\u201cWatch Captain Zevara, are you aware of how many services Wistram provides for Liscor\u2019s army and the city itself?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wing Commander Embria knew the voice that snapped out of the speaking stone in Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s claw. She winced and shuffled her feet; she would have looked away, but what would be the point? She stood in the Watch Commander\u2019s office and listened. Wincing.<\/p>\n
After the first burst of sound, the voice was quieter, but Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s replies were audible from where Embria stood.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2014no, ma\u2019am. The situation\u2014no, High Strategist. Yes, but\u2014it was clearly\u2014no. Yes, I understand. I\u2014given the situation\u2014yes. However\u2014yes. I\u2019ll bear the High Command\u2019s wishes\u2014thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zevara\u2019s expression said a world, as did her writhing tail, but her tone was deferential. Embria winced as Zevara put down the speaking stone. She handed it to Embria, who silently took the valuable magical item. Wing Commander Embria opened her mouth, noted Zevara\u2019s expression\u2014and the smoke\u2014and fled.<\/p>\n
Watch Captain Zevara listened to Embria close the door and pound downstairs at double-time for a few seconds. Then she gave vent to her emotions. She pounded a fist on her desktop and shouted a number of words that brought one of the [Guards] running. They were still on edge, but Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s glare made the [Guardswoman] close the door and wait until Zevara had vented her metaphorical and literal fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch Captain, do you have orders?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. Come in, Guardswoman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zevara slumped as the female Drake opened the door cautiously. The [Guardswoman] stood to attention and Zevara looked up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe [Mage] prisoners from Wistram. Where are they now and what\u2019s their condition?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStable, Watch Captain. They\u2019ve all been treated and healed\u2014the Minotaur has a hairline fracture on her jaw and the Drake and Human both have bone chips from the arrows. The Selphid\u2019s body is uh, destroyed, but it\u2019s been healed. As for the Centaur\u2014a few cracked ribs, but all healing.\u201d<\/p>\n
That meant they were practically fine. Healing potions\u2014low grade ones\u2014couldn\u2019t heal bones, but everything else from arrow wounds to gashes would be closed. Zevara nodded grimly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre they awake?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Watch Captain. We have them in the mage cells and we\u2019re still in the process of cataloguing their gear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. Release them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Drake froze. She eyed Zevara as if she suspected her superior were under a spell. But Zevara still had the detection charm on one wrist and the stupid little Human face was smiling, a sign of no mental enchantments on her. Zevara glared and spat the words like poison.<\/p>\n
\u201cRelease them. That\u2019s an order straight from the High Command. I want their belongings returned, and them marched\u2026damn, here<\/em>. Get the Horns of Hammerad here, and Miss Solstice and Magus Grimalkin if he\u2019s so inclined. And anyone else! But keep them apart until I return, got it? And make sure Relc and Senior Guardsman Klbkch are there to keep order!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Watch Captain. Where will you be in the meantime?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Guardswoman] saluted reflexively. Zevara got up. The [Guardswoman] stared at her, confused. Zevara shook her head in reply. She stomped towards the door.<\/p>\n \u201cI need to see the Council.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Liscor\u2019s Council met. In fact, they were already meeting when Zevara strode into the council room. They didn\u2019t waste time. At least, the real<\/em> Council, the ones who made the decisions, didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n They were Elirr, Raekea, and Krshia, who were in a sense, the Gnollish party. And on the other side were Lism, Jeiss, and Alonna, as well as Tismel and Zalaiss, who represented Drakes. Those were the official battle lines. But there was a third party known as the \u2018Council who wanted to get things done and resented the really expensive and idiotic practices of the previous Councils\u2019 party, which consisted of everyone but<\/em> Tismel and Zalaiss.<\/p>\n It was a source of much tension, mainly from Tismel and Zalaiss. But both were conspicuously absent today\u2014indeed, they rarely showed up. They lacked the votes to sway all but contentious issues and Zalaiss was either drunk when she arrived, or she and Tismel were with the old Council, relaying the current one\u2019s decisions or trying to think up something that didn\u2019t involve getting past Relc and his fist.<\/p>\n For now, the current Council ruled and they were active<\/em>. But Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s presence was their concern of the moment. And it had to be said, none of them were happy either.<\/p>\n \u201cThey did what<\/em> in my<\/em> city?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism\u2019s bellow echoed throughout the conference room. Krshia, Elirr, and Raekea clapped their paws to their ears, glaring. But Lism was furious. Almost as furious as Krshia. She leaned forwards, addressing Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we\u2019re letting them go? All of this was decided without our input? Already?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Councilmembers. I am simply informing you of my decisions, which were all undertaken under my own authority as Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara stared straight past Lism\u2019s head, speaking to everyone and no one. Olesm, standing by the door, winced. But he was also staring.<\/p>\n Wistram\u2019s [Mages] had tried to abduct the Horns of Hammerad? Ceria?<\/em> And they\u2019d done it in public\u2014and hexed Selys <\/em>and started a fight at Erin\u2019s inn? <\/em>No, wait\u2014Olesm checked his notes. Erin had started the fight.<\/p>\n Either way, it was a disaster. Not for Liscor, but for Wistram. Or so Olesm had assumed. But Zevara\u2019s next statement had all the Councilmembers staring.<\/p>\n \u201cI have ordered the Wistram team\u2019s immediate release, and their items will be restored to them. They will\u2026not\u2026be banned from Liscor, although they will be under the strictest surveillance. I will personally make that clear to them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you\u2019re letting them stay? And you\u2019re releasing them from prison? Why<\/em> in the name of the Ancestors would you do that, Watch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism\u2019s fist hit the table furiously. He glared at Zevara. Alonna, sitting beside him, was silent, her arms folded. Lism glared at Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cThey ensorcelled Miss Shivertail? That\u2019s illegal! They should be fined, then beaten with sticks, and then exiled for good! Not given a slap on the wrist and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLism, shut up, you. Let Watch Captain Zevara explain herself. I am sure she has a reason. And I am more curious about this bounty Alonna mentioned, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia glared at Lism. He opened his mouth, but Olesm cut in. His job, rather than to drag the Council from topic to topic, was to keep them from quarrelling, which was much easier.<\/p>\n \u201cOn that note, Councilmembers? I have a record of the bounty from the Mage\u2019s Guild. Here are copies\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He passed them out, and then stepped back and offered Zevara a copy. She shook her head, lashing her tail. Olesm stepped back and read from his. His stomach twisted in the silence.<\/p>\n \u201cA two thousand coin bounty? That is high.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea\u2019s brows shot up. She stared at the parchment and then up at the others. Jeiss shook his head absently. The Senior Guardsman muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cNot for an adventurer. Olesm, is this right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Councilmember Jeiss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could live on two thousand gold pieces for years!\u201d<\/p>\n Lism croaked faintly. Jeiss shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lot, but I\u2019ve seen ones in the tens of thousands for Gold-ranks. That\u2019s usual. Silver-ranks go from a few hundred to a few thousand\u2014but aside from idiots, this one won\u2019t attract too<\/em> many [Bounty Hunters] unless they\u2019re in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo we have to worry about that, then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPisces? This is on Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia stared at the parchment. Zevara nodded shortly.<\/p>\n \u201cAllow me to explain. Allegedly, this [Mage] team was sent here to apprehend the adventurer known as Pisces\u2026Jealnet, and his companion, Ceria Springwalker, as criminals to be tried in Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJealnet?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia blinked and then focused on Zevara. The other Councilmembers did too. Zevara went on, pacing back and forth.<\/p>\n \u201cWistram has explained the actions its team took as hunting a fugitive, a criminal. Pisces Jealnet. He has a list of verified crimes, some of which I am aware of, and his team was apprehended when they refused to give him up. I understand Ceria Springwalker, the leader of his team, was also sought by Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLegally? I know Ceria. What has she done?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia interrupted. Zevara shook her head, looking frustrated.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Message] I received skimmed over Miss Springwalker\u2019s crimes aside from impersonating a [Mage] of Wistram, but I received a rather extensive report on Pisces. He is, as many of you know, a [Necromancer], but he has a long list of minor crimes from many, many Humans cities. Everything from extortion to burglary to blackmail and the usual [Necromancer] crimes. Joining a coven, grave robbing, animation of the undead\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we allowed someone like that to roam free in Liscor? Watch Commander, this individual is an adventurer in Liscor, yes? I thought I saw them at the parade? Why hasn\u2019t our Watch arrested them?\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea looked appalled, as did Lism. Zevara frowned in reply.<\/p>\n \u201cHe had several extortion charges around Liscor, but he paid off his debt and was allowed to enter the city. I was not aware of the charges from other cities, or I might have considered barring him from entry, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She hesitated and Jeiss coughed. He looked around the table and explained.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmembers, those are crimes committed in Human lands. We don\u2019t usually share criminal information aside from major threats because their Watch Captains aren\u2019t as organized as ours. Besides, Drake law allows for some felons to enter a Drake city even if they\u2019ve been convicted in other cities. This Pisces wasn\u2019t a major criminal. We might have watched him and done spot-checks if we suspected him of thievery under truth spell, though.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did. Rigorously. And he passed each one, as well as provided some services for the city, so the Watch didn\u2019t consider him a threat. However, in addition to his petty crimes, there is one of serious concern. Pisces Jealnet was allegedly responsible for the deaths of over sixty<\/em> [Mages] in Wistram due to a case of rampant necromancy, for which he was expelled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. And that\u2019s accurate?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWistram claims so.\u201d<\/p>\n The Council murmured. Lism looked skeptical and angry, Alonna was tracing on the table with one claw\u2014Jeiss just looked at Zevara. The Gnolls did too, waiting for the shoe to drop.