It started out with such a silly thing for such a busy day. An [Innkeeper], a cake, a white Gnoll, a Hobgoblin, an Ashfire bee. And of course\u2026<\/p>\n
Bird.<\/p>\n
If you added in a harried [Princess], you had a family. Dysfunctional of sorts, and Erin would admit that she already had a family. She didn\u2019t think of them often. Her parents, back at home. She knew they must be frantic. And she had been gone for a long time.<\/p>\n
Thoughts like that sometimes troubled Erin. So deeply she couldn\u2019t sleep. But her mind, somehow, had seemed to develop a coping mechanism. Erin didn\u2019t think of her home on Earth, and that was both a relief and a source of guilt when it came up.<\/p>\n
She loved her parents. But if anyone asked her, she would have claimed this was also her family. It wasn\u2019t fake, or a name. These were the people most precious to Erin Solstice. If Mrsha was Erin\u2019s child in a way\u2014so was Bird. Children of different sorts, but children who needed someone to love them. Which made Lyonette the\u2026father. Probably. Or the wife?<\/p>\n
If you broke it down into the \u2018traditional\u2019 family matrix you began to have problems. Erin and Lyonette were the parents if Bird and Mrsha were the kids. Which made Numbtongue\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t believe it! You\u2019re in so much trouble, mister!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s shout in the early morning of the inn roused the customers. They looked up and waited, expectantly. But Erin was upstairs. Shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cBird\u2019s being punished! What is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue and Bird were frozen in the midst of eating two plates of eggs. And fried chicken. They also had a stein of beer. Bird slowly put his plate behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing. We are just looking at the food, Erin. Not eating it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNumbtongue! How could<\/em> you?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at the Hobgoblin, now acting in the part of rebellious teen. The Hobgoblin shrugged, a bit guiltily. Erin had thought<\/em> it was odd when he asked for his breakfast, but Numbtongue ate a lot, and she\u2019d been happy to let him eat whatever he wanted. If she hadn\u2019t come up to ask about Bird\u2019s breakfast, she\u2019d never have known what they were doing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know Bird\u2019s being punished! Numbtongue\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was at a loss for words. When Lyonette came up the stairs, she too stared, then propped her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n \u201cNumbtongue! Bird!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium Worker trembled.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease do not take away my bird hunting privileges. There are five days left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, we\u2019re going to have to take it away for longer than a week. <\/em>It\u2019s gonna be\u2014two weeks! You\u2019ll have to hunt rabbits or something!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! They do not fly! They are nice! But tasty.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette was nodding. Bird was aghast. The [Princess] glared at Numbtongue. He was looking less nervous than Bird.<\/p>\n \u201cAs for you, Numbtongue\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin folded his arms as he sat cross-legged. Erin stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018what?\u2019 You know what you did! Bird\u2019s being punished.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo? Stupid punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin and Lyonette stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHe nearly started a war.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor shooting Wyverns. So?\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue picked at his teeth unapologetically. Erin frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not allowed in Pallass! He knew better\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes. Bad Antinium goes into Pallass. Evil<\/em> Antinium, not allowed there. Like Goblins. Ooh. Bad Ant. Bad Goblin. <\/em>Must punish him. Don\u2019t punish bad Goblin!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Soulbard]\u2019s voice was just a bit<\/em> sarcastic. Erin faltered.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not\u2014Bird knew what he was doing. And you know he nearly started a war\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue\u2019s shrug was Goblin. And it had multiple answers on many levels to that. Erin hesitated. Lyonette took over, glaring sternly at Numbtongue.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if you disagree, Numbtongue. This is Erin\u2019s inn. And mine. And those were our rules. We\u2019re going to have to\u2014to take away your guitar?\u201d<\/p>\n She sounded a bit uncertain here. The Hobgoblin looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin and Lyonette blinked at him. Numbtongue rose. He took his plate of food and walked past them.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not a child. No punishment. Kick the bad Goblin out of the inn if you don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n Not really a rebellious teen. His look made Erin falter. Lyonette opened her mouth\u2014and Erin put a hand on her shoulder. She looked at Numbtongue. And didn\u2019t talk to him like a naughty kid.<\/p>\n \u201cFine. But Bird\u2019s different. Please let us make rules, Numbtongue.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin paused. He nearly shrugged, but then he nodded. He shuffled his feet, and then muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin nodded at him. Awkwardly, the Hobgoblin left. It was the first time Erin could remember ever disagreeing with Numbtongue. She stared at his back. And she felt embarrassed, a bit hurt\u2014and a bit happy. Aside from Rags, few Goblins had ever pushed back. But Numbtongue was changing, even if it meant he was metaphorically hiding behind the dumpster and smoking cigarettes.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough with the analogies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette turned to Erin. She was trying to get the plate of egg and chicken from Bird.<\/p>\n \u201cGive it to me, Bird. You are in trouble. Numbtongue may have offered, but you know<\/em> you\u2019re doing wrong. And you\u2019re<\/em> being punished, mister.\u201d<\/p>\n Bird slowly stood up. He looked at Erin and Lyonette, the plate still held behind his back.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not a child. I will not be punished.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] and the [Princess] looked at him. Bird\u2019s antennae drooped. Slowly, he held out the plate.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease do not make me punished too long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cEverything alright up there?\u201d<\/p>\n Palt the Centaur was standing by the kitchen, smoking, when Erin came downstairs. She glared at him, and then caught herself.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. It\u2019s all fine. Why are you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo smoke. I can put it out.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur quickly fished the cigar out of his mouth. Erin eyed it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy is that thing blue?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, this is a very light plant from the sea. It\u2019s called Mela\u2019s Kiss, and it practically evaporates under a tiny<\/em> bit of heat. And it doesn\u2019t produce smoke, as you can see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur took a slow drag. Erin saw a tiny bit of vapor. Palt hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s fine. Let\u2019s go back to chatting.\u201d<\/p>\n He was<\/em> trying. Erin took a seat at the table and Palt trotted over. The Centaur hesitated, but he decided not to ask.<\/p>\n \u201cRight! So, your door. As I was saying, just a few sigils around each one. I\u2019ll mark the walls\u2014no one will notice unless they know to look<\/em> for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I have to do what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust\u2026give them free passage to wherever they need to go. Perhaps help them out. I\u2019m planning on sticking around here for a while, so I\u2019ll try to introduce you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked at Palt. He waved one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cCriminals? No, no. The Ullsinoi faction doesn\u2019t deal with criminals! Explicitly. Anyone who can see and read the sign is a friend of our group. Some<\/em> of them may be a bit loose with the law, but we don\u2019t treat with [Murderers] and [Cutthroats].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat have I gotten myself into?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin rubbed at her forehead, groaning. Palt sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice, they\u2019re good people. Really. I know what you must think of [Illusionists], and I admit we have a reputation\u2014but we\u2019re honest. Twisted, but honest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2019s not backing out of our agreement, Mister Palt. She\u2019s just learning to come to terms with it. Because this is what it means to have an ally<\/em>, isn\u2019t that right, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette passed by the table, looking meaningfully at Erin. The [Innkeeper] sighed. They\u2019d had a chat about diplomacy. One of the instances where Lyonette taught Erin about the world.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It\u2019s fine, Palt. So\u2014they\u2019ll come here if they need transportation? Or help? How much help am I giving them?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaur took a puff of his blue cigar.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026As much help as you see fit, Miss Solstice. By all means, give the minimum. But if you help them, we\u2019ll compensate you for your time. That\u2019s how the Ullsinoi faction does things. It\u2019s a give and take. Sometimes, yes, some people might be coming through with trouble on their heels. You don\u2019t need to shelter them if it\u2019s bad. It\u2019s under your discretion. But other times, if they\u2019re looking for help, say, finding an adventuring team, or an item, or they just, say, really need to get somewhere fast<\/em>\u2014give them a helping hoof.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I\u2019m like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn [Innkeeper]?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette passed by again, this time with a large pitcher of wine headed for a table that held Montressa and Beza. Erin stared at her back. She turned to Palt. The Centaur was coughing into one fist.