Belavierr could sense the threads drawing together.<\/p>\n
Could you feel it? She did. She had never met the man with the strange smile who laughed at the death of Ser Raim and the [Hunters]. She did not know him any more than she understood his motives. But she could still feel it.<\/p>\n
Reason and purpose, intersecting. Chance and plans. Malice, directed at her. But she was just a piece in someone else\u2019s trap. That knowledge bothered the [Witch]. She looked up, blinking at the bright sky. And she realized she\u2019d been tricked. But she did not know who had done the tricking, or why. She could not see the web that ensnared her. But she felt it.<\/p>\n
The [Witch] gazed back down at her daughter. The trap did not matter. Her daughter did. And surely, whoever had laid it had known or guessed. Belavierr looked at her daughter. And she felt the second of the two deaths closing in. But that did not matter.<\/p>\n
So the [Witch] waited, her immortality burnt away, her protections gone. Her magic weaker.<\/p>\n
A woman sat in a nest made of ash and embers. Death she had cast down, but death remained. Two, she had foretold, and so still, she waited to see how her death came.<\/p>\n
For her daughter, she would face it. But her daughter\u2014Belavierr closed her eyes. She heard that distant laughter as the trap closed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Day 66 \u2013 Ullim<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Tyrion Veltras\u2019 return to his estates had not been triumphant. It had been quiet. The armies he had gathered for his elaborate, grand scheme had dispersed. And with them goodwill. Say what you would of Magnolia Reinhart, and many would\u2014she had made grave enemies with her actions.<\/p>\n But when you got down to it, Tyrion Veltras\u2019 grand scheme, which had cost many peers of the realm countless thousands of gold pieces in time and energy spent, had fallen apart. He had brought a force capable of taking Liscor, of altering the map<\/em> and potentially securing a lynchpin of Drake defenses. And he had failed.<\/p>\n That was all there was to it. So Lord Veltras returned in fury and ire, so much so that no one dared mince words with him. Politically, he might have been disgraced or have lost capital in the currency of opinions, but on his lands, the ancestral Veltras estates that Drakes and Gnolls both would point out that they\u2019d<\/em> owned in ages past, he still reigned supreme. If he wasn\u2019t welcome at certain balls or gatherings\u2014he seldom attended them anyways.<\/p>\n In his keep, he kept to himself, moodily occupied in his rooms, only stalking out to train or ride about. His sons naturally had questions, and he spent time with them, but he was no fit company, so he let Ullim and Jericha mind the boys as they had always done.<\/p>\n Tyrion Veltras was much like a wolf to people who knew nothing of wolves. He was aloof, fierce, a leader when he needed to be, but solitary. His home, which was more of a keep than a mansion, held only a few of his most loyal retainers, servants, and his two sons.<\/p>\n For all that, he was not a poor [Lord], just specialized. He could lead an army and fight with the best of opponents. But he took little to the managerial side of his class, and it showed.<\/p>\n Veltras lands occupied the western flank of Izril, stretching from the huge Vale Forest\u2014a [Hunter]\u2019s dream, abundant with wildlife\u2014all the way up to the famous landmark, the \u2018tail\u2019 of Izril\u2019s northern half, a long coastal stretch. It meant Veltras lands were abundant in forests due to the heavy rainfalls that could come off the High Passes to the south, the economy fed by trade with ports and steady business, but in places, still very much unsettled.<\/p>\n Of course, to the north, where the Veltrases had first settled, there were booming cities, but none quite so famous as Invrisil. If anything, Veltras lands were known more for the family that protected them. A reluctant leader he might be, but Tyrion Veltras\u2019 aptitude for war meant that few monsters or raiders troubled his lands overlong.<\/p>\n It was the economic issues that annoyed the [Lord], which meant he left most of the work to his family\u2019s steward, Ullim. Unfortunately, large events still required Tyrion\u2019s attention, which was how the luckless Ullim found himself putting issues before his temperamental master as rain beat at the study windows outside.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Reinhart\u2019s [Trade War] continues to affect commerce in a huge radius, Lord Veltras. It isn\u2019t just Invrisil blocking trade, although that certainly has affected the southern half of the continent. But Reinhart holdings spread across Izril, and we have been running into shortages in our own markets. The [Merchants] are unwilling to cross Lady Reinhart, you see. I suspect some of the nobility will take action, or perhaps Lady Reinhart will herself relent; her markets will feel a pinch soon, but until then, we lack for a number of products including rye grains, some of our wheat imports, a number of fruit orchards\u2019 produce\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The glower cut the [Majordomo] off. Tyrion Veltras sat straight-backed in his chair, and annoyance was written large on his face. He snapped as he stared at the map on his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can live without rye<\/em>, Ullim. I have no interest in dealing with Reinhart\u2019s trade war. If we lack for some goods, the people can adapt.\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cOne wishes that were so, Lord Veltras. But as I was saying, the traditional, ah, trade routes for salt and oil are also blocked, Lord Veltras. Lady Pryde\u2019s industries, of course, include the Chalen salt mines, and importing it from the coast has increased the price significantly. As well, oil and butter products are generally sourced through Invrisil or trade routes, thus\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He stopped again as Tyrion cursed. You could live without rye, but salt and oil were different. Tyrion drummed his fingers on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cGo to the coastal ports along Izril\u2019s Tail. Send word that I require trade vessels and caravans in number. We can import goods for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt a steep price, sir. It would be cheaper to buy from Terandria with Drake tariffs, and that will cost\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim calculated out the number on an abacus. Tyrion\u2019s teeth audibly ground together. The [Majordomo] winced. Tyrion got up to pace. Of course, the [Trade War] was a direct byproduct of Magnolia interfering with the siege of Liscor and the ensuing insult to her and her allies.<\/p>\n Although\u2026Ullim distinctly recalled the Veltras family not<\/em> sending a black rose. His master had his sense of honor, prickly though it was. He would damn a Drake city to oblivion, but insult a peer who had fought at the Sacrifice of Roses?<\/p>\n Never. Still, Tyrion\u2019s lands were west of Invrisil, and the trade war was hitting [Merchants] headed their way. The Merchant\u2019s Guild probably also correctly recalled Magnolia and Tyrion\u2019s longstanding feud and wouldn\u2019t risk the journey with a [Trade War] in any case, regardless if Magnolia was specifically targeting Tyrion.<\/p>\n At last, Tyrion\u2019s furious pacing stopped. Like a caged animal, he whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cUllim. Your opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI fear you\u2019re correct, Lord Veltras. We must import, and everyone must tighten their belts in certain regards.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion just glared. After a moment, he stalked back to the desk and stared at the map. Ullim could see the [Lord] fighting with the map, but Tyrion hated the dance of economics as much as he loved war. They were not the same.<\/p>\n \u201cSalt comes from the ocean. We can at least source it from the ports, can\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, sir. Sea salt will do just as well as Lady Pryde\u2019s exports. I will add it to the list.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion nodded. Ullim sighed with relief as he saw the [Lord] relax. Part of Ullim wished Tyrion took more of an interest in the other sides of his class. Ullim was old, and he had known Tyrion growing up. He hoped he had the energy to raise the next generation of the Veltras family\u2019s main line\u2014Hethon and Sammial. They were young, but growing and lacked for a mother. A father too, at times. Tyrion tried, but like managing his lands, he had to know what was right first.<\/p>\n And his other half, who had been so good at explaining it to Tyrion\u2014was dead. But for her, he might have been a better [Lord]. But it had been\u2026dead gods, four years? Ullim felt like it was a lifetime ago, sometimes. Now, Lord Veltras was distant, ever on campaign, and his sons, especially Sammial, grew apart. If Lady Salva had been alive, she could have been Tyrion\u2019s other half.<\/p>\n She had not been perfect, of course, but without her, Tyrion would attack the problem of the trade war relentlessly, trying to outmaneuver an opponent who\u2019d breathed it since she\u2019d been born. Ullim remembered that too. What Tyrion was to military and combat, Magnolia was to infrastructure and diplomacy. They were complete opposites of each other in a way; the only thing they ever agreed on was their disdain for each other.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s still raining.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion\u2019s voice drew Ullim out of the past. The elderly man roused himself and looked to where Tyrion\u2019s attention was focused next. Rain pounded on the panes of the window. Ullim sighed again.<\/p>\n Lord Tyrion Veltras did not do well indoors. While he was content to train or move about in the rain, he didn\u2019t suffer the same for his mounts or his soldiers. It was only one more reason for his enduringly bad mood.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been unnaturally wet, Lord Veltras. One expects the end of the rainy season would have come, but there is no predicting the weather with complete certainty. Even the [Weather Mages] make errors.\u201d<\/p>\n Not that House Veltras\u2019 main family employed any.<\/em> They had dozens of war mages they could call on, but not one could clear a cloud from the sky beyond shooting fireballs at it. Tyrion only made a discontented sound.<\/p>\n \u201cToo long. It\u2019s been eight days. No lightning. Just rain. The clouds should be spitting lightning, and the rain should be passing. This isn\u2019t natural.\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt may be someone else tampering with the weather, Lord Veltras. You do recall the time we had gale winds blowing for nearly two weeks? Not to mention the hurricane\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI recall that. But why here?<\/em> What of the lands south of us?\u201d<\/p>\n They were largely unoccupied and certainly unclaimed. Humans had yet to fully colonize the vast expanse of northern Izril, and the lack of nobility caused by the last Antinium War meant there were fewer holdings under the protection of [Lords] or [Ladies]. Ullim had to consult his notes. He frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cTemperate, Lord Veltras. But normal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo our west, then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIzril\u2019s Tail\u2026well, there was a grand storm, but I have no reports of the port-cities experiencing bad weather.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion glared at the rain. Undeterred, the water kept falling. Ullim went on, shuffling his notes.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see. Well, other nobles have been raising the weather issue as well. Lady Ieka\u2019s lands are unseasonably dry, for instance. A pity for her harvests\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo something\u2019s affecting the weather.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least in part, Lord Veltras.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lord] made a disgusted sound.<\/p>\n \u201cFind a [Weather Mage], then. Have them stop the rains today.\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would have to send for one, Lord Veltras. I do not know if there are many to be found\u2014the rains may subside in the time it would take\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Weatherchange] scroll, then! Buy one and use it!\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion snapped. Again, Ullim hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I quote you a price, Lord Veltras?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo thousand gold pieces at least for a scroll that could affect the radius of your holdings. If we wanted to change the weather patterns, we might need to spend as much as four thousand, or even six\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Ullim saw Tyrion grimace. It wasn\u2019t as if he couldn\u2019t pay the sum, but it was a lot of money to deal with rain. Most cities would be able to afford one scroll or [Weather Mage] in times of need; a [Farmer] could always pay for a shower, of course, but a sustained spell capable of changing weather in a huge radius?