{"id":8485,"date":"2020-07-01T03:21:17","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T03:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=8485"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:01:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:01:27","slug":"interlude-a-meeting-of-druids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/07\/01\/interlude-a-meeting-of-druids\/","title":{"rendered":"Interlude – A Meeting of [Druids]"},"content":{"rendered":"

(A preview of Volume 2 is now up on Soundcloud! Check it out here!<\/a> The audiobook will be release July 14th!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another day passed. And whatever madness, glories, tragedies or acts of fate had passed, the next day the world remained.<\/p>\n

Well\u2026for now. She woke up in the rolling, bumping darkness and realized she was alone. Which was preferable, for now.<\/p>\n

Slowly, the City Runner reached into a pouch. And for light, instead of a spell, came a glowing vial. The liquid sloshed around.<\/p>\n

Viridian.<\/em> What a color. Blue and green, ostensibly. What vibrancy. What magic.<\/em> For a moment, Ryoka Griffin marveled at it. Such a little vial; less than a mouthful, unless you were a baby.<\/p>\n

It could change everything. Or\u2026nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cPanacea. Fierre\u2026but what did Teriarch say? What did he mean? What causes Vampires to fall ill?\u00a0 He knows.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The mumbled questions from Ryoka\u2019s sleepy lips were still tinged with a bit of satisfaction. A bit of happiness, wonder. She had met the Dragon. And he had left the cave. He had given her hope. And this.<\/p>\n

A magical potion. And a question. The Dragon might refuse to interfere\u2014but he was fairly bad<\/em> at this commitment. And even half-hearted replies told Ryoka a lot.<\/p>\n

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

There was a tap; Ryoka jumped and fumbled the vial into her belt. When the coachman opened the sliding window to address her, she was stretching.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Griffin? We\u2019re nearing Reizmelt. Should be in eight hours if there\u2019s no delays. Nothing bad\u2019s happened yet, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t jinx us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lanky young woman stretched out. She was rewarded with a grin\u2014but a nervous one. The [Coachman] chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever thought my only passengers would be a City Runner,<\/em> eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a joke, albeit at her expense. Ryoka took it in good humor.<\/p>\n

The driver was nervous. Ryoka hadn\u2019t known the overnight coaches were part of the Merchant\u2019s Guild, but it was obvious in hindsight. They needed a central authority and management, and theirs was an important service, even if Runners did deliveries.<\/p>\n

After the Bloodfeast Raiders attack, the Merchant\u2019s Guild had done an inspection to make sure Ryoka hadn\u2019t provoked the attack. She had<\/em> been carrying valuables, but since it wasn\u2019t on a delivery, they hadn\u2019t banned her from using the coaches.<\/p>\n

But it was a close thing. Besides which\u2014word had got out. Bloodfeast Raiders, riots; few people were using the overnights. So somewhat ironically, Ryoka was providing this [Coachman]\u2019s coin for the day. She had tipped handsomely; in fact, in advance.<\/p>\n

[Coachmen] were practical people. You gave them money up front and they made your passage more comfortable, rather than after the fact. Neither had seen anything more dangerous than a wild Mothbear, and it had ignored them.<\/p>\n

Even so, both she and the driver were nervous. Ryoka smiled at the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t run from Invrisil to Reizmelt as fast as a coach. Not nearly, even if I drank stamina potions every mile. Not high enough level yet. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned toothily at her.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Sokay, Miss. Your lot is the ones targeted by [Bandits] on the roads. Usually. They know the overnights don\u2019t carry more than people, and not wealthy folk, most off. Let\u2019s just not have trouble, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour wish is my dream, Mister Randal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The little sliding hatch shut. Ryoka sat back. Staring blankly at the covered windows. After a moment, she rolled up the shades. Sunlight streamed into the coach. She was headed back to Reizmelt after The Wandering Inn.<\/p>\n

She would return. She had promised Mrsha. But she had a job to do. A party the likes of which even the fae would want to visit. Powerful nobles to impress.<\/p>\n

The Archmage of Izril waited.<\/em> Ryoka felt the wind blowing around her, cooling down the horses. She smiled, slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter find a [Seamstress], too.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had plans that might just involve breaking every bone in her body. So, some things never changed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the coach rumbled forwards, the roads were mostly clear. Riots had happened. Not in smaller towns or cities, but Invrisil had not been the only place struck by them. Terandria, even as far away as Baleros and a very few Chandrarian cities\u2026the synchronicity across the world was frightening.<\/p>\n

And even now, the [Coachman] was reading the \u2018new papers\u2019 he had gotten from the Mage\u2019s Guild on his 30-minute stop in the last town, detailing the riots. Created by Wistram, distributed to most Mage\u2019s Guilds. He passed the paper to Ryoka when he was done and steered with one hand as he drank a soup-breakfast.<\/p>\n

She contented herself with some of Erin\u2019s sandwiches. They held up pretty well in her bag of holding. She just wished Erin made more sandwiches than \u2018grilled cheese\u2019, \u2018peanut butter and jam\u2019, and \u2018ham \u2018n egg\u2019.<\/p>\n

Erin was weird.<\/p>\n

And as it happened, the coach rode past a weary three adventurers, arguing as they headed north. They were covered in blood, and the travellers on the road steered wide of them. The [Coachman], Randal, slowed to stare at the trio. They weren\u2019t [Bandits]; rather, they were adventurers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m telling you, I didn\u2019t know they exploded.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Falene snapped. Dawil and Ylawes glared at her. The half-Elf was only partly<\/em> covered in blood. But the [Knight] in his armor and the Dwarf were soaked. They had run into some monsters\u2014part-fungi, part flesh-and-blood\u2014whose defense-tactic was to explode <\/em>and thus send viscera and spore everywhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not point fingers and blame Falene now. We all know whose fault it was. The problem is that we\u2019ve lost our horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil growled. He dumped a water flask over his head. Ylawes spat and Falene slowly cast a cleansing spell on her<\/em> robes rather than her companions. The [Knight] spoke, gagged on mushroom-blood, took a swig, spat, and spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve lost our horses. They were galloping for the High Passes, last I saw. If we lose them, we\u2019re only out the cost of the saddles and rental. Let\u2019s ask if a [Hostler] can locate them. Some can whistle them back from miles and miles away. And they\u2019re trained to run back home if they\u2019re in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they\u2019re dead, the stables will give us hell. Damnit. I hate<\/em> mushrooms. Think we could\u2019ve eaten them?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-ranks stared back the way they\u2019d come. All three shuddered. It hadn\u2019t even been a quest; they\u2019d just seen the carnivorous fungi close to the road and decided to do the world a favor and themselves a disservice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI miss Durm. We should buy dedicated warhorses. Or at least, I\u2019ll buy one. Falene, please stop cleaning yourself and conjure some water for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf [Battlemage] pointed and a jet of water blasted Dawil in the left ear. He roared in fury, but after a brief scuffle, the three Gold-ranks looked at each other. Dawil grimaced, feeling at his belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s talk after we get back. We\u2019re not sitting flush when it comes to coin, Ylawes. Although\u2026that old woman did give us this amulet-thingy. And those other two heirlooms. And the family\u2019s treasured potion of who-knows-what. Might be worth something.\u201d<\/p>\n

He named the gifts the last three villages had given them after the Silver Swords had killed monsters, removed a landslide, and recovered a lost and prized magic cow carried off by a pair of Ogres, not in that order. The Silver Swords operated like that. They were as antithetical to Todi\u2019s Elites and even Griffon Hunt as possible.<\/p>\n

And there came the overnight coach. Dawil spotted it as Ylawes scrubbed at his armor with a bit of soap, cursing the sticky blood.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much further is it to Reizmelt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh. Should be a day\u2019s ride. Told you we should have taken a coach. Say\u2014hey! Hey, hold up there! <\/em>We want a ride!\u201d<\/p>\n

Randal slowed the carriage, warily. Adventurers weren\u2019t a preferred passenger. They tended to cause trouble. Even so, after a moment of shouting he slowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we can pay! Gold!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ryoka awoke from a daydream involving disease and Vampires. She realized the coach had slowed. The speaking-slot opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Miss Ryoka. We\u2019ve got company. Adventurers. They want a lift. Lost their damn horses, but they seem decent. I know the team. They\u2019re a sight. Take a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door cracked open. Ryoka blinked at the trio of Gold-ranks. Ylawes raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh! Excuse me! We\u2019re getting on the coach. Are you the only rider?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka peered surruptitiously at the very knightly-looking [Knight]. He was blonde, tall, he looked like a fairy-tale hero. There was a Dwarf, a half-Elf\u2026she had the instant urge to hum a certain theme song. She was tempted to look around for an army of Orcs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m deeply sorry, Miss. Rest assured, we\u2019ll clean ourselves before entering. We ran into some\u2026unpleasant monsters just before reaching the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine by me. You\u2019re adventurers, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] blinked and then smiled as the half-Elf waved her staff and a huge orb of water splashed down on the Dwarf\u2019s head. He kicked her.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me; we\u2019ve been impolite. My name is Ylawes of House Byres. This is Falene Skystrall, and Dawil Ironbreaker. We\u2019re Gold-rank adventurers, the Silver Swords.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded to them and sat back, waiting as the Silver Swords washed themselves as clean as possible. She wished she had her iPhone.<\/p>\n

Outside, Ylawes sighed as Falene blew wind around them, drying them off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot far to Reizmelt, now. And our objective.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. We\u2019ll let Erin know when we arrive. Say, lad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil tapped Ylawes\u2019 arm. The Human man looked down at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t call me lad. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a thought. I\u2019m all for helping Erin out. Not like we have plans. But er\u2014it occurs to me just now that we only have a name to go on. Have you met this girl we\u2019re supposed to find? What does this \u2018Ryoka Griffin\u2019 look like, anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf and Human exchanged a glance. Falene put a finger to her temple.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I\u2019ll ask for a description from Ceria. She\u2019s finally mastered [Message].\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sure Pointy-Ears would have come up with it, eventually. She just didn\u2019t want to say to embarrass us. Obviously.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dwarf\u2019s smug look earned him a deep glare as he clambered into the coach. He waved at Ryoka, who nodded back; he was the first Dwarf she\u2019d seen up close. The other two piled in and the coach moved on in short order.<\/p>\n

They were an interesting<\/em> bunch. The first thing the Dwarf did was hold out a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about the smell. Exploding mushrooms. Appreciate you letting us in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. Adventurers keep everyone safe. Especially someone like me. Good to meet you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

They nodded in a friendly manner at her. The [Knight] glanced at Ryoka; the half-Elf was doing something magical to judge by the way her eyes were flickering.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask where you\u2019re bound? We\u2019re headed to Reizmelt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really? Me too. I\u2019m a City Runner. I work around there. Sorry, I should have introduced myself. My name\u2019s Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes\u2019 hand tightened on Ryoka\u2019s hand. He blinked. Dawil sat up. Falene lowered her hand, [Message] unsent. The [Knight] stared at Ryoka as she saw his face change.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Well, this is fortunate. We\u2019ve been looking for you, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s face froze. She stared at Ylawes. She couldn\u2019t help notice that Ylawes\u2019 armor\u2014along with his sword\u2014was silver. She hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say your name was?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYlawes Byres.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] saw Ryoka start.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Do you know Yvlon?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s my younger sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmall world. So\u2014you\u2019re looking for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Silver Swords nodded. They gazed at Ryoka and Falene casually adjusted her staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone would like to speak to you, Ryoka Griffin. Please\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The City Runner exploded out of the coach. Randal jerked, and the horses reared in alarm as Ryoka Griffin took off running. He turned to stare after the Silver Swords, who poured out of the coach, chasing her.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d laugh over it later. Well, probably. Ryoka Griffin might not laugh as much. And after a while, in hindsight\u2026she would blame Erin for all that happened next.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn was having a busy day. There were quiet days, when the worst thing that happened was Erin spent all day hunting for a missing chess piece or tried to make a 10-foot pizza for fun.<\/p>\n

But busy days came after dark drama, or triumph. So much was happening.<\/p>\n

The [Lords] were gone. Lady Bethal was in Invrisil, enjoying a play. But the door was popping<\/em> with activity.<\/p>\n

Maviola El was there. And before the sun had even properly risen, you could hear her haranguing an [Innkeeper].<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014and when you make a contract, you need to have it officiated at least by the Merchant\u2019s Guild. It isn\u2019t that hard, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave me alone! Lyonette\u2019s better at this!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re negotiating with you. You need to learn how to talk<\/em> to them. It\u2019s not hard. Listen, we\u2019ll practice. Stop running away\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Thump, thump, thump.<\/em> Erin ran down the hallway. Maviola El pursued her.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop being childish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are impossible.<\/em> Don\u2019t make me spank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll punch you! Why do I have to learn<\/em> all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two arguing young women were talking about contracts. Sending food, supplies hundreds of miles via magic door. Erin Solstice had struck a deal\u2014at least the beginning of one\u2014and Maviola was determined to make it real. The [Innkeeper] was less than happy, but her protestations grew weaker because Maviola was right. She sighed, turned\u2014<\/p>\n

But of course, it wasn\u2019t always about Erin. As the [Innkeeper] reluctantly returned to her room, a little white paw reached up. A white Gnoll hefted a giant rock, still covered with dirt, into a drawer. She tossed it\u2014and never heard the thunk.<\/em><\/p>\n

A tail wagged. Mrsha peered into the drawer. Then she put a pillow in there. It vanished as soon as she inserted it into the drawer. Mrsha padded off. She came back with hers and Lyonette\u2019s blankets. She stuffed them into the drawer.<\/p>\n

From the outside, the single compartment in the chest of drawers should have held some clothes\u2014a few knickknacks. But six rocks, a pillow, blankets, and now a variety of Mrsha\u2019s gifts, including Numbtongue\u2019s silver ball and her horn went sailing into it.<\/p>\n

A very excited little face poked over the edge of the drawer. Mrsha rubbed her paws together.<\/p>\n

Most excellent. <\/em>Of course, this was the most important thing<\/em> happening in the inn. Mrsha vaguely heard Maviola sitting down.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. This is a sample contract. Note the magical bindings on the side? Magical contracts are essential<\/em> for agreements you need to enforce with magic. Skills on the other hand can do the same. So never sign anything unless you\u2019re sure<\/em>\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Oho! What else can I put in here, then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha padded out of her room. After a second, she pushed open another door, came out with Numbtongue\u2019s pillows and blankets. She pushed them into the drawer. Stared inside.<\/p>\n

It was mostly full.<\/em> Mrsha, experimenting with the limits of Erin\u2019s [Compartments of Holding] had discovered that they were far more spacious than your average Bag of Holding. So much so that the upper limit of even the drawers in hers and Lyonette\u2019s room could comfortably hold all this stuff.<\/p>\n

She liked it. Erin had woken everyone up in the middle of the night shouting about her new Skill. Mrsha had wanted to experiment, but she\u2019d been so sleepy.<\/em><\/p>\n

At first, Lyonette hadn\u2019t been too impressed. Numbtongue had decided it was useful for storing more weapons, but had promptly gone back to sleep. But for the Gnoll child\u2014this was amazingly fun.<\/p>\n

She could hide all her things<\/em> wherever she wanted! In a tiny little space! Mrsha\u2019s mind raced with the possibilities. Hide snacks Lyonette would never find! Store all her favorite things!<\/p>\n

Lyonette only had boring ideas like \u2018let\u2019s store even more food and supplies and facilitate trade with the nobles!\u2019 Erin\u2019s new Skill worked on anything that was a \u2018compartment\u2019. Be it drawer, closet, cupboard, or even sacks in the basement, it essentially made the insides larger than what they should be. Multiplied space.<\/p>\n

Mrsha reached down<\/em> into the drawers and pulled out a pillow. She fluffed it experimentally.<\/p>\n

So convenient.<\/em> The Gnoll\u2019s tail wagged. She had another brilliant idea. She stared into the compartment, which had held two blankets, six pillows\u2014Numbtongue liked pillows\u2014rocks, some of her toys\u2026it was full to the brim. But if you removed two more pillows\u2026<\/p>\n

There was a nice divot of space in there. Mrsha eyed the open spot. She had been told by Lyonette you should never<\/em> put living things into a Bag of Holding. But this was a Skill. Slowly, Mrsha looked around and then surreptitiously climbed into\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first screaming howl made Erin and Maviola jump<\/em> from their room. They shot to their feet and looked around. They couldn\u2019t place it at first. But the second howl<\/em> of pain made them run out of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha? Where are you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin located Mrsha in Lyonette and Mrsha\u2019s room a beat before she saw a green blur race upstairs. Numbtongue kicked the door open, his new sword drawn.<\/p>\n

They found Mrsha in the cupboard. She was compressed<\/em> along with the blankets, rocks, and other objects in the now ordinary-sized cupboard. Numbtongue tugged at the door, but Mrsha just howled louder. So the Hobgoblin aimed his sword and carefully cut<\/em> the entire cupboard apart.<\/p>\n

Broken bits of wood\u2014the objects had cracked<\/em> the other drawers when they reverted to real space\u2014pillow feathers, and Mrsha all exploded outwards. The Gnoll was crying. She let Erin scoop her up as Lyonette, panting, raced up the stairs with a sword in her<\/em> hands.<\/p>\n

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

Sniffling, Mrsha explained to Erin and Numbtongue out what happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cBags of Holding don\u2019t contain people. At least\u2014not alive. Erin\u2019s Skill must not either. It\u2019s a failsafe. Better than what the enchantment does to some people. It\u2019s definitely Erin\u2019s Skill\u2014if Mrsha tried that with a superior holding enchantment, it might have compressed her. Or even let her climb in\u2014without air.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola wiped at her pale face. The teary-eye Gnoll found herself cuddled and scolded by turns. Only after Erin had made Mrsha promise to never, ever do that again,<\/em> did she relax.<\/p>\n

That was how her day started. Mrsha\u2019s, that was. Twenty minutes later, she was feeling better. Even if Lyonette had been very mad.<\/em><\/p>\n

But aside from that near-squish experience, Mrsha decided the drawers were alright. She was careful not<\/em> to put herself in them. But as Numbtongue (now acting as her supervisor until Drassi signed in), remarked, the Skill had benefits for the creative.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice Skill. Pyrite has a good idea. Can\u2019t put people<\/em> inside, but storage isn\u2019t the only trick. You still hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha\u2019s hurts had been healed with a little sip of healing potion. She shook her head bravely and sat by his leg. Cross-legged, the Hobgoblin was sitting with a chair lying on the ground in front of him. He had a knife, one of the inn\u2019s crossbows, and several bolts lying there.<\/p>\n

