\u201cI\u2019m going to quit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Niers Astoragon spoke to himself as he stood on his dressing table, inspecting himself in a foot-high mirror. He adjusted the cuffs of the fancy, somber black-and-silver doublet he\u2019d been supplied and wondered if he could strangle himself on the lace.<\/p>\n
\u201cLace. Who uses lace?<\/em> The fashions of Terandria are not Balerosian fashions. Following those idiotic trendsetters is pointless, but why listen to me? Let\u2019s all decide to hang ourselves with string. Lace on the frocks, collars, arms\u2026leggings <\/em>for some reason! In the time it takes to dress up like this I could be playing two games of chess. Three.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced over to a small, wooden board sitting on the table a few feet away from him. It too occupied the dressing room table, which also held Niers\u2019 bed, most of his possessions, and his entire wardrobe. The rest of Niers\u2019 room was given over to a large amount of papers, most stacked with some degree of neatness, but giving the entire place a distinct impression that a tiny person had decided to camp out in the middle of a filing room.<\/p>\n It was, Niers thought to himself, entirely appropriate. Not that the clutter mattered outside of the table; for a Fraerling, the dressing table itself was a gigantic bedroom, complete with treacherous drops several times his height he could throw himself off if he got bored of life.<\/p>\n \u201cNot that I\u2019d die from the fall, even if I landed on my neck. And then I\u2019d have to show up and teach those little leeches wearing a neck brace. Hah! And this week of all weeks? It doesn\u2019t bear thinking about.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced again at the magical chessboard and shook his head. The pieces hadn\u2019t moved. Thus, there was no real reason for him to delay. Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many have I taught? A hundred? A thousand? And how many survive to become great [Strategists] and [Generals]? I don\u2019t need to keep doing this. I could keep playing. I could\u2014could find out\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off for a second and looked for a third time at the chess board. Then he looked towards the glass windows in his room, saw the sun rising, and cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cLate!\u201d<\/p>\n He finished tying the lace together like a noose and hurried towards the door. Not the main door to the room though; oh no. The door handle was far too high up for Niers to bother climbing and ruin his wonderf\u2014his perfectly serviceable\u2014his mockery of fashion that was a doublet. No, instead, he took a small ramp upwards towards a door set near the ceiling. Niers opened it, and began to march down the small stone tunnels illuminated by tiny mage lights.<\/p>\n He was using the Fraer-ways. And in doing so, he passed through stone crossroads, walkways along the outside of the palace that had been converted into the academy he lived in. These walkways were naturally enclosed on all sides to protect Fraerlings from birds, rodents, and other dangers, but such was the wealth of Niers\u2019 company, the Forgotten Wing, that the [Architects] had installed glass windows to allow Fraerlings an unparalleled view of the city the academy was based in.<\/p>\n Elvallian, one of the foremost trading hubs in Baleros. Once an obscure city marooned in the jungle, now, the headquarters of the Forgotten Wing Company, home to one of the Four Great Companies of Baleros when they were not on campaign. Also, and just as prominently, the place where aspiring [Strategists] might receive the chance to learn from the legendary Titan himself, the [Strategist] claimed by many to be the highest-level in the world, Niers Astoragon.<\/p>\n At the moment, said Titan, [Grandmaster Strategist], feared foe to his enemies and so on and so forth was cursing. He\u2019d just stepped in rat droppings and it had gotten all over his dress boots, which of course, had lace.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSo that\u2019s why you\u2019re late. Because of rat poo.\u201d<\/p>\n Breakfast. Niers had it every day in an open part of the castle. Not open to the elements; no one wanted to sit in the hot, humid air, rather open in the sense of huge sheets of glass providing the illusion of openness while cooling spells made the room pleasant to sit in.<\/p>\n Niers sat on a table with white cloth, eating from a tiny bowl and scowling at his companion sitting across from him. He was having a civilized breakfast of bananas, a filling porridge, and fruits, all seasoned with some fresh cinnamon.<\/p>\n His partner was having muffins. Not muffins with a side of eggs, or muffins and a glass of milk, or muffins with butter. Just muffins. There were three of them. As Niers watched, the eater of muffins picked one up in her furry paws and stared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of poo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you stop calling it that? I stepped in rat droppings<\/em> and needed to change my boots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know why. We\u2019re supposed to be putting on a show!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm. So that\u2019s why you have all the string.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLace.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers glared. The person sitting across from him blinked at him. She had odd eyes. Three-Color Stalker was her title. She was a Squirrel Tribe Beastkin. Also, she was the leader of the Forgotten Wing Company, Niers\u2019 boss, oldest friend, and right now, ponderer of muffins.<\/p>\n \u201cI <\/em>didn\u2019t choose to dress up like this. Apparently, this is the current fashion from Terandria and all of Baleros considers this the height of fashion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrab clothing and lots of lace.\u201d<\/p>\n The tiny Fraerling gritted his teeth as the Squirrel-woman held her muffin up to the light, studying it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe point, as I understand it, is to emphasize muted colors. Note<\/em> the silver lining?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy have lace if it\u2019s not colored?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be asking too much of fashion, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel Beastkin glanced at Niers and smiled for a second. He wasn\u2019t sure if that was because she felt like it, or because she\u2019d gotten the joke. Her name was Foliana and he\u2019d known her for decades, but she was still unpredictable to him. Both of Foliana\u2019s eyes sparkled in the light as they met his.<\/p>\n Three colors made up her eyes. Bright red-pink, deep and dreamy yellow and clear green. They created an orb of three equal parts in the center of her eye. The brown sclera that surrounded the eyes was practically black compared to the brilliance of her pupils.<\/p>\n Her eyes were a wonder. The rest of the Squirrel Beastkin was practically unnoticeable. She faded into her chair, and when sitting seemed to grow transparent and inconspicuous. Niers cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI note you aren\u2019t wearing any lace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t want to. Lace is hard to sneak around in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not being called on to stab a [Commander] to death in a rainforest. You\u2019re greeting dignitaries, prospective clients, allies. Guests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat means no stabbing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Niers chewed down his breakfast, hurrying because if he didn\u2019t, he\u2019d be late for class. He made sure not to get a spot on his clothing. Foliana slowly nibbled at her muffin, getting about half of it into her mouth and the rest on the tablecloth.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thinking about quitting.\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped nibbling and looked at Niers. Not a trace of emotion crossed Foliana\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers stared at her. She stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is where you remind me of the good old days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Right. What good old days?\u201d<\/p>\n The Fraerling thought. Then he cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m feeling old, Foliana. You have grey in your fur\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m distinguished. You\u2019re old and wrinkly. I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have fur<\/em>. That hides your wrinkles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. I\u2019d like blueberries.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers stared at Foliana. She stared back. Sometimes they did this for minutes over breakfast. She looked at her muffins first.<\/p>\n \u201cBlueberries are called that because they look blue. What do you call orange berries?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Oranges? Tiwali Magma Bloomers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Nope. If you want to go, we\u2019ll probably be attacked. Mm. Not good. Should probably rethink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur company is fine. So long as you don\u2019t engage directly with one of the other three Great Companies\u2014I have my reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoing to find your mystery chess partner?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers grimaced. Half of Baleros knew by now that he was playing an opponent. Most knew exactly how many games he\u2019d won and lost. (Two wins this week, three losses. Four draws.)<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t talk me out of it. I\u2019m done with this pomp and teaching those idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a class in five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Damn.<\/em> Big feet squash it all!\u201d<\/p>\n Niers leapt up. He pointed at Foliana as he ran for the Fraer-ways.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t over!\u201d<\/p>\n She waved at him with one furred paw as he left. The tiny door slammed shut behind him. Foliana nibbled at a muffin, and then glanced towards the main door to the dining room.<\/p>\n It opened suddenly. Foliana disappeared. One of her subordinates, Peclir Im, edged into the room. He was a [Chamberlain], since [Stewards] were rare and required royalty to appoint them. But he was experienced, high-level, and knew Foliana and Niers well enough to look closely at the table. He coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Foliana, if you\u2019re here, I would like to know rather than die of a heart attack like my predecessor.\u201d<\/p>\n Grudgingly, she appeared, still sitting at her table. Peclir nodded and approached her.