{"id":6379,"date":"2019-07-23T17:11:03","date_gmt":"2019-07-23T17:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=6379"},"modified":"2025-12-24T00:59:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T00:59:52","slug":"6-33-e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/07\/23\/6-33-e\/","title":{"rendered":"6.33 E"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dawn struck the city of Manus, illuminating the tops of the buildings first and working its way down the Walled City. It took a while for the sun to reach the center, the secret center of the city where they gathered. And that was fitting; even light could not so easily find Manus\u2019 heart.<\/p>\n

And those that walked in the keep, one of the most secure places in the world, did not begrudge the lack of sunlight. They had artificial light of magic and fire; if they longed for the sun, the security of this place, this city, was a welcome trade.<\/p>\n

For their city was Manus. It was no Salazsar with its simpering impractical architecture, or even Pallass\u2019 unoriginal, boxed design. Oteslia? Waiting to be burned. Fissival? Weakest of the Walled Cities\u2014practically a miracle it hadn\u2019t been destroyed yet, hah! Zeres?<\/p>\n

Zeres was pretty good. But the minds who\u2019d designed Manus had been determined to build a city that would never fall. And, to be fair to them, it hadn\u2019t, which was considerable in itself because Manus, perhaps as a product of destiny or bad luck (to their enemies), was based right on the border zone next to the five Hives and land claimed by the Antinium during the First Antinium War.<\/p>\n

For proof of the architect\u2019s determination, you had only to look to Manus as a city compared to other cities. Not Manus\u2019 design\u2014a many-sided star that allowed its walls to overlap and hit any threat\u2014but the way the wall had been built unlike every Walled City still standing.<\/p>\n

The wall itself<\/em> was slanted a few degrees outward, so the tops of the wall put the bottom into shadow. Due to this unique miracle of engineering, it meant that anyone trying to slap a ladder against Manus\u2019 outermost walls would have it fall on their heads by force of gravity alone.<\/p>\n

And if they decided to hunker under the battlements, or try some other method of climbing up, the machicolations, the meurtri\u00e8res\u2014or as they were colloquially known, \u2018murder holes\u2019\u2014built into the wall would allow the defenders to mercilessly assail those below with boiling oil, spells, arrows, or just a few rocks dropped from a height.<\/p>\n

This overhang was a feature seldom seen in most architecture, let alone on this scale. It required exceptional engineering knowledge to pull off, or even describe. Overhang, machicolations, taluses, and so on\u2014it was a language the defenders of Manus had inscribed into their lexicons. How else could you even describe a city like this?<\/p>\n

Beyond the first wall was a glacis and a secondary, inner wall on top of the incline, ready to fire upon the helpless invaders who had finally taken the outer wall, only to find that they were now exposed and facing a second wave of defenses from a situation deliberately designed to place them at the most disadvantageous position possible.<\/p>\n

The outer wall protected the first, lowest layer of the city, which could and would be sacrificed in time of attack. It was filled with buildings, of course, mostly residential; the valuable architecture and goods lay past the second wall, in the heart of the city. Should the enemy somehow take that wall, they would still not seize Manus as easily as Pallass, with its open floors. In other cities, an army forced to fight in the streets might have a home ground advantage, but they would be demoralized fighting with an opponent that had summited the one major defense of the city. Manus\u2019 soldiers, on the other hand, would simply retreat to another level of fortifications: that of the inner city itself.<\/p>\n

Slanted walkways, choke points, portcullises, plazas that allowed those seeking the inner city to trickle in reinforcements slowly while the defenders had three or even four ways to quickly block an army\u2019s advance\u2014the city was a fantastically fun place to be if you were a child or tourist, with its crazed architecture and unique landscape. Was it fun to live in? Well, Manus\u2019 residents certainly numbered as many as any of the other Walled Cities. And the soldiers didn\u2019t seem to mind it much either.<\/p>\n

So, then. By ground, Manus was unassailable. By air, almost likewise. The architecture had been made by Drakes keenly aware of the nature of three-dimensional combat. So Manus incorporated towers, narrow passages that would stymie a flyer, and sacrificial heights that could be evacuated in case of aerial spells. Or Dragon\u2019s fire. Archers could pepper an enemy in a game of cat-and-mouse, giving fliers little opportunity to maneuver.<\/p>\n

But again, this was all architecture. What did Manus have besides extreme paranoia? The answer was its academy. The officer\u2019s academy of Manus was to Izril\u2014perhaps much of the world\u2014what Wistram was to [Mages]. The sprawling complex in the inner city boasted a curriculum and facilities even the Titan would admit were impressive.<\/p>\n

And if Manus didn\u2019t have a [Strategist] who was Niers\u2019 exact equal, you could argue their school turned out far more graduates and leaders than Niers\u2019 smaller, private academy. Drakes from every city, and Gnolls too, came to Manus to learn the art of war. That was what Manus had to offer.<\/p>\n

The largest army. The training schools that produced legends like General Sserys or Dalthson Forwing. The bastion of Drake might against the numberless Antinium. Manus did not export goods but sheer military might. This was the City of War.<\/p>\n

It was also fairly poor, as Walled Cities went. Second-poorest, only defeated by Oteslia, in fact. A military juggernaut Manus might be, but the money that went to fuel its military industries and import fine Pallassian steel, Oteslian foods, and the best magics from Fissival along with the quality Drake and Gnoll recruits it so desired meant that it was weak to economic pressure or sanctions.<\/p>\n

Yes, Manus had stockpiles of preserved food that could last it for potential decades in siege, but those were rations<\/em>. It could and did experience food shortages or a lack of goods, which the other Walled Cities often did not. For who wanted to take their goods so close to the Antinium Hives? What could Manus really sell that, say, Zeres or Salazsar could not? Thus, Manus often found itself weaker in areas that did not involve swords.<\/p>\n

Still, Manus was only a punching bag in diplomacy until the Walled City went to war. Then its coffers flowed with the spoils its soldiers looted. So other cities treaded carefully around Manus. It was needed.<\/p>\n

Manus was a gateway of sorts. A bastion that held the land of Drakes and Gnolls from the Antinium. While it stood, the Antinium could never march forwards without exposing their backs. And the Walled City could be surrounded, but never taken. Not by the Ants. They had broken themselves twice on Manus\u2019 walls without ever managing to take the city for themselves.<\/p>\n

That alone had given Manus more value in the last few decades. A renewed importance beyond acting as a war leader in repelling foreign armies from Izril\u2019s shores. It made Manus\u2019 defenses all the more important to maintain. When the Third Antinium War occurred, it would be Manus that stood on the front lines again and dared the Grand Queen\u2019s armies to assail them.<\/p>\n

Anyways, that was Manus. The people were still people, and the [Soldiers] weren\u2019t always at war. And in the center of the inner city, the keep, the heart of Manus was guarded at all hours. Walking down these halls now came the rulers and protectors of the city. There were many of them, but a select few, eight in number today, had been called to a council. They walked down into the most secure spot in the keep. Eight came, but the war rooms in the keep could have held dozens of their number. Hundreds in one.<\/p>\n

Manus had Lords and Ladies of the Wall. But, unlike other Walled Cities like Salazsar, whose venerated ranks of aristocracy grew fewer with each century, or Pallass, whose nobility were almost unknown in the face of democracy, Manus\u2019 Lords and Ladies of the Wall added to their ranks with each decade. They did not trust in heritage alone for worth. So Manus\u2019 own added to their number, choosing the most valorous, high-level, and sound of judgment and elevated them to their peerage when they appeared.<\/p>\n

Those were the Lords and Ladies of the Wall who came to answer the call now. They were [Generals] and [Captains], [Commanders] and [Strategists]. And they acted in conclave, under the lead of their ruler. Manus was an elective monarchy, and their leader ruled for two years with each election unto perpetuity if they did their job well. That meant that, with a host of poor leadership, Manus\u2019 champion would be replaced often, but with a wise one, they could reign for decades unchallenged.<\/p>\n

This was the room they stopped in. An angular table\u2014a decagon\u2014allowed for ten seats around itself, cut from one block of black marble. As the eight called to the room took their seats or greeted each other, the table flickered to life. The magical map depicted Izril in miniature.<\/p>\n

The geography of the table was perfect, or it had been when the table had been made some two thousand years ago. Some parts of the geography had been corrected to match the present terrain, but clumsily. The [Mage] who had created the map table first had been an artist; those who had endeavored to alter it in centuries past had not had the same level of skill.<\/p>\n

Still, it would do. And as the eight waited, the person who had called them here walked from her own tunnel down into the room. Her stance was heavy. Her wings folded. But her gaze was no less determined. Just more tired. She entered the room, and those seated stood at once and bowed to her. The Drake returned their bows with a short nod. She did not speak as she went to one of the chairs\u2014they were all the same\u2014and seated herself. But with perhaps one exception, she was above everyone else in the room.<\/p>\n

