{"id":10259,"date":"2021-03-14T07:05:44","date_gmt":"2021-03-14T07:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=10259"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:02:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:02:16","slug":"interlude-the-rower-and-the-bartender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2021\/03\/14\/interlude-the-rower-and-the-bartender\/","title":{"rendered":"Interlude – The [Rower] and the [Bartender]"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have taken my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard it again. Again, and again as he fell.<\/p>\n

Sinking into the depths. <\/em>Something denser, deeper, darker than the waters engulfing him.<\/p>\n

Things in the murk, tugging at him. Whispering.<\/p>\n

On the Summer Solstice, Luan Khumalo met a stranger. He was offered a choice.<\/p>\n

He refused.<\/p>\n

The [Rower] from Earth, the Olympian, saw the flash of fire again. He heard his own voice, a scream. Burning followed by the cold embrace of liquid.<\/p>\n

And darkness. Until only the voice remained.<\/p>\n

A petulant ___, enacting vengeance. Luan struggled, but he was sinking deeper. And he was not alone.<\/p>\n

Shadows circled him. They swam around his mouth, his nose, wriggling. Trying to get in. Speaking in tongues he could not hear. Frustrated, they dragged him further down.<\/p>\n

This was death. He knew that. And death would be a kinder thing than being lost, consumed by the half-things, little reflections of what the man had been. They were the same. But where the stranger had been\u2026intact\u2026they were only fragments.<\/p>\n

They terrified him, even so. So he did not breathe. For a little while, he waited to drown.<\/p>\n

And then he realized he did not need to breathe.<\/em> Because there was not only a lack of air here, there was a lack of need for it. Whatever surrounded him was made of the same thing as the Summer Solstice.<\/p>\n

A time out of time. So he had hope. But he was still\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026falling\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The further down he went, the stronger they became. They were trying to burrow under his skin.<\/em> He struggled, keeping them away from him. But his motions faded. His limbs grew weak.<\/p>\n

There was no point to his strength. The body he had built out of hard work, his knowledge, acquired over countless years of practice, his ambitions, levels, Skills, all of it\u2026was worthless.<\/p>\n

He was vanishing down here. They all were. Luan realized it. That was why they wanted him. This was oblivion for everything.<\/p>\n

But he was vanishing so much faster than they were. Luan looked up and had not the strength to climb. There was not even a single shaft of sunlight.<\/p>\n

\u2014Still, there was one last flash of color. Something followed him into the depths.<\/p>\n

A flicker of gold.<\/p>\n

He saw it shining as he stopped moving. His eyes fixed on the words. And there were only two.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Nandi, Lubanzi<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Written on his arm. The man stared at it. And he remembered.<\/p>\n

He had met her while training and dismissed her as someone who was chasing fame. After all, she had never so much as picked up a set of oars. She had no idea what sculling was, so he had thought she was disingenuous.<\/p>\n

When they suggested joining him in kayaks<\/em>, he had played along right until he lost his patience with his team flirting. He had set them onto a long trip, far longer than amateurs could handle.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, everyone else had fallen away, giving up. But when he\u2019d looked back, there she\u2019d been. Determinedly paddling after him.<\/p>\n

She followed him even here. He looked at her name. She would have jumped after him, like the time he had accidentally struck his head and been drowning, underwater, disoriented, having flipped over.<\/p>\n

Two names. Dimly, the man heard a voice. It was his own. Coming to a slow conclusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I never got to hold my son before I left.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t known. If he had\u2026he\u2019d been in the airport, heading back after an overseas training trip with his team. The South African hopefuls for the Olympics.<\/p>\n

When he had come to the other world, he\u2019d forgotten them both. Forgotten<\/em>, as if war or the shock of another world was an excuse.<\/p>\n

Never again. Luan stared at the glowing, magical ink of the tattoo on his arm. Lubanzi.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t old enough to walk.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something\u2014whispered to him. Shadows tried to obscure the light. Give it all to us. Abandon this vessel.<\/em><\/p>\n

No. The [Rower] moved. He flailed his arms. If he died here\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I will never hear him speak.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He began to climb. No\u2014swim.<\/em> How long he had drifted in oblivion, he did not know. But as he began to struggle, this otherness began to recede.<\/p>\n

Cold liquid surrounded him. Suddenly, he did<\/em> need to breathe. He felt water, pressing in, terrifying in the actual darkness, but reassuring because it was real.<\/p>\n

Still, the shadows tried to pull him back. Luan swam upwards, lungs bursting. Light. He needed\u2026<\/p>\n

His world began to deteriorate again. Not because of the nothingness, but because of the real lack of oxygen. Luan realized he was deep underwater.<\/p>\n

Deep.<\/em> So far that while there was now the hint of light, it was so far above. Hundreds of feet. And he had no air.<\/em><\/p>\n

He began to choke, swimming with all the strength in his arms. Bubbles passed him, but his limbs were leaden. An Olympian. The only one from Earth\u2014but what use was that kind of ability without air?<\/em><\/p>\n

Air. So sweet. Luan kicked his legs and couldn\u2019t bear the pressure in him anymore. He opened his mouth.<\/p>\n

Saltwater entered his lungs. He began to choke. At the same time, his ascent was making him dizzy. Nauseous. He was\u2014<\/p>\n

Flicker.<\/em><\/p>\n

His consciousness shut off for a second. He had seconds left. He forced himself up another dozen feet. And then began to drown.<\/p>\n

No. Not like this. Not\u2014<\/p>\n

His desperate flailing had no sense anymore. He\u2019d lost track of direction. Luan\u2019s last thoughts were that he was letting the golden light down.<\/p>\n

And then he heard a real voice in the darkness. Louder than the whispers. Louder than his fading thoughts. It whispered to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are dying.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

This was so. The man couldn\u2019t respond even if he wanted to. But suddenly\u2014he inhaled<\/em>. And thought resumed.<\/p>\n

Yet his lungs were still filled with water. He flailed, but something\u2026soothed him.<\/em> The voice, not quite words, continued. And he realized it was a single message.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are dying. Accept salvation from the sea.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He realized something was on his face. Circling his throat. Piercing his skin\u2014but the pain was a lesser thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoin us. Breathe the depths.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Rower] felt something moving across his face. Half his body. Something had\u2014found him\u2014as he was drowning.<\/p>\n

He knew what this was. The last gift to the drowning [Sailor]. The choice presented to the lucky at sea, or made voluntarily.<\/p>\n

The Gift of the Drowned Folk.<\/em><\/p>\n

Something was on his face, his throat, acting as gills. Some\u2026creature\u2026was trying to meld with him. Turning him into one of the Drowned Folk.<\/p>\n

Half man, half sea creature.<\/p>\n

Luan looked up towards the light. So far away. He began moving his arms and legs again as sense returned to his oxygen-deprived mind. He swam upwards\u2014but the voice grew insistent.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t move.<\/em> He was causing the other<\/em> distress and they had to be one thing.<\/p>\n

Luan kept moving, ignoring the instinct to remain still. He felt pain.<\/em> A shock as something suffered.<\/p>\n

Stop! <\/em><\/p>\n

If the connection failed, both would die. Luan would drown, certainly. Yet\u2014the man kept moving. He felt the water in his lungs turning to death again. What was he doing?<\/p>\n

Didn\u2019t he want to live?<\/em><\/p>\n

The answer was yes. Yes, of course.<\/em> But Luan kept swimming. He would have accepted any help rather than die. But a thought kept pressing at his head. Even now\u2014the gold spoke to him.<\/p>\n

Nandi. And my son. I never got to hear him speak.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cStay. Live. Breathe the depths.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I want to. I want to live. But if I do\u2014he will never know my face. Will he even recognize me?<\/em><\/p>\n

And the voice had no answer to that. So Luan swam. Ignoring the pain. It was just pain. The voice was begging, pleading, now.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoin us.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

