{"id":6312,"date":"2019-07-02T15:56:56","date_gmt":"2019-07-02T15:56:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=6312"},"modified":"2025-12-24T00:59:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T00:59:51","slug":"interlude-embria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/07\/02\/interlude-embria\/","title":{"rendered":"Interlude – Embria"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The Wandering Inn is on break until July 13th! 15th for public readers. The author must rest. See you then!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wing Commander Embria Grasstongue of Liscor got up like she normally did. For a minute, a good, nice, long minute, she lay in bed as the dawn\u2019s rays began tickling the scales on her face. Her crimson scales, as vibrantly red as could be, reflected the light, creating a small nimbus of color on the far wall of her room. Embria admired it. Then she raised her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201c4<\/em>th<\/em> Company, assemble!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The shout went straight through the thin walls of Embria\u2019s private quarters. She heard a thud<\/em> from the room over, a groan, and more distant sounds still. The Wing Commander swung herself out of bed and reached for her folded clothes and armor. Then she checked herself and just took the clothes.<\/p>\n

A minute later, Embria pushed out of her room. The Drakes and Gnolls in the officers\u2019 quarters were still dressing. They looked up as Embria strode into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cInspection, then morning training. Hop to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two [Captains], five [Lieutenants], and eight [Sergeants] in the room groaned. Embria ignored them and headed straight for the main barracks that housed the regular [Soldiers]. They were larger, but not by much; the officers weren\u2019t outnumbered by much when it came to the regular soldiers.<\/p>\n

The first [Sergeants] followed her as the sleepy [Soldiers] rolled out of their bunks. Those who\u2019d slept through Embria\u2019s call and their fellows warning them to wake up got up as the [Sergeant] rolled them out of their mattresses and onto the floor.<\/p>\n

The thumps<\/em> and curses were a backdrop to Embria\u2019s voice. The Wing Commander bellowed into the barracks that the 4th Company of Liscor\u2019s army was using in Liscor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWake up,<\/em> ladies! What are you complaining about? We\u2019re waking up at dawn, not before! This is the height of luxury. Now, present your gear, and so help me, anyone who isn\u2019t ready for a scrap I will feed to Captain Vell for breakfast! Stand to attention!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Soldiers] did. The [Sergeants] and [Lieutenants] proceeded down the bunks, checking gear and calling the Drakes and Gnolls out. The Drakes and Gnolls of Liscor\u2019s regular army stood straight, wincing only when some aspect of their preparations was called out.<\/p>\n

They were, as Embria had indicated, all female. The Wing Commander gave the female wing of the barracks five minutes of her presence, and then marched over to the male half, where the officers were already doing the same process.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough. Captain Wikir, take the squads out and have them practice. Anyone with punishment detail will take it out of their vacation time. The rest of you, to the practice grounds on the double!\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria jogged out of the barracks, followed by her 4th Company. She ignored the muttered jokes and groans coming behind her; her men and women, none of whom were in fact actually Human, were right on her tail. And in the early morning, all ninety-seven of Liscor\u2019s 4th Company were running down the streets of Liscor.<\/p>\n

They were headed to the sparring grounds. Usually, they\u2019d do it right outside their camps, but since they were quartered in Liscor, the 4th Company had arranged to use the Adventurer\u2019s Guild\u2019s large practice area. Embria didn\u2019t expect to find many people there this early.<\/p>\n

And indeed, only a few private citizens were there. They let the 4th Company form sparring sets and occupy eighty percent of the courts. Embria grabbed a practice spear and went through her morning routine alone. She barely thought about it until she came to sparring with one of her [Captains].<\/p>\n

First Captain Wikir, the second-in-command to Embria, was her first victim. Then two more of his [Captains] took his place. Embria took a few hits during a sparring session with two-on-one, but the wincing officers walked away with twice the number that she did.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. That\u2019s an hour. Back to the barracks!\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria called a halt to the morning training as she checked the position of the sun. She led the way back down the streets, which were still mostly empty and towards the barracks. The [Soldiers], who had been reluctant to abuse their bodies, brightened up and picked up the pace. They could smell food coming from the barracks, and the [Mess Sergeants] on duty had readied the morning meals.<\/p>\n

That was how Embria started her day. But in truth, that was almost all muscle memory. And muscle shouting. It was rote and routine. It was only during breakfast she remembered what day it was. Then she smiled.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

4th Company\u2019s officers got their own, smaller mess hall to eat in. The [Captains], [Lieutenants], and a few [Sergeants] had the privilege of dining with their [Wing Commander], a rank roughly equivalent to [Major] in other military traditions. The [Commander] rank that Embria possessed meant she acted with autonomy and authority; the officer ranks below her possessed some of the privileges and abilities she did, but the [Wing Commander] class was a leadership role of note.<\/p>\n

If [Leader], [Sergeant], [Mercenary Captain], and so on were all the most basic tier of leadership\u2014from small groups to larger ones\u2014then [Commander] was the middle tier. And [Generals], [Lords], and so on were the greatest of leaders. In 4th Company, Embria\u2019s was the highest role.<\/p>\n

It still meant she ate the same food as the regular soldiers. There being no dedicated [Chefs] attached to 4th Company at the moment, the [Mess Sergeants] had to take up the slack or Embria would have to hire a [Cook]. And she wasn\u2019t about to do that. Not that anyone minded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood food! Pass me a damn biscuit. I\u2019m starving.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first female officer into the room was a Drake. She flopped into her seat, her scales beaded with perspiration. A Gnoll sat across from her and obligingly flicked a biscuit at her commanding officer. The Gnoll yawned. She reached for a steaming kettle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHrr. I hope the tea\u2019s strong this time. I\u2019m nearly falling asleep on my paws.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLong night?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria walked towards the head of the smaller table as some of the other officers took seats nearby. The Gnoll [Sergeant] shrugged. It was a relaxed formality in the officers\u2019 mess.<\/p>\n

\u201cHrr. I was up late. Drinking. This tea\u2019s not strong enough for me. Got some more tea leaves?\u201d<\/p>\n

She peered into the pot. The Drake sitting across from her, [Captain] Vell, a sharp-tongued Drake with yellow scales, eyed the Gnoll under her command, Lieutenant Kesa.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good enough for me. But then, I like tea. You hate it, don\u2019t you, Kesa? Wing Commander, biscuit?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria raised a claw. Vell skimmed one across the table. A Gnoll [Captain] leaned back reflexively and scowled as he reached for his plate. Embria caught the biscuit without missing a beat. Kesa sighed through her nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2019d use stamina potions, but they taste awful, yes? And they do terrible things to the stomach if you have too many for too long. You have a better option, [Captain]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure do. Hold on. Try some of these.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell got up and reached for her belt pouch. She slapped a handful of hard, brown objects onto Kesa\u2019s plate. The other officers eyed the objects dubiously; Vell was known to pull a lot out of her belt pouches, and it was very rarely wise to eat what came out.<\/p>\n

Kesa the Gnoll sniffed along with a few other Gnolls at the table. She wrinkled her nose, but picked up one of the little objects.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this? It looks like a bean. Do I put it in my drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah. No. Just eat them. Grind them up and swallow. They\u2019re a natural wake-up supplement. I bought them from Oteslia a while back, and I use them sometimes when we\u2019re out of tea or I need to wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kesa blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, from the Walled City? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, scales-for-brains. The other<\/em> Oteslia. Not the one we\u2019ve been fighting with and against for the last two years.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHrr. No need to be rude. What kind of beans are so\u2026hard? And small?\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were actually green. See, they\u2019re good for energy, but they were starting to rot. So I tossed them in a pan and fried them up. To get rid of the moldy spots.\u201d<\/p>\n

All of the [Soldiers] stared at Vell. She scowled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that! It works! Anyways, they work. Try it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glared at Kesa. The Gnoll hesitated, but Vell was her superior. The things you did for rank. Embria watched sympathetically as Kesa delicately popped three of the bean-things into her mouth and began to chew. Embria heard some loud crunching, and then Kesa made a face. She took a gulp of tea as Embria sipped hers.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s breakfast included some pickled fish, preserved from the spring. It went really well with some roasted onions, a few greens, and all put together with a Gnollish sauce that had enough spice to really make the mouth water. The biscuit was a wonderful carrier for the concoction, and Embria chewed, watching Kesa make a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cEugh. Bitter. Almost as bad as stamina potions. How long does it take?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFew minutes. But you\u2019ll wake up. Go on. Have the handful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kesa did as she began to eat the rest of her breakfast. After a few minutes, she did indeed perk up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is<\/em> better than stamina potions, yes? Say, Captain, would you mind lending them to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell nodded. She spilled more beans onto the table from a pouch dedicated to holding them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake \u2018em. I\u2019ve got tons. Apparently, they\u2019re from some Balerosian plant that Oteslia imported. Those [Gardeners] grow all kinds of things, and this stuff isn\u2019t popular. Good travel pick-me-up, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep anything else you want to share in one of those pouches, Vell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another [Captain] leaned over, looking interested. He was male, one of four [Captains] left in 4th Company since their battle at Liscor. Traditionally, that number of [Captains] would have demanded a huge regiment of [Soldiers], but Liscor\u2019s army was somewhat unique. It relied on high-level officer classes and a very small army of sitting [Soldiers]. In fact, Liscor\u2019s army was more of a force-multiplier. If it led a larger force of low-level [Soldiers], it was incredibly deadly.<\/p>\n

Vell scowled and placed a hand over her belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing I\u2019m offering you<\/em>, Pielt. Only my squad gets to share my stuff. You want to get something? You should have gotten it at Oteslia before we crossed half the damn continent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on, Vell. Not everyone saves their coin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you, a [Soldier] with his first month of back pay? Pass me that gravy boat and I might give you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026The butter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Out of my scales.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake sighed and raised a finger. Vell threw a biscuit at him. It bounced off of another Gnoll\u2019s head, and he glared around. Vell shrugged apologetically. Then she turned to Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Wing Commander. Any reason for today\u2019s inspection?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides making sure you lot aren\u2019t getting lazy? Be glad I didn\u2019t check the officers\u2019 gear myself. If we need to fight, I\u2019m not having anyone claiming they left their sword at a [Sharpener]\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria glanced up from her second helping. Vell nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cFair. Fair. I\u2019m just asking because my squad\u2019s getting antsy. They were telling me that they\u2019re afraid they\u2019ll be stuck here for another month before being recalled with no action. After the Goblin Lord was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew a claw across her neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Half the officers in the mess glanced at Vell. Embria could see the missing spots where some of her officers and friends should have been. Vell didn\u2019t blink twice, though. After a beat, Embria replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey think that, do they? Well, I can\u2019t say how long we\u2019ll be here, but we\u2019re not sitting on our tails all this time. I suppose now\u2019s as good a time as any. Captain Wikir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll sitting next to her glanced up. He twitched one tattered ear as he looked at Embria. Wikir was twenty years Embria\u2019s senior and had dozens of scars hidden under his fur.<\/p>\n

\u201cWing Commander?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWikir, it\u2019s Shield Spider breeding season. Word is it\u2019s even worse this year given all they\u2019ve had to eat. Which is why we\u2019re helping out Liscor and the City Watch with this year\u2019s culling. You know where I\u2019m going with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Several Drakes and Gnolls groaned. Wikir grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cVell gets her wish?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. Tomorrow, all the squads are sweeping the area around Liscor. Work your way down the road first, then sweep out from there. Each squad cleans at least four nests by the end of the day. Collect their shells and turn them in to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. The squad that does the best gets a night in Wishdrinks, on me. The squad that does the worst will also get a night of fun and relaxation\u2014cleaning the barracks.\u201d<\/p>\n

That perked up the room, as intended. Embria didn\u2019t mention that the squads would be doing this for at least two weeks, but Wikir got it. He nodded and flicked his ears at the [Lieutenants] and [Sergeants] under his direct command.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo says you.<\/em> I\u2019d rather fight Wyverns than Shield Spiders. Ever been covered by a hundred little spider babies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. And I don\u2019t plan to. Burn the nest, Captain Pielt. If your group doesn\u2019t have a strong [Mage] like mine\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

[Captain] Pielt raised his brows. Wikir grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnjoy picking baby spiders out of your earholes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other two [Captains] in the room, Vell and Igissi, laughed. Wikir grinned toothily, and one of the Drakes under Pielt\u2019s command covered her eyes with her claws. Sergeant Fika shook her head despairingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy vacation\u2019s in two days! If I start my days off with spiders laying eggs in my nostrils, I will kill myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pielt turned to his subordinate as the table laughed even harder. He glared at Wikir and Vell.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink of the opportunities, Sergeant. You invite a few lovely ladies to Wishdrinks, and you won\u2019t need to come back to a clean barracks tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sergeant Fika glanced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cLads, you fucking idiot. Sir. I\u2019m no Turnscale.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria glanced up. Pielt blinked, but then grinned. Vell stopped laughing abruptly, but no one save perhaps Embria and Lieutenant Kesa noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Sergeant. Two lovely lads. Drakes or Gnolls for preferences?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you can figure out which parts they\u2019re supposed to have, I\u2019ll settle for whatever you can get, sir. <\/em>Just get our squad the most nests.\u201d<\/p>\n

More laughter. Pielt rolled his eyes, but good-naturedly. Wikir chuckled, then glanced back at Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommander. Helping out the City Watch wouldn\u2019t also be part of our attempt to make good with Liscor, would it? And help win an election?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked innocently at Embria. She scowled and put down her butter knife. Ancestors take it, she\u2019d forgotten the drama of yesterday for a second. That was really going to complicate today\u2019s activities. Maybe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Captain Wikir. And I\u2019m afraid that you\u2019re in charge of banging the drum and doing parade marches all today. It\u2019s my day off. Try to rein in that Shopkeeper. Lism. But yes, we\u2019re trying to convince people to vote him into the Council for that election. Just don\u2019t say or do anything that\u2019ll upset the civilians, got it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wikir nodded. Vell stretched, looking annoyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here I\u2019d nearly forgotten about that stupid election. Commander, you make it sound like that Lism Swifttail\u2019s a problem. But he\u2019s the one running against that Krshia Silverfang, right? What\u2019s your problem with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced up the table. This time, Embria hesitated. She didn\u2019t have to answer. But this was her command, and they knew her. Better to answer than not.<\/p>\n