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Astoragon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s teaching class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. I could have summoned a helper to carry him had I been aware.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. He likes running. He feels old if he\u2019s carried. And there\u2019s rat poo in the Fraer-ways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do apologize. I shall have someone clean the area immediately and put down poison.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana nibbled as Peclir cleared Niers\u2019 tiny dishes and half-eaten breakfast from the table. She stared at him without blinking. Peclir for his part\u2014the man was Human, not that it mattered\u2014was used to the scrutiny and kept working undeterred. Cleaning was a job for a lesser class like [Maid] or [Manservant], but Foliana had a habit of disappearing around anyone she didn\u2019t trust, which was nearly everyone. More than one servant had tried to clean a chair with her on it.<\/p>\n People still talked about the previous [Majordomo].<\/p>\n \u201cWhen are the fancy people arriving?\u201d<\/p>\n Peclir paused and glanced towards the rising sun.<\/p>\n \u201cIn an hour, I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to greet them. They\u2019ll watch Niers teach the first day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Foliana. And there will be the banquet in two days as all of the guests will have arrived then. Lord Astoragon has requested me to tell you that attendance is mandatory.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. That was natural. Three-Color Stalker was a legend few had ever seen. She was a [Rogue] of the highest order, but her talents made most [Assassins] green with envy, especially when she stabbed them from behind.<\/p>\n \u201cPeclir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been working for four years now. Almost exact.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy anniversary is this month. I\u2019m pleased you recall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Yes, good. Loyalty is good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Foliana. Would you like a napkin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Orange berries. Can\u2019t remember the names.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shall have an assortment prepared directly. Do you believe Lord Astoragon would like a snack, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana paused. She looked out the window and spoke distantly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. He\u2019s teaching. No time for food. Too busy shouting, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIncorrect!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers bellowed the word. It shouldn\u2019t have been possible for a person of his size to project as loudly as he did, but the word rang through the lecture hall.<\/p>\n The student he was yelling at, a young Human man who looked like he was still growing, turned dead white and might have fainted as Niers pointed at him. The tiny Fraerling shouted loud enough so all his students\u2014and the visitors standing at the back of the hall\u2014could hear him.<\/p>\n \u201cA pike square and archers to fight an Antinium army? You\u2019d be lucky to hold your ground for an hour, much less win the battle!\u201d<\/p>\n He roared at the young [Tactician] who\u2019d voiced his incorrect opinion to one of Niers\u2019 questions. It was class time and in the large lecture hall, the Titan, or the Professor as he was known to his students, was angry. He was always angry, of late. He felt cooped up, especially because he had to show all these visitors how wonderful and important his classes were.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Antinium are not<\/em> a foe to be underestimated! If the last two Antinium Wars have taught the world anything, it is that they are a powerful and unpredictable foe that, yes, uses a stock variety of soldiers with little variation, but makes up for that with unbreakable morale, armored and numberless infantry, and the ability to tunnel! If a third Antinium War breaks out and a Balerosian company is contracted to battle the Antinium, I will see you using better formations against them than that.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He glared around the room, making students shrink down in their seats or stare at their inky notes rather than meet his eyes. No one wanted to catch the Titan\u2019s wrath and be called out for their ill thought-out tactics like the trembling young man in his seat.<\/p>\n Of the lot, a group near the front consisting of eight or so individuals didn\u2019t flinch from Niers\u2019 gaze. They were his advanced students, the ones who he considered able enough to lead his soldiers in an actual battle. Niers studied the group for a moment as his students consulted their notes.<\/p>\n Yes, his best. Some were bright and truly talented, like Umina, a Lizardgirl who was studiously checking her notes despite already knowing the answer. However, she was hesitant and afraid to be bold. Others, like the Dullahan named Cameral were gifted but lacking the creative talent Niers tried to inspire.<\/p>\n Some, like Marian the Centaur and Venaz the Minotaur, were supremely confident in their abilities. Venaz was leaning back in his seat, lounging with a smirk on his face as he watched the others, waiting to be called on. As for Wil and Yerranola\u2026Niers passed over the Human and Selphid. They would field any question he shot at them.<\/p>\n \u201cCountering the Antinium is no simple matter of lining up a bunch of experienced [Pikemen] and having [Archers] whittle them down. Anyone studying the way the Drakes fought the Antinium during the first war would see that static defenses are aggressively overrun by Antinium. They won\u2019t hesitate for a second to run onto a pike and tear the [Pikemen] to bits while their Workers tunnel right underneath the feet of your archers!\u201d<\/p>\n Niers had a huge board on one side of the room which he would write on with the use of a magic quill. The levitating quill shot across the white parchment tacked to the board and sketched out the rough plan of a battle as he spoke. Later on he\u2019d have the parchment replaced, and students could study the lesson at their leisure in another room.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, a far more effective tactic is to destabilize their lines with elite shock units while mages bombard concentrations. Aggression to match the Antinium offensive. That is the lesson General Sserys and General Shivertail taught us in both wars. Now, let\u2019s assume the worst. Assume you, as a [Strategist], are left with only pikes and archers as young Nenor has suggested. What is the best strategy in that case? Anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around, this time eying Venaz and wondering if the Minotaur had any better suggestions than \u2018use Minotaurs\u2019 as his arguments. He was about to call on him when a tap<\/em> on one of the windows by his head interrupted him.<\/p>\n Heads turned, and Niers saw a radiant bird with brilliant red and gold plumage, glittering in the morning light, perched on a branch outside of the classroom. He recognized the huge beak and glittering wings of the beautiful bird and scowled at it.<\/p>\n The Sparklewing Bird ruffled its feathers in the morning air and cocked its head winsomely at Niers as he spoke. It pecked at the glass. He grunted and waved a hand at one of his students.<\/p>\n \u201cMarian. Get a bow and shoot that damn bird. It\u2019s a hazard if there are any Fraerlings about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt once, professor.\u201d<\/p>\n He resumed speaking as Marian got up and trotted out of the room. A few seconds later he heard a squawk<\/em> and the birdsong ceased. Some of the students winced. Niers nodded at Marian as the Centaur trotted back into the room.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, an Antinium army has assaulted your very odd army of pikes and archers. You\u2019ve a few high-level individuals among them, but no one noteworthy. Your terrain is a canyon, with ground porous enough that the Antinium can dig through it. How will you survive their assault? Venaz, speak. And so help me, if you claim your entire army is filled with Minotaurs I\u2019ll send to you to Izril so you can see how well your tactics hold up against the Antinium in person!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As it happened, Venaz had a far more intelligent plan of staggering his lines of pikes and archers, creating a hostile terrain for any burrowing Antinium and pointed out the use of charging pikes as opposed to a static defense. For that, Niers grudgingly awarded him full marks and set the rest of the class to fielding questions about how to handle the Antinium specialist types which the world was aware of.<\/p>\n Then he set them the day\u2019s homework\u2014researching the Antinium Wars and discussing whether a third one would result in the defeat of the Drake cities or northern Human settlements, and what role Baleros might play in the conflict as potential mercenaries for any side. Niers privately planned to award double points to anyone who considered whether a Baleros company might be hired by the Antinium and discussed the ramifications of such a decision.<\/p>\n Classes were usually like that. Niers had been teaching for a long time and in the lecture-hall sections of his classes, he would give students complex questions and test their knowledge of different species and historical conflicts, not to mention political decisions they might be subjected to. A [Strategist] had to decide the fate of their company outside of the battlefield, after all.<\/p>\n However, today was different in that instead of continuing the lesson with more practical examples as usual, Niers was instead called away to greet some of the visitors who\u2019d observed his class. He bowed over a scaled hand and kissed the tip of a fingernail now.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Messimar, greetings to you. I hope you find the city of Elvallian hospitable in your sojourn here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are too kind, Lord Astoragon. I was most struck by your lessons\u2014I should hardly like to be the one shouted at by the Titan himself. That poor Human looked like he was about to faint!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe students grow used to it with time, Lady Messimar. I assure you, my shouting at them is the least of the challenges any [Strategist] will have to face over their career.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo very true. And you should know, of course! On a different and far more pleasant note, may I compliment you on your marvelous attire, Lord Astoragon? You\u2019ve seen the latest designs from Terandria, I take it?