<\/p>\n Veltras was rich. Rich enough to finance a truly powerful standing army. But though they were one of the Five Families, that didn\u2019t mean they were all-powerful. Just look at some of the other families.<\/p>\n The houses of Veltras, El, Reinhart, Terland, and Wellfar. They were legends that had settled Izril, taking it from the Drakes and Gnolls thousands of years ago. Of course, they hadn\u2019t been the only noble houses to sail from Terandria. The ones that had perished or fallen over the years had been forgotten by all but a few.<\/p>\n Now, the Five Families remained. But some, like the El families, had fallen far from their lofty past heights. Others, like the Wellfar and Terland families, had retained much of their strength, although the Antinium Wars had slain some of the scions of these houses\u2026Veltras was strong, but they didn\u2019t have huge stockpiles of magical goods. Their strength lay in military might, and their coffers could stand to be deeper.<\/p>\n The Reinharts, on the other hand, had at least kept most of their artifacts\u2014no, even expanded their wealth over the generations thanks to Regis Reinhart. And under Magnolia Reinhart, they were richer still. They could hardly call on all their artifacts of old with that old ghost hoarding their treasures, but it was just another disparity. Ullim could see his lord thinking of all of this as he drummed his fingers on the table. At last, Tyrion nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBuy a scroll. Use it. Hire a Courier if need be. I want the rain gone tonight.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt once, sire.\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim breathed out. It was a cost, but one the Veltras family could afford. And he\u2019d be glad to see the end of this rain too. Sammial was practically bouncing off the walls with his desire to be running about. Veltras nodded as Ullim reached for a list of reputable Couriers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to ride south. I\u2019ll return by nightfall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn this rain, Lord Veltras?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRain brings out monsters, Ullim. I will send a [Message] if I\u2019m delayed returning.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion nodded and strode for the doors. At least he\u2019d be happy if he slew a monster, Ullim reflected. The [Lord] paused at the door and wrinkled his nose. He looked around and snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cUllim. Send some servants into the cellars and storerooms. I believe we have rats.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Majordomo] frowned. But\u2014<\/p>\n They had terriers aplenty. House Veltras was connected well with nature. Still\u2014he went to get a lantern to check.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Day 66 \u2013 Ryoka<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cShe cannot stay here. She must leave.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Lady Rie said as she watched Belavierr. The [Witch] stood alone. Ryoka wondered if even her coven was afraid to speak with her. And Ryoka didn\u2019t argue the point.<\/p>\n She couldn\u2019t. She still felt tears unshed when she thought of Ser Raim. She had not agreed with him. Ryoka had wanted to find some peace, because part of her liked Belavierr. And another had looked at Raim and seen a hero.<\/p>\n Did that make Belavierr a villain? Perhaps. Perhaps. Or perhaps she was just\u2026a [Witch]. But all of Ryoka abhorred the death of the [Witch Hunters].<\/p>\n There was no answer the young woman had. She had tried to use logic, tried to apply a morality to what she saw. All she now knew was that she was a guest in Riverfarm. Trying to steer a rudder away from destruction. And now\u2014had she succeeded?<\/p>\n The Order of Seasons were leaving. Ryoka had not witnessed the battle between Belavierr\u2019s minions and the [Knights]. She had missed the conflict that tore the earth. But today, she saw what remained.<\/p>\n Cloth, really. Torn silk, so precious that some of Riverfarm\u2019s people had picked it up until they remembered who it belonged to. Broken creatures, some so lifelike that Ryoka could only stare at a severed Wyvern\u2019s head until she walked around it and saw it was filled with stuffing. A few rotting corpses, yes, from the undead. But mainly broken cloth.<\/p>\n And weapons. A treasure trove of ancient steel, even what looked to be magical items. No one touched those either. Even the most light-fingered person thought twice about it.<\/p>\n Cloth. Undead corpses. And the bodies of the fallen [Knights]. All wore green or orange, the colors of their\u2026Order? Season.<\/p>\n The living had closed their eyes, folded their arms, and prepared them for burial\u2014delivery to their homelands. Almost all of the dead were older, senior members of the Order.<\/p>\n The survivors were Knights of the Spring and Summer, and Ryoka saw how young<\/em> they were. More than half were younger than she was.<\/p>\n In fact, their leader was a Dame Talia, who had assumed command after each one of her seniors had fallen or been too badly wounded to even stand. Some had been veterans, but they had died, lacking magical armor, fighting to keep Ser Raim and the [Hunters] safe. The [Hunters] had fallen to treachery, and Raim had burnt away before he could end Belavierr.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Unable to ride. I shall take the bodies of our brethren via Pheislant. Escort me to a major city and the care of a [Healer], Dame Talia. I charge you with the return of our younger [Knights].\u201d<\/p>\n One of the older Spring Knights could barely whisper to Talia, a bandage wrapped around a black wound in her stomach that refused to heal, caused by a cursed weapon. The Summer Knight clasped her hand, bowed her head.<\/p>\n \u201cBy your leave, Dame Captain. There are still nigh a dozen of us fit to ride and fight\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Her words made the able-bodied [Knights] hesitate. Several placed hands on their swords and glanced towards the [Witch]. Their trains of thought were obvious.<\/p>\n Perhaps they still could finish her. Ryoka saw that too. Each of the [Knights] looked at the [Witch], measuring her, seeing her hunch and tend to her burns or wince at the bright light. They were such mortal actions that Ryoka herself felt like she could kill Belavierr just by walking up and stabbing her in the back.<\/p>\n But then the [Witch] would turn. And not even the [Summer Knights] could meet her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will not forget this day. Nor will we forget Ser Raim\u2019s sacrifice. Had it not been for the weakness of one man\u2019s heart, he would have triumphed. I will return his possessions to my order. Miss Durene, you have my thanks. And you, Sir Beniar.\u201d<\/p>\n Dame Talia, a woman with auburn hair, turned and walked past Belavierr, and bowed to the folks of Riverfarm. Ryoka saw her glance at Belavierr more than once, but her orders were clear. The Order of Seasons would not make the Stitch Witch their enemy.<\/p>\n Apparently, they were still at an uneasy standoff with some\u2026Griffin Riders? Ryoka wasn\u2019t sure she\u2019d even heard that right.<\/p>\n Regardless, Dame Talia bid farewell to Durene and Beniar, both of whom had fought with them. It was strange to see her clasp hands with Durene, and the half-Troll girl seemed just as surprised. But they had fought while Ryoka had chased the fae. Talia said not a word to Ryoka as she bore the ashes and Ser Raim\u2019s greatsword away. She had no time for a City Runner.<\/p>\n Talia\u2019s hands were clenched so hard as she stared at Belavierr that Ryoka swore she saw blood leaking from the gauntlets. Another [Knight] was being held back by his friends.<\/p>\n \u201cMarkus, don\u2019t do it. She\u2019ll kill you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re to turn and leave?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The man\u2019s voice rose, but they dragged him back.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Spring\u2019s Warden and Knight-Commander call it folly. Don\u2019t be mad, Markus. There will be another battle. Someday.\u201d<\/p>\n Hollow the words might have rung, but what could they do? The [Knights] retreated, filled with such emotion that even Ryoka could sense them; she saw more than one [Witch] grasping for the [Knights]\u2019 feelings and placing them under their hats.<\/p>\n And then? There was only the village of Riverfarm left. Prost oversaw the burial of the [Witch Hunter], Tagil. The Order was returning their artifacts to the Hunter\u2019s Guild of Terandria. And they carried the ashes of Sylind, Erashelle, Faigen, Coroise, and Gaile with them. No one had asked for Tagil\u2019s remains.<\/p>\n So the villagers dug a hole for him. The sound the shovel made as it broke the earth was soft, despite all the ash. Ryoka thought it should have been louder. But the sound stayed with her for hours. And they buried him where he fell. No one said a word. It was a traitor\u2019s death.<\/p>\n And that left only Belavierr. No one would go near her. But she was there<\/em>. As Lady Rie said\u2014she couldn\u2019t stay. Whatever pact the coven hoped to achieve with Riverfarm, she could not be part of it. Everyone had seen what she\u2019d done. They\u2019d seen the body.<\/p>\n \u201cWho will persuade her to leave? His Majesty? A knighthood order couldn\u2019t do it. Leave her alone.<\/em> All of what\u2019s come to pass has been because people went after her. Leave her alone, Lady Rie.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka snapped at the [Lady]. Prost was still wiping his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will do just that. But there\u2019s the matter of all this\u2026cloth on the ground. Those weapons\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could outfit a company on Baleros with all of them. It\u2019s worth a fortune<\/em>. The silk\u2019s valuable too, even if it\u2019s old.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlay blinked as Ryoka elbowed her in her horse half, right below her Human belly. She smacked Ryoka back on the shoulder. Prost shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one touches a thing. We\u2019ll leave it be. If anyone thinks to touch it\u2014I\u2019ll make an announcement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSaying what? Anyone who touches it, be it man, woman, or child, is dead? That this [Witch] can do whatever she pleases without consequence?\u201d<\/p>\n Rie\u2019s lips were pale. Ryoka looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that sounds about right. I\u2019ll talk to her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka! Are you mad?\u201d<\/p>\n Charlay tried to drag Ryoka back. But the City Runner was adamant. The two engaged in a tug of war, which the Centauress fairly easily won at first\u2014until she realized that Belavierr was staring at them. Then she ran away.<\/p>\n Perhaps Ryoka was stupid. She was properly terrified of Belavierr. Terrified and regretting ever speaking against Ser Raim. But the one man who could have killed her was dead. Now\u2014Ryoka\u2019s eyes went to Wiskeria, standing alone.<\/p>\n Now it was about a mother and a daughter. <\/em>And Ryoka, at least, felt like she understood that.<\/p>\n Ryoka found Belavierr sitting next to the tree where they had found Tagil. The dry grass had caught fire\u2014a huge swath of scorched earth radiated around her. Naught was left of the tree itself, or Hunter Tagil; only an ashy stump of charred wood remained.<\/p>\n Smoke still stung the air, but the flames had been so intense the landscape wasn\u2019t as burnt as Ryoka had expected. The fire had been meant to cleanse.<\/p>\n It had failed\u2014and left a burnt [Witch] in its wake. Yet already Belavierr proved she was that old legend. At first, she had seemed like a burn victim, ruined, charred flesh covering every bit of her body, with third degree burns\u2014Ryoka didn\u2019t know. Did burns go up higher?<\/p>\n Hair burnt away, eye sockets exposed, flesh worn to reveal cauterized internal organs\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n By the time the [Knights] had left, Belavierr was just\u2026Belavierr again. Her dress, immaculate and dark, her hair and face restored to their proper shape. However, there were still clues of her weakness.<\/p>\n For one, she smelled of that incendiary conflict, still. And she sat as though it pained her to even raise her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI have survived my death. But I have another.\u201d<\/p>\n She was talking to Mavika. The coven had joined Belavierr at last. All save for Eloise and Wiskeria. The crow [Witch] cocked her head; Ryoka noticed only her pet raven on her shoulders. Even the crows had fled Belavierr\u2019s general vicinity.<\/p>\n \u201cYou foresaw two deaths, Witch Belavierr?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Two. The second comes on the heels of the first. I do not know how. Or where. But it will be by fire. I would flee it, but I have lost my protections. And my daughter remains. So I shall stay. Until the deal with this [Emperor] is struck.\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr\u2019s eyes were still ringed. But the glow had faded from them. She even blinked. Seldom. And she spoke\u2026like a person. She even turned her head as Ryoka approached. That was unnerving. Alevica shifted from foot to foot, eying Belavierr. The Witch Runner jumped when Belavierr turned to look at her.