{"id":7788,"date":"2020-03-08T10:20:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-08T10:20:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=7788"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:00:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:00:54","slug":"interlude-burning-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/03\/08\/interlude-burning-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Interlude – Burning Alcohol"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was another day. One where Erin didn\u2019t have anything planned<\/em> while waking up.<\/p>\n

No\u2014to rephrase that, she didn\u2019t have anyone else telling her what they needed done. No Grimalkin and his weights, no playdates with Mrsha at the inn. Nothing new, save for what Erin herself took on.<\/p>\n

Normally, Erin treasured those days. They were rare in The Wandering Inn. And yes, some days Erin Solstice, insane Human, [Innkeeper] of the infamously famous inn, friend to Goblins, purveyor of strange events and her own kind of magic\u2026sometimes she was tired.<\/p>\n

It had been an interesting week. And they were all<\/em> interesting weeks. The only times Erin really remembered nothing happening in the inn was every time something so large had happened that everything else was background noise. Static.<\/p>\n

Like the battle against Reiss, the Goblin Lord. The silence after Skinner had attacked. The days following Ulrien and Brunkr\u2019s deaths.<\/p>\n

The inn only really grew silent when something bad had happened. But Erin also remembered the feeling after the Horns of Hammerad had returned, victorious. There had been sadness, then. But triumph.<\/p>\n

Until Toren, that was. It was true that the inn had a reputation. For great tragedy and great joy. But Erin felt like there was as much victory as loss.<\/p>\n

Still, she recalled something. A brief two weeks where nothing had happened. A little camp, a \u2018wilderness adventure\u2019 which was really as dangerous and dramatic as camping in a curated safe zone. But it had been fun. Relaxing. She had needed it.<\/p>\n

It already felt like a long time ago, but it had only been\u2026a month ago? Something like that. Erin remembered waking up and fishing, or wandering around the camp. Taking out the portable chess set she\u2019d brought, or staring at the sky.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d been terribly sad, then. But the two weeks had helped. Erin had done a lot of thinking. She hadn\u2019t enjoyed <\/em>it as much as needed it. And if she had a choice\u2014no. Erin wouldn\u2019t do it like that again.<\/p>\n

For one thing, Erin had a family. Mrsha, Lyonette, Numbtongue, Bird. She had left them behind because she\u2019d needed to. But if Erin could do it again, she\u2019d have at least brought Mrsha and Lyonette with her. Bird and Numbtongue would have been hard to smuggle into that campsite. But if Erin could take them to a theoretical campsite\u2026<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice lay in her Garden of Sanctuary and stared up at the sky, through the domed roof. And she felt the same feeling as before. But\u2014different. Because she was all too aware this was a reprieve. She\u2019d woken up near dawn, as always. It was a habit. Numbtongue would be here soon, scavenging his breakfast from the premade meals. Or Bird would appear, or Mrsha would rush down the stairs or use the Garden as a shortcut.<\/p>\n

If Erin stayed here, she wouldn\u2019t have her quiet days like at the campsite with Pallass Hunting. And in a way, that was what she craved.<\/p>\n

Quiet times. Solitude. It might amaze anyone who had met Erin, but she enjoyed being alone as much as other people. Before coming to this world, she had sat in front of a chess board and practiced her game. Studied chess in solitude.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice had learned she was good at being social. She had learned who she was, and that she had other talents. Like fighting. Like her own brand of innkeeping, her special magic. But on a quiet day like this, where no one was supposed to ask her anything, part of Erin Solstice would have loved to do nothing more than lie on her back and stare at the sky for hours.<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] felt tired today. She couldn\u2019t have said why. Poor sleep, perhaps. It had been busy. And she\u2019d pulled a muscle trying to do some lifts with Grimalkin and the others. He\u2019d told her to tough it out. Erin wanted to wimp out with a healing potion, but she hadn\u2019t bothered after the Antinium had come and Erin had fed them all and cried and given out hugs and chocolate\u2026<\/p>\n

Busy days. She\u2019d gotten, what, five hours of sleep? Erin yawned. She\u2019d love nothing more than to go to bed, but she was programmed to wake up at dawn from the first days in the inn. She could just close her eyes\u2026<\/p>\n

Scampering feet<\/em>. Mrsha appeared through a door and Erin heard Lyonette\u2019s scolding voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, you can<\/em> use the stairs. You don\u2019t have to use that door to take a shortcut for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin saw the white Gnoll race into the garden, circle once as Lyonette stepped through, and then leap back as the door showed the kitchen. She hadn\u2019t noticed Erin lying in the meadow.<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] paused. In theory, she wasn\u2019t needed for breakfast. Lyonette was perfectly capable of rousing the inn\u2019s staff as they arrived, serving guests, and handling a lot by herself. In fact, Erin thought she might be crowding the [Princess]. She could just lie here, resting, until Wailant came to plant the last of the grass.<\/p>\n

And yet. The [Innkeeper] slowly rose, groaning. Her bed of grass and little flowers was so wonderful<\/em>. There were no bugs in the Garden, no little ants to crawl onto your face and remind you that nature was always present. It was the perfect<\/em> spot to relax, and Erin had seen Mrsha snoozing on Numbtongue\u2019s chest as the two napped in the sun. Even when it rained over Liscor and water poured through the opening in the dome, it was a beautiful sight. Safety.<\/p>\n

But still, Erin Solstice got up. She would have loved to take a break. No one was demanding anything. But she<\/em> had things to do.<\/p>\n

A new feeling. Erin generally reacted to things coming at her. Monster? Pan to the face. Strange guest? Investigate. Important moment? Improvise. She did not initiate that much. But\u2014as any good chess player would tell you, you had<\/em> to plan ahead, be proactive.<\/p>\n

The young woman hated doing it. She knew there were things to be done, and she did not want<\/em> to do any of them. A few of the things had names.<\/p>\n

Palt, Klbkch, also, finances, learning to cook with Lasica, making magical food, improving the inn, Wailant, putting money aside for taxation, suspicious Grimalkin\u2026Erin felt exhausted just thinking of it all. And she hated it.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t like economics, or politics\u2014Erin\u2019s definition of that being any kind of deals, like she had with the Ullsinoi faction\u2014or problems<\/em> where you had to make a decision that might and definitely would bite you in the butt if you made the wrong choice. Or even the right one.<\/p>\n

Erin liked chess, where you could be intense and competitive, but at the end of the day, no one died or got hurt for your mistakes. Life should not be about hard choices.<\/p>\n

But sometimes it was. And Erin, rightly or wrongly, conflated adulthood with confronting those hard decisions. With making mistakes but choosing<\/em> rather than letting other people and life choose for you. She was facing it today. Not because she\u2019d suddenly received an influx of strength; she was run down, even with her [Lesser Endurance] Skill that let her push her limits.<\/p>\n

No, it was because of yesterday. Yesterday, where she\u2019d seen\u2026Bird.<\/p>\n

Her lovely Antinium child, her [Hunter]. Erin had seen Bird speaking to the Antinium. Leading them, rejecting his Hive and showing them his way. All on his own.<\/p>\n

Bird, who had rediscovered childhood, being silly, learning how to cry. If he could do that, then Erin was embarrassed not to try. So she walked into her kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] stared at Erin as the [Innkeeper] found a bowl of grains and poured milk into it. Cereal. Sometimes you needed a basic food.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning. You have grass in your hair, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrass beds are the best beds. Prove me wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha grinned. She stood on the high stool and gave Erin a hug. The [Innkeeper] smiled. She ate her cereal. And began doing the hard things.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026five hundred and fifty, five hundred and seventy five, six hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin counted the gold onto the table. The stacks of gold coins shone<\/em> in the morning light. Wailant stared. He looked at Erin. So did his wife, raising her brows over her morning drink. And yes, it was wine. The Stronghearts were weird like that.<\/p>\n

They were not in The Wandering Inn. They were in fact, in the Strongheart farmhouse. Erin had visited. She had not kicked in the door, or been invited. She had politely gone through the door, knocked at a reasonable hour in the morning, and asked if Wailant could spare her a moment of his time.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue had not been involved. Nor had some calamity of great fortune or misfortune impelled Erin to this spot. Again, she\u2019d walked. It had taken about two minutes, since Erin had had to wait for a crowd coming through from Esthelm; they were beginning to fill the Celum regulars\u2019 spots. Speaking of which, Erin had gotten a lot of sad messages from people who were really, genuinely upset their favorite inn had gone. She had added it to her list.<\/p>\n

Back to Wailant. The former [Pirate] looked at the neat clusters of twenty-five Erin had counted out. He blinked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an awfully timely payment, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I thought that, since I already paid the advance, I should do the rest without having it hang over my head, right? And I have the money. Can I assume that\u2019s everything?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant exchanged a glance with his wife. She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss Solstice. Would you like us to clear the contract between us?\u201d<\/p>\n

She meant destroy the magically binding agreement that Erin had signed. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019d be great, thanks. I mean, if you have time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled slightly at Viceria. The [Green Mage] nodded her head towards the back rooms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go get it. One moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to hold your feet over a barrel of biter eels, Miss Solstice. I don\u2019t know what you thought or heard, but that was just a sensible formality. You had all the time to pay this. My girl likes your inn. It\u2019s not bad in my books. If this is because of my class or personality\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Farmer] protested, looking a bit upset. Erin shook her head. She smiled, in a way that made Wailant relax. Mostly because it was genuine.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s fine. I just wanted to make sure I got it done. You know? Get ahead of myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant nodded slowly. He eyed the gold coins, and then swept them into a bag of holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I ask how you got it so quick? Your [Head Barmaid] or whatever, Lyon, said it might take a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin had forgotten Lyonette was using \u2018Lyon\u2019 as a slight attempt to mask her identity. She laughed a bit, remembering a certain jerk who\u2019d bothered her by using the nickname.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, we took the money from the Halfseekers. Which is why I\u2019m sending a chocolate cake with a heart drawn in jam through to Maughin. He can surprise Jelaqua with it. Ulinde, Moore, and Seborn will get some specialty food too, when they get back from their thing with the locusts. Just a thank-you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? Well, well! That Drowned Man\u2019s fairly generous with his friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think he thinks he owes me. So we\u2019re square. At least, I think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman shrugged and didn\u2019t elaborate. She\u2019d taken the gold, and Erin was trying not to feel guilty about it. As Seborn had said\u2014they owed the gold to Numbtongue, if not Erin as they\u2019d claimed. And she needed it, and\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here we are, Erin. The contract. Let me simply sign here and\u2026it\u2019s merely paper. You can dispose of it however you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waited as Viceria signed the roll of vellum that looked very official and document-like\u2014it was actually sold by Wistram, another thing the academy provided to the world for situations like these. She took it and tucked it into her belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should buy a bag of holding, I really should.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. You still don\u2019t have one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, finances\u2026I\u2019m actually going to make it a priority.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant stopped cutting up his breakfast and got up.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me check my chest. One moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waited. Viceria offered her a second breakfast of fresh eggs, straight from some rather large<\/em> chickens. Literally, three times as large as a regular chicken. Mean suckers too, or so Garia claimed. Genetically-modified animals had nothing on what magic could do to wildlife in this world.<\/p>\n

Erin politely declined and Wailant came back with an old little purse with a drawstring on it. The cloth was burnt in one place, although not holey. He offered it to Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an old one. We offered it to Garia, but she wanted to make her own mark in the world. Holds about five pounds of weight, or\u2014hm. A box this large. If you\u2019d like it, take it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He indicated a very small container, just bigger than Erin\u2019s head. She blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, you\u2019ve done me some good business. No use to me; I got mine custom. But for little things, free of charge. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin took the bag of holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. That\u2019s really nice of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on. Won\u2019t you stay for breakfast? We\u2019ve got these large eggs. Courtesy of our Bullhens. Large suckers\u2014bought \u2018em from a [Rancher] who has the best damn eggs this side of the High Passes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe later. I just ate. But I\u2019ll buy some of your eggs for later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake a basket. We have more than we eat with the runes of preservation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin ended up with a bag of holding and a basket of about a dozen of the huge eggs. She thanked Viceria and Wailant. And then she went back to the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEggs. Eggses. You want?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin showed Lyonette the basket. The [Princess]\u2019 eyes widened. Mrsha sat up from her breakfast of suddenly substandard, subpar<\/em> eggs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014well, Viceria and Wailant gave them to you? We\u2019ll have to give them something in return. Mrsha, do you want special<\/em> eggs for breakfast? Don\u2019t finish your plate, if you do, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha immediately pushed back her plate and nodded rapidly. Erin saw a Drake having breakfast turn around instantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too! <\/em>I want them sunny-side up! On toast! No, wait\u2014wait\u2014toast and a slice of smoked bacon. Thick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc waved a claw. Erin saw him staring at the huge eggs. Lyonette sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne flawless breakfast coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n