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, Wistram\u2019s team pursued a fugitive. A former student from their Academy. But why didn\u2019t they apprehended him when he committed this heinous crime? Don\u2019t tell me he evaded all<\/em> of their [Archmages] and whatnot all this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Raekea looked around, and her gaze settled on the [Strategist] in the room. The rest of the Council turned to Olesm expectantly and Zevara glanced at him. Olesm avoided everyone\u2019s gaze as he stared at the parchment in his claws. He kept his voice steady.<\/p>\n \u201cI investigated that, Councilmembers. According to one of the [Mages] from Wistram\u2014the Centaur, Palt\u2014I was told that he was allowed to go free until he started committing crimes once more. Apparently, Wistram didn\u2019t want to make his trial public knowledge, but his continued activities drew their attention. He did, in fact, have a trial to begin with, but apparently it was a very complicated<\/em> moment and he was allowed to go free, albeit as an expelled student.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUntil Wistram decided it wanted him back. Wonderful. So that\u2019s why they\u2019re here. I\u2019m still waiting to hear why they\u2019re suddenly allowed to dance out of prison! We don\u2019t let anyone do that! No one, not even that Human.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lism folded his arms furiously. Zevara bit her tongue. She looked up and grudgingly replied.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmember Lism, I was prepared to let Wistram\u2019s [Mages] rot in prison. And I am still intending to file a public complaint with the Walled Cities! However\u2014<\/em>it has been made clear to me that it would not be wise to keep Wistram\u2019s team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy who? If they threatened\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy the High Command, <\/em>Councilmember.\u201d<\/p>\n The room fell silent. Zevara looked around. She was breathing hard, her eyes narrowed with helpless anger.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may recall that Liscor\u2019s walls are enchanted. And we also rely on a number of services provided by [Mages]. So too does Liscor\u2019s army. High Command informed me of this fact, and gave me specific instructions regarding the treatment of Wistram\u2019s team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2014wait, High Command spoke to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThrough Wing Commander Embria, yes. Not twenty minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara glanced sideways at Olesm and he winced. He could imagine what that was like. High Command didn\u2019t waste time. And they liked to yell.<\/p>\n The Council looked outraged. Jeiss smacked the desk with his claws.<\/p>\n \u201cThey went over our heads? This is a matter for the city, not the army! The City Watch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnswers to the army in military matters. Which this is<\/em>. Senior Guardsman\u2014I mean, Councilmember Jeiss\u2014our [High Strategist] made it clear<\/em> that Wistram is threatening to cut off a number of services! Including maintaining the very walls keeping our city from being destroyed during the spring rains!\u201d<\/p>\n And then there was silence. Lism looked to his left and right. Alonna met his gaze, palely, and nodded. The hair on Krshia\u2019s neck was standing up. She looked at Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cThey would do that? They said that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot in so many words. But the future cooperation <\/em>with Liscor and so on depend on their team being released. High Command gave me an order. I\u2019m carrying it out because I don\u2019t feel like trying Wistram on the matter of the city\u2019s security over one group of [Mages]. I have their word their team won\u2019t cause more trouble in the city. If they do, I have every intention of arresting them. But\u2014they will be set free.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara glared around. She looked so frustrated and furious that Olesm felt bad for her. Lism stared at the Watch Captain, and then rounded on the female Drake on his left.<\/p>\n \u201cAlonna, why is your<\/em> Mage\u2019s Guild working for Wistram? And why in the name of the Ancestors are they putting a bounty<\/em> on this Pisces person?\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna, who had been silent, drew herself up as everyone looked at her. The Drake [Mage] was flushing slightly, but she kept her voice level as she replied to Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, we\u2019re Liscor\u2019s guild, but we\u2019re affiliated with Wistram. Every Mage\u2019s Guild is; we can organize ourselves as we want from city to city, but to get information, news, to coordinate a lot of what we do, we have to all go through a central authority. Every Guild does or we\u2019re stuck talking to each other like a long string of\u2026of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She clicked her claws, trying to find the words. Elirr raised a paw.<\/p>\n \u201cGnoll howls?\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI was going to say, a string of beads. Or maybe a cobweb? We need a central guild to coordinate [Message] spells and so forth, is my point. And that\u2019s Wistram. I\u2019m<\/em> not from Wistram, but my Guild does have to distribute information from the academy. Including this.\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna tapped the bounty sheet. Krshia growled under her breath.<\/p>\n \u201cBut this is pure vengeance! And it is a bounty after<\/em> the fact, yes? Necrophilia? Is this true?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBounties generally have to be verified before they\u2019re put up.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss muttered uneasily. Olesm cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. However, Councilmember Jeiss, the group that usually does the verification is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWistram.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism finished the sentence flatly. He was catching on. The Council looked at each other. After a moment, Elirr growled.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is disgusting, no? I do not know this Pisces\u2019 past, but he fought with Ceria Springwalker against the Raskghar. And against Skinner and<\/em> the moths!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTheir team was responsible for the dungeon\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t their fault! Don\u2019t you dare, Lism.\u201d<\/p>\n To Olesm\u2019s surprise, it wasn\u2019t Krshia who interrupted, but Alonna. She glared at Lism and he subsided. He looked at Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is intimidation, Watch Captain. Intimidation, bypassing Liscor\u2019s laws\u2014and I\u2019ll give you besmirching this Pisces\u2019 name. Even if it\u2019s with the truth. This is unacceptable. Why are we allowing it?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked from Alonna to Zevara. The [Mage] shook her head, looking frustrated.<\/p>\n \u201cAside from the fact that they have High Command\u2019s earholes, Lism? Let me put it to you this way. I could refuse to distribute the bounty, just like Watch Captain Zevara could refuse to release the Wistram [Mages]. And if we do, one<\/em> of the things Wistram can do is direct other Mage\u2019s Guilds to ignore Liscor\u2019s guild.\u201d<\/p>\n A pause. Raekea blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cBy ignore\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, we can\u2019t communicate with a Mage\u2019s Guild anywhere else. Or our [Messages] get shoved to the bottom of the piles, delivered last.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey can\u2019t do that! Can they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just say that there are nations in which the Mage\u2019s Guild works well and places where they don\u2019t. Wistram\u2019s autonomous, but they have their demands.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone digested this. Lism\u2019s tail was smacking his chair legs. He stood up, glaring around the conference room.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst Tiqr, now this. Does anyone else feel like Wistram\u2019s got too much influence? I never thought of it before, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He slapped the table, glaring.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is exactly what I\u2019m talking about when I talk about non-Liscorian interference! Liscor has to bow to these jumped-up [Mages]? After they assaulted one of our citizens in our city<\/em> and started a fight in city limits?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGenerally, Wistram\u2019s been seen as a positive force worldwide, Uncle. Stabilizing. And just.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm murmured. Lism gave him an incredulous look. Olesm shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not trying to defend them. But I\u2019d like to point out that aside from the threat\u2014which wasn\u2019t communicated to you directly, was it, Watch Captain Zevara?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. High Command didn\u2019t mince words, however.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara folded her arms. Olesm nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen, Wistram can justify itself by claiming that Pisces is a criminal. A murderer, or at least, responsible for a number of crimes. Where they erred was in attacking Liscor\u2019s citizens and going after the rest of his team. But again, they\u2019re using Liscor\u2019s laws against us. They did pay our fines. Instantly. That\u2019s three thousand<\/em> gold pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr was sipping from a cup. He choked on his drink. Lism\u2019s head snapped around.<\/p>\n \u201cSay what? You fined them how<\/em> much, Watch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, misuse of magic and assault plus attack spells and assault on a team would still only be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss was counting up the fine in his own head. Zevara looked a bit embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cI levied an appropriate fine for emotional distress and the use of Watch assets, like an attack spell from the walls. They\u2026paid it. Instantly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree thousand gold pieces?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing to them. They could have paid ten times that and never blinked.\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna muttered. Krshia saw Lism\u2019s eyes focus.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, in that case\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He paused and gritted his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Do we have a choice here, Watch Captain Zevara?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir. I\u2019m simply reporting my actions to the Council.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara gave Lism an unhappy look. Krshia broke in, looking around.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain Zevara levied a heavy fine, Councilmembers. Wistram paid it without blinking, yes? And all this pressure\u2014does it not bother all of us that they are so willing to manipulate the law for their ends?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what do we do? If there was even a hint they\u2019d refuse to maintain the spells on our walls\u2014damn. Damn, damn, damn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lism began shredding the parchment in front of him. Raekea growled nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what is to be done? If this team is free, will they not continue attacking this team?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot in my city. They\u2019ll be under watch, I promise you that, Councilmembers. But I can\u2019t extend my jurisdiction outside of Liscor. Also, none of these adventurers are Liscor\u2019s citizens. And two\u2014at least one of them have committed crimes in other cities, albeit Human ones.\u201d<\/p>\n Watch Captain Zevara looked around. Jeiss looked sick.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we get to watch them strut around, Captain Zevara?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like it either, Jeiss. But it seems like that\u2019s what we\u2019re being told.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism\u2019s eyes flashed. He looked around at the Council. Krshia, Elirr, Raekea, Alonna, Jeiss, Olesm, all met his eyes. Zevara was staring down at the floor. Lism\u2019s tail lashed\u2014and then grew still.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. We let the Wistram [Mages] do what they want. If they keep to our laws, we\u2019ll let this team, the Horns of Hammerad, deal with this mess themselves. We don\u2019t interfere. And maybe we hope that crazy Human makes their heads explode. But Liscor will take Wistram\u2019s money and tuck our tails.