{"id":9452,"date":"2020-11-04T04:13:20","date_gmt":"2020-11-04T04:13:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=9452"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:01:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:01:45","slug":"interlude-saliss-the-adventurer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/","title":{"rendered":"Interlude – Saliss the Adventurer"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The Wandering Inn, Volume 3 \u2013 Part 1<\/u><\/em> is up on Amazon!<\/a> It took a little bit to get through the review process, but it’s for sale right now! And the audiobook will hopefully begin work in January! Remember, this is Part 1 of Volume 3, not the entire Volume! Look for Author\u2019s Notes for why that is and thanks for reading!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sometimes, you just had to wake up in the middle of the night to pee. It was a common phenomenon that varied in regularity depending on the bladder strength and deepness of sleep between people. But almost everyone experienced the need to get up and urinate, especially if they\u2019d had too much liquid and not enough pre-sleep restroom time.<\/p>\n

This was not normally a problem. However, exceptions occurred, such as being camped on the edge of a mountain\u2019s cliff, sleeping in close proximity to a monster or group of people hunting for you, and so on. This was where the danger quotient of nightly urination came in.<\/p>\n

In a certain Centaur\u2019s case, the problem with night-peeing was stairs.<\/p>\n

Stairs, the bane of four-legged beings such as himself, especially when said stairs were made for two-legged<\/em> people. It bothered Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoore<\/em> gets a custom outhouse and chairs and tables, and no one can build a damn ramp?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur kept his voice low as he tried to navigate down the stairs, sometime between dawn and midnight. He wished, for a moment, that he had Erin\u2019s affinity with the [Garden of Sanctuary]. He was allowed in, but\u2026<\/p>\n

But he didn\u2019t have the ability to sprint at a wall, leap through, and come hurtling back out into any destination without fear of snapping his neck. Like Mrsha, Erin, and a few others had. Palt thought it was about trust\u2014how much you were \u2018part\u2019 of the inn\u2014and so on. It would have really<\/em> been helpful for moments like these.<\/p>\n

In fact, Palt had a small inn-secret on that topic, value uncertain, which was that Numbtongue didn\u2019t even use the garden as a shortcut down to the outhouse if the nightly urge struck him. He just walked into the garden and peed there, usually in the jungle biome. A fact Erin Solstice might not appreciate\u2026<\/p>\n

Palt nearly slipped going down the stairs and caught himself on the handrails\u2014at least the inn had them\u2014with a muffled curse. This was not<\/em> fun. And he had no desire to be found in a tangle of broken legs and perhaps a broken neck the next morning, or wake up half the inn by falling down. Everyone still gave him grief over falling on Erin. As if he wasn\u2019t mortified.<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, it was ironic that a talented, accomplished [Illusionist] and [Mage] of Wistram had so many problems emptying his bladder. In theory,<\/em> Palt had a lot of ways to accomplish this without navigating stairs.<\/p>\n

Teleport yourself outside? Magically empty your bladder? Fly out the window?<\/p>\n

You see, the thing about laypeople was they thought magic worked like that. All those ideas were stupid\u2014Palt knew because he\u2019d thought over each one in times like this before.<\/p>\n

Firstly\u2014Palt clung to a railing as he gingerly felt with his front left hoof for a good spot to lower himself onto\u2014teleportation took a lot<\/em> of concentration and magical-math. You had to know your coordinates, calculate\u2014a single wrong spell and you\u2019d end up twenty feet up in the air. Or try to teleport twenty feet into<\/em> the ground.<\/p>\n

Well, modern teleportation spells were good about preventing that, but trying to cast [Lesser Teleport] while distracted, sleepy, and so on wasn\u2019t fun and it was a lot of work. Still a good desperation move, but\u2026Palt would rather pee into a chamber pot first.<\/p>\n

Emptying your bladder with magic was even dumber. Firstly, Palt was not confident enough to teleport a liquid out of his body<\/em>. Or siphon it? And what would he do with it, shoot it out the window? Just get a damn chamber pot! Again\u2014Palt needed to buy one. He was not about to ruin his bag of holding over\u2014<\/p>\n

Someone was awake downstairs. The Centaur\u2019s rant about how he couldn\u2019t cast [Levitation] and how would he fit through a window<\/em> came to a stop as his sleep-addled mind focused on someone sitting in The Wandering Inn\u2019s common room.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Human [Aegiscaster] was sitting in a chair next to a table. She\u2026was sitting by a candle. Nothing magical, no [Light] spell. She didn\u2019t really react as Palt finally got to the floor and trotted over.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s late. I didn\u2019t expect to see you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that you, Palt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa finally turned her head and stared at him, sounding very far away. Palt stopped in front of her. He recognized her vacant look at once. Also\u2014the smell.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been smoking? That\u2019s not one of my cigars.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman blinked at Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Are you here, Palt?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur [Illusionist] stared at Montressa. He felt at his face.<\/p>\n

He just wanted to go to the outhouse. But that kind of question deserved some kind of answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Montressa. Is something the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] nodded slowly. Then hesitated\u2014and nodded again. Hesitated\u2014nodded once more\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I nod?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cReally? I don\u2019t think I did. Did I?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur looked around. He did a little dance on his hooves, and then sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see this is going to take a moment. Give me five\u2014give me one minute. I need to pee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur hurried out of the common room. Lesson #1 of Palt Crisis Management: go pee first. You never knew when things would get hairy and how long you\u2019d be caught up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe\u2026tomorrow is real. Or yesterday. It\u2019s a huge problem, Pelt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa stared blankly at the Centaur. She spoke, very determinedly, trying to get something across to him.<\/p>\n

He was feeling more relaxed, less urgent. Now, Palt could decipher why one of his friends was sitting in the common room, looking\u2014well\u2014stratospheric at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t believe what\u2019s real, Montressa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything. Is\u2014am I a [Mage] of Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026are you doubting that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] nodded seriously and gave Palt a wide-eyed look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe it\u2019s real.<\/em> I know it should be! But\u2014did I really<\/em> meet this [Necromancer] character who got kicked out of school? And a half-Elf? And\u2026and\u2026and\u2026is Wistram really<\/em> ruled by Golems? That\u2019s\u2026not real, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to most people, yes. What have you been smoking?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt liked to think he knew drugs. You could even call him a bit of an expert<\/em> on the subject. And this looked like a Grade-A bad high to him. He checked Montressa\u2019s eyes, the way she was unsteady as she tried to track him with her entire body\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Dreamleaf, then. Same family, though. Might be Arrowsmoke. Montressa, this is important. What were you smoking? <\/em>Eating? Where\u2019s Bezale?\u201d<\/p>\n

It bothered him Montressa had clearly been in touch with something strong<\/em> and chemical\u2014and it hadn\u2019t come from him! What was the point of travelling with Palt if you weren\u2019t going to make him your source of cigars, edibles, and so on? Disloyalty, that was what it was. And here was the result.<\/p>\n

\u201cMontressa, Bezale?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s\u2026somewhere. I think. Is she<\/em> real?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur resisted the urge to smack his friend. It might help, though. Him, at least. He raised a fist and then sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMontressa, who gave you this? It wasn\u2019t me. Eaten, drunk? Some other method of ingestion?\u201d<\/p>\n

His rollups and so forth were calibrated to avoid this scenario. He didn\u2019t usually sell<\/em> anything this strong to clientele. If it was\u2026edibles as opposed to his usual smoking merchandise, it was to a discerning customer.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoking. I mean\u2026we thought it\u2019d be fun. Look, Pelt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt. I will<\/em> hit you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa giggled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were trying to have fun. <\/em>It\u2019s just\u2014it was him. We were coming back from Pallass and he said\u2026him said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHim?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur thought of the one person who might conceivably have the semi-illegal drug\u2014especially in the Walled Cities. He groaned as it all made sense.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no. You don\u2019t mean\u2026Saliss<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m almost certain he\u2019s not real. I mean, he was pretty real, but<\/em> who\u2019d believe a naked Drake is the Named Adventurer of Pallass?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur put his head in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are others. Saliss is just the most permanent. Dead gods damnit, Montressa!<\/em> Are you insane? I<\/em> wouldn\u2019t smoke anything Saliss handed me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a\u2026puff? Only a few.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa tried to defend herself. The Centaur decided Montressa needed her head dunked in some cold water, food, and company. Not necessarily in that order. He also needed to find Bezale. He stood up and shook his head at Montressa. Talk about stupid ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou smoked something that an [Alchemist], Saliss<\/em> of Lights<\/em>, personally uses for his enjoyment. And you thought nothing would happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt\u2026Palt\u2026it wasn\u2019t just me. Bezale thought it was a good idea too. I think she was there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centaur closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Was anyone else<\/em> with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOctavia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, slap a saddle on me\u2014where is she?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2014doing the same thing over. I just did that. Didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Octavia Cotton, [Alchemist] and Stitchgirl, looked blankly at the rows of glowing potions. A Minotauress, half-unconscious, jerked a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all she really said. Octavia stared blearily at her shop\u2019s rows of potions behind glass.<\/p>\n

She was counting and recounting the ingredients in her stocks. Going down the inventory, then checking again because she didn\u2019t believe<\/em> she\u2019d actually done it. She was aware\u2026she\u2019d done this about twenty two times. But she couldn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n

At her level of narcotic intake, reality became fiction. Also\u2014time slowed down. It wasn\u2019t that Octavia moved faster, it was that the world was on a loop. She felt<\/em> like she\u2019d been sitting here for years. And yet she didn\u2019t believe she was sitting down. Or that her name was Octavia. Or\u2026<\/p>\n

Palt delivered all of this in a whisper into Erin\u2019s ear as the [Innkeeper] stared at the two victims sitting in the dark shop.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should get them into light, get them something to do. Stare at leaves in your garden, maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they\u2019re high.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re\u2026intoxicated. A drug, smoked, ingested, alcohol or anything else is<\/em> a foreign substance, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this what people enjoy?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] put her hands on her hips. The [Illusionist] sighed. He had two clear cigars which would sober up people\u2014except they\u2019d only halved<\/em> Montressa\u2019s high. Whatever Saliss had given them was a grade above what Palt sold. He hoped they still had the cigar lying about.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to this extent. I think Saliss er\u2014forgot that his relaxatives aren\u2019t what normal people would enjoy. Or even casual users like Bezale and Montressa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked a few times as Octavia tried to count the line of potions again. She rubbed at her sleepy eyes, then raised a fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I hit you, will this make my problems go away?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt nervously sidled away from the fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot my fault! It was Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what comes of having drugses in my inn! Is she going to be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a day or two at most, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA day or\u2014where is Saliss? I\u2019m gonna kill him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see. A bushel to a solid ounce is\u2026dead gods, I hate math. If I buy two point four bushels\u2026let\u2019s call that two point four six, and divide it into solid ounces\u2026multiply the gold, silver is twenty per one gold piece\u2026that\u2019s a profit of\u2026divide per hour\u2026and here\u2019s my math.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights removed the purple cigar from his lips as he worked with an abacus on a math problem. He was trying to calculate the most profitable<\/em> potion to mass-produce in the next few days, and deriving gold-per-hour equations rather than just what each potion sold for.<\/p>\n

It was the level of math which required advanced<\/em> mathematical knowledge because not only were there unit conversions involved, but each alchemical ingredient had a cost, potions tended to devalue themselves the more you made of them, oh, and you had to remember that it was ten copper or bronze coins per silver coin, but twenty<\/em> of them per gold piece.<\/p>\n

And [Merchants] gave discounts in bulk. Saliss flicked a few beads on the abacus and scribbled down the number in the column. He puffed again and exhaled.<\/p>\n

The same cigar that had downed two [Mages] and his apprentice [Alchemist] was nearly out. Saliss was pleasantly content to do something as tedious as math; not impaired yet.<\/p>\n

Neither was the Drake rolling his eyes and puffing on the same brand of cigar. Not because he was more intoxicated than Saliss; long years of experience had given Mirn a level of toxicity resistance that even other [Alchemists] lacked\u2014to this particular brand of drug, at least.<\/p>\n

\u201cMath, Saliss, is a chore. I don\u2019t know how you can stand doing all those numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYears of keeping books. Apprentice yourself to an [Alchemist], Mirn. The smart ones keep track of their numbers. The stupid ones don\u2019t know how much they have or where everything\u2019s kept.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd yet, some of the stupid ones create miracle potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] exhaled a plume of purple particles that hung in the air in the dive bar they were eating a\u2026meal in. Breakfast? Dinner? It was the pre-dawn food those who kept odd shifts or no schedule at all knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are the same [Alchemists] who can\u2019t figure out how<\/em> they made said miracle potion and spend the next decade trying to replicate it because they didn\u2019t take notes, Mirn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mirn settled back and contented himself with a few more puffs. It was rare, for him and Saliss to be in the same place.<\/p>\n

Onieva<\/em>, now, Mirn knew. Onieva was a friend, a regular client\/confidant who usually came by to get drunk, complain, and help\u2026the cause. Mirn\u2019s moving bar, which had no name, no set location, and no clients.<\/em> If you asked about who came to the bar that was already a sign for Mirn to get a club ready to bash your brains in.<\/p>\n

It was a place for nobody. Especially people that Pallass officially didn\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

Turnscales. That was Mirn\u2019s job. But Saliss\u2026<\/p>\n

Well, it wasn\u2019t Saliss<\/em> who was sitting across from Mirn right now. Not the obvious, yellow-scaled [Alchemist] and Named Adventurer, Saliss of Lights, Saliss the Naked, the Insane [Alchemist] of Pallass.<\/p>\n

This Drake was portly, having a lot of extra weight, middle-aged, with dark green scales, and a long coat, opened for the night\u2019s heat, and clothing. Not Saliss at all. But because it wasn\u2019t Onieva, he was still Saliss.<\/p>\n

Onieva was only one person. Anyways, the reason the two were sitting together was because Saliss<\/em> was business. Mirn had a bag stuffed with gold burning a hole in his side. Funds\u2014and sixteen potions he wouldn\u2019t have had access to in Pallass\u2019 army, even if he\u2019d been promoted three ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything going well with the potions game? I don\u2019t check in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine. I\u2019m on a breakthrough. Just trying to fund it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer spoke briefly, grimacing and crossing out a potential potion. Mirn raised his brows. It had to be something<\/em> if Saliss was counting coins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen Onieva around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBusy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only then did Saliss look up. And Mirn\u2014for a second their eyes met.<\/p>\n

Old friends.<\/em> Mirn had known his old friend before Saliss had gone to Chandrar to study abroad. Onieva had come back. Saliss, to quote Onieva, was the adventurer, the [Alchemist].<\/p>\n

The unhappy one. The one who was<\/em> Pallass. Oh, people talked about how Saliss of Lights was a public nuisance, a nudist, a disgrace\u2026but they\u2019d not have tolerated the Named Adventurer if they were really all that.<\/p>\n

Other cities had Named Adventurers who were proper, entire disgraces like Shriekblade. No one talked about them. They were managed<\/em>, and not given the free lease Saliss was.<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights was both annoyance and hero at times. The Wyvern attack had been the last big proof of that. Anyways, the thing was\u2026<\/p>\n

Mirn looked away. Old friends they were, but Saliss scared the daylights out of Mirn sometimes. Onieva told him stories about what Saliss did that kept Mirn up at night.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else you need, Mirn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat magic door in Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot for sale. Not even old Xif could get ahold of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPity. You know what we could do with a door like that\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, not a bar a thousand feet underground that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss looked up and sighed. He leaned on one claw, a pudgy, alchemically-wrought face suddenly serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Mirn. Because Pallass can tell<\/em> where teleportation spells are. Liscor\u2014you could hide for a while. Pallass? You\u2019d be painting a huge target on your back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mirn felt an unpleasant chill run down his scales. He scratched at one arm to settle the sensation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors. You didn\u2019t think to mention that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never tried it before. Onieva would have brought it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back to the numbers Saliss went. Mirn shifted.<\/p>\n

Neither one was going to do anything as social as bring up the past. What had been said\u2014again, Onieva was the social one who\u2019d complain or cry or rage. Mirn picked at the wyvern steak\u2014rather cheap and plentiful even so long after the attack thanks to storehouses that preserved the meat. He looked around, a habit, for watching eyes.<\/p>\n

The dive bar they were in was cheap, unobtrusive, and both Drakes were used to making sure no one was following them. And even if there was<\/em> some kind of [Spy] in the room?<\/p>\n

They\u2026might be in trouble. Saliss saw a glassy-eyed [Server] leaning against a wall. Two customers were talking in that space-out way about\u2026the future\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve just contaminated this entire bar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mirn exhaled another plume of glittering haze. Second-hand it might be, but it was enough to affect everyone else. Saliss copied him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood point. Let\u2019s split. Onieva will get in touch. Where now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c4th<\/sup> Floor. Unless we have to move twice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They left it at that. Mirn walked out and vanished into Pallass. The other Drake remained a while. He left a large tip; enough to delight the disoriented [Server]. Then he too walked out.<\/p>\n

It was an unfriendly goodbye. Saliss dwelled on that for a little while as he gulped down a potion and felt his body shift.<\/em><\/p>\n

The issue was not that Mirn was any less\u2026Mirn when Saliss was Saliss. But it was just\u2014different. Worse, really.<\/p>\n

Saliss felt worse in his scales when he was around Mirn and it wasn\u2019t his friend\u2019s fault. Only that Saliss knew who he should be and it was never stronger then.<\/p>\n

Well\u2014a few moments later, a Drake emerged from an alleyway. He took a few breaths, then stretched.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors, I\u2019m tired!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake strode down the street, with considerably more energy than before. Being a pudgy Drake slowed you down. He hopped through a radius of light coming from a magical streetlamp, feeling lighter.<\/p>\n

The streets of the City of Invention were never entirely empty. A few passersby hurried about their business\u2014not with fear, but with that instinctual reluctance some species had to attract attention at this point in the day.<\/p>\n

Saliss had no such inhibitions. He strode forwards. At one point he passed by a trio on patrol.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Guardspeople.\u201d<\/p>\n

They reacted to Saliss warily. One Garuda muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNak\u2014oh. Alchemist Saliss.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Their faces changed from bored tiredness to wariness at the nudist approaching them to wary resignation. \u2018Please don\u2019t make our lives any harder\u2019<\/em>, was the impression they were desperately trying to send Saliss.<\/p>\n

The Drake considered it. But it was late, and even Saliss needed to sleep. So he just pointed two finger-claws at the [Guards].<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep guarding stuff, [Guards]!\u201d<\/p>\n

They stared at the finger-guns Saliss had picked up from Erin. He chortled and gyrated into the night. Saliss did<\/em> have fun, contrary to what Mirn believed.<\/p>\n

For instance, just half an hour later, Watch Captain Qissa paused in the beginning of her day-shift and looked up at the Drake posing in the doorway. She closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Get out. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be like that, Qissa! Aren\u2019t we friends? You arrest me, I dance naked in public\u2014we have a relationship!\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss slid through the doorway. The Watch Captain saw the desk-sergeant giving her a hopeless look. In theory, 6th<\/sup> Floor\u2019s Watch could have stopped or arrested Saliss. But they only did that now and then and the [Alchemist] was one of Pallass\u2019 assets.<\/p>\n

The desk sergeant and other [Guards] left the sacrificial Watch Captain to her fate. Qissa resigned herself to a long day. If there were omens for how your shift was going to go\u2014a naked Named Adventurer before dawn was a bad one.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist Saliss, please<\/em> tell me you haven\u2019t melted something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDestroyed public property?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot recently.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOffended a foreign dignitary? Killed or discovered a monster? Caused a public disturbance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qissa brightened up as Saliss shook his head to the most-common reasons he\u2019d appear in her office. She saw the Drake dig around in a belt pouch.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, Qissa, the reason I came here was\u2026tada!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He slapped something on the table. The Watch Captain craned her neck to see\u2026rows of numbers and little names of potions. Saliss half-crawled onto the desk and looked pleadingly up at her. She resisted the urge to shove him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease check my math?<\/em> I\u2019m bored. Also, the Merchant\u2019s Guild is closed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qissa, resigned, looked at the Drake lying on her desk. Out of all the Watch Captains in Pallass\u2014why her?<\/em><\/p>\n

She knew why. Pallass was many times larger than Liscor and had multiple Watch Captains per <\/em>day\/night cycle. There were at least four on duty at any given time and Pallass had a Watch Commander<\/em>. However, Saliss of Lights had different relationships with each one and he \u2018liked\u2019 Qissa.<\/p>\n

It was advantageous to have the Naked Drake of Pallass as a friendly figure, not an unfriendly one. Saliss could be uncooperative if he chose to be. So, Qissa reached for the list with a sigh. And like so many of Saliss\u2019 antics, she saw the method behind the annoyance.<\/p>\n

\u201cPotions? Potion of Blaze, Potion of Barkskin, Potion of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They were combat potions.<\/em> Saliss\u2019 specialty. The Drake stared at the [Alchemist]. He was now lying face-down on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tired. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist, what are these numbers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMath.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Watch Captain picked up an empty inkwell, threw it at Saliss, and watched with resignation as he rolled and it missed him. She decided to get her answers from the paper and went down the columns. After a moment, she reached for her<\/em> abacus and a quill.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe numbers\u2026look right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Five minutes later, Qissa concluded that it was sound math. And\u2014based on the numbers, the [Alchemist] was about to make a thousand<\/em> such potions. Or more! That was the sum he was using to calculate, though.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Qissa. They\u2019re good numbers. Which one earns the most?\u201d<\/p>\n

According to his calculations, the most cost-effective was the Potion of Arrowshield. Qissa knew that one. You took a drink, and you had a second \u2018skin\u2019 or shield that would deflect some arrows. It wasn\u2019t as great as it sounded; if you tried to walk through a volley of arrows you\u2019d still get stuck, just less.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of these potions are lower-grade, Alchemist. Are you intending to sell them to Pallass? The Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake had been sleeping\u2014or just resting on his face. Now, he swiveled and like some nude model, propped his chin on one elbow as he posed on the floor, facing her with a grin. Qissa didn\u2019t even blink. The nudity you got used to.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think I can get a larger fee for one of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ah.<\/em> So that was why he was here. The Watch Captain blinked. Then she reviewed the lists.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2026could really use Potions of Barkskin. Potions of Blaze would be army-only. Not that it wouldn\u2019t sell four thousand\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She shuddered. Imagine fighting Pallass\u2019 2nd<\/sup> with four thousand potions tossed at you by [Slingers]? Well, they did<\/em> have heavy alchemical support. Saliss winked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut would I get more<\/em> for Potions of Barkskin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qissa hesitated. She pushed the paper back across the desk and the Drake rolled over until he could sit up and snatch it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d consider it a bonus for the Watch,<\/em> Adventurer Saliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tried to speak to the Drake currently lying right below the eye line of the desk. It was certainly true. The Watch had to handle local monsters in conjunction with the 1st<\/sup> Army\u2014and it was just as often a luckless [Guard] who had to fight a sewer monster instead of the army, which tackled bigger local threats. A quality Potion of Barkskin, the kind Saliss could make rather than a Level 16 [Alchemist] who\u2019d just learned the recipe?<\/p>\n

Incomparable. An [Alchemist]\u2019s brews got stronger with their levels, and a Potion of Barkskin made by Saliss<\/em> was as good as a lesser [Alchemist]\u2019s Potion of Ironscales. Well\u2014close.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting. Interesting.<\/em> I\u2019ll give it some thought! Thanks for checking my numbers, Qissa. Ooh! I got the prices on Potions of Arrowshields wrong? This is why you\u2019re the Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qissa said nothing. If she rose to the bait\u2014any of it\u2014he\u2019d just stick around to annoy her. She watched the Drake roll across the floor, still refusing to get up. He opened the door, slithered out on his front. Then he shuffled around\u2014rolled down the hallway.<\/p>\n

