{"id":10032,"date":"2021-02-10T04:35:19","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T04:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=10032"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:02:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:02:12","slug":"8-06-rt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2021\/02\/10\/8-06-rt\/","title":{"rendered":"8.06 RT"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Flowers of Esthelm,<\/em> Book 3 of The Wandering Inn is coming out on audible! Click the link here to preorder it!<\/a> Spread the word!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first nation threatened by the kingdom of Ailendamus was Kaliv. The northern-most member of the Dawn Concordat occupied the rocky highlands, even \u2018smaller\u2019 mountains and passes leading north.<\/p>\n

As one of the three members of the Dawn Concordat, the alliance of Calanfer, Kaliv, and Gaiil-Drome, Kaliv was naturally the first guard in northern aggression. Calanfer, most southern, would fight foes to the east and coming up from the coast. The kingdom of Gaiil-Drome, forested, home to a large half-Elf population and the half-Elven villages was considered safest in times of war; Pheislant was one of the few nations that would attack from the west.<\/p>\n

[Strategists] had been analyzing Ailendamus\u2019 first moves long before war was actually declared. They were largely on-mark; Ailendamus had imposed a naval blockade to stifle trade and any relief goods. It wasn\u2019t a huge loss to the Dawn Concordat so long as they kept their other trade routes open, and of course, they had stockpiles of food.<\/p>\n

However, Ailendamus was a powerhouse in the region, the largest kingdom in all of southern Terandria and arguably one of two or three of the most powerful without exception. The last hundred and sixty years and reign of four [Kings] had seen massive expansion and aggression.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that it\u2019s Ailendamus against the Dawn Concordat is unfortunate. However, the fact remains that unless Ailendamus can secure an access treaty to assault the Dawn Concordat by way of Calanfer, they will have to fight through Kaliv\u2019s frontier. And that is not easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Strategists] in Pallass opined on the segment with Noass and Sir Relz on ongoing military conflicts. He correctly pointed out what would happen in the next two weeks.<\/p>\n

Ailendamus had begun raiding and razing the fertile lowlands of Kaliv. In response, the people were evacuated. Then they sent in their first army, a huge invasion force sixty thousand strong.<\/p>\n

\u2018Testing\u2019 the Dawn Concordat, although armies of that size had destroyed entire legions in the field and multiple kingdoms. By the same token\u2014forces far larger had also been stopped.<\/p>\n

Most famous on people\u2019s lips was a comparison that was unsociable to make in this day and age: the time when the Archmage of Death, Perril Chandler, had held off an army of four kingdoms, four hundred thousand<\/em> strong, in the same passes of Kaliv.<\/p>\n

But of course, that had been during a particularly ugly war where Kaliv had been all but beaten. If they made it to Krawlnmak\u2019s Pass\u2014Calanfer and Gaiil-Drome were in danger of falling because the Dawn Concordat had expended its power and failed to keep Kaliv from being overrun.<\/p>\n

So the first army marched. Sixty thousand, to see what Calanfer did. They headed for the low-lying cities of Kaliv, rather than try and ascend.<\/p>\n

If they went for Lufelt, the mountain-capital of Kaliv, the Griffin Queen would probably let them march all the way up through the treacherous mountain passes, raiding and ambushing them or collapsing the mountain, and then let them try<\/em> to siege huge, vertical terrain while Griffins dropped stones on their heads and the famous goat-cavalry kicked them off the face of the mountain.<\/p>\n

No, the first army wanted a fight. And so they marched on Memda\u2014a border city fortified against general attack, but which the Dawn Concordat wasn\u2019t willing to lose without a struggle, especially since it would prove to be a staging ground for the other armies already on the march from the kingdom of Ailendamus.<\/p>\n

The global audience, watching, even placing bets, or speculating as to the outcome more as interested viewers than concerned people\u2014at least, those not of Terandria\u2014were not privy to the debate between the three members of the Dawn Concordat. If they had been, they would have understood an argument led to the battle at Memda.<\/p>\n

Novakya, the Griffin Queen of Kaliv.<\/p>\n

Reclis of House Marquin, King of the Eternal Throne of Calanfer.<\/p>\n

Solen Wildheart, the Ruler of the Forests of Gaiil-Drome.<\/p>\n

Each one had advisors of course, but the rulers were active participants in decision-making, although each one drew on various levels of expertise.<\/p>\n

Novakya wanted the battle, refusing to let Memda be taken. Solen was of the opinion that it should only be garrisoned by a token force that would fall back and deny<\/em> the city afterwards, collapsing walls, poisoning wells.<\/p>\n

Reclis du Marquin was the most cautious and would have given up the city in favor of more advantageous battlefields. However\u2014Novakya\u2019s lands were in danger, and after some debate, all three monarchs agreed to make it a battle to test Ailendamus, as well as the reverse.<\/p>\n

Thus, the Dawn Concordat met the Ailendamus force with seventy<\/em> thousand of their own forces, drawing most heavily upon Kaliv\u2019s standing armies, but supplementing them with conscripts from Calanfer. Gaiil-Drome supplied their [Woodland Rangers], half-Elven soldiery, as well as some of their [Forest Knights], but in fewer numbers; they contributed twelve thousand dedicated [Archers] as their main focus.<\/p>\n

Calanfer sent many levied, newly-minted [Soldiers] or [Militia], to the tune of nearly twenty thousand, led by one of their lesser [Generals]. If that seemed paltry compared to the four hundred Griffins<\/em> and armored foot in the thousands that Kaliv added to the low-level soldiery\u2014Calanfer\u2019s largest contribution was symbolic and meant to be one of the striking hammers against Ailendamus.<\/p>\n

They sent a thousand Thronebearers, the royal [Knights] of Calanfer into battle. The largest Knight Order of the three nations would go up against the [Knights] of Ailendamus. The Order of the Thirsting Veil, the Order of the Hydra, and the Order of Drell\u2014Drell Knights, as they were colloquially known.<\/p>\n

To a student of knight-orders, Ailendamus possessing three spoke to the size of the kingdom. The Order of the Thirsting Veil was smallest, possessing deadly poisons often derided as ignoble by some knight orders. The Order of Drell was larger, but both were still smaller than the Order of the Hydra combined.<\/p>\n

In brief\u2014the Order of Drell had been founded due to Ailendamus\u2019 wetlands. Similar but different to other marshland Kingdoms like Desonis. They specialized in aquatic warfare and could actually fight underwater.<\/p>\n

The Order of the Hydra was plentiful, unmounted<\/em>, favoring foot-knights who were drawn from common stock almost to the exclusion of nobility. They were shock troops, who used warhammers and broke the lines of enemy heavy infantry.<\/p>\n

The engagement between both armies began with both height and the local city favoring the Dawn Concordat, as well as a slight numbers advantage. Gaiil-Drome\u2019s famous [Archers] were ready to harry the opposition whilst Kaliv\u2019s Griffins secured the skies and dropped projectiles as well as dove to assault the enemy. The Thronebearers would take to the field in the center, and be supplemented by flank charges by the other [Knights] and ram-cavalry.<\/p>\n

However, Ailendamus had also prepared for their foes\u2019 unique compositions. They had brought the famous lance-arrows of Ailendamus, which were part of the kingdom\u2019s sigil.<\/p>\n

Massive, enchanted bolts which half-Giants had once strung from bows and fired at opponents. They were said to have killed Dragons and pulverized walls. These days, few half-Giants were in service even to Ailendamus, so they were mounted on Greatbows that were held by teams of archer-specialists.<\/p>\n

Not ballistae<\/em>, per se. Both sides fielded siege equipment, but neither had dedicated [Engineers] in their kingdoms, so Ailendamus possessed enchanted catapults\u2014not the infamous Drake trebuchet. The Greatbows were closer to twin bows mounted vertically rather than horizontally in an x-pattern; they required enchantments to fire the huge arrows.<\/p>\n

As the battle began Ailendamus<\/em> proved to have the superior range even to Gaiil-Drome\u2019s [Archers]. The heavy lance-arrows threatened and unnerved the Dawn Concordat\u2019s army as they landed, sowing chaos and reminding everyone of a similar battle between the King of Destruction and the House of Minos. They even killed two Griffins before they could harass Ailendamus\u2019 forces, although that was accorded a lucky shot, even with Skills.<\/p>\n

Like the King of Destruction\u2019s dilemma, the presiding [General], Lord-Commander Metris of Calanfer, elected to charge the enemy rather than attempt to dismantle the Greatbows first. He had seen that Ailendamus had brought far fewer [Knights] than the Dawn Concordat, and their [Soldiers]\u2014while part of their standing armies\u2014were superior in equipment and level to the levies, and considered that the Thronebearers and the varied forces would break their lines.<\/p>\n

He charged, committing the Thronebearers to the first charge after the infantry clashed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were good [Knights] and bad [Knights]. It would surprise no one to learn that not all [Knights], or knight-orders were equal. Yes, there were exceptional individuals in each order, but you could still rank them as a whole.<\/p>\n

The Thronebearers of Calanfer were a political knighthood order. Suited to speaking poetry and attending balls as much as pure combat. They were not a weak<\/em> order per se.<\/p>\n

They did well against Ailendamus\u2019 [Soldiers]. You could even say that one Thronebearer was worth\u2026what, two and a half ordinary Ailendamus [Soldiers]?<\/p>\n

But there was the rub. [Knights] were always in short supply, at least, where wars were concerned. They could hack apart weaker foes with their often-enchanted armor and Skills, not to mention devastating lance-charges on horseback.<\/p>\n

The Knights of the Petal under Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds, for instance, numbered less than two hundred and were a deadly fighting force even in small groups because they were untouchable<\/em> against ordinary foes without means of breaking their expensive, enchanted armor.<\/p>\n

The Thronebearers were arguably less elite than the Knights of the Petal. They still were a powerful force. But the problem was, to Knight-Commander Calirn of the Order of Seasons, as he watched the news report, simple.<\/p>\n

Ailendamus\u2019 [Soldiers] knew war.<\/em> They were an active fighting force rather than the Thronebearers, who did not routinely engage in huge battles. The [Knights] kept themselves sharp, but the first army had steel without exception. Enchanted weapons among their [Sergeants] and officers. The Thronebearers had the advantage on the charge. But they began to take casualties and failed to break the lines of Ailendamus\u2019 army.<\/p>\n

The Dawn Concordat prized [Knights] more than the common levied-[Soldiers]. Or at least, the Calanfer [General] did. He pulled the Thronebearers back and tried to win with infantry alone.<\/p>\n

In the end, it wasn\u2019t a rout<\/em>. Nor was it, in fact, a defeat. Ailendamus\u2019 army retreated after three hours of fighting. They lost half their Greatbows to Griffin-strikes, and their army took nearly twelve thousand casualties.<\/p>\n

The problem was, to Calirn, that Calanfer had taken nearly twenty thousand<\/em>\u2014and if you were counting valuable assets lost, they\u2019d lost forty plus Griffins, at least two hundred Thronebearers, and a number of their other high-level forces.<\/p>\n

\u201cAilendamus never intended to take the city. They intended to test the Dawn Concordat\u2019s resolve and see how their armies faced up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dry voice came from the left. Knight-Commander Calirn, head of the Order of Seasons, Pheislant\u2019s Knight Order and one of the strongest in Terandria, turned to one of the other three leaders gathered here.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe result, Fall Sentinel?\u201d<\/p>\n

He led the Season of Fall. He was both [Mage] and [Knight]. The man had white in his hair, but he could still tilt\u2014even if the Fall Knights ran towards academic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could do this a dozen times and they will,<\/em> if the Dawn Concordat is unwise enough to take such battles. Those are rank-and-file [Soldiers] they will trade for Thronebearers and Griffins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calirn bit off. He saw the Spring\u2019s Warden\u2014youngest of those here by far, and the only woman in the room\u2014and the Summer\u2019s Champion, both look uncomfortable. They clearly didn\u2019t like the Dawn Concordat\u2019s odds already.<\/p>\n

The Winter\u2019s Watcher was not present, often keeping his own council or watching their borders. But the Summer\u2019s Champion clenched his fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we will not be taking part, Knight-Commander?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. Pheislant is undecided and we cannot drag in our kingdom by ourselves, Summer\u2019s Champion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calirn sighed. The man glowered; like many Summer Knights, the Summer\u2019s Champion embodied passion. It was not always a good thing and he often clashed with the [Winter Knight]\u2019s attitudes.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalirn. They cannot stand alone! We are the Order of Seasons! If we enter the fray, Pheislant is not beholden to answer for us! We are connected, but separate.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was true. But Calirn just folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreysten, you know as well as I that Ailendamus will not accept that excuse. We watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

What he left unspoken was simply that he wasn\u2019t sure if the Order of Seasons should<\/em> fight. Because\u2026Ailendamus might go after Pheislant next.<\/p>\n

Because they might lose. He knew the others knew it too. Calirn shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was the first battle of the war. There were more.<\/p>\n

Two more battles had taken place since then. Ailendamus sent a far larger force supplemented by their war beasts\u2014Armored Graen\u2014to take the city. This time, the Dawn Concordat tried to make it a siege battle. The city fell too quickly to the Lancearrows; once the gates were open, the huge, thick, plodding beasts with six legs and insanely tough hide augmented by armor rampaged through the gates. And Ailendamus\u2019 artillery meant that Griffins could not harry them.<\/p>\n

Moreover, Ailendamus had the advantage in [Mages] as well. They fielded numerous [Mages] who cast [Poison Cloud] despite the Dawn Concordat\u2019s objections to the use of the spell in war, as well as conventional spells like [Fireball].<\/p>\n

Thereafter, the [Mage Marshall] in charge of this wing of offensives led her forces towards the second, more populous city of Treql, while more armies began to advance across Kaliv.<\/p>\n

There, they suffered the first defeat of this war, and a surprising outcome that Knight-Commander Calirn witnessed live via scrying orb with the rest of the world.<\/p>\n

The [Mage Marshall] had been leading a second battle where the Dawn Concordat tried to hold the walls, knowing<\/em> that her force of ninety thousand would sweep them if they couldn\u2019t choke the enemy. The Kaliv-main force was tough and entrenched, but the [Mage Marshall] had been throwing poisonous gas clouds, spells at the Griffins who normally dropped stones and other projectiles and decimated armies trying to siege the enemy.<\/p>\n

She would have broken them, Calirn was sure. But that was when the Griffin Prince of Kaliv and the disgraced wing that were half-outlaws, half-vigilantes entered the fray.<\/p>\n

The Griffin Prince. Stripped of his name, stripped of his right to succeed Novakya. Cursed, some said, by one of Terandria\u2019s monsters. He had formed a wing of [Griffin Riders] out of former [Bandits], [Murderers], and other dregs of society, giving them one last chance to fight for honor.<\/p>\n

They were not tolerated by Kaliv\u2014but they were not hunted either. They were in a grey zone where Kaliv usually pretended they did not exist.<\/p>\n

Calirn had heard stories about the immortal Griffin Prince and the tragedy around\u2026her.<\/em> The Spider. But he had not realized the true nature and power of the young man\u2019s curse until today.<\/p>\n

The Griffin Prince flew over the battlefield at a height above even the lancearrows. Spells and long-range shots tried to strike him, but his wing flew close-cover, deflecting or taking the shots meant for his Royal Griffin. They dropped stones, but those were blocked by barrier spells. What the [Mage Marshall] had never considered was that they would drop the Griffin Prince<\/em> himself.<\/p>\n

He fell among the stones, unnoticed at first. Surely the young man should have been splattered<\/em> by the impact on the mage-barriers, or just disintegrated. But somehow\u2014he survived.<\/p>\n

He landed among the command of Ailendamus\u2019 forces. Calirn saw<\/em> the [Mage Marshall] blast him with a spray of poison\u2014then a lance of magic through his chest. He staggered\u2014brought up his axe\u2014<\/p>\n

And it bounced off her barrier-charm. He was diced into pieces in a second by her personal guard.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t kill him.<\/em><\/p>\n

The second strike didn\u2019t kill the [Mage Marshall] as, disbelieving, she saw him re-knit<\/em>. But the third slew her, even as her guard tried to hack the young man apart.<\/p>\n

The bewildered army saw the fighting in the command. It took thirty minutes\u2014but the entire command began to flee<\/em> as the Griffin Prince slaughtered the entire retinue defending the point. He destroyed three of the Greatbows before his wing dove to retrieve him; a replacement leader was attempting to capture, rather than kill him.<\/p>\n

The Griffin Prince\u2019s mad heroics inspired Kaliv\u2019s forces. They sallied as, leaderless, Ailendamus\u2019 forces lost morale. The Wing of Shame, the Griffin Prince\u2019s retinue, took the battle to one flank, destroying Greatbows.<\/p>\n

Ailendamus\u2019 army didn\u2019t even manage to retreat. Tens of thousands of [Soldiers] surrendered in the first upset of the war.<\/p>\n

A brave boy. Calirn still couldn\u2019t believe the dread magic that had let him survive countless<\/em> deaths, however. He knew the power of the Stitch Witch, the Temptress, the Spider, Belavierr.<\/p>\n

Even so. Ailendamus\u2019 assault was foiled as the [Generals] no doubt took precautions against such a strike again. But the Griffin Prince used his deathlessness like a weapon without peer. He attacked raiding parties by himself, challenging groups as many as twenty strong and killing them\u2014not by superior force of arms, but by an inability to die.<\/p>\n

His only weakness was being captured, but the canny [Prince] had long-since learned how to pick his battles. His Wing of Shame would haunt Ailendamus in every major battle to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026Anyways, that was the scene. If you didn\u2019t care about the war, or didn\u2019t care for historical battles, it was probably all boring nonsense.<\/p>\n

Knight-Commander Calirn paid attention because the Dawn Concordat were right next to Pheislant and he had no love for Ailendamus. But life moved on.<\/p>\n

The Singer of Terandria, whom he had once seen, was putting out songs about the war. Desonis had a minor scandal as one of their Earls returned and was stripped of some of his land for insulting their Queen to her face.<\/p>\n

A party in Nomaudrel had gone really<\/em> wrong, and sixteen servants were dead. The hostess, a young [Duchesss], might actually be stripped of her title or lands\u2014the nobility objected to such stringent measures, but the crown, mindful of the reaction of the commonfolk\u2026<\/p>\n

So it went. This was Terandria! Politics and the Hundred Families and Human kingdoms were not all one thing. The news reported on Ailendamus because it was the big war of the moment, along with the one in Chandrar with the King of Destruction.<\/p>\n

However, only a few other parties had gotten dragged into the mix. There had been one incident with a force of [Knights] belonging to the Order of Seasons being captured at sea.<\/p>\n

