War. Was it just her, or was there too much war? Both in her world and here. Not a day passed when Ryoka didn\u2019t hear about the King of Destruction in Chandrar or about some conflict in Baleros between companies. A spat in Terandria between kingdoms.<\/p>\n
Battles at sea. Dead gods or living ones, wasn\u2019t there enough with just monsters?<\/em> But then again\u2014<\/p>\n There she stood. Tears still ran down her cheeks. She was still weeping. But she had promised war and death. With a smile, no less. She had commanded her [Knights] to war just like that. And she was like Ryoka. That was what the young woman felt.<\/p>\n Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds. She stood in the middle of the street, the solo actor in a play where everyone was the audience. And Ryoka had a terrible, hideous urge to laugh<\/em> at that moment, while Bethal\u2019s words were still ringing in her ears.<\/p>\n Not because Ryoka didn\u2019t believe Bethal was serious. Or because she couldn\u2019t fathom what Lady Bethal was talking about. She had forced a street to kneel with her presence alone. As she had spoken about the Sacrifice of Roses, Ryoka had felt the pain and loss as if it had happened to herself. A fragment of the agony Bethal was giving off.<\/p>\n It was like heat. Yes, like heat. If Bethal was the center, then the heat was radiating off her. But instead of heat it was pain. That was what her aura felt like to Ryoka. Pure, concentrated emotion. And still, Ryoka wanted to laugh.<\/p>\n Because it wasn\u2019t funny. Not really. Not at all. The black roses lay on the ground, amid the blood dripping from Bethal\u2019s hand. And the tears. That wasn\u2019t funny at all. But if Ryoka didn\u2019t laugh, what else could she do? She had not been there.<\/p>\n Bethal turned, her face a mask of tragedy underneath that polite, eerily cheerful smile she\u2019d adopted. Her [Knights] looked at each other. And Ryoka waited for blood and carnage, perhaps starting with the petrified runners standing in front of Lady Bethal. But at that moment, a second actor strode onto the scene. Stage\u2026center. He came out of the mansion behind Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast. There you are. Where were you?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned to him. Ryoka saw a man dressed in a light red coat and long, black breeches. His hair was yet unmarked by gray; it was a warm black, and he had decided a mustache would be his only nod to facial hair. His eyes were a mix of yellow and green, and he walked with a long, unbroken stride. Cat-like, one might say, but Ryoka had seen cats wipe out spectacularly. This man walked as if he knew where each step would go exactly. And he carried a sword, a long and thin duelist\u2019s blade, at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cBethal. My apologies. I was seeing to our luggage. What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n His voice was quiet. Lady Bethal turned to him. Her smile trembled on her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast. Did you hear me? I said, I need an axe. And I want to summon all my Knights of the Petal. We\u2019ll ride on the nearest house. Which is it? Never mind. We\u2019ll start with House Averin and work our way down. I want to kill at least six of my peers by midnight\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The man looked at her. And then at her hand. He reached out and caught Bethal\u2019s wrist.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve cut yourself. Lady Welca, a healing potion.\u201d<\/p>\n The female [Knight] started and fumbled at her belt. Sir Kerrig, the older man, was faster and handed Thomast an opened vial. He poured some of the liquid on Bethal\u2019s hand. Three drops, and the deep cuts left by the thorns were gone. Bethal stared up at Thomast.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you hear me? I said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBlack roses. I heard your voice. So that\u2019s why.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast studied the ground. His eyes passed over the Runners, and they flinched, but Thomast had none of the fire coming off of Bethal. The [Lady] glared.<\/p>\n \u201cYes! They sent them to me. To me, Thomast.<\/em> Do you see it? Do you see what they dared to do?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell? What are you going to do? I know what I shall do. You, [Butler]. An axe. This mansion has one, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal clicked her free hand at the [Butler] hiding behind the door of the mansion. He jumped and stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cAn\u2014an\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI rented this mansion for the week. If it does not have an axe, I will burn it to the ground. I want one in front of me. Axe. Now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal\u2019s voice snapped as she lost the last veneer of patience. And this time, the snap in her voice was like a whip. The [Butler] jumped, then ran into the house. Ryoka felt a prickle down her spine. So that was a [Lady]\u2019s ability to command. It was eerily similar to Magnolia\u2019s charm Skill, only more direct. For a second, Ryoka had been about to run and find an axe herself. No, this wasn\u2019t Magnolia\u2019s charm, in fact. It was closer to Teriarch.<\/p>\n \u201cGood, good. Now, I want my Knights of the Petal armed. Sir Kerrig, grab that battleaxe. Lady Welca\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBethal. Wait.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast captured Bethal\u2019s other hand as she pointed at her [Knights]. The woman halted and glared up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you still catching up, Thomast? I said\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you. And I\u2019m afraid I must object.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cObject?\u201d<\/p>\n Now Ryoka felt a prickling<\/em> sensation in the air. Bethal looked up at her husband, and the air around her felt like thorns. It was so real that Ryoka and Todel, who were closest to her, shifted back. Thomast, who was right next to his wife, nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not thinking straight, Bethal. You can\u2019t repay this with blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can and will<\/em>. Don\u2019t try to talk me out of it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive me one hour. At least to prove these were sent by everyone who named themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to prove it? Why? No one else would dare appropriate so many names, not even Magnolia herself! And I will question my peers when I meet them face-to-face. Politely. And if they lie\u2026let go of my hands, Thomast.\u201d<\/p>\n The thorns were growing stronger. Thomast, however, was undeterred.<\/p>\n \u201cNot until you promise to wait for one hour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? So I can cool down? I won\u2019t. Let go of me, Thomast. I won\u2019t warn you twice.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal tugged at Thomast\u2019s hands. He didn\u2019t budge.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I insist, Bethal. An hour\u2019s all I ask. We\u2019ll go for a\u2026walk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA walk?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She hissed at him. Suddenly, the thorns in the air around her became real. Ryoka shouted in pain, and Todel howled. Both stumbled back. Ryoka stared at her legs and grabbed at the thorns that were buried there. She saw nothing\u2014until blood started running from several holes in her legs. Long, deep cuts. Todel was clutching at his arm. The shoulder he\u2019d turned towards Bethal was running with blood. From sharp cuts much like Ryoka\u2019s own.<\/p>\n The other Runners stared at the two in horror. They drew back fast. Bethal turned to glare at them, and Thomast, who hadn\u2019t moved, sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re injuring them, Bethal. Pull back your aura.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman glared. But the thorny feeling around her faded just a tad so the thorns were imaginary instead of simply invisible. Ryoka grabbed a potion and splashed it on Todel\u2019s arm and then her legs. To her relief, the wounds healed at once.<\/p>\n \u201cThey deserve it. They sent the roses.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal\u2019s voice was still furious, but a slight tone of guilt was layered underneath. Ryoka saw Thomast\u2019s eyes flicker as he glanced at her and Todel.<\/p>\n \u201cI imagine they had no idea what they meant. Bethal, a walk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t let go of me until I agree?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal stared up at her husband. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I agree. Let me go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPromise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cPromise me on our wedding vows.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal\u2019s cheeks flamed. She turned her head; the [Butler] was running back with a wood chopping axe. He came to a halt, panting madly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI trust you implicitly. Your word, not one bit. Swear to me on our wedding vows, or on House Walcha\u00eds\u2019 name.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal glared at her husband.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if I don\u2019t want to swear? I can stand like this all day, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n She kicked her husband, disproving her statement instantly. Thomast didn\u2019t move. He bent his head.<\/p>\n \u201cBethal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t. Choose something else, Thomast.\u201d<\/p>\n Another kick. He nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cThen swear it by the Sacrifice of Roses. By their honor, an hour\u2019s time. Or you will do disgrace to their honor.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal went white. Her hands trembled in Thomast\u2019s grip. She spoke slowly, and so quietly and deliberately, Ryoka instantly looked up in alarm.<\/p>\n \u201cI swear. Will that do?\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast nodded silently. Ryoka opened her mouth to tell the man not<\/em> to let go of Bethal for any reason, but it was too late. The fool let go of Bethal. Instantly, she raised a hand and slapped Thomast across the face.<\/p>\n Crack.<\/em> The audience on the street winced, and Thomast\u2019s head turned slightly with the blow. He didn\u2019t move, though. He looked down at Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cAn hour, Bethal. And a walk. Or at least come inside. This isn\u2019t the right spot.\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured towards the mansion. The [Butler] backed off with the axe as Lady Bethal turned her head. She was breathing hard. She raised a hand again, glared at Thomast, and then whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n She strode into the house without a second word. Ryoka was impressed; Thomast didn\u2019t even rub his cheek as he turned to the [Knight] on his right. The man bowed to him slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cSir Thomast, I regret my inaction.\u201d<\/p>\n The man shrugged slightly. He touched the handprint on his cheek ruefully. So he had felt that.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is your [Lady]. And my wife. Nevertheless. I understand the black roses. I take it these Runners delivered them?\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced at the Runners outside the gates. Sir Kerrig nodded slowly. The shorter young woman also dressed in pink armor glared at Ryoka and the others. Her hand tightened on a longsword at her side.<\/p>\n \u201cSir Thomast, your orders?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll attend to Bethal. In the meantime, Sir Kerrig, take Lady Welca and conduct an investigation of Reizmelt\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild. Ensure that these flowers were indeed sent by those named. I\u2019ll try to persuade Bethal to wait until\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka heard a clatter of hooves and turned left just in time to see Lady Bethal riding around the side of the mansion. She was mounted on a speckled, pale grey and white mare, already saddled. Thomast looked up at her. Bethal stared down at him innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cA walk, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI only promised to wait an hour. And I\u2019ll be having my walk on my own<\/em>, Thomast. My [Knights] are free to accompany me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady Walcha\u00eds, wait!\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Kerrig and Welca instantly turned towards the stables. Bethal ignored them and began to trot off. Thomast made an exasperated sound for the first time. He turned to Sir Kerrig.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Runners. I\u2019ll follow her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will not!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal glared. But Thomast had already disappeared. One, two, three\u2014each step carried him twice as far as a normal man\u2019s stride! He was around the side of a house in a second. Ryoka blinked. That was quick! And in a moment, he was on horseback and riding at Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cBethal\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it!\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned and wheeled her mare around. She dug her heels into her horse\u2019s sides, and the mare took off. Bethal galloped past Ryoka and the Runners, who sprang out of the way. Thomast was hot on her heels. Ryoka heard him call at Bethal to slow down. The [Lady] replied with a curse Ryoka had heard Relc shout once.<\/p>\n They were out of sight in a moment. The pink [Knights], the [Butler], still holding the axe, and the citizens of Reizmelt watched them go. Ryoka stared around, and then looked at Todel\u2019s white face.<\/p>\n \u201cWho was that?\u201d<\/p>\n He grinned at her, the blood still drying on his arm. Sir Kerrig, the [Knight] in the pink armor, turned back to Ryoka. His expression suggested chagrin. Welca\u2019s suggested violence.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds, Miss. Last of her line. All of you remain here. I have some questions to ask you. And I believe I will need directions to your Runner\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t put a hand on the huge battleaxe strapped to his back, and the young woman didn\u2019t actually draw her sword. But no one decided to run away. Ryoka stared at the place where Lady Bethal had been, and then at the blood and the black roses on the ground.<\/p>\n Lady Bethal. The last few minutes said it all, really.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Six people on the street weren\u2019t part of the scene, the drama, as it unfolded. Or rather, if they were, they weren\u2019t members of the audience, but the supporting cast. They watched as participants, not as observers. And they spoke quickly in the moments after Lady Bethal had galloped away.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. How\u2019d she get mounted that fast?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey just arrived. Why couldn\u2019t they have timed it later?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind that. I had a clear shot at her. Why did you block me? The order was to make it public.