Soccer. What a repugnant little word. Football, the sport of sports, was spreading across the world. You couldn\u2019t put the Djinni back into the bottle.<\/p>\n
And you couldn\u2019t get a Dragon in a bottle in the first place. The point was that the world changed with a game of kick-the-ball. Because, as scholars had observed\u2014the game was more<\/em> than just a game. It mattered, it was fun, but it was also a vehicle for ideas. Possibilities.<\/p>\n The game changed the world in a fundamental way. And that had been yesterday.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the sun rose, King Raelt of Jecrass killed a half-Giant.<\/p>\n It was near the end of a battle with his forces and Reim\u2019s armies. Both the King\u2019s Steward and the half-Giant, Zamea, had left their forces to break the siege on Sadomere. The newly-reinforced city had withstood a full-scale assault by General Lael\u2019s forces and the [General] had refused to retreat, despite the Skill-enhanced fortifications.<\/p>\n This was her chance.<\/em> Kill the King of Destruction and Reim fell to pieces. Raelt couldn\u2019t fault her for trying.<\/p>\n Orthenon and Zamea hadn\u2019t left their armies undefended. But Raelt\u2019s army had used the flicker-charge Skill, broken past their ranks of half-Giants, the Serpent Hunters, and began to inflict casualties on Reim\u2019s forces.<\/p>\n Rather than risk losing even a quarter of their army\u2019s elites, Reim\u2019s forces had fallen back, ceding one of Belchan\u2019s passes to Jecrass.<\/p>\n A small victory, but born only out of Orthenon and Zamea being absent. But the other victory\u2014came later.<\/p>\n One of the half-Giants was unable to catch up with her peers. She floundered, roped by [Trick Riders], hemmed in by infantry. She scythed left and right with her shield and sword, giant instruments carried by the twenty<\/em>-foot half-Giant. She had killed countless Jecrass\u2019 warriors already.<\/p>\n But Reim\u2019s forces were falling back. No rescue attempt would be mounted. Raelt would have preferred that.<\/p>\n One half-Giant. One, out of about twenty that Reim was fielding. Not a small thing at all. And yet\u2014the woman put up her sword as she saw herself surrounded.<\/p>\n The half-Giant\u2019s curled hair beneath her helm was wet with her blood. Arrows stuck out on her skin, failing to pierce deeply. But she was tired. Bleeding. She looked down as Raelt rode his horse forwards. She panted.<\/p>\n \u201cI am defeated. Will you accept my surrender, King of Jecrass?\u201d<\/p>\n She asked curiously, resigned. Just\u2014asking. But both of them knew the answer. The King of Jecrass slowly shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThe King of Destruction will ransom you or set you free if we seek to hold you, Lady Giant. Nor can we keep you prisoner. You made your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n He swallowed hard. The half-Giant looked around. She sighed. And then smiled. Her voice grew deeper and the Humans backed up as she lifted her sword and shield. Her voice boomed.<\/p>\n \u201cLook up, then, little man. See how the tallfolk die.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It took her a long time to die. Raelt himself fought, pulling back his army rather than let the foot soldiers die by the hundreds. The half-Giantess absorbed spells, arrows\u2014<\/p>\n He cut out her eyes, racing up one arm. She screamed, then. And he saw her stumbling around, flailing. Until she just stopped moving.<\/p>\n She asked for no quarter after that. And she fought to the death for the King of Destruction. Whom the Nomads of the Sky had sworn to fight under.<\/p>\n \u201cOne less.\u201d<\/p>\n No one in Jecrass\u2019 army smiled after the half-Giantess\u2019 death. Her corpse just lay there. No glory, no magnificent death. Just a bitter end by numbers. Raelt counted.<\/p>\n One less. Statistically\u2014one twentieth of the King of Destruction\u2019s fighting force had died here. But he\u2019d guard his other half-Giants more carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cHow pointless.\u201d<\/p>\n Raelt muttered to himself. He\u2019d won something, but it didn\u2019t feel<\/em> like a victory. It didn\u2019t feel\u2014like Jecrass was winning this war. The King of Destruction\u2019s armies fought hot, leveling, retreating rather than losing their elites. Raelt had killed one.<\/em><\/p>\n And elsewhere? He raised his head and listened, dully. Sadomere\u2014renamed as Drevish\u2019s Madness\u2014was no longer under siege.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c[Spellcraft: Enhanced Scope]. [Featherweight].\u201d<\/p>\n Grand Mage Esiela cast the spell on the axe. She was not alone. The linked spell of the other [Mages] of Parasol Stroll added to her power. They wove the magic into the axe. And The Grand Mage saw the half-Giant\u2019s hand lift the axe.<\/p>\n \u201cMy thanks, Grand Mage.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Esiela flinched. She looked up and saw Zamea\u2019s burning gaze. The Grand Mage hesitated\u2014but she was bound by blood magic. So she raised her hand and cast the second spell.<\/p>\n \u201cSpellcraft\u2014[Haste].\u201d<\/p>\n The cost of the second spell nearly wiped out her reserves. But the half-Giantess\u2019 eyes gleamed. She clenched one hand, opened it. And she was\u2014faster.<\/em> She turned, as Orthenon called the charge.<\/p>\n \u201cBreak their lines. First Shepherd!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The First Shepherd of the Nomads of the sky, taller than her fallen kinswoman by ten feet towered across the battlefield. She had been ignoring the arrows raining down around her; the [Mages] were protected by a spell. But now Zamea put the helmet on her head. And her voice boomed.<\/p>\n \u201cI come, Orthenon. Order your [Soldiers] back. I will not stop until the enemy breaks.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cParasol Stroll, backwards!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Steward] pointed. The [Mages] retreated. In the distance, Esiela saw the King of Destruction\u2019s forces sallying forth from the city. They hadn\u2019t been broken by the much larger army of Jecrass besieging them. And now\u2014reinforcements had arrived.<\/p>\n It was a silly battle. Esiela looked about. Proper, three-to-one<\/em> odds against Reim\u2019s forces. Even with reinforcements. But Drevish\u2019 Madness was incredibly reinforced. Magical statues of Orthenon attracted arrow fire, and the inner city was designed to stymie any assault, favoring the defenders in any clash.<\/p>\n But sortieing against the army? Esiela was no [General], so she would never have advised this. But the [Steward] and the King of Destruction had fought countless wars. And this tactic\u2014was something they could finally pull off.<\/p>\n The half-Giantess lifted her light axe and her steps quickened across the field. General Lael was turning her forces to account for her and Orthenon\u2019s [Riders]. Zamea looked across the field of her enemies, unconcerned.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a sad day. A glorious day. I have seen my kin, a small brother in Izril. And heard one of my people die. For both, I will fight until Chandrar\u2019s sands are wet with blood.\u201d<\/p>\n Esiela shivered. That was the kind of mad line that Chandrar\u2019s warriors came out with. Zamea saw a flurry of [Fireballs] and a [Siege Fireball] being launched at her.<\/p>\n Gold-ranks<\/em>. As well as Jecrass\u2019 [Mages]. The half-Giant saw the spells coming\u2014and dodged. She was fast.<\/em><\/p>\n [Haste]. Esiela felt sick. And not just because of the mana drain. She had cast it on Zamea. Normal [Haste] spells were far, far too weak to affect a half-Giant. But a Grand Mage studied spellcraft.<\/p>\n Lael\u2019s forces weren\u2019t prepared for that. But the King of Destruction\u2019s forces pressed forwards, ramming into Jecrass\u2019 infantry and the [King] began to cut a path with his elites.<\/p>\n Zamea charged. Her footsteps were like a fast-beating drum\u2014then a relentless hammering.<\/em> The horse, spread out and prepared to dodge and encircle her, saw the half-Giantess running<\/em> at them.<\/p>\n Too fast. She caught them as they galloped, and her axe swung. Esiela looked away.<\/p>\n Carnage. This was taking a titan of the battlefield and making her more<\/em> deadly. Jecrass\u2019 army broke in the next five minutes as Zamea and Orthenon tore the forces apart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGeneral Lael! We can\u2019t outrun the Giantess!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The [General] had already seen. She looked around, desperately.<\/p>\n \u201cCall the retreat! Send the chariots in! Use ropes\u2014slow her down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Rider] gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cNerrhavia\u2019s chariots are already retreating, General!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? I didn\u2019t signal for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lael turned. She saw Nerrhavian \u2018mercenaries\u2019 pulling back. The Silk Stitchfolk weren\u2019t going to stay around and die. She already had problems holding them back from charging whenever they felt like. She cursed.