Thwap, thwap.<\/em> Qissa heard his tail slapping the floorboards with each rotation. Then Saliss went down the stairs, thumping<\/em>\u2026it sounded like he rolled out the door of the Watch House.<\/p>\n

The Watch Captain sat back. She wrote down a message to the other Day Captains, telling them to hold off buying Potions of Barkskin in the near future, and to the Watch Commander, advising him there might be an opportunity to buy some quality<\/em> potions if the Watch was willing to invest their potions budget for the next few months into the buy. She called for a Street Runner, and sat back with a sigh.<\/p>\n

All in all\u2014that had been one of the best Saliss-visits to date. Even so, she stretched as the sun rose and she walked over to the little bulletin with a sigh. She crossed out the hopeful tally\u2014which had been \u2018eighteen\u2019, and marked it to \u2018zero\u2019.<\/p>\n

Days since a Saliss incident: 0<\/em><\/p>\n

Watch Captain Zevara and Liscor might think their insane Human was the worst. But Pallass had the original.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss got bored of rolling after about three hundred feet and got up. He rubbed at his back, stretched, and laughed.<\/p>\n

Life was good right now. Or rather, it had the potentiality to be<\/em> good. Amazing. New potion ingredients, a fun inn\u2026for Saliss, it was as good as it got.<\/p>\n

Day by day, that was the most Saliss asked for. Not fame, artifacts\u2014perhaps fortune\u2014but this was as close to an ideal as the [Alchemist] wanted. Because he was<\/em> an [Alchemist]. An adventurer sought more artifacts because that was how they got stronger. A [Warrior] could train, but they really leveled by hitting things. Saliss lived to experiment and create.<\/p>\n

Anyways, they were exciting times. A door to Invrisil, that interesting Human and her friend\u2014neither of whom had levels\u2014that Saliss had briefly seen, a Courier, and Erin Solstice herself. The [Alchemist] hummed as he skipped up towards the 9th<\/sup> floor and his shop. He used the grand staircase; it was good exercise.<\/p>\n

Someone passed by Saliss at speed<\/em> as the [Alchemist] climbed. He registered a screaming Gnoll clinging to a rather large board with four wheels crash<\/em> on the 7th<\/sup> floor and wipe out, taking half a dozen pedestrians with him. Saliss heard the Watch rush to the scene, saw the Gnoll flee\u2014he had been wearing a padded helmet and armor\u2014and his friends cheering him on before running as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really want to try that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer grinned. Oh yes, life was even better of late for all the fun things happening. He\u2019d ask about it when he visited the inn\u2014he did so at least every other day, now. He felt like he was missing out if he didn\u2019t check at least that often. Just a quick nap and then\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist, Alchemist Saliss!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] sighed. And here came a Drake he knew well.<\/p>\n

\u201cChesy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChesri, Alchemist!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Salesman] looked hurt.<\/em> Saliss gave him a patient smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does the Merchant\u2019s Guild want this time, Chesy?\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger Drake was the newest victim appointed to his position. Saliss, as an [Alchemist], had all kinds of people who wanted to sell<\/em> things\u2026that he\u2019d made. Chesri was the latest in the line of many liaisons to Saliss on behalf of [Merchants], [Auctioneers], and so on, who inevitably quit. Mainly because you had to first find<\/em> Saliss to convince him to do something and that sometimes meant camping outside of his laboratory for weeks on end.<\/p>\n

Which Chesri had done. The Drake was persistent\u2014and as always, he had something<\/em> that would make his masters and perhaps Saliss a lot of money.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist, I am so glad I caught you. This business in Oteslia\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe [Strategists], Alchemist! The ones from Baleros? The Titan\u2019s students?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026doesn\u2019t ring a bell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss lied. Of course he knew. Chesri hurried after him and Saliss picked up the pace. Time to get to his laboratory and shut the door while he napped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist Saliss! Please, just hear it out. It\u2019s fantastic publicity for Pallass\u2014and<\/em> a handsome sum for the cure! The students have been getting other [Alchemists] to attempt the cure, and they have had some success, but if you consented to perfecting the antidote\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist,<\/em> you are the leading figure in the city! We\u2019re projecting an income of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss started running. Chesri ran, panting figures after Saliss. The Named Adventurer shouted over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you no the first five times, Chesri! Get Xif to do it! He\u2019s great at boring jobs!\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice might have woken up people\u2014if the [Alchemists] of the 9th<\/sup> floor ever slept. Saliss raced for his secret laboratory\u2019s entrance as Chesri \u2018tripped\u2019 on a pebble someone threw under his foot. He sprawled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe approached him, Alchemist! But if you\u2019d\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The door shut and Saliss breathed a sigh of relief. Vultures! At least it was only Chesri. Sometimes you could get eleven of them following you about; the young Drake was new and thus persistent. Why did they want multiple cures, anyways? Maybe\u2026ah.<\/p>\n

\u201cMultiple cure-alls for Drowned People\u2019s blowfish poison probably sell really well at sea. Or they can charge premium for the best one. Or they want me and Xif out of the way and competing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] sighed. He stretched in his laboratory\u2019s \u2018living room\u2019, where he kept stores of snacks, the more fragile objects not stored in his blast-proofed working environs, and other important paraphernalia. He tossed the spreadsheet onto a bench. Potions of Barkskin it was. He\u2019d put in the order later today. As for the cure\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone else can make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t as if they needed perfection.<\/em> If they knew the formula, you could get dozens of Pallass\u2019 [Alchemists] to make it. Chesri and his employers just wanted the attention. Saliss sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow what do I do? Make the second<\/em> Potion of Reverse Aging and see if the first has worn off? Have another go at the Potion of Youth with the flowers? Harass Erin\u2019s new friends? Wait\u2026did Octavia and those two [Mages] who wanted me to sell my stuff in Liscor have one of my cigars?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss vaguely remembered that. He wondered if something entertaining had happened and rubbed his claws together. He could do all of that! And but for the Potion of Reverse Aging, Octavia\u2019s shop had all the tools he needed too!<\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn was the place to be. The Drake liked it there. Saliss liked it there. Humming, he looked around for something interesting. He always had his supplies of potions in his custom-made belt, but\u2026Ryoka Griffin was interesting.<\/em> Was she just like the Admiral of Supply in Zeres? Or\u2026had she beaten his [Eyes of Appraisal] like that strange Antinium?<\/p>\n

The Drake wandered past the single chair he liked to doze in, next to an empty bag of chocolate and a glowing piece of parchment. He rummaged around for some extra gold\u2014then backtracked.<\/p>\n

Glowing piece of parchment? That\u2014wasn\u2019t supposed to be there. Saliss stared at it.<\/p>\n

His smile vanished.<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 laboratory was harder to get into than most places in Pallass. Grimalkin\u2019s home was probably easier to break into. Especially because the [Sinew Magus] considered that magical protections were amply backed up by a punch from him.<\/p>\n

Grimalkin couldn\u2019t have broken in here in the time Saliss had been gone. The [Alchemist] did not<\/em> play games with his secret formulas and recipes. Octavia couldn\u2019t have gotten back in, even though she was his apprentice. That master-[Thief] that kept hanging around Erin\u2019s inn, even though he had a ring that kept Saliss from seeing his exact level?<\/p>\n

None of them could have gotten in. Only one other person had free access to enter and leave this place. And that was\u2026the reason he\u2019d have walked in here\u2026<\/p>\n

Saliss stared at the glowing piece of parchment. He did not want to read it. He knew what it meant. But he did read it anyways. He read the note, wished he hadn\u2019t, and then abandoned his plans.<\/p>\n

Determinedly, Saliss found a white cigar in a special box\u2014to prevent it from actively decaying when exposed to regular air. He took it, lit it with a breath of oxygen, and then found Firebreath Whiskey. An entire bottle. He looked at the note\u2014a summons, really, with a date and time. Then he did his damnedest to forget he\u2019d ever seen it. It was calling for Saliss. Not the [Alchemist], not Saliss the Nude.<\/p>\n

Saliss, the Adventurer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was time for something exciting. A big event. Something dramatic, that would change things. If that was vague, it was because the idea, if not the minutiae, was spreading across multiple factions at the same time.<\/p>\n

Look at where we are now. Look at all this potential.<\/em> Time to do something about it, y\u2019know?<\/p>\n

\u2026Well, ironically, one of the people who didn\u2019t<\/em> feel this way was Erin Solstice. Saliss also qualified\u2014that feeling of \u2018it is time\u2019 was for those who were discontent with the way things were.<\/p>\n

The Archmage of Izril was awake, the door was connecting cities. It was today. The reasons differed.<\/p>\n

For instance, the blue Antinium hiking out of the Free Antinium\u2019s Hive had her own reasons for taking a walk. She had a slice of pie she was nibbling at.<\/p>\n

\u201cPie. We did not have pie. We should bring this back.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was going on a little walk. An outing. That was remarkable in itself because Xrn did not normally do such things. But it was today.<\/p>\n

Also\u2014someone had arrived that Xrn had been waiting for. Oh, for a while. A short time, compared to the long time she had waited. But with some impatience.<\/p>\n

The sun was still rising as the Small Queen walked up the hill towards the inn. She saw a Worker happily singing to birds, luring them in, and smiled.<\/p>\n

After an interesting encounter with a white Gnoll, the Small Queen walked upstairs. She scared the hell out of an [Architect], and found the right door with magic. She walked in.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, I\u2019m really t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin looked up and saw a giant blue bug smiling at her. She froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka Griffin. Hello. My name is Xrn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner stared at the Centenium as Xrn walked forwards. She tensed up, opened her mouth\u2014<\/p>\n

Xrn tapped her on the head. Ryoka felt her heart skip a beat\u2014<\/p>\n

Mrsha raced into the room, determined to find the fascinating Antinium and find out what she was up to! She looked around.<\/p>\n

\u2026Where did Ryoka and Xrn go?<\/p>\n

The Small Queen stood on the grass, and looked back at the inn in the distance. Ryoka, sitting in the exact same position as she\u2019d been on her bed, started. She scrambled to her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us go for a walk, Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn was busy as the sun rose. Of course, Erin wasn\u2019t in the middle of serving guests. She and Palt had spent all night<\/em> helping Montressa, Octavia, and Bezale detox from the Saliss cigar incident. Now, she was yawning.<\/p>\n

An hour\u2019s sleep would be two hours. So\u2026two hours would be four. Was two hours good? Erin was trudging upstairs when Mrsha ran over to her, panting and signing rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Mrsha? Is Ryoka not feeling well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked as Mrsha told her multiple things.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlue Antinium\u2026Xrn? <\/em>And Ryoka\u2019s gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] blinked. Of course, Ryoka could have just gone for a morning run or something. But Mrsha was insistent. Xrn had come into the inn and Mrsha had maybe<\/em> tried to steal a morsel and been glued to the ceiling\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, what?\u201d<\/p>\n

And then\u2014<\/em>the little Gnoll waved her paws to get Erin on track of what really mattered\u2014and then she\u2019d followed Xrn after the spell had worn off and Xrn had been in Ryoka\u2019s room, she was sure of it! Mrsha had been hot on her heels but both were gone!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin sensed shenanigans. She narrowed her eyes. Neither Xrn nor Ryoka were in the inn\u2014and Erin\u2019s [Dangersense] wasn\u2019t going off, but she knew the Small Queen.<\/p>\n

\u201cXrn\u2019s pushy. Can you tell where Ryoka went?\u201d<\/p>\n

No. Mrsha shook her head. Ryoka\u2019s scent had vanished.<\/em> As if she\u2019d disappeared. Erin rubbed at her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Okay, let\u2019s get Palt. And maybe Bird has seen something? And Pawn, or another Antinium\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She hoped it was just Xrn doing something silly-but-not-serious. Because Erin was not in the mood for more drama!<\/p>\n

And unfortunately, both Montressa and Bezale were down for the count so Palt was the only<\/em> accomplished [Mage] who could help Erin. He was only too ready to help\u2014right up until he heard \u2018Xrn\u2019 and \u2018find Xrn\u2019 in the same sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Erin. You mean the\u2014Small Queen<\/em> of the Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was briskly arming herself with her standard \u2018in case of anything\u2019 gear. Frying pan, knife, acid jar. Mrsha was inspecting her gear too\u2014Erin saw Lyonette sneak up and grab her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. Not this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha the Ryoka-Rescuer fought valiantly by squirming and protesting as Lyonette dragged her away. Palt was still blanching.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, I couldn\u2019t scry Xrn even if Montressa and Bezale weren\u2019t comatose! And\u2014that\u2019s the Small Queen<\/em>. She eats [Mages] like me for breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be silly. She\u2019s n\u2014she\u2019s c\u2014she\u2019s probably not homicidal. To us. I need help! Can you find Ryoka, at least?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt actually made a whining sound. He danced on his hooves\u2014but his refusal was marred by Fierre and Salamani.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Ryoka, Erin? I checked on her, but she\u2019s already gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] brightened up. Reinforcements! And a Courier-[Mage] and<\/em> a Vampire! Palt closed his eyes as Erin told them about the possible<\/em> abduction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can try to scry Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salamani volunteered. He immediately failed of course, which prompted Fierre and Palt to take immense interest in the issue. Meanwhile, Erin went looking for more reinforcements.<\/p>\n

The Honorable Hatmen still hadn\u2019t come down for food yet, but they were bound to be up soon for breakfast. Erin had been meaning to talk to them anyways. In the meanwhile, she decided a visual search would be best.<\/p>\n

\u201cBird? Bird, I need your help. Have you seen R\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin opened the door to Bird\u2019s tower. There she found Bird, the [Bird Hunter], standing in his tower.<\/p>\n

And a naked Drake, flapping his arms and clinging to the tower-in-progress. Erin stared at Saliss. He was demonstrating to Bird a flapping technique no actual bird in history had ever employed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut have you really tried<\/em> to fly? Like this, see? Dare me to jump! I\u2019ll do it! It won\u2019t even hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was trying to cajole Bird\u2026Erin\u2019s head slowly turned to the Worker. Bird had crossed all four arms and he looked, well, peeved.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease get off my tower.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] rubbed her eyes. Suddenly, Saliss was here. He turned to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey Erin. Do you think I can fly if I flap really<\/em> hard? I know that Gnoll keeps trying it. But does he believe?<\/em> Believe I can fly. Go on! I\u2019ll do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

He flapped energetically. Erin stared at him. He was naked. Yup. And he was here. Yup. And very intoxicated if the fact that he couldn\u2019t even stay upright was any clue. And she did not<\/em> have time for this.<\/p>\n

She wondered if this was how Zevara felt about her. Erin resolved to bake her a cookie tray. Once she got more chocolate. Or oatmeal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights was higher than\u2026something really high. Also, drunk. He had finished the bottle of Firebreath Whiskey\u2014or put enough of it away that he didn\u2019t remember where the rest was.<\/p>\n

If he had any objections, it was that he was still conscious. But this worked and it was extremely<\/em> hard to give Saliss enough of anything to knock him out. Moreover\u2026he had a thing about being put to sleep from adventuring.<\/p>\n

So this worked. Erin Solstice was here! Saliss tried to get her to do something amazing for him. But she was busy and left after telling him to stop giving people cigars.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpoilsport. You and me, Bird. We know how to have fun, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss threw an arm around Bird. The Worker pushed his arm off.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease get off my tower. This is the sixth time I have asked. You are disrupting my hunting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss giggled to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cBuddy! Don\u2019t be like that! You and me\u2014I like you, you see? You annoyed all of Pallass.<\/em> All of it. I\u2019ve only done that like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried to count and gave up. Bird sighted down his bow, looking around for Ryoka. He saw a blue figure and called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, that is X\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss grabbed Bird urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen. I\u2019m annoying, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease let go of me. I must tell Miss Erin\u2014let go. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker struggled as Saliss held onto his shoulders. Bird tried to hurry downstairs as Saliss clung to his legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for being annoying! It\u2019s my default! I do it because being serious is\u2026stupid! Look, I really wanted to talk! What\u2019s it like<\/em> being Antinium? Is it\u2014are you really people? Because if you are, that\u2019s a problem. For me. Not for you. For me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was speaking to the ceiling. At some point Bird had shaken him free. A white Gnoll stared solemnly down at Saliss. He hiccupped.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Mrsha. Is that Goblin around?\u201d<\/p>\n

A second face crowded into view, above Mrsha. Numbtongue. Saliss raised a thumb in greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. You going to kill me today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The adventurer laughed. Goblins. Goblins\u2014they got it. But Antinium?<\/p>\n

Bird was heading upstairs as Erin led her posse outside\u2014and was promptly sent back inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t exile me! I\u2019m Erin!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t need trouble with Xrn, Erin. Anyways, it\u2019s dangerous. Fierre?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go get Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! You need me! Hey!<\/em> Oh, hey Ratici. Good timing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss got up and followed after Bird as Mrsha wavered, torn between great options, and scampered after the Ryoka rescue team. Numbtongue went after Erin; he didn\u2019t fully trust the hat men, for all they played cards well.<\/p>\n

And Bird? He stood in his tower as Saliss tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I\u2019m drunk. Also, I had this cigar I make to really knock myself for a loop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am aware. Your breath is a color. The birds are staying away from you. Please leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss stared at the fugue he was emitting. He sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I need to talk. Look\u2014when I\u2019m this<\/em> high, I don\u2019t feel like me. And that\u2019s important, you see? I can\u2019t stop rhyming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird considered this. Some of Saliss\u2019 breath was still floating from when he\u2019d come up about forty minutes ago to harass Bird. A rather large cardinal had flown through it by accident and was now on the ground, staring at the sky with wings folded.<\/p>\n

Bird aimed at it, and then lowered his bow because it wasn\u2019t that fair. He shot the Shield Spider creeping up on it instead, then reluctantly acknowledged Saliss on the basis that this might make the Drake go away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI rhyme. That is how I sing. What do you wish to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAntinium. Are you people?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird considered this.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you are\u2014does it matter? Because if it was Gnolls\u2026no, that would make a difference. But you\u2019re the Black Tide<\/em> that came from Rhir. Enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is true. May I shoot you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird turned his bow and aimed one of his hunting arrows at Saliss\u2019 arms. The Drake laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could try. But I\u2019m an adventurer. It\u2019s too e\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker loosed an arrow. He saw and heard it thunk<\/em> into the wood. Not Saliss\u2019 arm. The Drake poked at the quivering arrow shaft. He had moved about a foot away from the arrow in the time it took to strike the floor of Bird\u2019s tower.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird looked at Saliss. He checked his bow, then the arrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. You are dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. And I\u2019d really like not to exist right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss tottered upright. He leaned against the balcony of Bird\u2019s tower. He waited for Bird to say or do something, but the Worker went back to protecting the drugged-out cardinal from the Shield Spider nest.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Antinium are people\u2026do you cry? When an Antinium dies, you mourn it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker said nothing. Saliss watched him take down thirty two spiders, of various sizes. Teensy tiny ones that the cardinal was trying to flap away from. And the Worker did it, lancing them all with arrows on a whim.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Are you listening? I said\u2014do Antinium feel bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss waited. At last, as the cardinal managed to take to the skies again, Bird looked at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes my answer matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] blinked. He looked at Bird. The Worker tilted his head back and forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou asked Numbtongue the same question of Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe told me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake blinked. Goblins and Antinium. Bird took aim at another bird, not the cardinal, and shot it from hundreds of feet away. He produced a small bag and opened the trap door to go retrieve it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not believe I have an answer to your question that matters, Alchemist Saliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on. I\u2019m dying<\/em> to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I answer you, will it change anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

And to that, the Drake said nothing. Bird nodded to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that is true. Xrn told me about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 eyes focused on Bird. He sat up a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Small Queen talks to you, does she.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I am going to pick up my bird, now. Goodbye. Please go away.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker opened the trapdoor. Saliss reached for his belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou like to hunt birds because you want to fly, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I have flown once before.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI was flown by Miss Viceria Strongheart and other mages. I will someday fly again. I have been promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Bird, what would you say if I told you anyone<\/em> can fly for a while? If they have the right potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say that is correct. However, potions are expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is my understanding, yes. If you would like to prove this to me by flying, I do not wish to see it, thank you. You are not a person I would enjoy watching fly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss laughed. He patted Bird on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I enjoyed flying as much as you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Worker brushed the claw off his shoulder. It seemed Saliss had actually succeeded in annoying him, and that Bird was truly<\/em> annoyed by Saliss. Or perhaps that he found nothing about Saliss funny.<\/p>\n

\u2026He\u2019d never let go of his bow once while Saliss was there. <\/em>And he always had a second arrow ready to shoot. Perhaps that was just Bird. Or perhaps\u2014well, he was certainly smart.<\/p>\n

Bird was climbing downstairs when he noticed something was wrong. He was moving his legs, but he wasn\u2019t going down. Mystified, he stared down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy feet are not touching the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake gave him a huge wink. Bird tried to pull himself down. Then\u2014he realized what was happening, panicked, dropped his bow, flailed for it, and one hand knocked against the side of his tower.<\/p>\n

Bird overbalanced and went over the railing. Saliss saw him dip<\/em> in the air, but he was floating a few feet off it, even as he \u2018fell\u2019 onto his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAaah. Aaaaah! Aaaaaaaaa\u2014I am flying!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss saw the Worker float down off the roof, to the amazement of some of the Worker Antinium marching up the hill. They parted as Bird floated down past them. The Drake chuckled, then guffawed.<\/p>\n

He laughed, to see the Worker levitating just off the ground, waving all appendages and screaming happily at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n

A Potion of Levitation. Not flight\u2014Saliss didn\u2019t make those potions. Couldn\u2019t rather. He\u2019d never been too interested anyways, so he hadn\u2019t looked into the recipe.<\/p>\n

But this\u2014well, it was a few hundred gold pieces down the drain for about ten minutes of levitation. Worth it, to hear the Worker exclaiming. Saliss laughed at his little prank.<\/p>\n

He could laugh, genuinely laugh, when he was like this. It wasn\u2019t because he\u2019d done \u2018a good deed.\u2019 It was entirely selfish, as Saliss would happily have admitted. But it did make him feel better.<\/p>\n

\u2026The feeling didn\u2019t last long at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was having a weird day. Ryoka Griffin was found\u2014at least, Xrn hadn\u2019t blasted Fierre, Salamani, or Palt, but she was still out with Xrn. The Honorable Hatmen duo were playing cards with Numbtongue, and she had informed them she did not<\/em> need them to help take on the Small Queen of the Antinium today.<\/p>\n

Her problem was Saliss. She thought<\/em> he\u2019d left after using a potion that had made Bird levitate around for ten minutes. Certainly, she hadn\u2019t seen him for another hour. But two things had happened.<\/p>\n

Firstly, a Drake had come asking about Saliss. Well\u2014six Drakes. In the last hour. Each one had come from Pallass despite<\/em> there being a ban on everyone but immediate friends of the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Saliss isn\u2019t here! I think! And no<\/em>, you can\u2019t come through!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice, this is a matter of Pallassian\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin shut the door on Drake #6. All the other five had wanted to come through, but Erin was adamant. It was only the second day<\/em> of her Pallass ban and look at all these people trying to get through!<\/p>\n

But while they could demand to see her when the door was checked for the few people who could<\/em> enter, like the Halfseekers, Maughin, and so on, they could not physically step through the doorway, much to their chagrin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we sure Saliss isn\u2019t here, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked worried. Erin hesitated. It was possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can check. Let me use my innsense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour\u2014you can\u2019t call it that, Erin. Your [Aura of the Inn], you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Inn\u2019s Aura]. What\u2019s wrong with innsense? I came around to the word. You will too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s stupid. And why don\u2019t you know?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinding specific people is hard, okay? I need to concentrate! I\u2019m not Maviola! Hold on. Saliss! Finding Saliss\u2026beep, beep, beep\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette folded her arms. Erin stopped because she felt silly and because Ishkr\u2019s sister was cracking up at the two\u2019s argument. She did wonder what was with Saliss. She\u2019d been busy with Xrn, but she\u2019d caught a hint of the Drake\u2019s emotions. If he was still h\u2014<\/p>\n

