The sky always looked redder here. Whether it was the air taking something from the ground or the very nature of the land altering the atmosphere itself\u2014<\/p>\n
Even the clouds over the Bloodfields that separated the north from the south looked tinged by ichor. Reddened, like the earth itself, by blood.<\/p>\n
Not just blood from a single battle or even a dozen battles or a hundred. This place had seen oceans of blood. Soldiers by the hundreds of thousands. It had probably buried millions of corpses over the long centuries of war. After all, it was here that north and south met every year for war.<\/p>\n
How long ago the conflict had started, the [Merchant] didn\u2019t know. Only that her father had talked about the Bloodfields as having been there as long as the Five Families. After the first wars had brought down Walled Cities and forced the Drakes and Gnolls to the south past the High Passes, the gigantic mountain range that divided the continent, armies had pushed each other back and forth, often spilling into north and south and destroying cities.<\/p>\n
At some point, her father had told her that [Lords] of various families had petitioned the five great families of the north\u2014Reinhart, El, Veltras, Terland, and Wellfar\u2014along with the remaining Walled Cities\u2014Manus, Zeres, Fissival, Oteslia, Salazsar, and Pallass\u2014to relegate the fighting to one spot to prevent civilian deaths.<\/p>\n
The Bloodfields, south of the Drake city of Liscor, had been chosen as that battleground after much debate. So\u2014every year, for centuries, perhaps thousands of years by now, armies went to this spot to fight. Sometimes just token forces\u2014other times entire wars in earnest. The fighting might spill forth after that, but this was where it so often began.<\/p>\n
Here was the thing. The [Merchant] gazed grimly at the red grass, the red soil,<\/em> and the deceptively flat ground that filled the valley and only route north. The caravan of wary [Traders] and [Merchants] were one of two groups on the road\u2014they had seen no other travellers since they passed Hectval, and it would be rare to travel until winter snow fell in earnest. Despite the hazards of snow and the wretched travel conditions\u2014this cold fall was pushing it.<\/p>\n \u201cWe might be too early. Are we too early?\u201d<\/p>\n A nervous Drake was scanning the Bloodfields with an enchanted spyglass. He was Tellgre \u2018Twodeals\u2019. All his customers had learned that the Drake refused to let them purchase just one item. Hence his dubious claim to fame.<\/p>\n He was a Level 22 [Trader], and the Human woman walking beside a line of packhorses carrying her share of the caravan hadn\u2019t yet managed to tell him he needed a better name and business model. Then again\u2014she was a Human in Drake lands still, and she thought she\u2019d leave that up to the others.<\/p>\n A Human. The first time the woman had come to Drake lands, she\u2019d passed through the Bloodfields, of course; the only other ways were the even more<\/em> dangerous routes through the High Passes or sea travel. Winter was safe enough\u2026but she\u2019d heard from travellers that it was Drakes who\u2019d decided on the Bloodfields as the yearly battleground and forced the Humans to comply. She\u2019d made the mistake of relating her father\u2019s version of events and been given a cold shoulder the entire journey south.<\/p>\n Each side had their own story. One of the things she\u2019d learned after nearly a decade of trading both north and south of Izril was to shut up and listen. Or watch.<\/p>\n So\u2014the Human [Merchant] said nothing as Tellgre chattered. She just looked across the red expanse. The crimson grass did fade slightly and turn green around the edges of the Bloodfields. Then again\u2014some of the yellow or purple patches might not be the grass changing with the seasons. Maybe the Bloodfields were expanding?<\/p>\n \u201cLooks quiet. We\u2019ll take the long way around.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake swung his eyes down to the woman as he lowered his spyglass. She saw his tongue flick out nervously as he licked his lips. He raised his voice\u2014and she sensed more [Merchants], mostly Drakes, but also two Gnolls, glancing her way.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve done this before, right, Ysara? It looks good to you, then? I\u2019ve never done the Bloodfields run before.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara, who her colleagues and most of the South simply knew as the \u2018Silver Merchant\u2019, just shrugged in reply. She was a Level 34 [Merchant]. Far more successful than Tellgre and, honestly, most of the others in the caravan. Despite some having entire teams of [Guards] and assistant [Traders] as opposed to her being the lone member of her party\u2014she had minimal overhead, and a few Chests of Holding carried all her goods.<\/p>\n She dealt, predictably, in silver. Often just silverware, but she also sold weapons and, interestingly, alchemical items. Silver was something [Alchemists] paid for too, after all. As proof of the fine metals she offered, Ysara had a single blade hanging at her belt, for self-defense.<\/p>\n It had an old, ornate handle of treated silver that wouldn\u2019t tarnish, and it bore the silver Dragon and shield of her family.<\/p>\n Not that any of the Drakes or Gnolls knew it by name. She doubted many cared. As far as they were concerned, she was just a Human. And she belonged to a minor noble house in the north, so it wasn\u2019t anything to brag about. She was, technically, a [Lady] as well, but she didn\u2019t level in that class.<\/p>\n To many Drakes and Gnolls she met, Ysara\u2019s Humanity was the most fascinating part about her. The [Merchants] she was travelling with had been in her company for two months now, doing a circuit of cities trading their goods. They probably thought she was like most Humans. It might get funny once they got north.<\/p>\n After all, Ysara\u2019s hair was indigo, painted a rich shade of the color, and rarely faded thanks to a [Magical Painter] she knew. Better than dyes\u2014and she had a long earring with a bead of red jade dressed in gold on one ear and a tattoo on one arm of a trellis of gold vines clinging to a silver ship.<\/p>\n In the north, she\u2019d be taken for a [Sailor] if anyone. In the south\u2014she was a Human. Actually, Ysara wondered if she should remove the indigo in her hair. She\u2026exhaled as she stared across the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n An unpleasant journey, this. Almost as unpleasant as going home, a long task that took months. So rare, in fact, that it had been\u2026five years? Five, at least, since she\u2019d seen her family. One reason was the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n \u201cCalm down, Twodeals. The cold should have put the Bloodfields silent. If not\u2014we\u2019ll soon find out.\u201d<\/p>\n That wasn\u2019t exactly comforting<\/em> coming from a senior [Merchant], Buleth, but no one should relax.<\/p>\n The Bloodfields were dangerous.<\/p>\n Ysara eyed the long, wide expanse of red grasses. She could see across the valley\u2014but the Bloodfields weren\u2019t just all red grass. Tall\u2026trees\u2026of pale white bark or something grew out of the ground in ten to twenty-foot spires.<\/p>\n No branches\u2014just pale trunks. Were they trees at all? Well, they were called Watchertrees, and Ysara knew well what they did when active.<\/p>\n Her skin crawled just looking at them\u2014and at the bulbous, fungoid growths lining the Bloodfields. They clustered in huge pod-forests in places, much like mycelium, but unlike fungus, some of these plants could grow as tall as regular forests.<\/p>\n Though\u2026due to the cold, they were shrunken, silent, and, in theory, safe. Even so, the [Merchants] would be plotting a wide, wide course around the Bloodfields, across the edge of the valley where it rose into treacherous and inhospitable foothills.<\/p>\n You could try the foothills if you really had to get through the Bloodfields in the spring and summer, but good luck getting a horse or wagon through there without breaking a leg. Only Couriers like Hawk the Hare did any running like that\u2014the [Merchants] had to pass near the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn this grass. We had better not break an axle. At least I\u2019ve got [Lightweight Wheels].\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth commented from his seat to Ysara, and she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard there used to be a trade route passing along here. Whatever happened to that?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was portly, had a skullcap with holes for his neck-spines, and had ocre-red scales. He grunted sourly as he flapped the reins, and his horse plodded forwards, towing a large wagon. He dealt in spices, often imported from Chandrar and through the City of Waves, Zeres, which he brought to the rest of the continent for fine prices.<\/p>\n \u201cA road? If there was any, it\u2019s long before our time. Probably before the Bloodfields expanded. Must have been swallowed up. Or abandoned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Has it grown recently?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot much. Not much fighting of late. Tyrion Veltras comes down every year, but it\u2019s not like the old wars. Then again, you\u2019d know as much about that as I.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded and, again, checked the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n Here was the thing\u2014once upon a time, the \u2018Bloodfields\u2019 had just been a stretch of land where armies warred. Ordinary grass and dirt and rock. But after so much death, the land had\u2026changed. Creatures, plants had begun to adapt to the blood and grow dangerous.