Calirn had been furious about that. But Ailendamus had promised to ransom them, claiming they had refused to surrender at first during the blockade. And again\u2014it wasn\u2019t the kind of thing that justified taking the Order of Seasons to war.<\/p>\n

What had made the Knight-Commander smile was that the [Knights] escaped<\/em>, even apparently managing to down a famous [General] along the way! A bad look for Ailendamus, especially since the [Knights] swore under truth spell that they had refused to heed the codes of honor and war. Ailendamus\u2019 crown promised to investigate\u2026<\/p>\n

Small potatoes? Satisfying potatoes. Calirn had especially wanted to greet the [Knights] after their long journey home, because they had ridden to battle with Ser Raim and\u2026well, failed to see the Stitch Witch dead. But all things being equal, he would not have counted it as a momentous occasion.<\/p>\n

Except that they brought a friend. A fellow [Knight], hailing from Izril.<\/p>\n

The Goblin Slayer. Or\u2014Ser Solstice.<\/p>\n

And he was a Goblin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The return of the group of Spring and Summer Knights to the Order of Seasons was a cause for celebration. The gates were thrown open as they were spotted, and they were welcomed for food, respite, and the company of their brothers and sisters after so long!<\/p>\n

Of course, they had been spotted long before they arrived at the vast, sprawling keep that was the headquarters of the Order of Seasons, made out of an old half-Elven fortress from the time of their empires.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was impressed by the guard they kept on the Order of Seasons\u2019 land. The group had told them they were coming, but even so, they hadn\u2019t gone more than ten minutes past what Talia had claimed was the border point when he<\/em> appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Winter\u2019s Watcher.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ser Markus bowed, gauntleted fist over his heart. The others did the same. Spring Knights and Summer Knights, bowing slightly to the figure standing on the hilltop.<\/p>\n

It had begun snowing; their clue he was here. Even in the summer. The figure regarded them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinter\u2019s Watcher! We bring a fellow [Knight] of Izril who has fought and slept by our sides! We vouch for his honor and strength of arms!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus had bellowed it up at the figure, whose armor looked closer to frozen ice than anything else. The figure had inclined a huge mane of pale white hair and turned. His armor had been trimmed with thick fur, and he had carried a single enchanted axe with a blue glow to the edge, and a shield with ancient sigillary in the other.<\/p>\n

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

Rabbiteater had pointed. Ser Markus had explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Winter\u2019s Watcher, Ser Solstice. One of the four leaders of the Order of Seasons, under the Knight-Commander himself. He is a solitary figure; much as the Order of Winter are. They do not seek company, but fight alone, or in small groups if they must.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. And they are the best ones?\u201d<\/p>\n

Markus hesitated. Talia tossed her head and looked back. She was a Summer Knight, he, a Spring Knight. She was his senior, and replied in a stiff voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot as a rule, Ser Solstice. They are\u2026more experienced<\/em> by and large, that is true, but great [Knights] exist in every order! They are the fewest, however; [Knights] turn to their Season as they age. Sometimes. It is not a rule. Some stay in their season regardless of their age.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater had read between her words. He distilled her speech and Ser Markus\u2019 following explanation into a far simpler one.<\/p>\n

Old, grumpy veterans.<\/em> Like a bunch of veteran Redfang Hobs or even regular Goblins. Scarred, maybe not as quick or energetic as newly-minted Redfangs, but the ones who took you to pieces the instant you dropped your guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was alone, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed out to Ser Markus as they continued the rest of their short journey. Ser Markus nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is sworn to protect our headquarters, Ser Solstice. He returns\u2014you may see him in the keep, but he often watches the border, even if he knows we are coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. But he was alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spring Knight tilted his head until he realized what Rabbiteater meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2014do not worry, Ser Solstice. If a larger force were coming, he would raise the alarm. But he would slow any foe who arrived, at the very least!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The other [Knights] nodded, as if a single person charging into a fight wasn\u2019t stupid.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Winter\u2019s Watcher is a superior fighter, Ser Solstice. He could stop countless foes by himself. The heads of each season sometimes duel, and he wins more than any of the other three\u2014except for perhaps the Spring\u2019s Warden. But she is the best duelist by far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. And the other two? The\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSummer\u2019s Champion. Just as good in combat as the Winter\u2019s Watch and Spring\u2019s Warden!\u201d<\/p>\n

Markus raised his voice for Talia and the other two Summer Knights. He confided in Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore of a commander, though. And the Fall\u2019s Sentinel, who is, er, more academic. But superior with a blade even so! You may meet all of them. The Knight-Commander as well. I think\u2026they will be interested in meeting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave Rabbiteater a sidelong look. The Hobgoblin knew he was remembering his face.<\/p>\n

The face he had seen after the escape from the Bear General\u2019s camp. Yet\u2014Ser Markus had not said a word of it to anyone as far as Rabbiteater could tell. He\u2019d spent a week of sleepless nights, but no one had tried to kill him in his sleep.<\/p>\n

There were changes. But he rode into the Order of Season\u2019s keep and stood as the Knight-Commander himself and two of the season\u2019s heads greeted their [Knights].<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice of Izril. I thank you for your aid to my order. And I welcome you into our keep. You are an honored friend, and you may avail yourself of our hospitality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater took the strong, cold<\/em> grip. Even though the man had removed his gauntlet\u2014Rabbiteater had not\u2014his grip still felt frosty! He eyed the greying man\u2019s face, and sensed his strength in a moment. Awkwardly, the Goblin-knight nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. How long?\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia twitched.<\/em> Knight-Commander Calirn blinked. Rabbiteater wondered if it was another custom he\u2019d broken.<\/p>\n

But you were supposed to ask, right? In Goblin tribes, say, you couldn\u2019t just laze about eating the best meat all day.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026As long as you desire, Ser Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYears?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calirn blinked again and seemed to freeze up. A huge laugh erupted from the orange-haired man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like this one! Yes, years, Ser Solstice! The Order of Seasons does not treat its friends lightly, and one more mouth is hardly an imposition! Although we\u2019ll raise our eyebrows if you do naught at all. But I swear it by the summer skies! I am the Summer\u2019s Champion, Greysten. An honor to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was a big Human, six foot three, and physically imposing. Not the Bear General\u2019s girth, but he had a strong, hot<\/em> grip. Rabbiteater flexed his hand afterwards. What was with these [Knights]?<\/p>\n

Oh, right. The seasons thing. The Spring\u2019s Warden was next. She was slimmer, and Rabbiteater thought she was very<\/em> pretty.<\/p>\n

Oh, she looked like she was in her thirties despite being twenty years older, which apparently was because she was the embodiment of the spring. She had topaz-and-emerald hair, shining bright.<\/p>\n

But that wasn\u2019t what made her pretty. It was the huge scar running down her cheek and across her neck, and the long, threaded scar down her arm.<\/p>\n

That<\/em> was the kind of scar you got in battle that even a healing potion didn\u2019t heal right. Rabbiteater admired her at once; the other two leaders didn\u2019t have as obvious battle marks. He got the sense she could stab him through the visor before he could strike her.<\/p>\n

Dead sexy, <\/em>as Redfangs reckoned such things.<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Kallinad spoke highly of you in her [Messages], Ser Solstice. Don\u2019t worry; we won\u2019t ask you to remove your armor. And Ailendamus will pay for its breach in conduct.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater glanced at Talia. She looked a tad bit uncomfortable as she bowed to the Summer\u2019s Champion and then Calirn.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnight-Commander, we regret we were so delayed in returning. I trust Ser Raim\u2019s remains arrived safely?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did, and have been buried with his beloved as he wished. I regret the passing of our brethren. But you acted as a true [Knight], Dame Kallinad. We will not soon forget the Witch\u2019s<\/em> existence.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. Rabbiteater had no idea what that was about, but soon he was being shown to his quarters.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have guest quarters, Ser Solstice. You will stay here\u2014tomorrow, I shall show you around the keep, but we will arrange food brought to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus showed him to the lovely rooms. They might be more spartan than some, but to a Goblin, they were spacious, the bed padded<\/em>, and plenty of luxury for a guest of [Knights]! Rabbiteater nodded, inspecting the place for bolt holes and traps.<\/p>\n

He saw the man hover for a second. Awkwardly, Ser Markus cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice. About\u2026your identity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater looked up sharply. The Spring Knight hesitated. He put his hand on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will tell no one, Ser Solstice. You have my word. I saw a [Knight] that day, and that has never changed. I would, however, be interested in speaking with you further, if I may.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin\u2019s heart pounded in his chest. But\u2026he slowly nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. We can\u2026do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Have an adventure.<\/em> Her words still rang in his head, even if the power had faded even as they fled the camp. He tried to smile. And Ser Markus did.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will return after informing the kitchen staff of your circumstances, Solstice. And\u2014find a way to let you bathe. Perhaps a bath, if we carry it from the wells\u2026excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded and left. Rabbiteater sat there for a second.<\/p>\n

Am I in danger?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, he had been the moment he left Izril. But he wanted\u2026to believe in these crazy Humans and their weird codes of conduct. He liked Markus. He wondered what Talia thought; they hadn\u2019t spoken as much. But now they\u2019d arrived and\u2026he sat back on the bed.<\/p>\n

He felt good.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden was in her rooms, meditating before dinner, as was her wont. She heard a knock, told the person to enter.<\/p>\n

It was a female Spring Knight, one of the ones who had gone to Ser Raim\u2019s aid.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarden\u2014I am sorry if I am disturbing you, but\u2026I have something I must say. I feel the need to, even if it conflicts with honor and duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden turned. She was used to such intrusions; her Season was made up of more [Knights] and more junior ones than any other Season.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, Dame Meisa. Speak freely and I will give you what wisdom I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about Ser Solstice, the\u2014the [Knight] that came with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young [Knight] nervously sat down on the seat across from the Spring\u2019s Warden. The woman raised her eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. You must have seen a hint as to whom he was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was obvious. The Spring\u2019s Warden shook her head. Her youthful features made people forget her age. And besides\u2014what else could it be? Perhaps something\u2014but it was most likely his identity.<\/p>\n

She hoped he was not some well-known murderer. A member of the nobility or adventurer? Easier to bear. He had seemed forthright and honest, if somewhat unused to formalities when she had met him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Meisa, is this something I need hear? I would respect his vows under most circumstances. I trust your judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman hesitated. She rested her hands on her knees, and then met the Spring Warden\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026At the risk of compromising my honor, Warden, I believe it so. Ser Solstice is not\u2026he is\u2026he\u2019s a Goblin.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden blinked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took about twelve minutes for someone to leak Ser Solstice\u2019s secret of honor between [Knights]. So much for the honor-bound vow of chivalry.<\/p>\n

And it wasn\u2019t even the Spring\u2019s Warden who learned of Rabbiteater\u2019s secret first. In fact, Dame Meisa had wavered for a good three hours before approaching her.<\/p>\n

The person who\u2019d requested an audience and received it minutes after arriving sat in front of Knight-Commander Calirn. It had taken three hours for the entire story and all his questions. At last, he sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you do not know how a Hobgoblin came into the armor or class he seems to possess Knight\u2026Talia?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman shook her head slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Knight-Commander Calirn, I do not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Knight-Commander\u2019s rooms were cold. Not because he leaned that far into his season, but because his aura leaked, even with his mastery of it. Especially when he slept.<\/p>\n

That meant he kept the room dry<\/em>, even though winter static was unpleasant. But it beat moisture creating frost on clothing or wood and then turning to wetness when he left and creating mildew.<\/p>\n

Similarly, Calirn tended to embrace his season. For instance, he had the cold-blooming cacti he tended to on a windowsill, which thrived in snowy conditions.<\/p>\n

He was also fond of books, and thus had a warded bookcase that prevented frost from damaging it. Some of the ornaments were not for him; he possessed thick, furred blankets made of Wilwolf fur from the north. They were for his guests.<\/p>\n

Of course, Summer Knights and younger visitors liked to pretend the cold didn\u2019t affect them. However, only one of the top members of the order could really sit<\/em> in the cold without feeling it. Talia was already beginning to shiver. She tried to establish her aura, but this place was<\/em> Knight-Commander Calirn\u2019s and only sheer stubbornness kept her from using the furs.<\/p>\n

He indicated them and she reluctantly took one. The Knight-Commander sat there, and then stood. He did not pace, but rather, held still.<\/p>\n

Winter was like that. Spring was action and life and youth. Calirn had learned to stand as still as a snowman in a blizzard. His order was made of lone wolves, who had to sometimes ambush foes\u2014although the ethics of that were always under debate.<\/p>\n

While he thought, he held still, regarding the books on his shelves. Among them was a history of major cataclysms that had struck Terandria, a must-read for someone who protected his region and crusaded against threats like that.<\/p>\n

Goblin Kings featured in the book, four times. And that was the quantifiable past the [Historian] had been able to find; time erased so much, as did the fall of vast empires. Even now, a treasure worth as much as any relic was a history book magically preserved tens of thousands of years after it had been written.<\/p>\n

He was of two minds about this news. Ser Solstice, a Hobgoblin in disguise? The first was uncertainty. The dangers of having a\u2026monster\u2026or a monstrous race at the least among Terandrians was not lost on him. However. The second part of him argued with even that sentiment.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo my understanding, my instincts, and what I have heard, Dame Talia Kallinad, that Hobgoblin is<\/em> a [Knight]. Is that so?\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I believe so, Knight-Commander. A basic [Appraisal] spell could tell the truth of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calirn did not need one. He was a high-level [Knight] and he recognized his class. He\u2019d sensed some subtleties of difference with Ser Solstice, but put it down to the cultural differences between continents and how their [Knights] were trained and raised.<\/p>\n

He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he is<\/em> a [Knight].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a Goblin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dame Talia sat there, clearly unhappy. She\u2019d put the fur blanket over herself, but she looked deeply troubled. Calirn nodded. He sat back down and looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, Dame Talia. Why did you see fit to reveal his nature to me? A [Knight]\u2019s vow of secrecy you swore to uphold is a matter of honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

He met her gaze with his cool, frosty eyes. She paled\u2014then flushed suddenly. The air warmed around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnight-Commander! I would have kept his secret at any cost! But after the battle with the Bear-General\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhom he singlehandedly beat in a duel, to allow you and the others to escape.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014but I saw his face.<\/em> Knight-Commander, I respect the honor of my class and fellow [Knights]! But he is a Goblin.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was the heart of it. Talia sat there as Calirn leaned back.<\/p>\n

She felt betrayed. Betrayed, by the truth of Ser Solstice, which had impelled her to come here. The Knight-Commander\u2019s disapproval rankled at her.<\/p>\n

If he had been a Gnoll, a disgraced Drake\u2014any number of things, she would have kept that secret. But a Goblin? She had admired Ser Solstice. Now?<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t know what to think. She had fought Goblins. Who was Ser Solstice? A strange Goblin, pretending to be a [Knight]? An agent in disguise?<\/p>\n

She had realized she had never seen the \u2018Goblin Slayer\u2019 actually slay<\/em> all the tribes he\u2019d claimed to have eradicated, only a handful in battle. Had he helped them escape and lied? Or if not\u2014was he a traitor to his own species?<\/p>\n

She took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe Ser Solstice was untruthful with us, Knight-Commander. And the danger he\u2026might present leads me to believe my duty to the Order and my homeland supersedes or calls into question the knightly-vows of chivalry I have made.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA fair answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

He saw her reasoning. The Knight-Commander sat there, thinking it over. Then he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are dismissed, Dame Talia. I will investigate the matter and inform you of my conclusions, if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKnight-Commander?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood, a bit uneasily. But if she had expected a fast decision, she had forgotten that the Knight-Commander, who could be of any season, was Calirn. Unlike his predecessors, he was winter. And winter was a time to contemplate, not move in haste. Calirn sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are dismissed, Dame Talia.\u201d<\/p>\n

He rose. It was a troubling issue. But not one he would instantly move on\u2014such as throwing Ser Solstice into chains, or setting a guard. If he had travelled with the [Knights] so long, he was not an immediate threat. He might be a spy, but he would be a fool to try to attack anyone in the Order of Season\u2019s keep.<\/p>\n

Ser Calirn went to consult with the Fall\u2019s Sentinel, even though that meant spreading more word of Ser Solstice\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater had dinner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ser Markus conceived a great enmity for Dame Talia Kallinad over supper on the first night of their return from their questing abroad.<\/p>\n

He had admired Dame Talia\u2014if vaguely, as one of the members of the Season of Summer, the second order that Spring Knights usually aspired to\u2014or the Season of Fall if their tastes ran more to academia or studying.<\/p>\n

She, as a member of the prestigious Kallinad family of Pheislant, had never seemed overly arrogant, and she exemplified the desire to crusade and fight for valor and honor. So he had been pleased to fight beside her as they went to Ser Raim\u2019s aid, even though it might mean their deaths, without enchanted weapons, fighting the great Spider of Terandria.<\/p>\n

Even after their defeat, she had essentially led them back home, and he had trusted her implicitly. Nothing until now could have shaken his faith in a fellow member of the Order of Seasons.<\/p>\n

Today, Ser Markus thought Dame Talia had managed to reverse his opinion of her. He did not know of her conversation with Knight-Commander Calirn, of course. But he saw a dinner and her actions there.<\/p>\n

Before that, she had become more distant as Ser Solstice\u2019s identity had been revealed. The five [Knights], including Ser Markus, had been shocked. But he had openly declared Ser Solstice a [Knight] and after a quick debate, they had decided his secret was safe.<\/p>\n

Talia had not gainsaid that decision, but she had stopped riding next to Ser Solstice and talking as openly. One could hardly miss that gap in sociability.<\/p>\n

But tonight?<\/p>\n

Ser Solstice had supped alone since he did not remove his helmet. But he could still drink through a straw, and talk, and seemed to enjoy it. He had joined Ser Markus and the other [Knights] to eat in the main mess hall of the keep.<\/p>\n

All seasons ate there, and guests as well. [Knights] talked, many at their leisure, mostly with friends or their seasons, but they intermingled without real rivalry in most cases. Each season was proud, but they were not at odds.<\/p>\n

There were a handful of guests, too. Aspiring [Squires] who got to see what life here was like. Noble guests, or people, usually of Pheislant, come to do business or petition the order.<\/p>\n

Fellow [Knights] too. The Order of Seasons tried to keep strong relationships with their fellow orders, who they might well fight beside.<\/p>\n

So Ser Solstice was not the<\/em> attraction of the hour. But he was certainly noticeable. Even [Knights] gossiped and the mysterious knight of Izril, who refused to take off his helmet and had bested a [General]<\/em> in one-on-one combat was of note. Not to mention his Goblin-slaying prowess.<\/p>\n

