Night deepened and turned to day. The dungeon that had rung with the sounds of battle grew silent. The adventurers, Antinium, and people of Liscor returned to their city through the magic doors, breaking the exits behind them. They returned with the captive Gnolls, with a Minotaur in shackles, and a half-Elf. In triumph. In victory.<\/p>\n
And so the Raskghar fled. Broken, they retreated towards their other camps, unable to do anything but run. They had been beaten, destroyed. And so badly that they could not even dream of vengeance. They ran, seeking out their brethren, a shred of hope. But what they found in the darkness was more despair.<\/p>\n
The camps were filled with flickering torchlight and screams. Howls of Raskghar as they fought and died. And screams. Cave Goblins swarmed their masters, armed with crude weapons. But they outnumbered the Raskghar. And they had lost their fear of their masters. And they had leaders.<\/p>\n
Five Hobgoblins fought, leading the Cave Goblins. They charged the Raskghar. A monster who raged stronger than even the largest Raskghar. A keen-eyed archer whose arrows struck the Raskghar from hundreds of feet away. A Hobgoblin whose sword seemed to shine as he cut down his enemies. The Goblin who sang. And a Hobgoblin who wore a crimson cloak, a hero.<\/p>\n
And the Raskghar fled once more. They howled then, in grief and desperation. But no one answered. So they ran and ran, broken, not understanding how <\/em>all this had come to pass.<\/em><\/p>\n All of that passed below as the weary folk returned to Liscor. They knew nothing of what followed. Why should they? The Raskghar were beaten. The uprising of the Goblins was a thing of monsters. Unimportant for now. For now, they would rest. The [Innkeeper] slept in her kitchen. A [Princess] hugged a Gnoll tightly, and the Gnoll cub hugged her back as fiercely as she could as they fell asleep in a warm bed. An Ashfire Bee crawled onto their heads and lay there, content that all was well in the world.<\/p>\n A weary Watch Captain fell asleep on top of a report on her desk, the ink splotching her face. A Wall Lord drank a cup of milk rather than alcohol and toasted the fallen with his people. A half-Giant laid down in the three beds pushed together and got a night of rest for the first time in days. The [Strategist] of Liscor sat and feverishly wrote, trying to recall all that he had witnessed. A Minotaur looked up in his prison cell, his flesh burnt, his body bleeding. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.<\/p>\n Countless members of Liscor\u2019s Watch stumbled back into their homes, some grieving, all exhausted, but relieved. The adventurers slept, dreaming of treasure and levels. The city rested. Below, the Antinium returned to their Hive and got on with business as usual.<\/p>\n But in the twilight before dawn, one person moved through Liscor\u2019s rainy streets. She snuck from house to house, never staying in one place long. But she moved with the utmost certainty. For her, the pre-dawn morning was the perfect time. The only time, before Liscor roused and heard the news. She crept up to one house in the street, silent as a whisper. A family of Gnolls slept there. They awoke suddenly as they heard a sound at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A female Gnoll mother jerked upright, awakened by an unfamiliar scent at her door. She had slept lightly for fear of the Raskghar despite the Watch\u2019s assurances. She looked for her partner\u2014but he was on night duty on the walls! She checked for her children. They were still asleep in her room, in the small home the family shared. She hesitated, then heard the knocking on the door. It was polite. Loud. Insistent.<\/p>\n Dread seized the mother. She rose, ignoring her state of undress, and crept into the kitchen. She emerged with a wickedly sharp knife. She crept towards the door. Whoever it was stood right outside. There was another knock. The Gnoll held her breath. Then she threw open the door\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Miss Rykhai! Sorry about the early hour! Mind if I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi beamed at Rykhai. The Gnoll froze, knife in hand. The Drake went cross-eyed as she stared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014is this a bad time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrassi?\u201d<\/p>\n Rykhai stared at Drassi in disbelief. She lowered the knife, her paws shaking.<\/p>\n \u201cI nearly gutted you! I thought you were a Raskghar! Fool, don\u2019t you know that the curfew is in effect? Come in, don\u2019t stand in the streets!\u201d<\/p>\n She ushered Drassi in and then slammed the door and locked it. Drassi looked around. It was very early, but the Drake was decidedly unapologetic. She rubbed her claws together, beaming, as Rykhai turned to glare at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I\u2019m so sorry<\/em>, Miss Rykhai. I know your children must be asleep. And your husband, Tessil, he\u2019s probably on duty, right? It must be so hard to have someone working the night shift, what with the dungeon and all. Well, I have good news for you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNews that excuses me being woken up and frightened out of my fur, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll folded her arms severely. She liked Drassi, and she was one of Drassi\u2019s chat-friends as the Drake liked to call her circle of acquaintances. But this was crossing a line. Drassi grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, actually! I have good news! Your husband won\u2019t have to work overtime on the night shifts anymore. Because\u2014are you ready for this? You might need a seat! The Raskghar were defeated! The Watch and the adventurers and <\/em>the Antinium attacked them in their lair and rescued the Gnolls! All of them!\u201d<\/p>\n For a second, Rykhai thought she was still dreaming. She backed up from Drassi and sat on the family\u2019s worn couch.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake beamed. Rykhai\u2019s three Gnoll children woke up muzzily. Like their mother, their first instinct was unease. But as soon as they smelled Drassi, they were bouncing around the living room. And when they heard Drassi\u2019s news, they immediately howled in relief.<\/p>\n The noise woke up their neighbors. There was a pounding on one of the walls and from above as Gnolls woke up unhappily, but Rykhai rushed to her windows and poked her head outside.<\/p>\n \u201cGet down here! <\/em>The Raskghar are dead!\u201d<\/p>\n She heard several yelps and banging sounds from the other houses nearby as more people began waking up. The Gnoll turned back to Drassi.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are dead? Yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost of them. The rest ran. It was a huge battle! Thousands of Raskghar dead! I heard it all first-hand! I wasn\u2019t there in person, but I was around to help when they came back through. I saw them bringing magical artifacts back and the prisoners! Say, do you have any tea?\u201d<\/p>\n Rykhai blinked. But then she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI can put a pot on.\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi smiled gratefully, her tail wagging.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you so much. I\u2019ve been to three places before this. I don\u2019t want to be a bother, but my throat is dry. Let me give you a few details before everyone gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n She followed Rykhai into the kitchen as the young Gnoll cubs swarmed around her, asking questions which Drassi was only too happy to answer. The Drake hadn\u2019t slept for over thirty hours, but that didn\u2019t matter. Her smile only kept widening as more Gnolls swarmed around Rykhai\u2019s locked door and then flooded into her home, demanding answers. Were the Raskghar all dead? How had it happened? Were the prisoners well?<\/p>\n To a [Gossip], there was nothing juicier, nothing more delicious<\/em> than knowing something this big before everyone else. Drassi grinned as more Gnolls living on the street threw their shutters open. Soon Rykhai\u2019s living room was packed and Drassi had a huge audience. Everyone waited for Drassi to give them the details. After all, they\u2019d never known Drassi to lie and she was one of the few people who knew what had happened.<\/p>\n Yes, the Council would probably make an announcement with [Criers] and [Street Runners] later today. But their report would be lacking in details, whereas Drassi had all the juicy ones. She basked as she began to retell the entire series of events she\u2019d gotten out of the adventurers and Erin to her audience.<\/p>\n And when she was done here, she\u2019d visit the next street, and the next\u2026there were a lot of hours before morning, and even then, she\u2019d still be able to talk about what had happened<\/em> to everyone she knew. Which was everyone.<\/p>\n In this moment, Drassi was a [Queen] surrounded by her adoring subjects. She beamed at the Gnolls who stared at her, dying to know what she knew. Drassi felt excellent. After all, she was performing a public service.<\/p>\n And she was doing Erin a favor. After all, a [Gossip] could sway the mood of the public if she was good, and Drassi was an expert. She owed Erin that much. So the Drake [Barmaid] winked and accepted a cup of hot tea sweetened with Ashfire Bee honey and settled back in her chair. She cleared her throat theatrically and then began.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you everything as it happened. I heard it all from people who were there. It was adventurers who saved Liscor. But not just them. It was the Watch, the Antinium, Wall Lord Ilvriss, and even the army. But they couldn\u2019t have done it without help from the Goblins. Yes. I\u2019m serious! It was Goblins who helped save the day. And Erin\u2019s magic door. But wait, I\u2019m getting ahead of myself. It started like this. And remember, this is all true. I heard it from Ceria and Elirr and the others. They saw everything. When they first woke up in the Raskghar camp\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Mrsha had a bad dream. She dreamed that she was lying on the altar. Sticky blood was on her back, and someone was holding her down. And Nokha was there. She was alive. She had a rock in her hands. It was stained with blood. And she was coming closer.