{"id":9545,"date":"2020-11-15T04:28:32","date_gmt":"2020-11-15T04:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=9545"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:01:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:01:47","slug":"7-58","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/11\/15\/7-58\/","title":{"rendered":"7.58"},"content":{"rendered":"

Memento mori. <\/em>It meant, in the way of such odd phrases that remained in the common tongue, \u2018remember death\u2019. It could be art, a symbol, an event\u2014<\/p>\n

To Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds, it had been the sight of the famous pink carriage, overturned, broken. That was when she had known the Guild of Assassins was a true threat.<\/p>\n

Who had invented the phrase? Why did it lie in the language that [Mages] sometimes claimed for spellcasting?<\/p>\n

And why\u2014Lady Bethal\u2019s hands clenched and the [Lady of Thorn]\u2019s gorge and temper rose\u2014<\/p>\n

Why was this being allowed to continue?<\/em><\/p>\n

It was the question she\u2019d asked herself time and again. Why was this petty Circle and the Guild allowed to attack nobles of Izril? Hold children,<\/em> children for ransom?<\/p>\n

This was the kind of thing she and the other [Ladies] of Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s alliance fought against. But Magnolia was gone. And in her absence\u2026<\/p>\n

Pryde had expressed similar sentiments in their weekly chat. But like Bethal\u2014like many, even the [Lady of Pride] had expressed uncertainty. Were they to go to Tyrion Veltras\u2019 aid? Alone? Ironically, the campaign against Magnolia from Tyrion and his allies had robbed him of the one woman who might intervene and had the necessary tools to fight the Guild.<\/p>\n

But the truth of it was\u2014it was just Izril. Bethal sat there.<\/p>\n

\u201cRats, dear Thomast. Isn\u2019t that what Terandria called us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was never one of the nobility, Bethal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her husband reminded her. Bethal shook her head. It was\u2014a nickname for the original Houses who had left Terandria to colonize Izril.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Rats of Izril\u2019, rather than flowers. Rats, fleeing a sinking ship. And it was sometimes fitting. Like now\u2014instead of allying, the houses were fighting each other, terrified of a single threat, disorganized.<\/p>\n

But Bethal thought\u2014flowers made more sense. They had always been called the Flowers of Izril\u2014and if you knew<\/em> flowers, the analogy still held.<\/p>\n

A lovely bed of flowers was each bloom in competition. Each one straining ever upwards for the sky, whilst their roots fought for space and food.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay what you will about the Drakes. But they do band together when someone attacks them, for all they infight. What do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n

This?<\/em> Bethal shook her head. She stared into the orb, watching. Waiting. A member of the audience of the drama now playing out. And Bethal was no wallflower at a dance.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless\u2014a Drake stood in the scrying orb.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Drassi of Liscor, reporting live from Invrisil. The Named Adventurer, Saliss of Lights, has just delivered the cure sought by Tyrion Veltras to the Runner\u2019s Guild and is holding off the [Assassins] in the city and <\/em>challenging, yes, challenging any Runner brave enough to deliver it\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What arrogance. What gall! What insanity<\/em> was this? Pallass was in uproar, but Pallass was far from where Saliss of Lights stood with two potions raised. A smoldering corpse lay on the Runner\u2019s Guild floor. The Runners, [Receptionist], even the Guildmaster, were all spectators.<\/p>\n

So were the figures outside. Saliss waved the potions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else want to try that?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment\u2014no one did. Saliss did not relax. He leaned back against the counter, but that was just an affectation.<\/p>\n

Watch your shadow.<\/em> The [Assassins] had all kinds of tricks. But Saliss\u2014was Saliss. And he had placed the vial on the desk of the Guild. Now\u2014it was in an enchanted vault, right behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder how mad the Old Man is?\u201d<\/p>\n

He wished he could see Chaldion\u2019s face. The Drake sighed. He checked himself, claws sliding downwards and holstering one of the potions. Was this where he died? That would be so stupid, after fighting that damn Antinium\u2014<\/p>\n

His shadow moved.<\/em> The Drake felt it and spun.<\/p>\n

It was easy. He sprayed the pressurized acid into the shadow. Just a flick of the wrist. It killed most things dead.<\/p>\n

But the [Assassin]\u2019s coverings were acid-proof. Saliss saw a blade flash at his leg. He hissed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fire bloomed.<\/em> The [Assassin] made a sound as he or she vanished into the shadow again, fleeing. Good luck extinguishing that<\/em> fire, though. It would burn even if you smothered it. And it would set water<\/em> aflame. Saliss didn\u2019t rejoice, though. He staggered. Felt at his leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. I\u2019m bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Guild stared at the narrow cut running down his leg. Saliss felt at the blood. And then\u2014the slight, discolored trail that burned and hissed as it touched the air.<\/p>\n

Venom.<\/em> He leaned backwards, sagging against the counter. Someone made a sound.<\/p>\n

Somewhere\u2014the second [Assassin] died. But Saliss\u2019 face had grown pale. Damn. He was fast, but sneak attacks\u2026he gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd poisoned. I might as well say my last words before I die. To the Walled Cities I love\u2026<\/em>hold on.\u201d<\/p>\n

He produced a little jar, rubbed a bit of paste on the cut. It healed, seamlessly. His audience stared. Saliss put a claw to his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere we go. Oh, the Walled Cities! My one love!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t work?\u201d<\/p>\n

A Runner blinked at the naked Drake. Saliss rolled his eyes. He winked at some shadows in the glass windows. They vanished and Saliss raised his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a little Human kid. You\u2019re going to need to work a little harder on me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

This was the standoff. Saliss waited. But everyone was waiting. He ground his teeth.<\/p>\n

Damn Xif.<\/em> It would have been so much easier if\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss! Saliss\u2014excuse me, Drassi, [Reporter] coming through. <\/em>Please don\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Drake pushed into the Guild. Saliss raised his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here I thought I <\/em>was crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Reporter] entered the Guild. Amazingly\u2014no one had planted a dagger in her back, despite the Guild being surrounded by both gangs and [Assassins]. Actually\u2026they\u2019d mostly gotten in the way of the scrying orb.<\/p>\n

Everyone loved to be on TV. Saliss made sure Drassi got his good side. The Drake adjusted the orb, introducing the first privacy screen with her claw out of sheer necessity.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Saliss of Lights\u2014Wistram News Network. The world is watching. Can I ask why you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, am I live?<\/em> Hi! I want to say \u2018hi\u2019 to General Edellein Blackwing. A personal friend. The worst<\/em> [General] in all of Pallass. And to Chaldion and his bad hip. And my personal <\/em>friend, old Sixswords and his kid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] lived for moments like this. He was keeping an eye out in every direction for anything coming at him. But he couldn\u2019t help running his mouth. Drassi interrupted Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlchemist Saliss, why<\/em> are you doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Because I\u2019m so tired of\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFor the gold<\/em>, of course. Haven\u2019t you heard what Tyrion Veltras is posting as a bounty? I\u2019m running low on gold and there\u2019s a huge bounty on a cure!\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss beamed at Drassi. She stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust for that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] leaned back. He\u2019d downed a tonic that was letting him see through the Guild\u2019s walls. It was very<\/em> disconcerting, but he used it to watch for incoming attackers. At least, the visible [Assassins]. Ignore the low-level ones. It was the high-level ones he had to watch for.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo hours.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake raised one claw. Drassi blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo hours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s how long I\u2019m willing to wait. I expect my gold in the Merchant\u2019s Guild, by the way. But two hours. That\u2019s how long I\u2019ll guard my cure. So\u2014brave Couriers. City Runners. Come and get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss spread his arms, looking at the scrying orb with a huge smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know. You\u2019re welcome. And don\u2019t worry. A Drake<\/em> might have had to deliver the cure for you Humans, but one of your Runners has to bring it. Or a [Knight], an adventurer, whatever. I\u2019m not picky, but I will<\/em> check to make sure they\u2019re not an [Assassin]. Anyone else comes in here, they get a faceful of acid. Two hours. And if your entire half of the continent is too cowardly for anyone to pick it up, I guess that\u2019s that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Runner\u2019s Guild stirred. Saliss had the feeling his every word was being sent across the world. Probably on repeat. He beamed wider.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, I just felt bad because this would never happen in the Walled Cities. Embarrassing, but hey<\/em>, I\u2019m not a Human. Watch Captain Qissa, hi! I\u2019m on the news!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was actually waving.<\/em> That cheeky Drake. Unpredictable. Who could have seen it coming?<\/p>\n

The Circle of Thorns, the Guild of Assassins\u2014were not having fun with the news. But neither were they panicking.<\/p>\n

Yet. In fact, the Thorns of Death were talking to each other. Their conversations, full of confidence, or the seeming of it, were terse.<\/p>\n

\u201cA ploy from the Walled Cities or is that Drake on his own?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does not matter. This is an opportunity. He is a Named Adventurer of the Drakes. Slay him.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre there enough [Assassins] in the city? It is<\/em> Saliss of Lights\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

An authoritative voice spoke up, silencing the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has no defenses. He is a glass wand\u2014hit him hard enough and he\u2019ll shatter in a single blow. Nor can he dodge what he can\u2019t see. Deploy a Deathslayer Arrow with the Guild\u2019s best [Archer]. Send the Faces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone liked that idea. One of Rhir\u2019s deadliest arrows, and an [Archer] to fit. The Faces were moving.<\/p>\n

Even Saliss of Lights couldn\u2019t stop the inevitable. But the Guild weren\u2019t sitting on their laurels either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDeploy every [Assassin] in the area to Invrisil. That cure does not leave the city. Mark the Runners.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The orders were coming in fast, sometimes overlapping, contradicting themselves. The trick was\u2026Ferin the [Trapmaster] settled back and chewed on some of the dried jerky. He could have asked for better, but the Djinni driver was prioritizing speed over comfort.<\/p>\n

Four shapes sat in the coach\u2014two had just entered. The Unmarked Coach sped south. They had been deployed at First Landing. Now\u2014they were moving towards the newest threat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand. Why would this Drake risk it? And why are the employers panicking? Even this ride can\u2019t get to Invrisil before the Drake\u2019s deadline expires. The pink carriage Reinhart used would take hours<\/em> and there\u2019s nothing faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Assassins] was grousing. Ferin raised his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe might have to destroy the cure if the Guild makes a stand. There are<\/em> Couriers in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. I don\u2019t want to kill my favorite.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone else muttered. The coach fell silent. After a moment, one of them, a [Mage] who had helped attack Reinhart\u2019s coach, looked straight at Ferin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think this is a mixup? Maybe the special target we\u2019re not supposed to go after?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t be. It\u2019s not a Drake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Then this is just a crazy Named Adventurer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEver met one that wasn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

Quiet chuckles. But then more orders snapped through the carriage and the Faces sat up. One sighed and produced a ledger.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime to work. Let\u2019s see\u2026here. It was a pain getting this before I got on the coach. Take it, make notes. We\u2019ll pass it on.\u201d<\/p>\n

He passed the sheaf of papers to Ferin. The oldest [Assassin] in the coach looked at a list of names. And\u2026profiles.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAny Runner that might go after the bounty? Any to watch and mark? This is every Runner in Invrisil, Celum, Liscor, Pallass\u2014we\u2019ll watch them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Trapmaster] nodded. It was standard work. Mark the dangerous targets, the ones who might actually try to grab the cure. He looked down\u2014and one of the names near the top, since the list was organized according to the ranking\u2014caught his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou.\u201d<\/p>\n

He murmured it quietly. It was a familiar face.<\/p>\n

Oh. So that\u2019s who you were, young woman. Regrettable, really.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ferin stared down at Ryoka Griffin; it was an illustration rather than a picture, but still good enough to capture her likeness. He wavered with the quill in his hand. He had rather liked her. But\u2026his loyalty to the Guild was one thing. Marking her another. She was surely not that kind of fool, was she? He debated for a brief minute.<\/p>\n

One of the other Faces leaned over in the Unmarked Coach. She peered at the entry Ferin was dithering over, bared her teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Wind Runner of Reizmelt? I hope you marked her. That\u2019s the one who woke the Archmage of Izril, isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] who\u2019d handed Ferin the list started.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh, she\u2019s already marked. Cross her off the list. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ferin did so. He moved down the list, circling a certain Emergency City Runner whom he\u2019d heard was known for a short temper. Then he passed on the dossier. He sat back.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t try it, Miss Ryoka Griffin.<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Assassin] had little other than his short meeting with her to go off of. And a rational person would never assume someone would risk it. Not a City Runner, not with every eye on the Runner\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n

He did not know Ryoka Griffin. But the Wind Runner\u2019s friends\u2014did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin felt like it was snowing outside. Like the air was freezing, the sky dark, instead of bright. A blizzard was coming. She heard distant howls.<\/p>\n

She felt her skin chilling. Then\u2014she heard the clash of weapons, felt her heart beating\u2014the Necromancer\u2019s castle lay ahead.<\/p>\n

She had a map. Just a map. With lovely roads and cities and\u2026it was a long way. She traced her finger. She\u2019d have to go off-road. They couldn\u2019t scry her. That was huge.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne hundred miles, two\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

An urge to giggle overtook her. She was mad. She was crazy. She\u2026felt at her bag of holding. She checked the gear she wore.<\/p>\n

Armor would slow her down. But maybe she should beg for the enchanted leather armor she\u2019d sold to Hedault? Her finger trembled.<\/p>\n

Vail Forest.<\/em> You\u2019d cut through that if you went along this route. Looked like hell. Sticks and stones for countless miles. But could someone find you in there? Well, just to reach it\u2026<\/p>\n

Her heart was thundering. Her mind\u2026was calm. It kept trying to race, and part of Ryoka kept silencing it.<\/p>\n

Memento mori.<\/em> She had one of her own. The little figurine of ice sat on the table, freezing and condensing the air. Ryoka kept looking at it.<\/p>\n

What else could she get? There were a few things. Just a few. She had a Courier\u2019s gear. She just needed\u2026<\/p>\n

Ryoka walked out of her room and saw the little Gnoll staring up at her. Mrsha sat there, in the hallway. The Wind Runner stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cM\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She couldn\u2019t bring herself to say it. Mrsha turned and fled. Ryoka watched her run down the stairs. She shook herself. Later.<\/p>\n

She had two hours. A bit less, now. Ryoka was moving slow and fast. The air was trying to hold her back. But the wind\u2014when she called, the wind would have to blow so hard\u2014<\/p>\n

But first, Ryoka walked downstairs. The inn was silent. Like Invrisil, like the continent, perhaps, people were watching the news. Saliss had come through here. They were silent. Uncertain. Afraid or just spellbound.<\/p>\n

\u201cKevin. Where\u2019s the bike?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mechanic] nearly fell out of his seat. He spun, saw Ryoka. His jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka? The bike?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joseph looked up from his table. Rose twisted. Galina, Troy, Leon, even Imani, looked up at her. Ryoka tried to smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just need to borrow it. I\u2019ll bring it back. Is it in the\u2014rooms<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin hesitated. He looked up at Ryoka, and then around.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Troy nudged Leon hard. Joseph raised a fist to punch him. Ryoka turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka, wait. You\u2019re not going to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner looked back. Rose opened and closed her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just need to borrow the bike. Nothing else.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka gave the young woman a huge smile. A warning one. Three [Assassins] had been in the inn.<\/em> Saliss had killed them. But there could be more.<\/p>\n

Rose visibly hesitated. Ryoka turned and hurried for the Garden. Rose looked at her friends, then they all stood up.<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner didn\u2019t see where they went. She strode through the garden. Bike. It was good insurance. You could move faster on a bike. Ryoka the City Runner would admit that anytime.<\/p>\n

Kevin had leaned it up in the Earth rooms. Ryoka fit it into her bag of holding. It always fascinated her, how the bag seemed to stretch<\/em> for a moment, improbably wide, so the bike slowly pushed in. But then the tiny bag was there.<\/p>\n

Less-powerful ones actually needed larger openings or nothing could come in or out that was too big. But Teriarch\u2026Ryoka looked at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. If I had two days\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Or just one, she\u2019d risk it. She shook her head. Focus on what she had.<\/p>\n

She sidled out of the rooms, head on a swivel. The plan worked best if she could use the door to House Sanito. She\u2019d lose most of her pursuers. But\u2014if they followed her into the inn\u2014better to just\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cDelanay. I need a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Emergency Runner turned. He\u2019d been staring at a duo quietly talking.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue was showing Badarrow his sword. But what he was really showing\u2014he stood differently, his face changed, his voice a bit lower. And his friend was leaning on him, at a loss for words.<\/p>\n

Shorthilt.<\/em> Delanay turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner saw Delanay d\u2019Artien\u2019s face change the moment she asked. He looked her up and down and his features were troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes me think saying \u2018yes\u2019, isn\u2019t the wisest move?\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew. Little rocks with moss on them knew. At this moment, at this time, why would you think anything else? Ryoka gritted her teeth. She kept looking around for\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were an Emergency Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were a City Runner. I might risk my life, but I happen to have few enough friends that I wouldn\u2019t want a new one to disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was that easy? Or maybe Delanay was just the type. Ryoka almost smiled. She grabbed his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet me into the Guild and out of it. I just need a minute\u2019s head start. And I\u2019ll bet it all on my one trick. It might even work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Emergency Runner adjusted his hat. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust in and out of the Runner\u2019s Guild with a sea of watchers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give me that. Even in<\/em> would work. I know<\/em> the Runner\u2019s Guild has secret entrances. I have a scroll of [Lesser Teleport], for that matter. Three of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had more gear than she had thought she could need. Now\u2014Ryoka wished she hadn\u2019t sold as much as she had. Delanay shook his head again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you help? I\u2019ll try something else if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can help. I think. When\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour and a half.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded slowly. He was giving Ryoka a slow, measuring look. It was Delanay though\u2014he did not ask if she was serious, or ask her again, for that matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. I need to get to Invrisil. Meet me at the Player\u2019s Retreat then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Delanay. I\u2019ll repay\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t thank me. I think you\u2019re mad. But I also\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Delanay grimaced. He didn\u2019t finish the sentence, but left the inn. Ryoka exhaled. She looked around. Now, just\u2014just a letter. No\u2014<\/p>\n

Fierre stood behind her. Ryoka froze. She backed up\u2014and Fierre grabbed her arm. The Vampire was gentle\u2014but her hand was a vice.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka. What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Salamani was there too. The Mage Runner looked at Ryoka. And both of them saw what was obvious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Fierre. I mean\u2014listen. I have to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Vampire\u2019s grip tightened on Ryoka\u2019s arm. She wanted to drag Ryoka back, but Salamani stopped her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not a good idea, Ryoka. Give it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSalamani.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him. The Mage Runner, normally smiling, was serious. His two serpentine eyes locked on hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have\u2026a secret card.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it make you arrow proof? Can it block lightning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe? If I get a head start\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre looked sharply at Ryoka. The City Runner\u2019s pulse was racing through her arm. Fierre could feel<\/em> the warm blood. But now was not the time. She bared her teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is madness, Ryoka!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It\u2019s the right thing to do!\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner snapped. She looked at Fierre and the Vampire recoiled at the intensity in the gaze. This time\u2014Ryoka looked at Salamani and Fierre.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a chance. All I need to do is get in<\/em> and out<\/em> without being spotted. Give me an hour\u2019s head start and they won\u2019t stop me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTroll shit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salamani cursed. There was real heat in his eyes. Ryoka and Fierre started as he pointed at the scrying mirror.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t beat that, Ryoka!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can if they don\u2019t know I\u2019m coming. I need to get in secretly and out. Then\u2014then they won\u2019t be able to scry me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about combing the entire continent for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Courier was furious. He was prepared to bind Ryoka to a chair and let Fierre stand guard\u2014that was their actual plan, but Ryoka suddenly went cool. She looked at him, and there was a strange confidence in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll never find me. And if I get my head start\u2014they won\u2019t catch me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Courier blinked at her. Fierre\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could catch Salamani\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. But I don\u2019t think anyone will expect what I\u2019m trying. It\u2019s the wind, Fierre. Salamani. The wind\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka shifted. The thing in her bag of holding that she\u2019d had made in Reizmelt felt like it was burning<\/em>. She\u2019d thought she\u2019d use it at Valeterisa\u2019s mansion, but it wouldn\u2019t have been that useful. Here? Now?<\/p>\n

