{"id":6552,"date":"2019-08-24T17:40:15","date_gmt":"2019-08-24T17:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=6552"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:00:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:00:22","slug":"6-40-e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/08\/24\/6-40-e\/","title":{"rendered":"6.40 E"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 56 \u2013 Ryoka<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u201c\u2026A fair morning to you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s words echoed across the street. Such innocuous words, delivered politely by a blank face. Luminescent orange eyes with ringed pupils. And the [Witch] herself, tall, dressed like she had walked out of a story.<\/p>\n

Not just her either. Seven [Witches]. No\u2014eight. Alevica, Califor, Nanette, Hedag, Mavika, Eloise, Belavierr. And\u2014Wiskeria. She looked up at Belavierr. She\u2019d called her mother<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s head spun. She looked around the crowded street and heard a strangled shout. A woman with a pale face, snappy, fancy clothes compared to many of Riverfarm\u2019s people, stepped forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you quite serious? What is<\/em> this?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a note of hysteria in the woman\u2019s voice as she pointed. At the [Witches]. At the one called Hedag. Her axe was still bloody. Ryoka\u2019s eyes were drawn to it. The woman, a giant, smiled as the shouting woman\u2019s voice rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe killed<\/em> Councilman Elmmet! With everyone to see!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe deserved it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another man roared that. This one Ryoka vaguely recognized. A huge, balding man\u2014a [Blacksmith] to judge by his clothes\u2014pushed forwards. His face was pale as well, but he pointed furiously at the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were there! You saw it, Councilwoman<\/em> Beatica! I say it was just! Pah!<\/em> Dead gods, if what we saw was true\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He spat, looking ill. The Councilwoman, or whomever she was, stared at the man and then shook her head. She stared past the [Witches] at a woman lying on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Rehanna as well? They\u2019ve attacked two<\/em> people of Lancrel\u2014no, of Riverfarm! Sovereign citizens! Steward Prost, I demand you arrest them at once!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eight pointed hats turned, and Beatica\u2019s finger quavered. The looks from some of the [Witches]\u2014the hunched Mavika, Califor\u2019s gaze, Belavierr\u2019s\u2014Ryoka edged back from Beatica, as did a lot of the crowd. Beatica\u2019s finger slid sideways out of self-preservation, pointing at a weathered man. Again, Ryoka recognized him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Prost!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She muttered to herself. He was a [Steward] now? No\u2014had he been when she last met him? She had no idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

A figure bent down and whispered to Ryoka. The Runner girl jumped and looked up. Charlay was half-crouched, staring over the heads of the crowd. The Centauress was getting a few odd looks, but, amazingly in this all-Human crowd, she was still far from the most notable thing at the moment. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cProst. I know him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at Mister Prost. She had been to Riverfarm before. Once. But it was completely different from what she knew! It was four times again as large, and the people! The street was filled, and this was only a fraction of those present. Ryoka could see more coming this way, some at a run. She stared around. This was Laken\u2019s empire? What had gone on since she\u2019d left? And what was going on now?<\/p>\n

The man that Councilwoman Beatica had addressed looked like he was adjusting to all of the events as well. He glanced at a well-dressed [Lady] on his left. Ryoka blinked and realized she had to be Lady Rie Valerund, Ryoka\u2019s target for her delivery. The giant, grey-skinned girl on the right was immediately recognizable to Ryoka as well. Durene towered over all but Belavierr, Hedag, and Charlay. Half-Troll. Laken\u2019s\u2026girlfriend. She looked uncertainly at Prost, then at the Witch named Wiskeria. The hats lying on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cMurderer!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone in the crowd hurled that at Hedag. Another pointed at Mavika.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw her! She cursed Rehanna! Burnt the flesh right off her hand!\u201d<\/p>\n

Every eye fixed on Rehanna. The woman was passed out. Tears, her contorted face\u2014the smell of burnt flesh still hung in the air, appetizing and nauseating at once. Her hand was whole, though. The speaker hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe did do it! It was healed\u2014but that [Witch] cursed her!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly after she kicked over Wiskeria\u2019s brew! She made a potion\u2014right magical it was! The best thing I\u2019d smelled in my life! And Rehanna kicked over the whole pot!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another man shouted back. He furiously gestured to an overturned cauldron and brown, foul-smelling liquid drying on the ground. Ryoka eyed the stew. Prost looked over, a frown on his face. He raised his hand and forestalled more shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this true, Ram? Tell me what happened here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man named Ram nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened was\u2014see, Wiskeria and Durene came into the village with a stew. Something magical! She was all set to share it out, and Lady Rie\u2019s man, Nesor, he said it was the best stew he\u2019d had! We were getting in line when Rehanna rushed over, and the idiot kicked<\/em> the entire thing over! Started calling our Wiskeria a [Witch] and all sorts of things\u2014she was running away when she grabbed the doorknob and that [Witch]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed uncertainly at Mavika and trailed off. Every eye turned to Mavika. Two crows sat on her arms and shoulders. They peered around, unafraid of the crowd. The [Witch] only smiled as Prost turned to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this true, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn ill for an ill. That is what I did. The woman called Rehanna repaid goodwill with bad. So she in turn reaped hers. Do you object, [Steward] of this land?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a rhythmic, odd cadence to Mavika\u2019s words. It would have been clich\u00e9d to call it \u2018cawing\u2019; Ryoka was rather reminded of a witch right out of Macbeth. Mavika could have won first casting if she\u2019d been an actor. Hell, she could walk onto a stage right now.<\/p>\n

But she was the real thing as well. Ryoka\u2019s skin crawled as the witch\u2019s words provoked a cawing<\/em> from overhead. The flock of crows circled the houses, making the obnoxious, shrill birdcalls Ryoka knew from home. But again\u2014the crowd shivered as it looked up. There was something different about this cawing than the obnoxious bird flocks that sometimes crossed in the thousands from Ryoka\u2019s world. These crows\u2019 voices sounded too knowing. Mocking, even.<\/p>\n

A murder of crows.<\/em> Ryoka shivered. How fitting for a [Witch]. Why were they here? To meet Laken? Mavika\u2019s words produced a hush until the Councilwoman, Beatica, spoke up again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn ill for an ill? That was nothing more than\u2014than assault!\u201d<\/p>\n

She licked her lips as Mavika stared at her. But Beatica went on, her voice strident. She had a presence about her that called attention to her, lent weight to her words. Ryoka\u2019s eyes narrowed. So this was what Laken\u2019s note had mentioned. She was beginning to see, but she stared quietly. Charlay pawed the ground nervously as Beatica went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Prost! Will you allow these [Witches] to simply stride into Riverfarm? They\u2019ve attacked two people in the village within minutes of arriving! That woman is a murderer!\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at the tall [Witch], the one with the axe. But the [Witch], with her brown hat, didn\u2019t look bothered by the accusation. She just laughed, a great, booming sound without guilt.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey call me Hedag, Miss. Hedag the [Executioner].<\/em> Sometimes Hedag the [Witch]! And I delivered what justice I had with me in my axe. In a swing for a man who deserved no more and no less. Or did you not see me reveal his sins? Do you say it was ill-done? That he deserved better? You saw what he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

She faced Beatica, and the [Councilwoman] froze a second. Those who hadn\u2019t seen, Ryoka included, stared at the woman. But those who had looked uneasy. Sick. Children clung to their parents, and the parents looked as though they wanted to do the same to each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014know what I saw. Nevertheless! Mister Prost! What is to be done? We demand justice! Lancrel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t Lancrel that makes the decisions around here!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Blacksmith] roared at Councilwoman Beatica. Looking relieved\u2014Ryoka thought she\u2019d baited his response\u2014the woman turned to him and snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor is it Riverfarm\u2019s folk, Mister Helm! The responsibility lies solely with Emperor Laken Godart, who we have not seen since arriving in Riverfarm. In his absence, I believe Lancrel\u2019s people deserve a say. Mister Prost\u2014!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her words were summoning the crowd\u2019s ire, even in the face of the [Witches]. Ryoka could see it. And now she had a clearer picture. Riverfarm much larger? Check. These Lancrel folk\u2014city dwellers, if their clothes were any match\u2014check. They outnumbered the villagers Ryoka remembered by far. Throw in a few [Witches], a demagogue like Beatica, and no wonder Laken had called for Ryoka.<\/p>\n

But the question was: what could Ryoka do? She didn\u2019t think she had the ability to just jump into this conversation. Ryoka tensed warily, wondering what was coming next. Beatica might be a skilled orator, or skilled, but Ryoka thought she was making a mistake. The seven new [Witches] were eying the woman and the crowd, but only the young one, Nanette, looked afraid as she half-hid behind the one named Califor. Her teacher and the others were regarding Beatica like an annoying bug.<\/p>\n

And Ryoka didn\u2019t want to know what the one called Belavierr would do if she was provoked. She was just\u2026staring blankly over the heads of the crowd. Then her eyes flicked to Ryoka. The Runner felt Belavierr stepping on her grave\u2026and it wasn\u2019t even dug yet. Her skin prickled. Then Prost spoke. As Beatica was drawing breath, the [Steward] broke off, stepped away from Lady Rie, who was whispering urgently in his ears, and drew breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well! Silence!<\/em> I\u2019ve made my decision!\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd went still again. Ryoka felt the second pressure<\/em> coming from Prost much like the effect Beatica had had. It quelled tongues, brought eyes onto the man. Another Skill? Prost looked around, then nodded. He raised a hand and began ticking points off on his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I see it, there are three things to address here and now. The arrival of [Witches] into this village. The curse placed on Miss Rehanna. And the death of Councilman Elmmet. I\u2019ve given thought to all three. And this is what I have to say. Elmmet first.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a breath. The crowd of hundreds waited. Prost looked around, and then he bellowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say it was just! And if that man stood before me again and I held an axe, I would swing it twice!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence. And then a roar of outrage, shock. Not from those who had seen. Ryoka blinked, but Prost\u2019s words shouted over the crowd again. He rounded on the woman with the axe, raised a glowing stone that flickered between blue and red.<\/p>\n

\u201cHedag the [Executioner]. Do you swear before all here present and on your class and under His Majesty Laken Godart\u2019s name that your Skill revealed Elmmet Patterson\u2019s sins and crimes? Do you swear what we witnessed was the truth, unaltered by any magic or trickery?\u201d<\/p>\n

He held it up. Ryoka recognized the truth stone. And the [Witch], the [Executioner], grinned. She planted the axe and leaned on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI swear. It was done justly. And what you saw were that man\u2019s sins laid out for all to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stone remained blue as she spoke. An uneasy murmur ran through the crowd. Someone from Lancrel shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she murdered<\/em> Elmmet? He was accused of theft! And it wasn\u2019t proved\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost spun around so fast the man choked on his next words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did more than steal. And we saw his sins thanks to the Skill [Witch] Hedag used. It was a proper Skill! One that revealed crimes. Like a [Guardsman] would use. I was there. I saw it all. Now, pay heed!\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost looked around, and his eyes had their own affixing quality. Ryoka saw his gaze pass over her and then go back to her for a second. But then Prost kept moving, and his gaze was haunted, direct. Without doubt.<\/p>\n

\u201cJustice was done. I was there at Master Elmmet\u2019s trial, and his crimes were revealed. Not just to me, but everyone present! I won\u2019t hide his guilt! If anyone wishes to ask, I will tell you what I saw. Or you may ask those who were there. I cannot imagine they\u2019d forget. But Elmmet\u2019s crimes went beyond thievery, and the young shouldn\u2019t hear of what he did. Or anyone who wishes to sleep and think of the man as anything but a monster wearing Human skin. That alone tells you it was just.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd muttered uneasily. A few voices were raised\u2014<\/p>\n

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

\u201cA Skill? But she\u2019s a [Witch]\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith an axe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Then a voice hurled from another man. Ryoka didn\u2019t recognize the [Mayor], Rodivek, but she immediately placed him in Beatica\u2019s camp. The man gestured at Prost, red-faced.<\/p>\n

\u201cNevertheless, Prost! Elmmet was a [Councilman]! You\u2019d hang him without a trial?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was his trial!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost thundered back. Rodivek hesitated. Prost turned around furiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you didn\u2019t hear me right the first time. I <\/em>judged the sentence Hedag passed down as just myself! If she hadn\u2019t killed him, I imagine half the folk in the square would have done the same the next minute. I know what I saw<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Helm, and the man nodded. Prost\u2019s voice was steady as he gazed at the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I have every right to sentence Elmmet to death. Nor would I hesitate to, even if Emperor Godart were in this village. If he were but five minutes away as I saw what I did, [Farmer] Ram, I\u2019d have called for a rope and strung him up first and then presented myself to His Majesty for judgment without a doubt in my heart that justice had been done. That was the nature of the crime. The only thing to cry about was how fast the sentencing was done. Too slowly by half and far too late, say I.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused. And no one had anything to say to that. Not even Beatica. Ryoka wanted to know what Elmmet had done and she didn\u2019t want to know at the same time. But she didn\u2019t doubt Prost. Nor, it seemed, could much of the crowd. Those who might have wanted to speak up were silenced as Prost turned back to the women standing in the center of the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow to the next point. Miss Rehanna\u2019s injury. I hear from Mister Ram, who I trust, that she gave offense and destroyed something of value. Wiskeria is our [General]. A trusted member of Riverfarm. I\u2019ll ask for more testimonies, but if she did destroy this\u2026magical soup, she will be punished. But hear me, [Witch] Mavika. You will pay a fine for injuring Riverfarm\u2019s citizen. And that same fine will go to Miss Rehanna, and she will pay part or all of it for destroying Wiskeria\u2019s work! That\u2019s all!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another murmur, but subdued. Mavika stared at Prost, unblinking. Credit to Prost, he didn\u2019t look away or flinch. He met Mavika\u2019s gaze and glanced at the others. Only Belavierr gave him trouble; his eyes jerked away from her. But Prost gazed at them and then around at the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Witches]. You are His Majesty\u2019s guests. People of Lancrel, you are his subjects. You came to his lands seeking protection and aid, and it was offered freely. And I know there is discontent. Trouble! But I will remind everyone<\/em> here present of this: you are subject to his rule on this land.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost pointed down at the street. He glared about.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty is returning! And until he does, I<\/em> am in charge. I, the [Steward] of Emperor Godart, and until he returns, my authority rules! Not any Councilwoman, any mob, or any [Witch]! Is that clear?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He bellowed, and there was silence from all corners for a moment. Ryoka whistled very quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. Prost took a few levels in [Badass] since I last met him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like him. He shouts a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay looked approving. Beatica, Rodivek, both were crushed in some way Ryoka understood to be a battle of classes as Prost glared at them. They folded their arms, harrumphed, but didn\u2019t dare speak up. It was Mavika who acted first. A crow cawed<\/em> on her arm, and when Prost looked at her, the hunched [Witch] spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou speak of laws. Of your right to rule, as if you own land and hearts. Perhaps you claim it of these people. But we are [Witches], Emperor\u2019s man. We cannot be anything else. And where we go, we practice our craft. Will you stop us from that? Bind us with laws? Because we will not<\/em> be held.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMavika.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the other [Witches], Eloise, sighed. The short grandmother of a woman stepped forwards and adjusted her hat. She smiled at Prost. Eloise looked kindly, which, contrasted with Mavika or Belavierr, made one suspect she had darker secrets still. Prost folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are guests, Witch Mavika. Are you threatening to curse more people? Or unleash your flock?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise sighed as Mavika looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither. Allow me to explain. We are [Witches], Steward Prost. And we have come here to speak with your [Emperor]. But while we wait, we all have services to offer. I, for instance, sell tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTea?\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost stared at Eloise. So did much of the crowd. The woman smiled, completely at ease with the incredulous looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeas, tonics, and treatments for what ails a body. Come to me if you seek a [Healer]\u2019s remedies. For tooth rot or just company. I do enjoy chatting. My fellow [Witches] offer different things. Mavika wishes to be assured that she will have the right to offer her abilities to others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich are?\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost looked at Mavika. The [Witch] grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy flock will clear your fields, [Steward]. Or eliminate pests. I can call fortune or misery. But I must be paid. Worth for work fairly done. Will you gainsay it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man chewed this over and then shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But remember this. Steal, harm, or threaten others in Riverfarm and the surrounding area, and you will answer to me. The same as anyone else. You may practice your business so long as it is fairly done. As long as it does not harm anyone else. Or you will leave or be dealt with. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika eyed him. The crows cawed<\/em> and flapped their wings. But at last, Mavika dipped her head once.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. I am agreed until a further pact is struck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost nodded as well. Ryoka thought that was the end of it, but one last woman stepped forwards. Hedag. She boomed as Prost turned to look at her, vexed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Steward! You call on us not to harm a hair on another soul\u2019s head. But it is my business to harm and help. I fear I\u2019ll break your laws and do it again and again! So, I call on the rights of my other class. [Executioner].\u201d<\/p>\n

