\u201cPallass is under attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was one of those sentences that you could say too many times. And it was such an innocuous set of words. Pallass is under attack.<\/p>\n
If you had no idea of the Walled City the name referred to, much less the significance of that statement, the line would pass you by. In Baleros\u2019 cities, many might ask where that was, or which city. They might recognize it, but again, only from afar. It was not their continent, not their species. Who cared?<\/p>\n
But that was a terribly selfish point of view. Understandable, but selfish. Who cared what happened if one of the Drake Walled Cities fell?<\/p>\n
The answer was: everyone. Everyone who thought about the future. About the position of the Drakes and their feud with the Human-controlled north. Who knew of the placement of the Antinium Hives. Anyone who knew the Necromancer of Terandria lived.<\/p>\n
Not just Drakes. In the Blighted King\u2019s courts, King Othius the Fourth felt a chill. His court fell silent. Yes, it was the Blighted Kingdom of Rhir, separated by thousands of miles from Izril\u2019s politics. And yes<\/em>, most of Rhir\u2019s people would have laughed at the petty wars and challenges that the Izrilian people regarded as important.<\/p>\n However, the people of Rhir also knew that their arms, the steel they used in battle against their ancient foe, was wrought of metal mined on other continents. Shipped across seas by fleets of other nations. And Drakes bled on Rhir\u2019s soil, dying far from home to fulfill ancient oaths.<\/p>\n \u201cSend for my court of war. Bring me more scrying devices.\u201d<\/p>\n Othius looked to his left. Nereshal, his steward, bowed. The [Chronomancer] swept from the room, moving at a walk\u2014but still faster than the running messengers who had brought the news. And Othius looked into the scrying orb that had been placed on the pedestal before him. His nobility stood silent, watchful. Wary.<\/p>\n For anyone who thought Rhir could stand against the Demons alone was a fool. And now, the Blighted King had seen one of the six pillars that held up the Drake species shake. He looked into the scrying glass and saw.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWyverns.\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction looked up. His eyes sharpened as he balanced the tiny scrying orb on his palm. He stared into the orb. It was indeed an odd thing, to see an event unfolding across the world in a moment\u2019s notice. Stranger still to think it was commonplace in another world.<\/p>\n But scrying orbs had existed since anyone could remember. The odd thing was that there was now a system in place, and a mentality that allowed events to be broadcast the world over. Wistram was behind it; Flos had heard the shrill sound and flash from the scrying orb. That in itself was highly suspicious, and the King of Destruction had not appreciated the thought that his scrying orb was a vessel that could be\u2026found.<\/p>\n Gazi the Omniscient liked it as much as her [King]. All but one of the half-Gazer\u2019s eyes were fixed on the scrying orb, and narrowed. She looked at the King of Destruction.<\/p>\n \u201cMy lord.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Gazi. So that\u2019s the way of it, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos stared into the scrying orb thoughtfully. He shook his head, ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYou warned me as much. But I will take this as confirmation. Still\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He paused, and grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too much of a lure for me to resist the bait. Pallass is under attack? Amerys couldn\u2019t break Zeres. And Wyverns, of all things?\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction grinned like a hunting wolf.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you fought such beasts, Gazi? I\u2019ve encountered them only twice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, my lord. They are native to Izril. Chandrar is inhospitable to most species.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd how dangerous are they?\u201d<\/p>\n Gazi thoughtfully paused.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have fought Griffins, my lord?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Can you ride Wyverns?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And they are larger than Griffins. Scaled. These look like variants of the species. Stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos Reimarch grew more interested by the second.<\/p>\n \u201c[Griffin Riders] were always a dangerous force. Do the Drakes have [Wyvern Riders]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFissival. Orthenon would know more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Fascinating. I\u2019d love to be there. And this is<\/em> the way of it. Whenever something happens now, it must be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Flos waved a hand at the scrying orb, and his tone suggested distaste as much as mild interest. He glanced at Gazi. Then at the orb.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we watch. I am beginning to understand more of what Trey and Teres tell me about entertainment in their world.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd one more thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos Reimarch looked into the scrying orb. And his eyes stared past the scene of Pallass in chaos. He ignored the frantic Drake\u2019s voice as Noass shouted at Lyonette, and the view swung to The Wandering Inn. One of Gazi\u2019s eyes locked into the image, and Relc\u2019s and Klbkch\u2019s faces. But Flos Reimarch stared into the orb itself. At the magical glass.<\/p>\n \u201cHow convenient of Wistram to broadcast this image the world over. Do you see me, Archmage Feor?\u201d<\/p>\n He leaned over the orb. And across the world, a [Diviner] monitoring the spell felt her heart skip a beat as the King of Reim looked straight at <\/em>her. She backed up and the other [Mages] staring back through the magical connection froze. Flos Reimarch\u2019s voice was pleasant.<\/p>\n \u201cGive me back Amerys. Show her to me, Archmage. I am losing my patience. And I will break your academy to find her.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all he said. Then the King of Destruction sat back and his gaze focused on the image in the scrying orb. He looked at Gazi.<\/p>\n \u201cEven so, fascinating.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos clapped his hands and the door opened.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to the [Servant].<\/p>\n \u201cGo to the treasury, and find a larger scrying orb. I\u2019m sure we looted one from Germina or Hellios. Fetch me Trey and Teres as well. And Mars\u2014send her a [Message] to find a scrying orb.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Servant] bowed. Flos sighed as he sat back. He nodded to Gazi.<\/p>\n \u201cThis would be an opportune time to try that \u2018popcorn\u2019 Trey kept telling me about, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled. The King of Destruction clapped his hands again. Then he began watching. Such was the luxury of a spectator, and perhaps, the arrogance of [Kings]. But it was true that, the world over, people were watching.<\/p>\n And why not? It was one thing to hear of battles won, and great events. Another to see them as they happened. This world was caught by a phenomenon Trey and Teres were well aware of. Flos had yet to put a name to it, but he already saw it, even if he could not yet grasp what it might become. That strange thing.<\/p>\n Spectacle.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n They watched the world over. Niers Astoragon paused in a lunch with Foliana. He looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWyverns<\/em> hit Pallass? Impossible. They have a Tier 7, city-wide defensive spell. And the spell is powered by their walls. Even a regular [Mage] capable of hitting them with Tier 7 spells wouldn\u2019t be able to break through.