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

Erin\u2019s eyes shot open. Lyonette sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here, isn\u2019t he? Where?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t be\u2014hold on. That jerk\u2019s gonna\u2014and just after my mistake too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin hurried down the hallway. She missed the smirking Gnoll, Liska, Ishkr\u2019s sister, open the door to Pallass and blink as someone pushed past her. Erin was already in the common room.<\/p>\n

\u201cImani! I\u2019m coming in!<\/em> Don\u2019t be alarmed, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, I\u2019m fine. And don\u2019t come in here and start rummaging around! Tell me what you need! I\u2019m making that fondue you wanted to try!\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani scowled at Erin and blocked the [Innkeeper]. The [Cook] was ruler of her kitchen, but Erin still pushed past her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not me rummaging, Imani. I just have to\u2014why don\u2019t you step away from the stove?\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani looked at Lyonette. The [Princess] stared as Erin peered at a cupboard and beckoned Imani. The [Cook] stepped back. Erin opened the thin cupboard\u2014<\/p>\n

Saliss stared at Erin, folded up into the cupboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, shut the door will you? I\u2019m trying to hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Cook] screamed<\/em> and leapt back. Erin recoiled just as fast.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss! <\/em>How did you get in<\/em> there?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake didn\u2019t answer. But his posture was answer enough.<\/p>\n

If you removed the wooden panels in the cupboard, it was possible, if you were very<\/em> nimble and flexible, to squeeze yourself in there. Even then\u2014Relc would never have had a chance. Saliss had managed it despite Erin\u2019s compartment Skill not working on living matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I didn\u2019t even see him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe makes potions of invisibility. Saliss!<\/em> You would have given Imani a heart attack! Get out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin grabbed at Saliss\u2019 tail, one of the more acceptable<\/em> appendages to grab, and tugged. Saliss tumbled out of the cupboard and onto the kitchen floor. He immediately curled up into a ball and rolled into a corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m invisible. Pretend I\u2019m invisible, please, or I\u2019ll have to use a potion.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] had had enough. She swatted at Saliss\u2014and punched the edge of the kitchen counter. Erin danced around, waving her hand in agony. Lyonette grabbed at Saliss and Imani poked with a broom. Somehow\u2014they missed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you doing this, Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin reached for him. This time\u2014since it wasn\u2019t a blow, she actually touched him. Lyonette saw the [Innkeeper] recoil as if she\u2019d been shocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t I hide?\u201d<\/p>\n

He uncurled. Erin looked at him, then around.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Let\u2019s go to the [Garden]. If you do need to hide\u2014sorry, Imani. Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake obediently followed her into the magical garden. He stood, looking around at the grass and plants\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I wonder who had this garden last. If it was me, I\u2019d have turned it into an alchemical garden. But you just found it with plants, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was inspecting Saliss. The Drake nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Probably not the King\u2019s Gardener, then. You\u2019ve heard of Tottenval?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Vaguely.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was an odd conversation topic to suddenly bring up. But Erin was willing to entertain Saliss right now. He looked blankly past her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would have turned this place into a farm. To feed people. I met him, on Chandrar. He was a good person. Never took a single life. Grew food to feed people. I thought\u2014that<\/em> was a good person. But he served the King of Destruction. This was back when I was just an apprentice, by the way. A long, long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe does sound good. He just fed people? That\u2019s\u2026important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss nodded. He stared around the dome, at the vines on the walls, the circular opening which admitted sunlight. Then he looked at Erin. Straight at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you know\u2014when he died, people celebrated it. Because he fed the King of Destruction\u2019s armies. The Walled Cities were happy that the first of the Seven had fallen. So was he a good person or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm\u2026I never met him. But he did good things it sounds like, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked at Erin. He smiled briefly, ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good way of looking at it. Well, sorry about scaring your [Cook]. I was just playing at hiding, anyways. I\u2019ll sit here until I have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s coming for you, Saliss? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

For answer\u2014the Drake put his claws over his eyes and sat down. He sat there, in that curious pose, with his back to the dome\u2019s walls. Erin hesitated, but Saliss spoke before she could ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cI once saw a Drake girl do this, you know. She was as young as that little Visma. Sit in a corner and do just this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] stared at Saliss. He seemed to be as random and silly as people thought he was in this moment. Certainly, drunk and intoxicated. But she knew something of Saliss because she\u2026liked him and felt a connection. So she listened as she sat down too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy was a Drake girl sitting like that, Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake didn\u2019t lower his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was hiding from a monster.\u201d<\/p>\n

He peeked at her. Erin felt her skin grow cold. The Drake lowered his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cA monster killed everything in her town. It left her\u2014not because it missed her, but because it wasn\u2019t hungry. She was just sitting like this. <\/em>I nearly missed her. That\u2019s the kind of thing you see when you adventure, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a familiar story. A horrible story. Imani\u2014Erin looked at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved her, though? And you got the monster.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI killed it. It was\u2026you know those half-things? Crawlers? Armored Crawlers, that\u2019s right. It was a whole one. An Archmage\u2019s experiment. If they eat enough, they complete.<\/em> And it\u2014had been complete before it attacked. Went right over the walls. It ate everything and began dividing itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

He bared his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI killed it. That\u2019s not the hard part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow, though?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember. I burnt it away. Melted it. Froze it, and blasted the pieces. And the little ones. I killed it dead\u2014but the town was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the girl? What happened to the Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] sat there. Erin was aware of voices coming through the door to the [Garden of Sanctuary], talking, arguing. Saliss looked past her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took her to safety. I\u2026don\u2019t know what happened after that. There are lots of them, I\u2019ve saved. Allegedly \u2018saved\u2019. Then I saw her again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere? Is she okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake didn\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cZel Shivertail would know where she went at first. He saved a bunch of Gnoll children\u2014like that little Mrsha. There are more of her tribe out there, probably. I\u2019ve been meaning to tell you. They would have been given to other tribes\u2014but white fur? Drake cities, like that little Drake girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cOthers? More of Mrsha\u2019s tribe\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard there were more. I did ask once I met her. Other cities. But I never heard where they ended up. You\u2019ll have to do the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake trailed off. Like Montressa and the others, he was in multiple places at once. He focused on Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I know you\u2019d never have thought of it. But I could ask. Just couldn\u2019t\u2014didn\u2019t find them. In case I\u2026forget I wanted to bring it up. I\u2019ll keep looking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss, what\u2019s wrong?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

For something surely was. The Drake exhaled, slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop me, Erin. Can I tell you a great secret? I want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think I should hear it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked at her, searchingly. Then he laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you\u2026? No, it\u2019s not about being a good person, is it? I know a lot of good people. Or people who do good things but\u2014never mind. Never mind. I\u2019ll just sleep. Wake me when it\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss. What\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake gave her a self-aware look for a moment. Then he exhaled and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go to work, Erin. I don\u2019t want to. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was still under the influence when he woke up. Of course\u2014that didn\u2019t matter. And he knew, when he opened his eyes, it was time.<\/p>\n

And who the old man had sent was obviously the right choice. A [Path to Victory]\u2014well, he didn\u2019t need it, did he?<\/p>\n

Damn him.<\/p>\n

Arguments had clearly ensued whilst the Drake had slept in the Garden. But for once, the [Innkeeper] had lost.<\/p>\n

Fundamentally. She had not prevented the figure from appearing here. But cleverly\u2014neither had the intruder offered physical resistance or made threats. She had simply appealed for this chance.<\/p>\n

The door was open. Saliss saw the figure walk through as the [Innkeeper] followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get one shot, alright? Then you have to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss Solstice. Adventurer Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo away. I\u2019m not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake nearly put his claws over his eyes\u2014then jerked them down and sobered up. He heard a breath\u2014and then saw a pair of boots. Saliss opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

A young Drake was standing there. Young\u2014well, older than Erin. She stared straight ahead as she saluted him. Her armor was polished, enchanted. Saliss read her name and level and Skills.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Saliss. I\u2019ve come to escort you to your briefing, sir. Please come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss, I tried to make her go away, but she says Chaldion\u2019ll come after this and it\u2019s actually really important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was upset. The [Alchemist] sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably will. So you\u2019re the luckless Drake come to get me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir. High Command is waiting, Adventurer Saliss. Please, allow me to escort you to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a while, the Drake sat there, head bowed. Then he looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who are you, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake maintained her perfect salute.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral Shirka, 3rd<\/sup> Army of Pallass. Blackwing\u2019s Gold. An honor, Adventurer Saliss. I believe we met once before. At\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. I\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake picked himself up slowly. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s \u2018Blackwing\u2019s Gold\u2019? Is that your title or something, G-General?\u201d<\/p>\n

She peered at the female Drake. Shirka turned to her and put her hands behind her back, standing at parade rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew designation, ma\u2019am. Formerly we were known as the \u2018Pallass\u2019 Gold\u2019. After General Thrissiam fell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone else fell down. Saliss lay on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. I\u2019ve fallen and I can\u2019t get up. You should tell High Command I can\u2019t make it. Do that, will you, please, General?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin eyed Shirka. Even she<\/em> had the urge to toss a bit of dirt at Saliss. But of everyone so far\u2014the Drake was the most patient. She turned back to Saliss at once and threw another salute.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer. The City of Invention has need of you. Won\u2019t you answer them again?\u201d<\/p>\n

She was so patient with the Drake. Erin looked at General Shirka. At Saliss. The Drake refused to look at Shirka.<\/p>\n

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

Her eyes widened. The Drake [General], Shirka, was the youngest Erin had ever met. And that was extraordinary because, well, she was like Embria<\/em>. And since one was a [Wing Commander] and somewhat famed for that\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

On a hunch, Erin looked at Saliss as he slowly got up, brushing dirt from his scales. He muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming. Give me one second.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure, Saliss? If you don\u2019t want to, I can\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin made a punching gesture and Shirka coughed into her claws. It looked like she was covering a smile. Saliss hesitated. Erin meant it. But he waved a claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. They\u2019ll just send the old man. And if you punch him,<\/em> he\u2019ll probably die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could challenge him to a chess game. He\u2019d lose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss laughed. Genuinely laughed at that. He stood up, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he wouldn\u2019t give up. Fine. Let\u2019s go, General. Let me just\u2026thingy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He was sighing and checking his belt. Erin saw Shirka step back. The [Innkeeper] followed her. It was a hunch that made her ask the next question.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you come from, General Shirka?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI rose up from one of the allied cities to Pallass, ma\u2019am. I was offered a position in the City of Inventions a year after receiving my [General] class and took it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was so polite.<\/em> Unlike Grimalkin or the [Senators]\u2014and rather like Chaldion\u2014she had entered Erin\u2019s inn to ask if she could speak to Saliss once, to do her job. It was hard to refuse that.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the allied cities?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAllied with Pallass, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shirka watched as Saliss, muttering, brushed dirt off his tail. Erin studied her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you\u2026know Saliss? From before coming to Pallass, I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake gave her a sidelong look. She didn\u2019t need to answer this time. And her voice wasn\u2019t as crisp as she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026did know Adventurer Saliss in his earlier years. As a girl, in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at Saliss. The Drake threw up his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m older than I look. Stop judging me! And I was young. A proper, decent adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin softly remarked. She watched as Shirka escorted Saliss to the door. He didn\u2019t protest\u2014much.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is Saliss supposed to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConfidential, Miss Solstice. A job for the Walled Cities is all I can divulge. Thank you for your cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stopped by the door to Pallass with Saliss. He was still clearly the worse for wear, but he was going. He shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not going to be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014no, never mind. I guess it\u2019s hard, huh? At least\u2014maybe you\u2019ll be able to beat an Armored Crawler this time. Faster, right, General Shirka?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Erin could think to say. It wasn\u2019t the most\u2014tactful\u2014of things to say. But if Saliss was afraid or reluctant\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cArmored Crawler, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [General] turned her head and gave Erin a blank look. She saw one of Saliss\u2019 closed eyes open. Erin looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot an Armored Crawler?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have been a different monster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shirka looked sharply at Saliss. Then she nodded once and thrust open the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse us, Miss Solstice. Two to Pallass! Open the checkpoint for Adventurer Saliss!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They disappeared. Erin stared at Saliss\u2019 tail. It could have just been a mistake. But\u2026every other detail appeared to be correct. She wondered why that was off. And then she got nervous. But that was all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights was not Erin Solstice. As he stumbled through Pallass, ignoring the dirty looks and playing up his miserable state, he harassed Shirka. But mildly. It didn\u2019t seem to be working and besides\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know how I adventure. I used to be like those silly adventurers. I went to other continents. On Chandrar\u2014I was a proper, crazy adventurer. These days, I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir. It\u2019s not for me to say, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

He scowled at General Shirka. The sunlight was hurting Saliss\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I were doing actual adventuring, they wouldn\u2019t send you. I\u2019m not going to find any of you<\/em>, there.\u201d<\/p>\n

She twitched at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for this mission, sir. But you did find me.\u201d<\/p>\n

What was he supposed to say to that? The [Alchemist] said nothing more. Damn the old man. He would have happily kicked General Edellein into the pond.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

High Command had been waiting for forty minutes. They were behind schedule<\/em> and very upset. That alone was enough to make the [Alchemist] smile as he walked\u2014naked\u2014into the war room. He threw a perfect salute, and was rewarded with a glare from none other than the [General] he had been thinking of.<\/p>\n

General Edellein of 4th<\/sup> Army, General Duln of 1st<\/sup> Army, General Shirka of 3rd<\/sup>, were exactly half of the room. The other half were Chaldion, one senior [Strategist] who was probably here to learn<\/em>, despite being in his fifties, and a [Mage].<\/p>\n

Not Grimalkin. But one of the senior [War Mages] nonetheless. They all turned to Saliss with some level of glower.<\/p>\n

Except for Chaldion. He just regarded Saliss. And it was Chaldion that Saliss ignored; everyone else he could get a rise from. So with his salute, he barked in an approximation of a [Soldier] reporting for duty.<\/p>\n

\u201cAssassin Saliss, here at your disposal, High Command! Or is it exterminator this time? Give me my orders!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Alchemist] Oliwing. You are late. <\/em>And is that alcohol I smell?\u201d<\/p>\n

General Edellein snapped. Saliss happily saluted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir. I call it a Potion of Alcohol. I think it\u2019ll change the world. Anyone want a try?\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard a snort from the [War Mage], who immediately covered his mouth. General Duln turned his head\u2014Shirka was behind Saliss, but he heard nothing from her.<\/p>\n

Edellein\u2019s scowl deepened. Before he could say anything though, Saliss was already lurching over to the table.<\/p>\n

He knew the map well. It was of foothills. Elevated terrain. Only\u2014three dimensional. After all, the enemy wasn\u2019t just limited to surface encampments. It was more detailed this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour orders, Alchemist Saliss, are to proceed to the following coordinates. As last time, your equipment is provided here\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Edellein tried to launch into the briefing. But Saliss\u2014well, they\u2019d done this song and dance before. The Drake grabbed a scroll and heard a sound of outrage from the older Drake. Saliss eyed the magical scroll, reading the label.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah. [Earthquake]? [Lesser Teleport]\u2026mhm, I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist<\/em>, you are to listen to the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss turned away from the [General] and looked around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how many Queens am I killing? If I get into the right spot, I can probably blow up a Hive. Sounds good? One Adventurer for a Hive.\u201d<\/p>\n

And suddenly the amusement drained away. High Command looked at each other. General Duln put his head on his shoulders, suddenly grave.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are not your orders, Adventurer Saliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake waved the scroll at Duln. The Dullahan was cooler in temper than Edellein; he didn\u2019t even blink as Saliss pointed at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m supposed to damage<\/em> a Hive and not kill a Queen, huh? Kill thousands of Antinium but no Queen<\/em> because that\u2019s a step too far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you listen to the briefing, you nude idiot?\u201d<\/p>\n

Edellein snarled. Saliss turned his head; the other [General] was visibly flushed under his scales. Saliss considered this.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo eat your tail, Edellein.\u201d<\/p>\n

He lifted a claw for emphasis. The [General] left his seat in a moment. His hand was on his sword\u2014but he hesitated as Saliss put up his fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone stop him! Before I kick him off<\/em> Pallass\u2019 walls! Because I will! Come on, slash me!\u201d<\/p>\n

He hopped in place, swaying, making weak jabs into the air. Daring Edellein to actually draw his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral. Sit down.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion spoke for the first time thus far. Edellein was breathing hard. But yet again\u2014the [Grand Strategist]\u2019s fake eye flashed and the Drake sat down.<\/p>\n

Saliss was disappointed. But not by much.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the stupid mission, old man? And would it kill you to provide snacks?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He flopped into a chair as Shirka took a seat. Chaldion ignored that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not like other assignments, Adventurer Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGold coin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger [Strategist] stared at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] flexed his claw impatiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I had a silver coin for every time I heard that\u2026gold coin. Give. It\u2019s always<\/em> \u2018not the same as all the others\u2019. Why would this one be different? I go in, I destroy things and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve developed a new type of Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer paused, mid-rant. He looked back at Chaldion. Sat up a bit. Shirka saw Saliss\u2019 claw flash.<\/p>\n

She was fast<\/em>. But even she barely saw the way he flicked a bit of tonic onto his bare scales from a belt pouch in\u2014well, fractions of a second. Duln nudged her.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sobering potion.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

[Memo] Skill. Shirka nodded slowly. Saliss ignored that as he looked at the venerable [Grand Strategist].<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what? That\u2019s what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis breed is greatly concerning to the Walled Cities. Read your report.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were documents Saliss had been ignoring. For the first time, the Drake picked them up and read. There were illustrations too. Chaldion continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiants. Wistram caught a glimpse of them in the Armored Antinium\u2019s Hive in conjunction with the Free Antinium delegation. Temporary name\u2014\u2018Steelclads\u2019, as designated by the Armored Queen. There are at least two dozen confirmed active and hundreds allegedly in development.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you want me to wipe them out. How did Wistram learn about this? The scrying orbs you were screaming about?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Generals] shifted. Chaldion had indeed made them aware of the issue; the Walled Cities had all had a conniption over the intelligence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve switched to artifacts that can block attempts to take control of them. The Antinium have no such defenses. To our understanding, Wistram has eyes into three<\/em> of the six Hives; the others must be using more advanced artifacts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a lot of detail for a scrying object.\u201d<\/p>\n

This time, the [Alchemist] looked up and the [War Mage] and [Strategist] blinked. You could be fooled by the act. Chaldion smiled mirthlessly. He tapped the highlighted area of map.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the area the growing sacs are forming in, according to our intelligence. Manus and Fissival have been using dedicated [Scrying] spells based on the coordinates Wistram gave us. Thanks to them, we have intelligence of specific locations in the Hives, where we were unable to find\u2026anything before, even with magic. Which is why you are going to hit it and we will monitor the results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 eyes narrowed. He snapped his claws and sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. So I blow up this extremely valuable<\/em> growing site and we get to see how accurate the data Wistram gave us is. And overhear more intelligence! That\u2019s\u2026why you\u2019re [Grand Strategist], hmm? And my job is just to walk in there, cast a spell, and walk out, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

He put his feet up on the war table. There was a growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat scroll is to be used in conjunction, not alone, Adventurer.<\/em> We would not trust\u2014or risk a Named Adventurer on this mission alone. Your job is support. <\/em>You\u2019re moving out in five minutes. We\u2019re already delayed and Pallass will not be the Walled City that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Alchemist] spoke to the ceiling. Edellein nearly choked on his own spit.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI am not Pallass\u2019 weapon of war. There are Antinium in that inn I like. I refuse this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

High Command didn\u2019t exactly susurrate. They weren\u2019t the susurrating type. But they did exchange significant looks. Chaldion sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh Command, we will recess for five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others didn\u2019t need to be told twice. Well, Duln did nudge Edellein before the [General] heaved himself out of the room. Saliss was staring up at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t make me this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion didn\u2019t immediately reply. Both of them knew how this worked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSix.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSix and three months is my offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stared upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a give and take.\u201d<\/p>\n

But of course\u2014it was. No one had to say \u2018or else\u2019. Chaldion leaned on his staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree months. I\u2019ll have the entire City Watch devoted to other matters. You cannot<\/em> refuse this time, Saliss. The [Generals] will not stand for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can eat my tail. I can always leave the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was an empty threat. Chaldion shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSix Drakes on the wanted lists, three months.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t order them to stop, could you? But I forget\u2014\u2018you can\u2019t do everything, even as Grand Strategist.\u2019 Eat your tail, old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss flashed Chaldion a bitter look.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the most I can do without making it overt, Saliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Grand Strategist] saw the Drake make a few gestures at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate you, old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is fine with me. Stay at that inn. Make friends with the Antinium. They are not the same ones as the Hivelands produces. You are not<\/em> being ordered to attack the [Strategist], Anand, for that reason. Or the other individuals in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI vetoed those suggestions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Antinium are not a united threat. Liscor has always been the wildcard Hive. These Steelclads are<\/em> a threat\u2014if only to morale.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] stared up at the ceiling. When he did speak, it was without looking at Chaldion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you have the guts to order me to destroy the Grand Hive? Because I could. I could probably get a Queen. Even if one of the Prognugators is there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old Drake sat there. His eyes flickered. Cold\u2014and terribly intelligent. Saliss did not like Chaldion and the feeling was mutual. But they were both aware of what the other could do.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Walled Cities will need Saliss of Lights in the decades after I am dead. Even more than they need to destroy the Antinium\u2019s Hives. You are Pallass\u2019 pride and greatest [Soldier]. And their greatest disgrace. Try to act like the hero some of our citizens believe you to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake twisted in his seat. He fixed two burning eyes on Chaldion.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is not Saliss.<\/em> You know that. Say my name, Chaldion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnieva.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] fell out of his seat. When he got up\u2014Chaldion was watching him.<\/p>\n

No hesitation, no waffling at that moment. If there had been a \u2018\u2026Onieva\u2019, a hint of scorn\u2014Saliss might have destroyed the entire command room and slapped General Blackwing silly. But Chaldion was smart.<\/em> That was why he could handle Erin when [Senators] were too prideful.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d been dealing with Saliss for too long to be a fool\u2014at least in doing what they wanted to get his way. Saliss hesitated. But Bird had been right from the start.<\/p>\n

If it mattered\u2014<\/em>Saliss probably wouldn\u2019t have asked. He had his price. So\u2014<\/p>\n

He went.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights stood on Pallass\u2019 battlements. Not all of it was siege weapons and war. There were some areas designed for unusual purposes. He stood there, calmly, bitterly too.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce, I was an actual adventurer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The group of [Soldiers] was just there for show. And of course, they\u2019d seen Saliss since they lived in Pallass. That joke. That nudist [Alchemist]. Until you remembered he was also\u2014<\/p>\n

A Named Adventurer. Saliss made it easy to forget, though, right up until he reminded you.<\/p>\n

The other Drake\u2014far harder. She stood with her mount, wings folded. Her wings made even other Oldblood Drakes stare at them in awe. She was another Named Adventurer, but not of Pallass. She had been waiting for Saliss for forty minutes\u2014well, fifty by the time he arrived.<\/p>\n