She looked down at her cup of tea and grimaced. Then Embria glanced up and checked both doors leading into the officers\u2019 mess. She tilted her head; Sergeant Tlik got up and closed one of the doors that was partly ajar. The other officers sat up a bit and leaned in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that I\u2019m against this election thing. The High Command is, and they\u2019re livid that it\u2019s happening, but they\u2019d be fine if we elected good, law-abiding citizens to the Council, I think. Doesn\u2019t matter what the Council does so long as it keeps Liscor safe, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The officers sitting on both tables around her nodded. Embria sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not even saying we\u2019re wrong to be against that Gnoll, Krshia, and her proposals. Some of what she\u2019s saying sounds good to me<\/em>, but allowing the Antinium any concessions? No. Absolutely not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIdiotic idea. I can\u2019t believe Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s going for it. I thought she had sense<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell growled. Embria had her own opinion about Zevara that wasn\u2019t germane to this conversation. She shook her head briskly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe terms are good. And I\u2019ll speak with Watch Captain Zevara. But despite all that\u2014and this is my opinion, not High Command\u2019s\u2014Lism is not our guy. He\u2019s obnoxious, sycophantic, prejudiced against Gnolls as far as I can tell, and he\u2019s going to lose. But the High Command trusts him, and I haven\u2019t been able to convince them to let me approach Krshia instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

The table was silent. Most of the officers carefully covered their reactions, although a few, like Wikir and Vell, nodded openly. Pielt\u2019s tail lashed under his table.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, you make it sound like he\u2019s as bad as that Krshia Silverfang. But as far as I\u2019ve seen, he\u2019s been for the 4th Company since we came to Liscor. He\u2019s given my boys discounts when we visit his store, and he\u2019s the only person who\u2019s stood up and told the truth about the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. Which is why we\u2019re supporting him. But he\u2019s not offering a good platform. Just one that says the Antinium are evil and everything\u2019s fine. Which it isn\u2019t<\/em>. Have you seen the rent prices on rooms?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDouble that of when I was here ten years back.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Lieutenants] muttered into his tea. Embria nodded. Kesa popped another bean into her mouth and crunched it.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. But we have orders to support him, and we have to. I wish we didn\u2019t. Soldiers like Zel Shivertail never played politics. He said what was important. Stop the Antinium. Kill the Goblin Lord. Tying ourselves to someone else or meddling in this election is going to come back and bite all our tails. But we have to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around the table. The other officers sighed or muttered, but they all nodded. Vell leaned over, looking troubled, and poked Wikir.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Wikir. That Gnoll [Shopkeeper]. She\u2019s a big shot, yeah? What\u2019re her odds on the Gnoll side of things? How many of them will see sense about the Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wikir coughed. He looked at Embria and shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s honored Krshia, Commander. I can\u2019t explain it too well, and I\u2019m not running with the civilian crowd yet. They don\u2019t trust me. But I do know Krshia. She\u2019s smart. Got lots of authority. When she howls, a lot of Gnolls will follow, no matter what deal with the Antinium is going down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe we have to get her to reconsider her stance on the Antinium thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd fund all her shiny projects how?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTax the adventurers more? I\u2019m all for expanding Liscor if that\u2019s possible. I have an aunt who told me about the prices yesterday. And if she\u2019s hurting for coin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The breakfast table erupted into several arguments. Embria quietly drank the rest of her tea as she listened to the pulse of her officers\u2019 opinions. At last, she raised a claw and had silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explore our options. Tomorrow. For now, keep an earhole open and wait for further orders from High Command. We\u2019ll support this Lism and wait for more candidates to emerge. There are eight seats on the High Council unless anyone\u2019s forgotten, and these two are fighting for the same district under that plan Krshia rolled out. Someone get me a map of those districts too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drakes and Gnolls nodded. Fika shook her head as she scratched at a patch of scarred, burned skin on the side of her face where the scales had never regrown.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want to bet it\u2019s eight Gnolls versus eight Drakes on either side? Ancestors, we might have more Gnolls than Drakes on this year\u2019s Council.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wikir turned his head down the table like the slow wrath of the mace he used. Which wasn\u2019t slow at all in battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd would that be a bad thing, Sergeant?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fika\u2019s cheeks colored.<\/p>\n

\u201cNossir! Not unless it means I wake up sharing my bunk space with an Antinium!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another laugh. Pielt covered for Fika, who was part of his mainly Drake squad.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just worry about getting our squad that table at Wishdrinks, Sergeant. I\u2019ll see to it we walk out with two lovely companions. Drakes or<\/em> Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Captain Vell smirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep saying that, Pielt. But even if you got more nests than all the other squads\u2014which you won\u2019t\u2014could you even get anyone to join you for a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pielt glared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, Vell. I\u2019m as smooth on a tavern floor as I am on the battlefield.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? In that case, give me your best shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell spread her arms, mockingly. The officers laughed, and Pielt grinned. He pushed back his plate, then leaned one arm on the table and gave Vell a full-toothed grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey there, sweet-scales. I saw you checking out my tail. I\u2019ve got two. Want to see the other one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria saw Vell\u2019s eyes bulge, and then heard her guffaw. The Wing Commander smiled as the female side of the mess hall laughed, and some of Pielt\u2019s male friends rolled their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, that\u2019s your best, Pielt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it works, Vell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Pielt grinned around. Kesa snorted and leaned over to Vell. The Gnoll whispered loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe says that, but I\u2019ve never seen a tail that short before.\u201d<\/p>\n

The table burst out into raucous laughter. Two of the male Drake [Captains] coughed as their morning tea went down the wrong tube. Pielt\u2019s scales turned beet red. He opened his mouth to reply, and Embria decided it was time to cut short a potential argument. It was nearly time for her to go, anyways. She didn\u2019t want to be late. So she put a snap into her tone as she stacked her cup on her plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant Kesa, stop impugning your commanding [Captain]\u2019s authority. Captain Pielt, stop bringing up your failed attempts at romance. Find someone outside<\/em> of the army or I\u2019ll write you up for your inability to conduct interpersonal relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder what charge, Commander?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Captain] looked hurt. Embria stared at him and replied, deadpan.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking me laugh my scales off.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time even Pielt joined in the laughter, and Embria considered it a job well done. She was standing back to bus her plates when Vell glanced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are one to talk, Commander.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria paused, one claw holding her plate. Captain Vell shrugged, apologetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just saying. I\u2019ve heard your best, and Pielt\u2019s a master [Seducer] compared to you. No offense to the class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOi, Vell. Commander Embria can\u2019t be that<\/em> bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another officer chortled. Vell only raised her brows. She looked teasingly at Embria, and the Drake felt an ominous prickle on her back. She\u2019d known Vell for years. Even so, she couldn\u2019t just walk away after hearing that. Embria tossed her plate back on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy game\u2019s better than Pielt\u2019s. I can guarantee you that, Vell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m wide open, Commander. Or Pielt is. Come on, give us your opening line. Say you spot someone handsome across the bar\u2014not Pielt, for instance. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, it was Embria on the spot, and the Wing Commander couldn\u2019t see a way out of it. Embarrassed, she cleared her throat. No problem. <\/em>Casually, she walked over and put a hand on Pielt\u2019s shoulder. She gave him a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYo. Good looking. Are you part Selphid? Because I\u2019d like you to get inside me tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pielt stared up at her as if she were a Creler. Embria wavered. She looked around. The other officers weren\u2019t laughing. They were just staring. Wikir reached for his cup and found it was empty. Mechanically, the Gnoll reached for a kettle and tried to fill his cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d actually say that, Commander?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Too forwards? Okay. Fine. How about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Exasperated, Embria turned back to Pielt. He flinched as she leaned further down, treating him to another smile. Something charming, the kind of thing that would sweep him off his feet if Embria were interested in him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey there. Are you a Courier? Because you\u2019ve been running through my mind ever since I laid eyes on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited a beat. And then she winked. Pielt opened his mouth slightly. He gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, uh\u2014wow, Commander. That\u2019s\u2026terrible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/em> No it\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria looked around. No one else could meet her eyes, except Wikir. The tea cup he\u2019d been filling from the kettle was slowly overflowing on the table. Embria stared at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not. Is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell looked delighted. She gestured with a claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more. Come on, Commander.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria hesitated. This time she abandoned the winking and just leaned on Pielt\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou come from Salazsar? Because you\u2019re a fine gem in my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

He froze. Just froze up in his seat. Embria searched his face for something, anything, then straightened. She glared around the room, daring anyone to say anything. They were silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to take my day off. We\u2019ll discuss this later, Captain Vell. The rest of you\u2014you\u2019ve got a job to do. Dismissed!\u201d<\/p>\n

She stalked out of the room, her tail twitching angrily. The officers watched her go. None of them, not even Vell, had the heart to laugh this time. Pielt stared back at his fellow [Captains]. It took him a few more gulps to make the words come out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors. The smile, the timing, the way she looked at me\u2014everything<\/em> was wrong there. How is that even possible?\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell sighed. She finished her last mouthfuls of breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know those sad losers who hang out in taverns and bars and buy anything with a pulse and a tail a drink? I\u2019ve seen Commander Embria scare them away when she\u2019s trying to be encouraging<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. I hope she doesn\u2019t try that on her date today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone else mumbled under his breath. Vell turned her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she\u2019s on a date? She didn\u2019t say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she\u2019s not wearing her armor. And she usually dresses up. Did you notice she was only wearing her practice gear? Normally she\u2019s in full armor. Who\u2019d she land with those<\/em> lines?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. That? It\u2019s not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a date. It\u2019s her father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wikir cut in quietly. He mopped the table with a napkin. The other officers went quiet. Lieutenant Kesa growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean she still visits him? That\u2019s too good for that coward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant, show some respect. That Drake saved our Commander\u2019s life. He\u2019s a former [Sergeant], even if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if he\u2019s a coward? He gave us one retreat order, Captain. A coward\u2019s a coward no matter what. I\u2019m not licking his boots even if he was a big shot. And if the Commander wants to waste time on his sorry tail\u2014as if we\u2019d just let him waltz back in after abandoning\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Kesa\u2019s growling voice turned into a yelp<\/em> of pain as Vell kicked her in the stomach across the table. It wasn\u2019t a light kick either. The [Captain] stared at her subordinate and hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cStow that shit, Lieutenant. Unless you want to go for a twenty-lap run around the walls again? If the Commander hears you, you\u2019ll be scrubbing the toilets with your tail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Vell jerked her head sideways. The younger Gnoll [Sergeant] followed her glance towards Captain Wikir. Kesa\u2019s ears flattened on her head, and she went quiet at once.<\/p>\n

The oldest Gnoll at the table didn\u2019t look at Kesa. Wikir calmly drank from his cup, and then spoke, as if reminiscing to the air in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got Garen Redfang, a former Gold-rank, even if he was a Goblin. He\u2019s as good as I remember. And I was barely a [First Sergeant] when he retired. What Wing Commander Embria does is her business. You can\u2019t choose your family. And if he\u2019s a coward, then every single Drake in 4th Company will lose to a coward in a one-on-one duel.\u201d<\/p>\n

No one had a reply to that. After a long moment, Pielt bit into his fish.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue that. My day off\u2019s coming up. Birthday, actually. I almost wish it wasn\u2019t. I\u2019m going back to see my folks. My dad\u2019s a Gnoll, and he\u2019ll try to get me playing catch. I want to tell him it\u2019s not my thing, but his idea of fun\u2019s throwing around a ball for hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mood at the tables relaxed. Wikir grinned sheepishly, and the other Gnolls sighed, shaking their heads. Vell looked curious.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou adopted, Pielt? You never said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. Fertility spell. One of those cross-species kinds. It works out well, but\u2026you know? I think it hurts my old man when I don\u2019t race after a ball. Just toss it to me. Don\u2019t make me run for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pielt sighed. Sergeant Fika patted him on the back. Vell looked around; one of the youngest [Lieutenants], a Gnoll, looked frankly jealous of Pielt. She shrugged. What was there to say?<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what the Commander says to her father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Thoughtfully, Pielt stroked his chin with a claw and shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever she has to, probably. Gotta make it work, Vell. Gotta make it work. Pass the butter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Breakfast came and went in Liscor\u2019s barracks. The 4th Company was having an easy time of it. At least compared to the quick meals that came and went during their time on campaign. They would be the first to describe their more relaxed schedules, frequent days off, and easy duties as luxurious. And that was because life was a subjective affair. If the 4th Company\u2019s breakfast was luxurious, what could you call breakfast at The Wandering Inn?<\/p>\n

Sinful? Decadent? Hedonistic? The Wandering Inn was gaining a reputation as having some solid cooking. But that wasn\u2019t what propelled the Drake [Guardsman] up the hill. He hadn\u2019t even bothered to wait for the teleportation door to activate. Relc Grasstongue rubbed his claws as he pushed open the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy. Oh boy. Ohboyohboyohboy\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc\u2019s partner, Klbkch, walked in through the magical door from Liscor a minute after Relc had arrived. The Antinium glanced around; Relc was already sitting at a table.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlb, get over here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc waved a claw excitedly. He was sitting at a table near the front of the inn. The Players of Celum were warming up on the stage, and some of the [Actors] and the regular guests were having their breakfast. Klbkch walked over to Relc and saw someone bustling out of the kitchen. Erin Solstice herself set down a big plate of pancakes on the table and a cup full of blue fruit juice in front of Relc.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere you go! Blue fruit juice, fresh! Hi, Klb! It\u2019s great to see you! It\u2019s been ages! Come in! What do you want to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is good to see you as well, Erin. I would like to inquire\u2014are there any Acid Flies on your menu yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Klb glanced at the cup Relc was lovingly caressing. Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. But we\u2019ve laid traps, and I\u2019ll let you know at once when we have enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. In that case, perhaps a fish-based dish? I had a quite enjoyable fillet last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what? I think I have that exact fillet still in a cupboard. Drassi! Get that fillet and some condiments for Klbkch! Blue fruit juice, Klbkch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. And perhaps a pitcher?\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch indicated Relc. Erin turned to look and saw Relc tilting his cup up. The Drake licked his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlue fruit juice! I\u2019ve missed this so much!\u201d<\/p>\n