<\/p>\n So dangerous that armies sometimes lost more [Soldiers] to the Bloodfields than their engagements. <\/em>But they came, to clear the Bloodfields of growths as well to kill each other. Sometimes, Ysara wondered which was more important. Because the Bloodfields spread. Slowly\u2026but someday, future [Merchants] might have to dare the foothills to get north to Liscor. Or not go at all.<\/p>\n In the spring, even their wide course would have already attracted\u2026attention. Even Buleth, a veteran, muttered to Ysara.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like the Watchertrees. I think we\u2019re in range. How far do some of them reach?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard a thousand feet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Both stared at the spires of white.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard longer. I suppose we\u2019re safe. Dead gods and Ancestors, I hate<\/em> this commute. We should have gone later.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014But we\u2019ll be first north and have the best markup. That\u2019s what you<\/em> said.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake hunched his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I know! Alright, let\u2019s not spook the newbies. I\u2019m surprised you came, though. You hate this route as much as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara made a face. Her hand strayed to the hilt of her sword, and Buleth eyed it. Despite being silver, she had wrapped the hilt with sensible leather to get a grip. It was worn\u2014and he knew she could use the sword well. As a child, Ysara had been told she had a once-in-a-thousand years talent with the blade. Even her brother had claimed that he couldn\u2019t best her, and he was a [Knight]. Her sister\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cMy sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm? Oh, right. House\u2026er\u2026you know, I never asked which one. Not the Five Families. Visiting the family?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara\u2019s smile was crooked, but Buleth either didn\u2019t notice the Human\u2019s nuance or pretended not to.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to at least twice a decade, right? Besides, I heard something interesting is happening around Liscor. It\u2019s just good business.\u201d<\/p>\n And that was all she had to say on her personal affairs. Buleth didn\u2019t need anything more, and nodded understandingly. Ysara, privately, didn\u2019t relish going home. She wondered if it would be as awkward as last time. But family was family\u2026she inhaled and caught that curious scent of the Bloodfields. Not blood\u2026but something else. Something alien and exotic and unsettling. She walked on at a good clip, ready for trouble and hoping for none.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Bloodfields were always dangerous, but depending on the company you took, they could be safer. And frankly\u2014with Ysara around, Buleth, the leader of this group, felt better.<\/p>\n Though it occurred to him he didn\u2019t know much about her outside her business. The [Merchant], Buleth, scratched at his chin as he slowly pulled out a puffed pastry of fried dough filled with Yellats and spices. Cheap and tasty. He broke it in half and offered her a bite, and she savored the taste in the cold air.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s she doing in Liscor? That remote backwater\u2019s got nothing in it. Their army are useful mercenary bastards, but Liscor\u2019s got the Antinium<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n He shuddered, and all the Drakes in earshot winced. Liscor was\u2026unique. Most [Merchants] regarded it as safe\u2014but not a place to linger. A place to go and see once, though, just to see an Antinium outside the Hivelands without the chance of being killed. Plus, it was the closest city to the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n \u201cI hear a dungeon\u2019s popped up. My sister\u2019s an adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! I thought your brother was?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHim too. He\u2019s Gold-rank. She\u2019s Silver.\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth had to shake his head.<\/p>\n \u201cMy, my. Your entire family really must be filled with high-level [Warriors]. You\u2019re<\/em> the most dangerous [Merchant] I know. Which\u2014come to mention it\u2014can I ask you not to embarrass my [Guards], Ysara?\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded at a few sulking figures trudging behind his wagons. They glared at Ysara when she wasn\u2019t looking, and their leader looked especially mad. She sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cHe challenged me to a duel, Buleth. I\u2019m the lone [Merchant]. I have a reputation to keep up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Another glance at her sword. Ysara decided to thank him for the snack. She hefted the scabbard up and unhooked it from her belt.<\/p>\n \u201cWant to look if you\u2019re so curious? I\u2019ll sell your [Guards] blades at a discount.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat good is silver in a sword? Mithril now\u2026although, this is a fine<\/em> blade.\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth eyed the sharp longsword appreciatively. Ysara smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful and an alloy, so it doesn\u2019t tarnish. Stronger than regular steel is my claim\u2014and some monsters hate it. But truthfully? The [Smiths] who make this just know their craft better than some dunce with a hammer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough. And you get it from your home? They own mines or do they just have great smiths? I can see the crest. Very Drakish. Love the Dragon. Right out of the stories, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth glanced up and saw another odd smile from that woman, but she was a good, honest [Merchant], unlike some real bastards, and she was well-spoken of. Dead gods, the Golden Gnoll herself was friends with the Silver Merchant\u2026no surprise given their names.<\/p>\n \u201cActually? I get half of my arms from a Gnoll tribe. They just do the stamping with my crest. Heard of the Silverfangs? Their Gnolls are in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth wasn\u2019t up to date on Plains Gnolls, the tribal ones, but he knew them from somewhere.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, good sorts, I think. Not like Woven Bladegrass or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated and glanced at the Gnolls in the caravan. Maybe he shouldn’t say anything at all. They could get\u2014touchy\u2014and Drakes and Gnolls were not the best neighbors. Ysara filled in the rest for him.<\/p>\n \u201cGood, honest sorts. Like most Gnolls you could meet.\u201d<\/p>\n A Gnoll twenty-eight paces away snorted softly, and Buleth just bet<\/em> he\u2019d heard. Their damn ears. He agreed with Ysara but then nodded ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2014that group must be Silverfangs. I think I saw a few markings on them. Silver fang\u2014like crescent? Biting teeth?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s their logo. Interesting. So that\u2019s a group of Silverfangs up there. Warriors, judging by how much they\u2019re carrying.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara turned her attention to the only other people crossing the Bloodfields. Given the relatively flat ground until you rode up towards the Floodplains of Liscor, another basin, the caravan could see the group of eighteen Gnolls ahead. They were making better time than the [Merchants]; they had ten horses. It looked like they were switching on and off, rather than riding the whole way, and they were as vigilant as the [Merchants].<\/p>\n One had waved at the [Caravan Guardmaster], but they\u2019d not indicated they wanted to meet up\u2014not here. Maybe tonight? Though Buleth had every intention of trying to get past the Bloodfields in a single day. It was about\u2026four days to Liscor? A Runner could do it a bit faster, but once today was over, he\u2019d sleep easy.<\/p>\n Aside from bandits. <\/em>Would some be crazy enough to raid? Hectval\u2019s alliance didn\u2019t patrol around here\u2014Buleth glanced at Ysara.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know they\u2019re warriors? Could be just Plains Gnolls?\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her head with calm authority.<\/p>\n \u201cPlains Gnolls might go armed, but shortbows for their non-fighters at most. That lot? I see a [Shaman], long spears, longbows<\/em>\u2014they\u2019re not going to raid us, Buleth. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He huffed and decided to give it up. Ysara knew trouble when she saw it. He sat back in his seat and decided he might try playing on the new chessboards he\u2019d bought. He was going to try selling them; you had addicts all over Izril, and the game was new, if not as hot as when it came out. He had some lovely gemstone pieces he\u2019d gotten from Salazsar for a song. His hope was a noble snapped up a board. Just one would recoup all costs.<\/p>\n Buleth was about to challenge Ysara to a game when the woman made a sound. She put a hand over her brow, squinted, and his heart leapt.<\/p>\n \u201cWait a second. Who\u2019s that? Buleth, lend me your spyglass.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? What?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake scrambled for his spyglass and tossed it at Ysara. She caught it, put it to one eye, and exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like a Runner\u2019s making the Bloodfields run!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAncestor\u2019s wrinkled tits, Ysara! <\/em>Don\u2019t give me a heart-attack!