The next day, Erin closed up her inn just after dawn. She waved farewell to the Players of Celum, who\u2019d done two performances, and let the Soldiers march through to their Hive or to resume their watch from the battlements. The last of her guests that she said farewell to were Relc and Klbkch.<\/p>\n
The two [Guardsmen] had enjoyed their night at Erin\u2019s inn. They argued as they left, good naturedly. Relc had been blown away by the stage and had applauded both plays when he wasn\u2019t asking if he could have a try. Klbkch, on the other hand, was actually a born critic, and had made a few observations on the quality of the [Actor] portraying Claudius in the second play. He reminded Erin of her English Literature teacher in that sense.<\/p>\n
She closed the door to her inn tiredly, wishing she had a few more hours before the sun rose. Erin had to get up soon! Or maybe she could nap and let Lyonette take over? She was so tired she nearly ran into Apista as the Ashfire Bee floated past her, trying to get outdoors.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd where do you think you\u2019re going, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
The bee buzzed around Erin as she shooed it back inside. Apista reluctantly floated back to the Faerie Flowers as Erin closed the door to Liscor. She\u2019d never hear the end of it from Lyonette if she let Apista fly away.<\/p>\n
As it happened, the Ashfire Bee had survived the entire battle with the Face-Eater Moths by hiding in the kitchen and devouring a jar of honey as large as she was. Erin had found her squeezed into the glass jar when she\u2019d gone to open the cupboards. It had not been a nurturing experience, although it had relieved Lyonette, who\u2019d been anxiously searching for her pet.<\/p>\n
So much for bees. Erin yawned as she staggered back to her kitchen for bed. She could get a few hours\u2019 nap. But she paused as she passed by a boarded up window. It was a bad patch job, and she could see outside. She stared through the crack into the wet landscape. The waters had nearly engulfed everything, but a few hilltops were visible. And as the skies lightened, Erin\u2019s eyes caught a few odd details out in the Floodplains.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey. What are all those Drakes doing swimming over there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Erin peered at the distant figures swimming towards Liscor from the south. She thought about it, shrugged, and went back to sleep. And the swimming Drakes approached the city. Their home.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2014-<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The sun had yet to rise when the soldiers struck their camp. Armed Drakes and a few Gnolls rolled out of their tents, ate dry rations without a fire in silence, and were on the march within twenty minutes of waking.<\/p>\n
Only they weren\u2019t quite marching, as they traversed the waters between their hill and the city of Liscor in the distance. The [Soldiers] moved single-file as one of their [Scouts] moved ahead, venturing from hilltop to hilltop, and attempting to cross as little water as possible. Avoiding the water entirely was simply impossible; the waters had risen so that most valleys were flooded at least twenty feet deep. The [Soldiers] had to march with their heads barely above water or, if it came to it, swim to the next elevated ground.<\/p>\n
It was a challenge, not least because the company of a hundred and twenty odd Drakes and Gnolls were all armed, and armored, and carrying their gear. All but the best swimmers sank like rocks and had to hold their breath as they crossed a valley on foot\u2026underwater. However, the [Soldiers] had been trained to do just that, and they emerged from the water, gasping, but making little other noise besides that.<\/p>\n
As they reached the top of a hill close to Liscor, a Drake mounted on a horse raised a clawed hand, and the [Soldiers] froze as one.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompany, halt.\u201d<\/p>\n
She inspected the city only a few hilltops away from their position. Home, or at least, the place Liscor\u2019s army called home. They were always on the move, so the city was a distant memory for most. Yet not even their commander could suppress a small stir of excitement in her chest as she regarded the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks like Liscor\u2019s not seen any battle with the Goblin Lord. Or if they have, there\u2019s no damage to the walls. What\u2019s that structure over there? Some kind of inn? Anyone recall that being here three years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n
She pointed to a distant building on a hill just west of Liscor. One of her subordinates peered at it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a new building, Commander Grasstongue. I recall an old, abandoned inn two hills over\u2014there. But it\u2019s been destroyed by the looks of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pointed, and the Drake shifted her gaze towards the hilltop. She frowned.<\/p>\n
\u201cHm. Well, the presence of an inn suggests the city hasn\u2019t come under any kind of major attack. Or it would have been razed. Who\u2019s the scale-cursed idiot who authorized a building outside of the city without any kind of fortifications, anyways? Captain Halliss, who\u2019d we leave in charge of Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA [Tactician] by the name of Olesm Swifttail and Watch Captain Zevara Sunderscale, Commander.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh. We\u2019ll have to question them about that inn. Any sign we\u2019ve been spotted by Liscor\u2019s City Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNone, Commander. The watch-lanterns are out on the walls as well. Unless the guard has night-vision, they\u2019ve shirked their duties.\u201d<\/p>\n
The [Captain] saw his commander swish her tail restlessly. She growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cPoor security, especially with the Goblin Lord\u2019s presence. No wonder the Council called for a detachment to return. What in the name of the Ancestors does this Watch Captain think she\u2019s doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch Captain Zevara is well-thought of. High Command\u2019s reports on her stated her trustworthiness and competence.\u201d<\/p>\n
A grunt. The Drake commander eyed the dark walls.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that because she\u2019s Oldblood? From where I\u2019m<\/em> sitting, it doesn\u2019t look like she\u2019s nearly as competent as the reports claim.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Captain] was silent as the Drake considered Liscor. Beneath her, the horse fidgeted. It was wet and wanted to graze. The commander kept her mount in check as she came to a quick decision.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s test their sentries a bit. See how close we can get before they challenge us. If we get within two hundred feet of the city without them raising an alarm, I\u2019ll have that Watch Captain\u2019s head.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised a hand, pointed, and drew a line across her face in the air. The [Soldiers] of Liscor\u2019s army saw the movement and instantly checked their wet armor, cinching it and any loose items tight. Quietly, they crested the hill and began crossing to another hilltop some fifty feet away.<\/p>\n To the Drake commander\u2019s extreme displeasure, the company of soldiers made it within one hundred feet of Liscor\u2019s walls without so much as a peep of warning. She glared up at the dark battlements overhead.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the name of the Ancestors\u2026? If we were an enemy force, we could take the walls by surprise! Who\u2019s up there?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the Drakes wearing solid plate armor raised a claw as he stared up towards the walls. He had a spyglass in hand, and the brightening sky finally revealed the figures on the battlements. He swore loudly, breaking the silence.<\/p>\n \u201cCommander! I see Antinium on the walls!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Every [Soldier] immediately reached for a weapon. Swearing, Commander Grasstongue leapt off her mount and stormed over to the second [Captain]. He offered her the spyglass, and she took one look before uttering an oath.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are Soldiers up there, hundreds of them! They must have taken the city!\u201d<\/p>\n Shouts of outrage broke the dawn air. They were immediately silenced. The Drake commander turned to her officers, her expression dark. She reached for a spear\u2014one of two she carried with her horse.<\/p>\n \u201cPrepare to charge! Get me a [Light Bridge] spell now! <\/em>We\u2019re taking those walls and slaughtering every Antinium we see. There might be civilians left alive! Get ready for combat!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drakes and Gnolls rushed into formation as the commander mounted her steed. Sensing the mood, her horse reared, and the [Commander] soothed her mount. The Antinium still hadn\u2019t raised the alarm\u2014if they could maintain their advantage for a few seconds longer, they might be able to mount a surprise attack. She gazed towards the walls, her heart beating with rage. Rage, and a bit of fear. She spoke under her breath.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, old man. If you\u2019re still alive in there\u2014help\u2019s on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Then a Drake [Mage] stepped forwards. Commander Grasstongue nodded at him, and he raised a staff. A shimmering walkway of light shot forth and struck the ground as it built itself towards the walls. In seconds, a [Light Bridge] spell had formed. Liscor\u2019s 4th Company shouted in fury as their [Commander] pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cTake back the city!<\/em> Slaughter the Antinium bastards!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Antinium Soldiers were on guard detail. They\u2019d taken over for Liscor\u2019s [Guardsmen] in shifts\u2014rotating out so that the Painted Soldiers could see one of the two plays being put on before returning back to man the walls. Or Soldier the walls. Antinium the walls?<\/p>\n Verbs weren\u2019t important. But this duty was. Liscor\u2019s Watch was in sore need of rest from the battle, so Zevara had readily agreed to let Pawn\u2019s Soldiers hold the walls another day at least. This did mean that the Soldiers were running on four or less hours of sleep across two entire days of staying awake, but that was fine. They could operate for up to three days without rest entirely before they began to suffer complications.<\/p>\n And of course they\u2019d spotted the Drakes heading towards the city nearly an hour ago. Yellow Splatters was on command duty with Purple Smile, since Pawn was watching the second play at The Wandering Inn, and he\u2019d been staring at the Drakes splashing about with curiosity. He hadn\u2019t thought to inquire about why they were trying to swim in armor\u2014they were Drakes. Liscor was filled with Drakes. He was on the lookout for monsters<\/em>, so his only interest in them was to wonder how they managed to swim at all.<\/p>\n It was only when he saw one of the Drakes raise a stave that his instincts told him they might be the enemy. When the stave projected a wide ramp of golden light towards the wall he was standing on, he was sure. The Drakes began lining up, shouting angrily, and he saw one on horseback point towards the walls. They were going to climb onto the walls via the ramp!<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters instantly changed his opinion of the Drake group. They weren\u2019t friendly. If they were, they\u2019d come through the gates. But the walls? This was a siege maneuver! Antinium used the same trick, although without magic, forming living ladders to climb walls. This magical ramp would let the Drakes charge onto the battlements, and they were all armed.<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] made an immediate call. The Drakes were enemies. Ergo, Liscor was under attack! All the Soldiers around him instantly raised their fists. Yellow Splatters turned his head\u2014another Soldier was already running. The Soldier, painted with blue grass and yellow flowers, charged towards a large bronze bell. He didn\u2019t bother fumbling with the bell hammer. He drew back all four fists and began punching<\/em> the bell as hard as possible.<\/p>\n The bell tolled loudly with each punch. The ringing jarred the dawn air, echoing. The light bridge spell finally finished materializing, and the Drakes below looked up, alarmed. It had been less than two seconds<\/em> since the Drake [Mage] had cast the spell! But that was the nature of the Antinium. Yellow Splatters\u2019 analysis and decision had conveyed itself to the Soldiers around him, and like a single organism they had moved, ringing the alarm and racing to defend the site of attack.<\/p>\n Two seconds had passed, and the bell\u2019s ringing had already reached every corner of Liscor. The Drakes were still assembling around their ramp made of light. The speed of reaction had caught them off guard\u2014the Soldiers were already closing around the top of the ramp as Yellow Splatters charged into position with Purple Smile.<\/p>\n There the Antinium braced themselves, the Soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the light ramp. Without further orders they would repel the Drakes here. They waited for the first charge as the Drakes pointed. There was at least one [Mage] in the group, and they looked ready to rush up the ramp. The Painted Soldiers would hold until they were all dead, or the enemy retreated.<\/p>\n That was guard duty.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00ad\u00ad\u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Watch Captain Zevara was asleep in her office. She\u2019d passed out sometime during the night, after a full day of work. Technically she should have been in bed, but the Captain of the Watch had learned long ago how soft a wood desk could be\u2014if you were tired enough, that was. And it was a hard-earned sleep, a sleep born of security. After all, she had eleven whole hours<\/em> to sleep, thanks to the Antinium taking over the walls. That was the best gift Zevara could ever have asked for: more sleep.<\/p>\n Olesm would take the first shift in the morning, which meant Zevara could drool and sleep on her desk as long as she wanted. There were [Guardsmen] in the Watch\u2019s barracks of course\u2014there always were. But the sounds they made below couldn\u2019t wake Zevara. She could sleep through anything. Fights, offending Drakes, Humans, and Gnolls being tossed into jail, laughter\u2014<\/p>\n Clang. Clang.<\/em><\/p>\n Zevara\u2019s eyes opened, and she jerked upright. She could sleep through anything, at any time. Except a call to alarm. She sat up, wiping the drool from the side of her face and prayed that she\u2019d just been dreaming. It did happen. Sometimes she dreamed of an alarm\u2014<\/p>\n Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.<\/em><\/p>\n It was no dream. Zevara froze as she heard one of the bells on the southern wall tolling. The urgent alarm made Zevara\u2019s pulse skyrocket. That was the call to alarm! There was no other bell that sounded like that in the city by law. And there were no horns but\u2014of course not! The Antinium couldn\u2019t blow horns! They were on the wall right now. That meant the Antinium had spotted something!<\/p>\n Had the moths come back? Had something else? <\/em>Zevara didn\u2019t remember charging out of her office or running down\u2014she found herself running through the barracks, drawn sword in hand. [Guardsmen] turned to her in slow motion as Zevara ran, still blinking sleep out of her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cGet to the walls! <\/em>I want every [Guardsman] in the city on the South Wall now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She screamed at the Drakes and Gnolls on duty as they scrambled for their gear. A dozen of the Watch charged out the door after Zevara, and she ran with the speed of panic towards the stairs leading to the battlements.