This was what Ser Markus saw. Ser Solstice entered the banquet hall and found Dame Talia standing and talking with some of the Summer Knights. The Goblin [Knight] approached. Talia saw him coming and excused herself. She moved away to get some food.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice. We may collect whatever you would like over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Markus had shown him the food prepared by [Cooks], much like a cafeteria, albeit without the need for payment. Ser Solstice had gotten a drink of goat\u2019s milk. He looked for Talia. She was sitting with more [Knights] of the Spring. He walked over.<\/p>\n

She stood up and moved away. She did not look at him\u2014but it was no coincidence. Ser Markus narrowed his eyes as some of their company, most, bewildered, stopped and watched.<\/p>\n

Dame Meisa, Ser Lloyd, and Ser Vitin all watched with varying expressions on their face. Talia moved away with her tray. Ser Solstice followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTalia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me\u2026Ser Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked away again, and again. Ser Markus saw the armored [Knight] stop and look after her. He had no expression behind the visor, but Ser Markus saw his head turn after Talia.<\/p>\n

Confusion became hurt as understanding bloomed. The Goblin Slayer stood there, looking after the Summer Knight as she went over to some of the Fall Knights who looked around, surprised to see her.<\/p>\n

The interplay was not missed on the [Knights] who had been observing Ser Solstice. Now, one of the Knights of Spring, Ser Medul, turned to Ser Markus from where he sat. He was in his late thirties, very \u2018old\u2019 by the Spring Knight standards. But he was youthful, energetic, one of those sorts of people who never ran out of energy until they slept. He belonged to the Spring, whilst Ser Markus might eventually change seasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know this Ser Solstice, Markus. I heard of him just as you returned from Izril. But that <\/em>is a troubling sight. Has Dame Talia lost all decency, or has something come up? Perhaps he romantically petitioned her? If so, she should refuse him outright, rather than act that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded at Talia and the silent Goblin [Knight], Markus chewed on his lip as the other [Knights] looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot say fully, Ser Medul. It goes to a vow of secrecy between Ser Solstice and those of us who inadvertently witnessed the truth of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Knights] who had not seen Ser Solstice glanced at Markus, Meisa, Lloyd, and Vitin. Lloyd bit his lip and nodded. Vitin was troubled, as was Meisa, who looked uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Ser Medul and some of the other Spring Knights sitting there frowned. The senior [Knight] nodded to Markus after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I will not inquire since it is a matter of honor. However\u2014without knowing the why<\/em> of it, I still find Dame Talia\u2019s actions to be uncouth at the least.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, he stood and called out across the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Ser Solstice of Izril! <\/em>Come sit with us, tonight! The Season of Spring would welcome you among us!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin Slayer\u2019s head turned. He walked over, and sat. Ser Markus tried to smile, but the Goblin\u2019s expression was unreadable.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026But he sounded depressed. Ser Medul introduced himself, reaching out to shake his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Medul of House Medoit\u2014of Pheislant. Shall I call you Ser Solstice or by any other name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Solstice is fine. Lots of [Knights] here.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a comment that made Ser Medul smile. Small talk, without understanding the idea of it. It made sense to Ser Markus now he knew\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Talia might be\u2014she is\u2014I cannot make excuses for her, Ser Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

He spoke at last, uncomfortably, having yet to touch his dinner. The Goblin\u2019s head slowly turned.<\/p>\n

Was there a flash of crimson behind the visor? He looked at Markus, as the other [Knights] watched him while eating. Markus had no idea what he was thinking, but at last, the armored head nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe thinks one way. This is how it is. That is what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

He slowly took a sip from his drink with the wooden straw. Markus exhaled. It was so\u2026fatalistic a statement. It made him endlessly curious as to\u2014<\/p>\n

Curiosity belonged to spring and fall, both seasons of great change. Ser Medul glanced at Ser Solstice and eventually nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us put aside dour thoughts tonight. Ser Solstice, I hear you are responsible for freeing my companions from the clutches of Ailendamus! I propose a toast to your valor\u2014and tales of how you bested the Bear of Ailendamus!\u201d<\/p>\n

He rose. The Spring Knights, always fast to toast, with alcohol or not, all jumped to their feet. Rabbiteater blinked around as the mood suddenly turned energetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, are you a specialist in unarmed combat? I saw you beat the Bear with your bare hands! And I would have sworn he could have thrown down with the best of our Order barehanded, armor or not!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Spring Knights who had not seen his face leaned in. Rabbiteater shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had help. Got lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell us the entirety of it, then. From start to finish. Ser Markus? We heard you were at sea, but was it true you ran afoul of the blockade and refused to surrender?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHardly,<\/em> Dame Thris! There we were, sailing for Pheislant when Ailendamus\u2019 fleet found us and demanded our surrender! We debated over fighting when they claimed we would be sunk if we refused, but we did little more than draw our swords. For that<\/em>, they demanded we surrender and claimed it was an act of aggression\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Stories. On the first night, Rabbiteater met the Season of Spring. They clustered around him. Eating, talking\u2014and not once did they ask him to remove his helmet. They wanted to know, but they caught themselves when asking about his past.<\/p>\n

They were curious, but they had vows. And they stood together, a group of warriors bound by purpose. It reminded him of his tribe. His family.<\/p>\n

He wished they could have had a keep of stone and magic, and wonderful weapons and food you didn\u2019t have to ration.<\/p>\n

His heart hurt when he thought of Talia.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA Goblin Knight? That is a thing of stories, Knight-Commander Calirn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fall\u2019s Sentinel was an older [Knight]. Slimmer, and, like his Season, less martial than the other Seasons. However\u2014he used a dueling sword with great acclaim, and a buckler in his off-hand. And his spellcasting rivaled some senior [Mages].<\/p>\n

More than that, though, he was a historian. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel stood against more than just aggression in the present; he remembered past threats.<\/p>\n

Calirn had come to him with Talia\u2019s secret, despite reservations. And it was the Fall\u2019s Sentinel who was more troubled than Calirn.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you believe the Goblin is a threat? A spy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpy? Agent? Enemy of his kind? That is not the point, Knight-Commander. History is a blunt teacher. And it teaches us that Goblins who walk among other species often become great leaders of their kind. There have been Goblin Knights before.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Fall\u2019s Sentinel was plumbing through his personal archive. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will have to find the texts. They are buried in our library, no doubt. I will have some of my Season begin the search tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSubtly, Fall\u2019s Sentinel.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man\u2019s name was Venoriat, but the Order tended to use their titles. To remind them they were representatives before friends, who could be biased, at least on business like this. Venoriat nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. But I caution you, Knight-Commander. The Goblin may be a [Knight], in which case I am bound to believe he is honorable enough to gain the class. But\u2026he is a Goblin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMeaning?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fall\u2019s Sentinel sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeaning that Goblins who rise to great strength become Chieftains or Goblin Lords. I recall one text\u2014[Recall Text]. Ah, yes. Perfect clarity. The historical account of the Order of Merendis<\/em> states that a valiant Goblin who strove with them against \u2018dark forces who preyed on the blooded\u2019, showed them naught but honor and a willingness to compromise. However. She joined the Goblin King during his rampage, which ended their Order, despite decades of strong ties. Where Goblin Kings appear\u2014or Goblin Lords, Knight-Commander\u2014even valorous Goblins seem to turn to war. Recall that the last Goblin King was known as Velan the Kind.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would not forget, Fall\u2019s Sentinel. I rode against him at the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Order of Seasons had been there. Even now, he remembered the Goblin King slaughtering warriors. That one half-Elf had brought him down had seemed like a miracle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is history\u2019s lesson. Perhaps, Knight-Commander, you should simply treat him as another species. Or a [Knight] not of this order.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a moment, the Fall\u2019s Sentinel clapped his hands. Calirn stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I understand, but your meaning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven chivalrous [Knights] who embody honor may find themselves at odds due to politics or war. Goblins have many reasons to clash with Humanity. So, then. We understand what may<\/em> happen because he is a Goblin. We do not know why he takes up armor. Either way, we acknowledge that his species is oft-opposed to ours, as a Drake [Knight] would be. I find him fascinating in any case and request permission to investigate.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSpeak to him. Unless your will is to imprison Ser Solstice? Or execute him?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fall\u2019s Sentinel peered at Knight-Commander Calirn, having donned his reading spectacles. The Knight-Commander stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Aptly put, Fall\u2019s Sentinel.\u201d<\/p>\n

And subtly too; the man had the greatest strength in diplomacy of the four seasons. The older [Knight] nodded. He had contextualized the issue for Calirn and the answer was clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not have the Order of Seasons imprison a [Knight], no matter the species. If Ser Solstice presents himself as undeserving of the class\u2014I would act on it. But Dame Talia\u2019s admission troubled me from the start. She is conflicted. But without that revelation, I will treat Ser Solstice like a [Knight] from Izril. I cannot ignore what I have been told, and thus he will be kept under moderate surveillance. No more until I reach further conclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell said, Knight-Commander.\u201d<\/p>\n

Besides which, one Goblin [Knight] was not<\/em> as important as the war in Ailendamus.<\/p>\n

But he was interested in the Goblin [Knight]. Who could not be? He resolved to meet with him later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Knight-Commander Calirn\u2019s deliberations had ended one way, the Spring\u2019s Warden had dismissed Dame Meisa before dinner far differently.<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Meisa, do you believe Ser Solstice is a [Knight]?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Spring Knight had squirmed in her seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026do not know, Spring\u2019s Warden. Nothing he has done has convinced me otherwise; quite the opposite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why do you tell me of his nature?\u201d<\/p>\n

The older woman had waited. Meisa had shaken her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything I have been taught is to watch for the danger of Goblins, Spring\u2019s Warden. I do not know what<\/em> to think, so I came to tell you\u2014if only that someone knows the possible danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. And I see your reasoning, Dame Meisa. But I rebuke you nonetheless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring\u2019s Warden?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Season of Spring\u2019s leader had looked at the young [Knight].<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is right to fear a threat. It is unbecoming to gossip due to uncertainty, Dame Meisa. Which prompted your arrival here? Your realization of Ser Solstice\u2019s danger to life and limb? Or your uncertainty of his nature?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman had colored. The Spring\u2019s Warden sent her on her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have a question of Ser Solstice? Uncertainties about him, why he is a [Knight]? Ask him yourself.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she sat and meditated on the issue throughout the dinner hour. When she rose to break her fast, she was resolved.<\/p>\n

She said nothing, did nothing, and had a pudding. Tomorrow, she would see Ser Solstice herself. Spring was change. She let things happen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And the results of her conversation bore out in Rabbiteater\u2019s rooms that night. Dame Meisa, looking a bit ashamed, Ser Markus, and Ser Lloyd, all of the Spring, sat and stared as Rabbiteater slowly removed his helmet.<\/p>\n

Ser Vitin, also of the Summer, had not joined them. Nor Talia, obviously. But Meisa had suggested it, and so they had asked Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

He took off his helmet and felt odd after so long wearing it like a second skin. They blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Lloyd murmured the epitaph of their order. Ser Markus nudged him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRabbiteater. My name is Rabbiteater.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin was almost trembling as he put his helmet down. Meisa blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cRabbiteater? That is your name? Then you are\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRabbiteater. Solstice was\u2026a friend. Human.\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at him. The Hobgoblin stared back. After a moment, Ser Markus almost laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Human friend? Ah\u2014that makes sense! Ser\u2026Rabbiteater, would you tell us more about how you came here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin [Champion] and [Knight-Errant] was surprised they hadn\u2019t reacted more violently. He had expected\u2026no, hoped\u2026<\/p>\n

Talia had done what he would have if he found a Redfang was a Human adventurer in disguise, really. Less. But he had hoped.<\/p>\n

Some of the hope was born again here. Ser Markus nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an extraordinary tale, surely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you do not slay Goblins. You\u2014pretend to. Unless those ears were Goblins you slew?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Lloyd looked uncomfortable. Rabbiteater shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told them to run away. The dead Goblins\u2014I took ears from them. I do not kill Goblins. Unless they fight me. I do not kill Humans either. I\u2026used to. I was a Redfang.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA what?\u201d<\/p>\n

They frowned. It was a long story. Rabbiteater did his best, but he was no Numbtongue with the fancy eloquence of language. But he\u2019d learned to speak better and made a decent telling of it.<\/p>\n

They did not know of the Redfang Tribe, or the famous Garen Redfang. But they listened as he clumsily tried to tell them about growing up, being sent on a mission to kill an [Innkeeper]. Getting lost. So lost.<\/p>\n

And then meeting a Human in a battle in a city called Esthelm. Fighting the Goblin Lord. Losing friends. Coming to an inn, where a Human, for the second time ever, didn\u2019t see them as monsters.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI have heard of that inn. Liscor. And that is where you came from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. After the big battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe siege with Lord Veltras. But the inn stands?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater\u2019s heart hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. She is there. But I\u2026my brothers are gone. So I went. Can\u2019t go back. Hurts too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

He would go back. He had promised her. But\u2014have an adventure. She knew he was alive. She had told him to have one.<\/p>\n

Fall in love. Why didn\u2019t she tell him it was like getting kicked repeatedly in the stomach too?<\/p>\n

\u201cAn [Innkeeper]. Raskghar. Cave Goblins. What a story. That<\/em> is a proper quest, a proper adventure! You put half the Season of Spring to shame with it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus sat back. It was interesting, the reactions of the three.<\/p>\n

Ser Lloyd was most wary. He kept staring at Rabbiteater and then looking away. But he listened, despite his clear misgivings.<\/p>\n

Meisa looked\u2026intrigued, guilty, and interested. She had liked hearing of Erin\u2019s kindness, and how it had changed<\/em> the Redfang five.<\/p>\n

Ser Markus was simplest. Sheerly admiring. He did not seem to hold the Goblin\u2019s nature against him. The reason bore out as he rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was lucky enough to know half-Elves\u2014not in a traditional village, but a proper settlement that traded with my hamlet. I grew up in Gaiil-Drome\u2014the forest nation. I always thought they were much maligned when I heard stories of them later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you are a [Champion] and became<\/em> a [Knight] after meeting us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lloyd looked at Rabbiteater. The Goblin shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Armor is armor. I liked [Knights], though. They are silly\u2014but brave.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spring Knights exchanged a look. Lloyd looked half-offended, but then smiled despite himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpoken like the other seasons. But one thing I don\u2019t understand. You still didn\u2019t say how you managed to down the Bear-General. You kept saying you had help. I thought you meant a potion. But you said it was a Skill<\/em>? Sent by the [Innkeeper]? Across the ocean?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

His tone was disbelieving. Rabbiteater smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin is Erin. Very crazy. Does strange things. She is\u2026strange.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lloyd looked at Rabbiteater. Then he sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou smiled for the first time when you spoke of her, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater realized he was. And that made all the difference. Lloyd looked at the others, then rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is incredible. I\u2014I\u2019ve fought Goblins. Killed them. No offense, Rabbiteater, but I was prepared to tell the Spring\u2019s Warden, or Knight-Commander Calirn upon returning here. I\u2014didn\u2019t, but I feel guilty at the thought. Goblins have been mine enemy the entire time.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Rabbiteater. Meisa bit her lip and Ser Markus frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe swore an oath, Ser Lloyd!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know! But can you fault me for questioning, Markus?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man ran a hand through his hair. Rabbiteater shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans kill Goblins. Goblins kill Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but you make your tribe sound so\u2014so\u2014then why are we fighting?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater shrugged again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo clue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lloyd collapsed with a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see your tribe\u2014the Redfangs?\u2014they would be the worst [Bandits] in the eyes of any Humans. Goblins with a mastery of weaponry. And you say they were all trained to that level? By this Garen Redfang?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Gold-rank adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre other tribes led by Goblins like that? Tell us, pray.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lloyd leaned in. Markus as well. Meisa listened as Rabbiteater tried to explain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They talked late into the night. It was surreal for both sides, and Rabbiteater slept late into the day. But the next morning, the strangeness didn\u2019t stop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe return to our duties, but due to our sojourn we won\u2019t immediately be sent out, Ser Solstice. I would ask if you wanted to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you do all day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus smiled. Lloyd sighed and Meisa rubbed at her shoulders. Rabbiteater tilted his head back and forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cCool<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t get why they<\/em> found it arduous. The Order of Seasons had built their lives around being [Knights], so you did a few things as soon as you were a full [Knight]:<\/p>\n

-You went on quests or crusades, in groups, alone if you were senior, or in full armies, sometimes to war.<\/p>\n

-You patrolled or helped build or fortify areas in need. Cleared out monsters on a kind of residency for as long as four years.<\/p>\n

-You rested and enjoyed the Order of Season\u2019s amenities, took breaks because you couldn\u2019t [Knight] all year without needing time off.<\/p>\n

-You might research, study magic, if you were a Fall Knight, or go on courtly diplomatic missions to visit other orders, attend events representing your order.<\/p>\n

-Or you trained your ass off day in and day out.<\/p>\n

That was what [Knights] not occupied with the main activities did. They trained.<\/p>\n

Swordsmanship, spear mastery, archery, riding, joint fighting, tilting, dueling, woodcraft, climbing, sprints, swimming, stealth, marathon marches\u2026the Order of Seasons did specialize, but a [Knight] honed<\/em> their body.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear the Thronebearers exercise for two hours each day. I\u2019ve never done less than six.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus groused as they ran around<\/em> the vast keep for a morning run. The [Knights] wore armor\u2014[Squires] did not, although they worked up to it with weights. Rabbiteater ran in full gear with a group of [Spring Knights]. Apparently, it was more than a few miles if you did the entire keep; it was sprawling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou run like this every day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! At least, the Season of Spring must<\/em>, to build their endurance. You needn\u2019t do this, Ser Solstice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus blinked as Rabbiteater jogged ahead<\/em>, towards the head of the pack. Ser Markus sped up.<\/p>\n

\u201cUsed to do this too. Carrying rocks. Lots of fun. Relaxing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Medul barked a laugh as he looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou hear that, squires? That<\/em> is dedication to athleticism! In honor of Ser Solstice joining us\u2014pick up the pace!<\/em> None of you quits before he does!\u201d<\/p>\n

That turned into something of a problematic statement, since Rabbiteater did six<\/em> laps; the [Squires] were let go after three. Ser Markus was panting when it was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026you used a Skill, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was sweating<\/em>, but he had water, even lovely apple slices! That was a treat<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The thing was, and which the Spring Knights learned as they went for weapons training next\u2026Redfangs were insane.<\/p>\n

They loved<\/em> training. Garen Redfang had turned their tribe into exercise-freaks, which Erin Solstice had more than once remarked on. Goblins of that tribe craved the rush you got from working hard then eating and flopping over to sleep. They were the kind of breed that military instructors loved.<\/p>\n