She had ruled Manus for fourteen years. And she wore the trappings of her station, even in this secure room. A set of armor any Named Adventurer would envy. A helmet crafted to fit the Drake skull, the cold-blue metal emitting vapor even in the cool room. Armor made of wide, shimmering scales of every color, which flashed as they caught the light. Dragonscales.<\/p>\n

On her clawed feet were boots whose soles never touched the ground, made of a leather from a hide no one could name. And lastly she carried a glaive, the air around it crackling with an unspent thunder of electricity at her side. Manus\u2019 people knew it as the Fang of Manus, but those who were privileged to wield it as a symbol of authority knew it by its old name. The first name, given to it when Manus was still new.<\/p>\n

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

It was said that it could damage Manus\u2019 walls. All these things she carried, and they were heavy. The Drake set her glaive against the table, and the eyes of the eight went to it for a moment. But they had seen it and her armor a hundred thousand times, so they made no comment and focused on her instead. The Drake had blue scales, as blue and pale as the open sky, mixed with white and, a rarity, yellow. Three colors gave her scales a quality as exotic as any Lizardperson\u2019s, although that was an unspeakable insult to her and thus the city.<\/p>\n

Because she was Dragonspeaker of Manus. And beneath her armor of state, her clothing was white in mourning. The six Drakes and two Gnolls who filed into the room dared not speak at first as Dragonspeaker Luciva Skybreath settled herself in her seat. She looked around heavily, meeting each eye. Then she began without preamble.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are here to discuss the Siege of Liscor. The battle that followed at the Bloodfields. And the ambitions of Tyrion Veltras. We have held our conclave en masse with all our peers. Let us talk frankly now. Your thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lords and Ladies of the Wall exchanged swift glances. Not of nerves; just waiting to see who had the most pressing opinion. That came from a Gnoll with half of his face damaged, his nose, cheek, and jaw along his left side all scar tissue. He enunciated carefully, and his eyes were sharp despite the damage to the rest of his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I may, Dragonspeaker. We came close to disaster at Liscor. Pallass\u2019 Assembly was slow to act, and their idiocy could have cost us our gateway to the north. We have been complacent; that much has been discussed. In the coming days and weeks, we shall question how and why Pallass was so lax and, indeed, the circumstances under which the Humans obtained so many trebuchets. It bodes ill. But this has been discussed. I say we have averted disaster, though by no action of any Walled City but luck and Liscor\u2019s own defenses. As for the battle at the Bloodfields, we were dealt a loss. But it was a small battle\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He broke off, grimacing. His eyes flicked to Luciva\u2019s and away. The table held its collective breath. Not a minute into the conversation and it had already been brought up tactlessly. The Gnoll Wall Lord spoke in a pained voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI beg your apologies, Dragonspeaker. I misspoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luciva went still for a moment. But then she shook her head quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I agree with your assessment, Wall Lord Makhir. It was a small battle. Larger than the ones we have fought in recent years, but small considering the scope of the wars we have traditionally had with the Humans. In centuries past, in the battles that first formed the Blood Fields, our armies held humanity off by the barest of margins, and the dead lay in such profusion\u2026it was a small battle. If one that I consider beyond all acceptable cost.\u201d<\/p>\n

A small exhalation came from all those present. The Gnoll, Makhir, bowed his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree. And yet, the remark was insensitive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI take no offense, Makhir. No one here is to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded and fell silent. Luciva looked about, meeting every eye. And no one made comment. They did not need to. It hung in the air unspoken.<\/p>\n

The history books as they were being written would record Tyrion Veltras\u2019 battle at the Bloodfields after being unable to take Liscor as an act of spite\u2014or perhaps calculated gains. The Humans in the North did take the lead in the battle, yet the losses were hardly substantial on either side in the grand scheme of things. But it had cost Dragonspeaker Luciva everything. The reinforcements from Manus had taken part in the battle. And that had resulted in\u2026<\/p>\n

Her daughter\u2019s death. Luciva closed her eyes. Just for a moment. And she breathed out slowly. Heavily. In the dark room, illuminated mainly by the magic table\u2019s glow, the Wall Lords and Ladies could see bright flashes from the small opening in Luciva\u2019s mouth as she sighed. And they smelled something acrid.<\/p>\n

Oxidization in the air, much like the sparks that the Fang of Manus sometimes gave off. It was one of the reasons why the inner war room was bare of carpets and why all of the other guests, save the youngest, touched the ground or the wall before touching anything metallic. Especially the Gnolls; you could get a damn good shock, and scorch marks in fur were hard to get rid of. On Luciva\u2019s back, her furled wings stirred, but that was the only nod to her emotions she let slip.<\/p>\n

Wings and breath. That marked her as Oldblood, but more than that\u2014True Oldblood, the rarest of all those who bore their ancestors\u2019 heritage. Manus was famous for that, too. The old bloodlines ran strong in the city, and the people respected that as much as military genius.<\/p>\n

And speaking of old blood\u2026another Drake leaned forwards, filling the silence Makhir\u2019s comments had caused. Her scales were teal, but that was such a poor word to describe the color. The scales shone and flowed, more like water than a solid. And her wings, the yellow spines along her neck, all were sculpted. If Luciva was a shining example of the full extent of her heritage, this young Drake was the radiant sun itself. She was beautiful. And when she spoke, it was crisply, loudly, without a hint of awkwardness.<\/p>\n

\u201cA small battle. We lost tens of thousands of Drakes in total. So did the Humans. A small army\u2019s worth, [Hunt Commander] Makhir, Dragonspeaker. It may be few in comparison to the population of Drakes as a species, but it is still a blow. One we must reply to. That\u2019s why we\u2019re here, isn\u2019t it? Let\u2019s not waste time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others nodded soberly. The fact that this Drake looked younger than any other Drake by at least a decade was unremarked upon. She was meant to be here. The next to speak was a Gnoll who had brought his spear to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this a prelude to war? Tyrion Veltras was halted from besieging the city, I remind you all, not only by luck, but by his peers. Magnolia Reinhart was instrumental to that. She threatened her own people to avert the battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the two female Wall Ladies, General Milka, leaned in, her claws gripping the table. Her scales were prickling with a static charge as she sat next to Luciva, but she didn\u2019t even acknowledge the jolts of static.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that speak to her practicality, sense of honor, or simply a Reinhart scheme though, Spearmaster Lulv?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lulv frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am uncertain. But I think her actions have attracted the goodwill of some of our peers. My informants\u2014I submitted a report you may have all read\u2014tell me a Courier bore a message straight from Oteslia\u2019s city to her mansion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another Wall Lord, Aldonss, shook his head, unmoved by the lightning, which seemed to actually congregate around one claw tapping on the table. Lightning powers and Manus had been associated with the leadership for generations.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the same report. Whoever is making an overture to her is not being subtle. Need we be concerned?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, I think. The north is in more turmoil. They\u2019ve started a political war amongst themselves. I have no doubt it will develop further as the nobles return to their estates. If this is Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s scheme to take advantage of this in a way that harms us, it is hard to see. Whether it benefits her in the north, though\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Luciva raised her claw to prevent someone else replying. All eyes fastened on her again. The Dragonspeaker nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Back to my question. Is this a prelude to war?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps not against all the north. But Tyrion Veltras has made his position clear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wall Lord Makhir growled, and the others nodded. So did Luciva.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs have many peers of the north. Let us say Lady Magnolia Reinhart is averse to war. She and her faction do not represent the north. And it is humanity, once again, which has launched an assault that was unprovoked. Do we agree on this as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBarring the usual tensions? I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSunken ship. Two murders of Human [Merchants] on the roads. Hm\u2014we have not had a major war save for the Terandrian incursion four years back, and that was only backed by Izril\u2019s nobility, which they disavowed quickly. This was unprovoked, I agree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spearmaster Lulv drummed his paws on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cTyrion Veltras does<\/em> have a reason. His wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

The table fell silent. After a moment, General Milka shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was nearly four years past. He<\/em> may have cause, I grant, but those who followed him even when it became clear that Liscor was the target have no excuse. Unprovoked I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest agreed. So did Luciva. She spread her claws on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Leaving out what must be done in Liscor, the fault with Pallass, Magnolia Reinhart as an individual, I ask this question: given the unprovoked assault on our people, should we<\/em> reply?\u201d<\/p>\n

And then there was silence. The eight paused. After a moment, Lulv spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am against it. Let the north tear itself apart for months or a year. Our interference might unite them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Makhir clenched a paw into a fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if we do not reply? Will another Walled City? They must know we have teeth, or how else will they back away? These are not rational foes. They are like dogs, circling, testing. They must have blood drawn, or they will come back with less fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

