\u201cIt\u2019s working. It\u2019s\u2026working.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geneva Scala closed her eyes as the first [Message] reached her. The [Doctor] sagged <\/em>in her chair, as if someone had drained the energy from her. Relief meant that exhaustion took over.<\/p>\n It was actually Idis that got her up to deliver the news. And of course, they had to make sure they were delivering the full dose of the penicillin-substitute. Geneva went through a back-and-forth with the Zeres [Healer] who had given her the status update on the nearly two-dozen patients she\u2019d been trialing the mold with.<\/p>\n There was so much to do. Finding success here wasn\u2019t the end of the battle, merely the beginning. Now, growing the mold a thousand times over mattered even more.<\/em> Apparently it germinated on some kinds of vegetables best.<\/p>\n \u201cPumpkins? And we need to name it.\u201d<\/p>\n That was actually the trickiest part. Occillium <\/em>was not<\/em> a good name, as Geneva wrote back the Stitchgirl [Alchemist]. Or was it? Geneva wanted to name it according to the mold, which, in fact, had no Latin root name. Nor, as it turned out, did the [Alchemist] even know what mold she\u2019d isolated.<\/p>\n But it was happening. And it was almost funny\u2014reading the [Messages].<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n If Occillium\u2014working name\u2014is viable, how much of a market price should I sell it for? Have a few samples in the store\u2026most still enroute. Now on ship, according to Courier.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 –O.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How funny. The [Alchemist] understood, but she didn\u2019t know.<\/em> Yellow Rivers had yet to even hit Liscor, let alone Pallass. The [Doctor] wrote her back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Name the mold or identify if it\u2019s been found before. Derived substance should be named after the mold. It will become famous.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 –G.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Soon, they would all know her name. Octavia Cotton, the [Alchemist] from Liscor. Once Geneva got the Occillium\u2014damn, she was already using the name\u2014they could announce that a cure existed. Then\u2026she could relax for a day or two. The [Doctor] sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That morning, Lyonette du Marquin realized something important. It was as she was combing Mrsha\u2019s fur. Mrsha of course had helped with Lyonette\u2019s hair; the two helped prepare each other for the day.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha, I forgot that my [Boon of the Princess] Skill is still in effect. I should change that.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha glanced up and her eyes sharpened.<\/p>\n [Boon of the Princess]. Oho!<\/em><\/p>\n Lyonette\u2019s new, Level 20 Skill was a powerful one. Hither to, Lyonette had used it on a grand total of two people. First Mrsha, then, on a whim\u2014<\/p>\n Octavia.<\/p>\n The effects of her boon Skill were unprecedented to everyone but Lyonette. When she bestowed it, not only did a mark of her royal house appear\u2014visible only to the recipient and Lyonette, and possibly other royals if it worked like her father\u2019s Skill\u2014it gave them two temporary Skills.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Madness! Egad! Can I have it? Pwease?<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Lyonette read the little card Mrsha handed to her. The [Princess] frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Erin teaching you these expressions, Mrsha?\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll nodded. Lyonette rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t say \u2018egad\u2019. What\u2014what does that even mean? And spell properly,<\/em> Mrsha. A young lady has good diction. And maybe<\/em> you can have the boon. But I can\u2019t just bestow it at random. Let\u2019s go find Octavia.\u201d<\/p>\n The two headed downstairs amid the bustle of another day. Guests were already in the inn, and Lyonette reflected that her [Boon of the Princess] Skill would have made her father flip.<\/em> If he knew she had it.<\/p>\n It was unique\u2014unprecedented\u2014to the peons and common folk of the world. But monarchs had always had Skills like this. The King of Calanfer, for instance, Lyonette\u2019s father, had [Favor of the King]. A more powerful version of her boon.<\/p>\n Lyonette had not known all the intricacies of one of Calanfer\u2019s best, and secret, tools, but she knew their Kingdom\u2019s champion benefitted from it. Hence his powerful aura. Also\u2014the boon affected more than just Skills. Under it, Calanfer\u2019s Champion of the Dawn was stronger, faster than normal\u2026<\/p>\n Well, the Skill would upgrade with time. Lyonette couldn\u2019t wait. She almost rubbed her hands together, imagining what it might become. Certainly, it had paid off in dividends already.<\/p>\n \u201cOctavia? Are you decent? Is anything about to explode?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome in! I\u2019m decent! And nothing\u2019s exploding yet!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] cautiously pushed open the door. She saw Octavia, hovering around a sample of fungi in jars. Lyonette wrinkled her nose.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this? More of your cure, Octavia?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. Mrsha, stay back. The uh, spores should be safe according to Master Saliss, but you don\u2019t want more of this growing at random. Or in your fur. I\u2019m working with more molds, see?\u201d<\/p>\n She proudly pointed to a glowing jar she\u2019d been \u2018feeding\u2019<\/em> with some Sage\u2019s Grass water. Lyonette saw Mrsha peek at the red-yellow fungi, which had created small beams across the jar, like some natural architecture.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2014what do they do?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] tried not to recoil at the sight. She regarded molds as an undesirable thing in any situation, and was still mystified by the idea that they could be helpful or cure<\/em> disease. Octavia beamed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis stuff? It\u2019s a good anti-toxin, according to Master Saliss. And this<\/em> is Occillium. Name pending.\u201d<\/p>\n She proudly showed the others the mold she\u2019d cultivated to create the penicillin-equivalent. It was, well, indigo. Lyonette peered at the jar, keeping Mrsha back.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thinking of calling it Octavia\u2019s Mold, to justify the name. Or\u2014if we want to get fancy, maybe Octalius?<\/em> What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] thought that she was double-banning Mrsha from Octavia\u2019s shop. She sighed. The [Alchemist] had done a good job.