At some point, Erin slept. At some point, Erin woke up. These were minor details. What mattered was the sound.<\/p>\n
Knock. Knock<\/em>.<\/p>\n She tried hard to ignore it. But it kept going and going, waking her up from her peaceful oblivion.<\/p>\n After a while, the knocking was too much to ignore. Erin opened her eyes and sat up. It was far too bright in the world. And noisy.<\/p>\n Someone was knocking at the front door. The locked<\/em> front door. Erin thought about going back to sleep, but the knocking hadn\u2019t ceased for the last few minutes. It was the kind of knocking that said the person on the other side knew there was someone to bother, and they would develop the cadence and volume to be annoying if they did this for an hour straight. So, at last, Erin reluctantly got up and opened the door.<\/p>\n She greeted the knocker with the world\u2019s hugest scowl, like she would her mother waking her up early after a late-night study session.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces the friendly mage gave her a brilliant smile.<\/p>\n \u201cGreetings, good Mistress. I was wondering if I could impose upon you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shut the door. After a few seconds, she opened it.<\/p>\n \u201cFewer words. Get to the point.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] looked haughty\u2014but then caught himself as an audible little growl escaped his stomach. He coughed delicately into one sleeve.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Very well. Are you open today?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] actually turned around blankly.<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou. This establishment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces blinked a few times. He spoke very carefully, pointing at the ground and enunciating each word clearly.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this place open? Do you provide sustenan\u2014food? I pay, I eat?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin finally caught on and glared blearily at him. She thrust the door open further.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s early. Yes, I guess I am open. Come in.\u201d<\/p>\n She stomped inside. After a moment, Pisces followed.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to peruse your menu if I m\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s glower cut him off. She came back with four blue fruits and tossed them on the table. Pisces stared at the fruit and opened his mouth. He looked at Erin\u2019s expression and amended whatever he was going to say.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I might trouble you for a knife and fork\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She slapped them down on the table and walked away.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAnd a plate?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s service came with a huge frown. But he did get the plate. She would have liked to go back to sleep, but the sounds of Pisces shifting and the clink<\/em> of silverware on pottery was too distracting. Instead, she got her own blue fruit and started a fire to warm up her pasta. She munched on the sweet fruit in dour silence.<\/p>\n Outside, it began to rain.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rain. Rain fell down from the heavens like hail. Well, actually it fell like rain, but these were bigger drops that fell a lot faster and harder than normal. The hammering of rain against the rooftop was nearly deafening.<\/p>\n Nearly. Behind her, Pisces set down his knife and fork and sighed loudly. Erin wished he weren\u2019t here. It wasn\u2019t that she disliked company; she was starved for it. She just wished her company wasn\u2019t him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of rain.\u201d<\/p>\n She was talking to herself, but he seemed to take it as an invitation to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cIt happens quite often. A natural weather phenomenon, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin turned and glared at Pisces. He raised both eyebrows and held up his cup.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother drink if you would. My cup has run dry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you find\u2014stay out of my kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would be only too happy to. But I fear I was quite parched, and if you would be so good\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s eye twitched. But she went and got a cup for herself as well. She didn\u2019t pour his drink, but rather set the pitcher of juice on the other end of the table so he had to reach for it. She glanced out the window and saw, well, nothing.<\/p>\n Even the darn mountains had been obscured by the kind of rainfall that made you hope your gutters were clear back home. Erin could barely see ten feet into the downpour. She shivered; that kind of onslaught was one thing in her home or indoors, but this inn felt a bit too\u2014fragile. Pisces, for himself, seemed quite glad he was here, not anywhere else. Erin turned to him and gestured outside.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes it rain like this a lot?\u201d<\/p>\n He took his time replying, and when he did, his voice was distinctly self-satisfied, lecturing. Almost like a pompous college professor\u2014not that Erin had ever gone to any classes, just been accepted.<\/p>\n \u201cSeldom. It is a seasonal weather pattern to rain like this in the spring. Fall downpours like these are an aberration. Normally, I would not hazard a guess at how long the rain would fall, but someone has been interfering with the weather. So we\u2019ll have a brief storm, that\u2019s all. Hardly anything as memorable as magical rain.\u201d<\/p>\n That statement was loaded. Erin took the bait because she had to.<\/p>\n \u201cInterfering with the weather? How? And what do you mean\u2014magical<\/em> rain? Like what?\u201d<\/p>\n He smirked at her. She noted with displeasure that he was already on his second cup of blue juice.<\/p>\n \u201cWith magic, how else? Some shortsighted fool must have cast a localized weather control spell. Impressive, I suppose, but clumsy in execution. As for magical rain\u2014have you never observed glowing rain in any color? Magical typhoons? Ah\u2026raining toads?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glanced back at the furious downpour\u2014it did indeed seem to be lessening already.<\/p>\n \u201cRaining toads?<\/em> Doesn\u2019t that only happen when a tornado picks them up?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Pisces hesitated. Erin turned back just in time to see his look of surprise covered by an attempt at banal amusement. He made a show of taking a sip from his cup.