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers grimaced as he was reminded of his lace outfit, but he covered it with a courtier\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes. I found them\u2026inspiring to my heart, to say the least. May I compliment you on the pairings of your dress, Lady Messimar? Rose and green become you.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardwoman blushed and swept herself back a step, flourishing the gown of lace and muted colors that was for some reason stylish. Niers made a show of looking her up and down\u2014as was polite for Lizardfolk, and the Lady Messimar departed after exchanging a few more pleasantries.<\/p>\n \u201cOne down, a few hundred to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers sighed as he stood on the pedestal that had been placed for him to speak with his guests at eye-level. He felt a presence by his side and nearly spilled the chilled drink he was holding. Foliana appeared out of thin air, munching on a muffin. It was the same one Niers had seen at breakfast, he was sure.<\/p>\n \u201cLizardfolk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t point Foliana, it\u2019s rude. And mingle, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers hissed at the Squirrel tribe Beastkin. Foliana nibbled at her muffin. She was not wearing lace and neither was she smiling. She looked around at the parade of lace and stiff, polite expressions with clear distaste.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a [General], two [Mages], our best [Sharpshooter], eight <\/em>[Captains] and a bunch of other people I don\u2019t remember. Why do I have to be here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you\u2019re the leader of one of the Four Great Companies. Ours!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers sighed. They were holding this greeting session in a ballroom, a place they\u2019d kept from the palace when they converted it into an academy and paid far too much for. They\u2019d paid gold to have sapphires melted and drawn into the marble flooring, and the curtains! Silk and enchanted, just like the damn windows.<\/p>\n But it was all important. The guests, the meeting, even the polite nothings and wearing the latest fashion trends. Niers and Foliana both knew it. They raised funding for their company during this time, made valuable alliances and deals. They could receive thousands, tens of thousands of gold pieces in donations from a single one of these guests. Fundraisers were vital. Every big company had one yearly and the biggest had to show they were willing to spend to earn.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m being polite and waiting for people to seek me out. Why aren\u2019t you saying hello to anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said hello to Morn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s our<\/em> [Captain]!\u201d<\/p>\n Niers and Foliana spoke as their guests waited for an opportunity to swoop in and engage one or the other in conversation. Not both; that was intimidating. And in truth, Niers was the desired person to meet. The infamous Three-Color Stalker was hard to recognize for many, and her reputation as both a silent killer and oddball preceded her. How Niers envied Foliana for that.<\/p>\n However, there were some for whom the dual personages only added allure. Niers heard a voice, shouting joyfully.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Astoragon! Lady Foliana!\u201d<\/p>\n A voice called out to the two as they talked quietly. Niers turned, putting on a forced smile and Foliana turned transparent. She reluctantly faded back into view as a Centaur trotted towards them.<\/p>\n The fact that he was a Centaur didn\u2019t matter at all, and was a superfluous detail that everyone didn\u2019t pay attention to except to watch out for his hooves. Niers greeted him and then the Centaur broke into their conversation. He\u2019d probably been listening in.<\/p>\n \u201cMight I compliment you on your outfit, Lord Astoragon? Quite the latest style.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it is, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n By his side, the Fraerling [Strategist] could see Foliana making a face and not bothering to hide it. He smiled so pleasantly his face hurt. Two down, a hundred more to go.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There was no chess game waiting for him when Niers finally got done with the greeting of guests and socializing. He dragged himself back into his room and brightened the instant he saw a piece had moved. But when he hopefully moved a piece\u2014of course, after a great deal of deliberation and restudying the board, although he\u2019d already done so that morning\u2014his opponent didn\u2019t move a piece in response.<\/p>\n That often happened. He or she was probably asleep. Niers rubbed at his face and blinked in the candlelight.<\/p>\n \u201cWho set that out? Peclir? Good man. Damnit. I should quit.\u201d<\/p>\n He sat in his bed for a second, undoing the lace and growing annoyed at the time it took. Today had been irksome. Tomorrow would be\u2026dead gods, the banquet was the day after tomorrow, wasn\u2019t it? Niers groaned as he lay down and went to sleep.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2013<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAdvance!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Umina the Lizardgirl shouted as a wave of her soldiers collided with the enemy. Her cavalry circled around and struck Cameral\u2019s forces from the rear. The Dullahan struggled to keep up with her rapid attacks as the two other spears of cavalry kept circling and hitting his troops in odd places. And while they did, her archers and heavy infantry kept circling, forcing him to keep adjusting his rows of soldiers, stretching, stretching until something broke\u2014<\/p>\n It ended with a shower of arrows hitting Umina\u2019s command. It was a stray shot aimed at her in sheer desperation, but one of the arrows filled with dry paint powders struck Umina squarely on the chest and she was knocked out. Reluctantly, she watched as her leaderless army struggled to repel Cameral as he regained control of the battlefield. In the end her forces were routed, although Cameral had lost nearly half of his army in the process.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t fair!\u201d<\/p>\n Marian was strident in the after-battle review, as \u2018dead\u2019 soldiers came off the side of the field and healing potions were passed around for those with bruises or, more rarely, broken bones.<\/p>\n \u201cShe had him right where she wanted. If it wasn\u2019t for that stray arrow, she would<\/em> have won! How is that fair?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur paced back and forth as Niers stood in the shade, marking the positions of Umina\u2019s strategy with figurines. It wasn\u2019t a game, or rather, these practice sessions were meant to simulate actual battles. The hired [Soldiers] and [Actors] could form any number of armies and do battle as two of Niers\u2019 students attempted to defeat each other.<\/p>\n There were low-level [Mages] who could use \u2018spells\u2019 which were designed only to mark which soldiers had been killed. And as for charges and actual melee combat\u2014they used padded weapons, but swung them hard and fast. Soldiers would retreat after being killed, but in the thick of things people could still be hurt, sometimes badly.<\/p>\n But Niers paid well. And it was one of the reasons why his academy was so famous. The strategist glanced to one side and saw a lot of his guests watching from the shade of a canvas tent, talking excitedly about the battle.<\/p>\n Almost as excitedly as Marian. Niers halted her in her tracks.<\/p>\n \u201cCameral, would you like to answer?\u201d<\/p>\n The sweaty Dullahan had his head under one arm. He raised it now, looking slightly ashamed but defensive.<\/p>\n \u201cI was aware I was losing, so I ordered my archers to target Umina. On purpose. I would have done the same in any real battle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust so. Cameral\u2019s tactics were valid, Marian. However, on that note Cameral, I would have begun aiming for Umina to begin with. If there is a fault in how the battle played out, it was that you entrusted that attack to luck, rather than factored it into your plans.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan nodded, looking thoughtful. Umina, still covered in yellow paint, also nodded, but Marian protested again. She trampled her hooves in a mini Centaur tantrum as she spoke anxiously to Niers.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s\u2014it\u2019s unfair! If we have to duck and cower away from every archer\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Speak for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz folded his arms. The Minotaur tossed his head as he gestured at the trampled ground and spoke to Marian.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I\u2019m on the battlefield, I expect<\/em> to be shot at. Give me a shield and I\u2019ll command from the front!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah? I\u2019d like to see you dodge a rain of arrows. Give me a bow and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEnough!\u201d<\/p>\n Niers raised his voice before his two most hot-tempered students could get into it. He tapped his foot on the wooden platform he stood on thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cAttacking the enemy [General] or [Strategist] is a valid tactic, Marian. We saw a similar move occur in the recent battle around the King of Destruction. Or don\u2019t you recall how his steward, Orthenon, allegedly targeted the enemy army\u2019s [Strategists] in order to cripple it and bait them into following him into a trap?\u201d<\/p>\n His students fell silent. News about the King of Destruction\u2019s return was hot on everyone\u2019s lips, but news from Chandrar was sparse. Marian bit her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cBut professor, how do we protect ourselves from something like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let me phrase it to you as a question. This is a class. How would you do it, Marian? Anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n The group of [Tacticians] and [Strategist] students fell silent. Then Umina raised her hand. Niers nodded at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t speak for running up against the King of Destruction\u2019s [Steward], professor, but I\u2019d keep my command a lot further back next time even if it meant seeing less of the battlefield. Or wear plate armor.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a bit of tittering at that comment. Niers looked around and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all think plate armor\u2019s such a bad idea? If Umina had<\/em> been wearing it, she\u2019d have won that last battle.