The Wandering Inn had breakfast. It happened every day, but it was always different. It had changed, from when the inn had first been reoccupied. And since then, breakfast, so often overlooked, had defined the inn. Because there was a story there.<\/p>\n
At the beginning, breakfast had been scraps, badly-cooked food or blue fruits, eaten by a scared, lost girl. Later, it had been a young woman, making pasta and eggs, serving two [Guardsmen]. Then\u2014a skeleton had appeared. After that, a few more guests.<\/p>\n
Adventurers. Antinium. Still in small groups. And often, the young woman ate alone. But then had come a day when a City Runner sat and ate with her. And\u2014a [Princess]. Later had come a small white Gnoll cub. And for a while, the young woman had vanished and the inn had grown dark. Until a [General] sat in the inn, and the [Princess] waited on the tables instead.<\/p>\n
At some point, the [Innkeeper] came back. And by that time, the inn was lively. More adventurers came, and there were daily guests now. A bee began flying about. The staff increased. Once, there had been five Hobgoblins, always early for breakfast. And now, the inn was fuller than it had ever been.<\/p>\n
There had been dark days, though. Days when no breakfast was served. When the young woman sat at an empty table and wept. When grief walked the tables. Days of mourning, when spilled blood was just drying on the floorboards. But days of triumph, too. Glorious mornings. To have lived them all was to have seen a story, told only in breakfasts.<\/p>\n
And he had seen them all. Or most. Even in his head, Pisces Jealnet had to clarify that detail. Most, not all. But he had seen The Wandering Inn change over time. And this was better.<\/p>\n
This was how Pisces began his day at the inn. He roused himself, over-weary from a late night of studying. But he did rise, and early too. He found Ceria stumbling half-asleep out of her door, went downstairs as she tried to lean on him. Yvlon and Ksmvr were there, and Pisces greeted them and ate breakfast.<\/p>\n
\u201cSaffron rice! With eggs! And sausage?\u201d<\/p>\n
Erin Solstice still hadn\u2019t quite figured out how to add nuance to her breakfasts. But the rice was delicious and the food filling. Pisces ate it with good humor, adding extra black pepper on his eggs. Ksmvr discovered he loved rice. Ceria requested a steak. Yvlon vetoed it.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to stop eating like that, Ceria. I know [Mages] burn energy and half-Elves don\u2019t get fat. But you don\u2019t need a steak<\/em> for breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I can have<\/em> one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Ceria, I must inform you that the risk of parasitic worms or eggs is notably higher in meat products than anywhere else. It is a common issue in the Hive. Insects burrowing out of your head would be unpleasant, or so I feel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Well, now I\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon smiled at Ksmvr. The Antinium twitched one antennae in a \u2018wink\u2019 and both Ceria and Yvlon stared. Pisces did not. He sat back and ate his breakfast, ruminating on what he\u2019d studied. The bickering was a pleasant background.<\/p>\n The inn wasn\u2019t empty, of course. These days, breakfast wasn\u2019t just Erin and her guests. It was a bit of a crowd. Drassi was eating her breakfast before getting to work; Erin was helping Lyonette serve tables for once.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Relc! Is it your day off?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. And I\u2019m gonna be here. Drinking and watching plays! And Embria\u2019s working. Which is too bad, obviously. But it\u2019s play-day!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake crowed. He had a drink in one hand, alcoholic. The only other person in the inn with a drink this early was the Drowned Man, Seborn. He was sitting at a table with Moore, and Pisces caught a fragment of his conversation as Lyonette stopped by.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026taking no for an answer. Jelaqua\u2019s stopping by today, and we\u2019re having it out.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we need to talk to her about Ulinde.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces filed that away. But he was more conscious of the room as a whole. Drakes and Gnolls he didn\u2019t know by name were present, eating breakfast. But as Palt and others had observed, including Wall Lord Ilvriss, Erin\u2019s inn wasn\u2019t filled with masterful cuisine. It was<\/em> fresh and fast and simply good, and that was the best part. No, it was the other things that drew people here.<\/p>\n The [Actors], for one. Pisces turned and watched the Players of Celum setting up on stage. Practicing for the evening. This early, there wasn\u2019t much to be seen; the [Actors] were practicing their lines on the floor while a few declaimed from the stage. It was just practice, for all they did their best, but some, like Relc, were here even for that.<\/p>\n Pisces observed one of the performers attempting to practice her lines for Pygmalion<\/em>. The Players of Celum were now fully comprised of three species: Human, Gnoll, and Drake. Temile had been actively recruiting and come up with a fairly wide cast. The [Actress] he\u2019d cast in the part of Eliza, or rather, \u2018Eriza\u2019 for a more Gnollish-name, was struggling to live up to his high standards. Temile shook a finger.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. Be<\/em> the character. Don\u2019t speak to me! I\u2019m not here! Remember\u2014face the audience, but don\u2019t look at us. Now\u2014from the top! Professor Hissins enters. And\u2014begin!\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake hurried onto the stage, pretending to be getting out of the rain. He began, speaking in a carrying, conversational tone. He was decent, Pisces observed. He\u2019d performed before. The Eriza [Actress] hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n She was a young Gnoll. Female, auditioning or a newly-minted member of the cast. She began her part and Pisces saw Temile wince almost at the same time the [Necromancer] did.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t that the young Gnoll woman was bad. It was just that she wasn\u2019t good. She spoke her lines\u2026not exactly stiffly<\/em>, but clearly from memory. She spoke them as if declaiming to a room, but aware she was on stage and determined to not show it. So she was aware of the audience, and yet trying to pretend she didn\u2019t notice the stares. After a moment, Temile cut her off to explain why that was a problem.<\/p>\n Pisces already understood what Temile wanted. True actors, whether by class or nature, didn\u2019t act like that. Some spoke to the crowd, acknowledging them as part of their performance. And to others\u2014the audience was truly invisible, and they lived in their world, alone. That was the height of acting in either fashion.<\/p>\n He watched as the Gnoll girl tried again. And she was doing better. Pisces had a moment of sympathy for her. After all\u2026he was much like her. A poor actor who was caught between extremes. Trying to pretend he didn\u2019t see the audience.<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] looked around. And he saw the three faces turn away from his. The morning breakfasters pretended to be talking with their friends, or interested in their food. But they had been staring at him. Exactly at him, not just looking his way or idly browsing. There was a difference.<\/p>\n Three, today. Pisces had observed them out of the corner of his eyes. The [Necromancer] affected not to notice. And that was an act. Here he was, performing the [Actor]\u2019s contradictory role. Pretending not to know he was being watched. But like the [Actress] on stage, he always saw the audience. Pisces couldn\u2019t help it.<\/p>\n It was a self-defense mechanism. Too much attention, too much anger or hatred or just dislike, and he would be in trouble. Pisces could remember the look<\/em> he got before a mob gathered, or someone started an incident. He didn\u2019t suspect it would come to that here, but habits died hard. And even now\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cHells, I hope we get an easy job after yesterday. And a bonus. We\u2019ve earned it, right? We\u2019ll probably have to wait until we\u2019re paid.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s voice made Pisces look up. The half-Elf was yawning. They were all tired after yesterday.<\/p>\n The Bloodfields. Pisces still remembered the battle there. He\u2019d gone over what he could have done better. Practiced with the [Shatterbolt] spell so he wouldn\u2019t miss a distant target a second time. And considered that [Deathbolt] wasn\u2019t a good spell to use on slimes or plants. He still needed to learn [Acid Orb]; Grimalkin was right about that. He nodded as Yvlon sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all got out of it fine. It was dangerous. But I\u2019m proud of everyone. When are we meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty minutes. They\u2019ll all start coming through then. Plenty of time for a hamburger.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces smiled slightly. Yesterday. He\u2019d gone out drinking, been toasted for his part in saving two adventurers from Walt\u2019s team. The huge [Warrior] had even gone as far as to clap Pisces on the back and say he\u2019d misjudged him. So, today, the Horns were minor heroes, even if only among the teams working in the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] turned his head. A few of the Drakes and Gnolls that would be working on the road were breakfasting here since it was convenient. And some had waved at the Horns as they\u2019d come down. Just\u2014waved. It wasn\u2019t as if the Horns had helped save the city from the moths or just come out of Albez. But the feeling was the same. They\u2019d ventured into the Bloodfields and come out.<\/p>\n \u201cGlory. And yet, it changes nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Exactly that. It didn\u2019t change anything. Pisces turned his head towards Ceria and felt them again. Four stares now. He\u2019d missed one of the Gnolls by the door. That was the thing. They were staring at him. After his team had been hailed for their valor yesterday. But that was the nature of people. And of Pisces\u2019 class. He knew it would be so. Even in a smiling crowd he could pick out the frowns.<\/p>\n And even now, there weren\u2019t many smiles. Not at him. More for Ksmvr, even. Because for all the Antinium was Antinium<\/em>, one of the scourges of Rhir, a nightmarish foe that was the enemy of Drakes and Gnolls and all species\u2014he was disarming, friendly, innocent. He was a member of a species. But Pisces was different. He had a class. And he had chosen.<\/p>\n Necromancer.<\/em> The word hovered above his head, unspoken. It defined him. But each day, Pisces pretended not to notice the stares he could see, the way people watched him. He paused as one of the starers stood.<\/p>\n A Drake. He was one of the workers on the road. Pisces knew that by his clothing, nothing else. He didn\u2019t know the Drake. And for a moment, Pisces thought the Drake would go to the outhouse or somewhere else. But then the Drake started walking towards the table where the Horns sat.<\/p>\n Pisces paused. He looked up, still watching out of the corner of his eyes. His teammates saw the Drake approaching and turned. So Pisces did too. He met the Drake\u2019s eyes. Saw him fully.<\/p>\n Pale yellow scales, tough arms and legs. A [Laborer], perhaps. Not one of the skilled workers, but not unkempt either. He\u2019d been sitting alone. Watching Pisces.<\/p>\n Now he stopped in front of their table. He was\u2014trembling. With nerves? And a suppressed anger. Pisces saw it all. Ceria did not. She blinked up at the Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cHi there. Can we help you?\u201d<\/p>\n Both Pisces and the Drake started. They\u2019d been so focused on each other. The Drake turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? I\u2014no, Miss. I\u2019d like a word with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured to Pisces. Ceria sat up a bit. Yvlon frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake peered at Pisces. He opened his mouth, and Pisces saw he was missing a tooth, a molar, but the rest of his teeth were sharp. White, barely yellow\u2014he must take good care of them.<\/p>\n \u201cThe name\u2019s Mesiel. Hey. You\u2019re that [Necromancer], right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am. How can I help you, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces already knew.<\/em> Yvlon was staring at his face. Pisces realized he was being too calm. He should seem confused. But it didn\u2019t matter. The Drake hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw you yesterday. Daring the Bloodfields to save those two Humans. That was brave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. It was what we were hired to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but I didn\u2019t see any of the other adventurers doing it. It was\u2026brave. Good thing you got them out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria nodded uncertainly. She\u2019d picked up on the Drake\u2019s tone too. Pisces waited. The Drake, Mesiel, swallowed hard. And then he came out with it.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to ask you something. Pisces, <\/em>right? Pisces Jealnet?\u201d<\/p>\n The Horns looked at Pisces. He felt his heart jump. His last name was unfamiliar. Unwelcome. But he just nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI read your bounty. I\u2019m not here to collect! But I read it. Do you\u2014do you know that Liscor had a problem with the undead? Not just with the crypt. That\u2019s new. But back during the Second Antinium Wars. The Necromancer hit the city over a decade back. You heard about that, right? Az\u2019kerash.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The word came from Mesiel\u2019s lips like a curse. Again, Pisces\u2019 heart jumped. He nodded, straightening in his chair. Waiting. The Drake\u2019s eyes were locked on him now. A familiar expression. Anger and grief and\u2014confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cI was there. The undead\u2014they put our city under siege. For months! The Necromancer was destroying the wall piece by piece, and the army and the Watch had to try and rebuild it while fighting the undead. We were all<\/em> fighting. If someone died in Liscor\u2014they came back. Even the rats. Even the damn rats.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He was going somewhere. Far away. Back in time. The Horns waited, caught up in the Drake\u2019s memories. Pisces\u2019 stomach was twisting. Waiting. Which one was it?