<\/p>\n \u201cAhem. Of course, that is how the phenomenon actually occurs. But the impetus is largely magical\u2026I see you know your way around some natural events. This particular storm will not be raining any creatures, however. It truly was someone simply sending unwanted rain our way. It may be a scandal, although given how the Drake cities squabble\u2014I detected it from the south. Perhaps as far as Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had no idea what Pallass was, but other cities of Drakes? She leaned too-casually on the table, now giving Pisces her full attention.<\/p>\n \u201cWow, that\u2019s far, right? Wouldn\u2019t you have to be a pretty powerful sorcerer to do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe term is mage, good Mistress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe name is Erin, idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n He smirked, already cocky again.<\/p>\n \u201cAha. Accept my apologies. But if you are referring to one of my exalted brethren, mage is the best term to use.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at him. He didn\u2019t appear abashed in any way.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have wizards or sorcerers or\u2026warlocks? Witches? You\u2019re all just mages?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces flicked his fingers haughtily, then decided to wipe them on his robes instead.<\/p>\n \u201cI did not say specialization is absent from the magical world. Rather, shall we say that those are titles for mages who meet certain requirements? A [Wizard] is an arcane researcher and true student of the arcane arts. Such individuals are similar to myself, but prefer to study the mainstream branches of magic. [Sorcerers], on the other hand, are quite simplistic and refer to those who use no spellbooks and have little formal education. [Warlocks] obtain their powers from other sources such as summoning, while [Witches] practice alchemy along with specialized schools of magic. Their\u2026very peculiar<\/em> magic, which is so rooted in folklore. Nevertheless, [Mage] remains the generally accepted title to refer to all those who practice magic as a catchall moniker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off. Erin was staring at him. Pisces gave her a confident smirk. She raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. So you\u2019re saying [Mage] means anyone who uses magic. Next time, just say that.\u201d<\/p>\n His face visibly fell. Pisces moodily stabbed at a piece of blue fruit.<\/p>\n \u201cYou asked. I was merely fulfilling my role as a guest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. For you. So what, a\u2014mage did this?\u201d<\/p>\n He shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And it\u2019s not as if this is a particularly difficult task. I realize it may look so to the uninitiated, but a spell like this could easily be cast by a level 30 [Mage]. Less, I suppose, if the individual were specialized.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs I said, not that impressive. Many mages could cast a spell like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces paused. He chewed slowly, looking past Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cMy specialization lies in other areas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike dead bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man\u2019s jaw tensed ever-so-slightly. Erin saw his thin frame\u2014and he was thin and hungry, judging by how fast he\u2019d eaten her blue fruits\u2014shift in his chair. Pisces glanced at the door and avoided Erin\u2019s gaze and drained his cup.<\/p>\n \u201cMerely another branch of magic, good Mistress Erin. I note you don\u2019t have the same aversion as a less-informed fool. Let me assure you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at him. She opened her mouth, but then the door slammed open. Both Erin and Pisces turned as a wet, dark figure sauntered into the inn and threw his arms wide.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning everyone! Weird Ant behind me, friendly Human, and\u2014oh.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc strode into the inn, beaming, then visibly did a double-take when he saw Pisces. The [Necromancer] jerked in his seat, then froze. Klbkch closed the door and bowed slightly at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease pardon our intrusion. Is this establishment open for business?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh. Yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin scrambled for words. Relc was still staring at Pisces, who studiously ignored him as he refilled his cup. She smiled at Relc, glancing at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, you two! Klb\u2014Klbk? It\u2019s been a while. I guess. But come in. Or come in more. Have a seat. Want something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you would be so kind. Thank you, Miss Erin. It is Klbkch<\/em>, but you may refer to me as Senior Guardsman if that is simpler.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch wiped his feet and stepped over to a table. Relc was still staring. He frowned at Pisces then jabbed a claw his way before eying Erin suspiciously.<\/p>\n \u201cYou multiplied. Can Humans do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh no, that\u2019s just Pisces. He\u2019s annoying, so ignore him.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved Relc over to a seat as she went to the kitchen for plates. Relc kept staring until Klbkch kicked him and motioned him to a seat.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe staring is considered rude in most cultures. Sit down and cease your rudeness.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc glared and sat, rubbing his leg. Klbkch turned and nodded to Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease excuse my companion\u2019s lack of tact.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces waved his fork airily, but Erin, poking her head out of the kitchen, realized the young man was no longer smiling. He had pushed his chair back from the table, and he kept glancing her way. It didn\u2019t stop his mouth from running, though.<\/p>\n \u201cI paid no attention. The plebian masses are a burden to be endured; I bear no ill will to the misinformed or ignorant for their rudeness.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch and Relc exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. It has been nice to make your acquaintance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHumans.<\/em> They\u2019re so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin reemerged from the kitchen, trying to hold a pot of hot noodles and several plates with only two hands. She interrupted the two.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you guys want pasta or blue fruit?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc broke off, coughing.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Eh. Um, what I meant was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch raised one hand politely as he kicked Relc subtly again.<\/p>\n \u201cI would be delighted to try the blue fruit. I believe my tongue-tied partner would like some as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Food. I\u2019ll have some.