The hour was late. Across the continent of Izril, it was nighttime. Of course, in Baleros it was morning and Kenjiro was awake and negotiating the cost of paper with Xalandrass the Naga. In Chandrar, it was just past midday and Trey was \u2018sparring\u2019 with Gazi, which mainly meant her kicking him about until he couldn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n
But things were happening everywhere. Meetings of note were occurring. In Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s personal estate, the famous [Lady] was ordering her two War Golems to blast a hole in a walled hedge maze. And while the ensuing battle between Ressa, Zel, and an enraged [Druid] gardener might have been amusing to witness (if not experience), other important conversations were happening. Cakes were being thrown.<\/p>\n
And that was the thing. Despite its subpar nature as a weapon of war, cakes had the unparalleled value of both comedic effect and surprise on their side. They could start a fight or, in this case, halt one. Fragments of the large cake Erin had made dripped off of Ylawes\u2019 armor and onto the ground, a capital waste of sugar. But it had stopped him from charging at the Redfang Goblins.<\/p>\n
This was the scene. Ylawes stood in the open doorway of Erin\u2019s inn, sword drawn and shield raised. He\u2019d been struck by a flying cake\u2014mainly because it hadn\u2019t registered as a threat until too late. Even though he was frosted, he was still eying the Redfang Warriors warily. And they had recognized him.<\/p>\n
All five of the Redfang Warriors were on their feet, holding their weapons. Badarrow was aiming an arrow at Ylawes\u2019 chest, but they weren\u2019t attacking. Rather, they were frozen.<\/p>\n
Around the room, the other adventurers were also on their feet. The Halfseekers were eying the Goblins and the Horns of Hammerad were eying the new adventurers. Yvlon\u2019s face was pale. Ceria was blinking as she stared at the other half-Elf standing behind Ylawes. Pisces was fighting with Mrsha and Ksmvr over a slice of cake. Everyone else was waiting for everyone else to make the first move.<\/p>\n
Lyonette stared as Erin sat back down at her table. The [Innkeeper] looked around, seemingly satisfied with her handiwork.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee, this is why you always bake three <\/em>cakes. Ishkr, go get me another.\u201d<\/p>\n That broke the silence. Ishkr blinked as half the eyes shifted to him, and then one of the new adventurers began to laugh. The Dwarf, standing by Ylawes\u2019 side, started chuckling and then guffawing loudly.<\/p>\n He did it well. Erin had never heard a proper guffaw, but the Dwarf was so boisterous, so unashamedly loud and amused that it broke the tension. By his side, the half-Elf lowered her staff with a sigh and Ilvriss sat up. The Wall Lord eyed the new adventurers and looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cIs your inn always like this, Human?\u201d<\/p>\n She began to laugh as well. The room relaxed. Jelaqua began to laugh, Moore covered his mouth with one hand, and Seborn sat down. Only Ylawes, the Goblins, and Yvlon remained tense. The [Knight] in caked armor stared suspiciously at the Goblins and then at Yvlon. He called out sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon! What are Goblins doing here? Get behind me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYlawes\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n It was clear that Yvlon and Ylawes were related, and not just from their names. Ylawes\u2019 hair was a darker blonde, but they both had fair features and a certain angular and European cast to their faces. Mainly though, it was the way they dressed. Both wore silvery armor\u2014although Yvlon\u2019s was more mismatched due to it being a collection of enchanted armor\u2014and their eyes were both light blue.<\/p>\n Yvlon looked at her older brother helplessly, stunned by his sudden appearance. Ylawes was more focused on the Goblins, though. He held his sword and shield grimly, ready for a fight.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are Goblins\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re guests, Ylawes. Can\u2019t you tell?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf standing behind him interrupted Ylawes by tapping him on the shoulder with her staff. He turned his head, disbelieving.<\/p>\n \u201cImpossible. Goblins in an inn? That has to be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy else would they be here? Besides, there\u2019s a sign.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stopped laughing and sat up as the half-Elf informed Ylawes coolly. The [Knight] hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cA sign?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf woman sighed loudly. She nodded to the open door, which was letting in cold night air. Erin was tempted to ask them to shut the door, but she didn\u2019t want to interrupt.<\/p>\n \u201cIt says \u2018No Killing Goblins\u2019 on the sign outside, Ylawes. Didn\u2019t you read it? You were warned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt does?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knight] turned in astonishment. The Dwarf by his side snorted and Ylawes looked down.<\/p>\n \u201cJust like a Human not to notice what\u2019s at his feet! Well, what now, lad? Are you going to break some skulls and break the rules or sheathe that sword before it gets rusty?\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes hesitated, looking around the room. It was tense\u2014the Redfang Goblins were all clearly ready for a fight, and the other adventurers were tense. Maybe they weren\u2019t on the Goblins\u2019 side, but the sight of Moore peering at you with his massive staff held in one hand\u2026he was such a considerate, gentle soul, but he could also push a thumb through your face if he chose.<\/p>\n After a second, Ylawes sheathed his sword. Erin smiled broadly and stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou read the sign! No one reads the sign! For that you get a free drink! On the house!\u201d<\/p>\n The new adventures looked at her. The Dwarf tugged at his thick beard and spoke with a deep, booming voice.<\/p>\n \u201cFree drinks? Hah! Maybe coming all this way was worth it after all! I\u2019ll have five mugs to start with and whatever you\u2019re eating. That thing you hit Ylawes with will do to start with.\u201d<\/p>\n He stumped across the inn and took a seat at the nearest table. Erin blinked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, I said free drink. You have to pay for the others\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis inn serves Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knight] addressed Erin, still peering at the Goblins. They\u2019d sat themselves back down the instant he sheathed his sword. Badarrow and Rabbiteater made expressive gestures at the armed warrior from their seats. Erin only smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Welcome to the Wandering Inn! You get a drink on the house for reading the sign\u2014one free drink.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you!\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf shouted back. He was waving at Ishkr. Ylawes opened his mouth, probably to ask the obvious questions Erin normally got, but he broke off as he looked at his feet. Something white and furry was circling his armored boots. Mrsha had snuck forwards and was greedily stuffing the remains of the cake into her mouth. Lyonette cried out.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha, no!<\/em> That\u2019s disgusting! Stop that!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll looked up completely unashamed, frosting covering her face. She bolted as Lyonette came towards her with a mop and the [Princess] chased after the Gnoll. Ylawes followed them for a few seconds, blinking, and then looked at Erin again.<\/p>\n \u201cYour inn serves Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup! And you are\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at him expectantly. Ylawes worked his jaw for a few seconds, and then recovered and bowed slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cPardon me, Miss. Ylawes Byres at your service. I lead the Silver Swords, an adventuring group dedicated to fighting monsters. I am a [Knight], and as such, offer you my sword and shield if you should ever be in need.\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes flicked to the Redfang Goblins as he spoke. Erin smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHi. I\u2019m Erin. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll need your sword and shield, but I guess I\u2019ll ask if I\u2019m in trouble. I\u2019m an [Innkeeper]. Sorry about throwing the cake at you.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Ylawes found himself at a loss for words, so Erin relented a bit and dropped a bit of her oblivious act. She briskly nodded to the Redfang Warriors.<\/p>\n \u201cI serve Goblins at my inn, Mister Ylawes. They don\u2019t cause trouble and I don\u2019t let people stab them with swords. If you don\u2019t like that you can leave\u2014although it seems like you know Yvlon. Are you two related?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m her brother. I\u2019ve been searching for her for weeks\u2014you truly let Goblins come in and out all the time?\u201d<\/p>\n He really seemed to be having a hard time getting over the entire idea of Goblins, or at least, Goblins as guests. Erin frowned at Ylawes, but the half-Elf by his side came forwards next.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease excuse my companion, Miss Erin. We will abide by your rules so long as we remain at the inn. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Falene Skystrall. At your service.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked at the half-Elf and took her in for the first time. She had light red hair, unearthly features like Ceria, but where the two half-Elves differed was age and bearing. Ceria was down-to-earth when you got to know her. Whereas this half-Elf was clearly older and conducted herself with the grace and dignity that Erin ascribed to typical stories about Elves. As Falene introduced herself she bowed elegantly and made a complicated gesture with her left hand. Erin bowed back awkwardly, feeling clumsy compared to the half-Elf.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014uh, hi! Welcome to my inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. Allow me to apologize for Ylawes\u2019 actions. We do not often meet Goblins that aren\u2019t openly hostile\u2026although it seems like this month is the exception to that rule. I am also surprised to meet another of my kin. Greetings, sister.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked towards Ceria as she said that. The other half-Elf was staring at her. Falene made another gesture with her hands and bowed again to Ceria.<\/p>\n Ceria nodded and didn\u2019t bow or make any gestures with her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cUh, I\u2019m Ceria Springwalker. Pleased to meet you\u2026sister.