<\/p>\n \u201cSend the adventurers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve already left!\u201d<\/p>\n Medain\u2019s forces were also fleeing. Adventurers. Lael looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cSafeguard the [Archers]. Fall back! [Trick Riders], forwards! <\/em>Warden Emile\u2019s van will hold the line and then retreat!\u201d<\/p>\n Her army rippled. Jecrass\u2019 soldiers held the line, as the King of Destruction\u2019s forces and the reinforcements took them to pieces. They died\u2014rather than the reinforcements from abroad. That was how it had happened the last two battles. Lael had a terrible taste in her mouth as she watched Nerrhavia\u2019s [Charioteers] forming up at a safe distance, banging war gongs and sounding horns to provoke Reim\u2019s forces into chasing them.<\/p>\n This wasn\u2019t their war. Jecrass was bleeding against Reim with half-hearted support.<\/em> They could have won, if the other forces had held<\/em>. If they brought down Zamea\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThe Steward is charging!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFall back!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lael spurred her horse and they fled. She cursed. They had been so close. They had been so close to taking the King of Destruction\u2019s…<\/p>\n She lowered her head. She didn\u2019t see a victory in this war. Not without something changing. You couldn\u2019t bleed Reim. They were all war-maniacs, like Zamea, still chasing the [Riders] and cutting them to bits. She looked back once, to catch sight of that monster. She could swear she heard the King of Destruction laughing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another easy victory. Well\u2014hard-won by [Soldiers], life-and-death. But when Reim concentrated their power, it wasn\u2019t even funny. Let alone entertaining\u2014the Wistram broadcast barely mentioned the battle, except to dully note the figures. Plucky Jecrass holding the line against all odds, and all that.<\/p>\n What did<\/em> get attention was what came after. The scrying orb flickered into view. No Noass or Sir Relz to commentate for a moment. The image spoke for itself.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, is this how the game is played? Magnificent. How fun!\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction was playing soccer. Football. Whatever. He kicked the ball across the ground, a bit awkwardly, but copying the motions he\u2019d seen on screen. And he was physically adept enough to kick it across the field.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, your Majesty. Do you fancy a game?\u201d<\/p>\n Mars was laughing. Today, she looked dusky-skinned, her voice purring along with her curled hair. She kicked the ball back and the King of Destruction stopped it with one foot.<\/p>\n It was not<\/em> the severed head of an enemy. Those didn\u2019t bounce. Rather, the leather ball was quickly-made, enchanted. Flos frowned, then looked ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cTeres! Catch!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He kicked the ball. The audience watched the ball soar high into the air\u2014way past Teres, standing a hundred feet away. She went chasing. Flos grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cI forget my strength. What is the term? Pass<\/em> the ball, yes. Orthenon! My Steward, your timing is impeccable. Zamea, my condolences on the loss of your kin. Shali, was it?\u201d<\/p>\n His grin faded for a moment as Zamea rested on her axe. Blood still covered Flos\u2019 beard, although he\u2019d removed his armor. Mars of course was wearing her illusion. But as the [Steward] came forwards, Flos smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was something to see, wasn\u2019t it? Such a lively game! Let\u2019s play one\u2014match? One set?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf your Majesty wills it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do. And you shall play, Orthenon. By the way, do you like the city?\u201d<\/p>\n Orthenon glanced up at the battle-worn statues of his face, some of them looking exceptionally stupid or exaggerating his features, like his nose. One was just of him mooning the enemy. He grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty, my enjoyment of Drevish\u2019s posthumous work is matched only by my anticipation of this\u2026\u2018game\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the spirit! Let\u2019s make two teams. Hello! I understand people are watching?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction strode up towards the camera. The Wistram [Mage] enlisted to cast the scrying spell flinched.<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes, your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent. I\u2019m rather fascinated by this game. If these\u2026players<\/em> from Liscor are watching, you have my thanks for the entertainment! So novel. If any would like to visit Reim\u2014well, perhaps after the war ends, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction\u2019s eyes glittered as he smiled widely. He laughed and the entire viewpoint shook as he slapped the [Mage] on the shoulder and sent them sprawling.<\/p>\n \u201cTruly interesting. Teres! Where\u2019s that ball?<\/em> If they would like to give me any tips on how this game is played, I would appreciate that too. Can you arrange that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour\u2014your Majesty? I uh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n About that time, the frozen audience in The Wandering Inn saw a Street Runner edge into the room.<\/p>\n \u201c[Message] for Mister Joseph? First-priority from the Mage\u2019s Guild. The\u2014the King of Destruction has a question.\u201d<\/p>\n And the legend entered the inn.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was a thing Human beings were bad at. Understanding how\u2026worldwide mediums worked.<\/p>\n Like the super-information highway of Earth, or television in both worlds, or just\u2026phone calls, there was some part of humanity (and other species) that couldn\u2019t process the scope of such technology.<\/p>\n \u2018When I say something online, or on television, people see it.\u2019 That was easy. But how about a thousand people? A million. The Human mind couldn\u2019t process the scope of that many people.<\/p>\n Let alone the consequences, or what might happen if you became the center of attention, even for a second. It made the abstract real, but you couldn\u2019t know how that felt, really felt,<\/em> until it happened.<\/p>\n Joseph carefully pinched himself in the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cOw.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. Then, felt a pinch.<\/p>\n \u201cOw! <\/em>What the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He saw Rose pull back her hand. She looked mystified at him. Then Mrsha pinched Joseph\u2019s ear and ran away to safety\u2014Moore\u2014when Joseph swore.<\/p>\n The half-Giant was still staring at Zamea. A familiar stranger. He absently patted Mrsha\u2019s head as she stuck out her tongue at Joseph. He looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do I do? That\u2019s the King of Destruction, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria Springwalker squeaked. She looked into the scrying orb. It was on a delay, so only now did the King of Destruction begin calling for a [Message] spell to be sent to Joseph.<\/p>\n \u201cThe King of Destruction just sent you a [Message].\u201d<\/p>\n Pisces blinked a few times at Joseph. He was a smart person. Well, Pisces thought of himself as a smart person. He still couldn\u2019t quite fathom it.<\/p>\n \u201cI uh\u2014he\u2019s asking how the game is played, how to kick\u2026what do I do? That\u2019s the tyrant-guy, right? Do I say nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you crazy? That\u2019s the King of Destruction. <\/em>You don\u2019t piss him off. Tell him! Write down the rules of the game!\u201d<\/p>\n Rose exclaimed. The other Earthers began to buzz, arguing\u2014looking around for something to write the rules down on, and a map of a football field. The non-Earthers just stared.<\/p>\n The King of Destruction.<\/em> Gazi the Omniscient had been here, but him? Yet\u2014this was just a backdrop to today.<\/p>\n Soccer had come to this world. Again\u2014this was mainly Erin\u2019s fault since she\u2019d shouted \u2018soccer\u2019, rather than \u2018football\u2019 into the scrying orb.<\/p>\n Joseph wasn\u2019t happy about that. But he was at the center of attention and began to mechanically write the rules down. Number of players, a field this large\u2026it was actually hard to describe a game to someone who had no reference for it at all. So many little rules.<\/p>\n \u201cAm I dreaming? Pinch me, Ksmvr. No\u2014just surprise me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria muttered. She slapped her cheeks. She\u2019d met Gazi, of course, but\u2014she felt a pinch<\/em> on her pointed ears and yelped.<\/p>\n Ksmvr hadn\u2019t pinched her after all. He\u2019d gently nibbled on one ear.