Names and titles. It was something, to be known by other people. Be it a local hero or an internationally-recognized name. It was also\u2026strange, to be that person.<\/p>\n
Named Adventurers. [Kings]. Archmages\u2026few others could understand the feeling. It meant something. The list of names was always changing. And today\u2014a few more names flashed across the consciousness of countless minds. They might not remain, but for a moment\u2014many people knew the names of individuals they had never met.<\/p>\n
The first was Ryoka Griffin. In conjunction with an old name\u2014the Archmage of Izril, Valeterisa.<\/p>\n
The Wind Runner of Reizmelt had awoken her. That was a feat no one had accomplished in ten years. It put her on the list.<\/em> And the thing about fame was that it was an ebb and flow. Ryoka had made smaller impacts before.<\/p>\n The Runner who had delivered to the High Passes. A Human who could conjure the wind. Her delivery for Lady Bethal\u2026<\/p>\n This was the most notable achievement of hers yet. So\u2014those who paid attention to Runners out of necessity or just interest marked her name and recalled her past instances of fame. They might remember her next time, or decide to hire her.<\/p>\n It was how a career, a legend was made. Piece by piece. And it was the smaller appendage on the big news: the Archmage of Izril had returned.<\/p>\n \u2026That piece of information was not reported by Wistram News Network that morning. Nor was the ongoing war with Jecrass and Reim. Frankly\u2014it was a sign.<\/p>\n A sign that nothing of \u2018note\u2019 had happened in the war beyond more battles that favored Reim; Raelt had retreated and ceded his borderlands to the King of Destruction. And also that the public didn\u2019t want to watch that kind of war. Rather\u2014two events were both featured this morning, one planned, one unplanned.<\/p>\n The first was a battle in Baleros. Lest the world forget\u2014Chandrar was not the only continent with wars of note.<\/p>\n This was only a single battle. But it was notable in that way of things. Names and titles.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bannermare of Baleros has\u2014has engaged Tulm the Mithril. We are reporting live with aerial footage thanks to our Garuda [Reporter] on scene. Our new Balerosian wing\u2014ahem\u2014of Wistram News Network, rather. Kerik, what can you tell us about what we\u2019re seeing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was weird. Erin Solstice had grown up on Earth watching television and the news. She wasn\u2019t a huge TV person, but it had been part of her life. Of course\u2014television had faded in favor of computers, tablets, and the easy internet. But television was familiar.<\/p>\n And here she was in her inn, watching the news on the scrying orb over breakfast. People kept\u00a0 complaining it was too small, but Erin wasn\u2019t shelling out for a huge mirror like Rufelt\u2019s\u2014yet.<\/p>\n Not when she had Palt. The [Illusionist] had projected the scrying orb\u2019s image onto a wall and everyone was watching as breakfast was eaten in silence. Mrsha silently ate from a bowl of berries and yogurt with a spoon, learning a new pastime.<\/p>\n \u2026It wasn\u2019t exactly kid-friendly. It was a battle.<\/em> The two sides\u2014one comprised of horse-people and some Lizardfolk and Humans, the other almost all Dullahan\u2014were squaring off against each other. Erin saw the battle from above as whomever was flying and broadcasting the event tried to keep the \u2018camera\u2019 steady.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Sir Relz! This is Kerik! It was an unexpected clash! This appeared to be a border conflict between Maelstrom\u2019s Howling and the Iron Vanguard\u2014but it grew into an actual conflict with the Bannermare\u2019s arrival! Neither side has launched arrows or spells\u00a0 yet, but you can see they\u2019re maneuvering.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrying to outflank each other. The Centaurs are more lightly-armed than the Dullahan forces, but they have mobility. One of those classic Balerosian \u2018sword-wand-bow\u2019 battles, right, Noass?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly, Sir Relz. And we have two second-in-commands for both Great Companies. This\u2014this could be a huge event. Tulm the Mithril vs the Bannermare. Both younger leaders who might well lead their company after the Seer of Steel or Fellstrider retires\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The two Drakes were commentating the battle. Erin scowled at them and then frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bannermare of Baleros. Where have I heard that before?\u201d<\/p>\n It was Palt who answered. The Centaur was trotting nervously, clearly invested in the battle on the continent Erin had only ever heard about. It looked\u2026very plains-y, at least this area.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s the daughter of Gwelin Fellstrider. One of the highest-leveled Centaurs in the world\u2014certainly for her age! She\u2019s known as the Bannermare of Baleros\u2014or the Battle Hymnist. She\u2019s\u2014look!\u201d<\/p>\n The Centaurs had been circling the Dullahans who were sitting in net formations, ready to be charged at. They were being led by a glowing figure in the center of the defensive lines.<\/p>\n Tulm the Mithril. Erin had seen the Games at Daquin. So she remembered his name. Now\u2014both sides opened fire and clashed.<\/p>\n From above, Erin saw the battle unfolding like\u2026a video game. She shuddered as she saw the Dullahans on the right flank explode as Centaur [Mages] unleashed a volley of spells and an entire wing of the army plunged forwards.<\/p>\n She had lived through a battle and the distant conflict felt too pretty from above. But there was blood on the ground.<\/p>\n Centaurs vs Dullahans. Erin had no context for the battle. Nor did most of the people in The Wandering Inn. Palt, a native, had to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s territory conflict. The Iron Vanguard is always encroaching on Centaur lands. Maelstrom\u2019s Howling protects the plains, but the Iron Vanguard builds forts and keeps \u2018claiming\u2019 more territory year by year. Normally it\u2019s just a standoff\u2014but the Bannermare must want to push them back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s going to win, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked around for Olesm or Belgrade, but neither one was here. Fortunately\u2014she had no end of armchair [Strategists] willing to tell her exactly <\/em>how the battle would go, including Sir Relz and Noass.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Centaurs vs Dullahans, Erin. Fast-moving cavalry\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, Montressa.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt glowered. The [Aegiscaster] blushed.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry\u2014I meant, Centaurs<\/em>, versus heavy infantry Dullahans. Normally, there\u2019s a break through the Dullahan formation or the Centaurs have to retreat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a straight conflict, Centaurs always lose.\u201d<\/p>\n Menolit put in. Palt glowered around, yet his attention was on the screen.<\/p>\n \u201cNormally we\u2019d expect the Bannermare to quickly charge in, but you can see she\u2019s just circling with her vanguard.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWary of Tulm the Mithril no doubt. The main force of Maelstrom\u2019s Howling is being pushed back by a strong Dullahan line\u2014Humans and Lizardfolk can\u2019t hold with Centaurs against that kind of armor even if the spells are making a difference. But this is Tulm the Mithril\u2014yep, here we go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A mist rose from the battlefield. And magic\u2014died. Erin saw the Centaurs retreating. She didn\u2019t think they were losing that badly. Until she heard from the projection a sound.<\/p>\n Marching footsteps.<\/em><\/p>\n The image cut to someone on the ground, staring at the fog-laden battlefield ahead. The Bannermare\u2019s army was in full-retreat. Why? Then\u2014something cut through the mists. Dullahan [Soldiers] marched below in ranks. And between them strode\u2014<\/p>\n Giants. War Walkers. <\/em>Sixteen of them.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026where were they hiding? They must have been camouflaged somehow. I\u2019m instantly identifying Xol of Ingrilt, one of the highest-leveled War Walkers in the Iron Vanguard, and\u2014fifteen others?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Bannermare and her forces fell back as the War Walkers advanced on the infantry. But Tulm refused to move too far ahead. The War Walkers turned, raising huge shields to protect themselves from arrow fire. They were watching one group of Centaurs.<\/p>\n Erin saw a female Centaur, holding a banner. She raced at the head of the line of Centaurs.<\/p>\n The Bannermare of Baleros. She was racing across the ground, so fast that even the best Dullahan [Archers] couldn\u2019t strike her with arrows. Her elites were moving around Tulm\u2019s army. Looking for a point in.<\/p>\n But of course\u2014the [Strategist] knew that was what was going to happen. He\u2019d arrayed pikes which constantly shifted, giving inviting gaps that would close if anyone charged in.<\/p>\n Stalemate. And all the time the Dullahans were attacking the magic-less Centaurs who couldn\u2019t win a war against a foe armored from head-to-toe.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think the Bannermare can delay any longer. Her vanguard is as strong as any heavy cavalry unit with her Skills! But the longer she circles, the more of her soldiers she loses. Is she going to retreat? This standoff is just losing her side soldiers. It might be a mark of her inexperience, frankly. She has a class equivalent to a [Banner Carrier]\u2014not exactly a <\/em>[Strategist], or even a [General]\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey. I think I nearly got that class once.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin saw Lyonette turn to stare at her with Montressa. The [Innkeeper] watched.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t watch this. What do you think will happen, Erin? You know chess, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Palt was so nervous. It was strange\u2014but then, Erin supposed it was like Relc or Selys watching Liscor\u2019s army fighting a battle. This was his people. He turned to her and she gave him a blank look.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not good at strategy, Palt. I don\u2019t do\u2026that. It\u2019s messy. No taking turns. It\u2019s just\u2026action. Punch the other person in the face as fast as you can, y\u2019know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat would you do here?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cNot fight? Or I\u2019d\u2026not fight that.<\/em> Dudes in armor. Seems tough. I\u2019d have like, twice as many soldiers and a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A sound. Noass broke off from his conversation with Sir Relz about battle tactics and the Bannermare\u2019s youth. He squinted.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is that sound? It\u2019s coming from\u2014Kerik, is there something in the air around you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The view shook as the Garuda turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see anything. I\u2014<\/em>oh.