\u201cWe have a new enemy. A name, among the countless species. Magnolia Reinhart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xrn spoke calmly to the images of the assembled Queens. Her voice was controlled, but her eyes belied her true state. Darkness crossed each of the colors. Black fury.<\/p>\n
Klbkch stood by Xrn\u2019s side. Marveling. Not at her, or the unrest of the other Queens. Xrn was<\/em> calm.<\/p>\n No\u2014he was simply astounded by a new kind of war. One with not a single drop of blood spilled, but had done more damage than even a hundred [Siege Fireballs] might. That woman\u2014that [Lady] had reached into the Hive and unearthed terrible secrets. Their numbers, their fortifications, the true extent of the Free Antinium\u2019s Hive. The tunnel leading south\u2014<\/p>\n Everything. And she had managed it because the [Ladies] fought in ways that drew not blood you could see<\/em>. But Klbkch, a master of blades, felt cut.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat will happen next, Xrn? You assured me your presence would bring only benefit <\/em>to the Hives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Grand Queen snapped. Xrn leaned on her staff.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must take precautions, see what the Drake\u2019s response will be, my Queen. And mark her. Like Zel Shivertail, I ask that the Hives agree to designate Magnolia Reinhart an entity of maximum threat.\u201d<\/p>\n The Queens stirred. But none objected. The Silent Queen spoke, thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cSo she is among my Hive\u2019s targets if we go to war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Silent Antinium, including Xeu, moved slightly. Their targets were marked across Izril.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you object, my Queen?\u201d<\/p>\n Xrn bowed. The Silent Queen raised one feeler.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It shall be done. The Silent Antinium agree.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat woman withstood two of our Centenium. The Armored Antinium designate her a threat, in the past and now. Let this Magnolia Reinhart never rally to the Drake\u2019s defense a third time. We agree.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Armored Queen turned her massive head. The Flying Queen, smaller, rubbed her feelers together anxiously; her Hive rustled around her, mirroring her mood.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat strange classes, [Ladies] are. To use such Skills. Can she employ such in war?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf. She can. Wrymvr will slay. Her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Twisted Queen\u2019s halting speech was last of all. Klbkch saw her turn towards him, looking past the Free Queen.<\/p>\n \u201cKlbkchhezeim. Wrymvr wishes. To speak to you. It would please the Twisted. Antinium. For you to visit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Xrn\u2019s head rose. She looked at Klbkch, cautiously. The other Antinium folded his arms.<\/p>\n Wrymvr of the Centenium. Wrymvr the Deathless,<\/em> the other races named him. And his name was most fitting of all the Centenium they had met. Xrn wanted to speak, but she held her voice.<\/p>\n And Klbkch bowed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt may be suitable, Twisted Queen. I can make no promises.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen it is agreed. Magnolia Reinhart is marked. Now tell me Xrn. How were you unable to stop this\u2026[Druid]? We encountered that class seldom. Speak. And what will happen to the Free Antinium now? Are we\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Grand Queen spoke impatiently, and the Queens debated. And elsewhere in Izril, the Walled Cities were in conference. Arguing, trying to understand both the information they had been given and why<\/em> they had been given it.<\/p>\n Magnolia Reinhart of the Five Families. An enemy of the Drakes\u2014or rather, her family had been. An ally?<\/p>\n There was a party scheduled in Oteslia soon. And suddenly\u2014it was even more important than it had been. People marveled. At Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s information network, the audacity of her move, to confront Antinium directly, at the unnerving actions of the Antinium\u2014even distant figures like the Blighted King paid attention to an old foe.<\/p>\n Look at her, Magnolia Reinhart. And that dress. Fashion and spectacle and treachery and Skill.<\/p>\n And while the rest of the world heaved\u2014the inn that had been used by Magnolia Reinhart was bubbling. No\u2014burning with what had happened. And you might hate it, or approve of what had happened. But forget about the world for a moment. The world was sometimes a stupid place.<\/p>\n In The Wandering Inn, that night, many faces, new and old met and mingled. And\u2014that young woman, that [Innkeeper], Erin Solstice. Her place had been used by Magnolia Reinhart. And she was sorely hurt.<\/p>\n Yet, the night was more than Magnolia Reinhart. One by one, they arrived.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Guests. Old friends. New people, stumbling in, looking around, wide-eyed.<\/p>\n The Wandering Inn had come to Invrisil. What event. What chaos.<\/p>\n But Magnolia had overshadowed it. Used the inn harshly, like a piece on a larger chessboard. It was unsettling. And so\u2014at first, they came in like visitors to a wake.<\/p>\n At first.<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria Springwalker walked into The Wandering Inn. She still felt\u2014stunned. The [Ladies] had swept through the Players of Celum\u2019s inn. And Ceria had just watched them moving\u2014only when they\u2019d gone had she ceased to be a member of the audience.<\/p>\n A young woman was sitting in a chair. And\u2014Ceria had thought of her friend often. But Erin looked unfamiliar, for a moment.<\/p>\n Older. Tired. Sadder, staring down at her clasped hands. Like\u2014someone overburdened, and young. Not the force of personality and goodwill she normally was.<\/p>\n \u201cErin?\u201d<\/p>\n She reminded Ceria of Erin before Skinner, a young woman who did her best, but hadn\u2019t been the<\/em> Crazy Human of Liscor. For a moment. Then, hearing the half-Elf\u2019s voice, she raised her head.<\/p>\n \u201cCeria\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette stirred. The [Princess] was holding Mrsha, at a loss for words. But both looked at Ceria. And the half-Elf raised one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHi. Um\u2014we made it.\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t know what to say, but Erin\u2019s head rose. And she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did. Ceria!\u201d<\/p>\n She rose to her feet, slowly. But she walked over and gave Ceria a big hug. The [Cryomancer] felt Erin squeezing, and hugged back. For a moment, Erin just leaned on Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. I had no idea that Lady Magnolia Reinhart would\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cS\u2019okay. I don\u2019t think anyone did. She just\u2014hey, Ceria. Where\u2019ve you been? And the others?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin raised her head tiredly. And behind Ceria was Yvlon, Ksmvr, and Pieces, all standing in the inn. Behind them were the young people they\u2019d just met, the Players of Celum\u2014the door flickered out as Grev ran through.<\/p>\n Everyone was just watching, though. Erin Solstice looked so tired.<\/em><\/p>\n Mortally tired. She\u2019d thrown everything she had against the three [Ladies]. And she hadn\u2019t stopped a thing. It wasn\u2019t just physical exhaustion, it was mental, spiritual. Ceria saw Erin looking around, blinking.<\/p>\n \u201cYvlon? Pisces. Ksmvr. Is that\u2014Wesle and Jasi? E-Emme? Kilkran? Grev? Where did you all come from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been eager to see you, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi spoke hesitantly. The others nodded, but the mood was somber. Erin Solstice smiled, but it wasn\u2019t that glorious look, <\/em>that picked you up on your darkest day and said that everything would be alright. It was just a curve of the lips.<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] had lost. And she was so tired. And the [Innkeeper] was her inn. Ceria felt Erin straightening, but she held her friend, as if Erin might fall down.<\/p>\n In that moment, even the [Actors] didn\u2019t know what to say. They could pretend everything was alright, but it was so clearly not. The adventurers? Yvlon looked around at the inn and shook her head. Ksmvr was opening and closing his mandibles uncertainly.<\/p>\n Who could say something? And what would it be? Ceria didn\u2019t know\u2014but then she saw, out of the corner of her eye, one of Erin\u2019s oldest friends moving. Because of course, he had been there way back when.<\/p>\n Slowly, Pisces looked around. The [Necromancer] found a chair in the silent inn. And, as Drakes and Gnolls and guests from Invrisil looked at him, he sat down. And then he leaned back, precariously perching on the back two legs of the chair. And he put his feet up on the tabletop.<\/p>\n Pisces sniffed<\/em>, and looked at Erin. And his voice was mock-acerbic and mostly kind.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I expect service<\/em>, Miss Innkeeper. Pasta and blue juice, if you please. For me and my team.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman and Ceria looked at Pisces. Ceria opened her mouth, and saw Erin\u2019s face. The young woman sniffed. And if she\u2019d been close to tears\u2014they were gone when she put her hands on her hips and glared.