{"id":10009,"date":"2021-02-07T07:05:01","date_gmt":"2021-02-07T07:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=10009"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:02:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:02:12","slug":"8-05-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2021\/02\/07\/8-05-i\/","title":{"rendered":"8.05 I"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Trigger Warning. Click here for details.)<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wall Lord Ilvriss collapsed during a routine inspection of Mining Shaft #4 currently in the possession of the Gemscale family of Salazsar.<\/p>\n

It was, to all present, sudden. One second he was upright, frowning over the adamantine ore recently discovered in this valuable seam. He put a claw to his head, as if with a sudden migraine and then just folded up.<\/p>\n

One of the Gnoll [Foremen] caught him before he fell over. The next second there was chaos. Half the people present went running for a [Healer] or grabbed emergency potions\u2014tried to drag Ilvriss to a safe place.<\/p>\n

Within minutes, there was a crowd as all work halted. And rumor shot through the city faster than someone could run. People were saying that there was gas<\/em> in the mining shaft\u2014or that Ilvriss had been poisoned.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade, the Named Adventurer currently employed by Ilvriss, didn\u2019t make things any better. She materialized as if springing from a shadow, and drew her enchanted daggers on the Gnoll trying to check for Ilvriss\u2019 pulse.<\/p>\n

Until a [Healer] arrived from the Gemscale family and another new adjutant, Captain Shieldscale formerly of Pallass, no one could so much as touch Ilvriss. Shriekblade refused to let even a potion touch him.<\/p>\n

Wall Lord Ilvriss came around barely ten minutes later to the huge commotion. The [Healer] didn\u2019t detect either poison or malign magic, but she administered a healing-stamina tonic and he was back on his feet within a minute despite the offers to bear him by litter to the Gemscale family tower.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will accept a palanquin when I\u2019ve lost a leg, Foreman Graer, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord\u2019s words, and the incident, were all the talk in Salazsar for the rest of the day. Ilvriss himself arrived at the most reputable [Healer] in Salazsar within thirty minutes, taking the time to reassure people he was well and walk at a measured pace.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t end there, of course.<\/p>\n

It never did.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExtreme stress and fatigue. When did you last get a full night\u2019s sleep, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Renowned Tincturist], Merla Topaz, removed her Spectacles of Identification and put them securely in the padded case. She took a seat as the Wall Lord sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be joking, Healer Merla.\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned at him as she went around her cabinets, removing a little paper envelope and slipping some bright, transparent purple pills into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never do when it comes to medicine, Wall Lord. Stress. Fatigue. I\u2019ve seen it before. Your father never had it, but your grandfather did and countless Wall Lords and Ladies have suffered from the same. Stress, overwork\u2014I wouldn\u2019t have expected you to come down with it. Normally it manifests when a company is failing. And it\u2019s rarer among younger males of any species, but I am not wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

The purple-scaled Drake took a minute to sit there and process it. He couldn\u2019t believe it. Stress?<\/em> Of all the things\u2026<\/p>\n

It was both ignoble and embarrassing<\/em>. He didn\u2019t even remember fainting, just feeling weak for a moment and then\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re quite sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not poison gas? Lack of oxygen? It gets harder to breathe sometimes in the mining shafts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The old Drake, who had greying scales but a remarkably healthy body for her age of 80+, sighed. She could have passed for someone twenty years younger, a product of Skills, no doubt.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d like me to say so, Wall Lord, I will. This is of course confidential, but the city does like to gossip\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No. No, Healer Merla. Thank you for the consideration, but no.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wall Lord Ilvriss had to struggle for a second before saying that. He was tempted to say \u2018yes\u2019, but understood in a moment that trying to cover the real reason for his fainting was a pointless endeavor that would probably backfire in time.<\/p>\n

Stress. He stared at himself in the large mirror, which was an antique artifact used to diagnose patients. Merla had used Spectacles of Identification for bad spells, her own Skills and knowledge, and a Mirror of Wellness to confirm.<\/p>\n

The Mirror showed Ilvriss as he was, but also a faint fugue about him, dark, like fog. If he had been sick or poisoned, it would have marked parts of him beset by his ailments.<\/p>\n

It was a wonderful relic for a [Healer] of her level and reputation. Ilvriss wondered if it could show whether you were alive or not. Then again\u2014a good spy would never let themselves be taken to a [Healer] of Merla\u2019s standing.<\/p>\n

Unless she was undead. But that was another Waisrabbit hole you could get stuck down\u2014especially since the damned animals tended to collapse their burrows such that only a teleporting creature could \u2018hop\u2019 from section to section.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What, Healer Merla?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long since you had a good night\u2019s sleep, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake woman repeated herself patiently. Ilvriss frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI slept every day this week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor how long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026S\u2014F\u2014Three hours last night. But I took breaks throughout the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

He admitted reluctantly. Merla raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the rest of the week? Similar? You know stamina potions do not replace sleep, Wall Lord? And unless you were sleeping under the effects of a Skill, that seems too low, even for [Twofold Rest].\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss rubbed at his face. He had not been using Skills. It sounded bad when you said it outright, too. Glumly, he looked at the other Drake, with her faded rose-grey scales.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose the only cure is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRest, of course. Here are pills for two weeks. Take them\u2014sleep at least<\/em> eight hours each night. They should keep you down and out.\u201d<\/p>\n

He accepted the envelope and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Healer. It\u2019s just that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointedly folded her arms and Ilvriss hesitated. Of course, he was a Wall Lord, one of the richest families in Salazsar and the ruling class, since Salazsar was made up of only the Walled Families and had no higher power.<\/p>\n

And Merla, despite being a [Healer], was a citizen. However,<\/em> she had also tended to his family since he was a squalling Drake baby and you did not simply talk back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all must rest, Wall Lord. I can\u2019t do more than give you pills\u2014although that will keep you rested\u2014but there are ways to relieve stress or anxiety besides Calming Tonics\u2026I can make up a list if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited. Ilvriss shook his head after a moment and forced a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, Healer. I know the root of my\u2014weakness. I will deal with it and get proper rest, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw him off. No one spoke of payment; she\u2019d bill his family.<\/p>\n

There was a crowd outside, but Captain Shieldscale, or Osthia Blackwing as he knew her, had a carriage drawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo your tower, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Captain. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded at her; the bright blue-scaled Drake was more than capable after a few months in Salazsar. He noted a shadow detach herself from the clinic.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade. The observers drew back slightly as the blank-faced Named Adventurer walked forwards.<\/p>\n

They were an odd comparison. Wall Lord Ilvriss was a handsome Drake, one of the most eligible bachelors in the city, even if he\u2019d never really been a target for seduction of late, but still, tall, lean, and thought of as an example for the modern Drake to emulate. His corporation of the Gemscale family was flourishing, he could and had led armies, and was thus good at both economy and war, the two things Salazsar prized.<\/p>\n

He had royal purple scales crossed with dark red, and while not being Oldblood, was fairly ideal in most ways.<\/p>\n

On the other claw? Shriekblade was shorter, and had more scars than you could count on the visible parts of her body. She was a Named Adventurer and thus famous\u2014but she herself was infamous for being uncontrollable, completely mercenary, willing to switch employers for better pay, and essentially being a walking weapon you pointed at monsters or your enemies.<\/p>\n

\u201cTessa. Is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Healer Merla stopped in the doorway of her clinic. Shriekblade paused a moment in climbing into the carriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Healer Merla. I am Tessa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice was inflectionless. So much so it made some of the Drakes and Gnolls watching shudder. But Merla just looked concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve taken too many potions again. When did you last come in for a checkup?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFive months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you stop by tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am employed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShriek\u2014Adventurer Tessa. I believe Healer Merla should do a routine checkup. I will send her by tonight, Healer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade didn\u2019t react as she climbed into the carriage. Ilvriss sat as Captain Shieldscale ordered the driver to get the carriage moving. They\u2019d have to climb the tower on foot, but this separated them from the gossip and crowd for a moment.<\/p>\n

He sat, Shriekblade sitting across from him, and felt the prickle<\/em> on his scales even now. Here was danger. Danger under his employ, but still\u2014Shriekblade was a superlative blade expert. He had seen her fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Healer Merla and make use of her services, Adventurer Tessa?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded, once, looking at him then scanning the area for threats, even in the carriage. Shieldscale was riding with the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has attempted to treat me. I do not go to her anymore. She cannot help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The female Drake did not respond further. Ilvriss sat back.<\/p>\n

He was aware Shriekblade\u2014or Tessa, her infrequently used actual name\u2014was not\u2026well. Well, it was obvious. When she was not stone-faced and impassive, obeying orders with perfect detachment and disinterest, she was moody, dangerous, and nigh-uncontrollable. Her contract actually stipulated Ilvriss provide or pay for numerous Calming Tonics, Draughts of Serenity, Scrolls of Blank Mind, and so on.<\/p>\n

But she then took too many and became\u2026this. Well, Ilvriss preferred that to the female Drake who might stab her employer as she had done on six occasions, but neither was ideal.<\/p>\n

He cleared his throat for a topic of conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour remuneration, Shriekblade\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour pay. I assume it will go straight to the Healer of Tenbault?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade considered this and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I will go to her soon. When I have enough money. She will make me\u2026better.\u201d<\/p>\n

A note of some actual emotion flickered in her voice at this. Longing. Ilvriss nodded.<\/p>\n

It was all public knowledge to anyone who would ever hire her. Shriekblade charged extortionate fees, but she was afraid of nothing. And when she had saved up a small fortune, she visited the Healer of Tenbault, in the north.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u2026Healer. She seems to cure what ails you, Adventurer. But not permanently.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But she makes me all better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask how long this treatment lasts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMonths. Less.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade looked past him, uncomfortable for once. Ilvriss nodded. Something the Healer could do fixed Shriekblade, but not permanently.<\/p>\n

Well, it was not his business so he rode in silence, letting himself think of his collapse. An embarrassment. Shriekblade was content with the silence. He was paying her fees.<\/p>\n

If Ilvriss had one talent in this world, it was not his acumen with a blade. Shriekblade could be said to have a \u2018talent with the blade\u2019, and if she was talented, everyone else was a clod playing with magical sticks.<\/p>\n

Similarly, Ilvriss was not a strategic genius, an inspiring [General], nor political master, which all ran together sometimes. He could do<\/em> all of these things, but it wasn\u2019t where he stood out above all others.<\/p>\n

If he had one talent, it was making money. His power was the ability to fork over more gold than you could make in a lifetime. And to be fair, that was a pretty great power.<\/p>\n

Except if you were fighting the Necromancer of Izril in secret. Except if you remembered that gold, money, is an indirect way of applying influence. Power is the knife in your claws.<\/em><\/p>\n

In that sense, Shriekblade was entirely more powerful than Ilvriss. Take away her armor and gear, and she was still deadly. He couldn\u2019t even carry all his gold around, not even with the best bags of holding.<\/p>\n

It had never really bothered him before. Money paid for lessons, armies, bodyguards, artifacts! However, he was keenly aware of it now, where every passing person might be the Necromancer\u2019s agents.<\/p>\n

Where\u2026he closed his eyes and his head rested against the back of the carriage. He was tired. He hadn\u2019t realized it until he\u2019d passed out.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t as if the world had imploded. It had already done that. It was just\u2026he\u2019d forgotten, that was all.<\/p>\n

He had met Zel Shivertail, hated the Drake, thought all the rumors about him were true. A disgrace of a former war hero. Then he had learned to respect both the Tidebreaker\u2019s personal battle prowess and him as a person.<\/p>\n

Then he had died. And like him\u2014Ilvriss had made the same mistake twice.<\/p>\n

He had thought, believed in the myth of Erin Solstice. And there was something to believe. But neither she nor Zel were immortal.<\/p>\n

They died. Good people he counted on died, and it felt like Ilvriss\u2019 personal tower, like the many rising, vast skyscrapers of the mountain-city, the Walled City of Salazsar\u2014it felt like each time they died, another support was lost.<\/p>\n

Zel Shivertail.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n

Periss Veldant.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wall Lady Navine Gemscale, younger sister of Ilvriss, found herself in rare company as she paced in the Gemscale family residence at the top of their tower.<\/p>\n

That was to say, she stood with both Zail and Helessia, her father and mother, present. They rarely met.<\/p>\n

Both were old. And both were\u2014assisted. Although it was interesting to see in which way they chose to rely on help.<\/p>\n

Zail had hired help, loyal Gemscale Drakes who helped him when he was lost, guarded him\u2014until he escaped them. Also, artifacts.<\/p>\n

He stood tall, but wounds and age had worn at him. There was a huge scar on his chest that his clothes only partly hid. On his head, more noticeable, an indentation practically devoid of scales. A place where he had been struck in battle that had never quite healed.<\/p>\n

Helessia on the other hand was physically unmarked\u2014save by sickness that kept her bedridden. Her bed actually floated<\/em>, and it had been escorted here. Similarly, she had her own attendants, mostly who helped administer medicines.<\/p>\n

Time had driven the couple apart, and there was a definite split in the Gemscale family. There had been for a long time.<\/p>\n

Navine controlled her own company, less successful than the main Gemscale holdings, but profitable. Liberal,<\/em> just as her policies were, or so her detractors claimed. She and Helessia were in a pro-Human movement\u2014which was to say they opposed continual war with Humans. That was pro-Human sentiments among the Drakes, as extreme as you got.<\/p>\n

Zail on the other hand was a traditionalist who believed in the power of Salazsar. And until recently, Ilvriss had been a loyal follower of his father\u2019s ideals.<\/p>\n

Well\u2026he still probably was. Navine did not get along with Ilvriss, even if he was less grating than before. His sojourn abroad had changed him more than any of his other military expeditions or trips.<\/p>\n

She was here, though. Because they were family despite it all and Drakes stuck together. She lashed her tail as her two parents made small talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoison in the mines. It must be. Good Wall Lords have died to that before. He shouldn\u2019t go in person. No need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zail was talking, having repeated himself twice in the last twenty minutes. Helessia sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mines should be safe, Zail. I wonder what it is. Captain Shieldscale said he is on his way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis new assistant, Zail. He\u2019s introduced you before.\u201d<\/p>\n

A moment of confusion\u2014then guilt\u2014crossed Zail\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I recall her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Navine wondered if Ilvriss was bedding this<\/em> new Drake. It fit his old ways; she knew about his relationship with the late Periss, his second-in-command. But she somehow doubted it. Shieldscale and Ilvriss were too\u2026familiar, if that made sense. Familiar, and yet not intimate.<\/em><\/p>\n

Another mystery of why he\u2019d bother scouting a Pallassian [Captain] anyways. She wasn\u2019t high-<\/em>level, just decent.<\/p>\n

Besides which, Navine had thought she\u2019d known why Ilvriss had changed. It came down to Liscor. And the reason for his collapse? The same.<\/p>\n

Humans.<\/em> It was always Humans, one way or the other. Even so\u2014Navine wouldn\u2019t have believed it. But it fit. And as Ilvriss strode into the apartments and stopped as he saw his entire immediate family present, she solidified that hint in her mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cStress?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Helessia looked appalled. Zail, horrified. To him, there could be nothing more embarrassing than being brought low by something as weak as stress.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a bad display, father, mother. I will make another inspection, tour the mines and thank them for their help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow. You must rest if stress has eaten you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Helessia insisted. Ilvriss nodded. Zail peered at Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

\u201cLack of sleep did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA week or two of it, father. I\u2014recalled that I\u2019d barely slept more than three or four hours the entire week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Helessia made a dismayed sound. Zail blinked a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were never insomniac. Is it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He caught himself. Navine nodded and poured some wine for herself.<\/p>\n

Ancestors.<\/em> She hadn\u2019t believed it. But he really had fallen for a female Human<\/em> in Liscor. Given her his ring<\/em> and everything! He kept claiming it was a gesture of respect, not romantic bonds, but everyone knew the modern customs.<\/p>\n

And more\u2014she knew the Human was dead. She even knew her name, now.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice. An [Innkeeper]. Ilvriss kept talking to his family, glancing at her, but she only told him she\u2019d been concerned. He thanked her, stiffly. And they went on with their lives.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was not as if Erin Solstice alone had laid the Wall Lord low. Indeed, weeks had passed since the news of her death. A Summer Solstice that had brought tragedy even to Salazsar\u2026<\/p>\n

A hundred and twelve miscarriages. People were wearing white armbands, still. Salazsar had joined the Drakes of Izril in sending more aid, more reinforcements to Rhir. And more to come. But they were debating that.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss had been working, before and after the news came. And it had not been him throwing himself into his work either that did it.<\/p>\n

But he was burning his candle at all ends, including the middle. He worked<\/em> for almost all of his day when not exercising, eating, or, increasingly seldom, sleeping.<\/p>\n

He worked in his company with Alrric, his Gnoll [Administrator], making sure they were making a profit. Then he visited his secret task force authorized by Salazsar, training new [Soldiers], equipping them in secret.<\/p>\n

And then\u2014unbeknownst to all, he would join Osthia Blackwing in poring over records, details, trying to track suspicious payments, links to Regrika Blackpaw or a certain location\u2014looking into mysterious absences or strange breaks in other important Drakes\u2019 past lives over the last two decades\u2014or more!<\/p>\n

Some time in between all of this, and his frequent conversations with his father, Zail, or entertaining his closest friends, Ilvriss would find time to fit in sword practice, or do research into other cities\u2019 battle tactics. Historical records and stories about wars with undead of old.<\/p>\n

He had done this since he had come back. Work, work, and for a change, intense<\/em> work. And perhaps that had been taking its invisible toll the entire time.<\/p>\n

But it seemed more to those that knew Ilvriss that the news of two weeks ago had simply\u2026removed something that had been keeping it all from overwhelming him.<\/p>\n

Hope, perhaps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wall Lord Ilvriss took a purple pill early in the night, after assuring his family he was well, sending word to Alrric to pass out some puffers or a good vintage to the mining crew he\u2019d been with as an apology, reschedule all his appointments, send word to his well-wishers and friends\u2026<\/p>\n

He sat in his bed, popped the pill Healer Merla had given into his mouth, put his head back\u2014<\/p>\n

And woke up with the sun shining down on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did she give<\/em> me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord blinked and struggled out of his bed. He felt\u2026well, a bit more alive, but groggy, as his body began to protest getting more sleep than it was used to.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord? Do you wish breakfast? It\u2019s two hours past your usual time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the employed Drakes\u2014not servants<\/em>, Drakes were particular about that\u2014greeted Ilvriss as he strode out of his room in some robes. He rubbed at his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you. I\u2019ll take it in the dining room. And please send Captain Shieldscale to me\u2014tell Master Zelir I will be delayed, with apologies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had a speedy breakfast of Solin Chop\u2014a rather fancy take on a classic dish. Wherein you took a tomato, a large one, in this case a Veil Tomato from Noelictus, chewier, more succulent, and hollowed it. You re-filled it with, well, a meat and\/or grain mixture. Gave it the obvious spice and toppings, which could be cheese, a gravy in this case, and surrounded it with appetizers.<\/p>\n

It was a good meal and Ilvriss sped through it, despite the hard work of the [Chef] his family employed.<\/p>\n

Osthia appeared halfway through the meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

She bowed, although Ilvriss had told her in private to drop the need for formalities. But the staff were hovering; no doubt worried about him. So he greeted her in their coded parlance which was second nature by now.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Shieldscale. Anything to report today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing of note, sir. Although we were going to speak on Gemscale\u2019s standing forces. If you\u2019d like to delay that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll meet you in the evening. Thank you, Captain. I\u2019ll leave you to your duties until then.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded as Ilvriss sighed. Nothing of note meant she hadn\u2019t uncovered another potential spy by the Necromancer\u2014or identified someone they had<\/em> to get on the secret task force\u2019s side. She also looked for artifacts, through the histories, just like he did.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent breakfast. My apologies for the rush, but I must be about my day. I\u2019ll take my lunch while working. Please tell my father I might not have time to meet today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

They nodded to him and he left. The Wall Lord strode out of his tower and across the interconnected bridges that crisscrossed the spires of Salazsar.<\/p>\n

Built into the mountain. Built out<\/em> of the mountain, where the Drakes and Gnolls dug and added to the city constantly. Salazsar, founded on the richest gem and mineral seam in the world. And Ilvriss, at the top of the world.<\/p>\n

He descended to a lower point as the tower widened. Sky-terraces were common, and each spire contained the upper classes; the bottom of the city was manufacturing, public residences, and so on.<\/p>\n

The training court was about eighty feet down, and he took a side staircase to avoid people asking if he was well. No doubt gossip would have him repeating the events and assuring people all week.<\/p>\n

Not that the Drake he was going to visit didn\u2019t bring it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cStress, eh? I told you to rest, Ilvriss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Master-Trainer Zelir, a high-level [Weapon Trainer], struck at Ilvriss cautiously to test him. Ilvriss parried and riposted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did, Master Zelir. I should have taken your advice. Thank you for waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, well. My best student says he wants to improve?<\/em> What am I to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was old. Not as old as Merla, but Ilvriss was noting how many pivotal Drakes in his life were old.<\/p>\n

The ones who were younger were dead.<\/em><\/p>\n

His blade faltered and the other Drake flicked his sword through the gap. Ilvriss leaned back, with a curse. The tip caught his practice armor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSloppy. If I was carrying an enchanted blade, you\u2019d be bleeding. And if I was a [Duelist], that would be enchanted with Evercut and<\/em> poison. So I walk away and\u2026you\u2019re dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir demonstrated, stepping back and spreading his arm and training sword. Ilvriss sighed, and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy attention\u2019s lacking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you did collapse. The body can\u2019t just recover in a day. But we train to fight at our worst.<\/em> So\u2014concentrate!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir was a mix of encouraging and stern. He had been Ilvriss\u2019 weapon instructor since the Drake was a boy. Zail had hired him and the old mentor had been the one to make Ilvriss a fine duelist.<\/p>\n