\u201d<\/p>\n The \u2018oh\u2019 was soft. And it came as the strange sound became obvious.<\/p>\n Crunch, crunch.<\/em> It was the sound\u2026of someone munching on something. Some dried chip-like substance. And Erin, the audience\u2014saw someone sitting in the air next to the Garuda.<\/p>\n A Squirrel. She was sitting on a carpet that hung in midair. She had been invisible. Now, she stared into the camera.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Hello. This is a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFoliana, you don\u2019t tell <\/em>people it\u2019s a trap. You\u2019ve ruined the moment. Just\u2014just go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Someone spoke up. Erin squinted. She saw Palt throw up his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, dead gods! It\u2019s him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Palt rushed forwards, blocking Erin\u2019s view. Erin craned her neck.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s that? I can\u2019t see anything. Move, Palt!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone stood on top of Foliana\u2019s head for a second. Then\u2014the entire image swung as the Garuda whirled.<\/p>\n Five more carpets hung in the air, motionless over the battlefield. Tulm the Mithril looked up as Niers Astoragon and Foliana waved down at him. The Dullahan\u2019s calm expression turned to fury and worry in a second.<\/p>\n The Titan\u2019s chortle was audible, but only that as the Garuda [Reporter] fled from the arrows shooting upwards.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was worth waiting for four days up here to see that. Alright\u2014drop \u2018em! Then let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n The five carpets heaved objects out of bags of holding onto the Dullahans below. Erin saw flashes\u2014explosions covering the tightly-knit Dullahan lines.<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014but the magic can\u2019t work with Tulm\u2019s Skill\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlchemical weapons. I\u2014was this all a collaboration? Are we seeing two Great Companies teaming up on the Iron Vanguard? Dead gods! And here she goes\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan ranks were in chaos. As the five carpets flew out of the range of the Dullahan bows, their jobs done, the Bannermare charged.<\/em> Straight into the opening Niers had created, at Tulm the Mithril.<\/p>\n Erin saw the battle turn into chaos. She didn\u2019t see all of it\u2014she had to pee.<\/p>\n When she left the outhouse, it was mostly over. Thanks to the Titan of Baleros whom Erin hadn\u2019t seen, the Dullahans had been defeated. They were retreating as the Bannermare harried them\u2014from the threat of Niers Astoragon and Foliana as much as the erasure of their battle lines.<\/p>\n Tulm the Mithril survived. And he even saved the majority of his army\u2014apparently he\u2019d used his warlord skill or something.<\/p>\n Palt was raving about it, more excited than anyone else. To Erin\u2014it was just a battle. Over territory no less. And it had implications for Baleros\u2014not Izril.<\/p>\n She had seen several battles like that from WNN, some from Chandrar\u2014others border fights in Terandria, a war between nobility in Chandrar in some kingdom\u2026it wasn\u2019t her thing.<\/p>\n But the sudden broadcast of the battle with the Bannermare of Baleros was winding down. Erin heard flutes, a hopping beat as she washed her hands and reentered her inn. Her ears perked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was\u2026the Bannermare. Her escort had more than just an aptitude for fighting. They were playing music as she led a parade, celebrating the battle. Erin saw the Centauress dancing, prancing to the beat as she mocked the retreating Tulm.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s considered the most eligible bachelorette in Baleros, you know. I met her once.\u201d<\/p>\n Palt sighed. Erin saw the image turn to Sir Relz and Noass. The monocled Drake was talking.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have more details on casualties, fallout, and perhaps an interview with the Titan or the Bannermare for you after the break. Now\u2014back to our scheduled event with\u2026our [Reporter]. Miss Drassi?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake bared his teeth in something that could be called a smile. And the image cut back. Everyone in the inn sat up.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s happening! Someone go into Liscor and tell the others!\u201d<\/p>\n The inn grew excited. Erin glanced out a window. It was weird that everyone was so excited to see it on TV. But\u2026well\u2026she saw a Drake standing outside, on an area of flat ground a few hundred paces away. She was waving at a Gnoll holding a scrying orb.<\/p>\n In the inn, on-screen, Drassi smiled into the camera.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Sir Relz. This is Drassi from Liscor! Reporting in! We had a little break for the battle coverage\u2014everyone was watching the scrying orb. But I\u2019m pleased to announce the first inter-city football game is about to begin! Pallass vs Liscor! I\u2019ll be commentating!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n And there it was. Erin stared at the soccer game. Two teams, vying to kick the ball through the goals set up in the Floodplains\u2014terraformed for a flat playing field. Liscor\u2019s team had Drakes, Gnolls, and two Humans.<\/p>\n Pallass\u2019 team had Garuda, a single Dullahan in the goal, Drakes and Gnolls. They were all dressed in uniforms; each team had been practicing non-stop since the game had been announced.<\/p>\n There were packed stands filled with Liscor\u2019s residents and Pallass\u2019. They\u2019d come yesterday to let the door recharge\u2014even some [Senators]. Erin saw the Watch patrolling the area outside of the field as they watched to make sure no Rock Crabs or other monsters interfered.<\/p>\n \u201cWeird. I didn\u2019t even have anything to do with it this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin mumbled as she heard Drassi eagerly introducing both sides\u2019 players. The audience was cheering\u2014both teams were comprised of Pallass and Liscor\u2019s citizens.<\/p>\n Even a pair of Gold-rank adventurers from Pallass, which had caused a fight when it was announced. But this was a game\u2014and there were no rules on who could compete. There were rules on the usage of magic, potions, and everything else that had been worked out over the last few weeks, but not on Skills.<\/p>\n And Pallass wanted to win.<\/em> So their team was made up mostly of fliers\u2014Oldblood Drakes and<\/em> Garuda and they\u2019d given their team the finest training.<\/p>\n Except for one thing. And that was the captain of Liscor\u2019s team.<\/p>\n Joseph. Someone else who\u2019s name was suddenly known the world over. He had done nothing as provocative as waking an Archmage. But he had brought soccer to this world.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd last we have Joseph<\/em> Ortega<\/em>, the inventor of soccer\u2014excuse me, football!<\/em> He came up with the rules of this very fun game in conjunction with Wistram Academy. Huh. I didn\u2019t know that. For more details, consult with any Wistram alumnus about the rules or equipment for the game!\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi read from the script she\u2019d been handed. That\u2026fact\u2026was quite interesting if you were listening hard for it. Erin\u2019s own eyes narrowed, but it passed unnoticed by most. The game was starting and Pallass had the kickoff. Erin heard a roar from the crowd as the Drake captain from Pallass\u2014a former Gold-rank [Warrior] launched<\/em> the ball at Joseph\u2019s team.<\/p>\n \u201cHere we go! Just like we practiced!\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph blocked the ball with his chest. Erin saw Liscor\u2019s team running ahead. Spreading out\u2014it was familiar to her as someone who\u2019d seen a few soccer games.<\/p>\n By contrast, Pallass\u2019 team made a beeline for the ball, over half charging for it.<\/p>\n \u201cOh wow! Pallass\u2019 team wants to get the ball in the air! We have Casil from Pallass diving\u2014no, Joseph passes it ahead to Rumerk!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls from Liscor and Pallass cheered as the Gnoll dribbled the ball around one of Pallass\u2019 player. The Gold-rank was fast<\/em>, but Rumerk passed the ball through his legs, and the former adventurer had to stop or smash into the Gnoll. Rumerk kicked it down the pitch towards a Drake no one was guarding.<\/p>\n \u201cGo! Go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ekirra was cheering from the temporary bleachers. He was wearing a Liscorian uniform\u2014Ekirra was a member of the little league and Joseph\u2019s soccer class.<\/p>\n Pallass\u2019 team doubled back on the Drake. They were fast<\/em>, with Skills boosting their reflexes. But\u2026they weren\u2019t soccer players.<\/p>\n \u201cNow!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A Garuda fluttered upwards as the Liscorian player kicked the ball up. The other fliers from Pallass flew back, ready to kick the ball through the air\u2014<\/p>\n A Gnoll jumped<\/em> and kicked the ball down<\/em> and across the pitch. It flashed below the fliers and shot towards Joseph. The Human\u2019s leg blurred.<\/p>\n \u201c[Flash Kick]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The ball flickered.<\/em> Erin blinked\u2014she saw the Dullahan land on the ground. But the ball had curved<\/em> as Joseph kicked it. It bounced out of the net. There was silence\u2014then a roar.<\/p>\n \u201cGoal!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The bleachers erupted into cheers. Liscorians were in uproar\u2014Pallass\u2019 audience sat there in shock. They hadn\u2019t seen Liscor\u2019s team practicing. Erin had seen that particular trick a dozen times.<\/p>\n The fliers, flustered, regrouped as they were given the kick-off. This time they tried to juggle the ball in the air. A Garuda flew up as a Gnoll kicked the ball. She kicked it towards an Oldblood Drake\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[High Jump]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A Drake headed <\/em>the ball out of the air. It went flying and Liscor\u2019s team on the ground passed it around Pallass\u2019 players in a flash. Erin saw the ball go flying into the goal\u2014heard a roar<\/em> from outside, and then an echo of it from inside the inn a few seconds later.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother goal! Not surprising\u2014Pallass seems to think the air was the right way to go, but it\u2019s too easy to knock it out of the air and then where are you? No one on the ground means you\u2019re in trouble! 2-0!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n It was going to be ugly for Pallass. They had stronger individual players, as Joseph had told Erin. But they had yet to understand how soccer worked as well as someone who had grown up playing the game. Teamwork, passing\u2026Erin sat in her inn, smiling as Liscor cheered their team beating a Walled City.<\/em><\/p>\n She hadn\u2019t done anything to make this happen. In fact, The Wandering Inn wasn\u2019t even selling food. People had seen Erin making a small fortune at the baseball game and soccer games before, so every hawker and street vendor in Liscor as well as many restaurants, inns, and pubs were all catering with food.