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake held a claw over his chest. He almost snapped at the Human woman, but Ysara didn\u2019t give back the spyglass immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2014huh. That\u2019s odd.\u201d<\/p>\n Now that Buleth knew what to look for, he could see the distant, distant<\/em> speck coming down the slopes that led to the Floodplains of Liscor. He grunted sourly.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just one. Looks like four. At least\u2014I think I see four.\u201d<\/p>\n He swore he\u2019d just seen three figures on the lip of the hill\u2014but maybe not. Ysara swung the spyglass up, but missed them. She was focused on the Runner.<\/p>\n \u201cGood speed on that Runner. Not horse-speed, but\u2014City Runner for sure. She? Nice hips either way.\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth brightened up a bit. He coughed to hide his reaction to that\u2014Ysara sometimes made comments that the woman clearly didn\u2019t realize a hot-blooded male Drake like he could take the wrong way. Or right way.<\/p>\n He was suddenly more interested in meeting this Human, but Ysara was frowning mightily.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s so odd? Even Runners probably risk the Bloodfields run.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026but she\u2019s going straight down the center. Is she mad or did no one tell her\u2014the Bloodfields can still be dangerous even in the cold!\u201d<\/p>\n Then Buleth\u2019s head snapped up. He saw the dot moving straight down the valley, and as Ysara said\u2014the Runner was going straight<\/em> down the center.<\/p>\n If she kept going, she\u2019d end up in the Bloodfields. Ysara looked up at Buleth, and he cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo way a local Runner doesn\u2019t know about the Bloodfields, Ysara. I bet this one will turn right or left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. Or\u2026maybe she\u2019s from Celum. How well do you think the locals know the Bloodfields there? Maybe she\u2019s on a big contract\u2014where are the horses?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara looked around, and Buleth saw her striding off. She turned and tossed him the spyglass. He nearly pitched off his seat trying to grab it and called out after her.<\/p>\n \u201cShe has to know, Ysara! Don\u2019t go racing off suddenly\u2014the Bloodfields react to sound and movement!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s cold! And I won\u2019t\u2014as long as she swerves!\u201d<\/p>\n The woman called back. Buleth shook his head as he put the spyglass to his eyes and watched the distant Human. He murmured to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. I see what Ysara means. She\u2019s definitely not going to run through the Bloodfields, though.\u201d<\/p>\n No one was that crazy. The Drake watched the Human running forwards. And then he glanced up.<\/p>\n \u201cFour Runners? What are the odds?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin felt like someone was holding her hand and pulling her. Pulling her so hard she couldn\u2019t help but stumble forwards. An inexorable rip-tide\u2014and unlike a person, she couldn\u2019t yank free of that pull.<\/p>\n She felt that if she didn\u2019t run\u2014she\u2019d fall flat on her face. That kind of tugging. Only, it wasn\u2019t physical, it was in her head.<\/p>\n A blind rush forwards, and a goal in the back of her mind. Three days. Three days of running since Esthelm. Or\u2014four?<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t know. She only knew that she slept, ate, peed, screamed murder at birds, blasted angry music through her earbuds\u2014<\/p>\n And heard the voice.<\/p>\n Find the Necromancer. Find Az\u2019kerash. Deliver the letter.<\/em><\/p>\n That was her task. That was her\u2014what she had<\/em> to do. No question. No doubt. Her pride as a Runner, her commitment to her promises\u2014it was like taking that and adding a second layer of certainty to it.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been put under a spell.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n She was aware\u2026that the mysterious half-Elf [Mage] had made her do this. But so what? She didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n She had nothing left behind her. Only smoke from all her burned bridges and shame. That was what made her run faster.<\/p>\n Shame.<\/em><\/p>\n Four days, and Ryoka still felt the impact of punching Yvlon in the face. She still saw Ceria staring at her looking so\u2014disappointed. It burned straight through her. She had never, ever felt this\u2014<\/p>\n No. Ryoka Griffin slowed as she crested a hill of grass and saw something odd in front of her. A red stain spreading out in a vast valley of grass. Fall\u2019s cold air whipped at her raven-black hair, and she brushed sweat from her forehead and took a drink of water. Then the magic and guilt and shame pushed her forwards.<\/p>\n It was a beautiful red stain that looked\u2014wrong. The longer she stared, the more it unsettled the young woman. But she didn\u2019t run away from it.<\/p>\n It was like her. It should have been beautiful\u2014red grass and strange plants she wanted to stare at when she got closer. She knew it was dangerous\u2014but the old mage had said it was where the Necromancer could be found. Here\u2014no, along the mountainside, right?<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t matter. The Bloodfields were a wretched stain on the earth, not something marvelously unique.<\/p>\n Like her. A disaster. It didn\u2019t really belong\u2014and Ryoka Griffin ran straight and narrow down the valley. It was a beautiful day, and the sky looked deep blue\u2026or purplish in places. The few clouds there were had some kind of orange tint to the undersides.<\/p>\n A magical day. A magical world. But\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I am the same. It\u2019s not them, it\u2019s me.<\/em><\/p>\n I did it. I went to another world. I went to Narnia, like the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe. I got a magic quest.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n My parents? Gone. My past? Unknown. I could be anyone I wanted to be, and it\u2019s happening again.<\/em><\/p>\n Disaster. People I\u2019ve let down. As I run, I feel the pain in my lungs from pushing myself. My legs and arms are tired\u2014and I keep running, keep pushing it.<\/p>\n I like the feeling of running, of giving it all up to the pumping of my arms and legs, the rush of blood. That\u2019s pure. That\u2019s\u2014better than thinking.<\/p>\n But this time, I can\u2019t escape it. My guilt.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve done this before.<\/span><\/p>\n It falls in my head, louder than the voice telling me to find the Necromancer, louder than the screaming that I\u2019m such a fool, louder\u2014<\/p>\n Louder than the voice telling me to go back and apologize.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not too late. Go back. Go back and apologize. Please. They were so good to you.<\/span><\/p>\n I know. I fucking know.<\/em> Please stop. But the voices never stop. This is all me, of course. I\u2019m just\u2014separating them out. Perspectives.<\/p>\n Like warring demons in my chest. The first one is sad. Because\u2014it knows, like I do, that this is all my fault.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve done this before. I\u2019ve had friends before this. Of course I have. Or were they ever my friends?<\/span><\/p>\n No, they weren\u2019t. They just wanted to hang out with the senator\u2019s daughter. State senator, comes from money, and they thought I was like them. Fuck them. Fuck Fals. And Garia. And Persua. AND PERSUA. And\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n The Horns? I snap out of the fury filling me. That\u2019s the third voice, I guess. Did my therapist\u2014well, one of them\u2014ever talk about that? My anger?<\/p>\n I\u2019ve had a lot of therapists. A lot of therapy. Medications\u2014and a lot of my parents pushing off my problems onto someone else to handle it. I\u2014hate each and every one of them.<\/p>\n Hated? I\u2019ll never see them again. I hope not. After all, the last one I think I literally threw a chair at. And hit.<\/p>\n My fault. Why did I do that? The poor woman wasn\u2019t doing anything. She just wanted to help me.<\/span><\/p>\n Fuck her too with a rusted pickaxe.<\/span><\/p>\n The voices. I run faster, try to put more energy into my legs. I almost manage to drown them out\u2014but I can\u2019t sustain this pace. I\u2019ve been drinking stamina and healing potions on and off\u2014it helps me keep at max speed\u2014but I don\u2019t dare waste too many.<\/p>\n Why not? Why not pull out my \u2018reward\u2019 for doing all this? Not the gold, the wand of flames or whatever that guy gave me. Plus\u2014a Potion of Haste?<\/p>\n Fire and speed. Sounds fun. The wand is supposed to be for the Bloodfields or self-defense? I\u2019ve been tempted to try it out\u2014and the potion. I want to. Imagine running even faster? I want to\u2014but I need to save it.<\/p>\n So I just run, and the voices catch up. This time, it\u2019s maudlin that sounds loudest. Maudlin guilt.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve done it again. Why did I attack the Horns?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Calruz was arrogant. That bastard.<\/span><\/p>\n They cured my leg. My <\/span>leg. <\/em><\/span>I would have never walked again with that leg. Why did I hit him in the balls and try to beat him to a pulp?<\/span><\/p>\n Yvlon was a smug bitch\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n No, she <\/span>wasn\u2019t. <\/em><\/span>Ceria told me the truth. She put everything on the line for me, and I punched her. Why did I do that?<\/span><\/p>\n Then\u2014silence. Because I really don\u2019t have a good reason.<\/p>\n No, that\u2019s a lie too. I know exactly why. I\u2019ve done this before. Why\u2026why can\u2019t I be a good person?