Erin stood in front of the cupboard and sighed. Loudly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMen.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin paused and thought about that word.<\/p>\n \u201cMales.<\/em> They eat and eat and eat. And then I have to clean up the dishes. Typical.\u201d<\/p>\n True, she was an [Innkeeper]. Or at least, she kept an inn relatively clean. But that didn\u2019t make her feel better.<\/p>\n \u201cPantry? Pantry is empty. Food? Food is gone. And money\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced at the pile of coins on the kitchen counter. Gold, silver, copper and\u2026where had the gold come from?<\/p>\n Klbkch. He\u2019d put two down for his meal and Relc\u2019s, one each time he\u2019d come. Was that normal pricing? She guessed that if he was giving it to her, it was.<\/p>\n Erin dunked a plate in a bucket of water, the lye soap in her other hand. She used the dustrag to wipe at the plate, but then realized she needed a second bucket to clean everything off.\u00a0<\/p>\n She decided she\u2019d soap-wash the dishes, then she had to get another bucket from the stream\u2026but her reward was the lovely coins. And less food. Assuming she had more money coming in than she spent, this was ideal\u2014but she needed to spend it. That seemed to be the critical missing link in the way this business was working so far.<\/p>\n \u201cMoney is shiny. But, uh, inedible. And it\u2019s good to have money, but starvation is an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at the empty pantry. She had a tiny scraping of butter left, a mostly empty jar of flour\u2026starvation was a major issue.<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t there some more blue fruits around here? Here? No\u2026here? Yep. Nice and wrinkled. Lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n She could always get more blue fruits, of course. But there was a limit on how many those trees had left. And there was also a limit to how many Erin was willing to keep hauling back.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m out of ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n The flour was almost gone. The butter was all but gone. The salt\u2014okay, there was some salt left and some sugar too. But they were running low in their jars, and with the lovely preservation-spell-thing gone, they\u2019d probably turn rotten sometime soon.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I\u2019m in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo it would appear.\u201d<\/p>\n The second, droll voice was right in her ear. Erin was sure her heart stopped for a good few seconds. She turned around and looked at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I had a knife in my hand, I\u2019d stab you.\u201d<\/p>\n He smirked at her. It seemed to be his default mode of face. He stood up from where he had been crouching, invisible or concealed, in the corner of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, but what good innkeeper would deprive herself of such a magnificent guest?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin reached for a knife. Pisces lifted his hands instantly.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, please, good Mistress, let\u2019s not be hasty!\u201d<\/p>\n He took a few rapid steps back. Erin glared at him, but only let her hand rest on the counter. Pisces looked dusty. And dirty. And sweaty.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you come from? I didn\u2019t hear you come in through the door.\u201d<\/p>\n The sneer was cut with genuine nervousness, but Pisces gestured upstairs smugly.<\/p>\n \u201cI was, in fact, upstairs the entire time. Under a bed. It was the simplest solution given the intelligence of those two brutish guardsmen.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked. He had dust-bunnies all over his hair and robes, which, granted, didn\u2019t actually make him that much dirtier. She glanced towards the common room and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job, I guess. But they\u2019re still going to find you. You\u2019re a criminal, and you\u2019ve got nowhere to hide.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcept here.\u201d<\/p>\n He raised a hand before Erin could say anything.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, hear me out. Rest assured, I bear you no ill will for reporting my actions to the guard. I fully appreciate the severity of my crimes, however\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want something. What? To stay here? No. Nope. No way in hell.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces lifted his hands and put on what she supposed was his best smile. It made him no less desperate, but he spoke quickly and eloquently. A scholar? Erin supposed a [Mage] was probably scholarly.<\/p>\n \u201cI assure you I would be a quite convivial guest. And I wouldn\u2019t ask for much. In fact, you may be interested to know I am proficient in multiple schools of spellcasting. While necromancy is a\u2014passion of mine, I have extensively studied the elementalist, illusory, and enchanting schools of magic. My level is over twenty in the general [Mage] class. Even amongst my fellow students, you would be hard-pressed to find a spellcaster as widely capable as I am. I can aid in a number of functions that would improve your inn. And I have money.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin raised two eyebrows. One just wasn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re telling me all this\u2026why?\u201d<\/p>\n He licked his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cIn point of fact, I was wondering if I might persuade you to shelter and provide me with my basic necessities while in this moment of dire need. I can provide you with adequate recompense, I assure you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin snorted rudely.