<\/p>\n Can I have money for food?<\/em><\/p>\n Mrsha held up a note, pleadingly. Lyonette looked exasperated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you want to buy<\/em> food, Mrsha? We\u2019re an inn!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the experience of it, Lyonette. Come on, how about two silver? Three? Okay, three, if you share with Ekirra and Visma.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin laughed. It was a fun day. She handed the coins over as Lyonette rolled her eyes. The [Princess] let Ishkr pass out food to the audience who wanted to watch the game from the inn. She went to sit with Pawn and the Antinium on the roof of the inn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Soccer. On the field, Joseph shone as he led his players forwards towards the disoriented Pallassian team. A while ago he had been constantly drunk, disillusioned\u2014well, it wasn\u2019t like soccer had solved everything.<\/p>\n But it had given him a purpose. Erin had helped him find it, in less than a month, while Magnolia Reinhart had let Joseph and the others just\u2026waste away their time and potential. Deliberately, perhaps.<\/p>\n It was notable, though, that a soccer game was tied for a battle between three of the Great Companies of Baleros in the news. But then again\u2014that was how the news worked.<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin stared at the image with Fierre, Salamani, and\u2026Archmage Valeterisa. She hadn\u2019t seen Erin, which was good, only Joseph.<\/p>\n \u201cSo this is now normal? Mass-broadcast via scrying orb? How strange. How strange. A useful concept, but\u2026why did the academy come up with it? I must ask.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa was muttering to herself. The Archmage of Izril was distracted\u2014Ryoka saw her flick a wrist.<\/p>\n \u201cMemo\u2014ask Feor about mass scrying spell. Television? No, Nailihuaile.\u201d<\/p>\n A hovering quill scribbled furiously on a bit of paper. Then a note with the exact words in neat scrawl flew up and floated around Valeterisa\u2019s head. The Archmage of Izril turned to stare at the game of soccer again.<\/p>\n Pallass was getting destroyed<\/em>. The Dullahan was the wrong person to have in the goal. Ryoka wasn\u2019t a huge soccer expert, but even with his ability to detach his limbs (which meant no soccer ball hitting his head which was watching from behind the goal), the Dullahan was just too slow<\/em> in his armor.<\/p>\n Joseph hadn\u2019t had time to teach Liscor\u2019s team that many soccer techniques or strategies, so he\u2019d gone with a good, basic one: passing from player to player before scoring instead of just charging the goal like Pallass\u2019 team did. It meant half the time they got to the goal they scored.<\/p>\n \u201cA new game too. Football. Foot <\/em>ball. Hmm. How interesting. What else has happened aside from the King of Destruction waking up? That\u2019s inconvenient. I wonder if Amerys is an Archmage? That would be\u2014inconvenient. They said they were going to vote on it right when I left\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa was a woman from the wrong time. She had spent over a decade in isolation, working by herself, ignoring the world. Now she was\u2026conscious\u2026she had a lot to catch up on.<\/p>\n Ryoka eyed Valeterisa. She didn\u2019t know what to make of the Archmage of Izril. She wasn\u2019t trying to kill Ryoka, Fierre, or Salamani, which was a plus, but she was\u2026<\/p>\n Odd.<\/em> Ryoka was put in mind of a scientist\u2014or rather, a caricature or stereotype of a scientist. Someone concerned with data, logic, to an absurd degree. Only, replace science with magic and that was Valeterisa.<\/p>\n For instance\u2014the Archmage had been peeved to discover the three burning down her island and attacking her mansion. But after they\u2019d explained why they were here, she\u2019d thought about it\u2014and then told them to come in and explain what had happened in the last decade.<\/p>\n Now they were here. In Valeterisa\u2019 actual home\u2014which was past countless layers of traps and so on. They\u2019d teleported in; only Valeterisa or those with the right combination could enter her abode.<\/p>\n \u201cStrange. Um. Oh, here it is. Let\u2019s see. Merchant Guild reports\u2026that\u2019s a lot of money. Message, message\u2026hm, so many people seemed to want me over the last decade.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa was flicking her hand in the air, dismissing dozens of glowing lines which appeared, writing themselves out. She was multi-tasking\u2014glancing at the orb, writing responses\u2014dividing her mind up.<\/p>\n That was what had kept her like this, apparently. Valeterisa had been grateful for being \u2018woken up\u2019, enough so that she\u2019d forgiven the fire and attack on her home. Her reaction had been strange.<\/p>\n \u201cAt least three dozen people died trying to reach you, Archmage Valeterisa.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani the Mage Runner\u2019s smile was forced. He stared at the Archmage. For a moment guilt flickered across Valeterisa\u2019s expression. Then her face went blank.<\/p>\n \u201c[Calm]. I did make it explicitly clear that I was not to be disturbed. I will apologize about it. But really\u2026I came to this island to be left alone. That\u2019s how it works. If the fake illusion didn\u2019t chase intruders away\u2014you know, I feel bad about them. I could donate some money to families or something. How much gold do I have? Memo\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt a nudge at her side. She saw Fierre glancing at her. The Vampire mouthed.<\/p>\n Is she insane?<\/em><\/p>\n The young woman just shrugged. Valeterisa seemed more scatterbrained than insane. Actually\u2014she seemed quite sheltered.<\/p>\n Salamani glanced at Ryoka and Fierre and coughed again.<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage, I hate to bring this up since I did agree to the job. But I have to repeat\u2014delicately\u2014that I nearly died<\/em> trying to reach you. There was evidence that many had starved to death in your prison.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, of course. I forgot to tell the familiars to feed them. Little errors like that are how systems break. And placing the runes in an unguarded area. How did you break out again?\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa glanced up, saw the glares from all three, and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Right. I am sorry about that. Er\u2026have some food. Food.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She clapped her hands and Ryoka saw a shadowy\u2014thing\u2014float towards her. It was all-shadow, and thus hard to even focus on. The Shadow Familiar was bearing a plate of\u2026Ryoka eyed the very<\/em> stale tea and raw carrots.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cF-food? I had a garden set up and the familiars pull from my stockpiles. I have been eating\u2026I think\u2026I was going to wear a Ring of Nourishment, but they\u2019re not perfect and I needed no magical interference from artifacts.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa looked unconvinced herself. She took a carrot and sipped at a cup of tea. Her face fell.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s disgusting. Did I eat this the entire time? Wait\u2026wait\u2026[Recall Memories]. Oh. Oh my. That\u2019s a lot of raw vegetables\u2026and I hate potatoes!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka looked at Salamani. The Mage Runner\u2019s slitted eyes were rolled up in his head. He looked at Ryoka and then cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh!\u201d<\/p>\n She started and snapped her fingers. Salamani tensed warily; as did Ryoka and Fierre. Valeterisa wasn\u2019t\u2014reassuring to be around. But the Archmage of Izril swung around and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about this. You can keep<\/em> the uh, possessions of everyone who came here? That\u2019s a suitable\u2026reward, isn\u2019t it? I\u2019m sure it\u2019s quite valuable, some of it. Yes, yes. And I\u2019ll commend your names to the Runner\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa looked from face to face and hers fell slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner hesitated. She had a feeling about Valeterisa. So she looked the woman in the eyes.<\/p>\n Valeterisa had grey hair, but she seemed to have staved off aging. She was thin\u2014especially since she\u2019d lived on tea and vegetables for the last ten plus years\u2014but she mostly reminded Ryoka of a curious bird, peering around, looking surprised.<\/p>\n When she had been about to kill them, though, she had been quite\u2026cold. Ryoka remembered that too. She licked her lips before gesturing at Fierre and Salamani.<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage\u2026we nearly died. I\u2019m not mad about that\u2014I did volunteer for the risk. But your mansion and traps\u2026they\u2019ve killed dozens of people.\u201d<\/p>\n The Archmage\u2019s eyes flickered. She tapped her chest. Ryoka saw Salamani grimace at her. Valeterisa inhaled and exhaled.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about a larger tip? I could give you a few wands. Or enchant something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage. People died<\/em> because of you. They died of starvation. Alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa stared at Ryoka and then turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She raised a trembling hand and Ryoka reached out. She felt a shock\u2014snatched her hand back before touching Valeterisa. Her fingertips were burned<\/em>.<\/p>\n But it worked. Valeterisa flinched. And her eyes filled up.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to.<\/em> I just\u2014I was trying to protect my work! The last time they hired a [Rogue] and stole my research. It was\u2014oh, Ancestors. Those poor people!\u201d<\/p>\n She sniffed. <\/em>A familiar handed her a handkerchief. Valeterisa wiped her eyes and promptly got a decade\u2019s worth of dust in her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is so weird!\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre whispered to Ryoka as Valeterisa cursed and conjured some water. Salamani shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard stories, but she went into seclusion when I was still a City Runner, let alone a graduate of Wistram\u2026they say she\u2019s the best at magical theory. Not combat or politics or anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka had no idea about Wistram politics. She turned to Salamani.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, our job is<\/em> done. Assuming we get out of here alive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n They all eyed the sniffing Valeterisa. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026we can get paid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, you can. I gave you all the credit to Lady Ieka. And I still owe you a debt, Miss Ryoka Griffin. Speaking of which\u2014you should tell me if you want to call it in, anytime. I could try to persuade the Runner\u2019s Guild to give you a Courier\u2019s certification as part of it. I think few people would argue.