No. I want to be me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Rage, then. Suddenly, the thing disconnected from his throat. He caught the last thought as he began to choke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen <\/em>die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Never.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alone, the man swam higher. And the light was growing. He had been given a second chance. He felt hands dragging him below. They had followed him.<\/p>\n

He swam higher, though his lungs had long emptied of air. Shadows clutched at him. They whispered in his ears, half-remembered words. Broken pleas.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was your g\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026ship me\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026remember\u2026please\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

They would rather he drown than go without him. And they had a pull. Luan fought, but he could not swim and resist them at the same time.<\/p>\n

He was beginning to despair when one of the half-remembered things whispered in his ears.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026regret\u2026my blessing…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Luan did not know what it said. But suddenly the grip of the shadows abated. And he left them behind, kicking, rising. Then at last, finally\u2014<\/p>\n

His head broke the surface of the dark waters.<\/em> Luan vomited water, he coughed, drew breath. He breathed<\/em>.<\/p>\n

He lived.<\/p>\n

The man treaded water for minutes, just breathing. Just\u2026he looked around as the crash of waves drew his attention. One nearly engulfed his head. And he realized\u2014<\/p>\n

He was at sea.<\/em> And his scull was nowhere to be seen. The damned [Bounty Hunters] who\u2019d accidentally hit him with the [Fireball] spell? Nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n

And neither was the coast.<\/em> Luan slowly turned in the waters. And he realized he didn\u2019t see\u2026Baleros.<\/p>\n

His skin chilled. The [Expert Rower] looked around. Compared to the meeting during the Summer Solstice\u2026the dark promises below, this was still better.<\/p>\n

But only just.<\/p>\n

How far at sea was he? Luan gasped for air, panicking. But then he had an idea. Now that he was able to do more than struggle for the surface, he kicked while his hands searched downwards.<\/p>\n

Clothing\u2014no oar, none of the items in the scull\u2014but\u2014<\/p>\n

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

He gasped with relief as his hands found the bag of holding. The most precious item in this moment to him. He reached into it, holding it above the surface. The waves were large<\/em>, but they didn\u2019t have the crest of deadly force of a storm.<\/p>\n

Small blessings. And another was\u2026he fished out the glowing compass, holding it so tight that the edges cut into his fingers.<\/p>\n

A nautical compass. The friend of any [Captain] or person who ever risked the sea. He had never had to use one before. But he was no fool. Luan opened the compass and saw the needle swing.<\/p>\n

There were no directions. No \u2018North\u2019, \u2018South\u2019, or any other superfluous icons. This was a compass enchanted to one purpose.<\/p>\n

Land. It was meant to take someone only to the nearest body of land. In case he was ever blown out to sea or had to evade pursuers\u2026Luan had never used it. He held his breath.<\/p>\n

The needle swung as the magic activated. Searching\u2026it pointed to the side. Held steady. Luan\u2019s head turned hopefully.<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t anything on the horizon. Not even a shadow.<\/p>\n

Despair engulfed him for a second. Still, he had escaped death. He had refused the gifts of the Drowned. He had refused the offer made on the Summer Solstice.<\/p>\n

Oceans be damned if he would give up now.<\/em><\/p>\n

Luan began to swim, following the compass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first hour was easy. Luan Khumalo was a rower. He had trained for it and while swimming was not rowing, you tended to need one with the other. He could swim for as long as need be.<\/p>\n

Or so he\u2019d thought. Luan had never dreamed he\u2019d be this far out to sea. He knew what other people had done, clung to rubbish or even buoys to survive.<\/p>\n

But his scull was gone.<\/em> There was nothing to hold onto and besides\u2026if exposure didn\u2019t kill him, the ocean\u2019s predators would.<\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t Earth. Sharks were a lesser concern to the hundreds, thousands<\/em> of species that could kill a man. Luan swam. But he had one advantage and that was his bag of holding.<\/p>\n

Inside of it, Luan had any number of things to stay alive with. Not least of which, after the first hour, he knew he had to ration:<\/p>\n

Food. He had dried \u2018energy bar\u2019 substitutes he\u2019d made up with Kirana\u2019s help in the United Nations headquarters. Water, too! He gulped greedily from the canteen, then forced himself to stop.<\/p>\n

Stamina potions? Even a few healing potions. And best of all\u2014a flotation device.<\/p>\n

Not an actual life-jacket. Luan had been going to invest in a ring to do the same, or best of all, a Ring of Waterbreathing which solved most problems. So he had no actual jacket. But as night fell, he improvised.<\/p>\n

A waterproof blanket and pillow were some of the things he put in the bag of holding so he could sleep anywhere he wanted. He tied a knot with all four corners to make a rough sphere, catching air in the blanket, creating a buoy which he could cling to when he got tired.<\/p>\n

He hoped he didn\u2019t have to use it. But as the daylight faded, Luan had swum for five hours by his reckoning.<\/p>\n

And he couldn\u2019t tell if he\u2019d made any progress. Nothing appeared on the horizon. Luan realized he needed the makeshift buoy.<\/p>\n

The water grew cold.<\/em> Luan, buffeted by waves and trying to cling to the buoy, did not really \u2018sleep\u2019. But he did pass out and wake. He began swimming as soon as he had energy left. Following the compass.<\/p>\n

He did not despair the first day. Or the second.<\/p>\n

Or the first week.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was rationing his food and water. It rained twice during the first two weeks, and he held up all the containers, even the bag of holding, his mouth open.<\/p>\n

The waves grew stronger during the storms, though. Twice, they threw him about, threatening to drag him into the depths again.<\/p>\n

He swam through it, clinging to the blanket at need. It gained two holes over the first week, which he desperately tried to plug.<\/p>\n

Land never appeared. A vast shadow passed over him, once. Something tried to take a bite out of him three times. He fought them off by kicking and thrashing twice.<\/p>\n

One time something appeared out of the water with barbs for a face and savaged him. It was half his size, but dense<\/em>, and tore chunks out of him with each thrashing movement.<\/p>\n

Luan killed it with the backup knife in his bag of holding. All but one of the healing potions went into that battle and he left the water bloody behind him.<\/p>\n

Two weeks of swimming passed.<\/em> Still, he followed the compass, despair on his tongue as his body weakened with each passing day of decreasing food, sleep, and water.<\/em><\/p>\n

He might have truly given up, or at least, lost all hope. But Luan stared at the names on his arm. And though he saw no land, saw no relief day after day, there was one thing that gave him some hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Swimmer Level 5!]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first day, he gained the class.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Swimmer Level 9!]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the fourth day, he was able to lie on his back and rest. [Indefinite Flotation] was the Skill that let him \u2018rest\u2019, though a wave could still wake him with water engulfing him.<\/p>\n

Two weeks. Then, as the third dawned, Luan heard the voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Athlete Level 14!]<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The [Swimmer] class had changed at Level 10.<\/p>\n

Luan swam.<\/em> Cutting through the water faster, tiring slower. His body was shriveled from ceaseless contact with the water. His beard, hair, salt-crusted, unkempt. A scar around his throat from where he had rejected the sea\u2019s gift.<\/p>\n

But the Olympian refused to give up. And then, at last\u2014<\/p>\n

He spotted land in the distance.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a simple tale that engulfed Noa. A tale to break up the mundanity\u2014and sometimes terrifying danger\u2014of her watch duty.<\/p>\n

Similar to many stories she\u2019d heard. But it was better, realer, because it was happening. It was the story of a Human too stubborn to die.<\/em><\/p>\n