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone stared at him. Krshia opened her mouth and Lism glared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been got, Silverfang. I know when to walk away. This is like a Level 50 [Merchant] holding us over a barrel with a bunch of [Thugs] at his back. You want to try another deal?\u201d<\/p>\n She closed her mouth and shook her head after a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. No, I agree with that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism looked around steadily. He raised a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, I motion to allow Watch Captain Zevara to go back and make whatever preparations she needs. By all means, impress upon Wistram\u2019s team the severity of the laws, Watch Captain. And put them under watch.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara nodded. She blinked at Lism, and then saluted.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncilmembers, thank you for your time.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm held open the door as she strode out, back towards the Watch House. He stared at Lism. Everyone did. The Drake [Shopkeeper] was too<\/em> calm. Lism nodded as he carefully arranged the bits of parchment. Then he looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, onto new business. We can put the gold to good use. The Bloodfields project is underway, and I understand the Adventurer\u2019s Guild is already preparing for renovations. I do hope Miss Selys will be well after her incident. And that her grandmother doesn\u2019t try to kill the Wistram team. That would be a crime. Perhaps we should send someone to inform her tactfully of what\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods, that\u2019s a good point. She\u2019ll murder them. We should stop that.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss looked wistful. Lism nodded impatiently.<\/p>\n \u201cBut that would be a crime<\/em>, Jeiss. How shall we do it?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia was studying Lism. She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cSend\u2026yes, send our [Negotiator]. Teliv.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm winced. He felt bad for his friend. Elirr thoughtfully stroked his chin.<\/p>\n \u201cWith wine. Or something stronger, yes? Wistram\u2019s fine can pay for that. And give her a cat. She cannot run with a cat. Or dogs. She likes dogs more. Teliv, he can stop at my shop for a puppy or a few for the telling. I have a litter.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced around at everyone\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? She does.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism nodded. He looked at Olesm, still cool as a [Cryomancer].<\/p>\n \u201cSee to it, nephew? Now, onto new business. I motion to send a [Message]\u2014damn. No. Send a City Runner<\/em>\u2014no, send Hawk to Fissival. With a direct message for the Draconae Scholarium.\u201d<\/p>\n The Councilmembers glanced at him. Olesm looked up as he jotted down notes. Raekea frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism\u2019s eyes glinted.<\/p>\n \u201cTo ask about having their college replace Wistram\u2019s services, of course. And while we\u2019re at it, Alonna, can we send a covert [Message]\u2014damn<\/em>, or do we have to use City Runners for all this? Can we ask about if anyone else has had issues with Wistram? I\u2019d put forwards a motion to cosign Watch Captain Zevara\u2019s complaint and make it public. Send it around. In fact, is any other nation or city having our issues? We should open a discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Zevara left the politics of the Council behind. She stalked through the streets of Liscor, furious. So angry she couldn\u2019t bear it. But she moved quickly, to give vent to her emotions, but also because she knew Wistram\u2019s team would be in the same building as Erin Solstice and the team they\u2019d tried to kidnap.<\/p>\n In retrospect, that had been a stupid decision, but Zevara needed to explain herself. And she felt as embarrassed, as wrong as she ever had been. But that was politics. It overruled what was right and decent. It wasn\u2019t something Zevara thought should be part of the Watch. So she strode back to the Watch barracks.<\/p>\n As it happened, Wistram\u2019s team had already been released from jail. And Erin Solstice, her friends, and the Horns of Hammerad had likewise been summoned. Someone was already screaming as Zevara pushed into the Watch barracks.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t Erin or the Horns. They were being kept in Zevara\u2019s office. The Wistram team was on the ground floor. And it was Selys Shivertail who\u2019d found them.<\/p>\n \u201cYou filthy eggsucking Creler sacks! You monstrous, disgusting\u2014let go of me! I\u2019ll kill them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was fighting the Gnoll [Guardsman] holding her. Montressa, Palt, Isceil, Ulinde, and Beza were all watching the Drake warily as she fought to swing at them. Selys was shouting, her voice raw, furious. But she was crying too. Zevara stopped for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you. How dare\u2014<\/em>why are they free?<\/em> I want them executed! I want them tossed in the cells! You\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She went for something at her side. An expensive bag of holding. Zevara saw Selys draw something out.<\/p>\n \u201cWand!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Wistram team reacted with instant alarm as Selys tried to aim it at Palt. Montressa raised her staff and the City Watch instantly aimed their bows at her. She froze and the Gnoll holding Selys grabbed at her arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t, Miss Selys\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc yanked Selys\u2019 arm up. She struggled, but the Drake held her\u2014surprisingly gently. He pulled Selys back.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Selys. No casting spells.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of me, Relc\u2014let go\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on. Let\u2019s go upstairs. Erin\u2019s there. Oh, hey, Captain Z.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc paused as he saw Zevara. The Watch Captain saw Selys whirl.<\/p>\n \u201cZevara? Why are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Selys.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara nodded at her awkwardly. She studied the Wistram [Mages]. They were standing still, surrounded by a bunch of hostile [Guards]. But they didn\u2019t look\u2026nervous. Zevara eyed all five. The Drake looked like simmering fury, as did the Minotaur.<\/p>\n The Human\u2014Montressa du Valeross? A [Lady], then. She looked caught between shock and fear and anger. The Selphid was shivering. She was wearing\u2014Zevara recoiled slightly\u2014a rather decayed Human body. A bad one, too. Whoever the Human had been, he\u2019d been on the south side of unfit and rather unpleasant to look at. Cheap Selphid body. But the Selphid was still shaking.<\/p>\n As for the Centaur, he was smoking something. Zevara stared at it and inhaled the distinctive smell of a narcotic, which Liscor generally defined as anything you could smoke. The Centaur noticed Zevara\u2019s stare and hurriedly snatched the spliff from his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cZevara?\u201d<\/p>\n Selys was staring at Watch Captain Zevara. The Drake turned to her.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Selys. I apologize for the distress you\u2019ve suffered. I want you to know that I am personally keeping an eye on these\u2026[Mages], and they will be arrested and dealt with should they commit another misstep in Liscor. They have been fined and some of that money will go to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? But they\u2019re here\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara couldn\u2019t meet Selys\u2019 eyes. She saw the Drake smirk out of the corner of her vision. She felt the urge to turn her head and cough a fireball. She spoke slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cThis team is being\u2026released.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? <\/em>You can\u2019t do that! That\u2019s not right! They cast a spell on me! I had to watch<\/em> them beat Pisces! And I couldn\u2019t do a thing! I didn\u2019t even care!<\/em> How dare you! That\u2019s not right! Zevara! You can\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Selys began to struggle and Relc and the Gnoll gently grabbed her. The Watch Captain looked at Relc. For once, he did all she could ask of him.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Selys. Let\u2019s go upstairs. Come on. I know\u2014I know, I wanna blast them too, but\u2014come on. Geils, help me get her up\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n They practically carried Selys upstairs. She was still screaming curses. At Zevara now. The Watch Captain watched her go, and then she turned.<\/p>\n The [Mages] were watching her. The Drake was still smirking. The Centaur kicked him and he stopped, but the entire team\u2014yes, not nervous at all. They were angry or upset, but not at her. They knew they were going free. Zevara gritted her teeth. She strode forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cYou. Wistram [Mages]. Your fines have been paid. You\u2019ll be\u2026free to go. But mark my words. If you break even the smallest rule in Liscor, I will arrest you and put you straight back in prison!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guards] stirred uneasily and looked at Zevara. She glared at the [Mages]. They didn\u2019t look surprised. Montressa bowed slightly. She nearly smiled, but she didn\u2019t quite manage to complete the expression.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain, allow us to apologize profusely for the\u2014the misunderstanding that took place earlier today. I\u2019m deeply pleased that Wistram was able to smooth over this incident\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIncident? We were attacked!<\/em> We should be pressing charges\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil began, incensed, but the others shushed him. Zevara was twitching<\/em>. Montressa smiled, insincerely. Her grip was tight<\/em> on the staff.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014We will be pressing no charges, of course. But\u2014has Wistram spoken with your High Command regarding the situation around Pisces Jealnet? He is<\/em> a fugitive. With a bounty at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara just stared at the young woman.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are in communication with Wistram\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou put the bounty on his head?\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWistram monitors its teams closely. We are able to correspond regarding issues. Pisces Jealnet is a wanted criminal\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She shut up as Zevara raised a claw. The Watch Captain spoke slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only thing your academy persuaded<\/em> me to do was let you go. As far as I\u2019m concerned, you are all first-time offenders whose fines were paid. If you break a law in my city, I will arrest you. And if you cast any <\/em>spells like you did this evening, I will order my [Guards] to use lethal force!\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara saw Isceil open his mouth and pointed at him. Smoke was fuming from her maw, but she kept on going.<\/p>\n \u201cSecondly, I do not accept Wistram\u2019s damn bounty on Pisces Jealnet or<\/em> any of the allegations against the Horns of Hammerad! If you attack them anywhere within the city or so much as waylay them, I will arrest you! Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not right!\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur burst out. She was taller than anyone else in the room and she reminded Zevara too much of Calruz. Well\u2014there were a number of differences. For one thing, Calruz was honorable. Zevara spun on her.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not a debate! If you lay so much as a claw on Pisces Jealnet or his team, or anyone else in the city, you will be arrested, regardless of what the academy can do! Is that clear?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a murderer and a criminal. Do you even know who you\u2019re sheltering?\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa stared at Zevara. Her face was pale; she was unaccustomed to being shouted at. Zevara looked past her dismissively.