{"id":6776,"date":"2019-09-24T16:28:26","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T16:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=6776"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:00:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:00:25","slug":"6-47-e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/","title":{"rendered":"6.47 E"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 71<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The next day, Laken returned home.<\/p>\n

He returned on a quiet day. The rains that had poured from the sky after the days of fire had flooded the barren ground. So much so that the banks of Riverfarm\u2019s river were overflowing. The water was actually a danger to the landscape; it was eroding the soil, which wasn\u2019t prepared for this much stored rain. There was a potential now for the fields of scorched plants to drown.<\/p>\n

Another aspect of the Drakes\u2019 plans, if they\u2019d thought so far ahead. But the heavy downpour had stopped in the morning, leaving only intermittent showers.<\/p>\n

Ryoka stood by Riverfarm\u2019s entrance with the others. Waiting. They knew he was coming. So they waited. [Witches]. Villagers. Her, Charlay. Silently.<\/p>\n

They could have been working. The fields were half-ruined by fire. Parts of Riverfarm had been evacuated due to the fire damage. There were a hundred things to do. But all the people of Riverfarm had done yesterday was cremate and bury the dead, or rather, what remained of those they\u2019d found.<\/p>\n

No one had the spirit for anything else. Even the [Witches] were silent. Their hats still dripped with rainwater. They were motionless.<\/p>\n

Five of them. Hedag. Eloise. Mavika. Alevica. Wiskeria. The one missing was Nanette. But no one had forced her to come outside. After yesterday, after the revelation that it had been Califor who had stopped the fire at the cost of her life, she hadn\u2019t moved. Belavierr had fled. And Nanette was\u2026gone.<\/p>\n

Broken. Ryoka didn\u2019t want to think of it like that. But that was what it looked like. Someone had taken Nanette\u2019s heart, had taken that smiling, cheerful little [Witch] and removed her happiness. Belavierr had killed Califor, had forced her to her death. And Califor had been Nanette\u2019s mother. Her true mother, by blood as well as parenthood. And she was dead.<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t anything else to say. Ryoka couldn\u2019t even cry. She hated herself. Hated herself for ever believing Belavierr was more than a monster. Hated herself for trying to give her a chance. And she hated the Drake who had died.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t even know his name. But he had engineered this pointless death, spread the fire that had taken so many lives. He had done it so casually, too. Without even knowing Riverfarm. He was an agent of a foreign power. And he had killed hundreds, perhaps thousands of people in this region for a war that few had taken part in.<\/p>\n

Ryoka had never felt more like she was home than today. It was the same world, deep down. The same people, even if they wore different bodies. She hated it. But she couldn\u2019t even be angry. So she stood there.<\/p>\n

And there Laken came. Just before midmorning, the silence of the crowd was broken. A bright, blue bird took wing. She flew up, and Frostwing\u2019s piercing scream made the people below start. The bird had sensed the grief in the air perhaps, but she was a simpler creature. And she had picked up on something before the others. She flew east, flapping her wings rapidly. Then she dove out of the skies, a blue bolt of feathers, shrieking.<\/p>\n

On the ground, a Mossbear got up from where he had been napping besides Durene. Bismarck, his fur singed, looked up and roared<\/em>. He lumbered forwards, people scattering around him. He raced after Frostwing, moving faster than Ryoka could remember seeing him. Ryoka stood taller, craning her neck with the others to see. It was Durene who exclaimed and pointed first.<\/p>\n

Then Ryoka saw him. A distant figure riding slowly towards them, one of two on the road. He didn\u2019t lead the way. He was following another man, who was guiding both his horse and the young man\u2019s. But the [Emperor]\u2019s head was craning, following Frostwing as she flew down towards him. He raised an arm, and she landed there, pecking and shrieking at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise murmured. Durene ran forwards a few steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was certain, even as far away as she was. Durene hesitated, then began to trot, then run. Prost watched her. And then he followed at a jog. Chimmy, Miss Yesel, and the rest of his family followed as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s His Majesty!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelov the [Carpenter] shouted, spraying people around him with spit. He crab-ran after the others. And then Riverfarm\u2019s villagers were running, calling out his name. The others, who had never met Laken, watched. Startled. But then they followed, first at a quick walk, then faster. Ryoka ran past them. Charlay galloped on her right.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are we running? Why are we running?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka had no answer. But everyone in Riverfarm was racing towards him. And he sensed them. He dismounted from the horse as the other rider stopped. He jumped back, shouting, laughing, as Bismarck nearly knocked him flat. And he hugged the Mossbear. His head rose. And his closed eyes turned. He urged Frostwing onto Bismarck\u2019s back. And he turned as Durene thundered at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014you\u2014you\u2019ve been gone so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken Godart stood there as Durene skidded to a stop in front of him. Ryoka was third, Charlay second. She looked at the [Emperor]. He stood in front of his horse. And he seemed larger than she remembered. He filled the air, for all he was shorter than both her and Durene. He turned his head, his eyes still closed. Towards Ryoka. But it was to Durene he turned back to.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. My dear Durene. I know. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked towards her. The half-Troll girl hesitated. And she moved forwards timidly. The two stopped in front of each other awkwardly. Laken tilted his head up, as if to see her face. Durene hesitantly raised a hand.<\/p>\n

They reached out. Laken straightened, and Durene\u2019s head bent. And\u2014she didn\u2019t expect it, but he had intended it\u2014they kissed there. Riverfarm\u2019s folk stopped, panting. And waited. After a second, Laken turned towards them. The man on the horse slowly dismounted.<\/p>\n

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

Mister Prost spoke slowly. Lady Rie panted as she caught up, having to push through the crowds. Laken turned his head. He didn\u2019t speak at first. He just turned his head, his closed eyes passing over the faces in the crowd. Laken paused. And then he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Prost. My people. I\u2019ve missed you so dearly. You and Riverfarm. I have been gone too long. At last, I have returned. Hear me. I am your [Emperor]. And I have come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

And he smiled slightly. Prost and the villagers of Riverfarm bowed their heads. Then they took a knee. In the muddy road. Lady Rie curtsied, ignoring the same muck. The people behind them hesitated. Lancrel\u2019s folk, townsfolk, and villagers from further off wavered. But something compelled them. Perhaps it was the way he stood. Or the way he fit in this place. Like a missing part of the village. Perhaps it was only his class, but Ryoka felt it too.<\/p>\n

Slowly, they knelt. Men, women, children. Only Ryoka remained standing. Ryoka, Charlay, who wavered and then locked her legs. And the [Witches]. The man behind Laken seemed disapproving. Laken himself just smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. You still find me worthy, then, Prost?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never doubted you for a moment, sire. Not since the day you found my family in the snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost spoke, his head bowed. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I will answer that faith. Rise, my [Steward]. I am back. And though much grief has passed, I intend to begin mending my errors. Rise. And look: I did not return alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed. Ryoka saw, behind him, another procession travelling on foot. A few were mounted, but the majority of the [Engineers] and [Builders] walked. They too broke into a run when they saw the gathering. And one of the mounted men, Gamel, raced towards the crowd with Tessia riding behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGamel! Tessia!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the [Engineers]! They\u2019ve all returned!\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the villagers exclaimed excitedly. Laken nodded, and those who knew the people running towards them broke out of the crowd and met them. The delighted laughter and exclamations felt odd to Ryoka\u2019s ears. Unfamiliar after so long without hearing them. But, oh, so welcome.<\/p>\n

The young man on horseback, Gamel, dismounted. He bowed precisely towards Laken.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThank you, Gamel. Tessia, your parents are over that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken pointed to his left. Tessia cried out and ran to an older couple fighting their way through the crowd. Gamel smiled. Laken turned his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have anyone you would like to see, Gamel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one not buried, Your Majesty. And they can wait. Your orders?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] paused. And then he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, Gamel, with me. Mister Prost, Lady Rie, Durene, and Lord Yitton, would you all walk with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken turned his head. And Ryoka saw him nod once towards her. But then he set off with the five people trailing after him. The crowd parted as Laken walked forwards. The [Emperor] turned his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Rie, a delight to hear your voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou flatter me, Your Majesty. Was your return uneventful?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides witnessing the devastation? Quite. However, my delayed return has given me time to assess the damage. We have much to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sire. Only\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost hesitated. Laken turned towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mister Prost?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Steward] wavered. Their conversation was being followed by everyone present. And the moment of Laken\u2019s arrival was passing. Ryoka could see the others appraising him. Waiting on his words. Prost raked a hand through his greying hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know where to begin. The fire that\u2026Drake caused didn\u2019t damage Riverfarm much. But there was a [Witch].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBelavierr. Yes. I understand most of what transpired from Lady Rie\u2019s [Message].\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken\u2019s words caused a shudder to run through those around him. The [Emperor] paused. And he looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Prost, I understand. Riverfarm has been through so much. But, surely you haven\u2019t reached the limits of your stamina the moment I return? Or am I overestimating you [Farmers] and village folk?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled at the slight flush on Prost\u2019s face. Laken shook his head, forestalling the man\u2019s reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Yet, we have<\/em> been through worse, Prost. I remember a village covered in snow. A time when we fought in the streets of Riverfarm. We have seen times just as dark. And each time, Riverfarm rebuilt itself. This time, mercifully, there is more left. And I will replace the rest piece by piece. But I can\u2019t do it alone. May I lean on you for help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Of course<\/em>, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost\u2019s voice cleared. And he looked around, assessing, a spark back in his eyes. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is still a home. And it has weathered both ice and fire. And I am finally back. So, let us get to work! And then break open the stores and toast and mourn! Miss Yesel! Chimmy!\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached out, addressing the girl and woman in the crowd. Others gathered around. Laken turned, addressing people by their names. Smiling. Prost had to eventually shout for order and help Laken extricate himself from the crowd. Laughing, the [Emperor] continued onwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, Mister Prost. I see that Riverfarm\u2019s folk are hale and hearty. But the village is quite a bit bigger<\/em> than I remember. Will you introduce me to the newcomers?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and faced the other folk. They shifted, a bit disconcerted by the stare that was not a stare with Laken\u2019s closed eyes. Prost nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are folk from other towns and villages, Your Majesty. Some from small places like Fendele, others larger places like Tulntown. Most are from Lancrel, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes. Lancrel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken murmured. A shadow crossed his brow. He nodded, turning his head to regard the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cI welcome you all. I regret that I was not here earlier. And I thank you for your efforts in building Riverfarm. I am Laken Godart. Riverfarm\u2019s [Emperor]. I will meet with all of you in time and learn who each of you are. Today, though, we have work to do. Riverfarm has endured a great disaster. But it stands<\/em>. And it will become greater still.\u201d<\/p>\n

Murmuring. The people watched Laken, some wary, others disbelieving. Many hopeful. Others, doubting because he was blind. But Laken was confident. He didn\u2019t hesitate. He was turning back to Prost when a voice rang out.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me! Excuse me! Make way!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka, listening, winced as she saw a familiar face pushing through the crowd. And Councilwoman Beatica did have to push. Her metaphorical stocks were in the dumps after the disaster that had left her with some magically-healed burns and countless others dead in the river. But she still faced Laken, breathless.<\/p>\n

\u201cPardon me. Your\u2026Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes? Can I help you, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken paused, turning back to Councilwoman Beatica with a bemused expression on his face. Surely he had to know who she was\u2014but his brows rose. Lady Rie glared and urgently whispered in his ear, but the [Emperor] stepped forwards.<\/p>\n