<\/p>\n \u201cRight, for how long? Days? Weeks? Months? And I get to feed you, make sure no one finds you, and clean up after you? Again: no. I\u2019m barely getting enough food for myself as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you turn away an innocent\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s finger nearly jabbed him in the chest as he stepped back. The young woman raised her voice as Pisces retreated out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cInnocent?<\/em> You? You\u2019re nothing more than a thug with a magic wand. Remember how we met? You tried to scare me into giving you food. And now you want protection because you\u2019re getting your just desserts? No. No, when I see Relc again, you\u2019d better be long gone from here. And if you don\u2019t leave now, I\u2019ll kick you out myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin finished her tirade and folded her arms under her breasts. But while Pisces had turned white as a sheet, he didn\u2019t look ashamed or afraid so much as\u2026<\/p>\n Angry.<\/p>\n He whispered a spell. Erin felt the air grow colder around her and suddenly saw shadows twisting around Pisces\u2019 hands. The darkness was gathering around him like a cloak. It was the same spell as before, or close enough.<\/p>\n Pisces took a step towards her.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a man in desperate straits. You would do well not to underestimate what I am capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s heart was racing. She took two steps back, and he followed.<\/p>\n \u201cAntagonizing one of my power is unwise. If you have any sense, you will accede to my request. Or know the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n Her mouth was dry, but she knew it was just an illusion. So Erin forced herself to reply with more bravado than she felt.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, what? If I don\u2019t decide to help you, will you hurt me? Bash my brains in? Or will you just rip my clothes off and try to rape me?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked shocked.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I wouldn\u2019t do that<\/em>. I\u2019m no barbarian\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s hand moved in a flash. Pisces looked down and gulped. A knife was poking into his stomach.<\/p>\n Her heart was racing. She could taste bile in her mouth. But her hand was very, very still. She wasn\u2019t sure of much in her life right now. Magic and monsters made her head spin. Yet some things were the same. And she had no intention of being the victim here, especially where no one could hear her scream.<\/p>\n Her knife had a gratifying effect on her mage guest. He licked his lips and raised his hands, turning a shade paler than normal.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, now. Let\u2019s not be hasty, good Mistress. I was merely saying\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMove and I will stab you.\u201d<\/p>\n It was no threat. It was a promise. And, to his credit, Pisces was intelligent enough to take it seriously.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Allow me to apologize. But if I might say a few words\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Out.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin advanced. Pisces had to step backwards or be knifed in slow motion. She forced him back into the common room and towards the door.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, please reconsider.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n His face was so desperate Erin paused a second.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy should I?<\/em> Give me one good reason, Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces stopped at the door. Erin jabbed at him with the knife, but he refused to move back any further. He raised his hands higher and spoke with increasing speed and panic.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I am caught, they will take me to the city. And there I will be judged and killed. This is a certainty, Mistress Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin eyed him uncertainly. Pisces was licking his lips, and he looked genuinely afraid. But she couldn\u2019t quite trust him after his threats. Posturing aside\u2014there was the way he was looking at her, too. He didn\u2019t really trust her, did he? Oh, no. And she didn\u2019t trust him. But the part about being executed? Erin frowned hard.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc never said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t want to tell you the truth! But he and I both know what happens to [Necromancers]. We\u2014any mage possessing even a single level in the class\u2014are all killed on sight in this part of the world! There\u2019s no mercy for my kind here. The legacy of the Necromancer of Terandria, Az\u2019kerash, lingers. Especially here, <\/em>where his armies once sieged Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014well too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s mouth was on autopilot. Pisces tried to step around her back into the kitchen, but she blocked him, forcing him to the door.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you\u2019re in danger, I\u2019m<\/em> in danger if I hide you. I\u2019m not doing that. Run away. Just run away now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey will have patrols out around the city. They will scour the grasslands for me. Please, if you were to hide me, I would be sure to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin pointed towards the door with one hand. He wavered, but made one last entreaty.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, I beg of you. Just one night. Just give me sanctuary, and I swear I will be gone upon the morrow. It is my death without your aid. Would you kill me? I ask you as a fellow Human. Please.