<\/p>\n The white Gnoll tried to move. But she couldn\u2019t. Nokha grinned at her. She drew closer. And then she reached into her chest. Her flesh moved, and she pulled out a head. Vakk\u2019s. He stared blankly at Mrsha. Nokha bent over the bloodstained altar. Her breath was rancid. She stared into Mrsha\u2019s eyes and whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are whole, Mrsha.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n And then Mrsha woke. She thrashed about wildly and felt something strange. A softness under her. Warmth all around her. And\u2014<\/p>\n Light. And Mrsha looked around and realized she wasn\u2019t in the dungeon. She was above, in her room in Erin\u2019s inn. And Lyonette was hugging her. Mrsha\u2019s heart still beat rapidly, though. She looked around, remembering Nokha\u2019s words.<\/p>\n She shuddered and then flinched as something moved in the inn. She crouched until she realized the thing was Apista. The Ashfire Bee flew up from the windowsill where it had been basking and buzzed gently around Mrsha\u2019s head. The Gnoll cub looked at it and then realized Lyonette was holding her. She wiggled free and hopped to the ground.<\/p>\n The movement woke Lyonette of course. The young woman turned over, stirred, and then sat up. She blinked at her empty arms and then nearly shot out of bed.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha? Where\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She spotted Mrsha staring up at her. The Gnoll backed up a step at the look on Lyonette\u2019s face. The [Princess] had an anguished look that turned to relief. She bent and swept Mrsha up into a tight embrace. Mrsha squeaked.<\/p>\n Lyonette didn\u2019t care. She hugged Mrsha so tightly that the nightmare vanished. The Gnoll felt warm. And she hugged back, fiercely.<\/p>\n For a while, they just stood like that. After a while, Apista landed on Lyonette\u2019s head. The [Princess] started and then laughed. She sat down on her bed with Mrsha in her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re here. I dreamed\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She broke off as adults did when they didn\u2019t want to tell the truth. Mrsha silently squeezed Lyonette. She was here. She was above. She inhaled Lyonette\u2019s scent and looked out the window. It was light!<\/p>\n A faint light. A grey light. Rain pattered on the window, a gloomy sky bringing down more water. But it was still light. The dungeon had been small. But the sky\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m never going to let you out of my sight again. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette shifted her grip on Mrsha. The Gnoll shifted, a tad uncomfortable until Lyonette supported her with one arm. She didn\u2019t know if she liked that promise, but in that moment, she didn\u2019t care. She looked around and saw Apista hovering, her antennae waving. There was something different about her. Mrsha squinted and then patted Lyonette\u2019s arm and pointed. The [Princess] looked up, and her eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right! I leveled up! And I got a Skill\u2014or rather\u2014Apista?\u201d<\/p>\n She held out her other hand, and the Ashfire Bee landed on her hand. It looked much like normal\u2014that was, until it turned and Mrsha saw its stinger. Normally, the Ashfire Bee\u2019s stinger was a little barb sticking out of its backside, barely noticeable. But now, Apista\u2019s stinger was bigger. It looked brighter too, a more crimson tint to it. And it felt\u2026hot.<\/em> Heat was radiating from the tip of the stinger. Mrsha\u2019s eyes went round as Apista fanned her wings, oblivious to the two pairs of eyes on her.<\/p>\n \u201c[Crimson Stinger]. I got the Skill\u2014I didn\u2019t know pets changed with [Beast Tamers]! I heard that some [Falconers] could have huge hawks, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette raised Apista up so the bee could walk up her arm and onto her shoulder. Both she and Lyonette stared at Apista\u2019s enhanced stinger. Lyonette reached out to touch it and thought better.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all leveled up, probably. That\u2019s one good thing that came of all this. I\u2026I was so worried. I would have gone after you if I could, but all I could do was wait. It was Erin who rescued you, really.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha nodded. Lyonette had said all this yesterday. She remembered Lyonette facing Nokha. She looked up and licked Lyonette\u2019s face. The young woman squeezed Mrsha again and then heard a sound. It was a rumbling from Mrsha\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. You must be hungry!\u201d<\/p>\n She was. But Mrsha hesitated until she remembered that she was in Erin\u2019s inn. Then she nodded rapidly. Lyonette smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n She let Mrsha jump to the ground. Mrsha ran to the door and then paused. She raced past Lyonette, who was looking for her clothes.<\/p>\n Mrsha had leveled up too. And gained a Skill of her own. But that was a special secret. Mrsha reached under her pillow and pulled something out. Pisces\u2019 wand. Her wand. She held it very tightly as Lyonette got dressed. She wouldn\u2019t go anywhere without it. Ever.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that? Oh\u2014well, I\u2019m sure Pisces won\u2019t mind. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette picked up Mrsha. Rather than let her race downstairs, the [Princess] carried her down in her arms. Apista flew with her. At first, Mrsha felt like a stranger in a strange place. But then she smelled something wonderful coming from below. And when she and Lyonette reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw a familiar face.<\/p>\n Erin Solstice was sitting at a table. She looked up with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n She stood up. Behind her, she\u2019d set a table with a huge number of hot dishes. She must have heard the two getting up, because there were steaming eggs, hot bacon, pancakes, warm buns, butter, milk with honey, sausages\u2014and that was only the food from Erin\u2019s home. There were spicy Yellets, a fish congee, fruit juice, a salad with dressing sprinkled over it, a melon sliced into pieces\u2026<\/p>\n Mrsha\u2019s eyes went round at the sight of it all. Lyonette put her on the table. She and Erin looked at each other for a moment. And then Erin smiled at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so great to have you back. We were all worried\u2014I made you a special breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha climbed hesitantly into her seat. After being in the cell for so long, she could barely believe what lay before her eyes. Her nose hurt a bit from all the smells. She had eaten food yesterday\u2014but she\u2019d been so hungry and so much had happened that she couldn\u2019t remember what it was. This was her first real meal. And it was overwhelming.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha looked up at Lyonette. The [Princess] smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have the first bite, Mrsha. The [Healer] said you can\u2019t eat too much or your stomach will do bad things. But you can have a bit of anything you want, okay, Mrsha? And you can have little snacks throughout the day. Take whatever you want.\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly, almost thinking it was a dream, Mrsha reached out. There was a plate of poached eggs, wobbly, the edges crisped, and the yolks still gooey on the inside. Mrsha reached for one, picked it up, and then remembered she should have used a fork. She looked up guiltily, but neither young woman chastised her.<\/p>\n The food was hot. And it smelled so good<\/em>. Mrsha just held the poached egg a second. She could see and smell the pepper and salt that had been sprinkled over it, smell the grease from fried bacon that had helped cook the egg. She could even smell the fact that it was a goose egg, not a chicken\u2019s egg. Her stomach rumbled. But Mrsha was afraid. She held the egg until Lyonette and Erin were giving each other worried looks. Then, slowly, Mrsha bit.<\/p>\n The egg was\u2026an egg. But glorious. The taste hit Mrsha\u2019s tongue. It was nostalgic and new. It tasted nothing like the dead monster parts in the dungeon. And then it hit Mrsha. She was here. She was safe. She took another bite into the poached egg and began crying.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Mrsha\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin bent down and hugged the Gnoll. Mrsha kept crying, but she started chewing. And now she was ravenous. She filled her plate, snatching food. Lyonette had to divide everything she grabbed into portions that wouldn\u2019t tax Mrsha\u2019s stomach. But she promised, promised the anxious Gnoll.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything will be right here for later. Just eat this much, okay, honey?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha did. Lyonette and Erin sat at the table and ate. They didn\u2019t speak. They just looked at each other.<\/p>\n It was the first meal Erin had had with Lyonette in days. The first meal that Lyonette had really had, too. The [Princess] realized she was starving, and after a moment, so did Erin. They ate ravenously until the spread of food was quite reduced. And then they looked at Mrsha. She sat at the table, running her paws over the grain of the wood, looking around. She looked\u2026different.<\/p>\n The dungeon had changed her. Erin closed her eyes. Of course it had. She had seen the cages and the Raskghar\u2019s camp before the adventurers had burned it and retreated back through her inn. She had seen Mrsha\u2019s cage. Normally, the Gnoll would be running about. But today she just sat at the table, looking around as if she\u2019d never seen Erin\u2019s inn before.<\/p>\n Heartbreaking. And yet she was here. Erin felt a bit teary-eyed herself, but she didn\u2019t give into it. Not just yet. She looked at Lyonette and saw the younger girl wiping her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I cook really well, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette laughed. Mrsha looked up and then her lips moved upwards awkwardly. She kicked her legs at the table. But she didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to play, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll looked at Lyonette. Then she seemed to remember that yes, she did do that. She stood up hesitantly and looked around. She glanced about Erin\u2019s common room and sniffed the air. Then she held her paws up. She made a shape. A ball.