<\/em><\/p>\n The Drake gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cMy mother died to a zombie during the siege. It snuck past our lines somehow. The sewers. And it got into her house. She was just an old Drake. And it ate her. But that\u2019s not all. It turned her into another one. A zombie.<\/em> I came back and found her. Undead.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Pisces then. Yvlon opened her mouth, but whatever words she was hoping for weren\u2019t there. Pisces nodded. He met the Drake\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss, sir. I was not there, but I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Thanks. But I wanted to know\u2014how can you be one? A [Necromancer]?<\/em> How can you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was shaking. And around them, people were turning, listening in. Erin Solstice broke off from her conversation with Relc. Hesitated, began moving their way.<\/p>\n Pisces shook his head and rose to his feet. Mesiel took a step back. But Pisces regarded the tables around him. His audience. He spoke to them, to the Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry about your loss, Mister Mesiel. I am. But yes, the undead are dangerous. And they wish to slay the living, it is true. But I attempt to control them. I cannot speak for other [Necromancers], but I want to understand<\/em> them. And I am not Az\u2019kerash. I am an adventurer, and a [Mage]. And a [Necromancer]. It is my occupation.\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t a perfect speech. Far from it. There were no perfect, elegant words that Pisces wanted to deliver. It wasn\u2019t even the whole truth. But it was the best he could give.<\/p>\n And even so. Mesiel listened to Pisces\u2019 words. He stared into the Human\u2019s face and shook his head slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you do it? What\u2019s there to be gained in\u2014I could understand [Summoners]. Or making Golems. But undead? Rotting flesh and bone? People?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 shoulders began to hunch, but he straightened them. He met the Drake\u2019s eyes. It was as if they were the only bright things in the world. So hard to meet.<\/p>\n \u201cI attempt not to use people, sir. And I work with bone. It is\u2014a material. To be used in creation.\u201d<\/p>\n That was the wrong thing to say. The Drake jerked back.<\/p>\n \u201cA\u2014but why dead bodies?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces opened his mouth and hesitated. Say it another way.<\/em> He spoke slowly, trying not to stumble over his words.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s what I\u2019m good at. I understand it, like a [Bladesman] understands his sword. What do you do for a living, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a [Builder]. I work with constructing stuff, fixing, mainly.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I enjoy necromancy as much as you might swinging a hammer. It may not be a direct comparison, but if you understand passion for your work\u2014the satisfaction of completing a task well\u2014that is what I have towards necromancy.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake nodded jerkily. He searched Pisces, and then his team. Pisces wondered what Ceria and Yvlon\u2019s faces looked like. The Drake tried again.<\/p>\n \u201cBut couldn\u2019t you make golems instead? Why bone<\/em>? And the undead. Do you enjoy making them into\u2014puppets?\u201d<\/p>\n He was going in circles. So was Pisces. Erin trotted over.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay! Hey! No bothering Pisces, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to know. He\u2019s got a bounty. I read it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s false. Wistram made it up. Parts of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria stood up, protectively standing by Pisces. He wished she wouldn\u2019t. The Drake turned back.<\/p>\n \u201cParts of it are fake? What parts?\u201d<\/p>\n She hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u2014look. Pisces did some bad stuff. There was an accident at Wistram. People got killed, but it wasn\u2019t exactly\u2014it was an accident. And the [Mages] in Wistram? Montressa and her team? They have a grudge. But\u2014Pisces isn\u2019t\u2014the necrophilia isn\u2019t true.\u201d<\/p>\n The aforementioned Pisces closed his eyes. Erin inhaled her lips. Mesiel just looked at Pisces. And Pisces gazed at him. He bowed his head slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss, Mister Mesiel. But cannot give you what you want. I am a [Necromancer]. But I am not Az\u2019kerash.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut why?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The question lingered even as a Gnoll and Drake came to pull Mesiel back. Pisces met his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss.\u201d<\/p>\n It was the most honest answer. The most unfulfilling. The [Necromancer] watched Erin chivvy the others back. He turned. Now, they were all staring at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. What was that? He can\u2019t just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria was flustered. She turned. Ksmvr was looking anxiously at her and Pisces. Yvlon just met the [Necromancer]\u2019s eyes. She nodded. So did he.<\/p>\n Pisces sat back down at the table, although his appetite was gone. His team sat around him and Erin came back. They looked expectant. He just shrugged, keeping his face straight.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is\u2014tolerable. Fine, even. He asked, which is more than I am accustomed to. In truth, I am surprised no one sought me out before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeople didn\u2019t know. They might have, but I guess rumors are spreading.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon murmured. She looked around and Pisces sensed heads ducking back. The [Wounded Warrior] frowned, but stopped when he shook his head. Pisces glanced up at Erin, managed a smile for her. But it didn\u2019t fool her.<\/p>\n \u201cThat Az\u2019kerash guy was a jerk. Not Pisces. Well\u2014Pisces is a jerk, but he\u2019s not a bad guy. And they\u2019re not the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s comment made Pisces truly smile. The [Necromancer] stood back up, pushing his plate back. He glanced around.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he was the<\/em> Necromancer. That\u2019s how they remember him.\u201d<\/p>\n No one replied to that. At last, Ceria muttered as she drained her cup.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get to work guarding the Bloodfields, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces nodded. He felt tired, despite having just risen. Not physically, but with that mortal tiredness. He turned towards the magic door. And then he felt a hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s. Ksmvr put his hand on the same spot. Two of them, in fact. And Ceria gripped Pisces\u2019 other shoulder. She raised her eyebrows. And despite himself, he smiled. His heart lifted for a second and his shoulders relaxed.<\/p>\n He was not alone. And so, the [Necromancer] walked towards the doors, surrounded by friends. It was just another day. They were always like this. They had been ever since he\u2019d gained his class. Like breakfasts, some had been dark days. Many had. But they were getting better.<\/p>\n Yes. Better. But he wished he had an answer for Mesiel. A perfect answer to tell him the truth. Pisces sighed and shook his head. He hadn\u2019t found it yet.<\/p>\n Why do you do it?<\/em><\/p>\n Because I want to. That\u2019s all.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Someone else was having an unordinary, ordinary day. Bevussa, Gold-rank Captain of the Wings of Pallass, descended into Liscor\u2019s dungeon with her team. Ready to slowly explore the dungeon, kill monsters, and get paid.<\/p>\n She\u2019d had breakfast at The Wandering Inn. Or maybe\u2014a snack? Bevussa\u2019s beak opened and she made a disgusted sound. She was still tasting<\/em> it, nearly twenty minutes later.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething wrong, boss?\u201d<\/p>\n Zassil, one of the winged Oldblood Drakes and a competent [Flier], looked curiously at Bevussa. He was actually a [Battle Flier], which wasn\u2019t that<\/em> noteworthy. But it was unique to flying species. Bevussa spat, opening and closing her beak and grimacing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat soup.<\/em> Gah! I know Erin said it keeps well, but\u2014Ancestors! It\u2019s coated my tongue!\u201d<\/p>\n She drank from a water flask as her team walked through the cleared tunnels. By now, all the traps had been carefully outlined in glowing paint, and the adventurers had barricades up, maintaining a safe zone. Even so, the Wings of Pallass were wary; monsters could bypass the barriers.<\/p>\n Wary and yet not. This was a job. They\u2019d done many days of this routine. It could turn deadly at any second, but it was what they were used to. This dungeon would make their fortunes. Or become their grave. Even so, they could chat.<\/p>\n \u201cIt tastes awful. I\u2019ll give it that.\u201d<\/p>\n Issa muttered as she flexed her wings. Bevussa nodded and Zassil and Kin, their [Mage], all agreed. Erin\u2019s Scale Soup was so foul that it beat out even potions. It was the texture<\/em> on top of the taste.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2019re we using it, Bevussa? I know it\u2019s not much, but none of the other teams go to Erin\u2019s inn every day for it. The Flamewardens didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have the Heartflame Breastplate, Zassil. They don\u2019t need<\/em> the potion. Dead gods, but I\u2019d love to try it on myself, even if I couldn\u2019t fly!\u201d<\/p>\n Kin looked envious. Even Bevussa nodded; she\u2019d been raised among Drakes and the famous Heartflame Breastplate stirred feelings of awe and envy in her feathered chest as well.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re just renting it from Miss Shivertail. Can\u2019t we do it after them, Bevussa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd do what? Turn into a land-bound team, Zassil?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, maybe it\u2019s light enough to fly in? And if it\u2019s not, one of us could stay on the ground. They\u2019d be just as safe with that artifact on! Have you seen the flames?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKeldrass is paying for it, and I\u2019m not wasting gold on something we don\u2019t need. The Flamewardens can pay to use the armor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we pay to drink Scale Soup? That\u2019s a terrible tradeoff, boss!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wings laughed. So did Bevussa, but she shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s think about it, team. Erin\u2019s food isn\u2019t as good as, say, a Stoneskin Scroll like the one that we bought from that Minotauress, but it\u2019s a tiny fraction of the cost! And it\u2019s pretty good!\u201d<\/p>\n She thumped a fist on her chest for emphasis. Her skin was tougher now, like leather. Zassil, Issa, and Kin nodded reluctantly. Bevussa gestured back the way they\u2019d parted with the Flamewardens.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t make much difference if you\u2019ve got armor. Some, but anything that can go through plate mail will go through her enchantment. But if you\u2019re wearing light armor or nothing at all? The Scale Soup was made for our team!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wings of Pallass stopped in front of a barricade. Zassil muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cIt still tastes like Wyvern shit melted into a pot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue, but it\u2019ll keep you alive. So eat it. I\u2019m actually thinking of asking Erin if she can make it more palatable. She said she forgot<\/em> how to make it the other way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t she sell more of it? Dead gods, if it tasted good I\u2019d eat it all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLack of interest? Apparently to make it she melted like eight pots and nearly killed herself a few times. I\u2019ll talk with her. But no complaining. Now, let\u2019s get to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa checked the barricades, unlatching the bolts with Issa. Beyond this point lay unfamiliar territory. Monsters and treasure.<\/p>\n \u201cThink we\u2019ll get a haul today, boss? Something we don\u2019t have to gamble for, like with the Raskghar? I\u2019m still<\/em> mad about that armor! Did Keldrass say he finally got it appraised?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s classified as Siegespell Armor. It might be a variant, but it\u2019s close to Named-rank gear.\u201d<\/p>\n Zassil hissed as Bevussa shoved the barricade aside. She reached for her shortsword, grimacing. She felt exactly like the rest of her team.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn.<\/em> That\u2019s not fair! We didn\u2019t get nearly as much for our share!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s luck of the draw, Zassil. But let\u2019s all be on the lookout for secret rooms, huh? If there\u2019s magical armor and an invisible bow and whatnot in this dungeon, there\u2019s something for us. Stay sharp and on me! Kin, take point!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wings of Pallass straightened and nodded. Bevussa watched Kin take the lead and followed after, Zassil in the rear after Issa. Her team got to work. It was an ordinary day. But it could turn special or dire in a second. She just wished she could get the damn soup\u2019s taste out of her mouth!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Palt, the Centaur [Illusionist] had not had breakfast at The Wandering Inn. He hadn\u2019t really had breakfast; just a few oat snacks he\u2019d eaten while talking. Negotiating, really. He was yawning, tired from an early morning. Dawn, practically. But the Ullsinoi faction had been in heated conference last night, and they\u2019d come to a decision as promised.<\/p>\n Naturally, they\u2019d included Palt in the conversation. He\u2019d said as much as he could, but the Elusive Lot, the leaders of his faction, had done the deciding. And they\u2019d decided right!<\/em> The exhausted Centaur grinned as he trotted down the street. He didn\u2019t mind the stares the Drakes and Gnolls gave him; he was used to being an oddity.<\/p>\n And nothing could shake his good mood. It was going to be a good day. Possibly an amazing <\/em>one. No\u2014it was already exemplary. Terrific!<\/p>\n And because it was this particular <\/em>day it mattered. The day might not have been special, but now it would be. Or perhaps it was the other way around. Palt wasn\u2019t interested in the philosophy of such things.