He was nearly crying as he gulped down the sweet cup of juice. Erin nodded and waved an arm at Drassi. She turned to Relc, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs good as you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter. Better. <\/em>This is amazing. I can\u2019t believe I went a winter without it. Hey, can I buy a flask of it or something for work? I\u2019ll have a pitcher. How much is\u2014aw. You upped the prices? Fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc spotted the sign above Erin\u2019s bar. She made a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Lyonette controls the prices. I can definitely get you a flask, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the best. And these pancakes are great! You\u2019ve got to try one, Klb!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc stuffed half a pancake onto one fork and swallowed all of it in one bite. Erin watched with fascination; Klbkch deliberately averted his gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am allergic to wheat-based products, as you may not recall, Relc. Although\u2026my Queen did mention she removed my gluten intolerance after my last body was developed. Or didn\u2019t she? I would have to ask her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium paused to think. Relc eyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember what your current body does? That\u2019s weird.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not qualify that as important information. Eating pancakes is not high on my list of priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019ve never had these<\/em> pancakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Would they then shift my entire perspective? Very well. I will try one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! These are mine! Get your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc protectively covered his plate. Klbkch stared at him. Then he looked at Erin. She beamed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so good you\u2019re back. Both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a highly subjective and generous opinion. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc reached for his cup, which Drassi had just refilled. He drank half of it, sighed, and then, suddenly, looked up. He looked around the inn slowly, and then focused on Erin. And to her surprise, to Klbkch\u2019s surprise as well, Relc put down his fork and looked seriously at the young woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for letting me come for breakfast, Erin. Seriously. I won\u2019t stay long. So if you need me to go\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced at the stairs. Erin followed his gaze and line of thought, and she blinked. She looked at Relc, then at Klbkch, who silently shook his head, and gazed at Relc.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No. It\u2019s fine, Relc. You\u2019re free to be here. If\u2026anyone has a problem, he can just eat in his room. But he said it\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks. I appreciate it. And I really missed your cooking. It\u2019s good stuff, these pancakes. I wish I could make them. Klb misses this place too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc gestured around at the inn. Erin stared at him, then smiled. She looked at Klbkch. The Antinium was eying his partner as if Relc were some strange new species.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is correct. I do appreciate the ambiance and cooking. Although, I have to point out that pancakes are not, by and large, considered high cuisine, Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you know? You\u2019ve never eaten them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin grinned. Klb\u2019s antennae twitched.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you cannot cook them. Why is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, why? Pancakes are easy. I could teach you how to do them myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman looked at the Drake [Guardsman]. Relc grimaced as he filled his cup for the third time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just no good, Erin. Believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s that bad, Relc. If I walk you through it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI nearly burned down my kitchen last time I tried to make pancakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc eyed Erin as he took a small sip from his cup. She blinked. Her eyes slid sideways to Klbkch. This time, the Antinium nodded. Erin digested this fact.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, no cooking. How are you so bad at it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno. I don\u2019t eat at home. Why are you so good at it? It\u2019s all oil and fires and stuff the moment you light a stove. I nearly died when I tried to make pasta last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you\u2014? You know what? Fire hazard or not, I\u2019m willing to take this risk. We can make pasta in the kitchen right after this. You, me, a healing potion on standby\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The smile on Erin\u2019s face was infectious. Relc grinned, and Klbkch smiled politely. But the Drake cast one eye towards the window and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to. Really, Erin. But I don\u2019t think you want to build a new inn\u2014although you\u2019re sort of missing a third floor, so it wouldn\u2019t be too<\/em> bad. But I can\u2019t either way. I have an appointment. Today\u2019s actually the start of my days off. Klb and I just finished a night shift.\u201d<\/p>\n

He yawned as if to prove that fact. Erin raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. Maybe I should have served dinner. Fillet\u2019s a dinner, though. What do you have planned after this, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026just hanging out with my kid. You know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc shifted in his chair. Erin gave him the blankest look possible until a light went off in her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, Wing Commander Embria? The Drake with the red scales? The one who\u2019s really, really angry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh. Yeah. That\u2019s her. You\u2019ve met her before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA few times. What\u2019s she like?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Good. I, uh, well, we do this every week. Sometimes it\u2019s hard to get the dates to line up, but it usually works out. She\u2019s her own boss, at least of 4th Company, so she can choose her days off. And I\u2014well, I\u2019m going to meet with her after this. All day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc slowly bit into the second-to-last pancake. Erin studied his expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Of course. Why wouldn\u2019t it be? Do you, uh, want to come with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? Or Klbkch?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two looked at each other. Erin bit her lip. Klbkch was the first to respond.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that would be unwise. Your daughter has made her feelings about my presence very clear on fifteen different occasions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. But she only says that. Come on, Klb, buddy. It\u2019d be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that statement is incorrect on every level conceivable. And I do not believe Erin would have fun either. This is a prearranged time with you and your offspring, Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I don\u2019t want to get in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. She probably wouldn\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc slumped into his seat and sighed. Erin looked from him to Klbkch. The Antinium was studying his partner. Erin coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be fine. You\u2019re her dad, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer actual dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re her father and everything. You. Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep saying that, Erin. Yes, she\u2019s my kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked up. Erin stared at him, unblinking, until the Drake looked down at his plate. He played with the scraps. Erin pondered Relc for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo why are you trying to avoid her?\u201d<\/p>\n

The table fell silent. Relc silently ate the last of his pancake bits. He pushed back his plate and looked at the nearly empty pitcher of blue fruit juice. Erin stared at it, and then at him. The Drake [Guardsman] stared ahead. Then he shrugged heavily. His huge shoulders slumped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not much to talk about. Or rather, we talk about the same things, Erin. That\u2019s all. It feels like a pain for her to do this every week. I don\u2019t think she likes me that much, honestly. Can\u2019t say I blame her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why does she do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Duty? She\u2019s big on duty. Which reminds me. I\u2019d better not be late. Thanks for the juice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc stood up. He fished in his belt pouch and put down some coins. He pointed at the pitcher.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get a flask to go? Later? Sorry, but I should go. I\u2019ll come back later for dinner if I\u2019m free. Or pick it up after. Thanks for the meal, Erin. It was great.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Uh, good luck!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin raised her voice. Relc was already heading towards the door. She stared at his back as he pulled open the magical door and vanished. Then she looked at Klbkch.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was weird. What\u2019s that all about? Has he been like that every week?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium nodded absently.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir ongoing arguments have featured heavily in Relc\u2019s conversations with me. I gather that she wants him to rejoin Liscor\u2019s army. He refuses to. Hence the quandary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Do you think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin trailed off. She stared at the door through which Relc had gone. She half-rose, and then seemed to decide to sit. The table was quiet as Klbkch pushed back his empty plate. After a minute, he looked up seriously at Erin and opened his mandibles.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter due consideration of the risks, I will have a pancake after all, Erin. What is the appropriate amount of syrup and butter?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman blinked. And then she beamed, Relc temporarily forgotten.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlbkch, you\u2019re in for a treat. Drassi! <\/em>Butter and syrup on the side! Pancake for Klbkch! Hey, wait. Do you <\/em>know how to make pancakes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe desire to create a pancake has never occurred within me in my entire life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s your lucky day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Liscor, in the morning, the real morning in which most people got up, not just the eternal early-risers, was busy. The city was in the midst of late spring. Life was blooming across the continent. And excitement abounded.<\/p>\n

On the streets, Lism and Krshia\u2019s supporters engaged in shouting matches in the early morning. The Drake [Shopkeeper], severely on the back foot after the drama of yesterday, tried to make his case to a city full of people. The 4th Company marched. But so did the Antinium. And the giant who led them attracted every eye.<\/p>\n

There was something to see everywhere. In her inn, Erin tried to teach Klbkch and Mrsha how to make pancakes. In her<\/em> inn, Lyonette stopped a fire. Three times. In her office, Zevara got some very irate [Messages] from a lot of cities. And the High Command. Olesm got back with Pisces from a night in Pallass and an adventure involving a [Librarian] to find out\u2026everything\u2026had changed. In her shop, Octavia paid the protection fee and sat under her counter. Her shop was closed.<\/p>\n

And among it all, two Drakes met on a small street outside of an apartment. Theirs was not an important, exciting event. It was quiet. In fact, neither one said anything for a second when they met.<\/p>\n

He was big. Not just tall; he had height, but the impression he gave was of musculature, not stature. His scales were light-green.<\/p>\n

She was shorter than him, but only by a bit. And she had muscles, but she didn\u2019t give off the same impression. If her posture and body indicated anything, it was her profession. He slouched; her back was straight as the spears that neither one carried at the moment. Her scales were crimson, vibrant.<\/p>\n

Neither Drake looked particularly comfortable out of their gear and in casual clothing. And their idea of casual clothing was\u2026Relc stared at his daughter\u2019s cream-colored tunic and leggings. She eyed his slightly syrup-spotted front and worn clothes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning. You\u2019re late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc started guiltily.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Sorry. I, uh, had breakfast. At The Wandering Inn. Uh, how was your day? Just get up?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled hopefully. Embria eyed him. Her lips did not feel the need to reciprocate the smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been up for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Doing what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning training. Or have you forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc scratched his neck-spines. Embria stared at him silently. When he didn\u2019t respond, she jerked her head challengingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind. Let\u2019s go. Do you have anywhere you want to go today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could go to a few spots. I have some shopping to do. What about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc trailed after Embria. She shook her head and slowed down to accommodate his amble.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m free. Where to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarket\u2014no, wait, that\u2019s probably crowded. Let\u2019s go to the [Trader]\u2019s stalls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine by me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two proceeded along the street. It wasn\u2019t anything like the quick march that Embria was used to, and she kept stepping too fast for Relc, whose leisurely stroll sped up for her. The two Drakes glanced at each other and both sought for conversation topics. Relc was first.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Heck of a thing. These elections, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re something. You aren\u2019t for them, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger Drake eyed her father. Relc held up his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. I\u2019m staying out of it. I\u2019m surprised Captain Z backed it, to be honest. She usually says the Watch should stay out of politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to know why she\u2019s trying to push for the elections myself. I understand what she wants, but is this the way to do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc gave a shrug that was the opposite of eloquent. He gazed at Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026I heard you were marching for that Lism guy. The army\u2019s not for the elections or Krshia, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her regular pace faltered a beat, and then picked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had orders. From High Command. I\u2019m carrying them out. You know how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026If I had the choice, I wouldn\u2019t be involved at all. But I have to do my job. And Shopkeeper Lism\u2019s right. I\u2019m not saying I disagree with the idea to expand Liscor, but having Antinium aid\u2026did your partner<\/em> tell you about his Hive\u2019s plans, by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced swiftly up and to the side. Relc smiled crookedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlb? He doesn\u2019t tell me anything. Well, usually. These days he complains about his subordinates. Pawn and the others. But he doesn\u2019t talk about stuff like that. Suits me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it doesn\u2019t bother you? His proposal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Paying for more buildings in exchange for making the Hive bigger? Works for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they\u2019ll expand the Hive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Captain Z will double the Watch. We could probably use both, after the siege. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria opened her mouth to respond. After a second, she closed it and kept walking. The two walked down one street and then the next. They passed by arguing Drakes and Gnolls. Embria eyed them. She looked twice when one of the Drakes threw a punch and a Gnoll raised a fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t you stop that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc picked at his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOff duty. Besides, it\u2019s just a fight. Long as there\u2019s no blades, it should be good. It\u2019s healthy to punch things. It was like this just a bit ago, remember? When that Numbtongue guy entered the city?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tone in Embria\u2019s voice passed Relc completely by, or he ignored it. He nodded. Then he brushed at a crumb on his front and brightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tell you, though, it was good being back at the old inn. Ever since that thing with the Goblins, it\u2019s been hard to visit. I think she\u2019s forgiven me; she didn\u2019t throw a knife at my head, anyways. Breakfast was good.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smacked his lips together absently. Embria just looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, during the siege?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc paused. He looked at Embria, and the two shared a long glance. After a second, he kept walking and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, that too. I meant the first thing with the Goblins. And the other thing with that small one. Rags or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat thing? Rags?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I killed some Goblins. Cut their heads off. Erin really didn\u2019t like that. The second time\u2014I was sort of a jerk to a little Goblin who always came in. Erin kicked me out after that. I didn\u2019t really go back until recently. Haven\u2019t gotten into a fight this time, and I\u2019m trying not to. They\u2019ve got blue juice there now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wing Commander stared at her father. She opened her mouth, then closed it and sighed. The worst part was that she could decipher some of what Relc had just said from previous anecdotes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to go there anyways? A Goblin-loving\u2014what\u2019s that inn got to offer that the Tailless Thief doesn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides price? Besides the free plays, which are awesome and the really good food? That, uh, Peslas guy who runs the Tailless Thief just serves Drake food. Erin serves new stuff, and really good<\/em> stuff. I love it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He licked his lips. Embria smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do like to eat. But why not cook it yourself? You could probably get the class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t cook, kid. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill? How long has it been?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc counted on his claws and then shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t get a hang of it. But I do have hobbies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019d turned down another street during the course of their conversation onto Trader\u2019s End, but not the ritzy section with the highest-leveled spaces.<\/p>\n

This part of Trader\u2019s End was filled with more [Traders] than anything, and you shopped here if you had less of a budget. At least this street was mercifully free of the arguments enveloping most of the city. Relc explained eagerly as he took Embria from stall to stall, clearly searching for one in particular.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried gardening. Didn\u2019t work out. But I\u2019m into these puzzle-things. They\u2019re\u2014oh, look! There they are!\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed excitedly. Embria saw one [Trader] had a display full of\u2026she could only call them rejected [Blacksmith] pieces. Pieces of bent metal, odd shapes, some made of wood, some metal, a few decorative, but all very, very<\/em> strange looking. They weren\u2019t decorations. And as Relc showed her one excitedly, Embria saw they were meant to come apart. Only, it was the doing that would be the challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake a look. I\u2019ve got like six of these, and I work on them during my patrols. And at night. And when I wake up. See? I know this one by heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had a tiny pair of what looked like bent, intertwined wires in his claws. It was two parts, joined at the center with a tiny little gap, but the two pieces of wire were twisted so that it seemed you\u2019d never get them apart. But Relc confidently held the puzzle up by one claw. He flicked<\/em> the little wire puzzle expertly, and the connected pieces flew apart.<\/p>\n