General Milka nodded. Wall Lords Aldonss and Kishield dissented. The youngest female Drake, who had remained silent, flicked her claws at the map. Wall Lord Aldonss spoke as Luciva glanced at the youngest Drake, trying to read her reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Lulv. If we reply, we risk inciting a conflict. And we cannot risk it. Not with the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aldonss looked around the suddenly quiet table. A few of his peers grudgingly nodded, but Luciva didn\u2019t. She wanted another opinion. So, the Dragonspeaker looked to her left at the youngest Drake and nodded to her. \u201cRafaema. Your thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was poking at the geography of the continent. She looked up, blinking, as the other members of the Security Council looked at her expectantly. Her tail swished\u2014in embarrassment?\u2014and she replied in the same, clear, definitive voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they attack us, we attack back. It\u2019s as simple as that, isn\u2019t it? Why are you all debating about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Without hesitation. Manus\u2019 High Command glanced at each other. And one by one, they nodded. All except Lulv and General Milka. The rest had been swayed though, and they turned to Luciva. They didn\u2019t need to voice their opinions; she had eyes.<\/p>\n

The Dragonspeaker nodded. She closed her own eyes, thinking for a long moment. Her wings and tail stirred. The others waited. After a minute, then two, Luciva silently opened her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an action that cannot be ignored. The south must answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sigh, and that was all. It was done. Lulv grimaced, but beyond that, he listened as Luciva went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will take the lead in this. The other Walled Cities may know of it\u2014and we may request the best fliers of their cities. The True Oldbloods are needed. Manus\u2019 children need not bear the entirety of the risk alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rafaema\u2019s tone was hesitant as she lifted a claw, for all her words had been the deciding factor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou intend to go forwards with our first plan of ruination?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is the one we decided upon. There is no need to adjust it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one is that? I forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rafaema\u2019s question was answered by Lulv as he leaned over. Luciva ignored the whispering and went on, speaking names, which got nods. A few suggestions were made, more names floated along with the cities the Drakes hailed from. But the majority of the work had been done in the decision-making. The names and plan itself had already been meticulously thought-out and prepared for execution. Manus\u2019 elite didn\u2019t waste more frivolous time talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your counsel. I will give the order.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dragonspeaker Luciva paused for a moment, then marked a document with her signature, stamped the magical wax with her ring, and it was done. The file would be copied and indexed, and the plan would go into action. Results would take a while to appear. Yet she knew what had been done, and the small action felt heavy.<\/p>\n

How personal was this decision?<\/em> Luciva wondered. She had no answer, but she had gotten no pushback. Not from the Security Council, nor Manus\u2019 most important resident, who sat in this very room.<\/p>\n

Nor would the other cities do more than offer minor complaints; she expected only Oteslia to object, and only in words. The only other figure she could name who might interject had drawn these very plans up. The Cyclops had said nothing; it would be done.<\/p>\n

So she cleared her throat and brought to docket the only other item worthy of the Security Council\u2019s time.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne last thing before we adjourn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rafaema was already half out of her seat. Surprised, she sat. Even for smaller wars, the Security Council\u2019s time was precious. What could merit this? Luciva gestured.<\/p>\n

\u201cAldonss. Your report on the Noelictus rumors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Noelictus?<\/em> Rafaema\u2019s brow became a mass of confusion. That was a Terandrian nation; completely inconsequential to Manus\u2019 politics. But a few members of the Security Council, like Milka and Makhir, sat forwards suddenly with apparent interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. I intended to save this for the next meeting. To be brief, Dragonspeaker\u2014I have authenticated the reports from Noelictus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lulv was clearly struggling to remember as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this one about? Is that the file flagged on some village and the upset there? War with Ailendamus?\u201d<\/p>\n

Luciva shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Ailendamus. They\u2019re far out of our radius of concern even if they invaded. Rather, it was one of our Grade 9 threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rafaema almost sent her stack of papers flying. Grade 9?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have any of those anymore! Do we? The Immortal Tyrant\u2019s dead. The Antiinium we\u2019ve met aren\u2019t that dangerous, and the rest of them are still on Rhir if they\u2019re even alive\u2026the Deathless are extinct\u2014they were killed when I was young\u2014Old Hungry? No, wait, Noelictus is inland.\u201d<\/p>\n

She rattled off the few, very<\/em> few, threats that warranted Manus\u2019 highest threat classification. \u2018Old Hungry\u2019 was the largest Kraken to ever exist. Luciva gave Rafaema a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of them. This is about the\u2026Witch.\u201d<\/p>\n

A susurration ran through the Security Council. Lulv had been closing his eyes, trying to recall the report. Now he cracked one eye open. General Milka put her claws together. Rafaema hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Her. She hasn\u2019t caused trouble for ages. Nothing major since before I was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat situation has changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wall Lord Aldonss informed the Council. His report was extensive, and Lulv and Rafaema made faces when they saw the length.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest you read it; the entire scheme is, in retrospect, difficult to fully appreciate. The matter is settled. The Witch<\/em> is on the run, for once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Makhir was audibly disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot killed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Luciva murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one kills that one. The fact that anyone bested her\u2026so. [Witches].\u201d<\/p>\n

An unfamiliar class to most Drakes. An old one. Aldonss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recommend vigilance. Not just for her; the [Witches] of the north are apparently moving. Gathering. Whether in support or defense, it\u2019s hard to say. News of Noelictus has not spread openly; the Court of Dusks and Landsreight seems to have tamped rumors down well. But I might suggest a clandestine anti-[Witch] operation if any try to move past Liscor\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Luciva frowned as the Security Council murmured. Makhir lifted a furry finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m against. Wisdom says we don\u2019t need to join in on that sort of thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragonspeaker agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut a proposal together if you feel strongly, Aldonss. Tell me if there\u2019s any credible reports of the<\/em> Witch arriving on Izril. That\u2019s all. Adjourned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not once did any of them actually say the Witch\u2019s name, which Rafaema thought was overkill. Then again, names had power. And the events of Noelictus were far away. So the Security Council rose to their feet, then strode back to their tasks.<\/p>\n

Luciva bade them all farewell one by one. A few of High Command stopped to talk with her or exchange brief goodbyes among themselves; the rest filed out, returning to their homes and other duties quietly. This meeting had most certainly happened, but none of them would ever talk about it.<\/p>\n

Only one Drake lingered in the room afterwards with Dragonspeaker Luciva. She was hunting for something she\u2019d dropped. It turned out to be her personal bag of holding, under her chair. Luciva patiently let her fasten it to her belt, then nodded as the young Drake turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you make of this, Rafaema? Was that a wise decision or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rafaema turned, surprised. After a moment, she shrugged slightly, and a bored, even tired expression crossed her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fairly normal to me. Humans have always been Humans. The Antinium bother me more. They\u2019re new.\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned. Luciva nodded seriously. The Antinium were a threat two decades old, but they marked a change in the balance that had existed for ages between Gnolls, Drakes, and Humans.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpearmaster Lulv and General Milka were correct in saying that a war with Humans would be disastrous. The Antinium would not be idle. We risk much by provoking them, even in reply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luciva was stating the obvious. Rafaema nodded, tilting her head from side to side, regarding the magical map on the table. She considered Luciva\u2019s statement, then turned around and shrugged again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. But then they would get away with it. And why would we ever allow that?\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was that. It was a pure answer, without second thoughts attached. Luciva nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your time. No doubt my peers took your words to heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just said what I felt. See you, Luciva. Um\u2026sorry about Hedica.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rafaema left. That left just Luciva standing at the table. She looked back towards the passage that would lead her up to a place where she could give the orders that would set the plan in motion. But she didn\u2019t go right away. Instead, she sat back down in her seat and leaned on the table, ignoring the magical geography her arms and head rested on. She didn\u2019t know if she\u2019d made the correct decision.<\/p>\n

That was why she had called this meeting, to deliberate over one point. Had grief swayed her judgment? Had they been right to listen to Rafaema\u2019s opinion? Luciva didn\u2019t know, but she had made her choice, and she had learned not to second-guess herself. She rested her head on the table, taking some small relief in the fact that no one would intrude on her here, at least not for a bit.<\/p>\n

The decision had been made. The plan would work. Manus, and the Drake cities, would have their vengeance for Tyrion Veltras\u2019 aggression, at least in part. But today, all Luciva felt was grief.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 1 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