She went into the kitchen and Erin followed her, just to watch Lyonette expertly fry the huge eggs until they were crispy but not overdone, slide them onto some beautifully golden toast, and add fat bacon.<\/p>\n

Mrsha stared at her big egg and drooled over it. Relc lifted his toast, crying softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is why I come here. Erin, you\u2019re the best. Can I have another egg if I pay for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. What, just the egg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Can I get it\u2026softboiled?<\/em> Hear me out. Give me a soft egg, with a gooey center, and some salt and pepper in a tiny<\/em> packet. Then I can break it open during my lunch and eat it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was salivating at the thought. He also looked rather\u2026content. Erin eyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFun night last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake choked on his breakfast. Erin waved a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not prying. Or judging.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Senior Guardsman stared at Erin warily for a moment. Then he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014yeah. You could say that. I mean, it\u2019s just a natural thing\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTotally.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc eyed Erin, clearly waiting for the catch. But Erin was focusing. She paused as Relc relaxed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you the egg. You want two?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTh-three? So I can brag and then share one with the guys. Or Beilmark, I dunno. Senior Guard pairings are all over the place this week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Lyonette? Price me three eggs! And can I get a pan with water so I can boil \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette left the boiling to Erin since she\u2019d used her [Flawless Attempt] for the moment. Relc rubbed his hands together.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the best, Erin. Have I said that recently?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on. Actually, I was hoping you could take a message for me. You\u2019re on duty, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn\u2026three hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc craned his neck, staring out the window. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect. Then\u2014could you tell Klbkch I\u2019d like to have a talk when he\u2019s on duty next?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc halted and frowned suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlb? Huh. Might<\/em> be tricky.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman had feared that might be the case. She eyed Relc.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

He frowned and, abruptly, lost his appetite. He ate more slowly as he spoke around his mouthful.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlb\u2019s investigating, uh, a criminal in Liscor, Erin. There was a bad situation with two of our Senior Guards. Watch Captain Z\u2019s literally spitting fire and Klb and some of our smart Senior guards are investigating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin hadn\u2019t heard of this. But then, she really hadn\u2019t spent much time in Liscor even after coming back from the inn. She leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced surreptitiously at Mrsha. He motioned Erin over and spoke in a normal tone of voice. Interestingly, that was how you avoided accidental eavesdropping; Gnolls were more likely to pick up on a sudden whisper in a conversation rather than a normal flow of words.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo of the newest Senior Guards who were following this Gnoll\u2014some big shot named Bearclaw? They got\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc drew a finger across his throat. Erin\u2019s eyes grew round.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Someone called Bearclaw\u2026is Klbkch alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure. You think they\u2019d get him? He\u2019d probably have gotten Bearclaw first if she tried, even if she\u2019d jumped him with a gang. But the two others were\u2026new. We haven\u2019t found the bodies. Klb\u2019s one of the people investigating.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman absorbed it all. She\u2019d had no idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you, Relc?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake gave Erin a sidelong grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Klb\u2019s been busy with her case. Not me. I\u2019m not subtle enough. But when we drag her in, I\u2019m gonna be there. I\u2019ll probably see him tomorrow, though. What do you want me to say? He\u2019s sort of in a bad mood, though. Has been all week since the Bird thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

He might not have actually heard about the events last night, then. Erin felt her stomach twist, but she just nodded. All the more reason to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when you see him next, can you tell him I\u2019d like to chat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. About what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Things.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Senior Guardsman gave Erin a knowing look, but he just nodded as he reached for his glass of blue fruit juice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing. I\u2019ll tell him. Oh\u2014and when you make all three eggs, can you write something on the third one? Like \u2018you\u2019re an idiot?\u2019 So I can hand it to Beilmark or whoever I\u2019m partnered with and then they see it and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin put her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t push your luck, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

After the morning lunch rush abated and Relc walked off with three of the eggs, Erin looked around and called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, can you come over here?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll cub obediently trotted over from where she was playing with her crimson, magical rolling ball. She looked up at Erin as the door to the Garden of Sanctuary appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to show you something real quick, Mrsha. Through here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin opened the door. She led Mrsha through the door. And right next to the doorway, was the arid section of the Garden of Sanctuary. Erin could make the door open anywhere around the dome and the entrance\/exit anywhere in her inn.<\/p>\n

In the long, yellow grass, under the shade of the acacia tree was a little box, buried in the soil. But not covered. It had a simple lid, and there was a smaller, tiny little box next to it. That one was made of metal, and the latch was secured. Erin saw Mrsha blink at both camouflaged objects.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t the vault. But I wanted you to know it\u2019s here. This is the emergency stash, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha nodded as Erin bent and opened both chests.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn invisibility potion, a speed potion, healing potions, tripvine bags\u2014these ones explode<\/em>. See how the crate is secured? Do not play games. Understand? Never. Play. Games. And don\u2019t use them! They\u2019re only for emergencies. Let someone else use them, but if you get hurt or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin trailed off. She didn\u2019t need to tell Mrsha what might happen. The Gnoll looked up at Erin. The young woman gave her a reassuring hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust stay in the Garden, okay, Mrsha? Even if it looks bad. We can take care of ourselves, but we have to know you\u2019re safe. This is only for emergencies. But better to be prepared, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Right.<\/em><\/p>\n

The little Gnoll signed back. Erin didn\u2019t know what had happened yesterday\u2014Mrsha had vanished with Bird\u2014but she\u2019d been rather chastened since. Erin suspected, but she decided not to ask. Bird had told her he\u2019d made a terrible mistake. And Erin had talked with him.<\/p>\n

That was that. And this was that. Erin let Mrsha scamper back into her inn after their little talk. It was enough that Mrsha knew it was there.<\/p>\n

Contingencies.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Erin relaxed in her room and played the magical chess game with her partner. She had a little chat; nothing consequential this time. Her opponent was apparently \u2018brd<\/em>\u2019 and \u2018hv mch wrk<\/em>\u2019 today. Erin could sympathize.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, next?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman stood up. She didn\u2019t like this part. It felt like leaning too much into the paranoid\u2026dark thoughts. But she had a definite reason to be worried. So she took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, one, two, three\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She began counting as she took the kitchen knife from her belt. The gleaming edge that Pelt had forged, and Lorent further refined, gleamed. Erin turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door to the Garden of Sanctuary was open and she stepped through. Then turned\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cDoor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door was open again. But it was not connected to her room. Erin walked through into the kitchen and saw a figure. She\u2019d known who it was before she even saw him.<\/p>\n

Palt was making crepes; he really was taken with Erin\u2019s cooking and adding stuff like a bit of drizzled chocolate and whipped cream was a treat. Of course, he was also a huge fan of his Balerosian dishes\u2014Erin had to admit his curry was actually tasty, unlike the curry she\u2019d made to attack the [Mages].<\/p>\n

Six seconds.<\/em> And Erin had known where Palt was, even appeared right behind him in the kitchen along an empty wall. She stood there silently as Palt turned, and stowed her knife.<\/p>\n

The Centaur was humming to himself as he flipped a crepe. He turned, spotted her, shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAah!<\/em> Erin, don\u2019t do<\/em> that to me! Mrsha\u2019s bad enough with that damn Garden! I don\u2019t need two<\/em> [Panic] spells on my tail!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Illusionist] clutched at his chest. For someone in the Ullsinoi faction and a huge horse-man, he was very sensitive to scares. Mrsha loved Palt for that reason, although Erin had told her not to get near his hooves.<\/p>\n

But then, Centaurs were apparently prone to frights, like horses. And Erin supposed being around a faction of Wistram\u2019s worst tricksters and pranksters did things to your psyche. She waved at him, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? I walked in ages ago. You didn\u2019t hear me. Nice crepes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh\u2014well, I get absorbed in my cooking. Thank you. One of your guests ordered it, and I decided to make some for myself. That\u2019s alright, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt blushed. Erin waved an airy hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Sure! Like I said, thanks for helping out. Uh, I think your crepes are burning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHorseflies!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Well, that worked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFire, next.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin mumbled to herself as Palt salvaged his crepes. The Centaur turned, sucking on a burned finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that stove\u2019s a bit hot. It\u2019s still running on fire; I should really pay for those heating runes.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave him a cheerful smile. The Centaur nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, but that\u2019s no excuse on my side. Speaking of which, I know you\u2019re extremely busy, but if I could borrow you for just a minute, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked ready to plead, but Erin nodded. She had been expecting this too.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur looked surprised, but he trotted into the common room hurriedly after Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe in a private room? It is about the sensitive issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Centaur ate from his slightly burned crepes in one of the private rooms. Well, the last one left; the other two were now used as Octavia\u2019s storage and the lifting room.<\/em> There was a neat little table in here and chairs, and Erin waited as he tapped his fingers together.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Erin. About yesterday. I uh, know you don\u2019t like these questions, but the Elusive Lot got wind of the broadcast Magus Grimalkin put out. I know, I know, spying<\/em>, but it\u2019s an open secret with these kind of things. Er, and since it doesn\u2019t seem to be a huge<\/em> imposition and you\u2019ve told Magus Grimalkin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to know about the weight training.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d like to compensate you. Obviously, I don\u2019t have anything planned, but as I said, we\u2019re making this an exchange,<\/em> Erin. And favor\u2019s the real currency with a lot of these\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pretended to sigh, but only mildly. She eyed Palt as he paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Okay, you win. Lifting. I\u2019ll give you the details. But it\u2019s just\u2026I dunno, muscle stuff. Does your faction really want that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt gave Erin a long look.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, you heard Magus Grimalkin. This is valuable<\/em> information. Yes, absolutely. Anything you can tell us specifically about it we\u2019ll take, even if it\u2019s already being disseminated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fair enough. Erin had, in fact, already done the calculation of risks in telling Palt. And she\u2019d concluded that if none of the Earthers in Wistram Academy knew more than she did about strength training, it would be a strange thing indeed. So she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. It might take a while since I\u2019m not an expert\u2026and I never really did it, but let me tell you everything. Which you\u2019re not going to tell anyone but the Elusive Lot, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLips sealed. If it gets out, it\u2019s through them, but I\u2019m not mentioning anything to Magus Grimalkin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt instantly nodded, tracing a line across his face that shimmered in the air. Erin scratched at her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Aside from what Grimalkin told you, let me tell you about\u2026protein shakes.<\/em> Which are the most disgusting things in the world. Also\u2014eating raw eggs. Um\u2026punching bags. Hydration?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur had produced a series of notes and he was transcribing with a magical quill that seemed to be recording Erin\u2019s words automatically as he added notes. He looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know hydration. But go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou drink water to live. No water is bad for the muscles and brain and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes. I think we have that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso, if you drink too much water you\u2019ll die.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Illusionist] paused, a second quill in hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay what now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Half an hour of questions and answers later, Erin felt more tired than this morning. And she\u2019d just gotten started. But she was knocking things off her list left and right. Serious Erin needed coffee, or something stronger than tea, but she got work done.<\/p>\n

