{"id":4624,"date":"2018-07-31T13:34:38","date_gmt":"2018-07-31T13:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=4624"},"modified":"2025-12-24T00:57:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T00:57:57","slug":"5-08","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2018\/07\/31\/5-08\/","title":{"rendered":"5.08"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Volume 1 of The Wandering Inn is now on sale as an e-book on Amazon! Please read this short message about the book!<\/a>)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were coming. They were already here. The Face-Eater Moths flew and crawled across the Floodplains of Liscor, chittering. There were so many that Erin couldn\u2019t see the sky. Already, they were crawling over her windows, their legs scraping<\/em> the glass. She saw one moth press its body against her window and backed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A hand yanked her into the middle of the common room. Erin whirled. Ceria\u2019s face was pale, and she was holding her wand in her other hand. She shouted over the terrible rustling<\/em> of thousands of bodies.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet into the door! To Celum! We\u2019ll fight them here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shook her head. The half-Elf stared at her incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, there are thousands\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTens of thousands. Moore, block that window!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua snapped as Moore heaved a table up and rammed it against the window. Erin stared around the room. The adventurers were all boarding up windows or preparing for combat. They looked grim as they checked their gear. She saw the Halfseekers downing potions, the Silver Swords pointing out a crack in the window and arguing\u2014the other Horns of Hammerad were upstairs with the Redfang Goblins, trying to seal off the windows there.<\/p>\n

Glass windows. For once Erin regretted the beautiful, expensive, fragile<\/em> glasswork. She saw a Face-Eater Moth clawing at the window and then saw Ylawes striding towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice was clipped, and he was holding his shield and sword as he stared around the inn. The common room had returned back to its normal size, and it felt cramped, as though they were in a tiny box. Erin could hear movement all around them, things<\/em> battering at the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI advise you to leave through the door to Celum. We\u2019ll cover you and try to slaughter the moths, but we\u2019ll have to fall back as soon as this inn starts going down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not going down. And I\u2019m not leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin snapped at the [Knight] as he tried to escort her to the door. He and Ceria both looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me? Did you see<\/em> the size of those five moths, Erin? One of them could flatten your inn just by landing on it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot my inn. I have a Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman folded her arms. She could feel<\/em> her inn groaning under the weight of so many bodies, but, amazingly, they had yet to break a window despite the pounding impacts that now came from every side. Moths were hurling themselves at the windows. Ylawes stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure your inn will survive? That changes things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll hold! Moore couldn\u2019t break my walls. My windows though\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a crack<\/em> as something massive struck a window near the kitchen. Erin saw every head turn. Ylawes stared at her and then looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case we have an opportunity. We can hold this ground; use it to shield our backs.\u201d<\/p>\n

A woman\u2019s voice called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cShield our\u2014what are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

More voices. Erin saw Yvlon. She\u2019d come down the stairs. Pisces and Ksmvr were behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe boarded up as many windows as we could and closed the doors. Hopefully that buys us time. But how long are we planning to hold out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon pointed back upstairs. Pisces looked around. The [Necromancer]\u2019s gaze was sharp as he eyed the Silver Swords. Falene and Dawil were standing by the doors, the half-Elf holding a staff and the Dwarf a hammer in both hands. He nodded to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most expedient solution would be to retreat into Celum. But that isn\u2019t your brother\u2019s intention, Yvlon. He<\/em> intends to take the fight to the Face-Eater Moths.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes had produced a helmet from somewhere. It was a classic knight\u2019s helm with a visor. He put it over his head, his voice muffled as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going out there. The moths are already breaking the windows and trying to get in\u2014we\u2019ll distract them. Yv, you and your team hold this inn. If Miss Solstice is right, we can rely on it to shield our backs and rest if needed. But we won\u2019t win this battle sitting and holding out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWin?<\/em> Ylawes, there are thousands of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice made Yvlon go quiet. Ylawes looked around, and Erin saw him open his visor to look at his younger sister.<\/p>\n

\u201cYv, this is our duty. My team\u2019s duty. We\u2019re Gold-rank adventurers, and Liscor is under siege. We need to take down those giant moths. Liscor only has a limited window before the city is overrun, and we are bound to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua strode over. The Selphid wasn\u2019t smiling, and her hands gripped the two-handed flail tightly. She nodded to Ylawes as the Gold-rank adventurer turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re thinking the same thing, Ylawes? Head out and smash those bugs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to aim for one of the five giant moths. You?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin and the Horns of Hammerad stared open-mouthed as Jelaqua grinned with bloodless lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing so grand. Moore\u2019s magic can\u2019t hit aerial targets, and Seborn and I aren\u2019t cut out for it either. We\u2019ll just mow down as many moths as we can. You want to coordinate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. We\u2019ll just foul each other. Let\u2019s stick within range of the inn, though. We\u2019ll take the front.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. We\u2019ll try to hold that ground too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua nodded. She struck Ylawes\u2019 shoulder with a gauntleted fist as he nodded to her. Yvlon was still staring.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you insane? You\u2019ll be torn apart if you go out there! Ylawes\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t argue with your brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

To everyone\u2019s surprise, Jelaqua snapped at Yvlon. She looked around. The Selphid\u2019s eyes flashed as she nodded to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a Gold-rank adventurer\u2019s responsibility. It\u2019s not the same as being Silver-rank. When you reach our level, you swear an oath to fight<\/em>. We don\u2019t run, not when a city\u2019s at stake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. Liscor won\u2019t survive that onslaught for long. Their magic barrier is already weakening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes\u2019 words were punctuated by a thump<\/em> in the distance. Erin\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAttack magic. Came from Liscor.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Seborn announced from his position by the doors. Erin heard a thunderous roar, and the chittering of the moths stopped for a second as a tremendous thwoom<\/em> of noise made the windows of her inn shake. She looked around wildly as the press of bodies let up on the outside for a second. She ran to look out a window, ignoring Ceria\u2019s warning.<\/p>\n

Moths were flying about in confusion. Erin could see the magical barrier around Liscor flickering, and then a flash of orange and red blinded her. The giant moth flew back, keening, as hundreds of its smaller kin fell burning from the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood use of fire magic. But it won\u2019t last. They only have a limited number of enchantments on their wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Falene announced as she stared out the windows. Indeed, the moths were already attacking the barrier again. They hurled themselves at the blue shield surrounding Liscor, and Erin could see it flickering with each impact. Two of the colossal Face-Eater Moths landed on the barrier, and she saw it go out for an entire second.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. Are you really going to fight that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria\u2019s voice was soft. Ylawes nodded. He looked at her and the other Horns of Hammerad.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold the inn. Don\u2019t let the moths in. If you can\u2019t, pull back into Celum and don\u2019t open that door for any reason. We\u2019ll survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYlawes\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] turned and looked at his sister. Erin couldn\u2019t see his face through his visor, but she thought he was smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you soon, Yv.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a crash<\/em> from upstairs and the sound of splintering glass. Pisces cursed, and he and Ksmvr rushed up the stairs. Erin looked around. Where were the Redfang Goblins? Ylawes looked up and nodded to his team.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA moment. The mana here is strong. I\u2019m trying to harness it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Falene closed her eyes. Erin gasped in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! My inn\u2019s got lots of magic! Can you use it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf opened her eyes and regarded Erin severely. She shifted her gaze to Ceria.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeria Springwalker, you are a mage of Wistram. I trust you to hold this ground until we return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll\u2014do my best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria looked pale. Erin stared at her and then at Falene. The half-Elf was beginning to glow. Dawil grumbled and moved backwards as Falene\u2019s body sparked, jolts of electricity arcing from her body to the ground and tables.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot! Watch it, Elf!\u201d<\/p>\n

She made no reply. Across from her, Erin saw Moore raising his staff. Jelaqua\u2019s voice was calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going in, boys. Slaughter tactics. No need for speed or maneuverability out there. Moore, can you cast your armor spell on all of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Giant\u2019s voice boomed. His eyes flashed green as he brought the staff down. There was a rumble, and Erin saw vines covered in huge thorns worm out from beneath her floorboards. They covered his arms, his legs\u2014she saw the same was happening to Jelaqua and Seborn!<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria breathed the words. She was staring at Falene. Now the half-Elf was surrounded by a crackling aura of lightning. It was contained\u2014Erin saw the bolts of electricity trying to earth themselves on Dawil and her tables and Falene drawing them back around her. The half-Elf\u2019s voice echoed as her eyes flashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagic is limited only by the quality of the mage, Ceria. This inn is a place of power. As am I.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned. Her body shone with lightning. Dawil grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m a place of metal. Keep your [Lightning Shroud] spell under control until we\u2019re clear of the inn, Elf!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes strode towards the door. His armor shone as Falene and Dawil took up places behind him. Erin heard more crashes<\/em> above and shouts. She looked up. Were the moths getting in above already?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua\u2019s voice came from a shape cloaked in vines. Erin stared. The Selphid was covered in green armor, her body engulfed in razor-sharp thorns and twisted vine. Only her eyes were visible and then, only just. Seborn looked equally fearsome, but Moore\u2014<\/p>\n

Two giant eyes stared at her out of a mass of barbed plant matter. The half-Giant turned, and Erin, Ceria, and Yvlon backed up a step. A towering creature rose, a hand covered in razor-sharp blades gripped a staff. Ylawes glanced at the Halfseekers.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn my count, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

He put his hand on the door as Dawil knocked aside a barrel that had been pushed in the way. The barrel fell and broke, spilling alcohol across the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cOops.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dwarf\u2019s voice was loud. Erin heard the chittering, the rustling, saw something<\/em> smash through the window across the room. It began thumping<\/em> against the table blocking the way. Ylawes didn\u2019t look around. He waited three seconds and then lifted his shield. He shouted as Ceria and Yvlon ran to attack the moth coming through the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver Swords!<\/em> Let\u2019s go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He threw open the doors. Erin gasped as she saw moths swarming around the entrance. A giant Face-Eater Moth taller than the door itself reared up, its razor-sharp mouth opening. Ylawes raised his shield, and it flashed white. He roared as he charged.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Shield of Valor]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A bulwark of silver light formed around his shield. Ylawes rushed forwards, and the moths found themselves swept up, pressed helplessly against the shield as he rammed them together. Hot on his heels was Dawil. The Dwarf roared as he smashed a moth flat and swung his hammer into another with a crunch<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on you flying sacks of crap! I haven\u2019t got all day!\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind him strode Falene. Erin heard her speaking as she raised her staff. Spells erupted from the tip of her weapon too fast for thought.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Blue Lightning], [Flash Fireball], [Water Arrows], [Sand Spray], [Aerial Burst]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The lightning around her flashed,<\/em> and Erin heard hundreds of moths shriek<\/em> as the electricity blasted in every direction. As they tumbled from the sky, Jelaqua led Moore and Seborn out, screaming a warcry. The Selphid plunged into the ranks of moths, her flail knocking them aside, creating a space as she whirled through the first rank of moths around the inn. Seborn was already stabbing with his enchanted daggers as Moore smashed moths with his hands and staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe door!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes roared, and Erin ran for the door. A moth the size of a large dog flapped towards Erin. She saw its \u2018mouth\u2019 opening and shutting as it flew towards her face. Instinctively Erin raised the frying pan.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet lost!\u201d<\/p>\n