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the six hissed at the other. A distinctly female voice replied to him, although all six were hooded. And it had to be said, six hooded figures were usually the opposite of invisible\u2014unless they were standing at the back of the crowd that had watched Lady Bethal\u2019s speech. They were getting a lot of looks. One of the six shifted, distinctly aware of how unprofessional all this was.<\/p>\n \u201cI blocked you because it was a bad shot. She was moving. And even if you\u2019d hit, her husband and those bodyguards would be on us in seconds. You think we could take them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are six of us.\u201d<\/p>\n The angry one was now sulky. The female glared out of her hood.<\/p>\n \u201cAgainst two [Knights]? Are you mad? Wait until they\u2019re alone. We\u2019re getting paid for the attempt, but the bounty on either one is a hundred times that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine. Looks like the [Knights] want those Runners, anyways. Suits me.\u201d<\/p>\n Four of the hoods nodded. One of them was less sure.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s still the husband. He\u2019s a known duelist, isn\u2019t he? The [Chevalier] Thomast. I know he has an enchanted blade. And he\u2019s probably got other equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo? There are six of us. One of him. And he may be a [Fencer], but he has no bell. He\u2019s just good for a [Lord]. We can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n The other five nodded. They slipped backwards, again, attracting a number of looks. They weren\u2019t very professional. They were, in fact, rookies. But they were still [Assassins]. Which meant that they were somewhat good at their jobs. They followed the horses out of the city. After stopping to rent six of their own.<\/p>\n It really was unprofessional.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Lady Bethal rode south out of Reizmelt like an arrow. She didn\u2019t stop at the gate, and she didn\u2019t bother avoiding the people on the road. They avoided her. Bethal furiously urged her mare forwards, taking to the main road and sticking to it. And she was being pursued.<\/p>\n Thomast Veniral, [Chevalier] and husband to Lady Bethal, rode his stallion after her with dogged determination. She had a few seconds on him, but both their horses were excellent. And while she was the better rider of the two, he was dogged and neither had riding Skills. So she failed to lose him in the first, frantic ten minutes.<\/p>\n Bethal rode furiously, but even in her fury, she couldn\u2019t bring herself to harm her horse, so before the animal could tire or risk a fall or injury, she slowed the mad gallop. When she did, Thomast caught up. Breathing heavily, she glared at her husband.<\/p>\n \u201cGo away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t do that, Bethal. You\u2019re unprotected by yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet Kerrig, then. And Welca.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re investigating the origin of the roses\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving you with no choice<\/em> to follow me, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast quietly slowed his panting stallion. He looked at Bethal and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no place I\u2019d rather be.\u201d<\/p>\n She glared at him. The glare bounced off Thomast. After a second, Bethal lightly moved her reins. The mare trotted forwards, down the road.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going back to Reizmelt. I\u2019m going for a ride. An hour, you said? I\u2019m going to ride for an hour. Unless you have a problem with that?\u201d<\/p>\n The look in her eyes dared Thomast to say anything. He only nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cA ride is as good as a walk.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned her head and made a disgusted sound. She rode on, and Thomast followed her.<\/p>\n South, down the road. There were too many people for Bethal\u2019s taste, so at the first juncture, she took the road less travelled by. Further away from eyes. The first few minutes were just streaming fury on her side and Thomast quietly waiting. His stallion snorted and kept edging closer to the mare, who wanted to walk closer to the stallion. Bethal, on the other hand, kept moving their horses apart, but animal magnetism drew them together again and again.<\/p>\n After the umpteenth time she\u2019d moved her mare back, Bethal spoke abruptly.<\/p>\n \u201cI know they sent them. All of them. Sir Kerrig will find that out. It\u2019s obvious they were the ones who sent the roses. It wasn\u2019t a ruse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are most likely correct.\u201d<\/p>\n Her eyes flashed at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI am<\/em> correct. And when I meet them, I will cut off their heads. Each and every one of them. How dare they, Thomast? How dare<\/em> they?\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t reply. She glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you think they deserve it? Don\u2019t you?<\/em> They called me a coward! When my family, my brother and father and mother all died there! Where were they, Thomast? Where were they?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She screamed the words, scaring a passing traveller nearly off his horse. Thomast didn\u2019t reply. Bethal cursed and turned down another road, going further away from a larger settlement.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to kill them. And you won\u2019t stop me. I won\u2019t calm down. An hour? You can make me wait a year and I won\u2019t forgive them. Ever. They\u2019re going to die.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned her head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t trick me. I am going to pick up that axe and do it myself. Do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. I do.\u201d<\/p>\n His calm reply only incensed Bethal even more. She screamed at him, her hands tight on the reins.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you even listening?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her mare stopped, alarmed. Bethal glared at her mount and kicked it to make it move. Thomast patiently soothed his stallion as the horse rolled its eyes back at its master. When Bethal had gotten her mare to keep moving, Thomast cast a glance at the sky. Clear weather and gentle winds. It was at odds with Bethal\u2019s screams. But there were fewer travellers. He cast a glance on the road behind him, frowning for a second. Then he turned to Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m listening. Don\u2019t forget the children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal was breathing hard. Thomast fingered his mustache.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you cut off their heads with the axe yourself. Don\u2019t forget the children.\u201d<\/p>\n That brought her up short. Bethal turned to glare at Thomast. She opened her mouth, made a fist, and turned her head.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly the adults, then. Only their damned parents.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. We can ensure the children find another home. They can grow up by themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal flinched for a second. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. She spat it out after a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t talk me out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast nodded. He rode along in silence as Bethal healed her lip with a healing potion. Then she spoke up.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone put them up to it. Who? I\u2019m going to kill that person. I will.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited. Bethal glanced at him. She was breathing less heavily now, and her cheeks were less flushed.<\/p>\n \u201cI know what you\u2019ll say! You\u2019ll say this is a trap to make me attack them! Or\u2014or to lose my temper! I am completely calm!<\/em> But would you stand by while your family\u2019s name was insulted? While you\u2014you\u2019re not a [Lord]. You have no idea what kind of an insult this was!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast steadily met Bethal\u2019s glare. She turned her head. Her mare accelerated as the [Lady] urged her to go faster. Thomast caught up after a second. Bethal was breathing hard once more.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean that. I just meant\u2014they died there! They died<\/em>, <\/em>and these ungrateful leeches are accusing me of\u2014of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal made an inarticulate noise. She hit the saddle horn in front of her, shouting raging. Her mare again stopped in alarm. Thomast reached over, but Bethal yanked away from him.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t forgive them! I won\u2019t ever forgive them!\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded. Bethal urged her mare forwards. He never lost her. After her outburst, she was furious. And then, a minute later, crying.<\/p>\n \u201cI still dream about it, Thomast! They were there. And after that Goblin Lord\u2014how dare they? How could they? Mother and Father. I was right there. And then the Goblins were\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed a trembling finger at spaces and at a time only she could see. Thomast waited. He listened as Bethal\u2019s voice changed to horror. Pain. Fear. And then fury once more. He listened as she vowed fury and bloodshed.<\/p>\n After half an hour, she was crying again. In ten more minutes, she was raging. Furious. The horses continued down the winding trail, halting and stopping. And Thomast listened. Sometimes he spoke, but not to say much. He just waited, as Bethal\u2019s swings between fury and grief grew less and less. He looked at his wife and saw both emotions taking their toll, tiring her.<\/p>\n Was it madness? Insanity, as some called it? The fragile female ego overloaded by grief and past trauma? Thomast had heard it all said, usually behind Bethal\u2019s back. And even then, never to his face. Not anymore. Some were afraid of the last daughter of House Walcha\u00eds. But she had never been terrifying to Thomast.<\/p>\n She was, and had always been, just Bethal. And she was weeping again, so he dismounted and offered her a hand. They had gone a long ways, and the road had become completely empty around them. They were in the proximity of a rural village, having passed around it twenty minutes back.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on down. Let\u2019s walk and give the horses a chance to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal hesitated, but dismounted. She was crying now. And now Thomast let her slide down. He held her for a second.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast. Do you think they\u2019re right?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked down at her. Bethal blinked up at him, her face a mess of tears and snot. Thomast gripped her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused. Now she was looking at him. Now that she was, now that she was listening, Thomast hugged her. She buried her face in his tunic.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re wrong, Bethal. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n She gripped him tightly, crying into his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry I hit you. I\u2019m sorry. But the flowers.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have every right to be angry. You just can\u2019t kill them. It\u2019s a trap. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n That was all she said. But.<\/em> Thomast squeezed her harder. And she clung to him as if they were the only people left in the world. If only that were true. The [Chevalier] looked around, speaking quietly to Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re wrong. They weren\u2019t there. And they will never know what it was like. I don\u2019t. You don\u2019t have to forgive them. Just don\u2019t let them trap you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy the black rose? Why that<\/em>, Thomast?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal\u2019s voice broke. Thomast shifted, feeling his rapier moving at his side. He glanced around.<\/p>\n There was no one about. They\u2019d come far, and a little farm was the only thing nearby. A field of crops, a scarecrow at rest\u2026the air was still as Thomast turned to face Bethal. She stepped back a tiny bit and stared up at him. She\u2019d wiped her face onto his damp shoulder. Now she looked even more beautiful. He felt his heart squeeze. He let go of her with one hand and put his hand at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone must have asked them to send it.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal nodded. She sniffed<\/em> hard, and her voice took on a hint of normalcy. For the first time, she frowned as she thought. A few residual tears squeezed themselves out of her eyes, but she was done crying.<\/p>\n \u201cNot Tyrion. But who? The Circle of Thorns? Damn them. And damn Magnolia for pulling us into it. She plays her games and she always gets what she<\/em> wants. This is her fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou agreed to help her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause the alternative was war<\/em> with the Drakes! You heard her!\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast stepped back as Bethal glared. He put a hand on the hilt of his rapier.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it was the correct decision. But you knew there would be consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast turned his head as he spoke. He stared backwards, at a distant stand of trees, and then eyed the trail around them. Bethal sniffed again.<\/p>\n \u201cBut this? Am I supposed to lie down and take this? Really, Thomast?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The man raised his voice. He looked around and then turned to his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cBethal Walcha\u00eds. I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped. And stared at him. Thomast spoke only to her as he slowly drew the rapier on his right side. He stepped closer to her, and his voice was steady.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not much of a man for words. I don\u2019t know anything else but how to fence. And I am no master at that, just a student. But I do love you. If you go to war, I will be your sword. If you seek the stars, I will learn to fly. That is what I\u2019ve always pledged.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at him, wide-eyed. She reached out, but Thomast held up a hand. He turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cStep back, Bethal. You six, come out.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] turned as he pointed with his rapier. The shadows on the road shifted. Six shapes appeared. One stood up, having crawled for a hundred feet in the grass. Another had slipped from shadow to shadow until he\u2019d lain by the road\u2019s side. Two more appeared, their enchantment broken. The last two were lying in the brushes, dozens of feet away. They rose as Thomast looked at them.