{"id":9488,"date":"2020-11-08T02:10:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-08T02:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=9488"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:01:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:01:46","slug":"7-56","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/08\/7-56\/","title":{"rendered":"7.56"},"content":{"rendered":"

(<\/strong>The Wandering Inn, Volume 3 \u2013 <\/strong>Part 1<\/strong><\/em> is up on Amazon!<\/strong><\/a> Check it out and consider leaving a review\u2014the audiobook should begin recording in January, 2021!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wind blew in her hair, lifting it up and letting it stream behind her. Not at her back, and not blowing so hard that it was unpleasant\u2014but an acknowledgement, perhaps, that she was going too fast for the breeze to keep up.<\/p>\n

It felt wonderful, to sit and experience the cool air rushing across her body. Feel the wind tug playfully at her clothes. Relax, and see the world go past her.<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin had forgotten what it felt like to ride a bike. Her body hadn\u2019t, but her mind hadn\u2019t remembered how nice it was, even compared to the joys of running.<\/p>\n

Because when you were running<\/em>, you were always in the moment. Even when you were on your runner\u2019s high, you were focused. Biking\u2014you could relax and let the machine carry you down the road.<\/p>\n

Especially this<\/em> particular bicycle. Ryoka did another rotation of the pedals after a little bit and the flagging momentum picked up. And oh, it took a long<\/em> time to slow.<\/p>\n

Frictionless wheels\u2014or as close as Hedault and Pelt could engineer while keeping some kind of grip. Enchantments on the pedals to make high gear feel like the lowest one. Insanely light materials\u2026<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner of Reizmelt rode what Fals had called the death of Runners. Perhaps it was and perhaps it was not. Perhaps\u2014the future was bicycles for some, roller-skates for others. Now wouldn\u2019t that<\/em> look funny?<\/p>\n

A little paw adjusted the handlebars slightly. Ryoka reached out, but Mrsha scowled at her as she steered the bicycle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay. Just don\u2019t crash us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll was completely focused on her task, unlike Ryoka. Her job was to keep the bike straight.<\/em> So far they\u2019d crashed four times. Yet, Mrsha clearly loved sitting on Ryoka\u2019s lap and riding along.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think we should turn back yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll girl shook her head as they rode past a staring pair of pedestrians. Ryoka waved at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry! Ask in Celum!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They were demanding to know what<\/em> she was riding. Ryoka stared ahead. Mrsha was smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really like this, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Duh.<\/em> Mrsha stared incredulously at Ryoka. The bike wobbled\u2014Ryoka rescued them before they went down again. Mrsha returned to keeping them straight.<\/p>\n

She would be all over the place when she had hers. Erin had already put in an order for a tricycle with the Kevin-Pelt-Hedault-Selys alliance. And it was probably the most effective parenting decision she had made all year.<\/p>\n

Mrsha was wearing clothes. She had also combed her fur, watered the plants, had not<\/em> stolen anything from other people\u2019s plates, and she had even helped set the table for the diners. That was because Lyonette had made it clear that any Mrsha-mischief wouldn\u2019t revoke her dessert privileges\u2014a halfway effective tactic at the best of times\u2014but revoke the chance of a new bicycle.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, such terrible threats that adults came up with to control children. Ryoka just enjoyed the ride. She had spoiled Mrsha nonstop and she knew Lyonette didn\u2019t approve. But what else was Ryoka going to do? Not<\/em> give Mrsha most everything she wanted, spend time with her?<\/p>\n

Kids should not be given everything. Nor should they be without discipline, structure, etc. etc. Nor should they have to go through half of what Mrsha had.<\/p>\n

It was a relief that she could still laugh silently at a bug bouncing into Ryoka\u2019s mouth, so much that she<\/em> nearly fell off the young woman\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay. I think we\u2019re far enough. Let\u2019s head back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka decided that was enough after spitting it out and washing out her mouth. Mrsha sighed, but they went back the way they\u2019d come, passing the awestruck pedestrians again. Ryoka cast a glance over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

They had been riding towards Liscor, ironically, having left Celum for the morning ride. But the pass towards which the Floodplains began was almost invisible.<\/p>\n

The High Passes loomed. The mountains stretching up into the sky, and higher than any mountain from Earth. Ryoka cast a glance over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

If Mrsha wasn\u2019t there\u2014she would have been tempted to ride into the second pass, where only adventurers and fools trespassed.<\/p>\n

There be Dragons. <\/em>Or at least\u2014one. But Teriarch hadn\u2019t responded last time she\u2019d come out here. Ryoka had burned a Potion of Haste and an Octavia-brand Stink Potion. She\u2019d called for nearly twenty minutes, but his cave hadn\u2019t opened.<\/p>\n

Was he asleep? Or not in the mood to entertain guests? Ryoka had thought he\u2019d have visited the inn after she left. But maybe\u2026<\/p>\n

She swallowed that tiny bit of worry. Teriarch would show up probably when she least expected it. For now, and today\u2014she rode back with Mrsha, enjoying the morning breeze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn this morning had a number of important guests. The kind that made Lyonette hurry about, taking customized orders. She put down a mushroom risotto in front of the first vegetarian that Erin had ever served\u2014well, the first one who had asked for \u2018no meat\u2019 as a sticking point. Even Palt ate meat.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I\u2019m not going to say it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

The person across from the vegetarian breakfaster was annoyed. Or maybe in that stage just before actual annoyance\u2014certainly heated.<\/em> It was rare for Kevin, the easygoing [Tinkerer], to be anything but optimistic. However\u2014they were arguing, the four of them, as Ryoka wheeled the bike in and Lyonette ran back into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not calling it \u2018Splendiferous Gearage\u2019 or <\/em>\u2018Liscor\u2019s Custom Steelworks\u2019. These are terrible names.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault paused with a bite of his risotto to his mouth. He and the Drake who had one of Imani\u2019s breakfast specials in front of her looked hurt.<\/p>\n

The Dwarf, who had ordered a still-sizzling sausage breakfast, was on Kevin\u2019s side though.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially because I\u2019m not using steel<\/em> as the main component of all these gears. I\u2019ll use damn iron when I please\u2014it\u2019s false advertising!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly, so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not calling it \u2018Kevin\u2019s Bike Shop\u2019. That\u2019s even worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say it had to be Kevin\u2019s<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys snorted. She, Hedault, Pelt, and Kevin all glared at each other. The four shareholders in the \u2018Untitled Liscor-Invrisil-Pelt Enterprise\u2019 were having their first real argument. About the name.<\/p>\n

\u201cManufactorium. <\/em>People like fancy names. Call it that. Something Something Manufactorium.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Pelt growled. Selys threw up her claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s one third<\/em> of the name, Pelt! I thought you were going to make a list! Okay\u2014how about \u2018The Wheels of Liscor\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain, this isn\u2019t necessarily going to be based in Liscor, Miss Selys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault adjusted his spectacles with a sigh. The Drake folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019m paying for it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re paying <\/em>for it. Good for you. I\u2019m the one shaping steel. Me and my apprentices. I\u2019m not going to work outside of my forge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pelt chomped down on his breakfast as Kevin accepted his plate from Lyonette. She shook her head as Kevin reached for his notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Kevin\u2019s Bike Shop was really a bit of a joke. Seriously this time\u2014how about \u2018The Rolling Spokes?\u2019 I think it\u2019d be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He broke off as Rose groaned<\/em> and picked up her cup to throw it at him. The debate continued as the reference sailed comfortably over the heads of the other three. Meanwhile, Lyonette hurried over to a figure sitting decidedly by herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014this is a new dish. Imani calls it \u2018Flyfish Quiche\u2019, Miss Xrn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium twisted in her seat and looked at the composite fish-acidfly slice of quiche that Lyonette was gingerly holding out. She stopped staring<\/em> at Ryoka as the City Runner put the bicycle away in the [Garden of Sanctuary]. Thieves and the bicycle were a huge<\/em> problem. Two people had tried to steal it, and five had gone on joyrides.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow appealing. Thank you, Lyonette. Is this the correct fee?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn extended her hand. She was holding exact change. Lyonette nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014yes. I can take the payment\u2014but you could pay when you\u2019re done. Thank you, M-Miss Xrn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] stumbled over the Antinium\u2019s title. And indeed\u2014Xrn of all the Antinium possessed that factor that not only attracted eyes to her, but gave her an exclusion zone of empty seats this morning.<\/p>\n

She was the Small Queen of the Antinium, and unlike Klbkch, she did not try to blend in. The azure-shelled Antinium smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may call me Xrn, as I have said, Lyonette. Thank you for informing me about payment. Oh, and take this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She handed Lyonette two more copper coins. Lyonette stared at them curiously. Xrn nodded to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not have to pay, but it seemed fitting. I believe this is known as a \u2018tip\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette opened and closed her mouth. Xrn did not have to\u2026? Oh, but wait. Normally no one even noticed\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cT-thank you. Well, if there\u2019s anything I can get for you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore of this flavored rum, thank you. In a larger cup, please. And please ask my companion what she would like to eat. I will pay for that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn waggled the empty glass at Lyonette. The [Princess] took it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

People stared at the glass as well as Xrn out of the corner of their eyes as Lyonette went to fill it. Drassi was glumly bartending since Pallass was off-limits for all but a few.<\/p>\n

\u201cFill up a larger cup, Drassi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the flavored rum? But that\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The two furtively stared back at Xrn. She had, by Lyonette\u2019s count, downed about four shots of the flavored rum drink that Rufelt had given to Drassi. It might have been water.<\/p>\n

Actually, that might not be a far-off comparison in actual truth.<\/em> Lyonette recalled Pawn observing it was difficult for him to get drunk. Wasn\u2019t Rxlvn<\/em> invented to get Antinium intoxicated? And Xrn was Centenium\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJust fill the cup, Drassi.\u201d<\/p>\n

And another thing. Xrn sat there, munching happily on the quiche. Her eyes glowed with pleasure, reflected by the colors in her eyes. They changed, sometimes. Pawn told Lyonette that he\u2019d dared to ask and Xrn had once told him that the colors in her eyes weren\u2019t always the same for the same emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cColor changes meaning depending on time and place and nuance. Why should it be the same each time? Would you cast a <\/em>spell the same way each time? You would? Well then\u2014that is the difference between how you understand colors and I.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Lyonette would have dearly<\/em> loved to parse that one. She felt like it could aid her magical studies somehow. But right now she was getting Xrn everything she wanted. Because the Small Queen was waiting for her breakfast partner.<\/p>\n

And reluctantly but soon, Ryoka Griffin slid into the seat and was presented with some granola and yogurt. She was a bit warmed up from her ride. But she wasn\u2019t exactly hungry.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka Griffin. There you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, I didn\u2019t run off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis time. Shall we continue our conversation? A few things of note have happened since yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen watched as Ryoka lifted a spoonful of her bowl. For her part\u2014Ryoka Griffin shifted nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Um\u2026like what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. The Walled Cities attempted to destroy one of the Queen\u2019s new Antinium projects. The Armored Hive has been damaged. Several Named Adventurers participated in the raid. They killed Antinium\u2014no Individuals\u2014and lost a number of [Mages] and [Soldiers] to Klbkchhezeim and Wrymvr. Then Klbkch took a near-mortal wound in the fighting. His body was severed across the chest and the Queens are attempting to rebuild his\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s granola was coming back out as she choked. Xrn watched with considerable interest. She took another happy bite of quiche.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Named Adventurers were slain, alas. Klbkch and Wrymvr must have decided that was too provocative. They are playing games.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The City Runner shouted. She saw heads turn as she shot to her feet. Then\u2014just as fast, Ryoka\u2019s head swiveled around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you telling me this out here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are private.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are? Are you casting spells?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. Just ones to prevent others from listening in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen\u2019s eyes glowed. Ryoka sat down\u2014people were staring at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could be reading our lips.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey would fail, even if I had lips. We are not able to be overheard, Ryoka Griffin. The same as yesterday. Your [Illusionist] could not pierce my veils. Nor can anyone else. I would know if they tried, anyways. Five have<\/em> so far since you sat down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014really?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn made a fluttering sound\u2014a laugh. She raised her mandibles and opened them.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not you. They try to spy on me constantly. I think the magic comes from Wistram\u2026see? Right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She traced something above her head. Ryoka saw the air light up\u2014and a wisp of color appeared, light pink, and as thin as\u2026she stared as it vanished upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never know where it is from. But my maps make me believe that most come from Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n

Different magic for a different spellcaster. Ryoka sat back down. People were staring, but Ryoka realized\u2014they did have that look of confusion on their face. They could see her\u2014but perhaps not anything else? She looked at Xrn. Ryoka wasn\u2019t about to run away, or lie, or obfuscate with the Small Queen. She had promised Klbkch, a long time ago, to help the Antinium.<\/p>\n

Also\u2014she\u2019d tried all that yesterday. Xrn was unavoidable, unable to be outrun or hid from\u2014she\u2019d dunked Ryoka in a river a few times, then they\u2019d had a long chat after she wiped out a Rock Crab nest.<\/p>\n

Good\u2026times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice couldn\u2019t see what Ryoka was saying to Xrn. Not that she<\/em> read lips, but they seemed to blur over in her vision if she focused too hard. Ryoka had stood up, then sat down, now she was learning forwards and\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna do it. I am!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] scowled over at her fellow peeker\u2014they were peeking at Ryoka from the Garden of Sanctuary\u2019s door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it! Give me a club and I\u2019ll smack Xrn on the head and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre passed Erin a club. The [Innkeeper] went cross eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, where\u2019d that<\/em> come from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the gear we got from Archmage Valeterisa\u2019s mansion. Remember? The Archmage<\/em>, who\u2019s probably less<\/em> dangerous than one of the Antinium\u2019s leaders?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin swished the club back and forth. The Vampire girl watched her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. I\u2019ll rush in, hit Xrn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201c\u2014and tell her \u2018you can\u2019t bully Ryoka!\u2019 How\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre eyed Xrn. She looked up at Erin. The [Innkeeper] had been trying to psych herself up the last few minutes.<\/p>\n

She was\u2026nervous<\/em> around Xrn. Not afraid! Sort of afraid.<\/p>\n

Very afraid. Xrn was hard for Erin to deal with and she was doing the same kind of pressuring as she\u2019d done to Erin when she first came here to Ryoka. Only\u2014more so this time. Erin wasn\u2019t going to stand for it, of course! She just had to figure out how she was not going to stand for it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did tell you what happened yesterday, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, Palt, and Salamani wouldn\u2019t let me come to \u2018rescue\u2019 Ryoka from Xrn. Right, right. And?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we tried to insist she back off. Politely.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd she threw Salamani a hundred feet straight up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. That\u2019s why he\u2019s sleeping in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre shuddered. And that had been Xrn being playful<\/em>\u2014according to her. The Small Queen did not take it easy in anything she did. So much for being a Vampire. <\/em>Some species were just plain cheaters.<\/p>\n

She licked her lips as she stood, peering behind Erin. Fierre sniffed\u2014Erin sidled a bit to the side, ostensibly to let her see. The [Innkeeper] glanced at Fierre and then at Xrn.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014okay, I\u2019d actually do it to Klbkch. But if I, y\u2019know, bonked Xrn on the head. Lightly.<\/em> Not with a magical thing, just like, a rolling pin? How mad do you think she\u2019d be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it. I\u2019ll watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin licked her lips for completely different reasons involving fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cD-do you think she has any weaknesses? Like\u2014to cute things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t she web Mrsha to the ceiling? Doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet us talk about Wrymvr, Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Klbkch nearly dying?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen waved that off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is clearly a ploy to motivate the Queens. He would not take that kind of injury with Wrymvr about. No, I wish to talk about Wrymvr.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if I can help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen looked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know if you can. If<\/em> you can, volunteer information. I simply wish to talk about him because he annoys me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, vent.<\/em> It was such a\u2026Human emotion. And Xrn was certainly more nuanced than Klbkch in some ways. Less\u2014in others.<\/p>\n

She had leaned her staff against the table, but Ryoka was sure the staff was just a catalyst. The Small Queen used it; it did not define her. Nor did she practice magic like anyone else. Even Teriarch might have been impressed by her.<\/p>\n

She was a [Thaumaturge]. A class that Ryoka hadn\u2019t known existed until Xrn told her she possessed it. Her magic was varied, powerful, and didn\u2019t follow the same\u2026rules<\/em> as other [Mages]. Or rather, a different set of rules.<\/p>\n

Case in point: she had cast a spell to kill the Rock Crab yesterday. Ryoka shuddered.<\/p>\n

[The Bindings of Belavierr]. A spell that had ensnared the crab with familiar threads, unbreakable no matter how hard it had fought. Ryoka had asked where Xrn had learned<\/em> that spell. And she had said\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not need to learn a spell, only call for it. Well, that is the magic I learned from my class, given to me by Skills. Magic in general is just\u2014changing the world. Like you can do with a shovel, or fire, or water.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWrymvr. Wrymvr annoys me. He and I have never gotten entirely along. I wish, sometimes, that Galuc had lived rather than Wrymvr. He would have been more agreeable. And made Hives that would have never fallen to petty [Earthquake] spells.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen mused aloud. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it\u2014callous to talk about them like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo wish death on Wrymvr? Perhaps. But I do not care if his feelings are hurt. He will regrow them. Besides, he is difficult to kill. I hoped Zel Shivertail could do it\u2014I attempted to make that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted<\/em> him to kill Wrymvr?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen sat there, alien, smiling at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I had hoped dying would return him back to his senses, even if it meant him losing body and levels. He is a warmonger. While Klbkchhezeim and I attempt to find a way home\u2014he is more concerned with the Twisted Antinium, who unleash experiments onto cities. Drive us closer to war. You see\u2014he believes the only way to return home is to take each Walled City and turn them into rubble. To build more Hives? Destroy, to be perfectly safe. He is a simpleton, but he was never made to plan ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI uh\u2014it does sort of sound that way. Is he just\u2014like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn tilted her head left and right. She liked conversing, another difference between her and Klbkch. He had treated it as a means to an end, but she had made Ryoka teach her a half-dozen tongue-twisters and patter songs and socialized<\/em> before getting down to business. Well\u2014that was probably to stop Ryoka from hyperventilating to death, anyways.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, less intelligent? Mm. Yes. Certainly less than me. Depending on how much brain matter she packed into Klbkchhezeim\u2014but the Free Queen\u2019s work aside, Klbkchhezeim was meant to think<\/em>. Wrymvr was designed to protect Queens in war. He is straightforward, simple, arrogant. But powerful. I am more destructive. Half the Centenium were more destructive than he, and we were not all made for war. But no one among us was meant to survive<\/em> like Wrymvr. He has never died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah, his nickname is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn pointed at Ryoka and the City Runner shut up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou misunderstand me, Ryoka Griffin. Wrymvr has never<\/em> died. Not once since his creation. Hence the name we<\/em> gave him. You see my body? Made by Shaper Queens in Rhir, superior to the one Klbkch and the others lost at sea?\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at her form. Ryoka studied it\u2014there was a level of\u2026what, artisanship? that you could tell the other Antinium lacked. A superior quality to the carapace, not to mention the eyes and so on. Xrn nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a copy, perhaps even an improvement on my original body. I have died, Ryoka Griffin. Once. Wrymvr? Never.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u2014is he stronger than you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another tilt of the head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mean \u2018could I kill him?\u2019. That would be pointless. I am more destructive, more varied, better at leading and planning and, ironically, adapting and everything else you could imagine. Wrymvr is better at surviving. And singing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSinging?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn\u2019s antennae twitched and her mandibles lowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly by a bit. I tell you this, Ryoka Griffin, to persuade<\/em> you that you must help me and the Antinium. As we established yesterday, without your interference, the Antinium will set out on a path neither you nor I wish to occur.\u201d<\/p>\n