<\/p>\n There were a hundred and sixty-eight steps leading up to the top of the battlements. Zevara took them two at a time, counting each step. She burst onto the ramparts and turned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Then she saw light. Not the dawning sky, but bright, shimmering mage light, the kind that came from a spell. Zevara shielded her eyes and then took in the scene in one moment.<\/p>\n The Painted Soldiers stood in a mass in front of a ramp of light, a [Light Bridge] spell used to siege cities. Coming up the ramp was a small unit of Drakes, only a hundred or so strong.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the name of the Ancestors?\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake was riding a horse up<\/em> a ramp made of light towards Liscor\u2019s walls! She had a spear in hand, and she was being followed by the Drakes, four abreast, who were shouting as they charged a wall of Painted Soldiers.<\/p>\n Zevara wondered wildly if they were an attacking force from another city. But\u2014Drakes didn\u2019t attack Liscor! They had no enemies! Liscor was the border city that held the pass from Humans! And it was surrounded by water at the moment! Then her blood ran cold.<\/p>\n Was this an attack by Pallass?<\/em> She listened to the Drakes shouting as she wavered.<\/p>\n \u201cFor Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWipe the Ants out!\u201d<\/p>\n Liscor?<\/em> Zevara\u2019s eyes widened. She stared at the armored Drakes, and then put everything together in a sudden rush. She ran towards the Antinium Soldiers, shouting desperately.<\/p>\n \u201cWait! Stop! Hold! I said, hold!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Too late. Her voice was too weak, and she was too out of breath to shout properly. Zevara saw a few Soldiers twitch, but her real target, the charging Drakes, were too far away to hear, and too caught up in the moment. Zevara frantically ran towards the Antinium slipping, cursing, as a mild shower of rain pelted her. She had to stop them! If the Drakes killed an Antinium Soldier or the Antinium killed the Drakes, it might be war!<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t going to make it. Zevara knew that, and so she paused and shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cStop! Stop! <\/em>These are friendlies! Stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake on horseback didn\u2019t hear. The rain fell. Zevara watched the Antinium brace as one as the Drake leveled her spear at the Soldier with yellow splatters on his body in front. She closed her eyes and heard a voice bellow from behind her.<\/p>\n \u201cSoldiers!<\/em> [Rapid Retreat]! Clear the area now!\u201d<\/p>\n It was a loud voice, louder than Zevara had ever heard Olesm yell before. One of the Soldiers turned. He had a purple smile drawn across his mandibles and face. He saw Olesm pointing, saw Zevara waving her hand, and raised a hand. Every Soldier looked at him and then moved.<\/em><\/p>\n The Antinium didn\u2019t hesitate. They instantly turned and charged out of the way, moving with the speed of Olesm\u2019s Skill. The charging Drake pulled up her spear, confused, as she found the battlements ahead of her empty. She wheeled her mount and faced the Soldiers on her left.<\/p>\n \u201cHold! Hold!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara had finally gotten her breath back. She dashed forwards and nearly slipped. She ran straight at the confused Drake as more [Soldiers] poured over the wall. Zevara could see Drake [Captains] in armor, followed by [Sergeants] and regular infantry, screaming wildly as they came over the ramparts and stopping in confusion. The Drake on horseback, their leader, stared incredulously at Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold!<\/em> I am Watch Captain Zevara! Tell your men to stand down!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain? But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStand down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara bellowed at the Drake. This [Commander] was young\u2014younger than Zevara herself. She had light red scales, too bright to be called pink, and her spear tip crackled in the rain. Lightning enchantment. Zevara strode towards her.<\/p>\n \u201cCommander, I am Watch Captain for Liscor! Why in the name of the Walled Cities did you decide to attack our walls?\u201d<\/p>\n Confusion and anger flickered across the younger Drake\u2019s face. She gestured with her spear at the Soldiers, who were staring silently at the [Soldiers].<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014we spotted the Antinium on the battlements. Why are they here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara groaned internally. Liscor\u2019s army had returned! Part of it. The hundred or so [Soldiers] couldn\u2019t be more than a single company. They would have been a welcome sight about a month<\/em> ago when the Goblin Lord was breathing down Liscor\u2019s neck. As it was, they had chosen the worst moment to arrive. Which was typical. She should have expected it, honestly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll explain everything in a moment. For now, have your men stand down. Antinium Soldiers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n One stepped forwards instantly. Zevara recognized Yellow Splatters, who Klbkch had introduced her to. He was a [Sergeant], and the fact that he had a class like that was definitely<\/em> going on her next report. Zevara turned to him almost sheepishly.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are friendly soldiers. Liscor\u2019s army. I regret the confusion. Please take your\u2026your men back to their stations. I\u2019ll handle things here.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium Soldier stared at Zevara silently and nodded. She had no idea what he thought, if he had any thoughts. The Soldiers instantly dispersed across the battlements. The soldiers glared after them. Zevara clearly heard one of them mutter.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re working with <\/em>the Ants? Ancestors, what the hell\u2019s happened to the city?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStow it!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Commander] snapped angrily, and the soldiers straightened. They\u2019d sheathed their weapons, but from the way their hands hovered near their hilts, they didn\u2019t trust the Soldiers now staring out into the wet, drizzling landscape. Zevara shook her head. Then she turned as she heard more pounding of feet.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain! What\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardsmen] coming to reinforce the walls stopped in confusion as they saw the unfamiliar [Soldiers] standing there. Zevara cursed internally. She turned to Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cOlesm, we need to call off the general alarm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn it.\u201d<\/p>\n The young Drake nodded. Zevara caught his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent work, Olesm. You saved us there.\u201d<\/p>\n She squeezed his arm. He smiled at her, looking only slightly shaken.<\/p>\n \u201cJust doing my job, Zevara. I\u2019ll have someone blow the all clear.\u201d<\/p>\n He hurried off. Zevara watched him go and then turned to the [Guardsmen]. One of the Senior Guardsmen, a Gnoll in his mid-forties with black and grey fur, looked relieved.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re not under attack, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. It was a false alarm. Almost false. I\u2019ll issue a statement in an hour. Get everyone back off the walls\u2014and back in bed if they\u2019re up. This lot spotted the Antinium on the walls and thought the city was under attack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho would do\u2014oh.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll stared at the Drakes, and his eyes widened. He sniffed and growled under his breath, then turned to the other members of the Watch beside him. He conveyed the news in the simplest of terms.<\/p>\n \u201cThe army\u2019s back.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara heard half the [Guardsmen] behind him groan. She saw the soldiers shifting impatiently, and turned to the [Commander], who was looking more and more annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain, what\u2019s the situation?\u201d<\/p>\n She was asking for a report. Zevara nearly laughed. The Captain of the Watch looked around, at the Painted Soldiers, at the wet landscape and the moth bodies floating in the water, and at the inn visible from the battlements to the west. She wiped some water out of her face and stared up.<\/p>\n Drizzling, but not raining too heavily. That was good. Clear skies would be better for the event later today, but drizzling was<\/em> clear skies at this time of year. She looked at the [Commander], all military discipline and efficiency, and gave her the most unprofessional shrug of her career.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere should I start?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n An hour later, Zevara stared at the slight stain on her desk. She was pretty sure that was where she\u2019d been drooling. She wondered if she should get a cloth and wipe it off\u2014or if she could put her head down and get back to sleep. She certainly felt like it. Unfortunately, the visitor in her office was too important to ignore. She wasn\u2019t sitting like Zevara was\u2014she was pacing restlessly, her scales still damp from the rain.<\/p>\n \u201cDid I hear you correctly, Watch Captain? The dungeon\u2014Liscor\u2019s dungeon, which was unearthed just four months ago\u2014has been classified as a Gold-<\/em>rank dungeon by the Adventurer\u2019s Guilds of Izril? Are you sure that\u2019s not a misclassification?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara watched the younger [Commander] pace back and forth. She wished she were that young. Well, maybe not that young, but she wished she had that kind of energy in her. The young Drake\u2019s scales were bright red, and she was in the physical prime of her life. Red scales were rare on Drakes\u2014green was most common, and very bright or very dark scales were the least likely to be seen, especially without patterns.<\/p>\n This Drake might have been considered nobility if her scales had that bright glow or unique flame coloration of Zeres\u2019 nobles. Or if her scales were midnight black like Pallass\u2019 few lines of noble birth. Regardless, this [Commander] must be gifted to be in charge of an entire company at her age.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, youth and genius didn\u2019t make her any easier to work with. The Drake turned back to Zevara, her gaze intent.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Guild Master of Liscor\u2019s Adventuring Guild is Tekshia Shivertail, correct? Or has she retired and let someone else take over?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s still Tekshia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd is her judgment sound? Guildmistress Shivertail is a respected war veteran, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake let the word hang in the air. Zevara scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cTekshia Shivertail is in full command of her faculties, commander. Moreover, her decision was ratified within a day<\/em> by the other Adventuring Guilds in all six Walled Cities and by Invrisil! Both Humans and Drakes agree with her classification. I remind you that the battle was seen<\/em> by most of the known world!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThrough a magical doorway that is in the possession of an [Innkeeper].\u201d<\/p>\n The commander\u2019s voice was flat. Zevara winced. When she put it like that\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cAs I said, this [Innkeeper] is a known asset to Liscor. And her inn contained adventurers who slew hundreds of the moths and one giant one. Not to mention the actions of one adventurer in calling the rain, which may have well saved Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n And wasn\u2019t that<\/em> a surprise? Pisces, the [Necromancer], of all people! Zevara could barely believe it, but the reports had been quadruple-checked by her [Guardsmen]. She might actually have to trust that damned mage, for all his previous crimes of extortion. Hadn\u2019t Olesm submitted a report about having Pisces clean Liscor\u2019s sewers with an undead? Zevara had shoved it into a pile and told him she\u2019d consider it. Where had she put it\u2026?<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Antinium? Manning the walls, sending Soldiers into the streets?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a level of hostility in the other Drake\u2019s voice that Zevara usually only encountered when speaking to other Watch Captains in other cities about the Antinium. But that was Liscor\u2019s army. That was why they stayed away from the city, in large part. Zevara narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Antinium gave their aid to Liscor, [Commander]. Which I<\/em> requested. They sent Soldiers to fight the moths and slew thousands of them in the tunnels of their Hive! The Antinium were honoring our contract. They died to hold these walls, Commander. Just like my [Guardsmen] did.\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at the young Drake until the commander looked away. Zevara could see her tail sweeping the ground in long, rapid strokes. She was upset but not agitated. Good.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wasn\u2019t High Command informed of all these developments at once? The dungeon, the presence of General Shivertail and his departure\u2014not to mention this magical doorway! We had only the report of the dungeon and a belated report of General Shivertail\u2019s departure\u2014a week before his death! Why were reports so sporadic?\u201d<\/p>\n Because I forgot. And I had more important things to do.<\/em> Zevara grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, Commander Grasstongue, the High Command was the least of my concerns given the distance between the army and the city. They were in no position to influence the events taking place here, and Liscor\u2019s Council was more than adequately advised by General Shivertail and Wall Lord Ilvriss until recently.\u201d<\/p>\n The mention of Zel Shivertail gave both female Drakes pause. But then the [Commander] shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure the Council was served well by General Shivertail\u2019s input. But a Wall Lord from Salazsar? Why not consult with the High Command? Why trust only his opinion? The High Command deserves to know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure they will, now that you\u2019re here to give them regular updates.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara had had enough. She stood up, pushing her chair back, and rested her claws on her desk as she stared at the red-scaled Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cCommander Grasstongue, I have more important things to deal with. The dungeon could spit out more monsters any day now, and the Floodplains are underwater! This month the city will be stockpiling fish, casting nets\u2014and that\u2019s a chore for two Watch Captains without the danger of monster attacks or Goblins!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand the issue. But I was sent to secure the city against threats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I am pleased<\/em> your company made it here, Commander. Despite being late by a month and arriving with only a single company\u2014rather than the three<\/em> I originally requested.\u201d<\/p>\n The two Drakes locked gazes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were delayed arriving here. We were besieging Zeres and had to avoid military confrontation with the other armies allied to the Walled City in the dispute between Oteslia and Zeres.