Among the Drake nobility. But Ilvriss had brought his trusted Coldedge Longsword to a duel with Zel Shivertail and the [General] had taken him to pieces without his elite escort.<\/p>\n

Fair was fair\u2014that was<\/em> a Drake war hero, but Ilvriss recounted the moment to Zelir during a break.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I ever tell you how Zel Shivertail beat me in our battle, Master Zelir?\u201d<\/p>\n

The old Drake\u2019s eyes sparked with interest. He wasn\u2019t too<\/em> old compared to Ilvriss; he had about ten or fifteen years at most, and his Skills kept him fresh.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me. You kept your guard up, I hope? Wasn\u2019t over in a flash? I\u2019m told he just charges in and has most enemies to rights in seconds. His claws\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He used both, obviously, so it was me keeping him back and trying to score decisive strikes while he blocked and kept closing. He didn\u2019t charge<\/em>\u2014not after the first encounter. He actually parried a lot of my blows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir had always been a fan of Zel Shivertail, not least because they had the same name root. He leaned on his practice sword as Ilvriss demonstrated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he knew my sword was leeching his strength with every cut. Frost and Torpor enchantments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmart. He\u2019s no [Duelist]\u2026was no [Duelist]\u2026how did he take you down, then? It sounds like it was your battle to lose. Yes, he has two claws for one sword, but you have a longsword\u2019s reach and enchantment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought. I touched him about eight times. Guess what he did? He baited me into thinking he was slowing more than I thought. I was wary of course, but then he knocked my blade down. I was ready for him to kick or slash at me. He feinted a kick\u2014then hurled snow into my face with his tail. <\/em>Next thing I know, he has my sword arm and\u2026well, you can imagine how well I did after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d been a training dummy for the next three minutes. He\u2019d refused to let go of his sword, but Zel Shivertail had refused to let go of his arm. Zelir laughed until he caught himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em> That\u2019s how he got you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss gave him a wry grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was furious at the time, as I recall. I refused to surrender. I think I told the Tidebreaker to his face that \u2018a [General] does not brawl\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are, then. But you\u2019re wiser than you were then. Or you wouldn\u2019t put it like that. And if you did\u2014I\u2019d set you straight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir swished his blade. Ilvriss nodded and set himself. They exchanged more blows, pivoting for strikes, and Ilvriss scored a point. He was about matched with Zelir without Skills, but of course, the Drake was more than just his individual ability with the blade.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Practice is done. Now, let\u2019s get to actual work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Weapon Trainer] adjusted his stance. Ilvriss copied him. First the Drake performed a slow strike, then let Ilvriss watch him from the side. The Wall Lord tried to copy the new movement. He moved through the different motions of attack and defense, while Zelir watched, critically.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re progressing through the Llevian school quickly. But you\u2019re going to have to switch and start practicing only<\/em> in that style soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long until then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. One more week. Are you doing those sword cuts\u2026? No, I shouldn\u2019t tell you to do that if you\u2019ve been pushing yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI practice at least a hundred times when I can. I won\u2019t slack. Not when it\u2019s my neck on the line.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir nodded approvingly.<\/p>\n

The Llevian school was a sword-style invented by Drakes. It had a completely different approach to combat than, well, the traditionalist methods of attack and defense.<\/p>\n

Sword schools, blade arts, were generally Skills one picked up. Deliberately learning<\/em> and mastering an entire school of fighting wasn\u2019t done. For instance, Zelir hadn\u2019t taught Ilvriss to do that; he\u2019d grounded Ilvriss like he would any basic [Warrior].<\/p>\n

It was practicality; the young Wall Lord hadn\u2019t had an entire lifetime to devote to the sword school, which was sometimes what you needed. Why learn to parry this exact way<\/em> when you could learn to cut, thrust, for whichever method suited the occasion?<\/p>\n

Two reasons. The first was that a sword school, a good one, gave you a defense and attack for every occasion. Even so, the polyglot fighting style of most [Warriors] trumped specialization with its strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\n

Except that a master in a particular fighting style would unlock its unique Skills and abilities. <\/em>Ilvriss focused on the two-handed blade style of the Llevian School, which actually drew from axe-style downward sweeps. You tried to ground<\/em> your opponent\u2019s blade by parrying in one direction, and capitalize in that moment.<\/p>\n

It was an unusual style and Zelir had been surprised when Ilvriss brought out old Gemscale teaching manuals. But he\u2019d been willing to teach Ilvriss the style.<\/p>\n

It was one suited for fighting opponents armed with axes, revolving around nimble, graceful strikes. Footwork was as important as parrying.<\/p>\n

And it was also good against oversized opponents like undead.<\/em> Ilvriss didn\u2019t mention that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that you wanted to learn an entire school of swordsmanship\u2026did you feel like your training wasn\u2019t good enough? That\u2019s on me, although even I wouldn\u2019t expect my best student to take on the Tidebreaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir commented from the side. Ilvriss grunted as his muscles adjusted, trying to work the new attack pattern into his body and subconscious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you, Zelir. Rather\u2014I just felt like I was relying on my artifacts too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine for a Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Well, I can\u2019t fault that. You\u2019re moving too slowly, even for practice in the Denial of Action. Try again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss did. This was an old school that Drakes<\/em> had invented, and as such also taught you how to guard your tail in combat. Also\u2014unpleasantly or practically\u2014it had a number of strikes designed to de-tail your opponent. He\u2019d declined to learn those.<\/p>\n

His enemy was Human and used the bodies of all species.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The practice took an hour and Ilvriss was sore afterwards. He refused to use a healing potion though; it erased your hard work. Zelir nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSame time tomorrow, then? So you can sleep properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA moment, Master Zelir? I wanted to consult with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake paused. He looked to the door of the outdoor training court, dizzyingly high up\u2014although protected with enchantments. Still\u2026there were no guard rails so you could walk over the edge<\/em> of the training grounds. The spells would catch you, but Ilvriss had no fear of heights after many sessions sparring on the edge of the training court. A Salazsarian bladesman could fight you on the edge of a cliff.<\/p>\n

They sat together, dangling their legs over the edge of the training court. Below them, people were specks<\/em> or walking on far distant bridges below. Ilvriss smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used to make me do this all the time for our talks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir had advised a young, sometimes moody or frustrated Ilvriss, growing up. The old trainer grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTimes never change. How can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss glanced sideways. Now, here was a Drake with better swordsmanship than his. Solid, reliable. He wasn\u2019t the highest-<\/em>leveled Drake in the city, but he was over Level 30. Yes, he wouldn\u2019t be as large an asset as Shriekblade\u2026but you could trust Zelir.<\/p>\n

Why not him?<\/em> Ilvriss had a list. It was only in his head. But it had Osthia, himself, and tentatively, Shriekblade for things she could do that she wouldn\u2019t ask questions about.<\/p>\n

It was time to expand that list. He\u2019d dithered and wavered and tried to be sure<\/em> but\u2014the Summer Solstice and the events just before that had shown him time was running out.<\/p>\n

I should have hired bodyguards. I should have put money into the inn. I could have hired a Gold-rank team to guard the place every hour of the day. Why didn\u2019t I?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou had a question, Ilvriss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir prompted Ilvriss. The Wall Lord looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026hunting for high-level people, Zelir. In Salazsar. This is confidential to the Walled Families\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Weapon Trainer] gave a serious nod. Ilvriss\u2019 cover was the anti-Antinium task force, and even this was secret to Zelir. Ilvriss briefly explained and the Drake whistled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you need some high-level Drakes to fight\u2026? Well, if you wanted my sword, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m not the best! Not that I wouldn\u2019t mind having more students.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave Ilvriss a sideways glance. The Wall Lord smiled at the testing look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, actually. But Zelir\u2014beyond you. I\u2019ve looked around the city and\u2026why are there so few high-level Drakes in Salazsar? It feels like there\u2019s no one exceptional<\/em> I can call on in our standing forces. Excellent soldiers and companies, don\u2019t get me wrong. But high-level [Warriors]? Shriekblade is an exception, but\u2014do you see my point?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do indeed, lad. That is\u2014Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss ignored the reflexive name. Zelir went on after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s common to Drake cities. We have high-level [Commanders], a few heroes, extraordinary adventurers like Saliss of Lights, Shriekblade\u2026but we do have less outstanding individuals in our armed forces. It\u2019s mostly to do with our military style compared to Humans. Do you understand what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss tilted his head as he watched a bird fly past and give the two Drakes a side-eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, the fact that our [Soldiers] aren\u2019t Human militias?\u201d<\/p>\n

Drakes kept larger standing armies and drilled their [Soldiers] more extensively than the north\u2019s conscripted armies, which each [Lord] had. Their City Watches, for instance, were tied into the army\u2019s strength. Zelir nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Efficiency. Nothing like a Drake spear wall to hold a line. It\u2019s what we\u2019re known for\u2026even small cities have organized and drilled [Soldiers], especially compared to the Humans. Our Watch gets funding and training while theirs can be corrupt or good or bad. We have standards<\/em>. It occurs to me we might have gone too far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake smoothed his neck spines as he tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s say there\u2019s a monster attack. Who sorts it out? The Watch in the south as much as adventurers. So we have less adventurers. Let\u2019s say there\u2019s a battle and a spear group is faltering. We pull them back\u2014because we can, because they\u2019re trained to fall back\u2014and throw in a new one. We don\u2019t abandon<\/em> them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman armies though\u2026sometimes they gamble. Here\u2019s a group of conscripts with swords and shields and a month\u2019s practice. Throw them in, bail them out with a [Knight] charge if you can. Sure, many die. But the ones who survive level.<\/em> They have [Knights] and poor infantry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss got it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they\u2019re creating ways for individuals to excel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.<\/em> And between you and me, lad. Drakes make it so that everyone can perform to standard. But we sometimes make it harder to stand out because of that. Not that it\u2019s a bad thing to do it this way, but it does change how levels work. Everyone\u2019s a bit higher\u2026and less people are highest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir gave Ilvriss a long look. What he said in privacy might be seditious\u2014in other companies, in another city. Ilvriss just sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve observed.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had scoured the ranks of Salazsar\u2019s command for people he could snap up that wouldn\u2019t be missed. He couldn\u2019t take their best [General] to go running around fighting secret wars. But it meant that everyone below wasn\u2019t much better than Osthia. And she was good\u2026<\/p>\n

But he needed exceptionalism.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Master Zelir. I\u2019ll see you tomorrow. Same time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo long as you sleep in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake chuckled as he rose. Ilvriss nodded to him. Tomorrow, he\u2019d ask Zelir to join his army of three. The old Drake might not be young or as high-level, but Ilvriss would arm him in artifacts. That would help.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The problem of high-level individuals Ilvriss brought up to Alrric again, as he visited the company.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll visit the mining crews and not faint this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you like, Wall Lord. But if you do<\/em> faint a second time, I\u2019m going to have to ban you from doing inspections. Our current seam is giving us adamantium along with gems and I can\u2019t have you holding us up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss smiled at that and Alrric grinned for a moment. It was a jest at Ilvriss\u2019 expense, and a sign of the new working relationship. Alrric had been wary at first, but now he seemed more at home\u2014and they had worked together for a long time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is the family doing? I hope I didn\u2019t hold you up with my collapse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell. And I got back to them on time. My daughter, Sidinel, is getting to be a handful. She wants to travel about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy herself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHerself, her friends, with us\u2014young Gnolls, no, young people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric sighed. Ilvriss nodded without any personal experience into the matter, as non-parents did when told about parent-things.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, about one of my requests, Alrric.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one? Sourcing the Potion of Regeneration or high-level recruits?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss paused.<\/p>\n

He had received Lyonette\u2019s [Message] when Erin was hurt. On that day, in that very hour, he had opened the Gemscale vaults and inspected every inch of it.<\/p>\n

They had hoarded gold, gemstones, and artifacts. More than you thought. Less than Ilvriss would have liked, to be honest. The problem was that Drakes did use artifacts throughout the years and a Potion of Regeneration?<\/p>\n

If they had had one, Zail would have used it.<\/em> They had none.<\/p>\n

And getting one was tricky.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes anyone else have one in their vaults?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric put down his quill. He scrubbed at some ink on his brown fur, then stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made inquiries, Ilvriss. Few Walled Families are willing to even give me a straight answer, but Wall Lord Meiss is the only one who has one\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he won\u2019t sell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss nodded. He\u2019d tried. But who was going to sell an heirloom artifact that couldn\u2019t be produced in this world? Ten thousand gold pieces? Go stuff it up your tail. A hundred thousand, even? Not even close.<\/p>\n

A million?<\/em> Well, that might be enough to turn a head, but it was still a priceless relic. And there were limits to even Ilvriss\u2019 largess.<\/p>\n

He put that aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh-leveled individuals. Anyone? I was talking with Master Zelir\u2014my [Weapon Trainer]\u2014about the issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric consulted his notes. That was the power of an [Administrator]. He took the need, found people who could do the job, and had it done and waiting the next day.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see. High-level. High-level\u2026no one new in military matters, I\u2019m afraid. You know every Level 40+ combat-rated individual in all of Salazsar. I\u2019m sorry, Ilvriss. But at that level you pretty much have to hire them. A [General] bounces between cities, or [Swordsmasters]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss was well familiar with how Drake cities enticed good warriors and leaders. Every nation did it. Pallass had stolen Pelt when he\u2019d been on the market, for instance. And he didn\u2019t want the public bidding war that always ensued. He didn\u2019t want mercenaries.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grumpily sat back, putting down his signed documents for filing. He felt like he was chasing his own tail. Day in, day out, it was all incremental progress. He needed action.<\/em> He needed\u2026to do something. Now.<\/p>\n

Alrric cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it helps, Ilvriss\u2014this problem isn\u2019t unique to Salazsar\u2019s military. Your instructor? What did he say about Drakes and leveling?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss repeated the contents of the conversation and Alrric nodded. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, that\u2019s true. \u2018No exceptions, just exceptional averageness.\u2019<\/em> Your instructor\u2019s take strikes me as eminently correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a quote.\u201d<\/p>\n

The purple-scaled drake raised one eyebrow. Alrric blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. Have you heard of the tale of Salii the [Secretary]?\u201d<\/p>\n

The name was familiar. Ilvriss sat forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t she responsible for the Ruby Run\u2026six years back? Practically quadrupled the holdings of her company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just from that. Yes, she was as good as they came. Better than me, although I wasn\u2019t as good as I am at the time. The highest-leveled [Secretary] in all of Salazsar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s not here. Didn\u2019t she go to another city?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll licked his finger pad and flicked a piece of paper over.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. She went to Chandrar. Pomle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026The training ground for [Martial Artists]? Why?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric looked up with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said it was to improve herself. To challenge<\/em> herself and keep leveling. Did you know that along with Salazsar, she worked in Manus, Zeres, and<\/em> Fissival? All for only a year or two. She came in, took the hardest jobs at low pay, and when she had things running right<\/em>, she quit and left. Right when she succeeded. Right when it got easy.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss sat back. His mouth opened and his tail stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo level up. That\u2019s\u2026extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe left a mark. Even now, someone says they \u2018got a Salii\u2019 when they get a diamond in the rough. If you wanted to improve anything, you should get her. Although I doubt she wants to return to Salazsar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss grimaced. Recruiting from other cities was hard enough. Other continents?<\/p>\n

\u201cSee if you can get in touch with her. Do they even have [Mages] over there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has a Scroll of [Messages]. I\u2019ll have it linked to you for later. Speaking of which, I have a shortlist of unique individuals you could grab from around Izril\u2019s south. Nothing special. Level 30+, all of them. A [Spearmaster], a [Master Archer], a [Lancer]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look it over later. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss sat back with a sigh. Salii the [Secretary]. There was something to it. But a [Secretary] wouldn\u2019t be useful against the Necromancer.<\/p>\n

\u2026Right?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ilvriss visited Osthia after concluding his work with Alrric. He didn\u2019t waste time as he entered the private work rooms he\u2019d sequestered to plan his countering the Necromancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to add some standing forces to your command, Osthia.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up. Her blue-dyed scales itched<\/em>, but she could scratch here, stretch, and so on.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so, Ilvriss? Also\u2014Shriekblade\u2019s gone missing. I think she\u2019s off her potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stopped. He looked around and realized Shriekblade hadn\u2019t stopped outside the rooms like normal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was walking around and didn\u2019t even notice her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Osthia grimaced. Shriekblade was Ilvriss\u2019 bodyguard as well as an agent in their war, but she was normally Ilvriss\u2019 shadow.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t report this morning. I think she\u2019s\u2026erratic. I\u2019ll check on her tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiding in her room, threatening to kill Osthia if she entered.<\/em> Stuff like that. Ilvriss rubbed at his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee to that, thank you. And I\u2019ll get you more subordinates. Not ones you can tell the secret to\u2014but ones under your direct command.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho? More Gemscale soldiers? Your sister already wants to know why I have a hundred for being your bodyguard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gemscale family had their own standing forces, but Ilvriss shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy family doesn\u2019t employ high-level [Guards] or [Warriors]. If they were\u2014they\u2019d find other work. No, we\u2019re going to get an elite group\u2014so you can at least take down monsters, and other threats. I wanted you to come with me so they know who to report to. It won\u2019t take more than thirty minutes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Elite group? Osthia hesitated. She tried not to roll her eyes\u2014then remembered she and Ilvriss weren\u2019t subordinate and commander in the same sense as in the army. She coughed into a claw and Ilvriss looked at her as he went for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to offend Salazsar or this group, Ilvriss, but we have a saying in Pallass. \u2018Every unit\u2019s elite until we kick their tails in.\u2019 If this is like one of Pallass\u2019 elite groups\u2014every army has them. I\u2026don\u2019t know if it\u2019s going to be that<\/em> helpful compared to the one you have in training.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that one would take months more of drilling, for all most had [Enhanced Strength] or [Greater Toughness]. They had potential, but no battle experience and training.<\/p>\n

Far from being offended at the insinuation, Ilvriss only smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpecialized infantry, then, Osthia. And I think they might meet your standards. Here. Follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Curious, she rose and followed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ilvriss took her down through his tower and into one of the central ones. A shared spire, for the power of the Walled Families.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is true that \u2018elite\u2019 gets tossed around a lot, Captain Shieldscale. But unlike other groups, the Walled Families of Salazsar don\u2019t keep individual standing forces of renown. Rather, we pool our strength. So we have a different system\u2026here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

They had entered one of the military areas of Salazsar. Their city wasn\u2019t as proactive as say, Pallass\u2019, and had fewer armies, but they were still good. Strong.<\/p>\n

And they answered to Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord! Can I assist you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

A [Lieutenant] on desk-dusty straightened and saluted as Ilvriss and Osthia approached. She glanced at \u2018Captain Shieldscale\u2019, but she seemed perfectly at home with Ilvriss\u2019 rank, somewhere around [General]. He could, after all, call upon an army if he wished.<\/p>\n

How strange other cities were. Osthia listened.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant, I\u2019d like to buy into one of our Gem Regiments. I\u2019d like one battalion-strength group of the Occum Swords if they\u2019re available.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake grimaced as Osthia listened, bewildered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have to consult my notes, but I am almost certain they\u2019re on deployment with our 1st<\/sup> Army, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPity. Then\u2014are the Erchirite Spears available?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt battalion-strength? Certainly. And what will you need them for? Duration?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndefinite, and I will pay for four months if that is acceptable. Guard duty and perhaps monster-slaying, without ruling out fighting. No plans for full-scale engagements.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake didn\u2019t even blink as she noted all this down.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Here\u2019s my figure for the payment, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss glanced at the number on the piece of paper. Osthia gulped. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone. Send it to Alrric in my company. Also, I\u2019d like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord Ilvriss, please excuse me, but what<\/em> is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

Osthia burst out, bewildered. The [Lieutenant]\u2019s brows shot up, but both she and Ilvriss smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimple. I\u2019m hiring an \u2018elite\u2019 group, Captain Shieldscale. Or rather, the specially armed Gem Regiments of Salazsar. Surely you\u2019ve heard of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. But\u2014you can just hire them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are paid for by all of the Walled Families. It costs more to hire them, and Salazsar can recall them if need be, but it allows for some level of equipment. Exceptional averageness I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss sighed, and Osthia didn\u2019t get that part. But then he was looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs one of the [Battle Captains] on duty, Lieutenant? Perhaps Captain Shieldscale can see the Drakes she\u2019ll be leading.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sir. I have a Captain Presz on duty. I will have him called up and the Erchirite Spears assembled directly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d also like to draw on\u2026sixteen Rubirel Guard. Same duration. Bodyguard duty. Both forces report to Captain Shieldscale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Erchirite Spears were<\/em> elite. And Osthia wouldn\u2019t be disparaging the four hundred Ilvriss had paid for. They were lined up, ready to do whatever needed doing.<\/p>\n

Made of [Veteran Soldiers] who won the right to enlist in the safer, much more well-paid Gem Regiments. Also?<\/p>\n

Enchanted armor, enchanted weapons.<\/em> Osthia stared in envy at what money could buy you from the richest Walled City in Izril.<\/p>\n