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Your ball. It\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stood up. So did Lyonette. They looked about, but Mrsha\u2019s ball had vanished. With all that had gone on, Erin hadn\u2019t thought to keep track of the ball. And wherever it was, it was gone. Mrsha\u2019s ears drooped as she saw the consternation on the two\u2019s faces.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll find it. I\u2019m sure it just rolled somewhere. Why don\u2019t we\u2014why don\u2019t we all clean up? I can hear someone moving about upstairs. The adventurers will be coming down.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a lame suggestion, but it worked. The Gnoll and [Barmaid] automatically began cleaning up. Mrsha kept pausing, but Lyonette moved automatically. And sure enough, the Horns came down minutes later as one group. Erin turned and blinked.<\/p>\n Ceria stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking just as dumbfounded as Mrsha. She gazed around, and then she saw Mrsha. The Gnoll child had frozen. She and Ceria\u2019s gazes met. The half-Elf straightened.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Hello.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at her friend. Pisces, Yvlon, and Ksmvr stopped on the stairs behind Ceria. For a moment, Erin felt that strangeness and saw it reflected on Ceria\u2019s face. Then she heard a cough.<\/p>\n \u201cCould you, ah, move, Springwalker? Before we all perish of starvation?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked. She looked back and automatically scowled. Then caught herself. Yvlon glanced at Pisces. But not in annoyance. The [Necromancer] sniffed, but his eyes\u2014the tension in the room vanished.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Pisces. I\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf walked down the stairs. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe I am able to function for at least four more days before expiring. In case anyone was concerned about my food consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Ksmvr. Eat up.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon smiled. She nodded to Erin and looked at Mrsha. She bent and held out a hand. The Gnoll looked at Yvlon and took it. Yvlon gently shook Mrsha\u2019s paw.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha nodded. Then she looked up and saw Pisces. Ksmvr. Ceria again. They smiled at her. Mrsha stared up at them, and her mouth moved. It might have been a happy expression.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright! Breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin found a smile of her own. She swept into the kitchen and came out with plates of food. Like her breakfast, she served the Horns everything she had. Ceria\u2019s eyes widened. She grabbed a roll, smelled it as her teammates watched, and then bit.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. Dead gods.<\/em> I forgot\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf chewed so fast she nearly choked as she tried to swallow. She grabbed a sausage and stuffed it into her face. Yvlon\u2019s face was amused, appalled, and happy at the same time.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you at least pretend<\/em> to use silverware, Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. This is\u2014this is so good<\/em>. Tree roots, is this what it tasted like before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeed a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlcohol?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sat up. She stared at the bar. Erin filled her a mug. The half-Elf washed down her food and sat at the table. Mrsha watched her. The Gnoll didn\u2019t bounce or beg for snacks. And as the Horns ate in the same silence, Erin saw Mrsha\u2019s eyes fix on Ceria\u2019s face. The half-Elf pretended not to notice.<\/p>\n So much had changed. And Erin didn\u2019t know exactly what. In the confused aftermath of the battle, so much had happened that she\u2019d only gotten the barest of accounts from Ceria. And she didn\u2019t want to press the half-Elf or Mrsha. Far from it. But she knew just by looking that more had gone on than words could say. And Mrsha just sat there.<\/p>\n Lyonette and Erin exchanged a look over Mrsha\u2019s head. Erin looked around. Her glass windows reflected a rainy day in Liscor, as usual. The rain poured down. Erin cleared her throat, and Mrsha looked around quickly. The [Innkeeper] smiled at her and pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not too nice out. But why don\u2019t you take Mrsha into Liscor, Lyonette? I think what she needs is\u2026a special present.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked uncertain. But Erin nodded. She stared around the inn and then nodded to her magic door.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should go out. And Mrsha definitely deserves something. Maybe a new ball? We\u2019ll all go together, how about that?\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll looked up. Her tail began to wag a bit. Lyonette hesitated, then nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get cloaks for all of us. One second!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll put out more food. Save some for the Halfseekers, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hurried into the kitchen. When she came out, the Horns were talking at last. Ceria sat, looking from face to face.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026what did I miss?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces smirked. Yvlon laughed and ran her hands through her hair. Ksmvr opened his mandibles.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the best of my knowledge, Captain Ceria\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all heroes. After all, we participated in the largest dungeon raid in Liscor\u2019s history. We obtained a bounty on the captured prisoners. And there are the magical artifacts yet to be divided up. Our team made substantial gains while you were captive. I suspect we may be able to claim a fair margin of the spoils.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces sat back in his chair, lacing his fingers together. Ceria\u2019s lips quirked.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, right. We\u2019re fighting over all the treasures the Raskghar had? Figures. How\u2019s that going to work? Hell, how\u2019d you get everyone into the dungeon? That was\u2026a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Erin, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria glanced over.<\/p>\n \u201cI should have known.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shook her head as she came over. She put another plate on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cI just came up with the plan. Everyone helped. Antinium, adventurers, the Watch\u2026and Goblins. I think the Council of Liscor\u2019s putting out the word right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria looked surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cThey didn\u2019t know\u2014oh wait, it was night. Wow. That\u2019s a cause for celebration if ever I heard one.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon nodded. She buttered a piece of toast. She glanced sideways at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019ll probably be another parade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin carefully found another table and put the food down there. She glanced back at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing to join in?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf wavered. She looked around her table and then seemed to remember she was part of her team. The Captain. She shook her head after a second.<\/p>\n \u201cNah. We\u2019re\u2026I\u2019m not up for it. If you all want to do it, that\u2019s fine. I just want to know what they\u2019ll do about\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria hesitated. She glanced at Mrsha and then sighed.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014about Calruz.\u201d<\/p>\n The inn quieted. Mrsha looked up as Lyonette tied the cloak to her neck. Yvlon put down her fork. Pisces doodled with the grease on his plate. Ksmvr kept eating bread as he looked around and then paused uncertainly.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Him.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin didn\u2019t know what to think. She\u2019d seen Calruz. But the beaten, burned Minotaur wasn\u2019t at all the one she\u2019d remembered teaching her how to fight. And she hadn\u2019t seen the monster that had led the Raskghar. Only the aftermath. Ceria shook her head. She passed a hand across her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not well. I don\u2019t know if it was something in the dungeon or the Raskghar or the water, but I think it wasn\u2019t entirely his fault. Still. That doesn\u2019t excuse any of it. I just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s voice trailed off. She looked at her mismatched hands. At last, Pisces cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that means no parade, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n That elicited a grin from Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Thanks, Pisces. Well, we\u2019re going into the city. If you need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll stay here. And\u2026talk.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked at Ceria. The half-Elf glanced up and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. There\u2019s a lot I need to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n They left it at that. Erin went over to Mrsha and Lyonette. The Gnoll was visibly apprehensive as she looked at the magic door. But that was the point. Erin went over and set the door to Liscor as if nothing was wrong.<\/p>\n \u201cReady? We\u2019ll all go together. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n The door opened into a rainy street. Erin stepped forwards first and turned. Mrsha hesitated at the door\u2019s edge. She looked up. Lyonette smiled reassuringly down at her. Mrsha wavered and then put a paw on the rainy street. She flinched as she felt the wetness, then walked forwards. She looked up as the rain spattered her face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re so brave.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin bent and gave Mrsha a wet cuddle. Then she stood. She nodded at Lyonette, and they began to walk through Liscor.