<\/p>\n \u201cAssassins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmateurs. Experts wouldn\u2019t have revealed themselves. But they did wait until we were alone. It was my mistake. Stay behind me, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast stepped in front of Bethal, facing the six [Assassins]. His rapier was held in one hand. The [Assassin] who\u2019d crawled close spat. Two flint-colored eyes glared at Bethal and Thomast from a face wrapped by black cloth. He was dressed like an ordinary citizen, a traveller with worn clothes. But his face was wrapped. His identity concealed. The man\u2019s voice was muffled as he glared at Thomast.<\/p>\n \u201cTake him. He\u2019s only a [Fencer] without a bell. He doesn\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He gasped. The [Assassin] next to him leapt back with a shout. The first [Assassin] stumbled and stared down at the rapier that had run him through the chest. Thomast yanked the blade free and stepped back. He\u2019d stepped six feet in a second, lunging forwards in a [Fencer]\u2019s classic strike. He stepped backwards as the other five [Assassins] learned one of the cardinal rules of their craft: don\u2019t make speeches.<\/p>\n Thomast flicked his blade, and a flicker of wind blew along the enchanted metal. He calmly flicked<\/em> the tip, and the [Assassin] nearest him dodged the slash of air that cut towards her head with a curse. He nodded at the remaining five.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Fencer]\u2019s bell? You must have heard incorrectly. I don\u2019t have one because it makes too much noise. My lady wife despises the sound. Now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He leapt again. But this time, his thrust missed the second [Assassin], who screamed as she retreated.<\/p>\n \u201c[Flawless Dodge]!\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast broke off the lunge mid-strike and turned. Two arrows and three darts flickered at Bethal. She turned, lurching left, too slow. Thomast appeared in front of her. He slashed four times, so fast that she couldn\u2019t see his blade move. But the wind and his sword cut down all five missiles mid-flight. Thomast slapped the mare\u2019s flanks and then the stallion\u2019s as the [Assassins] repositioned, shouting at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cCircle them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeploy the spells!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone get in here! I can\u2019t get close without\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThomast!\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal cried out. One of the [Assassins] was pointing a wand. Thomast flicked his rapier. Wind cut across the distance between them at the same time the [Assassin] fired the spell from her wand. Lightning shot across the air and exploded in the air as it struck the blade of wind Thomast had created. The [Assassin] cursed, reeling back\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Lunge.]\u201d<\/p>\n This time, the blade spearing her through the chest withdrew in an instant. Thomast leapt backwards, rushing towards Bethal across the odd forty feet his Skill had taken him in a moment. The remaining four [Assassins] drew back silently. They looked at each other. One nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can do it. Stay back. Force him to use his Skills. Be ready to d\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He ducked<\/em> as a blade of wind passed over his head. The other three began throwing spells and weapons. Thomast whirled, cutting them down. And Lady Bethal watched.<\/p>\n This was the final scene. The drama in the middle of the road in the middle of nowhere. Four black killers, a [Chevalier], and a [Lady]. And while two had fallen, the rest refused to die as simply.<\/p>\n Four versus Thomast, and he had to guard Bethal at the same time. And these weren\u2019t bandits, a horde of Goblins, or inexperienced enemies. They were [Assassins], fighting with poisoned darts, blowpipes, and magical items as well as their shortswords and daggers.<\/p>\n And they kept a distance. Thomast might have struck them down even so or closed the distance in a moment, but they bombarded him with spells and weapons. He was a blur, cutting down arrows, slashing the air to make spells explode around Bethal. He couldn\u2019t reach them without abandoning her; the wind slashes he could make were all too easy to dodge.<\/p>\n And all Bethal could do was watch. Her hands were white-knuckled at her sides as she kept very still, at the center of the fighting, watching Thomast parry and pivot around her. She kept her aura up, but the [Aura of Thorns] only worked if someone struck at her. It penetrated flesh and blood. Not steel. Thomast struck down two more poisoned darts as he calmly stepped around her, guarding her from every side.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal could see sweat running down the [Fencer]\u2019s brow. He refused to slow, but she knew how hard it had to be. He was a [Fencer], trained to duel, to solo battles, not to defend! And it was ten times harder to protect her and himself. Bethal wanted to tell him to break the stalemate, even if it meant risking her injury. But she dared not disturb his concentration.<\/p>\n Slowly, Bethal stared down at her right hand. She had a priceless ring, one of the treasures of House Walcha\u00eds, on her index finger. It was far plainer than the wedding band on her ring finger, but it could deflect a number of attacks that came at her. But poison? Thomast had healing potions, and so did she. But some poisons could overwhelm even the best potion. So she hesitated. And then, within less than five minutes of the battle starting, it came to its finale.<\/p>\n \u201c[Daggerhail].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Power Shot].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Flash Cut]!\u201d<\/p>\n Three of the [Assassins] stopped and shouted. Dozens of daggers filled the air as, from the other side, the [Assassin] with the bow shot one arrow. The third [Assassin] charged in, her shortsword flashing at Thomast\u2019s chest. The [Chevalier] paused. And then he vanished.<\/p>\n Bethal heard a ringing sound. She saw the daggers flying at her, and then she saw Thomast. Striking down a dagger in front of her, parrying the charging [Assassin], running them through, knocking down a dagger to the side, slashing the arrow in half, turning with the force of the impact\u2014in a dozen places at once! Teleporting from spot to spot, each time striking, in a moment\u2014<\/p>\n [Flicker Onslaught].<\/em> A Skill for a Skill. The daggers crashed out of the sky and the [Assassin] screamed and died and the arrow meant for Bethal exploded<\/em> in the air as time resumed. Thomast stopped, panting and whirled. Because he had been counting. So had Bethal. She saw the fourth [Assassin] appear in her shadow.<\/p>\n \u201c[Shadow Leap].\u201d<\/p>\n He was close. Too close. Thomast\u2019s last step had carried him away. Now he lunged, but slow, too slow. The [Assassin] raised a dagger, mouth opened wide to scream a Skill\u2014<\/p>\n And the scarecrow shot him through the head.<\/p>\n The man\u2019s knees buckled. He collapsed as Thomast\u2019s blade ran him through and the [Fencer] dove, blocking a blow meant for Bethal. But it never came. As the [Assassin] collapsed, the two remaining [Assassins], Bethal, and Thomast looked around, trying to figure out what had happened. Then they saw the scarecrow.<\/p>\n There he was, standing in front of his field of corn. With a bow. The fake scarecrow raised his bow and put a second arrow into the air. The [Assassins] dodged out of reflex, and Thomast got to his feet. The remaining two stared at the [Farmer]. One raised his hands, dropping his blade.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Mercy. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at the [Chevalier] turning to him with bloody blade in hand. Both he and his companion fled. They ran, one leaping from shadow to shadow, the other running as fast as any City Runner, his figure blurring.<\/p>\n \u201cGo!\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal shouted. Thomast leapt after both. She saw all three vanish for the second and heard a scream. Bethal stared at the two dead figures around her and stepped back. The one with an arrow in his head still held his poisoned dagger.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss! Miss! Are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned. The scarecrow was waving at her. Bemused, she saw him run over. Then she saw how the [Farmer] had disguised himself and laughed. He wasn\u2019t laughing. The man put an arrow in all four bodies on the ground as he checked the road. Only Bethal and Thomast\u2019s horses were moving, trotting back and snorting, eyes wide. The scarecrow archer looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2014what were they? [Bandits]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Assassins]. Thank you for your help, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal curtsied in her riding dress. The [Farmer] looked at her with wide eyes. Then he cursed and raised his bow. Someone was leaping towards them down the road. It was Thomast. His steps blurred him forwards, much like the [Flash Step] spell. The [Fencer] stopped, eying the [Farmer]. The scarecrow put down his bow.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast. Did you get them?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chevalier] shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI caught one. The other one would have taken me too long. There might be more about.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached for his side and wiped his blade on a handkerchief, then tossed it aside as he stared at the [Farmer]. The man stared at him, with awe as much as fear. Then at Bethal. The [Lady] was frowning, and in his opinion, far, far<\/em> too composed after what had just happened.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think there might be more on the road back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr around us, waiting for me to lower my guard.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast nodded. He looked around warily. The [Farmer] hesitated, and then broke in, waving one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cNot on my farm, sir. No one enters my fields, animal or person without my knowing it. Them six were the only ones about. And you two.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Bethal and Thomast looked at him. Uncertainly, the [Farmer] waved at his farm.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll be safe there. At least, I\u2019ll know when someone comes closer. Even a Level 40 [Thief] can\u2019t hide on my lands. So long as we\u2019re right on them. Come on. We can hide there, and I can call for some help. Blow a horn, maybe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He was beckoning them towards his fields, eyes wide with fright. Bethal looked at Thomast. He raised his brows. Bethal looked the scarecrow archer, and then eyed his field of corn. She clapped her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. What did you say your name was, sir [Farmer]?\u201d<\/p>\n The man hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWho? Me, Miss? Lupp.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSo this is your farm? And you live here alone?\u201d<\/p>\n Around fifteen minutes later, Lady Bethal was sitting on Lupp\u2019s porch, eying his fields and home with interest. Thomast was silently staring at the one cow. Lupp was still shaking.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, uh, uh, Lady Bethal. I live by myself. I\u2019m a simple man, so forgive my rudeness.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou may call me Bethal. And I owe you a debt of gratitude, sir. Thomast might have been badly hurt, charms or not. You helped us, and I will not forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] gave Lupp a bright, beautiful smile. She was out of place in his normal, regular farm. But her presence was also soothing, so Lupp began to stop hyperventilating. He gestured at the black bodies lying on the road.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re awfully calm, Lady\u2014Miss Bethal. Is being attacked that normal to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore than you might think, sir. Assassins? Rare. But I\u2019ve seen worse.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] turned her head to regard her husband. The [Farmer] licked his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen worse too. But I\u2019ve never actually seen<\/em> an [Assassin] before. You hear stories\u2014but sometimes I think they\u2019re just stories. The Assassin\u2019s Guild isn\u2019t real, though, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll too real. And all too mundane, I\u2019m afraid. Thomast, stop bothering that cow. What do you think they were?\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast turned his head. The two horses were calmly grazing nearby. The [Chevalier] sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were amateurs. Good ones, but rookies. Probably the first tier or rank of recruits the Assassin\u2019s Guild calls their own. They were well-armed, though, which means they were paid in advance. And quite a bit. They wouldn\u2019t have been a problem if Sir Kerrig or Lady Welca were here.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I raced off. And if you hadn\u2019t followed me, I would be dead. So someone planned this. The roses and [Assassins].\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp stared from Bethal to Thomast with open mouth. This was all far, far too momentous for him. His head was spinning, and he needed a lie down. He clutched his bow to his side as he stared at Thomast\u2019s expensive rapier, which probably could have bought and sold his farm four times over.<\/p>\n \u201cBegging your pardon, miss. But who are<\/em> you? And who\u2019s your, uh, husband?\u201d<\/p>\n He was rewarded for his guess with another smile from Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Lady Bethal, Mister Lupp. As I said. And this is Thomast. Sir Thomast, if you like. But we\u2019re just travellers. I regret disturbing your lovely farm. You said you manage it alone? And you grow corn?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed down at the field. Lupp nodded a few times.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Nonsfru\u2019s best corn. Best corn for miles, really. Not that I\u2019m biased, mind. I\u2019ve never tasted better. But I\u2019d say my field\u2019s the finest. I have all these Skills, you see. But about those [Assassins]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?<\/em> The best around? Why don\u2019t you sell to a city, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Distracted, Lupp wrinkled his nose.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd have to cart my corn in? Or hire someone to do the selling? When my wife was around, we\u2019d do it sometimes. But it\u2019s hard selling corn, even the best<\/em> corn. These days I don\u2019t bother. And the village loves my corn. Why not sell it to them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair point. I want some. I\u2019m hungry. Thomast, do you want corn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sending a signal to our [Knights], Bethal. They\u2019re riding towards us as fast as they can, but they\u2019ll be at least thirty minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n The man replied calmly as he wrote on a little scroll he\u2019d pulled out of his bag of holding. Lupp stared at the bag of holding. Bethal got to her feet.<\/p>\n \u201cWell then. I\u2019m having some.