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sounds lovely, Octavia. Look, I hope your shop is doing well\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBusiness is picking up. But I\u2019m closed most of the time; I\u2019m working with Master Saliss. But he\u2019ll let me try out my new recipes and selling stuff soon. He\u2019ll be going on adventures.\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia emphasized \u2018Master Saliss\u2019. She was so proud of her apprenticeship with the insane Named Adventurer. The [Princess] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent. Well, Octavia, we have breakfast\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Is it morning? I thought it was midnight\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] jumped. She\u2019d closed all the curtains in her shop so the sunlight peeking through the cracks hadn\u2019t been obvious. Lyonette shook her head. She spoke slowly, used to Octavia\u2019s befuddled states.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want food\u2026we have food. Okay? I\u2019m just here to tell you I\u2019m cancelling my [Boon] Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette hadn\u2019t told Octavia she was a [Princess]. She had just asked if Octavia wanted to try her \u2018new Skill\u2019 she\u2019d gotten as Erin\u2019s [Manager].<\/p>\n The sleepy [Alchemist] was nodding along until that last bit. Then her eyes opened wide.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Lyonette!<\/em> No! Please! I need it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve had it for weeks, Octavia. Honestly, I forgot about it\u2014if you ate with us more often, I\u2019d have noticed\u2014remove boon. There. Sorry, Octavia, but I want to test it out more. I\u2019ll just be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need it! I can\u2019t do my fungoid research without it! Lyonette, I\u2019ll pay you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] grabbed at Lyonette as the [Princess] tried to escape. Lyonette didn\u2019t need to be close to Octavia to cancel the boon, or even bestow it, but she had told Octavia to be polite.<\/p>\n She regretted it now. Octavia tried to drag her back.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Lyonette? Listen\u2014I got [Fungoid Harvester] and [Lesser Wisdom<\/em>] with your boon! I can\u2019t work without it! Do you know how useful<\/em> those Skills are?\u201d<\/p>\n Two new Skills. Lyonette hadn\u2019t known [Fungoid Harvester] existed, but the use of the Skill wasn\u2019t hard to figure out. It was how Octavia had finally managed to isolate different molds. [Lesser Wisdom] now\u2014that was like [Lesser Strength], but rarer. Far more useful for an [Alchemist]\u2019s need to comprehend and innovate, too.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Octavia\u2014let go! I want to experiment\u2014Mrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll punched her fist into her paw. Octavia wanted to play rough? The [Druid]\u2019s eyes glowed as she drew her wand. [Fur of the Fortress]! <\/em><\/p>\n Octavia yelped as a huge, hairy ball of fur tackled her from behind. She went down and Lyonette bounded away.<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette! Please! I\u2019ll pay you per hour! No\u2014per day? Wait\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A triumphant Mrsha hurried after Lyonette, shedding mounds of white fur which vanished after a few seconds. Lyonette sighed.<\/p>\n Another day in The Wandering Inn. But now she had her [Boon] Skill\u2014who would benefit from it now? She couldn\u2019t use it on herself, but\u2026Pawn? Mrsha? No, wait, not Mrsha. [Barkfur] and [Lesser Strength] just meant she caused more<\/em> trouble.<\/p>\n Zevara?<\/p>\n \u2026Erin?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Breakfast in The Wandering Inn was a chaotic affair at the best of times. The inn now had permanent guests, like the Players of Celum.<\/p>\n \u201cJust something light today, please. Some of those berries mixed in a small bowl of yogurt? We\u2019re performing<\/em> this morning. The Council\u2019s having us do a larger performance.\u201d<\/p>\n Temile and the [Actors] were excited, as was Galina, who\u2019d joined their group. Across from them, Hexel was already on his way out. His three Lizardfolk apprentices had been delivered food in their room; they were still afraid of Drakes.<\/p>\n There were Drakes and Gnolls serving the tables. Ishkr wasn\u2019t; he was in charge, leaving Lyonette and Erin to enjoy breakfast unmolested. Well, that didn\u2019t stop Erin from calling out to other people.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t want breakfast, Hexel? Something to eat as you go?\u201d<\/p>\n The Lamia grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Miss Solstice! Must slither off; lots of work to do as usual. I\u2019m breakfasting with Councilman Elirr!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, cool! See? I told you that some of Liscor\u2019s people were cool with Lizardfolk, Numbtongue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Not Drakes. Pass the sauce.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLyonette, please?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOctavia, we\u2019re having breakfast. Does anyone want more eggs?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would like more unborn b\u2014I mean, eggs.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere you are, Bird. Octavia. Stop rubbing my shoulders.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice to see you, Octavia. You\u2019re normally in your shop so much we have to send people to give you food before you starve to death. Uh\u2026what\u2019s this about?\u201d<\/p>\n The merry conversation was taking place at one table where Bird, Mrsha, Numbtongue, Lyonette, Erin, and a rare addition, Octavia, sat. It was their customary group.<\/p>\n Sometimes there were additions, like Pawn, Belgrade, Yellow Splatters, or other friends like Moore, Selys, and so on. But the core group was this.<\/p>\n Around the inn were other regulars. A Gnoll and Drake with their hats on. They were sighing as they tucked into their food.<\/p>\n \u201cI rather feel as though we\u2019re being fattened up on feed, Ratici. Not that I mind free money, but one has to feel we\u2019ve gotten rusty <\/em>from all this sitting around. Check my midsection. Do I detect a bulge?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet Wilovan. Still, you read my mind. But the Tallman\u2019s paying\u2026should we take rooms here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI rather think that [Innkeeper] might sense us, Ratici. I\u2019ve no desire to explain the accoutrements of various and somewhat illegal to very illegal natures on my person, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so, Wilovan. But if we fail our charge at night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuard duty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are we, [Bodyguards]? <\/em>Good sleep is essential, Wilovan. I won\u2019t be staking out this inn every night until we\u2019re done. Even in shifts!