War with the cities. <\/em>Xrn had laid it out in a logical way for Ryoka, much as Klbkch had, but more directly.<\/p>\n

There were two sides to the Antinium. The Queens, especially the Grand Queen,<\/em> whom Xrn did not seem to like at all, who were focused on war with Izril as a means of rebuilding the Antinium and returning to Rhir with a vast army.<\/p>\n

Then there was the Free Queen to some extent, Klbkch more or less, and Xrn<\/em>, who dreamed of returning to Rhir to retrieve lost Antinium knowledge. They would bring it here\u2014and rebuild the Antinium. Conquering Izril? An afterthought. Their goal was only one thing:<\/p>\n

Return home. Destroy the sleeping god buried in Rhir.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me you died facing the sleeping\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn lifted a finger. Her eyes turned\u2014not black, not any color. The magical lights just winked out, leaving them blank<\/em> and that was terrifying. Ryoka bit her tongue at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur enemy. Wrymvr escaped that by chance,<\/em> Ryoka Griffin. But know this: the living Centenium marched that day. The Centenium marched upon it with the First Queen and the largest host of Antinium ever known. And we died.\u201d<\/p>\n

She leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think the army that should have landed on Terandria\u2019s shores was vast? Two hundred ships we sent, to colonize Terandria. That army was dust and ash before the one we sent against our enemy. And. We. Died.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Light flickered in her eyes. Swirling blackness and two motes of grey light. Pupils<\/em>, within her multi-faceted insect\u2019s eyes. They locked on Ryoka. Twice as terrifying.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is why you will help me. Because your enemy is my enemy. Because our<\/em> enemy would unleash horrors like Crelers and has done so without end. It will not stop until the world dies\u2014or it. Or it wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s mouth was dry. She just wanted to eat her granola and hug a Gnoll. This was far<\/em> too early in the morning for this kind of conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell everyone, then? I asked Klbkch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they believe the Antinium? And secondly\u2014even if they did? It would strengthen it. The First Queen decreed that only<\/em> the Centenium and Queens should be told what they fought because it gained strength with every mind that knew. And even then\u2014magic and might cannot even scratch it. It births the horrors of Rhir as it\u2026sleeps.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, create an army of Antinium on another continent. Come back and figure out a way to overwhelm or contain.<\/em> That was the Antinium\u2019s initial plan. It had gone off the rails when they died at sea. Now\u2014they were a threat to Izril. But Ryoka couldn\u2019t help but believe Xrn when she said that she<\/em> didn\u2019t care for the Walled Cities or conquest. The point was to kill a god.<\/p>\n

To kill\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cBack to Wrymvr. Do you know where a Dragon is, Ryoka Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn sat back and Ryoka nearly died again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Why?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centenium happily ate from her quiche.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be able to kill Wrymvr. Dragonfire humbled him once. The sea could not drown him, but neither could he best the Kraken, only survive it. He has lost to all of our greatest foes. But lived. I heard from Klbkchhezeim that Erin Solstice might know where the Dragon is, but she denied it. Wrymvr should die. If he dies\u2014he will know mortality, and that, I think, will make him wiser. A Dragon could kill Wrymvr. Or\u2026something buried deeply. Perhaps in your dungeon. Are you aware of what might be down there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka pushed back her bowl. She was not having breakfast anymore.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. What? What do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen smiled back at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing. But I know what is found in the deep places. I told you, Ryoka Griffin. The Antinium came of Rhir. We were created<\/em> by our foe, just like Crelers. Just like everything else. Time and the First Queen gave us freedom to rebel. But time corrupts. The deeper we dug, the more we found waiting for us. We have found their like twice in Izril\u2014many times in Rhir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThings?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn nodded, as if oblivious to how much skin was trying to crawl off Ryoka and hide under her bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey exist across this world. Things of good intention and ill. Changed by time. The other species call them \u2018Old Things.\u2019 I think your dungeon may have something like that. Why else is it so malevolent? That thing they call Face Stealer\u2014I have tried to kill it three times. It lives. It could come up from the dungeon and kill every person in Liscor, I think. Klbkch and the Queen held it off many times\u2014sometimes by feeding it thousands of Soldiers and Workers. You seem remarkably carefree with such threats around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you\u2014can you stop<\/em> giving me nightmares for five seconds, Xrn? I know what you\u2019re fighting. I\u2019m sold.<\/em> Please\u2014please stop convincing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn reached into her side bags. She put something on the table. Ryoka stared at a blank piece of paper. Xrn added a quill, and ink.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrebuchet. I will also accept ballista designs. For Bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know how to make them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I, what I meant was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn scooted the paper closer to Ryoka. She tapped it with one finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat<\/em> is aid, Ryoka Griffin. Not words. Material. Immediate. Tell me how to make a ship. Give me the designs of this bicycle\u2026no, that seems less useful to the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes drilled into Ryoka\u2019s\u2014still in pupil-mode. Ryoka felt like Xrn was grabbing her soul and trying to squeeze<\/em> it for answers.<\/p>\n

She was intense.<\/em> And what made Xrn scary was that she was right. Ryoka couldn\u2019t dance around being an ally with her. You were either helpful<\/em> or not in Xrn\u2019s mind. And Ryoka\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cBop.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A rolling pin made less loud sound compared to Erin\u2019s voice, squeaky with nerves. But it did bop<\/em> the Antinium on the head, between her antennae. Xrn\u2019s glowing pinpoints of light unscrambled.<\/p>\n

Ryoka and Xrn turned. Erin Solstice stood there. She was pale\u2014and turned paler as Xrn slowly twisted in her seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that an attack, Erin Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNoooooooooooo.<\/em> Just\u2014a warning bop! That\u2019s all! Definitely not an attack!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin lowered the pin in a hurry. Ryoka stared at her. And then at Fierre, who was pressing her hands to her mouth, clearly not<\/em> expecting Erin to have actually just done that.<\/p>\n

What was that line about consequences? Xrn regarded the pin. She felt at her head. Then she stood up so fast Erin squeaked.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Then. Is it war?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin backed up, babbling so fast that she nearly fell over the chair behind her. Xrn watched her\u2014then opened her mandibles and lifted them. She made the fluttering sound again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a joke. I am quite amused. Did you see that, Ryoka? Klbkchhezeim was always so humorless.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat back down. Ryoka saw Erin leaning on a table to catch her breath and clutching at her heart. Xrn laughed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndividual Antinium. That is Erin\u2019s gift to the Free Antinium and why I do not insist. You though\u2014I will press you. You have not been useful until now, Ryoka Griffin. Give me something.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Ryoka. The City Runner\u2019s eyes flickered to Erin. She saw Xrn waiting, smiling\u2014then jump<\/em> slightly in her seat.<\/p>\n

It was a commonality between species. Erin had sidled over, and then, with two fingers, poked<\/em> Xrn right in the side, about where her belly would be. Ryoka waited for Erin to die.<\/p>\n

\u201cH-hey. Stop picking on Ryoka\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin saw Xrn reach for her staff. The [Innkeeper] threw her hands up\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHold on! I was just\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Pop.<\/em> Erin Solstice vanished. Ryoka shot to her feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cXrn!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI simply removed her. I am willing to entertain her, Ryoka Griffin. But not right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn shrugged as Hedault turned to stare and Fierre ran away to hide. She pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAaah! Aaaaah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin dangled from the edge of Bird\u2019s tower. Bird stared down at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Erin. How did you do that, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka sat there, feeling like she was trapped. Really\u2014she was. She had to give Xrn something, or tell her, right here and now, that she was not<\/em> the Antinium\u2019s ally, even insofar as it pertained to killing what might or might not be a god, sleeping in Rhir.<\/p>\n

It all made sense, too. Ryoka put her head in her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust\u2014just give me a second to think. You know I\u2019m unwilling to give you big things, Xrn. It\u2019d make the Antinium\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have three minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave you all of last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka thought. Trebuchets? Gunpowder? Rocket fuel? <\/em>Okay\u2014she didn\u2019t know that last one. Nor could Ryoka make a ship, although she could probably give some tips that Anand\u2014who was making<\/em> them?\u2014probably needed.<\/p>\n

None of that. Absolutely none of that. Ryoka had a new theory about bringing tech from Earth to this world. And it was this:<\/p>\n

Kevin should do it. Erin should do it. Ryoka Griffin<\/em> should not do it. It wasn\u2019t about competence, it was about who had the better track record. But something?<\/p>\n

Ryoka did have\u2026something\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cXrn. You know I\u2019m from\u2026Earth, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

It felt so weird to say. But Xrn just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cKlbkch has repeated his entire conversation of substance to me. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026there are more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am also aware of that. There are seven, not including you or Erin Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY-you are? How did you know that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAside from the fact that this Kevin has created a new device, and that Joseph plays a new game with unmatched knowledge and the group is a group of seven?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Well, um, here\u2019s the thing. There are more of us. In Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn\u2019s eyes glowed a bit. Pink and gold.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis would help Wistram. Much in the way you seem to refuse to help the Antinium, would it not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2014well, I don\u2019t know<\/em> they\u2019re doing that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there are more. Many more, then. Interesting. Is that all? Because that is not enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026there\u2019s one thing. You see, Xrn. We\u2019re in contact with someone from Wistram. I can\u2019t tell you who or how\u2014but listen. This is<\/em> helpful. I\u2019m giving you a lot. So\u2014Wistram is spying on you. Through your scrying mirrors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn had been scraping her plate with her fork for the last bit of quiche. Ryoka saw her hand moving the fork stop. Dead still. Perfect muscle control.<\/p>\n

She looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I mean, almost. Our person said the [Mages] were discussing images of your Hive\u2014and if what you just said about the Walled Cities attacking is true\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were uncannily informed about our position. They have not been before. I put up wards to make their scrying spells unable to simply scan the Hives\u2014unless they knew exactly where<\/em> to work from. All of this substantiates your information. They are watching the Queens. Listening to their words and discussions. Which means anything they have spoken of is known.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how much they know. I just\u2014Xrn? Xrn?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen sat there. Ryoka wondered how she was feeling. What she was going to d\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI have just informed the Free Queen. We will take steps. This information is what we desired, even if I had no notion of it, Ryoka Griffin. Good.<\/em> What else?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centenium looked up. Ryoka stared at her. Xrn had processed the information, relayed it, and\u2014<\/p>\n

Not a flicker. She just waited. Ryoka passed a hand over her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I get a reprieve?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn looked at Ryoka, moving her head to regard the young woman from every angle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not think it pertinent to ask, but in your world, does the word \u2018ally\u2019 mean someone who is consistently deficient in giving actual aid and support to their allies?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman stared back at Xrn.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. We\u2019re pretty bad at it as a species, so yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I see. Do your best.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time Erin Solstice got down from the roof, Ryoka and Xrn had finished their talks. It had taken Erin a while. Not because Bird was particularly delayed in pulling her up; she\u2019d appeared just outside his tower. Rather, Erin had been forced to sit with her head bowed in a corner to avoid puking<\/em> for about ten minutes.<\/p>\n

Teleportation\u2014or Xrn-portation\u2014was not<\/em> pleasant. It was like being shaken by a giant rapidly, like you got after riding some of those topsy-turvy rides on the amusement park too fast in too quick succession.<\/p>\n

\u201cXrn! I\u2019m not giving up! Please don\u2019t teleport me. But you can\u2019t just\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin strode over to Xrn, prepared to run into her garden and hide. She found Xrn leaning over the table, eagerly asking questions. Ryoka\u2014a more relaxed Ryoka\u2014was giving her answers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to find a specialist. No, I have no idea what the dimensions are. But there\u2019s your answer. Hell\u2014it is<\/em> going to be hell with your Queens. But that\u2014you really don\u2019t know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not a Shaper Queen. But it makes sense. They had different methods of isolating materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if alchemy is close to chemistry, Xrn. But there you go. I doubt the periodic table would be helpful to you, anyways. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared at Ryoka. The young woman was sketching something on the table. Something the Antinium needed <\/em>that she had gotten from previous conversations with Xrn. And the Small Queen had pressured Ryoka into giving her. Not bombs. Not siege weapons. But\u2014Erin peered at the design Xrn was inspecting, and Ryoka labeling each part of.<\/p>\n

\u201cBop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She hit Ryoka with the rolling pin. Quite a bit harder than she had with Xrn. It was a real tap.<\/em> Ryoka grabbed at her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMotherf\u2014<\/em>Erin! That hurts like hell!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed at the microscope and demonstration of convex lenses. Ryoka grabbed for the pin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s for the Queens.<\/em> Don\u2019t hit me again! Give me that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a Ryoka-solution to a Xrnian problem. Don\u2019t give the Antinium much new from Earth\u2014aside from the means to enable the Antinium to do what they\u2019d already been doing. Which was advanced<\/em> chemistry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had been using alchemist tools to allow the Queens to work. But the right materials were still difficult to source, let alone render into usable\u2026see the problem. None of the Queens ever asked me for that. But then\u2014the Silent Queen does have a weaker magnifying spell, yes. I enchanted a hoop right at the beginning. Nothing of this scale\u2026glass?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlasses are based on that. Erin\u2014put that down\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou hypocrite!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin raised her bonking pin. Xrn raised her staff. Erin\u2014lowered her pin and backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to\u2014I\u2019m doing my best to help and not mess things up, Erin. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked miserable\u2014and more anxious as she turned to Erin. The [Innkeeper] looked at Xrn. She sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka, I\u2019m not mad about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI like the Antinium! I\u2019m not sure about chemistry and stuff\u2014ooh, that\u2019s iron, isn\u2019t that? Fe. Recognize it anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed at one of the easier elements on the table. Xrn filled in the box\u2014Erin had interrupted Ryoka. Erin turned to Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just worried that Xrn is pressuring you. In which case\u2014I\u2019d do something about it. And <\/em>you lecturing me. Because that\u2019s, y\u2019know, sort<\/em> of annoying. But I get it! Xrn\u2014please don\u2019t teleport me again. I nearly threw up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will consider it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen was smiling. She was greatly pleased once she and Ryoka had settled on something they could agree was fair to share.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is useful, Ryoka Griffin. Especially being able to see the minute details. What has plagued the Queens\u2014all of them\u2014is that they are unable to work with fine detail. Shaper Queens are far smaller\u2014some barely larger than I, with specialized appendages. All the Queens sacrificed themselves to create the first Antinium of Izril. Maintaining the purity of samples of iron and other ingredients is essential and has been beyond them without specialist Antinium to aid their focus. As well\u2014disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDisease?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn flicked an antennae, vexed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not have the word for it. The same thing as disease, yes. Tiny, tiny things that interfere with proper growth. Eat<\/em> what the Queens try to make. They are unable to keep their working spaces clean<\/em>, even sealing air away. I do not have the word for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMicroorganisms? Sterile?\u201d<\/p>\n

That came from Erin.<\/em> Xrn stared at her. Ryoka smiled. What was rare to Antinium was still common knowledge to someone who had taken high school science. At least in theory.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo the Antinium not have anything antiseptic, Xrn?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything the Antinium used in Rhir was lost. And the Queens were taught to use that.<\/em> So this\u2026sterility substances, these antiseptics? They would have been produced by dedicated Antinium or created. No Queens, including myself know how the First Antinium worked up to later stages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026you don\u2019t use rubbing alcohol? Heat? Soap and water?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Does that work?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was fascinating. Like talking to, well, someone from an advanced civilization who remembered airplanes, but forgot how to operate a butter churn. Well, Ryoka wasn\u2019t sure if that analogy was entirely 1-1, but she ended up just giving Xrn a rundown on\u2026basic stuff.<\/p>\n

Stuff you didn\u2019t think you needed to know. People used soap in this world! Erin had bought some the first day she was in Liscor! But there were things like telling Xrn that yes, soap and water helped kill a lot<\/em> of microorganisms, or freezing temperatures, that was mind-blowing to Xrn.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Cold works on the little things that bother the Silent Queen so much? This cold?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Centenium pointed her staff at the table. She projected a stream of frost\u2014Ryoka saw the frozen air hit the table and frost it over. Erin yelped!<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Watch the\u2014oh, wait, I can fix whatever happens. Never mind. Yeah, freezing does it, right, Ryoka? Heat, cold, bacteria die either way.\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner coughed. She hated to be that person in this conversation, but she had to correct Erin here.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, Erin\u2026freezing just puts them into stasis. They\u2019re not dead unless it gets really cold. And some can survive lower temperatures than others\u2026I\u2019d hate to see a magical bacterium. It\u2019d have to be really <\/em>cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, really? I could have sworn<\/em> they said in science class\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a common misconception.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn peered at the two young women. She tapped the staff on their table for their attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrost or heat is within my power. Ryoka, how<\/em> cold?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka had no idea. She shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to get that cold or hot, Xrn. I think the antiseptics\u2014how cold could you get?\u201d<\/p>\n

She was sort of curious. The Small Queen\u2019s eyes lit up. Motes of blue and white floated across her eyes like snow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know. Shall we find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

So saying, she drew a small circle around the table on the floor that began to glow blue. Erin looked at Ryoka. The City Runner waited, but the [Innkeeper] just folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to stop it, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? This sounds really fun! Hey, Mrsha! Want to see some magic?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll child ran over and Erin made her back up. Xrn was walking around her magical circle. And as if lured by the siren call, more [Mages] appeared.<\/p>\n

Like cockroaches. Palt scuttled out of the kitchen as Montressa and Bezale came down the stairs. Xrn regarded them\u2014and Salamani, peeking from the bannister, and Hedault, who\u2019d turned in his chair to watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that, ah, magical circle fully completed<\/em>, Miss\u2026er\u2026Mage\u2026Magus Xrn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa fumbled for addresses. Clearly, she was wondering if she should be treating Xrn like an enemy, and clearly she didn\u2019t really want<\/em> to\u2014she\u2019d heard about Salamani. Xrn looked at the circle.<\/p>\n

It had none of the runes, intricate symbology to create a magical barrier, or anything else like the one Valeterisa had made for the cells. Ryoka saw Xrn flick an antennae.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my magic circle, Mage Montressa. The cold will stay within the boundaries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there\u2019s no\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt muttered. Xrn looked curiously at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will stay within the boundaries. Do you need more for your circles?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Sick burn.<\/em>\u2019 Kevin mouthed across the crowd to Ryoka. She nodded. The [Mages], disconsolate, muttered but watched as Xrn cast her cold spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know how cold I can make this. Is this table fine to chill, Miss Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Lyonette looked wary, but the [Innkeeper] laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine.<\/em> I\u2019ve got [Partial Reconstruction]! Hit it, Xrn! Get it really cold! Kill those microbe jerks!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s she killing? Fraerlings? I can\u2019t see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd muttered. People were watching, having an excuse to gawk at Xrn. Most of Liscor\u2019s inhabitants could treat her like Klbkch\u2014albeit more removed. Some, however, like Ferris\u2014<\/p>\n