Another thing that impressed them was Rabbiteater\u2019s knowledge of weaponry, which again, mirrored their own.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can use a flamberge?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. Think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHalberd?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUsed it. Don\u2019t like as much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can use it. How about bow and arrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDecent shot. My brother shoots better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuisarme? Oh, come now. You\u2019ve never held one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater grinned as he hefted the weird pole-weapon with the long catch. But he trained with an axe and shield and bested Ser Markus, Meisa, and three more Spring Knights in quick bouts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re good! Too quick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Markus complained after the second time Rabbiteater battered down his guard. The Goblin had levels, strength, and<\/em> experience on his side. Ser Medul raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you try me, sir? No Skills?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was an even match. The older Spring Knight used a classic sword-and-shield combo and he and Rabbiteater went at it. Unlike the other Spring Knights, he didn\u2019t fall for Rabbiteater ramming him, trying to trip him up, shove him, head-butt\u2014all things that Redfangs considered fine game and which [Knights] didn\u2019t teach.<\/p>\n

Even so.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s matched with Ser Medul, tricks or not!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Squires] stared. Ser Medul was just as surprised; without Skills, Rabbiteater couldn\u2019t easily break down his guard, and the two were sweating and circling while hammering at each other\u2019s heavy guards.<\/p>\n

As good as Ser Medul?<\/em> The [Knight] called a halt as the Spring Knights watched, impressed, after nearly eight minutes of fighting.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither one of us will get to the end, Ser Solstice. Unless you want to go there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater shrugged. He felt like Medul was a senior Hob if he were in Goblin terms, and had no desire to try<\/em> and beat him just for that. Senior warriors needed to keep face and he liked the old trainer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fight very well. One of the best where I come from.\u201d<\/p>\n

Medul laughed and flicked sweat out of his hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout Skills, I don\u2019t think I\u2019d be able to take down your guard, Solstice! Mind you\u2014with Skills I hope I\u2019d have more of a chance. Do you practice aura-Skills at all? No? Then you\u2019re not exactly<\/em> like us!\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed. Rabbiteater glanced at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the flame-sword. Does Spring have theirs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Medul blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Talia\u2019s fire? And Ser Vitin\u2019s shield? Of course we have our own! Ah\u2014but you were riding with the newer members of our order. We couldn\u2019t send veterans. I would have gone, but fire was better than spring, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Markus reddened a bit as Rabbiteater glanced at him. The Hobgoblin turned to Ser Medul.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does spring do?\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d seen the [Aura Blade] skill that Talia used, and the shield that Vitin could turn to fire. Both seared their opponents, and woe to anyone locking blades up close with the [Summer Knights].<\/p>\n

Winter made sense too; frost. But what was spring and fall?<\/p>\n

For answer, Medul raised his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Wind Sheathe]!\u201d<\/p>\n

His training sword became enveloped in a shimmering vortex. Rabbiteater\u2019s eyes narrowed. He saw flickers<\/em>\u2014nothing concrete, but a twisting force of motes of dust or dirt in the air.<\/p>\n

Wind.<\/em> Ser Markus raised his shield as Medul turned for a target. He flicked<\/em> his sword and something hit Markus\u2019 shield.<\/p>\n

Not super-hard, but with an impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring takes all forms, Ser Solstice. I can be the gust, the breeze\u2014to hasten my swings or strike enemies from afar. If need be, I can draw on other elements. Such as\u2014if I were fighting a more difficult foe? [Barkguard]!\u201d<\/p>\n

His shield sprouted with thick bark. It looked less impressive, but he moved as if it weighed nothing at all and when Rabbiteater asked to smack<\/em> it, his blow bounced right off.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh. Nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Auras. Ser Medul nodded and Rabbiteater realized the last power of his aura was manifesting itself. Even the Hobgoblin was tiring a bit after the long bout and exercise all morning. He glanced at Medul.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spring Knight grinned<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring is youth! Energy! We can train or fight or run all day\u2014at least, if you embody our order!\u201d<\/p>\n

He barked across the groaning [Knights], who\u2019d heard the speech before. Rabbiteater nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be great for sex.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ser Lloyd sprayed<\/em> his drink out his mouth and nose. Ser Medul blinked, and to Rabbiteater\u2019s surprise, coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndecorously put, Ser Solstice. But er\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He was spared from the Goblin\u2019s sense of decorum by the arrival of the Spring\u2019s Warden.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice. I was told you were training with our order. I should like to see your ability myself, if I may?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin turned. He saw one of the best duelists in the Order of Seasons smile politely. She held a longsword and nothing else. The Knights of the Spring stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Skills or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

He sensed<\/em> her confident ability as she lowered her sword, presenting an opening. Ser Medul backed up with Markus, looking very interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cSkills, Ser Solstice, if it is not an imposition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you use them?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I need to. No offense to you, Ser Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took none. The Hobgoblin had sized up his opponent, so she surely could do the same for him. He hesitated. Then drew his sword and slashed<\/em>.<\/p>\n

She parried so fast he was sure\u2014he lifted his shield and barely<\/em> missed being taken out in one go. She would have had the sword point at his neck if it weren\u2019t for luck.<\/p>\n

He gave it another try. His sword lanced out\u2014and she performed another parry, slid in so fast\u2014she had her sword alongside his neck. If she had continued, she would have sliced his head off in one move.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n

He breathed as she stepped back. The Spring\u2019s Warden bowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice, shall we continue?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded. He was sure, now.<\/p>\n

She was boosted by Skills, no doubt, even passively. But that had confirmed it for him. She was as good as Garen Redfang with the blade.<\/p>\n

There was an art to her movements like Shorthilt had\u2014and he copied the best blademaster in the Redfang tribe, Garen himself. Rabbiteater was good\u2014but he was a [Champion], good at fighting.<\/em> He didn\u2019t try for art.<\/p>\n

So he started using Skills.<\/p>\n

[Steelcut Sunder]!<\/em> He said nothing, but the Spring\u2019s Warden saw<\/em> the cut coming and moved her sword out of the block; he\u2019d have slashed through her practice sword otherwise.<\/p>\n

He began moving on the attack. [Shield Ram]\u2014[Long Backstep]\u2014basic Skills he\u2019d had as a common [Warrior], a bit enhanced due to his level, made her back up. She was testing him, staying on the defensive.<\/p>\n

She knew he had more. Rabbiteater didn\u2019t wait to use them. He only waited for her to go on the offensive to bait them out\u2014she tapped<\/em> his shield with the edge of her sword in a flick<\/em>, such a fast move that it was disconcerting. In response, he swung his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Grand Slash]!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The audience murmured. Markus blinked. That was a powerful Skill!<\/p>\n

But the Spring\u2019s Warden was already leaping<\/em> backwards. Somehow, she\u2019d known from Rabbiteater\u2019s posture it was coming. Without Skills, she moved out of range, deflecting the edge of the powerful blow.<\/p>\n

\u2014However, that was her conceit. She had used no Skills, so the impact twisted the sword in her grip. That was what Rabbiteater had been waiting for. In that brief moment where she thought he\u2019d used his big Skill, he used the one he\u2019d gotten at Level 30.<\/em><\/p>\n

[Aspect of the Champion]. <\/em>Rabbiteater had gotten it and wondered what it meant. Now?<\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden had landed nearly ten feet back. Before she could reset her guard, he blurred.<\/em><\/p>\n

[Aspect of the Champion \u2013 Greater Speed]. He could take [Enhanced Strength], [Greater Dexterity]\u2014<\/p>\n

He lunged<\/em> at her in a lancing strike. It was so fast Ser Markus only saw a blur<\/em> go past his face. And\u2014<\/p>\n

Even Rabbiteater hadn\u2019t expected how fast<\/em> he would go. He was still wearing his armor. And it occurred to him in the fragments of time as his sword extended towards the woman\u2019s chest\u2014<\/p>\n

It might be a training weapon, but it was still a lead-filled wooden sword <\/em>with at least two hundred pounds of force and incredible velocity behind it.<\/p>\n

He saw the Warden\u2019s eyes widen in slow-motion. She swung her sword up\u2014as someone began to cry out.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014going to hit her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Meisa finished speaking too late. She saw a cloud of dust. The Spring\u2019s Warden reappeared, sword raised from the sweeping blow upwards.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater landed on his back a second after that. He went wump<\/em>, so hard onto the practice court\u2019s ground that he was without breath or thought for a good thirty seconds. Even then\u2014he just lay there.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d sent him flying<\/em>. So fast and so high that he thought he\u2019d cracked<\/em> his back at the very least.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Markus was first to break the circle of watchers. The Spring\u2019s Warden had lowered her blade. She was there first, even so.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, Ser Solstice? You surprised me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had flicked him into the air like a bug. In that moment\u2014Rabbiteater had to admit it.<\/p>\n

She was better than Garen Redfang. At least, in level. It was a hard admission for any Redfang, but Garen had stood as a strong Gold-rank. The Spring\u2019s Warden could best him.<\/p>\n

Although,<\/em> if it came to a real battle, Garen might have her with his enchanted blade. But on the face of it, he\u2019d never seen Garen use a Skill as wide-reaching as that.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater had fought Garen in that memorable battle outside of Liscor. If he\u2019d had [Aspect of the Champion], he and the four others might have actually knocked him flat.<\/p>\n

Greydath? Still no. The Spring\u2019s Warden?<\/p>\n

Well\u2026the others clustered around him. They were proffering potions, wondering if he was unconscious, or they should pour it through his visor. Ser Markus was about to offer to check on Rabbiteater in private when the Hobgoblin sat up.<\/p>\n

They expected him to be miffed, at the least. The Spring\u2019s Warden was apologizing; she could have badly<\/em> hurt him given how high she\u2019d sent him. But the knight of Izril just made a sound through his visor.<\/p>\n

It took them a second to realize he was chuckling. He looked at the Spring\u2019s Warden.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot you to use a Skill. I win small, you win big.\u201d<\/p>\n

What could you say to that but to clap him on the back and laugh? That was the Season of Spring for you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion wished he had seen the bout between the Spring\u2019s Warden and the newcomer [Knight]. There was a lot and a little to do in the Order of Season\u2019s keep and he relished new, interesting things.<\/p>\n

Not everyone took to the monastic lifestyle here. Summer Knights were about the crusade, and often left for extended periods. But their leader, the Summer\u2019s Champion, had duties.<\/p>\n

They\u2026clashed. He got bored. He<\/em> wanted to get into the war with Ailendamus, because their aggression rankled him. But he respected Knight-Commander Calirn\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n

Even so, he was impetuous, known to be hot-tempered at times. Like fire and ice, winter and summer clashed.<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion, Greysten, got into<\/em> things. He was all passion for a project or an idea, but he didn\u2019t stick with it all the time, and delegated it, lost interest. That could be good\u2026or bad.<\/p>\n

There had been an incident already this year. Ice cream. He\u2019d gotten into the frozen treat, which went so damn well<\/em> with the heat. Brought some for the Season of Summer to share about, ate it\u2026and ate it\u2026<\/p>\n

The quartermaster\u2019s bill had made Calirn take the Summer\u2019s Champion to task for the incident. But so it went. Summer was another kind of youth.<\/p>\n

So it was that the Summer\u2019s Champion was about to have a drink with the older [Knights] of the order and grouse about damned Ailendamus and the Thronebearer\u2019s lack of success on the field\u2014in private, to ease his frustration\u2014when a tap came at his door.<\/p>\n

He opened it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Vitin?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer Knight had come to see him. It was after much thought, reluctance\u2014and he might not have done it, but he felt the need to talk to his superior about Ser Solstice. Even so, he would have been reluctant, but he had talked Talia into joining him.<\/p>\n

She had heard nothing from Knight-Commander Calirn and one did not demand to know his thoughts. So, she was here, when Vitin had approached her. If the head of their season did not know, they reasoned, he should.<\/p>\n

Talia felt a flutter in her stomach, remembering Calirn\u2019s disapproval, but Vitin had said he needed<\/em> to tell someone so she\u2019d agreed to accompany him. But he got to talk.<\/p>\n

Was this right to do? She stemmed the question as Vitin laid out the problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is Ser Solstice, Summer\u2019s Champion. He is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis identity? Are you privy to that knowledge?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion blinked at them. He was tall, imposing, and Talia had told Calirn because she knew the reputation of how spontaneous he was. Better to be present to stop<\/em> him if Vitin decided to do it later. She could run and get Calirn or another senior member if he ran\u2026impulsive.<\/p>\n

That was her reasoning. Vitin nodded, gulping. He was not as familiar with the Summer\u2019s Champion as, say, you would be with the Spring\u2019s Warden. She tended to talk to all new [Knights]; the Summer\u2019s Champion and the Season of Summer was more hierarchical at the moment. He went on great errant deeds when not here and didn\u2019t get to spend time with the younger [Knights], for all he was reckoned as a great commander in the field and very affable, even too much so.<\/p>\n

\u201cChampion, he is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it. This is not something a [Knight] should betray.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion folded his arms. Vitin and Talia stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2014know that, Grandmaster. But even so, because of what the truth is, we felt it was beyond our ability to decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia broke in for the first time. The Summer\u2019s Champion\u2019s eyes swept towards her. They blazed with passion; his quarters were hot<\/em>, even at night. He\u2019d started fires with his temper and the ambient air shot up in temperature.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking another [Knight]\u2019s secret, Dame Talia, Ser Vitin? I won\u2019t hear of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Summer\u2019s Champion\u2014Ser Solstice is a Goblin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Vitin protested. The secret once more revealed\u2026<\/p>\n

Or not. Because the Summer\u2019s Champion had promptly put two fingers in his ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cLalalalala.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He intoned as loudly as possible. Talia and Vitin stared at him. He kept repeating himself until he was sure Vitin was done.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not listening, [Knights]. And I will forget this incident occurred, for the honor of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice is a Goblin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia snapped, appalled at the childish behavior from the Grandmaster of their Season. The Summer\u2019s Champion froze.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe is a Goblin, Grandmaster. Now do you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion kicked<\/em> the door open to Calirn\u2019s room and strode in.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnight-Commander!<\/em> I have an issue to speak of!\u201d<\/p>\n

He stormed in as Calirn was shaving his cheek. The Knight-Commander nearly sliced off his left jowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cSummer\u2019s Champion?\u201d<\/p>\n

No guesses what had set him off. One look at the apprehensive Summer Knights at the door\u2014Talia and Vitin\u2014and the Summer\u2019s Champion\u2019s face, and Calirn knew.<\/p>\n

Cold met hot and steam rose from the man\u2019s ire. Calirn rose. The Summer\u2019s Champion had actually left flaming footsteps as he stomped through a garden.<\/p>\n

\u201cSummer\u2019s Champion, control<\/em> your temper.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man did so with effort. The heat coming off him abated. Calirn sighed.<\/p>\n

He knew Ser Solstice was a Goblin. Vitin and Talia stared at the closed door, worried about what might happen and regretting their choices. Summer was passionate and sometimes made mistakes in the heat of the moment.<\/p>\n

What they didn\u2019t know was the contents of the angry discussion in the Knight-Commander\u2019s private study. He\u2019d moved it there to avoid his room being filled with steam.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you know, then that makes two of us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour. I informed the Fall\u2019s Sentinel and he reported that the Spring\u2019s Warden already had a [Knight] inform her of Ser Solstice\u2019s origin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour?<\/em> The Winter\u2019s Watcher is the only one left out? Dead gods burning on Giant\u2019s tits,<\/em> Calirn! This is too much! Are we [Knights] or children tossing around secrets bound by chivalry? I nearly threw both of them off the keep\u2019s walls! My first instinct is to revoke their knighthood\u2014which I will not do. But you\u2019d better do something before I simply hit them!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion was pacing back and forth. Ser Solstice being a Goblin was almost forgotten. Calirn was surprised\u2014but that was him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Talia and Ser Vitin? I am\u2014upset that they broke their vows, especially as I had been informed, Summer\u2019s Champion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Especially of Dame Talia.<\/em> But Calirn didn\u2019t inflame the man\u2019s temper further. The Summer\u2019s Champion spun on his heel.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose two, and whoever told the Spring\u2019s Warden! For that matter\u2014why are you going around spreading information?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the Fall\u2019s Sentinel? Because I am Grandmaster<\/em> of all four Seasons and a Goblin [Knight] might well be a danger. I had to be sure once I knew. That is my duty. And you are Grandmaster of the Order of Summer, Greysten. You know our duty sometimes wars with honor!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man turned even redder, but slowly collapsed into a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one Goblin. I find this breach of chivalry more important, Calirn. What, do they want me to decide to chop off its head? It\u2014he\u2014<\/em>saved them from being ransomed and apparently came to their aid during the Ogre attack! In return, our Order<\/em> decides to stab him in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see that. Since you are so enraged, Summer\u2019s Champion, I remind you that they thought his nature might interfere with their vows to respect another [Knight]\u2019s code. The argument being that he is a Goblin, therefore, not a [Knight].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man was calming down already. He sat there, still leaking steam, but slowly thinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t agree. I don\u2019t accept it. And I\u2019m ashamed my order spoke more than Spring Knights\u2014who can barely keep their mouths shut!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSummer crusades against monsters more hotly than all. Yours is a passionate season, Greysten.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShame is shame. Honor is honor. Secret is secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no prevaricating with him. Calirn nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you would like me to adjudicate for you, Summer\u2019s Champion, I will. But this is a matter of morality; at the heart of it I believe all sides acted in accordance with how they see honor.<\/em> Talia Kallinad\u2019s family is of Pheislant, and saw the Goblin King\u2019s destruction. They would remember how he erased members of the Hundred Families down to the last person in their bloodlines.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one Goblin. Now I want to meet him, especially since I heard he forced the Spring\u2019s Warden to use a Skill in a bout! I\u2019ll do that. But punishment\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion went into deep thought. Calirn waited.<\/p>\n

Summer was passionate. But not shallow or stupid. And at last, the taller man spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said they objected on the basis of honor, but to do so, they impugn this Ser Solstice\u2019s honor, Knight-Commander. I propose a test, upon which I will rest my complaints. If I am wrong, they will not be punished and I will support any scrutiny or judgment against this Goblin [Knight].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you are right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I leave the matter in your\u2014calmer\u2014hands. But I will not protest their revocation of their [Knight] class, regardless of their status.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hands clenched. The eyes flashed. Calirn sat there, and then slowly nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the nature of the test? You will stage an accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

