\u201cAnd so we pray. Not for a god, not because we are chosen or beloved. We are alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mass of heads bowed before Pawn. He stood at the small earthen dais at the back of the room. It was nothing more than packed earth. Pawn held a censer in his hands. It was not burning, although a faint cinnamon smell still emanated from it. He had no intention of lighting it; it was just for comfort as he spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The words echoed through the chamber over the listening Soldiers and Workers. Painful words. True words. Pawn knew them to be true. He raised his voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever. I believe in heaven. I believe in salvation and the worth of our souls. I believe in you. So if you would, join me and have faith that there is a place for our kind. And if there is none, we shall build it ourselves. Let us pray.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pawn lowered his head and put two of his hands together, clasping them as he sensed the other Antinium doing the same. He prayed then, prayed without words. He imagined what heaven might be. He hoped it was real and that his words were not meaningless. For a while, he stood thus and felt better. That was all. He raised his head and spoke softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmen.\u201d<\/p>\n
A susurration ran through the crowd of Antinium as they raised their heads. The faintest of sounds; they did not sigh or speak. The sounds of their hands unclasping, of them standing or adjusting their posture was faint. But there was a change. Pawn nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease come forwards and receive your wafers.\u201d<\/p>\n
He reached for a basket of round little pieces of flatbread, and the Soldiers and Workers fell into line seamlessly. They cupped their hands as Pawn offered them the tiny pieces of bread. It was small enough that the digestion of the Antinium wouldn\u2019t be unduly disturbed by the food. And it was tasty. Pawn offered the wafers to each Antinium in turn until he only had a few wafers in the basket and there were no more Antinium in line.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for attending the sermon. You may return to your business.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Workers and Soldiers silently savoring the small bits of bread didn\u2019t so much as nod. They instantly broke up. Pawn sighed as he scooped the wafers in the bottom of the basket up.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere. For the wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n
He offered the wafers to a huge Soldier who approached him. Yellow Splatters took the wafers and nodded. Pawn had to give them away; if he left them alone, the Antinium would let them rot rather than eat them without permission. The [Sergeant] stepped towards some of the Painted Soldiers who had been wounded. They looked up and received the wafers silently, regardless if they had prayed or not.<\/p>\n
Wafers. They were Pawn\u2019s latest innovation. He\u2019d ordered them ahead of time and petitioned Klbkch to add them to his budget. They weren\u2019t an expense at all, but neither were they strictly necessary. The Revalantor had been confused as to why Pawn needed them, and Pawn couldn\u2019t explain properly.<\/p>\n
It was a small thing. A nice thing. That was all. It wasn\u2019t an incentive to join his weekly sermon and prayer\u2014which in itself lasted about twenty minutes\u2014but it was nice. Pawn had eventually convinced Klbkch that it was important. He could feed all the Antinium with it; give them a treat between their horrible meals. Even the ones who didn\u2019t pray.<\/p>\n
Ah, yes. Pawn raised his head and looked around. Not all the Antinium were eating. Some Workers and Soldiers stood apart from the others, waiting patiently for the others to finish savoring their snack. They had not joined the mass and had declined to receive a wafer, even though Pawn made it clear the wafers were there for everyone regardless of whether they prayed or not.<\/p>\n
Not all prayed. What was curious to Pawn, what lifted his spirits was<\/em> that not all the Antinium who became Individual prayed. He stood in the Soldiers\u2019 barracks that had been converted into the formal meeting place for his unit of Painted Soldiers and now Workers and saw hundreds of Soldiers, and dozens of Workers. Of that number, roughly two thirds had attended his sermon. The rest had not. And, Pawn suspected, never would. They did not believe. And that was fine.<\/p>\n Belgrade would not pray. Anand would, but Pawn wondered if the Worker truly believed. Garry had not ever had time to join one of the masses, and as for Bird\u2026no. The Worker had told Pawn that it was more fun to sit in his tower. Even if it was raining. You never knew if a water bird was going to fall out of the sky. That was fine too. Pawn would believe for all of them.<\/p>\n He was two things in this place. An [Acolyte], a believer in something greater than any one Antinium. And a leader of the Painted Soldiers and Workers here. It was the Workers that Pawn turned his mind to now. He stared at the awkward Workers milling about in small clumps of their own, not talking, but rather standing around. Enjoying not<\/em> working, perhaps.<\/p>\n In the weeks since he had gained his [Benediction of Hope] Skill, Pawn\u2019s congregation had grown. As had the size of his unit of Individual Antinium. It was no longer just the Painted Soldiers but Individual Workers as well. His experiments with the chess boards had created a population of Individual Workers who were not Aberration\u2026but weren\u2019t as distinct as Pawn, Belgrade, or the others.<\/p>\n They could pass the Hive\u2019s tests which other Antinium would fail at. If they were asked what their names were, they would quietly reply they had none. They would not break<\/em> if confronted with questions about their purpose or identity. They had a spark. But Pawn thought that without Erin, without the time and\u2026affection she had given him, they could not be more.<\/p>\n Workers and Soldiers. Pawn had no idea what to do with so many of them. Klbkch had simple orders: turn them into a fighting force. The Painted Soldiers were already more capable than regular ones, and the Workers could use bows and perhaps even swords and shields. Daggers, maces, clubs\u2014he had talked to Pawn about purchasing arms to test this theory. But Pawn knew in his heart that he needed something more. The Workers needed more than chess. The Soldiers needed more than the occasional walk in the sun or bowl of real food.<\/p>\n So what could he bring down into the Hive? What wonders could he carry down from above? How could he show them who they were? Pawn didn\u2019t know, but he knew who did. He turned to the two Soldiers who stood by him. One had returned from attending to the wounded. He was the largest Soldier, distinct because he had an inch or two of height and body mass over the rest. His body was decorated with yellow splatters of paint.<\/p>\n The other Soldier was of equal height with the rest, but his mandibles were painted purple, as was part of his face to give him a strange, purple smile. True to his name, Purple Smile was relaxed, calm, where Yellow Splatters stood at straight attention. Yellow Splatters had been part of the praying Antinium. Purple Smile had not. Pawn addressed both of them.<\/p>\n \u201cI am going to consult with Erin now. Purple Smile, please oversee the chess games. Yellow Splatters, I leave you in charge of training and responding to any emergencies that arise.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeants] both nodded. They turned\u2014Purple Smile waved one of his hands at Pawn\u2014and marched towards their designated spot. Yellow Splatters supervised a group of Workers clumsily sparring with wooden swords and Soldiers sparring carefully<\/em> with one another. Purple Smile wandered over to a group of Soldiers clustered around a chess board on the ground.<\/p>\n The Soldiers could now play with an oversized chess board that Pawn had commissioned for them. It was about six times larger than usual, so the Soldiers could move the pieces about with their clumsy hands. There was only one so far, with two more currently commissioned. Pawn was glad to see that the Soldiers were attentively watching the board as a Worker slowly pushed a piece forwards, trapping the Soldiers\u2019 king.