<\/p>\n \u201cShould I consume your ear? I feel like that is not appropriate surprise, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m awake. Wow. This is\u2014wow.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf just had to sit back. She looked around. And everyone else who had seen the events on the scrying orb were just as stunned.<\/p>\n \u201cHalrac. Don\u2019t pinch me. This is insane! It was just a game of football!<\/em> And that mad [King] is playing it?\u201d<\/p>\n Revi nodded to Halrac. The [Scout] was just silent. His face was tense, drawn. He couldn\u2019t believe it either. But he was taking it seriously.<\/em><\/p>\n Typhenous on the other hand? The old man looked delighted as he worked on something on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cMy dear Revi, you underestimate the\u2014commonalities between royalty and we common folk. Everyone enjoys simple things in life. I think rather than worry<\/em>, you should enjoy the moment\u2014and take advantage of what you can! There. Excuse me, I think this is quite appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n He eyed the finished product. Revi did too as Typhenous got up. He slid a square of cardboard, the surface, white, in front of Joseph.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, Joseph, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Yeah. Hey, here are the rules. Do I\u2014do I send it back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can take it back, sir. No charge. All paid for. Is that your reply?\u201d<\/p>\n The Street Runner Drake held out his claws. Joseph looked around, white-faced. Then he stared down at the sheet of cardboard. Paper glued onto thin wood, really.<\/p>\n Well\u2014it was very clean. And an image of a football\u2014a proper<\/em> one, with white and black spots\u2014was hand-illustrated onto one corner. Well, close to a proper ball. Typhenous had made them literally spots.<\/p>\n \u201cYour signature, Mister Joseph. Just in the center. I\u2019d appreciate it if you could make it as fancy as possible. I have three more\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh. Sure. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n The old [Mage] didn\u2019t reply until Joseph signed all three.<\/p>\n \u201cJust memorabilia, sir. Planning against the future. They may appreciate in value.\u201d<\/p>\n He winked at Joseph as he tucked them into his robes. The old [Mage] certainly had a practical eye towards everything. Joseph just looked at the hastily-scribbled reply to the King of Destruction.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n No one had an answer. So\u2014Joseph looked around, desperately. It was the next morning, and he shouted one word. A name.<\/p>\n \u201cErin?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman was sitting at a table with Ryoka. Mrsha had already crept over to sit on Ryoka\u2019s lap. She sniffed at a bowl of half-eaten cereal. Ryoka glanced up, but Erin kept talking.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014and I leveled! Twice! You have to tell me. Come on. Is he really a super-[Mage]? Can he enchant my ovens? Why do you trust him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin, it\u2019s a secret. Like\u2014Ivolethe. Same level, you know. I think someone wants you. Do you want a bite, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner took a spoon and offered Mrsha a nibble. The Gnoll hugged her and Ryoka smiled\u2014then her face nearly went splut<\/em> into the bowl of cereal as she ducked. Apista buzzed overhead. Ryoka stared up, wide-eyed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the fuck is that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLanguage. <\/em>That\u2019s Apista. Haven\u2019t you met her?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt Lyonette slap the back of her head; they were sitting at the same table. Mrsha punched Lyonette for hitting Ryoka. She was being mean again! Erin saw Joseph hurrying over.<\/p>\n \u201cErin. Is this okay to send to the King of Destruction?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hadn\u2019t been paying attention. Nor did she really process the immediacy of sending the message to<\/em> the King of Destruction, who was kicking the ball to Orthenon on the scrying orb. The [Steward] refused to kick the ball back.<\/p>\n Erin read blankly, half-listening to Joseph\u2019s explanation. She was still focused on Teriarch and her new levels.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks\u2026like soccer rules.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFootball. Do I send it? He\u2019s the King of Destruction.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho? Oh, yeah. Are you watching him? I\u2019ve never watched, but Rufelt says he goes around declaring war. And wasn\u2019t he Gazi\u2019s boss?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] looked around for confirmation. Lyonette and Ryoka gave her long looks.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is correct in everything, but\u2014how can you be so wrong<\/em>, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette looked askance. Erin just shrugged. She scribbled something on the paper.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s a jerk. Here, send this to him. Why are you doing it anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n She held it out to the Street Runner. Joseph hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cHe asked for me. He\u2019s live<\/em> on the TV\u2014scrying orb, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Really? Weird.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] blinked. Then she went back to her morning porridge. After a few bites, and a sip of blue fruit juice, she woke up a bit more.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you say he asked<\/em> for you\u2026um. You mean, you? And he\u2019s actually there? That wasn\u2019t, like, some formal message or you just talking about soccer to Esthelm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh. Well, it\u2019s probably not going exactly<\/em> to him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n About six minutes later, the scrying orb watching Flos playing soccer with Orthenon was interrupted.<\/p>\n \u201c[Message] from Liscor, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n The [King] read from it. Everyone in The Wandering Inn waited, with bated breath. Erin Solstice\u2026slowly walked outdoors as Lyonette and Ryoka stared at her back. To stretch. It was just the morning, after all. Good time for a walk! Even with Rock Crabs about.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, I see! We can play this! How fascinating\u2014and what\u2019s this at the bottom? Dear\u2026hah!<\/em> Orthenon! Read this!\u201d<\/p>\n Flos began to laugh. His eyes widened and he doubled over in guffaws. Orthenon read the paper. His brows twitched.<\/p>\n \u201cAmusing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRead it out loud! Mars! Mars, you must read this! And Teres!\u201d<\/p>\n Two others came over. Mars read it out loud, slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cDear, King of Destruction. I hear you\u2019re a big jerk. Your vassal, Gazi, is also a jerk. Go stuff your face and stop declaring war!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She began to laugh. Flos staggered upright, looked around, and then began to howl with laughter.<\/p>\n The Wandering Inn was in waxworks. Lyonette turned dead-white. Only Mrsha was giggling. Oh, and Numbtongue. He was lying on the floor, laughing his brains out. Typhenous was smiling behind his beard\u2014<\/p>\n But everyone else was quiet. Orthenon read the missive again.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe this came from \u2018Joseph\u2019, your Majesty. The writing style is different.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome brave employee at the Mage\u2019s Guild, perhaps. Or someone else?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos paused for a moment and his eyes twinkled. But his vassals kept a straight face as they remembered what Gazi had once told them. The King of Destruction chuckled as he straightened.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Well, Joseph or not\u2014I shall take the words under consideration. Stuff my face indeed. Yes. Ah\u2014Orthenon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sire?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFind me a map. Where\u2019s Liscor again? I\u2019ll add it to my list. Actually, move it to the top, Orthenon.\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction smiled. Every head slowly turned to Erin, peeking through the main door. She slowly closed the door.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m joking, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos and Zamea both started laughing. Ryoka eyed the bowl of cereal. Mrsha looked up, bits of grains on her face. Ryoka slowly wiped Mrsha\u2019s mouth with a handkerchief. About six minutes after that, Rufelt kicked the door open.<\/p>\n \u201cErin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He was too late to beat Watch Captain Zevara, Olesm, and half the Council who were all screaming Erin\u2019s name. They knew who had really sent that last bit.