Talenqual. It wasn\u2019t cool enough for a proper name, like the City of Serpents, the Ironforged Hearth of the North, the Titan\u2019s School, and so on. It was just Talenqual.<\/p>\n
That was fine. Unless you had an ego issue about something like that. This may have been true for the company that controlled the city as its prized headquarters, a hard-won seat of power for them. But it was just peachy for everyone else who lived there. Talenqual was a good city. It just wasn\u2019t famous.<\/p>\n
It was, in fact, a lot nicer to live in than other cities. Like, say, Liscor, the Drake city that had been popping up in the news lately. Talenqual was much nicer than Liscor vis-\u00e0-vis their location, natural resources, and most importantly, discretionary budget. As a port city, Talenqual could trade on its nali-stick fields, abundant orchards, pastoral land, as well as pull in trade and sustain itself with fishing. By contrast, Liscor survived solely based on its limited holdings and its army, which was never around to actually defend the city.<\/em><\/p>\n True, the company controlling Talenqual, the Featherfolk Brigade, had only a fraction of its forces near the city. But the company acted as a support to the local law enforcement, and it never left Talenqual unguarded. Additionally and more importantly, the Featherfolk Brigade was willing to pay to eliminate threats it couldn\u2019t be pressed to deal with itself.<\/p>\n So, snakes. About two and a half weeks ago, a group of Silver-rank teams had gotten wind of a possible dungeon near Talenqual. They had dug into it and, as was the way of many dungeon raids, uncovered death and monsters instead of treasure. They had unwittingly unleashed a pack of massive snakes capable of swallowing regular warriors whole.<\/p>\n It might have meant the end of the Silver-rank teams, but an unusually rapid and effective response from the city\u2019s highest-level inhabitants had destroyed almost all of the giant snakes in a short, one-sided battle. It was a triumph that had saved lives and come at no real cost. A wonderful achievement.<\/p>\n However, it didn\u2019t mean all the snakes were dead. A lot had been killed, skinned, and harvested for meat and other parts (giant snake eyes were a delicacy), but the city was well aware of the dangers if the giant snakes were left to reproduce or if more were left unchecked. So they\u2019d put a hefty bounty on snakes. And as the torrential spring rains let up one midmorning, one group of adventurers was there to collect.<\/p>\n A trio of giant serpents slithered out of their lair, angry and looking for blood. A Human fled ahead of them, arms pumping wildly as she ran for her life. The snakes followed her, fast as horses. The young woman had a head start, but they were closing fast<\/em>. And they were angry; the smoke and controlled fire the adventurer had set outside of their subterranean home probably played a part.<\/p>\n They were going to catch her. Siri looked over her shoulder as she dashed out of the clearing around the snake\u2019s lair and towards the edge of the forest ahead. The snakes were hot on her heels. But if she could just make it to the trees\u2014!<\/p>\n One of the serpents coiled and sprang<\/em>. Siri saw it coming as she glanced back and swerved. She heard a huge impact to her right and decided that was too close. The watchers in the trees agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cNow!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A hail of crossbow bolts struck the serpent that had leapt at Siri, going for the eyes. The snake recoiled as the steel-tipped bolts clattered off its scales; two landed but barely went through the thick scales of the snake. Too far away. Siri swore and doubled her sprint. The snakes\u2019 attention split between her and the forest. They had sensed the heat coming off the group in the forest. Two split off while one kept chasing Siri.<\/p>\n \u201cHit the eyes! Hit the bloody eyes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A male voice shouted as a second volley flew from the trees. This time, his order had an effect; one of the snakes reared back, making a pained hissing<\/em> sound like steam escaping a twelve-foot kettle as it reared back. The other bolts snapped or bounced off. And the two snakes were heading into the forest\u2014Siri dodged into the trees as the one following her lunged again and hit a tree.<\/p>\n Now the snakes were close to the attackers. They slithered around the trees, looking for their prey. They\u2019d sensed the heat of their would-be victims. And they were\u2026<\/p>\n Up?<\/em><\/p>\n One of the giant snakes, patterned purple and green across its massive head, looked up. It opened its mouth, exposing a set of small, fanged teeth. Daly, sitting in the treetop, realized that meant it wasn\u2019t actually venomous. It was a relative of the boa constrictor, which squeezed its prey to death before consuming it whole.<\/p>\n This breed of giant serpent had clearly taken a similar but different approach; with its humongous body it could literally smash a bear or deer to death without worrying about horns or claws damaging its armored body. It was clearly an apex predator in many regards. For a moment, the Australian adventurer marveled at the magical biodiversity of nature. Then he pulled the trigger and shot a crossbow bolt straight through its eye.<\/p>\n \u201cGot it! Two have only one eye; take the others out!\u201d<\/p>\n Around him, the Bushrangers shouted as they poured more crossbow bolts down. The snakes, writhing in agony, struck the trees with their heads, shaking the branches, but failing to dislodge the adventurers. The Bushrangers had chosen their positions well. Daly loaded his crossbow as he looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s the third serpent!?\u201d<\/p>\n He saw movement in the trees. Daly heard a shout and swore as he stood up on his branch. He was very high up and felt a jolt in his stomach. But he had to see. Where was she\u2014there!<\/em><\/p>\n Siri was running towards them, dodging through the trees as the enraged snake tried to follow her. It was quick, but the trees were slowing it down, giving it no opportunity to spring again. It was still too fast, though. Daly looked down. Siri was passing a very dense set of trees. Almost, almost\u2026he waited until the serpent was passing by the stand of thick-trunked trees and then shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cEldima, now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A group of Dullahans exploded from their cover. The Rustless Guard, a group of Dullahans wearing armor led by Captain Eldima, leapt forwards and hauled on the ropes they\u2019d set between the trees. The thick coils of ropes came up and suddenly, the giant snake found itself snared. By a net! It turned, but the Dullahans were braced and heaving hard; six of them drew up the net and secured it to the pre-cut anchors in the trees.<\/p>\n They\u2019d formed an enclosure around the snake! It immediately tried to break free, but the ropes were as thick as Daly\u2019s arm and secured hard; the giant monster also had no room to move as the ropes forced its body into the enclosure. It heaved<\/em>, and Daly saw the ropes strain, but it was trapped.<\/p>\n For now. It could break free, but this bought them time. Daly whistled as he saw Siri come to a halt. Eldima turned, and he pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cSnakes inbound! Get ready!\u201d<\/p>\n The two serpents had noticed the Dullahans on the ground and decided to give up trying to knock the crossbow-wielding adventurers off their trees. They slithered forwards, and Eldima shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cRustless Guard, forward!\u201d<\/p>\n Her Dullahans moved forwards, shouting as they brought up their heavy weapons. Warhammers, axes, shields\u2014they were a heavily-armed and armored team. By contrast, the Bushrangers were light on gear. Daly turned to his team.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going down! Move it!\u201d<\/p>\n His team scrambled down from the trees. They\u2019d all taken positions at least fifteen feet in the air, well above the serpents, but that meant they\u2019d normally have a terrible time getting down without risking broken bones. Normally, except for what they were all wearing.<\/p>\n Harnesses. As Daly grabbed a rope and checked his figure-eight knot, he grasped the rope tied to his harness and jumped. He immediately went down, but slowly; he used one hand to lower himself at a controlled drop to the ground. The rope was running through a device attached to his harness; as Daly jumped down his tree trunk, he watched it taking the rope, letting him stop himself from falling too fast.<\/p>\n The other Bushrangers were doing the same. Five adventurers plunged out of the trees with Daly to varying degrees of expertise. It was a textbook maneuver, one they\u2019d practiced. But it went wrong. Halfway down, Daly heard a ping <\/em>from his left. He looked over just in time to see one of the metal devices snap.<\/em> The man holding onto his rope dropped with a scream.<\/p>\n \u201cDawson!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Australian hit the ground with a thump. <\/em>Daly shouted. He leapt downwards and tore himself loose from his ropes. Cursing, he ran over to his friend in the harness. Dawson was sitting up, but his face was white.<\/p>\n \u201cMy\u2014my shoulder\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Daly saw a horrible protrusion poking out of Dawson\u2019s shoulder blade, moving the leather armor he was wearing. He swore. Then he noticed Dawson\u2019s right leg was also sitting at a bad angle.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on! Don\u2019t move! Tofte! Cover Dawson! Drag him away! The rest of you, harnesses off! Follow me!\u201d<\/p>\n He couldn\u2019t focus on Dawson. The Rustless Guard had engaged the serpents in the trees, and all Daly could see were the backs of the serpents. He yanked off the restrictive harness, swearing as he tried to pull it off one leg. Then he charged forwards. Three of the Bushrangers went with him as Tofte ran over to Dawson.<\/p>\n The fight with the giant serpents was one that had happened before. Captain Eldima\u2019s team had been part of it. They\u2019d lost horribly; the serpents had sent the Silver-rank adventurers fleeing, helpless in front of their superior size and strength and armor. But that was because they\u2019d been surprised. And that was the thing about adventurers; if they survived, they learned from their mistakes. They didn\u2019t lose twice.<\/em><\/p>\n This time, there were only three serpents. And they were fighting in a bad environment. The trees prevented the giant constrictors from moving as freely. And the Rustless Guard was fighting in the gaps, refusing to be encircled or let the snakes bite them. As the Bushrangers charged in, they developed another advantage.<\/p>\n \u201cNets!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Daly shouted as his team grabbed the nets they\u2019d tossed to the ground and rushed to help bind the serpents. It was quick, desperate work; the snakes did not want to be bound, but their heads were busy biting and striking at the Dullahans. That gave the Bushrangers time to sling ropes and nets underneath the huge serpents and pull, <\/em>anchoring the ropes to trees, and limiting the serpent\u2019s mobility.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t clean. Daly swore as the serpent he was trying to force a rope under twisted and nearly crushed his entire arm. He wrenched his limb free, feeling a moment of horrible pain, but getting clear before it took his arm. And when he got a rope under it and began to ensnare it, anchoring the other end to a tree while Siri wrapped up the snake and anchored her section, he saw two other members of his team struggling.<\/p>\n \u201cTie the knot!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Kami, an Australian girl, was shouting at Aldenon. He was struggling with his end of rope, and the serpent whose tail they\u2019d grabbed wasn\u2019t having it. Daly turned.<\/p>\n \u201cKami! Don\u2019t try and hold it yourself! Don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Too late. As Kami began to let go, the snake twisted<\/em> and tore itself free of the ropes. Aldenon fell backwards as the rope came loose in a tangle that snapped him across the face. Kami screamed; Daly saw that she\u2019d been pulled right off her feet. She fell down, and he realized the force of the snake had nearly wrenched her arms out of their sockets.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn, damn\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Daly sprinted over towards Kami and dragged her back. He grabbed the rope as Aldenon retied the knot and got the snake\u2019s midsection this time. It strained at the rope, and the entire rope nearly snapped<\/em>, but suddenly it was anchored. The Rustless Guard descended on the snakes as the remaining Bushrangers continued to ensnare the snakes. But that was only the distraction.<\/p>\n The nets held the snakes; the Dullahans finished the job. Eldima and three Dullahans waded into the snake that had knocked Kami off her feet; they\u2019d brought warhammers and began hacking at the snake\u2019s head as it found itself more and more restricted. Unable to dodge or move away, the snake bit and head-butted furiously. But it was trapped. For all its scales were tough, with a good swing and the right weapon, the scales opened up.<\/p>\n The first snake collapsed after five minutes of fighting, the remains of its head a mess of gouged flesh and deformed impacts from the warhammers. The Dullahans turned to the second, which was still fighting the nets. It tore itself free of one anchor as a rope snapped, but the Dullahans kept the head at bay as Eldima and another Dullahan attacked the midsection. It was firmly held in place so the Dullahans didn\u2019t risk fighting the head; they just hacked the snake in two.<\/p>\n \u201c[Razor Slash]!\u201d<\/p>\n Eldima\u2019s axe sliced through the first layer of scales and flesh like it were paper. Her battleaxe dug into the snake as it screamed; the other Dullahan helped her keep chopping through the snake. It survived the bisection, but it died shortly thereafter. That just left the third snake, still enmeshed in the trap.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we reckon?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly panted as he watched the second snake\u2019s mouth fall open and the weakly writhing body stop at last. Eldima wiped blood out of her eyes; the arms and front of her armor were soaked red. She looked grimly at the snake.<\/p>\n \u201cSame as the other two. We\u2019ll cut through its body; we can save the head.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it. Bushrangers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr we could try wrapping it up.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly paused. He looked at the Dullahan [Captain]; she had dark skin but blonde hair, a combination not seen often on Earth. She paused to look at him as her team formed up.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could capture it. If you have more ropes, and you think we could, Sir Daly\u2014we could drag it back to Talenqual. It would be an effort, but<\/em> I think many [Beast Masters] would pay a lot of gold for a snake like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan nodded seriously. She kept her eyes on the serpent all the while; it was fighting the ropes, and Daly could see some of the fibers snapping; the nets wouldn\u2019t hold forever.<\/p>\n \u201cSnakes can be trained. Or kept as a pet, even. And if you breed them for food or eggs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDaly.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri came up, panting. The other Bushrangers were on their feet, even Kami, and they looked tired, but mostly unhurt. Daly hesitated. All eyes were on him, both his team and the Rustless Guard. He thought for a second then shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Too risky. We can\u2019t haul it all the way, and I don\u2019t trust our ropes. Take it out, Captain Eldima.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. You, you, and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Eldima turned instantly and selected three of her people. Daly didn\u2019t watch them take out the final snake. He looked at Siri.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp them out. I\u2019m checking on Dawson.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded. She had a coil of rope slung over her shoulder and her crossbow in her other hand, loaded and aimed at the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cGot it. You want me to shoot the eyes out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApparently we can get as much as a gold coin for each eye. So no, not unless they\u2019re struggling.