{"id":8763,"date":"2020-08-11T01:04:08","date_gmt":"2020-08-11T01:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=8763"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:01:33","slug":"7-40-er","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/08\/11\/7-40-er\/","title":{"rendered":"7.40 ER"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The Last Tide is now available for purchase!<\/a> Please consider buying the comic, and thanks for making this possible!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome here, Cade. Don\u2019t look. Leave him alone, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

The little boy toddled back towards his mother. But not without another look at the silent [Marksman]. He looked concerned, but he didn\u2019t cry. He was his mother\u2019s son, and Briganda had taught Cade when he needed to be quiet.<\/p>\n

Yet there was no danger here. Not anymore. Still\u2014Revi, Typhenous, and Briganda, the members of Griffon Hunt watched the silent [Veteran Scout], a former soldier, now a Gold-rank team captain.<\/p>\n

Halrac Everam was known as \u2018Halrac the Grim\u2019. A title that Todi had started more in jest than actually a name like the ones Named Adventurers received.<\/p>\n

At the same time\u2014Halrac was a name among the Gold-rank adventurers of northern Izril. His team had been the most renowned Griffin-slaying team a while ago. But either way\u2014the name existed because it fit.<\/p>\n

Halrac seldom smiled. He was eternally grumpy, as Revi described him. But by the same token he seldom showed his temper.<\/p>\n

He was angry now. But\u2014coldly so. His team kept back as their captain stared at the small village, a hamlet resting in a windy plain.<\/p>\n

This was his home. The boy from Windrest had returned only a few times over the years. But he had come home each time to find not much had changed, and too much.<\/p>\n

Lost loves. Families and friends moved away. Sickness, war, monster attacks\u2014it had all done what it could to hurt his home and he had done what he could to protect it. More than once the Silver-rank adventurer had come back, or the Gold-rank sent something.<\/p>\n

This time, he had been too late.<\/p>\n

Windrest was ash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t the Goblins who did it. It must have been the wildfires we heard about. I heard someone set them. Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi twisted in her saddle, as the Gold-rank team rode away from the scorched ground and burnt remains of houses that was all that was left of Windrest. Halrac said nothing. He led the way, riding ahead, his invisible bow drawn.<\/p>\n

He did not want company. So the others rode behind. Briganda was riding her mare while Cade sat with his legs curled around the saddle horn, solemnly playing with his Box of Wonders. The [Shield Maiden] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes. Some kind of attack in retribution for Liscor. You two know anything about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Typhenous stroked at his beard, silent. Revi just shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But Liscor wasn\u2019t exactly the heart of the Drake lands. If it was Drakes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced at Halrac\u2019s back. Not sure what to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could be alright. Didn\u2019t you hear that most of Windrest had gone to Riverfarm, Halrac? That place is still standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda called out. Halrac didn\u2019t reply. His face was set. Not merely \u2018grim\u2019, but gaunt. Bleakly dangerous. He rode forwards. And woe to any monster he might meet. Revi hoped there were villagers at this \u2018Riverfarm\u2019.<\/p>\n

They were nearly there. As they rode, the Gold-rank team spotted another one of the strange monuments that had puzzled Halrac. He knew his home. And the totem of wood planted near Riverfarm was\u2026new.<\/p>\n

It was no Goblin artifact; they didn\u2019t do this. Perhaps a [Shaman]\u2014but it hadn\u2019t been magical to Revi or Typhenous. It was carved with eyes, a crown, symbols of wheat\u2014not magic, but glyphs indicating fertility. Protection.<\/p>\n

Another symbol of how Halrac\u2019s home had changed. As the adventurers took to the road again, they looked ahead. And they were spotted. Halrac kept looking around, searching for an ambush, although he didn\u2019t feel danger.<\/em> He just felt like he was being watched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone is coming. A group of four. No\u2014five. Two women, two men, and a child. I think they\u2019re Gold-rank. They\u2019re more\u2026impressive than anyone I\u2019ve felt in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

The musing voice made the entourage of people stop. They looked at the blind man as his head turned. The [Emperor] rested lightly on his cane, using it out of reflex more than anything else. They had told him it didn\u2019t fit his august personage; a simple white cane, however odd the material of it was.<\/p>\n

He had, in a genial way, told them that since he<\/em> wanted to use it, they had better get used to it. The walking cane remained. Besides, one with jewels or something would have been heavy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should be done, your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the followers asked that. It was one of those stupid questions that immediately spoke to the character of the asker. Vocalizing a question that was already implicit without adding anything to the actual moment.<\/p>\n

Laken Godart didn\u2019t mind, but the [Lady] accompanying him did. Rie Valerund tsked<\/em> and the former [Mayor] fell back, reddening.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe this group should be welcomed. Some of the Blacksky Riders\u2014four\u2014should greet the group on the road. If they are friendly, they will ride back and we will greet them appropriately. Five Families willing, this is the adventuring team his Majesty requested.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her tone was pointed. This was how you should do these kinds of things.<\/em> The others, listening, took note. Lady Rie looked to the [Emperor] and he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery diplomatic, Lady Rie. Thank you. I\u2019ll greet them if there are no complications in time. With me, everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] smiled, although the [Emperor] had not so much as glanced at her as he replied. Since that was normal, she nodded to the luckless [Mayor] who hurried off to arrange that.<\/p>\n

The group walked on. It was about a 3:2 split in terms of men and women, not that anyone was counting too hard. About seventeen people though, which was large to all be following one man.<\/p>\n

But they were necessary. It could have been forty hangers-on, or sixty sycophants, or a gaggle of good-for-nothings. Laken Godart had trimmed the number and Mister Prost, the weathered former [Farmer] leading the way with his sensible work boots but rather finer clothing than he was used to wearing, had found jobs for the people who just wanted to be around the [Emperor] rather than be helpful.<\/p>\n

The remaining seventeen were made up of two sorts: leaders and followers. Well, that was endemic of the Human species, but it was especially the case here.<\/p>\n

Prost, Rie, Helm, and Ram were all present at the moment. A [Steward], a [Lady], a [Royal Smith], and a [Head Farmer]\u2014soon to be [Master Farmer] if he hit a few more levels, according to Rie.<\/p>\n

They were all people who ran Riverfarm, the Unseen Empire, now a rather sprawling area. There were others of course, like Beycalt, the [Construction Supervisor], or [Witch] Wiskeria, Beniar, the commander of all mounted forces\u2026<\/p>\n

The rest were followers. A few former [Councilmembers], and the [Mayor], and yes, they had been leaders, but they were more like subdivision heads. They could, at any moment, take a job like welcoming the adventurers Laken had sensed. Others were just fast on their feet, like a former City Runner who was ready to run a verbal message anywhere Laken wanted.<\/p>\n

One of them was Gamel, the [Knight] and bodyguard for the [Emperor]. One of three, now. The other two had a wand and bow, respectively. A weapon for any occasion.<\/p>\n

They were touring the land around Riverfarm, hence the procession. People working the fields waved, or bowed, or saluted as they thought appropriate. Laken Godart waved back, a single motion of the hand. But he was working or else the other busy leaders wouldn\u2019t be with him.<\/p>\n

Of late, Laken Godart had begun sensing the individual\u2026strengths\u2026of people. He was blind, and had been blind his entire life, but his power as an [Emperor] had given him an\u2026aura-sense. That was what Lady Rie had termed it, although Laken could tell there was a weed in front of him, how many people were bustling about Riverfarm\u2014better to call it an empire-sense.<\/p>\n

An [Emperor]\u2019s senses, obviously. Laken could feel<\/em> the new Gold-rank team coming up the road. They felt strong. One of them especially. Stronger than Beniar, one of Riverfarm\u2019s best.<\/p>\n

Not<\/em> as strong as Mavika, though.<\/em> Not individually\u2014but close. That was Gold-rank, was it? Laken would be interested, if other teams ever came through his lands, to see how strong they got.<\/p>\n

