it with his fingers on two of his four hands.

If I leave it alone, will it vanish?

No.

The [Strategist] was very intrigued at this.

Really? Not even after a few hours? Magical bread

I thought the same thing, Anand. I have a dry crust over there. It is four days old.

Pawn pointed across the barracks. Anand looked down the rows of tables. Past a dirt pillartraining Soldiers boxing in little rings, a Worker holding a book open for two Soldiers, the paints sectionall the way to an area with cubicles in the walls. Rows and columns of them, for Antinium to sit inside and sleep. There was a little table with a bit of bread on it. It was very dry and very stale, but it was still there. Pawn had left it to give the Antinium good dreams.

Incredible. This is a very useful Skill, Pawn. If only it werent bread. But even soit allows you to provide a small amount of rations each day! There are very few Skills capable of doing the same. I wonder, is it because Miss Erin is an [Innkeeper]? Some of them have Skills that provide free food each day, like this. But only very powerful spellsTier 6, I thinkcan even conjure temporary food!

Anand mused out loud. Pawn shrugged helplessly.

I only know that I am leveling, Anand. Slowly, but I do level. I gained this at Level 20. Along with my ability to conjure light.

Ah, yes. That is tactically useful. Well, I am glad, Pawn. You are leveling up and gaining useful Skills.

And you? Are youhow is Belgrade?

We are both leveling. Well, Belgrade continues to level. I have stopped this month. It is distressing me, but I hope that will soon change.

The [Strategist] was conversational. It wasodd. Pawn felt a bit removed from Anand. He was so important. More important than Pawn, and they seldom got to talk. Even the way he regarded Pawns Skills reflected his position. He didnt feel the sheer wonder Pawn did at being able to make food. To share something with Workers and Soldiers who had never tasted bread. That was the gift. But Anandthe Worker was turning to one of the [Archers] who had raised his hand.

Strategist Anand, may I ask a question? What is this bread and why will it make Antinium sick? Is this a form of poison?

No, Archer B2. This is bread. It is simply unhealthy for Antinium to consume because we cannot process it. In large quantities, it will make us sluggish or manifest in other symptoms. You may eat your piece. Relish it.

Yes, Strategist Anand.

Strange. It hurt Pawn a bit to see the other [Strategist], amid the bevy of Autonomous Workers, his personal team. He could remember the last time he had spoken with Belgrade. And how the [Strategist] had informed Pawn that he cared about few Antinium outside of his circle. The same held true of Anand, it seemed. They had to send Workers and Soldiers to their deaths each day. And it had changed them.

Do you have time to speak? I would like that.

Pawn burst out at last. Anand looked up, surprised. He hesitated, but then shook his head.

I am afraid I cannot, Pawn. I have a limited break. In fact, I am taking my meal here to meet with Revalantor Klbkch.

Klbkch? Oh.

Pawn shrank in his shell a bit. Anand looked at him thoughtfully. His businesslike atmosphere faded for a moment.

Has he interacted much with you, Pawn? He often instructs Belgrade and I, and he has instructed me to meet with him today. As well as Yellow Splatters.

Oh. No. I dont talk with him. I dont like him that

You know, he interacts with me more than Belgrade. And he considers my performance superior to Belgrades, even accounting for the traps that Belgrade creates.

Anands voice made Pawn look up sharply. He stared at the [Strategist].

Whatwhy did you say that?

Because it is true.

Anand looked at Pawn. The Worker stared at his friend.

But that is a hurtful statement.

But it is a true one. I believe Revalantor Klbkch prizes me more than Belgrade. I hope it is true.

What? Anand. I do not believe Klbkch

Revalantor Klbkch.

Ido not believe Revalantor Klbkch prizes any of us. We are all tools to him.

Perhaps. But I would like to be the first of tools. Or something more. I have been thinking on this, Pawn.

Anand looked speculatively at Pawn. The other Antinium looked back, mystified. Anand had changed. He had spoken with Belgrade. The other [Trapsetter Tactician]or was he a [Strategist] now?was different too. He hadbroken a bit, when he spoke to Pawn about the Workers and Soldiers that had died under his command. Pawn had brought him to Erin. Now Belgrade went to visit her three times a week and he was better. But Anand had not needed the same. Pawn stared at the [Strategist].

Anand. Have you spoken to Belgrade? Did he speak to you about the pressures of

My position? Ordering Soldiers and Workers into battle? Yes. He told me he was very distressed and spoke to Erin. I was assigned time to speak with her as well, but I did not need it as Belgrade does. Even so, I enjoyed the experience, and Erin has provided me with useful advice regarding Revalantor Klbkch.

Advice? Like what?

Anand paused. He looked Pawn up and down and slowly opened his mandibles. And lowered them.

I do not wish to tell you, Pawn. I believe the information may affect my relationship with Revalantor Klbkch and I would not like you to interfere.

The comment stunned Pawn. The Worker actually walked back a step. Was Anandhe had changed beyond recognition. Pawn knew Garry had changed too, becoming more timid, withdrawn, but passionate about cooking. And Bird had become moreBird. Even Pawn himself had changed. He liked Lyonette. And he had found religion. But Anands refusal to say something was somehow a greater divergence in personality than anything else.

Anand. Why have youwhat hasI did not meanwhat did Erin

Before Pawn could finish a thought, a figure appeared at the other end of the barracks. And he brought silence with him. It swept across the Workers and Soldiers nearest to him, and the other Antinium caught onto it. Like a wave, a flash across the room, they all fell silent, not that more than Anand and Pawn and Yellow Splatters had been talking, and looked up.

Klbkch stood in the entrance to the barracks. He was taller than a Worker, nearly as tall as a Soldier. But leaner. He had only two arms, and his body was graceful. He had been changed in death, like Yellow Splatters. But he still wore the two silver swords at his belt. He opened his mandibles.

Yellow Splatters, Anand. To me.

From their tables, the [Strategist] and [Sergeant] rose to their feet. They strode towards Klbkch. The Revalantor stared at them. His voice was flat. Cold.

He looked at them likeinsects. Or rather, not with disgust so much as a remove. Dispassion. For all they had many of the same features, they were different.

He was True Antinium. Ancient. As separate from the other Antinium as the Queen. Theyd all known it, even when Klbkch had worn a Workers body. Now, Klbkch just looked the part. He strode out of the room, and Anand and Yellow Splatters followed.

It was quiet when they left. Workers and Soldiers sat at their tables, finishing their meals. Pawn looked after the three Antinium. But they had left his world. This barracks, this place of comfort, ofof memory, from the markings in paint on the walls to the little pile of books, that was what he had built. That, and The Wandering Inn. He could do nothing to change the fate of the Antinium outside this room. And even those inside would fight and some would die.

But still. Pawn walked along the room. He put his hands on Workers and Soldiers shoulders. And he murmured.

[Benediction of Hope].

Three times he whispered the Skill. Three times, a group of Antinium straightened. And they relaxed. They looked up. And they raised their mandibles. Smiling. Hope shone in them. It was all Pawn could do.

Some of the waiting Antinium had injuries. Deep cuts in their carapaces, injuries that had cracked their shells, revealing green blood. To those, Pawn used another Skill.

[Heal Minor Wounds]. Be healed. Be better. I am sorry I cannot heal you all.

He could barely heal twelve before fatigue forced him to stop. But the Antinium never complained. In fact, they moved away with the twelfth cured Worker, refusing to let Pawn try again. They had seen him overdo it in days before. Pawn would have used his Skill till collapsing, three more times, but he knew that might mean he could heal less tomorrow.

So he endured. All of his pain was pain of the heart. Pain of the soul, trying to tend to hishis flock. They had to endure real pain.

Im sorry. Im sorry! I wish I could help you all! I wish I was not so weak! I shouldnt go above, to the inn. You should go in my place. I wish

Sometimes it burst out of him. Workers and Soldiers turned as Pawn looked around. The Worker hurt. He hurt for all of them. But they never said a word. Slowly, they surrounded him. A pair of Soldiers, one missing an arm, the other scarred, but whole, approached. They hugged at Pawn, gingerly. And the Worker felt their cold embrace. But that calmed him. Soothed him.

He looked at Chesacre and Thaina. They had chosen unique names. And they had named themselves, using the alphabet in the corner of the room. They had written their names on their fronts. And they were a pair. They had danced together in the darkness of the dungeon after their fellow Soldiers had died. And they had been saved bya skeleton. From Face Stealer itself.

Im sorry. I dont mean to scare you. I just wish you could all be happy and never suffer again.

Pawn whispered as he hugged the two Soldiers. Chesacre and Thaina gathered around him. And so did all the other Antinium. Purple Smiles, the Archer groups. Silently hugging him. And Pawn relaxed. He opened his arms and looked at them all.

I will try to make you happy. Come. Belgrade is overseeing construction at the inn. Purple Smiles, lets lead a patrol. Chesacre, Thaina, will you watch the others while were gone?

The two [Acolytes] bowed. And Pawn turned. The Worker looked at his flock as he picked up the staff from which the a censer had been attached. A faint smell of cinammon wafted through the air. After a moment, the [Priest] raised his staff.

I am a poor leader. But even grass sits under the sky. Come. And look. This is what I saw when I first looked up. When I saw her face. [Holy Radiance].

And there was light. Pawns body began to shine. And the light was blinding. It was so bright it destroyed vision. But only to Pawns enemies. To the Antinium, he glowed with a brilliant glow. A wonderful blue. A soft inns radiance. The color of the clouds. Of a smiling face. Pawn smiled.

He was weak. Uncertain. But everything slowly changed.

Heaven was real.

-

Strategist Anand, report on Pawns newest Skills.

Klbkch had no time for pretty lights or heaven. Nor did he waste time. As Yellow Splatters and Anand fell in beside him, he strode down the corridors, taking a route away from the Painted Antiniums barracks. Workers and Soldiers in the tunnels moved aside to give him space.

Yellow Splatters and Anand followed. Yellow Splatters keeping at the bare maximum of distance to be following Klbkch, Anand almost right next to Klbkch. The [Sergeant] was silent, but Anand immediately began speaking after Klbkchs order.

Pawn has been measured, Revalantor Klbkch. His levels are now Level 23 [Priest], a low increase in levels, but it has effected a class change.

Priest. An agent ofgo on. His Skills included healing. I witnessed some of the tests to ascertain its abilities.

Yes, Revalantor. Pawn is able to heal one moderate wound or repeat using his Skill to close a larger wound, but inefficiently. Tests show he can use the Skill up to twelve times, although he must rest after using the Skill repeatedly, and he becomes extremely fatigued afterwards.

Even so, that was free healing. Klbkch nodded.

Go on. And his ability to createbread? Why bread?

Pawn believes it is a function of his class, Revalantor.

To create bread. Specifically. The Antinium cannot eat bread.

Well, he could, thanks to the Queen correcting his digestive functions. But generally, Antinium grew sick from it. Anand nodded rapidly, scurrying after Klbkch.

That is correct, Revalantor. It is a fault of Pawns abilities, but it still has some strategic applications

More than that. Pawn is able to heal and give sustenance. He can also blind his foes. He is invaluable to the Hive. Klbkch.

Anand froze. Yellow Splatters strode forwards. Klbkch turned his head to regard the giant Soldier. His voice was impassive.

Your evaluation of Pawn has been noted. Has his ability to emit light been tested in battle?

Once. All but the undead and armored suits fled the light. And the undead seemedweaker. Far weaker.

Klbkch nodded. He regarded Yellow Splatters for a moment.

I would not risk Pawn in battle, but his abilities are very well-suited to a support role in combat. Even so, is it your recommendation that Pawn still be exempted from taking a leadership role in defense of the Hive?

In all but the most dire circumstances, yes.

That was my appraisal.

Klbkch nodded at Yellow Splatters. After a second, the [Sergeant] inclined his head. Anand looked at Yellow Splatters and Klbkch and his antennae twitched.

Revalantor Klbkch, I can present the rest of my analysis of Pawns abilities, or Birds if you would like

No. Follow me.

Klbkch strode down the tunnel. Yellow Splatters and Anand followed. Both knew where they were going, having trod this very same path countless times.

If Pawn tended to his flock, and if he had created a place of happiness in the Hive he tended to with his every waking hour, then surely Anand and Belgrade had changed their part of the Hive as well.

The area of the Hive bordering the dungeon, or at least, the breaches in the dungeon was a constant battlefield of incursions and Antinium guarding their Hive. Or it had been before Belgrade had devised a series of trapped corridors and a kill box that had reduced Antinium fatalities by nearly 56%.

Now, Klbkch strode into a vast, cleared space, the last part of the trapped corridors. Any monster entering this spotand they did get here, even past crushing rock falls, improvised traps, spikes, and so onwould face ranks of waiting Soldiers, and in their alcoves, the new Workers armed with bows.

It was an impressive design, and one that had made Belgrade invaluable. Of course, Anand was the superior [Strategist] in combat, so he was invaluable as well. They all were, the Individuals. Now, Yellow Splatters and Anand stopped.

Revalantor, why are we here?

Yellow Splatters addressed Klbkch. The Antinium turned. There were more Soldiers and Workers in the room than usual, several hundred more. Both Yellow Splatters and Anand were alert; as the two leaders of the Hives defense, they were ready for news about a heavy monster incursion. Or worse, Face Stealer. Hed been attacking the Hive just a few days ago.

I have little time today to waste. However, I have noted both your leveling has slowed of late. You are both in the mid-twenties. Which is superior for Antinium. Inferior among other species.

Klbkchs voice was crisp and cold. He looked from Anand to Yellow Splatters. The [Strategist] shifted uneasily. Yellow Splatters did not move. Klbkch went on.

My own leveling is slow andmixed. Given my number of classes, which I now believe may be inefficient. However, your total levels are far lower than mine. You have ceased leveling with speed. To rectify this situation, I have placed four hundred and thirty eight combined Workers and Soldiers in this room, the Hives excess numbers. I had intended to send them into the dungeon, but this will be a more efficient use of them.

The statement made Yellow Splatters uncross his arms slightly. Anand just opened and closed his mandibles, looking a bit worried at the tone in Klbkchs voice. The [Sergeant] looked at Klbkch sharply.

Excess?

Yes. Due to Face Stealers incursions where he slew two hundred and eleven Antinium, the Hive overproduced its numbers. Belgrades traps have largely cut back on Antinium losses.

And my tactics, Revalantor Klbkch?

Anand looked up eagerly. Klbkch paused.

And this, yes. The Painted Antinium also played their part, as has Yellow Splatters leadership in battle. The Hive now regularly produces excess numbers above out set limitations. The Free Queen does not desire expansion given our nutritional intake. Therefore, they are excess.

He said it so calmly. Anand was nodding along, but Yellow Splatters was not. His voice was low.

So they are sent into the dungeon.

Yes. To cull monster populations and possibly discover artifact locations.

Only two Soldier survived last time. Chesacre and Thaina.

What?

Two Soldiers became Autonomous. Possibly even Individual. They are already Pawns [Acolytes].

Klbkch paused. His mandibles slowly clicked together and he studied Yellow Splatters with surprise.

Really? I was unaware of this change. Then I consider this method even more potentially valuable, despite the inefficiency of conversion. Nevertheless, in this case, the excess

Why are they excess?

Yellow Splatters interrupted Klbkch. The Revalantor slowly swung back towards him. He clicked his mandibles softly.

Because the Hive does not produce enough food to accommodate more bodies, Sergeant Yellow Splatter. Thus, it is in the Queens interests and mine to remove unnecessary bodies. Without wasting them of course.

They are not useless.

Yellow Splatters voice was ominous. Klbkch stared up at the [Sergeant].

If they are not Painted Antinium, Autonomous, or Individual, the Hive is able to create more at will. You have stated your views on the lives of Soldiers and Workers. If you would like to preserve them, you will pass todays instruction capably.