\u201d<\/p>\n Falene\u2019s eyebrows rose slightly. She looked at Ylawes and nudged the [Knight] again with her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that concludes our introductions. Ylawes, you might want to ask for a towel and some water to wipe yourself off\u2026then you can speak with your sister. As for myself, I believe I\u2019ll enjoy my drink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll take more than that to clean all that cake off.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin felt a bit bad for Ylawes, splattered as he was with drying frosting. Falene eyed Ylawes and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue. Well, this should get most of it off.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised her staff and tapped Ylawes on the breastplate. There was a loud knocking sound and then the frosting and cake stuck to his armor, face, and hair immediately dried and fell to the ground. Erin whistled, and Falene nodded in satisfaction. She followed the Dwarf to the table as Ishkr hurried back with a few drinks.<\/p>\n Ylawes looked around, at a loss for a few seconds. Then he grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not how I envisioned finding my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n He stomped after his two teammates and sat at the table. Erin looked around. Mrsha was running about wildly on a sugar high, Ksmvr was eying the remains of the cake on the ground, Pisces was licking his fingers, and Ceria was staring at Falene with a frown. The Halfseekers were pointing at the Silver Swords and clearly about to wander over and introduce themselves, Ishkr and Drassi were busy getting more food from the kitchens, and Ilvriss was looking around, discontented that no one was paying attention to him.<\/p>\n Erin sighed. Another day at the inn. She smiled, and grabbed Mrsha as the Gnoll ran past. She handed the wriggling Gnoll to Lyonette and shooed Apista away from the faerie flowers. She took three flower bulbs and squeezed them lightly, flicking the nectar into a mug. And then she got to work.<\/p>\n Getting to know people.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ylawes Byres had come here to meet Yvlon Byres. He sat with his sister, talking quietly in a corner once he\u2019d been served a deflated souffl\u00e9. Erin had to apologize for that.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess my food preservation skill doesn\u2019t save them from gravity. And I just made them today! Oh well. I\u2019ve got pizza and lots of other food if you want it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the food, Miss Erin. We\u2019ve been travelling for days now, and our last proper meal was as we were passing through Remendia. There was scarce food to be had in Esthelm as it was.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes assured Erin as he poked at the sad souffl\u00e9 with a fork. At another table, the Dwarf spoke up loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cNot to mention you had to give half our dinner away! If we hadn\u2019t arrived at Liscor tonight, I\u2019d have eaten you,<\/em> lad.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grinned, and Ylawes twisted in his seat to glare at the Dwarf.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re barely a decade older than me, Dawil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo? I\u2019m a Dwarf. You\u2019re a Human brat. I can call you lad if I want.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf sitting at the table raised her elegant brows and looked reprovingly at both of her companions.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich you only do when you\u2019re trying to be aggravating. Let Ylawes talk with his sister, Dwarf. Or have you forgotten I\u2019m older than both of you combined?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hadn\u2019t forgotten, grandmother.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf grinned to himself for all of five seconds until Falene tapped him on the head with her staff. He roared in outrage as the dark brown hair on his head began to smolder and doused the flames with his free drink. Falene stood up to walk over to Ceria as Dawil hurled his mug at her back. It flew towards her head then froze and gently floated onto another table. The Dwarf returned to his table, muttering about half-Elves who couldn\u2019t take jokes.<\/p>\n The Silver Swords, the new adventuring group, were spread around the room now and Erin dearly wanted to listen to the conversations all three adventurers started. She was extremely interested in them all, not least because they were an almost stereotypical group of adventurers. A half-Elf, a Dwarf, and a Human? If a Hobbit walked through the door, Erin would have to get some autographs.<\/p>\n And it was the Dwarf that Erin was most interested in. He was focused more on food than conversation, and loudly calling for more drinks to go with the shepherd\u2019s pie he\u2019d been served. Erin was working out just how to approach him when Ksmvr did the job for her.<\/p>\n The Antinium had been instructed on some of the niceties of social conversation by the Horns of Hammerad. He demonstrated his learning in the subject now by grabbing his tankard and a half-eaten Ashfire Bee, standing up, walking over to where the Dwarf was seated, and sitting down across from him. The Dwarf looked up at the Antinium and stopped chewing.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr stared at the Dwarf intently. He raised one of his hands and waved it.<\/p>\n \u201cHello. I am Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf stared back at him. After a second he grunted and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Dawil. Of the Ironbreaker family.\u201d<\/p>\n He took a long drink from his mug and eyed Ksmvr. After a second, Dawil spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re one of them Ants, aren\u2019t you? I thought you lot were all murderous killing machines without a thought between ye.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am not. Although I appreciate the comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded happily. Dawil snorted and choked on his drink. He cast one eye around the room, taking in the half-Giant, Selphid, Drowned Man, Gnoll cub\u2026when he returned to Ksmvr he shrugged, apparently resigned to the fact that an Antinium was talking to him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that you\u2019re eating? Some kind of bug?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an Ashfire Bee. Very tasty, especially with honey and butter. Would you like to try a bite?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium nodded and lifted his plate so Dawil could see the bee. The Dwarf paused again, but the sight of the half-eaten bee didn\u2019t seem to put him off his food either.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t eat bugs. Anyways. Isn\u2019t eating one of them bugs like eating your own kind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr paused as he broke off a bee leg. He thought about this as he crunched it down.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Is eating a cow or a rat cannibalism for Humans or Dwarves?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s disgusting is what it is. I don\u2019t eat rats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo bugs, no rats\u2026this is very sad. I see you are a Dwarf. Do all Dwarves not eat good food?\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cNot unless we\u2019re starving to death we don\u2019t! I\u2019d rather eat my beard than chew on insects like some half-Elf living in the forest.\u201d<\/p>\n He shot that at Falene. The half-Elf raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t eat bugs, Dawil. That\u2019s a stereotype about half-Elves. Hardly any of us resort to that.\u201d<\/p>\n All of the Horns of Hammerad immediately looked at Ceria. The half-Elf [Cryomancer] coughed and looked the other way. Dawil laughed loudly and then broke off as something buzzed his way. He swatted at it and Apista flew away from his mug. The Dwarf stared at the insect with a mixture of horror and incredulity and then stared at Ksmvr. He pointed at Apista.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t that a bee as well? Why is that<\/em> thing flying around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a pet of Lyonette. She works here. It is called Apista and I think, very tasty. But she is off limits for consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr sighed as Apista flew away from their table with his mandibles slightly parted in longing. Apista was noticeably larger than the Ashfire Bee that Ksmvr was eating. Dawil blinked at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cA pet? By my beard\u2026and you\u2019re eating one of its kind right in front of it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr stared at Apista. He slowly raised the bee to his mouth and crunched off another part.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. That is what I am doing.\u201d<\/p>\n Over her time with Apista in the inn, Erin had noticed that while the Ashfire Bee would hover around sweet drinks and food when they weren\u2019t being attended, it would never go within arm\u2019s length of Ksmvr or any of the Antinium. Now the bee flew after Mrsha. The Gnoll was being carried upstairs by Lyonette, visibly upset and cranky after eating so much cake. Dawil watched the bee go with some relief and turned back to Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one hell of an inn. I\u2019ve been to magical taverns in First Landing and Invrisil and they\u2019re boring<\/em> compared to this inn. This [Innkeeper] girl\u2014she just lets Goblins and Ants eat here and doesn\u2019t worry about being killed in her sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. Miss Erin is very good at killing things. And she employs one of my kind. His name is Bird and he lives on the roof. By the way, I have never met a Dwarf. Are you happy, being a Dwarf? Is there a special racial advantage to being a Dwarf or are you relatively useless like Humans?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had to come over at that. She took a seat at the table and smiled at Dawil. He eyed her, probably wondering about Ksmvr\u2019s endorsement of her killing prowess. Erin smiled at Dawil, hesitated, and blurted out the first thing on her mind.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re tall.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf blinked. Ksmvr tilted his head. Erin blushed.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean\u2014sorry, but I\u2019ve never met a Dwarf either! And I didn\u2019t expect you to be so, so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Tall. For a Dwarf, that was. Dawil grunted and sat up straight. He was a few inches over five feet in height, which was short for a Human, but far taller than Erin would have expected of a Dwarf. And he seemed amused by Erin\u2019s interest.