<\/p>\n \u201cYou again?<\/em> You\u2019d better have some money.\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces ostentatiously slapped a few coins on the table. And he smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the food is good, I suppose I could give you a tip.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n And Erin Solstice laughed. Like a normal person, but her eyes lit up. She looked around her inn, at her old friends. And they smiled. Erin inhaled, and looked about.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. We\u2019ve got guests. Lyonette, do we have any food left? Get something for Mister Necromancer here.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] rolled her eyes. But she was smiling. Mrsha leapt out of her arms and tackled Ceria\u2019s legs. The half-Elf hadn\u2019t been expecting that. She went over with a crash.<\/em> Yvlon winced. Ksmvr hurried over to help her out.<\/p>\n And Pisces began laughing. So did Erin. And the inn came alive. More people laughed, and Ceria, getting up, saw Erin turning. The [Innkeeper] breathed in and out. And then she smiled.<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t over it. But she had guests, so Erin put the feelings away for a bit. And The Wandering Inn began to shine again.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn, the door\u2019s out of mana again. Are the Sage\u2019s Grass not working right?\u201d<\/p>\n Palt grumbled as he trotted over. Ceria looked up and saw Montressa holding out a slow hand. Ceria took it, unthinking, and Montressa helped haul her up. Bezale was standing next to her, arms folded. She grunted at Yvlon and the [Armsmistress] nodded slowly back.<\/p>\n As the others began chatting, Ceria saw Numbtongue reaching behind the bar for a drink with Bird. A love struck Belgrade was still standing where he had been.<\/p>\n \u201cSo pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn was hurrying after Lyonette. And the Players of Celum were looking around. Temile made a choked sound and began to push towards Wesle and Jasi. Ceria realized Maviola was missing. Still in Invrisil?<\/p>\n And at that moment, one of the young people looked at Pisces and exclaimed. Kevin pointed at Pisces.<\/p>\n \u201cDude. He\u2019s a [Necromancer]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone turned to look at Pisces. And the [Necromancer] stiffened. But Kevin promptly turned to his friends.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s so cool.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first few minutes afterwards were full of chaos. Erin was surrounded by the Horns of Hammerad, who she was hugging and talking to. But then she looked up and her eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cNo way. Halrac\u2019s here?<\/em> And Revi and Typhenous?\u201d<\/p>\n She saw the second team standing by the door. Revi waved as she looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThis place looks a lot better than it used to. I always thought the old place looked a bit run down. Hi, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n Typhenous\u2019 eyes twinkled. Halrac nodded to Erin, cool as could be. He was not prepared for the [Innkeeper] to charge him.<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac! How\u2019ve you been?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin tackle-hugged the [Scout]. He growled, embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cGet off. Erin. It\u2019s good to see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A flying Gnoll, Mrsha, in this case, leapt off the table and shot towards him. Halrac caught her rather than let her drop and she hugged him gleefully. Revi and Typhenous started guffawing at the look on Halrac\u2019s face as Mrsha tried to nuzzle his face and Erin laughed.<\/p>\n Someone else slapped her thighs and nearly doubled over. Erin turned as Briganda, eyes streaming, pointed at Halrac as he tried to get Mrsha to let go.<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac the Grim! <\/em>More like \u2018Halrac the Softie\u2019! Hah!<\/em> Wait till I tell Elm and Cassielle about this!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin saw Briganda stride over. The [Shield Maiden] grabbed Erin in a one-arm and wrapped an arm around Halrac and Mrsha. She gave them all a bear hug. Erin squeaked.<\/p>\n \u201cLet. Go.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac growled. He retreated, letting Mrsha drop to the floor. She and Erin turned to the woman.<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s first impression of Briganda was a smiling face. She was probably ten years older than Erin\u2014still young, but she seemed more motherly. That wasn\u2019t just a lucky guess either; she had that sense of looking out for children.<\/p>\n \u201cHello! Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe name\u2019s Briganda. I\u2019m a member of Griffon Hunt. One of the old crew. I just rejoined. And are you<\/em> Erin Solstice? I\u2019ve heard so much about you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I mean, hi! Any teammate of Griffon Hunt\u2019s is welcome. I\u2019m Erin\u2014this is Mrsha\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know! Hello, little one! Is she yours? Halrac didn\u2019t say. And he didn\u2019t say she was so adventurous! She\u2019d be a regular [Swashbuckler]!\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda knelt down. Mrsha blinked up at her, but then boldly rose onto two legs and stuck out a paw. Briganda clasped it and shook vigorously. And Mrsha was quite pleased by the [Shield Maiden]\u2019s bold smile.<\/p>\n \u201cMine\u2026? No, Mrsha\u2019s, uh\u2014I mean, I raise her, but she\u2019s not mine. She\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMine. Hello. Halrac, Revi, Typhenous! And did I hear Briganda? I\u2019m Lyonette, the manager of the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] came over. Briganda turned and her eyebrows shot up. She looked at Lyonette, who was eighteen or closer to nineteen these days, up and down.<\/p>\n \u201cWell! You started early, but she\u2019s a darling child! And who\u2019s the man, I mean, Gnoll?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac slapped his face. Revi choked and Typhenous starting chuckling into his beard again.<\/p>\n \u201cBriganda\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Oh.<\/em> Dead gods, tell me these things, Halrac!\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda grew flustered as she saw Halrac\u2019s face. She turned to Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u201cMales,<\/em> am I right? Up and leaving you? Sorry about that. I\u2019d like to say mine ran off, but I never knew who it was! I have a kid myself.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled as Lyonette\u2019s face contorted, trying to sort out what part of the misunderstanding to address first. Erin started laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so good to see you all! Give me a hug, Typh! You too, Revi!\u201d<\/p>\n The old man was only too glad to, and Mrsha raised her arms so she could be picked up and hugged. Revi embraced Erin lightly, laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels like ages since we saw you! Erin! How did you manage to get Pallass attacked by Wyverns?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin colored.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t\u2014that was just a coincidence! I think! You\u2019re looking good! New stitches?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou noticed?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n That was a guess, but Revi was beyond pleased. She scooped Mrsha up and the Gnoll promptly licked her cheek. Mrsha liked Revi.<\/p>\n \u201cCome in, sit, sit! Did you get to Invrisil at the same time as the Horns? What\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAside from travelling and Halrac punching our old teammate? Nothing much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhaaaaaat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we sit?<\/em> Erin\u2014any chance of a drink and some food?\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac cleared his throat, avoiding Erin\u2019s gaze. The young woman brightened up.<\/p>\n \u201cOh my gosh! You have to try the Minotaur\u2019s Punch, Halrac! I mean, the flaming glory drink! I mean\u2014I can make fire!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gold-rank adventurers knew she meant something else, but Revi had to take her shot.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations. So can anyone with a flint and tinder. Sure, set us up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOver here!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin led them to a table and was seating them, chattering and trying to explain the memory flames Skill she had\u2014not to mention the Garden<\/em>\u2014when Briganda exclaimed and stormed over.<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac, you pissant!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She kicked at him. The [Scout] growled as he had to half-leap out of his chair. Briganda\u2019s face was red.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me about Mrsha before I made an idiot of myself?