Instruction?

The word caught both Antinium off-guard. Klbkch nodded.

You two are the most proficient commanders among the Antinium. Thus, the Free Queen has decided to treat both of you as Prognugators. And so you will betrained.

The word was unfamiliar. The Antinium didnt train. Or instruct. Teach. They sprang forth, ready to fulfill their function, all save for the Queens. And Prognugators.

What does this training entail, Revalantor? And why are we here? Also, Revalantor

Anands voice was nervous and excited from Klbkchs praise. But now he glanced up.

Revalantor Klbkch, the monsters are advancing down all tunnels. A wave is incoming andthe traps arent killing any?

They have been disabled. You two will fight the monsters and hold this position. No reinforcements will be allocated to you except in case of your failure. I will observe and teach.

Klbkchs calm voice made Yellow Splatters look at him sharply. The Revalantor continued, gesturing at the small force of Workers and Soldiers, still waiting. Some were looking at Yellow Splatters. Even those who were new to the Hive knew him.

Revalantor Klbkch, you will teach us? But why is that?

Anand was excited. Yellow Splatters was looking at the Workers and Soldiers. Counting. He knew how many died fighting monsters each day. And how many had died before Belgrades traps. He clicked his mandibles sharply as Klbkch replied.

Learning is a function of individuals. Since your growth has halted, this method may improve your abilities. It was how Prognugators of old were trained. Prognugator Ksmvr was instructed using this method. As are other Prognugators of the Hives.

That made Yellow Splatters and Anand look up. They stared at Klbkch. He had named Yellow Splatters a Prognugator for the election of course, but Yellow Splatters was hardly like Ksmvr. But nowYellow Splatters looked up.

Monsters. The Soldiers and Workers will die.

Then lead them. I will observe. And given your stated objectionseach Soldier and Worker you save I will allow Pawn to induct into the Painted Antinium unit.

Klbkchs voice could have frozen a blizzard. Yellow Splatters looked at Klbkch. And there was something more than justdisagreement in his eyes. But Klbkch never looked away. And as the sounds coming from the tunnels leading into the kill-room grew louder, Yellow Splatters strode towards the waiting Workers and Soldiers.

You will command the Workers and Soldiers alongside Yellow Splatters, Anand. You have his command as well. Do not allow him to advance too far or endanger yourself.

Yes, Revalantor Klbkch!

The [Strategist] stood upright. His antennae began to move in rhythmic patterns and the Workers and Soldiers looked towards him. But then Yellow Splatters spoke.

They came. Monsters flooded the tunnels, drawn from the dungeon in a killing rage. Yellow Splatters strode past the lines of Workers and Soldiers as they moved to create formations, bracing, readying themselves for battle. The [Sergeant]s voice was a roar. He had no time for speeches, so he gave none.

I am Yellow Splatters. Follow me, and live! Live, until the day you see Heaven. Charge!

Here they came. Anand saw suits of armor, enchanted metal, charging down the hallways, armed with steel. He groaned. They were a hard foe. But then he heard Yellow Splatters voice. And he saw the Antinium race after him.

The Antinium needed no morale. And yetthe first wave of Soldiers hit the suits of armor, undead, and Flesh Worms with a ferocity that took even Anand back. He saw them swarming around the yellow-speckled shell of Yellow Splatters, fighting like

Demons. Move forwards Workers there. Flankingpull back injured Soldiers from Flesh Worm there

What was that, Strategist Anand? Pull back Yellow Splatters and the vanguard. They are overreaching.

Instantly, the [Strategist] did. He was silent for a moment, concentrating. The first wave of monsters was coming down this tunnel, but more and more were approaching, and he had to move his forces to intercept.

I have heard an expression, Revalantor Klbkch. It is said of a particularly efficacious group of warriors that they fought like Demons.

The Revalantor watched with both arms folded. He surveyed the battlefield and clicked his mandibles as he watched Shield Spiders flood from another tunnel. Soldiers sprinted to engage, sending the smaller ones flying.

I have seen Demons. Some fight well. The Antinium do boast increased ability under Yellow Splatters. Their morale is higher. Especially the Soldiers, which is useful. They will not break easily.

Yes, Revalantor. Um

Anand was fumbling. He had to do well! No, perfectly! He tried to spread his thoughts across the battlefield. This was so much more than chess! Remember what Erin had told him about Klbkch. He could behe was like

Soldiers do not break, surely, Revalantor?

I have seen it done. They do not break as other species do. But theversions produced on Izril can be broken. Side tunnels four spots. Pull back, encircle, strike.

Klbkch accompanied the words with a flash of mental images, showing Anand exactly what he wanted done. The [Strategist] struggled to keep up. He was trying to protect Yellow Splatters, hold a conversation and micro-manage Soldiers and Workers from afar all at once!

He began making mistakesand Antinium died. Klbkch watched, hands on his sword hilts. He was keeping an eye out for Yellow Splatters as well. But he kept speaking, and the conversation was almost casual!

Strategist Anand, as part of your training, you will visit The Wandering Inn twice a week. Scheduling has been made to allow you this time in order to level up more quickly. Her initial effect which created your group of Individuals has not been replicated since, despite efforts, although she can facilitate the creation of Autonomous individuals mindsets. Is it your opinion that the Autonomous-class of Antinium might become Individual with more exposure to Erin Solstice?

I

Anands focus wavered as he opened his mandibles. A group of Workers failed to fall backa Flesh Worn whipped its lower half, shearing through two Workers with a whip-like strike of its tail and sending the rest flying. Anand, horrified, ordered the rest of the Workers to fall back while Soldiers advanced.

But he was too focused there, and across the battlefield a group of heavily-armed Armor Constructs were advancing! Some were removing the damaged armor of their comrades, which Anand had orders to prevent. He tried to focus in multiples places

Strategist Anand. Your reply.

The [Strategist] was opening and closing his mandibles in distress. Hehe had told Pawn he didnt mind ordering Antinium to their deaths like Belgrade, and that was true, but it still mattered. And he was failing. He spoke hoarsely.

Revalantor Klbkch, I am struggling towould it be acceptable to cease verbal communications?

No. This is your training.

Another wave poured in through a side tunnel. Bats. Dropbats, so fast that Anand hadnt seen them. They werent dangerous to the Antinium, but if they gained momentum and doveAnand realized hed lost track of Yellow Splatters. Where was he?

Revalantor Klbkch, I am failing

Then fail. This practice will be repeated as many times as necessary. Refocus, Strategist Anand. If you are unable to manage Antinium precisely, focus on where they are needed. Pull back the wings into defensive positions and micromanage around the Flesh Worms there.

Frantically, Anand tried to do what Klbkch said. And it made sense! But he was conscious of unled Antinium breaking on the sides.

Left. Seal that tunnel. There are too many undead. Choke them off there. Crush the influx of Shield Spiders there.

Yes

As cold as his tone was, Anand understood what Klbkch was making him do. The [Strategist] could feel himself advancing towards the next level. But with every mistake he made, Antinium were dying. Anand struggled, failing, watching Antinium fall. But Klbkchs voice, always cold and dispassionate, never grew angry either. And Anand was learning.

You must split your attention more efficiently. Divide your thoughts. Prioritize areas of engagement with the highest casualties or the most to gain. Protect Yellow Splatters.

That was another thing. Despite the falling Soldiers and Workers, the blur of yellow refused to fall. Four times, Klbkch personally sent in squads of Soldiers and Workers to save Yellow Splatters. Antinium died so he might live.

When it was over, Yellow Splatters returned. His carapace was cracked in places, and he lookedslowed. Anand was about to collapse, like hed seen Erin do.

Acceptable.

That was all Klbkch said. He looked at the Workers and Soldiers who remained. Barely fifty out of four hundred. Yellow Splatters swayed on his feet.

Why?

He looked at Klbkch. And his voice wasnt angry, or commanding as he usually was, a font of strength. It was justconfused.  Hurt. Klbkch looked at him.

So you will grow.

It is cruel. I do not want this.

The Centenium were created out of the deaths of millions. We were created to be the first and last champions of the Antinium. If I could sacrifice a hundred thousand Free Antinium to make you half of what they were, I would.

Klbkch looked at Anand and Yellow Splatters. Without a word, the [Sergeant] turned away. Anands voice was unsteady.

Is thisinstruction, Revalantor Klbkch?

Half. This is how War Queens were taught. How Prognugators were raised to battle. First to learn their mistakes. And then they watch. So. Watch. More monsters are coming.

Anand looked up. He hadnt noticed it, exhausted as he was. But it was true. Another wave was approaching. Despairing, he stared at the remaining Soldiers and Workers. Yellow Splatters turned, stumbling, and raised all four fists. Anand called out.

Should more Antinium be called, Revalantor?

No. Step back. Observe.

The two Antinium hesitated as Klbkch walked forwards. His hands were on his swords. He looked up. Spoke shortly.

My Queen?

Direct control is mine, Klbkchhezeim.

The voice echoed in Anand and Yellow Splatters minds. They started. The Free Queen. Anand had not heard her inever since he had become a [Strategist], he had taken control of the Antinium fighting. Only when he and Belgrade had slept did she take over. And rarely did she speak so, with words instead of orders.

But now she did. Klbkch nodded. He looked ahead. Anand saw a shape through the tunnel and bodies ahead. He froze.

Flesh Worms. And undead. A horde of them! Eight Flesh Worms and nearly ten times that many undead! For a last wave, it was too much, for fifty-odd wounded Antinium. He opened his mandibles to say so

And Klbkch drew his swords. They made a soft sound in the shadowed room. But they gleamed like silver. Klbkchs voice rang. And the Queens presence grew stronger. Klbkch strode forwards, towards the oncoming horde. And he shouted.

Antinium. Forwards!

The order pulsed in the air, a telepathic command. These were not his usual orders, precise and controlled, but lacking emotion. Yellow Splatters and Anand started. Then they felt something else.

In her quarters, the Free Queen stopped eating from the tray Garry had prepared. She looked up. And the Queen spoke, in the silent room, and in the minds of the Antinium.

Forwards!

The exhausted Soldiers and Workers charged. The command was electric. Anand caught himself running. Yellow Splatters had to grab him to hold him back. They watched as the fifty Antinium surged after Klbkch. This wasnt morale. This was something beyond morale. The Workers and Soldiers made no sound, but that was because they were screaming in their heads.

The Queen! For the Queen!Death! DEATH!

Even the Flesh Worms seemed taken aback at the Antiniums ferocity. They hesitated, rearing up, their huge, sinuous bodies poised to lash with incredible strength. Klbkchs swords were shining as he ran at the undead. The first wave of Ghouls sprinted at him ahead of the Flesh Worms. One leapt and Klbkch moved.

A blur of chitin and silver. His swords moved so fast that Anand couldnt track them. They sheared through flesh, bone, shellKlbkch cut through three Ghouls and scythed through a group of zombies. He didnt even slow; with the next move, he was in front of a Flesh Worm. The monster lashed out with its two whip-like arms, trying to drag the chitin off his body, steal the flesh from his bones.

Klbkchs swords flashed and a tendril twisted, severed. The worm screamed, striking with its head to biteKlbkch twisted. He cut it across the head, twice down the body. Jumped back. His swords never stopped moving as the Flesh Worm convulsed. The Flesh Worm tried to writhe back upwards, but then the Antinium were on it. Three Soldiers grabbed its head. Two grabbed the body and the five tore the partially-severed head off.

Anand stared as the Antinium began to take apart the attack wave. It wasnt just Klbkch, although he left only death in his trail. Noif Yellow Splatters was watching Klbkch, mandibles agape, it was the regular Antinium being controlled by the Queen that stunned Anand.

So precise. It put Anand to shame. He could feel the Free Queen directing each Worker and Soldier individually! She was doing what Klbkch had ordered Anand to do, but on a far wider scale and with far more finesse.

A Worker leaned out of the way of a slashing Flesh Worms tail while a group struck from the other side, battering the huge, crimson worm, dragging it down. Anands mandibles opened wide as he saw eighteen Workers kill the huge monster.

Superior.

That was all Anand could whisper. Klbkch was advancing. Hed hacked another Flesh Worm in half. Now, he had engaged a group of enchanted armor that had appeared behind the undead. They were all armed, but the Antinium leapt into the center of their group. He twisted, dodging a longsword, and his swords flickered. Anand heard Klbkchs voice.

[Mirage of Cu

The swords moved even faster, and so did Klbkch. They became a whirlwind of silver. He blurred slashing at the enemies around him

And abruptly, appeared, tumbling to the ground. The Antinium had lost his balance or overextended! Anand saw Klbkch recover as the enchanted armor closed in, striking at him. Anand cried outbut then Klbkch jumped out of the melee, and Soldiers and Workers smashed into the suits of armor from the sides, allowing him to retreat. Klbkch moved back, checked himself, and then advanced, returning to his deadly pursuit of the monsters as they began to flee.

Did you know Revalantor Klbkch was capable of this, Yellow Splatters?

No. I did not.

Yellow Splatters voice was quiet. Anand had been a Worker for a long time, but he couldnt remember Klbkch being thisfast. Or strong. The Klbkch in his old body had fought with great Skill, using his four arms to outmaneuver foes. But this Klbkch

His new body.

The last of the Flesh Worms fled, bleeding orange as Klbkch returned. Forty three Antinium walked back with him. And the monsters? An entire wave of them lay dead. Anand stared.

The Flesh Worms will need to be disposed of separately from the bodies. They have contaminated the other corpses. As have the acidic bugs.

Klbkch looked displeased as he walked back towards Yellow Splatters and Anand. He was speaking to a Worker trotting next to him. The Worker replied, verbally and mentally, echoing the Free Queens voice.

It is not a huge loss of sustenance, Klbkchhezeim. You were quite efficient. Is your new body more suited, as I had hoped?

Klbkch the Slayer shrugged slightly.

I have found the limits of the form, my Queen. It is still markedly better than before, although I still must become used to fighting with two less arms.

So I see. If you wish to repeat the demonstration, I shall entertain it. I am glad to see your abilities have not waned, Klbkchhezeim.

Yes, my Queen. Thank you.

Klbkch bowed and the Queen was gone. The Worker started and then scuttled back to his fellows. Klbkch turned to Yellow Splatters and Anand. They stared at him.

That was a demonstration. Your thoughts?

Revalantor. What wasyour ability in battle is remarkable.

It is less than I once possessed. But my new body is more capable of moving like my first one.

The Antiniums voice was devoid of anything like a boast. Yellow Splatters hesitated. He gestured to the place where Klbkch had been fighting.

You stumbled once, Revalantor. Why?

I attempted to use a Skill that was once in my possession. However, it was still unusable for me.

Use a Skill? But you dont have it? Or you have it and you cant use it?

It was lost to me in the Rite of Anastases. I have yet to gain many of my Skills back. I understand you have recovered yours, Yellow Splatters.

Yes, Revalantor Klbkch. Is itcan you use Skills you do not own?

Klbkch turned his head and nodded as he cleaned his blades.

Some Skills are impossible to copy with mere physical technique, such as [Triple Thrust], which is three literally simultaneous strikes. However, others are simply crystallizations of form. Some can be learnt. If it were possible, I would instruct you, Yellow Splatters. However, all the Centenium experts of unarmed combat were lost to sea during the crossing. Nevertheless, I will attempt to do so. Later. Report to me tomorrow at the same time. And we shall continue your instruction

Tomorrow?

Again?

Both Antinium reacted, greatly surprised. Klbkch nodded coolly.

The Hive may not have an excess of Soldiers, so I will instruct Yellow Splatters in the function of combat and leadership. Strategist Anand will also learn to split his attention and engage non-monster foes. Including [Mages], different species, and airborne foes. I will make an allowance of my time outside of my [Guardsman] duties in the Watch for this. Do you have any objections?