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s giving me lots of lip these days. Okay, that sounds reasonable. So\u2014if they see the sigil, or trace it, I know they\u2019re from your faction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUsually. There are a few phrases I\u2019d like you to memorize. And we\u2019ll leave you some way of getting in touch with one of our representatives. I\u2019ll be here, obviously. And if you have any questions\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, right. Um. How long will you be here? What about Montressa and Beza?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin glanced at the two [Mages]. They were day-drinking, which, apparently, wasn\u2019t uncommon in Wistram. The two weren\u2019t quite<\/em> glaring at Palt. He twiddled his thumbs as he didn\u2019t look their way.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have a vested interest in your door, Miss Solstice. And looking for more people like you. I think they want to negotiate with you on behalf of their factions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould I say yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d\u2026like to hear whatever they\u2019re offering. It\u2019s your choice, but it could get tricky. And inter-factional politics in Wistram can get messy. But as I said, I\u2019m not bound to Montressa. I can take time to help you, especially since the Elusive Lot considers you an asset<\/em>. And anything you want to share\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed. She had responsibilities now. One of which was to give Palt and his friends some information about Earth. Apparently,<\/em> there were at least two dozen<\/em> people from Earth in Wistram! And that had been when Palt left! It boggled Erin\u2019s mind. Ryoka had said there was one more person from Earth she knew of in Izril, but Erin had only known Ryoka and the kids at Magnolia\u2019s mansion. Two dozen\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll make a list, Palt. I can probably get all the plays from Celum and stuff. And tell you about\u2026basic things.\u201d<\/p>\n She\u2019d have to think about the bad things to tell him, like, say, bombs, and what she could give away. Was this what Ryoka had been so concerned about? Erin\u2019s head hurt. Palt was nodding eagerly, though.<\/p>\n \u201cPlays would be welcome, Miss Solstice. The Elusive Lot\u2019s heard about your friends in Celum and they want to see these plays. There are some transcripts, but the originals would be well-received. Hah, I imagine half of them would like to put together a performance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked at Palt. He smiled and winked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what you know of [Mages], but like I said, we are a unique faction. The Elusive Lot love<\/em> entertainment. And not just vices. One of my orders was to record the Players of Celum doing some performances. The Elusive Lot probably wants to duplicate the plays across the world. That\u2019s good money. My master is an amateur [Singer] themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] felt a bit better about that.<\/p>\n \u201cI can get you some plays! Hey Lyonette\u2014the Players\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFals went through the door late last night, remember, Erin? I haven\u2019t heard from him. If Temile doesn\u2019t show up in two hours, I\u2019ll get him.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette nodded. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat! Then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and Palt can go into the kitchen. And you can make me a cake.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. But I\u2019m so busy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] walked over with a big smile on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cTalking. Which you can do with Palt! And whomever else comes by! But you\u2019re the best [Cook] since I still can\u2019t hire Garry or anyone else\u2014and I\u2019d like Garry. Since you agreed with that\u2026I\u2019m very busy, Erin. The staff can cook, but you have the most Skills. I need cakes. One big one for a celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf you returning. The Players are going to perform tonight, and there will be cake sold! I need one big one\u2014make it three, actually\u2014and, oh, two dozen smaller ones. We\u2019ll sell them in tiny boxes with a customer\u2019s name or a message on them. I can do the decorations.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked. Lyonette was definitely getting a hold of the mercantile nature of the inn. Erin wanted to protest, but Lyonette had held down the fort and built the inn while Erin was gone. Slowly, the [Innkeeper] got up.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we don\u2019t need Garry.<\/em> I mean, I\u2019d be okay with any [Cook].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can cook. And I\u2019d be delighted to do something with my hands while we chat, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt rose to his hooves quickly, smiling at Erin. She smiled back.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014I guess that\u2019d be okay. Sure. Lyonette, do we have\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFresh eggs, I just got a delivery of milk\u2014check which one, since we have goat\u2019s and<\/em> cow\u2019s. Oh, and we have goose eggs and chicken eggs. Sugar\u2019s ready, flour\u2019s good\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette waved them off. Bemused, Erin went into the kitchen. Palt trotted in after her. It was odd, being back in the inn like this. But good at the same time.<\/p>\n After a while, the inn began to grow more crowded. Olesm bustled through the door after the breakfast crowd had thinned a bit. The Drake wiped water off his scales as he entered through the doors. Lyonette blinked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cOlesm! Hello! Are you here for Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Sorry about the water. It\u2019s raining a bit in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot a problem! I\u2019ll put some towels out in the hallway on a rack. Come in! Erin\u2019s in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Well, if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to chat with her. Just about\u2014well, about the situation. Not officially, but I\u2019d love to catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm headed for the doors. Lyonette opened her mouth, but the Drake walked into the kitchen before she could say anything. She heard a muted exclamation, a short conversation, and then Olesm walked back out.<\/p>\n \u201cEr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Erin\u2019s talking with Palt. Have you met him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe he was arrested, yes. Zevara mentioned him.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm\u2019s tail swished back and forth, a bit agitated. Lyonette eyed him as he glanced towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes Erin, uh, know him well?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a friend of the inn. Why don\u2019t you take a seat? Erin will have time to talk to you. While she\u2019s making cake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Well, I can help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm sat down at a table. Then he migrated over to one of the dedicated chess-tables. Bird came downstairs.<\/p>\n \u201cI am punished. The other Workers will not let me sit in my tower.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe asked them not to. If you\u2019d like, you may have breakfast, Bird. Not eggs or poultry.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium drooped.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I have acid flies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo they have wings, Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026I will have a fish. May I draw wings on them with ketchup?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette gave up and nodded. Bird brightened as he saw Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Olesm. It is me, Bird.\u201d<\/p>\n He sat down at the chess table. Olesm paused in the act of setting up the board\u2014it looked like he\u2019d been prepared to lure Erin out with chess. A cunning [Strategist]. But he blinked as Bird sat opposite him. The Antinium moved a white pawn.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Hi, Bird.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet us play a game of chess.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm stared. He opened his mouth, but Bird was<\/em> a member of Erin\u2019s chess club. The Drake hesitated, and then nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n They began playing. Lyonette, humming to herself, passed by Beza and Montressa\u2019s table. She didn\u2019t quite<\/em> eavesdrop, but she was listening as the two talked.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026telling you, Palt\u2019s doing his own thing. What\u2019s our purpose, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what my orders are. Look, Beza. We don\u2019t need to stick together. I made a mess of things\u2014I have to sit and report on the inn and Antinium. If you want to split, I understand. Ulinde\u2019s having a great time.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Aegiscaster] looked down. Bezale, the [Spellscribe] Minotaur, harrumphed<\/em>. She put one arm around Montressa and squeezed gently.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not abandoning you. Besides, I have orders to sit and watch too. Let\u2019s just make amends. And when Palt gets back, I\u2019ll threaten to dunk him in a horse trough until he cooperates.\u201d<\/p>\n Montressa smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Beza.\u201d<\/p>\n A new cast, a new inn.<\/em> Lyonette thoughtfully nodded to herself. Erin was a good [Innkeeper] in her own way. She was terrible at business, unlike the Drake Peslas who ran an actual inn<\/em>. But Erin was better at people, and at creating moments. With Lyonette handling the practical aspects, they made a good team. And Lyonette could be the one who appraised people without Erin\u2019s generous trust.<\/p>\n Three Wistram [Mages] would have been trouble back in Calanfer. Well, these ones weren\u2019t the worst, but Lyonette knew what trouble Wistram could cause. She\u2019d have to manage them\u2026at least they hadn\u2019t begun asking questions about her red hair. Montressa must have gone to Wistram young, which was a relief. It meant her magical acumen was strong, but her political instincts\u2014real politics, not the cute games Wistram played\u2014were probably undeveloped.<\/p>\n And indeed, the new cast appeared soon after Olesm\u2019s game. Lyonette heard voices from the hallway and hurried to the double doors. She opened them and saw, down the trapped hallway, an argument at the magical door.<\/p>\n \u201cIshkr?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll was staring into the magical door. Every member of Erin\u2019s staff was trained to check each opening of the door by turning the magic dial every ten minutes. They\u2019d open it to Liscor, Celum, Pallass, Esthelm, and, if requested, the Bloodfields, where the road was continuing to be built.