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRatici\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n An exclamation made Wilovan raise a furry finger. Octavia had just brought up the [Boon] Skill that Lyonette had used. The Gnoll\u2019s ears twitched<\/em> and Ratici went to eating a hard-boiled egg.<\/p>\n The conversation, to any interested Gnolls or those good of hearing, went like this.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014two of them! Free! I have to use them! Maybe, <\/em>maybe I get them if I level up, but both of them helped me with my breakthrough. I\u2019m begging you, Lyonette. Use your [Boon] Skill on m\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Lyonette kicked Octavia. The [Alchemist] collapsed onto the table, grabbing at her shin.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you, keep it quiet. Let\u2019s continue this in the garden, if we have<\/em> to.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] was wary. She was about the only one. Well, all that told most idle listeners was that Lyonette had a [Boon] Skill. But those in the know\u2026well, Wilovan was a member of the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings. Untoward actions did not befit him.<\/p>\n But it was something to note. The [Thug] relayed the knowledge to Ratici, whose brows shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cA [Boon] Skill? I can count the number of classes that get Skills like that on one claw, Wilovan. Or is it two?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething to look into, Ratici. Something to look into. Now, we may be fattened layabouts, but I\u2019m rather interested in that weights room. And the darts board\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The two Gentlemen Callers reflected that at least The Wandering Inn had amenities to occupy them day by day. They were rather taken with the new games Erin was introducing. They had already earned a reputation as two of the best dart-board champions.<\/p>\n Gnolls had good ears. And as the breakfast crowd cleared up, you could hear a lot of important stuff if you were listening. Some people were intelligent and always took precautions, like Palt giving Montressa and Bezale the plans for the skateboard as part of his sharing agreement. His conversation and even the objects he was holding were blurry if you tried to focus in on them.<\/p>\n However, there were snippets<\/em>, like Octavia\u2019s broken-off conversation with Lyonette that a spy could pick up on. If there were any in The Wandering Inn, of course.<\/p>\n Well, one of them was miserable. Ferris, one of Manus\u2019 top agents, sat at his table and wondered if going back empty-pawed would be worth Rafaema incinerating him.<\/p>\n He was a Gnoll. Also, an expert in covert operations, infiltration, combat, and any number of activities that the City of War needed done. Ferris had come to The Wandering Inn under the guise of a member of Izril\u2019s Wonders, a travelling company that actually did exist. He actually had a charter with them.<\/p>\n None of it had prepared him for this assignment. Or rather, Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Solstice! Ferris here. Er\u2014Ferris Seftpaw? You wouldn\u2019t happen to have given the offer some thought, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll intercepted Erin on the way to the [Garden]. The [Innkeeper] blinked at him and his nervous-but-amiable expression. It was a perfect guise that had fooled countless people into believing the inept but well-intentioned Gnoll was just \u2018doing his best\u2019. She hesitated, guileless, and then slapped her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. Oh man.<\/em> Ferris! I completely forgot!\u201d<\/p>\n Ferris could detect truth in three different ways. He had a Skill, an artifact that helped him read people, and he had been trained in the detection of lies across multiple species. His heart sank because none of that helped with Erin Solstice.<\/em><\/p>\n Because she was telling the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2014Miss Solstice, let me refresh your memory. An all-expenses<\/em> paid tour to the Walled Cities for some promotion! Maybe a deal with your door? We can hammer the agreement down\u2014and the Walled Cities are lovely to tour in the summer!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right! You know, Ferris, I did think about it. Before I forgot\u2026and it\u2019s a great idea. But it\u2019s like, a lot. You know?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin patted the Gnoll on the shoulder. He stared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the\u2026deal? It\u2019s good money, Miss Solstice. See here, we\u2019d be willing to offer you gold<\/em> for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He saw her eyes glaze over slightly as he tried to get her interest in the very generous<\/em> deal. But numbers and Erin Solstice and business contracts went together about as well as Shield Spiders and Beavers. You had to really get lucky.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you talk to Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n Ferris hesitated. He had\u2014but he needed Erin Solstice<\/em> to go on a tour. He gave her a weak grin.<\/p>\n \u201cI surely will, Miss Solstice. But as I said\u2014we\u2019d love to have you visit the other Walled Cities. In fact, the reason I came here is to offer you that tour? You mentioned how much you liked Pallass?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm? Oh yeah. Pallass is cool. But I can\u2019t just go off for like, a week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014We could get you to Manus in three days<\/em>, Miss Solstice. One of our fastest rides?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of time. I mean, Manus is cool\u2014it sounds cool, Ferris\u2014but three days is a lot of time to just travel about. And I should stay with the inn! Really, I\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin gave him a thumbs-up and a smile. Ferris stared at her. Three days to visit one of the six Walled Cities of Izril? A free ride there and back, and luxury accommodations?<\/p>\n He hadn\u2019t been prepared for Erin Solstice, who viewed the longest acceptable travel times as sixteen hours by plane. And who was a homebody. And\u2026<\/p>\n Ferris slunk back to his seat and put his head down. He stared at the [Message] spells waiting for him on the two-way scroll with Rafaema. She was not<\/em> happy.<\/p>\n \u201cJust kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll groaned. He saw another of the inn\u2019s spies yawning, looking perfectly happy with her lot in life. Of course, Ferris had noted some of the other infiltrators here. Not all of them were grand agents. A few were hired by Liscor\u2019s [Cooks] to see if Erin made anything new.