\u201cWe\u2019re going to help you go home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Erin Solstice stared at the young woman, the Human [Mage] who smiled and held out a hand towards her. Her eyes went wide, and her mind went blank. She felt the veil of silence around them, which cut off all sound. Even the other [Mages] at the table couldn\u2019t hear what Montressa was saying.<\/p>\n
And even had she not been stunned, Erin would probably not have noticed the little black cube with the silver door painted on one side that held the Horns of Hammerad. She would not have known what had transpired. She might have guessed, had she known Montressa du Valeross\u2019 name, pieced it together with her knowledge of Pisces and Ceria\u2019s past. But she was distracted. The pretty young woman with bright red hair smiled at her and brought back a memory, a dream.<\/p>\n
Home.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was raining in Baleros. Probably. And there were all kinds of nasty insects, monsters\u2014and you had to deal with mercenary armies, companies, and that was where Lizardpeople<\/em> lived. Not that Zevara bought into the hating them thing. Even so, sometimes she looked at Watch Captain applications for other continents.<\/p>\n Baleros didn\u2019t have Watch Captain as a standard job, but there were parallels. You could get paid well, have respect<\/em>\u2014it would take a while, but someone with Zevara\u2019s resume might be able to swing it.<\/p>\n Maybe then she wouldn\u2019t have to deal with idiots walking into her office. The Watch Captain glared over her desk at the Centaur. Palt. He\u2019d talked his way in here, but unfortunately, she couldn\u2019t fault the Gnoll on duty down below for letting him up here.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me get this straight. You\u2019re here to tell me\u2014after the fact<\/em>\u2014that you\u2019re part of a team of [Mages] sent by Wistram to apprehend a wanted criminal? And that you already did<\/em> catch your quarry in a magical duel in the city? Oh, and that your team is already elsewhere and your team\u2019s leader<\/em> did not choose to visit me herself?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur shuffled his hooves. Palt, the [Illusionist] and subject of Zevara\u2019s wrath, really wished he had something to smoke. Still, he put on his best smile and spread his arms wide, peaceably, trying not to paw the floorboards nervously with a hoof.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my sincere regret, Watch Captain, but we\u2019ve been hunting this particular criminal for months. It\u2019s been a long journey and my leader would have contacted you at once! But we just<\/em> arrived and we saw the fugitive with one of your civilians and out of concern\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou arrested someone in my city. With, what? A criminal record? I don\u2019t recall any\u2014<\/em>I don\u2019t recall more than four<\/em> individuals in this city with outstanding bounties, and none of them are enforceable within Liscor\u2019s walls! None of them recent, either!\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara was reaching for a drawer in her desk, glaring up at Palt. He hesitated. She was under the influence of two charm spells, but all that seemed to be doing was slowing the boil of the Drake\u2019s temper in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain, the matter is somewhat private. Wistram did not put out a formal bounty on the individual\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s head snapped up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, you arrested a civilian<\/em> with no criminal record?\u201d<\/p>\n Palt subvocalized another spell, [Soothing Presence]. It didn\u2019t seem to work that much, but Zevara\u2019s claws stopped digging into the desk. He smiled weakly.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just a civilian, Watch Captain. Not a member of Liscor either. An adventurer, in fact. And they are<\/em> a known criminal\u2014I can refer you to several cities with an outstanding bounty on their head.\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch Captain stared at Palt. She didn\u2019t know why she hadn\u2019t arrested him or thrown him out one of her windows. She\u2014paused. A thought occurred to her, born out of training and she glanced surreptitiously at her claw. Then she pulled open a drawer. Of all the damn times to\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThis is<\/em> a matter of Wistram Academy\u2019s interests, Watch Captain. And we are extremely sorry to have infringed upon Liscor\u2019s laws, but a [Mage] crime should be solved by [Mages]. Of course<\/em>, my team and I are fully prepared to recompense the city for any damages caused. There were, um, some other incidents regarding a second fugitive by association.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur had such a soothing voice. Zevara almost wanted to sit back and let him tell his side of things. She was looking. Let\u2019s see\u2014second drawer down\u2014she pulled out a neatly-folded handkerchief and grimaced. She needed to organize her things, but\u2014Palt was nodding.<\/p>\n \u201cA\u2014small conflict in a bar. We have the rest of the individual\u2019s team in custody, and there was some damage to the bar itself. The patrons might be waking up as we speak.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara\u2019s head slowly rose.<\/p>\n \u201cYou trashed a bar? Where was the Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n Palt squirmed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe took ah, magical measures to avoid a larger conflict. And <\/em>there\u2019s the matter of a civilian we had to pacify\u2014the fugitive we apprehended was in danger of threatening her or taking her hostage. He\u2019s done so in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara\u2019s claw nudged aside a spare ink pot. There<\/em>. She pulled something out, stared at it. She hated the stupid thing. Whomever the [Enchanter] had been, they had made the most insanely<\/em> idiotic little face\u2014Human, even worse, it looked like a fleshy pig smiling at her\u2014and attached it to the charm. She refused to wear it most of the time. Still. She absently wrapped it around her claw, keeping her hands under the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026cast a spell on a citizen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly one to keep her out of trouble! She\u2019s quite safe, I can assure you. She\u2019s downstairs, with your exemplary Watch. You may inspect her as I remove the enchantment. And I will of course, pay for any distress caused\u2014and the damages\u2014and furnish you with a report from Wistram on the individual we apprehended.\u201d<\/p>\n He wasn\u2019t telling her the name. But he sounded so polite<\/em>\u2026and she was feeling calmer than she had in weeks! Zevara almost smiled as the Centaur gave her a soothing, deferential nod. She glanced down under the table\u2014<\/p>\n And the little, smiling face had turned into a horror-mask of fury. Zevara paused. She looked up at Palt. Her eyes narrowed and silently, she bit<\/em> her tongue, drawing blood. Below the desk she silently kicked<\/em> her biggest toe into the side.<\/p>\n The agony made her eyes water. And her head clear. Zevara slowly looked up. Palt was smiling at her. She smiled back, slowly lowering the charm back into the desk drawer.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me, Mage Palt. And I would like to say, Wistram\u2019s [Mages] are guests of the city\u2014I did call for some help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich we\u2019re only too willing to provide, Watch Captain!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt sighed in relief. Zevara nodded slowly. She watched him.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is the citizen below? Are you aware? And who was<\/em> arrested? An adventurer and their team?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur paused, but Zevara looked very calm. He gave her another smile just to be sure.<\/p>\n \u201cThe individual calls herself Selys Shivertail. She\u2019s quite calm, but I thought this was the place<\/em> to undo the spell. And ah, we arrested an individual known as Pisces Jealnet. A [Necromancer] who is also responsible for the death of dozens of Wistram\u2019s [Mages]. His team is likewise in our custody, but two of them will be released shortly. You have my\u2014Wistram\u2019s word, Watch Captain Zevara.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s brows shot up. She stared at Palt.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know of him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a murderer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cResponsible for deaths, certainly. I will be only too happy to ask the academy to list his full crimes, Watch Captain. But my team is waiting\u2014may I ask you to accompany me in soothing the Drake? She will need the matter explained, but I\u2019m only too happy to use a [Calm] spell. And then we can discuss the matter of damages\u2014for your time, we\u2019d be only too willing to make a sizable contribution to the Watch? As a matter of gratitude?