Springtime in Liscor was disgusting. True, the initial rains had passed. And the muddy Floodplains were drying. A few valleys were still mudpits where the most stubborn amphibians and fish still clung to life, but the rest of the hills and valleys were now soil. And greenery.<\/p>\n
The flowers were blooming. Little shoots of grass were poking up, the various species of grass\u2014crabgrass, bent grass, centipede grass, fescues, zoysias, Sage\u2019s Grass, and more, all fighting for a war of supremacy over prime real estate. Some of it was lovely, lush grass that anyone would want to walk through barefoot. Other types would punish the bared sole, or even the improperly maintained boot. But that wasn\u2019t what was disgusting.<\/p>\n
The disgusting things were the wildlife. Nature was in bloom, and accordingly, nature was ready to reproduce. And unlike Rock Crabs, which conducted their clandestine affairs in secret under the water and laid deep, hidden caches of their eggs, the rest of the natural world was reproducing fast. Especially the spiders.<\/p>\n
Of the many varieties of dangerous spiders in the world, the Shield Spiders were a problem for Liscor. For Izril in general, but Liscor in particular. Shield Spiders weren\u2019t as aggressive as Spear Spiders, but they laid vast nests. Traps they used to ensnare victims.<\/p>\n
And Shield Spiders laid a lot<\/em> of eggs. And in the springtime, they hatched. The average Shield Spider could lay a few hundred eggs in a single egg sac. Larger, older spiders could lay thousands. And they didn\u2019t stop at one egg sac.<\/p>\n The nests writhed with hundreds of thousands of baby spiders crawling over each other. Eating each other. Covering their parents. Scuttling. And they descended on anything that fell into the nests. Corusdeer, rabbits, errant travellers\u2026the spiders tore into flesh, crawled into openings, invaded organs, and already, began to reproduce again.<\/p>\n Monsters. And there were enough Shield Spider lairs to mean that their springtime reproduction might fully overrun the Flood Plains. Unless something was done.<\/p>\n In the closest Shield Spider lair, built not just two miles south of Liscor\u2019s walls, was a burgeoning nest. The walls were coated with sticky silk, and the ground above was cunningly concealed by a thin layer to look like grass. If anything heavier than a rat stepped on it, the artificial terrain would give way and drop it into the nest. And the hungry spiderlings were already devouring a Fortress Beaver that had fallen in.<\/p>\n Now the thin veil of spiderweb parted again. Sunlight shone into the nest as something big<\/em> hit the ground. The adult Shield Spiders, some the size of wolves and growing ever larger, scuttled forwards, ready to tear the prey apart. But the intruder had landed on its feet.<\/p>\n \u201c1st Squad!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll roared as he lifted the mace. He brought it down and smashed the first Shield Spider\u2019s head in. The second met a boot to the fangs and reeled back. The other Shield Spiders, sensing the threat, scuttled forwards. But more shapes were breaking through the firmament above.<\/p>\n Soil and grass cascaded down as Drakes and Gnolls leapt down. Five Gnolls and three Drakes hit the ground. One stomped a Shield Spider into the earth. They swung as they landed, cutting others, bashing them into the ground. Above, seven more members of 1st Squad waited. Captain Wikir bashed in another Shield Spider\u2019s abdomen with one contemptuous strike. He turned, stomped a smaller, raccoon-sized one into the ground, and tore a finger-sized one as it climbed up his armor. He snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cKill the adults. Torches!\u201d<\/p>\n The nest was still wet with morning dew. But webs were flammable. And as the 1st Squad cut down the biggest spiders and stomped, the smaller ones fled. Some crawled up the [Soldiers], biting frantically, but they were ignored or swatted. Torches came down, and the unhatched egg sacks, the walls of the nest went up. Captain Wikir climbed out of the pit, shaking off tiny Shield Spiders and growling in disgust.<\/p>\n \u201cOne down.\u201d<\/p>\n Sergeant Gna helped her Captain out of the pit. Wikir accepted her paw and saw eight tiny Shield Spiders scuttle from his paw onto her fur. Gna grimaced, but pulled him out before flicking the spiders out of her fur. Wikir cursed, began to shake himself, and decided against.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. Get clear, the rest of you. I\u2019m shaking these things off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatch out that they don\u2019t get in your ears. Or nose.\u201d<\/p>\n Sergeant Gna watched, amused, as Wikir stomped back to the pit and shook himself. It was burning. And the [Mage] attached to their squad was adding to the flames with controlled bursts of magic. The female Drake spellcaster raised her voice as the rest of the [Soldiers] who\u2019d gone down to do the fighting tried to divest themselves of the tiny spiders in the same way.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have let us set fire from above, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd let Pielt call me a coward?\u201d<\/p>\n Wikir looked back. The oldest [Captain] in 4th Company grinned, baring his teeth in a predator\u2019s smirk. He gestured to the pit.<\/p>\n \u201cI went in. And if I have to pick these little things out of my fur all day, it\u2019s fine. His<\/em> squad gets to do these all by hand and torch. The rest of these we burn from above, just as planned. The big Shield Spiders come to us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEfficient.\u201d<\/p>\n The younger Gnoll grinned as well. So did 1st Squad. They looked around and saw more squads of 4th Company doing what they\u2019d done. Hunting down Shield Spider nests and destroying them. And they weren\u2019t the only ones; the Floodplains had a lot of people covering it today. Drakes and Gnolls, nearly a thousand in total.<\/p>\n 4th Company was helping with what was a tradition for Liscor\u2019s City Watch: culling the Shield Spider numbers before they could grow to a plague. It was a gesture of goodwill\u2014and in practice, a good way to get on both the City Watch and Liscor\u2019s good side. And that was important, especially today.<\/p>\n \u201cHope Watch Captain Zevara appreciates the work.\u201d<\/p>\n Sergeant Gna remarked as she found a fine-toothed comb and approached her Captain. It was standard-issue; thorns and insect eggs were the least of what could get into a Gnoll\u2019s fur. He grunted his thanks and let Gna comb his hair around his armor from behind. He was already working on one arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn Pielt and his bets. 1st Squad! Keep moving! Find those nests! And don\u2019t fall in; the last thing I want is wasted healing potions or broken bones! Get a move on\u2014or do you want 3rd Squad to enjoy a night at Wishdrinks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The female and male [Soldiers] got back to work with alacrity. Their tools were simple\u2014long sticks to check the ground for telltale pits. They moved fast. This was a contest. Wing Commander Embria had promised a night of fun at one of the best taverns in the city, Wishdrinks, for whoever got the most nests.<\/p>\n Speaking of which\u2026Gna and Wikir glanced left. They saw Wing Commander Embria, mounted on her warhorse, watching her company work. She wasn\u2019t taking part, but she was hardly slouching on the job; her posture was military straight. Gna grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s our Wing Commander. And that\u2019s why she\u2019s a Wing Commander, eh, Captain? She\u2019s not jumping into nests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt. Was. A. Bet.\u201d<\/p>\n Wikir bit out. He sighed and put away his comb, then stomped the mud and growing grass to kill the spiders he\u2019d just tossed off him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll do. But we\u2019re all getting checked and a visit to the bathhouses. The last thing I need is for one of those little things to lay eggs in your ear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah. When I<\/em> was a rookie, I heard about someone who got a bunch of these worm eggs in his head. Began acting weirdly. And then the swelling started. By the time they hatched out of the head, they were as large as\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The [Captain] was grinning, regaling his subordinate with a tale, as his company searched for another nest. 2nd Squad, led by Captain Vell, was already on their third. A particularly large Shield Spider met a cluster of spears that sank halfway into the thick, hard shell, until Captain Vell herself cut off a leg, and the [Soldiers] took it apart from a distance. 4th Company was efficient.<\/p>\n The City Watch was slower, owing to lower levels and less motivation. But everyone was at work. The city was watching. The people of Liscor had taken to the walls to watch the annual spring culling with urbane amusement. And it was all going well. Embria cut a fine figure on her horse, her spear at the ready in case a giant Shield Spider emerged. Her crimson scales were a flash of color amidst the dull landscape. And 4th Company was working hard, brave [Soldiers] aiding in the safety of their city.<\/p>\n \u201cHear that cheering?\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Wikir grinned at his Wing Commander as she rode slowly down a hill towards them. Embria smiled slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cGood sounds, aren\u2019t they? Keep it up, Wikir. Nice show.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything for the city, Wing Commander. And these elections.\u201d<\/p>\n Wikir flicked at his fur. Embria nodded. She scratched the spines on the back of her head. The cheering was indeed coming from the city, and it was a surprise, but one that made both her and Wikir smile with pleasure. The army seldom received accolades when it returned home, but that was understandable. There were often issues. But a smaller group, say, 4th Company? It seemed they\u2019d finally won the trust of the city. They\u2019d only had to fight in a siege to do it.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re making good progress. Three nests for 3rd Squad already. Don\u2019t fall behind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe won\u2019t. And we\u2019ll toast to you at Wishdrinks tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Wikir grinned. Embria eyed him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take that. You have night duty again tonight. Three days of break after that. I\u2019ll be\u2014er, having a dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith Sergeant\u2014no, Senior Guardsman Relc?\u201d<\/p>\n Embria hesitated. She nodded casually, looking past Wikir at the teams working down the Floodplains.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll thought carefully, watching his squad blasting another pit with flames. Sergeant Gna kicked a Shield Spider into the pit.<\/p>\n \u201cNot from me, or my squad, Wing Commander. There was some<\/em> talk when he appeared for morning practice. But you can\u2019t fault the fact that he\u2019s the only one better than you on the courts. And it\u2019s not like it\u2019s private ground; the Adventurer\u2019s Guild is anyone\u2019s territory. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Embria nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cJust let me know if there\u2019re real complaints. Lieutenant Kesa can run her mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill do. And it helps that Senior Guardsman Relc appeared early. Beat half the trainees to be up.\u201d<\/p>\n The middle-aged Gnoll caught the smile on Embria\u2019s lips before she schooled her face. But he liked the pleased look he\u2019d seen. It had been too long.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my d\u2014uh, Senior Guardsman Relc. He may have quit, but you never forget. Punctual as always.\u201d<\/p>\n That didn\u2019t actually sound like the Relc that Wikir knew. But he kept his mouth shut. The cheering picked up from the walls of the city. He half-turned to look, trying not to show Embria his<\/em> wagging tail.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like the civilians really like seeing Shield Spiders getting taken out.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria nodded, very pleased. She looked back towards the city.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone enjoys a bit of action, Wikir. Especially exterminating monsters. Why don\u2019t we have the [Captains] and [Lieutenants] use some flashier Skills? We can\u2014what\u2019s that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Wikir\u2019s head turned. For a second, he didn\u2019t spot what Embria was looking at. Then his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cReinforcements? Wait\u2014no\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Captain]\u2019s curse was an echo of the oath that Embria shouted. The 4th Company and nearby City Watch [Guards] looked up. And they saw what Liscor\u2019s citizens had already spotted from their walls. They turned.<\/p>\n It was a pounding in the ground that heralded them. As fast as a racing heartbeat. And there they came, out of the city gates, five abreast. Their shells gleaming. They ran forwards, accompanied by cheers from above. And their colors glowed in the morning light.<\/p>\n There they went. On the other side of the city, over the muddy hills, trampling newly growing grass shoots underfoot. Then, stopping. Pausing, to stare at the grass. At new life poking upwards, frantically growing. Staring at little insects and worms busily surviving in the mud. A passing bird. And, of course, the sky.<\/p>\n Three hundred. Far fewer than the City Watch deployed en masse, and far larger than the 4th Company of Liscor. But the Soldiers were an army unto themselves. They poured into the Floodplains and up the first hill, an unstoppable wave. Not just regular Soldiers either; they all bore markings on their carapaces, on their bodies. Each one was unique, each one individual.<\/p>\n The Painted Soldiers. <\/em>But that wasn\u2019t what chilled Embria\u2019s blood in her veins. It was the figure leading them. A giant among the Soldiers. Like the rest, his carapace was marked by color. But he stood out again. Because his body bore no paint. The yellow splatters of color splashed across his chest, arms, legs, even his neck stood out. He led them.<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters.<\/em> The [Sergeant] stood out even from the other Soldiers. He led them at a charge up the next hill; the Antinium sprinted after him. They didn\u2019t pace themselves; they just ran, their footfalls thundering in unison.<\/p>\n Ahead of them, the City Watch was moving back. They\u2019d identified dozens of Shield Spider nests, but, Embria noticed only now, hadn\u2019t actually begun destroying any of them. She watched, with equal parts loathing and apprehension, as the Antinium ran to the unearthed pits, spreading out. Forming squads. Like her own.<\/p>\n The Painted Soldiers moved precisely, adopting squads, spreading out with an efficiency that put the 4th Company of Liscor\u2019s army to shame. It was a connection facilitated by their Queen, by their nature. Soldiers were no True Antinium, but bereft of language, they had a connection that bordered on instinct. They could read body language, and like one multi-bodied organism, they could react to threats within moments, without needing vocal command.<\/p>\n And yet, the Painted Soldiers paused as they reached the first line of Shield Spider nests. And they turned their heads and bodies, looking up. At him, Yellow Splatters. And the [Sergeant] knew they were waiting for his order. So he raised one arm.<\/p>\n He did not have to open his mandibles. He could have nodded or just tilted his head a fraction of a centimeter. The Soldiers could have known what to do in a hundred more efficient ways. But he stood straighter, and the Soldiers below him watched, waiting. They wanted to hear him say it. Because he could. <\/em>So Yellow Splatters pointed. His voice was quiet, but they heard it in their minds, bodies, and souls.<\/p>\n \u201cForwards.\u201d<\/p>\n It was one command, but it triggered an avalanche. The Painted Soldiers poured forwards. They charged, and Embria saw the first, a Soldier with white-blue paint covering his shell like snow, leap<\/em>. He crashed into the first Shield Spider pit, and Embria saw a Shield Spider go flying out<\/em> of the pit a second later.<\/p>\n More Soldiers crashed into the pits after the first. They fought in brutal symphony, crushing, breaking, tearing apart the spiders with their four arms and legs. And before Embria could blink, the first Soldiers were already climbing out of the first pit, their bodies stained with Shield Spider blood.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n Wikir breathed, his face slightly pale under his fur. Embria\u2019s voice snapped as she turned to him.<\/p>\n \u201cGet ahold of yourself, Wikir. They\u2019re aiding in the cleanup too. Get your squads moving! All of 4th Company, stop slacking off! <\/em>Do you want the damn Antinium to show you up!?\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice roused the 4th Company. They set back to work with a will. But the Painted Soldiers were moving even faster. If Embria\u2019s [Soldiers] were running, the Painted Soldiers were sprinting. One with pink stripes reached down and ripped<\/em> a Shield Spider\u2019s head off its body. Another lifted a spider as large as he was up, capturing four of the eight legs, and a third mercilessly pounded the spider\u2019s exposed belly until it burst.<\/p>\n Embria had seen Antinium fight. She had killed them. But even she was taken aback by the ferocity of this group. She watched them destroy another nest in less than a minute. Then her eyes travelled to the logical source of this oddity.<\/p>\n Him<\/em>. Yellow Splatters had paused on a hill, arms folded like Embria. But he leapt into motion as she watched.<\/p>\n A giant Shield Spider, a mother, a matriarch as large as two wagons, had taken objection to the slaughter of her kin. She unearthed herself, clambering after a group of [Guards] that fled her and a swarm of her kin. The angry, giant Shield Spider crawled after them. Embria swore.