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve reviewed his case and interviewed a witness to the actual event. Miss Springwalker swears under truth spell that Pisces J\u2014that the accident in question was truly an accident and not homicide. Since he has paid off his crimes in Liscor, he is protected by our laws. If you attempt to arrest him within the city limits, I will be forced to jail you for unlawful impersonation of the City Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s committed other crimes!\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil pointed that out hotly. Zevara looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd? He\u2019s paid off his bounty in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Wistram has a right to detain international criminals! We are accorded that right in almost every nation in the world!\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa cried out furiously. Zevara looked at her, and then inhaled. Every [Guard] in the room, Drake and Gnoll, were already covering their ears.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, Wistram should have consulted with Liscor\u2019s City Watch before they attempted to arrest someone!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Wistram [Mages] stared at Zevara. She exhaled smoke.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have no rights here. I do not recognize Wistram\u2019s authority in my city. So. You\u2019re free to go because Wistram Academy has insisted. But cast a single enchantment on someone\u2014attack anyone\u2014loiter<\/em> in one square for too long, and you will be arrested. Everyone in or around the city is under my\u2014the Watch\u2019s protection, citizen or not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n This time Montressa felt Ulinde and Palt both nudge her and fell quiet. Zevara was giving her a happy, bright smile that was triggering a few [Dangersenses] in the room. Even Montressa could sense when it was a bad time to speak. Zevara waited. Then she purred at the group of Wistram [Mages].<\/p>\n \u201cFor your information, The Wandering Inn is considered part of Liscor. You and your team are free, Lady Montressa, but in the interest of time, I will be debriefing your victims<\/em> upstairs. After that, you will all be present to make clear the issue is resolved, and then you will be escorted out of my sight. Thank you <\/em>for your time, and I hope you have a wonderful time in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned, still vibrating with fury. Zevara began to stalk towards the stairs. Palt looked at Montressa and she gripped her staff so hard her knuckles turned white. Her friends were looking at her. Montressa was frustrated, furious\u2014almost as much as Zevara was, but for different reasons. This wasn\u2019t right! This wasn\u2019t fair!<\/p>\n And then she was afraid. She looked at Beza. Upstairs.<\/em> She could feel him there, a surge of death magic. The Minotauress gripped her shoulder and squeezed it.<\/p>\n Everyone was silent as Zevara conferred with an officer and began to walk upstairs. Montressa stared at the Oldblood Drake\u2019s back. What was wrong with her? What was\u2014she turned her head as Isceil muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cStupid, inbred failure of an Oldblood! Can\u2019t even breathe fire, that incompetent, female\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Palt slapped a hand over his mouth too late. Zevara stopped on the stairs. She turned her head and Montressa saw her look at Isceil. The [Oldblood Magus] saw Zevara inhale and Montressa raised a shield\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Something was burning downstairs. It smelled like smoke. When Erin Solstice, the Horns of Hammerad, Selys, the Halfseekers, and Relc all came back downstairs, following Zevara, they saw the scorched floorboards. The [Guards], cleaning up a few black marks on the walls. Klbkch, standing with two hands on his sword hilts.<\/p>\n And the [Mages]. All five of them. Erin felt a clenching in her stomach, even though Zevara had told her why they were free. She\u2019d told them twenty minutes ago. Upstairs.<\/p>\n There had been some shouting. A lot of it, actually. People had taken turns, Erin included, but Zevara had outshouted them all. The Wistram team was being released and that was that. Outrage over what they\u2019d done, to the Horns, to Pisces especially, apparently it didn\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n Here they stood. Erin\u2019s hands clenched instinctively. They had no right to stare at the people coming down so\u2026so self-righteously.<\/em> As if they were the victims, or the ones in the right. Erin saw Klbkch straighten.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSenior Guardsman Klbkch. You just arrived?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI apologize for the delay. I had to see to an incident in the Hives. Facestealer.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin felt a chill. Zevara paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYour message mentioned it. Tell me later. Have the criminals<\/em> given you any trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch\u2019s voice was cool. Erin didn\u2019t miss the way the [Mages] stared at him. The Drake was pursing his lips as if to spit, but one look at Zevara and he swallowed instead. And despite Klbkch being Antinium, perhaps he was the only one who could have kept order. The other [Guards] were looking hostile. But Klbkch was calm. He noted the people trooping down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cWill we be releasing the criminals, Watch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara folded her arms. She was looking upstairs. The Halfseekers and Relc were coming down behind Erin. Ulinde flinched as Seborn stared at him. Jelaqua wasn\u2019t even looking her way. Moore, even Moore, was staring at Montressa. The [Aegiscaster] was flushing, but everyone was waiting for the last team to come down the stairs. Zevara spoke slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve made the situation clear to both teams. But I want to be sure my orders are understood. Anyone who breaks the law in my city will be arrested. So. These two teams will say whatever they have to say. If they feel like breaking my laws, we\u2019ll find out.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstood, Watch Captain. Guards\u2014fall back. Ranged weapons to that side of the room. Spread out here, here\u2014you eight, return to your duty or sign out. In case of mass-attack spells, fall back and take cover. Relc and I will deal with any eventuality. Aim for the Drake and Centaur first.\u201d<\/p>\n The Wistram [Mages] stared at him as the Antinium calmly motioned to the Watch. With tight grins, some of them dispersed while others took up more tactical positions. Palt paled and Isceil stared at Klbkch. Relc walked over.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Klb, you missed a hell of a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs did you. I believe my opponent was decidedly more dangerous. Relc, how was your day?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I got to act. It was all part of Erin\u2019s plan. And I stabbed a few stupid [Mages], but I didn\u2019t get to kill any\u2014psst! Erin! Over here!\u201d<\/p>\n The two Senior Guardsman stood against one wall and chatted. Erin walked over to them, and Klbkch smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cErin. It has been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Klbkch. Yeah. It\u2019s been a heck of a day\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Wistram [Mages] stared at the trio, nonplussed. Zevara almost smiled for a moment, but the conversation between the three was background noise. She looked up as the four adventurers came down the stairs, slowly.<\/p>\n The Horns of Hammerad. They were all on their feet. All awake. Night had fallen since they\u2019d been freed from the Silent Box. And their wounds\u2014<\/p>\n Well, they were all whole. Yvlon\u2019s arm had been corrected, Ceria and Ksmvr were healed and Pisces\u2014<\/p>\n He looked fine. Fine, whole. But he was pale. And he came behind his companions. He looked weighed down. As he raised his head though, Erin saw his eyes. And she paused as she leaned on Ksmvr\u2019s shoulder. She shivered.<\/p>\n She had never seen him look like that. Not even at the start. But Erin knew that look. She had seen it in a mirror. Pisces stared down at the Wistram [Mages], and Erin knew he was thinking of how to kill each one exactly.<\/p>\n The [Mages] reacted to the Horns. The Minotaur stared at Ceria, and so did Palt, frowning at Ceria. The half-Elf\u2019s expression was still, but she walked towards Montressa and the others slowly. And she never looked away from her old friend. But then all eyes swung towards Pisces and they stared at him with hostility. Hatred. Rage.<\/p>\n But Montressa froze. Erin turned towards her and she saw the young woman shudder<\/em>. Erin frowned. But then Ceria spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cMons. It\u2019s been a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s face went white. Montressa du Valeross looked at Ceria. And then color returned to her face. She glared at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare<\/em> you call me that? How dare\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She gripped her staff and everyone tensed. Beza and Ulinde grabbed Montressa from either side.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Aegiscaster] caught herself. She stared at Ceria. The half-Elf was shaking. She pointed her bone hand at Montressa. Looking at her and the other [Mages].<\/p>\n \u201cIs that really you? After all this time. I\u2014we met for all of five seconds and you put me in a Silent Box? How could you? We were friends!<\/em> You attacked us! You nearly killed Pisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Pisces. Montressa\u2019s face went paler as her eyes flicked to him, and then returned to Ceria. She interrupted, her voice harsh, fingers tightening on the staff.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter all this time, how dare I? How dare you?<\/em> I knew what you\u2019d done, but I had to see it to believe it!\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Ceria, her voice rising with rage.<\/p>\n \u201cHow<\/em> dare<\/em> you join him? How dare you do it after all he did? He killed<\/em> Calvaron! He\u2019s responsible for everything! He used your master\u2019s body<\/em> to unleash the things that killed\u2014how dare you? You\u2019re as evil as he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, she looked at Pisces. He didn\u2019t move at the accusation that made Ceria turn white. He was just staring at the ground, silent, pale. Erin worried for him. Ceria pointed at Pisces, her voice trembling.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve changed! And so has he! That was years ago, when we were young! It was an accident!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAccident?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The hiss came from Isceil, but Beza put an arm out. Montressa and Ceria were alone in the world as they argued. She glared at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cHe killed our friends. Because of him Calvaron\u2019s dead! <\/em>Beatrice and I never forgot, but you? <\/em>You leave, and then you decide to join up with him\u2014to pretend to be a Wistram [Mage] when you didn\u2019t even pass your half<\/em> of the classes\u2014[Mage] of Wistram? You liar!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria jerked, flinching.<\/p>\n \u201cI earned the right to call myself that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re no graduate. You have no right!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have every right! <\/em>Wistram\u2019s full of cowards who won\u2019t try the test! Illphres knew what the true path to magic was! If the Archmages had any courage, they would have gone with her! Instead, you all hide and pretend you\u2019re not being ruled by Cognita!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter than a monster who uses dead bodies to kill all of his friends and the traitor who chose him over everyone else!\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa\u2019s voice rose until all the Gnolls were covering their ears. Ceria was no less loud. They were screaming at each other. Erin stared at Ceria. Wistram. She knew the story. Relc just looked at Klbkch and the Antinium shrugged. To them it was funny. To Ceria\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re attacking us for leaving? Attacking Pisces? We were allowed to leave! Wistram let both of us go because it was an accident!<\/em> Why didn\u2019t you throw us both in prison then? I didn\u2019t do anything! I just told that idiotic group of [Mages] with their wands up their asses how I felt!