For now though, he put them out of his mind and expanded his senses. Laken Godart walked forwards, grateful for the shade even though they weren\u2019t under a forest\u2019s canopy. Gamel was holding a parasol up for him. Laken barely noticed these small luxuries these days, but he was properly grateful for them when he recalled them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] announced as the small crowd stopped. He pointed. Almost exactly\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something here. About\u2026eighty feet down? Quite a long ways, but I definitely sense something structural. Buried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMark the spot. A dungeon, your Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026Not big enough for a dungeon. At least, I can\u2019t sense more than\u2026I\u2019d guess it\u2019s a home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuried that deeply?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps a cellar, or some other structure. I can\u2019t tell. That\u2019s the limit of my abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken shook his head. Prost had a flag planted and a [Councilwoman]\u2014Beatica\u2014turned to Rie.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Valerund, should I begin excavation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo only twenty feet down, Beatica.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie inclined her head. Beatica, a [Councilwoman] from Lancrel, nodded and hurried to do just that. She had once been at Rie\u2019s throat, but after the drama in the spring, she had jumped into Rie\u2019s camp for protection as much as the opportunity to be given a trusted position.<\/p>\n

Laken found that\u2014troublesome. It was the kind of duplicity, the willingness to swap sides and compromise yourself for political gain, that he distrusted in the extreme. Lady Rie however, had assured him that Beatica was too valuable to just cast aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe may not be trustworthy, your Majesty, but a reliable snake is better than one wandering about. I can put her to good use and so long as Beatica knows she is being managed\u2014she will be an asset.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The group moved on. Laken Godart went hm<\/em> after walking for about ten minutes and talking to Prost about the crops that were shooting up like, well, plants, thanks to lots of water, Skills, expert tenders, and absolutely no pests thanks to the crow population.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s something. Groundwater\u2014about four hundred paces that way. Looks relatively uncontaminated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for a well, your Majesty. I\u2019ll mark the spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo that. Oh\u2014there\u2019s a cave that way. Blocked by some rocks\u2026doesn\u2019t look like much is alive in there, but I think I sense something not\u2014rocklike. Some kind of ore, or mineral? Master Helm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can check it out, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSend a [Scout] or [Forager]. No need to go yourself, Helm. But as I said\u2014the Goblins have most of the iron ore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Master Helm bowed. He cast a dark glance to the northeast, the base of the mountains. Some of the others muttered.<\/p>\n

The Goblins. <\/em>Their area, or the \u2018Goblinlands\u2019 as they were becoming known as, were heavily walled off. Guarded by a token force and disliked by most of Riverfarm\u2019s population. They tolerated the Goblins as \u2018his Majesty\u2019s project\u2019, or \u2018the Emperor\u2019s strange interests\u2019. But they no longer slept with weapons under their beds these days.<\/p>\n

It was a start.<\/p>\n

\u201cA true pity all our valuable ores and minerals<\/em> just happen to be in the Goblin\u2019s territory, your majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPity, Lady Rie. Who could have predicted that? Step lively. I think I found something else buried.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken Godart ignored the look Prost and Rie gave each other. It was a busy day for him. He was busy, well\u2026cheating.<\/em> To improve Riverfarm.<\/p>\n

The ability to \u2018see\u2019 in the way he could had been a blessing to Laken. A fulfillment of a wish. That was often how Skills worked; when you leveled, you got what you wanted. Or something random that tied into your class.<\/p>\n

The [Emperor]\u2019s senses had been impressive to begin with. Laken could spy on anything in his domain and now ascertain threat levels. But he\u2019d had an even better thought a while back, and it was this:<\/p>\n

If he could sense everything on his lands\u2026what about stuff below<\/em> it? That had led to a few interesting decisions. And today\u2014<\/p>\n

Laken Godart was cheating. Or doing something as unfair as Skills got, really. He was walking his lands and pointing out every buried object, possible dungeon, or just ores or groundwater supply for his people.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t sense everything<\/em> underground. A hundred feet was pretty much his upward limit and that was if he was standing right on top of it. Still\u2014it was the kind of Skill any leader wanted. It was one of the reasons why he had sent for a Gold-rank team. And it did more than find a nugget of gold or something…<\/p>\n

\u201cStop.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The group halted as Laken held up an urgent hand. He had walked into the forest neighboring Riverfarm. Now his head snapped around.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty-some feet down. I think there\u2019s a nest here. Crelers.<\/em> Get me Beniar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone leapt<\/em> away from the spot Laken was pointing to. Rie\u2019s face went pale. Prost turned to bellow\u2014then lowered his voice to a hushed whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo! Get Beniar!\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner gingerly walked off and then burst into a sprint. Gamel\u2019s sword was already drawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, we should move back now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt they can sense us, Gamel. They\u2019re\u2026growing. I sense only fourteen shapes moving. They\u2019re\u2026I\u2019d bet those ones are eating. The rest are still.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even so, Laken backed up slowly. Prost blanched.<\/p>\n

\u201cFourteen moving?<\/em> How many are down there, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least two hundred. And more eggs. It\u2019s a hollow space\u2014I want every [Mage] here. No\u2014no, keep them back. Keep everyone back. Crelers sense food, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sire. Demon-spawn\u2019ll go for you. I say let\u2019s keep well back until we burn them to ash.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Ram who replied. The [Head Farmer] mopped at his forehead. Laken Godart nodded.<\/p>\n

Thank goodness for Skills. This was just a nest of infants; in another decade there might be Juveniles, an Adult, ready to emerge and eat everything here.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s keep moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others stared at him, but the [Emperor] was walking off as Beniar galloped over to confer and plan. Laken Godart was busy using his Skill to benefit his empire. He\u2019d located clay for [Potters], discovered a tunnel network of some kind of creature\u2014Rock Mites, sourced alchemical plants for Wiskeria and the others\u2014<\/p>\n

And now this. Laken was proud of using his ability in this way. It was a good idea. And best of all\u2014it had come from him. Not all of the moves which had propelled Riverfarm further had. Master Helm\u2019s new class, for instance, had attracted a slew of expert-artisans who wanted a new improvement on their class. Laken hadn\u2019t known you could do that. Until someone had told him.<\/p>\n

Now, Riverfarm had wealth. It had land. And despite the wildfires which had nearly consumed the growing town\u2014it had kept growing. The village that had been Riverfarm wasn\u2019t a city\u2014yet. But it was most definitely a town. And the domain of the Unseen Empire now included a number of towns and villages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The streets ran with milk and honey. Someone had collided the wagon with the valuable sweet from the beehives. Laken Godart, on his return trip to Riverfarm, was greeted by the [Beekeeper] who was under arrest.<\/p>\n

Mostly to protect the inept [Driver] from being murdered by the angry bee-expert, whose valuable work had been ruined.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. Is there anyone who can retrieve the honey without scooping up the dirt? Mistress Ezerre?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken Godart had been looking forwards to the honey, which was a valuable trade crop. Miserably, the [Beekeeper] shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I have, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll investigate at once. This is too much gold to be lost!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rie hurried off. The [Driver] was speaking to Prost; the [Steward] was handling the discipline. Laken Godart sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe a [Mage] could\u2026siphon it up? And we could strain it\u2026someone get Wiskeria? Or Eloise, Hedag? Nannette?<\/em> Not Mavika.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney! <\/em>Who spilled all of this? Dead gods!\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice cried out in dismay. Laken turned, hearing the booming voice. He smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken! It\u2019s a disaster! Look at all this honey! And the bees!\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene walked around the honey spill, ignoring the bees that were sending everyone else running for cover. She was panting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just got back. Just\u2014did the first leg of the delivery. That salt\u2026was sort of heavy. But it helped the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far did you go?\u201d<\/p>\n

To the [Emperor], Durene was just standing there. But everyone else could see the sweat staining the half-Troll girl\u2019s tunic. Durene wiped her cracked, grey skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty miles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou dragged a wagon thirty miles?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. I\u2019m building muscle. Like those Humans and Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurene, we could buy you a weights set! I have one on order already, in fact!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Paladin] shrugged, abashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well\u2026they look light, those weights. And it\u2019s not like we need to waste money on me. Hey, I heard we have Crelers? Let me get my shield and club and I\u2019ll help smash them.\u201d<\/p>\n