Captain Presz saluted her, and then showed her his spear.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach one\u2019s expensive as they get, Captain Shieldscale. Hence our small regiments. Take a look. Mithril<\/em>-alloy shafts, and the tip is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He indicated the topaz-like mineral stuck to the top. Only, it was charged<\/em> and Osthia knew better than to touch it. It wasn\u2019t as transparent as topaz, but had an inner sparkle.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEchirite. Stores and releases electricity when struck. Without protection, a full unleash from one of our units is like a [Chain Lightning] spell in battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake grinned as the [Soldiers] stood to attention. Osthia imagined what it was like to charge into that<\/em> group\u2014or suffer a spear-charge.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it back, Wall Lord. That\u2019s a fine fighting force.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder your command. Battle Captain, Captain Shieldscale is my commanding officer. I don\u2019t expect you\u2019ll be doing more than relaxing for the short interim, but she has my full authority.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Battle Captain] saluted.<\/p>\n

\u201cA pleasure, Captain Shieldscale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t interfere in tactical decisions until I know your unit, Captain Presz. And I\u2019ll try to listen to the expert in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hastened to assure him and the Drake smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Captain. It\u2019s a tossup on who we get commanding us. And I understand you\u2019ll be taking the Rubirel Guard, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSixteen. They\u2019re heavily-armored, Captain Shieldscale.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were indeed. The Drakes were like the Flamewardens of Pallass, a former group of heavy-infantry Oldbloods that Osthia had once known.<\/p>\n

But rather than relying on Oldbloods, the Rubirel Guard exchanged the ability to breathe fire for the ability to survive\u2026anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnclosed helmets with sight spells. Internal air reservoirs. No [Snipers] putting an arrow through the arrowslits. Heavy\u2014but we can still swing battleaxes. Toss us into fighting, Captain. Toss some [Poison Cloud] spells in too; we don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t make us sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of them joked around. Osthia nodded, impressed.<\/p>\n

This is the kind of force I want to take against the Necromancer.<\/em> If they had ten thousand of them\u2014she\u2019d be talking about when to siege his castle. But they were expensive and hard to field. There were fewer than a thousand among all of Salazsar\u2019s army, mostly as shock troopers or bodyguards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The high-powered Gem Regiments he\u2019d paid for made Ilvriss feel like he\u2019d done something. But he didn\u2019t have a target to hit; the instant he went after the Necromancer, he suffered.<\/p>\n

At least they\u2019d get some battle experience. Alrric and Osthia would use them to kill monsters that appeared while the mining teams worked. He almost pitied even Crelers running up against the Rubirel Guard. Almost. Actually\u2014not at all.<\/p>\n

But the problem of high-level, trustworthy people remained. So frustrating.<\/em> Once you had good people, you could have them do work, like Ilvriss was trusting Osthia. But he had even relegated his old adjutants to other duties because he wasn\u2019t sure<\/em>, and he couldn\u2019t watch them all without first having his good, core team.<\/p>\n

Zelir would be the first. So why\u2026did Ilvriss feel as though his mentor wasn\u2019t enough?<\/p>\n

Perhaps because this battle isn\u2019t one you can win with a fancy sword art.<\/em><\/p>\n

He was rubbing at his head and debating taking a purple pill so he could work early tomorrow when someone called upon him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIlvriss! Ilvriss\u2014we\u2019ve come to kidnap you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord nearly drew his sword before he recognized the familiar, jovial tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cTasilt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasilt and Brilm, the two Wall Lords that Ilvriss had known growing up and were around his age, were waiting for him in the foyer of the Gemscale residence.<\/p>\n

Tasilt and Brilm. Alike and not. Both enjoyed, well, fine things as most people of money did. Brilm loved novelty, curios from afar like the song-gems he\u2019d invested in and were making a big profit.<\/p>\n

Tasilt? He was more into wine, libations, enjoying himself.<\/p>\n

But Brilm, a bit pudgy for a Drake, was far more conservative than Tasilt, who had married a Gnoll and scandalized<\/em> Salazsar. Tasilt by comparison had put Ilvriss onto hiring Alrric and was an easygoing, good-natured Drake.<\/p>\n

Of the two, Ilvriss trusted Tasilt to be honest and moral. He trusted Brilm to show him something interesting.<\/p>\n

He liked both of them, even if he had little time to be a friend at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say, Tasilt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKidnap.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake winked, without realizing why that had alarmed Ilvriss. Brilm chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be more precise\u2014we\u2019re the two who are going to save you. From yourself. Don\u2019t try and resist! We\u2019re armed!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss eyed Brilm\u2019s side, knowing the Drake could barely use the enchanted sword. Tasilt was better, but neither had studied the sword as much as he did. Then again\u2014Tasilt had been in bar brawls with Ilvriss as a young Drake and he was good with his fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what am I being kidnapped for? I have [Healer]\u2019s orders to rest up. Stress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. Stress.<\/em> As if overwork could lay low the mighty Ilvriss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Brilm\u2019s tone was mocking and teasing. Tasilt just looked at Ilvriss, brows raised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been overdoing it. If you try to resist, we\u2019ll have to use force.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll tell your mother that you\u2019re overworking yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss knew it was only Tasilt who could come up with a threat like that. It would never occur to Brilm, but Tasilt knew Ilvriss and Helessia. Also, that his mother would fuss and worry about it.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cA low blow, Tasilt. And what am I supposed to be kidnapped to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll see. Brilm?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord gave Ilvriss a wink<\/em> that Ilvriss didn\u2019t like at all. The Wall Lord thought as they shepherded him from the residence, laughing with the staff and promising to have Ilvriss back before his bedtime.<\/em><\/p>\n

They were headed down the tower. Ilvriss suddenly began to really think about the number of things that would take Brilm\u2026Tasilt\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, you two. I\u2019m happy to rest up. In fact, I was about to sleep. I have medication\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Brilm waggled a claw in front of his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, Ilvriss. We heard the diagnosis. Stress. <\/em>And you don\u2019t just need sleep! A Drake needs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced at Tasilt and the other Drake coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know it may have been\u2014difficult of late, Ilvriss. Everyone heard about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh no. Ilvriss closed his eyes. Tasilt was referring to the alarm when Erin had gone to Invrisil. But they had never heard the one when she was hurt. She must have taken off the ring? Why did she\u2026?<\/p>\n

And if they were talking about that, they had the wrong idea. Ilvriss turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

His two \u2018friends\u2019 grabbed him under the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIlvriss, it\u2019s for your own good. We know an excellent<\/em> place. I go there all the time. Tasilt, vouch for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m married,<\/em> Brilm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Right. Well, even so. Before that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss began to struggle. The two Drakes refused to let go. He could have forced them to stop\u2014but then Tasilt threatened to tell Zail and his mother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The\u2026place\u2026was known as The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em>, and it was a brothel. But a high-class one, the kind where you didn\u2019t have denominations below \u2018gold pieces\u2019.<\/p>\n

It was also private\u2026insofar as you could stealthily arrive and disappear if you chose.<\/p>\n

Some did choose. Others did not, and strode in there like Brilm every week. He knew the staff by name.<\/p>\n

But privacy of the clientele only extended to the gossipers and people who poo-poohed The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> and all establishments of its kind.<\/p>\n

The people who worked there knew all the names, even if the Drakes came in hooded, cloaked, or [Invisible]. After all\u2014it was hard to be invisible when doing the deed. Although that was something you could pay for.<\/p>\n

Also, contrary to the name, there were more than just Drakes working here. After all, Salazsar\u2019s lonely bachelors\u2014or married Drakes\u2014had a number of desires that could not be expressed in polite company.<\/p>\n

Bachelors<\/em>. Even here, female Drakes did not just walk into a brothel, much less ask for the entirely-female [Escorts] and so on. They had different methods. If, say, Navine Gemscale wanted to meet someone in the same industry, well, she could ask for a house call as it were. Or go there herself.<\/p>\n

The Drake sitting down knew all about the secrets. It was a community, after all, so she knew the dirty little secrets only an idiot would ever try to cash in on. She had started in far worse places than this, in fact. Here she took breaks, waiting for the expensive, expensive<\/em> clientele to come in. You earned gold per assignation, and if you had people who liked you, gifts of valuable perfumes and gemstones were the least of what you\u2019d get.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfume. As if it\u2019s all we want. And I have to wear the scent each time he visits! I keep getting them confused!\u201d<\/p>\n

A female Gnoll\u2014Aranna\u2014was grousing. She was young, beautiful, and had made the smart move of dying her fur such that she looked, well, like some exotic Gnoll [Shaman] from the plains. She\u2019d even added touches to her costume. She was fretting about a recent gift. The Drake leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre your preferred clients Drakes or Gnolls, Aranna?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll huffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes, Xesci. You think Gnolls want to see me pretend to be a \u2018wild Gnoll who needs to be tamed\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xesci snorted. Oh yes, it was an act. And exotic\u2026<\/em>she sighed.<\/p>\n

\u2018Exotic\u2019. She hated that word. But she nodded to Aranna as the younger Gnoll held out the perfume bottle of extreme expense.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know someone who resells stuff like that. I\u2019ll introduce you. My advice? Sell it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the perfume\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll give you cheap ones. Get some that smell a bit<\/em> like the one they gave you. You could even use the same one. I knew a Gnoll who used the same scent, every time. Told each of her clients that it was theirs and they bought it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll laughed and Xesci smiled. She sat back as Aranna nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Aranna. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She coughed. Someone was smoking on a puffer. The Gnoll glared at another person sitting in the back rooms.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mind?<\/em> It sticks to my fur!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay it\u2019s part of your tribal rituals. Dance about a fire. It\u2019ll get them excited.\u201d<\/p>\n

A female Human, Shakra, rolled her eyes. Aranna huffed, but left to go store the gift instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s sensitive to smoke. Put that out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shakra glowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got it as a present. I\u2019ll trade you a puff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xesci didn\u2019t put down what was between her claws. She was, in fact, knitting. Shakra glanced at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the weirdest hobbies for someone in our line of work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt beats drinking or smoking. I do that when I\u2019m not about to lie on my back for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour? I never lie there for more than five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

More snorts.<\/p>\n

Human, Drake, Dullahan, Gnoll\u2014they had even had Garuda and Selphids in. Any species you wanted. Any look. They could cast magic, sweet-talk you\u2014or go exactly the other way.<\/p>\n

Xesci was not a\u2026specialist in those areas. Certainly, she wasn\u2019t one of the older Gnolls, who, unlike the \u2018exotic Plains Gnoll\u2019 of Aranna, instead was quite mean to her clients.<\/p>\n

Mostly Drake clients, incidentally. Gnolls just didn\u2019t have as much money\u2014and, perhaps, there was less of a culture of coming to these establishments in groups. Wall Lords on the other hand\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone, tails up! We\u2019ve got three Wall Lords<\/em> in the lobby! And one of them\u2019s new!\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone hissed<\/em> through the back rooms. All the women inside looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Who\u2019re they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Secrets, as noted, were not kept except from the outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrilm\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my cue. Unless he wants Aranna or Medroniaria.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Shakra doused the puffer. Aranna and \u2018Medroniaria\u2019, the half-Elf [Courtesan] who dressed like one of Terandria\u2019s nobility in an odd mix of fetishes, both looked interested.<\/p>\n

Brilm was a familiar face. The other two? Xesci listened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s the other Drake? He\u2019s been here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but not recently. Not for years, apparently. Tasilt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? He\u2019s married<\/em>. I know his wife! She\u2019s like a hero to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Aranna looked dismayed. The [Prostitute] spying for everyone reported back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry. He\u2019s only here to take the third one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thank goodness.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll sighed, and, surprisingly, so did the other two Gnolls, all of whom wanted to believe in the one Wall Lord who had married a Gnoll. Shakra on the other hand, looked disappointed and relit her puffer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Tasilt is here, Brilm\u2019s going to ask for you, Aranna. He always does every time he hangs out with that Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Aranna began fussing with the perfume bottle she\u2019d been showing around. Shakra grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to bet on it? Who\u2019s the last Drake? Maybe they\u2019re in the mood for Human?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll spying with her enhanced hearing looked around. And she looked uncharacteristically\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, Shakra. You\u2019d actually better get ready. He\u2019s new, but he might ask for you. Brilm is, um, recommending you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No one comes here on first go and asks for a Human\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The back room fell silent. Everyone looked around. Oh.<\/p>\n

Gossip went around the city, and especially in places like this. Xesci stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be joking. Menorra?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Wall Lord Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The entire back room went into a flurry as everyone tried to win one of the most eligible Wall Lord\u2019s attentions. In the lobby, he was arguing with his fellow Wall Lords\u2014in fact, more had secretly come to er, support<\/em> him in his hour of stress. And to do business here.<\/p>\n

But. Xesci knew that he hadn\u2019t come here\u2014recently\u2014because he had been off the market<\/em> so to speak for a while. And if recent events were any guide\u2026she shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdiots.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she went to dress up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ilvriss was a bit irked. Ilvriss was a bit narked. Ilvriss was a bit upset,<\/em> but he tried to explain why to Brilm and Tasilt.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrilm. This is not the cure for my overwork of late. This will not make me feel\u2026better.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was angry. Mostly at Tasilt, even though Brilm had instigated the idea. Tasilt should have known better than to suggest something so\u2026asinine.<\/p>\n

However, it was Brilm who countered Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you checked?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you checked if it helps, Ilvriss? Be honest. Have you visited such a fine establishment\u2014or found yourself in company once in the last month?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is entirely\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think, Ilvriss, that it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasilt spoke up. He was having a drink, since he would not avail himself of this place\u2019s services. Ilvriss gave him a long look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be joking, Tasilt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone has needs, Ilvriss. It may be indecorous, but Brilm brought up a fair point. Sometimes you just need\u2026something. And since my plan of dragging you to a bar and getting into a fight didn\u2019t fly, Brilm wins.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Wall Lord shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI<\/em> will not be getting my groin kicked or be stomped on\u2014although I hear you can pay for that here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss closed his eyes. He did not need to hear that. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you really want me to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re not going to watch so it\u2019s up to you, Ilvriss. But loneliness is a terrible thing. At least you can pay for company after\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasilt stomped on Brilm\u2019s foot. Ilvriss\u2019 head swiveled around and the Wall Lord coughed and headed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was rude, even for Brilm. Sorry, Ilvriss. He doesn\u2019t know how to deal with this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this was your best foot forwards, Tasilt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss glowered at his friend. Tasilt exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest you avail yourself of this place. Or drink one of those Orgasm Potions I heard were banned in Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?<\/em> In the name of the Ancestors, what has gotten into you, Tasilt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss demanded hotly, enough that some of the other inconspicuous guests in their own partitioned space\u2014some with disguises on\u2014looked around. Tasilt just met his gaze levelly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it does<\/em> help, Ilvriss. I can go home and hold my wife after a tragedy. Sometimes you just need\u2014distraction. Brilm\u2019s right when he\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was that. It was impossible to say \u2018Brilm was always wrong\u2019 because right when he told you about the most idiotic investment opportunity, something happened and he made up all his other losses and came out way ahead. Ilvriss hesitated.<\/p>\n

And he was never going to get out that door anyways. The employees of The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> knew money when they saw it. Also? Getting Ilvriss in, even if he denied everything, was a lot of\u2026street cred? Reputation? Something like that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord, please at least let us show you around. We have a very<\/em> fine selection of talented people here. Your friend Brilm has paid for everything and we cannot just refund the fee\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was probably a Skill like, \u2018[No Pulling Out]\u2019, which might have double entendre uses, especially here. Ilvriss felt like he was a young Drake on an outing with his friends again, daring themselves in here.<\/p>\n

Periss\u2026<\/p>\n

It was wrong to come here, even if Tasilt and Brilm thought it was about the Human in Liscor he was missing.<\/p>\n

However, Ilvriss had to admit\u2014he did laugh for the first time in a while upon entering the \u2018selection room\u2019, where you could meet and socialize with the women currently working, or inspect, well, a catalogue of people and arrange other visits, sometimes privately.<\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> had private rooms, rooms for all kinds of things, like \u2018rescuing\u2019 a damsel from a monster\u2014actual monsters like slimes cost extra since you got to kill them\u2014themed rooms, even full suites complete with hot baths and so on.<\/p>\n

It was, after all, the best such establishment in Salazsar. But that didn\u2019t make Ilvriss laugh.<\/em> What made him laugh, involuntarily, was the hall of fame on the wall.<\/p>\n

There were actual pictures of guests who\u2019d agreed to have their faces up\u2014or just names or aliases. Brilm was there. But what made Ilvriss laugh was the \u2018longest period of consummation award\u2019.<\/p>\n

Four hours, eight minutes, fifty one seconds.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat poor woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasilt sighed. Ilvriss stifled his laughter, staring at the picture. It was, apparently, a record held by \u2018Mister Superior\u2019, a Drake of unknown origin. Date listed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was the other half of the event?\u201d<\/p>\n

The female Drake trying to show them to the women turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss pointed to the hall of fame record.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other partner. It takes two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014I\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tasilt shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone give her<\/em> a plaque. Unless it was only \u2018Mister Superior\u2019 by himself. Wait a second. If that\u2019s how you break the record, I\u2019ll do it myself and go for twenty hours! For the record, of course. You can even have my name and face up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss snorted. Brilm, who was already flirting, gave them both a resigned look. But then Ilvriss sobered. And felt\u2026apprehension.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Xesci was not out with the others. She had declined to line up, as the others were surely doing. But she was listening from the back room. It was very quiet. She\u2019d smiled herself as Ilvriss pointed out the plaque. But now\u2026<\/p>\n

It was a bad idea. That was her opinion. But it was how [Soldiers] did it. Someone lost a friend? They tossed them in here and perhaps it did help. She had held more than one adventurer or warrior afterwards.<\/p>\n

Still.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I am flattered by the attention. But I really don\u2019t feel interested\u2014nor is your company helping, frankly, Brilm, Tasilt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, fine. And I understand that<\/em> part. Tasilt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to break the record, Brilm. By myself. Is there any way you can confirm it\u2019s just me on the plaque? So my wife doesn\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

They left Ilvriss alone. And now the Wall Lord was a\u2026small fish around big fish.<\/p>\n

Xesci didn\u2019t know fish.<\/p>\n

She heard murmurs. Flirtatious voices\u2014or however the \u2018ladies of the night\u2019 were scouting out Ilvriss. They\u2019d be tossing charm Skills and other similar abilities out, but Xesci wondered if Ilvriss might be a hard opponent.<\/p>\n

He was a strong [Lord] and his aura could probably take most of what they could use on him. Unless he was willing. She listened.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you interested in something more\u2026wild,<\/em> Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was Aranna, straight to the point. Ilvriss backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cFancy a night, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shakra. Xesci was curious, but Ilvriss replied distinctly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014thank you, Miss. But no. Not Humans. No one, preferably, but\u2014I apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

That surprised and disappointed the people. Xesci just nodded.<\/p>\n

Who thought he wanted to see a Human face right now?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. If you want me, I will have you crawl on hands and knees, yes. No?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026And that established what Ilvriss was not interested in. <\/em>Xesci listened as he practically jumped across the room. He kept turning down people, and she knew he was using his aura. She felt it in the air\u2014command, pure and simple. It meant no one would be seducing him past his senses.<\/p>\n

\u201cIlvriss, you\u2019re being unreasonable. I\u2014er\u2014have to go, but I\u2019m not going to let it drop until you\u2019re at least in the same room<\/em> with one of these women. They\u2019re amazing conversationalists! Really! Do you think I\u2019m just in and out in five minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrilm, I can\u2019t do this. I don\u2019t even know what I want, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s here, with respect to all these beautiful women, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

That sparked a challenge among the people here, although Ilvriss couldn\u2019t have known it. Did they enjoy their jobs? Well, did you enjoy your job in any profession all the time? It was just work. But it was well-paid work and there was still pride in what you did.<\/p>\n

Unless people told you to be ashamed. Xesci had heard it all. Brilm exhaled\u2014and then paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on. If you don\u2019t know\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

In the back room, the Drake saw the other workers look around. And Brilm was speaking to the desk manager.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know someone who\u2019ll fit. Is Xesci\u2026?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was how they met.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Xesci had not been among the young women of every species in the meeting room. Ilvriss felt like there was something significant about her, though.<\/p>\n

Everyone had seemed to know what Brilm meant when he said there was no one else to choose in response to\u2026Ilvriss denying he was interested?<\/p>\n

Well, he was forced into at least meeting the woman. She was already in a private \u2018apartment\u2019 where you could do anything from cook to sleep to\u2026well, there was one point and one alone in the end.<\/p>\n

Wasn\u2019t that so? He hesitated. It had felt like a long time since he\u2019d come into a place like this. He had met Periss and before that\u2026assignations with other members of the Walled Families, mostly.<\/p>\n

But Periss had been so long and now? He would not be doing anything more than Tasilt\u2014less than the other Drake, who had apparently asked if he could set a \u2018personal consummation time record\u2019, or upset Mister Superior.<\/p>\n

This was a silly place. For the laugh alone, and his friend\u2019s clear, if totally incomprehensible method of helping, he would have thanked them.<\/p>\n

But no. It would be a betrayal of\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Miss Xesci?\u201d<\/p>\n

He pushed the door open and it closed behind him. Someone was waiting on the rather overdone bed with copious sheets and pillows. The entire room had a\u2026chartreuse color theme. Padded.<\/p>\n

There sat a Drake with two needles in her claws. Ilvriss instantly hesitated.<\/p>\n

If this is like that Gnoll who threatened to put a collar on my neck and take me for a walk, I will stab Brilm.<\/em> He eyed the needles\u2014<\/p>\n