Embria blinked. Relc caught the piece before it could fly off and joined them together in a moment. He turned to the [Trader], a Gnoll with spectacles, who looked approving.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad. You\u2019ve done some beginner puzzles, hrm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done advanced and even expert ones. Do you have any of the Wistram head-scratcher puzzles? The last female [Trader] who was in said sometimes you have the really complex<\/em> ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll grinned as Embria picked up the pieces of wire, bemused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a few very hard ones. Would you like to see?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Ooh. Oooh<\/em>. How much is that one?\u201d<\/p>\n

As the Gnoll brought out some of the \u2018special\u2019 puzzles from below his counter, Embria gazed at her father and then the puzzle she was holding. She stared at the puzzle and tried to copy what Relc had done. But when she flicked it, the little wire pieces just spun around without separating.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Embria tried to figure out how the two pieces were supposed to disconnect\u2014the gap didn\u2019t seem large enough, but maybe if she twisted it so the thin side was going through\u2026no, that didn\u2019t work\u2026why had he flicked it?<\/p>\n

She was so engrossed in the puzzle that she didn\u2019t notice time flying by. Or the Drake who suddenly appeared behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmbria?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wing Commander turned. She blinked down at a shorter Drake, around her age\u2014no, slightly younger. She had bright yellow scales and a huge smile. The Drake beamed <\/em>at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so! Only one Drake I know has scales like yours. Embria, hi! It\u2019s me! Drassi! Remember me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Hello?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria stared blankly at Drassi. The Drake wasn\u2019t familiar to her, but she acted like she was. She peered at the puzzle Embria was holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know you were into those metal puzzles! They\u2019re really hard. But there\u2019s an entire group of people who love to solve them. Especially the magic ones. Apparently even Archmages get stumped with some! I\u2019m not one for puzzles myself, but I hear [Thieves] like them too. Say, Embria, how has it been? I\u2019ve seen you about, but you\u2019ve always been on the job, and we never had a chance to catch up!\u201d<\/p>\n

The words washed over Embria like rain. The Drake [Commander] opened her mouth for a word in edgewise, and had to wait for her moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss. But are you mistaking me? I don\u2019t remember you, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t? But we were friends! At least, I thought so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi looked heartbroken. She glanced over Embria\u2019s shoulder at Relc and brightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Relc! It\u2019s me, Drassi! I was just at the inn! You know me, and you know I used to know Embria, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc turned. He had a flashing, half-ghostly puzzle in one claw, and the [Trader] was showing him another one that was invisible\u2014Embria could barely see the outlines as some dust or dirt covered it. Relc blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Drassi? Hey. You knew Embria? Wait\u2026did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He frowned. The [Gossip] looked crushed twice-over.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did! We haven\u2019t seen each other for over a decade but\u2014don\u2019t you remember? When we were just kids? Embria, you came to Liscor with Relc back when he was just starting out as a [Guardsman], right? And you and I used to play in the streets! We got into tons of trouble! Heck, you and Selys used to know each other! Any of this ringing a bell?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was\u2026vaguely familiar. Embria frowned. She could remember growing up in Liscor after Relc had left the army. Until she\u2019d joined it. But it had only been for a handful of years. She didn\u2019t remember Drassi. Although she did<\/em> vaguely recall the same loudmouthed, cheerful voice the longer it went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014maybe I did? I\u2019m sorry, but everything before I enlisted\u2019s a bit of a blur. My apologies, Miss Drassi.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake laughed good-naturedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just Drassi! But I\u2019d love to sit and talk, Embria. I just got off my shift. Do you have time? Hey, we could sit at The Wandering Inn and catch up! How about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The offer was vaguely tempting. But\u2014Embria glanced at her father. Relc was inspecting his puzzle while watching her out of the corner of one eye. She hesitated and shook her head after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Drassi. But I\u2019m busy today. Maybe another time?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled apologetically at Drassi. The Drake didn\u2019t look too put out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s totally fine. I\u2019m actually shopping for some bug-killing traps myself. I have this infestation. Bad wood in my apartment. Know where I can get any charms?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend six stalls down has a number of charms.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll [Trader] leaned into the conversation. Drassi grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Thanks! I\u2019ll check him out. Embria, Relc, let\u2019s talk again sometime, okay? Don\u2019t be a stranger! And don\u2019t forget me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bemused, Embria waved a claw as Drassi headed off. Relc grunted to himself as he peered into one side of his puzzle.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s cool. I talk to her on my patrols sometimes. Although, I get in trouble if I talk for too long. You did use to know her, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sort of remember. But it\u2019s ages ago now. I don\u2019t know anyone in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria watched Drassi disappear into the crowd. Then she turned back to the stall. The Gnoll was smiling as Relc cursed over the puzzle he was holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike it? Only two Archmages have completed it. Feor and Nailihuaile. Amerys doesn\u2019t count; she blasted hers apart. You can try as long as you like. Solve it here and you can take it with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah! I can do that. Just give me a second. Hey, kid, do you, uh, think this thing goes here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria was still watching Drassi. Then she noticed a Gnoll mother walking from stall to stall with a young child. She watched the Gnoll grabbing his mother\u2019s hand excitedly and pulling her past him to look at a display of colorful toys the next stall over.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn! This one\u2019s impossible! There\u2019s no way to move this thing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc complained. The [Trader] laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve barely even unlocked half of the functions, yes? There\u2019s a lot more you need to do to even come close. How about it? I can show you some more if you\u2019d like. All equally hard or harder! There\u2019s one that not even Wistram\u2019s mages have figured out how to open yet. But I\u2019m told that the creator swears on a truth spell that it\u2019s doable!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc\u2019s eyes lit up. Then he glanced to one side at his daughter. She noticed his stare at last and looked up. The [Guardsman] hesitated, then shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cEh. I\u2019ll get one later. This is boring. It\u2019s boring, right, kid? Let\u2019s go somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

He jerked a thumb down the street. Embria started.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No. Go on, try your puzzle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not into them, though. I won\u2019t take up your time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s fine\u2026why not get one? For your patrols, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria smiled, and it wasn\u2019t too forced. Relc stared at her, and then turned back to the [Trader].<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. I can\u2019t afford whatever that stupid magic one is. How about a good, expert-level one? I can spend\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, he counted out some gold and silver into the [Trader]\u2019s paw and walked away with three small puzzles, all mechanical and magic-less. Relc seemed happy, although Embria was mystified.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had to have spent at least a few day\u2019s pay on that. Maybe a week\u2019s! How much do Senior Guardsman earn per week?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh\u2026enough. Look, I like these things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc answered evasively. He walked down the street, and both he and Embria heard Drassi\u2019s cheerful voice as she talked to the [Trader] with charms on display. Relc paused as he watched Drassi.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really don\u2019t remember Drassi?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Embria. She shrugged, embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t. I wish I did, but all I remember is the voice, and not even that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? You kids used to get into all kinds of trouble. I remember that. I can\u2019t believe I didn\u2019t\u2026well, you weren\u2019t here long. Hey. Why don\u2019t you catch up with her at the inn? I could sit and watch a play or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprised, Embria blinked up at her father. He shrugged in answer to the question in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to hang out with me. If you\u2019re busy. I know being a Wing Commander\u2019s hard work, and you only get so many days off\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And for a second, she wavered. Embria stared at Drassi\u2019s wagging tail, then at Relc\u2019s smile. Her expression firmed, and she shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine. Did you have anywhere else you wanted to go? I didn\u2019t have a plan for today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The second stop they came to was a shop that smelled like animals. Because it was, in fact, inhabited by animals<\/em>. Lots of them. Embria pushed open the door, sneezed, and then saw a cat glaring at her from its window perch in the sun. The Gnoll running the counter shouted he\u2019d be out from the back, and a number of dogs barked. That set off the birds. And a sheep. Embria stared around, and then at Relc. He grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought about getting a pet, too. That\u2019d be cool, right? I could get a big dog and have it run down [Thieves] while we\u2019re on the job. One of the Senior Guardsman has an attack dog he\u2019s allowed to take on patrols. He never has to run.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want a dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria eyed the animals wandering the floor. They were either all amazingly well-trained, or the owner cleaned up after them. Relc nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be cool, right? Dogs run. I can run. Dogs like food. I like food. It\u2019d be this thing. Anyways, I\u2019m just checking them out. But if you get a good impression\u2014hey! Elirr! It\u2019s me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc waved at the Gnoll who came out of a tattered curtain in the back. The Gnoll froze when he saw Relc. Then he groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the last time, Senior Guardsman Relc. I will not<\/em> sell you a trained attack sheep\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He protectively moved in front of the one sheep in the room. Relc scratched the back of his neck, avoiding Embria\u2019s pointed gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not interested in sheep. I\u2019m just looking for a dog. And I\u2019ve got my, uh, daughter here! This is Embria. Embria, Elirr\u2019s a [Beast Master].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Beast Trainer<\/em>].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that thing. Say, do you have a dog with really big teeth? And how fast do they run?\u201d<\/p>\n

The long-suffering sigh that Elirr emitted sounded almost familiar to Embria. She\u2019d heard it from a number of Relc\u2019s colleagues. But the Gnoll soon had a number of dogs wandering the floor, and she was impressed at how well they obeyed even Relc\u2019s commands. The Drake bent to scratch ears and ask who liked the taste of [Thieves]\u2014Embria stood back and watched.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are Senior Guardsman Relc\u2019s daughter, Wing Commander? I recognize both of you, but I hardly put the pieces together until now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elirr\u2019s voice made Embria turn. She smiled at him, and the older Gnoll smiled back. He only smelled a bit like wet dog, and if you got to know Gnolls, you understood that was a distinct possibility anyways.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2019m back home on duty. I haven\u2019t been back to the city in\u2026years.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll\u2019s gaze sharpened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, the army hasn\u2019t. But Liscor is pleased to have the army back defending us, yes? Your company saw fighting during the siege.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria nodded, surprised. Not everyone gave them credit. But the Gnoll\u2019s smile seemed genuine. He gestured to the menagerie. Relc was going from pet to pet, and he was popular with dogs. Not so much with the cats, who flipped their tails up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you wish to see the animals? You need not buy them; they enjoy a good scratching. And, ah, is your father serious about a dog? I have had a number of odd questions from him, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake smiled ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that. I don\u2019t know if he\u2019s serious. I like cats and dogs. My dad\u2014my father prefers dogs, though. He doesn\u2019t get along with cats.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed. Embria turned back to see Relc glowering at a cat perched at head-height. The cat was hissing at him. Relc hissed<\/em> back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBleh. You want some? Bring it.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was the wrong move, apparently. The cat leapt and slashed at Relc\u2019s extended tongue. The Drake staggered back, howling. Elirr sighed. Embria covered her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat cat slashed my tongue!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc\u2019s first reaction after a drop of healing potion had been used was outrage. Embria put her claws on her hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing, picking a fight with a cat? And how did it injure you, anyways? You\u2019ve got two defensive Skills for your scales alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy scales, not my tongue!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc moaned. Elirr was apologetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Miss Twekla is also a bit more dangerous than the average housecat. Which is already a bloodthirsty murderer. She\u2019s trained to kill pests, and her claws are sharper than normal. Please don\u2019t tease her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you sell cats for stew?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake glared at the cat. Miss Twekla hissed<\/em> at him and leapt out of Elirr\u2019s arms. She disappeared among her friends. The Gnoll shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one eats my animals. Or dogs in Liscor. Or<\/em> cats. Unless they poop outside the litter box.\u201d<\/p>\n

He eyed his charges. They looked innocently back at him and raised their backsides, as if for inspection. Embria had to laugh. Elirr shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder how much they do know\u2014Guardsman Relc, do you want a dog? You\u2019ve seen all the ones I have, although I could hold any puppies that are birthed. It is a chore training them, but they are lifelong friends, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Relc. The [Guardsman] looked like he was seriously considering it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. You know, it\u2019s a big thing, but I could see myself having a dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria was exasperated. She poked Relc in the side, eliciting a yelp. He looked at her, and she folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never had a pet. And you\u2019ll forget to feed the poor animal. You don\u2019t need a dog anyways; you can barely spend one day out of the week with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a consideration. Hrr. I do ask that my pet owners be able to care for their animals. If you weren\u2019t taking this dog with you on patrol, it would be an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elirr bent to pet one of the war hounds that had wandered up. Relc bent to pet it too.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, I wasn\u2019t going to leave it alone. I guess I have to ask Klbkch for his opinion. But he likes animals. I think. In theory. These are good dogs, though. Right? You hate cats, don\u2019t you, pal?\u201d<\/p>\n

The dog panted in agreement. Embria had to smile. Relc cast her a side-ways glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you take one, kid? You could raise a dog yourself. Worth a shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elirr looked up hopefully. Embria blinked at the dog, who had rolled onto its back and revealed that it was a he.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do have good hounds trained in a number of roles, from tracking to combat, Wing Commander. Even cats who can pull their weight in adventuring teams, believe it or not. Birds\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria cut him off with a polite, apologetic smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure, Mister Elirr. But I\u2019m afraid that we\u2019re not allowed pets in the army.\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw her father frown. Relc leaned on a counter, accidentally pushing a cat off the side. He ignored the yowl of hatred.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommander-ranks are. Getting a cat would be weird, but you could get a war dog instead of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I really don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria straightened. She would have loved to pet the dog more, but she had a sense that Relc was about to be attacked by a bunch of cats if he stayed any longer. Elirr nodded, but Relc was insistent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? They\u2019re good company. You could get one that can bite legs off. One of those super-big ones, the size of wolves. Or a Carn Wolf. Can you train those, Elirr?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot unless you\u2019re willing to pay the food bills.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll muttered. He lifted up a small terrier and offered it to Embria. She hesitated. The Gnoll\u2019s smile was welcoming. But then Embria closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnimals die in battle first. I\u2019m fine. Thank you, Mister Elirr, really. But I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was that. Elirr nodded. He gestured to the shop.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you would like to stay, feel free. The animals do like company, and I can\u2019t be everywhere. Just, please. Don\u2019t keep the doors open. The cats like to think they can come back whenever they please. They\u2019re incorrigible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Much to Embria\u2019s surprise, she did stay for half an hour longer, to inspect some birds with Relc and watch as a cat projectile-urinated on him from above. After Relc had sponged off the worst of it with some water, they left the shop. Two cats followed them out; Relc tossed them back inside. He grinned at Embria, and she smiled back. Relc pointed down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. You want to get lunch? My treat. I want to show you a cool drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. But if it\u2019s that blue fruit drink you\u2019ve been harping about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No, no. Yes. Come on. It\u2019s great, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc led the way down the street. Embria followed him, a step behind now. She saw Relc humming to himself, pleased as could be despite the dampness on one shoulder. She stared at his swinging arm, and then her own.<\/p>\n