<\/p>\n \u201c2nd Squad, with me! Captain Vell\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She charged her horse down the hill, her spear ready. But she was too slow. The Antinium were already on the move. A squad of eighteen Painted Soldiers rammed into<\/em> the Shield Spiders, scattering them like pins. The giant Shield Spider screeched<\/em> in fury. She snapped her mandibles, taking a Soldier by the chest. He struggled as she lifted him. And Yellow Splatters struck the giant Shield Spider\u2019s side.<\/p>\n The crash<\/em> as the [Sergeant] hit the Shield Spider made Embria\u2019s horse halt. Embria watched as Yellow Splatters punched, cracking the mother spider\u2019s side, then reached up. He grabbed a huge leg, and pulled<\/em>.<\/p>\n The leg came out of the body. Yellow Splatters ducked as the giant Shield Spider swung towards him, letting go of the Soldier she\u2019d captured. The [Sergeant] punched away a huge mandible. He retreated, but only to use the leg like a club, bashing at the smaller Shield Spiders around him. And then the rest of the Painted Soldiers arrived. They leapt, grabbing at the giant spider, breaking her legs, hammering at her sides, killing the smaller ones.<\/p>\n In minutes, the corpse had stopped twitching. The Soldiers moved past Embria and the silent [Captains] who\u2019d answered her call. The Drakes and Gnolls watched as Yellow Splatters ran forwards. The Painted Soldiers streamed after him.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors. Wing Commander. Is that what this new breed of Antinium can do? Some kind of improvement over regular ones?\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Vell, unnaturally pale, breathed out slowly. She looked\u2026uneasy. Embria couldn\u2019t apply frightened to Vell. But Embria herself felt rattled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll add more notes to my report. High Command is aware of this new type. But\u2014damn them. They actually did it. That\u2019s more than a Prognugator. That\u2019s a leader.\u201d<\/p>\n Embria glared at Yellow Splatters. She pointed at the [Sergeant]. Vell glanced at her, confused.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a difference?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes.\u201d<\/p>\n The crimson-scaled Wing Commander bit out. She watched Yellow Splatters pointing and the Soldiers charging past him. They were too animated, even for Antinium Soldiers. She shook her head and then looked back at her officers.<\/p>\n \u201cI never had the privilege of watching General Shivertail fight. Let alone General Sserys. But I heard that Zel Shivertail was no genius of strategy. And his army-wide Skills were few and far between. He was a monster in close combat and practically undefeatable there. But what made him terrifying was his skill as a leader. Not just a [Leader]. When he led, it was said that the Drake [Soldiers] who followed him turned into rampaging warbeasts, every last one of them. When he was fighting for home, no army from Baleros, Chandrar, the north, or anywhere else stood a chance. Because it was him.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Vell\u2019s eyes widened. Then her jaw dropped when she realized what Embria was implying. The Wing Commander shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he\u2019s low level. Or maybe he\u2019s just hiding his true abilities. It doesn\u2019t matter. He may not have a Skill, but when he starts getting some\u2014some leaders are like that. Some [Squad Captains] too. But they\u2019re a different breed from planners, or even regular [Generals]. I hear the Bannermare of Baleros and the King of Destruction are both nearly as good as General Shivertail was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Wing Commander\u2014the Antinium don\u2019t have <\/em>morale.\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Pielt protested. Wikir growled in disgust. He slapped Pielt across the back of the head with a paw.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what you see, Captain Pielt? Pluck out your damn eyes, then.\u201d<\/p>\n The others went silent. They looked at Embria. She followed Yellow Splatters with her eyes. The Painted Soldier was moving on, letting his Soldiers clear nest after nest at breakneck speed. He was a reflection of her, standing alone. And that bothered Embria most of all. She saw him turn his head. And for a moment, their eyes met.<\/p>\n Then Embria turned away in disgust. Disgust and unease. Because she wasn\u2019t sure if she had seen an anomaly or a new type of Antinium, one far more terrifying than even the flying monsters or the color-changing assassins. She looked at the quiet 4th Company and snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? Do you want them to take all the credit? Back to work! Blast those nests! Officers, use your best Skills! The Antinium may be machines, but they don\u2019t have magic or Skills!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYet.\u201d<\/p>\n Vell muttered as she trudged back to her squad. Embria paused. And that one word scared her more than anything else. She turned back to watch. With the people of Liscor. The Painted Antinium marched on.<\/p>\n Onwards, across the Floodplains. Bright colors on dark shells. And they were laughing. Because he led them.<\/p>\n He had come back.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWow. That\u2019s something.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin Solstice stood on the hill outside of her inn, watching the battle. Well, it was charitable to call it a battle. It looked to her like pest extermination. The Shield Spiders certainly had about as much of a chance as regular spiders against the City Watch, the 4th Company, and the Painted Antinium.<\/p>\n Maybe if they\u2019d been the giant behemoths that had assaulted Tyrion Veltras\u2019 army, they could have fought back. But Shield Spiders of the smaller variety were dangerous to individuals. Not armies.<\/p>\n Erin wasn\u2019t participating in the culling, of course; she was just watching. With a glass of lemonade in one hand, the most appropriate drink in the world. She glanced at it as she took another sip through a wooden straw.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no<\/em> idea that lemons were this plentiful on Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot Izril. They\u2019re usually native to Baleros. But Oteslia, one of the Walled Cities, is famous for growing plants from across the world. They drive the cost down. Although, it\u2019s still going to be a lot pricier than, say, cider. But we can sell this well. I\u2019m surprised I haven\u2019t ever had anything like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette stepped up to watch with Erin. She had a pitcher of fresh lemonade in one hand. She glanced at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething else from your world?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the most popular drinks in the world. Besides Coke. It\u2019s a classic.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sipped her drink absently. Lyonette nodded. She poured a small cup and reached down. A furry paw reached up for it.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s your second glass. You only get two, Mrsha. And don\u2019t share with Apista.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll nodded seriously. Then she drew a smiley face and patted her stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Glad you like it, Mrsha. We\u2019ll try it on our guests tonight. But it\u2019s really great for hot weather, you know. Either way\u2026give me another cup, Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] nodded. She handed Erin her cup and then filled another from a table. There were tables outside on the grass, and chairs. And customers. It was a special Shield Spider viewing morning, with a special on breakfast. Lyonette\u2019s idea.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin handed Lyonette back her drink, took the new one, and went to find some of her guests. She slipped down one hill, balancing her drinks.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoop. Whoop!<\/em> Slippery! No, Mrsha, don\u2019t follow. Who\u2014ah, darn. Got some on my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n She tsked<\/em>, climbing up another hill with a much less steep gradient, and found a group at the top. Erin smiled and raised her cup.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Anyone want to try some lemonade?\u201d<\/p>\n The figures on the hill looked up. Pawn, kneeling in a patch of grass and pressing two of his hands to a Soldier\u2019s leg, looked up. The Soldier was sitting on the ground. He had an open wound, from which green blood was oozing. Or\u2014had been oozing. Erin blinked. His leg was healed. The Shield Spider bite he\u2019d suffered was closed. As she watched, Pawn drew his hands back, and the Soldier flexed his leg experimentally.<\/p>\n \u201cNice. Using some healing potions, huh, Pawn?\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker jumped. He hesitated, then nodded judiciously.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been doing healing, Erin. Thank you. Fortunately, few Soldiers are getting injured. The Shield Spiders are not really a threat, and Yellow Splatters is leading the others.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at the Painted Soldiers still killing nests. It had been four hours, and they weren\u2019t slowing down. Neither was 4th Company; the [Soldiers] seemed determined to win this competition, if it was one. The City Watch had decided it was not and started trudging back to the city. Erin anticipated guests to her inn. She decided Lyonette could handle it with the morning\u2019s staff. She took another sip from her drink and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Here. You want a lemonade, guys?\u201d<\/p>\n She offered it to Pawn and the Soldier. The Soldier, who had bright green vines twining up his legs, looked at Pawn. The Worker hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSweet lemonade. That\u2019s lemons plus water. And sugar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. We can consume that. Please give it to Twisted Vines. I will have some later, if there is more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. Hello, Twisted Vines! Want some?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin offered the Soldier the cup. Reverentially, as if he were receiving the holy grail itself, the Soldier clumsily took the cup. He raised it to his mandibles and gently poured some of the liquid into his mouth. He paused. Erin and Pawn watched. Then, slowly, the Soldier poured a single drop of the lemonade into his mouth. He paused. For twenty seconds. Then he did it again.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn nodded. He looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is savoring it. He doesn\u2019t wish to waste the lemonade, Erin. It is delicious to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Twisted Vines raised one of his free hands and nodded. He ducked it, almost timidly, at Erin. Embarrassed, the [Innkeeper] looked at her nearly empty cup.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can have more! That\u2019s what refills are for!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNevertheless. Thank you, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn said it so genuinely that Erin had to turn and go bright red for a second. There was something off-putting about how grateful Antinium could be for a cup of lemonade. Even though she was used to it, it could hurt<\/em>. But it also made the world clearer. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to tend to the injured here? You can do it at my inn, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should be closer to them. Just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Acolyte] rubbed two of his hands together absently. He watched as the Soldiers moved towards them. Erin nodded. She sipped, found her cup was empty, and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you like. I\u2019ll be at my inn, reevaluating my life and being grateful and stuff. Come on over when you\u2019re done! Bring your Soldiers! Lyonette wants to sell them stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn watched Erin go. Then he turned to Twisted Vines. The Painted Soldier was still savoring the cup, drop by drop. Pawn hesitated. Twisted Vines glanced at him, then carefully put the cup down. He stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may stay. Finish your cup before you leave. That\u2019s\u2026necessary for your full recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker ordered Twisted Vines. The Soldier glanced at his comrades, but did sit and pick up the cup. He drank, but more swiftly now. And Pawn stared at his hands.<\/p>\n All four of them. Then he looked at Twisted Vine\u2019s leg. Gone was the visible interior flesh that had been exposed by the Shield Spider\u2019s sharp mandibles. Pawn noted the remnants of the blood.<\/p>\n \u201cYour wound doesn\u2019t hurt? Did you feel any undue pain when I was\u2014healing<\/em> it? Does it feel functional now?\u201d<\/p>\n Twisted Vines paused. He regarded his leg, then looked up and shook his head. Then he hesitated, and carefully put a thumb up. Purple Smile must have taught him that.<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Inform me if it does hurt afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Twisted Vines nodded. He sat on the ground, finished his cup of lemonade, and then stood up. Pawn realized the Soldier had no idea what to do with the cup.<\/p>\n \u201cI will take it back to Erin. You may go. If you must.\u201d<\/p>\n Twisted Vines nodded. He handed the cup to Pawn, then turned and rejoined his brethren. Pawn sat on his hill and watched them fighting. He felt a desire to be below. But he knew he would struggle just to keep up with the Soldiers as they ran. And he had been assigned to this hill, to relative secrecy. Because Klbkch did not want many people seeing Pawn using his new Skill.<\/p>\n A new Skill. And Yellow Splatters. Pawn didn\u2019t know which surprised him more. But he took both. Oh, he took what he had been given. And he had never felt more grateful.<\/p>\n He was back. Yellow Splatters. And part of Pawn\u2019s internal hell, his damnation, had eased when he saw Yellow Splatters. But the [Sergeant] was\u2026more than he had ever been. Far more. In body and in other ways. Pawn saw the Painted Antinium moving closer to the inn. And he realized they were done, at least for the moment.<\/p>\n Soldiers were streaming back across the Floodplains, many towards the city. Some were collecting the more edible Shield Spider corpses for processing. The rest were following Yellow Splatters. He directed them with efficient movements of his four hands, using the silent communication method of the Hive\u2019s Soldiers. And in that, he was familiar to Pawn. The Worker raised a hand as he walked down the hill towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cYellow Splatters.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] looked up at him. And then his mandibles opened in a smile. He spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn.\u201d<\/p>\n And that word changed everything. Pawn halted for a moment. Yellow Splatters could speak.<\/em> A Soldier could speak. But that wasn\u2019t all. Yellow Splatters gestured to the Soldiers behind him with one hand as another pointed at the inn. Still two more were singling out Soldiers in the group behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cI have two injured. Firestones, Azure Clouds, Pawn will tend to your wounds. The rest of you, proceed to The Wandering Inn. You will receive food there.\u201d<\/p>\n The Soldiers obediently trooped ahead as two moved out of the ground. Pawn saw a bloody wrist on one of the four arms, and the second Soldier had a cut on one abdomen and cracks around his leg armor, perhaps from a bad fall. He reached out for them, even as he stared at Yellow Splatters, still with that awe.<\/p>\n He could speak. Fluently.<\/em> Yellow Splatters had the natural intonation and speed of any natural speaker. He was better than Bird<\/em>. And his voice was deep, commanding. Without hesitation. He was the same in many ways. But, oh, so different.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me heal you.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn directed his attention back to the two injured Soldiers. Firestones and Azure Clouds obediently let Pawn press his hands against their wounds. The Antinium Soldier with burning coals etched onto his body in paint didn\u2019t move as Pawn put his hands over his cut wrist.<\/p>\n \u201cBe healed.\u201d<\/p>\n The words were simple. But the prayer Pawn gave for that very thing to happen was from the core of his heart. And part of what was in that prayer was doubt. Uncertainty. But also hope. And faith that his hope would be\u2014Pawn took his hands back. And the wrist, though stained with blood, was whole. Firestones looked down at his wrist, and the Soldier\u2019s antennae waved with amazement.<\/p>\n \u201cYou too, Azure Clouds.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Soldier let Pawn put his hands on his legs and stomach. And when Pawn removed the hands, the wounds were healed. Just like that. A healing potion could have done the same, but Pawn felt<\/em> the healing being done. As if some of him had gone into the two. He felt tired, but only slightly. And they were healed. Yellow Splatters nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cJoin the others. We will follow you.\u201d<\/p>\n The two Soldiers nodded. They walked past Pawn, but Yellow Splatters stopped them with a hand on each shoulder as they passed him. The giant among Soldiers, a head taller than any other Antinium, looked at the two.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have done well. Eat and rest. It is earned.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all. But the two Painted Soldiers walked back to the inn with more pride than Pawn had seen in them\u2026ever. The Worker looked at Yellow Splatters as the [Sergeant] held a hand to help Pawn up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are different.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The two walked up the hill of The Wandering Inn slowly, side by side. Their heights were different. Their bodies were similarly contrasting. But they were both Antinium. And they both knew each other. But Pawn felt like a stranger. Perhaps Yellow Splatters did too, because he kept glancing at Pawn.