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA dispute that Liscor\u2019s city does not share. Liscor\u2019s army may be under contract to fight for Oteslia, but I would hope that ties to home matter more than gold, commander.\u201d<\/p>\n The staring contest went on for several minutes as Zevara refused to blink or turn her head. At last, the other Drake turned abruptly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can remove the Antinium from the walls now, Watch Captain. We will take over until the Watch is prepared to resume their duties.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Commander Grasstongue whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Antinium are trustworthy, commander. I won\u2019t remove them and insult their Hive. Moreover, they are more than capable of holding the walls and reacting to any threat. As your company personally witnessed.\u201d<\/p>\n That was a step too far for the young Drake. She leaned forwards over Zevara\u2019s desk, breathing heavily, her tail curling in frustration. Zevara felt heat at the back of her throat. It was a bad idea to annoy an Oldblood Drake capable of using breath attacks, but this officer was too angry to care. She took a deep breath as she glared at Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain Zevara, I am Wing Commander Embria Grasstongue, 4th Company Commander of Liscor\u2019s army\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I am Watch Captain.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara cut her off, in surprise as much as anger. Embria?<\/em> Grasstongue? Wait a second. Grasstongue wasn\u2019t that unordinary a name, but could she be\u2014? No, Zevara had to settle this now. She put steel and fire into her voice, trying not to breathe smoke at the younger Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cCommander Embria, this is my city. Your company has come here at my request<\/em> to protect your city. Your home. Only, it appears that your idea of protection is to start a war with the Antinium. Do you have any<\/em> idea of what might have occurred if you had slain the Antinium Soldiers in cold blood? At the very least, you would have broken Liscor\u2019s contract, which we have honored for nearly a decade of peace, and at the worst, you would have thrown us into a third Antinium War!\u201d<\/p>\n Her words made Embria pale slightly. The Drake opened her mouth. Zevara noticed her tail had uncurled and was swaying uncertainly, though.<\/p>\n \u201cI was acting with the best intelligence I had at the time\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy attacking Antinium Soldiers? Without hailing the city? They were standing watch<\/em>, commander! If they wanted you dead, they would have been raining arrows at you with Workers! If the city had fallen, you would have heard about it! No! I don\u2019t want to hear about the High Command. I\u2019m concerned with this city<\/em>, and up till this moment I have had to defend it with the Antinium\u2019s help, with the help of adventurers, and Pallass and Celum\u2019s<\/em> help! They sent their City Watch to fight when the Face-Eater Moths were attacking. But there wasn\u2019t a single Liscorian soldier on the battlefield.\u201d<\/p>\n She leaned over her desk and felt a trickle of smoke come out of her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere were you two days ago, when we needed you most? Where was the army?\u201d<\/p>\n There was nothing Embria could say to that.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were moving as quickly as we could. If we had been aware\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou would have gotten here yesterday. Too late. And now you have the gall to come into my office, into my<\/em> city, and demand to take charge?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara hissed softly. Embria held her ground, although the air was getting hot around Zevara. Most Drakes would have backed up, but to her credit, Embria was no coward. And more to her credit\u2014she wasn\u2019t a fool either. She looked at Zevara and rapidly retrenched. Embria took a few steps back, hesitated, and spoke placatingly.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain Zevara, I apologize for my rudeness.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara paused. She waited as Embria paused and the room metaphorically and literally cooled down. The [Commander] nodded and studied Zevara as she spoke carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI would take back my rude words and offer you my sincere regrets if I could, Watch Captain. I realize my sudden arrival may have stepped on your tail. For that, I apologize. We were\u2026hasty in our attack on the Antinium. However, we are here to help, to protect and serve Liscor. That has not changed, although the situation in Liscor clearly has.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured towards her armor, upon which was emblazoned a symbol of her rank.<\/p>\n \u201cMy company is at your disposal, and the Council\u2019s. I will apprise High Command of the new developments, but I expect they will offer you nothing but support, as will I and my officers. I commend your hard work and, again, issue you a heartfelt apology.\u201d<\/p>\n Smart kid.<\/em> Zevara had to admit that she hadn\u2019t expected such a neat turnaround. But this officer was intelligent enough not to want to make Zevara her enemy. She nodded as she felt her internal fires dying down.<\/p>\n \u201cApology accepted, Commander Embria. Let me also apologize for my statements.\u201d<\/p>\n Which statements they were didn\u2019t matter. Embria smiled politely.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are both protectors of Liscor, in our own way. I hope we can work together in the coming months to fulfill our duties, our pasts aside.\u201d<\/p>\n She held out a claw for Zevara to shake. It was a good gesture and would have laid to rest their earlier quarrel. However, Zevara wasn\u2019t yet sure she wanted to take the claw. She hesitated and then looked sharply at Embria.<\/p>\n \u201cWe respect the army, and I acknowledge your rank, Commander Embria. But let me make one thing clear first.\u201d<\/p>\n She tapped the desk as Embria withdrew her claw.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this city, at this moment, I am the commander of all military matters. A Drake Watch Captain is second only to a [General] in her own city, and I won\u2019t have any incidents occurring, especially between the Antinium and your soldiers. Are we clear?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria was silent for a long moment, studying Zevara\u2019s face. Then, slowly, she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely, Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n She held out her claw again, and Zevara shook it. There was no posturing, no squeezing too long or staring contest like she had to deal with when she ran up against a male Drake of the same rank who didn\u2019t like her position. But then, there were other daggers female Drakes used on each other. Embria smiled, but Zevara was still a little angry. She was missing her sleep when all was said and done, and she still didn\u2019t trust Liscor\u2019s army.<\/p>\n Dead gods, what will I tell the Council about all this? If I\u2019d known they\u2019d cause me more headaches I wouldn\u2019t have bothered asking for their help in the first place!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cLet me show you downstairs, Commander Embria. I\u2019m sure the Council will want to speak with you soon, and we can have a longer discussion with our resident [Strategist] when things aren\u2019t so hectic.\u201d<\/p>\n She led the other Drake down the stairs. Embria sounded surprised as she followed Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cStrategist? I was under the impression that Olesm Swifttail was a [Tactician].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCorrect. But he recently gained the [Strategist] class. We\u2019re celebrating that fact, among others, later today. Speaking of which, you might want to ready yourself now. I\u2019m sure the Council will insist on your presence later today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara halted with her hand on the door to the Watch Barracks. She stared back at Embria, only slightly annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been gone from Liscor for a while, I understand that. But try to remember how we do things. We just survived one of the worst monster attacks in living memory. What do you think<\/em> we\u2019re going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n Then she opened the door. Embria frowned as she left the Watch House. The [Soldiers] of the 4th Company were waiting for her, lined up, [Sergeants] and [Captains] awaiting her orders. The Drakes and Gnolls on the streets were giving them curious looks. The word was already spreading. The army was back! It didn\u2019t exactly seem to be the most exciting news in the world to Liscor\u2019s citizens.<\/p>\n \u201cCommander?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Captains] looked questioningly at Embria. She scowled, dropping her polite expression now that Zevara\u2019s back was turned. She nodded to the soldiers under her command.<\/p>\n \u201cTell the soldiers they have leave for two hours. They can visit their homes or stow their gear in the headquarters. Get those on punishment detail cleaning the place out. Watch Captain Zevara says the place hasn\u2019t seen use since we were last there. But I want everyone back here two hours from now with armor on and polished.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the occasion?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria turned. She sighed as she watched Watch Captain Zevara stride back into the barracks and begin shouting at the [Guardsmen]. She had indeed been away from Liscor for a while. Six years since the last time she\u2019d visited, in fact. But contrary to what Zevara might have thought, she did remember how things worked. It was true of every Drake city, really. Embria eyed the drizzling weather and polished the breastplate of her armor with one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to a parade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This is how they gathered. They came together, small groups of three and four, sometimes six and sometimes as many as eight. Seldom more. Seldom less. They clustered in their groups, talking amongst themselves. Many were embarrassed or a mix between pleased and embarrassed so close that there was no dividing line. But none were ashamed. They were proud.<\/p>\n They were adventurers. As Ceria looked around the gathering of Bronze, Silver, and three Gold-rank teams she noticed the rain had lessened. The canvas roof that had been erected overhead had to ward off fewer raindrops than before.<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Less rain. Means we might not slip and break our necks while we\u2019re walking down the street.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s hardly a concern. Falling might be, though. I\u2019d watch your step. You don\u2019t want to be the first to trip on an occasion like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria jumped. She hadn\u2019t realized she\u2019d spoken out loud until someone else addressed her. Falene Skystrall stood beside Ceria. Tall, glamorous, the picture of what half-Elves aspired to be\u2014in a clich\u00e9d way\u2014the [Battlemage] made Ceria feel short and ungainly. Still, they were both half-Elves, and so Falene kept talking to Ceria as if they were familiar.<\/p>\n Which they were, if you got down to it. There were certain things only half-Elves could talk to each other about. They supported each other if they could, generally. After all, if you didn\u2019t look out for one another, no other race would.<\/p>\n That meant Ceria could talk with Falene a bit more personally, even if she did think the other half-Elf was stuck up. She made a face as she gestured at the rain.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve done this before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEight times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEight?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s raised voice attracted attention. She saw the other members of her group drift over. Ksmvr was nervous as he stood alone. Pisces, keeping him company, raised his eyebrows as he walked over with the Antinium. Yvlon was talking to another female Bronze-rank adventurer. Ceria addressed her friends.<\/p>\n \u201cFalene says they\u2019ve done this eight times before.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon whistled, and Pisces raised his eyebrows. Ksmvr looked blank.<\/p>\n \u201cDone what eight times?\u201d<\/p>\n Falene smiled not-condescendingly, which made her a bit condescending.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not like we seek it out, but we have had our victories. But haven\u2019t you done this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce. But it\u2019s not like we rehearsed or anything. It just\u2026happened. Not like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, well, preparation is rarer. But Drakes like organization, and I think it simplifies things this way. All you have to do is walk. And again, not trip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot be the first to trip, is what you said.\u201d<\/p>\n Falene smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue! Better not to trip at all, but there\u2019s always a few who fall. It happens, and you\u2019ll be laughed at, but the first to fall always gets remembered. Just watch your step\u2014you will be the first to go out.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad looked uneasily at each other. Yvlon muttered as she adjusted her polished, slightly mismatched enchanted armor.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand why it\u2019s got to be us.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces shrugged. He was wearing his usual white robes, not having made an effort to dress up. Ksmvr had\u2014he\u2019d donned his magical cape and oiled his body so it shone, and Ceria had messed around with her hair. But Pisces was deliberately casual, as if what was about to happen was just another day for him. Ceria had to admire his guts. And hate them at the same time.<\/p>\n \u201cPolitics, I suppose. I am a persona non grata<\/em> in Liscor, nominally speaking.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cA what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cComrade Pisces, please ex\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn unwelcome person. That phrase is a remnant of old language, a curious addition to our lexicon which\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked around, sensed his only possible audience was Falene, and gave up.<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind. It\u2019s an expression. Allow me to clarify my statement. What I meant was that, since I am unwelcome, the city did not wish to honor me by putting me last in line. However, my contributions to the battle were substantial. I did<\/em> call the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPoorly.\u201d<\/p>\n The older half-Elf smiled as Pisces narrowed his eyes to look at her. He sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cA spell of necessity that I had never had the chance to practice or cast before? I will accept a poor result if the salvation of Liscor is the price for my inefficiency. In any case, my contributions are recognized, but we are only a Silver-rank team at the moment\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we get to go first. We\u2019re special. I get it. Thanks, Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria rolled her eyes. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, thank you Pisces for giving us this opportunity. I will endeavor not to slip and embarrass myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust relax. This is in honor of us, after all. And you are hardly the only team participating.