\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled again. Zevara paused. She stared at Palt, and then nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cBy all means. It is<\/em> Wistram Academy we\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Illusionist] Centaur smiled, relieved, as she stood and gestured for him to follow. At last! If he was lucky, he might get to go to the inn and have something to eat before everyone else was done. They owed him large for this. He wondered if the [Innkeeper], Erin Solstice, really was one of the people they were seeking. His stomach rumbled as he absently twiddled his fingers, undoing a spell.<\/p>\n Below, in the Watch Barracks, Selys Shivertail sat up. Her absent gaze focused, and she sat up fast, nearly head-butting Senior Guardswoman Beilmark, who had been waving a paw in front of her face and asking slow questions. She looked around wildly. And then she began to scream.<\/p>\n In Zevara\u2019s office, Palt winced. He probably should have been down there and used a calming spell first. He began to weave one, for the entire Watch house. He cast it, exhaling hard. But he was a [Fairday Illusionist], and good times were his specialty. If he was smoking something the effect would have been even stronger.<\/p>\n As it was, the scream lowered in intensity. Palt sighed as he turned and Watch Captain Zevara stood.<\/p>\n \u201cI think some explanations are in order, Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, certainly, Magus Palt. After you?\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded. Montressa owed him large for this. He was really, really hungry. He trotted for the door\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There were four [Mages] in The Wandering Inn. Well, four real<\/em> [Mages]. That was an important distinction. Anyone could call themselves a [Mage] or teach themselves magic like the [Hedge Mage] casting poor illusion spells around the [Actors] on stage, but only a few knew how to use magic<\/em>.<\/p>\n Four such sat here now. They were all full [Mages] of Wistram. Experts in their field of magic and agents of the academy. They did what needed doing, what few others could. And one of those things was this.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe it. There are more people from Earth? In Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was speaking to Montressa. Her eyes were wide, and she was standing with the other [Mage] in a small veil of silence. Montressa\u2019s companions, the Selphid Ulinde, Isceil, the Oldblood Drake, and the Minotauress known as Beza all watched. They couldn\u2019t see the entire conversation; it was muted to them too, but they could guess.<\/p>\n They\u2019d seen it before. Erin looked unsteady, so Montressa held out a hand, steadying her. The young woman stared at her. She said something. Ulinde leaned over to Isceil.<\/p>\n \u201cBet she\u2019s asking how many there are. Or if they know what\u2019s happening back in her wor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil\u2019s tail slapped<\/em> at her and Ulinde shut up. Beza also gave the Selphid a glare and Ulinde cringed.<\/p>\n \u201cUlinde.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry! I\u2019m just rattled from earlier. I still have a hole in my head! It\u2019s letting air in!\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid raised her claws, pointing at the hole in her skull. Isceil made a disgusted sound and looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cCover that up. And remember, don\u2019t say anything<\/em> without a [Hush] spell or greater in effect!\u201d<\/p>\n Then he smirked.<\/p>\n \u201cStill, I do think she\u2019s asking about that. Ancestors, we have to shepherd this Human all the way to a port?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr hire a carriage. In that case we can send two with her while the other three check on someone else. Or ask Wistram to send an escort. It will take some doing, but we have time.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza leaned back, munching on some french fries. Isceil made a face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever it takes, I suppose. We should just be grateful this one\u2019s not crying and clinging to us. Speaking of which\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced around the inn and stared pointedly at the Hobgoblin sitting with his book, the [Actors] on stage, and then the rather lively room of guests being served by an active staff. Isceil hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014this inn is fairly prosperous. Do you think this Human runs it? Herself? She has to have gotten it from someone or perhaps she\u2019s getting help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeople seemed to think she was in charge, Isceil. What\u2019s wrong? Don\u2019t you like the fries?\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde reached for some. Isceil shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cGet your claws off my fries. They\u2019re on my plate, Ulinde. See? Mine.<\/em> And this\u2026\u2018guest\u2019 is the best we\u2019ve seen so far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgreed. But some of them have to have done well. I heard there are Terandrian teams searching for one that\u2019s a [Hunter]. And another\u2014the singer, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil and Ulinde nodded. The Selphid sighed longingly.<\/p>\n \u201cLucky. <\/em>I have some of her songs. If it weren\u2019t for us coming here to meet the Halfseekers, I\u2019d have gone to Terandria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter that than Baleros. Imagine hunting for guests in the jungles? They\u2019re probably all dead. Or eaten by Lizardpeople.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it with you Drakes and Lizardpeople?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza looked a bit disapproving as she reached for another fry and found they were all gone. Isceil folded his arms; Montressa was blinking as Erin waved her hands about, pointing at the young [Barmaid] who\u2019d served the table, the Hobgoblin, and the little white Gnoll who was being chased off, a meatball in her mouth, from a table of adult Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re copycats. And they giggle all the time. They\u2019re idiotic, they insult us, and<\/em> historically they were on the side of the Dullahans\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey live on Baleros! They\u2019re a different species\u2014how are you like them? They\u2019re good natured, they tell jokes about Drakes instead of outright insulting your species like you do to them, and they were against Dragons\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have stupid wing-flaps on their heads! They look like\u2014walking flowers!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, neck frills? But they\u2019re so colorful! Besides, you have spines. Isn\u2019t that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde jumped as Isceil brought one fist down.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is nothing alike.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beza rolled her eyes, but didn\u2019t say anything. Ulinde was smacking her lips; even deteriorated, her taste buds had liked that meal. She eyed Montressa as the [Mage] stepped back and tapped her staff on the ground. The silence enfolding her and Erin faded and the two\u2019s voices faded in.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. I have to go. But we have<\/em> to talk! Are you going anywhere? I have empty rooms! You can stay here tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa was nodding, smiling beneficently as Erin looked around. Some of the [Actors] were waving at her and Temile was hurrying her way.<\/p>\n \u201cErin! Miss Erin! I hate to bother you, but the [Seamstress] must<\/em> ask you a few questions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, coming, Temile!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin called distractedly to the [Actor]. She turned back to Montressa. Her eyes were still wide.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa ducked her head, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. We\u2019ll stay right here. We can discuss staying\u2014as I said, Wistram will find a solution and I will consult with my superiors at once. But perhaps it would be more appropriate to talk in private? After dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Absolutely!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] nodded again. She turned and then swiveled around.<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Right! You want food, right?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] brightened up. Work was one thing, and seeing their good deeds another, but food was food and [Mages] from Wistram loved<\/em> food.<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely! We can order from the menu.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure! Or\u2014you know, I can get you what you wanted. Hamburgers. Cheeseburgers. We have actual curry too. I mean, I have the ingredients, but I\u2019ve never made it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n All the [Mages] looked interested. Beza nudged Ulinde; she\u2019d heard of the dishes, but they hadn\u2019t been replicated yet\u2014or at least, not for the consumption of people not actively working with the Earthworlders at Wistram.