Of course, Erin was still winging her order of events. And as it happened, one of the items on her list decided to bump itself up the queue. Erin saw a duo sitting at one of her tables, and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh. They\u2019re back again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt peered over Erin\u2019s shoulder and spotted Beza and Montressa. The two [Mages] instantly turned as they saw Erin and Palt coming out of the private room. They gave the Centaur a dirty look and Erin some rather false smiles.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they coming every day for the same reason you are, Palt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin frowned a bit, inconspicuously nodding towards Montressa and Beza. The Centaur paused. He absently reached for a puffer, and then checked the motion. Instead, he produced a dark, black round lump and began to chew it. It looked like gum. Mixed with nicotine.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about Montressa and Beza, Erin. They have orders, just like I do. For now, their factions want them here. I\u2019m sure they\u2019re not planning on anything radical.<\/em> My faction has you claimed, so to speak. Not in any possessive way! But we\u2019ll fight tooth-and-hoof to keep anyone from\u2026doing anything. If you wanted to, you could ban them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He clearly didn\u2019t want that too much. Nor did Erin. She regarded the two [Mages]. They weren\u2019t something she knew the answer to. But\u2026she had a sudden, really, horribly mean thought. The kind of mean thought that you should really get a slap on the back of the head for. But also, a smart thought.<\/p>\n

The young woman took a deep breath, then glanced at Palt. She nodded covertly at Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna investigate. Back me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

She wandered over to the two [Mages]. And, with as much subterfuge in her voice as Mrsha hiding a cookie behind her back, she nodded at the two [Mages].<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you two. How\u2019s things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty well, actually. Good morning, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa smiled at Erin. The young woman was as always dressed in her robes, but she lacked the magical staff or floating brass orb. She was also either better at acting or more genuinely relaxed than her companion.<\/p>\n

Bezale or Beza, the Minotauress [Spellscribe], bared her teeth at Erin like she had a toothache. Montressa went on as Erin pulled out a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were hoping to speak to you actually, if you\u2019re not busy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, go on. I mean, I\u2019m just puttering around. Doing stuff, y\u2019know? But I have time. Did you see the Grimalkin lifting thing yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeza actually did a lot of lifting. I passed on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa gestured at her friend. Beza wore a sour expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came in eighth place. Eighth.<\/em> Disgraceful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds pretty good to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Spellscribe] turned a face full of wrath Erin\u2019s way. Montressa kicked Beza under the table and went on smoothly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe broadcast was actually really\u2026interesting. It caused a bit of a stir at the academy, actually. You\u2014wouldn\u2019t happen to be free to chat about your home, would you? I could offer you compensation if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Erin needs to speak with your factions, Montressa. Good morning, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza folded her arms, much like another Minotaur that Erin had known.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would Erin get from sharing her valuable information with you two? Just asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt gave the two of them a smirk. Montressa\u2019s left eyelid began to twitch. She sighed, and gave up the pretense. She looked straight at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know we\u2019ve been trouble, Erin. But I can make you an offer Palt can\u2019t. We could, at this moment, connect you with some of your friends from home. Let you two talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked. For a second she stopped breathing. Palt\u2019s snort of outrage brought her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how many people would be listening and recording the conversation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d swear to privacy if you wanted it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa looked like she\u2019d rather stab Palt than the cinnamon bun she\u2019d been served. The Centaur rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely. Just let the two speak in perfect privacy\u2014then ask the other person from Erin\u2019s\u2026home what was said.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman exhaled slowly. She had nothing to say to that. She looked rather hopelessly at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey would like to speak with you, Erin\u2026what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur was certainly against it. He was actually whispering to Erin\u2014she glanced back and saw his lips weren\u2019t moving. But his voice was speaking audibly in her right ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really wouldn\u2019t. They\u2019re just going to ask questions they want the answer to. Some of the Earthers are joining up with the factions. We can arrange a conversation. It\u2019ll take a while, but\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin tuned him out. She had already come up with her answer after the moment of surprise. She smiled at Beza and Montressa.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, um, that\u2019s flattering, but I\u2019m gonna pass, okay? I\u2019m really busy, you know, making a gym, hot tubs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She excused herself, and Montressa let her go without too much more argument. Erin walked through the Garden of Sanctuary to find Mrsha and see if she wanted to go plant blue fruit seeds. Montressa stared enviously at the door to the garden\u2014she wasn\u2019t allowed in.<\/p>\n

Palt was, but he could only walk through, not summon the door. The Centaur chewed on his tobacco gum or whatever it was as Erin paused and swung the door closed. She left it open a crack, then sat down and listened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,<\/em> Palt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster]\u2019s tone was acidic. Also, hurt. Erin heard a screech of chairs being moved\u2014Palt would be kneeling on the floor, chairs not being a thing Centaurs used.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I\u2019m just doing my job. Try to understand Erin\u2019s perspective. She does not<\/em> need to be involved in a power play, especially with an Archmage\u2019s faction. You know what will happen if they get nasty, especially the Libertarians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what about some damned friendship? We came here together. This is you stabbing us in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah. Good one, Montressa. I prefer to think this was a stab from the front. That you walked into. We knew <\/em>we were going to duke it out over the Earthers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Illusionist] was snappish, which was another tone Erin never heard. At least Beza\u2019s voice was the same tone\u2014that was to say, grumpy Minotaur.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need to completely turn on your friends, Palt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that, Beza. Both your factions have Earthers. This is my big shot. You have to understand what that\u2019s like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do. But we\u2019re in boiling<\/em> water right now, Palt. We need something. Or\u2026can we talk? Negotiate, just between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

A silence. Mrsha rolled around the grass and went down the steep hill, giggling silently. Erin wondered if they could import butterflies. Then again\u2026caterpillars were actually really gross. Bees were nice, but they were stinging jerks. And after the Ashfire Bees\u2026<\/p>\n

Were there any<\/em> bugs that were cute up close as well as far away? Besides Bird with a hat, that was. He was\u2026fishing in the pond? Did they have fish now? Erin suspected Numbtongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we can. I don\u2019t want to pull a [Bloodmage] on you two. Let\u2019s talk. Tonight? The inn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate that Drake. Peslas. He has a real problem with Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think it\u2019s bad? I\u2019m a Minotaur and the only other one this city knows is a convicted murderer and teamslayer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk in my room. Tonight. After dinner? I\u2019m here all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pause, clopping hooves. Erin tensed, waiting for them to come for the door, but Palt was going somewhere else. She relaxed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat an ass. I thought of him as a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza growled. Montressa made a soft, sighing sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s his big break, Beza. Tell me you wouldn\u2019t do the same thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026what are we going to do? The [Innkeeper] doesn\u2019t trust us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The conversation grew silent as Erin made the door disappear. She paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cDarned right.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed. It would be so much easier to relax and just distrust Montressa. And Beza. And Palt for good measure. It would be so much easier, if she hadn\u2019t met this sniffing [Necromancer] from Wistram. Who turned out to be not-a-jerk. Even heroic at times.<\/p>\n

Even so. Erin leaned back against the wall. This was only, uh, Palt-level intrigue. If that. Time to get really<\/em> nasty.<\/p>\n

Mrsha raced over as she saw a glow from where Erin was sitting. Her eyes went round as Erin closed her eyes. She stared\u2014but Erin shooed her away.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Mrsha. I\u2019m going to do a bad thing. And don\u2019t look. You\u2019ll get all sad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beza and Montressa were discussing Palt and talking lightly when they saw Erin wandering around the inn again. She was laughing, talking with Drassi, and the group of [Actors] who\u2019d come in like they did every morning.<\/p>\n

The Players of Celum were expanded, ready to roll, and indeed, some only had to roll out of bed to be ready for work. Temile had gotten up around lunch time, bleary-eyed and yawning. The [Actors] worked late into the night and slept in or conducted a lot of their non-dramatic business in the mornings.<\/p>\n

Montressa and Bezale were well aware they weren\u2019t welcome in the inn, if Erin\u2019s muted reaction and Palt hadn\u2019t been enough of a clue. They\u2019d been civil, at least. But the two had a reputation.<\/p>\n

Not undeserved. The Wistram team had caused a mess when they first arrived and Montressa would readily admit that. And they were not getting a lot of friendly looks.<\/p>\n

But then\u2014no one was stopping to throw their drinks in the two\u2019s faces, so there was also that. The Wistram [Mages] had caused trouble, yes. They\u2019d fought the Horns in the Bloodfields. But Isceil had died battling the Crelers, and people remembered that too. So their reception was mixed between frosty tolerance and muted distrust.<\/p>\n

It would have been easier for the two to relax with the [Actors] taking the attention of the theatre-loving crowd, which was the usual crowd at this time of day. A Drake [Veteran] with a severed tail, some apprentices on their days off, some hopeful [Actors] or just people who wanted to enjoy and not partake\u2026<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the Players of Celum were not performing a literary classic that would last across the ages. Or at least, not one that had stood the test of time yet. They were doing Frozen,<\/em> and Bezale winced as the lead [Actress], a Gnoll playing the [Ice Queen] with a wand, began to sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh. I cannot stand the singing. Montressa, hit me with a [Deafening] spell. Better yet, let\u2019s go somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hated catchy songs. The Minotauress looked at Montressa. The [Aegiscaster] shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t leave, Beza. We\u2019ll miss\u2026whatever crazy thing is happening next. I\u2019ll deafen you if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezale was seriously considering it when Erin walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey you two. Enjoying the music? We\u2019re gonna audition some of the [Actors] today. You can join in if you want. It\u2019s fun for everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, there were some kids volunteering to be part-time child [Actors], an apprenticeship much like many in the city\u2014only they\u2019d be in key parts of the play.<\/p>\n

Beza blanched.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill they be\u2026singing\u2026all day?\u201d<\/p>\n

She indicated the performers. Erin blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes? I mean, these are just auditions. Then they\u2019ll practice, oh, and do a performance tonight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress looked like she was about to cast [Deafness] and [Blindness] on herself. Erin noticed. She paused and bit her lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a private room too. If you\u2019d like to drink there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa and Beza looked at each other. Montressa silently weighed the odds of Beza literally charging the stage after the tenth run-through of a catchy pop song and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be great, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza looked at her. Montressa whispered as she stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can always hear anything happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The same private room that Erin and Palt had used was comfortable. Montressa and Beza sat down. Erin lit a candle, put it on a table, and then offered the two refills of their drinks and snacks. The two [Mages] accepted gratefully. Out of the common room, they felt better, relaxed.<\/p>\n

The singing had been grating on Montressa\u2019s nerves too, which was odd because she had enjoyed the play the first four times. Maybe the fifth was when you got tired of it? But she liked pop songs.<\/p>\n

The two waited as Ishkr came in and served them, then they relaxed. Montressa stared around the room and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice place. Look, she\u2019s even got colored candles now. And private rooms\u2026that garden we can\u2019t enter\u2026it\u2019s different than when we first came here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Shame it\u2019s all to Palt\u2019s credit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza leaned one arm heavily on the table. She sighed. Both [Mages] drank fairly liberally. Day-drinking was a Wistram student\u2019s hobby\u2014well, for some of them. They partied hard, studied hard, and since neither [Mage] thought they\u2019d be working much today, they were going for the former.<\/p>\n