She looked at her claw. It twitched. Embria looked ahead at Relc\u2019s claws. She reached out hesitantly. Then she lowered her arm.<\/p>\n

And she followed him down the street without another word.<\/p>\n

It was just a memory.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn had a lunch crowd. In fact, the lunch crowd was big. Apparently, there had been a near-fire, but only the inn\u2019s regulars were disappointed they\u2019d missed that. The rest were here to debate the ongoing election issue. It seemed the Council would be forced to vote on it! And what if they voted no?<\/p>\n

Embria and Relc sat removed from it all. They were having lunch, and Embria found herself enjoying it. The blue fruit drink was indeed blue, and such a vivid color that she was immediately uneasy about it. But the taste was as sweet as Relc had claimed, and Embria found herself drinking it with a will. Although she did water hers.<\/p>\n

The two were having a slice of Erin\u2019s pizza, another novel taste. Embria picked apart her first slice, then watched as Relc devoured two in quick succession. She had to admire the utilitarian nature of the slice, and even the Players of Celum performing in the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re getting better. They\u2019re not nearly as good as the original crew, but this new cast is doing all kinds of fun stuff. They even let you perform some of the roles as the lead while the others do a scene some nights! It\u2019s great!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc was clearly happy to watch the performers on stage. It was all Drathian to Embria, but she listened to him talk about a number of \u2018plays\u2019 that made no sense to her. He pointed at the blue fruit juice as she helped herself to another cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou like it? It\u2019s good, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do like it. Thanks for dragging me here. It was your first good idea today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria slyly looked at Relc over the brim of her cup. He mock-bristled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! I have plenty of good ideas! Just ask Klb! Not cooking was one of them. You see those burn marks?\u201d<\/p>\n

He jerked his thumb towards the kitchen. Embria had to agree.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. The puzzles were interesting. I had no idea you liked those. Honestly, though. A dog<\/em>? How long would you keep one for before it died or ran off?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a thought. I thought it would be a fun pal, you know? I wouldn\u2019t mistreat it.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was\u2026true. Embria had to admit, she couldn\u2019t see Relc deliberately neglecting a dog, or even forgetting to feed it really. A fish? Definitely. A cat? Probably on purpose. But not a dog. She hesitated. Something about it did bug her, though.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need a dog. I don\u2019t need a dog or a cat. Or a pet. They\u2019re a distraction for me, and if you got one, it would get in the way if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late.<\/em> She bit her tongue. Relc\u2019s convivial gaze sharpened.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf what? If I\u2026rejoin the army?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria didn\u2019t reply. She was gripping her leg with one claw under the table. She shouldn\u2019t have said it. But it was too late now, and Relc was glowering.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess I wouldn\u2019t be allowed a pet, being a lowly [Sergeant]. If I rejoined the army. Which I won\u2019t. Although, now that you mention it\u2014it sorta seems shitty, doesn\u2019t it? No pets, no regular days off, fighting and dying without coming back to Liscor and forgetting all your old friends\u2014hey, it\u2019s almost like there\u2019s more to life than fighting and nearly dying every week.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glared at his drink. Embria folded her arms, feeling a spark of indignation flare up in her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t bring it up once. That was an accident. You don\u2019t need to bite my tail off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure it was. But you keep thinking it\u2019s going to happen, don\u2019t you? And I didn\u2019t see you turning your tail up at any of my hobbies. What\u2019s wrong with them? I\u2019m retired, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say they were\u2014Senior Guardsman is not retirement, father.\u201d<\/p>\n

A note of heat entered Embria\u2019s tone. Relc\u2019s was already as hot as the fireplace. It wasn\u2019t that this was coming out of the blue. It was continuing a discussion\u2014an argument\u2014a quarrel, that they\u2019d had week after week. Both knew what was coming. Both couldn\u2019t stop it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is for me. I\u2019m never going back. Stop suggesting it. Why do you keep wanting me to, anyways? It\u2019s not like I was ever more than a [Sergeant]. That\u2019s nothing in our army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t just a [Sergeant], and you know it. If you asked\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019d welcome me with a huge banquet and give me a crown? Fat chance. You think it\u2019s great being in the army? Who\u2019s got you marching up and down for Lism, huh? Fun job, that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc slowly drained his cup. Embria pushed hers back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t have you insulting my home. The Antinium deal is idiotic, and you know it. Liscor needs to make the right choice\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A claw cracked<\/em> the pewter cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would you know about the right choice? You haven\u2019t been back in years! The army doesn\u2019t know what Liscor wants or needs! And you don\u2019t know the Antinium!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know more about the Antinium than anyone in this city! You\u2019re mad if you think they can be trusted, and that includes your so-called partner!\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria raised her voice. No\u2014it had been risen. Relc stood up amid the localized silence. He pushed his chair back, tossed the shards of the mug onto the table, and glanced to one side.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that, Erin. I\u2019m going to the outhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and walked out of the inn. Embria looked to one side and saw that everyone was staring at her and her father. Including the young woman sitting at another table, feeding a Gnoll bite-sized morsels of pizza. Embria colored. But Erin Solstice came over. She stared at the shards of the mug on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. He drank everything before cracking the mug. Cool, cool. I can respect that. Uh\u2026hi. Embria, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. You\u2019re Erin Solstice. We\u2019ve met.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria recalled their first meeting. So did Erin. The [Innkeeper]\u2019s mouth twisted slightly, but then she looked over at Relc\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026so. Relc\u2019s your dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria sighed. She was already predicting the flow of this conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. He is. I know he\u2019s\u2026young. Compared to how old I am, at least. He was young when he joined the army. And my mother\u2014I\u2019m sorry about the shouting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waved a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry. \u2018S cool. There\u2019s been a lot of shouting all day. And screaming. And fire. People are really upset about the election thing, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s only part of the issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wing Commander was glad it was hard to tell when she was flushing. She picked at her last slice of pizza. Erin studied it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I gathered. Well, I don\u2019t know the whole thing about the army and so on, but I know Relc. So\u2014my condolences. Want another pizza? Or a burger? On the house. We also have alcohol. Dark lager.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waggled her eyebrows. Embria looked up sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, my condolences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin raised her palms innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, nothing. Nothing\u2026but he is Relc. He can sort of be a jerk without trying sometimes. And he\u2019s a goof\u2014he makes mistakes, he\u2019s rude, unhygienic\u2026I can see how it\u2019s hard. Y\u2019know?\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave Embria what might have been meant to be a commiserating look. It failed. Embria controlled her temper, which had sparked up in her gut. She fixed Erin with a stare.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what you might have heard, Miss Solstice, my father is a Senior Guardsman. I hope you give him the dignity of his rank? I\u2019ll remind you that Sergeant Relc has served Liscor\u2019s army and the city for over twenty years.<\/em> He\u2019s entitled to his faults, and I didn\u2019t hear him pointing out yours<\/em> just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course. I didn\u2019t mean he was bad. He\u2019s changed a lot! Improved! I just meant\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin began to stammer as Embria got up. The [Commander] stepped back from the table and fished for money. She slapped down some coins and walked towards the door\u2014at the precise moment Relc, looking annoyed but also relieved, walked back in. He stopped, staring at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut. I\u2019ve just insulted your [Innkeeper] friend. I don\u2019t think I\u2019m welcome here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria mumbled, wishing she could reduce the heat in her cheeks. Relc stared at her face, and then over Embria\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? You didn\u2019t get along with Erin? Everyone likes Erin. What got under your tail? Besides me, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria snapped back. Then she caught herself. She shook her head despairingly at the blank, exasperated look on Relc\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing. I\u2019m just done. Sorry I brought up your past, Father. Have fun with the play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I thought you wanted\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria walked past Relc before she could say something she\u2019d regret. She did anyways.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t need to keep this up, Father. You\u2019ve got your life. I\u2019ve got mine. I\u2019m going back to work. I\u2019ll see you next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, she walked out the door. Relc watched her go, as did Erin and half the inn\u2019s guests, who were used to tableaus by now. The [Actors] on stage were taking notes. Erin wandered past the Horns of Hammerad, to Relc. She looked at him. He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas that my fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I think it was mine. Don\u2019t worry, Erin. It happens every week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery week?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. She always gets around to asking me to rejoin the army. And I always say no. We were having fun up until it this time, though. Well, even if we don\u2019t do that, we argue about the High Command or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake felt at his shoulders, shaking his head. Erin looked at him. And then at the door. Embria had taken the door to the outside, which meant she\u2019d be walking back in the mud and drying soil.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t look like that to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Relc and Erin turned to look at the person standing behind them. Relc blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated. Then he snapped his fingers a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, we\u2019ve met. But I forget. Who are you again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wing Commander Embria was unhappy. And unlike her father, she had no hobbies to engage her. Or rather, none she could really pursue at this moment. She had no friends outside of her subordinates, and she was their [Commander]. So she was alone. And because she was alone, she did what she knew.<\/p>\n

The training grounds attached to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild were in use at this time of day, mainly by adventurers who weren\u2019t currently at work. The City Watch must have had their own area, because Embria saw none of them there. She did recognize some teams\u2014the Gold-rank teams, the Wings of Pallass, and the Flamewardens looked to be coordinating team attacks together.<\/p>\n

They were known even outside of their home Walled Cities of Pallass, and, of course, Embria knew them as part of her job. Another time, she might have introduced herself, but at the moment, she was just angry. So she grabbed a training spear, eyed it, and then stalked back to her barracks and came back with her regular spear.<\/p>\n

That alone earned her a small berth of space, although the grounds really weren\u2019t that busy. Embria went through a basic attack drill, thrusting and pivoting, parrying invisible shapes, working out her muscles and trying to forget anything else. She was so caught up in the drill that she didn\u2019t notice the figure standing in bright armor on the other end of her area until she was halfway down towards her. Embria instantly stopped; her enchanted spear was very dangerous to anyone carelessly walking in front of it. Not that anyone but an idiot did that in a practice area.<\/p>\n

But the person wasn\u2019t a foolish passerby, or even a member of the audience too close for their comfort. It was in fact, a woman, perhaps Embria\u2019s age, with long, golden hair, fair skin that invited the word faire, and the complexion that would fit right at home on a damsel in distress in a similar, very specific era of Human society that had somehow still endured in Terandria and parts of Izril until this day.<\/p>\n

The only difference was that this damsel was both [Knight] and maiden. Her armor was polished, if slightly mismatched, and clearly enchanted. She held a wooden longsword in two hands and nodded politely at Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cApologies. I was wondering if you\u2019d like to spar?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a common request, and the courteous answer was yes. But Embria was in no mood. She planted the tip of her spear in the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I\u2019m not in the mood for a spar. One of us would get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] or adventurer shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to take a risk. I have armor on. And you\u2019re quick with that spear. What do you say? Practice spear, though? I don\u2019t want to take a hit from whatever that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

She indicated Embria\u2019s enchanted spear. The Drake bared her teeth. But why not? She took her spear to one side and grabbed the training spear. Then she walked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t blame me if you get hurt. Call out any time if you want to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Warrior] nodded calmly and set herself. Embria didn\u2019t bother with a count or formality; she set to with a series of rapid thrusts aimed straight at the woman\u2019s chest. She didn\u2019t intend to strike the unguarded face\u2014that was begging to put out an eye or do serious damage\u2014but a few sturdy hits against the breastplate would make Embria feel better.<\/p>\n

Only, it turned out the woman was better than Embria had thought. She blocked and moved back with the longsword, calmly deflecting aggressive thrusts meant to hit her. More than a fair number got through; Embria was a Wing Commander, and she had the advantage of reach and speed with her spear.<\/p>\n

But the woman was quick and more adept with her longsword than most [Warriors]. Even better than the [Lieutenants] under Embria\u2019s command. And yes, she took hits, but if she had a helmet on and Embria were trying to get through her armor? It would have been closer.<\/p>\n