But they were, in fact, knitting needles. And the Drake was knitting a\u2026sock?<\/p>\n

It was a sock. A nice, thick one for cold weather or stomping around in mud. She was making it out of a rather nice wool, too. Something properly expensive, not thick and cheap.<\/p>\n

There was even the beginning of decoration on it. Also\u2014a Drake sock, so one tailored around their clawed toes<\/em>. You tightened socks rather than jam a foot into them like Human ones. So they were more like foot-wraps that you laced around your foot. So much better than socks that had only one method of being put on.<\/p>\n

\u2026Why was she knitting a sock?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Wall Lord. I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be too interested in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stood up, putting down the needles, yarn, and unfinished sock and apologizing. Ilvriss blinked.<\/p>\n

Xesci was a female Drake. That much had been obvious from the \u2018catalogue\u2019. But unlike every other person on the list, she had not had a picture illustration.<\/p>\n

She was dressed fairly skimpily, but with clothing you could actually wear on a warm day. A violet dress with black hemline, not transparent, but simply \u2018nice\u2019. And the Drake herself looked\u2026<\/p>\n

Er\u2026<\/p>\n

There was no way for Ilvriss to say this politely, even in the confines of his head. But he was taken aback because she was plain.<\/p>\n

Completely ordinary, that was. Which was fine.<\/em> But every female [Concubine] or so on in that room back there had been surpassingly beautiful, as you might expect in a place like this. Some were older, others young and vibrant, but Xesci was\u2026<\/p>\n

Average. Completely. She looked like she was in her early\u2026thirties? Ilvriss couldn\u2019t tell. Her scales were a light green, one of the most common colors.<\/p>\n

Every part of her face was ordinary. Not perfectly symmetrical,<\/em> or flawless. Just amazingly ordinary. You could pass her ten million times on the street and never notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026er\u2026well, thank you. You are Miss Xesci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Wall Lord. I\u2019m quite happy to let you sit here for\u2026twenty minutes and then refund you. I think your companions would accept that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake got up and nodded at him. Just nodded. No bow, not that Drakes tended to do that. But she seemed\u2014Ilvriss was off-put.<\/p>\n

But also relieved.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to understand my situation, Miss Xesci. Thank you for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around; there was a padded seat he cautiously inserted himself into. She sat back on the side of the bed, grimacing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese things make you sink into them\u2026you could probably suffocate with enough blankets and pillows.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled despite himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is ah\u2014the typical bed you might use when\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He stumbled over his words. Now, Xesci smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to be so formal, Ilvriss. And you may call me Xesci. Yes, when I have sex. It can get quite taxing on the back. I\u2019ve asked them for a harder mattress for years now.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat there, completely ill at ease\u2026for about five minutes. Then he began talking to her like another person.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they don\u2019t oblige you? I imagine for a place this\u2026well patronized, it wouldn\u2019t be too expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that. But they do love to reuse everything. Also, you have<\/em> to get stain-proof enchantments on everything so I understood the expense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEurgh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled. Despite himself, Ilvriss had to grin. The Drake went on with a sigh as she picked up the knitting needles.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I got them to install one in one of the rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. So what was the problem? It was\u2014uncomfortable?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked blank.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It\u2019s that everyone<\/em> wants to use it. I get to use it once every two weeks, if I\u2019m lucky. So it goes. Pardon me\u2014I\u2019m just knitting socks for a friend. It\u2019s a hobby. I wouldn\u2019t have brought out the needles if I thought\u2026again.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was knitting as she talked, with that ability some people had to knit without really thinking about it. That told you they were the hardcore, real knitters, not the posers.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you work here. And this job is\u2026well, I have visited places like this before. Never here, but I ah, was reluctant to do so. My companions seem to think it will help.\u201d<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t think of anything else to say. Xesci nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Word travels fast around here. It might, if you wanted it. I\u2019m happy to be charming\u2014but I don\u2019t think that\u2019s you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you know me?\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised her brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cI seem to. I\u2019m very good at knowing people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Click, click<\/em>, went the needles. Ilvriss had to admit she was right. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I apologize then. If there is anything to apologize for. I will pay the fee. Or I\u2019ll make Brilm do it for bringing me here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Well, that\u2019s three minutes. Seventeen to go. While you wait, would you like to talk or just sit? Or you can sleep in the bed. Don\u2019t worry\u2014they clean it every time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you. And\u2014talk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. You thought your friend was lying, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrilm? He actually talks here?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at him and he felt rather foolish.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we talk. All the time. You must have last come here as a young man. They\u2014do not tend to talk. Most gulp stamina potions and ask me questions about how they\u2019re doing sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss shifted uncomfortably. This was not<\/em> a subject of conversation one brought up in polite society. Ever. But this place was one of those areas not technically…Drake. It existed and they let it exist because it was better to have it than make it a crime, but they did not talk about it.<\/p>\n

Xesci looked at him as if reading his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize. I forget this isn\u2019t comfortable talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2014is perfectly fine with me. So, Brilm comes here? He has his face on the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He\u2019s quite well-liked, you know. He\u2019s generous, doesn\u2019t act\u2026out of turn. And he does talk with his favorite women. Shakra\u2014I think she, no it was Aranna, actually\u2014she told him about the Singer of Terandria, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? You mean those song-crystals he made a fortune on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s good at listening too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss\u2019 opinion of The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> did not change markedly. But despite himself, twenty minutes later, he found himself asking questions like someone just discovering an entirely new culture or field of work.<\/p>\n

Which is what Xesci\u2019s life was, really. He had never thought to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine work. If<\/em> there\u2019s protection. Other cities have none and it creates\u2026danger. Far better to have rules and guards and so on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOther cities don\u2019t do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman cities. Zeres banned it for nearly a decade when the Serpentine Matriarch, in her great wisdom, objected to it. One of the Admirals got her to reverse it, which was good. It was criminals and [Sailors] fighting and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were there, personally?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cZeres? Only for a year. Then I left. I\u2019ve been to Pallass, Zeres\u2014Salazsar is the best for me. I came from the north.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes live there. I was born in the north. I learned my trade from Human women. In safety, actually. I left to find my people, but this is my job. Maybe I\u2019ll go north after earning enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSafety?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know the Gangs, Wall Lord? I was a part of the Sisters of Chell\u2019s business. They\u2019re an all-female gang that protects my sort of person. In exchange for fees, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally. But there must be danger with a criminal underworld\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Xesci sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is. And they can be\u2026nearly as bad as any other gang. But if you\u2019re honest with them, it\u2019s almost always fine. You know they\u2019re [Nightstalkers] and such? A kind of [Rogue] mixed with [Temptress]. Many of them were in my profession, but learned to defend themselves after being attacked. Or they were recruited. They know what it\u2019s like and they respect you, which is rare.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had no idea. Before he knew it, he was chatting about Izrilian gangs, and how many places Xesci had been. They were talking about Pallass, and Zeres, both places which he\u2019d visited\u2014and the vastly different experiences of each when Xesci glanced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. It\u2019s been forty minutes already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, your friends are going to get the wrong idea. Unless that\u2019s fine? I don\u2019t want to take up your time, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him. Ilvriss hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite relaxed. Although\u2014is this normally how it goes?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured awkwardly around. She smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a first client who\u2019s nervous? Maybe it\u2019s even their first time? Yes, <\/em>actually. I might be more\u2026flirtatious. But at this point I might subtly suggest we be more intimate. Offer to get you something. Sit closer. Move my tail like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She made a gesture. Ilvriss coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Thank you for your consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. Incidentally\u2014Ilvriss was not more attracted to her now than he had been when first entering the brothel. He did like her more, that was certain.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were so confident I wouldn\u2019t be interested, though. Were you at all interested?\u201d<\/p>\n

He pressed her in time. She smiled. Ilvriss was curious. It wasn\u2019t as if he was\u2026without an ego.<\/p>\n

The female Drake eyed him. Then she smiled and chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord. If I wanted to entice you, this is exactly<\/em> how I\u2019d do it. Play disinterested and then slowly warm to you. Claim I was entirely fine with not having sex and then let you make me admit how interested I really am.\u201d<\/p>\n

He blinked at her. Then flushed red under his scales.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t mean that.<\/em> But he\u2019d fallen into the trap!<\/p>\n

Or not a trap? She was shaking her head. And she\u2019d told him this would have been a trap, proving she wasn\u2019t trying to seduce him, or was this a gambit to actually make him drop his guard twice<\/em> in order to\u2026<\/p>\n

Abruptly, Ilvriss realized he was overthinking this again. If she wanted to seduce him, she could. Mainly because this was a brothel. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must be tired. I\u2019m\u2026I suppose Tasilt had a point, Miss Xesci. It has been a while. But I\u2014don\u2019t wish to do anything. I think I am tempted, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost people are. There is nothing wrong with it. But Wall Lord\u2026I am sure you don\u2019t want me.<\/em> In that, your friend Brilm was the most wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean, Xesci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, Wall Lord, that if I am right, you would have been better served with the receptionist\u2014who is, in fact, the third-most requested person here. Or anyone else before me, even Shakra, the Human woman you met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. Do you think the first thing most returning customers ask isn\u2019t \u2018and what about you, Miss\u2019? The management is sometimes clever.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled again. But he was curious now. And he felt the same niggling feeling at the back of his mind.<\/p>\n

There was something\u2026here.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would be so wrong with you, Miss Xesci? And if this is a trap to fully seduce me, please let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook her head, looking at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not. But I see how I\u2019ve stabbed myself in the leg. Damn. This is why I should watch myself. I\u2019m so conniving when I knit\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She tossed down the needles, surprising Ilvriss. For a moment her voice changed. He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity. How did that strange woman put it? \u2018Curiosity drives my customers to me. The rest is the truth of what I offer.\u2019 I can see where this is going, Wall Lord. Very well. Since there\u2019s no help for it\u2026please don\u2019t be alarmed. Or do. I\u2026am going to show you something that might upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stirred as Xesci got up. She turned, fiddling with her dress, and he uneasily stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Xesci, you needn\u2019t undress. Wait. Are you a Selphid?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked back at him and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be very amusing if I was, wouldn\u2019t it? No. And don\u2019t\u2026worry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The dress came off. Ilvriss saw a bare back and hesitated. He made to avert his gaze from her tail, at least, but nothing amazingly<\/em> different made itself known in the brief glimpse his mind now had on auto-replay in his mind. Nor did Xesci turn around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord\u2014this is why I am the most requested here. Also, why you don\u2019t want me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake clapped her claws and the room went dark. The magical light spell was programmed to turn off when someone did that, apparently.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss\u2019 claw was on his sword when he heard the two claps again. He was tensed, his other claw ready to trigger a spell from one of his rings.<\/p>\n

If this had been a trap\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

But she would have gotten him naked without his rings or equipment if it was, surely. He looked around\u2014but the Drake was alone.<\/p>\n

Standing where she had been. But not the same. She was facing him. He hesitated, but she was clothed. She wore\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026Armor. The Wall Lord saw what might have been enchanted leather. Snug, secure. Not enchanted. But it should have been.<\/p>\n

Her scales had changed color. The Drake was taller. Her scales were light blue. She had a scar on her forearm.<\/p>\n

He knew that. He looked up.<\/p>\n

She was younger. She was no longer ordinary, indistinguishable from a thousand faces. He knew this face. He knew this Drake.<\/p>\n

She stared at him, then at her body. Her arms were muscular. A [Soldier]\u2019s arms. She had once killed a Wyvern by herself.<\/p>\n

She\u2014<\/p>\n

It was Periss. The Drake looked exactly like her.<\/p>\n

It was Periss, down to every line of her. But the armor wasn\u2019t enchanted. She carried no weapon. But it was P\u2014<\/p>\n

Ilvriss drew his sword. The Drake backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do? What did you do?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The fake Periss backed up. Ilvriss stared at her. That was her. Every inch of her. Every bit of her he remembered, the parts he had started to forget, realized in perfect detail.<\/p>\n

But it was not her.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHas someone drawn a weapon in the room? Our sensor went off. Excuse us, Wall L\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The door burst open. The Drake\u2019s Pearl <\/em>had a security system in place. The bouncer and fake receptionist stopped as they saw Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. Not again. Xesci\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord, please lower the sword.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord Ilvriss, put your b\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss pointed the sword at the [Bouncer]\u2019s face. The Gnoll was probably good. But Ilvriss was wearing his full equipment and his sword\u2014both of them stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat. Did. You. Do? An illusion no\u2014what are you doing? Stop it! Undo\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He was beginning to shout as more people gathered, more of the staff hurried forwards. But before he could\u2014the voices shouting in his head\u2014<\/p>\n

Periss, Xesci, stepped forwards and grabbed<\/em> his arm. With the other hand she grabbed his ring-hand. Then\u2014she head-butted him.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss hadn\u2019t been expecting that. His head rang as the Drake let go. He hadn\u2019t let go of the sword, but she pointed down at him as he tensed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet ahold of yourself, Wall Lord! This is a Skill! Or have you taken leave of your senses?\u201d<\/p>\n

She snapped. He froze.<\/p>\n

It was her voice. And that instinctive reaction to\u2014he looked up. The Drake folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the sword and I\u2019ll explain. If you\u2019re too addled to think, the staff will have to beat you down and tie you up until you listen. And it won\u2019t be the tenth<\/em> time either.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him. The voice, mannerisms\u2014Ilvriss dropped the sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy class is [Courtesan of Change], more or less. High-level. Each time, I become someone either I or my client has met. It affects my personality too, so please excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake sat in a chair, military-straight. Unlike the plain Drake of before, Periss\u2014<\/p>\n

No, Xesci was direct, forthright, even aggressive. This was how Periss treated subordinates\u2014or idiots. It wasn\u2019t the relationship she\u2019d had with Ilvriss in private.<\/p>\n

He was almost grateful of that. Because she was so much<\/em> like Periss it hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you\u2014can you change to another?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for a while. Sorry. Also, not very sorry. You asked. I know the knitting Xesci was manipulating you\u2014or doing it without realizing it even\u2014but you did ask.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Courtesan] sighed. Ilvriss was trying to wrap his head around it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is your true form?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. I\u2019ve forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at her. The Drake woman gave him a weary sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy class changed me. At first\u2014I was good at mimicking other people. It helps you in the business to put on an act. Soon\u2014it became what I was good at. Some are good at sex itself. Some? Charming, or addictive. I\u2026become.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like the [Actors] that Erin had made.<\/em> No\u2014this was the class that had existed before them. This\u2026woman\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you even a Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I was. But I don\u2019t have to be<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

His head spun. This was beyond Selphid levels of alteration. Xesci saw his expression and clarified.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think I can become a Minotauress. I can\u2019t. I can alter my height and become anyone within two feet of my original height. It used to be only an inch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you become them. You wore armor\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt disappears if I take it off. And it\u2019s probably not as strong as actual armor. Wall Lord. It may be hard for you to understand, but this is a class. A high-level class. No more.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re over Level 40. At least. No\u2026Level 50?\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t answer. Nor was she appraisable by a spell. Periss-Xesci sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for doing this. I like being the knitting Drake because she\u2019s so\u2026un-sexual. I thought it would help and look what happened. I met her once\u2014she was a strange person. But she knits like a genius\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

To say that it was an incident was no joke. Brilm had emerged to find Ilvriss talking with Xesci, after having nearly gotten expelled for drawing a blade on one of the workers here.<\/p>\n

But Ilvriss\u2026he couldn\u2019t look away. His throat felt tight.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026do you know who you look like right now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can guess. I\u2019m sorry. It was the first\u2026person in your mind. Far and above the young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave him a sympathetic look. He started.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVaguely. I know who you might love\u2026or find too real. As I said, I know my job. If I\u2019m bothering you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Please stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. She knew what he wanted. Of course. She sat there and he looked at Periss again.<\/p>\n

It was like the faerie drink all over again. But it hurt more, now, seeing the not-Periss.<\/p>\n

More. And less. Because the wound was healing, Ilvriss realized. It might have torn open now\u2014but if he had seen her months ago, he might have well gone mad.<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord\u2019s head was in his claws. Xesci hesitated, but when he looked up, he was clear-eyed.<\/p>\n

He had not wept. Ilvriss looked at her and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Miss Xesci. I\u2026understand, now, your reservations. I apologize for my reaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMany have it. I should have just said as much from the start. But the knitting-Drake\u2026she never says anything completely straight.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded again. The Wall Lord stood up. Xesci waited.<\/p>\n

This was the moment he would ask, and she would be reluctant, very reluctant if he did. But he just turned away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI regret asking, Miss Xesci. And yet\u2014may I request a visit with you tomorrow? Yes\u2026tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her head sunk. Then her eyes flashed. Whoever this was had a temper.<\/em> She controlled her tongue\u2014and her instinct to kick his ass, this might be good if she was ever in a fight like some Gnolls she\u2019d met\u2014and sighed.<\/p>\n

She had better get used to this body, then. She had mixed feelings about it, but this is why they came back. Again, again\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Wall Lord. And this is all discreet. I will only take this form when we\u2019re together and never speak of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. The [Courtesan], for all the confidence this body gave her, felt her tongue dry up in her mouth. Ilvriss spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to talk, Miss Xesci. Not\u2026whatever you might be thinking. I mean that truthfully, without artifice. Never take her shape again.\u201d<\/p>\n

He met her gaze. Slowly, the Drake nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t. Very well\u2026Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stood. He walked towards the door, looking as pale as if he\u2019d collapsed again. But definitely vigorous. Full of emotion, for better or worse. He had the door half open when he looked back at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer name was Periss.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. He opened the door and strode out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ghosts. The Wall Lord was haunted\u2014no, accompanied by them.<\/p>\n

Not Ghosts<\/em>, the malignant specters that were monsters summoned by dark magic. He meant\u2026spirits.<\/p>\n

Shades.<\/p>\n

\u2026All those were undead subtypes. The Wall Lord walked back to his tower unsteadily. Brilm and Tasilt hadn\u2019t understood what had happened, but Brilm had been upset he\u2019d failed to help. Tasilt was engaged in setting records, apparently.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss walked by evening in the lower part of Salazsar. He really wanted a drink. And he knew why that would not happen.<\/p>\n

Dead people, then. Not zombies. Just\u2026memories. They followed him around. Pushing him, reminding him.<\/p>\n

Zel Shivertail, to follow.<\/p>\n

Periss, to avenge.<\/p>\n

And Erin Solstice now.<\/p>\n

There were more. Friends he\u2019d had who suffered accidents, companions in war. Teachers.<\/p>\n

If he looked behind him, would he see them clinging to his shoulders? <\/em>Ilvriss looked\u2014but all he saw was a group of Gnoll children racing about, young, in one of those little packs of children.<\/p>\n

He shook his head. And he didn\u2019t feel\u2026as if they were dragging him down.<\/p>\n

Remember the dead. Because of Periss, he wasn\u2019t drowning in a bottle.<\/p>\n

Xesci. She had shaken him. He was still\u2014angry. Confused. Shaken.<\/p>\n

However, his mind was racing.<\/p>\n

Hers was a class and level beyond any he\u2019d seen recently. Beyond his<\/em>, really. The ability to change your form<\/em> without magic?<\/p>\n

He rubbed at his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026On the other wing, that wasn\u2019t what Periss could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

If she\u2014the real Periss\u2014had really head-butted <\/em>him, she might have cracked his forehead without a protective Skill or enchantment. So Xesci was only borrowing form, perhaps native ability. Not Skills.<\/p>\n

Little potential in war, then. Even if you planted her as a\u2014a\u2014[Saboteur]-type individual, without that class she wouldn\u2019t manage to assassinate a [General]. A [Strategist], maybe.<\/p>\n

But to dismiss her was a narrow-minded way of thinking. Ilvriss considered how useful she could be as a [Spy]. As\u2026<\/p>\n

He shook his head. Ridiculous. A night worker?<\/p>\n

However. He was reminded of another comparison, the one Alrric had made.<\/p>\n

She travelled from city to city, even went from the north to the south. She definitely doesn\u2019t fit into classic Drake society.<\/em><\/p>\n

This meeting had opened up possibilities, and helped him, despite what Brilm and Tasilt may have intended. Ilvriss walked on.<\/p>\n

Then he paused.<\/p>\n

The lower city of Salazsar was far more crowded. But Salazsar, home to millions, one of the largest cities in the world, still had space.<\/em> It was ever-expanding. Someday, it would absorb the entire mountain it was built out of.<\/p>\n

Thus\u2014you could find yourself alone from time to time. And it seemed he was walking down a street devoid of people.<\/p>\n

\u2026His aura had obliterated something. Ilvriss narrowed his eyes. He was a [Lord], and he had been fending off the advances of the people in the brothel. He\u2019d subconsciously broken through some sort of keep-away Skill. He felt the slight urge to walk off and not go down this<\/em> street.<\/p>\n

Reflexively, he checked himself. Nothing to his rear\u2014none of his rings or amulets was buzzing for hostile magic. The Drake put his claw near his sword\u2014then slowly moved it away.<\/p>\n

If it came to it, he\u2019d point his Ring of Greater Fireball and activate it. No one expected a [Fireball] to the face.<\/p>\n

The street was empty. He looked ahead and found\u2026<\/p>\n

Well, a lone person hurrying down the street. Had they seen Ilvriss? They were cloaked, and he saw a long tail. Drake. Ilvriss saw them glance around\u2014then hurry around the corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm.\u201d<\/p>\n