<\/p>\n It was one of the first times they had been alone. Since Yellow Splatters\u2019 reveal in the streets of Liscor, that was. True, two days had passed. But Klbkch had kept Yellow Splatters moving, repeating his message of support for Krshia. And then the [Sergeant] had been surrounded by the Painted Soldiers. Pawn didn\u2019t begrudge that. But now, walking with Yellow Splatters, he didn\u2019t know what to say. He had a thousand questions. Ten thousand words. But how to begin?<\/p>\n \u201cI am different. But the same. I can speak. And say the many things I would have said before my death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat things?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGratitude. Regret. Frustration\u2014at not being able to say these things. Questions for you. Ideas. Things the Soldiers need. Questions. Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] looked at Pawn. The Worker shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t do enough. I was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, really\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn looked up at Yellow Splatters. The [Sergeant] smiled. And they reached the inn, bearing a silence more profound than any Pawn had shared with Yellow Splatters until now. And then Pawn saw the door was wide open. And he heard a familiar voice.<\/p>\n \u201cPawn! Yellow Splatters!<\/em> Come in! Lemonade for my guys!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin swept over to them in an instant. The tables were filled with Painted Soldiers\u2014forty-nine of them to be exact. Each one had a bowl and was eating as they watched a performance on stage. Erin herself came to Pawn. She beamed as she grabbed some lemonade off a tray.<\/p>\n \u201cHere. It\u2019s fresh. Want some soup? I\u2019ve got a big pot of this really great soup Lyonette came up with. Here, sit, sit! It\u2019s so good to see you, Yellow Splatters. I mean, we said hi.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] sat at a table offered by Erin. Pawn remembered Erin hugging Yellow Splatters after she\u2019d found he\u2019d returned. Even now, she looked misty-eyed, but she was already waving for more soup.<\/p>\n \u201cHere! It\u2019s hot, fresh, and, uh, probably not gluten!\u201d<\/p>\n The bowl steamed as it appeared in front of Pawn. It was a clear broth with obvious bits of pork and what might have been Yellats<\/em> mixed in with some other greens. Pawn raised a spoon before he could help himself. Instantly, his mouth was flooded with flavor.<\/em> It had been far, far too long since he\u2019d come aboveground.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s delicious, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I\u2019m glad. This is only like fifty of the Soldiers, though, right? Are you bringing more in? Lyonette\u2019s making a huge batch!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin pointed at the kitchen. Pawn hesitated. Both he and Yellow Splatters had been given the morning\u2019s orders by Klbkch, but he\u2019d said nothing about the Soldiers having food. Just that they would meet him here.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026believe only fifty are normally allowed aboveground except for formal operations. But these Soldiers can rotate with the others.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha. I\u2019ll let Lyonette know. Oh! And we\u2019ve got special spoons and bowls for them to eat with. I\u2019ll get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin half-rose, glancing down at the table. Pawn looked down too and nearly dropped his spoon. He stared at Yellow Splatters.<\/p>\n \u201cYour hands.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn hadn\u2019t noticed it before, but even Yellow Splatter\u2019s hands were different. Two of his four arms were a Soldier\u2019s arms. Functional. Deadly. Capped by clumsy fingers more suited for making a deadly fist than any other task. They could dig and fight and manipulate some things, but crudely. But the other two arms, the higher of the four, had been changed.<\/p>\n The limbs were thick. Reinforced. Suited for combat. But the hands were hands<\/em>. Five digits, like a Worker\u2019s fingers, had replaced Yellow Splatter\u2019s previous hands. And they were gripping the spoon Erin had given him, meant for her regular clientele and Workers. As Erin and Pawn watched, he brought it up and transferred some soup into his mouth.<\/p>\n Delicately, carefully. As if he had always known how to use a spoon up till this moment. But he had never had a chance. Yellow Splatters looked up, noticing the stares.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Erin Solstice. It is good soup.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can speak. I mean, I know you can. But\u2026wow. You can speak.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can. And I will never be silent again.\u201d<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters looked at the two of them and nodded once more. He tapped his chest with one hand even as another grabbed his cup and a third lifted the spoon towards his mouth again.<\/p>\n \u201cBefore, I had no words. That was me. And then I had words but no voice. And now I have more words. And they come from the same silent Soldier. And from heaven. From the voices of the many who have never had the chance to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn was struck silent. Erin just looked at him thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so glad. Listen\u2014I want to talk to you two, but there\u2019s a lot of guests. Just sit there and wave if you want anything. I\u2019ve gotta actually do my job for a bit. Coming, Lyonette!\u201d<\/p>\n She stood up and went to the kitchen where Lyonette had been waving at her urgently. Pawn looked back at Yellow Splatters. The [Sergeant] was silent as he ate his soup as greedily as any Soldier. Come to it\u2014Pawn looked down and realized he was eating the delicious soup as well.<\/p>\n The Antinium\u2019s meal was silent; they didn\u2019t want to waste the food by talking, but it was interrupted near the end. A Drake and a Gnoll, regular guests, hesitantly came towards the table. The Drake nudged the Gnoll, and the Gnoll nudged back. They were both male, and at last, the Drake cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cHell of a thing. The, uh, Shield Spider culling that was. We saw it from the walls. You\u2019re\u2026Yellow Splatters, right? The Soldier? The\u2026war hero?\u201d<\/p>\n Skepticism was written all over his voice. Yellow Splatters nodded. He put down his spoon and stood up. The Drake and Gnoll stepped back fast, and the nearby tables turned to look, but Yellow Splatter\u2019s voice was calm and measured.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Yellow Splatters. [Sergeant] of the Painted Antinium unit of the Free Antinium. Son of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Wow. Uh, a pleasure. Sisl Taltail. And this is my friend, Wilr. We were just asking\u2014are the Antinium really planning on funding an expansion to Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was clearly nervous, and he didn\u2019t hold out his claw to shake hands, which Pawn understood as being customary. But he didn\u2019t run screaming either. Yellow Splatters nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSenior Guardsman Klbkch would not lie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not! I just\u2014so the Antinium are willing to give gold to Liscor? Just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake glanced around. Pawn saw some more non-Antinium customers lean in. Yellow Splatters nodded coolly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are pledged to defend Liscor. That also means defending the interests of the city. We do not break our promises. Vote for Krshia Silverfang. And we will build your city. Workers to build and Soldiers to guard. It is our city too, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. Sisl opened his mouth for a second, and then nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n He backed off, staring at Yellow Splatters, but his Gnoll friend looked almost impressed. Yellow Splatters sat back down. Pawn stared at him as well.<\/p>\n \u201cYou speak with authority.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Should I not?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] looked blankly at Pawn. The Worker hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cBut where does it come from?\u201d<\/p>\n The Soldier pondered the question. Then he kept eating because the soup was getting cold. He raised his cup, sipped from it, and answered.<\/p>\n \u201cHeaven, perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Senior Guardsman Klbkch entered The Wandering Inn shortly after cleaning up some mud from his gear. He\u2019d participated in the Shield Spider culling too, but the City Watch had vacated the field after the Painted Soldiers had proven so effective. Still, it was because of Relc\u2019s tardiness that he and Relc reached the inn after the Painted Soldiers had been there for a good fifteen minutes. That irked Klbkch slightly. He would have preferred to study Yellow Splatters in person. Because the [Sergeant], the unique Soldier among Soldiers, was an enigma.<\/p>\n He had changed. Not that Klbkch had interacted much with the previous Yellow Splatters. But this new Soldier was different. Confident. Even outspoken. Had death changed him? Had a voice only unearthed what was there to begin with? Klbkch didn\u2019t know. But today his mind was overfull with questions, speculations, and, perhaps, a bit of surprise.<\/p>\n Pawn and Yellow Splatters.<\/em> One was predictable, at least in part. Klbkch had known about the Rite of Anastases being a success, even if he hadn\u2019t been prepared for the personality of the [Sergeant]. But Pawn?<\/p>\n \u201cA Skill unlike any other. The potential<\/em> of that power is\u2026or is it not? I must know what Xrn thinks.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium sat himself down at a table at the back of the room, observing Yellow Splatters and Pawn. A yawn came from his left.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, Klb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing, Relc. And I am still irate at you. You are more slothful today than usual, which is an impressive event.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not a compliment.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc sighed. He stretched out, and Klbkch leaned out of the way of an errant arm.<\/p>\n \u201cBite me. I\u2019m tired<\/em>, alright? I had to wake up super-early because of my kid\u2014and she spars way too hard!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy that, do you mean she puts forth actual effort?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBite me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will endeavor to do so if you continue irking me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yeah\u2026hey! Close those mandibles!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc sat up, groaning. He glanced at the stage and brightened.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh! New play! Awesome! Hey, mind if we get a closer seat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose it is not out of the question. I have to speak with my subordinates.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was already getting up, tail wagging, as the Players of Celum began a play Klbkch didn\u2019t recognize. He nodded absently.<\/p>\n \u201cCool, cool. Wow, it\u2019s busy<\/em> in here. Look at all these Soldiers. And jerks drinking my<\/em> blue fruit juice. Which is yellow. Is that a new drink? Hey! Hey, I\u2019ll have\u2014damn. What do you want, Klbkch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will have an ale. And a bowl of the soup. Please order it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc raised a hand as he sauntered forwards. Klbkch walked towards the table with Pawn and Yellow Splatters. He sat across from them.<\/p>\n \u201cReport.\u201d<\/p>\n The two looked up, mildly startled. Klbkch stared at them. They were\u2026it was so strange, looking at them. Not because of their bodies, but because of what they represented. An incalculable amount of worth each, where generations upon generations of Soldiers and Workers had died, sacrificed in the hopes of becoming exactly what they were.<\/p>\n But now that Klbkch had them, he wasn\u2019t certain what to do with them. He wasn\u2019t certain he remembered\u2026what it was like to have other thinking Individuals in his Hive. Could he trust them with the Antinium\u2019s true purpose? Did his Queen? Klbkch didn\u2019t know. But they were valuable.<\/p>\n And yet\u2014Klbkch looked at them. And he felt little connection, little to empathize or even sympathize with, in them. They were so unlike the Antinium he had known.<\/p>\n He felt\u2026old.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn still felt uneasy talking to Klbkch. Now that he had met so many people, even other Antinium, he could sense Klbkch\u2019s reserve like a wall in front of him. The Revalantor of the Hive listened impatiently as both gave their reports. Yellow Splatters\u2019 was shorter than Pawn\u2019s; Klbkch listened intently as Pawn described healing four Soldiers.<\/p>\n \u201cThat aligns with both tests I had you perform. It appears your ability recharges itself after rest. Much like Skills in that category.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Klbkch.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn ducked his head. Klbkch stared at him. Then his gaze shifted to Yellow Splatters.<\/p>\n \u201cYour combat ability is also improved, despite your loss of ten levels from resurrection. It is to be expected as well. The Free Queen had modified your body for improved musculature and performance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Will all Soldiers become like me?\u201d<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters looked at his hands. Klbkch shook his head instantly.<\/p>\n \u201cChanging the\u2026specific formulas of the Soldiers\u2019 creation is an intensive process. It is one thing to shape an Antinium as it is being formed. Another to make the process default, without the need for supervision. You are unique.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I will lead the Painted Soldiers. That is my duty.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Klbkch shook his head. The Revalantor\u2019s voice was sharp, and Klbkch himself felt annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cYour duty is to survive. You are an investment in time and effort. Let other Soldiers die before you.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited for Yellow Splatters\u2019 affirmative, but the Soldier didn\u2019t immediately give it. He stared at Klbkch, and the Revalantor felt a prickle on his carapace. If it had been any other Soldier before then, Klbkch would have taken that as a sign of potential Aberration or Individuality. Yellow Splatters folded two of his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cI am unlike any other Soldier. I am their leader. That was why I was brought back. I lead them. So does Purple Smile. We must lead because we do what they cannot. If we die leading from the front, that is inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn sucked in his breath. Klbkch just stared. It sounded like an echo of an argument he\u2019d had once in the past. He hesitated. And something inside of him twisted. It was an unfamiliar, unpleasant feeling. Like when he had seen Erin hurt. But he felt it now?<\/p>\n \u201cYou have your orders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I am no Soldier. I am their [Sergeant]. I must show them courage.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch sat back in his chair. Pawn was afraid, but Yellow Splatters didn\u2019t look away. For a moment, the Revalantor just looked at Yellow Splatters and Pawn. And he felt the strange, pained, familiar tugging inside of him worsen. Like arrowheads, cutting into his heart.<\/p>\n At last, Klbkch roused himself. He put thorns into his words, this time. He stared at Yellow Splatters and opened his mandibles slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cCourage? Courage is a value of heroes. Of champions, of other species. It is not an Antinium concept. We have had heroes. They are dead. And you cannot replace them, Yellow Splatters. You are not Galuc. He was Centenium. Taller than you. Stronger. You bear a flawed, incomplete copy of his body. You are weak. Weaker than I and far weaker than he. I know this. Because I<\/em> am Centenium. You are a Soldier. So obey.\u201d<\/p>\n He met Yellow Splatters\u2019 gaze until the Soldier nodded. Klbkch turned to Pawn.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you. You can heal a smaller wound in moments. Six times in an hour. Any quality healing potion can do far better. This ability is unprecedented. Useful<\/em>. But neither of you two have qualities invaluable to the Hive. Cultivating those abilities is your function.\u201d<\/p>\n He felt a twinge of guilt at those words. Why? Klbkch forced it down and went on.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth of you are forbidden from discussing the nature of your classes or levels. Especially in Pawn\u2019s case. Nor will you reveal any secrets of the Hive. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Revalantor Klbkch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n They said the words quietly. Meekly even. And Klbkch felt as if he were lecturing two rookie [Guards] in the City Watch. Only, he wouldn\u2019t have used those words. There was need for empathy in the Watch. And Klbkch had a small attachment to some of the [Guards]. But Antinium weren\u2019t the same. Soldiers and Workers were\u2026<\/p>\n Disposable. <\/em>But these two weren\u2019t. Klbkch hesitated. He could see hurt in Pawn\u2019s expression. And Yellow Splatters?<\/p>\n They waited. Klbkch opened and closed his mandibles a few times. And that roiling feeling in his stomach forced the next sentences out of his mandibles.<\/p>\n \u201cContinue exceeding my expectations. A rotation of\u2026fifty Soldiers may remain aboveground at all times under supervision as per our agreement with Liscor. They may stay at Erin\u2019s inn during permissible work hours or continue patrolling the city.\u201d<\/p>\n The two Workers couldn\u2019t blink, but they did move slightly in shock. Klbkch stood up briskly. Yellow Splatters raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cRevalantor Klbkch. May I also request a stipend for the Soldiers? As a reward\u2014as motivation for further growth and advancement?