The orange hair shook as the Summer\u2019s Champion stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust we grapple and talk about what makes a man a [Knight], Knight-Commander? My answer is simple. If he is a [Knight], he is a [Knight]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rabbiteater opened the door to his rooms. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel was there.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Ser Solstice, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. You are\u2026important?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin was wary. But the old man looked kind, more bookish than the others. Like the [Shaman] the Redfangs had once had, before he got eaten by Eater Goats in an ambush when Rabbiteater was small.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, indeed. I hope, Ser Solstice, I am not intruding. I would simply like to invite you to join the Season of Fall on the morrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am told you are a superlative trap expert, and skilled in any number of wilderness techniques. The Season of Fall loves new knowledge, or those who can embody it. Would you care to go on a hike with some knights in training and discuss your experience?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater considered it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent. Then, I will send for you after breakfast. Good night to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was that. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel inclined his head. Rabbiteater copied him, a bit warily. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel walked down the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knight-Commander Calirn and the Summer\u2019s Champion were waiting. The Summer\u2019s Champion\u2019s arms were folded and he had begun heating up again. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel raised his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Champion], and [Knight-Errant].\u201d<\/p>\n

Both men exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Knight-Errant]. It suits him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it means I\u2019m right.<\/em> This is scurrilous behavior of our Order and I demand there be punishment!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion pressed a fist into his hand. Calirn was inclined to agree. But he made sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no way the [Appraisal] spell could be circumnavigated or tricked, Fall\u2019s Sentinel?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man raised his brows a touch higher.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course there is, Knight-Commander. But practically? From this one Goblin whom I detected not a whiff of magic about? Aside from his gear, of course? Very unlikely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen he is a [Knight]. Summer\u2019s Champion, I will honor your request.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knight-Commander Calirn sighed. The Summer\u2019s Champion waited, hands clenching and unclenching.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDame Talia and Ser Vitin acted in what they thought was the best interests of the Order. However\u2014I accede to Summer\u2019s will. It is up to the Spring\u2019s Warden to enforce this punishment, as the contents of her conversation are unknown. However. Dame Talia and Ser Vitin are hereby sentenced to a month of labor in menial chores, to be decided by Summer\u2019s Champion, and stripped of any honors of rank.\u201d<\/p>\n

That meant even the basic luxuries like being able to ride out and visit your family in Pheislant that any standard [Knight] got after their first year. The Knight-Commander turned to the Summer\u2019s Champion.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may revoke that at will if needed, Summer\u2019s Champion. But they are not to speak of Ser Solstice\u2019s nature, nor the reason for their punishment. Will that suit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will indeed, Knight-Commander.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion strode off. Calirn sighed.<\/p>\n

All this over one [Knight]. But it was wrong to blame the Goblin. His presence had revealed a fault in the Order\u2019s understanding of honor\u2014at least, to the Summer\u2019s Champion.<\/p>\n

Well, the punishment was not the heaviest it could be. However, the Summer\u2019s Champion could be\u2026vindictive. He kicked into the large gathering place where the Summer\u2019s Knights gathered in their section of the keep and delivered the punishment at full bellow, not even checking to see if Talia or Vitin were present.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, Talia and Ser Vitin engaged in stable cleaning\u2026and toilet cleaning. An unenviable task, especially since the Chandrarian chutney had been slightly off yesterday.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater, oblivious to this, went with the Season of Fall on a hike through one of the forests under the Order of Season\u2019s lands granted to them by Pheislant.<\/p>\n

They had a lot of space. Nice space,<\/em> that extended all the way to the cliffs on the shoreline. They were a defensive force, able to go on crusades and hold this space.<\/p>\n

They even had [Farmers], several small settlements that made produce and enjoyed the protection of an entire [Knight] order. It was as close to paradise as you got without actual paradise.<\/p>\n

For a Goblin? Magnificent.<\/p>\n

The forest wasn\u2019t without dangers, though. There were bears, boars, other wildlife that the [Knights] wouldn\u2019t exterminate.<\/p>\n

But the Autumn Knights weren\u2019t exactly slouches either. Yes,<\/em> you called them \u2018Fall Knights\u2019 because they were the worst season at pure combat. But they also practiced magic, and academia.<\/p>\n

Books weren\u2019t useless. You could take notes of enemy locations in them, use them for kindling on cold nights, relief after bad poos\u2026even read them.<\/p>\n

Joining the expedition, to Rabbiteater\u2019s surprise, was Dame Meisa. It didn\u2019t bother the Fall\u2019s Sentinel; indeed, a number of other [Knights] and [Squires] had joined.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey may wish to join or learn from our season, Ser Solstice. All are welcome to participate in such events. Dame Meisa is a Spring Knight, but she may well choose our season in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. The younger [Knight] looked downcast and quiet today.<\/p>\n

She had asked the Spring\u2019s Warden to share in the disgrace of the two senior [Summer Knights] upon hearing of the incident. The Spring\u2019s Warden had deliberated, and then informed Dame Meisa she could join her fellow [Knights], of course, but her punishment was to live with her actions, which had been so well-intentioned.<\/p>\n

Watch. Listen.<\/p>\n

Learn something.<\/p>\n

That was the attitude of fall, when all kinds of weird things started happening. In between the barren chill of winter and the profusion of life that was summer, things were different.<\/p>\n

They watched, as Ser Solstice demonstrated his<\/em> understanding of woodcraft to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can eat that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can eat that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t eat that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can eat that, but bad poos.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can eat that, but you might die. About one third die.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Squires] stopped taking notes and looked at the Fall\u2019s Sentinel. The older man was delighted.<\/p>\n

\u201cFascinating. And this is G\u2014wood lore from where you come from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. You can eat that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater indicated some bark. One of the [Knights] gave him a scandalized look.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice, that is bark.<\/em> One cannot live on that, even if it is edible.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] gave him a calm rebuttal.<\/p>\n

\u201cCannot live, true. But can stop dying for as long as a month. If wounded, lying in the forest with leg break and no one finds you\u2014good to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d never experienced that himself, but he knew all the stories. The Fall Knights murmured. Meisa had to stop from imagining a Goblin\u2026<\/p>\n

More of his knowledge was practical. He showed them his trap-style, hanging the little strings with bells up. Also, how to fashion quick step-traps with spikes out of mere wood.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraps are hardly the act of valor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we do employ them, from time to time, Ser Drommel. We do use runic magic. If, say, one could envision fighting Crelers or the Demons of Rhir\u2026have you fought Crelers, Ser Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Nasty. Hard to kill. Very bad to have, even in High Passes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so? I was told that was the most inhospitable climate, even for Crelers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others listened, having asked questions about Gargoyle fighting and so on. Rabbiteater elaborated.<\/p>\n

\u201cMonsters kill them. But\u2026<\/em>if it\u2019s Eater Goats, they eat Crelers. Then\u2026eggs hatch in them. Creler swarm can get bigger<\/em> if Eater Goats attack them, after a few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

The expedition shuddered. Rabbiteater shrugged. Then it was his turn to listen to a speech on herb craft.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not [Healers]. But if you lack for one\u2014this Balm Root combined with a mix of the following leaves and flowers is said to have beneficial qualities against infection. We have tried to preserve the paste, but it is ineffective. I\u2019ve suggested taking all the samples along for larger expeditions, but the order has not yet implemented this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater stared at the root that was native to Terandria. He promptly took as much as he could carry.<\/p>\n

The things the Season of Fall knew <\/em>were so impressive to the Goblin! As valuable\u2014perhaps more than Spring\u2019s training. If he\u2019d known about the balm root, his friends might not have died or had to cut off limbs due to sickness.<\/p>\n

\u201cRabbit\u2026Ser Solstice. May I ask a question?\u201d<\/p>\n

Meisa brought it up as they had lunch. She was staring at his cloak. The others turned. They had thought it was a kind of cloth at first, or realized it was obviously magical, but after staring at it for a long time, Meisa at last had to ask what<\/em> the liquid was.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlood.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cloak of Plenty had his brother\u2019s blood. It was a shield\u2014and you could use it to transfuse blood, as Rags had learned from Velan\u2019s memory. Meisa paled.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom\u2026whom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother. Liscor. He died there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ser Solstice. I told the Spring\u2019s Warden about you. I am ashamed.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her, sandwich halfway to his lips. She looked embarrassed and full of chagrin. He slowly flipped open his visor, took a fast bite. Chewed it. Took another bite.<\/p>\n

Meisa waited. But the Hobgoblin eventually reached for another sandwich.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring\u2019s Warden is like a Chieftain. Sometimes you have to tell them. I am\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped his chest, looking at the distant [Knights]. Dame Meisa hung her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I had no cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. The history of Goblins and Humans was reflected in it. Meisa blinked. Even nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I am still ashamed, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin Slayer tilted his head. After a moment, his visor came up. She saw lips move up in a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Trade sandwich and I forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wanted hers, which was stuffed with mackerel. She traded it for tomato and jerky. They sat together, as Meisa felt some of her guilt lift at last. After a while, she saw the visor open and snap shut; he was eating inside his helmet.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you truly like rabbits that much?\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. Just caught them because I was hungry. They got boring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice!<\/em> Do you have time tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

A booming man caught Rabbiteater after they returned from the day-long expedition. The Summer\u2019s Champion grabbed him by the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. Let\u2019s have a drink. I wanted to meet the man who acted so valorously for our Order. Come, come!\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was how the Summer\u2019s Champion practically dragged Rabbiteater to one of the [Knight]\u2019s drinking areas in the keep. They might be [Knights]\u2014but they did keep alcohol for those who wanted it.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater drank through a straw. The Summer\u2019s Champion kept staring<\/em> at him.<\/p>\n

He was\u2026so unsubtle Rabbiteater figured out in a second who Meisa had told. Or thought he did. Thus, being wrong, but right for the wrong reasons. In the end, the Summer\u2019s Champion came out with it after two drinks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026know who you are, Ser Solstice. I was informed. And it falls to me to tell you that I was told of your nature. I did not ask, but there we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater froze. The man was looking at him.<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion, as the Hobgoblin had observed, was tall. Six foot three, maybe an inch taller? Tall, strong, orange of hair, and direct.<\/p>\n

He was the kind of man who stood at the fore of battle and bellowed orders while laying about him. And he was direct, honest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I am\u2026a Goblin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat alone, in a quiet booth. The Summer\u2019s Champion stared at Rabbiteater. Then he reached for his drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not do well with subterfuge. Secrets eat at me until I spit them out. I know. And I have slain more Goblins than I can count. I am reckoning with it now, looking upon you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. And I have killed many Humans. Feels bad, sometimes. But they were trying to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion blinked at him. Then he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue! Like that\u2014we could be enemy warriors who sit down for a drink. But there is more there. History and whatnot. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel talked my ear off about it this morning\u2026er\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He realized that implied the Fall\u2019s Sentinel knew too. Rabbiteater had suspected as much. Knight-Commander Calirn had spoken to him over dinner one time, just asked him about training and such.<\/p>\n

He was not a genius, nor Erin-smart, but he wasn\u2019t a fool either. He didn\u2019t see why it bothered the [Knights] so much. If\u2026Talia\u2026had joined the Redfangs as a mysterious warrior in armor and he\u2019d found out, he would have told Garen in two heartbeats.<\/p>\n

Maybe. He thought about Garen\u2019s<\/em> temper and hesitated. If it was Erin\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but there it is. We are [Knights]. Honor is at the heart of who we are, or we are no better than [Warriors]. Not to impugn them, but we must be more or we are not [Knights].\u201d<\/p>\n

To his surprise, the Summer\u2019s Champion was quite philosophical as they talked about the issue. Only\u2014he had convictions. He had an answer for any moral quandary you might have.<\/p>\n

\u201cI struggle with such things, Rabbiteater, until I have an answer that suits me. I cannot live without one. I fear only that I am wrong, which is why I listen to Calirn and other, more cool-headed voices. I could never be the Grandmaster of the entire Order. I am little suited to Summer, in truth. But\u2026a better man than me could not take the post. His name was Ser Raim and he passed, a few months ago. Dame Talia and her company rode to his aid. But he was lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Summer\u2019s Champion shook his mane of hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not speak the name of the one who would sour even this moment. Suffice it to say, Ser Raim embodied the better parts of our natures\u2014he and I were both contenders for this position. But he could keep himself calm and<\/em> fight with fire in his heart. I am less controlled. But he\u2026lost his love. And rage and vengeance and the desire for justice consumed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a brother who was a [Berserker]. Got mad. But also sad. Good brother. I have his axe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Headscratcher. The Summer\u2019s Champion smiled. They began to swap stories.<\/p>\n

At some point, more Summer Knights joined in. Older, more senior ones, who wanted to get a sense of this new [Knight]\u2014and why Talia and Vitin had disgraced themselves in the Summer Champion\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

They found little to reproach. It was like hanging out with Redfangs again. If the Spring Knights were younger Redfangs, these were the old ones, the veterans who joked around, like Spiderslicer, Redscar, who\u2019d seen battle. Who got mad, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cAilendamus is the aggressor! We fight injustice where it occurs, Ser Zulv!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion roared across the table. Ser Zulv barked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd bring the Order of Seasons into a war that will weaken both<\/em> nations? We cannot end this war on one lance-charge, Summer\u2019s Champion!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat then? We let Ailendamus grow until it eats every nation in the south? I say, we throw four hundred Summer Knights into the conflict and dare them to come after us here! Or do you think the Dawn Concordat\u2019s day is done? The Thronebearers won\u2019t see to it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The intense disdain for the Thronebearers\u2019 skill-at-arms was something Rabbiteater could get behind. The Summer\u2019s Champion slammed<\/em> a hand on his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Ser Solstice is an example of even a [Knight-Errant] being superior to an entire order\u2019s training! He forced the Spring\u2019s Warden to use her Skill\u2014how good are you with a blade, man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Let\u2019s see.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was how Rabbiteater found himself, drunk, swinging away at the Summer\u2019s Champion in the Season of Summer\u2019s courtyard.<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion needed no Skills either; he wasn\u2019t as\u2026graceful as the Spring\u2019s Warden, but he was like Rabbiteater wanted to be. Someone who had mastered battle, or at least, reached a peak that Rabbiteater had not.<\/p>\n

The Goblin Slayer threw up a bit after he got hit in the stomach. It even dented his armor. The Summer\u2019s Champion helped him up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood show! Are you well, Ser Rabbit?\u201d<\/p>\n

The other stirred at the accidental use of his name, but Rabbiteater liked it.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood! Can fight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Anyone else want to test his mettle? Let\u2019s see axes!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Knights\u2014the drunk ones\u2014joined in. The younger [Knights] watched, including two smelly ones, as Rabbiteater actually bested two more.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is<\/em> good.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Summer Knights insisted on trying Rabbiteater with full Skills and gear. Everyone watched as the [Champion]\u2019s armor shone; his enchanted axe and the extending blade kept the Summer Knight well clear, and the cloak of blood actually blocked<\/em> a bolt of fire with a hiss. <\/em>Rabbiteater charged in and overpowered his foe with [Enhanced Strength].<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done. Well done.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion was treating him like one of his inner circle! Talia swallowed her feelings as Ser Solstice lurched a bit, still sobering up. He took a long sip of water; it was hot<\/em> in the courtyard where so many Summer Knights were gathered.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Tis unfair to make him duel one of the Grandmasters, Summer\u2019s Champion! But he has not yet been bested <\/em>in full combat!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Summer Knights called out. It was true. Only one person had actually challenged Rabbiteater with full gear\u2014or practice weapons but Skills. Not Ser Medul; only the younger [Summer Knight] whom Rabbiteater had beaten.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s half-drunk. Maybe you can have a go at him later if you want to make a point, Dame Pitram. But I do wonder\u2014is Dame Voost here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia blinked. Dame Voost was present, and stepped forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is our best<\/em> [Knight] with a blade, Ser Rabbit\u2014er, Ser Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia\u2019s ears twitched at the name. That couldn\u2019t be a nickname. She wanted to know. And felt\u2026she saw the Summer\u2019s Champion indicate the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you could make a fair match of it? Even beat her?\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned. The [Summer Knight] smiled.<\/p>\n

Bravado in the air, laughter\u2014it was something actually a bit foreign to Talia. She felt more stiff than Rabbiteater at this moment, as if they\u2019d reversed sides. Somehow\u2014he knew the company of veterans more than she.<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin took one look at Dame Voost, and tilted his head. Then he replied, audibly, for all.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. Think I can win.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Season of Summer liked that. They laughed, or urged him to give it a shot. Dame Voost indicated the enchanted axe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGear, or Skills, Ser Slayer? I will settle for practice weapons and you with the axe if you will it, to make up for your drinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo injuries! I\u2019ll step in if I think someone will get hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion declared. Rabbiteater just shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cPractice sword works.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oho.<\/em> Talia\u2019s eyes narrowed at the same time as Dame Voost. Was he taking her lightly because of her gender? Some [Knights] did\u2014<\/p>\n

But she did not know Goblins. Rabbiteater made no such assumptions. But he was confident.<\/p>\n

The Season of Summer watched as Voost began walking counter-clockwise around him. She used sword and kite shield.<\/p>\n

The Summer Knights watched, now curious to see if the Knight of Solstice was all talk. They knew Dame Voost\u2019s bladework and he wasn\u2019t that good\u2014especially drunk. But maybe a Skill?<\/p>\n

The woman was waiting for him to make the first move. She had a step-in that could rival a [Fencer]\u2019s, but her real strength was a burst-of-strength Skill that would beat even [Enhanced Strength] in a close contest.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater knew his plan. He waited, until Dame Voost\u2019s eyes narrowed and she began to tense\u2014then he raised his sword suddenly. She braced\u2014<\/p>\n

And he tossed the practice sword down on the ground. The Summer Knights stared as the Hobgoblin raised two gauntleted hands and made fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now, Ser Solstice? Are you giving up?\u201d<\/p>\n

She called to him. The Goblin grinned.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPick up your sword, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Fight me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He challenged her. And then\u2014the Summer\u2019s Champion burst out laughing. Some of the other Summer Knights shook their heads. Talia was appalled.<\/p>\n

She knew what the dilemma was. Either Dame Voost used a sword against an unarmed foe, or\u2026the woman eyed Rabbiteater\u2019s brawling stance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not honorable.\u201d<\/p>\n

No\u2014the Summer\u2019s Champion watched as Dame Voost hesitated, then tossed down her blade to the cheers of others and raised her gauntlets\u2014and put on a helmet.<\/p>\n

That was a Goblin [Knight]\u2019s sense of honor. Different in some ways, but\u2014he smiled as the two went at it. Rabbiteater knocked Voost sprawling, then went for her when she was down.<\/p>\n

It went even. She was still a senior [Summer Knight], but she lacked most of her Skills. In the end, both called for a tie after nearly twelve minutes of grappling and bruises. Rabbiteater shook her hand, afterwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrong with fists and<\/em> sword. Thought it was only one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Ser Solstice, fight well. Summer fades!\u201d<\/p>\n