<\/p>\n And that was just breakfast.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In all seriousness, though. When the King of Destruction\u2019s little game of football lost interest and the viewpoint changed away from Wistram\u2014<\/p>\n It was still madness. Things did not calm down.<\/em><\/p>\n At least, for Joseph. For Erin Solstice, things went back to normal after Zevara screamed for twenty minutes. Which was a record, for her. It was just a little event in the eyes of the world.<\/p>\n And there were important things happening. Ryoka found Mrsha sitting on her shoulders. She stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. I have some strange white leech on my back! Oh well, I can\u2019t get it off.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha giggled. Ryoka sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI should go for a run. But stretches first! This way\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She bent over to the right, raising one arm as if she were doing an actual stretch. Mrsha teetered, then grabbed Ryoka\u2019s arm. Giggling. Ryoka went the other way.<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder if I can touch my toes?\u201d<\/p>\n She could. Mrsha flailed around desperately, only her legs gripping Ryoka\u2019s neck and shoulders keeping her on Ryoka. She laughed, and Ryoka grinned.<\/p>\n Lyonette scowled from the side. But Ryoka and Mrsha had months to catch up on. And Ryoka was trying.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want to do, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll looked up as Ryoka pried her from her head. Did she get Ryoka? The City Runner nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil T\u2014Eldavin gets here, I\u2019m all yours. If you want to do something.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha thought about it. Then, shyly, she went over and tugged on Ryoka\u2019s hand. She wanted to go into the Garden and show Ryoka everything. The City Runner looked at Erin and Lyonette.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin smiled. She nudged Lyonette. The [Princess] huffily nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t want her influencing Mrsha too much. She has bad habits. And she might run off again.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha heard Lyonette\u2019s whisper, quiet as it was. She looked back and then glomped onto Ryoka, tugging her forwards. Erin looked at Mrsha.<\/p>\n \u201cBut she loves Ryoka. Don\u2019t be mad, Lyonette. See how happy Mrsha is today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill. After all she did. Running off and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Brunkr.<\/em> But Lyonette didn\u2019t say that part. She didn\u2019t know what exactly had occurred, but she correctly blamed Ryoka, if for the wrong reasons.<\/p>\n Erin just smiled. Her friend was back. And\u2014a bit better. After a second, Erin ran through the doorway.<\/p>\n \u201cWait for me! You have to see the stupid chocolate tree!\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha threw a bit of dirt at Erin. This was her<\/em> special time! But Erin was just as happy to see Ryoka. It felt like she hadn\u2019t known how much she had been missing Ryoka, either.<\/p>\n For once, the Crazy Human of Liscor had nothing she wanted to change about the world. But another crazy Human\u2014or rather, an unlikely person was getting all the attention.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a great game. I can\u2019t believe you can play it with magic. It changes everything.<\/em> And I have a new class\u2014look at this!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph was still smiling. He hadn\u2019t been drinking either. Not that he hadn\u2019t been tempted<\/em>. His hand still shook to think about a nice, cool glass of\u2026but he had a reason to not drink at the moment. And that purpose made everything different.<\/p>\n He stood outside, kicking the ball up and down. It wasn\u2019t enchanted anymore, but Montressa had promised to work on it. She wasn\u2019t here\u2014or Beza. They were, at that moment, waiting for orders as Wistram had an inner war about how much of this was an Ullsinoi prank and how much they knew, or had.<\/p>\n The United Nations company was looking for a Courier through Luan and Ken. The Queen of Pop was thinking about [Messages] and Wistram as well. Laken was\u2014well, Durene had to keep telling him what had happened, but he got the point. Football was a lot less interesting when you were blind.<\/p>\n They were all other stories. And while they might intersect upon Liscor\u2014at the moment, Joseph kicked the ball up, then looked around.<\/p>\n \u201c[Power Kick]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and blasted the ball towards Liscor\u2019s walls. The other Earthers grinned as Joseph kept speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cI got it! As well as [Sure Footing] and\u2014oh shit.\u201d<\/p>\n The ball flew through the air. Very aerodynamic. And Joseph, already good at kicking the ball, hadn\u2019t realized how powerful his Skill made his kick. The ball flew, and flew from the hill the inn stood on.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch out!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Watch] ducked as they saw the ball coming at them. It hit the wall\u2014about eight feet from the battlements, and bounced off. Joseph breathed a sigh of relief as one of the Drakes hurled insults at him from the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry!<\/em> Did you see how far it went?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDude. Your class is great. I thought about getting it, but y\u2019know\u2026I don\u2019t play soccer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFoot\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph exasperatedly trotted down the hill as Kevin followed him. Rose looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t break a window, Joseph. I\u2019m<\/em> going to watch the plays. Galina says they\u2019re really great.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. Where are Leon and Troy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDunno. Watching the scrying orb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm. I\u2019m going to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n Imani looked across the Floodplains and shuddered. The stretch between The Wandering Inn and the city was perfectly safe, but Kevin and Joseph waved at her as she edged back inside.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2014[Kicker]. Why do you think you got that instead of [Player] or [Footballer] or\u2026uh\u2014something else?\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin scratched his head. Joseph shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably nothing else matches. Ryoka said classes are based off this world\u2019s stuff. There\u2019s no [Gamer] class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDude. I know. Leon and Troy wanted to get the class, but I told them it would probably only make them better at playing on my laptop. Did you know Ryoka deleted all the stuff?<\/em> Even the one with\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. <\/em>We shouldn\u2019t have given it to her.\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin smiled. He and Joseph went up and down the hills easily; they were in good shape. Erin thought of Kevin as \u2018stoner guy\u2019, and that was hurtful\u2014partly true\u2014but Joseph knew that Kevin was actually very athletic.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine, man. Look where we are. We could be in the mansion getting attacked by assassins and with all those angry [Maids]. Anyways, I got my laptop. This inn is great<\/em>. You have soccer, you kicked your habit\u2014what\u2019s getting rid of a few movies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re gone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah.\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph looked up suddenly as Kevin winked.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026No. She forgot to delete them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, she did\u2026but I have an automatic backup drive. Remember, I used to work at that bike place? The manager made me<\/em> do all the bookkeeping. That\u2019s the store\u2019s laptop, well, mine. But we used it for the store.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah!\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph laughed. Not that it was crucial<\/em> to keep Kevin\u2019s stash, but it was\u2026from home. A great comfort. And all that. Kevin nodded, but he was causal about it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if it gets deleted, Joseph. I bet you there\u2019s some stuff here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat…you mean illustrations?