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn held his breath. Klbkch never granted him a larger budget. The Revalantor hesitated. Then, almost grudgingly, he turned back and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cFour silver coins and six copper per Soldier or Worker. You may withdraw a lesser bag of holding for usage.\u201d<\/p>\n Abruptly, he walked away. Pawn gaped with his mandibles open at his back. Yellow Splatters lowered his hand slowly. They looked at each other until Erin Solstice came back out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Sorry, I had to help make some food real quick. Was Klbkch just here? Was he nice? I heard him talking to you when I passed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is our Revalantor. His job is not to comfort us, Erin. He was very instructive.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn answered diplomatically, staring at Klbkch\u2019s back. Erin pursed her lips, unconvinced. She leaned over and shouted at Klbkch.<\/p>\n \u201cKlbkch! You\u2019re a bad dad!\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn froze up at his table. He saw Klbkch turn around in his chair. The Senior Guardsman eyed Pawn and then addressed Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not their father in any sense of the word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSays you! Relc\u2019s a better dad!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc looked up as he slurped from a bowl. He laughed and slapped Klbkch on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Hear that, Klb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo not hit me.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch jabbed Relc with an elbow. He looked almost irritated at Erin, certainly at Relc. He was expressive with them. Not with Pawn or Yellow Splatters. The Worker wasn\u2019t sure\u2014no, he was sure how he felt about that. Erin put her hands on her hips in disgust.<\/p>\n \u201cThat guy. I\u2019m gonna give him what for when I get to his table. But for now\u2014sorry. I forgot to do this! Here, Yellow Splatters, lean in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLean wh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] looked up. He moved back, and Erin surprised him and Pawn both by grabbing their shoulders. She hugged them both, a long, tight hug that warmed both Antinium from within. They stared at each other, and then at her. Pawn hesitantly reached a hand up. Yellow Splatters was still.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re back.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Erin said to Yellow Splatters. But her watery eyes said it all. She wiped at them.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. I never got to say it, but thank you. When the Goblin Lord and\u2014I saw your guys. And Pawn told me what you did. I\u2019m so sorry\u2014but thank you. I know it seems like they died for nothing. But you saved me. And I wish\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She sniffed hard and wiped her eyes again. Pawn looked at Erin, aghast at her tears. He stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was not in vain. They are in\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A hand grabbed one of his. Yellow Splatters looked at Pawn, and the Worker froze. Erin didn\u2019t notice. She wiped her eyes again and smiled brightly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t in vain. I know that. Definitely. And I want to do something\u2014oh! Hold on. Let me get something for you.\u201d<\/p>\n She hurried back into the kitchen, calling for Lyonette again. Pawn looked at Yellow Splatters. He sat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you stop me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not for her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Heaven? I know that. But she can know they are there.\u201d<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters shook his head after a moment\u2019s pause.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it is not hers.\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker looked at him. Pawn opened his mandibles, but he couldn\u2019t conceive of arguing. Instead, he sat closer to the table. And some of the questions bubbling away at him poured out.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it like? Are there gods there? Is it in the clouds? How many\u2014how many of us are there? Is it really\u2026heaven?\u201d<\/p>\n His heart beat anxiously in his chest. And he believed, he tried to believe, he truly did. But the proof sat in front of him. And when Yellow Splatters met his eyes, Pawn felt hope and something as pure as faith blossom in his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. It is there.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn exhaled. Slowly. The feeling he had was\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cHow? Was it always there? What does it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters was shaking his head.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly those who believed could find it. And it was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] broke off. He reached up, his mandibles opening and closing, towards the ceiling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looked like\u2026felt\u2026like\u2026as\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The words trailed off. At last, the Soldier sat back and shook his head. He met Pawn\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cIf there were words that could describe it, it could be built here. But there are not. It was\u2026satisfying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSatisfying?\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker\u2019s antennae waved in puzzlement. Yellow Splatters nodded slowly, mulling it over.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than that word. Yes. Satisfying. Peaceful. Warm. But fragile. It must be guarded and grown. By the Painted Antinium. They must know it exists and fight for it. Fight to live <\/em>so that death has worth.\u201d<\/p>\n Each sentence struck Pawn like a blow. He wanted to fall to his knees. Instead, he gripped the table, overcome by wordless emotion. At last, he looked up, and his voice trembled.<\/p>\n \u201cI am so sorry. I asked so much. I did not know the cost. If I could have, I would have died. But they all\u2014all of them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n It was what he\u2019d wanted to say. Had to say. The words poured out.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014should have stopped you. Or listened. Or done something better. The spells\u2014I didn\u2019t know. I had to do it for Erin. But I\u2014I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He trembled like a leaf. Yellow Splatters looked at Pawn until the shaking words ran out and Pawn was just shaking. Then the [Sergeant] reached forwards with two hands. He rested them on Pawn\u2019s shoulder, and two more found Pawn\u2019s hands on the table. The Painted Soldier spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cWe forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n If Antinium could but weep, Pawn would have. But he had not learned how. So he only sat, overcome, until Erin came back with something in her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cHey guuuuuuuys.<\/em> Guess what I just got from our Acid Fly traps?\u201d<\/p>\n The Worker and Soldier looked up. They\u2019d had breakfast, but lunch appeared in front of Pawn. And this time\u2014the Worker inhaled suddenly as Erin placed a cup and bowl in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cBlue fruit juice. Acid Fly bowl, extra heaping. With an egg on top! Sunny side up!\u201d<\/p>\n She spread her hands, beaming. Pawn stared down at the bowl in front of him and Yellow Splatters. Small, tiny black shapes, Acid Flies sans the acidic abdomens, were piled up in the bowl. A fried egg glistened on top of the black heap, just waiting for the yolky goodness to run down and flavor the Acid Flies.<\/p>\n \u201cAcid Flies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s breeding season! And you know what that means! Lyonette just got a bunch. Sorry, we had to make sure Mrsha knew not<\/em> to play around with them, and Apista does not like them either. But yeah. This is the first bowl. Who\u2019s my taker?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn stared at Yellow Splatters. Yellow Splatters stared at Pawn. They both answered at once.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin slapped her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two are too nice. Let me get another. And we\u2019ll have some for all the Soldiers who come in today! Not huge portions; we\u2019ve gotta build up a stock. But today?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Yellow Splatters and put a hand on his shoulder, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cFree of charge. Until we run outta Acid Flies and eggs. A back-from-the-dead special.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] looked up at her. And for the first time since coming to the inn, Pawn saw him smile. And that was so familiar, that he felt a warm feeling in his stomach. Erin beamed. Behind her, Lyonette sighed. But she didn\u2019t object.<\/p>\n \u201cWell then. Blue fruit juice for all! Acid Flies on the house for anyone who asks! Not you, Relc. And I present to you a new play by the Players of Celum! Enjoy!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved at the stage, and the [Actors], flushed with excitement, took a pre-play bow. Another bowl and cup appeared in front of Pawn. He stared at the little bugs. Yellow Splatters looked uncertain.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never had these. I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou must. They are the best things to eat. Ever.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn reassured him. Yellow Splatters reached for his spoon, then hesitated again.<\/p>\n \u201cThe other Soldiers are waiting. They should have sustenance. There may not be enough.\u201d<\/p>\n This was true. Pawn put a hand on Yellow Splatters\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. But there will be food for all who come. And you lead them. You must enjoy yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sergeant] paused, and then nodded. He reached for his cup with another hand, and Pawn took his. They touched glasses tentatively. And then both began to eat. On stage, the Players began their act. And Erin, pausing to argue with Klbkch, help serve food, came back to talk with them. And give another hug.<\/p>\n Pawn ate next to Yellow Splatters, deciding how long the Soldiers would get before they had to rotate out. He saw Lyonette overseeing the staff, radiant, and covered with a light sheen of sweat. A little white Gnoll crept up, sniffed his bowl once, and decided she wasn\u2019t interested. And Pawn sat amid it all, in the inn where he had become him.<\/p>\n He had been happier before. Deliriously happy. Overjoyed. But this was deeper. Quieter. Perhaps even more filling. The word was\u2026satisfying. And Pawn thought he knew what heaven might be like. Someday, he would find out. But right now?<\/p>\n He was just happy.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The stream of Painted Soldiers entering and leaving Erin Solstice\u2019s inn was obviously a good source of revenue. And the efforts of the Antinium in clearing the Floodplains had naturally aided in keeping the population of Shield Spiders down. And yes, true, the new play was sure to be of note to anyone who valued such things. But for Liscor, the happenings of The Wandering Inn were, for once, relatively unimportant. Because something big was happening to Liscor.<\/p>\n Elections. Democracy. The streets were abuzz with the idea of both. And that was the narrative that gripped the hearts and minds of Liscor. Because the world revolved around this issue. The story, the narrative of destiny, depended on the outcome. It wasn\u2019t about Antinium, or the inn. The main story was, obviously, Liscor\u2019s<\/em> story. How could it not be? And the Antinium and Yellow Splatters\u2019 revival, for all they were significant, were just a part of the real narrative. Backdrop.<\/p>\n And the election for Liscor\u2019s City Council was heating up. In the city, for the third day running, traffic around Market Street came to a nearly complete standstill. But the street was hardly inactive.<\/p>\n Krshia Silverfang stood on a platform created by a pair of [Carpenters] overnight. She didn\u2019t cup her hands to shout this time; she used a small speaking amulet to amplify her voice. And she was not alone.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we want to build a better Liscor, it starts with a better Council, yes? Funding for the City Watch! A better Adventurer\u2019s Guild! A larger city! Force the Council to hold an election! And we<\/em> will get to work.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll woman waved at the people standing to her right and left. And the crowd of Drakes and Gnolls in equal numbers looked up and murmured at the other three figures on the platform.<\/p>\n Raekea, one of the finest smiths in the city, and the best [Armorer] in truth. Elirr, a beloved [Beast Trainer]. Senior Guardswoman Beilmark, a veteran [Guardswoman] trusted by all. They waved at the crowd and got cheers of support. Krshia raised her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all know these Gnolls! Each one is respected! Each one would help change the city! Isn\u2019t it better to know who is on the Council, rather than let them elect themselves? Why should we not have a voice? If you agree, find the Council members! Ask them why they are not allowing a vote! And remember\u2014we can have a better Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n She raised her paws to a huge cheer. Because Krshia\u2019s message was a simple message, and her plan was easy to grasp. You could articulate it after hearing it once. And the Gnoll\u2019s speech had legs.<\/p>\n Selys Shivertail, sitting in the shade of one of the stalls on a stool, watched how many people were moving past or in and out of Market Street. It occurred to her that Krshia could use one of the city\u2019s plazas, but here was the thing: you could avoid a plaza. It was hard to avoid one of the most frequently used streets in the city. And Krshia was campaigning in this district. Assuming the election got passed. Assuming she won.<\/p>\n But they were good assumptions as far as Selys was concerned. She eyed a group of excited, young teenagers hurrying away and shot a glance to her left.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like we\u2019re getting more and more people coming here to listen to Krshia by word of mouth alone. And a lot of people already heard her. Think they\u2019ll put pressure on the Council?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf the eight different requests for a detail of [Guardswomen] to escort the Council across the city isn\u2019t an indication, I don\u2019t know what is.\u201d<\/p>\n Watch Captain Zevara smiled crookedly as she watched the crowd. Normally, this was the kind of thing she would be worried about, but the energy of the crowd pleased her in a perverse way. Here she was, subverting the natural order of law in the city. It was an odd feeling.<\/p>\n As were her co-conspirators. Zevara glanced down at Selys. The [Receptionist] was checking off her notes for the day\u2019s rally. And she did have notes.<\/em> Zevara had thought all Selys was good for was the money, but she was a [Receptionist], after all. The Drake nodded to herself and then looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cOops. Looks like Krshia\u2019s going to hand off the speaking stone to Raekea. Good thing too; we should really buy a tonic for her throat, not just a healing potion. Krshia! Hey, Krshia! Over here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Selys waved to Krshia. The Gnoll\u2019s ears perked up as she descended from the stage. The crowd surged around her for a moment, but let up as the burly Gnoll woman, Raekea, began to speak. Krshia was smiling, waving as she tried to push through to Selys\u2014Zevara eyed her as she finally got there, panting.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I should assign a few of the City Watch to you to keep you clear of the crowds, Krshia. You and your four candidates.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s better this way, yes? I can talk to people.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia panted as she wiped sweat from her brow, despite it not being that warm in the morning at all. Selys offered her a flask of water, and Krshia drank greedily. She shook her head, sending a droplet of sweat onto Zevara\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. I have been speaking all morning. Raekea will go next, then Elirr and Beilmark. They are the most popular, so I think they will be well-received. I have four more candidates, one for each district. We may not take them all, but we can try<\/em>, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys consulted her notes, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can do more than try. I think the Council will have to issue a vote. Six of them have said they\u2019ll okay a vote. Maybe even by the end of the week? We have to keep the pressure up so they actually pass an election vote, or they\u2019ll definitely renege on their promise.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia and Zevara nodded in agreement. They both turned to look at Raekea. Krshia bared her teeth in a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s speaking well. And we\u2019ll let her and Elirr hold this spot, yes? Beilmark has her duty, but she can answer questions on the job. And in the meantime\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed down the street. Selys nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a crowd ready. And a stable platform for you to stand on. Need a stamina potion? A break?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Shopkeeper]\u2019s eyes lit up fiercely. Selys smiled. She whistled, and when the heads of those nearby turned, a shift in the crowd revealed a group of Gnolls and Drakes breaking off from the rest. Krshia clambered on top of a platform held up by some of the strongest in the group\u2014just in time. A ratatatat <\/em>of drums and a loud, magically enhanced voice heralded a new arrival. Lism and his supporters swept into Market Street with a squad of 4th Company marching at their head, trying to drown out Raekea\u2019s speech.