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces waved his fork again.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me. A second plate and a refill of my drink, if you would.\u201d<\/p>\n There was something so presumptuous about his tone that Erin scowled. She slowly walked into the kitchen, put the pot back down, and then came out. She jabbed a thumb over her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want pasta? It\u2019s in the kitchen. Get it yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 outraged sniff<\/em> at the discrepancy in service was ignored. Turning her back on him, Erin smiled at Relc and Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, um, hi again. It\u2019s been a while. Klb\u2026Klbkch and\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded while Relc looked expectant.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Uh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRelc.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch murmured softly. Erin beamed desperately.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc! Right, right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? How come you remembered this idiot\u2019s name and not mine?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc looked aggrieved. Erin blushed.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake leaned over the table, frowning. He looked bigger today, or perhaps it was being able to contrast him with Pisces. Relc was over six feet tall without the long neck spines that ran from the back of his head like a thin mohawk. He was also, Erin realized, wearing all-leather armor, and today, he\u2019d leaned his spear against the table.\u00a0<\/p>\n He even had a shortsword at his side and a dagger and a belt with two glowing bottles and a few pouches.<\/p>\n Belt pouches seemed like a style in this world, because Pisces had them\u2014and so did Klbkch. Although\u2014Erin noticed now\u2014the Antinium had two swords <\/em>sheathed at his waist. And two daggers.<\/p>\n Wow, they were armed. <\/em>Was this the level of police in this world? Then again\u2014if that was the case, Erin supposed they were just regularly armed. But it might be why Pisces kept glancing at them. He had no weapons, she noted, just a stick at his side.<\/p>\n Wait, was that a wand? <\/em>Erin turned and stared at it, but Relc tapped the table, interrupting her train of thought.<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t I the better-looking one here? What gives?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin turned and gave him an embarrassed smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. It\u2019s just\u2014uh, you know. I\u2019ve got a bad memory.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026No. Sorry. It\u2019s just been a busy two days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked deflated. Erin tried to cheer him up.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc! I\u2019ve got the name, now. And I\u2019ve got more pasta. Well, it\u2019s old pasta, but it still tastes good! And more blue juice. And blue fruit! It\u2019s, uh, not poisonous if you only eat the outer bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh, pasta!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc perked up instantly. Erin went to fetch the pasta and placed two steaming plates in front of the two.<\/p>\n \u201cMy thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded at Erin, and both began eating. Around mouthfuls, Relc eyed Erin and then Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, how\u2019re you doing? Level up again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cActually, I did. Right after you two left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh, congratulations! Did you get a new skill?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Basic Crafting]. It helped me make a basket out of grass.\u201d<\/p>\n He chuckled knowingly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s quite useful! Most craftsman and artisan classes get that early on. I guess [Innkeepers] are sorta like that, right? Got to take care of the inn, repair windows, fix tables, and all that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess. I haven\u2019t ever tried that, and besides, I don\u2019t have a hammer. Actually, I\u2019ve never swung a hammer in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you\u2019ve got the Skill for it, so it\u2019ll be a breeze. And you can buy a hammer no problem. Just head down to the city, and you can get a good one for only a silver coin or two. Tell you what, if you\u2019re ever in the area, I\u2019ll help you get one at a discount.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? That\u2019s really generous. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled hesitatingly at Relc, who grinned back at her as he slurped down a noodle. Klbkch set down his fork and nodded at his companion.<\/p>\n \u201cNot entirely. I do believe my companion would earn a small fee for directing any business to his associates.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc glared at Klbkch. He tried to kick him, but the Antinium had scooted his chair back too far. They were both sitting fairly wide of the table, Erin realized. Oddly so.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. Do you have<\/em> to ruin everything I say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am merely pointing out the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026stop it.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had to smile as the two began bickering. However, she was the only one amused. Across the inn, Pisces drained his mug and plonked <\/em>it down on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we\u2019re done with the lovely chatting, my glass is empty. Isn\u2019t attending to one\u2019s customers part of my service?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glared. Relc glared too. Klbkch\u2014well, she still couldn\u2019t read the ant man\u2019s expression, but he definitely gave off a silent air of disapproval.<\/p>\n \u201cNice customer you\u2019ve got here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Hey\u2014shut up!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces raised his brows.<\/p>\n \u201cHow discourteous. I believe I shall bring my business elsewhere next time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want it anyways. Besides, you tried to rob me last time. You\u2019re here on sufferance because I feel bad for you.\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed and rolled his eyes heavenward. Erin sniffed and debated whether she should refill his glass anyways, but felt a sharp poke in her side. She screamed and jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t\u2014don\u2019t do<\/em> that!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin rubbed at where Relc\u2019s claw had poked her. He looked startled at her reaction and actually apologetic.