<\/p>\n This was a weird inn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inside the Garden of Sanctuary, Lyonette had decided who the lucky winner was.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve all made great cases. Just, great. But I have to make a decision. And I choose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] walked past the contestants\u2014her friends and family. They had all made good points. She passed by Octavia, who drooped\u2014she had gotten the Skill already! If Octavia needed it for more Occillium\u2014but she didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n She passed by Erin, whose face fell.<\/p>\n \u201cAw. Lyonette\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was a great candidate, but just\u2026couldn\u2019t keep a secret. If she got two new Skills, everyone would be asking how. And Erin would probably tell them. A [Boon] Skill was the kind of thing people kidnapped [Princesses] over.<\/p>\n Then there was Kevin, who was here for some reason, having been playing games on his laptop. The new [Tinkerer]-[Boarder]<\/em>. Two new classes! The star of Pallass, already arrested once!<\/p>\n Lyonette passed him by. She didn\u2019t know why he\u2019d thought it was an option. He didn\u2019t even know she was a [Princess].<\/p>\n Mrsha, Bird, and Numbtongue waited expectantly. Lyonette looked at them. She passed by Mrsha, who glared. Mrsha had already gotten the Skill and she became arrogant. Last time she had it, she had refused to go to bed, put on a cape, and become Super Mrsha until she was grounded.<\/p>\n That left Numbtongue and Bird. Lyonette looked between the two of them.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth of you might be really good recipients. And I like both of your potentials. But ultimately, I\u2019m going to have to go with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone leaned forwards. Lyonette waited a beat and then spoke.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Numbtongue.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Goblin Soulbard] pumped a fist. Bird sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI shall never hunt the elusive water bird, then. Alas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give you the boon tomorrow, Bird. I think that\u2019s the minimum amount of time I have to wait. It might be a few days, actually. Mrsha had it for a while. It\u2019s not a Skill you can just toss about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Then I am happy.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin grinned as Lyonette turned to him. The Terandrian [Princess] took the Hobgoblin\u2019s hands in hers. She smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u201cNumbtongue\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her friend. Family. The [Princess] gave him her blessing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Temporary Skill \u2013 Directional Sound obtained!]<\/span><\/p>\n [Temporary Skill \u2013 Soul\u2019s Armaments: Mundane obtained!]<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the same time as the contest was happening, Maviola El was talking to Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t tell you where I\u2019m going. Because you\u2019d follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t just\u2026leave<\/em>. Are you in trouble? If you are, we can do something about it. Erin\u2019s inn can\u2019t be taken with an army and I can use my position\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She halted him with a touch. The anxious younger Drake looked up at them as they sat together.<\/p>\n \u201cOlesm. It\u2019s not yet. But it will be soon. I\u2019ve made arrangements. I\u2026I might be able to stay. But I told you; I\u2019m on a time limit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sick.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at her. It was the logical conclusion. Maviola El smiled gently.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething like that. Olesm Swifttail, I know you. If you truly wanted to know who I was, I know you would have found it by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to know. Can\u2019t you stay? This is the happiest I\u2019ve ever been. Truly.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady]\u2019s smile flickered out. She sat there, her black-and-orange hair glimmering in the sun.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ve been happy too. I wish\u2026well, if I had one wish I wouldn\u2019t spend it on us. But if I had a few, I wish we could have more time. Perhaps we will. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n One vial left.<\/em> Maviola El had made all the preparations necessary. Regardless of whether Saliss of Lights made good on his offer or not\u2026she had done what had to be done.<\/p>\n Olesm was the hardest part. And the only thing she couldn\u2019t arrange. The Drake looked at her, miserably.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it me? You came when I was at my lowest. Is it because it was just to\u2026help me?\u201d<\/p>\n She kissed him, gently.<\/p>\n \u201cNever that.<\/em> And it\u2019s not you. I\u2019m just out of time, Olesm. And sometimes that\u2019s okay. Everything has to end.\u201d<\/p>\n He pulled away from her, suddenly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.<\/em> Don\u2019t say that! You, of all people? Nothing has<\/em> to end. Fight it! Even if it\u2019s death, diseases\u2014you <\/em>taught me that, Maviola! Burn! Blaze! Don\u2019t\u2014don\u2019t quietly go out.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Her eyes widened. It sounded like something she would have said if she was as young as she looked. For a second\u2014Maviola El touched her breast. And she felt her heart beating faster.<\/p>\n She wanted to live.<\/em> But oh\u2014Maviola\u2019s desire was tempered by knowledge. The bright flame of life was beautiful and pure. Yet it could so easily be corrupted. She had seen that. She knew who waited down that twisted road.<\/p>\n \u201cBelavierr.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola didn\u2019t realize she\u2019d spoken aloud. She jumped. Her eyes flicked to Olesm.<\/p>\n \u201cA dark woman. If you ever meet someone by that name\u2014give her nothing, Olesm. Believe me. There\u2019s evil in this world that you can\u2019t yet imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n He slowly nodded. She had taught him many things. Not just about strategy or organizing on the level of one of the Five Families\u2014she had knowledge of other places. Of artifacts, Skills\u2014<\/p>\n She wished she could stay here. After a while, Maviola El smiled.<\/p>\n It took one week of riding fast to get to the Hivelands. If that was her destination. She didn\u2019t know anymore.<\/p>\n A lot had changed, even now. Maviola El stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go for a walk, Olesm. I don\u2019t know\u2026maybe I can stay. Until the end.