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014Bela\u2014Witch Belavierr. You\u2019ve lost your protections?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. They were burnt away. I can be killed. I may die. With age or blade. The spells of centuries that would have taken a blow are gone. It is strange.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Witch] raised her head. She stared straight up at the sun and blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cBright. And I feel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She gazed back down at Ryoka. The City Runner paused. Belavierr went on.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026alive. More aware. Before, I was a function of my craft. My nature displaced. Distant. It has been centuries since I last felt this way. Passing strange.\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced around again. Her eyes found Hedag.<\/p>\n \u201cHedag. I remember your predecessors, now, each one a face more than a name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. And fine Hedags they were. Fine bastards, or so I hear. How many did you kill?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Executioner] grinned. Belavierr paused.<\/p>\n \u201c…There were more of you. Hedag was a name spread across Izril. \u2018For any man or woman may take up the axe and dispense justice. They are the Hedags of villages.\u2019 And you are the last.\u201d<\/p>\n Hedag nodded. Her grin flashed wide across her face, as wide as the strange man Ryoka had met outside the village. It was not necessarily friendly, especially on Hedag\u2019s face. And this time, Belavierr noticed. She was aware<\/em>. She peered at Hedag, then looked around. This time at Mavika.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have spoken before, Mavika. Last\u2026when we ordained the Witch of Molten Stone as a [Witch] unquestioned. A small event of discussion to many who were shocked. Not you nor I.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Mavika looked shocked Belavierr recalled it, but the Witch of Webs nodded. And then she turned to Alevica. The Witch Runner tried to copy Hedag\u2019s grin. It slipped away.<\/p>\n \u201cAlevica. It has been long since [Witches] flew through the sky. And your magic is weak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI, uh\u2014I\u2019m improving, Witch Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n The Witch Runner flushed, gripping the edge of her hat. Belavierr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cGrudges and envy are too weak to sustain powerful spells. You incur ire, but you are neither feared nor hated enough to call on true magic. You fly by virtue of talent. And you are weak. Someone should have told you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica shut up as Belavierr stared down at her. Then the Stitch Witch whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they should fear you, take their eye and let them see you crush theirs between your teeth. Take their lovers. If you would fly like that\u2014<\/em>make a necklace of fingers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I don\u2019t think that\u2019s something I need to do. That\u2019s a bit extreme?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica\u2019s voice quavered. The Stitch Witch peered at Alevica, and her eyes turned scornful.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. That is why you are weak.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, she turned her head.<\/p>\n \u201cWitch Califor, thou art.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWitch Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Witch] held her ground as Nanette hid behind Califor. Belavierr tilted her head and then stopped, turning sideways. Nanette squeaked<\/em>, terrified. And Califor turned to shield her. Now, Belavierr met Califor\u2019s gaze. The two [Witches] locked gazes. Belavierr spoke absently.<\/p>\n \u201cYou hid the village. Witches of old did that. I do not know your tales. I recognize your craft.\u201d<\/p>\n Califor\u2019s voice was exceedingly polite.<\/p>\n \u201cI warned you. The old ways still linger. Nanette, introduce yourself to Witch Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I raise my hat to you. Witch Belavierr?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Witch] girl stuttered, white with fright. Belavierr tilted her head, eying Nanette. For a second, she stared at Califor, then turned her head away.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember when Wiskeria was as small as you. I would that I had taught her more. You study from a great [Witch] of our era. A lesson, Witch Nanette. Immortality is not as simple as taking life. To endure the passage of time, we who are mortal must give something away. To hide my soul away from harm, I pushed my soul away. But the cost was exactly what I gave. Remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Belavierr.\u201d<\/p>\n Satisfied, the Stitch Witch sat back and sighed, and Ryoka jumped as the eyes latched onto her. Belavierr was changed.<\/em> Her eyes were focused, not distant as they always had been except when talking to Wiskeria. And she was remembering names. Faces.<\/p>\n She spoke like someone giving her last rites and benedictions. <\/em>That was what Ryoka realized. The [Witches] gathered around were polite, even the ones who had opposed Belavierr. Eloise refused to go near Belavierr, but the rest? Belavierr\u2019s voice was weak.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka Griffin. You saw the guests. The wind knows you. I saw that. But I did not ask. Who are you?<\/em> Where did you blow from, strange-scented girl?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka shuddered. The full attention of Belavierr was like a lighthouse\u2019s beam blasting her. She gritted her teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I, uh\u2014are you going to clean up all those weapons and cloth?\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr blinked. She paused, stared at Ryoka, and then turned her head. She regarded the cut, burnt, dirty cloth. The weapons lying on the ground. And she sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour possessions are destroyed. What have you left of your craft? What can you remake?\u201d<\/p>\n Mavika watched as her raven darted from her shoulder and swept up a bright piece of red silk. Belavierr eyed the raven, and it took flight. She swept her hand. All the cloth began to move<\/em>. Ryoka heard exclamations and saw people run towards the village\u2014the cloth was slithering across the ground towards Belavierr.<\/p>\n The Stitch Witch held up one loose arm of her robes. And the cloth somehow slithered up and up into her dress. Only\u2014it was going somewhere else. In moments, it was gone. Leaving only the metal weapons. Belavierr eyed them. Then she walked over and picked one up. She stared at a steel sword and tossed it back on the burnt ground.<\/p>\n \u201cMy creations took decades to make. My wards far longer. I can bind time, create lesser magics. But the workings that hid my very heart away\u2014those were made out of power that was burnt away. I must find more. I have lost all but a few years. Rehanna\u2019s among others. I will be weak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe weapons\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka choked. The cloth was gone!<\/em> Belavierr looked blankly at the scattered weapons and armor.<\/p>\n \u201cMetal. I cannot pick it up so easily. I will conjure something to gather it tonight. Now. You did not answer my question. Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n She gazed back at Ryoka. The young woman hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cJust\u2026a City Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cEven were I immortal, I would know that as a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused.<\/p>\n \u201cIt matters not. What matters is that my second death comes. And my daughter is wroth with me. She was pleased I lived. Yet\u2026hates me equally well.\u201d<\/p>\n The words came slowly. Ryoka nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI think she does, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr\u2019s lips moved.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not remember my own mother. Why does Wiskeria feel so? Because of who I am? Because of what I do? How strange. When did she think so? I can remember when she grew angry with me. Back then I had no understanding of it. Now\u2014I understand. But she is a [Witch]. And she lacks a true craft. She is a [General] serving an [Emperor]. How has she strayed from her path? And she hates me. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr mused to herself. She seemed\u2026confused. The other [Witches] exchanged glances. At last, Belavierr looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cI must find Wiskeria.\u201d<\/p>\n She walked away. At least there, she was the same. Ryoka watched her vanish in moments, striding with unnatural speed across the ground. Ryoka let out her breath and looked around, wide-eyed. She wasn\u2019t the only one. Even Mavika and Califor were blinking more than usual. Alevica was practically tearing her hat in two.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Mavika\u2019s eyes focused on the distant Belavierr.<\/p>\n \u201cShe has come back to herself. That was Belavierr of old. In the times since I have met her, she has grown more distant. Now, her soul hidden behind her web now burned away. Whether that [Knight] did her a gift unknowing, who can say?\u201d<\/p>\n Califor just exhaled hard.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch her, Nanette. She has become ten times more dangerous, for all she is a hundred thousand times weaker. That is the price of immortality that she mentioned. Everything has its cost. Now, she is burnt beyond belief.\u201d<\/p>\n Hedag laughed. She leaned on her axe.<\/p>\n \u201cShe hides it well though, eh? But what a change in her! Perhaps we\u2019d best get any answers we want out of her now! But will it help her with Wiskeria? Or our plans with this man-[Emperor]?\u201d<\/p>\n Califor shook her head, pursing her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not imagine so. And Eloise is at odds with Belavierr. Our coven squabbles, and our members have caused the deaths of others on this [Emperor]\u2019s lands. A fine mess this is when we are bargaining<\/em> on behalf of [Witches] across Izril. And the sky remains clear.\u201d<\/p>\n Her glare took in everyone. Ryoka paused, her head still spinning.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, what was that about clear skies?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, nothing. Just the fact that it hasn\u2019t rained<\/em> and I haven\u2019t seen a cloud for over a week now. That strike you as strange, Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed up at the clear skies. Ryoka felt sweat beading on her forehead. It was hot. She\u2019d assumed it was just an early summer heat. But\u2026she paused. And she really looked around.<\/p>\n Not at the weapons on the ground. Or the burnt places where Ser Raim\u2019s fire had ignited the earth, or the torn places where the battle\u2019s scars remained. At the village itself. The surrounding forest.<\/p>\n It was all\u2026dry. Alevica and Califor were right. It hadn\u2019t rained in, what, over a week? Even longer? Ryoka couldn\u2019t remember. She recalled hating the rain right up until about when the [Witches] had arrived, but she hadn\u2019t noticed the dryness except to complain about it.<\/p>\n But today, the heat and Alevica pointing it out made Ryoka notice how dry<\/em> the grass was. It was yellowed, practically dead. The earth was equally parched underfoot. Only the [Farmers]\u2019 fields were at all green, and that was because of Riverfarm\u2019s river and the watering the villagers were doing.<\/p>\n It was dry. Unnaturally dry. Ryoka turned to Miss Califor.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought it was just odd weather. Is there something magical about this, Miss Califor?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Witch] nodded once. Her severe expression was tinged with annoyance.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone has cast a working on the sky. Someone informed the Order of Seasons of Belavierr\u2019s whereabouts. And someone slew Mavika\u2019s coven. These events may be linked, or they may not. I came here to speak to this [Emperor], not to endanger Nanette. I would not have brought her had I known. It seems there is something afoot. And I will find out what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Her eyes narrowed dangerously. Ryoka hesitated. She felt for whoever got on the receiving end of Califor\u2019s wrath. But she had no idea\u2026<\/p>\n Ryoka paused. She frowned. No, wait. She had a few hints. Clues. She gazed at Miss Califor, then surreptitiously checked the expressions of the rest of the coven present.<\/p>\n Alevica was frowning up at the sky and muttering about Belavierr\u2014but very quietly. Nanette was staring up at Miss Califor, worried. Hedag was picking at her teeth. And Mavika and Califor were looking straight at Ryoka. She hesitated. And then she backed away. As she headed back to Riverfarm at a run, she felt it too.