<\/p>\n He murmured to himself as he paused by a market stall. The Gnoll attending it looked somewhat familiar. But Palt was too busy to listen to her talking policy with her customers. He murmured to himself as he pointed for a few ingredients and she happily packaged them up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve settled the matter. The Ullsinoi faction has convinced the Revivalists not to interfere in your inn for a few\u2014a very few!\u2014concessions. You can offer us more than sheer military matters. Plays, your door as a hub for our people\u2014how much Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFour silver and three coppers, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Palt happily paid Krshia, not noticing the Gnoll staring at him. He thanked her and hurried off, thrusting the ingredients into his belt pouch.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014only a few concessions. The Ullsinoi faction would love<\/em> for your inn to stay right where it is! And if it connects to both Pallass and Invrisil? We just need to put a few\u2014markers\u2014on the door. And if you\u2019re able to tell us\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He was so relieved. The Elusive Lot had seen his points! In fact, they\u2019d realized how valuable Erin was even outside of her status as an Earther. That was what Palt liked about his faction. They were practical, and they stayed in the world, not apart. Erin would get what she wanted. Montressa wouldn\u2019t, but Palt would get what he wanted. And perhaps more.<\/p>\n The Centaur distractedly pulled out a mirror and checked his appearance. He could always use a glamor spell, but that would be a waste of magic. He pulled out a comb as he trotted towards the inn. Okay\u2014now, he needed a smooth transition.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, shall we discuss the matter over a meal? Somewhere else than your inn? I know it\u2019s work\u2014no, wait. I\u2019d love to show you some more of my cooking. No\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur halted. Careful! He tried again.<\/p>\n \u201cI just happened to have\u2014no, that\u2019s trite. Miss Solstice, would you care to accompany me for a night out? No, that\u2019s far worse. She might not even get the nuance if I said it another way, though! Argh!\u201d<\/p>\n His hooves did a little dance on the cobblestones. This was the hardest part! Palt glanced around.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s share a meal and discuss it. My treat. A table at Wishdrinks? Or perhaps a place in Pallass. I insist! We\u2019ll need to work closely\u2014no. I\u2019d like<\/em> to get to know you better. Damn, damn.\u201d<\/p>\n He wasn\u2019t used to Human traditions. Centaurs had it easy. And Dullahans! Lizardfolk were delightfully straightforward\u2014Humans were complex in their inelegance and Palt didn\u2019t know what was normal in Erin\u2019s culture. But he\u2019d workshop it.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Go now or deal with Montressa? She\u2019s all the way in the Bloodfields. Damn, damn.\u201d<\/p>\n A passing Gnoll father glared at Palt and the Centaur saw his son staring up at the Centaur. The Centaur closed his mouth. He cast a localized [Hush] spell.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. Deal with Montressa first. She\u2019s going to throw an unholy fit. Let\u2019s go there first. [Flash Hooves] it is. Then\u2014a dinner? No\u2026how about\u2014a chess game! Wait! Has she played Go? Palt, you\u2019re a genius!\u201d<\/p>\n He happily galloped towards the eastern gate. Montressa first. He\u2019d present Erin with everything she wanted and then they\u2019d nail down the deal over a meal. Take it slow. But there were first steps, and Palt intended to make this day one he\u2019d remember. Should he get her flowers? But that was so trite and she wasn\u2019t going to eat them\u2026<\/p>\n The Centaur laughed as he ran out of the city. He smiled as his heart leapt. It was going to be a special day, he knew. Because it was today!<\/p>\n This day.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ceria was worried about Pisces after the awkward, tense confrontation in the inn. But the [Necromancer] didn\u2019t seem too bothered. Indeed, he even made a small joke as they entered the grasslands bordering the Bloodfields for work.<\/p>\n \u201cOne would imagine venturing into the Bloodfields, battling a Watchertree, and nearly being consumed by insects would merit us a day off.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf blinked. Then she laughed, relieved.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because we\u2019re soft. I bet Master Reikhle doesn\u2019t see it that way. See? He\u2019s already at work!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Master Builder] was indeed already chivvying his workers at the road. It was sloping upwards, heading into the foothills, and the Gnoll was shouting orders.<\/p>\n \u201cStone! Yes, lay the foundations! I don\u2019t care how fast it has to be\u2014we\u2019re making this part out of stone!\u201d<\/p>\n He was pointing at the road, which would cut into the foothills around the Bloodfields to pass south towards Pallass. Ceria wondered if that would slow the pace of the road; it was being built incredibly fast! Already, the road stretched for miles, and she\u2019d heard a second team was connecting it to Liscor\u2019s eastern gate.<\/p>\n A scrum of people not being shouted at caught Ceria\u2019s eye. She paused and whistled. Yvlon had already seen and raised both her brows.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of adventurers! Is something going on?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed ahead. The Horns picked up the pace, heading for more Silver-rank teams. But not the usual five or six. Ceria\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. Nine, twelve\u2014fourteen<\/em> teams? Everyone\u2019s here!\u201d<\/p>\n She recognized all the teams who\u2019d signed up on the first day in Liscor\u2019s Adventurer\u2019s Guild. Even a few native Liscorian teams of Drakes and Gnolls. But mainly Humans. Ceria waved to Alais and Stan in the back as Yvlon nodded at Kam and her team. Hauntgheist, Thunder\u2019s Solace, the Boltspitters\u2014even the Ensoldier Shields were here! Walt\u2019s team was back after yesterday\u2019s dire battle.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria! Good to see you! Your team\u2019s not on a break?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot us! We\u2019re back at work. But what about your guys, Walt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! It\u2019ll take more than a few hits to knock us down! Tommie and Belt are fine. See?\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed out the two warriors. Both men had holes in their armor and were wincing, but the healing potions had put them back on their feet. They waved and came over as the Horns were welcomed among the teams. Walt slapped Pisces on the shoulder and the [Necromancer] winced. But Walt was trying.<\/p>\n \u201cWe still owe your team more drinks! You slipped away. Dead gods, but your Antinium guy can put them away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was sufficiently inebriated. Hello, Captain Walt. Hello, Captain Alais. Captain Crossbow Stan.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria laughed as Stan and Alais came over. They nodded to her. Things were even easier among them now. And even Pisces being welcomed. Not as easily, but Walt kept slapping Pisces on the back. He\u2019d shown them. Ceria smiled, then saw Yvlon gesturing at the huge group.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are all the teams present, Stan?\u201d<\/p>\n Crossbow Stan shrugged. He was yawning and shaking his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo clue. We just received word all of us were supposed to come today. It\u2019s got to have something to do with the Bloodfields and the incident yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not making us fight there!\u201d<\/p>\n Alais was alarmed. Ceria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo way. We\u2019re not being paid for that. And we\u2019re not doing it. Maybe it\u2019s another demonstration\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoops. We\u2019re finding out. Here comes Master Taskmaster himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Reikhle was striding over with a few [Scouts] and his subordinates. The Gnoll shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cAttention! Listen up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The adventuring teams broke off from their gossip and turned. The Gnoll didn\u2019t beat about the brush.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all heard what happened yesterday? Good! The Bloodfields are more dangerous than we thought! Those spores that got the Ensoldier Shields are putting my<\/em> road in jeopardy, and Liscor\u2019s Council and the Watch both want to know what the Bloodfields are capable of! So you\u2019re all being called in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo do what? Fight?\u201d<\/p>\n A voice called out nervously in the crowd. Reikhle shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are taking every precaution against the spores and these new plants in the Bloodfields. Until we determine the outer range the spores might travel to. So. All teams will be deployed to the Bloodfields today\u2014on standby, mainly. You lucky slugs! A few teams who should be able to resist the spores, like Hauntgheist, will do the scouting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re just here to bail them out. Excellent!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria cheered up at once. A few of the teams assigned to scouting groaned, but they seemed relieved by the precautions. Ceria turned back to Pisces and Yvlon and Ksmvr.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like we get time off, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so fast! Since none of you will be scouting ahead, you\u2019re all working here!<\/em> Which means anyone who can lift is going to help my teams!\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers began cursing. Reikhle ignored them and began issuing orders. Ceria groaned, but good-naturedly. She hung back with Stan, Alais, and Walt. She couldn\u2019t lift things, anyways. And that meant she had plenty of time to relax and gossip. Rank had its privileges. Ceria began to grin. She nudged Alais.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what\u2019d be really nice? Chairs. <\/em>Think we can get some from Erin\u2019s inn? Or I can make some out of ice. And some drinks!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon rolled her eyes, exasperated.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As the adventurers milled about and the workers resumed building the road, they were being watched. Montressa du Valeross stood on a small crest, nearly two thousand feet distant. She wasn\u2019t worried about being spotted; she was under an [Invisibility] spell. And she was using another spell to magnify her vision of the adventurers.<\/p>\n She was searching for her target. She\u2019d lost him for a second. But then Montressa narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThere he is.\u201d<\/p>\n She was staring at Pisces. Her hands clenched on the magic staff that Archmage Nailihuaile had personally created. Like the brass orb, it had been a temporary gift, meant to be tried in the field. Both were powerful magical artifacts. But even without them, Montressa was first of her team.<\/p>\n They were standing with her. Well, Isceil was sitting on a rock. But he glanced up and nodded, spotting Pisces. Beza\u2019s arms were folded as she stared at the distant adventurers. Ulinde was sharpening her claws. She was still wearing the Drake body she\u2019d been gifted by the Halfseekers. Montressa glared back at her, then looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Palt? He\u2019s late.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur and fifth member of their group was indeed absent. Montressa looked around. Isceil yawned.<\/p>\n \u201cNo idea. Stop glaring at me, Montressa. Beza?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea what he\u2019s up to.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress snorted. Ulinde shifted nervously, glancing at Montressa out of the corner of her eye.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2014he said he needed to take care of something in Liscor. He\u2019ll be over in half an hour, he said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s late<\/em>. I want everyone here in case we need to move!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd do what, exactly? There\u2019s fourteen\u2014<\/em>no, fifteen<\/em> teams of Silver-ranks down there, Montressa. Unless you want to link up and blow them all to pieces, we\u2019re not fighting our way through that many Silver-ranks.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil pointed out. He complained loudly and irritably, having marched all the way here in the morning. Even with movement spells, it took the Wistram team far longer to get here and set up than the others; they were still banned from The Wandering Inn, save for Ulinde. And Palt.<\/p>\n Montressa ground her teeth together.<\/p>\n \u201cThere might be an opening. And the Horns might do something. Go scouting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if they do? What do we do? Kill them? We could have let them die yesterday, Montressa.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza pointed out. She looked pointedly at her leader. Montressa said nothing. Her knuckles whitened slowly. Beza looked at Isceil and Ulinde. The Drake nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we did nothing, they might be dead. I\u2019m not saying we should have. We saved those Humans. Although they barely thanked us! But if you wanted Pisces dead\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I know!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa turned and shouted at Isceil. He leaned back. Montressa struck the rock she was standing on with her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cI know! But there were innocents! We\u2019re not\u2014we\u2019re not him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he was going to save the adventurers. He and Ceria\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde shut up as Montressa whirled. Beza looked concerned as she put a hand on Montressa\u2019s shoulder. She turned to the Selphid.<\/p>\n \u201cOne good deed doesn\u2019t excuse what he\u2019s done. Still, we can\u2019t go after them without violating Liscor\u2019s laws. And there is Erin Solstice to consider. Montressa, all this observation is pointless. Why don\u2019t we focus on the inn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can do that. Later. You can. But we\u2019re watching the Horns.