She was sure of it after the third day of staring through her spyglass. And her superior finally admitted she was right after the tiny, tiny disturbance became clearer to both. He breathed out at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. It is<\/em> a Human out there. Same as you saw last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grudgingly passed the spyglass back. Noa smirked, but hid it as he glared at her. Ekrn didn\u2019t like being wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been swimming towards the coast for a week<\/em>, you said?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded, eyes on the horizon. You couldn\u2019t even see<\/em> the tiny Human without help of the spyglass.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. He must be a survivor of a shipwreck or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekrn grunted, tapping his foot on the ground. Noa wanted to know what had been the accident; her immediate superior was less enamored by the idea of the Human doggedly coming their way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder how he survived. Bag of holding and luck that nothing ate him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. Or fish. It rained as well, so that\u2019s water, food\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As he mused, Noa danced from foot to foot. Her nice, new crocodile-skin boots, a copy of his, made her feel wonderfully secure.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019s the plan, Ekrn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlan?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave her a blank look. Noa wanted to know if they were going to send out a rescue party. Of course\u2026his look told her that was a stupid idea. Of course they wouldn\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep an eye on the Human. If he lives or dies, that\u2019s up to him. Odds are a hundred thousand to one he doesn\u2019t come this way of all the places he could land up. If he even makes it to shore. If he does\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

His expression was not a kindly one. Crestfallen, Noa watched Ekrn stomp off. She turned and kept watching the Human.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two weeks. Four<\/em> by Luan\u2019s count, when he finally neared the shores. He was moving faster now, and Noa\u2019s sentry post wasn\u2019t the only one that had called him in.<\/p>\n

She was dancing as Ekrn watched, grimly, the Human coming to shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrazy bastard must have leveled. He\u2019s moving faster than he has any right to without Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s entering into the inlet. Ekrn.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a river pouring out to sea; they had made their home along it, although further inland than was comfortable for access to the water. But that was out of necessity. Ekrn shook his head as he adjusted the bow on his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBad idea. If he had any sense, he\u2019d circle in either direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Noa bit her lip. She wanted to say that this Human had been at sea for at least<\/em> two weeks, trying to reach shore. He had to be starving, and taking a few hours\u2019 detour wouldn\u2019t occur to him.<\/p>\n

But Ekrn was right.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoss\u2014can\u2019t we do something?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cHe\u2019s a Human.<\/em> You have your orders. Hold position. Let\u2019s see what he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was callous. But it was survival. Even so, Ekrn himself looked a bit\u2026disgruntled. This Human had survived what few did, swimming<\/em> to their continent on his own power. And now\u2014he was going to die.<\/p>\n

Because he would have been well served staying clear of the river. The river<\/em> of Baleros\u2019 jungles was freshwater. And all manner of predators lurked there.<\/p>\n

Carnivorous fish. Crocodiles. Magical crocodiles. Invisible leeches\u2026<\/em>saltwater was safer than freshwater in Baleros, so long as you weren\u2019t in the range of the ocean\u2019s worst predators. The oceans had far bigger monsters, but less density.<\/p>\n

And the waters from the river? They watched as the Human sped towards shore, doing a breaststroke. Which switched into a desperate freestyle as he encountered what they knew was lurking there.<\/p>\n

Piranhas.<\/em> Or, to be more accurate, poisonous piranhas. Not a super-deadly toxin, but they made larger mammals swell up while being deadlier to amphibians around their size.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. He went right into a school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekrn had forbidden Noa from even shouting a warning, and she might have if she was alone. Grimly, they watched. The Human swam like a madman for the shore as they tore at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s getting eaten alive! <\/em>He\u2019ll never survive!\u201d<\/p>\n

Noa danced, distressed. Ekrn\u2019s eyes widened as he trained his spyglass on the Human, shouting, going for the overgrown beach.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he is! Crazy Human. He\u2019s chugging a potion as they tear him apart! He\u2019s going to make it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure enough, the dark-skinned man stumbled onto shore, tossing the fish, some still biting him, onto the ground. He collapsed there. Noa was biting her fist, also newly-gloved in the crocodile skin.<\/p>\n

Speaking of which\u2026the man had all of a minute to rest. He looked back towards the water, uttered an oath both could hear even from their perch, and got up to run.<\/em><\/p>\n

A crocodile twice his length followed him a second later. And it could move fast<\/em>. It wasn\u2019t the leaping kind that haunted Chandrar\u2019s waters. This one was a Speed Croc. Which sounded cuter than it was. It could move under the effects of what was functionally a [Speed] spell for a few seconds and kill almost anything it got its jaws around.<\/p>\n

It chased the man now, moving fast<\/em> as it went after the bleeding prey. The man ran. Somehow, even after so long in the water, he had the energy to sprint<\/em> for the forest.<\/p>\n

Noa and Ekrn watched, amazed at the Human\u2019s vitality. Right up until Ekrn began to curse. It wasn\u2019t hard to chart the Human\u2019s desperate course.<\/p>\n

\u201cStep on me,<\/em> he\u2019s coming this way! I\u2019m taking the shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Ekrn? No!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Appalled, Noa saw the [Sentry Leader] draw his bow and put an enchanted arrow to the string. She knew it had to be done with other species. But this Human?<\/p>\n

He\u2019d swum for two weeks!<\/em> Despite knowing her duty, she grabbed his wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you mad? Let go! This is our job\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t just kill him! It\u2019s not an animal or monster\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The two wrestled for the bow as Ekrn cursed her. He tore free and rose to his feet. But too late.<\/p>\n

Crash.<\/em> The Human ran through a border-trap. He shouted in pain as the tripwires unleashed one of the deadly traps. Noa had forgotten about them. She saw a tree explode<\/em>, bark showering the man with splinters as the tree\u2014one of the rare explosive varieties\u2014detonated.<\/p>\n

He survived even that. But he crashed<\/em> to the ground, lying on the forest floor.<\/p>\n

Ekrn and Noa stared down at him from their elevated perch. Noa was horrified. Ekrn rounded on her. The croc had lost the Human, but now a greater problem was facing the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, great. He\u2019s bleeding<\/em> and attracting every hungry animal in a mile. Sound the rally-call! We\u2019re in for trouble! I\u2019ll have your Signim for this!\u201d<\/p>\n

He was leaping down even as Noa shakily raised a horn and blew the alarm. Yes, what had<\/em> she done? The man was innocent. But if he drew Baleros\u2019 predators\u2014she drew her own bow and leapt down towards the man on the ground as the other sentries raced to her position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luan heard shouting. The roar of battle.<\/p>\n

It had to be a dream, of the first few horrific months of being on Baleros. When he\u2019d met Ken, Aiko, Daly.<\/p>\n

Geneva. It beat the roar of the ocean. And for all the pain\u2026he felt solid ground underneath him. He could have slept happily. But the shouting grew louder.<\/p>\n

Then, the first steel-toed boot struck him in the jaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet up! Now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice barked in Luan\u2019s ear. He grimaced. The boot swung again. A vicious kick!<\/p>\n

\u2026It tickled. Which was odd, for steel-toed boots. It had hit him in the jaw, and the voice was loud. But there was one thing off.<\/p>\n

Luan opened his eyes and saw the tiny boot swing back for a third kick. It was\u2026about the size of the tip of his finger? He looked up as the man kicked him.<\/p>\n

A tiny man, one foot high, bellowed at Luan with a voice that would have fit a man six times his size. He had a bow in one hand, and was blowing a horn in the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cTallguard of Feiland! To me! You, Human, get <\/em>up!\u201d<\/p>\n

He snarled at Luan. The man stared. He had<\/em> to be dreaming. But no\u2014the shouting grew louder. Luan looked around and saw dozens<\/em>, nearly a hundred tiny people on the ground.<\/p>\n

They were perched in tree branches, raising small shields or swords, many loosing arrows as the rest fought in clusters. And they were fighting\u2026<\/p>\n

A huge centipede, the kind that could take off one of Luan\u2019s toes with a single bite, was slithering towards the bleeding man. Luan recoiled; it was a nasty bug!<\/p>\n

To the Fraerlings, it was a gigantic beast<\/em>, many times longer than they were, capable of sawing a man or woman apart at the waist with a single bite. They were loosing little arrows on its position; a Fraerling with an axe was hacking legs off.<\/p>\n

That wasn\u2019t the only one. A female Fraerling next to the one who had woken Luan up loosed an arrow.<\/p>\n