Everyone was watching this too. Councilwoman Beatica smoothed her dress, straightened, and spoke with every shred of authority she had. She smiled ingratiatingly\u2014until it occurred to her that was pointless on Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Councilwoman Beatica, your\u2014Your Majesty. And I am pleased to welcome you on behalf of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She got no further. Laken, with impeccable timing, raised his brows and exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA [Councilwoman]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He whirled, cutting off Beatica\u2019s flow, and frowned at Lady Rie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know Riverfarm had elected a council. Nor that my people were intending to replace my [Steward],<\/em> Mister Prost. What is the meaning of this, Lady Rie?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, the [Lady] looked as surprised as anyone else. Then she smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour pardon, Emperor Godart, but I\u2019m afraid you misheard Councilwoman Beatica. She was not referring to Riverfarm\u2019s council.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot referring to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken\u2019s frown made the smile on Beatica\u2019s face waver. She licked her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am of Lancrel, Your Majesty, but as I was saying\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Lancrel.<\/em> Of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken lightly tapped the heel of his palm on his forehead. He smiled and nodded. Then, suddenly, he focused on Councilwoman Beatica.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Riverfarm, Miss Beatica. You are aware of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman spluttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] nodded happily. Then he walked right past her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am delighted to meet you, Miss Beatica. However, I must attend to Riverfarm\u2019s pressing needs at the moment. I look forwards to meeting you with the rest of my new subjects when time permits.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIf you have an issue, you may address it to one of my subordinates if<\/em> they have time for you, Miss Beatica. However, your former station does not grant you any authority here. Lancrel\u2019s folk are welcome here\u2014as citizens of the Unseen Empire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka enjoyed seeing the woman\u2019s face go slack. She opened her mouth, but Laken was already ignoring her. He addressed the rest of the crowd, who had seen Councilwoman Beatica\u2019s power evaporate like, well, an idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have come here, you are my people. No less regardless of whence you came, but no more than that either. Any of you might be a leader. And you will have chances to rise to the occasion. But right now, in this moment, my [Steward] is Mister Prost. Lady Rie is his counterpart. The man who stands next to me is Gamel, my aide and [Knight]. Lord Yitton Byres has come to visit Riverfarm. Durene is my consort and [Paladin]. And I will rely on each of them to manage Riverfarm. Now, let us begin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken clapped his hands, and the air was suddenly brisk. He strode back to Riverfarm, and the five adjutants followed him. And everyone else thereafter. Laken spoke briskly, turning his head to Mister Prost.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are three main issues that need attending to now<\/em>. Firstly, the fires and aftermath. I sense no remaining embers after the rain. The sacrifice of the\u2026[Witch] must have caused that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused and turned his head towards the five [Witches] watching him. Laken nodded and went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, there is much to do. Mister Prost, I am placing you in charge of the repair work. A number of buildings on the western and southern edges of Riverfarm are damaged. Begin pulling down any that can\u2019t be repaired. Next, I want teams of sweepers removing all this ash and dust before we breathe it in. Wash it down the street with buckets if you have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt once, sire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost beamed. He looked ten years younger as Laken smiled. The [Emperor] nodded towards the distant river and the fields beyond it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLastly, I want [Farmers] to begin replanting fields and every [Hunter] and [Archer] you can spare in another team. There\u2019s a herd of deer\u2014regular deer\u2014who fled the fires. They\u2019re north of us, about eight miles. Have wagons ready to bring back the carcasses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHunting, Your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost exclaimed, but in the next moment, he was nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely. It will be done, sire. Let me get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He began searching around, but Laken held up a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to deal with all of it yourself, Mister Prost. That does remind me. Before you set to work\u2014excuse me, you, sir, and you, Miss, with the hammer in the belt. Step forwards please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken turned and unerringly pointed to two people in the crowd. There was a start, but the two he\u2019d indicated came forwards slowly. Ryoka recognized both. Laken nodded to the man and the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cRam, isn\u2019t it? And [Forewoman] Beycalt. I\u2019ve heard of both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have? I mean, Your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beycalt stammered. Ram looked delighted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember me, Emperor Laken?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do indeed. Ram from Windrest. How could I forget? And you, Miss Beycalt, I\u2019ve heard good things of. Both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both man and woman bowed their heads, flushing. Laken went on, speaking in a loud, carrying voice as he turned back to Mister Prost.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Prost, you\u2019ve done a splendid job as [Steward], as has Lady Rie. But no man or woman can handle an entire village alone, let alone one of Riverfarm\u2019s size. Thus, I am naming Mister Ram my [Head Farmer] and Forewoman Beycalt my [Construction Supervisor]. Both will be in charge of their respective fields and have the authority to issue orders and promote people below them to jobs such as [Foreman]. Or [Forewoman].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromoted?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ram exclaimed. Beycalt\u2019s eyes bulged.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Supervisor]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. A [Forewoman] can\u2019t handle Riverfarm\u2019s construction, can she? Nor can Mister Prost manage everything himself. You\u2019ve both held your positions of authority under him. I am simply confirming it. With a class change. Let me know if you don\u2019t level up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken turned, smiling slightly. Then his voice sharpened again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Prost, Supervisor Beycalt, Headman Ram, please take whomever you need! Mister Prost will confer with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Steward] nodded and, beaming, clapped Ram on the shoulder. The former [Rancher] pointed at Laken. So did Beycalt.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he just\u2014a [Supervisor]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo work, Beycalt! And you, Ram! It\u2019s nothing you can\u2019t handle, or His Majesty wouldn\u2019t have chosen you. All you have to do is pick folks you know can do the job. Just like before. Beycalt, you know who can swing a hammer! We\u2019ll start with the edges first, and Ram, how many hands do you need to replant and expand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The confused expression faded from both their faces. They glanced back at Laken, and he nodded. He looked sideways and addressed the young man walking beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGamel. Please introduce Tessia and our [Engineers] to Supervisor Beycalt. They\u2019ll be helpful in setting up those houses. And get me a big piece of parchment as well. Riverfarm\u2019s layout is good, but I want to update it. I\u2019ll need\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrawing charcoal, sire; I will have it in a minute. [Engineers], with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gamel\u2019s call stirred the crowd. He turned and marched back towards Tessia and the others. And then Prost, Ram, and Beycalt were calling names, and men and women, realizing they\u2019d be called on, were halting. Meanwhile, the procession was continuing, heading into the village. Laken was glancing up at the sky, or rather, tilting his head up since he didn\u2019t need to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I\u2019m going to be hit in the head with a raindrop any second. Let\u2019s get ready for rain. And get some food ready! Have people had a filling meal, Lady Rie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome food, yes, Emperor Godart. I wouldn\u2019t call it filling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s have a rolling lunch. [Cooks] to their stations! We have a number of cookhouses now, don\u2019t we? We\u2019ll run food out to the [Farmers], if it\u2019s not pouring. But that\u2019s a smaller task. Now\u2014the second issue. Beniar! Why are you hanging back there?\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved at the crowd. At his words, the armored [Cataphract] pushed his way forwards, beaming.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty! I didn\u2019t want to presume!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here I was expecting you to ride me down and hug me in that uncomfortable armor. Get over here! You\u2019re needed! The Darksky Riders have been Riverfarm\u2019s shield and sword\u2014I\u2019m going to have to expand your ranks as well as honor the lot of you!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a whoop<\/em> from behind Beniar. He strode forwards as Laken turned, taking the course around the village. He gestured at Lady Rie and Beniar next. Ryoka, hurrying to watch him, saw Lord Yitton watching with approval and fascination\u2014Durene with pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Rie. I count seventeen groups on the road. Find me a map and take Beniar and his Darksky Riders. Once I\u2019ve located them for you, send the [Riders] to them and invite them to join Riverfarm. Few villages remain standing. Two towns were half-destroyed. Send the [Riders] to those towns as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo many?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie looked worried. Laken\u2019s face sobered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And too many were caught by the fire. But those who did make it are by and large homeless. I intend to do what Ryoka did and offer them Riverfarm\u2019s security.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded in Ryoka\u2019s direction. The City Runner jumped as every head swung towards her for a moment. That was another thing. In Invrisil, Laken had just been\u2026blind. But here, it was like he had eyes in the back of his head as well as everywhere else! It was adding to the impression he made as he spoke. Lady Rie frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if they decline, Your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an offer they may refuse. Riverfarm can feed and house them, but it is a choice, Lady Rie. Which is why we need to bring in food now. Which reminds me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He snapped his fingers, vexed. Then he turned as Gamel hurried back towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGamel! I also have a list of bodies of water with fish in them! Anyone who knows how to fish will need to be transported to and from those spots\u2014but not overharvest any one location! Get me two<\/em> maps, one for Lady Rie, another for Prost! And that parchment!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken turned back to Lady Rie, nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cFood, as I said. And if the groups do agree to enter Riverfarm, they must be found places to sleep, heads counted, and lists of their classes and useful Skills accounted for. Negotiations are in order as well; we will need to work with every town and city nearby to repair so much damage. Lady Rie, I am entrusting that role to you and whomever you would like to appoint. Perhaps you have a list of some of our more diplomatic members of Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie inhaled. And somewhere in the crowd, Beatica looked up eagerly. Laken\u2019s smile was all too knowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may need managers to distribute goods, Lady Rie. To coordinate cooking, supplies\u2014any number of roles! I will entrust their appointment to you, Lady Rie. They are under your authority, of course. Send whomever you please on horseback at once. And while you\u2019re at it, about fifty-eight totems have been burned. Jelov will need to replace them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] could not have looked more pleased if Laken had told her she could hit Beatica with a broom. Her head turned, and the [Councilwoman] paled as Lady Rie smiled ghoulishly at her. Ryoka guessed that the most distant city or town would soon be getting a newly-appointed diplomat visiting them. Probably riding the most ill-tempered mule Rie could find. The [Lady] curtseyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt once, Your Majesty. I will see to everything that needs doing. And confer with you as to the location of these groups in\u2026thirty minutes? Very good, Your Majesty. Oh, Miss Yesel? A word, if you would. And you too, Mister Tharei. I suppose you as well, Miss<\/em> Beatica. Come along now!\u201d<\/p>\n

She strode off, taking more people with her. That was the trick to it, Ryoka realized. Laken was still moving. He hadn\u2019t even paused when Rie took her leave. He was speaking to Jelov next. The [Carpenter] had somehow managed to get between Durene and<\/em> Yitton and was now beam-spitting at Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, so glad to see you! Knew you\u2019d be back, and hope you whooped those Goblins a second arse! You need new totems? Of course! They burned, didn\u2019t they? Fire does that, \u2018least, if we carve it of plain wood. We could make some out of fireproof stuff, but that costs the earth and\u2019s hard to work, so it is! But you need more? Can do! Me and a few of the other, heh, [Carpenters]\u2019ll be glad to do it! Of course, I\u2019d be glad to lead them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He waggled his eyebrows in a way that made Ryoka vaguely nauseated, but Laken\u2019s lack of sight meant he didn\u2019t even pause. He smiled and patted Jelov on the shoulder as he wiped his face with a sleeve.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood work, Jelov. But I haven\u2019t decided on a [Royal Carpenter] yet. I\u2019d prefer you, of course, but I understand Prost\u2019s had words with you about selling trinkets. Please do something about the coins in the floorboard under your bed. It\u2019s distracting me. Now, onto the third issue at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the [Carpenter] choked on his own tongue, Laken turned to face the group still following him. More and more people were being called away, but a great number still watched Laken. Among them were the [Witches], who had made their way to the front. As well as Ryoka and Charlay. The Centauress was tugging on Ryoka\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s <\/em>Riverfarm\u2019s [Emperor]! But he\u2019s blind! And he can see everything? Is it a Skill! He\u2019s pretty cool! Hey, you know<\/em> him, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last issue. Shut up, Charlay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka muttered back. She watched as the [Witches] straightened expectantly. Laken paused. Then he walked right past the [Witches] and stopped in front of Charlay and Ryoka. He looked up at them as all five [Witches] turned, seeming peeved under their pointed hats. Laken nodded absently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe third task is Gralton. But first\u2014Ryoka Griffin. It\u2019s been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Laken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka didn\u2019t know whether to smile or frown at Laken. Since it wouldn\u2019t matter, she did neither. Laken paused. The two stood together, unsaid words spilling in the air. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI owe you a debt, Ryoka. And we have much to discuss. But later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are here as well, [Emperor] of men. Do not ignore us.\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice spoke menacingly from behind Laken. He paused, then turned around. The [Witch] who had spoken, Mavika, received a blank not-a-stare.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was hardly my intention, Miss [Witch]. Ryoka Griffin is a friend of the throne. And you, my guests of whom I have heard so much. I greet you and hope the hospitality you have been offered has suited you. To whom am I speaking?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was well done. Mavika paused. And it was Eloise who replied with a curtsey as formal as Lady Rie\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, Emperor Godart. I am Witch Eloise, and this is Witch Mavika. We are [Witches] who have come to request an audience on behalf of the [Witches] of Izril. We five are part of a coven, and we ask that you hear our petition when time may allow. We formally greet you and thank you for your hospitality\u2014as well as forbearance for any incidents our number may have caused you during our stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tipped her hat and stepped on Mavika\u2019s foot while elbowing Hedag. The other [Witches] bowed or nodded. Mavika just glared before jerking her head. Laken tilted his head in reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI greet you, [Witches] of Riverfarm\u2019s Coven. I am aware of the great debt I owe you and the [Witch] known as Miss Califor especially. Your actions have saved Riverfarm, and I will not forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Witches] nodded approvingly. Laken went on with a slight frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, I understand that one of your number has brought death and strife to Riverfarm. She has slain a [Knight] and [Hunters] from Terandria\u2019s guild on my lands, taken the life out of one of my subjects and\u2014coerced others to their deaths. Tell me. Do you claim the Stitch Witch, Belavierr, as one of your own?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question went straight back towards Mavika. All the [Witches], Ryoka, and everyone else, paused to hear her response. Mavika bared her teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. She has taken the life of one of her fellow [Witches] without cause. This coven has found her wanting. She is welcome among neither [Witches] nor men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. In that case, I bid you all welcome. Avail yourselves of my hospitality until we have the opportunity to meet. But as I mentioned, it is Lord Gralton that needs must attend to. Yitton, have we heard anything more from him?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man that had been accompanying Laken stepped forwards. Ryoka saw an older man\u2019s face, lined and stern, but quite well-kept. European, like the landed nobility of Izril\u2019s Human population, turning grey from dark blond. It was also somewhat familiar. Ryoka narrowed her eyes. Wait did Laken say Byres earlier?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yitton nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing yet, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it\u2019s safe to say Gralton\u2019s situation is unchanged. And he is in need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Gralton, Laken?\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene whispered and then turned red when everyone stared at her. Laken patted her arm reassuringly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGralton is one of two [Lords] who accompanied me back, Durene. Remember, I wrote of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, right. Where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn his estates. Which is the problem. His lands were hit by a mysterious plague around the same time as Riverfarm was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone cursed. Laken nodded gravely.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. But his ailment was sickness. It\u2019s in his kennels. He\u2019s falling apart over it. Which brings me to my issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned back to the coven, who were all watching him like hawks save for Mavika, who had a crowish glare. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies, [Witches], first, how may I address you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag laughed. She leaned on her axe, speaking at Laken from under her wide, brown hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cCall us [Witches], you who call yourself [Emperor]. For that is what we are. And you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken nodded, turning his head left and right as if to catch Hedag\u2019s voice and memorize it. He paused, then went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. [Witches], I have a request for you as [Emperor] of Riverfarm and the Unseen Empire. At this moment, a friend of mine, a [Lord], is struck by disaster. The same Drakes who set fire to Riverfarm have engineered a plague in his lands. Or perhaps it is poison, a combination of both. As we speak, his dogs and people lie dying. Gralton\u2019s [Healers] are stymied by the sickness. But [Witches] might have better luck. Have any of you the craft to heal Gralton\u2019s sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

The request caught the entire coven off-guard. Ryoka saw them exchange glances, and then all turned to stare at Eloise. The tea [Witch] pursed her lips and answered after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI may. It is a sudden request, Your Majesty. But\u2014several of us know the craft of poison or remedies thereof to some extent. Are you requesting us to come to this Lord Gralton\u2019s aid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I asked it, would you agree? I would consider it a boon that would not go unrewarded.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven paused. Mavika glared and replied waspishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cA boon to be repaid with words or deeds, [Emperor] of men? If you would seek to ask for our deeds, do you have aught to offer or do you simply make a request?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Mavika, is it? I poorly phrased my statement. Of course, I offer payment for services rendered. But the question I wished to ask was whether you would consider doing it at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends on the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMavika!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise hissed. Mavika ignored her. Laken smiled, though. It almost seemed like he was enjoying himself. But his tone was courteous as he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Then, to cure Gralton\u2019s lands, I offer you coin and an [Emperor]\u2019s gratitude. Witch Eloise, do you desire gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is always welcome, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] replied smoothly. Laken nodded thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case\u2014four hundred gold coins to each [Witch] who has the skill to heal Gralton\u2019s ill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica\u2019s hand shot up before Laken had finished speaking. All the coven looked at her. Alevica was still pale, but the light of avarice had given her new energy. Eloise hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI as well. As a favor to both His Majesty and for those in need. We shall set out at once, then. We may require horses. I may, at any rate, if Alevica is well enough to fly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent. I will provide you with directions and transport. Are there any among you who can cure poisons? Wiskeria?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] hesitated and then shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me, Laken. I can do some, but Eloise and Alevica can do far more than I can. But maybe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced at Hedag. The [Executioner] shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot I. And little Nanette\u2014no. But Mavika might.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone regarded Mavika. The crow [Witch] folded her arms. Some of her crows were circling overhead, cawing. Frostwing flew through them, screaming, and they scattered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have knowledge of poison and ills. But gold does not motivate this [Witch]\u2019s will.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sounded like she was just being stubborn, if the look on Eloise\u2019s face was anything to go by. But Laken was equal to the challenge. He bowed, very politely, which surprised Ryoka until she remembered. German folklore meant he was probably aware of the dangers of insulting as much as she. Or he just understood what Mavika was like.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Mavika, if gold does not suit you, what about food? Four gold coin\u2019s worth of food for your flocks, whenever you ask it. Meat or grain. So long, of course, as you do all in your power to come to Gralton\u2019s aide.\u201d<\/p>\n