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re helping the same bastard who killed over three dozen [Mages]! Why shouldn\u2019t<\/em> we arrest him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was exiled!<\/em> The trial finished! You can\u2019t overturn it!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shot back at Isceil. Beza folded her arms and retorted.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was because a non-[Mage] interfered with the Council\u2019s deliberations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCognita vouched for him. She asked<\/em> the Council not to execute Pisces and they did! They can\u2019t change their minds!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wistram team hesitated. Montressa was biting her lip, eyes furious. Ceria was no less mad. Isceil and Beza exchanged a glance; Palt was just watching and chewing on something\u2014Ulinde was still quaking, under the gaze of the Halfseekers. Isceil retorted at last.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever the case, you two aren\u2019t [Mages] of Wistram and you\u2019ve claimed to be. For that alone, you\u2019ve committed a crime.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf\u2019s eyes blazed<\/em>. She opened her mouth, and then grew strangely calm. She looked at Isceil.<\/p>\n \u201cTell that to Cognita. I dare you. She<\/em> gave us that right. Go on, tell<\/em> her. Does she know you\u2019re saying that?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake paled, for reasons only a few people in the room understood. Ceria was looking victorious when Palt raised a hand. As if he were in class, he raised his voice, breaking into the argument.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me. I\u2019d like to clarify something. The reason Wistram has for going after Pisces Jealnet isn\u2019t due to his expulsion. It\u2019s what he\u2019s done after he left. He\u2019s committed petty crimes, stolen, used Wistram\u2019s name, and broken laws across Izril. His subsequent crimes have put Wistram in a bad light. Anyone claiming to be a graduate of Wistram who behaves as he\u2019s done will be dealt with.\u201d<\/p>\n His calm tone silenced Ceria for a moment. Then she rounded on Montressa.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s your excuse? Because you\u2019re too afraid of Cognita to overturn the exile?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not afraid of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Beza began to retort, but Zevara bellowed.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch Captain was louder than all the [Mages]. They looked at her. Ceria and Montressa were panting. Zevara shook her head as Beilmark, standing beside her, took her paws off her ears with a sigh. Zevara glared around at both Ceria and the Wistram [Mages].<\/p>\n \u201cClearly, you all have your own history. I\u2019m not being paid to listen to it. Understand this. Whatever your\u2026issues, you will<\/em> obey Liscor\u2019s laws. You two can argue for all I care\u2014when it\u2019s not night and in public! But you\u2019ll do no more or I\u2019ll feed you to Rock Crabs. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n Both Ceria and Montressa looked at Zevara. Ceria hesitated, but then jerked her head away. Montressa nodded. Her eyes darted at Pisces. He was still looking at the ground. Yvlon and Ksmvr, who\u2019d been silent, looked up. Yvlon reached for her sword hilt.<\/p>\n \u201cSo we have to take that? They attacked us<\/em>, Watch Captain Zevara. What did we do?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara glanced at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cBy right, Miss Byres, you\u2019re entitled to part of the fine. It will go to you, and to Mister\u2026to Ksmvr. As well as Miss Selys. But I cannot allow you to seek vengeance.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr tilted his head.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, Wistram is able to pay to subvert the law? This is an intriguing piece of information. I did not know Drake cities had such a loophole in their legal system.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Guards] began, outraged, as Zevara\u2019s face flushed. Klbkch held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr. Silence.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium quivered and Yvlon gave Klbkch a dark look. Zevara shot Klbkch a mixed glance and turned.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been ordered to drop the Wistram case. I will enforce the law as I see fit, which does not allow for bloody feuds! Miss Selys, your part of the fine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want it. And I don\u2019t want them in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys pointed a trembling claw at the Wistram team. A few of them had the grace to look ashamed. Too few by half. One of them was Palt, ironically. Erin narrowed her eyes as Zevara\u2026fidgeted. She looked like she hated everything about her life right now.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, Miss Selys, I must give them a second chance. Which means Lady du Valeross and her companions are allowed to reside in Liscor. However, if they cast another illicit spell or threaten one of Liscor\u2019s citizens, they will be instantly expelled from Liscor. I\u2019m sorry. That\u2019s all I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI get it.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys looked at Zevara with disgust and turned away. She looked at Pisces and then around. She met Erin\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I need to go. I can\u2019t stay here. They\u2019re disgusting. I have to go. I have to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She was out the door, stumbling. Zevara glanced around.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two. Escort Miss Shivertail wherever she needs to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Two [Guards] left. Zevara looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s all\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust like that? What about our teams? What about Erin\u2019s inn?\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua broke into the conversation, furious. She was wearing a Drake body rather than her Raskghar one, but a big one. Zevara turned to face her.<\/p>\n \u201cA portion of the bounty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t just pay this away! Those little punks attacked my team! They\u2019re not walking off when I\u2019m through with them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will contain yourself, Miss Ivirith. No one is above the law\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcept for Wistram, apparently! This isn\u2019t right! I want\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI challenge you to a duel.\u201d<\/p>\n The voice came from behind Zevara. She turned. Jelaqua looked past her. Pisces had moved at last. He was still pale. But as he raised his head, Erin saw the same look in his eyes. Montressa moved back a step. Pisces stared past her. He was shaking as he pointed a finger at Isceil.<\/p>\n \u201cI challenge you to a duel. Isceil, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake blinked. Zevara spun.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She stopped as he looked up. The [Necromancer] stood alone in the Watch barracks. His team was with him, but the way Pisces held himself was aloof. His face was pale. He spoke through bloodless lips, addressing Zevara, the [Mages].<\/p>\n \u201cI have been attacked. Kidnapped. In Liscor, unprovoked. False allegations have been laid against me. And those who committed the crimes walk free because Wistram Academy demands it be so. There is no justice in that. I demand satisfaction. A legal duel.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara hesitated and stepped back.<\/p>\n \u201cFalse? We only told the world what you really are. And why should I accept a duel from a filthy [Necromancer]? You\u2019re not worth scraping my boots on.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil sneered at Pisces, but his actions betrayed his words. He reached for the wand at his side. Palt glanced at Isceil. Montressa was hesitating, but Pisces looked right past her. And Pisces smiled with that terrible look in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cA coward who bested you when I was fighting all of your pathetic team. Come, Drake. Let us have a proper duel. One to the death. Seen and witnessed by all present. Come, coward<\/em>. Or is the \u2018best duelist in all of Fissival\u2019 too afraid to battle an exile?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil\u2019s scales flushed. He drew his wand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou fleshbag bastard. I\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n The word came from Ulinde. She\u2014no, he grabbed Isceil\u2019s arm. The older man wrestled with the Drake\u2014his body was an incongruous sight among the younger [Mages].<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of me! I\u2019ll kill him! I\u2019ll settle this now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil fought her, cursing, but Montressa whirled as well.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be an idiot, Isceil! He has that [Shatterbolt] ring and he\u2019s too quick!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take off my magical items. Come and fight me, you coward. Or you, Minotaur. Or are you only able to do battle when you outnumber me five-to-one?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 voice was taunting. Beza stiffened and hesitated. Palt muttered something to her and her eyes flashed. She looked towards Zevara.<\/p>\n \u201cAre duels legal in Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re old, but traditional. I\u2019d allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara was breathing hard. She looked at Pisces. He was coiled up. Erin saw another figure move.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, me too. A duel to the death. I challenge any one of you.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Seborn stepped forwards. The Drowned Man looked ready to kill. Jelaqua and Moore stirred, but the half-Giant didn\u2019t move as Jelaqua shook her head at him. They didn\u2019t stop their friend.<\/p>\n Ironically, Seborn\u2019s words made Isceil pause and Beza check herself. They stared at him, and then at Pisces. The Wistram [Mages] hesitated. Erin had to admit, they weren\u2019t complete idiots. Just almost.<\/p>\n \u201cI can take him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil looked between Seborn and Pisces. Beza gritted her teeth. Montressa was whispering and Erin clearly heard one bit from Palt, who was doing the same.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Gold-rank [Rogue]. Risking your life on a duel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] conferred, but Erin saw the answer before Isceil looked up. He tried to scoff as he turned away from Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need to sully myself by dueling a worthless [Necromancer].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNor do you deserve a fair duel. I refuse. I have no quarrel with you either, Drowned Man. Our skirmish was accidental.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza addressed Seborn, her cheeks flushed. The [Rogue]\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cCoward.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza\u2019s head jerked and Isceil flushed. But they turned away. Pisces stared at their backs. He was shaking. Yvlon tried to put a hand on his shoulder, but he knocked her arm away. Ksmvr looked at Ceria. She was silent. No one had seen Pisces this furious. His voice was low, piercing.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve known Lizardpeople with more courage. No wonder Fissival let you leave. And no wonder the House of Minos let such a coward flee their isles!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc whistled. Some of the [Guards] murmured. The Minotaur and Drake whirled as they walked towards the door. They went for Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! I said stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa held up a hand and a barrier shimmered forth, blocking Beza\u2019s charge. She and Isceil hit the barrier that appeared in the air. Not a [Force Wall], all shimmering air, but something amethyst, but thinner. Erin stared at it. It was strong, though; Beza slammed a fist, creating ripples and shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me take him, Montressa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let him provoke you! Walk away, Beza! That is an order!