<\/p>\n It was a known secret, although you had to be a full [Mage] of Wistram and fairly well-connected in influence or secrets to know more. Ulinde, Beza, Palt, Isceil, and Montressa all had enough clout to know something<\/em>, although Montressa probably knew the most.<\/p>\n She was a secret-broker after all, partnered with Beatrice. And fairly high-placed in her faction, the Revivalists. All of the young [Mages] were; they were the best of their years, prodigies. They didn\u2019t think of themselves like that of course, but they were definitely above most of their peers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this cur-rhee?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil looked suspiciously at Erin. She smiled, her eyes flicking from face to face. She really was handling the news well. Beza was impressed, but then again, maybe she was in shock. That had happened too, with that young girl they picked up in First Landing\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cCurry? It\u2019s um, well, it\u2019s like\u2026a stew! Except more\u2026you know what? It\u2019s like a thick stew you put over other food. It\u2019s very good\u2014I can make it vegetable, but it usually has meat. It\u2019s spicy generally\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpicy?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil\u2019s eyes lit up. He nodded before Erin could continue.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a bowl, then. Or plate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCurry and rice, then. And everyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza looked at Ulinde. She shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we share a\u2026curry?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin beamed.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, I\u2019ll make a big pot. Can I get you appetizers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore of these potato-things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrench fries! Sure! And let me get you some condiments. Curry will be a bit since it needs to be actually made\u2014wanna hamburger or pizza or something before it comes out? It\u2019s filling but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll take it. We\u2019re still waiting on Palt, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] brightened at the assortment of food Erin was describing. They were hungry from spellcasting and with the exception of Beza who regarded fat as a sin and Ulinde, who inhabited anybody she chose, all of them were used to good eating. And they had large appetites; magic-users burned energy like no one\u2019s business. Erin nodded, backing away and calling orders at a passing Gnoll. They watched as she hurried towards the impatient [Actor], still glancing over her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cShe bolted. How\u2019d she take it, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. She didn\u2019t panic or anything. We\u2019ll need to convince her to leave the inn, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa sighed as she placed the staff on the table. The floating copper orb hovering around it slowed and hovered in midair. She nodded at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI told her about Aaron and the others. And the safety of Wistram, but\u2014she actually owns this inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil blinked. Montressa nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cNot only that. She told me that little Gnoll\u2019s her ward and she\u2019s employing the staff here\u2014and<\/em> that the Goblin\u2019s her guest!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza turned and stared at the Hobgoblin darkly. She saw Erin talking to the [Actor], waving her hands and stabbing with a knife, pantomiming something\u2014he was backing away. Ulinde looked concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cThat might be a problem. What\u2019d you say, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat we\u2019d take the Gnoll and her uh, keeper, the [Barmaid]. Even consider the Hobgoblin if it came to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress\u2019 head turned around. Montressa grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cShe said they were her family! I\u2019ll need to talk to Wistram. Tomorrow. It might be harder to persuade her than we thought.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not travelling with a Goblin.<\/em> Just toss a [Charm] spell on the [Innkeeper] and let\u2019s go. Or have you forgotten we have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil\u2019s eyes narrowed as he nodded at the black cube on Montressa\u2019s belt. She adjusted her robes, concealing it.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t. But you know our orders. We need to maintain good relationships, and that means we can\u2019t just charm someone. We\u2019ll try diplomacy. And if it comes to it, Palt will be the one casting spells. He can do it subtly<\/em>, Isceil.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde glanced around the inn. It really was hopping. She saw Erin Solstice talking to the [Actor], and then pausing by the Hobgoblin\u2019s table as the [Barmaid], Lyonette came over. Erin was gesturing at their table.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, is she telling it about us?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza was instantly alarmed. Montressa waved a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. She\u2019s probably just reassuring it since you\u2019re<\/em> here, Beza. She took my warning seriously; she\u2019s desperate to go back home, she said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, she\u2019d better leave the Hobgoblin. Did she say if she knew any other guests? That would be a victory for our team.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil looked at Montressa. The [Mage] shook her head instantly.<\/p>\n \u201cShe didn\u2019t know anyone, she said. Pity, but she is<\/em> fairly well cut off, even with the door. She started this inn, you know. Found it abandoned; fixed it up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can see that. She\u2019s quite a nice personality. Simple; engaging\u2014perfect for an [Innkeeper]. Not like some of the guests.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde smiled. Montressa nodded, relaxed. She waved at Isceil as the Hobgoblin, not even looking at their table, immediately went back to his book.<\/p>\n \u201cLet her be, Isceil. She\u2019s taking it in. And this is a fascinating inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you tell her about the Horns, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n A look flashed across Montressa\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. And I told her my name was Elenope. We\u2019ll tell her the truth\u2014later. Once she\u2019s decided to come to Wistram. She must not know what\u2026Pisces\u2026was. Or he tricked her. Probably that. He\u2019s always been good at deceiving people.\u201d<\/p>\n Her hand unconsciously went to her staff. Beza patted her on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cRelax, Montressa. I agree with everything you\u2019ve said. Still, an inn, employees\u2014it might be harder to persuade her.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get Palt\u2019s opinion. Tonight, we eat and make a good impression\u2014stay here, perhaps. We\u2019ll sort out the rest later. If we need to stay here longer than a few days, I\u2019ll send this via Courier.\u201d<\/p>\n She tapped the Silent Box. The other three [Mages] nodded slowly. Montressa\u2019s face had tightened. Beza held out a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI can watch it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have it.\u201d<\/p>\n That was that. The [Mages] changed topics as the food arrived. Isceil blinked as a pizza appeared, thin-crust, along with more fries and condiments.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not even been a minute!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry about that. We\u2019re busy. Don\u2019t fill up; Erin\u2019s making a huge pot of that orange stuff in the kitchen! Say, I hear a Centaur\u2019s coming, right? Actually, will this be enough food? Between a Centaur and a Minotaur\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi apologized, then grinned at Beza. The Minotaur didn\u2019t look insulted.<\/p>\n \u201cI could eat half this round thing and have room. And my companions are pigs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t make me transform you. Dead gods, is this all cheese?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil looked dismayed. Montressa raised a knife and fork, intrigued. Drassi laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou eat it by claw! And let me know if you want refills!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah, you couldn\u2019t transform an ant, Isceil. You\u2019re all magical breath and nothing else. Hot air, mostly!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can breathe two<\/em> elements at once and each one I choose, Beza. What can you do? Read a scroll?