In fact, he really<\/em> understood her. Laken must have memorized the descriptions of each [Witch]. Mavika blinked. And the crow perched on a roof overhead cawed<\/em> hungrily. She wavered, then nodded grudgingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent. Then I, Laken Godart, do swear to pay your price due if you swear to work to your utmost within the spirit of your vow and reason to bring aid to Gralton\u2019s land.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken held out his hand, and Mavika shook it. He turned, nodding, and looked at the young man hurrying up towards him with his arms full.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may need to borrow a house. The throne room doesn\u2019t have tables, as I recall, Gamel. Lady Rie is that way\u2014we\u2019ll convene with her. I require a larger map to show these [Witches] where Gralton\u2019s lands are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will see to it at once, sire!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gamel wheezed. Laken led the way towards Lady Rie\u2019s house as Gamel hurried inside. The [Emperor] was muttering to Yitton, and Ryoka edged forwards with Charlay to listen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYitton, tell Gralton he\u2019s going to have to put up the gold when they arrive. Eight hundred pieces. I think he\u2019ll call that cheap for his dogs, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then the two City Runners jumped as Laken turned to them. Laken was smiling again.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka, would you introduce me to your friend? Dustrider Charlay, I presume?\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused as Charlay drew up, suddenly nervous.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014that\u2019s right! You know my nickname?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay was thunderstruck. Laken charming.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Dustrider Charlay, I must thank you for aiding Ryoka as well as coming to Riverfarm\u2019s aid in its time of crisis. I will not forget it, but at this moment, I have a request. Tell me, would you consent to a delivery? I would like to send a [Witch] straight to Lord Gralton\u2019s lands. And a letter, from me, explaining the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centauress seemed pleased, then alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it! But\u2014wait a second. I have to carry<\/em> someone? On my back?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He only smiled. Ryoka nearly did. But she was watching him. Hesitating. At last, Charlay nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014if it\u2019s Eloise, sure! If it\u2019s Alevica, forget about it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp yours, horse. I can fly!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken ignored Alevica. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, I would prevail on you to transport Witch Eloise and a letter. For a delivery fee of\u2026twenty-five gold pieces?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay hesitated. Ryoka nearly whistled, but in the face of the price he\u2019d offered the two [Witches], it wasn\u2019t that much. It was<\/em> good for a delivery that would probably be safe, just fast, but\u2026Charlay gave Ryoka a side-long glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026<\/em>I could definitely do it. If I, uh, was paid a bit more? You\u2019re paying the [Witches] um\u2026twelve times what you\u2019re paying me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSixteen, Charlay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSixteen!\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked hopeful as her tail swished back and forth. Laken frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you cure an entire province of poisoned dogs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but I can run really fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay pouted. Laken paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe distance is three days for someone on horseback without Skills. If you can make it in two, I\u2019ll triple your fee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright! In that case, get on, Eloise! I\u2019ll get you to this Gralton\u2019s place in no time! Which way!\u201d<\/p>\n

Charlay reared, and Laken dodged back, looking vaguely alarmed. He turned his head towards Ryoka and made a bemused face. Then Lady Rie was hurrying out with a map. The [Witches] crowded around. Mavika nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy flock and I can make the journey in two days as well. One, if the winds fly behind us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can make it in two days. Probably.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica gritted her teeth, poking her stomach. Laken glanced around.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo so at all speed, please. Time is of the essence. Gralton\u2019s dogs aren\u2019t all dead, but many are dying by the hour. As are his people, to a lesser extent. I will send him a [Message] informing him you are arriving. He will give you all the aid you require. However, do you need anything prepared in advance?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witches] conferred briefly. Mavika looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it is plague, Feverwort. If it is poison\u2014easier. Eloise\u2019s teas purge the body. I have other ways. Sage\u2019s Grass if it is poison. Sage\u2019s Grass, pure charcoal, and the venoms of many creatures. Preferably the Drake who spat poison if it lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m told Gralton\u2019s surviving dogs ripped it apart. But I\u2019ll send a [Message] at once. Nesor!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken called, and the young man standing at the table behind him jumped. Ryoka watched as Laken conferred, began working on a map with Lady Rie\u2014and then Mister Prost entered the room to receive his own copy of a map with fishing spots. Ryoka\u2019s hermit-fisher friend was one of the people he sent to collect the bounty. And Ryoka\u2014just watched.<\/p>\n

He needed Prost, Rie, and the others. Laken had a plan, one borne of time on the road and his [Emperor]\u2019s sight, but he needed people he could trust to implement his plans. What he had was an edge\u2014the ability to see where animals were, or fish, pinpoint people exactly\u2014and that was a huge advantage. But what he was really giving the people of Riverfarm was purpose<\/em>. Prost had tried, but he wasn\u2019t a leader in that way. Laken was. He had a vision, and the moment he\u2019d returned, Riverfarm had begun moving and shaping itself around that vision.<\/p>\n

In a way, he was like a [Witch]. But one who had made an empire his craft. And Ryoka saw, evaluated, and compared it to the Laken she had met in Invrisil and the one she had heard about who had led Goblins to a siege at Liscor. This third Laken and the other two mixed and mingled. And she thought until Durene burst through the doors with a panicked shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken! There\u2019s a caravan coming this way! A lot of wagons with bars! They\u2019re filled with Goblins.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone in the room froze. And Ryoka glanced up. Laken calmly raised his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Yes they are. I told you I was bringing them back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014they\u2019re coming here! Into the village!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken paused. He frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat could be dangerous. I agree. Durene, with me. Prost, Rie, I won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

He strode out of the room. Ryoka followed, her heart beating faster. Goblins? Could one of them be\u2026?<\/p>\n

The wagons were huge and packed with Goblins. It was a huge procession of them! Dozens of wagons, all with bars, lurching slowly towards Riverfarm. The people had seen them and were crying out in shock. Laken walked towards the caravan, which had an escort of\u2026it had to be at least a hundred [Guards]. Perhaps three times that many Goblins, or more.<\/p>\n

Ryoka felt sick watching them crammed together, staring out. Durene just shuddered with hatred, but Ryoka was scanning each face for a familiar Goblin. She didn\u2019t see Rags. And she could sense the hostility behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone, back to your work! Emperor Laken has this in hand! Back to work, I say!\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost had followed Laken outside. He stood with the [Emperor], and Ryoka distinctly heard him and Laken exchanging some words.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026will find a place later. [Guards], yes, but not one is to be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken broke off and raised a hand. A relieved-looking man was riding towards him, a sword at his side. Laken called out.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Caravan Master] Dintal! Thank you for your tireless work. I will commend your name to the Merchant\u2019s Guild and issue you and your men a bonus for your efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a relief to be here, Your Majesty! Where do you want these Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man called out, pulling to a stop before Laken. The [Emperor] smiled thinly, clearly aware of the stares he was getting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a spot picked out, Dintal. However, I have one last task for you. Move the caravan south along the river. Until I give you the word, guard the Goblins. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who attacks them, you will stop. Without killing, preferably. But if any Goblin dies, I will regretfully withhold both your bonus and commendation. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

And with that, Laken turned his back and kept speaking to Mister Prost. Dintal stared, but then he looked resigned. Ryoka saw him turn and whistle.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard Emperor Godart! Move the Goblins! And stay clear of the wagons, everyone! These bastards\u2019ll throw their shit at you! Throw a stone and don\u2019t be surprised if they throw it back! Come on, move it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The caravan moved, turning down the road. Ryoka saw the exclamations and fear and hatred on the people\u2019s faces\u2014but she was more curious about the resigned expressions on the faces of the [Guards]. Not malice. And the Goblins just stared. They were watching Laken, looking around. Not with hostility, necessarily. But a keen intelligence. And Laken was watching them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have Gamel instruct Dintal. And I\u2019ll need some of Beniar\u2019s people and folk you can trust<\/em> watching the wagons, Prost. No\u2014I\u2019ll make Dintal\u2019s men stay another night. I\u2019ll have to pay them well, too. But keep Riverfarm\u2019s folk moving, and they won\u2019t be able to interfere until I settle matters with the Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prost didn\u2019t seem happy as he kept staring at the wagons, but he did obey. That was a sign of loyalty alright. But Ryoka just stared at Laken. His head was still following the Goblin carts. And he eventually looked back at her. Laken didn\u2019t smile this time. He just looked weary.<\/p>\n

\u201cPart of the road home, Ryoka. And there\u2019s no road to redemption or forgiveness. But I have to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t reply. After a moment, Laken nodded back towards Riverfarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack to work. The Goblins will have to wait. They\u2019ve waited for over two months; I\u2019ll subject them to another day.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked back towards the village. Ryoka saw him enter Lady Rie\u2019s house, but she didn\u2019t follow him. The City Runner glanced around.<\/p>\n

Riverfarm was in full bustle. And the three [Witches] had already left, along with Charlay. Only Wiskeria and Hedag remained. The [Executioner] was leaning on her axe, her eyes alight with interest as she watched people moving with a renewed sense of purpose.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome [Emperor] this is. I\u2019d heard stories, and I\u2019ve met a [King], but this is a man like few others! Is it his class that does it, or him?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed. Ryoka would have liked to know that too. Wiskeria shook her head. She seemed relieved. Relieved and still heartbroken.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s back. Finally.\u201d<\/p>\n

She made no move to follow Laken. Nor had he called for her among his advisors. But it was Hedag who pushed Wiskeria gently towards the house. She looked at the older [Witch].<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who stayed here and forced us to come to you, Wiskeria-Girl. Go and do what you must. I\u2019ll stay with Nanette.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witches] exchanged a glance. And then Wiskeria nodded, squared her shoulders, and walked into Lady Rie\u2019s house. Ryoka regarded Hedag. And the [Executioner] grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where do you fit into this village now, Ryoka-Girl?\u201d<\/p>\n

The City runner searched around. She looked at the hopeful faces, at the scorched land, at Hedag, and listened for Laken\u2019s voice. Then she shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag laughed. She slapped Ryoka on the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have made a fine [Witch], girl. A fine [Witch].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Night fell. Laken Godart worked into it. Riverfarm had so much that needed doing<\/em>, and he was finally back. He only stopped when Lady Rie and Mister Prost both stopped taking his orders. Then Laken realized he was exhausted and needed some sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always tomorrow. I\u2019ll sleep, I\u2019ll sleep, Prost! Don\u2019t threaten me with Yesel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken yawned. He looked around, intending to tell Gamel to prepare a bed. And then he stopped. Slowly, his head turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I\u2019m back, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was alone that Laken came to Durene\u2019s cottage. Well, not alone; Gamel had walked him the entire way there, and the [Knight] was hovering by the gates. Laken had to throw rocks in his vague direction until the young man finally left him. And then Laken took a few minutes before he knocked on the door.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know why he did that. Frostwing was already screeching inside, and Laken was pushing Bismarck\u2019s head away from licking him when Durene opened the door. The [Paladin] stared at Laken. He stared back.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, Durene. May I\u2026come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Sure. I mean, we saw each other just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201c\u2026Come in! Of course! It\u2019s your\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken walked inside. The house wasn\u2019t exactly like he remembered, but he\u2019d known that as soon as he focused on it. Durene was sleeping in the kitchen, and someone had occupied her bed. It was messier with more work needed on the roof and some unwashed dishes on the counter\u2014Frostwing\u2019s nest was bigger, and Bismarck had made his own den around back\u2014but it was familiar.<\/p>\n

And not. So was Durene. Laken awkwardly stood with her for a bit before they sat down at the kitchen table. Neither one knew where to begin, and when they did\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cYou brought Goblins back. And you took months<\/em> doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to, Durene. I explained it. Goblins are people\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you of all people would understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that<\/em> supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene, you\u2019re half Troll. Goblins are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrolls aren\u2019t the same as Goblins!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But they\u2019re both considered monsters. And neither are<\/em>. Durene, Goblins\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKilled my friends! <\/em>They killed the army, and they burned and killed and hurt a bunch of people! You were there, Laken! Remember fighting them at Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d never forget. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what? But what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to me! <\/em>But they\u2019re not all alike! Or are all Humans alike?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re evil. All of \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you<\/em> say there are good ones? Has anyone ever met a good Goblin? No one has!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe because no one\u2019s given them a chance. How many good Trolls can you name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I let them die, the army would have hacked them to pieces. Goblins who\u2019d surrendered. Goblins who couldn\u2019t fight. Children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not giving you any look. You can\u2019t even see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can tell you\u2019re giving me a look, Durene. I have an [Emperor]\u2019s senses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why didn\u2019t you sense<\/em> how I felt about this!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s not about you<\/em>, Durene.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it not about me<\/em> when the Goblins killed my friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I\u2019m sorry. You\u2019re right, it affects you. But Durene\u2014those Goblins are people. And if I killed them, or let them die, knowing what I do now, I\u2019d never forgive myself. And I wouldn\u2019t be an [Emperor]. Or at least, not one you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Goblins stay, Durene. And they\u2019ll be protected, given the same rights as anyone else. If they kill someone, they\u2019ll be punished. If they steal, they\u2019ll be punished. And if someone kills a Goblin, I will treat them like a murderer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s going to like it. And I bet you anything that people like Ram\u2019ll go after the Goblins. If they don\u2019t attack us in our sleep. Are you at least watching them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a guard on them now. To protect them from Humans, among other things. It doesn\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t like them, Durene. In fact, it\u2019s fine that way. I\u2019ve got a plan. It may work. But it doesn\u2019t matter if people hate the Goblins\u2019 guts. I will show them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken trailed off. Their first fight hadn\u2019t been the worst. No one had broken anything. But Laken was more upset by this than anything else today. He stroked Frostwing\u2019s head as the bird huddled in his lap. He could tell Durene was looking at him. At last, she burst out with it. The Goblins were only part.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened? <\/em>Laken, what happened when you left? Why was it so long? Why did\u2026what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