<\/p>\n Suspicion in the air. If all of this were the result of someone\u2019s doing. Then who? And why?<\/p>\n And\u2014what would Wiskeria make of her mother now? Ryoka got five steps into the village when she got the answer to that question, at least. Wiskeria\u2019s scream rang through the air, and then Belavierr came walking past Ryoka. She seemed miffed, a new expression on her face. Purple flames burned on her dark clothing and then extinguished themselves. Ryoka stared at Belavierr. The [Witch] stared back.<\/p>\n \u201cWeak magic. My daughter has yet to find her craft.\u201d<\/p>\n Coming from her, it sounded like the only problem in the world.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Day 67 \u2013 Durene<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIs it wrong I wanted her to live? When I realized she might actually die\u2014when I saw that [Knight], I thought\u2014\u2018oh. He might actually do it.\u2019 And I was terrified, Durene. I didn\u2019t want to lose her. Then\u2014I did.<\/em> Both. I\u2019m so inconsistent. I always thought people who didn\u2019t know themselves were fools. Now look at me.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria sat in Durene\u2019s cottage. Tears ran from her eyes. Real tears, Durene realized, not ones Wiskeria had produced for the moment.<\/p>\n Durene sat with her. Charlay had run away. And Ryoka was talking with Prost. But really, they had both run away. Wiskeria\u2019s eyes were red. Her nose ran despite Durene\u2019s handkerchief, which had done its best. She seemed nothing like a [Witch]. She looked like, well, a young woman.<\/p>\n For once, the composed Wiskeria wept. Durene was the worst person here and just kept patting her hand. She didn\u2019t know what to say.<\/p>\n Durene had never had a fight with her mother. She\u2019d never had a mother she knew. She envied Wiskeria, in a way. Envied and understood. Because she knew what it was like to have a monster for a parent. But one that was living?<\/p>\n The half-Troll girl had seen what Belavierr had done. She had seen Ser Raim die. And she had seen evil. Evil smiled as a man swayed from a tree branch. Evil threatened to murder families and children. And that was Belavierr. Durene had never feared anything as much as her. Because she had no idea what to do. Belavierr couldn\u2019t be stopped. She couldn\u2019t be reasoned with. She was\u2026<\/p>\n A monster. But one who cared for her daughter. Yet her daughter clearly wished that were the opposite.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be so much easier if she didn\u2019t care for me. But I am the one person she would ever do a favor for without a price. She has stories of bargaining with the Immortal Tyrant, fleecing Dragons, but for me<\/em>, she stayed when she might die.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s, um\u2014a good thing, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA brave man lies dead for that. <\/em>Not just him. Dozens of [Knights]\u2014dead. And war between Kaliv and Pheislant\u2019s Order of Seasons? Ostevien! She used<\/em> him to manipulate the Griffin Queen to war.\u201d<\/p>\n Durene had no idea where all these places were, but to Wiskeria, it was obvious.<\/p>\n \u201cMy fault, Durene. Even when she does me a favor, it twists for her. She lays traps and plans for every contingency. That\u2019s why I thought she could never die. And now someone nearly did it? I don\u2019t recognize her. Was that my mother, before? Who is this?<\/em> What is she? She talks. She\u2019s different!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019re you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t know. But I can\u2019t let her do this anymore. I can\u2019t\u2014I became a [Witch] because of her. But I am not a full [Witch] because I am always in her shadow. I ran away to find who I was without her. And she has found me, and I am her daughter again, bringing grief because of her affection.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria looked at her hands. She was crying. Durene reached out and patted Wiskeria on the shoulder. But the tears, like everything else, had run out. And Wiskeria\u2019s sobs soon turned dry. Then, she just sat and bowed her head. The terrible look in her eyes scared Durene far more than Wiskeria\u2019s wrath or sadness.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we find Eloise? Or\u2014Ryoka? She said we have a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n Durene offered the suggestion as an alternative to sitting in silence. Wiskeria glanced up after a moment and nodded. She got up and stared at the mess of a handkerchief. Durene winced.<\/p>\n \u201cI can wash that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria shook it and handed it back. Durene gingerly took it\u2014and then realized the handkerchief was dry. Empty, too. Relieved, she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! That\u2019s a great trick! You know a lot of tricks for a [Witch]! Even if you don\u2019t, um, do the big things\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s face turned into a bitter smile. She looked up at Durene. And something of the dead [Hunter], Tagil\u2019s, last expression was there.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. You know, I think the other [Witches] always expected more of me, Durene. Because of my mother. But a [Witch] is limited by her craft. And I don\u2019t have one. I know my mother\u2019s secrets, some of them. I could have struck a bargain with the moon or committed dark deeds by midnight for power.\u201d<\/p>\n Her eyes were serious, and Durene shivered. Wiskeria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014But I never did. Because that would have made me too much like her. I was always afraid of who I might become, I think. So I tried to be a\u2014a normal [Witch]. A normal person.<\/em> I became an adventurer. And Odveig, my best friend, turned out to be an imposter. I haven\u2019t been that much happier by running away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean that.\u201d<\/p>\n Durene looked down. Wiskeria smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n They left the cottage. Wiskeria strode down the dry dirt road. Durene followed warily. But Wiskeria wasn\u2019t about to be stopped.<\/p>\n Riverfarm was quiet. People worked, then rested in the shade. The air was hot and dry. But what exhausted the body was the atmosphere. It was tense. Stifling. Fights broke out for no reason. Arguments began and halted as people saw the pointed hat. But the fear\u2014the fear was the root. Durene was no [Witch], but she could feel it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou see? Mother\u2019s everything that makes [Witches] hated.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria whispered as she gazed around. Durene walked with her through the village, searching for Ryoka. The [Witch] went on.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd yet, it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Eloise. Hedag. Even Mavika, in a way. People don\u2019t hate<\/em> them. Some of them saw the good. I can feel it. They\u2019re an inch from turning on us. If they weren\u2019t terrified of Mother, they would. But they liked us. It\u2019s still there. Buried.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can show them again. Riverfarm has good people in it. Even the folks from Lancrel can see.\u201d<\/p>\n Durene saw Wiskeria shake her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. So long as she\u2019s here, she\u2019ll always remind them of what we can be at our worst. She is the most powerful [Witch] I know. And the darkest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n They found Ryoka in Rie\u2019s cottage. The young woman was panting. And Charlay was drinking greedily from a flask of water. Durene glared at both, but the two Runner girls had uncharacteristically grave expressions. Rie was tracing a finger across a map.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, that appears to be, what? A fifty mile radius?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least. Charlay made it way farther than I did. We both took about an hour and some to go out there, and we saw dry grass ahead. So yeah, fifty miles at least.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlay pawed the ground as she splashed some water on her face and the floor and Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I spied some green at the end of my run. But Ryoka\u2019s right. It\u2019s dry<\/em>. All the streams have dried up.\u201d<\/p>\n Prost leaned over the table, his brow knotted with worry as it always seemed to be these days.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t we notice it before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt seemed natural to me after all that rain. This felt like an early summer heat wave. And it\u2019s not like we didn\u2019t have enough to worry about. It\u2019s just these last few days that have been hot\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka glanced up as Wiskeria and Durene stopped in the doorway. Her expression was grave. Durene opened her mouth. Wiskeria beat her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat has my mother done this time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing. We have a new problem. It\u2019s still not rained.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka outlined the issue succinctly. There wasn\u2019t much to say. Durene had noticed the lack of water, of course. She\u2019d been working the farm rotation, helping water the crops. Because Riverfarm was fed by the river, they\u2019d been able to keep growing what they wanted. But outside the village, everything was drying up. According to Ryoka, it wasn\u2019t natural.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Witches] say it might be magic causing the drought. Califor\u2019s certain. Which makes me certain it is<\/em> something. The question is\u2014is it one of them? The Circle of Thorns? The Order of Seasons? Someone else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes you think the Order of Seasons had anything to do with this? They targeted Belavierr. And they are an extremely honorable order.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Rie seemed insulted. Ryoka raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re called the \u2018Order of Seasons\u2019. I imagine they could do something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it\u2019s my mother. It sounds like something she\u2019d do.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria\u2019s expression was still bleak. Ryoka paused. Everyone in the room looked at Wiskeria. Their expressions ranged from sympathy to quiet appraisal. Ryoka paused.<\/p>\n \u201cCould she do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWeather magic. Stitch magic. My mother could probably do it if she wanted to. Maybe someone paid her.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka paused for a second and then shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cShe might. I\u2019ll\u2026ask her. And the coven, to see if they know anything. But what could affect the weather for so many days? Anyone? Even the wind feels slack.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused and bit her lip. Wiskeria and Lady Rie both glanced at each other. Wiskeria frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cA few things can change weather. [Witches], for one. We know rituals. Also, [Weather Mages]. Some artifacts, although they\u2019re rare. Magical scrolls, of course, but they\u2019re too expensive for regular people to use. You\u2019d have to use a bunch to keep the weather straight for days on end. And\u2026maybe [Druids]? Those are the ones I can think of. I guess you could be a [Water Mage] and shoot water into the air or something.\u201d<\/p>\n Rie nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cScrolls are out of the question for most individuals. I myself couldn\u2019t afford to use more than one or two in times of emergency. If I thought this drought was natural, I might still give it four more days before I called for a [Weather Mage] or scroll.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurely it\u2019s not that<\/em> expensive? I\u2019ve known bad years before, and once Riverfarm pitched in to call on a [Weather Mage]. It did cost the earth, but we could afford it.\u201d<\/p>\n Prost protested gently. Rie shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Prost, the difference is forcing a change and temporary relief or encouraging nature to be\u2026nature, as I understand it. Calling for a sudden shower is simple, if taxing. Changing the weather to, say, start the rainy season early is more difficult, but again, possible. But outright halting the fall of rain? Halting this amount of rain over such an area? That would require a great <\/em>deal of magic from one [Mage]. Or a simply exorbitant number of scrolls.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria rubbed at her chin.<\/p>\n \u201cOr a [Witch] casting the right ritual. Or hex.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone was silent then. Ryoka looked up. The City Runner paused.