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Not met many Dwarves, have you, girl? Oh wait. You said. Well, I\u2019m a pure Dwarf, don\u2019t you worry on that account! Pure as any Dwarf living, which I\u2019ll grant isn\u2019t what it used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n He rumbled to himself as he took a huge spoonful of ground beef and potatoes and shoved it into his mouth. He chewed, swallowed, and then went on.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019see, I\u2019ve got a bit of Human blood in me. My great, great, great grandma, she was Human, and so was my great, great, great, great, great, great\u2026uh, grampa. \u2018Course, my Dwarf side\u2019s too strong to let a bit of Human dilute my true ancestry, but over the years it mixes with our blood. Almost every Dwarf is a bit taller because of that. Not like how we used to be\u2014short and yay-high!\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured, indicating a height around four feet high. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s cool. Mixed heritage, I get that. I\u2019m one hundred percent Human. My name\u2019s Erin, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, I heard. Got ears, don\u2019t I? And I already told the Antinium bugger my name. I\u2019m not wearing it out.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf took another huge bite. He wasn\u2019t rude\u2014well, he was\u2014but Erin wasn\u2019t offended by it. He had a rather likable, straightforward personality in fact. Erin grinned at him.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re an adventurer in the Silver Swords?\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil eyed her as he reached for his mug.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you state the obvious all the time, lass? \u2018Course I am! Hey, you don\u2019t have anything stronger here, do you? I feel like I\u2019m drinking water!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have actual water if you want it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay then, how does Firebreath Whiskey sound? It\u2019s the only strong stuff I have in stock right now. But it tastes like someone poured habaneros into a sock and mixed it with mouthwash.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh! A proper drink!\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil brightened. He drained his mug in one go which impressed both Ksmvr and Erin and waved a hand at Ishkr.<\/p>\n \u201cFirebreath Whiskey over here! Give me a full mug and another plate of the potatoes and meat!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne for me as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin turned as Ksmvr tried to imitate Dawil and nearly drowned from his own mug. Ilvriss was sitting upright, looking annoyed at the lack of company and morose again. Erin intercepted Ishkr before he could deliver the Drake a drink.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss growled at Erin. She put her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n \u201cNo Firebreath Whiskey for you, Mister. You came here drunk and you had an entire mug of the stuff earlier. I\u2019m cutting you off.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lord of the Wall narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t cut me off. I am a Lord of the Wall!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo bad. You can have this drink instead if you want. It\u2019s a specialty of the inn. Faerie Flower ale. Here, try it. It makes you feel better. Or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin presented Ilvriss with the special mug she\u2019d made. The Drake took one look at the drink and turned his head away.<\/p>\n \u201cRidiculous. I won\u2019t settle for an inferior Human drink. If you refuse to serve me, I\u2019m leaving. I have better places to be anyways\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He moved to rise unsteadily. Erin barred his way and shoved the drink into his face.<\/p>\n \u201cTry it. Come on. You tried the cake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was different. Wait, is this like the cake?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss eyed the mug again. The Faerie Flower ale was indistinguishable from regular ale\u2026pretty much because it was. The only addition was three drops of the special faerie flower nectar Erin had added. She smiled encouragingly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t know unless you try it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake hesitated. He took the mug, grumbled about substandard alcohol, and took a gulp. His expression soured, and he was about to shove it back at Erin when his eyes widened. Erin took a few steps back as Ilvriss slowly sat back down.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd now we wait.\u201d<\/p>\n She muttered to herself as she walked back to Dawil\u2019s table. Erin hadn\u2019t forgotten Ilvriss\u2019 grief when talking about Periss. She only hoped the drink could do for him what it had for Halrac the first time the [Scout] had tried it.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Halrac.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had to pause and close her eyes for a second. The [Scout] hadn\u2019t shown his face in the inn since the night Ulrien had been cremated. But she could only take a moment of her time to think of him. At the table, Dawil was arguing with Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Battle tactics? Strategic maneuvers? What do you think our group is? We\u2019re adventurers! We charge in and sort things out afterwards. I hit things with my hammer, Ylawes hits things with his sword, and Falene twiddles her fingers and shoots sparks at monsters while she hides behind our backs. It\u2019s a sound strategy!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt sounds like the exact opposite of strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is why it works!<\/em> Now, what are you\u2014Silver-rank? Dead gods, I didn\u2019t think there were Antinium adventurers. Well, never mind. What you do is, when you see a monster you run at it. Screaming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cScreaming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. A good old war cry. Then you hit it. Use a Skill if it\u2019s big, and if it\u2019s really<\/em> big go for the kneecaps. That always works.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if it is a giant slime? Giant slimes do not have kneecaps. I point this out not as an attempt to be confrontational, but merely to question\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSlimes? What are you doing fighting slimes? <\/em>That\u2019s when you get a [Mage] to handle the job!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what I said! Remind me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKneecaps\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if they had them, it would be a viable strategy!\u201d<\/p>\n It was like watching a comedy duo in action, even better than when Pisces and Ksmvr did it. Erin hated to break up the fun, but she had to. She cleared her throat as she slid back into her seat. Dawil and Ksmvr looked at her expectantly.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, but I had a thought. You\u2019re the first Dwarf I\u2019ve ever met, Dawil. I mean, I\u2019ve seen half-Dwarves, but you\u2019re the only full Dwarf I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot surprising. My kind live mainly on Terandria and we don\u2019t like traveling. Too much water and boats get us seasick.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf shuddered as he reached for a second plate of steaming shepherd\u2019s pie. He had an incredible appetite, but then, he was very muscular and stocky. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, yeah. But I was thinking\u2026I have this coin you see. It\u2019s, well, sort of a mystery and no one can tell me what metal it\u2019s made of. I was wondering\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf paused as she fished out the special coin she\u2019d received. He eyed it, and then glared at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, do you think I know about metals just because I\u2019m a Dwarf?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He looked mildly outraged. Erin waved her hands frantically.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no! No, it\u2019s just\u2014well, yes, actually. Sorry. I just thought that since you\u2019re a Dwarf and uh\u2026if you don\u2019t know, that\u2019s fine. But no one else I\u2019ve talked to has a clue, so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf grumbled into his beard, but then stuck out a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, give it here then. Not like I\u2019m a [Forgemaster], but I reckon I know a bit more than any Human or Drake [Blacksmith]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. I probably should have asked one of them to look at it. Right. Oops.\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil snorted as Erin handed him the coin. It flashed in the firelight as he held it up, not quite silver but pale, reflective. Ksmvr stared at it and the Dwarf grunted, his expression of annoyance growing more intrigued.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, that\u2019s not an alloy of silver\u2026it\u2019s got no silver in it in fact. And it\u2019s no alloy. Wait a second\u2026hey, innkeeper! Where\u2019d you get this?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shrugged self-consciously as Dawil stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2026one of my guests gave it to me as payment. I mean, it was sort of a gift, not proper payment. Why? Is it worth a lot?\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf grunted.<\/p>\n \u201cDepends on how you look at it. It\u2019s either priceless or worthless. You see, this metal\u2019s not silver, gold, or any of your common metals like that. It\u2019s pure mithril, or close enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMithril?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s raised voice made every head in the room shoot up. Quick as a flash, Jelaqua was at their table.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, did someone say mithril and Dwarf in the same sentence? I could really use a new flail and armor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBack off, Selphid! No one\u2019s forging you lot anything! I just said this thing\u2019s mithril\u2014no need to get worked up about it! Yes, this is mithril. So what?\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil cleared his throat, realizing he had an audience. Seborn, Jelaqua, and an interested Ishkr were hovering around the table. He handed the coin back to Erin and she held it as if it were magic. Which it might be. The Dwarf was less impressed, though.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you waiting for? The coin to start floating in midair? It\u2019s mithril, I told you! It\u2019s just a metal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s\u2014I mean, it\u2019s mithril!