She stood in front of the [Witch]wearing the pointed hat, swaying. The news of Laken\u2019s disappearance, the loss from the battle, her yet-to-be-healed injury all made Durene\u2019s head swim. The girl was tall, strong, with a [Farmer]\u2019s muscles and a build that came from her heritage. Her skin was cracked, grey, and rough. She was taller than almost any Human, six foot eight. And she was strong. But right now, she could have been knocked over by a feather. Words were nearly doing the same trick.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] frowned. She was young\u2014although maybe older than Durene by a few years, three at most\u2014and she was dressed in a long, dark-blue robe. Her hat was pointed, and but for a broom and a crooked nose and some warts, she could have been a young version of the [Witches] that Durene had heard about in children\u2019s stories. But Wiskeria\u2019s normally business-like manner, intelligent eyes, and spectacles were\u2026not. Now, she looked worried as she avoided the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene was in no mood for questions. She clenched her hands, and Wiskeria, mindful of being picked up and shaken like a rag doll again, backed up. At last, she answered, speaking quickly and eying Durene as the half-Troll girl swayed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know exactly. Durene, you\u2019re in no condition to move just yet. If you\u2019re thinking of following them, forget it. They had Skills and horses. They were trying to catch Tyrion Veltras, I think. And if he\u2019s where I think he is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me where! In what direction did he go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene covered her face. She wanted to cry. Nothing was right in the world. She heard nothing for a moment, and then Wiskeria sat next to Durene. She put a hand on the half-Troll girl\u2019s shoulder, and Durene felt it trembling. She looked up and saw the desolation in Wiskeria\u2019s eyes too. They\u2019d failed. The two sat together for a moment, and then Wiskeria spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cSouth. They\u2019ve all gone south.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSouth\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

The news hit Durene like a wall. She looked around. She barely knew where she\u2019d woken up. Her chest throbbed. It had been healed, right? It looked\u2014red. Inflamed. Like a really bad cut. Durene touched it and made a sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel well. You used a healing potion, right? I think I need another.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tried to open her shirt to see the injury. It was being given air to breathe. The scar was bad. Red. Puffy around her grey, cracked skin. Wiskeria looked alarmed. She put a hand on Durene\u2019s arm, trying to steer her towards the bed. But Durene was far too heavy for the [Witch] to move.<\/p>\n

\u201cLie down, Durene. You\u2019re still not healed. You\u2019ve been sick. You need to rest, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to go after Laken. I think\u2026I\u2019m healed, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene sat automatically. She touched at her chest and winced. The blade had gone straight between her breasts. That Hobgoblin\u2026it was hurting a lot more now. Wiskeria put a hand on Durene\u2019s shoulder. Incredibly, when she pushed, Durene felt herself flop back. The bed groaned<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Durene\u2019s head swam. Wiskeria appeared above her, worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe healing potion worked. But it also caused complications. You have a good [Healer] tending to you. Just\u2014rest. Let me get her. It\u2019s good that you woke up. But you need<\/em> to rest, Durene.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to find Laken.\u201d<\/p>\n

The world was fading out. Durene kept on blacking out. Red, hazy pain, and Wiskeria\u2019s voice flickered in through her mind, filtering in through sleep as it pulled her down.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleep. You\u2019re going to be okay, Durene. Laken was worried. Just\u2014sleep. And get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 2 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was a bad night and a worse day. It felt like forever. Durene slept and woke in bursts. Her chest was on fire. It burned with a deep, inner pain that tore her apart from the inside. It hadn\u2019t hurt as badly when she was cut in battle. Now, it felt as though she were being burned. Her body was hot<\/em>. And the pain\u2014it went down inside her chest. Deeper, sickness turned to agony.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurts. It hurts.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene didn\u2019t remember when she first called out for aid. She didn\u2019t for a long time, until it was too much to bear. She\u2019d never had anyone to look out for her. Not since she was thirteen. But she called out anyways.<\/p>\n

And they were there. Voices soothed her. She felt cool hands, cloths mopping at her brow. Then\u2014unkind swabbing at her chest, pain bursting there. She pushed away weakly, but the hands came back. And above her, swimming into focus and out of it, were faces. Voices. Some were familiar, others not.<\/p>\n

One was Wiskeria\u2019s, kind and worried. Another was stern, sometimes worried, sometimes not, but always filled with steely determination, snapping. Durene heard Mister Prost, Beniar, even Lady Rie, but never the voice she wanted to hear. They mixed together over the long night and the day until the conversation was one confusing blur.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot going\u2026increasing\u2026tell him another day.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClearly\u2014my brews and poultices\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy authority here. If you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cComplexion\u2019s poor\u2026what should I write\u2026?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026asking about you, Durene.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFurther south? Dead gods, what is Tyrion\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026here. Continue your conversation\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot getting better? Maybe if\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Another healing\u2026you <\/em>mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014<\/em>No! Drop\u2026and she <\/em>will die. You\u2026down now and leave my\u2014!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And then at last, a voice broke through the fevered mists.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene. Laken\u2019s doing well. He\u2019s coming back as fast as he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene opened her eyes. She heard an exclamation. Wiskeria was looking over her. Durene blinked. The [Witch] bent hurriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel? Durene?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay. I just had a\u2014nap. I\u2019m hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a strange look on the [Witch]\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve had a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Good I didn\u2019t have a potion. That makes it worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026you should rest. Laken will want to hear you\u2019re awake. Healer Pirose? Hold on, Durene. Let me just call her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene put her head back. She shook it gently. Her chest hurt, and it was hot. Not as bad as the night, but her lips were parched.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need a healer. Just a nap. I\u2019ll get up tomorrow. Can I have some water?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria grabbed a pitcher from the bed and offered Durene a cup. The girl drank thirstily and laid back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine. Tomorrow\u2026I heal fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Durene closed her eyes. The world swam. She licked her lips and raised her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I have another cup of water?\u201d<\/p>\n

But Wiskeria was gone, so Durene lay back again. She was hot, then cold. The world swam, and the fever and the pain in her chest began to ebb. Too slowly. She licked her lips, wishing Wiskeria would return. She was a bit too\u2014too weak to grab the pitcher herself. Which was rare. Durene murmured into the air as the night returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 3 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rain woke her up. Durene licked her cracked lips. She heard it pattering overhead. On a roof of some kind. Not hers; she knew the sound the rain made when it hit her thatch. This was different.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Durene opened her eyes. She was hot all over. And\u2026weak. The fever hadn\u2019t broken yet. But she was oh so very thirsty. And someone had put a bandage on her chest. Durene frowned at it. She couldn\u2019t ever remember having a cut that needed anything like that.<\/p>\n

Normally, even the worst cuts she\u2019d had closed in a few days. And were they tending to her with a [Healer]?<\/em> She vaguely recalled Wiskeria saying that. That was\u2026nonsense. All Durene needed was some broth, some time, and she\u2019d be right as rain. The worst of the fever was over.<\/p>\n

The patter of rain distracted Durene. She sat up unsteadily. The world swam, but she was very, very parched.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t remember getting out of bed, but she did feel each step in the unfamiliar\u2026room? Yes, it was a room. And here was a door. Durene pushed it open. The rain. She just had to find\u2014<\/p>\n

The room past her bedroom looked foreign. New. One of the houses in Riverfarm? Someone had set up a lot of strange equipment here. Clean linens, needles, glowing potions\u2014even scissors and a thin saw for some reason. Strange. Durene stared at it all and then saw the door. It was so close.<\/p>\n

Step. Step. Durene chanted to herself, grabbing at a passing chair for support. It groaned under her weight.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoor. Thirsty. Step. Door\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

And there it was. Durene leaned on the handle, and it opened. She saw the rain coming down in sheets. The landscape was dark, and a bolt of lightning arced down in the distance. It threw the world into relief. Durene saw a row of houses opposite her. A familiar mountain in the distance. Yet the houses were foreign. But the rain was familiar, and when she stepped into it\u2014<\/p>\n

Durene sighed. It cooled her skin, soaked the bandage on her chest and her light clothing. She opened her mouth, letting the rain fall into it. How long she stood there, gulping down rain, she couldn\u2019t have said. But then Durene heard a scream.<\/p>\n

\u201cMonster!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone shouted it from afar. Durene\u2019s eyes opened with a snap. She looked around. A monster? Instinctively, she looked for the long greatclub she\u2019d been using. But it was gone. Durene\u2019s hands curled into fists. They would do. She stepped forwards\u2014<\/p>\n

And saw a girl pointing at her down the street. The child was standing in the door of a house down the street, light at her back. Pointing at Durene. Slowly, Durene stopped. She saw someone rush to grab the girl, a man, and more doors flicker open. The call of \u2018monster\u2019<\/em> was taken up for a second by another voice, and then someone roared.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Swaying, the half-Troll girl turned. Prost ran towards her, ignoring the rain that soaked his clothing. He grabbed at her as she leaned on the doorframe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at her. Durene blinked at him. Her chest felt worse than before. The dull pain was back, and the water wasn\u2019t helping. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet the [Healer]. And shut up whoever\u2019s shouting that. You five, help me bring her inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Weakly, Durene protested. Prost looked at her. Durene shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to be a bother, Mister Prost. I can walk back to my bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene smiled. The concern in Prost\u2019s voice reminded her of\u2026a long time ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I\u2019ll just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She took a step and let go of the doorframe. The world spun.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 4 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The next time Durene woke up, it was in her bed. Her bed\u2026no normal bed could fit her. Wrong house.<\/p>\n