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRemind me who lost to the exiled disgrace? You said you could take him in less than a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was winning\u2014<\/em>that [Shatterbolt] would never be used in a duel in the Academy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] were talking lively. Montressa was exclaiming over the pizza with Ulinde.<\/p>\n \u201cThis would go amazingly<\/em> at one of the room parties. With some ale? And these fries!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n They were stuffing themselves. Ulinde nodded energetically. Then she ducked. Isceil stopped arguing with Beza and froze.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a damn bee<\/em> the size of my face hovering next to your head, Beza!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Reflexively, Beza swatted, then saw Apista and froze. The Ashfire Bee buzzed<\/em> the table. A voice called out and Lyonette stormed past.<\/p>\n \u201cApista! Don\u2019t you dare! Sorry about that, everyone. That\u2019s my um, pet. Apista, go over there! Over there!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She waved and the bee buzzed away, sad as could be. For she was not a bee that was free. Free to eat the delicious fries with their salt!<\/em> The Wistram [Mages] stared as she alighted on a row of flower boxes. Isceil stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beza rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAshfire Bee, Isceil. Haven\u2019t you ever taken a lesson on monstrous creatures? At least read a book on Izril\u2019s fauna.\u201d<\/p>\n Coursework didn\u2019t stop when you graduated. You could spend eight years and then continue learning as an apprentice to a senior [Mage] and then<\/em> join a research group where you were just another peer hitting the books or searching for ways to improve your magic. Of course, not everyone did that. Some, like Montressa, had no teacher, or had halted the bulk of their studies after graduation to pursue other activities.<\/p>\n Isceil just looked incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cA bee, a Hobgoblin\u2014and I\u2019ve never seen a Gnoll with white fur! What\u2019s next, dancing Fraerlings in the attic?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, hush. This inn\u2019s got it all. I want to see these [Actors] that Erin mentioned.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa was smiling to herself. Erin had gone back to work; she looked preoccupied as she talked to the [Actors]. Drassi hurried past the Wistram [Mage]\u2019s table. Beza caught a fragment of her conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Ishkr, have you seen the Horns? If you have, send Ceria and Pisces to Erin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress stiffened, but Montressa didn\u2019t seem to have heard. Beza relaxed as she saw the Gnoll shake his head. Drassi sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better find them. No, it\u2019s an order\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress cleared her throat to distract Montressa in case she heard. She nodded towards the table with Numbtongue at it as her friends looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cA damn Hobgoblin. That\u2019s not just a danger or a pet<\/em>, you know. I can\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSteady, Beza. It\u2019s just one. There are four\u2014five of us. We\u2019re a Gold-rank team by ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil rolled his eyes. Beza glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re no joke! Izril just had a Goblin Lord. One<\/em>. I know what I\u2019m talking about when I say you cannot trust Goblins. You don\u2019t know what they\u2019re really like. In the isles\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was opening and closing his mouth and right claw, imitating Beza speaking as he rolled his eyes. She swung at him, and not jokingly. He leaned back, swearing. Beza glared at him, and then at the young woman. Erin waved back, smiling; she\u2019d been staring their way. Ulinde laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s terrible<\/em> at this! Montressa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t. I like her. We\u2019ll have a talk; she\u2019s not going to make any big mistakes, and if she does? Palt can use a memory spell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we bring Erin Solstice back with us, I\u2019ll need to speak to her about them.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza grumbled as she folded her arms. The other [Mages] sighed, but they went back to finishing the pizza as an opening and soon Isceil was calling for a refill. They were relaxed, and never noticed Erin\u2019s worried looks at them, or Drassi going into Celum to ask Octavia\u2014and then into Liscor.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Erin was worried. Her mind was spinning. People from Wistram were here?<\/em> They wanted her to come with them? All the way to Wistram? She had no idea what to do! Fortunately, the young [Mage] had let her go, but Erin had<\/em> to talk to Pisces. Not about more people from Earth existing, maybe, but at least about Wistram! Of all the times for him to be gone! And Ryoka too! She was worried because she didn\u2019t know what to say to the Wistram team.<\/p>\n Even so, it was only partly worry to Erin. Mostly it was longing. Expectation. Fear. Hope\u2014the Horns of Hammerad didn\u2019t show up as the dinner crowd truly arrived, but the inn was busy and they could be out on the town. They\u2019d be back sometime, and Erin would talk to them then, get some feedback about Wistram. But they were there to take her home. Erin felt her heart beating faster, wondering what she should do.<\/p>\n Home?<\/em><\/p>\n Home. It called to her, and Erin kept glancing back at the [Mages]. To distract herself, she set about really impressing them and getting that curry ready! She actually had<\/em> rice, thanks to Lasica and Rufelt! It grew on Baleros, but also, apparently, Oteslia, and the [Chef] had given her a bag.<\/p>\n Erin was boiling it in the kitchen, swearing as she hunted for the spices and all the right<\/em> stuff that her [Advanced Cooking] told her was essential in a proper curry. She was going to make one plate that was super spicy for the Drake and maybe Minotaur and some regular spice\u2014still very hot\u2014for everyone else. Everyone would love it!<\/p>\n Outside, the [Actors] were getting into their routine. They were doing My Fair Lady<\/em> followed by Macbeth <\/em>due to popular demand, but tomorrow they\u2019d be trying horror. They were already booked all morning to have their lead Norman Bates really work up an unhealthy Oedipus-voyeur complex.<\/p>\n Erin couldn\u2019t wait. She smiled as she cooked, trying to think, sticking her head out now and then for a telltale sniff<\/em> or pointy pair of ears or Antinium with three arms. Yvlon was least distinctive, sadly, even with her lovely hair.<\/p>\n In the common room, the [Mages] were enjoying themselves no end. Barely twenty minutes had passed, but they\u2019d already eaten one pizza and were now drinking before a second course as they snacked on some of Erin\u2019s other treats. Erin had given the staff the intelligence that the Wistram [Mages] were priority guests, and so they were getting fed\u2014and fed well!<\/p>\n \u201cPalt is going to kill<\/em> us when he realizes what he\u2019s missed. You think he\u2019s done with that Watch Captain yet?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil burped as he replied to Montressa. The young woman was laughing, in good spirits at last.<\/p>\n \u201cBah, he\u2019ll be there at least<\/em> an hour. Watch Captains are jumped up in local cities. Little tyrants. Frankly, it\u2019s easier up north in your Human cities. They\u2019re all corrupt and you can just bribe them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Izril\u2019s<\/em> cities, Isceil. In Terandria, we get respect. Even help.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa wagged a finger at Isceil. The Drake rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cSpare me. I\u2019m not a Revivalist and I\u2019m not a teat-sucking Human.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least you\u2019re not a Libertarian. Imagine one of them on our team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019d never come. We\u2019re going to Izril, not Terandria, and no one but Montressa\u2019s Human. And she\u2019s better than most of her species.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Isceil.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa replied drily. She was drinking when she spotted a tiny white-furred shape prowling around the tables to their left. Mrsha was surprisingly hard to spot thanks to her Skills, but the white-furred Gnoll wasn\u2019t exactly camouflaged.<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Who\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n Entranced, and not a little bit drunk, Ulinde leaned over her chair and waved at Mrsha. The Gnoll happily trotted over, giving them her \u2018I am starving and you had better feed me\u2019 look. She was immediately handed a bit of hamburger and chowed it down. Montressa and Ulinde bent over her, enraptured.