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The knife in her hands wavered. Pisces seized the moment. He stepped forwards, hands outstretched beseechingly.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, spare my life. If you have any pity in your soul\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Thudthudthudthudthud.<\/em><\/p>\n Pounding footsteps. Both Humans turned and looked at the door. Pisces turned white, and Erin heard a roaring, familiar<\/em> voice.<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was quick. One second, Erin was pointing her finger at the door and glaring at Pisces. The next, something<\/em> kicked the door open, blew past her, and Pisces was gone. Two figures crashed<\/em> into a table and chairs. Erin\u2019s mouth dropped open.<\/p>\n \u201cThere you are!\u201d<\/p>\n The larger shape uttered a triumphant laugh as he swung Pisces around and slammed him into the floorboards. It was Relc. He came through the door and took Pisces down in a tackling charge faster than anyone<\/em> Erin had ever seen. Pisces didn\u2019t even make a sound until he hit the ground\u2014and then it was the sound of someone losing all the air in his body and perhaps having his lungs and ribs compressed.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch appeared at her side. Erin jumped, but the ant man placed a steadying\u2026hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease forgive my rudeness. Are you well? We doubled back and lingered, knowing the criminal may have only pretended to flee the area. Are you hurt or in need of assistance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you\u2014what\u2019s\u2014I\u2019m good. Good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is well. Then, please stand clear. We will be going about our business, and I would not wish you hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n That said, Klbkch gently guided Erin to one side. To her astonishment, the fight between Relc and Pisces wasn\u2019t over. The two were rolling around, knocking over tables and chairs as the Drake attempted to smash the Human into anything he could while the Human tried to avoid that fate.<\/p>\n Relc roared from the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cKlb!<\/em> Get over here and help! This guy\u2019s slipperier than he looks!\u201d<\/p>\n Klb nodded to Erin and dashed into the fight. She watched in stupefaction as the two tried to hold Pisces down. Oddly, it wasn\u2019t that easy. Despite the size advantage and muscle advantage, Pisces was still managing to fend off both. Erin wondered how, until she saw he had something in his hands.<\/p>\n The wand.<\/em> It was jetting electricity, as if it were an electric wire. Electricity, flames, which Relc jerked back from. He swung a fist, and Pisces vanished<\/em> again. This time, he slammed so hard into a table Erin winced as he tried to get up.<\/p>\n Pisces scrambled to his feet and leapt for the door, but Klbkch caught him by the foot and attempted to tie his hands together with a piece of string, which turned out to be his boot\u2019s shoelaces. Pisces shouted\u2026something,<\/em> and the leather burst into flames. Relc leapt on him and then blinked.<\/p>\n \u201c[Barrier of Air]!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces waved his wand, and the Drake smashed<\/em> into a shimmering whirlwind of air, bounced off, and landed on the ground. He ducked under the shimmering\u2026spell? Erin was transfixed, but then Klbkch took Pisces down with a leg-sweep. He didn\u2019t reach for his swords\u2014he dodged a shard of stone<\/em> that pierced the air next to his head, pinned Pisces\u2019 hand\u2014and then made a clicking<\/em> sound of exasperation as Relc knocked both him and Pisces over in a low charge.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pisces got back up, slashed the air with his wand, and both Klbkch and Relc ducked a glowing blade, throwing themselves flat as Pisces backpedaled.<\/p>\n It was a fast and dirty fight that had one or all three of the fighters rolling on the ground at all times. But Erin had only half an eye for that. The other eye was watching all of the furniture in her inn get smashed as they fought.<\/p>\n \u201cStop moving! Hey!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDesist your actions or\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 fingers sparked. A small explosion of lightning blasted Klbkch into a wall as Relc ducked. Erin ducked too. From behind her table, she could see Klbkch twitching and making a distressed buzzing<\/em> sound. Then the Antinium drew his swords. Relc roared.<\/p>\n \u201cYou squirming\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The dull thud<\/em> of something hitting something echoed throughout the inn. But it was punctuated by another crackle of electricity and Relc shouting in pain.<\/p>\n Erin turned away from the brawl and ran into the kitchen. She emerged with the pot just in time to see Relc blasted off his feet, this time by what looked like an explosion of air.<\/p>\n Pisces backed away from the Drake, panting heavily. His face was bruised and he was bleeding from the nose and mouth, but his fingers still crackled with energy. He turned to run, but stopped.<\/p>\n Klbkch was on his feet. The ant man was standing in front of the door, swords drawn. He held two, one in each hand, while his other two held small daggers. Erin saw Pisces gulp. She agreed. Klbkch looked like a wall of blades. The two [Guardsmen] had gone after Pisces unarmed while he had his wand. Now that Klbkch had drawn his blades, Erin felt like the odds were completely reversed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I seek no quarrel with you. I am a graduate of Wistram Academy and a practicing mage. You detain me at your peril.