She stared up at the ceiling and realized the rain had stopped. This time, she felt much, much more awake. And finally, there was someone in the room. A woman with her back to Durene, dressed in green and yellow clothing, was mixing something in a bowl behind Durene. The girl blinked at the unfamiliar back and sat up.<\/p>\n

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

The woman whirled about, jumping in shock. She had a stern face. Her eyes widened as Durene swung herself out of bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Sorry for the inconvenience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene didn\u2019t know how they\u2019d gotten her back into bed. But she felt better after another sleep. Not as thirsty. And much cooler. She got to her feet. The woman\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be able to get up! We haven\u2019t been able to treat your wound with healing potions, not since it was infected\u2014lie back down!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. It doesn\u2019t feel bad. I don\u2019t want to be a bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene muttered as she looked around the room. She shook her head; her legs felt wobbly, but she felt sure she could make it back to her cottage at least. She walked around the bed, and the woman blocked her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not. You\u2019re finally getting better, but you\u2019re far too weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Durene sat on the bed because the only other option was to pick the woman and put her to one side, and that was fairly rude. The woman\u2014was she the [Healer]?\u2014pursed her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can talk and walk. That\u2019s impressive, I\u2019ll grant you. I wouldn\u2019t expect even a Gold-rank adventurer to do that so soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Troll girl smiled uncertainly. The [Healer]\u2019s brows shot up. Durene anxiously looked down at her chest. But the bandage on her chest had disappeared, and the red gash on her front was only a tiny bit enflamed. The [Healer] noticed the look and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re pulling together faster than you have any right to. Conscious and able to get up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can walk if you want me to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene informed the woman calmly, a bit nettled by the strict tone. Maybe the [Healer] was used to patients other than [Farmers]. She was fine.<\/em> Three days out of commission was bad enough. The [Healer] just shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cLie back down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo arguments. If you can get up tomorrow, I may let you move about. Your injury closed in two day\u2019s span from what it was. That\u2019s healing power. And if that\u2019s so\u2026one day of rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA day? In bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

The thought horrified Durene. She moved to get up again, but the [Healer] placed a hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Healer]\u2019s orders. I insist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Miss. But I can\u2019t just sit here and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Order of the Samaritan]. Lie down.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s eyes flashed. Durene found herself laying back and pulling the sheets over herself before she knew what she was doing. She blinked up at the woman. The [Healer] sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used a Skill on me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll use more if I have to. I don\u2019t intend to lose you, not after a battle that hard-fought.\u201d<\/p>\n

That seemed like a poor reason. Especially because Durene had lost that battle. So had the army. The half-Troll girl closed her eyes for a moment, remembering. That was why the woman was here.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. I\u2019ll stay in bed. Don\u2019t worry about me. You\u2019re tending to the others, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOthers?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman looked blank as she reached for her poultice or whatever was in the bowl. Durene\u2019s head rose a bit, and she frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe others from the battle. How\u2019re they doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Healer] had a very odd look on her face as she turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThem? They\u2019re fine. I\u2019ve seen to them already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, don\u2019t let me keep you. I\u2019m right as rain. Sorry I walked out yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another frown. The woman felt at Durene\u2019s brow. Then she shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour fever\u2019s broken. Tomorrow, if<\/em> you\u2019re well, we\u2019ll let you stand up. Please don\u2019t get up. I\u2019m tired of having to chase you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done it before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSix times already. You don\u2019t remember? You keep looking for your cottage. Or this [Emperor] of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman smiled drily. Durene blushed. She lay in bed as the woman checked her scar and then dabbed something cool from the bowl over it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. But I\u2019m awake now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. You are. And since you\u2019re still awake, I suppose you could do with some food.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene considered that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am hungry. Do I have to stay in bed for that too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Although you may sit up.\u201d<\/p>\n

So saying, the [Healer] left the room. Durene sighed and sat up. After an interminable amount of time where Durene just stared vacantly at the weird mixtures and the mortar and pestle on the table across from the bed, she heard the footsteps and saw the [Healer] come into the room with a large bowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cA stew. Let\u2019s see you keep this down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not much. I could eat three bowls. I\u2019m ravenous.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman blinked at Durene. The girl blushed. She ate a lot, but it wasn\u2019t as if she gained weight\u2014well, not fat. The [Healer] shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter how you feel\u2014here. Do you need a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene shook her head. She took the spoon, lifted the bowl up, and began to eat. There were bits of meat floating in the lentil stew. It was hot, good\u2014she barely tasted it. The stew would have burned Laken\u2019s tongue, but Durene had finished the bowl in under a minute. The [Healer] looked shocked. Durene smiled a touch smugly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTold you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you keep it down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive it fifteen minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I stand up while I wait?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen can I do something? I\u2019m bored.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman considered this.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n

She left the room and came back quicker this time. Silently, she handed Durene a book. The [Farmer] turned [Paladin] blinked at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA book. If you need to entertain yourself, use this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene hesitantly stroked the cover. The book was bound expertly, and it wasn\u2019t nearly as worn as the trio of books she\u2019d seen on Miss Yesel\u2019s shelf. She opened it and saw a lot of neat words arranged on the page. They blended together seamlessly on crisp paper. Durene\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis must be expensive!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMildly. You may borrow it. I\u2019ll take your bowl.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Healer] did just that. She left the room and came back to see Durene paging through the book restlessly. The girl closed it, embarrassed, and the [Healer] frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to your taste?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but it\u2019s just that it\u2019s a lot of words. And I can\u2019t\u2014er\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman looked at Durene\u2019s blush, then the book. She instantly understood what Durene was saying. Durene hung her head in shame. She couldn\u2019t read it.<\/em> She knew her basic letters and numbers, but a book wasn\u2019t something she\u2019d ever owned. She didn\u2019t know if anyone in Riverfarm\u2014the old Riverfarm\u2014could read that well either. Mister Prost could, and a few others, but reading wasn\u2019t a necessary skill. The [Healer] briskly took the book back from Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine. I suppose there\u2019s no help for it. If you wish, I will read to you. Otherwise, I can ask and see if there\u2019s something you can do with your hands. Knitting? Carving?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind knowing what the book was about. If it\u2019s no bother, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene blushed again. She had to admit she dearly wanted to know what the lovely tome contained. The front was a title\u2014she could make out a few words, but the fancy calligraphy and the plain, pale-purple binding didn\u2019t tell her much. The [Healer] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. It is something of a good story. I\u2019m rather taken with it myself. This is a chronicle of an adventurer\u2019s life. Not an adventurer<\/em>, but\u2026the tales of Thivian Stormless, the famous hero known as the Lightning Thief. Do you know of him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wide-eyed, Durene nodded. That was an old name. An adventurer who\u2019d passed away not too long ago. One of the names everyone knew, of course. He\u2019d died when she was\u2026eight?<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a book?<\/em> I remember hearing about him dying. They said he died at sea, fighting a horde of sea serpents. And they said he could still steal lightning as it fell from the sky. Even Archmage Amerys\u2019 lightning! Is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Healer] smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he died in his bed. But I do recall him as well, and I even had the privilege of seeing him at a banquet once. He was a talented [Thief]; he stole any number of hearts even in his late years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw him? Really?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Healer] coughed, a blush rising to her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was what prompted me to get the book. I will read it if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease. But\u2014can I have another bowl of soup?\u201d<\/p>\n

On cue, Durene\u2019s stomach rumbled. The [Healer] blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re hungry still?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene\u2019s eyes darted to the bowl. It wasn\u2019t a bowl meant for a single serving; you could fit half a pot in it. It was probably meant to hold salad, not soup. Durene was embarrassed, but nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure I can keep it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026let me get another bowl. I\u2019ll read to you, and if you\u2019re still hungry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Healer] took the bowl and left. Durene sighed and sat in her bed. She felt at her chest; her skin was still tender. The injury really had been bad; normally, her skin could shrug off even her kitchen knife when it slipped. That Hobgoblin with the axe\u2026Durene closed her eyes. Then the door opened.<\/p>\n

This time, the [Healer] was back with a bowl of soup and half of a rounded loaf of crusted bread. Durene\u2019s stomach rumbled loudly, and she reached out. The [Healer] blinked as Durene tore into the bread. She kept the bowl and watched as Durene ate the loaf down.<\/p>\n