Well, the [Thaumaturge] was doing something. Ryoka heard her muttering.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat spell? What spell? [Frost Wyvern\u2019s Breath]? [Cenidau\u2019s Complete Chill]\u2014what is a Cenidau?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a Terandrian Kingdom. Have you not heard of it, Xrn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt started. He eyed Xrn. She looked at him blankly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I need to? It must be cold, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExtremely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, then that is better. [Cenidau\u2019s Complete Chill].\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn tapped the table happily. Ryoka saw her staff flash.<\/em> Something appeared\u2014a tiny<\/em> mote of frost on the table. Xrn regarded it, checked her staff, and stepped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat took a bit of magic. Very cold indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone stared at the spot of frost. Mrsha began to giggle in Erin\u2019s arms. Then\u2014the frost began to spread.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka watched as the frost covered the table. It seemed like it was getting colder\u2014the wood began to crack<\/em>. And the air frosted over\u2014someone reached for the edge, and Bezale stopped them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one put a hand into there. Are you mad?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Gnoll complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how will we know how cold it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPut something else<\/em> into there. Anyone got a stick? How about a hotdog? Imani? Im\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani had been watching. She hurried into the kitchen and came back with a hotdog on a long poker with a wooden handle. She handed it to Bezale. The Minotauress put it into the magic circle just<\/em> as the wood turned completely frosty. Not more than that\u2014Hedault murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must not have enough water to freeze more than that. I wonder what the spell might do in a larger, more humid environment. Mage Bezale. I don\u2019t think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezale yanked her hand back with a roar<\/em> of pain. Everyone turned to her as the poker hit the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeza?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy hand!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It was burned! No\u2014a cold burn! The kind you got from grasping\u2014Ryoka stared. The wooden poker handle? But it had been in there\u2014<\/p>\n

The poker lay on the ground, in pieces. The metal had snapped and broken like cheap glass where it had hit the ground. The hotdog?<\/p>\n

Menolit, after producing a pair of workman\u2019s gloves, picked up the hotdog. Really, more of a sausage since the\u2026unique\u2026composition of hotdogs was not yet invented in this world and the healthier and thus inferior sausage still ruled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors, it\u2019s cold. And it\u2019s\u2026yep.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped it on the ground. It made a hard sound\u2014then cracked<\/em> in half. More like powder\u2014it wasn\u2019t just frozen<\/em> cold\u2014<\/p>\n

Everyone turned to stare at the table. It, the floorboards, all coated in a layer of frost. Xrn\u2019s barrier innocently held back what was inside from\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi tossed a mug. Ryoka saw the condensation freeze<\/em> as it went up in a gentle arc. It landed on the table, a perfect toss. Or should have.<\/p>\n

The table cracked<\/em>. The slight impact shattered it to pieces. It landed on the floorboards. And the floorboards\u2014<\/p>\n

Erin, Ryoka, and the audience stared into her basement. Xrn peered down.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. I forgot to ward the floorboards. Is that cold enough, do you think, Miss Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at Ryoka. The City Runner stared back with a dry mouth. And she realized\u2014Xrn was not unaware of the stares. The Centenium was also\u2026telling a joke.<\/p>\n

Xrn smiled. Lyonette looked at the hole in the floor and table which was not<\/em> coming back with [Partial Reconstruction]. She began to write Xrn\u2019s bill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now that they were staying at the inn, Wilovan and Ratici had assumed their presence would qualify as the safety-element missing at nights.<\/p>\n

They had been reluctant to of course; it was wrong to get too involved with your target, even if they were actually under protection. But it hadn\u2019t turned out poorly yet and they had no choice.<\/p>\n

As they came down for late breakfast after a very late night\u2014they saw Antinium busily repairing the hole in the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Caution: Hole. Watch your step!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A helpful sign had been put up; Erin had lots of spares. She\u2019d even made a little rope fence around the spot with chairs. Ratici and Wilovan peered at it and gathered what had happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt occurs to me, Ratici\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you two. Can I get you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two paused as Drassi came over; the bartending job was sort of hard to pick up in the morning. They ordered, had some very<\/em> fine-smelling risotto placed in front of them, and began to eat as they continued the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt occurs to me, Ratici, that we might have been in error in our assessment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWilovan my friend, I\u2019m hardly inclined to disagree.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two nodded to each other. They\u2019d assumed<\/em> at first that the Tallman had some big plan, to have them stay here. Then they\u2019d concluded this was a (well paying) waste of their time.<\/p>\n

Now? They peeked at the Small Queen of the Antinium. The two Gentlemen Callers wondered if they\u2019d been swindled out of a lot<\/em> more gold. Or was the Tallman unaware of how crazy this inn was?<\/p>\n

\u201cRatici! Wilovan! How are my two favorite crooks?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice made the two jump. Not because they didn\u2019t sense her coming up from the side, but because she was loud.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. A good morning to you. Could you, er, keep your voice down, though?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan winced as heads turned. Erin looked blank.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Oh.<\/em> But I thought\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Palt, Fierre, and the others who could pick out Wilovan and Ratici at a glance. Wilovan huffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2026see where you were misapprehended, Miss Solstice, but we normally don\u2019t advertise<\/em> our status as fellows who sometimes stray on the wrong side of the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] gave him a teasing grin. Ratici chortled and Wilovan coughed.<\/p>\n

That was the second disarming thing. This young woman, who had many sterling qualities, was so strangely likeable. And more than that\u2014she saw<\/em> them for who they were and still liked them.<\/p>\n

Wilovan and Ratici were polite, well-dressed, and usually mild-mannered people. So being liked<\/em> wasn\u2019t unknown to them. But being liked for who you were? When people knew you were the Callers?<\/em> That\u2014that was odd.<\/p>\n

Even so, it was inconvenient. A few stares prickled Ratici, but he pretended it was some joke of Erin\u2019s. The [Innkeeper] was resting on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I to understand that hole in the floor comes from this morning, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know,<\/em> Wilovan! Xrn made it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u2026lady over yonder. I see. The Small Queen of the Antinium. Who you seem to be on a first name basis with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Is that weird?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan hemmed<\/em> and hawed<\/em>, not willing to say \u2018yes, absolutely.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cEven in our lines of work, Miss Solstice, the Antinium are not something that\u2019ve ever cropped up. One feels it\u2019s like Demons in the inn, if you don\u2019t mind me saying so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ratici leaned over as he fished for a handkerchief. Erin looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDemons? Have you ever met any?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot myself<\/em>, Miss Solstice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The two were delicate on that point. Erin looked at Ratici.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo they have wings and horns? And uh\u2014flaming stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne doesn\u2019t inquire, Miss Solstice. Wings, horns\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin wasn\u2019t sure how to ask if they were really<\/em> demons. She settled for a mildly stern look towards the two Callers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019re you two so surprised Xrn is here? Liscor has Antinium. You two<\/em> are the bigshot bigwig hat guys from up north, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two paused for a long moment. Wilovan\u2019s lips moved soundlessly. Ratici shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice, we don\u2019t tend to advertise<\/em> we\u2019re about. Meeting you, this stay\u2014it\u2019s been rather unique. And if you don\u2019t mind us saying so, we tend to draw the line between ourselves not for our<\/em> protection, if you understand me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. But am I going to be in danger?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot immediately. But we do come from different worlds, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed at that. For reasons neither Gentlemen Caller quite knew. Erin looked at Wilovan and Ratici, and put her hands on their shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we do! But there\u2019s no reason we can\u2019t be friends, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two could only sigh at that. Yet she was attractive. In a way that didn\u2019t define itself purely physically. People had been drawn to this inn. So many odd sorts.<\/p>\n

Hedault, Pelt, two master-class artisans. Montressa, Palt, Bezale, Salamani, [Mages] of Wistram. The Callers, Xrn, Antinium\u2026<\/p>\n

And more. Ryoka was watching as Kevin sketched out Mrsha\u2019s tricycle and she urgently wrote suggestions and he tried to incorporate them\u2014or politely ignore some.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t put swords on it, Mrsha. And it won\u2019t fly. How about color? Puce is\u2026where did you learn that word? Do you know what puce actually looks like?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha did not. But Kevin had a great idea! Which he totally didn\u2019t come up with to stop her from grabbing his quill every two seconds to make her<\/em> adjustments to her<\/em> bike.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a basic paint program on my youknowwhat.<\/em> Why don\u2019t you find the perfect<\/em> color on it? And I\u2019ll finish the bike and you can choose what color it is, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shooed Mrsha towards the secret rooms\u2014<\/em>now with air vents. Ratici, had, of course, already found them, but he still hadn\u2019t been able to figure out what was going on inside. He watched as Mrsha excitedly bounced into the Garden.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you could get in, Ratici? Asking purely as one professional to another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. I\u2019d have to really take a crack at it, Wilovan. On the surface? The asking price would be too high for most to even bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting. Miss Drassi? Could I trouble you ever so much for another sandwich? Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two sat back with a sigh. There were some things to complain about, but they\u2019d miss this service. And the food was getting better! If only there was some fine company\u2026Wilovan had seen a wonderfully built Gnoll woman, but she was alas, spoken for.<\/em> As all good women were.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrsha happily ran towards the laptop as Kevin sighed and went back to his work. Mrsha raced into the secret Earth-rooms and found\u2026<\/p>\n

Numbtongue was hunched over with a blanket on his shoulders, playing on the laptop with the touchpad. He didn\u2019t say anything as Mrsha waved at him.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue, hey, Numbtongue! I need to use that!<\/em><\/p>\n

He ignored her when she crawled onto the table to sign. She reached for the keys\u2014he swatted her away.<\/p>\n

He was playing the game! The game with the guns! Mrsha glowered. Then she eyed Numbtongue\u2019s features. How\u2026long had he been playing?<\/p>\n

Thanks to Palt and the other [Mages], who resented being used as walking batteries, you could recharge the electronics practically all day. Numbtongue growled as Mrsha tried to push at him. She signed furiously.<\/p>\n

Let me use it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGo away. I\u2019m winning.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was on the hardest difficulty, playing\u2014Mrsha grabbed the laptop. Numbtongue shot to his feet with a roar. He was going to lose his life and the record! The two fought for it. Mrsha found herself pressed against the floor by a foot while Numbtongue played. She wriggled.<\/p>\n

Mrsha the Computer Wizard would not be surpassed! <\/em>She had to have a turn! But Numbtongue seized the laptop, avoiding her lunge, grabbed her, pushed her out the door\u2014and then sat against it while she howled and pounded on it, demanding to be let in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue did what? Well\u2026he was um, playing, wasn\u2019t he? Yes. I know, Mrsha. I\u2019ll tell him. But you can\u2019t just grab it. Oh, you didn\u2019t grab it? Did you ask first?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette was having the first inter-family dispute. And it was rather familiar to the fights she remembered her mother having to break up between her siblings. Mrsha was actually in tears.<\/p>\n

Whether she was that distraught Lyonette very much doubted. But the Gnoll was upset that Numbtongue had wrongfully\u2026<\/em>not allowed her to use the laptop because it was \u2018her time.\u2019 She demanded Lyonette fix the issue! Now!<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we talk it over with Numbtongue? And you have to talk<\/em>, Mrsha. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette sighed. Mrsha stomped her feet and folded her arms. She marched with Lyonette over to the Earth-rooms. She was going to give Numbtongue a piece of her mind! She was gonna\u2014<\/p>\n

He was gone.<\/em> Mrsha looked around. Lyonette sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Numbtongue had correctly anticipated Mrsha would bring reinforcements. And like any Redfang, he\u2019d chosen his battleground. He was gone.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, we\u2019ll talk to him when he gets back. Mrsha, no, really\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

But the Gnoll was on the scent.<\/em> She followed Numbtongue back through the door to the [Garden of Sanctuary]\u2026and promptly lost it.<\/p>\n

Darn! Teleporting doors<\/em> meant that there was no continuous trail! Mrsha was getting angrier. He could be hiding in the jungle or\u2014or in his room, or\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! Erin, Numbtongue is mean! Find him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll furiously came over to Erin and demanded she help as Erin was chatting to Imani about stupid poo-things, like new recipes and ingredients and budgets! Erin looked down, distracted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Numbtongue, mean? That can\u2019t be right. Did you ask him to make you a [Warrior] again, Mrsha? You know<\/em> he takes it seriously. Listen, I need to talk to Imani\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll grabbed<\/em> Erin\u2019s leg as the [Innkeeper] yelped. She would not be ignored! This was serious!<\/em> Erin, exasperated, looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Okay! Okay, I\u2019ll find Numbtongue. <\/em>Imani, I\u2019m sorry. One sec?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Cook] was highly entertained. She saw Erin close her eyes. It still wasn\u2019t second nature. But Erin could<\/em> sense where anyone was in the inn. She sensed\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue. Numbtongue\u2026Numbtongue\u2019s\u2026um\u2026not in the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

She opened her eyes. Mrsha looked up indignantly. What?<\/em> That couldn\u2019t be right! Erin was lying to protect him! Tall-people ganged up on the kids! But Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out of the inn. And he took the lap\u2014the youknowwhat?<\/em> Well, look Mrsha\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll ran off. She wasn\u2019t going to let him get away with this! He was outside!<\/p>\n

The outhouses weren\u2019t occupied by Goblins and Mrsha smelled no Numbtongue trail. She raced back, sniffing. Aha! The door! He\u2019d gone to his mining spots!<\/p>\n

\u2026But she smelled no Goblin when she threw the door open there. Mrsha was about to snap!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, calm down. She\u2019s throwing a tantrum, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the laptop?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll girl whirled. She was not!<\/em> She just wanted what was hers! By right! She fumbled for the mana stones as Lyonette tried to pick her up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha\u2014don\u2019t you slash at me, Miss! Or no bicycle! Calm down this instant or Kevin will be working on something else, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha looked up. Her angry face\u2026crumpled. She curled up into a ball and began to sob silently.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is ganging up on me! It\u2019s not fair!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The pity-party was slightly<\/em> offset by the fact that Mrsha had to sign to be understood by Ryoka and Lyonette. Either way\u2014Ryoka was highly amused. Not unsympathetic. But she just hadn\u2019t ever seen Mrsha looking so\u2014so childish! It was almost good to see.<\/p>\n

It was the wrong thing to say to Lyonette, though. The [Princess] just gave Ryoka an exasperated look.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you were around more, you\u2019d see more Mrsha tantrums than you wanted, Ryoka. Mrsha. Mrsha, stop flailing right now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka eyed the sword Lyonette sometimes carried around. She wanted to tap the [Princess] on the shoulder and ask if she could stab herself with it. It might make her feel better.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2014deserved that. But that was the second time Lyonette had done it. Ryoka rubbed at the phantom-pain in her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne second, Ryoka. Mrsha du Marquin.<\/em> Stop this at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll stopped. She sniffed<\/em>, but she sat up, stopped hitting the ground and looked woefully up at Lyonette and then Ryoka. The City Runner was impressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. You\u2014call her Mrsha du Marquin, Lyonette? Isn\u2019t that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Princess] rose to her feet, Mrsha clinging to her. She gave Ryoka another look. And this time the Wind Runner saw the hostility there.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s my<\/em> daughter. Shouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what were you saying, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka opened and closed her mouth. Only that it was exposing Lyonette\u2019s<\/em> name and wasn\u2019t that dangerous? But that hadn\u2019t been how the [Princess] took it\u2014or chose to take it. And it revealed something.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette. Do you have\u2014a problem with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] stared at Ryoka for a long moment. Her eyes flickered and she gave Ryoka\u2014well\u2014the look Ryoka gave to idiots. Lyonette put a huge smile on her face, clearly fake.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Miss Griffin, why would I possibly<\/em> have a problem with you? At all? For any reason? It must be in your imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n

Okay. Ryoka blinked. She\u2019d missed something\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I\u2019m sorry if I\u2019ve said or done something recently. I can\u2019t think of what it is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. Let\u2019s not worry about it, Ryoka. You\u2019ll leave in a week and it\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette snapped back as she removed a handkerchief to clean Mrsha\u2019s face. Ryoka felt like Lyonette was busily knifing her in the stomach. With words.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette, I\u2019m sorry, but could you tell me what I\u2019ve done to make you so upset?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t know, don\u2019t ask!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] snapped. She rounded on Ryoka, pointing a finger at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t, would you? Just leave it, Ryoka. Not everything needs to be solved. I\u2019m busy and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

At this point, Mrsha dragged<\/em> on Lyonette\u2019s blouse and the young women\u2014both of them\u2014looked down. Mrsha had stopped crying. She was waving her paws frantically.<\/p>\n

Stop fighting!<\/em><\/p>\n

Both of them realized Mrsha had been trying to get their attention. And the tears of \u2018no laptop, no Numbtongue\u2019 were threatening to turn into real ones. Lyonette instantly lowered the finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Don\u2019t cry, don\u2019t cry. It was just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She shot Ryoka a look and Ryoka nodded. She came over and Lyonette let Mrsha grab her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just angry for a second, Mrsha. It\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll girl was a bit too old to be lied to that effectively, even with both of them smiling and trying to comfort her. The two looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder where Numbtongue has<\/em> gone. If he has the youknow\u2014the damn laptop\u2014<\/em>he can\u2019t take it out in the open.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette nodded, seizing onto that.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s find him. Mrsha tracked him to this door. So he has to be\u2026Mrsha? Can you help us find Numbtongue?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mission: Find Numbtongue To Avoid Mrsha Crying was a go. Mrsha sniffed as Lyonette checked the door. Not Esthelm or Liscor\u2026Celum neither. Wailant\u2019s farm was Ryoka\u2019s real guess, though. Lyonette\u2019s too.<\/p>\n

But he wasn\u2019t there. Mrsha shook her head twice.<\/p>\n

\u201cInvrisil, then? I can\u2019t believe it. But maybe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened. Mrsha\u2019s eyes widened and she pointed. He was there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Invrisil? Ryoka looked uneasily at Lyonette. But Invrisil\u2026there seemed to be a leap in logic here.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue was a Goblin. Invrisil was a Human city that was not Celum or Liscor. Not cool with Goblins. So how\u2014?<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, did um, Numbtongue come through here just now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette found the [Innkeeper] who ran the Player\u2019s Retreat, Master Veeid, and waved urgently to him as Mrsha sniffed around. He looked puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe G\u2014no. No\u2014but then, someone did come through just now\u2026wait a second.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes opened wide. He slapped himself on the forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was him! Only\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Only, Numbtongue was wearing his disguise. Lyonette and Ryoka\u2019s jaws dropped. The armor disguise he\u2019d used in the live show! Mrsha stomped her feet and threw her paws up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see? Do you see the lengths evil Numbtongue will go to in order to keep the laptop from my earnest possession? The treachery, the gall, the conceit\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026Is what Ryoka vaguely got from her indignant signing. She might have extrapolated some words, but the heart was there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think he\u2019s gone a bit too far, don\u2019t you? Do you know where he is, Master Veeid?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette propped her hands on her hips, a bit put out at the level Numbtongue had gone to. Master Veeid hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout that, Miss Lyonette\u2026the thing is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The thing was that he was right next door. Literally in one of the private rooms, helmet off, playing in a corner as Kilkran and some of the actors stared<\/em>. Numbtongue had a bowl of expensive snacks and the other Players were working, relaxing, or watching him with fascination.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin had contracted a disease for which there were few cures. It was called \u2018gaming addiction,\u2019 colloquially known as \u2018I really want to finish this game and I\u2019ll be damned to Rhir if I let that little Gnoll ruin my win streak<\/em>.\u2019 Such that he\u2019d made the move of exposing the laptop to the [Actors].<\/p>\n

Mrsha tackled him. With a real growl of annoyance, Numbtongue tossed her off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue\u2026Redfang.<\/em> Stop that this instant!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette marched up to Numbtongue and folded her arms. The Hobgoblin unpaused his game and went back to playing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m busy. She can have it in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin didn\u2019t finish his sentence. Lyonette\u2019s brows creased. Behind her, Mrsha punched a paw into her other paw. He was going to get it now!<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue, give me that laptop. We need to discuss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He swatted her hand down. The [Princess] recoiled. Ryoka saw Kilkran move backwards. The [Actors] got the vibe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue. Please stop playing. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin paused his game again. He looked up.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou are going to close that, come with us, and we\u2019re going to have a talk. Right. Now. Alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette\u2019s smile was the kind she\u2019d given Ryoka just moments earlier. Ryoka was waiting for the invisible knife. Numbtongue met Lyonette\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes widened. The Hobgoblin looked at Lyonette, not even bothering to make it a staring contest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not your child. And you\u2019re not my Chieftain.\u201d<\/p>\n