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Wyverns can\u2019t do it usually. Pass the butter.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana agreed. Niers ignored her; the butter saucer moved past him as Foliana picked it up.<\/p>\n \u201cThey must have been caught off-guard. Typical. That\u2019s how they get you. Millions of gold pieces of enchantments and thousands of [Soldiers] and some idiot forgets to activate a spell. Even so\u2014those must be Frost Wyverns. See the snow?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Grandmaster Strategist] was already thinking out loud.<\/p>\n \u201cBestiary. There must be something on Wyvern abilities. Either they flew above Pallass\u2019 line of sight\u2014creating a blizzard and flying in by stealth? No\u2014get me the [Messages] from the Walled Cities. And a bestiary on Wyverns. All of them.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to the officer who\u2019d brought him the news. The Titan sat back as Foliana peered at the scrying orb.<\/p>\n \u201cIt made a sound.\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan nodded. He leaned back; Foliana had coincidentally placed the butter so that it would obstruct the scrying mirror\u2019s view of the Fraerling. In cover, Niers raised a finger, touched one eye, then traced \u2018W\u2019 in the air. Foliana blinked once with both eyes. Neither his face or the Squirrel Beastkin\u2019s moved an inch as he sat forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cFoliana, put that butter somewhere else. There\u2019s enough there to stop my heart five times over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n She moved it. Niers Astoragon looked at the scrying orb. Unconsciously, one hand drummed on the table. He had nothing to gain or lose by Pallass\u2019 falling. He knew of the Antinium of course, but from where Niers sat, the fate of a Walled City was less important. Like Flos, he was just an interested member of the worldwide audience.<\/p>\n Except that wasn\u2019t entirely true. If you were looking\u2014and no one but Foliana was\u2014you might see the slightest, tiniest clues of stress on the Fraerling. He told himself it was nothing. It was Pallass<\/em>, not Liscor. But his eyes searched the inn as Noass turned to face the magic door.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp. Someone\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Niers ignored the Drake\u2019s voice. He stared into the inn. Looking at faces he recognized, vaguely. But searching. Searching for her.<\/em><\/p>\n He didn\u2019t see her. And the Titan\u2019s fingers drummed faster on the tiny lunch table. He told himself that he didn\u2019t know. That it was just a guess. Not to make assumptions. And after all, it was <\/em>Pallass. There was no way. But he didn\u2019t see her. And the Titan of Baleros watched, searching for a face.<\/p>\n Foliana watched too. She watched her old friend staring at the scrying orb. And her attention was more on him than the events in the City of Invention. Because Wyverns were just monsters. But what she saw was fascinating. Slowly, ever so slowly, she lifted a raw egg to her mouth and slurped it down. The Squirrel-woman paused.<\/p>\n \u201cNasty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If the world was a map, and attention a flickering point of light, then the words summoned a growing sea of lights. First, they flickered on and off, like fireflies. But then there was a swell, a gathering of light from every continent. Some came for idle amusement, others to speculate on the future, for personal gain or because the news affected them in ways large or small.<\/p>\n A father watched his daughter in a scrying pool. A sister nearly choked on the spoonful of gelato as her suitor stared at her in consternation. She dabbed the sticky liquid from her neckline, biting back an exclamation.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t that\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n A young woman\u2019s face, so changed that only her family would be sure, sure<\/em> it was her. And even then, not completely. Others looked upon the Antinium and shuddered. The Blighted King stared at his foes and his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n But these were passing sights. The image reflected in the scrying orb was of one thing alone. The attack on Pallass. And the world watched.<\/p>\n \u2026But damn the world. Who cared what they thought?<\/em> The sentence screamed across the Drake cities, far louder there than anywhere else. It mattered to Izril.<\/em> Tyrion Veltras watched with cold attention, neither smiling nor frowning. Magnolia Reinhart clutched her dress, white-knuckled. And they were only Humans.<\/p>\n In Manus, the war council sprinted<\/em> into the meeting room where the scrying orb had been set up. [Hunt Commander] Makhir nearly ran down General Milka. He was panting from the run from the walls.<\/p>\n Dragonspeaker Luciva Skybreath was only a beat behind the others. She charged into the room, and the [Strategist] whirled. In the inner keep of Manus, Luciva could hear more shouts as Wall Lords and Ladies, and the other protectors of the City of War scrambled for a room to see the situation for themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cReport!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She bellowed. The [Strategist] replied at a shout even as Rafaema stopped, nearly colliding with Luciva\u2019s back. The young Drake woman flexed her wings. She\u2019d flown<\/em> here. The others clustered around the scrying orb as the Gnoll [Strategist] spoke, words tumbling from his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cPallass is under attack. They report a Wyvern assault from the walls. Grand Strategist Chaldion has issued a city-wide alarm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWyverns?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n For a second those gathered in the room looked at each other. Wall Lord Kishield looked blankly around.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes that mean\u2026Oldbloods?\u201d<\/p>\n The other people in the room looked at him. Makhir opened his mouth, and General Milka snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! This isn\u2019t a damn code. These are actual <\/em>Wyverns.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Two more were crowding Rafaema. She turned and they backed up. Dragonspeaker Luciva nodded to the young Wall Lady. Everyone was on their feet, and slowly they began spreading around the circular table.<\/p>\n \u201cImpossible. Wyverns can\u2019t assault Pallass. No\u2014is it Fissival? Damn them! If they\u2019ve launched a surprise attack\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Salazsar? There was that dispute with the Trisstral Alliance. If Salazsar is replying to Pallass backing the alliance\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cImpossible. There\u2019s no way they\u2019d have hired Fissival\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about from Elleis?\u201d<\/p>\n The babble of military voices was cut short by the [Strategist]. The Gnoll snapped, his voice cutting his superiors short.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not mounted! These are wild Wyverns, as far as we can tell!\u201d<\/p>\n Manus\u2019 elite stared at the [Strategist]. Not in offence over him interrupting, but pure shock.<\/p>\n \u201cImpossible.\u201d<\/p>\n This time the word was flat and it came from half a dozen throats. Dragonspeaker Luciva stared into the scrying orb, but it was a blur\u2014someone was running. Sound was filtering through, but it was just a din of shrieks<\/em>, screams, explosions\u2014<\/p>\n It was the sound of a battlefield. Luciva could pick out the distinctive hunting scream of the Wyverns, but little else.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we have another viewpoint?