This was when it was needed. <\/em>Ryoka told her friends what it was. They stared at her. Fierre stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s impossible. It\u2019s not enchanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t need to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re mad. It\u2019ll never work!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it will. I\u2019ve seen it work, Fierre.\u201d<\/p>\n

The broker opened and closed her mouth. Ryoka wasn\u2019t lying. She had <\/em>seen it.<\/em> On Earth. Salamani rubbed at his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2014they could easily spot you. But there\u2019s a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSalamani!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre rounded on him. The Mage Runner looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m being honest. I wouldn\u2019t expect that. Say Ryoka gets her hour and the [Assassins] don\u2019t realize she\u2019s got the cure. We\u2014we make a [Doppelganger], for instance. I can do illusions. It could work. I\u2019m still only giving her four in ten, even if everything worked perfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there\u2019s a shot. I could eclipse your speed, Salamani. Please. I have to try. If it doesn\u2019t go to plan\u2014I\u2019ll call it off. But let me try.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka argued with her friends. She didn\u2019t know what she said, exactly. Only that she convinced them.<\/p>\n

Of course she did. They were like her. And\u2014they had met like this. Saving Fierre as she lay sick. Delivering for the Archmage of Izril. They wanted to stop Ryoka. But they understood, especially Salamani.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Player\u2019s Inn. Delanay has a way in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know what it is. I\u2019ll find him. Get some other Runners, maybe. Ryoka\u2014not a word to anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka nodded. They were in her room, having gone there for a warded space. Fierre looked helplessly at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is madness. I know the Guild has secret passages for big deliveries. And if I<\/em> know, the Guild of Assassins knows, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a head start, Fierre. Thirty minutes\u2014ten would do. I just need to get\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Up.<\/em> It was easy to persuade Fierre. Well, easy as Salamani. She was no Courier. But she was a Vampire. She believed Ryoka when she heard about the plan. Believed there was a chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming too. No arguments. Or I\u2019ll suck out all your blood and make you stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre bared her teeth. Ryoka smiled. Tremulously. Nervously. But her friend impulsively hugged her and then\u2026<\/p>\n

And then Ryoka saw Fierre rising. She was going to find a better route for Ryoka. The City Runner strode for the door. She just needed\u2014<\/p>\n

It was true that Ryoka Griffin\u2019s two friends from Reizmelt she could argue into it. Salamani and Fierre. An immortal who had lived with poison in her veins and a Courier who had done runs just as crazy\u2014or close. Perhaps because they still didn\u2019t know Ryoka perfectly<\/em>, and they\u2019d bought the line about calling it off if things went south.<\/p>\n

Yet, as Ryoka opened the door, she saw something. A little, furry figure. A girl, with white hair. A child of a different species, but a child nonetheless.<\/p>\n

Mrsha. She was crying. And holding onto someone\u2019s hand. She had run to get her. Because she knew Ryoka. And\u2014Ryoka looked up.<\/p>\n

Lyonette du Marquin stood there. The [Princess] of Calanfer met Ryoka\u2019s eyes slowly. With real dislike there. Accusation. Ryoka stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette. Mrsha. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka Griffin. We need to talk. Come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice also knew Ryoka. Mrsha had run to get Lyonette. Rose and the others had gone to inform Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat girl is a fool. I have to go to Invrisil to meet with someone, Erin. Don\u2019t let her kill herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola snapped, eyes flashing. She strode for the door. The [Innkeeper] stood there.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had said it, hadn\u2019t she? Ryoka would try. Good thing there was no cure. Now\u2014Erin turned to Rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stop her. Where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn her room, I think. Salamani and Fierre were trying to talk her out of it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They would fail.<\/em> Erin was sure. They were cut from the same cloth as Ryoka. And that was a crazy cloth.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Erin ascended the stairs. Trying to think of what to say. She checked her belt. Pull out a frying pan from her bag of holding and bop Ryoka\u2019s brains out?<\/p>\n

\u2026That sounded most effective. <\/em>Erin balled her fist. If she had to, she\u2019d punch Ryoka and tie her down. This was beyond\u2014<\/p>\n

Someone had gotten to Ryoka first. Erin paused with her hand on the door to Ryoka\u2019s room as she heard the Wind Runner\u2019s familiar voice coming\u2026from Lyonette and Mrsha\u2019s room? Erin turned.<\/p>\n

She put her ear to the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lyonette du Marquin and Ryoka Griffin sat across from each other in silence for a long while. Below, they could hear faint voices coming from the inn.<\/p>\n

Everyone was there. Watching. From Menolit to Pawn, some with popcorn, others anxiety. Well, would you look at this? What\u2019s going to happen, eh? <\/em>With sympathy, perhaps, or anger, but still just watching.<\/p>\n

Ryoka was not like them, a bystander to the event. She had inserted herself into the problem. She just had to leave the inn and\u2026Lyonette wouldn\u2019t stop her. Erin\u2014Erin was trickier. But Ryoka\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing, Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked up at last. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

Lyonette was eighteen. Nineteen? Closer to that, but she was younger than Ryoka. Yet she had definitely given off mom-vibes with the full name a moment ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026going to deliver the cure to Tyrion Veltras\u2019 sons. I can do it, Lyonette, Mrsha. I know it\u2019s risky, but I have to try.\u201d<\/p>\n

There. She\u2019d said it. Pluck the thorn right away. Her leg was jiggling with nerves. Lyonette\u2019s eyes, bright blue, were piercing as they locked on Ryoka.<\/p>\n

It was not a friendly look. Ryoka was reminded of yesterday, and their\u2026spat? They\u2019d never talked about that. Nor was this the time.<\/p>\n

But it was happening. Lyonette took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. So you\u2019re going to run. Defy the Circle of Thorns and the Guild of Assassins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re going to do it after what, leaving us a letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha was curled up silently next to Lyonette, not even staring at Ryoka. It was unlike her. Ryoka was sitting in the chair, Lyonette on the bed. Ryoka flushed. She had considered that.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was going to say something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. So you were going to tell<\/em> us. But, obviously, we don\u2019t have any input into this. \u2018Don\u2019t stop me, I have to do this.\u2019 Is that about right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner mimicked a goldfish for a few seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s the right thing to do. I\u2019m not going to be an idiot about it. I have artifacts, a plan\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI get it. So you\u2019re all set and that guarantees<\/em> you\u2019ll survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

But I have to try.<\/em> Lyonette du Marquin shook her head. She looked up at Ryoka, seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t. If you care for this inn, Ryoka. If you care for Mrsha\u2014or Erin, or anyone else, don\u2019t do this. You\u2019re going to die. You can\u2019t do this. Not again.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words hit Ryoka right where she\u2019d been afraid they would. Mrsha twitched. Ryoka saw her look up, and then down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014there\u2019s a big chance, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, there\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a secret\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] slapped<\/em> her knee. Her head jerked upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll kill you! There are hundreds<\/em> of miles between here and House Veltras\u2019 lands. This isn\u2019t a few hours, or even a day. Not at your speed, Ryoka! Every [Assassin] on the continent will be hunting you and you have no levels!<\/em> You\u2019ll die! Don\u2019t do this! I\u2019m begging you!\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Ryoka; the Wind Runner didn\u2019t meet her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2014what am I supposed to do? Just let two kids die?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to me, you idiot. They won\u2019t die.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette snapped. Ryoka looked at her. The [Princess] was shaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Tyrion just needs to acquiesce. Maybe it\u2019s gold or some ransom, but this Circle won\u2019t actually kill<\/em> his sons. That would make him an enemy for life. This\u2014this is pageantry and politics. Let it go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s the Lord of House Veltras. I need him for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it worth risking your life? Dead gods, Ryoka, there\u2019s no party to bring back Ivolethe if you\u2019re dead! <\/em>And the odds of that have never been higher! They took down six Couriers<\/em> running together. They broke Mihaela Godfrey\u2019s legs.<\/em> And you think you have a shot where they don\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes. <\/em>But she didn\u2019t say that. Lyonette peered at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do. Because, why? You have a secret weapon that trumps everything? Or because it\u2019s you?<\/em> I thought monarchs had huge egos. But Runners take everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka felt her temper stir. But\u2014she kept it clamped down. She tried to make her voice reasonable. Lyonette had the temper; don\u2019t match it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette, you know the party is coming up. This is my last chance. Maviola already told me I wasn\u2019t prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] pointed at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait till winter. Give up on the party for the Summer Solstice. Is there a time limit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen wait. <\/em>It\u2019s not hard. Let it go. Ryoka. Let go of your ego. You can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner stirred.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s wrong\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette threw<\/em> a pillow at Ryoka. The Wind Runner dodged. She almost laughed, but the [Princess] was on her feet, truly furious. It still felt serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Stop making light of this! Stop pretending like there\u2019s not nine in ten odds you die! I <\/em>could run you through with a sword. You think you can outrun arrows?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know what I have planned!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka wasn\u2019t able to stop the flash of anger this time. She stood up as well. Lyonette advanced.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should get Garia to stop you. She<\/em> has a better shot and she wouldn\u2019t dream of it. You are the most selfish person I\u2019ve met, Ryoka Griffin! Don\u2019t you even think about other people?\u201d<\/p>\n

She had such good aim with her words. Ryoka flinched. Then she snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t talk to me about thinking about other people! Don\u2019t you care about those two kids?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t even know their names.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka ground her teeth. She didn\u2019t have to! It burned her. It had infuriated her the moment she\u2019d heard of it!<\/p>\n

Children. Poison. Cowards, taking lives like they didn\u2019t matter. Causing suffering to <\/em>win. Just like her world.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going. And you don\u2019t have the right to stop me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight? <\/em>You just don\u2019t understand, do you? How are you so blind\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette grabbed Ryoka. The City Runner felt a flash of heat. If Lyonette tried to stop her, like Numbtongue, Ryoka would put her in an arm-bar again. She understood why Numbtongue\u2014<\/p>\n

A furry cannonball hit Ryoka in the leg. Once more\u2014just like yesterday\u2014Mrsha intervened. She pushed<\/em> at them.<\/p>\n

The two young women broke up. Ryoka stepped back, clenching her right hand. How dare Lyonette say any of that? She\u2014<\/p>\n

She looked down. Mrsha was crying.<\/p>\n

The anger in Ryoka vanished. She bent down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, it\u2019s okay. It\u2019s okay. We\u2019re not going to fight\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She shot a look up at Lyonette. Some of the hostility had faded. The [Princess] was watching. Mrsha held something up as Ryoka reached to pick her up and hug her. She pushed aside Ryoka\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

It was a little note. Ryoka blinked at the piece of paper. She took it. Mrsha went back to Lyonette\u2019s arms. She wiped her face on Lyonette\u2019s dress.<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked at Mrsha. Then, she read the card. The handwriting was messy, the ink stained, unlike Mrsha\u2019s other meticulously written notes. But she had written it, because Ryoka had not understood her any other way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t go, Ryoka. I don\u2019t want you to die.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The City Runner\u2019s body froze up. She raised her head. And there was Mrsha, crying. Lyonette held her gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think you\u2019ll die. I\u2019ve seen [Knights] and [Generals]\u2014everyone says the same thing before a battle or quest. Don\u2019t do it. Mrsha needs you. We need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s throat constricted. Lyonette looked at her. Then\u2014she stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha. Go to Selys, or Bird, or Numbtongue, or Erin. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha didn\u2019t want to. She clung to Lyonette, pointing at Ryoka, signing. Lyonette murmured to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to say some things to Ryoka, alone. Don\u2019t listen. Please? Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll let Lyonette carry her to the door. Lyonette opened it, regarded something just outside, then closed the door. Ryoka didn\u2019t see. She was still sitting, staring at the blotchy card.<\/p>\n

When the [Princess] sat down, she was calmer. She looked at Ryoka. Lyonette composed her breathing, checked herself. When Ryoka looked up, the [Princess] spoke slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we first met\u2014truly met, not me being an ungrateful child after Erin rescued me\u2014I liked you. I hated Erin, at the time. Remember? With Maran and Safry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou listened to me\u2014you discovered a [Princess]. You were kind.<\/em> I liked you. But then you left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Regrika.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And\u2014you left Mrsha behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were looking for Erin. But you left her behind after Regrika. I know Ivolethe died. But you still left. And you didn\u2019t write until months had gone by. We wondered if you were dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka hung her head. Lyonette pointed towards the door Mrsha had gone through.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know how many nights she cried for you? For you<\/em>, the person who\u2019d rescued her. And you were gone. I hated you for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

So did Ryoka. She shrank in her seat. Lyonette regarded her, and then went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut then you came back. I was jealous because Mrsha loved you. She\u2019s my<\/em> daughter, you understand? I was jealous and that wasn\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It\u2019s\u2014Erin told me of what you\u2019ve done. You deserve to call yourself her mother. You are, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not why I hate you. Not all of it. It\u2019s a lot of things, honestly. Part of it is jealousy, I can admit that. But part of it\u2014you run here, you run there, but whenever you come to the inn, you just dump your troubles on us. First Mrsha\u2014but then the Earthers. Then you run off. And you\u2019re so\u2014so arrogant.<\/em> You act like you\u2019re the only person who thinks about the future, but you\u2019re terrible at committing to a plan. Like with Xrn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Barbs and needles and thorns in her skin. Ryoka waited. Lyonette was unloading all the things she hadn\u2019t said before. The [Princess] exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven then. I could look past all of that. But you\u2019re just so damned selfish. You don\u2019t get to run off and risk your life whenever you<\/em> feel like it. You have people who depend on you. You have a responsibility.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed at the door, at where Mrsha had been. Ryoka looked up at her. Lyonette\u2019s finger began to shake. The [Princess] gulped down another breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying you\u2019re wrong. You saved <\/em>Mrsha. And you woke the Archmage of Izril\u2014you\u2019ve done amazing things. No one could deny that. But\u2014I don\u2019t want Mrsha to love you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sniffed. The [Princess]\u2019s eyes were filling up. She looked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish she didn\u2019t love you. I wish you\u2019d never come back and she grieved and cried but forgot <\/em>about you. Because someday, someone is going to have to tell her that you\u2019re dead. It won\u2019t be decades from now. It might not even be years. And that person will be me, or Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner\u2019s stomach dropped. Her body felt cold. Lyonette was wiping at her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be tomorrow. You care about everyone. Everyone but yourself. You\u2019re going to die on one of these runs and I don\u2019t know what will happen to Mrsha. Why do you have to do this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka wiped her eyes. They were stinging. So that\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But we do. Mrsha does. I do. Erin does\u2014the inn is dangerous enough. But that\u2019s not like this. This\u2014you don\u2019t have<\/em> to do this. This isn\u2019t a monster coming after us. This is your choice. Please don\u2019t<\/em> do this. Why do you feel like you have to?\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d said her piece. And Ryoka got it, now. Lyonette\u2019s furious despair over\u2026Ryoka. Someone who was there, and not. A lovely aunt for Mrsha, a friend, a good person to have\u2014<\/p>\n

Until she was dead. And Ryoka had seen death too many times. Valeterisa\u2019s mansion? The High Passes? She danced with it. She\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a reason I feel like I have to do it. I know\u2014it\u2019s not someone I know. And Tyrion Veltras\u2014but I\u2019d try it even if it wasn\u2019t him, and it didn\u2019t help with the party. I\u2019d want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? <\/em>If it was Mrsha, I\u2019d understand. But why for this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner sat back and stared at the ceiling. Her next words were slow, recited not from any one quote, but many.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s not my fight. It\u2019s not my responsibility. Someone else will do what\u2019s right. They won\u2019t get away with this\u2014but I\u2019m not going to be the one to stop them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked up. Ryoka stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a Guild\u2026and a mysterious group of\u2026people. Who are poisoning little kids to threaten a [Lord]. I don\u2019t know the politics. I don\u2019t care. I know what Tyrion Veltras did to Liscor. But that? That\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Her pulse quickened. Her throat tried to close. Ryoka whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s evil. As clear as I\u2019ve ever seen it. Am I supposed to walk away? If someone doesn\u2019t fight that\u2014they win. Why me? Because it\u2019s happening. Everyone watches someone dying, someone doing something evil. And no one raises a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shuddered, but the words were spilling out nonstop. Trying to contextualize who she had been, who she was. Make sense of it all.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarth is ruled by such things, Lyonette. We built empire on the bones of innocent people. There is so much<\/em> happening in my world, every second I lived and breathed. Genocides taking place while people ignored it or claimed there were rules.<\/em> People being murdered. Dying of starvation when someone could have fed them. Rapists and thieves who were protected. Criminals who used our laws. Petty and monstrously large alike. I could never do anything about it. I never properly tried. I just used it as an excuse to be angry and hit things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice sat outside, her head in her hands. Ryoka Griffin\u2019s voice was rougher. Urgent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt helpless on Earth. But in this world, even without levels\u2014I can try. I have a chance. I\u2019ve done it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] said nothing. She and Ryoka were both shedding tears. It felt\u2014too raw. Lyonette took a shuddering breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. And it might be wrong. But even if\u2014can\u2019t you let them die? Because I don\u2019t want you<\/em> to die. Do you understand that? You\u2019re too important to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner shuddered. She looked back. A Drake proudly raised her blade as the undead closed in. She saw a Courier, offering her a charm.<\/p>\n

A laughing faerie.<\/p>\n

She shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ryoka Griffin who risked her life was the same one who ran to get a lost girl. I don\u2019t want to become someone else. I\u2019ll change everything. I\u2019ll be a better person. But I want to be brave.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] choked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou already are. Bravery isn\u2019t running to your death. Please.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka had nothing left to say. Lyonette finished crying. She just sat there. Looking at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

They understood each other better. So much more than ten minutes ago. The [Princess] wiped at her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could never do anything, either. I was a [Princess] without anything. I hated that. So I ran away. Now\u2014I almost wish I was that old Lyonette. Because she was helpless. And she didn\u2019t care<\/em>. She didn\u2019t have a child and she didn\u2019t worry every night\u2014I could stop you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could. I\u2019d have Pawn and the Antinium hold you captive. But that wouldn\u2019t change who you are. Or why Mrsha loves you. In the end\u2014I won\u2019t get in your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked towards the door. Then she rose. She strode over to Ryoka\u2014and kissed<\/em> her.<\/p>\n

On the forehead. Ryoka Griffin blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