\u201d<\/p>\n She walked down the hill from the house. Absently, as if he didn\u2019t notice what he was doing, Thomast followed her, still writing. So Lupp did too. The cow and horses came along as well for solidarity.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat huge plants!\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal exclaimed as she stared up at the corn, which towered above her. Lupp decided to explain, because corn was the only thing in this world that made sense at the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, that\u2019s because of my Skill, Miss Bethal. I can control the quality of my plants. And I choose the best seeds. I don\u2019t grow them any higher because the damn birds love them. But I\u2019ve seen corn tall as sixty feet.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned to stare at Lupp.<\/p>\n \u201cYou must be joking, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n He grinned, taking off his scarecrow\u2019s hat.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Miss. I\u2019ve seen it myself. And corn can grow monstrously tall, even without a Skill helping it. To be fair, once they get any taller than these, they need scaffolding to hold them up. Or a bit of wind blows them right over. But that\u2019s just for size. My corn\u2019s got taste too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I see. Would you mind if I took this one?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal reached up. Lupp nodded, and she plucked an ear off the stalk. She blinked at the weight and size of the corn, husked it, and sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt smells good. Thomast, do you want a bite?\u201d<\/p>\n He was still writing. Bethal sighed and took a bite. Her brows raised, and she began chewing. Lupp stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cHow good is it?\u201d<\/p>\n He had confidence in his corn. But she was a [Lady]. Lupp waited. He got no response. Bethal slowly, methodically, and unapologetically cleaned the corn until there was not a single kernel left. Then she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was the finest corn I have ever eaten, I think! Thomast, you must try some. Mister Lupp wasn\u2019t exaggerating!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Farmer] looked delighted. Thomast looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Have some! Mister Lupp, how much for some corn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, oh, for free, of course. If it\u2019s just an ear or two\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp found himself holding another ear of corn. And somehow, he found himself sitting back on his porch, chewing his favorite meal while Bethal and Thomast bit into theirs. The two sat together. Lupp kept staring at them, but Bethal was apparently ravenous, never mind that some corn got on her expensive riding dress. Thomast ate more slowly, but he left nothing behind either, save for the cob, which he offered to his stallion. The horse gave him an affronted look, but ate it anyways.<\/p>\n \u201cDelicious.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal closed her eyes. Lupp still couldn\u2019t take his eyes off the bodies in the road. He looked at Bethal and wondered what kind of a person could see death and not blink like that. And he saw her open her eyes and give him much the same look.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you grow your corn here, Mister Lupp. Every day of the year you can. And you take this wonderful corn and you sell it to the local village. For what? A copper coin per ear of corn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t charge them that!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Farmer] was horrified at the idea. He stared at the field and imagined what would happen if he charged that rate.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s prices for the winter. It\u2019s a copper for two and a deal of one for three if they buy in bulk. That field\u2019ll earn me\u2026let\u2019s see. Three or four per stalk. And I plant around six hundred. And I harvest twice a season. Sometimes three if I\u2019m quick. So, er, this field\u2019ll earn me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He tried to do the math, his brow furrowing. Thomast\u2019s lips moved. Bethal stared at the field.<\/p>\n \u201cSix hundred crops of corn works out to six hundred pieces of copper if they all have three ears and you sell at your cheapest rate, Mister Lupp. At your best, if you assume half of your corn has three ears and half has four, seven hundred ears sold, half at two per copper and half at three per copper, earns you exactly eight hundred and seventy five copper coins.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp stared at Bethal. She went on, counting on her fingers.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see. A silver coin is ten copper. And gold is twenty silver. So this field is, in fact, worth around four<\/em> gold coins, seven silver, and five copper. Does that sound right to you, Mister Lupp?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Farmer] stared at Bethal. He frowned, bit his lip, and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026almost what I earned from last harvest. Of course, it goes up closer to winter. Down in the summer and fall with the other harvests\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He flinched at the look in Bethal\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sell your corn for less than five gold coins, Mister Lupp?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can live off five gold coins for months, Miss. Even with repairs and buying other things, it\u2019s usually more than enough.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Farmer] mumbled as he played with his hat. He was thinking of how much he actually spent. Arrows were expensive. A lot more expensive than corn, but it took work to make the shafts and tip them with iron. Bethal shook her head. She looked at her husband.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it\u2019s Reizmelt. The area is flatland, and the soil is good. Farms were common. And Blaiseford has very rich soil thanks to the swamps. Even so. Mister Lupp, if you took your harvest into Reizmelt, you could and should charge two copper coins per<\/em> ear of corn. For this quality, people might pay three. And if you put this before a [Lord] who had the appetite for corn\u2014and many do enjoy it\u2014you could sell an ear of corn for a silver coin apiece.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp choked on his own spit. Bethal patted him on the back. When the man had his voice back, he spluttered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d never have the\u2014the stones to do that, Miss Bethal! Never. I don\u2019t even go down to the village most weeks. Having to go to a city and charge prices like that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n His stomach churned at the thought. Bethal nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is why the stomachs of the good folk of Nonsfru have profited immensely. As have any [Traders] who come by your farm. But you could be earning more, Mister Lupp.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need that much coin, Lady Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. You don\u2019t. But you might. If you fall sick. If you\u2019d like to hire someone to help you harvest the crops. Or, perhaps, if you simply wanted to hire a [Hunter] to eradicate your crows.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal waved a hand at the fields. Sure enough, Lupp saw a flock circling. He cursed, but he was out of costume. Thomast glanced up and unsheathed his rapier. He thrust once, and after a second, a crow fell out of the sky in two pieces. The rest of the flock flew away. Lupp gaped at the man. Bethal smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Lupp, you may not have much interest in a profit. But that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t avoid turning one. What if when you harvested this field, you agreed to sell your very delightful corn to me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou, Lady Bethal? But would it be too much? Even supposing you fed your entire household\u2026I suppose there might be hundreds in your service, come to think of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp eyed Bethal. She flashed him another smile.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are indeed. But I think I\u2019d only keep some. The rest I\u2019d put in storage and offer to a [Merchant] who caters to [Chefs] and other experts of cooking and good taste. I think I could<\/em> get a silver piece for the corn. If not an entire piece, then certainly at least seven copper coins per ear or something equally pleasing. This is the best corn I have ever had. Would you let me take care of that?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Farmer] stared at Bethal. He expected her to laugh, or tell him it was a joke, but she looked serious. Worse, she was holding a hand out.<\/p>\n \u201cOne harvest, Mister Lupp. And we can negotiate how much I take. But even if I took half, which I would not, you would be ahead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She broke off as Thomast put a hand on her shoulder. The [Chevalier] glanced at Lupp and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re disturbing him, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAm I?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal blinked. Then she saw how pale Lupp had gotten. She stood up abruptly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp made a strangled sound.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Miss, no, [Lady]. It\u2019s one thing for me to chase off a few [Assassins]. But you can walk into my farm and tell me I could earn twice, three times what I\u2019ve ever earned? And you want me to sell to you? A [Lady]? Just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n He stared up at Bethal. She looked uncomprehendingly at Thomast.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Why would that be an issue?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLife isn\u2019t that simple, Miss. Good fortune doesn\u2019t just ride down like that.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp informed Bethal with all the authority he could muster. Bethal raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cIn your experience, Mister Lupp?\u201d<\/p>\n That silenced him. Thomast shook his head. He took Bethal\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Mister Lupp needs a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Thomast\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAway, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n He firmly pulled her back. Leaving Lupp together with his thoughts. He stared at Bethal and Thomast as they walked away. The [Lady] hissed at her husband.<\/p>\n \u201cI nearly had talked him into it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was about to kick us both off his farm. Or run himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast gently chastised Bethal. She heard the tone in his voice and glared.<\/p>\n \u201cOh? And you think leaving him to sell his wonderful corn for a pittance is fair? Isn\u2019t that the best corn you\u2019ve had?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is good. He must either be Level 30 or have a very specialized number of Skills. Probably both. And that\u2019s probably why he has such a small field.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast picked some corn out from his teeth. Bethal tossed her head.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously. So why stop me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you frightened him. This isn\u2019t like the horses, Bethal. You can\u2019t order him to give you all the corn he produces and make him rich.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRicher. Hardly rich.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven so. It\u2019s terrifying for him. And how could he trust you? He may have never seen a [Lady] before in his life. And you come into his life after leaving four people dead in front of his farm and make him the best offer of his life. Isn\u2019t that frightening?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal thought about this. She hesitated and stared towards the road.<\/p>\n \u201cI see your point. But his corn is delicious. And I\u2019ve discovered him. Why shouldn\u2019t I make him an offer that benefits both of us? That\u2019s what the nobility does, Thomast.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t reply. Bethal scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, we fight. And send each other black roses. But our duty is to our lands. So we spend our gold and time and even our soldiers to benefit ourselves and our people. If a [Lady] is poor, she enriches only herself. But I don\u2019t. And what I focus on prospers.<\/em> Or is House Walcha\u00eds\u2019 famous stock of horses not proof of that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou told me you spent a fortune on horses on a whim when you were younger. It took you two decades to turn it into a profit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it worked, didn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cGo slowly, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can be slow. I just think that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour ladyship?\u201d<\/p>\n The couple turned. [Farmer] Lupp had approached them, hat in hands. Deferentially, he bowed. Bethal scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cStop that. Don\u2019t bow. I told you, call me Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n He stared at her. Then he awkwardly ducked his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI beg your pardon, Bethal. But if you were serious, I would take you up on your offer. It sounds like a dream, but\u2026seven copper pieces for an ear of corn? I\u2019d be a rich man. And even if I don\u2019t use it, I do have my old age to think about. I\u2019m nearly there myself. And my daughter\u2019s a [Shoemaker]. Not high-level. But if she had the right materials and a bigger shop, she might make something big of herself. So if you\u2019d be willing, I\u2019d take any deal you\u2019d offer me. I can have this corn all harvested in two days. One if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal cast a triumphant glance at her husband. He looked resigned as she turned back to Lupp with a huge smile.<\/p>\n \u201cNo need to hurry, Mister Lupp. We have to return to Reizmelt, and then our estates, I fear. But I promise you I will send a Runner in\u2026say, three days? And I will have a contract with the Merchant\u2019s Guild at that time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would be greatly honored if you did that, Miss Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp ducked his head, looking relieved. Shocked, still; you could see it on his face. Bethal had happily overturned his life in a second. And both she and Thomast saw it.<\/p>\n A moment of regret passed between the two. Bethal\u2019s smile faded. She looked around at the quiet farm and the bodies on the road. She stared at them and shook her head. Then, quietly, she turned back to Lupp.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry for disturbing your farm, Mister Lupp. But I keep my word. And if nothing else, your corn was the best I ever tasted. And my word is on that.