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Again. But\u2026you said rob? As in, that guy over there tried to rob you?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s voice was a low hissing whisper as he glanced over at Pisces. He needn\u2019t have bothered, though. Pisces was still engrossed in his cup. Erin grinned maliciously and whispered back.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Last night, I was visited by a scary monster. But when I hit it with a pa\u2014pot, it turned out just to be him. So I got him to pay up for scaring me. That covers all the food he ate, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe fee was extorted under duress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up! You\u2019re lucky I didn\u2019t just toss you in the stream and let the fish eat you!\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch and Relc exchanged a glance. Relc gave the Antinium a slow nod, and Klbkch returned it. Relc turned a goggle-eyed gaze back to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd\u2026you let him come back for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s not like he\u2019s dangerous. Just annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you didn\u2019t think to report him to anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike who?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared blankly at Relc. He stared at her. Klbkch finished his plate of noodles and set down his fork. Then he stared at Erin too. She looked at the [Guardsmen] and slapped her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Oh.<\/em> I forgot. And besides, you weren\u2019t here yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cVery true. Our absence was most lamentable. But allow us to perform our duty now. Incidentally, Mistress Solstice, the pasta was delicious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it\u2019s great! Hold on.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc grabbed the fork and started shoveling the pasta in his mouth. He was able to cram nearly half the plate down his throat in one huge gulp and munched down the rest in seconds. Erin stared with fascinated horror and a tiny bit of envy as he gobbled.<\/p>\n That done, Relc exchanged a glance with Klbkch. Then he turned to Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, you!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked up with a scowl. He glared at Relc and made an irritable harrumph<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want something? I don\u2019t do magic upon request. If you seek a certain spell, I would be happy to discuss my remunerations\u2026later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc grinned in his seat. He shifted, exposing one huge bicep, as he moved his right arm towards his spear. Erin felt a prickle run down her spine. Wait. What was\u2026was what she thought about to happen? No way. No\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cHow about you do the magic spell where you turn into a monster? I\u2019d love<\/em> to see that. Or better yet, do you have a spell to get out of trouble? Because you\u2019re going to need one now.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 face went blank. His eyes flicked to Erin and then back to Relc and Klbkch. Erin saw his jaw tense, and then he smiled at her. A glassy, empty smile. She felt a pang in her chest, and she didn\u2019t know why. Only that the slightly supercilious look in his gaze had turned to something blankly hostile. No\u2026resigned? As if he had expected\u2026<\/p>\n The young man made a show of standing up, dusting off his robes.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. I see the good [Innkeeper] holds a grudge. Well, I\u2019m not sure what she told you two, but I assure you, I have compensated her more than adequately for my\u2026mistake. It\u2019s nothing two soldiers need concern themselves with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, but it is, it is! And you\u2019re wrong, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout what?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc exchanged a glance with Klbkch. He grinned. Or rather, his mouth opened and he showed Pisces his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re no soldiers. We\u2019re [Guardsmen]. And we\u2019ve been looking for the bastard who\u2019s been robbing homes with illusion spells.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n For a second, Pisces was very still. Then, with a surprising burst of speed, he sprinted for the door. Erin saw his legs move\u2014then he flickered<\/em> forwards.<\/p>\n It was like he teleported! One second he was there, the next, five feet away, lunging for the doorknob! But he stumbled, nearly falling over himself, arms flailing. He would have still gotten out except for how fast the two [Guards] reacted.<\/p>\n Relc kicked himself back from the table as his right arm snatched the spear. That was why he had been sitting so far back\u2014he whirled the spear up and threw<\/em> it in one motion. Erin was only aware of a blur of movement and the whoosh<\/em> of air past her face. She screamed, and his spear blew past her ear, but it didn\u2019t strike Pisces. The spear flew between his legs as he tried to grab the doorknob and tripped him up. He sprawled to the ground as Relc pushed his chair back.\u00a0<\/p>\n Klbkch was already on his feet. Like Relc, he\u2019d given himself plenty of space. He didn\u2019t draw his swords, just strode over to Pisces and put one arm in a lock. Another of Klbkch\u2019s arms held Pisces\u2019 head down.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not move. You are under arrest for intimidation and attempted theft. Remain still. Any sudden moves will result in bodily harm.\u201d<\/p>\n With one arm, Klbkch dragged Pisces up. The mage didn\u2019t struggle as Klbkch deposited him back in his chair. Relc grinned at Erin as he picked up his spear. Pisces was panting, looking from Klbkch to Relc with clear unease.<\/p>\n \u201cGood throw, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n She tried to answer and croaked.<\/p>\n \u201cY-yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s eyes widened slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cOops. Sorry, did I scare you? I forgot normal people aren\u2019t used to that. Don\u2019t worry\u2014I never miss when I throw.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin kept looking at Pisces. His eyes darted around the room, but Klbkch was standing right over him. She nodded slowly\u2014what were they going to do with\u2026?<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure. I\u2019m sure. And I\u2019m not scared. Just\u2014surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, good.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc patted Erin gently on the back. She nearly fell out of her chair but caught herself on the table. He didn\u2019t notice. Relc sauntered over to Pisces and grinned down at him.