She strode past Laken before he could object. And there went the Emperor\u2019s consort. Durene the [Paladin]. People talked about her more than the Goblins, actually. But no longer in the same terms as before. They might dislike her\u2014but Durene was mostly over it. And of late\u2014<\/p>\n

The former farm-girl had found a purpose. And a mentor. When she walked these days, some people walked wide of her. For Durene patrolled Riverfarm by night with the woman who had taken her under her wing.<\/p>\n

Hedag.<\/em> And no child but called for help in Riverfarm without Hedag being there a moment later. The merry [Witch] appeared now, with her classic, booming laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a spill! But let\u2019s not fret. Something of this sort can be mended quick as crying over it! Just give me a moment, Emperor\u2014Agratha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She bellowed a name and a [Witch] with a little red pointed hat hurried over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Hedag, please don\u2019t shout!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch Teacher] winced. Agratha was not one of the most powerful [Witches] who had come to Riverfarm to make a deal with the [Emperor]. But her coven was large, and she herself had come with nearly a dozen [Witches]. The first wave of them to make good on the [Emperor]\u2019s bargain.<\/p>\n

They had cornered<\/em> the market on occult charms and magic in general. Moreover, even if they didn\u2019t sell something, they came because they were protected from harm by the [Emperor]\u2019s laws. A [Witch] would be punished for committing a crime\u2014not for existing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, a spill. The honey! I see, I see. A little sweeping spell should do it. Come on apprentices, this is a good test for you. Stand back, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few younger [Witches] joined Agratha. Laken listened and \u2018watched\u2019 as Hedag, Agratha, and four other [Witches] grabbed brooms. Hedag had to borrow one. They walked over and swept<\/em> the honey back up into the overturned vats.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t easy. The [Witches] grumbled and cursed and two had to borrow mops. Moving honey was hard work! The street was dusty, the honey didn\u2019t want to move\u2014but Agratha and Hedag marshaled the younger witches and eventually got it into the jar. Hedag yanked it upright, slapped a lid on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere. Done as done! We wouldn\u2019t mind a bit of that ourselves, your Majesty. Fair share for fair work!\u201d<\/p>\n

She winked, although Laken couldn\u2019t see it. But Hedag had a wink in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty! That\u2019s not fit to eat! It\u2019s got too much grit and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Beekeeper], Ezerre, protested loudly as Laken Godart walked over, ignoring the milk which the [Witches] hadn\u2019t bothered to sweep up. He opened the lid and Ezerre gasped.<\/em><\/p>\n

The honey sat in the large, clay pots, without a speck of dust or grit in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I saw\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI find that staring at [Witches] isn\u2019t very helpful, Mistress Ezerre. Happily, it\u2019s not a problem for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken Godart\u2019s voice was dry. The [Beekeeper] hesitated and then blushed at the laughter that ran around the square. The [Emperor] nodded to Hedag.<\/p>\n

\u201cA pot, for your troubles, Witch Hedag, Witch Agratha. It is much appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, what a fair ruler of men! Well, let\u2019s have that honey. This pot. Agratha, I think we need biscuits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedag laughed again. The red-hatted [Teacher] bowed slightly to Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Witches] tipped their hats or copied Agratha. Hedag did not bow, but she touched the brim of her worn, brown hat. Laken Godart smiled.<\/p>\n

Where would you be without [Witches]? <\/em>Well, in much the same world, but perhaps a poorer, less interesting one. The unique spellcasters offered interesting solutions to problems. Wiskeria, for instance, had heard about the Creler-problem. She met Laken as he walked towards her\u2014and the four individuals making their way into the town.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken. I heard about the nest. If there are that many, we could try shaping the earth. We have enough [Witches].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo do what, bury the Crelers? I thought they were like cockroaches. Impossible to bury.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch]-[General] shifted her hat. Wiskeria\u2019s spectacles glinted in the light as she looked at Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are. So let\u2019s sink a cauldron. Poison the entire spot. It\u2019ll kill everything there for three years\u2014but better that than letting Crelers live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken grimaced. Wiskeria was good with poisons. However\u2014he didn\u2019t like that idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould it kill them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Not Crelers. But it would kill a few, and weaken the rest. Your Majesty, if a hundred<\/em> Crelers\u2014even infants tunnel upwards, people will die. Even the Darksky Riders can\u2019t handle so many swarming ones. The [Witches] will help but Crelers resist hexes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blind man nodded. It was a tricky problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. I\u2019ll consider it, Wiskeria, but happily, a more expedient solution may have presented itself. I think\u2026we have an adventuring team.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Wiskeria\u2019s eyes widened. Laken nodded with a smile. At last. <\/em>He\u2019d put out that \u2018adventurers-wanted\u2019 notice a long time ago and someone had only answered now. Of course he\u2019d known it was a long shot. But he couldn\u2019t pay Gold-rank teams the retainer they would want\u2014or rather, he didn\u2019t want to.<\/p>\n

And he wanted a group that would take an offer like the one he had made. Especially the part about Goblins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Griffon Hunt surveyed Riverfarm, the Unseen Empire, the location of the first [Emperor] on Izril in living memory\u2019s abode\u2026with dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn [Emperor] lives here<\/em>? It\u2019s a nice enough town\u2014looks like it needs a lot more paint\u2014but\u2026seriously?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi looked at the wooden houses with dismay. Riverfarm was just now building out of quarried stone, but the first influx of people had demanded quick housing. They were good buildings, made by professionals, but paint<\/em> hadn\u2019t been high on the list of priorities so color was being added only now.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew it was a risk. But if this is a hoax, I\u2019m going to hit someone<\/em> with my axe. Don\u2019t copy mommy, Cade.\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda jiggled Cade and he sleepily protested. Halrac said nothing as Typhenous enhanced his eyesight to peer at the village.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst impressions often betray, Revi. I suggest we be polite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to be rude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, then you\u2019ll keep quiet while we introduce ourselves?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Summoner] reached over to punch the old [Mage] and nearly fell out of her saddle. The [Marksman] just stared at the village.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblins. An [Emperor]. No wonder no team even considered the mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other three Gold-ranks nodded. Who would accept something like that?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Payment is minimal per week and may be negotiated, but a share of any treasure recovered will be awarded to the team. Food and lodging will be provided for free, as will most mundane supplies.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Minimal per week was not<\/em> appealing. Negotiation was not appealing to most teams. What was peculiar was \u2018a share of any treasure recovered\u2019.<\/em> That sounded confident.<\/p>\n

It also sounded like bull\u2019s crap used to entice a gullible team. The proclamation had carried all the warning signs. However, Halrac had accepted it on a hunch.<\/p>\n

Because it mentioned Goblins. Also, because it related to his home. And his team had come with him.<\/p>\n

At least the visit justified itself partly the moment Halrac rode into the village. They had given their names to the four [Riders] who\u2019d somehow known they were coming. Now\u2014Halrac heard a roar, a bellowing voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac, my lad!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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

The [Scout]\u2019s dark expression cleared. He saw a huge [Blacksmith] loping at him. Master Helm grabbed Halrac up in a huge hug as the man slid from his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac! I knew you\u2019d find us!<\/em> Dead gods, lad, but you haven\u2019t changed! And you brought your team? His Majesty will be delighted! I would have reached out to you, but I thought you were in Liscor!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Helm! I went to Windrest, but no one was there. I thought\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac gasped for breath; Helm was middle-aged, but he was a [Blacksmith] and felt stronger<\/em> than the last time they\u2019d met.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re alive. Most of them. Old Kessy bit it with the Goblin raids. A bastard put an arrow in her\u2014and we\u2019ve lost a few. But Eldrim\u2019s alive, and so is Turc\u2014he\u2019s married now. And Talaya wrote that she was fine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi saw Halrac\u2019s face change at the last name. But the [Scout] composed himself. He opened his mouth\u2014<\/p>\n