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces pointed a trembling finger at Klbkch. It sparked with green energy that crackled around his fingertip, but it was suddenly a lot less impressive compared to Klbkch\u2019s armory.<\/p>\n \u201cRegardless of your affiliation to any academy, you are still under arrest. Please surrender now or I will be forced to employ lethal force.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cMy magic\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs useless. Surrender.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurrender?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin jumped. She saw Relc getting to his feet. The Drake\u2019s eyes were narrowed, and in his hands was a spear. It wasn\u2019t long, but it did look extremely sharp. And the way he held it, Erin instinctively knew he was ready to use it to kill.<\/p>\n Pisces took one look at the spear and immediately raised his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I give up.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc spat. His leather chest armor was singed in multiple places, but the scales underneath only looked soot-blackened, not damaged. However\u2014Erin could tell how furious he was. The Drake\u2019s claws tightened on the spear.<\/p>\n \u201cNot likely. I\u2019m gutting you like a fish right here.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Relc in horror. But there was no joking in his eyes. He was practically quivering with rage, but the arms that held his spear were completely still and tensed.<\/p>\n \u201cGutting? Hey, that\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be hasty!\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces backed away from Relc, talking fast.<\/p>\n \u201cI assure you, my life is worth far more than you would ever get for me dead. This can all be solved amicably. I will fully cooperate\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCooperate?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc stepped forwards, and Pisces pressed his two fingers together. A strong breeze flew through the inn, and a flickering barrier of wind appeared in front of Relc.<\/p>\n \u201cI will cease all magic and go with you quietly if you assure my life. I meant no harm to you or your companion. But we are at an impasse until you do.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cBy that? You think a piddly little [Barrier of Air] spell is going to stop me?\u201d<\/p>\n The big Drake\u2019s body tensed. He crouched slightly and then dashed into the wind wall. Relc\u2019s massive body smashed into the semi-transparent barrier of wind. He sunk into the barrier, and then the winds pushed back.<\/p>\n Even from this distance, Erin felt the tremendous force in the spell and saw chairs and tables being blown away. For a moment, she thought Relc would go flying. But his claws dug into the ground, and the wind howled\u2014<\/p>\n The whirling winds blew apart with a small clap<\/em> of air that sent the nearest chairs flying. Pisces staggered back, face grey with shock. Erin stared.<\/p>\n Relc, on the other hand, just twirled his spear in his hand. He spat contemptuously on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s<\/em> what I think of your spells. I\u2019m a former soldier of the 4th Wing of the Liscorian Army. I\u2019ve killed more [Mages] than you have levels. Now, are you going to die quiet or will I have to pay for painting the walls red with your blood?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces stepped back, tripped over a fallen chair, and fell on his back. He raised his hands and cried out in a shrill voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI can be ransomed. Quite highly! My school will pay ten\u2014thirty<\/em> gold coins in whichever denomination you like for my return.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc raised the spear.<\/p>\n \u201cStill don\u2019t care. I don\u2019t need money if I can get rid of a stinking fleshbag like you.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin raised her voice in horror.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No!<\/em> No killing! Do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n But no one was listening. Klbkch was closing in, swords and daggers at the ready. Relc raised his spear higher.<\/p>\n \u201cLast words, [Mage]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She couldn\u2019t believe what was happening. The friendly Relc was lowering his spear, a dozen paces away from the backpedaling Pisces. But he could close that gap in less than a second. His eyes\u2014<\/p>\n He was going to kill Pisces.<\/em> And Klbkch wasn\u2019t going to stop him. Erin\u2019s head swung to the Antinium, and Klbkch stood by the door, impassive. She couldn\u2019t read his face, and in that second, he looked like a true insect. Pisces was white with fear. Erin was in denial until she saw the Drake\u2019s eyes. Even then\u2026she saw Pisces hit a table. He looked at Relc and grew calm for a second.<\/p>\n That bitter, blank look returned to his face. He bared his teeth and lifted the wand like a dagger. It glowed, but with no real hope. Just like his eyes. But he drew himself up, a pale, thin young man, and shouted, eyes bulging, his voice hoarse and\u2014Erin\u2019s head swung to him as he raised his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI have only ever done what I loved. Slay me as well, you thoughtless fools. Just like all of my kind. One day\u2014one of us will follow Az\u2019kerash.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s skin crawled. Klbkch looked up sharply, but Relc just grinned with all his teeth. His tongue flickered around them, like blood.<\/p>\n \u201cNice last words. But remember\u2014your Necromancer died here. Miles from this very spot. The Tidebreaker was his end.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 look of defiance flickered. He lifted his wand.