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Images of mithril chainmail and magical artifacts were spinning around Erin\u2019s head. Dawil shook his own head sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cPah. It\u2019s just a bit. You couldn\u2019t make anything out of it\u2014not that I\u2019d want to try. That\u2019s why I said it\u2019s worthless or priceless. Sure, it\u2019s rare to find a coin made purely out of the stuff\u2014I can\u2019t think of how old it must be\u2014but who\u2019s going to want something like that? It\u2019s got no real value except as a collector\u2019s item.\u201d<\/p>\n He was too casual about the coin. Erin held it, trying to feel something out of the metal. All she felt was a bit of stickiness from where some drink had landed on it.<\/p>\n \u201cStill, I mean\u2014shouldn\u2019t it glow or something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt might. Buff it up a bit and it could look better. The coin\u2019s covered in dust and the outer layer\u2019s bonded with enough crap over the centuries. Scrape at it and it might look better.\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil conceded grudgingly. He looked at Jelaqua.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019re you looking at, Selphid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t happen to be a [Blacksmith] as well as a warrior, by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at him hopefully. Dawil guffawed in her face.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Do I look like I enjoy sweating in front of a forge fire? Count me out!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just that I really would like better gear. I have this flail you see\u2014by the way, I\u2019m Jelaqua Ivirith, leader of the Halfseekers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019ve heard of you. Dawil of the Ironbreaker Clan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014right, pleased, and I\u2019d really love some better gear. Seborn\u2019s got enchanted daggers, but no one makes enchanted flails. And I\u2019ve heard that you can get Dwarf-made weapons for cheap. I was told mithril might be a good buy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Dwarf shook his head as Erin sat at the table, polishing her coin with a tankard of water. It didn\u2019t seem to work. She scrubbed hard but concluded she might actually need to scrape at it with a knife or something. That wouldn\u2019t hurt the mithril, right? Or the faint engravings? It was supposed to be hard stuff. Erin went to look for a butter knife. Meanwhile, Dawil was beginning to argue with Jelaqua about weapons.<\/p>\n \u201cMithril? It\u2019s things like this that make me regret ever leaving home! Every two-bit adventurer comes up to me asking for a magical blade\u2014do I look like I carry a forge around on my back? And aren\u2019t you lot an experienced Gold-rank team? What are you asking me<\/em> about weapons for? We\u2019re a new Gold-rank team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. But it\u2019s just that we don\u2019t meet many Dwarves, and you hear rumors. So mithril weapons\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEh. Steel\u2019s just as good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em> Aw, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n The other adventurers looked at Erin. She was heartbroken, as if Dawil had just punched her in the stomach. She looked so downcast that the Dwarf had to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just like you beardless lot to think one metal\u2019s best! Mithril? Hah! If you want lightweight armor, sure, use a mithril alloy. But making plate armor out of the stuff? Do you know what that would cost?<\/em> Plus, mithril\u2019s not all it\u2019s worked up to be. Sure, it\u2019s stronger than steel, but it\u2019s too malleable\u2014you need to cut it with a stronger alloy. Then of course it\u2019s better than regular steel, but for the cost\u2014<\/em>and forget about putting it in a weapon!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if it\u2019s the cost\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua began but Dawil talked over her.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just cost! Unless you\u2019ve got the sharpest blade in existence, you\u2019ll have no weight behind your blows! Mithril\u2019s not worth its weight in gold! Now, a composite metal made by a master is more preferable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, but what kind\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you\u2019ll hear the words \u2018adamantium\u2019 and \u2018orichalcum\u2019 and \u2018star metal\u2019 and so on thrown around a lot, but that\u2019s all rock crap. Real<\/em> [Blacksmiths] who aren\u2019t trying to take your money will tell you that pure metals are useless on their own. What you want to be asking is what level of refinement they\u2019ve achieved and then<\/em> asking what kind of alloys they\u2019ll be making with said rare metals. Eh\u2026how much they have on hand is also a good idea. It\u2019s rare stuff and you don\u2019t want to be waiting months for a shipment to arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin saw Jelaqua open her mouth, but the Selphid couldn\u2019t get a word in edgewise. The Dwarf kept going, as unstoppable as an avalanche. She realized that she might have opened a door she couldn\u2019t close and resigned herself to listening as Dawil went on.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they tell you they can work in an adamantium alloy into your armor, well, they\u2019re either lying or Level 50, because let me tell you, I can count the number of times I\u2019ve seen anything<\/em> with adamantium in it, and I grew up seeing the Old Elders about, and they can forge anything in the world. Not that you\u2019d know it to look at them. Hah, real Dwarven smithing today is all about quality and efficiency. Take Dwarven steel for example. Good stuff will do you just as well as a fancy artifact, and let me tell you, if you want to order well, all you need to do is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Sitting and listening to Dawil, Ksmvr nodded repeatedly as the Dwarf kept talking. He was so focused that he didn\u2019t notice Erin, Jelaqua, Seborn and Ishkr edging away from the Dwarf. Neither did Dawil. The Dwarf kept talking as he drank and ate, loudly proclaiming the virtues of metal for all to hear and managing to slip in several insults about Human and Drake craftsmanship while he was at it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like Dawil\u2019s started one of his rants about blacksmithing. It will be hours before he stops. For a Dwarf that hates blacksmithing, he enjoys lecturing others about it too much.\u201d<\/p>\n At another table Falene Skystrall lightly observed her companion as she sipped from a cup of wine and cut into one of Erin\u2019s pre-cooked steaks. She had been pleasantly surprised to find out how many different dishes were on the menu, and more surprised at how fast it had appeared. Now she ate with excellent manners, sitting in her chair across from Ceria. And Pisces.<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] had invited himself to the table after washing his hands of cake and neither half-Elf had chased him away. Ceria didn\u2019t have the heart for it and Falene didn\u2019t seem to mind. In truth, Ceria was slightly grateful for Pisces\u2019 presence. She felt awkward in the company of another half-Elf after so long.<\/p>\n Especially since Falene had given her a very traditional, very old-fashioned greeting. She was clearly a traditionalist and she had to be at least eighty years old! True, she looked barely older than her late twenties, but Ceria knew there was a big shift in perspectives depending on the age of a half-Elf. They were half-Human after all, and like Humans, they changed far more rapidly than their distant ancestors had.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope Dawil doesn\u2019t talk your companion\u2019s ears off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have ears, so he\u2019ll be fine. I think Ksmvr\u2019s the only person who\u2019d actually enjoy a lecture like that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria grimaced. Falene raised two eyebrows at her, the model of composure. Ceria bit the inside of her lip. Yup, definitely a traditionalist. Falene was the kind of half-Elf who tried to act like she thought true Elves had. That was to say, always graceful, always elegant, and the voice of logic and reason within any group. You\u2019d never catch her<\/em> squatting in the bushes after eating something that didn\u2019t agree with her system.<\/p>\n And she was also a [Mage]. A good one\u2014Ceria could tell that just from sitting next to her. Falene had an air of control and power about her that Ceria hadn\u2019t sensed in anyone since Wistram. Well, Typhenous and Moore were powerful too, but there was something about her magical presence that was familiar\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cI am surprised to meet a fellow half-Elf so far from Terandria, sister. Especially in the company of one of the Antinium. That is unheard of. It must have been quite a set of coincidences that landed you in each other\u2019s company.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked as Falene addressed her. She waited for a beat, and then shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n What was she supposed to say to that? Half-Elves went places. So did Humans. Falene smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mean to judge. But it is strange\u2014my party has travelled very, very<\/em> far in search of Ylawes\u2019 sister. We came all the way to Celum to look for her, then took a detour in Esthelm before heading north again\u2026who would have thought all we had to do was go further south to find her?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria grunted.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have spared yourself the trip. There\u2019s a magical door that leads straight from Celum to Liscor. You can walk between the cities whenever you want now.\u201d<\/p>\n The other half-Elf\u2019s eyebrows shot up and she cast a glance at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cSo that\u2019s<\/em> what I was sensing from that door. Incredible. I had no idea a magical artifact that powerful had been found. And it\u2019s sitting in an inn? Is this [Innkeeper] that high-level? I didn\u2019t get the impression\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She was being chatty with Ceria, as if they were friends. Just because they were of the same species. That bothered Ceria\u2026mainly because it was a very typical half-Elven thing to do. Forget Drakes\u2014half-Elves were notoriously insular. And if you were of the same species, you naturally stuck up for one another.<\/p>\n But then\u2014they had to. Ceria sighed. She was just being irritable on purpose. After the news about Calruz and\u2014well, it was hard to meet someone who was like you in many respects but more accomplished. She cleared her throat, trying to adopt a more civil tone.