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani smiled at Ryoka. She blinked at the Courier.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, really, Courier Salamani\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] waved a finger.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Salamani<\/em>. And as far as I\u2019m concerned, I owe you and Miss Fierre my entire life. I\u2019d never have escaped the way you two did. I take that seriously. You name it. If you want\u2014I\u2019ll run with you to wherever you\u2019re staying and give you all the artifacts I took.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre nearly spat out the bad tea she\u2019d been drinking. Ryoka\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No\u2014we can\u2019t even carry all of it! You have your share, Salamani\u2026Fierre and I are rich.<\/em> We don\u2019t need more!\u201d<\/p>\n They were still wearing the prisoner\u2019s gear, armed to the teeth even after throwing a riot in front of the Archmage\u2019s abode. Salamani looked at Ryoka drily.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I\u2019m twice in your debt, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n She opened her mouth and he pointed at her.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t pretend that\u2019s just goodwill. You and I both know how much money we\u2019re wearing. I\u2019m serious about giving what I\u2019m carrying to you. Mind you\u2014I won\u2019t turn it down. It\u2019s far more than Ieka would have paid me. But I mean it. You need anything, you call for Salamani.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner was about to protest. She wanted<\/em> to say he didn\u2019t need to do that. That it wasn\u2019t all he was making it out to be.<\/p>\n But she knew that was\u2014untrue. She and Fierre and Salamani had survived an Archmage\u2019s traps and woken her up. Valeterisa\u2019s mansion was like a proto-dungeon, even more dangerous because it was maintained.<\/p>\n It was just embarrassing and awkward for Ryoka to be the recipient of genuine gratitude or emotion.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026thank you, Salamani. You helped us too. But I\u2019ll remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me. This was the most fun I\u2019ve ever<\/em> had.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre smiled. Her smile faltered as Salamani and Ryoka gave her a look.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it was. I felt alive. <\/em>I\u2019m still shaking!\u201d<\/p>\n The Mage Runner laughed and swept back his hair.<\/p>\n \u201cMe too, honestly. Dead gods, but that was a rare experience for even a Courier. We woke the Archmage of Izril!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m grateful. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone sniffed.<\/em> The three jumped.<\/p>\n Valeterisa was wiping her eyes with a clean handkerchief. She blew her nose.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors. I hate emotion. I\u2026I really did let those people die, didn\u2019t I? And I would have stayed like that, dividing my thoughts up again and again. I owe you three a lot. I shall repay it too. Somehow. And here I thought [Parallel Thinking] was a Skill without flaw. I wonder how Archmage Chandler dealt with it? I might have spent another ten years trying to perfect the spell. I\u2019ve missed so much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka was stunned, half by what Valeterisa had said, half by the implications. Wait. [Parallel Thought] was a Skill?<\/em> Archmage Chandler? The Necromancer?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat spell?\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre\u2019s had focused on the last bit. So had Salamani. They looked at Valeterisa. She sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI should explain, shouldn\u2019t I? It\u2019s why I was secluded here. I thought that if I had time\u2014a year or two at most\u2014to work on it, I could finish my project. See what happened? That\u2019s what you get for not setting deadlines.\u201d<\/p>\n She waved her hand around as if to indicate \u2018whoops\u2019, and saw the three looks. Valeterisa blushed. She coughed,<\/p>\n \u201cAhem. What was your question? Ah, yes. I was working on a spell. No\u2014a theorem. Um, it would have been a revolutionary rediscovery. Even the proper [Archmages] of a thousand years ago didn\u2019t know the spell. Not Zelkyr\u2014but he was a [Golem Artificer]. Different disciplines. The point is it\u2019s the lynchpin\u2014cornerstone?\u2014stepping stone?\u2014building block of higher magic. Creating magical dimensions is possible, but rudimentary without constant management or this spell.\u201d<\/p>\n She even talked like she had ten different trains of thoughts at once. Ryoka sussed out the important bits.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat theorem<\/em>, Archmage?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. It\u2019s very simple. Automated spellcasting. I was working so long on it\u2014but I couldn\u2019t bridge the final gap. It took me four\u00a0 years to assemble the right spell matrices\u2014and the rest of the time was trying to bridge the final gap. It\u2019s so frustrating. Plate!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa reached out. A familiar dropped a porcelain plate in her hand. She threw it down. It shattered<\/em> on the floor and she kicked at it. After a moment, the plate rose and repaired itself.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t that\u2026automated spellcasting?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka eyed the plate as the familiar bore it away. Valeterisa sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I know it looks the same to non-mages. And you can easily approximate automated spellcasting. That was a familiar equipped with a [Repair] spell bound into the mansion. But if I had the right spell\u2014it would have auto-cast from my mana upon sensing the plate breaking, without the need for rules. It\u2019s a lost magic, though. A fundamental building block no one else is willing to pursue. They\u2019re all busy with\u2026politics. Infighting. Eating cake.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani nodded as if that were obvious. Valeterisa peered at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. Are you from Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Archmage Valeterisa. I graduated about sixteen years back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! What schools?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCombat magic, physical spells, enchantment\u2026those were my primaries, although I dabbled in some summoning and runecraft and I had an interest in astromancy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. One of the adventurer specializations. Are all the Archmages the same? Feor? Nailihuaile? Er\u2026V\u2014V\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cViltach?\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa snapped her fingers.<\/p>\n \u201c[Recall Memory]. Yes! I quite hate him so I keep erasing his name. What about Amerys? She came to the academy and we were going to make her Archmage. But if this King of Destruction is awake again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani hesitated and glanced at Ryoka and Fierre. Particularly at Fierre, who was taking notes, having borrowed Valeterisa\u2019s quill.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that\u2019s a matter for the academy, Archmage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Politics.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa sighed. She looked at Ryoka and Fierre.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you two are strange. So strange. You\u2014are you Human? And are you <\/em>Human?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Fierre first who actually jumped three feet into the air and turned\u2014well, she couldn\u2019t turn paler. And then Valeterisa pointed at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014private, Archmage. Neither of us are quite usual. But who is?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka smiled and saw Salamani tap one eye and wink. Valeterisa scratched at her head.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. That sounds like a rebuke. Am I being rude? I\u2019m being rude, aren\u2019t I. I just recall you two did so well in the first few layers of my defenses. I wish I\u2019d saved the memory, but I wanted to conserve space. Er\u2026I didn\u2019t meant to be rude. I just wondered if the little one\u2014[Recall Memory]\u2014Fierre, was part-Gnoll or something. I\u2019ve met them where I grew up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s private.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre hid behind Ryoka. The taller girl blinked at Valeterisa.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere you grew up\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa nodded, looking around. She picked up a carrot and ate as she replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m hungry. This is horrible. Mhm. I grew up in Fissival. The City of Magic, you know? But I went to Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka was startled. She dug in her pouch reflexively and offered the Archmage some rations. Valeterisa shrugged and then saw the flatbread and dried cheese. She brightened.<\/p>\n \u201cOh! That looks better! Familiars\u2014do we have anything that\u2019s not a vegetable? Exclude rotten foods. Would you all like to eat too? Or sit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026sure?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka found herself sitting in a small dining room with Valeterisa, Salamani, and Fierre. They knew it was a dining room only Valeterisa normally used because the rich wood was worn and so was the chair where she sat. A decade of sitting in the exact same spot.<\/p>\n \u201cMake food. Food. <\/em>I\u2019m sorry. They\u2019re terrible at specific instructions. In the past, [Mages] had far more intelligent familiars. I thought about summoned beings, but they take too much mana and Shadow Familiars can make food. But usually only boiling pasta. And don\u2019t ask them to put in sauce; they always put in everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they\u2026alive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, they can run out of magic and die. But they\u2019re more like\u2026limited sentience. Not like undead, which have a purpose even if you don\u2019t give them orders. Shadow familiars are a complex darkness-based spell derived from Golems\u2014you see, the spell differs when it comes to intentional learning, which Golems were actually made with. Have you met Cognita? She\u2019s a version of that ideal taken to the extreme. If you ever opened her root magical matrices, which she\u2019s never let me do, I think<\/em> you\u2019d find that there\u2019s actually a potentiality for interpretation of orders, which is where the shadow familiars differ. They were created by Noelyeen, a [Mage] of Chandrar around eight thousand years ago to my understanding, although he might have based that on previous\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The words washed over the three like the ocean. Ryoka, Fierre, and Salamani were each intelligent in their own way. Salamani had even graduated from Wistram. Fierre opened envelopes and traded secrets for a living and Ryoka liked to think she\u2019d had a decent education and was sharp enough to grasp most theories.