<\/p>\n He saw the Worker pause and the Soldiers stare at the king. The Worker shrank, but the Soldier he had been playing against calmly toppled the king piece. Purple Smile clapped his hands and instantly another Soldier took his place. Pawn shook his head as the Worker hesitantly began to reset his side of the board.<\/p>\n \u201cAwkward.\u201d<\/p>\n That was the only word for it. Awkward. The Workers had no idea how to behave around the Soldiers. They barely knew how to behave with time off with each other. The Soldiers scared them. It wasn\u2019t as if they ever mixed. And the Soldiers themselves seemed to treat the Workers as fragile things to be ignored or carefully avoided. Pawn wanted to bridge the gap between them. They were all Antinium, after all. But he had no idea how<\/em>.<\/p>\n So he did what he always did. He went to see Erin. It was a flawless plan, except for all the flaws in it. But Pawn did it. He liked seeing Erin. He liked visiting the inn. He had friends there. He hadn\u2019t gone to the inn recently because he had duties in the Hive. And duty mattered. What drove Pawn out of his Hive and onto the rainy streets was duty, not personal pleasure. Okay, and because he liked seeing Erin. And his friends.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The rain hit Pawn the instant he stepped out of the Hive. He jerked in alarm before remembering that this was what happened above. Pawn looked up at the grey skies. Strange. You could forget it was raining in the Hive. The water that poured down never so much as pooled in the entrance of the Hive; it was carefully diverted by many, many<\/em> tunnels and runoff vents designed solely to keep the Hive safe. Above, Pawn felt exposed by the water. He scurried down the street, hunching as the wind picked up and more water splashed him in the face.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t like water. It wasn\u2019t as bad as Belgrade, but every Antinium living in Liscor\u2019s Hive who lived through a rainy season knew of the dangers it presented. A tunnel could burst or collapse and water flood a passageway, drowning any Antinium caught there. The Hive was designed to prevent water from filling it if a single tunnel broke, but that was small comfort to the Workers and Soldiers who would slowly drown, helpless, unable to swim.<\/p>\n Not that Pawn dwelt on such thoughts particularly long. It was just hard to forget when the city was surrounded by water. Pawn wondered when the rains would stop. It would be long, far too long before he was able to patrol with his Soldiers above-ground again. True, the waters would drain, but they would leave far too much mud behind for far too long. He needed a distraction, no, an occupation for his people in the meantime. Erin had to have a good idea.<\/p>\n No one stopped Pawn as he hurried down the street. The Drakes and Gnolls were equally consumed with avoiding getting wet and so Pawn made it to the western gate where Erin\u2019s magical door was without incident. He reached for the door handle, opened it, and saw nothing but a blank wall behind.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. The door is not active yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn was slightly crestfallen. He waited in the rain, awkwardly hunching his shoulders and wondering when it would open. This was a new problem for the inn, and Pawn had understood it could be a big <\/em>problem, especially if no one opened the door for hours.<\/p>\n Happily, he only had to wait for nine minutes before the door opened. Relieved, Pawn stepped aside as someone walked through. Then he froze as a familiar black-brown Antinium walked though.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn\u2019s good mood took a slight downturn as he spotted the once-Prognugator of Liscor\u2019s Hive. He stared at Ksmvr who paused in the rainy street. The two Antinium regarded each other. They had a history.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish you a good morning, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ksmvr. I appreciate you opening the door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was intending to train with Yvlon at the Adventurer\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. For you.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence. The two Antinium stared at each other. Ksmvr eventually jerked his head towards the gates.<\/p>\n \u201cThe issue of the magical door not opening will be solved soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are building a bridge from Liscor to the inn. Over the water.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOver?\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr nodded. Pawn\u2019s mandibles opened wide in horror. Over the water?<\/em> He imagined walking on the bridge while water was all around him, below him\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cI will never use that bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstandable. I, however, will cross it. To prove I am unafraid of water.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr\u2019s voice shook a bit but he stood straighter, as if to prove himself. Pawn eyed him.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to die?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. But I must prove myself to my group.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut surely your teammates understand that you are unable to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n The former Prognugator paused.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is irrelevant. I must conquer my fears. Any fears.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn shook his head. This was one of the reasons why he didn\u2019t like Ksmvr. The other Antinium was just\u2014Pawn edged around Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish you luck. Truly. But I will go into the inn now. Is Erin there? I wanted to talk to her.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Antinium nodded vaguely.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is. Although she is occupied. Captain Ceria told me to leave her and Lyonette alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn paused.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. The [Barmaid], Miss Lyonette, is crying. She has not stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette\u2019s crying? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n Suddenly Pawn was in front of Ksmvr. Up until this moment, he hadn\u2019t been interested in talking with him\u2014he\u2019d been hoping Ksmvr would step out of the way so Pawn could get inside the inn. But now he was keenly, horribly interested in what the other Antinium was saying. Unfortunately, Ksmvr was the wrong person to talk to.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea why she is crying. She is not a member of my team. Therefore, I only recorded this information as a pertinent piece of gossip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPertinent to what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not know. Would you like me to ask why Lyonette is crying? Would that assist me in social gossip, do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI must talk with her. Excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn shoved past Ksmvr. The other Antinium called out after Pawn.<\/p>\n \u201cI resent your abrupt departure from the conversation!\u201d<\/p>\n The door slammed shut. Pawn stared around The Wandering Inn, dripping, and looked around. He saw the Halfseekers eating, the Redfang Goblins sitting in a corner, Drassi and a Drake he did not recognize waiting tables\u2014and no Lyonette. Where was she? Normally she\u2019d be here, already hurrying towards him with his favorite drink\u2014warm milk and honey.<\/p>\n \u201cCrying?\u201d<\/p>\n Why was Lyonette sad? Pawn saw Drassi point at him and come over. He stared around, hoping Lyonette would appear from behind a table. Maybe she was in the kitchen? Why was she crying? He\u2019d seen her just the other day! But she\u2019d been busy waiting tables, and Pawn hadn\u2019t wanted to distract her.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Pawn! Can I get you a seat? Are there more Soldiers coming in behind you? Do you want something to eat? To drink? Wow, you\u2019re wet! We need a rug or something here. I should talk to Erin about that. Hey Pawn? Pawn?\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi\u2019s approach to meeting new people was to smother them with words. Pawn glanced at her distractedly.