They had four hours, in the night, before they were found again. Two precious hours, snatched by the transformation, and then two more after that.<\/p>\n
They had made slower progress as horses, ironically. They had to act like\u2026horses. And they were slow because Ryoka threw up about fifty times over the course of the first hour before her mind adjusted to four hooves and an equine\u2019s perspective. And horses couldn\u2019t vomit so it was fifty miserable failed attempts.<\/p>\n
Shapeshifting was not easy. Oh, Ryoka would have a lot<\/em> to think of after this. About being a horse, about the possibilities of such potions and spells. If she lived. If Saliss lived.<\/p>\n Two more hours before the [Scrying] spells located them. It was, Ryoka learned from Saliss and Maviola, a very annoying type of spell to manage. Scrying spells in Ryoka\u2019s mind were as simple as panning an aerial shot to follow something.<\/p>\n In reality, the problem with a [Scrying] spell not bound to a person\u2014and no one could scry the three directly\u2014was that you had to move it in every<\/em> axis. Up, down, left, right\u2014even managing the coordinate system meant an entire class of [Diviner], [Seer], [Scrier], had to manage one spell.<\/p>\n And they had lost the three. So\u2014for four hours, under darkness, they ran. They did not stop to rest. They did not sleep. But nor did they sprint.<\/p>\n They were husbanding their strength for when they were found. Odd word. Husbanding. Why not wifeing? Aside from how stupid that sounded.<\/p>\n Ryoka knew she should have been thinking of the run. The long ways yet to go, even as Saliss\u2019 potions sped them and kept them moving fast. She pedaled, stowing the bike for uphill climbs and places where the terrain didn\u2019t fit. Running alongside the Drake and the horse carrying Maviola El.<\/p>\n But all that filled her mind were silly questions like the etymology of the word \u2018husbanding\u2019. Anything, it seemed, to distract her from reality.<\/p>\n The sun would rise before they reached House Veltras. It was inevitable at the speed they were moving. A Potion of Haste practically doubled their speed. Tripled it, in some ways. They needed neither to rest nor eat with potions.<\/p>\n \u2026But it was a long run. And when the sun rose, they\u2019d be easier to spot. The Guild of Assassins and Circle of Thorns was after them.<\/p>\n They had the cure.<\/p>\n They found the three after four hours. But between then. The end of her run, what happened next, and the time she had left Invrisil\u2014that brief span when they had been able to relax just a hair<\/em> and talk instead of watch for Belavierr\u2019s hexes, enemy [Assassins]\u2014<\/p>\n She would not forget or trade that time away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh. I leveled up.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka heard a slight gasp as she rode ahead, scanning for potholes or rocks in the dark. She jerked up. She had trailed off from their last conversation. Saliss twisted as he ran. The two saw Maviola El open her eyes. They looked at each other, the three with the cure.<\/p>\n Then Saliss threw an empty potion bottle at Maviola. Ryoka swore and tossed some sand at the [Lady]. She very nearly moved her bike over to try and swat at Maviola El.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew it! You were dozing on that horse! While we were running all damn night\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just napping for a second! Respect your elders and betters, brat!\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola swatted back with her inactive Kaalblade. Saliss beaned her with an empty vial and Maviola loosed a stream of curses.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been running\u2026for hours.<\/em> I don\u2019t run! I make potions!<\/em> Get off the horse! It\u2019s my turn!\u201d<\/p>\n It had been almost four hours since they\u2019d lost Wistram\u2019s eyes and the Guild after Belavierr\u2019s needle attack. The three had been on the alert, but Saliss had the scrying orb tuned to the Wistram News Network\u2014a secured line so they couldn\u2019t reverse-hack his artifact\u2014and they hadn\u2019t found the three. Yet.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026the search continues. But I feel strongly that if they <\/em>had been found, we would know. Isn\u2019t that right, Sir Relz?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly, Drassi.<\/em> Let\u2019s<\/em> replay the dramatic footage from this evening. Again\u2014we are receiving countless impressions, first-hand accounts from people who were <\/em>there. The Black Tide, invading Invrisil\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if invading is the right word. They were clearly <\/em>helping fight the Guild.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrassi\u2014the Antinium? Really?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think you know what <\/em>you\u2019re talking about, Sir Relz. One of us lives in Liscor. And let me tell you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The orb shut off. They still had time. Ryoka looked up at Maviola. The [Lady Firestarter]\u2019s eyes were shining. Or\u2026was she still a [Lady Firestarter]?<\/p>\n \u201cYour class changed.\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t a question. Maviola El\u2019s eyes sparkled.<\/p>\n \u201cI have reached my Time of Grandeur. I did not think I would. And now?<\/em> How this world likes to play tricks! But I have never been more a [Lady] than now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTime of\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA name the nobility of Izril and Terandria came up with. It just means Level 50. They like to call everything stupid names.\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss whispered to Ryoka. The City Runner nodded. Maviola scowled at them.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the level at which everything changes. Beyond here\u2014few living trod this path.\u201d<\/p>\n The two looked up at her. Saliss nodded. Ryoka looked at Maviola and felt a tinge of envy.<\/p>\n Power.<\/em> And at the end of her life, too. On this run? She nodded.<\/p>\n The three knew each other, now. It was the fastest of bonds, like that of the Horns with Ryoka, but even stronger. Three people, with the same mission. How could they not feel a connection?<\/p>\n \u201cWas it a good Skill?\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss looked up at Maviola. Her eyes burned.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.