An uneasy stir ran back through the crowd. Prost frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeaning? You aren\u2019t going to execute\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A booming laugh interrupted him. Hedag slapped her chest as she guffawed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not! Dead gods, but it\u2019s been long since I walked places so near to civilization. Is Riverfarm so close you\u2019ve forgotten my role? The axe is a last resort. But I call on my other duties! Judge and arbiter. Where there are crimes, I find them. Do you know me, Mister Steward?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know your name. And your reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] nodded proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust so, then. I am Hedag alone. And you have your laws, and I bring mine. Will you let me work here? I will cut no man or woman down. But I will not promise to leave those that need my craft unscathed.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured around. Ryoka didn\u2019t know what that meant, but Prost did. So did some of the villagers. They looked at each other a touch uneasily, Ryoka thought, but most glanced at Hedag, mouthed her name, and their resolve firmed.<\/p>\n

Who was she? What were her other tasks? <\/em>Ryoka didn\u2019t know, but Prost nodded after only a beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grant you leave, then. But whatever you do, Miss Hedag, it will be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFairly said.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] swept her hat off and bowed once. Beatica spluttered at this.<\/p>\n

\u201cSteward Prost! You can\u2019t just let that woman\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouncilwoman Beatica, silence!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost snapped back. The woman shut up, affronted. Prost shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know who Hedag is. And if she has a rank, it is that of Watch Captain. You may not know of her, but I do. As do many from villages like Riverfarm, I\u2019ll wager. If I were you, Councilwoman Beatica, I would educate yourself about how we<\/em> do things in villages far from your rule of law. Now, that\u2019s all! This gathering is adjourned. Back to your tasks if you have them! I need men to take care of the body at the pillories. We\u2019ll sort out the rest, and you\u2019ll hear what happens over your supper! Clear the street! Wiskeria, Lady Rie, Durene, with me please. Ram! Helm! Beycalt! Get your folks to work! Now!\u201d<\/p>\n

His words broke up the scene at last. Ryoka saw people start and glance around uneasily, but Prost was already striding forwards, chivvying them off, reminding them that they had places to be, jobs to do. He was decisive! The [Witches] gathered around Wiskeria as she pointed at the hats, still clearly distressed. And Ryoka hesitated. Someone poked her in the side, and she yelped.<\/p>\n

\u201cGah\u2014Charlay!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress looked delighted at Ryoka\u2019s reaction. She tried to poke again, and Ryoka slapped her hand down. The Centauress gestured at the village.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is so weird. I\u2019ve never been to a place like this! Have you ever seen so many [Witches]? I just know Alevica\u2026um, are you going to talk to them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka glanced at the coven. Charlay pawed the ground uneasily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just here to deliver your package, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSort of. Look, I need to talk to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, is that a Centaur?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone finally noticed Charlay. The Centauress\u2019 head swung around.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! And it\u2019s a Centauress! Who\u2019s asking?\u201d<\/p>\n

Some heads turned to stare. Ryoka sighed, but then she saw Prost heading her way. He\u2019d noticed her. Durene spotted Ryoka at last, and her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka? Ryoka Griffin?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that? Someone you know, Durene?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] peered at Ryoka as the three came her way. Durene seemed stunned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Ryoka met Laken back in Invrisil. But I didn\u2019t think\u2014wait, did Laken send you, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes widened. Heads turned, and Ryoka saw some other villagers turn and point.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s her! The Runner who came during the winter\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene, Rie, and Prost came to a stop in front of Ryoka and Charlay. The Asian girl coughed, feeling embarrassed by the attention. She smiled weakly at Prost. He was surprised to see her too.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi. Mister Prost. Uh, hi, Durene?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Ryoka. It\u2019s a pleasure to meet you. But what brings you here? Did His Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost\u2019s eyes flicked towards Ryoka, then Charlay. Ryoka nodded. She fished in her pouch for the potions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I have a delivery and, uh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost halted her with a hand. He glanced at Rie, and she nodded. The man turned back.<\/p>\n

\u201cLater. We have to hear what His Majesty sent with you. Or\u2026why you\u2019re here. Lady Rie, we should meet in the throne room in a few minutes. Once the crowd has cleared\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. This way, Miss Ryoka. And\u2026is your friend with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie looked at Charlay uncertainly. Ryoka hesitated and then nodded.<\/p>\n

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

She gazed at Durene. The half-Troll girl was staring. Ryoka uncertainly followed Lady Rie, and Durene looked around. Wiskeria was still just holding the hats. Belavierr bent.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaughter. My great work was undone in moments. I was nibbled upon as I slept. At long last, my death once again walks this world, and it\u2014he\u2014burns.\u201d<\/p>\n

Witch Wiskeria barely looked up at the incredible address. She lifted a bloodstained hat, grim and sad.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice, Mother. I knew these [Witches]. I grieve for them all. Which great work was it? The Helpful Servants? I never liked them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And more. My craft itself was devoured. My very soul was defiled by strange mice. Nibbling as I dreamed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Witches] turned abruptly and fell silent. Ryoka rubbed at her ears. This [Witch] was an aberration among already strange women. When she spoke\u2014<\/p>\n

Ryoka felt as though great things had come to pass, not all good. Yet Wiskeria didn\u2019t trivialize them so much as\u2026she looked up and frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you talking about literal mice? Or metaphorical ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tall [Witch]\u2019s face never moved, never shifted. But she did pause a second and then murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cMetaphorical. Naught one I caught, though I cast a thousand nets of curse and spell and ward. Beyond even ghosts, who returned to walk Noelictus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria blinked, and she half-turned, then looked down at the bloody hats again.<\/p>\n

\u201cReal<\/em> ghosts? Mother\u2014this is all fascinating. I\u2019m sorry you\u2019re mortal again, but let me grieve for the dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria\u2019s eyes were filled with tears as she held one of the pointed hats. Belavierr paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI searched for you when you left, Daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot very hard or you would have found me. Don\u2019t pretend this is just for me<\/em>, Mother. I heard you claiming sanctuary. Leave Riverfarm out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka couldn\u2019t tell if\u2014it was the strangest conversation between mother and daughter she\u2019d ever heard. Familiar, and yet they were so distant in a way that it hurt. Wiskeria was running her fingers over a hole in one of the hats, and Belavierr kept talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you are well? You appear to be well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka saw Wiskeria\u2019s head snap up, her eyes flashing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.<\/em> How\u2019s Ostevien?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Another name Ryoka didn\u2019t know, but Wiskeria spat that word out with such intensity\u2026Eloise twitched slightly, and each [Witch] save Alevica and Nanette reacted visibly to the name. Califor with a deep frown, Eloise with an indrawn breath, Hedag with a grimace, and Mavika with a bright stare for both [Witches].<\/p>\n

And Belavierr said:<\/p>\n

\u201c…Who?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her face was completely blank. Wiskeria whirled, face filled with fury.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought.<\/em> Begone, Mother! Once, I banish you, for you did not come here for me. Twice, I banish you, because you do not even know his name. Thrice<\/em>, I banish you, because I am busy and we have naught to say. Leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she lifted the brim of her hat, and Ryoka saw magic. Not a flash of light or incantation, but the simplest of things.<\/p>\n

Wiskeria tipped up her hat, squared her shoulders, and gave Belavierr a damn strong shove.<\/em> Despite their huge difference in sizes, Belavierr stumbled backwards a step. She took one step back\u2014then another\u2014then caught herself, oddly strained, as if holding herself in place.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have improved your craft, Daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Wiskeria rolled her eyes. She looked disgusted, annoyed, and even embarrassed and angry by Belavierr\u2019s presence. The taller [Witch] stood there a second, and only then did Ryoka see how she was now angled forwards, as if a great wind were blowing her back.<\/p>\n

People stared; Belavierr shouldn\u2019t have been able to lean forwards like that in the air, as if braced, without something pushing her. But there was no wind, no pressure\u2026then Ryoka saw the woman\u2019s boots skidding<\/em> slightly on the street.<\/p>\n

Something was pushing her back, but the great [Witch] barely acknowledged it. She took in her daughter\u2014then turned, slowly, and began to walk away.<\/p>\n

One of the [Witches], the short Eloise, broke the silence as Belavierr retreated, striding away through Riverfarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHundred Kings of Terandria, I cannot believe that worked. I thought she was unbanishable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Witch Califor nodded, eyes on the distant figure.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe allowed it. Even she must obey laws. Most of the time. A quite effective banishment, Witch Wiskeria. Old and direct. May we speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

At this, Witch Wiskeria turned and, remembering the other [Witches], doffed her hat and bowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitches Califor, Hedag, Mavika, Eloise, Alevica, and Nanette\u2014I am truly sorry. I did not mean to be so rude when you approached me. I thought I was being inducted into Mavika\u2019s coven and did not know the circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her head turned, and Wiskeria gazed blankly at the hats. Hedag bowed her head, her smile vanishing.<\/p>\n

\u201cA mess it is, and let all be forgiven that can be! Your mother and the hunting of [Witches]. Poor girl. Come here, Witch Wiskeria.\u201d<\/p>\n

She swept the younger woman up in a hug. Wiskeria yelped, and Durene saw Califor sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may speak later. My concern is where we will be sleeping. It would be preferable to rent a house in the village; if not, we shall camp. Let us organize that, then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witches] marched straight towards Prost. He was busy arguing with Rodivek and Beatica, sending people back to work, organizing a burial for Elmmet\u2014and Durene stood there. She stared around. Then at the young woman. This was Laken\u2019s help?<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Later that day, Ryoka sat in Durene\u2019s cottage. She blinked around the small hut, stared at the bed Durene had given her. And at the Centauress trying to lie down on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s big enough for me, but it\u2019s not comfy.<\/em> Hey, do you have any more blankets, Ryoka? We should get some more from the village. Ooh! Wait a second! Suddenly it feels soft! <\/em>Is this a Skill? A magic bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

The delighted Centauress was wriggling on the wide bed. Ryoka looked at her own smaller cot set up next to it. It did feel ludicrously soft for what was a sleeping bag on a hardwood floor. Durene paused as she fed Frostwing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Laken\u2019s Skill. [Blessing of the Hearth]. You\u2019ll sleep like babies even on hay. Want another blanket? Sorry it\u2019s so cramped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope! I like it! This is better than most inns! The bed feels amazing<\/em>! Hey, Ryoka, does your bedding feel like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka glanced up at Charlay. She blinked twice, then nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Feels nice. Charlay, why are you taking Durene\u2019s bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause she offered it? She said she\u2019s okay with sleeping on the floor! Why? You want to gamble for it? I could toss a coin. Best three out of five?\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached for her money pouch. Ryoka shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you here? I told you, I\u2019m staying.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. You did say that. Well\u2014it seemed interesting. So I\u2019m staying too!\u201d<\/p>\n

She grinned at Ryoka. The young woman shook her head. But she couldn\u2019t argue. It had<\/em> been an interesting meeting. Not exactly reassuring on any side, but interesting\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The throne room had an actual throne. Ryoka stared at it while she waited for Rie and Durene and Prost to come back. It was carved, wooden, yes, but it was ornate. Someone had worked hard on it. An actual damn throne. She had forgotten, but Laken was an [Emperor]. And the people here believed it.<\/p>\n

Charlay whistled as she trotted up to the throne and inspected it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. An [Emperor]. I heard rumors, but I didn\u2019t believe it! And you know this Human, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSort of. It\u2019s a long story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Well, tell it to me! This is all very interesting. Hey, do you think I\u2019ll fit on this thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay looked at Ryoka as she turned around and backed up. Ryoka bit her tongue, trying not to laugh as the Centauress maneuvered her behind towards the throne.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare. They\u2019ll kill us. And you\u2019ll never fit!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah! Watch me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

That was how Rie, Prost, and Durene found the two. Ryoka trying to persuade Charlay to get off Laken\u2019s throne. As first impressions went\u2014well, she\u2019d had hers with Prost and Durene already.<\/p>\n