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri nodded. Daly jogged back through the trees. He found Dawson sitting with his back to the tree. Tofte was covering him with a crossbow and shortsword. The young man from Norway looked up sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll sorted. Dawson, mate. How\u2019re you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n The Australian grinned palely at Daly.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck me, Daly. I think I\u2019ve dislocated my shoulder. And my leg\u2019s twisted or\u2014my damn gri-gri broke!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly nodded. He\u2019d seen the metal piece snap off during the descent. He couldn\u2019t think of anything to say, though. Sorry it happened? Too bad?<\/p>\n \u201cGlad you didn\u2019t fall further. Too bad you didn\u2019t fall on your head, though; you\u2019d be fine, then.\u201d<\/p>\n Dawson laughed, swore, and cursed Daly at the same time. The Australian breathed a sigh of relief. He straightened and looked at Tofte.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to need a stretcher.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can walk. Just give me a shoulder\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForget it. We\u2019ll get Eldima\u2019s squad to help us out. For now\u2014let\u2019s get one worked out. Tofte, break out those blankets from the packs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n And then it was over. Eldima\u2019s squad finished off their serpent without more than a bite on one of the Dullahan\u2019s arms, and healing potions sorted out the rest. They came over, panting, drinking water, stamina potions, or healing potions, and gathered around Dawson. Daly started giving orders after a short break.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, we\u2019ve nearly got a stretcher worked out. Tofte\u2019s got crafting Skills. Eldima, anyone in your team have any classes in crafting?\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan shook her head. She was washing her iron armor off; bugs were already landing and circling.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t. How is your man? Is he injured beyond a healing potion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShoulder\u2019s dislocated. According to Geneva, we don\u2019t want to use a healing potion. She needs to set it right. And his leg\u2026I\u2019m not sure how bad it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoctor G will put me right. Don\u2019t you dare pour a healing potion on me.\u201d<\/p>\n Dawson groaned. He was fading. Daly looked around quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cSiri.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight here.\u201d<\/p>\n The Swedish girl was cutting some rope up to help make the stretcher. Daly nodded in the direction of the main road, some three miles south of here.<\/p>\n \u201cSee if you can get to the road with\u2026Kami. Your arms alright, Kami? Good. Then go over there and find a Runner or someone willing to give us a lift for Dawson. I want him back in Talenqual fast. Make sure it\u2019s a smooth ride\u2014and then call for our friends from the Runner\u2019s Guild. Uh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPihava and Bault?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly. I want them and\u2026make it two other pairs with big wagons. We\u2019ll get Dawson to the road.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it, boss.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri and Kami turned and grabbed their packs before heading out at a jog. Daly looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cEldima?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan straightened. Daly saw her team glance up and caught himself. They weren\u2019t in a combat situation, so he took a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Captain Eldima, I would be very grateful if your team would assist us with butchering the serpents. The critters are already gnawing at them, and I want to save the meat.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan smiled at Daly.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. My team is free for whatever you need.\u201d<\/p>\n The Australian nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent. Then\u2014can you begin cutting the snakes up? Hack them into pieces we can actually carry to the wagons? Try and get them in pieces so we can harvest big chunks of their skin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly nodded. He looked at the rest of his Bushrangers.<\/p>\n \u201cAs for our team\u2026I\u2019ll help Dawson with that stretcher. Aldenon, Tobi, you\u2019re both on lookout for anything smelling blood. The rest of you, let\u2019s make up something to help drag the snakes towards the road\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n And so they did. It wasn\u2019t as easy as Daly made it out to be; without her [Razor Cut] Skill, Eldima and her team had a hard time making precise cuts, and the bloody snake parts were being covered in bugs. The Dullahans swore and their armor got bloody and dirty, as did the precious snake parts. And dragging them through the jungle was a hellish ordeal; Daly had to come back and help once he had helped lift Dawson up with two Dullahans and bring him towards the road. Three miles of walking through forest, and then flatter ground, was no fun for Dawson. He fainted when they dropped him, but he said little. He just gave Daly a thumbs-up when he got to the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry for falling back there, Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did nothing wrong. Your device broke<\/em>, Dawson. You just rest up. Geneva\u2019ll see to you as soon as you get back. You\u2019ll be on your feet by the end of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n There was hope in Dawson\u2019s eyes as he leaned back in the small rickshaw Pihava had galloped over with.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll be nice. Hell of a thing, healing potions. Back home, this would have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off. Daly checked him anxiously, but Dawson was just unconscious. Daly looked at Kami.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go with him. Tell Geneva to check out your arms. And put in a message at the Adventurer\u2019s Guild that we have oversized snakes ready for dissection. They\u2019ll probably direct you to a [Butcher]\u2019s\u2014have them meet us at the gates.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got it.\u201d<\/p>\n Kami swung herself up into the rickshaw. Pihava pawed the ground anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cYour friend\u2019s okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight as rain, Pihava. He\u2019s not badly hurt. Thanks for getting here.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem. And your other wagons are on the way!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly waved her off, then went to help pull the snakes out of the jungle. Three miles of carrying bloody, buggy, smelling snake parts, sometimes as a group of eight, balancing the bloody harvest on their shoulders. That wasn\u2019t the part of adventuring you ever thought about, but the snakes were money<\/em>. As much money as his team would get for killing the damn things. Daly sent off one wagon full of the bloody cargo for immediate butchering in Talenqual; he warned the drivers they\u2019d have to wash off the meat first. The Centaur, Bault, just laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. Our [Butchers] will get good cuts. And they\u2019ll make sure nothing lays eggs in the meat. Good thing you went to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild; they\u2019ll hire quality butchers.\u201d<\/p>\n The other three Centaurs shuddered as they turned and began lugging the laden wagons back with them. Daly grimaced as well; he knew the bugs of Baleros were nasty. Imagining one of the hordes of bugs swarming the snake meat laying eggs he might eat\u2026well, his stomach was already turning, and he was covered in guts and blood. Best not to think about it.<\/p>\n \u201cIs your team coming with us, then?\u201d<\/p>\n The final wagon pulled by two Centaurs eyed Daly\u2019s team apprehensively. It was a crowd. Daly shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNot us. We\u2019ll call for another pair of wagons, I think. Can you pull your wagon a bit off road? Sorry, but we have one last stop to make.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re paying us. You\u2019ve got more stuff for us to carry?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Little snakes and eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bushrangers hadn\u2019t forgotten the would-be dungeon and snake\u2019s lair. A final return trip took nearly an hour, which made Daly regret hiring the third wagon; they got paid for waiting about. But it was<\/em> fruitful. Cleared of their adults, the Bushrangers and Rustless Guard found two baby snakes the size of doors and a heap of eggs.<\/p>\n \u201cOh my god! I\u2019m gonna throw up.\u201d<\/p>\n Tobi looked green at the sight of the pile of giant eggs. Daly almost laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis<\/em> bothers you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt does when they\u2019re so big! And they almost look like chicken eggs!\u201d<\/p>\n Aldenon shook his head. He eyed the eggs mistrustfully, as did Eldima\u2019s group.<\/p>\n \u201cAre we smashing them, Daly? Burning?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither. We\u2019re taking Eldima\u2019s suggestion. We take the snakes and eggs. Alive and intact. Come on, we\u2019ll take the eggs in pairs. Wrap those snake babies up.\u201d<\/p>\n More work. By this point, both teams groaned, even the stalwart Dullahans, but Daly and Eldima egged their teams on, partly with bad puns, partly with the thought of how much live snake eggs were worth. Daly shouted as his team lifted the eggs, groaning at the weight.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to earn some spending money? Think of how much a [Beast Tamer] pays for a serpent egg! Or how much it\u2019s worth to someone who likes eating the stuff! I\u2019m sure some Lizardfolk [Chef] will pay gold<\/em> for these. Drop it and you drop our income, got it?\u201d<\/p>\n That did the trick. In the end, Daly bullied, coerced, and flattered the teams into filling the Centaur\u2019s wagon. By that point, two more wagons had returned with Pihava and Bault leading one, and three wagons returned to Talenqual. The bloody, dirty, sweaty adventurers sat in the back, washing themselves off with the last of their water. They were tired and exhausted. But the instant they saw the city, their spirits rose.<\/p>\n \u201cDrive us straight to the harbor, Pihava, Bault! I\u2019m jumping in the water!\u201d<\/p>\n Aldenon called out to their Centaur Runners. The two chuckled. Daly would have loved to join them, but he regretfully called the wagons to halt.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going with the eggs and little snake babies. Adventurer\u2019s Guild, please.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will go with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldima looked like she could have used a dip in the ocean too, but she offered and Daly accepted. Their wagon went to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Happily, a Centauress [Receptionist] was already waiting for them with Siri.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought you\u2019d be back earlier. What\u2019s this? Eggs? And\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist]\u2019s eyes widened as she saw the snake babies. Siri blinked at the large serpents, still very young but still as big as any snake Daly had ever seen in Australia.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re adorable!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey weigh a ton. Miss, can we sell these? And these eggs are all fertilized, so they contain live snakes. No telling on when they\u2019re hatching. Can we sell them to the Guild?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress blinked hard, but selling giant snake eggs was, in fact, a situation she\u2019d been trained for.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. We\u2019ll need to find buyers quick. But I can quote you a price now. Or we can negotiate on what the Guild gets\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll let the Guild do the sale and take our cut, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. As for the little snakes, let me contact a [Beast Master] right now.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress trotted off quickly. Siri peered at one of the snakes that Daly had roped up to prevent it from moving.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s cute. Could we keep one, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKeep\u2014<\/em>you want one of those? As a pet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe could try. Imagine having a fully-grown snake if one of our team became a [Beast Master]? I could try.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri gently stroked the little snake\u2019s head. It was quivering a bit; Daly stared at it. It was <\/em>cute. But\u2026he sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t feed one of those yet. Sorry, Siri. But imagine how much meat it\u2019ll eat? And finding a place for it? No.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked so crestfallen, Daly had to throw her a bone.<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what. If we find a cuter, smaller animal on another hunt, we can talk about keeping the babies. If we find them. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeal.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled. Now Daly would have to worry about Siri suggesting monster hunting contracts from now on. Then again\u2026he did feel a pang of regret as he imagined a giant, fully grown snake for a war pet. But the sight of a [Beast Master] Lizardman hurrying back and the gold he gave Daly for the snakes and three of the eggs was very soothing in itself.<\/p>\n Daly waited for the Centauress to give him a receipt for the remaining eggs, the money from the [Butchers] who\u2019d dissected the snake parts, and then he claimed the bounty for the destruction of three giant snakes and their nest.<\/p>\n Money, money, money<\/em>. Daly counted it all, put it in a bulging coin pouch, and then he had to go to the harbor and wash the blood and filth off him. Siri and Eldima joined them. The Dullahan sighed as she splashed the salty water on her armor.<\/p>\n \u201cAt last! I was about to become sick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBloody oath! That\u2019s a good feeling!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly dunked himself twice, sighing as he felt so much cleaner. A fish swam up and nibbled at a bit of snake; he watched it flit away through the water, then turned.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. How was that for our first big team-up? Captain Eldima, mind joining us for a drink? Because I think we deserve some congratulations\u2026and we should talk about how it went.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan paused in the act of scrubbing at her hair. She\u2019d taken off her head to more easily tend to it, and Daly was curious to see how the water interacted with the vacant gap between her shoulders, from which light red mist was drifting. To his surprise, the water just flowed over the opening, and the mist disappeared, but a red light shone from inside the Dullahan\u2019s body when she dunked herself. The head glared, and Siri poked Daly.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be lewd.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLewd? I, ah\u2014come on! Sorry, Captain Eldima.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan blushed a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cEldima is fine, Sir Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen Daly\u2019s fine, at least when we\u2019re not, uh, working. A drink?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded as she fastened her head to her shoulders. Daly chose the nearest pub and wasted no time; the Bushrangers and Rustless Guard were waiting, so he handed Eldima a stack of coins.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is your team\u2019s share. We\u2019ll get more later, and sort out the exact numbers, but pass this out, please, Eldima. And as for you Bushrangers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He passed out a gold coin apiece. Eldima looked shocked; her team had taken the smaller cut and each member of the Rustless Guard was still getting a good bit more than that. Siri smiled as she explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s company money. This is their bonus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. I see.