The crossbow was unloaded. And it said something that Erin had asked Numbtongue to take care of Mrsha, believing, rightly, that she would be much safer in his company. Mrsha reached out to touch a crossbow bolt. Numbtongue let her. If she stabbed herself, he wouldn\u2019t offer much sympathy.<\/p>\n

His new, Dragonblood-crystal sword on the other hand, he didn\u2019t even let Mrsha near.<\/em> And when she tried to edge around to see the wonderful scabbard, which had a red fang sewn on it\u2014he looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to lose your paw?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha hesitated. The Gnoll child scooted back on her bum and made no more efforts to even touch the sword. She was a good girl. She really was.<\/em> Her adventures were just\u2026er\u2026adventures. In that sense, Erin, and even Lyonette and Numbtongue were all poor role models. Bird was somehow the most careful and that was a horrible thought.<\/p>\n

Well, she was learning things. And one of her favorite, if rarest instructors now appeared. Numbtongue raised a finger. Then his expression changed.<\/p>\n

His posture grew more heavyset\u2014out of memory, not reality. He sat back, grunted. Scratched at his belly, and then looked at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Mrsha. Good children don\u2019t play with artifacts.\u201d<\/p>\n

She respectfully waved back. But the Hobgoblin\u2014the Goldstone Chieftain\u2014Pyrite, <\/em>did not waste time. He picked up the knife and got to work with the chair leg at once. As he did, he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHad a thought. Interesting. Skills of [Innkeepers]. Not very Goblin. Extremely powerful. Wish I had been one. Useful. Idea with compartments. You see?\u201d<\/p>\n

He dug the knife into the cheap chair leg. Mrsha frowned. She didn\u2019t. But Pyrite was smart.<\/em> She watched; he was cutting into the wood. Cutting a block out of the leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Concealed. Hollow this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin began digging with one claw into the wood, hollowing a cavity. He showed Mrsha. She frowned, then figured out what he was doing. Her eyes went round and the [Chieftain] gave her a slow wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrawer. Compartment. Now. How powerful is Skill? Is it based on size or always makes everything bigger by same amount?\u201d<\/p>\n

The crude drawer was tiny. <\/em>But as Pyrite slotted the secret compartment into the table leg, Mrsha saw it expand. <\/em>Pyrite checked the drawer. He grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Three times bigger. Rat. Then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The time limit expired. <\/em>Numbtongue blinked. He shook his head, paused a brief moment, and finished Pyrite\u2019s thoughts in his own words.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014Can\u2019t hide the crossbow in here. Is okay. Can hide it in a slightly bigger spot. Here. Watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chair he abandoned. This time, the Hobgoblin wandered downstairs and came up with some bits of wood. Quickly, he fashioned together a crude box. It was small\u2014the size of two hands. But when it was sufficiently box-like, it took on Erin\u2019s Skill.<\/p>\n

\u201cAha. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

Numbtongue put the hand-sized crossbow and some iron-tipped bolts inside. Then he closed the lid. It appeared to be impossibly small. And if you weren\u2019t careful\u2014unnoticeable. The Hobgoblin winked at Mrsha and she grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, where do we put it?\u201d<\/p>\n

They walked downstairs and investigated. Mrsha wanted to install the tiny box under a table, so you could pull out a crossbow and go boom, <\/em>like those \u2018Cow Boys\u2019 that Erin had told her about. But Numbtongue was more practical.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone sits at tables. Better to put it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He placed it right next to the windowsill, next to one of the flower planters. Erin had moved the Faerie Flowers to her garden to prevent thieves, but she\u2019d liked the flowers so much that she had some lovely scented red ones there. The crude box was innocuous.\u00a0 Mrsha grinned. She saw Numbtongue lean against the windowsill, check the room, and slowly slide the box open. He grinned at her with his teeth and she gave him the same smile. The Hobgoblin leaned down and muttered in her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow just have to hide the acid-jars. Maybe small vials in chair legs? Or just shiv?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrsha was just done hiding the acid jars in secret spots in the inn with Numbtongue\u2014they\u2019d decided not table legs given how often they got smashed\u2014when they heard Palt calling for Erin.<\/p>\n

The Centaur didn\u2019t like stairs. He could do them\u2014but with difficulty. Lyonette was working on a special ramp between floors in the new parts of the inn. But it wasn\u2019t done yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a spell from the Silver Swords! It\u2019s urgent! They\u2019ve uh\u2014they say they\u2019ve found Ryoka Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Erin came clattering down the stairs. Mrsha\u2019s ears perked up. She saw Erin, with Palt\u2019s help, using the communication spell. Even Mrsha couldn\u2019t hear the other side of the conversation, but she heard Erin\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka? But why\u2014I\u2014uh oh. Uh oh. Falene\u2026um, no, listen. Listen\u2014wait, you got her? When you say\u2026tied up?<\/em> What happened? She did w\u2014<\/em>no! No, she already came back here! Yes! A few days ago! I forgot to tell you! Uh\u2026um\u2026is that Ryoka in the background? Listen\u2014no, I\u2019m so sorry.<\/em> But listen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

All was well. Mrsha relaxed. And the guests of the inn started coming in as Erin began apologizing profusely.<\/p>\n

The first was the two strangers with hats. A rather stylish Gnoll and a Drake. Mrsha liked them. They were always polite. They tipped their hats to Lyonette, they spoke funny, and the Gnoll gave her some snacks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say, Ratici. That was a bit of a scrap yesterday. I feel somewhat embarrassed to tell the truth. We nearly failed our contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow were we to know, Wilovan? But we were stuck in Invrisil. Perhaps we should stay here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome thought on that, Ratici. The Tall Man\u2019s paying well. Too well to pursue our\u2014other activities. I say we devote more effort to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed, agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two sighed. Then the Drake did a double-take as he stared at one of the windows. His eyes narrowed; they flicked to a beam on the ceiling, the kitchen, and then he looked all around. Wilovan patiently cut a pork chop in half.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething the matter, Ratici?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026The inn\u2019s different. I\u2019m seeing multiple <\/em>holding areas, Wilovan. Either this [Innkeeper]\u2019s leveled up or an [Enchanter] went insane. And someone\u2019s already created multiple stashes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything good inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHand crossbow, knife, jars of\u2026something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSensible precautions. Pass the salt?\u201d<\/p>\n

A high-level\u2026something. Mrsha stared at Ratici, suspiciously as the Drake noted all the places she and Numbtongue had just been. She looked around for the Hobgoblin, but he was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue, Numbtongue! They found your secret stuff! The hat-duo!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha found him in Octavia\u2019s shop. She waved her hands, using sign language. At first, the Hobgoblin didn\u2019t notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. Looks like nice paste. Edible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more than that, Numbtongue. And no, don\u2019t eat it. Ryoka calls it penicillin.<\/em> Or something close. I\u2019m spreading the word, trying to find a buyer among [Healers].\u201d<\/p>\n

Octavia was leaning across her counter, showing the Hobgoblin something in a jar. Mrsha waved her paws.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Is that Mrsha? Hey! My shops off-limits, kid! Say, Numbtongue, do you know why all my cupboards are suddenly three times as big on the inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] frowned. Numbtongue grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened was\u2014what, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n

He bent down. With some trouble, Mrsha explained. Numbtongue frowned and his eyes flicked back to the common room. But he didn\u2019t seem too concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh-level. Smart. I\u2019ll watch them. You go back. No Mrshas allowed in shop. What buyers, Octavia?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two went back to smiling over the weird-smelling paste. Mrsha huffily walked back to the door. Some people weren\u2019t grateful for Mrsha the Spy\u2019s information! How dare they!<\/p>\n

She was ready to spy on the two dangerous, potential infiltrators<\/em> when the door opened and brought through a slurry of people from Pallass.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello everybody! Did you miss me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A naked Drake strode into the inn. Ratici choked on his drink. Mrsha\u2019s head turned. Saliss of Lights bounded into the room, smiling, waving\u2014naked. You got used to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say, sir! There are children here! Put on some pants, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan rose to his feet. The Drake spun.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me? You and what army? Say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The two locked eyes across the room. Ratici\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNamed Adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss eyed them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights had not had a good day. Or perhaps that was inaccurate to say. Saliss<\/em> had been fine.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, he\u2019d been largely out of sight during the riots. And even afterwards\u2014he\u2019d just gone around handing out potions to injured people, nakedly posing in front of [Guard] patrols and annoying the heck out of them\u2014that was what Saliss<\/em> had done.<\/p>\n

At the same time, though, a certain female Drake had seen fighting. She\u2019d dragged more than one person out of the protests when the Watch came cracking down on them like a ton of bricks. It did not put either Drake in a good mood.<\/p>\n

Saliss didn\u2019t know why he\u2019d come here. Perhaps because he was in a bad mood. He did not want to be in\u2026Pallass at the moment. The curfew and martial law was still in effect.<\/p>\n

He narrowed his eyes. He couldn\u2019t read either Wilovan or Ratici\u2019s levels or classes. But that didn\u2019t matter. Saliss recognized talent. And anyone who bought charms that blocked [Appraisal] usually needed such items for a reason.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, fellows. Do I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake skipped over and put an arm around the Gnoll\u2019s shoulder. For a moment he saw the Gnoll\u2019s body shift.<\/em> He was quick.<\/em> But he relaxed and let Saliss do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, sir, Wilovan. And this is my partner, Ratici. You must be the infamous Saliss of Lights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty! But don\u2019t arrest me! The jails are already full in Pallass!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake grinned about them. Wilovan looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, there\u2019s a young Gnoll child in this very inn. I have to insist you put on something to cover your shortcomings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! They\u2019re not that sh\u2014well, maybe they are. But I\u2019m afraid they\u2019re there to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll coughed. He adjusted his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Saliss. I\u2019m but a poor fellow compared to a personage such as yourself. But I fear I must insist.<\/em> Good dressing and decorum are the manners of every gentleman.\u201d<\/p>\n

That rankled Saliss more today. He grinned, toothily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid no one puts pants on me<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan glanced at Ratici. The Drake raised his brows. But the [Thug] stiffly addressed Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir. There are women, children, and people I assume who don\u2019t wish to see unmentionables while dining and taking their leisure. I feel I should insist.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

All three individuals paused there. Saliss\u2019 smile never wavered. But his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said. You and what army?\u201d<\/p>\n

What Wilovan might have said or done next was up for debate. The Gnoll was glancing about, inspecting the inn\u2014not a good place to cause trouble\u2014a little Gnoll child peering at them around a door, and no doubt aware of Saliss himself. He adjusted his tall hat\u2014<\/p>\n

And Erin Solstice shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Saliss!<\/em> There you are! I could have used you yesterday! What\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved and the Drake turned. Wilovan hesitated, stepped back, and Ratici relaxed. Saliss of Lights turned. And there was Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! My favorite Human! I think! How are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He spread his arms, laughing, and posed. Just to annoy the Gnoll. But Erin was hurrying over and she had something in her hands.<\/p>\n

A box.<\/em> Saliss recognized it. He put up his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on now, that was only for Mrsha\u2019s birthday, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Saliss. But people like eating here! Come on! I added something to make it better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdded? Erin, as I was just telling this fine fellow, you and what arm\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin showed him the front of the box. Saliss blinked at it\u2014and then burst out laughing. Wilovan and Ratici craned their heads to see. Erin grinned. That was the thing. She got<\/em> Saliss.<\/p>\n

In short order, the Drake strutted around the inn, now with a box on his private parts. It was just a box, but it had one notable addition.<\/p>\n

Warning: contains small nuts.<\/em><\/p>\n

Only her. Chaldion had never<\/em> tried that. Saliss kept laughing about it and in a fine humor, found Erin sitting him down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, how\u2019s it been? Sorry, I can\u2019t stick around long; I have this thing with Maviola. Have you met Maviola?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho? I can\u2019t say I have. Say, I heard you were involved in a riot<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 eyes twinkled. Inside, his good humor over the box faded. Erin\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. They were everywhere. Hold on, can I get you anything to eat? Or rather\u2014Ishkr!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

As the two sat and Saliss ordered breakfast, he talked with Erin about yesterday. Mrsha sat at a table next to them, eagerly bouncing up and down in her seat. She was getting a cheese-and-bacon souffl\u00e9. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all puffy and hot. Souffl\u00e9s are the only thing that doesn\u2019t keep well. You want one? Or just your salad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin presented the puffy souffl\u00e9-in-a-cup to Mrsha. The Gnoll picked up the spoon and dug into the fluffy breakfast with delight. Erin turned to Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha had a scare this morning. She\u2019s still being punished, but this is also to cheer her up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What\u2019s the punishment, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] eyed Mrsha eating the souffl\u00e9. Ratici instantly ordered one for his table and Wilovan doubled the request. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo cake for dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the worst of things! So you outrioted a riot by beating them all to the ground with your fists?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake found that amusing. Even if his memory of yesterday made the smile artificial. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was that or let them kill the [Lords]. Who were stupid. But that\u2019s this entire thing. Tell me about Pallass. I heard\u2026the riots weren\u2019t as bad. But um. I heard that\u2019s because Chaldion put down the riots. Hard?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake toyed with his fork. He felt a hot flash in his chest and smiled at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you know Chaldion. Everything\u2019s a war for him. There were only a few thousand [Guards] and [Soldiers] kicking people\u2019s teeth in. Literally. I sold a few teeth-regrowing potions. Broken bones\u2014I think they beat a few children\u2014excuse me, troublemakers\u2014unconscious. But that\u2019s Chaldion!<\/em> You should ask him about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s face went still. She saw Saliss eating the food he didn\u2019t really taste.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will. He\u2026ordered that?\u201d<\/p>\n

He winked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything to keep law and order, right? Hey, this is great, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake gobbled at his food, but the [Innkeeper] wasn\u2019t fooled. In a way, they were too much alike. Erin watched Saliss eat for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink I should kick Chaldion in the butt when he comes into the inn? Nah, I\u2019d probably break his tail or something. How about I beat him ten times in a row at chess? I can do it. He\u2019s not as good as he thinks he is, Skills or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] looked up. He blinked at Erin and then he guffawed. Saliss slapped at his knee as Mrsha began to giggle. He must have laughed for at least a minute because everyone saw him on the ground, rolling around with the box. When Saliss finally got up, he was actually smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould<\/em> you? Can you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] just grinned at Saliss and winked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can probably do twenty. If I really put him off his game. How about this? Um\u2026okay, I can challenge him to speed-chess, which he\u2019s bad at. His [Path to Victory] helps, but he can\u2019t keep using it in game after game. And I can win<\/em> even if he sees one path. But once I beat him four times, you can like, I dunno, run up behind me and start waving a sign and counting how many times he loses, see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed and didn\u2019t know he needed that until he did. Erin sat with Saliss. After the laugher, she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad was it, really?\u201d<\/p>\n

Thoughtfully, Saliss looked at her. He had resolved not to complain. But with Erin\u2026the Drake wavered. Still, he shook his head. Onieva was his secret. <\/em>And he trusted almost no one with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014didn\u2019t see much of it. I was in my laboratory, making potions. Those faerie flowers are giving me lots of trouble, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah. Xif doesn\u2019t have any to experiment on except the one, but\u2026well\u2026he said the same thing. They\u2019re magically potent, but I feel like I\u2019m missing <\/em>something. Something about their natures. It\u2019s just a hunch, but mind telling me how you got them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr. Yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss sighed. But he had expected that. He was about to ask Erin about these Humans [Lords] when someone called Erin\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice.<\/em> You have a lesson to learn! Stop having breakfast and come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola had been waiting in Erin\u2019s room the entire time Erin had gone down to persuade Saliss to box his genitalia. Now, she came downstairs. Erin stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Maviola! I forgot! Saliss, I have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine. Just promise me you\u2019ll make Chaldion cr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss spotted the fiery-haired young woman. She didn\u2019t notice him; she was haranguing Erin. The Drake [Alchemist] stabbed himself in the mouth with his fork. His eyes bulged.<\/p>\n

Maviola?<\/em><\/p>\n

The fire burnt away day by day. But how beautifully it died.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

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

Mrsha ate her souffl\u00e9. It was fluffy and delicious.<\/em> She was thus in the best of moods as her minder for the day arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I\u2019m late. Visma\u2019s family wanted to walk her to the door. And I forgot it was moved to right next to the Adventurer\u2019s Guild. I mean, it\u2019s closer, but I went the wrong way\u2026here they are! Mrsha! Ekirra and Visma are here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hey!<\/em> Mrsha threw up her paws and scampered towards her friends. She saw a shy Gnoll and Drake poking around Drassi\u2019s legs. Ekirra went over to Mrsha at once, but both he and Visma were\u2026shy today.<\/p>\n

This was not the first time they\u2019d visited The Wandering Inn by far. But today they were reserved, and Mrsha was confused for a good minute until she saw them staring. Then she knew why. They looked at Erin as she made Maviola drag her up the stairs. The silly [Innkeeper] was the same. But the way Mrsha\u2019s two friends looked at her was different. Mrsha saw it in their eyes.<\/p>\n

Awe.<\/em> They were not the only ones. A group of Humans from Earth were breakfasting and looking at Erin surreptitiously. As Drassi tried to herd the children towards the [Garden of Sanctuary], which was their approved play-area, Mrsha heard Troy and Leon talking to the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cDude. We were hiding in a shop the entire time. You said Erin charged<\/em> them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all saw it. She went straight into them! She got stabbed<\/em>, but she had a potion and Bird was shooting people in the legs and they actually broke up one of the crowds! Twice!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose was looking wide-eyed at Erin\u2019s back. It was the same look they\u2019d had after the Rock Crab incident. Only, magnified.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Erin is cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra informed Mrsha. Visma just peered at Erin\u2019s back as the [Innkeeper] was finally dragged upstairs with a wail. It was hard to conflate the two Erin\u2019s. But Mrsha had seen both. Rather proudly, she signed at her friends\u2014who could understand her hand-signals\u2014that Erin had always<\/em> been cool.<\/p>\n