After a short explanation, Rie was on the same page. The [Lady] stared at Ryoka. They\u2019d relocated to her home by now, and an embarrassed Charlay was being made to sit on the ground. She was so embarrassed at being caught she didn\u2019t object for once.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Emperor Godart\u2019s help that Durene requested showed up in the form of a few low-grade potions. Which was mainly to prompt your arrival.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at the small collection of bottles and vials on the table in front of her. Ryoka nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I got a message asking me to come to Riverfarm because there was\u2026trouble. Laken didn\u2019t say, but he implied it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d actually used some pithy German amid the contents of the message. Ryoka wasn\u2019t sure exactly what he\u2019d said, but she recognized some of the words and had gotten the gist. He was worried, and he had sent her. Only, she hadn\u2019t known what to expect, and the others certainly hadn\u2019t expected her. Rie stared at Ryoka, drumming her painted nails on the table, heedless of the damage to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sent you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka scratched her head. After the [Witches], she had to admit, she wasn\u2019t much. Prost, on the other hand, seemed reassured. He spread his callused palms on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it was the right move.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Durene blinked. She had been watching Ryoka from the start. Ryoka vaguely remembered her from her encounter in Invrisil. Only, she remembered a very protective Durene, who had seemed jealous of Ryoka even getting near Laken. This Durene was quieter. And she had a scar, a thick, deep one half-concealed by her sleeveless working tunic. But Prost, the [Steward] was decisive. He was certainly far different from the cold man grateful for food in his ruined village. He nodded to Durene and Rie.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Ryoka brought Riverfarm food when the village was starving for it. She ran through the winter, through one of the worst blizzards I\u2019ve ever seen, to bring it here, and I\u2019d trust her with any delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Ryoka, and she squirmed, embarrassed. Then she remembered. It had been Ivolethe and the other Frost Faeries who\u2019d helped her on that run. Prost noted the way Ryoka sobered and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid His Majesty send you with anything else? Any messages, Miss Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Just a request to help. And I will if I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow, exactly? Are you some kind of [Steward] yourself? A manager of people? You\u2019re a City Runner, yes? Not a Courier? No offense, Miss Griffin, but I cannot understand what His Majesty was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie looked exasperated as she put one finger to her lips, staring at Ryoka. The young woman returned the gaze. Rie was striking. Ryoka had no idea how Laken had met her, but the woman\u2019s careful makeup, her dress, and her bearing didn\u2019t fit in Riverfarm. But she seemed to be all aboard Team Laken, so Ryoka weighed her response before replying carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026an acquaintance of Laken\u2019s. Personally.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene knew that. But Prost and Rie exchanged a quick glance. Rie\u2019s eyes widened a bit, and she sat forwards. Now, Ryoka felt the [Lady]\u2019s attention fix on her like a spotlight.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. From his nation? His, ah, homeland? In\u2026Chandrar?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question was probing. Ryoka smiled at Durene and shook her head warningly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m an acquaintance of Laken\u2019s. I helped him out once. And you\u2019re one of his vassals?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI am Lady Rie Valerund, yes. Last of the Valerund house. I owe His Majesty a great debt after he saved me from a Goblin attack on my mansion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded amiably.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, I\u2019ll let, uh, Emperor Laken explain it to you. If he thinks you should know. As for what I\u2019ll be doing\u2014I have no idea. But as I said, I\u2019ll help however I can. If you\u2019ll let me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw Rie\u2019s affronted look at the shut-down response. Durene just smiled happily. Prost nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. And you\u2019re welcome to stay as long as you want. More than welcome. We\u2019ll put you up in a house. We\u2019re already arranging some for the [Witches]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can stay at my cottage. I have room. And I can sleep on the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene interjected quickly. Ryoka blinked at her. That was unusually friendly. Rie threw up her hands in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine! By all means, let us include Miss Ryoka in our proceedings. I have to think the [Witches] matter more. Miss Ryoka, please share anything you have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed. Then she seemed to remember the Centauress sipping tea and munching on some bread and cheese. Rie stared at Charlay along with Prost and Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who are you, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress waved her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Charlay, known as the Dustrider. City Runner, one of the best. Hi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s following me. Uh\u2014she\u2019s not related to Laken.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Rie had to sit back and massage her temples. She looked helplessly at Prost.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to discuss the ramifications of these\u2014[Witches]. And whether it\u2019s really wise to let them stay unchecked until His Majesty returns? Let alone what Miss Griffin can offer\u2026but Wiskeria is still absent. Talking with those\u2014with her coven. Should we wait for her? I think it would be wise. But what does it all mean, Mister Prost? I can\u2019t fathom it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither. But we\u2019ll do that. For now, let\u2019s just get folks settled. I\u2019m going to go round talking with anyone who wants to know about Elmmet. Reassure them about the [Witches]. Durene, get Miss Ryoka and Miss Charlay settled in your cottage. We\u2019ll meet tonight, if Wiskeria\u2019s able. Tomorrow at earliest, if not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene seemed relieved and nodded energetically. Ryoka admired Prost\u2019s decisiveness. Rie was clearly overwhelmed, but the [Steward] was<\/em> a former [Farmer]. He had a [Farmer]\u2019s practicality. So she got up, followed Durene as Charlay grabbed some more bread and cheese\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

And now they were here. Durene gestured around the cottage, clearly embarrassed by the space. It wasn\u2019t actually that cramped with three people in it; Durene had built it for herself, and she needed more room than most. Still, she was sleeping in the kitchen while Ryoka and Charlay occupied the actual bedroom. And there was a tent outside where Wiskeria was sleeping!<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026what have you been doing since I last saw you? A lot\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene sat on one of her kitchen chairs. Staring at Ryoka. The young woman sat up on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. A lot\u2019s happened over here. Goblins and a war and\u2026Laken\u2019s gone. He\u2019s coming back. With Goblin prisoners, but he was at Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay, laying on the bed, swiveled her head from Ryoka to Durene. The young woman stared at Durene. She didn\u2019t know her that well, and Durene clearly felt it. She looked\u2014awkward.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Last time we met, I remember being a bit\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it. I was pretty bad myself. A lot\u2019s changed. Do you\u2014want to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Uh\u2014why don\u2019t we have a drink? I can make some tea. I have a kettle\u2014move out of the way, Frostwing!\u201d<\/p>\n

She shooed the brilliantly blue bird, and Ryoka heard a screech<\/em>. She stared at Frostwing. So did Charlay.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a big, blue bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Durene waved a hand airily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Frostwing. You remember her, right, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. She was a lot\u2026smaller back then. But I do remember her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka accepted a cup of hot, somewhat weak tea from Durene. She handed it to Charlay, took the second one, and sat down. Durene sat opposite her. There was a murmur of thanks, sipping, silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo about what happened here. Well, we had Goblins\u2014uh, do you know about the mountain raids? Well, what we had\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah! And I, uh, well, I was running a lot after I left Riverfarm. And, uh, I\u2019m still running, basically. I work around Reizmelt. Ever heard of it? No? Well, they call me the, uh, Wind Runner\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The conversation started and stopped. One side talked, the other side listened. Ryoka heard Durene talk about Riverfarm and the battle and watched the half-Troll girl\u2019s face. Durene did the same to her.<\/p>\n

It was awkward. They really weren\u2019t friends. And Ryoka, for all her best efforts, couldn\u2019t figure out what to really say to Durene. By the time they were on their third cups of tea and feeling it, they had nothing more to say. Durene stared at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Laken sent you. And you really don\u2019t have any plan? He didn\u2019t tell you anything? Maybe there was a clue in what he wrote.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t think there was. At least\u2014I looked for it, but I think he just wanted me to come here. I have no idea what to do. But it seems like I got here just in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Well\u2014I\u2019m sure Rie and Mister Prost will want your help. And, uh, if you think of anything, let us know! Wiskeria\u2019s going to tell us what her coven\u2019s here for. Tomorrow. I haven\u2019t seen her; she must be talking with them still. I\u2019ll introduce her. She\u2019s a [Witch] and the [General] of Riverfarm\u2019s army, like I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it. I\u2019ll do my best.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was it. Durene nodded, then excused herself to use her outhouse. Charlay and Ryoka exchanged a glance. The Centauress put her cup down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was awkward.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Charlay peered at Ryoka and shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no idea what you\u2019re doing here, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat. You Humans are so weird.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress snorted. Ryoka couldn\u2019t really argue that point at the moment. She lay back in her sleeping bag and stared up at the ceiling. What a mess. What could she do? Why was Charlay still here? Her mind was whirling. And then Charlay spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Hey, is that a bear in the window or is that just me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka glanced over and then recoiled in alarm. Bismarck stared at the two and paused in sticking his tongue towards a basket of food Durene had brought from the village. The two stared at the Mossbear in horror until Durene came back in. She eyed them, spotted Bismarck, and slapped the bear gently before pushing him out.<\/p>\n

\u201cBismarck! That\u2019s our<\/em> food! Get back to your den! I already fed you! Sorry, that\u2019s Bismarck, you two. He\u2019s Laken\u2019s other pet. Mossbear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay and Ryoka gaped at each other. Silently, and in unison, they decided to go to bed. Ryoka rolled up and found that her sleeping bag really was<\/em> the most comfortable thing in existence. She almost immediately began to drift off, but her mind was still racing.<\/p>\n

[Witches], a [Lady], a [Farmer] turned into a [Steward]. A Troll-girl with a giant bear for a pet and a blue bird, and a village. A missing [Emperor].<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded to herself. Yup, that about summed it up. Welcome to Riverfarm. <\/em>She lay back and closed her eyes. After a moment, she realized something else.<\/p>\n

Charlay was a loud snorer. So was Durene.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Night 56 \u2013 Wiskeria<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t gather in secret. The moons were not gibbous or full in any particularly significant combination. And nor was this a time of ritual, of significance. Well\u2014[Witches] had died, but it was too far away for this coven to make use of their deaths. If they had even that inclination.<\/p>\n

So it wasn\u2019t a particularly notable gathering. Yet it was. Oh, it was<\/em>. Wiskeria could feel it in the air as she stood in the simple home that had been afforded to Miss Califor and Nanette.<\/p>\n

The first thing the [Witches] had done was actually secure lodgings. Prost had been willing to give them some of the newer houses without payment for the moment, and the [Witches] had moved into their lodgings, checked out the village, and settled themselves before proper conversation was had. It was just common sense.<\/p>\n

Eloise and Hedag had their own house despite one being large enough for all seven in theory. Mavika and Alevica shared another, although Wiskeria was fairly certain Mavika would not be sleeping in the village.<\/p>\n

And Belavierr? A house unto herself. Wiskeria wondered if her mother would make much use of it either. She did sleep. But Wiskeria had known her all her life. And Belavierr made Mavika look mundane.<\/p>\n

Covens drew power from many things. The cycles of the moon. Significance. And yes, death. It should not have been a powerful gathering. But the six [Witches] in the room besides Wiskeria positively reeked of power. (Nanette was already in bed since it was late.)<\/p>\n

They had gathered close to midnight. Wiskeria could feel the hum<\/em> of magic in the air. And\u2014purpose. Each [Witch] was powerful and famous in her way such that Wiskeria knew them even if she\u2019d never met most personally. Only Nanette and Alevica didn\u2019t fit; Wiskeria knew Alevica\u2019s master, the Witch Oliyaya, though.<\/p>\n

So what was the purpose of this meeting? What did they do? They sat at Califor\u2019s table and sipped Eloise\u2019s tea. There were also biscuits, as freshly baked as one wanted. The sight of Mavika perching on a chair, nibbling a biscuit, was only matched by Alevica sitting with a cup of tea and biscuit in hand, trying to look pleasant. It was funny\u2014until you remembered what they could do. Wiskeria didn\u2019t smile.<\/p>\n

She had been weeping. It felt appropriate this time, and she had not had to try for the tears.<\/p>\n

[Witches] were dead. Ones she\u2019d known and liked, friends, were dead.<\/p>\n

Wiskeria had held Tillica\u2019s hat. The motherly [Witch] who had welcomed Wiskeria to Izril was dead, like the others Wiskeria had shared friendships and conversations with over eight years.<\/p>\n

Dead, just like that, but for Mavika. Wiskeria might have mourned as long as she felt was needed, but she could not take the time to weep now. Vengeance could not wait. And she had to know why the others were here.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

What did the other [Witches] see when they regarded Wiskeria around the table? They were all present, save for two. Nanette was sleeping upstairs. Belavierr was not present.<\/p>\n

She had not been invited. She was still, technically, banished, though how long she would allow it was uncertain.<\/p>\n

So, it was Mavika, gaunt and seemingly-frail until you saw the sinew, sipping from the teacup.<\/p>\n

Eloise, a contrast, the very image of a lovely grandmotherly woman, hat covered with flowers, with an elegance to her movements as she poured tea.<\/p>\n

Hedag, blunt, but not unrefined in her way. Travel-worn, but dignified, largest of the lot, smiling around, authority in her words and laughter.<\/p>\n

Alevica, youngest of the lot, full of vinegar and her own confidence\u2014yet eying each face and finding all of them imposing, save for perhaps Wiskeria.<\/p>\n

And that was the biggest mistake, for Wiskeria, blue-haired, bespectacled, with her plain robes, seemed much less a witch<\/em> than the others. But Wiskeria was Belavierr\u2019s daughter, and even if that was only infamy by proxy\u2014no one should underestimate that.<\/p>\n

The last witch was, of course, Califor, whose mental image of herself was a straight-backed woman in her chair, less graceful than Eloise, perhaps\u2014it was hard to match her in such moments\u2014but, Califor hoped, dignified nonetheless. Alevica kept sneaking looks at Califor as if expecting the other witch to burst into proclamations or cast a spell.<\/p>\n

That was the problem with reputations. Califor\u2019s own clothing and staff were hardly more pristine than Hedag\u2019s. Her image of herself was of a woman in her, oh, thirties, still striding around figuring things out. When she eyed herself in the reflection of her tea, she disliked the natural grey, even if it added to one\u2019s supposed gravitas.<\/p>\n

Six witches. Not seven. Numbers didn\u2019t matter that much for conversation. The first thing to do was ensure everyone understood what was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey called themselves the Circle of Thorns. A secret name, one we have heard times before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika spoke first. She scattered crumbs as she spoke, chewing, eating. Her eyes were dark like the birds she could summon. The others nodded. Only Wiskeria looked around quizzically.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Circle of Thorns. Who are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag leaned on the table. Her expression was grim. Flinty. She nodded to Califor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn old group. Or young! Depending on how you look at it. They were before my time, but Mavika remembers them. Perhaps Witch Belavierr might as well. A group of nobles. I suppose they style themselves as secretive, but the name\u2019s plenty to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you remember anything like that, Wiskeria, my dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise filled Wiskeria\u2019s cup, and Califor watched Wiskeria smile politely. But guarded. Wiskeria sipped, frowned, and then exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is excellent tea, Witch Eloise. My mother? No\u2026but she never told me stories of every would-be cult or secret society. If I don\u2019t know them, they probably weren\u2019t very dangerous. Or she just didn\u2019t mention them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat, so you have no idea. Got it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica sardonically added a splash of whiskey into her cup, earning her a frown from Eloise\u2014Hedag held out her cup instantly, and Alevica, grimacing, gave her a tot. Eloise sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny knowledge is valuable. We might ask Witch Belavierr\u2026should we move onto her? I confess, I thought Agratha would be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, spare me from the Teacher Witch herself. At least this Belavierr\u2019s a truly great witch, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica muttered. Hedag laughed merrily\u2014then realized Alevica was serious. Eloise shot Califor a quick glance, and Mavika peered at Alevica over her cup\u2019s rim.<\/p>\n

She must think Belavierr\u2019s the same as us. <\/em>The thought was entirely amusing\u2014and alarming. For Alevica\u2019s sake, Califor replied directly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelavierr is the<\/em> [Witch], Alevica. Bar none living. You may not recall your mentor\u2019s stories of witches. Ask Witch Oliyaya who Belavierr is. Be respectful around her. More than you would be to Mavika or Witch Oliyaya herself. Or myself, for that matter. Throw tea at me, but treat Witch Belavierr with every old custom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica\u2019s mouth opened. She stared at Califor, whose stories she did seem to know, and then at Wiskeria.<\/p>\n

Califor wished<\/em> Oliyaya had felt able to come, but if Agratha had been here, the stakes would have been significantly lower, and the two would have fought like Wyvern and Griffin. So, this had been a calculated, diplomatic move in a game of cards\u2026right up until someone had kicked the table over and started rolling dice on the floor.<\/p>\n