And he had no answer for that. He had a plan, an answer for everything else. But not that. Laken hung his head and shook it slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made a huge mistake, Durene. And everything\u2014all of this\u2014is a result of it. I made a mistake. I\u2019m so sorry it took me so long to return home.\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t reply. After a while, she got up and sat beside him. Laken turned his head. He could feel Durene there. But she didn\u2019t embrace him. They just sat together. After a while, Durene wiped at her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it would be easier when you came back. I waited and waited.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

He reached for her hand. Durene pulled it away.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka had to tell me you\u2019re not perfect. That you make mistakes. I had to\u2026I need to be a [Paladin], Laken. Or I need you to take it away. I can\u2019t be half of it, though. I want to fight. And if you\u2019re wrong about Goblins, maybe you were wrong about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken whispered, but the half-Troll girl didn\u2019t respond. So they sat there. Familiar strangers sitting together in the cottage. Until the door opened.<\/p>\n

Laken started. He heard a gasp, then Ryoka\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just, uh, sleep outside. In the village, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka? Oh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] belatedly remembered the two other cots. Durene stood up hastily.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no! Go back to whatever you were doing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe weren\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The two began, but Ryoka had already shut the door. Laken could hear her retreating, then a distant voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Wiskeria! You don\u2019t want to go in there\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken and Durene sat in silence after that. They paused, and then one of them began laughing, and the other joined in. Somehow, that had helped. In the end, they sat on Durene\u2019s bed. She listened as he told her of what had passed, of what he had done. Trying to explain, or maybe justify. And then it was her turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo much happened after I woke up. I can\u2019t even explain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me. Tell me from the start. From the fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

And she did. Laken sat, listening to that familiar voice, willing himself not to interject too much, to listen. To understand. Durene sat there, so close it hurt. After a while, he found himself holding her hand. And she looked at him and tried to remember if it had felt like that before he\u2019d left. They slept apart that night. Somehow\u2026it just ended up that way.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

[Emperor Level 20!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Group: Surge of Inspiration obtained!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Empire: Fields of Bounty obtained!]<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 72<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ryoka saw Laken\u2019s new Skills the next day. The [Emperor] was up at dawn, raring to get to work. And Riverfarm was up with him. She caught him using the Skill on a group of [Woodcutters] who\u2019d volunteered to see what the Skill was about.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Surge of Inspiration].\u201d<\/p>\n

The group jumped as one and then patted their bodies and each other, laughing. One of them raised his axe and uttered a loud yell.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, but I feel awake! I could chop down half a forest myself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s just burnt roots and stumps! Come on, let\u2019s get to work! Your Majesty, that\u2019s one Skill I wouldn\u2019t mind you using on us every day! We\u2019ll let you know how long it lasts!\u201d<\/p>\n

The leader laughed as he hefted the axe. The group moved off, practically jogging. Laken looked bemused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe instant I got back, I leveled up. It\u2019s probably the world\u2019s way of telling me I should never have left. And that Skill! That would have been so<\/em> useful on the ride back. And the [Fields of Bounty] will allow me to feed all the people coming here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded to Ram. The [Head Farmer] was practically bursting with delight, both from his new class that had replaced his [Rancher] class\u2014it was apparently an upgrade\u2014and Laken\u2019s Skills. He indicated the fields, which were being expanded again,<\/em> as he spoke to Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I can see<\/em> some of the crops growing, Sire! What with all the Skills us [Farmers] have plus yours\u2014even the grown plants look twice as good as they did yesterday! What do you think, Miss Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka paused. She\u2019d been offered some of the newest crop\u2014corn\u2014and was chewing on it. She gulped and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice corn. Almost as good as Farmer Lupp\u2019s. Well, half as good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ram seemed insulted. Laken just smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that\u2019s a compliment, Mister Ram. Or maybe encouragement. Keep up the good work! I need to attend to the Goblin situation and the refugees coming in. You\u2019ll be fine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, uh, yes, Your Majesty! I won\u2019t let you down! Me and the [Farmers]\u2019ll have your storehouses bursting in no time! Just so long as those filthy Goblins don\u2019t slit our throats! But you have a plan for that! We\u2019ll use them as monster bait or workers, right? Something only an [Emperor]\u2019d think up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like\u2026well, nothing like that. But you\u2019ll see, Mister Ram. Don\u2019t worry about the Goblins. And keep people from thinking about going after them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken waved Ram off. Then he turned to Ryoka. Gamel was already waiting with a small horde of people who wanted Laken\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka, I know I promised to talk, but I\u2019m still in the middle of a thousand minor crises. Can you wait? I could use your help with Lady Rie and sending messages if you need something to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked up, startled, and then shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No. I\u2019m fine. I\u2019m just going to\u2026sit here. If that\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Laken nodded and vanished into a crowd. Ryoka barely noticed him go. Then she stood up and went to a house on the edge of Riverfarm. More houses were being built, of course, and other buildings too. Laken was creating more than just houses and remodeling some that could become storefronts, other buildings. Even inns.<\/p>\n

But the house Ryoka stopped at was just a house. Quiet. So quiet it hurt. And inside were two [Witches]. One was Hedag. The other was Nanette.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMiss Runner-Girl. Miss Ryoka Griffin. How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag greeted Ryoka. The City Runner paused, then realized Hedag was indicating her slightly tender-footed gait. Ryoka shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo calluses. I burned my feet off on that run. I still smell smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, when you led a tornado made of flame. You never said how you did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag\u2019s eyes glinted as she sat next to Nanette. The [Witch] girl was sitting on the ground. Just sitting there, her expression distant. She wasn\u2019t crying. She wasn\u2019t\u2026Ryoka forced herself to answer Hedag.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d I know it would follow me? I didn\u2019t. It\u2019s the wind. It didn\u2019t like being held. And tornados\u2014well, I was pretty sure that it would move after me if I gave it a headwind. I mean, I know that sounds dodgy, but I had help. Califor gave me some tips.\u201d<\/p>\n

Califor. No one was invoking her name, but Ryoka felt she had to. The girl felt a lump in her throat. Yet Hedag\u2019s cheerful voice made Ryoka flinch.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, if she did, then you had better odds than not. Well, however it was done, you have a Hedag\u2019s thanks. And a village\u2019s no doubt. Even Califor would have struggled to end that whirlwind and the rest of the fire. Perhaps she might have failed. And then, what a waste, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

And Califor\u2019s name made her look at Nanette. The girl had stirred once in reply to the name. But Hedag didn\u2019t seem guilty at saying it out loud. The [Executioner] was tender as she combed Nanette\u2019s hair. But she had made the girl eat and drink this morning when she\u2019d refused to. In her way, Hedag was crueler than Mavika. She refused to let Nanette alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I never should have trusted her.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Ryoka could say to Nanette. She sat down, looking and not looking at the girl. Hedag watched the two as Ryoka sat there, hating herself more than any other day in her life.<\/p>\n

Nanette didn\u2019t respond. She lay there, motionless. Like a doll with its strings cut. Hedag drank. Ryoka spoke haltingly. Nanette said nothing.<\/p>\n

They had made it through the fire, Califor and Nanette. That was the story Wiskeria and the rest of the coven had heard from Nanette before shattering grief had given way to this. The path of events that had led Califor to return to put out the fire at the cost of her life was simple.<\/p>\n

They had met Belavierr. And in that meeting, she had stolen a bit of Nanette\u2019s hair. Just a strand or two. But that was enough. Belavierr hadn\u2019t ever lied. She\u2019d told the truth; she couldn\u2019t stop the wildfire with her craft. She might have if she used all her magic and her life, but she hadn\u2019t wanted to die. And what she could do was kill Nanette. So she\u2019d made Califor an offer: her daughter or her life.<\/p>\n

And to save her daughter from the Stitch Witch, Califor, a legendary [Witch] in her own right, had ridden back and stopped the fire. She\u2019d saved Wiskeria. And Belavierr had cheated her death again.<\/p>\n

It was such a simple story. All of Belavierr\u2019s stories of her evil were the same. Ryoka felt sick. But this had crossed a line. This hadn\u2019t been a deal or self-defense. This had been evil. As Nanette sat next to her, Hedag honed her axe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis blade\u2019s never ended a [Witch]. Hedags don\u2019t go after [Witches] much. And this Hedag is a [Witch], so there\u2019s less point. In our covens, we look the other way from the sins a [Witch] does so long as it brings no grief upon our kind. We\u2019ve little enough allies to peck each other apart. But when a [Witch] kills another [Witch]\u2014then they are hunted. By other [Witches]. And if ever I meet Belavierr, I owe her a Hedag\u2019s justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka couldn\u2019t care about that. Belavierr was gone. She had killed Califor. Killed her and left Nanette with nothing. That was what mattered. She had to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas she\u2026Nanette\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMother? Califor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag\u2019s voice was too loud. Ryoka and Nanette flinched. Hedag nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was Nanette\u2019s mother. If she pretended otherwise, it was to spare Nanette the attention she might have had otherwise. Or else other [Witches] would have looked to her like Wiskeria. Judged. You know how we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka said it again. Hedag snorted. She delicately moved the axe across the whetstone. And her gaze was merciless as she gazed at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorrys and regrets have never salved a wound, Wind-Girl. Go. And do what good you may elsewhere. Leave Nanette to herself. And say her name. Califor.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Nanette\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked at the girl. She was crying, crying without moving. Hedag\u2019s voice was implacable.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was Nanette\u2019s mother. And she was named Califor. Don\u2019t pretend she never existed. And you, Nanette, let it hurt. Let it hurt or the wound will never heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl wept. And Ryoka looked at her and Hedag. And she didn\u2019t have the courage to stay.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 73<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It took Laken two days to deal with the Goblins. And when he did, Ryoka was there. She had to be. She didn\u2019t know what Laken intended, but she was ready for\u2026anything. She still had yet to talk to him. Riverfarm was still growing as more shell-shocked folks made their way here, speaking of the fire. Laken was reorganizing, dealing with the problems of city folk versus villagers, people wanting special treatment because of their class, even petty thefts.<\/p>\n

And the thing was, he was dealing<\/em> with the problems, not patching them up for later. [Thieves] were evicted after a lashing or time in the pillories. People were told to live with their neighbors or politely informed they could leave. And two [Bandit] groups were smashed by Beniar and his [Riders] in night raids almost before they\u2019d been formed.<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] was back. Most people couldn\u2019t be happier. But even the happiest, even people like Prost and Durene, feared the Goblins. Twice, people had come after the prisoners in their wagons, for vengeance or out of fear.<\/p>\n

Both times, Laken had spotted the trouble coming, but the Goblins? Ryoka knew that Laken couldn\u2019t have turned them loose along his trip without them being hunted down or potentially terrorizing some area, but she couldn\u2019t imagine how he\u2019d handle them now.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t have to wait any longer. The Goblins were being unloaded out of the wagons. They formed a huge mass, warily eying the caravan guards and the militia that Laken had recreated. The Humans were armed and roughly equal in number to the Goblins; only a few were Hobs. Even so, it felt like the Humans were more terrified than the Goblins at this moment.<\/p>\n

They were wary. Oh yes, Ryoka could see some of them looking around, clearly seeking lines of escape. But the place Laken had put them\u2014next to a river curving south from Riverfarm and too far away from a forest and a mountain to the west\u2014wasn\u2019t a good place for running. It was relatively flat, here at least. So the Goblins stayed put. At least, for the moment.<\/p>\n

They were strange to Ryoka. She was no Goblin expert, but she could at least tell that they were from different\u2026tribes. Some even had grey skin! Others, a few, were marked with red paint\u2014practically covered with it. One even wore a chef\u2019s hat. It was dirty and had lost some of its floof, but the little Goblin had it on her head as she hid behind another Hobgoblin who was definitely female. Her entire body was covered in exotic paint, and she looked around warily, watching, listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, so this is what you all look like. And you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken waited until the last Goblin left the carts. Then he addressed them. He didn\u2019t get any closer, but he was speaking to one of the Hobgoblins who wore red paint. The Hobgoblin stared at Laken, but didn\u2019t respond. In fact, the Goblins were eerily quiet and still. Laken sighed. He pointedly turned his head across the Goblins\u2019 ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you can understand me. And I know you\u2019re there. I can\u2019t imagine what you must feel. But we\u2019ve arrived at our destination. And you must know what comes next.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a susurration among the Humans. A slow tensing among the Goblins. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cA choice. Now, listen to me. And watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked forwards. Gamel started, and the Humans with weapons wavered, but Laken stopped a good two dozen paces short of the Goblins. He frowned at the ground and then stuck one shoe in the wet earth. It was barren, devoid of grass, but some new shoots were already blooming. Life even after fire. Laken ignored the burgeoning green and dragged his foot along the ground. Everyone stared as the [Emperor] drew a line straight from the river past the Goblins. He stopped, kicked some mud off the tip of his shoe, and pointed at the line.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see this line? Beyond this line is my land. The land of Riverfarm. The Unseen Empire.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was addressing the Hobgoblin with the stripes. Laken stepped back. The Redfang Hob walked forwards and investigated the line. He eyed it, then pointed at the land across the line. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin instantly stepped over the line. Ryoka, Beniar\u2014all of the Humans tensed. Laken just chuckled. The Hobgoblin watched, expectant. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, you\u2019re on my land. So that means my laws apply. Steal, harm, or break the laws of Riverfarm and you will face the consequences. And I will tell you each of the laws if you ask. While you are on my land, you will be treated like people. If someone harms you, I will know. And I will punish the guilty. But I cannot promise you will be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin stared at him. He peered at the other side of the line. Walked across it. Then he kicked some dirt over the line as if to say \u2018so what\u2019? Laken nodded patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond this line are Goblin lands. Your territory. And your rules. Perhaps someone will have need to cross this line. If, for instance, some Goblins took something that belonged to Humans. Someone shot a deer and it ran across this line. Sometimes, Humans may need to cross this line. But whether and how we do is up to you. How you act.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waited. The Goblins waited. Some of them began picking their noses. Laken continued, undeterred.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe line isn\u2019t just here. It continues. From here straight up to that mountain. I also warn you that I control much of the land to your south. But if you go south and west too far, you will run into lands claimed by Humans. This immediate area is my territory for at least twenty miles south of here. And my people will patrol my borders while not stepping onto Goblin lands. You see? Along the river is how far it goes. We will put people down the river and catch those who might try to hurt you if we can. But again\u2014you know us Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblins stirred. So did Ryoka. Laken wasn\u2019t promising them much. You know Humans<\/em>. It was practically a warning. But Laken was saying\u2026Ryoka\u2019s eyes narrowed. The [Emperor] continued, and both Humans and Goblins were listening, trying to figure out what his game was.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see what happens on my land, by the way. I can see what you do. You can try taking vengeance. Or you can run off. I\u2019ll stop you if you attack Humans. I won\u2019t stop you if you run off, or protect you. And this is the only thing I will ever give you. This line. Oh\u2014and this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed casually to something behind the Goblins. They turned around and stared at the pile of objects and opened crates. One of them stared inside. A little Goblin poked his hand in and pulled something out. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHammers. Nails. Hoes. Shovels. Etcetera. And food to last you a week, if you manage it. That\u2019s all. Do with it as you will. And remember\u2014my line. My territory. That\u2019s yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and began to walk away. The Goblins stared at his back. Beniar\u2019s jaw was practically falling off his face. Ryoka could feel the disbelief in the air from both sides. That was it?<\/em> But Laken only stopped once.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and one more thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hundreds of stomachs and butts instinctively clenched. This was it. The [Emperor] pointed back towards the crate.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s right on top of the pillows. Try not to break it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblins stared at the crates. The [Emperor] smiled once.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he walked away. Slowly, the Humans followed. Some of them were already arguing with the [Emperor].<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty! We have to set a guard!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen set one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have weapons!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if they use them, I\u2019ll know. This is what an army\u2019s for, Beniar. Speaking of which, we need to begin recruitment and training.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat else do you want, Beniar? I\u2019ll let you have it. But no killing Goblins. Anything else I\u2019m fine with.\u201d<\/p>\n