<\/span><\/p>\n Because I don\u2019t deserve nice things. Fuck me too. This is what I do. Another world won\u2019t change it. I hate me. I hate everything.<\/span><\/p>\n And when I get to that, my thoughts are in agreement. I just wanted to run. Why did it have to be so complicated? Magnolia. This is all her fault. No, Persua. Fals.<\/p>\n Or me.<\/p>\n And there it is. I keep running, straight for the Bloodfields. Necromancer. Deliver it. Keep silent about the man in the High Passes.<\/p>\n I want to go back and say sorry. But I\u2019ve never said sorry and meant it.<\/p>\n I mean it.<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m sorry, Ceria. Why did I do that?<\/span><\/p>\n Yvlon made me angry.<\/span><\/p>\n I thought I was happy, lately. I really did. My eyes are stinging, and I\u2019m trying not to cry. Because that would be stupid. What do I have to cry about? Or rather, why start?<\/p>\n I\u2019d never stop.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not my fault. I keep hearing that refrain, a thousand times. Magnolia. That damn [Assassin]. Persua. And I agree, even now. There are so many assholes.<\/p>\n \u2014But it hits me. Like a blast of wind in the face. A bucket of cold water. A realization, so complete and so simple I can\u2019t describe it. Perhaps I thought this before, but now I realize it with all my heart and soul.<\/p>\n There have always been good reasons. Explanations for why things went sideways or bad. Here I am, running south on what might be a suicide mission.<\/p>\n And I don\u2019t really care about that. I\u2019m\u2014almost excited to see what this Bloodfields is like. But I can\u2019t concentrate. Because I feel guilty. I almost want the Horns to never speak to me again. Yet I owe them. I owe them, and this is how I repaid them?<\/em><\/p>\n Magnolia. Persua. Fals. Calruz. Yvlon. There\u2019s a common thread between them all. Maybe some of it was for the best. I don\u2019t know. But here I am. How did I get here? I have no answers. Just observations. And what I see is\u2026<\/p>\n It\u2019s me.<\/p>\n It\u2019s always been me.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was written all over her face. She probably had no idea what her face looked like. Close to tears, stubbornly refusing to cry. But also\u2014<\/p>\n As she ran down towards that blight in the world, the Bloodfields\u2014her eyes focused on the strange trees. On the prickle down her spine like a [Dangersense] every person possessed. Her instincts telling her to turn around or run past it, not through it.<\/p>\n She still kept coming. Because those eyes were hungry. If she wasn\u2019t stopped, she would have gone straight into the center of that place.<\/p>\n She was less than a thousand paces from where the grass began to change when the young woman finally seemed to hear Ysara shouting at her.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss! Miss!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n In her defense\u2014as the City Runner slowed, Ysara, panting and riding full-tilt on the snorting stallion, saw the Human woman pulling something out of her ears. A dangling bit of string? What kind of thing was that? Something to help her hear?<\/p>\n It certainly hadn\u2019t done that. Half the [Merchants] had joined Ysara in shouting, standing up in their stirrups or on the wagons to shout\u2014even the Gnolls that Ysara had just passed were howling long notes of warning.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? What? What?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The first reaction of the young woman was pure surprise. It crossed her dusky features, and Ysara realized she really hadn\u2019t<\/em> heard. Incredible. But the second reaction was instant and surprising hostility.<\/p>\n The Silver Merchant, panting, slowed her horse to a canter and hesitated a second. She looked at Ryoka, then pointed a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bloodfields. You nearly ran straight into it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n It was clear that the young woman was coming back to earth after being miles, miles away. She focused her eyes on the red grass\u2014which Ysara happened to know was sharp<\/em>\u2014and the young woman was barefoot!<\/p>\n Already a sign she was odd\u2014if her features didn\u2019t already mark her as distinctly Drathian. Which could explain it, but Ysara had heard Drathians had their own language. This young woman had a perfect command of the common tongue. And her look was changing into severe annoyance.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bloodfields? I know it\u2019s the Bloodfields. It\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She stared across the vast expanse, and her eyes didn\u2019t even reach the end of it, Ysara knew. Her caravan had camped at the safest distance from the Bloodfields last night, then set out. By evening, they were close to the end of it, but this young woman might be forced to camp next to this place.<\/p>\n And it was not <\/em>that safe.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou were about to run straight into it. That\u2019s madness. You won\u2019t survive. Didn\u2019t anyone warn you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara was glad now she\u2019d started riding so early. The young woman just blinked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s dangerous. A\u2026\u2018death zone\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Ysara knew<\/em> she was being understood, but the young woman just stared at the crimson land ahead, eyed one of the dormant Watchertrees, and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got business here. Or past here. Thanks for the warning. See ya.\u201d<\/p>\n And she tried to keep running.<\/em><\/p>\n Ysara actually put her horse in the young woman\u2019s way, and affronted, the Runner stopped. Ysara\u2019s smile was far more strained this time.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, Miss. Perhaps you didn\u2019t hear me. The Bloodfields are right there. If you go in\u2014you\u2019ll die. Even being this close to them is dangerous!\u201d<\/p>\n She had no [Dangersense], but again, she didn\u2019t need it. The Runner looked at Ysara. She spoke slowly, as if reluctant to waste any more words.<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n And she tried to edge around the horse. The animal actually put its head out to stop her, and Ysara held out a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss\u2014what\u2019s your name? Are you a City Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n Reluctantly, for a third time, the young woman stopped and spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka Griffin. City Runner around the Celum region. On delivery. I\u2019m not taking requests or mail.\u201d<\/p>\n She recited it by rote, and Ysara smiled desperately, although by now she<\/em> was getting peeved.<\/p>\n \u201cCelum? I know the area quite well. Have you been to Wales? Remendia? Do you live there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI run there. But I\u2019m working. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara exhaled.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka Griffin. Please\u2014[Hear Me Out].\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin\u2019s feet stopped as she tried to take a step, and her head turned. Ysara saw the angry look and knew she had upset the young woman. But it was a Skill a [Merchant] got\u2014a kind of final offer, even if it irked your client.<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t like using it like this, but she had gotten the Skill to try and ram concepts into even the most thick-headed fools. Which had been family\u2026<\/p>\n Anyways, the Silver Merchant spoke very calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bloodfields are a death zone. You know this, Miss Griffin? Gold-rank adventurers fear to tread there. Named-ranks would think twice and need a reason to go in. Armies may cross the Bloodfields, but they do it with fire and sword ahead of them. Only in the fall and winter is it remotely safe\u2014and not if you go straight into it.<\/em> I stopped you because I wanted to warn you that it was certain death. Suicide. Do you\u2026understand me? Don\u2019t go in there.\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t know how to say it plainer. Even her idiot brother would have gotten that. And the Runner, Ryoka Griffin, understood Ysara. In fact, her jade green eyes lit up a bit. In\u2026excitement?<\/p>\n A wild kind of yearning. A strange exhilaration. <\/em>Then Ysara recognized it. She had seen it in real adventurers, in Couriers she had met. When she had visited The Adventurer\u2019s Haven, the most famous inn of all of Izril, the guests there had looked like that.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand. You don\u2019t want me to go in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner stared at Ysara. The [Merchant] held her gaze. Ryoka Griffin walked sideways and began to jog forwards.<\/p>\n Silver and steel! <\/em>Ysara bit back an oath as she turned her horse to trot alongside Ryoka. Even her horse was trying to shy away from the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you. Thanks for the warning. Don\u2019t go in, right?\u201d<\/p>\n This time, the young woman gave Ysara a distinctly taunting, defiant look, and Ysara began to feel\u2026nostalgic.<\/p>\n Oh no. <\/em>This reminded her a bit of\u2014herself. And in her experience\u2026Ysara gritted her teeth, trying to sound friendly.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka. May I say something else?