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we don\u2019t know who it is. But I think we should begin making plans and investigating the issue. I\u2019ll ask Fierre\u2014I also want to know how<\/em> the Order of Seasons knew Belavierr was here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. I will see to collecting some water. We can fashion some barrels, store them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Rie and Prost focused on the issue of storing water as if it were some huge problem. But Durene didn\u2019t see it. As the others left, she turned to Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the problem? I understand it\u2019s dry, but it doesn\u2019t affect Riverfarm, right? We have a river, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n The young Asian woman gave Durene a frown.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. But it\u2019s not infinite. Riverfarm could run out of a river.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No, it\u2019s a river\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Durene chuckled. Then she saw the look on Ryoka\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe river\u2019s not infinite, Durene. It\u2019s being fed by tributaries and groundwater. Haven\u2019t you seen how low it is?\u201d<\/p>\n Durene hadn\u2019t. Nor had anyone ever explained the concept of how rivers came to be to her. Riverfarm\u2019s river had always been there; it never occurred to Durene that the river could disappear<\/em> if it stopped being fed by rain. They went to the river, and she gasped when she saw how low it was. Ryoka nodded and knelt, peering at the banks.<\/p>\n \u201cYour river\u2019s sunk three feet. What happens when it runs dry? The crops die for one. And for another\u2026we could be in serious trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one can keep the weather dry forever, though. Not even the most powerful spells can hold back the natural weather.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria\u2019s voice was quiet. Ryoka nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue, but we stand at risk for fires. Well\u2014not with the river, yeah. But we\u2019ll store some river water. Maybe we should keep some at strategic places in case a fire breaks out. I\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Then she paused. She glanced up at the same time Durene felt the tingle on her neck. Belavierr strode towards them. She didn\u2019t appear. She just walked. And her eyes were fixed on Wiskeria. A change in the air. She still smelled of smoke.<\/em> And she could die. But she felt like power.<\/p>\n \u201cDaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMother.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria turned. Ryoka, Charlay, and Durene backed up. Belavierr stopped and gazed down at Wiskeria. Yesterday, Wiskeria had shot magic at her mother until she left. Today, Belavierr stood at a slight remove. Her voice was cool.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you calmed, Daughter? I would speak to you of your craft. Your future. I understand you are wroth with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m beyond angry, Mother. Not for killing that [Knight]. For everything.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria shook her head. She looked at her mother. And Durene saw more than a few people from the village had followed. They were staring at Belavierr. At Wiskeria. And their faces\u2014Belavierr paid them no mind. She glanced at Ryoka once. Charlay and Durene she ignored.<\/p>\n \u201cI have lost my protections. Been torn back to mortality. I hunger and thirst and breathe. But I still do not understand your fury, Daughter. You are a [Witch]. You know what it is to be one of us. All that I have done has been to protect myself. I made no unfair deals with Rehanna.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you threatened a [Prince]\u2019s life. My friend, Ostevien. You convinced a man to kill<\/em> his friends and hang himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr\u2019s eyes never changed. Nor did her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. I made such deals to protect myself. The Griffin Prince accepted my bargain, even if he found it not to his liking. If I perished, he would too. I have asked nothing of him for years and asked nothing of the Griffin Queen. Merely told her who hunted me. Tagil the [Witch Hunter] chose his daughter\u2019s life over his own. They were all free to choose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou make it sound so simple.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria\u2019s voice was bitter. She looked at her mother and shook her head. Belavierr sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes death bother you? Why? I never raised you to fear it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t. It took me ages to understand how other people saw such things. How to admire<\/em> a man like Ser Raim. He had every right to his vengeance. You are a criminal, a murderer, and a lawbreaker, mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria shot back. Belavierr gave her daughter a blank frown, then sounded\u2026exasperated.<\/p>\n \u201cLaw. That is a concept of cities. I have taught you of law. A great\u2026friend of mine made thousands of laws. Each one more twisted than the last, each one more elegant. A law is a rod that can be walked around, ignored, bent, or broken. We are [Witches]. We act according to our craft. Our desires. You know <\/em>this.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria exhaled.<\/p>\n \u201cI do. I don\u2019t admire what you are, Mother. I admire that dead man\u2019s resolve. I understand every reason he tried to kill you, and I wish he had\u2014and I am glad he didn\u2019t. The difference is, I feel guilty about my relief. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n It was the same argument Durene had heard before. The one Wiskeria had wept over. She saw Ryoka\u2019s face, sharply listening. Waiting, mouth opening, as if to break in. But she couldn\u2019t. Belavierr sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you say. We walk in a circle. Daughter. Nothing I do is your fault. You are not responsible for my actions. And you are my daughter. Can we not be mother and daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n She reached out, and Wiskeria flinched. She held up a hand. And then she cried out to all listening.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t understand. I can\u2019t forget what you\u2019ve done! I can\u2019t look away and pretend you aren\u2019t wrong!<\/em> If I could, I would be happy. But I can\u2019t. Because I still love you, Mother! So now I am guilty<\/em>, because I am two contradictory things. Because I could stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n Tears unshed. And Belavierr sighed. She sighed, and Durene waited for what would come next. They were at odds, the two. Neither one changing. But today, Wiskeria\u2019s face was pale. Her eyes were horrified. Belavierr spread her arms, welcoming, entreating. And her smile was gentle, loving perhaps\u2014<\/p>\n \u2014But also greatly amused.<\/p>\n \u201cMy daughter. My beloved daughter. I would do anything in my power for you. But I will not change who I am. And you cannot stop me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could try.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria aimed her wand at Belavierr\u2019s back. Durene heard Belavierr sigh and turn.<\/p>\n \u201cDaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy my blood, I draw this knife. An oath cut to, an oath of strife\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria whispered and drew a dagger from her side. She went to cut her arm, drawing blood, which pooled around the knife\u2019s edge. Belavierr watched, sighing, as Wiskeria flicked the knife up, holding it lightly\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cA simple charm, Daughter. As poor as Witch Alevica against me. A single sonnet against a library of high-chant, even now.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria jabbed<\/em>\u2014and Belavierr caught the knife-hand, twisted it, and Wiskeria grimaced, tried to draw her wand\u2014Belavierr idly let go, and Wiskeria stumbled back.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Daughter. My clothes alone could ward off that blade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria stabbed for Belavierr\u2019s cheek, and Durene gasped in horror. Belavierr turned her head and closed her jaw as the knife went through<\/em> one cheek.<\/p>\n No blood pooled from her face as someone shouted in horror. Wiskeria\u2019s arm jarred, and Belavierr removed Wiskeria\u2019s knife, opened her mouth, pulled the blade out\u2014<\/p>\n Her skin stuck to the blade\u2014but left no blood.<\/em> She handed Wiskeria the knife back.<\/p>\n \u201cI will teach you a better cutting charm, Daughter. Are you done throwing a tantrum? You could not stop me. Even now.<\/em> My daughter, you could do so much more.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria backed up, eyes flashing.<\/p>\n \u201cI owe my lack of craft to you<\/em>, Mother. I\u2019ve seen what it turns you into.\u201d<\/p>\n That hurt more than the knife, clearly. Belavierr frowned, and Wiskeria began to chant, waving her wand.<\/p>\n \u201cCut the air and strike the skies! Enough of my mother\u2019s lies! Strike the murderess between the eyes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n This time, it was air. Durene saw something shift<\/em>. She saw an almost invisible blade fly at Belavierr. The Stitch Witch glared.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She raised a hand and slashed. Durene saw a flash of silver; Wiskeria gasped and stumbled backwards. The blade of air severed, exploded in a burst. And Belavierr lowered the needle. Her voice was coldly disappointed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou chant in the old way to make up for your lack of power. Even armed with knowledge of old\u2014the [Witches] of this coven exceed you, each and every one. Including the child, Nanette. Daughter, you could be greater. But you lack a craft. You lack a source of strength!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need one!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are nothing without a power to draw upon. I have failed to teach you. Your coven has failed you. A [Witch] who has no craft is weaker than anything else. A [Hedge Witch] has more strength. Come. You will learn from your coven if not I.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, Belavierr reached out. Wiskeria raised her wand. The Stitch Witch crooked a finger, and Wiskeria\u2019s robes gripped her. Durene saw the cloth pulling her arm down<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cStop!\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria struggled, but the cloth constrained her movements. Belavierr pointed, and Wiskeria began moving sideways. Her clothes were pulling<\/em> her.<\/p>\n \u201cMust I treat you like a child, Daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr seemed annoyed. But she paused as an arm barred her way. Durene glanced at Ryoka. And then she realized it was her arm. The half-Troll inhaled as Belavierr gazed at her.<\/p>\n \u201cStop. She doesn\u2019t want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n They were nearly of a height. The Stitch Witch stared at Durene. And the half-Troll girl felt a lump of cold fear in her stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cMove, Troll\u2019s child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Wiskeria doesn\u2019t want to go with you. Let her go.\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr\u2019s eyes flashed. Durene flinched, and Ryoka took a step forward.<\/p>\n \u201cBelavierr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe silent. I give you one last warning, half-girl. Move.\u201d<\/p>\n This time, the word made Durene\u2019s heart freeze in terror. But she refused. She thought of Ser Raim. And her hands balled into fists.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Make me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMother, don\u2019t\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch Witch ignored her daughter. She reached towards Durene. The half-Troll raised a fist.<\/p>\n Thunk.<\/em><\/p>\n An arrow sprouted out of Belavierr\u2019s chest. She staggered. Durene jerked back. Wiskeria stumbled as the clothes let her go. She stood up, turned.<\/p>\n \u201cMother!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr stared down at the arrow in her chest. She reached for it. And then coughed. She stumbled; that saved her from the second arrow. It hit the ground, and Durene looked around wildly. Who was shooting?<\/p>\n \u201cStop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka shouted, and air blasted around them. The City Runner was glancing around as Charlay dashed to one side. The Centauress had the most wits about her; she kicked the ground, whipping up dust, and screamed as she zig-zagged into it.<\/p>\n \u201cMove, you idiots! Get behind cover!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMother\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria had rushed to Belavierr\u2019s side. She looked around desperately for the archer, but they were nowhere in sight. Belavierr was coughing. Choking. Then her eyes focused. She raised a trembling hand, the same one that held the needle. She flicked it, spitting out a word.<\/p>\n \u201cSeek. Kill.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She flung the needle. With her other hand, she pulled the arrow out<\/em> of her chest, grimacing.