That was unexpected. She shoved Lyonette off, lightly. The [Princess] frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t work. Hold on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She tried again. This time Ryoka struggled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGiving you my boon! It\u2019s a Skill! If you\u2019re going to\u2014why isn\u2019t it working? Please<\/em> don\u2019t tell me I have to kiss anywhere else. I don\u2019t even think\u2014what\u2019s wrong?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka spluttered. She got Lyonette off her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? A boon? Lyonette\u2014I don\u2019t think it\u2019ll work. I\u2019m not really part of\u2026the leveling system.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Princess] gave up. She looked at Ryoka. The two stared at each other\u2014then started chuckling. Lyonette shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve ruined the moment. Go. If you have to go\u2014promise me you\u2019ll come back. For all of us. And say goodbye to Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise. I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked up. Lyonette smiled. Then she left.<\/p>\n

For a few minutes, Ryoka sat there, wiping saliva off her forehead. She felt teary, stupid\u2014why hadn\u2019t she thought of how much it would wreck Mrsha, thinking she was going to die?\u2014and still, resolute.<\/p>\n

But shakily. It could break. It might break. Ryoka took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin? Do you have anything else to add?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone opened the door. Erin was even tearier than Lyonette and Ryoka had been. She blew her nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne seconb. I\u2019b stuffy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka waited as Erin cleaned her face. The [Innkeeper] had been listening. When she came into the room, she looked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was\u2014going to hit you and tie you up in the basement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t. I have to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin sat down. She tried to speak coherently, but it was hard. She was hiccupping, now.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2014Ryoka. If you die\u2014why do you\u2014have to\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka smiled slightly. It was time to explain. And to Erin\u2014it was a different explanation. She had told Lyonette the truth. That was why Ryoka Griffin had been such an angry young woman. Part of it, anyways. But there was another reason.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. I want to see Ivolethe again. Because she has something I need. The wind. I regret giving up my levels, Erin. My classes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you w\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I can\u2019t. Not for the winter. Not another year. Everything\u2019s happening too fast, Erin. Earthers in this world, war\u2014I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka met Erin\u2019s eyes. The [Innkeeper] stared at her through a red-rimmed gaze. Ryoka went on, slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe cannot wait for better days. The ability to change the world\u2014I would do almost anything for it short of losing myself. It\u2019s one thing to try to be good. But good intentions are nothing without power. And that\u2019s why I need to meet Ivolethe. Also\u2014because it\u2019s the right thing. But also because of that. So I can do this run. Other runs, without endangering my life like this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a circular thing. Risk your life to get stronger so you didn\u2019t risk your life. But wasn\u2019t that how leveling worked? Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI do. I should have become a [Runner]. Because look at you, Erin. You can do so much. If we got into a fight\u2014you would probably win. Your inn is a fortress. You have so many Skills\u2014I want that power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s face was troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka. That\u2019s not why I leveled up. Power corrupts. Absolute power\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka cut her off, shaking her head rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Don\u2019t say that, Erin. It\u2019s something people say and it drives me crazy. Like \u2018the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over\u2019. That\u2019s not what insanity is. And Einstein didn\u2019t say it. It\u2019s a stupid quote, like \u2018power corrupts\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s true,<\/em> right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin saw her friend snort gently. Ryoka rolled her shoulder, stretching out one arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cA man called Lord Acton said that nearly two hundred years ago. He said that, and that is factual. But you know what? He could be wrong. <\/em>He lived in a time unlike ours. And he made those observations as a generalization. Does power always<\/em> corrupt? Did it corrupt you? Zevara? Magnolia\u2014okay, that\u2019s debatable. Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] thought of the naked Drake with the power to kill. She bit her lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026isn\u2019t there something true in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is. I believe that, Erin. But listen to this. A lot later than Lord Acton, closer to now, a man named Robert Caro said something else of our leaders. \u2018Power always reveals\u2019.<\/em> I like that a lot more. We need to pursue power. Saying the right thing is meaningless in either world. Have power, and do<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

It was philosophy. Ryoka broke off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I had the power to do more. Because I would. I don\u2019t have time to wait until the winter. Not with all that will happen. I can\u2019t. And none of that really matters. I just have to run, Erin. I have<\/em> to run. Am I insane for feeling that way? Please\u2014tell me. Maybe Lyonette\u2019s right. Maybe I am\u2026some vain, egotistical person who thinks the world revolves around me. Definitely. Probably. Maybe. Am I\u2026wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] shook her head. Erin Solstice wasn\u2019t one for what Ryoka had gone into. Ethics\u2014if they were over a game of chess, maybe. But it was simpler for her. She had been ready to stop Ryoka. Now?<\/p>\n

She looked at her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always been jealous of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka blinked. She glanced at Erin. Smiled, shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my line. But I never expected you to say that about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was caught off-guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, me? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka eyed Erin and sighed. She didn\u2019t see it. Ryoka pointed around the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere could I start? You\u2014you can do the things I talk about. You lead people. You\u2019re not afraid to fight. You\u2014can create miracles. Real, miracles.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] shook her head, troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t. People say they\u2019re miracles but\u2014they\u2019re not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that. I know how much it costs. I still think you can make them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka leaned forwards. Erin blinked at her, uncomprehending. Ryoka went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cA miracle. Like stopping the Goblin Lord\u2014or killing that thing called Skinner. A proper one. I know how much it took. <\/em>Lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hill in the garden. Erin\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it? That\u2019s what everyone wants. A miracle you don\u2019t have to work for. But I don\u2019t really see those. Usually\u2014it\u2019s someone else making it work. And that costs a lot, sometimes. You do it, though. You changed people\u2019s minds. Stopped an army. I wished I could do that. I\u2026wish I had your ability to make friends. Like people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka studied her knuckles. She touched them as Erin searched for a reply to that. Ryoka mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken Godart is his name. I told you about him. And you might not like him. I\u2014punched him and ran off the last time we met. I regret that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI punch things.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] waved her hand. Ryoka half-smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t run. You\u2019d stay and\u2026persuade him. I? Lyonette was right. I half-solve a problem. I rescue a Gnoll, collect some Earthers, and then I dump them in your lap. You\u2019re the one who helped make a home for Mrsha. You turned the others into amazing people. Kevin and his bike. Joseph, playing soccer instead of drinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe still drinks. But he\u2019s working on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two smiled for a moment. Ryoka closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaken. We met on a cold winter, when his village was starving for food and aid. Ivolethe helped me deliver it. It was one strange run, there and back. But I was never prouder of myself. I thought\u2014that was the most important thing I can do with my life. Worth risking my life for. This\u2014I thought it was the same. But is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up. Her green eyes meeting Erin\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid of the future, Erin. And I don\u2019t know what to do. What do you think I should do?\u201d<\/p>\n

She was asking. And in that moment, the [Innkeeper] looked at her friend. And she felt her heart sink. And rise. And\u2014<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] stood up. She turned away from Ryoka. Scuffed the floorboards with one foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, have you met my weird friend? She\u2019s a City Runner. Her name\u2019s Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka smiled. She opened her mouth, then let Erin continue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve helped her before. Picked up pieces after she ran. She\u2019s always doing weird stuff. Running here, going into the High Passes. She\u2019s not a great person. She\u2019s good, but not super-great. Really. She has a bad temper, she gets depressed, she can\u2019t even be a proper person, let alone look after friends\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin trailed off, looked at Ryoka. The City Runner smiled bitterly. No objections here.<\/em> Erin went on.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026But she always seems to be trying to do the right thing. And that\u2019s why I help her, even if she asks for crazy stuff. Because I admire her. I admire her being brave, even when she\u2019s terrified.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at the City Runner and saw uncertainty in Ryoka\u2019s face. Erin Solstice saw Ryoka Griffin much like Lyonette had.<\/p>\n

This was Ryoka.<\/em> She looked like one thing. Tall, leggy, confident, certainly with good running form. Brave, intelligent. And she was many of these things. But also\u2014if you knew her\u2014<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin was a very anxious person.<\/p>\n

She planned for the future and didn\u2019t plan for the future.<\/p>\n

She talked a big game, but she was no killer, or even cruel.<\/p>\n

She wasn\u2019t as fast as she thought she was.<\/p>\n

But she was rather kind. She did care about good and evil. And today\u2014Erin Solstice shook her head. She wiped at her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka stood up, slowly. Erin went over to her friend. She hugged her tightly. Like she had in Celum, not wanting to let go.<\/p>\n

For a second they stood there. Then a minute. Then\u2026eternity. When she let go, her friend might die. Time would resume. She could hold on forever, like this.<\/p>\n

\u2014But she had to let go. She could stop Ryoka. But she could not stop time. And Erin had listened and chosen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try to help if I can. At least a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin snuffled. Ryoka shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to\u2014it\u2019s the inn I\u2019m worried about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDummy. I<\/em> have Skills. You have bare feet and toe fungus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin was shaky after that. Erin saw her visibly collect herself as they went into the hallway. But suddenly\u2014it was Erin who was busy and Ryoka who just had to wait.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne hour and\u2026thirty minutes. Thereabouts. I\u2019ll\u2026I\u2019ll find Mrsha. I need to plot my journey with Fierre. Beyond that? I could practice\u2026no. I\u2019d give it away. I\u2019ll\u2026eat something or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Don\u2019t go without saying goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin wiped her face again. Ryoka backed into her room. The two stared at each other for a moment. Nothing more to say? Ryoka turned. Fierre glanced up from her map.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been crying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Fierre.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] smiled as Ryoka closed the door. Then she turned.<\/p>\n

Snapjaw was staring at Erin. The [Innkeeper] threw up her arms. The [Big Eater] put a finger to her lips.<\/p>\n

Where had she<\/em> come from? Well, that was obvious. She\u2019d been in Numbtongue\u2019s room, listening with the door ajar! The Hobgoblin was considerably more stealthy than Erin had been.<\/p>\n

\u201cSnapjaw! Um\u2014can I help you? Were you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListening. Crying Humans waste water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked. The Goblin tapped one pointed ear and waggled it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear more than Humans think. I listen. Goblin Lord taught me that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Snapjaw eyed Erin. Then she poked a finger at the closed door to Ryoka\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe do something stupid-dangerous. Die running-death?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. I don\u2019t know. I need to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp her. You going to ask Numbtongue, Badarrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

The female Hob stopped Erin. The [Innkeeper] hesitated. Snapjaw went on. She pulled out a boiled egg, brushed some lint off from her belt pouch, and bit it in half. She spoke, while chewing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose two like you. If you say \u2018help me\u2019, they will. And they will die.<\/em> Two Hobs\u2014Redfangs\u2014will die. Like last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked meaningfully at Erin. They had both been there. The [Innkeeper] hadn\u2019t brought it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you\u2026hate me for that, Snapjaw?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHate. Hate? Goblin Lord told us to fight. Humans made us go to Liscor. Not you. You helped Goblins fight. So more Goblins died. But you feed Redfangs. Badarrow say you save his life, make them happy. You make Chieftain happy, teach her, save her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Snapjaw mused. She looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not hate you. Nor love you. But do not make Goblins die. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Erin with a pleading look. The [Innkeeper] felt her heart lurch. Don\u2019t let him die.<\/em> That was all Snapjaw wanted. She reached out and touched Snapjaw\u2019s arm. The Hob looked at it. Erin nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not asking them. I know they\u2019re not enough. In fact\u2014I\u2019m counting on you to make sure they don\u2019t do anything stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Snapjaw studied Erin to see if she was lying. Then she nodded, gratefully. Erin walked past her. The Goblins had given enough. Too much. She would honor that request. Besides\u2014they were not enough.<\/p>\n

Maviola El was right. They needed an army. One Runner\u2014was she sending Ryoka to her death? If\u2026Erin was wrong, she would never forgive herself. But she hadn\u2019t had the courage to stop Ryoka.<\/p>\n

She would get Ryoka out of the city. She could do that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice went for a walk. Ryoka planned, and her friends made preparations. Time\u2014if there was a [Chronomancer], they\u2019d probably sense time crawl, then jump forwards.<\/p>\n

Mrsha refused to let go. Ryoka finally got free and Lyonette held Mrsha back. She looked at Ryoka and the Wind Runner remembered her promise.<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights was really<\/em> bored. But two hours slowly passed with five more bodies. Just low-level [Assassins]. It was about time for him to leave the vial behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really disappointing me, you know. All of you suck. But I guess a promise is a promise. Alright, I\u2019m leaving. Good luck guarding that vault on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s comments were, of course, being broadcast on Wistram News Network. He turned to the Guildmaster, who was pale with nerves.<\/p>\n

The Watch had been summoned to guard the Guild. They had\u2026failed to mobilize. The way it looked was that the [Assassins] could walk in after Saliss left and just demand the key to the vault and it would be provided.<\/p>\n

The Drake grumbled as he watched sand trickling out of the hourglass he\u2019d produced.<\/p>\n

Then\u2014it was time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin met Delanay and eighteen Runners in the Player\u2019s Retreat. Fierre blinked. Salamani was there. And\u2014six [Mages].<\/p>\n

\u201cI called in some favors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I. You\u2019re not the only Runner who\u2019s sick of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delanay introduced the others to Ryoka briefly. She forgot their names; she was vibrating with nerves.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the Runner? How fast are you, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the City Runners looked dubiously at Ryoka. She bared her teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find out, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Some people chuckled. Others just grimly checked themselves. Invrisil\u2019s City Runners went armed. Two had crossbows like Delanay, good weapons to pull out, fire, and run. The [Mages] were murmuring.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the plan. The Runner\u2019s Guild has a sewer entrance as well as two exits they use if a Runner needs to slip out for a big delivery. But I\u2019m sure<\/em> the Guild has them all marked. So, we\u2019re going to cause a distraction. Me, the [Mages], and four of the Runners are going to the sewers and pretending<\/em> to try to enter the guild. We\u2019ll use [Doppelgangers], cause a huge fuss. Run, the instant the [Assassins] come for us. Meanwhile\u2014Delanay, Ryoka, Fierre, you all take one of the secret entrances.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, a classic diversion? The second tunnel will be watched.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said, \u2018get Ryoka into the Guild\u2019. Saliss of Lights has it covered. She\u2019ll teleport out. Maybe<\/em> the [Assassins] can trace it\u2014but we\u2019re meeting right back here. Ryoka will hop through the door and I\u2019ll drop decoys, illusion spells\u2014buy her an hour\u2019s lead if we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a plan. It was shakier than Ryoka liked, but they\u2019d had two hours to throw it together. She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just need a clear spot\u2014hell, I could do it from Invrisil if I have<\/em> to. I just need the vial in my hand<\/em> and a few minutes\u2019 head start. Got it? No one risk their lives. Just run for it if they come for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone nodded. Ryoka sighed. She looked back, over her shoulder\u2014and saw Redit talking with someone in the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone wants to go through, Innkeeper Veeid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, wait for the door to open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u2026been off-and-on. Hold on. Can we send a [Message]\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s head turned as she felt a premonition. Apparently, the door did get activated because there was a void.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she? Where\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. No\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka turned. She tried to push past Fierre to block the door, but too late. Fierre, Salamani, the Runners, and [Mages] saw the door open. And there was\u2026<\/p>\n

Garia Strongheart and Fals. Ryoka Griffin pointed at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not. Turn around, go back through the door\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t stop us, Ryoka. We heard about your crazy plan. You think we\u2019re not coming too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Garia was smiling. Fals looked terrified. He stared at Salamani and the other City Runners.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had enough of being left out. We\u2019ll help with this diversion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You\u2019re not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

What, City Runners? <\/em>Delanay raised his brows as he adjusted his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour friends are welcome to join us, Ryoka. The more hands we have, the likelier it is we all live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin took a breath. But they were her friends!<\/em> And she realized, too late, that she was being a complete hypocrite. That was what Lyonette, Erin, everyone had said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust be careful, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill do. Now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. There was a queue and Erin was using the door to\u2014sorry, are we late? I heard you needed some [Mages], Salamani. To cast some distraction spells?\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, Ryoka heard a familiar voice. She turned. And there was Montressa, Palt, and Bezale. The Minotauress was cracking her knuckles.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you all too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we figured it was join up or have Erin screaming at us when things go south. Salamani.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The two nodded at each other. Montressa waved at the other [Mages]. Beza stomped forwards. Ryoka opened her mouth\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI fucking knew it. Brave as a [Depth Hunter] and not half the sense. Good thing we caught her! Oi, you, out of the way!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone kicked Redit as the [Bouncer] tried to block them. Ryoka saw the door thrust open and\u2014Garia covered her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDad. Mom! <\/em>Get back to the inn!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant and Viceria. Wailant was alternatively beaming and scowling. Viceria was nothing but worried, but she looked relieved to see the other [Mages].<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Strongheart? Why are you\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew our daughter would be here. What kind of humble [Farmers] would we be if we let her risk her neck! Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll keep back. Just to make sure our little City Runner stays safe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have classes! Go home!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense. We both outlevel you, young woman. And we\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka\u2019s head snapped up. She saw more people behind the farming couple. They had arranged this. Surely, they had. Or how would Wesle, Jasi, Kilkran, Temile, Jelaqua, Moore, Seborn\u2014her jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you all doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve done this before. At the riots in Invrisil. Oh, you missed that. Grand fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Ryoka. You made Mrsha cry. I\u2019m going to beat you with a chair\u2014after we get you out of Invrisil!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua brightly waved. Ulinde joined her old friends from Wistram. They were coming through. The inn\u2019s guests. People like\u2014<\/p>\n

Like Ryoka. Or Delanay. Or Fierre, for that matter, who was staring at Wesle. The former [Guardsman] was checking the enchanted sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re [Actors]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing like it to cause a scene, is there? I hope that gives us some immunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kilkran beamed. Jasi shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to cause a distraction.<\/em> None of you are fighting. Hell, I\u2019ll throw free autographs and tickets at the [Assassins] if it works. So what\u2019s the plan? I assume there is one?\u201d<\/p>\n

They were all here. Ryoka felt weak at the knees. So worried. But\u2014<\/p>\n

The wind blew down the street, tugging at her hair. The City Runner\u2019s heart stirred. She smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to thank you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t bother. We\u2019re wasting time. Just\u2014give us something to boast about, huh? Deliver the cure, Wind Runner. We\u2019ll get you to the Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant laughed. Ryoka looked around. No Antinium or Goblins. Badarrow and Numbtongue were missing, as was Snapjaw. More than she could ask for. But\u2014she took a breath. Then sighed.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Wind Runner and her friends moved towards the secret tunnel\u2019s entrance, a street away from the inn. The others began moving for the sewer entrance they\u2019d have to jog down to assail the Guild and cause the distraction from below.<\/p>\n

And yet\u2014Mrsha was sniffling. No. No.<\/em> She was afraid. And she knew there was reason to be afraid. Because\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us out.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Numbtongue was banging on the door to the Garden of Sanctuary. Mrsha clung to his legs. Badarrow was trying to get Snapjaw to help him climb through the dome\u2019s opening. A few Fortress Beavers were watching, mystified, and Apista was buzzing around, nervously.<\/p>\n

Lyonette had shut them in. She\u2019d told the Goblins that Erin needed their help and then closed the door.<\/em> Erin must have put her up to it because the door would not open for the Goblins or Mrsha.<\/p>\n