<\/p>\n \u201cI forgot how cute kids<\/em> were! Least of all Gnoll kids! There\u2019s only that baby Dullahan that Council Mage Redelia had and it\u2019s ugly. <\/em>And I\u2019ve never seen a Gnoll baby!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo wonder, with how they get on at Wistram. Boycotting us because only one in ten thousand can cast magic at all. And she\u2019s not a dog, Ulinde. Stop that!\u201d<\/p>\n Beza scolded Ulinde. The Selphid watched as Mrsha leapt and snatched the hamburger bite from her dangling claws with both paws. The Minotauress hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cHello little one. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She was hesitating to touch Mrsha, wary of her huge size compared to the small Gnoll. Mrsha didn\u2019t mind; she leapt<\/em> and snagged a bit of Beza\u2019s hamburger, winning the Minotauress\u2019 instant respect for her audacity. The Gnoll was insatiably curious\u2014about the copper floating orb and Montressa\u2019s staff\u2014and Ulinde\u2019s two wands.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoops! Don\u2019t take those! You could hurt yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid batted away Mrsha. The Gnoll looked disappointed. She was sniffing around them, wagging her tail. Lyonette hurried over.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so<\/em> sorry. Is Mrsha bothering you? Mrsha! Are you begging for scraps, young miss? That is no way for a lady to behave\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine, we like it! Can she not talk?\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Montressa and the others assured Lyonette. Even Isceil waved a begrudging hand. Mrsha was signing something with her paws and pointing to Lyonette. Embarrassed, the [Princess] bent, watched carefully, and looked up. The [Mages], curious to a fault, watched.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha can\u2019t speak. But she can communicate with her paws. She\u2019s asking\u2014I apologize for her again, she\u2019s not getting a full dinner tonight! She\u2019s asking why you have two wands, Miss Ulinde?\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid\u2019s eyes brightened. Or something in<\/em> them brightened. She smiled at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because I\u2019m a [Spellslinger]. See these wands? I can cast two spells at once! Pew, pew, pew! I can show you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot in the inn, Ulinde.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa tugged her friend down. She smiled at Mrsha and explained to both.<\/p>\n \u201cUlinde\u2019s a [Spellslinger]. Isceil\u2019s an [Oldblood Magus]\u2014he uses the power of his bloodline. Beza\u2019s our [Spellscribe]\u2014completely different, she writes down magic on a scroll and uses it from there. Palt\u2019s our [Illusionist]\u2014he\u2019s still busy\u2014and I\u2019m a [Aegiscaster]. That means I\u2019m specialized in barrier spells.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette\u2019s eyes widened. Mrsha was looking up with awe at the group. Isceil\u2019s chest inflated and he smoothed his spines.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we are<\/em> Wistram\u2019s [Mages].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s so many specialized classes. You know, we have two graduates from Wistram here as well. They\u2019re not back yet, but I\u2019ll introduce them, shall I? And Mrsha loves magic. She\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked at Mrsha and paused. The Wistram [Mages] all glanced at each other fast. Montressa\u2019s face had clouded again. Beza broke into the silence with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d love to meet them. We don\u2019t know everyone, but when they arrive, send them over, by all means!\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded at the others and mouthed a word as Lyonette smiled. Palt.<\/em> Definitely Palt. He knew all kinds of spells. Distraction\u2014even memory-altering ones. Montressa nodded back tightly.<\/p>\n Lyonette hadn\u2019t noticed. She was wincing as Erin shouted from the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cI need a taste tester! My tongue hurts! Do we have any yogurt?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go. Sorry again about Mrsha\u2014do you want anything else? Erin\u2019s still working on the curry\u2014Mrsha, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m good for the moment. Some more drinks and I\u2019ll be ready to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil patted his stomach. Montressa nodded. Mrsha was reluctant to go. She dragged at the floor as Lyonette tried to lift her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can leave Mrsha. She\u2019s cute! Hello, little one.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa waved at Mrsha. The Gnoll smiled and sniffed again.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd she\u2019s not afraid of Selphids!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde was delighted. Lyonette hesitated, but Erin was screaming about a burned tongue so she hurried off after a stern reminder that Mrsha was eating her dinner. The Gnoll let Beza, Montressa, and Ulinde pamper her. Isceil just looked disgusted. He folded his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cFemales. I should have gone with Palt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWant me to switch to a male body, Isceil?\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde laughed at Isceil. Like many Selphids, she changed gender by her body. Isceil looked disgusted.<\/p>\n \u201cThat rotting corpse? You need to find another one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m running out! Do you know how hard it is to find good<\/em> bodies anywhere that\u2019s not Baleros?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha bit at a fry Beza tentatively held out to her. She was circling around Montressa and surreptitiously eying the food. Her nose twitched and she sneezed<\/em> as Isceil flicked some pepper over the edge of the table. She fled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ass!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beza punched Isceil on the shoulder. She watched, heartbroken, as Mrsha scurried over to Lyonette, whining a complaint. The [Princess] bent, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that? What? Hm\u2026wait\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced up at their table. Isceil hunched his shoulders as Ulinde and Montressa glared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just pepper!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t throw that at a child! Much less a Gnoll! If she comes over, apologize!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors damn it, quit being so sensitive! She\u2019s fine, see?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil\u2019s voice was distinctly relieved as Lyonette smiled and patted Mrsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, fine. Tell Erin. Ishkr! Where are you? Did Drassi already leave to go look for\u2026? Well, you\u2019ll have to do. No\u2014no arguments! Listen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Beza sighed as she watched Mrsha and Lyonette hurry off. She was feeling at her scroll pouch.<\/p>\n \u201cI still need to scribe two more scrolls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo it later. You have multiple copies, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. But it\u2019s the principle of the thing. I can\u2019t cast magic without a scroll. You know my natural magic pool is too low for regular spellcasting.\u201d<\/p>\n Her friends looked up. That was a touchy subject for Beza usually. She hadn\u2019t been blessed with the natural talents her peers had, so she\u2019d developed this class. By infusing a scroll with mana and laboriously writing the spell on it, she could activate a spell fast as\u2014if not faster than other [Mages], but in return she had to provide effort and money to cast a single spell. Ulinde looked sympathetic.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much does it cost for proper blank scrolls?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo much. Let alone liquid gemstone for writing or magicore?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza grimaced. She turned hopefully as Mrsha came trotting out of the kitchen. Lyonette hurried over. She called out as they passed the mages\u2019 table.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha, come on! We\u2019re going shopping! Erin\u2019s out of\u2014ground beef! Let\u2019s go to the [Butchers] and I\u2019ll buy you a snack!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll brightened up. Montressa glanced at Beza as she watched Lyonette adjust the door. Ishkr went after them\u2014he set the door to yellow\u2014a location they hadn\u2019t seen before. Montressa raised her eyebrows\u2014the label read \u2018Pallass\u2019. Then she looked at Beza.<\/p>\n \u201cBut don\u2019t you earn a lot<\/em> for scrolls, Beza? And you can make more! That\u2019s your entire class!