Mavika continued the conversation as if no one had interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know why Tillica summoned the coven. Perhaps she was forced. Perhaps she erred, for I was not present. Without me, this \u2018Circle\u2019 committed dark deeds by moonlight. I came too late and repaid only blood with blood. Yet the offer I do know; I took it from my sister\u2019s dying lips and the screams of fools before they died.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grim. Califor had no doubt those who had slaughtered the Marshlands Coven had died painfully. Alevica looked excited and intimidated by turns. Wiskeria just nodded, unmoved in satisfaction or grief.<\/p>\n

The contrast between the two was marked. Mavika went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe demands were simple and direr still. They called for a curse upon Magnolia Reinhart and her kin. A spell so powerful and so foul that she would die screaming, boiled by her very skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika looked unconcerned by the spell. Wiskeria shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they stupid? Dead gods, the amount of effort that would take\u2014could they even do that, even with you, Mavika? No wonder the Marshlands Coven refused. Even if they succeeded, then what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Califor nodded, replying in a clipped tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be war against [Witches] as in times past. But it seems it was war either way. This Circle\u2019s actions come during a rash of reprisals against witches. Many have been chased from their homes or even killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Wiskeria. That\u2019s the rotten peach in the middle of our pies. Why? It might be partly this Circle or the changing of times. But most of it\u2014dare I say almost all!\u2014is due to stories come from the north this past winter and spring. The deeds of one of us reflect on all. And in this case\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria shut her eyes tight.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother. She didn\u2019t say, but it had to be truly terrible for her to leave her domain. She never left Terandria if she could help it when she was raising me. What did she do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore appropriately, the question is how was she bested.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise murmured. Alevica\u2019s head was swinging blankly from face to face, clearly not keeping up, but Wiskeria just laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one bests my mother. She\u2019d eat them. Did the Hero of Zethe come back to life and fight her? I haven\u2019t heard of a nation collapsing; how did anyone stop her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mirth faded as the other witches remained silent. So that was how Wiskeria thought of Belavierr? It was not entirely inaccurate to rely on stories.<\/p>\n

Califor had never met Belavierr before.<\/em> So her sense of caution increased tenfold, especially because Mavika, quick to call out anything she saw as a lie or even untruth, was ominously silent as Wiskeria chuckled.<\/p>\n

Still, the younger [Witch] did not have all the facts, and she gazed around as Califor cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is something I would dearly like to know myself. Hearing the story from Witch Belavierr would be enlightening. What I do know is that a nation did not fall to send her fleeing\u2014but it was close. She was defeated, a village laid to ruin, and those \u2018Helpful Servants\u2019 disbanded as an organization entirely. More than that, I will not gossip, except to say that while only rumors have reached Izril\u2019s shores\u2026rumors are enough to remind folk of the past.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIgnorant idiots talking about \u2018evil witches\u2019. Most just need a hex to remind them to watch their tongues.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica snorted into her cup. Hedag gave her a friendly buffet with one hand, and Alevica cursed, almost went for a dagger\u2014and stopped under Califor\u2019s reproving glare. Eloise gave Hedag a firm look, and the Hedag was unmoved.<\/p>\n

Different personalities. Califor lifted a hand for peace, and the [Witches] relaxed as Eloise passed over a handkerchief.<\/p>\n

\u201cMemory is an interesting thing, Witch Alevica. Remembering the ill deeds of our predecessors is fair. The hysteria? The hunting? Perhaps not. But it was Belavierr who was the catalyst\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c…and my mother deserves every story about her. Each and every one. Oh no. What did she do?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria buried her head in her hands. Now she saw the problem. The very same origin of the problems facing the [Witches] of Izril had just come here.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur presence was meant to alleviate the issues facing the witches of Izril, Wiskeria. It seems we must now reckon with our goals\u2014and Witch Belavierr. We would greatly appreciate your aid, with the former if not the latter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise broke in, and Wiskeria\u2019s head rose. Now her gaze was focused, and she gave the others a wary stare.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to meet Laken? He is<\/em> an [Emperor], you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was protective! Califor raised her brows as Mavika reached for another biscuit. Who could inspire Belavierr\u2019s daughter to a kindly word? Mavika didn\u2019t seem to care and croaked at Wiskeria.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know. And that authority is his to claim. We care not for it, only what it may offer. All that passes comes again. It matters not what nations rise or fall. Only that [Witches] do not meet their end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanctuary.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And then she was there! Califor had hold of her walking staff and Hedag had her axe before they could stop themselves.<\/p>\n

Belavierr, the one they called the Witch of Webs, who had many names besides\u2014was standing in the dining room, a teacup in hand, black porcelain with golden symbols on it, face blank, but mimicking the postures of the others.<\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t come through the door that Califor had sensed; it hadn\u2019t been a shadow-leaping Skill or spell. One second she wasn\u2019t there, the next\u2014<\/p>\n

Alevica crashed backwards with an oath, and Eloise jerked backwards, staring at Belavierr. She had entered Eloise\u2019s<\/em> craft without a single problem, even gotten ahold of Eloise\u2019s tea!<\/p>\n

Wiskeria jumped a second, then scowled at her mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I banished you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you did, Daughter. I have been banished. Now I return. We seek sanctuary, do we not? This is the pact to be struck; this coven is united in purpose. Sanctuary for [Witches]. Now we seven meet. Under midnight\u2019s auspices. I have sacrificed no blood this night nor hung around my neck goat\u2019s feet. So small deeds shall be wrought before we sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s orange eyes flashed as Califor forced herself to sit down.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless, of course, my coven demands. Then let the hours be long and shadows further deep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Style, of a kind. Old words, far older than Califor, the kind witches these days would say and chuckle over. But Belavierr meant them. Wiskeria rolled her eyes and muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re showing off.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Witches] were silent until Califor nodded at Belavierr and adjusted her hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome, Witch Belavierr. You are of course right, and the coven\u2019s task is purely that. Sanctuary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s eyes flicked to Califor, and she inclined her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you say, Witch. Do you lead this coven?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. I am Witch Califor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you say, Witch Califor. I have come, so I accede. How shall it be done?\u201d<\/p>\n

The others watched as Belavierr put down her cup and picked up a biscuit. The tea was untouched. Belavierr stared at the tea cup and biscuit as if she had never known thirst nor hunger. Her gaze towards Califor was as indifferent as it was towards the wall.<\/p>\n

Only when it came to Wiskeria did that gaze shift ever-so-slightly. Wiskeria returned that glowing stare. She truly was Belavierr\u2019s daughter. The one, the only one there ever had been in the entire lifetime of the Stitch Witch herself.<\/p>\n

And that lifetime had been\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Califor was tempted to ask questions, but Belavierr did not waste words.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is why we have come. To call on this [Emperor] for sanctuary for all [Witches] on his lands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014all<\/em> [Witches]? Not just you, Mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Now she saw it. Califor sat back as Hedag laughed gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just her. Belavierr means sanctuary and<\/em> protection, Wiskeria, child. That might apply to me, although I\u2019d be content to roam. No, it just means that, if need be, we can flee here. Rally, knowing there\u2019s an army at our backs. It might be a small army, to look at this village!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just an army, but the protection of his name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise swirled the tea in her cup gently. She nodded to Wiskeria, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a risk, but this [Emperor] may gain more power. And if he needs us, if we strike a deal, it would be the first noble or city to openly ally with our kind in an age, Wiskeria, my dear. That\u2019s what brings this coven to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you want me to intercede with him. Why all come yourselves, then? I could do that myself if you sent a letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria breathed out. Califor replied evenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we represent what Emperor Godart stands to gain, Wiskeria. We must prove our value. Besides, one [Witch]\u2019s word has weight, but we represent the interest of all our covens. Witch Wiskeria, this is not the decision of just some of the [Witches] of Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWait\u2014you mean all<\/em> of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

The seven nodded slowly. Wiskeria shivered suddenly and felt at the goosebumps on her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be! Laken could\u2026with that kind of\u2026how dangerous<\/em> is the Circle of Thorns?\u201d<\/p>\n

All eyes turned to Mavika and Belavierr. Mavika shrugged, hunched.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember them once. Two generations hence, when they slew members of the Five Families. Old blood, old feuds spilling onto the earth. A time of shadows and death. Unless Witch Belavierr remembers more?\u201d<\/p>\n

She peered at Belavierr. Wiskeria\u2019s mother was still staring at Wiskeria. Slowly, she turned her head to Mavika\u2019s. And blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I\u2026know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a complete non-sequitur. Mavika herself gave Belavierr a huge stare that was actually hurt. But suddenly, Belavierr tilted her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the crow. Witch Mavika. We have met before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I know of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

You could probably bottle Belavierr saying that and sell it for credibility among other [Witches]. Mavika nodded, shuffling in her perch, and Belavierr kept staring\u2014then sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Circle of Thorns. I remember them thrice. They come again and again. And twice, they culled more than their enemies. [Witches] died. War came to Izril from north and south.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven waited. Belavierr paused. She reached down, picked up the tea cup, and sipped from it. Then she began eating the biscuit. Eloise and Hedag traded a glance. Alevica seemed about to laugh, then caught Mavika\u2019s eye and went still. Califor exhaled through her nose and glanced at Wiskeria. Here, at least, Wiskeria needed no prompting. With a tired sigh, she reached out and nudged her mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother, how bad was the war? How many [Witches] died?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr paused, as if surprised anyone had follow-up questions. She looked up and replied calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree thousand, three hundred, and twelve. The war lasted thirty-four years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then there was silence. Belavierr could be vague. But sometimes you asked and wished she didn\u2019t answer. Eloise murmured, counting.<\/p>\n

\u201cA war between north and south. It must have been\u2014the Ironbreaker conflict? Zelkyr\u2019s War? Or before it\u2014the Gloaning Foothills invasion? No, that was when Terandria invaded. Too early.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave Califor a curious stare; Eloise had known Califor for as long as Mavika. But she hadn\u2019t seen Califor in, oh\u2026years upon years. Maybe over a decade.<\/p>\n

Califor had never had an apprentice until now. Famously so. Nanette was an exception to Califor\u2019s rule; the other [Witch] kept her face impassive, and Eloise went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may research which war Witch Belavierr mentioned later. It only matters that the Circle of Thorns may endanger [Witches] again. It matters that we not die from any hands. We are fewer than we were in the past. And our magic is weaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe old ways pass.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag murmured. She sighed, and the coven sighed too. Wiskeria was familiar with this as well. She saw Alevica rolling her eyes. Mavika noticed that.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have something to say, Witch Alevica?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me, Mavika. Certainly not about the old ways passing, less rituals, or spells being harder to perform. I\u2019m all for dancing around a pot and making a brew.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica\u2019s impudent tone made Califor scowl and Eloise sigh. Hedag laughed loud enough to wake Nanette. Mavika just stared until Alevica stopped grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur magic fades. The Gnolls call this the Waning World. Do you seek to make light of it, Alevica? In times past, [Witches] summoned beings far greater than your skeletons to make good or ill. Our covens stretched from north to south, but those times do not last. Now, [Witches] may breathe our last. Do you make light of it, Witch Alevica?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika snapped,<\/em> and in her room, Wiskeria heard Nanette gasp and hide behind the door she was peeking out of. The air around the coven constricted, and Wiskeria felt the air leave her lungs. It was suddenly stifling. Choking\u2014as if feathers were crammed down her throat!<\/p>\n

Alevica felt it too. The [Witch] raised a hand\u2014and then glared at Mavika. She didn\u2019t back down, and furious sparks raced down her arms, crackling towards Mavika. In her room, Nanette choked like Wiskeria.<\/p>\n

The other [Witches] at the table reacted to the fight in the same moments. Hedag leaned back, grimacing. She just breathed, in, out, in, out, slowly. Eloise did likewise, grimacing, but doing so with far less effort.<\/p>\n

Belavierr didn\u2019t even seem to notice. She was staring at Wiskeria. Only when she noticed her daughter\u2019s expression did she glance sideways. Then her fingers twisted. She grasped something, and a bit of thread\u2014Wiskeria felt the pressure on her disappear at once.<\/p>\n

And Califor? She was glaring between Alevica and Mavika, put out by the quarrel. Until she glanced up and heard her apprentice choking in her bedroom. Then she stood. She raised her hand and slapped it down on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The room shook. The gathering power slammed<\/em> Alevica back against the wall she was leaning against, and Mavika rocked backwards in her chair. At once, the air resumed its normal quality. The two [Witches] stared at Califor. Alevica had a nosebleed from her left nostril. Mavika recoiled and was about to hiss\u2014when she saw Califor staring at her.<\/p>\n

There were snapped feathers scattered across the table; Califor swept them onto the floor. Voice milder now, she spoke towards a little shadow shivering at the top of the stairs, breathing in and out frantically.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough. Nanette, go back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanette squeaked and fled to her bed at once. Califor whispered and flicked fingers across her eyes. Instantly, she felt her mouth force a yawn out; her target, Nanette, would feel the effects just as strongly, if not more so.<\/p>\n

Then Califor fixed on Alevica and Mavika.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Mavika. You are overzealous in chastising Witch Alevica. She is young, but an equal part of this coven as Oliyaya\u2019s representative and apprentice. Witch Alevica, you were warned. I lead this coven, for now, and I will not gainsay either of your crafts. Mine, however, is to peace and my apprentice\u2019s wellbeing. Conduct your magic elsewhere or I will hold you to account.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently, the two considered Califor and bowed their heads. Eloise put down her cup and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we are done for now. It is enough that we\u2019ve gathered. And we are not decided yet. We must see if Riverfarm suits us. I suggest we all practice our crafts as we may, take in the strength of this demesne. I sense this [Emperor]\u2019s power. Especially in those totems I passed. But whether it is for [Witches] or not remains to be seen. But we shall discuss it later. For now, let us sleep. Unless anyone objects?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

After the brief altercation between Alevica and Mavika, the coven didn\u2019t object to a break.<\/p>\n

Wiskeria exhaled slowly, relieved, as the [Witches] stood.<\/p>\n

So this was her first real coven, eh? It had all the drama and issues she\u2019d expected of one. For a second she\u2019d thought Alevica would try to fight Mavika\u2014which would have been a mistake. Eloise was the voice of reason they needed in times like this. Every coven had to have someone like that or risk fights and feuds. Mavika, though\u2014Mavika was old.<\/em> If Alevica had drawn blood, it would have gotten ugly fast. And it had been a minor squabble; Mavika was capable of much more.<\/p>\n

Then again, Alevica did seem strong for her age. <\/em>Strong enough to fly<\/em>, which few [Witches] could do. And Califor? Wiskeria kept eying Califor as she rose and helped Eloise pack up her cups.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d dispelled Mavika\u2019s craft in a single move! True, it was in her house, but even so\u2014Wiskeria\u2019s mother herself had glanced at Califor when she did that.<\/p>\n

At any rate, the coven quickly headed to bed. Hedag sighed as she stood, the first to leave. She reached out and held Wiskeria\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do bother you, Wiskeria. I apologize for that, but I hope you let us practice our craft on your land.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others paused and looked at her. Wiskeria shrugged uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. So long as you obey Prost\u2019s rules.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others nodded, to lesser or greater satisfaction. They walked out one by one. Califor went to check on Nanette, and Wiskeria realized they were leaving her alone with Belavierr. The others in the coven had to know of their relationship, even if some, like Hedag and Eloise, Wiskeria had never met before. But they would know Belavierr and thus Wiskeria. However [Witches], being who they were, wouldn\u2019t meddle. This wasn\u2019t something for a coven. It was\u2026personal.<\/p>\n