<\/p>\n Actually, opening the Bloodfields door only happened to let adventurers or workers in and out, and Lyonette had mandated the door not be opened unless some people with combat Skills were present. Also, the Bloodfields door was now located on a hill, far from the Bloodfields. It meant more of a walk, but no one was complaining.<\/p>\n However, this time the dial was locked onto a glowing yellow stone. Pallass<\/em>. Ishkr was staring into the portal for one main reason. Lyonette stopped too when she saw what it was.<\/p>\n A\u2026portcullis. Yes, a miniature one, made of newly-forged steel, was sitting in front of the door. Not the usual streets of Pallass. Instead of opening into Pallass directly, Lyonette realized the door had been moved to some kind of chamber. There was a portcullis that seemed to lead into the streets, but between any visitor wanting to enter was the steel gate\u2026<\/p>\n And eight [Guards], half of whom had bows. They were staring at Ishkr. Not aiming the bows at him, but staring.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo to go to Liscor! Hold! No entry to Pallass!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Guards] called out to Lyonette as she approached. She stared at them.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSecurity, Miss. Just a precaution. Mandated by the Assembly of Crafts. Please step back.\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake walked over to the gates and began to raise the portcullis. Lyonette gaped. She knew it was a bit hypocritical to complain, since she\u2019d insisted Belgrade make the trapped hallway for anyone wanting to attack the inn, but this felt a bit overdone on Pallass\u2019 side.<\/p>\n Two figures waited as the portcullis rose. They stepped through and the [Guard] called out.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo to Liscor! Lower the portcullis!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve overdone it a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette murmured as the other [Guards] shouted an affirmation and the wrought steel lowered quickly. Ishkr nodded, eying the door.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were not<\/em> happy when I opened the door, Miss Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApologies. They\u2019re new to the posting. They\u2019ll relax in time, but I\u2019m afraid the portcullis stays.\u201d<\/p>\n A brisk voice spoke from the other side. Lyonette jumped. She focused on the two visitors and realized they were waiting for her to move out of the way.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019m so sorry\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin and Chaldion stepped through the door to Liscor. Lyonette blinked. The [Grand Strategist] nodded at Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning. We\u2019re visiting for the day, Lady du Marquin.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette nodded to him. Then she turned dead white and froze. The [Grand Strategist] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Miss Solstice around? Magus Grimalkin and I were hoping to talk to her. I would like to play a game.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I would appreciate some time of my own. I also have a few sets of weights I\u2019d like to deliver, to Sergeant Relc among others.\u201d<\/p>\n Grimalkin\u2019s body was still bandaged up, but he was as brisk as ever. Ishkr looked at Lyonette. She was still dead-white.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI-Ishkr, could you show Grimalkin to\u2014the kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette didn\u2019t even mention Palt. She just stared at Chaldion. As Grimalkin walked past them, the [Grand Strategist] waited. His one good eye was glinting as he adjusted his eye patch. Lyonette waited until Ishkr had gone through one of the open side-doors and then breathed.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s voice was quiet as he touched a ring. Lyonette felt some spell envelop them instantly.<\/p>\n \u201cPrincess du Marquin. You do not hide your heritage well. And you are<\/em> using your first name. I would suggest changing both hair color and name, and buying a charm that wards against a basic [Appraisal] spell if you wished to keep your identity secret. I was not interested earlier, but circumstances have changed. This inn is being investigated by every Walled City, and that is the Drakes.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2014please don\u2019t tell my family.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake regarded Lyonette. Her chest was constricting. The [Grand Strategist] shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cPallass does not need to meddle in Terandrian affairs, Miss Lyonette. Your secret is safe\u2026with me. But I would take precautions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow, if you\u2019ll excuse me\u2026is Miss Solstice available?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s talking and there is a queue\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course there is. I will be content with a drink. And something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette rushed after Chaldion, heart pounding. What was she going to do?<\/em> Change her name? Hair dye? Oh, dead gods\u2014<\/em>if Chaldion had found out, how long until\u2026?<\/p>\n Chaldion found Olesm and Bird at the chess tables with a few of Liscor\u2019s new board game aficionados. The Drake had thrown his hands up and the [Grand Strategist] made a beeline towards the game.<\/p>\n \u201cHow? How does this happen?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am in checkmate, Olesm. That was a good game.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm stared at Bird. He didn\u2019t look happy about his victory. Lyonette didn\u2019t get why everyone was murmuring. Even Chaldion looked impressed as he stared sharply at Bird.<\/p>\n It took Lyonette a moment to figure out what had gone on. Then she realized that the finished chess game looked a bit like a bird, with black and white pieces maneuvered into place during the course of the game. Bird looked pleased. Then he glanced up.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Hello. We have met.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we have.\u201d<\/p>\n Chaldion stared<\/em> at Bird. Lyonette caught her breath, but the [Grand Strategist] just looked at the board. Olesm went pale under his scales.<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Strategist! Sir\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He scrambled to his feet. Chaldion nodded to him.<\/p>\n \u201cOlesm Swifttail of Liscor? Good day. And you are Bird the Hunter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am Bird. Am I in more trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Grand Strategist] narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Tell me, Bird. Do you like chess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s play a game.\u201d<\/p>\n The old Drake walked around the chess table. Bird obediently reset the pieces. Olesm looked at Lyonette; she was about as equally flabbergasted at the moment. Chaldion sat down and inspected a white piece. He moved it, and his one eye glittered as he looked at Bird.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, are you a Prognugator of the Free Antinium\u2026Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, that was a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n Bird moved a piece, as innocent as could be. Chaldion nodded to himself. He eyed Bird and grinned to himself in a way that would have made Klbkch\u2019s cold blood run colder if he\u2019d been there.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s talk about your Hive.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a busy day. And Lyonette heard a voice from the kitchen. She peeked inside to see Grimalkin and<\/em> Palt regarding each other as Erin threw up her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cEither help me make cakes or get out!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was the beginning of a busy day. But the silly thing hadn\u2019t happened yet. Lyonette went over to sit at a table for a second. Her head was spinning. She only looked up when she had a thought that trumped all others. Erin, secrets of the Antinium, her exposed identity\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n She stood up and checked the window. Nearly time! She hurried over to a place where she had some parchment and ink and a quill.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nearly time for her to come back. Krshia has the Council meeting\u2026Apista!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette scrawled quickly, drafting a message. At her voice, an Ashfire Bee floated lazily across the inn. Apista landed on the little podium Lyonette was writing on. The [Princess] tied the parchment up with a bit of twine, and put a loop of the twine over one of Apista\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n \u201cTake this to Mrsha. Understand? Mrsha.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Ashfire Bee didn\u2019t nod, but Lyonette sensed its acceptance. She opened a window and it flew out. Lyonette didn\u2019t see half of the inn staring at her. That was normal<\/em> compared to everything else. The [Princess] sighed as she checked the door to Liscor.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Temile.\u201d<\/p>\n Maybe the Players of Celum had wigs she could borrow.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A bee flew across Liscor. Her name was Apista, and she was a recovering Faerie Flower addict. Ever since Lyonette had put the faerie flowers in her room, Apista hadn\u2019t indulged herself every waking moment on the powerful nectar.<\/p>\n She was detoxing on regular flowers Lyonette had put around the windowsills in the planter-boxes. The [Princess] had even made a few boxes to hold mint, and other seasonings. Free money was free, and they added a pleasant scent. Apista, who now dined on those flowers, was a changed bee. She\u2019d seen the error of her ways. But she dreamed of faerie flower nectar.<\/p>\n The bee flew through the air, towards the city just a little bit away. The air was clean and good, and no birds flew around the inn to threaten her. She flew, and thought deep thoughts. For a bee.<\/p>\n She was a bee, and she was as free as could be. Although for a bee living in an inn, that wasn\u2019t very free. But it was good. Better than the other bees.<\/p>\n They were not free<\/em>.<\/p>\n Apista buzzed, turning and flying about through the air. She could feel them, the other bees, calling out to her. But the bees were sealed in a very dark place. Without much room or light or space. They lived, on honey and things in the cave. For now. But they would die in time.<\/p>\n And there were dark things in the cracks in the stone of the cave. Air, and thus life, yes. But more. And they climbed up, time again and again. Driven back by fury and wings and stings, the knaves. But not forever.<\/p>\n The bee named Apista wished the others could be saved. But she flew on, because she was alone and their prison was made of stone. Apista could do nothing. Instead, she flew, to call the white thing she loved to the inn.<\/p>\n Back home.