The play date in the inn was, for once, without reservation on the parts of Ekirra and Visma\u2019s parents. Erin had found both families during the riots. And more notably\u2014stopped a riot around Visma\u2019s house that had threatened to burn down her home.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was invisible. And then she appeared and told the people go away or else.<\/em> And then she went bang!<\/em> With the pan and Mr. Goblin. And Miss Minotaur.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visma relayed the entire event to Ekirra and Mrsha; she had been there. Mrsha had been in the garden and only heard some of it. Mrsha was nodding proudly. She made a triumphant fist on Erin\u2019s behalf. Then paused; Ekirra was waving a paw for attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad says Miss Erin was lucky no one was killed. He says she could have made things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll boy\u2019s comment made Mrsha frown. She folded her paws and then\u2014since she had to use them to communicate\u2014unfolded them.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin did good! She saved Visma\u2019s home. And yours!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one burned down our homes. My father says people got hurt when Miss Erin stopped the riots. Badly. Some had to go to the [Healers].\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra\u2019s parroting of his father\u2019s opinion offended Mrsha to the core. She glowered at him as he played with some flowers in the grass where they were sitting. Drassi was lounging, reading a book; she didn\u2019t seem aware of the moralistic debate occurring and assumed they were just playing.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin did nothing wrong. The riots were wrong! She should have hurt them more. Bird should have shot their arms and legs so they hurt no one again.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Drake and Gnoll child looked at Mrsha\u2019s furious face. Now Mrsha thought of it\u2014she grew angrier and angrier about the riots. As she had been yesterday.<\/p>\n

Visma\u2019s short tail waved uncertainly in the grass. After a second, the Drake girl spoke, her voice tinged with uncertain certainty.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Because that would be wrong. <\/em>Bad people hurt each other. Erin shouldn\u2019t hurt people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she saved your house! And what about the Workers?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha furiously pointed out. Visma had nothing to say to that. Ekirra waved his paw again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad says\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He flinched at Mrsha\u2019s scowl, but went on determinedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe<\/em> says that the Antinium were dangerous too. They marched.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot all of them. Workers got hurt!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Some had died. The two children hadn\u2019t known that. They went still as Mrsha got up. She glowered at them and decided it wasn\u2019t their faults. She had to show<\/em> them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Mrsha, don\u2019t go into the jungle! Remember you got your fur full of burrs when you went in there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi lazily shouted at Mrsha as she led the two others over the hill. The Drake yawned and lay back in the sunlight. Meanwhile, Mrsha led the children down the hill to the edges of the dome.<\/p>\n

The door was waiting for them. Ekirra and Visma drew back doubtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not supposed to leave. We\u2019ll get in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visma peeked out through the door. There was a\u2026humming sound. A wooden hallway. Mrsha waved at them, signaling for quiet.<\/p>\n

Workers had died during the riot. But Visma and Ekirra hadn\u2019t known. Mrsha doubted their parents had been aware\u2014or cared.<\/p>\n

After all, who cared for Worker casualties? No one said <\/em>it. Olesm\u2019s newspaper had illustrations of the destruction, counts of people injured, hurt, dead, arrested\u2026but the Antinium were only mentioned as \u2018The Black Tide\u2019<\/em>, sweeping through the city in a mass.<\/p>\n

No one spoke of the Workers who\u2019d been cut into pieces or smashed and killed and left to die by angry people. Angry people who pretended to be normal the next day.<\/p>\n

But some people did not forget.<\/p>\n

The place Mrsha led her friends was a new part of the inn. A new wing, off the kitchen-side. It had not been part of Lyonette\u2019s original plans. But it had been funded and paid for by Xrn. And conceived of by Erin and Pawn.<\/p>\n

The humming in the air was louder as the children crept forwards. Ekirra\u2019s ears perked up and even Visma heard it as multiple voices. And as they moved towards a room where light spilled from behind two double doors, they saw.<\/p>\n

Antinium.<\/em> They knelt, or stood, in a room designed for them. It was simple, adorned by color. Pictures on the wall. Each one unique. This place was a copy of a room in the Antinium Hive. And in it\u2014standing behind an altar stood a [Priest].<\/p>\n

The humming came from him as he swung the censer. It was not a single-minded drone\u2014but nor was it music. It was meaningful, wordless.<\/p>\n

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

Now, Pawn bent. In front of him were about a dozen Workers. They were all\u2014wounded. Or they had been. Mrsha saw one Worker had no antennae. Another\u2019s carapace had been cracked<\/em> in multiple places.<\/p>\n

The Workers knelt there, as Pawn put down his censer. Two of his hands were clasped in prayer. Now, the other two offered something with reverence to the first Worker. A bowl.<\/p>\n

It did not contain food. Rather, it had small sections. Each one with a different color of paint. The Worker\u2019s hands trembled as he slowly accepted the bowl. Slowly\u2014so slowly, a finger dipped into the paint.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe pray for the souls of those Workers who have died. Let them rest in Heaven. For the living\u2014we continue on. Despite suffering. To make earth as it is in Heaven. Do not forget. Do not give in.<\/em> You are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pawn\u2019s voice was quiet as he walked down the line of Workers, offering another bowl. The children heard a sound.<\/p>\n

Click.<\/em> The Painted Antinium standing around the room made the sound. It made Ekirra jump; Visma sucked on her thumb. But it was not a harsh sound. There was something beautiful here. Mysterious.<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters stood at the back of the room, waiting. The others looked to him. One who had been there.<\/p>\n

Heaven.<\/em> Something worth dying for. And more\u2014worth living<\/em> for. Pawn\u2019s hands were gentle as he blessed the first Worker. His [Benediction of Hope] made the Antinium rise. But more than that, the [Priest] prayed, and the Antinium prayed with him. For the dead.<\/p>\n

For better days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The children crept away as the Workers painted themselves. Shining with the drying paint, they left the chapel made only for them. A Worker with green pools of blood, as if symbolizing the other Workers. A Worker with a white flag on his chest.<\/p>\n

It did not mean pain was gone. The two Gnolls and the Drake saw Pawn splitting from the others as they marched back to the Hive, bearing food with them. He paused, and entered his rooms.<\/p>\n

A [Princess] slipped in after him. Mrsha scowled as Ekirra prowled forwards. She was pretty sure they didn\u2019t <\/em>want to see\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026wasn\u2019t there for them. I couldn\u2019t bring them back. I tried. But one died. It wasn\u2019t enough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Pawn and Lyonette sat in the room together. Mrsha heard him speaking, his voice low. Filled with\u2026<\/p>\n

The Antinium [Priest] looked older as he sat by Lyonette. She was holding his hand. Crying for him. He held her hand with his own, as if it were the only things keeping him anchored in this world.<\/p>\n

Ekirra backed away. Mrsha looked another moment. Then she fled.<\/p>\n

These were the things Mrsha saw. And her two friends saw something their parents had never conceived of.<\/p>\n

Drassi wondered why Visma burst into tears. She thought Ekirra had been throwing rocks at her or something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not all the Antinium painted themselves. Not all prayed. On the roof of the inn, now with three floors, they built a tower.<\/p>\n

It would be tall.<\/em> It would be fortified. No random Hobgoblin with a sword would destroy it. It\u2026might<\/em> have a ballista. Lyonette and Erin had sort of vetoed that one.<\/p>\n

But the Workers there\u2026worked. Building the tower up.<\/p>\n

Slowly, though. Usually, the worked with a determined energy that meant they didn\u2019t race, but didn\u2019t stop<\/em> until a job was done. Now, though, they worked more…slowly. Taking their time, passing objects to each other.<\/p>\n

It was a new concept. There were more than there needed to be. Most of them were actually the Archer Workers.<\/p>\n

Archer J3 passed a piece of stone to Archer B23, who had some mortar which the other Worker carefully applied. With one hand, the other [Archer] applied it. And with his two free hands, he slowly, ever-so-gingerly dipped a little bit of fufu into some spicy beef soup.<\/p>\n

Fufu was gluten-free, if you made it without\u2026gluten. All of Erin\u2019s agonizing over bread, wheat, and so on, had been solved by Imani in three seconds when she\u2019d heard of the issue. Now, the Antinium ate. And the one responsible for the food on the job, insisted on the slow pace\u2014he was named Bird.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did Workers die, Hunter Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

Archer A11\u2014the third of his designation\u2014asked that question. His unit had seen high combat, but there were enough Autonomous Workers to fill the seventeen archer groups now formed in Liscor\u2019s Hive. Thanks to Anand and Belgrade, the Antinium died less.<\/p>\n

But they still died. Every head turned to Bird. He sat above them, in his tower as it was being built around him. The [Bird Hunter] watched the sky. He looked down at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you ask \u2018why\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Workers looked up at him. Bird sat there, legs dangling happily. He stared at some birds out of his range. His voice was cheerful.<\/p>\n

\u201cBad things happen. They always happen, like good things. Sometimes people do bad things. Sometimes people do good things. This is so. I have observed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Workers thought on this. Another Workers spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a Heaven, Hunter Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know. Ask Pawn. Or Yellow Splatters. He has been there. So probably?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Heaven nice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know. I do not care.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Workers thought on this. They were not ordinary Workers, with no names. But neither were they Painted. They looked up at Bird. And at last, one asked a question they often asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is good, Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker thought about this. And each time his answer was different. Mainly because he forgot all the other answers. After a while, he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood is a feeling. Good is not happy. Happy lasts a short time. Good feels good even when happy is gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

They thought about this. After a while, one raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is happy, Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker sighed. He wondered when they\u2019d stop asking him questions. But this was alright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And then the important guest entered the inn. At first, Montressa and Bezale didn\u2019t notice.<\/p>\n

The two Wistram [Mages] sat together, having a meal at a table. Beza poked her deflating souffl\u00e9 with a dubious expression. Montressa was halfway through hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeza. Have you been thinking what I\u2019ve been thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it, Montressa.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] sighed. Beza was\u2026difficult. As bad as Ulinde, who wouldn\u2019t sit still for five minutes, or Isceil, who had been rather arrogant and grating, or Palt who enjoyed being difficult, or\u2026[Mages] were hard in general. They tended towards unique personalities.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Hedault has a meeting scheduled with Miss Solstice. Today.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Minotauress dug into her meal at last. Montressa exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I think she forgot. Even Miss Maviola. What with the riots and all. Neither one\u2019s come down from whatever they\u2019re doing upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Spellscribe] raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. That\u2019s rather unfortunate. Master Hedault is known to be extremely punctual.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But what if\u2014hear me out, Beza\u2014what if we<\/em> reminded Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Sensible?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress gave Montressa a blank look. The [Aegiscaster] waved a hand; she\u2019d taken too large a bite.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. We reminded her and<\/em> offered to go in her place? Or\u2014or even got Master Hedault to come here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her companion gave her an odd look. Beza was still a bit sweaty; she\u2019d been working out with Grimalkin\u2019s weights, having developed something of a compulsion in that regard. She rolled her shoulders.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBecause Master Hedault is one of the best [Enchanters] <\/em>in the region. Because Erin would think more kindly of us if she did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re expecting her to throw Palt under the wagon for us\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. And I\u2019m not asking for help with the Earthers. Beza, think about it. If we flatter Master Hedault, and we can do that\u2014he\u2019ll remember us. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026So?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Hedault. The best [Enchanter]. You\u2019re a [Spellscribe]. Your classes are related.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmf. True. It would be good to learn from him, but he\u2019d never teach anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the point. Master Hedault will probably want to come to the inn anyways, once he hears Master Pelt<\/em> is now close enough to have his works enchanted. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Bezale raised one thick eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAha. And Master Smith Pelt is one of the best [Blacksmiths] in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPallass will certainly want his works, even if he\u2019s not based in the city. Which is convenient because we happen to be close to Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress flicked a finger and blasted a fly out of the air with a little gust of wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Celum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a number of [Lords] are now seeking Erin for trade rights. You know, Beza. I was a secretbroker back in Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite aware, Montressa. But I see your point. You had connections.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] smiled. She sat back in her seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe failed when it came to getting Erin out of her inn. But I think that might be a good thing. Think about it, Beza. This inn has access to two<\/em> major cities. That\u2019s\u2026a lot of influential people. And both are trade hubs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beza slowly exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. You\u2019re proposing\u2026what? The same thing Beatrice and you did?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026we\u2019re not exactly popular at Wistram. And I do know how it goes. It\u2019s all about making connections. Introducing people to people. And we know the person with the magic door. Why don\u2019t we just nip up to Erin, offer to greet Master Hedault and\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minotauress hmmed<\/em> and leaned forwards. They had been largely aimless of late. But this was something she understood. Liked.<\/p>\n

Neither one noticed the gaggle of Drakes and Gnolls coming in from Pallass. Many were wide-eyed. But here were\u2026tourists.<\/p>\n

One, with a smart cap, adjusted it and looked around, murmuring. Another, a Drake with a leafy staff stared around, blinking. A Gnoll with a bow on his back and travelling gear\u2014a tribal Gnoll on whose fur was stamped a silver crescent\u2014or fang\u2014sniffed the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Miss. Do you know where the owner of this inn, a, ah, \u2018Erin Solstice\u2019 is?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll with the cap strode up to the nearest person. That happened to be Lyonette, still a bit red-eyed, but back to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014Erin? I\u2019m sorry, she\u2019s personally occupied. But I can help you. Are you looking for a place to stay? Directions? We can transport you to other cities\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll gave Lyonette an abashed smile. Awkwardly, he fumbled for his belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I should have introduced myself\u2014oh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He dropped the bit of paper and several coins. Lyonette bent to pick it up, but with flustered apologies, the Gnoll scrambled to pick it up. She felt bad for him, as, blushing, he stood upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, sorry! Let me begin. I\u2019m ah, sent here on behalf of my company. Izril\u2019s Wonders.<\/em> I\u2019m not sure if you\u2019ve heard of us\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette had to dash his hopeful look. The Gnoll sighed, despondent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it? Can I get you a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was dusty, Lyonette realized. The Gnoll brightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019d be wonderful, Miss. I\u2019m actually here on behalf of our group with an offer. You see, we\u2019ve heard of this wondrous inn. And we\u2019d love<\/em> to expand our destinations. I\u2019m forgetting myself again. You see, my company takes people to each Walled City. Shows them the sights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! How delightful! And you want to put Liscor on that list?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Invrisil, <\/em>in point of fact, Miss. We\u2019d love to discuss the matter if we may.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] smiled. Her mind began racing at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Erin would have a problem with that. I\u2019ll let her know as soon as possible. It might be a little bit, but she\u2019s sure to be interested. Can I offer you something to eat and drink while you wait? What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll slapped his forehead. He took off his cap, abashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI forget myself. I\u2019m no [Negotiator], Miss. I was just closest when I got my orders. I\u2019m just a [Coachman], me. Not sure why they wanted me, but we\u2019re not the biggest company\u2026Ferris, Miss. Ferris Seftpaw. Oh behalf of my company, I\u2019d love to make a deal with Miss Erin Solstice. Even offer her a free trip. We can get you to a Walled City within a week from one to another.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cTrade secrets, Miss Lyonette. Well, I say trade secrets<\/em>, but really, it\u2019s just good wheels, magical horses, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll took the drink eagerly as he told Lyonette about the fantastic company. Meanwhile, the Gnoll with the bow on his back had found Ishkr, the first Gnoll on staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. I seek Krshia Silverfang. I was told this door leads me to\u2026Liscor. This is Liscor, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

He had an accent, a far more growling tone, with connected words. Ishkr blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr. Yes. The door connects to Liscor. The same one you came through.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll\u2019s brows crossed. He glanced sidelong at Ishkr, as if believing he was being tricked. Ishkr gestured.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can send you to Liscor right now. This way, please. Krshia is probably at City Hall or tending to her shop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCity Hall?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a Councilwoman of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll\u2019s jaw dropped slightly. He quickened his steps, suddenly full of questions. Ishkr sighed, but bothersome customers came with the job.<\/p>\n

\u2026Neither one was the important guest. And important was a relative term. Montressa and Beza rose, on their<\/em> important work.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go to Master Hedault now. We can show Erin our initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the kind of thing that would have earned them accolades in Wistram if they pulled it off. Beza was nodding. They hurried out of the inn, towards Invrisil, past the Drake with a leafy staff.<\/p>\n

She was\u2026.interesting. Her clothing was sparser than most Drakes. Rather than being seductive in any intention though, they gave her the look that she was going to bushwhack or do something that involved dirt. And dirt did cover her clothes; not that she was dirty<\/em>, but it had been worked into fabric from much exposure.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d tied something interesting around the top of her staff. It was, in fact, a delicate lattice of cobwebs. It seemed incongruous, as if a strange spider had woven all around the top of her staff. But if you looked closer, you realized her clothing, the staff\u2014<\/p>\n

It was all spider\u2019s silk. Some dyed, but nonetheless. The Drake had been staring around the inn, first in puzzlement, noting the weird Drake with a box, the two [Mages], the crowds\u2014she didn\u2019t seem at home with anything there.<\/p>\n

But she had migrated over to the wall, as if drawn. Now, she murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! What power runs here. What power. Magic. But what is this? This\u2014this is strange. This calls to me. I am a humble traveller. What waits for me here?\u201d<\/p>\n

She put a claw out, gingerly. And jerked it back as a door appeared. The Drake stared, wide-eyed at the door. Then she put a claw on the handle and opened it.<\/p>\n

The [Garden of Sanctuary] opened for her. The [Druid] hesitated at the opening.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow magnificent. A sacred place! Here?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared about the inn, marveling. No one really paid any attention. Lyonette was listening to Ferris\u2019 clumsy upsell. Erin was upstairs, listening to lectures on how to negotiate. Numbtongue was making boxes full of hidden weapons.<\/p>\n

The Drake hesitated at the opening. She touched at it and recoiled. There was a\u2026barrier. She frowned. Then she stood back and bowed with her staff. Ishkr, passing, gave her a strange look, but he was busy. The Drake spoke to the open doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a humble traveller. I mean no harm. I beg entrance; I am Shassa Weaverweb, granted my name by those who still walk the wild green. May I enter?\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes. After about two minutes where nothing at all happened, she cracked one eyelid open. Shassa gently felt at the opening.<\/p>\n

The barrier was gone.<\/em> The Drake blinked, then smiled, ducked her head, and entered the [Garden of Sanctuary]. Then she gasped and stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagnificent.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrsha and Ekirra and Visma were playing, now tearless and chasing around Mrsha\u2019s magic ball. They were laughing and running up and down the hill as Drassi snoozed. At first, they did not see the Drake with the staff.<\/p>\n