She smacked it, and the moth fell down. Erin slammed<\/em> the door on it and struggled to drag the half-drained barrel in front of the door. She heard more cries as the adventurers began fighting outside the inn and more sounds. The moths were attacking in full force now.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe windows! Yvlon, take that side!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria shouted as more moths began bursting through the windows. The one on the far wall had been decapitated by Yvlon\u2019s sword\u2014Erin saw its torso hanging obscenely out of the wall, dripping onto the floorboards. Ceria pointed as more dark shapes squirmed in the window behind it.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Ice Spikes]!\u201d<\/p>\n

She fired with her wand and skeletal hand. Erin heard shrieks<\/em> as the forms fell back. Yvlon ran to the other side and lopped off a moth\u2019s leg that had penetrated a glass window.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! Get to Celum, damn it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted back. She ran into the kitchen and dragged out the crate of rattling potions. She heaved it onto a table, taking care not to break the bottles within. These weren\u2019t the potions Octavia had broken by accident the other day. She\u2019d bought these over a month ago. Healing potions, alchemist\u2019s fire, mana potions\u2014she shouted at Ceria.<\/p>\n

\u201cPotions are here! Get them!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPotions? Good!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria turned and cursed as another moth tried to crawl through the broken window. A shimmering wall of ice pinned the insect against the window and then sheared it in two as it blocked the window off again. Ceria pointed and another wall of ice blocked off another broken window. The moths began hammering on the ice again. There were so many!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to see what\u2019s happening above!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin ran for the stairs. She could hear more fighting above. She took the stairs two at a time and saw chaos on the second floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cComrade Pisces, the moths are coming through your room!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pisces and Ksmvr were holding the second floor, trying to cover the eight rooms, each of which had moths crawling through the broken windows. They were not alone, though. Erin gaped as three<\/em> giant bear skeletons tore into the moths above, biting and tearing at the insects. She froze as Pisces impaled a moth on his rapier. The [Necromancer] turned to her, his face alight with battle fury.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! Get below! We\u2019ll hold the moths off as long as we can! The Goblins are doing the same one floor up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Bird is wounded!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ksmvr shouted as he cut at a moth with three arms. Erin paled.<\/p>\n

\u201cBird!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She ran for the third floor, ignoring Pisces\u2019 shouts for her to come back. She\u2019d forgotten about Bird! Was he\u2014<\/p>\n

Moths covered the third floor.<\/em> Erin froze in the hallway. Moths. They were pouring in from the staircase leading up to Bird\u2019s watch tower, filling the corridor. The only thing stopping them was a line of five green warriors. The Redfang Warriors were snarling, cutting moths down as they swarmed through the opening. Behind them, an Antinium lay on the ground, bleeding green from dozens of wounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Erin. I regret to inform you that I have failed my duties.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird looked up weakly. His body looked like it had been sliced by thousands of razors. His bow was broken, and Erin could see his internal organs pulsating from a place on his side where his exoskeleton was just gone.<\/em> She reached for the potion at her belt and fumbled with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBird\u2014hold on!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Hobs turned. Badarrow blinked as he saw Erin, and he shouted something guttural at her, pointing at the stairs leading down. He was standing behind a pile of moths. The Hobs had already killed so many that they were forming a barricade in the hallway. Erin saw Headscratcher cutting at two moths, roaring, as they tried to fly in the tight space.<\/p>\n

Badarrow loosed an arrow and saw Erin struggling with the potion bottle. He ran over, grabbed the bottle, and unceremoniously smashed<\/em> it against Bird\u2019s chest. The bottle broke as the healing liquid splattered over the Antinium\u2019s wounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird\u2019s wounds began to close as Erin dragged him back from the fighting. She saw Shorthilt and Rabbiteater both cutting down moths coming from the doors. The Redfang Warriors fell back a step as more Face-Eater Moths crawled over their companions. And more were coming down the stairs each second.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany! Many!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Numbtongue was shouting in frustration as he kicked a cat-sized moth and speared another with his sword. He howled in agony as the small moth he\u2019d kicked latched onto his arm. As he tore it off and stomped on it, Erin saw a circular chunk of flesh had been torn off his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe door! The door to the watch tower! Can you close it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shouted as she pointed to the stairs the moths were streaming down. Bird shook his head as he rose unsteadily. He pulled a dagger from his belt and stabbed a moth crawling among the dead bodies towards Badarrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey broke the door. And my tower! And my bow!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He rose, and Badarrow grunted. Bird looked around and walked into his room, past Shorthilt. The Goblin shouted something at him and charged in after the Antinium. Erin shouted for Bird, and the Antinium reappeared a moment later with his old crude bow in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a spare. Miss Erin, you are in grave danger! Please go below!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you? Come on, get downstairs!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Badarrow growled at her. He shot another moth at point-blank range as Bird took a position beside him. Bird nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will hold this spot until we must fall back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Hobs growled agreement. Numbtongue stumbled back, cursing, as more moths forced him to pull back from the doorway he was holding. Instantly, Headscratcher, Shorthilt, and Rabbiteater took a few steps back and formed another line a few feet further back down the hallway. Numbtongue turned to Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed potions! Got more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, lots! Hold on!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin ran down the stairs. Pisces and Ksmvr were fighting in the hallways now, battling back-to-back. Erin froze as she saw deformed skeletons, huge shambling horrors smashing moths.<\/p>\n

\u201cWha\u2014Pisces, are these all yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am<\/em> a [Necromancer]!\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked irate as he stabbed a moth behind one of his Bone Horrors. Erin saw Ksmvr pushing a moth into a room and nearly slipped on the blood.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, I\u2019m getting potions for you all! I\u2014gah!\u201d<\/p>\n

A moth that had been stabbed through the chest fluttered up. Erin reacted instinctively.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Minotaur Punch]!\u201d<\/p>\n

She caught it on the abdomen and felt her fist go through<\/em> the moth. Erin screamed in horror as the moth squirmed <\/em>on her arm. Ksmvr tore it off and threw it to the ground. Erin stared at the gore on her arm and didn\u2019t throw up. That was a challenge. She ran downstairs, her stomach roiling, and saw the situation on the ground floor had gotten worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s too many!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon and Ceria were fighting a hard battle. Despite Ceria\u2019s ice magic, the moths were flooding through the windows, and unlike the second and third floors, there were no hallways or doors to block them coming in. Yvlon whirled and cut a moth down as Erin ran for her crate of potions. Ceria was screaming obscenities as she shot moths with her [Ice Spike] spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, just hold on!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin ran back up the stairs, dumping some potions on the ground and then hurled the crate at the Redfang Goblins. Headscratcher grabbed one bottle instantly. Somehow the Goblin recognized the potion and hurled it across the corridor. Erin, knowing what the potion did too, threw herself to the ground.<\/p>\n

She heard a roar and felt the wave of heat blast her. When Erin got up, the third floor was a mass of flame as the moths burned. The corpses that the Goblins had stacked up became flaming barricades, and the assault slowed. And yet, still the moths came, screaming as they burned, smothering the flames with their bodies. The Goblins took the brief interlude to snatch more potions out of the crate, eying them and snapping at each other as they braced themselves for the next wave of scorched insects.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! <\/em>One of you come with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin screamed at them. The Goblins turned. Headscratcher shouted what sounded like an order in their crackling tongue\u2014Shorthilt raced after Erin as she ran back downstairs. She slipped on the blood coating the stairwell and crashed<\/em> onto the ground. Erin scrambled up, feeling a searing pain in her elbow and side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you good?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Pisces screamed back. Erin shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you hold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWha\u2014yes! For a while!\u201d<\/p>\n

His Bone Horrors had pushed into each of the rooms. Erin could see them smashing and cutting the moths apart. She nodded and ran downstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeria! Yvlon!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf and woman looked up as Shorthilt raced downstairs. The Hob charged towards a moth that had come through a window and cut<\/em>. He slashed the moth in two and then raced across the inn to cut another moth to ribbons.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks! How are the others doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria shouted at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood! Bad! I don\u2019t know, there are way too many!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother\u2019s outside in all of this!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon screamed at the other two. Erin nodded. She had no idea if the Silver Swords or the Halfseekers were even alive, but she had to trust they were. She looked around. Her inn was filled with shouts, thumping, screeching<\/em> insects. She had to do something! But what?<\/p>\n

Fight? Erin realized she was holding her frying pan and hurled it at a moth that had burst through a window behind Ceria. It clonked the moth, and it was stunned long enough for the half-Elf to turn and blast it with shards of ice. Erin backed up towards her kitchen as Ceria yelled at her to keep back. No, fighting was out. She was no [Warrior]. Then what?<\/p>\n

It was a flash of inspiration. The door! Yes, why hadn\u2019t she\u2014Erin ran for the door and yanked it open.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!\u201d<\/p>\n

Octavia nearly cut her with the kitchen knife she was holding. She was standing in front of the door with Drassi right behind her. Erin saw the [Alchemist]\u2019s eyes widen as she took in the chaos behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, get through quickly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Octavia, I need potions! And the Watch! Where\u2019s Celum\u2019s Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch? Lyonette ran to get them! Erin, how many are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThousands!<\/em> Liscor\u2019s under siege, and we\u2019re barely holding! I need all the potions you\u2019ve got, understand? Healing potions, mana, explosive\u2014put them in crates and wait for me to open the door, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Octavia hesitated for only a second. Then she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do that! Give me five, no, two\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around desperately.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll open the door soon! Get the Watch to come! Tell them we need as many [Guardsmen] as they can spare!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted at the [Alchemist]. Drassi looked confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, what are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPallass!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin slammed the door. She ran into the kitchen, hearing Ceria cursing and Shorthilt shouting a warning behind her. Mana stone, mana stone! Where was\u2014<\/p>\n