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Lyonette, who had cleared things up and was investigating the door. Revi chortled but stopped as Briganda raised a fist. Halrac folded his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019d listen before you spoke, Briganda\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArgh! I did! Dead gods. And we\u2019re in Liscor? Can we get back? I left Cade in the inn. He\u2019s fine I\u2019m sure, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda glanced anxiously back at the door. Erin hurried to reassure her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe door\u2019ll be recharged soon! It just ran out because we had\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She counted. Nearly twenty<\/em> people had come through before it had failed. That was a lot better! Like Wailant had claimed, the ambient mana gave the door more teleportations and it would hopefully power back on soon.<\/p>\n \u201cThank goodness.\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda sighed. And then Erin heard a shout from the side. She turned in time to see Temile charging the other Players of Celum.<\/p>\n \u201cWesle! Jasi!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Producer] threw his arms around his friends. Wesle was laughing as he pounded Temile on the back and Jasi gave him a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cTemile! <\/em>We missed you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLiar! Did you even remember me? Wesle\u2014dead gods, are you taller? Kilkran too!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Blacksmith] turned [Actor] with the voice like deep honey was beaming. The other Players crowded around Temile, whom they\u2019d left behind in Celum, laughing and trying to talk at once.<\/p>\n \u201cYimur and Pralcem too! And where\u2019s that damned [Writer], Andel? His first good play and he writes it only after you get to Invrisil? What have we been paying him for?\u201d<\/p>\n Temile shouted, looking around. A short part-Dwarf woman pushed her way through the others, literally lifting Andel out of the way. She raised a fist and shouted up at Temile.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me too! Where\u2019s my [Actors], Temile? You promised me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n And there they were. The original cast of the Players of Celum turned and saw over two dozen Gnolls, Drakes\u2014even a Garuda staring at them. And they were just the [Actors]!<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesle breathed. Jasi\u2019s eyes went round at the sight of so many Drakes\u2014an oddity to a Drake girl raised in Celum. Temile beamed.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I present to the Players of Celum\u2014the Players of Liscor! That\u2019s what we\u2019ve decided to go as, to avoid confusion. But our [Lead Actors] are over Level 15 already and everyone else is leveling fast! And behind you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe stage. Oh, the stage!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi sighed. It wasn\u2019t the very first<\/em> stage she and Wesle had performed in\u2014that had been in The Frenzied Hare, back in Celum. But this one was iconic. And the other, newer [Actors] were staring at the originals.<\/p>\n Perhaps they could even feel the disparity in levels. Because Wesle and Jasi and Kilkran, Yimur, and Pralcem and some of the others shone. But Wesle and Jasi most of all. And\u2014in the silence, Wesle swept a bow.<\/p>\n His voice took on that echoing quality, even though he was speaking normally.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure indeed to meet the Players of Liscor! We salute you, fellow [Actors]!\u201d<\/p>\n Yimur and Pralcem, the Gnoll and Human, instantly stood to attention like [Guardsmen], giving such serious salutes that it was comical. Kilkran just drew himself back like the haughty [King] he loved to play and looked down his nose. But it was Jasi who had the best impression.<\/p>\n \u201c[Actors]? <\/em>Why, my good Wesle, we shouldn\u2019t allow such rabble<\/em> in an establishment such as this. Send them away at once!\u201d<\/p>\n She turned, with such immediate and haughty distress that one of the Gnolls began to laugh. And then the Players of Celum flooded forwards to meet their counterparts.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods! You told me you\u2019d been putting the gold to good use but\u2014dead gods!\u201d<\/p>\n Emme was exclaiming. Temile was grinning at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think you can use them, then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course<\/em>! We\u2019ve been having Yimur playing every Gnoll character running. And Eltistiman\u2019s been doing illusions along with makeup but it\u2019s not the same! We might have to train them up, but there\u2019s room on even our first lineup for them! You need to give me a list of their Skills\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDone. And you have an actual [Illusionist]? We have this Centaur, Palt, helping us, but you have one on the team?\u201d<\/p>\n Emme gave him a sly smile.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd more gold than you can count! We have our own theatre!<\/em> Not that The Wandering Inn was bad, but we have security\u2014beard maggots!<\/em> Have you not heard about the autographs?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u2014you\u2019re still doing them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes! We have to catch up! No\u2014we need to cast you in tonight\u2019s play! Emme! Temile would be the perfect replacement for one of our parts! And Temile\u2014what happened to your thumb?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Jasi exclaimed. Temile looked down at the missing thumb on one hand and chuckled ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019m ruined for swordplay. But I gave it for a good cause\u2014the Creler attack, I told you, remember? Andel needs to put that<\/em> to a script.\u201d<\/p>\n The others sobered for a second. Then Emme slapped Temile on the back.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! Of course! <\/em>There\u2019s so much we need to do! And we have seats for everyone<\/em> at the Season\u2019s Theatre\u2014tonight! Everyone! Stop hugging each other! Remember, we have an hour to get on stage! We need to prepare!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She roared and the Players of Celum stopped talking. Instantly, Wesle turned serious.<\/p>\n \u201cI forgot! But Lady Reinhart and a number of nobles will be in attendance!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods!<\/em> We need to get into makeup!\u201d<\/p>\n Kilkran tuned pale. The [Actors] rushed towards the door, but it was only just coming back to life.<\/p>\n \u201cStand back! We\u2019re recharging it. Ceria, Pisces\u2014Revi, Typhenous\u2014can you add your mana to the door? It can probably stand a few trips, but no one goes through! Got it?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette shook her fist at the people on the other side and a young woman with black and orange hair backed up. The Players were crowding around the door. Emme, worried, stumped over.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we put the Players back through, Miss Lyonette? We have to perform?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014damn! If the [Mages] cooperate, yes! and the Sage\u2019s Grass will do its work, but I need to check on Liscor and\u2014yes, yes! But only a few through at a time! Give the grass time to recharge!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWesle and Jasi first, then. And Kilkran and Yimur.\u201d<\/p>\n Emme immediately ordered the others. The four stormed through and the door went dead again. Lyonette threw up her hands, but it was<\/em> a faster recharge time.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ll have Eltistiman recharge the door on his end. Dead gods, I\u2019ll pay<\/em> for [Mages] to recharge the door if I have to! We can\u2019t have our best [Actors] over here! Send a [Message]!\u201d<\/p>\n Emme was pulling at her hair as she shouted. Lyonette was trying to calm Emme.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry! Don\u2019t worry! The door will put all your [Actors] through within an hour, Emme! Definitely! Even without anyone helping!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut they need to get prepared now! <\/em>They need makeup and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not use ours?\u201d<\/p>\n Temile interrupted. Emme looked at him. The [Producer] turned and pointed. The Players of Liscor were already ransacking their makeup and props.<\/p>\n \u201cIt might not be what you use in Invrisil, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTemile! My lovely Human!\u201d<\/p>\n Emme dragged him down and planted a kiss on his forehead. Then she pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cTo makeup, everyone! And the rest of you\u2014you\u2019ll all be guests of the theatre! In the Solstice booth! Wait\u2014will we have Erin herself? Because we might not have enough room!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette and Temile stared.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Solstice\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Then they looked at Erin. She was high-fiving Briganda and laughing in delight as Ceria and the Horns of Hammerad shouted their own stories. Lyonette shook her head after a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Erin will be here, Emme.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust as well. She\u2019s a guest of honor and she deserves it when we have a moment ready for her. But the rest of you\u2014let\u2019s get this done! The show must go on!\u201d<\/p>\n The part-Dwarf woman and Temile began giving orders as the [Actors] occupied the back of the [Grand Theatre] and began hurrying through the doorway. But they were only a part of the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cEggs?