After a few minutes, Embria let the woman go on the offensive. She found that the [Warrior] was just as aggressive as Embria herself. The Drake blocked a heavy<\/em> two-handed strike and grunted; she pivoted and avoided a lancing thrust at her chest. To the Human woman\u2019s clear frustration, she didn\u2019t get more than a single, glancing blow in on her entire offensive. She lowered her sword, panting, and Embria smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not half bad, Miss Warrior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe same to you. Although it\u2019s more like false modesty in your case. I thought I\u2019d touch you properly at least once. That was humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman planted her sword in the ground, looking disgusted with herself. Against her mood, Embria laughed. And she was feeling better.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you could hit me so easily, I\u2019d be worried. You\u2019re a Gold-rank adventurer, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver. But I\u2019ve improved since my last ranking test. Not enough, apparently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Wing Commander should be the equivalent of any Gold-rank adventurer. At least.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. True enough. But you\u2019re quicker with a spear than I thought. I\u2019d hate to try that with my actual sword, enchantments or not. Yvlon Byres, at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman held out a hand. Embria blinked; normally you\u2019d take off a gauntlet, but she shook the hand anyways. Yvlon rubbed at one forearm as she stepped back, and Embria wondered if she\u2019d taken an injury. She didn\u2019t comment on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease. Wing Commander Embria Grasstongue. Are you here to challenge Liscor\u2019s dungeon, Miss Byres?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me Yvlon. And I\u2019ve had enough of that dungeon for two lifetimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon\u2019s smile was bitter. But she brushed that away in a second. She and Embria stood to one side, watching as Bevussa flew up in a mock sparring match with Keldrass.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to admit, I sought you out myself, Commander Embria.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust Embria. Have we<\/em> met?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But you were just at The Wandering Inn. And I, uh, saw part of what happened there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s mood soured at once again. Yvlon spoke quickly, eying her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about the, uh, Drake. Relc. Your father? I meant about Erin. I heard what she said. And I wanted to clear the air. Erin can be tactless, but she counts Relc as a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s something. But she didn\u2019t get anything wrong. And you can probably guess our relationship at a glance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon\u2019s quiet voice made Embria look up. The [Warrior] gripped arm absently, then she met Embria\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s quite good. I saw him fighting during the siege. And against the Face-Eater Moths. The Raskghar too, come to think of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were here for all of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria was surprised. She\u2019d heard of Liscor\u2019s woes. To hear tell, the city had barely made it out of each encounter. Yvlon nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took part. Not as the vanguard of any of the action. But your father was a good part of all of it. I think he took out one of the giant Face-Eater Moths? He certainly killed a number of Raskghar. Even one of their Awakened. And\u2026Garen Redfang.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her expression grew still at that. But it only made Embria more curious.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been able to get anyone to give me a full account of what happened. Can you tell me more? Uh\u2014would you like to sit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could stand or sit. It\u2019s not like we\u2019re that tired. By all means, let me fill you in. I can\u2019t say I saw all of what Relc did, but as for the action\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon began to tell Embria about all three encounters. Then, with a grimace, she went back and related the encounter with Skinner as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see any of that. I was out of it after I escaped the dungeon. Not\u2014well, not Liscor\u2019s side of things. But I heard that he helped chase off Skinner himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one mentioned that. It doesn\u2019t surprise me, though. He\u2019s one of Liscor\u2019s best\u2014no, probably their best fighter, if not the highest-level [Guardsman].\u201d<\/p>\n

By this time Embria was sitting. The Wing Commander smiled to herself as she balanced her enchanted spear on her legs. Yvlon eyed the tip with interest; it had been given a very fine metal inlay that made it look like blue traces of metal were forged into the spearhead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to admit, I was surprised at how good Relc was. I\u2019ve known [Guardsman] and none, not even their Watch Captains, have come close. Not even in places like Invrisil. I know the Drakes value their law enforcement, but Relc\u2019s as strong as a Gold-rank adventurer. Without<\/em> more than his enchanted spear. And he was a war hero?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question in her voice was without judgment. Embria hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could say that. He was really just a soldier. One of Liscor\u2019s finest. He was a [Sergeant]\u2014I don\u2019t suppose you know how Liscor\u2019s army works? We have a lot of officer classes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon\u2019s lips quirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a friend who educates me on everything and anything. I do know a bit. [Sergeant]\u2019s low, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. But my father wasn\u2019t<\/em> just an ordinary grunt. He had a nickname. The Gecko of Liscor. And he was an anti-officer fighter. He could charge into enemy lines, take out a commander, and retreat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he was only a [Sergeant]? Was it a ploy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria ducked her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes and no. You see, he really wasn\u2019t the kind of person who could lead an entire unit, let alone a wing or an army. He had the fighting skill. Leadership? Strategy? No. He was perfect for a [Sergeant], so the High Command decided he could be the best. And his class also interfered with him advancing. You see, he\u2019s a [Spearmaster].\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon whistled softly. Embria nodded a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re like [Fencers]. The ones with silver and gold bells, I mean. Not just anyone can get that class. Don\u2019t you have to be trained for years to be a [Spearmaster]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr kill one in combat. The trouble is, there\u2019s no class consolidation that combines [Sergeant] and [Spearmaster]. There is<\/em> a [Spearmaster General], although that\u2019s generic, and he might have gotten [Spear Captain], but\u2026it just didn\u2019t work out. So my dad\u2019s a Level 30 plus [Spearmaster] and nearly as high level in [Sergeant].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a [Guardsman]. No wonder he can fight with the best of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight? He was a nightmare to face for low-level officers. The High Command even made an allowance to give him a [Commander]-grade artifact.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was no use, Embria couldn\u2019t suppress the delighted smile on her face. Yvlon was smiling too as she balanced the practice sword on her knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike the one you use? I\u2019ve got a good sword myself. The armor\u2019s second-rate, but decent. But my sword? It\u2019s a Sword of [Weight]. I\u2019m trying not to let it do the fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria blinked. Her [Soldier]\u2019s mind took over for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow heavy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t measured. But maybe as much as thirty pounds? Higher?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026powerful<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. But your spear looks just as deadly. May I ask what its enchantment is?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon indicated the spear balanced across Embria\u2019s legs. The Wing Commander looked down. She hesitated, but anyone who knew something of spears would be able to identify it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an Evercut spear. Heard of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The warrior nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of Evercut arrows. Same principle? One cut and you don\u2019t stop bleeding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot with magic. And it halts regeneration. It also makes the bleeding worse since it takes far longer to clot. It\u2019s a good spear. Not the best, but I\u2019ve used it for years. His is better. My father\u2019s, I mean. He\u2019s got one enchanted with anti-magic. It\u2019s nearly as strong as a blade made of Naq-Alrama <\/em>steel. It\u2019s a [Mage]-killer, or an officer-slayer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon nodded appreciatively, as only one who knew something of combat could. She glanced at Embria as the Drake blushed, realizing she\u2019d gone on about Relc for the last five minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I just don\u2019t get a chance to learn about my father that often. He doesn\u2019t talk about his life. Much less his past with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Human woman shook her head. She sighed and sat back on the practice bench.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s refreshing. And I\u2019m glad I could tell you what\u2019s happened. I have to say\u2026I suppose I was wrong. You admire him. I guess that\u2019s not like my father and I at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-what? Well, he is my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

The armored woman nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. And I have a similar relationship to my father. I admire him too. But he\u2019s not my hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Embria. The Wing Commander froze. And what might have come out of her mouth next was anyone\u2019s guess. Because she saw something similar in Yvlon\u2019s gaze, a knowingness. And then she saw something else reflected in her vision. And she heard a voice, polite, friendly, clicking<\/em>, from behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Yvlon. I am not interrupting you, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria spun. She saw two open mandibles, a black body. Multi-faceted eyes. Antennae. Three arms.<\/p>\n

Antinium.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reflexively, Embria rose, spear raised. Yvlon jumped to her feet, putting an arm out. The Antinium stepped back, studying Embria. He raised one hand in greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBack off.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria snarled. Yvlon quickly interposed herself between Embria and the Antinium.<\/p>\n

\u201cKsmvr, take a step back. Wing Commander, please calm down. Ksmvr is with me. He\u2019s part of my team.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria stared at Yvlon. She felt like she\u2019d been punched in the gut. She\u2019d heard someone was crazy enough to have teamed up with an Antinium. But Yvlon? The [Warrior] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cKsmvr\u2019s from Liscor\u2019s Hive. He was exiled. I know what Liscor\u2019s army\u2019s relationship is with the Antinium but\u2014they\u2019re not all monsters. Neither are all Goblins. It took me a while to realize that myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is correct. I am not listed as a monster in the Adventurer\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot helping, Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria was shaking her head. She took a step backwards, glaring at both Yvlon and Ksmvr, her body taut.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care. I know my enemies, and Goblins and Antinium don\u2019t get a pass for being different<\/em>. They\u2019re both species that have nearly wiped out Liscor and my people\u2014you have no idea what that thing is capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n

A touch of fire entered Yvlon\u2019s eyes. She held an arm, blocking Embria. The Drake lowered her spear\u2019s tip, but she still glared at Ksmvr.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both females looked at Ksmvr. The Antinium adventurer nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWing Commander Embria is quite correct. You do not know the full capacity of my abilities, Yvlon. I have been trying to educate you. But Wing Commander Embria\u2019s hostility is quite understandable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon folded her arms, glaring between Ksmvr and Embria now. She turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour people may have invaded Izril, Ksmvr, but you killed no one. And the Antinium helped save Liscor. Surely that earns them a small pass? Humans and Gnolls have both been at war with the Drakes, and I didn\u2019t see Commander Embria instantly threaten me when I approached. No Antinium has killed a Drake in a decade. Can\u2019t we be civil?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked pointedly at the Drake in question. Embria took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we can not.<\/em> You\u2019re the one who doesn\u2019t understand, Miss Byres. The Antinium are not another species on Izril who can be reasoned with. They are cold, insectile strangers. And I\u2019ve killed Antinium before.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Warrior] paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean? From Liscor\u2019s Hive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t been here long enough. But Liscor\u2019s army fights everywhere. You think we aren\u2019t called to patrol the neutral border between the Hives? It\u2019s not peaceful like you Humans think. The Antinium attack us, and we attack them. Clashes happen all the time on the border zone. And not with these Worker-types either. Liscor\u2019s Antinium are tame compared to the ones I\u2019ve seen. Flying bastards who pick off travellers on the roads. Armored Antinium. Invisible ones. And there are worse kinds, like the things that sometimes appear and kill entire villages. They don\u2019t look like regular Antinium\u2014until you cut them open and see the similarities. We are at war.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman opened her mouth. But it was Ksmvr who jumped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is correct, broadly speaking, Wing Commander Embria. But I am no longer a member of my Hive. Therefore, I am no enemy of yours, Wing Commander Embria. I am an adventurer. That is all I have left.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria filed away that information in case it was important. But she still held onto her spear. She lowered it to the ground and stepped back, but she couldn\u2019t let go.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat changes nothing. I\u2019m sorry to bother you, Miss Byres. But I think it\u2019s time I get back to my drills.\u201d<\/p>\n

She saluted with her spear. Yvlon looked annoyed and disgusted by turns. She moved Ksmvr back and spoke sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have hoped that you could meet one member of a species without tarring the rest with the same brush. Or are all Drakes the same? All Gnolls? Either way, if you won\u2019t accept the Antinium, at least you could rethink Goblins. One stays at Erin\u2019s inn. And Goblins may have attacked Liscor at the behest of their Goblin Lord, but Goblins\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaved it?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a common refrain. Embria spat the words. She looked Yvlon in the eye and shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to be at peace with the Antinium? Fine. I\u2019ll do that when we\u2019re actually at peace. When I can trust <\/em>that the Hive isn\u2019t working to undermine Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be very difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShush, Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria ignored both. She tightened her grip on her spear.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Goblins? Make peace with Goblins? Never. Goblins killed my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

And then she was the angriest she\u2019d been all day. For a moment. For ten minutes. For twenty. Twenty-seven. And then she couldn\u2019t be angry anymore. Because as deep the injustice, as true as the emotions were, they were old wounds. Embria couldn\u2019t be angry. So she was just tired. And a bit sad as she practiced alone.<\/p>\n

That was how he found her. She didn\u2019t expect it, but when she turned her head, there he was. Just standing there, watching her. He nearly made her lose her grip on her spear. In the end, Embria swung it onto one shoulder and glared at him. She wasn\u2019t in the mood for half-hearted apologies.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you send that Human? Yvlon Byres?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked around. Yvlon was standing on the far end of the practice grounds, showing Ksmvr how to fight with sword and shield more effectively.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer? Nope. I got sort of mad at Erin when I found out she\u2019d gone. But apparently it was all Yvlon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell. She\u2019s best friends with an Antinium. Just like you\u2019re now best friends with Erin and all her Goblins, right? Are you enjoying their company too, along with Senior Guardsman Klbkch?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The words felt like acid coming out, as if Embria were Oldblood. Relc just stared at her, until she couldn\u2019t meet his gaze. Shame rushed through her; the look in his eyes was\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t speak to that guy. And he doesn\u2019t speak to me. But I don\u2019t need to join the army and slaughter another thousand to avenge your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re fine with Goblins now? Is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria whirled on him. Relc shrugged. It was pained, contemptuous, and tired all at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that. But tell me. How many more should I have killed? How long should I have stuck around to kill them? One killed her. And it could have been Humans, Gnolls, Drakes, a damn Corusdeer\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey killed your parents. You told me<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. And they did. I never said I was okay with it. But Antinium got my buddies. Klb is my buddy. Let\u2019s just say it\u2019s like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was too much like what Yvlon had said. Embria turned her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to follow me about. We had our half a day. That\u2019s better than normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc sighed loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is it always like this? I thought you liked<\/em> the pet store. And the pizza. Maybe even the puzzles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. But that\u2019s your life, Father. Not mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. So maybe I should visit where you work. What\u2019s stopping you from saying where we\u2019ll go one time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you went back to the barracks, half of my command would be lining up to have a \u2018friendly\u2019 sparring match with you. The other half would spit in your face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right. So it\u2019s my crummy life, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t bother me if you did anything useful<\/em> with your time. But what am I supposed to do? Just watch you go about your business? Can\u2019t you\u2014do something I\u2019d do?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a pause. And then a sigh. Embria listened to it as she stared at Yvlon and Ksmvr, who were studiously ignoring them. Well, Yvlon was.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried. But I guess my life just isn\u2019t that interesting. Puzzles. Dogs. Blue fruit juice. I\u2019m sorry. What would you like me to do? Go for a drink? Watch a performance or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. No.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019m out of ideas. What do we have in common?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria spun. She walked over to Relc and poked at his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re my father<\/em>. I\u2019m your daughter. Isn\u2019t that enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked down at her sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not, kid. Or I guess we\u2019re too alike. Only, we\u2019re on the wrong side of things. You\u2019re in the army. I\u2019m not. How do we deal with that?\u201d<\/p>\n

And she had no answer. If she had, she wouldn\u2019t be here. They wouldn\u2019t do this. And she wouldn\u2019t have been a Wing Commander while he stayed in Liscor. And both of them knew it. So Embria turned around. She grabbed her spear and ran through one of her exercises. The spear cut the air. Embria did a basic spear dance, alone in her world. Waiting for him to leave.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t leave, though. Whenever she turned her head, there he was. And that was different too. She\u2019d expected him to stalk off in a huff or just sneak away. Run away. But this time he stayed. He was watching her. Watching the arcs her spear traced in the air. Embria turned her head and kept practicing. And after three more forms, she heard his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that pretty well. I have a similar warm-up, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