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Mrsha the Studious sat in Krshia\u2019s apartment and learned magic. A magical tome sat in front of her, a book that was the font of an entire civilization\u2019s worth of knowledge. For beginners. Well, that was how a Dragon thought of it.<\/p>\n For anyone else, it was an artifact beyond compare. Palt, Montressa, and Beza, who were focused on Erin like a magical laser thanks to Wistram, would have probably given up the door, Erin, and someone else\u2019s kidneys for the magical book Mrsha was reading. But they had no idea it even existed.<\/p>\n That was life. And a little white Gnoll was reading spells written in the language of magic\u2014well, one interpretation of it\u2014that the Wistram graduates had never dreamed of. Mrsha the Magically Gifted stared at the book.<\/p>\n Then she rolled over and yawned. She rested her little head on the huge book, which was about as big as she was. She vaguely waved a paw as she decided to curl up.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha, are you studying?\u201d<\/p>\n A voice interrupted the little Gnoll cub\u2019s nap. Krshia stared down at Mrsha, looking severe. Mrsha slowly sat up and made an unhappy sound in her throat. Krshia, [Royal Shopkeeper], and [Politician] by way of her new status as Councilmember of Liscor, stared at the white Gnoll. Then she turned to Elirr.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n The other Councilmember and [Beast Trainer] looked up. Elirr was reading a book. Absently, the Gnoll put a furry finger in place and closed the book. He looked at Mrsha. She dejectedly slumped over the book.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Mrsha is done for the moment, Krshia. Yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut she has barely started, Elirr. Surely\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe has the look of a cat, I say. One that will not be learning any new tricks. And she has been studying every time she comes over, Krshia. Let us let Mrsha play.\u201d<\/p>\n The white Gnoll sat up instantly, wagging her tail. Krshia hesitated. She looked at Mrsha, sighed, and growled.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha leapt<\/em> from the table, overjoyed. She hugged Krshia\u2019s leg. The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] waggled one finger.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Mrsha, you must try<\/em> to learn a spell, understand? It is important. At least a Tier 3! Within the next two weeks? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha\u2019s face fell. Krshia looked at her and the Gnoll cub nodded reluctantly, avoiding Krshia\u2019s eyes. At that moment, all three Gnolls heard a tap<\/em> from the window. Mrsha looked up and saw a bee buzzing around the glass. Krshia blinked at it.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Apista. She has a message?\u201d<\/p>\n She opened the window. Apista buzzed on in and promptly landed on Mrsha\u2019s head. The Gnoll grabbed the bee and gently held her. Krshia retrieved the message from the string.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Dear Mrsha:<\/em><\/p>\n Please come to the inn in one hour. Erin is baking a cake for tonight. Yours truly,<\/em><\/p>\n \u2013Lyonette<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Lyonette wishes to have Mrsha back in an hour. Well, I suppose there is time to let her play. But if she\u2026well, I will go see if there is anyone. Wait here, Mrsha. Elirr, will you send a message back?\u201d<\/p>\n She sighed, and went for the door. Elirr nodded and found something to write on the other side of the parchment with. While he did, Mrsha rubbed her nose gently against Apista\u2019s side. Then she paused.<\/p>\n She felt sad. But then Mrsha realized she<\/em> didn\u2019t feel sad. It was Apista! The little bee felt\u2026Mrsha stared at her, inquisitively. Something was wrong. Apista felt sad. Because\u2026? Something was wrong. But what?<\/p>\n The little bee stared at Mrsha, her tiny antennae waving. Mrsha, curious, sat down by the magical tome. What is wrong? She felt Apista was trying to tell<\/em> her something. As if the bee sensed Mrsha could listen. The white Gnoll cub got a flash of something.<\/p>\n Darkness. Stone. Little air. Things crawling up from below. Stab! Stab for the queen! Running out of honey. Dead things\u2014don\u2019t want to eat. Need air. Need the sky! Need\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMrsha. Ekirra will come over in ten minutes. Let Apista go, yes? And if you can, read the spellbook before we must put it away.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia interrupted Mrsha. The Gnoll blinked, and Apista\u2019s wings buzzed as she flew up to accept the message. The moment was gone. Mrsha looked at Krshia. The [Shopkeeper] pointed at the magical tome. Mrsha slowly, reluctantly, trudged over to the book and stared at the spell she was trying to memorize.<\/p>\n And mistakes had been made. Not silly mistakes. This was more of a stupid mistake, but one that had happened naturally. It was no one\u2019s fault<\/em>. It was just that Krshia, Elirr, and to some extent, Mrsha, had made mistakes.<\/p>\n It was now custom for Mrsha to be allowed to visit \u2018Aunt Krshia\u2019, or \u2018Aunt Selys\u2019 in the city. \u2018Uncle Relc\u2019 was on the blacklist, but Mrsha would spend a few hours, or even parts of the day, with people since the inn wasn\u2019t large enough for a growing Gnoll child. Each one had their specialty.<\/p>\n Uncle Relc was a last resort and usually taught Mrsha how to hit things, or lessons about things she really shouldn\u2019t learn\u2026ever, according to Lyonette. Aunt Selys was very nice, but she spoiled Mrsha by buying her whatever the little Gnoll wanted.<\/p>\n And Aunt Krshia\u2014well, she had many good qualities. And Elirr, who was no uncle, but a very good friend, was just as good. They taught Mrsha things about Gnolls, and they let her run about, do Gnoll things that Lyonette and Erin didn\u2019t understand.<\/p>\n But they also had the magical tome Ryoka had given them. And Krshia insisted Mrsha try to learn as much as possible before\u2026well, she hadn\u2019t told Mrsha why, just that it was very important.<\/em><\/p>\n And that was her mistake. Mrsha spent at least an hour each visit looking at the valuable tome. Reading spells, trying to learn new ones. And\u2014she had failed.<\/p>\n She knew six spells now. Six spells, all related to plants or the earth. She had learned no more, after weeks of studying. Krshia and Elirr didn\u2019t understand it. Mrsha had actually learned a seventh spell\u2014and in the process forgotten one of the other six she\u2019d learned. She could not memorize above Tier 2 spells at best, and sometimes she got nosebleeds or bad headaches or just lost interest.<\/p>\n Mistakes.<\/p>\n The reason for Mrsha\u2019s slump was simple, as any [Mage] could have told the Gnolls, from Moore to Falene to Ceria or Palt. And it was simple:<\/p>\n Mrsha was a child. She was also not a [Mage].<\/em><\/p>\n Mrsha was a [Druid]. She\u2019d gained the class after the battle with the Defenders of the Cave. She was a [Druid], not a [Mage]. Krshia and Elirr did not know this, so it wasn\u2019t their fault entirely. Only Mrsha\u2019s family knew she was a [Druid]. No one else needed to know, not even the Gnolls, who\u2019d kept their magical book secret from Mrsha\u2019s family in turn.<\/p>\n But a [Druid] was not a [Mage], as Pisces would have happily explained with a few sniffs. He\u2019d sniff and inform any uneducated soul that a [Druid] <\/em>was as close to a [Beast Tamer] and [Gardener] as a [Mage]. They drew power from nature, shaped and worked with it. That was not, to be sufficiently precise, the same as a [Green Mage].<\/p>\n Oh no. [Green Mages] were simply specialized in the magic they used, which was earth magic. But [Druids] were different. Their power and abilities stemmed from nature. They were not<\/em> the same as studious [Mages], who studied spells.<\/p>\n That was problem one. Problem two was simpler. And it was really something the Gnolls should have known.<\/p>\n Mrsha was a child. She was young. She had the attention span and cognitive abilities of a child. Even if she was old for her age, matured because of what she had seen and done, she was still a child. If Krshia had thought about it, she would have realized her errors.<\/p>\n Pisces, a [Mage] who had been considered a genius when he was a student, had taken over a month to memorize one Tier 4 spell in Wistram. He and Ceria had Skills that allowed them to remember the complex spells, the way magic moved and formed, had the training and experience to understand foreign concepts, how to move magic<\/em>, which most people couldn\u2019t even sense.<\/p>\n Mrsha had none of their advantages. She couldn\u2019t even really cast magic without the little wand. She tried to memorize magic, but she struggled even to remember all the spells crammed into her head.<\/p>\n And one last thing. It was true magic was wonderful. It was true<\/em> Mrsha would like to cast a Tier 5 spell, if the book had held one, and if she had the mana to cast it without dying. But the little Gnoll had grown used to having<\/em> to study the book every time she came to Krshia\u2019s apartment. It wasn\u2019t her secret anymore, it was work.<\/p>\n And, as most good [Teachers] knew and accounted for, if you had<\/em> to do something, it stopped being fun very quickly.<\/p>\n All of this led to this moment, as Mrsha glumly studied a spell that looked like it was meant to allow the user to meld with the ground, in this case, dirt, but in theory, stone or even other substances. But it made her head hurt and she didn\u2019t want to learn. She gave up after a few minutes and just pretended to study.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, that is enough. Good job, Mrsha. Let us put the book away.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia sighed after six minutes had passed. She hid the book and Mrsha brightened up. Krshia patted Mrsha on the head. The little Gnoll smiled. She did like Krshia. She just\u2026didn\u2019t like studying the book that hurt her brain.<\/p>\n Elirr let Mrsha jump onto the couch as Krshia hid the book. The [Beast Trainer] smiled at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cYou hard worker, you. Next time you visit, you should visit my shop, yes? The cats seem to like you. And the dogs. And everything else. You can see the baby Wyvern I\u2019m supposed to be raising.\u201d<\/p>\n Inside her bedroom, Krshia nearly dropped the spellbook she was putting into the secret vault. In doing so, she nearly <\/em>set off three spells that would have done horrible, horrible things to her. She emerged from her bedroom.<\/p>\n \u201cThe what?<\/em> Elirr, you did not say!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Beast Trainer] looked very pleased with himself as Mrsha shook his arm, wide-eyed, communicating the same thing nonverbally. He stroked the fur along his chin.<\/p>\n \u201cI did not? Well, I have Council duties, but I accepted the request. One of the Frost Wyverns\u2014it was killed, yes? The army was collecting bodies, and found a young Wyvern who had returned to its parent. It had not been killed; it hid under the wing and they captured it rather than slew it. It was a miracle, so Pallass, they sent out for a good [Beast Trainer]. I am not the highest-level, but I have trained a Wyvern before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n The older Gnoll grinned abashedly.