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere have to be. Think about it. Our worlds are so similar. They loved<\/em> soccer. I bet you that if I looked around in Liscor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The two began laughing at the ludicrous idea of going out to buy bawdy illustrations in Liscor. They were friends. Well\u2014Kevin got along with everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe later. I want to play another game around Celum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI bet you\u2019ll get people to play. I\u2019m going to earn money.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette says she\u2019ll pay me to help out. I can do that. Lift stuff, clean tables. It pays less than begging, though. But I\u2019ll put in some hours after this. Also\u2014that Centaur? He\u2019s really<\/em> cool. Guess what he has?\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin showed Joseph a spliff. The young man from Spain blinked at it.<\/p>\n \u201cThat can\u2019t be what I think it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. This world is really like ours. Just with magic. You should talk to the Centaur. He\u2019s a really chill guy. Apparently he sells dreamleaf<\/em>, which is even better than weed. According to him. But since we\u2019re friends of Erin and you know\u2014from Earth\u2014he hooked me up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin rolled his eyes. He realized he didn\u2019t have a lighter and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone knows. That Goblin dude? Numbtongue? He was playing Journey<\/em> in the basement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet out. He looks intense.<\/em> Have you seen his scars?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s cool too. I think. I was going to smoke this with him, see if he wants to.\u201d<\/p>\n That was Kevin for you. Joseph shook his head as he finally found the lost football. He checked it, but it was in one piece.<\/p>\n \u201cThink we should walk back? Or use the magic door?\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced back towards the inn. Kevin patted him on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what. I\u2019ll use the magic door, you walk back. You need the exercise now you\u2019re playing soccer. We\u2019ll see who gets back first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsshole.\u201d<\/p>\n And then\u2014the two young men heard a voice.<\/p>\n \u201cYou! Yes, you! <\/em>Stop right there!\u201d<\/p>\n They turned. A very angry Gnoll woman was coming out of Liscor. Kevin winced.<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh.\u201d<\/p>\n The Watch? That was Joseph\u2019s first thought. That angry Drake Watch Captain probably didn\u2019t appreciate people hitting her walls. But\u2014he didn\u2019t see any armor on this woman.<\/p>\n Nor, he realized, was she alone. He hadn\u2019t seen Ekirra at first because his mother was dragging the little Gnoll behind her. Joseph recognized Ekirra and the mother.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014can we help you? Hey, Ekirra.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll cub shyly waved at Joseph. But his mother did not. She stopped in front of Joseph.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were the one who played that game yesterday, right? Soccer?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph winced. Kevin grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s called \u2018football\u2019. But yes, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe got a class. <\/em>[Kicker]! From your<\/em> game.\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra\u2019s mother, Jeva Silverfang lifted her son up by one paw. He kicked the air aimlessly as she put him down. Ekirra seemed quite pleased. Jeva on the other hand\u2014folded her arms together.<\/p>\n Kevin and Joseph both eyed her. Neither was the tallest and Jeva was in the average bracket of a Gnoll woman\u2019s height\u2014which was six foot, two inches. Or, as Joseph would have said, around 1.9 meters.<\/p>\n She was also muscular. And she had claws. A predator\u2019s teeth. She could probably trash both of them if she got mad. Joseph gulped.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014I\u2019m sorry? I didn\u2019t know. I mean\u2014it was just a game. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Kevin for support, but Kevin was standing tactically behind<\/em> Joseph. He called out hopefully.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re really sorry about it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry?<\/em> For what? He got a class!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Jeva\u2019s brow wrinkled. Joseph and Kevin both looked up. Jeva shook Ekirra at them by the scruff of his neck; the young Gnoll whined.<\/p>\n \u201cMoooom\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not angry Ekirra got the class. I want you to take responsibility!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll woman informed Joseph. He looked blankly at her.<\/p>\n \u201cResponsibility? For the class?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Teach him how to level up. Otherwise it\u2019s useless, isn\u2019t it? Like being a\u2014a\u2014[Bartender] if you never work in the business! Or one of those little [Gossips]!\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi, trotting past them out of the gates to work, gave Jeva a very hurt glance. The Gnoll woman ignored her as she thrust Ekirra at Joseph like a parcel. The Gnoll boy looked up hopefully; he had his little red ball that had started it all in his paws.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can pay. But I want Ekirra to level up. Can he get a job as a\u2014one of your football people?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, as a player?\u201d<\/p>\n Jeva brightened up.<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Those others were telling me it\u2019s a game. Can Ekirra learn to play? He\u2019s young, but he got the class\u2014he has potential. Doesn\u2019t he? Does it pay well?\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin and Joseph exchanged glances. In their world, the answer was obvious. Well, if you were female that was already a huge pay cut. But sports stars?<\/p>\n \u201cYe-es. But no one plays uh, soccer\u2014damn it, Kevin\u2014<\/em>I mean, football<\/em> around here. I could teach him\u2014I\u2019m not a big expert, but I guess around here\u2014we don\u2019t even have a team or anything. Let alone a field or proper balls!\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph replied. Jeva looked at him, a bit mystified.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, of course not. It\u2019s new, isn\u2019t it? But if it\u2019s Terandrian or Balerosian or whatever\u2014people like it. I just want you to teach Ekirra. Will you? What are your rates per day? We can\u2019t afford a lot of silver…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRates? I mean, I can, but like I said, there\u2019s no game.<\/em> It\u2019s just for fun, Miss Jeva.\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra\u2019s mother snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! You\u2019ll have your game and fields. Or haven\u2019t you heard? That [Architect] Lamia\u2014Hexel or whatever\u2014is already smoothing out the Floodplains! He says he can do it in one day. And the Council is approving a team! They\u2019re probably going to approach you. I saw Watch Captain Zevara running out to the inn just this morning, and Councilwoman Krshia!\u201d<\/p>\n It had been for different reasons. But Joseph and Kevin\u2019s mouths dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? A game? Joseph? They want him to manage?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd play.<\/em> Didn\u2019t they ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething else happened.\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph muttered. He looked around, head spinning.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2014why do they want me to play? I mean, it\u2019s fun, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fun, of course! I kicked the ball around with Ekirra when he came back. He wouldn\u2019t go to sleep until he passed out from tiredness! Even my husband and I bought one of the big balls and played after work with some of the others in the neighborhood. I just wanted to make sure Ekirra got classes.\u201d<\/p>\n That was it. It was fun. <\/em>Joseph blinked. He saw Jeva smiling. What more reason did you need? In a world with so many monsters, a game like this? They had magic artifacts, like Cade\u2019s Box of Wonders, but soccer was a magic of its own this world had never come up with.<\/p>\n Joseph began to smile. Jeva added after a moment.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Besides. We have to have you<\/em>, Mister Joseph. On the team. The Council\u2019s afraid that Esthelm or Celum will make you a better offer. Or Pallass. They\u2019re all putting together their teams and they\u2019ll have adventurers and such. But you\u2019re<\/em> the expert.\u201d<\/p>\n The matter-of-fact statement made Kevin\u2019s eyes go wide. Joseph felt weak at the knees.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Other teams?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t a one-and-done type of thing. Soccer had come, and it was here to stay. Baseball now\u2026baseball had an allure, but no one had made the step of deciding there should be games, teams.