Badarrow was scowling, growling at Snapjaw. But she just looked\u2026Mrsha clung to Numbtongue. Don\u2019t go.<\/em> She had seen Wailant, the Halfseekers\u2014but don\u2019t go. She was so afraid. This wasn\u2019t like last time. It wasn\u2019t monsters or rioters.<\/p>\n

It was [Assassins]. And more\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re nearly there. It\u2019s through a [Cobbler]\u2019s shop. Wait for the sounds of explosions and then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Delanay wasn\u2019t trying to be stealthy. His red jacket and striking clothing weren\u2019t good at stealthy, anyways. But he was being casual as he led Ryoka, Fierre, and Ulinde to the secret tunnel.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d added Ulinde because she was a [Spellslinger] and good backup. Salamani had offered to come, but he was too notable. Most of the [Assassins] would be drawn off by the diversion, anyways. Ryoka looked ahead towards the innocuous shop. A street away from the Guild\u2026she nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s probably being watched. Let\u2019s sit down at that caf\u00e9. The instant we hear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The four turned, walking casually down the street. Ryoka felt like hundreds of eyes were on her. She tried to seem natural. The air felt too still, too constricting. Soon, she\u2019d need it to blow hard. But it was so hard to keep her cover.<\/p>\n

Delanay was doing a great job\u2014Fierre, less. Ulinde looked nervous and pale\u2014Ryoka really didn\u2019t know her that well. But she had volunteered.<\/p>\n

The street was fairly empty. A group of gossiping young women at one table, some people excitedly watching an orb from a safe distance. A half-staffed caf\u00e9. But no one wanted to be near the Runner\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n

Time was nearly up. There were fifteen minutes left\u2014and Saliss was busy telling bad alchemy jokes to Drassi, who had plugged her earholes. Ryoka would have about ten minutes. Five minutes until the diversion. Probably a bit sooner. It would be like ten kinds of hell opening up under Invrisil\u2019s streets. Bezale had been talking about caving in<\/em> part of the sewer system.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything to eat, Miss? Drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

A smiling [Waitress] came over. Ryoka jumped. She\u2019d forgotten they had to eat something.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014er\u2014tea, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What flavor, Miss? We have a list.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Waitress] gave Ryoka a long look. The City Runner hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Can I see the list?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre covered her face. Delanay chuckled as Ryoka turned beet red. Ulinde grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can recommend the mossy teas, Miss Ryoka. Excuse me, do you h\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Waitress] swung the dagger up and slashed through Ulinde\u2019s throat. Ryoka stared blankly as the Selphid [Spellslinger] recoiled, jerked back\u2014and went over with three bolts in her chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cUlinde?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre jerked. She slumped over. The dagger was in her back and two more crossbow bolts stood out in her shoulders. The [Waitress] eyed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. I didn\u2019t think I killed her. Someone get the Selphid!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka tried to rise, but she couldn\u2019t. She tried to move\u2014<\/em>but something held her down. She could barely turn her head, croak\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cDelanay?\u201d<\/p>\n

She heard a weak sound. The bolts hadn\u2019t gone through his old, enchanted leather armor, but it had clearly done some damage. Broken bones\u2014he was trying to pull his crossbow out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou damn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u2018[Waitress]\u2019 stomped on his hand. Ryoka heard a crunch. <\/em>She kicked him and then turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaken out. Sorry about your friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pushed Fierre out of the chair. The Vampire girl\u2019s eyes were wide. She wasn\u2019t breathing\u2014and there was so little blood. She landed on the floor. Someone else was holding down Ulinde, who was struggling as her head flopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014wh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are the Sisters of Chell. And other idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n

The caf\u00e9\u2014the gossiping young women\u2014they were holding crossbows. The diners, some male, stood in their own group. They weren\u2019t\u2026Ryoka struggled. The wind!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2014Did not come. She strained<\/em> to call it, but felt only dead air on her face. The air in the street was\u2014still. Too still! What was happening?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a gang?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHired by the Guild. Do you think they would have put it just down to their [Assassins]? Or that they wouldn\u2019t be watching<\/em> for idiots? You are marked, Wind Runner. Hey, [Assassin], this good or do you want help in the sewers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone appeared out of one of the shadows in the caf\u00e9. A proper [Assassin], female, peering at Ryoka. The Sister of Chell nodded. She gave Ryoka an almost-pitying look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou City Runners are as dumb as lizards. This is the third attempt we\u2019ve stopped. Mind you, we\u2019re doing this for your own good. Come with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

She seized Ryoka and began to drag her from the table. Ryoka tried to fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWind\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A tsk<\/em>. Another [Rogue] sauntered over. He was the one who\u2019d put a crossbow bolt in Delanay and Fierre. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Clear Weather]. [Elemental Suppression: Air]. You really thought we couldn\u2019t deal with someone like you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He squatted down as the Sister growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, someone give us a hand! Grab the poor kid. Did they put up a fight in the sewers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBriefly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin]\u2014Ryoka\u2019s world was one of increasing horror. She saw the [Rogue] grinning at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Miss Runner. You won\u2019t die.<\/em> If your friends in the sewer didn\u2019t put up a fight, they\u2019re probably only wounded. You\u2019ll get to sit until that Drake adventurer\u2019s taken care of. Won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded in the direction of the Runner\u2019s Guild. The man tapped Ryoka on the stomach with a foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll learn a little lesson. Nothing permanent. Just something for cheek. Don\u2019t try and make it worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Get lost. We have this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sister snapped. The [Rogue] growled, looking at her. It was the [Assassin] who slipped over, regarding Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither of you claim this one. She\u2019s known to Magnolia Reinhart. We have questions for her. Leave her with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both criminals hesitated. But then the Sister let go and the [Rogue] stomped off.<\/p>\n

\u201cTough luck, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sister backed off, glaring at the [Assassin]. Ryoka looked up. Fierre. Fierre<\/em>. They were dragging her and the other two away. It was all going wrong. Don\u2019t be dead. But don\u2019t do anything, Fierre. They\u2019d seen everything coming.<\/p>\n

Maviola El was right. Lyonette was right. The [Assassin] leaned down and Ryoka\u2014<\/p>\n

She wanted to live.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a question for you, Miss Griffin. For your sake, I advise you to answer truthfully.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lady Ieka Imarris received word about Ryoka Griffin too late. She dropped her teacup.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe Guild is going to interrogate her, Lady Imarris. She and her accomplices are in custody. Both groups. One casualty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ieka didn\u2019t care about that. She rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cCountermand that order.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Imarris, the Guild\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] saw the [Mage Lady] point a finger at her. And the glowing spell made the black-clad figure hesitate.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn my authority, do nothing <\/em>to Miss Griffin and her friends. Bring her\u2014yes, bring her here<\/em>. To the storehouse nearby, that is. I have to prepare\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] hesitated. But Ieka was already preparing an illusion spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Guild\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am the Circle of Thorns\u2019 agent in Invrisil. Do it now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

That foolish girl. Brave, but\u2026there was no point! Ieka would get whatever the Circle wanted from her. She just needed a disguise. She was pondering what to do or say. She had her own agenda, and Valeterisa might have good questions to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cAunt\u2014something\u2019s just occurred. Don\u2019t ask why, but I\u2019m in a position to ask that Runner you were interested in some questions under truth spell she cannot refuse. Do you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Ieka?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to bring her\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] turned. But it wasn\u2019t the [Assassin] who\u2019d slipped out the window, but a [Maid]. The young woman cringed, and Ieka mollified her tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cShadsi, what is it? I am rather busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Lady Imarris. It is only\u2014Lady Maviola El has announced herself to the guard. She wishes to speak to you. At your convenience?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola\u2014<\/em>Ieka\u2019s jaw dropped. She hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmit her. Give her all refreshments. I will speak to her\u2026very shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

What on earth did Lady Maviola El want now? Ieka had thought she was nearly dead. And Ryoka Griffin\u2014<\/p>\n

The Archmage of Izril had questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They\u2019d killed the wind with their Skills and magic. That\u2014that wasn\u2019t fair.<\/em> Ryoka Griffin struggled to move. But the [Assassin] was having two [Thugs] drag her down the street. They grunted; she certainly wasn\u2019t helping and lifting bodies was hard work.<\/p>\n

Foolish. Ryoka was praying the others were alive. That they\u2019d surrendered. Oh, gods. Ulinde was dead.<\/em> Wait\u2014did that Sister of Chell say Selphid?<\/em><\/p>\n

It was falling apart. She had known the Guild had employed the gangs. But now Ryoka saw it.<\/p>\n

Half of Izril\u2019s underworld and countless members of the expendable ranks, like Theofore had been. It was an army<\/em> in Invrisil, in other cities.<\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t had a chance. The Sister of Chell was tsking as she investigated Fierre\u2019s body. She frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, maybe she\u2019s alive. My heartbeat Skill is picking up something\u2026did you bastards use poison or can I heal her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Professional killers versus Runners. Different mentality, different style. They\u2019d taken the wind.<\/em><\/p>\n

Arrogant. Lyonette was right. Ryoka heard the other gangs laughing and calling out in the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink we\u2019ll bag a Courier?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll let the [Assassins] take them on. What about the Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to fuck with a Named Adventurer? He\u2019s alone, anyways. And about to leave. Let him go, I say. Oi\u2014company.\u201d<\/p>\n

The procession paused. The [Assassin] turned, but relaxed. The Sister of Chell looked up. Ryoka, with great effort, raised her head. The [Rogue] who was leading his gang blinked, then scowled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook who\u2019s here to join the party. The hat bastards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNew orders. We\u2019re taking this one elsewhere. With me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] had just received a [Message] on a scroll. The two [Thugs] grumbled, but changed directions. They headed back the way they\u2019d come. The [Rogue] shouted as the other gangs jeered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere for a job? Get lost,<\/em> you idiots! This is our job, and no one wanted to hire you prissy bastards!\u201d<\/p>\n

The others on the street jeered as they resumed their posts. The [Waitress]-Sister hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold up. Hey. Why are<\/em> you lot\u2026that\u2019s a lot of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

She muttered to herself. Ryoka stared ahead.<\/p>\n

A line of men was strolling down the street. About\u2026thirty of them. Each one wearing some kind of cap.<\/p>\n

There were tricorns, top hats, or close enough, simple caps, even a fez<\/em>\u2014it was a world unknown to Ryoka. Who liked hats that much?<\/p>\n

These men. And they were\u2026walking slowly. Chatting. But Ryoka had a sudden flash of insight.<\/p>\n

The Sister of Chell had one at the exact same time. The others were jeering, laughing. But the Sister murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Rhir\u2019s hells.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised a hand and clenched it into a fist. The other Sisters looked up and stopped laughing.<\/p>\n

The [Rogue] was less perspicacious. And he should have been. But he was sauntering forwards with the crossbow in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. This is our street. Why\u2019re you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

He called out, a bit warily. And one of the men walking in front\u2014a Gnoll, the only one in the group, turned to a Drake.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going for a walk, gentlemen. Just a group of fellows on a walkabout, as any honest and enterprising citizen is entitled to, surely.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other gangs deciphered that, then looked at each other. The Brothers had their stupid way of talking. But the Drake\u2019s voice was just as light as he replied. And they knew those two.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no law against a fellow walking about, is there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Rogue] counted heads. And suddenly he stopped in the street. Someone muttered; the [Assassin] looked up as she caught the sudden susurration.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoss? My [Dangersense] just went off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey now. Hey, whatever\u2019s the matter\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Rogue] put up his hands. The Sisters were backing up down the street. Ratici sighed. He looked at Ryoka\u2019s fallen friends. He turned to his companion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWilovan, I feel overdressed in situations like this, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRatici, you read my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

But it was too late. As one, the line of Brothers\u2026took off their hats. They dropped them in the street, tossing them behind. The hats they took so much care of.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] turned to look at the two [Thugs]. But she only saw Ryoka, on her hands and knees. The [Thugs] had let go and drawn a dagger and mace. And they were backing up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be mad! There are four gangs on this street! The Guild paid us to\u2014arms up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Rogue] was retreating backwards. He looked around and saw three gangs. The Sisters of Chell were legging it. And then the [Rogue] looked ahead and he realized\u2014<\/p>\n

They were serious. Someone began to hum as they walked forwards. A young man, Teor, next to Crimshaw, following the Gentlemen Callers. He sang a children\u2019s song, a nursery rhyme. And the others picked it up. Not all sang it well. But the haunting tone moved down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe night\u2019s been long and the bodies are wet, <\/em><\/p>\n

But don\u2019t you fret; be quick and ain\u2019t not a guard who\u2019ll be upset<\/em><\/p>\n

The good folk are rising, and we\u2019re off to our beds,<\/em><\/p>\n

The smart thieves away with the loot and the slow ones are dead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other gangs were panicking. The [Assassin] just stared, transfixed. She might have heard the rumors. But some gave them no credence.<\/p>\n

The Brothers of Serendipitous Meetings walked without their hats.<\/p>\n

But why<\/em> were they here? The answer was simple, as so many things were:<\/p>\n

Someone had asked them to come. She had given them a choice. Presented the odds, the risks, and the rewards, which weren\u2019t things you could hold. You couldn\u2019t say fairer than that, could you? They had talked it over. And come to a simpler conclusion.<\/p>\n

A gentleman did not let a lady cry.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold those barriers! Hold \u2018em or we\u2019re dead!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant Strongheart speared an [Assassin] by throwing<\/em> his cutlass. The fellow\u2014or lass\u2014hadn\u2019t expected that. He grabbed the blade, yanked it out of the body as it collapsed, and retreated behind the glowing walls of magic. Yet there were so damn many. He\u2019d heard the Guild of Assassins had more bodies than a fly\u2019s nest\u2014but they were coming nonstop, firing arrows, loosing enchanted pellets from slings\u2014<\/p>\n

People were fighting around him. Runners, [Mages], and the guests of The Wandering Inn. Palt was blowing a cloud of fumes that choked the [Assassins]. But the small group was pinned down.<\/p>\n

They were in a defensive battle, under siege in the sewers. Montressa, Salamani, and the other [Mages] had up barriers and they were fighting with the [Assassins].<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a damned ambush! We have to retreat! Viceria, teleport!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant roared at his wife, who\u2019d conjured vines out of the sewer\u2019s muck to drag [Assassins] down. She was being sheltered by the half-Giant. Arrows stood out in Moore\u2019s arm from the first volley. Viceria refused to budge.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet! Ryoka\u2019s out there\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re about to be overrun! There\u2019s some bastards out there\u2014Faces\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone was fighting past the barriers. Jelaqua Ivirith was Rampaging, tossing the [Assassins] around with every swing of her flail in her Raskghar\u2019s form. But Wailant saw a figure step out<\/em> of one of the dying [Assassin]\u2019s shadows. He carried a longsword. And as Jelaqua twisted\u2014<\/p>\n

Snick. <\/em>Her head fell off. The slice was that fast. Her body staggered, began swinging the flail in every direction. Selphid. But the [Assassin] was already stepping out of a shadow well out of range. And this was the sewers. Shadows were everywhere.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a Face.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mages], Runners, and others stopped fighting for a moment as Jelaqua slowed. The [Shadowmaster Assassin] stepped forwards. He pointed his sword at the group.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Beheading Slice]. Give up before someone actually dies. You don\u2019t want this to go further and we don\u2019t want to waste Skills and bodies on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others looked at each other. That one could go straight through the barriers. Wailant grabbed Viceria\u2019s arm. Teleport.<\/em> She pointed.<\/p>\n

Garia was breathing hard, covering Fals\u2014she\u2019d knocked several [Assassins] into the sewer\u2019s sludge with punches and kicks, but she wasn\u2019t prepared for this. It was supposed<\/em> to be a diversion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do? Salamani?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] was aiming his wand at the largest group of [Assassins].<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka\u2019s group might have been ambushed. You. [Assassin]. We\u2019ll walk away if you do\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Surrender and we guarantee you won\u2019t be harmed. But you won\u2019t interfere. By the Guild, I promise that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou trust their word?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa hissed. Wailant looked behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re surrounded, Mage Montressa. We might have to trust it.\u201d<\/p>\n

More shadows from the other side. The others wavered. Seborn spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re going to shadow-step in. I can\u2019t stop them all. It\u2019ll be a massacre. Throw down your weapons. Unless you can stop that?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can try\u2014but it\u2019s an advanced\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] was losing his patience.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be no second quarter. I said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Thump.<\/em> The sewers shook<\/em>. Wailant saw mortar and stone shifting, dust and muck showering down. Everyone tensed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the depths was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Shadowmaster Assassin] didn\u2019t know either. He gestured to one of the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind out what that was. The rest of you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Thwoom.<\/em> Or\u2014some other sound. Wailant didn\u2019t really know. He went deaf as the street imploded<\/em> above the [Assassins], showering them with rubble and masonry. The surface collapsed into the sewers!<\/p>\n

The faster [Assassins] escaped, jumping away, using Skills\u2014but a quarter of them went down with screams. The [Shadowmaster] leapt out of another shadow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was th\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Flurry Blades].\u201d<\/p>\n

Seborn emerged from his shadow. The [Shadowmaster] screamed<\/em> as the [Rogue] slashed him four times. He vanished and reappeared, away from Seborn.<\/p>\n

\u201cKill th\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLoose!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He jerked. Wailant saw a shower of fletched bolts appear in the [Shadowmaster]. The Face dropped without a sound. Seborn recoiled. Everyone fell silent.<\/p>\n

They looked up. The other [Assassins] stared upwards as the voice shouted again.<\/p>\n

\u201cReload. Aim. Volley!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A second flight of arrows. The [Assassins] dove for cover. Wailant stared up through the clouds of dust. What in the name of Selphid\u2019s tits<\/em> was going on up\u2014<\/p>\n

Then he saw the first Drake [Crossbowman], kneeling in rank formation. And the blue-scaled Drake pointing downwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt\u2019s cigar dropped out of his mouth. Why was he\u2014?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something was happening. Bethal had watched the standoff and the Drake\u2014Saliss of Lights\u2014telling jokes for nearly two hours. Well, not directly. The two [Commentators] were talking about the standoff. It seemed like Saliss\u2019 cure would go to waste despite it all.<\/p>\n

But now\u2014she heard shouting. Drassi, who had been sitting with her earholes plugged, looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2014something just happened. Scrying orb with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw. But I was going to tell the joke about\u2014huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss looked up. The viewpoint changed. Drassi hurried to the window of the Runner\u2019s Guild. The street, which Bethal had seen full of the hired thugs and shadowy figures, was suddenly changed. She saw them flitting backwards, away from\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I seeing, Thomast?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her husband made no immediate reply. He was staring at the banners. And the people\u2014men and women, marching forwards. They were\u2026Human? Then Lady Bethal\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why were they here? It was simple. Someone had asked them to come.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLord Sanito\u2014yes. Straight through. She wanted to speak with you\u2014here, milord.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Guard] showed Lord Sanito to the place where he\u2019d installed the magic door. Alman of House Sanito was annoyed; he hadn\u2019t scheduled a delivery. But someone rather than something<\/em> had come through the door.<\/p>\n

He saw her standing there. A familiar young woman. Not tall or as impressive as some people you never forgot, not a [Warrior]. Just a young, Human woman. An [Innkeeper]. But because it was her, he would never have forgotten her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Erin Solstice? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lord] stopped. And he stared, because something was<\/em> wrong. Surely.<\/p>\n