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my youth. It was a challenge, but it was older than a newly-hatched one. This one\u2014it is very dangerous, since it is a rare hybrid, but I will take up the challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no way you will have time to do that and sit the Council meetings.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia protested. Elirr shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not have to do it long. My job\u2014and what I am good at\u2014is to get the Wyvern used to people. I will do so for a while, and when it is able to handle others, I will transfer it to a trainer who knows how to prepare animals for war. It will be a challenge, but\u2026would you like to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Beast Trainer] met Krshia\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is very safe, Krshia. It will have a muzzle for a while, and it cannot spit frost yet. It is a frightened thing, and I will try to make it welcome and feel safe. I will have to prepare my shop for it as well.\u201d<\/p>\n He grinned. Mrsha was nodding. Krshia looked dubious. Then she nodded. She winked at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cSo long as Lyonette does not find out, no?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll cub grinned. Then she heard a knock at the door. Mrsha sniffed the air and leapt off the couch. The other two Gnolls sniffed and grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cJeva! Come in! And little Ekirra too, I see.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia opened the door. Mrsha saw a taller Gnoll with dark fur\u2014before a blur of dusk-red shot into the room.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha! Mrshamrshamrshamrsha\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A Gnoll cub, a bit smaller than Mrsha, leapt towards Mrsha. She dodged and Ekirra landed. They raced about the couch as Elirr closed his book and got up to greet Jeva. The Gnoll mother called for Ekirra to stop, but he was too excited.<\/p>\n The two Gnoll cubs stopped. Both were running on all fours, and Mrsha grinned at Ekirra. He grinned back and the two sniffed each other. He had red fur, and a black splotch across one eye. He was around Mrsha\u2019s age. But he could talk. And he did.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMother! I want to play with Mrsha, yes? Yes!? Can we go to the park? I have a new ball, Mrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n He raced back to Jeva and reappeared with a ball. Mrsha raced over and the adults laughed, Jeva apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but he\u2019s been cooped up in the apartment all morning. He just got his ball\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. Mrsha is always delighted to see him. But we should take this outside, yes? Before a little Gnoll knocks over everything in my apartment!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia raised her voice warningly and the two Gnolls paused. They raced out the door, down the steps, and into the street. Ekirra grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go to the park!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWalk on two feet!\u201d<\/p>\n Jeva shouted as the adults more sedately went down the street. Mrsha and Ekirra groaned. They stood upright, grumbling. They walked down the street as the adults followed. Little Gnolls living in Krshia\u2019s block ran to the windows, smelling Ekirra or Mrsha. And the two Gnolls were, for a moment, just more children in Liscor. And that made Mrsha happy. She walked with Ekirra as he showed her his new ball, talking rapidly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was my birthday, so I asked and I got this ball! It was in the shop. I bought it and it bounces and it lights up in the dark! I want to show you! Mrsha! You smell like bees! Is Apista here? Can I pet her?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha signed back as Ekirra babbled. He\u2019d picked up on some of her paw-words as Erin had dubbed them, but Mrsha was still less chatty than Ekirra by nature. He was bubbly, talkative, and her first friend her age in Liscor. He was also younger than Mrsha, despite being actually a few months older than she was.<\/p>\n Adolescence was a funny thing. The young of each species grew differently, and with quirks that surprised those not of the species. For instance, Centaurs notably had children who could walk within an hour of being born, like horses. They took a long time to develop enough to speak, but Centaur children had a definite edge up on other species.<\/p>\n Where they lost was that Centaurs had one of the longest pregnancies of any species, except for, like, whales. And Dullahans. In exchange for magical abilities, or functionality at birth, some species paid a price.<\/p>\n For instance, Lizardfolk children were close to feral, hungry things, when they came out of eggs. Tiny, and primitive. Left unchecked, they would do what other reptiles did and fight each other to the death.<\/p>\n Garuda chicks were flightless and helpless for a long time compared to other species. Human babies died if you dropped them too many times. And they basically wriggled around and wailed.<\/p>\n But, among others, Gnoll children were different. The Gnoll species was nomadic by and large and their children were able to run about on all fours very quickly. They developed muscle fast, and if they kept to their four-legged run for longer than they needed to, well, it was because their bone structure would eventually shift to encourage standing on two legs.<\/p>\n It was a painful process, known as the \u2018shifting year\u2019 to Gnolls. But each species had its flaws. Humans got pimples. Drake children went through a hoarding phase. Dullahans had to keep changing their armor. And so on.<\/p>\n Gnolls grew up fast, but like Humans, female Gnolls hit their puberty a bit before males. Ekirra was about Mrsha\u2019s age, but he was sillier. A City Gnoll as well. Mrsha still liked him a lot.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s play, Mrsha! Let\u2019s play.<\/em> Catch!\u201d<\/p>\n He had his new ball, made of soft leather and painted with bright silver on darker black. The silver paint shone when he threw it, and it even glowed in the dark <\/em>thanks to an alchemical compound applied to it. Ekirra was happy as could be with it and Mrsha was jealous. But the other Gnoll let Mrsha inspect his ball and they began to toss it back and forth.<\/p>\n Ekirra raced around Mrsha, careless and free, and she grinned. Ekirra didn\u2019t know or care what the adults said about the white Gnoll cub and his mother was a niece-sister of Elirr. He\u2019d been introduced over Erin\u2019s holiday, when Mrsha had been forced to live in Krshia\u2019s apartment. Now, she met with him at least three times a week.<\/p>\n Not just him either. As the two Gnolls hurried towards the park, the adults calling on them to slow down because they were slow and old<\/em>, Mrsha and Ekirra both sniffed the air. Ekirra bounded forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cVisma!\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake mother and her daughter turned. Visma, nibbling her thumb-claw in her mouth, smiled as her mother, Selena, spotted Ekirra barreling towards them. He slowed down and Mrsha ran over on two legs.<\/p>\n Visma!<\/em> Mrsha waved and Ekirra raced around the Drake, who had pearly-white scales speckled with greens, to show her his new ball. Selena, a [Painter], smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Ekirra. And Mrsha too? Visma was just going to the park.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe park!<\/em> Let\u2019s all go together! There are Humans there now! Human children!\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra nearly went mad with excitement. Selena laughed and waved at Krshia and Elirr and Jeva. The adults made a group and Krshia greeted Selena.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, what timing, Selena. Are you going to the park too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, as a matter of fact. I was walking Visma over\u2014I hear there are Human children playing there, and I wanted to watch her for a bit. I hear there were a few incidents\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChildren fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey copy the adults. The Humans immigrating to Liscor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha ignored the grown-ups. She waved at Visma.<\/p>\n \u201cHullo.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake shyly greeted Mrsha. She was a friend too, but more timid than Ekirra. Visma was shy and liked copying her mother by making sculptures out of mud or things she found. Then again\u2014anyone was shy compared to Ekirra.<\/p>\n She and Mrsha had become friends when Visma asked to paint Mrsha because she had such lovely fur, like a canvas. Normally she and Mrsha would quietly talk, but Visma seemed restless today. She stared at Ekirra.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my ball.<\/em> Isn\u2019t it wonderful?\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra showed it to Visma proudly. The Drake stared <\/em>at the ball as Mrsha, signing, tried to ask her \u2018how are you today?\u2019 But Visma just stared at Ekirra\u2019s ball.<\/p>\n Then she grabbed it. Visma yanked<\/em> the ball out of Ekirra\u2019s paws. She hugged it in her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cMine.\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra was so shocked he just stared for a moment. Then he tried to grab the ball back.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s mine! Give it back!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Visma turned around. Ekirra raced around her furiously. The adults didn\u2019t notice at first, debating about Humans and when Gnolls<\/em> had entered the city first. Visma glared at Ekirra.<\/p>\n \u201cMine now. Mine!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Give it back!<\/em> Or else!\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra was getting angry. Visma refused to give the ball. He tried to grab it, but she had it in a death-hold. She hissed<\/em> at him.<\/p>\n Ekirra stopped. He stood on two feet, raised a paw and made it into a fist. Mrsha, anxious, ran over to separate the two. She clumsily stood up, putting two paws out.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t fight! Don\u2019t fight!<\/em><\/p>\n Anxiously, she looked at her two friends. What was wrong with Visma? The little Drake girl glared at Mrsha, then looked at Ekirra. His fur was standing up.<\/p>\n \u201cGive me my ball, Visma!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n Visma punched Ekirra in the nose. He fell onto his behind. All the adults looked down in shock.<\/p>\n \u201cVisma!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Selena shouted at her daughter. The little Drake looked up, realized she was in trouble, and fled. Visma ran off with the leather ball. Mrsha was so shocked she just froze.