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Thank you Drassi, but I am not hungry or thirsty. I came here to see Erin. Or Lyonette. Where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n The female Drake\u2019s face fell slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette? Um\u2026she\u2019s in her room. Taking a day off. She wasn\u2019t feeling well. I dunno what was wrong, but Erin says she\u2019s upset and so she won\u2019t be down. But Erin\u2019s in the kitchen. You want me to grab her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. Sure you don\u2019t want a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am sure. Please get Erin for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn sat anxiously at a table, willing Drassi to walk faster as she entered the kitchen. Moments later, Erin stepped out, wiping her hands which were covered with flour.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn! Oh no, I\u2019m so sorry!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n His heart beat faster as Erin looked distraught. She sat down as he half-rose and he sat with her.<\/p>\n \u201cI completely forgot about your problem. We had plays all of yesterday, and this morning there was this thing with Lyonette\u2014look, I\u2019m really sorry, but I can brainstorm with you now if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn stared at Erin as she gave him a guilty look. The problems with the Workers and Soldiers. He\u2019d forgotten all about that. It was why he was here of course. Pawn shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is unimportant at the moment. I was told by Ksmvr that Lyonette was upset. And Drassi. Is she well? Has something happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette? She\u2019s\u2026upstairs. She\u2019s not doing so good. I don\u2019t know why exactly, but I think something happened last night. Or it could be stress. She wouldn\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin frowned in worry. Pawn leaned forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cShe would not tell you? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe didn\u2019t tell me that either. Look, she might just be having a bad day, Pawn. Why? Did you need her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I am concerned. May I see her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee her?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin chewed her lip, frowning. She glanced at Pawn.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026I think she\u2019d be happier to be by herself. But you two are friends. We can ask.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn stood up at once. Erin got to her feet with a sigh. She pointed up the stairs, and Pawn led the way. All the while he wondered what was wrong. Why was Lyonette crying? Erin didn\u2019t know. Why didn\u2019t she know? She knew almost everything. Pawn had to ask. Lyonette was his friend. She was more than just a [Barmaid] that fed him and the other Antinium.<\/p>\n She was a [Princess]. Lyonette had told him. It was her secret, one she\u2019d shared with Pawn. Pawn had kept that knowledge tucked in his chest. He didn\u2019t know if she\u2019d told Erin or anyone else. But he valued the trust all the same. He had gotten to know her when Erin was gone from the inn. If there was anything he could do\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThis door.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin came to the first door in the hallway and rapped softly on the door. Pawn listened. He couldn\u2019t hear much from inside, but at Erin\u2019s knock he heard a quiet shuffling. It wasn\u2019t Lyonette who opened the door, but Mrsha. The Gnoll cub stood clumsily on two legs as she pulled the door open.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Mrsha. Hey Lyonette. Sorry to bug you.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] called cautiously into the room as Pawn tried to look over her shoulder. He couldn\u2019t see past her. Erin stepped into the room as Mrsha stared up at Pawn. He stared back and waved one of his hands at her. The Gnoll didn\u2019t wave back.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, don\u2019t get up Lyonette. I didn\u2019t want to bug you but Pawn\u2019s here and he\u2019s worried. You don\u2019t have to\u2014it\u2019s okay? Okay, Pawn? Come on in.\u201d<\/p>\n Hesitantly, Pawn stepped into the room as Mrsha dropped onto all fours and padded back inside. She crept up next to a young woman sitting with a blanket around her shoulders. Lyonette\u2019s eyes were red, and she was holding a wet handkerchief. She looked up at Pawn and tried to smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHi Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Lyonette. I am terribly sorry to bother you. I was worried when I heard you were upset.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stood up. She looked at Pawn and Lyonette, wavering.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to get back to work. Lyonette, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n The younger girl gave Erin a watery smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Erin. Don\u2019t worry about me, please. I know you have a lot to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Pawn? If you want to talk, I\u2019ll be in the kitchen later.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn nodded distractedly as Erin left. He kept staring at Lyonette. She was still crying. Tears ran from the sides of her eyes, and she kept dabbing at them. Mrsha curled up next to her. Pawn had no idea what to say. At last, he tried to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry to bother you, Lyonette. I could come back later if you do not wish to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine, Pawn. I didn\u2019t want to make you worry. I\u2019m just\u2014having a bad day, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n What a wholly unsatisfactory response. Pawn searched for good words and found none. He almost regretted coming upstairs, to be honest. What could he say? He shouldn\u2019t have bothered her. And yet\u2014it was Lyonette. His friend. Was she his friend? He thought she must be.<\/p>\n She had been there when he first started to lead the Soldiers. She had taught him how to act, how to stand tall. She had fed them. And now she was crying, and he had no idea why. He hadn\u2019t known. That made Pawn\u2019s chest hurt.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I ask why you are upset?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette sniffed. She looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026personal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. I see.\u201d<\/p>\n Crestfallen, the Worker looked down at his feet. He was still wet. He should go. But he didn\u2019t move. After a moment, Lyonette looked up at him and sniffed again.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that I don\u2019t want to say. It\u2019s just\u2014it shouldn\u2019t matter but it does. I lost it, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLost? What?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy class.\u201d<\/p>\n Tears trickled down Lyonette\u2019s cheeks. Pawn stared at her. She couldn\u2019t mean her [Barmaid] class. If she was crying, then\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cYou lost your [Princess] class?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette nodded. Pawn was stunned.<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI must have stopped being a princess. At last. I should have known it would happen. I work at an inn as a [Barmaid]. I\u2019m far from my kingdom. I\u2014I should have known. And it shouldn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n She sniffed, and Mrsha reached up to pat her leg. Lyonette gently stroked Mrsha\u2019s head. Pawn felt like an outsider. He should not be here. And he had no idea what to say. She had lost her class.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should have it back. I will pray for your class to return.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette blinked. She stared at Pawn and then laughed. It was a weak sound, and there was nothing funny in the way she laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No. Don\u2019t do that. It\u2019s fine, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut your class\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn didn\u2019t know what to say. Lyonette was a [Princess]. She was\u2026royalty. As close to his Queen as anything in this world. He knew that was not the same, but it was how he understood her class. It made Lyonette important. How could she not be sad? But Lyonette didn\u2019t seem to see it that way. She cast around.