They were behind schedule. Still, certain rituals had to be observed.<\/p>\n

In times past, there had been more. But Oteslia and Fissival still had winged mounts along with the Oldblood fliers. And in this case\u2014the Pegasus was moody as she pawed the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cConcealment spells are nearly complete. Your flight route is the same you came in on, Adventurer Mivifa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstood.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer nodded. Saliss strolled over. The Pegasus was smarter than your average horse\u2014a lot dumber than your average unicorn. She snorted at Saliss. He waved at both.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Oldblood of Feathers. Hey Mivi, how\u2019s it be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mivifa, the [Pegasus Flier] of Oteslia and her companion, Feathi, or her \u2018official\u2019 name, Erafeathithius since the Walled Cities didn\u2019t want to acknowledge the cute name Mivifa had given her friend, both regarded the [Alchemist] with a critical eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss, have you been drinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Me?<\/em> On an important day like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026There\u2019s vomit on your tail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I had to purge myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake scrubbed at his tail, completely unabashed. Pallass [Soldiers]\u2014again, ornamental\u2014shifted. He made their city look so bad<\/em> compared to the female Drake, the Oldblood of Feathers, Mivifa.<\/p>\n

And her feathered wings.<\/em> She had not been born with them. But such was the bond between her and her Pegasus that she\u2019d grown them.<\/p>\n

Another interesting facet about Mivifa was this: she was in her forties. Not unusual for Named Adventurers, and not rare<\/em> either, necessarily. Unlike Gold-ranks, Named Adventurers were aberrations, each and every one.<\/p>\n

But quirk of quirks\u2014she was one of Saliss\u2019 clients for Potions of Youth\u2014at a discount, and illusion spells so she looked\u2026<\/em>eighteen?<\/p>\n

It was personal. Saliss didn\u2019t ask. Nor did Mivifa treat him with scorn. Like Shirka\u2014she knew Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re about to fly. Mind supplying the potions, Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you supply the wings.\u201d<\/p>\n

He hopped on Feathi\u2019s back with Mivifa. The Drake tossed a vial to Mivifa, who in turn offered it to her mount. The Pegasus snorted, but took it after a huge lump of sugar before\u2014and after. Bribes. She whinnied\u2014then took off.<\/p>\n

It was true, what they said. You couldn\u2019t go across the continent easily. From Invrisil to Reizmelt, heck, from Liscor to Celum alone was a hundred damn miles. But it was also true that there were exceptions.<\/p>\n

Pegasi and Saliss were those exceptions. The [Alchemist] threw his arms up.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Haste]. Whee\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Feathi flew.<\/em> She vanished almost the second her hooves left the ground thanks to the concealment spells. But you could feel<\/em> her wake as the wind blasted across the walls. The [Guards], reminded of the Frost Wyverns, shuddered.<\/p>\n

But they were flying. The two Named Adventurers sped towards their destination. They spoke little. Not because they were focused with grim concentration. Mostly\u2026because it was really windy all the way up there. Also\u2014cold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Speed. Few people could make it across even a small section of a continent<\/em> in a week\u2019s time. Oh, industry could do it. Organization\u2014teams of horses, carriage services, magic and so on if you had the coin, manpower and motivation.<\/p>\n

But people? Those you counted. Kept track of. In the past, they had been the insane, closer to [Explorers] who would battle monsters. Take months to arrive in the most bygone areas. In time, over a long period, they organized. Changed.<\/p>\n

Today they were called Couriers. But if you read a book\u2014the [Trapmaster Assassin] closed his. His name was\u2014Ferin.<\/p>\n

Not an important name. The kind of name he could replace. Tomorrow he might be Damocle, or Even. Names\u2014didn\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n

[Assassins] now\u2014if you read the right books, the secret histories that few [Historians] knew or would dare to record\u2014you\u2019d know something about [Assassins].<\/p>\n

The [Trapmaster] listened. He heard shouts of pain. A scream.<\/p>\n

One, then.<\/p>\n

Black-clad figures rushed past him like a stream. Countless bodies, flooding across the ground. The [Trapmaster] held back. What had they said, now? That famous line.<\/p>\n

Couriers outbound.<\/em> But the thing about bragging, announcing it meant that everyone knew where<\/em> you were.<\/p>\n

First Landing. Well, eighty miles away from it. It was depressing. They\u2019d been going down the roads.<\/em> Maybe they thought it was a numbers game.<\/p>\n

Well\u2014countless [Assassins] were pouring towards their targets. And dying. Ferin could see bodies flying around, the flashes of light. But the Ranks, the expendable [Assassins], didn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n

What you read about in the Guild\u2019s annals, and what was common\u2014Ferin checked his annotations on the worn book of the guild\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Complacency \u2013 Arrogance \u2013 Decay. Ferin, [Trapmaster Assassin] of Izril.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just a little note for the future [Assassin] who might check out the book. He didn\u2019t dare write anything more. Certainly not the essays<\/em> from [Assassins] who had possessed this book a thousand years ago.<\/p>\n

Ferin twisted the book sideways, opened up the attached sheaf<\/em> of folded parchment someone had actually added to one passage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026I have slain Dragons with my blades and I will be known as the greatest name of the Guild for tens of thousands of years. I am [Dragonslayer]. I am almighty. My name is\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, that part was harder to figure out because someone else<\/em> had scratched it out. As Ferin had noted\u2014so he hoped that in the future, some great [Assassin] would look at Ferin\u2019s short observations and say \u2018that was a smart [Assassin].\u2019<\/p>\n

You could hope for nothing more. And as the [Trapmaster] closed the book\u2014he heard a voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cLancel\u2026Lancel, run. Don\u2019t look back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahead of him, six Couriers were fighting. Trying to run.<\/p>\n

Couriers outbound. They knew the Guild would try to stop them. So they\u2019d taken twice<\/em> as many Couriers as last time. And notably\u2014the legend herself.<\/p>\n

Mihaela Godfrey. She was\u2026choking. Gasping for air. Perhaps because of the poison gas. Ferin adjusted his cloth mask. Enchanted.<\/p>\n

One Courier down from the explosive tripwire trap. If they were dead\u2014but if they were alive, they might stay alive if they were wise enough to surrender. The remaining five were running.<\/em> And the Courier who\u2019d accepted the contract, the one with a \u2018bone to pick\u2019 with the Guild, Lancel the Leaper, was running.<\/p>\n

Into another world. Even Ferin felt a slight chill as he saw the gateway opening, admitting four of the Couriers. The last\u2014Mihaela\u2014blocked the way.<\/p>\n

Lightning. Ferin held back and he saw the Guildmistress and every figure around her for thirty feet vanish.<\/em> But they were the Ranks.<\/p>\n

As for the [Assassins] holding back like Ferin\u2014six.<\/p>\n

Six Faces for six Couriers. Seemed fair? Ferin watched as more of the lesser [Assassins] ran towards their deaths. And after the Couriers. The remaining Faces moved forwards to deal with the Guildmistress.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe warned you, Guildmistress. This time\u2014the contract matters.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t fun killing Couriers. The Garuda threw a dart which exploded<\/em> before it reached Mihaela. She didn\u2019t bother with a retort. She would have charged forwards, but there were too many bodies<\/em> in the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey keep coming!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice from the closing portal. [The Courier\u2019s Last Road].<\/em> A Skill with few flaws. But one was\u2014you could follow a Courier into it. At a cost, of course.<\/p>\n

The Ranks were charging into the doorway. And dying. Mihaela backed up. She stared as someone flung an explosive and the [Assassins] at the entrance of the portal were torn apart. And still the others charged, flinging their dying comrades aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadness.\u201d<\/p>\n

She coughed. Ferin shook his head. He adjusted the mithril strands in his left hand, nodded to the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have studied the Guild, Guildmistress. The Ranks do not fear death.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. The white-haired [Assassin] was bare-headed despite the mask he wore for protection. A mark of pride. He was old enough to have white hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know how much an [Assassin] of this level costs? Four gold coins. Equipment is extra. <\/em>A lot\u2014and a little. You can buy one of us in bulk if you know who to ask. The issue isn\u2019t cost<\/em>, for that matter. It\u2019s supply and demand.\u201d<\/p>\n

More Ranks, pouring out of carriages that were more expensive than they were. How many had the Guild decided to spend? For this many Couriers\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could become one of us. Rise out of the Ranks to become a Face.<\/em> All they have to do\u2014is kill a Courier. It\u2019s that or die.\u201d<\/p>\n

They poured after her, into a world without oxygen or light\u2014for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Runner\u2019s Guild will not bow to [Assassins]. You never\u2014Reinhart owned<\/em> your Guild. Why did you stop?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mihaela gasped for air. The Faces watched her, not without sympathy. She was gathering her strength. They were waiting for her failing lungs to weaken her further. Ferin shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have never stopped running, Godfrey. You lost your edge. We\u2019re [Assassins]. We live to kill.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all the answer she\u2019d get. Mihaela moved<\/em>, leaping for the portal. The [Trapmaster] flung the mithril thread as the others opened up.<\/p>\n

The Assassin\u2019s Guild had a new master now. Also\u2014it was under new management. The old Guildmaster was dead. No one knew that outside of the Guild.<\/p>\n

As for why?<\/em> History. [Assassins] learned from the past. And the lesson that played itself was the same.<\/p>\n

That was what Magnolia Reinhart hadn\u2019t realized. She\u2019d tried to tame the Guild by overfeeding the Guildmaster, by making [Assassins] fat and dull their teeth. It had been well done. If they had let her\u2014she would have killed them with peace within a single generation, made them inept, redundant.<\/p>\n

But a scorpion lived to sting, a wolf to hunt. She was too used to the breed of [Assassin] like Ressa. For all she had become a Face during her time at the Guild, she was a \u2018volunteer\u2019. Ferin and the Ranks hadn\u2019t been asked, or even offered training. Death by peace did not appeal to them.<\/p>\n

The Couriers ran. What they should have remembered, though, was that an [Assassin]<\/em> was diametrically opposed to their way of life. Couriers were usually spontaneous, brave, quick. [Assassins] laid traps. They had seen this group of Couriers coming. The rest was easy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights walked towards the rally point, at the edge of the Hivelands. The last few miles he had to hike with Mivifa and Feathi. Cover and all that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m bored.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you stop drinking?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll sober up.\u201d<\/p>\n

That might be true, but it didn\u2019t stop Mivifa\u2019s glare. Saliss kept complaining.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe keep getting jobs like this. I bet Human<\/em> adventurers or\u2026or Garuda adventurers don\u2019t have to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not part of the Walled Cities. And no adventurer is completely autonomous.\u201d<\/p>\n

The winged Drake deflected a bit. It was certainly true that other adventurers were hardly apolitical. Some fought in wars, everyone took sides\u2026but adventurers who came from the Walled Cities were <\/em>different. Sometimes they were assigned missions by the High Command.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this sucks. I\u2019m bored. My actual <\/em>adventures don\u2019t take this long.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was also true. Saliss of Lights, Named Adventurer of Pallass\u2014had the most boring encounters of any adventurer.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you have any recently?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hear about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh. It was those angry freak-things. Bulls with snake heads. And bitey teeth, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMedurulls?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss pointed at the other Drake. It was late night\u2014they\u2019d been flying for hours<\/em>, even with his [Haste] potions. He nearly tripped over a rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Whoa! That! A herd of them! Attacking people on the roads outside of Pallass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long did it take?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get there or finish the job? Uh\u2026three hours all around.\u201d<\/p>\n

The encounter had probably lasted all of five minutes. Mivifa shook her head. Saliss had a motto, which was \u2018acid is a solution to 90% of all my problems<\/em>\u2019. A joke so bad it had gotten him booed out of both the Alchemist and<\/em> Adventurer\u2019s Guilds multiple times.<\/p>\n

A true statement, though. Most of Saliss\u2019 monster-extermination jobs ended within seconds of him tossing a vial at the problem. And most monsters weren\u2019t acid-proof, or at least not against his<\/em> specialized acids.<\/p>\n

It was when he had to toss more vials that it got interesting.<\/em> People told stories about those adventures.<\/p>\n

No one would tell stories about this mission. Nor was it happening. Mivifa was not here. Saliss was not here. Everyone was so \u2018not here\u2019 in fact that all the Walled Cities would shout you were a liar and toss you in prison if you dared to spew such falsehoods.<\/p>\n

Mivifa was used to it. So was Saliss. So, as Named Adventurers did, they began talking about work as they drew close to the meeting site. No fear of being attacked; not yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cTook you longer than normal. What, trouble with Chaldion again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate him. Let\u2019s not talk about Chaldion. How\u2019s Oteslia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuzzing about those [Strategist] kids. Lots of trouble; people keep trying to steal those artifacts from Khelt. The First Gardener is in a state about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBleh. I had a job offer about that. \u2018Make a cure!\u2019 As if every two-bit Level 30 [Alchemist] couldn\u2019t whip up a blowfish poison antidote.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mivifa shook her head. \u2018Two-bit Level 30 [Alchemist]\u2019 was a phrase only Saliss could use.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn that note\u2026rumor is that you\u2019ve got an apprentice. Tell me it\u2019s not true so I can collect all the bet money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feathi nudged Mivifa with a wing. Not because she was smart enough to\u2026well, she was<\/em> very smart. And magical cats and dogs could understand most conversations. And pick locks, some of them. The Drake stared at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?<\/em> You told me you would never do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a favor. Are we there yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake ignored that. And if you didn\u2019t rise to the bait\u2026Saliss sighed after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a good kid. It\u2019s nice to have an extra pair of hands, anyways. I\u2019m doing a lot of experiments, she needed a bit of help\u2014don\u2019t make a big deal about it. She\u2019s got a lot of potential. You know the plague?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Yellow Rivers? It just reached Oteslia and it caused a huge uproar. I visited Zeres and it was bad<\/em> before the cure arrived. Still is, but\u2026what about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe made the cure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh!<\/em> That is<\/em> something! No wonder you made her your apprentice!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that and other reasons. It\u2019s this entire thing\u2026there\u2019s this cool place I\u2019ll introduce you to if you come to Pallass, and it annoyed Xif and\u2026let\u2019s change the subject. I don\u2019t want to talk about it because the Old Man\u2019s involved like he always is.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Oldblood of Feathers eyed Saliss, but she didn\u2019t pursue that line of conversation. Some things you didn\u2019t talk about. For instance\u2014Saliss didn\u2019t ask about why she was obsessed with her appearance. Nor had she volunteered that one of the reasons she could leave Oteslia for this mission\u2014and that the First Gardener was willing to send her\u2014was that Cire was happily occupied with the celebrities from Baleros.<\/p>\n

\u201cLots of new experiments? Anything noteworthy and not confidential?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss brightened up after a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can talk about one of them, actually. You know the Potion of Haste you and your giant bird-horse drink like water?\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved the Potion of Haste at Mivifa\u2014which only<\/em> Saliss could supply in the quantities to keep Feathi flying nonstop to the Hivelands from Pallass. Mivifa nodded as Feathi glared at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. What about them? Have you reduced the cost? Because if you have\u2014please<\/em> don\u2019t sell them to adventurers. You\u2019ll make every jumped-up Silver-rank try to compete with our bounties.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss looked hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would never! I have my profit margins to think of. Besides, the army would buy my entire supply and then the Old Man would try to conquer everything. No, no, this is only<\/em> for Named Ranks. You\u2019re going to be the only ones who\u2019ll afford it, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] waggled the glowing vial at Mivifa excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, this isn\u2019t a real<\/em> Potion of Haste. Or rather\u2026I\u2019m working on a Potion of Greater<\/em> Haste. Maybe\u2026a Potion of Extremespeed? A Potion of Time Acceleration? It\u2019s really unclear, but it\u2019s just Named-grade stuff. Beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSign me up for one of them! Can I put a down payment on it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake grew excited at the thought. That was your emergency-tool right there. The thing you pulled out when you were about to die\u2014or you needed to kill<\/em> something now. She began fumbling for her belt pouch, but Saliss waved a claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still reverse-analyzing it. Slow progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. But when you do<\/em> get it made\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled wanly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be a while, Mivi. I\u2019m really busy. Making Potions of Youth. And other stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh. His big projects. Mivifa became somber. She had once thought that if Saliss hadn\u2019t invested most of his budget and time into his greatest work\u2014he\u2019d have been an unparalleled [Alchemist]. Instead, he\u2019d used his talents to create a relic-class potion. For the same Drake who\u2019d sent him here and who caused Saliss so much anguish.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to talk about it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope! I\u2019m not listening! I don\u2019t need motivation! I\u2019m here of my own free will and nothing is wrong!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss put his claws over his earholes. Mivifa heard him humming loudly for a moment. She said nothing. After a moment, Saliss lowered his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head tiredly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. I don\u2019t ask, you don\u2019t tell. Everyone\u2019s got problems. It comes with being a Named-rank. We\u2019re just broken people, Mivi.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him. Mivifa hesitated and could have left it at that. She opened her wings and flapped them once, then had to say it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might be. And some of the Named Adventurers are. But I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] looked at the [Flier]. And he grinned once.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s fine too. We can wait for you to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Organization. The north had\u2026concentrations of power. In individuals and Houses, different from the Walled Cities. The Walled Cities could<\/em> cooperate and get Saliss to Manus via Pegasi supplied by Oteslia and coordinate attacks on the Hives.<\/p>\n

Magnolia Reinhart could send her pink carriage anywhere she wanted. Or\u2014she had<\/em>. In the same way, the group waiting for Mivifa and Saliss had come here at effort and expense, but they were all here, and all on-time.<\/p>\n

\u2026Except for Saliss. He wobbled into the fortified \u2018camp\u2019 and counted.<\/p>\n

Two faces he recognized, four teams, a bunch of [Mages], [Soldiers] under the command of an [Ambush Commander]\u2014yep, the gang was all here. Also\u2014largely silent, since they were on the bleeding edge of the border of the Hivelands. Professionalism, silence, readiness\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here! Sorry I\u2019m late! Is that Shriekblade I see? Long time no stab!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Half the [Soldiers] went for their weapons as Saliss shouted joyously. The Gold-ranks stared. Those who knew Saliss scowled. He strode over to a figure standing apart.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade! Killed anyone recently?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss would have patted her on the shoulder, but she would have stabbed him. Or\u2026would have if the short Drake with many scars didn\u2019t turn an expressionless face to Saliss and nod once.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are on duty, Adventurer Saliss. Command is silence and readiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist]\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hi to you too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Shriekblade\u2019s face didn\u2019t change. Saliss lowered his shoulder-slapping claw and sighed. Drugged into perfect compliance-mode, then. Made sense for this mission. He didn\u2019t like to see it.<\/p>\n

Named Adventurers knew each other. More than others sometimes, but you tended to know names.<\/em> The other adventurer was glaring at Saliss, so the [Alchemist] turned and spread his arms wide. The Drake with a huge sword on his back stared at the nudity and grimaced.<\/p>\n

A perfect target.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that Sixswords? <\/em>Hi! How\u2019s it going, buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake actually tried to move away as Saliss bounded over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re keeping quiet<\/em>, Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t there a [Silence] spell on the camp? Who cares if we shout? Heck, let\u2019s all dance around naked! Haven\u2019t seen you in ages. How is Manus? Didn\u2019t you get married? Want a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Named Adventurer tried to fend Saliss off as the Gold-rank teams and [Soldiers]\u2014provided by Manus for the mission, mainly as escort and backup if they had to run\u2014stared in horror at the display of laxity by Saliss.<\/p>\n

The Swordsman of Six, a Named Adventurer of Manus. Famed for his six unique swords which he could switch out at a moment\u2019s notice, etc. etc\u2026the least interesting Named Adventurer of the lot.<\/p>\n

Mivifa and Feathi, the Oldblood of Feathers, Oteslia\u2019s flier.<\/p>\n

Shriekblade, infamous killer and unpredictable Named Adventurer of Salazsar, reinforcements and the Walled City\u2019s contribution to the effort.<\/p>\n

A squadron of Manus\u2019 best [Soldiers] and a [Commander] to provide backup. For magical support\u2014Fissival. Since no one from Zeres was here, Saliss bet it had been too far and the City of Waves was just providing financial support or some other contribution.<\/p>\n

Three Named-ranks, and four Gold-rank teams all ready to deploy. Oh, and a stumbling [Alchemist], wandering around slapping people on the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurers. Adventurers, your teleportation target is right<\/em> over the target. Barring any mistakes, High Command expects you to be able to evacuate within twenty minutes to this spot again, upon which time we\u2019ll all use the second teleportation spell to move us away. If anyone is unclear as to their [Lesser Teleportation] jumps, or any<\/em> aspect of the plan\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Ambush Commander] and [Link Mage] were doing their best. Everyone else was listening seriously, with the heightened nerves of those before a fight. The four Gold-ranks were adjusting their gear, muttering reassurance, preparing themselves.<\/p>\n

They were about to piss off the Antinium.<\/em> This\u2014was the kind of mission their Walled Cities asked for volunteers for. The enemy, the Black Tide owned the lands beyond here. They might die. But for their homes, the glory of\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah. We go in, we cast scroll, we run. Can we go?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss tossed down another gulp of whatever he was drinking. This time the Swordsman of Six couldn\u2019t contain his annoyance. He spoke to the group at large, with an amazing display of passive-aggressive morale boosting.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a group effort by the Walled Cities. I do not know you all\u2014but my name is Zeter of Manus. I pledge to do my utmost to leave no one behind. However, we will only survive if everyone is disciplined <\/em>and follows the plan.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mivifa saw her Pegasus mount put a wing over her face. Mivifa felt like doing the same. Zeter\u2014or Sixswords as Saliss had dubbed him, and that was going to stick<\/em> as a nickname, wasn\u2019t the right personality type to gel with Saliss. The [Alchemist]\u2019s head slowly rotated<\/em> around on his neck with incredibly\u2014unsettling\u2014delight on his features.<\/p>\n

He sauntered over and peered up at Sixswords. The [Swordsmaster] was wearing armor and taller than Saliss; the Drake peered up at Sixswords with a huge smile on his face that struck Mivifa and the others watching as sinister.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Sixswords. Want to say that to my face, huh, huh?<\/em> Why don\u2019t you all go and launch this assault yourselves?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss poked the Drake in the armor. Sixswords glowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDiscipline, Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I get it. I\u2019ll foul you up.<\/em> Tell you what. I\u2019ll cover you all running out, howsaboutthat, huh? You all go in. Three Named Adventurers and Creler-fodder?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-ranks stirred. Was that them?<\/em> Sixswords visibly hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Ambush Commander] was not having a good time. Saliss looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, shush. You know why that\u2019s not going to happen? Because<\/em> you need me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He jabbed a thumb claw into his chest, overbalanced, and fell on his back. The Drake spoke to the sky as everyone stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m Saliss of Lights. And all of you cowards are backing me<\/em> up. But there\u2019s no one stupid enough to attack the Hives on their own. Me? Give me the scrolls and I\u2019ll do it myself. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved a claw at Sixswords. The Named Adventurer said nothing. Saliss slowly got up, swearing, and grinned at the affronted Gold-rank teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what it means to be Named Rank, you Golds. It\u2019s not about being good at your job.<\/em> Look at Shriekblade, over there! She\u2019ll run into the Hivelands naked!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that the mission?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss laughed so hard he fell over again. Mivifa felt compelled to intercede at this point; it was that or let Saliss continue. And entertainingly painful as that might be\u2014they were on a time limit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss. Enough. We know the plan. We\u2019re ready to teleport, [Mages].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Group One will begin casting immediately after teleport. After<\/em> the spell finishes\u2014your scrolls will warp our magic. Adventurer Saliss, with Group One, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn my way!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake rolled over the ground without bothering to get up. The Fissival [Mages] stared as he lay in the teleportation circle pre-programmed to the coordinates. Mivifa sighed.<\/p>\n

Something must have gone really wrong in Pallass.<\/em> She hadn\u2019t seen Saliss in this<\/em> mood for a long time and she\u2019d known him since he returned from Chandrar. But he\u2019d already been the top solo Gold-rank and then\u2026<\/p>\n

The Antinium Wars had turned him into Saliss of Lights.<\/p>\n

Three [Earthquake] scrolls had been provided for the purpose of damaging the Antinium\u2019s project. Shriekblade, Saliss, and Mivifa were all entrusted with one scroll each. They were Group One.<\/p>\n