The two sat alone for a while after the others had left. Wiskeria knew Califor wasn\u2019t listening\u2014but she was probably expecting to sleep sometime tonight. Which meant Wiskeria had to be the first to talk. Belavierr might sit for hours without speaking, just watching Wiskeria over the table. But to her surprise, as she was trying to break the silence, Belavierr spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMother.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two stared at each other. Belavierr nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You appear to be well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria sighed. That was her mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am well. Why are you here, Mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanctuary. I have told you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But why are you<\/em>\u2026here<\/em>, Mother? You could hide in a thousand places. You came for sanctuary and me. I told you I didn\u2019t want to talk to you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr paused. She looked at Wiskeria, unblinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cI care for [Witches]. And for your fate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria just folded her arms in disgust. She knew Belavierr remembered their last conversation. Her mother paused again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have continued practicing your craft? You should learn while the coven remains here. I could teach you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her daughter\u2019s brow wrinkled in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeach\u2014! Teach me what<\/em>, exactly? How to become like you? Should I go off and find a Djinni to devour their heart over an altar with a hundred thousand people watching? You don\u2019t practice magic like I do, Mother. Mountains don\u2019t teach gnats magic. And I don\u2019t want to be like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence. Belavierr looked Wiskeria up and down. Wiskeria flushed, and Belavierr lifted a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a [Witch] now. But you have no craft. No true passion that defines you. Even the child upstairs has one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another flush. It was true, but Wiskeria snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have you to thank for that. You made me the [Witch] I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

So saying, Wiskeria tipped her hat and gave Belavierr her most insulting smile. She hoped it would produce something, but the cutting words didn\u2019t seem to affect her mother in the slightest. They never did. Belavierr frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like you to be a better [Witch]. You still have much to learn. If not from Mavika then\u2026the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifor, you mean. The<\/em> Witch Califor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria cast a glance upstairs. Belavierr paused.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou don\u2019t know who she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet you every other [Witch] alive knows her name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not every other [Witch] alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s tone was so\u2026matter-of-fact. Wiskeria hated it. She\u2019d used to love the way Belavierr spoke in truths and words that made the rest of the world seem too fast, too inconsistent. Yet now, she disliked that slow, almost monotonous tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not even really here, are you? You\u2019re still wrapped up in all your protections.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this, Belavierr grimaced. Which did alarm, even frighten Wiskeria. Grimace?<\/em> By the time Wiskeria had left, Belavierr hadn\u2019t even remembered how to smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are\u2026destroyed. Burnt and torn and eaten, Daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria sat back down slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, really? All of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c…Most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really lost everything?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr stared at her black cup, which had the symbols of the Kingdom of Nerrhavia\u2019s Fallen on it. No\u2026wait\u2026it was older than that, probably, a diplomatic incident if anyone knew what they meant. She oozed power; Wiskeria was older now and sensed it from Belavierr, but for all that, she had never been frailer before Wiskeria.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was wounded greatly, Daughter. Plans unmade. I have declared one woman my foe. And another pursues me, deathsworn to end my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria wondered who was mad enough to have angered her mother. She wavered, trying to smile victoriously, but she only managed the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you deserve the second part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria scowled and dropped the subject for now. It was late, she was tired, and while she had been told she could be annoyingly calm and level\u2014she got only a fraction of that from her mother. She changed subjects, trying to get a rise out of Belavierr.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a [General] now. What do you think of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a [Witch].\u201d<\/p>\n

That was that. The two sat in silence, one glaring, the other just staring. Wiskeria balled her hands into fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m warning you, Mother. The coven can stay. That\u2019s fine. I know what they\u2019re like. And I suppose since all [Witches] might die on this continent, <\/em>you can stay too. But this is my land. Don\u2019t do\u2014anything in this village. I like it here. Don\u2019t be\u2014can you not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She trailed off, frustrated. And Belavierr just shook her head. As Wiskeria knew she would.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am what I am, Daughter. I cannot change that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria knew that too. Bitterly, the daughter stared at the mother. And the mother paused, rolled her eyes upwards. At last, she seemed to recall something.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want anything? Three years have passed since we last met. Do you have a wish? I will grant it if it is within my power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing from you, Mother. Nothing from you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was it. Belavierr nodded and stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I bid you good night, Witch Wiskeria. I ask you speak well of us to this [Emperor], for we bear the fate of all [Witches] on Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tipped her hat and walked out of the house. Wiskeria stayed a moment longer. She was grateful that Miss Califor tactfully remained in Nanette\u2019s room so Wiskeria could wipe away her tears.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 57 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re the best [Witches] on the continent. Maybe the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was how Wiskeria explained it. She sat in Lady Rie\u2019s house with Prost, Ryoka, Charlay, Rie, and Durene. Technically, Charlay didn\u2019t have to be here, but the Centauress seemed delighted to be included in the conversation.<\/p>\n

As Wiskeria stood in front of the table, she looked from Prost to Rie to Durene to Ryoka. Her eyes lingered on the City Runner longest, but she had accepted the explanation about Ryoka very quickly. It was probably the least of the surprises she had experienced of late.<\/p>\n

There was a moment of silence as everyone digested Wiskeria\u2019s statement. Then Prost carefully raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy best, Wiskeria, do you mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean they are the best, the highest-leveled, the most dangerous, or just the best<\/em>, Mister Prost. Each one is a legend. They\u2019re all<\/em> legends. Except Nanette. She\u2019s Miss Califor\u2019s student, which means she\u2019ll probably be the next Califor. So a legend-in-training since that\u2019s never happened that I can remember. Alevica\u2019s more like a short story as well, I suppose. But her<\/em> mentor, Witch Oliyaya, fits in with the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria sighed as she adjusted her hat. Durene stared at her. The best? The highest-leveled in their class? It was hard to believe. Durene had met\u2026well, she\u2019d heard<\/em> of some high-level [Farmers], but they were only good locally. The best in the world?<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they came because of this Circle of Thorns. Because of the\u2026threat to [Witches].\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie\u2019s eyes fixed on Wiskeria. The [Witch] nodded, fiddling with her spectacles.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong other things. But it\u2019s the pact with Laken that concerns them. They think he has potential. I think they\u2019re united in that, although they might want other things. I\u2019m sure Mavika does. She might want\u2026well, she wants something other than what Califor wants, I\u2019m certain of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

That made no sense to Durene, and she was opening her mouth to say so. But then Ryoka leaned in. The young woman had strange skin and features, and she was quite tall\u2014well, for a woman. Durene towered over her still, but she envied Ryoka\u2019s grace. She\u2019d envied a lot of things about her when they first met, come to that. Like her connection with Laken.<\/p>\n

They came from another world<\/em>. Laken had told her. But he had confessed that he didn\u2019t know Ryoka herself that well. Still, she had come when he asked. So Durene listened as Wiskeria turned to face Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Wiskeria, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can call me Wiskeria. Witch Wiskeria is only for formality. You should address Califor and Mavika like that. The rest won\u2019t care as much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded, and Durene saw her processing that as her eyes flickered. She looked at Wiskeria thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you explain what [Witches] are in general, Wiskeria? As well as what each of the [Witches] in your coven does? I think that would help us all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Sorry, I forget it\u2019s not common knowledge. [Witches] are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria sighed and took off her hat. She inspected it, then put it back on.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Witches] are loners. By and large. You know all the basics, I\u2019m sure. We cast spells, we can have familiars\u2014pets\u2014and we can do magic other than [Mage] spells. Magic brews, summonings, s\u00e9ances; our abilities are far more varied than your average [Mage]. But\u2026weaker. Or as Miss Califor would put it, different.<\/em> Which means weaker in the sense that we can\u2019t throw [Fireballs]. At least, most of us can\u2019t. Alevica probably can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka and Charlay nodded at that. The Centauress mouthed at Durene: I\u2019ve seen it.<\/em> Wiskeria went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cGenerally, a [Witch] just\u2026is a [Witch]. She does her business, pursues her passion\u2014which we call her craft\u2014and meets her coven a few times a month at most to exchange news, warnings, trade, and so on. Some of us are even adventurers, like I was. Some can live in towns\u2014it\u2019s rare that any go to cities like Alevica, but it can happen. There\u2019s no rules<\/em> that say we can\u2019t do much of anything. But there are nuances, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka sat forwards, the most interested. Wiskeria frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014[Witches] derive a lot of power from different magic. Uh\u2014grudges. Death. Or life! We need passion for what we do. That\u2019s how we become [Witches]\u2014I don\u2019t think I can explain all of it now\u2026but it means we can be different from each other. Very different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uncomfortably, she shifted her hat again.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me put it like this. If you want to break it down to the most basic element\u2014there are good witches and bad ones. Or maybe it\u2019s better to think of them as \u2018selfish\u2019 or \u2018generous\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Durene saw Ryoka\u2019s eyes narrow. But Durene remembered Chimmy asking Wiskeria if she was a good [Witch] or a bad one. Wiskeria clearly remembered the same thing, because she looked at Durene. Rie coughed delicately.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, ah, which would you be, Miss Wiskeria?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019m a good [Witch], if you want to break it down. What I mean by that is\u2014look, some [Witches] follow rules. They try to help people as much as themselves. That ties into their craft and passion. Other [Witches] don\u2019t. They might help people, but they\u2019ll sometimes do as much harm as good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka scratched her head. Drat. It was never simple.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, which are which?\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost had a resigned look like he knew what was coming. Wiskeria\u2019s pause this time was telling. She cleared her throat a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to be simple about it, then the \u2018good\u2019 [Witches] are Hedag and Eloise. And Nanette, but she\u2019s young. The \u2018bad\u2019 ones, or at least the selfish ones, are Mavika and Alevica and Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene looked around. No one was surprised by that, although Prost and Rie were grimacing. Charlay nodded several times when she heard Alevica\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Miss Califor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn between. Mostly good, but you hear stories sometimes. She helps those who help themselves. And she has no patience for fools. She\u2019s something of a terror even among other [Witches], actually. She\u2019ll come around if she thinks you\u2019re not behaving properly and sort you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. So she\u2019s a teacher? A mentor to other [Witches]? What do each of the [Witches] do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria looked at Ryoka. The two appraised each other, and Wiskeria shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve probably guessed some of it. Califor\u2019s good at everything she does. Illusions to charms to basic magic and non-magical things\u2014she\u2019s a teacher, and she sorts problems out. Mavika is her exact opposite. She hates people, but she has control over all kinds of animals. Crows primarily, but she can control rats and snakes too. And I think she can turn into a bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost and Rie shot up in their seats. So did Durene. The half-Troll girl gaped around. Charlay and Ryoka didn\u2019t look surprised. The Centauress shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike a Lizardfolk, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot exactly. She can turn back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded. She wasn\u2019t shocked at all, and Wiskeria and Durene saw that.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s dangerous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. But she\u2019s a traditionalist. Remember what she said about ill for ill? She doesn\u2019t attack people. But, uh, don\u2019t insult her. Hedag\u2019s actually more likely to hit you. Her magic\u2019s not that strong, but she\u2019s a law unto herself in villages.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost lifted a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know of her. Hedag\u2019s a family name, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria looked surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. She comes from a line of [Executioners]. Family trade. Her [Witch] side ties into that. Her passion is her craft.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka was still missing something. Craft?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost didn\u2019t elaborate. Wiskeria nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer magic\u2019s probably the weakest of all the [Witches], but she has Skills to make up for that. Eloise, on the other hand, is very skillful in herbal magics and\u2026tea. She lives in one village and generally just helps people out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another hand from Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say that, but does she have any, uh, secrets? Like, I\u2019m sure I shouldn\u2019t cross Mavika or Alevica. I do know about her. The Witch Runner. She can fly and use necromancy, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong other things. She\u2019s a genius at fighting. Not so much traditional magic, but her being able to fly means she\u2019s one of the best [Witches]. I don\u2019t know of any of the others in the coven who fly with a broom either. Mavika definitely can, but most would prefer to walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImagine that Hedag riding a broom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay laughed. Durene snorted with amusement. Wiskeria did not. Neither did Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo don\u2019t cross Alevica and Mavika. What about the others? You said Eloise is a \u2018good\u2019 witch. But does she have a\u2026secret? Anything that we should know about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene\u2019s skin crawled. That was right. Now that Ryoka mentioned it, compared to the others, Eloise stood out. Califor could be dangerous, Hedag had an axe and killed people for all she smiled\u2014what was Eloise\u2019s secret?<\/p>\n

\u201cHer secret? She doesn\u2019t have one. She\u2019s just nice. We\u2019re not all dangerous, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria gave Ryoka a blank look. The City Runner paused.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnyways, that\u2019s all of them. Except Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie looked at Wiskeria. The [Witch]\u2019s expression froze. She tugged her hat lower, hiding her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. She is. I haven\u2019t seen her in\u2026at least thirteen years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about her? She\u2019s a\u2026bad witch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. The very worst in that respect. She\u2019s not dangerous like Mavika or Alevica. It\u2019s hard to cross her. But she\u2019s dangerous. She\u2019s\u2026don\u2019t talk to her. Don\u2019t interact with her. Don\u2019t make her any promises, and don\u2019t<\/em> take any offers she makes. She\u2019s harmless if you ignore her. Probably.\u201d<\/p>\n

What an endorsement. Wiskeria fiddled with her hat, clearly unwilling to say much more, but Rie pressed her, frowning hugely.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does she do? I feel like I know that name\u2026but my parents\u2026I lost them quite young. Perhaps they met her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria\u2019s gaze darkened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not for their sakes. But they probably knew of<\/em> her. Many people do. As for what my mother does. Her magic, her craft is\u2026stitch magic.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room waited. Wiskeria looked up. She shrugged at their blank faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe stitches things. She\u2019s a [Stitch Witch]. Don\u2019t ever talk with her if I\u2019m not there. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around, and her gaze was deadly serious. Durene looked about uncertainly as well. She saw Ryoka meet Wiskeria\u2019s eyes, Charlay\u2019s uncertain grin, and Rie looking at Wiskeria. The [Lady] pursed her lips, then glanced at Ryoka and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, I think we had better see what these [Witches] are doing. Durene, why don\u2019t you accompany Miss Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Troll girl nodded.<\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 57 \u2013 Ryoka<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was an odd experience, starting her day in Riverfarm. Not bad\u2014just odd. Ryoka had abandoned being a City Runner for a second to be, well, a guest<\/em>. She\u2019d woken up at dawn with Charlay. They were used to an earlier schedule, so they\u2019d tiptoed\u2014well, Ryoka had tiptoed\u2014around Durene and made breakfast. Some odd meat with eggs, corn, and potatoes had been in the bag.<\/p>\n