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNegative, Dragonspeaker. The anti-scrying wards are in full effect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen the walls aren\u2019t down and the spells aren\u2019t compromised. How<\/em> did a weyr of Wyverns\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a report here. Wyverns sighted, count above one thousand. Liscor spotted them first, and they were confirmed on a southern course, heading straight for Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n Spearmaster Lulv pounded a furred fist onto the table.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor! <\/em>How many attacks has this been? This cannot be a coincidence. Is this the Human\u2019s retaliation?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no<\/em> [Beast Master] in the north capable of moving an entire weyr at once. It might be possible if they controlled the leader, say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Voices. There was no orderly chain of command where one person raised their arm and went first, nor any niceties like, say, Pallass\u2019 Assembly of Crafts. And that could be a contentious room when things got heated. But in Manus\u2019 circles, the leaders of the Walled City were [Generals] and [Commanders], officers used to taking charge. They shouted over each other.<\/p>\n Luciva Skybreath tuned them all out. Her mind focused, dividing the situation into pieces. The whole was too confusing, the facts unknown. She breathed in and out. And time\u2026<\/p>\n Slowed\u2026<\/p>\n The Dragonspeaker opened her eyes. Her mind raced a thousand miles a second, ahead of the voices. She stared at the scrying orb. And when she spoke, her voice cut through even the loudest shout.<\/p>\n \u201cOldblood Drakes. I want every single flier capable of reaching Pallass within eight hours moving. No\u2014have them on alert. Officers with speed skills in position.\u201d<\/p>\n The other commanders in the room looked towards Luciva. Some were nodding, but then a young voice spoke up.<\/p>\n \u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n The youngest occupant of the room by far folded her arms. Rafaema met Luciva\u2019s eyes calmly as the Dragonspeaker spun. Rafaema, a Wall Lady by rank, seemed one of the least fazed by the situation unfolding in the scrying orb. She nodded at Luciva.<\/p>\n \u201cI ordered them to go to alert when I got the message. Four full wings. They\u2019re already heading towards Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dragonspeaker met Rafaema\u2019s eyes and surprise flickered in her gaze for only a moment. Then she snapped at the Gnoll [Strategist].<\/p>\n \u201cSend a counter order for the wings to hold their position.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded towards Rafaema. The younger Drake shrugged, flexing her brilliant wings slightly. Dragonspeaker Luciva looked around the table.<\/p>\n \u201cEven at max flight speed, they will not reach Pallass in time. The intervention might be unneeded. Or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing like an unwanted companion to the chase. Pallass would take offence.\u201d<\/p>\n Hunt Commander Makhir nodded. He glanced at Rafaema. The younger Drake shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if the Walled City falls?\u201d<\/p>\n General Milka consulted a tome. The pages fluttered without her touching them as the Drake stared at the information. She looked up and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will not. I don\u2019t know how the Wyverns took the walls, but they should have\u20261st Army and 4th in position. Either one should<\/em> be able to repel the attack. And if the Wyverns possess greater numbers or abilities\u2014they can take cover. A few minutes\u2019 difference won\u2019t change the results.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what are the odds of that? I can\u2019t believe they gained the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are precedents. What species of Wyvern are these? If they\u2019re rare variants\u2014Hunt Commander, thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll scratched a scar along his chin, where he\u2019d taken a wound from an encounter with a Wyvern.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard reports of Wyverns causing volcanic eruptions and launching attacks in the ash clouds. And I\u2019ve seen<\/em> them with any number of abilities. There are variants in Baleros that camouflage themselves. But in numbers? I have never encountered a weyr over two hundred. And the group I saw was ordinary. I don\u2019t know what they might have done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPool their breath attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Rafaema spoke up. Every head turned towards her. Dragonspeaker Luciva inclined her head slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean by that, Wall Lady Rafaema?\u201d<\/p>\n The young Drake shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been reading older accounts. Wyverns and<\/em> Oldblood Drakes can pool their magical abilities together. In fact, a Drake riding a Wyvern can combine his attack with the Wyvern\u2019s. Even different elements. I\u2019ve seen it done. There was a flying wing in Manus eighty years ago that used that tactic.\u201d<\/p>\n Her tail flicked back and forth as she spoke. The other leaders looked at each other. Each one nodded. General Milka nodded to herself, doing a quick check of her tome.<\/p>\n \u201cReport, Dragonspeaker. Pallass\u2019 protections spells did not<\/em> activate. Some were used, but I\u2019m getting more [Messages]. Summarized\u2014confirmation of Grand Strategist\u2019s alert. Pallass is under attack by feral Wyverns. Frost Wyverns.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cImpossible.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone muttered it a third time. Not in shock, but now just disbelief. Dragonspeaker Luciva\u2019s lips twisted.<\/p>\n \u201cThey didn\u2019t activate the protection spells?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMust have been caught off-guard. Idiots. They didn\u2019t get Chaldion. He can fight them off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no way they\u2019ll take the city.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut the death toll has to be in the hundreds already. Thousands, maybe. Listen.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n That calm voice came from Spearmaster Lulv. He was leaning on the table, looking at the scrying orb. Now, all the voices in the war room fell silent.<\/p>\n This is what they all saw, the world over. A shaking, moving street. No\u2014someone running while holding whatever was providing the magical image. In Manus, the leaders heard a wheezing pant, a cough\u2014<\/p>\n Shrieks in the distance, tearing the air. Faint at first, and then growing louder. The viewpoint jerked up as a scream increased in volume. The image revealed a huge, plummeting shape. A Wyvern sixty feet long <\/em>dropped out of the air, diving. Its hunting scream reached a crescendo as it flashed past the onlooker.<\/em><\/p>\n The image shook, a visible flinch. And then, pattering footfalls. Someone else ran into view.<\/p>\n \u201cTake cover! Take cover! Get inside!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake ran into view. The perspective changed, and Dragonspeaker Luciva saw a pair of Dullahans running towards an open door. A Drake was shouting at them, waving at them as he ran towards the scrying orb. Luciva saw a young, frightened Dullahan boy grabbing at a sister. The sister nearly dropped her head as he ran towards the Gnoll holding the door open.<\/p>\n For a second Luciva closed her eyes, seeing the girl\u2019s face. Not because it was someone she knew, but because it was familiar<\/em>. Then she forced her eyes open.<\/p>\n The first Drake was catching his breath. He looked around wildly, ducked as another shadow passed overhead. So did whoever was holding the magical device providing the image. The first Drake looked up, then spoke breathlessly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I think we\u2019re clear. Are we still broadcasting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe so.