\u201d<\/p>\n From the side, Relc was nudging Klbkch. The Antinium calmly nodded as he stomped on Relc\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n \u201cStop poking me, Relc. I see. Ah, ward spells. Your difficulty in apprehending them makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight? Could you take her out, Klb? I\u2019m definitely going for her first next time.\u201d<\/p>\n The Senior Guardsman shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps. I have some experience in the matter. Tactically\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Their conversation went unheard amidst the shouting from the [Mages]. Montressa pushed Beza back, and Ulinde had Isceil\u2019s arms as Palt blocked the others. Pisces was watching them. Montressa shoved at Beza and the Minotauress grudgingly stepped back. At last she looked up and met Pisces\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n She stopped. Her face paled. If she had blazed at Ceria, suddenly she was cold. She stared at Pisces and stepped through her own barrier. He looked at her. There was no nostalgia there. Just hate. And Erin saw that flicker of fear on Montressa\u2019s face again before she pushed it down.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa du Valeross. It has been a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 voice still quivered. Montressa looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou monster. I can\u2019t believe you have the nerve to walk around after what you did. Let alone call yourself an adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe? As opposed to Wistram, high and mighty and beyond contempt? There is more blood on the Academy\u2019s hands than I could ever spill.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 eyes narrowed. Montressa hesitated. He was better than Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cWistram never murdered my friends<\/em>. You killed Calvaron. With your petty jealousy. By defiling the bodies of the others! You\u2014you disgusting worm. Wistram never should have taken you in. We should have never believed your lies. But that\u2019s what you and all your kind are. Monsters. If you had any decency, you\u2019d surrender rather than drag everyone down with you. But that\u2019s what you always do, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man\u2019s face went pale. Montressa was good at using words like weapons too. He stared at her. And Erin saw him snap.<\/p>\n \u201cCalvaron? That pathetic fool? I barely noticed when he died. And if he perished, it only proves what a worthless mage he was!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPisces!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shouted. Montressa stumbled back. She\u2019d gone dead white. Erin had thought she couldn\u2019t hate Pisces any more. But he wasn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n \u201cYou call me a monster. You want to see a monster? I will show you one.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He advanced. And his voice was growing deeper. He was growing taller. His features were distorting, his face rotting. Erin saw the [Guards] react, raising their weapons, but Palt held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cIllusion spell!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop that! That\u2019s illegal under Liscor\u2019s laws! Isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza barked. Pisces was looming, and shadows were filling the barracks. Erin remembered this spell. A noxious, rotting scent wafted through the air. Montressa backed up until her back was to the barrier, eyes wide. The Wistram [Mages] lifted their wands, but hesitated, looking towards Zevara. The Watch Captain folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cIllusory spells are permitted in public areas of Liscor as well as private ones if the individual owns or has acquired permissions to cast such magics. Public-area illusions are sanctioned if they are not unduly disruptive or provocative. I see no issue, do you, Senior Guardswoman Beilmark?\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced over her shoulder at the Gnoll. Beilmark rubbed at her nose, but then grinned savagely.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone needs a few undead now and then, Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do that! You\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Whatever Isceil was shouting was cut off by a sound. It was bestial, no, unearthly. Foreign. Erin saw the looming shape bending over Montressa. It wasn\u2019t Pisces any more. It was a corpse. Some monster, bloated and stretched in death. Rotting flesh. Gaping jaws, flashing through the shadows. Burning eyes. It loomed over Montressa and the smell\u2014<\/em>she heard several people gagging.<\/p>\n \u201cReally good illusion.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc whispered to Klbkch, covering his face. The Antinium nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this what you want to see?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 voice thundered in the barracks. He reached for Montressa with dripping claws. Blood ran from his sockets. Erin expected Montressa to raise her staff, cast a spell\u2014but the young woman was frozen. She stumbled backwards, through her barrier.<\/p>\n \u201cStop it. Go away! Stop it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa, it\u2019s only an illusion. Stop this!\u201d<\/p>\n Beza grabbed her friend. Montressa flailed wildly and the Minotauress had to let go. Beza spun and barked at Zevara; the Watch Captain was looking away. Pisces advanced. His claws went through Montressa\u2019s barrier, reaching for her.<\/p>\n \u201cStop it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She shrieked at him, screaming as loudly as she could. Beza and the others were shouting as well, holding Montressa and Palt was waving a hand, trying to dispel the illusion. Relc jumped forwards and jabbed<\/em> the Centaur in the flank. Palt jerked back and Relc shouted cheerfully.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not sanctioned! No spells!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEnough!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beza reached for a scroll. She swung through the illusion, but it was centered on Montressa. She was trying to flee, turning, screaming. Running for the door. The [Guards], and most of the others watching looked satisfied. But Ceria was watching Montressa and Pisces with a horrified look. Erin saw the look on Montressa\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Terror.<\/em> The young woman stumbled for the door. But clawing hands erupted from the earth. She backed away from the spectral zombies as they reached for her. She turned and Pisces howled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI will drag you down, Montressa du Valeross. I will show you what a monster I can be.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop! Please!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa backed up. She\u2019d forgotten the staff in her hands. She stared at Pisces. The thing<\/em> opened its maw and bent towards her. And Montressa screamed.<\/p>\n It was a real scream, the kind that wasn\u2019t forced. It was raw, pure, terrified\u2014Erin saw Montressa drop the staff. She raised her hands and a barrier appeared. It knocked back her friends, trying to shield her. Three walls of shining light, gold and white appeared as Montressa sank to the floor.<\/p>\n It enveloped her, a pyramid of magic. She curled up in the center of it. Montressa buried her face in her legs as she drew them to her. And Erin heard her begin to cry.<\/p>\n She began to sob, sitting on the ground, curled up in the center of the pyramid-shaped barrier spell. Pisces paused. The illusion stopped and the wailing, snarling sounds halted. Montressa\u2019s friends pounded on the barrier. But the young woman heard nothing. She was crying. Tears ran down her face and she curled up in the middle of the spell, oblivious.<\/p>\n Crying. Like a small child, rocking back and forth, closing her eyes so as not to see. It was no act. Erin looked at Montressa sobbing. And whatever she had been feeling turned suddenly to guilt. She had hurt Pisces. But he was\u2014<\/p>\n She looked at the thing he\u2019d conjured. A nightmare, the undead. It scared her too. For a second the thing hovered there.<\/p>\n Then the illusion spell vanished. Pisces stood in the same place he had been. He stared at Montressa. She didn\u2019t even realize the spell had gone. She was still crying as her friends pressed their hands against the barrier, unable to touch her. Calling out to her.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa, it\u2019s an illusion. You\u2019re safe!\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil was banging on the barrier. Ulinde was jabbing his wand.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a spell! We\u2019ll protect you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Dispel Magic]. [Dispel]\u2014it\u2019s no good. It\u2019s her personal emergency spell.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt looked at Beza. She hammered on the barrier.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa! Mon\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She looked up. Slowly, she turned around the room. The Watch, the adventurers\u2014some looked vindictive. Others, like Erin, couldn\u2019t revel. But Pisces was still staring. And he met Beza\u2019s eyes. The Minotauress stared at him and her gaze went past him to his team. Beza looked at Pisces again and spat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou monster.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t reply. His hands were clenched. Montressa never moved. She just sat there, rocking and crying. Zevara looked at Beilmark, and then at Pisces. And Erin heard the word unspoken.<\/p>\n [Necromancer].<\/em><\/p>\n At last, Ceria moved. She looked away from Montressa, at her team.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on. Let\u2019s get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly, they walked away. The Halfseekers followed. Erin waited, looking back at Montressa. Then she followed Pisces as he stalked out of the barracks. He ignored his team trying to talk to him.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t look back once.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash, Peril Chandler, the Necromancer who defined all of his class, stood alone. He inhabited his castle filled with undead, his creations, some of them sentient. But he too was alone. He stood in his work room, creating.<\/p>\n As was customary, his thoughts were split. Most were aimed at the thing he was working on. A mass of organs and muscle, twisting, perfecting a motion before being grafted to bone just so.<\/em> But Az\u2019kerash was also aware of the world, if only tangentially. Part of his mind was keeping alert to worldwide events, points of interest. They were like distant lights on the shores of his mind. If one glowed bright enough, more of his thoughts converged.<\/p>\n They did so now. One of Az\u2019kerash\u2019s thoughts caught a mass-transmission from Wistram. It usually meant an emergency. He absently caught one of the [Messages], intercepting it. It wasn\u2019t hard with the right setup. [Message] spells had never been made for secrecy.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is the alert? Some calamity? No.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash frowned. Not a calamity. His mind was assailed by countless words. He parsed a few, absently, and shook his head. Most of his concentration was still on the moving tendons, reattaching themselves, configuring for more strength, more durability.<\/p>\n \u201cA bounty?\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t important if it was a bounty. Perhaps some new criminal. The Bloodfeast Raiders adding a new member. If the reward was truly ludicrous\u2014but no, it was miniscule. Not worth his time. Still, it was being sent out across Izril, so Az\u2019kerash absently intoned a spell.<\/p>\n \u201c[Scribe Thoughts].\u201d<\/p>\n A quill and a bit of paper soared towards him from a distant table. The paper flattened itself on the air, as if on a hard surface and the quill began to write at once, needing no inkpot. The quill danced upon the paper, noting the [Message] spell directly from Az\u2019kerash\u2019s mind. Thus, it would remain without the need for Az\u2019kerash to spend thought on immediately.<\/p>\n There. <\/em>The Necromancer refocused completely on his work. He was building muscle out of raw flesh, literally shaping muscle fiber and stripping his work of useless features like nerves. It was optimization of the body. Complex, even for him. But once perfected, such creations could be duplicated.