<\/p>\n Valeterisa was beyond any of that. And\u2014she didn\u2019t lay out things like a good [Teacher] might, with a coherent ending, beginning, and narrative flow. She just followed her own convoluted thoughts, breaking off, clarifying, making anecdotal evidence\u2026<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014so pasta is the most they can do. Although I have had wonderful experiences asking them to \u2018lightly char\u2019 meat. They get it cooked right sixty percent of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Er, Archmage Valeterisa, what will you do now?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka rubbed at one ear. The Archmage stopped nibbling at some extremely al dente <\/em>pasta with Ryoka\u2019s bread and cheese.<\/p>\n \u201cGet back to work?\u201d<\/p>\n She saw their expressions and clarified.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce I deal with all these messages and fix up my mansion and so forth. I have so many of them\u2026and a number of commitments I should honor. Consult memo.\u201d<\/p>\n The pieces of paper fluttered down from the collection around her head. Valeterisa read them, sending most back up but incinerating six notes.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Recompense the dead, connect with Wistram\u2026oh, and at the top of my list is checking my income. If I have enough money to spare, I should see what there is to buy. I have an account with the Merchant\u2019s Guild. I hope they don\u2019t think I\u2019m dead. And that I have money.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked nervous about that last part. Ryoka looked at Salamani.<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2026you are an Archmage, Valeterisa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes. But I\u2019m bad with money. I spend it on what I need\u2014so I sometimes have to take jobs. And sometimes I\u2019m tricked! People lie to me! An Archmage!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShocking.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre muttered. Salamani snorted and pretended to cough into his robes. Valeterisa nodded, sighing.<\/p>\n \u201cTracking down the last [Merchant] who tricked me was difficult. But I found him and made an example and they stopped after that. It was a very disgusting way to die too. I still lose my appetite unless I forget. I\u2019ve blocked the memory but I think it had to do with worms.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka stopped chewing on her crunchy pasta. Fierre stopped giggling. Valeterisa ate on, calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cAs to your question, Miss Ryoka Griffin\u2014no, two things. Firstly, I will contact Ieka Imarris. She did well to contact me. I would expect nothing less of my niece.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSecondly, may I have some of your hair? All of it? I feel like something about you is\u2026interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa craned her neck back and forth to stare at Ryoka. She went on.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d prefer flesh and blood or something else, but hair will do. I will pay you for it. Um\u2026a hundred gold? If I have gold. Familiars, find out how much gold I have.\u201d<\/p>\n A shadow floated away and Ryoka tried not to protectively cover her hair.<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage, I\u2019m not interested in selling my hair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Can I convince you otherwise? I feel like you might have some discovery in your blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could insist. I am an Archmage. Your help would fuel magical discovery.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa looked at Ryoka with what might have been an attempt at sternness. Ryoka edged back in her seat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat have you discovered or made so far, Archmage Valeterisa?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked hurt.<\/p>\n \u201cAll kinds of things! I do enchantments, mostly. Or scrolls\u2014anything to make money. Why, the last thing I did was\u2026was\u2026[Recall Memory]. Aha!<\/em> I helped design some Kaalblades, based on an old design for the House of El. Oh! I wonder if the profits will have come in already? Maviola hasn\u2019t sent a [Message]\u2026no, wait, she has. Sort through all fifty six, in order of date\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa sat back, looking excited. Salamani winced at \u2018House of El\u2019 and \u2018profits\u2019. Ryoka felt her head explode.<\/p>\n Maviola?<\/em> No way\u2014but Erin had said\u2014just a coincidence. Just\u2026<\/p>\n And like that, Ryoka Griffin remembered.<\/p>\n The Summer Solstice. Time was running out. But\u2014if Erin was to be believed, she<\/em> had found a member of the Five Great Families. With Magnolia, that was two.<\/p>\n One more and they could do it! <\/em>But she had to continue coordinating with Laken. Pay him a visit on top of the letter. And\u2014<\/p>\n Ryoka stood. The absent woman looked up as Ryoka took a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cArchmage Valeterisa. I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m not willing to sell you any of my hair. Or blood. I\u2019m uh, attached to the body parts I have left.\u201d<\/p>\n She showed the Archmage her right hand. Valeterisa pursed her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want a finger\u2026well, I\u2019d want one, but I wouldn\u2019t ask for one unless you were willing to pay\u2014but very well. I suppose I owe you a debt of gratitude. Erm. Yes. I am very grateful. Is there anything I can do for you three\u2026Runners? Rest assured, I will recall this debt. Memo\u2014debt of gratitude to Ryoka, Fierre, Salamani\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at them with the clear effort of trying to look grateful, but hoping that they didn\u2019t actually demand something. Ryoka glanced at Salamani and Fierre.<\/p>\n Valeterisa gave Ryoka mixed signals. On one hand, she looked defenseless, gullible. On the other\u2014she mentioned worms, she had made the most evil set of traps Ryoka had ever seen and she could be unsettling. Ryoka thought about it and felt at her full bag of holding.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what, Archmage Valeterisa? You can ship the rest of the uh, magical scrolls and potions we left to Reizmelt for us. And then you can direct us to the exit. Maybe with a boat?\u201d<\/p>\n The Archmage brightened. She nodded, clapped her hands for her familiars, and Ryoka breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Fierre and Salamani and they smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cOw!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka clapped a hand to the back of her head. A Shadow Familiar hovered away with a few strands of her hair. Valeterisa innocently turned her head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A while later, Archmage Valeterisa watched the three set sail in a little boat from the island. The rats tried to hitch a ride, as the island was now half-scorched; Ryoka kicked them into the water, reminded of all the invasive species on Earth.<\/p>\n Valeterisa had summoned the boat from the coastal village with a spell and she had replied to other [Messages]. Wistram was abuzz. The world\u2014or parts of Izril knew.<\/p>\n The Archmage of Izril had returned.<\/p>\n The woman had remained, although Ryoka, Fierre, and Salamani had tried to get her to come with them. Quite hard, actually; they were all clearly worried she\u2019d relapse into her slumber.<\/p>\n They needn\u2019t have feared. But Valeterisa had insisted on staying and she was<\/em> an Archmage.<\/p>\n She wished she could have made them stay. Well\u2014she could have, but she was grateful.<\/p>\n And also\u2014curious.<\/p>\n Not of Salamani. Valeterisa had read his magical abilities like a book and dismissed him. No, it was of Ryoka and Fierre and just who they were<\/em> that interested Valeterisa.<\/p>\n She had lied. She was cleverer than most people thought. Valeterisa had hit some of her talking points for first introductions, like the [Merchant] whom she had caused to be infested with worms for double-crossing her. Valeterisa did not like Wistram\u2019s politics and backstabbing, but she had survived there to become Archmage.<\/p>\n And she had lied about her memory of the traps. Ryoka Griffin and Fierre Nolastnamegiven were both odd. Neither had magical power in the ordinary sense, but Ryoka had used wind to great effect and Valeterisa was doubtful any Skill could do what she had done. She had a different kind<\/em> of magic.<\/p>\n Fierre? Valeterisa was already investigating with one of her parallel thoughts what kind of species could have that much resilience, strength\u2026and didn\u2019t show up in mirrors. There was one match\u2014two if you stretched a criteria. But that would be odd.<\/p>\n Oh\u2014and one more thing. Neither Ryoka nor Fierre had any levels.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSo interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n Valeterisa would have loved<\/em> to keep them. But gratitude wasn\u2019t unknown to her. She would remember Ryoka\u2019s name, oh yes. She had added Ryoka to her priority memos. Everything about Ryoka, from her extraordinarily well-crafted bag of holding to her origin\u2014Drathian?\u2014to the query of why she ran around with bare feet was interesting.<\/p>\n But Valeterisa had much to do. So she contented herself with waiting. Because\u2014after all\u2014Ieka had sent Ryoka Griffin. The young woman was exactly Ieka\u2019s type. Legged, tall, female\u2026<\/p>\n Human women had never done much for Valeterisa. Due to her home, she had been more aroused by scales\u2014and even then only physically. She had only two great loves, and that was Archmage Zelkyr and Archmage Chandler, the last two great [Archmages] worthy of the title the world had ever known. Valeterisa pursued their shades, and no lesser figure.<\/p>\n Besides. Ieka would help Valeterisa in so many ways. They were a good team, the two. The Archmage of Izril had helped her niece so much when Ieka was in Wistram, both before and after. The poor girl had always been getting into trouble with her interest in other women. Secrets held over Ieka\u2019s head\u2026Valeterisa helped her niece, and Ieka took care of messy politics.<\/p>\n Now Valeterisa was back, she would make up the lost time to Ieka. The Archmage of Izril cast a spell.<\/p>\n \u201cIeka? Hello. It\u2019s me. Valeterisa. Have you forgotten me? It seems I was away for a while\u2026don\u2019t shout, Ieka\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When they were away from the Archmage\u2019s Isle, Fierre hugged Ryoka so tightly that the young woman was left breathless. Fierre actually lifted her a bit off the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did it. We did it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She jumped up and down with Ryoka in her arms. And the smile grew on Ryoka and Salamani\u2019s faces.<\/p>\n They had done it. They were alive. And\u2014<\/p>\n They had done it. A task worthy of a legend. Wake the Archmage of Izril.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJust one left. And maybe\u2026maybe Ieka can help. We did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we\u2019re rich!