She was crying, a bit. Standing there, looking at his mansion, at him, as he slowed. Her cheeks were wet. Tears trickling down her face. But she ignored them. As if there were nothing wrong with her tears.<\/p>\n

It unnerved the man. Tears were not something Alman was familiar with. From his wife, perhaps. But himself?<\/p>\n

Lord Alman Sanito had told his son not to weep when he was four. It made a man weak, or so Alman\u2019s father had told him at the same age. As if, young Alman had thought, tears were a crack in the stone that your courage could leak from.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. Is something the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all he could think to say. The [Innkeeper]\u2019s head rose. She looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot you had a family, Lord Sanito. Not you, then. But I need your help. I don\u2019t have much time. We don\u2019t have much time.\u201d<\/p>\n

He blinked, uncomprehending. The [Innkeeper] walked forwards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She had ignored the guards he\u2019d sensibly posted on the door. Or talked them into letting her pass. The old [Lord] listened, of course. She had more than earned that despite the impropriety.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her next words scared him terribly. She looked him in the eye. Her eyes were still red.<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Toldos. Do you have any regrets?\u201d<\/p>\n

The last heir to House Everight, old Lord Toldos Everight, stirred in his seat. Erin looked at him. She went on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cZevara. Is there such a thing as right and wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Watch Captain\u2019s scales were tingling. She pushed herself back from her desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want,<\/em> Erin Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His arms were folded. He would have thrown her out but for her question.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you believe in good and evil, Grimalkin?\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew. They knew. But still\u2014he waited for her to convince him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you believe in debts? Chaldion?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. But I don\u2019t know if you have the kind you need to call on now, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood there. Smiling. Crying. It was hard to tell which was which. And she shook her head and surprised the [Grand Strategist].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Brothers listened. The [Innkeeper] looked around their home that was never quite a home, but close.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve come to ask you to fight. Maybe to die, far from your home, for someone you don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we owe you a debt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Crimshaw murmured. Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. The exact opposite. Whatever I\u2019ve done\u2014this isn\u2019t the kind of thing you owe me. I\u2019d be in debt. I don\u2019t have the right. And I have every right. I\u2014am not asking you for a favor. I can\u2019t repay that kind of favor. I will try. But I will never succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pointed at the old [Lord] and his retainers. Her eyes were clear, now. And Lord Toldos almost flinched from the finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Toldos. I am calling you to arms.\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated. And he said\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014You do not have that authority. Nor are we allies, Miss Solstice. We are not on friendly terms. Why should I risk my life for your cause?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin of Pallass looked at her, recalling how they had last parted. She met his gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not about whether we like each other, Grimalkin. It\u2019s because I need your help. And because when you need me, I will be there so long as I\u2019m alive. And you are one of the few people who can<\/em> help. And because\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked around at them.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It is the right thing to do.<\/em> And you are men who believe that right and wrong exist, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw them chuckling. Laughing. She had them there, you had to admit it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chaldion\u2019s eye gleamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor someone you don\u2019t even know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor my friend. She\u2019ll die. And I\u2019m selfish. Just like her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was crying again. She shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so easy for Ryoka. She might die, but it\u2019s harder to ask people to fight for you.<\/em> That\u2019s the only thing I\u2019ll ever say. Because I\u2019m a monster. I was too cowardly to become a [General]. But I\u2019ll ask again. Again\u2014I don\u2019t want my friends to die. But my guests, my inn, isn\u2019t enough. I need\u2014an army. So I am asking you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised her hand. Both she and Chaldion stared at it. Erin held her glowing, golden ring up. The [Grand Strategist]\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy ring is glowing. Do you know what it means?\u201d<\/p>\n

He inhaled once. How had he missed it?<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. <\/em>How did you get that? No\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho were<\/em> you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Who were you before you came here? She only smiled. It was not who she was. It was who she became.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The same smile. The same person. It still brought her to tears. Selys rested her head on her friend\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you? Why her? Why me?<\/em> Why us, Erin? Every time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys\u2019 eyes were filled with tears. Erin looked at her friend. She hugged Selys tight.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we don\u2019t run away. Stay safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked through her door, changing the position of the stones. She asked them, each and every one.<\/p>\n

After Chaldion, she returned to her room and took the ring off her finger. Erin regarded it, then put it on top of her dresser, in her room. So that was what it did. She didn\u2019t need it for what came next.<\/p>\n

Not this time.<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] walked out of her inn. People were waiting. She saw Wailant storm through the door and looked past him. She nodded.<\/p>\n

Olesm stood there, adjusting his armor. He nodded back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you in a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked through the door. To Invrisil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now, the [Innkeeper] heard the first explosion. She saw the [Guardsman] start.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2014I should check that out, shouldn\u2019t I? I\u2019ll be right back, Miss Emme\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He was no Zevara. He was one of Invrisil\u2019s Watch Captains. Erin saw the Dwarf woman, who had been plying him with autographs and tickets and a bit of wine, glance up. Erin was sitting in the Watch Captain\u2019s office. She nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be the Guild of Assassins. Better to leave it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man hesitated. His look was guilty.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026yes. Perhaps. My lads are brave, but\u2014there\u2019s that and death, right, Miss\u2026Miss Solstice? Miss Emme?\u201d<\/p>\n

Death.<\/em> Erin nodded. She strolled over to something in the man\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re a Watch Captain\u2014not the Watch Commander. But you can raise the alarm, huh? With this horn? Is it a signal or just one thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019d blow it four times. But please don\u2019t touch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin picked up the enchanted horn. The Watch Captain hesitated as she lifted it to her lips. Then she looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cOops. Window.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss. Miss, what are you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blew the horn before he could get out of his chair. Four times. It was loud<\/em>. Emme clapped her hands to her ears. It rang throughout the city. Citizens looked up. That was\u2014they began to run for the nearest door.<\/p>\n

To help them out, Erin leaned out of the window. She\u2019d asked Emme what was appropriate.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Flesh Giant is attacking the city! Five of them! Get inside!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone in the streets looked up in horror. They stopped, stared at Erin, and then ran, screaming. Then she turned.<\/p>\n

The Watch Captain was frozen with sheer horror. Also, an internal vision of his job evaporating. She handed the horn to him. He moved to grab her.<\/p>\n

Erin drew her knife. The man recoiled. She plucked a jar of acid from her belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay here, Emme. It\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Innkeeper] walked down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Brothers dropped their hats. They stopped humming the rhyme. The other gangs stared, transfixed. They couldn\u2019t be serious. But you know what they said about the Brothers. They were properly mad.<\/p>\n

Wilovan brought up his club. The [Rogue] raised his crossbow like a shield.<\/p>\n

The Gnoll brought down the club. The broken crossbow fell. So did what remained of the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cReinforcements!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] snapped into a speaking stone. She drew her blade as Ryoka struggled up to her feet. The gangs were split. Half were fighting, the other half running. The Brothers advanced. Crimshaw and another man grabbed one of the [Thugs] and ran him into a shop\u2019s glass window. Then they shoved him onto the broken glass.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty of them! I need Faces! Get me\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] dodged Ryoka\u2019s punch. She slashed back as Ryoka threw a handful of sand and caltrops in her face. Ryoka fumbled for a wand as the [Assassin] flipped<\/em> backwards. She landed as one of the [Thugs] whirled, bringing a crossbow up.<\/p>\n

Delanay fired first as he struggled free of his captors. The man went over sideways. Ryoka aimed her wand. The [Assassin] was slashing wildly, half-blinded.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Arrow of Fire]!\u201d<\/p>\n

The jet of searing light flashed forwards. The [Assassin] twisted.<\/em><\/p>\n

[Automatic Dodge]. <\/em>Ryoka\u2019s jaw dropped. The woman leapt, cutting\u2014<\/p>\n

She vanished. Fierre tackled<\/em> her out of the air and they crashed onto the street. The [Assassin] shouted in surprise. She stabbed Fierre three times. The Vampire girl threw her through<\/em> a wall. Not glass. Brick. She jumped after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked around. And she heard more shouting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c[Detect Life]. [Quake] spell. Good city-fighting tactics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin made a note. Olesm pointed. The [Assassins] below were trying to regroup. The Drakes kneeling with crossbows were reloading too slowly. He bellowed.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Instantaneous Barrage]!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

A second wave of arrows lanced downwards, perfectly striking a dozen [Assassins]. They stared down at the phantom arrows, ghosts of the bolts. The Drakes looked up as the [Strategist] pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMark your targets! Aim! Volley!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They loosed. The guests of the inn looked up as the Drake force reloaded, and then moved back. Olesm looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is the ranking officer here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be me and Commander Relun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin spoke. The Sinew Magus and a Dullahan stood with Olesm. The Pallassian officer threw a salute.<\/p>\n

\u201c1st<\/sup> Army of Pallass, 4th<\/sup> Battalion. Alchemy\u2019s Arbalests at your service, Strategist Olesm. Grand Strategist Chaldion has placed us under your command.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm nodded. He stared past the battalion<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014moved through an entire battalion?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cMana is not an object to a Walled City. You have six hundred lives at your disposal, Strategist. Miss Solstice bought them, somehow. Do not waste them. Or die. The [Assassins] will target officers.\u201d<\/p>\n

He eyed the second group mixing with the professional Pallassian [Soldiers].<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that Liscor\u2019s Watch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Esthelm\u2019s militia. And Celum\u2019s\u2026will you take command, Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ambush the [Assassins]. Hold this street. And be warned\u2014I am counting hundreds of hostiles. [Superior Camouflage]. [Perfect Muffle]. [Invisibility]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He vanished. Olesm turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cBegin fortifying the street! I want anti-magic barricades and staggered formation! Commander\u2014our job is to get a City Runner out of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have the streets leading up to the Guild. Are we digging in here before advancing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. We\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrakes. In Invrisil. An army of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Toldos\u2014please retreat behind the van.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Human [Soldiers] and [Knights] were fighting down the street. Lord Toldos saw House Sanito\u2019s retainers fighting alongside his men and three other Houses. No Lord Alman. The [Innkeeper] had told him she had asked only for men.<\/p>\n

Lord Alman had a family. The old [Lord] refused to move.<\/p>\n

\u201cHouse Everight ends with me. And I will not cower or flee Invrisil twice.<\/em> Advance!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He plunged forwards. Ahead of the Drakes, ignoring his retainer\u2019s cries to stop.<\/em> The [Lord] slashed down a fleeing shadow. The Guild was so close\u2014<\/p>\n

The street erupted in fire. An [Assassin] with a staff pointed down at the [Lord]. Toldos raised his sword. He hacked down more [Assassins] as they leapt from cover. His retainers shouted. They tried to advance under a sudden crossfire.<\/p>\n

Lord Toldos felt something strike him in the chest, piercing through his armor. He clutched at the shaft. Ah. So that was why she had been weeping. And still\u2014he lifted his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cForwards!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wilovan clutched at his side. One street clear. The city was erupting into violence. He stared down at the dead gang. And then looked around.<\/p>\n

The Brothers had lost members. Some were wounded. Others\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cTeor? Where did you go? T\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He had been right behind Wilovan. The Gnoll turned. He saw a young man, lying face-down on the street. Wilovan reached down.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeor?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked into glassy, empty eyes. In the first minute\u2014Wilovan straightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe good folk are rising, and we\u2019re off to our beds. The smart thieves away with the loot and the slow ones are dead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

There was nothing to say. She had asked. There were more gangs than he had imagined, that was all. The Guild had sent their [Assassins] into the city in force.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext street. Where\u2019s Miss Griffin? Ratici?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith us. I think\u2014there are [Soldiers] falling back. Their first assault went south.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich species?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see if we can\u2019t finesse it, then. Lads? Anyone who can move, with me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner stared at Wilovan. Ratici joined his companion. Wilovan gave her a nod. He didn\u2019t pick up his hat. Crimshaw appeared, limping. He had the tricorne. Teor\u2019s. He placed it over the young man\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

They left him behind. Wilovan walked on.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing for a walk, Miss Griffin. Let\u2019s set you on your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is madness. They\u2019re killers.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

So are we.<\/em> But it was true\u2014the [Assassins] were ready to die. Wilovan reached for the hat and felt the lightness on his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes a man has to do certain things, Miss Griffin. I\u2019ll wager the other fellows feel the same. It\u2019s a bad business. And it cannot\u2014will not continue. We\u2019ll do our part. Will you do yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka looked around. Fierre\u2014Delanay was on his knees, talking to Ulinde. He looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She went. Ryoka Griffin had made her choice. And so had Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat idiot. I told him to wait<\/em> for us to flank\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm heard the first, nigh-suicidal charge had failed. The [Lord] had ignored the Drake. They were not allies\u2014or if they were, they were bound by a single person.<\/p>\n

But it was not for Erin alone he was here. It was because there was right<\/em> and wrong and\u2014Liscor\u2019s [Guards] cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cFireballs!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBehind the barricades!\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm saw the first [Assassins] popping up, firing spells from a long ways away at the entrenched forces. They weren\u2019t idiots and they had gear.<\/em> The enchanted barricades absorbed the explosions, but some [Guards] were thrown back even so.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Focus Fire]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The battalion\u2019s [Commander] was roaring. They were in the thick of it. Olesm tried to use his [Instantaneous Barrage] Skill\u2014but it wasn\u2019t ready to be used yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a group coming from the north, Strategist. Forty of them. They\u2019ll blast your lines apart, even with the barricades. Collapse the buildings on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm whirled, sword raised. He saw the Drakes aiming\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cHold fire! Earl?\u201d<\/p>\n

Earl Altestiel strode forwards. He looked around, as if he and his group were taking a stroll. His [Knights] and escort were fully armed, though. Altestiel was wearing his cloth armor\u2014but it was probably better than Olesm\u2019s enchanted leather.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here, Knight Marshal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a feeling something was going to happen. I did not expect this. Move away from those buildings. The [Assassins] care nothing<\/em> for collateral damage. And they\u2019ve hired gangs. You might face a force comparable to yours if you advance. Invrisil can field thousands of disreputable criminals. Although their morale will probably break if enough die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm saw the Drake hesitating. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it! Earl\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The man was staring ahead. Peering upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cFascinating. There is a story I heard of that [Innkeeper], Strategist Olesm. Of a chess club.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake stared blankly at him. Then his eyes sharpened. He nodded. That was one of the reasons why he was here.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey died for her. Because she gave them everything. The ones who lived became legends among their kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Earl smiled. He adjusted his clothing. Then he looked at Olesm and shook his head. He turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat an extraordinary person. Soldiers of Desonis prepare for combat. Strategist, move those barricades. Strategist Kiish, watch the flank on the left. Block any area of attack spells coming our way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s jaw dropped. He saw the two [Knights] striding forwards, bringing up huge shields.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl?\u201d<\/p>\n

The first drop of rain hit the back of his head. The Earl looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI simply wouldn\u2019t want a worthy teacher to die. I leveled, you know. Me.<\/em> Are we advancing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I told Lord Toldos not to. Erin said there was one more group. There are the Brothers, the Drakes, Magus Grimalkin. But she said that wasn\u2019t enough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t believed it when he saw Pallass\u2019 4th<\/sup> Battalion. But he would have taken a regiment, after seeing the [Assassins]. They fought like\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Assassins]. Another [Lightning Bolt] blew apart Lord Toldos\u2019 [Soldiers] in their doomed assault. They were fleeing, bearing the [Lord] backwards. Idiot. Fool.<\/p>\n

A brave fool. But the [Assassins] didn\u2019t fight fair. They had poisoned bolts. They refused to fight in a standing battle. And\u2014<\/p>\n

Eight rushed past the dead [Bouncer]. They leapt through the door as the inn\u2019s patrons screamed. The kill order on the [Innkeeper] was a priority. She was behind <\/em>it.<\/p>\n

They emerged through the door into The Wandering Inn. Sloppy! The [Assassins] looked around, and then charged down the long hallway.<\/p>\n

Odd. One of them had a flicker of apprehension. The hallway was\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cBack\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFire!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The crossbows snapped.<\/em> Two assassins went down, screaming, but not dead. The other six leapt, avoiding the bolts with inhuman agility. One went onto the ceiling\u2014screamed.<\/p>\n

Acid doused him and he fell. Another twisted, deflecting another crossbow bolt! This was a trap! She ran for the door\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Fireball].\u201d<\/p>\n

The explosion blew all but one to pieces. The last tried to run, stumbling, and a second wave of bolts cut him down.<\/p>\n

It was fast aiming. Shots meant to kill. The inn\u2019s staff were dedicated\u2014but not that<\/em> dedicated to their job. Just as well they were only backing up the group casually aiming through the arrow slits.<\/p>\n

Todi lowered his smoking wand with a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Change the door\u2019s dial and prepare for more while we hide the bodies! Make sure they\u2019re dead!\u201d<\/p>\n

Todi\u2019s Elites moved out of their hiding spots. Selys was watching as Todi barked orders. The Gold-rank was in fine fettle. And why not?<\/p>\n

This<\/em> was a perfect vantage. Nigh-unbreakable walls, a death trap? And being able to choose when he let [Assassins] through? The Gold-rank Captain was nodding. He might have refused, even so.<\/p>\n

But, well, he had believed Selys when she told him her truism. [Everything Has a Price].<\/em> He adjusted his position.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Open the door! And check if they need reinforcements! Damned idiots got through, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Captain!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gold-rank grunted. He set himself. This was where his team was happiest. Let the crazies\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fly.<\/em> Bevussa dove. Someone had taken another shot at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir aim is too good! Get down! Down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She landed hard<\/em>. Keldrass looked up from where the Gold-rank teams were slowly advancing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm just sent a Runner. Move up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn, damn. They\u2019re throwing [Fireballs] <\/em>at us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen get behind Keldrass!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bevussa snapped at the third Gold-rank team\u2014hired by Chaldion from the groups in Liscor. She pointed ahead.<\/p>\n

The Flamewardens were moving down the street, scorching figures assailing them. Keldrass wore the Heartflame Breastplate.<\/p>\n

And still\u2014they were fighting for their lives. Erin had made a mistake, or so Bevussa felt. She twisted<\/em> as another arrow bent<\/em> around a street\u2019s corner and tried to hit her.<\/p>\n

She had asked for fighters. People willing to die. Not her guests. In fact\u2014she\u2019d trapped the Goblins, made sure her friends and family were safe. Even some of them who might have come\u2014she hadn\u2019t even known about Wailant, Viceria, and the others.<\/p>\n

In a distant city, far from Liscor or Invrisil, a Dwarf was smashing his hammer on a closed door.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen it up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster! Master\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Pelt struggled with his apprentices. The door had not opened. She had not asked him, that damned\u2014he looked at the orb. He could see<\/em> the Gold-ranks under fire.<\/p>\n

Chaos and madness. Erin had made one mistake and it was underestimating the [Assassins]. Even with Gold-rank teams, an army\u2014Bevussa and Pelt shared the same thought.<\/p>\n

The entire<\/em> Guild was fighting. Every [Assassin] they\u2019d spared had come to Invrisil at the danger. It was do-or-die. If the cure was delivered\u2026their reputation and power would be broken. The Circle, similarly\u2026<\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s forces were the only real hammer in terms of numbers. Bevussa\u2019s group was trying to advance from where the magic door had let them out. But the [Assassins] had the numbers to fight on every front! How many Faces were there? How many Gold-ranks, or Grimalkins? The [Assassins] had dug into this city, fortified for an attack, if not on this level.<\/p>\n