And was instantly swarmed by more of Windrest\u2019s villagers who had heard he was coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac\u2019s here! Look at you! <\/em>Still thin and unmarried, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t [Message] us nearly enough! Fancy Gold-rank and you can\u2019t even bother to spend a few silver on your village? You must meet his Majesty!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho? I\u2014hello, Miss Cena. I\u2019ve been in Liscor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi and Typhenous enjoyed the sight of the stoic Halrac looking flustered as, without reservation, he was slapped on the back, hugged, and someone even tried to put him into a headlock.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre these your old friends, Halrac? You look relaxed.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Summoner] grinned down at the Gold-rank adventurer, a local hero to his small village. Halrac gave her a glare,<\/em> but Revi had reminded the villagers that they existed. The lighthearted mood turned into curiosity.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all Gold-ranks?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A boy breathed up at Revi. She grinned, although she noted eyes on her stitching and looks of shock. Humans who\u2019d never seen Stitchfolk before, let alone other species.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. We\u2019re Halrac\u2019s team. He\u2019s our captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain?<\/em> You never said, lad!\u201d<\/p>\n

Helm was beaming like a madman. Halrac was swamped again. Briganda carefully handed Cade to Typhenous before getting down. The boy squirmed to be on the ground, wanting to run for the excited crowd. Revi and Typhenous more sedately waited for the chaos to stop.<\/p>\n

As they understood it, Halrac\u2019s family was dead. He had been an only child and had enlisted in the army where he had met Ulrien before becoming a Gold-rank adventurer. He didn\u2019t speak of his home, but it was clear that they didn\u2019t hold him in any reserve of emotion.<\/p>\n

Master Helm seemed as proud as a father\u2014despite having children of his own. Amid the scattered introductions, catching up and asking about the dungeon and whether Halrac had any treasure,<\/em> the Gold-ranks picked up some information.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you all came here to serve an [Emperor]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac looked at Master Helm in disbelief. The [Blacksmith] ran a hand over his almost completely-bald pate.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t work exactly<\/em> like that, lad. It was more of us running for our lives with that Goblin Chieftain on the rampage. Then\u2014well\u2014Riverfarm\u2019s been good to us. There\u2019ve been attacks\u2014a Goblin Lord nearly overran us. We think it was a Goblin Lord, but his Majesty dealt with her right quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi gave Typhenous a strained look. Goblin<\/em> wasn\u2019t the word of hatred it had used to be. Briganda on the other hand\u2026had only met Numbtongue. But Helm\u2019s next words made her pull an ear off to check it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty\u2019s got some of them, though. In their own spot. The Goblinlands. A few hundred. Bastards have their own wall, but they\u2019re almost civilized. We\u2019d got used to them, which is an odd thing. But they have all the good iron, so we have<\/em> to trade with them. His Majesty\u2019s orders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has\u2026Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t let us kill them. It\u2019s this entire thing, lad. Emperor Laken Godart, although it\u2019s just Emperor Godart. I hope you\u2019ll be respectful. He\u2019s done right by Windrest\u2019s folk, just you remember that. Myself as well. I\u2019m a [Royal Blacksmith]<\/em> now. Got myself a handful of new Skills, including [Perfect Temperature Control]! Won\u2019t overheat my steel ever again!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, Helm? A [Royal Smith]?\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac\u2019s eyes were almost wide. He looked around as some of the others began shouting about the things Laken had done.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got [Witches]. Good [Witches]! And he made a bee-place. Lots of bees\u2014they stung me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty can see everything!<\/em> I\u2019ve got one of the totems in my room, for protection. Did you see them? He can see everything, including bandits! Durene and Beniar smashed a group that came into our lands last week! They never saw us coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac! Halrac, is that an invisible<\/em> bow? Can I shoot it? Huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Scout] was letting the father pry his daughter off Halrac\u2019s back as he guarded his enchanted arrows when someone shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty, Laken Godart of Riverfarm!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And everyone went silent. Halrac Everam, Revi Cotton, Typhenous, and Briganda Rishaw all turned to see the blind man walking towards them, followed by a [Lady], a half-Troll girl, a former [Farmer], and a gaggle of people. They stared at him. At Durene.<\/p>\n

Then Bismarck plodded past with Frostwing on his back. He was lapping at the milk on the ground. Halrac stared at the Mossbear.<\/p>\n

A problematic fact about Bismarck? Laken had tried, but the Mossbear still wasn\u2019t housebroken. He pooed everywhere<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Laken Godart walked away from Bismarck\u2019s pile of\u2026well, suffice it to say he walked upwind to greet the Gold-rank team. He was impressed that they seemed to take Bismarck, Frostwing, even Durene and the chaos in stride.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour\u2026Majesty? My name is Halrac Everam. Captain of Griffon Hunt. We\u2019re here about your request.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Everam. A pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken extended his hand, which surprised the adventurer, he could tell. Most people were unnerved by his ability to shake their hand\u2014as if it that was hard, even if you were blind. But Halrac had noted Laken\u2019s closed eyes and the young man\u2019s poise was uncanny.<\/p>\n

He had met crazier Humans. But not as impressive as\u2026an [Emperor]. Laken Godart seemed quite down to earth; he certainly wasn\u2019t dressed in royal clothing. Then again\u2014he had a bearing. And an air about him almost like Erin\u2019s. As if the world turned on him. But where Erin made that happen with chaos, cakes, and luck, Laken Godart would insist on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Helm informs me that you are actually a former villager of Windrest, Master Everam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi made a face behind Halrac. Oh great, they were going to be asked for a discount.<\/em> Briganda and Typhenous elbowed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s correct, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken will do, Captain Everam, if I may address you as \u2018Halrac\u2019. By all means, catch up with Windrest\u2019s folk. I regret that their village was lost, but most of the inhabitants made it here safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I understand. Thank you\u2026Emperor Laken.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was only necessary, Captain Halrac. I\u2019m grateful you\u2019ve accepted my request\u2014or at least come to investigate. No other Gold-rank team has thus far, and I have no need for Silver-ranks at this moment. Are all three of your companions your team? And the\u2026child?\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew about them?<\/em> Revi felt a chill run down her stitches as she saw the face with the closed eyes turn unerringly towards her. How was he doing<\/em> that? A spell? But she didn\u2019t sense magic. Typhenous looked puzzled as Halrac introduced them.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Cade is Briganda\u2019s child. He comes with us, but we would leave him behind if we travelled into any actual danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I see. A [Summoner]? And a [Shield Maiden]\u2014some kind of [Warrior] class? By any chance, does the class happen to involve\u2026longboats? Water?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken wondered if the class was related to this world\u2019s version of Vikings. Something Scandinavian, at any rate. Apparently not, because Briganda laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish. I can\u2019t even swim!<\/em> Er\u2014your Majesty. Bow, Cade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? He doesn\u2019t have a crown<\/em>, Mom. You said he\u2019d have a crown.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] smiled as he heard Briganda trying to hush her son. He spoke to Cade\u2014he hadn\u2019t been able to tell it was a boy from afar.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrowns are heavy, Cade. I\u2019ll have one made when I have time for one. Maybe a circlet. Welcome, to all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now the introductions were done, the [Emperor] hesitated. Because he wasn\u2019t sure what the etiquette was for negotiating with Gold-rank teams. But that was why he had helpers.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Halrac, his Majesty welcomes you, as does the Unseen Empire. Let us offer you refreshments, lodging\u2014and then perhaps after you\u2019ve finished your reunions, we might speak about a contract with your team?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie swept forwards as Laken looked towards her. He let her handle the Gold-rank team, just as he\u2019d let Prost announce and greet them. It was inconvenient, especially since Laken just wanted to get to business. But that was an [Emperor]\u2019s dignity.<\/p>\n