They hadn\u2019t realized someone had broken through their Skill. What had they been doing? Ilvriss looked past them and saw\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interesting. He came across a giant\u2026painting on the side of one of the apartment-complexes in the lower residences. The paint was drying even now. And it was, er\u2026<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stepped back. It was startlingly good. Accurate to life, even scaled up. Splendid coloration\u2014a bit more vivid than reality, so it popped<\/em> along the slightly dirty stonework. The artist had also given it a faint grey background to canvas the Gnoll hanging onto the windowsill.<\/p>\n

Yes, a Gnoll\u2014a [Miner] if ever Ilvriss saw one, in the traditional gear, his pickaxe holstered at his waist. He was holding onto the windowsill of the apartment\u2014the artist had incorporated the natural scenery.<\/p>\n

He had a desperate look on his face. Clearly, he was trying to climb up. But the problem in the painting, the motif<\/em> if you will, the subtle message in the art\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026Was the pair of Drakes currently engaged in trying to push him out as they held huge gemstones and bags of gold in their claws. They were uh, cartoonishly<\/em> sneering down at the Gnoll.<\/p>\n

The problem, if Ilvriss would have critiqued this art in a gallery, was that this painting had painted the every-Gnoll, without specific detail on his fur. But the two Drakes?<\/p>\n

He knew them. The distinct speckle-pattern of gold on the female Drake\u2019s blue scales she loved belonged to Wall Lady Gisha\u2014and her brother didn\u2019t paint his scales gold, but that had to be Wall Lord Rellmel, with that streak of green across one arm, mixing with the onyx scales.<\/p>\n

The entire painting stood out to Ilvriss. Bits of gold dropping as the two Drakes tried to kill the [Miner]\u2014or at least make him drop off the windowsill. Excellent art. Provocative message.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss looked at it for about four minutes, admired the art, and went on his way.<\/p>\n

He had more important things to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, Ilvriss awoke after purple-pilling himself into oblivion. He had a breakfast on time, asked Osthia how her training was going.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the Gem Regiments are well suited for\u2014strike missions, Wall Lord. The Rubirel Guard are especially impressive. I couldn\u2019t even scratch their armor. I only have one concern\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if someone [Dispels] their armor? They have entirely enclosed armor, but it seems weak to enchantment attacks\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA casual [Dispel] won\u2019t break their armor, Captain Shieldscale. And if the enemy decides to field an [Enchanter] of that strength, every artifact is in danger. I think if the Rubirel Guard did lose their enchantments, they\u2019d\u2026remove their helmets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood point, Wall Lord. I was just concerned about fighting high-level spellcasters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss had nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, they\u2019ll be excellent against anything short of that unlikely scenario, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

After that, training with Zelir. Ilvriss was walking out of his tower when Shriekblade appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood in front of him as the doors to the Gemscale residence opened. Ilvriss blinked.<\/p>\n

The female Drake wore the kind of expression he\u2019d seen [Soldiers] with incredible hangovers wear. Sullen, angry, and also annoyed. Toss in boredom to that\u2014it was an amazing stew of emotion.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Shriekblade. You didn\u2019t report yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said nothing else. Ilvriss eyed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you in need of more potions or scrolls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want them. Can I kill something?\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated. Osthia paused and eyed the Named Adventurer.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to handle\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade gave her<\/em> a look and Ilvriss recalled the issues with her before. He sighed. This had happened multiple times.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Tessa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me Shriekblade. Everyone does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Shriekblade. If you are fit to work, accompany me for the day. I don\u2019t envision fighting. But I will tell Captain Shieldscale to contact you if any monsters arise in the mines.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. Yay. Standing around. Kill me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stomped after him, making no effort to resume her professional, if eerie, normal shadowing. As she was now, she was talkative, had a personality\u2014but a foul one.<\/p>\n

Case in point, halfway to his appointment with Zelir, Ilvriss heard a small sound. He saw Shriekblade puffing away on a huge cigar.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Is that Dreamleaf? That is contraband in Salazsar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho cares? I\u2019m a Named Adventurer. I can defend you drunk. Can I get a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss dropped it. Zelir was no less interested by Shriekblade\u2019s new attitude today. He eyed her\u2014and the cigar\u2014disapprovingly. She was lounging against one wall, watching them, incredibly bored, but alternating between puffing and watching people in the city below.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never noticed the…Miss Shriekblade before, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has been here on many occasions, Zelir. I\u2019ve hired her to take care of combat issues. Monsters and so on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. You\u2019re not in fear of your life?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss lied. Zelir had never detected Shriekblade before. But the [Weapon Trainer] quickly dismissed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you want to discuss something with me, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter our training, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss had<\/em> decided to make Zelir part of his mission, for all the reasons he\u2019d thought of yesterday. They began to warm up, first sparring\u2014then Ilvriss trying out the new sword style.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad, not bad\u2026but you won\u2019t ever get to your old level of fighting prowess without constant practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older Drake was approving. Ilvriss felt annoyed at the new style. However, he knew he had to make his body learn<\/em> to parry the new way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you try using your Skills while we fight, lad? It might help you learn a new style.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you like. Careful, though\u2014[Flurry Strikes]!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Parry Blade]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir and Ilvriss\u2019 practice swords flashed at each other. Ilvriss had fewer combat Skills\u2014but he was<\/em> a strong [Lord]. Even so, not one of the nine fast<\/em> strikes hit Zelir. He knocked down seven<\/em> blows perfectly\u2014then the other more clumsily, but took himself out of range of the last one with a [Fast Backstep].<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that? Seven charges?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Weapon Trainer] smiled. He had [Parry Blade]\u2014but a spin on the Skill. [Parry Blade \u2014 Sevenfold Reserve], which meant in layman terms that he could parry an incoming blow seven times, then it ran out. It would \u2018recharge\u2019 in time.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve gotten too good with your Skill, lad. Time was you could only do four<\/em> strikes. You might get me one of these days!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be a shame, if I someday managed to win more spars than I lost. Too bad I\u2014[Reaching Slash]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir cursed and used his Skill to duck<\/em> it. The two Drakes went back and forth, as Ilvriss began to warm to the new style. It was only halfway through the serious spar as both used their Skills that his tunnel vision and hearing made him realize Shriekblade was making a sound.<\/p>\n

She was\u2026sniggering. He hesitated, and saw Zelir glance to the side.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong, Miss Adventurer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is so stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

She flicked the butt of her cigar over the edge of the training grounds. Ilvriss eyed her, feeling a spark of real annoyance in his chest. He and Zelir had been going at it for about thirty minutes by now.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have an objection to our training methods, Adventurer?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged insolently at Zelir\u2019s clear ire.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the Wall Lord wants to learn how to fight, he should ask me. <\/em>You two fight like you\u2019re on the sparring courts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two male Drakes looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I didn\u2019t see one of you kick dirt in the others\u2019 faces. No body blows, no one coming from behind with a knife. That won\u2019t work on a battlefield. The sword style, maybe. But you\u2014you\u2019re not doing more than teaching him how to hold the sword.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at Zelir. Ilvriss saw the [Weapon Trainer] bristle. He put down his practice sword and looked at Shriekblade.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Zelir is an old family friend and mentor, Adventurer. Watch your tongue.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shut her mouth and folded her arms. Zelir nodded to Ilvriss. They tried to get back to it, but Shriekblade\u2019s words had soured the entire affair. Zelir pressed Ilvriss\u2014hard. Fighting aggressively, testing Ilvriss, as if to prove Shriekblade wrong.<\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes. She said nothing, but she was so pointedly dismissive that Ilvriss began pushing at Zelir, so his back was to Shriekblade.<\/p>\n

Even so\u2014Drakes had tempers and Zelir was proud of his skill. When he tried to parry Ilvriss and got a score on the arm, Shriekblade might<\/em> have snorted. The [Weapon Trainer] rounded on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think this is a game, Adventurer, pick up a practice blade and show me you can do better!\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped lounging against the wall. Ilvriss put up his blade.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Zelir. This isn\u2019t a good\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelir rounded on him. He was normally polite, but Ilvriss remembered his temper. He snapped at the Wall Lord.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are things I can stand, lad, and things I can\u2019t. This is swordsmanship<\/em>, not a street fight! This Adventurer can show me she can back her talk up, or she can wait elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can use a sword. Better than both of you combined. I\u2019m a Named Adventurer.<\/em> You\u2019re old and you make money training people outside of battlefields. I\u2019ll take you on with one hand and no Skills if you stop bugging me. How about it, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade waved a claw at him. Zelir bristled.<\/p>\n

\u201cPick up a sword!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZelir\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t argue with me, Ilvriss! I\u2019m still the instructor here. Now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She broke his arm. It took her four minutes in the savage duel that unfolded. True to her promise, she used no Skills. And Zelir pressed her hard, at first. He didn\u2019t use Skills either. It was down to the ability with the blade\u2014the strength of each one\u2019s body\u2014and fighting style.<\/p>\n

At first, Shriekblade just danced around Zelir, moving faster than even the [Weapon Trainer], who often did the same to Ilvriss. She blocked, parrying his angry thrusts and strikes. Ilvriss watched, ready to jump in, uneasy.<\/p>\n

She let Zelir tire himself and show her his fighting style for a minute. Then she began raining down fast blows towards his head. She scored him twice, but light blows. He went in harder, and touched her on the shoulder. Just a touch\u2014<\/p>\n

That was when she lost her temper. She struck from above, then, as his sword was parrying and riposting towards her face, kicked<\/em> him in the stomach.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t expect that. And then Shriekblade hit him\u2014one handed. Ilvriss stopped her, but it was too late.<\/p>\n

\u201cArm\u2019s broken. Maybe the wrist, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Healer] pronounced the injury as Zelir was lifted to a clinic. Merla\u2019s. He was lying there. Possibly from the vicious blows that had broken said arm\u2014possibly just from shame.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease treat him. I will check on him as soon as possible. I have to deal with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade was standing on the edge of the training grounds. She looked over her shoulder and then sullenly turned to face him as he stalked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Zelir\u2019s healing costs will come out of your wages, Adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? He challenged me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were taunting him. And you could have beaten him without breaking his arm. Let alone dueling him. You will not<\/em> do so again, is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord snapped. Shriekblade glowered. Then she looked at the sky, past his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. I hate everything. I\u2019m sorry.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She rolled her eyes. Ilvriss resisted the urge to say or do something\u2014mainly because she was a Named Adventurer. But this? He was going to insist that she medicate herself from now on.<\/p>\n

To calm himself, he took a few steps away and stood at the end of the training grounds. You could look almost entirely straight down<\/em>, until the tower widened and you saw more expansions below. A pool of water, in this case.<\/p>\n

The enchantments, as noted, saved people from falling. Every tower had them\u2014but there were always accidents. Drakes falling and bouncing off the tower and\u2026well, you either learned how to deal with, enjoy heights, or you didn\u2019t live in Salazsar. Ilvriss stared down at his city below. So far down. The people like small insects, millions moving around, going about their lives, doing good work. A city he was proud of, that was his home. That he loved and would defend\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cJump. Kill yourself.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone whispered behind him. Ilvriss did not jump. He slowly turned his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer. What did you just say to me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade looked around, blankly. And he realized\u2014she hadn\u2019t been talking to him. The Wall Lord\u2019s imminent wrath hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm? Oh. Don\u2019t you feel like jumping?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at her. Then down below.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. What are you thinking of? You mean the enchantments?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I forgot this place has them. And there\u2019s a pool so you wouldn\u2019t die. Here\u2019s probably better. You jump from here and\u2014bam.<\/em> You\u2019re dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked around to the side. Ilvriss stared at her back. She tilted her head down.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you feel like it, when you stand up here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young adventuress turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t hear a voice in your head telling you to do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You\u2026hear a voice?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just me. Merla says it\u2019s my problem. You really don\u2019t ever hear it? A little voice saying\u2014\u2018kill yourself\u2019? All the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stared down over the edge of the training grounds. Well, now he did. He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not. Is this why y\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess it\u2019s just me, then. Sorry I broke your Master\u2019s<\/em> arm. Sorry I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stalked away from him, quickly. Scowling. Fumbling for something she began chewing hard. Ilvriss looked at her back. He came to two quick decisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped and turned to face him, sullenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will report to Captain Shieldscale and she will deploy you to the mining tunnels to perform monster-slaying duties. If there are none in the Gemscale operations, you will assist other companies.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was unorthodox, but Shriekblade brightened up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYay. Alright. What else?\u201d<\/p>\n

He met her gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cReport to my quarters tonight. We have more to discuss, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her face\u2026flickered. Fell. She looked at him, then nodded and turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Shriekblade incident aside, today, Ilvriss was fully-prepared to deal with conversations about his collapse and the brothel incident. He assumed it was the talk of the city.<\/p>\n

He was wrong. He had a brunch with his mother and Navine. Uncomfortable, but they tried to at least be civil.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be going to Oteslia. I\u2019m almost sad I don\u2019t get to see all of the drama here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAround me? Navine, I\u2019m sure it will all blow over soon. And nothing happened.<\/em> It was a misunderstanding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Helessia and Navine blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about, Ilvriss? You? You mean you collapsing? No one\u2019s talking about that today. We might have\u2014but everyone\u2019s talking about\u2014haven\u2019t you heard? Sellme did another painting!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Drakes exchanged a look. Navine shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014Sellme.<\/em> The street artist? She did a painting last night of the Emera family. You know? That stuck up Rellmel and his awful<\/em> sister, Gisha? You do <\/em>know who Sellme is, don\u2019t you? Wait. Ancestors. You\u2019ve been gone on that campaign against Zel Shivertail and you were in Liscor\u2026mother, he doesn\u2019t know!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss blinked. It seemed even Helessia knew, from the way the two Drakes exchanged excited looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2014or what is this Sellme? I know about the Emera family\u2019s company, of course\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

They weren\u2019t doing so well as Gemscale, but they\u2019d hit a profitable seam, or so Alrric said. Rellmel had never been Ilvriss\u2019 friend, although they were around the same age. And Navine had a terrible opinion of Gisha, who, Ilvriss understood, was the one who really called the shots, despite Rellmel being the head of the company.<\/p>\n

As usual however, his take was not Navine\u2019s. She glared at him, her tail curling up under the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just the\u2014business of it, Ilvriss. You don\u2019t think about the people.<\/em> You do know that the Emera company is firing<\/em> all the [Miners] they had for the last six years and replacing them with new hires, each?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they do that? They\u2019ll lose all their experienced workers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss blinked. Navine rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the mining teams had an agreement that if they struck a payload, they\u2019d get a share of the total profits. The Emera corporation agreed since they thought all they had was silver and a few minor gemstones in that shaft. But when they hit magical stones\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It all came together. The mining dispute was one of the classic fights between a company and the workers. And in this case, the Emera corporation had terminated all their workers in this shaft rather than honor the agreement. They had managed to use a loophole in their contract and it was a bad look.<\/em><\/p>\n

However, no one could really stop them. And that was where Sellme had come in with the painting on the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want to take it down. But<\/em> the apartment complex is owned by the Geirscale family and they hate Emera, so they refuse to. That\u2019s what Sellme does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe. It\u2019s probably a she. No one knows, but I think it is. She\u2019s an [Artist] who puts up pictures, usually pointing something out. Sometimes for fun, but she started a bit after you left on your glorious campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss sat back. Huh. \u2018Sellme\u2019 was clearly an alias, and they had a clear grudge against the Walled Families. Navine disputed that.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust about corruption, arrogance, Ilvriss. Sellme targets people like the Emera group.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Until she goes after you or I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would she? I <\/em>run my<\/em> company without issues like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glowered at him. Ilvriss opened his mouth\u2014and then decided not to engage. He could<\/em> have said that even Navine\u2019s \u2018equitable\u2019 company still had her at the top and that she was supporting this artist until they went after her, but he did not.<\/p>\n

Family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Wall Lord Rellmel, Ilvriss. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric glanced at Ilvriss. The Drake rubbed at his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the second time I\u2019ve heard his name come up today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. The Sellme painting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes everyone<\/em> know about it but me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s already made that apartment go up nearly a thousand percent in value. People will want to live there\u2014if someone doesn\u2019t steal the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSteal the wall. I saw it last night. It was forty feet high, Alrric.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? You must have seen it as it was made, then! Did you see Sellme? No, of course you didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Administrator] looked up. He went on as Ilvriss looked over the reports. Their mining seam was turning up more adamantine and people wanted it bad.<\/em> Pelt of\u2026Esthelm? Ah, yes. Terandria, Chandrar\u2014<\/p>\n

He hesitated, and then authorized a sale to Esthelm. He could have held onto it, but the Dwarf wanted less than other nations. Alrric frowned over it, but didn\u2019t comment. It was still money in the vaults.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey steal the wall if they can. An entire wall was knocked down and stolen overnight when Sellme did a picture for a neighborhood. Tragic. But they\u2019re amazingly popular. There are replicas\u2014everyone loves them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they just appeared last year?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no. You don\u2019t get a reputation like that overnight. But I think they came to Salazsar recently. They lampooned their way from Fissival and city-to-city until they got here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were in Fissival?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where it first started. Making fun of the Scholarium\u2019s<\/em> magic-bias. I think it got too dangerous for them, so they headed off. Speaking of Fissival\u2026no, wait. I was doing my check for artifacts you could snap up, and I thought I had something\u2026wait. I do have a note on a high-level individual who I can add to your lists.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind that now, Alrric. But I do need to consult you on some other matters. Tell me why you brought up Rellmel and we\u2019ll get to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss was thinking of Xesci. Poor Zelir was out of the picture, now. Alrric nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Slipped my mind. Rellmel owns the Potion of Regeneration. But he\u2019s not selling.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

And here it was again. One of his ghosts\u2026wasn\u2019t dead. Maybe. There was a chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ask him what he might consider\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI went from four hundred thousand<\/em> gold pieces, Ilvriss, and went up. I went to one million and the Emera family\u2019s representative didn\u2019t even blink. They\u2019re not selling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss exhaled. A million gold was\u2026but he slowly nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hang on to artifacts like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially<\/em> if you lose a leg in an accident or\u2026I\u2019m sorry, Ilvriss. I can try, but it\u2019s not in my purview. It might not be impossible, though. Nerul is back. And he has success to report.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss glanced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is? Excellent. How did he do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord, please. You\u2019ll hurt his feelings. We have a contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake had been on the hunt for individuals who could help<\/em> him. And even his family had trouble recruiting, finding them. But they did have one, if you didn\u2019t count Navine, Helessia, Zail, Ilvriss, or Alrric.<\/p>\n

A shame he wasn\u2019t a [Warrior], or he might have given Shriekblade a real opponent. But Nerul was no combat Drake.<\/p>\n

He was a [Diplomat].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Trisstral Alliance was a collection of cities that had banded together to safeguard interests, secure borders, and trade. You needed alliances, like the Hectval\u2026something alliance. If only to resist larger cities.<\/p>\n

Like the Walled Cities. The Trisstral Alliance had<\/em> in fact been relatively happy to trade with Fissival and Salazsar for decades, but their relationship had turned less-than-amicable of late.<\/p>\n

They had strong agriculture and food industries, which Salazsar and Fissival prized, being farther from Oteslia. If they fought with Oteslia, or were on the outs, they needed food, since neither Walled City was particularly good at making it.<\/p>\n

Trisstral supplied it, cheaper, faster, but they\u2019d pointed out that the two Walled Cities were importing the food at losses for their<\/em> economy. They\u2019d asked to renegotiate, as well as impose tarrifs of their own on goods from each city, which passed through their cities without a copper earned. Gemstones and magic.<\/p>\n

Fissival had agreed, Salazsar had refused. In response, the Trisstral Alliance decided to trade with Fissival. Salazsar demanded they resume trade. Trisstral asked to renegotiate. Salazsar threatened them instead. Trisstral told them to shove their tails up their behinds.<\/p>\n

Salazsar went to war.<\/p>\n

\u2026That was old history. That was why<\/em> Zel Shivertail, who had been appointed [General] of the Trisstral Alliance, took the fight to Ilvriss\u2019 forces. He beat one army\u2014then had to fall back, back<\/em>, as Ilvriss tried to corner his forces and force the Trisstral Alliance to sign some bad terms for their cities.<\/p>\n

Then they met past the Bloodfields, in the winter, after a grueling campaign where Zel kept ahead of Ilvriss, but the Wall Lord refused to stop chasing him.<\/p>\n

Then\u2026Periss died.<\/p>\n

Then Ilvriss and Zel ran into the Goblin Lord, and went to Liscor.<\/p>\n

Then Zel Shivertail fell and then\u2026<\/p>\n

But the original fight was still there, even if so many things had happened. Salazsar needed food. Trisstral was hopping mad, still. But neither side wanted war <\/em>after so much loss.<\/p>\n

That was when Nerul had arrived. He\u2019d swept into the city, walked into the negotiating room where the angry Council of the city of Dellek was waiting, representatives from the rest of the alliance, and spoken.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentledrakes, I am Nerul, [Diplomat] of the Gemscale family and officially designated representative of the Walled City of Salazsar in regards to the war between the Trisstral Alliance and Salazsar. Both sides want peace, and an amicable solution if one can be arranged. Let\u2019s work this out.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drakes\u2014and Gnolls\u2014in the room had bristled at first. They expected an arrogant Drake from Salazsar to sweep in and say how it was going to be. But Nerul caught them off guard. He stood there in their first meeting, looked around, and identified the head of Dellek\u2019s Council. He inclined his head to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst Scale of Dellek, Councilmembers\u2014I assume you\u2019re speaking on behalf of the alliance? Please correct me if I\u2019m wrong. What does Trisstral want?\u201d<\/p>\n