There! The bright yellow mana stone gleamed at her in the bowl next to the door. Erin grabbed it and rushed back out. She slapped it on the door and opened it.<\/p>\n

Pallass! An entire Walled City lay in front of her, the sky blue, the streets filled with people going about their business. For a second Erin just stared. Then she waved her arms and screamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Help! Help!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Heads turned in surprise. Erin shouted as Drakes stared at her. They just stared at her as she shouted and waved at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome here! It\u2019s an emergency! Come here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They just stared at her! At last, a few Drakes walked over, looking confused. One of them, a Drake with dark purple scales, looked amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman, what\u2019s this about? What\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He caught sight of the fighting behind Erin and recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiscor is under attack! There\u2019s monsters everywhere! Get the City Watch! Tell them we need reinforcements, now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiscor, under attack?\u201d<\/p>\n

More Drakes came over. They stared over Erin\u2019s shoulder, alarmed, but not afraid. The Drake eyed Erin\u2019s inn through the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre those\u2026moths? What\u2019s happening, Human?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an attack on Liscor! Get help!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin screamed at him. She would have run through to yell at them, but she knew her door only had enough power to let her enter and exit. And she needed an army<\/em>! The Drakes around the door looked unconvinced.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis doesn\u2019t look like an attack on Liscor. How do we know you\u2019re telling the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see the giant face-eating moths behind me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but that could be just your inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a second Erin just stared at the purple-scaled Drake. She raised one fist and punched<\/em> him through the doorway. Then she seized the entire door itself and began dragging it across the common room.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin? What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon caught sight of Erin as she sliced another moth in half. Her face was covered in sweat, and her armor was already streaked with the yellowish blood of Face-Eater Moths. Erin didn\u2019t answer. The door was heavy<\/em>, but she was fueled by desperation. She reached her own door to the inn and yanked it open.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! Are you crazy? Come back!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria screamed at her back. Erin saw a sky filled with motion, thousands of crawling shapes. She heard a roar<\/em> and saw Moore swinging his staff. The half-Giant was covered in his armor of thorns, and the moths were literally cutting themselves to pieces as they swarmed him. The Silver Swords and Halfseekers were fighting outside the inn as the moths flew overhead, landing on Erin\u2019s inn.<\/p>\n

Falene was blasting insects out of the sky, and she had created a space around her, a bubble that slowed the moths as they flew towards her. Ylawes and Dawil were keeping her safe, battling a moth twice as tall as Moore. Erin didn\u2019t hesitate. Though her every instinct screamed to get back indoors, she heaved the doorway out and pushed it against a wall. Moths came flying towards her. Erin scrambled back as a shape blurred<\/em> past her. Seborn stabbed the moths with his daggers, twisting the blades as the moths screamed. The Drowned Man turned to Erin, his eyes flashing behind his armor of thorns.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back inside!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted at him. Seborn couldn\u2019t reply as he turned, cursing, to fight the moths converging on her. Erin set the door against the wall and then yanked<\/em> it open. Again, Pallass appeared in front of her. This time the purple Drake was standing in front of a crowd of Drakes, talking with an officer of the Watch.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014Just here, [Guardsman]. I was telling you, she was screaming about moths and Liscor being under attack. Then she punched me! Typical Human\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He broke off and turned. The [Guardsman] turned. The crowd went still. They stared as Erin finally looked around and took in the scene outside for the first time.<\/p>\n

It looked like a vision of hell. The sky was filled with thousands of dark shapes. They were swarming over the walls, held back by frantic warriors on the walls. Lightning and fire crackled from Liscor\u2019s battlements, blasting moths apart and arrows felled more, but there were a hundred for every one that fell.<\/p>\n

And in the distance five giant moths loomed over it all, giant behemoths that blocked the light. Two were on Liscor\u2019s walls, biting at the [Guardsmen] there. Another was flying across the Floodplains, hunting a scuttling Rock Crab. Two more were coming this way, flapping their wings.<\/p>\n

Erin saw the Silver Swords struggling to contain their small bubble of space, the Halfseekers cutting down the moths coming towards her inn. She heard Liscor\u2019s horns blowing, heard the chittering<\/em> laughter of the bugs. It was a roar that filled the air. They flew towards her, so many that it seemed like they would drown her inn with the sheer weight of bodies.<\/p>\n

For five seconds she stared and the people of Pallass stared with her. Then Erin heard a Drake woman scream.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are they?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMonster attack! Monster attack!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSummon the Watch! Call the army!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiscor is under attack! Raise the alarm! Dead gods, raise the alarm!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They fled as the lone [Guardsman] backed up, holding his spear and shaking. Erin stumbled back as Seborn, Jelaqua, and Moore closed on her position. The moths had seen the light of another city and were flooding towards it.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua shouted, her armor covered in gore. Erin pointed at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep the moths away! Reinforcements are coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Selphid stared at her and then the door. Understanding flashed in her eyes as Erin pointed to Pallass. Erin slammed the door and ripped the mana stone off. This time she opened the door to Celum. Octavia was piling potions into crates. Erin began yanking them through as Drassi pushed them towards her. She shouted at Ceria, Yvlon, and Shorthilt as she dragged the potions into the inn. She shouted at Pisces and Ksmvr as they came down the stairs with the Redfang Goblins, retreating into the common room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on! Just hold<\/em> on! Help is coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

She prayed that that was true. The Face-Eater Moths were everywhere. How was Liscor still standing? Could they hold on? They had to have help!<\/p>\n

Before it was too late.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The [Message] spell that was sent out from Liscor was short and simple. It was marked with the highest-priority reserved only for emergency messages as per Drake protocols. It read as follows:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Emergency. Liscor is in immediate danger of falling to monster attack. Repeat, Liscor is in danger of falling to overwhelming monster attack from dungeon. Face-Eater Moths have attacked the city in tens of thousands. Five colossal moths sighted.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

That was it. There was no request for reinforcements, no plea for tactical advice or support. If it came, it would be too late. If help came within the day, it would be too late, let alone in weeks. There was no force that could reach Liscor from any of the Walled Cities to which the [Message] spell was sent in time. It was just a warning.<\/p>\n

The reaction of the other Drakes cities was immediate. A group [Message] call was set up within minutes, using established emergency protocol. The messages from one Walled City to another were transmitted to all parties and read off as each city\u2019s leaders debated on the content. Initially only the six Walled Cities took part in the call, but such was the extraordinary nature of the event taking place that soon other parties across the world were sending [Message] spells, demanding answers.<\/p>\n

Indeed, Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s assembly of [Lords] and [Ladies] and a military camp in Lord Tyrion\u2019s command tent were also aware of the situation. They clustered around the uncomfortable mages relaying the [Message] spells, listening intently. This was raw news as it was happening for anyone with the informants and a [Mage] capable of \u2018listening in\u2019 on the situation in Liscor, and the discussion of the Walled Cities.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fissival is present. What is Liscor\u2019s situation? They have not responded to any [Message] spells.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. The city is under siege from monsters. Does any city have more details?<\/em><\/p>\n

Manus. No.<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres, likewise.<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar can confirm. Our Lord of the Wall reports exceptionally dangerous monsters. Swarm of Face-Eater Moths with individuals exceeding forty feet in height.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. Surely an exaggeration? How were such moths not spotted?<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar. Our Wall Lord reports it crawled out of Liscor\u2019s dungeon.<\/em><\/p>\n

Manus. Can your Wall Lord confirm danger of threat?<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar. Unknown. Our Wall Lord is currently engaged in combat.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Silence then, as every Walled City waited for details. Magnolia Reinhart sat in her chair lightly, listening to the [Mage] as the older man sweated and waited for more [Message] spells to be sent to him. Across from her, a [Lord] muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblin Lords and monster swarms from a dungeon? This is the last thing we need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minutes passed, and then\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Can confirm monster attack. Visual confirmation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. How?<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres. Is it possible to share visual input via spell?<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar. We have visual input as well. Scrying orb. However, our [Mages] are unable to transmit imagery.<\/em><\/p>\n

Manus. What does Salazsar see?<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar. Overwhelming numbers. Our [Strategists] predict one-in-three odds of Liscor being overwhelmed in the next thirty minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fissival. To Pallass, request nature of visual confirmation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Visual confirmation is\u2026visible. We have a [Mage] capable of [Scrying] at the location of a portal to Liscor.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. Please confirm, Pallass. \u2018Portal?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Manus. Keep up with current events, Oteslia. Pallass, can you send visuals via [Scrying]?<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is Wistram. If Pallass has a [Mage] capable of casting [Scrying], we will amplify the spell to all interested parties. Our mages are ready to link at a moment\u2019s notice.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

There was a ripple of shock throughout Lord Tyrion\u2019s command tent. He raised a hand and spoke drily.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course Wistram would be spying.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a nervous chuckle around the tent as the [Lords] and [Ladies] and lesser officers stared intently at the young woman, the [Mage] in charge of relaying what was happening. She gulped, but began to speak again, repeating the conversation after the moment of hesitation by all six Walled Cities.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres. Wistram is <\/em>not invited to this conversation. Remove yourself at once.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fissival. Wistram was invited by our request for magical consultancy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres. The mages are not authorized.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. If Wistram can send a [Scrying] spell, do so at once.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fissival. To a vote. All in favor? Fissival votes yes to Wistram magical aid.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia agrees with Wistram\u2019s request.<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres reluctantly acknowledges.<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar permits. Act quickly.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass will comply. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wistram awaits. Our circle is linked and led by two of our Archmages. We will send a magical projection to all individuals with appropriate receptive capacity.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Niers Astoragon instantly sat up. He turned to Peclir Im who was listening quietly behind Foliana and several of the Forgotten Wing company\u2019s officers and [Strategists].<\/p>\n