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone fumbled with the mirror. Another Drake appeared in frame, and part of his arm. The two Drakes were both male, both familiar. One\u2014the one with the arm holding the magical scrying device\u2014had a monocle, dangling from a chain loop secured around one of his neck-spines. He was expensively dressed. His comrade was less so, but the two were a well-fed pair.<\/p>\n The first Drake spoke in a rush after gaining his voice back.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is Sir Relz and Noass, your [Commentators] coming to you live from Pallass! Is \u2018live\u2019 the word we\u2019re using, Sir Relz? Where\u2019s the logic in that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho cares, Noass? Pallass is under attack!<\/em> It\u2019s been bare minutes and we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Both Drakes ducked <\/em>as a Wyvern shot down past them. Noass shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cGet inside! Get off the streets!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Relz was speaking into the mirror as he tried to angle it, showing the audience a view of the skies\u2014and then a close-up of the side of his face. He was inept at placing the viewpoint just right.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors damn it, get out of the way! Show us numbers! Where\u2019s the army?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone growled in Manus\u2019 war room, but it was otherwise completely silent. Sir Relz was still panting for breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re using a portable scrying mirror\u2014and under the effects of [Spectator\u2019s Concealment]! Which we\u2019ve gained as a result of our class. So long as we don\u2019t interfere, it is extremely <\/em>effective as long as the Wyverns are occupied! This\u2014we\u2019re\u2014Noass, how did this happen?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The other Drake jumped. His jaw worked soundlessly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014we all heard a massive explosion! Someone on the walls, I think. Then there was a chill\u2014and Wyverns were attacking! Grand Strategist Chaldion shouted the alarm and then\u2014how did this happen? We\u2014we\u2019ll have a better view from the edge of the 8th floor. Come on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Relz\u2019s pale face again, then more running. The Dragonspeaker looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cMassive explosion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCombined dragonbreath.\u201d<\/p>\n Rafaema\u2019s voice was certain. Some of the others nodded, looking sideways at her. She was an oddity. Despite her age, they all gave her a level of deference no one else commanded. She was striking. Beautiful, in a way that even the other Oldblood Drakes were not, that even Dragonspeaker Luciva wasn\u2019t, for all her heritage was among the purest of all Drakes.<\/p>\n The young female Drake looked no older than\u2026twenty three. Which was impossible, given the station she was accorded. The way she looked about, the understanding in her eyes made her older than her appearance. She was poised, intent.<\/p>\n And she was a Dragon.<\/span><\/p>\n But that was irrelevant to this moment. Rafaema\u2019s eyes were locked on the scene unfolding in Pallass with everyone else. And Dragonspeaker Luciva saw the image halt at the edge of the 8th Floor. The two Drakes stared out in horror at their city.<\/p>\n And Dragonspeaker Luciva saw what they did. Pallass, the City of Invention, was under attack. Wyverns flew through the skies, casting huge shadows above the Walled City. It was snowing. And the Wyverns were attacking.<\/p>\n There weren\u2019t many of them. For a city of Pallass\u2019 size, the near-thousand of them weren\u2019t a vast horde that would blot out the skies. But the Wyverns were huge. And the sight of them there, breathing frost and diving down on the small figures below\u2014<\/p>\n It shook the world. It pierced Dragonspeaker Luciva\u2019s heart, and the war room went still. This was the nightmare Manus\u2019 children had sworn to avert. But they were not alone in seeing it.<\/p>\n Watch<\/em>. Flos of Reim stared at the Walled City and smiled that predator\u2019s grin, his hand itching. The Blighted King sighed. Niers Astoragon cursed while Foliana tried to eat another raw egg.<\/p>\n In his chair, the Necromancer, Az\u2019kerash, watched with a raised eyebrow, almost mockingly. Incredulous more than anything else.<\/p>\n And Tyrion Veltras smiled. His eyes shone with a cold light.<\/p>\n Attention. More and more joined to see. Spectacle. Tragedy. Triumph too, but it was all one thing. And more strange watchers still.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI see Pallass. It is smaller than I thought. And weaker still.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps, my Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n Xrn of the Centenium spoke softly. The hovering image of Pallass she had conjured reflected off the huge eyes of the Grand Queen of the Antinium. Now, even the Antinium watched. With glee. With cold analysis. With incredulity.<\/p>\n Watch<\/em>. Noass stared over the edge as the scrying mirror caught part of Sir Relz\u2019s slack face. The Drake\u2019s scales were white, drained of blood. It was the other [Commentator], Noass, who began screaming.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors! Look out! They\u2019re dive-bombing the lower floors!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He pointed. More Wyverns were diving. They hunted like eagles. The huge, scaled monsters dove and struck their prey, carrying them up, tearing at them. If you looked, you could see struggling shapes falling as the Wyverns bit. Or the beasts just breathed their killing frost and tore apart the frozen shapes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened to the [Soldiers] on the walls?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Noass screamed. Sir Relz\u2019s voice was distant.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t possible. Pallass can\u2019t be\u2014where\u2019s the army?\u201d<\/p>\n The image jerked. There was fighting below. You could stare down into Pallass\u2019 heart. And there was a glint of steel below, running figures. But so far away. And the Wyverns\u2014Noass ducked as one flew past, but the Wyvern ignored the two Drakes. Its serpentine neck was covered in blood. And it looked\u2014it looked like it was laughing.<\/p>\n They had stolen the skies. The two Drakes looked at each other. Noass\u2019 face was frozen with horror, but then he faced the image. And the [Commentator] did the only thing he could: speak.<\/p>\n \u201cPallass\u2014everyone. If you can hear me! Get indoors! <\/em>My name is Noass, and I am live<\/em> on the attack on Pallass! If anyone can hear me\u2014any adventurers nearby, any Drake forces! Pallass under attack! I don\u2019t know what\u2019s happened on the walls! But we\u2019re going to find out. Someone\u2014anyone. We saw the door to Liscor is open. Flee through it! Adventurers, [Soldiers]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n His voice broke. Sir Relz appeared in frame. Luciva recognized him at last. One of Pallass\u2019 nobility. A Wall Lord, but without the emphasis on rank and station other Walled Cities accorded him. Nevertheless, he looked dead into the image, and Dragonspeaker Luciva met his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is an emergency. Anyone who can hear this in Pallass, seek cover. Indoors! We will broadcast the image as long as we can. We are counting hundreds, repeat hundreds, of Wyverns. If anyone can send help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Luciva had heard enough. The Dragonspeaker looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cSend the wings. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n Hunt Commander Makhir raced out of the room. In Pallass, Noass was turning.