It was like the worst siege attacks Bevussa had known.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pinned down! Keldrass, don\u2019t advance too far! They have us marked!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw a distant window down the entire street flicker. Four hundred feet away, an [Assassin] with a bow put an enchanted arrow to the string. Bevussa swore as he took aim at the vulnerable [Mages] in the Lifwail Blades.<\/p>\n

\u201cReinforce your barriers! You\u2019re going to\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] jerked.<\/em> The arrow dropped from his grip and fell down. Bevussa saw it detonate on the street as the body hung from the window. She stared ahead. Her keen eyes saw\u2026an arrow in his chest.<\/p>\n

From who?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olesm was hunkering down as [Assassins] on the rooftops exchanged fire with the [Arbalests] at long-range. They were firing beyond<\/em> what an un-Skilled [Archer] could attack from! The Earl was moving better on his street; rain and winds were assailing the [Assassins] who couldn\u2019t see<\/em>, while the group he\u2019d taken charge of fought as if it were sunshine.<\/p>\n

\u201cRotate out! [Instantaneous\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm was prepared to loose all forty long-range shots in the hopes of making the [Assassins] take cover or wounding one\u2014but they kept dodging\u2014<\/em>and he popped out of cover with three decoys.<\/p>\n

No crossbow bolt or arrow took his life. He looked up.<\/p>\n

Three [Assassins] were lying on the street. The rest were fleeing. Someone was loosing arrows at them!<\/em> But who\u2014Olesm\u2019s head turned. And then he saw and felt the battlefield shifting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re drawing back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant\u2019s group had joined the Brothers as they made for the Guild. The [Assassins] stood in force <\/em>there, a proper army. Even the Brothers had failed to advance\u2014Wilovan pulled an arrow out of his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoisoned. Would someone check if they have an antidote before I expire? I do have six hours, mind. No matter how deadly that was. No rush if anyone else is in a spot of bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

High-level. Wailant raised his brows. But the Gentlemen Callers, Grimalkin, and perhaps some of the Gold-ranks were few and far between. And that had been a near-instantaneous arrow-hit from one of the Faces over a thousand paces away.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s happening. They\u2019re moving. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa squinted at the [Assassins]. They\u2019d been pushing back everyone. But now\u2014they were moving down the street. Reacting to some new threat. Palt\u2019s head slowly rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you\u2026feel that? Bezale? Mons? That can\u2019t be real, can it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The other two Wistram [Mages] looked up. Montressa\u2019s eyes went round. She\u2019d been loosing lightning from her brass orb. Now\u2014her jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Wailant saw the sky change color. He looked up\u2014and the sky turned grey.<\/p>\n

\u201cWeather spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe wind\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin, crouching with them, got no further. The sky split.<\/em> And a hundred bolts of lightning struck a part of the city in the distance.<\/p>\n

Everyone looked up. Palt dropped his cigar again. Montressa breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat has to be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Xrn. The Small Queen floated in the air over the desolation. Black bodies lay around her. She raised her staff higher.<\/p>\n

Belgrade remembered to speak after a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cLoose.<\/em> [Mark Target]. Reload. Aim. Loose.<\/em> [Mark Target]. Reload\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Archery Squads A to D stood on the rooftop, loosing arrows. The Workers were shooting rapidly. But the [Archer] who\u2019d shot down the [Assassins] at extreme range was even higher up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, hmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird took aim from the top of his new tower. He saw a distant shape, loosed\u2014the arrow curved<\/em> as it homed in on the [Assassin], flying improbably far.<\/p>\n

The figure dodged, cartwheeling. But the second and third arrows were already landing. Bird had calculated how far they dodged with their basic dodge Skill and put two arrows to the left and right; they didn\u2019t like dodging forwards or backwards as much.<\/p>\n

If you relied on Skills\u2014he watched the figure crumble, the arrow in its belly. Bird sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBirds are harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassins] looked up. The Small Queen floated in the air. Next to the Worker. At first, the group hadn\u2019t been noticed as they set up. They were the last to arrive.<\/p>\n

They made the largest impact.<\/p>\n

The [Assassins], the Circle of Thorns, the watchers\u2014Drassi pointed up with a shaking claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2014that\u2019s\u2014B\u2014B\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBird the [Hunter]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The cry went up from Invrisil. People hiding in their homes looked up and saw the Prognugator of the Free Antinium! How they had seen him on Pallass\u2019 walls. The nobles of Izril, watchers staring into the orb heard the second name. Quietly uttered, this time in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Small Queen. Xrn.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She hovered there. Her staff glowed with the same magic as her eyes. When she spoke\u2014her voice was perfectly amplified so that everyone heard it without her having to shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Humans. My name is Xrniavxxel. You call me the Small Queen of the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKill her.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Thorns of Death ordered it without hesitation. The [Assassins] changed targets. They streamed towards her.<\/p>\n

Dozens of lightning bolts flashed down from the sky. They left\u2026fire\u2026<\/em>where they impacted. They were red. Burning lightning. The [Thaumaturge] smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an act of war! Is it war, Antinium?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Assassins] shouted up at her, brandishing a buckler which had absorbed one of the lightning bolts. Xrn looked down at him, interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am simply doing a good deed. I am allowed to break rules to do a good deed. I did not know this, but it seems acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Human will accept that. This land is ours! <\/em>Return to your Hive!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassin] raised his buckler. Xrn tilted her head back and forth. It was sound logic. Well, darn. If she couldn\u2019t break the rules even to do a good deed\u2014if the Antinium were the one exception\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, then. It is war.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Humans looked up. The Small Queen rotated in the air. She looked into the distant orb.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am telling you so you don\u2019t have to ask. It. Is.<\/em> War. War on your Guild of Assassins. The Antinium are at war. So\u2014advance.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed. Below her, a tide of figures moved. Antinium. Soldiers and Workers, painted. A giant led them, a few inches taller than the others.<\/p>\n

Yellow Splatters.<\/em> His voice boomed as they moved at the [Assassins]. Above\u2014Xrn was engaging an entire flank. Soldiers thundered forwards. Workers with bows provided local cover.<\/p>\n

They were here to fight and die. Because they had been asked. Was that enough? Perhaps not. Perhaps it was unfair. But they had been asked by her.<\/em><\/p>\n

And she was there. How could they not try to protect her? Erin Solstice raised one of the spare knives at the back of the first wave of Antinium.<\/p>\n

She threw the knife. It went through one of the black forms fighting in the streets. She took a breath, raised a jar, and threw<\/em> it. Someone fell, screaming, burning.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice killed someone else. She could not\u2014would not stay in hiding while she asked them to die. Nor would they die so easily.<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Assassins] charged<\/em>, enchanted blades cutting the air. They shot spells, [Fireballs], acid orbs of their own, [Lightning Bolts] at the Antinium who had no counter to\u2014<\/p>\n

The spells vanished. Exploded on shimmering air. The [Assassins] in the melee smacked<\/em> into something.<\/p>\n

\u201cForwards. Advance without fear. We will protect each other.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A Worker with a staff and censer walked forwards. The [Assassins] launched a second barrage and their weapons failed to reach their targets. The [Priest] held his staff high, praying with two of his hands as he walked.<\/p>\n

[Holy Barrier]. Their weapons hung in the air and then dropped. The air pressed them back, a physical barrier of light. But it did not touch the Antinium who marched under its aegis. They loosed arrows through the glowing light, felling [Assassin] and [Thug] alike.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of barrier spell is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Assassins] pointed at the moving<\/em> barrier. He snapped at the ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreak it! Dispel it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not magic! It\u2019s not\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Valmira\u2019s Comets].\u201d<\/p>\n

Six glowing meteors blew their fortifications apart. Xrn was humming as she turned. She saw more [Assassins] coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. You are strong.<\/em> Well then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Four Faces emerged from the ranks. They stepped over corpses; it was pointless to throw the Ranks at this<\/em> enemy. So\u2014here was a second foe on the level of Saliss of Lights. They were still the Guild of Assassins.<\/p>\n

Xrn beamed. Time to reduce the war strength of humanity. She raised her staff.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Magical Field: The Somber World of Blue].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A radius of\u2026blue\u2026<\/em>engulfed a thousand feet around her. The [Assassins] dodged back. They looked at each other, tested the barrier. They couldn\u2019t tell\u2014<\/p>\n

[Shadowstep]. [Hundredfold Stab]. [Antimagic Blade].<\/em><\/p>\n

The first [Assassin] was a mage-killer. He appeared on Xrn\u2019s back and his blade struck her. A hundred damn times.<\/p>\n

She actually turned<\/em> and knocked a few thrusts away. She was fast!<\/em> But the blade got her! It sank into her chitin. She made a sound\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Blue Lightning].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Face exploded as the bolts of lightning struck him. Xrn righted herself and floated a bit lower. The other three Faces stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got her\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Another drew an arrow, loosed it. Xrn didn\u2019t even try<\/em> to dodge. The arrow shot towards her\u2014bounced off her chest.<\/p>\n

That same arrow could kill an armored [Knight] in low-grade magical armor in a single shot. The [Thaumaturge] shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWrong color. [Blue Ray of Lesser Disintegration].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Blue? Bl\u2014<\/em>one of the [Assassins] clutched at his leg, vaporized up to the knee and screamed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not magic. That\u2019s not fair.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. So you [Mages] like to say before you die.\u201d<\/p>\n

Xrn pointed her staff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Free Queen watched another [Assassin] vanish. She rubbed her palps together. It was silly to delight in it. But see how her Painted Antinium were doing? See\u2014the fruits of her labor?<\/p>\n

\u201cMore food, Garry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hives were in uproar. Wistram was in uproar. They were panicking. The Grand Queen\u2019s voice snapped to the Free Queen.<\/p>\n

\u201cXrn has declared war. This\u2014is this so, Free Queen? Is there reason to go to war? Now?<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Free Queen\u2019s head rotated. She looked at the other Queens. And after a moment\u2014she nodded. She chose each word with exacting care.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. As I chose my name\u2014Bessachidia\u2014<\/em>I swear to you, Grand Queen. It is war. 109% war. Completely, without equivocation, war.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Queens stirred.<\/em> The Flying Queen\u2019s mandibles opened. Oh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. I see. Then we must march the Hives north. Prepare the armies. We will invade north Izril at once.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Armored Queen rumbled. The Silent Queen nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us make peace with the Drakes. To war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Free Queen nodded. She posed there, like one of the portraits of Human leaders. She hoped Wistram Academy got her good side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hellfire. Ryoka Griffin ran. The [Assassins] were in full retreat. The Brothers were advancing. Pressing them back with Xrn killing their best. And\u2014a huge Drake had just appeared and killed an entire squad of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin barked at Ryoka. He was making notes. Testing out his new camouflage-attack spell pattern. It was working well. He saw the Wind Runner making for the Guild. The Sinew Magus stared up at Xrn.<\/p>\n

He was tempted to take his<\/em> shot. But it wasn\u2019t worth the risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe unleashed the Black Tide on Invrisil. That damn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned, vanishing. The others saw Ryoka run for the Guild.<\/p>\n

\u201cProtect her! [Arrows of Light]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt, Montressa, Salamani, and every [Mage] present unloaded<\/em> their spells to keep the [Assassins] under cover. Ryoka dove for the door. An [Assassin] leapt for her\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cAcid in the face!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss sprayed him, grabbed Ryoka, and yanked her into<\/em> the Guild. Ryoka landed. She stared up at a nude Drake. He was gazing out the window as Drassi frantically commentated\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cXrn in the skies, and it looks like Pallass as well as Celum, Liscor, Esthelm\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think anyone was stupid <\/em>enough to actually grab the cure. What is Erin thinking? She did this, didn\u2019t she? I should have told <\/em>her the plan! That damn Xif. I will burn down his shop and shave him naked for\u2014oh. Don\u2019t I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake blinked at Ryoka. She stared up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe vial. The cure. I\u2019ve come for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights looked down at Ryoka. She saw the petrified Runner\u2019s Guild, mostly in hiding, on the other side of the room. Two dozen [Assassins] were dead, neatly piled against the wall of the Guild. Saliss eyed Ryoka as she scrambled for the vault. The key was on the counter; the [Receptionist] had refused to even touch it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got it. I\u2019ve\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka turned the key and swung the vault door open. She reached for the vial\u2014<\/p>\n

Saliss caught her arm. Ryoka started. The Drake looked at her, sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Get lost. You suck. I want someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh-what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka stuttered. Saliss looked at her and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019d be awkward if you died. Don\u2019t do this. It\u2019s a trap, you know? I thought you were smart\u2014okay, I thought someone would stop you. Why did you go for the vial? You know it\u2019s a trap. Mrsha<\/em> would know it\u2019s a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to\u2014please, let me take it. Everyone\u2019s fighting because of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss threw up his claws. Ryoka seized the vial.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m supposed to be the crazy one! I didn\u2019t think Erin would\u2014was that the Small Queen?<\/em> She actually got an Antinium army to invade Invrisil. She. Is. Insane.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Ryoka, like so many before. She just stared back, with much the same look in her eyes. Erin Solstice. One had made the cure. The other sought to deliver it. Erin\u2014<\/p>\n

Invrisil was at war.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to try. I didn\u2019t ask her to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka whispered. Saliss\u2019 eyes flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a good kid. Dumb as Edellein, but a good kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed, rubbing a claw against his snout.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Okay. Damn. This is not<\/em> how it was supposed to go. I\u2019ll walk with you down one street. Can\u2019t promise more than that. Honestly\u2014you\u2019d better start running the moment we get out of the door, Miss Griffin. And\u2014surrender when they try to kill you, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned. Drassi half-swung the orb around. Then she clapped a claw towards it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Drassi. We\u2019ve experienced technical difficulties on our end of the broadcast.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi? What\u2019s wrong? Is that your claw? Someone <\/em>entered the Guild, didn\u2019t they? Drassi!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Noass was demanding from the other end of the broadcast. Drassi looked at Ryoka and Saliss. She waved her on, and mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTechnical difficulties. Stand by\u2026let me just polish the scrying orb\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Circle of Thorns, watching, felt the first real fear amid the surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone has the cure? Where are all the high-level [Assassins]! Kill that Antinium! Kill those Drakes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One smashed a fist on an armrest. Others, more cool-headed, were trying to figure out who it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss of Lights has left the Guild. Get me a scrying spell. It\u2019s\u2026the Wind Runner of Reizmelt? Ryoka Griffin. Stop her from leaving the city. Why can\u2019t we lock onto her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho cares? Kill her.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

But it was getting harder by the second.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lord Tyrion Veltras watched. Jericha had brought the orb to him. He saw fighting in the streets. Lord Toldos was dead.<\/p>\n

But Humans were fighting alongside Drakes. Antinium<\/em> were in the city.<\/p>\n

One was on the tallest tower in the city, loosing arrows and\u2026singing.<\/em> The [Assassins] were trying to kill him almost as much as Xrn and the Drakes. They were climbing the tower like roaches. Bird shot arrows down at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh. Uh oh. I need covering fire. I have attracted their ire. Will I die? La\u2014uh oh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade was trying to pick them off, but they were moving to the side of the tower his [Archers] couldn\u2019t hit.<\/p>\n

\u201cBird! Jump! Do you have a ring? Bird! Bird!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bird Hunter] drew a dagger with his free hand. He saw an [Assassin] flicking a dagger up to throw at him as she clung to the brickwork.<\/p>\n

He loosed an arrow first, hit her. But more daggers, spells, were flying up. Bird saw a wand pointing.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Fire\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

An arrow sprouted from the [Assassin]\u2019s head. Bird saw him drop off the tower and take two of his friends. Bird regarded his bow as he loosed another arrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I do that? No. Then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He saw another arrow take an [Assassin] down. Then another. They weren\u2019t as fast as Bird\u2019s shots, but they were perfectly placed. Bird traced their trajectories. He saw the figure, crouching, protected by the two Hobs.<\/p>\n

Badarrow.<\/em> The [Sniper] was aiming.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Zone of Interception Fire].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He had Bird under his protection. The [Sniper] loosed fast, striking the unprotected [Assassins]. Bird obligingly shot an [Assassin] coming at the Hobs. Numbtongue was standing with Snapjaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop shooting them! Let me cut them!\u201d<\/p>\n

He swore\u2014he hadn\u2019t gotten to kill anything<\/em> yet! They\u2019d only now managed to climb<\/em> out of the [Garden of Sanctuary] through the hole in the roof. Stupid Erin, trying to keep him safe! He reached for his guitar.<\/p>\n

Time for lightning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin tried to summon the air. But it was still dead. Whatever they\u2019d done, they\u2019d hit her with enough spells to silence the air. And it was already being changed by the [Mages] in the city.<\/p>\n

\u2026The lightning bolts flying from the sky would kill her anyways. She couldn\u2019t execute her plan. There was<\/em> no plan, frankly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, go! Give up when they corner you! For the Walled Cities! Try and kill me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss let her go after one street. He charged at the [Assassins], who fled him as he threw potions nonstop. Ryoka deployed her backup plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka\u2014did you get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Delanay skidded to a stop. One of his arms was in a sling, hand braced. He saw Ryoka speeding towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive Families! What is th\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka shot past him. The Emergency Runner turned. Ryoka turned, desperately, and passed by a gang locked in combat with Wilovan, Ratici, and the Brothers. Both sides had to stare. What was she riding?<\/p>\n

A\u2026bike. Ryoka Griffin pumped the pedals, turning desperately. But the bike Kevin had made was a dream, and handled even the bumpy roads of Invrisil. She shot past [Assassins], fleeing pedestrians, a squad of Drakes who pointed at her\u2014<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin had never tried to get to max speed on the bike before. She\u2019d stopped, afraid<\/em>, after she\u2019d hit what she thought was close to the unaided limit. At this speed, she was moving so fast that\u2014<\/p>\n

She hit a pothole. Ryoka Griffin went flying.<\/em> She hit the ground thirty feet ahead of the pothole. Sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoly f\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Hedault\u2019s ring flashed<\/em> on her finger. Ring of Falling. Or\u2026preventing falling. The same one Kevin had used with the skateboard. Ryoka got up, ran back for the bike, mounted it.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka! Ryoka, do you have it?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The City Runner\u2019s head snapped up. She saw, ahead of her, a group of Antinium spilling forwards, pursuing some screaming [Toughs]. Human they might be\u2014but the criminals weren\u2019t going to fight the Black Tide.<\/em> Or the crazy [Innkeeper] with the jars of acid.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed. Ryoka looked at her friend. Erin hadn\u2019t told her. Told her that to help Ryoka\u2014save her life\u2014she\u2019d bring an army to Invrisil.<\/p>\n

Did you regret it?<\/em> Erin\u2019s eyes were red. But she was fighting. Pawn laid his hands on a Soldier and some gashes closed.<\/p>\n

Some things you believed in. Erin pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRun, Ryoka!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d get Ryoka out of Invrisil. After that\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lady Ieka Imarris stared into the orb. Her head was filled with incoming [Message] spells. Panicked orders. And she was watching the broadcast.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. No, Ryoka. Don\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner was making for the outskirts of the city. On\u2014she couldn\u2019t even tell what it was. Some kind of metal steed with wheels.<\/p>\n