<\/p>\n The art of creation lay at the heart of necromancy. It was what few grasped. First came simple animation. Then improvisation of the form. Then\u2014the peak of his art\u2014creating something new, something superior to anything life could dream. Az\u2019kerash focused\u2014and then his eyes caught a word on the paper hovering in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n He stopped. The twisting shape in front of him hovered. The Necromancer\u2019s thoughts refocused. He stared at the bounty poster. He had recognized a name.<\/p>\n Pisces<\/em>. Where had he\u2014? The Necromancer blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cThe young [Necromancer]? A bounty from Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n He lowered his hands. The paper flew towards him and he took it. He read, and his thoughts converged. Memory began understanding.<\/p>\n Pizza.<\/em> The undead rat. The Bone Behemoth. And\u2014<\/em>Az\u2019kerash blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cA bounty. An expelled student from\u2026Wistram? These crimes\u2026what is this?\u201d<\/p>\n He was confused. But only for a moment. At once, Az\u2019kerash began scanning, spreading his thoughts. In the room, a skeletal rat sat up and looked around. But Pisces wasn\u2019t there. Az\u2019kerash frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cBea.\u201d<\/p>\n A figure jumped. Bea was spying on Az\u2019kerash. She hesitated, and then hurried forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething is transpiring in Liscor. Yes, most likely Liscor. Send an inquiry through the Mage\u2019s Guild. Masquerade as Elden Veis. Repeat the inquiry through the local [Information Brokers]. I will make my own investigation. Report back at once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Master. What am I asking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash handed her the bounty poster. Bea took it, confused. It was a miniscule bounty. She had seen her master interested in some of the high rewards\u2014he had once ordered her to claim one. But this? She didn\u2019t question though, and rushed off.<\/p>\n It took her thirty minutes to make her inquiries, using the [Message] artifacts to pretend to be a concerned [Merchant] asking about the new bounty. In the meantime, Az\u2019kerash had learned what there was to know.<\/p>\n \u201cA team of [Mages] from Wistram is in Liscor, Master.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash\u2019s eyes flashed. Bea shuddered. Few things could make her master angry, but a mention of his former home was one. Az\u2019kerash reviewed the information she had brought him, adding it to his own.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. This Pisces was once a student at Wistram. He suggested as much, but I assumed he had failed to graduate. But this? He broke into the crypt and was expelled? Nekhret\u2019s bones<\/em>? Even when I was Archmage, I would not have dreamed to\u2026audacious.\u201d<\/p>\n He was reviewing the information, analyzing it. Pisces\u2019 reason for expulsion lay in his head. Bea saw the Necromancer reacting. Looking\u2026excited.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster? Did this [Necromancer] break Wistram\u2019s laws?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore than that. He tried to rob an Archmage\u2019s tomb! I would have dreamed of doing the same. If I were still a [Mage] of Wistram, that is. It is simply foolhardy, now. Of course her crypt was warded. But I almost admire the audacity! Nekhret. Yes. Her bones would be\u2026useful. Does he still have them?\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash tapped his lips. Bea looked up at him innocently. She knew the answer, but she asked anyways.<\/p>\n \u201cThe bones of Archmages are valuable, master?\u201d<\/p>\n She luxuriated in the lessons Az\u2019kerash sometimes gave her. Bea could see Venitra peeking in on her and Az\u2019kerash, looking jealous. The Necromancer smiled absently.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Bea. However, they are for now\u2026out of reach. Even were I inclined to raise an army and attempt to assail Wistram, I have little wish to battle Zelkyr\u2019s creations. Cognita would be troublesome, especially with the so-called \u2018Archmages\u2019 on her side. Wistram\u2019s ancient defenses are more to be feared than the current generation of [Mages], though. But if this Pisces has Nekhret\u2019s bones still\u2014he did not mention them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Bea observed. Az\u2019kerash paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Wistram has sent one of their hunter teams after him. I am reviewing\u2014[Aegiscaster]. [Spellscribe]? [Spellslinger]. [Oldblood Magus] and [Illusionist]. An odd mixture. Not suited to simple apprehension. Not the [Spellscribe] or the [Oldblood Magus]. Perhaps simple arrogance. Five, though. They could certainly capture him. But they were detained for breaking Liscor\u2019s laws?\u201d<\/p>\n That amused him greatly. Bea smiled along.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you help him, Master? This Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash paused. He frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. He is not my apprentice. It is not necessary or expedient to aid him, especially given Wistram\u2019s interest in him. I simply wish to know why they sent a bounty on him after the fact. Ah\u2014manipulation. But why\u2014Bea, the bounty.\u201d<\/p>\n The plague zombie woman gave him the paper again, pouting a bit. She was going to hoard it, along with all the other things he touched. She had a collection, along with the rest of the Chosen. Az\u2019kerash studied the paper. And then he focused on more details.<\/p>\n \u201cNecrophilia? Pisces Jealnet. Petty thievery\u2014of course. Of course.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He cast the paper aside. Bea scuttled after it and snatched it up. But when she looked up, her Master was no longer amused. He stood there, staring at nothing. Somewhere in the white pupils, in his deathless gaze and voice, heat emerged. Az\u2019kerash paced. And now he was angry.<\/em> More information appeared in his mind and his voice grew thunderous.<\/p>\n \u201cA former friend? Classmates. And this\u2014this is a campaign. Sent to every city across Izril? He will have nowhere to hide. A friend<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Bea trembled. Az\u2019kerash turned. He stared blindly past her. In the inn, the rat appeared in the common room. He saw Pisces, sitting amid his team. The young man\u2019s face was white. Rage, fury, pain\u2014Az\u2019kerash read it and remembered. He clenched his hands. Then his face smoothed. He waved the image away and stood in the dark workroom.<\/p>\n Alone. But he whispered to Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cI could have told you that this day would come. See how they turn on you, boy. See how they besmirch your name. It is what they do. They will drag you down, as they do with all who don\u2019t fit in. This is only how it begins. Someday, they will all leave you. Your love, your friends. They will show you who they truly are.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash stood there. And Bea saw the pain on his face. She approached, timidly, and offered the bounty poster. The Necromancer looked at it. And the pain\u2014Bea regretted giving it to him at once. Because she saw actual pain on his face. He bowed his head, touching the parchment upon which Pisces Jealnet\u2019s crime and history had been written in ink. And black flame burned from his fingertips, consuming the parchment and ink, turning to ash.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. They did the same to me. Feor. He was a student when I was stripped of my titles. Is he behind it? Or another of those petty children who play at magic?\u201d<\/p>\n Bea fled as Az\u2019kerash stood there. She couldn\u2019t bear to watch her Master\u2019s face. But she lingered at the entrance of his work room. Venitra glared at Bea. But then they both went back to watching their Master.<\/p>\n For a few seconds\u2014an eternity to the Necromancer, who almost never stopped working\u2014he paused. Then he looked up. He stared at his creation in the air. With an irritated wave, he froze it in place. And then he turned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat were the rest of his crimes? Who was he? This Montressa du Valeross. Terandrian. Of course. But what\u2014they have to have records. They haven\u2019t forgotten that much.\u201d<\/p>\n Venitra, and Bea, peeking around the corner of his work room, saw an unusual sight. Az\u2019kerash paced back and forth, his eyes flickering. He had halted work, and now, invisible, they sensed him spreading his awareness elsewhere. Seeking knowledge.<\/p>\n He was pursuing the information by puppet, by magic spell, using old systems of magic to retrieve what he wanted through Mage\u2019s Guild, through anonymous [Message]. It did not take Az\u2019kerash long to find what he sought. He had contacts everywhere and he knew Wistram. The Academy that traded on secrets gave everything Az\u2019kerash wanted. Story and rumor. Fact. The Necromancer pursued it all.<\/p>\n An hour later he was reading. Sitting in his quarters. His Chosen were all there. Peeking at him. Kerash, Bea, Venitra, all were entranced. Like flowers, they hated their master\u2019s sorrow and gloom. They raged with him, felt his pain. But other emotions, those rare flashes of amusement or even joy\u2014they were everything to the undead.<\/p>\n And they saw something unique now. Az\u2019kerash read, entirely focused. They heard a laugh and exchanged glances of wonder.<\/p>\n The Necromancer was reading a transcript. Not of the time when Pisces had been expelled. Az\u2019kerash had already read that and laughed at hearing Cognita\u2019s words. No, now he read an earlier speech a young man had given to the Council, defending his use of [Necromancy].<\/p>\n \u201cYou spoke my name in front of them? In front of that petty congregation?\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed. The sound was unfamiliar, and unpracticed coming from him. He had almost forgotten how. But it came out now, unbidden. He let the parchment float in front of him, reading it. Laughing again.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I had been there! \u2018Necromancy is the equal of any other magical school!\u2019<\/em> To say that before\u2014my Chosen. Stop hiding and read if you will.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash duplicated the paper with a flick of the hand. His Chosen jumped, but they grabbed at the papers eagerly. Bea read the transcript of Pisces\u2019 speech. His defense of necromancy. Her eyes lit on one passage. What he had said of Az\u2019kerash.<\/p>\n He gazed deeper into the heart of magic than any but the greatest [Archmages] before him. <\/em>Once, a young man had proclaimed that before the gatekeepers of magic. Bea felt\u2026something rise inside of her. She did not know this young man. But for those words alone, for a smile she had never seen, she loved the one who had said it.<\/p>\n \u201cHe called you a monster, Master.\u201d<\/p>\n Venitra had focused on something else. Her grip tightened, tearing the soft paper. Az\u2019kerash shook his head. He stared absently at his copy. And his eyes were faraway. Almost longing.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did not belong in Wistram. But where would he have gone? I see it all now. Friends. Well liked. A [Fencer]! Until they knew what he was. Did he copy me? Pisces Jealnet. Where were you a hundred years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n Speechless, his Chosen looked at Az\u2019kerash. He was smiling. Until his attention went back to the common room. Pisces was arguing with his friends. Az\u2019kerash saw his pinched face, his hunched shoulders. Saw rage and helpless fury. Pride, broken and bleeding.<\/p>\n The Necromancer stopped smiling. He bowed his head. And suddenly, he was ancient again. His words bitter.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will bring you down, Pisces Jealnet. This is their way. This is why we are few. Fetohep. I. So few others. Fewer still worthy of respect. Who see what necromancy could be.\u201d<\/p>\n He cared<\/em> about this Pisces. Bea traded wondering looks with Kerash. Venitra was still angry about the thing Pisces had said. But her master saw something in the young man. Az\u2019kerash closed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wistram team will not stop. This Montressa du Valeross will hunt him down. Unless he kills her first. And Wistram will never<\/em> cease. His team\u2014Ceria Springwalker? What did she\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes flickered.<\/p>\n \u201cHer master. Illphres? A peer of the Siren of Savere. Ice magic. She must have been a permanent resident of the academy. But she dared Cognita\u2019s\u2026I see.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cBrave. Foolish. But she dared it. And her apprentice left. So a [Mage] with the true heart of Wistram dies<\/em> and her apprentice is forced to leave! This is what Wistram has become! Zelkyr.