Also, they were both feeling down. Their encounter with Palt had just hammered home the situation they were in. Down a party member\u2014no, three. But one was dead and the other two had left. In hot water with their factions\u2026Montressa levitated the pitcher over and filled Beza\u2019s cup, then her own again.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza didn\u2019t return the gesture. She drank, and then looked at her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we doing here, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think Palt will give us more than scraps to give to our factions?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoubt it. But we\u2019ll get something. And soon, Archmage Naili will send us another person to check up on. Maybe \u2018L\u2019, or that [Emperor]. Or \u2018batman\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. And you\u2019ll do it? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress looked at Montressa. The [Aegiscaster] grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we supposed to do? Go back to the academy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa du Valeross paused. She looked up at Beza.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re thinking of it. I don\u2019t blame you. Beza, if you want to go, don\u2019t let me stop you. I\u2019ve made a mess of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress snorted. She scooted her chair in.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous. If you\u2019re staying, I\u2019m staying. I<\/em> don\u2019t walk off on my team. Much less friends. If you wanted to go on after the Horns of Hammerad, I\u2019d be right behind you, never mind what my faction says.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed a finger at Montressa. But the young woman didn\u2019t jump at the suggestion like she would have a while back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s necessary, Beza. I\u2026I\u2019m done with that. I\u2019ll have to answer to Beatrice when we get back, but I\u2019m done.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Spellscribe] looked at the young woman\u2019s face. She eyed her cup of ale, tossed it down, and poured herself another cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to\u2026discuss it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited, but Montressa didn\u2019t reply instantly. Beza sipped and spoke, curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be simple if we were in my homeland. In Minos, we believe in one virtue above all others. Honor. We\u2019d execute someone like that, or rather, pass judgment first. Our King would decide the matter. We don\u2019t revisit sentences. Once punished, the matter rests. Forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I know, Beza. Honor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She sounded tired, as much as anyone who\u2019d heard a Minotaur lecturing about honor. Beza waved a big palm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHear me out. I know I talk about honor, but I don\u2019t know if you understand <\/em>what I mean. It is more than what other cultures think of it. For you it\u2019s something stiff, cumbersome. But to us, honor is more than that. It\u2019s\u2026a way of life. Duty, conduct, and it is its own reward. Minotaurs strive to improve themselves, to contribute in a meaningful way. And yes, to be examples<\/em> to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tapped herself on the breast. Montressa nodded. Beza went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a simple system. Those above us judge those below. But those with honor also make their own judgments. Each one of Minos acts by our conscience; we allow no corruption from above or below.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about sideways? Sorry, sorry. But how does that system work<\/em>, Beza? Everyone\u2019s honorable? Is your King the most honorable Minotaur of all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa raised her hands as Beza glowered. The Minotauress drank.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely. Our King is a wise leader. She is a paragon of honor, and all respect her because she exemplifies our virtue.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman paused. Beza had made a grammatical error.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour King? But you said she.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeza, Kings are male.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cKing is a title. Queen implies that gender matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut king is masculine. The word, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two looked at each other, frowning as if they were debating some minutiae of magical theory in class. The Minotauress sighed gustily.<\/p>\n

\u201cKing<\/em> is what other nations respect. Queen makes Humans ask who the king is, or if she is married. We have a Minotaur King, and that is all other species need to know about her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I\u2019ve never been to Minos. I didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we don\u2019t need to talk about it. Not like Humans who always have to tell us who they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza nodded wisely and somewhat arrogantly. Montressa gave her a dour look.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Minos is wonderful. I get it. Honor above all else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand. I\u2019m just saying that it\u2019s better<\/em> to have a system like that. Clear-cut. No backtracking on rules, no negotiating sentences\u2026if the rest of the world were like home, it would be easier. Well\u2014I suppose that\u2019s what my ancestors thought. We were not always on the Archipelago, you know. Once, we had lands elsewhere. Until the Era of Conquest. For that, we were exiled to the Isle of Minos, condemned to face our ancient foes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeza, you\u2019ve told me this a thousand times\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman sighed. When Beza got drunk, she lectured people on honor and her home. The Minotauress waved an urgent hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying it\u2019s perfect! Just\u2014nearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah? You have your ancient foes. Goblins. <\/em>Explain that one to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress paused. She took another drink. Glumly, Montressa did the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand. You\u2019d have to see them. Well\u2014I never have. Up close. But I\u2019ve seen the results. They are not<\/em> like the Goblins on the continent. Your Goblin Lords\u2026you had one<\/em> come through here. We know what power they possess. Even after thousands of years, we can\u2019t wipe them out from their damned island.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for lack of trying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But it\u2019s our burden to bear. Our punishment, that\u2019s what I\u2019ve heard. Personally, I believe the world forced us onto our islands because they were afraid of what would happen if we grew in number.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza flexed one huge arm. She was taller than most species\u2014even most Gnolls\u2014and she had an incredible physique for a [Mage]. Second only to Grimalkin, really, although that was an unfair comparison.<\/p>\n

\u201cMinotaurs are naturally stronger than any other race; we make siege weapons, which only Pallass and a few other nations even understand. If we are not the most gifted at magic\u2014well\u2014you have not seen our [Warmages], our navy and army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, tell me more. Why did you come to Wistram, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] heard nothing. She glanced up and saw Beza looking into her cup. The Minotauress mumbled a reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026went to Wistram because I lacked the magical ability to qualify for that role.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa sobered a bit. She sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeza, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a fact. But I was weak, for all I loved magic. You understand? I fought for the honor of leaving the House of Minos, but it was a lesser one. Not like Venaz of Hammerad, who learns from the Titan himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you miss it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two were maudlin now. Beza chewed savagely at some of the fries and Montressa helped herself to some of the nuts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. No. The House of Minos\u2026is a peaceful land, Montressa. That\u2019s what people do not know. We clash with the Goblins, defend our shores. But we live in a utopia. If you do not desire to leave our islands, you may live and work and prosper in peace. Even the other nations which claim perfection admit ours is a wonderful place. Fetohep of Khelt himself acknowledged it as such under the last three Minotaur Kings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Even with the Goblins\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t get rid of them, but they have never invaded, save for when the Goblin Kings appear. Believe me, it is<\/em> a paradise. One of few in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have a list? I know Khelt, and the Archmage\u2019s Isle, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza had a list. She counted them off on her fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cKhelt in Chandrar, the Kingdom of Keys in Terandria, the Archmage\u2019s Isle of Heiste, and of course the Silent Dome the Dullahans built\u2014and the House of Minos. Paradises in our time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo why leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Spellscribe] coughed, pounding on her chest. She dipped a fry in ketchup. It was interesting\u2014this was a much realer talk than Beza normally gave. She must really be as down as Montressa not to be glorifying her homeland with every second word.<\/p>\n

\u201cI left because I was like the others who leave. I wanted to explore the world. To show them\u2014honor<\/em>. To test myself and grow, and return to Minos a hero!\u201d<\/p>\n

She clenched a fist, then sagged. Her horned head lowered and nearly scored the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead, my comrade died. And\u2014I was carried off the battlefield while the very people I came to capture slew an Adult Creler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fought. They nearly ate you alive, Beza. If the [Healer] hadn\u2019t been there you\u2019d have lost a leg and your arms\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter that I had. Better than running. I was worse than the adventurers who stayed and died. I wasn\u2019t ready. He<\/em> was right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa looked at Beza\u2019s wretched expression. The Minotauress turned away from Montressa.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came here knowing what was right in the world. Prepared to do justice.<\/em> Now, I find myself wondering if Calruz of Hammerad is the monster I assumed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman didn\u2019t reply. She knew that had been one of the reasons why Beza had come here. She looked down into her own cup. Montressa felt her eyes sting. Then she spoke, abruptly, like forcing a splinter out of her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI liked him. So much. He was so intelligent, and witty, and handsome and\u2014I really liked him. Even after I found out he was a [Necromancer], I still wanted to get to know him. He was so talented. But that wasn\u2019t just it. I thought he understood something about magic I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza\u2019s head rose, but she didn\u2019t interrupt. Montressa took another long drink and burped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we found out he did necromancy, everyone abandoned him. Beatrice, Calvaron, Ceria\u2014we were a group of four back then. Calvaron sort of talked to Pisces, but he was always apolitical. And Beatrice didn\u2019t like Pisces like everyone else. I think Ceria was the angriest. But I never gave up. I kept talking to him. Helping out, learning from him. And you know what? I asked<\/em> him to teach me necromancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza swung around. Her eyes were round with disbelief. Montressa waved a finger at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up. Back then, I thought\u2014it wasn\u2019t corpses. He was teaching me how to animate things. Rats. Little creatures, along with regular spells.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026why? Did you want to become a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. <\/em>Listen. I thought he was right. Magic is magic. If we cut ourselves off from understanding something\u2014blood magic, necromancy\u2014how can we call ourselves true [Mages]? It\u2019s how it\u2019s used that makes something evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza nearly nodded. She waited as Montressa put her head down. The young woman muttered into the table, closing her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then he opened Archmage Nekhret\u2019s crypt. And Calvaron died. And I saw what undead were. Evil.<\/em> They want<\/em> to kill us. I saw it. You can control them, but something in them wants to kill us. Turn us into them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was. I thought he was a horrible person, and he\u2019d tricked me and I\u2019d made it happen. Beatrice was furious at me. And Ceria. No one talked to me at all for nearly a whole year. Until you and Isceil, Palt, and Ulinde came along, I was a pariah, and most of the new students heard about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress shifted uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn truth, I wanted to see if you were what the rumors said of you, Montressa. And what I found was the most talented [Mage] of her year, and<\/em> a secretbroker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa didn\u2019t reply. She\u2019d fought her way back up into everyone\u2019s good graces. Risen in her faction, leveled\u2014and for what? She\u2019d met Pisces and this time she\u2019d tossed herself into the gutter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I supposed to do, Beza? Calvaron\u2019s dead. He died a long time ago. And I\u2019ll never forgive Pisces for that. But why\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes. She bit back the other thing she was going to say and looked up, red-eyed, but not crying.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do I still admire<\/em> him? When I saw him make that\u2014thing\u2014<\/em>to beat the Adult Creler, with Ceria. I thought, \u2018that\u2019s magic.<\/em>\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

She put her head back down. Beza stood up. She shuffled around the table, and sat next to Montressa. The Minotauress patted Montressa awkwardly on the head and looked around for something to feed her. Rather like someone trying to soothe a dog or cat.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go back, Montressa. To the Academy. Someone else can take up our role. Palt. He\u2019s already begun cutting us out of the loop. He wants to monopolize Erin. And Ulinde\u2026left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd do what? Beatrice won\u2019t understand. She loved Calvaron. She would kill<\/em> me. I\u2019m actually almost serious. What do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be fine. If you don\u2019t want to do that\u2014we\u2019ll stay here, as you said. Try to get into Miss Solstice\u2019s good graces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a failure. Everything I do turns to dust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true. You\u2019re a fine leader. Who can predict Crelers? How about this, we stay another week, ask for another Earther. If we don\u2019t get a reply\u2026we could visit the House of Minos. You\u2019d be welcomed with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just a slime. A sewer slime. I got Isceil killed. He trusted me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

At this point, their conversation got too depressing. So it was rather fortuitous that there was a knock at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so <\/em>sorry. Montressa? Beza?\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi interrupted the two [Mage]\u2019s pity party. The Drake stared at them as Montressa and Beza jerked upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What\u2019s the matter? How can we help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa put a not-at-all convincing look on her face. Drassi pointed uncertainly.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually\u2026Erin was talking with the Players of Celum and they don\u2019t have great uh, ice spells. For the play? She was asking if you two wouldn\u2019t mind casting [Ice Wall]. I hear Montressa knows it. And Palt doesn\u2019t\u2014I mean, he can make fake ones, but\u2026I can tell Erin you\u2019re busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019d love to help. Beza?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cComing. I\u2019ll just [Deafen] myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress drained her drink. Montressa and Beza, somewhat unsteadily, left the room. And that was good. They\u2019d feel better in a bit.<\/p>\n

There was something that made Drassi pause as she closed the door, but she didn\u2019t figure out what it was before she followed the two [Mages]. If she\u2019d stopped and thought about it, she\u2019d have realized it was the extra door on the far end of the room.<\/p>\n

Montressa and Beza hadn\u2019t given it a second glance. They\u2019d probably assumed it was a door leading into some closet. And like [Mages], what wasn\u2019t magical wasn\u2019t obvious to them.<\/p>\n

Also, Erin hadn\u2019t wanted them to know. She didn\u2019t know if it was [Crowd Control], or the [Inn\u2019s Aura], or just luck. But neither had noticed a tiny detail. The door was slightly ajar.<\/p>\n

Just a crack. But it led to a special place that could be everywhere or anywhere.<\/p>\n

The Garden of Sanctuary. Erin was sitting in the doorway; right next to the slightly open door. And she had been keeping it there; a bemused Mrsha, Numbtongue, and Bird who\u2019d wanted to try planting blue fruits in the garden had been unable to summon it.<\/p>\n