<\/p>\n But this time, Krshia was organized. Her supporters were out in force, Gnolls and<\/em> Drakes. And they outnumbered Lism\u2019s side nearly two-to-one. Her crowd pushed forwards, forcing Lism\u2019s back, and suddenly Raekea was calmly moving back, hopping off the platform as she continued her speech, carrying the curious crowd away from Lism while Krshia\u2019s supporters and his clashed. It was coordinated; Gnolls had to shove her a path and the tall [Smith] was large enough that people could see and follow her.<\/p>\n The Drake [Shopkeeper] hissed as he saw a good number of his audience leave. He shouted at Krshia from his platform.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you have anything better to do than blockade a street, Silverfang? Or is obstructing business really in everyone\u2019s best interests?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am simply speaking about a matter which concerns Liscor\u2019s future, Lism. Why are you<\/em> arguing against my plans? Is that in the city\u2019s best interests?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia shot back. Lism rolled his eyes as he shouted at the crowd, some of which were already booing him.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t listen to this mad-Gnoll, people! Remember, she wants to have the Antinium\u2019s<\/em> help! Her plan about the walls is just inviting their trap. Don\u2019t fall for it. We don\u2019t need to even have an election, remember! She\u2019s brought all this up, like some agitator, no, [Saboteur]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n His words created a rumble from his crowd, but it was drowned out by the loud shouts of denial from Krshia\u2019s side. She smirked at Lism as he colored.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t do this. Don\u2019t<\/em> do that. If you have better ideas, Lism, loudly shouting that you are, you should say them, yes? How would you fund new construction? Pay the City Watch? Expand the Adventurer\u2019s Guild?<\/em> Will the army pay for all of it? And did they have the coin all this time, if so, why did they wait until now to offer it?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism hesitated, then ignored the question.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t need Antinium support. We\u2019ll bring back three<\/em> more companies\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree hundred [Soldiers]? I\u2019m sure that will stop every single threat that has assailed Liscor over the last year, yes? Giant Face-Eater Moths. Raskghar? An entire army? Two?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I\u2019m<\/em> elected\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou just said we don\u2019t need an election! Tell me, Lism, is it really an election you don\u2019t want? Or is it that you want to bring our soldiers back? Which is it, hmm?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia smoothly interrupted Lism. The Drake choked and tried to shout over her, but his speaking stone was inferior to hers, and she smoothly adjusted her volume to speak over his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI<\/em> wouldn\u2019t want to compromise our army\u2019s ability to fight abroad, would you, Lism? I would rather our brave soldiers do the fighting without splitting their number. Wouldn\u2019t bringing them back weaken our army? Four companies staying here\u2014that is a fifth of our army\u2019s strength, is it not? Would you weaken them so much? Where will we house them in the city? Oh. Wait. Perhaps we should build more walls?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A roar of laughter drowned out Lism\u2019s reply. And then a chant.<\/p>\n \u201cBuild more walls! Build more walls!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Selys listened, smiling. She turned to Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cI like it. It\u2019s catchy. I don\u2019t know what bothers Erin about it.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked back just in time to see Lism choking, waving for attention. The Drake\u2019s voice was more than a little furious, and Selys heard the wobble in his tone.<\/p>\n \u201cIf\u2014if you think\u2014this is about the Antinium, people! Don\u2019t forget that! You can\u2019t trust them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? And I suppose the army is trustworthy? Where were they when the Raskghar attacked? The moths? What about the Goblin Lord? Where were they, Lism?\u201d<\/p>\n And the [Shopkeeper] had no response. His eyes darted left and right as he struggled for an answer. Krshia was already moving onto her next point. She caught Selys\u2019 eye as she turned to the crowd and winked. Selys winked back.<\/p>\n Organization and strategy. There was a lot to be said for having a [Receptionist] on your side, and one of those things was planning out what you were going to say. This wasn\u2019t a market-stall shouting match, and Lism really didn\u2019t have a plan. This time, Selys saw heads focusing on just Krshia, and even some of Lism\u2019s supporters looked uneasy.<\/p>\n Because Krshia was right. They could either build Liscor out, expand the Watch, improve the Adventurer\u2019s Guild\u2026or do nothing. And who wanted to be on the side of nothing? There was always Lism\u2019s plan, of course, but it wasn\u2019t solid. Selys turned to Zevara in delight.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re winning. I\u2019m pretty sure of that.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake nodded, smiling. She stepped over to speak to Selys when a group of Drakes pushed through the outer edge of the crowd. They made a beeline for Zevara and Selys. One of them, a Drake in his thirties, waved a claw urgently.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain Zevara. What do you think about this election? Are you really for it?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara turned smoothly, and Selys settled back. It wasn\u2019t the first time the Watch Captain had gotten this question. Zevara flashed a fake smile, which was her best attempt, and spoke to the lead Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking solely as a personal citizen and not<\/em> for the entire City Watch, I\u2019m for Krshia\u2019s proposal to expand our\u2014er, the City Watch\u2019s budgets. I approve of her spending plan and would welcome an election.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd this is really in the city\u2019s best interests?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake demanded a touch incredulously. Zevara shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI can tell you that the current Council has not<\/em> approved any increase in the City Watch\u2019s budget. Make of that what you will.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drakes looked troubled. One of them, a woman, scratched her cheek scales.<\/p>\n \u201cNo increase? But that\u2019s madness. If it\u2019s that or doing this democracy thing\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s dangerous. I hear one minute you\u2019re having a little vote, the next there are useless [Senators] and [Politicians] up to your earholes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it\u2019s that or pull in more of the army\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave them quartered here, full-time? Causing trouble? I\u2019d rather have the Antinium myself. Did you see them smashing those Shield Spiders this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n The group began arguing. Zevara and Selys exchanged a delighted glance. It was working<\/em>. And Zevara hadn\u2019t needed to check her script! The Watch Captain stepped back with Selys, poised to answer more questions. Selys rifled through her folder.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can bring up the potential of more trade if Liscor begins actually farming the dungeon as a commodity. And I can talk about the uses of monster parts. Why don\u2019t you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Before she could finish, a Drake pushed through the crowd. He was wearing armor and the insignia of Liscor\u2019s Watch on his uniform. He waved a hand at Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, a word? There\u2019s a bit of trouble by the brewery.\u201d<\/p>\n Instantly, Zevara\u2019s gaze sharpened. She took a step and then turned to Selys.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to handle this. Mind covering for me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys watched as the two left through the crowd. The Drakes and Gnolls protested as Lism and Krshia\u2019s shouting match continued in the background, but the two members of the City Watch were on business now. So it was Selys\u2019 turn. She shuffled her notes, and then called out in a bright voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI can answer any questions in place of Watch Captain Zevara!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake in his thirties turned to blink at Selys. He hesitated, and then squinted at her face.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on. Aren\u2019t you that [Receptionist] at the Adventurer\u2019s Guild? General Shivertail\u2019s\u2026what do you know about all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Heiress] put on her best smile. She took a deep breath, and then remembered something.<\/p>\n Liscor didn\u2019t have a brewery.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Selys was right. Liscor did not have a brewery. It had inns, taverns, both of which would make their own beverages with fermented barrels and hops in some cases. Or it imported alcohol. But a dedicated brewery was considered unnecessary; beer wasn\u2019t that popular. Or great. Now, distilleries on the other hand\u2026<\/p>\n Zevara knew this, of course. It was a classic code the City Watch used. She followed the [Guardsman] through the crowd and back towards the City Watch barracks at a quick trot.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the real issue, Guardsman Tells?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot for me to say, Captain. Sorry. I was just told to bring you.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara frowned and her tail began to twitch faster.<\/p>\n \u201cBy who?\u201d<\/p>\n For an answer, Tells pushed open the door to the barracks. Zevara walked inside and saw a crowd of twenty-one Drakes. Three Gnolls. They were mostly off-duty, but she knew each one. And she recognized the Drake waiting at their head. Zevara paused, and her mind raced as she slowly looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cSenior Guardsman Jeiss. Guardswomen. Guardsmen. How can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd of Liscor\u2019s finest\u2014and only\u2014law enforcement shifted. It was Jeiss, Beilmark\u2019s partner and one of the most respected Senior Guardsman pairs, who answered.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s this election thing, Watch Captain. We\u2019ve been listening to the gossip, and it sounds like the Council will actually hold an election. Are you really for Krshia Silverfang?\u201d<\/p>\n The group behind him shifted uneasily. Zevara folded her arms, but she wasn\u2019t about to shout them down. This was different, and she knew that Jeiss calling her out was\u2026well, she wasn\u2019t going to shout. She chose her words carefully, working off of Selys\u2019 script.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not for putting any one person in power if that\u2019s what you\u2019re asking, Jeiss. This is certainly not <\/em>a coup or something, if you\u2019re worried. For one thing, we aren\u2019t the army, even if we are the City Watch. Krshia Silverfang wants a seat on the Council, and I\u2019m giving her my aid. But it stops there. She\u2019ll do what\u2019s best for the city, and I don\u2019t expect to control the Council. I\u2019ll swear that on a truth spell, first off.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guards] in the room relaxed slightly on hearing that. Zevara made a note to do it, even if they didn\u2019t ask at the end of this. You had to prove what you said, or they\u2019d wonder. She went on.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my decision as an individual<\/em> that we need funds. The City Council\u2019s refused my proposals three times. I can\u2019t expand our ranks or get better gear any other way. So, yes. I\u2019m willing to push for elections, even if it means accepting the Antinium\u2019s support.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a murmur at that. Jeiss bit his tongue and looked at the others.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Watch Captain. But\u2026turning this into an election? It just feels like we\u2019re going against the laws of the city, like Shopkeeper Lism\u2019s been saying. And I respect Senior Guardsman Klbkch. But you know, the Antinium\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Zevara and shrugged. She bit her tongue. The crowd was mostly Drake, but she knew how they felt. And she agreed in part, especially about the Antinium. She sighed, scratching at her neck.<\/p>\n \u201cJeiss, if I thought there was another way, I\u2019d take it. But you saw what we\u2019re up against. Krshia offered me funding for the City Watch. The current Council won\u2019t. They rejected my offer three times, citing \u2018lack of funding\u2019. If it meant getting the City Watch what we need, I\u2019d back anyone in an election. Anyone except that crazy Human.\u201d<\/p>\n A chuckle ran through the crowd. Jeiss smiled, but then it faded.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWe let them expand their Hive with the city. We put more Soldiers on the walls, and let more into the city. If they wanted to stab us in the back, they could have done it any number of times over the last decade. That\u2019s my perspective. You have a different one?\u201d<\/p>\n She waited for Jeiss\u2019 response. He bit his lip, shook his head reluctantly, and then sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re doing this, your job\u2019s in jeopardy too, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that. The next Council could replace me. Or this one might, if things go south and Krshia doesn\u2019t get her vote. Either way, that\u2019s my decision. The City Watch stays neutral. I\u2019m just a private citizen. With a lot of influence. I won\u2019t ask you to do anything to support Krshia or help me keep my job. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n There was a lot of nodding, which was encouraging. Zevara had seen City Watches turn against their Watch Captains, and that wasn\u2019t a pretty sight. Jeiss looked around. He collected some invisible census, and then briskly shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo worries on the job, Watch Captain. We\u2019ve got your tail. You\u2019re the boss, not Wing Commander Embria or the army.\u201d<\/p>\n She exhaled softly, trying not to show her relief. It meant a lot.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s all, we\u2019ve got a job to do. Anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around. No one else wanted to speak, but Jeiss held up one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cIf\u2014if there were a better option, Watch Captain, would you take it?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara paused. She looked quizzically back at Jeiss.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a hypothetical question, Watch Captain. I\u2019m just saying. Will you keep an open mind?\u201d<\/p>\n He met her eyes. Zevara nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cAn open mind. If you\u2019ve got any better ideas, I\u2019ll listen.\u201d<\/p>\n She waited. Everyone looked around, but no one spoke up. Jeiss shrugged, grinning tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201cJust asking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTurns out Lism can be shut up. You just need to get him mad enough to choke on his own spit.\u201d<\/p>\n That night, Selys raised a glass and toasted Krshia and Zevara. The Gnoll was grinning, and her voice, after a small gulp of a specialty healing tonic for the throat, was back to normal.<\/p>\n \u201cWe got a message throughout the city. And Lism, that windbag, couldn\u2019t stop me, even with two squads of the army marching.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Council is being hounded to act. They meet tomorrow morning by popular demand. If they don\u2019t vote for an election, they\u2019ll have to answer to a crowd. I suppose I should put some of the Watch on the scene just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara drank from her cup, smiling faintly. Selys leaned back at the table, grinning hugely. She felt powerful.<\/em> Or maybe motivated was the word. It felt like everything was coming together, and relaxing at Erin\u2019s inn after a hard day was excellent. As was the lemonade drink. And on cue, Erin came over with a pitcher for a refill herself, and tonight\u2019s dinner.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations! Krshia! Selys! Uh, Zevara! This is amazing!\u201d<\/p>\n She set down three large, steaming plates of spaghetti and meatballs, a classic. Selys immediately reached for a fork and slurped up some noodles. Krshia picked up a meatball with her paws, popped it into her mouth, and chewed with her eyes closed. Zevara eyed Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cUh, thank you, Miss Solstice. This is good\u2026lemonade, was it? I\u2019ve had something like this. Not nearly as sweet, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know us Humans! We love sugar.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled at the table. She put the pitcher down.<\/p>\n \u201cI also have another drink for you to try. On the house! I\u2019m supporting this election. Although, I can\u2019t vote. But I really want you to win, Krshia! And the other Gnolls too. Mrsha was really happy Elirr was running!\u201d<\/p>\n She came back with a clear glass with a brown liquid at the bottom and a blue one balanced on top. Selys eyed it with great interest, as did Zevara. Krshia was eating meatballs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBlue fruit juice mixed with rum. Try it. I\u2019m going to show it to my friend in Pallass, Rufelt, later. Thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice presentation.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara took the glass, swirled it until the liquids mixed, and took a sip. Her brows shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad. But it\u2019s so sweet.