<\/em> You got sick eating eggs and that was why you were late?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Yvlon. The [Armsmistress] rolled her eyes as the rest of her team objected.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just<\/em> eggs. We beat Golems\u2014Ksmvr got run out of town\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe eggs were just the latest thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon assured Erin with a long-suffering sigh. Erin grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to tell me everything.<\/em> But\u2014there\u2019s going to be a lot of people coming in. Chaos. I\u2019ll get you your food, though!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen is it not chaos here?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria wondered aloud, with a laugh. Pisces sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou would be surprised how quiet it was before. This is marginally more pleasant. At least now there\u2019s help. Ah, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi had brought over a steak. Pisces and Ceria licked their lips and then stared at each other. Ceria whipped out her wand.<\/p>\n \u201cPlay you for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Both glanced at each other. Magical symbols began to flash in the air and then both conjured one. Erin saw a floating droplet of water, and a flying raven. Ceria groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn.\u201d<\/p>\n She let Pisces take the steak-dish. The [Necromancer] smirked; it was magical rock-paper-scissors with far more combinations. He began slicing his steak into bite-sized pieces as Ksmvr raised one hand.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I have some of the pizza, Miss Erin? Extra crusty?\u201d<\/p>\n No one had ever demanded that, but Erin assured Ksmvr she\u2019d do her best. As she went into the kitchen, a white Gnoll raced up excitedly. Mrsha had hugged Griffon Hunt and now it was their turn!<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n Yvlon bent. Mrsha sniffed at her arms and hugged her as the [Armsmistress] with excruciating care, gently squeezed Mrsha with a feather\u2019s amount of pressure. The Gnoll wiggled, was put down on the table, and got a hug from Ceria as the half-Elf laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re getting bigger!<\/em> And heavier!\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha turned expectantly to Pisces. She spread her arms out mock-reluctantly, pretending to glare. And the [Necromancer] glanced up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s you! Um\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He snapped his fingers a few times. Mrsha gave Pisces a look<\/em> and folded her arms. The [Necromancer]\u2019s face was perfectly blank.<\/p>\n \u201cKsmvr, help me out here.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium looked from Pisces to Mrsha and then his mandibles opened in comprehension.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea who this strange Gnoll is, Comrade Pisces. In fact, we should eject her for this rude interruption to our meal\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha scowled and leapt off the table. She punched Pisces in the leg. He smiled and flicked his fingers. A cube of cut steak floated off his plate. Mrsha jumped with her mouth open and it swerved out of the way. She glowered at Pisces, and then gave him a grudging thumbs-up with one paw.<\/p>\n It was good to have him back. No one else in the inn dared stand up to her.<\/p>\n Erin giggled as she came back and saw Mrsha leaping about, trying to grab the bit of meat. Pisces was smiling and Ksmvr\u2019s mandibles opened wide.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDis? Dis is a calzone. You want?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin proudly pointed at the abomination that was pizza folded over to create a pocket stuffed with goodies. Ksmvr nodded rapidly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is very good-looking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have one too, Erin. Not to share.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf waved a hand eagerly. Yvlon looked disgusted.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I get a salad? And something\u2014else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure! We have a menu.<\/em> Wait, I probably should have brought that, shouldn\u2019t I? Here, Ksmvr\u2026I\u2019ll be back!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hurried into the kitchen as Mrsha poked her head over the table and stared at Ksmvr\u2019s calzone. He put one hand over it, protectively.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not know you, stranger. Begone.\u201d<\/p>\n As Erin walked through her inn, she stopped for a second. She felt incredibly, almost deliriously happy to see her friends\u2014and it hadn\u2019t been that long ago! But\u2014then Erin froze and her brow darkened. Her mind connected something Magnolia had said.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Those <\/em>eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked back at the Horns of Hammerad. And felt something dark in her chest. Magnolia Reinhart. She\u2019d\u2026beaten Erin. At her own game.<\/p>\n She\u2019d been prepared. And Erin had not. She\u2019d thought the Garden could save her friends. But the [Druid] had entered it\u2014and Magnolia?<\/p>\n Erin had meant every word. \u2018I hate you.\u2019 <\/em>Had she ever said that to someone else and meant it? Something black was in Erin\u2019s chest, burning there like a memory.<\/p>\n Hatred<\/em>. Helpless injustice, rage\u2014oh yes, Erin could remember that. And it was rising in her, like some creeping dark force. Pure, unforgiving loathing\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Erin blinked at her hands. She expected to see black fire, but\u2026there was no flame. Erin sighed, but was almost relieved. She rubbed her hands on her jeans; they were all sweaty. Some fire she didn\u2019t need to see.<\/p>\n And as she passed by them, a group of young people stared at Erin\u2019s back. Kevin whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a calzone.<\/em> I know it is! And that\u2019s Erin. I think. I don\u2019t remember her, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust wait and see, Kevin. Don\u2019t be an idiot. I think<\/em> it\u2019s her, but\u2026this is her inn. Let\u2019s just listen.\u201d<\/p>\n Rose whispered back. Joseph was half-rising. He glared at Rose. Why wait? But then\u2014a Gnoll hurried over.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, everyone. My name is Ishkr. I will be serving you all for tonight. Do you have your menus? I will take your orders now.\u201d<\/p>\n The Earthers stared up at the tall Gnoll. Then they looked at their menus. And they were hungry<\/em>. Imani looked at the list of foods and her stomach rumbled from meals missed or cut in half due to their dwindling budget. Joseph felt at his side. He had the coin from selling his sword, after all.<\/p>\n \u201cUm\u2014sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cC-can we get a pizza? No\u2014three?\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin almost begged the Gnoll. Ishkr nodded and wrote down their order. Rose was looking at the menu and salivating.<\/p>\n \u201cOh my g\u2014is that a milkshake? <\/em>I\u2019ll have one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me!<\/em> And some french fries! French fries, guys\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Earthers began ordering feverishly. Ishkr sighed as he wrote down the orders. And they actually cheered when the first pizza came towards them, already hot. It was only after they\u2019d fought over the slices that Joseph raised his head and remembered something.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. Where did that Maviola person get to?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The [Actors] had all left for Invrisil as [Mages] on both sides of the magical door charged it up. However, they were hardly the only people wanting to visit the inn.<\/p>\n Word was spreading. As it did. And Maviola was suddenly among a press of people trying to get into the Player\u2019s inn, let alone The Wandering Inn.<\/p>\n Fortunately, the bouncer, Redit, recognized Maviola and let her in while blocking the mundane patrons. But the [Innkeeper] in Invrisil wasn\u2019t about to let this many paying clients wait. He waved at Erin through the doorway as she passed by.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss! Miss! Can I have a word?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Hey! Are you the [Innkeeper] of this inn? I\u2019m Erin, hi! Sorry about the confusion!\u201d<\/p>\n The man was slightly portly, but jovial and a manager rather than hands-on\u2014almost a stereotype of an [Innkeeper] as Erin imagined them. Sort of like the Drake, Peslas, from Liscor.<\/p>\n But not as mean. He beamed at Erin, peering into the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, this is the inn that serves the Players of Celum! We\u2019re renaming ourselves to The Player\u2019s Retreat<\/em>, actually. My name\u2019s Veeid; I\u2019m the [Innkeeper]. Level 36. This is one of the best inns in Invrisil; we can hold over a hundred regular guests easily. Which we\u2019ll need to do if the Players keep growing! And you must be Erin Solstice!\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman blinked at the man\u2019s obvious admiration for the Players.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s me. Wow, a hundred guests?