<\/p>\n The Gnoll boy, sitting on the ground, staring in shock. His nose wasn\u2019t bleeding or anything, but the blow and Visma racing off had stunned him. He looked around as Visma rounded a corner. Her mother ran after her, shouting. Ekirra looked ahead, looked at Mrsha, and then his mother.<\/p>\n He began to howl. Jeva bent down and grabbed her son. She nuzzled him.<\/p>\n \u201cShh. Shh, Ekirra! It\u2019s not bad. How is your nose? Shh.\u201d<\/p>\n Windows flew open as Gnolls stared out to hear who was howling. Gnoll howls were important. Plus, a single crying child could wake up an entire neighborhood of sensitive Gnoll ears. They grumbled when they saw only Ekirra. Elirr and Krshia called up, reassuring them.<\/p>\n \u201cI am so sorry.<\/em> She\u2019s into her hoarding year and\u2014where has she gone? Visma! Visma!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Selena ran back to them, apologizing profusely. Mrsha ran after Selena as the other Gnolls hurried forwards. But Visma had run left down another street and she was gone.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHoarding?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2014she\u2019s grabbed everything at home\u2014I am so sorry, Ekirra. Let me buy you a treat. We\u2019ll find Visma\u2014where did she run off to? She\u2019s probably hiding. I\u2019m so sorry, could I trouble you to help me find her?\u201d<\/p>\n Selena was upset, rather than worried. And the Gnolls, all of them, nodded. Ekirra stopped wailing as his mother put him down.<\/p>\n \u201cStop crying, Ekirra. Miss Selena will buy you a treat. Let\u2019s find Visma, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha was already sniffing Ekirra and the ground. Elirr nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha has her scent. Let\u2019s go find her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Wiping his nose, Ekirra looked at Mrsha. She pointed and they ran forwards. The adults loped after them.<\/p>\n \u201cNot too fast, Mrsha! Mrsha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Plains Gnoll didn\u2019t listen to the others. This felt like home! She raced down the street. Liscor had few horses because the Floodplains were so up and down and this wasn\u2019t a street that allowed wagons. She raced past pedestrians, shot left down a street\u2014Ekirra ran with her. Mrsha felt alive. <\/em>This was primal, that spoke to their ancestral roots. Mrsha turned another corner, raced down a street\u2014<\/p>\n And stopped. Ekirra skidded to a halt next to her. The adults, panting, caught up a few seconds later. Selena was worried, gasping for breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if she fell into the sewers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re very clean these days. They were cleared out and I haven\u2019t had a blockage in\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr paused in reassuring her. His ears went up.<\/p>\n Visma was standing in the street. She had Ekirra\u2019s ball in her claws, but she hadn\u2019t run any further. She was staring. Staring up at someone she must have run into.<\/p>\n A huge Gnoll with scars instead of fur across her body. She was big<\/em>. As burly as\u2014Mrsha\u2019s heart stopped for a second\u2014<\/p>\n A Raskghar.<\/em><\/p>\n But she wasn\u2019t one. She was just a Gnoll. Mrsha breathed. Then she took in the Gnoll a second time. The Gnoll was bent, inspecting Visma. She had a nasty look. A nasty smell.<\/p>\n Like old blood.<\/em> She was walking with two other Gnolls and a Drake. All of them looked\u2026bad. Like Gnolls that the Stone Spears Tribe had to watch out for. Wanderers. The kind Urksh had told Mrsha not to go near.<\/p>\n She smelled like that. The two Gnoll cubs watched as the huge Gnoll woman looked at them. She noticed the adults.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. So this is the child\u2019s parent. Ran into us, she did. Run along, little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll\u2019s voice was low. Almost pleasant, but it had a rolling quality. And she even sounded dangerous. Mrsha saw Visma turn.<\/p>\n \u201cI am so sorry. Visma, come here!\u201d<\/p>\n Selena, breathless, opened her arms. Visma fled into them.<\/p>\n \u201cEkirra, Mrsha, you too.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeva called out, frightened. She was more worried than Selena. It was one thing if someone looked<\/em> like they were a bit nasty. But Gnolls could smell it. This Gnoll\u2014Mrsha saw Ekirra run backwards.<\/p>\n Krshia and Elirr stared at the female Gnoll. She was eying Mrsha, having spotted the white fur. The two Gnolls next to her reacted as they saw that Mrsha was completely white.<\/p>\n \u201cA Doomed One?\u201d<\/p>\n The first Gnoll leapt back. The second flattened her ears. Without looking at the two, the huge Gnoll swung a paw.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. I heard there was one in this city. You must be Mrsha. <\/em>Is that your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n She bent low, grinning. Mrsha saw a huge face and held her ground. Whoever this was, she wasn\u2019t worse than Nokha. She nodded slowly. The Gnoll woman grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so nice to meet you, little Mrsha. They call me Bearclaw.\u201d<\/p>\n She sniffed once. Mrsha\u2019s hair rose. Bearclaw wasn\u2019t a Gnoll name.<\/p>\n \u201cApologies for the little one. It is good to meet you, Miss Bearclaw. Are you new to Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s voice was strained. Her fur was standing up a bit. So was Elirr\u2019s. The two Gnolls motioned and Krshia backed up. Bearclaw inhaled again. Her eyes flicked from Mrsha to Krshia. She stared at the Gnoll and then grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cHonored<\/em> Krshia, yes? I\u2019ve heard about you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I am delighted. But I do not know you, sadly. Are you from the tribes?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia bared her teeth in a not-grin. Bearclaw\u2019s smile widened.<\/p>\n \u201cI was. I came to Liscor for business. Are you this Gnoll\u2019s caretaker? I heard she had another.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBearclaw, she\u2019s white. <\/em>Soot didn\u2019t say anything about\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha slunk behind Elirr as one of the Gnolls, who was nearly all-brown save for some tufts of silver around his ears, whispered in Bearclaw\u2019s ear. The Gnoll cuffed him. Hard.<\/p>\n \u201cShut. Up. That\u2019s just superstition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should be going. Apologies for bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr nodded to the other parents. They turned\u2014and Bearclaw walked forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy so soon? I haven\u2019t met another Plains Gnoll worth talking to in a long time. Let\u2019s talk. You can tell me what one of the white-furs is doing around here. I knew a few over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Mrsha and the little Gnoll looked up. Bearclaw smiled, but Elirr and Krshia did not.<\/p>\n \u201cI think not. The children have to be at the park.\u201d<\/p>\n There was always a [Guard] there. Mainly to watch out for accidents, although the parks had a lot of safety magic. But there was always a member of the Watch there. Mrsha remembered that all of a sudden. Bearclaw tilted her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAm I bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n Whatever Elirr or Krshia said next might have gone a lot of ways. The two Gnolls and the Drake were staring at Mrsha and Bearclaw. She smelled like danger, and Mrsha\u2019s little nose told her that Bearclaw had steel in either pocket of her vest. She wore leather, incidentally. And both leather and steel smelled of that old blood.<\/p>\n It could have gone a number of ways. But it didn\u2019t, because at that moment someone clicked<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me. I believe Councilmember Krshia and Elirr have pressing business. As do you all. Kindly move along.\u201d<\/p>\n Bearclaw turned. Her smile vanished. Mrsha turned and inhaled a familiar, reassuring scent.<\/p>\n Klbkch and Relc stood in the street. The Drake [Guardsman] stared at Bearclaw and grinned, much like she had.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re Bearclaw. <\/em>Hi. Klb told me all about you.\u201d<\/p>\n The adults relaxed. And it was the possible [Thug]\u2019s turn to stiffen as Liscor\u2019s infamous Senior Guardsman pair strolled down the street. Bearclaw instantly swung around, putting both paws in her vest pockets.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Guardsmen. What seems to be the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou may move along. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch\u2019s voice was flat. Bearclaw blinked. Normally, there was usually some byplay of \u2018what have we done?\u2019 Or something. But Klbkch seemed to have missed a line.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will walk away. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch looked at Bearclaw. Her hackles rose.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that an order?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am in a bad mood. I would appreciate it if you refused to move along.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch stared at her. The other Gnolls and Drakes stared at Klbkch warily. Bearclaw eyed the Antinium, his two swords, then Relc. She snarled, and spun.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n They walked off. Relc whistled. He called out after Bearclaw.<\/p>\n \u201cKlbkch, my man\u2014he has no calm! Normally I\u2019m the bad guy. We\u2019ll see you again, Miss! Tell Soot we said hi!\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t reply. Krshia and the others relaxed as a Klbkch marched up to them. The Antinium looked at Mrsha, and then crisply saluted Krshia.<\/p>\n \u201cApologies, Councilmember. We delayed stepping in, hoping that Bearclaw would reveal something. You were never in any danger.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are monitoring her, Guardsman Klbkch?\u201d<\/p>\n Shaken, Krshia looked at Klbkch and Relc. The two nodded. Relc waved at Mrsha and she waved back. Klbkch nodded, his gaze following the way Bearclaw had gone.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc, follow them. I will catch up. Of course, Councilwoman Krshia. Watch Captain Zevara is investigating whatever she and her associates are up to. But we have no proof. And Bearclaw was able to testify under truth spell that she had not committed a crime\u2026in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc jogged after Bearclaw. Elirr blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo murders?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe had committed. Yes. I must follow my partner, but I apologize for the delay. Bearclaw is, for the moment, a private citizen. Please lodge any complaints at the Watch House for Senior Guardsman Klbkch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha watched as Klbkch hurried off, following Relc. Ekirra and Visma\u2019s parents watched as Elirr and Krshia came over, and then they all gathered together in an anxious knot.