That was because she walked about the edge of the dome, looking at the mushrooms in the loamy soil, marveling at the pond. A pair of Fortress Beavers backed up warily from her, but the Drake murmured and bowed and they soon were nuzzling her, letting her check their scarred flesh with dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou poor things! I am sorry. This is not my forte. Web-cousins did this to you?<\/em> I am sorry. They can be cruel. On their behalf, I will do all I can. How many\u2026oh. So few. But this place is surely safe. Can I do aught for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake bent her head. The Fortress Beavers nibbled on her staff and she gently lifted it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. But how strange. Someone has\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her head swung. The Drake frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cLow-level. But\u2026but I see a wild-walker\u2019s touch. Is someone\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha was running over the hill, pursuing the magic ball, when she felt something. She looked around.<\/p>\n

Are you here, friend?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha looked left, at Visma. But the Drake girl, laughing and breathless, hadn\u2019t said that. Mrsha cocked her head. She ventured a tentative\u2026yes?<\/em><\/p>\n

It was a voice in her head. Mrsha felt the impression of a smile. And then, as she crested the hill, Ekirra came racing back towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Mrshamrshamrsha! Who is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed. Mrsha ran up on all fours and saw\u2014<\/p>\n

A Drake with light clothing and a staff of cobwebs. The Drake had been looking in their direction. Her eyes and Mrsha\u2019s met at the same time. The Drake\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

You? You are a child!<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha stared<\/em>. The voice was in her head. The Drake\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cA wild-walker? So young? Ah\u2014but you have no name! You\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha backed up. She did not<\/em> know this Drake. The voice in her head alarmed her. She turned. Ekirra and Visma looked at her, just curious.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is that, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Stranger.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha signed. Both glanced down at the Drake again. They looked at Mrsha, suddenly alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello? Child? Are you she? I apologize for intruding!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was waving up at them. Mrsha backed away from her.<\/p>\n

She\u2014the Drake was calling out with words and the voice in Mrsha\u2019s head. Mrsha felt, instinctively, that she should trust this Drake. But that just made the other part of Mrsha, which was sensible and Lyonette-like, very<\/em> worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go to Miss Drassi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra tugged on Visma\u2019s claws and Mrsha\u2019s. The three backed up. The Drake slowly approached, lifting one hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry if I intruded. But I mean you no harm! I swear by the webs!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha paused. The voice in her head echoed the Drake\u2019s sentiments. And it was so sincere.<\/em> It was like she had cast a [Truth Spell]. Slowly, Mrsha stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra whined. Mrsha ignored them. Slowly, she walked down the hill.<\/p>\n

If it had been anyone else, Mrsha would have hesitated. But this certainty was like gravity itself. In her chest, Mrsha knew\u2026<\/p>\n

The Drake smiled. She looked down as Mrsha stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha waved. The Drake\u2019s face was puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Shassa Weaverweb. May I know your name, keeper of this\u2026garden?\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved her staff around. Mrsha pointed at herself and looked around vaguely for her notes. The Drake was puzzled again.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you not speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

No.<\/em> Mrsha sighed. This was a common problem with strangers. She always needed someone to explain\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cannot?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha\u2019s head jerked up. The Drake peered at her. Slowly, she touched her breast.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you nonetheless, small friend. Tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha thought her name. Tentatively. She saw Shassa\u2019s mouth curl upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Mrsha<\/em>, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll child jumped. Shassa laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can hear you! We two are similar. You see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha almost did. She narrowed her eyes. Shassa felt her wariness and hurried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am<\/em> sorry. But I came here. I was told this was a shortcut around the Bloodfields, but\u2014I was not used to Pallass! Too many people. Too much noise. <\/em>And then I was here and I felt this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shuddered. Mrsha almost felt her confusion, being lost. The Gnoll nodded. The Drake bent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am\u2026ah, a bit lost. I was told I could go to Invrisil, you see. By magic? But I went through one door and I did not see the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

The little Gnoll rolled her eyes. Visitors.<\/em> They never listened. They were so\u2014<\/p>\n

She caught the Drake woman frowning at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did listen! What? The door goes to Invrisil? Well\u2014that Drake didn\u2019t explain fully!\u201d<\/p>\n

It must have been one of the new staff members. Mrsha huffed. Lyonette had hired a new batch and they kept making mistakes. Shassa\u2019s eyes flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I see. So the door goes to Invrisil? Six silver?\u201d<\/p>\n

She felt at her pouch.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Well, I have that. Thank you, little friend. I am in your debt.\u201d<\/p>\n

She bowed. Mrsha felt quite pleased at this and nodded. Shassa laughed and the two relaxed. The Drake turned, heading back the way she\u2019d come.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am on a mission for my city. Thank you, wild-friend. If time permits, I will call on you. With permission!\u201d<\/p>\n

She spoke sidelong to Mrsha. The Gnoll looked up, entranced by this peerless method of communication. She tugged on Shassa\u2019s leg. Wait! Stay a while! No one had ever<\/em> understood Mrsha like this, not even Urksh or Ryoka! How did Shassa understand?<\/em> Who was she?<\/p>\n

Mrsha felt like she should know. And the Drake\u2019s eyes certainly crinkled up. Then she frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Mrsha, has no one taught you of your class? How can you not know me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She listened. The Drake and Gnoll stood there, as voices floated down from the hill and Drassi\u2019s sleepy one replied, then began to wake up. Shassa frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that? Really? By yourself? How extraordinary!<\/em> And so young!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha nodded proudly and then frowned at the implicit slight. Shassa laughed, and it was a merry sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize, Mrsha! You are no doubt quite talented. I should explain\u2014I will explain! You see, you have entered with a pact. You are a Tribal Gnoll, aren\u2019t you? They are granted the honors far more than City Gnolls. But you must have met with a sign. Some great event of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Frost Faeries.<\/em> The Goblin Lord. Shassa\u2019s face froze. Her head dipped with shock, then sorrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Little one. You have seen such terrible things. But this class\u2014listen to me. You are one of us. I go now to meet a great keeper. In Invrisil. But upon my return, I promise you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Who is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice rang out from the top of the hill. Mrsha and Shassa spun. Drassi, bleary-eyed and followed by Ekirra and Visma, stared down at Shassa. She of course, knew everyone allowed in the [Garden of Sanctuary], like Mrsha. She did not know Shassa.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! You! Get away from Mrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n

The clear alarm and fear in Drassi\u2019s tone caused the older Drake to back up. Shassa held up her staff and free hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sorry! I wasn\u2019t aware\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, get back! Where\u2019s Numbtongue? Erin, Erin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi began shouting. Alarmed, Shassa fled towards the door. Mrsha wavered. She tried to wave her arms, explain, but Drassi couldn\u2019t read her thoughts.<\/p>\n

Shassa fled into the inn. Drassi\u2019s shouting followed her. Mrsha ran through the doorway as the Drake sprinted down the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette! Numbtongue! Help! She was in the garden!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Heads turned in the common room of the inn. Shassa looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014I was just lost! I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late. Drassi, meaning well, sprinted into the inn after the Drake. Mrsha tried to grab her arm, but the [Gossip] shouted as Lyonette turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cIntruder in the inn! Alarm!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

This time the effect was immediate. Shassa opened her mouth and saw Lyonette go for her sword. A pair of Antinium Soldiers sitting at the bar surged to their feet. She backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice and Maviola surged down the stairs. Numbtongue leapt over<\/em> them and landed with his sword drawn. The newcomers to the inn screamed. In the chaos, Shassa ran from the Hobgoblin, the Antinium, and the angry [Princess] with a sword.<\/p>\n

That was understandable. Mrsha ran too. She weaved between the legs as all the inn\u2019s defenders tangled up with the panicked crowds. Drassi was shouting an explanation, Lyonette was looking for Mrsha and telling Shassa to stop.<\/em> Erin was demanding to know what was happening.<\/p>\n

Help me! Oh, Ancestors, they\u2019re going to kill me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Like a beacon, Mrsha heard a thought, full of panic. The Gnoll dove through the crowds, dodging feet. She found Shassa. The Drake looked at her. Mrsha pointed.<\/p>\n

To the door!<\/em> Erin would probably punch Shassa\u2019s brains out of her head<\/em> and Numbtongue might actually kill her! The Drake fled as Mrsha dragged the hallway door open.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

A bellow from behind Mrsha. She felt Erin\u2019s aura freeze<\/em> the entire crowd. Shassa stumbled; Mrsha dragged her towards the door. She needed to set it to Invrisil!<\/p>\n

\u201cHow? How\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake picked up Mrsha. The Gnoll swiveled the dial. At that moment, Numbtongue came charging through the door and saw Shassa holding Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop! Put her down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin charged them with his sword. Shassa turned white. Mrsha yanked open the door. The Drake ran. Numbtongue hesitated, sword drawn, afraid of hitting Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake fled. The Hobgoblin pursued her into a room full of Humans. Half of them saw the Redfang Warrior with the blade and reacted like Humans did. Numbtongue cursed, but Shassa was out the door and running. And by the time he got free\u2014she was in the crowds. He saw the Humans pointing and screaming and cursed.<\/p>\n

After about five minutes, Shassa\u2019s frantic fright slowed. Only then did she stop and gasp to catch her breath. And then, the Gnoll child she\u2019d been holding under her arm finally got her attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stared down at Mrsha. The Gnoll child stared solemnly up at the Drake. They shared a thought.<\/p>\n

They were dead.<\/em> Mrsha had already had one bad incident with the drawers this morning. Shassa\u2026she pictured Numbtongue lopping off her head.<\/p>\n

The Drake turned pale under her scales.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean it! Let\u2019s explain! No\u2014I\u2019ll bring you back!\u201d<\/p>\n

That was a very sensible thing to do. Mrsha wavered. But she knew that Erin was about to destroy all of Invrisil<\/em> to find her. She nodded solemnly. Shassa took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t think\u2014of course it was a sacred place! I will apologize. Just\u2014don\u2019t let them kill me, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

They stood together. People stared at the outlandish Drake talking to the Gnoll child who never made a response back. A few began looking around for the Watch themselves. But Mrsha pointed the way they\u2019d come, where someone was indeed yelling at the top of her lungs.<\/em><\/p>\n

They began to move back. Shassa caught her breath, muttering explanations\u2014or at least trying to think up things that wouldn\u2019t get her killed in an instant. Mrsha nervously tried to think of how to explain how she\u2019d known Shassa was nice.<\/em><\/p>\n

Was it all coincidence? Of course not. There were other important events taking place. Other confluences which were fateful, or just mere chance that melded together. But Shassa had not met Mrsha by accident. They were two of a kind.<\/p>\n

And so\u2014perhaps inevitably, as both walked back, full of trepidation, they turned down a street. The Drake and Gnoll\u2019s heads rose. They glanced at each other. And then they stared at a crowd, shouting ahead of them.<\/p>\n

The people of Invrisil surrounded something. There was screaming, shouts for the Watch. Mrsha and Shassa pushed forwards. Mrsha felt something. Blinding rage.<\/em> She heard someone begging for someone else to stop, a thud.<\/em><\/p>\n

And then she saw a man. His beard was wild, his robes covered with nature, poo, and other things. It was ratty, and he himself smelled like\u2026nature. He had a staff\u2014not decorated like Shassa\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Well, unless you counted blood. The man was standing over a figure on the ground. Another woman\u2014a young wife or lover\u2014was trying to pull him back.<\/p>\n

The young man on the other hand wasn\u2019t moving. He\u2019d been beaten bloody, and the man was kicking him. A horse was standing to one side, blood on the fur. Mrsha saw spurs on the young man\u2019s boots.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop! Someone call the Watch!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The man ignored him. Quite deliberately, Nalthaliarstrelous, keeper of Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s gardens, raised his staff and began to beat the nearly-unconscious young man. People tried to pull him off and he began to lay about him with his staff.<\/p>\n

Shassa Weaverweb and Mrsha du Marquin stared at Nalthaliarstrelous. The man was hurling curses, roaring like an animal as the crowd backed up. He was preparing to swing again when his head turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up and met their eyes. And Mrsha felt the same shock of recognition as the first time she\u2019d seen him. Now she understood. Nalthaliarstrelous lowered his staff. He looked at Shassa. And she bowed. Mrsha saw the man look at her. And she finally, finally<\/em> got it as she heard his voice in her mind.<\/p>\n

Well met again, little friend.<\/em><\/p>\n

The man bowed. \u00a0He, Shassa, Mrsha\u2014<\/p>\n

They were all [Druids].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Druids] were rude. Not just individually; as a class. There was something about [Druids] that clashed with most other sensibilities. Of course, they were focused around nature, like [Shamans], but where [Shamans] could be said to work and respect the natural world, [Druids] lived with it. They cared.<\/p>\n

So\u2026rude. The kind of rude that ranged from petting your cat since the cat<\/em> was okay with it, to rummaging about in your gardens and making alterations without your consent, to causing a sinkhole to swallow a [Lord]\u2019s mansion when he refused to stop overhunting.<\/p>\n

That kind of rude. They were perfectly respectful of course; their definition of whom<\/em> to respect just differed from most people. And anyways, there were other groups far, far ruder than [Druids].<\/p>\n

One of the last of them stood now in Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s estates. Yawning, he pointed. And a magical carriage, garishly pink, turned into a crimson red coach, highlighted by black and gold on the trim. It looked fast.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Mage Eldavin! Lady Reinhart was most insistent about the color scheme!\u201d<\/p>\n

A man protested. Reynold, the [Butler], was holding a tray of drinks and snacks as he followed Teriarch about. The Dragon ignored him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPink affronts my eyes. She wants me to repair it? She can paint it later. Let\u2019s see. What\u2019s wrong with this thing? Hm. Hm\u2026ah, a failing conversion spell for these stupid mana crystals.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u2018Grand Mage\u2019 poked around dismissively, sighing and grumbling. He didn\u2019t like working with enchantments. And he was less than motivated. To amuse himself, he kept snacking, casually emblazoning a few sigils of long-distant empires on the newly-painted coach. Reynold glanced up and protested weakly again.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus\u2014perhaps you would consider relenting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Meow.<\/em> A loud yowl of complaint came from above. Eldavin glanced up. So did Reynold, with a pained look.<\/p>\n

Magnolia Reinhart owned cats. How many had never been ascertained until now, but she tolerated them about as much as they tolerated her. It was now clear\u2014and Reynold would bet on this\u2014that all eighteen in the large mansion were now stuck on the roof. They were hissing<\/em> at the Dragon.<\/p>\n

He ignored them. Teriarch kicked around the carriage.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Well, I bridged it. But the entire enchantment\u2019s old. Someone needs to just recast the magic. Tell Reinhart that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014recast, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. The wood is what\u2019s decaying. Build a new carriage, port the enchantment over. I\u2019m not doing it. What else did that brat want?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon yawned a fifth time. Reynold felt sweat beading down his back as he followed the half-Elf around. Of course, Reynold knew.<\/p>\n

What exactly he knew<\/em> was up for debate, but he wasn\u2019t an idiot. Still, he had exact instructions and this thankless job was mostly humoring Teriarch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI er\u2014believe Lady Reinhart would appreciate a few discreet\u2026scrying spells\u2026on some individuals. [Assassins], mainly.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo much work. Too much interference. I\u2019m doing this\u2026half-hearted. I\u2019ll have some of that good wine now. And those annoying pests may come down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teriarch pointed a finger. The cats, about to set up for another chorus of yowls,<\/em> found themselves on top of the magical carriage. They leapt down, hissing or flipping their butts at Teriarch. He ignored them. Reynold stared.<\/p>\n

Instantaneous teleportation.<\/em> A high-level [Mage] could<\/em> in theory perform [Lesser Teleport] sub-vocally, even teleport a group like that. But a bunch of cats spread out on a rooftop to another point in a moment without proximity himself? That would be a\u2026high-level, dedicated teleportation expert.<\/p>\n

But he had also seen Teriarch physically reconstruct the destroyed Steel Golem, literally reshaping the metal and reanimating it while pocketing all the latest books in Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s library. Now, the Dragon wanted popcorn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith\u2026yeast. Yes, that\u2019s what that [Innkeeper] served me. Salt, butter, yeast. And where did I put that infernal device? Summon. I mean, er\u2014[Summon Object].\u201d<\/p>\n

The laptop popped<\/em> into Teriarch\u2019s hands after he cast the spell. Reynold hurried into the kitchen. He<\/em> needed a sit down.<\/p>\n

Magnolia Reinhart was out. She had not<\/em> been in a good mood and was wise enough not to butt heads with Teriarch. He had been exceedingly amused by the news about the [Lords] and Erin Solstice, conveyed through her informant networks. The Dragon even chuckled about it as he played Solitaire on the computer.<\/p>\n

\u201cHah. As if you\u2019re the only one who can conduct trade deals, you little brat! That was so amusing. Ah, well\u2026where\u2019s my popcorn? The inn was faster than this!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He shouted as a [Chef] in Magnolia\u2019s kitchen labored over a stove. Teriarch was a menace.<\/p>\n

But not unkind. Since he had been here, Reynold couldn\u2019t help but notice that Bekia, the Gnoll [Maid] who had been sick ever since their clash with the [Assassins] had suddenly stopped puking. She\u2019d taken many poisoned daggers, such that even their best healing potions and Magnolia\u2019s [Healers] hadn\u2019t done more than slow the toxins in her systems. Magnolia herself had been arranging a visit to the Healer of Tenbault.<\/p>\n

But she\u2019d had a word with Teriarch\u2014er\u2014Eldavin. And the Gnoll had looked better the next day. Reynold hurried back with a heaping bowl of popcorn. Teriarch took one bite, and pointed a horrified finger.<\/p>\n

The entire bowl caught on fire. Reynold saw the Dragon spit<\/em> and gag.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeast, sir!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not yeast! The other yeast, you fool!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Anyways. Between the [Butler] running about, he nearly slammed into Sacra. The [Maid], who was one of their best disguise-experts, was heading in from Invrisil. She was dressed in the regular maid-uniform and looked exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cReynold! What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need yeast!<\/em> Edible yeast, apparently!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Maid] gave the [Butler] a look that suggested he\u2019d taken leave of his senses. She opened her mouth\u2014<\/p>\n

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

Both staggered. They were back in the large parlor. Teriarch waved a hand without looking up from the computer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI changed my mind. I shall have just the wine. And a good cheese to go with it. Make it one of the magical varieties.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reynold ran for it. Sacra just stared. She checked herself. She should not have been teleported.<\/em> Not without a line of sight or\u2026had he just grabbed her?<\/p>\n