Then when the half-Troll girl had woken up and eaten as well, they\u2019d headed down to the village. Then they\u2019d met first thing to hear Wiskeria\u2019s report on what her coven wanted, and now they were just walking around Riverfarm. Charlay stretched in the morning air, yawning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was some great sleep I had! And you don\u2019t cook half bad, Ryoka! I think you underdid the meat, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who wanted to throw it in the pan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! I covered you from that evil bird while we made it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene chuckled. The half-Troll girl walked along the two, listening to their banter. Ryoka felt somewhat easier around Durene after a night, although it was nothing like the strange and friendly bickering she had with Charlay.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that. It\u2019s Frostwing. She can be evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s very beautiful. But also vicious. So this is Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka stared around at the streets and the people bustling about. It was amazing. Durene nodded proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. We built all this since you last came by, Ryoka! And we\u2019re working on new houses every day!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s incredible progress. When I was here last, the village was still snowed in. From the avalanche\u2026sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene\u2019s face had clouded over. The half-Troll girl shook her head and smiled brightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine. It feels like ages ago, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

It did. Ryoka nodded, remembering those times. Frost Faeries. Magic and snow and dead things around a fire. And it would be summer, autumn, and then winter before they arrived. The spring wasn\u2019t even over! She frowned up at the sky. Seasons were longer in this world. It meant they hung around too long for her taste.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least it\u2019s a nice day. Very bright. Too bright. Hey, is there anywhere to drink? I need water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay grumbled as she clip-clopped<\/em> along. Many people were stopping to stare at a Centaur in their midst. Durene looked almost pleased to not be the center of attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course! This is River<\/em>farm after all. You can see the river that way! And beyond it are the fields\u2014hey, wait!\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay took off excitedly. Durene jogged after her, but she couldn\u2019t have caught Charlay in a thousand years. She turned back to Ryoka,<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s really fast!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd excitable. Sorry for foisting her on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene hesitated at the word \u2018foist\u2019. Then she nodded, smiling. She looked around, then edged closer. Ryoka resisted the urge to hop back; she had bare feet, and Durene\u2019s feet could easily smash one of hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Ryoka, I know Rie and Prost wanted me to follow you. But if you have any ideas, you know, from yours and Laken\u2019s world\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka winced. Damn, so Durene had<\/em> remembered. She hissed back up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t talk about that, please. Anyone could be listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Especially a [Witch]. Ryoka wasn\u2019t sure if they could be trusted\u2014no, she was pretty sure at least one of them spelled trouble for Riverfarm. This entire scenario smelled fishy to her. A Circle of Thorns? This traitor who\u2019d manipulated Laken into attacking the Goblins? Durene had told Ryoka about that last night, and Ryoka was already trying to figure out who it was. It had to be\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you two! <\/em>What\u2019s the hold up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay came galloping back, wiping water from her mouth. She glared at Ryoka and Durene and then grabbed at her horse half.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh! My stomach! I think I\u2019ve got colic! I shouldn\u2019t have drank that water so quickly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t joke about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka sighed at Charlay. The Centauress laughed. Durene blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, like horses? Can a Centauress get that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Anyone can get colic! Don\u2019t be racist! Speciesist!\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay glared at Durene. Abashed, the half-Troll girl turned red. Ryoka glared and kicked Charlay gently on one leg. The Centauress raised one of hers, and Ryoka backed up. She hesitated and saw Durene\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean you\u2019re super-<\/em>racist. It\u2019s fine! It\u2019s fine! Besides, we\u2019re both non-Human, right? Humans are the really racist ones. We should be pals!\u201d<\/p>\n

She trotted over and slapped Durene on the shoulder. Then she squinted at Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t ask, but you\u2019re\u2014are you a Troll? I\u2019ve seen some as mercenaries on Baleros. You know, in monstrous regiments?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene stared at Charlay, open-mouthed. Ryoka coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh, am I being \u2018insensitive\u2019 again, Ryoka? Wait, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay rolled her eyes and then glanced anxiously back at Durene. The girl shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2014half-Troll.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.<\/em> Hey! I haven\u2019t seen any of those\u2014I mean, people like you. But that\u2019s cool. Half-Troll. Half-Troll. Does that mean a Troll and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say you knew Trolls in Baleros, Charlay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka interrupted quickly. The Centauress nodded casually.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Monster regiments. They don\u2019t level, and a lot of them are really stup\u2014I mean, they don\u2019t level up, but sometimes tribes ally with mercenary companies or enlist. It\u2019s rare, and Goblins are banned<\/em> from that kind of thing, but it used to happen. Of course, usually we go to war with them. Hey, do you know Fleethoof? She\u2019s a famous Centauress, and she fought a bunch of Ogres and nasty Cyclopes and, um\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at Durene. The girl stared back. Charlay looked around, and Ryoka massaged her eyes. The Centauress turned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Let\u2019s look at those fields, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

She took off. Ryoka glared at her galloping figure as she raced away and turned to Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Charlay\u2019s insensitive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine. I didn\u2019t know Trolls could live anywhere<\/em> with people in peace. I thought they just attacked everything on sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene looked wistfully after Charlay. Ryoka cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Uh\u2014Riverfarm. I see it\u2019s busy building. Lots of new people. What do you do all day?\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Troll girl started. She kept walking with Ryoka and shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? I just woke up a little bit ago. I help out, but ever since the army was pretty much disbanded\u2026I don\u2019t know. I wish I did. I wish Laken were here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded absently.<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you a [Paladin], though? Laken said he made you into one.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ryoka hesitated and eyed Durene.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026don\u2019t you have an urge to do [Paladin] things? Go on crusades? Fight evil?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo? Where would I find any? And I\u2019m not a [Knight]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene laughed at the idea. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke off as they reached the river and fields. Ryoka blinked, then stared. Durene pointed proudly at the developing farmland that stretched far as Ryoka could see across the other bank.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see? We\u2019re all combining our Skills on the other side. The [Farmers], I mean. We\u2019re growing as fast as we can since there are so many people to feed; we\u2019ve harvested three times already from some parts! And Prost wants this to be twice as big when we\u2019re done! We\u2019re going to grow potatoes, corn, carrots\u2014all kinds of stuff!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ryoka stared across the farmland. It was a substantial amount of work, and that would be if Riverfarm\u2019s folk had access to tractors and combine harvesters! But they\u2019d done this themselves. She saw dozens, no, over a hundred men and women working the fields and more in the distance, clearing land for use. Durene nodded proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great. The only trouble is pests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPests? What\u2019s this about pests?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay was back. She excitedly waved the two over to a small bridge someone had built over part of the river. Ryoka had to pause to admire it too; it wasn\u2019t much more than a sloping bridge, but the fact that someone had engineered it\u2014complete with a keystone construction, only with wood blocks\u2014told her that there was some serious talent here. The fields and new houses\u2014Ryoka decided that Riverfarm might be poor, but perhaps not for long. Durene strode over to the other side and pointed at some wheat already ready to harvest.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s rats. And birds. And<\/em> other animals. It happens with most fields, but even scarecrows don\u2019t keep them away with this much food. We have night patrols, but without Laken, it\u2019s hard to handle stuff like rats.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, because we keep growing stuff. And the rats make these burrows and only come out at night mostly\u2014Laken could find them the instant they arrived, but we have to keep searching!\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene pounded a fist into her hand, looking frustrated. It was a [Farmer]\u2019s dilemma. Ryoka nodded absently. Charlay did too.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds awful. I hate rats. But<\/em> this wheat looks nice. Let me try some! And there\u2019s a lot of lovely grass around here!\u201d<\/p>\n

So saying, she reached down and plucked a stalk of wheat and began to nibble at it. Ryoka and Durene stared at Charlay. Ryoka frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you eat grass, Charlay?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress jumped and blushed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I mean, not unless I\u2019m really hungry. Grass is too hard, let alone hay. There\u2019s some nice<\/em> grasses that you can get in Baleros, though. Very soft. Why? Hey! Are you being racist again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me. But why don\u2019t you stop eating the wheat? That\u2019s Riverfarm\u2019s food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, but it tastes good. And it\u2019s one stalk. You\u2019ve got tons, right, Durene?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress grabbed another. Durene hesitated. But someone else ran up, shouting in outrage.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! That\u2019s our crop! Begone, you\u2014uh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Mister Ram paused as he stared at Charlay. She pranced away, looking offended.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted a bit<\/em>. You\u2019ve got tons!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s our crop<\/em>! And we\u2019ve having enough trouble keeping birds and rodents away as it is. Not to mention the damned bugs! Durene, we\u2019ve got grasshoppers now. Northeastern fields. Can you believe it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene groaned. Ryoka made a face. Bugs, rodents, and birds. She didn\u2019t envy Riverfarm\u2019s [Farmers] their job. The half-Troll girl grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to get rid of them fast! Otherwise they\u2019ll eat half the fields! Let me lend a hand, and I\u2019ll tell Prost we need everyone to get over and help get rid of them. Ryoka, is there some way we can get rid of grasshoppers quick?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked expectantly at Ryoka. The City Runner froze. Ram blinked, then swung around to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Me? I have no idea. Unless\u2014a pesticide? Water and soap, maybe? I really don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka backed up a bit. She had a lot of useless knowledge like how to make a bomb (purely for anarchistic reasons of a rebellious child), but she\u2019d never looked into stuff like pesticides. But she could try. Maybe this was what Laken meant. Durene brightened at the word.<\/p>\n

\u201cPesti-what? You mean, like an [Alchemist] draught? I heard some sell stuff to [Farmers].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! Are you an [Alchemist], Miss? No. Wait. You\u2019re that City Runner people were talking about, right? Well, maybe we can send for some potions! But the cost\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ram looked excited and then worried. Ryoka bit her lip, thinking hard. She could experiment, but she didn\u2019t actually know if soap and water would kill most insects. It probably didn\u2019t have much staying power. And rats? Birds? She was hesitating, wishing she hadn\u2019t blurted that out without time to think, when there was a sound.<\/p>\n

Flapping<\/em>. The skies darkened, and Ryoka heard a cawing<\/em> of dozens, no, hundreds of birds. Ram looked up and swore.<\/p>\n

\u201cFecking wormrot. What is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

That<\/em> was a murder of crows. And Mavika. She walked across the river towards the fields as the [Farmers] put down their tools and turned. Above her head swirled a mass of crows, driving off the other birds in the area, their voices shrill. Silently, the [Witch] approached Ram, Durene, and Ryoka. Charlay had decided she wanted to inspect the corn.<\/p>\n

\u201cFarmer, farmers, gather around and give me your ears. For I have a bargain for all to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

It sounded like a spell, but from Mavika\u2019s mouth and by the smile on her lips, it was mockery. Ram glared as more [Farmers] approached, looking wary and holding hoes or scythes not quite<\/em> as weapons. Ryoka, for her part, had seen Birds<\/em> by Alfred Hitchcock and had decided that if things went south, she was going to jump in the water and hold her breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want? Mister Prost told you not to interfere with us, didn\u2019t he? If those things land in our fields and try to eat our produce, he\u2019ll sort you out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ram shook a fist at Mavika. The [Witch] regarded him with black eyes, then turned. Prost was striding towards them at speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this about? Witch Mavika?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve come to offer my craft. And strike a deal. That was the terms you gave, [Steward] of this land. I\u2019ve yet to make my offer. Refuse it or let it stand. But my offer must be made before it can be rejected. Or is it offense you want to give?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] peered around, her eyes flicking from face to face. Ryoka saw her smile with yellowed teeth as the crows jeered. But\u2014she didn\u2019t shudder with revulsion as many of the other people did. She looked at Durene. And then at Mavika. What Ryoka felt was\u2026a memory.<\/p>\n

She looked at Mavika and saw pride. Pride and contempt. She was daring Prost and the [Farmers]. Expecting them to react with insults. She reminded Ryoka of the fae. And Ryoka, looking at Prost, saw the man was about to snap back. That would be a mistake, because Mavika was the kind of person who didn\u2019t deescalate in front of threats.<\/p>\n

So Ryoka stepped in front of Prost. She caught his eye, and he paused. Silently, Ryoka met his gaze. Then she turned to Mavika and bowed. The [Witch] hadn\u2019t expected that. Nor did she expect the smile Ryoka gave her. The City Runner answered her, pitching her voice to be heard by the [Farmers] and crows alike.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Mavika, I\u2019ll speak for the [Farmers] and those gathered here. You\u2019ve come to offer a deal fairly, and for that, we\u2019ll hear you out. We can\u2019t promise a deal will be struck. But a bargain made in faith should be answered with faith. What does the Marshland\u2019s [Witch] offer Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t as poetic as Ryoka would have liked. But it was simple and to the point. And as she said it, Ryoka bowed slightly again. She looked up and saw Mavika regarding her. The [Witch] seemed to be looking for sarcasm or mockery in Ryoka\u2019s voice or posture. But there was none. Somewhat mollified, she beckoned.<\/p>\n

The murder of crows came down and landed. In the wheat, on the ground\u2014hundreds of birds. The [Farmers] backed up uneasily, but the birds just stood there, flapping a wing, opening their beaks, but silent. And they all looked at Ryoka and Prost. The City Runner wavered. Okay. That was more creepy than she would have liked. But Mavika grinned then.<\/p>\n

\u201cRespect for a [Witch] is rare indeed. So I will make my offer plain and fair, City Runner. Give my flock a field of food. A hundred paces by a hundred paces from there to there. Of your best corn, freshly grown. And for one week, my crows will call Riverfarm their home.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed to a patch of corn with the ripest and biggest corn, almost as nice as Farmer Lupp\u2019s crop. Ryoka looked around as the [Farmers] began to protest. Ram looked outraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive our corn? But that\u2019s our best crop! And for what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRam. Shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost elbowed the man. Ryoka looked at Mavika. She was grinning again.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy \u2018call it their home\u2019, what do you mean, Witch Mavika? It sounds like the [Farmers] would be giving away their food for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch]\u2019s eyes glinted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for nothing, wind\u2019s child. For not a single blade or seed will my flock eat. And instead this bargain shall they meet: every rodent buried in your fields they\u2019ll kill, and no bird shall feast from your fields at will. My flock will devour the insects who plague your fields. For but a portion of your yields.\u201d<\/p>\n

She really liked to rhyme. But everyone who heard her understood what she meant. Ram looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth birds and<\/em> rodents? The damn grasshoppers too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she could do that\u2014but for our fresh corn? How do we know the crows won\u2019t eat more?\u201d<\/p>\n

A female [Farmer] protested. Ryoka saw Mavika\u2019s glare and turned hurriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Prost, I don\u2019t think Mavika would allow her crows to eat more than what was offered. They\u2019ll probably have enough with all the pests. That\u2019s the deal she offered; I don\u2019t know how fair it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA hundred paces by a hundred paces. And that\u2019s good corn. Enough to feed a lot of mouths. Or one flock. We need to think about it. Give us a second?\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost grimaced as he considered it. He stepped back as Ryoka nodded, and Ram and a few senior [Farmers] huddled around him. Ryoka watched as they discussed, clearly doing a [Farmer]\u2019s calculations and glancing at Mavika. Wondering if they could trust her, no doubt.<\/p>\n