No, Revalantor.

No.

The Antinium replied. Klbkch nodded and strode off. It was so brisk and detached that it caught Anand and Yellow Splatters off-guard. They watched him go. But that was Klbkch. Yellow Splatters looked around. Then one of the Soldiers fell down. He was bleeding severely from the chest.

Healing potion.

Yellow Splatters reached for his belt, but hed used all the ones allotted to him. He turned to Anand, but the [Strategist] had given him his only one as well. The [Sergeant] looked around. Then he turned to the Antinium.

Pick him up. We go to Pawn. Now! Run!

The wounded Antinium gathered up the dying Soldier and they raced from the room. More Soldiers and Workers filing in made way for them. Anand watched them go. And then he was truly alone. He looked around. Klbkch was gone. The Queen was busy. Yellow Splatters was gone.

That left only him. And it had happened so fast that Anand hadnt been able to ask the thing hed been meaning to ask all day. He looked around. His hearts were pounding too hard. But he had to do it.

-

Klbkch was working at his desk, writing up some observations, making a note to have the Listeners find out more about Mister Soot and Bearclaw for his job, and so on when Anand poked his head around the corner of the entryway. Klbkch looked up sharply.

Strategist Anand. What is it?

Revalantor, I wished to confer with you about an additional detail that I did not have the opportunity to earlier. Is now an acceptable time?

Yes. Enter.

Anand did. He was fidgeting, clearly nervous. Klbkch eyed him. His hands reflexively twitched towards his sides. But Anand was no Aberration. Klbkch spoke crisply.

What is it? I have little time to waste.

He didnt have any. With his duties in the Hive, he generally had three hours to sleep before he had to work. Anand wavered, but then he spoke, clasping all four hands behinds his back.

Revalantor Klbkch, would I be right in assuming I am the most valuable, most useful member of the Individuals?

That is a presumptuous statement.

Klbkch was getting back to his paperwork. He underlined a numberthe Hives budget. It was almost always positive, but today it was negative. The Council wanted funds, and he was prepared to give them more than they wanted. If he could receive more concessions. Or perhaps not?

Oh. But I had assumed that I was most important because of my efforts and the others flaws

Anands downcast mandibles made Klbkch look up.

Why is that important? None of the Individuals are considered expendable.

The [Strategist] hesitated.

It is just that I would like to have acknowledged worth beyond any other, Revalantor Klbkch. That I mighthave permission to address you more informally.

Informally?

Klbkch stared at Anand. He had no idea what the [Strategist] wanted. After a moment, Klbkch shrugged.

I am aware of each Individuals personality quirks. And I have made allowances for every other Individual. If you have some need, I will entertain it so long as it is not detrimental.

Oh! Then, may I have permission to address you in the manner of my choosing?

Anand brightened at once. Klbkch hesitated. Something like a [Dangersense] was going off in his head, but he couldnt figure out why. But he had intuition that Erin had something to do with this.

What did you have in mind?

The [Strategist] took a few breaths. He clicked his mandibles twice, and then he spoke.

Can I call you Father? Or Dad?

Klbkch was checking his notes. He paused as Anand spoke. He stared at the papers on his desk. For a minute. Then two. Then he slowly looked up.

What did you say?

Anand looked at him. The [Strategist] fumbled with his words. And he danced from one foot to another.

I would like to call you father. Erin has told me you are like a father. Not biologically, and you have contributed no genetic material to me. But she has said you are my parental figure. An unnurturing one. Maymay I call you father? And hug you?

Senior Guardsman Klbkch, Klbkch of the Centenium, Klbkch the Slayer, and Revalantor Klbkch all stared at Anand. His mandibles opened and closed a few times. He looked at the [Strategist]. And for the first time he saw the shining light in Anands eyes. Admiration. And longing.

Klbkch paused.

No.

-

Sometimes, Yvlon thought of Ksmvr like alittle brother. It was a silly thought. Yvlon had a brother. An older one in Ylawes. And an older sister too. And she hadnt known Ksmvr long. But she liked him.

No. She cared for the desperate, slightly broken Antinium. Her friend. When she had first met him, she had thought he was closer to the image of Antinium in her head. More monster than person. But now, Yvlon remembered the cold, heartless thing that had tortured Pawn and endangered Liscor and Erins inn. And she wondered if shed been hating a child.

Because he was only three years old. If you heard that, you wouldnt believe it. But the Antinium were born fully-grown. And capable of fighting and killing. So in that sense they were adult. But another?

The Horns of Hammerad stood outside Liscors Adventurers Guild. They looked at each other. Pisces shoulders were tense with trepidation. Two days had passed since they had fought with Wistrams team. This was the first time theyd gone into the Guild since then.

And the first time theyd be seeing the other Silver-rank teams with Pisces. By now, his bounty had been circulated across the Mages Guilds of Izril. It might be of little note to anyone in other cities, but Yvlon would have bet gemstones against coppers that everyone in the Adventurers Guild had read the bounty.

Well, its nearly time. Weve got to get to work. Cant stand around all day, right?

Ceria muttered. It was midmorning; theyd been assigned to the second shift of adventuring teams. The half-Elf was clearly nervous as she looked at Pisces. But the [Necromancer] just nodded tightly. Hed agreed to come.

Whenever you are ready, Ceria.

He made no snide comment. Nor did he sniff. Even his customary look of disdain was gone. It was proof that he was trying. Since theyd made up after their argument, the [Necromancer] had been trying to be pleasant. And his team trusted him. But the knowledge of the bounty and Wistram still hung over them.

That was why Yvlon turned to Ksmvr. The [Skirmisher] was tense; she could see his three hands hovering around his weapons. So the [Wounded Warrior] reached out and put an arm around Ksmvrs shoulders. He started; Yvlon squeezed. She could feel the sensation vaguely, but parts of her arm werenumb. She smiled at him.

It will be fine. Right, Ceria? Were used to gossip. But I promise I wont start any fights.

The half-Elf blinked, but then smiled at her friend. She cast a glance at Pisces.

Thats right. You know Yvlon, always getting us in hot water. As bad asCalruz.

Pisces blinked. But then a smile flashed across his features.

Ive often made the comparison.

Ksmvrs head turned from Pisces to Ceria and then he gave Yvlon a stare. She grinned, and the Antinium slowly nodded after a second.

Ah. This is humor. Ha! Hahahaha?

He trailed off. The rest of the Horns of Hammerad did laugh then. Yvlon squeezed Ksmvrs shoulder gently. Ah, Ksmvr. Shed always wanted a younger brother. It was hard being the youngest sibling in the Byres family. When the family had a [Merchant] and [Knight] to uphold both sides of the family, what was the third sibling to do?

Do this. Yvlon looked at Pisces. She nodded to him, and saw his chin rise. She met his eyes for a moment, then tilted her head towards the door.

Lets go in, then.

It was Yvlon who pushed open the door to the guild. And the Horns of Hammerad followed her. The adventurers, nearly six teams in total, looked up and stared as they walked in. For a moment there was silence. Every eye fell on Pisces. Then someone spoke.

Ceria! Dead gods, youre alright!

Captain Kam trotted over. The [Bow Rider] and Captain of the Whistling Bows looked at Ceria, relief written across her face. She looked Ceria and Yvlon up and down, anxiously. Yvlon blinked.

You managed to beat those damn mages? We woke up in the bar after being hit by those dead gods damned [Mages]. And when we woke up, it was all over. And we heard

She glanced at Pisces. Ceria smiled, but tightly.

Were fine, Kam. Are you alright? We didnt get to ask.

What? Most of us just got webbed. Weve been back at work the last two days. But its good to see youre all well. Yvlon. Ksmkissemveir. And

She looked at Pisces. But then, she already knew who he saw. Pisces tried to smile, but Yvlon saw his face was tight. Ceria coughed and gestured at him. She raised her voice to be heard.

This is Pisces, Kam. Pisces, this is Captain Kam, an old friend. Kam, Pisces is our fourth member. Hes a

[Necromancer].

The word came from behind Kam. Yvlon looked up. One of the adventurers had said that. They were all staring at Pisces. Some hard, others with distaste, a few warily. Kam hesitated.

Oh. Right. I heardits good to see you, Ceria. Well catch up if we can during the work. And younice to meet you. Pisces.

Likewise.

Pisces nodded tightly, trying to smile. Kam walked back. Normally, other teams would have drifted over to talk, but no one did. They just stood where they were. And stared.

The [Necromancer].

The words came from several mouths. They werent even trying to hide the whispers. Yvlon stood with her team, counting faces. She didnt see Crossbow Stan. His team must have been on another shift. But she did recognize Alais team. And Walt and his Ensoldier Shields. She bit her tongue. He was a hothead and he didnt like things that bothered him. She looked at Ceria.

The half-Elf was hesitating. She looked around, then back at Pisces. He was standing with his back straight, staring past the adventurers at a far wall. He didnt react, but she knew he had to be hearing the muffled conversations. And reading lips.

Thats him? Doesnt look like the ones Ive seen.

Looks close enough. You cant tell, usually. Some bastard raises the dead and digs up coffins in the night. Usually male.

My team got a female [Necromancer], once. Trying to poison a river. She was twisted.

You think? What I read

Whispers. Ceria Springwalker heard them with a pit in her stomach. But alsomemory. A sense of dj vu so strong she felt like shed been teleported into the past. Into another life. When shed been a student at Wistram.

They were the same. The whispers, the looks. It was such a familiar feeling. The place and the people were different, but the feeling was the same. Whispers, hostile looks. The only difference was that Ceria was older. Shed lost a hand. And this time she stood with Pisces, rather than with the whisperers.

Ill talk to Walt. If hes not spoken to, hell make an ass of himself.

Yvlon murmured, eying the Ensoldier Shields who were gathered around their leader. She began to move, and Ceria shook her head.

No. Let me.

Slowly, heart beating, the half-Elf walked forwards. The conversation grew quieter. Ceria saw Pisces looking at her, questioningly. Hed known what would happen when he came with her into the guild. Hed gotten enough looks these last few days in Erins inn. But hed come anyways.

Yes, it was like the past. But some things were different. This time, Pisces was in her team. And this timeCeria listened to the whispers. She knew what the whispers led to. She had seen it once. So this time she looked around and raised her voice.

Hey! Listen up!

The adventurers fell silent. At far tables, the non-Human teams not taking part in the Bloodfields assignment glanced over. Theyd been watching covertly too. Ceria pitched her voice so everyone, adventurers, [Receptionists], could hear.

My names Ceria Springwalker. You probably know me. Im Captain of the Horns of Hammerad. Two days ago, our team was attacked by Wistram [Mages]. Youve seen them? They went after my entire team to get one of my teammates. Pisces, here.

She pointed back at the [Necromancer]. Pisces blinked at Ceria. She went on before her voice could quaver. Shed frozen her knees to keep them from shaking.

I dont know what youve heard. I bet youve all seen the bounty that Wistram put up. Well, guess what? Pisces has done stupid things. Hes committed crimes, but hes no murderer. There was an accident at Wistram. But it was an accident. Yes, hes a [Necromancer]. But hes part of the Horns of Hammerad.

Silence. Ceria felt like the eyes were boring holes into her body. She looked around, her mouth dry. She hadnt planned this. But she had to say something. So she clenched her skeletal fist and held it up.

Thats all I wanted to say. Pisces isnt evil. And hes part of my team. My teammate, get it? Hes helped save Liscor at least three times, and hes my friend. Wistram doesnt get him, and if anyone wants to claim that bounty, IllIll find out what you taste like.

The adventurers stared. Ceria heard a sound from behind her as her brain caught up with her mouth. She turned her head and saw Yvlon looking away, covering her mouth with her hand. Ceria slowly turned red all the way up to her pointed ears. Pisces coughed and covered his mouth.

Was that a threat?

One of Kams teammates whispered incredulously. Captain Kam glanced at the red-faced Ceria. One of Walts adventurers grinned.

She can find out what I taste like.

Someone laughed. Kam just turned her head and fixed the man with a cool look.

Kedel, Ceria eats bugs. I once saw her try to eat a squirrel raw. Ever wonder how she survived in those coffins for days on end? She might actually try to eat you.

Kam nodded at Cerias skeletal hand. Kedel paused uneasily. Ceria turned an even brighter red.

I didnt

That was Kams way of helping. Shh.

Yvlon nudged Ceria. Then both women turned and looked at Pisces. They saw his closed expression had changed. He lookedamused. He was still trying not to guffaw in their faces. Ceria flushed again, but then she smiled.

Slowly, the Horns walked forwards. The other teams didnt encircle them, but they didnt pull back. Pisces murmured to Ceria as they stood together.

I appreciate the gesture.

Im justdoing what I should have done a while back. Mind you, I still owe you a good kick for keeping what you were a secret from me. We were best friends.

Yes. I suppose I should have told you. But I was nervous. Imagine what would have happened if I had confessed my identity another time?

I could have handled it. I hope. It was just because it was so sudden, back then. And everyone was telling me

Hey. Youre the [Necromancer].

One of the adventurers spoke up. Ceria and Pisces froze. They turned and saw a scarred adventurer, part of Pelicos team, look over. Pelico, the [Rogue] and leader of Hauntgheist, was right behind him. Pisces nodded tightly, but then put a smile on his face.

That is correct. And you are, sir?

The guild waited. The scarred adventurer looked Pisces up and down. Then he grinned crookedly.

Desril. I ran with a [Necromancer] once. Back in the day. My gang and I were [Raiders] far north of here. Round the Eldessale Foothills. Bitchs name was Smola. I hated her guts. But my gang got used to the smell of her fucking corpses. And they made great shields. You know her?

Pisces blinked.

Not personally. I can assure you I will not use any corpses of people. And refrain from using necromancy unduly. I know more spells outside my field.

Desril shrugged, grinning crookedly. Yvlon glanced at Pelico and the [Rogue] nodded at her.

Dont bother me. I like having bodies in front of me in a fight.

What happened to this Smola, may I ask?

She got knifed in the middle of the night because she was a damn [Thief].

Ah. A common hazard among [Necromancers]. This is why I prefer the company of the undead.

Pisces face was completely straight. The joke made Desril laugh. And it even got laughs from some other adventurers, out of shock more than anything else. But it eased the tension again. Desril squared his shoulders, eying Pisces up and down. The [Necromancer] looked just as interested.

So you are a former raider, Mister Desril?

Its just Desril. Mister makes me itchy. Thats right. But Im reformed now. Pelico and his lot took me in. Hauntgheists totally law-abiding. We even wipe our asses. You know any more [Necromancers]? I met a few. Did some jobs for them back in the [Raider] days.

I have met a few. But I dont associate with most of them. My class does attract a somewhat unsavory group at times.

You should meet [Raiders]. Half of my gang got these worms one time. Fucking most disgusting thing I ever saw. Right in the groins. Thats when I quit

To Yvlons relief, the conversation was interrupted by a sharp rapping sound. The adventurers turned and saw Tekshia Shivertail. Shed come down from her office. The Guildmistress didnt just demand silence; she hauled it over the table and dropped it at her feet. The Drake clearly knew the score too, because her first glare went straight for the group of adventurers and the Horns.

I see youre all playing nice and wagging your tails. Good. I thought Id have to stab a few idiots who decided to start a brawl in my guild. Everyone read the bounty on the [Necromancer]? Yes? Good! Anyone trying to take it in Liscor gets stabbed, got it? We dont recognize a group of upstart idiots with wands shoved so far up their behinds they think they own this city.

She glared around at the adventurers. A few of the Drake and Gnoll teams nodded slowly. Tekshia paused. Then she pointed at the Human teams.