Now, she stood up and entered the room. If you looked closely, you\u2019d know this door was the door to the Garden. For one thing, it had iron bands along the door. Nothing else in the inn had iron in it. She wondered\u2026if that was her, or her Skill. After all, she loved the visitors, but they were dangerous too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shook her head. She felt strange. Guilty, sympathetic\u2014but mostly like the biggest weasel in the world. She walked over to the glowing, blue flame in the corner of the room. After a second, Erin blew out the magical fire.<\/p>\n

[Like Fire, Memory].<\/em> It was the only one she could conjure at will. Erin stared at the wick and tallow; it had burnt down the full candle nearly to the nub. Saliss had said her happy flame burnt even faster. Then she looked at herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to do it. But\u2014Erin punishment! Hiyah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette opened the door just in time to hear the thump<\/em>. She saw Erin crouching on the ground, holding her forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What are you doing, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman clutched at her ringing skull. She looked up and met the [Princess]\u2019 skeptical gaze. Erin paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cEavesdropping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette\u2019s brows crossed. Erin paused, then stood up. She put on her best Erin-smile and cheerful tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, oops!<\/em> I was just looking for a place to turn into a\u2026dance floor. Y\u2019know, since we have a gym? Grimalkin left us a set of weights, and I thought we could do yoga. Or something. Finger guns!\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled cheerfully, doing said finger guns. Then dropped the smile, looked levelly at Lyonette and walked off. The [Princess] stared after Erin.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Well, that was something. Almost too much. Erin had to take a walk around her garden to relax. She was still feeling guilty.<\/p>\n

But she did have to know. That was what she hated. Mistrusting people and\u2026to take her mind off the situation, Erin decided to move back to the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cFire. Fire! Angry fire! Gaaah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stood next to the pond and a stack of firewood and shouted. She pulled at her hair\u2014gingerly, paced back and forth. Trying to remember when she\u2019d been furious.<\/em> Then she tried happiness.<\/p>\n

She tried. But\u2014it was like trying to start a fire with a low heat. Something needed to explode<\/em> and Erin wasn\u2019t running on enough angry-fuel to make it work. Or happy-juice.<\/p>\n

But she always had a surplus of sad-stuff. Or maybe because she\u2019d done it a few times, it was easier? Erin held out her palm.<\/p>\n

\u201cSad.\u201d<\/p>\n

She concentrated. And she had no lack of things to remember. When Erin opened her eyes from a memory of Bird standing in the circle of statues, she saw the blue fire burning in her palm.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Cold. It can get pretty cold! But it\u2019s not exactly [Fireball]. Uh\u2014concentrate. Sadder<\/em>. Bigger!\u201d<\/p>\n

She tried, but even with more sad memories the fire stayed the same. Erin was fairly certain this was as large as it got. She studied it.<\/p>\n

\u201cUtility. Flame attack!\u201d<\/p>\n

She lifted the handful of fire and threw it as hard and as fast as she could at a tree. The fire flew\u2014and flopped into the grass.<\/p>\n

Erin stared at it. It was rather like throwing, well\u2026fire. As in, it had little weight and terrible aerodynamics.<\/p>\n

It began to burn the grass a bit. It didn\u2019t even spread fast. Erin stomped on the fire and felt the chill. She sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. New plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

She lit a long stick and stomped the blue flame out. Erin lifted her torch and felt the cooling air.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Magic torch? Hah, hah!\u201d<\/p>\n

She pretended to stab at someone. But\u2014it wasn\u2019t exactly a pot or pan, so her [Bar Fighting] Skill didn\u2019t work either. Erin stared at the torch. She recalled actual [Fireballs] being thrown around.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Okay. No, it\u2019s fine. I don\u2019t need to be a face-kicking warrior. This is okay. Palt\u2019s okay. Montressa and Beza are okay. Sage\u2019s Grass is good. It\u2019s\u2026okay. I think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin sat down. She looked around.<\/p>\n

Maybe that was it. Was she done? Done worrying? She sighed, and flopped back on the grass, as she planted the torch in the soil to keep it from starting a cold fire. The last thing she needed was to burn her garden down. She wondered if the dome was flammable.<\/p>\n

Maybe\u2026well, that wasn\u2019t so bad. Erin tried to smile. But\u2026she\u2019d done this before. Made mistakes. Made preparations. She\u2019d failed, though. That was the thing. That was why she kept doing it. To relax, she had to be ready. And would it be enough?<\/p>\n

The young woman sat up and put her head in her hands. Why did it have to be so hard? She just wanted to help<\/em> people. But she was terrified of her family, her friends dying\u2014<\/p>\n

Erin paused.<\/p>\n

She stared at the blue torch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou jerk! You make other people sad, not me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She kicked over the torch and began to stomp on the fire. The outraged [Innkeeper] had been hoisted on her own petard! Erin was just about to snuff the flame out and go and do something happy, like ask Bird why her pond had fish <\/em>in it, when she had a thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm? Cold. Fire. Cold fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin picked up the torch. She eyed the frost on the grass around it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked back into the inn. Lyonette found Erin again in the kitchen, muttering about blocks of wood and sandpaper. The [Princess] glared at Erin. Then stared<\/em> at the blue flame in one of the ovens.<\/p>\n

Erin had a little rack of wood in there. And she had a bunch of bits of wood she\u2019d been industriously prototyping with. The [Innkeeper] glanced up as Lyonette appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, good. You\u2019re here. I need help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you making, Erin? What is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look. You\u2019ll get sad. It\u2019s infectious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin casually shielded Lyonette from the glow. It only worked if you looked at it. Then she pulled something out of the oven. Lyonette stared.<\/p>\n

Erin had put a\u2026tray in the oven. With little sections in it. Erin cracked<\/em> the tray gently on the counter. And she held something out to Lyonette. Just frozen water.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Wanna ice cube?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Later that day, Erin was smiling. She was out of the inn, but she had discovered free cooling. Also\u2014free ice cream. Also, free ice.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wasn\u2019t that the dream of every hotel-goer? Free ice? Ice cubes for days! Without having to prod lazy half-Elves for it! And Erin had begun thinking of more things too.<\/p>\n

Fun things. Now that she wasn\u2019t stressing about the list, it was back to doing, well, good things. Erin had discovered that the fire had something of an odd effect. If you stared at it, well, it made you sad. But you could be near it and not be affected too<\/em> much by the emotion, just the fire\u2019s temperature. So she had invented\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cTada!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waved a little wooden lantern at Selys. The Drake blinked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two were walking through Liscor. It was a sunny summer\u2019s day. And the young woman was a bit miffed that Selys wasn\u2019t as impressed as she was.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fire Skill, Selys! Look, I can only make the sad one and just a tiny<\/em> one right now. But it burns if I feed it, and it\u2019s hot outside. So\u2026this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had a lantern and the depressing blue flame was inside it. It was a unique lantern that Erin had made with a bit of work and her [Advanced Crafting] Skill\u2014along with Lyonette\u2019s [Flawless Attempt].<\/p>\n

There was an opening in the top, and a shutter you could open and close. But the shutter was closed at the moment so the fire wasn\u2019t visible. But it did burn. And as a result, cold air was wafting out of the lantern.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee? Nice and cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin expected Selys to be blown away. With just a bit of coal or wood, the lantern would emit cool air as the flame burned! She\u2019d had to line the insides with metal to keep the wood from catching, but it was free air conditioning!<\/em> Another dream from her world! Selys just shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could have bought you a cooling stone, Erin. Or you could yourself. They\u2019re not that expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin paused. Somehow, her friend managed to literally suck all the enjoyment out of Erin\u2019s invention in three sentences. She mock-glared at Selys.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut this is free. And very cool. Plus, I can open the shutter and depress people. Free depression! Get your free depression here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved the lantern around at the passersby, ignoring the looks she got. Erin laughed. She was feeling silly and free. Truly so. The young woman saw Selys roll her eyes. But the [Heiress] was smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let me show you the construction. And stop making people depressed. There are<\/em> laws about it in Liscor, too, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not depressing anyone! I mean\u2014unless they ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two young women walked towards the western gates. And Erin saw that something strange was afoot. Because rather than lead into an old stone road heading to one of the few villages on the hills, the city did not end at the western gate. She walked onto freshly-paved cobblestones. Erin\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa.\u201d<\/p>\n

A street ran ahead of her. And then\u2014more buildings. Fresh, new<\/em>. Erin stared up at an apartment, tastefully designed in the Drake style with smooth stone and wide balconies. It was one of many buildings you might find in Liscor\u2019s residential districts.<\/p>\n

But it was\u2026new.<\/em> Erin\u2019s eyes slowly swept across the ground, and she saw a city being built.<\/p>\n

Gone were the rolling hills and valleys. Someone had pounded the earth flat, filling in places, smoothing others, creating a stable foundation. People had begun laying cobblestones around cement. In places, rope and pegs clearly marked where buildings would go, and people were hard at work already.<\/p>\n

Teams of black-bodied Workers were heaving huge quarried blocks of stone towards waiting stonecutters. Erin saw Drakes and Gnolls wheelbarrowing bricks to another spot. The young woman\u2019s eyes widened as she saw a team pulling up a wooden frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was so\u2026organized!<\/em> Whoever had laid out this new part of the city, they\u2019d done it so well that even Erin could see where everything would go. And more than half a dozen buildings were already up!<\/em> In fact, Erin could see a tenant Gnoll idly combing her hair on a balcony as dozens of Workers trooped past, carrying beams of wood on their shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe it! This is incredible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been in construction for a while. Have you really not visited?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys looked pleased as Erin stared about. The young woman shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You know I don\u2019t go into Liscor that much. And the Inn\u2019s on the opposite side of\u2026wow! This is incredible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get too excited. This is just a residential district. The Council\u2019s building it first, but the rest of the expansion will make Liscor a third again as big. But the Council wants it done by sections. Let me show you the area I bought. This way\u2014and watch out for the construction teams. Not all are employed by the city and quality varies. I paid for Antinium Workers, by the by.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, as Selys walked Erin down the road, the two were wearing helmets. Steel\u2014the [Guards] at the gate had made them put it on. Regular civilians weren\u2019t allowed beyond certain points as well; some buildings were going up and they were going to be tall. A dropped brick or hammer could kill from even a short drop.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, no! <\/em>You idiots! That\u2019s not part of the design! Don\u2019t assume the Antinium are making the same things we are! Clear it away! You\u2019re way off your designated zone!\u201d<\/p>\n

A Drake [Foreman] was berating a group of [Builders] as Erin walked past. She had her own blueprints of the city, and where her group could build. Apparently, much of the city had been designed, but the individual plots of land were up for sale and design within their confines. Selys shook her head as the [Builders] swore and began to uproot their hard labor. Erin was still just amazed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is so cool. <\/em>I can\u2019t wait<\/em> until this [Architect] arrives. What\u2019s taking them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently they\u2019re coming all the way from Baleros. It\u2019s a long sea-voyage, even with a fast ship, plus they\u2019ll have to travel inland. But they already sent the designs, and part of what they\u2019ve done is already finished, see?\u201d<\/p>\n

The roads were indeed neatly laid out already, to allow wagons and pedestrians to pass by in the most efficient system possible. Selys was pointing out her section, swarming with Workers, where she was planning on some nice apartments and warehouses, all to rent. It was along the edge of the residential district.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s the temporary wall. Amazing, right? The Watch don\u2019t like it, but the Antinium put it up in a single day. . And I<\/em> wouldn\u2019t try getting over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a short, ten-foot-high outer wall that was protecting the buildings. It was made of stone and dirt and looked primitive, but it would stop your casual monster from appearing. [Guards] were patrolling around the walled section of the city in numbers, so Erin assumed it was fairly safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. So you\u2019re building apartments?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys nodded proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice<\/em> ones. I\u2019ll pay for quality and charge a decent rent. It\u2019ll take me a while to get my money back, but when I do it\u2019ll be steady income. No cutting corners and paying for it later. I\u2019m not managing it myself, of course; I\u2019ll hire someone to do the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a new world to Erin. Selys was moving up. Then again, Erin could hire people too, but not build entire districts from scratch. She stared at Selys, at a loss for words. Selys was making the choices Erin had agonized over of her own volition. She wanted to do this.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, my inn\u2019s nearly finished with the second floors. I can start renting rooms out now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Who\u2019s your clientele going to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys looked sideways at Erin. Another adult question. The young woman shrugged, but she was relieved she could talk with Selys about it. Why hadn\u2019t she done that before?<\/p>\n