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood up too. The blue-scaled Drake met Maviola\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou had better. Because I won\u2019t let you ride off. I\u2019ll follow you until\u2026until.\u201d<\/p>\n She was going to have to slip him a sleeping potion.<\/em> Maviola smiled at Olesm. He was the kind of person she wished had existed decades ago. Maybe then.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did we ever come to hate each other? Humans, Drakes. I feel I\u2019ve wasted so much time and energy fighting your people, Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. It\u2019s politics. And\u2026deaths. I don\u2019t hate Humans, Maviola. I owe almost everything to Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded. They left Olesm\u2019s apartment. And walked through the streets of Liscor.<\/p>\n It was another day. But how much <\/em>changed in a day? Maviola El had been resolved, yesterday, to end her life by riding upon the Hives. To see the Antinium that had plagued her home for the last two decades and make an ending there, for better or worse.<\/p>\n To blaze brighter than the sun itself before she died.<\/em><\/p>\n It would have been a fine death. And it might have started a war depending on what she did. Now though\u2026she wasn\u2019t certain.<\/p>\n A lot could change in a day. As Maviola El walked the city of Liscor, she felt it in her bones. In the faces, the conversations. The Wandering Inn wasn\u2019t rocked by it. But then\u2014Erin Solstice was Human. She had no context for it.<\/p>\n But here\u2014look at them.<\/em> A word hung in the air. A name.<\/p>\n \u201cSserys.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The greatest [General] of Liscor. The hero of the First Antinium War. A legend, an old hero, like a family\u2019s heirloom. Just a story.<\/p>\n But an Antinium had dragged his name into the present. Made him more<\/em> than just a name to rally around or quote.<\/p>\n Anand had built Sserys a memorial. Maviola El had been there.<\/p>\n \u201cHe may have been the enemy of the Antinium. However, he was also a hero of my home. Liscor. I would like to honor his memory, Olesm. That is why I built this. It is a small thing. But I believe it matters.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n That was what Anand had said. And he had shown them a cairn, a bit of metal.<\/p>\n It had changed everything. Even now\u2014people were talking about it.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re Antinium. How do we know there will be a statue? <\/em>They killed General Sserys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and our<\/em> Antinium made the statue. There are Antinium\u2026and that was our Antinium. Anand. I played chess with him one time, I think. Or was that the other one? The point is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola wondered what effect the announcement was having in other places. Pallass, for instance. She and Olesm walked towards The Wandering Inn. And one of the spies ducked back. The Human, now not as rare in Liscor with the influx of Celum\u2019s refugees, whispered into a speaking stone.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s her. Maviola El confirmed. Tell her ladyship!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He stepped back just in time to see the second spy whispering into the stone.<\/p>\n \u201cLady El is here! I\u2019m sure of\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She broke off. The two Human [Spies] stared at each other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It would not have surprised Maviola El to know that Pallass had suppressed the news of General Sserys\u2019 memorial.<\/p>\n Grand Strategist Chaldion was speaking to General Edellein and General Duln, of 4th<\/sup> and 1st<\/sup> Armies respectively. The Assembly of Crafts had put a silence order on the news.<\/p>\n After all, an Antinium<\/em> performing an act of\u2026honor\u2026went against the entire narrative about them. The Assembly was debating putting out some kind of announcement.<\/p>\n As Grand Strategist, Chaldion had the option of enforcing or vetoing that kind of command as a matter of security regardless of what the [Senators] decided. He had not, either way.<\/p>\n He too was conflicted.<\/p>\n \u201cGrand Strategist, does this prove<\/em> anything? Sserys\u2019 legacy aside…one little gesture does not change our state of war.\u201d<\/p>\n General Edellein hadn\u2019t been moved by the gesture. The Drake\u2019s arms were folded and his expression was annoyed at best. The Grand Strategist looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cGeneral Edellein, your personal thoughts aside, an Antinium [Strategist]<\/em> has decided to honor General Sserys. This is an act unprecedented to our understanding of Antinium. It matters.\u201d<\/p>\n The [General] hesitated and ducked his head stiffly, flushing beneath his scales at the reprimand. General Dulm was concerned, but for different reasons.<\/p>\n \u201cLiscor is under no gag order, Grand Strategist. Word is already spreading.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. The Assembly can\u2019t keep this secret. The question is\u2014do we frame this in a way that makes Liscor\u2019s Antinium positive, or just leave it as it is?\u201d<\/p>\n Chaldion drummed his claws on the table. The news that had been sent covertly to him by an unmarked message had annoyed him. Someone\u2014and that someone was almost definitely Wistram\u2014had intelligence they\u2019d passed onto him, including details about the Antinium like Anand\u2019s class.<\/p>\n What did they know?<\/em> The Grand Strategist decided a visit to The Wandering Inn might help things. But Grimalkin was pursuing his own leads\u2026and his<\/em> news made even the memorial look like peas compared to pumpkins.<\/p>\n His head hurt. And it hurt more when the old Drake heard a crunching<\/em> sound. Dulm and Edellein, looked sideways.<\/p>\n Saliss, completely nude, was snacking on popcorn. They were in Chaldion\u2019s home, and the Drake had occupied a couch that Chaldion was now going to have cleaned.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, look, guys. Who cares?<\/em> Sserys got a statue. Yay!\u201d<\/p>\n A few popcorn kernels went flying. Saliss lowered his claws. He balanced the bowl on his stomach as he lay, front facing up. Edellein turned away instantly, as did Duln.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what? Sserys is dead. Yay, our old war hero got a memorial! So what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot everyone is as unpatriotic as you, brat.\u201d<\/p>\n Chaldion glared at Saliss. The [Alchemist] had let himself in\u2014probably knowing this secret conference was happening. Ironically, Chaldion trusted Saliss\u2019 discretion. And that was about the only thing Chaldion trusted. He had been raised to defend the Walled Cities, including Pallass. If only\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cGenerals, I propose we make the announcement crediting the memorial to Liscor\u2019s Antinium.