He put the laptop on his knees, and quite deliberately, went back to playing. Ryoka heard a tiny explosion. She saw Lyonette take a deep breath. She reached for the laptop\u2014fast. He swatted her hand down.<\/p>\n

Mrsha the Laptop Seeker\u2026tugged at Lyonette\u2019s dress. She\u2019d changed her mind. She didn\u2019t want to use the laptop after all. But it had been a long time coming. Here was law and order and Lyonette. There was Numbtongue, who, as it turned out, had acquiesced<\/em> to her laws of the land. He was, after all, an adult in his way, not a child, and\u2026<\/p>\n

And she was a [Princess]. Lyonette went for the laptop. Which was really a mistake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was blissfully ignorant of the ensuing drama around the laptop for a while. She was concerned with another matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026is there anything to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre gave Erin an innocent look as Xrn left the inn to convey news of great import<\/em> to the Free Hive. And it was a question that stumped Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cChess?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. I don\u2019t really want to play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scrying orb?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know if I need to watch it right now. I get my news from all over. Informant, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014uh\u2014I mean, there\u2019s the weights room, the rec room\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

At this point, Fierre coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything outside<\/em> of the inn, Erin? I\u2019m sort of\u2026I mean, the inn is great<\/em>. But there\u2019s more to do, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

It stumped Erin. The Wandering Inn didn\u2019t have all your needs? How could it not?<\/p>\n

Well, actually, she got it. It was just that the inn had most of what she<\/em> wanted as a homebody. On Earth, she could just play chess all day and not go outside once unless her mother kicked her out. But Fierre? She was more of an outdoors-type\u2026ironic given her skin condition. And Vampire condition.<\/p>\n

And that complicated things. Because Erin had some good ideas if you had to ask her. Not the best\u2014but it was all stuff like\u2014go on that cheese and wine tasting thing in one of the villages with that nice farmer!<\/p>\n

Whoops. Might be a problem depending on whether Ylawes had been here and gotten that well. Ryoka had told Erin about that.<\/p>\n

Public baths? No problem! They were sunlit, beautiful, had running water that might or might not qualify, and you got naked. Probably smiled at people with your teeth.<\/p>\n

Pallass? Er\u2014pass.<\/p>\n

Go shopping? That was so broad and not something Erin actually did, so her mind fizzled out there. Visit a friend? Well, Erin\u2019s friends\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Erin? I can just go into Liscor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. You\u2019re my guest! Are you bored? How long have you been bored?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin flung up her hands. Fierre saw her rush over to Salamani.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a bad host! We\u2019ll\u2014we\u2019ll do something interesting!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, Erin, really! I just wondered if you had any suggestions!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do! Loads! P-Pelt? <\/em>Wait, we can go watch Pelt smith something? Or\u2014or Hedault! Why don\u2019t we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The two [Artisans] paused on their way out. Pelt looked at Erin. Then at Fierre and Salamani.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t let people watch my work. Piss off.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stomped out. Hedault shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have work to do, Miss Solstice. My enterprise is also not catering to voyeurs\u2014Miss Lischelle-Drakle, I will have your order ready with Courier Salamani\u2019s tomorrow\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He stepped out. Erin looked around frantically.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, it\u2019s fine. Really. I\u2019ll go out. Or Salamani\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I have to entertain you\u2026! Just kidding. Okay, fine. Sorry, guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin lowered her arms. She gave up. Fierre smiled\u2014edged back from Erin a bit, and looked at Salamani. He shrugged.<\/p>\n

She was definitely not<\/em> Ryoka. Erin had a flair for the\u2026dramatic. The silly-dramatic, rather. Ryoka got dramatic in a different way. She got anxious, in her head\u2014Erin was fun.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you guys want to go to Pallass, I can try to let you through\u2014but they\u2019re pretty mad so only Saliss can actually go through. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInvrisil will do. Have you ever been, Fierre?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, actually. So there\u2019s plenty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vampire girl grinned. She opened the door to Invrisil as Erin waved them off\u2014just in time to hear a shout. Numbtongue had just put Lyonette in an arm-bar.<\/p>\n

Erin missed the shout because she had closed the door and was sighing. Time to upgrade the inn\u2019s entertainment center! Or see if her mystery opponent was up for something. After the Xrn-incident, she felt like she had time to relax. She wondered if Mrsha was done with the laptop\u2014Erin could go for a movie or music.<\/p>\n

That was Erin\u2019s plan. And it was just as well that they weren\u2019t best laid, because she was interrupted by the door opening.<\/p>\n

Not the magic door. For once, it was the regular door.<\/p>\n

The regular door, the unsung hero, the neglected child compared to the magical door. Downgraded from an entrance to the restroom door\u2014and the occasional and rare visitor on foot. Nevertheless, it opened now and someone stepped through.<\/p>\n

Watch Captain Zevara. Erin turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cZevara?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake halted. She eyed Erin and her set face became resigned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s good I found you here or not. Please don\u2019t make this any harder than it has to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What are you\u2014huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin peered past Zevara. And she saw the Watch Captain wasn\u2019t alone. There was\u2026Embria. Twenty members of 4th<\/sup> Company, Beilmark, Jeiss\u2026five other Senior Guardsman and a lot of regulars.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. I didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin saw the fuzz\u2014on Tkrn\u2019s body and about half the people lined up behind Zevara. The Watch Captain sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. You are not under arrest. However, I would appreciate you stepping aside and not<\/em> doing anything. I am going to arrest two of your guests and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt did nothing wrong! He\u2019s a good guy! It was Saliss who gave the drugs to\u2014you can\u2019t arrest him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin panicked. She thought this was about Saliss yesterday\u2014but Onieva had paid his fine, or so she\u2019d said! Poor Drake, she\u2019d passed out at a table. But Zevara was trying to shush her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice! Would you be quiet? It\u2019s not either of them!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Then wh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] paused. Oh. Oh.<\/em><\/p>\n

Someone\u2014and there was no point naming names\u2014might have shouted about \u2018crooks\u2019 this morning. Loudly. With people\u2014sometimes the Watch, like Relc and Klbkch had been\u2014who stayed at the inn. Erin\u2019s heart sank.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on. You mean\u2026Ratici and Wilovan? But they didn\u2019t do <\/em>anything. I just called them\u2014I mean, they are<\/em>\u2014but you can\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMove in slowly. Miss Solstice!\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara yanked<\/em> Erin outside. She spoke in a quick rush.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not arresting those two because you called <\/em>them crooks. I am arresting them because it has come to my attention they both fit the description of the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings, a well-known Human<\/em> gang in the north.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara gestured and Beilmark put a paw over Erin\u2019s mouth so the Watch Captain could finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that yesterday, <\/em>the Guildmaster of the Jeweler\u2019s Guild was knocked out on his way home and hundreds\u2014possibly over a thousand<\/em> gold pieces\u2019 worth of jewels stolen from the Guild\u2019s vaults where it was being processed! As well as his personal possessions! No one in the Guild saw anything\u2014nor did the Guildmaster, who has protective charms. Two high-level criminals pulled off the heist.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited. Erin made a muffled noise and Beilmark let go, wiping her paw. Erin Solstice looked at Zevara. Then over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Oh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are not going to be thrown in jail just on the basis of that. However, we will question them extensively<\/em> given the ability of criminals to evade spells. If they\u2019re innocent, they only have a brief incarceration to fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara nodded and more [Guards] moved into the inn. Erin looked past Zevara and kicked the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Zevara, they\u2019re my guests. And they\u2019re here to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStow it. Please, Miss Solstice. You can\u2019t harbor criminals. Goblins aside\u2014if<\/em> they committed a crime\u2026I will arrest you if you try to stop us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] hung her head. The Watch Captain looked at her. Then she swept past Erin with a nod. She took her position; the Watch had opened the side doors and were lining the hallways after 4th<\/sup> Company. They were ready to charge as soon as Zevara went in first\u2014she could freeze one of them.<\/p>\n

Erin watched them go. The group was tense\u2014then Zevara kicked the door open.<\/p>\n

\u201cCity Watch! Do not move!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria and 4th<\/sup> Company rushed in after her, ready for a fight. Palt ran for it along with a few individuals of nervous dispositions or guilty consciences. The Centaur vanished into the kitchen as the Watch streamed into the inn from all sides. One group even went via the tower\u2014Bird watched them charge down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. No way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara had not taken chances when she\u2019d heard what level the Gentlemen Callers might<\/em> be. Not only had she mustered the Watch and 4th<\/sup> Company\u2019s best, she had recruited the newest branch of the City Watch.<\/p>\n

Guardsman and [Sergeant] Yellow Splatters led the Worker-Soldier patrol up through the basement. Their newly instituted squad\u2019s first mission was this.<\/p>\n

It was a perfect raid from all sides. It really was. Erin listened to them shouting, the chaos. Then she stared past the place Zevara had been.<\/p>\n

The thing was\u2026Ratici and Wilovan crouched behind an outhouse. She\u2019d seen them\u2014sensed them, rather\u2014as Zevara was talking.<\/p>\n

Two high-level criminals were indeed good. Not enough to take on that<\/em> many [Guards]\u2014or want to do it, but that wasn\u2019t their skillset, was it? They\u2019d sensed<\/em> the Watch coming and made their escape.<\/p>\n

How? Erin could have managed it with her [Garden of Sanctuary], but she had no idea how the two Callers had done it. If she had to guess though\u2014she thought they\u2019d teleported into<\/em> the outhouses and then slipped out stealthily.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweep the upper floors! Watch the windows!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

There were [Guards] on the outside, covering the hill from below. Ratici and Wilovan stared at Erin. She stared back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at her. Faces unreadable. Just\u2014alert. Erin looked over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe door?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecure, Watch Captain!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice from the inside. Zevara was cursing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might have gone through to Invrisil. But I want this inn swept! Damn. Perimeter\u2014check the outhouses! <\/em>Of all the stupid\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A squad of [Guards] rushed outside. Past the [Innkeeper]. They flung open the doors to the outhouses\u2014then thought to circle around. There was an exclamation. Zevara whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She rushed outside, sword drawn. Zevara\u2019s breath was drawn to exhale\u2014she saw a [Guard], shamefaced, shaking his head at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuardsman?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026stepped in some crap, Watch Captain. Nothing here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara saw him wiping at the grass. Someone had been really<\/em> upset while waiting for a turn. Or it was little Ekirra. Again. Zevara looked around. She eyed Erin. The [Innkeeper] hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. Stay there, Miss Solstice. Sweep the inn!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

So they did. The Watch, 4th<\/sup> Company, and the Antinium squad searched the inn from top to bottom, rooms, everywhere\u2014they gave up after fifteen minutes. Either the two were gone to Invrisil already and they\u2019d just been missed\u2014or they were beyond the Watch\u2019s ability to find them.<\/p>\n

Annoyed, Zevara stomped out of the inn. She thanked Erin, briefly. For allowing the Watch to do their jobs. The [Innkeeper] looked down. She murmured something and the Watch left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouncilmember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeiss bared his teeth in a grin as he walked with Zevara. He watched as the Watch Captain kicked down the hill. The Drake rolled his eyes back at the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cA thought occurs we missed a hiding spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe scoured that inn from top to toe. Even the basement, Jeiss. They could have gotten to Invrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. But there\u2019s one place we can\u2019t go, could we? You didn\u2019t ask about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria stared at Zevara\u2019s back. The Watch Captain rubbed at her neck scales.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAnd, Watch Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stomped down the hill. She snapped back at Jeiss.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think it looks good if the Watch finds the criminals and can\u2019t arrest them, Jeiss? Or\u2014if we had to arrest someone, do you want to go down that road?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Councilmember scratched at his helmet. Then he shook his head. He had nothing to say to that. Zevara grumbled as she kicked down the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I have to ask a second time, I\u2019ll arrest her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embria raised her brows. This was unlike Zevara. She heard 4th<\/sup> Company grumbling, wishing they\u2019d missed the scrap. But since the duo matched the identity of the Gentlemen Callers<\/em>, est. Level 40+ [Thug] and [Thief] from their intelligence\u2014she thought that was bravado. It occurred to her, briefly\u2026<\/p>\n

Zevara might not have actually wanted to arrest them that<\/em> badly either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ratici and Wilovan stood together on the street. They looked at each other sidelong and shook their heads. Without a word they began walking. Towards\u2014well, home.<\/p>\n

If home was ever a place, it was a place they knew in any one city. So in that sense, varied, but always home.<\/em> As close as it got for them.<\/p>\n

Invrisil\u2019s streets were bustling. There had been a bit of a hubbub in the inn\u2014not The Wandering Inn, but the Player\u2019s Retreat\u2014but they\u2019d left without getting involved.<\/p>\n

They said nothing. It had been fast. Splendidly done. You had to admire that, so you did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you\u2026?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] trailed off. They looked at her. Faces unreadable. Just\u2014alert. Erin looked over her shoulder.<\/em><\/p>\n

They were prepared to move. Only a few [Guards] on the door to Invrisil. If it was out of mana they ran for it, across the Floodplains or hid. But it depended on her, on what happened next. Wilovan tensed\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

A hole opened up in the side of The Wandering Inn. The two saw green grass beyond. A beautiful place. They stirred.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe door?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

From inside, voices. The two Gentlemen Callers looked at Erin Solstice. They exchanged a glance\u2014the kind they\u2019d shared before countless life-or-death moments. Then they ran.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

—-<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Watch had searched the inn, but obviously, there was one place they could never gain access to. The door had opened after they\u2019d left and the two Gentlemen Callers had walked out. The [Innkeeper] had asked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The look she gave them was pleading. Uncertain. You could see it in her eyes.<\/p>\n

It was just<\/em> a Guildmaster and some money. A mugging of someone who had a lot to lose and wouldn\u2019t miss this much\u2014a former Councilmember of Liscor, at that. That was how you could justify it. If you were going to.<\/p>\n

The truth was\u2026<\/p>\n

It was a safe house that the duo came to. Only, it looked like an ordinary shop, albeit closed, the glass display waiting for some object that the shopkeeper\u2014clearly behind in arrears\u2014had taken down.<\/p>\n

They had a key. One, each. Wilovan unlocked the door, Ratici walked through. They stepped into the shop\u2014<\/p>\n

And there was a second<\/em> door there. Strangely\u2014you\u2019d never see that if you peeked through the glass into the shop.<\/p>\n

Funny thing, glass. You could enchant it to look like all kinds of things. And a low-grade enchantment was harder to notice than something massive.<\/p>\n

The second door looked a lot stronger than the first. It was metal, for one thing, and had a sliding slot. It was not entrusted to a key alone.<\/p>\n

Ratici knocked. No codes, no passphrases. The two waited as someone slid the panel open.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, good evening gentlemen. Terribly sorry to keep you waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, in point of fact, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan tipped his hat up. The figure chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it? Time passes by. One moment\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened. The two walked through, and the [Gatekeeper]\u2014in reality a doorkeeper\u2014shut the door smartly. They stopped in the second waiting room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything I should know about that would be embarrassing or inconvenient to have missed, Callers?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man who walked around them with an amulet, carefully sweeping it from head to toe, was older. But the kind of old that suggested he\u2019d lived through<\/em> everything that had tried to kill him, rather than simply matured. Unlike the Callers, he wore no hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, sir. We did happen to run into a particularly interesting<\/em> person, but Ratici swore we ran afoul of nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll just see, won\u2019t we? Hm. Hm. I\u2019m getting some powerful residue. Stood near a spell, did you? Also, teleportation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA man finds interest in various places, sir. We had to excuse ourselves just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The old [Gatekeeper]\u2019s eyes sharpened. He had a knife. Ratici knew it because he sensed the holder on the old man\u2019s wrist. One knife.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I be expecting company, then, sirs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should think not. But then again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it comes calling, it comes calling. You\u2019re clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two tipped their hats. The [Gatekeeper] settled back; he had a chair here, a lovely padded one, and food, drink\u2014non-alcoholic\u2014and anything he might wish for his duties.<\/p>\n

Beyond that they asked no names and told no stories. He was not<\/em> one of their gang. Rather, you could call the old [Gatekeeper] a hired specialist, on retainer for the fine services he provided. No one got through that door with him about that wasn\u2019t invited.<\/p>\n

Invrisil\u2019s Watch\u2014if they somehow knew about this spot, and if<\/em> they decided it was a really good idea to raid this place? They\u2019d need an army to get past that old man and his knife, let alone break down that door.<\/p>\n

Only when they\u2019d passed through to the next room did the two finally speak. Wilovan adjusted his hat, sat down with a sigh on the nearest chair, and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cA fine mess, Ratici, that\u2019s what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had to abandon the contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake nodded. The two sat for a moment.<\/p>\n

Did you do it?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCallers. Fine day to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone strolled up at once. The two Callers looked up and about. What they saw was a rather large\u2026home.<\/p>\n

Yes, a home. A communal home that varied from city to city, but where fellows of a similar nature gathered. They all had hats, of course. They cooked, cleaned, slept, ate, talked, and returned here. They were a gang\u2014and something akin to a family.<\/p>\n

But no family member would ever come here. And the Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings, for all they made their beds here, would never die<\/em> here. It was always outside. Here was simply safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeor, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man was smartly dressed\u2014you had to be, especially if you were new. Show willingness and all that. He kept his boots shined and polished black, and his vest had not a single thread out of place. For a hat? He\u2019d chosen a triangular one, a tricorne. Not colorful, but a bit avant-garde<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Flashy. But then, Teor was suited to the role. Each Brother had a class, a role, a specialty. Teor\u2019s was to make sure a Brother in trouble got out<\/em> of said trouble. Even if it meant Teor took the heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mister Wilovan, Mister Ratici. Delighted you remember me. But I thought you were\u2014excuse me. I happened to notice you were engaged and I thought you\u2019d be at the job\u2026as it were.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man corrected himself. The two older Callers chuckled. And their conversation attracted a few heads.<\/p>\n

Six more Brothers were in the immediate vicinity. They\u2019d tipped their hats on seeing the Callers, but now two more came over. They listened as Wilovan sighed and took his hat off. In this place, you could, without it meaning more than you wanted to scratch your head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe happened to run into trouble. Nothing that calls for dirtying the vest\u2014but we found ourselves unwelcome.<\/em> Rather a fast turnout and large one, for such a city. Ratici?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrake cities. The Watch Captain must be sharp. Some decent folk in the mix. Rather bothersome if they pressed their objections to you up close.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others nodded. Oho.<\/em> If the Callers said that, they\u2019d keep their noses clean around Liscor. Decent folk? You had to watch out for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do for you, gentlemen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ratici shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need a fine sort to keep posted on our escort. At least one\u2014if it\u2019s not us, Wilovan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake it three.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three?<\/em> But Teor instantly volunteered, as did two more off-duty Brothers. They listened as Ratici filled them in, and Wilovan.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may need to hide the hats<\/em>, gentlemen. I know, I know, but we are under contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could\u2014hire out another group?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. Let\u2019s see how our replacements do. Could be they\u2019ll need to move out swiftly. In which case we\u2019ll make an urgent request between friends to\u2014Wilovan?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll smoothed at his hair, exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomileirr owes us a favor. If need be, we\u2019ll call it in. Hopefully we can put some unobtrusive fellows in the right place. Teor, Crimshaw, loitering. Unobtrusive, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to the last hatted man, who was so unobtrusive that sometimes a weary Brother would get into his bed, thinking it was empty. The man tipped his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you say, Mister Wilovan. Unobtrusive.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three strolled out. And it was done. Wilovan and Ratici relaxed; they could refresh themselves, talk, catch up on a particular sort of gossip, or do what they pleased. They\u2019d upheld their contract. It was just\u2026they exchanged a silent look. The look on Erin Solstice\u2019s face had been familiar, that\u2019s all.<\/p>\n