<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha. Tried to run from me, did you? No one ever gets away.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked over at his companion.<\/p>\n \u201cKlbkch, got anything to tie him up with?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cAlas, I did not anticipate an arrest, and my gear is signed out at the barracks. I am without manacles or spell-bind rope. We shall have to be attentive with its lack. Unless Miss Solstice has anything to bind him with?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch looked at Erin. She spread her hands. So there was a prison? In the city she\u2019d never been to?<\/p>\n \u201cUh, no. No, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA pity. But we shall do without.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed you will. This is an affront!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces tried to push Klbkch away. His face was pale and sweaty, but he still maintained his haughty tone, if slightly strained.<\/p>\n \u201cI am completely innocent\u2014utterly so. These baseless accusations are false and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are lying.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch said it flatly and without a hint of doubt.<\/p>\n \u201c[Detect Guilt] is a basic Skill most [Guardsmen] get. I can sense your guilt, which is enough for me to justify this arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlus, we already know all about you and your crimes.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc folded his arms and grinned even wider. His teeth were yellow, and very, very sharp.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been looking for you, Mister Mage. Or should I say, the scary creature that threatens travellers and people living by themselves? You\u2019ve been stealing food and money for nearly a month. There\u2019s even a bounty on your head, which I\u2019d love to collect.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Pisces, who\u2019d turned a paler shade of white, but Relc wasn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Here\u2019s what I\u2019m thinking. Me and my friend here will drag you out back, beat you with sticks or rocks for a while, and then drag you back to the city for a reward. Then we\u2019ll give half to our lovely innkeeper here. Sound good?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 smile was strained by now, and he shifted, but Klbkch was leaning on his shoulder, pressing him down in his seat.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cActually, I would prefer\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo bad!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc cracked his knuckles. Erin, who had been staring in fascination and horror, raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Isn\u2019t that wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWrong? Why would it be wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin searched for words as Relc stared at her blankly.<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t there rules? Like, rules against police\u2014guardsmen hurting people once they\u2019re caught? Like\u2026like no beating someone once they\u2019re on the ground?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc stared at her. He turned to Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we have rules like that?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch let go of Pisces to scratch at his head. He stepped back, but kept one hand on the hilt of his swords as he talked, keeping Pisces well within range.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that may be a Human standard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, good. I got worried there for a second.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we wouldn\u2019t want to ruin the enjoyment of mindless thugs like yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sneered at Relc. He seemed incapable of keeping his mouth shut even when it was for his own good. Relc made a fist, and he flinched.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, hold on. We don\u2019t need to beat up Pisces. Like I said, he only tried<\/em> to rob me. And I already hit him with a pot. What\u2019s this about beating him up?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grabbed Relc\u2019s arm. It was instinctive, but once she touched his scales, she nearly jumped away. His skin, or rather, scales, were surprisingly cool and easy to grip. But it felt so alien to Erin that she was quite unnerved. It made everything seem frighteningly real.<\/p>\n Relc glanced at Erin and peeled her off gently. He was so strong that he broke her grip effortlessly with just two of his fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, miss. We\u2019ll do the punching outside where you don\u2019t have to see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr\u2014or<\/em> you could not. Isn\u2019t that what nice guardsmen do? You could just arrest him and skip the punching, right?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake nodded with a blank, uncomprehending, cheerful look on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but he called me a common thug. I want to punch him for that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014he\u2019s a jerk. But I mean, you\u2019re a guardsman. Insults like that are ten a penny.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTen a what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe she is saying insults to our position are quite common.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch clarified. He looked at Erin, who shrugged awkwardly and gave him a sheepish smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc seemed slightly hurt. He looked at Erin with his eyes narrowed slightly. But rather than angry, that somehow made his face look sad.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one insults me regularly. Except Watch Captain Z and Klb, come to think of it. People like me. Everyone likes us. We\u2019ve got a special job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut one you sign up for, right? I mean, sure, it\u2019s a great job, but\u2014it\u2019s just a job, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin faltered. Relc was staring at her in disbelief. His tone rose in indignation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not just<\/em> a job. It\u2019s a highly prestigious job! Not just anyone can be part of the city guard, let alone a Senior Guard.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I thought you just\u2026signed up.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc scoffed. He turned to Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cSigned up? Can you believe this? Humans.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch was unimpressed. He carefully munched piece after piece of blue fruit.