<\/p>\n Competition. Because baseball had only ever appeared in Celum and Liscor. But the advent of the Wistram television had changed more things. In a bigly way.<\/p>\n Lism rubbed his claws together in the Council\u2019s meeting room.<\/p>\n \u201cThose Human bastards\u2014er, I mean, Celum and Esthelm have already decided they\u2019re going to make teams. And Celum\u2019s not even rebuilt<\/em> yet. Pallass wants in, and some of the other northern cities.\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of the Council was nodding. They sat around\u2014Krshia opposite Lism. She spoke, checking her notes, a challenge in her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThat will not take long, yes? Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s aide has come to the city. She has promised gold, supplies, to rebuild. Thanked us.\u201d<\/p>\n She indicated the pink letter. Lism sneered at it.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter causing all that trouble with the Antinium? Bah. Did she offer to repay us<\/em> for our help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake had taken a sip of tea. He coughed, pounding his chest. Krshia smirked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd while it may take time, Celum will be rebuilt. In the meantime, the \u2018Human bastards\u2019 are in our<\/em> city, Lism. So I think it is good that we treat them as citizens, yes? Many have useful talents. Or will we throw them out?\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated. And modulated his tone after a second.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course<\/em> not. I was just saying\u2014those sneaking bastards in a general sense, Silverfang.\u201d<\/p>\n She gave him a toothy smile and he bared his own sharp teeth. The rest of the Council listened, used to the bickering. Elirr was combing his fur; it was a casual Council that had gotten to know each other after so long. Lism just wished the old Gnoll wouldn\u2019t shed<\/em> on the carpet.<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally. But the influx is good and bad, yes? People grumble. But Hexel is building, and he will have the soccer pitch done with soon. So\u2014we will have teams.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCompete with other cities. In baseball too. Yes, I can see it now. An excellent idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism smiled, folding his claws over his stomach. He heard a cough from the left.<\/p>\n \u201cLism. I don\u2019t see why it\u2019s that useful. It\u2019s fun, but is this a priority for the Council? Surely, the other news is more important\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna looked blank. Jeiss woke up; he\u2019d had a late night patrolling, and looked around guiltily. Raekea frowned, fingering a patch of soot on her fur.<\/p>\n The other two Council members were, conspicuously, absent. They had \u2018accidentally\u2019 not been notified of the meeting. Again. They\u2019d arrive eventually. And it was\u2026convivial, without them.<\/p>\n Even with Silverfang opposite him, Lism felt\u2014content. He actually smiled at Krshia. She understood.<\/p>\n \u201cAlonna, these games may be pointless, but think of it. We have a market for the equipment. We have people who will pay<\/em> for the pleasure of viewing. And when other cities compete? We get visitors, their money, sales from the events\u2014we can charge entry fees!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTickets. It is an established thing. Very profitable, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia nodded. The two [Shopkeepers] were in sync. Alonna blinked, and then she caught on.<\/p>\n \u201c…Right! <\/em>And if Wistram wants to watch\u2014Ancestors, the King of Destruction<\/em> was playing just this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd nearly declared war on us thanks to that damned\u2014one of our Humans. Miss Erin Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism caught himself quicker this time. Krshia sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Erin will allow instant visitation to our city for all the trouble she causes, yes? And we already have an entry<\/em> fee<\/em> for Liscor. If we put one on Celum, and Pallass, even if it is only coppers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The two [Shopkeepers] grinned in avarice and Alonna shuddered at the sight. Krshia and Lism, working together. What nightmares might emerge from that?<\/p>\n \u201cElirr, you\u2019ve been quiet today. What do you think? Jeiss? Raekea?\u201d<\/p>\n The other three started. Elirr checked his comb.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree. It is all coming together at the right time. And Hexel\u2014he is most suited to help. He\u2019s already making use of our Antinium yes?\u201d<\/p>\n The Lamia was very flexible, as, perhaps, a Lizardfolk could be. The Council nodded, even the Drakes.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to admit\u2014he\u2019s quite cheap. Given our initial down payment. I like this idea. Can we get him to\u2014to smooth out more of the Floodplains? Space for multiple games, perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism muttered. Elirr scratched at his head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt should not be a problem. Hexel, he says the trouble comes in the spring, when the rains erode such things, especially if they are flat. But that is what drainage is for\u2014I will ask him.\u201d<\/p>\n He had appointed himself the liaison to working with Hexel. The Council had agreed; Elirr was very friendly, not a Drake, and the logical choice. Raekea on the other hand raised one paw.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no objections either. However, I\u2019d like to move along the conversation. I have to meet with the Dwarf later today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Yes. Are you busy?\u201d<\/p>\n The Council instantly sat up.<\/em> Lism\u2019s eyes met Krshia\u2019s. She looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you will say nothing of damned Dwarves when he meets with us, Lism. If he meets with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m tactful!\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake blushed. She was going to pay for that comment. However\u2026true it may be. He checked his tongue. Raekea, oblivious, muttered as she scratched at her fur.<\/p>\n \u201cI am waiting for Olesm\u2019s reports. We get most of our ore from Esthelm. Cheaply. And the Dwarf, Master Pelt, he is interested.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPallass won\u2019t be happy. They\u2019ve warned us twice\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPallass can eat my tail. If that [Smith] wants to move, let him! Anything you need, Raekea! We\u2019ll even\u2026give him his own forge! As big as he wants!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd pay for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss coughed into one claw. Lism looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t need to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Guardsman] looked at Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cLism, if we could get mastercrafted<\/em> blades in our city, no matter how troublesome this Dwarf supposedly is\u2014Zevara would build the smithy herself. So would I. I vote to authorize Raekea to offer Pelt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Council debated. They put it to a quick vote, obviously with two in absentia\u2014they didn\u2019t matter\u2014and it was 6-0. Even Lism saw the point, although he put limits on how much they were going to give Pelt.<\/p>\n But then they were on to the next point of business. By the time Olesm caught up with reports of exactly how much ore of different types they\u2019d imported or had their [Miners] collect in the last year, the Council was going back to the games.<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t approach the Human? We can\u2019t let him go to Celum!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo fear. I think Joseph is with Erin. And we can prevail on her. I\u2019ll put a word in later.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm reassured his uncle. Lism relaxed.<\/p>\n \u201cGood, good. I hear Pallass saw the broadcast. Hah! As if they even played one game! They\u2019re apparently putting Garudas on a team with Oldbloods. Talking about a \u2018practice game\u2019 in one week. Say, what about a game for young people as well as adults? Send a [Message] back about that!\u201d<\/p>\n The others nodded cheerfully. And it went without saying that Liscor had to win,<\/em> in any practice game or what-have-you. Civic pride, the Drake and Gnollish desire to win and chase the ball\u2014it was all part of this game.<\/p>\n \u201cPut the Human in charge of making the team. Send all the applicants to him. Oh\u2014and I suppose we need to pay him. Let\u2019s work that out as well as charging these\u2026\u2018tickets\u2019, did you say, Silverfang?\u201d<\/p>\n Lism sighed. The Gnoll nodded. She produced an abacus and counted on it.