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should sit. There\u2019s a chair over there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will take it. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Awkwardly, Pawn pulled the chair over and sat. He was still higher up than Lyonette, and he found himself looking down at her. She sat up, and he waited.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not a big deal, Pawn. I shouldn\u2019t be crying. I shouldn\u2019t. I lost my class because I wasn\u2019t doing [Princess]-like things. That\u2019s all. But I don\u2019t need the class. I was only\u2014only Level 6 anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it was your class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But I haven\u2019t been feeling like a princess in a while. I think I knew it. That\u2019s why I lost my class. And it\u2019s not like I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn didn\u2019t know what to say. He trailed off, staring at Lyonette. Tears flowed down her face, and her nose was wet. She wiped it, looking embarrassed, and Pawn looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cSurely it was important, though. You are a [Princess]. Were. Was that class not important to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was. But I lost it, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette whispered. She shook her head. Pawn realized he was repeating himself. After a while, he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was it like?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLiving as a princess.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked up at him. Pawn saw Mrsha raise her head. She smiled sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was it like? Being a [Princess] was\u2014well, it was nice at times. I loved the balls and dancing and exciting things that came to court. And travelling wherever I wanted in the kingdom. Having money to buy whatever clothing I wanted. But I wasn\u2019t happy. I never leveled. And when I came here, I gave all that up. So I traded being a [Princess] for actually leveling. That\u2019s why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She broke off and sniffed, then blew her nose wetly into the handkerchief. Pawn waited. He was confused.<\/p>\n \u201cBalls? Dancing? Why can you not do any of that here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere aren\u2019t any. No one knows I\u2019m a [Princess].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Mrsha has a ball.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn pointed at it. Lyonette stared and then laughed abruptly.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn, that\u2019s not the same! A ball<\/em> is a formal occasion. It\u2019s where we dress up in fancy clothing and dance in a big open space. It\u2019s not like anything Liscor has. It\u2019s another world. A different world. I left it behind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is why you lost your class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n He thought he did. It was just that he didn\u2019t understand why Lyonette didn\u2019t want her class back. Pawn mulled it over before he decided he had to ask.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you want it back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Because it\u2019s gone. Because it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it was your class. Surely you had Skills\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo. Two, Pawn. And they weren\u2019t that useful. They were\u2014useless. Like my class. It\u2019s gone, and I\u2019ll be better. I just need to cry. I don\u2019t know why I\u2019m crying. I should be okay. I just need a day. Then I\u2019ll be better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n Was that it? Pawn fumbled, searching for something else to say. There had to be something<\/em> he could say that would make Lyonette feel better. Or\u2014or help her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure you don\u2019t want your class back? I could pray. I could.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette laughed weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure! Pawn, I appreciate it, but all I want is to be alone for a while. I\u2019m glad you came by, I really am. But I just need to be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand. I will excuse myself. Please forgive me for interrupting you.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn stood up at once. He felt embarrassed and bad. Lyonette looked up, worried.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m not angry! Thank you for coming. It\u2019s just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She waved a helpless hand. Pawn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI will pray you feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette smiled at him. Pawn raised his mandibles and turned towards the door. He walked out, feeling helpless. Upset. Lyonette had lost her class. But she didn\u2019t want it back. That seemed wrong.<\/p>\n Downstairs, Erin asked if Lyonette was okay. When Pawn told her she wanted to be alone, Erin nodded and offered to talk with Pawn about his problems. He declined. He wandered back to the Hive, feeling out of sorts. When he got back, he tried to pray. But he couldn\u2019t. Lyonette\u2019s tears kept falling in his mind. She had lost her class. That was terrible. What could he do about it? Pray?<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t feel like enough. And that was strange too. Pawn paced anxiously. He felt helpless and upset and worried. What could he do? After a while, he stopped and clasped his hands in prayer.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Pawn had gone. Pawn had come back. He had promised to come back with ideas. He had returned with nothing. And now he was pacing. This indicated something was wrong, but neither Yellow Splatters nor Purple Smile knew what the problem was.<\/p>\n Purple Smile and Yellow Splatters were both [Sergeants]. It was a new concept to both Antinium, and Yellow Splatters was keenly aware of the cost of failure. He had failed once, and his Soldiers had suffered for it. He was anxious not to make another mistake, which was why he listened to everything Pawn said.<\/p>\n Only today, Pawn was saying nothing. Not to him at any rate. He had left the Hive and come back earlier than he had said. Now, rather than tell Yellow Splatters and the others about all the new ideas he had promised he was pacing back and forth. Muttering to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cSurely the class is important. It must be! She was crying. She was upset. But is she better off without it? Surely not. But she says she does not want help.\u201d<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters stared at Pawn as he paced back and forth. Other Antinium were staring too. Pawn\u2019s behavior was not normal, and the Workers and Soldiers were all paying attention. Pawn usually went to each of them and talked to them. But today he hadn\u2019t. He hadn\u2019t even noticed the biggest thing ever<\/em>.<\/p>\n The Soldiers and Workers were still standing around the chessboard. They hadn\u2019t moved since the last game. Ever since Pawn had brought the bigger chessboard, the Soldiers had played games against the Workers constantly. They had lost every game. The current tally was four hundred and eighteen wins by the Workers\u2026and now, just now<\/em>, one win by one of the Soldiers.<\/p>\n That was huge. Yellow Splatters had been waiting for Pawn to come back and see and congratulate the Soldier\u2014a new Painted Soldier named Rabbitears\u2014on the victory. A Soldier had won a game. Won<\/em> a game of chess!<\/p>\n The losses didn\u2019t matter. But the one win? It changed everything. It meant\u2014it meant Soldiers could be\u2014the possibilities were endless! But Pawn didn\u2019t pay attention to this earth-shattering fact. On any other day, he would have been asking questions, perhaps ordering a celebration. Today, the [Sergeants] watched as he paced back and forth and muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I do? Can I do anything? No, I should let her grieve. Grieving is a natural thing. Erin told me she will be looked after. But she was crying.