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome people like sweet. Like me. Erin, can I have one?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Krshia?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could use a drink. Especially after dealing with Lism.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll stretched out. Erin nodded, smiling, and went for the bar. Selys reached for her fork, sipping from both sweet drinks. Zevara requested an ale. Selys bit into her spaghetti and noticed a paw sneaking up to one of her meatballs on the side.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll jumped, hit her head on the table, and raced away. Zevara jolted\u2014Krshia just rolled her eyes. Her meatballs were safely in her stomach. Selys laughed and tempted Mrsha back with a meatball.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you, a dog?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGnoll cubs are sometimes indistinguishable from them. And often less well house-trained.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia muttered. Mrsha shot her a frown, stood up on both legs, and delicately bit off half of Selys\u2019 meatball. She folded her arms, as if to say, \u2018there! See?\u2019 Krshia just blew air into Mrsha\u2019s face teasingly.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t feed Mrsha more than that, Selys! She\u2019s begged enough snacks already. I\u2019m telling everyone to stop; she\u2019s putting on weight! And for once, she doesn\u2019t need it!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette passed Selys\u2019 table by, carrying a bowl filled with black flies to a table with some of the Painted Soldiers, still being rotated in from the Hive. It was night, but they were still eagerly coming in and watching the Players of Celum, who had rotated through their three acting teams throughout the day.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not fat, are you, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys teased Mrsha. The Gnoll indignantly patted her stomach, glaring at Lyonette. She flashed her paws in a signal Selys didn\u2019t understand, but Lyonette clearly did. The [Barmaid] frowned thunderously as she handed a Soldier a bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cSay that again, young miss, and you can kiss your own<\/em> dessert goodbye. In fact, I don\u2019t think a rude young lady deserves any. Do you?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha\u2019s face fell. She raced around Selys, hugging the Drake. Selys flicked her tail at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not protecting you from Lyonette. If you were rude, you were rude.\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll looked at Selys, betrayed, and then slunk to another table to Selys\u2019 left. She poked her head up and surprised a half-Elf sitting there. Ceria rubbed Mrsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha! What are you doing now? Hiding from mean Lyonette? Sorry. My [Ice Walls] can\u2019t stop her. Go say sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n She ushered Mrsha out from the table. The Gnoll plucked at the woman sitting next to Ceria. Yvlon looked down and read something.<\/p>\n \u201cA mistake? I don\u2019t think so. Own up, Mrsha. Honesty is important.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys wished she\u2019d been at the inn longer to pick up on Mrsha\u2019s new sign language. Guiltily, she looked over at the Horn\u2019s table. Mrsha slunk back to Lyonette, ears down, and Selys cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s it looking from your end? Think this election thing\u2019s a good idea?\u201d<\/p>\n They turned. Ksmvr, Ceria, Yvlon, Pisces\u2014and Olesm. Both Pisces and Olesm had returned from Pallass yesterday, but this was their first full day experiencing the new climate. Ceria shrugged as she bit into her own spaghetti.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m for it. Then again, I\u2019ve never lived anywhere for long as a citizen. Adventurer\u2019s Guilds let teams do their own thing. And Wistram was\u2026well, confusing. This is nice and straightforward. Hope you win.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cNo disagreements there. And it seems like you three have the popular opinion on your side. What do you think, Pisces, Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n The two looked up from their plates. Both seemed intent on winning the award for most spaghetti consumed. Ksmvr opened his sauce-covered mandibles.<\/p>\n \u201cI am no longer a member of Liscor in any sense of the word since I was expelled from the Hive. Therefore all my thoughts about Liscor\u2019s election are voided.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Fair enough. Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] looked up with a smirk.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, naturally the one expert on Drake politics and culture is addressed last, <\/em>as usual.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sighed. Selys rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cBig talk for a Human with more sauce than lips.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 hand went up and touched his spaghetti-sauce covered lips. He blushed, scrubbed at his face with one arm of his robe, and cleared his throat. Yvlon gave Selys a thumbs-up, which Pisces ignored. He sat back, steepling his fingers together.<\/p>\n \u201cI, for one, quite enjoyed the spirited debate. I may have added in a few salient points of my own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHence you nearly getting into a fight three times?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria eyed Pisces over the rim of her cup. The [Necromancer] sniffed and adjusted his pristine white robes.<\/p>\n \u201cTrifles. A good debater always has an exit strategy prepared in case simpletons unable to mount a coherent defense take objection. Isn\u2019t that so, Olesm?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at his companion. The Drake [Strategist] didn\u2019t immediately reply. Olesm looked up from his mostly untouched plate of spaghetti.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe all this happened when I was gone. Is this really happening? An election? And\u2014you\u2019re all going for it? Krshia? Selys? Zevara?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at them from his table. Selys frowned and Krshia and Zevara looked up at Olesm\u2019s tone.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Why? Isn\u2019t it a great idea?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I suppose so? I mean, I\u2019m for elections. In theory. I guess. I\u2019m not against it. But this deal with the Antinium\u2014and expanding the walls? Can we secure them by next spring against the flood waters? And what about getting them enchanted? If they aren\u2019t, we\u2019re potentially giving someone a foothold into the city.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Zevara. The Watch Captain frowned and put down a napkin.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we can do it. There\u2019s a Wistram [Mage] scheduled to check our walls soon for the annual inspection anyways. And if not this, then what? What are your objections, Olesm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Antinium\u2019s deal, for one. Politically, if we allow Antinium from foreign Hives into the city\u2014no, it\u2019s the expanding Hive that bothers me. And<\/em> allowing more Soldiers aboveground. Why didn\u2019t anyone consult with me first? I am Liscor\u2019s [Strategist]!\u201d<\/p>\n The blue-scaled Drake looked upset. Guiltily, Selys sipped from her drink and shrugged. She didn\u2019t really get his objection. Erin came back with more meatballs for Ceria and Krshia.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha said sorry! So don\u2019t let her beg more meatballs, anyone. What\u2019s this about more Antinium being a bad idea?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm avoided Erin\u2019s gaze. He mumbled as he forked up more spaghetti.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I meant the Hive in regards to the Free Queen, not the Painted Soldiers\u2026er, I\u2019m just saying, it\u2019s a deal worth looking twice at.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces frowned, resting the point of his chin on his steepled fingers. Yvlon raised an eyebrow, but Ceria just sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sound just like that Lism guy, Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n He hunched his shoulders defensively. Selys remembered he and Ceria had been a thing briefly. Or had they? The half-Elf chewed, swallowed, and burped.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Well, that Drake\u2019s clearly against non-Drakes. He\u2019s anti-Human and frankly, I don\u2019t see why anyone supports him. I\u2019m only half-Human, and I<\/em> was offended listening to him rant about Humans and filthy Antinium and conniving Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of the table nodded. Krshia nodded, and Selys looked at her sympathetically. She called to Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Lism. Well-known Drake [Shopkeeper] on Market Street. Krshia has to deal with him all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? My condolences.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria raised her mug. Krshia nodded. Olesm protested weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cHey now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He was cut off by Erin, who leaned over the Horns\u2019 table, dishing out more meatballs for Ksmvr\u2014none for Pisces. The [Necromancer] obligingly stole them off Ksmvr\u2019s plate instead.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re talking about Lism? Let me tell you, that guy. Whatta jerk. He\u2019s been mean ever since I came to Liscor. Someone should hit him with a wet fish or something. I really hope he gets into the election\u2014and Krshia kicks his butt!\u201d<\/p>\n She raised a tong over her head. Ceria laughed. Olesm looked upset.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, come on, Erin. I know he can be\u2014but he\u2019s my uncle.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah. I forgot. Sorry, Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked at the Drake unapologetically. Then she headed to Selys\u2019 table and offered her pot of meatballs. Krshia took six.<\/p>\n \u201cBut come on. Even if he is family, isn\u2019t he a bad guy? He tried to scam me the first time I met him! And he\u2019s rude. And grouchy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd his tail sucks.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys added with a nod. Zevara\u2019s lips quirked.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it really that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUgly tail. Ugly personality. His has a crook in it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSelys!\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm cut Selys off from sketching the objectionable tail in question. He looked around, his shoulders hunched, his tail lashing the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t deny he has his faults. But that\u2019s not all he is. You don\u2019t know him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what I hear. And I see an angry Drake who\u2019s attacked Ksmvr twice when he\u2019s walked past him for no good reason. I\u2019ve seen racists before, Olesm. That\u2019s what he looks like to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon calmly ate from her plate with a knife and fork. Olesm\u2019s tail stopped for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cI know he doesn\u2019t like Antinium. Or Humans. But he helped raise me. He can be kind. Stop it. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake looked around, and both tables went quiet for a moment. Krshia sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cLism is\u2026Lism. Market Street would not be the same without him, this is true. And he has his points, which is why he is free to run against me. I just intend to win.\u201d<\/p>\n The others looked at her and smiled. Ceria grabbed a mug.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll drink to that! Good luck, Krshia! Win this thing and get on the Council! Upgrade the Adventurer\u2019s Guild too, please? That\u2019s what we want.\u201d<\/p>\n The mood around both tables regained its cheerfulness. Pisces raised a mug.<\/p>\n \u201cTo a flawless victory. May you overwhelm your opponents on all fronts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore like drown them in votes. Lism\u2019s the only opposition to Krshia, and she\u2019s got tons of support. We\u2019re slated to get four seats at the moment\u2014we could aim for eight, maybe!\u201d<\/p>\n Selys tipped her mug up and drank her lemonade down. Krshia grinned. Erin laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! Beat that Lism jerk! Teach him a lesson for insulting Numbtongue.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara raised her eyebrows as she lifted her ale.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember that. I heard someone tried to drown him afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWish they\u2019d succeeded.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm\u2019s claws slammed<\/em> onto the table. The tables\u2014no, the entire room went silent. The Drake looked up at the stage full of [Actors] across from him, the Painted Soldiers, regulars, Relc making a fist\u2014he turned red.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. Thanks for the drink. I\u2019ve got to go. Zevara. Can I have a word?\u201d<\/p>\n He grabbed for some coins abruptly and pushed his chair back. Erin opened her mouth, wavering.<\/p>\n \u201cOlesm\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm shook his head. Zevara stood up. She looked at Krshia and Selys.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Quickly, she and Olesm walked out of the inn, through the door to Liscor. They didn\u2019t even need help; the mana stones were now labeled on the dial. The door closed as the silent inn watched Olesm go. One of the [Actors] coughed on stage. Ceria turned guiltily to her team.<\/p>\n \u201cOops.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr raised a slow hand.<\/p>\n \u201cIn fairness, Captain Ceria, drowning is a very horrible way to die. I would prefer disembowelment over drowning myself.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around at the silent table.<\/p>\n \u201cNo? Just me? Strange.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Olesm walked swiftly down Liscor\u2019s streets for a good thirty seconds before slowing. He turned back, the scales along his cheeks dark with color.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine. We were being insensitive. I apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara fidgeted as she caught up, her heart skipping a beat. She\u2019d mostly forgotten her burning desire to ask Olesm out, but sometimes it resurfaced in inopportune moments. She schooled her face, though. Olesm seemed serious. Watch Captain Zevara cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you have something you wanted to talk to me about, Olesm? About the proposed deal with the Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm nodded curtly. He took a few breaths to steady himself, and then crossed his claws behind his back. When he looked at Zevara, it was seriously, his previous embarrassment and anger put aside.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard what you agreed to. Allowing the Hive to expand? Increasing the limit of Soldiers permitted aboveground? Giving other Hives access<\/em> to Liscor? Zevara, with respect, are you insane?<\/em> That deal favors the Antinium in huge ways!\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara\u2019s stomach sank. She didn\u2019t like the disapproval in Olesm\u2019s eyes. Reflexively, she crossed her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m aware of the implications, yes. But elaborate for me. Why is this in particular so egregious? The Free Antinium have been in Liscor for over a decade now. They\u2019re already protected by the peace treaty. What\u2019s wrong with letting in a few foreign Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBesides the fact that they could give the other Hives valuable information or force us to allow them to pass into our territory under diplomatic privileges? That\u2019s not my biggest worry. It\u2019s allowing their Hive to expand. It\u2019s dangerous!<\/em> Why would you allow any deal involving that?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm glared at Zevara. She glared back and pointed at the ground under their feet.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I? It\u2019s an easy concession to make! You and I both know that the current Hive has exceeded its boundaries, Olesm. And they maintain far more Soldiers in their Hive than the agreed-upon six hundred. These are paper promises.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake took a deep, frustrated breath.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t understand. We regularly use a [Geomancer] to send probes into the earth. We can tell\u2014to a certain distance\u2014whether there are tunnels belowground. The Hive can probably dig below the [Geomancer]\u2019s range, and I\u2019m certain they do. But it still impedes their overall capacity. But if the city expands and the Hive is allowed to expand with it, the danger they represent will exponentially increase.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs will the City Watch. We could potentially double our numbers! And Liscor itself will expand!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not the point!\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm clutched at his neck spines agitatedly. He stomped one foot on the ground, and then gestured to one of the houses on the street.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Antinium are far, far more efficient than Drakes, Humans, or any other species in the world in terms of space. If Liscor expands, the Antinium will gain two Workers or Soldiers for every new person we can house. And they are all <\/em>potential combatants.\u201d<\/p>\n That silenced Zevara for a second. She gnawed at her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cEven so, we\u2019ve always known the Hive was large. They\u2019ve always outnumbered the City Watch. That\u2019s why we have safeguards in place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSafeguards that account for a certain number of Antinium and being able to hold parts of the city!