Now, if youre all done gossiping, you have work to do. Get moving!

The teams needed no further instruction. They began filing towards the doors. Yvlon felt a surge of relief as she turned, nodding to Ceria. Tekshias voice rang out, stopping the Horns in their tracks.

And youHorns.

The team turned back apprehensively. Tekshia stared at Pisces and Yvlon felt a cold chill. But then the Drake glared at the rest of the team and jerked her head towards the door.

Youre not getting paid for yesterday since you had broken bones and you were resting. Necromancer, next time you let my granddaughter get hexed, youd better kill whoever did it or stay out of my Guild. Get lost, all of you!

-

The trip to The Wandering Inn and then the Bloodfields was unremarkable. In fact, the only thing of note was the adventurers grumbling that it would be easier to muster in the inn rather than have to walk there to use the magic door.

We should have that guild moved closer since the inns so important. Why not?

The inns only been here a hot minute, Sekil.

Yeah, well, since the citys renovating the guild, they should move it closer.

There was one Liscorian team among the Human teams as it turned out. The Drakes and Gnolls were Bronze-rank, new to their jobs, but made up of former [Guards] and [Warriors]. They seemed more casual around Pisces than the Humans, having seen him around. And seen him fight.

Erin was present in her inn as well. She waved the adventurers through the door, calling out to the Horns.

Hey! Pisces, Ceria, Yvlon, Ksmvr! Youre going to the Bloodfields? Want some cookies to go with you? Ive got a special deal! Mystery cookie bag! Each ones different! You could eat something niceor nasty!

She waved a bag of cookies that Lyonette was selling from a table for gouging prices. All the adventurers looked interested, and Ceria caught a bag Erin threw at her. She opened it and peered inside.

All different?

Each ones a different flavor. Weve got vanilla, lemon, umfishits a game!

The half-Elf was shaking her head as she sniffed a cookie. But there was no time to gossip with Erin. She walked through the door and came out into the sunlight.

The Bloodfields were there, in the distance. A red stain on the earth. But unlike last time, Ceria and her team werent getting lessons about the Bloodfields. And the grassy landscape was hardly empty. The Horns stared as they found nearly a hundred people hard at work. Gnolls and Drakes were tearing up the earth, and more were pouring dirt down, pounding it flat with mallets.

Creating a road. Just like that, in the middle of nowhere. NoYvlon turned and saw there was already a road! It stretched nearly a thousand feet already! Nothing fancyjust a wide stretch of dirt in the grass, wide enough for two wagons to travel comfortably at once.

She stared. Captain Kam looked up from her bag of cookies. She was sniffing a freebie normal cookie.

Looks like theyve made good work since yesterday. Dead gods, but those [Builders] work fast. Well catch up, Ceria. Whistling Bows, to me! Were on watch!

She led her team past the Horns. Walt and his group tromped after Kam. Walt was exclaiming.

These things taste good! Theyre sweet!

Dead gods. What did I eat? This ones spicy.

One of his teammates spat out his cookie as his fellows laughed. At a loss, the Horns looked around. Ceria called out to Pelico.

Wait, where are we going?

The [Rogue] looked at her, blinking. His team was already moving off towards a group of [Scouts], some on horseback.

Right, I forgot you werent here the last two days. Ceria, go find MasterReikhle. Yeah, Reikhle, right? Hes the one in charge. Gnoll. Hell tell you where to go.

He glanced over his shoulder and his team nodded. They pointed towards the [Workers] near the road. The other teams began dispersing. Ceria looked around. Pisces was glancing about, Yvlon gagging on a cookie. Ksmvr was happily discovering his had acid flies in them.

Okay, then. I guess

The first Drake pointed Master Reikhle out to Ceria. The Gnoll was standing on a small bluff, giving orders as he looked around with a small vision-enhancing monocle.

[Master Builder] Reikhle was a Gnoll. He hailed from Pallass, and he was all business. He didnt even blink as he turned to see the Horns of Hammerad.

New team, yes? One moment. I will find you a place to work.

No, we were part of the scouting party. We had anincident so we couldnt work the last two days.

The Gnoll raised his eyebrows. He looked Ceria up and down and then focused on Pisces and Yvlon. He stiffened when he saw Ksmvr, but he must have been warned, because he just sniffed warily.

Ah, youre that team. The Horns of Hammerad? Well, if youre working here today, Ill make use of you. What are your unique abilities? Anything you can do to help with the construction will be welcome. Except fire. Im not burning down everything around here just to clear my road, yes?

Unique abilities?

Ceria was surprised by the question. The Gnoll rolled his eyes impatiently, gesturing at the Gnolls and Drakes hard at work, sweating under the sun. Yvlon saw a few unhappy adventurers were actually helping them, like Walt, being forced to haul some heavy bags filled with dirt and swearing at everyone in earshot.

Liscor has given me a number of [Builders], [Diggers], [Laborers], and so on. No Antinium; they have rules about them leaving Liscor and I wouldnt want to work withthem. Even if theyre apparently excellent at their jobs and they work without complaint and follow orders perfectlybut no. So I must improvise, hm?

Reikhle shuddered, paused, shook his head, and shuddered again.

Anything that speeds up the labor. Are any of you [Geomancers]? I will pay you three timesor five times the daily rateif you can cast [Shape Earth]. But you must be willing to listen to orders, yes?

What is the issue with [Geomancers], Master Reikhle? Surely any architect would hire one wherever present. I am surprised one wasnt contracted. Unless there are none in the region.

Pisces was interested. Reikhle shot him a look. He grumbled to himself, shaking his head.

A good [Geomancer] might be able to create a road, but do they know where to place it or how to build it so it will not disintegrate in the next rain? No! They love casting spells without consulting anyone else. Many of their walls have basic flaws in the structure! Ask them to make a wall and guess what they make? A straight wall. Not even rooted deeply in the earth! You could push them over yourself!

He glowered at the adventurers. Pisces nodded and so did Yvlon and Ksmvr. Ceria just looked blank; she didnt understand the problem.

Hrr. Well, ideally we would work together, but Pallass two [Geomancers] are both on contract working to excavate mines. I may be able to acquire one, but not yet. Now, enough wasting time! Time is money, yes! If you are not [Geomancers], what are your talents?

Well, I can cast ice magic. Make walls, ice floors

Ceria gestured, conjuring a bit of snow. Reikhle nodded and scribbled on his clipboard and papers.

Might be useful for moving heavy objects. Or creating temporary supports. Well add you to our lists. Does Miss Human here have a powerful strength Skill?

Yvlon smiled crookedly as he eyed her up and down.

No. And I have orders not to use my arms much. I can fight, but lifting isnt my specialty to begin with.

Fine. Hrm. And thethe

Hello, Master Builder Reikhle. I am Ksmvr.

Ksmvr held out a hand. Reikhle retreated in alarm. The Antinium lowered his hands and bobbed his head helpfully.

I am an Antinium, but my ability to dig is somewhat hampered. I specialize in mobility.

So not a Worker?

The Gnoll sniffed again, eying Ksmvr warily. The Antinium shook his head.

I possess the body of a Worker, but my designation was Prognugator. However, I was cast out of my Hive for extreme ineptitude

Hes not a Worker.

Ceria cut in. Yvlon patted Ksmvr on the shoulders and Reikhle blinked a few times. Then he looked at Pisces.

And a [Necromancer].

Even he knew Pisces. The young man nodded stiffly, but then he tried to smile. The Gnoll eyed him, then nodded.

Scouting it is. Report to the [Scouts] over there.

He gestured, and strode away. The Horns looked at each other. Ceria shrugged.

That could have been worse. How do you feel, Pisces?

Aside from hot? I must confess, slightly relieved. Guildmistress Tekshia did us a favor. And we are here to work.

Pisces spoke after a moment, sounding thoughtful. He eyed the [Scouts] that Reikhle had indicated, following Ceria as she led the way. He stared at the Bloodfields in the distance.

So these are the Bloodfields in bloom. I travelled this way last year. Purely to see the Bloodfields, but even dormant, I refused to move any closer.

We saw a demonstration of the Bloodfields dangers. I can recite the content if you would like, Comrade Pisces.

That would be welcome, Ksmvr. But later.

Not all the adventurers were assigned to guard the main labor force. Over half the teams were actually on patrol, eliminating threats and finding the best place for the road to be built around the Bloodfields. Yvlon recognized the Drake who was waiting for them. He introduced himself to Pisces; Thunders Solace was already waiting.

My names Hissle. Please dont laugh. Im working with your team today.

Hi there, Yvlon.

Alais gave Yvlon a cautious nod. Yvlon nodded back and stared at Caddin. Then she listened to Hissle. The other adventurers, wearing chitin or wood armor, glanced at Pisces, but then turned to the [Scout]. It was indeed all business, and they had a lot of work to do.

The city decided on an eastern route, along the route we scouted on the first day. So the [Builders] and so on are beginning to clear a road. Some adventuring teams will be guarding them or helping make the road. We will be clearing monster nests and looking for threats. Follow me.

Hissle led their team at a fast march past the road. To Yvlons amazement, the workers had already done nearly a dozen feet more of space. They were working fast. Master Reikhle must have had Skills, or his team did. Probably both.

So, what was the scene with the Wistram [Mages]? I heard a bit

Alais was the first to speak up. She drifted over to Ceria as they walked ahead of the others. The two Captains put their heads together. The rest of their teams looked at each other and stayed apart. Yvlon knew some of the adventurers in Thunders Solace, but not well. So she turned to Ksmvr and Pieces instead. None of them had trouble keeping the pace; if anything, Ceria and Alais were having the most trouble in robes and as [Mages] who were less used to exertion.

Its not too bad, huh, Pisces?

Within Liscor. I fear Ill have a less welcome reception elsewhere.

Pisces smiled crookedly. Yvlon looked at him. He was holding up well. As well as could be expected. She glanced back towards the already-distant team working on the road and cleared her throat. A thought struck her.

You know, undead would be pretty useful in digging and clearing stuff like we did at Albez.

Pisces and Ksmvr both looked at Yvlon. She shrugged.

It would. Why didnt you suggest that to Master Reikhle?

The [Necromancer] raised an eyebrow as they began to climb a bluff. Yvlon knew Caddin was staring at her from the side. Ksmvr turned his head and Yvlon nudged him before he could whisper dominance.

Yvlon, I dont believe Master Builder Reikhle would appreciate undead. Or any of the other workers, frankly. Would you accept that sort of help given Liscors history and theallegations made against me?

I suppose not. But they are useful. How many could you animate and make work if you had to?

Pisces blinked. He looked at Yvlon, but she genuinely wanted to know. He shrugged, awkwardly.

If I had some source of mana to sustain them? At leasta hundred?

A hundred?

Ive never tested my upper limits. Undead are costly to maintain. They requiresources of mana. I work in small groups that I can personally direct. Realistically, could have two dozen working without doing more than depleting my personal mana.

And they dont stop and they work fast. Its something to consider. Didnt you once tell me that undead were better than regular [Laborers]? I know a lot of continents dont allow undead, but is there any place they do?

Pisces hesitated. He stared towards the sky and replied slowly.

It is true that the undead are a valuable labor force. Cheaper than Golems or other constructs, or summoned beings. Some nations have used them in place of regular workers. Some still do, like Khelt. But it is also true that the undead canlose control. Even experienced [Necromancers] risk that. And I have certainly experienced the same.

Huh. But under your direct control?

Never. Even so, I imagine they would be unwelcome. I will refrain from using undead unless it comes to battle. And then, Bone Horrors.

Bone Horrors?

The whisper came from the side. Yvlon looked up and saw a young woman in Thunders Solace look away quickly. Pisces paused, but then nodded.

I can animate Bone Horrors. They are completely under my control.

Thunders Solace stared at him and looked at each other. Caddin muttered something and they moved back a bit, marching even further from the Horns of Hammerad. Yvlon clenched her jaw and flexed one arm.

Its safe, Caddin. Its like having a [Summoner] on the team. Relax and stop being such cowards.

Alais glanced back over her shoulder. Ceria glared at Yvlon, but the stinging words did make Thunders Solace drift closer. Yvlon turned and saw Ksmvr staring at her arm.

The [Healer] said you should not exacerbate your arm, Yvlon.

True. Are you well enough to fight, Yvlon? I inspected your arm and the bone supports are stable. Your flesh on the other hand

Pisces eyed Yvlon. She shook her head impatiently.

She said it might provoke the infectionor cure it. Its a risk. Either way, if Im wounded, Id rather use a potion than die.

But you could rest

And do what? Sit around? Its just a minor infection, anyways. Thats what she said.

But it may get worse. What if it does?

Then it does. Ksmvr, theres no fixing my arms. Short of visiting someone like the fabled Healer of Tenbault.

There may be a way to remove the metal from the bone. As I said, it is beyond me at present, but I have hopes that at Level 40, it may be possible

Well then, we adventure until then. Hey, Pisces, you saw the other teams, right? Ill have to introduce you to Captain Kam. You noticed the scales on the side of her face? Shes got a Drake mother, but dont bring that up. And Pelicos team, with the [Raider]? Theyre a bit shadytheyll take contracts that arent sanctioned by the guild, but theyre decent. I know Pelico. Well, my team had issues back with his in the day. Thefts. But we sorted it out. Still, watch your coin purses

The Horns began chatting, relaxing as they continued marching. In time, Ceria drifted back with them and they adopted a moving, sometimes chattering, sometimes silent pace as Thunders Solace did the same. It was nearly two hours before Hissle called a halt. Hed received a [Message] on the portable scroll and he pointed.

Another teams found a nest. Weve been asked to help in clearing it. This way.

The adventurers felt a spike of excitement flood them. Yvlon nodded to Ceria and checked her sword. They hurried after Hissle, suddenly ready for a fight. It was a familiar feeling to the career adventurers. Guard duty like this was tedium filled with moments of danger.

But this time it wasnt an ambush or a sudden fight. Another team, the Hauntgheists, had discovered one of the threats to the new road in a series of natural dirt entrances in the hills. Pelico and the [Scout] came back, stealthily sliding back down the hill to all three teams.

Weve got monsters. And not docile types either.

Whatve we got?

Alais was checking her staff, electricity running down it. Yvlon sidled away; the [Aeromancer]s control was poor and her lightning was trying to earth itself on her armor. Pelico grimaced.

Face-Eater Moths.

The Drake [Scouts] and the Horns swore. Face-Eater Moths. Not all had died at Liscor. Some had fled. And a group of survivors had set up a colony in the slopes bordering the Bloodfields.

They have to go. Theyre aggressive, too near where we might build the road, and they reproduce fast. We have three Silver-rank teams here. Do we need reinforcements?

Hissle asked the three Captains. Ceria turned to Pelico. The [Rogue] shrugged.

Ive never fought them. How dangerous?

Silver-rank threat. Alais is perfect against them, honestly. But they swarm and thats Gold-rank. How many are there? That depends on whether we can take them.

Ceria turned to the other [Scout]. The Drake frowned.

[Foefinders Scan]. Im getting a fairly small colony. Abouttwenty three adults, but lots of eggs and smaller moths.

What do you think, Ceria? Your team had to fight off the ones attacking Liscor.

Ceria glanced at Yvlon and got a swift nod. The [Cryomancer] turned back.

Twenty three? I say were fine. We can seal the nest, funnel them and kill them. Hissle?

The [Scout] was writing in his [Message] scroll.

I will ask for permission, but I agree.

The adventurer teams waited only five minutes for the go-ahead. Then they began making a plan of attack. None of them got near the caves, but they began outlining who would move first.

Ill seal the other openings. I can get at least half, but if the moths swarm out, that might be a problem. Alais, can you control your shock magic?

No. It might arc to any metal. My team can stand in front, though.