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so cold<\/em>. Dead gods, there\u2019s frost<\/em> on the upper part of the ninth floor and the ramparts\u2014there. You see? It looks like the Wyverns overtook the walls\u2014we\u2019ll have to get up there. But where\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Sir Relz. The other Drake shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Perhaps the explosion? I\u2014I\u2014the stairs? The lifts are surely not working\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The wide-eyed Drakes were familiar to some viewers. After all, they had achieved a minor fame during their impromptu commentary of the attack on Liscor. And then the other one. Indeed, they\u2019d even gained a class. But this was a new side of the Drake pair.<\/p>\n They sounded a bit harried, a bit stressed.<\/em> As if this attack was more personal, more immediate than their commentary on any battle before this. And someone watching, from say, Liscor, might have found that a bit ironic.<\/em><\/p>\n But no one was laughing in The Wandering Inn. Lyonette stared at the scrying orb and then at the magical door. Relc had dragged it into the common room when they\u2019d heard about the attack. Now\u2014she saw a street where snow was falling.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to do something.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys was white-faced. She looked around wildly.<\/p>\n \u201cKeldrass?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHis team\u2019s on the way. He\u2019s in Liscor, getting the Heartflame Breastplate.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc called out tersely. He had his spear out and was tensed, ready to move. Lyonette heard a shriek<\/em>, louder through the door than the scrying orb. She looked around for Mrsha; the Gnoll was holding Apista, safely behind Pawn. The Antinium were all on their feet. Even Bird was downstairs, gazing at the Wyverns longingly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wings\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey went through. Selys, get back. It\u2019s too dangerous to get near the door.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t have brought it out there. Relc. Bring it back. Put it in the hallway.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Spearmaster] started.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wyverns can\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. Krshia, Elirr, Gnolls, Drakes\u2014the Senior Guardsman hesitated, then he nodded. He grabbed the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to do something. Where\u2019s Zevara? Change the door back to Liscor! Can we send anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism was on his feet. It was Olesm who shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Uncle. Wyverns are a Gold-rank threat! And the door doesn\u2019t have the mana to send enough people. Let me go to Liscor. I\u2019m getting Guildmistress Alonna and every [Mage] I can find. We have to send the Flamewardens through!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about\u2014get the other Gold-rank teams! Can\u2019t we send anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism gestured around, frustrated. Relc had disappeared and Olesm with him. But the other occupants of the inn? Lyonette was checking on Mrsha. The Gnoll was hugging Pawn\u2019s back. The Worker looked at the Gnoll, into the scrying orb. The two Drakes were trying to shout at people to get indoors. Pawn stood up abruptly.<\/p>\n \u201cI will go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Priest] looked around. Yellow Splatters nodded. The [Sergeant] turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cPainted Antinium, with me.\u201d<\/p>\n The Soldiers stepped forwards as one. Lyonette spun.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Pawn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Belgrade was also present for the inn\u2019s reopening. The [Strategist] shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThe door doesn\u2019t have the mana for so many, even if Strategist Olesm gets the [Mages].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen a squad of Antinium. Pawn, you will stay behind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI must go. I can hea\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one is going through that door.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch\u2019s voice ran through the inn. The Antinium and other guests stopped while he stood. Klbkch\u2019s arms were folded.<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium are not allowed in Pallass. To go through would be an act of war.\u201d<\/p>\n Yellow Splatters paused. Pawn looked at Klbkch and his mandibles parted. But slowly, he sat back down. Lyonette\u2019s head turned.<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2019s over there.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia found her. The Gnoll\u2019s paw gripped Lyonette\u2019s arm, and her brown eyes caught Lyonette\u2019s. With her other paw, the [Shopkeeper] stroked Mrsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must wait. Olesm will find reinforcements.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2019ll\u2014I\u2019ll go to the hallways. Call out to anyone on the streets. They can come through.\u201d<\/p>\n Selys stood up shakily. Lism pushed past her.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do it. You stay back! All of you\u2014no one goes in that hallway! If a Wyvern breathes frost\u2014stay here!\u201d<\/p>\n He shoved the door open. Lyonette just breathed. No one was speaking. This was like the other attacks on Liscor, but those had been immediate, terrifying, but present. This\u2014this was almost worse. They were watching the attack unfold and it was unbearable.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we\u2026no. No\u2014Ishkr! Drassi!\u201d<\/p>\n The two oldest workers at the inn looked up. Lyonette whirled around.<\/p>\n \u201cHealing potions. Erin has a stockpile. And acid jars! We have some\u2014get me everything you can! We\u2019ll push it through the door!\u201d<\/p>\n They had to do something<\/em>. Moved to action, the other occupants of the inn began talking. Lyonette ran into the kitchen, Apista buzzing after her, stinger poised. She rushed back out with a crate in her hands, trying not to drop the glowing green acid in the bottles and heard a shout.<\/p>\n There was suddenly silence. Lyonette froze. In the scrying orb, Noass was pointing. The two Drakes were trying to get to some stairs, but they\u2019d come across a Wyvern.<\/p>\n It was flying over the heads of some apartments. Low\u2014and huge<\/em>. And it was pursuing\u2014Lyonette nearly dropped the crate.<\/p>\n An Oldblood Drake. But a child. The Drake was flying frantically. Noass was waving his arms and shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cGet down! Get below the buildings!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake wasn\u2019t listening. Lyonette saw the image shake, trying to follow the Drake\u2014and then the Wyvern dove<\/em>. She heard a scream\u2014the image changed again.<\/p>\n The Wyvern had caught the child. And worse, it had heard Noass. The [Commentator] froze as the Skill hiding him failed. The Wyvern landed, crushing the Drake it had caught under one paw. The child was screaming and Noass was backing up. He was fumbling at his belt for\u2026a dagger. Sir Relz\u2019 claw shook on the scrying orb.<\/p>\n \u201cMy wand\u2014[Firefly]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The two Drakes backed up. The Wyvern was staring at them. A second set of eyelids flashed across its eyes as it stared at the [Commentators]. Narrowly, as if trying to figure out if they were there. But then its maw opened. Lyonette saw a dark red mouth. Opening wide, wide.<\/em> The Wyvern inhaled and Noass threw himself to one side.