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Erin\u2019s not that<\/em> high-level, although she\u2019s pretty high. Uh\u2026the door\u2019s there because we gave it to her. My team found it in the Ruins of Albez.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlbez\u2014you\u2019re<\/em> the famous Horns of Hammerad we\u2019ve heard about?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria and Pisces both coughed and looked away as Falene exclaimed. Pisces looked pleased and Ceria felt pleased and embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s us. We got lucky, honestly. We\u2019re a Silver-rank team\u2014hoping to be Gold-rank soon. That door was one of the treasures we obtained you see, and we owe Erin a lot, so it was her take of the treasure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Falene listened with interest to Ceria\u2019s account of the events that had led them to salvaging the door from Albez. Adventurers swapped stories as a matter of course, and Ceria was humble enough not to embellish. Especially because she<\/em> had heard of the Silver Swords in passing, and they were an actually famous group. Most Gold-rank groups made a name for themselves, although Ceria usually only knew the names. Now she tried to recall any of the Silver Swords\u2019 exploits and failed.<\/p>\n \u201cI am quite impressed! And from what I can see, your group is rather unusual. Two out of four of your group are [Mages]\u2026it\u2019s usually the case where there\u2019s only a lone [Mage] unless the adventuring team is quite large. I sometimes wish I had another magic user to help guard my companions.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf sighed and glanced at Ylawes, who was deep in conversation with Yvlon, and Dawil. Ceria glanced at Yvlon\u2014the young woman seemed tense and not quite at ease. Falene noticed her glance.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. Ylawes is merely concerned about his sister. When he heard her adventuring group had been destroyed in Liscor\u2019s dungeon he insisted we head south right away. It\u2019s taken us weeks to journey from Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s some commitment. I guess that\u2019s family for you. But Yvlon seemed determined not<\/em> to meet him. Do you know why that is?\u201d<\/p>\n Falene sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Ylawes is intent on escorting Yvlon back to their home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked up from his cup and glanced at Ylawes before raising his eyebrows at Ceria. She made a face at him\u2014yes, she didn\u2019t want that, but they were family! Falene looked between the two.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he won\u2019t force her. Or if he does, Dawil and I can talk him out of it. Ylawes is stubborn as a boar, but he can be persuaded. Given time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded at Falene in appreciation.<\/p>\n \u201cSeems like you\u2019re a good team. That\u2019s surprising. I\u2019d never expect one of us to be travelling with a Dwarf. Given how much they don\u2019t like us\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBad blood. It\u2019s not as if our animosity is recent. I was more surprised that a Human wanted to journey with me after Terandria. But Ylawes is an excellent leader, and not prejudiced against us in the least. A delightful change from home, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n Falene glanced at Ceria and the half-Elf nodded reluctantly.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking of home\u2026Pisces is from Terandria as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I apologize. I didn\u2019t mean to assume. It\u2019s just that it\u2019s rare to meet Humans who don\u2019t have at least a bit of mistrust of half-Elves. Especially if they\u2019ve grown up in some of the kingdoms\u2026allow me to introduce myself again. I\u2019m a generalist [Mage], although I\u2019ve recently achieved the [Battlemage] specialization in my class.\u201d<\/p>\n Both of Pisces\u2019 brows shot up and Ceria sat up a bit in her chair. The [Necromancer] coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is impressive. You have quite the magical flair about you, Miss Falene. May I inquire as to where you studied?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, Wistram of course! I graduated from the academy three decades ago. A lifetime by Human standards. But I remember it fondly, and I count myself privileged to have studied there. So many [Mages] are powerful, but lack the discipline Wistram provides. That half-Giant for instance. Moore? Such a lovely person, but his aura is unrefined. You two on the other hand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Falene broke off, glancing from Ceria and Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, you two have more focus to your mana flow. Are you students of Wistram, perhaps? Taking a sabbatical? That was all the fashion when I was learning.\u201d<\/p>\n She couldn\u2019t have known how her words would make Pisces and Ceria tense up. The two [Mages] exchanged a glance, and Ceria saw Pisces\u2019 knuckles grow white on his mug. What should she say? There were so many things she could say that were lies and untruths\u2014but would they hurt less than the truth?<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t get a chance to decide. Pisces was the one who spoke. The [Necromancer] smiled, a slight glint in his eyes as he nodded at Falene.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are both from Wistram, indeed, Miss Falene. However, you mistake our natures. We are graduates, the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria held her breath as Falene blinked. She looked at Pisces and then at Ceria, and then she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Are you? In that case, it seems like the standards have lowered quite a bit since when I last attended.\u201d<\/p>\n Calmly, and quite oblivious to the reaction her words had caused, Falene gently levitated her cup of wine up to her lips and took a sip.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou should have sent word to me immediately when you were injured. I would have come sooner, but there was a situation with a city\u2014Esthelm. And we stopped to help villages along the way\u2026you should have told me. I would have sent gold, hired a carriage to take you north\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes and Yvlon sat at a table in the corner of the inn, removed from the discussions happening elsewhere. The Goblins sat forgotten at their table, watching Ceria and Pisces bristle with interest, their ears perking up as Dawil\u2019s voice droned on. Ylawes ignored them. His only concern was for his little sister.<\/p>\n As for his little sister, she was not happy. Yvlon stared hard at her brother, trying not to envy the shining silver armor that had given his group their name, the family crest etched proudly on his armor and shield that identified him as a [Knight].<\/p>\n He was everything she aspired to be. Everything she dreamed of. But he<\/em> was not who she wanted, not now. And yet here he was. He\u2019d ridden here, hundreds of miles, to save his younger sister, to champion the weak and innocent. Like he always did. But she was neither weak nor innocent and Yvlon tried to tell her brother that in no uncertain terms.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t tell you because it was my mistake, my weakness that got my team killed, Ylawes. And afterwards, I was adventuring with another team. We had our successes. We found treasure in Albez\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you were injured for it. Your arms, Yvlon! Silver and steel, I\u2019m glad mother didn\u2019t hear of it! All the family knew was that you\u2019d taken some injury that couldn\u2019t be healed by a potion.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon closed her eyes, remembering the burning heat that had raced up her arms, the pain, the melting<\/em> and then\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. But I got this injury protecting my team. I\u2019d do it again in a heartbeat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m proud of you for that. But see reason, Yv! We have to get you north. There\u2019s bound to be a [Healer] who can help mend your arms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere isn\u2019t. The metal\u2019s in my bones, Ylawes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven so. A [Mage], perhaps? Money\u2019s no obstacle. I have a small fortune and I\u2019m sure father and mother know many people we could reach out to. We\u2019ll have to wait a while for the Goblin Lord\u2019s army to pass by, but we can send word at once and begin asking\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going, Ylawes.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes broke off, staring at his sister in disbelief. Yvlon shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going back home. Not yet. I have too much to do here. I\u2019m in a team!\u201d<\/p>\n It took her brother a second to find his voice, and when he did, it was angry.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous, Yvlon! You can\u2019t fight with those injuries! With your arms the way they are, any prolonged battle will risk you breaking them again. Or worse! One good blow will\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that! But so what? I\u2019m not going to be flailing around trading blows with my enemies, Ylawes! I have a sword with the weight enchantment applied to it\u2014a better sword than the one you have! I can fight, even if my arms are weaker than they were. If they break, I\u2019ll heal them\u2014Pisces can repair the bones!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon pointed towards Pisces, neglecting to mention the [Necromancer]\u2019s class. It didn\u2019t matter. Ylawes had changed tactics. His voice was soothing now as he stroked at the stubble on his chin.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you\u2019re right to be proud. A magical sword at your age? Father will be so happy when he hears. But be reasonable, Yvlon! You should at least have a rest, or visit our estate. A month of rest and we can go adventuring together. I\u2019m sure your companions won\u2019t mind\u2014why not ask them to come with you? There\u2019s sure to be enough requests around our home to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said no.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon snapped the word loudly, making heads turn in the mostly empty inn. She tried to calm herself.<\/p>\n \u201cYlawes, I appreciate that you were concerned. But\u2014couldn\u2019t you have asked if I was well before coming all this way to help me? I\u2019m a grown woman, and you don\u2019t need to worry about me. Honestly, I\u2019m as fine as anyone is in this profession.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knight] looked troubled as he looked at his younger sister.