<\/p>\n \u201cHrm. I think we can fit in a good salary. For our players as well. And budget for team clothing yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArgh. The expenses!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, if we charge even a few coppers for a ticket at a game and have at least\u2026say, at least<\/em> twelve games per year, we are making good money, yes? Shall we work it over?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLunch. We also need to account for [Healers]. Did you see that Garuda break her leg? And she was Gold-rank.<\/em> Let\u2019s do the numbers after we end our session, Silverfang.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Shopkeeper] growled. Krshia nodded. It was another unlikely pairing, but if Elirr was good at being personal and Raekea could talk about mineral deposits all day\u2014Lism and Krshia were both good at numbers and sales.<\/p>\n They were like the treasurers of the Council. Whereas Jeiss was their arm of the law and combat expert, along with Olesm. Alonna advised on magic and politics and handled [Messages]\u2026<\/p>\n The two other Council members were largely useless.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will come back with a proposed budget. Now, I think\u2014on to the third most important topic of the day, yes? Perhaps most of all?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia tapped the table and looked around meaningfully. The others looked up. Lism\u2019s tail began to wag with sheer delight.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Do you have the missive, nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm produced the rather fancy letter that had arrived by [Messenger] just this morning. Not Runner; [Messenger]. As in, a class hired by a person or group for dedicated work, not a freelancer.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ve all read it. But can you give us a proper rundown, Strategist Olesm? Tismel and Zalaiss may need briefing later.\u201d<\/p>\n Alonna smiled at Olesm. The Drake sighed; mostly for the latter bit. But he nodded. There were a few places for him to put his maps and documents. He handed them around now. Copies of the letter, and a few strategic notes. Lism saw him point at the map.<\/p>\n Maps of Liscor and of Izril or even the world, were, of course, expensive. Not prohibitively, but the [Cartographers] really did sterling work with their illustrations. You could buy political maps, ones that showed where monsters were strongest, geographical overlays, magical ones\u2026<\/p>\n Of course, nations and space shifted all the time, so no map was perfect. But this one was fairly up-to-date. Olesm pointed at Liscor; the valley and pass leading down through the High Passes was quite familiar to Lism.<\/p>\n \u201cHere we are, Councilmembers. And here\u2014is our new road. It\u2019s nearing completion, despite the setbacks, and Master Builder Reikhle has only a few days to go. Of course, then there will be creating a short wall and shoring up the road\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder if we can get our [Architect] to do that cheaper as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism snorted. He didn\u2019t exactly like Hexel for all the Lamia was friendly, and he was certain<\/em> Hexel didn\u2019t like him. Lism felt\u2026sympathetic about what had happened, really. But how quickly did he turn from hating a Lizardman to thinking of him as \u2018Liscor\u2019s.\u2019 Funny, that.<\/p>\n Olesm was tracing a careful route through the foothills, south of Liscor and around the Bloodfields, marked in red. And soon, the road would connect to\u2026<\/p>\n Another road. The Council leaned forwards and saw the road network branching out from there. To the south, lay Izril.<\/p>\n Obviously, of course. It always had. But the southern route was only safe in the winter and fall. Liscor was more connected to the north than the south. Isolated from all in the spring.<\/p>\n That was how it always had been. But Lism was already dreaming of rope\u2026bridges\u2026that could be used in the spring. They had been isolated and that had always been their strength. Inter-city wars had never affected Liscor and their army could go abroad and make money while the city stayed safe\u2014although they used to leave more than just the Watch behind.<\/p>\n But it had also made Liscor poor. Reliant on the army. Now, the road would connect.<\/p>\n \u201cThe letter we have received comes from Hectval, a small city closest to us. It is part of the Hectval-Drisshia-Luldem Alliance, a defensive pact between the cities and towns here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInspired name.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeiss drawled. Lism laughed, but he waved for Olesm to go on. The little dot of a city, only visible on very detailed maps, was indeed close to the Bloodfields. And Liscor. Olesm coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can see their standing forces and so on there. Public knowledge; I believe they have excellent fletchers. You can see their proximity to the hills here, which have an abundance of birdlife\u2026I can get you more information if you\u2019d like, Councilmembers. But they sent a [Messenger] yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDown our road.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism growled. That almost upset him; he had hoped to send a trading caravan down the road first, as part of a ceremony. But the contents of the letter had been\u2026excellent. Olesm nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be publicly used, Councilmember Lism. The road, that is. But Hectval sent a letter of, well, greetings. It is very formal.\u201d<\/p>\n It was. The beginning of the letter had about four lines of introduction. But Lism could respect that. They had made an impression.<\/p>\n \u201cI was actually told that the letter was exceptionally formal, and had a lot of nuance from Maviola\u2014er\u2014I think we should labor carefully over our reply, Councilmembers. To avoid seeming less than formal. The long and the short of it is that\u2026Hectval would like our cities to exchange goods, ideas, visitors. They\u2019re asking for a meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n Lism beamed. He sat up and looked around. The rest of the Council seemed excited too. Krshia looked a bit confused.<\/p>\n \u201cAll this for a meeting? They could have just come and knocked on our gates, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilverfang, you are just a\u2014an uneducated beast! <\/em>There\u2019s a proper<\/em> way to do things! With elegance! Tact! Between Drake cities, this is how things are done.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lism cried out. He looked around importantly. He hadn\u2019t ever actually been part of a delegation\u2014he\u2019d never even left Liscor. But he felt strongly that this was it.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s clear. We should respond, as politely as possible, and agree to a meeting. At last, we\u2019ll have another city to talk to! And this is just the first! More Drakes!\u201d<\/p>\n He smirked at Krshia. The Gnoll sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully more tolerable than the ones here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilverfang\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The two Councilmembers began to quarrel. Elirr sat back and Raekea helped get the back of his head with his comb.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re making more of an effort to do your appearance, Elirr. You don\u2019t even smell of cats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to. I\u2019m a Councilmember and a liaison with our [Architect]. Did the cologne work? Those damned pests dump it in the toilet.\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm smiled. The Council was in high spirits, and Olesm went off to hire Joseph. And find Maviola; she had already began to vet a proper team. She was his acting-assistant. He could hire one. And why not?<\/p>\n The Drake gave that serious thought as Tismel and Zalaiss hurried in\u2014just to hear the Council breaking for the day. He ran off before they could demand to know what had been said.<\/p>\n Olesm was feeling better than he had in months. Maviola was staying at his<\/em> apartment. He\u2019d had\u2026well, relationships. But none that lasted long. None that felt like this.<\/p>\n He smiled. And the Council were doing big things. Important things. Actually doing things.<\/em> Lism and Krshia were actually working together, rather than killing each other with knives.<\/p>\n Olesm was happy for them, but he found that his life outside of work also mattered. He, Maviola, Selys, and Lyonette were all going to go to Invrisil to shop. Hawk too, which was fine, but Olesm had heard Selys shouting at him after the game so that might be in doubt.<\/p>\n And another city was coming to Liscor. Olesm sighed. He couldn\u2019t wait. For once, the Drake thought it might be a glorious day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was<\/em> glorious. Below Olesm\u2019s feet, an Antinium with azure colors spread her arms and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium walked in Celum. Did you see<\/em> it, Klbkchhezeim?