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly! This happens once in five blue moons, so enjoy yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n A loud voice interrupted the conversation. The Horns of Hammerad turned with Falene, and Ceria saw a young Drake striding towards them, grinning broadly. She waved at the Horns of Hammerad.<\/p>\n \u201cHey guys, miss me?\u201d<\/p>\n They stared at her. The Drake spread her arms wide. She had grey-green scales, a scar along the side of her mouth, and a fit body. Ceria was sure she\u2019d never seen this Drake in her life. But Pisces just smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Jelaqua.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJelaqua?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad jumped. Ceria peered at the Drake and realized the greyish scales weren\u2019t just color\u2014but a lack of it! The Drake was dead and her body\u2014she stared into Jelaqua\u2019s eyes and saw that internal intelligence staring back. The Selphid grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cAw! Pisces got it! I was betting with Seborn that you\u2019d all freak out. Hey Seborn! I owe you ten gold coins!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTold you.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n A Drowned Man appeared out of the crowd of adventurers, and Ceria saw several teams respectfully part ways to let Moore walk towards them. The half-Giant had to bend over to walk without disturbing the canvas roof overhead. The Halfseekers smiled as they joined the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cJelaqua! It\u2019s great to see you. You got a new body?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon clasped forearms with Jelaqua. The Selphid laughed, practically giddy with good spirits.<\/p>\n \u201cSure did! And just in time too, eh? I got this body, and it feels great.<\/em> I can feel things when I touch them! I love fresh bodies. Hey, Ksmvr, poke me!\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr did. Jelaqua laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt tickles! Ain\u2019t nerve endings great? Hey Falene, where\u2019s your team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTalking with the others. I think Dawil and Ylawes are trying to get away from that team, Vuliel Drae.\u201d<\/p>\n Falene pointed, and the adventurers saw that Ylawes and Dawil were indeed being mobbed by the female half-Dwarf woman and several other female adventurers. Ceria frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cVuliel Drae? Oh. The lucky team. I didn\u2019t see them earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? Oh, me neither. They showed up with a bunch of wounds after the battle. Apparently, they got ambushed by the Face-Eater Moths and had to hide out on their way to the dungeon. Took down a lot of them by themselves by the number of heads they brought in. Anyways, check this out! I\u2019ve got a tail!\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua turned around and nearly swept Pisces\u2019 legs from under him. He caught himself, and Seborn grabbed Jelaqua warningly.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. Watch it.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry! I\u2019m just really in a good mood!\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid grinned. Pisces eyed her tail with interest.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have to compensate for your new body, or is the process fairly automatic?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah, spoken like a [Necromancer]!\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua had to think for a second as Yvlon and Ksmvr greeted Moore. The half-Giant was smiling, looking pleased at Jelaqua\u2019s wellbeing. He\u2019d refused to leave the stricken Selphid in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild until now, Ceria recalled. She turned back to Jelaqua as the Selphid swished her tail and nearly tripped a passing adventurer this time.<\/p>\n \u201cNah, it really does feel normal after the first hour. It\u2019ll be harder getting back to a body without a tail, you know? Only problem is I might forget about it and get it ripped off. I did that to my last Drake body.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls and Drakes in earshot winced when Jelaqua said that. Ceria saw more than one team staring at their group with interest. The Horns of Hammerad, Halfseekers, and Silver Swords were pretty much the highest-ranked teams in this gathering. Jelaqua seemed used to the attention, though. She shrugged in answer to another of Pisces\u2019 questions.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, the tail\u2019s weird, but I like the scales. Sure they get caught on things, but it\u2019s better than hair<\/em>. That stuff catches and tears my skin\u2014hey, do you have anything to eat? I want to give these taste buds a workout before they start to decay!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria scratched her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet. But Erin\u2019s got an after-party planned. She\u2019s going to have cakes. Multiple cakes, according to her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoo! Cake! Alright, let\u2019s get this started!\u201d<\/p>\n Falene interrupted Jelaqua as she headed for the tent\u2019s opening into the street.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just yet. We\u2019ll get word once the City Watch finishes their march. And the Horns are going first, Jelaqua.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, right. Sorry. Forgot. Oops. Hey, don\u2019t slip you guys! Otherwise, Seborn and I will laugh at you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be cruel, Jelaqua.\u201d<\/p>\n A large hand flicked the Selphid on the back of the head. She staggered.<\/p>\n \u201cAw come on, it\u2019s funny, Moore!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, one thing I don\u2019t get. You\u2019ve been looking for a body for ages, Jelaqua. Why\u2019d you suddenly get one now?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria interrupted the two Gold-rank adventurers. Jelaqua smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that? That was thanks to the law, believe it or not! Remember, I was injured defending Liscor. According to the standing agreement with the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, Liscor is required<\/em> to provide me with a suitable corpse.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured at her body.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is from one of their [Guardsmen]. A junior one, I think. Just got the job. Her parents agreed to give it to me\u2014they got paid a lot I think. Dead gods, I hope I don\u2019t see them in the crowd, but I explained about how Selphids work, and I promised them\u2014never mind. Selphid stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n She sighed, losing some of her good cheer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an ideal body. But that poor kid. She died of blood loss after a moth sliced the artery in her leg open. Lost her healing potion or didn\u2019t think she needed it and died on the street. Amateur mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her head sadly. There was a brief moment of silence as the adventurers all paused, remembering the heat of the battle. Few of them had died, but they were used to fighting and had magical gear. On the other hand, Liscor\u2019s City Watch had paid a price for their defense of the walls. Their moment was broken when more adventurers walked over. Ylawes and Dawil, and the team of Griffon Hunt.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like you all made it.\u201d<\/p>\n That was the first thing Revi said to the others. She, Halrac, and Typhenous looked no worse for wear despite Ceria not having seen them for a long time. She looked at them, trying to see if they were still in mourning over Ulrien\u2019s death, but if they were, they kept it to themselves. Halrac folded his arms and grimaced as Typhenous greeted Moore and Falene.<\/p>\n \u201cHey guys. Halrac.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua nodded somberly at Halrac as the Halfseekers greeted Griffon Hunt. Halrac just grunted.<\/p>\n \u201cSilver Swords?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be us. A pleasure to meet you, Mister Halrac. I realize this might be inappropriate, but may I buy you a drink later? I was shocked when I heard of your captain\u2019s death. I knew Ulrien, briefly, and I regret that such a capable warrior fell to treachery.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes stepped forwards and held out a hand. Ceria wondered if Halrac would tense up or leave\u2014the [Scout]\u2019s face had frozen when Ylawes mentioned Ulrien\u2019s name. But he grudgingly extended a hand and shook it.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was an adventurer. Heard your team took down a mother moth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs did yours. But we have the Horns of Hammerad to thank for ending the battle. My sister belongs to that team. I believe you\u2019ve met?\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac nodded to Ceria, who nodded back. The [Scout] eyed Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cRain spell. Good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Revi rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe<\/em> no one thought of it beforehand. Why not? It\u2019s so damn obvious but\u2014good work. Especially for a Silver-rank team.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded at Ceria. Typhenous smiled as he stroked his beard.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. You\u2019ve shaped up to be a quite decent party.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! They held the line! Those Goblins and the Horns? Whew! I saw what they did when they pulled me back inside! Moth bodies stacked like firewood! Not bad for rookies, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua threw an arm around Yvlon, laughing. The Horns of Hammerad blushed under the praise. Dawil, looking around, grunted with displeasure.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough slapping each other on the backs! I can\u2019t reach, and Ylawes has his armor on. Let\u2019s get to the good stuff. Hands up. Who here leveled after the battle?\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his own hand, and the Horns all raised theirs. Moore raised his hand, as did Seborn, and so did Halrac. Revi scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cDammit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re telling me you all didn\u2019t<\/em> level?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon stared incredulously at her brother, Falene, and the others. Ylawes smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll probably level in the next week or month at the latest. But remember, most of us are past Level 30\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll of us, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua looked around, and Typhenous coughed politely. Falene smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cA [Mage] never tells.\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil rolled his eyes as he addressed Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cPoint is, this lot doesn\u2019t level every time they go into a hairy situation. But if we don\u2019t level today, it\u2019ll be close. But what about Skills? I got nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n He spread his hands. Halrac grunted. Moore shook his head. Seborn didn\u2019t respond when Jelaqua nudged him, and the Horns all looked at each other and coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cAw come on, don\u2019t be coy. Tell us! Or at least participate in the tradition!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat tradition?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked suspiciously at Jelaqua. She laughed, and it was Falene who answered.<\/p>\n \u201cTradition is that when adventurers gain their levels as a result of saving a city, clearing a dungeon, or so on, they show off any new Skills or spells during the parade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr just make a scene. Just fire off a spell and don\u2019t reveal your newest Skill. I\u2019m not showing anyone, Jelaqua. Leave off.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn got tired of Jelaqua\u2019s encouraging elbow and stamped on her foot. She yelped.<\/p>\n \u201cAgh! I forgot how much that hurts!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, we\u2019re supposed to put on a show?\u201d<\/p>\n Revi sighed loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re adventurers. Of course you put on a show! Just do something to impress the crowd. We do it\u2014it\u2019s how you get people to recognize you! Unless you get your own personal parade. You want to be a famous Named Adventurer? This is one of the things you do! Honestly, newbies!\u201d<\/p>\n She threw up her hands. Typhenous put a hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cSteady, Revi. Apologies\u2014she\u2019s just had to field too many enthusiastic adventurers today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo many admirers?\u201d<\/p>\n Falene gave Revi a teasing look. The [Summoner] just glared.<\/p>\n \u201cSays the big-shots who\u2019ve gone through a parade eight times. We\u2019ve gone five\u2014that\u2019s five total for me. I think Halrac\u2019s at six?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Halrac, who shrugged. Both teams looked at the Halfseekers. Jelaqua scratched her head.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, funny. We don\u2019t get invited to parades often, no matter what we do. I think we\u2019re only two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Horns are one. Well, let\u2019s add another to the list. Remember, don\u2019t slip.\u201d<\/p>\n Falene cautioned the others with a teasing smile. She pointed\u2014Ceria could see a Drake jogging towards them and waving at the adventurers in the rain. Her heart began to beat faster.<\/p>\n \u201cOh boy. I think this is us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBreak a leg!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou deserve this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEnjoy it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood job, sister.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes caught Yvlon as the Horns began to walk forwards. He nodded at her, and she smiled. The four adventurers moved to the head of the group of adventurers, conscious of all eyes on them. Then they walked out into the rain.<\/p>\n At first, it felt silly. Ceria felt a drizzle on her head, but didn\u2019t see anyone. She stepped out onto the cobbles\u2014they\u2019d been put at the east gate, at the back of where the parade would start\u2014and began marching down the street with Pisces at her side and Yvlon and Ksmvr following. No one was around, although she could hear fanfare and drums in the distance.<\/p>\n And then she saw the people. They were lined up on the streets, some covered by awnings, others holding parasols or cloaks in hand. Most simply let the rain fall. Drakes and Gnolls and some Humans, scattered at first. Then, suddenly, a mass of them. All at once the faces turned into a sea, and Ceria felt her heart beating faster.<\/p>\n There was noise in the air. Cheering, shouts\u2014and a voice calling names out. Ahead of her, Ceria could see the last of Celum\u2019s Watch marching. She spotted Relc, waving a hand and shouting at the crowd. The other Gnolls and Drakes were also marching, waving at friends and family, some still bearing wounds. Missing eyes, a broken limb\u2014one Gnoll had to be helped along. His left leg was gone. But the crowd cheered them, their city\u2019s heroes.