<\/p>\n Everything was the same. Everything was not. Erin and Lyonette kept looking at Mrsha every few seconds. And the Gnoll stared at everything. She didn\u2019t run about. She was\u2026looking. The three passed by Drakes and Gnolls on the street. And they were different too.<\/p>\n Liscor had been hushed after the Raskghar attacks. People had barely gone about, except to work and perform necessary business. They had been quiet, nervous, and angry. But now the word had gone out. The Gnolls and Drakes stood about in the streets, talking. Some glanced about nervously until they caught themselves and realized there was nothing to fear. They stared at Erin and Lyonette as they passed. And at Mrsha. The Gnolls paused in what they were doing and looked at the little Gnoll. She stared back. The Gnolls exchanged glances. Lyonette and Erin watched them warily. They heard whispers as Mrsha padded past.<\/p>\n \u201cWhite one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha child.\u201d<\/p>\n And then, from one Gnoll, a word.<\/p>\n \u201cDoombringer.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin and Lyonette whirled. The Gnoll looked at them and then at Mrsha. Lyonette\u2019s face went white. She opened her mouth furiously, but the Gnoll\u2019s expression wasn\u2019t hostile or afraid. He inclined his head at Mrsha. The Gnoll cub stared at him. Then he bowed his head. The Gnoll turned and walked past. A Drake blinked at the two and scratched his head. So did Erin. Lyonette stared with a mixture of anger and confusion at the Gnoll\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked thoughtfully at Mrsha\u2019s face. The Gnoll stared after the other Gnoll. Her expression was neither happy nor sad. But it was slightly content. Erin stared at the Gnoll\u2019s back and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI think\u2026we should get moving before we\u2019re all totally drenched. Where\u2019s the toy store? Left?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStraight and then left.\u201d<\/p>\n In time, they reached the special store that Erin and Lyonette had found a while back. It was a Gnoll-run store, and it was aimed at children, but mainly Gnoll children. That was because it was a ball shop. It sold balls.<\/p>\n Small catching balls. Large ones made of leather. Discs for catching. If there was anything Gnolls shared with dogs, it was their love of games that allowed them to run about. Mrsha\u2019s ball had come from here. Now, the three pushed inside. A Gnoll at the counter looked up and blinked when he saw Mrsha. Then he bowed at his counter.<\/p>\n \u201cGreetings. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi. We\u2019re looking for a ball for Mrsha. We just wanted to look around. Is it okay if she touches things? We can pay for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll inclined his head as Mrsha stared up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Take your time. We owe a debt to the Mrsha child. Doom of the Raskghar. Find whatever you might wish, child.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette blinked and bit her lip. But Mrsha\u2019s tail began to wag as she looked around the shop. Lined up on the shelves were a child\u2019s fantasy. At least, any child who loved to play catch. There were balls of every size and shape and consistency. Little ones that could be hidden, large ones you could kick about, even metal ones with shiny surfaces. Mrsha looked at the adults again and then wandered down the aisles. She soon lost herself between the shelves.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea there was an entire shop for this stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin whispered to Lyonette. The young woman nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cKrshia told me about it. Apparently, Gnolls don\u2019t have many toys when they move about in their tribes. Games of catch are very important. And balls are\u2026well, they\u2019re fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I just never heard of personal, custom throwing balls. I mean, we had dogs at home, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] raised one eyebrow, and Erin turned red.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry! I didn\u2019t mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He shook his head and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cDogs are dogs, yes? They are simple. But a Gnoll finds more joy than a dog can. They fetch. We throw. But one as young as the Mrsha child would find enjoyment in both, I think. Do you have any preference? I find that children are usually unable to choose from my selection.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared down the rows of colorful balls. She was at a loss too. This was no supermarket selection with a bunch of generic, identical toys. Each object in the shop was hand-made and high quality. She hesitated, trying to imagine what Mrsha would like. If they found her old ball\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about a big bouncy ball? Do you have anything made of rub\u2014of plas\u2014something that bounces?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. I have a few. Let me bring them out.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll slipped out from behind his counter. He came back with a selection of balls, mostly leather, some wrapped in hide, and placed them on the counter. Erin bounced a few, but they were hardly as bouncy as a basketball.<\/p>\n \u201cGot anything with more bounce? Like, one I could throw on the ground and bounce off the ceiling?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have high standards. Yes, I\u2019ve seen such balls before. Magic ones, enchanted by [Mages]. Very prized among Gnoll children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014well, are they that<\/em> rare?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll nodded with the air of someone who had specialized in the nuance of ball manufacture all his life.<\/p>\n \u201cI regret that I do not have any such objects in stock. Magic is costly. I regret that I do not have any specialty goods\u2014you would have to place an order, yes? But this is a good one for catching and throwing. And these<\/em> are good for chewing.\u201d<\/p>\n He held up a ball wrapped in animal hide and a set of smaller balls that smelled a bit like animal to Erin. She prodded the leather-wrapped ball and then the chewable ones.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, these are squishy!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Not good for throwing. But very young children chew on these.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if they eat them by mistake?\u201d<\/p>\n The older Gnoll smiled. He was probably the oldest Gnoll Erin had met, older than Elirr and Krshia. His fur was grey with black splotches.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is no danger. They are edible and not harmful. And it is a lesson for children if they are swallowed. Because the toy is then gone. Unless it passes out of them in the same piece, which is not always pleasant, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin laughed. The Gnoll took the chewing toys away.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I think young Mrsha is too old for such things. I have other balls. Such as this one, which is very frictionless. And tough. Note the covering.\u201d<\/p>\n The ball he showed Erin had a delicate wyvern-hide skin, which Mrsha sniffed with great interest. She touched the smooth surface.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. Fancy. And you can see the scales!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLaminated. It is very tough, though. Not malleable. While these are cheaper.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll flicked the throwing ball. Erin studied it. She could see tiny stitches holding the hide wrap in place. And when she felt it, the ball had some give, but only a little. It was definitely familiar. She frowned at the Gnoll, struck by a thought.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. This looks a lot like a\u2026what\u2019s this made of?\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is a trade secret. But I suppose for this one\u2014I could tell you. It is cork, yes? Hard, but malleable. Not cheap around Liscor, but good for throwing.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s brows shot together. She eyed the ball and looked around. Mrsha was still wavering, caught by a huge, hollow ball and a small one that glittered, enchanted by a minor spell of some kind. Erin looked at the ball and tossed it up and down.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. Hmm. <\/em>Hey Mrsha, get the ball you want. I\u2019ll take five\u2014no, give me eight of these. Not the expensive ones, but good, quality ones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll beamed, happy to make a sale. Lyonette eyed Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cAre those all for Mrsha? And can we afford all of them?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin dug around in her money pouch for a few gold coins. She shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI earned a lot of money from the plays. And I get some of the bounty money for the Gnolls. And I can even put in a claim for some of the magical items!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? How does that even work? I know there was Ilvriss\u2019 bounty, but who gets to say who gets what?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea. Hey, can I get these in a bag? Lyonette, I just had a great idea. You stay here and get Mrsha whatever she wants. Or two of what she wants. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n She dug three gold coins out and handed them to Lyonette. The Gnoll [Shopkeeper]\u2019s tail wagged in delight as Lyonette stared at the gold coins.<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2014!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome back to the inn when you\u2019re ready! I\u2019ll be in Celum if you need me!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin raced out of the shop. By the time she got back to the Wandering Inn, the Halfseekers were awake. They were eating ravenously and in good spirits without reserve. Jelaqua was thumping Moore on the back as Erin came in.