<\/p>\n A flash of green hurtled out of the sky. A feathered shape dove<\/em>. And Bevussa Slenderscale drove the shortsword through the Wyvern\u2019s eye. She landed, and Zassil crashed<\/em> into the Wyvern\u2019s jaw. The frost breath caught in the Wyvern\u2019s mouth as he slammed the jaws shut.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBevussa!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette screamed. So did half the patrons in the inn. They were on their feet. Bevussa pushed<\/em> the sword deeper, and the Wyvern\u2019s eyeball gushed around it. Two other shapes dove.<\/p>\n \u201cIssa! Now! [Pillar of Earth]!\u201d<\/p>\n A third Drake landed on the ground as a fourth one pointed a wand from above. Kin\u2019s spell caused a section of the street to rise, shoving one of the Wyvern\u2019s claws up. The other Drake, Issa, dove. She yanked the young child out from under the claw as the Wyvern recoiled. She was away in a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cBevussa! Dodge!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Garuda flipped backwards just in time. The Wyvern\u2019s head snapped<\/em> and tore the air where she had been as Zassil was thrown off. The Wyvern screamed<\/em>, blasting the air, but the four fliers were already away.<\/p>\n Noass and Sir Relz stared as Issa landed next to them. She shoved the young Drake at them. Noass caught the child and Issa shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cGet clear! Get to safety!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She was in the air in a moment. Bevussa, Zassil, and Kin were flitting about the Wyvern. It flapped its wings and tried to tag them with the frost breath. Bevussa\u2019s shortsword was still buried in its eye, and the adventurers used that to their advantage, flying in the Frost Wyvern\u2019s blind spot.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014that\u2019s an adventuring team! Our team!\u201d<\/p>\n Noass\u2019 voice was stunned. He pointed as Bevussa dove again. The Garuda had a spear this time, pulled from a bag of holding. She was aiming for the Wyvern\u2019s neck as it tried to fly. Bevussa thrust the steel-tipped spear and it penetrated the Wyvern\u2019s neck. Not deep, but as the Garuda yanked it free, blood sprayed and the Wyvern screamed<\/em> again. It took flight, and the Wings of Pallass flew after it.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that was the Wings of Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Relz looked shakily up at the sky. Noass stared. Then he found his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was! Pallass\u2019 Gold-rank team! The Wings of Pallass! That was Zassil, the team captain, and Bevussa, their Garuda flier! They\u2019re using boar spears\u2014Ancestors! Look!\u201d<\/p>\n Again the view swiveled, and the audience of the world saw the Wyvern just in time to see it fall. Bevussa yanked her shortsword out of the eye as Issa and Zassil cut the Wyvern across the neck. Their blades opened the cut Bevussa had made and the two Oldblood Drakes pulled<\/em> the wound open, cutting and slashing.<\/p>\n The Frost Wyvern fell with a scream. Noass and Sir Relz shouted. Lyonette heard a cheer. The Wandering Inn\u2019s patrons were all on their feet. They shouted, screaming for the Wings of Pallass.<\/p>\n For victory. That was part of it, too, spectacle. And now, the Wings of Pallass soared higher, circling the city. Noass pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette didn\u2019t remember putting down the crate of acid jars. She only realized she\u2019d joined the audience. As Sir Noass and Relz raced through the city, trying to track the four Gold-rank adventurers and shouting commentary, she watched.<\/p>\n But that was the thing. They were all observers, even Sir Relz and Noass, who\u2019d been part of it for a moment. All they could do was watch. But Bevussa flew.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It was snowing. Her city was shadowed by huge storm clouds, unleashing not rain but fat snowflakes. Bevussa felt them on her feathers as she flew, felt the chill. But she\u2019d never felt more on fire in her life.<\/p>\n Wyverns\u2019 shrieks tore through the sky. They filled the airspace of Pallass, diving, breathing\u2014<\/p>\n Wyverns.<\/em> How had it happened? Bevussa had never seen so many, never all at once. And these ones\u2014they were bigger, and their color was different than what she knew. The Garuda\u2019s mind was racing, but there was only one fact.<\/p>\n This was her city. She flapped her wings for altitude and shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cWings! On me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa was flying higher, scouting out the city. She was looking for\u2014something. Anything. But all she saw was chaos.<\/p>\n The battlements were gone<\/em>. The bulk of the Wyverns were still on it, feasting on the dead. Bevussa saw a huge part of the north and eastern walls was\u2026frozen. Ice covered everything, as if some massive spell had detonated there.<\/p>\n If there was any blessing, it was that the Wyverns had first stopped to gorge on the dead on the battlements. But more Wyverns were diving into the city for more food at the moment.<\/p>\n And the city? Bevussa looked down and saw distant specks. People on each floor running for cover. It had been bare minutes since the alarm had gone out and everyone had been caught unaware. The Gold-rank adventurer\u2019s eyes narrowed as she saw smaller shapes than the Wyvern.<\/p>\n Flying? <\/em>The Garuda cursed as she realized what she was seeing. Zassil called out.<\/p>\n \u201cBevussa! Civilians in the air!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Dozens\u2014no, hundreds of them. Garuda and Oldblood Drakes, the only species in Pallass with the ability to fly. Bevussa swore a blue streak.<\/p>\n It was the instinct of Garuda to fly when they were in danger. Oldblood Drakes blessed with wings were different, but the young of both species learned from each other. It was idiotic to do with flying<\/em> Wyverns, but the children had forgotten their heads in their panic! Now, they were in the air, trying to avoid the Wyverns or even fight back.<\/p>\n Bevussa saw an Oldblood Drake shooting lightning at a Wyvern before one dove and crushed the Drake against the ground. Another was pursuing a Garuda and the screaming teen was diving between buildings as the Wyvern gained altitude. Bevussa knew it was about to dive.<\/p>\n \u201cDown!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She dropped. Bevussa dove through the air and her enchanted shortsword was in her talons. She hit the Wyvern across the wing. Too risky to go for the eyes.<\/em> She slashed and her sword cut into the thick membrane of the Wyvern\u2019s wing.<\/p>\n It shrieked<\/em> at the unexpected attack. The Wyvern turned, and the other three Wings of Pallass hit it. Zassil had his spear and went straight through a part of the Wyvern\u2019s wings. Issa and Kin were throwing spells, with wands, flashes of [Light] and Kin\u2019s fire, distracting the Wyverns.<\/p>\n \u201cBack!\u201d<\/p>\n The four adventurers were flying backwards even before the Wyvern tried to breathe. They couldn\u2019t stick around for a fight, not with something heavier and stronger than all of them combined! Bevussa twisted in the air, looking for the Garuda the Wyvern had been chasing. Where was\u2014?<\/p>\n \u201cBevussa! It\u2019s targeting you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Kin\u2019s voice alerted Bevussa just in time. She dove and the Wyvern\u2019s jaws snapped<\/em> as it nearly bit her in half. She flew, diving lower, but the Wyvern was hot on her tail feathers.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was fast!<\/em> Bevussa was diving, but the Wyvern could accelerate as fast as she could. She spoke a Skill.<\/p>\n \u201c[Mach Wings]!\u201d<\/p>\n And the Garuda accelerated<\/em>. The Wyvern screamed<\/em> and dove, but Bevussa was suddenly going twice as fast with each flap of her wings. She twisted\u2014it was still going after her! Bevussa looked ahead and realized she was heading straight for a group of residential apartments. The Wyvern was trying to box her in!