\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm\u2019s raised voice made a shutter fly open. The two Drakes heard an aggrieved shout.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up down there! Stop talking about the election! I\u2019m trying to sleep!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n They hurried back, keeping their voices low. Olesm hissed at Zevara, his tail lashing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Antinium have always been able to overwhelm Liscor, Watch Captain. At any moment, if their Queen orders it, they could storm the city, and I would give them the odds of winning. The only thing that saves us is that it is not advantageous for the Antinium to do so. And the fact that there is a chance, a decent chance, that any sudden attack would fail, due to the safeguards we have in place. If we give them more concessions, like having six hundred Soldiers<\/em> aboveground at any moment\u2026the odds begin to favor the Antinium more and more. If we give them an incentive, the Free Queen\u2014no, the Grand Queen might decide\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch Captain cut Olesm off. He blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara folded her arms. They\u2019d come to a rest in an alleyway, completely sanguine about the dangers. A potential mugging would be welcome at this moment; Zevara\u2019s tight throat and burning lungs made her want to spit fire at something. She contained more than a few wisps of smoke from leaving her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, I know, Olesm. I haven\u2019t been a Watch Captain the entire time the Antinium were here. But I\u2019ve been briefed. I\u2019ve had conversations with the High Command, the leaders of the other Walled Cities\u2026I know what\u2019s at stake. They may call Liscor a backwater border city, but we are the lynchpin between north and south. And more importantly, we are<\/em> the experiment. I know how deadly an Antinium siege gets. Don\u2019t you think I do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo fight the Goblin King, we allowed the Antinium into Liscor. That was the deal. But there was another reason. We wanted to learn about the Antinium. Study their weaknesses. But now, I think some of the original [Diplomats] in charge of the deal were still hoping, thinking it might lead to\u2026peace.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara looked past Olesm. His jaw dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cPeace? With the Antinium? With all due respect, Watch Captain, that\u2019s insanity. We still have border conflicts. Deaths each week! The other Hives are not<\/em> content to remain sedentary, and we\u2019ve had Aberrations in the city, which we have never proven are an actual flaw among the Antinium\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know all that, Olesm. Shut up for a second. That\u2019s an order.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara waited for Olesm to be quiet. She went on, clenching a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I know the risks. I know the Grand Queen. I\u2019ve read the reports on the other Hives. But there\u2019s something else I\u2019ve learned. I know Senior Guardsman Klbkch.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm was quiet. Zevara went on, pacing back and forth.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember when I first met him. Of course, I knew the stories. And of course, I watched him like a hawk. And he\u2019s given me reason to watch him\u2014but he\u2019s also been honorable, hard-working\u2014Ancestors, if he wasn\u2019t an Antinium, I\u2019d be worried he\u2019d take my job! A lot of the city hated the Antinium when they first arrived. But thanks to one Antinium, one person, now not even Lism can attack Klbkch directly without losing most of his supporters. And Klbkch is a Prognugator\u2014no, a Revalantor<\/em> of the Hives. I have to trust that there\u2019s more than just an opportunity for peace. And if one Hive might make peace with us, that\u2019s one-sixth of the Grand Queen\u2019s armies. I trust Senior Guardsman Klbkch, Strategist Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n She met the shorter Drake\u2019s eyes. Olesm\u2019s blue scales shifted in the moonlight as he studied Zevara. He was breathing fast with agitation, and thinking too. At last, he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI know Senior Guardsman Klbkch too. But I don\u2019t know Klbkch the Slayer. And I know this. To him, we are all dust.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara stared at Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis words, Watch Captain. I don\u2019t agree. I understand your reasoning, but I think you\u2019re wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n The knife twisted in Zevara\u2019s stomach. Coldly, she stepped back.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you\u2019re free to that opinion. But I\u2019ll remind you that I\u2019m not using my authority to unduly shape the election. I am allowing Krshia Silverfang a chance, but I am supporting her as an individual, which is my right. The City Watch may vote to their conscience. As may you.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked up at Zevara. He narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ll have to do that. I\u2019m sorry, Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and walked away without another word. Zevara stared at his back and tail until they disappeared. Then she leaned against the alley wall. She sighed slowly.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Great.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n While Krshia and her small team were celebrating the day\u2019s victory at The Wandering Inn, a similar committee was burning the midnight oil. Literally. It was midnight, and the lantern was using cheap oil. It smelled, but none of them were [Mages] or even capable of casting the [Light] spell. Lism hissed<\/em> as he rubbed one claw across his reddened eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Make an appointment with Wing Commander Embria. Request that two squads join us for our counter to Krshia down Market Street. And if she can spare a third, it would be best used marching wherever those other candidates go. Remind people of the real<\/em> defenders of Liscor. Now, how in the hells do we figure out how to put a hole in that stupid Gnoll\u2019s plans? Anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around the table. A group of weary Drakes\u2014and one Gnoll\u2014stared back. All of them, mostly Lism\u2019s age or older, shook their heads. A Drake with grey scales with only hints of speckled orange leaned on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s got the Council by their tails, Lism. They\u2019re going to vote for an election. I can feel it in my scales. And if she runs with all those Gnolls\u2014they could take the Council. Put all those laws through. You can\u2019t argue her ideas don\u2019t sound good.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism\u2019s brows darkened. His voice rose impetuously.<\/p>\n \u201cSound good? Oh, they sound<\/em> good, I\u2019ll grant you. But they\u2019ll sell the city to the Ants and open us up to a hostile Human takeover. Did you hear her saying how she\u2019d reach out to all the Human cities if she was elected today? As if they won\u2019t bleed us dry! You all know her proposals are as rotten as ten-day-old fish. None of you would be here if you thought she was right.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The table slowly nodded. But Lism didn\u2019t like the exhaustion in the eyes of his fellow Drakes. And one Gnoll. He glared to his left.<\/p>\n \u201cShazzi! You know the Gnolls around your home. Can\u2019t you talk sense into them?\u201d<\/p>\n An old, fierce Drake clutching a cane even in her seat looked up. Shazzi, a retired [Seamstress] who could still sew like a monster, shook her head, pursing her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cNot me. They\u2019re all too afraid to cross Krshia Silverfang. She\u2019s some big shot in her tribe, and everyone who came with her supports her unconditionally. Plains Gnolls. And the rest won\u2019t speak up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. Cellic. What about you? Can\u2019t you rally more support for the army? What happened to patriotic Drakes waving the flag? Cellic? Cell\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake across from Lism woke with a start. He was far from the oldest Drake here\u2014he was actually in his mid-thirties, but a large scar crossing the back of his head had left a divot in his skull. He looked up, befuddled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Did I\u2014what\u2019s that, Lism?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Shopkeeper] hesitated. He eyed Cellic and then looked out the window. Nothing but darkness greeted him. Lism looked around at the other faces and modulated his tone and put a smile on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, nothing, Cellic. It\u2019s clearly late. You should get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. I\u2019m fine. I\u2019m here if you need me. Say the word, Lism.\u201d<\/p>\n The retired [Soldier] protested mildly. He blinked and unconsciously reached for the scar at the back of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He yawned and drifted for a second. Lism looked at him, and then around.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone take Cellic back. Make sure he gets some sleep in his bed. On his front, mind! Anyone? Tess, will you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn it.\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake in her twenties sighed and plucked at Cellic\u2019s shoulder. He awoke with a violent start, and for a second, his claws opened. Then he caught himself.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2026sorry. What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA nap, Cellic. We\u2019re all going to sleep. You\u2019ll be the thing tomorrow. I\u2019ll be counting on you.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism jovially laid a shoulder on Cellic\u2019s arm. The Drake looked at him and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be there bright and early.\u201d<\/p>\n He let Tess guide him from the room. Lism rubbed at his eyes and looked around. A morose team stared back. The old Drake with orange scales shook his head again.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could just petition the Council not to go ahead with the election. Point out exactly why it\u2019s not necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we stop half the city from following them around? Wait. Maybe. We could\u2026form protective squads. Keep busybodies back. Maybe. I\u2019ll think on it. But it\u2019s late. You all need sleep. You\u2019ve got your jobs, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n The conference table looked at each other and reluctantly nodded. Lism clapped his claws together.<\/p>\n \u201cGo, then. Thank you for your time. Anyone who can spare it, come here tomorrow. But if you\u2019re hurting for coin\u2014I\u2019ll have a plan by the time you wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled. Unconvincingly, he knew. But the others just murmured agreement and left, patting him on the shoulder, pledging to be here. Brave souls, fighting for what was right. Lism saw them off, and then went to sit back down.<\/p>\n His house was much, much quieter without the group sitting around his dining room table. The Drake sat in a chair, restlessly turning back and forth, getting up to pace.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe if I\u2014no. Damn. And if I argue with her on\u2014no. No!<\/em> That won\u2019t work either! If the High Command would only sign over enough money to match the Antinium! Can\u2019t they see what will happen? And Wing Commander Embria\u2019s not being cooperative. Her and those idiots blindly supporting\u2014Silverfang!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He uttered the name of his mortal enemy like a curse as he had so many times before. Only this time, Lism couldn\u2019t see a way to beat her. He kicked over his chair with an oath.<\/p>\n \u201cThat damned furball\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUncle!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The sharp voice made him spin. Lism\u2019s hand instinctively went for the knife at his belt, but the voice and the face instantly made him relax. A surprised smile crossed his face. He spread his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cOlesm! My boy, it\u2019s been too long!\u201d<\/p>\n The surprised younger Drake with blue scales was enveloped in a hug. Lism clutched his nephew tightly, smiling fit to burst. Suddenly his problems seemed distant, at least for the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cCome and sit! Don\u2019t mind the mess. We\u2019ve just had a late night planning out this election nonsense. Can I get you some tea? A snack? I\u2019ve got some scraps\u2014let me put a kettle on!\u201d<\/p>\n He fussed around Olesm, but the younger Drake was reluctant to sit. He was restless, and his brilliant scales and handsome face\u2014Lism saw the family resemblance. Handsome, regal even, and intelligent. All the marks of the Swifttail clan. He beamed at Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been over two weeks! But I imagine you\u2019re beating ladies away with your tail. How is work? Liscor\u2019s [Strategist].<\/em> And you\u2019re not even thirty years old! You\u2019ve got more levels than years! Wall Lord Ilvriss himself picked you out. If that\u2019s not a sign of greatness, I don\u2019t know what is. Has he reached out to you since returning to his city? Let me get you some tea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe hasn\u2019t. And I\u2019m not fighting anyone off with my tail, Uncle. Stop fussing, please.\u201d<\/p>\n Embarrassed, Olesm finally sat down. He looked up at Lism and frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd don\u2019t use that word, please!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWord? I was just frustrated.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism spread his claws innocently. Olesm folded his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou used it in public to address Krshia. Uncle!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say furbag.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm ground his teeth together audibly, and Lism sighed. The younger [Strategist] pushed his chair back.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s still insensitive to the fact that we used to skin<\/em> Gnolls during the old times. It\u2019s as\u2014as\u2014it\u2019s as bad as if I called you a Human-kissing Turnscale. No, far worse!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, alright. It was my mistake. But that damn\u2014Silverfang\u2019s caused this mess in Liscor, and I\u2019m trying to sort it out. Give me some credit for stress!\u201d<\/p>\n Lism sighed. He couldn\u2019t deny his nephew anything. He doted on Olesm, in fact, never mind that the boy sometimes hung around with that terrible Human girl and had moped for weeks<\/em> after his fling with that half-Elven adventurer who\u2019d nearly gotten him killed. But Lism\u2019s heart swelled with fondness for Olesm. He was the family\u2019s pride, after all. Never mind what anyone else had thought. Lism had known Olesm since he was a hatchling. And Olesm had never betrayed his hopes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to see you, Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too, Uncle. Me too. I\u2019m sorry I haven\u2019t called on you. I\u2019ve just been\u2014busy.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm smiled, but he didn\u2019t look happy to see Lism. He seemed tired. Tired, worried, distraught\u2014Lism felt like he was looking at a mirror. The [Shopkeeper] cast about his modest home and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cWe-ell, why don\u2019t you tell me what\u2019s been happening to you? I could use a break from this business with Silverfang. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll stop her from ruining this city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Uncle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot to worry! I can do it!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake waved a claw. He sat back, opening his mouth and eying his nephew. Then he coughed and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll figure something out. I haven\u2019t sold copper pennies for silver pieces for years without picking up some tricks. And I know you\u2019re friends with that stinking\u2014with that insane\u2014with that Human girl, and Watch Captain Zevara is<\/em> your superior. It\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm sighed, leaning forwards on his knees.<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2019s a wonderful person, Uncle. I told you already. If you hadn\u2019t tried to swindle her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOvercharge her. It\u2019s not illegal!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s a really good person. The best chess player. In the world! I\u2019ll swear she could beat the Titan himself. And Krshia\u2019s a good person too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s got you fooled, my boy. You can\u2019t trust her. She\u2019s as slippery as a greased eel and twice as treacherous as a Creler.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s trying to help the city, Uncle!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think so too?\u201d<\/p>\n For some reason, the thought of Olesm siding with Krshia stung more than any of the Gnoll\u2019s damned barbed insults this morning. The blue-scaled Drake, a far cry from Lism\u2019s purple-and-red scale colors, more like his mother than anyone else, shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not\u2026all for her. But I know Krshia. I know her heart\u2019s in the right place. So is Selys\u2019 and Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s\u2026I just spoke with them, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you now?