Ryoka didn\u2019t worry about that. Rather, she kept her eyes on Mavika because she didn\u2019t really want to turn her back on all those staring crows. Or the [Witch] herself. Mavika seemed content to wait with all eyes on her. She had the kind of poise Ryoka dreamed of. After a second or two of desperate smiling, Ryoka cleared her throat. Several crows near her flapped their wings.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. I\u2019m\u2014Ryoka. Ryoka Griffin, Witch Mavika. I\u2019m honored to meet\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know who you are, wind\u2019s child. Belavierr pointed you out to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe did? I mean\u2014did she say\u2014I\u2019m delighted to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika cut Ryoka off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt matters not. I am not here to be friends with you, wind\u2019s child. Nor these [Farmers]. Look for Eloise if you seek that. Only seek me if you have something to offer and something to take. Now step aside. Now I will see if the path that brought me here was one that was worth the effort to take.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured, and Ryoka saw Prost approaching her with Ram and two [Farmers] at his back. The [Steward] looked determined.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Mavika. If you agree your flock will take not one plant more than that section there\u2014we\u2019ll agree to your terms. One week of keeping our fields clear. Is it agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou swear to leave my flock safe in the skies? No [Hunter] will shoot arrows at them or traps bring them down? If one crow dies, I claim the forfeit of our deal and three times as many fields our prize.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika pointed at her flock. There was another mutter, but Prost silenced it with a look.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpread the word. You know it\u2019s a good deal. We have an infestation<\/em> in our fields. How much wheat and crops do you think we\u2019d lose? I say it\u2019s a deal, Witch Mavika. Do we shake on it or sign\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

He jumped backwards as the murder of crows took off into the sky. Mavika threw back her head and laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA word is good enough until broken! Let my flock work, Steward Prost! And you, wind\u2019s child, play no games with the wind! Now, crows of Mavika\u2019s flock, fly!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And they did. The crows took wing, cawing<\/em>, and dove into the fields. Ryoka saw the [Farmers] exclaim in horror as they aimed straight at one wheat field, but the crows weren\u2019t aiming at the wheat. True to Mavika\u2019s claim, they avoided the plants and began tearing at the ground, at tiny shapes. Ryoka saw a flurry of movement and saw hundreds of grasshoppers shoot up, fleeing the crows. But the birds were already after them, landing, tearing up the soil to eat the bugs as they hid.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods!\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene exclaimed as she and the other [Farmers] watched the crows flying about. They were efficient<\/em>! And coordinated; the bugs fled at random, but the crows boxed them in. That was only a portion of the flock. Some took to the air, circling, jeering at other birds. Some landed on the corn they\u2019d been given, pecking already and fighting with their brethren. But the last group circled around Mavika. She had walked into one field of potatoes and was studying it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say there are rodents in the ground? Rats and moles and mice or larger things?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice was almost conversational, now. Businesslike, as she talked to Prost. He nodded, and Ram hurried over.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this field and a few more. At least, we think it\u2019s them. We\u2019ve raked the spots and brought in dogs, but they keep coming\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused as a bird landed and cawed<\/em> at Mavika. The [Witch] seemed to listen to it and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Rats.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you find them? We could turn up the fields if your crows work like terriers. Even our dogs are stymied by so many fresh burrows\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost\u2019s question was answered by a shake of Mavika\u2019s head. She smiled again and pointed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy flock have the [Eyes of Many]. They will find whatever hides. But keep back and let them work. It will not be long; they have hunted far larger than rats in times far past. Hunts of vermin storied in song.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure enough, no sooner had she spoken then the group of crows circling overhead was broken up by another bird. Ryoka squinted up and saw a different black shape among the crows. A solitary raven, far larger than the rest. The crows made way warily as the raven landed on a patch of dirt. And then shrieked<\/em>. Ryoka whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNevermore.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Mavika looked around. Ryoka coughed.<\/p>\n

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

The raven was digging at the dirt with its claws. It was large, even for a raven. And its efforts were rewarded in less than a minute. There was a flurry, and then something burst<\/em> from the ground. A huge rat, nearly four feet long, erupted from the ground. The [Farmers] roared, and the raven took off as the rat lunged at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, it\u2019s Colony Rats! That\u2019s a mother if I saw one! We\u2019ve got to kill it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ram rushed forwards with a hoe, but Mavika\u2019s glare stopped him. The [Witch] pointed as the rat chased after the raven. It was biting, snapping, and the raven was seemingly outmatched on the ground. The [Witch] pointed her fingers at the raven.<\/p>\n

\u201cSephraic. [Ancient Form].\u201d<\/p>\n

She snapped her fingers. The raven disappeared behind a stand of corn as the rat mother pursued it. Ryoka heard a shriek<\/em>, then a rat\u2019s scream. It came back out, fur bloody and torn. And a bird from hell pursued it.<\/p>\n

There was no biological history for a raven like this in Ryoka and Laken\u2019s world. But perhaps, in the lost world of this one, there had been. A time when ravens needed to be dangerous. Deadly. How else could you explain the raven that came out, striding across the ground with huge clawed feet, its beak pecking<\/em> at the rat, descending on it with a flurry of wings, slashing claws?<\/p>\n

There was no fight. Just the rat mother\u2019s flight and a quick, painful death. The raven looked up, its beak bloody. The Humans stared at the bird and backed away. Ryoka gulped. If that thing came at her\u2014hell, a pack of those aggressive geese that liked to pick fights with picnickers would take one look at this thing and fly away.<\/p>\n

The raven cawed, <\/em>and the crows descended. They began digging at the same spot where it had driven the rat mother from as the raven began to devour the rat. None of them got anywhere close to the enchanted bird. But they were unearthing the rat warrens. And Mavika\u2019s second finger made all the [Farmers] step back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs promised, Steward. [Primal Fear].\u201d<\/p>\n

Out came the rats. They fled into the waiting talons, too maddened with fright to hide. Not just in that field either; more crows descended, claws snatching, cawing<\/em>. They swooped down, pecked at the writhing shapes, bore them up\u2014<\/p>\n

And then Ryoka saw bits of animals falling from the sky. The [Farmers] looked up and groaned as the birds dropped blood and flesh. Ram whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201cProst\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Steward] was already addressing the [Witch].<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Mavika. Can\u2019t you persuade your flock to eat the\u2014rats elsewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika\u2019s grin was unpleasant to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was part of no deal of ours, Steward Prost. The bones and flesh will nourish the ground. Is this not what you asked for?\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at the fields. Ryoka stared at the black army of crows and saw one pursuing a robin. The bird was flying away\u2014right until the chase carried it into a second crow\u2019s talons. The birds ripped the robin to shreds, and the head fell into a field of corn. Along with dead grasshoppers, rats, a rabbit\u2014it was turning into a scene of carnage. But the fields were<\/em> intact.<\/p>\n

\u201cGross.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay gagged. And the [Farmers] looked no happier. They began muttering amongst themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cLookit the parts. We\u2019ll be picking rat bones out of our crops!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah. Better than weevils and grasshoppers out of our teeth! Think the crows\u2019ll get the little things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. Bad deal to make with a [Witch] if it is. I don\u2019t care what Prost says about giving them a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to fight those grasshoppers? Or the rats?<\/em> Half our dogs won\u2019t go after one four feet long! And it saves us the trouble of finding them. And<\/em> they\u2019ll watch the fields.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what? I had a dog from Radivaek lands. You know, the Dog Lord\u2019s domain? Best ratters in the world. She kept my land clean of pests. If I\u2019d had her longer, I would\u2019ve bred a litter. What can crows do better than a good pack?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEat bugs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner broke off from listening to the [Farmers]. She saw Durene approaching with Prost. The [Steward] was shaking his head as Mavika continued directing her flock. Ryoka glanced at the man, a bit anxious.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I step in too much, Mister Prost?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. I\u2019m grateful for the help, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the birds? Was that a good deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright. It\u2019s a blow to give up the corn, but it\u2019s better than what we\u2019d\u2019ve gotten if we had to fight the pests. And I think that [Witch] knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured to Mavika. Ryoka nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept for them raining parts over your fields. And\u2014crapping too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost groaned. Ryoka grinned weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a proper [Witch]\u2019s deal for you, I guess. But it\u2019ll keep your plants safe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat it will. Let\u2019s just hope the crows let our [Farmers] work. I\u2019ll keep them from complaining too loudly, don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost waved a hand. Ryoka nodded and looked for Durene. She was still watching the crowd with Charlay. The half-Troll girl pointed at the large raven. It still hadn\u2019t changed back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo this is what a [Witch] can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka trotted over. She eyed the bird as it kept devouring the rat\u2019s corpse. It was not a sight for the squeamish. And Ryoka\u2019s own stomach was hurting a bit. From nausea or Charlay\u2019s colic? She looked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they all like that, do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay glanced at Ryoka. The Runner Girl shrugged. Slowly, the three began to walk back towards Riverfarm. And behind them, the crows cawed, claiming the fields as their own.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 57 \u2013 Rie<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

To the [Lady]\u2019s relief, the issue of the [Witches]\u2019 presence in Riverfarm seemed to have settled itself by the time she began her day. More or less. Or at least, with Mavika occupied in the fields, the worst objections were dealt with. The matter of Rehanna had been settled, to everyone\u2019s surprise, by Alevica.<\/p>\n

Prost had levied a fine on Mavika of two gold coins. Privately, Rie thought that might be too much for what had been a rather grave insult, but it was too little for some of the people who had seen the burning spell cast on the doorknob. And it was paid promptly by Alevica.<\/p>\n

\u201cMavika owes me for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Witch Runner grumbled as she passed over two gold coins in front of a small audience. Rie took them gracefully and passed them to Nesor, who had control of her personal bag of holding. Rie thanked Alevica, got a sardonic grin, and the crowd was assured Rehanna would see some of the money as compensation for her pain, and that was that.<\/p>\n

Privately, Rie was determined not to give Rehanna more than a few copper\u2019s worth of the money, but the woman had heard about the fine and sought Rie out in moments. She spluttered when Rie handed her eight silver coins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was told it was two<\/em> gold coins!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you destroyed a magical brew that was probably worth at least ten.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie coolly informed Rehanna as the woman turned red with outrage. She didn\u2019t know what Wiskeria\u2019s soup was actually worth, but she was tired of Rehanna. The woman was spiteful, bitter towards Wiskeria and [Witches] in general, and a pawn of Beatica and Rodivek\u2019s manipulations. Rehanna glared at Rie.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is unfair! I was injured<\/em>! My hand was nearly burnt off!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my [Mage], Nesor, healed you on the spot. Miss Rehanna, the cost of the healing potion alone was nearly worth the fine we posed. I would not continue arguing your point.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie\u2019s imperiously tilted chin made Rehanna remember who she was addressing. Geram looming over her shoulder also helped. The woman backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is unfair! Those [Witches] killed<\/em> a man! And they\u2019re being allowed to go free?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJustice was served. You may dispute it, but I would ask anyone who was present. Or do you not know what Elmmet did, Miss Rehanna? I won\u2019t sully my tongue with that filth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie\u2019s voice was as cold as ice. She had heard from Prost what Elmmet had done, and as far as she was concerned, he had died too quickly. Abusing a child like that\u2014Rie felt her stomach churning. Rehanna just stared at Rie, and then her expression twisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they\u2019re [Witches]. <\/em>They\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around, realized no one was coming to her support, and turned and stormed off. Rie tsked<\/em>, the only expression of anger she could let herself show.<\/p>\n

\u201cDreadful woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said as much to Eloise later that day. The [Witch] was hosting a tea party again, and this time, Rie let herself be sucked into the circle of women\u2014and men!\u2014relaxing with her. The [Witch], or perhaps [Tea Witch], had a Skill. But since it was clearly being used to calm and relax and build relationships between the disparate folk sitting around her, Rie was only too keen to encourage it. She smiled at Eloise. The woman was serving a sweeter tea today, one perfect for the children bouncing on laps. She had snacks, tea\u2014where had she gotten it all from?<\/p>\n

\u201cA [Witch] does have her ways, Miss Rie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise reached out and tapped Rie\u2019s hand with a smile when Rie asked. It wasn\u2019t even offensive or patronizing, that was the thing. She was so\u2026non-[Witch]-like<\/em> that you couldn\u2019t help but relax around her.<\/p>\n

Part of Rie wondered if Ryoka Griffin was right and Eloise had a dark secret. She couldn\u2019t imagine it looking at the woman adjusting her flowery hat. Rie was no stranger to people with secrets, and Eloise struck her as genuine. If she had any hidden depths, they weren\u2019t the ones that would come out and bite someone.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Eloise, you are a delight. Truly. I must say, this is such a pleasant experience. And after I thought\u2014well, with those other [Witches]\u2014but you\u2019re so unlike them!\u201d<\/p>\n

A former [Shopkeeper] confessed as she ate hungrily from the plate of scones that Eloise was offering around. Rie knew what she meant, even if it was delivered with all the tact of a hammer to the hand. Eloise was sociable, kind, and generous. Totally unlike the others. She\u2019d even invited Rehanna to the tea party. Rie was relieved the woman had declined and only snatched a few of the delicious scones.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re too harsh on my fellow [Witches], Miss Velmir. And you, Miss Rie. Too harsh on Miss Rehanna, I think. We all benefit from considering others with kindness. My current coven is indeed full of [Witches] unlike me. But what they offer, they offer freely. You may always refuse them. Take Hedag for example. She is at work, and she is quite kind. Hers is a helping hand for those who need it. In her way, she is far better a [Witch] than I.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise gestured across the street towards Hedag. Rie turned in her seat, frowning. The [Executioner] had garnered a huge berth this morning, and Rie had expected no one\u2014save for perhaps angry folk from Lancrel\u2014to go near her. She\u2019d been expecting trouble, but to her surprise, Hedag had a number of children about her. And women.<\/p>\n

Perhaps it was her booming laugh or the way she was willing to toss children up or listen to them talk. She sat listening to a girl solemnly show her a flower. She\u2014Rie\u2019s eyes focused on the girl\u2019s face and narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Elmmet\u2019s child.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tea circle went silent. Eloise nodded.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut she killed\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Velmir lowered her voice hurriedly. Eloise nodded again and sipped from her cup, as calm as could be.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter what was done to the girl, who else in this world do you think she would trust? Not her mother. But perhaps Hedag. But you\u2019ll see the rest of her craft tonight. Look.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed, and Rie saw Hedag laughing and waving her hand over the flower. Once, twice, three times, as if casting a spell. The little daffodil perked up a bit, and the girl, delighted as the flower turned a bit brighter, clutched it and ran off to show the other children. Another boy replaced her, holding up a leather ball and demanding Hedag do the same. The [Witch] paused and said something, and he nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n