A Scavenger Toad, all teeth, capable of a nasty bite and not a threat normally unless they tried to eat you when you slept by the hundreds, was hit by the glowing arrow. It shot into the huge, gaping mouth, and blew out its stomach as it tried to swallow the projectile.<\/p>\n

Countless jungle predators were trying to eat Luan, following the blood. The Fraerlings were fighting a war<\/em> in the underbrush. Luan tried to push himself up, but he couldn\u2019t find any strength in his arms.<\/p>\n

After the swim, the damned fish\u2014<\/em>and the crocodile, he\u2019d spent everything he had. Then the tree had\u2026exploded\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cGet up! Get out of here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekrn swore up at the Human, but he could see how injured Luan was.<\/p>\n

\u201cSentry Master! Incoming from the flanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

A Fraerling on over watch barked. Ekrn raised the speaking stone and turned. He bellowed.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Clear Position]! Fall back!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Fraerlings ran as the creature emerged from the undergrowth. The largest predator yet. Luan was fumbling for a potion\u2014anything\u2014but he was out of both. And he felt pain in every part of his body\u2026he heard the frantic scream as Fraerlings spotted the creature. Noa lowered her bow, turning white. Oh no. One of the worst predators of her people had come calling. Ekrn took one look at the familiar, sinuous body, the long fur, the sharp teeth, tufted ears and tail, and shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cCat. Cat!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

This was no house-cat, but a smaller predator than a leopard\u2014if only just. A scavenger-predator, who preyed on scavengers around dead creatures. Just like this scenario.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fur was dark green-brown, perfect cover in this climate. Fraerlings took up defensive positions as Ekrn shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold your ground and take cover! Permission granted to use enchanted ammunition without limit! Prepare to use your Signim!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The cat was tensed. It was able to pounce and it would<\/em> tear dozens of Fraerlings apart each minute. Worse, it was fast<\/em>, hugely protected, and it killed for sport. The first hail of arrows made it hiss.<\/em> It dodged a tiny [Fireball], and then leapt.<\/em><\/p>\n

It covered nearly a dozen feet and grabbed Noa. She swung her sword, screaming, as it tossed her up to bite in half or swallow with a single m\u2014<\/p>\n

Ekrn was aiming his bow at the cat-monster\u2019s throat, enchanted quarrel ready to save\u2014or mercifully kill\u2014his junior. He heard a sound like thunder right next to his ear. Deafening. The force of air made him stumble.<\/p>\n

Tschak!<\/em><\/p>\n

The crossbow bolt went through the hungry cat-thing\u2019s lower hindquarters. Luan lowered the bow as the animal yowled<\/em>, and recoiled. Noa fell to earth, landing lightly given her size.<\/p>\n

The cat bounded away, limping. The lesser scavengers scattered as the Human rose.<\/p>\n

High\u2014higher. Six times as large as the Fraerlings. They backed away, wary. One step could kill them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake aim\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekrn held up a hand. Luan looked around. At last, he spoke. Blood ran down his arms and legs from wounds. He was malnourished, parched.<\/p>\n

\u201cFraerlings? I need\u2026help. I\u2019m\u2026a Runner\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t protect Runners or the tallfolk! Go! Leave our borders in peace, Human!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekrn bellowed up at the man. He cursed. The Human had somehow stumbled onto one of the \u2018Fraerling Villages\u2019, the rare, hidden<\/em> Fraerling settlements that few ever encountered. Of all the bad luck!<\/p>\n

Luan tried to back up, but nearly fell over. Fraerlings darted out of the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll never make it, Ekrn! At least give him a potion!\u201d<\/p>\n

Noa. She was on her feet, arguing with her superior again. The [Sentry Master] cursed. He eyed Luan, half of a mind to demand potions, and shook his head. He pointed; Luan\u2019s leg and arm.<\/p>\n

Telltale signs of infection on both. Ekrn spat with a warrior\u2019s cold confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like the potions just accelerated the infection through him. He\u2019s dead if he uses another. You hear that, Human? Get lost and find somewhere else to die.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need\u2026help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Luan rasped. He took a step and the Fraerlings raised their bows. Five shot arrows; he felt the sting of pain in his right leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold fire! <\/em>Aim for the eyes, but hold your fire<\/em> unless it attacks, you idiots!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekrn berated the younger Fraerlings. He pointed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman. We will kill you unless you leave. Keep our secret and we\u2019ll let you go in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was lying. Noa knew it. Ekrn expected the Human to drop dead within half an hour and wanted him far from the settlement of Feiland. She plucked at his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t we at least try<\/em> to tend his wounds, Ekrn? Bandage them, at least?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. If he dies\u2014can you imagine what a corpse would be like, so close to the city? Human\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Luan was swaying. He could barely think. But he knew he\u2019d never make it. Still\u2014the Fraerlings would<\/em> kill him if he didn\u2019t go. Trapped, desperate, after all he\u2019d gone through, the man did the only thing he could think of.<\/p>\n

He began to stumble forwards. Ekrn bellowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no\u2014the other way! The way you came! Right, not left! Not that right! The other right!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Luan heard him. But he turned left, nonetheless. The other Fraerlings began to shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot ahead, you large-footed idiot! Behind! Turn around! Turn around or\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The man stumbled forwards, and they moved rather than be squashed. Too late, Ekrn realized what he was doing. He\u2019d heard them and\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up! Don\u2019t give him directions! He\u2019s going to\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late. Luan collapsed in front of the huge, oak tree that a double-wall of Fraerlings were guarding. He saw, at last, the tiny lights from the countless windows. The smoke<\/em> coming out of some cunningly-concealed vents. The passageways in and out, and the tiny bridges far above in the foliage.<\/p>\n

A Fraerling Village.<\/em><\/p>\n

He passed out in front of the entrance. Ekrn was beside himself. He looked at Luan, at Noa, at the entrance to Feiland\u2026and gave up. He threw his helmet onto the forest floor, ordered the Fraerling [Rangers] and [Sentries] to stand down, and began to shout orders.<\/p>\n

\u201cCats and Crelers take it all! Get me an [Infection Healer] before he expires and we have to cart him out in bags of holding! <\/em>Scent bombs! Someone get a [Hydromancer] for all this blood <\/em>before we get an ant-colony on our asses! And get me the Bordermaster. He\u2019s not going to like this one bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked, almost admiringly, at the Human who\u2019d called their bluff. And that was how Luan survived the Summer Solstice. When he woke, he was in another story.<\/p>\n

Hostage? Prisoner? Guest? Of Baleros\u2019 most elusive species, even more than Gazers. Tiny legends, only one of which had ever been known to the larger world.<\/p>\n

Little people.<\/p>\n

Fraerlings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not Drowned.<\/p>\n

Not consumed by shadows.<\/p>\n

Not lost at sea, or eaten by animals.<\/p>\n

Yes, he had help. Advantages. A whispered kindness. Luck, coincidence. Even so, Luan Khumalo lived. Because he was the great athlete of Earth, and this world recognized that.<\/p>\n

However, just as much as his Skills, from [Greater Endurance] to [Body: Water Retention], [Mana Conversion \u2013 Sustenance], and magical potions, there was something simpler at work.<\/p>\n

He had something to fight for. Something, someone to fight for. Tattooed onto his skin in golden ink. His wife.<\/p>\n

And his son.<\/p>\n

It did not make any of it easier. The \u2018magic of parenthood\u2019 didn\u2019t end the sunburn of weeks at sea, the crippling thirst, burning muscles.<\/p>\n

But it was a reason never to give up. With it, he could live. Fight.<\/p>\n

That was what a parent, a father, was supposed to do. In war, in times of crisis, provide, protect. Even if it cost themselves everything.<\/p>\n

\u2026It was easier to do that. Not easy<\/em>, but easier. But what if\u2014?<\/p>\n

What if you couldn\u2019t protect them? What if it was out of your hands? Your paws? All that you had, all that you could do\u2014made worthless? Snatched away by fate, by chance?<\/p>\n