Disheartening. Just a tiny bit. They sighed, and began to lay plans to carry out their job to the best of their abilities. Even if it didn\u2019t mean them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin waited a bit, after she let them go through. The Gentlemen Callers had stepped through. But they\u2019d not answered her question.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you do it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

And to that\u2014Wilovan had turned. She\u2019d tried to read him, but the Gnoll had just tipped his hat, his face a bit embarrassed. A bit\u2026somber.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it matter, Miss Solstice? Deepest apologies and our gratitude. We won\u2019t forget it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Then they\u2019d left. They hadn\u2019t answered her question. But for that moment, when she\u2019d seen them crouching there, they had looked tense.<\/p>\n

Like a deer in the headlights. Rats with the cat about. Fine fellows. The Honorable Hatmen, she\u2019d called them. But right then and there she\u2019d been reminded what they were.<\/p>\n

Criminals.<\/em> Unlike Goblins, or Antinium. The look they\u2019d shared was guilt. So Erin had wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDarn. And it was my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin drooped. Just cause she had such a big mouth and she\u2019d thought it was funny to\u2026she heard the guests behind her talking in the common room. Erin trudged in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey guys\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw overturned tables, a slightly rattled clientele, and a very<\/em> embarrassed Palt being assailed from all sides.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani was rubbing her side. Palt had galloped into the kitchen and\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cYou idiot.<\/em> First Erin, now Imani! Are you trying<\/em> to kill all of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so sorry\u2014<\/em>it\u2019s instinct! I forgot and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt was so red Erin nearly laughed. Nearly. Bezale was shaking her head in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have hurt her if she\u2019d dropped that hot oil on herself, you idiot. Montressa, get me one of those spare signs. I need to write one. \u2018Caution: Beware of Falling Centaurs\u2019<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were really giving Palt a hard time. The Centaur had shut up, possibly hoping to get it over with. Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry for the mess, guys. It\u2014was about Wilovan and Ratici. My fault, sort of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they stole a bunch of jewels? I\u2019ve never seen the Watch raid something like that before. But then\u2014it\u2019s [Knights] in Terandria, usually. The local guard isn\u2019t so\u2026proactive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa turned. Palt sighed and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid they get out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got to Invrisil, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin avoided the other\u2019s significant looks. Fierre scratched at her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWild. Drakes really do have aggressive Watches. I\u2019ve seen raids, but that was fast<\/em>. Was that an important person who got hit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026yeah. They said the Guildmaster of the Jeweler\u2019s Guild. He got robbed and so did the vault. Without anyone seeing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre misinterpreted Erin\u2019s look as she flicked open her journal.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll ask. Just good to know what the local values are. Hm. Must have been a lot<\/em> if it tempted the Callers. They\u2019re\u2026no, nevermind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at Fierre. But then she went back to the chaos. The Watch hadn\u2019t really overturned tables since they could just check if anyone was hiding beneath\u2014but the inn was a bit messy.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cClean up. Silveran, take the second floor and clear dirt. The rest of you, with me on tables. A\u2026free round.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ishkr, reliable Ishkr, was on the job, though. He looked at Erin for confirmation. She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd like, milk for kids. Sorry, everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust another day at The Wandering Inn! This is what I pay for!\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit shouted good-naturedly from his table. Erin heard laughter\u2014and she saw most of her guests looked far from worried. Rather, they were amused, talking, collecting money\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew this place couldn\u2019t go for a week without something like that involving the Watch. Pay up!\u201d<\/p>\n

An old Gnoll was demanding money from some reluctant bettors. Erin shook her head. Was this what her inn had come to? Entertainment?<\/em><\/p>\n

Speaking of which\u2026she narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s\u2026Ryoka, Mrsha, Lyonette, and Numbtongue? They\u2019re not in the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

She could tell. The others shook their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t they in Invrisil, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Yeah, they were looking for Numbtongue. I wonder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin went back to the door. She peered through.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, is N\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

That was when she heard the commotion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue! I am warning you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette was pretty impressive. Ryoka had no idea why she was angry at her. Or rather\u2014too many ideas sprung to mind. But she could respect the [Princess] on a lot of levels.<\/p>\n

For instance, face-down, in the arm-bar that someone<\/em> had taught Numbtongue\u2014she was still trying to threaten him.<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin had triumphed. Rather easily, too. He was stronger and faster and\u2026Ryoka was hesitating.<\/p>\n

Did she try to get Numbtongue off? She was fairly certain he could kick her ass, especially since he had Skills. Even without, probably. The [Actors] were standing back. And Mrsha\u2014<\/p>\n

She jumped on Numbtongue. He swatted her off. They were fighting.<\/p>\n

He was holding Lyonette down, rather. But this had started over a laptop and now it wasn\u2019t so funny. This had probably been a long time coming. But Ryoka was hesitating, and the Hobgoblin was eying her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue. Will you let go of Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if she bosses me around. I am not a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] grunted. Lyonette struggled\u2014but he had her dead to rights. Mrsha bared her teeth. She opened her mouth and bit<\/em>. She was getting vicious. Numbtongue yanked his free arm out of the way of the teeth. He glared at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka was wavering. She looked from the Gnoll, who was reaching for a wand, to Numbtongue, who was tensed\u2014to the [Actors]. Wesle was hesitating.<\/p>\n

Then someone pushed through the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you guys are. What\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Numbtongue looked up as Mrsha leapt<\/em>, wand flashing. Ryoka grabbed<\/em> Mrsha. She struggled, but then someone had yanked the wand out of Mrsha\u2019s paw.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Stop that! What\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice stood in the doorway. The Hobgoblin and [Princess] stopped fighting. Mrsha stopped thrashing in Ryoka\u2019s arms. Erin stared at the [Bard] holding the [Princess] down.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue\u2014hesitated. Lyonette, red-faced, made a sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2014I\u2019m handling this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue? Ryoka? What\u2019s going on? Is that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin eyed the laptop. She listened as Ryoka gave her an explanation. The City Runner saw the [Innkeeper]\u2019s brows cross.<\/p>\n

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

She looked around. The Hobgoblin gave her a defiant look. He kept his lock on Lyonette. As if to say \u2018what? I\u2019m not doing anything wrong here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Mrsha was spitting, trying to get out of Ryoka\u2019s arms. The [Innkeeper] turned to Mrsha first.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, stop.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Predictably, the white Gnoll girl didn\u2019t. Ryoka had been telling Mrsha that the entire time. She was too angry, and\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha. I said, stop.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll girl\u2014stopped. Ryoka saw her go limp and, panting, look at Erin. The [Innkeeper] stared at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t attack Numbtongue. Let me talk. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha hesitated. Then she slowly nodded. Erin looked at Ryoka. The City Runner slowly put Mrsha down.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue. What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin walked over to Numbtongue. Lyonette had stopped fighting. But the Hobgoblin refused to let her go. He gave Erin a look mixed with various emotions. Guilt and defiance and a bit of embarrassment. Or was it shame? Maviola would have known\u2014she hadn\u2019t been around today.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot being bossed around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. So you put Lyonette in an arm-thingy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Arm bar\u2014<\/em>Ryoka nearly said it and decided they didn\u2019t need corrections. The Hobgoblin tried to shrug in his position on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe attacked me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re defending yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Mhm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the lap\u2014the artifact, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes. But I\u2019m not a child. I do what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared down at the Hobgoblin until he fidgeted. There was a lot you could say here. Ryoka had been searching for the right words.<\/p>\n

Yes, Numbtongue was like an older sibling, but Lyonette shouldn\u2019t treat him like a child. The entire fight being over the laptop was stupid to begin with. Mrsha had been bratty, but Numbtongue <\/em>really shouldn\u2019t have taken the laptop out of the inn, especially to Invrisil! For that matter, the Goblin and [Princess] had really escalated when they didn\u2019t need to and why does Lyonette hate my guts?<\/em><\/p>\n

But she hadn\u2019t said all of that. A calm, rational explanation didn\u2019t actually work. This was all about little grievances, heated emotions\u2014how would Erin fix that? She had no aura here\u2014or if she did, it was far weaker. She couldn\u2019t make<\/em> Numbtongue let go.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue. You\u2019re a big Hobgoblin, not a kid. That\u2019s true. And Lyonette shouldn\u2019t boss you around and you absolutely get to do what you think\u2019s right. That\u2019s all true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin squatted down with a sigh. The Hobgoblin half-nodded, but he was waiting. The [Innkeeper] stared at him, right in the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just have one question. Are you defending yourself? Or bullying?\u201d<\/p>\n

As questions went\u2014that was probably above<\/em> one of Lyonette\u2019s word-shanks. The Hobgoblin blinked at Erin\u2014then he released Lyonette. She rolled away at once and Mrsha rushed over to her, checking to make sure she was alright.<\/p>\n

Bully.<\/p>\n

The word sounded so odd, especially applied to a Goblin. Erin knew where to poke him, though. The Hobgoblin stared down at the laptop and his video game. And as these things happened\u2014it suddenly felt very petty. Was it important? Yes,<\/em> in many ways. Competitively, having fun, and so on.<\/p>\n

Was it worth putting Lyonette into an arm bar, causing this fuss, and\u2026the Hobgoblin looked around. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay, Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Erin. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you not say what you\u2019re going to say, Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] silenced her. She looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a mess. Sorry, guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing, Erin. Honestly, we were surprised when Numbtongue came in\u2014but he\u2019s welcome to. Er\u2026sorry we didn\u2019t help out. Not sure exactly what it was about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kilkran was a bit red in the face. Ryoka realized the [Actors] were all here\u2014well, a lot of the cast\u2014and grabbed the laptop and shut it fast. She hurried it into the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything okay, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner growled. She had to pay silver both ways<\/em>! Even just to put the laptop in! Damn Magnolia\u2019s rule\u2014she looked up as Fierre peered into the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Just a little fight over something stupid. Lyonette and Numbtongue got into it. Hey, Troy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014I didn\u2019t do it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up. Here, put this away.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tossed the laptop at the young man. Troy caught it and nodded, backing up fast. When Ryoka returned to Invrisil\u2019s side of the door, she saw they\u2019d migrated to the common room.<\/p>\n

Now tempers were cooling, both Lyonette and Numbtongue were ashamed. And Mrsha too. Of course\u2014they processed it differently. The Hobgoblin was very<\/em> embarrassed\u2014especially since it had been his fictitious game that had started all this. Even going as far as hurting Lyonette and Mrsha, who\u2019d been attacking him after he hurt her mother.<\/p>\n

Mrsha had tried to punch and kick Numbtongue, who was her favorite Goblin! And\u2026she might have started all this.<\/p>\n

Shame to go around. Except maybe Lyonette. She was still just mad. The look she was giving Numbtongue was incendiary.<\/p>\n

Erin looked a bit exasperated. But she\u2019d been a far more effective voice of reason than Ryoka. The City Runner felt a bit useless as she sidled into the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No one\u2019s right. We\u2019ll have a family meeting about it, okay? Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

All sides were nodding. A family meeting later, to discuss the first actual fight between them. Someone would also probably have to tell Bird why everyone was upset.<\/p>\n

It was funny\u2014from the outside\u2014childish, concerning, and more. But it was small drama even so. Erin breathed out. Not exactly like Xrn or the Callers.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. Again, Emme. Jasi. I know you\u2019re busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, Erin. Little fights? I remember nearly biting<\/em> Grev when he stole my favorite cutting knife. We fought about that for a month.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Jasi laughed. Grev, who had been watching with his feet up on a table, called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe smacked me silly twice! Didn\u2019t stop me from keeping it. A fellow needs to protect himself on the street!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never even poked anyone with it, just waved it around!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lead Actress] snapped back. The others laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Numbtongue. You came here, though? I thought it would be the Strongheart\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at Numbtongue. The [Bard] was still red in the cheeks. Wesle came to his rescue, laughing with practiced naturality.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue\u2019s been coming here more and more. We promised to host him at a restaurant with his disguise\u2014salt birds, right? And he\u2019s welcome to it. I keep telling you, Erin\u2026you don\u2019t take any of our favors!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need all the stuff you want! And that goose was great, Kilkran, but who eats salt-baked birds all the time? Besides Bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice, you wound us! I\u2019d take you to any restaurant in the city! Any attraction! Gelato? The menager\u2014er, wondrous shows, our plays\u2014<\/em>which you\u2019ve refused to watch in their proper setting! But you refuse each time! It\u2019s enough to break a man\u2019s heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kilkran pretended to swoon backwards into two [Actor]\u2019s arms. Pralcem instantly dropped his side of the huge man. Amid the swearing and laughter, Erin chuckled along.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I know, but I\u2019m a homebody. I will<\/em> visit the booth! Promise! I do wish I\u2019d gone to the restaurant\u2014another time, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat restaurant? What booth?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka hadn\u2019t heard of this. There was so much to catch up on\u2014and the Players, love em, but\u2014they weren\u2019t exactly highest on the list. Erin tried to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, they have that booth named after me, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but the restaurant?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Djinni\u2019s Spoon?<\/em> Ryoka, after hearing the name, instantly wanted to go. And she was amazed Erin hadn\u2019t gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just\u2014it\u2019s fancy, I\u2019m running the inn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re too busy to go to a play?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin flapped a hand as the others jeered good-naturedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka! Whose side are you on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot the side that stays in your inn when friends want to take you on a night in Invrisil. Erin, have you ever actually toured<\/em> this city?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Well\u2014about that\u2014in my defense\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice, you have<\/em> to let us show you around sometime! Just promise!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin threw up her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine! Fine, I\u2019ll let you host me sometime. And go to the booth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You have a booth and free tickets to the Players of Celum\u2019s performances any time you want? Do you know how much a standard groundling-class ticket costs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin jumped.<\/em> Fierre was standing behind her, jaw agape until she covered her pointed teeth. The [Innkeeper] turned.<\/p>\n

Salamani, Fierre, and a number of other guests from the inn had followed her into the Player\u2019s Retreat, having heard the commotion. Kevin, Rose, Montressa, Selys\u2014even Joseph and Palt and Imani! They were all queued up.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe wanted to see what the fuss was about. I came because I heard Numbtongue was beating Lyonette into a pulp. What\u2019s this about Erin\u2019s booth? Is she selling it to more Couriers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin volunteered cheerfully. Erin put her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor your information\u2014Octavia?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m being sociable. Hi, Ryoka. What happened to Numbtongue?\u201d<\/p>\n

Octavia rubbed at her eyes and yawned. She and Joseph were in the \u2018I wake up when I wake up\u2019 camp of The Wandering Inn, and so had just emerged for breakfast. The others listened and laughed at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t like leaving her inn. It\u2019s as bad as getting Selys to visit Pallass\u2014which incidentally, she loved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa teased the Drake. Selys looked embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to say it, Erin. But the Players have been begging to get you to watch a play. Why don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen their plays! Love \u2018em, but I have<\/em> watched them put on every performance\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile running your inn! In a lovely theatre\u2014but not our dedicated stage<\/em> where we have makeup and we\u2019re at our best! We\u2019re putting on Elisial <\/em>tonight, Miss Solstice. Tell you what. Come watch us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno\u2026do you actually have a booth for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Players looked at each other with frank disbelief. Did they have a booth? Was all of Invrisil not talking about the booth which could never be rented<\/em>, even by the nobility? No matter how much you\u2014<\/p>\n

Erin didn\u2019t know. She honestly didn\u2019t. She bit her lips, she listened to them trying to persuade her\u2014Ryoka felt moved to intervene.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t go, can you at least let us<\/em> go? I\u2019d love to see a play, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure. Why not? If that\u2019s okay, guys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a friend of Erin Solstice? Of course!<\/em> We were going to get Numbtongue in the booth first\u2014and wouldn\u2019t that cause a scene? The masked figure in the balcony? Rather like the Phantom fellow from that play Galina is having us adapt\u2014Wesle, my role, incidentally. I\u2019ve claimed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to the singing, Kilkran.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesle rolled his eyes. Fierre glanced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait. Could I<\/em> come with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was my thinking. What about it, Salamani?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Courier\u2019s eyes lit up.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em> I was trying to get tickets, but I\u2019m on reserve for another month!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t seen our plays? You\u2019re a Courier, aren\u2019t you, Mister Salamani? The Solstice Booth\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked at Fierre and Salamani. She snapped her fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to watch plays? But you said you were okay with the inn, Fierre!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s the ones in Invrisil\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vampire girl tried to justify it. Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure! Of course! Please let Ryoka and Fierre and Salamani watch, guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Hey Erin. Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone tapped the [Innkeeper] on the shoulder. Erin turned. Imani whispered urgently into her ear. The [Innkeeper] frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, you too?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Kevin, Rose, Joseph\u2014even Troy and Leon peered through the door. Imani nodded; Galina was obviously still in the inn with Temile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve never actually toured Invrisil. And I really want to see the Players in the theater.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we see them in the inn every night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin wasn\u2019t getting it. Wesle shook his head, looking amused and exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, all deference to Temile aside, there\u2019s a huge<\/em> difference between the inn\u2019s stage and ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike TV versus the real thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka muttered in the young woman\u2019s ear. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sure! They\u2019re all friends. Can the booth\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t even seen it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Actors] roared at Erin. She jumped. What did she think a booth was<\/em>, standing-room for two people only? And then Palt sidled over.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2014I have a huge favor to ask. Personally\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned. Then the [Innkeeper]\u2019s eyes narrowed. Selys, Montressa, Bezale, they were all lined up behind Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You guys too?\u201d<\/p>\n

They nodded eagerly. Erin looked around. Lyonette had Mrsha in her arms. Numbtongue was standing awkwardly apart from her, but both were looking her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been meaning to, Erin. And Mrsha wants to\u2026we might not all fit, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, we\u2019ll kick out another booth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emme interrupted them. She looked around, counting heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo booths is more than enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, whoa, whoa. Kick someone out? That\u2019s not good. We can split it up\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. We\u2019ll give them better seats or refund them. But you have to come, too. We\u2019ve been waiting to do this for ages.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Jasi interrupted her. The [Actress] looked around, a gleam in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what. If you all want to watch tonight\u2014convince Erin to let us take her out<\/em> to Invrisil. And we\u2019ll get you two the best seats and take you with us. That\u2019s restaurant, attractions\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

All heads turned to Erin. The [Innkeeper] raised her hands, a hesitant grin on her face.<\/p>\n