They blinked, looked at each other. What did they want? Well\u2014the First Scale had risen, eyes flashing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn end to the war! A ceasefire, and agreement to no hostilities! Reparations for the dead,<\/em> including General Zel Shivertail who fell because of this long damned war that took him into the path of a Goblin Lord! The fair trade terms we wanted from the start!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul nodded to each point as the Drake shouted at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course. Do you have numbers, a contract? I can review it now\u2014and I am authorized to sign on behalf of all of Salazsar. I don\u2019t need to talk to the Walled Families unless there\u2019s something outside of my authority.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council hesitated. One of them stared suspiciously at Nerul.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a trick.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, Councilmember. Salazsar mourns the death of Zel Shivertail. It acknowledges the waste of a war\u2014and the act of aggression made. Or at least, the families that voted in majority to. I am here to end this conflict without a single life lost. And I\u2019m willing to do so fairly. Now. What numbers are we talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d caught them off-guard, and they actually had to recess to pull up actual figures. The caving of what they\u2019d thought they\u2019d have to fight over caught them unawares.<\/p>\n

And of course, when they did come back with exact terms and a contract, the real negotiations began.<\/p>\n

It took Nerul three months. At first, the entire Council and many representatives, including other Councilmembers, even a Watch Captain, sat in on the talks. But they quickly found that what they wanted, they got.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like the ceasefire signed today<\/em>, if possible. We can talk about the reparations later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we sign a ceasefire, how are we to assume Salazsar will honor the rest once the threat has ended?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat] shook his head patiently as the Watch Captain snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrisstral has all the agriculture that Salazsar desires, Watch Captain Cells. But a ceasefire means we can all relax. Can we agree to that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The cease fire was signed the next day. Thereafter, the real arguments began. It was mostly over numbers. The Trisstral Alliance wanted Salazsar to pay through the nose holes for every dead [Soldier] and General Shivertail. They wanted non-aggression contracts for four\u2014no, six decades, a guarantee of no tariffs, and so on.<\/p>\n

That was unreasonable, and Nerul pointed out that no Drake cities had contracts over two decades\u2014and if they did, they were broken. Salazsar couldn\u2019t justify that length.<\/p>\n

They argued for nearly four days\u2014Nerul being polite\u2014on the issue of length. Soon, only designated representatives were hammering out terms with the [Diplomat]. The Council had to do more than sit in.<\/p>\n

Which was what the [Diplomat] wanted, of course. After he\u2019d established the main negotiators, he talked with them, catching them after the official negotiations. He unveiled some of the cargo his small team had brought.<\/p>\n

Gifts. He didn\u2019t press<\/em> them on the negotiators, nor did he offer them to just them; it was to the Council.<\/p>\n

Obviously they were wary. But Nerul was polite, friendly, and after the grueling negotiations, he made a point of visiting the attractions in the city. He asked the negotiators for tips on places to visit\u2014since he was here for a while.<\/p>\n

In time, he ended up drinking with them at a bar after they were done, or being invited over to a home. Even visiting other cities.<\/p>\n

The thing was, Nerul was representing the Walled Families, Salazsar. He had a lot of sympathy for Trisstral, and there were things he couldn\u2019t agree to\u2014that they would refuse to accept.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do a ten year peace treaty. But twenty? I won\u2019t be a [Diplomat] the next day. And we can<\/em> offer the open borders to Dellek because it\u2019s closer. But not the other cities. You understand my point, Councilmember?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was one noticeable conversation with the Dellek representative, who did have to put her city\u2019s interests with that of the alliance in general. Nerul visited the city of Selmis the next day and spent two weeks there being hosted by the negotiator there, who he had grown friendly with. Which of course made Dellek<\/em> a bit nervous\u2026<\/p>\n

Gifts, friendliness\u2014even charm\u2014a reasonable attitude and someone who never<\/em> actually got mad or rose to jibes, and was certainly willing to acknowledge fault, and most importantly, honesty.<\/p>\n

Nerul never promised anything he didn\u2019t mean. Nor did he try to play cities against each other; the negotiators did check. But he was completely willing to take a six-hour-tour with a negotiator, and rack up several thousand<\/em> gold pieces on the Gemscale family bill with gifts, money spent while drinking or talking with the others\u2026<\/p>\n

The trick was that Nerul bent over backwards\u2014did backflips\u2014if he had to. Personal concessions for ones on the actual peace treaty he eventually signed on behalf of Salazsar and had sent to the Walled City to be further signed by all the Walled Families. When he left Trisstral, the negotiators threw him a farewell party.<\/p>\n

And whilst the cities ended up with less than they wanted, their image of Salazsar had turned from \u2018a city we wouldn\u2019t mind tossing Creler eggs over the walls at\u2019, to \u2018a city we dislike because of all the stupid stuff they\u2019ve done, but there was Nerul and we have a trading contract with our neighbors, even peace terms in case Fissival tries something, since they\u2019ve done that too\u2019.<\/p>\n

It was called being a [Diplomat]. And Nerul was good at his job.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNephew! How is my favorite troublemaker? Start any more wars for me to fix?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul Gemscale had a luncheon with Ilvriss. His first comment to his nephew before the huge bear hug essentially continued every interaction he\u2019d had with the younger Wall Lord.<\/p>\n

Nerul was a different sort of Drake. For instance, he wasn\u2019t at all close to succeeding the Gemscale family. He had achieved success in other ways and established his value\u2014but he was no [Lord].<\/p>\n

If Brilm was a pudgy sort of Drake, well, Nerul was, er, big. He had already begun lunch in a fine restaurant; it was customary for him to dine at the one of his choosing after coming back from a sojourn abroad.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Nerul, you\u2019ve bailed me out again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this is the first time you\u2019ve ever thanked me for it. Something\u2019s changed. Wait\u2014less Zail, not necessarily more Helessia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul\u2019s eyes bounced up and down as he studied Ilvriss. He was eating with some of his \u2018team\u2019, lesser [Negotiators] and assistants. Ilvriss nodded.<\/p>\n

Nerul was\u2014or had been\u2014something of a black sheep in the family, mainly because Zail and Ilvriss had not approved of a Drake who came in after the fighting was done.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you drinking with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve quit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? You continue to upset me, nephew. I\u2019ll have his drink, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul spoke to the [Server]. He could and had drunk every person in the room under the table. He sat back as he and Ilvriss caught up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Trisstral Alliance is at peace, and we\u2019ll stop seeing those huge increases on the price of\u2026food. Which is a relief. And I have been three months out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt amazes me it takes so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

The larger Drake snorted, and wiped at his pale purple scales; some wine had been splashed around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you had won the war, let alone captured General Shivertail, I would have had a different response, nephew. Three months? Thank the Ancestors it wasn\u2019t eight!<\/em> I would have had to stall, but I have results. Peace and more than just the word of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat back, eying Ilvriss. Normally Ilvriss wouldn\u2019t have even joined the meal. Now, the Wall Lord sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me. I\u2019ve never appreciated the other truces you\u2019ve hammered out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul\u2019s eyes bounced again. He did that\u2014he appraised people fast. He patted at his mouth with a napkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we have peace. Trade. But more importantly, if you were to walk into one of the cities of the Trisstral Alliance and, say, order something from a shop? Instead of reaching for a knife to stab you, the [Shopkeeper] will give you the time of day. I have made friends with each city\u2019s High Command. And the people are more kindly disposed. There will not be ambushes on our people. They will not raid us, or instantly go to war if, say, we should become rivals with Fissival and the lines are drawn. I have changed the mood of the city<\/em>, where they were ready to kill every person in Salazsar for the war and General Shivertail\u2019s death, as they saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss nodded. That<\/em> was the power of the top [Diplomat] that Salazsar could field.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Skill, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul tapped a ring on his finger with a practiced air. In the silent bubble, he leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201c[A Gradual Change of Disposition]. My capstone Skill. City-wide. If I had to, I\u2019d stay a year. But peace is all we need. Be grateful it was three months.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss nodded. The bubble burst.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it last?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes anything last?\u201d<\/p>\n

His uncle returned. He drummed his claws on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t work on all. It\u2019s about practicing what you preach, nephew. I went around and talked with the widows. I apologized. I flung myself on the mercy of the people\u2014and sometimes smacked the ground. At least they laughed at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if I had won?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul lowered the cup. He looked at Ilvriss and then drank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have marched through their gates with two dozen of the Rubirel Guard and given their alliance a week to surrender with thunder and fury. There is a time for action, a time to build ties. I can do both. Why? Are you starting another<\/em> unnecessary war? We\u2019re running out of war heroes, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was why Ilvriss had disliked him. Nerul was not a [Diplomat] among his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, uncle. I just came to thank you\u2014and speak to you about levels.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake lowered his cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cIntriguing. What happened to you when you fought Zel Shivertail? No\u2014don\u2019t answer that. What happened afterwards?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss bit his tongue. He evaded the question, but Nerul was happy to discuss levels. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Ilvriss. A [Courtesan]\u2014and Sellme made another painting? Are you surprised?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Look around<\/em>, Ilvriss. The highest-leveled Drakes in our society are all<\/em> oddballs. Me included.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a hard and fast rule. Our High Command\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWar is the exception. Battle is adversity. I\u2019m talking outside of that. Listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul waved a claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss of Lights. Naked. Nice as you like, but mad as a loon. Salii the Secretary, learning how to punch holes through rocks in Chandrar. Zel Shivertail\u2014a hero of the Antinium Wars\u2014<\/em>and a public pariah until he became a universally loved hero in death. Sellme, someone who paints pictures of dissent. Your [Courtesan], who isn\u2019t fit for polite society.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved a claw around the restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we have high-level military leaders. So what? War and battle are adversity unto themselves and are exceptions to this phenomenon, which people use in bad-faith arguments to go against the truth. Look around, Ilvriss. There\u2019s a Human saying about how the highest nail gets hammered down first. Well\u2014in our culture, Drakes swing the hammer twice as hard and twice as fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat back and ordered dessert. Ilvriss stayed a while telling him the more easy things to talk about in Liscor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t bring me back a cake? Or how to make this gelato? Ice cream?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was outraged. Ilvriss found himself more at ease with Nerul\u2014he remembered hating the Drake\u2019s guts. He could see why.<\/p>\n

The Ilvriss of today smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have my [Chef] send over both recipes to yours, Uncle. Also\u2014mayonnaise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung Ilvriss, if I thought people could never change for the better, you\u2019ve proved me wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul seized his claw and smiled. They parted like that.<\/p>\n

Warily, Ilvriss thought. Nerul was exceptionally clever. He made you think you were his best friend, regardless of what he felt. He had to be wondering what had inspired Ilvriss to change.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss just wondered if a [Diplomat] of his level had more tricks Ilvriss\u2014who had thought in terms of armies and military strength or economic\u2014had never thought of.<\/p>\n

Soft power.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was an extraordinarily soft<\/em> bed after all. Ilvriss poked it gingerly. Then he sat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014hope I haven\u2019t disturbed The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> too much, Miss Xesci?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an incident, but no one was hurt or bothered. They\u2019re more curious about why you came back. They think\u2014well, you can imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded to the closed door. Ilvriss nodded. He began to speak, but she went first.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I have to apologize to you, Wall Lord. I\u2026acted in bad faith yesterday. I didn\u2019t realize how manipulative the knitting-Drake was. She was a creepy bitch. Sorry. It\u2019s the new body.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Courtesan] was different today. Feet up on the second chair; it was why he had the bed. Lounging in a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

She scratched at her neck-spines and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA coworker. She\u2019s a bit\u2014prickly.<\/em> I was trying her out, but I don\u2019t think it fits. Better than yesterday, though. That other Drake had a temper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Periss always did. Ilvriss nodded warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese\u2026forms. They influence your personality?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. And it can be bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake sighed and sat forwards, resting her elbows on her knees, hunched over, a completely different posture than the other two people she\u2019d been.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell? You saw how I was getting into playing mind games with you. That\u2019s an extreme example; but each personality is different<\/em>. Most people are the same, but some are\u2026unexpected. Even to me. I might be overly timid\u2014or aggressive. Or worse. You can imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss thought of Shriekblade and nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have an extraordinary class, Miss Xesci. I suppose I\u2019ve come back to talk more. Process\u2026yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, again. And I will be more honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded at him. He adjusted his seat; he felt like the bed was trying to swallow him rear-first.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout your ability. You said you can mimic people within two feet of your height. And you saw Periss in me. Can you\u2026see more faces?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman hesitated. She glanced at the door and then Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord, normally I assure you<\/em> that nothing said or done here is leaked. No watch-spells, no peep holes. And I keep my mouth shut. Can I ask you to do the same?\u201d<\/p>\n

He inclined his head. She waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xesci exhaled. She ran a claw through her neck spines again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe trouble with being a loudmouth is\u2026argh. Fine. I blame Reta\u2019s poor impulse-control. Yes, I see other faces. If I look at you? I can see old flames. Not<\/em> your mother. Or your sister. I know you have them; I can\u2019t tell. It\u2019s about\u2026interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSexual. I note who you\u2019ve at least had sexual encounters with, or even desire\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust making sure you can tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss folded his arms, feeling defensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just impulse, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. That\u2019s very revealing\u2026and disturbing, sometimes. But I don\u2019t see much wrong with you. That Drake is like a beacon, but there\u2019s also other Drakes. First loves; childhood crushes don\u2019t really count.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em> Who?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026close to black fur, a spot on the shoulder\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss turned red under his scales. He knew exactly<\/em> who that was. Xesci watched with a slight smile. She tried to cover it, but then\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you tell me? If I\u2019ve told you this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He struggled, but she had been honest. At last, Ilvriss hung his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a young man, and she was one of the staff in our employ. Always getting on my case about tracking mud in. I must have been\u2026nineteen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t even realized how attracted he<\/em> was until she brought it up and the older Drake recalled the younger one\u2019s viewpoint. She laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always like that. And people ask for me to check.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll forgive me if I say that\u2019s strange. Not\u2014wrong\u2014but strange.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is fair. Two Gnolls, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew the other one. He\u2019d been curious. Ilvriss sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne Human. But that\u2019s another odd case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes flicked to his. He kept his face straight.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake wondered how accurate her Skill was. Or whether it was\u2026it wasn\u2019t like that. But he supposed it was.<\/p>\n

He sat there for a while. But then he came to the real reason he\u2019d come.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Xesci. Can you take on other\u2026forms? Besides female, I mean. Can you become a male Drake? If you chose to?\u201d<\/p>\n

She froze. The [Courtesan] carefully eyed Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are asking if I could\u2026or have\u2026Wall Lord, I would have to decline to comment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced at the door at the same time as she did. This felt\u2014wrong to discuss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not interested in any details, Miss Xesci. I am just asking if it is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

She folded her arms. Which was an answer enough for him. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us change the subject, then. I wanted to know because\u2026are there people you can\u2019t sense anything from?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Courtesan] hesitated. She narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out where he was going. But no offense to her co-worker\u2014but the Drake didn\u2019t seem as cunning as the knitting-Drake had been.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026have met people like that. Odd ones. They love no one and nothing. From time to time\u2014I don\u2019t use this on everyone, you understand. But I met an adventurer like that. He only wanted me to be the most beautiful person I could be. Then the next. And there have been\u2014others. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

Because, Miss Xesci, I need your help.<\/em> The Wall Lord smiled thinly.<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity, Miss Xesci. Thank you. Would you describe the Human? Before I go. Just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She did. He listened. Then he left, paying her fee in full. The Wall Lord stood outside for a while.<\/p>\n

A wedding ring.<\/p>\n

Idiot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ilvriss. But it\u2019s not a good time right now. That damned seditious [Painter] and their lies. Have you heard\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, Wall Lord Rellmel. But let me assure you, I can pay whatever fee we can agree on. Up front.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord\u2019s eyes flickered, but he was shaking his head, even during the sit-down meeting with Ilvriss, Wall Lord to Wall Lord.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really can\u2019t be selling artifacts, Ilvriss. I\u2019m tempted<\/em>, as a favor between fellow Wall Lords, but\u2026my sister would throw ten kinds of fits. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would it take for Gisha?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, Ilvriss? Too much to imagine. She\u2019s paranoid about needing it. Well, it\u2019s a Potion of\u2014<\/em>you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rellmel looked around the tall restaurant in one of the highest points of the towers. He patted at his mouth then fetched a toothpick.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she\u2019s not in the mood. All the slander about us\u2026do you have any idea who this \u2018Sellme\u2019 is? We can\u2019t even get it taken down. We\u2019re putting a bounty out\u2014they\u2019ve gone too far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss wondered if the [Painter] would be alright. They had a decent Skill that had kept everyone but him away. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, then, Rellmel. Are you sure? One million. By the end of the week. In your vaults.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake gulped. He stayed there a long time as Ilvriss leaned on the table. Then he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors, but no. I\u2019m sorry, Ilvriss. You know, we should go drinking. You have to tell about Liscor. Should I buy some land there? I hear\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

But Ilvriss was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nearly forgot his appointment with Shriekblade in the evening. Ilvriss had some personal [Messages] that had been screened by Alrric or someone in the company; everyone wanted to talk to a Wall Lord, obviously, and few people did.<\/p>\n

\u2018Wasn\u2019t sure. \u2013Alrric.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

An appended note to one of the notes. Ilvriss walked into the Gemscale residence and his part of it, looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade?\u201d<\/p>\n

He talked to the Gnoll with black fur and a white spot on her shoulder blade. The [Head of Household] grinned at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Wall Lord. Were you expecting her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss jerked his eyes away from the white patch of fur.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, Miss Yern. Er\u2014that is\u2014I suppose she declined to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed. Temperamental adventurers. He was rethinking his contract with her. After all\u2014he wasn\u2019t moving on<\/em> any huge engagement yet. Finding Az\u2019kerash\u2019s minions was harder than it seemed. Maybe he\u2019d terminate it at the end of the month.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss was sorting through the [Messages]. Some were interesting.<\/p>\n

\u2018Regarding your search\u2014representative of Wall Lord Dragial of Fissival?\u2019 Interesting. \u2018Regretfully decline\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

He was reaching for the one Alrric hadn\u2019t been sure about when he entered his personal chambers. He swung the door closed, glanced up\u2014and dropped the letter.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade was in his bedroom. The adventurer had slipped in undetected, worrying, but she did have the keystone that passed her through his security enchantments.<\/p>\n

\u2026That was about all she was wearing. She was naked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Shriekblade reporting, Wall Lord. What would you like me to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice had regained some of the flatness<\/em> of how she was when she was using mind-altering substances. Halfway between her true personality and this. Ilvriss stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReporting.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him, with a half-clouded look of annoyance. She gestured at the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat d\u2014no.<\/em> That is not why I invited you here!\u201d<\/p>\n

She blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me to come here this night. You\u2019re telling me you had other plans?\u201d<\/p>\n

He swung around.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. <\/em>I wanted you to show me your swordsmanship\u2014what is wrong with you? <\/em>Put on your clothes, now!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake heard silence from behind him. Then a shuffling sound. He didn\u2019t look around. After a moment\u2019s hesitation, he strode to the door, opened it, and stormed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade is present. Get me\u2014a drink. Something stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith alcohol?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d told the staff not to give him anything. But Ilvriss\u2014he found himself sitting as a cup of Firebreath Whiskey was handed to him. He stared at the liquid in the glass, tilted his head up\u2014<\/p>\n

Paused.<\/p>\n

He was feeling the same as when he\u2019d collapsed in the mines. A sense of\u2026of frustration. Everything not turning out how it had to. That idiotic adventurer. If people had begun to gossip, his reputation\u2014<\/p>\n

At first he was angry. He looked at the drink in the cup. He\u2019d promised. But damn it, it was one drink. He just wished it were different.<\/p>\n

A bit of faerie flower in the cup\u2026<\/p>\n

The liquid stopped against his pressed lips. He felt like a ghost was holding them closed.<\/p>\n

It was so easy to believe Xesci\u2019s lies. Not the one she\u2019d told him, but her changing form. To believe for a moment and let yourself\u2026be. Even if they were gone. Even if it had never happened.<\/p>\n

He felt a hand on his shoulder. Was it a claw or Human fingers? He tried to listen.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade. What would she have said if he\u2019d related that event to her, while sitting at a table? She would have said\u2026<\/p>\n

Wall Lord\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

No. Wait. She would never have said that.<\/em> What would she have said? Have done?<\/p>\n

He did not know her. But he tried to be like Xesci.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stared at his claw as it carefully set down the tumbler.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice carefully tugged away the glass of the bad juice from Wall Lord Ilvriss. She put it on the table\u2014pushed it to the edge\u2014then turned to face him. She put her hands on her hips. And then\u2026<\/p>\n

The Drake saw the same claw rise. And\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yern was telling the other Drake staff to shut up.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one will be blabbing about that Drake in his quarters. He stormed out\u2014nothing happened, <\/em>no? And if one of you lies, I know it will be one of you and I will dangle you out of the tower by your tails.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chastened, they nodded. Yern sighed. Then she heard a sound.<\/p>\n

Smack.<\/em><\/p>\n

She glanced back into the sitting room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was lying half sprawled out of his chair. He rubbed at his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat will be all, Miss Yern. I slipped.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him and nodded slowly. The loss of Miss Perris had really taken a toll.<\/p>\n

Now he was punching himself?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Okay, maybe too much channeling Erin Solstice. Ilvriss rubbed at his face. And he wasn\u2019t sure if she would have done that.<\/p>\n