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone fell silent. Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cPracticality. I keep telling you\u2014in that case, if you\u2019re all willing to stand the heat, I\u2019ll grant any one of you willing to stand around in plate armor an exemption from the first three arrows that strike you at range in a match. One spell too\u2014so long as it isn\u2019t a directly targeted attack on you specifically.\u201d<\/p>\n That produced some murmurs. Each \u2018battle\u2019 was an important event. It attracted a lot of attention from the city people who liked watching people beat each other with swords and seeing the latest talent, and it was also the subject of intense betting by students and other groups. More than that, it was how Niers evaluated his students, so any edge or tactic was immediately put to use.<\/p>\n \u201cJust remember that plate armor\u2019s restrictive. You\u2019ll move slower, see less\u2014and a [Strategist] needs to see the battlefield. Like everything else, it\u2019s a calculated risk. Now, Venaz, Marian, you two seem to disagree on how a [Strategist] should behave when in danger. Show me which one of you is more correct. Form up an army\u2014I want an equal match so calculate accordingly. You have twenty minutes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Baleros was warm in the winter. Not hot, true, but Niers felt like his doublet was trying to strangle him. He gladly accepted a glass of squeezed fruit juice from Peclir, a tiny thimble in his case\u2014and downed it quickly. Peclir had a small teacup\u2019s worth of juice\u2014a huge tank in Niers\u2019 world\u2014ready, and the [Strategist] filled up his cup again with a grunt.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Peclir. Let me know when Venaz wakes up. I imagine being trampled by Marian hurt his pride more than anything, but I\u2019d like to know he\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Lord Astoragon.\u201d<\/p>\n Peclir departed, circulating among the other guests who were speaking with the students. It was another game, the prospective investors speaking to prospective company leaders. Now that he was alone, Niers waited until he saw the teacup move.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s mine, Foliana. Get your own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen get your own.\u201d<\/p>\n Reluctantly, the teacup dipped and Foliana appeared. It wasn\u2019t magic\u2014it was a Skill and her own incredible talent mixing together. A [Mage] would have triggered some of the warning devices Niers carried. Foliana was deadly because she was all-natural.<\/p>\n \u201cSnappy. Why so angry? More rat crap?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeclir sent someone to clean it up and put down traps, but I found some more this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShame.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a danger<\/em>, especially with our guests, some of whom are Fraerlings! Anyone who\u2019s not a [Warrior] is at risk if giant rats attack them.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers grimaced. That would be a disaster. Especially because his company was beloved by the Fraerlings. They had only one hero whose name was known across the world, and it was Niers. Poor repayment to have one of them killed by a rodent.<\/p>\n \u201cThey looked good out there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid they? I thought you didn\u2019t care for these games.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana shrugged. She had a quarter of a muffin in her paws. Niers stared at it pointedly. It looked stale. Foliana nibbled.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Don\u2019t care. Said it to be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers filled his glass a third time. He sipped. Foliana sprinkled crumbs into his cup. After a while she spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cStill shouldn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo what? Quit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Should stay here. Besides, you\u2019re cursed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am not<\/em> cursed. That\u2019s a myth, and the company\u2019s official stance is that it\u2019s just gossip. I am not cursed\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She interrupted.<\/p>\n \u201cYes you are. You\u2019re cursed. You think you\u2019re an old man and you act like it. I\u2019m distinguished and young. You\u2019re crotchety.\u201d<\/p>\n He scowled and splashed his glass at her. She dodged the small shower of juice in an instant and reappeared on his other side. Niers frowned and wiped sweat from his forehead. He sighed, pulled at the lace around his neck.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not old. Or rather, I\u2019m as old as you, Foliana.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. But you look older. I\u2019m having fun. You\u2019re not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana poked Niers gently.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not smiling. Duh. Mm.\u201d<\/p>\n There was nothing he could say to that. Niers stared at the battlefield where the [Actors] were cleaning up and felt like he\u2019d done nothing to warrant the cold drink in his hand. He hated to admit it. But he did feel old.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n That night Niers went drinking just to spite Foliana. He crashed a party at one of the academy\u2019s drinking spots for students. It was filled with the older ones and after a moment where their hearts stopped for fear he was springing an impromptu exercise on them or a pop quiz\u2014he had done it before\u2014he was welcomed to drink by all.<\/p>\n It was rare Niers let his hair down, not that he had any hair to let down. But he was private, and socializing with him was a rare opportunity for his students to ask him questions about current events they might have not dared to in class.<\/p>\n \u201cThe King of Destruction?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers snorted. He had a tiny cup of a potent whiskey in his hand as he leaned against Cameral\u2019s mug. The Dullahan nodded his head with his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve all heard the rumors, professor. He\u2019s taken down three kingdoms in the blink of an eye. Speculation is rife that he\u2019ll repeat himself last time, despite other nations being forewarned and prepared for him. Do you think it\u2019s possible?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d hardly like to speculate and make a fool out of myself, would I?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a roar of protest from the students at the table. Venaz put his fist down so hard Niers felt his feet leave the table for a second. Everything bounced. He glared at Venaz and the Minotaur subsided a bit. He snorted and glanced at Marian, who was sipping from a drink and smiling coolly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve clashed with his men before, professor. Don\u2019t tell us you have no idea how strong the King of Destruction is!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s clashed with Flos\u2019 women<\/em> before, Venaz. Females. There\u2019s more females than males in his Seven. In fact, now there\u2019s only four, only one<\/em> of them is male.\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz grunted as Marian spoke. He kept his eyes on Niers. The Fraerling sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to know if Flos can do it? Honestly, Marian hit on the sole point right there. His Seven. They launched his campaign last time\u2014we studied this in class\u2014and now he has only four. I believe his success in a new campaign will depend on that one factor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He drained his mug and his students leaned forwards.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014On whether the King of Destruction finds a replacement for his Seven, or possibly, an entirely new Seven to command. If he does, then he may truly be unstoppable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurely he\u2019s more than halfway there already. From everything I\u2019ve heard of him, the King of Destruction could crush a nation by himself, Seven or not.\u201d<\/p>\n That came from the pale Naga holding a wine glass filled with bubbling black liquid. The dead body lifted the cup and drank. Yerranola the Selphid looked concerned.<\/p>\n The Naga was male, but the person within identified herself as female, which was rare for a Selphid. They usually took whichever gender of body they inhabited.<\/p>\n Niers shook his head, sighing. Yerranola was a good student, and she was one of his oldest still at the academy, but she had the same problem they all did. He explained, feeling weary.<\/p>\n \u201cLegends tend to retell themselves until fact and fiction mix together too finely to separate. Relying on hearsay and rumor is a quick way to overestimate your opponents. They call me the Titan, but you\u2019ll note that I don\u2019t crush my enemies underfoot. Nor do I drink from the skulls of my foes or bathe in their blood as the rumors indicate.\u201d<\/p>\n His students chuckled at the dry joke. Niers smiled for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cFlos is a man. A [King] of a man, and perhaps one of the most dangerous men in the world for that, but a man nonetheless. He can err. He can fall. But I won\u2019t speculate as to what will happen next. If he continues, Baleros will be part of the future, I have no doubt. Where there is war, companies from Baleros follow.\u201d<\/p>\n It was an old saying and it made the students nod as if Niers had said something profound. He sighed. Then Umina did something unexpected.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor, sir. I was wondering. We\u2019ve never seen you drink. Not with us. So while you\u2019re here, would you like to play a game?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChess? I play enough with you lot in lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n It was known that chess helped [Strategists] level. And because Niers had invented the game\u2014a lie only he and Foliana knew to be one\u2014it was part of his classes. But Umina shook her head and pulled something from under the table. It rattled and Niers saw four dies in a cup.<\/p>\n The table went silent. Niers looked around and had to smile. So now his students were setting traps.<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder who put you up to this, Umina. I suspect Wil or Yerranola.\u201d<\/p>\n The Human and Selphid blushed. Umina hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it was just me, sir. I thought a game\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, gambling? Well, I don\u2019t usually.