\u201cMy staff. Temile, some of the players. Actual guests, you know, who might be travelling? Lyonette wants a stable<\/em>. For horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInns have stables, Erin. Generally.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman threw her hands up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one told me! The inn didn\u2019t when I found it! Although Lyonette said it probably just rotted away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else in particular? I mean, will you specialize? Peslas has rich guests. But knowing you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll probably offer Palt a room too. And\u2026well, other people.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Heiress] looked sideways at Erin. She hummed.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting. Well, if you want, we can look around, but the Workers are busy and I don\u2019t want to disturb them. Please don\u2019t make them riot or anything. We can go have a drink somewhere if you want, catch up. Wishdrinks? They\u2019ll let us in and it\u2019s a nice place. You can ask for a private room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin mock-glared.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! I don\u2019t always<\/em> do that. Sure. This helmet is making my head sweat. Tell me about what being rich is like!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you can tell me about your fire. And why Mrsha keeps losing her ball every time she comes to play. Does she hate it? I can get her a new one if she doesn\u2019t like it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The two were walking back through the city under construction when they heard a shout. The stream of people moving back and forth faltered. Selys looked ahead and Erin saw a group of [Guards]. Selys wavered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. It\u2019s him. Erin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Erin. The young woman stared back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot. You really didn\u2019t hear when you were on vacation\u2014look, stay calm\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin saw him. A tall, brown-furred form. A bowed head. A pair of horns. She froze.<\/p>\n

The one-armed Minotaur was walking slowly. A group of people were following the pocket of [Guards]. Some were shouting. Others hurling insults. The [Guards] snapped. Erin heard one shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo stones!<\/em> That is a fine! Make way! Watch Captain\u2019s orders! Miss, I will arrest you if you throw that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared. She wasn\u2019t ready. She hadn\u2019t prepared for him. She hadn\u2019t expected it. Selys spoke in a low tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t know? He\u2019s been doing this the last three weeks. Well\u2014normally they take him out at night. There was a near riot the first time. No one said anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I was in Pallass with the Wyverns. And then\u2014they let him out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor certain tasks.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young women listened. The [Lieutenant] was snapping at a furious Gnoll woman pointing at the Minotaur. She was shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy hasn\u2019t he been executed? Why<\/em> is that thing allowed to walk around?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch Captain\u2019s orders, Ma\u2019am\u2014until the prisoner is found definitively guilty\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like your Watch Captain! But she\u2019s mad in this! Mad! He killed<\/em> Gnolls! Doesn\u2019t that matter? Why are you protecting him?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Lieutenant] flushed. And\u2014Erin saw with a start, it was only<\/em> Drakes on the guard detail. And a pair of Humans. New recruits?<\/p>\n

\u201cDoing my job, Miss. And this is not a relaxing job. This is punishment detail for the prisoner. Culling a nest of Shield Spiders. Hauling stones\u2014he\u2019s under guard, Miss. But he\u2019ll be clearing Hollowstone Deceivers.<\/em> He volunteered for it, too. Jumps into nests of spiders alone. No weapons. We don\u2019t even use healing potions. He gets hurt; a [Healer] stitches him up. If he dies\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not good enough for thread. <\/em>Do you hear me? You monster? Look at me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotaur\u2019s head never moved. He walked forwards as the others hurled insults at his back. Erin saw him. Scarred, thinner. Without the crazed crimson light in his eyes.<\/p>\n

And without the pride, that fearless smile, and his team of adventurers. This was neither Minotaur. But it was him.<\/p>\n

Calruz.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should go. Please don\u2019t start anything, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys looked worried. As if she thought Erin would fly into a rage like the crowd\u2014mostly Gnolls\u2014who were following Calruz. But Erin wasn\u2019t angry. She\u2026stared at him.<\/p>\n

The Minotaur never looked right or left. He let them shout at him. Even seemed to welcome it. He didn\u2019t flinch as a rock bounced off his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho threw that? I will arrest you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake roared. But the thrower was nowhere to be seen. Erin saw Calruz twitch as another rock hit him. Hard. But he kept walking.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman clutched at her chest. It was\u2026burning<\/em>. With so many emotions she couldn\u2019t count them. One was anger. Fury. She remembered Mrsha, the days of fear. Remembered so clearly she could have been back there, deciding to kill the Raskghar.<\/p>\n

Anger<\/em>. Fear.<\/em> The two emotions were burning in her chest. Selys saw the young woman clutching at her chest, trying to hold something in. But Erin didn\u2019t want either emotion. They were reactions.<\/p>\n

But something else was burning. Erin looked up. And she saw Calruz stop.<\/p>\n

He had seen her. The Minotaur had not halted for anyone else. But he saw the young woman and halted. The [Guards] froze, swinging their weapons up.<\/p>\n

Calruz\u2019s remaining arm was secured to his neck by a strange steel collar\u2014he couldn\u2019t be cuffed normally. And he had magical shackles around his legs, limiting his motion. But the Watch stared at him, as warily as could be. They kept their distance.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She was neither angry nor afraid. Those were just emotions. Erin could have snatched at them. Could have conjured fire in that brief moment. She was certain. But she didn\u2019t want to share that fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back. I\u2019m not going to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice trailed off as she walked forwards. Selys moved to stop her, and then halted.<\/p>\n

The crowd had seen Erin. Some were murmuring. They knew her. The crazy Human. And they knew her role too. They backed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss\u2014I have orders. No one is to go near the prisoner.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant] licked his lips as Erin approached. He was new to his role; he had never met her. But he knew of her. Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to talk with him. I\u2019m owed that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake opened his mouth. He looked at the other [Guards]. Then he slowly backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get close. Back up! Form a ring, [Guardsmen]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin ignored him. She walked forwards, slowly. And stood in front of the Minotaur.<\/p>\n

If you were cruel, you might even laugh. Calruz was thinner from his days in captivity. His muscle was still heavy, but the cell and his diet had worn at him. He looked older by a decade. And his hand was awkwardly bound to the neck-collar. But Erin didn\u2019t laugh. She couldn\u2019t ever.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice. We meet again.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was the first one to speak. Erin started. Calruz\u2019 voice was quiet. Low. But his voice silenced the crowd.<\/p>\n

The Minotaur didn\u2019t sound like a monster. He sounded like\u2026a person. Tired. But he enunciated each word with care, with a disused voice. Quietly, he looked down at Erin. And she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Calruz. We met once, in prison. Do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look the same. And different. I have heard much about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom who?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Watch Captain. She visits me, sometimes. And Ceria used to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe left. With Pisces. After\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. You were there. At the inn. You went in first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin felt a bit silly. But her head was crowded. And only the trivial words, the trite sentences came out. Calruz nodded again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not find my death there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo this is what you do now?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotaur didn\u2019t smile. He replied levelly, his blue eyes meeting Erin\u2019s. She searched again for the madness, but she saw only tired grief. Sorrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was offered to me. It is better than the cell. Better than I deserve. It would be justice, to execute me. To let me rot away. I would rather death than confinement. But it is not my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice was loud enough that the crowd could hear. They stirred. Erin looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe still thinks you\u2019re innocent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And I\u2026sometimes believe her.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Calruz smiled. And Erin saw a flicker in his eyes. Then his cracked lips sagged. He looked down at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeria told me she was leaving. I wish her the best. And you. I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He began to walk past Erin, slowly, step by step as the chains dragged. Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotaur paused. The [Honorbound Prisoner] looked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything.\u201d<\/p>\n

The word struck Erin. Her history with Calruz unfolded before her. Him and his team, teaching her to punch, Skinner, the Raskghar, Mrsha, the rituals\u2014all of it. In one long moment, she saw Calruz turn away. Erin looked at his back. And she remembered a Minotaur striding into the Crypt of Liscor. Back straight and proud.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned. Erin stood behind him. She looked at Calruz. Angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare apologize like that and just walk away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotaur bowed his head. Erin was shaking. Not with anger, or sadness, or any one thing. She touched her chest. She faced Calruz, a short young woman speaking to a bowed, scarred Minotaur who turned as if afraid of what he might see in her eyes. Erin\u2019s voice was unwavering; still.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou killed good people. You did horrible things. I saw it. Don\u2019t you dare apologize like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I cannot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotaur murmured. Erin went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t you dare apologize for the rest. Not for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up. Erin stared around the quiet crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw you. I saw you charge into the inn. Alone. With hundreds of Crelers inside. I knew a Minotaur who taught me how to punch. Who led the best team of adventurers I ever met! Don\u2019t you dare apologize for him. For the one who taught me\u2014this!<\/em> [Minotaur Punch]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s fist flashed through the air. It stopped, and she pointed at Calruz\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t you dare hide. The Calruz I knew wouldn\u2019t walk like that. He\u2019d take the burdens on his shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying. <\/em>But how can I atone for what I\u2019ve done? How, in a thousand years?\u201d<\/p>\n

He whispered. He met Erin\u2019s eyes, lost and sad and\u2026searching. Erin Solstice stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. But I know this. I remember Calruz the Adventurer. Calruz, the mad thing in the dungeon, leader of the Raskghar. Calruz the [Prisoner]. Calruz of Hammerad, this<\/em> is what I think of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] slowly reached for her chest. She looked at Calruz. The one-armed Minotaur, who had lost everything. His honor, his team. His mind. And he was not one thing, like the emotions in her chest were not.<\/p>\n

He was a monster. A brave adventurer. A remorseful prisoner. A distant figure, charging into the inn alone. All these things and more.<\/p>\n

Could you forgive someone like that? Could she? Erin Solstice reached into her chest and pulled out the answer. She cupped it in her hands.<\/p>\n

Fire, like her memories.<\/em><\/p>\n

A small flame blossomed between Erin\u2019s hands. A tiny, but painfully bright light. Calruz tried to shield his eyes. But he couldn\u2019t. He looked and was captivated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman stared at the fire. It burned. And it had what seemed a mild heat. But\u2026terribly warm. The kind that could keep you warm in the face of the coldest winds.<\/p>\n

It burned, with an [Innkeeper]\u2019s regrets. Her sorrows. And yes, even some hate. Anger. But it was also made of something else.<\/p>\n

Glory<\/em>. All she remembered of Calruz, all she respected and loved about him. Everything he had been. And the shadow he had become. But the glory, the memory of it did not, could not be consumed by the bad. The fire was mercy and redemption. Forgiveness, all she could give.<\/p>\n

But\u2014glory. And that word was not bravery or courage alone. It was good and<\/em> bad. And it burned, with the brilliant white center that seared the eyes, turning lighter, from white to pink and red.<\/p>\n

The fuchsia edges of the flame melted with darker edges, like the very blood that had been spilled. Erin held it up, and the crowd looked at her. The Minotaur\u2019s eyes reflected the glow. And he and Erin saw in it all he had been.<\/p>\n

Slowly, his back straightened. Erin Solstice looked into Calruz\u2019s eyes and blinked away tears. He did not weep. But he stood taller, taller. Until he looked around.<\/p>\n

The crowd of people looked at Erin\u2019s fire. It did not captivate all of them. Some spat and turned away. Others hurled insults, fleeing the painful light. And still more looked at Calruz. At Erin, as she held the flame up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis. Don\u2019t forget this. Ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all she said. The Minotaur nodded. Erin\u2019s hands cupped the flames. The shadows seemed long, despite the daylight streaming up. People moved around her pointing, staring. But Erin\u2019s heart held that brief sight of glory.<\/p>\n

And then she threw the fire up, out of her hands. It burned for just a second in the air and then vanished. For it was a fleeting thing. Erin looked at Calruz. Then she turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