The plan was simple. Group One teleported in and began casting. The Antinium had no spellcasting might of their own and Xrn was confirmed in Liscor. Therefore, Group One would begin the [Earthquake] spell. Almost right after that, Group Two, with Sixswords and the Gold-rank teams would teleport away from Group One and cause a diversion.<\/p>\n

Both sides would retreat the moment the Tier 6 spell activated. They\u2019d reach the waiting camp, here, and teleport further way.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t new to Mivifa. Or the Antinium. The Hives and the Walled Cities were at \u2018peace\u2019. But raids crossing the border like this were common. Killing a Queen or destroying a city\u2014well, both sides had danced on the edge of war before. One mistake and it could be<\/em> the Third Antinium War.<\/p>\n

And even if not\u2014the adventurers were pawns in this conflict. They<\/em> could die and they wouldn\u2019t have been here. No wonder everyone but Saliss was tense.<\/p>\n

The Gold-ranks were muttering. They knew they were the diversion and the three Named-ranks were the real<\/em> attack and thus the ones most at risk when the Antinium got angry. But Saliss was not great at making friends when he was being his most annoying.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe shows up late, he\u2019s drunk,<\/em> and disrespects all our cities? Pallass for you. Do you think he\u2019ll even throw straight when the Black Tide marches?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another Gold-rank snorted as he adjusted the glowing javelins ready to throw.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would have been better served by a [Slinger] with his potions. Just because he can make high-quality potions\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

It was just nervous-talk, and Saliss had certainly earned some ire. But as Group One\u2019s teleportation circle lit up and they waited to be sent to their destination, someone felt compelled to speak up.<\/p>\n

And that was the Drake with the huge greatsword on his back. He leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey rookies. Shut the hell up.\u201d<\/p>\n

It took the Gold-ranks a moment to realize the Swordsman of Six was referring to them.<\/em> They also then realized\u2014the Swordsman of Six was glaring. He nodded at Saliss, giggling as the [Mages] snapped at him to lie still.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss is the most annoying Named Adventurer on the con\u2014one of the most annoying. If he mouths off, ignore him or do something about it, but don\u2019t speak ill of his fighting <\/em>abilities. That\u2019s Chaldion\u2019s grandson. [Grand Strategist] Chaldion of Pallass.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The others hesitated. There was a name. An old name, from before the Antinium Wars, even. Sixswords nodded as the light became blinding.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old Drake taught his kids to be first-class [Generals] and [Warriors]. When the Black Tide comes for us\u2014you\u2019ll want that damn Drake in front of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-ranks stared at the Swordsman of Six. Some nodded respectfully. Say what you will, but Zeter was willing to acknowledge Saliss\u2019 abilities. It was the [Alchemist] who seemed determined to hold a grudge. Discord between Named Adventurers? Well\u2014it made sense. But he\u2019d doled out lavish praise there for Saliss.<\/p>\n

He just\u2026really\u2026shouldn\u2019t<\/em> have said that part about Chaldion. Mivifa looked down at Saliss. The Drake had been lying there, eyes closed, ready to do his job\u2014however reluctantly. But at Sixsword\u2019s words, his eyes snapped open. His head rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake began to stand, but one of the [Mages] shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay still, you are about to teleport, you idiot!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss didn\u2019t get up. But he called out to Group Two and Sixswords.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Sixswords? You\u2019re an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Adventurer swung around. Saliss pointed at the second group.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Black Tide comes for us? We\u2019re on a stealth<\/em> mission. We\u2019re casting one spell and running away. We\u2019re not heroes. You know what the difference between us is? I\u2019d run over the border naked if they asked me. You need a bunch of teams backing you up. If you want to be a real Named-rank, why don\u2019t you walk through the Bloodfields a few t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They winked out of existence as the first [Long-range Teleportation] spell activated. The [Mages] staggered, and began casting the second.<\/p>\n

In the unpleasant silence that followed, someone whistled under their breath. They\u2019d heard Saliss could be annoying, but not tetchy.<\/em> What crawled under his<\/em> scales?<\/p>\n

Then the second group teleported out. And the mission began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chaldion, [Grand Strategist] of Pallass, was monitoring the events as they unfolded in real-time. They had<\/em> [Scrying] spells, after all, and unlike most modern enemies, their foes were magically deficient. It should have been ridiculously easy to win against a foe that couldn\u2019t resist a basic [Sleep] spell.<\/p>\n

But the Antinium\u2014you didn\u2019t underestimate them. The Drake watched as both groups appeared in flashes of light. And he knew their progress was being monitored.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll six Walled Cities are online in real-time communication. Manus, you have speech.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice was speaking in the background. Fissival was in charge of the magical communications network. Chaldion listened as a female voice replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth teams are in position. Distraction commencing. No irregularities so far aside from minor time delay.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was Dragonspeaker Luciva herself. Chaldion smiled. She would not normally be in charge of reporting the call. But any good operation had multiple outcomes.<\/p>\n

In this case\u2014they were testing the strength of their inter-city communications as well as the information Wistram had provided. How much could the Academy \u2018hear\u2019? How good was their intelligence?<\/p>\n

Yet that was secondary to the action below. Chaldion was watching.<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights, Mivifa the Oldblood of Feathers, and Shriekblade had spread out. They were casting and however the [Alchemist] had been behaving\u2014he\u2019d teleported in on his back<\/em>\u2014he was all business now.<\/p>\n

It was just a triangle, backs to each other, spread out as the [Earthquake] scrolls activated. Saliss was ready to throw potions, Mivifa and Feathi were ready to take to the skies\u2014to evacuate both Named Ranks if need be. As for Shriekblade\u2014she had her daggers out and was crouched.<\/p>\n

Three Named Ranks. And on the other orb, Chaldion saw the diversion beginning.<\/p>\n

\u201cSet up trap spells! [Tremor]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Mages] cast a lesser spell by striking the ground with his staff. A second Gold-rank produced a custom-made chest and opened it\u2014tipping the contents into one of the Antinium\u2019s covert entrances.<\/p>\n

Tonnes of water spilled outwards in a second. The custom-made Chest of Holding was filled with seawater. Meanwhile, the other [Mages] and [Archers] began bombarding the ground with explosive spells and munitions. They were trying to grab the Antinium\u2019s attention from the Grand Hive\u2014<\/p>\n

And it worked. Within less than a minute, the first Soldier appeared. It charged out of the tunnels, the first of hundreds.<\/p>\n

An arrow blew it to bits. Chaldion watched as the report came in, with barely a second\u2019s delay.<\/p>\n

\u201cContact. Soldiers are emerging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see if we pinpointed all the tunnels. Mark them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion murmured to one of the younger [Strategists] who was on the job at once. He watched.<\/p>\n

\u201cFormation holding. Request\u2014[Grand Strategist] use terrain changing Skill when\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am aware, Manus. Let\u2019s see how the adventurers do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence. The adventurers were set up and Sixswords had one of the paths.<\/p>\n

They were funneling the Antinium. In the first war, the Drakes hadn\u2019t known how to fight. This time\u2014it was a tested strategy. Chaldion had come up with it.<\/p>\n

[Wall of Steel]\u2014no lesser spell. Fortification spells on the ground to prevent the Antinium from simply tunneling under the feet. A group of high-level fighters could hold the Antinium\u2014so long as they could fight off the press of Soldiers.<\/p>\n

This group of adventurers had left three avenues for the Antinium to attack from. The Grand Hive had the largest number of Prognugators and every variety of Antinium\u2014but Antinium were Antinium.<\/p>\n

Low-level. Unable to break through the whirling blades around the Swordsman of Six. Two of his blades were dancing in the air, covering him as he swung and cut down Soldiers charging at him. The other Gold-rank teams were casting spells and loosing arrows\u2014and the Antinium couldn\u2019t close. They were running into a wall of fire, reminiscent of the Couriers fighting [Assassins].<\/p>\n

However. Like the Couriers, the Gold-ranks couldn\u2019t sustain this forever, or even long. Soon, their magical reserves and ammunition and Skills would run low. They\u2019d start taking wounds\u2014one of the [Warriors] in front was already staggering back, struck by an arrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorkers with bows. Adventurer Hesil is healing. Formation sustained.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion nodded. He didn\u2019t budge. He\u2019d seen the Antinium break this formation. General Sserys must have employed it when he attacked the Grand Hive. He had still fallen.<\/p>\n

When the Gold-ranks began to tire, the flow of \u2018ordinary\u2019 Soldiers would get nasty. Stealthed Silent Antinium, acid-spitting Flying Antinium, and Armored Antinium would enter to break the lines.<\/p>\n

And Prognugators. They\u2019d be in reserve, coordinating the attack. They would emerge to deal the final blow. Killing one of them would be a bonus.<\/p>\n

\u201cStatus of Gold Ranks?\u201d<\/p>\n

An urgent voice from Oteslia. The First Gardener. She was here to \u2018attract\u2019 Wistram\u2019s eyes if they were listening in. It still annoyed Chaldion.<\/p>\n

She had eyes. She could see<\/em> they were still just casting the spells, on the lookout but unmolested as of yet. The Antinium had very few detection capabilities if the adventurers kept silent and didn\u2019t move. Oteslia\u2019s precious Mivifa was fine.<\/p>\n

\u201cWounded, Adventurer Shekris. Worker with bows.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion frowned. Two Gold-ranks? Those were fast wounds compared to those on record.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s coordinating their attack. And those weren\u2019t regular arrows. That was a Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnalysis suggests [Piercing Arrow].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZeres confirms, [Piercing Arrow]. Worker in excess of Level 10? Speculation: Free Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Free Antinium. <\/em>Chaldion twitched. They were a wildcard. Skills\u2026the Antinium were dangerous enough without<\/em> Skills.<\/p>\n

\u201cManus, suggestion: search and destroy higher-level Worker? Swordsman of Six\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDenied. Hold formation.<\/em> There is a [Strategist] among the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion overruled it. They weren\u2019t here to take risks. Manus was getting bloodthirsty, seeing the Workers turned to ash or cut down. How many had fallen? Four hundred?<\/p>\n

It was nothing. That was how they lost Gold-rank teams and perhaps even a Named Adventurer. They grew overconfident. Antinium could throw themselves into battle for ages. Chaldion was counting.<\/p>\n

\u201cPallass. Spell activation in one minute. Be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t see the [Strategist] who\u2019d made the statue to General Sserys. Just Antinium pouring out of the tunnels. Regular Soldiers\u2026the Hives were treating this like another raid. They weren\u2019t risking valuable assets. They might be aware, but\u2014<\/p>\n

The scrolls activated on the second scrying orb just ahead of Chaldion\u2019s internal countdown. He saw the second image shake<\/em>, and shouts from the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, Mivi, Shrieky!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss leapt into the air impossibly high. Potion of Jumping. He\u2019d been prepared; Mivifa was already flying upwards. Her Pegasus caught Saliss and then Shriekblade as the two rose.<\/p>\n

The earthquake\u2019s tremors were felt even in the other orb, if far less this far away from the concentrated area of impact. The adventurers looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the spell! Wait for confirm\u2014we\u2019re clear! Go, go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The communication spell was a mess of chatter; Chaldion was listening to the adventurers\u2019 communications at the same time as the [Strategists] barked at the adventurers to retreat now.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Gold-ranks were only too happy to oblige. They grabbed [Lesser Teleport] scrolls or cast the spell and blinked<\/em> out of their formation. The Swordsman of Six was last. He vanished as he speared a Soldier through. They covered the scene at once, but the adventurers were gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cMove the [Scrying] spell to Evac Point A!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Strategists] shouted. A [Mage] was already calibrating the orb. Both flickered\u2014and the adventurers appeared again. Chaldion saw Saliss, Shriekblade, and Mivifa in one orb, flying towards the border under a [Haste] potion. In the other orb, the adventurers had appeared, teleporting a short distance away from the Hives.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Haste] spells active on Group Two. [Expeditious Retreat]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A [Strategist] used a Skill and the adventurers sped up.<\/em> Not all [Strategists] could use their Skills at range; but obviously the Walled Cities had all kinds of specialists. The second group with the Swordsman of Six ran.<\/em> And Antinium were already moving, pouring out of more tunnels to catch them.<\/p>\n

Flying Antinium, now. Chaldion\u2019s eyes narrowed as he saw them emerge from their Hive and the Grand Queen\u2019s Hive in other views. But they were still slower than adventurers under multiple effects. Group Two was running\u2014they\u2019d teleport again, leapfrogging their way back towards the evacuation point where a long-range [Teleportation] spell would take them into Manus\u2019 aegis.<\/p>\n

\u201cFlying Antinium are pursuing Group One. Unable to reach fighting altitudes. Monitoring\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Flying Antinium were leaping from cliffs, beating their wings but gliding downwards, trying to attack the Oldblood of Feathers as she flew south. It was comical\u2014until you saw how many<\/em> Flying Antinium were gathered below.<\/p>\n

One bowshot, one fall and several thousand<\/em> would swarm you in the first seconds. And more were coming out, furious at the attack on one of the Hives. Worse\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Flying Antinium are employing leapfrog strategy. Be advised\u2014Group One is coming under attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were smart enough to bypass the Flying Antinium\u2019s inability to actually fly.<\/em><\/p>\n

The mass of insects below rose up like a wave. This time they leapt<\/em>, a first wave launching into the air with powerful wing beats and legs. And a second wave, perfectly coordinated behind them, and the third\u2026<\/p>\n

The first wave dropped after flying their maximum height. But the second wave landed on them<\/em> and shoved off. They leapt a second time gaining in height\u2014and successive waves added to their height. Chaldion watched several hundred reach the altitude Feathi was flying at. The Pegasus was straining for more height with two riders. The Flying Antinium opened their maws to spit acid or tear\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cContact. Saliss of Lights intercepting.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion closed his eye of flesh as he saw the flash<\/em>. The first group of Flying Antinium fell to earth as lightning flashed across them. A lone Drake stood up as he clung to the Pegasus\u2019 stirrups. Mivifa and Shriekblade were waiting, ready to fight; Mivifa was shooting arrows from an enchanted bow.<\/p>\n

But it was Saliss of Lights who threw potions, snaring the Flying Antinium in webs. Glowing bottles exploding in fire or lightning.<\/p>\n

They couldn\u2019t get close. The Named Adventurer hurled a bottle downwards and the Flying Antinium split up too late. Fire bloomed below.<\/p>\n

\u201cCasualties among the Flying Antinium mounting. Count: two hundred and rising\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Satisfaction in the speaker\u2019s voice. It came from Fissival. Chaldion heard murmurs as well. Antinium were dying.<\/p>\n

He did not smile. He watched as the Flying Antinium\u2019s attempts to reach the fliers slowed. They milled about below, and then drew back as Saliss tossed more potions down. He set himself, not overconfident, not careless\u2014<\/p>\n

Just like he\u2019d been taught. He was not smiling either. Chaldion had taught Saliss himself, in the days before the Drake had gone off to Chandrar. And though too much had passed since then\u2014they both felt it.<\/p>\n

\u201cPallass. Grand Strategist Chaldion speaking. Something is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is too easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What\u2019s wrong?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mivifa screamed around the howling wind of their passage through the night sky. Saliss shouted back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis. Is. Too. Easy! Something\u2019s wrong! Be alert!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him, but then nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeathi, follow me! We\u2019re meeting with Group Two early!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Named Rank broke off from their assigned course. Shriekblade adjusted her posture and Saliss looked around, scanning everywhere for\u2026something.<\/p>\n

They were adventurers.<\/em> Moreover, Saliss had done this more times than he could count. This was going far, far<\/em> too well. Plans never worked like you wanted them to. Something was wrong.<\/p>\n

Or maybe it wasn\u2019t. Sometimes plans worked so well you hoped something little would go wrong because you didn\u2019t believe it was this perfect.<\/em> Either way\u2014Saliss was ready.<\/p>\n

He saw the Flying Antinium following at a distance. Saliss debated tossing another potion to make them retreat.<\/p>\n

Lightning in a bottle. He could throw something a lot farther and faster than anyone expected. And a lot at once. It was like he was made to kill Antinium.<\/p>\n

How many was that, then? Two hundred? Four hundred? Let\u2019s see. Four hundred Birds\u2026what would they say? What would Erin say?<\/em><\/p>\n

Did it matter? No, not really. Bird was right. Saliss just wanted to feel bad. But he\u2026didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

From up here they were too far away. Too different, too strange and monstrous as they flew up, trying to kill the people he knew. Too alien.<\/p>\n

They were enemies. Bird\u2014Bird would be hard because he had a name. These were soldiers. Drones. The species who\u2019d overrun cities and slaughtered people.<\/p>\n

The Black Tide. Saliss had killed Human [Soldiers]. He\u2019d killed Antinium. Presumably, Humans had families, loved ones, hopes and dreams.<\/p>\n

War meant you killed them and thought about it after.<\/em> Saliss was here to destroy Antinium so they wouldn\u2019t turn Izril into the Hivelands, slaughter millions.<\/p>\n

He wished he felt guiltier about it, even so.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see Group Two! They\u2019re right below us!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mivifa screamed. Saliss jerked. How long had he been in a trance? He swore, checked all around. Group Two! Were they\u2014<\/p>\n

Fine?<\/em> They were racing across the ground, right on schedule. Saliss blinked. No casualties\u2014wait.<\/p>\n

\u201cPotion of Eagle\u2019s Eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

He flicked it into his mouth too fast to see. Saliss squinted.<\/p>\n

Arrow wounds? Looks like someone chewed them up. Anand?<\/em> Specialist archers?<\/p>\n

B-Bird?<\/p>\n

But they\u2019d escaped. Saliss sat back. And he got more<\/em> worried.<\/p>\n

Was it really just a perfect plan that the Antinium couldn\u2019t counter? True, they had minutes<\/em> of warning at best. Or perhaps\u2014how much damage had they done<\/em> to the Armored Hive? Saliss was counting in his head. They were moving fast, having teleported in and [Haste]-speed and teleportation spells carrying them back to the evac point.<\/p>\n

Time to escape? Six minutes.<\/p>\n

A whole lot of time for things to go wrong in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anand, known to some as \u2018Anand the [Strategist]\u2019, was a [Strike Strategist]. An expert in rapid attacks and retreats. But in this moment, here\u2014<\/p>\n

He had to admit he was still just a juvenile learner on a larger chess board. A pawn piece, who had yet to be promoted to a higher level to make an Erin-analogy. Then again\u2026Pawn would have been very helpful.<\/p>\n

Confusing, that. Anand picked his way across the Hive towards the Grand Queen. The first rush of adrenaline and chaos was over. Soldiers were dead.<\/p>\n

So many dead, so fast.<\/em> He had seen the adventurers destroying them like\u2014like\u2014nothing. Anand had tried, he had. But the few Free Antinium had barely scratched them even with Anand coordinating their arrows.<\/p>\n

Also\u2014he had feared to send in the Painted Soldiers. Feared that they would die without doing anything. They weren\u2019t that high-level.<\/p>\n

Guilt tore at Anand. He had been so relieved when the other Queens told him not<\/em> to send his people in. But they were all his people.<\/p>\n

All\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cArmored Queen. Your status?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Queen was speaking into a mirror. The other Queens were speaking at once. Calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Antinium are still following\u2014we can attack the adventurers, but that Drake, Saliss, is destroying any cluster larger than six from above\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStalking them, but their speed eclipses my fastest Silent Antinium.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Hive\u2026is intact, Grand Queen. However\u2014my Steelclad project has been greatly damaged. I calculate\u202653% of the Birther sacs damaged and the rest disrupted\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Great damage<\/em>. Anand thought of the giant Antinium the Armored Queen had called her greatest folly. She herself\u2014looked injured.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are bleeding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Queen observed. The Armored Queen felt at her sides; Workers were rushing to her with potions.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuperficial injuries. My Hive\u2019s progress has been set back greatly. Some of the forges were also damaged\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A vicious blow. Anand felt for the Armored Queen as she visibly struggled to contain the chaos. How had they known? The Grand Queen was moving her feelers rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour position may be in jeopardy, Armored Queen. All of ours are. [Scrying] spells may have penetrated our Hives. I order all Queens to move their position.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Queens were frightened. Anand felt that too and that frightened him.<\/em> And it wasn\u2019t unjustified\u2014that was a precision strike to the Armored Hive\u2019s secret<\/em> project. How had the Drakes known?<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] thought and a few obvious answers came to him. Among them was the truth. But\u2014he was working at a disadvantage. He had no way to know that there were [Mages] celebrating and toasting each other as they watched through the Grand Queen\u2019s large mirror. Or Drakes who had the same intelligence. He could only suspect.<\/em><\/p>\n

As the Grand Queen began moving towards a secondary chamber and the Wistram [Mages] began taking notes, Anand surveyed the other Queens. Two were coordinating attacks with the Grand Queen on the fleeing adventurer groups, albeit without much hope.<\/p>\n

The Silent Queen and Flying Queen were occupied with that. The Armored Queen was refusing to move her position, devoting her every energy to saving one more Birther sac, one more forge\u2026<\/p>\n

And of course, that left two more Queens.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnand. You are safe and the Free Antinium delegation unharmed?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Free Queen spoke directly to him. Anand nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my Queen. We did not participate in the defense aside from attacks at range. I regret to say none of the\u2026enemy were slain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adventurers. No, the enemy.<\/em> Here they were the enemy. In Liscor\u2014they were adventurers. Like the Halfseekers or Griffon Hunt or the Horns\u2026<\/p>\n

The Free Queen seemed to understand Anand\u2019s suddenly complicated thoughts. She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemain safe. You are an asset. Twisted Queen, is your Hive safe?\u201d<\/p>\n

She and Anand turned to the last mirror. The Twisted Queen sat there, unmoved throughout everything. When she spoke\u2014she terrified Anand. He had had\u2026nightmares\u2026of her about to drop him in the Birther sac.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy. Hive. Is most removed. No casualties. No. Disturbance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Then where is Klbkchhezeim? Anand?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Free Queen turned away from the Twisted Queen, as if speaking overlong to her bothered her as much as Anand. He hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know, my Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Free Queen stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would surely be first to defend the Hives. Was he injured in the attack? Find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all happening so fast. Less than twenty minutes had passed since the attack. Anand nodded. He\u2019d gather the Free Antinium, find Klbkch\u2026he saw the Twisted Queen lift a feeler.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. That. Is not necessary. My Queen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She addressed the Grand Queen, who was reaching for the mirror as she prepared to move with a full-guard of Custodium around her. The Grand queen paused, and the other Queens looked up. The Twisted Queen smiled with her half of a mandible.<\/p>\n

\u201cI request a link.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Klbkchhezeim of the Centenium sat with an old friend.<\/p>\n

It was nostalgic. He was not the same as he had been in those old days. In either form or spirit or\u2026strength.<\/p>\n

But at times like this, he remembered.<\/em> More closely with Wrymvr than Xrn. They were more alike, in some ways.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Twisted Queen is informing the others?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Only, it wasn\u2019t verbal words, but a mental word. Wrymvr had not been given the ability to speak in the same way as the other Antinium. He could\u2014but that was an adaptation. It was far easier for him to speak like all True Antinium did.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium rose to his feet. The two familiar swords in his hands. They were rather like silver swords. A strange metal, Relc had once remarked. The Custodium bore copies of them. Only\u2026well, you could call it metal if you wanted to.<\/p>\n

They came from Rhir, and forges so strange to the sensibilities of other species. Klbkch lifted them now, feeling they were lighter than before. But still heavy. Once, they had been effortless to swing.<\/p>\n

An appendage blocked his path. Wrymvr. The giant Centenium spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre. You. Prepared?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch started. A smaller mouth in one of Wrymvr\u2019s maws. The\u2026eyes\u2026winked at him as the vast Antinium regarded Klbkch.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I am, Wrymvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not seem to be.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch was astonished by the statement. Then\u2014he saw what Wrymvr saw.<\/p>\n