But now\u2014thinking of her\u2014he regretted what he\u2019d snapped at Shriekblade.<\/p>\n

What is wrong with you?<\/em><\/p>\n

What was wrong with the people who\u2019d employed<\/em> her? He slowly stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Shriekblade. Are you decent?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a chance and opened the doors. She was hiding in a corner, facing the wall, curled up onto her knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019m wrong again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026apologize, Miss Shriekblade. For what I said earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

She half-glanced at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014shouldn\u2019t have insulted you. Nor was I aware other employers of yours had acted so\u2026wrongly. Criminally, perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey paid me. I do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. You should not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want money. I\u2019ll leave now.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood to go. Ilvriss hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Shriekblade. I called you here to ask if you were willing to\u2026replace Master Zelir. Or at least test me without breaking my arm and show me what a real ambush or battle would be like.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him. Either the Calming Tonic was wearing off, or the moment had snapped her out of her former state. She spoke, incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to hit you? With swords, knives, needles?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot\u2026fatally. But I need to improve. So, if you were willing to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would get to hit my employer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout doing permanent damage.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He stressed that. Shriekblade nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019d get to hit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder controlled situations\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. Then she nodded. Ilvriss felt like he\u2019d made a mistake already. But he stopped her as they began to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Shriekblade…Miss Tessa. That incident in the bedroom. I do mean what I said. You should not have been put in that situation, your\u2026willingness aside. Nor do I think, in light of that, it is wise for you to rely on those potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a better adventurer when I take them. I follow orders. I don\u2019t like doing this when I\u2019m not on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so. Would you consider refraining from taking them unless needed?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stared at Ilvriss. She actually walked around him, peering at him. Eventually, she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re strange. Alright. When we spar, I can\u2019t hurt you permanently. But I can hit you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I will specify ways we might fight. For instance, bare-claws. Or you could simulate a\u2026rapier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can use that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Shieldscale may want to learn, if one can learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was going to find out how he\u2019d fare against a real high-level opponent without artifacts or backup. <\/em>Ilvriss\u2019 stomach began to hurt. He hoped he\u2019d level. Shriekblade\u2019s eyes flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can hit her too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder controlled\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it, got it. Can I bite?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next morning, Ilvriss lay in bed as the sun rose.<\/p>\n

He was\u2026.physically\u2026healed. But his ego and body had taken a beating. He shuddered.<\/p>\n

You could dislocate someone\u2019s arm<\/em> and that was not permanent damage if an expert did it to you. Allegedly.<\/p>\n

Was there a point to it? He was already trying to rationalize why another sparring session was a bad idea. But the problem was\u2026Shriekblade was an expert.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a gap\u2014here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she kicked him in the groin. He curled up at the memory. She\u2019d spotted a weakness in his guard. One that maybe Zelir had spotted or pointed out. Either way?<\/p>\n

Ilvriss would never make the same mistake after Shriekblade pointed it out.<\/p>\n

And yet, she seemed almost happy. How did he know?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou not getting up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Please close the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer was having breakfast in his residence. Ilvriss lay there.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever again. It\u2019s just self-flagellation. I don\u2019t need to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He muttered to himself. The hard part\u2014the difficult part was\u2014<\/p>\n

He\u2019d damn well leveled up last night. <\/em>The Drake moaned internally. It was probably mending ties with his uncle, or progressing his understanding of Xesci\u2019s class. Levels were cumulative effort over time! You couldn\u2019t attribute it to the final day of\u2014<\/p>\n

The door opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get to spar with you tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Captain Shieldscale first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAwesome.\u201d<\/p>\n

He hid under the blankets as the door closed again. He was at least glad that someone<\/em> was happy. What would Erin say?<\/p>\n

\u2026She\u2019d be laughing too hard to talk about now. But he thought she would also have approved, even if she hadn\u2019t worded it this way. Shriekblade\u2026he felt for the Named Adventurer. She was not Xesci, who, despite everything, seemed in control of herself.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss was wondering if he could justify wearing armor\u2014or at least, a codpiece\u2014when he noticed something on his bedroom floor. He must have forgotten it after Shriekblade dumped him in his home and he crawled into bed.<\/p>\n

The [Message]. Ilvriss slowly exited the bed, feeling phantom pain with every step. He crawled on the floor to the [Message], picked it up, and read it. It was all so\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shriekblade felt good today. It was such a rare feeling when she hadn\u2019t recently been to the Healer of Tenbault she kept expecting it to go away. She had an appetite and everything, even if the Gnoll serving her kept glaring at her.<\/p>\n

She got to punch her employer, and he hadn\u2019t even told her to sleep with him. This was a good job. And that annoying blue Drake. She was looking forwards to that, even if the day was going to be dead b\u2014<\/p>\n

Ilvriss kicked<\/em> the door to his bedroom open and strode out.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade! With me!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer was already on her feet. Ilvriss was striding across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord? Is everything alright? Breakfast\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSend it to the company headquarters!\u201d<\/p>\n

He was already halfway down the stairs and storming for the door. The [Message] was in his claws. It was a simple one. A request for aid, like many sent to him. But this one had not been sent to Ilvriss.<\/em> It was one of the [Messages] Alrric had dutifully copied that were sent to the city of Liscor. Public notices.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This one was from the Horns of Hammerad. Ilvriss was in his office as a blinking Alrric found he\u2019d been beaten<\/em> to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Village of the Dead. What do you know about it, Alrric?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Administrator] had to look it up over tea. He had all kinds of encyclopedias and almanacs. It was Shriekblade who answered, visible, and uncharacteristically talkative.<\/p>\n

\u201cDesignation\u2014Named-rank threat. Death zone. Uncleared. Passive. Undead-type threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are adventurer terms. Explain it.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss snapped. Shriekblade shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means only a Named-rank Adventurer should even go near it. Death zone means that it\u2019s a place where you die if you go. Like\u2026Rhir. And uncleared means no one\u2019s found out what lies inside. Passive means it isn\u2019t expanding. Like Creler nests. Undead-type means\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have it, Wall Lord. A Human village to the north. A known threat. It appeared, well, thousands of years ago and has never been erased or destroyed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not like the Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric nodded. He wondered\u2014no, it had to be the [Message] he\u2019d copied over. But he didn\u2019t see why Ilvriss was galvanized. The pieces were there. He tried to recall it. It was a bit lengthy, but the key parts might have been\u2026<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2026may have something that can be traded or help her. We, the Horns of Hammerad, intend to assault the Village of Death in two week\u2019s time. We are calling in every team associated with The Wandering Inn to join us if possible. To any adventurer, we are offering full shares after a first pick of any item and compensation at market value if not. We know it\u2019s dangerous. Come anyways, for the [Innkeeper] of Liscor.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been attempts. The Five Families sent armies into the Village of Death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord looked up. Alrric frowned at the book, closed it abruptly. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Village grew.<\/em> The armies retreated after being overwhelmed by the undead, who seemed to regenerate even from near-complete destruction, or pushed into the village and were lost to observers. With more bodies\u2026lost, the village\u2019s radius expanded. The area was attempted by Named-rank adventurers. Two. One a team, one a solo member. The team fell back. The solo adventurer was presumed lost. The area was declared a death zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a Gold-rank team is going in there? Crazy. Sounds like fun. If they paid me, I\u2019d go. How much are they offering?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss showed Shriekblade the [Message]. The Drake glanced at the missive, looking for a number.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompensation? For that? Pass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would it take for you to join in the fighting?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric and Shriekblade did a double-take.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer thought. Then she smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll fight until they retreat for two hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo hundred gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThousand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alrric choked on his morning tea. Ilvriss frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exorbitant, even for you, Shriekblade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a death zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged. But she looked excited at the idea. Ilvriss drummed his claws on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe problem is the destination. If you could get to Liscor, you can jump to Invrisil. But this is\u2026Ancestors damn it. Three days old. You\u2019d barely make it to Pallass, let alone Invrisil. I\u2019d have to clear you for Pegasus-flight direct if Oteslia even acknowledges it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m banned.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you are. Fine, then. I don\u2019t know if you\u2019d even make it on time. Alrric\u2014send a [Message] to Ceria Springwalker. Ask her if she will delay the assault. Meanwhile\u2014get me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He was writing furiously. Alrric nodded for an assistant to take over as he went to clean the tea from his fur. Shriekblade pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know those names. Some of them. Gold-ranks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. These are adventurers to contact. Tell them I have a job offer for them in regards to the Horns of Hammerad\u2019s [Message]\u2014get me a [Mage], as well as [Message] scrolls. I\u2019ll have the contents in ten minutes. And I need a list of teams in Invrisil <\/em>or the region. Inquire, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake took the list and rushed off. Ilvriss sat forwards. He began to write a [Message]. It was short, brief, and the first one he sent to Keldrass of the Flamewardens.<\/p>\n

He would have sent one to Bevussa, but she was on contract. Ilvriss went down the list. First\u2014Gold-ranks. He received a flurry of [Messages] and replied briefly. Then he went to Silver.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeldrass of the Flamewardens. I would like you to participate in the Horns of Hammerad\u2019s request for a joint-assault on the Village of Death. I am prepared to offer your team compensation for joining in the effort, regardless of success or failure. Pending your agreement with the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, I will transfer twenty thousand gold pieces into your account at the Merchant\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Alrric stared at the [Message] he\u2019d just read out. He shook his head. Then he began authorizing payments from Ilvriss\u2019 personal account. The Wall Lord was spending<\/em> money on this assault. Shriekblade was waiting on a response from the Horns of Hammerad\u2026<\/p>\n

And Ilvriss couldn\u2019t sit still. Saliss of Lights wasn\u2019t in Pallass and besides, he was out of his arsenal. Other big Named Adventurers in the areas refused\u2014to leave their posts, to go north, or just because they were engaged.<\/p>\n

Crowdcaller Merdon and<\/em> Elia Arcsinger had already declined, and some were in contract to the Five Families for instance.<\/p>\n

But he could hire teams from Pallass, Liscor, Invrisil\u2014he stopped pacing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here is your bill, Wall Lord. I\u2019ve taken it from your account.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Thank you, Alrric.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss glanced at the figure. It was more than what Shriekblade would charge, although it would double again if she agreed and could make it.<\/p>\n

It did not matter. He thought of that inn. This\u2014this was something.<\/p>\n

Something.<\/em> The feeling in his veins felt like\u2014satisfaction. Progress. Ilvriss turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlrric, is Nerul unoccupied?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can check.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to meet him now. After that\u2014I need Captain Shieldscale. I am going to visit The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> shortly after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll hesitated. One did not normally announce that last bit in a loud voice. But the Wall Lord didn\u2019t seem to care that half his staff in the office had recognized the name and were staring at him sidelong.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything alright, Ilvriss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake came to a stop. He looked at Alrric.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But I intend to set it right. Time to take risks. Throw frying pans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs\u2026that an expression?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss didn\u2019t bother replying. He walked into his office.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade. I have a mission for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides going to that Village of Death? What do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

He told her. She blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em> That sounds like fun. What do I do? Kill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, find.<\/em> I want it done before I leave The Drake\u2019s Pearl.<\/em> That will be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long does it take? Ten minutes? Five? Two?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss ignored that.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s call it evening. Succeed by then and you\u2019ll have a bonus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em> I\u2019ll find them.\u201d<\/p>\n

She vanished.<\/p>\n

Nerul was next, and Captain Shieldscale. Ilvriss stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNephew, what\u2019s this about? Your Gnoll said it was urgent. I have a hangover, though. Started any wars? Disputes you want me to end?\u201d<\/p>\n

The portly Drake looked reproachful. Ilvriss stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle, I have a request. I want you to help me and I am prepared to compensate you. It\u2019s a personal favor, not a Gemscale family one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake blinked. Ilvriss told him what he wanted. The Drake inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s<\/em> a two-year project if ever I heard of one. But I can do it in my off-time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It\u2019s a today-project.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat] stopped in his tracks.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be joking. No\u2026this isn\u2019t playing around, Ilvriss. It\u2019s unfriendly. It could lead to conflict. Have you cleared this with Zail?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I don\u2019t intend to. I want it done. I am the acting head of the Gemscale family. And you can name your price.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul licked his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell. I have to admit, it would be the kind of thing that I like doing now and then. And it\u2019s a leveling opportunity. Hm. Hmm\u2026it\u2019s not any scales off my tail, Ilvriss. Are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

He met his uncle\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat] sighed, rubbed at the back of his neck and his neck-spines, and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was too much conviction there for my liking. It must be needed. Very well. I can do it tonight. It is going to be unpleasant and you are going to have to let me do all<\/em> the talking first, understand? No going out of line or it fails. Let me gather a group. I need down payments\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlrric.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. I\u2019ll set it up. What has gotten into you today, Ilvriss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord stood there, adjusting his clothing, which he\u2019d donned in a hurry. He knew this would damage Gemscale\u2019s reputation. Much less what he was going to do. He didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to hurry, Uncle. I\u2019m tired of sitting around.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at the Drake. Nerul nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Xesci was engaged<\/em> when Wall Lord Ilvriss stormed into The Drake\u2019s Pearl<\/em> for the third day.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be obsessed. He wants to see you right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Manager] told Xesci when she had emerged. The Drake frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot with me in the way you\u2019re thinking. I wonder what he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, she was wearing a shorter Gnoll\u2019s body. A sweetheart. And she was certainly smiling, if bewildered, as Ilvriss walked into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord. How can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat down abruptly. The air around him had changed. Before, when they had first met, he had been reluctant, even tired. Now\u2014he was almost unable to sit still. He met her gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Xesci. When we first spoke, you mentioned that one of your dreams was to return to the north in time, perhaps after having saved up enough. Was that true or an exaggeration?\u201d<\/p>\n

She blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026it wasn\u2019t untruthful. I\u2019d like to retire. Wouldn\u2019t we all? I don\u2019t know where I\u2019d settle, but yes, I would at least visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. And do you enjoy your job or would you retire if you had the choice?\u201d<\/p>\n

She rested her chin on her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, would I continue working here? Wall Lord\u2014it\u2019s a job. Sometimes it\u2019s enjoyable, sometimes not. But it\u2019s not a passion. <\/em>Especially if you\u2019re the only expert in the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman grinned at him, inviting him to share the joke. He did not.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, Miss Xesci, I have a proposition for you. I would like to hire you to work for me in an unusual capacity. Not<\/em> as a [Courtesan], but as an\u2026agent. I cannot go into details here, but I would be prepared to offer you enough gold to retire on after your work is completed. A year\u2014two at most.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. Then she rubbed at one ear.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord repeated himself. The woman stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat could I possibly offer\u2026is this an exceptionally personal matter, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d heard of contracts like this. She wasn\u2019t opposed, but Ilvriss denied it again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not asking you to\u2026bed me. I won\u2019t rule it out, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s necessary. And it will never<\/em> be me. I am not willing to go into details. Only that I would like to know if you would accept the request.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord, I\u2019m working in the best brothel in all of Salazsar. I don\u2019t know how much you think I earn, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour hundred thousand gold pieces for one year.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nearly fell out of bed. Er\u2026she slowly looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I am. One year. A formal, magical contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wall Lord Ilvriss waited as she thought, blinking. This\u2026was a lot, even for him. He couldn\u2019t just throw <\/em>money around.<\/p>\n

No, wait. Yes he could.<\/p>\n

Ilvriss had one power, and it was making money. But it wasn\u2019t a power<\/em> unless you used it, and the Wall Lord was dumping gold like it was going out of style. He could afford this.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to know what it\u2019s about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I will meet you at this location in the Gemscale Spire\u2026tomorrow. I may be busy today, Miss Xesci. Here is the exact floor\u2026please come alone. You are obviously assured of your safety, but I can swear on a truth stone now if you would like. However, this is a confidential affair for my family and I, and I cannot risk speaking of it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. He could only imagine what intrigues she was thinking of\u2014but the sum persuaded her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI may refuse, Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

But he hoped she would not. And he felt as though the truth was\u2026enough. Ilvriss stood up, and walked out of the room. Xesci stared after his back.<\/p>\n

What did he need her<\/em> for? To seduce some Human [Lord]? Uncover an infidelity plot in the Walled Families?<\/p>\n

What she didn\u2019t realize was that it wasn\u2019t just her.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ilvriss wanted talent. Talent was hard to get. But there were<\/em> individuals in this city who exceeded all the others.<\/p>\n

The best. Literally. Not \u2018second-best\u2019, but indisputable masters. And there was one in every city.<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights, for instance, a name people knew<\/em> in a city of millions.<\/p>\n

But there was the thing. Even if you knew them, even if they were your friends, it was hard to get them to do something for you. You would either have to be a charismatic, charming [Innkeeper] with the ability to create miracles and who befriended such people to help her as the need arose\u2026<\/p>\n

Or you were a Wall Lord of Salazsar who would drown you in gold pieces. <\/em>Someone with the kind of power and willingness to expend parts of what he\u2019d hoarded for his entire life in one moment.<\/p>\n

The famous artist known as \u2018Sellme\u2019 ran through the streets of Salazsar, pushing past people. Disaster!<\/em><\/p>\n

They were running for the gates. One of the walls to the city. Anywhere. Their tenure in Salazsar was done. They\u2019d made a name for themselves and had finally begun really stabbing<\/em> the Walled Families where it hurt\u2014their ego and flaws.<\/p>\n

However, the City of Gems had gone on the offensive too fast. Way too fast. And it was a bit of bad luck, but really, it was also the fact that a Named Adventurer<\/em> had been deployed to end Sellme.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade the killer. She was after Sellme, and not only did she have the advantage of all her contacts in the city, Ilvriss had given her a useful piece of advice.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re looking for a Drake.<\/em><\/p>\n

He\u2019d even seen Sellme\u2019s tail color. But the reason Sellme had been found was really Ilvriss knowing how the elusive [Painter] did their work. Shriekblade had gone hunting for streets where Skills were keeping people away and found the [Painter] doing one of their pieces\u2014another lampoon against Rellmel\u2019s ongoing treatment of [Miners].<\/p>\n

\u201cThat way!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s head turned. The fearsome Named Adventurer had slowed in the crowd, but more bodies were charging after them. An azure Drake with clearly-dyed scales to the [Painter]\u2019s eyes was leading dozens<\/em> of Drakes in Gemscale family colors.<\/p>\n

\u201cErchirite Spears! On the business of a Wall Lord of Salazsar! Clear a path!\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice bellowed. The [Painter] sprinted left\u2014then tried to slow, turn around. They yanked their hood down. In the crowd, they\u2019d be lost. Drakes and Gnolls looked around, irritated or confused. But the [Painter] smiled, shook their heads. Blended in.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d lost some of the good paints! Damn\u2026but they had to run. This city was too hot. They just needed to slip the\u2014<\/p>\n

Wall Lord Ilvriss of Salazsar strode down the street with a hundred of the Erchirite Spears. People stared at the display of force as the group blocked one end of the street. The [Painter] froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Wall Lord Ilvriss! Please remain calm\u2014we are looking for an individual hiding among you! Captain Shieldscale, the [Appraisal] Skills. Shriekblade\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere, there, there, there! Those four can\u2019t be read.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Painter]\u2019s blood ran cold. The Named Adventurer was looking at them<\/em>, materializing on a balcony. They had used the anti-Appraisal ring against<\/em> them!<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s that one! The painter! With the white scales!\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sellme ran.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

People\u2019s heads turned as Ilvriss and half of Gemscale\u2019s family guard and his hired forces thundered after the [Painter], blockading the street. He saw a white, scaled face, a Drake\u2014with colored scales, yellow and<\/em> green speckled in. Unusual pattern.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe painter? Sellme? They\u2019re going after\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd reacted to Shriekblade\u2019s loud voice. They turned, saw the fleeing figure, and came to the obvious conclusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re silencing Sellme! Stop them! That\u2019s Shriekblade!\u201d<\/p>\n

They began pushing at the Erchirite Spears and Gemscale [Guards]. Ilvriss cursed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not arresting that [Painter]! I just want to\u2014Shriekblade, apprehend, do not harm!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s not what I\u2019m good at\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She leapt after the Drake. Ilvriss saw Osthia slowed by the crowd, who turned their wrath on the Drakes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo violence! I\u2019m going after them! [Haste]!\u201d<\/p>\n

He twisted a ring and blurred<\/em> past the people.<\/p>\n

Oh yes. A Wall Lord had resources. He cursed Shriekblade\u2019s methods, though. He\u2019d told her to identify<\/em> the Drake, not grab! But she\u2019d wanted a bigger bonus so she\u2019d tried to get Sellme before Osthia and Ilvriss arrived.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d misunderstood what he wanted to do. But the fact that Sellme had actually evaded<\/em> the Named Adventurer, even if she wasn\u2019t allowed to harm, was impressive.<\/p>\n

In truth, the reason Ilvriss had wanted Sellme had more to do with wanting to know what they could<\/em> do rather than what he had an idea for. Unlike Xesci, they were an unknown quantity.<\/p>\n

But they were high-level.<\/em> And there was always a use for\u2026<\/p>\n

Ilvriss caught up to Shriekblade, who\u2019d cornered Sellme against an alleyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay back! I\u2019m a citizen of the Walled Cities! You\u2019re not allowed to kill me!\u201d<\/p>\n

A surprisingly young voice shouted. Male. Ilvriss saw a frightened Drake as Shriekblade advanced, tensed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to kill you. I\u2019m not allowed to. But I will<\/em> break your legs if you do that again! You got paint in my eyes!\u201d<\/p>\n