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan nodded a few times. Daly nodded as well and waved a hand. He raised his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see about the rest, and I\u2019ll get this to Paige. But for tonight, your first three drinks are on me, both teams!\u201d<\/p>\n They cheered loudly at that. Daly smiled as the Humans began shouting orders at the Lizardgirl server who came by, and the Dullahans raised their hands, letting their team go in order of importance. He excused himself and took another table with Eldima and Siri. They settled down, and Eldima looked at Daly. He lifted a hand as a second [Server], a Centaur, delicately navigated around the tables.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me. I\u2019d like a mug of whatever beer you have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got several. Have a preference?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014your best bitter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat will be a Calian lager. And who\u2019s next?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur looked at Daly. Both he and the Human were keenly aware that rank mattered, so Daly instantly turned to Eldima.<\/p>\n \u201cEldima\u2019s next.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded appreciatively.<\/p>\n \u201cI will have some dry Seamaster\u2019s Gin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd for you?\u201d<\/p>\n Siri paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try the gin as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have your drinks in a moment. Are you paying for that table?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Send the bill over here, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur blinked a few times. Daly clarified.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll pay.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded and trotted off. Daly sighed as he leaned back. It was amazing how many linguistic similarities this world had with his. But the concept of a \u2018bill\u2019 was still foreign to most places, especially since that was a waste of paper, parchment, and ink. He waited until everyone had a drink and downed half of his mug. Then he decided to order an appetizer.<\/p>\n \u201cGot any snacks?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur raised his eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you feel about prawns? Saut\u00e9ed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeautiful. Give us a plate and some for that lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFour plates, then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly smiled as the Centaur left and came back minutes later with some hot, spiced shrimps that earned him another cheer. He leaned back.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Eldima, help yourself. My team\u2019s eating at headquarters, but a snack\u2019s welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan nodded appreciatively, but she still waited for Daly to snag one of the shrimps first before taking one for herself.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed it is. You\u2019re quite generous with your team, Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Daly grimaced. He was a bit embarrassed, actually. Drinks weren\u2019t expensive, and neither were a few plates of shrimp. Compared to the amount of gold still resting in his belt pouch, he was stealing from his team. But it was gold that the entire company would use, so he tried not to feel too bad. He\u2019d definitely ask the [Bartender] to buy a bottle or two for tonight, though.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure about generous, but after a day of hard work, we\u2019ve all earned a break, Eldima. How\u2019re you feeling? Your team?\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan stopped chewing and swallowed. She answered slowly, glancing from Daly to Siri. She\u2019d put her head on the table and was feeding it to eat. Daly knew he shouldn\u2019t stare, but Dullahans were still fascinating to him. Half of Eldima\u2019s team was doing the same thing, placing their heads on the table rather than keeping them on their shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cI would say my team is in very good spirits, Captain. As am I. This was one of the smoothest hunts we\u2019ve had. And the least bloody. Not one member of my team was badly hurt, and against those giant snakes? It was refreshing to get back at them.\u201d<\/p>\n She grinned toothily, and Daly and Siri nodded. Eldima paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope your subordinate is well, though. What happened? I didn\u2019t see one of the snakes attacking him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, that? He fell when he was rappelling down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRappelling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUsing ropes to descend the trees. I didn\u2019t see what happened either, Daly. What was it? Did Dawson let go?\u201d<\/p>\n Siri glanced at Daly. The Australian grimaced and took a longer drink before waving for a refill.<\/p>\n \u201cNope. His, uh, gri-gri broke midway down. Damn thing just fell to pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldima looked confused. Siri drew in her breath sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought they were in good condition!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cSo did I. But I guess the [Blacksmith] who worked them up didn\u2019t forge them quite right. Paige is going to be pissed<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n She was the one who\u2019d come up with the idea for the Bushrangers, after all. Although it had been Paige, Dawson, and a few others in their company who\u2019d had the experience with climbing to redevelop the tools from home. Still, just knowing how to tie a figure-eight knot, how to belay, and use a gri-gri had provided a huge advantage. Eldima looked very impressed.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps the [Blacksmith] is not entirely at fault, although I do not know the mechanism he made. I\u2019ve never heard of a team with the type of gear your team used, Daly, Miss Siri. I know some that can fight in heights, but the way your team went down the trees so quickly\u2026it is profoundly different from how my team operates. No\u2014most Dullahans would not ever dream of climbing trees. Perhaps throwing an arm up for an ambush, but sitting in the trees? The limbs would break under my weight.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured to her armor. Daly nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a new tactic for us, too. But I like it. Assuming we can make sure there are no more accidents, we\u2019re going to use this a lot. Sitting in a tree and shooting a Stelbore would be a lot safer than the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n Eldima nodded cautiously.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bushranger\u2019s ability to ambush and lay traps is quite amazing. Those ropes simplified a difficult fight, as did smoking the snakes out of their lair. But I hope our teams can continue working together?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked hopeful. And no wonder; over the last two weeks, both her team and the Bushrangers had participated in a number of jobs together without so much as a hitch. This latest one had put more gold into Daly\u2019s pockets and Eldima\u2019s than any job he\u2019d done prior to this. He smiled reassuringly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo doubt about that. Your Rustless Guard has exactly what my team lacks, Eldima. Armor and<\/em> heavy weaponry. If you\u2019re willing, we\u2019ll definitely work on other jobs. Say in two or three days? Unless a really good job pops up.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan nodded rapidly.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. This will be a welcome break, and we have money to spend. I will contact you if I see anything. Otherwise, I thank you again for a job well done.\u201d<\/p>\n A smile played over her lips. Daly smiled and lifted his mug as his refill came just in time.<\/p>\n \u201cCheers!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was only an hour later when Daly left the tavern. The rest of his team he left to their drinks, having covered his promised amount. He might have stayed longer, but he did want a proper meal at the headquarters. And he wanted to check on Dawson.<\/p>\n Siri came with him. Daly had told her she could stay, but like Eldima, who\u2019d taken off at the same time, Siri didn\u2019t quite \u2018fit\u2019 with the rest of her team. She looked at him as he stuffed the bottle of wine under one arm. She was carrying some of the Seamaster\u2019s Gin, which she\u2019d taken a liking to.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not quite one of the team, Daly. You and I are team leaders. I can\u2019t always hang out with them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue enough.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a disconnect, sometimes. Daly liked his team, and they worked hard, but if it came to something hard to do\u2014like breaking up a fight, assigning punishment, or telling someone off, he had to do it. So did Siri, and that meant friendships and relationships were different. Also, they were the ones who made some of the big decisions for their team.<\/p>\n They were the only ones who knew about Okasha, for one. For another, they were the two who Paige called upon when she talked over problems in their group. Ken, Aiko, Geneva\u2026they made up an inner circle. It was a known fact, and no one had accused them of being dictators. But still.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Dawson? Geneva\u2019s clinic?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably headquarters. She wouldn\u2019t need to treat him that long. She told me she can fix a shoulder or even broken bones quick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf she can cut people open and get to the issue, she can pour healing potion on the bone, yeah. I just wish she had anesthetics.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly shuddered. Siri nodded. Both of them had been patched up by Geneva, and the process was<\/em> more effective than any healing potions thanks to her many Skills. But it hurt<\/em>. Geneva spot-treated injuries with healing potions, and to do that for, say, internal bleeding, she had to slice your stomach open. While you were looking up at her from the operating table.<\/p>\n \u201cHeadquarters it is. Hope Dawson likes this.\u201d<\/p>\n The two headed off one of the main streets and down a fairly well-paved road. Normally they would have had to do a few more turns and twists to get to a poorer street where their cramped headquarters was. But not this time. They reached the United Nations company headquarters ahead of time. And it was a proper headquarters now. A pair of double-story buildings were theirs, and two streets over was Geneva\u2019s clinic, a small place, but very clean and with thick doors. To muffle screams and crying.<\/p>\n \u201cHoi, Kirana! Is Dawson here?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly opened the door and shouted into the apartment. He heard a voice, then someone pushed out of the kitchen. Priya, one of the Indian girls, pointed shyly next door.<\/p>\n \u201cKirana\u2019s in the other apartment. Dawson is there too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it. Thanks, Priya. Where\u2019s Paige?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSame place. Dinner\u2019s here. In twenty minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Priya pointed to a sand hourglass placed outside of the kitchen. Both Daly and Siri perked up.<\/p>\n \u201cAwesome. In that case, we\u2019ll be right back. And can you send someone here to get the Bushrangers? They\u2019re at\u2026uh, the Lizardgirl\u2019s Frill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n That was that. Daly waved as he closed the door. They didn\u2019t have a convenient door linking apartments yet, but Paige was talking Miss Hastel into letting them make one, and Daly had assured the Centauress [Landlady] that he could do it himself if need be. And both buildings were a lot<\/em> bigger than their previous setup.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, a third building would be nice to avoid people sleeping so close together. And maybe with this\u2026Daly pushed open the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Dawson, you bastard! You\u2019d better not be hurt! We\u2019ve got a job tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFuck off!\u201d<\/p>\n A loud, cheerful voice came from a couch. Daly saw Dawson lying on his back, eating some snacks as Kirana and Paige sat in chairs around him. He glared as Daly came into the building.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you\u2019d be checking on me right out of the clinic! You had a drink, didn\u2019t you? Don\u2019t lie!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone had a drink, Dawson. But don\u2019t be too upset or I won\u2019t share this bottle with you. Fancy wine or gin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWine!<\/em> Who bought the stinking gin?\u201d<\/p>\n Siri went over and handed the bottle to Kirana as the young woman stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cMe. How\u2019re you doing, Dawson?\u201d<\/p>\n The burlier fellow sat up and grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m good. Doctor Geneva set my arm, which hurt like\u2014but she fixed my foot too. Says I need two days of rest, but if we really have a job\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould I do that to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly grinned as he offered Dawson the bottle. Dawson grunted appreciatively; he liked wine better than beer or spirits, especially the sweeter varieties you could buy. Kirana tutted<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cNo drinking from the bottle, please! Here.\u201d<\/p>\n She went into the kitchen and got a cup for Dawson. He poured himself a big drink as some more people came down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Lorenzo, Nicoletta.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly greeted the two Italians who were walking downstairs. Lorenzo waved and spoke in somewhat mangled English.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Daly. You came back?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly paused and enunciated clearly for their benefit.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom adventuring? Yeah. We got back. We have wine. Want some?\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed. Lorenzo and Nicoletta brightened considerably. But Kirana fended them off, much to their dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cAt dinner! Dinner! We can have some.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe<\/em> has some.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe fell out of a tree!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut of a\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTree. Yeah. It\u2019s\u2026Nicoletta?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlbero. \u00c8 caduto da un albero.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! How?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly laughed. He tried to explain while Paige helped herself to some of Siri\u2019s gin. Kirana took the two bottles away before more could be shared as the others came back. And soon it was time for dinner.<\/p>\n \u201cOh boy. What\u2019re we eating today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDum aloo\u2014<\/em>potatoes and a curry sauce with rice. Also, we have some salads, some sweet muffins for dessert that Priya has baked. But our main dish is steak.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Daly\u2019s mouth began to water at once. Dawson heaved himself up.<\/p>\n \u201cSteak? I love the sound of that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit back down. We\u2019ll bring it over.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige pointed at the couch. Dawson lay back, grinning happily. Then he frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. I thought Indian people can\u2019t eat cows or something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeef. And that\u2019s not an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n The two Australians frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t that be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n And then Daly realized. He roared in outrage.