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease? Just a toss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got a cup! We could bet some gold on it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Wil, the Human, brought out another cup and the other students fished in their pouches for coins. Niers smiled crookedly. To do or not? Well, he was in it now. Refusing would just create rumors. While agreeing\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cOne toss.\u201d<\/p>\n The students around the table cheered. Niers held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cOne. Put the other dies together with Umina\u2019s, Wil. Eight dice\u2026you toss and I\u2019ll toss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the bet?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers smiled mysteriously.<\/p>\n \u201cNone.\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd of students fell silent. The older Fraerling could see the looks of speculation. He didn\u2019t care. He remembered, and felt old when he saw the look of anticipation on their faces. It was a legend to them. He had lived it.<\/p>\n \u201cToss, Wil.\u201d<\/p>\n The toss was a decent one. Wil had three sixes, a five, two threes, and pair of twos. He put the dice into the cup and realized that the cup was taller than Niers was.<\/p>\n \u201cI can find some Fraerling dice, professor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need. Put it right next to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers watched as the cup was set down. He saw the looks on his students\u2019 faces, the stomach-churning anticipation. There was no such feeling in his heart. Niers put down his mug, and stepped up to the dice.<\/p>\n He kicked over the cup holding all eight dice. They clattered out onto the table, bouncing together, stopping. The students looked down and the room went quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers looked up at Cameral\u2019s suddenly waxy face. The Dullahan shifted his head in his hands and coughed a few times before speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cAll\u2014all ones, professor.\u201d<\/p>\n All eight dice showed only a single pip. In the silence, Niers laughed. Tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I lose. A shame, but a good thing I didn\u2019t bet anything, eh? Now, where were we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You can\u2019t just let us\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother game, please professor!\u201d<\/p>\n They begged him. Niers shook his head, and then held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cNo dice. A coin toss. Heads or tails. Wil?\u201d<\/p>\n Gold coins were usually embossed with whichever city or nation had minted them. Wil fumbled for one and came up with a copper coin. Niers nodded his approval. Wil flipped it, caught it, turned it over.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeads.\u201d<\/p>\n Wil raised his hand. The room exploded.<\/p>\n \u201cHeads!\u201d<\/p>\n Umina laughed as if Niers had pulled a great trick. The Fraerling rolled his eyes, and then raised a hand. Silence.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother one, then. Wil?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man flipped the coin. It rotated into the air and landed. He turned it over and looked at Niers. Now the silence was expectant.<\/p>\n \u201cHeads.\u201d<\/p>\n Again the palm rose. Again the cheer. Niers raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cNow again.\u201d<\/p>\n Wil looked at him. The other students looked at him. Now they noticed Niers wasn\u2019t smiling. Wil flipped the coin. This time he caught it, hesitated, and didn\u2019t turn it over.<\/p>\n \u201cProf\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeads.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers stared at Wil. The young man hesitated, opened his hand. The head of some [King] stared up at Niers.<\/p>\n Silence.<\/p>\n \u201cDo it again.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers was the only voice in the room. Wil tossed the coin up, caught it clumsily. He flipped it onto his arm. Then, without speaking, he cupped it with his palm and lifted it up, changing the face again without seeing it. When he opened his palm, it was heads.<\/p>\n Every eye turned to Niers. He shrugged. Then he looked at Wil.<\/p>\n \u201cAgain.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man hesitated. Niers stared into his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cFlip it again, Wil.\u201d<\/p>\n He did. The result was heads. Niers nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAgain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeads.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Heads.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd now, three times in quick succession, if you please.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers heard the coin being flipped. The second time, it slipped out of sweaty fingers and landed on the ground. He heard a curse, and then as Wil bent to pick it up, a sharp, indrawn breath.<\/p>\n No one spoke as the young man shakily put the coin on the table. They certainly didn\u2019t laugh. One person breathed out. Marian, with wide eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe curse.\u201d<\/p>\n The word went around the table like a breath of air. Niers shook his head and raised his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may have heard rumors of a curse. You may have seen evidence tonight\u2014I am telling you that your eyes are mistaken. Your ears as well, for that matter. There is no curse. I simply do not like to gamble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is all. Now, let\u2019s get back to the business at hand. I\u2019m feeling inclined to get drunk. How about the rest of you?\u201d<\/p>\n They certainly did. Niers had them break out a cask of very expensive, very potent liquor that was bordering on poison.<\/p>\n \u201cFirebreath Whiskey. Imported from Izril. Is there anyone who\u2019ll compete with me?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers spoke as the first cup was filled. The table goggled, and then shouted with approval. Venaz raised a brimming cup.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll drink a cup for every one of yours, professor! One thimble to my glass, how about it?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a challenge in his eyes. Niers grinned, and felt a tiny stirring in his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds like condescension, Venaz.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, professor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll drink a cup to your cup. Even up.\u201d<\/p>\n The table went silent again. Niers grinned widely and felt a tiny bit alive. Venaz stared down at Niers and then roared.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! So be it! Clear a space you lot!\u201d<\/p>\n Two tumblers of the whiskey were poured, and Niers could see the liquid, a red mixture that made the eyes water if you smelled it. Venaz took his and tossed it down. He coughed, and then Niers watched the Minotaur\u2019s face flush.<\/p>\n \u201cEven Minotaurs blink at the stuff Drakes come up with. Well done, Venaz. I\u2019ll take mine slower. My mouth isn\u2019t so large.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a laugh, but every eye followed Niers. He had to put his thimble of a mug into the tumbler to fill it. Niers put the mug to his lips and drank down the first mouthful. His students cheered. Then without missing a beat Niers did it to the second, the third\u2014<\/p>\n Venaz\u2019s eyes bulged out of his head. The other students were cheering wildly. They watched as Niers slowly drained the tumbler, sip by sip. Niers finished his tumbler and tossed his mug over his shoulder to wild applause. He cocked an eyebrow at Venaz, who stared at the Fraerling, still steady on his feet, with sudden unease.<\/p>\n Niers grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cYour turn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A little past midnight, Niers looked around and realized he was the last person standing. His students were all passed out on the floor, courtesy of a now-empty keg of Firebreath Whiskey.<\/p>\n He was drunk. He couldn\u2019t help it; the fumes were enough to do that, even if he hadn\u2019t drunk a drop. And the tumblers sitting around him were proof that Niers had drunk a lot.<\/p>\n Or seemed to. His students had actually stopped him after the second tumbler, for fear he might kill himself. Fraerlings could hold more than their body weight in drink and food; they actually got a bit taller as their bodies stretched to support the extra mass, but alcohol could still kill them.<\/p>\n Venaz had gone down after four cups, Marian, three. The others had fallen in short order as well. Leaving only Niers.<\/p>\n In the silence, Niers lost the smile he\u2019d had for a few moments. He fished around in his mouth and pulled something out. He\u2019d hidden it behind a molar. It was a tiny, tiny little cloth bag with a drawstring.<\/p>\n A small bag of holding. Fraerling mages did good work. Niers emptied it over the side of the table and sighed as he listened to it splash on one of his student\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was fun the first time I did it. Years ago. Now? Foliana\u2019s right. I do feel old.\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed as he made his way somewhat unsteadily through the Fraer-ways, back to his room. He looked hopefully at the chessboard the instant he returned for all that he was drunk. No good. Not a piece had moved. Niers sat down and lit a candle, using a wand to flick fire at the wick.<\/p>\n He sat by the burning candle, watching beads of wax drip down next to his head. Niers sighed, and in the silence, he waited for the chess pieces to move. But they never did. And in the morning he woke and found more rat droppings in the Fraer-ways. Peclir still couldn\u2019t find where they were coming from.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next day Niers started his class loud, engaged, and without a hint of a hangover. His older students, the ones who hadn\u2019t bought hangover cures from an [Alchemist], groaned and tried to pay attention. Niers delivered a sermon on the virtues of preparation before battle with the example of the bag of holding completely straight-faced. Venaz overturned his table amid the laughter.<\/p>\n It was a lesson he\u2019d taught countless times. Niers smiled a bit at his student\u2019s reactions, but he\u2019d seen the same reactions too many times to count. It was all\u2026so similar.<\/p>\n Lace. Rat crap. Niers was letting his students play chess and wishing he really had quit when one of his students rushed into the room, waving a letter. Wil, looking bleary and not at all apologetic for sleeping through the first portion of class, hurried over to the table where Niers was desultorily playing by himself.