\u201cGet a scrying orb at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr a mirror. Hand mirror. I have one in my room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo small. And yours is weak, only capable of lesser scrying. I want an orb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peclir dashed out of the room, and several of Niers\u2019 students looked at the [Grandmaster Strategist]. Niers frowned as he peered at the magical slate upon which the [Message] spells were appearing. Foliana munched on a carrot muffin as she sat next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like a lot of people are listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if this conversation was appearing across the world. Liscor falling at this moment to a monster attack from a dungeon? If Wistram really does send the projection, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if the King of Destruction himself watches. Assuming he has a scrying device.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a ripple around the room. Niers flicked his eyes across the slate. A single message had appeared. And then another. Foliana offered Niers a crumb.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

He ignored it. Every eye was on the slate.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. Pallass, your status?<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cHold the line!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch Captain Zevara was fighting on the walls. She screamed at her [Guardsmen] as they fought the moths crawling over the walls and flying overhead. Arrows were being loosed overhead, and the few [Mages] in the Watch were blasting the larger targets, but there were just too many<\/em> moths. As Zevara turned her attention back to the space in front of her, she saw a cloud of moths come up and the [Guardsmen] with shields and spears crying out in dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuck!\u201d<\/p>\n

She shouted, and the Drakes and Gnolls flattened themselves as Zevara inhaled deeply. She exhaled a huge gout of flame. The moths fell as the fiery cloud engulfed them. Zevara gasped for air, feeling her lungs strain to absorb enough oxygen. She\u2019d always had trouble breathing\u2014it was worst when she inhaled too much smoke. Now she coughed and tried to inhale.<\/p>\n

More moths fluttered up to their position. Zevara spat fire again, feeling the world go dark around her. She gasped and felt a hand steady her.<\/p>\n

\u201cCareful!\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm had a scroll in one hand. He unrolled it as Zevara straightened and aimed with his claws. A shower of spectral arrows materialized overhead and cut down a swath of Face-Eater Moths attacking the wall fifty feet down. Zevara nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood job! Ration those enchantments though! We only have so many left!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hitting every big target I can see!\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm reached for another command scroll for Liscor\u2019s defenses. Zevara, her head clearing, saw a group of [Guardsmen] cry out down the wall and scatter as a huge moth landed at their position. It wasn\u2019t one of the five giant moths, but it was still large as a house and simply ignored the jabbing spears and arrows the Watch sent into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm! That moth!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Tactician] fumbled with the scroll, trying to open it. He had it open and ready to cast when he froze. Zevara was about to shout at him to cast the spell already when she saw what he\u2019d spotted. A Drake in full magic armor was racing up the steps, shouting, cutting down moths and heading straight for the huge moth on the walls. Zevara could hear Ilvriss\u2019 voice clear as day.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes of Liscor, rally to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

He used a Skill. He must have, because Zevara stood straighter and sensed the Drakes and Gnolls around her standing tall, catching a second wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let these vermin scale the walls! Push them back!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss charged down the wall, shouting as he and his escort flooded into the breach. His enchanted sword flashed twice, and the giant moth staggered back, keening in pain. Zevara saw his blade stab into the moth again and again, carving through it easily as he and his small group of followers retook the spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood! Now all we need is ten more of him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara shouted at Olesm. The Drake grinned and aimed his scroll at a giant moth climbing up the walls. A jet of flame shot downwards, and Zevara saw the moth fly off the wall and flap wildly in agony.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try to bring that one down!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are five! <\/em>Two are here\u2014where are the other three?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne\u2019s flying north! The other two are at Erin\u2019s inn!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe inn! It\u2019s still standing! The moths are being held off there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara turned, incredulous. She hadn\u2019t thought of Erin\u2019s inn, except to wonder if the young woman had fled or been killed. Her tail twitched<\/em> as she saw the flash of swords and the color of magic. The inn was ablaze with motion, covered by moths, but still it stood! And shining out of a door set against the front wall was another city. Zevara\u2019s heart skipped a beat as she realized what Erin was doing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors, of course<\/em>. Pallass!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zeres. Pallass, what is taking so long?<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

A pause, as around the world the wealthy and powerful leaned forwards, some actually leaning on<\/em> the unlucky [Mages] who had to relay what was happening. In Terandria, a group of nobility sat around, eating snacks and laughing lightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat fun!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is far more entertaining than anything I could have hoped for today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI say, let\u2019s have a bet on whether Liscor falls. Any takers, say, a hundred gold pieces?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake it two hundred and I\u2019ll take that offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour hundred on the city standing but being gutted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, wonderful! Let\u2019s see if these Drakes manage to get something for us to look at, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pallass. We have visual. Stand by for Wistram to relay!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. At last!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The image swam into place slowly, a blurry scene coming slowly into view. Flos, the King of Destruction, leaned over the tiny marble-sized scrying orb and looked at Gazi.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure this is the only orb we have, Gazi?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked apologetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy lord, that is my personal orb. I thought we had larger versions in our possession.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mars rubbed at her face, shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did, Orthenon told me\u2014until he was forced to sell them for food two winters back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flos leaned forwards, as did the rest of the people in the room.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter. Is this from the perspective of the [Mage] in Pallass? A wonder that Wistram can transmit it to so many locations. Now, what have we here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey stared in wonder at the magical portal set into the wall, at the crowd of Drake civilians clustered around the door. There was even sound! The [Mage] was standing next to a Drake [Guardswoman] as she argued with an important-looking officer in yellow armor. It was probably not a conversation that Pallass meant for the world to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up! We need reinforcements now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stood in her doorway, shouting at Pallass and, unknowingly, the world as the battle raged behind her. Moths were falling from the sky, blasted by Falene\u2019s lightning and a shower of thorns Moore sent upwards like a flight of arrows. The Drakes in front of the door stared at her, but Erin\u2019s words were meant for Watch Captain Venim as he stood with a company of Drakes in armor. They hadn\u2019t entered the door although they\u2019d been standing there for the last ten minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch Captain? Our [Mages] have the doorway open and ready to go! Give the order and I\u2019ll take my men through.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was a [Captain], nearly hopping with impatience as she eyed the battle in Liscor. But Watch Captain Venim just shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not have permission to send your troops in, [Captain].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake turned her incredulous gaze on him. She kept her voice low so the anxious crowd of Pallass\u2019 civilians couldn\u2019t hear, but she was standing right next to the Drake [Mage] who was mightily concentrating, his face beaded with sweat as he stared at the portal.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not? <\/em>Liscor is under attack!<\/em> Those flying moths will overwhelm the walls within the hour if we don\u2019t clear them away! Ancestors, my company might not be enough! We need to push as many soldiers through as that doorway allows and do it now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Venim closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Assembly of Crafts is debating. We do not<\/em> have authorization to support. Prepare to close the door if the inn is overrun.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake inhaled sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch Captain? You can\u2019t be serious\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have your orders, [Captain]! So do I! We wait until the Assembly responds, is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Venim snapped at her. He broke off as the Drakes looked at him. One of the civilians stared at the soldiers and then at the battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy aren\u2019t we sending our army in?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a murmur from the crowd. Many Drakes had left the streets rather than look at the hordes of monsters, but the stronger-willed civilians were present. Indeed, several richly-dressed Drakes were inspecting the carnage with a great deal of interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Liscor. It\u2019s not our<\/em> city.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Drakes spoke up hesitantly. A Drake with a monocle in front turned, looking offended.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me? Liscor is a strategic asset. If they fall, the Humans might easily sweep through or claim Liscor as their own. Not to mention that this dungeon threatens us all. If monsters occupy the area around Liscor or if that dungeon has more swarms of this magnitude\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Where\u2019s the army?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted through the doorway. The Drakes turned back to her. Erin ducked as a moth came for her, and the crowd screamed. Quick as lightning, a Drake [Archer] standing in Pallass shot an arrow straight through the doorway. The moth fell, and Erin got back to her feet. She was shouting through to the other side now.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know! I said I<\/em> don\u2019t know, Jelaqua! <\/em>They\u2019re just standing there! Can you hold\u2014aah! Run away!\u201d<\/p>\n

She fled as another house-sized moth landed with a thud<\/em> that made the crowd draw back. The Drake [Soldiers] in Pallass rushed forwards, but before the moth could approach the doorway, a Selphid charged into it. Jelaqua cursed as she hit the moth\u2019s face, body, legs, and wings, her flail smashing the insect back.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood job, that Selphid!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake with the monocle applauded as the rest of the Drakes in the crowd looked at him. He nodded to the other Drake on his left.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say, did the Human call her Jelaqua? That must be Jelaqua Ivirith, a Gold-rank adventurer! She leads the Halfseekers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSplendid flail work!\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Drake agreed. They inspected the battle, unaware or simply uncaring of the looks they were getting. The other anxious Drakes stared at them, and then one with purple scales and a black eye spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell go on, what about the Halfseekers?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake with the monocle and his buddy looked surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you must know, the Halfseekers are a group of three Gold-rank adventurers. They used to be a group of eight and quite well-respected, on the verge of Named Adventurer status as a group. However, they\u2019re solidly Gold-rank now. Their team isn\u2019t specialized for this kind of fighting. Oh\u2014see the half-Giant? That would be Moore, a specialist in earth magic. He\u2019s using\u2026my word, is that a mass-variant of the [Armor of Thorns] spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be. It takes quite a lot of mana to use that spell\u2014I wonder if he\u2019s exhausted himself already? But the defensive benefits are considerable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally, naturally. Oh look, Noass! Do you see that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do indeed, Sir Relz. That flash of movement, there? That would be Seborn, their Drowned Man and [Rogue]. He\u2019s a Crab-type Drowned Man and very adept at close-quarters combat. Not ideal for the number of flying moths, but he\u2019s keeping mobile with his team, shielding this inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShame that none of the Halfseekers can take the fight to the giant moths. Look, one\u2019s assailing the walls. I can\u2019t think that it will be repelled with just the forces th\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors!\u201d<\/p>\n

A cry broke through the commentary. Across the world people leaned forwards, trying to get a better look as the Drake [Mage] was buffeted by the crowd. They saw him pushing forwards, staring through the portal at a flash of light. One of the five giant moths was on the wall, climbing over, but a flash of light tore a part of its face away and then another.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook! On the walls! Someone\u2019s shooting at it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Drake commentators, Sir Relz and Noass, pushed forwards as the crowd and the world held its breath.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The gargantuan Face-Eater Moth had nearly climbed over the walls and was threatening to enter the city where it would cause havoc unchecked. The City Watch was trying to hold it back, but the massive moth simply ate<\/em> the defending Drakes and Gnolls or speared them with its massive legs. It was just crawling over the battlements when an arrow sprouted between its head and exploded<\/em> into a shower of spikes that tore part of its face away. The Face-Eater Moth reeled back, keening, and heads swiveled for the unknown shooter.<\/p>\n