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you, Yvlon? I had to plot a huge course around the Goblin Lord\u2019s army on the way south, Yvlon. And before that\u2014I clashed with one of his raiding armies. They\u2019d already sacked a city and they were coming back to slaughter all of its inhabitants and turn them into undead. This Goblin Lord\u2019s a true threat, Yvlon. I\u2019d heard the Goblins were dangerous, but using the undead? There was one skeleton I met in Esthelm that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He broke off, shaking his head. Ylawes turned back to Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cI can only hope the army being assembled to the north will be enough to destroy the Goblin Lord and his army completely. I would have ridden myself in answer to Lord Tyrion\u2019s call, but father sent enough forces from our household that will do. I hope. But that just proves my point. You\u2019re in more danger around Liscor\u2014there are Antinium here! Have you any idea what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He hadn\u2019t realized Ksmvr was in her party. Yvlon closed her eyes, and then part of what Ylawes had said struck her like lightning. She sat up, cutting her brother off.<\/p>\n \u201cWait a second, we sent aid to Lord Tyrion? But Lady Magnolia was levying all the city-states around Invrisil!\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou hadn\u2019t heard? Lady Reinhart sent out a levy, true, but Lord Tyrion did the same. We sent reinforcements to him\u2014as many [Soldiers] and [Guards] as father thought we could afford.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stared at her brother in horror.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Not to Lady Magnolia? Ylawes, House Byres has always<\/em> supported the Reinharts! Aunt Magnolia is a close friend of mother\u2019s!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t so much what Ylawes said as the way he said it. His gaze shifted and he didn\u2019t exactly meet Yvlon\u2019s eyes as he spoke. She sat, heart pounding as he replied softly.<\/p>\n \u201cRecent events have called her authority into question. There were several assassinations\u2014of [Ladies] tied to Magnolia no less! Father was worried that\u2026well, it doesn\u2019t matter. Lord Tyrion\u2019s levy on the city-states came at the same time as Lady Magnolia\u2019s. So we answered his call while a smaller group was sent to Lady Reinhart. She will have an army, but it will be Lord Tyrion\u2019s that sweeps the Goblins away. Or so Father thinks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? But that would mean you\u2019re supporting Lord Tyrion. While Aunt Magnolia\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just strategy, Yvlon. Lady Magnolia did not request for any [Lord] or any [Generals] to lead the army she\u2019s assembling, and she\u2019s no leader herself. Without a high-level commander, her army doesn\u2019t stand a chance. She could hold Invrisil I suppose, but Lord Tyrion is one of our best<\/em> war leaders. Moreover, he has his own personal army and is creating a vastly superior force to Lady Reinhart\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n That was true. Lord Tyrion was a famous [Lord]. And yet, he was at odds with Magnolia Reinhart, and she was one of the most powerful figures on Izril! If she wanted an army, she could raise one. Yvlon stared at Ylawes.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Magnolia is clearly trying to challenge the Goblin Lord. Otherwise, why would she assemble an army?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. For defense, perhaps. All of the forces she requested are assembling just west of Invrisil by all accounts. I suspect that the officers of each unit will withdraw around Invrisil to protect it if the Goblin Lord tries to take the city. They\u2019ll protect the citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if Aunt Magnolia orders them to attack the Goblin Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes still didn\u2019t meet Yvlon\u2019s eyes. He traced on the table with a gauntleted finger.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026suspect they will politely refuse her request.\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at him, open-mouthed. Ylawes looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not a lack of faith in her, Yvlon. It\u2019s just\u2026strategy. Magnolia Reinhart will have to be reasonable and see sense. She can\u2019t ask the impossible. No one can.\u201d<\/p>\n He said that, but Yvlon knew otherwise. The Reinharts\u2014Magnolia in particular\u2014were not known for being \u2018reasonable\u2019 about anything. They got their way. And if they didn\u2019t, what did that say about the political situation in Izril? About the influence of the Reinharts, of Lady Magnolia?<\/p>\n It was all too big. Too far. Yvlon shook her head, putting distant conflicts with other nobles and the Goblin Lord out of her head. She looked at Ylawes.<\/p>\n \u201cBe that as it may, I\u2019m still not going north, brother. I\u2019m staying here. I have a friend that might be in trouble and I won\u2019t abandon my party.\u201d<\/p>\n She folded her arms. Ylawes glared at her and blew out his cheeks slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI could drag you back\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo you couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy all rights I should write to father and have him order you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t order me. This is a matter of honor, Ylawes. I belong with my group. I swore to fight with them. And besides\u2014there\u2019s a teammate of ours who might be alive. From the dungeon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTruly?\u201d<\/p>\n That threw Ylawes. Honor was important to him. It was to all of the Byres family. Yvlon explained about Calruz and saw his stubborn expression change. Ylawes wavered, rubbed at his eyes, and then came to a decision.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really won\u2019t come back, will you? I was so sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon felt triumphant as she looked at her brother. He was wavering, but he seemed to accept her decision at last. He looked at her with a rueful expression\u2014and then dropped a house on her.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case you won\u2019t be alone. I\u2019m staying too.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled at Yvlon, a [Knight] in shining armor. She stared at her brother, a famous Gold-rank adventurer, a hero, in horror.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. You really don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes faltered.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon, I can\u2019t just leave<\/em> you\u2014if mother heard, I\u2019d be disowned within the hour. I have to stay and protect you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d actually prefer it if you go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYv\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop calling me that. And I swear, if you think your team is going to babysit mine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ah, family love. Across the inn, Erin polished her super-special and probably magical mithril coin with a cloth, watching Yvlon and Ylawes talk. They were clearly engaged in a serious debate. It was so nice to have a brother. Or so she assumed. She wondered what it was like.<\/p>\n And what the heck they were talking about.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Around midnight, Yvlon and Ylawes stopped arguing and rejoined the table. By this point, everyone who was awake was sitting around a table. Ceria and Pisces, Falene and Dawil, Jelaqua\u2014Ishkr, Drassi, and Lyonette had all been relieved and Erin was filling a few cups, but all was quiet.<\/p>\n Moore and Seborn had already gone to sleep, and Ksmvr had gone up to speak with Bird. About what was anyone\u2019s guess, but the air in the inn was generally convivial.<\/p>\n Generally. Sort of. Ceria and Pisces sat across the table from Falene, and Yvlon and Ylawes glared at each other like true siblings. Erin happily looked around and noticed Ilvriss slumped at his table, his mug cradled in one hand.<\/p>\n Decisions were being made. Ylawes didn\u2019t beat about the bush as he walked over to his two companions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re staying, at least for now. We\u2019re challenging the dungeon in Liscor. Apparently there might be an adventurer stuck down there and Yvlon won\u2019t leave until he\u2019s found.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t leave anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon growled under her breath. Falene looked interested and Dawil pulled himself upright. The Dwarf\u2019s breath was practically toxic with alcohol fumes, but then, Jelaqua usually drank that much as well.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this about an adventurer? Someone got themselves lost in the dungeon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes related the possibility of Calruz being alive as Ceria shot Yvlon a silent glance over the table. The armored woman gave Ceria a helpless shrug of her shoulders.<\/p>\n The silence that followed Ylawes\u2019 explanation was long. Erin looked around and recalled a similar scene the time Pisces had broken the news.<\/p>\n Okay, so there was a possibility, however faint, that Calruz could be alive. However, and this was a huge however, if he was<\/em> alive he could be anywhere in a huge dungeon the size of a city. The odds were that he was dead, and the dungeon had killed everyone but the two Gold-rank teams who\u2019d gone into it. And they had to be very cautious as well. Erin remembered days when Griffon Hunt and the Halfseekers would come back looking beat up, talking about monster ambushes and traps.<\/p>\n \u201cSo this Silver-rank team that might<\/em> be Gold-rank is planning on finding their missing buddy all on their own, are they? You\u2019re right Ylawes; that sounds exactly like the idiocy you\u2019d get us tangled up in!\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil groaned aloud and slapped his forehead. Ylawes glared at him and Ceria cleared her throat for everyone\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to help. We can\u2019t pay\u2014not anything worth the risk\u2014and there\u2019s no reward in it. This is our companion. We\u2019ll find him. If he\u2019s alive, he\u2019ll stay that way after so long. If not\u2026we\u2019re working on it.\u201d<\/p>\n They\u2019d been taking requests to earn money for potions and so on, gathering experience. Pisces nodded as he played with his mug and Yvlon\u2019s face was set. The Silver Swords looked at each other as Jelaqua glanced at the ground. Erin knew the Selphid hadn\u2019t volunteered her team.<\/p>\n She couldn\u2019t fault Jelaqua on that. That was the sane decision. Which made the Silver Swords\u2019 one all the stranger. Ylawes looked at Falene, who raised her hand palm up, and then at Dawil, who muttered but nodded. He turned back to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t need payment or a reward, Miss Ceria. The cause itself is enough. Any friend of Yvlon\u2019s is a friend of ours. And if there is truly an adventurer in danger in Liscor\u2019s dungeon, we will do everything we can to help. We, the Silver Swords, champion causes wherever they may be found, regardless of reward or risk!