<\/em> Ryoka, we have to get this all appraised! We have armor, weapons\u2014I could be an adventurer! Gold-rank by virtue of enchanted items alone!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd<\/em> you have a fabulous, famous Courier in your debt.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani added. He was grinning from ear to ear.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the kind of thing that makes Couriers, Ryoka, Fierre. And believe me\u2014I\u2019ll be telling this story for free drinks everywhere I go. When I\u2019m not paying for the entire room, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached out and clasped Ryoka\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it. I don\u2019t want to dwell on the point, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Let\u2019s\u2014just get back to civilization. You might actually be able to help me, Salamani. If you knew one of the Five Great Houses\u2014er, Terland, Wellfar, or Veltras that is.\u201d<\/p>\n The Courier\u2019s gaze sharpened as they left the boat. The [Fisher] snorted after them, having heard the entire conversation. He folded his arms, glaring at the three.<\/p>\n \u201cOi! Not even a tip?\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani bounced a gold coin off his chest. The three walked on, feeling dizzy, high on reality\u2014a feeling Ryoka had only known a few times before. She loved it. She did love adventure. There was probably something wrong with her, but Ryoka was just the kind of person who\u2019d jump off a cliff into the sea. Or parasail. Or\u2026<\/p>\n Word was spreading. Ryoka Griffin<\/em>, the Wind Runner of Reizmelt <\/em>had done it. Her name was out there. As the three walked through the night towards the village, debating how to get back, they were met with an interesting sight.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014can keep up with you. It\u2019s Ryoka who\u2019ll fall behind. We could run to the nearest town and\u2014oh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre blinked. Salamani\u2019s wand was in his hand faster than Ryoka could blink. But neither young woman tensed.<\/p>\n A black coach stood in front of the road. A familiar one. And the driver was certainly familiar.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, ladies and gentlemen. My employer has decided to give you a free ride, gratis<\/em>. Won\u2019t you step inside for a personal, expedited<\/em> trip back to Reizmelt or wherever you\u2019d like?\u201d<\/p>\n The Djinni, Karsaeu-Dequoa, or Karsy if you were Termin, gave Ryoka and Fierre a huge, pained smile. She was half-bowed, the front of the coach open.<\/p>\n \u201cFierre, Ryoka. Did you tell anyone you were coming here? That\u2019s\u2014not a normal person. I don\u2019t even know if that\u2019s a Human woman.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani drew back. Ryoka and Fierre exchanged a look.<\/p>\n \u201cHer employer must have heard the news already. Karsaeu\u2019s not dangerous, Salamani. I think. Fierre?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026think we can take the coach. The Unmarked Coach has a reputation to uphold. Just watch what you say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it. It beats walking or running. I am dead<\/em> and the sun\u2019ll be the death of us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s true. I\u2019m exhausted too.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani didn\u2019t pick up on that last, but Fierre punched Ryoka lightly in the side as they piled into the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I interest you in any refreshments? If I can do anything<\/em> to make your ride more comfortable, please, let me know!\u201d<\/p>\n The coach was changed. Salamani exclaimed at the three beds<\/em> and comfortable table, plush seats\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods! How have I never heard of this service?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a secret, Salamani.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWh\u2014oh. Got it. You two are full of surprises, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n The three sat back. Mindful of Fierre\u2019s words, Ryoka sat back as the Unmarked Coach trundled forwards. She eyed the magical food and knew it was made of Karsy\u2014or her magic\u2014but she couldn\u2019t help herself.<\/p>\n The three scarfed the food down. After they had eaten\u2014or tricked their bodies into thinking the magical food was nourishment, Karsaeu\u2019s face appeared in the open door slot.<\/p>\n \u201cWas your trip satisfactory, esteemed guests?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She looked like she wanted to rip her tongue out and beat them to death with it. Ryoka eyed the Djinni\u2019s strained smile, and took pity on her.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have to ask us what we did, Karsaeu, we woke the Archmage of Izril up. Valeterisa\u2019s alive and well. Er\u2014alive. She didn\u2019t complete her project. And that\u2019s about all.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre opened her mouth, but closed it thoughtfully. Karsaeu eyed Ryoka. Then she nodded abruptly and relaxed.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Thank you. Go to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n The little panel slid shut. Ryoka sat back. She, Fierre, and Salamani looked at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m guessing it\u2019s wrong to ask about the employer? Got it, got it\u2026let\u2019s talk later. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani caught himself in a huge yawn. Before she knew it, Ryoka was yawning too. She, Fierre, and Salamani lay back. Before they knew it\u2014they were asleep. The Unmarked Coach travelled on. When Ryoka woke up\u2014<\/p>\n They were at Reizmelt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDead gods, that was fast!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Fierre exclaimed. The Unmarked Coach had beaten the sun. That was\u2026close to Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s carriage levels of fast! Speaking of which\u2014Ryoka had only heard about that as Fierre got the news while eating breakfast.<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s head was spinning. Magnolia Reinhart had been attacked? And saved by Tyrion Veltras?<\/em><\/p>\n And Teriarch. Only he could have teleported her out. There was no recording of the attack, but the details were spelled out.<\/p>\n \u201cThis continent\u2019s going to change after today. If she wasn\u2019t at war with the Assassin\u2019s Guild now\u2014I\u2019d hide if I was one of them. Then again\u2014maybe Reinhart\u2019s in trouble. The gentry of Izril are like sharks. They smell blood or weakness and you\u2019re dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre and Ryoka nodded. They looked around. Karsy was already closing the door to the carriage.<\/p>\n \u201cSee you. Thanks for not being annoying. I enjoyed the silence.\u201d<\/p>\n She slammed the door and drove off. Ryoka waved after her, smiling. She liked Karsaeu.<\/p>\n And now they were back. That was magic for you. A neat end to an adventure\u2026well, the Unmarked Coach had made the journey trivial.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s vehicles like that which make me feel like I\u2019m not worthy of being a Courier. Then again\u2014there\u2019s only one of them and always more deliveries for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani said what Ryoka was thinking. The Mage Runner rolled his shoulders, yawning.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Fierre and Ryoka. The two hesitated.<\/p>\n There was so much that could be said. Ryoka could run around screaming, talk to Fierre about the moment when she\u2019d gone insane and reassure her, get all her artifacts appraised, curl up into a ball and shake for a while at the near-death situations, get drunk, get a proper meal in her, capitalize on Ieka\u2019s goodwill and Salamani\u2019s to find the last great ruler of the land for the Solstice, arrange some other stuff for the party\u2026<\/p>\n Fierre looked just as unprepared for the question. The older Courier took pity on them both.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first thing I do after I\u2019ve done something great or nearly died is go home to my family. Girlfriend if I have one\u2026since we broke up, that\u2019s not an issue. Then I have something to eat, sleep if I need to, and then get to work. It\u2019s finding an [Enchanter] to see what you\u2019ve got, talking to Lady Ieka, and registering the run at the Runner\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know just the [Enchanter]. And I\u2019m too far from\u2026home. Maybe in Invrisil I can combine them. I can do the Runner\u2019s Guild and Lady Ieka, though. Let them know I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka took a few breaths. She looked at Fierre.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go home, Fierre? I\u2019m sure your family wants to know you\u2019re back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe? But\u2014well, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Fierre hesitated. But she flexed one arm and eyed the lightening skies.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a lot to tell them. Ryoka. You are invited for dinner. Be there. Evening. We\u2019re going to have to talk about a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n The two grinned at each other. Fierre left, waving at Ryoka and running with considerable speed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf she\u2019s not a Runner, she\u2019s wasted.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani commented. He grinned and winked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I know something\u2019s up. Not sure what, but not many young women are like her. Or you, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need you to stick around, Salamani. Er\u2014not that I want to get rid of you! It\u2019s just\u2014no need for your debt yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka flushed. The Courier laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI appreciate you being honest. How about this? Let\u2019s get to the Guild, make a report\u2014and it\u2019s going to take at least an hour with truth spells\u2014and then you can tell me about the Five Families. I don\u2019t have a big \u2018in\u2019 with them; I\u2019ve done deliveries, but I can listen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka smiled. They trotted towards the Runner\u2019s Guild. Ryoka didn\u2019t know what to say. Salamani was just making light chatter.<\/p>\n \u201cThe amount of gear we have is insane. Frankly, you\u2019re at Courier-level if you keep the wands and scrolls, which I advise you to do. You can make any [Bandit] group sweat hard <\/em>with that alone. As for the equipment\u2014it\u2019s a tossup what you keep and sell. We\u2019re not adventurers and sometimes [Thieves] go after us. Do you have a place to store your gold?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm. No. But I could put it at the Merchant\u2019s Guild, right?