\u201d<\/p>\n The Runner slowed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c…Do<\/em> go into the Bloodfields. It\u2019s perfectly safe. And everyone would want you to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara indicated the [Merchants], who were still watching them, and the Gnolls. A few of them were waving down at her, as if wondering if she needed help or if Ryoka was crazy. Ryoka\u2019s eyes flicked. She stared at Ysara\u2019s insincere smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I might just do that.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned, began to speed up\u2014and Ysara kicked her in the shoulder as she rode past. Hard. Ryoka stumbled, whirled\u2014and Ysara was already leaping down, shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cBuleth! I need help!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake had already seen, and several [Guards] were riding her way, fast. Ryoka balled her fists, but Ysara had a hold of her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am trying to stop you from getting killed. <\/em>Listen to sense!\u201d<\/p>\n The two women began wrestling, and unfortunately\u2014the Runner knew some kind of wrestling tricks because she nearly tossed<\/em> Ysara onto the ground. Only Ysara\u2019s brief career as an adventurer saved her. She clung to Ryoka as the horse snorted and trotted around them.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you trying to get yourself killed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone of your business! Get lost!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is if you set off the Bloodfields\u2014stop!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka was dragging the two of them into the grass. Ysara saw the green turning crimson\u2014and the first blades of the Bloodfields that Ryoka stepped on made the Runner freeze.<\/p>\n \u201cOw. What the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka stared at the red scratches on her feet\u2014and then the grass. It had cut her feet up! It wasn\u2019t\u2026solid<\/em>, but it was edged. So you\u2019d bleed if you rolled around, but surface cuts. Like the worst paper cuts imaginable. That had to hurt. She looked at Ysara, and the Silver Merchant expected this to be enough. But Ryoka just tried to tear free.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of me. Now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her hand curled, and Ysara braced herself.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n For some reason, that was apparently the worst thing to say, because the young woman\u2019s eyes flashed. She raised her hand and threw a punch.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I don\u2019t want any help!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n In the moment before the punch landed, Ysara thought Ryoka\u2019s face turned from wrath to guilt in a flash. The woman was braced\u2014but the punch never hit her.<\/p>\n It was surely impossible. Impossible for the two struggling figures to have been caught unawares in the relatively flat ground. Impossible for anyone to close the distance that fast\u2014no normal person could do it.<\/p>\n But the four-fingered gauntlet that caught Ryoka\u2019s arm belonged to no ordinary woman. The giant eye that glowed with yellow and shifted colors as Ysara\u2019s head turned and the four miniature eyes that spun and the sharp teeth that opened into a smile\u2014<\/p>\n Those belonged to a legend.<\/p>\n Gazi Pathseeker, Gazi the Omniscient, Named-rank adventurer and\u2026one of the King of Destruction’s Seven caught Ryoka\u2019s arm in a grip that stopped it dead. She smiled\u2014as Ryoka and Ysara whirled to look at her.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. Am I disturbing you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou must be mad. Why would you want to run through the Bloodfields?\u201d<\/p>\n That was what Buleth said to break the tense silence. Gnolls, [Merchants]\u2014Drakes mostly\u2014Ysara, Gazi, and Ryoka were all camped well west of the edge of the Bloodfields. Astonishingly close as they hadn\u2019t cleared the final section, but Gazi made even the Bloodfields\u2019 threat recede in everyone\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n The Gnolls were<\/em> Silverfangs. They\u2019d introduced themselves as such and were heading to Liscor. They were quite friendly, and their leader had a beautiful longbow with hand-fletched arrows, all red as a cherry.<\/p>\n \u201cRoc\u2019s feathers. A single one cut up can make a quiver. They fly better\u2014though you\u2019d best take care in how you cut the feather up. Az\u2019muzarre gifted our tribe a feather from their great bird.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll was speaking to one of the [Guards], and Ysara was fascinated by that, but all eyes were on Ryoka. And the Runner\u2014shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a delivery. My destination is around the Bloodfields. Going through seemed easy.\u201d<\/p>\n She was giving Gazi a long, appraising stare as they sat around, talking. A wide-eyed not-quite glower that\u2026was a mistake. Because the Named-rank adventurer just returned the look. And she had three more eyes.<\/p>\n Gazi Pathseeker stared at Ryoka Griffin with her main eye so long the young woman was forced to finally look away. Which was in and of itself commendable, because she had tried to stare down the most famous half-Gazer in the world.<\/p>\n She managed two whole minutes before she had to blink\u2014then she kept her gaze on Gazi. Until the pressure<\/em> made Ryoka wilt. That took another three minutes.<\/p>\n And not once did Gazi blink. She didn\u2019t seem\u2014angry. Not like the staring contests of adventurers or swords-for-hire that Ysara had seen now and then. That was really a children\u2019s game between adults. Gazi didn\u2019t need to play that game to prove anything.<\/p>\n That sword had claimed more lives than any weapon she had ever sold. <\/em>The claymore on Gazi\u2019s back had shed enough blood to grow a miniature Bloodfields. She\u2026she would have made murderers and Roshal\u2019s lot walk soft around her.<\/p>\n It said a lot that even if Ryoka didn\u2019t know all about Gazi, she should surely have sensed it, and she had tried, despite it all, to out-stare Gazi. Yet, it was the Gazer who was most supportive of Ryoka when all was said and done.<\/p>\n \u201cEasy. Ysara practically drags<\/em> you away and you try to kill yourself? And us?\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth grumbled. But now that everyone was calm, Ryoka looked\u2014embarrassed. And uncomfortable. Gazi was still staring at her.<\/p>\n \u201cAdventurer Pathseeker, thank you for the\u2014help.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara tried to take that stare<\/em> off Ryoka, and Gazi\u2019s head turned\u2014but her main eye rolled into the side of her head, and Ysara knew it was pointed at Ryoka. It seemed the Runner felt it, because she turned paler. She was sweating despite the chill in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cMerchant Ysara. You are welcome. I thought it was an interesting event. Though now\u2026if Runner Griffin wishes to enter the Bloodfields, I say let her.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone stared at Gazi. The Gnolls sniffed and glanced at each other and looked\u2026concerned. Though everyone looked concerned by that statement.<\/p>\n \u201cLet her kill herself, you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara managed a polite chuckle. Gazi didn\u2019t quite smile, though her lips turned up.<\/p>\n \u201cIf she is confident\u2014let her make her choices. That is freedom. I have heard it said that a measure of Couriers and Gold-ranks is whether or not they can pass through the Bloodfields and live.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone fell silent at that. Ysara had heard that too, but Buleth chuckled weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cEven Hawk the Hare wouldn\u2019t try that, and he\u2019s the closest Courier, Lady Pathseeker!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s also a bit of a coward.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone else muttered. Gazi just shrugged, rolling the armor on her shoulders. Her main eye finally looked away from Ryoka, and the young woman untensed, shakily relieved.<\/p>\n \u201cWe cannot stop people from making their choices. And I think the outcome would be\u2014interesting. We might all be surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n Interesting.<\/em> Most people were focused on Gazi\u2019s face, but Ysara had met her share of legends thanks to The Adventurer\u2019s Haven and her family. Magnolia Reinhart, for one. And she knew something of tricks thanks to the Golden Gnoll.<\/p>\n She noticed Gazi\u2019s big eye swing down and stare at\u2026something on Ryoka\u2019s belt? Odd.<\/em> Then Gazi turned, and all five<\/em> eyes stared Ryoka down.<\/p>\n The Named-rank legend either held a grudge or believed in stamping out challenges. She eyed Ryoka as the cold sweat resumed.<\/p>\n \u201cThough it is curious to meet you. What is your name, Runner, again? Where do you hail from? Such bravery isn\u2019t often seen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2026Ryoka. From around Celum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd before that?\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi smiled\u2014until one of the Silverfang Gnolls sneezed. It sounded deliberate, but he raised a paw and brushed at the silver markings on his fur\u2014the fangs as Buleth had claimed.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! And I thought your name would be \u2018Erin\u2019, yes? Well met, brave Runner. Foolish of you to try the Bloodfields, but if you\u2019re going south, perhaps head to the Great Plains? You\u2019ll enjoy it with your bare paws\u2014er, feet. And our tribes are welcoming to Humans. Those that don\u2019t come with fire and sword.