\u201d<\/p>\n It occurred to Purple Smile that Pawn would not notice the chess game. He signaled, and the Soldiers slowly reset the board. The Soldiers did not feel many emotions. Grief, sadness, happiness\u2026nothing much affected them. But now they felt something like disappointment. Nevertheless, they reset the board, and Rabbitears began to play another game with a Worker. Pawn paid no attention.<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters looked sideways at Purple Smile. He pointed with one big hand. Purple Smile shrugged. He had no idea what was happening either. The [Sergeants] watched as Pawn kept pacing. They watched him stop and put his hands together. Was he praying? Why? The Soldiers didn\u2019t know what was wrong, but they didn\u2019t take their eyes off Pawn. They were observing. Listening. Learning.<\/p>\n And Pawn made up his mind. He had to go back tomorrow. To check on Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next day, Pawn waited at dawn in front of the door to The Wandering Inn. As soon as the sun rose high enough for it to be actually daytime and not night still he opened the door. To his relief, the door was connected to Liscor. Pawn stepped in and immediately saw Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn?\u201d<\/p>\n She was setting food out for the Redfang Goblins. Lyonette turned, surprised to see Pawn so early. He stepped into the inn, conscious of the rain on his carapace.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry to come so early. Am I interrupting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, come in. And please close the door. I keep telling Erin we need a doormat\u2014let me get you a towel.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette hurried into the kitchen as the five Hobs sitting at their table gave Pawn the fisheye. He ignored them. As soon as Lyonette returned with a fresh towel, Pawn thanked her. He sat at a table near the fire and spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you well, Lyonette? Are you feeling better? I was worried that you might still be in distress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were? Well, I\u2019m better. I feel fine now. I\u2019m embarrassed about yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re\u2026alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn stared at Lyonette hard. She gave him a cheery smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI am! I think yesterday was just shock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn was confused. Lyonette seemed so much better today. It was completely at odds with how she\u2019d seemed yesterday. She hovered around his table, waving at one of the Goblins who was raising a hesitant mug.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Ishkr\u2019s not in yet. We\u2019re training new staff, but I\u2019m the only person for breakfast. Do you mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium watched Lyonette take the mug that one of the Hobgoblins offered her. She refilled it, and when she returned, he scrutinized her again.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you don\u2019t mind losing your class? Truly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. I\u2019m glad, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n Briskly, Lyonette mopped down the table.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you are royalty still, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Barmaid] shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean my name? Lyonette du Marquin? Forget about it. It\u2019s just Lyonette now. I\u2019m a [Barmaid]. Not a [Princess]. And that\u2019s alright. That\u2019s perfect, really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n At last, Lyonette looked up with a frown.<\/p>\n \u201cReally, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n He met her gaze. She looked annoyed now. Pawn hadn\u2019t intended that. He looked away meekly.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay then. I was simply worried.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I appreciate it. Thank you, again, Pawn. But I really should get back to work. Can I get you anything? Or did you want to talk to Erin again?\u201d<\/p>\n Of course. He had his duties. Pawn shifted in his chair. He should really talk to Erin. But he couldn\u2019t help but feel like his conversation with Lyonette had gone all wrong. She said she was okay. But was she really? He couldn\u2019t imagine it. She was a [Princess]. She had been. She\u2019d taken pride in it. And now it was gone. That couldn\u2019t be okay.<\/p>\n And yet, if she said so, what could he do? Pawn watched Lyonette turn away. He opened his mandibles before he could stop himself.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. Can we not talk further?\u201d<\/p>\n She turned back, surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cTalk?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn hesitated. That had slipped out.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not mean to take you from your duties. But it has been a long time since we have chatted together. Too long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been a while. We used to talk back when Erin was gone and I was in my inn. Starving.\u201d<\/p>\n A rueful smile stole over Lyonette\u2019s face. She tossed the dust rag onto another table.<\/p>\n \u201cI have missed it. You\u2019re always busy. And I have a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you do not mind talking with me?\u201d<\/p>\n Hopefully, Pawn looked up at her. Lyonette smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever gave you that idea? My problems are one thing, but I always have time to talk with you. Is something happening in the Hive? I heard you talking about more Workers joining your group. Is there a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n She took a seat across from Pawn. He sat up a bit straighter.<\/p>\n \u201cNot a problem, but we lack entertainment. You see, I was going to speak with Erin about the issue of\u2014of boredom. Revalantor Klbkch has given us scheduled downtime, but we lack activities to perform in the rain. I was hoping Erin could help. Unless you have some ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, why not teach them something? Or read them books?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn nodded. He relaxed a bit as Lyonette sat across from him, smiling. This felt better. She looked like normal.<\/p>\n \u201cI could do that. But I was hoping for activities they could perform when I am not around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, I see the problem. And your people need activities? Well, have you tried giving them normal activities? Like needlework? Or pottery?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeedlework? Pottery? As in making trade crafts? The Antinium are not proficient in such areas.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! For their own enjoyment! What about games? Surely you have something. Like\u2014tag. Even I played that game growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me write this down.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn looked around, patting his side. He had forgotten his belt pouch! Lyonette smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cErin probably has some parchment and a quill. Hold on, let me find it.\u201d<\/p>\n She got up and went into the kitchen. Pawn waited until she came back. Then he gratefully accepted the quill and ink and began scribbling down notes. He was glad she was well. Only\u2014was she? Lyonette smiled and offered him silly suggestions and good ones, laughing as she asked him whether the Antinium might enjoy learning to embroider. But he couldn\u2019t help but think it was partly an illusion. Pawn sat and talked with Lyonette until Ishkr came in with two of his Gnoll friends and the inn began to fill with guests. Then Lyonette had to go.<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck with your Antinium, Pawn. Let me know how it turns out, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Thank you, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn bade her farewell at the door. He hesitated, opening his mandibles. But Lyonette was already busy giving Ishkr orders. He turned away, still feeling like something was wrong. But he couldn\u2019t put his finger on it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next day, Pawn surprised Erin by opening the door right as she was passing by. She jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello Erin. I am sorry to come so early. But I was hoping to speak with Lyonette. Is she here?