<\/p>\n \u201cWait a second, we\u2019re eating snake?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTo be fair, it was really good snake.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly burped. He had to hand it to Kirana; she\u2019d turned the snake meat from the giant snakes into something that wasn\u2019t only palatable, but tasty<\/em>. Everyone had stuffed themselves on meat, while the vegetarians that were left had eaten the dum aloo<\/em>, which really was delicious.<\/p>\n Daly had to admit, ever since Kirana had begun managing the kitchen, the food had turned from passable to downright delicious. If you added that to their new living environs, their teamwork with the Rustless Guard, and all the little updates since Geneva had made her big breakthrough\u2026he actually felt good. Strange as that was, Daly felt good<\/em> about life here. And how crazy was that?<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t perfect, of course. It was just better. Paige had taken one look at the Bushranger\u2019s gold and told Daly a third building wasn\u2019t an option.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t afford the rent yet. I want to have gold in case of emergencies, and even with our jobs, three buildings is pushing it with the other projects we\u2019re committing to. Miss Hastel is charging us as little rent as possible, but we still need to pay her.\u201dt<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I get it. No worries, Paige. We\u2019ve got a lot more room than we did in the old place, even with this. Where\u2019s Geneva?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly hadn\u2019t seen her at dinner. Paige sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cAt her clinic. She\u2019s working on a new procedure or her antibiotics or something. If she\u2019s not back in an hour, I\u2019ll get someone to fetch her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha. Ken and Aiko, how\u2019s your side of things? Anything happen while we were on our trip?\u201d<\/p>\n Ken relaxed next to the others at their small table. They were in an upstairs room next to Paige\u2019s private workshop. Downstairs they could hear voices, laughter, someone shushing<\/em> loudly\u2014the others were watching a movie on a laptop with the last of the wine and gin. The mood was good. Ken smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI did well. My job is mainly listening and talking, so I ended a few fights.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about?\u201d<\/p>\n Paige sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cGod. Remember Michael? Well, some of the others have joined him. They\u2019re not getting along with people praying. Especially since some of them want to pray to Mecca. And guess where that is?\u201d<\/p>\n She waved a hand. Daly grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cSo they\u2019re mocking them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And worse, there\u2019s fighting about which direction they should be praying towards and if there is<\/em> a god. And let me tell you, that\u2019s not a fun argument to have. Ken sorted it, and I don\u2019t know how.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The young man nodded modestly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is my job. After that, I went around the city.\u201d<\/p>\n That meant he was doing the rounds<\/em>, as some of the others put it. Ken had no set job; the United Nations company didn\u2019t have far-off contacts as of yet. But they did have allies, and Ken made a point of visiting everyone from Miss Hastel, to the Silver-rank teams that Daly knew, to [Shopkeepers], [Captains], and so on at least once a week.<\/p>\n He\u2019d go out and buy small gifts, or treat them to a meal, or buy a drink. Small things that he was budgeted for that made everyone favorably inclined towards him. It was an excellent use of a little bit of coin. Ken pretended it wasn\u2019t nearly as important as Daly\u2019s job, or Geneva or Paige\u2019s, but he had been the one who\u2019d been able to call an army to save Eldima and the others back then. Ken just turned to the young woman sitting next to him.<\/p>\n \u201cAiko was working at Geneva\u2019s, so I do not know how she is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood! We saw two patients, both of whom had Yellow Rivers.\u201d<\/p>\n Aiko shuddered. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cBut they wanted fast cures, not what Geneva told them to do. Even though her patients in Quallet\u2019s camp got better! I think they will be back, hopefully before it gets worse\u2026but there are a lot of mothers asking about Geneva\u2019s C-section! She doesn\u2019t want to give many, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrinciples.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly sighed. Paige looked annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s right that not everyone needs them. But we\u2019re getting a steady income from her now. Add it into the jobs people are working and the Bushranger\u2019s money, and we will be able to afford a third building soon. Unless we have anything else we should be spending money on? My workshop and Geneva\u2019s experiments eat up some of our coin, but what should we save up for now?\u201d<\/p>\n The Japanese [Diplomat] twiddled his thumbs absently. He looked up and nodded a few times.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it is time to invest in what Daly called the \u2018big things\u2019 now. After the third building, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n The others looked at each other. Paige sat up a bit, and Siri stopped sipping the last of her cup.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think so, Ken?\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps not all of our money should go there. Paige\u2019s emergency fund is very wise, I think. So how about this? We save up enough money for her fund. Then we put the rest towards the apartment and rent for a month or two. And then after that? We allocate\u2026twenty percent to paying for things everyone has been asking for. More regular [Repair] spells. Books. Proper beds. Um\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToys?\u201d<\/p>\n Paige suggested a tad bit sarcastically. The [Diplomat] hesitated and gave a [Diplomat]\u2019s response.<\/p>\n \u201cNot toys, but fun tools for everyone to use. A chess set, perhaps. Things like that. But that is twenty percent. The rest should go to buying Daly\u2019s team magical equipment or Paige some magical wood. Spellbooks. And the boat Luan mentioned last time he was here.\u201d<\/p>\n All eyes turned towards Daly. He felt a skip of excitement in his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be the turning point, sure enough. We\u2019ve been keeping our heads above water. But if we can spring for some actual magical gear, like proper armor, or get Paige the materials she needs to make a magical<\/em> crossbow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n So far the Bushranger\u2019s income had gone solely towards the company and putting a roof over everyone\u2019s head and feeding them. Daly hadn\u2019t begrudged that, although it had been hard. But now, if all the money everyone made was going towards equipping them\u2026he held his breath. He wasn\u2019t going to push for it. Ken looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think it\u2019s a good idea?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sold. Especially since I\u2019ll get more things to work with. And I want to try and learn magic. I think we all do.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige leaned forwards, nodding. Siri did too, as did Aiko. That meant all of the current leaders were in agreement, and Daly didn\u2019t think Geneva would object that hard either. He smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThen it\u2019s settled. We\u2019ll all draw up a wish list and take turns getting what we need. I\u2019d be happy to make that a first priority after a third building and a spellbook. The Bushrangers have added a few of our own, but if I could get two or three [Mages] working with us, we\u2019d be able to do a lot<\/em> more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCount me in. I want to learn magic.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri nodded. Aiko was sighing. Everyone was, actually. Magic<\/em>. Now that would be something worth all the struggles. Ken clapped his hands lightly, pleased.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, I think we have done well. Daly, thank you and your team for working so hard.\u201d<\/p>\n The others murmured their agreement. Daly grinned at Siri.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, it\u2019s nothing. We\u2019re going to be loafing around for a day or two anyways. But I\u2019ll light a fire under the asses of the Bushrangers, and they\u2019ll work twice as hard once they hear they\u2019re going to get some gear. That\u2019s all I\u2019ve got. Anyone else have something to bring up?\u201d<\/p>\n They didn\u2019t. So that night\u2019s meeting of the United Nations leadership adjourned. Daly stretched as he got up.<\/p>\n \u201cI need a bath.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe first.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri pushed past him. Daly sighed, but let her go ahead. Baths were a luxury, given that you had to get the water yourself. He glanced around as he filed out of the room. Paige was still seated, and she was giving him\u2026he paused and let Ken and Aiko pass by.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should call this the security council meeting or something. Of the United Nations? Only, we actually like each other and get things done.\u201d<\/p>\n Aiko laughed a bit. Ken looked blank.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that a joke? I\u2019m sorry, I don\u2019t understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, the security council from\u2026never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly put his head against the doorframe. Ken smiled again, and Daly heard him ask Aiko something in Japanese\u2014probably for an explanation. They left, and Daly waited a beat before looking back.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething up?\u201d<\/p>\n Paige slowly got up from her chair. She nodded at the door, and Daly tilted his head. Everyone else was out of earshot. She walked past.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me get some things. We\u2019re going for a walk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t reply. Curious, Daly went downstairs and found that Geneva had finally returned. She was eating in the kitchen as the others watched Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em> on a laptop. Daly waved at her as Geneva munched on cold snake steak.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Geneva, how\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited. Geneva chewed her bite and looked up. She paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t have anything extraordinary happen to me. I saw Dawson; he wasn\u2019t too badly hurt, but the fall could have been worse. Be careful with that climbing.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the, uh, gri-gri that snapped. We\u2019ll check our gear carefully, maybe get more made and test them out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it. I heard you killed some snakes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. I think you\u2019re eating some of them.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Doctor] paused in her next bite. She hesitated, then took a bite. She chewed, and Okasha\u2019s voice, higher-pitched and decidedly more cheerful, came out of Geneva\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Okasha. Take care of Geneva for us, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill do. Don\u2019t get upset, Geneva. It\u2019s just snake\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hate snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly snorted and left before Okasha could ask what was so funny. Geneva had a sense of humor? He was about to tell Paige about that as she came down the stairs. Then he noticed the look on her face. The hint of tension, hidden, and the very large, and very bulky object she had wrapped up in a sack that she was carrying oh so carefully. Daly hesitated. Could she have\u2026?<\/p>\n \u201cWhere to?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOutside.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige stepped behind the glowing laptop\u2019s screen, and Daly followed. No one else commented; they were too busy watching the movie. The two Australians walked out of the building, down the steps, and then down the street. Daly eyed Paige and the thing she was holding. It was round, and she had a smaller burden clutched in one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I take\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Take the smaller one and, for the love of god, don\u2019t drop it.<\/em> And don\u2019t let anyone see until we\u2019re out of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow far out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo a place no one can see. It\u2019ll take twenty minutes. Come on. This is heavy.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige picked up the pace. Daly glanced down at the small object she\u2019d handed him. It too was concealed in a sack, but as he looked at it, something on the back of his neck began to prickle. Daly didn\u2019t have [Dangersense], but if he did, he thought it would be going off right now.<\/p>\n And his intuition was good, so he followed Paige swiftly, bearing his small burden as carefully as could be. As they walked through the dark streets of Talenqual, both he and Paige stayed well away from anyone carrying a torch, a lantern, or any kind of fire.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Fifteen minutes of power walking later, Paige and Daly were well outside of Talenqual and in a private area of trees, off the main road. It wasn\u2019t so deep that they couldn\u2019t run for Talenqual; you could even see the city if you walked back a bit. But it was private\u2014they\u2019d passed by the outer farms and orchards to the left and gone off the main trade road.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t exactly quiet about; the local wildlife had a cacophony of their own. But Daly sincerely doubted they had an audience.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. What\u2019ve you got to show me you didn\u2019t want to tell the others about?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly turned to Paige. She bit her lip as she slowly and gingerly lowered her burden down.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that I didn\u2019t want to tell them. I just don\u2019t know whether I should. Especially<\/em> Geneva. Siri will need to know, but you asked for this, and I\u2026wanted to get your opinion first. Remember what you asked me for? It\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n She reached out and took Daly\u2019s much more lightweight burden from him. She opened it up and gingerly pulled something out. Daly\u2019s pulse skyrocketed at once.<\/p>\n They came in many shapes. And they didn\u2019t look like the ones you saw on TV, most of the time. Except that at some point, they probably had. And the little, papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 sphere the size of Daly\u2019s hand looked exactly like one of those cartoons. Except that the orb was a whitish-grey color, not black. And the fuse was a lot, lot longer than normal, and it wasn\u2019t lit. Otherwise? It was a bomb.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck me sideways. Is that a grenade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou asked me to make one. So I did.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige hunched her shoulders. She stared down at the explosive\u2014no, the grenade-sized bomb<\/em> in her hand. Daly\u2019s skin crawled. I was just holding that!<\/em> He looked at the little sphere.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it safe?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Engineer] looked up irritably.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have given it to you if it wasn\u2019t safe! Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ve thrown these things, knocked them about\u2014at a distance\u2014even put an arrow through one. They don\u2019t explode unless there\u2019s fire, and the sphere is sealed tight. But yes, this is a grenade. Packed with gunpowder. You want to see what it does?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly nodded. He stared at the little orb. Paige had actually made\u2026? His skin was crawling<\/em> with unease. He\u2019d never seen a real weapon like this up close. She took a few breaths.