She concentrated on her footwork. It was familiar. Comforting. But she was aware of his presence. It was aggravating and familiar. And\u2026Embria tried to shut out the rest with the purity of her art. She transitioned from basic thrusts and steps to advanced moves. Sweeping cuts, sudden feints and reverse-strikes. The sounds in the practice courts slowly died down as Embria cut and stepped, faster and faster, each strike striving for precision, the height of martial prowess that Skills alone could not achieve.<\/p>\n

And then she turned\u2014and he was gone. Gone from the place he\u2019d been standing. Just like that. It hit Embria in the gut, and she staggered for a second. But what had she expected? For him to wait forever. Angrily, Embria turned. She raised her spear to slash\u2014<\/p>\n

And there he was. Relc raised his spear above his head. And he was right there<\/em>. His head turned to look at her. Embria faltered. Her spear nearly slipped. Then she realized. His arms. His posture.<\/p>\n

It was a copy of hers. And as Relc brought his spear down, he completed the slash she\u2019d been about to perform. Slowly, Embria cut downwards, in the same arc. She looked at her father. And he waited.<\/p>\n

What came next?<\/em> Embria\u2019s body took over for her mind. She retreated, cutting across the first cut. And beside her, Relc copied the move.<\/p>\n

No\u2014he didn\u2019t copy it. Because that would have put him a beat behind her. He had moved at the exact same time she did. He knew what was coming next. And, of course, he did. This was a spear technique. A move he had learned. Perhaps even one he had shown her growing up.<\/p>\n

Of course, they were the same. Slowly, Embria brought her spear up. It was her routine. Her warm up. But two spears rose. They fell as one. And daughter and father looked at each other. And then Embria took a deep breath. She spun her spear, and Relc blinked and then mimicked her. And they began again.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yvlon saw the two figures moving in synch out of the corner of her eye. And at first, she didn\u2019t pay attention, coaching Ksmvr in traditional Byres swordplay. But then the movements were impossible to ignore. Because they were an anomaly. Just like something completely dissonant stood out, the unity of the two figures was also different. Yvlon turned and halted her practice session.<\/p>\n

Her eyes widened. She saw Embria, sweat covering her crimson scales, turning. Her spear was lowered, tracing a circle in the dirt around her. And beside her, his spear held in the exact same way, at the same angle, was Relc. He flicked his spear up, and hers flew with it, a slight thrust that kicked up dirt. They jumped back, and the veil of dust billowed up. Two outlines moved together. Two shadows.<\/p>\n

Step. Pivot.<\/em> The spears cut a line through the cloud of dust. Yvlon watched the tips of the spears tracing silver lines in the air. They caught the light.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver and steel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon breathed the words. The move was beautiful, but the technique of both Drakes was flawless. And she wasn\u2019t the only one who\u2019d seen. Across the sparring grounds and practice area, other people were lowering their weapons. Captain Bevussa and Keldrass halted in their practice to watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you seeing this, Issa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Oldblood Drakes alighted on the ground. Her eyes caught a crescent cut. This time, Embria and Relc advanced, and the half-moons cut patterns through the air. Bevussa glanced at her teammate.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou use a spear. How good are they? Could you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, Captain? I can\u2019t tell. But I can\u2019t do that. Not with a Skill. Look.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t just the way they cut, or the fact that they moved in tandem. Because a spear was not a single weapon like a sword you could only hold a limited number of ways. It could be long or short, and where you held it, where you stood, affected how you fought your opponent.<\/p>\n

Stab. Cut upwards. Shift grip. <\/em>The spears jabbed and then spun, from a lance to quarterstaff. The other practitioners in the courtyard looked over. The two Drakes struck, up, down, left, right,<\/em> a never-ending flurry of blows. Then they changed their grips and swung.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch out\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The long end of the spear swung across the courts. And Relc and Embria were too close. They were going to strike each other across the torsos! Bevussa started forwards with two Drakes from her team. They were too slow.<\/p>\n

And it didn\u2019t matter. Embria\u2019s torso twisted. Sideways, and down<\/em>. She leaned under Relc\u2019s swing, and as she completed the sweeping slash, he twisted back, letting her enchanted spear\u2019s tip pass over his face. Neither Drake blinked. They kept moving, wielding their spears like longswords now, with even greater reach.<\/p>\n

Yvlon watched silently. So did Ksmvr. Both used swords. But Yvlon was the daughter of a martial house. Ksmvr had been born a Prognugator. They understood the art of wielding a spear. To Yvlon, it was a lesson in watching basic forms executed flawlessly. And then both Drakes left her understanding of spear combat behind.<\/p>\n

A flash of light. The spears touched the ground. And then dust billowed up. But the two Drakes didn\u2019t appear from behind the dust cloud. They pivoted, and then used the blunt ends of their spears. And as casually as if they were walking, they swung themselves off the ground, landing, cutting. A backhanded strike cut the air behind Embria as Relc duplicated the feat, before the cloud had begun to drift downwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that<\/em> move?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bevussa wondered aloud. No one on the courts answered her at first. And then an old, crackling voice spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlinding moves. Repositioning. Fighting an opponent to your rear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon looked around. An old, female Drake stood behind her, in the back door to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Tekshia Shivertail, Guildmistress of Liscor\u2019s Adventuring Guild, watched as Relc and Embria turned. Their spears lashed out, cutting the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re good, Guildmistress?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bevussa asked on behalf of the silent audience. Neither Embria nor Relc noticed. Tekshia shook her head. She watched Embria as the younger Drake\u2019s scales flashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have to ask, you know the answer. Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The spear dances had changed. Now more complex forms were appearing. Relc and Embria stepped back, walking backwards from an invisible foe. The spears flickered, front, back, jabbing with the tip and butt of the spear.<\/p>\n

\u201cFighting off a two-pronged attack. Spinning technique to keep them off-guard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two spears flickered as the Drakes spun then, and Yvlon lost track of where the spear tip was for a second as the two attacked two directions at once, repeating the confusing maneuver, halting the rotation of the spear to attack with the spearhead or lash out backwards.<\/p>\n

Then the two Drakes paused. They looked at each other, and Relc gestured up. Embria nodded. Yvlon was confused. Then Embria and Relc took a run up. They leapt<\/em>, using their poles to vault high, high into the air.<\/p>\n

They should have fallen, no matter how long it took. But they stayed in the air. The butt of Embria\u2019s spear struck the hard earth, and the force launched her again as her body twisted sideways. She struck again, and the earth cracked. And then again<\/em>, launching herself in midair before she could touch the ground. The impacts kept her moving through the air until she landed. Next to Relc, across the sparring courts. Thirty feet away.<\/p>\n

Silently, the audience stared at Tekshia. The old [Guildmistress] folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just showing off.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the two landed, they finished the routine. The final combination was just a series of thrusts.<\/p>\n

Strike. Step. Strike<\/em>. The spears shot forwards, finding an invisible target with each strike. As if there was no doubt they would ever miss. It was confident. And just when Yvlon thought the two would lower their spears, they turned. As smoothly as they had been in clockwork before, suddenly Embria was facing her father. And her enchanted spear lanced out like a serpent at his chest.<\/p>\n

Clack.<\/em><\/p>\n

He knocked it down. Undeterred, Embria swept her spear up. But the sound of wood meeting wood was the only sound in the world. She spun her spear, and Relc blocked the butt of the spear swinging to his thigh. The female Drake slashed again, and it was blocked. But she continued. Faster, and faster.<\/p>\n

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clackclackclackclackclack\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

The sound became an endless stream of sound in Yvlon\u2019s ears. Each slash was blocked or diverted, each blow parried. And then, suddenly, it was Embria on the defensive. First Relc attacked, his spear whirling from form to form\u2014short stabs, long slashes, whirling the spear like a stave\u2014and then Embria was advancing.<\/p>\n

Back and forth. Advancing and retreating. They pressed each other hard, but not once did the spear\u2019s tip touch the other, wood or enchanted metal. It put Yvlon\u2019s bout with Embria to shame. If this was what the Drake was capable of, Yvlon wouldn\u2019t have ever touched her.<\/p>\n

The duel, the practice, lasted sometime between a heartbeat and an hour. Then Embria lowered her spear and wiped at her brow. And Relc propped his spear up on his shoulder and stretched. Yvlon exhaled, and Tekshia applauded.<\/p>\n

Once. It was so quiet that Yvlon barely heard it. She saw Keldrass uncertainly raise his claws with some of the other watchers, but Tekshia had stopped before anyone else could join in. The Guildmistress shook her head once more. But her tone was far from dismissive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they say we don\u2019t have true skill at arms. Someone show those [Martial Artist] freaks at Pomle this sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hobbled forwards, using a cane that rather resembled a spear itself for a crutch. No\u2014it was a short spear. Tekshia leaned on it. Yvlon followed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what a Wing Commander in your army can do?\u201d<\/p>\n

The old Drake snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Commander Grasstongue can do. Why do you think she made Wing Commander in just two decades?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook her head. With her spear-cane, Tekshia indicated Relc. He was smiling. So was Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a [Spearmaster]\u2019s routine. No [Spear Hunter] could do that just by practicing or leveling up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The look she gave the other adventurers in the sparring fields said they<\/em> couldn\u2019t do it either. Yvlon tried to remember if she\u2019d ever seen Ylawes or anyone else perform a sword-dance nearly that advanced. Pisces\u2026no, he had polished moves, but not nearly to this level.<\/p>\n

Now Relc and Embria were talking. He wiped off sweat from his brow as he indicated at the spot where they\u2019d literally flown across the ground for thirty feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d you learn my patented [Soaring Spearsman] trick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria grinned. Her tone sounded waspish, but her expression looked pleased to Yvlon.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make up Skills. I watched you do that trick for years. It took me a decade to learn to copy it. And unlike you, I\u2019ve actually used it in battles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Wait, really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I didn\u2019t think you still practiced, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know. I keep up. The Captain would kill me if I didn\u2019t practice. So I do. Say\u2026I\u2019m beat. Want to wash off and\u2026get a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria paused. She looked at Relc and hesitated. At last, she shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could try that. We could.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Want to go to the bath house?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. I\u2019ll just grab a bucket of water and\u2026get a change of clothes. You\u2019re covered in sweat. What if we meet at your apartment in ten minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. I mean, great.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc stood to one side. He watched, almost bemused, as his daughter left the courtyard, spear on one shoulder. He turned his head and stared at his spear\u2014even the way he carried it was the same. He looked around and then noticed the audience at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you looking at?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tekshia poked Relc in the back with her spear.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, fool. Where did that girl learn how to do that spear dance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. From the army?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc ducked as Tekshia swung at his head. And she was quick too. She glared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be cute. You\u2019re too ugly. She copied you. I\u2019ve seen you practice that before. And you can\u2019t learn that from sight alone, no matter what genius you are. You taught her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big [Guardsman] hunched his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo maybe I did. I didn\u2019t think she\u2019d keep using that in the army. I taught her how to use a spear and nothing else. So what? That\u2019s a terrible gift for a kid to get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tekshia just shook her head. She looked around and then clicked her fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. Keldrass. Grab a bucket of water. Fill it up from the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-rank Captain blinked. But another click of Tekshia\u2019s claws sent him trotting off. She looked at Relc. He was leaning on his spear, sweat dripping down.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo wash up. And put something decent on. Don\u2019t leave your daughter waiting. If you really feel that way, then your company is the least she deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keldrass came back. Tekshia grabbed the bucket and hurled it on Relc. The Drake cursed, and then blinked at her through a waterfall of water dripping off him. He hadn\u2019t dodged it. Tekshia snapped at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear me? Get lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc uncertainly looked around. Slowly, he holstered his spear across his back in its custom harness. Then he trotted down the street. Yvlon stared at the puddles of water he left. Tekshia sighed as she watched him go. Then she stared around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you waiting for? Do you think you\u2019ll level up by watching? Get back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

The adventurers started and took their spots, even if they\u2019d been intending to get a nice long drink instead. Tekshia walked back into her guild. She paused to stare backwards at Relc\u2019s disappearing from. Then she looked at the place where they\u2019d been. She swished her tail and shook her head a final time.<\/p>\n

\u201cRidiculous. Liscor doesn\u2019t need three<\/em> [Spearmasters].\u201d<\/p>\n

But she was smiling when she said it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A father and a daughter met outside his apartment. As they had. As they did. They walked together through Liscor\u2019s streets. It was both their days off. And as it had been noted, Liscor was full of things more interesting and exciting than them.<\/p>\n

On his platform, Lism dueled Krshia with words. By his side was the esteemed, no, heroic<\/em> Captain Wikir. The Gnoll stood in full breastplate and armor, saluting and looking bored and embarrassed to tears by halves. Embria paused to stare at him with Relc. She hesitated, and then pointed to the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be the one he calls out. Not me. All I did was follow orders. You slew that Goblin. Garen Redfang. I never thanked you for doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re Liscor\u2019s war hero. If anyone was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc crossed his arms. He looked bleakly at the stage and shook his head. He looked at his daughter. This was the first thing they\u2019d really said to each other since the sparring match. But it was honest. It didn\u2019t dance about the subject. And it wasn\u2019t the same conversation. She looked at him, hesitating.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? You stopped Garen Redfang. A Gold-rank traitor. And you commanded the 4th Company. You called the retreat when I didn\u2019t. And they listened. Didn\u2019t you feel anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