<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake lowered his spear and ducked, sweeping low as Pisces took one step forwards, a word, a name on his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cGewil\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin slammed <\/em>the pot on the table top as hard as she could. Relc, Klbkch, and Pisces paused as one to stare at her. Relc froze in his killing charge as Erin pointed one shaking finger at them.<\/p>\n \u201cNo fighting. Not here. And no killing!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc blinked. He lowered his spear a fraction. Erin pointed to it.<\/p>\n \u201cStop that! Put the weapons away and get out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care! You don\u2019t kill people just because they practice stupid magic! And you don\u2019t kill people just because you don\u2019t like them! And you don\u2019t kill people because killing people is wrong!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc pointed down at Pisces angrily. He didn\u2019t lower his spear, but Pisces had stopped mid-cast of whatever spell he had in mind.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a criminal.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he\u2019s an idiot. But he didn\u2019t do anything wrong enough to die for. All he did was try to scare me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe hit me with lightning!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake gestured at the burns on his chest. Erin pointed to Pisces\u2019 bleeding nose and bruised cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cYou punched his brains out! That\u2019s not enough to kill him over!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake lowered his spear. He turned to Klbkch in disbelief, then back to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe this. Are you defending him? Because he\u2019s Human? Or do you not want the blood in here? In that case, I\u2019ll take him out back and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shouted at Relc. She waved the pot around dangerously.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAre you stupid? I don\u2019t want anyone killing anyone! You can\u2019t do it! I forbid it! It\u2019s wrong! It\u2019s illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn point of fact, my comrade\u2019s actions are not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin whirled and pointed at Klbkch. The Antinium actually backed up a step as she glared between the two [Guards].<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care! No killing, do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc hissed<\/em> angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I\u2019ll arrest him, and he\u2019ll be executed tomorrow. Happy?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces turned pale again. Erin\u2019s mouth replied before her brain caught up.<\/p>\n \u201cI withdraw my testimony.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin lifted her hands.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI withdraw it. All of it. I was never attacked yesterday. This mage-guy never visited the inn, and I never saw him until today. So there\u2019s no reason for you to arrest him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc turned and looked at Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cCan she?\u201d<\/p>\n The ant man nodded reluctantly.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is correct. Without her testimony, we cannot submit a report regarding his attempted thefts.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc faltered. He looked uncertainly at Pisces and then remembered.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s still a [Necromancer]! That\u2019s a crime no matter what he does! And he attacked us!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin crossed her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cProve it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProve. It. Can you? Is there a way to check his, uh, class?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc gritted his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026No. Not without an artifact. Klb, you got an [Appraisal] scroll?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen go. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc gaped at Erin. It was surprisingly frightening. Erin could look right down his throat. He had a lot of teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you serious? One word to our Watch Captain and she\u2019ll send a patrol back to capture this idiot! And if we don\u2019t arrest him, you have a [Necromancer] running around! You want us to let him go knowing<\/em> his class?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glared at him. Relc lowered his spear, grabbed at the spines on his head, and hissed<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI could still arrest him for attacking me. Yeah. I\u2019ll just do that. Who cares about testimony or whatever?\u201d<\/p>\n He took a threatening step towards Pisces, and Erin\u2019s mouth once again beat anything else.<\/p>\n \u201cYou do that\u2014and I\u2019ll tell all the people who vouched for you that Senior Guardsman Relc arrested someone after a fight he <\/em>started. You have no proof, no testimony, and I\u2019m pretty sure if you arrest him, that\u2019s illegal. There are<\/em> laws, and you have to follow them. If this isn\u2019t the first time you\u2019ve done something like this, you could get a permanent citation on your record.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was just making things up now. She had no idea what kind of legal system Relc had to work under, but she was taking a guess based on their limited conversations. And it worked. Relc hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, you can. You have no cause whatsoever to arrest Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s arms were bunched up. He turned, furiously, and called in backup.