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled. And Lupp managed one of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I wanted to hear, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed in delight. And then she dug in her belt pouch.<\/p>\n \u201cFields of gold indeed. Well, let\u2019s call this an advance. I expect to earn it back. So you can take this\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp glanced down. His eyes went round. He stared at the small pile of gold winking up at him. Actual gold, not corn. He looked at Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014and you can use it to hire someone to help you if need be. Or at least hunt down those wretched crows. And if you were to expand your field, I could\u2014Mister Lupp? Mister Lupp?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Farmer] quietly, and without a word, toppled over. Thomast caught him before he hit the ground. He checked Lupp\u2019s breathing, and then stared at his wife. Bethal had the grace to blush.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The pair of [Knights] in pink armor who galloped into Lupp\u2019s farm found Bethal offering the man a stamina potion as he sat weakly on his porch. They galloped up the incline, weapons drawn, scanning for enemies. Lupp stared at the two [Knights] in their pink, pink<\/em> armor and nearly fainted again. Bethal scowled at Sir Kerrig and Lady Welca.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough of that! Can\u2019t you see you\u2019re scaring [Farmer] Lupp? Have the decency to show some decorum. The [Assassins] are long gone regardless.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp stared as the two sheepish [Knights] dismounted. Sir Kerrig immediately knelt.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Walcha\u00eds, I regret not being here myself\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThomast was. And Mister Lupp. They were quite enough, and I raced off. You did your job. Stop apologizing and help Thomast get rid of the bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal ushered the two [Knights] towards the road. Lupp stared at the pair as he sat back.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2014they\u2019re pink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought it was an underused color in [Knight] heraldry. Those are my Knights of the Petal. I have very few of them compared to some [Knight] orders, but I am pleased to say they fall behind few on Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal informed the [Farmer] pleasantly. He stared at her. Then he went back to staring at his corn. He tried to focus on his field and ignore the [Knights] digging some shallow graves with the [Chevalier] across the road.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Bethal?\u201d<\/p>\n A quiet voice eventually made both Bethal and Mister Lupp look up. A somewhat dirty young woman in pink armor bowed to Lady Bethal. The [Lady] stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cWelca. Did you find out who sent the roses?\u201d<\/p>\n Welca looked nervous and unhappy.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, milady. They all came from their senders. The Guild confirmed it. One of the Runners was even approached by a [Knight] on the road. All of them are genuine.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal\u2019s smile faded a bit. Her eyes flashed as she recalled the very reason she\u2019d come out this far.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. In that case, I think some action is appropriate, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n She caught the look in Welca\u2019s eye and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo beheadings. Thomast was very clear on that. And I have to agree. I splendidly walked into one trap.\u201d<\/p>\n She indicated the road, now clear of bodies. Thomast and Sir Kerrig trotted up the slope, and the impromptu war council was joined in front of Farmer Lupp\u2019s porch. No one wanted more corn; the grave dirt somewhat cut down on Kerrig and Welca\u2019s appetite.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, they are genuine. I knew it. And I told you, Thomast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did. But you needed to be calm to hear it, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast calmly sat next to his wife. Bethal sighed, vexed.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose <\/em>so. But it doesn\u2019t change my feelings. They will pay. An insult must be repaid, whether to a [Lady] or [Farmer]. Don\u2019t you agree, Mister Lupp?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2014ergh.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast smoothed his mustache as he interjected a quiet comment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first thing we should do is inform Magnolia. The other [Ladies] of her circle might be in danger as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they were attacked, it is far too late for that. Magnolia knows by now, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Lupp leaned over to Sir Kerrig and whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that Lady Magnolia Reinhart that Miss Bethal\u2019s talking about? The<\/em> Magnolia?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knight] nodded, watching Bethal and Thomast. Lupp had to take a walk to calm down. Bethal frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care about Magnolia\u2019s game. Let her sort it out. If one of us is dead, there will<\/em> be blood, Thomast. I\u2019m only concerned with what I<\/em> am going to do. And my estates. They should be warned.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chevalier] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue. A [Message] spell would be swiftest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot if I want to mobilize the Knights of the Petal. They won\u2019t answer to [Messages]. And rightly so, if this is some kind of intrigue with [Assassins]. I suppose we must hurry to Invrisil or pray there\u2019s a Courier capable of delivering my message. Reizmelt doesn\u2019t have a Courier, do they?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal looked hopelessly at her [Knights], both of whom shook their heads. Welca raised an armored hand.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Bethal, give me leave and I will deliver the [Message] to my peers myself. I can make the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd leave Lady Walcha\u00eds undefended a second time?\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Kerrig glanced at Welca. She flushed and lowered her hand. Bethal studied Welca thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cI only need one [Knight]. Plus Thomast. As long as one of you shields me, Thomast can kill anyone quite easily. We could send Welca. What do you think, Thomast? Thomast?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chevalier] was studying the skies. He looked down.<\/p>\n \u201cI would rather send Sir Kerrig to fulfill a task, Bethal. We can ride back ourselves. It will take an hour or two, but we won\u2019t lose much time either way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? What do you want Sir Kerrig to do?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal frowned. Thomast raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cSend a message himself. I\u2019ll tell you on the road. But we should be moving if we intend to return to Walcha\u00eds lands before dark.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. So much for a vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal stood up in disgust. The two Rose Knights were already on their feet and fetching the horses. Bethal and Thomast said goodbye to Lupp as he stood by his field of corn. The [Farmer] gripped Bethal\u2019s hand lightly, sure that this was all some sort of dream. But her smile told him it was real.<\/p>\n \u201cGoodbye, Mister Lupp. I\u2019m afraid we must fly. Tell me, do you know if Reizmelt has a Courier? Otherwise we\u2019ll be riding west as fast as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast was talking to Sir Kerrig. The [Knight] nodded and mounted up. He galloped east as Welca held the reins of Bethal\u2019s mare. Lupp blinked at Bethal.<\/p>\n \u201cReizmelt? No Couriers there, Miss. Some pass by of course, but unless you call for one, there won\u2019t be any.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA pity. I won\u2019t wait hours when we could be back quicker ourselves. We\u2019ll be slower. Far slower if we need to avoid any more [Assassins] on the road. It might not matter.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal sighed exasperatedly. Lupp blinked at Bethal. Then his eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it\u2019s speed you need, Miss Bethal\u2014I do know of one City Runner who might fit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Are they good?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] raised her brows. The [Farmer] ducked his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Miss. I\u2019ve never seen her run, except for a few seconds as she left. But they do call her the Wind Runner\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n And thus the play came full circle.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin held still. Very still, to control the beating of her heart as she stood in front of Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds. She was taller than the woman, but Lady Bethal somehow felt at equal or greater height. The woman peered at Ryoka and frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cSo this is Reizmelt\u2019s best City Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at Ryoka\u2019s feet. The young woman was instantly embarrassed. She stared at the young woman in pink armor standing behind Bethal instead. Lady Welca Caveis? So she was a [Lady] and a [Knight]? There was also the silent [Chevalier], Sir Thomast, who was giving Ryoka an inspection as well. But the older [Knight], Sir Kerrig, was gone.<\/p>\n Ryoka didn\u2019t know what had happened, but she could piece together the clues. Sir Kerrig and Lady Welca had taken the Runners back to the guild and interrogated the [Receptionist] at length about the origin of the black roses. She had just confirmed that all of them were indeed sent by each group that had been represented\u2014an arduous process that had taken nearly an hour in itself and left the Runners cooling their heels and talking anxiously\u2014when news had come in like thunder.<\/p>\n From the [Mage]\u2019s Guild. There had been multiple attacks by [Assassins] on a number of [Ladies]. All in public, and all affiliated with Lady Magnolia. That had been enough to make everyone in the Runner\u2019s Guild wonder if there was a war starting between the nobility. But the two Rose Knights had taken off like bolts of lightning once Sir Kerrig got a [Message] spell on the little scroll he carried. No guesses why.<\/p>\n Neither Welca nor Sir Thomast looked like they\u2019d just killed someone. Okay, maybe Welca did. But Ryoka couldn\u2019t help but feel a prickle as she stared at Thomast\u2019s blade. Why else would the [Knights] have rushed off? And where was Sir Kerrig?<\/p>\n And why had Lady Bethal immediately gone to the Runner\u2019s Guild on returning to Reizmelt, nearly an hour later, and demanded to see Ryoka<\/em> of all people? It was a mystery. But Ryoka thought at least one piece was about to be unraveled now. If only Bethal would stop staring.<\/p>\n \u201cYou run with bare feet? Don\u2019t you get thorns or rocks in your soles?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] wrinkled her nose as she pointed at Ryoka\u2019s feet. The City Runner stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI, uh, have calluses. Lady Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd those help? What about nails?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI try to avoid those.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Tell me, Miss Ryoka Griffin. Are you fast? How many movement Skills do you have?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014I have three. But none of them help me run faster. Just longer. My speed\u2019s at a City Runner\u2019s level.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. And how about your defenses? Could you outrun, say, [Bandits] on horseback?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s pulse picked up. She tried to answer carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. But I could deter them. Or lose them. I have Tripvine Bags, potions, and these\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She reached into her bag of holding. Welca tensed, and Bethal held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cShow me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka pulled out a caltrop. Bethal eyed it.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is a nasty weapon. Do you throw it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes. But I can drop them, and they\u2019ll slow horses. I\u2019m banned from using them unless my life is in danger. And they are a hazard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could certainly inconvenience a road with them. And they\u2019re fairly pointy. Ouch.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal poked her finger idly on the caltrop. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about [Mages]? High-level enemies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026have a wind Skill that I can use to blow a dust cloud, Lady Bethal. I\u2019ve outrun [Bandits] before and survived an ambush on one occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. Can you block lightning?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026haven\u2019t had to deal with that. There was a Lich that I managed to avoid one time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. I see\u2026Thomast?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal glanced up. The [Chevalier] was frowning. His arms were folded. He was glancing at Alime. The [Receptionist] was half-hiding behind her counter, staring at the noble guests with wide eyes; besides Ryoka, Lady Bethal\u2019s entourage, and Alime, the Runner\u2019s Guild had been cleared out. Ryoka could see some of her fellow Runners furtively peeking in from outside.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think she\u2019s fit for the job, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast answered at last. Ryoka\u2019s stomach sank. The [Chevalier] eyed her.<\/p>\n \u201cWith respect to Miss Griffin\u2014she\u2019s no Courier. It would be dangerous to risk a City Runner. She could lose her life, and if she\u2019s intercepted, the message could be disastrous for us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was my thought. Alas, we\u2019ve wasted a few minutes. We\u2019ll have to go back on horseback. Oh well. Mister Lupp can\u2019t be full of good ideas all the time, it seems.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal clicked her fingers exasperatedly. Ryoka stared at her. Did she just say Lupp?<\/em> No, that had to be a coincidence. The young woman saw Bethal turn, and realized her opportunity was slipping away. She raised her voice hurriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cI can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned back to Ryoka skeptically. The Asian girl took a deep breath.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I don\u2019t know what the request is. But if you\u2019re looking for a qualified City Runner\u2014I might not have the speed of a Courier, but I have never failed a delivery. And I have outrun monsters. I\u2019ve run the High Passes before.