\u201cEat slower. You\u2019ll give your stomach a cramp.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always eat like this. And I\u2019m hungry.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene complained. She reached out, and after a moment\u2019s hesitation, the woman handed her the bowl. The soup went down slower this time, but still quick. Durene tasted it and savored the bites; the bowl was gone in a few minutes. The [Healer]\u2019s eyes widened as Durene handed her the bowl back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t exaggerating, were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said I was hungry. I could do a third bowl. Probably.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman opened her mouth. Then she just shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll wait an hour this time. But if you\u2019re still hungry then, I\u2019ll get you more. Dead gods. Have I been underfeeding you this entire time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone thinks I eat less than I do. It\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene sighed. She sat back, and the [Healer] sat across from her. The woman eyed her, then opened the book she carried.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re certainly the most lucid I\u2019ve seen you. Incredible, really. Your fever broke yesterday, and you\u2019re already able to stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for someone who\u2019s gone through what you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene supposed that was true. An axe blow to the chest would put down most people, healing potion or not. She shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could really walk around. Honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman pursed her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow. As I said. You\u2019re not to leave this bed except to use the bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. But what will I do?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen. I\u2019m going to read this book to you, unless you object?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s brows raised. Durene yelped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, for the rest of the day? Until I go to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s part of my job. And it\u2019s why I\u2019m here. I want to see how long you can stay up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can stay up all day, thanks. You\u2019ll read that entire book and then some.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Troll girl folded her arms. The [Healer] just shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat remains to be seen. Now, sit there until your stomach\u2019s digested that food. Don\u2019t lay back or it may come up.\u201d<\/p>\n

She opened the book. Durene settled against the headboard comfortably. She felt odd and couldn\u2019t place why. Then she realized that not once had the [Healer] looked askance at her skin. And she looked completely normal around Durene. Well, she had been tending to her for three days. The [Healer] opened the book, licking one finger as she flicked to the first page.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Let me know if you feel sick or ill at any moment. Ahem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Five days into the storm that raged across the sea, and the ships still sailed on. One ahead, five behind. The Bloodtear Pirates, one of the most feared and dangerous [Pirate] navies in the world, were in hot pursuit of the <\/em>Waveblade, the stalwart vessel captained by Gallheart herself, a Drake with two scars across her face, one of the finest [Ship Captains] to ever leave Zeres\u2019 harbor.<\/em><\/p>\n

She stood on the bow of her ship where she had lashed herself to the wheel, and still she steered her ship onwards, though it had been five days since the storm began, and she had neither slept nor abandoned her post.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Durene\u2019s eyes widened as the [Healer] turned a page. The woman\u2019s voice was soft, and she was no natural reader, but the words and language were unlike any story Durene had ever heard told. It had form, structure\u2014it wasn\u2019t a fireside tale, but something as good as the travelling [Storyteller] had told. No, better. The [Healer] smiled as Durene sat up. She began the second page.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The storm blew even fiercer, threatening to drown the ships. Yet the Bloodtear Pirates did not relent. The <\/em>Waveblade had a treasure they sought, and so even as the waves threatened to capsize the ships with each swell, they sailed through them. Gallheart took her ship through one wave, and then the next. But the third caught her unawares, and it bore down on them. She cursed as she looked up at the waters rushing down as one of the Bloodtear Pirate ships turned over, swept away by the water.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn them and this mission,\u201d she swore. \u201cIf this is the end\u2026!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

And it was at that moment that the waters disappeared. The wave crashed down, but for a hundred feet, from bow to stern, the air was suddenly clear. <\/em>Waveblade sailed <\/em>through the wave as two more Bloodtear Pirate ships were broken by the massive wave. But someone had taken the waters that would have doomed Gallheart\u2019s ship. She turned her head.<\/em><\/p>\n

And there he stood. The [Thief] of legends. He stood on her decks, smiling, his eyes, one real, one enchanted, glittering. Thivian Stormless. He swept Gallheart a bow.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy the startled look, Captain Gallheart?\u201d He laughed lightly. \u201cSurely you didn\u2019t forget the Lightning [Thief] was your guest of honor? If I can steal a bolt from the heavens, a wave is child\u2019s play. Or didn\u2019t you think the legends were true?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I thought the legends were true, I\u2019d have wondered how Thivian <\/em>Stormless could have landed us in the worst storm this side of the century,\u201d Gallheart snapped back.<\/em> \u201cTell me this cargo\u2019s worth it or I\u2019ll throw you overboard now and damn our contract.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOnce more, Captain Gallheart. The fate of Baleros may rest on it. If the Eye of Medusa is not returned, there might be war between the Gazers and the entire continent. Take us on. And you\u2019ll be rewarded in not just gold, but glory.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGold\u2019s enough for me. Glory fills no holds. Just you keep your hands at the ready, Human. Because there are two ships on our back, and I have no doubt more seeking to block us. Once this storm ends, we\u2019ll get our bearings\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Durene listened as the [Healer] flipped from page to page. And the book unfolded, a tale of daring and wonders caught on page. The half-Troll girl had never heard the like. Her eyes were fixed on the book as she sat, forgetting about her desire to get up. And, true to both their words, the [Healer] read into the night and Durene listened, pausing only to use the bathroom thrice and eat a large dinner.<\/p>\n

The book closed with Thivian Stormless\u2019 last daring tale, and Durene felt her eyes flicker shut moments later in the darkness. The [Healer] regarded her and shook her head as she blew out the candle she had lit.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was the last word Durene heard before she fell asleep.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 5 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Durene heard the same word the next day. She was on her feet this time before the [Healer], whose name was Pirose, even awoke. The older woman left her room to find Durene scarfing down a plateful of bread, salami, some hard cheese\u2014all that Durene had found in the cupboards. The half-Troll girl paused guiltily, but Pirose just shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Durene tried to hide the food behind her back. Pirose ignored that. She gestured to Durene on her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I didn\u2019t know you were half\u2026well, I would have assumed you had some kind of healing Skill. Without healing potions, an infected injury that deep usually takes months<\/em> to heal\u2014if it even gets better. You\u2019re a lucky young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s long for me. Four days is the longest I\u2019ve ever<\/em> been out. And I once cut my arm nearly to the bone. But I was back the next day. I heal quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Proudly, Durene stuck out her chest then she remembered the scar. The [Healer] blinked at her and opened her mouth. She saw Durene checking her chest; the tip of the scar was just visible at the hem of Durene\u2019s dress. The [Healer] frowned as Durene lifted a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t touch it. And don\u2019t lie on your chest when you sleep, obviously. It\u2019s still yet to heal. You may recall that you were sick? The healing potions are too dangerous to use even now, so it\u2019s had to heal on its own. You\u2019ll still be weak for\u2026at least a day if your healing continues to be this quick. And you\u2019ll have a scar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Thank you for looking after me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene mumbled. She absently bit into her breakfast. Pirose shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just doing my job. I was sent by Lord Veltras to ensure that Riverfarm\u2019s wounded were cared for. You were my last patient.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Veltras<\/em> sent you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene nearly choked on her next bite. Pirose smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. He struck an alliance with your [Emperor]. Emperor Godart, isn\u2019t it? Part of that was a [Healer] who could tend to the injured. Especially you. Lord Veltras is not a man to forswear himself. I am his best [Healer]. Until I came here, I was with the main war camp. I\u2019ll be travelling north tomorrow, I think. I expected another week until I was sure you wouldn\u2019t relapse, but this is astonishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just good at healing. Thank you. Uh, Miss Pirose?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene was suddenly shy, as if the two hadn\u2019t spent last night gasping over Thivian\u2019s exploits in the book. Pirose smiled, and her stern face warmed slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy job is reward enough when my patients live. As I said, it was a challenge this time. I know infections, but you did as much work as I. When I think of the state of your wound when I first arrived\u2014idiots with healing potions should be hung.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean Beniar? What, did he pour a healing potion on me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree. Your people couldn\u2019t tell that they were accelerating your illness with each potion. I can understand that as you were being carried off the battlefield, but your [Witch] friend should have known better. Then again, she was the one who stopped them from killing you. Idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose sighed. She walked past Durene and found a kettle. She seemed used to the house they were in, enough to make tea without having to look for anything. Durene fidgeted. Were they in a village other than Riverfarm? This couldn\u2019t be Pirose\u2019s home; it was far too modest and newly built.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always thought it was weird how healing potions made people sick like that. They cure normal wounds right off. So why do sicknesses get worse? Sometimes, they\u2019ll fix my cold right off. Other times, they get worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, the [Healer] eyed Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey shouldn\u2019t ever<\/em> be used in times of sickness. And with respect, the healing potions you probably use shouldn\u2019t have that effect either. Healing potions are essentially regenerative energy poured into the body. They let the body heal fast, to the point where it \u2018remembers\u2019 being before it was hurt. That\u2019s why they work so well even with serious injuries. Of course, they can also hinder; you can\u2019t build muscle since a potion will just revert any gains you make. And the same goes for illnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt gives the sickness strength?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose pursed her lips as the kettle boiled on the small fire she\u2019d lit. She poured the tea into a cup, caught herself, and poured Durene a cup too. She offered the girl a cup, and Durene tasted the liquid.<\/p>\n