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

Ryoka was looking at her. She wanted this. This sounded\u2026great. The [Innkeeper] looked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on. I don\u2019t want to be a bother, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t get tickets if we don\u2019t get you, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani pointed out. The [Innkeeper] hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut restaurants? Okay, I\u2019ll go to the booth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a five-star restaurant? Are you mad? Or high? <\/em>Did Saliss get to you, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose stared. Montressa and Bezale blushed. Erin hesitated. Ryoka peered at her. This was beyond mere reluctance. Erin spread her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook guys, I\u2019m flattered. But there are like\u2014a dozen of us here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s friends, the Earthers, her family, the [Mages]\u2026Erin gestured around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s way too much. I didn\u2019t want to make the Players spend money on me! A fancy restaurant? Attractions? We can\u2019t just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. Are you crazy? Hang the expense!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesle seized her. That<\/em> was why she\u2019d refused? Jasi grabbed her other arm. The [Innkeeper] started, but Mrsha propped up her legs with a grunt. The Players of Celum clustered around as Kevin ran to get Galina. Erin struggled, but Ryoka was grinning and the [Innkeeper] was the only one against the flow.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet go, guys! Guys? Okay, I\u2019ll go! But casually! We can like, go window shopping. We don\u2019t need to pay for a huge restaurant. That\u2019s expensive! I\u2019ve never been to a fancy place, even back\u2014let\u2019s not make a big deal about it. Guys? Guys?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, for an [Innkeeper]\u2019s reluctance! For modesty, for misapprehensions. She\u2019d delayed and refused. But it was long overdue. So long in fact\u2014that the moment had been building. The Players abandoned their rehearsals. Erin\u2019s friends, new and old, clustered around.<\/p>\n

Casually? The Players of Celum swept out of the inn, carrying the protesting [Innkeeper] with them. They were going to turn the damn city upside down for her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Erin Solstice had a flaw, it was that she was reluctant to spend her energy\u2026on herself. She had, on numerous occasions, started the equivalent of riots. Brought a parade into Liscor, mobilized aid for Esthelm.<\/p>\n

And she was willing to do all of that. Just not for Erin Solstice. It never occurred to her that one of the people\u2014many of the people who she\u2019d helped so much\u2014would want to do the same for her.<\/p>\n

Or that they might be better than her at it. It was her fault, really. A month or two ago, when the Players of Celum were still newer to Invrisil, Erin might have been able to insist on them having some restraint.<\/p>\n

But they were the<\/em> thing within Invrisil. And another fault of Erin\u2019s\u2014or a misconception.<\/p>\n

They meant every word.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Wandering Inn, tomorrow. Yes\u2026your best inventory, please. I will see you there exactly at\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault the [Enchanter] was speaking to a [Merchant] who had put everything aside to hear the [Enchanter]\u2019s request. One did not ignore Hedault when he offered you the opportunity to sell something. The [Artifact Merchant] was nodding eagerly. He\u2019d heard of the inn. Hedault was writing down the appointment\u2014and blocking off a lot of his precious time for his clients\u2014when he heard the noise.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the Players of Celum! All<\/em> of them! It\u2019s like a parade!\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone shouted. Instantly, heads turned. Fans, admirers, and those attracted to the attention drifted down the street. Hedault himself did not. He tried to get the [Merchant]\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe time will be\u2014Merchant\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Players?\u201d<\/p>\n

Then the noise overwhelmed his voice. Hedault turned. The Players of Celum? He\u2019d heard of them\u2014had never attended their plays\u2014and he was vaguely aware that the stars of the Players could generate inconvenient crowds wherever they went without bodyguards. But what was the fuss?<\/em> The [Enchanter]\u2019s brows snapped together. Then\u2014<\/p>\n

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

Hedault removed his spectacles. He wiped them, fastidiously cleaning them with a cloth. They were enchanted not to get dirty, but it was a habit. He put them back on.<\/p>\n

Nope. It still looked like a parade. Hedault stared as the first carriage rolled past. The [Actors] were clinging to it, walking along. And there came performers, tumblers, putting on a performance\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve hired half of Invrisil\u2019s performers! They\u2019re saying someone\u2019s going to be in the Solstice Booth<\/em> tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Solstice\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault\u2019s head turned slightly. It couldn\u2019t be. Then he focused on a familiar voice. He saw an arguing Dwarf striding along, pointing up ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! A performance! Line walking, lights\u2014her best routine! We\u2019ll pay<\/em> for it! And can we get a reservation at the Djinni\u2019s Spoon?<\/em> Or the best restaurant you can think for\u2026let\u2019s see, can we rent it? We\u2019ll trade premium tickets for the plays of your choice! We\u2019ve got guests!<\/em> Eltistiman, what\u2019s the news?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBarelle the [Bard] has agreed to perform for the restaurant. Is the [Tumbler] going to do her performance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust up ahead! Damn, we\u2019ll never be able to go shopping! Kilkran! Andel! Stop encouraging them! <\/em>Get all the [Bodyguards] out!\u201d<\/p>\n

A line of people were preventing the crowd from stopping the [Players] as they ground traffic to a standstill. Jasi, Wesle, Kilkran, they were bad enough in small groups. But this was all<\/em> of them.<\/p>\n

Andel was standing on top of one of the carriages, signing autographs and hurling them into the crowd with Kilkran. People were fighting<\/em> over them.<\/p>\n

And at the center of it, shell-shocked or hugely entertained\u2014or waving\u2014were the guests.<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin, sitting next to Fierre, who was open-mouthed with delight. Palt, trotting along and waving. Montressa and Bezale, staring about in delight. Kevin, Joseph, Leon, Troy, Galina, Imani, and Rose, some furtively recording the scene with their smartphones.<\/p>\n

Mrsha bouncing on Lyonette\u2019s lap as she stared at the colorful Humans all dressed up, cartwheeling and flipping past the slow moving carriage, providing entertainment enroute. Numbtongue in his costume, looking around just as excitedly. Lyonette sat like a\u2026[Princess], dignified, but with a flush of excitement in her cheeks.<\/p>\n

Selys looked astounded. Salamani was enjoying himself. And there were a few hangers-on who\u2019d begged an invitation and got it. Krshia, who\u2019d run<\/em> up from Liscor dragging Elirr, Hexel, and Octavia, a Human that Hedault didn\u2019t recognize from the inn, Drassi, Menolit<\/em>\u2026<\/p>\n

Some odd representatives there. They\u2019d begged favors, snuck into the event, all on the name of one person at the center of it. Jasi was waving and trying to speak as, on the other side, Wesle blew a kiss and winked. Hedault stared at Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n

Then at the scene. The street was a rush of noise and lights and attention as the procession made its way forwards. Emme was speaking with dozens of people at once. Restaurant? They were fighting<\/em> for the honor\u2014and the publicity! Shows? The group would have to split up, if only because no one could move with all the Players in force, but they\u2019d be entertained until Elisial<\/em> began! And their guest of honor and her friends\u2014people were already pointing.<\/p>\n

The Solstice Booth.<\/em> It wasn\u2019t a hard connection to make. Hedault had made it in less than a second when he\u2019d heard of it. But at last\u2014you had to ask who<\/em> that was that the Players were fawning over.<\/p>\n

The inevitable was happening. Erin Solstice was the center of tens of thousands of eyes. Visiting nobles who had their reservations at the Djinni\u2019s Spoon<\/em> cancelled, Lady Ieka\u2019s coach, which had to stop for the VIP\u2019s\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behold. Look, and see the person we owe it all to. Our great friend. Chellise, one of the [Actors], jogged up to Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere! Go ahead and shoot them off!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha took the wand and waved it. The Gnoll saw a glowing will-o-wisp fly upwards. It spun in a crazy pattern into the sky and exploded. Her eyes went round with delight. Numbtongue grabbed one, and more lights illuminated the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold that pose, Miss! For the Player\u2019s friends!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A [Speed Painter] was desperately capturing Galina on canvas. More entertainers hurried forwards, all too willing to accept the gold the Players were practically throwing away. If you had the gold and clout Invrisil would light up for you.<\/p>\n

The only people not here who could have been were those like Olesm and Maviola, Ishkr\u2014who was on inn-duty, having volunteered for it, Bird, who just wanted leftovers\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThere they are! Dead gods! Erin! Erin! Let us come, please? We ran as fast as we could when Selys sent us\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

People shouted and pointed, thinking more entertainers were on the way. The [Bodyguards] keeping the crowds back turned to this new threat\u2014and backed up apprehensively. To their relief, the Players recognized the new group and waved them on.<\/p>\n

Maughin, Jelaqua, Moore, Seborn, Ulinde, all squeezed<\/em> into the procession. Anyone who knew Erin Solstice was being let through.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoops! Excuse me, Miss. Are you with the inn\u2019s guests?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Guard] let a creeping Gnoll come through behind the Halfseekers. Liska hesitated and checked her apron. It had the inn written on it. How handy!<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Yes, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight this way, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ishkr would kill her later. The Gnoll happily swung herself up into one of the open wagons an [Actor] had commandeered. She saw vendors handing out food to anyone who wanted it and waved.<\/p>\n

And all of it, all of it was for Erin Solstice. Hedault gave up trying to get the [Merchant]\u2019s attention. He wrote a note, attached it to the man\u2019s shoulder with some magic, and looked around for an escape route. He<\/em> had to get those artifacts appraised and evaluate their cost. No time for him to join the chaos.<\/p>\n

Besides which\u2014he looked back. There she was. So many eyes on her as Jasi pointed to say \u2018this is my friend!\u2019 And Wesle stood up to shout for them to hurry up<\/em> and clear the roads up ahead.<\/p>\n

Hedault was no expert on interpersonal communications. He was, by his admission, not<\/em> a people person. But still\u2014he was fairly certain as he stared at Erin Solstice\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Hellish.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Enchanter] looked at the [Innkeeper]. Then he shook his head and walked away. And the procession, the attention?<\/p>\n

Well, for the [Innkeeper] it only got worse from there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picture the scene. No\u2014this was the scene. One of many.<\/p>\n

After the procession, which had involved a woman cartwheeling across a rope<\/em> across two buildings above the [Actors], and an [Illumination Mage]\u2019s magical lightshow\u2014and Mrsha shooting her illusionary lights nonstop, they\u2019d reached the restaurant.<\/p>\n

The Players had to eat for the night\u2019s performance to digest in time. But it was going to be nonstop courses, so that was food and entertainment until then! And if they couldn\u2019t roam the city because of the crowds outside the Djinni\u2019s Spoon<\/em>, well then, they\u2019d damn well bring the city to them!<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, can you do one of all seven of us? Imani, Imani come over here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the higher-level [Artists] was doing a portrait of Kevin and the other Earthers as they posed together. They had to grab Joseph, who kept up his conversation with one of the staff, who was hanging on his every word.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s easy. Anyone can make a football\u2014I\u2019ll show you. I have one in my bag of holding, I think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They passed by a Gnoll, who was staring at a floating treat with Jelaqua, Ulinde, and Salamani.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, it\u2019s made of a sugar and lighter-than-air materials. Go ahead and have some. And our next course\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

A floating candy passed by another group listening to the manager. Fierre snagged it and broke it in half. She passed one to Ryoka as the man talked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe history of the Djinni\u2019s Spoon<\/em> actually contains two<\/em> Djinni. I have their names and dates of purchase right here. As well as their natures\u2014<\/em>they\u2019re not all the same. Let\u2019s begin with the first one\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka saw Fierre chewing as she tried to take notes. Maughin was listening as well with his head; his body was keeping Jelaqua company. She glanced over and Montressa was trying to shout-communicate with Eltistiman.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what I\u2019m saying! There\u2019s potential in Liscor to\u2014<\/em>do you mind me casting a localized [Hush] spell? Look, I know you\u2019re with the Players, but the opportunities here\u2014you\u2019re not from Wistram, that\u2019s fine. It doesn\u2019t matter. We want to operate our own<\/em> network and you\u2019re\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Their voices faded out as a bubble of calm emerged around them. That was inconvenient for the Hobgoblin, who was trying to shove food under his helmet. He moved over from his table to the [Actor]\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Going to write a new play. But I\u2019m always running into roadblocks. This Phantom<\/em> story\u2014I had one just like it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Andel was complaining loudly. Numbtongue nodded as Lyonette, Kilkran, and Menolit all joined the writer-actor conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always someone who\u2019s done the same thing before you. You just have to make it your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Veteran] opined sagely. Andel nodded and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the Phantom is so polished.<\/em> I was thinking for my next piece something at sea\u2014or based in Chandrar? How do you know Erin Solstice, by the way? I\u2019m sorry, we haven\u2019t met\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The group ducked<\/em> as a flashing object nearly hit all of them and bounced off the table. Numbtongue caught it, threw it back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry!\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt called out. He handed the ball back, shamefaced, to the [Juggler]. The half-Elf grinned and showed Palt what he\u2019d done wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re fairly good at this. The trick to the triple loop is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt! Stop interrupting the show!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezale roared. She and Seborn and Wailant and Viceria were drinking. Just drinking. Bring more, and bring it faster with something good to eat!<\/p>\n

And that was just one moment. Mrsha leapt off the table and raced over to stare open-mouthed at the illusionary war<\/em> that two entertainers were conjuring with artifacts and spells. They were taking requests from Pralcem and some of the [Actors]\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThrow a Cyclops in there! Make them fight the [Knights]! Go for it!\u201d<\/p>\n

A miniature monster roared across the battlefield and charged towards a group of armored figures. Mrsha stared, goggle-eyed, and then one of the entertainers asked what she wanted! She began to write furiously.<\/p>\n

What spectacle. What delight! Erin Solstice saw little of it. It was a blur to her; she had the impression of Wesle and Jasi tugging her about. It was when she saw the restroom\u2014handy plumbing and actual bathrooms, a luxury\u2014that she rushed in.<\/p>\n

There she threw up. Well\u2014nearly. Her stomach heaved, but not everything went out. Even so\u2014Erin spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She clutched at her stomach. It was roiling. <\/em>She\u2019d never felt like that. Even Xrn\u2019s teleportation hadn\u2019t done that. But this\u2014she was breathing too fast. Her heart was pounding out of her chest\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cErin? You okay in there? You\u2019re going to miss the first course! I told you we shouldn\u2019t have given her all those candies, Grev. That and the carriage ride\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Jasi knocked on the door. Erin started.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019ve been in there ten minutes! You okay? We have potions if you\u2019re feeling sick!\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d been in here a minute! Seconds! Erin started.<\/p>\n

\u201cC-coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

She wandered back out and was lost again. It was\u2026far too much.<\/p>\n

Everyone else was enjoying themselves to some degree. Even those who weren\u2019t largely social\u2014Ryoka included\u2014could find something here. She had been sticking with Fierre anyways. The two had fun together<\/em>, which was the point.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh wow. Blood pudding.<\/em> Ryoka, I have to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

But Fierre did lose Ryoka at some points. The Djinni\u2019s Spoon<\/em> had tossed out every dish it had, and Fierre attacked the almost-untouched dish. Ryoka abstained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is insane.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She thought she\u2019d been to events back on Earth\u2014and she had now and then. But the Players were properly rich and well-connected. Ryoka looked around for Erin. She saw Mrsha and Selys hurrying over, pursued by Lyonette.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine<\/em>, Lyonette. It washes out! Let\u2019s dye a pattern, Mrsha! You too, Lyonette!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka saw them hurrying over to a [Magical Tattooist], who was doing temporary work on more than just skin. The Players had brought in so many entertainers! She saw the guests availing them nonstop of the services. No one was demanding a price; they\u2019d get it from Emme.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this is me? How wonderful. Is this how I look? I see. I see. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin\u2026stopped. She turned her head slowly.<\/p>\n

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

Someone was inspecting a miniature sculpture of herself, made out of wood. The [Carver] had even given it color. It was striking. Olive\u2014skin, not olives, although Maughin was filling his plate with them for some reason\u2014tone, delicate features.<\/p>\n

Vibrant, just, beautiful<\/em> hair. Blue hair. Well, not blue\u2026azure<\/em> was a better color. And that voice.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin turned and saw a Human woman tucking the sculpture away. She turned. And her eyes were only one color\u2014a pale pink. She stared at Ryoka as she lifted the glass to her lips.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cX\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Human woman smiled at her. Ryoka stared. She was here? <\/em>Xrn tilted her head, just like she would have as an Antinium.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is the hair, isn\u2019t it? No one else noticed, however.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow? You can shapeshift? <\/em>Is it an illusion or\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Small Queen smiled. It was an unfamiliar expression on her face, as if she didn\u2019t know how to make all the muscles work.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it so surprising? I am a magic-user. Of course I can hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know\u2014I\u2019ve never heard of you doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. If you did, everyone would always be so careful. This is good food. Would you like a shrimp? I did not think Humans ate bugs. But I am much entertained. I will take some food back for the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked around. But Xrn\u2019s comments were lost in the chaos. Kevin, Leon, and Troy were staring<\/em> at a contortionist\u2014a Naga. Which was either cheating or brilliant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is insane. Do you do this often? The Walled Cities?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it is not insane. Sometimes, and not in the Walled Cities. It is too dangerous if I were found out. But Invrisil is fine. At least, with a magic door so close by.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn took a swallow of food and bit the shrimp\u2019s head off. Ryoka watched her crunch happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow? Is this your magic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Why are you so surprised at what I can do, Ryoka? I told you. I am a [Thaumaturge].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how you can do so much. None of the other Wistram [Mages] can do what you can. It\u2019s like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Teriarch\u2019s magic. <\/em>Ryoka bit her lip on that. Xrn\u2019s eyes twinkled. They changed color to bright gold. She answered as she found a tray of some kind of delicate sugar glass spiders\u2026which were walking about. Only Jelaqua and a few others like Numbtongue had tried them. Xrn began shoving them into a bag of holding without a moment\u2019s hesitation. She answered Ryoka as one of the [Waiters] stared at her, then hurried into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not cast magic the same way as [Mages]. Because my method and understanding is like red and blue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not night and day or some other analogy? <\/em>Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome similarities?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn twinkled at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Magic is not like how they understand it for me. Because I am different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium sighed. She pointed upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think I see,<\/em> Ryoka Griffin? I see how magic flows. I see how to use it. I see what other [Mages] have yet to learn. Ooh. What is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at one of the salt-geese and hurried over. Ryoka pursued.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that doesn\u2019t explain\u2014you can cast any spell you want to, or so it seems. How do you just make<\/em> spells?\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn considered that as she nibbled on some salt. She gestured with her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it is the misconception of magic of other spellcasters in how they use it. For them, spells are boxes you fill with the right things. You can adjust the box. But boxes they remain. I treat magic how I please. If I need a box\u2014I make a box. This should not surprise you, though. You <\/em>use wind magic like I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Ryoka. The Wind Runner blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you do. Or rather\u2026the wind moves because of you. Interesting, interesting. I did not notice that. You\u2019re not doing it. Magic shapes itself because you are there. Interesting.<\/em> I have seen that before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn peered at Ryoka. Then lost interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlas. If only you were Antinium. If only Antinium could cast magic. I would have made an army of spellcasters. Regular Antinium have no\u2026storage for mana. We are not made like you or animals. We possess nothing to shape the world. Even the First Queen did not know what she made; I was an experiment, the Centenium made to harness magic. Few others were ever made like me. Now, I am alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood there. And her Human features betrayed what Ryoka hadn\u2019t spotted on her Antinium ones. Melancholy. Xrn smiled after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps that too can change. But even an Individual cannot form a mana center\u2026unless it can? Do something.\u201d<\/p>\n

She poked Ryoka in the chest. Ryoka stared at Xrn. Same Antinium, different body. She had\u2026an answer. Ryoka took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever fed an Antinium a diet of mana potions regularly? In increasing amounts? I\u2019m told that other people do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn stopped crunching sugar glass spiders. Her eyes focused on Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow fascinating.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka wondered what she\u2019d just done. Or if that was nothing. But someone clapping her hands loudly from the stage at the front of the room made everyone look up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAttention! <\/em>Everyone shut up for a moment! That means you, Kilkran!\u201d<\/p>\n

The hubbub died down. Emme pointed to the figure on stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI present: Barelle the [Bard]! Who has graciously agreed to give us a performance! He will be putting on Ten Comedies of Terandria<\/em>, his own work!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and Gentlemen. And [Actors] too.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Barelle the [Bard] spoke and Ryoka felt a tingle run down her spine. Now there<\/em> was a voice.<\/p>\n