<\/p>\n \u201cSir, professor! You\u2019ll want to see this!\u201d<\/p>\n The excitement in his tone was palpable. Annoying. Niers tried not to snap.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The young Human man showed Niers a letter, a very fat one marked with salt flecks and other travel stains.<\/p>\n \u201cI regularly correspond with a [Strategist] I\u2019m acquainted with in Izril. He lives in one of the Walled Cities and apparently he\u2019s recently received some very interesting letters himself. He sent me a copy! Please, professor, read it! It\u2019s about chess!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChess?\u201d<\/p>\n Despite himself, Niers took the letter and, with some difficulty, unfolded it on the table. His students gathered around. Niers frowned at the title.<\/p>\n \u201cA \u2018newsletter\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n It was\u2026a chess newsletter. A magazine. A letter to any [Strategists] interested in chess\u2014this one was addressed \u2018to the [Strategists] of Zeres\u2019. It was from Liscor.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018I, the humble [Tactician] and student of chess have four games to offer you this week, dear readers. In each, I am sure we will uncover a multitude of lessons to be learnt. Most importantly, we see various strategies matching against each other and I am sure my addition to this letter, a new game of which I have been informed, will also please and delight\u2019. <\/em>Huh, this Drake likes to write, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Umina frowned over the letter. Her eye caught the first page of chess notations and she blinked as she read through them.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on. This is\u2014this is good.<\/em> Great, even! Professor, have you seen\u2014professor?\u201d<\/p>\n She got no reply. Niers was staring at one of the games. Staring and not saying a word. He could read it. Pawn to D4. Pawn to D5. Knight to F3, Knight to F6. And then\u2026Niers didn\u2019t have to read it to know. Bishop to F4.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s you.\u201d<\/p>\n He whispered it at the parchment. He knew. It was his game. The one he\u2019d played after so long\u2014it was the same game, written down for all to see! His students were exclaiming over it, but Niers was overcome by a different emotion.<\/p>\n \u201cThis Olesm. Is he the\u2014the author of these games? Did he play them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, professor. He says he witnessed a game.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWitnessed.\u201d<\/p>\n The word was bittersweet on Niers\u2019 tongue. He knew. Olesm Swifttail. From Liscor. The same place\u2026the same place\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor, have you seen this?<\/em> Look! There\u2019s instructions for another game here! It\u2019s says it\u2019s called\u2026\u2018Go\u2019. Go? What an odd name for a game!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers pounced on the second piece of parchment. He tore it away and stared at the drawing of a Go board, the instructions on how to play the game. He turned. His students were staring.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? Don\u2019t just stand there! Get me a quill and ink! And parchment! And stones! Black and white!\u201d<\/p>\n He roared at them and they fled in excitement. In minutes, Niers was drawing out the Go board, placing stones, reading the game.<\/p>\n \u201cCapturing stones\u2026I see. Strings, liberties, I see!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers played a game against Umina, and his hands shook as he placed Go stones on the board. He won the game, crudely, but he won it. The second game started as Marian shouted for someone to find more stones so they could play the game.<\/p>\n A new game. A new game.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers stared at the piece of parchment. It couldn\u2019t be a coincidence. This Olesm just happened to see a game he\u2019d played with his opponent, and then\u2026found a new game? It couldn\u2019t<\/em> be coincidence. It was them. They had shown the Drake this game.<\/p>\n They had shown Niers this game.<\/p>\n Something opened up in Niers as he played against Umina, as Cameral took his place, as Niers lost a game <\/em>and his students tackled the Dullahan in a mad rush. He sat back and felt the world blurring in front of his eyes.<\/p>\n A new game. A new world, opened up at his fingertips. They were out there. They knew of new games. They were in Liscor.<\/em><\/p>\n His heart! Niers clutched at his chest, which alarmed his students. But it wasn\u2019t pain or age that was making his chest ache so. It was joy. Pure joy.<\/p>\n This was new. This was brilliant. Niers couldn\u2019t see through this game. It wasn\u2019t simple. It was fresh.<\/em> He felt like a novice dipping his toes in an ocean of mystery. He felt young<\/em> again.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone find me the address of that Swifttail. Olesm. I\u2019ll send him gold\u2014and an enchanted ring myself! Anyone with the creativity to come up with this kind of idea deserves a reward. Class is dismissed. Enjoy this new game.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWon\u2019t you play with us, professor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers was smiling. He felt like the years were dropping off. In Liscor. They really were. It was confirmed. And they knew of more than chess. More\u2026he felt like he was ten years younger.<\/p>\n He had to know. This instant. Niers walked through the Fraer-ways until he came to Peclir\u2019s working area. He summoned the [Chamberlain] and ordered him to bring him a mage specializing in divination magic.<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to find the cousin of this board. They\u2019re magically linked so it shouldn\u2019t be difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n He gave the [Diviner] his chessboard. The [Mage] bent over it, nodding and carefully touching the small, precious thing.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Lord Astoragon. Do you wish me to set up remote surveillance if possible?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Just show me where it is right now. It\u2019s probably indoors\u2014give me a view of the entire room.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Diviner] nodded and traced a square in the air. Within the lines of shimmering light, an image appeared, as clear as day. Niers found himself looking down at the chessboard. His heart squeezed in his chest.<\/p>\n It was the other chessboard. Shimmering with ghostly pieces\u2014sitting on\u2026was it a table of some kind? He looked around, frowning. It was in some kind of inn. Was his mysterious opponent travelling? Did they live there?<\/p>\n There was no one in the room at the moment. But the [Diviner] had added sound to the spell. The [Mage]\u2019s eyes were shut with concentration as he tried to maintain focus. Niers heard footsteps, muted voices. Someone was in the inn.<\/p>\n Was it them? Niers\u2019 heart began to beat wildly. He stared at the image. Stared at the board. The footsteps were drawing nearer. In a moment he would know. It might not be them. What if it was? How would he know?<\/p>\n Someone stepped into the picture and Niers\u2019 head jerked. He looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Cancel the spell!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Diviner] did so at once. Niers looked back as the image vanished, panting, sweating, gasping for air as if he\u2019d seen a ghost.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Astoragon?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Diviner] was clearly worn out from casting the spell, even for a few moments. As he should be, since it had gone around the world. Niers thanked him and went back to his room, holding the chess board in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. No. Not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n He sat on his table, clutching the board, shaking. The Fraerling felt hot and cold, trembling with what he\u2019d almost done. For so long he\u2019d wanted to know. And he\u2019d always known he could find out. In that moment as joy had filled his chest, he\u2019d had<\/em> to know. Only to realize\u2026just now, the terrible truth.<\/p>\n He was afraid.<\/p>\n And sometime that night, as Niers sat with the chessboard in his hands, trembling, he processed the fact that he was<\/em> afraid. He stared at his shaking hands, felt the fear churning in his stomach, and shot to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid? I\u2019m afraid!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed like a madman. Fear! Actual fear! He felt adrenaline running through his veins, and in the next moment, ran over to the mirror. He stared at himself, a greying Fraerling wearing a doublet with\u2014lace? He sneered at the reflection. His hair was one thing. It was just hair<\/em>. But lace? That was old. And pathetic.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn the lace. Damn insipid Human fashions!\u201d<\/p>\n He tore it off his chest, shredded the clothing, burnt it in a candle. The rest of the mess he kicked off the table. Now half-naked, Niers looked around. His eyes narrowed as he saw the Fraer-ways.<\/p>\n \u201cRat droppings.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was dark, and all the rats in the academy were in their burrow they\u2019d hollowed out in a wooden part of the structure. There were a lot of them. They were big, fat from a life spent stealing from students and living off of pilfered goods. And they were smart too, smart enough to avoid Peclir\u2019s cleaners and not eat the poisoned bait.<\/p>\n They were a breed of intelligent rats indigenous to any place with magic. Some kinds could talk. This lot were smart enough to have hollowed out a huge den in the woodwork, and had harvested wax candles. One was lit near the entrance, a sure sign of rodent cunning. Not that the lighting of it indicated they were that<\/em> intelligent; some of the magical breeds of rodents could breathe fire.<\/p>\n A shadow passed by the candle in the dead of night, making it flicker and dance. The rats, feasting on some dried meat they\u2019d stolen from a larder, paid no attention. And then the lone figure moved.<\/p>\n Niers kicked over the candle. The rats all looked up as one. He drew his sword and grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. They call me the Titan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next day, Niers\u2019 students sat in class, eagerly expecting their professor. They\u2019d played games of Go all night and were hoping to challenge him. At the very least, they expected him to be in a good mood. And he was.<\/p>\n The visitors to The Forgotten Wing Company were also lined up against one wall, eager to listen to the famous Titan give another lecture. Thus, the hall was packed. They waited for Niers to arrive. And waited. And waited.