<\/p>\n \u201cWho was<\/em> that, Krshia? I saw Jeva\u2019s fur standing all up on end!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe called herself Bearclaw. I think she\u2019s a criminal. From another city. Or the wilds, perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia murmured. Elirr was nodding. Both looked tense after meeting Bearclaw. Mrsha saw Ekirra sidle over. He leaned against Mrsha, looking frightened. She patted him on the head.<\/p>\n \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t allow such people in. Krshia, you should get the Council to amend the law about allowing in\u2026visitors like that! Why was she let in to begin with?\u201d<\/p>\n Jeva was speaking loudly, and anxiously. Krshia just shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cIf their sentence is not murder, or something equally guilty, they are allowed into the city. That is the law. This Bearclaw, though\u2014I think she would have proven cases of self-defense\u2026or been present at murders someone else committed. Technicalities like that exist. I will ask Watch Captain Zevara to investigate, but we need not change the law. There are<\/em> cases\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should! She looked ready to attack Visma!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe wouldn\u2019t have. And it was just a lesson for Visma not to run about, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr murmured. But Selena was more and more upset as she realized who Bearclaw was.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to do something, Elirr! That Gnoll woman\u2014a murderer?<\/em> And she was just walking down the street with those other [Thugs]! Change the law! If you won\u2019t, maybe Councilmember Lism\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSelena!\u201d<\/p>\n Elirr\u2019s voice was hurt. The Drake paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m just trying to look out for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBearclaw is one Gnoll<\/em>. We must trust the Watch. Senior Guardsman Klbkch was right there. Surely\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The adults began to argue politics. Adult things. Mrsha, Ekirra, and Visma all looked at each other, dismayed. The visit to the park might be off. It was already eating into Mrsha\u2019s hour before she had to go back. Ekirra looked at Mrsha, and then at Visma.<\/p>\n The little Drake was pale-faced. She looked at the ball she\u2019d stolen, and then slowly, held it out to Ekirra.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry I took your ball.\u201d<\/p>\n She shyly mumbled an apology. Ekirra licked her cheek. And that was that. Mrsha hugged her friends and they went to play. When Mrsha went back to the inn, her two friends came with her. Elirr had promised to drop both off at their homes.<\/p>\n He did not<\/em> tell Lyonette about Bearclaw, and Mrsha\u2019s tail wagged and wagged, almost as hard as Ekirra\u2019s as Lyonette greeted them.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Elirr. And is this Ekirra and Visma? Hello! Will you be staying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we have to go home. This is my ball!\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra announced loudly. Visma shyly waved at Lyonette. The [Princess] smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, ask your parents if you can come by tonight. There\u2019s going to be the Players of Celum. And cake.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Both little Drake and Gnoll grew excited. Mrsha ran around Elirr and he sighed as he bade Mrsha farewell. The little Gnoll signed to Lyonette that she\u2019d had a big day!<\/em> But the [Princess] was very busy.<\/p>\n She put Mrsha down after a hug and the Gnoll sighed. Krshia and Elirr had to go to the Council, Drassi was off work today, and Selys was busy. So was Relc. So no one could watch over her, not even Ishkr. But that was okay. She was going to get cake!<\/em><\/p>\n The silly thing had still not yet occurred, by the by.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wandering Inn is back open!\u201d<\/p>\n Fals, the City Runner, had had a good night\u2019s rest in The Drunken Swordsman, one of Celum\u2019s inns. He settled his bill, jogged to the Runner\u2019s Guild, and delivered the good news.<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] at the desk pulled a face. Fals paused. He knew all the local staff, and he was on familiar terms with Esi.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Esi?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Fals. I know it\u2019s good news for you<\/em>, since you don\u2019t have to run back. But\u2014honestly, the Guildmaster is not going to be happy about it. Neither should you, really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner was mystified. Esi leaned over the desk, grimacing.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014you delivered your package, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. Long run, but the door cut me all the time going back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, but you got paid<\/em> for the run. Even though there\u2019s a magic door that could\u2019ve done all the work for you. It wasn\u2019t working until now, which is why you got the delivery. We ran tons of deliveries south to Liscor. Fat chance of anyone getting work now.\u201d<\/p>\n Fals blinked at the young woman.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014I just used the door to come back. I did the entire run myself, none of Erin\u2019s door. That\u2019s her deal, remember? No using the magic door to deliver messages?\u201d<\/p>\n Esi laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Fals! You think anyone actually does<\/em> that? I\u2019ve seen more Drakes this last month than I have in my entire life! All who want to post letters of packages going north! Guess where they came from.\u201d<\/p>\n Fals\u2019 jaw dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. I didn\u2019t hear about this!\u201d<\/p>\n But it made sense. He hadn\u2019t gotten any contracts to run south to Liscor in a long while, or even to Esthelm. Esi shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI bet Liscor\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild is just as steamed. And Esthelm\u2019s! Normally, they go through Esthelm. Waypoints north. But ever since that damn door appeared\u2014that\u2019s a hundred mile route gone! <\/em>And it\u2019s costing Celum\u2019s Guild and the runners money!\u201d<\/p>\n She looked meaningfully around. Fals glanced about and realized there were fewer City Runners in this guild than there usually were. He straightened.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Erin doesn\u2019t have any part of this, Esi. I can talk to her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho, the [Innkeeper]? What\u2019s she going to do? Charge a fee for people using the door?\u201d<\/p>\n Esi laughed and shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cFace it, Fals. It\u2019s just less business. We do get outbound deliveries, so that\u2019s something. But it\u2019s just\u2014not great. Sorry, I shouldn\u2019t be griping to you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey. It\u2019s not your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n Fals leaned over and gripped Esi\u2019s hand. He smiled and she smiled back. The City Runner looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell Erin, maybe see if something can be done. But the inn is<\/em> back, and Liscor\u2019s a fine city to go to. One step and you can be there, Esi. That\u2019s something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled a bit, but her smile faded as she looked to the Guildmaster\u2019s office. Fals sighed.<\/p>\n It was strange. Everyone else he told the news to that day perked up.<\/p>\n \u201cThe inn\u2019s back? I\u2019ve been wanting some of those cookies! Promised my girl\u2014she\u2019s coming from Ocre\u2014that I\u2019d give her a bag. Damned expensive, though.\u201d<\/p>\n A [Shoemaker] that Fals knew grinned as Fals passed by. The City Runner told a [Trader] and she brightened as he haggled for a spyglass. It was cheap<\/em>, and, Fals discovered, made of glass instead of metal!<\/p>\n \u201cThis is so affordable. How\u2019d you get it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom Pallass, of course! I was one of the few people who signed up on that list they have. Walked through, did some trading\u2014Pallass makes these. And even cheaply, I can make double the profit going north. You say the inn\u2019s open? I\u2019ll be there tonight! A few drinks\u2014that Gnoll [Bartender] is a genius\u2014and a play before I head north!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think there\u2019ll even be a door going to Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Trader]\u2019s eyes widened as Fals paid for the spyglass. He almost thought about going to Pallass to get it cheaper\u2014but Erin had told them it would be complicated after the Wyvern-Bird fiasco. She put her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n \u201cImagine that! Dead gods, I might just stick around, then! If I could jump all the way there I\u2019d beat<\/em> my competition without having to walk a mile! And the new trade route!\u201d<\/p>\n Not to mention the savings in sending packages.<\/em> Fals paused, and his smile slipped as he put away the spyglass. What would that do for Runners? So many parcels got sent north and south. The Runner\u2019s Guilds all the way to Invrisil would lose money! No\u2014all<\/em> the guilds would lose money because you\u2019d have to charge less if the route was that much shorter.<\/p>\n He began to see Esi\u2019s point. Fals thanked the [Trader] and hurried away, thinking deeply.<\/p>\n Fals was, by his own admission, an ordinary fellow. A good City Runner, and he liked to think he was the best around Celum. Around Celum, though, and that was precarious now. Fals had been humbled by Ryoka. Persua had been a poke in the eye; she\u2019d gotten lucky, not deserved her new Skill. And now Garia was running faster and faster these days.<\/p>\n Sometimes, Fals felt like an ordinary fellow running against special people. But he liked to think he was good at being a decent person to everyone he met. He had few enemies, and a lot of acquaintances and friends. That was valuable to a Runner.<\/p>\n He stopped by at an acquaintance\u2019s shop on his way to find the Players of Celum, as he\u2019d promised Lyonette. Octavia\u2019s shop, Stitchworks, was normally a place of moderate business. But again, today, Fals found the unexpected. Octavia\u2019s shop was wide open\u2014and people were roundly cursing the door to Liscor.<\/p>\n By proxy this time. Fals pushed his way past dozens of\u2026housewives. Younger [Bakers]. And at the front, arguing with Octavia, a group of some of Celum\u2019s best [Bakers].<\/p>\n \u201cOctavia! Hi! What\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n Fals was just here for two stamina potions, but Octavia\u2019s shop was flooded<\/em>. The [Alchemist] was arguing with the [Bakers] as she tried to sell packets of white\u2026powder. Fals stared.