And then their voices trailed off. The female Human with bare feet stared at the Goblins a while longer before running off. And the Goblins of four tribes\u2014the tribe of Tremborag, the Great Chieftain of the Mountain, the Redfang Warriors, the Flooded Waters tribe Goblins, and the Solstice Goblins, who had once been Cave Goblins\u2014all stared at each other.<\/p>\n

Ulvama was muttering to herself. Some of the Hobs were looking at each other. They had no chieftain. The chieftains might all be dead. Did they form a new tribe? What about the strange, blind Human\u2019s words?<\/p>\n

It was one of the Redfangs who made the first move. She was a Hob and a Redfang, and she had her priorities straight. The first thing the Redfang Hob did was grab the shovel and lift it. She checked it for faults and swung it once. Nodded.<\/p>\n

Sharp.<\/em> It was no sword, but she could kill something with it. The other Redfang Hobgoblin nodded. He checked the crates, looking at saws, nails, all kinds of things you could make useful weapons from. Or fortifications. He grunted, and two of the smaller Redfang Warriors began arming themselves, debating on how to get ahold of some armor.<\/p>\n

And then the Redfang Hob paused. He remembered the [Emperor]\u2019s words. Slowly, suspiciously, he looked for the crate filled with pillows, which some Goblins were already tearing apart for feathers, which were good for all kinds of stuff, like toilet paper or arrow fletching. And the Redfang Hob stopped.<\/p>\n

The other Goblins saw his posture, saw the shock. Not alarm, so they crowded closer. And they all stopped, staring down into the crate. At the other thing the [Emperor] had left.<\/p>\n

They stared at it. Ulvama blinked. Pebblesnatch came from behind her. The little Cave Goblin\u2019s eyes were wide, because she recognized it too. They all did.<\/p>\n

It was the iPhone.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 74<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cEmperor Laken wishes to see you, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three days after he\u2019d arrived, Ryoka finally got the call to meet Laken. She couldn\u2019t blame him, not really. He\u2019d been fielding [Messages] left and right yesterday. Among housing thousands, designing a new village, gathering food and supplies and working out what was essentially a bureaucracy in the making, Laken had also had to deal with the Drakes.<\/p>\n

Or rather, one Drake, whose body had been preserved in a coffin. Not out of respect, but necessity. Ryoka could only listen to a few reports, but it appeared that the Drakes\u2019 attack on other lands had gone off with mixed success. In places, they\u2019d just done damage and left, like Lord Veltras\u2019 estates. In others, they\u2019d gone in personally and caused damage, like Lord Erill\u2019s home where the Drakes had cut down notable figures before retreating\u2014or dying.<\/p>\n

However, there were few bodies. Fewer signs of proof. The Drakes had magical objects on them, but most had preferred to destroy their gear before dying. And none had anything that connected them to a city or organization.<\/p>\n

It was a mess. But Laken was communicating with the other nobles who\u2019d been affected. Tellingly, they were all wealthy or powerful individuals that had taken part in the siege of Liscor. Smaller [Lords] like Yitton Byres hadn\u2019t been hit, only the big ones. And Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken? Are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka pushed open the door. Gamel glared at the impropriety, but Laken looked up from the table. He\u2019d converted one of the houses into a meeting room so people would stop borrowing Rie\u2019s or Prost\u2019s homes. Another thing the [Emperor] could do that stuck.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, come in, have a seat. Can Gamel get you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen that will be all, Gamel. Give us some room. And keep people away unless it\u2019s an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door closed. Gamel cast one curious glance at Ryoka before the door closed. Laken sighed, sat back, and then spoke in a much more conversational tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry it took so long to arrange a meeting. But I\u2019ve been swamped\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I see. It\u2019s no problem. How\u2019re things?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka stretched out at the table, watching Laken closely. He didn\u2019t turn his head to look at her. He was aware of where she was, of course, but he didn\u2019t react to her like someone with eyes would, and that was disconcerting. He was surer than she was of the locations of things around him, actually. Case in point, Laken reached to one side and lifted a cup without turning his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been there a day. The [Witches], I mean. Your Centauress friend really did get there in two days. And apparently, the [Witches] managed to figure out an antidote in record time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to who?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken paused, and then he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, well, it was quick. Puts the [Healers] to shame, really. But apparently that [Witch]. Mavika? She\u2019s experienced with Drake poisons and their venom. Apparently, one of them was spitting it into the water supply and increasing the dosage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNasty. So the dogs are alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

The conversation was moving faster than the [Emperor] had expected, but he just exhaled and shook his head, weary.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore or less. Lots of them died. And some people too, but Gralton cares more about dogs than\u2026the rest are recovering. The [Witches] are headed back now. I\u2019ll need to prepare Mavika\u2019s reward if she wants it all at once. But you don\u2019t need to hear about my issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. We\u2019re here to chat. Come on, take a load off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka gestured at the table. Laken smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you anything to eat? We\u2019ve got snacks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Well, maybe. Let me check. Oh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka got up and went to the cupboard. She frowned at what was inside. Then she motioned to Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, uh, it\u2019s not a snack, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Something wrong with the walnuts?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken looked up with a frown. Ryoka motioned to him, and he got up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if you can see it with your [Emperor] vision. Come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked over, past a chair, and straight into Ryoka\u2019s fist. She hit<\/em> him in the stomach as hard as she could\u2014she didn\u2019t feel like breaking a finger on his jaw.<\/p>\n

Laken doubled over. He didn\u2019t groan, and he didn\u2019t retch\u2014he just fell over, clutching his stomach. Ryoka watched him double over on the floor in silent agony for a minute. She debated a kick, but thought better. After another minute, she heard a sound.<\/p>\n

He was swearing in German. Ryoka listened a bit and stared at her hand. No good. She\u2019d hoped it would feel different, but she still felt like she\u2019d just sucker-punched a blind man. Not a great feeling.<\/p>\n

Ryoka walked over and took a seat at the table again. Well, she did feel better now she\u2019d gotten that out into the open. She addressed Laken on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you know why I did that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014schei\u00dfkerl\u2014<\/em>I was wondering<\/em> why you sounded off. I\u2019m going to throw up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken tried to pull himself up onto his chair. He winced and decided to lie still for a second longer. Ryoka raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to call for Gamel and have me executed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGods damn<\/em> it, Ryoka\u2014go ahead and start kicking me if you want, but don\u2019t hit me in the stomach or I\u2019ll puke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken was still curled up, despite trying to stand. Ryoka folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to beat you up. You deserved one<\/em>. And I gave you one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I can\u2019t stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not actually<\/em> blind. I mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka hesitated as Laken\u2019s closed eyes turned towards her incredulously. She flushed, despite knowing he couldn\u2019t see it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou deserved that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2014it hurts\u2014<\/em>I think if you hit me for the reason I\u2019m thinking about, I deserve far worse. Are you going to punch me every time you and I are alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken pulled himself up. He sat, doubled over, and his entire face was one grimace. Now, Ryoka was getting angrily defensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou deserve<\/em> it. Don\u2019t prevaricate with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to prevaricate on the floor. No one\u2019s ever given me a punch like that. How does Beniar do his fighting thing? Is there a bucket?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka wavered, then grabbed one. She slammed it down, and Laken recoiled, then dragged himself back to the table where he sat and held the bucket with clear fear it would be used.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to talk seriously instead of being Mister Emperor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken put his head down on the table. After a second, he raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t<\/em> hit me again. May I ask one question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to hit you. Again. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the punch for neglecting Durene, Riverfarm? Califor dying? Not sensing the Drake saboteur? Or is it about the Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201c…The Goblins. But I guess the rest of that counts too. For sieging<\/em> Liscor, <\/em>jackass.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken\u2019s face was a full wince.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I ask you to hit me in the leg for the rest of it? I really do feel like I\u2019m\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up.<\/em> Do you even know what you did?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka glared at him. She raised a fist, and Laken flinched. Since that made her feel like the bad person, Ryoka slowly put her hands back on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI owed you a punch. And if you met my friend, she\u2019d probably give you ten times that. If she didn\u2019t try to stab you first. What the hell were you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this the part where I explain like I was going to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou nearly wiped out a city of innocent Drakes and Gnolls!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken\u2019s face was sweaty as he glowered in her general direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirstly.<\/em> I didn\u2019t know we were attacking Liscor. Do you not remember there was a Goblin Lord?<\/em> He attacked Riverfarm! When Tyrion Veltras came by, a Goblin army had just been fighting mine. When he told me Liscor was the target, I wasn\u2019t in a position to refuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka hesitated. In her gut-punching decision, she\u2019d largely been focused on how to execute it without Gamel trying to murder her. She had forgotten\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have backed out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, absolutely. A blind [Emperor] with a few hundred followers arguing with the head of House Veltras. After he took the trebuchets from me, what would have changed? That would be the most idiotic political move I can think of. I did what I could. Just so you know, I told the trebuchets to stop firing when I could. It wasn\u2019t much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c…How many people died?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken had enough energy to sit up by now. He grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cTens of thousands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. I\u2019m going to kill<\/em> you! No one said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka almost went for his throat, and Laken recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know.<\/em> They were massacred, but I didn\u2019t even think we were killing people! Just\u2014monsters. It was mostly both tribes. Then Tyrion tried to wipe them all out. I know it was heinous.\u201d<\/p>\n

His grimace drew Ryoka up short. She hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait. You\u2019re talking about Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Laken\u2019s turn to actually crack one eye open as if he could see.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI mean Liscorians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you said people.<\/em> Wait, were you punching me because I sieged Liscor?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken\u2019s voice rose, a touch indignant, and Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I owed you that for the Goblins too\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She just hadn\u2019t thought about the Goblins so much as Erin\u2019s city and Erin herself. But now the [Emperor] was scowling in her direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the punch was for the Goblins<\/em>, which I admit, I deserve! You care about the city? Damn<\/em> the city. No one even got hurt! We hit it a few times with rocks!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard Antinium died\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblins were wiped out by the tens of thousands. <\/em>Tribes. I held one\u2019s hand, and he told me his brothers were dead. I\u2014I have been thinking of that. Dreaming of that, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner paused. Suddenly, she was on the defensive.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014That\u2019s terrible. I haven\u2019t met many Goblins aside from the ones Erin had. But all of it was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] took a deep breath, almost retched, then faced her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHit me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Are you crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken bared his stomach, looking apprehensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cHit me again. You clearly meant that first punch about Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to hit you so you can throw up on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I insist on behalf of Goblins. Hold on, I can go find them. I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll do the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner stared at the [Emperor]\u2014then gave him a light<\/em> punch to the stomach. He punched her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cMotherf\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka swore. Laken swung, a bit wildly, as she leaned back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s<\/em> your \u2018I killed all the Goblins punch\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFuck you, I\u2019ll kick you so hard you and Durene won\u2019t ever have fun again. Stop flailing. <\/em>You deserved that punch for Liscor and<\/em> the Goblins, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Somehow, her ability to lecture him from a place of moral outrage had faded. Laken crossed his legs, and then he spoke slowly, measuring his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s start over. Before I got to Liscor\u2014let\u2019s talk about Goblins. The first time I met Goblins, they were trying to kill everyone in Riverfarm. Perhaps I should have realized they weren\u2019t all like that. But I was told monsters were monsters<\/em>. That was my mistake. That and giving Tyrion Veltras weapons to use against the Drakes. But I didn\u2019t foresee\u2014hah\u2014the end result of what was happening. The entire time, I thought I was defending Riverfarm from monsters, then helping a decent man. When I realized what I was doing? That was when I tried to stop it. Too late, each time. I regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka paused. As explanations went, that was pretty good.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you know they\u2019re not monsters, right? They\u2019re pretty intelligent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken rubbed at his face.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014I talked to one. I\u2019m wondering if you<\/em> know how much of a people they are, Ryoka. Listening to them scream at Liscor would have been enough. But I met a Goblin Chieftain the day my army attacked theirs at Lancrel. Yes, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman sat there, taking this in.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014All of this mess in Riverfarm was a result of sieging Liscor, you know. Those Drakes were sent here to take revenge. I\u2019ll bet anything. Eloise says they probably come from Manus, their, um, City of War.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cStory checks out. It\u2019s a mess. And everyone\u2019s telling me what monsters Drakes are. What awful things they\u2019ve done. But\u2014let me know if they\u2019re any different than Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. Bit scalier. Hot tempered. Stubborn. Pretty damn Human, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought. Gnolls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFurry Humans. Pretty decent people. Don\u2019t blow up their shops.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken sighed. He massaged his stomach, then put his head down on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am in so much pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a beat, Ryoka coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201c…Maybe you didn\u2019t deserve me hitting you that hard. So you, uh, took your time getting back because you wanted to save some Goblins, right? I get that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken kicked<\/em> her so hard under the table that Ryoka doubled over in pain. The [Emperor]\u2019s face was too triumphant when he looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes us even. I\u2019ve never had a fistfight before. I almost want to have one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could oblige that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka raised her fists, and Laken shook his head. Then his face fell.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014I did what I could, Ryoka, to make amends for Goblins. In doing so, Riverfarm was devastated. Gralton\u2019s dogs paid for it with their lives. And so did Riverfarm\u2019s people, but most of all\u2014Witch Califor. Who, I am told, was a great [Witch]. No matter what I do, someone suffers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The urge to fight went out of her. Ryoka sat, ignoring the pain in her stinging shin. She bowed her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And that\u2019s\u2026a huge loss. Believe me. I wish you could have met her. The other [Witches] are great. But I liked her the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken nodded, silently.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Belavierr\u2019s. The Drake\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was here because I sieged Liscor. As you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTyrion<\/em> Veltras<\/em> sieged Liscor. Listen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t un-punch me, Ryoka. Give me some credit for all of this. Not all of it. But I am<\/em> responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka glowered at Laken, who, again, was immune to most stares.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re doing the opposite of what I\u2014you did the best you could. I get it. If you had let go of the Goblins? They would have been hunted down. The cages are a bad look\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey weren\u2019t happy, but they survived. Again, if there were a better option\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot <\/em>all your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how much of it is my fault? Because I feel very responsible, Ryoka. This isn\u2019t something I can just wash my hands of. I feel guilty, and I would very much rather feel<\/em> guilty than not. It seems to me I would be a [Tyrant] rather than an [Emperor] if I felt nothing was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken snapped at Ryoka, and she had to admit this was true. Ryoka thought for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s say\u2026you\u2019re one punch\u2019s worth of guilty. How about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two sat there, and Laken\u2019s mouth worked\u2014then he began laughing. She laughed too until Laken seized the bucket. Then\u2026<\/p>\n