She clapped him on the shoulder. The other Summer Knights nodded. Rabbiteater grinned behind his helmet. He saw Talia watching and looked at her. She glanced away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One week later, Dame Talia was heading to her rooms to scrub the scent of crap off her. She was angry, humiliated\u2014but not just because of her punishment.<\/p>\n

It was the nature of things to change. The Order of Seasons knew it full well. They were a unique type of Order, even among the varied [Knights] of Terandria.<\/p>\n

That they had welcomed a Goblin among them, or rather, their order\u2019s heads had, at least, might have been because they were founded next to a coastal nation which did see more non-Humans. Perhaps it was just the Grandmasters of their time.<\/p>\n

Talia had understood the reason why she was punished, even if she resented it and found it mortifying. Even if she felt\u2026unable to explain how jarring, upsetting, Ser Solstice\u2019s identity had been.<\/p>\n

Perhaps because the full reason of it wasn\u2019t something she was consciously willing to acknowledge. Perhaps because all that she had found admirable, even more, attractive, about Ser Solstice had gone sideways when it was revealed who<\/em>, or what<\/em> he was.<\/p>\n

It would have been easier\u2014and harder for the Order to accept him\u2014if he did not act so\u2026normal. Not Human, not necessarily; just like a person.<\/p>\n

Because he had been around them. Because he had met the [Innkeeper].<\/p>\n

Those days had not been in vain. And their legacy had carried him here. In unexpected ways.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knight-Commander Calirn was not the Summer\u2019s Champion, who seemed to have practically taken \u2018Ser Solstice\u2019 under his wing.<\/p>\n

The Grandmaster of the Order of Seasons was far more wary. And of the Grandmasters, he sensed the same from the Spring\u2019s Warden and the Fall\u2019s Sentinel.<\/p>\n

She was polite, but clearly watchful. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel was more sociable\u2014but by the same token, clearly regarded the Goblin as an object of study as much as a [Knight].<\/p>\n

There was the thing. He was a [Knight], so the Order of Seasons either believed in that fundamental similarity, or not.<\/p>\n

But even so. Another Goblin who chanced upon the class wouldn\u2019t be so\u2014so\u2014<\/p>\n

Disarmingly friendly.<\/em><\/p>\n

It came from the inn. Such as, when Knight-Commander Calirn was stiffly dining with Rabbiteater and two other [Knights] from foreign Orders. A Trudravel Knight\u2014who was actually quite friendly because his Order fought and lived among the tundra of the north\u2014and a Thronebearer of Calanfer, here to plead his Order\u2019s case for the war with the Order of Seasons, despite the ribbing from all sides.<\/p>\n

Small things, like, as they were dining on a particularly nice roast in honor of their guests, the Goblin turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cPass the mustard, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Calirn blinked as he instinctively\u2026passed the mustard. Ser Solstice spread it on the bit of meat, turned his head to the wall, popped his visor open a tiny crack, and put it in. The Thronebearer watched, still bemused\u2014the Trudravel Knight thought it was hugely entertaining.<\/p>\n

Apparently, someone had asked the Season of Fall to provide a vision-scrambling charm such that you only saw darkness if you glanced under the visor. Dame Meisa\u2019s request had been answered by the Fall\u2019s Sentinel, and now Ser Solstice ate in company.<\/p>\n

The Goblin happily added the condiment to his food. And Calirn had to ask\u2014but how did you ask?<\/p>\n

Is mustard common among Goblins?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you find our condiments to your liking, Ser Solstice? I understand Izril uses a number of sauces Terandria lacks. Gnollish and Drakeish foods. I have sampled them from time to time, and we could provide them if you find it nostalgic.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was his best foot forwards. The Goblin looked up, after chewing, and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026condiments. Like home. No mayonnaise, though?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMayonnaise? I\u2019m not familiar with that one, Ser Solstice. Izrilian, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] of the tundras chuckled. The Thronebearer and Ser Calirn listened as Rabbiteater shook his head and tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It\u2019s white. Egg and\u2026lemon? And oil. Very tasty. You eat with fries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSliced potatoes. Fry in oil. Very tasty. Know how to cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know how to cook?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calirn burst out, until he realized how ludicrous it sounded. The Thronebearers gave him a sidelong look and the Grandmaster had to cough.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is\u2014I cannot but boil water at a fire. My aura and such.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was rare to see the Winter Knight blush at all. But Rabbiteater smiled and remembered cooking lessons and a group of Cave Goblins\u2014and one with a poofy hat.<\/p>\n

You brought what you\u2019d seen and done wherever you went. So, Knight Calirn watched, incredibly bemused, as Rabbiteater experimentally made mayonnaise with one of the [Cooks]. It was actually tasty\u2014and\u2014after inquiring, he found it was a gourmet food newly on the market, originating from Izril. Salazsar had the stuff! Invrisil was advertising it in its restaurants\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden was similarly disarmed on another occasion when she and the trainees paused for \u2018fun\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cTilting?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater lacked this area of expertise, which relieved Ser Markus, as the Goblin had passed most of the Spring Knights in every other area from wrestling, climbing, and so on.<\/p>\n

But he didn\u2019t swim well<\/em>, despite knowing how; large bodies of water hadn\u2019t existed in the High Passes, and if they did, they were dangerous.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the act of tilting<\/em>, with a lance, wasn\u2019t a Goblin ideal. He was still willing to learn, and amused to hear there were entire tournaments around the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cFun isn\u2019t restricted to [Knights], Ser Solstice. We have a number of similar activities. There are those who enjoy fencing and so on, but swimming is quite enjoyable, we often picnic at scenic locations\u2014and we\u2019ve even added those new sports<\/em> in the news. Do you know of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden had heard the Goblin laugh. She turned\u2014and saw him pick up one of the baseball bats.<\/p>\n

It was, after all, an athletic sport and the Order of Seasons liked things that mixed both exercise and<\/em> enjoyment. What the Spring\u2019s Warden wasn\u2019t prepared for was to see Rabbiteater hit three homeruns in a row. The \u2018best\u2019 pitcher had no actual class, and Rabbiteater had seen curveballs, sliders, and magically-enhanced half-Elf fastballs that could break your bat in half.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Spring\u2019s Warden, bemused, took up the pitching mound. She\u2026bullied him a bit. Or tried to. Her fastball dipped<\/em> with the wind. Rabbiteater whiffed twice\u2014then sent it flying high and up.<\/p>\n

He grinned at her. The Spring\u2019s Warden smiled despite herself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had forgotten, for a moment, that he was a [Champion]. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel knew the class. But he didn\u2019t realize how Goblins saw the class.<\/p>\n

Champion was champion. And Rabbiteater, amiable, willing to walk into the kitchen and peel potatoes as much as shoot arrows with a Worker on the roof, had absorbed a bunch of things.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheckmate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old [Knight] stared down at the board and then up at the Goblin\u2019s invisible grin behind his helmet. Rabbiteater had enjoyed that. Erin had made him play with her, but it was no fun playing the freaks in her inn. They were all experts\u2014even the Fall\u2019s Sentinel was an easier opponent than Erin\u2019s chess club.<\/p>\n

The Knights of the Autumn murmured in surprise as the Fall\u2019s Sentinel looked at the board in dismay. Someone commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s quite good.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. And he knows other games, Fall\u2019s Sentinel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meisa broke in before Ser Markus could. She seemed even more proud than he was\u2014the Knight of Izril had depths. Because of the inn. The legacy and astonishment carried on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To today. A Hobgoblin\u2019s smile. And\u2014Dame Meisa slipping out of his rooms before dawn, as Talia went to wash from her cleaning duties.<\/p>\n

\u201cA spring\u2019s romance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dame Talia jumped. Someone else had observed the moment which had driven her to fury. She had nearly gone after Dame Meisa\u2014but the huge figure stopped her.<\/p>\n

The Summer\u2019s Champion had gone for a morning, twenty-mile run and was covered in sweat. He glanced at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI put Ser Solstice as the Season of Summer myself, Dame Talia. Of all our Seasons, I believe he is mine. Wouldn\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is not of our order, Summer\u2019s Champion!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man frowned at her and she mastered her tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he was, I would claim him, Dame Talia. And if he is\u2014Spring and summer complement each other. Spring invigorates summer, and it is a good match. A passing thing, but why do you frown?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know why.\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it were any other pair of [Knights], no one would remark on a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is because this is different<\/em>, Summer\u2019s Champion! It is not\u2014simple\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded as she struggled for words. He had a towel around his neck and was bare-chested, sweating profusely. That did not bother her, but the sweat dried abruptly. He turned to face her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it is not, Dame Talia. But you seem to see all that is negative while I choose to do the opposite. I punished you. Do you seek to change your season?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Summer\u2019s Champion. But I will not ask for forgiveness. I acted as I thought was best.\u201d<\/p>\n

She lifted her chin, and he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor would I ask you to change your season. You and I disagree, but I would never deny that you were of my order. Summer\u2019s heat. Summer fades, but we keep to our opinions, don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t reply. His eyes studied her. And they were as merciless as the blazing summer\u2019s day for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill, Dame Talia. Between you and me\u2014that you told me and Calirn of Ser Solstice\u2019s nature? Knowing he might suffer or die because of whom he was, after all he had done? That<\/em> was a move as cold as snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and walked off, leaving her at a loss for words. She stomped off to take a bath and it became a hot tub. Literally.<\/p>\n

The Order of Seasons had a new [Knight] in its midst. A Goblin. He lay on his back.<\/p>\n

Wow. That was a lot of fun. Seriously. He tried to figure out how long it had been\u2026but he\u2019d left the Redfang camps on his mission and it was an all-male team that Garen had appointed, to prevent fights\u2026and then he\u2019d been at the inn\u2026.<\/p>\n

Not that you couldn\u2019t deal with it yourself, but you forgot there were better options. Anyways. He lay there for a while.<\/p>\n

This was a nice place. He was having a good time. The Goblin smiled to himself.<\/p>\n

He was having an adventure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was an enduring trait among Humans that never ceased to amaze. What was different was hated, reviled\u2014or exotic and sexual.<\/p>\n

It had once been speculated that Humans had attempted to mate with every species in the world\u2014and many non-species. Not every race did that.<\/em> But the Human method to success seemed to be\u2014\u2018if you couldn\u2019t beat it, see if it could reproduce\u2019.<\/p>\n

And if that seemed like a generalist statement, a judgment inherently speciesist or racist\u2014well, he<\/em> agreed. And he\u2019d seen a lot of Human proclivity in his lifetime.<\/p>\n

Eldavin was propositioned for sex the third day he was at Wistram academy. It took him hindsight, and the third go-around, to realize that had been what the young woman had been intimating.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He was appalled. His true nature aside, the Dragon\u2014half-Elf\u2014was still old<\/em> for a half-Elf! By rights, they should assume he was three hundred years old, at least! But that young half-Elf\u2014of the Centrist faction\u2014had been barely seventy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scandalous. But it was a truism of power as well. When someone like Eldavin showed up, established powers tried to do everything to find a weakness or hold on him.<\/p>\n

Blackmail, sex, and so on.<\/p>\n

Eldavin considered it meant he was having an impact. He reclined in one of the largest series of rooms in Wistram, a far cry from the shabby place where he\u2019d first been quartered, sipping from a complimentary brandy gifted to him.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d forgotten what it was like to be inebriated. The half-Elf sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the foibles of the flesh.\u201d<\/p>\n

But not sex. He was still Teriarch inside, and his experience informed \u2018Eldavin\u2019. Indeed, he was today already plotting how to expand the new faction that had arisen around him.<\/p>\n

Not just him. Fortune had put Archmage Valeterisa in his way. She was faction-less too, and it had been a stroke of luck that they could agree to form a new body of power.<\/p>\n

Of all the Archmages, she reminded him most of the old sort. Academic. Uninterested in politics for their own sake. Pursued by quite laudable ambition to learn magic.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ruthless, of course; he\u2019d inquired about her. But quite humble compared to the other \u2018Archmages\u2019. She\u2019d asked him<\/em> to share knowledge and he had reciprocated, pretending not to be as learned as he really was\u2014just extremely so for this day and age.<\/p>\n

Thus, the two had formed the base of the new political faction. The, ah\u2026Terras<\/em> faction of Wistram, which had no relation<\/em> to anyone\u2019s name<\/em>, was ostensibly one based around the old name of Earth. Terra. Also, the word in the old language.<\/p>\n

Earth. Grounded. <\/em>Sensible, pragmatic.<\/p>\n

And it spoke to the new world now entering this one. Teriarch hummed softly to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the second day, the Archmage of Izril, Eldavin, and a number of new [Mages] who could be trusted had been told of the great secret of Earth.<\/p>\n

A [High Mage] on the Council itself had told them in secrecy, a Garuda. He had refrained from even telling Grand Magus Erkika; Wistram had taken precedence over the bonds of species.<\/p>\n

The old Garuda had stirred as a globe of Earth was brought in. He stared, uncomprehendingly, at the planet. Then\u2014pictures<\/em>, taken from the iPhones, computers, electronics.<\/p>\n

People laughing, or posing in front of buildings. Airplanes in the sky. Even\u2014a picture of video games. Valeterisa had stared<\/em> at one. Teriarch had wondered if it was harder than Cookie Clicker.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagi, this is Earth. Another world. Another planet<\/em>, in a reality somehow divorced from ours, which evolved and formed in a place where other species\u2014to our knowledge\u2014never existed. Only Humanity, who, without magic, mastered their planet. This is Earth. And there are children from this planet appearing in our world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin sat there as Valeterisa, Erkika, and the other [Mages]\u2019 eyes tried to exit their heads. They were disbelieving at first, shocked. Then they babbled questions, demanded proof.<\/em><\/p>\n

Proof? Proof was a computer. Proof was the foods they had eaten at dinner! Proof was a truth spell and a young man from Earth\u2014Aaron Vanwell. Also, him demonstrating a battery<\/em>, an electric battery, that ran without magic, and a hand-cranked device which created electricity.<\/p>\n

Proof was plastic. And though they did not believe at first, some of them, those who had understood the strangeness happening in the world, sat back as it all came together.<\/p>\n

Valeterisa\u2019s fingers were shaking as she adjusted her spectacles and asked questions, even over the Garuda\u2019s attempts to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there any commonality with magic? Is there a portal? Is this related to the Demon\u2019s activity? Query #221, pressing\u2014what is the mechanism by which this \u2018electricity\u2019 forms that screen without magic? Can we communicate\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

It was at this moment, as some [Mages] in-the-know watched the reactions smugly, that Grand Magus Eldavin stood up.<\/p>\n

All eyes were on him; he was one of the big players, having established himself by the huge magical fight on the first night. The Depth Mage was not present, but she was being considered due to her level and a possible tie to the Drowned Fleets. Fissival had been ruled out, but Wistram was treating this information as time-critical. It would lose its value soon, and so why not use it for favor and alliances now?<\/p>\n

The old half-Elf\u2019s eyes studied the presentation. The Garuda [High Mage], Magus Verki, smiled with a hint of superiority.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, you had a question?\u201d<\/p>\n

Valeterisa and the other [Mages] looked at him. The Grand Mage nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, young man. Pray,<\/em> may we skip the introductory phase? I came here for information<\/em> about Earth, not recap.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Garuda\u2019s beak opened. The [Mages] blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014know of Earth?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is basic news, Magus Verki. I do not need to be told of the obvious. Present me with a list <\/em>of quantifiable information, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew. Of course, \u2018Eldavin\u2019 had already met Ryoka, which was what Teriarch was running with. He left the room, knowing that everyone was wondering what he\u2019d found out. It was about standing out.<\/p>\n

When they came by with a list of items\u2014by the Revivalist faction, which meant they were hoarding knowledge from each other\u2014Eldavin skimmed down it.<\/p>\n

\u201cTelevision, food, armaments, food, theories of electricity, more food<\/em>, plays? I know all of this. Hm. Wait. This is new.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped \u2018Airsoft Gun\u2019 after a moment. It was about telling the truth. He was quite happy to have the young man show him the device. Eldavin watched as it fired\u2014then attended one of the presentations with mathematical formulas.<\/p>\n

The Pythagorean Theorem was elementary. \u2018E=mc2\u2019 made him snort. But he grew thoughtful after that.<\/p>\n

Valeterisa was cribbing notes like mad. But Eldavin had to admit\u2026the sight of a firearm, even in the relatively harmless form it had been presented in, made him uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

How they progressed, even without magic.<\/em><\/p>\n

But again\u2014he had had such conversations with Reinhart long since, and she had expressed the same worries. Eldavin remained dutifully unimpressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He needed<\/em> to be aloof. Wise, impartial, a magical mentor, someone who could speak and inform opinions. That was Eldavin\u2019s conclusion, for how else would he change Wistram?<\/p>\n

And change it he must! He had promised Ryoka he would return, but he was aware now that his sojourn here would be at least two months, possibly four.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t foresee any way to effect meaningful reform here without that amount of time. He would hurry\u2014maybe quick-teleport back to the High Passes? Undoing all those protections was going to be a pain in the wings<\/em>, but he would do it.<\/p>\n

Yet, Eldavin\u2019s vast mind, a Dragon\u2019s intellect, was now turned on one goal: to make Wistram change for what he believed was the better.<\/p>\n

For his arrival at the academy had shown him how it had kept some of its strength, but lost too much over only two centuries. Zelkyr was to blame and he had thoughts about that.<\/em><\/p>\n

As well as Wistram\u2019s blatant attempts to conceal Earth and amass power for themselves. Something needed to be done.<\/p>\n

Another of his kin, or just another kind of person, might opine that the best solution was to raze Wistram to the ground and sink the entire citadel into the sea. Teriarch\u2014even if that were possible for him alone\u2014would not have done that.<\/p>\n

The world needed Wistram Academy. There had been times in history that he had lived through when the lack of a magical heart had left the world in dire need, and times when they had staved off armageddon by sacrifice, integrity, and wisdom.<\/p>\n

The world needed Wistram. What was up for debate was whether they needed this<\/em> Wistram.<\/p>\n

So his new faction would be the lever upon which to effect change. But carefully. But subtly.<\/em> The issue was\u2026Teriarch knew all kinds of devious stratagems and political plays.<\/p>\n

But he\u2019d failed with the riddles, at least, in part. Wistram did not follow the same rulebook as before, so Teriarch was wary of trying something that would have worked in the old days and might backfire now.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t rely on old favorites like the Penta-Mage Antagonism, an old trick wherein you set up five [Mages] of roughly equal strengths in too-close proximity. You see, four [Mages] could coexist in relative harmony, but all but the rarest examples saw five competing powers inevitably turn to strife. Set them up, and watch them divide and fight until they\u2019d destroyed whatever they were supposed to be protecting or working on.<\/p>\n