By magic?<\/em><\/p>\n

It would have been so easy if there was something to fight. Anything. Not just a monster. If there was a cost to be paid, he would have paid it in a moment.<\/p>\n

Cruelty was a lack of something to hit. A lack of choice. Helplessness. That was far, far worse.<\/p>\n

Rufelt, co-owner of Tails and Scales, one of the best bars in Pallass, had not opened his establishment in over a month. The noise of his carefully curated guests, laughter, arguments of a reasonable level, the smells of cooking, alcohol\u2014memories.<\/p>\n

He wished he were on Rhir and back in time. If he was, maybe he could have done something. If you gave Rufelt, a [Bartender] who had never served in any army, a stick and a choice to challenge all the Demons or suffer this present timeline? He would have taken his chances.<\/p>\n

Because a father\u2019s nightmare was Rufelt\u2019s reality. He knew\u2014they all told him the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t have done a thing, Ruf.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t blame yourself. If Chaldion and all of Pallass\u2019 protections couldn\u2019t stop it\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two will get through this. If there is anything I can do to\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It felt to him like wading through a swamp of worthless platitudes, encouragement, sympathies. All useless, no matter how well-meaning, no matter who it came from.<\/p>\n

The few voices that came through to him were from people who had been\u2026where he was. He and Lasica. People who had lost children.<\/p>\n

The Demon\u2019s spell had attacked the entire world. Killing children. Not just Pallass. Every major city in the world. Sometimes only one person, chosen by\u2026what, luck?<\/p>\n

The Gnoll believed there was some greater, sinister plan at play. He had listened to one of the other parents trying to connect the dots. There had to be. Or else\u2026what?<\/p>\n

What was he supposed to do?<\/em><\/p>\n

For him, there was nothing to fight. He had sent money to Rhir. But would he now grab a spear and enlist?<\/p>\n

No. There was Lasica. He was no warrior, and the worst had happened. The future had been destroyed and there was nothing to protect besides her.<\/p>\n

These dark days. They told him they would end.<\/p>\n

The ones who knew<\/em> told him the truth. It would not get better. But it would get further away. As if he wanted that. As if that would make it alright.<\/p>\n

The comments that had driven Rufelt nearly into a homicidal rage had been the ignorant ones. Well, she wasn\u2019t nearing delivery.<\/em> What about that city that was overrun by Crelers?<\/em><\/p>\n

If he had been able to calmly articulate a response, Rufelt would have said those kinds of statements were disingenuous to begin with. Of course he was not the only one suffering. Of course tragedy occurred every day. Yes, miscarriages happened for other reasons.<\/p>\n

But never say that to me. <\/em>Or I\u2019ll kill you.<\/p>\n

\u2026He had Lasica. Remember that. Rufelt tried. He tried to not leave her to wallow like he would, made sure they had food, tried to\u2026<\/p>\n

Something was wrong. It was nothing he had done. Failed to do? He didn\u2019t know. But their relationship, which had possessed ups and downs, rocks and smooth sailing like anyone else\u2019s, but had been so good? An invisible wedge had been inserted into it.<\/p>\n

Worse still, it was nothing she blamed him for. Not out loud, or even implicitly. It was just that everything had been shaken up. And suddenly they weren\u2019t on the same page.<\/p>\n

She was distant. When he wanted to talk, she did not. She sought other people\u2019s confidences\u2014her female friends, other mothers. But Rufelt wasn\u2019t with her. And when he was, it lingered, unspoken. Or if he tried\u2026<\/p>\n

One month. One month, and Rufelt counted the days between shock, grief, fury at some of his \u2018friends\u2019 or well-wishers. Trying not to meet others. Sitting alone. Sitting with Lasica. Listening to the news.<\/p>\n

Watching, angry without reason, as the world moved on. Resenting laughter. Attending strategy meetings, trying to make sense of the spell.<\/p>\n

He should have been doing something. They were losing money. But neither he nor Lasica could bear to open the bar.<\/p>\n

By the same token, he should be doing something.<\/em> Making money, acting with a purpose for\u2026<\/p>\n

There were people that were recommended to him.<\/p>\n

[Thought Healers]. Rufelt hadn\u2019t really known the class existed. But this variation on [Carer], [Healer], was there for people who\u2019d seen battle, adventurers. And parents.<\/p>\n

He tried to get Lasica to go to one with him. He was terrified to go alone. But she resisted. She did not want to talk about\u2026<\/p>\n

And then had come the night when he\u2019d found her burning all of the toys and things they would have used. He, Rufelt, would have saved each one. They\u2019d fought, bitterly.<\/p>\n

Now, today? It had been two days since Lasica stormed out of their home over the bar. Rufelt kept sitting at the bar. Waiting for her to come back.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d looked for her, but his nose wasn\u2019t that good. He was sure she had money; she was probably staying with a friend. He\u2019d asked one of the Watch Captains\u2014Venim\u2014to keep an eye out and the Watch Captain had told him this morning he\u2019d checked on Lasica. But he\u2019d refused to tell Rufelt where she was. Let her be, was the implicit statement in the Watch Captain\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

They should be together, though. At least he knew she was safe. Rufelt had some\u2026some ability to affect his life, still. He slowly mixed together a drink.<\/p>\n

That was what he knew. That was what he was good at. The Chaldion\u2019s Eye? That was his invention. He put together four liquids, mixed them up.<\/p>\n

Floating, pink little bubbles containing sour whiskey. He stared as they bounced in the cup. Then he threw the cup across the bar.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t even have the decency to shatter; everything was enchanted. Rufelt slammed his paws down on the wood, raised the [Bartender]\u2019s aid\u2014a club he\u2019d never had to use in this<\/em> bar.<\/p>\n

He went to the shelves of alcohol to smash something. But he couldn\u2019t bring himself to ruin his hard-earned collection. He wanted<\/em> to, though.<\/p>\n

The bar was so dark. But lighting anything was beyond him. Rufelt slunk around it, a shadow, waiting for Lasica.<\/p>\n

In the end, he couldn\u2019t bear to stay and left. Was that why Lasica wasn\u2019t coming back?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Outside was just as bad. Pallass could be dark since sunlight did not reach the lower floors in the shadow of the upper ones. But magical lights ensured that it was never dark enough.<\/em> Rufelt felt everyone staring at him.<\/p>\n

Everyone knew. He hurried away as some people called out to him. Their condolences made everything worse, <\/em>didn\u2019t those bastards understand that?<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know where to go. So he roamed the streets, looking around. Pallass, his home, had never seemed more like a cage to the Gnoll [Bartender].<\/p>\n

Dully, Rufelt observed the City of Inventions. Always something new was going on. He had once said to a client that he would never grow tired of his city because he didn\u2019t have to go anywhere to see what was happening!<\/p>\n

It was still true, but it brought him no joy. Everything made him angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo, Renan, go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A cheering voice. A Dullahan sped down one of the grand staircases, on a skateboard.<\/em> Cheering Drakes and Gnolls, the teen\u2019s friends, poured after him. Rufelt had the urge to snatch the wooden skateboard, break it, and tell the Watch to arrest<\/em> all of them. Or he\u2019d do it with his paws!<\/p>\n

Those idiots! Didn\u2019t they think about what that skateboard could do if it hit someone? If that Dullahan idiot hit something at that speed? He started after them, but the [Guards] were already chasing the teens when he reached the staircase. The Assembly of Crafts had banned the \u2018skateboards\u2019, which of course only led the younger citizens to embrace it all the more.<\/p>\n

He stood there, with more anger with nowhere to go. Then he heard a shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome see the Players of Pallass! Performing <\/em>Elisial in the Crafter\u2019s Theatre tonight!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A [Crier] was passing out fliers with the new acting team that Pallass had assembled, trying to attract attention. He passed Rufelt one as the Gnoll walked past. Rufelt stared at it and saw two underlined names.<\/p>\n