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked at Pawn. It was very early. She rubbed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette? Yeah, she should be down shortly. Um. Is something the matter, Pawn?\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker paused guiltily.<\/p>\n \u201cThe matter? No. I was just\u2026wondering if we could speak more about her proposals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHer what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe gave me some advice as to how I could entertain my Workers and Soldiers yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe did? Good for her! I was going to suggest playing baseball inside the Hive or something stupid like that. Uh, so what did she say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe suggested expanding the barracks to create a communal living space. And introducing a variety of crafts into the Hive. I have done so and wished to apprise her of the progress.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded, smiling and covering a yawn.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, that\u2019s great, Pawn. I\u2019m sure Lyon would love to hear about it. Why don\u2019t you sit and wait for her?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn nodded obediently. He sat, and soon enough, Lyonette came downstairs. She was surprised to see him.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn! You\u2019re back. Again?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn nodded. He waved at Mrsha who blinked at him and waved back. He nodded to Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u201cI am. I took your advice yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to tell you about my results. And perhaps talk more if we had the chance?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette glanced at Erin who shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I have time. I just need to feed Mrsha. Have you had breakfast yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I would gladly pay for a meal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, then.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette left and came back with some hot eggs which Pawn gladly ate. She ate with Mrsha, awkwardly telling the Gnoll not to gobble her food while she half-watched Pawn. When Mrsha was done, Lyonette came to sit with Pawn.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, tell me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn nodded and sat up eagerly. He had just finished telling Lyonette about how the Workers were attempting to learn how to crochet when he heard footsteps. He turned around and saw the Horns of Hammerad stumbling downstairs. Lyonette immediately got up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s already that time? Sorry Pawn, but I have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand. I am sorry to have taken your time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s no problem. I enjoy hearing about the Hive. Really. It\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette gestured towards the adventurers. Pisces was yawning, and only Ksmvr looked anywhere near awake. They all made a beeline for the nearest table, sitting and staring expectantly at the table in front of them as if willing food to appear. Pawn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease go about your work. I will leave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could stay. Once I finish, I could talk more.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s smile made Pawn glad. He shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I simply wanted to talk for a while. I have my own duties as well.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood up and looked at Lyonette. He took a short breath and spoke as Lyonette was turning.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you are well?\u201d<\/p>\n She froze. Pawn stared at her back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou felt better yesterday. Are you feeling as well today?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette half-turned and smiled at Pawn.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Good. In that case I will\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn backed away. Lyonette nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cCome again, any time!\u201d<\/p>\n She took his plate. Pawn watched her head into the kitchen. She was good. That was excellent. He turned and walked towards the door. He had duties in his Hive now. The fact that Lyonette was well was all he\u2019d come to confirm. He left as Lyonette hurried out of the kitchen with plates and Ceria and Pisces squabbled over who\u2019d get the larger portion. He went back to his Hive and performed his duties distractedly.<\/p>\n The next day he went back. And the day after that. And the day after that.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters thought that there was a problem. It was Pawn. He didn\u2019t like to think it, but three days had gone by and it was growing clearer to him that something was amiss.<\/p>\n Pawn. The Worker was present in the barracks every day of course. He ate with the Painted Soldiers and Individual Workers, gave orders, and left each morning for an hour or two before returning. That was all right. What wasn\u2019t all right was what he was doing.<\/p>\n He came back each day with new things. Objects. Leather balls made to be tossed around or chewed on, custom chess sets, knitting needles, yarn\u2026every day he would arrive with more strange paraphernalia, bought with the budget allocated to him by Klbkch. And that was fine too. Normally. Yellow Splatters understood that new things could be wonderful. Like books. He loved books with bright pictures. But this?<\/p>\n \u201cHave a group of Workers try knitting, Yellow Splatters. It is a useful occupation they may enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have purchased a set of balls for playful fun. You can toss them and catch them. Like so. If anyone is interested, please, let them try.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere is some clay. I think you can make pottery with it. If any Soldier creates something, I will inquire about firing it in a kiln.\u201d<\/p>\n The last time Pawn had come into the Hive, he\u2019d brought a mass of wet clay in a wheelbarrow. Now Purple Smile and Yellow Splatters stared at it. The [Sergeant] poked a hand into the wet clay. It squished.<\/p>\n Pottery? It was a word Yellow Splatters had no notion of. He stared at Pawn as the Worker hurried over to his sleeping spot. Yellow Splatters had many questions. What exactly was he supposed to do? What was a kiln? How did one fire clay? With a crossbow?<\/p>\n He looked at Purple Smile. The other Soldier was not smiling today. Nor had he been for the last few days. He sensed it too. Something was wrong.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t the new objects. It wasn\u2019t Pawn buying things. All of that was good, in theory. It was that when Pawn went out and came back with new things for the Antinium to try, when he brought wonderful ideas into the Hive or encouraged the Soldiers and Workers to try this, it was always him telling. Not showing.<\/p>\n He\u2026had not paid attention to the Antinium in the barracks for the last few days. That was what was wrong. Before, Pawn had had few items to share. He had saved up copper coins and petitioned Klbkch repeatedly for even a few books, a can of paint. But always, he had shown the Soldiers exactly what to do, experimented with them. Cared and praised them for their accomplishments and failures. But he was distracted now. He did not care.<\/p>\n And that hurt deeply. Yellow Splatters turned his attention to the chess board that the Soldiers and Workers had played at. It was unused. The Soldiers and Workers stood about or sat, not playing again. The board was where it had been left\u2014checkmated. Rabbitears had won a fourth game. And stopped. Because Pawn had not noticed.<\/p>\n He had not noticed. In any other moment, in any other time, Pawn would have instantly shown this to Klbkch. He would have congratulated Rabbitears, spoken to the others. Told Yellow Splatters\u2026something about what it meant. But he had not noticed, and the Soldiers and Workers had noticed that. <\/em>So now they did nothing. They waited, listlessly, not bothering to touch the interesting things Pawn had brought. They stared at him.