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil exhaled loudly, shooting a flurry of sparks out of his mouth. He looked at Beza and grimaced. Then he shared a look with Ulinde. Montressa ignored them all. Her eyes were focused on Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have let him die. Maybe he\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Beza slashed with one hand across her throat. Isceil shut up, and just in time too. Montressa\u2019s eyes blazed as she turned her head. Isceil fell silent.<\/p>\n Why wasn\u2019t he showing his true colors? What would it take? How could she get him?<\/em> Montressa\u2019s mind was locked up, going in circles. She stared down. Beza sighed as she shifted her weight.<\/p>\n \u201cI might as well do some scroll scribing. But after this, we need to talk about this observation, Montressa. Focus on what we\u2019re supposed to do. Montressa? Montressa.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman didn\u2019t answer. After a moment, Beza made a disgusted sound. She sat down and pulled out her equipment.<\/p>\n \u201cNot like Palt\u2019s missing anything, anyways. Hey, Ulinde, those Halfseekers talking to you, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil began chatting with Ulinde. The Selphid nodded, glancing nervously at Montressa\u2019s back. The [Mages] waited. Beza writing carefully, Isceil chatting with Ulinde. Montressa waiting.<\/p>\n They were being watched as well. Like some comedy skit, the Wistram team\u2019s vantage point was being spied on from another position even further back. A black, grinning skull slowly rose over a rock. She stared down at the [Mages]. She was only six hundred feet back, and she was listening to every word the [Mages] said. And she could also hear the Horns chatting thousands of feet distant.<\/p>\n The black-boned skeleton peeked over the ridge. She was under the effects of so many concealment spells she wouldn\u2019t have been visible anyways, but even so, it was style.<\/p>\n \u201cIjvani, cease peeking and keep your vision still.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Master.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The black skeleton wilted. The voice in her head was Az\u2019kerash\u2019s. The Necromancer was watching through her mind. Like Ijvani, he was simultaneously listening to multiple inputs at once, watching through a fixed [Scrying] spell as Ceria argued with Master Reikhle about being allowed to sit in chairs. The Gnoll didn\u2019t mind that, but he drew the line at a table and drinks and snacks. They were on watch, not relaxing!<\/p>\n Across the Bloodfields, Hauntgheist and two other teams were approaching the Bloodfields, getting ready to measure the effects of the spores and the range they might be blown. Az\u2019kerash observed everything, as well as listened to Isceil grouse.<\/p>\n He was also keeping himself busy. In his study in his hidden castle, the Necromancer had split his mind to divide his focus. But managing four or five inputs was trivial. So he devoted the rest of his attention on a scroll in front of him.<\/p>\n He was scribing a spell as well. Beza had given him the thought. But the [Spellscribe] would have wept to see the difference in the quality and scale of the spells both were scribing. Her [Stone Skin] scroll, being written on the finest parchment with gemstone ink was nothing to the black scroll that seemed to suck in the light, being inscribed with glowing dust that shone like the moon.<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash couldn\u2019t even use a quill; he was melding the dust into the scroll, forming the basis for a spell. And even he had limits; scroll scribing wasn\u2019t his talent, so creating a scroll of [Greater Teleport] was beyond even him. Even so\u2014this scroll would sell for maybe a hundred thousand gold coins on the market. Or a few; Az\u2019kerash didn\u2019t pay attention to the market for Tier 6 spells.<\/p>\n It was mindless work, really. Something to keep him occupied. Not like the focused creation of new undead he was normally consumed with, or the machinations that kept him abreast of the world, finding new sources of power. Really, he was focused mainly on the Wistram [Mages] and the Horns.<\/p>\n And Ijvani did not understand why. She was happier than she had been, to have her master directing her personally for so long. But why today?<\/p>\n She had to ask. The skeleton mage sent her thoughts to her Master, not bothering with verbalization.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster, why am I here? I have kept the [Mages] under observation. But why is today important?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n As she thought, she prodded the little, quivering \u2018heart\u2019 in her ribcage. The Healing Slime quivered away from her, which was fun. Az\u2019kerash thought absently, his words appearing in her head with perfect clarity. Conveying more than mere words, in fact. Image, intention, emotion\u2014it was all part of it.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of the communications within the Ullsinoi faction. And the larger debate that occurred in Wistram yesterday, Ijvani. I was not\u2026privy to the communications within the [Illusionist] factions. But other factions in Wistram are less talented. Montressa du Valeross\u2019 mission to pursue Pisces Jealnet will be rescinded today. And his bounty will be mitigated. Not erased.\u201d<\/p>\n The skeleton nodded, then remembered to keep her vision steady. Montressa was not aware of this fact yet. In a thoughtless way, Ijvani looked forwards to her anguish. But then she had another thought.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIjvani, you are testing my patience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry, Master. But <\/em>why does it matter for me to stay here, then? If the [Mages] are unable to pursue this Pisces\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash looked up from his work on the scroll. And Ijvani saw\/felt his bitter smile. The Necromancer rose, and focused on Pisces, standing together with Ksmvr as the adventurers began helping the workers. He nodded to the image in his mind. And Ijvani felt\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cBecause they do not forget. Because she will not cease. No matter what happens, they will drag him down. Watch, Ijvani. Wait for my signal.\u201d<\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash stared at Montressa\u2019s hunched back. And Ijvani felt another image flash in her mind. It looked like Bea\u2019s face. But alive. Turning away.<\/p>\n A [King] sat on his throne, pointing down with a shaking finger\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Az\u2019kerash\u2019s mind closed abruptly. Ijvani nodded, shaken.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Master.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She grabbed the Healing Slime as she waited. Motionless. In her jaw, the [Blackfire Fireball] waited. Az\u2019kerash sat down and resumed work on his scroll. But\u2014impatiently. His three Chosen, peeking at him, saw him pause to address Ijvani every few minutes. He was waiting. But he was certain. Because he was waiting for something, and it would matter not at all to his grand schemes. But it mattered to him. So the Necromancer waited and watched with his minion.<\/p>\n This day.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to help carry all this crap?\u201d<\/p>\n Walt\u2019s outraged voice rang across the groups of sitting and chatting adventurers. Ceria looked up. The leader of Ensoldier Shields was one of the people conscripted for work. Many of the adventurers, like Kam, the [Bow Rider], weren\u2019t obligated to work, not having particularly useful Skills or builds. But some, like Walt, were good for sheer labor.<\/p>\n Ceria watched as the burly adventurer was shouted into working by Master Reikhle. She was relieved not to be working. And indeed, no one in her team had been conscripted. Yvlon and Ksmvr were surely candidates, but perhaps this was a silent reward from the surly [Master Builder].<\/p>\n If so, Ceria enjoyed it. She sat back in her chair and looked around. Pisces was standing, talking to a group of adventurers with Yvlon as Ksmvr practiced shooting with Kam. It was relaxed, but Ceria\u2019s ears perked up as she listened to Pisces talking.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I have met other [Necromancers]. A cult, in fact. I have no inclination to associate with them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCriminals exist in every class.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon put in. She was glaring at the adventurer who\u2019d asked Pisces the question. Kam raised her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously! I was just wondering.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf rose, a bit wary. Pisces was at the center of attention again. Like the inn, his actions of yesterday had earned him wary recognition. But with it had come the questions. They weren\u2019t\u2014accusatory. But adventurers and workers alike wanted to know more.<\/p>\n And the [Necromancer] was answering them, politely. But Ceria thought she could see some tenseness in Pisces, under his polite, open fa\u00e7ade. She came over and Alais turned towards her. The [Aeromancer] hesitated. Then she nodded at Ceria with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, that ice chariot of yours was something yesterday, Ceria!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUseful. And it\u2019ll help out a lot with scouting. Far better than walking like my team has to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Stan agreed thoughtfully. Ceria smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s only possible with Pisces\u2019 horses. Undead horses don\u2019t mind if their legs break.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers laughed, some awkwardly. They turned back to Pisces and Ceria saw more adventurers were keeping back, listening, but not part of the conversation. She looked at Pisces and saw he knew it too. But the [Necromancer] was smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I could conjure more horses, I would, Captain Stan. But they can\u2019t be controlled by anyone but me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPity. I\u2019m footsore from walking. And I\u2019m not as young as you children!\u201d<\/p>\n Stan smiled around. He was in on it too, from the way he was making people laugh, relax. Yvlon smiled as she drank from a water flask.<\/p>\n \u201cStill better than Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Yvlon!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAm I telling lies, Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf spluttered, but she was glad for the laughter. It took some of the attention off Pisces. But they were going to keep asking questions.<\/p>\n And\u2014it was actually Yvlon who glanced at Pisces. Then she hesitated, adjusted the gauntlets on her arm, and nodded at the workers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Master Reikhle should really be coming to Pisces, not Walt or his team. The Ensoldier Shields and all our [Warriors] can lift, but Pisces could conjure a dozen skeletons and have them work twice as fast as even a low-level [Hauler]. Right, Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n The light conversation died as if Yvlon had stuck her sword through its heart. Every eye turned to Pisces. He was looking at Yvlon. But she had the same look as yesterday, when she\u2019d suggested the ice chariot. And she looked at Ceria and then nodded at Pisces.<\/p>\n And he? He hesitated.<\/p>\n In his study, Az\u2019kerash sat up. And he saw Pisces nod at Yvlon Byres.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is\u2026correct, Yvlon. I had considered it, but I think it would be imprudent to use undead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? You did it at Albez. That\u2019s how we managed to clear all the dirt and get to the treasure by ourselves, Alais, Stan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? And you\u2019d conjure\u2026undead?\u201d<\/p>\n Alais looked at Pisces. Yvlon shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAnimate. He has the bones for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom where?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone laughed nervously in the back. No one else did.<\/p>\n \u201cBandits. Ksmvr killed a bunch of them. I saw Pisces recovering the bones myself. And I\u2019d swear on truth spell it\u2019s just bandit bones. Is that a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n The armored woman spoke coolly, looking around. A Drake adventurer coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cSo long as it\u2019s Human<\/em> bones.\u201d<\/p>\n Some chuckles. But the other adventurers were just waiting. Stan leaned on the table the adventurers had taken from Erin\u2019s inn.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, these skeletons would be under your control, Pisces?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerfectly. I would be watching them. I could set them to a task, but they wouldn\u2019t deviate so long as I maintain direct control.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what can they do better than the [Workers] here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRun? They don\u2019t get tired<\/em>, Kam. Think about it. They\u2019re not as strong or as tough as we are, but they can work all day. Go on, Pisces, show them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon, I don\u2019t believe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShow them.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria stared at Yvlon. But the woman\u2019s face was clear, knowing. Pisces hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cOne skeleton?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not like it\u2019ll go out of control.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s heart was beating far too fast as Pisces hesitated. But he undid the drawstrings on the bag of holding. The adventurers drew back in a wide arc, all save Yvlon and Ceria and Ksmvr. As the bones spilled from the bag of holding and rose, they tensed. When the glowing green flames appeared in the sockets, a few half-drew their blades. Yvlon looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s one skeleton. I could beat one of those with a beer mug. Old Stan might have trouble, but the rest of you?\u201d<\/p>\n That put their backs up. One of the Human Captains laughed, but shakily.<\/p>\n \u201cI could kill a group with a fart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n A Gnoll growled. There was a quick punch, laughter. But still, it was Stan who approached first. He warily waved a hand in front of the skeleton. It didn\u2019t move. Stan reached out and touched it.<\/p>\n \u201cGaah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shouted. Stan leapt back. Everyone looked at the half-Elf. She scratched at one arm.<\/p>\n \u201cCramp.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Ceria!