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast\u2019s head turned back to Ryoka. Bethal blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have? How far in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot far. But I completed my delivery. And I\u2019ve done emergency deliveries for adventuring teams.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat rank?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cSilver. I\u2019ve never been requested at Gold-rank or higher.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal exchanged a look with her husband. He frowned and gave her a covert shake of the head. Lady Walcha\u00eds sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it were just your life, I might give you a chance Miss Griffin. But this message must be delivered without fail. I\u2019d risk the consequences of it arriving too late, rather than having my words subverted. And if you are caught? You will most likely be killed, and the damage will spread to my lands.\u201d<\/p>\n She spread her hands. Ryoka\u2019s heart sank. She nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. Welca? The horses. We\u2019ll press onwards as Thomast sees fit.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal sighed and waved a hand. The female [Knight] tromped towards the doors. As she opened them, Ryoka heard some excited shouts. Which surprised her; the City Runners and people of Reizmelt were already backing up from the fearsome Lady Bethal. But someone was calling out with an excited voice.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss [Knight]! Miss [Knight]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you kill any [Assassins]? Is it true they have a Guild?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs [Lady] Bethal a real lady? Is she really<\/em> going to cut off the heads of other nobles?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you going to hire the Wind Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n Welca stopped, looking affronted. Bethal\u2019s head turned towards the door. And Ryoka recognized the voices as she saw the tiny bodies hopping up and down.<\/p>\n Children. They were as immune to the fear of Lady Bethal\u2019s class as they were to Welca\u2019s scowl. The [Knight] ushered them back from the horses. Lady Bethal walked outside. The children stared at her. They oohed<\/em> as Thomast followed her. He blinked at them. One of the children pointed at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you kill them all with your rapier?\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t respond. Bethal smiled as she accepted the reins of her mare. Ryoka walked out of the guild, sheepish. To her great chagrin, the children grew even more excited when they saw her than when Bethal had come out.<\/p>\n \u201cWind Runner! Wind Runner!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you going to deliver a message?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBlow us about! Conjure the wind, Miss Ryoka!\u201d<\/p>\n They swarmed her. Ryoka turned red as Bethal glanced down from horseback. The [Lady] pursed her lips and called down to Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wind Runner? The [Farmer] said the same thing. What does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can call the wind, Lady Bethal. It helps me out. It\u2019s\u2026just a nickname.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka coughed and shuffled her feet. The children piped up.<\/p>\n \u201cShe can do more than that! She nearly blew me off my feet!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s fast!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd she killed Wailer Frogs with the wind!\u201d<\/p>\n Intrigued, Bethal looked down as Ryoka tried to hush the children. She glanced at her husband. Thomast sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cBethal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf she can do that, maybe, Thomast. Miss Ryoka. Show me. Prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal turned back to Ryoka. The young woman blinked up at her.<\/p>\n \u201cShow you what? The wind?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady] raised a delicate eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the very least. Show me your Skill. Or magic, or whatever it may be. I won\u2019t send a City Runner to her death. But if you can do something out of the ordinary\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced around the windless, empty street skeptically. Ryoka stared at her. And then she shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of wind would you like?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have to conjure it. Anything, Miss Griffin. I just want to see something, even if it only ruffles my hair\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal\u2019s voice cut off. She frowned at her hair, blowing across her face. She stared at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cWell. I suppose that is possible. But can you make a larger breeze? Something\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She blinked. Now her riding dress was ruffling. Bethal smoothed the dress as the children around her laughed and clapped their hands.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka wiped at her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s something. That\u2019s control, Miss Walcha\u00eds. If you want a gust, I can do something stronger. But I\u2019d have to include more than just you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore than just me? What do you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal looked around. And then she saw it. The wind was blowing her hair and her dress. Her horse\u2019s mane blew in the wind. But Sir Thomast, standing next to her, was unruffled. His clothes didn\u2019t move an inch. And neither did Welca. The children on the street were running about, begging Ryoka for a breeze.<\/p>\n And on the street, the air was silent. The Runners and people of Reizmelt looked up. Lady Bethal sat in a small cyclone of wind. She looked through it at Ryoka. The City Runner\u2019s eyebrow was raised. Ryoka grinned.<\/p>\n Uh oh. She\u2019s going to kill me.<\/em><\/p>\n She waited for Bethal to explode in fury like before. But the [Lady] just blinked at the wind. And then she laughed. And her laughter was carried away on the breeze.<\/p>\n \u201cWell! Can you show me a gust, then, Wind Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n The air quieted. And then the wind blew harder. The children laughed, and some sailed down the street with their cloth sails. The adults shielded their faces, and the horses tossed their heads. Bethal blinked as a gust swept towards her. The wind blew past Bethal and Thomast, whipping at her hair. The [Chevalier] looked up and shifted, sheltering his wife from the breeze. The wind blew harder still. Lady Bethal shielded her face. One of the Runners lost his balance and slipped, catching himself in the wind.<\/p>\n And Ryoka held still in the street. The air howled around her, but she called on it. She dared the wind to blow, to whip Bethal\u2019s hair across her face. She dared because not daring would have been pathetic. She had one chance. And when she saw Bethal raise a palm, Ryoka asked the wind to stop.<\/p>\n And it was still. Reizmelt\u2019s street was eerily silent in the sudden absence of the wind. Bethal looked at Thomast. He raised his brows. The [Lady] turned to Ryoka. She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cGive it to her, Thomast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman gave Thomast a flat look.<\/p>\n \u201cToday I met a [Farmer] and tasted the best corn of my life. Today I was called a coward by my peers. One more chance seems worthwhile. Do it, please. It\u2019s not as if you don\u2019t have another.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast sighed. But he dismounted and walked over to Ryoka. She stared up at him. He bent.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin. This is your proof. Do not lose it. Your destination is the grandmaster of the Knights of the Petal. Sir Nathald. And here is your message.\u201d<\/p>\n He bent his head to whisper. The world went silent around Ryoka for a second. Sound returned as Thomast stepped back. Ryoka blinked, wide-eyed. Then she schooled her face.<\/p>\n \u201cI have it word-for-word.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, your destination is west. We\u2019re heading there ourselves. But each hour you gain on us is another hour that may matter. So.\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed towards Reizmelt\u2019s western gates as Thomast mounted up. Lady Bethal pointed. And her voice rang across the street.<\/p>\n \u201cGo! Show me what you can do, Wind Runner! Run and let no one stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured. Ryoka bowed. She bent and adopted a sprinter\u2019s crouch. But she didn\u2019t take off. As Lady Bethal frowned, the wind blew again. The [Lady] looked up and then down. Ryoka was reaching for her belt pouch. She drew something small and blue, a faint statue, and grasped it in her right hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWell. I\u2019m no expert. But you said it just happens. So here I go, Ivolethe.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman looked up at the sky. The ice was cold in her hand. Ryoka took a deep breath, and then another. The wind picked up and blew harder as Bethal urged her mount back. She leaned against her husband, who drew a riding cloak around her. Ryoka held still, staring upwards.<\/p>\n She would never have another chance like this. Maybe there would be more important deliveries. Maybe riskier ones. But this was the first run of this kind she had done. One where people might stop her, where important decisions rested on her shoulders. She had run before, to save lives. And this was different from that.<\/p>\n But no less important. Ryoka looked at Bethal. The client wanted her to be as fast and as true as possible. So Ryoka clutched the ice until it felt like the cold was burning her skin. She stared up at the sky as the wind blew harder. Runners shaded their faces, and the children shouted and clutched at pieces of cloth, blowing down the street.<\/p>\n The [Guards] on the gates of Reizmelt held their ground, swearing, and the citizens covered their faces and retreated to the shelter of stone as the wind whipped at them, sending grit and debris into the air. And still, Ryoka waited.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on. Is that all? Blow, winds. Let\u2019s show them what magic means.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n And the winds blew. They picked up, stronger and stronger. Bethal shielded her face, laughing with delight. Ryoka stared up, as the wind grabbed at her, pushing at her back, urging her to run. But she held her ground. Waiting. Waiting until she could fly.<\/p>\n Then she felt it. And she took off. Racing past the startled horses as Lady Bethal\u2019s mare reared. Past the children, sailing across the street and calling her name. Past Runners who took off, trying to race her and falling behind. Faster, faster\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n They were waiting for her. A group of [Mercenaries]. And a band of adventurers. And they were led by one very upset, very unprofessional [Assassin]. But they were still here, waiting to fall upon the City Runner when she emerged from the city.<\/p>\n No one was happy about it. Not the [Mercenaries], who swore up and down that they wouldn\u2019t risk a confrontation with House Walcha\u00eds or her Knights of the Petal\u2014just the City Runner. Not the [Assassin], whose only goal was vengeance and to strike a blow against Bethal Walcha\u00eds and her husband, however small. And least of all the adventurers.<\/p>\n One of them edged closer to her leader. Tally, the [Ranger], hissed at their Captain, a [Fire Mage] who\u2019d been all too quick to take the black-clad stranger\u2019s gold, in her opinion. She\u2019d done shady things as an adventurer, but this crossed a line. She soothed the team\u2019s war hound by scratching the dog behind the ears while she hissed at him.<\/p>\n \u201cLevil, this is insane. Are you completely mad? We\u2019re going to sully our name, taking this contract. And what if it\u2019s someone we know?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTally, shush.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Fire Mage] rubbed his hands, absently sending a few sparks falling to the ground. He was nervous. But Tally wouldn\u2019t shut up.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you seen our employer? This isn\u2019t a contract, Levil. I\u2019m not even sure if that shady fellow\u2019s legitimate. His gold\u2019s real, but is he really an [Assassin] from the Assassin\u2019s Guild or a faker?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded at the shrouded figure arguing with the [Mercenary Captain] opposite them. Levil turned and sighed. Then he hissed at Tally.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you shut up? <\/em>I know what I\u2019m doing! Just watch the gates, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t! We\u2019re the Pithfire Hounds, not mercs or murderers! Either pull out of the deal or I\u2019m walking and so\u2019s the team! We\u2019re not killing an innocent City Runner, no matter if it is Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds or whatever who\u2019s sending the message! That\u2019s politics! We\u2019re not for the Reinharts or against them or anything!\u201d<\/p>\n Tally\u2019s stomach twisted at the thought. They weren\u2019t nearly high level enough to play at politics in Izril. Levil just glared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you deaf? Didn\u2019t you hear what that [Assassin] said? Lady Bethal\u2019s at the Runner\u2019s Guild. So she wants to send a message fast. By Runner, since [Message] spells can be faked or intercepted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n Tally gave Levil a blank look. The [Pyromancer] growled, and their war dog, Makki, growled as well.<\/p>\n \u201cSo she\u2019s going to hire the best Runner in the city. And Reizmelt has no Couriers. Who\u2019s the best City Runner in Reizmelt, then?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Ranger]\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t mean\u2014oh.<\/em> But why are we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re aiming left. Wait for my signal. Why do you think everyone else isn\u2019t giving me grief? They\u2019ve figured it out!\u201d<\/p>\n Levil hissed back. Tally turned bright red. She looked at her teammates. Keima rolled her eyes. Lamont, Bram, Ullica\u2026they were checking their weapons. Levil met their eyes and nodded.<\/p>\n As one, the Pithfire Hounds looked left. The [Mercenary] band glanced up. One of them eyed the war dog uneasily from his mount.<\/p>\n \u201cYou lot ready? We need to hit whoever\u2019s coming out fast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about us. We\u2019re fast. And we\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Levil conjured an orb of fire. The [Mercenary] nodded shortly. He glanced up at the Pithfire Hounds as the adventurers casually glanced at the city. Now Tally was picking out a target. Levil nudged her.<\/p>\n \u201cStop being obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, do you want me to help or not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you weren\u2019t so bad at hiding things, I wouldn\u2019t have to keep anything from you. Which is rich, because you\u2019re our [Ranger]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBite him, Makki.