As Laken waited, he reviewed the carrots he had to offer Halrac and what he thought of the man. Halrac seemed reserved, but he could just be a serious sort. Certainly, he wasn\u2019t brash or incautious, like Beniar had been when Laken first met him. He seemed professional, which was good. But Laken wanted to trust him if Halrac was going to benefit Riverfarm. It would be a mutually beneficial relationship if he could be trusted. But first\u2026he had to be certain.<\/p>\n

Helm described Halrac in glowing terms once he\u2019d broken away from the reunions.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a proper sort. Never got arrogant, sent money back\u2014even came back to hunt some monsters when they cropped up, your Majesty. An expert with the bow. He could always hit targets well, and that was when he just hunted, before he went to join the army. He was a team with Griffon Hunt for a long time\u2014hunted Griffins. With dogs. Griffons. That always confused me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie\u2019s impression was more reserved.<\/p>\n

\u201cGriffon Hunt is no stranger to its share of troubles, your Majesty. My investigation found that they caused the Griffin Plague two years back. A terrible incident. A spell or disease they unleashed to curb a Griffin migration got out of control and thousands died. They\u2019ve also lost members; at least three. They might be desperate, but Halrac Everam is<\/em> said to be capable\u2014he\u2019s known as \u2018Halrac the Grim\u2019, apparently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken turned to a [Witch] for the last piece of advice. Prost, Durene, Beniar\u2014all had opinions, but the [Emperor] wanted a unique opinion.<\/p>\n

\u201cEloise?\u201d<\/p>\n

The old [Tea Witch] was thoughtful and took her time with her cup before replying.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have at least one strong artifact. An invisible bow on that Halrac\u2019s back. And they seem honest. That boy Cade is the key, your Majesty. Did you hear him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. What should I have been hearing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch] smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis laughter. He laughed, talked\u2014even to you, your Majesty. If he had cried, or been sullen or quiet or afraid\u2014that would have spoken more about the team than anything else. A poor team would not bring a child with them, or treat the boy well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] smiled and nodded to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWise words, Eloise. You\u2019re correct. Send them in. They\u2019re the only team that\u2019s come, anyways. I\u2019ll test them on the Goblins and then see if they\u2019re willing to demonstrate their abilities. If they are\u2014we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, the issue of Goblins shouldn\u2019t be a sticking point. Let\u2019s entice them first\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie\u2019s voice was pained, but Laken held up a hand, silencing her. He valued Rie\u2019s opinion. As she had said\u2014better the snake you knew than the one you didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

And he was almost certain she was the one who had ordered the attack on the Goblins and tried to kill Magnolia\u2019s [Maid].<\/em> Ryoka had put the idea in Laken\u2019s head, and it made sense. He was still investigating why<\/em> carefully, but she hadn\u2019t ever led him wrong, exactly.<\/p>\n

He put that out of his mind. He wanted to know what the team\u2019s reaction was to the Goblins. They didn\u2019t have to like them\u2014just tolerate them. Laken was braced for their reaction. But he was still surprised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026and we can offer you all independent housing. Food\u2014materials like arrows or repairs to non-enchanted gear along with the weekly stipend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Rie finished the presentation. Halrac saw the [Emperor] sitting on his throne. He had been silent, letting the [Lady] do the talking.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d done a good job. It was already impressive, having a [Lady] working as the negotiator here. Halrac wasn\u2019t underestimating any of that.<\/p>\n

It was just\u2014well, no matter how you dressed it up, it came down to the amount of coin. Lady Rie had placed it in a bag, to make it more impressive, but Halrac didn\u2019t have the memory of a goldfish. And he could do basic math.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sum is very low per week, Lady Valerund. With respect, few Gold-rank teams would consider such an offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Typhenous murmured politely. Lady Rie smiled\u2014and Halrac let Typhenous speak as he watched Laken and the room. \u2018Few\u2019 teams was putting it lightly. Todi would have left the moment Lady Rie announced the sum. It wasn\u2019t worth it.<\/p>\n

However, Halrac was polite since anything less would have upset Master Helm. He had to stay here at least a few days. There was a dance to this, and the [Emperor] seemed to know it too.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Rie, my thanks. I shall speak a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] bowed and the [Emperor] stepped forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Halrac, you\u2019ve been quite silent. May I know your thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Scout] stirred. Revi looked at him and grimaced; he nodded at her and Briganda, who was giving him the same look. As well as an entreaty to be careful. Which he was in his reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, your offer is\u2026intriguing. However, I don\u2019t believe this sum is enough for me to justify entering a contract. Frankly speaking, we cannot afford to take work that cheaply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken opened his mouth but Rie jumped in hurriedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven without needing to act as law enforcement in any major capacity, Captain? I can assure you, our Blacksky Riders can handle most [Bandits] and monsters. You would only be called upon for large-scale threats and investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was<\/em> tempting. And if Halrac had twenty more years on him, this kind of semi-retirement would be a hefty lure. But Halrac as he was now wanted success.<\/em> He didn\u2019t miss Laken\u2019s flicker of annoyance as the [Emperor] waved the lady back.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Everam\u2019s complaint is valid, Rie. Captain Everam, am I correct in assuming that you would require\u2026at least four times the amount offered to consider a stay of any duration?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be correct, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Five times and he\u2019d really think about it.<\/em> But the fact was that keeping a Gold-rank team was expensive<\/em>, even if they just sat around. And Halrac doubted they\u2019d do that for a rural place like Riverfarm, no matter what Rie claimed. Fighting monsters without a bounty all week wasn\u2019t anyone\u2019s idea of a good job.<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] nodded. And his next question caught Halrac off-guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s assume you accept my offer, Captain Halrac. Do you recall my request as it pertains to Goblins? Could your team accept a Goblin presence so near Riverfarm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Was he going to insist they work for him?<\/em> That would be messy. Halrac saw Rie\u2019s concern and Revi and Briganda glance at him. Typhenous was too busy making eyes and stroking his beard at the old [Witch], who was studiously ignoring him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblins are not a problem, your Majesty. We would not be\u2026compelled to attack them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? That is good, Captain Everam. My largest concern with a Gold-rank team was their attitude towards Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I may ask, what do you intend to do<\/em> with the Goblins, Emperor Godart?\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence. Revi licked her lips. But Halrac\u2026thought of some Hobgoblins and had to know. Laken thought and then shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still not sure. Allow them to live in their lands as they wish, for now. Trade with them, perhaps. They\u2019ve begun mining and smithing; Master Helm is a better smith, but he needs their iron. I hope we can trade with them. Honey, perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrade? But it\u2019s your land, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi spoke up. Halrac sighed. She\u2019d done well guarding her tongue thus far. But the [Summoner] had her limits. She looked challengingly at Laken.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to kill them? Or use them for mining? That\u2019s what Halrac means, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Revi, isn\u2019t it? I don\u2019t intend to kill the Goblins. I rather regard Riverfarm as one of the few places they can exist without being slaughtered. If I thought they wouldn\u2019t be hunted down the moment they left Riverfarm\u2014I would let them go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken turned his head towards her, giving her a close-eyed \u2018stare\u2019. Revi hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why are you doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause not all Goblins are monsters, Miss Revi. And I had to learn that. So must Riverfarm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac started. It sounded like\u2026he saw Typhenous glance at him and mouth a name. How strange.<\/em> But this was what had drawn them here. A curious turn of phrase.<\/p>\n