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism sat down heavily. For a second, his mind flashed to Krshia\u2019s arguments, seeking a hole in them. But the problem was\u2026Olesm looked up at his uncle. The single, oil-burning lamp flickered, wafting a bit of stink towards the two. Neither one moved.<\/p>\n \u201cUncle. I came here because I wanted to ask you about the elections. Krshia\u2019s ideas. Her proposing them. You\u2019re her biggest enemy. Tell me honestly. Please. Is this really just about you hating Krshia\u2019s ideas? Or are you serious?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism squirmed like a fish on a hook. He opened his mouth, looked over his shoulder, but he couldn\u2019t escape his nephew\u2019s gaze. Reluctantly, at last, he opened his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not saying she\u2019s all wrong. She\u2019s\u2026right we need to expand Liscor. Rent\u2019s up, and we\u2019re all feeling the pinch. Just the other day, Mella, you know her, right? The old [Florist] on Salpik Avenue? She was turned out of her apartment without anywhere to go. After living in her spot for eighteen years. Only now she can\u2019t pay the rent because it\u2019s nearly tripled from two years back.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm rubbed at his face, shocked and mildly horrified.<\/p>\n \u201cMella? She used to babysit me. What happened to her?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism was indignant.<\/p>\n \u201cThe neighborhood association got to her is what it did. You think we\u2019d let her freeze to death? We put her up with Miss Shazzi. They get along like cats\u2014or two Drakes\u2014in a bag, but it\u2019s manageable. You can imagine the stories, though.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm laughed quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cI can. I should visit her. Or see about that [Landlord]. Evicting someone from a house at Miss Mella\u2019s age? That could be a death sentence. And triple the price? I\u2019ll check on it tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded, proud as any father. Prouder than Olesm\u2019s, certainly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the [Strategist] of Liscor for you. Never too large to notice the honest folk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it just proves Krshia\u2019s right, doesn\u2019t it, Uncle?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked up, fixing Lism with another stare. The [Shopkeeper] hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026okay, she has a point. And maybe the Adventurer\u2019s Guild could use some coin. And I won\u2019t say I\u2019m against the City Watch expanding\u2014Ancestors, of course, I\u2019m for it! It\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The younger Drake folded his arms, waiting. Lism grabbed at his neck spines. At last the words exploded out of him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just her! That Human-loving Gnoll thinks we can cozy up to any warm-blooded Human. She thinks we can rely on the Antinium for help\u2014and she\u2019ll toss out our entire system of government to do it! Just because she<\/em> wants power. And she\u2019s wrong. The Antinium aren\u2019t our friends. Hah, we saw that during the First Antinium War, didn\u2019t we? Even if a few can walk about without killing anything in sight\u2014and those Humans! We had an army at our gates not a month back! Has everyone forgotten <\/em>that?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one has, Uncle. But I\u2019ve heard you speaking. You talk about filthy fleshbag Humans. About Gnolls getting \u2018out of their place\u2019. About other species\u2014Uncle, they\u2019re not all evil. I\u2019ve told you that. Not even all Goblins are bad.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism was quiet. He leaned on his table, and then looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cSo? So what? Should I apologize? Change my views? They\u2019re not all evil. But it\u2019s not \u2018all\u2019 of them I\u2019m worried about, Olesm. It\u2019s the ones who rule. Tyrion Veltras. That [Lord] tried to take Liscor. He would have slaughtered\u2014slaughtered<\/em> the entire city and started a war. But for luck, he didn\u2019t. Should I forget that? When? In a month? A year? A decade? What about what Humans have always done? We welcomed the Five Families when they first came. In return, they betrayed us, burned our Walled Cities, slaughtered us in the north and took half a continent away.\u201d<\/p>\n His claws shook as he gripped the table, staring at Olesm. The [Strategist]\u2019s face was bleak.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But that was millennia ago, Uncle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave they changed? Should we forget? I don\u2019t like them. I don\u2019t trust them. And I\u2019ve always been honest about that. I don\u2019t put on a fake smile and stab them in the backs. Why do I have to pretend to like them? Why do I have to like them at all? Why can\u2019t I hate them for what they\u2019ve done? What they do? Why do I have to say \u2018oh, some of them are different?<\/em>\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm bowed his head. He shook it a few times as Lism paced back and forth. The [Shopkeeper]\u2019s voice shook.<\/p>\n \u201cI can live with them. Isn\u2019t that enough. Or will Krshia pass a bill forcing me to duck my tail and smile at every Gnoll and Human who passes my way? Why the Antinium? Why not\u2014not let Drakes and Gnolls build the city? We used to have [Builders] once. Honest work for honest folk. And then the Antinium came with their damn workers and put hundreds out of a living.\u201d<\/p>\n He paced up and down, airing old grievances, angry, despairing. And he felt guilty, because he knew Olesm didn\u2019t agree. He didn\u2019t want to see his nephew\u2019s look, so Lism kept ranting. Right up until Olesm stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cUncle. Enough.\u201d<\/p>\n And Lism was quiet. He turned to Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, my boy. But I\u2019m not going to stop fighting Krshia. And if I have to be the last one kicking and screaming, I\u2019ll oppose her right up until she becomes a member of the Council. If I can just stop it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n His tail thumped the floor helplessly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, lots of the Drakes in the city feel just like I do. More than half of the ones I spoke to were uneasy about an election, about messing with the system, the Antinium and Humans. It\u2019s just that when that damn Gnoll sounds so convincing with her talk of free money, people lose their heads. We are<\/em> Drakes, after all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked at him, and then he half-smiled. Bitterly, tiredly.<\/p>\n \u201cI disagree with a lot of what you said, Uncle. And if you keep saying it, I can\u2019t\u2014won\u2019t help you. But you\u2019re right about one thing. The Antinium. And if you\u2019re willing to think about what\u2019s good for the city<\/em>\u2026I\u2019ll help you.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism paused. He stared at Olesm. His nephew looked up at him. Lism didn\u2019t hesitate. He spread his arms wide, beaming.<\/p>\n \u201cFor you? Olesm, my nephew? I\u2019ll try. Tell me what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm sighed, closed his eyes. And then he pulled out a quill, inkpot, and began to speak.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next day, Selys hummed as she strolled down Market Street, getting ready for the big day. This was it. They\u2019d push the Council to begin an immediate election, put out four more candidates for the Council, and then\u2014win.<\/em> She couldn\u2019t wait. She was so excited, she was practically vibrating. She saw a crowd had already gathered next to a promenade. They were gathered around something. A council member? Were they having a debate? Selys slowed. And then she stared.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors. What is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Five minutes later, Krshia, Zevara, and the rest of the Gnoll candidates were standing in a group, looking up at the large poster made of parchment posted on a wall high up, for all to see. Zevara read it out loud, not even needing to squint to read the words.<\/p>\n \u201cJobs for Liscor. Build your city with your own claws\/paws!<\/em> What in the name of Dragons\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs this something you did, Krshia? Anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys turned to the group. Beilmark, Elirr, Raekea, all of them shook their heads. Selys looked around, puzzled, and then she heard a familiar sound.<\/p>\n Ratatatat.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh no. I thought we beat him yesterday!\u201d<\/p>\n She groaned. Krshia uttered a few Gnoll curses and turned, calling for her crowd to form up. But to Selys\u2019 surprise, this time Lism wasn\u2019t heralded by a huge crowd. Instead, he was walking on his own two feet, followed by a gathering of onlookers\u2014but not the vehement protesters that usually shouted insults at Krshia\u2019s supporters. And the drummer was no [Soldier], but just a regular Gnoll [Drummer], banging a brisk beat on the drum.<\/p>\n \u201cVote for a better Liscor! Vote for walls! Vote for economy, independence! Vote for a Liscor you built yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n Lism shouted, cupping his hands to amplify his voice even further with the aid of his amulet. Krshia, poised to ride the platform over the heads of the crowd, appeared with a large group of Gnolls. She stared down at Lism and looked around. It was almost comical without the huge crowds of yesterday. Krshia coughed, embarrassed, and called down to Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing, Lism? Causing more trouble? Is this your doing?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at the huge flyer above the street. Lism smiled, shading his eyes to see.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Like it, Krshia? Yes, it\u2019s mine. Courtesy of a few [Scribes] I know! But I see they forgot to add my name to this particular one. It\u2019s my campaign\u2019s slogan. Like it?\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured up at the flyer. The crowd looked at him, clearly confused. So did Krshia. She folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re for<\/em> an election suddenly? Are you flip-flopping on your word again?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism gave her a huge smile.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly because I\u2019ve had a change of heart! Yes! I am for an election! And we should<\/em> build a new part of the city! By all means!\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his hands. And the crowd behind him cheered. It was, after all, what Krshia had been saying all this time. Completely off-guard, Selys stared at Zevara, whose brows were completely raised. Krshia stared down at Lism. Then she realized where she was and awkwardly climbed off the podium.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re acknowledging mine is the good idea, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism studied one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026a good idea. But I\u2019d rather I <\/em>take the Council seat. You see, I am running in your district, Krshia. And if I\u2019m<\/em> elected, I\u2019ll ensure that we expand our city by one-third<\/em>, fund the Adventurer\u2019s Guild, and fund the City Watch! Build those walls! Build those walls!\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his hands, and the crowd cheered behind him. Krshia stared. Then she spluttered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You can\u2019t say that? That\u2019s\u2014that is my<\/em> promise, no?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism smiled beatifically.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s my promise too. I\u2019ll ensure that Liscor gets exactly what it needs, but unlike honored Krshia here, people, I\u2019ll do it right!<\/em> Lism for the City Council!\u201d<\/p>\n He raised his arms again, but Elirr thrust his way forwards. The older Gnoll shouted at Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cDo it right? You just stole Krshia\u2019s idea!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls around him roared the same thing. Lism shouted back.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all! I improved it! You see, I<\/em> won\u2019t rely on Antinium to build the wall! I\u2019ll hire honest Drakes and Gnolls to do it!\u201d<\/p>\n The words stunned Elirr into silence. Lism waved a claw around.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Krshia has the right idea. And expanding Liscor is the best way to combat this ludicrous rent! But why let the Antinium do it? Think about how many jobs a project like that would create! Thousands! And the money would go into your pockets, not back to the Antinium for such a huge building contract! And I have more\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, but that\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Selys was scrambling, tearing through her notes to figure out just what\u2014but Lism was going on.<\/p>\n \u201cKrshia would have us open the city to adventurers from the north. I say, look to our tails. The Bloodfields have always been a deterrent to trade coming north. But with that fabulous door, and our brave soldiers, couldn\u2019t we seek a safer path through the hills around the Bloodfields? Cut a path to enable trade throughout the year? This is just one of the proposals, which I, Lism, would implement if I am elected to the Council. Fund the City Watch! And<\/em> bring our soldiers back! They could keep our roads safe! Why stop where Krshia is content to coast? Vote for me and let\u2019s get as much done as we can!\u201d<\/p>\n This time, the cheer was drowned out by Krshia\u2019s howl <\/em>of fury. She advanced on Lism, pointing an angry paw.<\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot say that! You stole my idea!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just an idea, Silverfang! If you can\u2019t improve on it, what\u2019s the point?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism crowed as he looked around. He got nods of agreement. Some people clearly disagreed, but Lism\u2019s banner was waving above his head. Build your city with your own claws.<\/em> Selys clearly heard a Drake lady remarking to a friend behind her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not<\/em> hire Drakes and Gnolls? My son could use a job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut how will you<\/em> pay for the wall? Without the Antinium\u2019s help?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia snarled at Lism, losing her composure. The Drake rubbed his claws on his tunic.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, the army has pledged some money to Liscor. But\u2014happily, three of the Walled Cities have already pledged to cover five percent of the costs rather than force the Antinium to pay. Each.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Selys\u2019 jaw dropped. Krshia took a step back, her fur paling.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is a lie. You cannot have\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReached out to the Walled Cities? Let\u2019s just say they\u2019re concerned about the Antinium too. And they\u2019re willing to help pay for an expanded City Watch\u2014we may be able to fund the Adventurer\u2019s Guild\u2019s upgrade solely based on private donations!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrivate\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s eyes bulged. Lism reached for something behind him. A Drake carrying a sheaf of\u2026of papers handed a small stack to him. Lism pressed it into Krshia\u2019s paws with a filthy smile.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just been printed. But the reaction is already spreading across the continent. I\u2019m sure I have a few [Messages] waiting. But until then\u2014Drakes and Gnolls, lend me your ears! Do you want to have the Antinium expand their Hive and build everything? Or would you rather build your city yourselves, and see the gold flowing into your pockets?\u201d<\/p>\n He walked past Krshia, shouting at the crowd further down the street. The procession followed him, and Selys saw, to her horror, that people were breaking off, talking to each other. Spreading the word. It was a twisted parody of yesterday. Selys rushed over to Krshia. They had to stop Lism! Think up a counter! But the Gnoll was staring at something in her paws. Her hands were shaking as Selys rushed up.<\/p>\n \u201cKrshia, what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll growled. Her eyes flashed as the papers crumpled in her grip. She thrust them at Selys.<\/p>\n \u201cThat dirty, rat-tailed<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Selys stared at the papers. Slowly, she unfolded the crumpled paper, read the freshly-dried ink. It was in fact, a [Scribe]-written copy. A copy of a rather long introduction. The first thing Selys saw was the author\u2019s name. Olesm Swifttail.<\/em> With a sinking heart, she began to read.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n To my remaining readers,<\/em><\/p>\n My name is Olesm Swifttail, [Strategist] for the City of Liscor. In my previous newsletter, I made a series of suggestions and recommendations about a possible system that could be implemented along with an analysis of the events surrounding the Goblin Lord\u2019s recent siege of Liscor. I understand it was received with much disagreement by a good number of my audience, not least for the idea of fostering peace with the Goblins. I would like to address that issue in brief:<\/em><\/p>\n To those I have offended, I sincerely apologize. My arguments were not backed up with historical fact, which do cite instances where Goblins have coexisted with other species\u2014albeit a relationship fraught with tension. I have since educated myself, and hope this further, more coherent argument will better represent my opinion\u2014and the inherent dangers I was suggesting.<\/em><\/p>\n I would like to delve into the realities of trying to work in harmony with species classified as monsters, such as Ogres, Trolls, Goblins, various ape species, Giants, (with the understanding that the remaining half-Giant tribes are, of course, now fully recognized as a species with rights in all cases but those of the Demonfolk of Rhir), and so on.<\/em><\/p>\n