<\/p>\n He was late. He was never late. A [Servant] went out to find him, and after a few minutes of low conversation, there was a shout. The entire room saw the door to the lecture hall swing open and Niers walked in.<\/p>\n He was naked down to his waist and covered from head to toe in blood. He had a sword in his hands, covered in blood and gore. It dripped onto the ground as Niers walked further into the room.<\/p>\n Someone screamed. Niers had his sword in one hand, and a severed rat\u2019s head in the other. He dragged the head along the ground in the complete silence, walking towards the head of the lecture hall.<\/p>\n Every eye followed the tiny Fraerling as he left a trail of blood behind him on the way to his lectern. His students gaped at Niers. He climbed his lectern and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cApologies for the delay. I was attending to a pest problem and was distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n Marian nervously trotted forwards. Niers grinned at her and she froze in place.<\/p>\n \u201cMarian, good! Take care of this for me, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n He tossed the severed rat\u2019s head at her. She nearly dropped it.<\/p>\n \u201cHave someone remove the flesh, but save the bones. I have a mind to turn it into a drinking cup.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, Niers turned to his class.<\/p>\n \u201cMy lessons have always emphasized the same things. Caution. Prudence. Adaptability. In that third vein, I would like to state the topic for today\u2019s class.\u201d<\/p>\n He rested his bloody sword on the lectern.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes a [Strategist] must throw caution to the winds. There are times when you, and only you, can deal with a matter yourself. Exercise judgment in those cases. A [Strategist] is cautious, but caution is not the same as cowardice. Good? Class dismissed!\u201d<\/p>\n He addressed the rows of shocked faces at the back of his lecture hall.<\/p>\n \u201cEsteemed guests, I will meet you in the banquet hall shortly. Allow me a few minutes to freshen myself up.\u201d<\/p>\n He hopped off of the lectern and found Peclir and Foliana waiting for him. Peclir looked horrified. Foliana grinned. So did Niers.<\/p>\n \u201cGet me our tailor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Forgotten Wing Company employed all kinds of specialists. A [Tailor] was a must, especially given how many high-profile events Niers had to attend. In this case, the tailor in question was actually of a higher class, and she hurried into Niers\u2019 rooms after he\u2019d finished washing all the rat blood off his clothing.<\/p>\n She was a [Stitchmistress], and predictably, one of the String People. Niers knew she was high-level and usually delighted in dressing people up. Today she looked crushed by the weight of the tyrannical lace, which she\u2019d incorporated into her own dress. The effect made her look like she was half-sewn, which worked for her. Nevertheless, the Stitch-woman looked miserable as she laid out a selection of replacement fabrics for Niers to peruse.<\/p>\n \u201cI can have you in a replacement lace suit in time for the mock battles and banquet\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. No lace.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Stitchmistress] brightened up at those words. Niers stood with a towel in front of the mirror, looking at the drab fabrics and shaking his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI want something flashy. Get me bright colors. Red. And trim it with whatever colors you want, but make it bold and bright and eye-catching.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEye-searing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven better. I\u2019ll have a hat as well. Something reminiscent of a pirate. With a\u2014an ornament of some kind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat would you like?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers cast around and he grinned as he saw a bird flit past the window.<\/p>\n \u201cThe feather of a Sparklewing bird.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can get you a fledgeling\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I want a full feather.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Stitchmistress] sucked in her cheeks.<\/p>\n \u201cA feather that long would be as tall as you are.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers grinned wildly.<\/p>\n \u201cSo? Counterbalance it with the hat. Use weights if you have to!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Stitchmistress] looked positively giddy, but then she frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to warn you, this does fly in the face of the current trend.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cFashion? I\u2019m a former Named Adventurer and the second-in-command to one of the Great Companies of Baleros. They can have their fashion. I\u2019ll<\/em> have my dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n She grinned as he winked at her and got to work.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When Niers entered the ballroom of the academy, carried by Peclir on a silver pedestal, every eye turned. Most of the jaws dropped. The [Grandmaster Strategist] was wearing an eye-catching, eye-searing<\/em> red overcoat lined with silver thread, over a comfortable, decidedly lace-less shirt and pants which he could move around in without tripping.<\/p>\n His shirt under the coat was brilliant white, and his pants were a dark black, making the coat stand out more. His shoes could have been used as a mirror, but pride of place was the hat on Niers\u2019 head, a sweeping grandiose affair that somehow supported a huge yellow feather that shimmered and somehow stayed stuck in the hat and didn\u2019t drag Niers over backwards as he stood there.<\/p>\n \u201cNice clothes. Mine are more comfy.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana appeared as Peclir put the pedestal down in the center of the room. Niers grinned as he felt every eye lock onto him. Suddenly, the rows of lace-covered dresses in their subtle colors seemed downright silly. He looked at Foliana and noticed that she hadn\u2019t changed out of her clothing. Her work clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe feather\u2019s not practical.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take it off if we have to kill someone. But this? I rather like the coat, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor!\u201d<\/p>\n Umina approached, wearing a concoction of laces and trying not to laugh at his feather. Niers smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Umina?\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardgirl hesitated. She looked like she wanted to laugh, but contained it to ask her question.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t you tell us that caution and prudence were important, sir? A red coat and a feather\u2014isn\u2019t that\u2014that sort of obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n He exchanged a look with Foliana. Niers adjusted the hat on his head and spoke for everyone to hear.<\/p>\n \u201cPracticality and caution have their importance, Umina. However, speaking for myself, if I can\u2019t win a battle in fashion, I\u2019d rather be dead!\u201d<\/p>\n He looked out one window and saw his students facing off with both armies. It was Venaz against Wil this time, and both were wearing plate armor in the heat. He saw Umina depart and rush out to speak with Venaz. The Minotaur turned, looked back towards Niers, and then took off his helmet and hurled it to the ground.<\/p>\n Niers laughed. As the wary guests circulated around him, he saw Foliana moving towards a dais near the front of the room. Niers shook hands and then pulled a piece of parchment from his coat that he\u2019d prepared as Foliana appeared at the dais.<\/p>\n It was hard to notice her at first. Peclir had to clear his throat and ring a small bell a few times before people noticed Foliana. When they did, there was silence.<\/p>\n The Squirrel Beastkin stood at the dais, and when she spoke, her quiet voice was magnified by a spell so it was projected into everyone\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. A twenty years ago, the King of Destruction launched an invasion from Chandrar. He sent his armies sailing to each continent in the world, conquering, claiming lands and overthrowing kingdoms. He sought to conquer the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone stared at her. Foliana stared ahead, not at anyone or anything, speaking to the air. To herself. To Niers.<\/p>\n \u201cHis Seven were legendary. Each one could defeat an army, and his great [Strategist], the Gambler of Fates, Queravia, he sent to Baleros. Here. He sent his other vassals across the seas, to Izril, establishing footholds, battling his foes. But the world was turned against him and the seas themselves sought to stop his advance.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers could remember the sound of drums. He closed his eyes as Foliana continued.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly one of his fleets reached Baleros. The others were stranded at sea. But it was Queravia who first set foot here. She crushed the port city of Zaland in a day, and established a foothold, though her King\u2019s armies had yet to reach here. But she would not retreat. There she planted the King of Destruction\u2019s banner and challenged all the companies of Baleros. By herself! With only a single army, an advance force! And she held that ground.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana\u2019s eyes grew brighter, or maybe the world grew dimmer. Niers could still see the smoke, rising in the distance. It seemed like the skies themselves were black during those days.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one could defeat her. No one could kill her or rout her army. Not assassins nor legions of her foes. She defeated Three-Color Stalker, flushed them out of hiding and sent them fleeing, nearly dead of their wounds. She slew the leader of the Armored Legion Company, Grandmarshal Sorolat, and broke both his company and the Flowing Wind Company with her forces.\u201d<\/p>\n The people started as Foliana spoke and they stared at her. She went on.<\/p>\n \u201cThe King of Destruction\u2019s fleets neared and it seemed as though Queravia would receive aid. Baleros prepared itself for a war like it had never seen. However, one last force gathered to defeat her.\u201d<\/p>\n Standing, shouting at the [Captains] and commanders gathered before him. The rain fell and Niers raised a banner. They followed him.