The Players of Liscor\u2019s [Actors], who had moved to Pallass after being enticed to found this, with the Players of Celum\u2019s blessing. He looked at the flier, crumpled it up.<\/p>\n

How dare everyone be moving on with their lives. It seemed like just yesterday everyone was wearing white, and you couldn\u2019t see another color on clothing. How quickly they all decided the mourning time was over.<\/p>\n

Rufelt could have done this all day. Walked around, purely angry, looking for a confrontation. He\u2019d done it last week.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t want to. He wanted to make a first step towards the future. But the [Thought Healer] had told Rufelt he needed Lasica to be part of that when he\u2019d gone to her, shamefaced, alone.<\/p>\n

Where was she? Rufelt sniffed the air, but he didn\u2019t detect her smell. He wandered the 5th<\/sup> Floor, then the 6th<\/sup>, wondering if he should go to all of her close friends.<\/p>\n

Venim wouldn\u2019t tell him. Maybe the Watch Captain had been told by Lasica that she didn\u2019t want to see Rufelt after the fight. Maybe\u2026this was it? How could this be it? What had he done wrong?<\/p>\n

Nothing. Everything.<\/em><\/p>\n

In his quest for something to distract him, or meaning, Rufelt found himself going to one of the elevators.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat floor, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEighth.\u201d<\/p>\n

He spoke quietly. He saw the Drake attendant glancing at him sidelong. Rufelt stared at the city as the elevator ascended. He had a thought.<\/p>\n

The checkpoint to Liscor and The Wandering Inn didn\u2019t see much use anymore. Everyone knew\u2026<\/p>\n

It had been such a tragedy. Rufelt had wept for Erin Solstice, the [Innkeeper], and thought it was the worst thing that could have happened.<\/em> Then the Summer Solstice had occurred and he had been proven wrong.<\/p>\n

He stood in front of the checkpoint, realizing he wasn\u2019t on the list. But to hell with it. He approached the [Guards].<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to go to Liscor. Is\u2026have you seen my wife, Lasica? The [Chef] of Tails and Scales?\u201d<\/p>\n

He had come up with the idea that Lasica had gone to Liscor, having anticipated he might look for her. The [Guards] didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe rotate by day, sir. You\u2019re not on the list\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I go through?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rufelt didn\u2019t normally like to lean on any favors he had due to his fame or success. Today? He couldn\u2019t care less. The Pallassian [Guards] exchanged a glance. They knew him. They had a quick conference, and the [Sergeant] gave the nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know when the door will be open, Mister Rufelt. We could ask them to hold it\u2014but you might be waiting for a long time. The inn is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Kel, the [Guard Sergeant], trailed off. Rufelt replied, face blank.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine. I\u2019ll wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood there for nearly forty minutes, ignoring the looks. Lasica was beyond it. He was sure. There was an image playing out in Rufelt\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

A scene, a hope. Like a play of its own, he\u2019d find her at Erin\u2019s\u2026grave. They\u2019d make up. It would be better<\/em> once he found her. He would find some closure with Erin, some hope in her, that she could come back and they could\u2026<\/p>\n

When the door opened, Rufelt started. He stepped through slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026excuse me. Mister Rufelt, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll was younger. Ishkr. He\u2019d opened the door to Pallass, but hadn\u2019t expected anyone to come through. Rufelt looked at him.<\/p>\n

He knew, too. Rufelt nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Yes. Ishkr, right? Have you seen my wife? Lasica?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mister Rufelt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dream fell apart. As it did again and again. Rufelt looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. Can I offer you\u2026the inn isn\u2019t open, but we have something to eat, to drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rufelt realized Ishkr was eying him. He wondered what he looked like. He hadn\u2019t bathed or combed his fur or\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No. I\u2019m fine, thank you. How\u2019s the inn? Is anything\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir. Not much has changed since the Potion of Regeneration failed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe potion of\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rufelt hadn\u2019t even heard about that. He listened dully, as Ishkr explained. Something in the younger Gnoll\u2019s tone betrayed what he must have suffered. Hope lost again.<\/p>\n

It was somehow comforting to know someone else was suffering. A bitter tonic. Rufelt hesitated. But since he was here\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll\u2026check on Erin Solstice. If I may. Pay my respects.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mister Rufelt. Do you need me to call the door?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019ll take a walk and\u2014I know how to get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rufelt\u2019s vision had changed to him finding some inspiration and sharing it with Lasica. That was what was so wrong<\/em> about hope. He kept having it, and losing it. Better if he didn\u2019t believe things could be better.<\/p>\n

And better if he had never come here.<\/em> Rufelt did not realize his mistake at first. But the Gnoll had forgotten. He was in the main room of The Wandering Inn, taking something from the vast emptiness of the [Grand Theatre], almost relieved to be alone in a place like this that was not his bar. He was going over to the bar to\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026When he heard the scampering paws. Rufelt froze.<\/p>\n

He saw a flash of white. Then, the little Gnoll raced around the corner of the hallway, panting, smiling.<\/p>\n

Mrsha was running, fleeing the rolling, magical ball which was set to \u2018tag\u2019 mode. Selys\u2019 present to her. She was having fun.<\/p>\n

It was not her fault. But Rufelt took one look at her and recoiled.<\/p>\n

Mrsha stopped when she saw Rufelt. She didn\u2019t even realize why the Gnoll turned pale under his fur. Why he had to sit down. She stopped, grabbing the ball with her paws. She only realized why after a while. She\u2019d forgotten about Rufelt. Then\u2014she ran and hid.<\/p>\n

Thoughts of visiting Erin fled Rufelt\u2019s mind. He lurched to his feet. To go. He brushed past Ishkr and went for the door to Pallass. He never met the [Shaman]; he fled The Wandering Inn and went back to Pallass. There was no magic for him here. No relief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the days after her miscarriage\u2014well, the weeks after\u2014Lasica Feltail visited her mother. She visited her sister.<\/p>\n

Rufelt would have been wrong to assume his wife was visiting her friends.<\/em> Lasica was not embarking on a \u2018wine and gossip\u2019 night, or whatever her husband imagined. She, like he, had no time for people who had no idea what she was going through.<\/p>\n

She did seek out people, female friends, family, to talk to. That she could cry with, take hope from. Reassurance that something would<\/em> change, that this was not the end of the world.<\/p>\n

It might be a Drake thing. Or a personality thing. Or just her family in general. Her sister was matter-of-fact about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a miscarriage, Lasica. A magical attack. But women go through it. Get over it and stop your husband from drowning himself in his own tears.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica had promptly thrown her cup of wine in her sister\u2019s face. They\u2019d fought, but tough love was still a type of love. In theory. Her sister had gone through it, too.<\/p>\n

She was trying to put it in perspective. Rufelt\u2026Rufelt wanted to process it together. Lasica needed to be alone, sometimes. That was why it was hard and he wasn\u2019t helping. He did not understand.<\/p>\n

\u2026She supposed she was to blame, too. She wasn\u2019t communicating. The fight\u2014well.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t want to go to this [Thought Healer]. They\u2019d get through this together. Lasica was going to go back tonight. They\u2019d reopen the bar. It wouldn\u2019t be easy\u2014the first week would probably be hell. But the work would give both of them a direction.<\/p>\n

They could cry into their work. This was not the end.<\/p>\n

Lasica kept saying that. Pushing\u2014perhaps too fast\u2014to move along. What else was there to do? She and Rufelt grieved differently. Everyone did. It did not mean one or the other was right.<\/p>\n

Herself? After the fight, Lasica had prevailed on her mother for a second time. She\u2019d gone out and gotten properly wasted on rotgut drink Rufelt would have turned his nose up at, with two friends. It did not make her feel better, but she\u2019d stayed at an inn for a night.<\/p>\n