She did not say anything more. She did not watch, as the Minotaur kept walking. Erin Solstice sat and talked with Selys. In time, she began to feel normal. But her Drake friend stared at her as if Erin had horns growing out of her head. Or something else.<\/p>\n

The young woman found Beza and Montressa standing in the inn, helping with the production of Frozen. They looked wan, tired from the other fire, but determined to be helpful. Erin tilted her head at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt, Montressa, Beza, can we talk?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wistram [Mages] turned to her, two of them looking apprehensive. Erin motioned them around the table. Then she sat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking about the future. Um\u2026you know the inn\u2019s growing, right? Well, we\u2019ve nearly finished the second floor and I was thinking. We have three new rooms which opened upstairs. Since you three are always around here, I was thinking of offering you all a place to stay. If you can get up the stairs, Palt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt nearly choked on his gum. Montressa stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cW\u2014you want us, Erin? To stay at your inn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to. Pay, obviously. It\u2019s not too<\/em> expensive, and you get free breakfast, lunch, and<\/em> dinner. Um, unless you get more than one plate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why us? You have every right to bear a grudge. Why change your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza folded her arms. She watched Erin, and the young woman wanted to know all about Minos, suddenly. About how their King judged honor. But she just shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? I don\u2019t mind. You two were sort of jerks, but you also helped fight the Crelers. I\u2019m not telling you stuff just like that, or joining your factions, but you can stay, if you want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

She paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fought the Crelers. That doesn\u2019t balance you out because that\u2019s not how it works, but it matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked from face to face, meeting each eye squarely. And then Erin smiled, mischievously.<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, someone has to balance Palt. Or his faction has too much power around here and he\u2019s the only person from Wistram telling me what\u2019s what. What if I want to negotiate or undercut him somehow?\u201d<\/p>\n

The gum caught in Palt\u2019s throat. He choked and Beza slapped him on the back. Erin eyed the saliva and gum on the table. Then she looked up.<\/p>\n

She smiled, and winked. And all three Wistram [Mages] gave Erin the look everyone gave her when they saw behind the curtain for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that was all. Erin got up as Palt stared at her. She wandered over to Lyonette.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, it\u2019ll probably be a full house tonight. Get ready. I\u2019m going to bring it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] cocked an eyebrow at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you planning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to use my other Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin met Lyonette\u2019s gaze. Slowly, the [Princess] nodded. Erin spent the rest of the time relaxing, chatting with Saliss and Octavia who\u2019d come back through raving about isolating one single component in their potion. Xif, who had a present for Erin. Relc showed up, with Beilmark, smug as could be.<\/p>\n

And they came. All the others. As if they knew something was up. Perhaps they\u2019d heard about Calruz. Or perhaps Erin had summoned them. Olesm and Selys, Krshia and Elirr, the latter muttering about Wyvern bites.<\/p>\n

Even Embria and the 4th Company. Although they were just here to work out. Erin saw how Embria sat with her command, laughing and glancing at Relc as he sat and had a poke-fight with Mrsha. And Erin waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice? [Message] for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin received one last surprise that night. A Drake Street Runner arrived with a little letter. Erin blinked, and unfurled it.<\/p>\n

It was a [Message], as you got from the Mage\u2019s Guild all the time. Erin\u2019s fingers froze when she saw who had sent it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dear Erin,<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry I haven\u2019t written you. I\u2019m so sorry about how I left. And I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m not sending you good news. Well, it\u2019s a burden. There are some\u2026people coming towards your inn. People like me. I didn\u2019t know where else to send them. And I hope you can do for them what you did for me.<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m rambling. Hey, can I pay for\u2014never mind. It\u2019s sort of hard to say, Erin. I\u2019m uh, dictating this out loud, if you didn\u2019t know. I just wanted to say that I\u2019m sorry. Not just to you. To Mrsha. I let her down.<\/em><\/p>\n

I should have stayed. But I make such a mess of things. I couldn\u2019t even face my mistakes. I want to change. I have to. Until I do, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll end up killing you or ruining your life. But I will come back.<\/em><\/p>\n

I promise. I will come back, no matter what. But not yet. When I come back, I need to be different.<\/em><\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing else I can say. I\u2019m sorry I haven\u2019t returned. I\u2019m sending gold, for Mrsha, and anything else you need. Please tell her that\u2026I wish I could have helped her. I wish I was worthy of it. But I\u2019m not.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2013Ryoka Griffin<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin read the letter twice, slowing down as she noticed what looked like the transcribing [Mage] having real difficulty with Ryoka\u2019s dictation. She stared as the Street Runner waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. A seal. And a tip. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] pushed a seal, a silver coin, and a chocolate chip cookie into the Drake boy\u2019s claws. He blinked at all three and then bowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Miss!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin slowly sat down at a table. She read the letter a third time, and stopped halfway through.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the worst letter I\u2019ve ever read.\u201d<\/p>\n

It really was. But it was also Ryoka. And Erin thought\u2014it was something. To get a letter from Ryoka that read like this. It was her. Infuriating and sincere and sad at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u2026It also pissed Erin off. She stood up and glared at the letter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s coming? What do you mean? Lyonette!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin threw up her arms and stormed into the kitchen. The [Princess] was trying to flawlessly make an order for Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m busy, Erin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped as Erin thrust the letter into her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cRead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette did. She read the letter, swore with the kind of filthy language she\u2019d banned in Mrsha\u2019s presence, and read on. She looked up at Erin with much the same look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is she thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. But she sent the [Message]. There\u2019s no return address.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] had cooled down. Now, she looked at the letter Lyonette was threatening to shred like a valuable thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t wreck it. Mrsha needs to read this. It\u2019s good practice for her letters, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess]\u2019s lips compressed. Her eyes flashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know that she needs to see this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe absolutely needs to see it. If she wants to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shook her head. She looked at the letter. Then she whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going into Liscor. Be back in a second.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stormed out of the inn.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss. But it was sent with an anonymity clause. We\u2019re not allowed to share the details.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Scribe] at the desk was unhappy, but he shook his head as Erin stood at his counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know where it came from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Miss. We\u2019re not allowed to divulge confidential information.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin paused. She narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Do you not know, or are you not allowed to tell me? Because it sounds<\/em> like you could find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Scribe]\u2019s eyes flickered. Erin leaned over the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know who I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m insane, you know. They say I can spit blood and that I have a Hobgoblin [Bouncer].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss, if you threaten me, I\u2019ll call the Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThreaten you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin smiled, spreading her arms wide. Like Wailant. And like the [Pirate], she suddenly leaned in.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagus Grimalkin stays at my inn. Also, Krshia\u2019s a great friend. And Selys. And uh\u2014I know Olesm. Tell me where it came from. I know<\/em> you can buy information from the Mage\u2019s Guild. They\u2019re as leaky as a sponge if you squeeze<\/em>. Tell me. How much? Ten silver? A gold piece?\u201d<\/p>\n

She began slapping money on the counter. The [Scribe] raised his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss, please\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to be depressed? I can do depressing fire too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was ready to cause a riot. But as it happened, it didn\u2019t occur. The [Scribe] was looking for the bell to summon the Watch when someone slid past Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Erin. Ahem. May I have a word?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa du Valeross walked over to the desk. The [Mage] leaned over and tapped on the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cA word with your Guildmistress? My name is Montressa du Valeross. I\u2019m a Wistram Mage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Scribe] froze. He looked at Montressa. So did Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] smiled at Erin. And the [Scribe] wilted.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Montressa handed Erin a small slip of paper. Erin unfolded it wordlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all we got. Did you want more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. I just needed to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa looked at Erin. The young woman raised her brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cA friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] hesitated. And Erin could see the little magical gears spinning in Montressa\u2019s head. So the young woman tugged her out of the Mage\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Palt\u2019s told me all about factions. And how you\u2019re supposed to report stuff. And you\u2019re smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for saying that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin nodded. She looked at Montressa.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t report that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman held up a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt keeps telling me about trust. Secrets for secrets, right? That\u2019s how Wistram works? Don\u2019t report that. And I\u2019ll tell you about weights. And other things. Give me a reason to trust you. And I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited. It was a gamble. The [Aegiscaster] eyed Erin. And then she nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone. Would you like me to swear it on a truth spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waited. Montressa did. And the [Innkeeper] smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, do me another favor. I need you to send two [Messages].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo whom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFalene Skystrall of the Silver Swords. And Ceria Springwalker or Pisces Jealnet of the Horns of Hammerad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa froze. She looked at Erin as the young woman explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were both going to learn the spell. It\u2019s silly, not knowing it. Either one works. You can send it directly, right? So the Mage\u2019s Guild won\u2019t listen in or Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, the young [Mage] nodded. She put a finger to her brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them\u2014tell them this. Ryoka is in Reizmelt. That\u2019s some place north of Invrisil a good ways. Tell them she\u2019s there. Tell them to find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice paused. She looked up at the fading light in the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen they find her, tell her to come back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

She left it at that. Montressa concentrated. A reply came back almost instantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Silver Swords acknowledge. They said they\u2019ll stop by on their way north.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she paused. Her expression grew blank. But Erin watched the emotions flickering in her eyes. Montressa\u2019s mouth moved, and she sent more than Erin\u2019s message, Erin was sure. But all she did was produce a bit of parchment and write on it. When she was done, she bowed slightly, and walked away without a word.<\/p>\n

Erin read the reply. It was neat, but she instantly recognized Ceria\u2019s tone.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sorry we\u2019re delayed, Erin. Had some incidents with Ksmvr. Also, took a contract along the way fighting wildmagic Stone Golems. Like Snow Golems, only stone. Will absolutely find her. Nearly at Invrisil. See you then,<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2013Ceria<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin stood in the fading light. She smiled, and tucked the note away.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t over. That night, the inn was full. Erin Solstice waited until people were drinking, and the Players of Celum had put on one performance. And then she strode into the center of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me everyone! Can I have your attention? Can I have your attention?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

At first they didn\u2019t hear her. So Erin shouted louder. She saw Zevara wincing, glaring with some of the [Guards] who\u2019d dragged her here for a night out. Or perhaps it was her instinct too. Erin waved her arms.<\/p>\n

Everyone watched her. From Saliss and Octavia to Zevara, Olesm, Relc, Mrsha\u2014so many faces. Montressa was drinking with Palt and Beza in one corner. Erin inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight\u2019s a special night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc shouted from his seat with Mrsha. Erin shot him a look and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I said so.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a murmur of laughter. Erin waved for silence. She put her hands behind her back as her chest burned.<\/p>\n

Her head was light. The young woman walked in front of one of the fireplaces. And her voice was loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw someone today. A Minotaur. Not Beza, sorry. The<\/em> Minotaur. Calruz.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room went as silent as if Erin had doused it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you think of him. I know what he did. I saw it. But I also saw what he did before that. Calruz and the Horns of Hammerad were the first adventurers ever to visit my inn, did you know? Before it was destroyed. The first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a laugh, and then silence. Erin went on, her voice trembling, but it stopped as she went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Horns of Hammerad. They went into the Crypt and\u2026well, you know the rest. But they reformed. They beat Albez, <\/em>and found treasure! Including the magic door!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHurray for that!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss shouted. Erin smiled. He was watching her knowingly. Perhaps he knew what she had in the cupped hands behind her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then the Horns came back here. They fought the moths. They fought the Raskghar. They brought down a monster. Calruz. And when I saw him the second time, he was mad. Insane. But then I saw him in prison. And I wasn\u2019t sure if he was mad, or if something had happened down there. Maybe it was him. Maybe it was something else. I don\u2019t know. But when the Crelers attacked the inn, the Horns of Hammerad killed the Adult Creler. They brought it down. And brave people died.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around. Some adventurers were in the inn. Bevussa, Keldrass\u2014and some who\u2019d fought there. The Ensoldier Shields and Walt glanced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey fought and won<\/em>. But a lot of people died. [Mages], adventurers. The Horns were one<\/em> of the groups. But they fought. All of them. Calruz was the first one into the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your point?\u201d<\/p>\n