But it was not enough. Lady Ieka Imarris saw, at last, a Runner with the cure leave Invrisil. Behind, the city was still locked in combat. But the Guild of Assassins was fleeing the city. They couldn\u2019t stand up to a proper army, let alone three.<\/em> Invrisil\u2019s Watch had joined the Humans from the [Lords], sensing the wind changing. Liscor and Pallass\u2019 forces were routing [Assassins]. And the Antinium\u2014<\/p>\n

Well done. Good job, thou good and brave warriors. Ieka could have applauded it. But look.<\/p>\n

The City Runner slowed on her bicycle. The wind was still dead. She looked ahead, down the long, empty road.<\/p>\n

She had finally, with the aid of countless individuals, left Invrisil. And now\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

House Veltras lay hundreds<\/em> of miles away. How fast was that device? The Circle was regrouping. And they had a single order:<\/p>\n

Kill Ryoka Griffin. Kill the Wind Runner. Every Face on the continent would be after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to stop her. That fool. She cannot make it. Summon my guards! My horse! No, a carriage, enchanted!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ieka rose. She needed to get Ryoka Griffin to safety. Smash the cure! Let that Persua deliver it. Ryoka could not<\/em> outrun the Guild. She saw the Wind Runner hesitate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026And then I see the open road, out of the gates. Erin started a war for me. I stop, panting, the sweat running down my back. I\u2019m already winded, just leaving Invrisil.<\/p>\n

I look ahead. And see the road stretching out to the horizon. And I remember how far<\/em> it is.<\/p>\n

I try to reach for the wind. But they took it away from me. If they can do that once\u2014<\/p>\n

I am afraid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin hung her head. She tried to find the will<\/em> she had used to convince Lyonette and Erin. But she was afraid. The Guild was fleeing the city, regrouping. They had horses, artifacts, hundreds of members still, probably.<\/p>\n

She had an enchanted bike and her wind\u2014if it came back to her. It had to be done, though. Someone had to try<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Ryoka pedaled forwards. She felt her mortality now, now that she had seen people dying. But she would\u2014just let her feel the wind. Let her fly\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI warned you. I should have warned Erin. But even I didn\u2019t think she was capable of this. Not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone spoke up. Ryoka slowed\u2014then accelerated.<\/p>\n

Maviola El kicked the bike as it passed her. Ryoka crashed again. The [Lady Firestarter] saw Ryoka struggling upwards, swearing.<\/p>\n

She had been waiting here, for Ryoka. Tracking her\u2014it was hardly difficult. The [Lady] saw Ryoka grab for the bike.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have it! Don\u2019t try to stop me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka righted the bike. Maviola slapped her. Ryoka\u2019s head jerked. She spun, fist clenched as Maviola grabbed the handlebars. The [Lady] looked at Ryoka, shaking her head. Her look was part admiration, part envy, part incredulity. And a sprinkling of anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou simple idiot. You gigantic fool. You courageous child.\u201d<\/p>\n

She spoke to Ryoka. The Wind Runner tried to drag the bike away, but the old [Lady] held firm. This was not<\/em> the time for a long chat.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t stop me,<\/em> Maviola! I know I might die. I have to try. They fought for me. Erin<\/em> fought for me. I have the cure\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka brandished the clear vial at Maviola. The [Lady] sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka Griffin. That\u2019s not the cure. That\u2019s a vial of water.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wind Runner froze. Maviola stared at the vial.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you even check to see if there was magic in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be right. Saliss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Had been going to leave the vial behind. <\/em>Ryoka\u2019s head slowly rose. Maviola sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho would have gone into the Runner\u2019s Guild if Erin had not set fire to half the city? He said two hours. Then he would have let them smash the vial. He did not expect you to be so brave or foolhardy. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed. Ryoka\u2019s head turned. She saw someone blurring down the street. Moving as fast as only a Potion of [Haste] could take him.<\/p>\n

Saliss of Lights halted. It wasn\u2019t surprising they all reached the same gate. It was the closest one from the Runner\u2019s Guild heading north and west.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey. Listen, Ryoka. About the cure. Couldn\u2019t say it in the Guild, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka pointed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. You have the cure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss blinked. He eyed Maviola and Ryoka and gave them a sly grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Well\u2026I didn\u2019t expect anyone to try and get it. Old Xif made a mess of everything. As usual.<\/em> Was going to hire you to be my decoy, anyways. What about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to deliver the cure? Give it to me. You\u2019re not a Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a Named Adventurer.<\/em> I could outrun you, Miss Griffin. Look, I don\u2019t have time for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried to jog around Ryoka. She grabbed for him and Saliss swayed back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tricked me!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Alchemist] gave her a side-eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Saliss of Lights. Did you think I\u2019d trust this kind of thing to a half-baked City Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka was shaking. What was all her<\/em> resolve for? Saliss threw up his claws.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019m tired of being told who my enemies are. Maybe I don\u2019t like [Assassins]. Maybe I\u2019m just bored and want to go for a jog.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe entire north is going to stop you. Not just the Circle. You\u2019re a Drake. From Pallass. The enemy!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake snorted. He looked ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could try. I\u2019m Saliss of Lights.<\/em> My ego is better at fighting than the two of you put together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to do it. I can\u2019t just turn back now. Give me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The two fought as Ryoka tried to grab for Saliss\u2019 belt pouch. He backed up. Maviola stepped between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two are both fools. Brave\u2014resourceful. Erin Solstice took you out of this city. But that is as far as her power goes. She cannot ward you the entire way across Izril. And it is far <\/em>to House Veltras. Neither of you could make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss pointed down the open road. He snapped, properly vexed. They were burning his head start!<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a better shot than anyone else here! Or what were you planning to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El looked at Saliss. She glanced at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo with you, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lady Ieka stared at the trio outside Invrisil.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaviola? I thought\u2014wait. Wasn\u2019t she coming to visit me?<\/em> Where did she go?\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned for one of her [Maids]. A tremulous young woman answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady El was<\/em> here, milady. But she\u2014only stayed for a moment. And when we led her into the parlor and took our eyes off her, she\u2014she\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe stole your horse, Lady Ieka.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maviola El mounted the horse. She pointed at Ryoka.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet in whatever that is. Saliss, potions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be crazy. I\u2019m better alone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know these roads. And you need us. Or me, at least. Erin Solstice got you out of Invrisil. She mustered an army. But she is still young. That is all<\/em> she could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola began riding forwards. Saliss began running. He tossed something at Ryoka. She caught it, fumbling. A Potion of Haste. Maviola offered it to the mare and the well-trained animal took it. She drank one herself.<\/p>\n

They sped up. Behind them, Erin Solstice slowed, panting.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaviola? Saliss?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She had brought Xrn, Pallass\u2019 army, the Brothers to bear on Invrisil. She had made no mistakes in her campaign to save her friend. If she had<\/em> made the mistake, it was the same one Ryoka had.<\/p>\n

It was assuming only Ryoka wanted to do what was right.<\/em> Saliss looked at the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t protect you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did not come here for protection. We came to do the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were speeding up. But they slowed as someone ran after them, shouting with her loud voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaviola! What are you doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] turned. She smiled. Ryoka was looking at Saliss. He eyed her and nodded. Just that. She nodded back.<\/p>\n

Okay, then.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice! You will someday find your path! You will find your own flame. But today\u2014I will do what you cannot. Look upon me and see what my life was, my heir of fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola raised a clenched hand. Erin shouted something. But the [Lady] was riding.<\/p>\n

Smiling. Saliss was grumbling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a Runner who can call the wind and a [Lady] who makes flames, and a naked Drake. And what does the Guild have? Knives. Hooray. You two are going to die. Last chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola ignored him. Ryoka gritted her teeth. They began moving faster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Faster. Ryoka felt the world slowing down<\/em> around her. Not as much as when she\u2019d drunk Teriarch\u2019s potion, but\u2014she moved faster<\/em> on the bicycle. Saliss was running at full tilt. Maviola galloping.<\/p>\n

Down the road. The Guild was reforming. Ryoka saw riders bursting from other gates, pursuing her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you can fight <\/em>as much as you talk!\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss lobbed a potion an incredible distance. It blew apart, missing a clump of riders. He cursed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am going to be impoverished<\/em> after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot something, you know, you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola spoke as she rode. Ryoka heard her\u2014she was aiming a wand as she rode. This was not<\/em> the time. But the [Lady]\u2019s hair was blowing behind her. She rode high in the saddle, ignoring the [Assassins]. Looking up.<\/p>\n

The world was ever watching. Maviola went on, for Saliss and Ryoka alone. For herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot something. At some point, I grew old. And I thought, \u2018this is the way the world is.\u2019 Do what I can. Keep my House alive, but cease trying to change. Of course, the young woman was a fool. She thought you could burn it all down and build something out of ash. Have you ever tried that? Neither old nor young is entirely right. But one needs both.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this going somewhere? Where to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeft! That road!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka led the way. Maviola rode on after them, laughing to herself. More [Assassins] were following. Black carriages. Crossbows loosing bolts that went far astray. Higher levels would be here, soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou brave, sad Drake. You gloriously foolish girl. I told you, you need an army. <\/em>But how would you know? Neither of you were born of the north. I have the knowledge\u2014all I lack is the will. The audacity.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Something was in her hand. A golden vial. Saliss\u2019 head turned. Maviola drank the Potion of Time\u2019s Return. She threw back her head. Her eyes opened.<\/p>\n

And she rode faster.<\/em> Ryoka felt the wind suddenly surge about her. She looked at Saliss. If she had the vial now\u2014but she couldn\u2019t take her eyes off Maviola. The [Lady] was suddenly\u2014younger. Her eyes blazed. She laughed, a full-throated guffaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice broke the traps of Invrisil! But her reach ends here. Now\u2014let us make our way across my home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasier said than done! Do either of you have a Level 50 Skill? No? Just me? Either shut up or move faster!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss bellowed. The [Assassins] were closing, despite their [Haste] speed. Moving with desperation. Maviola drew something from her bag of holding. It snapped<\/em> at once in the air.<\/p>\n

She held it aloft. Ryoka saw a long pole, made of wood. And behind it\u2014her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

Maviola had stolen something from Erin Solstice. A banner. Made of white.<\/p>\n

It did not even slow the [Assassins]. They respected it not at all. But the [Lady] hoisted it higher.<\/p>\n

The world\u2014she looked at Ryoka and Saliss as they turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Five Families have not yet waned to the point that we would bow to threats from a group of cowards. They just have to be reminded of that fact. Now, watch. This<\/em> is how you do a delivery, Drake, girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

She lifted the banner higher, riding ahead of the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026Maviola of the House of El. I heard she was dead. Or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Sir Relz stared. The [Lady] rose from her saddle, riding high in the stirrups. The [Assassins] were following in a huge mass. But every eye was on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrandmother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deilan El stared at Maviola\u2019s face. So did the rest of the House of El. And not just the House of El.<\/p>\n

At this time, they were all watching. Magnolia from her ship, seeing the city she had left in flames. Tyrion Veltras.<\/p>\n

Ulta Terland.<\/p>\n

The House of Wellfar. Gresaria, from First Landing, seeing her old friend laughing wildly. The [Harbormistress] felt something move in her old chest. Maviola El cried out, shouting at the skies and the watchers.<\/p>\n

At Bethal, Pryde, Laken, Rie, Ieka, Yitton\u2014and so many others. Traitors and the Flowers of Izril! Cowards! She shamed them, riding there.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Maviola El!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] cried. She held the banner aloft. A flag of white, peace. Behind her came the Guild of Assassins, shadows. The [Lady] pointed a finger as a group tried to cut her off.<\/p>\n

A ball of fire flashed from her finger and blew them off their horses. [Fast Fireball]. Maviola drew something in her other hand. It ignited, burning the air with magic.<\/p>\n

A Kaalblade. She swung the sword as she passed one of the dehorsed [Assassins]. Like a cavalry veteran, she beheaded the figure. Ryoka rode after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026a bike.<\/em> And that\u2019s\u2026batman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aaron stared at Ryoka. He had heard her voice.<\/em> And remembered. The [Mages] turned. Ryoka\u2019s hair streamed behind her. Saliss of Lights ran behind them as Maviola\u2019s voice sang out again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have given my life for Izril! My brother fell defending our home and I have carried his memory in me! I burned our foes to ash! My House has given its lives a hundred, a thousand thousand times to defend this land! I did not spend every year and second of my life to see my home fall to rot and cowardice!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her words stirred her listeners. Maviola raised the banner higher. Her hair, her eyes, were igniting. The banner was glowing. Maviola shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cRise, for the House of El! Wake, stone! Rage, listeners! For pride and justice!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The banner burst into flame. It burned like gold. Like a dying life. Maviola lifted it.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo arms! Deliver the cure to the House of Veltras! I call you to take up arms! Rally, for the honor of the Five Families! For Izril, <\/em>ride with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her words rang. Ryoka\u2019s head rose. She saw Saliss laughing. Erin Solstice looked after Maviola as her gold fire burned. Her glory.<\/p>\n

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

Erin Solstice had known every person she had summoned. Every guest of her inn, however temporary. She had called them all, and begged every favor she couldn\u2019t repay. Now\u2014Maviola was doing the same.<\/p>\n

And she had lived a century on these lands. Her enemies and friends heard her cry. And the Circle\u2019s spell of [Fear]\u2014<\/p>\n

Ended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin rode with Maviola El and Saliss. The [Assassins] poured down the road, striving to keep up with the three. [Haste] spells allowed them to match the speed of the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re gaining\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss tossed a potion behind him coated with a levitation tonic. It hovered, like a landmine in the air\u2014detonated.<\/p>\n

The [Assassins] dodged out of the way. The [Alchemist] cursed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate<\/em> dodgers! Get ready\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The first Face aimed a bow as he rode at Ryoka. She conjured the wind and a whirlwind of sand out of her bag of holding. It covered<\/em> the [Assassins] and they choked, swearing.<\/p>\n

Saliss tossed three potions. They didn\u2019t dodge these ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAhead! Watch the front!\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola threw fire\u2014but the coach\u2019s walls resisted the glowing blue fire. Ryoka turned her bike. Saliss took aim. They would not stop! They would not fail to deliver this cure.<\/p>\n

Not one was a Courier. Couriers had failed.<\/em> But\u2014the [Alchemist] webbed the wheels of the first coach and it skidded to a stop. Ryoka dumped caltrops in the way of the [Assassins] trying to follow on foot. Maviola ignited the grass behind them, leaving a trail of fire.<\/p>\n

The entire Guild was after them. The Circle of Thorns, fighting to hold onto Izril\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

But Ryoka Griffin was not alone. Saliss, Maviola\u2014the Wind Runner looked ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re gaining again! They must be overdosing on [Haste] potions or using Skills! They\u2019ll tear their muscles off their bones<\/em>. Right after they kill us!\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss cursed. Ryoka shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep going!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re about to get us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep going!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake turned. He ran past a braced figure on the ground. The Drake met the Human\u2019s eyes for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver Swords\u2014charge!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes burst upwards. His shield caught a charging [Assassin] on horseback. The figure went flying.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c[Champion\u2019s Throw]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil hurled an axe through the wheels of a carriage; the blade didn\u2019t stop until it was embedded in the earth. He lifted his hammer.<\/p>\n

\u201cFalene!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Acid Orb], [Lightning Bolt], [Arrows of Stone], [Forcewall]\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Battlemage] unleashed her best volley of spells.<\/p>\n

\u201cYlawes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka turned in her seat. The [Knight] raised his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe House of Byres! Go, Lady El!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola lifted her banner. Behind her, the Gold-rank adventurers engaged the wave of [Assassins]. Those insane\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cOn! You can\u2019t help them! We have countless leagues to go! Saliss\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m on foot! [Double Potency]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake grimaced as he downed another Potion of Haste. He sped up<\/em>, leaving Ryoka behind. Maviola\u2019s mare accelerated and Ryoka felt the bike jump<\/em> as she tried to keep up. How fast were they moving?<\/em><\/p>\n

How far did they have to go?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarvelous. Now that<\/em> is a [Lady] of Izril. Can we not support them in some way?\u201d<\/p>\n

They were all watching. Knight-Commander Calirn looked up. The Fall\u2019s Sentinel pursed his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could invoke the grand ritual, Knight-Commander, but it may be too soon. And the cost\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave we no agents in Izril? Send for any [Knight] of our Order! Of Terandria\u2019s orders! If only Dame Talia were still there\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight-Commander] saw the trio racing across the landscape. Who was<\/em> that [Knight] who had stopped them with two comrades? An adventurer?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been running for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Fierre? Where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Colfa Lischelle-Drakle didn\u2019t know. She was watching with Himilt, Bamer\u2014everyone was gathered around the scrying orb in Reizmelt\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild. The Pithfire Hounds and some of the adventurers had gone racing for horses\u2014as if they were even close<\/em> to Invrisil.<\/p>\n

But the sight of the Wind Runner had lit a spark in them all. Himilt shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see her. But she is probably safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2014is there a scrying orb here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone pushed into the Runner\u2019s Guild. An old man fought to get through the crowd. He was panting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know her! That\u2019s the Wind Runner? Isn\u2019t it? Is it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

[Farmer] Lupp pushed forwards. He saw Ryoka as Himilt moved forwards to let him through.<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you Lupp? Ryoka mentioned you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Farmer] halted. He was out of place in this crowd. His face was ashen; he was panting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI rode here. One of my neighbors told me Miss Ryoka was\u2014is she alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlive. They\u2019ve been running for an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn hour?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have too far to go. Himilt\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a Named Adventurer<\/em> they\u2019ve got, Colfa. Miss Ryoka has a chance. They\u2019re moving at Courier speed. Top speed. But the [Assassins] are slowing \u2018em down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2014why can we see<\/em> them? They\u2019re giving their positions away!\u201d<\/p>\n

Colfa\u2019s eyes widened as Lupp pointed out the obvious. The Drakes were commentating, but no one was listening to Noass and Sir Relz.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s scrying them, Master Lupp. But you\u2019re right. They keep dodging traps. The Guild\u2019s blocking the roads. See\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Bamer was pointing. The trio was running across a field, cutting through some farmer\u2019s recently-harvested wheat. They had abandoned the road. Lupp\u2019s fingers twisted in his straw cap, a copy of a scarecrow\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they\u2014Miss Griffin\u2019s no great fighter. She told me so herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Drake is. And that\u2019s Lady Maviola El. I thought she was dead. She looks\u2026alive. Young.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone else murmured. Colfa reassured Lupp.<\/p>\n

\u201cHimilt, get some water for the poor man. Master Lupp, sit down. You\u2019re about to pass out. They are fighting. But they\u2019re running\u2014they fought only twice. And they have a better shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lupp sat down slowly, some color coming back into his face as the others made room. Colfa nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They aren\u2019t alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I take it back. This is really nice, except for my tail nearly getting caught in the wheels. I\u2014oh hells.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss stopped pedaling, overbalanced. Ryoka, on foot, whirled. It had been an hour and a half since the Silver Swords had bailed them out. They were still running.<\/p>\n

The Guild was closing in again. The Drake tumbled from the bike, rolled\u2014and Ryoka ran back for it.<\/p>\n