\u201cClose. In theory, a good potion augments the body\u2019s strength to fight off the sickness. And a master [Alchemist]\u2019s potions will do that; they\u2019ll allow the body to recover from the illness if it\u2019s at all possible, doing the work of weeks or months in seconds. But in practice, most of the energy goes to the illness for some reason. So suddenly your small cold has more strength than your body, and it gets worse and turns into something potentially deadly. I can\u2019t imagine how strong your body must be against disease. Well, I\u2019ve seen it first-hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tough.\u201d<\/p>\n

So saying, Durene gulped her tea. She knew the liquid was close to boiling, but it was only hot on her tongue. Pirose blew on her cup, eying her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so. Your infection was beyond bad. I\u2019ve given your people a lecture on everything they did wrong. Again, your [Witch] friend saved your life. Her craft saved you in the time it took for me to arrive. You should thank her when you see her next.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t that<\/em> bad, was it? Me being sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shocked, Durene prodded at her chest. Pirose slapped her hand down and sipped her tea. Her silence spoke volumes. Durene looked around the cottage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you. I owe you so much. Is\u2014where am I? Are we in Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose\u2019s eyebrows shot up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. This is one of the new houses built. I\u2019ve been staying here\u2014with little to want, I might add. Except for new reading material. The [Steward], Mister Prost, has been very accommodating. As has Lady Valerund.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRie? Prost? Where are they? Can I see them? I can walk today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told them you were well yesterday. I think they\u2019ll want to meet with you. But before I let you rush out that door\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She held up a finger as Durene started for it. The girl turned. Pirose frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do some tests, and I\u2019ll ask you some questions before I\u2019m satisfied you\u2019re well. Don\u2019t lie. I have a truth stone for difficult patients.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. Really. I feel great. A bit weak, but I can do anything you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene patted one arm. Pirose put down her cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can prove it to me. Take a breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

She ran a series of quick tests, from listening to Durene\u2019s lungs as the girl breathed in and out to making Durene stand on one leg and answer some questions about her childhood. Pirose didn\u2019t seem convinced Durene was fully recovered; she asked about the color of Durene\u2019s urine and even what her other<\/em> leavings looked like this morning, and she forced Durene to strip.<\/p>\n

Blushing fiercely, Durene let her inspect the scar with practiced fingers and answered truthfully that she could barely feel the fingers. Pirose might have kept asking questions but for the strength test; when she handed Durene a length of thin firewood and asked her to snap it, the half-Troll girl, exasperated, picked up a log and snapped it in half.<\/p>\n

The spray of splinters shot across the room and into the fireplace. Pirose stared. Durene hadn\u2019t even used her knee; she\u2019d just flexed<\/em> the wood, and it had split like that. She stared at the wood; it wasn\u2019t even that dry. Durene abashedly dropped the wood pieces.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about the mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that proves that. You have a Skill? You must. Even for your size, that was impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, um, have a Skill. [Enhanced Strength].\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn top of your natural body? Dead gods. One wonders how you were ever hurt to begin with. You could have killed a warrior in steel plate with your fists.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI fought the Goblin Chieftain. I think he was their leader. He had an enchanted axe. I nearly got him. But he got me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene frowned and sat down in a chair. Pirose silently regarded her and then the wood littering her floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a battle as I understand it. But you\u2019ve satisfied me that your body\u2019s well. If tomorrow I check and your scar\u2019s nearly healed, I\u2019ll consider you fit for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose smiled softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my duty. No more, no less.\u201d<\/p>\n

She showed Durene where the broom was, and the two were finishing sweeping up the wood splinters when a sharp rapping came from the door. Someone opened it before either woman could answer, and a voice called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene! <\/em>You\u2019re awake!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Troll girl turned. She saw a flash of dark red, a sweeping dress patterned with silver. Beautiful, costly fabric, something completely alien to Riverfarm. A face with skin not roughened by weather. Painted nails, lilac-touched lips, and two sparkling indigo irises. The mouth lifted into a delighted smile as Lady Rie Valerund walked, no, glided towards Durene. The girl froze up instinctively, but Rie threw her arms around Durene and hugged<\/em> her.<\/p>\n

\u201cRie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a delight to see you, Durene. No\u2014a miracle. After your third fever, I thought\u2014Miss Pirose, can she be on her feet so soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie turned to Pirose, looking mildly alarmed. The [Healer] inclined her stately head, combining a nod with a slight curtsey for Lady Rie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI judge her to be almost recovered, Lady Valerund. When the sickness was defeated, her strength came in a rush it seems. She went from barely lucid to being able to stay up nearly a day yesterday. This morning, she rose before me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmazing. Truly. We owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Pirose. If there is anything I or the demesne of Riverfarm can do for you\u2026His Majesty wishes it to be known that no reward is too large.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie bowed slightly. Pirose paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe offer by His\u2026Majesty is most gracious. But I am paid by Lord Veltras for my services. I executed my duty to the best of my abilities, as I do with any patient. I am only glad Durene is so healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust so. Durene, please sit. You look well, but why risk it? Here. Prost will be here shortly. He will be as delighted to see you as I, I\u2019m sure. We\u2019ve already spread the word that you\u2019re on your feet; there are many waiting to greet you. But we shall take it slowly. You have so much to catch up on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie fussed over Durene, guiding her to one of the chairs in the small living room that was combined with the kitchen. Bemused, Durene sat, watching the [Lady] arrange her dress to sit in a humble chair herself.<\/p>\n

This was not<\/em> the Rie that Durene remembered. The woman Durene recalled was just as elegant and beautiful, but the girl distinctly recalled hating Rie\u2019s guts. Not least because Durene was convinced Rie was attempting to become closer to Laken than she had any right to be with Durene at his side.<\/p>\n

She was exquisite, that Durene had to admit. Compared to the plain, honest folk of Riverfarm, a [Lady] like Rie was a brilliant, rare creature, exotic and wonderful. And scheming. She often tried to talk with Laken privately, or flatter him. And while he had ignored most of her attempts, Durene hadn\u2019t missed any of it. How could she? It was obvious.<\/p>\n

How did you seduce a blind man? With soft hands and a soothing voice. And that was what Lady Rie had and Durene didn\u2019t. The half-Troll girl had been paranoid that Rie would manage to trick Laken in some way, and she had hated Rie with all her heart\u2014she\u2019d had the feeling Rie regarded her as an obstacle, not as competition or a rival. So Durene was naturally cautious, remembering their history.<\/p>\n

But today\u2014all of Durene\u2019s jealousy and worries not only seemed to be groundless, but her old emotions also felt far away. Durene found herself smiling at Rie. She was so grateful to see a familiar face, and the [Lady] felt completely genuine.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s been going on, Rie? Why are you so upset? I\u2019ve only been out\u2026half a week?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHalf a\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] didn\u2019t even blink at Durene not addressing her by her title, but she inhaled sharply. She looked at Durene, and then at Pirose, who made a face and shrugged. Durene looked from woman to woman, and Rie was opening her mouth when the door opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene? Are you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A weathered man stepped into the room. Prost was every bit as worn from his old class\u2014[Farmer]\u2014as any of the men and women Durene knew. But he was stalwart despite it all, and of late, he looked taller. More distinguished. And certainly kinder than the man Durene had known. Indeed, when he saw Durene, he strode over and hugged her as well!<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene! Girl. It\u2019s a sight for sore eyes to see you on your feet. But should you be out of bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, <\/em>Mister Prost. Really! I feel as strong as ever. I\u2019m sorry to have worried you!\u201d<\/p>\n