He had to be innovative, rather than use something fun like that. And remember all the old failures!<\/p>\n

It was almost easier to be ignorant and young, and not know the consequences of so many actions. Like\u2026blood magic, for instance. Introduce that to a magical society and it could lead to [Mages] eating each other in basements.<\/p>\n

Not all<\/em> the time; in fact, a statistical minority of the times blood magic was adopted. But once you saw it happen once, you were disinclined to allow it to happen again.<\/p>\n

The main thing was that he didn\u2019t want to teach them too much. But he had to teach them something to establish himself.<\/p>\n

That was how Eldavin found himself teaching a class of students on day three. They had begged him, and after some thought, he\u2019d agreed to see what the level and competency was.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Mages], I come from an era before Zelkyr was Archmage. I remember old magic\u2014and Wistram has changed. So, while I have agreed to demonstrate some spells, you will first show me your<\/em> methods.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf stood in front of a vast class of nearly eighty. They were everyone from Trey Atwood, to actual [Mages] like Beatrice of the Revivalists, to Teura and Valeterisa<\/em> herself, even if she wasn\u2019t standing with the actual students at their desks. Teriarch went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe the dichotomy between [Fireball] spells is most important to study. It seems most have forgotten that spells are not constructed the same way! You all are practicing woven-style fabrication which\u2014you, get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed. A young man spluttered.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBecause I do not care for skepticism, your attitude, or your presence. Out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin pointed at Timor du Havrington, whom he had recognized from the banquet. A spectral, giant hand shoved<\/em> the young man out of class as everyone watched. It flicked<\/em> him into the hallway wall, and shut the door delicately as Eldavin turned back. Troy was grinning madly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see students of every stripe here. No Gnolls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGnolls?\u201d<\/p>\n

The students stirred. Eldavin counted every species except Gazers and Gnolls in his class. He frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Have they started an academy of their own again? Well, so it goes. Now, demonstrate the [Fireball] spell for me, all of you. Hold<\/em> it\u2014and why<\/em> aren\u2019t you putting your barrier spells up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Half the class was frozen. At last, a young [Mage] raised her hand tremulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, we don\u2019t know the spell. We\u2019re only first-years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the other [Mages] were hesitating, wondering if they could hold<\/em> a [Fireball] spell once they\u2019d created it. You created a [Fireball] and it blew up!<\/p>\n

Valeterisa was holding two [Fireballs]. Trey was sweating as he tried to figure it out. Eldavin stared.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You don\u2019t know how to cast [Fireball]? That was the requirement for\u2026well, [Fire Bolt], then. No?<\/em> [Candle]. <\/em>On three. One, two\u2026stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He bellowed. The class halted. Eldavin strode down the ranks of students.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. What are you doing, holding your wand like that? And you\u2014your posture is completely off. You, you, you\u2014dead gods, it\u2019s easier to name who\u2019s doing it right. Stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The students, bemused, saw him grab Trey\u2019s arm, adjust it, check the grip\u2014he nodded at that, but lambasted a dozen students.<\/p>\n

\u201cWeak grips! Poor posture! Don\u2019t slump your shoulders! Straighten your spine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it matter, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

A student protested. Eldavin stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut!<\/em> If you can\u2019t stand properly when casting a spell, when one triggers a backlash, don\u2019t come crawling to me when it shatters your spine! For that matter\u2014posture<\/em> matters when conducting magic! Out! You\u2014take off those rings!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut magus, they\u2019re Rings of Well and Concentration\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf loomed over the unfortunate Human.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think I\u2019m blind?<\/em> This is study, not a battle! Do you rely on a flying carpet when you\u2019re learning to walk? No aides! No Skills!<\/em> Now, posture set! Hands, wands, staves at the ready\u2014stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It took six more attempts before they even got to casting [Candle]. And even then, Eldavin criticized things some [Mages] hadn\u2019t even known<\/em> were a problem.<\/p>\n

Troy Atlas got a pass because Gazi had told him how magic flowed through the body. You kept even distributions to ward off enemy spells\u2014you concentrated it where you wanted magic to be produced, like if you were casting without a catalyst and your bare hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cTerandrian schools still have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin commented to the girl who had come in Trey\u2019s class. He nodded at some [Mages] from similar backgrounds; castigated those who didn\u2019t have this grounding.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t, er, a nurturing teacher. Even Gazi had more patience than Eldavin, and she was arguably kinder<\/em>, which was amazing to Trey.<\/p>\n

However, Eldavin was clearly a genius. In the end, he demonstrated five [Fireballs], producing them and letting them hover to the class, even [Mages] peeking in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what I meant. Observe the formation of each one. New students, you can\u2019t see the flow of magic, but watch this one form in slow motion. This is your \u2018standard\u2019 [Fireball], which forms using the weave-formation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Strands of fire knitted themselves together in a swirling mass, like yarn. Teriarch nodded at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot the most potent, but more difficult to dispel due to the formation, which it was why it is adopted. You see\u2014the compression style fireball can explode<\/em>, which is why it was dropped; new [Mages] suffered accidents. But it is quicker, more powerful, or at least, more variable in strength, and easier to actually cast. No wonder [Fireball] is considered a higher mark in spellcasting if you are all learning weave-style<\/em> [Fireballs]!\u201d<\/p>\n

He showed them a huge ball of fire compressing down smaller. A first-year student raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, the other ones are easier, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at her and she flinched, but the half-Elf nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, young woman! You are a Level\u202612 [Mage]? I see. Well, you<\/em> could cast a set-style [Fireball] within the week. Woven-style is far harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She squeaked. The Grand Magus shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cSet-style\u2014the largest one, here\u2014is uncompressed, unwoven. It\u2019s just\u2026fire. But if<\/em> I wanted to have a group of spellcasters throw [Fireball] in a week, I\u2019d teach them that. Nevertheless, knowing how to vary a spell is one of the fundamentals in a battle. For instance, a [Spellcut Warrior] can hack apart any cheap spell, but a woven-style [Fireball] or the link-style ones would give him trouble\u2026but do you need to use it in other circumstances? I posit no, but the standardization of magical spells\u2026let\u2019s all practice compression, shall we? With the [Candle] spell if you can\u2019t cast [Fireball].\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey\u2019s head was spinning after the two hour-long class, and he saw the same expression on other students. But he felt like he\u2019d learned<\/em> something.<\/p>\n

You could link two spells together and combine, like, [Fireball] and [Water Orb] into \u2018one\u2019 spell if you knew the right containment procedures. Then have them detonate in tandem. Imagine the possibilities!<\/p>\n

Valeterisa had been the only [Mage] who seemed to know everything Eldavin had been talking about. But the surprising part had been at the end.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was shocked to learn that the Archmage\u2019s histories weren\u2019t being taught along with magical theory. Necromancy is outlawed here. Yet, students, the Archmages existed.<\/em> The Archmagi of Death have always been part of Wistram\u2014with uneasy history at time, yes. But the same can be said for many schools of magic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin had begun talking about Az\u2019kerash. Three Terandrians and two Izrilians had actually left at that time, but even more students had come to listen. Eldavin spoke\u2014then conjured an illusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmage Perril Chandler was once considered the greatest [Mage] of his time to come from Terandria. A bulwark against the famous Zelkyr and the strength of Golems that made the Walled Cities a feared world power as well. In lieu of this war in Terandria, I am reminded of another time the Dawn Concordat was pushed to the brink. There\u2014the Archmage of Death stood in front of an army of four hundred thousand and dared them to a battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

His illusion spells made you feel as if you were there.<\/em> The classroom changed, and desks and walls became sky and boulders. There was even smell,<\/em> which no [Mage] had ever included in a spell to Trey before.<\/p>\n

He heard the roar of battle, panting. The Archmage stood there.<\/p>\n

Before he was the Necromancer, Perril Chandler looked more like a [Duelist]. It was almost like the King of Duels.<\/p>\n

People were vanishing into spell circles. He turned, pushing a woman gently away. He set himself against a vast army in a narrow pass of stone, where blood had already been spilled with ranks of warriors wearing gold. They cheered him.<\/p>\n

\u201cChandler! Archmage!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin stopped the moment and walked among them. The audience, disbelieving, especially those of Terandria, stared at the man\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, he fought.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was like Eldavin had been there.<\/em> Perhaps he had, or watched. But ranks of [Soldiers] charged as undead rose.<\/p>\n

Undead.<\/em> Fallen warriors, skeletons, and spells exploded across both lines as the Archmage took on an entire army, forcing them to fight in this pass.<\/p>\n

They thought they could overwhelm him. But the golden [Knights] and the Archmage refused to give ground, and for every warrior that fell\u2014an undead rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Thronebearers of Calanfer. This is the hour he was called the Undying Shield of Calanfer. This is the hour when he was truly called Archmage<\/em> of Death.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey watched as the man fought. He had never known it, but Perril Chandler had fought with wand and rapier in hand. He danced in the fighting, using [Flash Step] to move in<\/em> and run opponents through even as he cast magic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Necromancer never used a blade!\u201d<\/p>\n

One student protested. Trey had almost forgotten they were there. Eldavin watched as Perril Chandler blasted a foe with ice from his wand and then parried an arrow. His eyes were nostalgic.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, but he did. He never had the class, but he was considered a magical duelist on par with any other. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed.<\/p>\n

There was a golden bell. The kind of thing that people had copied, when he was still beloved.<\/p>\n

Undead rose and died and rose again. But it was the golden [Knights] who fought, grimly determined. Lower-level, but in one dramatic scene, an arrow shot by a high-level archer struck<\/em> the Archmage and he fell against a rock. A Thronebearer held a shield over him as the Archmage clutched at the arrow.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/em>This was the scene that defined the battle. That those with scrying spells saw. The Thronebearers of Calanfer have always risen in dark hours the further they were pushed. When kingdom stood on the line\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

They charged after that. The Archmage too. He was running out of mana. [Knight] after knight died\u2014<\/p>\n

But they rose. And this time it was Draug. A giant made out of the dead, which was brought down at great cost. The mortal army wavered as the Archmage fought forwards. More of the people fell around him.<\/p>\n

Yet. They had his back, even after they died. When it was done, the vast army was in flight, and the Archmage stood alone as reinforcements from the rear finally arrived to hold the gap.<\/p>\n

When it was done, no one knew quite what to say. Valeterisa\u2019s eyes were shining. But some of the students seemed unsettled by the heroic account of the Necromancer. Eldavin clapped his hands, briskly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn those hours, on that day, I believe Perril Chandler leveled up more than any Archmage has in the century plus since. Adversity<\/em> breeds strength, students. That is your lesson. It may be your death. But to strive for greatness, the peak of magic, is to walk with it. Do not think a [Warrior] risks death more than a mage.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced around. Valeterisa nodded at him and he nodded back. Eldavin concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso remember that Archmages were deeply political. Wistram seems to pretend to aloofness in this era. But Zelkyr fought<\/em> for the Walled Cities. Archmage Chandler involved himself in Terandrian affairs time and time again. Both<\/em> fought against the Demons of Rhir, for better or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Grand Magus\u2014the factions of Terandria do the same. Some of them. The Council argues over too much interference.\u201d<\/p>\n

A [Mage] pointed that out. Eldavin glared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung mage, I said Archmages were political.<\/em> Not petty. <\/em>They did not stand by and idly toss words or condemnations around. When words failed, they went to war<\/em> and armies trembled in their boots. I recall one famous example\u2014this is ancient history, even when Zelkyr was just a brat\u2014where one Archmage took to the field and the enemy left a brown field in retreat. They called it the Embarrassment of Bermule\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eldavin was earmarking individuals. As of yet, the Terras faction had yet to gain Council seats, but he was willing to \u2018steal\u2019 members of other factions. Some would be spies, but many would come for what he offered.<\/p>\n

The best would be like Valeterisa. But the point was to have a voice in Wistram\u2019s decisions. Make allies, \u2018get\u2019 Earthers.<\/p>\n

Eldavin was ambivalent about that last part. But if he had people he wanted to join?<\/p>\n

The young [Sand Mage] with the alias was one. There were some talents in the new student body, who could actually become something with a bit of polish. The surly young man from Hellios with a [Lord]\u2019s class and good swordsmanship was being steered into pure magic. He would be a great [Magical Swordsman]!<\/p>\n

\u201cLifesand Golems.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf muttered to himself. Now there was proof that strong magic still remained, even in the Waning World. Potential\u2026<\/p>\n

He had tea with Valeterisa.<\/p>\n

\u201cI lost myself for ten years in attempting to uncover a lost spell theorem. I regret that. It was lucky I was\u2026awoken.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman shook her head slightly. Eldavin raised his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed so. [Mages] have died, even half-Elves, caught in mental mazes for as long as a century. And if you were uncovering a theorem, subdivision of thought is a poor way to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes locked on his.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not my understanding, Grand Magus. Please qualify that statement.\u201d<\/p>\n

He harrumphed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung w\u2014Archmage. Do you really think more<\/em> fractured thoughts is a good way to master a magical leap of genius? For improving\u2014yes. For the purest quill of insight?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. He realized he\u2019d gone too far and coughed repeatedly into his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019ve heard. I have never mastered the technique myself. Dangerous. Er\u2026about good candidates for the faction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a list of candidates who would be strong [Mages] with influence. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent.<\/em> Ah\u2014Mage Telim, even?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe added himself to the list.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I will accept him without reservation. He seems quite qualified, if a bit lazy. No olfactory component in his illusions, which I think ruins the entire experience. Smell completes, don\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded slowly. Eyes fixed on him. But Eldavin was careful to include gaps in his knowledge. It was better to present as a qualified master of lower magical arts, broad in scope, but lacking, say, the ability to create artifacts. A superior generalist, yes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other Archmages were interesting. Eldavin met them all. He found Valeterisa most likable, and made a few conclusions about the others which he would later find out if they were correct or not.<\/p>\n

Naili\u2014cunning, ambitious, young.<\/em> Talkative\u2014she and he had a long lunch in which she kept pressing<\/em> about Ryoka Griffin and all the things she\u2019d dug up.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave the Wind Runner alone, Archmagus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but you\u2019re just letting her run about. Are you using her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is under my protection.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf coldly met the Lamia\u2019s glare. But she was able to match him look for look. Yes\u2014more dangerous than she seemed. Naili smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould that be accompanied by an \u2018or else\u2019, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImplicitly, my dear Archmage Nailihuaile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, your ire is certainly formidable. But we need to be united<\/em>, don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

He put down his cup and reached for another pastry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes we do. But my ire? Archmage Nailihuaile. You have seen my ire. Should Wistram decide to upset me, you will see what happens when I go to war.<\/em> And you have not seen that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He met her gaze until the smile vanished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ironically, Viltach was more restrained. Eldavin had punched<\/em> the Archmage of Terandria, but they enjoyed a quite civil discourse on spell tomes, even exchanged a few spells of Viltach\u2019s design.<\/p>\n

And he brought up some salient points. He was clearly ambitious as much as Nailihuaile, but saw what Teriarch did.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe issue, as I see it, Eldavin, is that this second world may well decide to go to war. I have been asking my Earthers about history, and they have a history of aggression that would match any empire in our world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no discernible portal, Archmage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin aimed a pool cue at the ball; Wistram had odd priorities, like creating a billiards table before airplanes. But it was quite fun. He knocked a ball into a pocket and smiled smugly. Viltach repressed a scowl; Eldavin was beating him despite<\/em> both sides cheating with magic to correct their aim.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say only a fool does not anticipate the danger of the possibility of a portal opening, Grand Magus. And you are no fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf glanced up and slowly chalked up his pool cue, a delightful activity, before replying.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo indeed, Archmage. And it would be my delight to talk about countermeasures. Perhaps some large-scale anti-combustion spells?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t work on all of their weapons. Are you familiar with\u2026? Perhaps you weren\u2019t fully briefed by your sources. We may talk about more advanced<\/em> weaponry later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. After dinner? Most excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feor was interesting. Teriarch played chess with him, and thought that he was the second-best player he had ever met.<\/p>\n

Which meant, of course, he still took the majority of games. The half-Elf wanted to talk about home,<\/em> species\u2014and realized he was getting nowhere with Eldavin, who refused to be nostalgic for a species he didn\u2019t have. In the end he laid his cards down.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, I would like to trade knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sure an Archmage has much to offer a humble Grand Magus such as myself. But would I be able to reciprocate? Check, again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch of what we have had is lost, Grand Magus. I\u2026would see it restored before my passing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYet, no [Mage] has passed Zelkyr\u2019s test? And you do not seem to believe in attempting it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Archmage of Elves hesitated as he moved a piece out of harm\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not believe it is a test made in good faith<\/em>, Grand Magus. Rather, I would put my certainty in\u2026other methods. Are you aware of the [Thaumaturge] class?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2019s eyebrows shot up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed I am. A novel way to uncover new spells given how they cast theirs. But one would need a high-level [Thaumaturge]. And that does not include spell theory.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, indeed, Eldavin. But I happen to know of one\u2026and as remote as that<\/em> option is\u2014have you beheld the test? I would place my faith in anything but that. Ah, checkmate, I believe. My first win.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat back and smiled. Eldavin realized he\u2019d been getting distracted, glanced down at the board, and saw he had lost.<\/p>\n

Intriguing.<\/em> He may<\/em> have excused himself after that game, purely because he had socialized enough of course, but Feor seemed closer to Valeterisa than he thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verdan Blackwood lifted his cup with fingers delicately spread. He inclined his head, sipped, and intoned with a calculated sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cFortify.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf slowly took a sip himself. He replied, after some measured thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanctify to fortify.\u201d<\/p>\n

He enjoyed Verdan\u2019s company more than any other Archmage\u2019s. Purely because the Dullahan rituals and observances were far more refreshing to partake in than the faster politicking. After some thought, Verdan placed the cup down on the Dullahan\u2019s stylized tray.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you clarify, Grand Magus? I feel as though I have lost your meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shame, because they\u2019d gone back and forth with the simplistic, yet intricate layers of thought and reply for the last two hours. Eldavin nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanctity, Archmagus Blackwood. Or do you not agree that Wistram is in need of reform?\u201d<\/p>\n

A cautious nod in reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy passions, Grand Magus, lie with my people, who have adopted me, as much as Wistram. I believe my fellow Archmages consider my position biased, if not compromised.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man sat in armor, despite his advanced age, mimicking Dullahans. The Archmage of Dullahans watched as Eldavin lifted his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is not biased, Archmagus Blackwood? Nor would I consider any one species inherently unfit for knowledge or cooperation. If that is the goal. What, pray, is the point of this conclave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecurity, to me. Fortify.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf countered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanctify, Archmagus Blackwood. Who is worthy of meeting another world as equals? Wistram, as it is? Sanctify.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Archmages. Students. Eldavin.<\/p>\n