<\/p>\n The Garuda turned. She moved in a tight circle, and hurtled straight back at the Wyvern. It wasn\u2019t prepared for that, and its jaws opened reflexively as the long, sinuous head reared back to strike. Bevussa knew that was what it would do. She activated her second Skill.<\/p>\n [Instantaneous Redirection]. <\/em>One moment Bevussa was flying at the Wyvern\u2014the next, away, perpendicular. It was a move impossible to make without a Skill and the dumbfounded Wyvern lashed out at where Bevussa would have been. It floundered, momentum lost, confused, and Bevussa screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cWings of Pallass, <\/em>Wyvern-hunter tactics! Neck and wings! Now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The three Drakes dropped on the Wyvern out of the skies as Bevussa flew back. This time, the strike was surgical. The three Gold-ranks had lined up their dives as Bevussa distracted the Wyvern. Now, they went for the kill. Bevussa whispered.<\/p>\n \u201c[Sundering Slash].\u201d<\/p>\n She cut the Wyvern across the neck. Issa and Zassil cut the Wyvern\u2019s wings at the same time. Kin spun past as the Wyvern dropped, and one of her precise [Stone Darts] shot through the monster\u2019s eye. The Wyvern dropped, screaming. Bevussa followed it down. It was headed for a building, so she and the Wings rammed<\/em> it. Just enough for it to\u2014<\/p>\n The Wyvern hit the street with a crunch. <\/em>Bevussa heard another scream and guessed it had broken its legs. At least. She saw Zassil aiming his spear. Going for a kill at a dive; bleeding a Wyvern along critical spots on its neck was the only real way to kill it for fliers. Or letting it crash and kill itself. It had too much mass to try to get through bone. Issa was moving to join him.<\/p>\n \u201cIssa, Zassil! Leave it!\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa shouted at the other Drake, not caring if anyone heard her giving orders to her \u2018Captain\u2019. Zassil started.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Wyvern was still moving. In any other situation, Bevussa would have finished it off, but she pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave it!<\/em> Take them out of the sky! Follow me!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wings flew after her. Bevussa dove along the streets of the 6th floor, shouting at Garuda and Oldblood Drakes. This was a favorite spot with them; the 6th floor had been built up from the ceiling of the 5th. It was an aerial maze, meant for the Garuda populations and a popular hangout. Now, it was filled with panicked civilians. Children.<\/p>\n \u201cStop flying you fools! You\u2019re making yourself targets!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Bevussa bellowed as she shot through the air. Her voice made some of the frantic shapes in the air drop. Kin, Issa, and Zassil followed in her wake in an arrow formation, shouting the same instructions.<\/p>\n The older Garuda were wise enough not to fly. And prompted by Bevussa\u2019s voice, more Garuda and Drakes dove, searching for places to land. Bevussa had taught some of the frightened faces she saw. She clenched her beak and dipped one wing, turning sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cOn me! We\u2019re dropping Wyverns! Aim only for their wings! Keep moving! If one of them hits you with their breath, you\u2019re dead!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The frost would kill the Wings in a moment, weighing their wings down, rendering them immobile. Kin paled as she saw where Bevussa was taking them.<\/p>\n Straight into the center of the city. Where the Wyverns were flying at their thickest.<\/p>\n \u201cBevussa! There are hundreds!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen we bring them down one after another!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gold-rank Captain screamed at her teammate. She flew straight at the nearest Wyvern. Cut along the wing bone. Cut <\/em>through it! Drop it!<\/em><\/p>\n But there were so many. Bevussa looked up. She looked around. She\u2019d fought in the army against a dozen Wyverns. But there were hundreds.<\/p>\n There were so many\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Bevussa felt a shadow pass over her. She looked up. A Wyvern dove. Bevussa tried to dodge, but she\u2019d used her Skill too recently. She went down in free fall, tangled with the Wyvern, stabbing, trying to get free. The other Wings were fighting the second Wyvern that had dived at them.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Noass stared as Bevussa\u2019 shape disappeared, falling out of view, fighting the Wyvern. The Wings of Pallass had been there for only a second before they\u2019d been swallowed.<\/p>\n And the Wyverns screamed. More were flying off the walls, deciding to enter the fighting below. More and more. One dropped onto the 4th Floor, hunting for prey. The Wyvern was drooling, in hunting mode. All it smelled and saw was prey.<\/p>\n It looked around, savoring the fear. The Wyvern swung its head back and forth, looking for food. Some of the stone structures had food<\/em> in them. The Wyvern could smell it. The monster was trying to figure out how to crack open one of the buildings when a door swung open. The Wyvern smelled meat<\/em>. Lots of it. Sweat too. It opened its mouth to bite before the door could close.<\/p>\n Something hit the Wyvern in the jaws. The Wyvern\u2019s head snapped<\/em> back. It nearly fell on its back. The monster\u2019s head rang. It looked around, stunned. Its teeth were broken.<\/em> Something had\u2014it was bleeding.<\/p>\n The Wyvern flopped on its back, getting up, now drooling blood instead from its broken gums. It tried to howl, but the second discus of lead and steel hit it in the neck. The Wyvern\u2019s neck deformed<\/em> and it collapsed. It looked up, stunned, uncomprehending. What was hitting it? What was\u2014<\/p>\n A giant Drake walked out of his house. He was huge<\/em>. The Wyvern was far larger, but this was the biggest prey it had ever seen of its kind. It tried to bite the Drake, feebly. But its upper teeth were destroyed. It couldn\u2019t breathe. The Wyvern still tried to lunge.<\/p>\n Grimalkin punched<\/em> the Wyvern in the head. His fist cracked<\/em> bone and sent the splinters into the Wyvern\u2019s brain. The monster slumped. Grimalkin cracked his neck and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThe weights make good impromptu throwing weapons. Apprentices! Find anyone on the street and get them inside! Don\u2019t let a Wyvern eat you! I\u2019m heading up.\u201d<\/p>\n His wide-eyed apprentices stared at him from the opening of Grimalkin\u2019s mansion. Ferkr gaped at the two deformed weights. They were from the weights bar. Grimalkin had hurled the fifty-pound weights like discuses and crippled the Wyvern with it.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMove.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin didn\u2019t waste words on Ferkr. It had been minutes since the attack. Chaldion\u2019s voice had alerted him; the [Sinew Magus] hadn\u2019t heard the screams or explosion in his mansion. Now, his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat idiot didn\u2019t activate the [Cage of Pallass] spell? If they\u2019re alive, I am going to kill them.\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin of Pallass charged down the street. He ran faster than someone of his size had any right to move. The Drake reached the edge of the 6th Floor.<\/p>\n The Wyverns were still assailing the upper floors. They had the air and fewer of them were reaching the lower floors. Grimalkin saw the flash of armor and magic below.<\/p>\n \u201cThe army.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked up and back. The 5th Floor. Grimalkin heard screams. He crouched.<\/p>\n \u201c[Reduce Weight]. [Warlock\u2019s Leap].\u201d<\/p>\n His eyes flashed<\/em>. Then Grimalkin leapt.