Alais grimaced. Pelico nodded.

My groupll be in back, then. We all have ranged weapons.

Hold on! Twenty moths versus my team? We cant hold, even if Ceria gets all the tunnels!

My team doesnt have a [Mage] who can do barriers. Just a [Swamp Mage]. Shell poison our weapons, but thats not great in a fast fight. She could throw some light poison inside

Can she run fast? Moths are quick. Hey, listen.

Ceria looked up from the conference. She glanced at Pisces, and then looked around.

Ill get my [Mage], Pisces, to help me sealing the tunnels. He can use [Bone Wall]. And as for the moths and the front line with Alais teamI say we let Pisces pull up his Bone Horror and put it in front.

The two adventurer captains stiffened. Alais opened her mouth.

A Bone Horror? Ceria!

The half-Elf glared at Alais.

Its under his control. If you want to risk your team fighting the first wave of moths, be my guest, Alais. But Yvlon and Ksmvr will guard the flanks, not hold the breach. No one else can get in range of your lightning.

That was true. Alais bit her lip. Pelico raised his hands.

Bone Horrors fine by me. Its your call, Alais.

The [Aeromancer] hesitated, but one look at her team and the tunnels made her nod.

Do it.

-

The adventurers watched as Pisces let bones flow out of his bag of holding.  They shuddered when they saw the Bone Warbear that Pisces summoned. But as it lumbered forwards, Ceria saw even Caddin looked relieved as it took a position in front of them. Desril whistled.

Fucking hells. Smola couldnt do that!

Everyone ready?

Pelico called out in a low voice. The three teams nodded. Ceria raised her wand and her bone hand. She was sweating. It was all on her. Pelico gave her the nod. She looked at Pisces. Hed drawn his rapier. Ceria took a breath, and shouted.

Now!

The adventurers raced up the slope. Alais team was in front, Yvlon and Ksmvr on the sides. Thunders Solace crouched low, bracing behind their shields as the Warbear took the largest entrance. Hauntgheist scrambled up rocks, taking positions to fire at the opening.

Ceria ran forwards. She pointed her wand, shouting, as the moths noticed the intruders outside. There was a thrum of wings, sounds from within. The half-Elf pointed.

[Ice Wall]! [Ice Wall]!

Ice shot up from the ground, blocking openings in the hillside. It was quick! Grimalkins training had paid off, but there were a lot of gaps and the walls had to be thick. Ceria saw Pisces conjuring a wall of bone, but slower than she was. She began sealing entrances, reinforcing the ice. But the first moths were already moving.

One hurled itself against a wall of ice and cracked it before Ceria could complete it. Sweating, she created another one. Almost done

A moth, huge, far larger than a Human, flew out of the cave, circular mouth gaping, ready to tear flesh with its jagged limbs. Ceria flinched, but a dozen bolts struck the moth.

Seal the entrances! Weve got you!

Pelico bellowed as his team reloaded. Ceria conjured the last ice wall, watching it run up and seal an entrance. Pisces [Flash Stepped] backwards, three walls of thick bone sealing his tunnels. The moths buzzed around inside. Then, realizing they only had one way out now, they swarmed the main tunnel.

Here they come! Thunders Solace, Im casting!

Alais shouted. She raised her staff and everyone wearing metal ducked away from her. The Face-Eater Moths poured down the tunnel. Alais cast her spells as the adventurers shot.

Lightning and arrows flew. Ksmvr calmly dropped one moth while electricity crackled around the Bone Warbear. The Bone Horror took a lot of the uncontrolled spell, but the moths got the rest. Eight dropped from the bolts of lightning flying from Alais staff, charred to ash. The rest jerked, but came on as Alais, panting, fell back.

Alright! Hold the line! Take them down!

The [Warriors] rushed forwards as the moths attacked the Warbear. The bone monstrosity took the first charge, tearing a moth down and savaging it, then biting another and crushing its abdomen. The Face-Eater moths swarmed it, until they realized the undead had nothing they wanted and was almost all bone. They turned, but the ranged adventurers were firing into their sides. Thunders Solace held back the moths as they tried to fly past them as Yvlon and Ksmvr rushed forwards.

Take them down!

Caught in the narrow gap by Cerias ice walls, the moths never stood a chance. The ones still in the air were brought down by the adventurers with melee weapons. Yvlon hacked the largest moth apart with one slash and Pisces blasted two more with flames, rapier at the ready. But it was a total massacre.

Two minutes of fighting more, and then the last moth was twitching on the ground, burning from Ksmvrs dagger. The adventurers caught their breath, looking for enemies, and then realized theyd won. A few of them cheered; the rest just grinned, high on battle fury.

Nice work! Anyone hurt?

I have a piece taken out of my armor!

Dead gods! One took a chunk out of Calicos arm! Healing potion!

But that was the worst of it. The adventurers had fought the Face-Eater Moths off with barely any wounds. But their work wasnt done. Hissle pointed to the cave, and the adventurers reluctantly looked at him.

Full extermination. We cant just seal this nest off and hope they die out. Face-Eater Moths can dig.

The harder part was actually clearing the cave. Only Pisces and Ceria knew flame spells and theirs were weak. Armed with torches, the adventurers headed into the cave and began igniting the eggs or just stomping on them. The half-formed moths came out of their eggs, biting and making screeching sounds. It was ugly work and Ceria needed a bath when it was done.

Everyone did. Yvlon cursed as she tried to scrape goo from her armor. Ceria obligingly showered her with some water, but even that didnt help. Tired, disgusted, the adventurers were relieved when Hissle announced they were done for the day.

Theres no point in continuing the scouting tired. Well head back, let you take a break, and get clean. Good work, Humans.

He led them at a slow trot back towards the road. The adventurers moved in weary silence, a few speculating about leveling up, or muttering jokes. Talking. They were all more easy around each other, having fought together. Ceria was complimenting Alais spells. The [Aeromancer] grinned.

Your [Ice Walls] put my [Lightning Bolt] to shame, Ceria. Thats a great new spell. Lots of utility. And fast.

Well, Ive been practicing. You have to, you know.

Behind her Yvlon snorted. Ceria turned red. Alais glanced at the Horns, and then, to Cerias surprise, addressed Pisces for the first time.

So, youre a [Necromancer]. Pisces, right? We talked in Celums Guild. Before the brawl.

He looked up from a conversation with Ksmvr about the Bloodfields. Pisces nodded.

Thats right, Captain Alais.

Whyd you ever want to beyou know? I mean, its it disgustisnt it

The woman gestured at him uncomfortably. Pisces paused. Ceria knew everyone was listening in. She hoped

But she didnt need to. Instead of answering Alais with a sniff, Pisces nodded, keeping his face open and polite.

Personal preference, Captain Alais. You prefer lightning magic, do you not? I have an affinity with death magic. And to be honest, I enjoy [Necromancy].

How? Dont you find itI mean, those are dead bodies. No offense, but I cant imagine using people as tools. Or making zombies.

Alais was struggling to express herself and Ceria knew how she felt. Pisces paused thoughtfully. He looked around, pausing as he met Cerias eyes.

I believe there is a certain elegance to [Necromancy]. I understand many find it abhorrent. And I do not personally enjoy the presence of rotten corpses. Zombies, Ghouls, FleshwalkersI do see the inherent horror on them. Which is why my specialization is bone. That may not make my abilities more appealing, but [Necromancy] is not all just raising the dead.

He reached for his side and produced a white bone, a femur. Alais shivered, but Pisces lifted it. The bone spun in the air, shedding bits and pieces, changing, the fragments moving to one side. Yvlon stared. Pisces was sculpting the bone! He spoke casually.

It is true it comes from death. But there is a beauty in it. Like so.

The pieces of bone fell away, revealing a flower in its place. A rose, made of bone. Sculpted, nearly perfect in detail. Pisces presented the flower made out of bone to Alais. She stared at it and hesitated. She nearly reached for it, but Pisces withdrew it, much to her visible relief.

That is one of the abilities that many do not associate with [Necromancy]. The Bone Horror was made in much that fashion, Captain Alais. It was made solely from bear bone, by the way. Does that make you uncomfortable?

No. Alright, bears are different from skeletons. And that Bone Horror was sturdy. We might have gotten hurt but not for that. T-thank you. Even so

Flustered, Alais looked unsure of herself. Pisces didnt press her, and a thoughtful silence accompanied the adventurers as they looked at Pisces on the way back. Yvlon leaned over, still scrubbing at her armor.

That wasnt half-bad. Good on you for not pressing Alais.

Pisces eyes flickered and he nodded at Yvlon, smiling slightly.

I simply took abit of advice Id been given. In the past, I would have pressed the point. But that would have been at Wistram. We are encouraged to debate until our point is emphatically proven. The real world is not so simple. Nor do opinions change overnight.

Yvlon looked at Pisces, surprised. He was trying. After a moment, Ceria stepped over. She grinned at her team, tired from the spellcasting and nodded the way theyd come. Hissle had told them theyd have to check the caves later to make sure something wasnt eating all the moths theyd killed.

Not bad. It wasnt pretty, but it beats, rats, right? I could do this. Howre you feeling?

I am very content in exterminating the moths, Captain Ceria. I have fulfilled my obligations and am not a waste of existence.

Ksmvr smiled, raising his mandibles. Yvlon agreed. And Pisces nodded as Ceria turned to him. He couldnt resist one sniff, but hed done well all day.

It was somewhat menial, but I will admit, I see the value in it. For now, I consent.

Good. I mean, we cant do much. And with Montressa and her team around

Ceria paused. The Horns looked at her. At last, Yvlon brought it up.

So what do we do about them? Theyre not going to stop, you know, Ceria, Pisces. And now Pisces has a bounty on his head.

Yeah.

The half-Elf sighed. She looked at Pisces.

I dont know. Maybe Erin can help? She said she was going to try to talk to the Centaur. Palt. Id like to talk to Montressa myself. See if we can come to an understanding.

After what they did? Id settle for beating the lot of them into pulp and stripping them of their gear.

Yvlon glowered. Ksmvr nodded. He raised a hand as he walked, turning to Ceria.

Captain Ceria, if we exclude the Selphid and barrier mage, Montressa, I am reasonably certain I am capable of killing any of the other three [Mages] in a surprise attack. One, certainly.

Ksmvrwere not killing them. Theyre protected by Liscors laws, same as us.

So, no preemptive strike?

No.

The Antinium looked disappointed. Yvlon patted him on the shoulder and looked at her team.

If it comes to a second fight, Ill go for my sword. If they dont steal it away again. What do you think, Ceria? They wont try to get us in Liscor, will they?

I cant imagine theyd want to go against Zevara. Or Erin. But we need to watch our backs. Were probably safe out here, with other teams and people from Liscorbut youre right. If we cant talk to Montressa, well have to fight them.

Ceria bit her lip. Pisces nodded. He put a hand on his rapier.

And next time, it will not go their way. Yvlon, we may purchase a charm for your sword to prevent it being stolen. However, I will admit, I would rather not fight all five [Mages] at once. They underestimated our abilities the first time. The secondcould prove fatal. At the very least, we will have to kill them to avoid being killed in turn.

The Horns looked at Pisces. Cerias face went pale. Yvlon glanced at Pisces.

Theyre that dangerous? I know the Minotauress is strong, but you seemed confident you could take that Drake. And Erin and her friends stomped the rest. What can they do that any other [Mage] cant? Whats Wistram got that you and Ceria dont, Pisces?

Linked spells? Homing magic? Magical fields? Their understanding of spellcraft is more advanced than ours.

It looked like it cost Pisces to admit that. Yvlon and Ceria and Ksmvr all stared at him. He turned around, flushing slightly.

What?

Theres someone better than you at magic, Pisces?

He glowered.

I am attempting to be realistic andhumble. And frankly, Montressa proved she had more advanced spells than either Ceria or I can command. She allegedly blocked a bombardment spell from Liscors walls. Her [Five-Fold Arcane Barrier] spell is Tier 5.

What? No. [Arcane Barrier] is Tier 4, Pisces.

And five of them, layered together? She blocked a siege spell, Ceria. Thats what formal magical training does. Isceil, the Drake, is a poor duelist. But a single breath attack could kill all of us if he used it. If we do battle, I would be forced to kill him. That is what I am referring to. There can be no mercy given their abilities. Montressa herself could kill us all with [Chain Lightning].

The [Cryomancer] bit her lip. Yvlon silently agreed with Pisces. If it couldnt be peacefully resolvedshe put a hand on her sword. Aside from Montressa, she doubted the other [Mages] could block a full swing from her Sword of Weight.

After a moment, Ksmvr raised one hand.

What is linked magic, Comrade Pisces?

The others relaxed. Pisces smiled.

Combining their magic. Recall what I did with Falene during the Face-Eater Moth attack? Imagine how much more powerful a spell can be if they combine their mana pools. It is an advanced technique.

Can you do it, Captain Ceria? Comrade Pisces?

Ceria looked embarrassed as she shook her head.

No. Falene can, but I cant do any of the advanced stuff. Homing spells are something Wistram teaches. Thats what Illphres said. You can get a Skill, but its true they have more magical experience.

And we have more battle experience. It evens out. But can you talk them out of it? Ceria? Pisces? I know what happened with Montressa. But is there a chance you could persuade her?

Ceria looked at Pisces. He stared back, and their history lay before them. After a moment, the [Necromancer] sighed.

It is unlikely. Perhaps Montressas friends can be persuaded. They are all from different factions, or so I believe. Perhaps some might be swayed. The Selphid, this Centaur, Palt. But the Drake, the Minotauress, and Montressadoubtful.

But well try. Otherwise

Ceria trailed off. The adventurers looked at each other. Then they silently glanced around. Thunders Solace, Hauntgheist, were chattering as they neared the road, already moving up into the hills.

Master Builder Reikhle was shouting that they needed a smooth, gentle slope for the wagons, and so the Drakes and Gnolls were terraforming the hills, swearing as they broke stones, pushing dirt into place, pounding it down.

The Horns looked at each other, thinking of the uncertain future. Then they got back to work.

-

The Horns worked around the Bloodfields, but keeping clear of the deadly red stain on the earth. In Liscor, Montressas team did their form of work. Enmities aside, everyone had to eat. But one member of the Wistram [Mages] wasnt selling her wares.

Nohis, now. Ulinde sat in a chair in an inn that wasnt The Wandering Inn. He had been banned, and unlike Palt, hadnt tried to get in Erin Solstices good graces. The Selphid wore a slightly rotten body, of a heavyset man who had died of a heart attack.

Itwasnt a good body, even for a desperate Selphid. His muscles were atrophied, and he stank, even with Ulindes best attempts to make the body not smell. The Drake [Innkeeper] had charged him just to have a seat. Ulinde had paid that, but he was visibly upset. The blubbery face, slightly bloated with the dead mans gasses being released, crinkled into an expression of grief.

It was an ugly sight. And no one, Drakes or Gnolls, wanted to sit anywhere near him, hence the corner booth. Yet, someone was sitting with Ulinde, as he made faint crying sounds out of the dead mans mouth.

Its not fair. I wanted to be friends with Miss Ivirith so much. But now she hates me. Why did Montressa have to pick a fight? I didnt want to do it! I thought Pisces was a criminal! I never wanted to fight anyone else or get in trouble! I came here just so I could meet Miss Ivirith and now

His nose didnt run, since there wasnt any mucus left. Instead, a squelching noise came from within the Selphids body. That was gross too. Honestly, it was hard, even for someone who knew Selphids to be around Ulindes current body. But Moore did his best. He gingerly, very gingerly, patted Ulinde on the back.

Its fine. Im sure Jelaqua will forgive you. I did.

But she was so mad.