\u201d<\/p>\n The Courier nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWith that kind of gold you don\u2019t keep it. One Level 40 [Thief] and you\u2019ll be sunk. Frankly, we need to be careful when we go to Invrisil. Actually\u2014sleep with one eye open if we can\u2019t store the gear before getting to Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you\u2014do you think we should give some of it back to the deceased? I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Mage Runner sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cSome gold, maybe. But charity? I don\u2019t think giving back the items<\/em> is a good\u2026precedent. Tends to backfire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. So\u2026what? Am I just going to wear enchanted armor?\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani saw her expression.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to be the most well-armored Runner for a hundred miles. And yes<\/em>. Unless it\u2019s too heavy. We. Are. Rich. Mind you\u2014I\u2019m going to sell most of my gear because it interferes with spellcasting, especially heavy armor. But I\u2019m buying a spell tome with, what, a Tier 6 spell? If I can\u2026the next few months might just be me running around with my nose in a book!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka laughed. The two pushed into Reizmelt\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild and Ryoka inhaled. Here and there and back again. It felt strange.<\/p>\n The Runner\u2019s Guild was, as always, slightly full, even at the crack of dawn. Ryoka saw the [Receptionist], Alime, at the desk and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAlime!\u201d<\/p>\n There was only one person in line in front of them so Ryoka slowed, embarrassed. Don\u2019t get a big head.<\/em> She was going to go to Invrisil\u2014maybe with Fierre?\u2014right after this. Maybe Ieka was still there, but Ryoka wanted to tell Erin. And Mrsha! And maybe Erin needed a suit of armor.<\/p>\n Scratch that\u2014some of the artifacts needed to go to Erin. Not the sword. The thought of Erin with a sword was a terrible one.<\/p>\n Ryoka saw Alime glance up at her. The [Receptionist]\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka? There you are! What timing! Actually\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She cut off. Ryoka saw the person in front of her, someone with short, silverfish hair, turn her head. It was an older woman. Tall, long-legged like most Runners. She turned her head and Salamani blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa. Now there\u2019s a meeting. Hey! Guildmistress, it\u2019s me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSalamani? Didn\u2019t expect to see you here.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman\u2019s voice was lower than you might expect. Rugged. She coughed. But her eyes only flicked to Salamani once. She was looking at Ryoka.<\/p>\n The City Runner hesitated. Something about the look the older woman was giving her made her feel\u2014uneasy. Salamani was oblivious.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d not believe what just happened. But let me start from the beginning. The Archmage of Izril <\/em>is awake! The delivery is done! And not thanks to me\u2014I owe my life to her. Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? The Archmage of Izril. Huh. About time someone did that. That\u2019s a Courier\u2019s errand, though. Ryoka Griffin. City Runner, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2019m sorry. Have we met?\u201d<\/p>\n Something about the woman was making Ryoka\u2019s heart flutter in her chest. She felt\u2026terribly unwell all of a sudden. Salamani blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods, you don\u2019t know? Haven\u2019t you been to First Landing?\u201d<\/p>\n First Landing.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman whispered. And now she was staring at the old woman. The Guildmistress of First Landing had violet eyes, but very dark and tinged with a shocking pattern of yellow. The two never looked away as Salamani grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka, let me introduce you. This is the Guildmistress of First Landing. A legend among Couriers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela Godfrey.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin whispered. The Mage Runner heard the note in her voice. Finally, he caught on and looked at Valceif\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n Mihaela stood there, looking Ryoka up and down. She nodded, tersely. Her expression\u2014<\/p>\n She was probably in her late fifties. But her hair was white or perhaps silver. She had more lines than Ryoka would have expected. More scars, too. She looked like the most in-shape woman her age that Ryoka had ever met, though. A marathon runner.<\/p>\n And her eyes never left Ryoka\u2019s. Salamani looked at Mihaela.<\/p>\n \u201cGuildmistress? Something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all, Salamani. I came here to meet Ryoka Griffin specifically. Thanks for introducing us. Now. Get lost.\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela turned her head to glance at the Mage Runner. She looked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cStep outside and we\u2019ll have a chat, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman turned, feeling\u2026she stumbled. Salamani blocked the way.<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela. What\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled. But it wasn\u2019t a smile. Mihaela looked at his arm. But Ryoka whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cLet her go, Salamani. She has business with me. Valceif\u2014I knew Valceif. He helped me out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani\u2019s eyes flickered and widened. Mihaela pushed his arm out of the way.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. He died. Let\u2019s go for a run, Ryoka Griffin. Step outside.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In more important news, Tyrion Veltras was the most significant person in Izril at this moment. His actions, his very existence had changed northern Izril\u2019s fate, perhaps all of Izril\u2019s. What he did was watched. His actions had already spoken louder than anything.<\/p>\n And what he was doing was extraordinary. Surprising\u2014shocking.<\/p>\n The Lord of House Veltras was training on the tilting grounds again this morning. He was going to go hawking later this day, or visit Lord Pellmia on a social errand\u2014which was inevitably practical given that Tyrion did not enjoy such activities if it was just to sit and talk.<\/p>\n It was so surprising because of what he had done just a day before. Rescued Magnolia Reinhart, fought the Assassin\u2019s Guild and placed himself against the elusive Circle of Thorns.<\/p>\n To anyone who knew Tyrion\u2014it wasn\u2019t that surprising, just exasperating. He regarded what he had done as just and necessary. Never mind that Ullim, Jericha, even his sons gave him looks mixed between awe and incredulity.<\/p>\n \u201cJericha. I\u2019m minded to go riding. Just for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt once, Lord Veltras.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lord] nodded. He\u2019d normally go for a long ride around his estates at those insane speeds only he could match. It was no exaggeration to say he was probably one of the fastest Humans in the world, certainly on Izril. Mounted, he could catch Magnolia\u2019s famed carriage\u2014and since it was destroyed, he was now peerless.<\/p>\n There were other famed Humans known for their speed, of course. Like Mihaela Godfrey. But she wasn\u2019t known for pure speed\u2026Tyrion was.<\/p>\n Tyrion was breaking in a new warhorse since his beloved steed had died. It was a mark of the man how he had disposed of his horse\u2019s remains. Gelden, the horse, had been butchered and the meat given to the dogs. Because it was a waste of good horseflesh to do otherwise.<\/p>\n The bones Tyrion had kept and buried himself. All this was pure Tyrion. He had downplayed his battle with the [Assassins] to Hethon who had been agog at the story. In fact, he was training because he was so annoyed with the battle itself.<\/p>\n The ride would settle his nerves. But not too far. Tyrion turned as Jericha rode up towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cHow is Sammial doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Ullim was looking after Sammial. The boy had a summer cold, fever and coughing. Jericha smiled slightly, reassuring Tyrion who had given no sign of worry.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s resting. I believe he wants to hear more stories of his father, but Ullim is keeping him entertained.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Have the [Healer] standing by if his coughing gets worse. His lungs were always weak.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial had been possessed by coughing fits when he was younger. Perhaps this was a resurgence. Tyrion rode with Jericha and a small escort, defying his peers of Izril to find anything different in his behavior. He had made his choice. There had never been another option.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reizmelt now. No one was looking at Reizmelt hard. But they would. Oh, it was about to become news. Just like the game of football. Bigger than the Bannermare and Baleros.<\/p>\n Because of her. Because her name was in the news.<\/em> And\u2014while few noticed, some remembered.<\/p>\n They gathered in the rally spot twenty miles outside of Reizmelt. Laughing, joking. A different group\u2014only two were the same as last time.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, who called the Bloodfeast?\u201d<\/p>\n One of them teleported into the spot. And there they were.<\/p>\n The Bloodfeast Raiders. One of them\u2014the one on a carpet\u2014raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a special occasion. We\u2019re after prey.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n The others stirred. The carpet-rider nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought this Runner was dead. The name is Ryoka Griffin.<\/em> Two of our members are very<\/em> interested in her. Take her alive. Reizmelt? That\u2019s all your discretion.\u201d<\/p>\n They grinned and laughed. The Bloodfeast Raiders were eleven this time. They were mostly\u2026younger. But one of their members was older. It was the difference of a decade. As they prepared for their entry and place in the news<\/em>, which they would love and which would galvanize the other raiders\u2014the older member raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHold up. I just received a [Message]. There\u2019s heat in Reizmelt. A Gold-rank team. A Courier. And\u2026fuck.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The others stopped. They looked at him as the older member put a finger to his temple.<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela Godfrey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Guildmistress of First Landing? What is she doing here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The other raiders were confused. Some were excited\u2014others wary. A Courier and a Gold-rank team? They had killed Gold-ranks before. But that last name\u2014the senior member of the Raiders raised a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cAbort. The Bloodfeast is cancelled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The carpet-rider was furious. He pointed at the city in the distance.