<\/p>\n The 5th Floor was being assailed by another Wyvern. It was herding a group of Drakes up, snapping at the ones trying to flee. Grimalkin landed. The Wyvern\u2019s head swiveled. It stared at Grimalkin and then charged at him, ignoring the other prey for this large one. Grimalkin lowered his stance, made one fist. As the Wyvern lunged, he punched.<\/p>\n The Wyvern felt something smash<\/em> through its teeth. Something immovable. As hard as stone. It recoiled, stunned. Grimalkin pointed a claw.<\/p>\n \u201c[Lightning Bolt].\u201d<\/p>\n A flash. The Wyvern jerked<\/em> as the lightning struck it, but even a lightning bolt couldn\u2019t kill it. It flopped back weakly. Grimalkin charged in. One clawed hand grabbed the Wyvern\u2019s head. He put a foot on the neck. Then he jerked up.<\/em><\/p>\n The Wyvern\u2019s head could move in almost any direction, but it still had bone. It fought weakly as the [Sinew Magus] pulled it up, up,<\/em> bending it backwards. The Drake\u2019s muscles bulged and he growled. <\/em>Grimalkin twisted the Wyvern\u2019s head backwards until he heard a snap.<\/em> Then he dropped the Wyvern.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone breathed. Grimalkin turned his head. The Drakes were staring.<\/em> Grimalkin nodded at them.<\/p>\n \u201cGet to safety. Find the nearest building and get inside.<\/em> I can\u2019t stay.\u201d<\/p>\n He was already moving. Grimalkin checked the Wyvern\u2019s head to make sure it was dead. The eyes gazed blankly at the [Mage] of Pallass. Grimalkin jumped<\/em>. He flew through the air, almost weightless, grabbing hold of an elevator\u2019s cable, then leapt again. Onto the 6th Floor. Higher and higher.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe just saw the Wings of Pallass go down! They were intercepted by the Wyverns\u2014they are still diving! It has been\u2014minutes since the alarm in Pallass was called and the higher floors are getting overrun!\u201d<\/p>\n Noass was shouting as he half-faced the scrying mirror, pointing down at the chaos below. He and Sir Relz had stopped near the stairs to the battlements. The Drake was pointing down into the heart of the city.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Watch is fighting to try and reclaim the battlements, but Wyverns are assailing them! I can see fighting on the 2nd floor where the garrisons are located\u2014but there is a bottleneck on all four staircases! And the Wyverns are attacking any large groups! This\u2014this is a disaster! Sir Relz, thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n The other Drake gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cThe army normally deploys outside the city for attack. They\u2019re stationed for sortieing, not having to retake<\/em> the walls. Clearly there\u2019s been an error in their stationing. Normally the battlements have more than enough personnel to repel an attack. But as you can see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He turned. A group of armored figures were fighting at one of the staircases. The Watch and [Soldiers] were battling multiple Wyverns, assaulting them as they tried to take the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are too many<\/em> Wyverns above! And the lower floors are congested as the Wyverns slow reinforcements! We\u2014we could be seeing a disaster. I think there are thousands, thousands dead. I repeat, thousands. The Wyverns are slowing to eat their kills, but whenever they breathe that damned frost attack at a cluster, everyone dies\u2014and we just saw a Gold-rank team fall prey to their diving!\u201d<\/p>\n Noass was nodding, looking around.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wyverns are assaulting groups heading up, preventing anyone from making a foothold on the upper floors. Everyone is retreating. This is a disaster. Where<\/em> are the higher-level officers? Are they all trapped below?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s voice was despairing. And their commentary wasn\u2019t going to just those watching from outside Pallass. People in the city were picking up the broadcast, watching from inside their homes. Sir Relz turned to Noass.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you see anyone? Noass? Anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n Noass\u2019 voice was bleak.<\/p>\n \u201cI see pockets of fighting everywhere. The Watch is spread out across the city. But Wyverns are a Gold-rank<\/em> threat. An entire squad can barely fight one, and these are Frost<\/em> Wyverns<\/em>. They have a variant of Dragon\u2019s breath, like an Oldblood Drake! Even if our [Soldiers] beat one, two, or three attacking at once? I\u2014I just don\u2019t see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s voice stopped. Sir Relz looked at him and then tried to angle his scrying mirror.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you see? Noass?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I see someone moving up! Look! There!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Noass pointed. Sir Relz\u2019s mirror moved. And then they saw him. A small figure from afar, but growing larger. Leaping<\/em>. Yes, leaping<\/em> up the floors. He stopped as a Wyvern dove. The two Drakes peered.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see\u2014a Wyvern\u2019s diving at him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho? An officer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! It\u2019s\u2014Ancestors!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Wyvern hit the huge figure and crashed<\/em>. The two Drakes gaped as they saw the figure charge it. There was a bloom of fire\u2014the Wyvern\u2019s head was missing. And the figure turned, scanning for opponents. Then he leapt higher.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is that? It\u2019s a Drake\u2014<\/em>no, it must be him\u2014<\/em>he must have heard the alarm! Look! It\u2019s Pallass\u2019 Strongest [Mage]! Grimalkin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sinew Magus] leapt higher. He was on the 7th Floor now. The two Drakes gaped as he landed below.<\/p>\n \u201cMagus Grimalkin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Noass bellowed. Grimalkin\u2019s head whipped around. He spotted the two Drakes. They saw him squat, his form perfect, then leap.<\/em> The two Drakes backed up as a huge shape soared over the railing of the 8th Floor.<\/p>\n Grimalkin landed lightly. His arms and part of his huge neck were covered in blood, but it wasn\u2019t his. The [Sinew Magus] eyed Noass and Sir Relz.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two! Get inside! Hide from the Wyvern attack!\u201d<\/p>\n He barked at them. Noass\u2019 mouth worked. Sir Relz took over.<\/p>\n \u201cMagus! Magus, we\u2019re broadcasting live\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? <\/em>Broadcasting what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin looked at Sir Relz. He stared into the image and then his brows snapped together.<\/p>\n \u201cYou idiots! <\/em>If you have the strength to use a scrying orb, get people off the streets!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut people have to see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOut of my way. <\/em>I don\u2019t have time for this. I\u2019m retaking the walls.\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin had spotted the fighting on the stairs. He sprinted past the two Drakes. Noass turned.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2014that was Grimalkin of Pallass. Known as the Fist Mage, but also Pallass\u2019 self-proclaimed strongest [Mage]. He\u2019s known for\u2014dead gods! Is he insane?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake was running straight at the three Wyverns on the stairs. They\u2019d pushed back the [Soldiers] and [Guards] fighting there. Grimalkin roared<\/em> as he charged the nearest one. It reared up and Noass gasped.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t fight three<\/em> at once! He\u2019s a [Mage], even if he\u2019s known for hand-to-hand fighting. He\u2019s mad. He\u2019s going to die\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n