No Killing Goblins.<\/em><\/p>\n

Laken Godart let the silence linger a moment before he turned to Halrac.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Halrac, I will suggest a compromise. Inform me if this is not to your satisfaction. I would like you to stay a week; I am sure Master Helm would appreciate it, as well as the people of Windrest. I will offer you five times the sum for this week only to justify your stay. After the week ends\u2014if you accept\u2014I would employ you at the initial sum, or some lesser, agreed-upon number.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac was surprised. That was a generous offer. He<\/em> had been about to suggest working for a week before politely leaving.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty is quite generous. We accept.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blind [Emperor] smiled thinly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I hope I can convince you to stay, Captain Halrac. But do not thank me just yet. Because I fear you will earn your sum. The first problem of my lands\u2014and quite unexpected\u2014is a nest of Crelers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCrelers?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Halrac\u2019s hand tightened. It felt like everything was happening again. Only this time\u2014it was his team. Revi sat up. Briganda looked worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want the nest destroyed today.<\/em> You are free to refuse, of course. But I will be eliminating the Crelers one way or another. My army, the [Witches]\u2014the Crelers cannot be allowed to continue. What do you say, Captain Everam?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-rank Captain was silent for a moment. Then he nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne week, your Majesty. As for the Crelers\u2014we\u2019d have destroyed the nest even without pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi sighed and Briganda nodded. Typhenous bowed towards Witch Eloise.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome monsters are the duty of adventurers to fight at any cost.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave her a winning smile. She failed to tip her hat in reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eliminating the Creler nest was\u2026interesting. Halrac, Typhenous, Revi, and Briganda found that Laken Godart had not been lying.<\/p>\n

A small army surrounded the place where the nest apparently existed. What fascinated Revi was the fact that no one had seen<\/em> the Crelers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, it\u2019s buried thirty feet down and you just \u2018know\u2019 that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked skeptically at the Silver-rank [Cataphract], Beniar, as the rest of her team watched the dig site. Some volunteer [Diggers], including the half-Troll girl who was apparently the [Emperor]\u2019s wife<\/em>\u2014were digging very gingerly, ready to run at any time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty said so, so it has to be true, Miss Revi. He knows everything that happens on his lands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beniar gave Revi a smile. She just stared at him as if he were insane. Which he might be. Silver-ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is one weird place, Halrac. Do we have to do a week? A week of fighting monsters?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s troublesome, we\u2019ll politely leave after three days. It\u2019s etiquette, Revi. We don\u2019t need to offend a [Lady], much less an [Emperor]. Now, get ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Everam, what\u2019s your plan for taking out the Crelers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beniar rode over to Halrac. The [Marksman] was checking his bow; he had an arrow nocked. Typhenous was leaning on his staff as Briganda flanked him. Four of Revi\u2019s glowing Stitch-Warriors were waiting.<\/p>\n

It was a defensive line, ready to fall back. More [Soldiers], a trio of [Witches] including a weird one with a bird-like look about her, and Beniar\u2019s riders were all waiting behind the adventurers. Halrac looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said there\u2019s a nest of about two hundred?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And more eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll launch the first attack if they\u2019re not woken up. Dig twenty feet close; any closer and they\u2019ll go for you. Typhenous and I will attack while Revi and Briganda cover us. If we fall back, we\u2019ll all be fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beniar nodded uncertainly. He gave the Gold-rank teams a dubious look. After a second, Beniar coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could flood the hole. Divert the river; it wouldn\u2019t take more than an hour or two\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi saw Halrac adjust his grip on the arrow. She sighed. Silver-ranks<\/em>. They thought they knew it all. She gave Beniar a fake smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrelers swim. We can handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHole\u2019s done! We got about fifteen feet away. I think I hear<\/em> them. Or maybe that\u2019s just the dirt. What do we do, Beniar?\u201d<\/p>\n

A low rumble came from Durene. The other [Diggers] had hopped out and retreated past the defense line. The hole was encircled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave it to us. Typhenous\u2014get ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there is even a nest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi grumbled. She doubted this \u2018[Emperor]\u2019. Beniar watched as Griffon Hunt approached. He was clearly uncertain.<\/p>\n

He needn\u2019t have been. Two hundred Crelers was a lot.<\/em> But they were apparently babies. And most crucially\u2014<\/p>\n

The adventurers had time to prepare. There was a motto among some teams that, with enough time, they could kill anything.<\/p>\n

It was ambushes, crisis situations, where they fell apart and got in trouble. Since that wasn\u2019t the case like with the Horns\u2014Griffon Hunt had picked their fight and they knew their strengths.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it, Typhenous. Revi\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrepared to intercept. Just get back, Typhenous. Briganda?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReady. I just better not get bit. I hate<\/em> Creler venom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac nodded. He had an arrow with a glowing tip aimed down at the hole. Apparently, the sloping tunnel would lead right<\/em> to the nest. Laken had given the [Diggers] specific instructions; he was waiting from far behind the army. Now, he pulled back, not all the way\u2014just waiting.<\/p>\n

The outline of the invisi-bow as Revi had been taken to calling it to annoy Halrac shone in the setting sun. But the real light came from the staff.<\/p>\n

Typhenous was preparing his spell. The [Mage] took his time, partly to show off, partly to gather his mana for the most efficiency. He could cast faster\u2014but he was an expert. He didn\u2019t rush. And when he cast the spell, the first huge ball of magic sailed with pinpoint accuracy down the tunnel.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Valmira\u2019s Comet]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The first explosion chewed out a huge amount of dirt and caved in part of the tunnel. Halrac shot an arrow and blasted the hole deeper. Typhenous conjured another comet; he had a ten second delay. Revi stared into the hole. Smoke, dirt, dust, was clearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see them. They had to have felt that. Maybe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Movement. Glowing bodies swarmed out of the dirt. Revi yelped.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind! Here they come! Crelers!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The watching warriors reacted to her shout. The half-Troll girl swung a huge club up\u2014but she never got the chance to strike.<\/p>\n

\u201cTyphenous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Speed Spell \u2013 Valmira\u2019s Comet].\u201d<\/p>\n

Typhenous fast-cast the next comet. The first wave of Crelers disappeared in a flash. And on the heels of the detonation, Halrac fired an arrow.<\/p>\n

Fiery oblivion followed the spell. The Crelers ran into both explosions. And the ones surviving, before they could even register both detonations\u2014heard a voice.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Double Shot].\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac the Grim aimed his enchanted bow into the hole, into the nest, and shot two enchanted arrows. His control of the Skill meant that he could fire them one slightly after the other. They hit the nest and detonated.<\/em><\/p>\n

Typhenous threw another comet. Halrac drew an enchanted arrow and waited. The Crelers, massed together, with only one fast way upwards, had no chance.<\/p>\n

Griffon Hunt took them apart at range. Only a few got past the explosive attacks\u2014and that was just because Halrac stopped firing his enchanted munitions to save gold. He shot one with a regular arrow\u2014and Revi\u2019s summoned warriors attacked the remaining Crelers without fear.<\/p>\n

Briganda smashed<\/em> one down, hacking with her hatchet, and knocked another one away as Typhenous hurried back. And then? Well, it was just cleanup. That was surprisingly easy, thanks to the [Emperor].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. They\u2019re so good.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Durene watched as Griffon Hunt mopped up the stragglers. Laken was impressed too. The Gold-rank team had proven exactly why they deserved their rank.<\/p>\n

More than raw power, they were just\u2026smart.<\/em> They had taken the Crelers down with minimum effort. They\u2019d barely even gotten to the adventurers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, we need to make sure there\u2019s not a single egg in the nest. We\u2019d like to ask a [Mage] with [Sense Life] to help us, if there is one. Or a [Witch]. We could buy a scroll, but that\u2019s more expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac approached Laken. The [Emperor] inclined his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHappily, Captain, I can do the work of a scroll. I sense fifteen Crelers left, not including the eggs bunched together. I will inform you of the locations\u2014one is burrowing away at speed. Here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-rank team blinked as Laken casually followed one of the Crelers, which was fleeing through the dirt. Prost hurried after the [Emperor].<\/p>\n

\u201cShovels! Not a one of those Crelers gets away!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It took another hour to track down each Creler and destroy the eggs; the adventurers scorched everything in the area just to be safe. But they\u2019d been impressed by Laken\u2019s abilities, not just for finding the nest but the stragglers trying to hide or ambush them.<\/p>\n

He in turn had been pleased by their abilities. So the next day, he decided to try out his true plans for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInvestigate a cave? What are we, Silver-ranks?\u201d<\/p>\n

The next day, Revi was annoyed by the order, but she just liked to complain. Really, she was intrigued. The [Emperor] had known about the nest.<\/p>\n