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps if you explained our function more properly there would be no need for outrage. Clearly, the nature of guardspeople differs culturally. I thought Humans did it quite similarly in the north, but\u2026elaborate, Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, well. It\u2019s still not\u2014okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin crossed her arms. Pisces sneered and took another swallow of juice from the table. He began mumbling to himself, but Erin, Relc, and Klbkch ignored him.<\/p>\n Relc sighed. He scratched the spines at the top of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, I\u2019m not sure what Humans do, but in our city, the city watch isn\u2019t like mercenaries or personal bodyguards. We don\u2019t just sign up. We have to be voted in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally. See, we\u2019ve gotta get at least fifty ordinary citizens to vouch for us before we\u2019re sworn in. And to become Senior Guardsmen like us, you\u2019ve got to get at least four hundred. Impressive, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc grinned and pulled something out of the belt at his waist. He showed Erin a crimson badge edged with gold and striped twice with purple. It was shiny. It had the logo of a city, well, a stylized city, over\u2026Erin squinted. Was that water? Little wavy lines. It was quite beautiful, and she had to guess it was costly.<\/p>\n \u201cNice. So that\u2019s your official badge?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake polished it on his front as he placed it back in his belt pouch.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. We\u2019ve got to keep it on us at all times. Some guys wear it on their chests, but it can get ripped off. Besides\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He tapped his scaly arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t stick so well on scales. Anyways, we\u2019ve gotta pay a fine if we lose it, so why risk it, right? I only need it when I want to prove who I am or pull rank, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFascinating. But it\u2019s still the elevated status of a common enforcer when all is said and done, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sneered at Relc. He seemed full of confidence all of a sudden. Relc glared, making another fist the size of a brick.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re still under arrest. I can hit you. It\u2019s only because I\u2019m being considerate of Miss Solstice here that I don\u2019t. But I will. If you don\u2019t shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n Eyebrows raised, Pisces drew a finger across his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cPardon me. I would not dare to interrupt such august personages such as yourself. Please, proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed, and Klbkch made a sound that sounded quite similar. Relc, on the other hand, just scratched his head.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Good. Anyways, we\u2019re the ones with weapons, and you\u2019re just a [Mage]. Not a high-level one either or you\u2019d be teleporting away.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOr destroying us in a number of ways. The lack of lightning falling from the sky or [Fireballs] confirms this.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin, suddenly quite nervous, edged behind a table. Her wooden<\/em> table and the wooden<\/em> inn.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure about that? Really <\/em>sure, I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc grinned at her. It was a grin with entirely too many teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Miss. He\u2019s no threat or we\u2019d have taken him out when we first realized who he was. He looked more dangerous than he turned out to be. You see, both of us can tell if we\u2019re in danger or the enemy is strong. This idiot couldn\u2019t even use [Flash Step] properly!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] turned beet red, but Erin was fascinated.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do that? Like\u2014sensing each other\u2019s power levels? Really?<\/em> How?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s mouth opened, and he eyed Klbkch, who scratched at his antennae. However, Pisces interrupted with a huge sneer of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cA keen observer would discern his opponent\u2019s weaknesses and strengths and make assumptions based on their actions and ability. These two, on the other hand, are just using a Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc eyed him. So did Klbkch, but it was more subtle. The Drake shrugged, unperturbed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s right. We do have Skills. They\u2019re part of our classes, although in my case I\u2019ve got [Dangersense]. But I\u2019m also a former soldier. And Klb? He\u2019s the Slayer. <\/em>We can tell you\u2019re not hot stuff, Human.\u201d<\/p>\n Slayer? Erin glanced at Klbkch, and the Antinium\u2019s mandibles lowered and came together as he stared at Relc. The Drake lifted a claw, wincing apologetically. What did that mean? He hurried on; if anyone reacted, it was Pisces, who turned dead white as he stared up at Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cMy scales aren\u2019t itching, so your Human friend here isn\u2019t that good at magic. They always itch when I\u2019m in danger. That\u2019s not a Skill, either. But your friend can\u2019t even trigger my [Dangersense]. Not even a little ring.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin held up her hands, hesitating between Pisces and Klbkch. Slayer.<\/em> Did that mean he slew\u2026?<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not my<\/em> friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s Human.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake said that like it meant everything.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin struggled for a response. Meanwhile, Pisces\u2019 sneer deepened, and he curled his lip, oblivious to the danger.<\/p>\n \u201cSpoken like a truly ignorant fool. What would you know of magical mastery? My powers may not lie in mere confrontation, but I assure you, I have more power in my fingernails than you have in your entire brutish body.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc stepped forwards, fist raised.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, that\u2019s it<\/em>. Close your eyes, Miss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n For one moment, Erin wasn\u2019t sure if she wanted to get between Relc and Pisces or duck out of the way. Klbkch made the decision for her. He grabbed Relc, and pulled him back. Not easily; but there was more strength in those wiry ant arms than Erin would have guessed.<\/p>\n \u201cRelax. I would prefer not to damage this establishment. Nor would the owner or even you, I suspect.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc hesitated. He looked at Erin, who decided to add her support of denial.