<\/p>\n They fell silent as the Horns of Hammerad began their march in the parade. Drakes and Gnolls stared at Pisces. They knew him. They stared at Ksmvr, and at Ceria and Yvlon. Pisces was a [Necromancer]. Ksmvr was Antinium. As for Ceria and Yvlon, they had participated in one of the biggest expedition failures in recent memories. Ceria saw some of the Drakes hiss at Pisces and saw his shoulders go up.<\/p>\n \u201cGive them a show.\u201d<\/p>\n She muttered under her breath. Pisces looked back at her. Two images flashed into her mind. Pisces, standing in front of Wistram\u2019s [Mages], shunned. And Pisces, walking down Ocre\u2019s streets, a hero. He was both these things to Liscor.<\/p>\n \u201cThink you can give them a trick or two? No Skills\u2014just magic?\u201d<\/p>\n She asked him challengingly, feeling her words were too loud in the silence. Pisces blinked and then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCoward. Okay. I was going to show you later. Watch this.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria pulled a wand out of her robes. Conscious of every eye she raised it and pointed it to the sky. The grey skies were drizzling. Ceria concentrated.<\/p>\n \u201c[Frost Bloom]!\u201d<\/p>\n A chill condensed around the tip of her wand, a bubble of hoar frost held for one magical moment. Then it expanded and shot outwards. Ceria heard a gasp<\/em> as her spell shot out twenty, maybe thirty feet overhead. The crowd cried out in surprise as the water droplets fell to earth as hail, breaking. The ground in front of Ceria was coated with a light layer of frost, a product of the chilling temperature of her spell.<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon smiled, took a step, and nearly fell. Ksmvr caught her just in time, and Ceria heard a few chuckles. Pisces stroked his chin.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we can\u2019t have that. Let me try.\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his hand and green and gold fire shot forwards. The crowd oohed<\/em> as the flames licked the street, turning the ice back to water. Then Pisces let the flames spiral upwards. They turned into miniature dragons which roared soundlessly before evaporating.<\/p>\n It was a powerful spell\u2014and part illusion. Ceria held her breath as she tried to see if it had gotten the crowd on their side. She heard silence and felt her heart sink\u2014and then heard someone yell in among the onlookers.<\/p>\n \u201cAwesome! Go Pisces! Do more!\u201d<\/p>\n Heads turned. Ceria saw Erin, waving wildly, laughing as Lyonette held Mrsha up beside her. She began to clap as Pisces, bemused, conjured another gout of fire which turned itself into a small horse which galloped through the air.<\/p>\n The Drakes and Gnolls stared at the fire, stared at Pisces, and then they started to applaud. Yvlon, grinning, tossed her sword up and caught it as it rotated back down. That wasn\u2019t a Skill, but it was a good trick. Ksmvr waved all three hands. The applause grew louder. More adventurers followed the Horns down the street.<\/p>\n The crowd applauded more as Ceria and Pisces showed off their spells. Ksmvr leapt into the air, incredibly high, and passed through a hoop of fire Pisces conjured. The people gasped. Then they began to cheer.<\/p>\n The three Gold-rank teams saw the Horns of Hammerad begin to receive whole-hearted applause at last. Jelaqua grinned and punched Moore in the thigh.<\/p>\n \u201cThey did it! Told you they could!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur turn.\u201d<\/p>\n Griffon Hunt moved into place before the Silver Swords and Halfseekers. Halrac looked annoyed, Typhenous pleased.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Horns did a good job getting the crowd interested. Think we can top that, Revi? Halrac?\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous pointed at the other Bronze and Silver-rank teams. They were also doing tricks with magic, if less showy than Pisces and Ceria. Some were trying to do tricks with their swords, but the parade was really a place where [Mages] shone. Revi rolled her eyes as she took something out of her bag of holding.<\/p>\n \u201cRookies. Stand back, you two.\u201d<\/p>\n She held a large piece of amber with part of a moth\u2019s wing encased in it. Halrac and Typhenous stood to one side as Revi strode forwards. The eyes of the crowd were on her. Already, many were applauding and calling out their names. Especially Halrac\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac! Halrac the Grim!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGriffon Hunt! Show us a spectacle!\u201d<\/p>\n Revi obliged. She tossed the wing in amber up, and a flash of light stunned the crowds. Then there were screams. A Face-Eater Moth, glowing green, spread its wings wide, and the shocked Drakes and Gnolls stumbled back before they realized what it was: a summoned spirit. They cheered and booed Revi as she climbed on its back, and the Face-Eater Moth walked down the street. She waved at them regally, like a [Queen], as Typhenous and Halrac watched her take the lead.<\/p>\n \u201cThat Stitch-Girl will be the death of us both, I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous tugged at his beard, trying to hide a smile. Halrac just grunted.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a moment. Appearances do matter, Halrac. My turn.\u201d<\/p>\n The older mage walked after Revi. He tapped his staff on the ground and smoke billowed up, forming a cloud of Typhenous\u2019 face. It loomed overhead as the [Mage] began to walk forwards, grimacing and making faces that simultaneously terrified and amazed the Drake and Gnoll children watching. Halrac coughed and walked along behind Typhenous, a scowl on his face. The crowd cheered him, though Halrac didn\u2019t so much as turn his head to stare at them. He made it halfway down the first street before he grimaced and stopped.<\/p>\n Halrac paused, took an arrow out of the quiver at his side, and drew it to his bow. He aimed straight up and loosed. The crowd paused and watched the shining arrow fly higher and higher until it exploded with a dull boom<\/em> and a spray of flames which went out in the light drizzle.<\/p>\n \u201cWaste of a good arrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria heard him complaining as he walked onwards. The crowd cheered wildly, not seeming to mind Halrac\u2019s sour mood. In fact, they cheered him for <\/em>it.<\/p>\n Next came the Halfseekers. If Griffon Hunt started the show in earnest, the Halfseekers embodied it. Moore was visible over the heads of everyone as he walked forwards. Jelaqua\u2019s pale body and Seborn\u2019s half-crustacean form attracted as many gasps as applause\u2014until they too started performing magic.<\/p>\n Moore struck his staff on the ground, and flowers began to bloom in his footsteps. He raised his hand, and flowers of every color began to appear over his body, and vines grew from his fingertips, twining up his arms and chest. The crowd murmured in appreciation at the gentle spectacle.<\/p>\n The half-Giant left a trail of quickly wilting and vanishing flowers and grass in his wake. By his side, Jelaqua threw the bright flowers growing from his body into the crowd, laughing as people caught the magical plants and held them, exclaiming as the flowers quickly faded out of existence. Seborn walked next to the two, looking slightly uncomfortable as people eyed his crustacean half. Jelaqua nudged him.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Seborn, show the kids a trick!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re both doing our part! Just one?\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn looked around and realized he had no choice. Reluctantly, he walked faster until he was in front of Moore and Jelaqua. The crowd waited with bated breaths to see what he would do.<\/p>\n Seborn took two steps, did a flip into the air, and unsheathed his daggers. They glowed as he slashed and then landed, rotating once and sheathing his blades before he touched the ground. Everyone oohed,<\/em> and more than one child pointed excitedly to Seborn and asked if they could do that too.<\/p>\n Bringing up the rear were the Silver Swords. They followed the last groups of adventurers and received just as much applause. The sight of Ylawes, Falene, and Dawil was a fixture of the battle, and more than one story had been told of Ylawes slaying the giant moth. And true to their reputation, they didn\u2019t disappoint either.<\/p>\n \u201cHaha!\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil roared with good spirits as he lifted the hammer over his head. He strode forwards, letting the crowd cheer him, shouting with unabashed good spirits.<\/p>\n Behind him, Falene rolled her eyes, but smiled and raised a wand. She flicked it, and the audience held their breath. When nothing happened immediately, Ylawes glanced at Falene, puzzled, until he heard Dawil cursing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou damn Elf! Put me down! Put me down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knight] saw Dawil cartwheel past his head, weightless, flailing frantically with his hammer in hand. The audience cheered and laughed as Falene made Dawil fly just over the heads of the crowd. The Dwarf cursed her until he started to enjoy himself and pretended to swim through the air. Only Ylawes and the other [Mages] noticed the slight sheen of sweat on Falene\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe Dawil would call you a showoff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s for a good cause. If he\u2019d stop flailing, I\u2019d have an easier time not dropping him.\u201d<\/p>\n Falene smiled politely at the crowd as they walked forwards. Ylawes smiled, too. He raised one hand and waved as he walked, causing a few Drakes and Gnolls to stare at him admiringly. The [Knight] had no special Skills to show off, but the sight of him walking down the street in shining silver armor was enough for applause.<\/p>\n As the last of the adventuring teams followed the Silver Swords, there was a hush among the crowd. An expectation. The streets behind the adventurers lay empty for a good minute, and then every ear heard the rhythmic sound. Footsteps marching in perfect symphony. The first black body appeared, and the crowd murmured as they saw a Worker marching at the head of a row of Soldiers, holding a burning censer in hand. The Soldiers marched in his wake, heads held high.<\/p>\n Silent. The marching of the Soldiers was perfectly uniform, and the cheering crowd that had loved the adventurers was silent. Pawn walked forwards, his censer swaying, his head bowed. A curious feeling stole over the people watching. They had no words for what he was doing, no memory or comparison for the scene they beheld. But the praying Antinium and the solemn procession spoke to them.<\/p>\n The incense wafted through the crowd as the rain fell harder. The Soldiers marched on, their bodies painted in every color. One had yellow splatters across his front, another a terrifying purple smile. Another one had leaves drawn in green as if he were some kind of tree. Yet another was simply marked with a crown of silver. One walking near the edge had no paint at all\u2014until you realized the paint was a black pair of wings on his back, almost invisible in the wetness.<\/p>\n The people of Liscor watched the Soldiers march, silently at first. But then someone clapped. It was impossible to tell who it was in the rain, but it was immediately followed by someone else starting to applaud. More began to clap, and then the applause drowned out the rain.<\/p>\n In the crowd Erin stared around, wide-eyed. She hadn\u2019t been the one who started the applause, and she\u2019d been ready to. But she hadn\u2019t been necessary in the end. Liscor began to cheer the Antinium, and as they marched, she could hear voices in the crowd around her. The Painted Soldiers were faceless Antinium, all created in the same image. That was true. But because they were painted, they were all unique. And for the first time, those in the crowd recognized individual Soldiers.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that one! The one with the white circles around his eyes? He saved my shop!\u201d<\/p>\n A Gnoll pointed at a passing Soldier. Erin, standing with Lyonette as the rain soaked her, saw Mrsha peer excitedly at Yellow Splatters. She heard more voices of recognition as she applauded, smiling and cheering for Pawn with all the energy she had.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, that\u2019s the one who killed the moth breaking into our home! Mom? Do you remember? Mom? Mooom!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake child was pointing excitedly at a Soldier who had turquoise on the tips of his clumsy fingers and his antennae, nowhere else. Erin saw the Drake mother wave tentatively at him, and the Soldier turn his head just slightly. He hesitated, and then two of his four hands twitched, a tiny wave back.<\/p>\n The Drake girl waved excitedly. The crowds cheered. Erin stood in Liscor as the rain fell down, and for the first time in history, Drakes and Gnolls and Humans cheered the Antinium. It was a moment for history. She smiled until she thought she\u2019d burst.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a great parade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n The 4th Company stared at the Antinium passing them in disbelief. They listened to the applause from Liscor\u2019s citizens and practically spat venom when they saw a Drake child waving at a Soldier.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this really what the city\u2019s come to?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened to pride? What about General Sserys?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThese people, they don\u2019t know what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Wing Commander Embria stood next to Zevara in parade rest, her face set, watching the Antinium pass by without a word. Zevara noticed the tenseness in her tail, but the [Commander] wisely kept her opinions to herself.<\/p>\n The parade ended with speeches, as all good parades did. Actually, the speeches were mainly for Liscor\u2019s Council to award the adventurers and members of the Watch with some recognition, as many of Liscor\u2019s citizens melted away. But after they\u2019d offered Pawn a brief note of congratulations, the Council turned the stage over to Embria. It was, all things considered, a poor note to end the parade on.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are delighted to also announce that our 4th Company of Liscor\u2019s Army has returned to safeguard our city! She and her soldiers have marched tirelessly to return to Liscor\u2026ah, I believe Wing Commander Embria has a few words for us.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake announcing coughed nervously as he abandoned the podium. Embria stepped forwards. The crowd of citizens stared at her. Zevara could already hear the murmurs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe army?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow?<\/em> Are you serious? Where were they when\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Better start going to taverns that don\u2019t serve them. Too many damn fights when they\u2019re drunk\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got the Antinium. Why do we need them?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara winced at that. She could see Embria twitch as she took the stage and feel the anger of the [Soldiers] behind them. But that was Liscor\u2019s army. They had never had a good relationship with the city at the best of times. They brought chaos and didn\u2019t stay long, which was good, but as a result, the citizens regarded them as, well, a nuisance.<\/p>\n Thankfully, Embria seemed to sense the mood, because her words were curt and to the point.<\/p>\n \u201cCitizens of Liscor, we are delighted to return home after so many years! We regret that our company did not arrive in time to witness the heroic defense of the city. I personally offer you my sincerest apologies for our delay\u2014we were unavoidably detained fighting for the glory of Liscor around the Walled City of Zeres!