It was true that the Players had upstaged Invrisil\u2019s entertainment scene with their newfangled plays.<\/em> But Invrisil had always been the place where high-level entertainers came. Like other major cities of Izril, it was a tourism hub.<\/p>\n

The City of Adventurers was more renowned for its high adventurer population and thus shops and services than, say, First Landing or Zeres, trading ports or ancient capitals of Drake and Human might. But it still attracted the rich and powerful from far and wide.<\/p>\n

Both as guests of the city and performers. Barelle the [Bard] was one such. He got a laugh from the Players for his copy of how they addressed their audience. And he had a lyre.<\/p>\n

He strummed it now and Numbtongue looked up. But like everything of this world\u2014magic added a second element.<\/p>\n

Barelle\u2019s lyre was a modification of the standard, seven-stringed lyre. And while Numbtongue might have vouched that his guitar was an advancement of one of the older instruments\u2014they both had the same origin in how they were made.<\/p>\n

Yet Barelle\u2019s lyre had fourteen strings. <\/em>Seven were the regular ones, delicately strung, possibly Pegasus hair or some perfect material along the work of art that was his lyre. But seven more lay behind the ordinary seven.<\/p>\n

Each one was a different color. Each one glowed. And when Barelle plucked the one shining like ivory, the sound it made\u2014<\/p>\n

Silence. Mrsha, trying to punch more room into her tummy, looked up. Numbtongue stared<\/em>. The [Actors], guests, all listened.<\/p>\n

That sound\u2014was not normal. It had no chord Ryoka could place. It was eerie, higher-pitched. But Barelle played\u2014one ivory note, five mortal chords.<\/p>\n

And he had his audience spellbound.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my honor to perform for fellow tellers of stories today. I am looking forwards to your performance of Elisial<\/em> tonight\u2014and I will do my best to entertain you now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] announced with a smile. He plucked another string, this one bright green, and the air came to life. It was the sound of spring. Ryoka had to know what the lyre was. Would the fae\u2014? Surely they would love it. This was a storyteller to tell stories worthy of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cEat, speak, dine, and of course, enjoy. I only ask that you give me time to perform without having to compete.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone nodded at that. Barelle went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a [Fartraveller Bard], a [Bard of Stories]. I have been both. I have seen<\/em> terrible tragedies, walked through war, and spoken with those who fought against legends, both monsters and men like the King of Destruction. I have performed for [Kings] and [Beggars] and been humbled by both former and latter. Tonight though, I think we have no time for such stories. Nor shall I compete with Elisial!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo right, because you\u2019d lose!\u201d<\/p>\n

Andel spoke up. There was a laugh; Ryoka felt like kicking the [Writer]. But Barelle chuckled along.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all tell stories. So today, while you sup, I shall relate ten comedies of Terandria. Fools and fantasy all!\u201d<\/p>\n

He plucked at a third magical chord. This one was bright, like a yellow canary\u2019s feather. And when it hummed\u2014it sounded like the very essence of laughter. More followed, provoked by the sound itself.<\/p>\n

Now this <\/em>was entertainment! Two thirds of the room immediately drifted over. Including Xrn. She looked back at Ryoka and nodded to Barelle as if to say\u2014\u2018see? This is what I meant.\u2019<\/p>\n

This is magic too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ryoka got it. Barelle looked across the room. He smiled\u2014<\/p>\n

And made his first mistake. Not that he could have known.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut first, an ode. I was asked to make a brief sonnet, some poor verse to honor the guest of the hour! A young woman who\u2014as I understand it\u2014fits with every story and legend I know! I should be honored to speak to the woman herself\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Every head began to turn. And the [Innkeeper], who had been relaxing next to Grev and Jasi and Wesle, suddenly stiffened again. Barelle was looking at her. He played a fourth note. This one pulsed like midnight, and the air darkened. Like that of a stage in itself.<\/p>\n

\u201cA young woman who led an army to battle. Who rescued adventurers from a dungeon. Who\u2014and I have seen this myself! Fought Wyverns in the City of Inventions. The very same young woman who helped create the Players of Celum! There are those who change this world for good or<\/em> ill. Flos Reimarch. Mihaela Godfrey. Xrn, the Small Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes flickered. Ryoka started. But Barelle continued without missing a beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis young woman has done so much already. Already\u2014three cities and more<\/em> are connected, across hundreds of miles thanks to her! Already, a team of adventurers reached Gold-rank for her help! I am speaking of course, of Erin Solstice. And to her, I shall play\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice heard a roaring sound in her ears. She saw Barelle, in a shroud of\u2026mist? Speaking. And people were looking at her. Applauding\u2026Erin didn\u2019t hear it.<\/p>\n

The [Bard] began to play. Erin took a breath. Then another. Jasi was beaming. Grev looked smug. Wesle\u2014Wesle picked up on it. Everyone was watching Barelle and he was concentrating as he played, using the magical notes sparingly. But his eyes were on his audience too.<\/p>\n

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

But she didn\u2019t hear Wesle speaking. Barelle had begun singing\u2014but he stopped. Erin saw him lower his hands. And then everyone was looking at her again. The [Innkeeper] tried to rise. Jasi was touching her arm. Erin looked around. She took another breath\u2014<\/p>\n

And then she fainted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was her fault. A few minutes later, when Erin woke up in the staff room, that was the first thing she said. Of course\u2014it was jumbled, what with everyone asking how she was, concerned\u2014<\/p>\n

Ryoka got it. So did Jasi, Wesle, a few others when they saw the problem. But it was all Erin\u2019s fault, obviously.<\/p>\n

She should have said it. She had put off the Players for so long, and the trouble was they\u2019d believed<\/em> her. When she should have said the truth.<\/p>\n

Which was that this\u2014this wasn\u2019t what Erin wanted.<\/p>\n

Kilkran couldn\u2019t even understand it. He thought Erin was sick. Something gone down wrong? Others sort of got it, like Jelaqua opining that Erin had \u2018had too much excitement\u2019 while she comforted a worried Mrsha with Moore.<\/p>\n

But it was the half-Giant. Ryoka, Seborn\u2026probably Viceria to some degree. Numbtongue at times. Hedault for sure.<\/p>\n

It was that Erin did not<\/em> enjoy huge crowds. Or all the attention being on her. She was, in a new parlance that Rose kept telling to non-Earthers, an introvert. Which was an odd thing to call Erin.<\/p>\n

Erin<\/em>, the [Innkeeper]? The same young woman who ran a huge inn? Who\u2026was really bad at managing staff? Who liked to sit with her friends rather than talk to everyone at once? Who, up till coming from Earth had played chess\u2026<\/p>\n

That made more sense. Still odd. Still strange, to people who lived for attention. Because they thrived on it. Erin on the other hand\u2014could wave a flag in the middle of a street, stand down a riot. If she had to. If it mattered.<\/p>\n

This grand party was not for her, anyways. She wasn\u2019t someone who came from a big city, or who went to parties all the time. Erin Solstice woke up. She saw the others keeping her well-wishers back.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin? Are you okay? I\u2019m sorry if we overburdened you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Jasi was looking at Erin. The young woman babbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2014not\u2014I have to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Actress] drew back. Erin tried to breathe. Again, the world grayed out around her. She felt dizzy, sick. She had to go! This was too much, too\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm. The calming winds from Pheislant\u2019s shores\/Makes me return evermore.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone sang for a moment and Erin heard it, over the pounding of her ears. The others drew back. Then\u2014Barelle the [Bard] was sitting there. He had played on his lyre. A blue chord, deep as the sea. But gentle.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice, I apologize for my performance. It was a poor one and I took it too lightly. Another sign I have yet to master my craft.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] sat there. Erin looked at him. She inhaled\u2014and realized everyone else was gone. He\u2019d ushered them out of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I\u2019m\u2014I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be. I also have to apologize\u2014I exiled your friends. They meant well, but I think less people would be helpful, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] looked at Erin. She nodded meekly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I ruined your performance. I didn\u2019t mean to. It was just\u2014too much. I\u2019ve never done that before. Ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFainted?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded, blushing. She\u2019d never\u2026and she\u2019d fought Skinner! She\u2019d been in far worse situations. She was reminded of the Christmas party\u2026why did it always happen like that?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou strike me as someone who does poorly at events not of your choosing. Fight your battle where you want. Mihaela Godfrey, who was in the news today, was like that. She could walk into a room and demand attention, but throw her a surprise party and she\u2019d run off rather than deal with it. I should know\u2014I was booked for one and she left after two minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] winked. Erin felt a bit better. She knew he was trying to encourage her. And it was working. She took another breath. Then she tried to swing her legs off the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should get up. Reassure everyone\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSit<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] was commanding without his lyre. Erin sat. She inhaled. And after a while, she felt better.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026They\u2019re wrong. Whatever they told you. I\u2019m not like\u2014someone from stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Bard] was adjusting his lyre. In the main part of the restaurant, it sounded like the staff were doing their best to regain the night. Erin heard the fwoosh<\/em> of someone grilling something hard. Barelle nodded to Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you perceive about yourself is not what others see. But tell me, Miss Solstice. What makes you unworthy of the praise?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin didn\u2019t even have to think. She shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just not true. Those things happened\u2014but it wasn\u2019t me. <\/em>I\u2019ve never been a heroic, super-brave person who can solve things. I have never beaten those monsters or saved anyone alone. All I have done on my own is kill people. But I have amazing friends. Heroes have stayed in my inn. And I fed them waffles.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed. Erin tried to smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I should have just said \u2018no\u2019 and let everyone else have the party. I\u2019m bad at them. I can throw a party\u2014in my inn. But out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shuddered. All those people staring at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to be treated like that. I get nervous. Horribly sweaty. I\u2019d rather be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

In her room, playing a game of chess with her opponent. Curled up reading Mrsha a story. That was fun for Erin.<\/p>\n

The [Bard] nodded understandingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that is perfectly fine. I confess\u2014Miss Emme talked you up so much I thought you would love my performance. I should have looked at you first. Again, I apologize. It is<\/em> my job. I\u2019ll leave you; I just wanted to check up on you. Shall I tell your friends you\u2019re well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Please. Thank you, and again, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMiss Solstice, we\u2019ll certainly speak again. If only because your unusual friend<\/em> seems to want to inspect my lyre. How ever did you find a fellow student of the craft among Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. Barelle winked.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Know Thy Audience]. I\u2019d better earn some gold.\u201d<\/p>\n

He left. Erin wanted to talk to him. She\u2014had nearly asked him to stay. But wouldn\u2019t that put upon the [Bard]\u2026that Wesle and the others had hired to perform for her?<\/p>\n

She hung her head. She was bad at this. At being the target of gratitude. And it was a skill. Erin felt embarrassed. Ashamed. And still.<\/p>\n

She looked around the fancy restaurant. This wasn\u2019t where she wanted to be. She should have told them that. They loved it, the Players. This was big dreams and Hollywood. Erin\u2026<\/p>\n

Stood up. Just for a moment. She took a breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin stopped before she entered the back rooms to check on Erin. She needed<\/em> Barelle to perform at the Solstice party! Unrelated to Erin\u2026well, she\u2019d be there\u2026whatever! He seemed used to the request.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe [Emperor]?<\/em> Certainly, Miss Griffin. We\u2019ll talk, shall we? But I do need to get up on stage before Miss Emme hamstrings me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka pushed into the back room. Yes! Also, Barelle was definitely<\/em> onto Xrn. He\u2019d kept away from her the entire time. He seemed more curious of Numbtongue and vice versa. She hoped it wouldn\u2019t come to anything.<\/p>\n

But this was a party and Xrn\u2014Ryoka pushed into the back room. She looked around. Then she swore.<\/p>\n

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

Predictably, the [Innkeeper] was already gone. The back door was ajar. And Ryoka Griffin suddenly had a problem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was just going for a little walk, really. She knew it was bad\u2014but she had<\/em> to leave. She could predict her friends flooding in to check on her. She just\u2014needed to step outside.<\/p>\n

There were [Guards] outside the inn. No, [Bodyguards]. Including\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cRedit?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bouncer] turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice? Everything okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

The line of guards was blocking anyone from intruding on the party not on the list. Erin hesitated, then smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah! Just going for a quick walk. That okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Redit exchanged glances with the other [Bodyguards].<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the guest, Miss Solstice. Need an escort?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw. They don\u2019t know me, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin peeked at the crowd staring at the restaurant. Redit grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve got the [Actors] memorized. Some might pick you up, but\u2014Channe, Channe, get over here.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A female [Bodyguard] jogged over. She was the most built<\/em> half-Elf Erin had ever seen. She also carried brass knuckles.<\/p>\n

\u201cProblem, Redit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you give Miss Solstice a [Veil of Inconspicuousness]? She wants to go for a walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf gave Redit a thumbs-up. Erin expected some magic, but the half-Elf drew a box around Erin with her finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for two minutes. If you\u2019re going, Miss Solstice\u2026just wave and we\u2019ll grab you, don\u2019t try to push through. Good way to get an elbow in the face if we don\u2019t recognize you in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were playing a prank on her! Erin was amused, but she stepped into the crowd. They focused on her\u2026they looked past her, bored.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes anyone see anything? Where\u2019s the guests? Let us in!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They went back to chanting. The [Bodyguards] held the line. Erin slipped away, tickled pink. Well, what a cool Skill! You learned something new every day.<\/p>\n

And she wondered if her inn Skill could tackle that? Her aura. How strong was Channe versus Erin? If she tried to, say, help a little Gnoll steal cookies and Erin was guarding the jar? Erin bet that \u2018inconspicuous\u2019 didn\u2019t help if you were on high-alert for anyone.<\/p>\n

But it was perfect for this! Erin sighed in relief. Two minutes. She\u2019d go for a ten-minute walk, and then, properly braced<\/em>, she\u2019d be the perfect guest. She really did have to say sorry. It was just\u2014not her, y\u2019know?<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked around. Someone stared at her. She gave the person a smile and they walked past her, shaking her head. She liked that. Well\u2014not that, but Erin liked not being the center of everything unless she had to.<\/p>\n

If the Players had rented the restaurant and they\u2019d had a more low-key thing, it probably would have been fine. If Erin could have been a guest in the theatre in the crowd, not in the super-popular booth\u2026she probably would have accepted.<\/p>\n

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

The [Innkeeper] kicked down the street. She just didn\u2019t want to impose. But she\u2019d imposed by not imposing. Figure that one out. And\u2014it really was<\/em> an imposition.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean to say, sir, that our entire booking for the night is cancelled?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A man was standing in the street, staring towards the Djinni\u2019s<\/em> Spoon.<\/em> He looked rich. Although\u2026Erin eyed him as she passed by\u2026he was wearing armor.<\/em> Armored cloth? It looked like someone had decided to create a suit of cloth that could function as armor.<\/p>\n

Impractical, but magical. His servant or whomever it was, was cringing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears our booking was overturned by the\u2014the Players of Celum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ones whose play we\u2019re supposed to attend tonight at such cost? Wonderful.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The man sighed. The people around him did not look amused. One put a hand on his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe honor of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave it, man. Leave it. No duels in Invrisil! Not now.<\/em> What are we going to do for food? Send to the other restaurants. Why was the entire place booked, pray?\u201d<\/p>\n

As the man stammered, Erin resisted the urge to go over and poke the guy in the side and apologize. She did not\u2014because that would be a bad idea. But see? Did you see what they had done? <\/em>This poor group of\u2026rich people\u2026with enchanted swords and fine dresses would have to go to a four-star restaurant<\/em> instead of\u2026<\/p>\n

Erin decided her pity was better reserved for herself. She walked past the group. Further into Invrisil. And promptly got lost.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. Oh no. Hey, does anyone know where the Djinni\u2019s Spoon<\/em> is? That way? Thanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

Twenty minutes later, Erin was jogging back the way she\u2019d come. She was asking for directions, which she should <\/em>have done fifteen minutes ago! But she\u2019d gotten lost, thought she knew the way back, went completely the wrong direction by taking too many lefts\u2014<\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t wanted to ask. Again, she could<\/em> run up to people, scream in their faces about Shield Spiders attacking, and lead the counterattack. But Erin would prefer not<\/em> to.<\/p>\n

She hurried down the street. This wasn\u2019t a good part of Invrisil. How did Erin know? Less glass. Less\u2026people. Less nice looks. She could have sworn\u2014<\/p>\n

Erin looked around nervously. Was that a scream? How bad was Invrisil\u2019s crime? She felt nervous and reached for her side. The streets were emptying out.<\/p>\n

\u201cLost your way, Miss? Need an escort?\u201d<\/p>\n

A man smiled at her. It was the kind of smile\u2026that suggested a lot of things. Like \u2018I could help\u2019, and perhaps \u2018if you don\u2019t let me help, I could turn mean.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, thanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin smiled at him. He walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to be worried, Miss. I could help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pulled out a knife and a jar of acid. The man focused on Pelt\u2019s specialty kitchen knife. And the glowing jar. He sized up Erin.<\/p>\n

The Level 44 [Innkeeper] looked at the\u2026spot where the man had been. He was hurrying off. His [Dangersense] told him that little jar was more than he wanted to deal with.<\/p>\n

Erin was not in danger. Some of the people eying her up decided they had better things to do. The [Innkeeper] put the jar back. She had healing potions, some alchemy stuff, and acid.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to go back to my restaurant! Anyone wants to stop me, they can drink acid!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She hollered. A few figures loitering around an alleyway disappeared. Those might have just been pedestrians or residents who had no nefarious designs on Erin to begin with, but she\u2019d just upgraded her threat ranking from \u2018stupid tourist\u2019 to \u2018well-armed lost person\u2019, to \u2018potential mugger\u2019 in her own right.<\/p>\n

Oh, how the tables turned. Erin stomped down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cRather be mugged than have this huge party thrown for me. Grumble grumble grumble grumble\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped saying \u2018grumble\u2019 as she heard a shout. No, a scream. Erin whirled. Knife! Jar of acid! Instant d\u2014<\/p>\n

Oh. It wasn\u2019t her.<\/em> Someone else was in trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Thief]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

What a common phrase! And yet\u2014Erin had never actually seen the scene playing out in front of her. An older woman was pointing at a fellow running for it with her actual purse. It was such a clich\u00e9 that Erin wished she had a camera to take a picture.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman was crying out for the man to stop. No one else was stopping the man. Erin raised her jar of acid.<\/p>\n

Then she stared at it. Jar of acid.<\/p>\n

She raised her knife. Then she eyed it.<\/p>\n

Pelt\u2019s knife.<\/em> Darn! She looked around. No frying pan. No\u2014that potion was explosive\u2014did she not have a non-lethal<\/em> throwing object? She looked for stones, rocks\u2014why were there no rocks?<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Thief] was already past her and turning. Erin ground her teeth. Maybe if she aimed for a leg? But Pelt\u2019s knife would probably sever bone.<\/em> Maybe\u2014it was too late. Darn.<\/p>\n

She couldn\u2019t catch the [Thief] if she ran, anyways. He was fast and Erin was shorter than Ryoka\u2014and also not Ryoka.<\/p>\n

She heard the woman cry out one last time. Then\u2014a curse.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlow my hat clean off\u2014Teor, the bag!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone bellowed right next to Erin. She whirled\u2014and a man with a hat, slight, inconspicuous, shouted. He was pointing after the [Thief]! She nearly stabbed him\u2014until she saw another<\/em> fellow burst out of nowhere. He charged after the thief like a blur. And he was wearing a tricorne. A triangular\u2026hat\u2026<\/p>\n

Erin heard a shout, a scuffle, and ran. She was aware of the man behind her moving back, but she was armed and ready for\u2014<\/p>\n