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Stan swore at her. The half-Elf laughed. And that did it. A few more adventurers approached. One prodded at the skull as the skeleton stared forwards, unmoving.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods, I\u2019m creeped out. And it won\u2019t move?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so long as I control it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can just imagine it turning and going for me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut it won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon glared at the Drake.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not even got a weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if it grabs mine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n One of the Gnolls ignored the debate. She knocked on the skeleton\u2019s head thoughtfully, then tried to pry it off. It came loose, and the skeleton collapsed. The Gnoll paused.<\/p>\n \u201cOops. Can you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The skeleton jerked back upright, and the Gnoll swore, retreating. Then she laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not exactly strong, is it? How could this thing outdo our [Workers]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, they could gather stones, drag all the heavy stuff rather than put it on wagons or have our [Haulers] do the job. And they don\u2019t get tired, so they can go full-speed. For skeletons. Go on, Pisces. Show them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if we gave it a bag of holding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Stan was rubbing his chin. He eyed the workers, who were hauling pieces of stone to lay a foundation. Reikhle was overseeing the mixing of some kind of cement or mortar that would form a sturdier section of the road. It was backbreaking work.<\/p>\n \u201cCan a skeleton pick up stones? They\u2019re not that smart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe, ah, intelligence of an undead like this is limited, but they can do so. I haven\u2019t put them to this specific task, but this skeleton should be capable of it. Shall we test it out?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked around. The adventurers murmured.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould be interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n They followed the skeleton over as Pisces pointed. It began picking up stones at the base of the foothills. After a moment, someone looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cIt needs a sack. Hold on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It\u2014it certainly beats having to pick all that up yourself, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. But\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if there were six? Do they need to stop?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever. You\u2019ve seen undead, Ovelel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. But\u2014okay, I mean, I saw a Golem once at one of those massive farms. And that thing was worth every gold coin. Never stopped working; could plough, chop wood overnight. And fight! But undead aren\u2019t that convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause they might go wild. But\u2014hey, Pisces! Can you do six?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasily\u2026if no one would be alarmed by it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, it\u2019s six skeletons. And his<\/em> farts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n There was an odd mood in the air. Something was happening. Something that wasn\u2019t magical. Or if it was, it wasn\u2019t a kind Ceria could conjure. It reminded her of Erin. And it was spreading. The adventurers stood back warily, watching, commenting. But then there were six skeletons. And they picked up stones, loading them into a sack. And they were just\u2026working.<\/p>\n One picked up a pickaxe and the wary adventurers stood back. But all the skeleton did was hit the stones with it. Clumsily; it didn\u2019t have the exact finesse of a [Miner]. But it could get the pointy end in the right place, breaking up weak rock. And if you watched it, saw how Pisces calmly made them move\u2026<\/p>\n It took Master Reikhle a good twenty minutes before he noticed the commotion. Then, the approaching group of eight skeletons, carrying huge sacks. The workers stopped, and the Gnoll stormed over.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is going on here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He stared at the undead, his fur standing up on end. But they just trooped past and unloaded their cargo. Workers sprang aside, cursing, and backed up, grabbing at improvised weapons. But the skeletons neatly deposited the stones into the trough that would form the road. They emptied their sacks, then turned, and held still.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this?\u201d<\/p>\n Reikhle looked at Pisces and Ceria and the adventurers following them. It was Yvlon who replied.<\/p>\n \u201cUndead workers. Master Reikhle. Skeletons. We thought you could use extra workers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll hesitated. He stared at the skeletons. Alais nudged Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t bad. But can they run?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Silently, Pisces pointed. The skeletons charged back the way they\u2019d come and began grabbing pieces of stone, loose rocks, and piling them into a sack. When one was filled, a skeleton grabbed it, hoisted it up with the worst lifting technique imaginable, and ran back.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t fast, with the weight on its back, but it was faster than any of the Drake or Gnoll [Haulers] who weren\u2019t about to run. And it was less than they could carry, it was true. Drakes and Gnolls stood aside, watching as the skeleton deposited the bag in the trough.<\/p>\n \u201cBut they\u2019re undead.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone commented softly. And yet\u2014Master Reikhle was watching the skeleton charge back. The others had already filled another sack.<\/p>\n And that was the thing about the undead. You could look at them and imagine them turning on you. The adventurers had seen it. The potential for what they were was there. But\u2014they didn\u2019t tire. They didn\u2019t slow<\/em>. And they were completely expendable. They followed orders to a fault.<\/p>\n Slowly, the Gnoll [Master Builder] rubbed his fur. It was still standing up. But after a few cautious sniffs, he turned towards Pisces. He nodded towards the work.<\/p>\n \u201cMy team can do all of that. There\u2019s no need! Hrr. But tell me. There\u2019s rocks to break up ahead to smooth the road. Those things. Can they use a pickaxe?\u201d<\/p>\n And the moment continued. Ceria saw Pisces raise his brows. His lips quirked for a second.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. I can also animate horses. If you needed something to traverse the rocky terrain. I\u2019m at your disposal, Master Reikhle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Palt didn\u2019t gallop all the way to the Bloodfields, but he was still breathing hard when he arrived. Even a Centaur took a while to get there, and he did not<\/em> like rocky inclines. But he made it. Just in time to hear Montressa\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. No. Nononononono\u2014what are they doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Aegiscaster] was staring down at the road. At the ten skeletons hard at work helping create a smooth incline for the road to ramp upwards. She was white-faced, pale.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa, it\u2019s alright. It\u2019s just skeletons. [Calm]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Palt reached for her. The young woman slapped his hands away. She stared around.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you seeing this? They\u2019re using undead! They\u2019re using his undead!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see it. Idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil spat over the cliff. Beza just shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cLike using Golems. Don\u2019t they see those things will take away their jobs?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. There\u2019s work to go round. And it\u2019s not much worse than Golems, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde flinched as Montressa whirled on her. The young woman\u2019s eyes were wide.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re monsters. Both of them! You can\u2019t trust\u2014they\u2019re letting him do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s only ten skeletons. I could take them out without even using my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza began, but Montressa wasn\u2019t listening. She pointed, hands shaking.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to stop it. They don\u2019t know\u2014they don\u2019t see what\u2019s going to happen!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa! Nothing\u2019s going to happen! This isn\u2019t Wistram!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt panted, catching his breath. He felt annoyed at having to work so hard. But\u2014this was it. He looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa, it\u2019s over. You need to stop fixating on Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No it\u2019s not. We\u2019ll go down there. Now. Everyone, on me.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned to him distractedly. Palt shook his head. He saw Ulinde, Beza, and Isceil look up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s over, Montressa. You can\u2019t go after Pisces anymore. Or the Horns. Wistram is going to reduce the bounty on his head. From two thousand coins to two hundred. Not commute\u2014but they\u2019re also rescinding the order to bring him in. You don\u2019t have a mandate anymore. It\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment, Montressa didn\u2019t hear Palt. Then her eyes went wide.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em> No!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk your faction. The order should have come in by now. It\u2019s resolved. As is the matter with Erin Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt trotted backwards. Isceil and Beza traded glances as Ulinde twiddled her claws. Montressa put a dazed hand to her temple. Then her eyes focused on Palt. They narrowed; she wasn\u2019t an idiot. Slowly, the young woman took a step forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cYou. You did this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Erin Solstice coming back to Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n Beza stared at Palt. He shook his head warily.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too costly politically to abduct her. And I\u2019m sure she won\u2019t leave of her own volition. There are some deals Wistram can make that will benefit the Academy even if she remains where she is. So the other factions have decided\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bastard! You got to her first!\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil shot to his feet as the penny dropped. Beza growled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou went behind our backs?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Ullsinoi faction\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn them! What about our groups?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think they mind given that you\u2019re still banned from her inn and the first thing you did was start a fight that ended in your arrest!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt snapped back, losing his temper. Isceil and Beza squared off as Ulinde turned her head. Beza glanced at the Selphid.<\/p>\n \u201cUlinde, you sold us out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t! I just thought\u2014Palt was the only one who can talk to Miss Erin! So he made a deal\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t over! We want that Earther too! I\u2019m going to go back to that inn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead. If she doesn\u2019t blind you with curry, you can pitch her any deal you want.\u201d<\/p>\n Beza snorted furiously. Montressa was swaying on her feet, staring down at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we get anything from this, Palt? Or is it just you stabbing us in the side?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Beza. It\u2019s nothing personal. But I saw an opportunity to benefit my faction and took it. I\u2019ll support you on another Earther, like this \u2018batman\u2019, but this one\u2019s ours. She wouldn\u2019t leave the inn. It won\u2019t help your faction either way. So\u2014look, I did what was best. We can\u2019t go after Pisces anyways. You know that, Beza.\u201d<\/p>\n She opened her mouth, and the Centaur kept talking. No spells\u2014you couldn\u2019t [Charm] fellow [Mages]. He didn\u2019t need to, anyways. He was using facts and truth to do his persuasion.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you really want to wait for them to leave Liscor and ambush them? That\u2019s cowardly, Beza. We\u2019d have to fight to the death, and they\u2019re dangerous. Montressa, it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress shifted uncertainly. But a flicker of relief showed in her eyes at Palt\u2019s arguments. Isceil was still furious.<\/p>\n \u201cYou cut us out!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll make it up to you! What do you want, Isceil? Secrets? Gold? But we\u2019re not going to loiter here for weeks or months fixating on one team and trying to persuade an angry [Innkeeper] while risking fighting an entire city! Ulinde agreed to back me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. It\u2019s\u2014it\u2019s going to be alright. This is the best solution. And we can stay here a few days. I want to talk with the Halfseekers. And that Pisces helped save the adventurers. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n A noise came from behind Palt. He turned. Montressa was staring at him blankly.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa. I\u2019m sorry. You can say whatever you want. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The word came from her white face. Montressa stared at Palt, her eyes huge in their sockets. The Centaur paused.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa, that\u2019s an order. From your faction. Ask them. They\u2019ll contact you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m not going to walk away.\u201d<\/p>\n The other [Mages] paused. Beza stirred uneasily. Montressa was too still. And she wasn\u2019t blinking. She looked at Beza, then Isceil.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a monster. You came with me to hunt him down. You promised.