\u201cCantrips?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Rie could imagine at the moment. She looked at Eloise. The woman had a knowing look that Rie didn\u2019t like. There was something about Hedag that Prost hadn\u2019t told Rie. He\u2019d assured her that she was lawful, but that word clearly had a meaning to the villagers that they had refused to explain outright to Rie or anyone from the cities. Thoughtfully, Rie took another sip from her cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Well, I do agree that Miss Hedag is kind at the moment. But what of the rest of your\u2026coven, Witch Eloise? I believe I saw the one called Alevica napping on a roof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like her. I don\u2019t believe she wishes to practice her craft. There\u2019s not much for her to do at the moment. As for Califor and Nanette, they\u2019re practicing magic, no doubt. Their craft does not affect the village much either. But you see? We may keep to ourselves and have our own ways, but they are not so different from me, are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise chuckled ruefully. There was a murmur of protest, and a young man from Lancrel raised his voice. He was off-duty as a [Woodcutter], but he had been a [Clerk] at the Merchant\u2019s Guild. He was sitting with a giggling girl at the edge of the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re so much better<\/em> than they are, Miss! But for the hat and you\u2019d be like my grandmother, but nicer!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but I am<\/em> a [Witch], young man. And the hat must remain, or else you\u2019d think just that of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise\u2019s kind response provoked relaxed laughter. But the young girl, giggling and taking her cue from the young [Clerk], spoke up. Rie eyed her. She was probably seventeen, but she acted like she was four years younger.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Miss Eloise, we\u2019d all love you more without<\/em> the hat! What\u2019s wrong with taking it off? Otherwise you remind us of those horrid other [Witches], like the horrible lady with birds!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie inhaled slightly. This was crossing from banter into rudeness. But Eloise\u2019s smile didn\u2019t waver. It only deepened. She paused as the other tea-drinkers looked at her uncertainly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung lady. What if I said I\u2019d love you more and be more at ease if you took off your shirt? Or that young man his pants? What would you say then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The said young lady blushed and stammered a reply, but the young man, drunk on bravado, stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that!\u201d<\/p>\n

So saying, he yanked his pants down. There was a peal of laughter from the young women, and Rie sighed and averted her eyes from some underwear that was thankfully in place. Pale legs\u2014the rest of the tea circle groaned or laughed, and a man snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut your pants back on, Delgriff! You\u2019re among ladies!\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man, flushing, began to do that. But Eloise\u2019s voice interrupted him.<\/p>\n

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

He stopped, flushing as more laughter passed around the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014putting my pants back on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you asked me to take my hat off. And you offered to take your pants off. Shouldn\u2019t you keep them off as long as we\u2019re sitting?\u201d<\/p>\n

More raucous laughter. Even Rie couldn\u2019t help but smile. The young man flushed, and Miss Velmir leaned over knowingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. So his pants are like your hat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. Pants and hats are quite different, Miss Velmir. I don\u2019t imagine I\u2019d provoke such notice if I took my hat off. But there is something similar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is?\u201d<\/p>\n

The tea circle looked at her as Delgriff, flushing, got his pants back up. Eloise nodded to him, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Delgriff has reclaimed his pants, and perhaps they shall never come off in our presence again. One may only hope. But we shall ever remember you without, Mister Delgriff, no matter how long and how many times you come to us with pants on. So. My hat stays on. Because I am a [Witch]. And I do not change. You may love me or hate me, but you must remember: a [Witch] I remain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her words this time left only a thoughtful silence. After a bit, when Lady Rie had regretfully excused herself, she looked at Geram. The [Fistfighter] was brushing crumbs off his front. Rie looked back at Eloise, who was letting a new circle of people come to sit with her. Those leaving seemed invigorated, and many were holding tea packets they\u2019d purchased from her. Lady Rie smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I love that old lady, Geram.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe reminds me of the grandmother I never had, Lady Valerund.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man wistfully agreed. Rie sighed and shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was she saying about Rehanna, though? That dreadful woman?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe lost her husband during the battle for Lancrel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geram reminded his mistress. Lady Rie paused, and a moment of guilt flashed across her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. I had forgotten. Even so\u2026well, she is allowed her grief, but not spitefulness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geram nodded, but he glanced back at the tea circle.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere might be more. The [Witch]\u2014Miss Eloise\u2014was asking about Rehanna before you sat with them. Some of the people there looked fairly serious when they replied. Should I ask what was said?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t think it matters. For now. Tell me. I\u2019ve accounted for Eloise, Califor, Nanette\u2026the Witch Runner, I forget her name already\u2014Alevica, yes\u2014Mavika, Hedag. But where is the one called\u2026Belavierr?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Geram paused. He looked around with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026haven\u2019t seen her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou normally keep an eye on everyone you consider dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. And I don\u2019t remember seeing her this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she still abed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie glanced around. She saw Rehanna standing apart from the tea circle, looking on with a mixture of jealousy and anger. And Eloise, clearly beckoning her. Rie smoothed her skirts and then walked back to Eloise.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Eloise. May I ask if you know where your\u2026fellow [Witch], Belavierr, is? Is she still resting at this hour?\u201d<\/p>\n

The table went quiet. The name of the seventh [Witch] could do that, even at Eloise\u2019s merry gathering. And the [Witch] sitting there tugged on her hat, and her smile flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But I don\u2019t believe you\u2019d find her easily, Lady Rie. With that said, I wish you hadn\u2019t spoken her name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI beg your pardon. Is there a quarrel between the two of you? She is a member of your coven, isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fascinated, Rie prodded carefully. Eloise\u2019s look told her plainly that the [Witch] knew what she was doing. With a sigh, Eloise shook her head and stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But there is a philosophical difference between she and I. To put it plainly, if Belavierr stands on one side, I stand on the other. We respect each other, but we do not get along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause she\u2019s a bad witch?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone suggested that from the back of the circle. Eloise turned, and the laughter faded uneasily. The [Witch] looked around and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And no. She offers trinkets, charms, and she can be very good. Helpful, even. If she sells her trinkets, I would advise you to buy them no matter the cost. But if she seeks you out, I would not take any deal she offers you. And I fear, Miss Rie, that she is seeking to practice her craft today.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked past the circle of people sitting around her table. Rie followed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do you know that, Miss Eloise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I know what she looks for. Which is why I am here, Lady Rie Valerund. Just like how Hedag sits with the children and worried wives. We know who seeks us. And I am seeking the same person Belavierr looks for. Will you convince her to sit with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] pointed ahead. Lady Rie saw the woman she was indicating.<\/p>\n

\u201cRehanna? <\/em>Why her?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman was sitting by herself now, on the ground. Her hand was healed, but she was holding it as if it were still burned. And her face was bitter, angry\u2014and miserable. She sat alone, and neither Riverfarm\u2019s folk nor Lancrel\u2019s people were with her. She was a villager, but she had scorned Wiskeria\u2019s gift, and she wasn\u2019t one of the city dwellers who joined together to sneer at what made Riverfarm\u2019s people so enduring. Eloise looked at Rehanna.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked, and she was one woman of many Belavierr would look for. But, I think, she would be the first Belavierr sought. Her grief is fresh. And she is lacking friends. I realize she is not pleasant, Lady Rie. But she has a reason to her grief.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie frowned. There was a puzzle here, and her mind realized she was missing something.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t mean her husband. She was recently bereaved\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHalf. That is half the reason. Do you know why she came to Riverfarm with her husband, Miss Rie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2026was fleeing the Goblins. I think she was part of Mister Helm\u2019s village. Windrest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. She had a husband there. A home. And a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie stared at Rehanna. So she\u2019d had a child before she fled. Which meant the Goblins had killed her. Him. Was it a baby? A miscarriage? Or a young child?<\/p>\n

It changed nothing, surely. Rehanna was still the woman who\u2019d kicked over Wiskeria\u2019s pot and who had tried to overturn Laken\u2019s authority. But knowing that one fact changed a lot. It made her look like a different woman, sitting there. Rie looked at Eloise, ashamed. And the [Witch] nodded. She adjusted her hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cKindness asks questions, Lady Rie Valerund. And it is kindness I seek to spread. That is my craft, my reason for existing, and my root of magic. It is not Belavierr\u2019s. So hope that I succeed. I have not faced a challenge like this since I was young. Or perhaps since it is her\u2026ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise strode forwards towards Rehanna. Rie watched, uncomprehending, but now she felt it. On the very edges of her senses. Not the senses she had as a [Lady], but something more primal. A tickling on the back of her neck. A little tapping at her mind telling her to look.<\/p>\n

She turned around slowly. For a second, she didn\u2019t see Belavierr. But the [Witch]\u2019s presence had silenced the merry tea party on the street. Every head turned until they were all looking in the same direction.<\/p>\n

Then you saw her. Standing in the shadow of two houses, tall and still as a statue. Her wide hat was raised, her glowing eyes staring. Across the street, Eloise looked up as Rehanna spat at her. She bent down and offered the woman a hand. Rehanna slapped it away. And Belavierr began to walk.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way, children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag\u2019s voice was the sole sound on the street. The children who had been playing moved at her voice and ran sideways as she walked out of Belavierr\u2019s path. They hid behind Hedag, whose smile reflected the sun. But Belavierr\u2019s presence was a shadow. She kept moving, and Rie realized her path was as straight as an arrow towards Rehanna. And her eyes were fixed on the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Rehanna, sit with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise\u2019s voice was patient, but strained ever-so-slightly with urgency. Rehanna spat at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want your tea or biscuits. [Witch]! [Witch]!<\/em> And I\u2019m not afraid of her either!\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed a trembling finger at Belavierr. She really wasn\u2019t afraid, Rie realized. Astounding as that was, she looked at Belavierr with only anger. The [Witch] was approaching. Eloise was trying to persuade Rehanna\u2014the woman shoved Eloise back. She rounded to face Belavierr, clenching her fists. What would happen if she struck the [Witch]? Belavierr was giving her no reason to, but she was striding forwards, and Rehanna had planted herself in the way. She was daring a collision.<\/p>\n

But what was Rie missing?<\/em> The answer, part of it, presented itself as someone broke the silent street\u2019s quiet. Wiskeria skidded around the corner, panting, her robes and hat askew. She ran forwards and shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother! Stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s head turned, but her pace didn\u2019t slow. Neither did it increase, though, and Wiskeria ran forwards. The three met in the street, Rehanna, Wiskeria, and Belavierr. Wiskeria threw an arm between Belavierr and Rehanna, and the woman spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you<\/em> want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRehanna, don\u2019t listen to her. Belavierr is my mother and a [Witch]\u2014but she doesn\u2019t make deals you want to accept. Listen to me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached for Rehanna, and something snapped in the woman. Rie saw it. She turned on Wiskeria and screamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it! You let my husband die at Lancrel! Do you remember his name? Do you even know who he was?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised a hand and struck Wiskeria, punching her face and knocking her spectacles aside. Wiskeria grabbed for them and stumbled back. Rie hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeram, go arrest Rehanna. Place her in a pillory\u2014no, just confine her to her house. Maybe that will solve\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Before the man could move, Rehanna lashed out again. Wiskeria was grabbing for the spectacles, which had fallen but not shattered on the ground. Rehanna kicked at the [Witch], and Wiskeria yelped. Rehanna raised a hand to slap\u2014<\/p>\n

And Belavierr caught it. It was so fast Rie blinked. Geram halted uncertainly. Rehanna spun.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare<\/em> you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She punched Belavierr in the face. Rie saw the impact, saw Belavierr\u2019s head snap back a bit. The entire street went quiet. Rehanna hit Belavierr in the face. In the chest, struck her leg, kicking\u2014Belavierr didn\u2019t blink.<\/p>\n

Then it was quiet. Rehanna paused, panting, and stared as Belavierr slowly let go. Wiskeria got up and opened her mouth. Belavierr twitched a finger, and Wiskeria\u2019s mouth closed. She regarded her daughter for one moment and then turned to Rehanna. She paused. Looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears to be a fair morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone stared up at the sky. It was indeed a clear day. No clouds in sight. The sun was actually fairly bright, a pleasantness after all the rain. Belavierr nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite pleasant. Although, I expected rain. Still, one is not always right, it seems.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were so out of place that all Rehanna, Rie, and everyone else could do was stare. Rie heard a strangled laugh from behind her. It was hilarious to hear Belavierr say something that didn\u2019t match the scene. At first. Then\u2026terrifying when you looked at her and understood. Belavierr went on after a pause.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning to you, Mistress. My name is Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n

There it was again. The words came out cautiously, slowly. Rie listened, saw Belavierr choosing each one. It wasn\u2019t that she was out of sync with the world. It was something that bothered Rie far, far more. It sounded with each word like Belavierr was feeling for what should be said.<\/p>\n

Like, someone\u2026pretending to be Human but who had forgotten how it went. She didn\u2019t look around. She didn\u2019t blink. The blows Rehanna had given her could have been an illusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want? I\u2019m not scared of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rehanna was breathing hard, her eyes flashing with rage and even tears of fury. Or grief? Rie watched Belavierr inspect her face. Whatever was in there\u2014the [Witch] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have business with you, Miss Rehanna Salesmith. You have something I want. And I have something to offer you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want nothing<\/em> you [Witches] could ever offer me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rehanna screamed back in Belavierr\u2019s face. She whirled, but Belavierr\u2019s fingers twisted. A bit of thread tangled, and Rehanna stopped. She turned back, her face red.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen. This is what I have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s head bent. Rehanna glared, her face red and white with sudden fear. Wiskeria groaned. She was held too. Rie looked around. And Eloise moved. The small [Witch] strode forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Rehanna, a word. I think tea would be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr caught her hand as she reached for Rehanna. The two [Witches] locked gazes for a moment. Then\u2014it was too late. Belavierr spoke in Rehanna\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s face went white. Rie had seen men hit with spells and arrows die before her eyes in battle. The Sacrifice of Roses. It looked very much like the same had happened to Rehanna. She stumbled, fell backwards onto the street, and stared up at Belavierr. The [Witch] straightened, and Eloise let out a long, pained sigh as she stepped back. Something had been done.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is what I offer. Would you like to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rehanna stared at her, her face still bloodless. Then she got up. She shook so hard that Rie thought she was having some kind of seizure. She stared at Belavierr, then turned and ran. Ran so fast that she was gone before anyone could blink. Rie peered at the empty street and then at Belavierr.<\/p>\n

The [Witch] had paused. She held still where she stood, but her head was turning. Tracking someone through the houses, turning slowly, ever so slowly\u2014and stopping. She looked straight into a wall as she stood in the street. There she stood. Silent. Immobile as Wiskeria got up and tried to talk to her, as Eloise walked back and disbanded the tea circle. It certainly could not stay.<\/p>\n

And there the [Witch] stood. For minutes, and then nearly an hour, as Lady Rie shakily got back to work. As Ryoka found a reason for being in Riverfarm. As Durene heard a warning about [Witches], delivered too late. Belavierr stood and waited, perfectly still, until something changed. She tilted her head and nodded.<\/p>\n

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

Somewhere, there had been an answer. A reply, wrenched from a pain-filled soul. An answer to a bargain only Belavierr and Rehanna had been privy to. Lady Rie Valerund did not know what the deal entailed. She did not know the cost or the result yet. She did not know what the reply had been.<\/p>\n

But she feared, greatly, deeply, and with all her heart, that the answer had been \u2018yes\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

Day 56 \u2013 Ryoka \u00a0 \u201c\u2026A fair morning to you all.\u201d Belavierr\u2019s words echoed across the street. Such innocuous words, delivered politely by a blank face. Luminescent orange eyes with ringed pupils. And the [Witch] herself, tall, dressed like she had walked out of a story. Not just her either. Seven [Witches]. No\u2014eight. Alevica, Califor, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693086,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693135],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-6552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n6.40 E - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/08\/24\/6-40-e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"6.40 E\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Day 56 \u2013 Ryoka \u00a0 \u201c\u2026A fair morning to you all.\u201d Belavierr\u2019s words echoed across the street. Such innocuous words, delivered politely by a blank face. Luminescent orange eyes with ringed pupils. And the [Witch] herself, tall, dressed like she had walked out of a story. Not just her either. Seven [Witches]. No\u2014eight. 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