\u201d<\/p>\n He said the words simply, as if they were a fact. He stood proudly as he said them, and his armor glinted in the faint firelight. Everyone else stared at him with open mouths. Slowly, Ceria leaned over and whispered to Pisces very softly.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he\u2026real? Or just completely insane?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cAddled from one too many hits to the head is more likely. Or perhaps he suffers from some kind of martyrdom complex. No doubt a sad affliction of the [Knight] class.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t bother to lower his voice. Ylawes glared at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cHelping others in need is simply common sense, sir. If you saw a traveler on the road who was in trouble, would you help them?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWould this be a man or a woman? Human? Drake? How rich are their clothes? Is there any danger nearby? How far am I from civilization? What kind of road is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes stared at Pisces. The [Necromancer] smirked at him and Ylawes looked away, disgusted. Erin clapped her hands, breaking the silence.<\/p>\n \u201cGood! You\u2019re staying. And you\u2019re helping Yvlon! Yay. Now, are you staying here<\/em>? I have rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n The Silver Swords looked at each other. Ylawes looked uncomfortable as he bowed slightly to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cMy apologies, Miss Erin. But I don\u2019t feel at ease sleeping under the same roof as\u2026Goblins. I would like to use your door to find lodgings in Celum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr you could go all the way back home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYv\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s okay. I think the Goblins don\u2019t like you anyways. Sorry, but that\u2019s how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u2014yes. I\u2019m\u2026glad that we can all feel comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes stumbled over his words and turned back to the others as a whole.<\/p>\n \u201cI must apologize for my conduct earlier. I was not aware of the\u2026peculiarities of this inn. However, as Yvlon\u2019s older brother I thank you most sincerely for aiding her. She is of House Byres, and a credit to her family. I hope that you will all continue to aid her in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon covered her face with her hands, blushing. Ceria and Pisces exchanged a glance. Jelaqua raised a mug.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll drink to whatever that was! House Byres, huh? I knew Yvlon came from a rich family, but I didn\u2019t know she was nobility! Fancy that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not a famous House, actually, Jelaqua. Far from it. We\u2019re minor and we don\u2019t get political. Until now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon glared at Ylawes as she spoke. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHouse Byres has always supported itself with a healthy business in silver. We have a mine\u2026and several of our family are [Merchants]. Some, like Yvlon and myself, follow the family tradition of taking up arms to defend the common people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow! You\u2019re like a real [Knight] family, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked approvingly at Yvlon. She scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cIn decline. Ylawes and my other sibling help provide for the family, but we\u2019re not rich, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the past our family used to be richer. Alas, there\u2019s less call for quality silver now, which is one of our main exports. In the past of course, we were a household name, but the disappearance of the Vampires has reduced our estates too\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you say Vampires?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was at Ylawes\u2019 side so fast she could have teleported. The [Knight] blinked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, yes. Vampires. Indeed. They used to be a scourge on Izril and had several large infestations that were wiped out over the centuries. Our family, House Byres, was famous for rooting them out. And our silver was a key component of their destruction. It used to be said that if you wanted to survive a Vampire attack, you would wear a necklace of Byres silver.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr garlic.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces muttered under his breath. Ylawes scowled at him. For once, Yvlon seemed to appreciate the [Mage]\u2019s remarks. She shook her head as Erin looked disappointed.<\/p>\n \u201cVampires are gone, Erin. Or if they\u2019re around, there\u2019s not thousands of them like there were. My family\u2019s well-enough off, even if some<\/em> of us are more protective than they should be.\u201d<\/p>\n She glared at Ylawes, and Falene smiled. She looked at Erin, one hand resting on her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is House Byres for you, Miss Erin. They are rather infamous locally. Honorable, prolific, and stubborn as mules. I believe that\u2019s what\u2019s said behind their backs.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin laughed as both Yvlon and Ylawes turned to glare at Falene. She smiled and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I guess I have more regulars in the inn, even if you\u2019re not staying here. That\u2019s cool. I\u2019ll show you guys how to get through Celum and back\u2014it\u2019s really easy, but I have to make sure you don\u2019t trip over any of Octavia\u2019s stuff when you go through the first time. She\u2019s an [Alchemist].\u201d<\/p>\n She showed the Silver Swords how to get to Celum as the others went to their beds. It was late\u2014so late that Octavia was asleep, which was lucky. A midnight sales pitch was the last thing Erin wanted. She went to sleep happy, but exhausted, in a silent inn.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [Magical Innkeeper Level 33!]<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n And then Erin sat up and remembered Ilvriss was still there.<\/p>\n \u201cDarn it, I forgot I spiked his drink!\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around her dark kitchen, wondering if she should wake the Drake up from whatever memory he was seeing. But then she decided it wasn\u2019t worth the effort and went back to sleep.<\/p>\n \u201cA brother coming to rescue her, huh? That\u2019s nice. But I wonder what\u2019s up with Lady Magnolia? And the Goblins? It sounds\u2026not good.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s eyes slowly closed. She went to sleep, dreaming of Goblins and silver and flying spaghetti monsters. Because it was a dream after all.<\/p>\n And in the inn, slumped over at his table, Ilvriss spoke one word.<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss?\u201d<\/p>\n He knew he was dreaming. Ilvriss could tell by the little clues. The windowless room, the way there was no real smell, no sense of beginning or end to this place, and the tiny Corusdeer leaping about the table in front of him. He stared at them for a few seconds before looking up.<\/p>\n There she was. Even if it was a dream, it was the only one he\u2019d ever want to have. Periss, his second-in-command, his secret lover, stood across from him. She was standing over the table, which was, in fact, a map.<\/p>\n It was the most realistic map in the world. A little world, the map of Izril surrounded by the ocean, had been replicated in minute detail down to the very trees on the table. Animals too. Ilvriss could see herds of tiny Corusdeer bounding across the melting snowy landscape, and a miniature Hollowstone Deceiver, a Rock Crab, snagged one and tore it apart in a bloody mess as he watched.<\/p>\n The map was in fact a replica of one of the magical map rooms in the Walled City of Salazsar. It was depicting the Goblin Lord\u2019s forces as he moved steadily northwards towards Invrisil. It seemed remarkably accurate for a dream map.<\/p>\n Ilvriss didn\u2019t care. He only had eyes for Periss. But she was studying the map intently, not looking up at him. She brushed a claw over the light blue scales near the spines on her head, a gesture so familiar that Ilvriss could have wept.<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you, Wall Lord, there\u2019s no need to shout.\u201d<\/p>\n Periss looked up with a slight frown. Ilvriss would have run over to her, but he couldn\u2019t move. He was fixed in place on the other side of the map. He stared at her. She was so real! In this place, she was the only thing aside from the map that had any presence. And the dream had copied her down to the last detail. The faint odor of her body, the smell of her armor and the polish applied to it, the sounds her claws made as they faintly rasped against the map.<\/p>\n So real. It was pain, seeing her. Ilvriss would have strained to move, but in this dream, he couldn\u2019t. He couldn\u2019t try<\/em>. It was a dream rule, and he was powerless. So he spread his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss. Come to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot now.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake woman was focusing. She was tracing the path of the Goblin Lord, frowning. Ilvriss raised his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss! Come away from the map! I want to touch you. I want to hold you. It\u2019s been so long\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will have to be longer, Wall Lord. We have business here, or have you forgotten the Goblin Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn the Goblin Lord. I don\u2019t care about him or the Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss spoke urgently. Periss looked up for a moment and smiled\u2014his heart leapt in his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cNeither do I. But they are potential threats. Just look here.\u201d<\/p>\n She traced a claw along the Goblin Lord\u2019s route. Ilvriss saw black smoke rising from a collection of burnt houses, fresh.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been destroying villages, one small town\u2026but avoiding all of the cities, even the ones he could take. He\u2019s conserving his forces, trying to move fast. Why? To avoid a Drake army coming from the rear? Or something else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd here. He\u2019s going to hit Invrisil unless he turns. The Humans are assembling a force to stop him, but will it be enough? Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s not known for her prowess in battle. Whereas Tyrion is assembling a force here<\/em>, but it won\u2019t be in time to save Invrisil. If the Goblin Lord attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n It was agony seeing Periss standing over the map. Ilvriss tried to move again and failed. She went on, focused, gnawing at a lip as she did when she was thinking hard.<\/p>\n \u201cIt could<\/em> all be open-and-shut if the Goblin Lord is defeated. But what if he\u2019s not? I know there\u2019s a small force coming to defend Liscor and another army coming north. If they\u2019re needed, if the Goblin Lord isn\u2019t stopped by the Humans, we\u2019ll want to be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho cares? Let it all burn. Just come to me and I\u2019ll leave it behind.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss would have damned his home to ash and fire just to reach out for her in that moment. Periss looked up and glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t say what you don\u2019t mean. Look, it\u2019s all predictable, unless the Reinhart woman has a trick up her sleeve. Her army might be able to fend off the Goblin Lord, but never destroy his army. Not without a leader. The key is what General Shivertail knows. Why did he disappear? Unless\u2026no, he wouldn\u2019t do that. Would he?\u201d<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t matter. None of it did. Periss was here<\/em>, but she was ignoring him. Ilvriss collapsed onto the floor. He begged out loud, he who had never begged before.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Periss! Touch me. Come here. Speak to me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He shouted the last words, cursing the dream he was in, this nightmare, this cruel torture. There was only silence in reply. He wept, clutching the map table, feeling the ocean and land crumbling under his claws. And then he heard a voice.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n Periss walked around the table. Disbelieving, Ilvriss looked up. She knelt, and then slapped him.<\/p>\n He gaped. Periss was no weakling. She was a trained warrior and her blow made his head ring. She hit him on the other cheek and Ilvriss reeled.<\/p>\n \u201cGet ahold of yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n She shouted at him. Ilvriss raised his hands to the real, stinging pain in his cheeks. Periss glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m dead for less than a month and this<\/em> is what you\u2019re reduced to? You\u2019re not the Drake I chose to follow, the leader I fell in love with! You drink and abandon your duties? Because of me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop saying my name like that.\u201d<\/p>\n She glared at him and Ilvriss recalled that she didn\u2019t like him saying her name, even in private. It was always [Lieutenant], then [Captain], and so on as she rose in rank. She disapproved of flirting before the battle was over, too. It was business while they were in the middle of a battle.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Ilvriss was conscious of how drunk he was, of how dirty his clothes were\u2014clothes, not armor. He\u2019d stopped putting it on. While Periss was in her armor, in the prime of her life, ready for action. He felt ashamed and looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors, look at me. Look at how I\u2019ve fallen apart. No wonder you look at me like that. I am worthless.\u201d<\/p>\n He sank downwards in misery. Of course she hated him. This was what he\u2019d become. Instead of avenging her, he\u2019d chased Ryoka this far, failed to stop Az\u2019kerash\u2019s minions from taking two lives, and then given up. The Necromancer. The grief had hit him too hard.<\/p>\n Now he had lost it all. Ilvriss couldn\u2019t look at Periss. He heard her sigh in exasperation, and then felt a touch. He froze as she clumsily drew him towards her. Periss had never been one to hug, and so her embrace was crude, and uncomfortable as he pressed against her armor.<\/p>\n But it was real. <\/em>Oh, so real.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it was hard after I died. But you can\u2019t keep doing this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I know you did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI fought, Periss. I tried, but\u2014you are gone! Gone and I am alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. And I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n She was here. In that moment, Ilvriss forgot decorum. He forgot his station and his appearance and began crying as if he were a hatchling. And Periss held him as she had never done, but as she would have if he had cried. Ilvriss clung to her, feeling her heartbeat. And he begged the world for this moment to continue, even in his grief. Another second. Another moment.<\/p>\n Please.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t waste away. You<\/em> have a future and more importantly, a duty.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lord of the Wall wept into her arms, clutching at her, feeling the realness<\/em> of her body.<\/p>\n \u201cI know! I know, but I can\u2019t let you go. I can\u2019t continue\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you can. And you will.\u201d<\/p>\n Periss gripped him on the arms, hard, looking into his eyes. Ilvriss grasped at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t just forget you and move on. I cannot,<\/em> Periss. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He couldn\u2019t finish. The weight of moving without her, of waking from this dream and knowing she was gone was too heavy. Periss looked at Ilvriss and sighed, as if he was an idiot. He\u2019d heard that sigh before, too. He\u2019d used to hate it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to forget me. I\u2019d be insulted if you did. But you have to stand up. Your people need you. I need you.\u201d<\/p>\n I need you. What choice did he have? Ilvriss stood, though the effort cost him more than words could say. He looked into Periss\u2019 eyes, holding her. And in his heart he knew the dream was ending.<\/p>\n But not yet. Please, a moment longer. He had something he had to say. Ilvriss drew Periss closer and kissed her. She wasn\u2019t good at that either. Neither was he, but it was genuine, real. And then he confessed his sins, the weight of his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to say sorry. To ask for forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at him and laughed in his face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat forgiveness? For sending me after a lone Human girl? That was a sound decision. Although sending all those elites after me wasn\u2019t. You should have kept the rest back so you could defeat Shivertail.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss blinked at her, surprised. But then he laughed too.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what I mean!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I do, but the strategy was sound. And that\u2019s what matters. You couldn\u2019t have known. Now you need to move forwards. You know what the enemy looks like, where he is roughly. You know, and you can protect your people.\u201d<\/p>\n Periss held Ilvriss, pointing towards the map. He looked and saw the undead rising around the Goblin Lord\u2019s army. For the first time, hot fury flickered in his heart, drowning out the sorrow.<\/p>\n Then it faded. Ilvriss looked at Periss and held her tightly. She wasn\u2019t fading or disappearing, but he sensed his time with her was ending.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go. I have so much I want to do. So much I want to say.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised one brow at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAs fun as it might be, I don\u2019t think this is the right place for a tumble together. Maybe some other time.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed against his will.<\/p>\n \u201cWill I ever see you again?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at him tenderly, and one of her claws intertwined with his.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. If you have more of that strange drink Erin Solstice gave you, perhaps. But I\u2019ll always be here.\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed to the war map, the living continent of Izril, their home.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause that\u2019s what you need to focus on. Not just the southern half. All<\/em> of it, Ilvriss. And this inn in particular. There\u2019s more for you to see, more to do. I can\u2019t do anything anymore. But you can.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss closed his eyes. The weight of his duties fell upon his shoulders, but this time he could bear it. He had to. He spoke to her, feeling her claws in his.<\/p>\n \u201cI swear I will. I will protect our home. I will<\/em> find the Necromancer and make him pay. And if the Goblin Lord threatens, I will protect our people. I won\u2019t slip back again, Periss. I swear it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n He felt a kiss. When he opened his eyes, she was gone. But the memory remained. And as Ilvriss turned he opened his eyes\u2014<\/p>\n And woke up. Ilvriss jerked upright at his table, and the nearly-empty mug of Faerie Flower ale tipped over. He grabbed for it and looked around.<\/p>\n It was pitch black in the inn. The fire was ash, and everyone had gone to sleep. Ilvriss stared at the mug, and then clenched his hand. He could still<\/em> feel her, still hear her voice.<\/p>\n Had it been just a dream? The Human girl, Erin, had said\u2014was it magic? A drug? Something more?<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t matter. Ilvriss looked around the room. He was so tired. And then he looked into the mug. There were just dregs left.<\/p>\n Oh well. It would have to do. Ilvriss closed his eyes, and then sat up. He raised his mug and spoke into the silence. His voice echoed in the empty inn, coming back to him.<\/p>\n \u201cTo war. War, ever changing, always taking\u2026to war. It\u2019s the Drake way. And I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He drank and let the mug fall onto the table. The dream didn\u2019t come back, but he hadn\u2019t really expected it to. Ilvriss looked around, blinked, and then toppled off his seat. He slept on the floor, tears trickling from his eyes. His heart was bitter, sore, and broken. But it was there, and it beat on, reminding him he was alive. Ilvriss slept and whispered her name as the map and colors and the promise of battle whirled in his dreams.<\/p>\n \u201cPeriss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The hour was late. Across the continent of Izril, it was nighttime. Of course, in Baleros it was morning and Kenjiro was awake and negotiating the cost of paper with Xalandrass the Naga. In Chandrar, it was just past midday and Trey was \u2018sparring\u2019 with Gazi, which mainly meant her kicking him about until he […]<\/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-4462","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
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