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. I\u2019m going to light it, toss it, and it\u2019ll go off. I didn\u2019t fill it with anything but gunpowder, so it\u2019ll explode, but we\u2019ll be safe. I\u2019ll throw it there. See? I have a clear shot.\u201d<\/p>\n She walked a good bit away from the bag she\u2019d put down and reached for her belt. She cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it. I forgot to bring a lantern or something. I need to make some fire. Give me a second?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold this.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly froze as Paige tossed the bomb at him. He swore as he caught it.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t do<\/em> that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t go off. Stop being a baby. You said you wanted this and I made it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but I don\u2019t juggle explosives<\/em>. Isn\u2019t there a chance it could ignite?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably? But it\u2019s humid. Here. Hand it back.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige had a small, burning candle in one hand. Daly gingerly handed it back, and the girl took a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Here goes.\u201d<\/p>\n She swiftly lit the fuse with one end. Daly saw the flame slowly burning down the waxy rope, and Paige turned. She threw the orb far and fast between a group of trees; it hit the ground and rolled for a moment. Daly watched the fuse burning. The fire didn\u2019t exactly race down it. Still, he held his breath. Until he realized it was going to take a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cSort of slow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t figured out how the fuse works best yet. And I\u2019ve made them long for a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill, if we\u2019re using this in a combat situation\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust watch this one, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly shut up and did just that. He shifted from foot to foot as the fuse slowly burnt away. It really was too long, but Paige\u2019s eyes were locked on the little orb. Daly wondered how much of a bang it would make. Surely not much? Grenades were small, but weren\u2019t they filled with\u2026higher-grade gunpowder or something? Paige had just gotten the ingredients for the stuff a little while ago. So surely\u2014<\/p>\n Bang.<\/em><\/p>\n That was the sound the orb made. But it wasn\u2019t a \u2018bang\u2019 or a mere pop of sound. It was a full explosion<\/em> that made Daly half-duck and shot his heart up into his mouth. The sounds of the jungle instantly stopped. And the explosion was a lot larger than he\u2019d thought. He felt the wind change from where he was standing, and when he stared at the spot where the orb had been\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cDamn.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly had to force himself to inspect the blast spot. It took a moment to find the actual impact spot; some of the forest floor had been blown away, but the actual zone of impact was very small. He looked at Paige.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a lot bigger than I thought it would be! But the impact\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019d have been standing next to it, that wouldn\u2019t have been fun, believe me. But grenades don\u2019t do damage because of the explosion. It\u2019s the shrapnel that does it. And I used paper and nothing else. That was a demo. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do I think? I think you just made a grenade<\/em>, Paige! In what, two weeks? Who\u2019s a rocket scientist, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly grinned shakily at her, but Paige didn\u2019t look pleased. She pointed at the bit of overturned earth.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I gave you some of those, Daly, shortened the fuses, and packed them with some rocks or metal, they\u2019d be like grenades. What do you think? Would they help out your Bushrangers against those snakes you fought this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurer hesitated. He looked back at the blast zone and forced himself to think. If they were filled with shrapnel and he threw, say, four of them\u2026if you tossed one in a snake\u2019s mouth, that might be different, but if it hit their armor? Reluctantly, he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so, Paige. Grenades were anti-people weapons, right? You could shred some people if they were bunched up with one of these, but not a monster. Ironic, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced up. Paige shook her head slowly. Slowly, she bent and reached for the second sack, the much larger one.<\/p>\n \u201cI was afraid you\u2019d say that. Okay. In that case, I\u2019ve made this.\u201d<\/p>\n This time she pulled out a bomb. Daly recoiled; this wasn\u2019t a grenade. It was a bit smaller than a basketball, with an iron outer shell and a wick. It looked like a bomb from a cartoon, but the way Paige held it, and the look on her face\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cYou carried that<\/em> around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I supposed to do, cart it? And if you use this\u2014if anyone does, they have to stand some bouncing. I\u2019m going to light this, so you and I need to run at least a hundred feet out of the trees. See this fuse?\u201d<\/p>\n She indicated the very long piece of string. Daly stared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cA hundred feet? We won\u2019t even see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t want<\/em> to see it any closer. Believe me. You get back. I\u2019m lighting this thing. I\u2019ve filled this with shrapnel. A hundred feet out of the trees, at least. I\u2019m running for two hundred, and you and I are staying close to the ground. There\u2019s an incline over there; we take cover behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige set the bomb down. Daly hesitated. Then he turned and ran. He found the incline and, panting, crouched down behind it. He glanced up and saw Paige running after him. She tumbled over the rise of dirt and panted.<\/p>\n \u201cGet down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She lay flat. Daly hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, we\u2019re far enough, aren\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet down<\/em>, you idiot! Or do you want to be hit! Cover your face and stay down! Shrapnel could still hit\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Maybe this fuse was faster, or the run had taken longer than Daly thought. Either way, this time the explosion made his heart stop.<\/em> It was so loud, he heard his ears ringing.<\/p>\n They had to have heard that in Talenqual! What if someone investigates?<\/em><\/p>\n Daly nearly got up, but Paige held him down. She waited for ten seconds. Only then did she get up.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see.\u201d<\/p>\n This time, the blast was hard to miss. As was the destruction. Daly stared at the shredded tree trunks, and then at a tree. It had fallen down<\/em>, and he could see a few bits of metal embedded in the trunk. Shakily, he looked over at Paige.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could blow up a house<\/em> with that! And you had that in your workshop?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI kept it locked away. But yes, I did. And you asked me to make this thing<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n That was true. But Daly still couldn\u2019t believe it. He shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou made a bomb? Just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded. Paige looked around, but there weren\u2019t any pieces of the bomb\u2019s casing left to find on the ground. She slowly shook her head and bit her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not happy about this, Daly. I know I said I could do it. But it was too easy to make. Once I had the ingredients, it took me three days of careful experimentation to figure out the right ratio of sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal to make the gunpowder. I did some tests with containers. After that, I had a [Blacksmith] make a shell like this and bought some metal scrap. Daly, it took me less than a week to make this. Imagine what happens if Quallet got ahold of this? Or a larger company?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had\u2014I didn\u2019t ask you to make one of these to sell, Paige. Geneva would kill me first. But we can use them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure? After that, you\u2019re sure you want one of these?\u201d<\/p>\n Paige looked up questioningly. She stared hard at Daly. For a second, he hesitated. He understood what she was asking, why she\u2019d shown him this in private. You want me to make more of these?<\/em> And for a second, the decent part of him agreed with Paige. But\u2026he looked around at the jungle and clenched a fist. Then he slowly replied to Paige.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we take on monster contracts, we have to weigh how dangerous our target is against the reward. We took a risk on the snakes, and we spent two days preparing and another scoping out the nest. We needed ropes, we had to team up with the Rustless Guard\u2026and it was still closer than I\u2019d like. Those snakes are the baddest thing we can take on. Give us some of these and we can take on almost anything.\u201d<\/p>\n He kicked at the blown up earth. Paige just stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to bomb monsters?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to fight them with crossbows and swords? Paige, maybe the Bushrangers shouldn\u2019t earn money like we do. But aside from Luan and Geneva, we\u2019re the only source of income the company has. And after seeing some of the monsters we fight, I think adventurers are <\/em>needed. I don\u2019t think this world needs bombs. Especially not Baleros. But give me one of these and no one can copy it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot unless you don\u2019t use it.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige folded her arms, deeply troubled. She stared again at Daly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really want more?\u201d<\/p>\n He closed his eyes and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked. And I think\u2026yeah, I think we do need them, Paige. You saw the snakes we brought in, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw parts of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, they were a lot bigger in person. Say we go up against them again. I\u2019d like to use these. Just our team. Just when we have to. We don\u2019t show them around, we only bring them when we know there\u2019s a fight that involves them. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n He saw the [Engineer] nod.<\/p>\n \u201cAgreed. No one gets these, no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd with that said\u2026I want three of them. Make sure they\u2019re sealed perfectly. I don\u2019t want a chance of them going off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree. You want three? I can do that. I can do it. But I need more ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige scrubbed at her hair distractedly. She looked at Daly. Then she shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose you still want the ballistae, too. Or those oversized crossbows you were thinking of?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe big ones? Yeah. If we can mount it, or use a stand, we could pierce even the serpent\u2019s hide. What, can you make them?\u201d<\/p>\n For a second, Daly wondered if that was an out. But Paige shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI was talking with Blake. Apparently ballistae were made with something called torsional force. As opposed to draw force, like what we have with bows and the crossbows I\u2019ve made.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay? What does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt means they did something else. Blake said that he thought it involved skeins of rope or something, but he wasn\u2019t sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow does he know all this stuff, anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVideo games. Apparently the models in some games are quite close to real life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh. So he doesn\u2019t know how this torsional thing works, though, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. And I bet if I had a YouTube video I could build one from that. But no one\u2019s downloaded a video on their phones, and the internet\u2019s not exactly around. So until I can figure out how the Romans did it, I can\u2019t build anything stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Then I guess\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Daly indicated the bombs. Paige nodded. She stared around the unnaturally quiet forest, and then gestured back at Talenqual.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should probably head back. They might try and see what that sound was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n But neither Human moved right away. Paige kept staring at Daly. At last, she spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, I was really hoping you\u2019d see what the bombs did and say \u2018No, don\u2019t make any more, Paige. Absolutely not.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Daly\u2019s heart twisted in his chest. He held out his hands helplessly.<\/p>\n \u201cPaige. We need those.\u201d<\/p>\n She rounded on him.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we? Do we really<\/em> need those?\u201d<\/p>\n Her finger shook as she pointed back at the blast zone.<\/p>\n \u201cDaly. I feel like I\u2019m a terrorist. Look at that. You want me to make more of those?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Daly nodded. Paige halted and stared at him, but he pointed back at the explosion. And this time, he wasn\u2019t as scared of the weapon as before. He was remembering something else.<\/p>\n \u201cEver seen a [Fireball] explode? It\u2019s just as nasty. Worse. Remember the battle between those companies? They were throwing around spells like that. And some monsters can take a [Fireball] to the face and keep on coming. Those serpents could. If we want to hit Gold-rank, or go any further, we\u2019ll need those, Paige. We\u2019ll use gunpowder on monsters.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo long as it\u2019s just monsters.\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at him. Then she turned her back and began walking away. Daly followed her.<\/p>\n \u201cPaige, I swear, if I thought\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t. You convinced me, Daly. Don\u2019t justify it.\u201d<\/p>\n He fell silent. The two walked on, pausing to hide as a group of [Guardsmen] did indeed pass them by, looking for the source of the sound. After that, Paige and Daly went back to the main road and pretended to be coming back to Talenqual. They walked together in silence, and the triumph of this morning felt like a long way away to Daly.<\/p>\n Good news and bad. Daly walked back to his bed, and Paige said nothing else. He was troubled, like her. But they needed an edge. And if that meant making bombs\u2026he fell asleep, wondering if he\u2019d said the right thing.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next day, Daly woke up, ate food, lounged about, and did things he forgot about five minutes later. Around midmorning, he found the Bushrangers relaxing after their big job and ordered them into the living room. It was time for a lesson. Siri was in charge with Tofte helping her. They got ten minutes in when Dawson looked up and complained loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cDaly. I have to ask. Why do we have to study another language in a world that speaks only fucking English<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n He glared at the alphabet Siri had written down for them in her native language. Daly sighed, but he explained as patiently as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have two Swedish speakers, Dawson. If we need to talk when the enemy might be around, or warn each other, another language is perfect. It could be a huge advantage. That\u2019s also why we have hand signals and need to be able to write in Swedish too. We can leave each other messages.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd why\u2019s it got to be Swedish?<\/em> Can\u2019t it be pig latin? Or something easier? No offense, Siri.