<\/em> Is this what you intended?\u201d<\/p>\n The room shook as Az\u2019kerash stood. His Chosen fled. The Necromancer looked around the room. His fury dissipated in a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cBut she and he joined the same team. How\u2026odd. She will turn on him too. They will poison her. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He sank back down.<\/p>\n \u201cA team of Wistram\u2019s [Mages]. Does the academy desire Pisces this greatly? Or perhaps this Montressa has a grudge. Even so, this much effort.\u201d<\/p>\n His brows snapped together.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve sent more teams. What are <\/em>they doing? I must investigate this.\u201d<\/p>\n The Necromancer traced a finger in the air, writing a note to himself. It followed him, a glimmering magical thought as he turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no incentive for me to aid the young [Necromancer]. Not with Wistram there. However.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor. I wonder. Where is\u2026Ijvani?\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash looked around. An old thought resurfaced. Not one he\u2019d bothered committing to note form or pursuing. But now, Az\u2019kerash was reminded.<\/p>\n \u201cStill absent? But Zel Shivertail\u2019s death was months\u2014has she gotten lost? Ijvani.\u201d<\/p>\n He put his fingers to his temples. Across hundreds of miles, his thoughts flew. In a cave, a sulky skeleton sat up. Az\u2019kerash frowned. He spoke crisply.<\/p>\n \u201cIjvani. Ijvani<\/em>, why are you sitting in a cave?\u201d<\/p>\n He listened to the babbled response. Bea, creeping back, saw her Master talking. She envied Ijvani, even as she looked at Venitra.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s in trouble.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Gleefully, the other Chosen nodded. Az\u2019kerash was frowning, a sure sign of his wrath. His voice snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2014I am not an illusion. What are you holding?<\/em> Is that\u2026Ijvani, be silent. Good. Now listen to me. You are not to return yet. Remain where you are; I require you to set up a surveillance spell. Carefully. Grimalkin of Pallass among others may detect a lesser spell. Ijvani? Why are there beavers\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The world moved. In big ways, and small ways. The bounty on Pisces went out across the world. And it was barely a blip in the grand scheme of things. Mage\u2019s Guilds across Izril took note of the bounty, the [Scribes] on duty noting the details, forwarding it to relevant areas, largely unconcerned. Few cared, although some would read the report with disgust. But who would meet this fellow? Few, if any, surely.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t matter. And yet, it did. To the one the bounty concerned, it mattered greatly. The report went to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild in Liscor. To the Watch. To anyone who wanted to know. It was a poster on the wall of the Mage\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n It was gleeful, the way they reported it. Pisces Jealnet, son of Padurn Jealnet. Accused of necrophilia, petty thievery\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Erin wanted to tear up the parchment. But she kept reading. The malice, the pure malice in the writing made her put it down after a second. She couldn\u2019t go on. The bounty accused Pisces of necrophilia, theft, petty assault, murder\u2014it made him out to be a criminal. Not even a grand one. But\u2014she looked up and saw him at his table. Reading the same bounty.<\/p>\n What hurt most of all was the name. Jealnet. If you didn\u2019t understand Terandria, or Pisces, it wouldn\u2019t have been so significant. Erin didn\u2019t understand it fully, but Lyonette helped her explain. It was a common name. And the way they wrote of him.<\/p>\n Pisces Jealnet, son of Padurn Jealnet, [Fencer]. Common-born of Terandria; family in service to the House Dultel.<\/em><\/p>\n A son of a [Fencer] in the employ of the nobility. Commoner. A nobody. Nobody special. In ink, it tore apart part of Pisces. Erin saw it. Saw it hitting him.<\/p>\n \u201cHe could almost pass for nobility. He has some of the styling. He fails in other ways, but I could believe he was a fourth son or something.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette murmured as she swept the floor. Erin had reconstructed some of the broken tables and chairs; the rest were waiting for her Skill to recharge. The inn was quiet. Only a few people were there. The Halfseekers, talking quietly, trying to soothe Seborn. A few regulars. The Horns. Mrsha, staring at the Horns.<\/p>\n And the adventurers. They were at the center of silent attention. Everyone in the inn had read the bounty poster. Everyone was not quite watching Pisces. He sat there, at the center of it all.<\/p>\n \u201cHe never said his last name. Not ever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not. It would have given him away if you knew anything of Terandria. You could have even placed where he grew up with a few inquiries.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] looked at Pisces. Erin bit her tongue. Did it matter? No. Yes! Pisces loved being enigmatic. He loved pretending to be someone. But this poster laid out his life\u2019s story. It said he was just a petty [Necromancer]. It was wrong. But Wistram had shouted it across all of Izril and put a bounty on Pisces\u2019 head.<\/p>\n It made her hate the Wistram team. But Erin also remembered Montressa weeping. That didn\u2019t dull her anger, but it was something else. Even so.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces Jealnet.\u201d<\/p>\n It sounded wrong. <\/em>Pisces was Pisces, not\u2026Pisces Jealnet. In a way, Erin knew that hurt Pisces more than any beating could. His cheeks were stained and he was hunched in his seat. As withdrawn as he had been at the start.<\/p>\n \u201cThey can\u2019t do this. A bounty?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was exclaiming over the poster. She looked furious. She kept glancing at Pisces. He\u2019d said nothing on the way back to the inn, even up till now. She looked at Yvlon.<\/p>\n \u201cWe won\u2019t be able to go anywhere! With a two thousand gold <\/em>bounty? Every idiot will be going after Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t we pay it off? Not that I want to give those damn [Mages] anything. But at least it would solve the issue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo good. Not with Wistram. You can pay off some bounties. Baleros lets you cancel a bounty with coin, and Drake cities let you clear fines, but Wistram won\u2019t accept our gold. Damn them.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shook her head. She looked at Pisces again.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand these allegations are false. Are they not, Comrade Pisces? In this case, this is slander unbecoming of the academy.\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr waved the parchment at Pisces. The [Necromancer] looked up. Ceria spoke for him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s false! Mostly, Ksmvr. But Wistram can say whatever they want. Damn, damn\u2014they forced<\/em> Liscor to let them go!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you surprised? The Academy does what it wants, Springwalker. This is\u2014typical of them.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 voice grated. He jerked his hand; the parchment dropped to the table. His team stared at him, concerned. Yvlon looked at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces, it\u2019s completely wrong. Anyone who knows you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what of the countless thousands who don\u2019t? My name is sullied forever. As Wistram pleases! I should have expected this. It matters not. I\u2014I care not for the opinion of the uneducated masses.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces jerked his chair back. Yvlon reached for his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll do something about this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, pray?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He snapped at her. Yvlon hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll do something. Look, Ksmvr, throw away the posters. We\u2019re all exhausted. Pisces, you\u2019re pale as a sheet. You\u2019re still not recovered. The [Healer] told you to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe told us all to rest. You especially, Yvlon.\u201d<\/p>\n The armored woman froze. Ceria looked at her. In the anger of meeting Montressa, she\u2019d all but forgotten. Now, she looked at Yvlon\u2019s arms. At the metal gauntlets covering\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon. Take your armor off.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Wounded Warrior] hesitated. She looked at Ceria and glanced at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t need to do this now, Ceria. Pisces is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon. That\u2019s an order.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman paused. Then she looked back at Ceria and slowly undid the gauntlets on one arm. Ksmvr helped her take off her vambrace, the rest of the metal.<\/p>\n A\u2026smell<\/em> filled the nearby air. It was mostly medicinal. A thick poultice. But behind that\u2014Ceria stared. She\u2019d seen it before when the [Healer] set Yvlon\u2019s dislocated arm. But now?<\/p>\n Bone<\/em> stared up at Ceria. Bone anchored into flesh. What flesh there was left. Yvlon\u2019s arm was\u2014Ceria remembered what it had been.<\/p>\n Torn, destroyed in parts by the metal that had melded with her bones. But it had still looked like an arm. Now, bone had been grafted onto the weak arm. Flesh was torn, infected, oozing pus around parts of the place where metal had rubbed against skin. Ceria smelled it, gagged\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Yvlon put the gauntlets back over her skin. She mumbled, avoiding Ceria\u2019s stare. Even Pisces looked shocked by the sight.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine. It\u2019s just infected. The [Healer] says the poultice is working and I can use a healing potion once it clears. It\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the fuck is that, Yvlon?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria hit<\/em> the table as she rose. The half-Elf stared at her friend. Yvlon went still as the entire inn looked at Ceria. She glanced around and everyone pretended to look elsewhere. Ceria lowered herself, shaking.<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell me! Your arm is a mess! I\u2019ve seen better\u2014it doesn\u2019t look like an arm!<\/em> And that bone! What the hell is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Pisces. He didn\u2019t respond. Yvlon shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s\u2014to support my bones. Remember how they kept on breaking? Well, this makes it so I can swing a sword. It helps<\/em>, Ceria. Even the [Healer] agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen she stopped shouting, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Ceria and Yvlon looked at Ksmvr. Ceria opened her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2014you asked Pisces to do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did. I<\/em> asked, Ceria. And I haven\u2019t had a reason to regret it. The infection\u2019s not from the bones. It\u2019s just\u2014there. And I don\u2019t feel it. It\u2019s fine. I can move my arms.\u201d<\/p>\n To demonstrate, Yvlon lifted the shoulder that had been dislocated. Ceria hissed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t do<\/em> that! You couldn\u2019t use a potion! Those muscles are torn!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t feel them. Ceria, I\u2019m fine.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re as far from fine as Pisces is!\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf snapped back. She looked at Yvlon. The woman had folded her arms. Ceria stared at Ksmvr and Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t tell me. Why <\/em>didn\u2019t you tell me? I\u2019m your Captain, Yvlon! Pisces knew. And Ksmvr? Did everyone know about Yvlon\u2019s arms but me?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon avoided Ceria\u2019s gaze. Ksmvr raised one hand helpfully.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew because I have an inadequate sense of personal privacy, Captain Ceria. My finding out was unintentional on Yvlon\u2019s part.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you knew<\/em>. And I didn\u2019t because, what, you don\u2019t trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n