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s still the time cost, the cost of materials, finding the right buyers\u2014especially if the market is oversaturated! People don\u2019t use spell scrolls every day! I might be rich, but it\u2019s work!\u201d<\/p>\n Beza pounded the table, frustrated. Ulinde and Isceil didn\u2019t look sympathetic.<\/p>\n \u201cAt least you can sell your spells. Ulinde and I are combat classes. And we\u2019re not adventurers. Yet. My funding is a lot less than\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think you\u2019ll become an adventurer, Isceil?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor a bit? To earn some artifacts and gold? Gold-ranks do earn an enticing amount and I could see myself taking a sabbatical for a few years.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake looked thoughtful as he stroked his chin. Beza laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou? Gold-rank?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? I\u2019m not<\/em> Silver. The only thing stopping me is having to put up with a bunch of idiots the entire time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we<\/em> could be an adventuring team.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde looked at the others as Montressa raised her brows.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? It would be fun! Tell you what, on the way back north, I\u2019ll pop into the Adventurer\u2019s Guilds. If I see something that looks fun or profitable\u2014we take it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt could be good training.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza mused. Montressa shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it. Dead gods, is Palt not here yet?\u201d<\/p>\n Half an hour\u2014no, forty minutes had passed. Isceil waved a lazy claw.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s probably just explaining everything. He\u2019ll have to go through the ranks first\u2014after finding the Watch Barracks\u2014he\u2019ll have stopped for a smoke\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019d better not wait too long or I\u2019m not saving him any of this curry. Where is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had been out twenty minutes ago saying it was nearly <\/em>done and that she was just waiting on the rice. Since then, the inn had grown more quiet. Beza glanced around\u2014and then Ulinde grabbed her. Hard.<\/p>\n \u201cOh dead gods. Beza!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUlinde, calm down. I\u2019m trying to watch this \u2018play\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa complained as she stared at the stage. Beza growled agreement, but Ulinde\u2019s eyes were wide. She was pointing past them, at a duo who\u2019d just entered the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Beza!<\/em> That\u2019s Seborn and Moore!<\/em> Two of the Halfseekers! That must mean Jelaqua Ivirith is somewhere around here!\u201d<\/p>\n All the [Mages] glanced around. Sure enough, a half-Giant and Drowned Man were walking into the inn. They glanced around impassively, then sat at a table close to the Wistram [Mage]\u2019s. Ulinde started trembling.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I have to talk to them. Come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at her friends. Isceil was patting his stomach, trying to figure out how much more he could eat. Montressa and Beza were watching the [Actors]. They\u2019d begun Macbeth, but a new cast was on stage. The lead, a [General] played by a Drake, was contemplating treason\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cGo yourself Ulinde, I want to watch this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t! I\u2019ll freeze up! Please? Isceil!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake snorted. He was watching the play now, and glancing towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cGo yourself, Ulinde. You\u2019re a Wistram [Mage]! That half-Giant\u2019s not even as good as you are. See his magical flow? They should be coming to you! Where\u2019s the curry, already?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza glanced up. She\u2019d been saving room too and the alcohol was making her peckish. She looked around and to her surprise, realized the dinner rush had in fact been a vacuum.<\/p>\n The inn was surprisingly uncrowded. A pair of Gnolls got up and walked towards the door as the [Mages] glanced around.<\/p>\n \u201cStill delayed. Erin\u2019s in the kitchen, still.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe dinner\u2019s later around here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr the inn isn\u2019t all it\u2019s cracked up to be. I knew she wasn\u2019t as successful as everyone said. Not for a guest.<\/em> Late curry\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou just ate two meal\u2019s worth. Give Erin time. I bet she has to simmer the curry or something. Now, shush. This is amazing.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa shook her head. She stared back towards the stage. The Drake there was giving the performance of his life. He held a claw out, staring at a spectral illusion one of the [Mages] behind stage was conjuring. Montressa knew it was an illusion, but the performance still had her watching, spellbound.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this a dagger I see before me, the handle towards my claw? Come, let me touch thee. I have thee not, yet I see thee still. Art thou an illusion of magic sensible to feeling as to sight? Or art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation proceeding from heat-oppressed brain? I see thee are not magic but for\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s quite good. This is a fascinating performance! As good as any [Bards] or [Performers] I\u2019ve ever seen!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Aegiscaster] whispered to Beza. The Minotauress nodded silently. Isceil had to grudgingly agree as Ulinde got up, sat down, and got up again.<\/p>\n \u201cDrake\u2019s as ugly as sin, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I can\u2019t tell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake it from me. No wonder he\u2019s betraying his [King]; no one\u2019s going to make him an [Heir].\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil pointed at the Drake\u2019s face and tail. Montressa and Beza couldn\u2019t see it. The Minotauress eyed the Drake appreciatively.<\/p>\n \u201cAt least he looks the part. I mean, in body shape. That\u2019s a proper<\/em> [General]\u2019s build.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded to his bulging forearms. The Drake was indeed built far better than any other [Actor] on stage. The Wistram [Mages] watched, spellbound, until a growl<\/em> made Beza look around.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me? Excuse me!\u201d<\/p>\n She signaled to Drassi, who\u2019d returned to the inn. The Drake jumped and then came over with a big smile.<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes? Can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re still waiting on the \u2018ca-ree\u2019. Is Miss Erin still working on it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? I\u2019ll ask.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake blinked. She hurried into the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cCurry. Sorry, it\u2019s new and we\u2019re making up a fresh batch. Extra spicy. It should be out in just<\/em> a moment!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza nodded at Isceil. He sighed, loudly, but then Erin poked her head out of the kitchen. She waved at the Wistram [Mages] and they waved back.<\/p>\n \u201cIt must be nearly ready. I bet it\u2019ll be too spicy, Isceil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! I\u2019ll eat the entire plate as she serves it<\/em>, without a drink or anything else. How much?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo small secrets?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] nodded at each other. Erin was talking to Drassi. She was glancing towards the magical door. The Gnoll, Ishkr, was standing by it and waved at her and shook his head, holding up four of his fingers. After a moment, Erin hurried into the kitchen. The Wistram Mages went back to watching\u2026until they realized ten minutes had come and gone.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, what\u2019s the hold up? Everyone else is eating.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil\u2019s tail was lashing the ground. Montressa sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI think she messed it up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think? What\u2019s so hard about it? I\u2019m going to complain!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou idiot, Isceil! She\u2019s our guest!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m still hungry!