That question came from the front. Erin searched the crowd, saw an angry face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust this. It happened. All those things. The good and the bad. And tonight, we\u2019re going to remember that. I don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve heard, but I\u2019ve got a little Skill. So\u2014tonight\u2014I\u2019m remembering that. And this<\/em> is what I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin took her hands from around her back. And there it was.<\/p>\n

A pink glow. The color of glory and mercy and forgiveness and redemption and triumph and sorrow.<\/p>\n

It was such a tiny thing. Erin stared at it. Happiness to her was purple. And sadness blue. Was happiness that close to sadness? Did it work like that? Why was glory pink?<\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t gold. The white, painful light in the center made people shade their eyes. It was such a tiny flame. Most in the inn couldn\u2019t see it. The little fuchsia flame wavered as if it might go out at any second. So Erin stepped back\u2014<\/p>\n

And she cast it into the fireplace.<\/p>\n

The merry orange flames changed color in an instant. The bright, harsh, warm glow lit up the inn. Her guests cried out in astonishment. And Erin saw the light grow.<\/p>\n

So did the shadows. The light of the magic fire of glory had a strange effect. For all it shone and was even painful to look at, it lengthened the shadows as much as it cast light. So it was bright as day and dark as night.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlory.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman stood with her back to the fire. She caught some on her fingertips. Catching it without being burned.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t know she could do that. But she was acting on instinct, now. There was a thundering in her chest, a burning in her veins. And the fire shot from fireplace to fireplace.<\/p>\n

Now the inn was basked in the light. And it was not gentle. It was warm. But not all looked at it with fond memory.<\/p>\n

Some flinched away from the burning light. They fled it, leaving. But most stayed. It was beautiful to many.<\/p>\n

Frightening to others. Watch Captain Zevara was one. She flinched away, staring with fear at the bright, shadowed glow. Zevara whispered a word.<\/p>\n

\u201cSkinner.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman turned. Her eyes shone as she held the magenta flame. Slowly, she walked over to the bar. And Zevara beheld in her Skinner. She remembered the rotting thing.<\/p>\n

The sight of a tribe of Goblins standing over its corpse. An inn that stood. The Workers who stood with the Black Tide as they crushed the undead and saved her city.<\/p>\n

Both things at once. One might outweigh the other at times, but neither was complete alone. That was what glory was, to Erin.<\/p>\n

And it called her. Her eyes scanned across the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cPour me a drink, Drassi. Something that burns.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Bartender] stared at Erin. Slowly, she filled a tumbler with Firebreath Whiskey. Erin looked at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Not right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mind was shimmering. Something was calling<\/em> to her. She looked at the glass, at the fire in her hands. She was missing something. Drassi looked past her and whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman looked down. A little furry paw reached up. And Erin saw a little faerie flower.<\/p>\n

Saliss and Xif stared. The entire room stared as Erin took the flower out of Mrsha\u2019s grasp. And the little Gnoll looked up, waiting. Erin contemplated the flower. Her fire.<\/p>\n

And she performed her magic. She squeezed a few drops of nectar into the drink and mixed it. Then\u2014she set the flower in the glass. And the pink fire consumed it.<\/p>\n

The magenta flame burned across the glass, turning the liquid inside into a shimmering glow. The Faerie Flower burned to ash in a second, and Erin stared at the cup.<\/p>\n

It was complete<\/em>. It held\u2026something. Erin lifted the flaming shot glass and pivoted. Rufelt watched from a seat where he sat with his wife, and the [Bartender] smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Does anyone want a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

The room was silent. Everyone stared at the fiery glass. Octavia looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way I\u2019m<\/em> doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The guests looked at each other. Wailant half-rose, and so did Palt, Saliss, Xif\u2014<\/p>\n

But Relc was first. He strode past Grimalkin who was cribbing notes like a maddrake, and walked over to the bar. The Drake squared his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I have it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin handed him the glass wordlessly. He looked at the cup and at Erin. He knew what it held. He had taken the bitter draught of memories before.<\/p>\n

He raised the glass to his lips and drained it in one go. The room watched in silence. The Senior Guardsman smacked his mouth and then paused. He looked past Erin. At something she couldn\u2019t see.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s heart was pounding. She looked at her old friend, one of the oldest in this world. And she didn\u2019t know what he saw as he turned. Relc held the glass. He stared at it, and at Erin.<\/p>\n

Then he hurled it to the floor. The glass shattered<\/em>, and Erin jumped. The Drake [Sergeant] looked around. And then he leapt onto the bar. He planted his feet on it, and grabbed a second glass and the bottle Drassi had pulled out.<\/p>\n

\u201cA toast! To the damned 4<\/em>th<\/em> Company of the army! New and old! Raise your mugs, you ugly bastards!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He shouted across the room. There were tears in his eyes. Embria started at her table, and 4th Company gaped at Relc.<\/p>\n

The Gecko of Liscor. They never spoke to him. Hadn\u2019t acknowledged him until Pallass. The former [Sergeant] and [Spearmaster]. But tonight, Relc roared.<\/p>\n

\u201cPour one out, you worthless fleshbags!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He poured a shot and drank. All the [Soldiers] of 4th Company shot to their feet, not just Embria. They raised their drinks. And they shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201c4<\/em>th<\/em> Company! The Skywalker\u2019s Company! 4<\/em>th<\/em>!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the Gecko of Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria raised her drink. Erin heard them roar. She watched Relc and then saw him turn to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSkywalker?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe run on [Light Bridges]. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it good?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relc looked at Erin and the fire she held. He raised a glass to his old company, and his daughter. He stared, at that elusive, oft-painful fire. But wonderful, too. And he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The drinks burned bright as Erin served them. She didn\u2019t have to, or rather, she wasn\u2019t alone. Drassi and<\/em> Rufelt were helping her.<\/p>\n

The faerie flowers were a bitter poison. And they were poison. A memory so real and painful you could die in it. But when the fire burned, you drank it. And you didn\u2019t see a vision that snatched you into a world of what might have been, or vivid and real memory.<\/p>\n

The drink made you remember the best and worst of it. All at once. And that\u2014was not nostalgia. It was not for everyone. But it was glorious.<\/p>\n

People were toasting and shouting. The inn was in an uproar. Erin had never seen it like this. She had seen it panicked, confused, happy and sad. But this was chaos. Pandemonium.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s almost like a real inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rufelt eyed Erin. He slipped as he slid a shot glass across the table, and it flicked<\/em>, spinning, going to hit the floor.<\/p>\n

A hand caught it. Erin saw a dark, slim Antinium inspect the fiery drink.<\/p>\n

Klbkch. Her breath caught. The Antinium seemed\u2014unhappy. So deeply so, Erin could feel it. But this wasn\u2019t the night. She couldn\u2019t help him now. She had to\u2014<\/p>\n

The Revalantor, Klbkch the Slayer, raised the glass. He stood in a moment made for him, as people like Saliss and Grimalkin turned. Chaldion looked up. Olesm froze, and Zevara tensed.<\/p>\n

Klbkchhezeim of the Free Antinium stared around the room. He looked at Pawn and Bird and Belgrade and the others who were here against his orders. At Erin. But he did not say anything to them.<\/p>\n

It was not the moment. The Antinium simply lifted his glass. He opened his mandibles.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the Centenium of the True Antinium. To the Antinium of Rhir!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He drank. And then he hurled the glass to the floor, as Relc had done. The Slayer walked back into the crowd. And no one stopped him. It made the eyes of some burn with more than sadness, but his was not the only toast. He had the right.<\/p>\n

\u201cAttention, attention everyone! Shut up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin climbed onto a table. She kicked someone\u2019s spaghetti out of the way. Erin waved her arms. She had a mug in one hand, filled with alcohol, not the burning magic drink. Everyone faced her as Erin shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have only one thing to say tonight! This is my inn! And you\u2019re all my guests! You\u2019ve seen it destroyed, rebuilt! You\u2019ve seen monsters\u2014and heroes!\u201d<\/p>\n

She shouted to the roaring crowd. And Erin felt more like an [Innkeeper] than she had before. People shouted, someone screamed about their spaghetti, and Erin shouted louder as the drinks and food flowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust remember this! This is <\/em>The Wandering Inn! And we\u2019ve seen good people and jerks come through here! Legends and monsters! But we remember the good ones now! Raise a cup to them all! They\u2019ll be back again, someday!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

People began to thrust their tankards and cups up, but they paused. Erin looked around. And in the sudden lull, she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe good and the bad. But that\u2019s okay. Because this inn\u2019s open. And I believe that if you can do terrible things, you can also redeem yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her words carried across the bar. And Erin gazed about. She looked past Beza, Montressa, and Palt, past Relc, Olesm, Klbkch, standing silent, watching, past Lyonette and everyone in the inn who looked at her and listened and remembered. Out, through one of the windows at the distant city. And further still.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter how far you go, no matter where you go or who you become\u2014you can always come back here. That\u2019s a promise. I might hit you with a pan, but this inn welcomes you all. Because it has only one rule. Which is?\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited. Her guests murmured. And then a Drake jumped onto his chair. The Senior Guardsman raised his mug and met Erin\u2019s eyes. He nodded, and then bellowed. And he was not alone.<\/p>\n

Relc shouted it with Saliss, and the [Mages], and Lyonette and Numbtongue and everyone who\u2019d ever been stopped and had the sign above the bar pointed out to them. Who\u2019d ever looked up and read the words, or seen the little sign by the door. They shouted it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo killing Goblins!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin laughed. She lifted her tankard and drank it down in one go, to cheers from around the inn. Then Erin got down from the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice speech. Also, that would be more impressive if I didn\u2019t know you were immune to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette helped Erin onto the floor; glass shards had been swept, but Mrsha was sitting on a table, much to her delight. Erin wobbled as she went to put the mug down and missed. The world was suddenly\u2026tilted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] blinked. And Erin moved forwards. People she knew called out to her. She paused by a table.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me another drink! Also, I\u2019m getting hungry again! Let\u2019s get something to eat!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then she sat down. Erin wasn\u2019t using her Skill. For once\u2026she was drunk. And laughing. And then there was another round. Erin took it, and sipped this time, but she did drink.<\/p>\n

She drank, and realized it wasn\u2019t actually a bad thing to be drunk. She\u2019d just never tried it that often because she\u2019d been so busy and she\u2019d always thought it sucked. So she\u2019d always kept her Skill on. But it was sort of fun, especially with people laughing and talking with her.<\/p>\n

Who would have thought?<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The end. Or rather, the end of the night did come. It was probably into dawn, but the people left. Some were actually passed out on the floor, and Erin thought Numbtongue and Bird had collapsed somewhere in the Garden of Sanctuary.<\/p>\n

Klbkch had left, and Grimalkin, and so many others, in various stages of inebriation. Tomorrow, they\u2019d be dealt with. For a moment, Erin sat in a chair.<\/p>\n

She was drunk. She had been very<\/em> drunk, but time had downgraded her to merely intoxicated. And she was pleasantly so. The [Innkeeper] was happy.<\/p>\n

It was a good night. Not a perfect one. But you never got those. She remembered, that was all. And the pink flames shed their glow one last time.<\/p>\n

Erin reached for a drink. A mug. And it held not liquor, but chocolate. Warm, sweet chocolate. The young woman loved it dark. She sipped from her mug, and the rich taste made Erin smile. Then she paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. I need more chocolate.\u201d<\/p>\n

She should have probably said something special for a night like this. But that was all she got. Then, Erin yawned, and put her head down on the table. She smiled as she went to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

[Magical Innkeeper Level 41!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Inn: Twofold Rest obtained!]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It was another day. One where Erin didn\u2019t have anything planned while waking up. No\u2014to rephrase that, she didn\u2019t have anyone else telling her what they needed done. No Grimalkin and his weights, no playdates with Mrsha at the inn. Nothing new, save for what Erin herself took on. Normally, Erin treasured those days. They […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693087,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693136],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-7788","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-7","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nInterlude - Burning Alcohol - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/03\/08\/interlude-burning-alcohol\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interlude - Burning Alcohol\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It was another day. 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