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, Xrn.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised her staff and Klbkch raised one arm to block. Xrn, the Small Queen turned to him.<\/p>\n \u201cSo that<\/em> is the power of Erin Solstice. I see it now. Your advice was right, Klbkch. Give her no vaults of treasure or overt aid. \u2018Let Erin be Erin.\u2019 And she brings joy to the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHowever much that is worth.\u201d<\/p>\n Xrn flicked the staff at Klbkch\u2019s head. He leaned back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are so lacking in\u2026kindness<\/em>, Klbkch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was not made for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But you could learn. Never mind. Erin Solstice has also distracted Liscor and the other cities from pressing our Hive as strongly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are still making plans.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. But the worth of the Antinium is not in a place.<\/em> The Painted Antinium must join the other Hives. I will coordinate things here. Support Erin Solstice from the shadows if she needs it. How is the delegation coming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Well. I am ready to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Do you have the snacks? Or rather\u2014are these enough?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch and Xrn turned to the Workers busily loading sacks onto their backs. For transit to other Hives. The grand passage under the Bloodfields may have been discovered\u2014but it could still be used<\/em>. Carefully, of course; it was sure to be monitored. Klbkch eyed the huge pack bulging with its contents as it was loaded onto a single Worker\u2019s back.<\/p>\n It was heavy.<\/em> The kind of thing even the meanest [Sergeant] wouldn\u2019t make a [Soldier] carry in war. But a Worker? The Antinium bore the load with ease. And carefully too.<\/p>\n Because the contents were all acid-flies. Packed in so heavily that there was probably, oh, at least a hundred pounds of flies.<\/p>\n Another basket had fresh Garry-bread, edible for Antinium. One more had cheese\u2026and there were multiple packs<\/em> of each. Xrn and Klbkch salivated for a second.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026We may have enough snacks. But the Queens are voracious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will send more. Visit the Armored Antinium first. Or the Silent Antinium. Your discretion, Klbkchhezeim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Stay alive, Xrn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you.\u201d<\/p>\n She lowered her staff and tapped his head. A blessing, then. Klbkch bowed. And then, without a word, he walked away. The Workers followed him as he left the Hive.<\/p>\n He had been just as brief with the Free Queen, for all the emotion in her. Xrn didn\u2019t think he\u2019d even said \u2018goodbye\u2019 to the other Workers. But there he went. Anand and some of the Painted Antinium were in his cohort. Anand was practically hopping with excitement because Klbkch had chosen him.<\/em> Xrn smiled at his glee.<\/p>\n \u201cMove out.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch spoke briefly, and they walked off. He was truly bad at being kind. Perhaps\u2014if he had been\u2014he might have stopped at The Wandering Inn and met Ryoka Griffin. But Klbkch was a silly Antinium.<\/p>\n And he was on the move.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In The Wandering Inn, Revi Cotton sat and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cFeels like we never left, right, Halrac?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe inn was literally rebuilt from the ground up, Revi.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Veteran Scout] saw the [Summoner] scowl at him. Revi looked about.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue, but the atmosphere<\/em> is the same. That game of\u2026football? It feels the same.\u201d<\/p>\n That was also true. Halrac nodded once as he maintained the enchanted bow. He experimentally checked the enchanted bowstring that Hedault had given him to replace the ancient string the bow had been given to him with. It felt good.<\/p>\n Solid. Revi grinned as she looked at Halrac.<\/p>\n \u201cThat meeting was something, right? I thought Hedault would kill<\/em> the Horns. Especially Pisces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac was a poor conversationalist. Revi sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat part where he threw<\/em> his equipment at Pisces\u2019 head? I nearly died laughing. But he really liked Ksmvr.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMhm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that part where he asked Ceria to marry him?\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda snorted with laughter. Halrac paused. He looked up.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Do you want something, Revi?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are we<\/em> doing next, Halrac? We\u2019ve got the money from Hedault coming in, but we\u2019re not spending it or waiting for gear like the Horns.\u201d<\/p>\n Hedault had been very<\/em> patient. As well as generous. For a nominal fee, he\u2019d be overseeing the conversion of treasure to coinage for both teams. As well as the Halfseekers. Amazingly patient, in fact; Halrac had expected him to murder the Horns of Hammerad. But they must have had one favor because they were actually in talks with him over replacing broken gear and even commissioning more.<\/p>\n Revi\u2019s question reminded him that they had little business with Hedault\u2014or Invrisil or Liscor for that matter. The [Scout] raised his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose it\u2019s time to go. We\u2019ll head through Invrisil\u2019s door when the press slows. Tomorrow, maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re going to Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n Briganda looked up. She was feeding Cade lunch. The boy was very interested in a song being played from one corner of the room. He kept forgetting to eat the mushy bits of corn and grain.<\/p>\n \u201cCade, open your mouth. We could\u2026stay awhile, Halrac. Right, Typhenous? Cade likes it here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t object.\u201d<\/p>\n The old man gave Halrac a knowing glance. And the [Scout] himself hesitated. He looked around the inn.<\/p>\n Pleasant indeed. So much so it would dull your senses. When The Wandering Inn wasn\u2019t in uproar, it was like this.<\/p>\n In one corner of the room, Kevin sat with Numbtongue. He had successfully ingratiated himself into the Hobgoblin\u2019s presence in two ways. Firstly, the spliff, which they were sharing. Second?<\/p>\n His computer was pulsing a soft song into the inn. Amid the quiet voices, the tiny stereo was playing. But the real music was coming from Numbtongue\u2019s guitar. He was playing, copying the song after hearing it the fifth time.<\/p>\n Kevin was tapping the table with a ladle\u2014matching the beat. Numbtongue missed a note, but he was faithfully copying the song. And the quiet singer\u2019s voice added to the song. If no one else were here\u2014you could imagine the Hobgoblin would have sung too.<\/p>\n Rose was tapping her foot to the beat as she listened. For a moment, Halrac listened. His eyes fixed on the [Bard]. And Numbtongue, a Redfang, noticed. He looked up and Halrac glanced away.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s time to leave. We have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n He spoke reluctantly. But you could stay here too long. And they had already left, once. Briganda sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI really like it here. Right, Cade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n The little boy nodded. Halrac glanced at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be back in time. We\u2019re just going a short ways away from Invrisil. Not more than a week on the road, even with Cade. If he\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRiverfarm is safe<\/em>, right? Anyways, we\u2019ll be gone for a while if we take this [Emperor]\u2019s offer. When are we going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Rose began singing as a new song came on. To the curious, Stolen Dance,<\/em> on Kevin\u2019s computer became the iconic Hotel California.<\/em> As the young woman\u2019s voice tried to capture the lyrics\u2014which she did know\u2014Numbtongue stopped playing.<\/p>\n \u201cRose, this is about the guitar, the guitar.<\/em> Not singing.\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin objected. As Rose protested, Galina sat at the back of the inn. So far away that the music wasn\u2019t even really audible. And over here there was far less noise. She whispered to the ugly Drake sitting next to her.<\/p>\n \u201cSo they do this every<\/em> night?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd they practice! This is Lady Macbeth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c