\u201d<\/p>\n He snapped back. Montressa sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we should get Palt first. He\u2019ll be mad we started without him and maybe the Watch Captain needs more soothing. How about this? Isceil, you get Palt. Beza, you and Ulinde say hi to the Halfseekers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, yesyesyes<\/em>, thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde jumped up, quivering with nerves. Montressa nodded as she reached for her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019ll ask Erin what\u2019s wrong with the curry. We can always have the rest of her food. And I think she mentioned ice cream? That\u2019s a Terandrian delicacy!\u201d<\/p>\n Her friends nodded. Isceil was only grumbling a tiny bit as he got up and began navigating towards the door. But before they reached the door, Erin Solstice hurried out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright! Alright, sorry for the wait!\u201d<\/p>\n She had a steaming pot full<\/em> of curry, and Drassi was carrying one filled with rice. The Drake put the pot on the table and looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything else, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. Go find Lyonette, Drassi. Tell her I\u2019m starting dinner!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled at Drassi, and then she looked at the Wistram [Mages]. Isceil hurried back to the table, Palt forgotten. Montressa looked into the pot; she could smell<\/em> the spices from here.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoo! Hot! I can still see it bubbling! Miss Erin, give me a full plate. A good helping; it\u2019s spicy, I take it?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil was impatient. Erin smiled at him, putting down rice first and then a big helping of curry on top. The Drake licked his lips, seeing meat among the thick sauce.<\/p>\n \u201cSuper spicy!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we cool it down? I\u2019m not looking to breathe fire.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza looked warily at the hot curry. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cSure! Just one thing before we start.\u201d<\/p>\n She set down the pot before Isceil could dig into his plate. Montressa nearly objected; they hadn\u2019t been served, but Erin was looking at her. She glanced around, but all she saw were a few [Actors] on stage, the two Halfseekers\u2014barely anyone else. The Hobgoblin was lounging against the bar, tuning a guitar, but he was alone. The inn was\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil was practically panting with anticipation. He loved spices. Erin looked at him and then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI was just thinking. I have some people from Wistram in my inn. I didn\u2019t tell you because one of them\u2019s a jerk and both of them have a past with the academy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa\u2019s face froze. Beza carefully watched her friend, and then put a false smile on her face as she turned to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Miss Solstice, we\u2019re completely fine with any\u2026incidents that might have occurred between your friends. What are their names?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Todam and Shelia. One\u2019s a Human, the other one\u2019s a half-Elf.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTodam and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n All the Wistram [Mages] looked surprised. Montressa\u2019s eyes flicked up and Beza had the same thought. Aliases<\/em>, of course. She shook her head, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cNever heard of them, but I\u2019m sure we\u2019d love to meet them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds great!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin beamed. She moved back as Isceil dug a fork into his plate, too hungry to wait. She reached for the pot and then paused.<\/p>\n \u201cSay, do you know someone named Ceria? Or Pisces, or Yvlon or Ksmvr?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza blinked. She\u2019d relaxed. Too soon, as it turned out, and the moment of surprise ran around the table. Erin watched them. Her bright, happy smile stopped on her face.<\/p>\n And then it vanished. She looked down at them.<\/p>\n \u201cThought so. Mrsha says you smell like their blood. What did you do with them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] froze. They looked at Montressa, and she stared at Erin. She took too long to answer. Isceil sneered.<\/p>\n \u201cThey got what they deserved. You didn\u2019t know this, but one of them was a [Necromancer]<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He got no further. Erin grabbed him by the head. She slammed<\/em> his face into the plate full of curry.<\/p>\n The Drake screamed. He dragged himself back, clawing at his eyes. The curry was hot, physically and in taste. It burned his eyes. Calmly, Erin stepped back. She grabbed the pot and dumped<\/em> it over him.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beza pushed herself back. She stood\u2014and Erin hit her with the pot as hard as she could. The Minotaur sat back down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing!?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy eyes! That Human bitch\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa grabbed her staff as Ulinde went for her wands. Beza roared with fury as she stood. She got no further than that.<\/p>\n From the bar, the Hobgoblin abandoned his guitar. He launched himself across the inn. Numbtongue leapt over the table and kicked<\/em> Beza out of her chair as she rose. The Minotaur crashed to the ground and Numbtongue followed, kicking, punching at her as she tried to rise.<\/p>\n The other three [Mages] shot to their feet. Isceil, howling, pointed a wand at Erin, barely able to see. He roared.<\/p>\n \u201c[Lightning Orb]!\u201d<\/p>\n The inn was almost empty. The guests had already left, as had most of the staff. At the back of the room, the [Actors] fled backstage. But the Drake seized a spear that had been lying among the props and leapt to the floor, bellowing.<\/p>\n \u201cErin! Get back!\u201d<\/p>\n She dodged the spell as a crackling orb of lightning shot past her shoulder. Relc slashed at it and cut the orb in half as he charged.<\/p>\n \u201cSenior Guardsman! Put down your weapons or I\u2019ll put you through that table!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa pivoted. She called out desperately; Erin was watching Isceil as he tried to aim at her.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice, we don\u2019t want to fight! We had to apprehend\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa saw Erin swing at Isceil\u2019s face. The Drake raised an arm to block, snarling. She hit him in the stomach with her other hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are they?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Horns are alive! Put down your weapons, now, or we\u2019ll be forced to hurt you!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde called out. She looked at the Halfseekers, and then at Relc. He was charging across the inn\u2019s floor, knocking tables and chairs aside. She turned, aiming both wands at him.<\/p>\n \u201c[Binding\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn appeared at her back. Ulinde half-turned, but the [Rogue] was faster. He appeared out of a shadow and grabbed the Selphid, yanking them backwards. His blade glowed like fire. With one arm he choked Ulinde, keeping her steady. The other stabbed the dagger through her chest.<\/p>\n \u201cUlinde!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn\u2019s dagger plunged in and out of the Selphid\u2019s chest, so fast that his hand was a blur. When he let her go, her chest was perforated, seared by the flaming enchantment. Montressa turned white. Ulinde swayed, and one arm came up.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Burst<\/em>].\u201d<\/p>\n The explosion hurled Erin and Seborn backwards. She stumbled back and Relc caught her, pulling her away. Seborn flipped backwards, landing next to the half-Giant. Seborn cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn, I missed the real body. Moore!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m up. Jelaqua isn\u2019t here. The plan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake the Human!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet back, Erin!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc yanked Erin backwards. Montressa raised her staff, seeing Beza swinging at Numbtongue. This was happening too fast! How had she known? Mrsha?<\/p>\n Isceil wiped curry out of his eyes. He roared as he inhaled.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone duck! I\u2019m breathing!\u201d<\/p>\n Fire and<\/em> lightning shot from his maw. The [Oldblood Mage] turned, sweeping his magical breath across the room. The flames and lightning bounced off Montressa\u2019s barrier as the other [Mages] leapt out of the way. Erin shouted as Relc pulled her back, shielding her as he slashed with his spear, cutting the magical fire and lightning.<\/p>\n The Halfseekers dove. Moore groaned and Seborn swore; a bolt of the electricity had hit his side.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m hit! Moore\u2014\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n He was already moving. The Wistram [Mages] turned. No more time for words. Beza swung at Numbtongue and he lashed out, striking her across the chest. Seborn lunged at Ulinde and she jumped backwards, firing her spells.