<\/p>\n Someone screamed, and there was a panic as Belavierr sank to one knee. Yet she was just inspecting the hole in her chest, deep<\/em>, red, and bloody.<\/p>\n However, she stood back up in a moment and spoke as if she\u2019d just pricked her finger on a pin rather than been shot through the chest. Wiskeria had lunged forwards, but hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cMother? Are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am fine, Daughter. But I must heal. Anti-magic. Evercut Arrow. Whomever shot this meant me to die. Alas\u2026I am still I.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her smile was victorious, and Wiskeria\u2019s expression of worry turned to anger. Then disappointment with herself. She turned half away, folding her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou actually got hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe flesh remains cut by magic. But this, still, I defy.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria stared blankly at her mother. Belavierr\u2019s chest was leaking blood, but she seemed to think of it more as an annoyance than anything else. After a second, Wiskeria jerked her head.<\/p>\n \u201cWould a potion help?\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch Witch shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cMost of mine are burnt away. A Potion of Regeneration is a waste; this wound shall stay. It will heal in a week or so.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, she produced a thread and needle, and Durene realized Belavierr intended to stitch<\/em> the wound closed! However, the [Witch] stopped as Wiskeria grabbed one from her belt. Belavierr frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cDaughter\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrink.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Belavierr did. She blinked. Durene didn\u2019t see the wound close, but the grimace of pain vanished from Belavierr\u2019s face. She rose, feeling at her chest.<\/p>\n \u201cStrange. Potions were not so powerful the last time I remember using them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd when was that<\/em>, Mother?\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch Witch blinked. She looked at her daughter. Then she smiled ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cLong enough ago that I could remember Sage\u2019s Grass being a thing I hoarded for the power of it. I traded a perfect Cloth-Warrior made of silk and satin to a noble [Sheik] for three seeds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Mother. You were always bad with money.\u201d<\/p>\n The two stared at each other. Then they laughed. Belavierr quietly, and Wiskeria with a note of relieved hysteria. But they did laugh. For a moment, they seemed like a mother and daughter. Then Durene heard the scream again. And the moment vanished. But as she turned and ran, she saw Ryoka\u2019s face. And the young woman looked as though she wished it had lasted forever.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2013<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The [Archer] was dead. He was a former [Soldier], one of Lancrel\u2019s people. And he had been hiding behind one of the roofs in the village. He\u2019d shot well; he was over a hundred and fifty feet distant. And he\u2019d taken cover. But Belavierr\u2019s needle had found him even so.<\/p>\n It had gone through his head. Straight through bone and brain. Belavierr didn\u2019t retrieve the needle. Nor did she glance twice at the man. She only grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cCloth fails before Skill. I must recreate my wards. Better that it struck me than you, Daughter. The arrow would have passed straight through your clothes. It was well made. For this era and time.\u201d<\/p>\n She watched her daughter. Wiskeria just stared down at the man. Riverfarm\u2019s folk stood far back, save for Durene, Charlay, and Wiskeria. But their eyes fixed on Belavierr. Durene didn\u2019t doubt that many of them wished the [Archer] had succeeded. But when Belavierr looked up, they ran. Wiskeria knelt, not turning to her mother. Her voice was broken again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was defending myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to kill<\/em> him, Mother! What about interrogation? This might be a clue to why [Witches] are hunted! At the very least you could ask which<\/em> group is trying to kill you! Maybe it\u2019s the Circle of Thorns? Did you ever think to be helpful?\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria\u2019s eyes flashed. Belavierr\u2019s voice was cool. She turned away from the man.<\/p>\n \u201cShould I have let him live to try again, Daughter? He made his choice and I mine. Now, as I was saying. You must find your craft\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She paused. Wiskeria was just facing away from her. Belavierr stared at her. She peered at Ryoka, Charlay, and Durene. Awkwardly, she bent over and tried to pull Wiskeria around to face her.<\/p>\n \u201cDaugh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo away!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Stitch Witch hesitated. But Wiskeria\u2019s tears did what magic, an arrow, and Durene hadn\u2019t. After a moment, Belavierr went. Wiskeria wiped her eyes. She knelt by the body as people finally dared to return. Ryoka looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWho sent this man? Councilwoman Beatica? Or did he do this himself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. He\u2019s dead. And my mother won\u2019t die so easily. You saw it. She can stop herself from bleeding.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt looked close to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was. I think it scared her.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka paused. She peered down at Wiskeria.<\/p>\n \u201cYou still care for her.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Witch] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I can\u2019t stop her. Look at all the people she\u2019s killed, Ryoka. Another body on her toll of today. Yesterday, a man hung himself for her. What will tomorrow bring?\u201d<\/p>\n The Wind Runner stood there, inhaling and exhaling, and Durene wondered what Ryoka might say. Ryoka said this:<\/p>\n \u201cShe did it for you. She loves you. I wish I knew my mother was like that. She faced down her death for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria nodded, and she gave Ryoka a smile as if the City Runner understood.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Isn\u2019t it terrible?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt must make things so much harder.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka put her hands in her pockets, awkward. Wiskeria wiped tears from her eyes.<\/p>\n And that was how Durene understood Wiskeria\u2019s relationship with her mother. Anger, quarreling. Unchanging natures. Disappointment on both sides. Grief. And love.<\/p>\n Despite it all, Durene still envied Wiskeria.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Day 68 \u2013 Ullim<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n It was raining again. Ullim saw his [Lord]\u2019s eyes flashing as Tyrion strode across the room.<\/p>\n \u201cMagic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone must have reversed the [Weatherchange] scroll, Lord Veltras.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n There was no answer Ullim could give. He could only speculate.<\/p>\n \u201cIt may be the work of another spell in another province. Weather magic does have wide-ranging effects. If the rain is being diverted\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUllim. I don\u2019t want speculation. I want answers. Who is causing this? Give me a list of people who could have caused it.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion coldly dismissed his [Majordomo]. Which left Ullim scrambling to ask questions where he didn\u2019t know where to start. However, he was able to come back two hours later with a bunch of [Messages].<\/p>\n \u201cLord Veltras, we may know who caused the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lord] frowned as his personal [Mage], Jericha, looked up from her own spellbooks. Ullim cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cA [Witch] passed through your lands some time ago, Lord Veltras. Around the same time the rains began. The villages distinctly recalled her passing\u2014she was known as Eloise, or the, ah, \u2018Tea Witch\u2019. She seems to be highly regarded by some. But hers was a notable passing. No one can recall if she was given offense, but many believe she may have cursed the region for some slight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Witch]? I asked for answers, Ullim. Not superstition.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion frowned darkly. Ullim coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand, Lord Veltras. But there are no other notable events I could find. And [Witches] can<\/em> change the weather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot for this long. At least, not without considerable magic. Lord Veltras, I wouldn\u2019t lay too much faith in this being a [Witch]\u2019s doing. There is<\/em> magic in the weather we\u2019re experiencing. But I can\u2019t lift it, and I doubt a [Witch] would be inclined to use this much magic for a slight.\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha frowned. Ullim raised a finger.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. However, I discovered one more thing of note. A discreet inquiry revealed that this [Witch] is in fact a former [Lady].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Both Tyrion and Jericha started. Ullim nodded. It had been worth paying for that tidbit.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Eloise of House Havin. She hails from Terandria. She left her house and was considered dead to her family over three decades ago. But she is apparently the very same [Lady].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Lady] becoming a [Witch]? And she\u2019s known as the Tea Witch?\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha seemed appalled at the thought. But Lord Tyrion\u2019s brows just snapped together. He came to the same conclusion that had crossed Ullim\u2019s mind in a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cReinhart.\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim nodded, darkly satisfied. It was just a hypothesis, but one [Lady] was known to have ties to countless nobles. And Magnolia Reinhart loved tea, albeit with enough sugar to classify it as something else entirely. She was also, Ullim knew, greatly fond of using agents to achieve her ends.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Veltras. After some investigation, I have noted that Lord Erill, Lady Ieka, Lord Pellmia, and a number of other notable peers of the realm are all suffering from some kind of disturbance in their weather. And Invrisil is not. Furthermore\u2014<\/em>Lord Pellmia\u2019s [Manservant], Kilmet, reported the presence of another [Witch] passing through his lands. A figure of note. A Hedag. Or Hedag the [Executioner]. I\u2019m not clear on whether it is a name or title.\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim was rewarded by his lord\u2019s furious expression. Tyrion Veltras strode over to a map, plotting Lord Pellmia\u2019s lands.<\/p>\n \u201c[Witches]. And Reinhart\u2019s lands are unaffected?\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha fiddled with her glasses.<\/p>\n \u201cShe may have hired these [Witches] in conjunction with the trade war, sire. I can investigate. If a [Witch] did perform a ritual, they would have had to anchor the spell. We might discover it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo it, Jericha. Ullim, send word to Pellmia. Ask him about his [Witch]. Send word to each village that this [Witch] passed through. I will send an escort. I want them here tonight to testify to what occurred. And check whether Bethal, Pryde, Wuvren\u2014any<\/em> of their lands are affected by this weather.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Lord Veltras. And if they are not?\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim held his breath as Tyrion turned his head. Lord Tyrion Veltras\u2019 voice was quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they are not, then I will consider Reinhart\u2019s interference at Liscor and this latest an insult that demands my immediate attention. And I will call on every noble affected to bring that complaint to her.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside, the rain drummed on the windows. But the flash of lightning that would have really made the scene appropriate never came.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Day 68 \u2013 Alevica<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Two days after Ser Raim had fought and died, Alevica, known as the Witch Runner, was bored. She\u2019d been bored ever since she came to Riverfarm.<\/p>\n Okay, not by Belavierr or the [Witches], but it was more like moments of amazement, terror, and so on between lots of boredom. One might think, after two days, she would still be shaking with what she\u2019d seen Belavierr do.<\/p>\n The Riverfarm people might do that, but two days was a long time, and Alevica had gotten over it, mostly, on day one.