<\/em> If nothing else, this proves there is a difference of opinion between Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure, Grand Strategist?\u201d<\/p>\n Oh yes, the note had been very clear that the Hives competed with each other. <\/em>Chaldion nodded, his eyes flicking to Saliss. That meant something. Even if the Slayer was back to strength\u2026infighting was something Drakes knew more than any other species.<\/p>\n \u201cMake the announcement. I\u2019ll deal with the Assembly of Crafts. We\u2019ll throw a day of celebrations in three days, even. All crediting the Free Antinium.<\/em> Spin it on Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c[Soul\u2019s Armament]!\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue raised his arms and shouted. To Mrsha\u2019s disappointment, there wasn\u2019t any cool music or a flash of light like Erin had taught her to expect. Mrsha had decided she wasn\u2019t going to be a [Wizard] and maybe <\/em>not even a [Druid] when she grew up.<\/p>\n She was going to be a super-cool, transforming warrior like the ones from Erin\u2019s world.<\/p>\n By the power of the tribes!<\/em> She just needed a cool sword like Numbtongue. The Hobgoblin loved<\/em> his crystal blade. He never let Mrsha touch it.<\/p>\n Now, instead of a transformation scene, Numbtongue created\u2026<\/p>\n A pickaxe. It was half-transparent. The colors were like Pyrite\u2019s favorite pickaxe\u2014just transparent. A weapon from the soul\u2019s past.<\/p>\n \u201cHm.\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue wasn\u2019t channeling Pyrite. The hobgoblin experimentally swung the pickaxe. It dug into the ground. It was as good as a regular pickaxe. And it lasted\u2026<\/p>\n Three minutes. Then it blinked out. Numbtongue sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t replace normal pickaxe. Good for fighting, though.\u201d<\/p>\n He was experimenting with his new Skills. He could also call Pyrite\u2019s battleaxe into life\u2014but it had no enchantment.<\/p>\n Mundane<\/em> armaments. Even so, Numbtongue wasn\u2019t about to look down at a free battleaxe. He liked the free Skills. And his other new Skill was quite fun.<\/em><\/p>\n [Directional Sound]. The Hobgoblin took out his enchanted guitar. Hedault had enchanted it so it could go loud<\/em>. The Hobgoblin wailed on it, and the guitar solo screamed.<\/em> Kevin covered his ears.<\/p>\n \u201cOh god I can\u2019t hear anything.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t hear a thing. Awesome. <\/em>Hey Lyonette! Now Numbtongue won\u2019t wake anyone up!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin gave Numbtongue a thumbs-up. She was standing to Kevin\u2019s left; the only people who could hear Numbtongue were in a narrow cone. Kevin hurried out of the way\u2014Mrsha poked her head in and out, excited.<\/p>\n \u201cDirectional sound. Bird, grab Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblin had already found a utility for it. He spoke normally, but only Bird heard. He obligingly walked over and sneak-grabbed Mrsha. Numbtongue grinned. Now that<\/em> was how you used it in combat! Imagine shouting orders only a few people could hear?<\/p>\n Well, that was the excitement for the day. Numbtongue shouldered his guitar. The crew dispersed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to Pallass. Everyone wants to check out the skateboard and I\u2019m going to see if we can make some without needing Hedault and Pelt. See you guys!\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin left, rubbing his ears. Lyonette sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I have to talk to Ferris about the possibility of a deal\u2014but he really wants you as an ambassador, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPass! I\u2019m gonna make billiards.<\/em> I think the table I ordered is almost done.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone looked at Erin. She waved her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s gonna die! It\u2019s just a game! I\u2019ll show you later if I can find felt! Maybe I can grow a moss? Nah, nah\u2026but maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n That left Mrsha, Numbtongue, and Bird. Mrsha sighed through her nose. No Ekirra or Visma today. Ekirra had football practice<\/em> with Joseph and Visma was sick with a summer cold. Well, it wasn\u2019t as bad as before. She had two big minders who liked to play games!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let\u2019s play tag!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n She held up a card. Numbtongue took it, thought about it, and held up a claw. He glanced around in a way the other two had gotten to know. And the third co-conspirator of the Bee Rescue Team buzzed down. Bird was the new recruit.<\/p>\n Numbtongue glanced around.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a better idea. Found a good spot. Outside. Let\u2019s go fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrsha looked up excitedly. She ran for the fishing poles. Bird tilted his head.<\/p>\n \u201cFishing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The garden had a pond, but the Fortress Beavers made fishing harder since they tended to eat the fish or get tangled in your hooks. Numbtongue had enjoyed fishing for a little while before the Beavers had been added. Now, he\u2019d found another spot.<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin prepared for the trip by first finding Ishkr. The Gnoll was showing a new hire the ropes. The Drake jumped <\/em>when he saw Numbtongue, but the Gnoll just looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cNumbtongue. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIshkr. Going on trip. Have the door set to my stone by default, please.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be done.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Head Waiter] nodded. Numbtongue walked off. Mrsha stealthily padded towards the hallway with Apista on her head and Bird followed with his bow and fishing rods.<\/p>\n Good thing Ishkr had been there. Drassi or Erin or Lyonette asked questions. Ishkr raised his voice as the B-Team headed for Numbtongue\u2019s door.<\/p>\n \u201cNumbtongue.\u201d<\/p>\n They froze. The Hobgoblin turned back. Ishkr gestured around the inn.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to hire a few new people. If you see Lyonette or Erin, can you let them know to talk to me? Erin ran out looking for something and Lyonette is negotiating.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobgoblin gave the Gnoll a thumbs-up.<\/p>\n \u201cWill do.\u201d<\/p>\n The plan wasn\u2019t compromised.<\/em> The team strolled for the doors, as calm as could be. Numbtongue cracked the door open and they filed through.