<\/p>\n \u201cEat up! Don\u2019t be shy, you great big oaf. Erin doesn\u2019t care if you eat all her eggs! And you need your strength after you nearly got gutted by those damn Raskghar. Anyone want the sausages? Then take the platter, Moore! I told you\u2014oh, hey Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJelaqua! Moore! Seborn!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin beamed. The Horns of Hammerad and Halfseekers both turned. They stared as she emptied the hide-wrapped balls onto the table. Jelaqua pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that? Toys for Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope! Toys for me! Oh, and eat everything you want, Moore. Hey, I\u2019m going into Celum now. Can one of you change the door back to Liscor and check for me in like\u2026thirty minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns nodded. Ceria was sitting with the others. She looked relaxed, but tired. Erin strode over to the door and blinked as Yvlon stood up. The woman scratched at her arms. She was wearing her gauntlets and vambraces for some reason, despite not having bothered to put on her breastplate or any other part of her armor.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go with you. I could use some sunlight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, thanks! I could use a pair of hands. Remember, let Mrsha and Lyonette through! I\u2019ll be back soon! Oh, hey Octavia.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] looked up as Erin and Yvlon came through. She waved.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, everyone\u2019s alive over there, right? I didn\u2019t get to ask\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re all good!\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch-Girl sighed in relief. Erin spent a few seconds with Octavia and then walked out of the shop. Yvlon nodded to the [Alchemist] and walked with Erin down the street.<\/p>\n It was different in Celum. Sunlight shone down from above, disconcerting after the pouring rain Erin had just been walking through. She felt her hair and clothes begin to dry. After a second, she turned and looked at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, how\u2019s Ceria doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked up at the bright sky. People were passing by on the street. Humans, giving Yvlon an odd look now and then. People who had no idea of what had happened. Erin felt like a stranger with Humans all around her. After a moment, Yvlon shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. I think she\u2019s okay. She told us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman let out a long breath.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I\u2019m surprised she can recall it. Calruz, the Raskghar\u2014there was something truly awful down there, Erin. The ritual, Calruz\u2014I don\u2019t know how Ceria will handle it. I\u2019m surprised she let him live after all that happened. And Mrsha\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat bad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe was there for all of it. She looked okay to me, but I\u2019d stick with her. Those Raskghar were monsters.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Lyonette is with her. And I\u2019ll find tons of fun stuff for her to do. I just had an idea in that vein, which is why we\u2019re out here. Hey, you know Celum, right? Can you help me find a shop?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Well, why am I surprised? What are you looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Carpenter]. Know any good ones?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Well, the Runner\u2019s Guild would know the best ones in the city. Why not make a stop there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea.\u201d<\/p>\n They turned left down a street. Yvlon and Erin walked along in silence. Erin glanced at Yvlon. She hadn\u2019t spoken too often with the woman, but they knew each other.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow bad was it? I can ask Ceria, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The woman looked away. Her face was shadowed when she spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cBad enough that I had to leave. It was that or ask Ceria why she didn\u2019t kill Calruz. She let him live. But the things he did, the horrors he let the Raskghar commit\u2014that was not the Calruz I knew. And there was something else. Ceria saw the heart of the dungeon. And what lurks in there\u2014you don\u2019t need to hear about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shivered.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I do. But not today.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cNot today. I\u2019m just grateful that she\u2019s back. And so is Mrsha. Thank you for doing this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, it was just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It was more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman met Erin\u2019s eyes. Erin hesitated, then nodded silently. That was all they said for a while. They visited the Runner\u2019s Guild, got directions from the [Receptionist], and were walking down the street when Erin thought of something else to ask.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026about the treasure. Loot. Whatever. How\u2019s that going to work?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon blinked. Then she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. I nearly forgot! Ilvriss did offer a huge bounty on the Gnolls. What was it, a thousand<\/em> gold pieces per prisoner saved? And didn\u2019t he double that? Plus, we recovered a bunch of artifacts from the Raskghar who were carrying them. At least twenty, I think. I didn\u2019t see all of them, but everyone wants one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI bet. So how\u2019s it going to work?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s a lottery. Part of what Ilvriss and Liscor\u2019s Council will do is assign merit based on who contributed what. The Gold-rank teams get most credit for all the fighting they did, obviously. But the [Soldiers], the Watch, Ilvriss himself, everyone gets credit. So do you. A lot of it, I should imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMhm. I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019ll all be eligible for some share. But what Ilvriss is going to do is pay the whole sum for all the prisoners rescued into a pool. And the artifacts go into the pool as well. Then we make bids on what we want. You can just ask for gold\u2014or try and claim an artifact. If multiple groups claim the same thing, I think there\u2019s a random lottery. Or you might get it if you did the most and you don\u2019t want anything else. It\u2019s complicated. Dungeon raids usually end up with a lot of fighting over who gets what anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow. So could I get a magic sword if I wanted it?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon grinned ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could try. But I\u2019ll bet all the Gold-ranks will get the artifacts. I\u2019ll be pleased just to get some gold for our team. We could use it. And the levels we gained already were treasure enough. We\u2014oh, here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped. Erin stared at the carpenter\u2019s shop and then pushed her way in. The shop was run by a master and his apprentices. Erin edged past the apprentice who came to ask her what she wanted and strode up to the [Carpenter]. She smiled at him as he looked up with a scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I\u2019m Erin. Erin Solstice. You\u2019re a [Carpenter], right? Can I ask how fast you can carpenter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked irritated. The man had gnarled hands and grey hair. He glared at his apprentice and Erin, but she was undeterred.<\/p>\n \u201cI have an order I\u2019d like to make. Something custom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m busy. If you have an order\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin slapped a gold coin on the table the man was working at. He blinked at the gold piece. He opened his mouth, and Erin dumped a handful on the table. Yvlon\u2019s eyebrows shot up. The [Carpenter] wavered. He glanced at Erin and tried to adopt a much more helpful attitude.<\/p>\n \u201cUh, how can I help you, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to carve something. It has to be solid. One block of wood. And it can\u2019t break. It\u2019s not hard to make, but it needs to be good. It\u2019ll look like this\u2014hey, can I borrow that piece of charcoal? Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin snatched the [Carpenter]\u2019s drawing stick up and began to sketch on his piece of parchment. He blinked at her and then frowned at what she was drawing. He began nodding as she described what she wanted.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all? And you don\u2019t want anything done with it? A wrap? Hah, that\u2019s simple. Well, if it\u2019s not engraving\u2026I can get you a rough outline within the hour, no problem. Smoothing the surface takes a bit of work, but that\u2019s an easy design. You\u2019re lucky you came to me! My competitors can\u2019t do quick work, whereas my Skills are far superior.\u201d<\/p>\n He puffed out his chest a bit. Erin raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Well, can you give me a list of your competitors? I\u2019m gonna get them to make some too. Unless you can make me\u2026six within two hours? I need an oversized version too. Oh, and one with a custom grip. I\u2019ll pay extra to get it done quick and good.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Carpenter]\u2019s jaw dropped. He stared at Yvlon, who gave him a curious, embarrassed, amused look. He looked at Erin. She smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDid I mention that I know Gold-rank adventurers? Say, do you happen to sell arrow shafts? Because one of my best clients<\/em> is a guy called Halrac\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n A few minutes later, Erin walked out of the [Carpenter]\u2019s shop, whistling. She looked at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, we\u2019ll go to one other [Carpenter] shop. The guy had a lot of apprentices, so I think he can fulfill the order. Plus, he looked like he was going to work really hard.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon looked back into the shop, which was a flurry of activity.