<\/p>\n By today, she was restless. Annoyed too; with both the lack of things for herself<\/em> to do and her own limited magic. Belavierr\u2019s critiques rankled Alevica, and the Witch Runner didn\u2019t know how the older [Witches] just sat around and waited for an [Emperor] to drag his behind here. Obviously, this was the place to be to observe powerful witchcraft\u2026but Alevica would have gladly left to make some actual money<\/em> if she could. Come back for the highlights then leave.<\/p>\n The problem was that she was a [Witch]. Even the most independent and solitary of [Witches] had to answer to their coven. And hers had sent her here. Along with a bunch of other \u2018legends\u2019 who weren\u2019t much in person. Eloise was sweet, but faded. Hedag was fun, but hardly more than a drunk old woman with a strong right arm. Neither was a powerful [Witch] by Alevica\u2019s standards. Wiskeria was weak. Nanette was just a kid.<\/p>\n Of course, then, Alevica had to grudgingly admit that Mavika was truly powerful. As was Califor. In fact, but for those two and Alevica wouldn\u2019t have come. But she didn\u2019t cross either one lightly. Alevica might still have refused or left\u2014but then there was Belavierr.<\/p>\n She scared the Witch Runner. That was something Alevica would never admit out loud. Yet there it was. Belavierr was terrifying. Even after she\u2019d been burnt, set on fire, shot full of arrows, and been cut with a flaming greatsword<\/em>\u2014all that had done was make her Human again. She was still alive, and she\u2019d just killed a man yesterday with a needle.<\/p>\n \u201cA needle. She killed a man by throwing a needle at him. Who needs arrows when you can throw a few hundred needles? Huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica grinned around the dining room table where she was sitting, her chair rocked back and feet propped up. Half the [Witches] sitting around the table glanced up. No one answered. Califor spared a glare for Alevica\u2019s feet, but said not a word. Discontented, Alevica folded her arms.<\/p>\n Old [Witches] and kids. This was why she hated most covens. Ryoka Griffin seemed fun at least, but she was always hanging about the older [Witches]. Alevica rocked back further in her chair, watching and listening.<\/p>\n Wiskeria was moaning to the coven. They\u2019d all gathered save for Belavierr to comfort her and pat her tears away. Alevica rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand how you can look the other way. Any<\/em> of you. Didn\u2019t you see the man she killed yesterday? What about Ser Raim?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe see. Some of us do not condone it, Witch Wiskeria. But we see and acknowledge it as Belavierr\u2019s business. You have a right to speak of it by blood. But we are not Belavierr\u2019s masters. She answers not to us. Would you have us rule her? That is not a coven\u2019s function.\u201d<\/p>\n Mavika perched on her chair like the birds she enjoyed hanging out with. Pretentious speech aside, what she meant was the unwritten rule of [Witches]. Don\u2019t interfere with other [Witches]\u2019 business.<\/em> Alevica sighed. Loudly. No one looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cBut none of you aided the [Knights]! If you had\u2014Witch Califor, she actually called your craft impressive.<\/em> If you\u2019d been with the [Hunters]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Califor replied levelly.<\/p>\n \u201cHe might have killed me as well as the others. A warrior like Hunter Tagil is far more dangerous than a [Witch] at what he does, and that was to kill, Wiskeria. As to why I did not oppose Belavierr with Ser Raim? I am not inclined to endanger Riverfarm or Nanette. Believe me: it would have endangered everyone. When we are done, I will consider Belavierr\u2019s deeds, but this entire coven is not the right one to hold her to account.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re just going to let her continue to ruin lives?\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria blazed. Alevica could see her righteous fury. A bit of sadness. And love. Oh, yes. Alevica hated looking at it. The other [Witches] were sympathetic, especially Nanette. Hedag just grinned. Now she<\/em> was hard to read. Alevica knew Hedag had poor magical abilities, but she couldn\u2019t read Hedag\u2019s emotions. Well, none of the older witches gave much away, aside from Mavika when she was pissed. That bothered Alevica a bit.<\/p>\n It was Eloise who replied. The tea [Witch] sipped from her cup, but slowly. She hadn\u2019t been pleased about Belavierr either, but she was defending the other [Witch]. That had to stick in her craw.<\/p>\n \u201cSelfishness is in our nature, Witch Wiskeria. We act according to our natures. And we do not judge each other. Well, we try not to push our judgements on each other. We hesitate to interfere with other [Witches]. And Belavierr has kept from endangering the village. Except in this latest case where Califor did step in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcept that she\u2019s putting the coven\u2019s deal with Riverfarm in jeopardy.\u201d<\/p>\n The other [Witches] paused. Well, yes. There was that. Wiskeria went on as Alevica dug in one ear.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard this before. \u2018[Witches] act according to our natures. We obey no laws. That\u2019s why we\u2019re [Witches].\u2019 But we don\u2019t have<\/em> to be lawless! We can live in society and obey rules! Eloise, you do that! And Hedag\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She broke off as the [Executioner] laughed. Hedag shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Wiskeria. We\u2019re different. Eloise may live within the law, but she\u2019s one of us. The rest, from Mavika to Califor to your mother, obey their own laws. And I? I\u2019m the biggest lawbreaker of all, according to some!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Hedag, you\u2019re a law bringer yourself\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Wiskeria protested weakly. Hedag\u2019s laugh cut her off.<\/p>\n \u201cBut my laws are my own, Wiskeria. I bear justice as I see it. Miss Califor gives aid as she sees fit. We are halves of Mavika and Alevica, who act in their interests. But we are all the same. Your mother is just more [Witch] than we!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut she\u2019s a murderer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd she\u2019s good at it! Get that in your head, Wiskeria!\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica cupped her hands and shouted it at Wiskeria impatiently. She was rewarded with a glare from Wiskeria. Califor sniffed, and Alevica gritted her teeth, but shut up. Mavika nodded after giving Alevica a birdish look.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. We are proud of her. For her crimes, she is hunted. But she is ours, Witch Wiskeria. And she speaks the truth. You lack craft. You lack power. I say it to you too. Why do you not accept it?\u201d<\/p>\n She prodded Wiskeria with a taloned finger. Wiskeria glared.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re proud,<\/em> Mavika?\u201d<\/p>\n The crow [Witch] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cProud. Yes. Why shouldn\u2019t we be? She is ours. <\/em>Witch Wiskeria, she is the legend of [Witches]. A dark one. And there are those of us who are outcast. But we are [Witches] still. We have been hunted and shunned. Who will stand for [Witches] if not other [Witches]? We cannot always stand alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA [Witch] has always broken laws. We all live apart. We are not city dwellers, Witch Wiskeria. We do not operate under laws. Because law has always sought to exterminate our kind. That is why we seek to bargain with this [Emperor], to keep our rights. To live without fear. But he must accept that we practice our craft. We cannot be beholden.\u201d<\/p>\n Califor snapped in a rare display of annoyance, out of patience with Wiskeria. The younger [Witch] looked up. Alevica was impressed; she didn\u2019t flinch from Califor\u2019s glare or the force in the old woman\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine for you to say, Miss Califor. But I don\u2019t want to be a [Witch] like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to bow and scrape and obey laws? Why\u2019d you take the [Witch] class then, Wiskeria? Be a [Mage].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica laughed incredulously. This time, no one shushed her. Mavika frowned dangerously.<\/p>\n \u201cYou speak of the end of [Witches], Wiskeria. We cannot be tamed. We will not be shackled. When law stretches across this world and the wilderness dies\u2014so too will the last [Witch].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. Or maybe we\u2019ll change. Maybe we should<\/em> change. Mavika. I respect you. But I could never be<\/em> you. And I can\u2019t be my mother. No matter what she wants of me. I want to have a craft. But my mother\u2019s deeds hang over me. She\u2014I\u2019m guilty because of her. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe do. But Wiskeria, she has been herself for thousands of years. Possibly longer. She will not change. And she is a [Witch]. Darker than many, but a [Witch] true. If anyone has yet to fully become a [Witch]\u2014it is you.\u201d<\/p>\n Eloise spoke softly. And Wiskeria\u2019s face crumpled. Alevica glanced away.<\/p>\n She\u2019d had worse coven meetings. In truth, many of them were like this. Younger [Witches] whining about trouble, or older ones complaining. Yes, sometimes you met and did real<\/em> magic, the kind that made it all worthwhile, like trying to summon a spirit and bind it\u2014or casting a powerful hex or warding spell. But other times it was just an informal gathering and support session.<\/p>\n Alevica was looking for an opportunity to leave when she saw Nanette dutifully hand something to her teacher. The kid had been working on it all this time. What was\u2026?<\/p>\n And then Alevica saw it. It was a few houses crudely shaped out of clay. Six, to be precise. Nanette dutifully placed the last house next to the others. Alevica nodded silently. The other [Witches] watched out of the corner of their eyes as they comforted Wiskeria. So did Alevica.<\/p>\n Califor was doing a working. You could feel her drawing on her power. Now, on the clean wooden table, Califor produced a handful of soil. She must have gathered it from outside. The dry earth sprinkled in a circle around the clay village. Alevica watched as Califor drew a circle around the small clay village and then reached for her flask. The [Witch] sprinkled some water from her flask on the model village. The [Witch] paused, frowned, and then sprinkled more water on top.<\/p>\n Alevica leaned out the window. She felt the magic go out\u2014but the sky didn\u2019t so much as change. She peered at Califor, smirking. Right up until the [Witch] glanced up, peeved. Then Alevica pretended to be studying the ceiling.<\/p>\n \u201cNo luck? I tried a little water spell by the river. Had nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Hedag leaned over, inspecting the village. Eloise pursed her lips silently as Califor glared at the clay village, as if willing it to explode. Nanette was nervous as she shifted by her teacher. Alevica had to admit, it was something. She\u2019d never seen nor heard of Califor failing at any basic spell like this.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething is working against my magic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMine too.\u201d<\/p>\n Hedag nodded. So did Eloise. And then Mavika.<\/em> Everyone stared at her. The crow [Witch] seemed annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cMy flock has created a crow-sign for rain. It failed. Something is at work here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr someone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Every [Witch] looked at the other speculatively. No one said it. But Alevica could think of a few reasons why these small workings had failed. Either someone was using some powerful magic to alter the weather\u2014or one of them had created a serious working.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t as if covens didn\u2019t have [Witches] working towards their own ends. Califor snapped into the sudden silence.<\/p>\n \u201cI trust that everyone understands that this deal with the [Emperor] supersedes all other commitments. This coven gathered to address the attack on [Witches]. To strike a deal for sanctuary. And to deal with Witch Wiskeria\u2019s relationship to Witch Belavierr. Nothing more. Nothing less.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Eloise nodded. So did the others. Alevica just grinned. She yawned openly as she got up. The other [Witches] turned to her. Mavika frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWitch Alevica. Where are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut. It\u2019s been fun, fellow [Witches]. But I\u2019m tired of cheering Wiskeria up and making daggers at each other. If someone\u2019s messing with the weather, isn\u2019t that their right as a [Witch]? \u2026Or whoever\u2019s doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica smiled cheerily at the others. Califor\u2019s brows snapped together.<\/p>\n \u201cWitch Alevica, if you know something, speak. This endangers all of Riverfarm and the coven\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica theatrically put her hands to her ears, grimacing.