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! That\u2019s most of our profits. We have a stables\u2014very fine [Hostlers] who put any animal that comes in right to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] looked shocked. Erin blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cStables. Wow, other inns actually have them?\u201d<\/p>\n The man looked askance, and then laughed heartily. Erin smiled too. He seemed decent.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014there\u2019s a bit of a crowd around my front door this moment. My [Bouncers] can keep most of \u2018em out, but they\u2019re begging just to see<\/em> what\u2019s in your door. Mind if I let them in? The Players are out and we\u2019ll cordon them from the regular sitting area\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh!\u201d<\/p>\n Flustered, Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to switch this door to Pallass and Liscor and other places\u2014but yeah, I can keep it here. There won\u2019t be much to see, but maybe they can chat with other people? If they want to come through\u2026well, the door runs out of mana, but we can work something out.\u201d<\/p>\n Veeid was nodding. He hesitated, looking towards the shouting coming from his front door.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2019d be rather pleased if you kept your door here, Miss Solstice. The traffic might bother the Players, but for tonight? Its profits to be made. I\u2019d give you ten percent of what I earn, even if it\u2019s just letting the people in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTen percent? Nah, I don\u2019t need\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette rushed over and knocked Erin aside. She smiled at Veeid\u2019s shocked expression.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Erin\u2019s too nice for her own good. Let\u2019s do ten percent. And we can sell through to your inn, Mister Veeid? We have ice cream.<\/em> Gelato, I think it\u2019s called.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have\u2014well, the Players said you did but I didn\u2019t believe \u2018em! More fool me! Absolutely, Miss! Sell into my inn and I\u2019ll have my staff take it. Ten percent?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. We can just do a headcount if you want to make it simple.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette hesitated, but took the man\u2019s hand. He smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do an accounting; don\u2019t you worry, Miss\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLyon, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Veeid nodded, waving at his [Head Waiter].<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you worry. I\u2019ve heard all about them bad eggs in Celum. Mister Wesle and Miss Jasi had some tales. I\u2019m a fair fighter when it comes to adding and subtracting\u2014I know exactly how much I make in a day, down to a half-copper or pennies! Not that anyone pays with those in my<\/em> inn!\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed. Lyonette smiled in relief. Veeid glanced at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cRedit! Let \u2018em in! I\u2019ll tell you when to stop! Just keep out the riffraff!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bouncer] stepped back. A flood rushed into the inn, staring at the doors. Veeid looked at Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can put up a little barrier, keep \u2018em out of your inn, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You don\u2019t need to do that. It\u2019s free. We just need to move people back and forth.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper]\u2019s brows shot up. Maviola, looking around and feeling around for a spare coin, sighed in relief. She began to shove into line as the patrons heard and clustered up.<\/p>\n \u201cFree? <\/em>You\u2019ll get everyone in Invrisil wanting to duck in and out, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. Yeah. Then\u2014hey! We\u2019ll let people in, but later! We\u2019ll do random selections! Don\u2019t make a line! Just give us\u2014half an hour!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin waved her hands at the people. They blinked and shouted back, but Erin shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cNo line! Go eat food! We\u2019ll get you menus! Who wants ice cream? Gelato!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd murmured. They returned to their seats, demanding to see as Lyonette hurried back with menus. Veeid\u2019s eyebrows were almost engulfing his scalp. He stared as Erin nodded at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna let Lyonette handle the door. Nice to meet you, Mister Veeid! I think Zevara\u2019s coming and she is angry!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She hurried off. Veeid glanced at Lyon\u2026or Lyonette. The [Princess] grimaced, but the [Innkeeper] hadn\u2019t caught Erin\u2019s slip. He stared after Erin\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is that,<\/em> Miss Lyon?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette didn\u2019t know what he meant at first. But the male [Innkeeper] was staring at Erin\u2019s back in awe. He looked at his orderly guests.<\/p>\n \u201cShe just ordered them about like that.<\/em> I couldn\u2019t manage it with Redit behind me on a crowded day. She has to be\u2014and that level at her age?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s\u2026fairly high-level.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] murmured. Veeid gave her a knowing look and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are less than twenty [Innkeepers] in all of Izril higher level than her, I\u2019d wager. Dead gods. And I thought the Players of Celum made it up. Let me know if you have anything and I\u2019ll be right over, Miss. It\u2019s a\u2026pleasure to have The Wandering Inn connected to mine for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] blinked as he gave her a little nod. She smiled back. And then Veeid turned back.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. One important thing, Miss Lyon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019d intercepted a menu. The [Innkeeper] dug out some coins and handed them to Lyon. Exact change.<\/p>\n \u201cOne \u2018ice cream\u2019 for me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Watch Captain Zevara stormed into Erin\u2019s inn. She looked around, and asked if Magnolia or the other [Ladies] were present. When Erin assured her they were not, the Watch Captain grunted.<\/p>\n She\u2019d come here on foot, but more and more people wanted into the inn now. <\/em>And they were coming via the regular door or the magic one as Lyonette turned the dial frantically.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re not here\u2026I\u2019ll take some of your portable foods, Miss Solstice. Those ham\u2026ham\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHamburgers?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Make it four. No, five. And some drinks. Alcoholic. I\u2019m not facing this sober. And the door to Pallass\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She turned as the door opened. Magus Grimalkin strode in.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch Captain. There you are. Pallass\u2019 High Command wants you on a group communication chat. I\u2019ll provide the spell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just getting hamburgers. Does four for you work?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Do they have ham? I was under the impression they were beef.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Drakes looked at Erin. She blinked at them. At Grimalkin.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re\u2026beef. With lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo onion on mine.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara informed Drassi, who\u2019d hurried over with a bag of fries. Grimalkin saw the sealed mug of whiskey.<\/p>\n \u201cDrinks, Watch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have it after I hear that number Magnolia Reinhart promised me, Sinew Magus. And you?\u201d<\/p>\n He thought about it.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Maybe an ale. Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to her. And then the two looked at each other slowly. Erin gazed up at Grimalkin.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you happy about what Magnolia did, Grimalkin?\u201d<\/p>\n Her face fell as the [Magus] avoided looking directly at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI would have preferred not to be caught off-guard, but on the whole, it was beneficial to Izril, Miss Solstice. Liscor as well. That number\u2026you understand Magnolia Reinhart analyzed the entire Hive? It is substantially higher than it should be, under any implementation of the Antinium\u2019s treaty. This is information all the cities need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara\u2019s shoulders hunched. She looked at Drassi, hurrying over with the burgers.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Double my drink order.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bartender] threw up her claws and raced off. More people were coming in. No Antinium, save for the ones present. Erin looked at Grimalkin.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess Magnolia\u2019s on your side, then.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sinew Magus] refused to answer that. Erin felt something dark creeping up on her. But she forced it away. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cFine. Go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore people from Pallass are waiting to come through! I have two [Tacticians], Watch Captain Venim, Major\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Sergeant Kel was arguing with Lyonette as she tried to protest that the door would run out of power again. Erin walked up to the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this? The door doesn\u2019t have enough power. Get a [Mage].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe would like to enter the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n A haughty Drake informed Erin. She looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, really? But are you on Kel\u2019s list?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake hesitated. Sergeant Kel bit his lip. And Erin shut the door and turned the dial.<\/p>\n Lyonette stared at Erin. The [Innkeeper] looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cChange it back once we get more people through from Liscor and elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] did, biting back a comment about how unusually aggressive Erin had been.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do about people in Invrisil, Erin? They want to come through and we can\u2019t handle the numbers, even with the Sage\u2019s Grass\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin watched a small flood of Gnolls and Drakes, arguing about what they\u2019d seen, come through. She caught a few hints of conversation.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014came to our aid the first time during the First Antinium Wars. She may be a Human, but she\u2019s the best of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s one of the Five Families.<\/em> As trustworthy as a snake in your pants!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of snake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe just kneecapped the Antinium with that move. If they have kneecaps. I don\u2019t know. But she\u2019s on our side.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah? And I think the Antinium are fine. Who saved us in the Second Antinium Wars?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are they called the Antinium Wars,<\/em> scales-for-brains?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] shook her head. She felt\u2014lousy. Despite her friends coming to visit. And the lousiness was getting worse by the second.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll let some of them through, Lyonette. That\u2019s all from Liscor? Check every five minutes. Now\u2014Esthelm\u2014Wailant\u2019s farm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods! I just saw everything on the scrying orb! Is that [Lady] still here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Wailant stormed into the inn, Viceria on his heels. Erin recoiled as the [Farmer] looked around. He shook Erin\u2019s hand, laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cRhir\u2019s hell! What a thing to see! No Reinhart, huh? Damn, but I\u2019m in such a good mood! We\u2019ll visit the inn if that\u2019s alright, Miss Erin? And the door\u2019s open to Invrisil?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Wailant. Sure. I mean\u2014yeah!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInvrisil. What a miraculous thing. We might have to prevail on you to visit, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n Viceria\u2019s eyes were shining. Wailant laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cJust drinks for tonight. Dead gods, what a sight! Hey, is that Seborn bastard here? I want to jaw with him about what he said about [Storm Sailors] on that damned scrying orb! As in, punch him in the jaw\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He walked past Erin. The [Innkeeper] saw Viceria give her an apologetic smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Wailant\u2019s very passionate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no\u2014I\u2019m glad someone is.\u201d<\/p>\n The two entered the inn. And then Lyonette changed the door to Invrisil.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, so what are we going to do about the visitors, Erin\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n And he was standing in the doorway. Erin and Lyonette recoiled, but it was too late. He stepped into the inn.<\/p>\n Reynold the [Butler] bowed smartly to both Erin and Lyonette. He had a letter and scroll in his hands. Erin backed up and looked for Magnolia. But she was not there.<\/p>\n \u201cReynold? What are you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Miss Solstice. I apologize for the disturbance, but Lady Reinhart has ordered me to deliver both a piece of correspondence for Miss Byres and a proclamation regarding the use of your door. I regret the disturbance, and, indeed, the last incident as does her ladyship.\u201d<\/p>\n Reynold spoke crisply, but Erin\u2019s face was frozen. She had liked Reynold. But that had been on their short ride. And he no longer called her by her first name\u2014perhaps sensing that the trust had been broken.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does Lady Reinhart want?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette was cautious. Reynold unfurled the scroll. He read out loud and to everyone in earshot.<\/p>\n \u201cIn light of the marvelous door connecting Invrisil to Liscor, Lady Magnolia Reinhart, as [Lady] of Invrisil, has decreed that the usage of the door is to be taxed per visitor for any usage with exception only in the case of Miss Erin Solstice and the employees of her inn. The price per visitor shall be six silver coins, two of which will be given to Invrisil, two to Liscor, and two to The Wandering Inn.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blinked in surprise and then outrage. She opened her mouth, but Reynold went on. And there was a\u2014significance to his words.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Reinhart also decrees that this door shall not be used to transmit correspondence, merchandise, or any other goods or valuables that would interfere with the natural order of trade without signatory agreement between Invrisil and the concerned parties. <\/em>This order is enforced by Lady Magnolia\u2019s Skill, [Written Decree] and shall take effect this very moment.\u201d<\/p>\n He rolled up the scroll. And Erin felt the Skill take hold in a moment. There was no flash of light. No other effect. She just knew and was bound by it.<\/p>\n And her mood turned blacker still. Reynold bowed slightly to Erin.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. There goes easy selling the Sage\u2019s Grass. That Reinhart is a clever bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n Wailant cursed at his table. Erin looked through the door. Lyonette herself was\u2026impressed.<\/p>\n Six silver? That wasn\u2019t exorbitant, but you had to pay it twice to get back<\/em>. And it would prohibit most casual people from entering while at the same time promoting healthy visitation. And it would make the inn, Liscor, and Invrisil a tidy profit.<\/p>\n However, Erin was clearly not in the mood to think of that. She glared at Reynold.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess that\u2019s another thing I don\u2019t have a say in, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am deeply sorry for the inconvenience, Miss Erin. But Invrisil is<\/em> the domain of Lady Reinhart. She has a vested interest in not destabilizing the Runner\u2019s Guild or Merchant\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Butler] bowed again. Erin shook her head. She was angry. Hateful. And trying not to throw it onto him. But she couldn\u2019t help herself.<\/p>\n \u201cReynold. How can you <\/em>be part of that? That\u2014you\u2019re not a bad guy. But that was wrong. Magnolia could have talked to me! She could have done anything else! But she didn\u2019t. She did the worst<\/em> thing. She\u2019s\u2014an idiotic\u2014that stupid\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin literally didn\u2019t have enough bad words or practice using them. She was so angry at Magnolia. But\u2014to her surprise, Reynold looked up and shook his head at her words.<\/p>\n He had been shamefaced, refusing to meet her eyes. But now the [Butler] stiffened. He nodded to Erin, politely, but his voice was firm in disagreement.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Erin. I do regret the way the incident occurred. And Lady Reinhart is less than\u2026polite in her way. She has used your inn to her advantage. However, I would ask that you refrain from insulting her in my presence.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked at Reynold incredulously.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you know what she did?<\/em> She wrecked the chances of helping the Antinium! She just made war more likely and for what? To get in with the Walled Cities? She could have done something better. Nicer.<\/em> She could have\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Butler] met her eyes calmly as he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solst\u2014Erin. I hope you will never have to defend all of Invrisil. Let alone Lady Reinhart\u2019s estates, which contains more land and people than many [Kings] or [Queens] will ever rule. It is true she can be cruel. It is true that for her justice or safety, she runs roughshod over the rights of a few for the many.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is cruel. But have you never hurt someone to help them? I set bones in battle. And men screamed and cursed my name at the time. But they thanked me later. Perhaps Lady Reinhart could be kinder. But was she wrong? Erin Solstice, you have never seen The Black Tide march. Perhaps you would change your opinions then. But I hope never to see such a sight again.