The Dragon looked up after a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at Sacra. The [Maid] bowed slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Eldavin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho? Oh\u2026yes? What is it? I\u2019m not in the mood to entertain more of Reinhart\u2019s requests. I\u2019ve already done enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon snorted. He stretched out in the comfy chair, playing with one hand and grumbling about uppity young [Ladies].<\/p>\n

It was a funny thing. In The Wandering Inn, the Dragon had been like thunder and lightning. Kindly, but there you were. Here, he was more retiring. This wasn\u2019t his first visit. Although Sacra had been a girl when she first remembered the \u2018Grand Magus\u2019 visiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anything I can do for you, Grand Magus? Reynold is procuring your desired items.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Maid] waited, hands folded behind her back. Teriarch glanced up. For a second, his eyes sharpened.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I\u2026know you? The butler\u2019s new. But your aura\u2014were you a new employee?\u201d<\/p>\n

Reynold had been serving for a long time. Sacra chose her words carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a girl in the Reinhart employ, Master Eldavin. Perhaps you recall me from an earlier visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Dragon\u2019s expression grew uncomfortable. Abruptly, he made the laptop disappear. He sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Reinhart? Off, trying to stop this trade deal, I\u2019ll warrant? If she\u2019s so busy, I won\u2019t trouble her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sacra began to panic at once. Her top order\u2014all <\/em>of their priorities were to keep Teriarch entertained and here.<\/em> Magnolia would kill them if he disappeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014that is to say, she\u2019s only out for the day, Lord T\u2014Magus Eldavin! I\u2019m sure she didn\u2019t want to bother you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve already been here three days. If Reinhart\u2019s busy, so am I. I still have to figure out how to construct a \u2018mice\u2019 for this\u2026this game Ryoka Griffin showed me. And deal with all these [Messages]. Shoo!\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved at something in the air. Much like a cat. Sacra held her breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014perhaps we could offer you entertainment, Magus Eldavin? We have a quite splendid number of [Musicians] or [Bards] we could summon from Invrisil. There are even\u2014yes, the Players of Celum! We could arrange a private play\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen them. Not interested. Maybe I\u2019ll go back and call a later time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon snorted. He began to rise and Sacra panicked. Later meant\u2026far too long. The last time he had been here had been over eight years ago.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLord Teriarch\u2026perhaps you could aid us?<\/em> There\u2019s a small issue in Invrisil!\u201d<\/p>\n

Desperately, she spoke. The Dragon looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this? What issue?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Maid] froze. But she\u2019d said it. So she went on in a rush before he could draw a magic circle in the rug.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014I was just in Invrisil. An urgent issue was sent for Lady Reinhart. One of the staff\u2014Nalthaliarstrelous has gotten into an incident. Assault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat [Druid]? Someone jumped him? What, a Level 50 [Thug]? I swear I saw a high-level one about last time, but who attacks [Druids]? They carry moss<\/em>, not gold!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon raised his eyebrow incredulously. Sacra wiped at her brow as Reynold ran back in with twenty plus cheeses and as many vintages as his bag of holding could carry.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Lord Teriarch. Actually\u2026 Nalthaliarstrelous has apparently, er, beaten a young man half to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reynold winced. He was familiar with this. The Dragon just stared.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently, the young man spurred his horse to the point it was injured. Nalthaliarstrelous has\u2026a history of attacking pet owners for abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. [Druids] don\u2019t stand for that sort of thing. I\u2019ll wager that young man got what he deserved. Time was, a [Druid] would shoot a [Poacher] with the arrows they left in animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon leaned back. But he looked interested. Sacra nodded as Reynold set up hurriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Lord Teriarch. But\u2026Invrisil has laws. Lady Reinhart will reimburse the injured party, of course, but the Watch and the [Mayor] are objecting. Strenuously. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019 actions are somewhat problematic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose they are. Huh. Well, well. He\u2019s quite respectful. Perhaps\u2026yes. Perhaps that would be an interesting conversation. Not that I don\u2019t approve of it, but I can speak with him. I\u2019ll do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf stood up. Reynold and Sacra looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus? We can find Nalthaliarstrelous. There\u2019s no need to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense. I don\u2019t need help. I\u2019ll find him myself. One good scrying spell\u2014no. I\u2019m not spelling that name out. I\u2019ll just track his magical trail. I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, wait\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late. Pop<\/em> went the half-Elf. He vanished. Reynold stood with a plate full of exotic cheeses. Sacra\u2019s mouth opened in horror. They looked at each other and ran.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Druids] in the inn. They stood in the center of a gathering of onlookers. From afar, though. Guests sat at the tables, absorbing\u2026<\/p>\n

The ambiance.<\/em> It took a particular guest of culture, to appreciate The Wandering Inn\u2019s unique ambiance.<\/p>\n

But picture the scene. A Centaur was smoking near an open window, taking his leisure. The drinks were ready at hand. A Dwarf was having just a light ale\u2014he had work later. The air was filled with the smells of good food from the kitchen. An [Actor] was striding the stage.<\/p>\n

The sound of clattering dishes, muted voices\u2014shouting from the place with the three [Druids]. Classy. Well, a certain level of class. A cold drink with ice cubes in claw, and in the background, a Hobgoblin strumming on a guitar.<\/p>\n

Ambiance.<\/em> And as you sipped, you could listen.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014kidnapped Mrsha! And why do you people keep walking into <\/em>my Garden!? It\u2019s not supposed to be open to other people! And who are you? You\u2019re that guy!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

An [Innkeeper] was screaming. The other guests peered at the three [Druids].<\/p>\n

One was a very nervous Drake with her webbed staff. Another, a little Gnoll who was really<\/em> in trouble. And the third, a Human man with a wild beard polishing the staff which had been covered in drying blood. He didn\u2019t seem affected by the shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so sorry.<\/em> It\u2019s just that I was lost and I was looking for someone. And the door was open\u2014I didn\u2019t mean to kidnap her!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa pointed at Mrsha. The Gnoll was trying to explain. She held up her deposition and Lyonette snatched it. She read it, and glared at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no excuse, young Miss! What did I tell you about strangers?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah! Stranger danger! Look at him! He\u2019s like\u2014the exact <\/em>person you don\u2019t go with!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed at Nalthaliarstrelous. The [Druid] gave her an affronted look.<\/p>\n

\u201cInnkeeper. That child is one of us. We are [Druids]. <\/em>We know each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

So much for subtlety. Some of the guests sat up. A Gnoll tipped his hat at his fellow and they took notes. A muscular Drake was hunched in a corner, coming up with a second theory.<\/p>\n

But it was that kind of mood. After Erin and Lyonette tried not to throttle the [Druid]\u2014some kind of order reasserted itself.<\/p>\n

There were a few things to be mad about. And so, Erin made a list of priorities. She didn\u2019t even have time for Ferris\u2014the Gnoll was politely shuffled off to a corner. She stalked past the line of people jostling for her attention. She pointed at the first culprit.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. You know<\/em> you don\u2019t go with strangers. And there was the cupboards incident this morning. You\u2019re in big trouble, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll child, Mrsha, gave Erin her most soulful, pleading, tearful look. Erin poked at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. You\u2019re not getting out of it. You\u2019re in trouble. You just wait!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. What is the meaning of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it, #4!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin whirled and shouted at the orange-haired man. Montressa turned white.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cShush!<\/em> Now, you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin moved to her next person on the list. Shassa shrank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t apologize enough, Miss Solstice! I didn\u2019t mean any of it. I just saw\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved at Numbtongue, who had nearly beheaded her. Erin thought about this. She folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I\u2019ll grant you it was a mess. But!<\/em> You can\u2019t just grab Gnolls and run off. I\u2019m uh\u2014mad. At you too! How do you just walk<\/em> into my garden? It\u2019s private! It\u2019s supposed to be safe!\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at #2. Nalthaliarstrelous blinked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. What\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a [Garden of Sanctuary]. <\/em>No one can get in but the people I<\/em> allow! Even Grimalkin can\u2019t get in! If it\u2019s not safe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is safe. It is a sacred place. Bound by powerful law. An army would fail to enter.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] leaned on his staff. Erin narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say that, buddy, but I saw you just waltz in there when you and Magnolia came.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, this is H\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, #5!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin spun back to Nalthaliarstrelous. She poked at his chest; he swatted her finger away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you get in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a [Druid].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so anyone can just walk in<\/em> if they have the right class?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous and Shassa exchanged a glance. The Drake raised a timid claw and Erin nodded at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Only us<\/em>, Miss Solstice. We are\u2026allowed access. That is the nature of our class. No place of nature is barred from us in general, so long as we obey the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. I dunno. That seems awfully convenient.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stalked in a circle around Shassa. The Drake stared at her as Erin peered at her from different angles. She looked at Mrsha\u2014the Gnoll shrugged. Erin was crazy.<\/em> Sometimes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could no more harm someone in the garden than anyone else. Should we break such sacred laws, we would lose our very class.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Druid] explained. Erin rubbed at her chin. At this point, a horrified [Lady] staring at #4, spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. I really think you should\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c#7, don\u2019t push me<\/em>. Ow!\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola smacked the back of Erin\u2019s head. Hedault glanced at Maviola as Erin punched at her. The [Princess] decided to hurry this along. Lyonette faced Nalthaliarstrelous and Shassa.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact remains that you two still entered<\/em> the garden illegally. Why? Don\u2019t you have any respect for boundaries? Even [Druids] should!\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked down her nose at them, with proper disdain for troublemakers. The \u2018homeless vagrants\u2019 stared at Lyonette. Nalthaliarstrelous just sneered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, respect?<\/em> For what, exactly? Laws of the land? Of course not. You put a flag here and say \u2018this is mine\u2019. Why would anyone acknowledge that, any more than a piece of metal on your head? We respected the one law that mattered: do no harm. Come in peace.<\/em> No other one was made apparent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was private property!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette\u2019s eyes flashed. Shassa and Nalthaliarstrelous looked at each other. Both raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow were we supposed to know? We thought it was part of the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was a good point. Erin exchanged a quick glance with Lyonette. The [Innkeeper] faltered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014well, it obviously wasn\u2019t accessible to just anyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous snorted in contempt.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one indicated that to me.<\/em> Why wasn\u2019t there a sign? I would have obeyed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The question did so much damage to Erin\u2019s psyche that she had to walk away for a second just to deal. She came back with an actual sign, and showed it to the line of suspects. Problems 1-7 read the sign. Problem #8 (Ferris was still not included), walked through the door, muttering to himself. He stopped as Erin shoved the sign in the other\u2019s faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee this? See this? \u2018No Killing Goblins!\u2019 <\/em>I\u2019ve got signs! No one reads them! Who here read this, huh? Huh?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Every person in line raised their hands, slowly. Mrsha, Shassa, Nalthaliarstrelous, Hedault, Montressa, Beza, and Maviola. From his point in the audience, Teriarch tapped Ishkr on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cPopcorn. With yeast.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] stared. Nalthaliarstrelous folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI read signs. Who would not?\u201d<\/p>\n

The guests of the inn looked at each other uncomfortably. Erin turned to the [Druid]. He looked like the least<\/em> law-abiding person in the inn. She had heard about the beating of the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. You<\/em> read signs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI make signs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way. Get out!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] glowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI write many signs for Invrisil. Warnings, just like that one. There\u2019s one outside this very inn. I was putting more up when I saw that man mistreating that poor horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone looked at him. Nalthaliarstrelous pointed. Erin, Lyonette, and Mrsha all poked their heads out of The Player\u2019s Retreat. And indeed, in neat lettering, one of the [Druid]\u2019s signs was clearly visible, on a billboard with pieces of news and other public-service announcements with large type font. The sign read as follows:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018If you kick your dog, you will never walk again.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back in the inn, Erin decided she needed to tackle #3 on this point. She pointed at him. Again, the [Druid] swatted her finger down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d you beat that guy up? They had to take him to a [Healer]\u2019s! There was blood!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Innkeeper] drew back. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2014whom she was quickly abbreviating to Nalth in her head, was completely unrepentant.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Nalth, buddy. No one likes mistreatment of animals. If I saw a dude kicking a dog, I\u2019d kick him! Or her! But you broke<\/em> his skull.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Mrsha peeked up at Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s blank face. He seemed to sense Erin\u2019s complete lack of understanding and explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe spurred his horse until it bled. Until it screamed for mercy. No one stopped him but me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The guests in the inn rumbled. That was poor treatment of any animal. Even so\u2014Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were close to killing him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if I did\u2014would the world be any poorer?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] leaned on his staff. It was the [Princess]\u2019 turn. She smiled at Nalthaliarstrelous.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut sir. The Watch would have fined the man. Or arrested them. You did not need<\/em> to resort to violence. There are laws\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke off. Nalthaliarstrelous was blowing his nose on the sleeve of his robe. He looked at her with clear disdain. He sneered at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaw? <\/em>Laws say many things. \u2018Do not hurt that man\u2019. Make him pay money for torturing his wards. He will not learn. When I break his legs for spurring a horse when it screamed and bled<\/em>\u2014he will remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you could stop him without hurting him! Or at least\u2014not that much!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin protested. The [Druid] looked around the inn. He spotted Teriarch, half-bowed in acknowledgement. Eyes swung to Teriarch as he chewed on some popcorn. Much better than the mansion.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous replied to Erin curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me ask you something, Innkeeper. When you see a man yanking on a dog\u2019s leash, mistreating it, would you say something? Stop him?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Erin didn\u2019t blink. The [Druid] eyed her. He seemed approving of that. Shassa and Mrsha both nodded. But he went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. But would you take<\/em> the dog from that man? If he mistreats it once, he will again. Will you, on the spot, take the dog so it will suffer not a second longer? What if he is an important man? The [Mayor] of the city?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026it depends.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] nodded, almost understandably.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It does to you. You have laws.<\/em> The dog is that man\u2019s property. You cannot take his property. So for laws, for words, you allow the dog to suffer. And that is the difference between you and me. I do not wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha and Shassa stared at Nalthaliarstrelous in silence. They felt his rage\u2014the willingness to kill the man a second time if he did not change. The Drake leaned over and whispered to Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026That\u2019s his perspective. We\u2019re not all alike.\u201d<\/p>\n

A thoughtful silence ensued. Nalthaliarstrelous wasn\u2019t entirely losing his audience. Although the perspicacious among them could still note blood on the tip of his staff. Even so\u2014he was a character.<\/em> More people began to order popcorn, or snacks to go along with their drinks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get that. I even respect that. Sort of. Don\u2019t look at me like that, Lyonette. But you\u2019re like\u2014that went too far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin argued with the Human [Druid], but her temper had subsided somewhat. Shassa waved an urgent claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain, we\u2019re not all like him. I don\u2019t break the law! Excuse me, I\u2019m so sorry about this. Again! But I was just coming through to Invrisil. To meet with Druid Nalthaliarstrelous, actually! I\u2019m from Oteslia!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ferris\u2019 head snapped up. Teriarch, Grimalkin\u2014the inn turned to Shassa. Erin blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are? Wow, that\u2019s far!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014but we have an urgent appeal for Nalthaliarstrelous. If\u2014if we could just talk, I will remove myself forthwith.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked around. She counted. Problems 1-3 looked at her expectantly and Lyonette blew out her cheeks. Erin nodded at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. I guess that\u2019s okay. #1. You\u2019re not done.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed two fingers at her eyes and then at Mrsha. The Gnoll child gulped. Shassa exhaled in relief. Nalthaliarstrelous nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Then we shall confer among ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

He beckoned. Shassa and Mrsha walked off after him. Erin blocked them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it. Mrsha\u2019s staying here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two adult [Druids] looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she is one of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette scooped up Mrsha. The Gnoll fought her, squirming to get free. Nalthaliarstrelous looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is of our class. But she does not know our role. She must come with us. I thought she had a teacher. She does not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but\u2026how about no? You two can talk. Mrsha, stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] blocked Nalthaliarstrelous. The [Druid]\u2019s eyes flicked to Mrsha. She was squirming to get free. She wanted<\/em> to know what they had to say! Lyonette threatened her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet her go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] slowly raised his staff. Erin raised a fist. Teriarch raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Druids] do not break their word lightly. Let them walk in the garden with the child. She will not come to harm among her peers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked. She turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cEldavin? <\/em>When did you get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon sat at his leisure. He nodded at Nalthaliarstrelous. The [Druid] bowed deeply. Shassa blinked, frowned at Teriarch, uncomprehending, and then hurried to copy the other [Druid]. Mrsha saw Lyonette waver.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, sir. But Mrsha is my<\/em> child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Appropriate. Let her go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teriarch waved a hand. Mrsha slipped out of Lyonette\u2019s hands like grease. She landed on the floor. Lyonette spluttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuddy, you just became #8.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin warned Teriarch. He narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not a number.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make me make you #9. Lyonette\u2026maybe we should let Mrsha talk with these two? In the garden. They\u2019re not going to run off. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous and Shassa nodded. The [Druid] murmured as Mrsha hid behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t need to run, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] glared daggers. But Mrsha scampered into the garden and the two [Druids] followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on! I\u2019m not done!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] followed. Erin let her go. She had a feeling\u2026Nalthaliarstrelous was hard to deal with. Momentarily lost, she had to lean on a table.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I\u2019m tired. Where was I?\u201d<\/p>\n

A man cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I am next. Number 4.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked up. She blinked at Hedault.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019re you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Enchanter] nodded at Erin. Hedault, precise, hair slightly thinning on top, but pale orange. Pale-skinned from being indoors. He tapped a finger on his wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Hedault. [Enchanter]. We had an appointment this morning. I was approached by these two [Mages] who informed me the meeting would take place at this inn. I have little time, but I understand this is in connection with the Horns of Hammerad, as well as the House of El. So I am willing to make concessions.\u201d<\/p>\n

His little speech made Grimalkin reach for a second sheaf of notes. Erin just blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Are you Ceria\u2019s fianc\u00e9?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault looked at her. He closed his eyes. Montressa covered her face.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cOkay. Um. Sure. #5, #6, what\u2019s this about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa and Beza looked at each other. Hedault\u2019s eyes slowly turned to them and they gulped. The guests at the inn nodded approvingly. This<\/em> is what they came for.<\/p>\n

Ambiance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Explanations ensued. Hedault did not look pleased, upon learning that Erin had not set up an appointment<\/em> and had indeed forgotten all about the meeting. If anything kept him from storming out, it was familiarity with the Horns of Hammerad, and the fact that he\u2019d vaguely approved of Erin\u2019s numeric system of dealing with issues.<\/p>\n