He was coming up the stairs. Halrac raised his bow and loosed another arrow. It streaked towards the giant Face-Eater Moth and exploded into a cloud of green dust. Poison. The moth shook its wings as Halrac shot a second arrow which froze a portion of its left wing. It dropped, and Halrac shifted his aim and shot a moth the size of a wagon instead. The fireball that engulfed the winged creature consumed it almost entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cGriffon Hunt!\u201d<\/p>\n

A cry went up as Halrac shot again and again, his enchanted arrows finding their mark each time. The [Guardsman] rallied behind Halrac and pushed the moths back to the wall. Halrac advanced, and behind him came Typhenous and Revi. The Stitch Woman shouted in fury.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome forth, spirits! Drive back these monsters!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed, and the City Watch saw a wave of ghostly warriors and archers charge up the stairs behind her. Spectral warriors flooded the battlements, fighting the Face-Eater Moths. Revi pointed, and a flaming Corusdeer galloped past her while two bright eagles made of light harassed moths flying overhead.<\/p>\n

\u201cTyphenous, we could use a shield!\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi shouted at the old man behind her. Typhenous raised his staff.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Wall of the Winds]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A howling gale sprung up along their section of the wall, hurling the moths climbing or flying there away. Typhenous raised his voice as the [Guardsmen] cheered.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep shooting! The wall works one way!\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac grunted as he loosed an arrow. It passed straight through the wall of swirling winds and exploded in the face of the Face-Eater Moth as it tried to fly back up. Outraged, injured, the moth flew backwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep me covered. I\u2019m bringing that thing down.\u201d<\/p>\n

He spoke curtly to Revi. She paused in exhorting her summoned minions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can?\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac glared at the giant moth as it circled, flying overhead to bypass the windy barrier Typhenous had conjured. He pulled five glowing, cherry-red arrows from his quiver.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

He drew and loosed, and the explosion consumed the moth. It fell amid the cheering.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pallass confirms one of five giant Face-Eater Moths is down!<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres. We have eyes. We saw.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. What\u2019s this about Pallass not sending reinforcements to Liscor? Explain yourself!<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Zevara\u2019s claws tore the parchment slightly as she stared up from the hastily scribbled [Messages] and at the smoking corpse of the giant Face-Eater Moth that had fallen onto part of the battlements. The ink was still wet, and the Street Runner was already dashing off the wall to safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Walled Cities know<\/em> about this? And they\u2019re watching? How in the name of\u2014the inn!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they sending reinforcements?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm called hopefully as he surveyed the wall. He pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cFall back! <\/em>[Rapid Retreat]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A group of [Guardsmen] fled at speed as a group of moths swarmed over their location. Zevara shook her head, looking at the rest of the messages.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Damn Pallass! They\u2019re still holding back!\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared around the city. The walls were holding, but the moths had just flown over the walls in many spots. Now the fighting was in the streets of the city as moths attacked homes, buildings, and [Guardsmen] indiscriminately.<\/p>\n

\u201cReport! How bad is it in the city?\u201d<\/p>\n

She snapped at a second Street Runner as he dashed up the stairs. The young Gnoll panted and wheezed as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cGnolls are on the rooftops, shooting down moths entering the city! Miss Krshia has anyone with a bow in the center, but she says they can\u2019t do more than protect their area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Gnolls? That\u2019s excellent!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara stared at the small shapes on the rooftops below. The Gnolls were shooting down moths as they came. She spotted more flashes of movement in the streets.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre those adventurers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cGo, go, go!<\/em> Get out there and fight!\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys was distributing potions, shouting at adventurers, and herding civilians into the back rooms. The Adventurer\u2019s Guild had turned into chaos as the Drake [Receptionist] tried to force the lower-ranked adventurers to leave the building. They didn\u2019t want to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said get out there!<\/em> The city is under attack! You\u2019re adventurers, this is your job!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there are so many! We don\u2019t get paid for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t get to live<\/em> if they slaughter us all! Move!\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys shouted at a young man with a sword. She had a bow by the doorway. She snatched it up as she heard heavy wing beats. A group of moths landed in the street, and the adventurers flinched. Some rushed out, but before they could fight the small swarm, a shape flashed by them and kicked<\/em> the first moth so hard its head collapsed. Hawk the Courier spun and kicked rapidly, smashing the fragile moths\u2019 bodies. He spun, ready for more, and spotted the staring adventurers and Selys.<\/p>\n

\u201cHawk!\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys shoved the Bronze-rank adventurers into the street. She pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuard that street! Just take down any moth you see! Go!\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned to the Rabbit Beastkin. Hawk was panting, but unharmed. He wiped moth fluids and body parts from his foot as she approached him.<\/p>\n

\u201cStamina potion?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. I\u2019ve got better ones. Ancestors, this is the second<\/em> time I\u2019ve had to defend Liscor in months! First the undead, now this!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hawk looked around. He straightened as more moths flew down through the air. Two fell to arrows, but the rest landed on roofs, eliciting screams from the people within. Hawk leapt up,<\/em> and Selys saw him kick off a wall and onto the roof where he began smashing the moths. She looked around frantically. Liscor was still fighting, still surviving, but there were more moths coming every minute and no end to them in sight. She shouted the question that was on everyone\u2019s tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are the Antinium?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFlood the tunnels! Workers with bows, fire into the kill zone! Collapse tunnel G-43E! Activate the traps in cluster JF-42!\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade was at the center of chaos as Workers and Soldiers streamed around him. Anand could barely see for all the bodies, but the sight of the Face-Eater Moths flooding the tunnels was enough to chill the Antinium to the core. If not for the kill-zone he and Belgrade had created, they would have overrun a good deal of the Hive. As it was, over sixty percent of the Hive was currently fighting and the rest was on reserve.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake down that giant moth! [Combined Arms]!\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed, and a group of Soldiers charged forwards, their fists swinging as one. The giant moth reeled back as Soldiers and Workers swarmed onto it. The giant room that was the end of the kill zone was filled with moths, and Anand saw Antinium fighting and dying, desperately trying to keep the moths from entering the rest of the Hive. The Face-Eater Moths were numerous and strong. They tore Soldiers apart, trampling them. One giant moth rushed forwards and stopped as it impaled itself on two silvery swords.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdvance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch\u2019s voice was met with a wave of Soldiers who pressed the moths back. The Revalantor fought, his blades flashing in the gloom as the Antinium held the line. In a lull, he ran back to Belgrade and Anand as the two struggled to keep ahead of the moths trying to dig through the earth and enter the Hive via other sections.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelgrade, abandon your command of the lower-eastern section. The Queen has assumed command of the Workers and Soldiers there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has? That is a relief!\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade sagged. He turned his attention to another area as Anand paused to stare at Klbkch. The Revalantor had fought for six hours straight already without pause.<\/p>\n

\u201cRevalantor Klbkch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeak quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have received another urgent request for aid from Liscor. It seems the Face-Eater Moths have declined in ferocity after the slaying of their eighth mother-type leader. Should I take some Soldiers and reinforce\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. We have allocated all we can. The Hive must stand. Tell Liscor that reinforcements are on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anand nodded. Reinforcements were on the way. And as the battle dragged into its seventh hour in the Hive, the Antinium appeared above-ground.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Antinium! The Antinium are coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt last! What took them so long?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara\u2019s head turned in relief. She expected to see a wave of black bodies flooding out of the tunnels. What she saw instead surprised her. She saw color.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Are those\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Painted Soldiers charged onto the streets. Zevara saw a Worker with a censer point and then two Antinium, one a giant with yellow splatters, the second painted with a ghoulish purple smile, lead two groups into the city. They began smashing into the moths on the ground. As she watched, the Soldiers charged a wagon-sized moth, bearing it to the ground and stomping it to death. More flooded up the walls and began hurling themselves at the moths there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch Captain! The team of Griffon Hunt says their [Scout] is out of enchanted arrows!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Damn!<\/em> Give him every one we\u2019ve got, and get more [Guardsmen] to reinforce his position! Another one of those giant moths is coming! Let the Antinium hold the wall!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara saw [Guardsmen] race to where another giant moth had landed. The Antinium were now on the walls, ruthlessly crushing moths, fighting with reckless disregard for their safety. She saw one Soldier with bright blue circles on his body jump off<\/em> the wall and onto a wagon-sized moth climbing up. Both Antinium and moth fell and landed with a crunch<\/em> below. The Drake winced as she saw the yellow-striped Antinium leader pull another Soldier back from doing the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cPush them back! The Antinium are here\u2014push the moths back!\u201d<\/p>\n

She shouted at her [Guardsmen], feeling a surge of hope for the first time. Zevara turned as Olesm downed the second giant moth with a flash of lighting. She heard a cheer as the moth fell and the Soldiers in the streets covered it, tearing it apart piece by piece. Three left! They could do this! Three left!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother excellent lightning strike by that [Tactician] on the walls! Good shot, I say!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre those Antinium reinforcing Liscor? Of course, this is<\/em> the only Drake city with a Hive. Why weren\u2019t they deployed earlier?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s unknown, but they seem to be pushing the moths back quite quickly where they are! Hold on\u2014do you see what I\u2019m seeing, Noass? Those Antinium have paint on their carapaces! Is this some kind of new Antinium variant?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Drakes who were commentating in the crowd probably had no idea their words were being broadcast to countless other people across the world. However, their words were highly significant to the many people watching. In Baleros, Niers Astoragon leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy eyes aren\u2019t what they used to be. Umina, do you see what those Drakes are talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lizardgirl stared hard at the image in the orb.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so. The Antinium have\u2026well, they have something on their bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cColor? Paint? But they appear to be the standard Soldier types. Is this a trick or does it have more meaning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Niers leaned back in his seat, thinking hard. Foliana munched on her muffin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. Looks good. Think Liscor can win it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Every head turned to Niers. The tiny Fraerling smiled, knowing his reputation could rest on a correct answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t place all my coin on them just yet, Foliana. They\u2019re putting up a good fight, but the adventurers around this\u2026inn are tiring. They\u2019re\u2014wait, it\u2019s that Human girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat up as the young woman appeared in the doorway again. She waved at the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lot coming through yet!?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Pallassian soldiers shifted uncomfortably. The young woman glared at them, and Niers laughed as he saw her raise one expressive finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine! Stay that way! You guys are all assholes, you know that? You and your stupid Walled City!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she slammed the door shut. Niers blinked as the Drakes cried out and the portal vanished.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Salazsar. What is going on, Pallass?<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby. Human interference.<\/em><\/p>\n