\u201d<\/p>\n He grinned, and Gazi\u2019s eyes de-focused on Ryoka. A small eye rolled into the side of her head and fixed<\/em> the Gnolls with a stare. It was unsettling\u2026and covert. The half-Gazer turned her head to him and smiled, politely, as the Gnoll [Warrior] got to his feet. He passed by her, and one of her eyes kept following his face. The Gnoll shook Ryoka\u2019s hand and Ysara\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cSilver Merchant, we heard you did good business with our Chieftain. I am Chief Warrior Rometh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease remember me to…Chieftain Akrisa and Shaman Cetrule. How is Cers doing? Satar?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara was grateful for [Contact Memory], which helped her remember her clients\u2019 names. The Gnoll chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cWorrying over her little sister, Krshia Silverfang. Who lives in Liscor. We\u2019re bound there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s our stop as well. Would you like to go the rest of the way with us? It might be slow, but we\u2019ll share a fire and food.\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth chimed in, possibly wanting both the favor of the Gnolls in Liscor and more protection. The Gnolls murmured, but to the Drake\u2019s disappointment, the [Warrior] demurred.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must go at best pace, but we will likely see you there, Merchant Buleth. Thank you for the kind offer. And for sharing this meal. But it is not wise to linger near the Bloodfields, yes? We will be heading out\u2014but not if we are going to see this young Human lose her life in the next few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked keenly at Ryoka, and she flushed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll survive. I\u2019ve run the High Passes already.\u201d<\/p>\n That<\/em> got everyone\u2019s attention. Ysara suppressed a whistle despite herself. No wonder the young woman was confident!<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t excuse her recklessness, though, or her attitude. But Gazi was trading pleasantries with a few [Guards], who begged her for a chance to see her blade or, even more, duel<\/em> her. They had not a chance, Ysara knew. Most were below Level 20, and she could best them as a [Merchant]. She would never touch Gazi.<\/p>\n Then the young woman burst out with something that provoked a real silence.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no one\u2019s business. Just let me do what I want. Even if I die\u2014why do you care?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin\u2019s face was scarlet, and she flushed more when everyone looked her way. After a moment\u2014Ysara stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps I should try to talk to this young woman. Miss Griffin? Would you step over here?\u201d<\/p>\n She indicated the back of Buleth\u2019s wagon, and Ryoka hesitated, saw Gazi glancing at her, and got up. The Gazer stared at Ryoka and Ysara with her main eye even when they walked behind the wagon, but one of her smaller eyes was slowly, slowly <\/em>tracing a route across the foothills behind the temporary camp. As if following something.<\/p>\n The other eyes? They were watching the Gnolls. And the Gnolls were watching her.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor is a small city for a Named-rank adventurer to be in, Adventurer Gazi. Does something\u2014interest you there? Such a legendary figure must be intimidating, to some, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Chief Warrior Rometh stretched out his legs around the fire, but some of the [Merchant]s\u2019 guards realized that the Gnolls never sat or moved in a way that would leave them unguarded if they were attacked. Sensible around the Bloodfields\u2014but they were staring at Gazi.<\/p>\n The half-Gazer\u2019s smile had teeth\u2014but the Gnoll\u2019s fangs were just as sharp.<\/p>\n \u201cA small city for Gnolls of your level as well. A warrior above Level 30 like you\u2026and your entire group is high-level as well. So many Silverfangs for a border city of the Drakes is odd. Yes?\u201d<\/p>\n She mimicked the Gnoll\u2019s way of speaking, and Buleth\u2019s head spun. Could she read levels? <\/em>He\u2019d heard some spells could do that\u2014Rometh did not seem to appreciate Gazi\u2019s insight. He snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cSpoken like one foreign to Izril. Liscor\u2019s mercenary army is not \u2018small\u2019. They were encircling Oteslia last I heard, and that is a deed few armies in the world can manage. Even your King of Destruction stopped at Zeres.\u201d<\/p>\n That <\/em>silenced the rest of the low-level conversations around the fire, not that there had been much. Gazi\u2019s five eyes slowly fixed on Rometh, one by one.<\/p>\n \u201cHe never set foot on Izril himself. We sent one of seven against a Walled City, Gnoll. Had even more of us come\u2014you would not smile.\u201d<\/p>\n He was not smiling now.<\/p>\n \u201cYour King never fought our tribes, and we would not have given up our lands to him like Chandrar. I am not looking for a battle, now, or to seek glory, Gazi Pathseeker. But I hear from my Chieftain\u2019s sister that you take an interest in the same girl we seek. A dangerous one. I would not like to come to blows with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi slowly rotated her neck, shrugging her shoulders to unlimber them.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I would not like your warriors to go to Liscor. You seem intent on being my problem. So let us make a peaceful offer. Turn around and go back to your tribe. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n Her central eye\u2019s pupil dilated slowly as the Gnolls stirred. Several growled, but Rometh just sniffed without apparent fear.<\/p>\n \u201cYou howl loudly, Gazi Pathseeker.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think eighteen of your lot can refuse?\u201d<\/p>\n Her \u2018smile\u2019 had countless needle points of danger. In reply, Rometh shook his head. His voice was level and his gaze direct as he spread his paws.<\/p>\n \u201cI am no fool to fight legends, Gazi Pathseeker. If you should push your will at Liscor, who could refuse you? No one with sense, and I have sense.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled\u2014for about one second. Then Rometh went on calmly, glancing at the other Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you insist and we insist, we must give way. So I shall give way and admit I am the lesser of us by far. But do you know what is coming next year? The Meeting of Tribes.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls chuckled at that, and Buleth thought of that grand gathering far in the future. Then\u2014he saw Rometh\u2019s gaze meet Gazi\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you insist, Gazi Pathseeker, I shall tell Honored Krshia I am too weak to stop you. And my Chieftain, embarrassing as it is. Then I shall go and tell Shaman Theikha of Gaarh Marsh, Chieftain Xherw of Plain\u2019s Eye, and the tribe of Az\u2019muzarre how weak I am. Loudly. You stand a legend on foreign ground, Adventurer Pathseeker. We have our own.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled as Gazi\u2019s own grin vanished and she sat there, eyes fixed on his face. Rometh turned to see where Yvlon and Ryoka had gone.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are alone and my people fill this continent. Walk quietly, Lady Pathseeker. Lest you wake something up.\u201d<\/p>\n It was good advice, to her\u2014and the young woman who was so insane. Perhaps Honored Krshia would be interested in this Ryoka Griffin too? Assuming, of course, that the [Merchant] could talk some sense into her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2026are you? Just a [Merchant]?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s first question caught Ysara off-guard. But then she didn\u2019t look like a regular citizen of the North. A woman with a sword travelling the South? Ysara waved this off.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my class, yes. I have a bit of a reputation as a [Merchant]. The Silver Merchant, they call me, but I doubt you\u2019ll hear my name that widely remembered in the North. I mostly work in the South.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen\u2014why are you so interested in me? Can\u2019t you leave me alone?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara sucked in a breath. She didn\u2019t make it easy, this Runner. But she just gave Ryoka another crooked smile.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t a traveller try to help another on the road? It\u2019s the oldest give and take in the world. Now you\u2019ve calmed down a bit\u2014will you accept I just want to help, Miss Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n The Runner said not a word. Her face was still red, and she was breathing hard. But it seemed to Ysara that was embarrassment now. As if\u2026this were a familiar conversation to her. Ryoka just glowered though.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want handouts. I don\u2019t want to owe a favor.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you owe me nothing. Just hear me out. Friendly advice. I don\u2019t want anything from you. Frankly, I don\u2019t need a City Runner\u2019s help. If I need to, I\u2019d hire a Courier.\u201d<\/p>\n That needled Ryoka. But Ysara put a hand out.<\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t want to see someone die in front of me. And you\u2026I won\u2019t ask where you\u2019re going. I know Runners take such things seriously. The good ones, at any rate. Yet surely someone told you the Bloodfields would be dangerous and to go around. It\u2019s not bravado, surely, that makes you want to ignore all reasonable advice?