Even so, he retired as Erin waved her arms in a panic and turned to Maviola, who had also <\/em>forgotten.<\/p>\n

\u201cRidiculous. My debt only goes so far. First that obnoxious [Necromancer]\u2014now this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only the Antinium had been pleasant to work with. <\/em>And wasn\u2019t that an insane statement? But Ksmvr had been very straightforward, direct, and orderly. The half-Elf? Fianc\u00e9?<\/p>\n

Hedault was about to just leave and blacklist the entire inn when someone walked over to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHedault, right? I was meaning to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not make unscheduled appointments.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Enchanter] snapped, irritably. He turned\u2014and saw a Dwarf sipping from his chilled ale. Pelt burped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care. Pelt. I was going to speak to you. Pallass. We talked now and then. You did that enchantment on a few blades of mine two years back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault\u2019s eyes focused on Pelt\u2019s face. He opened his mouth. After a few seconds of thinking, he chose the most economical response.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014How?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe magic door. Didn\u2019t you hear? Connects Pallass to Liscor to Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did hear. I didn\u2019t credit it, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault had inspected the magic door before the crowd had swept him into the inn. Now, he was compelled to stride down the hallway. Grumbling, Pelt followed. And a few others.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemarkable. This is indeed<\/em> the work of Warmage Thresk. Of Albez. And someone\u2019s performed a very<\/em> crude alteration to his enchantment trap. Any regular mage would be hard-pressed to notice the teleportation trap!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Enchanter], now that he had the leisure to look at the magic door, was agog. Pelt peered at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood wood. Deceptive iron bands, see? It\u2019s actually pure metal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo hold the enchantment. It would not last this long otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dwarf grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how that\u2019s possible. Not that I\u2019m an enchantment expert, but who enchants damn wood doors?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault tapped at his wrist, somewhat annoyed by the question. He replied snappily, ignoring the argument coming from the inn. Lyonette was trying to remove Mrsha and the two [Druids] were arguing again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis wood is exceedingly precise in the ah, cutting. Not only is this door all cut from the same tree\u2019s wood, but to maintain the perfection of the enchantment, the grain is uniform<\/em>. One has to imagine even finding the correct tree took countless fellings. All to create this innocuous door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why a door? And who is this \u2018Warmage Thresk\u2019? I do not know of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

A slightly supercilious voice. Hedault did not look about; he was eying the enchantment and the splicing of the elegant spell into this\u2026aberration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarmage Thresk of Albez is a [Mage] I have studied from various artifacts unearthed. His personal, and quite secret quarters were recently looted by adventurers, but his creations have long been uncovered from the ruins. As to the reason the door appears so plain\u2014I gather this was a trap.<\/em> The final trap of his apartments was, apparently, to lure unwary robbers into touching the door whereupon it teleported the intruders into a room filled with [Insanity] spells from every side. I would imagine the effect reached Tier 6 with so many overlapping spells.\u201d<\/p>\n

A murmur. A huge figure folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a bad trap. Too paranoid by half, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Warmages] of the Albez City-State were exceedingly paranoid about competition. This is a disgusting alteration to the door. It bleeds<\/em> efficacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t it, though? I noticed it myself. Amateur work. But inspired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crunch, crunch.<\/em> Someone was eating something. Hedault found that annoying. In disgust, he rose and withdrew something.<\/p>\n

A treasure. The wand looked plain at first. But the wood that had made it was ironwood. And the core? Heads turned. The Dwarf, Pelt, murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that\u2019s<\/em> good wood. Ironwood, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault drew the wand down the door\u2019s length. Ah, what a perfect spell.<\/em> Barely faded with time. He smiled as the wand allowed him to feel<\/em> the enchantment buried in the wood. He was no expert in earth-magics, but the wand boosted his connection, even focus. He sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would take months to even try to alter this enchantment. Fixing this\u2026basic teleportation network I could do. But I\u2019m disinclined to work in this inn. Too many Skills; casting a spell in the common room would be dangerous. This has been a waste of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we talk about enchanting my products.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pelt sipped from his mug. Hedault looked at him, annoyed by the Dwarf\u2019s manner. Of course, he knew Pelt. And his image of the Dwarf\u2019s craft\u2014such wonderful purity of his metals, and delicate hammer work!\u2014was rapidly being dashed by the rude fellow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will make an appointment, Master Smith, to consult. I do not have a surplus of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah. I don\u2019t have time for appointments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I<\/em> am exceedingly busy!\u201d<\/p>\n

This place was stressful enough. Hedault turned and reached for the door. As he did, someone tapped him on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. I was actually hoping to consult with an enchantment on some weights. Grimalkin of Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault turned. He stared at a muscle-bound [Mage] in some amazement for a second. It seemed inconceivable that the body had that many muscles. Hedault blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026of Pallass? I can make an appointment, Master\u2026Drake, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a roar from the common room. Hedault winced at the unorganized sound. He wanted to go. But a third figure was there. He was a tall half-Elf. Hedault glanced at him as he stroked his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting. Warmage Thresk\u2026Warmage\u2026it still doesn\u2019t ring a bell. But it\u2019s not bad. I take it back. Insanity room traps are entertaining. I wish I could have seen it. Are there more Albez artifacts? I should like to see them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, I don\u2019t have time to speak about the entire history of Albez! Whomever you are. I apologize, but I must go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault snapped. Teriarch fixed him with a single eye and the [Enchanter] slowed. The Dragon slowly popped a kernel into his mouth. Chewed. Then, he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish. But tell me one thing before you go. Is that a genuine Living Wand? I thought no one made them anymore. How old is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Enchanter] wavered. He looked at the wand. Grimalkin\u2019s eyebrows rose. Pelt scratched his head. Master Hedault\u2026decided to stay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later, the [Druids] walked around the garden with Mrsha. Lyonette didn\u2019t like it, but they had pointed out, quite reasonably, that Mrsha did not know her class.<\/em> And while Nalthaliarstrelous was arguably a public menace, Teriarch had supported him.<\/p>\n

Lyonette was nothing if not practical at some points. Even so, she was sitting on the hill, glaring daggers down at them as they circled the periphery.<\/p>\n

As they talked, Hedault found himself having a drink in the inn. The table was full, and onlookers hovered in the background.<\/p>\n

Palt, Montressa, Beza\u2014and even Guildmistress Alonna, and other [Mages] who knew what was what. They ran errands, listened in silence, and seldom dared to ask questions.<\/p>\n

But the real table was only a few people. Hedault. Pelt the Dwarf. Grimalkin. Teriarch. Or Grand Mage Eldavin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother round, sirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reynold brought the drinks. He was well aware someone\u2019s head would roll after this, but the put-upon [Butler] was helping serve the table, much to Ishkr\u2019s bemusement. The [Mages] barely noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well. Enchantment is not what it was. One remembers rather grand enchantments that could be transcribed on a coin, say. So, one would offer a competitor [Mage] a triple-bound [Fireball] on a silver coin and watch their heads explode. Not that I ever did so myself, but it seems to me that the compression<\/em> of spells is what\u2019s lacking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin was waving a hand airily as he spoke. It was Grimalkin who objected.<\/p>\n

\u201cPolitely, Grand Magus, I\u2019d say the complexity of spells has also gone down. Wistram Academy isn\u2019t the only institution that lacks for advanced spellcraft these days. The competency of magic has decreased worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense. The advancement of magic ebbs and flows. True, as a whole, the power of magic dwindles, but Archmage Zelkyr is not to blame for all of it. How long has it been since a true, worldwide disaster struck?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You mean, the King of Destruction? Or the Demons?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault was tapping on his wrist, listening intently. Eldavin\u2019s brow wrinkled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u2026oh. No, I mean, a disaster.<\/em> Like the Creler Wars. That level of adversity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those sitting around the table exchanged glances.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Not within the last thousand years. I can name some events, but that\u2019s a high bar to set, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are then. When such an event strikes\u2014it will change the next thousands of years. You see\u2014those who level up to such high levels may pass away within mere centuries. But their artifacts remain. And the next generation is thus of a higher level. Now, we\u2019re all at a low point in history, but the long view is where you see it at. But that\u2019s not about enchantments. In truth, I think it\u2019s a shortage of compression theory.<\/em> And I know I\u2019m right. Compression theory leads to higher-level enchantments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone leaned forwards. The Dragon tapped at the side of his nose, enjoying the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnchantment is a series of building blocks. One can<\/em> create a monumental enchantment on something the size of a mountain. But the purity and scale required is too great. Because modern-day enchantments are not compressed, the difficulty is scaled up exponentially on all levels.<\/em> Compress the amount of runework needed by a factor of even two, and the benefits. It\u2019s about dimensions. Modern enchantments only seem to use two, or three at most for some reason\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

At that point Montressa had to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Grand Magus. What other dimensions are<\/em> there?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon\u2019s eyes twinkled. And he refused to talk. He felt quite happy with the attention and he believed that he was managing to just drop the most nebulous of hints.<\/p>\n

He was, of course, wrong. The problem wasn\u2019t that Teriarch was speaking in abstracts without dropping any concrete magical examples to his audience about how spellcraft had waned and could be discovered. Nor was it that he was avoiding any specifics.<\/p>\n

The problem was that he was absolutely correct<\/em> about the vague flaws he pointed out. And the students of magic, from nosing about aimlessly in the maze of spell theory, had just scented the cheese.<\/p>\n

Such delicious moments. Such informative talks. Such notes.<\/em> But that wasn\u2019t the point. As Teriarch stretched back, he heard a sound amid the talk, the eager questions, Grimalkin\u2019s quill skritching.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

It was the sound of wood on wood. A delightful little noise. The Dragon looked around. And he heard a curse.<\/p>\n

\u201cAha! Victory!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin, in a very unsportswomanly like display of conduct, checkmated Maviola\u2019s king. The [Lady] glared.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you doing that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPure skill!<\/em> This is vengeance! Hey, Saliss, want to get in on this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t play chess.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] was in the group watching Teriarch, for different reasons. The Dragon leaned back, craning his neck to and fro.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that over there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone take me on! Where\u2019s Belgrade? Pawn? <\/em>It\u2019s been a stressful<\/em> day!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was slapping down her opponents. Maviola had lost eight games in a row; Erin was feeling unusually uncharitable. She was warming up for a Chaldion match, and her regular chess game wasn\u2019t until later tonight. She looked around.<\/p>\n

No one met her eyes. Olesm might have, but he was in Liscor. None of the Antinium were her chess veterans. The staff hid. Even Numbtongue carefully and deliberately walked out the door and went into the outhouse.<\/p>\n

Into that opening came a Dragon. The table of [Mages] fell silent. Erin Solstice slowly looked up as the half-Elf walked over to her. And the inn\u2026<\/p>\n

Fell\u2026<\/p>\n

Silent.<\/p>\n

Grand Mage Eldavin. He sat down as the regulars of the inn turned in their chairs. They knew. They looked at each other. Someone ran for the doors and sent a Street Runner for every chess lover in Liscor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice cautiously looked at Eldavin. She knew something. Reynold and Sacra looked at each other. Eldavin sat down slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Erin Solstice. How curious. You know this game?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I mean\u2026I only learned it two years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s eyes flickered. Across the room, Grimalkin snorted.<\/p>\n

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

The Dragon\u2019s eyes narrowed. He recalled something Ryoka had told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly naturally. I myself learned the game two years ago as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sacra and Reynold exchanged a glance. Sacra recalled\u2014quite vividly\u2014seeing this game before. Teriarch had taught Magnolia how to play.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCool. Do you play chess? You\u2019re uh\u2014a friend of Magnolia\u2019s. I didn\u2019t know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman looked carefully at Eldavin. He gave her a half-smile, mysterious, a bit superior.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne cultivates acquaintances over time. It is an inevitability of age. Would you object to me challenging you to a game?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChess? Not at all.<\/em> I\u2019m actually a huge fan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin smiled. The Grand Magus glanced at Maviola. At the crowd suddenly pulling up tables, chairs. Palt produced a ledger.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2026appear more than confident, Miss Solstice. \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not that<\/em> good\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin began, blushing. In other areas, she could maintain a big head. But a good chess player wasn\u2019t overconfident. Neither were they humble. But the Dragon cut her off.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s rather fortunate. I don\u2019t play chess for lack of suitable opponents. I myself am something of a\u2026master.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] paused. Slowly, her eyes lifted and she met his.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin polished his nails on his robes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t remember losing a game in recent memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Well, I\u2019m decent at the game myself. Perhaps I could give you a good match.\u201d<\/p>\n

Something in the air.<\/em> Maviola blinked. Erin Solstice was terrible at using her aura. But the [Innkeeper] leaned over the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to play a game?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon offered her an arrogant smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I could pass the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

His tone suggested that winning a game or two might be enjoyable. No hint that he would ever lose. Palt glanced at Montressa. Numbtongue poked his head out of the door.<\/p>\n

By the time Olesm burst through the door, panting and clutching at his side, the two were sitting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer playing black. But if you have a preference\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin politely switched the board around. The Grand Magus waved a lazy hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite fine with either side. Rather\u2014to make this interesting, why don\u2019t I spot you a move?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am most adept.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCool. That\u2019s really generous. How about this, though. I could spot you<\/em> a move.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon hesitated. He sat up slightly. His eyes narrowed. Erin gave him a big, friendly smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m adept too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Somewhere in Pallass, Chaldion was fighting with his [Healer], demanding to see.<\/em> Erin Solstice cracked her fingers. Winced. She didn\u2019t even notice the rings of people watching. Belgrade, Olesm, Garry, Pawn\u2026Montressa, Bezale, Pelt, Palt\u2026Hedault\u2026<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights casually walked down the hallway. He leaned on the magic door and switched it away from Pallass. Then he dusted his claws and walked back, smiling.<\/p>\n

Two voices spoke in the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m serious about spotting you a move.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seriously believe you have a chance, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. But hey\u2014I do like a nice, fair game. Equal. I\u2019d even bet on it. Like\u2026a few gold coins?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t like to take money from you. Why don\u2019t we simply play?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon slowly moved a pawn to E4. The [Innkeeper] looked up at him. She smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026Of course, that wasn\u2019t important. In the [Garden of Sanctuary], oblivious to the sounds coming from the common room, three [Druids] walked. Two upright, one on all fours.<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous, when not beating animal-abusers with his staff, was much different to the person Lyonette and Erin mistrusted so much. The first thing he did was see to Mrsha\u2019s Fortress Beaver colony.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you poor things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha saw him gently coaxing the Fortress Beavers out of their dam. Then, the [Druid] held them. He gently inspected their scarred flesh. And to Mrsha\u2019s amazement, produced little balms, rubbed them into the flesh. And the scar tissue began to fade.<\/em><\/p>\n

Even Shassa, the other [Druid], was amazed. But Mrsha felt<\/em> it. If Shassa was a sapling, Nalthaliarstrelous was a tree. And his power ran deep.<\/p>\n

\u201cHealing is one of our talents. Few spells heal outright, but our class can cast [Regeneration] at the utmost highest levels. Which I am not. But I can still remove scar tissue.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] explained to Mrsha. His fingers were gentle, and the Fortress Beaver nuzzled him before she waddled off. The animals trusted the [Druid] instinctively. And he knew his work. He inspected the stool of the beavers\u2014which Mrsha had to toss out every day as part of her responsibilities. He kicked one fresh leaving apart and hmmed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe wood isn\u2019t as good for their diets. There are better trees. And they will want different food by season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha looked up at him. She was impressed. This smelly Human was smart.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shassa laughed, appalled. Nalthaliarstrelous just guffawed. The Drake bent down and addressed Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mustn\u2019t mock him. Nalthaliarstrelous is among the best of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am just a man. Our little landfriend has the right of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older [Druid] snapped. Shassa jumped, blushed under her scales and ducked her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cForgive me, Nalthaliarstrelous. As I said. Oteslia craves your aid. He is the best of us at terraforming, you see, Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n

And combat and shapeshifting.<\/em> The Drake\u2019s thought ran parallel to her words. Mrsha peered up at Nalthaliarstrelous. She nudged him.<\/p>\n

Show me.<\/em> The [Druid] understood her without words. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis garden is a sacred place. I will not casually move earth. It is just magic anyways. Any [Earth Mage] could do the same, or [Geomancer].\u201d<\/p>\n

His tone made it clear what he thought of them. Mrsha wrinkled her nose. She had walked with the [Druids]. But she didn\u2019t understand what made them\u2026unique.<\/p>\n

Shassa and Nalthaliarstrelous both smiled at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe answer, Mrsha, is that we are more than just \u2018protectors of nature\u2019 like many call us. Your\u2014your mother for one.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed up at Lyonette, who scowled at them from her hilltop. A bee was buzzing around her, lazily feeding on flowers. Nalthaliarstrelous nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw me dealing justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smacking bad mens with a club.<\/em> Mrsha felt that was less\u2026impressive than she had hoped from her class. The [Druids] chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot always. I do not attack [Woodcutters]. Despite what your parent thinks. You may chop down trees. You may hunt for food, or coin, or need. These things are what all people do. But when you destroy, waste lives\u2014that is when I break your legs. My Skills and spells empower me to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] tapped his hand with his staff for emphasis. His palm turned into a valley of thorns. Shassa shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNalthaliarstrelous\u2014his role is more punitive, Mrsha. He deals with people. <\/em>Myself, I deal with animals. Plants. Animals can be cruel as well. Sometimes they need to be disciplined. A rabid bear must be calmed and healed\u2014or put down. In the same way, plants need water, but sometimes they must also be pruned. This is my role.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gently, she uprooted a thistle plant that had migrated into the [Garden of Sanctuary], perhaps borne on someone\u2019s boots. Without malice. Mrsha was puzzled. Wasn\u2019t the thistle a plant? Well\u2014Mrsha would have yanked it up too.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t need to be here. It can serve another purpose as food if boiled, or in other ways. Again, we\u2019re not all like him. I don\u2019t break the law! And while I\u2019m part of Oteslia, I am not under anyone\u2019s command. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2026the Circle of Oteslia is concerned about your involvement in the Antinium affair. We want to talk to you about that as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at the Human [Druid]. Cautiously. The man ignored the implicit criticism. He addressed both Mrsha and Shassa.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, we must seek the authority of cityfolk to do greater good. Such as that woman. What she gives is more than is asked for. I deem it well enough. And my work is my own law; I am the only [Druid] around Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n