Zeres. Stop saying \u2018standby!\u2019 Recover the image!<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Standby.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It took five gut-wrenching minutes for the image to reappear. Magnolia saw Erin arguing with another Human in armor as the portal reopened. She leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has that young woman done now?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, guard the inn! Inside! Just hold on\u2014they\u2019re coming through the third floor, and my guys are tired! Take over and don\u2019t let them come down the stairs!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Human in armor nodded, and Magnolia saw a group of [Guardsmen] rush into the inn. Their arrival had surprised the Drakes in Pallass.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that the insignia of Celum\u2019s City Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d know more than I, Noass. What are they doing in Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUsing a magic door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Magnolia muttered to herself, ignoring the intrigued looks the others in the room were giving her. Ressa frowned as she stared at the adventurers fighting the moths. Magnolia glanced up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cRessa, it looks like Liscor will survive. Unless you disagree? The Antinium are there, there are Gold-rank adventurers on the wall, and two of those horrid moths are down. All good, or do you disagree?\u201d<\/p>\n

The maid shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe moths are still numerous. And there is a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe adventurers who have been attracting a lot of the attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ressa pointed at the Halfseekers and the Silver Swords. Magnolia peered at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

The maid\u2019s face was grim.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re getting tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It happened in an instant. One second Jelaqua was there, twirling her flail, the next, the giant moth descended. The Selphid tried to move but her leg slipped in the muck and blood. Erin saw legs snatch her up and heard Jelaqua\u2019s shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of me, let go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJelaqua!\u201d<\/p>\n

Moore roared as he ran to grab her. He was too slow. The moth flew up, and Jelaqua\u2019s voice grew fainter. There was a shout and then Erin saw something falling. She saw Jelaqua\u2019s pale face, her arms flailing\u2014<\/p>\n

And then the Selphid hit the ground. Her body thumped<\/em> on the ground and bounced. She didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

\u201cJelaqua?\u201d<\/p>\n

Moths covered her. Erin shouted in horror and tried to run forwards. Seborn was already there, cutting, dicing. Moore thrust aside moths and scooped Jelaqua up. Part of her face was missing\u2014the moths had torn her body to shreds in those brief moments. Her mouth was moving, but the rest of her body was limp, twisted.<\/p>\n

Broken. Moore ran for the inn, and Erin shouted for Celum\u2019s [Guardsmen] to cover them. They obligingly filled the air with arrows, but it wasn\u2019t enough. The giant moth circled and this time struck Moore. He screamed as a leg went through<\/em> his stomach and the broken armor of thorns on his body. Seborn cursed. This time the moth landed, mouth open wide to eat the half-Giant whole.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver Swords, on me! <\/em>[Knight\u2019s Challenge]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice shouted. The gigantic moth turned as Ylawes struck his shield and it rang like a gong. It and the other moths converged on the silver [Knight], buying time for Erin to run out with the Horns of Hammerad and the Redfang Goblins and drag Moore and Jelaqua inside. The moth charged Ylawes and struck his raised shield. Though Ylawes was guarding, the impact sent him staggering backwards. He raised his shield again and blocked a leg as sharp as a needle before it could strike his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cDawil! Take out its legs!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dwarf ran around the giant moth. He swung his hammer.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Thunder Blow]!\u201d<\/p>\n

The impact snapped<\/em> the giant moth\u2019s leg in half. The insect jerked as Ylawes sliced at its head, and it tried to bite again. The Dwarf ran around as Falene raised her staff.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Grand Fireball].\u201d<\/p>\n

An explosion cooked the insect\u2019s abdomen, and it shrieked. It turned, and the half-Elf ran swiftly backwards. Ylawes struck his shield again, and the moth turned. Before Dawil could cripple its other leg, it grabbed the [Knight] and took off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin heard Yvlon shout. The young woman raced forwards as the giant Face-Eater Moth flew higher. Ylawes was a speck overhead. She could see him cutting at the moth, into its belly as it tried to bite him. Falene raised her staff.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Blue Lightning].\u201d<\/p>\n

The bolt hit the moth in the wing and tore a hole open. It flinched, but kept flying. Dawil knocked a moth aside, panting, his beard covered in gore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink our boy can do it, Falene?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever say \u2018our boy\u2019 and my name in the same sentence again, Dawil. And I think he\u2019s done it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared up at Ylawes high overhead. She couldn\u2019t hear what he said, but she saw his sword tear a hole in the giant moth\u2019s abdomen. It screamed and fell, and he fell with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna splat! Someone do something!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shouted in horror as Ylawes fell. Falene sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am. Don\u2019t block my aim. Wait\u2026wait\u2026[Featherfall].\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed, and Ylawes\u2019s body slowed twenty feet from the ground. He landed with a grimace, his armor covered in gore. Dawil ran forwards and buried his hammer in the insect\u2019s head, splitting its brains open and putting an end to its convulsions. Ylawes raised his sword, and Erin heard the cheering.<\/p>\n

It came from Pallass. She turned back to the door, annoyed and angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose jerks! They haven\u2019t done a thing, just watched!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t need to! There\u2019s only two of them moths left, and we\u2019re thinning out the rest of the buggers at last!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil marched over to the others, panting, his face red with exhaustion. He grabbed for a stamina potion at his belt and downed it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn things aren\u2019t working anymore. Hey, one of you mind killing the next giant moth?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around and realized he wasn\u2019t the only one swaying on his feet. Falene leaned over her staff, her elegant face marred by her sheer exhaustion, and Ylawes stumbled, barely able to stand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to rest. Stamina potions aren\u2019t enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay! Rest! The inn\u2019s secure\u2014I\u2019ve got guys from Celum holding it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed to her inn. It was scarred from the outside, every window broken, and Bird\u2019s beloved watch tower had been smashed, but it still stood. The Silver Swords stumbled inside and paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil stared around Erin\u2019s common room. It had been enlarged again, and over thirty members of Celum\u2019s Watch stood behind the windows with crates of potions at their feet. The bodies of Face-Eater Moths littered the floor, and Erin had used the extra \u2018stage\u2019 part of her inn to clear the bodies and broken furniture away. It looked awful, but the Silver Swords just collapsed on the ground, ignoring the blood that was on the floor and their armor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Jelaqua? Is she\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInjured.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Seborn replied as he crouched next to his teammates. Jelaqua wasn\u2019t moving, but her eyes and mouth twitched. The Drowned Man grimaced as he poured a healing potion into her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer body\u2019s broken from the fall and her real form took damage from it too. I\u2019m trying to get a healing potion into her, but there\u2019s no saving her body. She can\u2019t move it or do more than speak.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Moore?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHealing. He took a bad injury, but he\u2019ll be fine with rest.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Giant\u2019s eyes were closed, and his head was covered in sweat, but the [Guardsmen] from Celum had covered him with Erin\u2019s blankets from the kitchen, and his wound had closed thanks to the healing potions. Erin looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeria, Pisces, Yvlon, Ksmvr, you all okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re good.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Horns of Hammerad looked up. They were exhausted too, but the arrival of Celum\u2019s Watch had kept the pressure off them. Likewise, the Redfang Goblins were sitting together, sharpening their blades, keeping a wary eye on the open doorway. They were being given a wide berth by Celum\u2019s [Guardsmen], but after seeing the hundreds of moths the Redfang Warriors had slaughtered to keep Erin\u2019s inn from being overrun, it was hard to call the Goblins anything but an ally.<\/p>\n

Especially now. Erin peered out of her inn at Liscor\u2019s walls, still filled with fighting.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think we\u2019ll be okay if we rest? All but two of the huge moths are dead and there aren\u2019t as many of the other ones. I think we\u2019ve won. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

A grunt answered her from inside. Dawil, on his feet and still pale with exhaustion, looked troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cBattle\u2019s not over until we take out the last two. And there\u2019s enough moths to cause trouble. Hey\u2014watch it!\u201d<\/p>\n

He pulled Erin back as the [Guardsmen] in her inn loosed another flight of arrows. The moths approaching her inn fell, pincushioned, and the ones who got to the walls died to a mixture of spears, swords, and axes. Celum\u2019s Watch might not be as well-trained or as numerous as Liscor\u2019s, but with Erin\u2019s inn they could easily hold the moths off. Erin nodded as she spotted some of them downing Octavia\u2019s potions.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, two big ones, but once we get rested we can take them down, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Liscor\u2019s walls might recharge enough to blast the suckers. Or maybe they can shoot them down. Was that Halrac the Grim I saw on the walls? He took out one of those things himself!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil nodded approvingly. Erin did too.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right! I think we can do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke off as she heard voices. Erin peeked around the door and saw the Drakes from Pallass standing in front of the door. They were still doing their commentary, by the looks of it.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014seems like Liscor\u2019s managed to repel the worst of the assault, Noass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Sir Relz. The swarm seems to have been broken, and the last two Face-Eater Moth mothers are circling around in disarray.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s indeed so, Noass. Did I hear you right? You called them \u2018mothers\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently those exceptionally large ones are brood mothers that lay thousands\u2014tens of thousands\u2014of eggs, Sir Relz. It\u2019s a disgusting process.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite, quite. But they definitely have morale, and it is failing<\/em>. See how they\u2019re circling around just out of bow shot of Liscor? Not a smart move, but then, when have monsters ever thought tactically?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, indeed\u2014oh look, it\u2019s the Human who owns this inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin peered through her magic doorway at the crowd standing in Pallass\u2019 street. She eyed Watch Captain Venim, who wouldn\u2019t meet her eyes, and then the two rich-looking Drakes standing in front.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, some of us are fighting for our lives here.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd some of us<\/em> are watching the show, Miss Human. You seem to have things well in claw anyways. Do you think some of the adventurers who just fought out there would mind coming to the door so we could congratulate them? The Silver Swords did an excellent job, as did the Halfseekers. Taking down a Face-Eater Moth in the sky like that, my word, what a show!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sir Relz, the snobby-looking Drake, applauded lightly, and the crowd murmured agreement. Erin glared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all tired from nearly dying.<\/em> And stop telling us it\u2019s nearly over! We get to say that! You get to watch! Besides, those moths aren\u2019t just flying around in a panic!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really? Flying in a circle seems to be rather unintelligent to me, wouldn\u2019t you agree, Sir Relz?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake called Noass smirked. Erin stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re stupid. And that\u2019s not a random spot. That\u2019s the spot where the Face-Eater Moths crawled up from to begin with!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sir Relz, who\u2019d been smiling condescendingly and sipping from a goblet of wine, paused. He stared at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin glared around. She eyed a Drake in fancy robes who was staring hard at her and the battle outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what are you looking at?\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved at him, but he didn\u2019t respond. He looked like he was concentrating hard. Sir Relz, on the other hand, looked more and more concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Human.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you say the moths crawled \u2018up\u2019 out of the ground, do you mean to say you didn\u2019t see the entire swarm fly in? They appeared out of the dungeon, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Five of the nasty ones. Came right out with a shower of water. Like a geyser. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026how do you know their entire population consisted of only five<\/em> moths?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared at the Drake. Sir Relz stared back. Erin closed her eyes and then someone screamed. She looked over her shoulder as a Drake pointed and groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have got<\/em> to be kidding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another Face-Eater Moth mother crawled out of the hole in the ground. She spread her wings and her brood flew into the air, fresh thousands flying upwards. Erin stared. Then she saw another Face-Eater Moth mother crawl out of the hole. And then another. And another.<\/p>\n