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could turn Reizmelt to ash! There are eleven of us! You think we\u2019re afraid of a Courier or Gold-ranks? We\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He fell silent as the oldest Bloodfeast Raider whirled and put a knife at his throat. The others fell silent, wary, listening.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, the Bloodfeast is cancelled. <\/em>Mihaela Godfrey isn\u2019t someone you can outrun. Either you kill her or she\u2019ll get one of us. You want to go there? Let me know. Because if you compromise the Raiders, we\u2019ll kill you now rather than let you rat us out. Well?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Raider held still, his eyes flashing with fury. The senior member turned and looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bloodfeast is canceled. Get lost.\u201d<\/p>\n The eleven broke up, annoyed, furious. But no one died today. No one made trouble as they left, covertly as they came. It had happened before. A Named Rank adventurer or team\u2014Tyrion Veltras on the move. The Bloodfeast Raiders didn\u2019t fuck with that kind of person.<\/p>\n Including Mihaela Godfrey.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She stood outside the Runner\u2019s Guild, listening. One of those people you might meet once. That your father might say he\u2019d met. A living legend in our times, like Zel Shivertail had been.<\/p>\n The Courier who had outrun everything in the First Antinium War. When the Walled Cities had been under siege, as the Antinium overran Izril\u2014only one Runner had kept delivering potions, secret battle plans, missives.<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela Godfrey. I\u2019m sure of it. That\u2019s the Unstoppable Messenger of Izril, right there. Dead gods. Mother has her autograph.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes Byres peeked at the Guildmistress of First Landing with his team. The Silver Swords had heard the buzz; they\u2019d been loitering in Reizmelt after finding that Ryoka Griffin had already been found by Erin. Killing monsters, enjoying the break\u2014<\/p>\n Now they saw Ryoka and Mihaela and Salamani all standing together with onlookers watching covertly from afar, like the Gold-ranks. Ryoka\u2019s face was\u2026twisted. Mihaela\u2019s could have been stone. Salamani looked worried, tense.<\/p>\n None of that escaped Ylawes. The [Knight] scratched at his clean-shaven chin. He\u2019d been hoping to meet Mihaela. But this was another entry in the \u2018Ryoka Griffin\u2019 events, which seemed to tie into the \u2018Erin Solstice\u2019 madness.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought she seldom ran deliveries anymore. Move it, Pointy Ears. I can\u2019t see!\u201d<\/p>\n Dawil growled as he stood on his tip-toes. Falene adjusted her spectacles.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s mostly retired. But yes. That\u2019s certainly her. Why does Ryoka Griffin <\/em>know her?\u201d<\/p>\n The Silver Swords exchanged a glance. Dawil sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, this is Erin Solstice all over again. Hey, you know if we\u2019d stayed around Liscor we might have been able to commission Pelt, the master-smith<\/em> to make us gear? Or\u2014or bought potions from Saliss of Lights? Or we\u2019d be getting those fat Wyvern bounties!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin wasn\u2019t responsible for all of that, Dawil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah? And I\u2019m a Minotaur in disguise. I\u2019m just saying\u2014first Erin, now this Ryoka. Stick with the crazy Humans, lad. That\u2019s where the interesting stuff is.\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes shook his head. He didn\u2019t know Ryoka well. She was standoffish. Friendly\u2014but no Erin. Still\u2014he glanced towards the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that it? You can\u2019t tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela\u2019s voice was quiet. Her arms were folded; Ryoka flinched.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. I didn\u2019t know. He\u2014he was helping me. I was under a spell, but I can\u2019t say more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet, Salamani. This doesn\u2019t involve you.\u201d<\/p>\n The Mage Runner fell silent. He was visibly uneasy. Mihaela\u2026walked around Ryoka. She had that swiftness Ylawes recognized. A passive movement Skill. She coughed once, a deep, wet cough.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard Valceif had met a City Runner. That was how he lost his charm. I waited for you to come north. And here you are. You sent a [Message] to me saying Valceif\u2019s death was your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n The Silver Swords looked at each other. Valceif? Ylawes recognized the name. Falene blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014Valceif Godfrey. Courier. Mihaela\u2019s\u2026oh no.\u201d<\/p>\n They looked forwards, realizing what this moment was. Ylawes felt the tension in the street intensify suddenly as everyone caught on. The onlookers backed up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was my fault. I was under a spell and Valceif helped break it. But I can\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? You can\u2019t tell me<\/em> why Valceif lost the charm that would have kept him alive?\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela stepped forwards. She was taller than Ryoka. She looked down at the young woman. Ryoka hesitated again. But she didn\u2019t step back. She just nodded. She couldn\u2019t run from her responsibility. She had been prepared for this moment since she had asked to notify Valceif\u2019s family of her responsibility.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. But it\u2019s not my secret to give away. It\u2019s\u2026the Runner\u2019s code.\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani made a sound. Mihaela\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cReally. <\/em>What integrity, for a Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n There was nothing for Ryoka to say. She waited as Mihaela looked her up and down. The Guildmistress stared at Ryoka, and then straightened.<\/p>\n \u201cWell then. I suppose if it\u2019s the Runner\u2019s code of integrity.<\/em> There\u2019s nothing to say. That\u2019s that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka started. But Salamani\u2014he just watched Mihaela, licking her lips. The Guildmistress stepped back.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was personal business. Now. Ryoka Griffin of Celum. The \u2018Wind Runner of Reizmelt\u2019. Today is your lucky day.\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela smiled. Ryoka said nothing. Mihaela\u2014even after meeting her for five minutes\u2014was not someone to whom a smile and \u2018good news\u2019 came naturally. The Guildmistress waited for a second and then went on.<\/p>\n \u201cYour achievements have been logged. The Runner\u2019s Guild has certified you at base Courier speed and you have performed a number of impressive deliveries. Thus\u2014you are being considered for certification as a Courier. I\u2019ve come to personally check your abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCourier?\u201d<\/p>\n The word ran around the street. Some of Reizmelt\u2019s runners, the Silver Swords, they stirred. That was huge news. It was deserved too\u2014especially in light of Ryoka\u2019s gear, which no one knew about but Salamani.<\/p>\n But the Mage Runner looked even more<\/em> nervous.<\/p>\n \u201cYou, Mihaela? Is that\u2014that necessary?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Salamani. One more word and I\u2019ll make you a Street Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela looked at Salamani. Ryoka thought<\/em> it was just an empty threat until she saw Salamani turn pale. The Guildmistress looked back at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations, Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n She waited. Ryoka made her dry mouth work.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I don\u2019t think I\u2019m ready to be a Courier, Guildmistress Mihaela.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? Well, we\u2019ll find out. It\u2019s just a few tests of your running speed, other abilities. Oh\u2014and combat competence. I won\u2019t take up much of your time. Let\u2019s start with combat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Guildmistress ignored Salamani. She gestured at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m told you\u2019re a good hand-to-hand fighter. Go ahead and show me how you\u2019d defend yourself if I was a [Bandit].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuildmistress\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAttack me. Or I\u2019ll attack you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela waited. Ryoka Griffin looked around. She was tense. Part of her was telling her to kick Mihaela as hard as she could and run like hell. Fight\u2014the air was heavy.<\/p>\n But no. No running, and no\u2026Ryoka raised her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t just attack you, Guildmistress. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can defend yourself, then. Here I go.\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela raised a fist. Reflexively, Ryoka brought up her hands. She saw a blur, heard a shout.<\/p>\n \u201cMihaela, don\u2019t\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Something hit Ryoka in the jaw. It felt like a hammer. Ryoka stumbled, caught hers\u2014<\/p>\n A blow to her sides.<\/em> She doubled over, reflexively. Then a third punch landed before Ryoka could blink.<\/p>\n She was on the ground. Ryoka tasted blood in her mouth. Her head was ringing. She\u2014Ryoka tasted blood. What was\u2014was\u2014?<\/p>\n \u201cSilver and steel!\u201d<\/p>\n Ylawes exclaimed. He\u2019d seen all of it. The Guildmistress had punched Ryoka in the jaw before the young woman could even raise her hands. Then she\u2019d hit Ryoka in the side and while Ryoka was folded up, Mihaela had hit her in the back of the head.<\/p>\n Ryoka was lying on the ground, blood coming from her mouth. Mihaela stood over her.<\/p>\n \u201cNot good. Get up and we\u2019ll try again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuildmistress! Enough!\u201d<\/p>\n Salamani blocked her, arms outstretched. Ryoka might not even have heard Mihaela; she was trying to get up, clearly dizzy.<\/p>\n \u201cSalamani. You\u2019re starting to annoy me.\u201d<\/p>\n Mihaela saw Ryoka pushing herself up. The City Runner looked around muzzily.<\/p>\n \u201cWh\u2014dr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She was fumbling for a potion. Mihaela pointed at Ryoka\u2019s belt, with a friendly\u2026smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHeal up. This is just a test.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka spat, gagging on the blood, and drank from the potion. Some of the dizziness and confusion faded. She spat again.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll healed up? Let\u2019s try again.\u201d<\/p>\n This time Salamani tried to stop her. Ylawes saw it. But however fast the Mage Runner was\u2014and he was quick\u2014Mihaela was faster. She blurred down, ducking Salamani\u2019s hand. Ryoka bl\u2014<\/p>\n Her feet left the ground for a second as Mihaela hit her in the ribs. Ylawes