<\/p>\n And he did not notice. He sat in his special cubicle, sitting as if he was sleeping. But his four hands were clasped together. Pawn was praying. He had prayed day and night when he was not out. Prayed for hours on end, late into the night, before dawn. And that too was good in theory. Yellow Splatters had seen Pawn praying over the wounded. He had heard Pawn lead them in prayer. It was a wondrous thing. Only now\u2026the [Sergeant] stared at Pawn. The Worker was deep in prayer. It was a good thing. But Yellow Splatters was sure, absolutely sure, that Pawn was not praying for them.<\/em><\/p>\n He wondered who Pawn was thinking of. And when Pawn would finally remember his people. Yellow Splatters waited, his chest hurting. Now he was certain. It wasn\u2019t just a problem. Something was terribly, terribly wrong.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Over the next week, it became customary to see Pawn in the inn before breakfast or in the early morning. He would always come in early unless the door to Liscor was closed. He would greet Erin every morning with a different line.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, is Lyonette here? I was hoping to get her input on possible embroidery designs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was passing by the inn and could not help but stop for lunch. Is Lyonette free to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to consult with Ksmvr. Is Lyonette around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is rainy. I wanted to share that fact with Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n The excuses seemed to amuse Erin. She started grinning every time she saw Pawn for reasons unknown to him. Each day he waited for Lyonette, sometimes while eating breakfast or a snack, other times sitting meditatively in silence or whispering a quick prayer. Each time Lyonette greeted him, asked how his Hive was doing and caught up on the latest Antinium gossip, such as it was.<\/p>\n In turn she offered him news about the inn. The Players of Celum were gaining more attention and had nearly finished their run of Othello<\/em> and The Triumph of Liscor<\/em>. They were about to switch plays now that they had a new audience of Drakes and Gnolls coming in each night. Training the new staff was going well. The adventurers were busy preparing for the dungeon or arguing with each other and fighting over food. And so on. Pawn listened dutifully, nodding along and enjoying the conversation. And each time she finished or had to go back to work he asked her the same question.<\/p>\n \u201cIs everything well?\u201d<\/p>\n The answer was always yes. With a smile or a nod. Pawn accepted that. He came back day after day until the day when Lyonette\u2019s patience finally ran out.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Hello, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n For once, Lyonette didn\u2019t smile when she greeted Pawn. In fact, she hadn\u2019t come over when she\u2019d spotted him sitting by himself at lunch time. She\u2019d kept serving tables though the Worker was sure she\u2019d seen him. But it was a good ten minutes before she walked over.<\/p>\n It was almost as if she\u2019d been avoiding him. But after he had sat and waited patiently, refusing to let Drassi get him a drink or food, Lyonette had walked over. Now she stood, looking somewhat tired as Pawn sat. He waited for her to take a seat. She did not.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to sit and talk with me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot today, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette glanced tiredly around. So did Pawn. The inn was not busy at this time of day, which pleased him. He would have more time to chat.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to tell me about the inn? Or would you like to chat about the Hive first? There are a few interesting developments that may intrigue you.\u201d<\/p>\n He had been buying new objects left and right to put in the Hive. Knitting needles, yarn, little balls to play catching games, and so on. Pawn hadn\u2019t seen the Antinium playing with some of the objects, but he was sure they would begin using them soon. After all, the Soldiers used to not read any of the picture books and now the books were the most sought-after object in the barracks. But to his surprise, Lyonette shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNot today, Pawn. I\u2019m a bit\u2014busy. Look, why don\u2019t I get you a drink and we can talk later? Next week, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n That was strange. Pawn hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, if you are busy I will come back another time. Tomorrow, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2026sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked distracted. And a bit upset. She kept glancing over her shoulder and looking at Pawn. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not take up any of your time. But before you go\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette was already turning away. Pawn called after her.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you are feeling well?\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped, mid-step. Pawn saw Lyonette\u2019s shoulder\u2019s tense, and then she whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you asking me that?\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice was loud. Too loud. Pawn saw a few of the Drakes and Gnolls eating lunch look up and heard conversations cease across the inn. Erin poked her head out of the kitchen. Pawn hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cNo reason. I am just interested in your wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette stared at him. Pawn shuffled his legs and looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why do I get the feeling that you\u2019re still thinking about my missing class?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn\u2019s heart skipped a beat. He tried to keep his voice smooth.<\/p>\n \u201cI never mentioned it. I never said a word about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And you\u2019re not<\/em> saying it so loudly that I can hear it! You keep asking if I\u2019m well. You keep coming here, day after day, telling me about the smallest things. I wouldn\u2019t care. I\u2019d enjoy it, but you ask me the same question<\/em> each time. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette advanced on Pawn, angry. He tried to scoot back in his chair, but the [Barmaid] stood right in front of him. Now everyone was looking at him. Pawn debated lying. He could say\u2014<\/p>\n Lie<\/em>? To Lyonette?<\/em> He caught himself as he was about to utter an untruth. Pawn looked up at Lyonette, and unwillingly, he answered her honestly.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026I have been praying every day that your class will return.\u201d<\/p>\n The shock that ran over Lyonette\u2019s face was like a living thing. It drained the blood from her face, made her eyes go wide, and then, quick as a flash, ignited anger once more. Lyonette stared down at Pawn. Her voice trembled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker shrank. But he replied defiantly.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe you need it back. Your class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou<\/em> think I need it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn saw Lyonette\u2019s mouth open angrily. He rushed forwards before she could speak.<\/p>\n \u201cI think you need it. I think you should have it back. I think you shouldn\u2019t be content not to have it. So I have prayed for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you I was better off without it! What about what I want?\u201d<\/p>\n Incensed, Lyonette put her hands on the table. Pawn leaned back and then stopped. He spoke, his mandibles quivering slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI think you are wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment, Lyonette gaped at him. Then she glared.<\/p>\n \u201cStop it. Just stop it! Don\u2019t pray and don\u2019t tell me what I need!\u201d<\/p>\n She stood up and turned away. Pawn scrambled out of his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette, please. I am trying to help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I don\u2019t want your help!