The young fellow emerged with the woman\u2019s bag. Erin paused and saw the [Thief] had been neatly wrapped up.<\/p>\n

\u2026In that someone had just thrown him into<\/em> the wall and he was currently lying on the ground, making a wheezing, moaning sound. Erin eyed him. She eyed the young man. He halted, instantly lifted his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss. Excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He trotted down the street. Erin saw the distressed woman, who\u2019d been desperately running after her purse, stop uncertainly. But the young man\u2014Teor?\u2014tipped his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour purse, ma\u2019am. Terribly sorry to see such a thing happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. T-thank you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She backed away. The young man tipped his hat again. Erin stared as he walked back. A bit shame-faced, actually. A second fellow appeared out of an alleyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeor. The next time you should see a lady in distress like that, don\u2019t wait for the order.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Crimshaw. I was about to, but I was under the impression\u2014the apprehension that our job\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what\u2019s right and proper, Teor. Weigh it, but if it\u2019s that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mister Crimshaw. Of course, sir. I\u2019m terribly sorry. It won\u2019t happen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stared as the two men\u2014both with hats\u2014suddenly glanced up. They tipped their hats towards her and gave her an innocent smile. Which fooled her not. She looked around.<\/p>\n

Nothing behind her. Nothing to her left, to her right\u2026Erin did a slow rotation. And at last<\/em>, her eyes focused on the fellow stepping around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed. The inconspicuous man finally became noticeable to Erin as she concentrated. He was hard to spot!<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Miss\u2026terribly sorry to get in your way. Let me just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried to walk down the street. Erin pointed at his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t! You\u2019re one of them! The\u2014the hatmen!\u201d<\/p>\n

Teor and Crimshaw looked up. Erin tried to remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Brothers of\u2026of\u2026Serendipitous Meetings! I knew it! Where\u2019s Wilovan and Ratici? They sent you, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man with the hat tried to escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you have the wrong fellow. I\u2019m sorry, but I truly have to go, Miss. Hate to be rude, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin narrowed her eyes. Crimshaw, Teor, and the third hatman tried to stroll off. They were quick, professional.<\/p>\n

But this was her in her element. Erin began to walk after them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Honorable Hatmen of Invrisil\u2014and other parts of Izril come to that\u2014had an unexpected guest. They did not like<\/em> unexpected guests.<\/p>\n

And true, the [Gatekeeper] could keep an army off them if he had to. But Teor still hurried in, hat in his hands, to address Wilovan and Ratici.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t make up for it, sirs. I take full responsibility\u2014but there\u2019s a bit of a problem\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ratici and Wilovan looked up from where they were relaxing, their usual suits off, enjoying the impropriety of being. They listened. They looked at each other.<\/p>\n

Five minutes later, Erin Solstice walked into the Brother\u2019s safe house. She should not<\/em> have been able to enter. Wilovan and Ratici had, in fact, been telling Teor to turn her away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ratici stood up. Erin looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. So this is your place? Wow. It\u2019s like a secret hid\u2014wait a minute. Yeah, that was stupid, even for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She slapped her face. The Gentlemen Callers stared. How?<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Wilovan, Ratici. You put those Brothers on me, right? We have to talk about that. I mean\u2014they did the right thing\u2014but it\u2019s getting weird<\/em>. That guy was on my butt the entire time and I never noticed! It\u2019s a tiny<\/em> bit creepy.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at the inconspicuous [Stalker], who was in fact a [Shadow] since [Stalker] was too predatory for their group. The man looked hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made no affectations towards your rear end, Miss Solstice. We\u2019re here to protect. I swear on my hat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. How did you get in?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Brothers were staring<\/em> at Erin. A woman in their safe house? It was\u2014not unheard of. But a gentleman did not bring a lady here if he happened to find company. It was disrespectful to everyone. The only people who entered of a feminine persuasion were other people who might need a place to hide out, other gang members who wanted to negotiate and so on, by invitation, and [Cleaners] if the situation got truly desperate.<\/p>\n

Erin winked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old guy? Amel? I talked him into it. I wasn\u2019t a threat and he searched me for magic stuff\u2026he\u2019s holding onto my bag of holding and other gear. I\u2019m unarmed!\u201d<\/p>\n

She said that like it wasn\u2019t astounding<\/em> she got in anyways. Amel? Ratici\u2019s jaw was hanging open.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe pay him not<\/em> to let people in!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Well, don\u2019t blame him. He knew I knew you two. Plus. I bribed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith what? <\/em>A diamond the size of my face?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, with something he wanted.<\/em> Tickets! Jasi gave me some to give out. Three. For him and his grandkids. And an autographed card with a signature of her and Wesle on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gentlemen Callers stared. This\u2026was a kind of talent that ran opposite to theirs. Ratici and Wilovan sat there. Then they hurriedly put on their hats, vests, and looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompany, gentlemen! Straighten up! Let me present\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was procrastinating. She knew it. But the Gentlemen Callers offered her tea, and she really did want to know about the Brothers.<\/p>\n

She thought they were good people. At the very least\u2014one of them had gone to stop that [Thief]. Petty crime was common in a city. And apparently, the Brothers didn\u2019t stand for it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. Should a man stand by if a lady\u2014or other fellow for that matter\u2014is in distress?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan looked offended just at the suggestion. There were nods around from the crowd of hatted men sitting and sipping tea. Erin looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you do<\/em> hit people on the head and steal their money.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Brothers coughed. An [Enforcer] that Numbtongue would have known leaned forwards earnestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelicately, Miss Solstice. The right application of force is an art.<\/em> And we do it to people in a way such that they wake up inconvenienced.<\/em> But not dead. Safer all around. We might be a menace, but only to some sorts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. And a [Thief]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSteals from the sort that won\u2019t mind it. Let me be clear, Miss Solstice. It\u2019s only to do what we vouchsafed to you before: sleep well at night. We are not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ratici trailed off. The room fell silent. And there it was.<\/p>\n

Erin had never really met criminals.<\/em> She\u2019d met monsters. Goblins, Antinium. But the worst criminals she\u2019d met were Pisces, the imposter who had been Regrika Blackpaw, and\u2026Lyonette. This was a different lot.<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] sipped from her cup of tea. She looked around and eyed Teor. The young Brother was in disgrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026Teor would have rescued that old woman\u2019s purse if I wasn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should in any circumstance barring a greater need, Miss Solstice. I\u2019m new, and still learning the ropes, as it were.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man looked embarrassed. Wilovan nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Brothers\u2026take recruits. The right sort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonorable?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was that pause again. Wilovan carefully sipped tea.<\/p>\n

He and Ratici were the only two non-Human Brothers. Erin wondered if they were unique, or just rarer. Certainly, the Brothers were based in the north. Aside from that\u2014they were cosmopolitan as could be. Well, among the male gender. So\u2026very exclusive.<\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on your definition, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

That came from the older Brothers. But Teor seemed to want to object. And Erin saw that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Brothers only go after rich targets?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly rich\u2014well, that\u2019s a matter of practicality, Miss Solstice. But there\u2019s a second qualifier. Only\u2026the sort who we feel it\u2019d be a disservice not<\/em> to inconvenience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ah.<\/em> The Brothers probably didn\u2019t rob rich children. Erin smiled. And then she came out with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019d never just rob a guild, right, Teor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not, Miss Solstice. That\u2019s livelihoods at stake. If we went after the Guild, it\u2019d be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late, Ratici shot the young man a warning look. Teor\u2019s lips compressed. Erin lowered her cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it.<\/em> Why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Every eye turned to Wilovan and Ratici. The two looked at each other. At last, Wilovan sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen. Terribly sorry, but might we have a moment?\u201d<\/p>\n

The others cleared out. Erin felt bad for Teor, but she had to know. Wilovan and Ratici sat there. After a moment, Ratici produced something.<\/p>\n

\u201cSugar?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Erin had been sipping gently. She took a cube from the bowl. Stirred it.<\/p>\n

There they sat. After a moment, Erin broke the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked if you did it. And you said \u2018does it matter\u2019? Why\u2019d you say that, Wilovan?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll sighed. He adjusted his tall hat and sat back. Ratici grimaced. It was the Drake who spoke first.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. I never brought it up because a fellow shouldn\u2019t pick<\/em> at details\u2014but you calling us the \u2018Honorable Hatmen\u2019\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I hurt your feelings? I do that. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake almost smiled. He adjusted his seat, looked down, looked up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It was pleasant. But untruthful. We are not honorable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSays the guys who take from the rich\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd keep it for ourselves. Honor<\/em> among thieves<\/em>, I\u2019ve heard the saying. I think you have, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. Ratici shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe point is that it\u2019s a joke. We do what we do and it is still mugging. Just a particular sort. Perhaps you might find that better than\u2014the Sisters of Chell\u2014but they have their honor. We are both on the wrong side of the law. As for why we ran?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Wilovan. The Gnoll removed his hat, pulled some hair off, and looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re an unscrupulous sort, Miss Solstice. Why do we run if we didn\u2019t commit this<\/em> crime? Because we\u2019ve done something. In our cases\u2014enough so that any Watch Captain not bought and paid for would put us away forever regardless.\u201d<\/p>\n

And there it was again. Guilt. Erin stopped smiling.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe rob certain sorts. We\u2026don\u2019t hit the Jeweler\u2019s Guild usually because the staff get punished. Also, that was a small take, frankly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s brows rose. Wilovan hurried on.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut sometimes, a plan goes wrong. Sometimes there\u2019s less\u2026scrupulous sorts to lighten their purses. Sometimes another gang decides they want our cut. When they do\u2014the hats come off. That\u2019s what they say of us. \u2018The Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings are perfect gentlemen. Until the hats come off.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It all made sense. Erin sat back. The two Callers looked at her, expectantly. It was Wilovan who said it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not good men, Miss Solstice. Thank you for helping us get away. But if you should expect it of us\u2014we will let you down some day. Sooner than we\u2019d all like. I\u2019m grateful for your generosity. But it would have been better if we were just unobtrusive the entire time our contract ran. Our failing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI get it. And you\u2019re right. If you had stolen stuff\u2014I wouldn\u2019t have been sure I wanted you in my inn. Even if it was a jerk from the old Council.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin muttered. The two nodded. You see? Uncertainty. It was better not to mix. Ratici pulled his cap lower. Erin sat there for a moment. Then she looked around.<\/p>\n

The Brothers were watching surreptitiously at a distance. They all looked the other way\u2014but they were trying to be gentlemen. And even gentlemen eavesdropped. Erin smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

What a silly group of guys. What a funny gang\u2026she sighed as she stood up. The two Callers stood to walk her out. Erin turned and stopped them.<\/p>\n

\u201cRatici, Wilovan, Brothers. I don\u2019t know you too well. But from what I\u2019ve seen\u2014we might not see eye to eye. And I don\u2019t like crime. If you did something in my inn, I\u2019d do something about it. Even if I saw it. Even if you were mugging some jerk like Lis\u2014like some jerk. Because I don\u2019t want someone to break the law like that around me.\u201d<\/p>\n

They nodded. Erin went on, looking at both Callers earnestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are criminals. But I\u2019m sure of this. There are worse people in the world than you. You probably aren\u2019t<\/em> good men.\u201d<\/p>\n

She met their eyes. Then the [Innkeeper] smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026But I don\u2019t think you\u2019re bad guys.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The two blinked. The Brothers stirred. And then\u2014Erin winked. And that was it.<\/p>\n

They chuckled, and then laughed. Erin looked at the two Callers as they blinked at her, then smiled and tipped their hats. That was all.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can visit my inn. Zevara\u2019s probably not cool with you\u2014but there\u2019s criminal and evil.<\/em> I have Goblins. Just don\u2019t steal anything in Liscor, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. May I just say you\u2019re the most interesting [Innkeeper] I\u2019ve ever met?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ratici peered at Erin. She laughed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be. But how many do you meet?<\/em> I just like weird duos, I guess. The first people I met at Liscor were\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She trailed off. Nostalgia, regret\u2026but she was smiling. This world changed. She saw, for a moment, a big, burly Drake with scars, and a Worker-Antinium, jostling to reassure her that Relc was not<\/em> a Dragon. Then it was gone. And a Gnoll with a top-hat was smiling at her.<\/p>\n

They could still be friends. Erin looked at the Brothers. Then at their home.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you guys hide here all the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are criminals, Miss Solstice. We do have our entertainments. But a fellow on the wrong side of the law\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin walked over to Crimshaw and peered around at his room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah. But you can\u2019t be cooped up forever! You should get out more. In fact\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

In fact. She looked at the Brothers and her eyes twinkled. Erin might not be good at expressing her<\/em> feelings. But she was good at improvising. And she just had an idea that would solve her dilemma and do something nice. And wasn\u2019t that why her friends liked them? She looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay, fellows. Do you like fine art? And um\u2026food?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Brothers stared at her. Offended, for the first time by the question. Did they like\u2014?<\/em> She might as well have asked if they liked hats!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later, and yes, it was later, Ryoka Griffin looked at Erin Solstice\u2019s embarrassed smile. The search party\u2014those who weren\u2019t looking and causing havoc\u2014stared at her with wroth. Ryoka turned to a stranger no one had ever seen before.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I borrow\u2026? Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn handed Ryoka her staff. Ryoka smacked<\/em> Erin on the head with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw! Ryoka, that hurts like\u2014<\/em>was that how hard I hit you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin clutched at her head. Ryoka raised the staff again and a man cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m terribly sorry, and we of course take full responsibility. Just a bit of a to-do after a lady got her purse snatched.\u201d<\/p>\n

A man tipped his hat at her. Erin eyed Wilovan and the group behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Erin. What is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eltistiman looked like he was about to laugh or run. And if the hats came off\u2026he probably would. But Erin was beaming in that way of hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought guests! I thought you said I could bring whoever I wanted! And for the play?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Emme and Grev, who knew something of who these strange men were, spluttered. But Erin insisted. And as it happened\u2014the Brothers were<\/em> the best of guests.<\/p>\n

Dinner was nearly over, anyways. So the group marched towards the Season\u2019s Theatre. People stared. They took note. And yes, it was attention and yes, people stared at faces. It bothered Ryoka more, the second time.<\/p>\n

But Erin Solstice was laughing now. Relaxed. Because some of the people who were being stared at were men who tipped their hats, bemused, even stunned at the attention they normally never got. For a second, the Brothers stood in the limelight. Their hats were plain, but well-kept. For a moment they dazzled like stars.<\/p>\n

Then\u2014and then\u2014the group filed into the booths. Erin Solstice sat, without anyone announcing on stage that they had a special guest.<\/em> But people stared. They pointed. Because of course, they noticed the booth was full.<\/p>\n

The Solstice Booth! They stared upwards\u2026at Joseph, Galina, Troy, Leon, Montressa, Bezale, and some others. Erin sat in one of the other booths, Mrsha on her lap and Lyonette and Ryoka\u2019s with the Hatmen, Palt, Imani, and watched and laughed and sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a good night after all. Inevitably, word would spread. You couldn\u2019t take back microscopes, but there was good for the ill. The Brothers tipped their hats to Erin after the play and the seven-minute standing ovation. They disappeared and the group strolled back to the inn, flushed, talking excitedly. The cast were going to sign autographs for an hour, as they did, and meet them there.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was\u2014amazing!<\/em> It\u2019s so much different on stage, and with effects!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when you\u2019re not distracted and no one\u2019s talking?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette was smiling too. Erin had to admit that was true. Ratici and Wilovan strolled along at the back, and the Gnoll was talking with Bezale\u2014flirting, rather. The Minotauress was rebuffing him, but not very hard.<\/p>\n

It was a fine night. It had been not-so-great in places. Erin had to admit. But like she\u2019d told Saliss\u2014the good and ill had to mix.<\/p>\n

Speaking of which\u2026Tyrion Veltras had been popping up in conversation all night. Ryoka had heard his name and since he was on her short list of people she needed<\/em>, she turned to Fierre.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this about? I thought Couriers were coming from First Landing to deliver the cure. Did something happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw Fierre staring at her. Ryoka hadn\u2019t heard? Neither\u2014as it turned out\u2014had Salamani. They\u2019d both been occupied. The Vampire girl bit her lip.<\/p>\n

Erin had a different thought as Ryoka mentioned Tyrion. She looked around. Shame Maviola hadn\u2019t been here, and Olesm. But it was time. They\u2019d met\u2014but it was really<\/em> time to get Maviola on board with Ryoka\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow. Let it be\u2026tomorrow. For now, Erin thrust open the doors to her inn, ready to begin the second phase of her party, on her terms, in her place.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m back! Numbtongue\u2019s here! We got him! Don\u2019t worry, Ishkr!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll looked up and raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin laughed. She motioned the others into the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot to tell you\u2014sorry. Or did someone else? There was this thing\u2014ah, the family meeting!<\/em> We\u2019ll do it tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw Lyonette and Numbtongue exchange a glance. Ishkr leaned on his broom, eying the incoming horde with resignation. He<\/em> had been enjoying the peace and quiet. He saw Liska trying to sneak past them and his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

But Ishkr still smiled. The Gnoll had a secret. Two, actually. But the other one was a short-term secret. Not his sister\u2019s woes. He nodded towards the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Numbtongue is back, Erin. He\u2019s been here ever since you left. You just missed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked. She looked at Numbtongue. She looked at Ishkr.<\/p>\n

\u201cHah. That can\u2019t be. He\u2019s right\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll winked at her. Erin stood there. Numbtongue was here? But he was\u2014her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

Ryoka saw her run down the hallway. Numbtongue was faster. He burst through the door. People turned. And there\u2014another Hobgoblin was sitting. Two<\/em> of them. They turned. And the one who you could mistake for Numbtongue, if you were an idiot and thought all Goblins were the same, rose to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Badarrow got no further because Numbtongue tackled him. And Erin skidded into her inn and saw Snapjaw laughing\u2014then look up.<\/p>\n

Then the real<\/em> drama began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>Believe it or not, I thought this and next chapter could be 1 chapter. How silly.<\/em> But the author is sometimes silly!<\/p>\n

You might be able to tell that this chapter sums up both other side stories. It doesn\u2019t give all the fun bits, but that\u2019s okay. It\u2019s two chapters that lost plus \u00bd of the chapter scheduled. You do that math.<\/p>\n

Hope you enjoy! The next chapter should HOPEFULLY not be this long, but I am in good form for now. Thanks for reading! I\u2019ll leave you with some good stuffs!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ArtsyNada has done it again! She\u2019s done another comic, of Imani and Palt\u2019s food woes, as well as Xrn! We also have Eris, who\u2019d done pixel art of Ryoka expression a very common reaction, and Numbtongue! Lastly, but certainly not lastly, AuspiciousOctopi has done a number of very relevant pictures like Fierre, Fuzzylips and Jasi, and more! Thanks so much for the amazing art!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wonderous Fare, Fierre, Hexel, Fuzzylips and more by AuspiciousOctopi!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/auspiciousoctopi\/<\/a><\/p>\n

DeviantArt:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.deviantart.com\/auspiciousoctopi<\/a><\/p>\n

\"WondrousFare <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Fierre <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"FuzzylipsAndJasi <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hexel <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Meetings <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Seve <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Horns <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Salii <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Facepalm and Numbtongue Animated by Eris!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cooking Woes by ArtsyNada, and Xrn the Small Queen!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illudanajohns\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ko-fi:<\/strong> https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/illudanajohns<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/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! Check it out and consider leaving a review\u2014the audiobook should begin recording in January, 2021!)   The wind blew in her hair, lifting it up and letting it stream behind her. 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Check it out and consider leaving a review\u2014the audiobook should begin recording in January, 2021!)   The wind blew in her hair, lifting it up and letting it stream behind her. 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