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil flicked his tongue out uncertainly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but if the Academy\u2019s pulled their order\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa turned. Palt exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cAsk them! Montressa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t get it. So I\u2019m going to do what I came here to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa whirled. She planted her staff, and Palt saw the magic flare too late. The bolt of reduced lightning was still a bolt,<\/em> and it knocked him flat off his hooves.<\/p>\n \u201cPalt!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa! You can\u2019t\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beza froze as Montressa aimed the staff at her. Montressa spoke dreamily. But Palt, looking up, dazed, trying to breathe, saw too late that he\u2019d made a mistake. The young woman had snapped. Montressa du Valeross looked at Isceil and Beza.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to get him. And you\u2019re going to help me. If you get in my way, I\u2019ll hurt you. But you promised, Beza. He\u2019s a monster. A murderer. Are you coming or not?\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress paused. She looked at Isceil. The [Oldblood Magus] hesitated. Then he got to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cIsceil!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde was fumbling for a healing potion as she knelt by Palt. The Drake looked at her. He bared his teeth in an apologetic smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree with Montressa. And I have a score to settle. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned. Montressa leapt from the rocks. Beza turned. She wavered. Palt gasped something at her.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress looked down at him. Then she shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cSome things you can\u2019t forgive. Don\u2019t get in our way.\u201d<\/p>\n She turned and followed. Palt struggled to his hooves.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n It was supposed to be a wonderful day.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ceria was smiling, watching Pisces working. And the [Necromancer] was working. He had ten skeletons and an undead horse moving, helping the road\u2019s construction. The other workers were wary, but the undead worked silently and without rest. Master Reikhle was already thinking of ways to send them ahead so he wouldn\u2019t have to look at them.<\/p>\n \u201cClear the road in advance. Yes, we could do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey creep me the hell out.\u201d<\/p>\n Walt muttered. And his voice was far from the only one expressing the same sentiment. But\u2014the undead were there. Not killing anyone. People saw what Pisces was doing. And that was enough. Ceria thought it was enough.<\/p>\n But then someone called out. At first, all the adventurers shot up. But Hauntgheist and the other teams had barely begun their circuit outside the Bloodfields. There was no danger from them.<\/p>\n But down it came. Out of the mountains. Leaping from rock to rock, slowed by the [Featherfall] spell. Ceria\u2019s heart lurched as she saw her old friend.<\/p>\n Montressa du Valeross.<\/em> Followed by Isceil and Beza. No\u2014Palt and Ulinde were following, but slower. The three [Mages] strode towards the construction site.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! This is our site! You can\u2019t just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A [Taskmaster] strode up, angry at the unexpected visitors. Montressa raised her staff. Lightning shot from the brass orb orbiting it, earthing feet from the Gnoll. He ran backwards, alarmed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh hells, she doesn\u2019t look happy. Pisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see her. Ksmvr! Get over here!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon checked her sword, taking hold of it. Pisces turned, and the undead slowed. They collapsed, bones flowing back towards him. Master Reikhle shouted in fury. But then he turned and saw.<\/p>\n Ceria found herself drawing her wand. Her instincts told her to do so. Not just them either. Her [Dangersense] was going off again.<\/p>\n \u201cSteady. It\u2019s those Wistram bastards.\u201d<\/p>\n Walt looked around, cursing. But the other adventurers had seen Montressa\u2019s face. Stan pulled a crossbow out.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re after your team, Ceria\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t fight Wistram [Mages]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re attacking us, it\u2019s a damn war!\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s fighting. Pisces, Ksmvr, Yvlon, on me. We\u2019re going to meet them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould I strike first, Captain Ceria?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium tilted his head, eying Stan\u2019s crossbow. The [Cryomancer] shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s starting anything! But be ready\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re coming with you. They\u2019re not attacking you again. Liscor\u2019s laid down the law, and you haven\u2019t done anything wrong! Whistling Bows, on me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Captain Kam snapped. Her team mounted up. Stan waved his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cBoltspitters, to the side.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold on! This isn\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPisces!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The word split the air. Montressa pointed her staff at him. And the Horns walked forwards. Ceria was on Pisces\u2019 left, Yvlon his right. Ksmvr stood next to Yvlon, his bow in two hands, the Forceshield in his third.<\/p>\n They met in the grass, two hundred feet from the road. In the distance the Bloodfields waited. But Montressa had no eyes for the road or the Bloodfields. She only looked at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa. What do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman didn\u2019t reply to Ceria\u2019s tight voice. She just stared at Pisces. And her gaze was hateful, angry. And also lost. She looked past Ceria, at the dozens of adventurers standing warily at their backs. Isceil and Beza were eying the small army nervously. But Montressa\u2019s gaze found Pisces\u2019 again. She shook her head slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell done. Good job, Pisces. You did it. Again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did what, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 hand was on his rapier. He met Isceil\u2019s eyes, and fury drew the air taut between them. But Montressa\u2014her hand tightened on her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t even know? That\u2019s funny. Apparently, the bounty on you is being reduced. And the Academy is abandoning their pursuit of you. I\u2019m going to get orders not <\/em>to bring you in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria\u2019s chest untightened suddenly. She smiled, looking at Yvlon. The [Wounded Warrior] didn\u2019t take her eyes off Montressa. The [Aegiscaster] shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cPalt did it. He betrayed me. He\u2014and that [Innkeeper] of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin did\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t ask them to. But I am not your enemy, Montressa. I told you, what occurred was an accident. No\u2014my fault. But I never intended it. I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 voice was strained. Beza snorted. Montressa\u2019s level voice never changed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you\u2019re not. But it\u2019s funny\u2014I believe you didn\u2019t do anything to Palt or Erin. Because you didn\u2019t have to. Look at you. You\u2019re making undead to help build this road. And you got the Academy to lift its bounty on you. Well done. How do you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo what?\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa didn\u2019t seem to hear Ceria. She looked at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cYou tricked them. Everyone. All these people\u2014Erin, Palt\u2014everyone. For a little while. And because they trust you\u2014because they help you\u2014<\/em>they\u2019ll die. You\u2019ll ruin them all. Because that\u2019s what you do. Someday, you\u2019ll show them who you are. And they\u2019ll die, or they\u2019ll suffer. Because of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not true. Montressa. You\u2019re overreacting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop! Montressa!<\/em> The Academy has ordered you not to pursue Pisces! Everyone, listen to me! Montressa and the [Mages] here have no authority to take Pisces Jealnet in!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt caught up at last with Ulinde. He was clutching at the scorch mark on his chest. The adventurers stared at him. Montressa ignored the Centaur.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to let you go, Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have no authority here, [Mage].<\/em> We\u2019re adventurers, and this is an adventuring team. You want to kidnap one of us, you go through all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Kam snapped. She drew on her bow, and Beza and Isceil tensed. Montressa stared at her, then past her. The adventurers were undecided\u2014but over half put their hands on their weapons. They had heard about the ambush at the bar. And\u2014they looked at Pisces.<\/p>\n Alais lifted her staff. Walt drew his mace. Ceria looked around as the Silver-rank teams aimed at the Wistram [Mages]. Montressa\u2019s face, already pale, drained of all color.<\/p>\n \u201cYou tricked them too. How do you do<\/em> it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tricked no one, Montressa. I am not the evil creature you make me out to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces voice was shaking with restrained emotion. People were looking at him and Montressa. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. No! <\/em>You\u2019re a [Necromancer]. That\u2019s what you are! A liar! A thief! A murderer! You bring back the dead! You twist them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEnough! He\u2019s not one thing! He\u2019s not like Az\u2019kerash! I\u2019m tired of you slandering my teammate!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon snapped. She half-drew her sword. Isceil\u2019s wand appeared in his claws. Two dozen adventurers aimed at him and he froze. Montressa didn\u2019t even see them, though. She pointed at Pisces with her free hand. And her voice was rising, turning into a scream.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t hide what you are! [Necromancer]<\/em>. That\u2019s what your class is! That\u2019s what you are!<\/em> Monsters! And you create only suffering!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa, it\u2019s not true! It was an acc\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s staff glowed. Ceria saw Kam draw hard on her bow and raised a hand. But Beza grabbed Montressa\u2019s staff.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa. We\u2019re outnumbered. We can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress was looking at the sea of faces and the adventurers. Montressa fought her, but then relaxed. She went quiet again. And she stared at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cAgain. You got away again. But it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Pisces, and Ceria saw madness in her eyes. Not insanity, but grief and loss, spiraling. Montressa\u2019s finger shook. And she was screaming at Pisces as her friends dragged her back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t hide what you are! They\u2019ll see! They\u2019ll see I was right! All of you\u2014don\u2019t trust him! He\u2019ll kill you! He\u2019ll turn! That\u2019s what he is!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on. Don\u2019t listen to her, Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon grabbed at the [Necromancer]\u2019s arm. She tried to turn Pisces. He was staring at Montressa. Slowly, he turned, seeing the adventurers staring at him and the Wistram [Mages]. He began to walk back. Montressa was still screaming. Ceria turned to follow her team.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t stop! Someday, I\u2019ll bring you down! I\u2019ll show everyone what you are. You think that bounty is for show? You won\u2019t be safe! Not you or anyone who tries to protect you! No matter where you run and hide! No matter who protects you! You murderer!<\/em> [Necromancer]!\u201d<\/p>\n The word struck Pisces, and he staggered. He turned back, and Ceria grabbed for his other side.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces. Let her go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n He moved forwards. Yvlon grabbed at him, and Pisces turned to her. Their eyes met for a moment, and she let go.<\/p>\n Beza and Isceil froze as they dragged Montressa backwards. The adventurers turned as Pisces stepped forwards. He looked around. In the distance, Ijvani stared down at him. Az\u2019kerash listened.<\/p>\n Pisces spoke slowly, not to Montressa, but to everyone. He paused, and the words came haltingly, painfully, not like his usual, sophisticated drawl.<\/p>\n \u201c[Necromancer]. What a filthy word. It describes me. Pisces Jealnet, [Necromancer]. And you think you know what I am. But in truth, none of you comprehend what\u2019s in my being. Even if you believe you do\u2014you do not.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around, meeting Ksmvr\u2019s eyes. Ceria\u2019s. Yvlon\u2019s. The adventurers, Montressa and her team, they all stared at Pisces. He touched his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is neither pure malice here. Nor altruism. I am a [Necromancer]. But I am also Human. I am a [Mage]! And a person. I love, I weep. I make mistakes. So many errors they define me. Because I cannot outrun the past. Adventurer\u2014hero\u2014it doesn\u2019t matter what I become, does it? For I will always be one thing: [Necromancer]. <\/em>And yet you do not know what it means! None of you know!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He whirled. And his voice was rough, his eyes furious. Pisces pointed, not at one person, but everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sick of it all. You don\u2019t understand me. And that is fine. Who here in this world truly knows someone? But my class is an indictment, a curse! You may find it appalling, what I do. You may hate the idea of what I am capable of. But why, why<\/em> is it a crime? Tell me. When did being me, being a [Necromancer] become a sin? I have done many terrible things. But when I was judged, it was first for what I am.