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka bit her lip. She had the intense urge to flip Ysara off and just run\u2014but Gazi made her nervous. And the fact that Ysara was speaking so\u2014pragmatically made it hard. It wasn\u2019t like Magnolia. Ysara didn\u2019t know Ryoka. So why did Ryoka want to tell her to get bent?<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll live. I\u2019ve survived worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but\u2026let\u2019s assume you do. You cut your feet up on the grass.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara gave Ryoka\u2019s toes a pointed look. Ryoka had dabbed healing potion on them, and they were good as new. But even so. Ryoka bit her tongue as Ysara indicated the long<\/em> Bloodfields.<\/p>\n \u201cThis area is miles upon miles long. You would shred your feet. Even if you can use potions, why suffer? Why risk the dangers in there? One awake Watchertree or a Colony Sac or\u2026let\u2019s assume you survive. Why try?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does someone climb a mountain? I like challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka shot back instantly. She pointed at the High Passes, so vast they stretched beyond the clouds looming over everything. Ysara peered at the mountains.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know why someone would climb the High Passes. No one has ever survived who got anywhere close to the top. I do know adventurers, though, and I know risk. Believe me, as a [Merchant] I\u2019ve been in danger travelling Izril. I am also a young enough woman to know why you\u2019d want to dare it for excitement and bravado.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka hesitated. She eyed Ysara, and the woman didn\u2019t have lines, but\u2026<\/p>\n \u201c…How old are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThirty-four.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re old.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara resisted the urge to slap Ryoka. She tried her best \u2018I hate your guts, but I am going to sell you at a high markup\u2019 smile.<\/p>\n \u201cIf nothing else, Miss Ryoka\u2014what would your friends think, your family, if you were to go missing? I do not want to be the bearer of bad news to those who care about you.\u201d<\/p>\n At that Ryoka Griffin\u2014flinched. So visibly and so hard that even if Ysara had no eyes at all, she would have seen\u2026<\/p>\n Oh. Oh, was it fate or chance that the two met? <\/em>Because Ysara instantly saw something in Ryoka she didn\u2019t want to necessarily see.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s waiting for me. Not my f\u2014no family, and no friends. Okay? So leave me alone. I\u2019ll go run in, level up\u2014isn\u2019t that how you\u2019re supposed to do it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka turned, and Ysara spoke to her back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, my family loves honesty and integrity. Just like metal. It\u2019s our motif. Silver and steel. Purity and strength. Valor and something else. For all that, most of my family can\u2019t spot a liar even when it\u2019s tattooed on their face. But you\u2014even my brother would know you\u2019re lying, Miss Ryoka. Everyone has someone who cares for them. Everyone has a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Hopefully. <\/em>Or maybe you found them far from home. The young woman\u2019s shoulders hunched. Then her head came around, and she spat venom fairly well, despite not being an Oldblood Drake or a serpent.<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t know anything about my problems! I\u2019m tired of people coming into my life and offering advice<\/em> or trying\u2014trying to \u2018help\u2019.<\/em> I\u2019m not like the rest of you, do you understand? I just want to be left alone.<\/em> You won\u2019t enjoy my company, and I won\u2019t repay generosity. Got it?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The conversation in the rest of the merchant\u2019s camp stopped, and Ysara suspected everyone had heard that, not just the Gnolls and Gazi. Ryoka looked mortified\u2014but Ysara began to get the issue.<\/p>\n She, too, knew someone running away from home when she saw it. Mirrors did exist\u2014but the Silver Merchant just exhaled. She was rarely this personal so quickly\u2014but she knew her clients. And though Ryoka wasn\u2019t in any regular sense of the word\u2014Ysara looked north, over her shoulder, and spoke truth like silver. Painful words glittering in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my experience, Miss Griffin, no matter how much we want to run forever\u2014someday we do have to go back. And it is better not to leave regrets behind. They grow. Better to face them now. It is harder than monsters. But a more important battle. If only we could always know we\u2019d win.\u201d<\/p>\n She stared towards the horizon, past the High Passes as she said that. with a faraway grimace on her face. Ryoka stared at Ysara and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a piece of shit. You\u2014you really wouldn\u2019t get it. I can\u2019t fit in and be friendly. I don\u2019t enjoy it. <\/em>I can\u2019t be a good person back to Ga\u2014to the H\u2014to people. So it\u2019s better if they don\u2019t try. I don\u2019t belong. <\/em>So\u2026can\u2019t you just leave me be? Just let me run and not bother me?\u201d<\/p>\n It was a strange question. In Ysara\u2019s experience, in her travels of the south, a lot of Drakes and Gnolls were only too happy to do business with her and never ask her name or ask how a Human came to be there and treat her like a prop. But someone\u2026she wondered what her sister might say of Ryoka after all, as it was clear they had met.<\/p>\n Someone, or many people, had met Ryoka. And to the young woman\u2019s complaints, Ysara didn\u2019t have an answer to what sounded like a mess. She didn\u2019t really like messes\u2014or people of Ryoka\u2019s personality\u2014or the hold up and chaos this one young woman was causing to her journey, if admittedly only for half an hour or so.<\/p>\n But what Ysara did have to take objection with was the last bit. She turned to face Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin. Look at me for one second.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka eyed Ysara, and the Silver Merchant brushed at her long, indigo hair. She showed Ryoka her bare shoulder where the glittering silver ship rose out of the golden vines and the earring on one ear.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin. Would you believe I belong to a noble family in the north? A small one, but I\u2019m technically a [Lady] by birth. And if you know anything of the north, I think you understand what my House is like. Miss Ryoka. I know something about not fitting in.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n More than Ryoka could know. But the City Runner looked at Ysara, looked<\/em> at her and slowly nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSo? Are you going to say that I should go back and try? That I\u2014I should keep making the attempt? That I owe it to my friends not to let them down?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara paused a beat.<\/p>\n \u201cI rather think that is your case, Miss Griffin. I<\/em> was going to say that if they cannot accept you with all your oddities\u2014if not your objectionable behavior\u2014if they cannot accept the core of you, they do not deserve your company. But then\u2014I also respect someone who would change the mountain to fit their passage.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled wide and wondered if Ryoka understood any of it. The City Runner looked at Ysara for a long time, and the Silver Merchant encouraged her.<\/p>\n \u201cBut if there are good sorts behind you\u2014why not come back with us? My sister can be\u2014well, I haven\u2019t seen her for at least five years. But we could always use a companion on the road. It could be pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n Perhaps Ryoka didn\u2019t know why she was being offered so much by the [Merchants], the Gnolls, and arguably, Gazi.<\/p>\n Perhaps she didn\u2019t know how she looked. Runners always looked windblown, sometimes dusty, sometimes dirty, sometimes bloody or harried.<\/p>\n Few looked sad<\/em> like this. Or as lost. Or as\u2026desperate.<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin stood there and wavered. And Ysara thought she saw<\/em> part of Ryoka step forwards, take her hand, and turn back north. For a second, it looked like she was turning\u2014then something, something in her, dragged her back. The City Runner stepped back and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She trailed off, and her eyes flickered.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped, and Ysara exhaled sadly. But then Ryoka added.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks. I\u2019ll think about what you said. And I\u2019ll stay away from the Bloodfields.\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I can ask for. At least have a cup of tea or one of Buleth\u2019s snacks, though. And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She was going to say, \u2018and if you want me to take a message, I can\u2019, but Ysara never got the chance. Because behind her, she heard a sudden howl.<\/p>\n \u201cTreacher\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls? Ryoka and Ysara turned\u2014and then an arrow shot through<\/em> the canvas walls of one of the caravan wagons. Ysara dodged<\/em> it, saw the red Roc\u2019s feather\u2014and then she heard the shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cStop fighting! Stop f\u2014<\/em>Lady Pathseeker, pl\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi Pathseeker stood in the middle of a firefight. What had begun it in the time they had taken to talk, Ysara didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n What she did<\/em> see were the Silverfangs, all eighteen, racing for the horses. There were only ten that mounted, but the remaining eight charged after the riders\u2014and all eighteen were showering arrows behind them.