<\/p>\n \u201cKlb\u2014help me out here!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s heart sank as Klbkch sheathed his daggers. But only so he could pull out something from his belt. A handbook. How had he fit it on his belt?\u00a0<\/p>\n Wherever he\u2019d gotten it from, the Antinium read carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe Senior Guardsman Relc does have just cause, Miss Erin Solstice. It is true that his personal sworn testimony would be called into question if you were to speak against him. [Detect Truth] spells would settle that matter, but Relc\u2019s history of inappropriate conduct on-and-off-duty does not help his case.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium raised one finger.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever. <\/em>As Senior Guardsman Klbkch, I will vouch for my partner to take this Human into custody for unlawful practices which include extortion, theft, and intimidation, which we have every right to suspect, with or without your testimony.\u201d<\/p>\n He closed the book, and Relc waited, clearly unsure if that meant he had won. Erin\u2019s heart sank. She looked at Klbkch and then at Pisces. And then around her inn. How could she save him? For once, she didn\u2019t want the [Guardsmen] to be\u2026<\/p>\n Here?<\/p>\n Here?<\/em> Erin\u2019s eyes lit up, and she stopped Klbkch, who was stepping towards Pisces to effect the arrest, with a shaking finger. Literally\u2014she shook it in his face as the surprised Antinium halted.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. Absolutely not. You\u2019re all wrong, Klbkch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not believe I am.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s shaking intensified, from nerves as much as faux-fury.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah? Oh yeah?<\/em> Well, this is outside your jurisdiction!<\/em> You said it yourself\u2014you don\u2019t patrol my inn! Therefore, it is my<\/em> inn, and I deny your city\u2019s authority here!\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch\u2019s mandibles opened and stayed there. Relc swung his head to Pisces and Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWait\u2014what did she just say? Jurisdic\u2014we don\u2019t do that, do we, Klb? Buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin froze, but Klbkch clacked his mandibles after a second. He stared at Erin for a long moment, then at Pisces, then slowly sheathed his swords. He met the [Innkeeper]\u2019s desperate gaze\u2014then nodded.<\/p>\n \u201c…I believe I am incorrect. Relc, the Watch has no authority here. This is an independent inn, and the [Innkeeper] is allowed to deny our authority here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Then let\u2019s arrest her<\/em> too!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc protested, and Erin\u2019s heart sank, but Klbkch stared at Erin for a long moment and then backed up.<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be inadvisable, Relc. We are off-duty, and Miss Solstice has stated her case. Executing a [Mage] of Wistram might also affect the Academy\u2019s relationship with our city. Which the Council and Watch Captain would not be happy about.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc spluttered. He looked from Pisces to Klbkch to Erin, and his scales grew darker. Was he\u2026blushing with fury? Relc lowered his spear, made an inarticulate noise of rage, then pointed at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cYou take one step in the city and I\u2019ll\u2014I\u2019ll\u2014you take one step in there and I\u2019ll do something about it. If I so much as see you on my patrol\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces was panting, looking at Erin with disbelief. He lowered his wand, slowly, and spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI assure you, you will never see<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s eye twitched.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces wisely shut up. The Drake looked at Erin, then whirled around. He stomped towards the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHumans!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc kicked the door as he left. Erin winced as she heard the wood crack<\/em>. Then he was gone.<\/p>\n Klbkch walked past Erin and nodded to her politely.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not mind him. You are within your rights to enforce law within this establishment as you choose. I apologize for the mess on both our behalves.\u201d<\/p>\n He left. Erin stood around the room, looking at the broken chairs, overturned tables, and general wooden carnage. Behind her, Pisces got to his feet. He was still shaking and sweatily pale.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how I can thank you, good M\u2014Miss Erin. Please, accept my humblest\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bonk.<\/em><\/p>\n Erin tapped him on the head with the pot. Hard.<\/p>\n \u201cOut.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces stared at her in disbelief. Erin raised the pot higher.<\/p>\n \u201cOut.\u201d<\/p>\n He stumbled out. Erin kept staring at the mess in the room. It had to be said. Definitely.<\/p>\n \u201cMales.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Erin stood in front of the cupboard and sighed. Loudly. \u201cMen.\u201d Erin paused and thought about that word. \u201cMales. They eat and eat and eat. And then I have to clean up the dishes. Typical.\u201d True, she was an [Innkeeper]. Or at least, she kept an inn relatively clean. But that didn\u2019t make her feel […]<\/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-13478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-1","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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