She must have been really badly hurt for all of them to be so anxious. Durene smiled, and the man stepped back, looking her up and down. His eyes fixed on the top of Durene\u2019s scar, and she blushed. He looked away hurriedly. Pirose made a disapproving sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get you into proper clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie nodded at the thin dress Durene wore. The girl nodded and only now wondered where the clothes had come from. They fit her well, and there hadn\u2019t been anyone close to her height or build in Riverfarm. The [Lady] went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can have someone fetch your clothes. And we\u2019ve kept your cottage maintained\u2014as well as we can with that bird attacking anyone on sight. As for the rest, we\u2019ll get you sorted, don\u2019t worry, Durene. You can take it slow these next few days. Assuming Mistress Pirose thinks it\u2019s wise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m leaving tomorrow if Durene continues to heal at this rate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pirose replied blandly. She sat at the opposite side of the table as Durene, Lady Rie, and Prost sat around the dining room. Prost still looked incredibly relieved to see Durene on her feet, but Rie\u2019s eyes were now flickering to Durene\u2019s face, and a cautionary frown was written on her features. Durene felt her own hint of reserve return as she looked at the [Lady].<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Rie?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman pursed her lips and looked at Pirose.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much do you remember, Durene? Or should I say, has Miss Pirose told you what\u2019s been going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing. But I remember everything. I remember the battle. Us losing\u2014the Goblins beating us back. And that Hobgoblin with the axe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene closed her eyes. The room went quiet. Slowly, the [Paladin] remembered the battle. It had all been going so well<\/em>. She\u2019d been leveling up, they\u2019d been harrying the Goblins\u2014until the Goblins reached the city and took it in an hour. Then Durene and the army that Wiskeria had called for had camped, anxious, waiting for a fight until the Goblins started hurling rocks at them<\/em>. Wiskeria had been nervous, debating whether it was time to attack. Then she\u2019d gotten the message, and they\u2019d gone in. They\u2019d been winning<\/em>. Right up until\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cWe lost. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie hesitated. It was Prost who nodded. His voice was low.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did. The Goblins overran our lines. We were retreating\u2014we might have been wiped out but for Lord Veltras\u2019 army. They saved us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember. Wiskeria said. But was it really Tyrion Veltras? The<\/em> Tyrion Veltras?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene looked wide-eyed at Prost. He nodded, and his gaze reflected a touch of the awe she felt. Tyrion Veltras. He was a [Lord], perhaps the most important [Lord] in the north. A real war hero, a man who controlled a huge amount of land\u2014he had sent his army to save Riverfarm?<\/p>\n

\u201cThey pushed the Goblins back. And Lord Veltras himself rode to Riverfarm. He took out a group of Goblins that had tried to attack Emperor Laken. Well\u2014it was more than that. But he showed up just in time, and no one can deny that. We\u2019d have lost you, everyone fighting the Goblins, and perhaps Riverfarm and His Majesty himself but for Tyrion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then Laken went with him. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

That question had plagued Durene since she woke up. Prost and Rie exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey struck a deal. Lord Veltras needed Riverfarm\u2019s trebuchets. They\u2019re invaluable. Or rather, they were. His Majesty, Tessia, the engineering team\u2014they all left after building as many trebuchets as they could. They went with the army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo fight the Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. In part.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, both older Humans looked at each other. Pirose just grimaced into her teacup. Rie\u2019s fingernails absently flicked delicately. She looked at Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else do you remember, Durene? Anything after that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014had a conversation with Wiskeria. She told me I was out for a week and that I couldn\u2019t go after Laken. I guess I got sick again because I had to sleep. I remember having a fever the next day. I heard you talking\u2014you were all pretty worried. And then I woke up and went out into the rain. Sorry about that, Mister Prost.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man nodded, blinking. He looked at Rie, and she shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014the next day I woke up, and I was feeling a lot better. I could get on my feet, but Miss Pirose had me sleep. We read a book. And today I felt just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene looked around. She had a sinking feeling that something was off. The looks Prost and Rie were giving each other and her told her something was amiss. Both looked back at Pirose. The [Healer] shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer sense of time\u2019s off, but her memory is quite good. There\u2019s nothing to worry about. But you should tell her now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie nodded. She smiled tightly and smoothed her dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re largely correct, Durene. All that happened. But I\u2019m afraid you\u2019ve misunderstood how long you were sick. It wasn\u2019t a handful of days you were lying abed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene could see that. She frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long was it then? A week?\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost and Rie shook their heads. Durene whistled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo weeks? No, three? It can\u2019t be longer than three.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked from face to face. But their expressions were grave. Prost shook his head slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been far longer than that, Durene.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I remember\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene broke off. That first day had been a blur of voices and pain. And now that she thought of it, the sky had been all too clear after that night of rain where she\u2019d gone outside. But it couldn\u2019t have been longer than three weeks<\/em>, surely? She looked around, growing restless. Rie hesitated. It was Pirose who stepped in. The woman spoke calmly, putting down her cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you how long you were initially sick for, Miss Durene. It took me two days to reach Riverfarm from the main force with Lord Veltras. I haven\u2019t his movement Skills, and I had to travel with an independent escort from his command. When I got here, the potions had accelerated the infection in your chest. It was into your lungs and almost down to the bone. I didn\u2019t think I could save you, even with my Skills and techniques. But somehow, you recovered, and faster than anyone could have dreamed. Even so, that healing process\u2026have you seen people taken sick by infection?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce. Davimy got cut bad around his leg. He took weeks before they had to cut off his leg. Then he got sick and died two days later. And sometimes I know it takes weeks, but you see a [Healer] and use poultices. You can move about unless it\u2019s real bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene muttered. Illness and infection weren\u2019t too common, even in Riverfarm, what with potions. And when it happened, it was bad. But\u2026she looked up. At Rie.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long was I asleep? Just tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] nodded and took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene, you\u2019ve been fighting your illness for fifty days. Today is the fifty-first day since the battle with the Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

The world spun. <\/em>Durene put one hand on the table. Prost reached for her arm, but Durene stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be! Fifty-one days? I was only out for a few days! A week! I would have remembered that. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had a fever for weeks. Three, in fact. Each one worse than the last. When Prost found you in the rain, the last one was breaking. But while you had them, we thought you might die. You didn\u2019t wake up. And the infection was so deep\u2014I saw it. And I\u2019ve never seen anyone survive a wound like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie shuddered. Prost nodded, looking pale. Durene looked wordlessly at Pirose. The [Healer] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe healing potions closed the wound, but the disease took root. And when that idiot adventurer\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeniar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014when he decided you weren\u2019t healing fast enough, he accelerated the infection rather than letting it heal naturally. If you\u2019d just stayed and rested after the [Witch] who treated you gave you the first potion, you\u2019d have been fine. As it was, you survived. But it has been fifty-one days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene stared. She looked around the table at Prost\u2019s grave face, Rie\u2019s anxious one. At last, the pieces fit. This house, Pirose being accustomed to living here\u2014the houses she hadn\u2019t recognized.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened while I was gone? Tell me. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

She whispered it, unsteady. Rie stood up. She laid a hand on Durene\u2019s arm gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than I can say, Durene. Don\u2019t worry; Riverfarm isn\u2019t in danger from the Goblins anymore. And\u2014you may need to sit. There\u2019s a lot that\u2019s gone on that you need to know about. Where to begin? The Goblin Lord\u2019s dead, for one. But the siege\u2014well, it\u2019s been complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSiege? What siege?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another round of glances. Durene felt as though she were meeting the strange folk that Laken had summoned. The fae. She raised her voice. She couldn\u2019t help it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Laken? I want to see him. He\u2019s back now, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

It had been fifty-one days. Surely he was back in Riverfarm from wherever he was gone? Why wasn\u2019t he here? But the look in Prost\u2019s eye\u2014he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still not back yet. Durene. He went down to Liscor. You know where that is?\u201d<\/p>\n

The name was only vaguely familiar. Durene\u2019s heart sank.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that a Drake city?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe northernmost one. Right in the High Passes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s hundreds<\/em> of miles away. He went there? Why? Did the Goblin Lord run that far? Why did Tyrion Veltras need trebuchets?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Aghast, Durene looked around. Prost hesitated. Rie bit her colored lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an entire event. And while I can assure you His Majesty is safe, Durene, it may be weeks before he returns still. And his prisoners will bring more trouble than I can imagine. As if we don\u2019t have enough for him to deal with when he returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrisoners?\u201d<\/p>\n

The world was shaking on its axis. Durene looked around, breathing faintly. She wanted to run, burst out of the door so Prost, Rie, Pirose, all of them would stop looking<\/em> at her like this. Cautiously, as if she might explode from what they were keeping from her. Or lash out.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblins. Hundreds of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblins?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene\u2019s incredulous, horrified look made Rie stand up again. She walked past Durene and poured herself some cold tea.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll explain everything. But before you leave, Durene, you must understand. Riverfarm\u2019s changed. It\u2019s larger. Much larger than you remember. And we have more problems to deal with. Emperor Laken Godart cannot return quick enough. So much is different. But Durene. It\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie laid a warm hand on Durene\u2019s shoulder. The girl let it happen. She met Prost\u2019s concerned gaze, and saw the reserve in Pirose\u2019s eyes. And Durene held still. Laken was gone. He was gone. And she\u2014she looked around, and everything was different. So very different.<\/p>\n

When she had gone to war, Riverfarm had been a collection of nearly six hundred people, already bursting at the seams, the remnants of a few villages banding together.<\/p>\n

Today? It was over two thousand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day ? \u00a0 Dawn struck the city of Manus, illuminating the tops of the buildings first and working its way down the Walled City. It took a while for the sun to reach the center, the secret center of the city where they gathered. 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