<\/p>\n Not at the terrified [Merchants]\u2014but at Gazi. <\/em>And she?<\/p>\n She was deflecting arrows with her claymore or letting them snap on her armor. Ysara, sword drawn, saw Gazi whirl her gigantic blade around with two hands and chop an arrow in half.<\/p>\n Chop in half an arrow shot at fifty paces by a longbow. Ysara had seen fast blades from Silver-bell duelists. This?<\/p>\n This was a legend.<\/em> And she advanced, calmly, into the arrows as the Gnolls retreated. Why were they fighting?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBuleth! Why are they fighting?\u201d<\/p>\n Ysara grabbed the Drake; he had taken cover behind the wagon, and Ysara crouched down as Ryoka hunkered down; even she wasn\u2019t unafraid of the arrows.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know! They were both threatening the other, but then they fell silent, and I thought\u2014then she got up<\/em> and cut one of their heads off!<\/em> Keep your heads down! Protect the goods!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth\u2019s screams didn\u2019t inspire anyone to shield the goods with their bodies, but everyone obeyed the first order.<\/p>\n Ryoka? Ryoka was frozen because she had seen the first body. A Gnoll lay on the ground\u2014her head severed from the torso. Dead. Rometh was howling rage at Gazi as she deflected arrows, grinning as her bloody sword whirled through the air.<\/p>\n And Gazi was beginning to charge, still deflecting arrows away from her face\u2014the Gnolls were fleeing fast, north, towards Liscor.<\/p>\n \u201cW-what the fuck<\/em> is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka called out. She dared to raise her head with Ysara while Buleth still hid\u2014mostly because the Gnolls had good aim and they were just loosing at Gazi. The Named-rank adventurer was laughing as she ran, and Ysara saw the younger [Traders], [Merchants], Runners, shamefaced [Guards], all slowly emerging from cover. The fight was moving uphill at speed, and now there wasn\u2019t even a remote chance of catching an arrow; the two groups had to be half a mile away already.<\/p>\n She glanced at the Bloodfields\u2014and they were mercifully quiet. The nearby hills were silent, and the fighting was moving north towards the high ridgeline. The Gnolls had speed over Gazi, and they might make it.<\/p>\n But what was the battle about? Ryoka looked at Ysara, and the Silver Merchant turned to Buleth.<\/p>\n \u201cTime to get going. We might need to skip Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n The pale [Merchant] could only nod.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you won\u2019t come with us?\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s the oddest thing. I\u2019ve barely known her for a hot minute\u2014and yet I want to take Ysara up on her offer.<\/p>\n Maybe it\u2019s because she\u2019s not like Magnolia. Maybe it\u2019s because I\u2019m so guilty. Maybe it\u2019s because she\u2019s really<\/em> not like Magnolia or anyone else I\u2019ve met in the north, and she\u2019s the gayest woman I\u2019ve seen in this world so far*.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Is that bad to think? The hair color, the tattoo, one earring? Maybe it\u2019s different over here. I swear she was staring at me like Calruz does, though\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I like her. I like Calruz. I liked them. I was afraid of it.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n She struck home. She struck a nerve. I\u2026I think there\u2019s something in me.<\/p>\n A little war. Part of me wants to go and keep running. To jump into the Bloodfields and never look back. The rest?<\/p>\n Go back and say sorry to Ceria. To the Horns. To the people you respect and bowed to and swore you would repay.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I want to. Oh, I do. But something is dragging me over.<\/p>\n The geas. Myself.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I\u2014I\u2014<\/p>\n There\u2019s something wrong with me.<\/p>\n More than magic.<\/span><\/p>\n I want to take her up, but I look Ysara in the eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got something to do. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiles and extends a hand ruefully. She\u2019s got calluses as I take it. She\u2019s actually a swordswoman.<\/p>\n \u201cAs am I. But if you catch us\u2014at least let\u2019s have a drink, agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n I think I whisper those words. I actually would. But then I\u2019m shaking Buleth\u2019s claws, trying not to stare at the Drake as he stares at my\u2026hips? And the Gnolls and I want to go.<\/em><\/p>\n Find the Necromancer. Find the Necromancer. FindtheNecromancer. Findthenecromancerfindthenecromancerfindthenecromancer\u2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I want to go back.<\/span><\/p>\n I want\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n I wish I could stay because I feel like something\u2019s connecting in my head. But I can\u2019t. So I go\u2014and I keep looking back. Back, at Ysara, who\u2019s watching me as the caravan begins to go around the final part of the Bloodfields. I\u2019m jogging by that red terrain, staring at those alien forests.<\/p>\n How can I even describe what I\u2019m seeing? Some of it is just\u2014unnatural. Just like giant fungi\u2014unsettling spores with huge veins that look alien, poisonous. But another plant looks like a giant\u2026pillow? It must be four feet tall and just as wide across, and there are larger varieties deeper within!<\/p>\n Pale white\u2026stalks. Long fronds of plants\u2014all covered by a bit of frost. All dead. Or hibernating? Teriarch told me I could do this moderately safely. But I remember Ysara\u2019s words and don\u2019t go towards the Bloodfields. I\u2019m just jogging with rocky slopes leading up to the cliffs beyond. Boring sandstone up there or some local rock.<\/p>\n Past the Bloodfields. Along the mountain range\u2026a forest. How far<\/em> is that, I wonder? How many weeks or months to find this guy?<\/p>\n Findhimfindhimhavetofindhim\u2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Ceria and Gerial and Calruz are going into a dungeon. Ysara\u2019s\u2026nice. I want to go back. Why can\u2019t I\u2026? I want to run into the Bloodfields. I\u2019m crazy. I\u2019ve always been crazy, haven\u2019t I?<\/p>\n \u201cThe Lich. The High Passes. I didn\u2019t care if I died.\u201d<\/p>\n The words sound\u2014wrong. Because they\u2019re true. I want to go back, but two things carry me on. Myself. My damned self.<\/p>\n And the magic.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I think I\u2019m fighting. I want to go back. I twist around, and if Ysara\u2019s looking at me, I\u2019ll\u2014<\/p>\n I turn and spin and spin\u2014and a lance of agony strikes my shoulder, and when I stop, I stare blankly at something wrong. Wronger than my head. A black\u2026steel bolt, not like the Gnoll\u2019s arrows. Compact and short and iron. It\u2019s in my shoulder, and my skin\u2019s deformed around it. And I hear someone screaming my name, and I stare at it.<\/p>\n A crossbow bolt?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ysara saw the ambush as Ryoka Griffin slowed and turned. If the Runner had been looking straight, it would have gone straight through her side. As it was\u2014it went through one of her shoulder blades. At first, she had no idea what was going on.<\/p>\n Then\u2014she saw three figures wearing black cloth over their heads and faces and remembered something.<\/p>\n The three Humans. <\/em>Hadn\u2019t she seen\u2026more Humans taking cover when the Gnolls were fighting Gazi? Hiding behind some rocks. She hadn\u2019t\u2014<\/p>\n They were on the ridge.<\/em> One had a crossbow, and he\u2019d fired it straight down at Ryoka. It would have gone straight through Ryoka\u2019s chest\u2014instead, it hit her shoulder, spun her around, and nearly dropped her onto her back with the force of it.<\/p>\n \u201cShit\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShoot again! Shoot again!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Two voices echoed as, again, the [Merchants] took cover, crying out in alarm. A high-pitched, female voice, belonging to a thin young woman with pigtails screaming at a panicking young man holding a crossbow.<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin stumbled, stared at the blood welling from the bolt in her shoulder, and opened her mouth to scream in pain. Then her eyes bulged. She looked up\u2014and Ryoka spoke a name.<\/p>\n \u201cPersua.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska emerged from behind cover. Faces covered\u2014and the girl screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cKill her! Toriska, <\/em>kill her!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t hit me, Claudeil!\u201d<\/p>\n The second Runner came sprinting down the hill, holding her daggers. Ryoka was still staring at her shoulder in shock.<\/p>\n \u201c[Bandits]! Run for it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Buleth was screaming, but Ysara seized the same horse she\u2019d kept handy\u2014just in case she saw Ryoka going for the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Get to Ryoka! Someone\u2019s trying to kill her!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She leapt into the saddle, sword drawn\u2014but the Runners were at least a thousand paces away, and Ryoka was stupefied. The one with the crossbow was trying to reload it, and the other was screaming at her companion.<\/p>\n \u201cKill her! Kill her before she shouts our names to\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n