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOffense taken.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly waved a hand for silence. He frowned as he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought about Japanese, or one of the languages Kirana and the other girls speak, but apparently there is<\/em> a nation of islanders about that speak some kind of weird language. Drathians. They sound Japanese, so that\u2019s out. And Siri and Tofte already know the lingo; this makes the most sense. Plus, it\u2019ll help because Sweden isn\u2019t that big a country, so the odds of running into another Swede are a lot lower than someone from India.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Dawson was frowning, but Siri looked sharply at Daly. She replied for him.<\/p>\n \u201cHe means if we have to go up against people from Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bushrangers fell silent. Daly saw some of them look at each other uncomfortably. Dawson swore.<\/p>\n \u201cFucking hell, mate. What are you planning?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly\u2019s voice was cold in his own ears.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing. But I\u2019m preparing us for everything. You heard Blake and his lot\u2019s story about the [Bandits], right? We need to be careful. From now on, any hint of survivors from earth, we investigate cautiously. We watch them<\/em> before we take them in, and we put people on them for the first month.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeeze, Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s what we have to do. It\u2019s not a question of \u2018if\u2019 we\u2019re going to run up against some nasty people from home, it\u2019s \u2018when\u2019. Or do you want to be the idiots who get stabbed in the back? Don\u2019t worry, though; we\u2019re already looking into buying amulets enchanted with [Detect Lies] along with getting a [Repair] spell.\u201d<\/p>\n That didn\u2019t cheer up the group much. But they did sit still as Siri went over the alphabet and a few basic words. Daly didn\u2019t have the heart to push them to learn more than a few words despite his speech; but he did warn them they\u2019d need to remember.<\/p>\n \u201cSiri\u2019s going to ask you, and so will I. Just remember the words for now. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n The others nodded. Dawson looked very uncomfortable. So did everyone else. Siri was frowning at Daly. She\u2019d been the one to suggest using Swedish, but she seemed curious. She drew Daly aside as the others began to get back to lazing about. But she never got a chance to ask her question because the door blew open and Michael burst into the room, shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cLuan\u2019s back!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly whirled about, his spirits suddenly rising. He heard an oath from upstairs, and Paige appeared in the stairwell. Kirana rushed out of the kitchen, and more members of the United Nations company rushed down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cYou serious, Michael?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just saw him! He\u2019s coming into the docks! Come on, let\u2019s go greet him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright!\u201d<\/p>\n Dawson was on his feet. The Bushrangers all got up, but Siri and Tofte, both of whom didn\u2019t really know Luan, weren\u2019t as excited as the others. She looked at Daly with a big frown.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are we running to meet him like children?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly paused, about to go out after the others. He beckoned at Siri, and she and the rest of the team followed him. The [Axe Warrior] spoke as he led them in a brisk walk.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, we\u2019ve got three big leaders. Geneva, Ken, and Luan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you and Paige.\u201d<\/p>\n Aldenon interjected. Daly hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, yeah, but they were the original<\/em> three, you know? The ones who started it all. And they\u2019re all\u2026well, look at it this way.\u201d<\/p>\n He tried to explain to Siri, who was raising both eyebrows skeptically.<\/p>\n \u201cKen\u2019s a nice guy. Everyone likes Ken, but that\u2019s his thing. He\u2019s not scarily good at what he does like Geneva or Luan. And Geneva\u2019s amazing, no question; no one can do what she can in this world. But she\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Daly hesitated and looked at the Australian members of his team for help. They pitched in cheerfully.<\/p>\n \u201cDepressing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo serious all the time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot a medically implanted stick up her butt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDistractingly hot?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly rolled his eyes as the others laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Kami. What I mean, Siri, Tofte, is that Geneva\u2019s good, but she\u2019s doing something she\u2019s learned. She\u2019s smarter than any [Doctor] in this world. But Luan? He\u2019s genuinely just\u2026better. At rowing. You know? He can do what Centaurs, Dullahans, Lizardfolk, all of them can do, but he\u2019s the best, never mind if they have magic or special abilities. You remember Humans can do things better than the other species when you\u2019re around him. And he always comes back with a lot of gold.\u201d<\/p>\n They thought about that. Siri shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cGold\u2019s a good enough reason for me. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n And so they did. Daly reached the harbor docks just in time to see Luan finishing paying the [Harbormaster]\u2014it wasn\u2019t hard to spot where he was; a good number of Humans were standing around him, and the tall [Rower] was laughing and trying to answer a dozen questions at once. He looked good. Tired, but good. And then Daly saw just how tired and pushed his way through. His was the voice of authority.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, give Luan some space!\u201d<\/p>\n The others drew back reluctantly. Luan turned. He grabbed Daly\u2019s arm, and the two hugged briefly. Daly was grinning, and Luan had a weary smile on his face. Genuine, but very tired.<\/p>\n \u201cLuan, mate, I missed you two weeks back when you dropped off a ton of gold. You didn\u2019t even stay a full day! You\u2019re pushing yourself too hard!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah. Well, I\u2019m back now, aren\u2019t I? Sorry I didn\u2019t send a [Message]\u2014I just finished a three-day trip. Hello, everyone! Paige, Kirana, and\u2026are there new faces around here? Have we new people?\u201d<\/p>\n Luan had spotted Nicoletta in the crowd along with Blake. He began to walk forwards as Daly started to explain, but then he stumbled. He caught himself and shook his head as Daly reached out to steady him.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. I don\u2019t have my ground legs yet.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled, but Daly was instantly concerned. He gestured at Luan\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got bags under your eyes, mate. And you\u2019re swaying where you stand.\u201d<\/p>\n Luan stopped.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n He yawned hugely. Daly looked at him and Paige folded her arms. The South African man hesitated, then gave them a sheepish grin.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I know. But offers are coming in faster than ever. People are hearing about \u2018Luan the Rower\u2019 and I can make enough to keep us afloat. I\u2019m faster than anyone but a Courier on the water, and I can take the riskier deliveries because it\u2019s so hard to catch me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He yawned hugely again. Paige shook her head as she looked Luan up and down.<\/p>\n \u201cNo more deliveries right now, Luan. You\u2019re staying put and getting some rest. No rowing for at least four days. The doc\u2019ll back me up on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated and then nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI could do with some sleep. I\u2019ve been\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He yawned a third time and brought his right arm up. Daly saw a flash of bright color and stared. There was something on the inside of Luan\u2019s arm. No\u2026not something.<\/p>\n Gold, tattooed into dark skin. It shone as Daly stared at it. Two names.<\/p>\n Nandi. Lubanzi.<\/em><\/p>\n Luan lowered his arm and saw Daly\u2019s stare. He didn\u2019t hide the tattoos; rather, he held out his arm so Daly could get a better look. His smile was bitter, sad, but mainly just tired.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been pushing myself harder. It helps me stop thinking. But I don\u2019t forget anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly hesitated. Paige stepped in for him, grabbing Luan\u2019s arm and placing it around her shoulder. She was shorter than he was, so there wasn\u2019t really much for Luan to lean on, but it made him smile.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on. Aiko\u2019s worried sick about you.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly nodded. He turned and waved a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all are. Hey, you lot. Grab that boat-kayak and bring it with us. We can fit it somewhere in headquarters; better than paying rent on it.\u201d<\/p>\n Several of the Bushrangers grabbed the boat and lifted it out of the water. Luan looked surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure there\u2019s room? Also, it\u2019s called a scull. It\u2019s a single scull\u2026I need to upgrade it. If we can afford a bag of holding, I can get a new one\u2014it\u2019s not a kayak, Daly. I\u2019ll have to hurt you if you say that again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yeah. We can talk about that. We\u2019ve got tons of money, so I guess you can use some of what you\u2019ve earned\u2026this way. Hey Siri, nali-<\/em>stick? Or just a stamina potion.\u201d<\/p>\n Siri disappeared and came back with one of the sweet sticks and offered it to Luan. He thanked her and bit into it. The sweet rush of sugar perked Luan up enough that he was walking steadily by the time they reached the United Nations company headquarters.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this?\u201d<\/p>\n He blinked up at the building, realizing for the first time that they weren\u2019t at the old headquarters. Daly grinned hugely.<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t know? We\u2019ve upgraded, Luan! Miss Hastel gave these two buildings to us for a song, and we\u2019re looking into a third next door! Come on inside; it\u2019s a lot nicer! And we\u2019ve got proper couches!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I sit down in one, I\u2019ll fall asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Luan joked as he came inside. But he didn\u2019t fall asleep; the crowd gathered around him was probably part of that, as was the reheated snake meat. He ate it ravenously as he tried to speak about where he\u2019d been and gone.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been to several big cities\u2014this is good, what is it?\u2014and seen a lot of wonderful things. Some danger. There was this group of [Sea Raiders]\u2014but I\u2019ll tell you later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat cities did you see, Luan? Come on, tell us!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the younger members of the company, barely fifteen, was practically hopping with excitement. Luan smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cTell you? I borrowed a smartphone. I can show<\/em> you.\u201d<\/p>\n He pulled out a phone out of his pocket. The others immediately fought for it until Paige ordered them to stop fighting before they broke it. There was only a small charge left, but it was enough for a few minutes of browsing. Daly craned his neck to see as the others exclaimed over it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa! What a city!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that a dancing Lizardwoman?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd a dancing Centaur? I didn\u2019t know they danced!\u201d<\/p>\n Luan nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were having some kind of festival. I have a few videos too. And a few pictures of some shops, potions\u2026I tried sneaking a picture of a spellbook when I was browsing, but, well\u2026look.\u201d<\/p>\n He showed the others a picture of a book. But the page was\u2026white. Not blank; it was pure, eye-searingly white as Daly stared at the photo. Only after he\u2019d looked away did he see a faint coloration to the painfully white photo. Luan gestured to it and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like this with videos too. You can sort<\/em> of see some colors, but the pages just turn white. Some spells look different on screen, too. Some are invisible or different colors than what I see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe the pixels can\u2019t represent the full color scale. Damn. It was worth a shot.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige was disappointed. A few seconds later, the phone died, so she went and had someone get it charged with a [Repair] spell. She also chased off some of the crowd, telling them Luan would relate more stories over dinner. Daly was all set to bring Luan up to a room for some needed rest, but the athlete asked for some strong tea instead.<\/p>\n \u201cI should stay up. I do have something I need to tell you, as well as stories. And you have something to tell me, it seems!\u201d<\/p>\n He gave Daly and Paige a short and meaningful look both understood. Then he listened attentively as the others told him about the battle with the giant snakes, Geneva\u2019s delivery of Miss Hastel\u2019s baby, and their new home. He\u2019d heard some of it the first time, but he hadn\u2019t stayed long. And by the time the story was done, even Geneva had come back to greet Luan.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did all that by yourself? I have nothing but respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Luan looked at Geneva. She smiled faintly at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just my job. Good to see you, Luan. You need sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed, but gently.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a bit. I want to know more about your new clinic. You say you\u2019ve been getting patients? That\u2019s exactly what we wanted, isn\u2019t it? And what about delivering babies? Is it profitable? Do you have many clients?\u201d<\/p>\n Aiko nodded excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s done eight Caesareans so far. A lot of mothers are worried about giving birth, or they have complications\u2026one even came from fifty miles away when she heard there was a [Doctor] here. Word is spreading like lightning!\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured at Geneva proudly as the [Doctor] coughed, embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cFunny. A [Doctor]\u2019s only popular on the battlefield. But [Midwives] and mothers gossip a lot faster and wider.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige looked amused. Aiko smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I helped! I know how to do a lot for mothers. But it is new! And scary! It is hard to deliver babies well across other species; their bodies are all different. And the last delivery was frightening! Geneva delivered the baby and then\u2026the head fell off!<\/em> Geneva was so shocked, and everyone panicked but the mother! Because it was a Dullahan baby, you see?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t funny.\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva shuddered as she remembered that moment. Everyone else was laughing. Luan closed his eyes, a broad smile on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful. It really is.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly thought he might not open his eyes and fall asleep just like that. He coughed, trying to think of something else to say. His eyes went back to the gold writing on Luan\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, Luan. About your tattoo. Aiko told us about what you two had figured out. and we\u2019ve confirmed it. No one remembers home unless we really try. Our family, our friends\u2026it\u2019s like a blank spot in our heads. We remember tech and politics and everything else. But we don\u2019t feel nostalgic unless we try<\/em> to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly looked around and realized everyone had gone silent. For a moment, they remembered home, and the smiles went from everyone\u2019s faces. Paige elbowed Daly hard in the stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cNice going, Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n Luan opened his eyes. He nodded heavily.