Tearfullyor rather, tearfully if her body still had unrotted tear ductsUlinde turned to the half-Giant. Moore had a drink in front of him. Hed had two so far and he waved for another now. A Drake [Server] rushed up, dropped the drink, and rushed away. Moore couldnt blame him.

Ulinde was a mess. Moore had found him curled up in front of the inn like this. The Selphid was so distraught he couldnt manage his body properly, and that was a problem, especially given that his current corpse was beyond decayed. Moore had experience with bodies and he knew Jelaqua would have considered this vessel an act of sheer desperation to inhabit. But Selphids needed corpses and Ulinde had run out.

The half-Giant cleared his throat, looking around the mostly vacated inn. The [Innkeeper] mouthed get it out across the inns floor. Moore waved a hand at him and the Drake stormed away. Ulinde had paid the Drake in gold. That was surely enough.

Miss Ulinde. Im sure Jelaqua will forgive you. But please pull yourself together.

He meant it literally. The younger Selphid groaned.

Im trying! Butbutshe was soit hurt. I had a bit of healing potion, butshe hurt me! It hurt so much!

Moore nodded. He didnt know what Jelaqua had done, but hed been told Selphids could fight battles with their real forms. And whatever Jelaqua had done, Ulinde was still recovering. He turned to him, face wretched.

I know I deserved it! And Im so sorry about attacking you

Its fine. Youve apologized many times.

Moore rubbed at his chest, murmuring. Ulinde shook his head.

Its not fine! The Halfseekers are my heroes! And II

He made another blubbering sound. Moore tried another pat on the shoulders and realized Ulinde might not have the nerves to feel it. He spoke soothingly.

I forgive you, Miss Ulinde. You were fighting with your team. You must simply apologize to Jelaqua. And Seborn.

I will. But its not enough! I wanted you to like me!

The [Spellslinger] wailed. Moore winced. After a moment, the half-Giant took another huge gulp of his drink.

How did you know about our team, Miss Ulinde? Were not famous.

At least, Moore didnt think they were. The Halfseekers in their glory days had been a good Gold-rank team, but Ulinde hailed from Baleros. Yet the Selphid looked incredulous.

What? But youre like, famous among Selphids! All the ones I know, at least!

We are?

Moore blinked. Ulinde nodded rapidly, coming out of his funk.

Definitely! Dont you know? There are so few Gold-rank teams that arent pure Selphid! Let alone on other continents! When I heard there was an opportunity to meet you, I just had to! And Miss Ivirith is famous too! She was a Silver-rank adventurer in Baleros.

She mentioned that. Shesolder than I am.

Shes over five decades old, I think. I really respect her. She started as a Bronze-rank adventurer and made it to Gold-rank! With a team of non-Selphids. I really admire that. AndI wanted to talk to her because I have arelative of hers. Well, myparent? Knew her, growing up.

Really?

Moore blinked. Ulinde nodded a few times and took a sip of his drink.

Were not related, because its complicated with Selphids how wemake new Selphids. Not babies. But I had a progenitor who said they knew Miss Ivirith; they were both coiled together in the same body!

Coiling. Thats

The half-Giant frowned, recalling Jelaqua speaking of it once. Ulinde gestured at his body.

Its a thing baby Selphids do when theyre umborn? Split, really. You get a bunch of little Selphids and you put them in a body so they figure out how todo things. They cant be outside, but they cant work a body; no ones big enough. So you work together for a few years until you can do it yourself.

Thats interesting.

Moores stomach roiled a bit, imagining it. And it wasnt hardhe knew what Jelaqua looked like. Ulinde nodded, then slumped in his chair.

Now she hates me.

She doesnt hate you. She

The half-Giant trailed off. He couldnt lie well. Ulinde looked up at Moore.

I am so sorry. Again. If theres anything I can doIll do it. I want to make amends. Im so sorry.

Its fine. Its interesting you say youre a fan of the Halfseekers, though. We dont have fans.

You do among Selphids! I know a bunch of others who were so torn up when we heard about the Halfseekers dying. Andand I am a huge fan. Im sorry, Ive heard stories about Moore the [Green Mage]! If you have time, Id love to talk to you.

The half-rotted, middle-aged man edged over in the chair, looking up eagerly at the half-Giant. Moore scooted away quickly. Ulindes face fell as he glanced down at his body. Flustered, he moved back.

Oh. The body. Im so sorry. Its just that I dont have manyits hard to import them even at Wistram, and my other two got maggots. In the bag of holding. People think living things cant survive in bags of holding, but really, thats just because the spell doesnt let air in. So I didnt catch them and when I checked the bodies out, there were so many maggots that I couldnt eat all of

She saw Moores expression and stopped. The half-Giant paused.

Its just the rot. Im familiar with Jelaqua, dont worry. But even for me, its difficult.

I know. I am so sorry

Its fine. Do youdo you have any other bodies? Or can you find any? At all?

Ulinde slumped in her chair.

No. And its really hard getting a good body. I mean, every city has people that die, but Drakes and Gnolls dont know Selphids, so few of them will even think of selling a bodyif I cant get a good one, Ill have to live in a squirrel or something until my team can find one. My good bodys gone, the Halfseekers hate me

The Selphid was really down. Moore hesitated. He couldnt bear the stench any longer, but he felt for the Selphid, he really did. The half-Giant cleared his throat, thinking carefully.

Miss Ulinde. Orno, Ulinde. Ido know where Jelaqua has a few bodies. She has a large number after the Raskghar incident. Maybe I could speak to her. Explain the situation. Even though youve made her angry, you are a fellow Selphid.

Youd do that for me?

Ulindes eyes went round. She looked up at Moore. And he couldnt help but think that it was a pity she wasnt wearing the female Drakes body. He nodded slowly.

I could ask. OrI know where a few are. In the inn. I could speak to Erin. Jelaqua might not be happy, but if you paid

Absolutely. Thank you, oh, thank you, thank you

Ulinde bounced up. Moore looked at the [Innkeeper] and the relieved Drake was nodding and waving them off. They headed for the doorand a [Rogue] appeared in the doorway. Seborn glared up at Moore as Ulinde halted in his tracks.

There you are. Where have you

The [Rogue] spotted Ulinde and the human half of his face turned instantly hostile. The Selphid instantly retreated and Moore raised his hands.

Seborn, listen. Ulinde is terribly sorry for what shes done. Ive been talking with herhim. Im sorry. And he wants to apologize to Jelaqua. And you.

Thats right! Im so sorry. If theres anything I can do

Seborn ignored Ulinde. He was glaring at Moore. The half-Giant winced. He knew the [Rogue] was in a poor temper since Jelaqua had begun dating Maughin. He lowered his voice, although Ulinde could probably still hear him.

Seborn, look. Ulinde is truly sorry. And Jelaqua did something to him. I was thinking. We could bring him to the inn, get one of Jelaquas bodies. I mean, look at him. His is all worn out. Well talk to Jelaqua, patch things over, let her have

What? Give awayyou idiot!

Seborn hissed at Moore. He dragged the half-Giant towards the door as Ulinde watched them anxiously. The Drowned Man glared up at Moore.

You are not giving away Jelaquas bodies. Do you know how much each ones worth? And stop talking with that Selphid! She nearly put a hole in my chest!

He jabbed at Moores own chest. The half-Giant glowered; the flesh was still tender.

Hes genuinely sorry, Seborn! It wasnt his fault he had to fighthe has orders! A team! You know how it is. And you did stab him first.

I didnt try to kill the [Mages]. If I did, theyd all be dead. I dont care if this Selphid says sorry a thousand times. Stop listening to every pity story you hear

Why dont you listen just once?

The two arguing Halfseekers glared at each other, Moore out of patience for once. He glared, leaning on his replacement quarterstaff. A tremulous voice interrupted Seborn and lifted his claw-hand.

I am so sorry. Can I make it up to you somehow? Please?

The [Rogue] turned. The younger voice coming out of the half-dead body belonging to a much older Human was hard, even for Seborn and Moore to deal with. But Ulinde was pleading.

Anything. Anything at all I can do to make it right, I will. I can get you some scrolls. Beza sells them. Orcan I trade you some artifacts? I sell them from Wistram. Id be glad to do anything.

You dont need to give us anything.

Shut up. And you, Selphid. Why do you care so much about meeting us?

Seborn glared at Ulinde. The Selphid gulped.

YoureIm a fan of the Halfseekers.

We dont have fans. You dont know anything about us.

Seborn glared at Ulinde, echoing Moore. Ulinde shook his head, eyes wide in protest.

No! I do! Seborn Sailwinds, a former [Pirate], right? Ive heard stories about you! You were the [Rogue] who slew the Cyclops by yourself when your entire team was downed! I heard it took you five minutes to take him down! Youre a hero.

She stared at Seborn. The Drowned Man blinked. Moore blinked. They stared at Ulinde. Moore looked at his teammate.

They tell stories about us?

All the time. In Selphid communities. You dont know?

Ulinde was wide-eyed. She looked at the Drowned Man as he wavered. Ulinde spoke hurriedly.

Please, Id love to ask the real legends what it was like! I grew up hearing tales of how your group fought through the Caverns of Eils! And how you rescue people who areare different. Like Selphids! Can I buy you a drink? Please.

The Drowned Man hesitated. He looked at Moore, then at Ulinde. After a moment, he looked around the inn, and then wrinkled his nose at Ulinde.

Your body is disgusting. Even Jelaqua would let you have a body. I suppose.You can borrow one of hers. Sowhat have you heard about our team?

He led the way out of the inn, much to the Drake [Innkeeper]s relief. Behind him, Moore rolled his eyes, a rare look of annoyance on his face. But they both felt it. A sense of wonder. They hadfans?

-

Lyonette du Marquin stared out the window of Zevaras office as Moore, Seborn, and Ulinde passed by. Shed spotted them because, well, all three were fairly noticeable. She nearly fumbled getting the last coin out of her belt pouch, but caught it before it could tumble off the desk. She placed it down with a flourish.

There.

Zevara eyed the three gold coins. She nodded briskly and swept them across the desk.

Thats nineteen so far. Your bounty is nearly half-paid, Miss Lyonette. But why not have that Human pay it all for you? Im sure she can.

She eyed Lyonette. The [Princess] was sitting in Zevaras office. She had just stopped here to pay off more of the fine on her artifacts, but to her surprise, Zevara had invited her into the office. The Watch Captain had a small stack of papers, but shed clearly made time to speak to Lyonette.

The [Worldly Princess] smiled at Zevara. She didnt try to be charming, but she did try to charm Zevara, as naturally as possible. The Watch Captain was someone she could respect, and she had actually been hoping to meet with her. She felt at her belt as she replied, conversationally.

Thats my salary. I havent asked Erin to pay off the rest of it. She could, but frankly, she needs it all for her inns renovations. The taxes also ate into her funds.

Zevara nodded. She and Lyonette had a civil relationship, far better than she had with Erin. The two respected each other in fact. Zevara glanced with interest as Lyonette pulled a little bag out and put it on the table.

You manage Miss Solstices coin? Thats unusual for a [Barmaid].

Well, Im a bit more than that for the inn. I have to be. Erins a good [Innkeeper] in some wayspoor in others. For instance, she manages her finances as well as Mrsha in front of a street vendor with hot food.

Zevara snorted.

I can only imagine. Whats this?

Lyonette smiled as the Drake prodded the bag with a claw. She pushed it forwards.

Cookies. The Wandering Inn is selling them. Its an assorted bundle; each ones different in taste and texture. Its actually meant as a game since some of the cookies dont taste good, but I labeled all of these. Its a little gift.

Lyonette smiled sweetly at Watch Captain Zevara. The Drake stared down into the bag and slowly removed one cookie. She inspected the little piece of parchment wrapping it.

Lemon cookie. Sour. And this one saysbeans? Baked bean cookie?

Theyre different, but most are tasty. Stay away from the one made out of dirt.

And this is for me?

Thats right. Its just

Zevara pushed back the bag.

I dont accept bribes.

What?

Lyonettes face fell. Zevara glared at Lyonette and gestured to a covered tonic bottle on her desk.

Bribes. Im a Watch Captain. I dont accept gifts or bribes, Miss Lyonette. I appreciate speaking with you and your candor about the situation in Miss Solstices inn. But Ive received one bribe from the [Mages] this morning. I didnt want it and I dont want this. I cannot have my position compromised.

She said that, but she eyed the treats in the bag with clear reluctance as she tossed the cookies in and pushed it back towards the [Princess]. Lyonette put a smile on her face. She recited a few lines from memory. Who knew what her mother had taught her would be so useful? She really should have practiced. Or taken any interest in politics growing up.

Watch Captain Zevara, its not a bribe. Its just a gift as thanks for doing so much for the inn.

That sounds exactly like a bribe. Even one that incentivizes me to do my job is one that sways my opinions, Miss Lyonette.

Zevara folded her arms, narrowing her eyes at the young woman. The [Princess] sighed and shook her head.

Watch Captain, you surely have your own opinions about Erin and her inn by now, dont you? I wouldnt expect a bag of cookies to sway you, unless Id enchanted the gift or used a Skill. And I havent. This is just a gesture of thanks. I understand your neutrality matters, but no one is truly neutral. It would be a poor thing if I couldnt offer a Watch Captain some food in gratitude for stopping a dozen disasters, wouldnt it? I imagine the [Mage] who gave you the potionMiss Montressa?

Zevara nodded grudgingly. Lyonette nodded. Du Valeross. She was familiar with the family, but she wished she had her familys genealogy of bloodlines to look them up. She was careful around Montressa; she hoped her red hair wouldnt give her away, but she also felt there was potential there.

I imagine Miss Montressa said the same thing as I did. A token of gratitudeor apologyis not the same as a bribe. I know this may be different to you, but as Lady Montressa and I hail from Terandria, I can assure you we dont mean anything significant by it.

But a gift was a gift, and it didnt hurt to give some to people in authority. Lyonette kept the pleasant smile on her face as Zevara eyed her. After a moment the Drake sighed.

If I tell you I dont want it

I wont take it back. Id imagine Miss Montressa was the same, wasnt she?

Yes. And I couldnt get rid of her. Wistram must make some reparations bah. Very well. Ill take it. And as thanks

Zevara reached for her own belt. Lyonette blinked as the Drake spoke absently.

The law must be flexible, and yet never bend where it matters. Here. Thats probably the price, isnt it? Your inn costs a tail and a leg, you know.

She slapped four silver coins on the table. Lyonettes smile vanished. Zevara eyed her.

I asked about the price of the tonic I was given. Miss Montressa will be receiving the cost by Street Runner. Youll get the same if you dont take the coins now. I can be just as stubborn. Thank you for the cookies.

The [Princess] opened her mouth.

You dont have to

Take the coins or Ill make sure you get them. Congratulations on your sale, Miss Lyonette.

Zevara blandly reached into the bag and inspected the cookie she pulled out. Lemon. Lyonette opened her mouth, saw the glint in the Drakes eye, and curtsied, embarrassed. Shed lost this verbal spar.

Thank you for having me, Watch Captain.

As you were. Thank you for the cookies and the update on Miss Solstices inn. And telling me that the crazed Human with the axe is an [Actor]. It does help to know these things, even if Im aware of Miss Solstices antics.

The [Princess] retreated. Zevara watched the door shut and smiled to herself. Pricey as the cookies were, it was worth it to score a victory for herself. And she did have the cookies now. She began chewing on the one shed taken out. Her brows rose and her tail curled with satisfaction.

Mm. This is good. Sour. Sweet. Soft.

The Watch Captain was inspecting the bagwhich was generously laden with all sorts of cookies, some foul, but mostly good in different flavors, when there was a rap at the door. Zevara looked up and heard a familiar, growling voice.

Watch Captain, I have a report from Senior Guardsman Klbkch. I was wondering if you had a moment to confer?