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cA Fraerling, the second-in-command of the Forgotten Wing, brought together every company from the marshy cities to the eastern ports and launched an assault on her position. On that day the two greatest [Strategists] in the world clashed.\u201d<\/p>\n A woman\u2019s laughter. She lay on the ground and laughed at him, laughed as the dice fell one last time. Niers remembered what she\u2019d said. Every word.<\/em><\/p>\n Foliana\u2019s gaze focused on him in the silence. Her words were a whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cOne survived.\u201d<\/p>\n No one in the room spoke. Not one of the richly dressed guests, not the students who\u2019d come in from the mock battle fields, not Niers. Foliana waited for three beats of the heart, and then went on.<\/p>\n \u201cThe result changed history, broke the spine of the King of Destruction\u2019s invasion. His advance faltered. An army from Rhir broke the Lord of the Skies and his tribes. His people fell like flies against the monster slayers. A Minotaur fleet humbled his forces at sea, and Amerys, his champion [Mage], finally found a city whose walls she could not break in Izril. But it was one Fraerling who stopped him, one hero of Baleros.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised a hand and pointed. Niers stood tall, the weight of memories on his shoulders. Foliana nodded as every head turned to Niers.<\/p>\n \u201cGuests and friends, I present to you: Niers Astoragon.\u201d<\/p>\n She waited a second more, and then she was gone.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n After the applause and having shaken every hand in the room\u2014twice, Niers found Foliana. She was making the hors d\u2019oeuvres<\/em> disappear at one of the banquet tables. He coughed as Peclir put him down and checked his notes. Foliana looked at him expectantly.<\/p>\n \u201cWord for word the exact same speech you gave last year. And the year before that.\u201d<\/p>\n Unashamed, the Squirrel woman scratched at her ears.<\/p>\n \u201cThe same people keep coming back. I think they like the story. And he\u2019s back this year. Mm. He probably eats muffins too. Don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn campaign? I doubt he would. From what I know of the man, he doesn\u2019t feast himself and eats like his soldiers.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers had a hard time imagining Flos eating muffins in any circumstance. Foliana shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. But when does the King of Destruction eat muffins, then? In bed? It\u2019s important to know these things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Are you planning on killing him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery hard. But I could do it if he ate muffins. No one\u2019s on their guard when eating muffins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor! Sir!\u201d<\/p>\n One of his students was trying to get Niers\u2019 attention. He nodded at Marian as she trotted around a visiting dignitary.<\/p>\n \u201cMarian. Can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were wondering, professor, whether you\u2019d care to have a mock battle with us yourself on this day. You\u2019ve never had a match, and today\u2026well, we were wondering\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n For a second Niers thought about refusing. But then he grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? Form an army, Marian. I\u2019ll take you on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and every one of my students who wants to participate. Go on, get things ready. I\u2019ll be out shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n He saw Marian\u2019s eyes widen, and then she galloped from the room. People who\u2019d casually been eavesdropping instantly headed for the doors and the rumors began to fly. The Titan was about to have a match! He wondered what the odds were.<\/p>\n Foliana looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThe old you would have said no.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood thing I don\u2019t feel old.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers grinned and swept the hat off his head. He plucked the feather and offered it to Foliana. She took it, looking at it with bemusement.<\/p>\n \u201cFor luck?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll get in the way of a real battle. You can eat it if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n He left her with that. On the mock battlefield both armies were forming up. All of the [Strategists] and [Tacticians], his students, were lined up in front of their command unit. Over half had armor on. The other half were shouting orders as their army formed up around them.<\/p>\n \u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Soldiers] in charge of a battalion of pikemen armed with padded spears jogged up to Niers. He nodded at the man.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve never had a Fraerling command, have you, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man, who was probably in his forties, grinned at Niers.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir. But we\u2019ve never had the Titan commanding! I reckon we\u2019ll get on. Where did you want us deployed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I have a simple strategy in mind. I\u2019ll need two people to carry my pedestal\u2014I don\u2019t fancy being trampled. As for the rest, my orders are simple. Here\u2019s the formation you\u2019ll take at the start of the battle\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In her nice, cool banquet hall which was now mostly empty, Foliana stood at one of the glass windows and stared out at the mock battlefield. It was swollen with people, over half of whom were onlookers fighting for room.<\/p>\n Someone coughed behind her. Peclir came forward and Foliana turned. She had a muffin in her hands. It was several days old and stale as a rock. The [Chamberlain] eyed it but made no comment.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you believe Lord Astoragon will be victorious, Miss Foliana? I imagine quite a lot of potential investors will be interested in the outcome of this little event. It could prove unfortunate if he were to lose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana nodded. She watched with her curious eyes as someone blew a horn and both sides moved into action. Niers\u2019 students immediately sent cavalry charging at Niers\u2019 flanks, rains of arrows and spells flying at his army, all boosted by their assorted Skills. She watched as Niers\u2019 army spread out, ignoring the attacks, and \u2018dead\u2019 soldiers began to depart the field.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s he doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Peclir was stunned by the display. Niers was advancing, heedless of being overwhelmed. He was being encircled, and still he hadn\u2019t made any moves.<\/p>\n The enemy heavy infantry was about to smash into his own when Foliana saw a tiny red figure in the center of the mass of his army raise a tinier sword. But his voice was not tiny. He shouted.<\/p>\n \u201c[Vanguard of Terror]! [Covering Fire]! [Rapid Advance]! [Formation: Dodge]!\u201d<\/p>\n He waved his sword and his army shot across the field, taking the first wave of soldiers by surprise. His army moved as one mass, as his designated archers, mages, and so on joined with the common infantry. They hit the group of armored soldiers like a wall. Peclir winced as he saw the group of soldiers that had been sent against Niers\u2019 army go flying. Foliana put her paws over her ears.<\/p>\n \u201cForm up! Form up and charge!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers\u2019 voice was a howl above the shouting. His empowered army pushed back the soldiers trying to encircle them. Peclir stared.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s using his Skills?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? It\u2019s a battle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne hardly thinks that would be fair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Nope. That\u2019s the point.\u201d<\/p>\n The students were scrambling to withdraw and form a wall between them and Niers. Foliana saw Niers\u2019 army running across the ground. She waited.<\/p>\n \u201cBig skill. Mm. Come on. Can\u2019t win with [Vanguard of Terror]. Which one?\u201d<\/p>\n She peered at Niers. He was being carried by his command, rushing towards the enemy, fearless. Like always. It didn\u2019t matter that he was in a mock battle. She heard his voice.<\/p>\n \u201c[Charge of the Strategist]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n There it was. Behind Niers, his army accelerated<\/em>. Foliana heard a roar, and this time covered her ears and eyes. When she opened them, after the tremendous clash, she saw the other army running for their lives. [Actors] weren\u2019t paid enough to fight that. She watched as Niers\u2019 army joyfully beat the [Strategist] and [Tactician] students with their padded weapons.<\/p>\n After a while, Foliana found the muffin she\u2019d kept from breakfast a while back. She carefully chewed the very, very stale muffin.<\/p>\n \u201cShowoff.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers was standing on his pedestal, red coat ablaze in the sun. Peclir stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I see him so, I can see him there, Miss Foliana. Right there in your story. And before that. He has been a legend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. He\u2019ll quit when he\u2019s old.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana nodded. Niers was laughing, she could tell. She couldn\u2019t see him or hear his voice, but she knew he was laughing. Peclir turned and stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you mean he plans on retiring, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. He forgets sometimes. I have to remind him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRemind him of what?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled. Niers laughed, and Foliana turned. Her eyes shone as she looked at Peclir and grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not old yet.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cI\u2019m going to quit.\u201d Niers Astoragon spoke to himself as he stood on his dressing table, inspecting himself in a foot-high mirror. He adjusted the cuffs of the fancy, somber black-and-silver doublet he\u2019d been supplied and wondered if he could strangle himself on the lace. \u201cLace. Who uses lace? The fashions of Terandria are not […]<\/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":[11693084,349],"tags":[7224,250708,4330244,4472517,11693079],"twi_volume":[11693133],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-4163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-4","category-writing","tag-fantasy","tag-inn","tag-web-novel","tag-web-serial","tag-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n