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad I\u2019m not the only one. I thought\u2026well, we can talk about it later. But I think I\u2019m actually falling asleep right here. I take it back. Can I get a few hours\u2019 sleep before dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Instantly, everyone was solicitous. Luan went upstairs and fell asleep immediately after putting his head down. Daly walked outside with Geneva as the others talked, the phone having come back so they could look at more pictures again. He stood outside as the [Doctor] stood with him. Both were uncomfortable together. Geneva broke the silence with all the grace of a beached whale.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s surprising you brought up the tattoos. I thought it was my job to depress everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced sideways at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s two jokes in two days. Careful, or we might think you\u2019re Human after all, doc.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled at that.<\/p>\n \u201cI do have a sense of humor. It\u2019s just buried by experience. I\u2019m working on it. Okasha\u2019s not helping; her jokes are worse than mine are, if you can believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly laughed. He stood outside with Geneva and glanced north. Last night flashed into his mind. He casually glanced to the side.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Geneva. Paige was talking to me last night, and, uh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Daly? Miss Geneva?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone interrupted them. Daly bit his tongue and looked around, annoyed. He stopped glaring as he saw a Naga<\/em> approaching them. Like Xalandrass, the Naga was tall, sinuous, and stood out even in Talenqual\u2019s busy and diverse streets. The Lizardfolk stood back respectfully as she stopped, her tail coiling around itself as she stood straighter. She smiled down at Daly and Geneva, both of whom looked up at her with surprise. Daly hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cHow can we help you, Miss Naga?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you asked! You can follow me. I was told to get two of your company, and you two are the leaders, aren\u2019t you? Our boss especially wants to see you, Miss [Doctor].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoss?\u201d<\/p>\n The Naga nodded. She gestured down the street, pointing to the center of the city and the tallest, grandest buildings.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2019m part of the Featherfolk Brigade. And our leader wants to speak with the United Nation\u2019s company leadership right now. Will you follow me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Featherfolk Brigade. On the walk to the building that housed the company\u2019s leadership, Daly tried to remember everything he could about them. He knew they were a company, mainly Lizardfolk, that had claimed Talenqual.<\/p>\n According to Ken, they weren\u2019t the biggest players around, but they certainly weren\u2019t small-timers either. They had the numbers and firepower to defend a large city\u2014Ken had called them upper-middle tier, which meant they were way above a tiny company like the United Nations company, or even Quallet\u2019s Gravetender\u2019s Fist.<\/p>\n Normally, the two groups would never interact; if the Featherfolk Brigade took part in a conflict, one of their subdivisions would account for all of the United Nations\u2019 personnel in a fight. But their leader had asked specifically to meet them. To meet Geneva<\/em>.<\/p>\n Daly wished Ken were with them. But the Naga hadn\u2019t let them get reinforcements. She\u2019d asked, politely, that they come at once. But Daly had sensed it wasn\u2019t really a request.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does your boss want with us, uh, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n The Naga turned her torso while she slithered forwards and gave Daly a smile. She had brilliant pink and red scales on her upper body, and she was practically naked except for a breast band.<\/p>\n \u201cHe wants to see you, of course. You\u2019re a new company in our city. Why wouldn\u2019t he be interested? And she\u2019s<\/em> the Last Light of Baleros. Don\u2019t worry. He\u2019s not angry at you. I think.\u201d<\/p>\n Hardly encouraging. The Naga brought them to a huge, almost castle-like building with six floors that dominated the center of the city. It was a literal hub of activity, and Daly saw that it was both home for many of the company\u2019s soldiers, an administrative building, and more.<\/p>\n Lizardfolk dominated the halls, but Daly saw a number of Nagas and even some other Lizardfolk evolutionary variants he couldn\u2019t place. They stared at him as he passed, and he sensed very little hostility, only the Lizardfolk\u2019s ever-present curiosity. But he couldn\u2019t help but grow more tense; some of the warriors looked incredibly strong, and he was quite aware of how vulnerable he and Geneva were. He glanced over at the [Doctor], but saw she was walking as steadily as ever. He had to admire her cool. Or was it just indifference?<\/p>\n The Naga stopped at a pair of impressive, wooden double doors. She gestured towards them.<\/p>\n \u201cRight inside. He\u2019s waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n There was no use waiting. Daly looked at Geneva and opened the doors for the both of them. The doors opened and revealed a room rather like an executive\u2019s office. Only, this room was wide enough to make any CEO jealous, and there was, in fact, no glass front.<\/p>\n The office was open to the outside, and the city lay beneath! There were a pair of curtains that could be swept forwards, but walk too far and you would fall six stories down. Despite that, sitting on, or rather, around a comfortable cloth chair, was a Lizardfolk. Only, he wasn\u2019t a Lizardman. And neither was he a Naga. He was\u2026something else. Daly stared.<\/p>\n Where his arms should have been were two massive, beautiful plumed wings, the feathers changing from gold to green at the tips. The strange Lizardfolk\u2019s body was a brilliant light green as well, with a softer beige underbelly. His scales looked like plates as he slowly slithered upright, and Daly realized the reason for the huge building; the leader of the Featherfolk Brigade was over seven<\/em> feet tall as he drew himself upright, and that wasn\u2019t even counting the rest of his tail wrapped around his desk and chair!<\/p>\n The stranger drew himself up as they entered, and his wings spread. When he spoke, his voice was lighter than Daly had expected, but still powerful and melodious at the same time.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning to you, Humans. You must be Daly of the United Nations company, and Geneva, the Last Light of Baleros. My name is Fezimet. I am the leader of the Featherfolk Brigade. And before you ask, I\u2019m a Quexal. You\u2019ve probably never seen anyone like me, am I right? Tell me I\u2019m right.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled widely, and Daly blinked as Fezimet waggled his resplendent wings. Daly immediately placed the Quexal as one of the vainer subtypes of Lizardfolk like Nagas and reacted accordingly.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t! And it\u2019s an honor to meet\u2014did you say a Quexal?<\/em> I\u2019ve never even heard of your kind before. Incredible, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n He covertly nudged Geneva. She, like him, stared at Fezimet\u2019s scales as the Quexal drew himself up, basking in their attention.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed delightedly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know something about Lizardfolk! That\u2019s rare to see among Humans not from Baleros! Come closer. Sit, sit. Do you want something to eat? Drink? I have all of Talenqual\u2019s finest delicacies to call on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have some, uh, Seamaster\u2019s Gin and some shrimps if you\u2019ll indulge us, Fezimet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! One moment.\u201d<\/p>\n The Quexal reached for something on his desk. He didn\u2019t have hands. His wing-arms seemed quite flexible, but his only true appendages for grasping were lower down, and they were a pair of long, bird-like legs. But they were incredibly dexterous; Fezimet delicately grasped a bell with the tips of his claws. He rang it gently, and he was clearly adept at using his appendages for humanoid tasks. Even so, it was disturbing on another level as well.<\/p>\n The door instantly opened, and Fezimet addressed the Lizardgirl and repeated Daly\u2019s request. The Lizardgirl nodded and dashed off.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, come, sit, sit. My desk has chairs for folk with feet and those without. Tell me, how have you enjoyed Talenqual this far? Are you well? Tell me everything.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly and Geneva warily sat down. The Australian cleared his throat, but it was Geneva who spoke up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want to know, glorious Fezimet?\u201d<\/p>\n Both Daly and Fezimet started. But Geneva was smiling politely, friendly even. And her tone and the way she spoke\u2014it was Okasha, Daly was certain. Fezimet hesitated, clearly thrown off-guard for a second.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I suppose I\u2019d want to know if the legends are true. You are<\/em> the famous Last Light of Baleros, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva-Okasha shrugged lightly.<\/p>\n \u201cSome call me that. But I only participated in a few battles.\u201d<\/p>\n Fezimet nodded knowingly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all it takes. One or two to make a legend. Especially one so\u2026unique. Would you mind telling me how you started? A [Doctor] is surely a rare class. What drew you to the battlefield?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Doctor] raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat else? Money?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I wanted to save lives as well. I did that. But I grew tired. If you\u2019re asking how I came to join the United Nations company and form it, it was when I met some kinsmen from Terandria by chance. To begin with, I had joined with the Raverian Fighters\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Not for the first time, Daly caught himself wondering at Okasha. And he was especially relieved that she was with Geneva in this situation; the Selphid spoke on Geneva\u2019s behalf, acting enough like the [Doctor] to almost fool Daly, but smoothly giving Geneva a more sociable personality, and incorporating some lies with her story. Fezimet listened, asking a few questions, and the food Daly had requested seemed to appear in no time at all. The young man sipped from his drink and took a bit of the shrimp as Fezimet ate what might have been roasted rat, listening to Geneva\u2019s story.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you decided to form a company. Well, I understand the reasoning; after two betrayals, why not stick with kin? Reasonable, reasonable. But after your company formed, why did you decide to come to my<\/em> city?\u201d<\/p>\n He stressed the \u2018my\u2019 a bit. Geneva paused. She glanced sideways at Daly and he jumped in.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we\u2019d heard Talenqual was a very safe place. Very safe and prosperous, with everything you could want. Harbor, strong economy\u2026why not work from here?\u201d<\/p>\n The Quexal looked pleased at the answer.<\/p>\n \u201cHm! True, very true! But did you choose it because of my company?\u201d<\/p>\n The Australian hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Should we? We, uh, didn\u2019t think to ask which company ran the city. We probably should have; I knew the Featherfolk Brigade was a mi\u2014was an upper-tier company, but I\u2019ve never heard of a Quexal before. What makes you\u2026you, if you don\u2019t mind me asking?\u201d<\/p>\n The question received an arch smile in return.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, I see what you did there. But I\u2019ll entertain it because you should know. You ask what a Quexal is? Feathers and scales. Wings, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Fezimet spread his wings again. He seemed not to tire of keeping them open. He chuckled as he saw Geneva and Daly\u2019s eyes go to his bright colors.<\/p>\n \u201cLike all Lizardfolk, I was once one of my smaller kin. But I achieved this rare radiance for my unmatched abilities. Quexal are rare. Rarer than Lamias or Gorgons. There are few of us on Baleros, but those of us who remain are powerful. We do give up a lot. Hands, for one thing. But I don\u2019t miss them. And yes, we can\u2019t use swords that well, or other weapons, but most of us know some magic. I think it\u2019s a requirement; I can blast my enemies from afar, but I prefer to crush them with my tail. Or bite <\/em>them. It\u2019s not hard.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled, and his serpentine face revealed a row of teeth that would probably take off Daly\u2019s head in a single bite. The adventurer eyed the fangs: venomous, he had no doubt.<\/p>\n \u201cQuexal are the fastest of the Lizardfolk evolutions, bar none. We can jump and even glide depending on the circumstances. We are mighty, and a Quexal has always led the Featherfolk Brigade. Hence the name. That answers your question. Now I have mine. What do you want to do in my city?\u201d<\/p>\n This time Daly didn\u2019t know what to say. He glanced at Geneva, but she was frowning, and Okasha must not have known how to respond. So Daly went for it.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly? We just want to find more of our friends from home, ah, glorious Fezimet. And we\u2019d like to earn money ourselves. More than just enough to survive on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. So you aren\u2019t planning on joining with Gravetender\u2019s Fist? Are you intending to go to war? I hear the Bushrangers are quite capable. Will you expand your ranks? You\u2019ve already made one alliance with the Rustless Guard.\u201d<\/p>\n He knew a lot!<\/em> Daly gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. We\u2019re a part of the company, but most of us aren\u2019t fighters. We got enough of a taste of action with Gravetender\u2019s Fist.\u201d<\/p>\n He thought he saw Fezimet relax a bit after hearing that. Did the Quexal have a [Detect Lies] spell or something?<\/p>\n \u201cI see. And so your company wishes to make ends meet. To partake of the riches of my company\u2019s city. Well, well. I suppose that\u2019s acceptable. And you two don\u2019t seem to be lying about that. But this [Doctor]\u2019s business\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He pondered for a moment before glancing at Geneva.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m told you can deliver a baby free of complication by cutting a mother open, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI can do that. It\u2019s not risk-free, but it\u2019s less risky than a childbirth if there are complications.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. But you know Lizardfolk don\u2019t need to give birth? We lay eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva shrugged slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cEggs can fail to hatch. Or something can go wrong inside. Nothing is perfect. My job is to try and save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n She met Fezimet\u2019s eyes calmly. The Quexal looked from her to Daly.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. As noble as they claim. Well, I\u2019m content with what I\u2019ve heard. Your company has permission to remain in my city. You don\u2019t seem like troublemakers or a threat, and you\u2019ve saved at least one of my [Landladies]. As for your new\u2026practice, I\u2019ll send one of my Nagas over to watch sometime. Just to make sure it\u2019s alright. Then we can talk about compensation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCompensation?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly hesitated. Fezimet smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cFor working in Talenqual, of course. After all, you knew it was such a glorious city when you came here, didn\u2019t you? But let\u2019s not talk about that. Eat more of those shrimps. I\u2019ll have one myself. Now, tell me, Captain Daly, about your team. I hear they\u2019re practically invisible in forests\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Two hours later, Daly wished he hadn\u2019t eaten so many shrimp. It wasn\u2019t that they were undercooked; it was just that there was a limit to how many crustaceans he could eat. And he\u2019d had too much gin. He should have asked for water and crackers.<\/p>\n \u201cSteady.\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva murmured as she helped guide Daly back down the street towards their headquarters. He erped<\/em> and tried not to throw up.<\/p>\n \u201cThat damned feathery snake can drink like no one\u2019s business. Think\u2026we\u2019ll be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so. Hold on, Geneva. I\u2019m helping your liver filter all this. You\u2019re going to need to pee bad\u2026let\u2019s get Daly inside.\u201d<\/p>\n She opened the door. Instantly there was a voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re back! Get Paige!\u201d<\/p>\n Daly found a few hands steadying him as he lurched inside. He went straight for the kitchen\u2014not to throw up, but to drink some tea to settle his stomach. Then he drank more water, and looked at Paige.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened? All the others said was that a Naga came and took both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked worried. Daly shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s sorted. I think. Nothing big. Tell you later. We\u2019re having a meeting tonight. Is Luan awake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet. We\u2019re going to have lunch. Uh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPass.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly spent the rest of the day slowly sobering up and trying to digest too many shrimps. He had an appetite by the time dinner rolled about, and Luan was up. They ate, and Daly listened to Luan\u2019s stories without bringing up their encounter with Fezimet. Only after the dinner had ended did Paige stand up.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. The company leaders are meeting. Everyone else, you can talk to Luan later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, what\u2019s this about? Is it the Naga\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should be allowed to listen!\u201d<\/p>\n Paige scowled at the protesters, who were all mostly older people around her age.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, and no. Some of what we have to talk about is potentially dangerous or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced at Daly.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Or would be bad if it\u2019s gossiped about. We\u2019ll tell you everything we can. But later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho elected you?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone grumbled that. Michael, probably. Paige opened her mouth, and Ken smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cShould we have elections? I think it would be dangerous to make this a vote. After all, the responsibilities of our job are sometimes\u2026a lot. And we cannot share everything, so if you wanted to vote for someone to listen with us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He trailed off. The murmurs fragmented, and most of the group shook their heads. That was Ken, framing the idea as not much of a solution at all. Daly lurched upstairs. The others found him with his head in his hands in their meeting room. Paige closed the door last. Luan yawned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look worse than I do, Daly. What happened while I was out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo much to drink. We had to go meet the leader of the Featherfolk Brigade. Fezimet the fucking glorious or something.\u201d<\/p>\n The other\u2019s gazes sharpened at once. Ken sat up, looking mildly worried. Paige sat down across from Daly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did he want?\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva frowned, and Okasha answered.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he was scoping out our company. Trying to figure out if we\u2019re a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you know. Taking control of parts of his city, sowing dissent, just whether or not we\u2019re easy to work with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you reassure him we\u2019re no threat?\u201d<\/p>\n Daly grimaced and shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried. I think he bought the line that we\u2019re only here to make money. But he hinted\u2014strongly<\/em>\u2014that his company wants a cut of what Geneva\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a tax. I think he was really curious about Geneva. But he\u2019s\u2026something. His company\u2019s also massive. There were tons of Nagas and Gorgons\u2014I wish Ken had been there. He might have figured out more of what Fezimet wanted. Okasha\u2019s right. I think he was just trying to scope us. And he got me pretty good and drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he calls for us again, I will try and speak to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ken nodded. Aiko sighed, looking relieved.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it means it isn\u2019t a problem, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor now. But we\u2019re getting heat from a big company. I guess that means we should keep an eye out to avoid pissing anyone off. Good work, Daly.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige drummed her fingers on the table. Daly gave her a weak grin. He wasn\u2019t drinking gin again for at least a month. Siri, who would have done well in his place, looked around with a frown.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, maybe we should listen to Luan. You said he had something to say?\u201d<\/p>\n Luan nodded. He looked at Siri for a moment and then reached over.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ve met. Paige told me you\u2019re working with Daly? I\u2019m Luan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSiri. We met once. Briefly.\u201d<\/p>\n He shook her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a [Rower]. I\u2019m aiming to be a Courier, but I\u2019ll settle for a good position as a City Runner. And I\u2019ve been working hard, perhaps too hard of late, but the money\u2019s been coming in, and I\u2019m glad it helped with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured to the room around them. Paige nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can start putting the money towards a better boat and gear for Daly\u2019s team, Luan. We\u2019re finally making more money than we need for the essentials. Which means you shouldn\u2019t take so many risks. You brought in more gold than anyone by yourself<\/em> at the start. You deserve at least a week\u2019s rest.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone nodded at that. Luan smiled, but traced the gold ink on his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good of you to say, Paige. But I have a job in three days I can\u2019t get out of. Remember all that gold I dropped off two weeks back? Well, some of that was an advance payment. Listen, while I was getting my tattoo done in one of the cities, I met this Minotaur\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Luan relayed the short meeting with Venaz to the others. Daly sat up, frowning and trying to think about why a [Strategist] would want to hire Luan for a delivery in three weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd he said it was all above-board?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did. But I don\u2019t know if I trust that. I did some digging, and I found out he is who he says he is. He\u2019s a student in the school run by the Titan of Baleros himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Several of the people sitting around the table drew in sharp breaths. The Titan of Baleros<\/em>. One of the heads of the Four Great companies. And one of his students was hiring Luan? The [Rower] looked around the table.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m committed. And I may not have had a [Detect Truth] stone, but I think this Venaz was telling me the truth. I could ruin his reputation, and what\u2019s the point of me taking a really dangerous job without knowing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill, it\u2019s suspicious. It sounds like you\u2019re getting involved with something political, Luan. I don\u2019t want you making enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I am committed, Paige. And I\u2019m a City Runner; this is what we do. If anyone takes offense\u2026well, I\u2019ll be careful. I need to row out to my destination in two days. But I had a thought.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused and drummed a hand on the table.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026We\u2019ve been looking for allies. Quallet\u2019s company is one, and it sounds like Daly\u2019s allied with a Dullahan team. But a Great Company has the resources to protect anyone they want. If this Venaz is a student of the Titan, perhaps he had connections. Perhaps I could meet with someone high up in that company. Talk to them about Geneva\u2019s abilities. We were saying that a [Doctor] with her talents would be useful even to\u2014no, especially<\/em> to a big company who doesn\u2019t want to lose valuable leaders, right?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around the table. Daly did too; Paige and Siri were frowning, Aiko was troubled, Geneva was pensive, and Ken was staring down at the table. Paige slowly replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s true we were trying to get Geneva\u2019s name out there, Luan. But that was before we discovered she could deliver babies. This way is safer. It doesn\u2019t pull her into politics, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around. Aiko and Ken nodded, but Daly wasn\u2019t so certain.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, Paige. That\u2019s true, but didn\u2019t we just get warned by the Featherfolk Brigade? And our position isn\u2019t that stable here. One bad war comes our way, and we need to run. It might be risky getting involved with a Great Company, but if the Forgotten Wing company\u2019s decent\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKen, what\u2019s the Titan\u2019s reputation?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome are terrified of him, some respect him. Most agree he is honorable, but he is known for winning, sometimes in underhanded or sneaky ways. He is a formidable opponent. But it is said that he is generous, and his company is very good to the areas it controls.\u201d<\/p>\n Ken looked around the table. Daly nodded a few times.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing ventured, nothing gained. Either we don\u2019t use this and Luan does his job, or we take a risk. So here\u2019s what I think.\u201d<\/p>\n He took a deep breath and looked at Luan.<\/p>\n \u201cIf this Venaz guy really has a connection to one of the Great Companies of Baleros, try and exploit it, Luan. Try and mention Geneva. Who knows? Maybe this Titan guy will see the merit in a [Doctor]. I don\u2019t know about C-sections. But it can\u2019t hurt to try.<\/em> And I hear he likes chess and Go, right? Aiko learned Go in Japan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we know Shogi. Perhaps we could interest him?\u201d<\/p>\n Ken looked intrigued at the prospect. Paige was hesitant.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. It could work. But I\u2019m against it. Let\u2019s put it to a vote.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought Ken just said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, among us.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Alright then, I\u2019m for it. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n The table slowly went around. Daly was for. Paige against. Ken put his vote in and after a moment of hesitation, Aiko disagreed. Siri hesitated, and in the space where she did, Luan nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI can take the blame if things go wrong. But I think\u2014what\u2019s the harm in trying? I will be very circumspect and get a feel for what it\u2019s like. I may only meet this Venaz. And he\u2019s hard to work with. I\u2019d rather meet someone else, so we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n That made up Siri\u2019s mind. She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI vote for too, then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too. If nothing else, I can spread the word about diseases like this Yellow Rivers.\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva quietly spoke up. One of her hands waved excitedly, and Geneva glared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cOkasha says yes too, apparently.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it, then. Three days from now, Luan does his delivery and tries to get our name out.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige didn\u2019t exactly look upset, but she did seem a bit worried. She glanced over at Luan.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s happening in three days, then? Did this Minotaur say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe hinted it had to do with something his teacher, the Titan, was putting on. But apparently it\u2019s not dangerous\u2026not really. I don\u2019t know what that means, but the worst that will happen is that I\u2019ll be caught, beaten \u2018lightly\u2019, and held for a day.\u201d<\/p>\n Luan grimaced. Daly didn\u2019t like the sound of that. Still, he had to admit it still sounded worth the risk. Fifty gold coins was a lot of money for a delivery.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s that. I think we can discuss the rest later. Luan, you clearly need more sleep. Let\u2019s get some. Unless anyone else has something to add?\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva took charge for once as she nodded at Luan, who was beginning to doze. He jerked upright and looked around. The others looked around and shook their heads. Only Daly and Paige hesitated. They locked eyes for a second and Daly felt the unspoken question coming from Paige.<\/p>\n Should we tell the others about the bombs now? <\/em>Daly wasn\u2019t sure, and Paige was hesitating. They both knew what the reaction would probably be, at least from Geneva. And yet, this was the leadership. The others deserved to know, but right now?<\/p>\n She looked at him apprehensively. Daly hesitated. But if they could keep it quiet\u2014or if they could prevent anyone from learning how<\/em> they did it\u2026<\/p>\n Gold-rank. Money to buy Siri spellbooks, or fund a giant snake. A third building. Gold-rank, where Daly could actually buy artifacts for himself and magical wood to make crossbows that didn\u2019t break. Gold-rank<\/em>, where they could defend themselves from Quexals who thought they could lean on their company.<\/p>\n A way to fight anything and everything. Daly closed his eyes. And yet. \u2018I feel like a terrorist.\u2019<\/em> That was what Paige had said. And what would Geneva do? She would flip out.<\/p>\n He could still say it. It was only three easy words.<\/p>\n We\u2019re making bombs.<\/em><\/p>\n They might even agree. They might not. But this was the moment at which he could reveal the truth and they could put a stop to it. She could put a stop to it. He looked up at Geneva and felt the words dancing on his tongue.<\/p>\n We\u2019re making bombs. Is this right or wrong? We\u2019re bringing weapons from our world to Baleros. Will it change anything? We\u2019re making bombs. Should we stop?<\/em><\/p>\n We\u2019re making bombs. Geneva, how do you feel about that?<\/em><\/p>\n It would be so easy. Daly looked up, across the table at his friends. At the [Doctor]. At Paige.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t say it. And neither did she.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Talenqual. It wasn\u2019t cool enough for a proper name, like the City of Serpents, the Ironforged Hearth of the North, the Titan\u2019s School, and so on. It was just Talenqual. That was fine. Unless you had an ego issue about something like that. This may have been true for the company that controlled the city […]<\/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":[11693086,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693135],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-6096","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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