\u201d<\/p>\n The dog sniffed the air. Then she howled. The [Mercenaries], Pithfire Hounds, and lone [Assassin] looked. Up. Levil stared at Reizmelt. Then he glanced up.<\/p>\n \u201cThe wind\u2019s gone flat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is that?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Fire Mage]\u2019s head snapped back down. His eyes widened. Someone was coming out of the gates of the city.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the City Runner! Get her!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Assassin]\u2019s voice cracked with fury. The [Mercenaries] mounted up in an instant. Three were on horseback, four on foot. Two [Mages]. Just like the Pithfire Hounds. Levil held up a hand as his team tensed.<\/p>\n \u201cWait for it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The three [Mercenaries] on horseback came down the slope with shouts. One had a bow. Levil began to swing his hand down. Then he saw the figure racing out of Reizmelt\u2019s gates disappear. Something billowed up around her. Levil stared as the [Mercenaries] pulled up their horses uncertainly. Tally blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cSand?\u201d<\/p>\n It was sand. Dirt and sand, being picked up from the road. From Ryoka\u2019s bag. It blew upwards. And Levil saw a familiar shape emerge.<\/p>\n A billowing dust cloud, a hundred paces high, blew across the road. It raced across the earth, a vortex of sand and dust and debris. It whirled, a miniature twister. Just like the one that had saved his team. But as the [Fire Mage] watched, he noticed one key difference.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s in it.\u201d<\/p>\n The whirlwind blew down the road. But the City Runner did not emerge from it, or run behind it. She was in the vortex. And the [Mercenaries] on horseback drew up, reluctant to even go near the dust.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just sand!<\/em> Get in there! Kill the Runner!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Assassin] bellowed, losing his cool. The [Mercenary Captain] shook his head. He pointed a staff towards the whirlwind.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll never catch her with horses. They\u2019ll go blind a hundred paces out. Net spells. I\u2019ll throw a fireball straight down the tornado. You, adventurers, help us\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Levil turned. He pointed a wand left and spoke a word.<\/p>\n \u201c[Fireball].\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mercenary Captain]\u2019s eyes widened in horror. He raised his staff, but it was too late. The bloom of fire blasted towards Levil, and he felt the rush of heat. Makki raced forwards, barking, and the three [Mercenaries] on horseback turned.<\/p>\n \u201cPithfire Hounds, forwards! Take them out!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Keima, Lamont, and Ullica charged. The [Assassin] leapt out of the ashes, cursing. He raised a trembling shortsword.<\/p>\n \u201cYou dirty adv\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Tally\u2019s arrow sprouted from his stomach. He grabbed the arrow, and Levil blasted him with fire. The [Assassin] fell backwards, and Levil turned. The dust cloud was racing west. He saluted it, then joined his team.<\/p>\n \u201cPast favor repaid. But mostly profit. Good luck, Wind Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n The Pithfire Hounds closed on the remaining [Mercenaries]. The wind blew west. At her desk, Alime, the [Receptionist], stared at the cloud over the roofs of the city. She could see it, even through the window. Shakily, she looked around. Then she snapped at one of the other [Receptionists] on duty.<\/p>\n \u201cTime it. Ryoka Griffin, the Wind Runner, left Reizmelt at half past noon. Tell the Runner\u2019s Guild in Walta to time her arrival. This run\u2019s going to define her. Tell them to expect her. And tell them\u2014here comes Reizmelt\u2019s Wind Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t a simple run. And it wasn\u2019t quick, either. Each step was blowing wind. As the dust picked up, Ryoka ran through a cloud of sand and grit. She could see ahead of her\u2014barely ten feet. So she followed the road. She followed her instincts. And the whirling dust around her cleared and shifted as the first minute became an hour.<\/p>\n Her lungs burned. Her arms pumped. And Ryoka ran<\/em>. She didn\u2019t pace herself. She didn\u2019t slow down. She just kept the same, furious pace she\u2019d started with. As if she could keep it up forever. And for the first hour, she could. The blowing wind, the urgency of her task, Lady Bethal\u2019s daring, it kept her going.<\/p>\n But then she faltered. Ryoka slowed, going from signpost to signpost. The dust dropped out of the air. She looked around wildly as the wind slowed. Pursuers? Ambushes?<\/em><\/p>\n She had no idea. She couldn\u2019t slow. But an hour in and Ryoka had blown through her reserves. If this was a marathon or a race\u2014and it was\u2014she was overtaxed. In her world, she would have been a fool.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my world.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka spat as she checked the signpost again. She grabbed a potion from her belt and downed it as she ran left, down the main road for Walta. The stamina potion burned its way down her throat. And suddenly, Ryoka felt more energy burning from her legs. She took a breath and ran.<\/em><\/p>\n The wind picked back up. A procession of wagons on the road halted, and the drivers cursed. But the dust cloud had emerged once again, and nothing could stop Ryoka. She ran. But her reinvigorated body could only go so far. After ten minutes, she began to flag.<\/p>\n Healing potion.<\/em> This time her aching bare feet healed after a single mouthful. Her legs felt strong again. Ryoka picked up her pace. And time stretched on.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n No pacing. No slowing from that mad run. Stamina potion again, the instant Ryoka felt her pace slow. And then another healing potion. The shots of energy and relief ran through her like the strongest energy drink. So much concentrated energy it felt like poison.<\/p>\n Which it was.<\/p>\n The second hour was no better than the first. The third hurt worst of all. By the fourth, Ryoka had stopped processing the trauma. Her body was healing, refilling itself with energy. Now she felt like more machine than person. She drank down the last drop of her stamina potion.<\/p>\n She was running as fast as she could, in the center of the vortex of sand. It had blown out twice, but the winds faithfully picked up the grit Ryoka poured out of her bag of holding. And Ryoka was still running.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Sprinting, racing across the ground. As fast as she had ever run.<\/p>\n The fourth empty bottle hit the ground as Ryoka dropped it, heedless of littering. She felt the rush of energy pour through her limbs, and she picked up the pace again, as if she had just begun running, not started four hours ago. And she was getting close.<\/p>\n \u201cClear winds.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka gasped. The sand cleared from the wind, allowing her to see ahead of herself. She knew where to go. The signs told her she was getting closer to Walta. But she still had far to go.<\/p>\n And she was flagging. The third stamina bottle shook in Ryoka\u2019s grip. Her entire body was shaking<\/em>. And when she finally forced the liquid down her throat, it burned and hurt. Ryoka felt sick. But she couldn\u2019t stop. If she stopped, she\u2019d collapse.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The potions hurt now. As bad as mana potion sickness. But she was closer. Ryoka could feel it. The winds were at her back, propelling her forwards. She didn\u2019t have the strength for the dust cloud. Or\u2014or was it that the winds sensed her weakening spirit? Either way, they had slackened.<\/p>\n But they still blew. And she still ran. Her feet were cut up. Ryoka took a mouthful of healing potion and threw up as she ran. Too many potions. She gulped down one last mouthful and ran. Fast\u2014as fast as\u2014<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t run faster, even with magic, what\u2019s the point?<\/em><\/p>\n A laughing, running demon was urging her onwards. He was a black shadow against the tunnel of Ryoka\u2019s vision. She chased him across a field, across roads, around large wagons and shouting voices. Hands dragged at her. Horses raced past her. They wanted to drag her down. But the wind blew, and no one touched her.<\/p>\n Fast. Faster. So many potions. Ryoka threw one behind her. She didn\u2019t know if she\u2019d drunk it or not. Or if she\u2019d even opened it. Had it been full? She staggered.<\/p>\n The ground was harder. Not dirt anymore. Ryoka looked around. Something\u2014a bright blue shape beckoned her right. And ahead. Ryoka ran after it, as fast as she could.<\/p>\n The tunnel was getting longer. The darkness more profound. Ryoka paused to throw up on a rock. The rock moved<\/em>, shouted, and kicked at her. She staggered.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell are you\u2014what kind of trash Street Runner are you?\u201d<\/p>\n The rock turned into a person. A staring Centaur. A Centaur.<\/em> Ryoka focused on her as she wiped her mouth. The Centaur was standing and pointing at her filthy leg. Ryoka leaned on her.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Where am I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWalta\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild! <\/em>You just came in here and\u2014hey! HEY!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka pushed past the Centaur Runner. Centaur Runner? The desk swam in front of her. She saw a woman rising behind it.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s me. I haven\u2019t run in a circle, have I? Alime?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka glanced around. The guild looked so familiar. The [Receptionist] shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not Alime. You\u2019ve been running for hours. You outran three ambush parties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did? I didn\u2019t even notice them. I\u2014I have a delivery. For the Grandmaster of the Petal Knights. Sir Nathald.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. He\u2019s on his way. You\u2019re sick. Miss Griffin. How many potions did you take?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSix? Eight?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka heard a mutter. The woman turned to a patch of darkness on Ryoka\u2019s left, and then to her.<\/p>\n \u201cHealing and stamina?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHelp her throw up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine. I did\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt an unfriendly finger in her throat. She gagged. And then she did throw up. The world hazed out, and then stopped being so dark. Someone was offering her something. Ryoka tasted water. The [Receptionist] was bending over her when Ryoka looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Knights] are here for you, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman just wanted to lie on the ground. But somehow, that got her up. She clutched her side, the bag of holding she\u2019d refused to let anyone touch.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. I have it right here. I\u2019m\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She got up with someone\u2019s help. The [Receptionist] pulled Ryoka to her feet with the angry Centaur. She pushed Ryoka to a group of pink people.<\/p>\n \u201cOne more thing. Miss Griffin. You just ran seventy-nine miles in less than five and a half hours. And that\u2019s as the bird flies. You\u2019ve passed the qualifying speed for a Courier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked at the woman. She turned and staggered past her.<\/p>\n \u201cI had help. The wind\u2019s with me.\u201d<\/p>\n The arm holding her snorted. The half-horse girl dragged Ryoka forwards, her hooves clopping on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cCentaurs are faster. This one\u2019s half-dead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe outran three<\/em> ambush parties. The first is wiped out. The other two never even caught her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never even saw\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked and stopped. Her vision swam clearer. A group of pink\u2026[Knights] were assembled in front of her. Three dozen. A man with a grey beard and hair removed his helmet.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s me. Who\u2019re you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSir Nathald. We were told to expect you. You have a [Message] of utmost importance for us. Do you have proof of Lady Walcha\u00eds\u2019 authority?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked. She nodded her head and nearly fell over. Sir Nathald and the Centaur girl caught her. She stared hard at the [Knight].<\/p>\n \u201cDo\u2014do you have proof you\u2019re all Rose Knights?\u201d<\/p>\n The pink-armored [Knights] glanced at each other, bemused and amused. The Centaur snorted. Sir Nathald didn\u2019t laugh. He reached out and offered Ryoka something.<\/p>\n \u201cHere. Will this suffice?\u201d<\/p>\n It was a seal. Custom-made. Ryoka studied it. It was a match of the seal that Bethal had shown her. The unique rose-quartz melded with the crimson wood would be very<\/em> hard to forge. She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cPretty good. Got more proof?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Runner\u2019s Guild vouches for them. Show them your proof, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] appeared in Ryoka\u2019s view. The Runner gave up. She reached for her bag of holding and pulled something out. It was tiny and cold in her hand. It chimed softly as she held it out.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n A silver bell. It was much worn, scratched on the side. The [Knight] peered at it close, noting two of the scratches. He nodded after a second.<\/p>\n \u201cSir Thomast\u2019s. He would never give it up. And it\u2019s genuine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Fencer]\u2019s bell. I\u2019m sure. Pardon me, [Receptionist] Clavine. Please clear your Guild. What is your message, Miss Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt people moving around her. She blinked up at Sir Nathald.<\/p>\n \u201cPassword. Thomast told me\u2026Bethal says that Sir Tipel\u2019s favorite steed is a warhorse. But a Griffin would be much more desirable if he had the courage to tame it. But Lady Walcha\u00eds has always wanted to ride\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA Kraken.\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Nathald\u2019s voice was amused. Ryoka nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cDouble authentication complete. Here\u2019s the message. Thomast sent it. Bethal\u2019s been sent black roses. People tried to kill her.\u201d<\/p>\n Amid the gasps of the Rose Knights, Ryoka leaned forwards. She tried very, very hard not to throw up into Sir Nathald\u2019s ear as she whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd this is what he wants you to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked up at him. Sir Nathald\u2019s face didn\u2019t change one bit.