A slight, unique Antinium with considerable alterations to the standard Worker build. Bearing two swords. Not nearly as impressive as Wrymvr or Xrn\u2019s forms. So different from when they had left home.<\/p>\n

And also\u2014the dissonance in how Wrymvr saw Klbkch. Form, without substance. Like an empty shell. That was how the Centenium thought of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was the blessing of the True Antinium and what had stopped the war between the first Hives of proto-Antinium before the First Queen had unified them.<\/p>\n

See through my eyes. See my perspective.<\/em> It made them closer than individuals trying to explain with faulty words what language had no expressions for. A people.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see what you mean. One moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch stood there a moment. He had indeed been off. Though he had not realized it himself. Klbkch\u2014it had been exceedingly odd to fight representatives of the Walled Cities. For Senior Guardsman Klbkch, that was.<\/p>\n

The Slayer had no such qualms.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centenium turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady. Stick to the plan. Try not to die, Wrymvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Antinium laughed as they emerged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s going too well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss looked around. Sixswords didn\u2019t answer him. The other adventurers, Gold-rank and Named, slowed.<\/p>\n

They were crossing towards the border of the Hivelands. Saliss\u2019 scales were prickling. It wasn\u2019t a Skill, but intuition. [Dangersense]\u2014was little use here. The Hivelands were<\/em> danger.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d nearly made it. The Antinium were pursuing, but as anyone could have told you, they\u2019d fallen behind the Skills and spells and potions increasing the adventurers\u2019 speed. Saliss shook his head.<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t stopped running as he repeated himself. Sixswords adjusted his grip. He looked up at Mivifa flying overhead with Feathi. They were flying past some large cumulonimbus clouds in the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cStick to the plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could have run in there myself, blown everything to bits and run away. But no\u2026<\/em>you\u2019re all so fragile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss grumbled. He was the only nudist here; even Feathi wore custom armor made for Pegasi. But he felt like most of the others were<\/em> naked.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Ambush Commander] reports all\u2019s in readiness. Let\u2019s go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Gold-rank Captains snapped, coming off a brief exchange with the camp. Saliss gritted his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust get ready, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

He ran with the group of adventurers as they surged ahead. Above them, Mivifa and Feathi were looking ahead. They flew into the large clouds above. Saliss\u2019 head snapped up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMivi?\u201d<\/p>\n

She vanished. The Drake stopped in his tracks. His claws blurred.<\/p>\n

Damn.<\/em> Potion of Jumping, Potion of Levitation could give him\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sixswords and Shriekblade halted. Saliss drew two glowing potions from his belt.<\/p>\n

Lightning. It was so damn hard to fight in the skies.<\/em> Damn, damn, damn\u2014<\/em>they should have made Shriekblade or Saliss ride with Mivifa!<\/p>\n

\u201cUp there! Aim up\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed towards the cloud. The others whirled. Bows rose, wands pointed. Mivifa\u2014<\/p>\n

\u2026Emerged from the clouds. She saw the adventurers braced, and swooped down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I thought\u2014something was lurking up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss lowered the potions he\u2019d been about to quaff. The [Flier] gave him a long look as the other adventurers relaxed, swearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI send tracer spells into each cloud, Saliss. It was empty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I was just thinking of something that could fly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sixsword\u2019s grip tightened on his sword hilt. The others stopped. And Saliss felt a little surge of anticipation. If there was anyone he wanted<\/em> to meet\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cMove out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sorry,<\/em> Saliss wanted to say. He\u2019d say it later. It was just a thought. The adventurers ran on. Just over twenty minutes to the evacuation spot. Twenty one minutes of fighting since they\u2019d been teleported out. Saliss had been ready to meet\u2026<\/p>\n

He\u2019d told Erin one lie. It hadn\u2019t been an \u2018Armored Crawler\u2019 in Shirka\u2019s village. Those were bad. But that day, Saliss hadn\u2019t killed the monster. He\u2019d just saved a little girl. Barely escaped, really.<\/p>\n

The temporary fortifications appeared in the distance. Sixsword shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrepared to teleport out! Activate barrier spells as soon as the Antinium close within four hundred f\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped. The adventurers skidded to a halt. The camp, the glowing teleportation sigils set up, emplacements for barrier spells, was occupied. The people within it turned.<\/p>\n

An Antinium with two swords turned and something<\/em> spread its wings. Soldiers, misshapen, and little scurrying things turned. Saliss saw them clearly with his alchemy-enhanced vision.<\/p>\n

Ah, so that was where they were.<\/em> The worst Antinium to fight. The most active ones who raided Drakes for every attack on their Hives.<\/p>\n

Twisted Antinium. They filled the camp. Of the Drakes, the [Mages]\u2014nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I just talked to the [Ambush\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBack! Form a defensive line! Manus, our escape route is cut off!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Swordsman of Six roared into a speaking stone. The Twisted Antinium moved forwards as one. They charged the stunned adventurers\u2014<\/p>\n

The first fireball blasted them apart. The Gold-rank [Mage] lowered her staff. Shriekblade threw a dagger, which split into seven. Antinium fell.<\/p>\n

The two Centenium watched from the back. There were hundreds of Twisted Antinium and they didn\u2019t fall into the neat classification. Worker, Soldier\u2014<\/p>\n

A bloated Worker lunged and Mivifa shot it before it could detonate.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwisted Antinium explode! [Archers], bring them down first!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The adventurers were retreating. A wall of metal rose from the ground, and a barrier spell appeared. Defend\u2014it was instinctual to them. The Walled Cities were sending fliers, reserves to their position.<\/p>\n

Hold out and defend.<\/em> Then escape. The Twisted Antinium charged. And again\u2014they were obliterated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An enchanted arrow blew apart a cluster of Soldiers enhanced with the Creler-derived armor. They were sturdy\u2014not that sturdy. The Twisted Queen felt them die; they were close enough to her position for her to coordinate them.<\/p>\n

But one Queen was as effective as a [Strategist]. A Gold-rank adventurer was simply too strong.<\/em><\/p>\n

Watch. She saw a Soldier punch<\/em> a shield helplessly until the Drake brought the mace down and struck it. Some of the adventurers could literally be struck all day and night by the Soldier\u2019s fists and it wouldn\u2019t be enough.<\/p>\n

Well\u2026in another time. In another place, the Antinium would have blades to cut through magic. Speed unparalleled. And yes, flight. They had none of these things now among their forces, just remnants.<\/p>\n

However, one thing remained. The Twisted Queen felt someone tug<\/em> on her. Not physically. It was like a nudge. She smiled. And reached out.<\/p>\n

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

Twisted Queen is here.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Silent Queen joins.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Queen wills it.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Flying Queen participating.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Unistasis Network activated.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four of six. Then\u2014the individual voices were lost. The Twisted Queen ceased to be \u2018her\u2019.<\/p>\n

Her body was there. But her mind was part of a whole and thus incomprehensible from the rest. A body was a piece, a vessel of knowledge that was \u2018the Twisted Queen\u2019. But the combined mind of four was superior to the parts.<\/p>\n

Alas! For a moment, the network of minds spared, as it always did, regret. Because four Queens was such a small number! <\/em><\/p>\n

But it was possible with two, or more of the True Antinium, to join together. To share information, understanding across distance. And when a Unistasis Network formed\u2026<\/p>\n

The mind refocused on the battle with the Twisted Antinium, and the other Antinium now coming at the adventurers from the other side. Now\u2014it wasn\u2019t as chaotic. Everything was slower, easier to process. And the Antinium\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Twitched<\/em>. Mivifa saw a Soldier dodge<\/em> an arrow by moving its head left. The Antinium kept running. She put another arrow to her shortbow, loosed it.<\/p>\n

Too fast to dodge. So the Antinium just ran into the arrow as it detonated. Good! But that movement\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn! What\u2019s\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Shieldbearer] with the mace had been clubbing down the Twisted Soldiers as they came at him. Suddenly, though, two came at him from either side.<\/p>\n

Still an easy fight. Only, these two dodged<\/em> his swinging mace. They weren\u2019t physically faster, but they reacted<\/em> incomparably quickly. One struck the Drake between the eyes. The other grabbed his arms. They were going to throw him out of formation\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Sword Art: Serpent Dance]! [Mages], Forcewall! Buy us time!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A sword flickered around <\/em>the Drake screaming for help and cut both Twisted Antinium down. Mivifa lowered her bow and saw one of the dancing, hovering swords of the Swordsman of Six return to him. He bellowed and the [Mages] threw up [Forcewalls].<\/p>\n

Instantly, the Antinium rushed at them, battering at the barriers as the [Mages] groaned and poured more mana into the spell. Mivifa saw the Antinium moving\u2014no longer crashing into each other, but moving like a dance.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestor\u2019s blood. They\u2019re being led by Queens! We need to get out of here now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Even the few Antinium with bows were aiming like Level 23 [Marksmen]. Mivifa shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeathi, stay high! Stay out of reach!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Pegasus stopped dive-bombing the Flying Antinium in the skies. Sixswords looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade, take our flank! Do whatever it takes to keep them off us! Mivifa\u2014get to the air!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you need me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust keep them from landing on us! Rally to me! Manus, we need to get out of here! <\/em>Where\u2019s Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss?<\/em> The other adventurers looked around. Mivifa realized\u2014in these first minutes of fighting for her life\u2014she hadn\u2019t heard or seen the systematic explosions<\/em> that was Saliss of Lights. The Antinium closed in as Sixswords took the front.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss?<\/em> Keep an eye on the Prognugators! Saliss?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Shriekblade was fighting with the same perfect grace and lack of emotion as the Twisted Antinium on the flanks. Mivifa launched herself up, diving past a Flying Antinium as she readied the lance she carried. Damn, damn\u2014<\/p>\n

Wrymvr the Deathless leapt. The Centenium had been still after the first encounter, like the Slayer. Now, he launched. Straight at Mivifa.<\/p>\n

\u201cMivifa! Get down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Zeter turned as he saw the Centenium launch. The Oldblood of Feathers twisted. She lifted her lance, but what did she even hit?<\/em> The thing was huge. It looked like the Antinium version of an Adult Creler. Feathi dove, as Mivifa tried to climb. She was going to d\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took twenty bottles at least, each one with a lightning charge, and an amplifier that increased the magnetic pull<\/em> of electricity to you at least. Of course, he\u2019d tossed more than that.<\/p>\n

[Combination Attack: Lightning Tempest].<\/em> It was rare for someone to be able to pull a combination Skill off by themselves. But this was a bit different.<\/p>\n

Saliss was rewarded by a bolt of lightning hitting the huge Centenium midair, and countless more striking the huge shape. At the same time, multiple Potions of Fireblast hammered the Antinium from all sides. [Delayed Throw], [Curved Arc], and so on were your friends for that trick.<\/p>\n

The impact threw<\/em> Mivifa, but Saliss spotted her climbing higher. And Wrymvr the Deathless?<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Centenium had hit the ground hard<\/em>. But it seemed only stunned. It looked around as Saliss watched.<\/p>\n

Same as last time. That same Skill had made the Greater Wyvern blink<\/em> at least. Saliss jogged away as the Antinium around Wrymvr rushed forwards, creating a shield.<\/p>\n

Adventurers were nice and protected. But the Antinium were assaulting from all sides. Saliss flicked a claw. You didn\u2019t have to speak Skills. He had no idea why people did it, then. Just to show off?<\/p>\n

[Remote Explosion]. The bottles he\u2019d tossed on the ground began to detonate, blowing the encircling Antinium to bits. They might be fast\u2014but even led by Queens, regular Antinium couldn\u2019t dodge an exploding cask packed with bits of iron and propelled by a fiery explosion.<\/p>\n

The adventurers were shouting\u2014but fighting on as the Antinium milled about then refocused. That idiot, Sixswords, was shouting for Saliss.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the [Alchemist], Saliss of Lights, peered at Wrymvr from behind a stunted tree on the edge of the Hivelands. Let\u2019s see now\u2026<\/p>\n

The Centenium was shaking itself, casting around for him. The damn bastard. He didn\u2019t even look hurt.<\/em> Just a bit stunned and wary. Credit to the Gold-rank teams; they were throwing up every barrier they had, as if it was an Adult Creler. And sure enough, Wrymvr surged forwards, crashing through<\/em> two walls of thick steel.<\/p>\n

Saliss hurled a potion. The little bottle arced up, up,<\/em> and down. It struck Wrymvr as he tore at a [Threefold Barrier] spell and reduced it to shreds. Saliss saw a little crack<\/em> of splintering glass in the darkness with his night vision\u2026<\/p>\n

Instantly, the Centenium whirled. Saliss saw smoke rising from the top of the Centenium\u2019s body, where the liquid had struck. He frowned. It was smoking, smoking, which was what you wanted to see\u2014then after six seconds, the acid stopped <\/em>dissolving the carapace.<\/p>\n

Stitch my smile, what the hell was that?<\/em> That was his most potent<\/em> acid, three times as strong as when he\u2019d met the Centenium the first time. He knew<\/em> he could burn the thing\u2019s outer shell! But his best acid\u2026<\/p>\n

Saliss tossed a few more bottles as he thought. He saw them curve up<\/em> and down, landing in impossible arcs among the Antinium. They had no idea where they were coming from; the bottles detonated<\/em> and broke up the attack on the adventurers. The Antinium cast around for Saliss, but they didn\u2019t attack him as he watched Wrymvr trying to do the same.<\/p>\n

Incidentally, Saliss was [Invisible] at the moment. Not just<\/em> invisible, but rather chilly too. His scales were coated with a gel that suppressed his body\u2019s heat. One of the scent-destroying potions that Gnolls loved\u2026<\/p>\n

He\u2019d applied it instantly, the moment he\u2019d realized the Twisted Antinium were here. If it hadn\u2019t been for the two Centenium, and Wrymvr especially, Saliss would have just gone out potions blazing and blown up everything in a mile\u2019s radius.<\/p>\n

But it hadn\u2019t worked the last time they\u2019d met. <\/em>Saliss glared at Wrymvr. Did it think like Bird? Was it a person like Erin\u2019s Antinium?<\/p>\n

Did it remember\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Drake girl was very brave and silent. Saliss was panting and trying not to breathe. The Jar of Air he carried took his exhaled breath; he held it to the Drake girl\u2019s mouth and she inhaled, exhaled.<\/em><\/p>\n

Invisible. Odorless. But somehow the thing had seen him. Saliss used his good arm to transfer the Jar of Air to himself, then the girl as he watched the shadow the giant Centenium was casting.<\/em><\/p>\n

His other arm was shredded. Even with his [Resistance: Acid] Skill, his scales had been <\/em>burned by the acid the Antinium had spat. What the hell <\/em>was that thing?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Antinium Wars, as they were being called, had begun three months ago. The Old Man and Pallass were under siege. And this\u2014for a moment, Saliss had thought it was a regular monster. But it was the Antinium that was wiping out settlement after settlement way behind the battle lines.<\/em><\/p>\n

He had to move. The Drake gave the girl the Bottle of Air. He crept out, moving around the Antinium. Acid had scored its armor. He just had to get around it and hit it in the eyes\u2014he thought the tiny holes in its body were eyes? He was sneaking up from the side when it <\/em>turned and he realized it had been watching him\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Heat vision. Saliss had researched after that fight and concluded it was heat vision, or the ability to \u2018sense\u2019 the area around it like some animals had. But Wrymvr had tracked him even when flying, so he thought a tremor sense was unlikely.<\/p>\n

Then again\u2014it could be like damn bats. [Invisibility] spells didn\u2019t work on bats. Fun fact. Bats did something where they could tell you were there<\/em> even when you weren\u2019t there.<\/p>\n

Which was why Saliss was hiding behind a tree. Let\u2019s see. Explosions? Failed. Lightning? Failed. Acid? Failed. He\u2019d tried snap freezing Wrymvr the first time\u2026but he had a lot more levels since then.<\/p>\n

Could go Grimalkin on it. How thick <\/em>is that armor?<\/em> Plan: See if I can overheat it with enough gels. Test how invisible I am\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The other Antinium clearly couldn\u2019t find Saliss. They\u2019d passed this tree twice, so that meant Wrymvr was the wildcard. Saliss had a gel which, when applied, rapidly ignited because the gel itself got far beyond oxygen\u2019s level of combustion. Pelt had demanded it for his forge.<\/p>\n

The adventurers were fighting, perhaps dying, certainly taking wounds. But Saliss refused to rush out. He had only one enemy who had to die.<\/p>\n

Wait. Wasn\u2019t it two? The Drake ducked.<\/em><\/p>\n

The silvery sword passed through<\/em> the trunk of the tree. Klbkch slashed one of the jars in half, but it detonated anyways. He leapt out of the cloud of smoke and saw half a dozen jars crack <\/em>in midair.<\/p>\n

Saliss crouched, motionless, as the Slayer emerged from the second detonation area. Damn, double damn.<\/em> He was quick.<\/em><\/p>\n

Worse, that was an adventurer\u2019s trick. The Slayer had dodged the first explosion on pure speed, but he hadn\u2019t even needed to use whatever Skill he\u2019d demonstrated in Liscor. Saliss read it now.<\/p>\n

[Recaptured Sublimity]<\/span>. Oh, dead Ancestors.<\/em> It was unique.<\/em> The Old Man was going to throw ten kinds of shit. And it sounded\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss of Lights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch the Slayer spoke. Saliss refused to move; the Centenium was scanning around. He whirled the thing that had saved him from the second explosion.<\/p>\n

A cloak. Enchanted, probably blast-proof; he\u2019d tossed it up and blocked everything. Antinium should not<\/em> be allowed to have artifacts. They hadn\u2019t used it in the First Antinium War!<\/p>\n

\u2026They hadn\u2019t thought they needed to or they didn\u2019t have any? Saliss was a statue. He didn\u2019t move his head, or his body. Klbkch looked around. His antennae twitched<\/em> and Wrymvr stopped moving towards their position.<\/p>\n

Telepathy. <\/em>Another win for the Old Man. The two Prognugators were clearly communicating. Wrymvr launched into the air and Mivifa and Feathi fled. Saliss had to help them. He just had to\u2014<\/p>\n

Klbkch tossed<\/em> something at Saliss. Straight at<\/em> him. The Drake dodged and threw the contained lightning bottle back. Up came the cloak\u2014but the tiny vials of acid Saliss had thrown went wide and burst behind<\/em> the barrier.<\/p>\n

Saliss was on his feet, standing perfectly still behind another tree. His only exposed part was his head\u2014so he could see.<\/p>\n

The Slayer made a sound. His carapace was smoking, the acid eating away at him! Yes! Y\u2014<\/p>\n

His swords whirled. Saliss saw him slash<\/em> parts of his body off where the spray had caught him. Blood ran, but the Slayer had already broken a potion. He\u2019d cut off part of his shoulder.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Antinium picked up the cloak after sheathing one of his swords. Saliss glared. The acid had done nothing<\/em> to the silvery blade. It was actually eating away the scabbard\u2014not the sword. Klbkch noticed and tsked.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat scabbard is enchanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

And my acid should eat away <\/em>mithril.<\/em> Saliss saw the Slayer looking around. But\u2014could he see<\/em> Saliss or had that been a lucky guess?<\/p>\n

\u201cStrange.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer\u2019s voice was so calm. Saliss didn\u2019t like it. Calm<\/em> meant that he was prepared, not unsettled. Experienced. Calm meant he thought he was winning.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026don\u2019t appear to be trying to kill me as badly as Wrymvr. Despite being able to.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer was looking around. He\u2026couldn\u2019t<\/em> see Saliss? No, don\u2019t fall for that. The Drake held still. He was working on another trick. It was just annoying since you had to coat each potion in the invisibility juice\u2026then toss them\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the Antinium Wars, they gave you your name\u2014Saliss of Lights. You destroyed an army of Antinium as your city was locked under siege.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch was still turning, calling out. In the distance, Saliss saw a flash. Teleportation. Reinforcements or adventurers falling back? Didn\u2019t matter. Being alone meant he could fight without worrying about catching them in a poison gas cloud.<\/p>\n

The Slayer was still talking. Saliss tossed another bottle as the wind blew; it slowed and hovered in the air with a bit of the Potion of Levitation. Invisible, stationary. Silly Bird. You used that potion on things<\/em>, not people.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you were young, you earned your name slaying a nest of Sandworms alone. An [Alchemist] of Nerrhavia\u2019s Fallen who halted a monster attack on a town and killed Gold-rank monsters\u2014survived being eaten and acid burns of over eighty percent of your body.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why did he know so much about Saliss? And his history? The Drake saw Klbkch turn, frown.<\/p>\n

Mivifa dove<\/em> out of the clouds, howling as a rain of acid broke over her. Adventurers cried out\u2014Saliss held still. They had anti-acid preparations because of the Flying Antinium.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou killed more monsters than a Gold-rank team your first year. When you returned to Izril, you were considered one of the best solo Gold-rank adventurers as well as an accomplished [Alchemist]. Just in time for the First Antinium W\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Shut up.<\/em> Saliss detonated all eighteen jars of compacted spiderweb serum at once. The liquid expanded as it shot into the air, and filled the entire radius with the sticky adhesive.<\/p>\n

Some of the jars had been behind<\/em> Klbkch, others to the sides, forming a rough circle. Saliss leapt out, a jar in hand\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNotched needles!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He dove backwards and disappeared into the exploding jar of acid as Klbkch lashed at him. The Antinium had evaded the webs! No\u2014<\/p>\n

Saliss leapt into the nest of webs, panting. Klbkch halted, warily. Pieces of web were adhered to his armor. Saliss saw, at last, what was allowing him to move so fast. The Slayer reached for a bottle, downed it\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a damn Potion of Haste.<\/em> You\u2019re not allowed to use them! The files say you don\u2019t use anything but healing potions and stamina potions!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPotions are for sale to everyone. True, I have never needed to use them before. Guarding Liscor is not very challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium calmly retorted. He still had the cloak, ready to block whatever Saliss threw. He eyed the Drake as Saliss checked himself in the nest of webs.<\/p>\n

The Spidersilk serum had created a thick coating of the super-sticky stuff on the ground. But Saliss could have danced on it without a problem\u2014so long as he was naked. Similarly, the acid which he\u2019d leapt through to stop Klbkch did not burn his scales.<\/p>\n

The Drake and Slayer eyed each other. Saliss slowly spread his arms, glistening with acid.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant a hug?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium smiled.<\/em> He looked at Saliss, and then continued in a conversational tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince your involvement in the Antinium Wars, where you survived an encounter with Wrymvr and achieved your Named Rank status, you have continued to adventure sporadically, but most of your employment outside your profession of [Alchemist] has been undertaking missions on behalf of the Walled Cities, from raids on the Hive to dealing with particularly dangerous monsters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss threw a jar of lightning at the Antinium. Klbkch blocked it with the cloak. It fell down onto the ground, the glass perfectly intact.<\/p>\n

Fun fact.<\/em> No one, not Erin or anyone else, could just throw<\/em> one of Saliss\u2019 jars like the Gold-rank adventurers had assumed. You could toss one at a wall and it\u2019d probably stay intact. The glass was strong<\/em> and expensive. To make them break, Saliss used [Remote Detonation]\u2014<\/p>\n

The jar exploded at Klbkch\u2019s feet. He blocked the lightning with his cloak. Damn, but he was fast<\/em> with that Potion of Haste!<\/p>\n

The two stood there for another moment. Klbkch opened his mandibles.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecently, I understand you have been frequenting The Wandering Inn at Liscor. Hence my investigation into you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss glared.<\/em> This was a different kind of annoying than Wrymvr. One didn\u2019t bother to dodge or block Saliss\u2019 attacks. Klbkch struck Saliss as the kind of enemy that would die in one good hit\u2014if you got that hit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you telling me what I did? Come on, fight me! I\u2019ll take you on, barehanded!\u201d<\/p>\n