Then they were calmer. And Ryoka felt like instead of the foreign [Emperor] who had done so many terrible things, she had once again encountered the young, blind man with the best of intentions in Invrisil.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. This actually went better than I thought it might.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken sighed, and Ryoka had to wonder what he\u2019d thought she would do. She had to agree.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess me too. I thought I might be running out of here with Beniar hunting me down. Okay. Sorry for hitting you\u2026sort of. Can I ask what you\u2019re doing now that you're back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw what I was doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRebuilding. What comes after that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] shrugged. He sat up, grabbed his cup, and drank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a few ideas. Mainly, it will be turning Riverfarm into an actual place<\/em>. One that has goods to export, has a reason for people to pay attention to it. Besides the trebuchets. Deal with the [Witches]. Forge an alliance between Riverfarm and Gralton\u2019s and Yitton\u2019s lands. Basic stuff like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough. So you don\u2019t have a grand plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have multiple plans. Whether they\u2019re grand is debatable. You want me to get into detail?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease. But first, talk to me about the Goblins. What the hell was that yesterday? Are you just going to let them form a tribe? Or what? What\u2019s your angle with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey haven\u2019t all run off, if that\u2019s what you mean. But I didn\u2019t lie to them. I will leave them alone. I have hopes for them. But it depends on what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka leaned forwards. Laken hesitated, and she waited. She wanted to trust him. But every conscious part of her pulled herself back. Trust had been given too freely of late. At last, Laken sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for one thing, they\u2019re occupying the only good mining spot on my lands. And they have my iPhone until it runs out of charge. And to judge from what I\u2019m seeing\u2014they\u2019re preparing to be attacked. They\u2019re building a base. And here\u2019s what I predict happening if I tweak things right\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned forwards. Ryoka listened. She blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might work. Historically, I mean, there are parallels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken rolled his closed eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, lecture me<\/em> on the parallels. Parallels? I had no idea there were historical parallels <\/em>in what I was doing.<\/em> Go ahead, tell me all about the history of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka coughed, embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I just meant\u2014that could work. Okay. I believe you. It\u2019s a good plan, at least. But it does depend on the Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re people. They might not do what I expect them to. But I\u2019ve given them a chance. That\u2019s all I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two sat in silence after that. Ryoka hesitated. She bit her lip. Laken faced ahead. And then he raised his head.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014Same for the [Witches]. I will repay whatever debt I can. Especially to\u2026Nanette? I promise. I have a lot of debts and\u2014oh. Huh. I completely forgot about them. Ah, right, I was going to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? What?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka wasn\u2019t sure what he might have to bring up specifically to her. If it was a residency offer, she felt like she\u2019d ruined that with the gut punch. But to her surprise, Laken was suddenly intent on her. And as he spoke\u2014she felt a chill run down her back.<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] hesitated. He bit his lip and looked rueful. And then focused on Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026forgot, Ryoka. In the early spring, I summoned the fae. And I met one of them. She called herself Ivolethe. She wanted you to know she\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka stared at Laken. He waited. She was frozen in place. After a minute, he coughed.<\/p>\n

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

She didn\u2019t respond. She\u2019d turned into a statue. Worried, Laken reached out.<\/p>\n

\u201cRy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIvolethe\u2019s alive?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka leapt to her feet. She stared at Laken, white-faced, although he couldn\u2019t have known that. He leaned back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He got no further because Ryoka let out a shout<\/em> that made Gamel open the door. He saw Ryoka dancing around inside, laughing hysterically. Laken shooed Gamel away, and the door closed. Ryoka didn\u2019t notice. She laughed and began to sob, then lost her balance.<\/p>\n

Laken waited, surprised. Ryoka was laughing and crying on the floor. She didn\u2019t stop. Her laughter was relieved, wild, hysterical. Eventually, Laken began to laugh as well.<\/p>\n

It took a long while for them to stop. At last, Ryoka returned to her seat. Her throat was raw. But she reached out and grabbed Laken\u2019s hands, to his surprise. And he sensed the tears in her voice and eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I\u2019d forgive you for almost anything for telling me that. Thank you. Thank you. <\/em>She\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He wished he could see her face. Because every line of her he sensed\u2014Ryoka sat down in the chair again.<\/p>\n

Redemption.<\/em> He didn\u2019t know what had happened between her and Ivolethe. But the City Runner wiped tears from her eyes. So it hurt Laken to deliver the next part of the message.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll never see you in this world. It\u2019s her punishment or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka froze. But after a moment, she replied, quietly unsurprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s okay. Maybe I\u2019ll see her in my next life. Or when I die. But at least she\u2019s\u2026alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat there with him. Laken waited, but nothing more came from Ryoka. After a while, he began to chuckle again. When Ryoka made an inquiring sound, he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did it all go so wrong, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. What happened to the Laken I met? The guy who seemed more upbeat and less\u2014world-weary? You looked like you had the world on your shoulders, in the meeting with the coven.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, this Laken has a lot more mistakes he doesn\u2019t want to make again. The old Laken you met back then was just a kid playing at being [Emperor]. Well-intentioned, but this time, I know what the cost of failure is. This Ryoka is a bit more impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? You barely remember the old me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this one apparently controls tornadoes instead of just running through blizzards.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI barely did anything. I was just the observer, and when it counted\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken\u2019s voice was gentle, but gentle as opposed to redemptive.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved what you could. Not enough. I left my people alone for too long. We can both do better. I need to regain their trust. Durene\u2019s\u2026everyone\u2019s\u2026where will we begin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Then they were just tired. Ryoka rubbed at her face, and she glanced at Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could start by paying me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken chuckled. Ryoka didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m serious. I have expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I\u2019ll get the money to you. I\u2019m not hurting for coin. Call it my first Skill or just luck; Gralton, one of my new allies, is one of the richer [Lords] in the area. And Yitton Byres has his silver mines, although he\u2019s not hugely wealthy. I can borrow from them until I get Riverfarm an actual economy. That\u2019s actually easier than the Goblins, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? In that case, a thousand gold coins\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be greedy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI outran a tornado made of fire <\/em>to save your damn village. And the [Witches]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He had been chuckling until she brought up Califor. The two fell silent again. Ryoka scrubbed at her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never met her. But Miss Califor was a hero, Laken. You owe them. I don\u2019t know exactly what they\u2019ll ask, but you owe them something large. As large as a life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Tell me just one thing, Ryoka. What was the other one like? Belavierr?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka paused. She took a long, long time to reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike\u2026a nightmare, Laken. A nightmare, at first. But a classic one. One you think you know. So it\u2019s scary, but you expect it, in a way. Horrifying as it may be. And then you wake up. And you think it was just a dream. You think you know reality. But then you realize you\u2019re still dreaming. That\u2019s her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken shuddered. The two sat in silence for a while longer. At last, he cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t expect you to stay. I\u2019d like you to. If you wanted it, I could find you a role in Riverfarm. For you and your friends. But I doubt you trust me that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. And I\u2019m a Runner. Born to run.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you keep in touch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet I\u2019ll check in now and again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded. She stood up and, after a moment, hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe traitor. The one who ordered the attack on the Goblins at Lancrel. I told you about my suspicions, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken paused. Ryoka had, by [Message]. He spoke slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTyrion Veltras was as good as his word back then. He asked every single noble under truth spell if they had committed the crime. His subordinate, Jericha, did it. And the traitor never showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can fool a [Detect Truth] spell. Not just with the wording. You can literally just ignore it if you have the right artifact. Or spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka watched Laken\u2019s expression. He swore under his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Who\u2019s your guess?\u201d<\/p>\n

She told him and watched his face change. Laken got up to pace. Ryoka quietly spread her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only a guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken nodded distractedly, but she saw how rattled he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn storytelling logic, your first guess is always wrong. And it\u2019s always the last person you expect. Like Durene, I suppose. Or Frostwing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we were in a story. How many of them have Goblins that aren\u2019t monsters?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken paused at that. Then he sat back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check it out. Even if you\u2019re right, finding proof will be hard. Especially because everyone knows <\/em>about my [Emperor] senses. Still. Lady Rie?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDamn. I\u2019ll\u2026she was loyal the entire time I was gone, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she\u2019s one of the Circle of Thorns\u2019 members, she might want to turn you against Magnolia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka pointed out. Laken scrubbed his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she is. If she is, I\u2019ll make my decision. Let\u2019s\u2026talk about something else. I\u2019ll watch her, Ryoka. If you\u2019re right, I\u2019ll find out eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman nodded. She sat in silence with Laken for a bit and then thought of a topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do about the [Witches]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a few thoughts. Would you like to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken smiled bleakly. Ryoka smiled too. The two sat across from each other, wary, trying to understand each other. Trying to be\u2026friends. Ryoka laughed, forcing it a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. But if you ask me how to make a ballista, I\u2019m going to hit you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019m pretty sure I could work one out myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Ryoka\u2019s laughter was genuine. She reached out and punched Laken. In the shoulder. He replied with a sharp punch, and she swore.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, I always thought you hit each other harder when people told me about doing it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And they sat there and talked until Gamel brought dinner. They might have become friends. Or they might have already been friends. Ryoka didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

She left that night. Before the other [Witches] returned. It wasn\u2019t that she didn\u2019t want to know what happened next. It was just that Ryoka had a fairly good idea of what Laken would do. And this was not her empire. Strangely, unsettlingly, and rightly, it was his. He belonged here. And she\u2014<\/p>\n

She had to go. She had friends in Reizmelt. She had a friend in Charlay. She would come back to see what he\u2019d done. But Riverfarm\u2014she\u2019d done all she could here. So she left. And the [Emperor] sat and thought of all she\u2019d talked to him about over that night.<\/p>\n

He wished she\u2019d stayed.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 76<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The coven met outside of the [Emperor]\u2019s throne room and talked quietly. They had come back. And they had been summoned not an hour after Eloise had flown back, riding on Alevica\u2019s broom. Neither [Witch] had enjoyed the journey, but they gathered nonetheless. Mavika spoke, peering at the others in turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe paid his promises due. I counsel caution, but remember that he has kept his words true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise was next. Good advice came in threes, and the three oldest [Witches] gave it in turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI counsel caution as well. [Emperors] have many tricks and Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI counsel trust, then. For his people love him, and the children too. And they have eyes that see through what adults do. Besides. We have paid too much in Califor\u2019s life not to see this through. There\u2019s a rhyme for you, Mavika. Good enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag laughed. The other [Witches] nodded. All but Nanette. She followed like a ghost. She had to be there or the coven wouldn\u2019t be whole. But it was already broken. Califor was gone. And Belavierr\u2026<\/p>\n

Wiskeria\u2019s stomach clenched as she entered the throne room. She had spoken to Laken about the events that had unfolded, but not in detail. And he had not told her how he felt about the other [Witches]. Nor could she promise the coven that they\u2019d get what they wanted. But\u2014here they were. After all that had happened, Wiskeria stood with her fellow [Witches].<\/p>\n