\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. Zevara heard someone cough. Embria frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful to all who contributed to the defense of Liscor during her darkest hour. Henceforth, the 4th Company shall dedicate itself to defending the city against any threats to it, be it the Goblins, monsters from the dungeon, or\u2014anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t quite look at the Antinium, but Zevara sensed the ripple in the crowd. Embria was not<\/em> having a good time on stage, and Zevara dreaded the part where she was supposed to ask Liscor to cheer their returning heroes. She saw a number of Drakes and Gnolls break away from the crowd. And then she spotted a Human walking away with another Human and a Gnoll in her arms.<\/p>\n Maybe Erin didn\u2019t intend to be so loud. But Embria had paused, and her voice was just a bit too carrying.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, looks like it\u2019s time to go. That parade sure was fun, wasn\u2019t it? Ending sort of sucked, though. Hey, is that really the army? They look like jerks.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara sighed as Embria stared at Erin\u2019s back. The Watch Captain slowly covered her eyes and groaned under her breath, a gesture seen by the entire crowd. On the whole, the citizens of Liscor agreed that watching their Watch Captain wince through the rest of the speech saved the parade. The army left with a few thousand patriotic Drakes applauding them, and Watch Captain Zevara finally got to get back to her desk to sleep.<\/p>\n And after Wing Commander Embria had finished dismissing her troops, she took a personal trip to a certain apartment in the city. She knocked once and didn\u2019t have to wait any longer. The door opened, and the owner of the apartment stepped out reluctantly.<\/p>\n Relc, Senior Guardsman of the Watch and former [Sergeant] of Liscor\u2019s army, emerged from his home, scratching the spines on the back of his head. He stared at Embria as she stood in the doorway, spear in hand, dressed in her officer\u2019s armor. He stared at her. She waited.<\/p>\n \u201cHi\u2026kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFather.\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at him challengingly. Relc avoided her gaze. He looked at her, sighed, turned his head as if looking for help, and then gave up.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Time went by. The day drew onwards towards night. Liscor, finished with its parade, celebrated or mourned in its own way. More than one tavern found itself with twice as many guests as normal, as Liscor\u2019s citizens decided that eating alone wasn\u2019t for them. They were equipped for the rush of course; any [Innkeeper] or [Bar Drake] worth their salt knew to stock up in advance, and every establishment was hopping.<\/p>\n So it was funny and slightly telling that Relc and Embria found themselves turned away from every inn and bar, even the ones that Relc went to nightly. They were recognized on sight, and while one or the other wouldn\u2019t have made the establishments close their doors, the owners had learned to recognize the father and daughter duo like the way a [Herder] learns to recognize which bull is charging them across an open field.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe this. You\u2019re a Senior Guardsman. I\u2019m a [Wing Commander]. How many inns have blacklisted you?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria stormed down the street as Relc followed, wincing. The normally upbeat Drake dragged his footsteps as he followed his daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cI, uh, drink there all the time. I think they don\u2019t want the two of us in there, after last time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was six years ago!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. But the tavern owner definitely<\/em> remembers us. Why don\u2019t we go\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The young Drake woman shook her head, glaring back at her father. Relc shrugged helplessly.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, kid. I know the owner, and she won\u2019t kick us out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s a Human<\/em>. She insulted the army during my speech! And don\u2019t call me \u2018kid\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo be fair, it was sort of funn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Relc saw Embria\u2019s eyes flash and coughed. He shuffled his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Erin\u2019s a Human, but she\u2019s cool! Really. And I sort of promised I\u2019d go to this party she\u2019s putting on. Klb\u2019s going to be there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour Antinium<\/em> partner?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria hissed the word. Relc shrugged. He had a hard time meeting her eye.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, yeah. We are partners. Sort of how it works. Captain Z gave me the day off and everything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were going to have a party at her inn? Was I not included in your plans?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc raised his claws defensively.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I didn\u2019t know you were going to show up! I totally cancelled when Captain Z told me\u2014look, we don\u2019t have<\/em> to go. But Erin\u2019s got alcohol. And cake! She said there\u2019d be cake!\u201d<\/p>\n He looked longingly towards the western wall, where a doorway had been set into the side of the wall itself. Embria glared at her father and then relented.<\/p>\n \u201cFine. What\u2019s cake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, it\u2019s this great thing! You\u2019ll love it, promise!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc brightened. He led the way towards the door, talking excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really sweet. Erin\u2019s coming up with all kinds of new stuff all the time. She\u2019s got pasta, blue fruit juice\u2014well, she doesn\u2019t have it right now\u2014hamburgers, pizza\u2026uh, Goblins, tons<\/em> of cool stuff like popcorn, ice cream\u2014have you heard of ice cream? It\u2019s this thing from Terandria, and she knows how to make it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Embria halted in the street.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you just say \u2018Goblins\u2019? Watch Captain Zevara mentioned there was an inn that had monsters working as part of the staff. That\u2019s<\/em> the inn you\u2019re talking about? Run by that Human?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Guardsman] groaned. He turned pleadingly to Embria.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, she\u2019s cool! The Goblins are\u2026Goblins, but they don\u2019t do anything. Come on kid, let\u2019s get a drink? On me? I\u2019ll introduce you to Erin\u2014you don\u2019t have to look at the Goblins! Or eat cake! I\u2019ll eat your share!\u201d<\/p>\n It was possible that Embria could give her father a more disappointed look. She turned her back, ready to march away. Desperately, Relc played his last card.<\/p>\n \u201cDid I mention that General Shivertail used to eat there all the time? It was his favorite spot!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Is that Relc? Welcome to the party! Celebration! Whatever! I thought you weren\u2019t going to make it?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin beamed as Relc came through the door. The Drake grinned weakly at her. Erin grinned back, and then froze as she saw another Drake enter behind him. She had red scales, shiny armor, a spear in one hand, and she was giving Erin a death-glare.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa. Is that your date?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc choked. The Drake behind him opened her mouth angrily, and he stepped in front of her. The big Drake cleared his throat a few times.<\/p>\n \u201cErin. I\u2019d like you to meet\u2026my, uh, daughter. Embria.\u201d<\/p>\n At that particular moment Erin was holding a stack of plates and cutlery. Which had no bearing on what followed, because Erin did not <\/em>drop what she was holding, but she was very tempted to. She gaped, put her dishes on a table, and then threw up her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s back from the army\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, we just need a table and a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid I tell you she\u2019s a [Wing Commander]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWha\u2014<\/em>you have a daughter? <\/em>Since when?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s raised voice made every head in the room turn. Relc winced as he saw three teams of Gold-rank adventurers, Klbkch, Bird, Olesm with all his Drake and Gnoll friends, Krshia, the Horns of Hammerad, Lyonette, Drassi, Ishkr, the Redfang Goblins, Selys, and her grandmother look over. Mrsha poked her head up from underneath a table and stared, too.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s, uh, complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell me everything! Wait, this is your daughter? Isn\u2019t she the Drake who was leading all those j\u2014oh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n At last, Erin realized where she\u2019d seen Embria before. She paused and gave the other Drake a very sheepish smile.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Hi.\u201d<\/p>\n The red-scaled Drake folded her arms. She stared at Erin and then pointedly looked away. Her eyes focused on Klbkch, Bird, and then the Redfang Goblins who were sitting at a table, still wearing their \u2018Security\u2019 armbands. Her eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe, uh, just need a table, Erin. Somewhere quiet? Please? And far from the, uh, Goblins? And Klbkch? Embria\u2019s got a thing with them.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s eyes narrowed, and she stared at Embria, who returned the gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cHow bad of a thing? Selys\u2019 grandmother already had a \u2018thing\u2019 with the Goblins and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin. I really need this. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc looked pleadingly at Erin. She relented.<\/p>\n \u201cI can put you over here. Next to the stage. Far, far away.\u201d<\/p>\n She seated the two at a table ten feet away from everyone else. Relc ordered a drink, and Embria ordered the same. They sat in ice-cold silence as Erin bustled away. Relc\u2019s tail swished nervously as he grinned at Embria. She did not return the smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, uh, this is the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThose are Hobs. <\/em>In an inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, right. But Erin\u2019s got tons of other people in it! Drakes! You know that guy\u2019s our [Strategist], right? And check out this room! It\u2019s huge. Erin\u2019s new Skill. Isn\u2019t that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are there three<\/em> Antinium here? I thought you only had one partner. The Slayer.<\/em> Or has the Watch started letting more Antinium in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2026no. That guy\u2019s, uh, Bird. He\u2019s, uh\u2026Erin\u2019s employee too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria\u2019s arms were folded. Relc desperately looked around, waiting for Erin. After a lifetime of one-sided conversation, she came back with two full mugs.<\/p>\n \u201cHere you are!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, thanks! Great! Hey Erin, what\u2019s for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh, we\u2019ve got tons of stuff. We\u2019ve got beef rolls, lasagna, pizza\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have the rolls. Both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria cut her father off as he began to brighten. Relc sighed as Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Sure. Two please. And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated and lowered his voice as Embria stared at him. Relc looked longingly towards the kitchen from which tantalizing smells poured forth.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2014can I have a slice of cake?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s answering smile was like the sun coming back up for Relc.<\/p>\n \u201cCake? Sure! I baked lots! In fact, you can have tons of slices! Only\u2014ooh.\u201d<\/p>\n She hesitated. Relc\u2019s heart sank.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Ooh\u2019 what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026let me bring you a slice.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hurried into the kitchen and came back with a slice of cake. Relc stared at it with dismay. It wasn\u2019t that the cake looked bad\u2014on the contrary, it was vanilla cake (Erin had yet to figure out where chocolate came from) frosted generously with rich icing. However, and this was the deal breaker, Erin had decorated the cake with miniature faces. Of Goblins.<\/p>\n Relc stared up at Erin with hollow accusation in his eyes as Embria glared at him. Erin could only shrug.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had this big parade and everyone was getting appreciated\u2014except<\/em> the Goblins. So I\u2026y\u2019know\u2026thought it would be nice. Everyone likes it. Except Selys\u2019 grandmother. And it\u2019s really good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs there any cake without<\/em> smiling Goblins on it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Well, uh, I\u2019ll have a slice. Embria?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake watched her father accept the big slice of cake. Relc coughed and began eating as Erin brought out beef rolls stuffed to bursting with bacon, breadcrumbs, onion, and a spicy filling. She eyed the hot food, suspicious at how fast it had come out, but began eating. Her brows shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t it? I love eating here. I used to eat here all the time before\u2014well, now I eat here sometimes. Not often! Just\u2014sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc chattered nervously. Embria looked at him and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mind you eating out\u2026dad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you can\u2019t cook.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey! I mean, uh, you\u2019re right. Can\u2019t cook. Totally dependent on other people. I\u2019d starve if I didn\u2019t eat out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you could make an effort to eat at other establishments in Liscor! Not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Embria jerked her head to indicate Erin, who was laughing and offering Badarrow a slice of cake while the other Goblins tried to fight him for it. Relc hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Erin\u2019s inn is special. Really. She only got the Goblins recently. I mean, they\u2019ve been around a while, but there was only this titchy one before. And Erin likes Goblins. Dunno why. I got in trouble when I killed these other Goblins, see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you\u2019re doing your job, despite what the Human thinks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, come on. Kid\u2026she makes good food. Like, really good. Try this cake! Here!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc offered Embria a forkful of cake. She brushed his hand away, raised her fork, and eyed the sugary offering. There was a small Goblin head smiling at her. Embria speared it through the eye and lifted a bit of cake and frosting to her mouth. Her eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors, what is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n It looked like it pained Embria to admit it. She shook her head as she began eating Relc\u2019s slice of cake, much to his relief and chagrin. But at last she seemed to be relaxing. She nodded to Relc.