I suppose I do. Come in. Whats the matter, Beilmark?

Zevara sighed. She pushed the cookie bag to one side and watched Senior Guardswoman Beilmark march in. The Gnoll saluted.

I have word theres a new player in Liscor, Watch Captain. Senior Guardsman Klbkch came across a meeting with Mister Soot and a new Gnoll named only as Bearclaw while on patrol. He believes she may be a known criminal in the other cities.

What? Damn. Another one?

The female Drake sat up, her good mood vanishing. Beilmark nodded.

Her eyes lingered on the bag on the desk. Zevara glanced at her sharply.

Did this Bearclaw have anyone else with her?

Not that I know of, Watch Captain. But she was new to the city. She nearly attacked Senior Guardsman Klbkch. But for Mister Soot, she might have.

That damned [Fence]. If we can get himBearclaw, you said?

Beilmark nodded. She glanced at the bag of cookies again. Zevaras eyes narrowed.

I havent heard the name. But Ill send word for the Mages Guild to inquire about her directly. Why didnt Senior Guardsman Klbkch try to arrest her?

Relc wasnt on duty, Watch Captain. Klbkch was with two Junior Guards.

The Gnoll coughed. The Watch Captain bit her tongue.

Ah. Well, in that caseAncestors, Beilmark. Do you want a cookie?

The Senior Guardswoman brightened as Zevara glared at her. She approached the desk as Zevara shoved the bag towards her.

If you insist, Watch Captainhrm. They all smell so different.

Just take one. Theyre a new thing from the inn. Which I paid for.

I wouldnt trouble you, Watch Captain

Take the cookie before I roast you.

Beilmark did without any argument. She inspected the parchment and then bit.

Baked beans. Mm. This is very good.

Zevara shook her head, eying Beilmark dourly.

If youre done? I assume the Mages Guild is already inquiring about this Bearclaw?

Yes, Watch Captain. Ill have the report on your desk when it arrives. But she may be a criminal among Plains Gnolls. If so, Ill inquire, but it will take longer.

The Gnoll looked a bit embarrassed. Zevara glowered, and then stood up.

Good. In that case, Im going on my lunch break. Hold down the fortress until I get back, would you?

She grabbed the bag of cookies. Reluctantly, Beilmark nodded, licking crumbs off her paw. Zevara was grabbing her actual lunch when someone else rapped on the door and it opened.

Watch Captain, I have a report

A Gnoll entered the room, a scroll of parchment in paw. He was sniffing the air, but he paused, seeing Beilmark and Zevara. The Gnoll [Guardswoman] coughed into one paw. Zevaras eyes narrowed.

Get out.

She grabbed the bag of cookies and stalked out of her office, ignoring the suddenly very interested Gnoll [Guards] who wanted to chat with her. That was the problem with Gnolls in your workplace; forget people simply stealing your lunches, they knew exactly what you ate and when it came back out. The worst ones were the ones who told you how bland your meals were.

Escaping with her treats mostly intact, Zevara hurried down the streets of Liscor. She moved fast, and came to the prison in only five minutes, puffing a bit. Her lunch break wasnt that long.

The [Guards] on duty in the jail straightened when they saw her. They were both Drakes, and attentive given the easy job. But then, they knew why it mattered. Zevara nodded at them.

I wont be long. Amulet?

Here, Watch Captain.

One of the Drakes fumbled over an amulet that was linked to the cells inside the prison to Zevara. She put it on, and strode down the cells.

The jail had few prisoners, and most of them didnt want to attract the Watch Captains ire. And few were serious. But there was one cell at the far end which held a familiar face. He was lifting a barbell, a strange device made out of iron, when Zevara arrived. Calruz looked up.

Watch Captain Zevara. Good morning.

Calruz. Sorry I couldnt make it yesterday. How are you holding up since that Minotauress visited you?

Zevara took a seat. There was a chair in front of the cell. The Minotaur kept lifting the barbell after a moment. A rat, grey-furred, was balanced on his head, while another tried to climb his horn. Zevara was used to both rats. And indeed, to Calruz, because their conversation didnt waste time.

I am fine. She only spoke the truth. Whats that you have?

My lunch. Have you been fed?

Yes.

Zevara smiled.

In that case, Ive got something to eat. Here.

She showed Calruz the bag and took two cookies out of it. She passed two across the force field. Calruz gingerly accepted the cookies; the magical barrier was dangerous to him, not her. He stared down at the soft discs.

Whats this? It sayscarrot cookie. Andblood cookie?

Damn. That must be one of the strange ones Lyonette warned me about. They come from The Wandering Inn. Erin Solstice. Here. Theres probably a better oneheres boring vanilla.

Its fine. Thank you. Watch Captain, you need not visit me every day.

Who else does? Besides the half-Elf. I generally eat alone. The Watch Captain shouldnt be one of the regular [Guards].

The Drake shrugged self-consciously. Calruz looked at her.

Nor should she be overly familiar with prisoners accused of murder and treachery.

The Drake paused, and then nodded.

True.

There was nothing more to say than that. But both acknowledged the truth. Honor and duty. They understood each other in that. After a moment, Zevara dug into her meal. Ground beef and sauce, mainly. And some bread. She made whatever she could for a meal. Calruz began eating one of his cookies, sharing crumbs with his pet rats.

I cant stay long. I just wanted to see how you were doing.

Will I take Bezales instructions, do you mean? Fear not, Zevara. I would stay alive to spite her. Butshe is a Wistram [Mage]. They all are. They found no spells on me. Doesnt that confirm everything?

Zevara scowled, shoveling down her meal.

Not if I dont trust the [Mages]. And none of them are [Enchanters] or specialists in mind-altering magic aside from the Centaur. And I wouldnt trust him with

Zevara. If you do not trust him, who can tell my innocence? Not Grimalkin of Pallass, apparently, and not a [Mage] of Wistram. So then, how long? You keep the law, Watch Captain. Why am I the exception?

The weariness in the Minotaurs voice made Zevara look up. She hesitated. But Calruz was looking at her, from his small cell. It was a conversation theyd had before. She hesitated and lowered her fork.

I suppose I am biased. But I also trust my instincts. And they say Im not wrong. Look, Calruz, we do have an [Enchanter] scheduled to visit the city. I trust his word. But I also trust my gut.

And if he finds nothing?

Then I make another judgment call. But it is my choice.

Zevara looked at Calruz. He stared back. She knew how he had to feel. So Zevara hesitated, and then leaned forwards.

Dont worry. You wont be in here forever. Theres something I have planned that might help with your wait. Entirely legal.

The Minotaurs eyes narrowed.

Zevara. I would not want you to compromise your own integrity

I wont. What I intend to do is honorable. Just wait, Calruz. But believe me when I say that I dont see the monster that I witnessed in the dungeon. There is something wrong with you and I will find out what it is.

Zevara pointed her fork at the Minotaur. And he almost smiled. He picked up the cookie and let Rhata nibble at it. Then he finished the cookie in a big bite.

Im glad, you know. That someone believes in me. And thank you. For visiting. And the food.

The Watch Captain coughed. She waved a claw, counting down the minutes of her lunch break.

Its not hard. Have another cookie. Hows the blood one?

Calruz tried it. He frowned.

Salty. Why is Erin Solstice making them?

Zevara paused. She chewed, gulped, and then shrugged.

I have no idea.

-

Salt was an ingredient in potions. So was Sages Grassthe red, glowing stuff that tasted horriblemagical salamanders, Corusdeer horns, and all kinds of insects. Numbtongue had a list, and it includedwell, almost everything when you got down to it.

Ironically, the one category of items that didnt usually make it into potions were traditional foods, like pumpkin, or carrots, or green peas or so on. According to Octavia, that was because alchemy wasnt cooking. Shed referenced Erins abilities as being an example of someone who could unlock the potential of food.

But thats a different kind of creation. Its really magic-intensive. I saw Erin making her Scale Soupwhich tastes like melted three-day old butter mixed with pond slime by the wayand she doesnt use an [Alchemist]s methods at all.

It was also harder to cook magically, and you often needed more expensive items or Skills to make it work. But alchemy was theoretically possible for even amateurs, although good [Alchemists] could make potions or simplify recipes. Nevertheless, Numbtongue was learning how to make healing potions.

He was also having lunch with Octavia. He chewed down one of the blood cookies Erin had made. It was an acquired taste, according to Erin, but Numbtongue liked it.

Octavia did not. She looked up from her actual sausages and shuddered.

Do thoseactually taste good?

Better than bugs. Most bugs.

The Hobgoblin shrugged. He chewed, swallowed, and reached for the next mystery cookie. Octavia took another and eyed it.

What do you think this one is?

Numbtongue eyed it. Hed seen Erin hard at work in the kitchen so he had a good idea which ones were which, despite Erins best attempts to hide their nature.

Almonds.

Ooh, Ill have that.

Octavia took a bite. After a minute of chewing, she looked up.

So whats the worst cookie in the bag here?

Numbtongue thought for a moment.

Dirt cookie? Or acid fly cookie. Too crunchy.

Octavia paused mid-swallow. She eyed the cookie, and was relieved when she saw the almonds baked into the insides.

Whyd Erin make these again?

For fun?

Huh. And shes already cleared up all of the damage from the fight with those [Mages]?

Yup. She fixed the tables. With her Skill.

So all that happened while I was in my shop?

Mhm.

The [Goblin Soulbard] nodded. Octavia shook her head.

Im sorry I missed it. Then againprobably not. Do you think theyre dangerous?

Yup.

Whatswhats Erin going to do about it?

Numbtongue sneered.

Make friends with the Centaur. Probably. I wont. So Ill sit here. Want a cookie?

Uhno.

Octavia refused a second helping. She glanced sideways at Numbtongue. He was a semi-regular guest now, and they often entertained each other, he with his guitar, her with alchemy lessons. But the Goblin was restless, today. He kept glancing back towards the door that led to The Wandering Inn, though it was inactive for the moment.

Something wrong, Numbtongue?

He started and then shook his head.

Nothing.

But that was a lie. Octavia had seen him come in this morning as if he was escaping something. Until Erin had closed the door, hed kept looking over his shoulder. As if something kept grabbing his attention. Whatever it was, he clearly didnt like it. The [Alchemist] opened her mouth, saw Numbtongues hunched shoulders, and decided against. Instead, she hefted the bottle shed been working on while they chatted.

Hey, want to taste this potion? Ive been experimenting with some ruby dust. Ive mixed it with the strongest flameproofing potion I know; I bought some ingredients by selling some of the stuff you gave me. But this is proof of all the work.

What does it do?

Numbtongue eyed the yellow-orange potion with swirling liquids mixed around inside. Octavia frowned at the mixture; shed had a heck of a time dissolving all the stuff she wanted into it.

Make you breathe fire. Probably. I tried it on myself, so its not deadly. Again, probably. But Ive tried three samples and each time I just belch smoke. Want to try?

The Hobgoblin hesitated. But Octavia was sure shed made something that ranked on the safe end of trying things. Otherwise she would have fed the mixture to a rat or trusted in her Stitch-Person body to help alleviate the worst of it. The truth was she didnt like anything that had to do with fire.

After a moment, Numbtongue accepted the bottle. He drank down the liquid, not even grimacing at the taste. He smacked his lips, and then tried to exhale flame.

Nothing happened. Octavias face fell.

Damn. What do you feel?

Hot. In mouth. But nothing

The Hobgoblin mumble. Then he went cross-eyed. He swished something in his mouth, then leaned forwards and spat suddenly.

The flaming saliva landed on the table. Numbtongue let it drip out of his mouth. It wasnt burning him, but the fiery liquid instantly caught flame in the air. He opened his maw and Octavia saw the entire inside of his mouth was on fire!

Dead gods! Dont spit at me! Water, water! Does it hurt?

The Stitch-Girl leapt up in alarm, backing away from the fire. Numbtongue hastily swallowed, and then his eyes went wide with alarm. He prodded his stomachbut the fire resistance nullified the heat.

It doesnt hurt. But it feels hot.

Ill say! Look at that spit!

Octavia and Numbtongue watched the superheated liquid slowly try to ignite the table while it burned through the metal top. Octavia raised a finger.

Okay, thats close. Buthelp me put out the fire, would you?

Numbtongue experimentally smothered it with a finger. The flaming saliva refused to go out. Alarmed, Octavia got a flame-retarding powder and sprinkled it on Numbtongues fingers and the table from a distance. That put out the flame, but the saliva was still hot.

She shuddered as she shook her head.

Dead gods, I hate fire. But this would sell really well. Especially among Drakes. Theyll make me rich! And it only needs rubies and a tiny bit of gold.

It could be useful. But it feels hot. Inside. Like Erins soup, but hotter.

Numbtongue agreed. He prodded at his stomach.

Dont worry, the flame resistance will last a lot longer than the fire effect. Thats just common sense. And I can actually brew a flame resistant potion for you whenever you want.

Octavia assured the Hobgoblin. Numbtongue nodded. He sighed as he smacked his lips, letting a bit of flame escape. He coughedstood up.

Bathroom.

Oh, sure. Got it. Let me know if the saliva-stuff gets unbearable. I can give you a nullifying potion. But if I just tweak my process

Numbtongue wandered into the bathroom as Octavia bent over her formula, trying to figure out what shed done wrong. Or right. After a few seconds Octavia heard the Hobgoblin shout. It turned out saliva wasnt the only liquid that was now fiery.

Octavias toilet caught on fire.

-

Fire danced along the inside of the cave, sending Fortress Beavers fleeing to their nest. They tried to put out the flames, desperately, cowering in fear as the skeleton danced. Ijvani laughed, throwing flames in the air. Her body did a jig in the floor.

My master wants me! He loves me! He needs me! So he said! I am wanted!

At last, he had reached out for her. And so Ijvani, one of Azkerashs Chosen, celebrated. She twirled about the small cave, sending the Defenders of the Cave fleeing. Fortress Beavers and Shield Spiders hid from the horrible intruder who was death. They did not try to dislodge her; they just hid. Because Ijvani was more terrible than any Creler.

She was death. But she had not left. She had lain in this cave for days, unmoving, pausing only to roast the errant animals or spider that came near her. But now she stood. She cried out.

Master! I am sorry! I will obey you! Because you love me!

Joy. Simple, pure, joy rang in her tones. Her skull, always grinning, rejoiced. And the golden lights in her eye sockets flared. The skeleton danced and the Defenders of the Cave fled. But the Healing Slime could not. It wriggled and trembled in the bars of its cell. It watched as Ijvani threw fire, seeing the hands raise and flames shoot across the cave.

The Healing Slime was imprisoned. Inside Ijvani. It had kept trying to sneak away, so the skeleton had eventually stuck the slime in her ribcage. The black-metal coated bones were nigh-on impenetrable to mundane weapons, and with a judicious application of the standard [Forcewall] spell, the slime found itself in a cage with no escape. It rolled against Ijvanis ribs, pressing up against an invisible barrier. Ijvani was too excited to notice.

After a while, she calmed herself. Ijvani stood, perfectly still, and her exuberance faded. Her voice, a hollow echo, grew more thoughtful. She tapped a finger against her jawbone, in an imitation of Azkerash herself.

Stay here and watch, though? Why? Watch the [Necromancer]? And the inn?

Azkerash had contacted her, indeed. But not to demand Ijvanis immediate return. After some lengthy questioning in which the skeleton had squirmed and stammered answers, her master had given her very specific instructions. Ijvani paused.

Pisces Jealnet. Montressa du Valeross.

The names meant nothing to her. They were flies to Ijvani. Apparently there was a team of [Mages] from Wistram here? And her master wanted this Pisces monitored. With the perfect memory of the undead, Ijvani recalled his words exactly.