<\/p>\n \u201cI can imagine. Especially with what you paid him! What was that thing for, anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin raised her eyebrows mysteriously.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll see. Now I need to visit a tanner. Or a leatherworker.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can ask about them at the next carpenter\u2019s shop if you want. They tend to know other people in related businesses. But can I ask why?\u201d<\/p>\n A wide smile was Yvlon\u2019s only answer.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll see what I\u2019ve got ready in about two hours. Less, if I get everything ready. Hey, do you know where I can buy sausages? And I need more flour to make dough. Uh\u2026how strong are your arms? I might need you to carry stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon flexed her arms as Erin eyed them with sudden concern. The [Warrior] smiled. Her arms looked bigger for some reason. Had she been working out?<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me. But please tell me you\u2019re not going to do something crazy. I can\u2019t handle anything crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry! This is fun and good stuff. Besides\u2014if I did do something crazy, could you even stop me?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. You probably could. Well, this isn\u2019t that crazy. Come on!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When Erin got back to the inn, she found Mrsha and Lyonette had returned. Only, they didn\u2019t have any new balls. And neither of them were smiling. Mrsha sat by herself, rolling something back and forth.<\/p>\n Her ball. Her worn, scratched little ball. Erin paused, looking questioningly at Lyonette. She and Yvlon were empty-handed, but Erin had spent a good deal of coin, and she hoped to have things to carry soon enough.<\/p>\n \u201cDid Mrsha not want anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette was sitting at a table, watching Mrsha with concern in her eyes. She shook her head. Apista was in her lap, and Lyonette was running her finger down the bee\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cShe started crying after you left and she had to decide on a new ball. She wanted her old one. I think it was too soon to bring her into the city, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n A bit of reproach entered Lyonette\u2019s tone. Erin\u2019s heart sank. She looked at Mrsha. The Gnoll was sniffing her ball, holding it. Not really playing. Erin nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. That was my mistake. Uh\u2014is everyone doing good?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around. The Halfseekers and Horns were still in her inn. Both had stuffed themselves. They weren\u2019t saying too much. Ceria sat at a table with Pisces and Ksmvr. She had emptied two mugs. She wasn\u2019t exactly looking happy either. She kept looking at Mrsha.<\/p>\n The optimistic mood of the morning had somehow gone wrong. Lyonette glanced at the adventurers and shrugged. Erin saw Seborn talking with Moore and Jelaqua. She wandered over and heard his slightly echoey voice.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014It\u2019s negotiations at this point. We could try for that armor, Jelaqua. But we owe Selys Shivertail a cut of whatever we get.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I know. But if we get the armor, we can compensate her. And we do<\/em> have a strong claim. Hell, maybe we could persuade Ilvriss or the Flamewardens to help us out if I agree to cancel my contract with Selys. But having a magical artifact like that we could own\u2014oh, hey Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua looked up. Moore sat up with a groan. He had a hand over his stomach where he\u2019d been cut last night. The wound had healed, but the half-Giant still seemed tender. Or he\u2019d stuffed himself. The mountain of dishes suggested that might be the case.<\/p>\n \u201cHey guys. I wanted to say thanks again for all you did. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cFor what? Saving our hides? You gave us a victory. We had no way to beat the Raskghar. And you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha started and looked up from her ball. Jelaqua broke off guiltily.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. What I meant was that we owe you, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks. But you were fighting. I\u2026well, I know you\u2019re probably busy doing adventurer stuff, but I was hoping I could ask for a small favor.\u201d<\/p>\n The Halfseekers looked at each other. Jelaqua shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re only discussing business. It\u2019s not like we can do anything now\u2014it\u2019ll be a week at least before we get to the actual dividing of loot, I bet. Gotta make sure we all get what we want.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAwesome. Then can I ask for you to help me deliver something? I need a few strong hands. Not you, Moore. I know you\u2019re recovering\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Giant sat up. He smiled tiredly at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Miss Erin. And if it\u2019s lifting you need, I think I\u2019m your half-Giant.\u201d<\/p>\n He tried to rise, but Jelaqua and Seborn held him down.<\/p>\n \u201cRelax, Moore. We have this.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. Sit. Please. Let me get you a drink. You saved Mrsha. I owe you so much\u2014Lyonette! Can we get the big mug for Moore? Fill it with something nice! Wine or ale? Something stronger?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Giant wavered, then collapsed back into his seat. Fatigue, that was it. He just looked tired.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose I could<\/em> do with an ale. From Celum? Do you have any local brands?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll check. Now, I just need four people, probably. I could do it with two, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeborn and I are good. Who are the other two? Yvlon and Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking of making Pisces do it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin turned and grinned at Pisces. The [Necromancer] had helped himself to a drink of his own. He sat next to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cI will conjure you a skeleton to do the work if you desire, Erin. But you won\u2019t get me to move for love or money. Threats of violence may suffice.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need skeletons, thanks. They\u2019ll cause a panic. But just give me one second, and I\u2019ll get everything in place. It\u2019s for Mrsha, see.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Mrsha and Lyonette looked up. Lyonette frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cErin. Mrsha needs some time by herself. I don\u2019t think an outing is right. Not at all.\u201d<\/p>\n She stared hard at Erin, and the young woman felt a bit of pressure on her shoulders. She blinked. Lyonette\u2019s gaze felt heavy.<\/em> And then Erin realized. She was using her aura! She met Lyonette\u2019s gaze. Neither young woman raised their tone for fear of scaring Mrsha, but Erin silently pushed back until the pressure had left her shoulders. Jelaqua and Seborn looked from Lyonette to Erin in silence.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be fine, Lyonette. It\u2019s just a little outing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Not another one! She just needs to stay here!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette raised her voice. Mrsha looked up again. Erin sighed. She walked forwards, giving Mrsha a reassuring look. She turned away and whispered to Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Lyonette, I know you\u2019re worried about Mrsha. But believe me. I know what I\u2019m doing. She doesn\u2019t have to go anywhere right now. Neither do you. Just wait.\u201d<\/p>\n She met Lyonette\u2019s eyes, trying to be reassuring. The [Princess] glared\u2014then saw Erin was serious. She looked at Mrsha and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. But nothing crazy, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does everyone think I can only do crazy? This is just\u2026okay, it\u2019s a bit weird. But just a bit! Ksmvr, Yvlon, can I get you to lift?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am quite proficient at lifting.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr stood up at once. Yvlon nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cJust show us what you need, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. We\u2019ll be back in a few minutes! Don\u2019t worry! It\u2019ll be worth it!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria, Pisces, Lyonette, and Mrsha watched as the four adventurers plus Erin walked over to her door. Erin didn\u2019t change the mana stone. She opened the door and walked through. The people in the inn heard Erin speaking to Octavia and then the [Alchemist] raise her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? But Erin! I thought we were partners! <\/em>This is really\u2014did someone make you an offer? Hold on! Don\u2019t touch it! We can deal! We can make\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The door closed. The people in the inn looked at each other. Lyonette went over and gave Mrsha another hug. The Gnoll looked up at her. Lyonette tried to give her a reassuring smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s just Erin being Erin. She said she wasn\u2019t doing anything crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t sound too convinced. But for some reason, that uncertainty made Mrsha feel better. She stared out the rainy window and bounced her ball. All was the same. All was different. She wished she could play, but she was a bit\u2014tired. A bit empty.<\/p>\n So was Ceria. The half-Elf sat at her table. She knew Pisces was watching her, which was why he\u2019d volunteered to stay. That and he loathed physical exertion. She looked into her mug. She\u2019d told her teammates everything. Nearly everything. But she couldn\u2019t tell them what it had been like. The pain, Calruz\u2019s madness. It felt like a nightmare she hadn\u2019t woken up from. She was free of the dungeon now. The Raskghar were dead or fled. But it felt\u2014<\/p>\n It felt like she\u2019d brought the dungeon with her. And Ceria was unhappy. So she and Mrsha sat, a bit lost, as the rain poured down. Part of them was still in that camp. Part of them still thought this was a dream. It was unreal, too wonderful, too much after their torment. It was a figment of their imagination, an illusion.