He made two fists and jabbed\u2014Klbkch swatted the invisible jar back at Saliss and the Drake ducked with an oath. It exploded<\/em> behind them and set some of the webbing on fire.<\/p>\n

The two stared at the flames in silence. Saliss turned back to Klbkch.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alchemy-boxing. Completely legal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, the smile. But Klbkch didn\u2019t lower his guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo answer your question\u2014I am telling you because I want you to try and kill me. Wrymvr thinks you are dangerous. However, you seem surprisingly unmotivated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss tossed an explosive at Klbkch. The Slayer vanished and leapt lightly out of the way. He paused, waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I was Wrymvr, you would have thrown dozens more potions at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was true. Saliss threw up his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you let me fight him? I\u2019m not interested<\/em> in you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was true for two reasons. Firstly\u2014Saliss felt like fighting Klbkch would waste his inventory, and he needed every<\/em> potion to take on that monster, that damn\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

And secondly, he couldn\u2019t conjure the same hatred against Klbkch the Slayer as Wrymvr. A month ago? Saliss would happily have burned the Antinium\u2019s face off.<\/p>\n

Erin.<\/em> What would he say to her? Bird?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting soft. This is your last chance. I\u2019ll kill you. I\u2019m just taking it easy on you because I don\u2019t want to explain why I killed you to a certain [Innkeeper].\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch wavered. It was just a tiny flicker\u2014and Saliss tossed the bottle down. Aha!<\/em><\/p>\n

A huge plume of smoke erupted from the vial. Not everything Saliss made was designed to kill. Just\u2026most things. Saliss shuffled across the web, drinking a Potion of Muffle. Klbkch\u2019s voice echoed from the smoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI left Liscor, but somehow she followed me even to war with Drakes. But Erin Solstice helped me reclaim my strength. If you won\u2019t fight me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Something lanced out of the clouds. Saliss twisted<\/em>, but his [Greater Dodge] Skill failed him for the first time so far. He felt at the burning line on his scales. Enchanted dagger.<\/em> His eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me one question.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer stood in front of him, sword raised. Saliss bit back an oath.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you find me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The smokescreen was absolute and he was sure Klbkch had been finding him based on the grass, or other context clues! The Slayer smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are fighting on the Hivelands. Like your evacuation team\u2014we listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pass on the message.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss held very still. He had a Potion of Haste in him too and [Greater Dodge]\u2014but Klbkch had just scored him. Saliss was prepared to use one of his escape tricks and the detonation would force Klbkch to retreat\u2014but if he used [Recaptured Sublimity] now\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the question?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium didn\u2019t move, save for his mandibles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey call you one of the Walled City\u2019s best adventurers, even among Named Ranks. I am inclined to agree based on what I have seen. But why did an [Alchemist] become an adventurer after that first encounter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to earn money somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch stepped in like a [Fencer]. Saliss dodged<\/em>, cursing, jumped away. Klbkch cut through the smoke again and halted. Saliss had a pile of glass jars at his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome over here and I\u2019ll whisper a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

He beckoned. Klbkch tilted his head back and forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you won\u2019t answer\u2014you will not get a chance to slay Wrymvr. He will kill your friend, the Oldblood of Feathers. She cannot dodge his acid forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 eyes locked onto Klbkch through the smoke separating them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d let me go and kill him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would let you try. <\/em>Tell me\u2014why did you volunteer for this mission? I heard you. You would run across the border yourself and challenge the Hives alone. Why do you fight the way you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

He seemed genuinely curious. Saliss bit his lip. Then he spread his arms, and laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an easy answer. I didn\u2019t care about this body getting hurt.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a relief to tell someone. And his enemy? Saliss kicked the potions ahead as he walked at Klbkch. Go on, swing. Neither of us will be left.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Antinium held still. Saliss passed him. He tapped his chest and grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is just a vessel for me. It\u2019s all fake.\u201d<\/p>\n

What irony, that he could tell an Antinium <\/em>that before anyone else. Saliss was braced as he sauntered past Klbkch. For that movement, he\u2019d detonate half of his supply\u2014<\/p>\n

Klbkch didn\u2019t swing. Saliss walked on and the Slayer called out after him with a fluttering sound. Laughter?<\/em> Saliss stopped as Klbkch spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we are two of a kind. I thought so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss whirled. The Slayer looked right through him. Right into<\/em> him, like\u2014<\/p>\n

The jars on the ground exploded.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The last Gold-rank adventurer vanished. Shriekblade stabbed an Antinium through the face and swept her blades around.<\/p>\n

\u201cShriekblade. Retreat. That is an order.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Swordsman of Six, Zeter, gasped. Shriekblade saluted, touched a bound spell, and vanished.<\/p>\n

All the adventurers on the ground had escaped, save for him. Zeter stood amid chaos. Spells were detonating around him.<\/p>\n

Artillery. [Mages] were throwing spells from vast distances and\u2014he looked up\u2014they\u2019d gotten the adventurers to a safe place.<\/p>\n

The last [Wyvern Rider] of Fissival caught Shriekblade as she appeared two hundred feet up, outside the range of all but one Antinium. Instantly, the flier wheeled and sped away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Zeter, one minute!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAcknowledged! Where is Mivifa?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEngaged with Wrymvr to buy the evacuees time!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Above, another rain of acid drifted down. Too weak to go through the ring Zeter had worn just for this occasion. But he had heard Mivifa fighting Wrymvr.<\/p>\n

Really\u2014dodging the Centenium to distract it. But Zeter feared\u2014he had heard her cry out more than once. Wrymvr the Deathless spat more than liquid poison. Gas\u2026<\/p>\n

He whirled his sword as an Antinium charged at him. Some vast, scuttling thing. One of the Flying Antinium\u2019s line breakers! He lanced it four times\u2014once with his sword, another with a phantom copy of one of his blades, and the two dancing swords he carried.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdventurer Zeter, hold your ground! Forty seconds or less to Wyvern evacuation!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is Saliss of Lights? I won\u2019t evacuate without\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Thwoom.<\/em> Zeter whirled. He\u2019d felt<\/em> that.<\/p>\n

Even amid the other bombardments, the giant explosion tore a hundred foot radius of sound and space apart. Zeter saw the nearest Antinium\u2014and those in the air\u2014go flying as the shockwave knocked them to pieces.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

A Drake stomped out of the cloud of dust. He tossed a few bottles and the confused Antinium in front of him vanished. Zeter stared as Saliss walked past him. The [Alchemist] looked up and narrowed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. I\u2019m going to kill that Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed up. Then leapt.<\/em> Zeter called out for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss, wait\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He spun. The Slayer lanced out of the darkness with two swords drawn. Zeter saw him knock aside one of the dancing blades, slash with his other sword as he blocked\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cSlayer!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake twisted before the sword cut more than the tip of his armor. Enchanted gear\u2014he dropped the greatsword and it vanished. Change to\u2014<\/p>\n

The shortsword and shield wasn\u2019t what the Swordsman of Six used often. It was, however, gear he used for killing enemy [Duelists]. He slashed and his two dancing blades cut where his shortsword didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

The Slayer\u2019s blades moved in a whirl. He was slower than Zeter! Still fast\u2014but both<\/em> had [Haste] spells on them and unlike Saliss, Zeter was a [Warrior], a [Bladesmaster]. He charged, shield raised.<\/p>\n

Strike it, strike it, strike it\u2014<\/em>the shield would deliver a lethal retort if Klbkch did. The Slayer refused and slashed at Zeter\u2019s stomach. Again, his sword cut armor before Zeter slashed with a roar.<\/p>\n

He caught the Slayer! The Antinium staggered. He regarded the cut on his arm, touched it, shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoison is ineffective.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Swordsman of Six had forgotten that. He gritted his teeth. No time to change to the other swords. Time to use his best Skill.<\/p>\n

[Sixblade Slash]!<\/em> The Swordsman of Six blocked a slash and lashed out. Six swords\u2014but the Antinium was moving out of range.<\/p>\n

All six strikes cut the air as Klbkch stepped out of range. Zeter stared. The Antinium had just\u2026no, wait. Klbkch flexed one arm.<\/p>\n

The giant scimitar and the Drathian blade had caught him just at the edges. Lacerated his carapace despite the leather armor he was wearing. The Slayer must not have been able to guess how fast the scimitar cut or the invisible cutting radius around the delicate, single-edged blade from the Drathian isles.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Deficient, still. You have the edge on me, Swordsman of Six, Zeter. Speed, equipment\u2014not skill. I wonder about strength?\u201d<\/p>\n

He brought a sword up and down. Zeter raised his shield, and realized it was a feint. The Named Adventurer deflected the second sword with his shortsword with an oath.<\/p>\n

Strong!<\/em> The Antinium wasn\u2019t as strong as Zeter either\u2014Klbkch flexed one arm, visibly disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cStronger than my Worker form by far. About\u2026three times? I was quite slow. Goblins could stab me. When I let them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zeter heard someone shouting in his ear. He ignored it. This was his chance! He raised his sword. [Sixblade Slash] was a variant of [Grand Slash]! He could use it more than once!<\/p>\n

\u201c[Recaptured Sublimity].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Swordsman of Six raised his shield and tried to back up too late. He screamed.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Perfect Parry]\u2014<\/em>Manus, teleport me now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch\u2019s blade cut him. The first blow struck the shield and activated the explosive retort. Klbkch wasn\u2019t there to receive it. And the second\u2014Zeter twisted desperately, trying to readjust\u2014<\/p>\n

Klbkch ran him through halfway. The Swordsman of Six slashed, screaming, and Klbkch vanished with his swords again. Zeter broke a potion against his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cHealing potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer reappeared, looking annoyed. Then he vanished again.<\/p>\n

\u201cFull bombardment! Target the Slayer!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Arrow-spells were hitting the ground around Zeter. They were trying to cast [Lesser Teleport] to get him up! If he dared reach for a scroll\u2014Zeter was turning, watching as the Slayer kept vanishing and reappearing, dodging spells.<\/p>\n

\u201cCountdown! Twenty one, twenty, nineteen\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer lashed out, but Zeter caught the first blade, took a non-mortal wound. Heal up! Heal up! He smashed the bottles against his scales, inside his armor.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014nine, eight\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer looked annoyed. Then he seemed to have a thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if I can use my Skills.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised his sword. Zeter shouted into the speaking stone.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Silver Illusion: Whirlwind of Blades].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium blurred. He leapt\u2014and crashed, nearly headfirst into the ground as Zeter vanished with a scream of terror. Klbkch lay there for a second. Then he got up. He dusted himself up, and looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The adventurers on the ground were gone. However\u2026Klbkch thought this was fine. Most of the Twisted Antinium in ambush were pursuing the other Drakes in the area as the Queens directed them onwards. Everything was still fine. He waited for Wrymvr to finish his fight. Or die.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Heh.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mivifa and Feathi were melting. They dove, as the Centenium closed in. Wrymvr was not fast. Or rather\u2014he had little agility in the air. He could go fast in a straight line, but the Pegasus and her rider were too agile for him to catch.<\/p>\n

But\u2014the acid. The Centenium kept spitting it. Gas, acid\u2014too much to dodge. And Mivifa\u2019s weapons hadn\u2019t left a mark. Now\u2014they were dying and it was closing in.<\/p>\n

Wrymvr the Deathless flew at them, spitting from half a dozen orifices the nearly-invisible liquid in the night sky. Then he exploded.<\/p>\n

Saliss landed as the fireball encapsulated the Centenium. Wrymvr fell from the sky. Mivifa halted, aborting the dive with effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cS\u2014S\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He hit her in the face with a splash of liquid. The strongest base he had, as if she\u2019d been doused by Acid Fly acid. Feathi too.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of here, you two!\u201d<\/p>\n

They took off, silently. After a second\u2014Mivifa winked out of existence with her mount. Saliss hoped Manus had a [Toxin Healer] ready to help her. In the old days\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was coughing. His lungs were burned. The [Healers] were trying to apply potions to him\u2014Saliss tossed a vial down and knocked them aside as the smoke cloud covered him.<\/em><\/p>\n

His potions. His treatments. And his lungs\u2014unlike Mihaela Godfrey and so many other\u2019s\u2014survived. He had the right resistance, the right treatment. They based future cures against the Flying Antinium and Wrymvr\u2019s toxins on his research.<\/em><\/p>\n

Too late to do anything to Mihaela\u2019s lungs, though. It had <\/em>melted vital parts of her breathing organs, and the toxins were etched into her body. Saliss had thought as he recuperated, his broken bones mended\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an [Alchemist] who\u2019s best to kill you. And you would be our worst nightmare. Or the biggest challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrymvr the Deathless rose from the ground. Unharmed by the hundred foot fall, despite the small crater it had created.<\/p>\n

It, he? Klbkch had said \u2018he\u2019. Could the Centenium reproduce? Magical Antinium now\u2014<\/p>\n

Magmagel, my entire supply.<\/em> Saliss hurled it all at Wrymvr. This time the Antinium seemed to try to block it. It lanced out with appendages, so much like a damn Creler<\/em>, but the gel burst and covered it. It roared, multiples mouths opening, and charged at Saliss. He tossed a vial down.<\/p>\n

Pressurized Bottle of Air\u2014<\/p>\n

Thwoom.<\/em> Saliss landed on the ground and posed. Tada!<\/em> Wrymvr turned towards him as the jars Saliss had used [Delayed Throw] to toss into the air hit the charging Centenium.<\/p>\n

Fire. <\/em>The Centenium turned into a fireball. The Magmagel, the Potions of Blaze, everything\u2014Saliss saw an inferno consume the Centenium in a moment. And Wrymvr screamed.<\/em><\/p>\n

For a moment. Then Saliss saw a burning shape turn towards him. He saw a flicker\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cBurn my stitches!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Another curse from his second home. Saliss dodged<\/em> whatever projectile Wrymvr had just shot at him. Exactly<\/em> like an Adult Creler! But an Adult Creler\u2014<\/p>\n

\u2014Would have died. Wrymvr? Charged.<\/em> And now Saliss was running from an angry Centenium that was on fire.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you die?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake unloaded a second arsenal of potions, mainly to slow the Centenium down as Wrymvr took off. Lightning, fire, boom!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Centenium was knocked out of the air again. So Saliss could<\/em> stop it from flying! He turned, a jar in hand\u2014<\/p>\n

Klbkch the Slayer stood to his left. The Drake froze.<\/p>\n

The adventurers were gone. Oh shit<\/em>. Wrymvr was getting up. Saliss whirled\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Slayer walked away. The [Alchemist] stared at him. And then he felt it again.<\/p>\n

Something was wr\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

Wrymvr lunged<\/em> across a hundred feet like an oncoming missile. Saliss exploded another vial of air to blow himself away. This time he used up his entire supply of spiderweb vials. That cost over a thousand gold pieces even with my discounts! Slow down, you damn\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

The Centenium tore through the webs after about ten seconds. Unstoppable, unstoppable.<\/em> Saliss didn\u2019t see a damn scratch on it.<\/em> However\u2014his mind was shrilling at him.<\/p>\n

Something was off.<\/em> He should be dead! Unless\u2014<\/p>\n

Again, Wrymvr came for him. Saliss turned\u2014and began running in the opposite direction. [Haste], Potion of the Gecko, Windcutter\u2019s Gel. He zoomed<\/em> in the opposite direction, turned back.<\/p>\n

Wrymvr shrieked<\/em> as he came at Saliss. He was\u2026slow. And\u2014Saliss narrowed his eyes. He\u2019d barely gotten Mivifa<\/em> after all that time. Was the Centenium taking it easy? He looked for the Slayer. Maybe. But also, maybe\u2026<\/p>\n

Was the Centenium not really that strong? <\/em>It could destroy armies. But Saliss\u2014remembered\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d gotten away from the Antinium. Saliss, panting, clutched the crying Drake girl.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c[Message]. Emergency. Adventurer Oliwing\u2014emergency. Antinium has destroyed\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Somehow, he\u2019d survived. The thing had nearly <\/em>killed him after finding him. But he\u2019d gotten away. Had it let him go? Or was it off to destroy another town?<\/em><\/p>\n

He kept wondering as the Pegasi found him, coughing and trying to neutralize the acid in him. Acid, crushing strength\u2014but he\u2019d managed to keep his distance. If he\u2019d gotten close for a second\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

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

—-<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. You\u2019re\u2026a Zel Shivertail, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss straightened. Ah, it made sense now. It wasn\u2019t like the Slayer at all. How silly to think so. It really was<\/em> like the Tidebreaker.<\/p>\n

Nearly invulnerable, incredibly deadly up close\u2014dodgeable. Probably able to chase you forever, unstoppable.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see just how unstoppable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake pulled out a vial. It was custom-made, and he regarded it as Wrymvr closed the gap. He\u2019d even put a label on it. This was\u2026well, an angry bull-man, drawn on it. Saliss closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

They called him Saliss of Lights. As if that was his specialty as an [Alchemist]. He was good at battle potions. Explosives. But that wasn\u2019t his main focus. His greatest achievements, his passions, all of it\u2014<\/p>\n

That was transmutation. The Drake downed the first potion. Then more. Wrymvr slowed as Saliss drank them down. Klbkch watched.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss felt his body burning. His scales moved<\/em>. His flesh bulged. Rearranging. No! Yes. No, yes\u2014<\/p>\n

He hated this.<\/em><\/p>\n

This was how she\u2019d found herself.<\/em><\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t Onieva who appeared. His true self. Remember that.<\/em> Remember\u2014<\/p>\n

Potion of Haste. Draught of Giant\u2019s Strength. Shapechanger\u2019s Tincture: Scaled Minotaur. Potion of Steelscales. Overdrive Formula\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Drake was growing taller. Klbkch and Wrymvr slowed. The form was changing into something halfway recognizable. But no species they knew.<\/p>\n

Minotaur in form. But\u2014scales? It was like armor. The two Centenium halted as\u2026Saliss\u2026<\/em>opened his eyes. And for a moment, Klbkch\u2019s mandibles opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo close.\u201d<\/p>\n

As close to an Antinium Shaper Queen as he had ever seen. <\/em>Of all the alchemy Klbkch had known\u2014this drew something like admiration from him.<\/p>\n

From Wrymvr too. The Centenium was curious. It waited as the figure turned. Klbkch hesitated.<\/p>\n

Was the Minotaur-Drake hybrid\u2026bleeding?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Overload. The [Alchemist] felt his body burning,<\/em> wanting to dissolve. Blood was running from his mouth instead of saliva.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Vessel of Alchemy].\u201d<\/p>\n

Time limit. The bombardment resumed as Wrymvr moved. Saliss charged.<\/p>\n

Grimalkin\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSupport Saliss!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Spells landed around them as Saliss found the closest part of Wrymvr and hit<\/em> it. He was no [Martial Artist]! But strong? And fast\u2014he grabbed the mandibles of one of Wrymvr\u2019s maws. They were trying to close on his armored arms. The magic might as well have been water on Wrymvr\u2019s shell!<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors, just die!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He ripped<\/em> the mandibles off the Centenium. Wrymvr screamed. It spat acid on Saliss\u2014but it couldn\u2019t burn him! Saliss grabbed another appendage. He fought\u2014and tore it off.<\/p>\n

Green blood spurted from both wounds for a moment. Saliss punched again. He felt the Centenium trying to grab him, tear him apart. He heaved<\/em>\u2014Wrymvr moved back.<\/p>\n

Pull it apart! Like a bug! <\/em>Saliss wrenched at a jaw. He felt the shell cracking<\/em>. Then\u2014resistance! He heaved<\/em> again and Wrymvr shrieked.<\/p>\n

Something stabbed into Saliss\u2019 side. He leapt away. Break the shell! He was stronger than the Centenium! He knocked aside a scythe-like blade, severed the arm. Hit Wrymvr in the side. Crack! Saliss heard it!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Centenium threw him back. Saliss skidded. He made a sound. Like a roar and hiss at the same time. He could do it! He could\u2014<\/p>\n

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

Someone grabbed his shoulder. Saliss felt a familiar claw drag him back. He whirled. For a second he thought he saw a glowing eye.<\/p>\n

Chaldion.<\/em> The Drake looked at Saliss. It was like a cooling splash on the Drake\u2019s head. He saw the Skill fade\u2014and looked back.<\/p>\n

Wrymvr was waiting. Coiled up, bleeding. But\u2014Saliss focused on something.<\/p>\n

The cracks\u2014<\/p>\n

Were closing. As soon as he\u2019d damaged the armor, it was closed. Where had he ripped off the mandibles? The Centenium wasn\u2019t even bleeding <\/em>anymore. Saliss wavered as a second wave of spells hit the ground around the Centenium. And he realized what Chaldion was trying to tell him.<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t kill it\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

Saliss reached for a potion. He put it into his mouth\u2014and everything exploded out of him.<\/p>\n

From every orifice, nasty as that was. Saliss vomited and fell to his knees.<\/p>\n

Potion of Complete Purge. The overload of alchemical effects left him\u2014worse than poison. Saliss gasped as he got up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much time did that take off\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrymvr advanced. Saliss flicked a Potion of Haste into his mouth again. A second Antinium landed lightly on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were right, Wrymvr. Of them, this was the best one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was not enough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centenium spoke.<\/em> Saliss jerked. Wrymvr the Deathless was watching him. And\u2014Saliss saw\u2014<\/p>\n

Healing. It was regrowing<\/em> the limbs he\u2019d torn off. Not just closing the wounds.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Regeneration].\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course. Saliss closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew. Well, you got me. Congrats!\u201d<\/p>\n

He applauded them. Klbkch and Wrymvr studied the Drake. Saliss spread his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what, I know when I\u2019m beaten. Why don\u2019t you just eat me? Fair\u2019s fair. I did my best, I lost. So I\u2019ll just roll myself up, slather myself with butter, and\u2014die, would you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] threw his potions. How many? As many as he could grab, as fast<\/em> as he could. Magnetic attraction! Bottles of lightning! Potions of Blast! Cyclones of wind! Just blow the damn Antinium and all of Izril into ash and fire!<\/em><\/p>\n

[Combination Attack: Lightning Tempest]. [Combination Attack: A Thousand Fireflies]. [Combination Attack: Winter\u2019s Freeze]\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

If it could regenerate, he\u2019d blow it to bits! Destroy it so fast it wouldn\u2019t have time to recover! No quarter, no mercy!<\/p>\n

He was Saliss of L\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

The Drake stopped, bottles in hand as the continuous explosions kept echoing for another ten seconds. He advanced\u2014the two Antinium retreated.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were a hundred feet away. Watching him. Wrymvr was much slower than Klbkch; its armor was torn. But they were moving away as Saliss advanced. The [Alchemist] pointed at the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back here and <\/em>fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have enough potions to kill Wrymvr, Saliss of Lights?\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch stood at a remove. Saliss bared his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still have potions. Enough. I\u2019ll bill Manus later. If they can afford it. Come over here and let\u2019s find out which one of us is dying.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waited. Wrymvr was making a sound. Ice and fire and lightning and acid and\u2026so many effects that it had taken its mark. But the damage was healing. And then\u2026<\/p>\n

And then the Centenium spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Body of Change: Alter Resistances]. [Threefold Elemental Body] [Greater Resistance: Acid], [Greater Resistance: Fire], [Greater Resistance: Electricity].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss dropped a potion. He picked it up, then looked at Wrymvr. The Centenium fluttered its wings. And it started laughing at him.<\/p>\n