Not The Wandering Inn<\/em>, but Pallass\u2019 ritzy inn, The Noble\u2019s Fancy. She would never, ever<\/em> have gone to The Wandering Inn, even if it was\u2026cheerful\u2026to stay as a guest. She\u2019d seen Erin Solstice\u2019s idea of customer service and tasted her cooking. Now, she was heading back to her bar. Wondering if Rufelt had stayed there all three days.<\/p>\n

That was Rufelt and Lasica. Not united; going through the same thing, differently. Trying to deal with something that nothing in their lives would ever have prepared them for. Searching for a solution to something that no one had ever solved easily if at all.<\/p>\n

Perhaps both had forgotten the objective truth. That both loved the other. Or if they knew it, it seemed like a distant, uncertain truth. Shaken by themselves as much as anything.<\/p>\n

It did not change the fact that Rufelt would have followed Lasica wherever she would have gone. Waited for her.<\/p>\n

And that she would have never abandoned him. If they could have been certain of that, if they could just connect for a moment.<\/p>\n

Perhaps it might be alright someday.<\/p>\n

Hope for those days again. Lasica had a hood on, and cloak. Some of the [Guards] gave her looks of curiosity, but their Skills didn\u2019t reveal criminality. She didn\u2019t want to attract attention or false friends. She was walking down the grand staircase on the southern side; the 5th<\/sup> Floor, home to Tails and Scales, was her destination.<\/p>\n

But the wrong side of Pallass. And there was at yet no horizontal elevator to take you across the city. Yet. The [Engineers] were talking about some kind of movable walkway, but that was just hypotheticals. They were surprisingly\u2026confident\u2026that it could be made, though.<\/p>\n

Lasica could have used it now. She briskly walked, trying to think about buying groceries, what to say to Rufelt. Just\u2014tell him to get to work. Just\u2014don\u2019t get engaged in talking about the fight. Move on, keep moving.<\/p>\n

Someone called out to her, beyond the [Hawkers], [Shopkeepers], the [Crier] still trying to attract attention for the play tonight\u2026Lasica had no time for any of it. She could brush all of them off, even Skills meant to entice her\u2014as if any of them would work on her now\u2014<\/em>but the person\u2019s voice was more insistent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are Lasica, aren\u2019t you? The [Chef]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am. Excuse me, I\u2019m in a hurry. Not interested in shaking your hand or buying anything, good day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica replied without even looking around. Unlike Rufelt, she was happy to be aggressively rude. But the person just followed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that. If I could have a few words?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s a few; I\u2019m not interested.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake still ignored the person. But this super-[Hawker] or\u2026Lasica heard the voice again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand you\u2019ve suffered a loss. I wanted to extend my condolences.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, the [Chef]\u2019s eyes widened. She swung around and confronted the person.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you<\/em>, but I don\u2019t want your\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Her angry words were going to be accompanied by the verbal lashing of this woman\u2019s life. Not physical; Lasica didn\u2019t wave around kitchen knives, for all she had a few nasty cutting Skills. But she was not sparing with her tongue.<\/p>\n

She halted, though. Because something was strange about the person who\u2019d accosted her.<\/p>\n

It was a woman. Gnollish, taller than Lasica, older, with grey in her sable fur. Beyond that? Lasica hesitated, because there was something so\u2026average\u2026about the woman that it was disconcerting. She was like a composite of Gnolls. No scars, no peculiarities at all to make her stand out in memory. No coloration of fur\u2026<\/p>\n

If this same Gnoll had gone to the city of Salazsar, a particular [Consort of Change], Xesci, would have recognized her. For all she was no Drake. The Gnoll smiled.<\/p>\n

Or her lips moved.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy condolences. I am told you suffered a terrible accident. Dark magic. You lost your child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026none of your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll tilted her head. There was something uncanny. All the words were there. But her condolence was more like a slap to Lasica.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it is. Such a terrible thing that happened. Your unborn child. Gone. Demons took it. You are grieving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica whispered. That?<\/em> That\u2014hurt. Her claw drifted downwards, then balled into a fist.<\/p>\n

The Gnoll was still\u2026not exactly smiling. She kept tilting her head, regarding Lasica. And then, the [Chef] noticed something.<\/p>\n

The street she was walking down was deserted, an oddity in Pallass, home to millions. Second? The Gnoll woman had sought her out. She knew Lasica\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

The scales on Lasica\u2019s arms began to tingle.<\/em> She took a slow step back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want? Actually\u2014I don\u2019t care. I\u2019m busy. Leave me be, or I\u2019ll call the Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked over her shoulder. The Gnoll woman spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard of your loss. I thought I should approach you. It is so, so very difficult for parents after a loss. I know it hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica stumbled away. Where were other pedestrians? The Watch? She looked up, and saw a Garuda in mid-flight. Flapping her wings as the Street Runner traversed Pallass in the distance.<\/p>\n

But she was caught in the air. She was moving fast, but it seemed as though Lasica could watch her forever and the Garuda would still never reach her destination.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not take your time. But I thought you should know, Lasica Feltail, that there are people who can help you in this dire hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re talking about [Thought Healers], I don\u2019t want any. Thank you,<\/em> but if you\u2019re using Skills\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not talking about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica knew it. She turned to face the female Gnoll. The woman spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is someone who can make your pain go away, Lasica. Not help you deal with it. Not offer you potions or temporary relief. All your agony can be gone.<\/em> And your husband, likewise. You two can be happy again. And. Your child can return to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time Lasica recoiled. She fumbled for her side. The wand Rufelt made her carry around out of overzealousness\u2014she dropped it. She picked it up, cursing the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll woman didn\u2019t flinch as Lasica raised the wand. Lasica uttered the activation command\u2014an impact spell struck the Gnoll in the chest.<\/p>\n

She went stumbling backwards. But not flying as a normal person or [Thug] should have been. Lasica saw the Gnoll\u2019s arms flail. Like a rag doll, she went over backwards. Then\u2026got up.<\/p>\n

The entire impact, stumbling fall, and return to her legs unnerved Lasica. The Gnoll woman picked herself up without pushing herself off the ground. Her legs planted on the ground; her waist and torso rose with incredible strength.<\/p>\n

As if pulled up by strings.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2014what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have come here to tell you this, Lasica. For you and all the other grieving parents in Pallass. But you are\u2026extraordinary. One of the best [Chefs] in Pallass. The woman I speak of can help you.<\/em> And for you, Lasica, she can deliver true happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWoman? Who\u2014who are you? Don\u2019t get any closer! I\u2019ll summon the Watch!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll woman did not advance. The half-smile on her face hadn\u2019t changed even after the spell had hit her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I will not. I am not here to force<\/em> you to do anything, Lasica. Just listen. She can help you. And if you summon her, she will<\/em> restore all you have lost. Your child. Your relationship. Even the memory of loss, if you will it. As if it never happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one can bring back the dead. My child is gone.<\/em> Tell me that again and I\u2019ll gut you like a fish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica spoke, harsher than she intended. To this, the Gnoll\u2026woman\u2026only tilted her head again.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is possible for the right price, Lasica Feltail. Ask yourself only this: what would you do if it were possible to truly bring your child back? To have another chance? For you<\/em>, I think she would work all her craft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho? Who is this person who can apparently do all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll woman watched Lasica backing away. She did not move. Lasica was feeling behind her, for the edge of this spell, this Skill. There had to be one.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook up her name. Look at history. You will find her if you want to. Her name is Belavierr.<\/em> Think on it, Lasica. Whatever you wish\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica turned and ran. She burst out of the barrier and time resumed. The Garuda winged onwards. She whirled, panting, as a gaggle of Drakes came around the corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then I said\u2014whoa!\u201d<\/p>\n

They recoiled at the drawn wand. Lasica turned, ignoring them, and aimed back the way she\u2019d come.<\/p>\n

At\u2014<\/p>\n

Nothing. The street was empty.<\/p>\n

The Gnoll was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of course she had vanished. And of course, Lasica reported it to the Watch.<\/p>\n