<\/p>\n A fantasy.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cErin, please! Please! <\/em>How long have we known each other? Months? It feels like years! You can\u2019t just throw me under the wagon like this! I have relatives! I\u2019m an up-and-coming [Alchemist]! I can\u2019t handle rejection!\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia clung to Erin\u2019s waist, despite Erin\u2019s best efforts to get her to let go. The young woman waved her arms as Yvlon, Ksmvr, Jelaqua, and Seborn lifted the magic door in Octavia\u2019s shop up. It wasn\u2019t heavy for the four of them so much as cumbersome. They began to angle it out the door.<\/p>\n \u201cErin! You\u2019re breaking my heart here! What will it take? Gold? Potions? Be reasonable! This is business!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOctavia, let go! I told you I\u2019m not stealing your door!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I seeing then? Don\u2019t lie to me, Erin! We\u2019ve invested too much in this relationship to lie to each other!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat <\/em>relationship? Octavia, let go! It\u2019s just temporary! I said it\u2019s just for today, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Well, in that case, why didn\u2019t you say so?\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch-Girl let go. Erin stumbled back as Seborn held the door open for the door to go through. Erin turned and glared.<\/p>\n \u201cI did say so!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] had the grace to blush. She fiddled with her braids and tugged at the stitches at her neck.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, I didn\u2019t hear that. I panicked a bit. Your magic door gets me a lot of business, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019ll keep giving you business! Now can I go?\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia was standing in front of the door. She started.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Sure, sure. But you are coming back, right? With the door? Promise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Please move.\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch-Girl did. Erin hurried out of her shop. The adventurers were waiting for her. Jelaqua raised an amused eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s one obstacle down. Where are we taking it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut of the city! North!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha. One, two, three, up\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers easily lifted the door. They began walking down the street. Erin followed them. After a few paces, she turned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you following me, Octavia?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cNo reason. I just\u2026want to see where the door\u2019s going. Is that a crime?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glared at Octavia.<\/p>\n \u201cJust don\u2019t get in the way!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho, me? I would never. I\u2019m on your side, Erin! Always have been. From the day we met, I thought that we would be the best of friends. Say, where\u2019s this door going? I could sell you some stamina potions if it\u2019s a long haul. Not that it\u2019s going to be that long, right? Because the door is coming back\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed and tried to block out Octavia\u2019s voice. She looked ahead. Celum was busy, and it was coming to midmorning. The people on the streets turned in surprise when they saw the four adventurers walking down the street with a door<\/em> held between them. There were shouts of surprise. And a few screams.<\/p>\n Of the four adventurers, Yvlon was probably the most normal. But the other three were Jelaqua, a Selphid, Seborn, one of the rare Drowned Men, and Ksmvr, who was an Antinium. He\u2019d been in Celum and other Human cities before, but there were plenty of people who were still shocked to see him.<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait\u2014there\u2019s two of them! One of them\u2019s half-Antinium!\u201d<\/p>\n The people backed away in horror. Jelaqua, holding her end of the door with Seborn, began laughing so hard she nearly dropped it. Seborn growled. The adventurers made their way down the street until they ran into an obstacle.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! Excuse me, what is this?\u201d<\/p>\n A Human [Guardsman] strode up to the group, looking afraid and indignant. He pointed a shaking finger at Ksmvr. He hadn\u2019t heard of the Horns of Hammerad or fear was overriding common sense.<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium are not allowed in the city! And you can\u2019t bring a door down the street! You\u2019re holding up traffic!\u201d<\/p>\n There were indeed several wagons waiting for the adventurers. Jelaqua raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, but this thing\u2019s too bulky for the side of the street, Mister Guardsman. And Ksmvr\u2019s a friend of ours.\u201d<\/p>\n The Human purpled with fury.<\/p>\n \u201cA friend? He\u2019s an Ant! <\/em>They don\u2019t have friends! Move this thing out of the way! Who are<\/em> you? Some kind of upstart Drake? This is a Human city! Who are you? An adventurer? I\u2019ll report you to the guild! And what\u2019s wrong with him?<\/em> Is he sick? If he is, he\u2019s a danger to everyone on this street!\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at Seborn. The Drowned Man had had enough. He let go of his side of the door and glared at the [Guardsman].<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a Drowned Man. My name is Seborn. I\u2019m a <\/strong>Gold-rank adventurer.<\/strong><\/em> And this is Jelaqua, also Gold-rank. She\u2019s a Selphid.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardsman] gulped. He looked at Jelaqua, who gave him a toothy grin.<\/p>\n \u201cRookie mistake. It\u2019s the skin. Want me to open up my chest? Oh, wait. There\u2019s kids watching.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014I\u2014Gold-rank?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n The officer of the Watch looked around. He realized that everyone was waiting for him to make a move. He looked at the wagons waiting impatiently behind the Gold-ranks, at the adventurers, and made a judgment call.<\/p>\n \u201cTerribly sorry, sir. I don\u2019t know what came over me. You lot! Back up! Gold-ranks coming through on business! Give them some room! Do you need a wagon by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Move.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn grabbed the door and stomped forwards. The watchman stepped back, face beet red. Erin smothered a grin as she walked with the others. Jelaqua couldn\u2019t stop laughing as they proceeded down the street. She grew more somber as they left the poor [Guardsman] behind.<\/p>\n \u201cThat happens a lot, actually. More often in Human lands than Drake ones, if you\u2019ll believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Are Drakes less racist than Humans?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked curiously at Jelaqua. The Selphid shook her head ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cNah. It\u2019s just that in the Drake cities, all the Watch knows your face so there\u2019s no \u2018incidents\u2019. Helps a bit, but it raises other problems. Alright, through the gates?\u201d<\/p>\n They\u2019d come to the northern gates. Octavia looked at Erin, and she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough the gates!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardsmen] on duty were wiser than their colleague. They stood aside and just watched as the adventurers left the city. Erin took the lead, then. She pointed, and the procession brought the door north of the city. It was about a ten minute walk.<\/p>\n There was nothing too special about the place the adventurers set the door down. Yvlon glanced about. The area just north of Celum was grassy, and there was a stand of trees to the left. But it was just a wild meadow Erin had chosen, really. Nothing too special about it at all. It was nice and open, a ways away from the road, but she couldn\u2019t see why they were here.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure this is what you want, Erin? There\u2019s not even a wall to lean this thing up against!\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua looked dubiously at Erin. The young woman smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s perfect. Plus, the door doesn\u2019t need a wall. We can make one. All we need is a door frame and a bit of wood for the backboard\u2026darn, I should have gotten that first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey it\u2019s no big deal. We can get it. Gold-ranks, remember? Seborn, let\u2019s go requisition some nails and hammers and wood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do it. I\u2019m sick of idiots around here asking if I\u2019m sick. I hate landlocked idiots who\u2019ve never seen the ocean.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua laughed. She and Ksmvr went back to Celum and came back with what they needed. Erin hammered a few boards together, and Yvlon helped her pound the door frame into the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia was more curious than upset at this point. She held the doorframe, backing up as Erin and Ksmvr wrestled the door into place. Seborn and Jelaqua were arguing about whether Drowned People or Selphids got more flak from the local law enforcement. Erin just grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll see. Alright, I think we\u2019re in place! Opening the door\u2026now!\u201d<\/p>\n She swung the door open. The wooden backing disappeared, and the inn appeared. Mrsha and Lyonette turned from playing catch and shaded their eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat on earth\u2014Erin, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOutside Celum! This is the plan! Hey Ceria, Pisces, you come through too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat plan?