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man drew a shuddering breath.<\/p>\n \u201cNecromancy. <\/em>You want to know why I practice it? Because I am good at it. Because I want to use it! Because it is what I love! There is no greater reason. None. But even if I did nothing with it, I would be hunted. And that is not fair. It was never\u2014fair.\u201d<\/p>\n He paused. And his eyes found Montressa.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been a liar, a thief, a fool, and yes, I have let good people die. I have killed. And I have done many things, good and ill. But I have never thought of myself as a villain. But that is what you make us, Montressa. You\u2014you and everyone who looks at our classes before our very souls. Even when we hide, you drag us out. Hunt us down like beasts. [Necromancer]!<\/em> Monster! As if we cast away our humanity by practicing a different kind of magic! If we lost anything, it was because we were chased by you all!\u201d<\/p>\n He shouted, his voice raw with emotion and pain. Ceria felt her heart shaking. Her eyes stung. Because Pisces\u2019 were overfull. He clutched at his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I could show you. Show you my soul, to prove it was there! I have never wanted to be anything but good. And yet, I found myself sinking lower because all I did turned to dust. Because wherever I tried to extend a hand to help, I was stabbed by prejudice in fear. Until I looked like the very thing you called me. Until I believed I was a monster myself. It was so hard to remember who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] bowed his head. And he wiped at his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI am different. But I wish I could just exist and it would not hurt you all. But it seems I cannot live in this world so easily. I never wished to be this. I dreamed of being a hero. I thought I could become one, regardless of who I was. When did I go so far astray?\u201d<\/p>\n Far away, Az\u2019kerash half-stood. He stared at Ijvani\u2019s projection of the young man, and his hand rose. Searching for the place where his heart lay. And he saw Pisces turn, looking at Montressa. Her eyes were filled with empty hatred. Pisces stared at her. And he sighed, his voice exhausted.<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa. I\u2019m so very weary of it all. Exhausted of the chase. Of being me. But most of all, watching the good people suffer for what you and your kind do. Watching trust turn to ash. I\u2014I am a poor friend, a worse man. But [Necromancers] are not one and the same. If we are monsters, some of it was what the world shaped us into!\u201d<\/p>\n He reached for the rapier at his side. And drew it. The steel glinted in the sun of another day. Pisces spoke slowly, staring at the blade in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been too long. I, running, and you, chasing. Unable to forget. So. Let\u2019s end it, Mons. This old mistake between us. I am Pisces Jealnet, a [Mage] of Wistram. [Necromancer]. And I challenge you to a duel.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces pointed at Montressa. Beza let go of Montressa. Ceria breathed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Pisces\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI accept! Let\u2019s finish this!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa grabbed her staff and strode forwards. Isceil followed her. Ceria cried out. Pisces\u2019 face was pale as Montressa\u2019s. But his eyes held a terrible truth. A certainty. And Montressa\u2014she stepped forwards, and Ceria saw death in her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Yvlon, help me. Ksmvr! Pisces\u2014you can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Ice Mage] grabbed at Pisces\u2019 arm. But Yvlon stepped past Ceria, knocking her arm aside.<\/p>\n \u201cThey won\u2019t stop. Pisces is right, Ceria.\u201d<\/p>\n She drew her sword. The adventurers fell back as Yvlon lifted the enchanted blade in both hands. She pointed at Beza.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Minotaur. Come, or don\u2019t haunt our backs ever again. If you believe what your friend says. If you want to take Pisces\u2014step forwards. Because you\u2019ll go through me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a duel!\u201d<\/p>\n Beza hesitated. Yvlon\u2019s gaze never wavered. The same fury in Montressa\u2019s eyes was reflected in hers.<\/p>\n \u201cThen let it be. Between our teams. Step forwards or forswear hunting Pisces! I\u2019m tired too. He hasn\u2019t deserved this. Come on! What about you? Or you?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Palt and Ulinde. The Centaur backed up.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Montressa, pull back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I can\u2019t. Palt is right. Beza!\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress hesitated. But then Isceil spoke up. He lifted his wand and walked up next to Montressa. He pointed with his free hand at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cThey still tell stories about a monster who was one of our Archmages. He had friends until they saw what he was. But they did see when they looked. His evil heart. His wretched lies. Step aside, half-Elf. I see a monster.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop!<\/em> The Academy won\u2019t allow it!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt tried to trot forwards. But Beza\u2019s arm stopped him. The Minotauress had made her decision. She reached for the scrolls at her belt.<\/p>\n \u201cHonor matters more than the laws of Wistram, Palt. I\u2019ve seen the death this creature caused. And others like him. I don\u2019t believe him. And I won\u2019t let my team fight alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCeria\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPisces. You can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I should let her attack again? Attack Erin? Look at her, Ceria. She will do anything. I won\u2019t let it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria looked. Montressa stared at her, wild-eyed. She had lost something. Slowly, in a dream of her own, Ceria let go of Pisces\u2019 sleeve. She looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cStep back, then. Alais. Stan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCeria! You can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not letting Pisces die.\u201d<\/p>\n How did it come to this? But look\u2014look at her eyes. Ceria had seen a reflection of them somewhere. Where?<\/em><\/p>\n Illphres. Do or die. Montressa would never give up. Something was broken in her. Or\u2014she was gone. Even if Ceria ran, she\u2019d attack. Where had her friend gone? Ceria looked for her, but she couldn\u2019t find the girl she knew.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cA duel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFall back.\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers were hesitating. Stan looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cMove back! Clear the area!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t let them duel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s that or fight. Neither\u2019s backing down. Look at them, Alais. Get out of range! They use lightning spells!\u201d<\/p>\n The adventurers were falling backwards as the Horns and the Wistram [Mages] slowly walked to the right. Towards the Blood Fields, away from the road.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take Beza.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon\u2019s voice was cold. Ceria looked at her, then at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Isceil, and her voice trailed off. The Drake was aiming his wand at Pisces\u2019 heart, a smile on his face. Ceria took a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll stop the Drake, then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces\u2019 face was pale. He looked at Montressa. To the side, Ksmvr looked at Palt and Ulinde. He aimed the bow in their direction.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it battle, then? You are both off-guard. And I understand that killing you before a duel has begun would be considered improper. I would not wish to disgrace my team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No. We have to stop this!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt cried out. He was going over the list of his spells desperately, but he knew Montressa\u2019s abilities. Ksmvr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. In that case\u2014I am content to watch also. If you move, I will kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur froze. Ulinde turned. Ksmvr aimed the bow straight between her eyes. The adventurers scattered around them.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! We have to stop them!\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde tried to step left, but Ksmvr pulled,<\/em> and she froze. Palt raised his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cLook\u2014Ksmvr? We need to stop our team. Let us go and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I do not believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll pull them apart! Don\u2019t you\u2014why don\u2019t you believe us?\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium tilted his head.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause that is what I would say to allay suspicion before I killed both of you in a surprise attack. Move and I will shoot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re going to die. This is madness.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Skirmisher]\u2019s voice was calm.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it was inevitable, I think. Your leader, Montressa, is beyond reason. So Pisces must kill her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe could kill him! You don\u2019t know Montressa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr shook his head. He never turned his head as the five [Mages] and Yvlon moved into position. Two sides, two dozen paces apart.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will not lose. My teammates will not fall, any of them. Or I would be in error. And my reason for living would be torn away. Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n They did. Stan was arguing with Ceria, trying to convince her to halt. But it wasn\u2019t in the half-Elf\u2019s control. Pisces stood apart from Montressa. Yvlon was advancing towards Beza at a walk as the Minotaur read from her scrolls. Isceil pointed his wand at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cMove clear, adventurers. This is a duel<\/em>. Between all present. A duel of honor, which is more than the [Necromancer] deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bastard. Didn\u2019t you hear a word he said? Get away, Stan.\u201d<\/p>\n The old adventurer retreated, shaking his head. Ceria had drawn her own wand. Ice formed along the tip as she aimed it angrily at Isceil. The Drake sneered.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard pretty lies. Anyone can lie, half-Elf. Even to truth spells. And everyone\u2019s a victim in their own book.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMontressa. You can walk away. Promise me. The Academy doesn\u2019t want me. It\u2019s you. Swear not to come after me. Swear. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces looked at Montressa. For a moment, Ceria saw the rage clear in Montressa\u2019s eyes. She looked at him and hesitated. Fear and loathing and anger.<\/em> But it wasn\u2019t enough. She shook her head and lifted her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? How could I believe you?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces bowed his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. How could you?\u201d<\/p>\n There was no signal. Yvlon\u2019s pace accelerated as Beza\u2019s sixth scroll scrambled to dust in her hands. The Minotaur began advancing, her fists clenched. She was wearing a shining, glowing magical gauntlet about her own fists and she moved too quickly. Ceria looked at Pisces and Montressa. They were still. The orb was rotating slowly around Montressa\u2019s staff as the magic gathered about both.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr\u2019s voice was a warning. Ceria jerked her head up. The first [Fireball] shot towards her face. She flung herself left as she screamed.<\/p>\n \u201c[Ice Wall]!\u201d<\/p>\n The fire struck ice. The explosion hurled Ceria to the ground. And then it was battle.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The workers at the road stared. Master Builder Reikhle snarled, watching the battle.<\/p>\n \u201cFools.\u201d<\/p>\n But no one could stop it. The duel between the two teams had begun. Montressa conjured a barrier as Pisces leapt\u2014he appeared in front of her, slashing with his rapier and blasting fire. The magic and steel glanced harmlessly off her barrier. She shot lightning and he dodged the bolt.<\/p>\n Yvlon and Beza were trading blows. The Minotauress was inhumanly quick, but Yvlon\u2019s sword was heavier than even Beza\u2019s punches. Yvlon staggered as a punch hit her armor\u2014Beza\u2019s arm was deflected by a heavy cut. Her Sword of Weight would have gone through the Minotaur\u2019s arm without the magical armor and the [Stone Skin] enchantment.<\/p>\n But it was Ceria\u2019s and Isceil\u2019s duel that was the most mortal. The Oldblood Drake had conjured a barrier of his own, but weaker than Montressa\u2019s. He was firing spells from his wand and breathing flame. It melted the [Ice Walls] Ceria was conjuring. She was running, firing [Ice Spikes], but outmatched by the sheer firepower Isceil was throwing her way.<\/p>\n Another [Ice Wall], three feet thick, began to melt as Isceil exhaled burning flames. Then he switched to acid. Ceria\u2019s [Ice Armor] began to melt and she screamed and conjured another wall, blocking the deadly acid.<\/p>\n \u201cSurrender, half-Elf! I am Oldblood! I call on the power of Dragons! What can you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil swore and dove sideways as five<\/em> [Ice Spikes] shattered on his barrier. The flickering aura of magic went out and he desperately raised it again. Ceria lowered her skeletal hand and conjured more [Ice Walls] between them, creating disposable shields. Her jaw worked for a moment. Then she pointed her wand and her skeletal finger.<\/p>\n \u201cFuck you.\u201d<\/p>\n Shards of ice blew apart Isceil\u2019s second barrier. He fired back, dodging, weaving\u2014he could use [Flash Step] too! But if he had mobility\u2014Ceria\u2019s training with Grimalkin had paid off. She was raising thick walls of ice, preventing him from aiming at her. And the last layer of defense\u2014the armor of ice on her skin\u2014had stopped all of his spells.