The former [Sergeant] hesitated. He could have evaded or lied, but he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I went out there, and for a second, it was like being back in the ranks. But just for a second. I didn\u2019t want to go out there swinging and fighting with the [Soldiers]. And I didn\u2019t go down there for the 4th Company. I went there for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at his daughter. And his daughter looked back. Relc shook his head. He stared at Lism and Captain Wikir. His voice was far-off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything heroic. I killed a dead Goblin. And it still wasn\u2019t me that got him. He just stopped. I\u2019ve seen it before. What\u2019s heroic about that? He killed the Goblin Lord. He went through an army\u2014no, two armies and the 4th Company. And you think I stopped him? Besides\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice trailed off. Embria waited for more, but a roar from the crowd drowned out whatever might be said preemptively. One of the candidates had shouted something inflammatory. Both sides pushed forwards, and Embria reached out.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc pushed through the crowd, single-handedly driving through the flow of people. He felt a grip on his hand, and when he won clear of the immediate crowd, he looked back and saw Embria was holding his hand. Relc swung his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew. Glad I\u2019m not on duty. It\u2019s going to be a pain breaking up the fights. Where to, kid? Uh, you can let go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria hesitated. But then she gripped Relc\u2019s hand. He stared at her. She didn\u2019t let go. Relc stared at her clawed hand. He opened his mouth. She jumped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about the inn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc closed his mouth on what he had been about to say. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

And so they walked. Hand in hand. Embria\u2019s cheeks were flaming with embarrassment, but you would hardly notice with her fiery scales as it was. And the hands? No one noticed as the two walked together at first. But the two whom it mattered to felt it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve gotten a lot taller. When was the last time we did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked down at Embria, mystified. She blinked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been around ten years ago. Eight at the least. Remember how I ran away when I was thirteen?\u201d<\/p>\n

His hand tightened on hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Yeah. I do remember that. And we never did this back in the army, did we? I just got back from the front or something. You were usually asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d<\/p>\n

On they went. Embria took a deep breath as they walked down the street, past people whose lives didn\u2019t matter to her right now.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you left? Really? It wasn\u2019t cowardice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. It was.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cDad. You don\u2019t need to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Lie? I don\u2019t need to. I know what they say about me. I was one of them, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. And he shrugged, a bit sad and guilty.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the truth. I just didn\u2019t want to die. I thought I would. No, I knew I would. I had a nickname. And I was going into every battle with the front lines. I was afraid. Someday, someone was going to lay a trap. Or hire an [Assassin] and get me. I already had a dozen close calls. I didn\u2019t want to die. And you were there. That\u2019s true. So I quit. But it was about me, kid. It always was.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t what Embria wanted to hear. But the bitter pill wasn\u2019t the poison she thought it would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I was serious about you coming back. There\u2019s a bunch of your old friends who made it to the High Command. They\u2019d call you in. You could be a [Captain]. It\u2019s a possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

And she hoped. Oh, she hoped, but she knew what he would say. For a glorious second, he hesitated. Then Relc shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be happy there, k\u2014Embria. I couldn\u2019t go back, even if everyone welcomed me with open arms. I was afraid, yeah. But I wasn\u2019t happy, near the end. That\u2019s why I left. I could have died for the army, with my pals, I guess. But I wasn\u2019t happy. I didn\u2019t say that either, did I? I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Embria. And his grip was very gentle. She looked up at him. And slowly, she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the last time she would ever ask. Embria tried to blink tears out of her eyes, but there were none. Even so, Relc brushed a hand across her neck spines.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. It\u2019s a good offer. If I ever lose my job, I\u2019ll think about it, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

And she laughed. Because that, more than any of his denials, was the truest refusal she\u2019d ever heard. And on they walked. And in time, unbidden, Relc spoke. He looked at the inn on the hill as they walked out the gates, walking through mud and growing grass and plants.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I never got why Erin was upset. I thought Goblins were trash. Monsters. And I kept thinking that until I found myself hitting this little Goblin. Rags. Erin kicked me out of the inn. And then I realized \u2018oh wow, she\u2019s not kidding. She really likes Goblins.\u2019 But I still didn\u2019t get it until later. Really later, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria waited. The inn was growing larger. The sun falling. And it was lit up. Relc swallowed, and then went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I came to the inn after the siege, Erin welcomed me in. She didn\u2019t say a thing. And that Hob, Numbtongue, he didn\u2019t attack me. Just gave me a look. I felt like I saw it in a mirror. I killed his dad, I guess. Goblins don\u2019t have dads. But I heard that Redfang guy was his tribe\u2019s Chieftain. Taught them all how to fight. But Numbtongue never went after me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc let go. He ran a claw down his neck and shook his head. Embria stopped to watch him. And the emotions flickering across his face were also realer than she had seen before.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked him. Erin asked him, really. And he said it was because I didn\u2019t kill him. Garen Redfang. His brother did. The Goblin Lord. Or Garen did. He chose where to die. I just held the spear. But you know what was familiar? Numbtongue, that guy. He didn\u2019t forgive me. And I don\u2019t think he will. And that\u2019s fair. More than fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all he said. Embria absorbed it quietly. She stood in the wet soil, inhaling the wet, musty scent in the air that was almost overpowering. And she had to ask. It wasn\u2019t the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re okay with being here? With just being a Senior Guardsman and being a joke to some people?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc hesitated. Then he smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey say that. But they made me Senior Guardsman. And Erin let me back into her inn. Klb\u2019s my buddy. They say tons of stuff, but they\u2019re my guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria nodded. She swallowed a lump in her throat. Relc kept walking. He went on, staring at the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone forgot about the Gecko of Liscor. Until recently, that was. No one remembers Sergeant Relc, and that\u2019s fine by me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A hand reached for his. Relc started, and then looked back. A little Drake looked up at him. And then an older one replaced her. Embria looked up at her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a while, he looked at her. Startled. And then he smiled. They walked on, into the night and towards the inn sitting on the hill. And after a while, Relc spoke up. His thoughtful tone was gone, and a brasher, relaxed note entered his tone. Bragging. And it was nostalgic.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I did use that trick where you keep jumping with the spear in battle. Didn\u2019t I tell you about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when I<\/em> was in the army, I was fighting an entire nest of Crelers. Babies. And the little bastards were swarming the ground, popping out of it. The [Mages] were going to hit the entire spot, so I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And he jumped ahead of her, demonstrating. Like a kid. But as Embria rolled her eyes, she realized this was the first time he\u2019d talked about being in the army to her. And then she told him what her life had been like. And he listened.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s how I killed my first Wyvern.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria finished her tale and sipped from her cup. No blue fruit juice for her. Just a dark lager, which was, in fact, light. Erin had gotten the barrels mixed up again. But it didn\u2019t matter. Relc sat across from her, listening. And when Embria was done, he grinned and leaned over to nudge the girl sitting next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Erin, hear that? My kid got her first Wyvern when she was eighteen.<\/em> Not bad, huh? You know, I was twenty-six when I killed mine. Not that we had to fight them that often. Obviously. But that\u2019s something. Those bastards have sharp teeth and they dive fast.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWay too fast. You hear the shriek, and it\u2019s too late. Nightmarish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria agreed. Relc made a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn High Command. Deploying us in Wyvern territory every two damn seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria nodded. This at least she could get behind. Relc grinned, caught by a sudden thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you know, we did figure out a way to deal with them. Poisoned dead cows. Or pigs. Didn\u2019t old Scartail tell you to do that? He figured it out when I was in command.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish. We had a green Field Commander when I was deployed. Didn\u2019t even get the horses under cover on the march.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestor\u2019s sack<\/em>, what an idiot. But you got a Wyvern yourself. That\u2019s something. Right, Erin? Embria\u2019s almost as good as I am. And<\/em> she\u2019s a [Commander]. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nudge, <\/em>nudge. Erin nudged back out of irritation and lowered her mug.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get it Relc. She\u2019s cool. Stop nudging me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Are we boring you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe? You\u2019ve been talking about this campaign or that mud pit you had to fight in for the last two hours. I\u2019m not saying I\u2019d rather listen to Pisces talk, but I might.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc and Embria laughed. The Wing Commander spread her claws helplessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Miss Erin. I guess that\u2019s what [Soldiers] do. Swap war stories. Even retired ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026okay. At least it\u2019s acting hour in the inn. I get to watch people being booed off if I\u2019m bored.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waved to the stage. The [Actors] were letting members of the crowd come up and try their hand at performing, usually with disastrous results in specific scenes. Then she brightened up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! I should sell moldy produce to throw at them!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you shouldn\u2019t. We have to clean that up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi passed by Erin with a refill for all three mugs. She winked at Embria, who waved at her. Relc harrumphed<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust you wait. I\u2019m gonna have my turn and be excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Dad. In the meantime, have you ever fought on the water? One of my fellow [Wing Commanders] said you never did, but two of my former superior officers claim you were with them on several naval campaigns.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked indignant. He reached for a french fry and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing furiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I fought on the\u2026of course! I used to eat Drowned Sailors for breakfast. And that\u2019s, uh, not entirely a lie. There was this winter where\u2014hold on. Is it my turn?\u201d<\/p>\n

He broke off, looked up, and shot to his feet. The [Actors] on stage were beckoning to him. Relc raced forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy turn! Sorry, I\u2019ll tell you later! Hey! I want to be Macbeth with the dagger!\u201d<\/p>\n

That left just Erin and Embria. Amused, the two young women watched as Relc clambered onto stage, already looking around for his costume. Erin cleared her throat as she looked at Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I should apologize. I bit your tail off over nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria waved a claw. Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my fault. I was a jerk. It was my Pisces moment. Everyone wants their dad to be a hero. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wing Commander hesitated, then she nodded. Ruefully, she looked at the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wish they could see what I saw. I\u2019m sure Senior Guardsman Relc is well-loved. But I knew him back when he was the Gecko of Liscor. And it wasn\u2019t just an insulting nickname either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was cool, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin watched Relc posing with an imaginary dagger in front of him. She blinked as Relc delivered Macbeth\u2019s soliloquy without a flaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. He\u2019s not half-bad. And he memorized half the play in a single day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe gets into things. Just don\u2019t let him act. Please. I don\u2019t think I could bear him quoting that weird language to me all the time. And if someone insults him, he will jump off the stage and start a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGotcha. Don\u2019t worry, I think he\u2019s too busy anyways. Plus, he\u2019s too muscly for most lead roles. Maybe Othello? We can make it part-time at best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria nodded. She had no idea what Erin meant, but she was happy enough to eat from her plate of lasagna and watch Relc enjoying his moment. Erin watched her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s the food? Good?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not bad. I\u2019ll probably copy this for the 4th Company back in the barracks. Shouldn\u2019t be too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria tapped the layered lasagna. Erin stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can make lasagna? Really? No one I talked to knew how to make it, at least not Drakes or Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n

The red-scaled Drake shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never made it. But it\u2019s not hard, right? Layer of noodle here, noodle here, cheese, bake it probably\u2014it\u2019ll go good. And if the idiots on mess duty can\u2019t copy me, I\u2019ll make them eat whatever comes out.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled, and Erin laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have [Basic Cooking]? Or are you some kind of [Cook] as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria waved her claw dismissively<\/p>\n

\u201cSome classes like [Mess Sergeant] get [Basic Cooking]. Myself, I never got anything like that. But cooking isn\u2019t that hard, no matter what people think. You just need to learn what goes where and when and take calculated risks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did you learn\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLots of practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria pointed at Relc. He was coming down the stage, flushed with triumph to modest applause. Erin nodded slowly. Both turned to Relc as he strode up excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see? Line perfect! What you think\u2014do I have a shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t bad. Do you think you\u2019ll become an [Actor], then? It would be a nice class to pick up for a few Skills, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria raised her brows. Relc stroked his neck spines, looking smug.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, if I get the call. What do you think, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should hope all four lead actors break a leg, Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can help with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria smiled. Then she looked out the window at the moon.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, I can\u2019t help you with that. I think I have to go back. It\u2019s going to be an early day tomorrow. And I can\u2019t have anything more to drink. This was\u2026fun. Same time next week, Dad?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked back at him. Relc nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. That would be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked surprised as he said it. Then he smiled. Embria agreed. She walked towards the door, her steps lighter than they\u2019d been in a while. Erin, sitting at the table, saw Relc\u2019s smile change, and then he half-rose, and called out after Embria.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Have you ever thought of\u2026quitting?\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned back. Erin held her breath. Relc grubbed at his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u2014I mean, just\u2014have you? It\u2019s not like [Guardsman] pays a lot, but Senior Guardsmen get more. And while it\u2019s fun being here, no one can keep up with me. Not even Klb. It\u2019s lonely, being the toughest and the greatest. So if this army thing never worked out\u2026would you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. And Embria looked back. Erin held her breath as she watched the Drake study her father, and then the inn. Embria glanced about, and then smiled ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you became Watch Captain, I\u2019d think about it. Later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc smiled. Embria walked out the inn\u2019s door. Erin held her breath. She stared at Relc.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean you\u2019re going to run for Watch Captain?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc shook his head. The [Guardsman] sat at his table, staring at the remains of his plate. Then he smiled wearily, and looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said no, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay. I think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc abruptly got up. Embria, who was walking down the street, heard the door open behind her. Relc bellowed down the street of Liscor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey kid! <\/em>What time is morning practice? Your [Captains] and officers aren\u2019t nearly as good as they were when I<\/em> was in the army. They could use a good example. When do you train in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria\u2019s heart skipped a beat. She turned, laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hasn\u2019t changed! It\u2019s the same as always! Come on by whenever!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc grinned. The door closed, and he stepped back. Erin stood next to him. She stared up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember what time it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wing Commander Embria walked back. Towards her barracks. Towards the only home she really knew. And she knew that tomorrow she\u2019d have to deal with the High Command\u2019s new orders. With Lism. With Shield Spider nests and perhaps the issue of a father who was too lazy to wake up in the morning. Or, conversely, a group of [Soldiers] who would not be happy to see him.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t matter. What mattered was a realization that Embria had. A strange feeling. Something had happened today. Something quiet, wonderful; something Embria hadn\u2019t known could even happen.<\/p>\n

Because she\u2019d always had a father. Now? She had a friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(The Wandering Inn is on break until July 13th! 15th for public readers. The author must rest. See you then!)   Wing Commander Embria Grasstongue of Liscor got up like she normally did. For a minute, a good, nice, long minute, she lay in bed as the dawn\u2019s rays began tickling the scales on her […]<\/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-6312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nInterlude - Embria - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/07\/02\/interlude-embria\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interlude - Embria\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(The Wandering Inn is on break until July 13th! 15th for public readers. 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