<\/p>\n They found themselves high, high<\/em> above Liscor. In the lower reaches of the High Passes. Numbtongue\u2019s explorations had led him ever-higher as he spelunked in caves and mined. And he had found, quite coincidentally, a pond at higher altitudes.<\/p>\n The water actually led downwards, but this pond had a small population of fish. Fish with huge teeth and a curious body type. Erin had dubbed them \u2018flatfish\u2019 and they had nearly eaten her way back when she\u2019d first come to Liscor.<\/p>\n \u201cSaw this when hiking. Here. Mrsha and Apista, stay back.\u201d<\/p>\n Numbtongue passed out rods and Bird helped bait the hooks with a dead bird and some worms\u2014maggots\u2014he\u2019d cultivated. Mrsha cast her line into the pond from afar.<\/p>\n They were fishing. Mrsha got the first bite and the Hobgoblin and Antinium had to help her reel the fish in before it dragged her into the pond. But it was<\/em> fishing.<\/p>\n Not all adventures had to be disastrous tales of adventure and woe. Sometimes you just went fishing. Mrsha energetically helped Bird beat the flatfish to death as it flopped around, trying to bite or get back into the water. It would make a great lunch. Apista kept watch for Eater Goats, giant centipedes, Stone Starers, Gargoyles, or anything else. Numbtongue played some music while they fished.<\/p>\n And in that way, the B-Team completely missed the drama with Maviola El.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They found her right before she got to The Wandering Inn. Maviola El and Olesm had elected to walk rather than wait the customary five minutes for the door to be checked. Of course, progress being what it was, some people now complained about having to wait five minutes to visit Celum, or Pallass, or Invrisil.<\/p>\n Inside the inn, Erin was trying to explain the billiards table to the people in the rec room. It had just been dragged in by Antinium after being made by a [Carpenter]. Of course, the Antinium had decided the best way was just to remove the outside wall of the rec room, carry in the pool table, and rebuild the wall. Now, guests were clustered around, sensing something interesting. Among them, Wilovan and Ratici.<\/p>\n \u201cHave we met? Well, this is a billiards table. See\u2014it\u2019s the right shape. I\u2019m just missing felt.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFelt?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll and Drake glanced at each other, then at the sticks, balls, and the table with carved sockets. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, the felt slows the balls and makes it\u2014I dunno\u2014atmospheric.<\/em> I also put chalk on the tips\u2014I\u2019m going to try other stuff. But how you play the game is like this. You \u2018rack\u2019 the balls like this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n There was an ale in Menolit\u2019s claw. And he watched as Erin played a game with the two Gentlemen Callers. The [Veteran] watched as she showed them the point\u2014to get the balls into the corners while the opponent tried to do the same while avoiding the eight-ball.<\/p>\n \u201cThat looks like fun.\u201d<\/p>\n Something about the game called<\/em> to the day-drinking, relaxed guests. And Erin just needed felt?<\/em> Wilovan glanced at Ratici.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know someone who could get you felt, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Wow! I was gonna go into Liscor and ask Krshia or someone. That\u2019d be great. You know a felt-guy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Miss Solstice. We\u2019d be happy to reach out to them. What, do you need it just layered on top? That\u2019s a quick job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh. Can you make it\u2026either green, or blue. Really fine stuff, too. Thanks! What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake with the cap and odd way of speaking offered a claw and Erin shook it. He grinned at her.<\/p>\n \u201cRatici, Miss. And this is my companion, Wilovan, as he is. We\u2019re exceptionally pleased to make your acquaintance. We\u2019ve met before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, really? Actually\u2026I\u2019m so sorry I forgot! Wow! Nice to meet you again, Ratici. So you like this game?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has a charm, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCall me Erin. And I was going to do a ping pong table too, even though I suck at it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA what now?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm was walking up the hill with Maviola. Erin was talking to the two Gentlemen Callers, getting to know them and reflecting that she might need multiple tables.<\/em> Multiple game rooms; ping pong was a travelling game, especially when you hit the ball, after all. She\u2019d been holding back on ping pong since the balls were plastic, but that was why Hedault existed, right?<\/p>\n And that was when the carriage screeched to a halt. It was an expensive one, and it had turned to follow the Drake and [Lady]. A woman, dressed in fine clothes and accompanied by the bodyguards surrounding the carriage leapt out.<\/p>\n \u201cGrandmother!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Desinee wasn\u2019t Maviola El\u2019s actual granddaughter. She was, in fact, a niece. But \u2018Grandmother\u2019 applied to the House of El\u2019s former matriarch as well as anything else. Maviola El turned her head.<\/p>\n \u201cDesinee?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe found you at last! Grandmother! You didn\u2019t even tell<\/em> us! And you went to Liscor? You can\u2019t die!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked at Maviola. He stared at the [Lady] trying to climb up the grassy hill in her expensive shoes and dress, flanked by bodyguards wearing the colors of the House of El. Yellow, red, and silver.<\/p>\n The Drake\u2019s brow wrinkled as his mind struggled to present the logical conclusion through his redefining reality. Maviola was scowling.<\/p>\n \u201cDesinee, I made my choice. You were there! Get back in your carriage and go home. That is an order.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n But her niece refused to budge. Maviola wasn\u2019t the matriarch of House El anymore. Desinee shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cMade your choice? Without telling anyone but Deilan? Or me? <\/em>You\u2014you just rode off! Everyone\u2019s been searching for you! Zedalien is going to quit and\u2014grandmother, you have to come back! <\/em>Even if it\u2019s just for a few days. You can rest with your family!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrandmother?\u201d<\/p>\n Olesm looked at Maviola. He looked at Desinee. The [Lady] was staring at him as her guards helped her up the hill. Maviola groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why I never had children. Olesm\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She turned to him. And whatever Maviola might have been able to say before Olesm fainted was forestalled by the second<\/em> vehicle abandoning the road. Only, this one wasn\u2019t a carriage.<\/p>\n It was a chariot. A proper, Chandrarian chariot. <\/em>And it shot up the hill as the two warhorses surged up the slope. The driver had a Skill that let the horses drag the chariot uphill at speed.<\/p>\n Oh, and the driver also had a long spear. She swung it as Maviola\u2019s head whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cMaviola El, I have you now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lady Firestarter] saw the swing as everyone on the hill dove <\/em>out of the way. The chariot thundered past them as Maviola hit the ground hard. The spear barely missed her and the white-haired grandmother pulled on the reins, cursing.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s happening? What\u2019s happening?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Desinee shrieked as the [Riders] following the chariot-driving spear-wielder surged up the hill. They halted as House El\u2019s [Guards] drew their blades.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey, did you hear anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin Solstice was trying to show Wilovan what a paddle looked like as she drew on a piece of parchment. The Gnoll glanced up.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like shouting. Ratici\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] heard the scream and then the cries. Her eyes went round.<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh. Mrsha! Numbtongue! Bird!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She ran, Ratici cursed. The two Gentlemen Callers surged down the hallway after Erin. They were prepared to drag her back\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bird reeled in his fish. Numbtongue and Mrsha applauded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the damn inn again! Sound the alarm!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n A scream from the walls of Liscor. Someone blew the inn-alarm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chariot turned and Maviola leapt,<\/em> avoiding the old woman\u2019s second slash. For someone that old, she was spry! <\/em>Olesm had taken cover with Lady Desinee and her bodyguards by the carriage. House El and the woman\u2019s own guards were in a standoff as Maviola dodged the circling chariot and horses.<\/p>\n Erin Solstice was at the door to the inn, being held back by both Gentlemen Callers, looking around for Bird. Liscor\u2019s walls were sounding an alarm, but the core of the action was Maviola and the mysterious old woman. Now, Maviola conjured a ball of fire and threw it.<\/p>\n The chariot swerved<\/em>, dodging the fire. Olesm stared. Maviola hadn\u2019t used [Fast Fireball], which would have killed the horses. He fumbled for his sword.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Desinee was the only person he could ask. The [Lady] of House El was staring, her mouth agape. She jumped as she stared at a Drake<\/em>, but replied fearfully.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014the [Harbormistress] of First Landing! Lady Gresaria of House Wellfar!\u201d<\/p>\n Her statement was confirmed a second later as Maviola screamed a curse.<\/p>\n \u201cGresaria, you salty bitch!<\/em> I\u2019ll burn your face off! You had to have one last shot at me, did you? You couldn\u2019t just die in peace?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaviola! You cowardly little fire salamander! I\u2019ll kill you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Gresaria was old.<\/em> But she had to have at least half a dozen combat Skills, because the war chariot was maneuvering with commendable agility. Now, she stabbed at Maviola.<\/p>\n The flame-haired younger woman raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou made a mistake, Gresaria! [Fast Fireball]!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou little\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The flash of fire made everyone duck.<\/em> But Olesm saw the old woman shift her grip, until she held the very end of the spear. She swung it in a wide arc\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Spellstrike Arms]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She hit the fireball with the spear and it bounced.<\/em> Everyone threw themselves down as the first fireball fastball blasted past Rose and the baseball team in training. It blew up in the air and the baseball players ran screaming.<\/p>\n The two [Ladies] were panting. Maviola stared at Gresaria and raised her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI forgot you could do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have\u2014artifacts\u2014anyways\u2014Maviola. Now, I\u2019ll cut that stupid head off your shoulders\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The old woman was gasping for air. She lifted the spear as the warhorses turned. Maviola braced\u2014<\/p>\n And Lady Gresaria collapsed. The old woman\u2019s eyes went wide and she fell back into her chariot.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Gresaria!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her retainers thundered up the hill. The old woman was white under her tanned skin. Olesm, Lady Desinee, Erin\u2014all stared. Then they rushed forwards.<\/p>\n Maviola El was fastest of all. She vaulted into the chariot. Lady Gresaria was breathing faintly.<\/p>\n \u201cYour heart\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola bent down. She was fumbling for something. A glowing vial. But a wrinkled hand shot up and grabbed her arm in a grip that was still steel after a century.<\/p>\n \u201cJust\u2014lost\u2014my breath. Don\u2019t you dare.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Gresaria looked up at Maviola El. The two women stared at each other. One, Maviola El, young, in her prime of life. The other, Gresaria Wellfar.<\/p>\n Their shared look went back a hundred years, ten thousand meetings. Maviola El felt the grip relax. Gresaria smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re looking well, Maviola.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you look terrible, Gresaria.\u201d<\/p>\n The two looked at each other. Then Gresaria began laughing. She waved away the anxious bodyguards, swearing like a [Sailor] as she dragged herself upright.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough of this. I\u2019m tired. Get me a chair. In that\u2026inn. And a drink! Maviola, run off and I\u2019ll ride you down and put this spear through your back.\u201d<\/p>\n She waved the spear weakly. Maviola smiled. She turned to the audience. Erin scratched her head. She looked around at Zevara, who\u2019d come running with a squad.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026