She could do nothing less.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty, Emperor Godart, Protector of Durene\u2019s Cottage, Ruler of Riverfarm and the surrounding area, and sovereign lord of the Unseen Empire!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gamel cried the address as the [Witches] approached the throne. Alevica snorted. Hedag laughed. Wiskeria thought that Laken had intended it that way, but Eloise\u2019s silent elbows made the other [Witches] bow slightly. And Laken nodded in reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cApproach and speak freely.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven did. They lined up, six [Witches] standing together. Wiskeria, Hedag, Mavika, Nanette, Alevica, Eloise. And they felt the absence of the other two. Laken stared down at them from his carved, wooden throne. And his voice was neither harsh nor welcoming.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. A coven comes before me. A coven whose members have wrought great ill and good for my lands and that of my allies. And a coven comes to me today to strike a bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria paused. Laken\u2019s voice was distant and impartial. It wasn\u2019t like the Laken she knew. Sitting on that throne, he looked like an [Emperor], though he had no crown and his garments were plain. It was Eloise who spoke for the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, we speak for all [Witches] across Izril. And we make you a simple offer. Consider what you have seen us do. Consider our craft that you have witnessed or heard of. We are [Witches], and we bring good. Sometimes ill, yes, but often good. We provide magic, charms, our expertise. What we ask\u2014all we ask\u2014is that we be given freedom to practice our arts on your lands, free of persecution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheltered by my empire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you would say it like that, yes, Your Majesty. We would like you to guarantee that bounties on [Witches] be invalidated on your lands unless there was ample reason given. It is not a crime to be a [Witch].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut some [Witches] commit crimes, true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise paused. Wiskeria stared up at the [Emperor]. What was he doing? The coven shifted restlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome do, Your Majesty. But some [Carpenters] are monsters. Some are good workers. Often, a [Witch] is blamed for things she has not done. Or spells, bargains, undertook on behalf of another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch as\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCursing a cheating husband, Your Majesty. Casting a hex that makes a well scream his name and the woman he slept with. Giving someone a boil. Petty crimes like that are things [Witches] do. It\u2019s a service, like a [Mercenary].\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria broke in desperately. Laken stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr a [Thug] beating a man after being paid. Those are hostile magics, Witch Wiskeria.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise spoke quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are not what all [Witches] do. Many do not cast such magics, Your Majesty. In fact, many bring a positive change. Such as Witch Mavika, who eradicated pests from your fields.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have heard that from Prost. But that does not change the point, Witch Eloise. Under your pact, [Witches] would be free to practice their craft in my lands. Free from prejudice or their crimes of old. And part of that craft might harm my citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven paused and shuffled their feet. Well, if he wanted to get technical<\/em> about it\u2014Wiskeria\u2019s heart was pounding. No one could deny that. But think of all the good they\u2019d done! And then she thought of her mother, and her heart sank.<\/p>\n

Eloise was trying to choose her next words carefully. But it was Alevica who stepped up next. She spoke in her most charming voice possible. So charming that Wiskeria was positive she\u2019d used some of her craft.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is true that [Witches] cannot be bound, Your Majesty. But we are no group of criminals like [Bandits] or [Raiders]. We are a calling and a class. Some of us do great evil. Others great good. We only ask that we not be treated as enemies without judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria held her breath. Eloise was glaring\u2014as was Mavika. They\u2019d agreed not <\/em>to use magic on Laken! If it went wrong\u2014<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] shook his head, then replied sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ask for more than that. You want this to become a gathering of [Witches]. A haven in case the rest of Izril turns against you. How many [Witches] would come here if they knew they could practice most of their craft without interference or judgment?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica floundered. She glanced around. And it was Hedag who replied with a broad smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would always be judged, [Emperor]-Fellow. Here is just a place where many of us would like to pause. Or practice our craft without hired [Mercenaries] seeking our life. But that depends on the [Emperor]. Do you see a need for a Hedag? Or do you think the Hedag belongs beneath the axe she\u2019s swung?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken paused, and Wiskeria winced. But it was the right direction. Because Laken nodded and relaxed on his throne.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, Witch Hedag, I see a need for. Because I would do the very same if I feared a man were abusing his child. Prost has told me of the man you executed. And I do not fault you for that either. I thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven relaxed. Laken went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if I were to catch a [Lord] or someone of similar power who had committed murder or worse, would you stride into my prison and behead him then and there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Every eye turned to Hedag. Wiskeria willed the old [Witch] to respond diplomatically, but Hedag just shrugged and drank from her flask.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that\u2019d lie in the justice I saw such as him receive, wouldn\u2019t it? If it did not satisfy, then the old ways would come out as surely as I stand here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven glared. Hedag was unmoved. Laken murmured on his throne.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld ways are not always the best ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was an echo of what Califor had said. Nanette jerked and looked up with lost eyes, stared around, before realizing and hanging her head. It silently broke the hearts of all who saw it. But Laken\u2019s eyes were closed. He went on, debating with himself as much as the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I let Witch Hedag practice her craft and punish parents who abused children, spouses, and criminals, should I forbid [Witches] from casting curses? Making deals like Belavierr did with Rehanna?\u201d<\/p>\n

No one replied. Laken eventually paused. When he looked down at the [Witches], he did look. His eyes opened a bit, as if he wanted to see them. And Wiskeria saw his faded eyes and wavered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are no good answers. [Witches]. You may do what is best for Riverfarm. Or you may do ill, and perhaps I could judge you individually and treat you like the people you are. Perhaps there is a place for [Witches] here, despite the potential for strife. If you agreed to hold the most basic rules of hospitality\u2014to kill no one, cheat no one, and offer deals that the other side can clearly understand\u2014perhaps I could allow your presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved his arm, gesturing above.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have made a court of far stranger folk my vassals, and I considered that a fine deal. For the service one of your own has done Riverfarm, I acknowledge that this may be the least of the ways I can repay it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven waited. Everyone could hear the \u2018but\u2019. It came out differently from the [Emperor].<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever,<\/em> answer me one thing. If there are good among you, and those who do ill, who can hold [Witches] to account? Who will know when they commit a crime? I alone? There is a saying where I come from, [Witches]. Who watches the watchers?<\/em> In this case, who watches the [Witches] to see what they do? Who will hold them accountable if another Belavierr appears? Who will judge them, if I am unable?\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven paused. And each [Witch] looked at the other, seeking who had the best response. It was Mavika who spoke, forestalling the others. Wiskeria heard a laugh, high and mocking. And Mavika spoke for the first time in the throne room. She pointed a finger up at Laken as Wiskeria closed her eyes and tried to imagine how she was going to explain this<\/em> to any angry [Witches] who came calling. But Mavika\u2019s eyes never wavered as she met Laken\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you noticed, young man? Everyone <\/em>watches us. We watch each other, as wise folk do. You ask whether we can hold each other to account? The greatest [Witch] living, Belavierr, has come to your lands, and the dead lie in her wake, it is true. To balance<\/em> that, Witch Califor, the<\/em> Witch Califor saved your village. Weigh that on your scales of judgment, [Emperor]. For you do not know who witches, nay, the world lost. We do. And still, we came to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria waited. They all waited as Mavika\u2019s heavy address filled the room. Laken paused. And then he exhaled. Slowly, he nodded, and he leaned forwards, as if there was nothing more he could say. No weighty proclamation; as if there hadn\u2019t been an option but\u2014yes.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well then. We will hammer out this agreement. [Witches] should not be allowed to cast\u2026permanent hexes. Perhaps there is a place to let them punish wrongdoers. But there must be limits. There must be accountability. And we will see how far I will stretch and how far you will. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The coven held its breath. Laken nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Witches] may roam Riverfarm. They may practice their craft. And they may come here safe from persecution unwarranted. I must obey the laws of hospitality. More importantly\u2014if Goblins are people, then [Witches] are too. In the name of Witch Califor, who saved Riverfarm, they will be welcomed. Better to have great good and great evil than neither of either at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded down at the coven. At one [Witch]. And she didn\u2019t look up at him. But Wiskeria realized that it was Nanette who had swayed Laken all along. The girl stood there, blank to the world. But as the [Witches] and the [Emperor] spoke and argued, Nanette slowly gazed up. At the rising moons. Because there was one last thing left.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Day 77<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was done. The coven had made a deal with the [Emperor] of Riverfarm. And it had been hard-won, too hard-won. It had come at far too high a price. But the cost of it hadn\u2019t come from just Laken. It had come from the plots of Drakes, an order of [Knights]. And a [Witch] who had forsworn herself for her daughter.<\/p>\n

Someday, Belavierr would face her punishment. Wiskeria had sworn it. She would never cease hunting her mother. And she would become stronger. She would put an end to her mother herself.<\/p>\n

But tonight wasn\u2019t about Belavierr. It had been seven days since the fire. Seven days since Miss Califor had died. And on this day, the coven of Riverfarm gathered for one last purpose.<\/p>\n

The story of Califor had ended. Her thread had been cut, perhaps untimely short. The Stitch Witch had plucked it to trick her own death. And there the story ended for most. But [Witches] had always known a secret about stories. There was always the ending. And then there was what came after.<\/p>\n

Six of them gathered. It was a hexagram that they drew on the dark earth where her ashes had been buried. The ground was covered with flowers. And someone had spoken of raising a monument. But in the dark of the night, past midnight, the [Witch]\u2019s hour made the plucked flowers look pale and strange. The two risen moons were close to full.<\/p>\n

And the coven had a purpose to fulfill. They had argued over it. Eloise had almost refused to take part. Hedag had been wary. But Mavika insisted. And so had Nanette. Now, Mavika finished the hexagram and placed a catalyst in the center. A handkerchief.<\/p>\n

Miss Califor\u2019s. All her clothing had burnt away. Her possessions, such as they were, had mostly gone with her. But Nanette had her mother\u2019s handkerchief. She sacrificed it now. And she cut herself\u2014she called by blood.<\/p>\n

The cut was deep. And the blood that trickled from Nanette\u2019s hand made the girl\u2019s face even paler. Her eyes were huge in her head. She shouldn\u2019t have been here. But she had wanted it. She shouldn\u2019t have known about the ritual. Eloise\u2019s fury with Mavika had been frightening. But the crow [Witch] was unmoved.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has not been done successfully in years. Few ghosts remain. Few spirits to harness or summon or make deals with. But she<\/em> was the most powerful in generations. And she died with a grudge. She surely remains. For answers, for your sake, we summon her. But be wary.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Mavika said. She led the coven. And her low chant echoed across the scorched earth. The [Witches] walked clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Their steps traced a perfect circle. They stamped<\/em>, and the light flickered.<\/p>\n

The only light came from the moons. Everything else was dark. Wiskeria could feel the power. In the ground, in the air, in the time and place and other [Witches]. But they weren\u2019t calling on any of these things.<\/p>\n

They were calling on her. The bloody handkerchief shone in the faint moonlight. The blood seeped from Nanette\u2019s hand onto the ground. It ran. It joined. It flowed<\/em>.<\/p>\n

And something was watching them. Something else was there. Wiskeria could feel it. It was gathering in the center of the circle. Mavika ordered the coven back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not cross the circle.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the one they had walked. Wiskeria could feel it. They\u2019d traced a barrier in the earth. And beyond that point reality had begun to melt. Slough away. Something else lay on the other side. You could fall into it.<\/p>\n

But they were calling. As the [Witches] waited, in silence, Wiskeria realized she couldn\u2019t hear anything in the distance. No animals. Not even the rustle of wind. The silence grew and grew. Until it was so quiet that the heartbeat of all the [Witches] was deafening. And then that sound stopped. And something else spoke.<\/p>\n

Whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNanette.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The child looked up. She grew pale. She raised her bloody hand. Something was in the center of the hexagram. Something had appeared. It wasn\u2019t made of smoke or even magic. It was something even paler than moonlight. Almost invisible. But taking form. Wiskeria stared.<\/p>\n

It did not look like Califor, but the voice was familiar. Nanette stumbled forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother? Mother?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She was caught by Mavika and Eloise. The young [Witch] fought, but Mavika dragged her back. The older [Witch] was triumphant and alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay outside of the circle!\u201d<\/p>\n

They pulled Nanette back. The girl twisted, crying, and then shouted again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother! Miss Califor! <\/em>Are you there?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

There she stood. It was Califor. Twisted, tattered. She looked\u2014Wiskeria shuddered and felt Alevica shudder beside her. She was burned<\/em>. Her form was partially destroyed. Twisted. But it was her. The face, the silhouette\u2014or was it?<\/p>\n

The coven looked to Mavika. The crow [Witch] paused. She glanced up. A raven flew overhead. Mavika stared at the thing in the circle. And she slowly nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifor Weishart. Your coven calls you. Your daughter beseeches you. She wishes to see your face. Do you know her name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNanette Weishart. My daughter.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Even in death, Califor\u2019s voice sounded a bit impatient. Mavika nodded. She and Eloise let go of Nanette a bit, and the girl rushed forwards. They held her from the edge of the circle, though. Nanette wept.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother! I\u2019m sorry! It\u2019s my fault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I curse the Stitch Witch. Belavierr. Blame no one but her, Daughter.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice didn\u2019t echo. And it was distinct, snappish, familiar in every syllable. But it was far away. Not distant in volume, but in\u2026Wiskeria closed her eyes as tears sprang to them. Califor\u2019s figure bent, her fingers reaching for her daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy daughter. You have lost your craft. You have lost your way. And you have lost me. I would give any of these back to you. But I am dead.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome back! Please! I\u2019ll be good! I\u2019ll do anything!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanette begged the ghost. She reached out, and Eloise snatched her hand back. Slowly, regretfully, Califor stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I cannot. You must be a [Witch], Nanette. That is my last lesson to you. In the end, we all must walk alone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I want to go with you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanette struggled, screaming. This time, Hedag helped hold her back. Wiskeria\u2019s heart was breaking. Nanette should not have been here. But Mavika was speaking. She held up a pure crystal jar, beautifully carved. And the [Witch]\u2019s eyes flashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, Califor. Become your daughter\u2019s strength. Return to the world of the living for a day. A year. Return and be bound.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria held her breath. Not for years had a spirit been summoned. Let alone\u2014she looked at Nanette. But this was wrong. Wiskeria wanted to protest. Not like this. But Califor was shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.<\/em> Not for my daughter. I cannot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? You hold to the world with your grudge! Why do you not wish to return? What do you see, Califor? For centuries, [Witches] have lost what lies beyond! What has gone wrong?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mavika beseeched Califor. And the ghost\u2019s voice was quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I see? Nothing. It is empty. Terribly empty. There is nothing here. They are all gone, hiding. Gathering? I will not stay either. I will not be eaten.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEaten?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria heard the faint voice come from Alevica. The Witch Runner was shivering. And Wiskeria felt it too. Something was leaking from the other side. A cold. A feeling that pulled at Wiskeria. She wanted to walk forwards, and it terrified her.<\/p>\n

Califor turned. She stared past Nanette.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething walks this ground, sisters. Something older than us all. Something <\/em>hungers. And it has devoured the land of death. It comes for you, the living. And it is strongest here. On these lands. Some things\u2014I know them. We all do, in the marrow of our class and souls. But they are nameless. He, the one who pursues me among them, is nameless. It must be so. <\/em>They must never return. I have seen the past in these figures. And yet I fear the future.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned. Mavika was speechless. The crow [Witch] backed up as Califor stepped past her. The dead [Witch]\u2019s eyes moved past her. Searching. And they found Wiskeria. Califor reached out to the limits of the circle, entreating.<\/p>\n