But this? It was just a cave.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty needs adventurers to investigate anomalies on his lands. Ensure everything is safe. He could use [Soldiers] or others of course, but he believes Gold-ranks are the most capable of handling any eventuality. This would be the bulk of your duties.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Steward], Prost, informed the Gold-rank team. Cade was safely in the village, playing with some of the children. Briganda raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the worst. Just dirty work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do have some open-air baths. Upon your return. There are three spots his Majesty would like you to investigate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Well, we can look into this cave, Mister Prost. I\u2019d advise you to return to the village in case we do find something and need to retreat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac\u2019s tone was dry, businesslike. The [Steward] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce you finish, our resident City Runner can direct you to me or the next location.\u201d<\/p>\n

He indicated the young man waiting at the cave. Revi raised her eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a City Runner on call? What about that Centauress?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Miss Charlay. She\u2019s a valued guest.\u201d<\/p>\n

With how much she\u2019d been drinking and eating, she had better be. Well, if the [Emperor] was trying to impress Griffon Hunt with his generosity, it still wouldn\u2019t work. Griffon Hunt saw the [Steward] off and then investigated the cave.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac, this place is weird. I don\u2019t have anything against the [Emperor]\u2026much. But [Witches]? His ability to see underground?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Master Helm had nothing bad to say about him, though. Keep quiet\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The team moved forwards. Only when it was safe to whisper again did Revi grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was worth the trip at least, to hear someone calling you \u2018lad\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda snorted. Halrac ignored them as he led the way. The [Scout] was working. Typhenous was next\u2014because he was actually quite deadly with his dagger\u2014followed by Revi, their weak link in an ambush. Briganda brought up the rear, keeping watchful. The Gold-rank team investigated the cave, which stretched deeper, deeper\u2026an area hollowed out by water over millennia\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They found nothing. Well, in point of fact the adventurers found several monster-animals, including a really aggravated Rock Slime and some Rockmites, and a bug-thing that tried to take a chunk out of Revi\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

Nothing threatening or really dangerous. Sometimes a cave was just a cave. Actually\u2026most caves were like that, devoid of grand adventures and containing just a few critters and dirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that<\/em> was fun. Do this all day? Why don\u2019t we just sign up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi walked out of the cave, brushing cobwebs out of her hair. Halrac shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we were paid like this every week, I might think about it, Revi, so long as we could go on other adventures and bounties as they came up. That [Emperor] seems confident we\u2019ll stay, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. About the Goblins\u2026do you believe him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac looked at Typhenous. Revi bit her lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he\u2019s\u2026using them for something? Like, I dunno, target practice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not about to cause an incident, Revi. We\u2019re not the Horns. Or the Silver Swords.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that.<\/em> But maybe\u2026we should look into it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re that worried about Goblins? Look, I know you went to that inn, but how much did being in Liscor change you all? Did you all hit your heads? Or did someone replace Revi\u2019s brain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda stared at her teammates, askance. Typhenous wiped at his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember all the stories we imparted to you, Briganda? Consider that we didn\u2019t use hyperbole once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHyper-what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t exaggerate anything.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You\u2019re lying. Halrac, that can\u2019t be true. Hey, Halrac! Wait! Typhenous is lying again, right\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next spot was\u2026interesting. It was barely outside of the village. Again, the [Emperor] had found something and he had ordered his people to dig.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about twenty more feet down, Captain Everam, sir. My people didn\u2019t want to dig further until you got here. [Emperor]\u2019s orders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beycalt, their [Supervisor], was waiting for the Gold-rank team. Bemused, Halrac gave her the go-ahead. Revi found herself sitting on a stool, sipping on some fresh milk as the team dug towards whatever it was. She was still dirty, but this was odd<\/em> adventuring.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Last five feet. Adventurers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn it. Briganda, take the lead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I start screaming, yank me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Shield Maiden] went into the shaft, grumbling. She had her buckler ready, and took the shovel. Revi heard cursing as Briganda and one of Revi\u2019s summoned warriors dug. They could have just sent Revi\u2019s summons down, but the [Shield Maiden] had volunteered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I don\u2019t pull my weight, what\u2019s the point of rejoining the team?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shoveled dirt up\u2014and then Revi heard a shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBriganda?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The digging team heaved<\/em> and the Gold-rank Adventurer shot up. Briganda\u2019s face was pale\u2014but not with alarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine! It\u2019s\u2014well, come and see! But watch out\u2014the body might come back to life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, the dig team and adventurers descended the dug shaft and found\u2026a little room in the ground.<\/p>\n

It was a cube of space. A neat, bricked-off room just\u2026sitting there in the earth. Inside of it was a number of objects. Corroded coins, a mildewed painting, chair smashed to bits\u2014and the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is<\/em> this place? Why is there just\u2026a room in the middle of the ground?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beycalt was pale as the adventurers brought up the mummified body. Or rather\u2014Revi\u2019s summons did. The [Summoner] had a motto:<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t have to do anything.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

The corpse was a mystery. But Revi saw that it had fresh boots and a belt that was unworn despite the deterioration of all the other clothing. Enchanted gear. She didn\u2019t touch it, of course.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks like a safe room. If I had to guess\u2014this poor soul was a [Thief], or a gentleman\u2014or woman\u2014with a taste for privacy. Something must have gone wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone looked at Typhenous. The [Mage] explained, with his background of knowledge.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a common tactic used by er\u2014people with a need for privacy. One simply digs a hole in the ground\u2014it need not be this elaborate\u2014or finds a secret spot. Hollows out stone, for instance. And then you anchor a spell such that you can teleport into the space.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA perfect hiding spot. I\u2019ve heard about those. Like them fancy vaults you have to teleport into.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beycalt nodded, eyes wide. Revi sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose aren\u2019t that safe, actually. [Mages] love trying to get in. In Chandrar\u2026but it looks like this idiot made a mistake. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

She showed them a few details. The room had actually been broken in one spot. The bricks removed. And the dead person had been right there, submerged in the dirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy guess is that this idiot didn\u2019t charge the teleportation spell, scroll, or whatever it was. They ran out, and were trapped underground. Then they either suffocated, starved to death, or were buried alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Humans shuddered. That was a bad death.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what are the odds one is just here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda stared at the dead body\u2014and then at the bag of holding on its side. Or rather\u2014box of holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cEh. Consider how much time\u2019s passed. There\u2019re places like this everywhere. Sometimes you can\u2019t walk two feet without tripping over a lost dungeon. Zeikhal\u2014the Great Desert in Chandrar\u2014has lots of that kind of stuff. It\u2019s just finding<\/em> it that drives [Treasure Hunters] crazy. But with an [Emperor]\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Summoner] investigated the body\u2014with her summons. They\u2019d have to appraise the belt and boots and whatever was in the box of holding\u2014but this was a haul.<\/em><\/p>\n

And they\u2019d made it a day into Riverfarm! She was about to celebrate\u2014when she realized.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, damn.<\/em> This is on the [Emperor]\u2019s lands, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of her team sighed. But then\u2014Emperor Laken Godart strode up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you\u2019ve found something. Excellent! I had hopes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac Everam turned to Laken Godart. The [Marksman] hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty knew the artifacts were down there?\u201d<\/p>\n

He wondered if Laken was going to justify claiming it that way. But the young man waved it off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. I sensed something<\/em>, but I didn\u2019t want to investigate. Monsters, curses\u2014magical traps\u2014my people can handle some of it, but they aren\u2019t experts. Adventurer Halrac, thank you for finding this body\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He sniffed and coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will look into the remains. And some of the [Witches] are quite adept at curses. When we appraise the value of the objects, I will decide what if anything, I would like to keep, rather than sell. Most objects I believe we will keep unless they are cursed. You may, of course, negotiate for your half.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halrac blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur half?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Emperor] smiled, though he couldn\u2019t see Halrac\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy request was clear. Any treasures found will be shared.<\/em> It is dangerous, but since I know the locations of all these sites\u2014anything of worth will be split. Half to the Unseen Empire\u2014half to your team, Captain Everam. If you would claim something worth more\u2014we can negotiate. Or bank the value against a further discovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Captain blinked at Laken Godart. And then he saw the carrot the [Emperor] was waving at last. It had been invisible to all the teams who\u2019d looked at his request. But if you framed it that way\u2026<\/p>\n