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette stared through the door. The sunlight was hitting her eyes, and she was still upset at Erin. She just saw grass. In the distance, a wagon rolled down the road heading north out of Celum. She didn\u2019t see how Mrsha and Ceria looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cThis!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin spread her arms wide. She turned about. Lyonette stared at her uncomprehendingly. Then she looked at Mrsha. The Gnoll was staring through the door. At the grass. At the clear blue sky. The wind blew. And then Lyonette realized.<\/p>\n It was bright in Celum. <\/em>The sun\u2019s light flooded through the door, bright, golden light. Lyonette looked around. The inn was dark. A fire burned in the fireplace, and Erin had lanterns and candles when needed, but the rain was still falling outside. And it was cloudy. Even with the windows unshuttered, the inn was still drab. Colorless. Like the inside of a prison cell.<\/p>\n Like the dungeon. But in Celum, there was grass. It was spring. A few bugs leapt through the door, confused by the sudden change in light and temperature. Lyonette saw a bird flying through the sky.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned and jumped. Bird was standing behind her.<\/p>\n \u201cBird! When did you come down?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust now. I sensed birds. I have a Skill for it. May I go through, Miss Erin? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! Come through! You and everyone else! Come on! I\u2019ll bring some food through, and we can play a game!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin beckoned. Ceria stood up. So did Pisces. They looked at each other. Ceria blinked a few times.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so\u2026bright.<\/em> I\u2019d forgotten what it was like.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces studied the open door. He nodded at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose a moment in the sun would be a pleasant change. Springwalker, what are you waiting for? Didn\u2019t you say you wanted to sit in the sun with the Ring of Barkskin on at least once?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cI did say that. Didn\u2019t I? But Ksmvr has the ring.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would be extremely willing to lend it to you, Captain Ceria. I have imbibed enough nutrients, and I believe additional mass would not be unduly limiting to your combat prowess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Ksmvr. I\u2014yeah, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf stepped hesitantly towards the door. Erin smiled encouragingly at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to come through, we can have a picnic, Mrsha. We said we should do another one, remember? And I have a wonderful new game to play.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha stared into the grassy field. She took a hesitant step forwards and stopped. She glanced back at Lyonette. The young woman watched her. Mrsha wavered. She was afraid. But then she looked back. At the light.<\/p>\n Apista buzzed past Mrsha, startling the young Gnoll. The Ashfire Bee flew into the field and hovered over a flower. Erin laughed. And that laughter struck something in Mrsha\u2019s heart. She took another step.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the game?\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua stood in the sun, smiling. Moore, who\u2019d been napping at his table, looked up. The half-Giant smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cA nap in the sun would be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n He stepped past Mrsha. Ceria and Pisces followed him. Erin laughed again. She moved aside to let Moore go past.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, the best of games. The greatest game! For someone like Mrsha, at least. I thought of it when I saw the balls in the shop. They looked exactly like something from my home. So I made a few purchases. We\u2019ll have a light lunch, and then everything should be ready! I paid for speed.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette stepped forwards. Mrsha was on the edge of the door. The Gnoll stared at the grass inches away from her paws. She looked up at the sky. A cool wind blew and ruffled Mrsha\u2019s fur. She closed her eyes. She smelled\u2026growing grass. Insects. Pollen. Soil. Birds. A rabbit nest hidden under the turf twenty feet to the left. Erin. Jelaqua. Yvlon. Metal. Sweat. A swirl of strange ingredients from Octavia. And that last scent of all, which reached into her. The scent that had no part of the dungeon in it. The smell of life, of growing.<\/p>\n Spring.<\/em><\/p>\n She took a step forwards. Her paw sank into the grass. Mrsha looked at it. She touched the soil. She felt the blades of grass beneath her. She looked up at Lyonette. The young woman smiled. She wiped her eyes and looked at Erin. The young woman nodded to her. Lyonette bowed her head slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what\u2019s this game, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, it\u2019s a simple one. You have a few balls, a few sticks to hit things with, a glove to catch with\u2026and you play it in the open. In the sun. It\u2019s called baseball. I thought we could play. If you want. What do you say, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin crouched. She held out her hand. Mrsha wavered. She stared back at the inn. It was familiar. But it was also dark. And ahead of her\u2014she stared up. The sky was bright. Mrsha looked at Erin. She was afraid. Afraid this was all a dream.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman looked at Mrsha. The Gnoll looked at her and closed her eyes. Then, slowly, she stepped forwards.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Yvlon was wrong about one thing. The parade wasn\u2019t in two days. It was happening right now. In Liscor, the Watch and Embria\u2019s Soldiers and a detachment of Antinium marched down the street. They followed a stream of adventurers, who waved as the crowd roared and cheered them. Liscor celebrated as the rain fell. Relieved Drakes and Gnolls took to the streets. And at the end of the parade, Wall Lord Ilvriss gave a speech after Watch Captain Zevara had given an account of all that had passed.<\/p>\n The Drake did not beat about the bush. He stood on a podium, several [Mages] and a scrying orb recording his every move. The world was watching. Already, the news of Liscor\u2019s triumph over the Raskghar was spreading. It was, all things considered, small news. After all, it was just a group of monsters, nothing more.<\/p>\n To most of the world, Ilvriss\u2019 speech was dismissed, forgettable. They had already gotten used to the novelty of the scrying orbs, and after dozens of people had tried to emulate Flos\u2019 attention-grabbing stunts, there were far fewer avid viewers than Ilvriss might have desired.<\/p>\n But that didn\u2019t matter. The Wall Lord spoke for Liscor, which hung on his every word. He looked at the Gnolls, who stood together. Some grieved for those sacrificed or dead. Likewise, the Drakes had lost their own. But still they stood. The Wall Lord\u2019s voice shook with raw emotion as he shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was a triumph! Liscor has reclaimed its own! The dungeon and the Raskghar were no match for the might of adventurers, the resilience of the Drake and Gnollish spirit!\u201d<\/p>\n The roar from the crowd deafened the falling rain for a second. Ilvriss raised one fist.<\/p>\n \u201cThe dungeon cannot defeat Liscor! Nor can any other foe! They assailed the walls! They took your family, your friends! And still the walls stand! Liscor will never fall to invaders! And the brave souls who battled in Liscor\u2019s name are heroes, each one! Drakes! Gnolls! Humans! Selphid and Garuda, half-Giant and Drowned Man! Dwarf!\u201d<\/p>\n He paused and muttered an oath.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Goblin.\u201d<\/p>\n No one besides Zevara heard that last bit. They were cheering, throwing things at the adventurers and Watch. Since flowers were hard to obtain, it was a rain of brightly-colored fish scales that fell, much to the dissatisfaction of all but the Antinium. But still, it was a triumph. Ilvriss\u2019 speech was transmitted by the [Mages] to other spots across the continent and the world.<\/p>\n The leaders of the Drake cities watched. Around the world, those with an interest in Liscor or had nothing better to do listened to Ilvriss speaking in the rain. They assessed, listened, and judged. It was politics. And the adventurers shifted impatiently, wondering when the speech would end and they could get out of the rain. They had their fill of glory, now they wanted a hot meal.<\/p>\n Embria\u2019s [Soldiers] stood proud, for once the heroes cheered by their home. The Watch was more relaxed, relieved that the crisis was over. The Antinium stared at the cheering faces and felt strange.<\/p>\n So it went. Glory and politics and rain. Liscor celebrated. But in an inn just a short way away from the city, a young woman and a white Gnoll stepped through a magical doorway and into Celum. They stepped out of the dark inn, out of Liscor and the ever-present rain and into the fields outside of Celum. And Mrsha looked around.<\/p>\n The sun shone down from a blue sky overhead. The grass was soft and the flowers blooming. The wind blew Mrsha\u2019s fur as she looked up and saw the sun. It shone bright, a fierce, warm, comforting, brilliant, soft, wondrous, terrible light. The Gnoll breathed in. She looked around and saw smiling faces. She looked back at the inn. It was home. But here?<\/p>\n The meadow was empty. In the distance lay Celum, but it was far off. Here there were no walls in sight. There was no darkness. The air was fresh. Mrsha looked around. And at long last she smiled. It finally hit her.<\/p>\n She was free.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Night deepened and turned to day. The dungeon that had rung with the sounds of battle grew silent. The adventurers, Antinium, and people of Liscor returned to their city through the magic doors, breaking the exits behind them. They returned with the captive Gnolls, with a Minotaur in shackles, and a half-Elf. In triumph. In […]<\/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-5286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-5","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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