She was not a fool. They took her seriously as well. Rufelt rushed into the Watch House as Lasica was making the report.<\/p>\n

\u201cLasica! What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a stranger. Rufelt. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He embraced her without a word. And all of this should have been the first step. A scare\u2014but Lasica\u2019s refusal. Rufelt running to get her, them eating an actual meal in their home, around their table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re filthy. Have you eaten anything<\/em> since I was gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

She whipped up a fast meal on the few items they had left. He grinned at her, looking lightheaded from hunger. She fed him, that silly Gnoll, and he agreed to talk tomorrow, about the bar. About\u2026<\/p>\n

Lasica was not an idiot. Strangers approaching you out of nowhere and offering you everything you wanted? She knew all the warning signs.<\/p>\n

But that was the insidious thing. It was probably one of the worst sales pitches out there. And yes, Lasica knew the stories. And she had a strong will. And she\u2019d told the Watch.<\/p>\n

However. Curiosity was like hope. It gnawed on you.<\/p>\n

She had to know, if only to refuse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, Rufelt was running around, restocking the bar. Shopping for Lasica. Calling in their workers. Finding clients. Exasperated, she let him do it.<\/p>\n

He was clearly glad to have a purpose. So was she. Normally, she would have told him to let her<\/em> get all the good ingredients and stop hogging the workload.<\/p>\n

But she let him do most of it. Because Lasica had to make one stop in her day. Rufelt didn\u2019t notice, preoccupying himself with work. He did walk her to her destination, but he thought she had another purpose.<\/p>\n

Looking up new recipes. And while it was true that Pallass\u2019 Grand Library had them\u2026<\/p>\n

Lasica walked down lines of shelves. Telling herself this was stupid. But she had to see it. Then she could put aside the strange offer. Because nothing<\/em> would change her mind.<\/p>\n

Nothing\u2026<\/p>\n

There were many history books. She feared she\u2019d have to search. But the name she\u2019d withheld from the Watch, which she\u2019d give them right after this, was easy to search.<\/p>\n

Belavierr. The Stitch Witch of Terandria. Spider. Temptress. Threadbreaker. The Mistress of Strands.<\/p>\n

She had so many names. Lasica\u2019s scales tingled as she pulled out the historical book on one of the old monsters of this world.<\/p>\n

The [Chef] ran the tip of her claw down stories about her. Sightings. Her list of crimes was legion. Lasica read, and the more she read, the more she was convinced.<\/p>\n

A powerful [Witch]. A powerful,<\/em> dangerous [Witch], considered immortal, responsible for war and atrocity. But still, a [Witch].<\/p>\n

Not to be trusted. That was the point. The history book was clear. The [Historian] was no fool. He or she spelled it out: Belavierr made deals of a terrible nature. By contact alone she caused other people\u2019s schemes to fail.<\/p>\n

That was what Lasica had needed to see. Because she didn\u2019t want\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cPuppet-children? Spells cast upon bereaved lovers?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shuddered. No. No,<\/em> no false simulacra, no half-measures, terrifying, too-costly fake dreams. Never. The history book just reinforced her decision, quashing curiosity.<\/p>\n

Belavierr had nothing Lasica wanted. Except maybe extreme spinal strength. Lasica rubbed her lower back after an hour of reading. She moved to close the book.<\/p>\n

And then her eyes travelled a bit too far down the page. And an excerpt stood out to her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026brought back to life\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Like a magnet, a spell, the Drake looked back. And she read the entry again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tribunal of the City of Zeres\u2019 ruling was unanimous, if contentious. Whereupon it was confirmed that the Child, Meree Sailclaw, was brought back to life such that the best [Healer] could not claim she was a puppet, artificial life, and had indeed been subject to formal resurrection at cost to the Wall Lord and Wall Lady Me\u2019na and Merul Sailclaw, the tribunal decided a formal execution of the Stitch Witch\u2019s magic could not be carried out, for the child was innocent.<\/em><\/p>\n

However, the Serpentine Matriarch of Zeres overruled the tribunal\u2019s findings and ordered the execution of all three. The Admiralty of Zeres was forced to oppose her; martial law was declared and the Serpentine Matriarch ordered Zeres\u2019 army to enforce her orders.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the ensuing battle, Meree Sailclaw disappeared, along with Lady Me\u2019na. Merul Sailclaw was apprehended. However, he did not live to face judgment. He expired in front of the [Soldiers] sent to capture him. With his dying breath, Merul claimed he had made a second pact with the Spider and ensured his family\u2019s safety.<\/em><\/p>\n

That Meree Sailclaw was brought to life was the subject of debate for decades. But the evidence is clear: to the confirmation of the Archmages of Wistram, multiple [Healers], and [Sage] Yinelt of the era, she was revived at great cost. <\/em><\/p>\n

Meree Sailclaw returned to Zeres once to lay a final proof to the bargain for her life. She returned to visit her father\u2019s grave sixty years since the inciting incident. The new Serpentine Matriarch ordered her executed, and it was carried out publically. The Stitch Witch\u2019s warrant is still extant.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

There was more. More cautionary tales. More words. Lasica sat there, not bothering to read more. Head blank. If she had not read that section. If she had closed the book a minute earlier, she would have been able to go on with her life.<\/p>\n

But now she was caught in the Spider\u2019s web. For all the [Historian] had tried, they had played into Belavierr\u2019s plans by recording\u2026history. Fact.<\/p>\n

Now it was there. Lasica searched. She found, of course, all the other entries. It was far, far rarer. But she had done it more than once. It was no fluke.<\/p>\n

She was shaking. The [Chef] felt it, now. A second wound, torn open. She had moved past it. Yet the hand dragged her back. Right to that night. Right back to hope and despair.<\/p>\n

The book lay in front of her, enchanted pages resisting the tears. It had to be enchanted to survive so long. To faithfully tell those who wanted to know the truth.<\/p>\n

Slowly, a hand closed the book. It replaced it on the shelf. Lasica stared at the table. The dark blue cloth. She looked up.<\/p>\n

Belavierr stood in front of her. Her vast hat left her face in shadows. But her eyes\u2014the orange and dark rings caught Lasica\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

The Stitch Witch looked down. And then she did smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>I was revising 8.11 E. So this chapter was written after revising over two days. It is not long. But it has something.<\/p>\n

Interlude \u2013 The [Rower] and the [Bartender] I think I\u2019ll call it, rather than 8.13 since it\u2019s not a full chapter. The full chapter will be on Tuesday, and I\u2019ll release the revised 8.11 E as well. If you\u2019ve been waiting, I apologize, but the revision has been good. I think I spent 6 hours revising and it was taxing.<\/p>\n

But I noticed some of my problems, like starting sentences with \u2018but\u2019 and using \u2018and\u2019 too much too. I\u2019m working on it. For now, I hope you enjoy the revised chapter when it comes out. This chapter? I don\u2019t necessarily expect enjoyment. But the story continues.<\/p>\n

If you wanted more, you should have voted for either. Now\u2026you still get it, so if you didn\u2019t want that, it\u2019s coming when you least expect it. Like Belavierr. Thanks for reading. Look forwards to Tuesday.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meetings, Erin’s Speech, Pawn, and Blues Ants by flingering!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"LuanMeeting <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"ErinSpeech <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Pawn <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"BluesAnts <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vigil by kapilkk!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Faces of Klbkch, Mrsha, and Flowers by Jennannkane!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Klbkch <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Mrsha <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Flower <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Trigger Warning. Click here for details.)   \u201cYou should have taken my hand.\u201d He heard it again. Again, and again as he fell. Sinking into the depths. Something denser, deeper, darker than the waters engulfing him. Things in the murk, tugging at him. Whispering. On the Summer Solstice, Luan Khumalo met a stranger. He was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693088,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693137],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-10259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-8","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nInterlude - The [Rower] and the [Bartender] - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2021\/03\/14\/interlude-the-rower-and-the-bartender\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interlude - The [Rower] and the [Bartender]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(Trigger Warning. 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