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. We\u2019ll lock down the border at once. You five, secure the estate. Eighteen will ride to escort Lady Walcha\u00eds and Sir Thomast home. The rest of you\u2014with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve received Ryoka Griffin\u2019s message and confirmed it. An escort is riding towards us now.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast announced as he checked the [Message] scroll. Bethal sighed, slightly relieved as she checked the forest road ahead of her.<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe need a more secure way of communicating, Bethal. Something that can\u2019t be blocked. Or else next time the Order of the Petal might not be able to trust our communications.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast rolled up the magical scroll. Bethal smiled crookedly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat City Runner seemed to do the job. But I agree. In a world where we can watch what\u2019s happening in Baleros, we still can\u2019t trust [Message] spells. Couriers and Runners are still more reliable. I\u2019ll ask if Magnolia has some artifact stashed away. Or else we\u2019ll simply have more [Knights] do the delivering of messages.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgreed. But for now, you and I will ride with at least an escort of six at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast turned to Bethal. She sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. Now will you tell me where Sir Kerrig went? If my safety is so important.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis task is just as important. It\u2019s an affair of honor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich means?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal rode next to Thomast and leaned against him. He smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI simply told them to act in a manner I felt befitting. No deaths. No war. So he\u2019s going to find the Order of Clairei Fields. I understand their representatives were still close to the city. And he\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast whispered into Bethal\u2019s ear for a moment. She blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast! Him and<\/em> Sir Nathald? The entire order? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal shot up in her saddle, delighted and shocked. Thomast reached out and stroked her hair.<\/p>\n \u201cI never said I wasn\u2019t angry. And I never said you had to let it all slide.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at him and laughed. Then she reached out. He held her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast? I do love you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never doubted it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was a proper inn. The best in the city. The [Innkeeper] was quite prosperous. His tables were polished to perfection, and he employed a [Chef] with [Advanced Cooking]. His drinks were famous, locally, at least. And his beds were as soft as could be.<\/p>\n And they were [Knights] so, of course, they found their way there. The six [Knights] of the Clairei Order were toasting each other after a long journey on the road.<\/p>\n \u201cSix days from the Order\u2019s headquarters. And six days back. Six deliveries, when a single junior [Knight] might have made it themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knight] speaking, a young man with the beginnings of a mustache, grimaced. His companions did likewise as they toasted him. Six mugs clinked, and they all downed their drinks. The speaker wiped his mouth with a sigh. At least the alcohol took the edge off.<\/p>\n Sir Molte of the Clairei Knights, rumored to have the fastest [Knights] on the entire continent, was about to think up another toast. It had been a long journey, and he was in the mood to drink. The proof lay in the three rounds of mugs that had already been taken away, and the satisfied smile on the [Innkeeper]\u2019s face. The Clairei Knights were downing their fourth round when the door opened.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Sir Knight!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper]\u2019s voice made Sir Molte glance up. For a second, Molte wondered if a seventh member of their order had joined them by chance. But one look towards the open door instantly disproved that theory.<\/p>\n A man wearing polished, bright, pink armor stepped into the inn, looking around. He had a quite handsome face, but his armor? You couldn\u2019t call it a pale red, or a light purple. There was no getting around it. It was pink<\/em>. And there was only one order on all of Izril, no, surely, the entire world who sported that unfortunate color.<\/p>\n Sir Molte eyed the man\u2019s bright, pink armor and repressed his amusement. Some of the other Clairei Knights were less circumspect. Molte heard a chuckle and a snort. He waved them to silence and stood up as the [Knight] walked past the [Innkeeper].<\/p>\n \u201cSir Rose Knight! Come join us! It\u2019s always welcome to have a fellow knight errant at the table!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPink or yellow, it matters not!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the other [Knights] called out. There was a chuckle from the Clairei Knights, and a cautious chuckle from the other tables nearby. The [Innkeeper] hesitated. But the Rose Knight walked towards the six Clairei Knights as if that had been his intention all along. He removed his helmet and carefully put it into a bag of holding at his side.<\/p>\n Sir Molte eyed the bag of holding with envy, and then took a good look at the armor. Of course, the Knights of the Petal were renowned for their nigh-unbreakable armor. The quality of their arms\u2014Molte nearly choked on his drink as he saw the battleaxe on the [Knight]\u2019s back. Now there was a weapon no one in the Order of Clairei Fields would ever dream of using! He half-rose and beckoned for a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cCome and sit, Ser. I am Sir Molte. Will you drink with us?\u201d<\/p>\n The other [Knight] was clearly a good deal older than the young Clairei Knights. And that demanded respect, even if the armor did not. The Clairei Knights schooled their merriment. The Rose Knight looked at them. Then he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid my business does not allow me to drink. But I do have business with you, sir. And your order.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Molte looked up. There was an aspect of the older [Knight]\u2019s tone that Molte didn\u2019t like. He reassured himself that his sword and shield were still on his person and his comrades numbered five. The [Knight] was alone.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed, sir. I understand you were one of the [Knights] who delivered a gift. A parcel to six [Ladies] around these lands. As far south as Invrisil and as far north as First Landing.\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Molte jumped. One of his fellows dropped her mug with an oath. Molte stared up at the Rose Knight. That was a secret mission from his order\u2019s grandmaster!<\/p>\n \u201cYou seem to have come by way of precious information to our order, Ser Rose Knight. May I ask how you know what our task was?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy tomorrow, I imagine the world will know of what was sent. Already, half of Izril does. Your task, Sir Molte and companions, was to deliver a flower. To Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds, among others. Did you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knights] shook their heads, puzzled. The Rose Knight gave them a mirthless smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, perhaps it is as well. But your order\u2019s grandmaster surely knew the flower and message that was sent. You only knew the item was to be sent as a token of the Order of Clairei Field\u2019s will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodwill, surely.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Knights] next to Molte protested. The Rose Knight stared at him, and the younger man went silent.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that is goodwill, then Rhir overflows with kindness, sir. The item sent to Lady Bethal was none other than a black rose. A mark of cowardice among Izril\u2019s nobility as I understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n The six [Knights] went silent. Sir Molte, who had been raised as a [Lord] and understood something of flowers, went suddenly pale. The Rose Knight nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may imagine my [Lady]\u2019s displeasure. And it was curious that the Order of Clairei Fields would impugn Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds\u2019 honor so. She fought during the Sacrifice of Roses. Or were you not aware?\u201d<\/p>\n He leaned over the table. Sir Molte began sweating. He forced a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSer Knight\u2014I\u2019ve not caught your name. My fellow [Knights] and I cannot speak for our order, much less our grandmaster, but I\u2019m sure the reasons for whatever\u2014discourtesy was afforded Lady Walcha\u00eds were known.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as her dishonorable conduct towards Lord Tyrion and the allies of the realm. Not to mention her sabotage at the siege of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the other Clairei Knights muttered. Sir Molte shot his friend a look. This was not the time for politics. The Rose Knight\u2019s face didn\u2019t change.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure the Order of Clairei Fields has any number of reasons. But a discourtesy is a discourtesy. Which is why I\u2019ve come here. At the behest of Sir Thomast, consort and husband to Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds. I am Sir Kerrig Louis, by the way, Sir Molte.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Well met. And you are here to do what, exactly, Sir Kerrig?\u201d<\/p>\n Molte held still. He wasn\u2019t reaching for his sword. It would be inconceivable to draw steel on the man, and moreover, he was alone.<\/em> Wasn\u2019t he? Molte glanced at the door and saw the [Innkeeper] hurrying over.<\/p>\n \u201cSir Knight! Why don\u2019t you have a seat? I have a number of rooms\u2014private and public! And a drink for the long road! The inn\u2019s finest!\u201d<\/p>\n He had a mug brimming with the sweetest of ales. The inn held its breath as the Rose Knight regarded the beverage. The Clairei Knights held still.<\/p>\n At last, Sir Kerrig accepted the mug. The world exhaled. Sir Kerrig lifted the mug to his lips and Molte raised his and cried out in relief.<\/p>\n \u201cA toast, then! To good honor and the Knights of the Petal!\u201d<\/p>\n Six mugs rose with his. The Clairei Knights. And Sir Kerrig. He lifted his mug. And then, slowly and deliberately, poured the contents over Sir Molte\u2019s head.<\/p>\n The inn went silent. Molte stared at the liquid dribbling down his armor as the [Innkeeper] fled. The Clairei Knight shot to his feet with a roar of fury. Without missing a beat, Sir Kerrig swung the mug and smashed<\/em> it into the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n The stout wood mug cracked<\/em>. Sir Molte\u2019s face did much the same. He staggered back and landed on the table. It collapsed under him with a crash. The other Clairei Knights cried out in shock and got to their feet. Sir Kerrig tossed the handle of his mug aside. He raised his voice until it echoed around the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not drink with cowards who send insults to smear my [Lady]\u2019s name. Nor will I stand idly by to watch churls and base scum take the class of [Knight]. I am Sir Kerrig of the Knights of the Petal. The Clairei Knights are now the enemies of my order, until proper redress is made to our [Lady]. As such, I challenge all of you to a duel of fisticuffs.\u201d<\/p>\n He raised a hand and made a fist. The Order of Clairei Fields stared at him. Then one of them drew a sword with an oath.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll answer that insult with steel, you bastard!\u201d<\/p>\n She rose from her chair. Sir Kerrig slowly put one hand on the haft of the battleaxe on his back. He lifted it out of the harness. The Clairei Knights froze as the enchanted battleaxe sparked with lightning. Sir Kerrig looked at them.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you would like to make this a contest of arms, I would not object. If not, I would sheathe that sword, young lady. But arms or not, you will answer to me here.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knights] froze. They looked at each other. The female [Knight] eyed her plain, steel sword and sheathed it slowly. Sir Kerrig lowered his battleaxe. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. In that case\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A groggy Sir Molte\u2019s first sign something was wrong was when he felt himself being picked up. Then Sir Molte flew. He crashed through<\/em> one of the windows of the inn and landed on the ground. Sir Kerrig calmly throttled the second [Knight].<\/p>\n \u201cThe Order of the Petal draws no blood unless necessary. We are all sons and daughters of Izril. This should not come to beheadings or violence. So Sir Thomast has proclaimed. With that said?\u201d<\/p>\n He gripped the [Knight], ran him forwards, and smashed<\/em> him into the wall. The [Knight] collapsed, and the [Innkeeper] shrieked at the head-sized hole in the delicate wood paneling. Sir Kerrig turned, and the remaining [Knights] backed up. The old [Knight] smiled coldly.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is<\/em> war.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n And so the Order of the Petal rode to war. House Walcha\u00eds was locked down; the lands secured as all traffic in and out of its borders temporarily halted. The [Lady] of the land returned home with a fierce escort of her most loyal defenders without further incident.<\/p>\n It was one event among many taking place across Izril. Battle lines were being drawn, and the Rose Knights began to answer insult with injury. This event happened because of a message sent by Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds to her trusted Grandmaster of the Rose, Sir Nathald.<\/p>\n And few people cared to know more than the implications and direct outcomes of Lady Bethal\u2019s decision. But for those who looked, history in this moment had a footnote.<\/p>\n On Nendas, the 4th day of the week, Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds was the recipient of the black rose, a symbol of cowardice across Izril. She was also the victim of an unrelated, unknown assassination attempt by unknown clients. Subsequently, the Lady Walcha\u00eds returned home and sent immediate word requesting an escort and for her Order of the Petal to rise to assail the enemies of her realm as she saw them. The message she sent arrived by Runner, not spell.<\/p>\n And the Wind Runner of Reizmelt delivered it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" War. Was it just her, or was there too much war? Both in her world and here. Not a day passed when Ryoka didn\u2019t hear about the King of Destruction in Chandrar or about some conflict in Baleros between companies. A spat in Terandria between kingdoms. Battles at sea. Dead gods or living ones, wasn\u2019t […]<\/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-6253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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