\u201d<\/p>\n She whirled and snapped at Pawn. He felt like he\u2019d been struck. Lyonette glared.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does it matter to you? Why do you care?<\/em> It\u2019s my class! It\u2019s my life! Why does this matter to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She spoke over him, her voice growing louder and louder.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want? What about what I want? I liked talking to you, I really did! You and I are friends! But this isn\u2019t right! This isn\u2019t fair to me! Don\u2019t pray<\/em> for me! Don\u2019t try to change me! Don\u2019t try to give me back what I don\u2019t need!\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at Pawn, and to his horror, he saw her eyes were shimmering. Lyonette rubbed at them, and her voice caught.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, just leave me alone! Let me move on! Let me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She moved as if to walk away and noticed her audience. She had been shouting near the end. Everyone was staring. Erin looked flabbergasted. Lyonette turned red. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she turned.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t finish her sentence. Lyonette ran up the stairs. Pawn watched her go. He felt like something had ripped out his chest, spilling his insides across the floor. Slowly, dizzily, he looked around. Pawn stared at the others, stared at Erin, and then slowly walked towards the door. He opened it and turned his head as rain poured through.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry. Please tell her I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he stumbled out into the rain.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n He had never felt so worthless. He had never felt so small. Pawn sat in the barracks and wished to disappear. He was a failure. He was useless. He sat and he sat and he knew everything was wrong. He wished he was dreaming. He knew he was not. That was worse than a nightmare. If things were a nightmare, he could wake up. But he couldn\u2019t. And everything kept getting worse.<\/p>\n Silence. It was horrible. It weighed down the barracks. No one moved. The Soldiers and Workers stood around Pawn as he sat on the floor, curled up into a ball. He didn\u2019t move. He didn\u2019t eat. He didn\u2019t respond when Yellow Splatters approached him or when Purple Smile poked him. He didn\u2019t move when Anand called his name.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn. Pawn. What is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker didn\u2019t respond. Anand stood over him, anxious.<\/p>\n \u201cYellow Splatters came to get me. I did not understand why. What is the matter? Are you hurt? Pawn?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn wished Anand would go away. He didn\u2019t want to talk. He didn\u2019t want to live. He sat still, ignoring Anand\u2019s words until the Worker left. He was the worst. He had made Lyonette cry again.<\/p>\n He had been sure. So sure! He had known that if he prayed hard enough, Lyonette\u2019s class would come back. Then she would be happier. So he had prayed every day. He had gone to see her. But all he had done was anger her. She did not want his help. She did not want to talk to him.<\/p>\n She hated him. Pawn remained still, feeling the hard ground beneath him. He did not respond as Yellow Splatters tried to tug his arms apart. The Soldier was strong, but Pawn held on with all his might and there was nothing that the [Sergeant] could do short of breaking Pawn\u2019s arms. Pawn stayed where he was. Until someone kicked him in the side.<\/p>\n \u201cGet up.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch\u2019s kick knocked Pawn sideways. The Antinium landed on his left side, but he did not uncurl. Klbkch made a harsh clicking<\/em> sound and kicked him again.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, get up.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn did not respond. The kick had cracked the carapace on his side, but he did not move. Klbkch grabbed him and dragged him up. Pawn didn\u2019t move. He was a ball of misery.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have abandoned your duties. Anand tells me you have not moved for over half a day now. Why are the Soldiers and Workers here unattended to?\u201d<\/p>\n No reply. Klbkch uttered another sound that Pawn had never heard an Antinium make. The Soldiers and Workers around him shrank. Then Pawn heard a rasping sound. Klbkch had drawn his swords.<\/p>\n \u201cI see useless goods, bought with the Hive\u2019s money. I see Workers and Soldiers, listless and lifeless. I see you, unmoving. Respond.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn did not reply. He waited as he sensed Klbkch move around him. The Revalantor placed the sharp tip of his sword on the back of Pawn\u2019s neck. The Worker did nothing. Klbkch raised his sword and paused. Yellow Splatters and Purple Smile were staring at him. Their hands were not clenched, but the other Soldiers and Workers were\u2026watching. Klbkch waited. In the silence, Pawn felt the cold sting and did nothing.<\/p>\n After a lifetime, a second, Klbkch withdrew the point of his sword. He turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are a disgrace.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and stalked out of the barracks. Pawn did not move. If he felt anything, it was bad that Klbkch had not ended it all then and there. He stayed where he was as time passed on. Despairing. Hating.<\/p>\n There was no point to any of it. He had made a terrible mistake. He would never uncurl. He would sit here and starve, like he had once seen another Worker do. He was not Pawn anymore. He did not want to be Pawn. He just wanted to disappear.<\/p>\n And perhaps he would have. Pawn sat and sat until something changed in the Hive. He felt it. At first, it was distant movement. The stepping of many feet. He did not care. But then he heard a voice. Not the staccato click-<\/em>speech of the Antinium, but a softer voice. A kind voice. It spoke at a distance, and then Pawn heard words.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026how long?\u201d<\/p>\n He heard a distant reply, crisp and precise, and then another one, quieter, more subdued. Klbkch and Anand. The voice grew louder.<\/p>\n \u201cWow. Really? And he\u2019s just\u2026okay, let me see.\u201d<\/p>\n The footsteps approached. Pawn heard more shuffling. Soldiers and Workers standing and sitting around him drew back. He heard the voice clearly now. A kind voice. A loving voice.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. I think I see the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n He knew her. He wanted her to go away. But he didn\u2019t move. Pawn shook as the voice, the person approached. He feared her. More than he hated himself. He feared what she might do. What she might say. The young woman knelt next to Pawn as he curled up into a ball. She looked around and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a mess. Okay Klbkch, Anand. Give me some room. I\u2019ll try and sort this out, okay? I should have asked Lyonette what was really wrong earlier. As for Pawn\u2026give me a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n He heard an answering voice and then the footsteps retreated. Pawn stayed where he was. He felt the softest of touches on his shoulder and quaked.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn?\u201d<\/p>\n Here she was. The one who would lay out his sins. The one who could move his heart. His creator in some ways. His savior in others. Terrifying, wonderful, magical, and peaceful. Pawn wished she would leave. He feared what she would do. And part of him, a tiny part of him hoped she could make it all better. Because if there was anyone who could, it was her.<\/p>\n Erin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cAnd so we pray. Not for a god, not because we are chosen or beloved. We are alone.\u201d The mass of heads bowed before Pawn. He stood at the small earthen dais at the back of the room. It was nothing more than packed earth. Pawn held a censer in his hands. It was not […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693085,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693134],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-4931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-5","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n