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, let\u2019s calm down before someone gets hurt. Like me.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grabbed the jug of blue juice and began filling cups. Relc accepted a glass, drained it, and then sipped at the refill.<\/p>\n Erin went to fill Pisces\u2019 glass, but he shielded it with one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014no need, good Mistress Solstice. I am quite satisfied at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was still glaring daggers at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cPeh. You should drink. It\u2019ll be the last tasty thing you eat for a long time. Actually, what am I saying? This stuff\u2019s way too good for you. Just remember what you\u2019re missing when we lock you away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin eyed Pisces. He was still sneering, and she wasn\u2019t sure why. If she was any guess, Relc was two seconds away from turning his face into raw beef.<\/p>\n Relc scowled. He closed his hand, and Erin watched his entire arm ripple. <\/em>She\u2019d seen ripped guys before, of course, which wasn\u2019t that impressive, but this\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cLast I checked, you were within arm\u2019s reach. That means your fancy spells aren\u2019t going to do a thing before I hit you hard enough to make your brains pop out. Trust me. I\u2019ve done it before.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Pisces didn\u2019t seem affected by Relc\u2019s threat. At least visibly.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a powerful [Mage] far beyond your capabilities. Even if your paltry Skills cannot detect my\u2014capabilities\u2014you would do well to be wary of my hidden\u2026capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n He seemed to have forgotten synonyms for \u2018capability\u2019, like potential, talent, ability, and so on. Erin had the unfortunate desire to laugh. But Klbkch didn\u2019t twitch.<\/p>\n The Antinium moved his head slightly. His expression didn\u2019t change, but then, there wasn\u2019t much to change. He lowered one of his four hands to his side, and Erin saw the hand rest casually on the pommel of his dagger. More sweat beaded on Erin\u2019s lower back.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces drew himself up in his chair slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI have studied countless schools of magic. You see before you a practitioner of the elements, a weaver of illusions, a refined chanter, a master of alchemy, pyromancy, aeromancy, geomancy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd necromancy.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin helpfully chimed in. Pisces choked on his next words. He glared at her. She shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You told me yesterday. Oh, and were you the one who stole the skeleton upstairs? I just realized that was probably you.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces lost his sneer and now looked uneasy. Relc, on the other hand, grinned again.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well. Theft of a corpse and reanimation, no doubt. That\u2019s another big mark on the list of charges. But necromancy, well, that also means we don\u2019t have to bring you back alive anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin opened her mouth, and Relc waved a hand. He looked exasperated as he glanced her way.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes. But we\u2019ll just hit you and drag you back so Miss Erin doesn\u2019t see anything nasty. But you\u2019re in serious trouble now, Mister [Necromancer].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, really?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sat back in his chair. He was still pale, but he looked far more confident than he had any right to be.<\/p>\n \u201cRegardless if you know my identity or not, I still believe you will find capturing me no easy task.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc blinked. He scratched the spines on his head and then shook his head gently.<\/p>\n \u201cHumans. You\u2019re so arrogant and crazy. It\u2019s almost funny. If you\u2019re so full of powerful magic, dodge this.\u201d<\/p>\n He swung his spear forward, the butt of the spear first. Erin shouted and tried to grab the spear, too slowly. But where the spear should have cracked Pisces over the head, Relc\u2019s swing met nothing but air. Pisces was suddenly gone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Relc blinked. Erin gaped. Klbkch instantly swung his swords in an arc, slashing the air around the chair. But he touched nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cGone.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc swiped the air where Pisces had been with his spear and growled deep in his throat. Erin stared.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not invisible? He did that once.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc shook his head angrily.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019d be able to sense if he were within a few feet of me. This was an illusion spell. A damn clever one, too. He pretended he was here and walked off while we were busy chatting. Most idiot spellcasters aren\u2019t that stealthy or\u2026when did he creep off? Klb, it was when you let go of him! I didn\u2019t even see the chair move\u2014damn, the chair\u2019s an illusion too! Normally I can hear idiots skulking around even on the battlefield! This bastard tricked me! Me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He kicked a foot of the chair, and Erin gasped<\/em> as the chair vanished and reappeared, further back. Klbkch looked to the door.<\/p>\n \u201cI am unsure of when he left. He may have escaped only a few minutes ago. We may still catch him if we hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, right.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc cursed and swung his spear angrily. It made a terrific whooshing <\/em>sound as it cut the air. Erin held her breath, afraid he\u2019d let go and accidently cut her.<\/p>\n Klbkch turned and bowed his head to her.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for informing us of his class, Mistress Erin. Although he posed no threat to either Relc or I, he is far more dangerous than we had believed. I did not notice the illusion spell. I have grown inattentive, lax. Relc as well, but this is a critical failing on my part.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake glared as Erin hesitated, looking at where Pisces had been sitting.