<\/p>\n \u201cSo is this what you\u2019ve been doing recently? Eating at this inn and guarding Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2026yep. Same as always. What about you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI made [Wing Commander] last year. I wrote you a letter. You never wrote back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. I read it. I just\u2026sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least you remembered my birthday. Thank you for the message.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem. Hey, what\u2019s the army doing now? Fighting around Zeres? Must be tough. Those guys don\u2019t let up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe manage. I was surprised to hear that Liscor needed help. I thought you\u2019d be able to handle anything that popped up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, yeah, but we\u2019ve got a dungeon! And moths! And did I tell you about this Named Adventurer that turned out to be a fake? She was murdering people, and guess who helped fight her off?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFight? You mean she got away?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAt least it looks like she\u2019s talking to him now. There\u2019s a lot of tension in the air, though. You could cut it with a knife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGee, you think? You could throw a knife over there, and it would stick in the air. Just look at the way her tail is moving! She\u2019s really upset with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think she\u2019s mad because of me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys rolled her eyes as she turned to Erin. They were peeking at the talking father and daughter duo from Erin\u2019s kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I think she\u2019s totally fine with a Human [Innkeeper] who insulted her when she was giving a speech, asked if she was dating her father, and employs both Antinium and<\/em> Goblins in her inn. That was sarcasm, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I got that near the end. But why\u2019s she so uptight?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s part of the army, Erin. They\u2019re the strictest hard-tail group Liscor has, and that\u2019s saying a lot. They hate monsters\u2014no surprise\u2014but they also hate the Antinium. They refused to go near the city for four years when we made the treaty with the Antinium after the second Antinium War, and they\u2019ve only been back twice since then!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. That\u2019s pretty bad, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Embria. She still couldn\u2019t believe that that was Relc\u2019s <\/em>daughter. She was Erin\u2019s age! And she looked really good, with her red scales and so on. Erin would have loved to talk with her, but from the way Relc kept wincing every few seconds, she doubted Embria was in a good mood.<\/p>\n \u201cSo she\u2019s Relc\u2019s daughter. Does she like him?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is<\/em> her father. But what a dad. I don\u2019t envy her. Just look at her. And her name.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with her name? Embria sounds cool?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is\u2026no, it\u2019s more embarrassing. Embria? Seriously Erin, that sounds like a name of some kind of Dragon. She can sort of pull it off with her scales, but I bet she got teased all the time growing up. Only Relc would give her a name like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw. Poor kid.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria turned in her seat, and both Selys and Erin ducked back. Erin looked at Selys.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we haven\u2019t gotten to talk much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder why not? Could it be the monster attacks, and everyone nearly dying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re getting good at sarcasm, Selys. But I wanted to talk to you about all kinds of stuff! Not just work\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, because my grandmother\u2019s here, and she\u2019s going to kick your tail for getting me to try and register those Hobgoblins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour grandmother? Uh\u2014do I have to talk to her? She\u2019s scary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know the half of it. Hold on\u2014who\u2019s coming through now? Is that\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys broke off, and Erin got up as she spotted a familiar figure entering the inn through the magic door. Wall Lord Ilvriss and twelve of his followers entered, all of them staring around the inn as if it was a dump. Ilvriss caused a commotion though\u2014he headed over to Olesm\u2019s table as all the Drakes sitting there shot to their feet.<\/p>\n Embria also rose and strode over to the Wall Lord. She saluted as Ilvriss turned to her.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss! Sir!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWing Commander Embria, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss looked mildly surprised as he saluted Embria in return. He glanced at Erin as she hurried over.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Solstice. A table for thirteen. Next to Olesm\u2019s table. This is a celebration in his honor. Drinks\u2014water for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey Ilvriss! I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d turn up!\u201d<\/p>\n Embria nearly choked on her tongue as Erin grinned at Ilvriss. He glared at her as his adjutants gasped at her effrontery. Undeterred, Erin looked at Embria, confused.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you Embria\u2019s boss? Sorry, Miss Embria\u2019s. I thought you were in different armies or something?\u201d<\/p>\n Stiffly, Embria turned to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cDrakes share a common command. We respect<\/em> each other even when we are at odds. Wall Lord Ilvriss is one of the foremost leaders of Salazsar. He deserves at least a modicum of respect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. A [General] is still a [General] regardless of which city he hails from. He should be accorded respect in war\u2014not that Humans share our beliefs.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss smiled at Embria who returned the smile and then looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cThe table?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Drassi! Ishkr! Table here! We\u2019ll push it over. So you\u2019re here for Olesm\u2019s party?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promised him I would attend, and I am a Drake of my word.\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lord replied haughtily. He paused and lowered his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I was told you were serving\u2026cake?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grinned at him. The Wall Lord sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like enough for all of my followers to eat. Assuming you\u2019re willing to sell me what you have left?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grinned at him wickedly.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019ve got tons. Only there\u2019s a slight <\/em>problem\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n When she presented Ilvriss with the cake with Goblins decorated on it, Embria stared at the Wall Lord, waiting for his reaction. Ilvriss eyed the Goblin drawn in frosting and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cTypical. Fine, I\u2019ll pay for one for every Drake at my table, and whatever Swifttail\u2019s bill is, I\u2019ll cover for the night. No cake for me. It\u2019s far too sugary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWant some mayonnaise instead?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cGive me your menu, Human. And don\u2019t push your luck.\u201d<\/p>\n He went to sit down at his table. Embria returned to sit with Relc, wide-eyed.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss eats here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cTold ya. Old Zel ate here too, before\u2026you know. People like<\/em> Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe he didn\u2019t take offense. What were we talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said you were ordered to come back here. Was it to see me?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria looked frostily at Relc as he gave her a big smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHardly. I was ordered to return because my company had few wounded, and because we could be spared. I would have argued to stay on the front, but I thought I might as well return to give you this. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n She reached behind her and picked up the spear. Relc eyed it, and his eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, wait a second! That\u2019s mine!\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cTook you long enough to figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was looking at you! Hey, are you giving it to me? Did you do your old man a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m just delivering it. The army doesn\u2019t need your spear, and they\u2019ve decided to let you have it since Liscor\u2019s gotten more dangerous. You sent them fifteen <\/em>letters\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah, I knew that would do the trick! Alright, my old spear! Thanks for bringing it, kid!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was overjoyed. He grabbed the haft of the spear and grunted. Embria hadn\u2019t let go.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Kid? Hello? Embria?\u201d<\/p>\n His daughter stared at Relc. Her arms didn\u2019t move an inch.<\/p>\n \u201cDad. You should come back.\u201d<\/p>\n The big Drake froze. He held onto his spear as he stared at Embria. His eyes slid past her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Nah, nah, I\u2019m good, thanks. I retired, remember? They wouldn\u2019t want\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI talked to my commander. He says you could reenlist. You\u2019d have your old rank back. You could join our company in the city, and come back with me after the Goblin Lord\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, k\u2014Embria. That\u2019s a nice offer, but I\u2019m done with the army. Can I have my spear now? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n Senior Guardsman Relc tried to smile. Embria stared at him, unblinking.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me why.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you last time. I like it here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStaying in one place doesn\u2019t make me stop liking it, Embria. I like not being in the army more, now, actually. It\u2019s restful, being in Liscor. Well, mostly. I get to fight and<\/em> relax, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc tried to laugh, but Embria looked troubled. She shook her head as if unable to listen to him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re wasted here. You\u2019re a [Guardsman]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSenior <\/em>Guardsman! That\u2019s an important rank!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA Senior Guardsman, when you were a legend back in the army!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s smile faded.<\/p>\n \u201cI was a [Sergeant], kid. Don\u2019t listen to those other idiots. I was just a [Sergeant]\u2014hell, I got paid like one and never got past that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Sergeant] who got awarded an enchanted spear for valor? Don\u2019t lie. You were a hero. You could have stayed and been famous!\u201d<\/p>\n A pained look flashed across Relc\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI was already famous. I wanted to get old, I told you. I retired\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one just quits.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, they stay even when they\u2019re wounded or old. That\u2019s how your mother died.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria\u2019s eyes blazed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe died a hero.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc didn\u2019t meet his daughter\u2019s eyes. He gripped the spear tighter. There was a creak<\/em> from Embria\u2019s chair and the table between them. Neither Drake moved.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me have my spear, Embria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRejoin the army.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive it a moment\u2019s thought.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did. And I did last time you came by. The answer\u2019s no.\u201d<\/p>\n A spark of fury entered Embria\u2019s voice. She tried to pull the spear back with both hands, but Relc\u2019s single arm didn\u2019t budge.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re wasting away here! What are you doing, working with the Antinium? With the enemy? Do you know how humiliating<\/em> it is to know you\u2019re his <\/em>partner? That you\u2019re the only Drake from the army who\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe<\/em> has a name. Klb. Klbkch. He\u2019s my buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a monster<\/em>. The Antinium are a threat to Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, they\u2019re not. They saved Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not what High Command believes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time, Relc met his daughter\u2019s eyes squarely. He pulled, and her arms moved an inch unwillingly towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think the Antinium didn\u2019t save us? That we beat the Necromancer by ourselves? I was on the walls. I was there<\/em>, kid. The High Command\u2019s got it wrong. The Ants\u2014the Antinium saved us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey just did that to trick us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood trick. They could have let us die when Skinner attacked\u2014or when the moths did. They\u2019ve fought for us ever since then. For ten years. You wanna give them a bit of a break?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria hissed.<\/p>\n \u201cForget about them. Just come back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Give me my spear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not yours. It\u2019s the army\u2019s until I let go.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s huge arm gripped the spear tighter.<\/p>\n \u201cThen let go.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria pulled back, setting her stance, gritting her teeth as her tail lashed the chair legs.<\/p>\n \u201cMake me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014-<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are they doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Relc and Embria as they both held onto the spear. She edged over to the Drakes having fun and who were ignoring the weird tableau that was the subject of attention and at least five bets in the room.<\/p>\n \u201cPsst. Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lord looked up as he paused in laughing at something Olesm had said. He sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpeak to Wall Lord Ilvriss with respect, Human!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the Drakes sitting next to Ilvriss glared at Erin, her tail curled around her chair\u2019s leg. Erin gave her a blank look.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, but I\u2019m in a hurry. Besides, Ilvriss isn\u2019t my<\/em> Lord of the Wall or whatever. He\u2019s cool. I\u2019m cool. We\u2019re on a level.