\u201cWiskeria, daughter of Belavierr, who was my death. I crave a boon.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go, Wis. Don\u2019t go. Remember the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alevica\u2019s teeth chattered. The ghost paused. And she became more firm. Realer. Her voice closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI call you by your debt. Wiskeria. Come.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ritual has gone on too long. We have made her an offer. Return her! Mavika!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise snapped. Mavika nodded. But then her head snapped up. Wiskeria was moving.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Wiskeria! Do not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Wiskeria stared at Califor. The [Witch] was dead. Because of her. Alevica grabbed for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Wiskeria, it\u2019s a trick\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

But it was too late. Califor was realer by the second. The lines in her face, her eyes\u2014the other side called to Wiskeria. She stepped forwards, dreamlike, as Califor beckoned to her.<\/p>\n

Her foot went through the circle. Mavika hissed<\/em>, but it was too late. Califor smiled. And then she reached out and seized Wiskeria. Suddenly, her form changed to fire.<\/p>\n

Fire. <\/em>The same fire that had burned her as she died. Her hands were living flame. They grabbed Wiskeria. And suddenly, the flame was real<\/em>. Wiskeria felt the burning pain. She started to scream. The [Witches] struck at the hexagram, erasing it. Hedag kicked the ground and cursed as Nanette fought to get to her mother. And Califor\u2019s voice echoed in Wiskeria\u2019s ears as she grabbed the [Witch]\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWiskeria. For you, I have died. I curse your mother. I curse her. And I charge you. Keep my daughter safe. Swear it on your life!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI swear! I swear!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiskeria screamed. She would have sworn anything to stop the pain! Califor didn\u2019t relent. Her grip tightened. She drew Wiskeria closer. Mavika was shouting something, but Califor\u2019s voice filled Wiskeria\u2019s ears. The ghost sounded almost gentle over Wiskeria\u2019s screams.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep her safe, and beware. Beware what walks in death\u2019s land.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014w\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The ghost paused. And she looked through Wiskeria. Even in death, Wiskeria saw Miss Califor was afraid.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name should end and never be spoken. But it will be spoken. So I say it and damn the world for my daughter. Just as Belavierr damned me. And when you hear his name, flee. And take Nanette far, far away. He is our enemy. [Witches] have sworn his death. We were there. We must honor our vows.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Wiskeria screamed. Califor didn\u2019t reply. Her grip squeezed, and Wiskeria howled. Her flesh caught on fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ritual\u2019s broken! Seize her!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise cried. The hexagram was snuffed out. And the portal was closing. Califor was drawn back into the center of the circle. The other [Witches] leapt forwards, pulling Wiskeria back.<\/p>\n

But Califor held on. And her lips whispered a word into Wiskeria\u2019s ear. One word that burned into Wiskeria\u2019s mind like the flames that seared her arms. And then the flames vanished. The presence disappeared.<\/p>\n

Califor was gone.<\/p>\n

Wiskeria lay on the ground, shuddering, screaming in pain as the word and burns marked her. The potion Alevica poured on her didn\u2019t remove the raw handprints on her arm. Nor did Eloise\u2019s charm. Nothing did. As the coven bent around Wiskeria, the last [Witch] stood in front of the circle.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nanette glanced around. But her mother had said nothing more. Not to her, her daughter. She hadn\u2019t even looked at her. Nanette tore off her hat. She sank to her knees, weeping. She lay there, curled up. Until, so quietly that she thought she\u2019d imagined it, she heard a voice.<\/p>\n

The girl looked up. And then she saw it. Something lying on the ground. In the center of the circle. It was a little burned. Charred near the tip. But it rested there where it had burnt away to ash before. The other [Witches] turned and stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cNanette\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise raised a hand. But the girl ignored her. She crawled forwards, eyes wide, disbelieving. And she reached out with a shaking hand. Slowly, the girl took Califor\u2019s hat from the altar and hugged it to her. Tears ran down her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cMommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

She whispered the word. And then she screamed it. She sobbed and wept fully. And she sat there as the coven stood, shaken, as the marks on Wiskeria\u2019s arms refused to heal. The name burned in her mind. But it was Nanette who cried a name aloud. Who held her mother\u2019s hat. Desperately, searching for a sign.<\/p>\n

But nothing replied. The afterlife was full of nothing. Not even [Witches].<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was not so dark where Ryoka was. Stars shone overhead, and they, combined with the moon, gave her enough illumination to run by. And it was late, she knew. But she was close to her destination. So Ryoka Griffin risked the night run.<\/p>\n

She ran north towards Lord Gralton\u2019s lands. Charlay was there, waiting. She hadn\u2019t returned with the [Witches]\u2014apparently, she\u2019d cracked a hoof on the run north. Ryoka was wondering what kind of joke she should tell\u2014unless Charlay was really upset.<\/p>\n

North, and then further still. Ryoka was going back to Reizmelt. She had gold, an [Emperor]\u2019s favor for what it was worth, and she had more regrets. More sorrow. But part of her was forging it all into something which gave her the strength to continue.<\/p>\n

Determination. Ryoka thought of her friends. Fierre, Levil, Erin.<\/p>\n

Mrsha.<\/p>\n

She had to go back. And she had to run forwards. So she did. Ryoka Griffin ran down a forest road, alert for any sounds or light. And she was so focused on noticing one or the other it was only after a moment she realized there was neither.<\/p>\n

Slowly, the City Runner stopped in the shadow of the trees. It was fitting. So when she turned, she knew who it was before the [Witch] was visible in the shadows.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. How dare you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night to you, Ryoka Griffin. I have business with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr stood, her hat wide, her robes darker than the shadows around her. Her eyes did not glow. But the orange eyes and black rings still terrified under the moonlight. She was no immortal. Not anymore.<\/p>\n

But she was still Belavierr. Ryoka reached for the bag of holding at her side. The Stitch Witch didn\u2019t reply. Ryoka drew a weapon, then another. She shouted at the [Witch].<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were just\u2014just different! Not evil. Not a monster. I\u2019ve met immortals. And you\u2019re the worst of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed? Worse than Perril Chandler?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho the hell is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s words died in her mouth. Belavierr smiled. She gestured to Ryoka\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have met with him. I see the magic on your tongue. Faded. He is still alive. Good. He owes me a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman paused. She stared at Belavierr. And then she shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe will never forgive you. Wiskeria will hate you forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were meant to hurt. But Belavierr\u2019s smile just drank them in.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood?<\/em> I thought you loved her! I thought she was your daughter?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka howled at Belavierr. The Stitch Witch slowly shook her head. She watched as Ryoka circled her, tense. Belavierr replied calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI give my daughter purpose. I give her something.\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s it. That\u2019s all you want, isn\u2019t it? Give your daughter something. And because she hates you\u2014you can be whomever you want. Because you know your daughter cares.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ryoka didn\u2019t waste any more words. She just attacked. She threw the silver knife and lunged with the cross-stake made of wood. Belavierr took one small step and went around<\/em> Ryoka. The knife missed, and Ryoka stumbled.<\/p>\n

She whirled. Belavierr stood there, staring down at her. Ryoka raised the stake. And then she looked at Belavierr. She shook her head and walked past the Stitch Witch. She picked up the knife, stowed it and the cross. And she glanced over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t kill you. Not even the wind wants to pick a fight with you. So forget it. Go fuck yourself. I\u2019m out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka raised two fingers and began to back up. She turned\u2014and Belavierr was standing in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Ryoka\u2019s fist hit Belavierr in the chest. But it felt like she\u2019d broken it. Ryoka bent over. The Stitch Witch\u2019s robes were as hard as steel!<\/em> Belavierr calmly waited. Ryoka looked up, sweating, pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a master of stitchcraft. Once, I made Seven League Boots. Shoes aren\u2019t much harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Stitch Witch\u2019s matter-of-fact voice made Ryoka stare at her. The City Runner backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr didn\u2019t reply. She just stared at Ryoka. And then she smiled again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to know how to meet your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, Ryoka\u2019s breath caught. Belavierr\u2019s smile widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you as he burned me. And you saw them. The strangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka backed up. The fae<\/em>. She\u2019d heard her? She stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s gone. She\u2019s been banished, and she\u2019ll never, ever see me again. Ever. There\u2019s no way she can defy her ruler.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr tilted her head, still smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven they have laws. Even they<\/em> have a price. There is a way. And I know of it. Would you like to meet her again?\u201d<\/p>\n

See her again?<\/em> Ryoka jerked her head, shook it rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, no, no\u2014I won\u2019t give you my life. Go away! Leave me alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned to run. But there Belavierr stood. And the Stitch Witch stood over her. Her voice was inescapable. It whispered in Ryoka\u2019s ear, ran through the forest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want your life. You are my daughter\u2019s\u2026friend. All I ask is something small. A little thing. Easy to pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka knew she shouldn\u2019t ask. She shouldn\u2019t. But Belavierr wouldn\u2019t let her go. So Ryoka asked.<\/p>\n

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

Belavierr told her. Ryoka went still.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t harm anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr only smiled. Ryoka gazed at her. It was so simple. But it could hurt people. She was sure of it. Somehow. Some way.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut just think. You could see her again. Maybe even take her with you. They have rules. You will never see her again but for my help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka wavered. And she looked up into that terrible, knowing smile. And she looked at Belavierr as she raised her arm. Ryoka knew.<\/p>\n

A [Witch]\u2019s deal. It was funny. Everyone knew what the right answer was. Everyone knew<\/em>, even in those old days. But that was the thing. The thing people forgot. When the devil reached out, he always offered the most important thing to you in the world. Nothing less.<\/p>\n

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

Ryoka gazed up and wondered if this was how Tagil and Califor had felt. Standing before her, the Stitch Witch smiled. Her lips curved up, and if Ryoka looked closely, between the rings in Belavierr\u2019s eyes, she could see damnation laughing at her.<\/p>\n

Belavierr slowly held out one hand. Ryoka stared at it, and she thought of her dearest friend. Slowly, trembling, she raised her right hand and stared at the missing fingers. She peered into Belavierr\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

And she sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

Day 71 \u00a0 The next day, Laken returned home. He returned on a quiet day. The rains that had poured from the sky after the days of fire had flooded the barren ground. So much so that the banks of Riverfarm\u2019s river were overflowing. The water was actually a danger to the landscape; it was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693086,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693135],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-6776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n6.47 E - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"6.47 E\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Day 71 \u00a0 The next day, Laken returned home. He returned on a quiet day. The rains that had poured from the sky after the days of fire had flooded the barren ground. So much so that the banks of Riverfarm\u2019s river were overflowing. The water was actually a danger to the landscape; it was […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Wandering Inn\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-09-24T16:28:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-24T01:00:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"881\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"pirateaba\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@WanderingInn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@WanderingInn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"pirateaba\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"89 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"pirateaba\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4\"},\"headline\":\"6.47 E\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-09-24T16:28:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-24T01:00:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\"},\"wordCount\":22435,\"commentCount\":130,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Volume 6\",\"Writing\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\",\"name\":\"6.47 E - The Wandering Inn\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-09-24T16:28:26+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-24T01:00:25+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"6.47 E\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\",\"name\":\"The Wandering Inn\",\"description\":\"The Wandering Inn is an ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial by pirateaba with millions of readers worldwide.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"TWI\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The Wandering Inn\",\"alternateName\":\"Wandering Inn\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png\",\"width\":1600,\"height\":881,\"caption\":\"The Wandering Inn\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/WanderingInn\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thewanderinginnverse\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@TheWanderingInn\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thewanderinginnverse\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-wandering-inn\"],\"description\":\"The Wandering Inn is a popular, ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial authored by pirateaba, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Known for its unique blend of epic fantasy, immersive worldbuilding, and character-driven storytelling, The Wandering Inn follows the journey of a young woman navigating a world shaped by magic and levels. With a dedicated fanbase and consistent updates, The Wandering Inn offers readers an engaging experience through its website, Kindle, and audiobook formats, and provides exclusive content through Patreon for fans eager to delve deeper into its world\",\"email\":\"media@wanderinginn.com\",\"legalName\":\"pirateaba llc\",\"taxID\":\"88-1575608\",\"duns\":\"078154126\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"1\",\"maxValue\":\"10\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4\",\"name\":\"pirateaba\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg\",\"caption\":\"pirateaba\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/author\/pirateaba\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"6.47 E - The Wandering Inn","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"6.47 E","og_description":"Day 71 \u00a0 The next day, Laken returned home. He returned on a quiet day. The rains that had poured from the sky after the days of fire had flooded the barren ground. So much so that the banks of Riverfarm\u2019s river were overflowing. The water was actually a danger to the landscape; it was […]","og_url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/","og_site_name":"The Wandering Inn","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn","article_published_time":"2019-09-24T16:28:26+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-24T01:00:25+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":881,"url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"pirateaba","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@WanderingInn","twitter_site":"@WanderingInn","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"pirateaba","Est. reading time":"89 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/"},"author":{"name":"pirateaba","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4"},"headline":"6.47 E","datePublished":"2019-09-24T16:28:26+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-24T01:00:25+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/"},"wordCount":22435,"commentCount":130,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Volume 6","Writing"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/","name":"6.47 E - The Wandering Inn","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2019-09-24T16:28:26+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-24T01:00:25+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/09\/24\/6-47-e\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"6.47 E"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/","name":"The Wandering Inn","description":"The Wandering Inn is an ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial by pirateaba with millions of readers worldwide.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization"},"alternateName":"TWI","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization","name":"The Wandering Inn","alternateName":"Wandering Inn","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png","width":1600,"height":881,"caption":"The Wandering Inn"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn","https:\/\/x.com\/WanderingInn","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thewanderinginnverse","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@TheWanderingInn","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thewanderinginnverse\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-wandering-inn"],"description":"The Wandering Inn is a popular, ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial authored by pirateaba, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Known for its unique blend of epic fantasy, immersive worldbuilding, and character-driven storytelling, The Wandering Inn follows the journey of a young woman navigating a world shaped by magic and levels. With a dedicated fanbase and consistent updates, The Wandering Inn offers readers an engaging experience through its website, Kindle, and audiobook formats, and provides exclusive content through Patreon for fans eager to delve deeper into its world","email":"media@wanderinginn.com","legalName":"pirateaba llc","taxID":"88-1575608","duns":"078154126","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"1","maxValue":"10"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4","name":"pirateaba","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg","caption":"pirateaba"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/"],"url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/author\/pirateaba\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfPPse-1Li","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52856846"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6776"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6776\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6776"},{"taxonomy":"twi_volume","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/twi_volume?post=6776"},{"taxonomy":"twi_collection","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/twi_collection?post=6776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}