Six<\/em> giant moths flew through the air, chittering,<\/em> their voices making the wax in Erin\u2019s ears vibrate. She stared at them as the crowd in Pallass went silent, and the defenders of Liscor\u2019s walls froze. Her voice was very audible in the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we are so dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Zeres here. The situation looks unwinnable. Our [Strategists] predict destruction of the city unless the Antinium are capable of fielding an army large enough to repel the moths.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. Our [Generals] concur. We are prepared to send a company of [Soldiers] into Liscor to evacuate and hold the walls until the citizens can flee into Celum.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oteslia. Only <\/em>now are you sending your forces in? Too little, too late!<\/em><\/p>\n

Salazsar. Liscor must not be abandoned at any cost. Surely Pallass can send in multiple companies.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pallass. There is no known limit to the population of moths. We recommend evacuation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fissival. Are there any reinforcements that may be called in via Celum? Can Wistram assist?<\/em><\/p>\n

Wistram. We are unable to send reinforcements. If Liscor could hold out for a day, we would be able to teleport a single Archmage to the battlefield.<\/em><\/p>\n

Manus. Untenable. We may only watch and see what transpires. Let us hope for a miracle.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Silence. The world waited as the Face-Eater Moths flew in a gathering swarm, chittering, angrier and angrier. They seemed as equally focused on Erin\u2019s inn as the city\u2014waves of them were already hammering the inn, driven back only by arrows and the exhausted [Mages]. Erin sat in her inn, staring at the six giant shapes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t beat them. I mean. I thought we could. We got three!<\/em> Three! But now there are six. It\u2019s not fair. How big<\/em> is the dungeon, anyways? Why are they all out here? Why\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair\u2019s never a word you should use in adventuring, lass.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil stood with his hammer in his hands, staring at the swarm. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a good fight. Other side cheated, but then, don\u2019t we all? We\u2019ll have to hold this spot. Don\u2019t know what\u2019ll happen if the big \u2018uns come for your inn. Your walls might not hold, but we have to stop them long enough to get all those people in Liscor through the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t have enough power for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must. Or\u2014could we hide them somewhere else? The dungeon? The Antinium Hive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin didn\u2019t know. She stared up, helpless. Pallass\u2019 [Soldiers] were going to come through any minute, but she\u2019d heard them talking. They were going to evacuate people, not fight. The moths blotted out the sky, flying higher, laughing<\/em> at her. She looked up and knew despair. The Gold-rank adventurers couldn\u2019t beat them. Who could?<\/p>\n

\u201cErin.\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice spoke softly in her ear. Erin and Dawil turned and saw Pisces. His robes were white and pristine, enchanted against bloodstains and dirt, but his face was sweaty, grimy, and he had a gash down one arm. He looked up at the swarm of insects and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cA calamity if ever I saw one. A truly terrible threat to any city. And yet\u2014I think I have been too arrogant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPisces. What are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared dully at the [Mage] as he spoke. Pisces seemed tired, but almost relaxed as he stared up at the swarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI call others fools. I judge harshly\u2014out of pride and vanity, it is true, but also a sense of my own self-worth, my own recognition of my talents. But I must admit\u2014I am as idiotic as the next self-satisfied peon at times. We are all fools, and it is wrong of me to judge based on a moment\u2019s failing. But perhaps it is only the truly intelligent that see the truth? Ah, hubris.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPisces, this really isn\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin broke off. She had a feeling. A small certainty, a spark of inspiration in her gut. It had nothing to do with her knowledge of magic, of battlefields, or monsters. It had everything to do with how she knew people. She stared at Pisces.<\/p>\n

Look at him. Look at his face, his posture, the way he seems to be holding back a smile. Look at his eyes, alive with hope.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope.<\/em><\/p>\n

He knew something. Erin rose slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPisces.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to her, his gray-green eyes dancing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil stared at him. Pisces nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt may work. It may drive them off or at the very least, cripple the moths.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured to the swarm flying higher. More were breaking off, coming for the inn and the city now. She could see the City Watch retreating, pulling back from the walls.<\/p>\n

\u201cPisces, are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrust me, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. Pisces, the unkempt, rude jerk. Pisces, the [Necromancer] who\u2019d tried to rob her ages ago. Pisces, the genius who had been outcast from Wistram. Pisces, who had made Toren.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you need?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis space. Your inn has mana\u2014I need as much of it as I can gather. I need Falene\u2019s help, and perhaps Moore\u2019s and Ceria\u2019s as well. But most of all I need to be outside. And the moths will certainly come for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need us to cover you. Buy you time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at Pisces. He nodded. His eyes were on her face, searching, asking for a chance. She stared at him. Then she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd another wave is coming in\u2014looks like five hundred by my count Noass!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFive hundred! They need to be downed with arrows\u2014looks like Celum\u2019s [Guardsmen] are taking out some and\u2014Ancestors, look at that bolt of lightning from Liscor\u2019s walls! Looks like that [Tactician] up there had enough mana for one more spell! Good shot too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here they come. The Silver Swords and Seborn of the Halfseekers are on the front line of course, chopping them down, but there\u2019s only so many blades to go around! Hobs on the right\u2014strange how they\u2019re here, but let\u2019s not question it at the moment\u2014oh! And an excellent [Ice Wall] spell from the half-Elf!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed Sir Relz! This team of adventurers is quite good\u2014not Gold-rank yet, but they\u2019re a name to watch. Anyone have the name of their team? I think\u2014yes, I think this is the ill-fated Horns of Hammerad, of course known for their defeat in Liscor\u2019s dungeon, and then subsequent revival and miraculous find at the Ruins of Albez! This is of course a team that mostly focuses in the north of Izril, but they seem to have come south at just the right time\u2014or is it the wrong time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll know soon. Another wave coming up on the left\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin threw a knife and saw a single moth falter. The Drake [Soldiers] from Pallass raised their shields and one of their [Captains] spat lightning as the moths flew at them. They fended off the assault, to cheers from the Pallassian citizens behind them.<\/p>\n

It was so strange. So surreal. It felt like the end of a football game. American football. The crowd was cheering, the players\u2014moths, were trying to score a touchdown\u2014Erin felt sick and tired, but she couldn\u2019t rest. The moths flew overhead, chittering, trying to kill them. But they just had to keep the goal safe. Touchdown line. Whatever.<\/p>\n

Pisces stood in a circle with Falene, his arms raised, his eyes closed. She and Moore stood with him, arguing. Well, Moore was sitting\u2014the half-Giant\u2019s face was screwed up with pain as he clung to his staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know how to perform linked spell casting? What kind of an amateur mage are you? You said you graduated from Wistram!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sweat streamed down Pisces\u2019 face as he stared up. He still found the energy to glare at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did graduate. That was not a subject I studied.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a basic<\/em> theory that was taught to all third-year students when I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up or I\u2019ll hit both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moore interrupted them both. The half-Giant\u2019s normally kind face was strained with pain and exhaustion. Pisces and Falene glanced at him and fell silent. Erin thought they were only arguing to keep from feeling the strain. The three [Mages] were literally glowing with magic. They were channeling it through Pisces as he did\u2026something. Erin wasn\u2019t sure what, only that it was his plan. Ceria would have joined in, but she was essential to keeping the moths away from the [Mages]. She raised another ice wall as more moths flew and scuttled towards them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure you know what you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Shut up! You\u2019re worse than Ceria ever could be!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pisces snapped at Falene, a vein throbbing on his forehead. He stared up again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI read this in a spellbook, and I haven\u2019t had a chance to try it out! Actually, I read about a completely different spell, but the theory should be the same. It only takes a little bit of energy if done correctly\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up, then!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pisces gritted his teeth. He looked up.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, we might not make it. Funny, did you ever think of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi gasped for air as she sat on the ground behind the battlements. Her face was white, and she was shuddering. She was using too much mana, Typhenous knew. But her summoned warriors were the only thing holding the wall. The Watch had pulled back, but the moths kept coming, and they had to stop them or be completely surrounded. He offered Revi another mana potion, but she shook her head. She\u2019d had too many already\u2014she\u2019d thrown up and started coughing up blood. Any more might kill her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always wondered when I\u2019d die. Today might be it. A shame\u2014moths aren\u2019t exactly a glorious death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Typhenous straightened. His barrier of winds had grown to encompass the area around them. It was taking all of his mana, and he was feeling faint himself. He saw Halrac grimly loosing arrows into the swarm. The man\u2019s fingers were bleeding. Funny, Typhenous could feel nothing but affection for him in this moment.<\/p>\n

Revi saw the look. She bared her teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood old Halrac. Hey\u2014make sure he doesn\u2019t die before we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerish the thought. Oh, look. That Drake is still fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Typhenous pointed and nearly fell over. Across from them Relc spun and slashed in a sea of dead moths. Some of the Drakes and Gnolls in the City Watch had fallen from exhaustion, but Relc kept fighting, snarling at the moths as more landed around him.<\/p>\n