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drakes sitting around Ilvriss inhaled sharply. The angry Drake woman half-rose.<\/p>\n \u201cThe nerve of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lord held up a claw and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough. What is it you want, Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded to the father and daughter locked in a silent tug-of-war.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc. And, uh, Embria. What\u2019s their deal?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss stroked his chin and looked around the table.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know that Drake personally\u2014he\u2019s a Senior Guardsman, isn\u2019t he? Shivertail seemed to know him, but I don\u2019t recall. Does anyone here know his history?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. One of Ilvriss\u2019 more military-looking followers sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cI do, sir. That\u2019s Relc Grasstongue. Former [Sergeant] in Liscor\u2019s army. The Gecko of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss clicked his claws together.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s him! I knew I\u2019d seen him before. And he\u2019s a [Guardsman] in Liscor now? Oddities never cease in this city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gecko?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had heard the name somewhere, but she hadn\u2019t fully connected it to Relc as a title until now. She stared at Relc, confused.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that some kind of fancy title? I\u2019ve never heard Relc call himself that. And he brags a lot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She saw some of the Drakes at the table smirking. Ilvriss spoke calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not exactly a compliment. Are you aware of what geckos are, Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSort of.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin frowned. In her mind, geckos were small, quick little things that ran away and shed their tails. And sometimes promoted car insurance. She could see why Relc resented the title.<\/p>\n \u201cThey run away, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. The Gecko\u2014or rather, Relc Grasstongue\u2014was a known figure in Liscor\u2019s army for his speed and fighting prowess. He was one of their best fighters who ambushed enemy officers and then escaped before he could be caught. A valuable skirmisher in other words, but the title stuck.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss nodded as he recalled Relc\u2019s history. Erin was impressed. If Ilvriss, who was a big shot, could remember Relc, then Relc must have been something! Then again, Ilvriss seemed to have a photographic memory where Drakes were concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2019s his daughter mad at him, then? And when did he have a daughter? Why\u2019d he leave his army if he was so great?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOcelos?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss looked at the Drake who\u2019d known about Relc. The officer sat up and nodded sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cMore details?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as the Human wants.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake drummed his claws on the table before speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gecko of Liscor. Relc Grasstongue. From what I can recall, he was never formally married but had a child out of wedlock with another soldier\u2014a [Major]\u2014when he was quite young. And my understanding is that this Wing Commander Embria grew up travelling with Liscor\u2019s army, so I would assume she was raised by both parents, as Liscor\u2019s army travelled from place to place. As for Relc Grasstongue himself, he had a notable career for over two and a half decades until he suddenly retired, an oddity among Liscor\u2019s [Soldiers]. Considered highly dangerous\u2026known for his speed which could match a Courier\u2019s\u2026what else? He never made it past [Sergeant], and in an army like Liscor\u2019s, that\u2019s telling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was curious. [Sergeant] didn\u2019t sound bad to her. It wasn\u2019t great, but\u2026she saw Ilvriss motion for the Drake to tell her.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor\u2019s army is unique in that they have an officer for every five soldiers. Generally speaking, [Sergeant] is a worthless rank in an army that has hundreds of sergeants.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, really? Hundreds?<\/em> Isn\u2019t that too many?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a tactic they employ to strengthen their army.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss shrugged as he took a drink. He grimaced\u2014he was drinking water. Erin wondered if he\u2019d be interested in milk instead. The knowledgeable military Drake nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a trick, but a good one. Liscor fields a very small force\u2014two or three thousand generally. They can rise as high as six thousand depending on whether they\u2019re actively conscripting. But their strength doesn\u2019t lie in numbers. It\u2019s their officers, which buff their army to the point where they can fight against larger forces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. I get it. And Embria\u2019s higher-rank, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConsiderably. She\u2019s a [Wing Commander]. That\u2019s a variant of the [Commander] class that specializes in\u2014you could think of her as being a few ranks down from [General], Human.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s her other class? Solstice, most officers have two classes. Sometimes they have just one, but many have two. Ocelos?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss looked over at Embria. She was still holding onto the spear, as was Relc, but the table between them was starting to creak<\/em>. Erin thought she saw cracks forming in the wood. She wondered if she should stop them, and then wondered if that would get her stabbed. Ocelos pondered Ilvriss\u2019 question for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cHer main combat class is\u2026a [Spear Hunter] I believe, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not familiar with the class. Is it mobile?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. Specialized in mobile offensives\u2014sometimes gained by [Hunters] specializing in spear weapons. It\u2019s an upgrade to the [Spear Drake] class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Spear Drake]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur version of [Spearman]. Well, she\u2019s not as adept as her father, then. Not that I\u2019d expect her to be at her age.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, how good is Relc, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Ocelos coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cSergeant Relc\u2026that is to say, Senior Guardsman Relc was known as a formidable [Spearmaster]. He earned the class by slaying another [Spearmaster] on the battlefield.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Solstice, that\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWith his Skills and speed, the Gecko was a terror to [Strategists] and lower-ranked officers. I don\u2019t doubt he\u2019s just as formidable now as he was in the past. What was his level, Ocelos, do you know? Thirty three? Hm. A Level 33 [Spearmaster] plus a Level\u2026well, at least a Level 20 [Sergeant] is a formidable combination.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he retired. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n Ocelos didn\u2019t know. Ilvriss tapped a claw on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cDishonorable discharge, a desire to stop fighting\u2026it could be any reason, which is his alone, Solstice. But his daughter clearly resents his retirement. It\u2019s rare for Drakes to retire from military life to begin with, and Liscor\u2019s army takes that example to the extreme. She probably wants him to return to his command.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd he doesn\u2019t want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have it correct. Does that satisfy your interest?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I just wonder, though, does she love him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEmbria? She came all this way for him. Does she love him?\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Perhaps\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He got no further. There was an almighty crack,<\/em> and Erin\u2019s head whipped around as she saw the struggle between father and daughter end at last. Relc pulled his spear towards his body, and Embria let go as the table literally snapped<\/em> between them, sending shards of wood flying everywhere. People ducked, and Erin covered her face as Relc raised his spear.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! I win!\u201d<\/p>\n Embria lay on the ground, staring up at him. She got up slowly as Relc lowered his spear. He looked almost ashamed as he offered her a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHey kid, no hard feelings, right?\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at his claw and knocked it aside. She stormed away from Relc as Erin rushed over.<\/p>\n \u201cMy table! Hey Relc, what was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStuff.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake sighed and kicked at a broken table leg. He looked around at Erin, at Klbkch, and grinned weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. I\u2019ll pay for that. Embria and I were just\u2026you know. It\u2019s difficult. But hey. At least I got my spear, right?\u201d<\/p>\n He tried to laugh. It didn\u2019t work. Erin looked at him, opened her mouth, and decided not to ask. She pointed at his spear instead.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s your spear? The one you kept talking about? Is it magical?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. It pierces magic barriers like cheese! Soft cheese.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc twirled his spear. It had a grooved tip, and the haft looked thick and made of a dark brown-grey wood. Besides that, it looked completely normal to Erin at first glance. She waited for Relc to go on.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. That\u2019s it?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked offended.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, that\u2019s it? That\u2019s great! I could take on any Gold-rank adventurer with this! I could have given that jerk Gnoll a run for her money and<\/em> killed that Skinner dude with this! Okay, maybe not killed him\u2014but I could have poked out one of his eyes! Besides, this spear won\u2019t break! Check this out!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc walked over to two more newly-made tables and tossed his spear on top of the gap between them. He leapt up and balanced on the spear\u2019s shaft as both tables bore his weight, grinning at Erin. He hopped up several feet and landed heavily on the spear\u2014both tables jumped, but the spear didn\u2019t so much as bend an inch. Erin stared appreciatively at the spear.<\/p>\n \u201cCool. Now get off my tables! They\u2019re brand new!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, okay. I\u2019m just telling you. It\u2019s a good spear! And Embria brought it all the way here. She\u2019s cool, that kid of mine. I just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Relc broke off as Embria stormed back towards him. The red-scaled Drake looked angry, and she ignored Erin completely as she stopped in front of Relc.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like I can\u2019t bring you back this time. Keep your damn spear, Dad\u2014no one else needs it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Senior Guardsman looked hurt.<\/p>\n \u201cAw. Embria\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSave it. I\u2019m going back to Liscor. I just wanted to say something before I left. Not to you\u2014to the Human here.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria turned towards Erin. Confused, Erin met her sizzling gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHalf the things in your inn, Human. But those Goblins are the worst. Get rid of them. They\u2019re a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake nodded towards the Redfang Goblins. The sound in the room stopped as everyone looked up. Erin saw Ilvriss glance at the Goblins, and the Hobs immediately grew tense. She scowled at Embria.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re my security! They work here!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re monsters. Don\u2019t lie to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria glanced at the Hobs, not a shred of compassion in her eyes. She looked around the room, speaking loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might not be aware of this, but after General Shivertail\u2019s death, all the Walled Cities are increasing their bounties on Goblins fivefold. Liscor\u2019s High Command has agreed with that decision and made it a policy to hunt down Goblin tribes we encounter\u2014as have the other Drake cities on Izril!\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice echoed as she turned to face the Redfang Warriors. They sat at their table, the five of them, staring with crimson eyes at the red-scaled Drake. Embria\u2019s voice was impartial, distant, as she continued.<\/p>\n \u201cWe eradicated two Goblin tribes on the way here. Small ones, not worth mentioning. The Walled Cities are doing the same, and a lot of ordinary Drakes have volunteered for temporary military duty to honor General Shivertail. And we\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed towards the north, where the Floodplains and rains ended and the road led towards Celum and beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m told the Human nobility are mobilizing armies against smaller Goblin tribes. Once that Human with the large army moves, there won\u2019t be a living Goblin north or south of Liscor for a thousand miles. These Goblins might be safe until they cause trouble, or until I can convince Liscor\u2019s Council that they\u2019re a threat, but soon enough they\u2019ll have nowhere to go. Their tribe will be wiped out. The Humans are already purging the smaller tribes, just like the Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s heart beat wildly. Rags!<\/em> Embria kept staring at the Redfang Goblins. They met her gaze, and there was a bit of wild in their eyes, a bit of hate. She stared back as Headscratcher\u2019s grip tightened on his mug until it cracked<\/em>, as Badarrow held back Shorthilt and Rabbiteater. Embria pointed at the five Hobs.<\/p>\n \u201cRun while you can, Goblins. And run fast. Because this time everyone in the world is hunting you.\u201d<\/p>\n Then she turned and stormed out of the inn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The next day, Erin closed up her inn just after dawn. She waved farewell to the Players of Celum, who\u2019d done two performances, and let the Soldiers march through to their Hive or to resume their watch from the battlements. The last of her guests that she said farewell to were Relc and Klbkch. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693085,349],"tags":[7224,250708,4330244,4472517,11693079],"twi_volume":[11693134],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-4747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-5","category-writing","tag-fantasy","tag-inn","tag-web-novel","tag-web-serial","tag-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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