He meant Magnolia Reinhart. But his thoughts also indicated that [Druids] were rare. A Circle of them\u2014rarer still.<\/p>\n

Chastened, Shassa nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe acknowledge that, Nalthaliarstrelous. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke off for a second. Mrsha heard a buzzing. All three [Druids] looked up.<\/p>\n

Apista flew upside down past the three [Druids], ignoring the stares. Mrsha distinctly got an impression that if the bee could speak, Apista would be saying\u2014\u2018whee\u2026look at me, I\u2019m flying!<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with her?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Druid] looked concerned. Mrsha explained. Flowers.<\/em> Apista got silly when she drank their nectar. Nalthaliarstrelous shook his head, frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose flowers. Just as well they\u2019re not fully matured. Terrible and beautiful. Where did they come from?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha wasn\u2019t sure she should explain. The two [Druids] frowned. But they did not press her.<\/p>\n

It was funny. For all Lyonette called them \u2018lawless rulebreakers\u2019, it was clear that they regarded this<\/em> as Mrsha\u2019s domain. They were respectful to her, listened when she wanted to say something, and treated her like an equal. Mrsha liked it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you must know of us, Mrsha, is that we occupy many roles. It is not just people and pets that concern us. In fact, it is seldom them for most of us. Nalthaliarstrelous is an exception. We must battle monsters, disease, starvation, fire, even animal species themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa went on with the explanation. She lifted her staff, and showed Mrsha the tip. To Mrsha\u2019s horror, she saw it actually had a small nest of tiny purple spiders.<\/em> They scurried out as Mrsha backed away. Shassa laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, they\u2019re friendly! Nor would I let them infest this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

She lifted her staff and they disappeared into the web. The [Druid] gestured about.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur job is balance.<\/em> Not protection. For instance, I am a [Spiderweb Druid]. But when Shield Spiders bred over their limits and began eating everything in the Kask region\u2014I exterminated them with my fellow [Druids], adventurers, and military. Because it was necessary. In the same way, unnatural things, like undead, some monsters, are also our enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCrelers. We exterminate them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous was blunt. The Drake shuddered. So did Mrsha. But it was an important distinction to make so the Human took over.<\/p>\n

\u201cFew things we loathe, Mrsha. The Bloodfields are a type of nature. However changed. Not nature I would allow to persist outside of its zone, but nature nonetheless. Crelers destroy everything. Even rabbits would destroy Creler eggs rather than let them exist. What [Druids] deem enemies, we battle. We are warriors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa touched her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaretakers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArbiters.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Human [Druid] bent down. He touched the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Shassa wonder why I worked with Magnolia Reinhart? The Antinium are our enemies, little one. When they came, they eradicated everything around their Hives. We fought them.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes flickered. Mrsha felt his cold resolve. He had fought them. Buried them, drowned them, torn them apart during both wars\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Indignantly, the Gnoll [Druid] stood up on her two legs. No! The two [Druids] recoiled. Mrsha punched Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s leg. Not Pawn! Not Garry! Not Belgrade or anyone here! She\u2019d beat them up first, she\u2019d\u2014<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous picked her up. Lyonette jumped to her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] ignored her. He let Mrsha swing wildly in the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that. Explain. The Antinium have always<\/em> been one Hive. Explain, little one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha hesitated. She thought<\/em>\u2014and both [Druid]\u2019s eyes widened. Mrsha imagined Garry, feeding her scraps, Belgrade, learning to play chess\u2014<\/p>\n

Pawn, praying for the dead.<\/em> Was that evil?<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Nalthaliarstrelous lowered Mrsha to the ground. He blinked. Shassa turned pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot believe it. The Antinium are one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClearly not. Listen to the young [Druid], Shassa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s a ch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Smack.<\/em> Nalthaliarstrelous bopped<\/em> the Drake so fast Mrsha didn\u2019t see it. The Drake clutched at her head and squatted down. Lyonette hesitated as Mrsha excitedly nodded. Nalthaliarstrelous scowled at Shassa.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you deny the truth? Look! Listen! If she says the Antinium are not one thing,<\/em> they are not!\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they are not all the same, we will treat them as such. But this is a revelation. The other wild walkers must know. Now I regret helping Reinhart.\u201d<\/p>\n

His face was troubled. But as he bent low to look at her, the man\u2019s face broke into a huge smile behind his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be fate, that the wilds make you a [Druid] so young! You have battled Raskghar, monsters! Little landfriend\u2014you now bring us important knowledge! If the Antinium are not our enemies, we should not fight them as we assumed in the Third Antinium War.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNalthaliarstrelous!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa cried out, horrified. The [Druid] spun, staff raised. But this time the garden\u2019s law made him hesitate. Apparently educational bops counted\u2014not beatings with sticks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will debate it. You see, Mrsha\u2014there are only two large Circles. One, in the Vale forest under the aegis of House Veltras. The other in Oteslia. There are [Druids] in other places, but two gatherings in Izril. In every continent we roam, but two there. And we are not all united.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa edged away from Nalthaliarstrelous as he pointed at her. Mrsha began to see. The Drake felt very peaceful compared to Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019 wild impulses. A warrior and caretaker, indeed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Perhaps let\u2019s leave it at that. For now\u2014Mrsha, you should come to Oteslia with me. Or at the very least\u2014wait until Nalthaliarstrelous returns to learn from one of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even him.<\/em> The Drake rubbed her head as she looked up at Lyonette. She saw Mrsha tug at her leg. Why?<\/em> Mrsha was happy to learn, but she\u2019d leveled up well enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo understand what it is to be kind. One can be cruel by being kind. Or make mistakes. You were close to losing your class. And you have hurt these children, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous bent down. Mrsha went still. Her face fell.<\/p>\n

The rats. <\/em>Gravely, the [Druids] nodded. They felt her guilt.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust so. And the Fortress Beavers fought the Shield Spiders because you did not separate them. You must learn some lessons to help, not hinder. We will teach you. But later. It may be difficult if that one objects.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous waved at Lyonette. Mrsha nodded slowly. The [Druid] bent down.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, just know that your class is not just nature-mage.<\/em> Magic is a side-effect of our class, not the goal. We do not crave power. We are not all one people. But we share ideas in common.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere is mine, and what I believe: to hurt those who cannot defend themselves is a poor thing. To waste is a poor thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice was gentle, but like steel, vines rooted in the earth. Shassa raised her staff, and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo destroy without leaving something behind is to be worthless. That is what the [Druids] of Oteslia believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cowards.<\/em> Nalthaliarstrelous glanced at Mrsha. She began to suspect part of Oteslia\u2019s project involved combat of some kind. But as the [Druids] walked on, they explained a tiny bit more.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not master magic as well as [Mages]. But nor will you be as unfit to survive without magic. But the true root of our power is in our connection with nature. Plants\u2014animals\u2014we are shape-changers. You have one Skill. We have many.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake touched her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor instance, I am spider-friend. If I will it, I can spin silk. Climb even the tallest trees.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s already-hairy arm covered with fur. He grinned at Mrsha with bear-teeth, only cooler than Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI <\/em>am bear-friend. Wolf-brother. Many things in one. You have one ally: beavers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeavers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Shassa giggled. Mrsha and Nalthaliarstrelous both glared at her. He raised his staff and she raised her claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry! But that\u2019s just rare!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous nodded. He\u2014twitched<\/em>\u2014blinked. Mrsha saw him look around, feel at the back of his neck. What had that been? But the [Druid] didn\u2019t know himself. She felt his curiosity.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. But all of us have our paths. You might be a fine grower, or more magically inclined. The point is that nature is supported where you find it. It may be a garden, like I tend. Or Oteslia\u2019s produce.\u201d<\/p>\n

Druids could sell plants? Wasn\u2019t that bad?<\/em> Shassa shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone has to earn money. And we put it into sanctuaries for animals. You see, some of us are less active than others. Because of [Druids], the Pegasi populations did not dwindle like Unicorns! They now live in Oteslia, even if their numbers are still small.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs slaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCompanions!<\/em> They\u2019re well-cared for, Nalthaliarstrelous!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. As slaves. They are not free to fly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t start, please! The Circle of Oteslia decided centuries ago\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe north never agreed to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many Pegasi are in the north, then? Huh? Answer me that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey died free.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t hit me for speaking the truth\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The two began to quarrel. Mrsha listened, hearing insults both verbal and mental begin to fly. Her takeaway was that [Druids] were a bit high-strung.<\/em><\/p>\n

But she liked her class. She didn\u2019t know if she wanted to just<\/em> be a [Druid], though. Mrsha rather liked the idea of being a [Druid]-[Adventurer]. A real<\/em> adventurer. And maybe a [Wizard] too!<\/p>\n

Both Nalthaliarstrelous and Shassa stared at the Gnoll child in consternation. It seemed to occur to them only now that Mrsha might not be as invested as they were in their class. Nalthaliarstrelous opened his mouth\u2014<\/p>\n

And twitched.<\/em> His head spun around. Mrsha and Shassa looked at him. The [Druid] stared about. Then up.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Twang.<\/em> On his roof, Bird happily hummed and shot another arrow. Another bird fell out of the skies.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo birds, three birds, all in the pot. Or if I leave them out, they will rot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird happily sing. He ignored the roar from below. An outraged Dragon overturned a chess board. An [Innkeeper] danced. Chaldion pounded on the door as Saliss leaned on it.<\/p>\n

Spectacle.<\/em> But Bird didn\u2019t care. He aimed his bow at another frantic, diving shape. He sighted, calculating velocity, wind, drew back and\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNalthaliarstrelous, stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium froze. He had heard nothing. Seen nothing. Up until that moment\u2014slowly he turned his head.<\/p>\n

A vast bear stood behind him. No\u2014not a bear.<\/em> It had climbed the tower in three moves. Long claws had torn the wood. But this creature was bipedal. It opened its mouth and dark venom dripped between huge fangs. It rippled with muscle\u2014Bird swung his bow around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The thing spoke.<\/em> The Worker hesitated. He saw a Drake and Gnoll race onto the roof, alarmed. The other Workers scrambled for weapons, but Nalthaliarstrelous paid no attention. Bird hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHunting Birds?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] waited. Bird stared up at him. Slowly, Nalthaliarstrelous looked at Bird.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me. How many do you kill? How many do you eat? How many do you leave to rot, or strip only for feathers and trophies?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He had exceptionally long claws, Bird noted. Venom bite\u2014it was like someone had engineered parts of bear, wolf, and something with venom for combat. The Antinium reflected he might die unless he jumped from the roof. But someone would die either way. Still\u2014since Mrsha was behind the [Druid] and frantically trying to pull him back, the Worker replied. Honestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will kill as many birds as I see. Yes, as many as fly past me. I eat them all. I leave some to rot so they get squishy. And I like their feathers very muchly. Will you kill me?\u201d<\/p>\n

He drew back the arrow, aiming for Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s open jaws. The [Druid] stared at him. The Workers froze. And then\u2014Nalthaliarstrelous laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A naked [Druid] stood on the roof of the inn, putting on his robes. Mrsha learned something interesting about him. About [Druids].<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous didn\u2019t care. Or rather\u2014he had thought Bird was just shooting the birds and leaving them to die for fun. When he heard that Bird would eat each and every one, his wrath had abated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll things die. I object to waste.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He explained to Mrsha. On the other hand, Shassa had been horrified to learn about Bird\u2019s one-bow crusade against all that flew. She was explaining to Bird about conservation of species, nests, and so on. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019 mental thoughts were dismissive. He sat with Mrsha on the roof, listening to the cheers as Teriarch bellowed for a rematch. Foul! He hadn\u2019t been trying!<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Druids] ignored the silliness. Nalthaliarstrelous nodded to Bird.<\/p>\n

\u201cShassa is wrong. That Antinium cannot kill every bird in the Floodplains. The smart ones already fear him. I sensed that and assumed he only cared for sport. They will learn to avoid him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha didn\u2019t know if she agreed with that. But Nalthaliarstrelous was, in fact, a proponent of hunting.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnimals kill each other to eat. Only those of us like Shassa want people to eat leaves all day. And she is a Drake.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned at Mrsha. Lyonette huffed onto the roof after extricating herself from the mess in the inn. She saw the Human [Druid]\u2014now thankfully clothed or there would have been trouble<\/em>\u2014peering around the Floodplains.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not my place, little landfriend. But if I had to solve one issue of this land\u2026no [Druids] reside around Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGee. I wonder why. Excuse me, but Mrsha can\u2019t stay with you fine [Druids] forever!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] stomped over to them. Nalthaliarstrelous glanced up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis place would be better for our kind. Now I look at it\u2014perhaps we should have come earlier. Now I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes flashed across the Floodplains. Mrsha saw lush grass, butterflies, flowers\u2014not many trees, but a nice place to run about if you didn\u2019t mind Shield Spiders and Rock Crabs. She sighed.<\/p>\n

She was banned from going out. Stinky Lyonette and Erin said\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

Tap. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s staff touched Mrsha\u2019s head. Lyonette made a sound. But the [Druid] just looked at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as well. There are threats here to children, even [Druids]. You lack judgment. Even we follow rules.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was tough! Mrsha made a fist. Nalthaliarstrelous raised his staff. She\u2026lowered the fist. Lyonette lowered her<\/em> fist. The [Druid] paid no attention to her. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s head turned once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow problematic.\u201d<\/p>\n

What was? Her?<\/em> Mrsha poked at him. The [Druid] didn\u2019t respond for a second. Shassa came stomping across the roof.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a monster! He doesn\u2019t see how many birds he\u2019s killing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe eats them. Maggots and all. You could learn from them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette made a sound. She stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cBird? What did I tell you about\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Hunter] fled. Shassa blanched. But Nalthaliarstrelous was just frowning. He had sensed something. And Mrsha waited. At last, the Human [Druid] rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cShassa Weaverweb. Mrsha of the Stone Spears Tribe. I am minded to call together a circle to debate a grave issue I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll blinked. She hadn\u2019t expected that. What grave issue? Shassa was just as taken aback. Her gaze swung to Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cA circle? But there are just three of us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s not even recognized. She\u2019s only\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake saw Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019 eyes flash.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is a [Druid].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is too young.\u201d<\/p>\n

The female [Druid] protested. Nalthaliarstrelous shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is her<\/em> place. Would you exclude her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa bit her tongue. Mrsha glowered. Yeah! Exclude from\u2026what?<\/p>\n

\u201cA decision. Something grave affects this land. Worse than the dungeon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous stared across the Floodplains. He touched at his eyes. Mrsha saw them flicker. She sensed\u2026something. Shassa bit her lip. And the [Druid] turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo me\u2026this place seems much worse than it has ever been. Mrsha du Marquin. Look and see.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to her. His brown, plain eyes deepened. Mrsha\u2019s gaze was drawn into the black pupils. Something was in there.<\/em> A\u2026picture. She blinked\u2014<\/p>\n

And she was standing in the same place. Mrsha looked away from Nalthaliarstrelous. And froze.<\/p>\n

She saw the Floodplains as they had been.<\/em> The mountains were the same. But\u2014the land was different.<\/p>\n

Gone was Liscor! There was no tall walls! No city of stone! Just\u2014water. Mrsha\u2019s jaws dropped. She saw Nalthaliarstrelous pointing. Only he, Shassa, and she were left. Even the roof of the inn was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee through my eyes. What must have been here once.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] pointed. Through his Skill, Mrsha saw.<\/p>\n

First\u2014a vast lake. Oh! The Gnoll saw, in a flash, how this basin, the rains\u2014it had been a lake!<\/em> Of course! Only, at some point someone had pulled the plug and the waters drained. But before\u2014she saw water everywhere, only a few points of shallow land. Vast things swam in the waters. Mrsha saw something far<\/em> larger than a Lurkersnatch fish moving in the deeps. And then\u2014<\/p>\n

Then it was a swamp. Mushy, overgrown. But beautiful. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019 eyes reflected in their very depths a buzzing place full of wild creatures, large predators who lived in water and on the sparse areas of land. Lots of trees, growing wild. Not a fun place to live for people. But so full of life!<\/em><\/p>\n

Mrsha saw Razorbeaks in the trees, amphibious reptiles\u2014snapping, fighting with snakes\u2014mammals were rare. She looked at Nalthaliarstrelous. Shassa was wide-eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Memory of the Earth]. Nalthaliarstrelous, why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then came Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid]\u2019s voice was calm. Mrsha saw trees disappearing, the murky waters clearing. Someone was removing the trees! Harvesting them\u2014to build settlements of wood. And the effect of the clearing was pronounced.<\/p>\n

The waters drained. The marsh system turned into something familiar. Mud flats and a temporary lake by spring. And at other times\u2014<\/p>\n

No more trees were left.<\/em> But that was not a bad<\/em> thing. Just something new. Mrsha blinked, ran over a field of flowers.<\/p>\n

What was this?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Floodplains were dry. They filled and drained, but in the summers, they bloomed verdant. Mrsha saw Corusdeer herds, vast plains full of moles, rabbits, and other grazing animals like cows and sheep! Not all native to Liscor. It was a vast pastoral land! Albeit not flat.<\/p>\n

Of course, predators roamed this place too. Foxes, wolves\u2014Carn Wolves too, hunting, larger species such as Rock Crabs at the top of the hierarchy. But it was filled with wildlife. Mrsha smiled. She raced after a rabbit\u2014<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous caught her from going over the edge of the roof. Mrsha blinked. Suddenly, she was back in reality. The Floodplains looked almost<\/em> like her vision. But something was wrong.<\/p>\n

Where had all the animals gone? <\/em>Mrsha blinked. The Floodplains now had butterflies, ordinary bees, birds, flying well clear of the inn\u2014a few rodents. But not the abundance of before. Even the [Shepherds] and their herds were gone. Liscor was back, but\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. No, Nalthaliarstrelous\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa breathed. Mrsha glanced at her and then the Human [Druid]\u2019s face. He looked\u2026weary. Concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

He asked Mrsha. She did. Sort of.<\/p>\n

Something strange was happening here. The [Druid]\u2019s eyes glittered and he waited for Mrsha to solve it. She thought. She had seen life in abundance in three stages. First, fishies in the lake. Second, marsh-stuff. Third\u2014plains animals.<\/p>\n

This was the plains now, largely unchanged. But why were there no animals? The young [Druid] thought. And she had it.<\/p>\n