Revi looked at Laken and then around at the verdant landscape. All aboveground, of course. She cocked an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty. Exactly how many \u2018investigation places\u2019 have you found on your lands?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laken thought about that. His expression was coy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I do add to the number as I level and Riverfarm grows. But if you would like to investigate further\u2014I doubt all of the spots are so bountiful. There may be quite a lot of nothing. However\u2026if you would like to visit the third site, we can end your work by midday. Just in time for our new open-air baths to be tested. Not without purpose either; if Miss Revi would lend us some of her summoned creatures, we could put them to use\u2014assuming they can be remotely controlled?\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda whistled. Her eyes lit up and she looked around. Typhenous was stroking his beard and looking around, murmuring to Halrac. Revi just stared at the [Emperor].<\/p>\n

It was true that Griffon Hunt could offer Laken Godart a lot. But it seemed he was more than just talk. Briganda was looking towards Riverfarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCade\u2019s making friends, Halrac. All I\u2019m saying\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we worked for a month\u2026even once a month, Halrac\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The old [Mage] was staring at the boots. Halrac glanced at the find, and then at Laken Godart. He hesitated. The [Emperor] was smiling expectantly. Halrac looked around and then nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn one condition, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? And what would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were making weapons. Tools. Of course, it was hard work. But some of Pyrite\u2019s old tribe knew how to move metal.<\/p>\n

But the Goblins would admit that making iron weapons wasn\u2019t as fun as taking free steel stuff. And the Humans were willing to trade for the iron.<\/p>\n

It was\u2026subject to debate. The walls were high. There was food. They hadn\u2019t<\/em> died yet. So\u2014maybe?<\/p>\n

Some Goblins refused to forgive or forget. They prepared. And that was fine. But others were looking at it a different way.<\/p>\n

They had time. Perhaps death was coming. But give a Goblin time and they might be able to build their way out of death. Enough escape routes, enough weapons\u2014<\/p>\n

The first Goblin baby had been born here. In the Goblinlands, a name which the Goblins liked, even if the Humans meant it as an insult. Pebblesnatch had stared at the baby which Ulvama helped deliver.<\/p>\n

Now, on a day like any other, the Goblins were there. Working. They had gotten bored of being depressed. So some were mining for fun, a few others were working on traps, weapons.<\/p>\n

Leafarmor was training with some of the Redfangs.<\/p>\n

And if you looked towards the center of the Goblin\u2026village? Settlement? Fortifications? You could see a strange Goblin, even among the rest.<\/p>\n

She had a dirty, mangled, but slightly poofy white hat. And she was working on her latest pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance<\/em>\u2014<\/p>\n

An oven. Forget food. First you had to make the thing that made the food! Pebblesnatch was working with bricks the Humans had traded for some iron. She was ordering a [Craftsman] Goblin around with a ladle and he was ignoring her.<\/p>\n

The little Goblin looked up as she heard a warning horn from the walls. The other Goblins had seen someone coming. The ones in the settlement looked up, warily, but just making sure where the weapons were. They heard the horns now and then but nothing had happened.<\/p>\n

Yet\u2014this time, the horn was more urgent. It signaled three short blasts. That was the code for big danger.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adventurers. Or an army. Pebblesnatch saw the Goblins moving in a frenzy. Raidpear charged out of his hammock.<\/p>\n

When the Gold-rank adventurers moved to the edge of the no-person\u2019s zone and stared up at the Goblin-wall\u2014there was an army of Goblins there.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have the high ground. And those are some nasty fortifications. They look like Goblins. Let\u2019s go back now, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi\u2019s voice was muffled from the six summoned warriors she was hiding behind. Briganda was warily holding her buckler, but she hadn\u2019t drawn her axe.<\/p>\n

Neither had Halrac. Typhenous was leaning on his staff, but he was trying to look innocent about it. The [Scout] stared up at the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo away. Humans smell. Go bother [Emperor].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Leafarmor shouted down at them. She didn\u2019t recognize the Gold-rank team. But there was a susurration as some of the Goblins stared<\/em> down.<\/p>\n

The Cave Goblins didn\u2019t recognize Halrac. Or Revi. Certainly not Briganda. Humans looked alike and if they seemed vaguely familiar\u2026well, you couldn\u2019t be sure.<\/p>\n

But Typhenous? He had a cool beard. Goblins remembered beards like that. They pointed. And then\u2014a poofy hat rose. Revi stared at it. She pointed. Halrac\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac. Halrac.<\/em> Isn\u2019t that\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

The little Goblin shouted wildly and waved. Halrac the Grim\u2019s eyes fixed on her face. And the hat. The other Goblins stared. And then they heard a little Goblin laughing<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In delight. And the Gold-rank team\u2026<\/p>\n

Decided to stay for a while.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One last thing. Ulvama, the Goblin [Shaman] didn\u2019t hear about the Gold-rank team at first. She wasn\u2019t going to be pleased.<\/em> But she would definitely think about it and how it could benefit them. After all\u2014she was from the Mountain City tribe. And they knew Humans.<\/p>\n

But for the moment\u2014she was busy. Investigating something.<\/p>\n

The owner of the crude door had forgotten about it ages ago. And while she\u2019d been upset about losing her precious stone\u2014she\u2019d given up on it because she couldn\u2019t find it.<\/p>\n

But the [Shaman] now\u2026she squatted in front of the door. And her eyes gleamed crimson.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne, two, three\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She counted the little gems imbued with magic that the Goblins had dug up. They were tiny, fingernail-sized. She had charged them, but she wasn\u2019t sure about how much magic they contained.<\/p>\n

Yet she thought it might be enough.<\/p>\n

The certainty had been growing in her. Ulvama stared at the glowing stone set in the door. Something had happened a while ago. And the weak connection had grown stronger.<\/em><\/p>\n

Perhaps\u2026there was only something missing. Not on her end. The [Shaman] heard the commotion and slowly stepped back from the crude door in her hut. She didn\u2019t know if this<\/em> was it.<\/em><\/p>\n

But it was something. The crimson stone was glowing. The door was opened. She just had to wait for the right confluence of events. If it was going to happen\u2026the [Shaman] grinned. Then she left her hut and saw a little Goblin trying to hug a scowling adventurer. Her face went blank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>Day 4, and we\u2019ve left interlude territory. Also. The Last Tide is out!<\/em> If you have money to spare, please consider purchasing it!<\/p>\n

Not just because it gives me money, although I will admit that is a good reason for me. But because you buying the comic encourages Cloudscape to continue putting money into making the comic! It\u2019s like\u2026incentive!<\/p>\n

I\u2019m going to shout about it on Patreon, the Public chapter tomorrow, and other stuff. But if you can tell people about it\u2014it\u2019s a great way to enter into The Wandering Inn that doesn\u2019t involve going through 6 million words, and it\u2019s just great art! Everyone\u2019s worked hard on it and I want it to sell well so more stories about Solca Vis can come out.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s all from me today. I\u2019m going to feature two pieces of art today: the first The Last Tide fanart of Solca Vis, already drawn by Miguel, and Enuryn’s Creler art, with gross anatomy! Give them love and thanks for reading and making all this possible!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/cmarguel<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/cmarguel<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/enuryn.tumblr.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/enuryn<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Solca Vis by Miguel!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Solca<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crelers by Enuryn!<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Full-size Version)<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Crelers<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(The Last Tide is now available for purchase! Please consider buying the comic, and thanks for making this possible!)   \u201cCome here, Cade. Don\u2019t look. Leave him alone, okay?\u201d The little boy toddled back towards his mother. But not without another look at the silent [Marksman]. He looked concerned, but he didn\u2019t cry. 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