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got the Drake!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc roared as he leapt sideways, abandoning Erin behind cover. He dodged as Isceil\u2019s spells came after him. Seborn slashed at Ulinde; the Selphid was babbling despite her destroyed chest.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no, no, please! I\u2019m a huge fan, we can explain\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She fired from both wands and Seborn twisted, vanishing with a curse among the shadows. Ulinde sprayed spells, trying to keep him at bay. He lunged in\u2014sliced through a quarter of her throat. It would have killed anyone but a Selphid.<\/p>\n Four versus four\u2014Moore looked down at Montressa.<\/p>\n \u201cSurrender. And tell us what you did with the Horns of Hammerad.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa du Valeross looked up. Her surprise turned to fury. She raised her staff, the enchanted jewel glowing, contrasting to the plain wooden quarterstaff Moore held.<\/p>\n \u201cSurrender?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Giant sighed. He pointed his staff at Montressa.<\/p>\n \u201c[Stone Spray\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The spell failed to appear. The half-Giant tried again. Montressa raised her staff and struck the ground.<\/p>\n \u201c[Mana Disruption].\u201d<\/p>\n Moore\u2019s spells failed. He stared at her. Then he swung his staff. It came at Montressa from the side, slower as the half-Giant pulled his blow. Montressa didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n The quarterstaff hit the air and the air moved<\/em>, rippling with the impact. Moore stared as the glimmering barrier around Montressa appeared, violet, translucent light. Montressa pointed her staff, and Moore raised one hand.<\/p>\n \u201c[Incendiary Darts]!\u201d<\/p>\n The fiery needles struck the half-Giant. He howled<\/em>. This time, he brought down the staff with all his might. The wood struck the barrier, and Montressa saw the magic ripple<\/em>.<\/p>\n The staff broke. Montressa looked at Moore. He blinked, and she pointed her staff.<\/p>\n \u201c[Reduced Lightning Bolt]\u201d<\/p>\n The copper orb hovering around her staff discharged. Moore screamed and Seborn heard. He and Ulinde were dodging around the inn. The Selphid could push her body to move faster than all but Seborn, but she couldn\u2019t lose<\/em> him. She desperately tried to fire spells from both wands, but the [Rogue] was a shadow, leaping, dodging\u2014<\/p>\n Cutting her. He had cut Ulinde across the face, arms, legs\u2014deep blows some severing bones. But nothing to kill a Selphid. Montressa pointed at him.<\/p>\n \u201c[Force Wall].\u201d<\/p>\n The leaping shadow hit the shimmering barrier that appeared and Seborn stumbled back. Ulinde took that moment and pointed both wands.<\/p>\n \u201c[Aerial Burst]!\u201d<\/p>\n It caught him, but the [Rogue] was already tumbling, flipping sideways with the force of the blast. He began to leap backwards, but Ulinde leapt.<\/em><\/p>\n Anyone but a Selphid [Mage] would have been too slow. But Ulinde was Rampaging. The Selphid\u2019s body moved as fast as Seborn, and her second dueling wand touched his chest.<\/p>\n \u201c[Reduced Fireball]!\u201d<\/p>\n Like Montressa\u2019s spell, the fireball wasn\u2019t as powerful as it could have been. But it still burst with a fiery bloom. Seborn went flying. His armor had soaked up most of the smaller explosion, but he was still thrown across the room. Ulinde pounced on him as he struggled to his feet. She pointed both wands at him.<\/p>\n \u201c[Binding Ropes]!\u201d<\/p>\n The magical ropes encircled Seborn. He kept moving, trying to break free. Ulinde shouted at him. He was cursing as the magical ropes tightened around his arms and legs.<\/p>\n \u201cJust stop moving! I\u2019ll have to hurt you otherwise\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Across the room, Relc dove and Isceil\u2019s breath blasted three tables and the chairs apart. The Drake was spitting lightning and frost now! Relc bellowed as he turned.<\/p>\n \u201cSenior Guardsman! Surrender and lie on the ground with your hands over your head or I\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil shot a ray of fire at Relc\u2019s chest. The Drake spun his spear and cut<\/em> the ray with the tip of his spear. It dissipated. Relc\u2019s eyes narrowed. He turned and saw Seborn and Moore, down. His eyes widened as he spotted the half-Giant\u2019s smoking chest. He whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cFine.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil was panting for breath. He raised his wand as Relc charged.<\/p>\n \u201c[Stone Arm\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Gecko of Liscor slashed once. The thick stone appearing over Isceil\u2019s scales vanished. The Drake stopped. He stared down at the spear and the spreading red slash across his stomach. Relc had pulled the blow, but it had still opened Isceil\u2019s scales.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n He tried to raise his wand. Relc\u2019s fist hit him in the face. The bigger Drake drew his head back as Isceil staggered, and then head-butted<\/em> the [Mage]. Something in Isceil\u2019s face went crack.<\/em><\/p>\n Relc waited as the Drake screamed. Isceil was still trying to raise his wand. Relc shrugged, then swung his fist with all of his weight behind it. The blow lifted<\/em> Isceil as it hit him right across his cut stomach. The Drake turned white under his scales and passed out. Relc kicked him in the groin and turned.<\/p>\n \u201cAnti-magic spear! He got Isceil!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde screamed a warning. Montressa had already seen. The [Mage] raised her staff, retreating as she reinforced her barrier. Relc narrowed his eyes. He glanced at Moore and Seborn.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two suck.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Flame Ray]! [Ice Spike]!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde took advantage of the moment of distraction. Her spells shot at Relc. He leaned out of the way of the flaming beam and slashed. The [Ice Spike] didn\u2019t even shatter; it just vanished as he cut it in half. Montressa gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re [Mages] of Wi\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc kicked<\/em> a chair at her face. It shattered against the barrier and she flinched. Relc leapt and his spear jabbed at her stomach. It slashed through the first ward and he cursed as it sank into the second.<\/p>\n \u201c[Flame Swathe]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Ropes of Binding]!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake jumped backwards as flames roared from Montressa\u2019s staff. He slashed down the four ropes Ulinde shot at him. She leapt to one side and he blurred and kicked <\/em>her in midair.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoop, nope.\u201d<\/p>\n Something crunched<\/em> around her pelvis. Ulinde made a sound and went crashing backwards, but then she was on her feet. Relc groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. Selphids.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned, raised his spear too late. The [Lightning Bolt] struck him and hurled him over the back of a table. Montressa lowered her staff. She saw the figure curse, leap to his feet, and roar.<\/p>\n \u201cThat hurt.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpell resistance?\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa turned pale. The [Guardsman] charged her and she shot another bolt of lightning from her staff. This time, somehow, he blocked<\/em> the bolt of lightning! Relc ducked behind a table, then leapt, slashing a spell aimed at him as he maneuvered around Ulinde. Montressa backed up, desperately conjuring more protections.<\/p>\n \u201c[Wall of Light]. [Steelcage]. Ulinde, back off! He\u2019s too fast! <\/em>Beza, get over here!\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress was dueling Numbtongue next to the kitchens. She and Numbtongue swung; she had size and weight on him, but he was pressing her back! She stared as he caught a fist and kicked her in the kneecap. She felt something crunch.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin hit her again, through her raised hands. Beza\u2019s head snapped back. She roared and grabbed two scrolls on her belt.<\/p>\n \u201c[Steel Body]. [Haste]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The enchantments took hold as Numbtongue backed up. Beza charged him, head down. He pirouetted, letting her move past him. His eyes unfocused. Beza turned. She swung at him, her every moment enhanced. And he\u2014<\/p>\n Dodged<\/em>. The Hobgoblin leaned to one side as her fist passed by his ear. He stepped in and punched her in the stomach. Beza barely felt it. She kicked<\/em> at him, enraged. He lifted his arm, catching her leg and heaving up.<\/em><\/p>\n Down she went. Beza hit the ground, surprised more than stunned, and then tried to get up. She met Numbtongue\u2019s foot as the Hobgoblin kicked<\/em> her as hard as he could. Beza\u2019s head snapped back and she howled.<\/p>\n