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I thought\u2014he didn\u2019t seem dangerous. I mean, I hit him with a pot, and that knocked him out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, he\u2019s probably as dangerous as a frog in a fight. That\u2019s not the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought he was just an illusionist. That\u2019s annoying, but really all he can do is scare folks into giving him things. But a necromancer\u2019s worse. Far worse. We could let him go if he was just a normal [Mage], but we\u2019ve got<\/em> to find him now, and he knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc muttered to himself. He was still looking around, and his tongue was flicking out of his mouth, as if tasting the air. It was the first time he\u2019d really reminded Erin of a lizard from her world.<\/p>\n \u201cA rogue [Necromancer] on the loose does nasty things. Even a low-level one can bring down villages if you give him enough dead bodies, and they level fast<\/em> when that happens. Damn, I\u2019m not going to be the one who let the next Az\u2019kerash get away, Klb. We\u2019re gonna have to hunt this guy down. If we can\u2019t catch him today, I\u2019ll have the Captain send out multiple patrols once we get back to the city. Erin, we have to go, but I think you\u2019re safe if that guy didn\u2019t do anything last time.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded. Then she hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. Does\u2026that mean you\u2019ll be back soon?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cLess than an hour, but we won\u2019t be able to stay. Sorry. I\u2019ll try to get the patrol out faster, but you know how it is. We\u2019ve got to shift around guardsmen on patrol, set trackers, get armed up, etc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Okay. But, uh, does that mean\u2014how long does it take to get back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should be able to cover the distance in approximately ten minutes if we run.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019ve gotta go. Why? Are you worried he\u2019ll attack you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not that. It\u2019s just\u2014the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe city? What about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, where is it? Is it that teensy<\/em> little wall of stone in the distance?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc and Klbkch stared at her silently and then exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026You mean, you don\u2019t know? By the way, things look smaller in the distance, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that! I just don\u2019t know what I\u2019m seeing! Should I? It\u2019s not like there\u2019s a sign or anything around here. And I can\u2019t see it at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc looked amused.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be snippy. But it\u2019s easy to spot. Look, you can even see it out the window here.\u201d<\/p>\n He walked over to a window and pointed. Erin squinted. Now that he mentioned it, the viewpoint here did<\/em> let her pick out that same landmark. It was just that she needed to look hard to spot the edge rising over a hill.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Is it that grey stuff there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, yeah. Isn\u2019t it obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s really not. It could be a rock. A square rock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not<\/em> a rock. Why are you having a hard time believing me? Can\u2019t you see the buildings?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I can\u2019t<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not believe she can, in point of fact.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc and Erin turned to look at Klbkch. He studied her and then brought his face close to hers. Erin flinched as he did.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not be alarmed. I mean you no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry\u2014sorry. It\u2019s just the pincers. And the eyes. It\u2019s just\u2014sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t mind Klbkch. He\u2019s ugly even for an ant. But you really can\u2019t see the city from here?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded. He seemed focused on Erin\u2019s own eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe Humans have more limited eyesight than you or I.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? That\u2019s stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc huffed to himself. He pointed out the window at the black dot.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, the city\u2019s that way. It\u2019s only a twenty-minute walk, and there aren\u2019t many monsters along the way. Besides, once you get within a few miles, the area is regularly patrolled, so you won\u2019t have any problems. And if those idiots at the gate stop you\u2014which they won\u2019t\u2014just tell them you know me.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOr me. However, you should encounter no problems. Only those with past records of crime are unwelcome in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd speaking of which\u2026we\u2019ve gotta go. It\u2019s my day off, but we\u2019ll report that annoying Human maggot-mage back at the barracks. If we move fast, we might get him before he runs too far.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was on his feet. He moved so quickly that Erin was left gaping. One second he was sitting down, the next he was at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Klbkch, coming?\u201d<\/p>\n And then Klbkch was there too. If Erin hadn\u2019t seen the black blur that swept past her and felt the rush of air, she would have sworn he\u2019d teleported.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. It is unfortunate we must leave so soon. Our apologies, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell then.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded to her. Relc waved and was out the door in a flash. Erin was left sitting with a table full of dirty plates and a state of mild shock.<\/p>\n She had just picked up the first plate when the door slammed back open. She jumped, but Relc waved at her.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, sorry we forgot to pay. We\u2019re in a hurry so\u2014put it on our tab!\u201d<\/p>\n The door closed. Erin stared at it hopefully, but it didn\u2019t open again.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026What tab?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At some point, Erin slept. At some point, Erin woke up. These were minor details. What mattered was the sound. Knock. Knock. She tried hard to ignore it. But it kept going and going, waking her up from her peaceful oblivion. After a while, the knocking was too much to ignore. Erin opened her eyes […]<\/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":[11693081,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693130],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-13476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-1","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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