<\/p>\n \u201cYour little ice walls can\u2019t stop me!\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil bellowed. He conjured a wall of stone as Ceria shot spells at him. She aimed a [Fireball] and he inhaled.<\/p>\n The explosion blew the stone wall to bits. It rained on Isceil\u2019s barrier and he flinched. But then he exhaled.<\/em><\/p>\n A firestorm of air and flames blasted forth. Two elements. It hit Ceria\u2019s walls of ice like a shockwave, blowing the half-Elf off her feet. She landed, feeling the heat pierce even her icy armor. Blisters rose on her arms as she shielded her face. As she rolled over, she saw her terrain had melted. She\u2014<\/p>\n A spear made out of obsidian hit her in the chest. Ceria fell back as the adventurers shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Kam screamed. She saw the half-Elf jerk as Isceil crowed. A barrier of ice grew around Ceria. She reached for a potion, smashed it on her chest. Rolled away as the next [Fireball] blew her cover to bits.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s losing. Let us go!\u201d<\/p>\n Palt stared at Ksmvr. The Antinium was hesitating. He stared at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cShe will not lose.\u201d<\/p>\n His voice trembled a bit. Ceria was rising to her feet, shooting [Ice Spikes] at Isceil. Walt turned to Alais. His team was tense, and he saw hers was watching the fight.<\/p>\n \u201cCan she take him, Alais?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know! They\u2019re both better than me! Ceria\u2019s got aim, and she can make ice walls, but he\u2019s got too many powerful spells! We have to stop this!\u201d<\/p>\n Uncertainly, Alais raised her staff, but Walt grabbed her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a duel! We can\u2019t interfere!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHells to that!\u201d<\/p>\n Alais snapped, but by her side, Stan shook his head. He had a crossbow in one hand and was watching.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, Alais.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither side\u2019s in danger yet. They\u2019re both equally matched. Wait. If we stop them, it\u2019ll just turn into a feud later. Watch\u2014and pray the Horns win. If we step in, it has to be at the right moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Alais hesitated. Then she heard a roar. Isceil had inhaled for another breath attack and Ceria had pointed both wand and fingers.<\/p>\n Six<\/em> [Ice Spikes] hit the Drake\u2019s barrier and one got through. He stumbled backwards, swearing, as one of the deadly shards of ice struck him in the chest. Alais expected him to fall. But\u2014the Drake regained his balance.<\/p>\n \u201cArmor spells. You can\u2019t take me, half-Elf!\u201d<\/p>\n He snarled as he shot a volley of magical bolts back at Ceria. The half-Elf didn\u2019t respond. She was ducking forwards, conjuring more walls of ice. Isceil darted left, inhaling again\u2014<\/p>\n He ran over a patch of ice and slipped<\/em>. His blast of lightning shot into the air and some of the arcs lanced downwards towards the adventurers wearing armor. They moved back even further as Isceil tried to roll to his feet. And Ceria ran.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s going into close range!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Cryomancer] shoulder-charged the Drake as he got up. His first spell cracked <\/em>her [Ice Armor], but then she was on him. Ceria advanced, slashing with the dagger in her hand. The Drake backed up, cursing, wide-eyed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a duel! You call yourself a [Mag\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He ducked a cut and aimed his wand. Ceria felt the flames engulf her, but the Drake was too unsteady to use more than a Tier 2 spell.<\/p>\n Now!<\/em><\/p>\n She tackled the Drake to the ground and then they were rolling. She slashed and bit<\/em>, magical spells blasting from both wands. The Drake tried to fight her off. Beza and Yvlon raced past them, fighting, ducking back. Yvlon grunted as she ducked one of Beza\u2019s swings. But the Minotauress was wary of her sword. Twice, Yvlon had slashed her down to the bone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is<\/em> that sword? It\u2019s nearly cutting that Minotauress in half!\u201d<\/p>\n Walt exclaimed. Yvlon\u2019s sword flashed as Beza ducked back. But then she charged in and copied Ceria\u2019s move. Yvlon went sprawling back as Beza tried to grab her. But the Minotauress couldn\u2019t grapple; Yvlon\u2019s fist caught her in the face and the [Wounded Warrior] got up. Her slash nearly cut Beza\u2019s horns off.<\/p>\n Lightning flashed past Yvlon, some of it earthing on her armor. Yvlon staggered, turning. Montressa blasted more lightning and both Beza and Yvlon sprang clear. Pisces was a blur, avoiding lightning, throwing spells back at Montressa. But theirs was a stalemate.<\/p>\n \u201cStay away! Stay away!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa was screaming at the [Necromancer] as she blasted another skeleton apart. She screamed, wildly sweeping her staff and blowing a Bone Horror to pieces. She was enmeshed in her barrier spells which soaked up each of Pisces\u2019 attacks. Each time he took down one of the outer layers she conjured another one. It was a stalemate. She couldn\u2019t hit him yet and he\u2014<\/p>\n He ducked in, slashing across Montressa\u2019s face. She recoiled, caught herself as her barrier flashed\u2014aimed her staff. Pisces disappeared. But then one of the skeletons rose. Montressa\u2019s shriek was followed by a [Chain Lightning] spell. It blasted the bones so far away that it nearly hit the observers. The [Aegiscaster] was panicking as Pisces harassed her with undead.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s baiting her spells with the undead. Trying to wear her down. That\u2019s the only way.\u201d<\/p>\n Ulinde whispered. The Selphid had the best view and eye for the battle. The [Spellslinger] watched as Palt clenched his hands. He couldn\u2019t move; Ksmvr was aiming at both him and Ulinde, and the Centaur couldn\u2019t race an arrow.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to stop\u2014damn<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n In their rolling brawl, Isceil finally got a leg under Ceria\u2019s stomach. He kicked<\/em> her off him, and the half-Elf stumbled up. She looked for Isceil as the Drake muttered a word.<\/p>\n \u201c[Dust Storm]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He vanished in a cloud of dust. Ceria cursed and raised [Ice Walls], shooting spikes wildly with her skeletal hand. She whirled, creating her own stationary barrier. The adventurers coughed, moving backwards. Ceria looked around\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain! To your left!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She turned too late. Isceil\u2019s lightning shattered<\/em> the ice wall. The half-Elf aimed her wand, and the Drake closed his maw. He pointed his wand, and the [Delayed Fireball] flew.<\/p>\n This time the explosion engulfed the ice barrier. Ksmvr made a sound. Ceria was lying on the ground. The [Ice Armor] had caught most of the spell, but she was dazed. Isceil aimed his wand at her as she threw up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cGot y\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A black bolt of magic hit Isceil from behind. It passed through him, bursting out of his chest. Isceil fell forwards. Yvlon stopped. Montressa\u2019s eyes went wide as Ceria rolled to her feet.<\/p>\n \u201cIsceil!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ksmvr\u2019s head turned. Behind the Drake, Pisces lowered his finger.<\/p>\n \u201c[Deathbolt].\u201d<\/p>\n Isceil fell to one knee, face white. Ceria looked up and Pisces dodged<\/em> a huge comet as Montressa screamed, firing spells with both her wand and the brass orb. Ceria looked up at Pisces. Isceil raised his wand as the [Necromancer] appeared, conjuring a barrier.<\/p>\n Pisces looked down at his ring. [Shatterbolt]. He hadn\u2019t used it on Montressa. He couldn\u2019t. But Isceil? The Drake looked up, stood shakily.<\/p>\n \u201cYou coward.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Necromancer] didn\u2019t reply. He just set his stance, preparing to lunge. The Drake reached for a potion, wand at the ready.<\/p>\n \u201cPisces!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa screamed at Pisces, but her barriers kept her locked in place. She took a step, unsure, and saw Ceria advancing towards her. The [Ice Mage] met Montressa\u2019s eyes. She smiled bitterly.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Mons. Let\u2019s settle this. Team captain to captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa gazed at Ceria. The half-Elf peered back at her. For a moment, they remembered. Ceria\u2019s voice was low.<\/p>\n \u201cI should have said this all that time ago. He\u2019s not perfect. And he never was. But he is my friend. If you want to hurt him, I\u2019ll stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t understand what he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria shook her head. She looked at Montressa with pity in her eyes. And she raised her wand.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I don\u2019t think you do. And you\u2019ll kill him? You\u2019ve gone mad. Come on, Montressa. Let\u2019s settle our pasts.\u201d<\/p>\n She lifted her wand. Palt kicked himself.<\/p>\n \u201cMadness. She probably lost her grip when she saw the undead! We can [Calm] her. Ulinde! Ksmvr! Let me go to her! She\u2019s not thinking!\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium looked at Palt. He hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is a very good try. I almost believe you. Don\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBevussa. I think I see movement ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n The Garuda froze as Kin halted in the dungeon. The Drake [Mage] aimed her wand ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cThere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFacestealer? Ready\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa instantly warned her team. They clutched the magical amulets they\u2019d bought. Zassil and Issa flew back, out of range. Bevussa hunkered down, ready to move. She waited\u2014<\/p>\n And a masked, clothed figure appeared around a corner. Bevussa stared, and then she relaxed.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods! You scared us!\u201d<\/p>\n The masked warrior waved at Bevussa. The Garuda waved her forwards. She recognized the clothed body and the mask.<\/p>\n \u201cWe haven\u2019t seen you in over a week. Where were you? Are you alright? We have to talk. Can you write? I\u2019ve brought parchment and ink\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She paused. The Garuda stared as the masked woman jogged forwards. Something was\u2014off. Kin paused.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, does her mask look different to you, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa instantly raised her shortsword. The masked warrior stopped. She tilted her head. Bevussa stared at her. It was dark in the dungeon, lit only by Kin\u2019s [Light] spells. But the mask was indeed different.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Warrior?\u201d<\/p>\n Now it was a question. The woman nodded. But Bevussa looked at Kin. The mask was<\/em> different. This one looked crude. Made of wood. It was more like a slat with eye holes.<\/p>\n \u201cStay where you are. Kin, this might be an imposter. Zassil, Issa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa turned her head. And the masked figure charged. Bevussa\u2019s head snapped back up. She swore, her sword swinging up.<\/p>\n \u201cKin, get back\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The masked woman lunged. Her sword blurred. Bevussa\u2019s eyes went wide. She jerked backwards. Only a sweep of her wings kept her out of range as the masked warrior reappeared, her sword slashing at where Bevussa\u2019s throat had been.<\/p>\n [Mirage Cut]. <\/em>The Garuda cursed and lunged in. She knocked the woman\u2019s blade back, using her aerial mobility to throw the warrior off balance.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you? Stop! Stop or I\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The stranger slashed. And Bevussa\u2019s sword blurred. She buried her enchanted shortsword in the woman\u2019s chest. Kin gasped, scrambling backwards. Bevussa stopped.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The masked woman looked down at the sword. Then Toren pulled off the mask. His eyes flashed. Bevussa stared into the skeleton\u2019s grinning face as the enchantment hit her.<\/p>\n [Fear].<\/em> She choked, cold, icy fear running through her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Toren\u2019s enchanted blade took her in the stomach. He stared into Bevussa\u2019s eyes. Saw them go round with shock. Ah, yes. That was what it looked like when they died. He\u2019d almost forgotten.<\/p>\n He hummed a tune in his head as he twisted the sword. Bevussa made a choking sound, and Toren put a foot on her chest.<\/p>\n \u201cBevussa!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Mage] screamed. She lifted her wand, aiming at Toren. He dodged, and the ray of magic went past his chest. Zassil and Issa flew forwards, shouting. Toren pointed, and from around the corner bounded Ghouls. Two dozen of them.<\/p>\n \u201cUndead!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The hallways turned to confusion. Bevussa was gaping at Toren, gagging with pain as he twisted the blade in her stomach. The Ghouls swarmed past her, attacking her team. Toren kicked her off the blade as the Wings of Pallass screamed and fought the undead suddenly overrunning them. He inspected Bevussa as she fell back, weakly grasping her shortsword.<\/p>\n It hadn\u2019t been that deep a cut. Toren hadn\u2019t been able to run her completely through. She had tough\u2026feathers. Oh well.<\/em> Toren wasn\u2019t about to stick around for the fight. He pointed and a Ghoul leapt on Bevussa. And Toren walked on. He pulled his mask back into place, leaving the Wings of Pallass.<\/p>\n \u201cUndead attack! Form up! Where are the Wings of Pallass?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Three corridors down, Toren strolled past a team of adventurers fighting for their lives. They called out to him to help. He walked past them. The undead were storming the tunnels. Toren had brought them from his inn. His fake inn. He\u2019d opened the metal door and let them out. How many?<\/p>\n All of them.<\/em> The Crypt Lords led an army of the undead through the tunnels. Thousands, falling upon the Gold and Silver-rank teams. Even so, it was a familiar fight. Toren had seen it happen once and there was no huge flesh-pit this time or the crawling undead.<\/p>\n