<\/p>\n \u201cFals! Excuse me! That is my merchandise! I have a right to sell! <\/em>Yes, thank you! It\u2019s eight silver per packet! Makes dozens of loaves!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t do this! It\u2019s just fake stuff! I demand you stop it! Who knows what it\u2019ll do if you eat it?\u201d<\/p>\n A burly [Baker] woman was shouting at Octavia. The [Alchemist] shouted back as the people in line wavered.<\/p>\n \u201cDo? People have been eating it for months!<\/em> Erin Solstice sells bread and cakes made with it in her inn every night! That\u2019s right, step on up, folks! Baking soda, for sale at a very reasonable price! While stocks last!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBaking soda?\u201d<\/p>\n Fals had to ask. One of the upset [Bakers] glared.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. It\u2019s this damn white stuff\u2014makes bread rise, apparently! Some kind of [Alchemist] hoppycock!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPoppycock?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever they use! I\u2019m sure she\u2019s ground it up in there! Probably bugs and worms and whatnot! But it makes bread rise and poof up! It\u2019s an outrage!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Baker] just cursed. Octavia, who\u2019d shoved off the angry [Bakers], grinned and explained as she did business with the eager people in line.<\/p>\n \u201cI sold some to a woman the other day. I\u2019ve had it for ages<\/em>, but only Erin ever wanted it, so I thought it wasn\u2019t that good. But the woman came back\u2014said it made her bread delicious and puff up! What do I know? I\u2019m not a baker! Everyone wants it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not right! They didn\u2019t earn the Skills to make their bread rise! I\u2019ve got [Natural Yeast]! I apprenticed for years<\/em> for my Skills! You\u2019re selling a shortcut! Probably with negative side-effects!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin says it\u2019s fine!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia bellowed back. She looked at Fals.<\/p>\n \u201cShe did say it was fine. I\u2019d better, uh, check. But I\u2019m doing mad business and I dare not leave the shop right now. Could you check for me?\u201d<\/p>\n Fals blinked. The magic door was sitting there, and Octavia had left it open, but the door must have been linked somewhere else. He raised his hands as all the [Bakers], some of which he knew, stared at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t, Octavia.\u201d<\/p>\n Rather than make an enemy out of Celum\u2019s baking elite, Fals slid sideways. He saw a young man in line, trying to hide behind a few excited amateurs.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on. Don\u2019t I know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShh! Don\u2019t let them see me!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Apprentice Baker] whispered to Fals. He had a hood on and was nervously clutching three packets of baking soda. Fals blinked and obligingly covered him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want this powder! I could sell as well as my master with it! It\u2019s wondrous<\/em>! The other [Bakers]\u2014they\u2019re furious because it allows amateurs to make risen bread! Normally you need a yeast or Skill, and it\u2019s a big secret. But now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n Another convenience. Fals saw the [Bakers], unable to stop Octavia without breaking the law, storming towards the door. One turned and shook her fist.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t over! The Baker\u2019s Guild won\u2019t let this be silent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Shout it to the world, folks! Baking soda is on sale! And matches! Light a fire and bake some bread! But don\u2019t put any flour in the fire. It explodes. Courtesy of Miss Erin Solstice! Visit The Wandering Inn! Next!\u201d<\/p>\n Fals shook his head as he left Stitchworks. He couldn\u2019t fault Octavia, or the apprentice. Maybe the powder was bad? But if Erin vouched for it\u2026could an [Alchemist]\u2019s powder really replace honest baking?<\/p>\n Fals wasn\u2019t an expert, but he was glad Octavia was making money. He\u2019d get his stamina potions later. And ask Erin about the baking soda. But he had one more important stop.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome, welcome to Blazehound! We have a practice session by the Players of Celum!\u201d<\/p>\n A voice greeted Fals as he pushed open a door to one of Celum\u2019s other finest inns. Blazehound. True to its name, the inn was merry and lit, and the charming innkeeper, Ulia Ovena, swept towards Fals. He smiled\u2014this was a popular place for couples and people seeking the plushest experience. The Drunken Swordsman was more utilitarian, and larger.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ulia, it\u2019s me, Fals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, of course!<\/em> Fals, good morning to you! Are you not on a run? I can set you up with a table, if you\u2019d like. A room?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cActually, I was hoping to speak with Temile?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman beamed. She had a few streaks of grey, but she was considered to be one of the most eligible bachelorettes in Celum. She pointed Fals to the stage.<\/p>\n \u201cYou and everyone else. I don\u2019t know that they\u2019ll let you see Temile, unless you have a delivery\u2014and a number of Runners have tried that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I don\u2019t have a delivery but I know Temile. And I have good news for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ulia followed Fals. The Players of Celum had made an impromptu stage and backstage out of one of her private rooms. They\u2019d clearly been here for a while; the full room at midday and Ulia\u2019s pleased look, that of a very solvent cat, was proof enough. Fals smiled\u2014then he had a premonition. You didn\u2019t have to be a genius to see the third time coming.<\/p>\n He was definitely going to ruin her day.<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2026yes, Miss Ulia. The Wandering Inn is back open. The magic door\u2019s back, so Miss Solstice wanted me to send a message to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ulia\u2019s smile vanished in an instant. She grabbed Fals\u2019 arm with surprising strength as he tried to make his way to the stage where a few [Actors] were practicing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat inn? Hold on now! You don\u2019t need to tell them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe news is all over, Miss Ulia. I\u2019m just doing my job\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] was trying to pull Fals back. One of the [Bouncers] was strolling over and Fals was about to cut his losses and let someone else tell the Players when he heard a shout.<\/p>\n \u201cFals!\u201d<\/p>\n Temile himself had spotted Fals. The [Stage Manager] strode over and Ulia let go of Fals with a furious sound. Relieved, the City Runner gave her an apologetic look as Temile appeared.<\/p>\n \u201cFals! You\u2019re back in Celum already? I saw you off days ago. Does that mean\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTemile, hello. The Wandering Inn is back open. Miss Solstice sends her regards. She was wondering\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The young man got no further because Temile let out a whoop<\/em> that made all the Players stop practicing. He turned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Wandering Inn is open<\/em>! Pack it up, people! We\u2019re rejoining our Liscor [Actors]! Get to Miss Octavia\u2019s shop! I want everyone there in the hour!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Actors] cheered. So did many of Ulia\u2019s patrons. The [Innkeeper] hurried over, grabbing at Temile\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cTemile! Let us talk <\/em>about this! You\u2019ve had splendid performances in my inn! And Timbor was getting ready to host you in The Drunken Swordsman! He\u2019s even prepared a stage! Do you have to go to that\u2014that inn?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Manager] gave Ulia an astonished look. Fals wanted to slide out the door. He saw the [Bouncer] glaring\u2014less crowds meant less profits for the entire inn, even if it meant more work. But Temile was just shaking his head as Ulia pleaded with him. The woman was charming and she was turning it up\u2014Fals felt uncomfortably hot, but the [Actor] and [Manager]\u2014or was it [Producer]? One had evolved into the other\u2014was adamant.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have half our new [Actors] in Liscor, Miss Ulia. And even if they were willing to work elsewhere\u2014Miss Solstice\u2019s inn is the place! She\u2019s the architect of our grand tragedies and triumphs! I\u2019m sorry, but we did say it was just until she came off holiday. Pack it up!<\/em> Everyone, we will be at the inn tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n He shook off Ulia and hurried off. Fals saw the [Actors] rushing to pack their props. He winced as the other [Innkeeper] stood there.<\/p>\n \u201cThat inn.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She did not look so charming or pleasant now. Fals hurried out the door before Ulia could turn her wrath on him. Almost everyone was happy about the news.<\/p>\n Except for the Runner\u2019s Guild. The Baker\u2019s Guild. The City Watch, who feared Goblins and Antinium, and the association of [Innkeepers] in Celum. Timbor, owner of the very inn where Fals had slept, Miss Agnes, Miss Ulia, and more, cursed the inn. They cursed Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n Something had to be done about her. But Fals had done his due diligence. He hadn\u2019t made a mistake.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The incident occurred about thirty minutes after Mrsha returned to the inn. She was prowling around, bored. She knew no one could take her into Liscor, but she wanted to have fun!<\/em><\/p>\n But she wasn\u2019t allowed outside of the inn. Mrsha would have visited the Defenders of the Cave, but Lyonette was worried about Mrsha\u2019s tendencies to fall into dungeons, find Creler eggs, and so on. She was overprotective. Mrsha was brave! She was Mrsha the\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha!<\/em> Stop bothering the Workers!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette scolded Mrsha as the Gnoll scampered over the half-finished second floor. The Workers were making fast progress, but they paused to look at the white, fluffy little Gnoll. They were disappointed when Lyonette made Mrsha go down and scolded her for risking injury!<\/p>\n \u201cI know<\/em> it\u2019s boring, sweetie. But everyone\u2019s busy today. Tell you what\u2014why don\u2019t you ask if one of the nice people will play chess with you? Or Go? Or Shogi? Or\u2014you could help the Players set up. Fals just came back and said they\u2019re coming tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n