Heroes. They held the wall. Tekshia Shivertail with a barbed spear, Krshia and the Gnolls, grimly fighting with Liscor\u2019s civilians to let the [Guardsmen] rest\u2014and the Antinium. The Painted Soldiers fought on, despite the green blood that oozed from innumerable wounds on their bodies.<\/p>\n

Typhenous smiled to himself. Now he regretted his choice of words. There was nowhere he\u2019d rather be in this moment. He stood, proud of the people he was fighting beside, and held the barrier of winds for another moment. It was a race. Would his heart stop or would his magic give out first?<\/p>\n

\u201cTyphenous. I just wanted to say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi\u2019s eyelids were fluttering. If she didn\u2019t release her spirits now\u2014Typhenous thought about knocking her out with his staff. But if he did, would they die? He stared up.<\/p>\n

Up. There was something going on. Typhenous was no Wistram mage, but he could feel it. He stared around, perplexed by the powerful mana he could sense. Where\u2026? Ah, Erin\u2019s inn. Of course. It was a font of magic\u2014no wonder the [Mages] there could keep fighting after so long. But what were they\u2026?<\/p>\n

\u201cTyphenous? I lost my magic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi looked up. The spirits had vanished. Typhenous realized that his control of the barrier had slipped away too. The moths flew closer. Two of the giant ones landed on the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo! Alright! Come on then! I guess I get to kill twice<\/em> as many giant moths today!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc roared as he ran towards the moths. Typhenous barely heard. He stared towards Pisces, Moore, and Falene, and then looked up again.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course! It\u2019s so obvious! Of course!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTy\u2014what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi blinked at him. The old [Mage] grinned at her wildly. He pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing it! Young Pisces! Can\u2019t you feel it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you know I can\u2019t sense mana like you c\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi paused and looked up. Overhead, the clouds were dark and grey. They\u2019d always been dark and grey. It was the rainy season. But unlike the last day and a half, the clouds were darker now. Stormier. The sky was filled with water after all. It just needed a push. Revi blinked.<\/p>\n

And a drop of water fell from above. The Stitch-Woman blinked as it landed on her forehead. Typhenous stared. Another drop fell and struck him on the side of his cheek.<\/p>\n

It began to rain. First droplets, and then a flurry, then a squall. Then the clouds opened up. The rain fell harder than Typhenous could ever remember seeing, a deafening roar that struck the wet earth, washed the blood from Liscor\u2019s walls\u2014<\/p>\n

And hit the moths. The Face-Eater Moths keened<\/em> as they fell to the ground, unable to fly. The giant moths fell out of the sky as if struck by an invisible hand, and they began crawling desperately back towards the rift in the ground. Six fled, slipping on the ground, joined by their brood that drowned as the lakes in the valleys grew and marched downhill in a gathering torrent of water. They climbed down into the rift, slipping on the water, fleeing the storms.<\/p>\n

Six fled. Soldiers from Pallass flooded across the landscape, easily dispatching the fleeing moths. They downed one moth with lightning, two with alchemist\u2019s potions, and one with arrows and spears. Two escaped. The rest of the moths disappeared into the rift as Pallass celebrated and the viewers around the world did likewise.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara stood on the walls, unable to lift her sword, barely able to believe it. Her entire body ached. She swayed. The rain fell down, cool and soothing on her scales. Slowly, Zevara looked around.<\/p>\n

Olesm sat on the ground, exhausted from directing the battle. He sat on a dead moth\u2014the battlements were covered with them. The Floodplains were filled with dead or dying moths, come to that. Zevara could already see Rock Crabs and Shield Spiders coming out to eat the corpses, and soon more scavengers would arise. The corpses would rot\u2014<\/p>\n

A problem for later. She stood on the walls, staring at the wounded, the people of Liscor, and the adventurers. A soft footstep made her turn. Tekshia Shivertail stood, leaning on her barbed spear. The elderly Drake looked more alive than Zevara despite her age. She spoke calmly as the storm raged on.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the authority of my position as the Adventurer Guild\u2019s [Guildmistress], I, Tekshia Shivertail, declare that Liscor\u2019s Dungeon is Gold-rank. Let no adventurer of lesser standing challenge it. Come, Drakes and Humans and Gnolls of legend. Come challenge this dungeon. Come, for foes and treasure await.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared out across the Floodplains, to where the last giant moth was disappearing into the hole, pursued by Pallassian [Soldiers]. Zevara looked at Tekshia. The elderly Drake smiled at her. Zevara nodded in gratitude and then fainted.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent work! Did you see that battle?! I recognized two of those adventurers. The woman in armor, part of the\u2014what was it? Horns of Hammerad? Yes, that team! And the Silver Swords. Both are Byres children! Dead gods, is that what Yitton Byres lets children do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore like, is that what all<\/em> of his children do?\u201d<\/p>\n

A babble of voices broke out in Lord Tyrion\u2019s command tent. Noble [Lords] talked excitedly, energized by the victorious battle. Tyrion leaned back as the Drake [Mage] in Pallass finally cut the connection.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t bought Byres steel in ages. I should place another order\u2014if that\u2019s what their sons and daughters do, I\u2019d hire another team led by one of their family in an instant!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to mention Griffon Hunt, was it? I know that man, Halrac the Grim. Unfriendly fellow, but did you see him take down that moth?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat team had the half-Giant again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAstounding. Absolutely\u2014I shouldn\u2019t think that Liscor\u2019s dungeon would be anything less than a Gold-rank dungeon after this. What treasures must it hold? No, what other threats?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiscor\u2019s survived then. A pity I suppose, but the Drakes do fight like Demons when their tails are pressed against a wall!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tyrion looked up at that last comment. He stared at the map of the continent on the table in front of him. The position of the Goblin Lord\u2019s last sighted forces was marked there, as were the locations of a number of other armies, including Liscor\u2019s forces. He nodded to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cA pity indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI want reports on all four adventuring teams. The Horns of Hammerad, the Halfseekers, the Silver Swords, and Griffon Hunt. Particularly on that [Mage], the one who cast the weather spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Niers ordered the excited soldiers and students as he and Foliana retired to his quarters. He poured himself a cup of wine, barely able to sit still himself. A dungeon like that, hosting a monster nest of that size! And that was only one monster type in the dungeon, surely. It made him want to go adventuring again. Why, the treasures such a dungeon might hold\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting battle. Good Liscor\u2019s standing. You\u2019re glad too, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Niers looked up at Foliana as she appeared next to him. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can only hope that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mysterious chess friend is okay? Mm. Think they had something to do with the battle?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea. But I did notice that Drake\u2014Olesm Swifttail? He was commanding Liscor\u2019s defenses. An excellent job for a [Tactician] of his level. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he jumps two levels, perhaps three.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. Liscor\u2019s a place to watch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Niers grinned to himself. Dungeons made heroes. Dungeons could make legends. The Forgotten Wing Company had become famous after they had cleared a dungeon like Liscor\u2019s. It made him remember the past, and he glanced at Foliana.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink we could clear a dungeon like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Foliana blinked slowly at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. Want to find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Niers stared at her. He could never tell if she was serious. He smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot a plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

She paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The magic [Scrying] ended, and with it, the need to continue the link. The mages of Wistram relaxed, rubbing at sore shoulders in exhaustion as they finished the spell. They had sent the image of Liscor\u2019s dramatic battle to the entire world\u2014and reaped the benefits of course.<\/p>\n

A scrying orb could be used to see what was going on somewhere else. What the viewers around the world didn\u2019t know was that the mages of Wistram had been watching their<\/em> reactions and listening to their conversations at the same time.<\/p>\n

However, the speculations and intrigue would have to wait. The spell had taken its toll, despite two of the Archmages being present. One of them, a half-Elf with a long white beard, looked up as a [Mage] approached him. A Dwarf [Mage] spoke with a deep frown in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmage Feor, did you recognize that young man who cast the rainfall spell? And the half-Elf who cast the [Ice Wall] spell. You don\u2019t think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor nodded shortly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems they are still alive. However, I saw one of our graduates, Falene Skystrall, as well. It may be wise to direct any inquiries through her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Archmage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old half-Elf waited until the [Mage] had gone, then he stared back at one of the many scrying mirrors placed around the room. One of them had shown a large man with reddish-gold hair. Feor frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you up to, King of Destruction?\u201d<\/p>\n

The mirror didn\u2019t answer. Was it just entertainment for Flos? Or something else? He turned away. Magic and mystery and dungeons. He was getting too old for this. Feor spoke to another [Mage] as he left.<\/p>\n

\u201cInvestigate that door. Make an offer if the [Innkeeper] is willing to sell it. If not\u2014I may have a task for some of our recent graduates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Archmage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

So it went around the world. From Magnolia to Wistram, people speculated and plotted. But in Liscor itself, there were no schemes. Just a bit of peace.<\/p>\n

Funny how it all worked out. Erin stood in the rain, letting it clean her off, grateful for its presence. Oh, her inn was getting wet, and there was blood and dead moths all over. And all her furniture was broken, and Jelaqua was paralyzed, and Octavia probably had a bill worth thousands of gold pieces. And the dungeon was still a threat, and people had died.<\/p>\n

But that was all for later. They\u2019d survived. And funnily enough, it had been Pisces who\u2019d saved them all. He stood by himself, just smiling up at the sky. Pisces, the hero. It didn\u2019t sound so bad when you thought about it.<\/p>\n

Time enough to weep for the fallen, to heal, to thank all the people who\u2019d fought, and to look to the future. For the moment, Erin was just grateful. She stood in the rain until she looked down and noticed something crawling near her foot.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A small Face-Eater Moth was crawling through the rain, trying valiantly to still walk as the water ran past it, trying to carry it into the growing lakes. It looked up at Erin and fanned its wings weakly. They weren\u2019t so scary when you made them small. Erin stared at it and bent down.<\/p>\n

Face-Eater Moths. The first threat of many, perhaps. They\u2019d nearly won, oh, so nearly. But they\u2019d underestimated Liscor and the weather. Erin peered down at it and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at the moth, and it waggled its feelers at her. Erin raised her foot and stomped<\/em> it into the ground. Then she made a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cEw.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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