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman didn\u2019t know what to say to the polite [Butler]. But the [Princess]? Lyonette du Marquin looked at Reynold.<\/p>\n \u201cWell said, Mister Reynold, was it? I\u2019d expect nothing less from one of Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s servants. She does garner loyalty from her people.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused as Reynold and Erin looked at her. Lyonette went on.<\/p>\n \u201cShe has earned your loyalty, sir. But I fear Lady Reinhart treats others like disposable objects to be used against their will. I hope you<\/em> never find yourself a piece in one of her games.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Butler]\u2019s eyes flickered as Erin looked gratefully at Lyonette. He hesitated, and then Reynold bowed again.<\/p>\n \u201cBegging your deepest pardons for my incivility, Miss Solstice, Miss Lyon. I will not trouble you further.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and marched over to Yvlon. The [Butler] bowed, handed Yvlon a letter. Then, he returned to Lyonette, handed her six silver coins, and walked out the door and back through to Invrisil.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Erin could come up with after that. Another slap in the face. And worst\u2014she couldn\u2019t even undo the slap. She tried\u2014she could go through, but when she asked Ceria to flout Magnolia\u2019s rules, the half-Elf found she couldn\u2019t leave without handing Erin six silver coins.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that\u2019s enforcement of a rule. A Skill for a [Lady]. Yvlon, what was that missive?\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces observed. Yvlon stared up at him from her letter. The woman\u2019s face was pale.<\/p>\n \u201cShe knew.<\/em> Take a look at this.\u201d<\/p>\n She showed her team the letter. It was a short message from Magnolia Reinhart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dear Yvlon,<\/em><\/p>\n I consider the presence of your little friend, Ksmvr, an acceptable one in Invrisil, and I have spoken with the Watch Commander regarding it. Please do refrain from using your rank too much in Invrisil, although I quite understand this occasion.<\/em><\/p>\n On another note, do send me more of your little letters if you ever have the time! I did regret it when they stopped, but I suppose you grew older. You must call upon me on my estates sometime. Oh\u2014and your Gold-rank is exceptionally well-deserved. Do introduce me to your team when you get the chance.<\/em><\/p>\n Best,<\/em><\/p>\n –Magnolia Reinhart<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNo way. How did she know?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ceria stared at Yvlon. The young woman was blinking.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2019d almost forgotten I used to send her letters every week. I stopped when my brother and father told me it wasn\u2019t good etiquette. She missed them?\u201d<\/p>\n Another moment of awe, superstition around Lady Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s reputation. Erin had had enough of her.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to go upstairs and play chess. No one had better bother me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She growled and stomped off. Her mood was darker still and she couldn\u2019t shake it off. Damn Magnolia Reinhart and her stupid laws.<\/p>\n On Invrisil\u2019s side, Veeid was relieved about the rule. He waved at Lyonette as he spooned ice cream out of the bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Reinhart has it, Miss Lyon. We\u2019ll also be safe of people sneaking through\u2014unless they\u2019ve the Skills or level to defeat Lady Reinhart\u2019s Skill! Hm, shall I let people come through now? And may I purchase this delightful ice cream?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly. We\u2019ll talk pricing later. But The Wandering Inn is open for anyone who\u2019d like to come through\u2014or visit Liscor! Line up and once Master Veeid accepts your coin, we\u2019ll send you through. One moment!\u201d<\/p>\n She closed the door and began to announce to Pallass the new fee\u2014not that Magnolia\u2019s Skill worked on Pallass\u2019 side. Lyonette just thought it was a good idea to establish standards.<\/p>\n And that was that. A few patrons promptly went to Veeid, but most were content on this side\u2014for the time being. After all, the Players had left so Erin\u2019s inn really only had the food going for it, and that was flowing through the door. The new travel-fee was sensible, mildly obtrusive, didn\u2019t gate the door\u2019s usage too much\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014But really put a sour note in Maviola\u2019s mouth. She felt at her belt pouch. And then she began to curse Lady Bethal and her charming husband with every word she knew. And unlike Erin\u2014she knew a lot of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Wandering Inn was beginning to gather a crowd. It hadn\u2019t been much more than early evening when Magnolia had launched her sneak attack, so now the dinner crowd and people wanting to be in the inn where the drama had happened were flooding in.<\/p>\n Mrsha was over the moon. She was leaping from Griffon Hunt\u2019s table to the Horn\u2019s, playing with her old friends! And here came the Halfseekers, who hadn\u2019t had to pay any silver!<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac! We got to Invrisil at last! Come here you idiots!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua charged the table and Halrac kicked her away. He\u2019d had enough of hugging. But then Moore and Seborn and that new Ulinde were coming through! Mrsha beamed.<\/p>\n But they were so busy talking they had no time for her!<\/em> Moore patted her head a few times, but everyone was caught up reminiscing<\/em>. And Mrsha was bored.<\/p>\n So she took to the street, which was actually the inn\u2019s floor. And went hunting, or rather, begging for scraps.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, what a cute Gnoll!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A Human exclaimed. Rose offered Mrsha some fries. Mrsha stole the plate. She ran away as the Earthers laughed and just ordered another. Mrsha wasn\u2019t really that hungry, but the victory of snatching food was the rush she craved.<\/p>\n She was dashing towards the door to Invrisil, wondering if she could intercept some ice cream on the way out\u2014although Ishkr was a tricky opponent, who\u2019d promptly call Lyonette for any trouble\u2014when a boy appeared in the crowd.<\/p>\n He was short\u2014thirteen or so\u2014but taller than Mrsha. Just by a bit if she stood up! And he looked tough, agile on his feet. He blinked as Mrsha appeared and she blinked at him.<\/p>\n She\u2026knew him. Grev? Grev<\/em>, yes! From the Players of Celum. Only, he hadn\u2019t gone with the [Actors] to the play.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! You\u2019re that Mrsha kid! Fancy that! We meet again!\u201d<\/p>\n Grev grinned at her. Mrsha didn\u2019t like the \u2018kid\u2019 bit. But she saw Grev tug and out of the crowd came a little, bawling\u2026<\/p>\n Boy? Yes, a little boy! He was all snotty and crying. Grev showed him to Mrsha; the boy was very young.<\/p>\n \u201cThis here\u2019s Cade. Mind helpin\u2019 me find Briganda? This is her boy and he\u2019s snottin\u2019 up something fierce wanting her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMom!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Cade wailed. Mrsha realized Briganda must have forgotten about him in the heat of being caught up with all these new people. And Cade had wandered into The Wandering Inn through the door, rather than staying in Redit\u2019s care. A failure on multiple sides, although Briganda would probably kick Redit into the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s around here somewhere. But all these adults are getting in the way!\u201d<\/p>\n Grev groused as the inn filled to maximum, despite the [Grand Theatre] Skill. Mrsha looked around. Even she couldn\u2019t see over the crowd, but she knew where the adventurers were\u2026roughly.<\/p>\n The problem was that Grev and Mrsha might have dodged the many legs, but Cade was slow and much less nimble. Mrsha regarded him. Then she tapped Grev on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? What? What\u2019s that paw-stuff? Oh, right. Can\u2019t speak, can you?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha rolled her eyes as the [Street Urchin] squinted at her. She pointed at the nearest wall and Grev tugged Cade over.<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon, Cade. Your mom\u2019s not far. Stop crying, would you? I should\u2019ve gone with Jasi and the lot, but I\u2019ve seen all the plays dozens of times\u2026here. Look, this\u2019 Mrsha. She\u2019ll help you find your mom, see?\u201d<\/p>\n Cade stopped crying as Grev pointed at Mrsha. He was clutching his magical little box in his other hand, but he dropped it as he stared<\/em> at the white Gnoll. His mouth dropped open.<\/p>\n \u201cDog?\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha shook her head. Then she jerked backwards; the little boy was trying to pet her head!<\/p>\n Grev sighed as he scooped up Cade\u2019s precious toy.<\/p>\n \u201cNot a dog, Cade. A Gnoll.<\/em> Don\u2019t pet her head! What\u2019s this, Mrsha? That\u2019s a wall. We going around the edge of the room? Might work.