But there was one person he truly longed to meet in Wistram. And she seemed to be avoiding him.<\/p>\n

They met as the half-Elf stood at the magical barrier, the Test of Wistram. Zelkyr\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n

A barrier spell keyed to five sources. In theory, you could break it down; even one of the Archmages with enough help and time.<\/p>\n

But you would never get that much time. Not with three Golems of such magnitude\u2014and one basic War Golem, if a fine example of one.<\/p>\n

Or\u2026<\/p>\n

The woman made seemingly of marble strode <\/em>down the deserted corridor. She had moved<\/em> the instant she realized where he was going. And her body was\u2026primed.<\/p>\n

She stood behind him. He did not turn his head at first. He spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Cognita of Truestone. Zelkyr\u2019s child. I had wondered when we would meet. You have been avoiding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned his head. The giant woman halted.<\/p>\n

She was tall.<\/em> Her height was actually adaptive, as the rest of her was. She was Truestone, a pinnacle of her kind. A Cognizant-class Golem.<\/p>\n

One who thought. One who lived.<\/em> She stopped, nine feet tall, and looked down at Eldavin.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus Eldavin. Do you come here to take my master\u2019s test?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice was hostile. Eldavin blinked once at her. He inspected her, then pinched at his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But kindly tell that thing to move or I will force it to.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at the invisible Golem made of flesh. Cognita hesitated. It was looming next to him, jaws open, but the half-Elf didn\u2019t seem to even be affected by the mental invisibility. She gestured; it moved back slowly.<\/p>\n

Eldavin studied Zelkyr\u2019s legacy. He saw what Feor meant.<\/p>\n

A Golem of magma. Another, made of steel, vastly<\/em> tall, perhaps thirty feet, incredibly thin, a mismatch of blades and death. The invisible flesh-Golem with its noxious aura\u2014he coughed.<\/p>\n

And a replacement for one, a War Golem, a giant metal monster that a half-Giant would fear to fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cI expected more dangerous at first. Until I realized they were concealing their true natures. Quite, quite clever. But you are the fifth, aren\u2019t you? To pass, one must destroy all five.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He commented to Cognita. The Truestone Golem stiffened.<\/p>\n

[Mages] had died here in the challenge without realizing what this half-Elf had. Eldavin stared at the magma golem and snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder the Archmages would rather argue and sit about than attempt this. Tell me, what was Zelkyr thinking? Did he intend to stifle magic with his last action? Or is he\u2026waiting for something?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned. And Cognita, whose face was almost always placid, who talked with Archmages as levelly as students and visitors from abroad\u2014<\/p>\n

Frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus Eldavin. I remember you. You were indeed present when my master roamed Wistram\u2019s halls. You have not changed. Not one hair. Are you the Eldavin of then?\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused for one second.<\/p>\n

Golem memories.<\/em> He should have at least changed his hair style or added more wrinkles. He had forgotten someone as old as he\u2014and with a perfect memory\u2014was here. Even Feor had barely remembered him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Eldavin. Can you not sense the truth of it, child?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not call me child. I am Cognita.\u201d<\/p>\n

He blinked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you are<\/em> Zelkyr\u2019s child. And I am your senior, as old as you may be. Girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reminded her. Cognita\u2019s marble eyes fixed on him. Her porcelain form began to\u2026<\/p>\n

Change.<\/em> Into something harder. Truestone\u2014Eldavin blinked again.<\/p>\n

Strange. He had thought she would seek him out and they would have a convivial talk about the old days after they had looked at each other. But this?<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do not come here to take the test, Grand Magus, I will request you leave. This place is not meant for [Mages] to linger in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI respectfully decline.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Golems stirred<\/em>. Eldavin never took his eyes off Cognita. And her face was thunderous now.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou refuse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI decline. Is that a rule of your test or is it your request?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my determination.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon slowly spread his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I request you alter<\/em> your determination for me, Miss Cognita. I am not here to take your test. If you fear I am learning something\u2014or preparing a great magic? I am not. You can see that. Nor would I need to. I know the nature of each Golem. I have seen their kind. I am not here to take your test. That is not why I returned to Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you say.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman shifted. Eldavin was still puzzled. Why was she so wary? She\u2019d changed to anti-magic armor. And she was set like she was about to charge him. He looked at her\u2014<\/p>\n

Then his perception wavered. He saw himself, as she might see him.<\/p>\n

A half-Elf from a time when magic had been stronger. Coming at this time, with other powerful [Mages] to Wistram when Earth\u2014a new threat or opportunity\u2014had arisen.<\/p>\n

The half-Elf faltered. His heart stung him. Oh no. Cognita hesitated as he clutched at his chest for a second.<\/p>\n

She thinks I am here to destroy her. This child thinks\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

Fear. That was what he saw. The half-Elf\u2019s head rose. And Cognita saw a strange emotion in his eyes. One she had seldom seen even before she had been given this long duty.<\/p>\n

Pity?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Cognita. No\u2014should I say, Cognita Amerwing\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Golems in the room shifted.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was Zelkyr\u2019s last name. Eldavin went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not here to challenge Zelkyr\u2019s might. I am not here<\/em> to do battle with his children, least of all what might be the last of his three. Oldest, and last. I came, hoping to ask you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated. But the Golem was hostile and he had already mistepped, by accident. She had seen his magical acumen. So he said it.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014is Zelkyr not still alive? If so, will you not ask him to return?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Truestone Golem made no move. But for a second\u2014the Golems of Wistram stuttered<\/em> about their duties. She looked at the half-Elf. And she<\/em> was certain.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are not a Grand Magus. Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you not allow me entry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you attempt it, you will die.\u201d<\/p>\n

She warned him. The half-Elf looked\u2014distraught.<\/p>\n

\u201cChild.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not call me that.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Cognita had not spoken so for\u2026Eldavin\u2019s eyebrows drew together. He was trying to be understanding. But he was still a Dragon.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYoung woman. I advise you not to take that tone with me. I walked this very ground before your master was born.<\/em> He was a strong [Archmage]. But you can see how this accident is curtailing magic. Does the emergence of another world<\/em> not change your opinions?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Truestone Golem looked at this stranger. Conflicted. How long had it been since someone asked that? Yes, she had opinions. But even she had forgotten that she had once exercised hers.<\/p>\n

Then. But he came from a time before even then.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, my master\u2019s order remains. What is there to speak of?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpoken like a good child. And you were, weren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook<\/em> with the shock of that statement. Eldavin\u2019s old eyes were pitying again. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime has changed, Cognita of Wistram. I do not believe\u2014no, I know<\/em> that Zelkyr would not have created this test to last nearly a hundred and what, a hundred and fifty<\/em> years? He would have replaced that Golem. Something has gone wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Golems was\u2026twitching\u2026Cognita stared at it and it stopped. She thought\u2014then fell back to a response.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not answer speculation as to what lies above.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin tugged at his beard, vexed by her obstinate response.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething is wrong. Perhaps I can help. Or not. Either way\u2014this is a harsh request for a sentient being. I have known Djinni set to similar tasks. I wished to speak with you in friendship, not this way, young woman. Zelkyr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmagus Zelkyr set me to this task, Eldavin of Izril. He<\/em> will decide when I am to be relieved. Only his words, no one else\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd is he alive?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The word cracked around the room. Silence resulted. Eldavin looked at Cognita. He took a breath; controlled his temper! He exhaled, slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so. Acknowledge for a moment, Miss Cognita, that this order is in error.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy master does not make errors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf\u2019s left eye twitched.<\/em> He couldn\u2019t let this one go.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a ridiculous statement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cognita drew herself up. That was the wrong thing to say. Her eyes flashed ruby-red. Literally.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you insult the Archmage of Golems?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do!<\/em> Or at least, I argue that he was not without flaw.<\/em> Even Dragons are not without flaw!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf\u2019s bold retort in front of the mightiest Golems present astonished her. He strode forwards and shoved a finger up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cA dutiful daughter can go too far, young woman! You are not the Truestone Constructs who rebelled of old, but you would do well to be more independent than a Sentient\u2014no, Autonomous-class<\/em> Golem!\u201d<\/p>\n

Cognita reflexively gasped. It was such an old<\/em> insult that she\u2014reacted\u2014<\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t heard that kind of insult since\u2014but the half-Elf wasn\u2019t done. His ire was piqued, and he had a barbed tongue when he was mad.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis entire test is a stupid idea, even if Zelkyr had just popped upstairs for a week of study! It\u2019s selfish, close-minded\u2014what was it for, to stifle the other Archmages from getting a head start? There\u2019s plenty<\/em> of room up there and danger even for every Archmage over the last thousand years! What about Archmage Chandler? Would you have blocked him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat question is moot. Archmage Chandler is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He caught himself and both stared at each other. Eldavin rushed on.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014the point is that this is a ridiculous, power-grabbing move. Petty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI warn you to retract your insult.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes narrowed. She loomed. He snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cRetract? Petty is what I meant!<\/em> Drakes can be the most childish, petty creatures in existence! And it seems Zelkyr never rose to become more than the average Drake, in the end!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her body turned to flashing lightning. A gem\u2014Eldavin threw up a shield as thunder boomed.<\/em> He stumbled back.<\/p>\n

Cognita nearly advanced on him, but held herself back. Her body was shining crystal now. She pointed a finger at the half-Elf.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not slander my master! He was an [Archmage]! Greatest of his kind! Without flaw or failure!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her wrath would have cowed even the Archmages. A being of her magnitude\u2014the half-Elf looked up at her.<\/p>\n

Without fear. Just a bit of sadness. And that stopped Cognita. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he was not. He was a mortal man, child. You speak as if I was not there. I remember him. We both knew he failed at times. Or do you forget what happened to the first of your sisters at Rhir?\u201d<\/p>\n

He remembered. He had lived those times, same as her. That made Cognita hesitate. She listened, furious, hungry, as he went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cZelkyr, greatest of his kind? He was a genius<\/em>, yes. You are shaped by that vast intellect and imagination. But also, his flaw. That he left more genius than not in his creations is his greatest legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014cannot say this.\u201d<\/p>\n

More emotion than she had felt in a century was flooding through the Truestone Golem. What was<\/em> this stranger? He waved a finger at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I not? When did words<\/em> become anathema to Wistram? See the issue, young woman? Listen to me, Cognita Amerwing. I see two truths here, and know not which it is. But I present to you both as I see it: if Zelkyr is alive, then this is a terrible, merciless, stupid and thankless<\/em> charge put upon you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed at the waiting Golems.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is wounded, or in need! Or has abandoned the world as Archmage Valeterisa did. Either way, you<\/em> are more than a sentinel. You are Truestone,<\/em> and you must choose to be more than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped the ground with one foot. Then looked up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other answer is that he is dead<\/em>. In which case, you protect a dead Drake\u2019s final orders. But you are then free. And you must be more. Which is it? Which?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

His words echoed in this place. And they, at least, were nostalgic. Easiest of all the things he had said so far.<\/p>\n

Countless [Mages] had stood here and told her the exact same thing. Even the Necromancer had urged her to\u2026<\/p>\n

But even her master\u2019s old friend had not shifted her. Cognita drew herself up. She knew the truth of it. And held it within her as she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy master\u2019s will remains his will. That is all I will say, Magus. Nothing will sway me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She felt\u2026hollowly triumphant at being able to reply thusly. And what would the Grand Magus do? Rage? Insult her master?<\/p>\n

He looked at her, and exhaled. Cognita waited. And Eldavin scared the hell out of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s how it is. I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head. The Truestone Golem hesitated.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s my answer. Well then, young woman. I think we had both better cool down. I hope we can speak at another time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He began to walk around her. She blocked him, reflexively.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not know the answer. I did not give it to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He eyed her, almost amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cChild, I hate to tell you this\u2014but you just did.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. It was a bluff. It had to be.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

No feature of hers had changed. She was impossible<\/em> to read; even the Archmage of Death had asked her to know her feelings. Eldavin just snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, impossible. You say that in Wistram? For shame.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He prodded her in the stomach since he couldn\u2019t reach any higher. The Truestone Golem recoiled. Eldavin snorted as he walked past her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know how your kind behaves, young woman. I told you, I\u2019m old.<\/em> Even stone has a tell. When you are ready to be reasonable, come find me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked off. Cognita stared at his back. She raised her fist.<\/p>\n

She had never wanted to hit an old half-Elf as much as now. And Feor had been in power for nearly eighty years. She slowly let him leave the floor\u2026then walked out of the room. She found a room and punched through<\/em> one of the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eldavin was upset after the confrontation with Cognita. He hadn\u2019t expected to be so\u2014emotional. Maybe he\u2019d given too much away, said too much. But it was like meeting a Djinni.<\/p>\n

He sat in his rooms, trying to control his breathing, analyzing the event as impartially as he could.<\/p>\n

And that was when it hit him. All of it. It came together in a moment of perfect clarity and genius.<\/p>\n

His issue with Wistram, trying to shape it through his faction, the time limit\u2014and now this.<\/p>\n

The Dragon sat back and laughed. He went over, grabbed some cookies, all the gifts he\u2019d been plied with, and began stuffing his face. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders.<\/p>\n

That<\/em> was how to do it. He recalled what Ryoka had begged of him.<\/p>\n

Be active, be present. But halfway. Interfere, but not fully, but do it.<\/em><\/p>\n

He had agreed with her, which is why he had come here. Because he could not sit<\/em> after being provoked. Now\u2014he saw the way forwards.<\/p>\n

Cognita of Truestone was the most extraordinary being in Wistram, bar only himself of course. And people treated her like a glorified servant, or a simple guardian.<\/p>\n

She was Truestone<\/em>! Those blathering Archmages? The Council? Dust, compared to her!<\/p>\n

She was perhaps the last of her kind, and if not, one of the last. Her people had been created, risen, and been destroyed. She had been created<\/em> and become the first once more.<\/p>\n

He knew them all. All the old names, that people had forgotten ever existed.<\/p>\n

The Djinni were enslaved. Their children, the Jinn, had been wiped away.<\/p>\n

The Harpies had lost their lands and hope.<\/p>\n

The Giants were all but gone.<\/p>\n

And the Dragons\u2019 time was done. The last Dragonlord of Flame sat there, chewing on macaroons until one got caught in his mortal throat. He hacked it up and stared at the thing trying to kill him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last of us should not be so petty and end so.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He informed the macaroon, the room, the world. The Dragon rose. He stood, and left his rooms. He had work to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Archmage Viltach opened his door as Eldavin stood in front of it. The Grand Magus looked a bit embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmage, I have a confession to make. I\u2019m working on a new project, and I realize I\u2019ve left some of my reagents at home. Could I borrow some mithril dust for runework?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin had tried to get some, but been informed the [Merchants] weren\u2019t stocking it as commonly as in the old days. So he\u2019d gone inquiring. This was the [Mage] equivalent of asking for a cup of sugar.<\/p>\n

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

Viltach was only too happy to do a favor for Eldavin. He proudly found a vial.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much do you need? I have anything else you might need\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould I trouble you for, oh, four pounds of processed magicore?\u201d<\/p>\n

Viltach\u2019s fingers slipped as he opened one of his cases containing the valuable materials. Normal magicore? Fine. But processed? Four p\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Of course. And it\u2019s quite good. Elemental-less, of course. 99% purity!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard a snort from the doorway. Eldavin folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s 99%, Archmagus. What\u2019s the actual purity?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man froze with his hands on a jar, heavily sealed. Eldavin repeated himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe actual purity? I\u2019m talking the numbers after<\/em> the decimal point.\u201d<\/p>\n

The numbers after\u2026? Viltach\u2019s mouth opened and closed.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026zero?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZero?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin looked outraged. He muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t pre-purify before using it? Well, fine. I\u2019ll take six pounds then. Er\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He saw Viltach\u2019s face and caught himself. Eldavin\u2019s eyes flickered. Then he smiled<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014not that I don\u2019t use 70%, er, pure magicore myself from time to time! It\u2019s just that this is\u2014the most intricate project. Can\u2019t leave it to chance. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took the six pounds of pure magicore. Viltach gulped at the small fortune as Eldavin shut the door. Then he hurried to check if\u2026?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c99% purity. Hah! Might as well use sawdust.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin grumpily sprinkled some mithril dust he\u2019d<\/em> run through a few purification spells afterwards. He eyed the rune work and decided he was going to need a semi-contained world to practice this on. Shame he couldn\u2019t make Truestone Golems himself, but he\u2019d do tests.<\/p>\n

It was going to take a long<\/em> time, even for a Dragon. Well\u2026not if he really worked at it. He grumblingly began to work on the formulas, wishing he could consult with his spellbooks.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t that<\/em> good at this kind of magic, and this was going to push even him. He wished he had even one damn Skill, but no\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Even so. This was the plan. This was true magic. And it would be his gift, from one of the last to the other.<\/p>\n

Cognita. This was how he changed Wistram, and the world for the better. Wait, Ryoka Griffin. He just had to cast one spell and then he would let Wistram be. One spell.<\/p>\n

The Dragon smiled to himself.<\/p>\n

He was going to set her free.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>I am write too much. This last part I thought would be uh, about 3,000 words less. However! I hope you enjoyed the two half-chapters I put together because neither one was quite long enough on its own.<\/p>\n

Goblin slice-of-life and Dragon slice-of-life aren\u2019t like Erin slice-of-life. But it\u2019s all hopefully fun to read, informative, and so on and so on.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not making sense. I\u2019m tired, and I\u2019ll see you in the next chapter! For now, I\u2019ll leave you with that and wish you a happy read! Until next time!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eldavin, Tkrn, and Frozen Erin by pkay!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ko-Fi:<\/strong> https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/peekay<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tkrn <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Eldavin <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"ErinRest <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss Box by Midas!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tkrn Toot, Cat Revi, Halo Numbtongue and more by LeChatDemon!<\/strong><\/p>\n

DeviantArt:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.deviantart.com\/demoniccriminal<\/a><\/p>\n

Ko-Fi:<\/strong> https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lechatdemon<\/a><\/p>\n

Stash with all the TWI related art:<\/strong> https:\/\/sta.sh\/222s6jxhlt0<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TkrnToot <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Aliens <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Outgunned <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"CatRevi <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"HaloNumbtongue <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Flowers of Esthelm, Book 3 of The Wandering Inn is coming out on audible! Click the link here to preorder it! Spread the word!)   The first nation threatened by the kingdom of Ailendamus was Kaliv. The northern-most member of the Dawn Concordat occupied the rocky highlands, even \u2018smaller\u2019 mountains and passes leading north. 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