She hissed. Ilvriss skidded to a halt.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade, enough. Sellme\u2014I want to talk. I am Wall Lord Ilvriss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be silenced! Salazsar is corrupt!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Painter] drew forth\u2014Ilvriss tensed, but it was a brush. Coated in paint. They turned their back to him and he motioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay back. Stop them if they run, but no harming them.<\/em> I wanted to talk!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. You\u2019re not breaking their legs and handing them over to Lord Rellmel? But you said to that [Diplomat]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was an unrelated issue! Painter Sellme\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss saw a flicker. He turned just in time to see the younger [Painter] leap into<\/em> the doorway at the end of the alleyway and scramble down the street. He started. Shriekblade blinked. They charged after the Drake as one, cursing. Ilvriss was so confused.<\/p>\n

That hadn\u2019t been\u2014<\/p>\n

Wham.<\/em> They ran into<\/em> the painted doorway as Shriekblade hit the brick wall and then Ilvriss collided with her. It was so realistic<\/em> that neither one had realized that the Drake had drawn it<\/em> while they were arguing!<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stared up at the paint now on his face and armor. Shriekblade cursed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did it again! He threw paint at me the first time\u2014I ran into it in the air! It\u2019s a [Magical Painter] or something!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExtraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stared at the doorway. He\u2019d broken the paint\u2014it had been showing the street beyond. He stood up as Osthia, battered, with the contents of a chamber pot on her armor, skidded into the alleyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord. Did you get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey escaped. They can paint<\/em> doors, Captain. After them! I need their talents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss got to his feet. Shriekblade was already running, mad as hell.<\/p>\n

But Sellme was gone. They were out of the city before Shriekblade found the hole in the wall of Salazsar, <\/em>an artfully drawn ramp that had carried them to safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wall Lord Rellmel was celebrating the disappearance of the acclaimed [Painter], Sellme, with his sister, Wall Lady Grisa. That was the ruling elite\u2019s mood; the city was sullen.<\/p>\n

People blamed Wall Lord Ilvriss for the incident on the streets, and rumors were already flying that he had deployed no less than Shriekblade<\/em> to silence Sellme before his secrets could be leaked.<\/p>\n

What that was, was unclear. Rellmel had a different opinion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet you he wanted to get Sellme to sweeten the deal, Grisa. He really wanted the Potion of you-know-what.\u201d<\/p>\n

His sister glanced around the restaurant, one of the fanciest in all of Salazsar, with a commanding view. Rellmel hated being here. It was too expensive, but she always wanted to take her<\/em> boyfriend here. And she was always interfering with the company that was his job to run.<\/p>\n

Case in point. A million gold pieces? They could live off that alone for\u2026four years! Three! But she refused. She was paranoid about safety; her Amulet of Protection glinted conspicuously as she glowered at him, waiting for the handsome Drake to get back from the bathroom\u2014her date.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not. That\u2019s our<\/em> heirloom. A million\u2019s too low! If he went ten million, I\u2019d think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one can afford that for one potion, Grisa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFetohep of Khelt, might.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tossed her head. His jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to sell to a skeleton?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBusiness is business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Ilvriss went after Sellme\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it was because his company has problems. If he caught Sellme\u2014so what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pictures of us\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re gone, so we don\u2019t owe<\/em> Ilvriss anything, Rellmel. Now, I want a happy<\/em> dinner. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

He folded his arms as his sister glowered. The Wall Lord was discontent, but he felt like trying his luck at the bar now that Sellme was gone and his reputation would be cleared. This\u2014unpleasantness with the [Miners] would be forgotten, and business was booming even without.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall Lord Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rellmel looked up from studying the menu. Grisa was already ordering. She looked around as Rellmel\u2019s personal bodyguard, a Gnoll, urgently whispered to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Rellmel, Wall Lord Ilvriss is approaching the restaurant! We\u2019re moving to intercept, but he has caught the Emera family off-guard! We have to evacuate you now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

For a second, the Drake didn\u2019t even understand what he was hearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvacuate me? Ilvriss? Here? What are you talking\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Grisa was on her feet. Rellmel saw an Emera-family hire, old Vidam, arrive, panting, clutching at his side. And two more he recognized, both Drakes.<\/p>\n

All with the same class. The bodyguard was speaking urgently, trying to get Rellmel to understand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought it was a possibility but\u2014Lord Nerul returned yesterday and he was seen hiring a full negotiation squad. He is coming,<\/em> Wall Lord\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Rellmel\u2019s eyes widened as Grisa shot out of her chair past her date.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors! Rellmel! He\u2019s gone mad! He\u2019s going to force a negotiation!<\/em> We have to go\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord was struggling out of his seat as the three top [Diplomats] and [Emissaries] of House Emera moved towards them. The [Bodyguard] and the other members of the staff present closed ranks as they looked for an exit. But it was too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doors to The Ancestor\u2019s View<\/em> were already open, so Nerul had them closed so he could kick them open. It was about style.<\/em><\/p>\n

Also, shock value. The [Diplomat] strode into the restaurant as people got to their feet. And with him, he had a team of hit-Drakes.<\/p>\n

The most dangerous, the most deadly infighters in all of Salazsar were at his back. Each one dangerous alone. With Nerul? House Emera had seen trouble the instant three of them gathered in one place.<\/p>\n

Mister Grerre, a contract scroll in hand, more bundled in his arms. Weressna \u2018The Sealer\u2019, hobbling along on her cane. Mister Superior, the only Gnoll of the bunch, almost as overweight as Nerul.<\/p>\n

The most dangerous posse, yes.<\/p>\n

\u2026Not in a fistfight<\/em>, although Nerul was surprisingly good at fighting and he knew Weressna had a sword-cane, but in their chosen field.<\/p>\n

They were [Negotiators]. [Diplomats]. [Contract Sealers].<\/p>\n

The class of soft power. The people you sent instead of swords or arrows to use words instead.<\/p>\n

People laughed\u2014until they saw what high-level experts with dedicated Skills did.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t laugh in Salazsar. This was a raid. This was an assault<\/em>, and as close to war between the Walled Families as it got.<\/p>\n

\u201cHouse Gemscale greets House Emera! <\/em>Excuse me, Wall Lord Rellmel, Wall Lady Grisa, but we\u2019d like to come to the table regarding an item for sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul bellowed into the silence. He saw the two noble Drakes, trying to get out the back door. The [Bodyguard] tried to block the group of six [Negotiators], but he was useless. He had an enchanted axe, a shield that could have stopped a Grand Elephant on the charge.<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat] raised a claw as the Gnoll drew his axe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot one step further or I strike!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Peacekeeper\u2019s Pass]. Sorry, young man. But you\u2019re not going to stop us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat] walked past<\/em> the Gnoll [Bodyguard]. He saw the Gnoll move to strike\u2014with the butt of the axe\u2014<\/p>\n

And his arm didn\u2019t move. The group walked past him and the other guards<\/em>. They had the Skills that [Ladies] had learned, but yet to master. The abilities that [Innkeepers], [Kings], even [Strategists] and [Generals] got\u2014but they were all<\/em> of their class.<\/p>\n

So long as I do no harm, you cannot harm me. Nerul focused on his real opponents. There were three of them.<\/p>\n

Old Vidam. Nerul cracked his knuckles and winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut the doors\u2014hurry\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Silvertongue Emissary] was trying to force the Drakes down the steps. Nerul smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast. Wall Lord Rellmel, we have a negotiation to get to and I insist you [Come to the Table].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord froze, his hand on the doorknob. He tried to fight\u2014but he wasn\u2019t Ilvriss. He began to pivot when Vidam blocked Nerul\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Request Denied]. Lord Rellmel has said his piece and no Skills<\/em> or unlawful persuasion will force him otherwise!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake woman tsked. Weressna shook her head as Videl freed Rellmel.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, Vidam. [Think About It].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Exit Negotiations]!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the younger Drakes from the Emera family barked. Nerul raised his brows. No style, no substance. And it was three versus six.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Drake with scrolls moved at Nerul\u2019s nod.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Let\u2019s Make a Deal]. We have vast funds, Lord and Lady of the Walls. You haven\u2019t heard all of what House Gemscale and Lord Ilvriss have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Clear Minds]! That\u2019s not a valid offer. Wall Lord Rellmel has refused the offers on the table!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s [Sweeten the Deal], then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul crooned. Vidam was already sweating. He was trying to deny the multiple Skills attacking his clients, but he was outnumbered and outplayed. One of the Drakes croaked.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Future Negotiation]. We\u2014we will do this\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will do this now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat] broke the Skill in half without even needing to waste his own. The weaker [Negotiator] reeled. Nerul turned to Vidam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was always the better [Diplomat]. I\u2019m afraid this is going to turn into a sit-down, Vidam. Bring whoever you want. But you\u2019re going to lose.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned, wiped the sweat from his brow, and pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see. That table will do nicely. Let\u2019s clear the restaurant. Where\u2019s the manager? We\u2019ll need food, scrolls\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProvided for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ve talked to the manager.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mister Superior emerged from the back room and nodded to Nerul. The Drake grinned. He nodded to the Drake and group he\u2019d told to wait at the doorway. Ilvriss entered the room as the two members of House Emera sat, furious, but helpless, at the negotiation table.<\/p>\n

Nerul sat. Oh, they made fun of him. The black sheep of House Gemscale. The white Gnoll, in other parlances. [Diplomat]. What a useless<\/em> class. What could it do that a [Lord], a [Warrior] could not?<\/p>\n

Well, he could pry a potion out of the hands of even the most stubborn Drakes. And all without drawing a weapon. He grinned, cracked his fingers again, winced, and got down to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ilvriss recalled that Erin Solstice had once been furious<\/em> when Xif the [Alchemist] had forced her to sell one of her faerie flowers. He didn\u2019t recall if he had been there for that, or just heard the news from keeping tabs on Liscor.<\/p>\n

Well, Xif had one Skill in Nerul\u2019s field. Nerul had many. And what Xif<\/em> could do to an [Innkeeper]? A [Negotiator] lived to do this.<\/p>\n

\u2026Some of them. The negotiation-raid was a known tactic in Salazsar, who relied on contracts and companies. It beat bloodshed, but it was not employed normally.<\/p>\n

It was to aggression what kicking down the door with a group of [Thugs] was. And even if you got what you wanted\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be consequences! We won\u2019t let this lie!\u201d<\/p>\n

Grisa hissed<\/em> at him. The turn of phrase made Ilvriss pause, but he just shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so, Wall Lady. But I insist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we are right to believe your number is<\/em> above eight hundred thousand, but below one million. Let\u2019s call it nine hundred thousand gold pieces, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy client\u2026is not willing\u2026to sell a value-less item for that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old Drake, Vidam, was fighting Nerul and the five top-level [Negotiators] with a squad of seven. They\u2019d actually waited for the others to arrive, but Nerul had called on his best friends\u2014including the legendary Mister Superior.<\/p>\n

Alrric was sitting next to Ilvriss, as a representative of his company. Vidam was sweating, but Nerul was merciless.<\/p>\n

\u201cNine hundred thousand gold pieces. In your vaults tomorrow. What do you say, Wall Lord Rellmel? You have to know we can\u2019t just walk off. And that\u2019s\u2026nine hundred thousand gold pieces now.<\/em> Rather than \u2018someday\u2019. [Think About It].\u201d<\/p>\n

They had used dozens of Skills with overlapping effects. [Everything Has a Price], [See it My Way], [Sweeter Deal]\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cDo we have confirmation this is a genuine Potion of Regeneration? Excuse me, I\u2019d like a [Fact Check] here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mister Superior was taking on two Drakes at another table. They gulped and Grisa blurted out before anyone could stop her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we have one! It\u2019s only one third full, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss stirred. Vidam snapped his claw and Grisa\u2019s mouth shut, but it was too late. Nerul stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that just kicked down the value to\u2026three hundred thousand gold pieces. And you know that even if you\u2019ve stored it properly, a third isn\u2019t enough, Wall Lord. We\u2019re talking damaged goods,<\/em> here. You want to sit on that? Or a nice\u2026three hundred thousand? You could live like a [King] for an entire year on that. You and your sister. And this all can end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rellmel was sweating. It was also the pressure that got to you at this table. Ilvriss had known hard Drakes, who lived and died fighting.<\/p>\n

Even so. There was something unnerving about someone who refused to blink<\/em>, or stop staring at you. Yes, you could try to win the staring contest.<\/p>\n

You would lose. Weressna was blowing smoke into a younger Drake\u2019s face; the [Mediator] actually had tears in her eyes.<\/p>\n

Nerul was playing nice. Some of his cohort were just staring down the lesser [Negotiators] and winning the battle of wills.<\/p>\n

As he said, sometimes he spent three months sweet-talking, sometimes he strode in with fire and thunder.<\/p>\n

There would be consequences. And Ilvriss, at that moment, as he saw Rellmel\u2019s mouth open and Grisa whirl, decided to step in. Nerul had said not to, but it was time.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive\u2014six hundred thousand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul glanced up. He shot Ilvriss a warning look and poked him with his tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cIlvriss, I can get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Uncle. But I want to at least try to make this\u2026less painful. Six hundred thousand for a third-full Potion of Regeneration. Well, Rellmel?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked across the table. Vidam rose, swaying.<\/p>\n

\u201c[A Moment of R\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n

Weressna tapped her cane on the ground and stopped his Skill with hers silently. Rellmel gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. <\/em>Fine! Damn the potion!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss exhaled. He saw Nerul nod, and Vidam collapsed on the table, ashen-grey. His people surged around him. Grisa stared at Ilvriss as the Drake with contracts unfurled the scroll. He had just written the number in magical ink.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we are ready to sign. Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

He offered it to Ilvriss, then Rellmel. The Drake wrote with a shaking claw as Ilvriss sighed. Alrric exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be sent tonight. I have the sum prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was done. Grisa never looked away from Ilvriss as Nerul and the other [Negotiators] rose to raid the bar, already congratulating each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have made a terrible mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps so, Lady Grisa. But I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?<\/em> You\u2019re not hurt. Unless\u2014Zail? Helessia?\u201d<\/p>\n

He met her gaze without replying. He rose, as Rellmel sat back, white under his scales. Wall Lord Ilvriss stepped back, and spoke to Alrric.<\/p>\n

\u201cCover the costs of this for the restaurant. My deepest apologies. The food used\u2014tips for the staff. All generous. And my Uncle and his friends drink whatever they want tonight. On me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a mighty tab, Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll murmured. Ilvriss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLess than what I spent on the potion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. And what do I do with that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss straightened. He felt light. He left Grisa behind, ignoring her threats. He walked with Alrric.<\/p>\n

\u201cSend word to Lyonette in Liscor. To the Horns of Hammerad. Tell them to wait. And tell them\u2014I have what they want.\u201d<\/p>\n

It would cost him. It had cost him. But if it was just payment\u2026he was Wall Lord Ilvriss.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d settle the bill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had done what he could for Erin Solstice. The Potion of Regeneration was away within the hour, with a full escort. Not Shriekblade\u2014she was with him, but happy since she\u2019d thrashed both him and Captain Shieldscale and gotten to cause chaos and watch it unfold.<\/p>\n

The Horns might not even need to dare a death zone. Ilvriss hoped it would do what was needed.<\/p>\n

But it was the Necromancer who remained.<\/em> He stood, with Captain Shieldscale, no, Osthia Blackwing, in front of Xesci.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Detect Life] is the easiest check. But you can fool even [Detect Lies] or [Detect Truth]. If you are a high-enough level [Mage]. Isn\u2019t that so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Ancestors and dead fucking gods, but I could do that. But this?\u201d<\/p>\n

The magical artifact draped over Xesci\u2019s head changed colors with her mood, with the truth. A more advanced \u2018crown\u2019 that revealed a complexity of meaning. Ilvriss hoped it was enough to \u2018tell\u2019 whether a person was real, or a puppet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are not an agent of any power, or controlled by an influence besides your own, Xesci. Is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

He had asked a dozen times, a dozen different ways.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss and Osthia studied the lights. She pointed to one.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Courtesan] shivered. Shriekblade twitched.<\/em> Ilvriss held his breath. They\u2019d tested Shriekblade, Osthia, himself, and the last of the members in this room of five. The five who would form the heart of this operation. If any<\/em> of them owed allegiance to someone else\u2014they were dead.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade had been the biggest gamble, really. But Nerul had told Ilvriss he could stop her from attacking long enough to raise the alarm.<\/p>\n

It was ingenious. Send a [Diplomat] at an [Assassin] and you could actually stall even her. For a time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026.have ties to the Sisters of Chell, I suppose? No one else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss watched the colors light up. Truth. A slight hesitation\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one else besides individuals or friends, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Truth, more accurately reflected.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think she\u2019s good, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Osthia exhaled. Ilvriss nodded at last and the [Courtesan of Change] sagged. He helped her remove the diadem.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it then.\u201d<\/p>\n

The portly Drake stood. Nerul. He looked sick.<\/p>\n

\u201cAz\u2019kerash lives. And he\u2019s got agents\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNamed Adventurers. Regrika Blackpaw was one. Anyone could be under his sway. We don\u2019t know his forces. We don\u2019t know his preparations. What I do know is that he\u2019s alive and he killed<\/em> Zel Shivertail. And Periss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room was silent. Shriekblade scratched at one earhole.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Am I supposed to know this?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her, then Xesci. The Drake woman nodded and licked her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you telling us?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wall Lord slowly walked around the room. He met everyone\u2019s eyes, Osthia, Nerul, Shriekblade\u2014no, Tessa, and Xesci.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we have a duty to stop him. And right now\u2014there are five people<\/em> in this world we can be sure of that aren\u2019t his agents. He is, possibly, a Level 70 [Necromancer]. Possibly Level 80.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerul muttered. Ilvriss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly Zel Shivertail and an army of the Antinium attacking together beat him. And the Goblin King. Beyond that? He has destroyed Terandrian kingdoms. And I believe he has grown stronger since then. He is our enemy. And right now, we are all that can be trusted.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was Ryoka Griffin. There had been Erin\u2026and others. But they could have been subverted. Replaced.<\/em> Ilvriss felt his scales crawling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are all Drakes. Members of the Walled Cities. Of Izril. I believe you all have a talent and the will to fight back. So.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat back, tired, but feeling the tingle in his veins.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hunt the Necromancer. We have my resources. We have an army in training. And we have leads. Now I can actually rely on people\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded at Nerul, who could actually organize things with authority.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014I can begin pursuing some of the ones outside of Salazsar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Diplomat]\u2019s eyes were sharp. Shriekblade tilted her head back and forth. Xesci was just staring around, slightly overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagnolia Reinhart once said something that made me think she knew he was alive. Either she is aware and opposing him\u2014or she is concealing the information but hinting at it\u2014or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss trailed off.<\/p>\n

She was his.<\/em> Nerul muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. So you\u2019re on the move?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

Osthia looked blank. Ilvriss glanced at her, and Nerul elaborated.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagnolia Reinhart is going to Oteslia. It seems only fitting that if you were going to approach her in confidence to find out one way or the other, you\u2019d go there. It\u2019s an event, which is even more cover. Isn\u2019t that so, neph\u2014Wall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Ilvriss. The Drake nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may have an ally\u2014if an untrustworthy one\u2014with sources of information. I won\u2019t rule out Human help, or any species or nation. But we have to know,<\/em> and avoid tipping our hand. That\u2019s why Xesci is here. Nerul helps us reach out, gives us cover and excuses. Xesci can identify them\u2014or so I hope. Either way, she can act as a perfect [Spy].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if she is\u2014wrong? What will you do then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Courtesan] licked her lips. Ilvriss met her gaze. Then his head slowly turned. Shriekblade had been fiddling with a knife. Then she blinked at him and grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why Shriekblade is coming too. To Oteslia.\u201d<\/p>\n

He made his plans. And the potion went to Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n

Hope in a bottle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Chapter Notes: <\/strong>There were some parts I didn\u2019t get to write! Alas! But a big chapter!<\/p>\n

\u2026Too big? I could have split it, but the \u2018action\u2019 was near the end. So it goes. I\u2019m back off my break and hope you enjoyed! Now I am much tired and will soon rest.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s your poll chapter. Here\u2019s Ilvriss. Was it what you expected? Is it what you wanted? Do you have regrets? The Aba-bets for this month are null and void!<\/p>\n

\u2026But we might get chapters anyways. Just the ones I think fit. I hope you enjoyed and we\u2019ll see what comes next. Thanks for reading and remember\u2014[Diplomats] are scary. Or something. Night!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Horns of Hammerad by Miguel!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ko-Fi:<\/strong> https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/cmarguel<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> https:\/\/twitter.com\/cmarguel<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Facestealer or Headsnatcher by Enuryn.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ko-Fi:<\/strong> https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/enuryn<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> https:\/\/twitter.com\/Enuryn_Nat<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin by Adventurer!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Trigger Warning. Click here for details.)   Wall Lord Ilvriss collapsed during a routine inspection of Mining Shaft #4 currently in the possession of the Gemscale family of Salazsar. It was, to all present, sudden. One second he was upright, frowning over the adamantine ore recently discovered in this valuable seam. He put a claw […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693088,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693137],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-10009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-8","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n8.05 I - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2021\/02\/07\/8-05-i\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8.05 I\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(Trigger Warning. Click here for details.)   Wall Lord Ilvriss collapsed during a routine inspection of Mining Shaft #4 currently in the possession of the Gemscale family of Salazsar. It was, to all present, sudden. One second he was upright, frowning over the adamantine ore recently discovered in this valuable seam. 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