She had to set up a proper observation incantation, not some instant [Scrying] spell. Her master had taught her proper magic, and Ijvani knew that instantaneous spellcasting was far, far weaker than what could be accomplished with time, material, and effort.

The trickiest part would be making everything undetectable. Regular people wouldnt be able to detect the magic, or even most [Mages], but if you knew how to look, you could detect even invisible eyes and follow the spell back to the source.

Wistram [Mages]. And the Drake. Grimalkin.

The skeleton paced down the length of the cave, looking for a good place to trace the runes. It would take her hours to set up. And it was arduous work. Boring work. So it was a good thing Ijvani didnt get bored. And she was high onunlife.

Her master had forgiven her. And he wanted her back. The skeleton took the little slime out of her ribcage and tossed it up and down happily, ignoring the terrified creature.

Wait? I will wait! And cast all the spells you wish. For you, master, I would destroy that inn and everything in the city.

She had doubted him. She had wavered. She had been weak. Ijvani saw that now. But the instant her master had touched her mind, all of Ijvanis doubts had vanished. She had realized how much she missed him. How much she needed him. He might have aflaw. But she had missed him. He had made her. And she lived for him.

Now, the skeleton got to work, faithfully carrying out Azkerashs orders. The shadows grew deeper on the wall as the skeleton prepared her spells. The undead creature flawlessly wove the magic as she had been taught. Creating a temporary nexus of power to fuel the magic. To draw upon if need be. And accordingly, the spell was stronger, no temporary thing but an enduring spell that could do far more than a quick magic.

To watch. To observe. And alsoa teleportation rune. So she had two diagrams to trace on the floor. The skeleton mage decided that the teleportation rune would be better to do first. She bent, inscribing a circuit of magic into the stone floor. Shed need to ideally fill it with magicore. And she had some components in her bag of holding. But first was the task of shaping the magic.

Ijvani began the arduous task of programming coordinates towards her masters lair. Or rather, just to the west of the Bloodfields, as far as the [Teleport] spell could take her. It would be faster to walk, but when it was done, she could send herself that far in an instant.

Or someone else. Azkerash had ordered her to design the spell so that it could be used by two people. Another mystery to Ijvani, but she would faithfully watch and report to him. She had the authority to contact him, via spell! And he would answer at any time!

The power made Ijvani giddy. But she had one more thought, so she paused in drawing the teleportation rune. Her master had given her three instructions, actually. To watch, via divination magic. To prepare for a return, using runecraft, the height of magical theory, teleportation magic.

And to prepare for combat. The skeleton whispered a word, holding out one skeletal palm upright.

[Bound Spell Blackfire Fireball].

A fiery orb appeared in her hand. It was a contained spell, but it blazed with such heat and ferocity that the animals and spiders fled from it, sensing the death within. The Healing Slime tried to press itself into a corner of Ijvanis ribcage as she concentrated on the spell. Feeding it. Giving it power.

She was forming the [Blackfire Fireball] into her palm. But not preparing it for immediate use. No, the fire compressed into a pinpoint, the fury of the Tier 5 spell condensing, stabilizing. It was far, far more difficult than simply casting the spell.

Ijvanis eyes dimmed despite the steady mana flow coming from her master. And she devoted all of her energy and focus to controlling the spell lest it activate prematurely. Bound spells were a powerful magical technique; usually a Skill, but Ijvani had none, so she had to rely on pure magical craft to accomplish the same result.

It took nearly forty minutes of straight concentration, but then it was done. Her most powerful spell was ready to be used at once. Ijvani stared at the glowing marble-sized orb of fire. Then she put it in her jaw, just behind the teeth. Ready to fire.

She sat down, doing the mental equivalent of panting. But after a few minutes, Ijvani got up, and kept drawing the teleportation rune. Then she hopped over, did a bit of work on the observation spell.

She couldnt stop moving. She was giddy! She was going home. Azkerash, her master, had promised it. But not yet. She had to wait. Wait and report. On the [Mages] from Wistram. On this Pisces. Wait and see what they did. If they attacked him. If he attacked them. For some reason, the Necromancer wanted to know about this Pisces fate.

Ijvani didnt. She was content to wait, though. Because her master was going to check on her every day.

Hed promised.

Ijvani grinned happily, and patted the slime. It would be really too bad when she had to leave this cave. But orders were orders. If she didnt use the [Blackfire Fireball] shed set it to detonate when she left. To get rid of evidence shed been here. It would be too bad about the slime; she was enjoying it, like a simple Oom. But orders were orders.

And Ijvani was ready to obey again.

-

Adventurers. And [Mages]. You know, why cant we have one quiet month?

Its never quiet in our line of work. And its never quiet at The Wandering Inn. You know the crazy Human. What I cant believe is that the [Necromancer] isnt being run off. Did you see that bounty?

Bevussa looked testily at Keldrass. They were standing and talking. All the adventurers were gossiping about the latest news. But the two team captains were reserved enough to voice their opinions only to each other. The Drake was glowering, but Bevussa was more thoughtful. She shrugged.

I saw it. Butlook, weve been around this Pisces fellow for ages. He even fought for Liscor! Against the moths, Skinner

Hes a damn [Necromancer]. How can that [Innkeeper] tolerate him?

Get over it, Keldrass. You know her. She likes the [Necromancer] so he stays. Just like the Hobgoblin, the Antiniumfrankly, its one of the reasons why we dont go there every time.

My team as well. I just cant sit across from that Hobgoblin.

Heyyou saw them fighting the Humans.

So?

Im not saying youre wrong about how you feel, Keldrass. Dead gods, Ive fought Goblins as much as you. But all Im saying isits her inn. Her rules. And theres such a thing as variety. Not all Goblins are bad. Thats what Ive concluded. And if thats so, why not all [Necromancers]?

The Drake hesitated. He folded his arms, growling.

I dont like it.

You dont have to. But let me ask you this: who helped you get that flashy armor, huh? Did I hear you complaining when you got it? Or when Erin said she could help us rescue all those Gnolls and kill the Raskghar? Oh, wait, I did. But we all trusted her and thanks to that you have the shiny armor youre wearing.

Yeah, but

But?

Keldrass hesitated. He threw up his claws at last.

Okay, fine. Ive benefitted from her. And so has Liscor. But shes not always right.

Im not saying she is. Im just sayinglook, Wistram attacked the Horns first. You think Ceria and Yvlon and that Ksmvr were criminals too?

Guilt by association?

That doesnt fly in Pallass.

Fine. But hes Antinium

Bevussa smacked Keldrass. Her wing hit him on the head since his magical armor covered the rest of his body. He cried out.

Ancestors, Bevussa!

Dont be a Lizard, Keldrass. Ive talked to the Antinium. Like Bird. Variety. Theyre not all monsters. With that said, yeah, Im not relaxed around them. Another reason Im not at the inn all the time. But lets focus on Pisces.

Fine. Damn, you cut my scales.

Poor hatchling. You want me to spit on you and make it better?

Keldrass edged away from Bevussa.

Why are you so angry today?

Why are you so stubborn? Im talking about a team weve worked with. The Horns. Wistrams after their [Necromancer]. What do you thinks going to happen?

Well, the bountys out. Theyll have a target on his head. But they could always leave him outside a city. Still, thats no life. Frankly, it makes me a bit uneasy.

A bit. Wistram slaps a bounty that Ceria says is way over-exaggerated. Two thousand gold pieces. Most Silver-ranks would kill for that.

Gold-ranks wont. But I see your point. Okay, its wrong. But what do we do about it?

Nothing. I just

You like that team.

A bit.

The Garuda admitted, leaning against the stone wall of the dungeon. She and Keldrass were behind one of the barriers the adventurers had installed to guard safe zones. They were relaxing before returning above; theyd had a profitable day of killing monsters for their body parts. Keldrass sighed, rubbing his jaw.

I get you. I see those Silver-ranks and sometimes I remember what it was like, running about. But Im not getting involved in adventurers fighting adventurers. Or [Mages]. Thats a bad scene. Look, why dont we go to the inn later? Talk.

You can handle the Antinium and Hobgoblin and [Necromancer]? You sure? Need a second set of armor?

I. Get. It. Ill be civil. Look, its justI grew up when the Necromancers armies came south and hit Pallass.

So did I. Just be civil, Keldrass. And Im not saying we interfere. I just wantAncestors. Id just like someone not to die this time. A month without a disaster. I think Erin deserves that, dont you?

Yeah. Although, Bevussa. Have you considered it might not be her?

The Garuda paused. She looked back at Keldrass.

How do you mean?

I was talking with Nailren. You know, the Silver-rank? He says that all the Gnolls in his team are uneasy about the little Gnoll in Erins inn. The white one. Apparently, they believe shes got a Skill or aa curse. Thats attracting bad luck. Disaster, even. Now hear me out. I know its Gnollish superstition, but you have to admit

The two adventurers walked off, Bevussa arguing loudly with Keldrass. After a second, the sound of her slapping him with a wing and an outraged shout echoed back down the dungeons tunnel. But no one heard it.

No one, except for the skeleton standing on the other side of the barrier. Toren stopped pressing his head against the wood-and-metal wall the adventurers had set up. He took a few steps backwards.

Erin. It was the fourth time hed heard her name today. The skeleton stumbled back. He looked around. Then he walked over to a wall, drew his head back and smashed his skull into it.

Erin Solstice. Was. Alive. On the fourth impact, Toren felt his skull crack. He stepped back, feeling the magic in him automatically repairing the crack. The skeleton stared at the wall. Blankly.

She was alive. Unless they were all mistaken? Maybe it was someone else named Erin Solstice. It had to be. It couldnt be

The skeleton sat down on the ground. He took off his skull and stared back at his body. Erin Solstice was alive.

Alive.

It had been over a week since Toren had heard her name. Since then, hed beenhim. She wasnt coming out. He wouldnt let her. He hadnt put on the mask. Rather, hed been skulking, shadowing the adventurers. Listening for her name.

He kept hearing it. But he didnt believe. Erin was alive. But she couldnt be. Shed died. Hed felt the link break.

Or he thought he had. Maybe shed just severed it. Maybe shed

She wasnt alive. She couldnt be.

Why would they say her name? What were the odds?

Erin Solstice was a perfectlynormal name.

It wasnt. She was alive.

Maybe shed nearly died?

No.

Toren heard the voice in his mind. It wasnt her. It was just another him. Telling the rest of him what he didnt want to think of. But here were the facts.

Someone named Erin Solstice was above. She ran an inn. The Wandering Inn. She was an [Innkeeper]. She had a Goblin guest that the adventurers didnt like. And an Antinium. And a white Gnoll. She was up there. And she was definitely alive.

Unless she was a ghost. Maybe she was a ghost! Toren sat up, brightening with the idea. That would explain all of it! She was just a ghost, so that meant

Shes not a ghost. Adventurers kill ghosts. She is alive.

Toren paused. Then he bent over, hunching. No. It couldnt be. Because if she was alive, that meant only one thing.

Shed severed the bond with him. Shed tried to kill him. Shed tried to kill him and she was alive. And if that was true

Rage flashed through the skeleton. Rage. It made him shudder, made his bones shake. He shook, so hard that the Flesh Worm slithering down the dungeon took one look at the skeleton and paused. The skeleton looked up. Its eyes flashed and the Flesh Worm slowly writhed backwards.

SHE IS ALIVE. SHE TRIED TO KILL YOU.

The skeleton reached for his sword. He shook and thensuddenly, his rage flickered out. Like a spent torch. He lowered his head again.

Toren sat there a long time, tootiredto even stand. When he eventually moved, it was only because a shadow had blocked the faint light coming from behind the adventurers barricades, where theyd placed [Light] spells. Toren looked up and saw a lumbering shape.

A Crypt Lord. It stood silently, surrounded by the lesser undead. It was not a mindless creature. Somethinga primitive awareness lurked in its gaze, more than the feral minds of the Ghouls and zombies and skeletons.

Intelligence. A different sort than what animals or people had. But it was there. And yet, the Crypt Lord held still. It was looking at Toren, the rotten eyes in its body focused on him. Subservient. Its left side bore many, numerous cut marks in the flesh. It had beendisobedient. But now it stood, awaiting orders from its leader.

It looked down at the [Undead Leader]. And the undead waited too. At last, Toren did stand. He peered through the adventurers barricade. There was real light beyond it.

It wasnt hard for Toren to remove the barricade. Not for a thinking creature to do so. The adventurers knew that, which was why they conducted sweeps; the barriers only held back monsters as a stopgap. The skeleton shoved the barrier aside after unlocking it and he led the undead forwards. The Crypt Lord, ghouls, zombies, all followed him silently.

The adventurers had left. Theyd travelled up from the abyss that led into the dungeon, climbing ropes upwards. Now, sunlight shone down, and the robes were gone. Toren stood in the opening, staring up at the blue sky, a small thing high above.

He had to see her. Knowing, not knowinghe had to see her to believe it. And then? Toren looked at his sword. Part of him said no. Never. But the rest of him

She killed him. If he was alive. If she was alive, then

The skeleton stood silently, listening to the screaming voices in his mind. And his bones felt heavier than they ever had in his life. He looked up and thought of the inn. He felt his bones, burning magic. He couldnt go up there. Not for long. It was death.

But he had to know. The mask at Torens side whispered to him. It spoke of what he had learned. What she had experienced. Of teammates. Friendship.

Toren looked at the mask. He looked up. And the skeleton slowly lifted the mask. He inspected it for a moment, turning it, admiring it. Then, without a word, he tossed it on the ground.

She pulled his arm out, reaching for it. Toren pulled back. He resisted her. And slowly, fighting her, he raised a foot. And brought it down hard.

The mask shattered. The dry chitin, held together with webbing cracked, splintered apart. Toren screamed, silently. She lurched backwards

And he caught himself. Toren looked around. At the silent undead. He stared down at the broken mask. Listening for her. But there was only him. Perhapsperhaps there had always been only him. Maybe she was what he thought Erin was. Or maybe she was real.

But not right now. Right now, Toren only had one thing in mind. It overrode everything. And that was the thing. He could be anything. He had tried to be anything, a friend to adventurers, a skeleton who created rather than just killed. He could learn. Level. Grow.

But one thing had anchored him. Given him purpose. He had rebelled against her, hated her, and loved her too. In his way. She was the center of his being. The reason for his creation. There was one thing that gave Toren purpose, rooted him. Held him back, and pushed him forwards.

And that was Erin Solstice. She had so many things, so many people she loved. For others, she had dared death and given all that she had. But she had never extended the same to him. He, alone, had never had anything from her. He alone had always been a thing. And she had turned the bugs into people and saved Goblins.

But he, he alone. He had nothing from her. And he had tried to let her die. Perhaps it was fitting that she had tried to kill him from afar. If it was her.

And if it was her? Toren leaned against the wall and looked up. He had been a poor servant. But he had just wanted something from her. Something hed never had. He couldnt name it. The skeleton supposed that hed just wanted something like the way she smiled at the people who came to her inn. But that had been denied.

Perhaps she was dead. And that would be a terrible thing. For she had defined his world. He could still remember the song. But perhaps she was alive. And she had tried to kill him. And if so, if sohe would go above and find out.

Silently, the undead waited. Toren reached for his sword. He touched it, and then looked at the mask. It lay silent on the ground. And Toren felt an empty part in his being. Hed remake it. Hed change. Heddo something. But only if she was dead.

And if she lives? If she is alive?

Then

Toren knew so little. But he knew this. If she was the inspiration, the living, beating heart of the inn who acted according to her heart, he was her dark shadow. Erin was resolve, courage, and the audacity to do as she pleased, what she thought was right. And he? He was the dark side of her triumph. He was the mistake that had never died.

He was the consequence.