Nonstop flight for nearly an hour and a half should have left Ryoka a mess, especially at a sprint\u2014<\/em>or a mad ride. But Saliss\u2019 potions were varied and effective. She was burning<\/em> with energy.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the Guild was coming again.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like three dozen. Fast ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were flitting across the forest, shadowing the three. Maviola slowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou idiots! Get on that bike and move!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy for you to say! You\u2019re on a horse! I get tired!\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss bellowed back. He lobbed a potion and watched in resignation as they dodged it.<\/p>\n

They were far west of Invrisil, having cut that way rather than northwest, where all the roads were blockaded. Ryoka gritted her teeth as she leapt onto the bike.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we go! I\u2019m running out of caltrops, but I can blow them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust give me wind! I\u2019ll burn the forest down!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you crazy?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El was baring her teeth. Ryoka cursed as she rode forwards. Saliss was muttering.<\/p>\n

\u201cLightning? Let\u2019s see them dodge lightning\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A ragged howl<\/em> cut through the air. Ryoka jerked and Maviola looked up. She held up a hand as the three prepared to fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on. I think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Assassins] turned. And Ryoka saw the first bounding shape leap <\/em>through the forest. The [Assassin] slashed wildly, and the dog howled, but the second and third grabbed<\/em> the man and bore him down. And more\u2014<\/p>\n

Suddenly, there were dozens<\/em> of dogs for every [Assassin]. A hundred throats howled<\/em> and a huge, furred shape crashed after them.<\/p>\n

They were on House Radivaek\u2019s lands.<\/em> Saliss whistled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here I thought Gnolls only lived in the south.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka saw the [Dog Lord] racing on all fours after his pack. The dogs tore the [Assassins] to pieces. They followed a half-man, half\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Beastform]. Lord Gralton!\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola lifted the still-burning banner of glory. The [Lord] howled and his pack howled too. Ryoka saw the [Lord] looking at her. For Maviola? Or a delivery of aid?<\/p>\n

She raised a hand and ran.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the second hour, the King of Destruction was made aware of the run. He roused himself from his nap.<\/p>\n

The war in Chandrar was a background to this. After two hours\u2014he stared at the replay of the events, a summation, and the three, continuing onwards.<\/p>\n

Gralton\u2019s dogs had raced with them to the edge of his lands, but even they couldn\u2019t keep up. Flos Reimarch\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lady of the House of El? What a fine [Bannerlady] she would be. I think I met her. Fearless. Old, I thought\u2026a Potion of Youth?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my King.\u201d<\/p>\n

Venith stood with Flos in the palace. Nerrhavia\u2019s armies were pushing the border, but their slower-moving infantry had yet to support the marauding chariots. Soon\u2014Flos Reimarch\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that Drake\u2026naked?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was incredibly naked, and the broadcast kept zooming in on the trio. Almost reflexively, Az\u2019kerash cast a spell as they paused.<\/p>\n

They were reapplying [Haste] spells. He saw the panting horse perk up as the [Alchemist] offered it a stamina potion. But too many and the steed would drop dead. The Humans were better\u2014but he still saw Ryoka Griffin gulping down water.<\/p>\n

A blur engulfed the Drake\u2019s nether regions.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster, why is that Drake naked?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaliss of Lights is\u2026a unique individual.\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash turned to Bea. He had no desire to explain the complexities of whatever Saliss was to them. But he was watching. He had been alerted despite the distractions of teaching his Chosen and working on his newest creation.<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin. She should not die. Or else his plans\u2026the [Necromancer] studied her. And so did the [Witch].<\/p>\n

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

She peered at the two Drakes commentating. Drassi had entered Pallass to shove Noass out of the booth. They were talking about the three. After a fifteen second delay\u2014Drassi shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014sorry, Noass. Felt like someone was walking on my tail for a second there. Weird.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash glanced at Belavierr. But her eyes were suddenly locked on the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2026is friends with my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Necromancer\u2019s head slowly turned. Now that<\/em> was a coincidence too grand to be\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. It would be inconvenient if the Circle of Thorns were to slay her. I am\u2026endeavoring to ensure that does not happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Are you also a member?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Witch\u2019s head turned. Az\u2019kerash\u2014blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou<\/em> are a member of the Circle of Thorns?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s ringed gaze met the white pupils and black eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are not.\u201d<\/p>\n

A clumsy error. Az\u2019kerash was unused to the politics of wordplay after so long. He paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had considered it. But my agents are not\u2026in the upper echelons of that society. And you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was. This seems to be a different Circle. I assume most of the members are dead after so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr counted.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo thousand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash nodded slowly as Bea looked at the [Witch].<\/p>\n

\u201cOne would assume so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome members might live. I know that Runner. And that other one. That\u2026fire\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Stitch Witch]\u2019s eyes widened fractionally.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaviola El.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the first name she had spoken in all the time she had been with Az\u2019kerash. That Belavierr remembered the name\u2014Az\u2019kerash looked into the orb.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo she lives. I had thought her dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer string is nearing its end. But she would burn rather than fade. So there<\/em> you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belavierr\u2019s eyes were shifting. Her fingers twitched. <\/em>Suddenly\u2014they were full of thread. Az\u2019kerash could hardly have missed the magic. He whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWitch Belavierr. What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at him blankly. He reached out to stop her. Too late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not resting. If you can\u2019t keep up\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss was panting as he ran. Ryoka looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one out of breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026was\u2026going to\u2026stealth\u2026<\/em>my way there! You\u2019re the damned idiots who blew my plan up! And Xif! I\u2019m going to shave him bald!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will help. If we survive\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El was chatting to them as they ran. The [Assassins] had lost them after Lord Gralton\u2019s lands. No doubt they were regrouping. But the three could at least manage a rushed conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll buy that bike-thing. It just needs a tail-cover! Hold up\u2014something\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss\u2019 head rotated. His [Eyes of Appraisal] had saved them more than once and he was using multiple potions to enhance his body. His one flaw was that he was no Runner and was tiring. Ryoka slowed.<\/p>\n

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

The first storm of needles looked like black cloth and blood. They had gone through<\/em> an ambush-squad of [Assassins], and the trees. Saliss\u2019 eyes went round. Maviola and Ryoka screamed at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeedle storm! That damned [Witch]\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBelavierr! Take cover!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at each other and then whirled. Maviola conjured a wall of fire.<\/em> Saliss tossed potions and the needles exploded<\/em>. But there were hundreds! Possibly thousands! Ryoka reached for her belt.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Wall of Stone]! Get behind me!\u201d<\/p>\n

A wall rose as she triggered one of the scrolls she\u2019d kept. The other two dove behind it. Maviola forced her horse\u2019s head down<\/em> as the needles, some melting from the heat, hit<\/em> the thick stone.<\/p>\n

It sounded like gunfire. Saliss crouched.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the name of the Ancestors is that? It\u2019s like some kind of miniature [Steel Arrow] spell!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Belavierr! The Stitch Witch! <\/em>But why is she attacking\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka had no doubt who it was. Maviola seized her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have met the Temptress? Where? Did you accept her offer?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! You know her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI burned her!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh sh\u2014they\u2019re coming around!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for long. Gah, this is going to hurt!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss downed a potion. And then he rose\u2014<\/em>Maviola and Ryoka stared as a Minotaur with scales<\/em> like armor rose. He posed like Grimalkin\u2014<\/p>\n

And the needles swinging around the barrier swept <\/em>into Saliss. He bellowed as the needles broke.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Stoneskin Potion]! Ah! Ahh! That hurts so damn much!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The needles fell from his skin as the first hail ceased. Ryoka scrambled upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get to cover! She\u2019s not going to stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

She ran with Maviola as the [Lady] grabbed some of Ryoka\u2019s scrolls and sorted through them. The second rain of needles shot from straight above. Saliss swore as he tossed potions at them.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Wyvernhide Potions]! Split it with the horse! They\u2019re thousands of gold each! Damn, damn\u2014I\u2019m going to kill that [Witch]!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The second hail fell around Ryoka and she felt impacts striking<\/em> her skin\u2014but Saliss\u2019<\/em> potion made them feel like pellets. She felt the force<\/em> of them which caused the mare to rear, but the metal just bounced off, becoming inert.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do we have?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree minutes!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can set up a wall of fire, but it will just shower us with molten metal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t<\/em> do that! Do you have any skill other than burning things?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss howled at Maviola. Ryoka was fumbling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll put up walls of stone! From all sides! Let\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She paused. Saliss looked up and stopped screaming. Maviola turned.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014it\u2019s stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, enough.<\/em> I want her alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash held Belavierr\u2019s hand. The [Witch] stared at him.<\/p>\n

The air<\/em> was thrumming. Toren fled and Bea held still, ready to touch<\/em> Belavierr. Venitra, Kerash, Bea, and the two new Chosen waited.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Very well. I was only irked.\u201d<\/p>\n

After a moment of glancing at the Chosen, Belavierr let go of the strings she had been twisting. Az\u2019kerash let her go.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you hold a grudge for Maviola El?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe spurned me twice. And burned me. I am remembering how to hold grudges. But that other Runner is a friend of my daughter\u2019s. I forgot myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Witch]\u2019s eyes glittered. She focused as the image of the three vanished.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014Think that was a long-range hex. We\u2014er\u2014Wistram News Network is going to cease coverage for a moment. Wistram Academy <\/em>had been attempting to block long-range hexes, but this one\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Az\u2019kerash focused on the Drake. He shook his head, relaxing slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlocking hexes? Ah\u2014do you sense it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA net from Wistram. Crude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPathetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Witch and Necromancer could agree on that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was<\/em> that hex? It just blew<\/em> through our long-range wards!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Diviners] was staring in horror at an elaborate web\u2014much like a dream catcher charm\u2014that had just exploded<\/em>. Elena watched from afar.<\/p>\n

Wistram was trying to protect Ryoka\u2014and their reputations. But that last attack had just proven that the Circle was capable of outmatching the Academy\u2014at least at range.<\/p>\n

\u201cCut the coverage. What level was that spellcaster?\u201d<\/p>\n

Viltach ordered, looking shaken. He\u2019d helped set up that spell himself! Elena heard a babble as they communicated with the Pallass team, and fielded the onslaught of angry messages.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re sure<\/em> that\u2019s the same \u2018batman\u2019 that was talking to you with this \u2018L\u2019 character.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Aaron was looking at Elena\u2014but he could hardly escape the cluster of [Mages] who\u2019d descended on him after that comment. He hesitated\u2014then focused on Feor.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe knows more than anyone else, I\u2019ll bet, Archmage. And she was smart enough to pick out the imposter. You need to save her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are doing our best, young Aaron. Our [Mages] will try to help, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They were too slow.<\/em> The three were moving across Izril at an insane pace.<\/p>\n

And they still had far to go. <\/em>Elena traced their journey on the map. They were maybe a tenth<\/em> of the way to House Veltras even running for two hours and a half at max speed. They needed help.<\/p>\n

What could she do? Besides supporting the academy\u2026Elena bit her lip. She looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cCara.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She needed\u2026to get a message to the Singer of Terandria.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Okay\u2014maybe she got bored and stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr we\u2019re going to have needles everywhere.<\/em> And I don\u2019t appreciate that. At least Wistram\u2019s stopped broadcasting us! I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss growled as the three peeked out of cover. Even the horse was lying down. He was holding a private scrying orb. After all\u2014they could watch their coverage of themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelavierr does not give up. But perhaps she decided it wasn\u2019t worth the effort. We cannot hide forever. But perhaps this is an opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola\u2019s eyes glittered. Saliss and Ryoka looked up. The [Lady] was looking at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026are a shape changer, Master Saliss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dabble.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked away. He\u2019d reverted to the Drake form after a minute. Maviola eyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. But perhaps\u2014if Wistram is not scrying us\u2014I have a ring that protects me against scrying. We ran from our cover; they would have to move the [Scrying] spell and that is difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m protected too. But someone<\/em> doesn\u2019t have our gear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss rolled his eyes and pointed at Ryoka. She raised her palms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can\u2019t scry me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Maviola\u2019s eyes narrowed. She looked at Ryoka. Then, thoughtfully, at Saliss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case\u2014we might have an opportunity. Master Saliss\u2014how long do those potions last at most?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026well, I could<\/em> get it to half a day. Not that I need to specialize in long transformations. Combat [Alchemist], that\u2019s me. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saliss shifted. Maviola looked at Ryoka. The City Runner raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked from Human to Human. He coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ten minutes later, Sir Relz spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026We think<\/em> our protections are established. Again\u2014we are trying to bring news without putting these brave individuals at risk. If magical interference is detected, we will cut the broadcast. Let\u2019s see\u2014huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The view reappeared, showing the hollow where the three had been. Sir Relz peered at the image.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It appears the three have vanished. We\u2019ll attempt to find them. One moment, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were gone<\/em>. The Circle was demanding their own [Scryers] find them. But the three had vanished.<\/em> And try as they might, the [Mages] moving their [Scrying] spells from spot to spot found nothing.<\/p>\n

If they had<\/em> been looking, they might have noticed a very bemused horse running off. Following\u2026three more horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to vomit.<\/em> This is so disorienting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up and run!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?<\/em> Do you practice<\/em> being a horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

The three were arguing. The first horse, which was moving a lot faster than the other two, rolled one eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Do you think it\u2019s easy<\/em>, transforming into someone with four legs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel naked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka actually tried to throw up, but horses had a tough time doing it. And they had eyes on the other sides of their head! She wanted to puke, but didn\u2019t quite manage it. Saliss-horse snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you know why I run around naked all the time. Good practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola had found her hooves faster than Ryoka. Saliss hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Nah. Now, hurry up. We have two hours with this potion. They\u2019re not entirely stupid. And you had better pray we get a head start and run before they find us. Because if you turn back to Human, you\u2019re going to be naked. Which again\u2014not my problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was glad and terrified that the broadcast couldn\u2019t find them. She was watching. Ryoka had far to go.<\/p>\n

But she was going. With\u2026Maviola? Olesm was glued to the screen, despite the bandages on his chest and arm.<\/p>\n

The inn was quiet. Some people were weeping. Others silent.<\/p>\n

Invrisil had been liberated of the Guild. But not without cost. Lord Toldos was dead. He\u2019d charged in first. Perhaps if he hadn\u2019t\u2014more would have died. But Erin, between crying for him, had heard Olesm bitterly lamenting.<\/p>\n

If<\/em>. If he\u2019d held back. If\u2014<\/p>\n

Teor was dead. Redit had tried to help and gotten killed. Todi had killed the [Assassins], but brave people were dead.<\/p>\n

Let it not be them. Let this be the only ones.<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin could only watch. She had done all she could. She bowed her head. But then let it rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2014free food, free drinks. Thank you. Let\u2019s watch. Anyone needs to sleep\u2014go upstairs. Thank you, I can\u2019t repay you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all she said. Her guests looked at her. Some, like the Earl, were taking their first measure of Erin, seeing her fully for the first time.<\/p>\n

Others just nodded. Snapjaw punched Badarrow again\u2014she was still mad he\u2019d gone and risked his neck.<\/p>\n

But he lived.<\/em> So did brave Bird, and many of the Antinium. Erin had\u2026traded the lives of her friends for people like Lord Toldos.<\/p>\n

The Brothers sat in her inn. They would always be welcome here. Erin would thank them later. Grimalkin leaned back in his seat, talking to the Pallassian [Commander] and some of the [Soldiers], perhaps happy with all the Human [Assassins] they\u2019d killed.<\/p>\n

Different people. Different perspectives. Xrn was delighted. Not only had Wistram issued an all-alert<\/em> they\u2019d had to retract about the Hives, she\u2019d killed countless [Assassins] and her Antinium had suffered few casualties.<\/p>\n

They would level. Pawn was holding hands with Lyonette. Mrsha sat between them, anxiously seeking their comforting words as she waited.<\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin ran north. Erin closed her eyes. Sat up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to sleep, Erin. We\u2019ll wake you when we find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys was yawning as she sat with Krshia. Montressa was talking to Bezale, who had a concussion. But she was alive, so was Palt\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAny word of Salamani? Fierre?\u201d<\/p>\n

They were missing.<\/em> Delanay grimaced as the [Healer] tended to his broken hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re still looking. We\u2019ll find them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin turned. She got up to help lead the search; the Players had helped restore order. But she wobbled and nearly fell on her face. Someone caught her.<\/p>\n

\u201cRest, Erin. It\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at Olesm. The two smiled at the lie. The [Strategist] transferred Erin to Lyonette as Erin protested, feebly. They put her in her room. Erin saw the board was arranged\u2014someone had a question for her. Someone had seen her.<\/p>\n

She was too tired. Ryoka\u2014<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s head hit the pillow. Her friend ran on.<\/p>\n

She still heard the voice as she slept, dreaming of blood and death. And hope.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Magical Innkeeper Level 45!]<\/p>\n

[Inn: Skill \u2013 Boon of the Guest obtained!]<\/p>\n

[Inn \u2013 Famous Name: The Wandering Inn obtained!]<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Power.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Someone else leveled that night. Well, many people did. They heard that impartial voice in their heads, announcing their levels.<\/p>\n

A few, like the Antinium, heard it directly. Sleep being different for them. Or\u2026conditions. Different.<\/p>\n

Yet someone heard the voice for the first time. And it startled\u2026her.<\/p>\n

The [Assassin]\u2019s legs kicked slowly, amid the rubble. The Vampire\u2019s eyes glowed crimson. She drank\u2014<\/p>\n

It felt good.<\/em> For both. The [Assassin] had stopped struggling. She was melting\u2026fading\u2026the Vampire felt something<\/em> entering her. Something she had craved.<\/p>\n

Delicious, so delicious.<\/em> She was so hungry.<\/em> The kicking slowed. Fierre drank. And drank. And then\u2014the voice sounded for the third<\/em> time over the hour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Assassin Level 3!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Bloodform Blades obtained!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Lesser Dexterity siphoned.]<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three. Since gaining her class. The Vampire adjusted her grip. And she realized\u2014<\/p>\n

The kicking had stopped. She bared her fangs\u2014but there was no more blood. She looked down. A blank stare met hers.<\/p>\n

Fierre dropped the body. She crawled away, in horror, for a second. Then she licked her lips.<\/p>\n

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

So that\u2014<\/p>\n

That was how it was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Notes: <\/strong>We didn\u2019t get to the end of the\u2026run. Lots of stuff happened! Again, the conversation with Lyonette at the top of the chapter (remember that), was supposed to be in last chapter, which would have allowed\u2026<\/p>\n

Well, it\u2019s fine. Maybe. We\u2019ll see. Thank you for reading!<\/p>\n

I watched the end of the Unus Annus channel yesterday. Which if you don\u2019t know about, it\u2019s too late. Some things end. It\u2019s more valuable because<\/em> it ends.<\/p>\n

Memento Mori. I\u2019ll see you next chapter. We\u2019ll see how it goes. We\u2019re either .5 chapters ahead, or .5 behind. But why don\u2019t I think that\u2019ll be too much of a problem in terms of chapter length? Maybe a short one after all?<\/p>\n

See you then. Today\u2019s art is Enuryn\u2019s Sea Shepherd ship, brought to you from the tales of another Courier! And a great Ryoka and Mrsha by Pontastic and a Fierre by Chalyon! Give them a thumbs up! Wait–you can’t do that. Leave a comment!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sea [Druid] Ships by Enuryn the [Naturalist]<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka and Mrshas by Pontastic!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ryoka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"RyokaAndIvolethe <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"MrshaHoney <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"MrshaPaint <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fierre by Chalyon!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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

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