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. Are you really<\/em> Witch Califor? Half the time you\u2019re her, the other half you\u2019re some old woman. I know<\/em> this is important. Oliyaya talked my ear off when she sent me here. But how much work are we doing for this stupid village?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica kicked over her chair. Califor looked flatly at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Emperor] is the one we\u2019re about, Alevica.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, pull the river up and make it rain! <\/em>Can\u2019t you do that? I heard you threaten to wake him up!\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica pointed at Califor, exasperated. The older [Witch] hesitated, and every eye swung towards her. Wiskeria tensed for reasons Alevica didn\u2019t get, and Alevica hated that\u2014that knowing look in Wiskeria. Wiskeria, who refused to have a craft but was Belavierr\u2019s daughter.<\/em><\/p>\n Califor\u2019s voice was quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a threat, Alevica. Waking the river would be\u2026very dangerous, if it could even be done. And the river is low, regardless.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you could<\/em> try.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would not wish to make that my first resort. Or even my last, depending on the circumstances. Alevica, we are a coven. This is a trial fit for your mentor, and if you can help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica slammed her hands down on the table and regretted it. She shook out her ringing hands and spat.<\/p>\n \u201cI shouldn\u2019t need to help<\/em>. You\u2019re Witch Califor!<\/em> That\u2019s Belavierr, the Spider, and each [Witch] in this room is supposed to be one of the greatest living! What\u2019s wrong<\/em> with you? I heard stories that you\u2019d become a coward, but I never believed it.\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice was too high-pitched, and she knew, knew<\/em> they could read her betrayal and the upset feelings in her. Alevica hated that, so she spun towards the door. But she looked back at Califor, daring, hoping she\u2019d say\u2026<\/p>\n Witch Califor had perfect control over her emotions. She sat there, straight-backed, and touched the brim of her hat. Nanette looked ready to fight Alevica, but Califor put out a hand as she replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that is what you believe, Alevica, I won\u2019t try to change your mind. I apologize for letting down the stories about me.\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica yanked the door open and spat.<\/p>\n \u201cSee that, Wiskeria? Don\u2019t listen to these old women. Eloise barely makes her tea, Hedag gets her strength from little children\u2014you want to know why your mom has all her power? It\u2019s because she does what she wants and scares the daylights out of people. That\u2019s what being a [Witch] is. That\u2019s power. <\/em>Can you match that?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica grinned mockingly at Wiskeria, aiming all her vitriol at the one person she felt deserved it wholeheartedly. She was rewarded with Wiskeria\u2019s glare and flushed cheeks. Wiskeria paused, then snapped back.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. And neither can you. Even you can\u2019t take misery and grief like she can, Alevica. That\u2019s why she called you weak.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Witch Runner\u2019s cheeks went crimson. She clenched a hand, then glared at Wiskeria. She made a sign that made Nanette gasp and stormed out of the house.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2013<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Alevica went flying. She was still fuming, but soaring through the sky above Riverfarm made her feel better. Up high, everything was better. People were little dots, and she stared down at them. The trouble was that, even flying, Alevica couldn\u2019t shake Wiskeria\u2019s and her mother\u2019s words.<\/p>\n \u201cWeak? I\u2019ll show you who\u2019s weak! You can\u2019t even do a major working! I can!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Witch Runner shouted as she flew faster and faster. She could fly!<\/em> Wiskeria was as weak as Nanette! But\u2014Alevica could also feel herself burning her magic. She couldn\u2019t fly long. And she was furious because she knew Belavierr was right. Grudges and envy and anger had some magic, but it wasn\u2019t strong<\/em>. Alevica found that seeping the enjoyment from her as she flew.<\/p>\n And it was hot. The sun beat down overhead. Alevica glared up at it. Someone was<\/em> affecting the weather, she was certain. It wasn\u2019t her. But it could have been any of the [Witches]. Or\u2014someone else. When she thought of that, Alevica decided to go on a hunt.<\/p>\n The thing about flying was that she could travel faster than even Charlay for a while. And being this high up meant that Alevica could potentially spot a working if one of the [Witches] had hidden it. She didn\u2019t know what she was looking for, but Alevica could see magical power just as well as any [Mage]. And she bet she could recognize a working if someone like Hedag or Eloise had laid it. Califor or Belavierr\u2026? Well, it was worth looking.<\/p>\n Alevica crisscrossed the skies, seeking out places of power. You could follow old ley lines in the ground, places where magic was stronger. That would be a likely spot. Not that there were any old gravesites or magical ponds about. Mavika was right, in her way. As civilization progressed, people took the magic out of the world.<\/p>\n The old [Witches] in Alevica\u2019s real coven loved to yammer on about how you couldn\u2019t go two miles without tripping over a magical cairn or something. Alevica wished she\u2019d been born in those days. When there was power<\/em> waiting to be tapped instead of weak emotions\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cHello. Who\u2019s that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Witch] spotted something on her third flight over the area. She swooped down and spotted him. A\u2026man. But there was power<\/em> about him. Magic? He was hiding in a stand of trees, as dried as the earth. And he saw her at the same time as she saw him.<\/p>\n There was no running. He didn\u2019t even try. The man with the odd hat walked towards her. Smiling. It was an uncanny smile. Too wide with too many teeth. Actually, it was the same kind of smile Alevica liked to give. A predator\u2019s grin.<\/p>\n \u201cHello there. You must be that [Witch Hunter] Ryoka was talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica casually reached for her crossbow and shortsword as she alighted on the ground. She was running out of mana after so much flying. But she\u2019d found the man, and she had Skills for fighting too. The man eyed her as Alevica alighted.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m delighted to be so popular. Good evening, Miss\u2026Witch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat gave it away?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica grinned. She eyed the man up and down. Yup. Hat, clothing\u2014all of it matched the former [Witch Hunters]. Another one? Alevica felt a twinge of danger. But she was dangerous too. She pointed at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd who\u2019re you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a traveller\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica drew her crossbow. The man paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t shoot an unarmed traveller, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see anyone watching us.\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica bluffed. She was watching the man carefully. He had lots of power about him. Strange\u2014she was having a hard time reading him. He was far too calm. He wasn\u2019t a [Mage]\u2014but\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me why you\u2019re hanging around, causing trouble for my kind? And if you try to run, I\u2019ll shoot you and see what I can find on your body.\u201d<\/p>\n That threat should have done something<\/em> to his emotions, but the man was cool. He just grinned at her. And Alevica began to get uneasy herself. He shrugged, his hands lowering a touch towards his own belt. He had a bag of holding there.<\/p>\n \u201cJust call me a scout, Miss Witch. Or a hunter who deals in fire and retribution to those who deserve it. One of many. But I\u2019d rather not fight with you. What say we go our own ways?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd let a [Witch Hunter] go free? You put that [Knight] on Belavierr, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. Could you fault me for that? You [Witches] tend to cause trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. We kill people we don\u2019t like. Who are you? Last question! Answer me!\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica gritted out. She didn\u2019t like the way the man was watching her anymore. She\u2019d identified the emotion coming off him. And it wasn\u2019t fear or even wariness. He was going to try to kill her. <\/em>It was an almost intangible, cold certainty. He\u2019d been ready to kill her the instant he saw her. She wished she\u2019d stayed on her broom. She warily gripped her sword\u2019s handle. And the man just smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Witch, I\u2019d fly away. I really would. I have no quarrel with you specifically. But if you want to make this an issue, I\u2019d much rather\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica fired her crossbow and drew her sword. As she did, she chanted an incantation in her mind.<\/p>\n Sword, cut and bite! Bolt, truest flight!<\/em><\/p>\n She saw the bolt curve towards the man. He staggered as he leapt sideways. The bolt stuck out of his side. Alevica charged him. She saw him reach for his belt. His hands flashed as she slashed at his head\u2014<\/p>\n The spear went into her stomach. Alevica realized that after she screamed. She stared at the sword on the ground. The man raised his spear. It was bloody. Her blood. Alevica screamed as she felt the burning again. Desperately, she reached for a potion. Drank it.<\/p>\n It did nothing. Something was burning <\/em>her insides. Poison. The [Witch] stared up as the man casually kicked her blade away.<\/p>\n \u201cPoor luck, Miss Witch. You should have hit me with that bolt somewhere it mattered.\u201d<\/p>\n He lifted the spear, then reconsidered.<\/p>\n \u201c[Witches] cast curses with their dying breath. Or so the textbooks say. I can\u2019t risk one now. Curse me and I\u2019ll finish you off. Otherwise\u2014you can hope someone finds you.\u201d<\/p>\n He walked away. Alevica tried to shout after him. Swear that if he didn\u2019t give her the antidote, she would<\/em> curse him. But all she could do was scream.<\/p>\n The pain was burning<\/em>. The poison\u2014Alevica realized she was bleeding. Dying. The Witch Runner whispered. Magic. She had to call on her magic.<\/p>\n \u201cPoison bites and tears away. But\u2014but life, hold and stay! Blood, thicken and stop! Stop! Call help and give aid! Before this [Witch]\u2019s life fades\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She tried to pour her magic into the spell. But she couldn\u2019t focus<\/em>. She was slowing the bleeding. But she couldn\u2019t pour energy into a working. Alevica lay there, clutching at her stomach. The poison was eating her up. The blood\u2026trickled\u2026away\u2026<\/p>\n It was hot. Alevica screamed for help. And then her voice gave out. She lay there, the world fading. Her magic fading. Until she heard galloping hooves and an urgent voice.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s here! She\u2019s here! Ryoka!<\/em> She\u2019s hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica heard someone racing towards her. She felt something huge kneel. A huge body. Not a Human\u2019s. As hard to read as that man. Alevica couldn\u2019t do non-Humans well\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAlevica! It\u2019s me!\u201d<\/p>\n Charlay?<\/em> The Centauress grabbed Alevica. Then she saw the blood.<\/p>\n \u201cYou need a potion! Ryoka! Ryoka!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here! I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Someone. Blurry shapes. Alevica looked up. She felt a cool hand on her. Babbling voices.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014stabbed her. Help me get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho? Nearby?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014matter. Potion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Alevica could groan the words. She spoke desperately.<\/p>\n \u201cNo potion. Poison.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPoison?\u201d<\/p>\n The two voices babbled. And then someone picked Alevica up. She screamed and cursed, but the hands pushed her up. Then someone was holding her as she was bounced. Each bounce took more blood away. Someone was babbling at her to stay awake. Stay awake\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cEmperor Laken\u2019s close by, Alevica. Close enough for him to locate you when you didn\u2019t come back. Hold on. We\u2019ll get you to Riverfarm. Charlay,