\u201d<\/p>\n He critically eyed Mrsha. She shook her head and pointed. Grev was a kid of the street. But in his way he knew his world. He was asking her, a [Hunter] in her domain, where to go.<\/p>\n She had ways. <\/em>Grev\u2019s eyes lit up as Mrsha walked towards a wall and motioned. He stared as the magical entrance appeared, showcasing a grassy hill, a jungle to the left. His jaw dropped.<\/p>\n The Garden of Sanctuary. Cade stopped crying through his eyes and nose entirely.<\/p>\n \u201cBlooming rat shit. That Miss Erin got even weirder than I remember. No one\u2019ll ever<\/em> believe this!\u201d<\/p>\n Grev strode up towards the door. Mrsha raced forwards as guests of the inn turned, and Grev, Cade, and a few Drakes and Gnolls tried to follow her. All ran smack<\/em> into the invisible barrier.<\/p>\n Cade began to cry again. Grev felt at the magical barrier, frowning, as some of the adults pushed<\/em>. But that [Druid]\u2014Nathal-whatever\u2014hadn\u2019t broken the entry mechanism. Mrsha frowned.<\/p>\n Normally Erin had to let them in, but Mrsha had assumed Grev and Cade, as children, were on her list.<\/em> But apparently not. Still\u2014Mrsha needed them to come through.<\/p>\n So she tried it. She padded over and grabbed both\u2019s hands. Then Mrsha tried to pull<\/em> them into the garden.<\/p>\n There was resistance, but Mrsha felt both pulling forwards. Cade and Grev yelped, not exactly in pain, and Mrsha \u00adheaved<\/em>. There was a pop<\/em> and both tumbled forwards.<\/p>\n Into the Garden of Sanctuary. Grev immediately got up and stared around.<\/p>\n \u201cNo way. It\u2019s grass and stuff! And it even smells nice!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n Cade looked around, wide-eyed. Mrsha was smiling smugly. She gestured around and then made the door reappear by the adventurers. But Cade and Grev were awestruck. They stared around and Mrsha decided to give them the silver-coin tour. She raced forwards and they ran after her, excited as could be.<\/p>\n As they ran, they didn\u2019t notice the figure sitting on the hilltop at first. But that was because he was green, and sitting still.<\/p>\n Numbtongue chewed on some of Erin\u2019s new calzone and listened. He was separate from the main inn, having retreated here for some peace and quiet. Sit in the inn among all the other people and be bothered? No thank you.<\/p>\n But he was also in\u2026a conference. A meeting of minds. Or souls.<\/p>\n His other two guests weren\u2019t eating, but Pyrite had had a minute\u2019s worth of pizza\u2014just a slice, you had to savor your food\u2014and pronounce it good. And the other Goblin\u2014well, he wasn\u2019t part of Numbtongue. Yet.<\/p>\n And they were speaking. Advising the [Bard]. Numbtongue didn\u2019t trust the Goblin Lord. He had killed Headscratcher, or Az\u2019kerash had, through him. But he was listening. That was all.<\/p>\n He\u2019d been blindsided by the [Ladies]. Helpless as everyone else. He hadn\u2019t even realized<\/em> he\u2019d done nothing until it was over. That was what terrified the [Bard]. But Pyrite and Reiss were more sanguine about it.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t defeat high-levels. Plans. Three at once. Not good. [Ladies] hard to kill. Run away\u2014throw an axe when not looking.\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite opined. He was sitting at his ease, in<\/em> a Sage\u2019s Grass plant. But his ghost was there. So was Reiss\u2019. The Goblin Lord nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cLadies can\u2019t hurt you directly. If they wanted to hurt you\u2014you could fight back. They used the power of formality, which relies on doing no direct harm. All their power is like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Reiss reached through<\/em> Numbtongue. The living Hobgoblin recoiled, but Reiss\u2019 hand was just nothingness. The Goblin Lord nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThe power of [Ladies] is strongest in their class. Alliances. Indirect power. They do nothing to your face, but they hit you a day, a week, a month later with a thousand spears. Words are their weapons. If I was joined with you\u2014I could have resisted. But for one minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad thing happening to Antinium. Good to watch flanks. Antinium are dangerous. Good ones are good. But bad ones? Like Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite nodded as Numbtongue tore off some of the calzone and chewed. He felt better. Reiss nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAz\u2019kerash is more dangerous. His minions are everywhere. I told you. Let me help. I can enchant basic objects. Use my strength.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue muttered. Not yet. He didn\u2019t want to have Reiss in him. It was more than just a grudge. Being Reiss meant living his perspective, knowing his memories. He would see Headscratcher die a second time. He also didn\u2019t want\u2026to sympathize with his foe.<\/p>\n Reiss sighed. He looked at Pyrite and the [Chieftain] tried to chew on some dirt. He was probably thinking of something that would convince Numbtongue when the Goblin heard a scream.<\/p>\n \u201cG-G\u2014Goblin!\u201d<\/p>\n He looked down. Grev was standing there, with Mrsha. But the little boy who\u2019d run up the hill, laughing too hard to notice him at first was unfamiliar. And Cade, for all his youth, was an adventurer\u2019s child. He took one look at Numbtongue and screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cGoblin!<\/em> Mom! Gooooblin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm?\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue stared blankly at the child as the boy tumbled down the hill. Cade ran screaming as Numbtongue kept chewing on his food. Mrsha waved her paws, but she couldn\u2019t shout. And Grev wasn\u2019t helping. He laughed at Cade\u2019s panic as the boy fled\u2014<\/p>\n Right until Cade ran into the jungle section. Into one of the burr-bushes Mrsha wanted uprooted and gone out of her garden.<\/p>\n The burrs were big. Not the sharpest, but they hurt more than anything. Numbtongue winced<\/em> as Cade screamed and thrashed around in the bush. The Hobgoblin got up with a sigh and strode down the hill as Mrsha and Grev tried to help.<\/p>\n \u201cMove.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin shooed the children out of the way. He picked Cade up and began to pull the burrs off him as the child screamed.<\/p>\n And only then did Numbtongue look up and realize that the door to Erin\u2019s inn was connected right to the adventurer\u2019s seats. And Briganda was on her feet, looking at him.<\/p>\n \u201cCade!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The adventuress bellowed. The other adventurers had been laughing or seeing what was the matter. They didn\u2019t realize how alarmed Briganda, the only one of them not used to Numbtongue, was. She charged and they grabbed for her, shouting, too late.<\/p>\n \u201cStop, stop! He\u2019s not a monster! Well\u2014he is, but he\u2019s a guest of Miss\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Grev shouted as he and Mrsha tried to bar the way. But Briganda had her axe and buckler out. She charged with a war cry as Numbtongue put Cade down. Tensely, he felt at his sword.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks strong. Pyrite?\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s used his Pyrite-minute already, but the Hob could give him tactical advice. Pyrite stumped over as Numbtongue\u2019s world slowed, and stared at Briganda, sizing her up. The [Chieftain] narrowed his eyes, nodded.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Nope.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Magestone Chieftain] sat on the floor. Numbtongue stared at his friendly ghost. And then realized.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda charged at Numbtongue, who was standing in the garden with her son. She smashed<\/em> into the open doorway and the invisible barrier protecting the Garden of Sanctuary. Mrsha, Grev, Numbtongue all winced<\/em>. Cade looked up as his mother reeled backwards.<\/p>\n \u201cMom?\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda hacked at the invisible door, but she only struck the wall with her enchanted axe. She left a few marks in it before the others pulled her off. And calmed her down.<\/p>\n \u201cWe told<\/em> you there\u2019s a friendly Goblin in the inn! You know the Halfseekers!\u201d<\/p>\n Revi shouted at Briganda, embarrassed, as Numbtongue ushered Cade through the door. The boy, no longer frightened, stared at the Hobgoblin. Briganda was bright red.<\/p>\n \u201cI reacted, okay? I heard Cade screaming and\u2014I\u2019m sorry! I just didn\u2019t\u2014I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApologize to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac turned his head, gesturing at Numbtongue. Briganda stared at him and then called at Numbtongue.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2014Hobgoblin fellow. Didn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue waved idly. He tossed Mrsha and Grev through the door. Then he calmly went back up to the hilltop. Reiss eyed the milkshake Numbtongue had taken.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you do not wish to mingle with them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope. Too many people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you will not accept my aid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot today.\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblin Lord sighed. He looked at Numbtongue\u2019s food. Pyrite smacked his lips.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Is that\u2026