Wrymvr the Deathless. Centenium had levels. <\/em>You just didn\u2019t\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026need to speak Skills to use them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Klbkch did not expect Saliss to crumble. But neither would he have been surprised if the Named Adventurer did. But Saliss of Lights\u2014proved again why Wrymvr had remembered him from their encounter. He swore, put the potions away, and then raised a single claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat just means I need four<\/em> elements. Come over here and let me experiment. Kill me if you can, Antinium.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He spread his arms wide, nude, panting and injured. Klbkch looked at him. Wrymvr laughed again. But neither drew closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat one could kill you, Wrymvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. If I was careless.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWrymvr, Klbkchhezeim. Our link has ended. There is a second group of Drakes approaching. It is time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Centenium turned. The Twisted Queen\u2019s warning was followed moments later by Wyverns and Pegasi, riders on foot.<\/p>\n

Reinforcements. To evacuate Saliss? Or finish\u2026? Klbkch saw the Swordsman of Six, as well as Shriekblade.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if that is what the other Antinium seem to the Walled Cities, Wrymvr? Where as we are like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch nodded at Saliss. They were trying to get him to run. The Drake was watching them. He wanted<\/em> to kill Wrymvr.<\/p>\n

Wrymvr the Deathless and Klbkch the Slayer faced the small army of Drakes. They were standing off. Neither one wanted to speak.<\/em> If they did\u2014this was clearly more than an \u2018accident\u2019. If they did, this was not war.<\/p>\n

And Klbkch did not want war any more than the Walled Cities did yet. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWrymvr. The willpower of the last of the Centenium\u2014has worn thin after thousands of years. These last few decades more than our struggle, more than the time since She <\/em>died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYours, perhaps.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch punched Wrymvr in one of his \u2018faces\u2019. The Drakes stopped their tense standoff to watch. The Antinium spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean that even so, I still see something admirable in the best of Izril\u2019s warriors. If that Drake lives and dies ten more times, perhaps he would understand what it is to be us. Certainly\u2014he is stronger than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrymvr nodded at that. Klbkch rubbed at his wounds. Even with his Skill, fighting one Named Adventurer was hard enough. Wrymvr had his old body and<\/em> his Skills. Klbkch had needed to focus to avoid dying every moment of the engagement, even with Saliss not doing his best to kill Klbkch. The difference\u2026was clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cAntinium. This exchange has cost both sides. Will you let us collect our dead and leave or will it be further hostilities?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Drakes called out. The Centenium nearly laughed again. What rules<\/em> these other species came up with. Klbkch stepped forwards and the group tensed.<\/p>\n

Gold-ranks. High-level warriors. Commanders and support from afar. And on the other side?<\/p>\n

Klbkch the Slayer.<\/p>\n

Wrymvr the Deathless.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you fight with us? Who are you, Drakes?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Commander] bared his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Walled City\u2019s finest. Enough to kill even you, Centenium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klkbch and Wrymvr exchanged one more look. Klbkch shrugged and sheathed his blades. Then he remembered and took off the belt. He looped it, and his swords, around one of Wrymvr\u2019s appendages.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds appropriately fearsome. Wrymv\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The jaws closed with a snap.<\/em> At first\u2014Saliss just stared. Half of the Slayer\u2019s body crumpled<\/em> as his upper half clung to the bloody mandibles.<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drakes started. Was it an accident? The\u2014Wrymvr the Deathless had just bisected\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klbkch\u2019s mandibles moved. Wrymvr opened his maw. He spat part of his comrade\u2019s body at the feet of the stunned Drakes. They had no idea what was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems I\u2019ve been mortally wounded. Time to flee.\u201d<\/p>\n

The giant Antinium gently grabbed Klbkch\u2019s upper half with its pincers and leapt.<\/em> Everyone braced, but the Centenium was turning\u2014turning\u2014Klbkch fumbled for a potion.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrymvr had to concentrate hard to stop from laughing and dropping him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKlbkchhezeim!<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The scream was echoed across multiple voices. The Hives were in disarray. The Antinium refocused as the Drakes saw thousands<\/em> of Antinium coming at them in a sudden, maddening fury. They fled, not knowing what had happened.<\/p>\n

Neither had the other Queens. They had only known when Klbkch took a mortal wound\u2014until then, his vague location.<\/p>\n

Except for one. The Twisted Queen sat upright, listening as a flurry of panicked voices broke out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccidental injury? Report the damage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay calm. He is not deceased. Stay calm\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe must immediately repair his body! The upgrades were not enough, not enough\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The other four Queens were panicking, to say nothing of the Free Queen of Liscor. The Twisted Queen added her words of fear, resolve, and so on.<\/p>\n

The Free Queen was gifted. But she was one<\/em> Queen. Even if he asked, they might have bickered or held something back. Anyways, upgrading was harder than remaking from scratch.<\/p>\n

Well, well. She waited until Klbkch was safely in the Silent Queen\u2019s Hive and then sat back. Drake raids. The damage to the Armored Antinium\u2019s Hive was a problem, but it was\u2026resources. She had been more concerned with the lives of both Centenium.<\/p>\n

Let the Walled Cities be confused. The fallacy of their thinking was that they thought this war was about resources, the lives of many. They had won their victory.<\/p>\n

So had the Antinium.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe end. We all win.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The best of all scenarios. The Twisted Queen, in her twisted way, hoped the Drakes were happy while it lasted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights was\u2026tired. Just tired.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t pay attention to the debriefing. Or speculation, recriminations, thanks or apologies. He just sat there.<\/p>\n

Later. Later, he\u2019d get angry. Or try to find out how to beat a monster that could resist three elements at once and heal. And figure out how much gold he\u2019d just lost\u2014even if the Walled Cities were going to recompense him.<\/p>\n

Hint? They would not. Maybe 70% at best. And that remaining 30% was suddenly a lot<\/em> more than his actual payment.<\/p>\n

At the moment\u2014he was too tired to care. Just exhausted, really. The Drake walked away from the [Wyvern Rider] who dropped him off. Mivifa would live. Whether she would have permanently scarred lungs or complications from the toxins\u2026he\u2019d given them all of what he had to help.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t even mad that it was \u2018unfair\u2019. Unfair? The word was the kind of thing children said. Saliss didn\u2019t use it. Chaldion had taught him not to use it.<\/p>\n

And the Old Man was smart enough not to greet him or\u2026do anything. No one picked him up from the battlements. Which was what Saliss wanted. They were probably all being very afraid and anxious and making plans, anyways.<\/p>\n

He was just\u2026tired of it. Saliss was. This unending war. Duty to the Walled Cities. Days where you threw everything you had<\/em> at a problem and it laughed in your face.<\/p>\n

That monstrous\u2026<\/p>\n

Then we are two of a kind.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear the news?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone was babbling as Saliss pushed down the staircase on the 8th<\/sup> Floor. Anxious people. More bad news. He listened, for a moment, after he heard a familiar name.<\/p>\n

Oh, they were watching one of the scrying orbs.<\/em> Wistram News Network. It was Noass. No\u2014monocle. Sir Relz. Whatever. Since Drassi wasn\u2019t here he was reading the news. The Drake looked into the scrying orb gravely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis just in: news from northern Izril. Our latest report is confirmed\u2014Mihaela Godfrey\u2026was intercepted a hundred miles out of First Landing with five other Couriers by the Guild of Assassins. They\u2026lost the battle. Two Couriers are dead. Lancel the Leaper and the Firedrake of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone shouted. That was a Drake Courier. The person was shushed and Saliss heard the rest.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014tress Godfrey injured badly. Both legs broken, but\u2026the ah, [Lord] of House Veltras made an open appeal shortly after the news broke for a cure for his sons, who are believed to be poisoned\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

That was a different kind of evil. Wrymvr\u2014you could look at it and see something that should die. It had been made like Crelers. It was Antinium\u2014Saliss wondered if Shirka remembered.<\/p>\n

This? Just another thing he\u2019d erase off the earth. If it were that easy.<\/p>\n

The Drake was just so tired, though. Saliss watched as Tyrion Veltras\u2019 appeal was broadcast and shook his head. Then he walked on.<\/p>\n

Not to his lab. It was a lonely place. The [Alchemist] walked a bit. Walked into a gate. Waited by a door. Walked through the door and tossed some gold coins into a jar since someone said you had to, these days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A naked Drake sat in a chair at a table in the corner of the room. An [Innkeeper] peeked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, buddy\u2026you seem sort of down. Everything\u2026everything okay? Should I hit Chaldion gently or something for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Why were they so alike? The Drake didn\u2019t look up as Erin Solstice peered anxiously at his face. He was just tired. Drinking water, nibbling at fries.<\/p>\n

The little Gnoll had come over to steal them, taken one look at Saliss, put the fries back on the plate, and gone to get Erin. Of course\u2014she\u2019d already been here.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs something wrong, Saliss? I\u2019d like to help, if I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you make a multi-elemental explosive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026N\u2014maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

He almost smiled. But he was frustrated. So\u2014upset. The Drake\u2019s head rose. He tried not to, but he snapped.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI do it because I\u2019m an adventurer<\/em>. Supposedly the \u2018hope of the Walled Cities\u2019. But what about you? How do you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked uneasily at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake explosives?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmile.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked at Erin. He shook his head. And had the guilty pleasure of watching hers wink out for a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you still smiling after all the bad things that have happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Innkeeper] sat there. And like Chaldion\u2014like and unlike\u2014she seemed to know that a trite answer would mean Saliss tossing the glass of water in her face. So she gave it some serious thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe\u2014maybe because if I<\/em> smile, other people are more likely to, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good theory. It works.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin waited. Saliss smiled mirthlessly and looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s just one flaw in your formula. Someday. Someday, you\u2019ll have too much bad in your life to smile. A mountain\u2019s worth of crap for every good moment. Will you still smile then?\u201d<\/p>\n

In this moment, Saliss knew his words were prophetic. He looked at Erin. And his eyes said, \u2018look at me. You think you\u2019ve had enough bad days? They will come again and again. Will you be like me?<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n

They were rather alike after all. He was just older. So more had happened. And it had worn him down. Erin met Saliss\u2019 gaze and shivered.<\/p>\n

One Siege of Liscor? One Skinner attack? One skeleton and Creler nest? The Drake looked at her, daring to play the numbers game. Because he could probably name two for every one of hers. Ten?<\/p>\n

That wasn\u2019t the point. Erin closed her eyes again. It was also tempting to try to cheat. Give the [Alchemist] a Faerie Flower drink. A shot of glorious fire, happiness, if it was on tap.<\/p>\n

But those were shortcuts, style that came from substance. Besides, he had a high tolerance for alcohol. So the [Innkeeper] replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI choose to remember the happy days. I think I\u2019d do that too, if I could. After all\u2014the bad days suck. But that\u2019s why I have happy days too, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up. Erin went on, spreading her hands on the table restlessly. She handed the plate of fries down to Mrsha; they were in the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack home\u2014I had \u2018happy\u2019 days. But not as happy as when I came here. Because I never had days that super<\/em> sucked. Well\u2014a few. Still, I think it\u2019s like that. I might have a lot<\/em> of bad days in the future. I don\u2019t want \u2018em, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy happy days don\u2019t go away. They\u2019re happier because<\/em> of the bad days. That\u2019s how it works. It\u2019s like\u2026d-diamonds in poo? No, wait. Diamonds aren\u2019t actually that great. Daffodils in mud? Hold on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss started laughing. It wasn\u2019t complete, everything-is-well laughter. But it was laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the worst analogy I\u2019ve ever heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, ever?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked embarrassed. But relieved. Saliss shook his head. He didn\u2019t entirely agree. There could be lots<\/em> of bad days. Enough to drown little flowers.<\/p>\n

But when you were covered by it, you dug an irrigation canal and grew faerie flowers in muck. Or something. He\u2019d work on the motivational quote. That wasn\u2019t the point.<\/p>\n

The point was\u2026Saliss grabbed a handful of fries from the little Gnoll and noshed them down. Then he stretched, produced a potion, and poured it on the Gnoll.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Miss Solstice. For the advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha the Floating wobbled past him, screaming silently. Erin almost laughed, but she was watching Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay? I can get you more fries\u2014you don\u2019t have to go\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He did the claw-guns thing at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have work to do! I\u2019ll be back in a bit. Just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was just tired. Of that kind of pointless day he\u2019d had. Saliss stretched as he entered Pallass. Daylight fell on his scales and he realized\u2014he\u2019d gone all the way back into the morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have not slept in ages.<\/em> What a night, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

He addressed a female Dullahan going for a jog. She stared at the nude, dirty, disheveled Drake with the huge grin, and turned her head all the way away and jogged off.<\/p>\n

Oh well. Saliss kicked into the Merchant\u2019s Guild as it was opening. He spread his arms\u2014looked around, and then climbed onto the [Receptionist]\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

Horrified, they stared up\u2014and immediately stared down. <\/em>Saliss turned to the crowd who stared in resignation at their city\u2019s crazy Drake.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me! I have an announcement to make! Where\u2019s good old Chesy, huh? Have him come out here!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Merchant\u2019s Guild looked for the young Drake, who was currently hiding for fear of\u2026everything. But Saliss was beaming. He spread his arms, and legs, and with everyone determinedly not<\/em> looking up at him, he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, Saliss of Lights, condescend to make the antidote for the [Strategists] from Baleros! I will be accepting their plea for aid. You may now applaud!\u201d<\/p>\n

Since no one would do it for him, he did it for himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that day, one of the [Guards] on duty\u2026in Liscor\u2026had a horrible feeling. He nudged his companion.<\/p>\n

\u201cTkrn. Tkrn. I have a question.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Gnoll [Guard] looked up.<\/p>\n

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

The Drake gravely pointed up at something.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2026Saliss of Lights dancing naked on top of our gates?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tkrn looked up. He shaded his eyes, then immediately looked away.<\/p>\n

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

The two stared not-quite-at the dancing Drake, who had a new audience trying to get him down. And throwing things. Tkrn rubbed at his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow there are two. Better get Watch Captain Zevara.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch Captain Qissa had cause to bring over a fine vintage of wine from Pallass, a special exception that Erin Solstice agreed to. Pricey to buy, but the Watch Captains had had a whip-round so she could break the news gently to Watch Captain Zevara. It felt like the decent thing to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Someday, there would be no reason to cry. Rain wouldn\u2019t have to hide a thing. If you believed, that someday could take you through tomorrow and next month and\u2026<\/p>\n

After a while, Erin Solstice found a Drake waving at her from a table. She seemed friendly, and the inn wasn\u2019t too busy. So Erin walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but I\u2019d love to say \u2018hello\u2019! My name is Onieva. Hello, stranger! I hear you\u2019ve met my weird cousin. And that he caused another<\/em> scene. I\u2019m here to pay his fine\u2014if he has one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s brows shot all the way up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour cousin? Waitaminute. You don\u2019t mean\u2026him? <\/em>No way. He never mentioned\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake winked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love Saliss. He\u2019s high-level, famous, important\u2014even if he can\u2019t find a pair of pants to save his tail. But I\u2019d never want to be him. Nor would he want to be me. Hi, I\u2019m the family layabout who lives off of Saliss and Chaldion\u2019s money. I heard this was a fun place to be, so here I am at last!\u201d<\/p>\n

At last indeed. Erin was confused by Onieva. Puzzled. Confuzzled. She seemed so familiar and yet\u2026Erin was sure this was the first time she\u2019d ever met Onieva.<\/p>\n

Well\u2014the Drake seemed a bit exhausted from running after Saliss. And Erin had to investigate a shortage of lumber that was suddenly plaguing the inn. Lots of wood going missing\u2026only, the staff claimed it had been used by one of the Antinium. Not sure which one\u2026Detective Erin was on the case. And Detective Mrsha, whose sidekick<\/em> was Erin, obviously.<\/p>\n

Onieva ate, and drank, and introduced herself to people with that bright cheeriness right before you passed out like one of the dead. After a while, someone came by to say \u2018hello\u2019.<\/p>\n

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

Maviola El sat across from Onieva. The Drake blinked a few times at her. Ah. That was one of the reasons why she didn\u2019t come here. The [Lady] smiled, resting her head in her hands. She looked\u2026well, decades older.<\/p>\n

And young at the same time. Onieva decided Saliss could guess what the duration was. She took another long drink of wine and exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to sit here and for the world to make perfect sense. Is that too much to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved around at the comfy inn. It was almost perfect. Almost. Montressa was sitting, staring at some potted flowers as Apista buzzed about. She\u2019d been staring at them for the last three hours and hadn\u2019t gotten bored.<\/p>\n

Maviola followed Onieva\u2019s gaze, and then gave her a nod. Tired, but in her own way. She brushed a hand across her face and looked at Onieva directly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes. But we have to go at some point.\u201d<\/p>\n

Onieva paused with a fork to her lips. Ah. Maviola rested on her hands. The Drake lowered her fork\u2014then raised a claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp yours, Human. No one\u2019s making me leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El laughed and the two chuckled and talked for a while. Then\u2014Onieva decided she was very <\/em>tired. So she put her head down for a second.<\/p>\n

She slept more restfully on a table amid the hubbub and in her body than she ever had in his bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>I\u2019m back. I wrote words. And let me tell you\u2014<\/p>\n

I forgot to fully finalize Volume 3. It is going up as of posting and hopefully<\/em> it\u2019ll be available for sale! It\u2019s Volume 3 \u2013 Part 1, ending at 3.25. The other half will have the rest of Volume 3 and all of Wistram Days!<\/p>\n

Two parts isn\u2019t me wanting more money, just so you know. It wasn\u2019t my plan at first, but it\u2019s mostly to cut up the e-books as they get long<\/em> and allow Podium to make an audiobook without taking\u2026Andrea\u2019s life. This is still around 300,000 words, which I hope is enough!<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the news! It will be at the top of the page when the link goes live! Secondly\u2014this was a long chapter. Was it good? I hope so! Of all three side story options\u2014this was the longest, and what do you know? You chose it!<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t have much to say. Uploading Volume 3 right after this! Thank you for reading, and enduring my break! I will leave you with art and a promise to release the 2nd<\/sup> part of Volume 3 soon! Maybe before the year ends! M-maybe.<\/p>\n

Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Today\u2019s art is by Cortz, who did an entire month of Inktober and deserves to be featured! Also, amazingly cute pictures of the inn and other characters by JackEnza, and a portrait of Greydath of Blades\u2026being a cool, totally harmless<\/em> old Goblin by ArtsyNada, again commissioned! Give them lots of praise!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inktober of The Wandering Inn by Cortz!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Door <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Nanette <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Music <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Sleep <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Chef <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Days <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Coral <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Buddy <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Blades <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Surprise <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Float <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Shoes <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hide <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Donate <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Crazy Human, the [Emperor], the Runner, and Salamani by JackEnza!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Emperor <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"CrazyHuman <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Salamani <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Running <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Greydath the Harmless by ArtsyNada!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illudanajohns\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

(The Wandering Inn, Volume 3 \u2013 Part 1 is up on Amazon! It took a little bit to get through the review process, but it’s for sale right now! And the audiobook will hopefully begin work in January! Remember, this is Part 1 of Volume 3, not the entire Volume! Look for Author\u2019s Notes for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693087,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693136],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-9452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-7","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nInterlude - Saliss the Adventurer - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interlude - Saliss the Adventurer\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(The Wandering Inn, Volume 3 \u2013 Part 1 is up on Amazon! It took a little bit to get through the review process, but it’s for sale right now! And the audiobook will hopefully begin work in January! Remember, this is Part 1 of Volume 3, not the entire Volume! Look for Author\u2019s Notes for […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Wandering Inn\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-11-04T04:13:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-24T01:01:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/door-by-cortz-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"pirateaba\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@WanderingInn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@WanderingInn\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"pirateaba\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"168 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"pirateaba\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4\"},\"headline\":\"Interlude – Saliss the Adventurer\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-11-04T04:13:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-24T01:01:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\"},\"wordCount\":33693,\"commentCount\":117,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Volume 7\",\"Writing\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\",\"name\":\"Interlude - Saliss the Adventurer - The Wandering Inn\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-11-04T04:13:20+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-24T01:01:45+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Interlude – Saliss the Adventurer\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\",\"name\":\"The Wandering Inn\",\"description\":\"The Wandering Inn is an ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial by pirateaba with millions of readers worldwide.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"TWI\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The Wandering Inn\",\"alternateName\":\"Wandering Inn\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png\",\"width\":1600,\"height\":881,\"caption\":\"The Wandering Inn\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/WanderingInn\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thewanderinginnverse\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@TheWanderingInn\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thewanderinginnverse\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-wandering-inn\"],\"description\":\"The Wandering Inn is a popular, ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial authored by pirateaba, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Known for its unique blend of epic fantasy, immersive worldbuilding, and character-driven storytelling, The Wandering Inn follows the journey of a young woman navigating a world shaped by magic and levels. With a dedicated fanbase and consistent updates, The Wandering Inn offers readers an engaging experience through its website, Kindle, and audiobook formats, and provides exclusive content through Patreon for fans eager to delve deeper into its world\",\"email\":\"media@wanderinginn.com\",\"legalName\":\"pirateaba llc\",\"taxID\":\"88-1575608\",\"duns\":\"078154126\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"1\",\"maxValue\":\"10\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4\",\"name\":\"pirateaba\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg\",\"caption\":\"pirateaba\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/author\/pirateaba\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Interlude - Saliss the Adventurer - The Wandering Inn","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Interlude - Saliss the Adventurer","og_description":"(The Wandering Inn, Volume 3 \u2013 Part 1 is up on Amazon! It took a little bit to get through the review process, but it’s for sale right now! And the audiobook will hopefully begin work in January! Remember, this is Part 1 of Volume 3, not the entire Volume! Look for Author\u2019s Notes for […]","og_url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/","og_site_name":"The Wandering Inn","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn","article_published_time":"2020-11-04T04:13:20+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-24T01:01:45+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/door-by-cortz-scaled.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"pirateaba","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@WanderingInn","twitter_site":"@WanderingInn","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"pirateaba","Est. reading time":"168 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/"},"author":{"name":"pirateaba","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4"},"headline":"Interlude – Saliss the Adventurer","datePublished":"2020-11-04T04:13:20+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-24T01:01:45+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/"},"wordCount":33693,"commentCount":117,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg","articleSection":["Volume 7","Writing"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/","name":"Interlude - Saliss the Adventurer - The Wandering Inn","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg","datePublished":"2020-11-04T04:13:20+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-24T01:01:45+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/greydath-by-artsynada.jpg"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/04\/interlude-saliss-the-adventurer\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Interlude – Saliss the Adventurer"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/","name":"The Wandering Inn","description":"The Wandering Inn is an ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial by pirateaba with millions of readers worldwide.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization"},"alternateName":"TWI","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#organization","name":"The Wandering Inn","alternateName":"Wandering Inn","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/LogoOnly_NoShadow.png","width":1600,"height":881,"caption":"The Wandering Inn"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thewanderinginn","https:\/\/x.com\/WanderingInn","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thewanderinginnverse","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@TheWanderingInn","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thewanderinginnverse\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-wandering-inn"],"description":"The Wandering Inn is a popular, ongoing Fantasy-LitRPG web serial authored by pirateaba, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Known for its unique blend of epic fantasy, immersive worldbuilding, and character-driven storytelling, The Wandering Inn follows the journey of a young woman navigating a world shaped by magic and levels. With a dedicated fanbase and consistent updates, The Wandering Inn offers readers an engaging experience through its website, Kindle, and audiobook formats, and provides exclusive content through Patreon for fans eager to delve deeper into its world","email":"media@wanderinginn.com","legalName":"pirateaba llc","taxID":"88-1575608","duns":"078154126","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"1","maxValue":"10"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bc89b3c76fb60f3fe9e390c2aeee3aa4","name":"pirateaba","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afdb1894e6e158ee450190b7741aae04fd90b89346326012cb6d645642337d89?s=96&d=identicon&r=pg","caption":"pirateaba"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/"],"url":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/author\/pirateaba\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfPPse-2ss","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9452","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52856846"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9452"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9452\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9452"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9452"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9452"},{"taxonomy":"twi_volume","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/twi_volume?post=9452"},{"taxonomy":"twi_collection","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/twi_collection?post=9452"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}