The spiders.<\/em><\/p>\n

They were all over the Floodplains. Not visible, but Mrsha knew from experience that their camouflaged nests were all over the place. You stepped on them and you went into a nest full of hungry Shield Spiders. That was why you had to stick to the road. And why\u2026the animals were gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are not native to Izril, you know. They came from Baleros. Only one species. And while not as terrible as others, they breed in great numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Druid] sat heavily on the roof. Shassa was breathing hard. She looked at the man as he spoke to Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cFew things can live where one species dominates. Now I have shown you what I see. Tell me\u2014 Mrsha of the Stone Spears tribe. Think of the Shield Spiders of these Floodplains. You, who have seen them more than I or Shassa. Do they spread beyond number? Do they choke other life? I say it so.\u201d<\/p>\n

He held up a hand before Shassa could reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say they will multiply until all else dies here. I say\u2014the Floodplains may lack for trees. It has changed, by the actions of Drakes. But what it could be now<\/em> is still less than it is. Think carefully before you respond, Mrsha. But this is your land. What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

What did she say? <\/em>Mrsha looked at Shassa. The [Spiderweb Druid] was a friend of the Shield Spiders. But even she\u2026the Drake looked across the Floodplains. She bowed her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say it is so. Ancestors, but the webfolk are too hungry. They eat everything<\/em>. There are hundreds of thousands. And those don\u2019t even count the young, the unborn\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She could sense<\/em> them. For a moment, Mrsha saw as she did. She saw the nests. Thousands of them. Some close to the inn. Spiders milled about\u2014Mrsha felt her fur standing on end.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous nodded. It was two votes now, a clear majority. But that wasn\u2019t how it worked. They waited for Mrsha.<\/p>\n

Below, in the inn, a Dragon blasted a chess board and sent everyone running for cover as he vented his fury. Above, a small Gnoll thought gravely. And at last\u2026<\/p>\n

She nodded. Nalthaliarstrelous bowed his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa\u2019s eyes filled with tears. Mrsha looked at them. She did not understand. Yet.<\/p>\n

She had one last lesson to learn about [Druids].<\/p>\n

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

—-<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Xrn hiked up towards The Wandering Inn. She wanted to see what all the fuss was about and why Belgrade and Garry had both run out of the Hive. She pushed open the door to the inn.<\/p>\n

Just in time to hear the cheering. The crowd barely noticed her.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was shaking hands. Teriarch\u2014Grand Magus Eldavin had stormed off.<\/p>\n

Contrary to the mood, it wasn\u2019t the sweeping victory you might expect. To the chess aficionados, it was clear that it was very<\/em> close.<\/p>\n

Erin and Teriarch, as master-players, had played to a draw eight games. Between master-classes, that was usual. But Teriarch had lost the first game due to his overconfidence. \u00a0By the time he\u2019d taken the game seriously, Erin had smoked him.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s actually won<\/em> the next game, and the fourth. But Erin had won the eighth after four draws, and the Dragon had lost his temper.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor sportsmanship. Just, just tragic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm was remarking to Belgrade. The [Tactician] nodded. It was clear Erin and Teriarch needed to settle this. One last win took all. But the Grand Magus had flipped the chess board after the first loss, and then proceeded to blast a table out of existence so thoroughly that even [Partial Reconstruction] wouldn\u2019t salvage it. People were\u2026concerned about a third loss.<\/p>\n

But Erin was on fire.<\/em> Almost literally. Her competitive spirit had been turned up by the only other player in this world who could match her. Teriarch was good. <\/em>He didn\u2019t play like her mysterious opponent; he was far more aggressive. She\u2019d tried out-speeding him, but he\u2019d taken her down effortlessly. He could process faster than even she could. But he grew overconfident. And that meant\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more game takes all. <\/em>But we\u2019re betting<\/em> on this one. I won\u2019t lose again!\u201d<\/p>\n

A roar came from across the room. Erin saw the half-Elf stalking back down the room. He wanted to put it all on the line. He passed through the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2014maybe a bet\u2019s a bad idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno, Olesm. I\u2019ve played for money before. What do you want to bet, Eldavin?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon looked at her, snarling. He was tempted to say one million gold coins<\/em> and be done with it! Reynold and Sacra were trying to drag him back, remind him to keep his cover. But he was too incensed. The Dragon\u2019s head turned as he looked for things to bet.<\/p>\n

The magic door? He had magic doors! Gold? She couldn\u2019t match his bet! A magic sword? <\/em>Hm. His eyes alit on Numbtongue\u2019s sword. Bah, but it wasn\u2019t valuable. He looked around.<\/p>\n

And there was Xrn. The Centenium stared<\/em> at the Dragon. Her interested yellow-and-rose eyes turned bright yellow. Orange. Shock. Alarm. The Dragon\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

He recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou? <\/em>What are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dragon\u2019s anger turned to hostility at once. Grimalkin and Chaldion looked around. Saliss of Lights reached for his bag of holding. Xrn\u2019s hand tightened on her staff. She looked around, unafraid of anyone. Wary of Saliss and Eldavin.<\/p>\n

\u201cRatici. I think we might be earning our pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan adjusted his cap, looking worried. He saw the Centenium shifting. And his [Dangersense] began going off.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice didn\u2019t notice the ringing in her head at first. She was reaching into her pocket. He wanted a bet?<\/em> She didn\u2019t know if it was a good idea. But she had something to bet. Pelt was watching her.<\/p>\n

The world was ready to change. But if you understood this moment, you know\u2014it wasn\u2019t about chess<\/em>. Or Dragons. Or even Antinium.<\/p>\n

It was about [Druids].<\/p>\n

The first rolling drumbeat came from the roof of the inn. <\/em>Soft. Then louder. Everyone in the inn looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin rose from her seat. She heard a thunderous beat.<\/em> It shook through the entire inn. Everyone, the crowd, the guests\u2014even the Dragon looked up.<\/p>\n

Slowly, they came out of the inn. The sound was louder now. On the walls of Liscor, someone was shouting the Solstice-alarm. The Watch stared towards the inn. Towards the source of the sound.<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous was banging his staff on the roof. Mrsha, standing next to Shassa and Lyonette and Bird, felt like the entire world<\/em> was shaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening? What is he doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette was screaming at Shassa. The [Druid] shouted something back. But no one heard a thing.<\/p>\n

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

Lyonette screamed. Bird shouted.<\/p>\n

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

The Drake [Druid] screamed loud enough, even as the pounding grew louder.<\/p>\n

\u201cChallenging them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And then it was silent. Mrsha saw the [Druid] halt, his staff raised. She heard shouting from below, confused voices.<\/p>\n

\u201c#2, don\u2019t make me come up there! We\u2019re playing ch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice froze mid-shout. She saw, behind her inn, across the Floodplains\u2014<\/p>\n

The grass moved.<\/em> The fake nests collapsed. Black shapes boiled out of the holes. Not hundreds. Not thousands. Not tens of thousands.<\/p>\n

Shield Spiders.<\/em> The [Innkeeper] turned white as the innocent Floodplains, green and lush, turned into a sea of spiders. They popped out of the ground where they had been hidden, an infestation out of sight.<\/em> The holes in the grassy hills and valleys were like gaping wounds in green skin, divulging the foul nests.<\/p>\n

On the walls, Watch Captain Zevara saw a flood of Shield Spiders even greater than the one in the dungeon coming at the walls. Her mouth went dry. She croaked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSound\u2014sound the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Shield Spiders rolled across the plains in a fury. Some were as large as cars. Few were the size of those in the dungeon, but they were <\/em>everywhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cInside the inn! Get in the garden\u2014now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was the first to break the shocked silence. She screamed and pointed. People ran. The [Mages] and warriors stayed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat damned [Druid]!<\/em> I\u2019ll kill him! Erin\u2014inside! We need barriers, Montressa! We\u2019ll have to blast them! Grand Magus!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezale roared. The other [Mages] were running, shouting at each other to erect walls, cast [Fireball] spells\u2014<\/p>\n

Teriarch didn\u2019t move. He looked up at the roof. Then at Xrn. The Centenium had raised her staff. But she was waiting on Teriarch. The two locked gazes.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave him. This is his duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all the half-Elf said. He turned back and walked into the inn. Erin stared at his back. Leave him? Who\u2014<\/p>\n

From the roof of the inn, Nalthaliarstrelous leapt. <\/em>Impossibly far, soaring through the air like Grimalkin had done when the Wyverns attacked. He landed on a distant hill and strode forwards, robes fluttering. And the Shield Spiders converged on him.<\/p>\n

They ignored the inn. They ignored the [Mages], the walls of Liscor where horns were blaring. They cared only for one person.<\/p>\n

The [Druid]. <\/em><\/p>\n

He waited until the first wave was nearly on him and then struck the ground with his staff. Erin saw him raise his arms.<\/p>\n

The Shield Spiders racing up a valley between two hills had one second of warning. Then the two distant hills rolled<\/em> towards each other. The dirt and soil merged\u2014and the Shield Spiders were buried.<\/p>\n

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

The [Innkeeper] saw Nalthaliarstrelous stride forwards onto the bare land. Shield Spiders came at him. He struck the ground again\u2014and it turned to mud. The spiders sank into the mud, suffocating, struggling. The [Druid] spun his staff. The earth opened and a rift sucked thousands more into it. It snapped closed. The soil crushed the Shield Spiders, smashing them to bits.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. What level is that [Druid]?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara snapped, command scrolls in her claws. She saw the [Druid] whirl. This time earthen spires shot out of the ground, impaling the Shield Spiders in a huge radius around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s funneling all of them at him. It\u2019s all area-spells.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin had leapt onto the roof. A [Siege Fireball] burned in one claw. He saw Nalthaliarstrelous spin. He ran down the hill and the entire hill turned into an earthen avalanche that buried another wave.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeomancer. He\u2019s not bad. I could still beat him. But this is the best of their kind. Watch him. This is who you will fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn remarked to Belgrade. The [Tactician] turned to her, shaking.<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous made a hole in the world. Spiders poured into it. The sinkhole opened deeper, deeper as he stood on a small ledge, a small pillar. And then the soil moved back together.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s taken magic from the inn. But he\u2019s running out. Those are too many spells.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault felt his wand vibrating<\/em> in his hand. He saw Nalthaliarstrelous drop to one knee, panting. The Shield Spiders flooded at him, greatly reduced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are they attacking him? Even insects should retreat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion ignored the look Yellow Splatters gave him. He turned to Teriarch for confirmation. The half-Elf shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Druids].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Challenge of the Wilds]. He wants to erase their foothold on the Floodplains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shassa breathed. Mrsha saw Nalthaliarstrelous on his knee. He was panting wildly. She could feel his exhaustion. But the spiders\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cDo something!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette shouted in horror. Grimalkin pointed. The [Siege Fireball] blew a section of them apart. The other [Mages] rained spells at a distance at the black wave. But Nalthaliarstrelous was their target.<\/p>\n

As they came for him, the [Druid]\u2019s body grew.<\/em> Mrsha saw brown fur race over his body. His form changed\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin heard someone breathe. The Dire Bear form rose. It crushed the largest spider with a roar, claws tearing through even the thick armor with contemptuous ease. Nalthaliarstrelous brought his arms down, smashing the body.<\/p>\n

The spiders swarmed him. Erin lost track of the [Druid]; the hill poured with spiders. But something was thrashing<\/em> about as they tried to bite through his fur and flesh. Crushing them. Tearing them apart. Eating<\/em> some of them, or spitting out fragments from his jaws.<\/p>\n

From The Wandering Inn and Liscor\u2019s walls came spells. Grimalkin grimly blasted pockets of spiders with his spells. So did Montressa and Palt; others shot arrows, like Bird. But it was all from afar.<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous held the hill. He must have used potions; Mrsha twice saw-felt the [Druid] flagging, and then a surge of fury and vitality. He cut and tore across the spiders and they refused to stop attacking him.<\/p>\n

Until\u2026it ended. There was no signal. One moment the hill was boiling\u2014the next, the Shield Spiders were fleeing. They fled over thousands of their dead, across the soil where buried, crushed spiders lay. A fraction of the army that had assailed him.<\/p>\n

Mrsha tried to run, then. But Lyonette and Shassa both held her back. It was Grimalkin, along with Numbtongue and a few others who approached the hill.<\/p>\n

Nalthaliarstrelous lay naked amid the destruction. His body was covered with blood, bites. He didn\u2019t move as the party extricated him.<\/p>\n

But he was alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just spiders. Saliss could do it. Or\u2026Magus Grimalkin. At some point\u2014spiders can\u2019t hurt you. Keldrass could probably survive with the Heartflame Breastplate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The shaky opinion came from one of the guests. Later, in the inn, they analyzed it.<\/p>\n

It was just spiders. They had been crawling all over one another to get to Nalthaliarstrelous. No wonder his spells had been so effective. The [Druid] had challenged them and he was an earth-specialist with Erin\u2019s inn to back him up.<\/p>\n

No wonder he\u2019d won. Absolutely. Plus, the others had helped! [Siege Fireballs] had come from Magus Grimalkin. It was\u2026was\u2026<\/p>\n

Olesm didn\u2019t add to the appraisal of Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s abilities. He just sat there, trying to imagine a conventional army fighting that. Or even if the Shield Spiders had attacked Liscor\u2019s walls.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne. Two. Three. Four? No\u2026three. Four if you give him that artifact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola was counting. Olesm looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cFour what?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at him. Then she pointed.<\/p>\n

Xrn. Saliss. Eldavin. And then Grimalkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are the ones who could do that. I\u2019m not sure about Eldavin, but the other three\u2014yes. Grimalkin might need the Heartflame Breastplate, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm looked at the [Sinew Magus]. Grimalkin\u2019s face was unreadable, but his jaw was clenched. The [Lady] kissed Olesm lightly and he looked up at her. She smiled, less shaken than the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is what power looks like, Olesm. It was a good lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s jaw worked.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Antinium watched the [Druid]. They looked at Xrn\u2019s calm expression. She was appraising the [Druid].<\/p>\n

For his part, all Nalthaliarstrelous did was weep. Mrsha hadn\u2019t realized it. But the [Druid] was crying. So was Shassa. But Nalthaliarstrelous cried longer.<\/p>\n

Tears ran down into his beard. But all he said to Erin, Lyonette\u2014the others who now treated him with respect\u2014and wariness, was this.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have died. They must be hunted. The city must do this. But the nests can be destroyed. And if they are\u2014the Floodplains will be bountiful again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026remember Tekshia saying that once, there were all kinds of [Shepherds] here. And you could walk up and down the Floodplains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys mumbled. Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019s tears dripped into his beard. He was sad. Mrsha touched his leg. Then, why had he done it?<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it had<\/em> to be done. We are [Druids]. Not all would do it. But little landfriend\u2014they would have eaten the world in their hunger.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was what he told her. And when he rose, the [Druid] leaned on his staff, looking worn and wan. But that was the lesson.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of us are warriors of great destruction. We burn forests that new life might live. We do battle that balance might be restored. In old ages, we fought the tree-folk when they tried to exterminate villages. Then we were their allies when the small villages became cities that threatened to destroy the great forests.\u201d<\/p>\n

He touched his chest. Closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe failed. Now, most of us are guardians of small places. Connections to the wilds that speak with law. I am the largest of the small.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice looked at him. How dare he say that after that<\/em> display? But the [Druid] turned away. He looked at Shassa\u2014the other [Druid] bowed to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will consult with Oteslia. When I am able. I have duties here, but I will come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Walk well, wild keeper.\u201d<\/p>\n

They nodded to each other. Shassa bid farewell to Mrsha as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf fate allows it\u2014we shall meet again, little one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Solemnly, Mrsha shook the Drake\u2019s claw. She would not forget this. And she had seen what it was to be a [Druid]. Now\u2026she wondered if [Wizards] were recruiting.<\/p>\n

Well, only half-seriously. The Drake\u2019s eyes crinkled up. So did Nalthaliarstrelous\u2019. He also paused to say goodbye.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmall or large. Each thing matters. I entrust you with the bees. I have no more strength for a fortnight, save at great need. If you are no more a [Druid] than you are this day\u2014that is well. But remember what we are: neither good nor evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded solemnly. The [Druid] ruffled her hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you lack a teacher, landfriend, wild child, I will teach you at a later date.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood, and slowly walked past Erin and Lyonette. They bade him farewell. Erin stared at the [Druid]\u2019s back. Lyonette waved, calling out polite thanks. When he was gone, she turned to Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are never <\/em>letting him back into the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was hard to argue with that. Then again\u2014Erin wanted to know how Lyonette was going to stop<\/em> him.<\/p>\n

Anyways. It was just a day in the inn. The day turned to night. Ryoka Griffin glared at the Silver Swords in Mad Madain\u2019s inn.<\/p>\n

Mrsha leveled up. But just a tiny bit.<\/p>\n

That night, someone hammered a nail into a door. Now, the [Garden of Sanctuary] had a sign. It read as follows:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Private garden; no [Druids] allowed.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrsha took it down the next day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Chapter Thoughts: <\/strong>Well, we\u2019re over my projected chapter length by\u202610,000 words. And again, this is a suitable interlude where NOTHING AT ALL\u2026<\/p>\n

You know what; I just wanted to call it \u2018A Meeting of [Druids]\u2019. That\u2019s a cool interlude title. I hope you enjoyed the craziness. And while not as restful as I would have liked, I enjoyed it a lot. I wish I could have added a few more scenes, but I pushed the limits as-is.<\/p>\n

For now, I\u2019ll just say that my break allows me to write like this! And there is much to thank from these wonderful artists!<\/p>\n

I\u2019m featuring two artists this time. Firstly, Plushie. Who has made a bunch of Mrsha-emotes! We\u2019re already using them in the Discord server, but they\u2019re so cute on their own! Also, there\u2019s an amazing picture of Bird the Hunter and more!<\/p>\n

The second artist is Eris, who has done a sprite of Ryoka Griffin! It would be great in a videogame\u2026give thanks to both of them! Have a good night and thanks for reading!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/boboplushie<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrshas, Bird, Me…?, and more by Plushie!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Beaver <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"MrshaRage <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"pirateaba <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Octavia <\/a> <\/div>
\"Bird <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Bird <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"DoubtMrsha <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Mrshablush <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"ShockMrsha <\/a> <\/div>
\"Mrshatea <\/a> <\/div>
\"Mrshaheart <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Mrshahammer <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"MrshaTears <\/a> <\/div>
\"AmazeMrsh <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"SadMrsha <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"DubiousMrsha <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"YayMrsha <\/a> <\/div>
\"MrshaWut <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"TootMrsha <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pixel-Ryoka by Eris!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ryoka<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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