<\/em> I think so, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed. She looked at him with a nod that was almost deferential. He<\/em> had reached Level 50 before her. The [Alchemist] looked at Ryoka. The teasing had turned to respect in the Drake\u2019s gaze, as it had for Ryoka. But quick as a flash, he grinned again.<\/p>\n \u201cSo that\u2019s two Level 50 Skills. Where\u2019s yours, huh? Huh?<\/em> Someone\u2019s the Creler-fodder here. And it\u2019s not the horse.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed at Lady Ieka\u2019s mare, who had indeed bore Maviola through the storm of attacks.<\/p>\n Ryoka was almost tempted to blow Saliss into a tree. They were using the outskirts of a forest as cover; it slowed them, but it made them a lot harder to spot from overhead. Then, she knew he was right. Her head lowered. Ryoka looked at the other two.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026You\u2019re right. I\u2019m the weakest one here. If anything happens\u2014you two go ahead. That\u2019ll be the plan.\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss\u2019 smile faded. Maviola looked at Ryoka. The Wind Runner took a gulp of air.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll pretend to have the cure and leave you two behind. You have the best chance. I\u2019ll lure them off. So\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Her throat closed at the thought. She had barely made it out of Invrisil. Her silly plan had only worked because Erin had called an army<\/em> in to fight the others. Saliss\u2014Maviola\u2014both of them had laid better plans. They had a better shot.<\/p>\n The Named Adventurer and the [Lady] of House El looked at each other gravely. They exchanged something unspoken. Then they nodded at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is so cute<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe is. I see it now. I thought she was aggravating, but how adorable.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s head jerked around. Saliss jogged over. Maviola laughed, as did Saliss.<\/p>\n \u201cLook at you, being so brave!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss pinched Ryoka\u2019s cheek gently. She punched at him as they ran, but he just stepped away. Ryoka turned beet red.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you do. Which makes it all the more precious.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola drawled as she leaned on her horse\u2019s saddle, resting despite the fast-moving mare. Saliss was chortling.<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t it remind you of\u2014\u2018no, keep going! I\u2019ll hold them off! Don\u2019t worry about me!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Maviola. This time the [Lady] nearly fell off her horse, she was laughing so hard. Ryoka opened and shut her mouth, turning from beet to lobster to tomato in order of embarrassment.<\/p>\n They weren\u2019t taking her seriously! No\u2014no, the problem was, they were.<\/em> But they were like her. Saliss rolled his eyes at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cI said something like that the first time I was in a situation like this, oh\u2014twenty years ago. I was just a kid and there I was, potion in my claw\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed. Maviola nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cA battalion of Drakes, for me. Gresaria and I were arguing about who\u2019d stay back to hold the lines.\u201d<\/p>\n They laughed. Ryoka stared at them. They\u2019d done it before. That was why they laughed. Saliss\u2019 head turned and he grinned at her with all his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not mocking you, Ryoka. Not too much. We\u2019re going to live. Or die. But you\u2019re<\/em> the kid who thinks the world revolves around her. Who thinks she\u2019s the only hero. And the truth is, it\u2019s actually me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He spread his arms wide, raising them, running like a marathon runner finishing first. Self-absorbed\u2014Maviola was guffawing. Arrogant.<\/p>\n They had done this kind of thing before.<\/em> Ryoka was the junior. They were teasing<\/em> her. And it was a terrible combination.<\/p>\n One was a grandmother, a great grandmother, the worst of all when she was affectionate. The other was Saliss.<\/p>\n \u201cA delightful child.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola El was chortling. Ryoka would have given anything for a [Witch] to appear and attack them right now. Then she looked at Ryoka, the mirth fading.<\/p>\n \u201cI called you many names, Ryoka. You were a silly girl for how you did it. But the why? The courage to do so?\u201d<\/p>\n She dipped her head, straining. And then she was the [Lady] who had conjured fire, called the Five Houses to arms. The banner she had carried lay spent, the cloth long burned away. But it would ignite before the end.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand everything about why you ran.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all she said. But it was so much more. She looked at Ryoka, the Wind Runner. I know you, <\/em>Maviola\u2019s eyes told the younger woman. I know your fears, why you had to do it.<\/p>\n We are alike.<\/p>\n Ryoka could barely meet the gaze. This was a different Maviola El. Not the young woman of Ryoka\u2019s age. But neither the woman at the end of her life. Some blend of the two.<\/p>\n Saliss nodded. He looked at Ryoka and shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t talk about who\u2019s dying first, Ryoka. That means it\u2019s you.<\/em> Think on how to live. Believe it\u2014or you\u2019ll be too slow when the moment comes. I\u2019ve been in this kind of situation more than once. Until the moment when you die\u2014believe you\u2019re going to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked ahead, embarrassed himself to be that genuine. Ryoka saw Maviola El gazing ahead as Saliss checked the orb. Speculating on their next route.<\/p>\n \u201cVail Forest is how we should cut to House Veltras. Scrying spells will fail if we can make it into the deeper areas where the magic is still strong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever been. Think we can stop for ingredients?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn the way back. Try not to burn it down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook who\u2019s talking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried, once\u2014I misspeak. Not tried<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka saw them looking ahead, pointing. Talking with a mix of bravado and hope. Not fearless<\/em>, but\u2026<\/p>\n In that moment, Ryoka realized something. She looked after them as she let herself slow, just a tiny bit so she could see them running ahead.<\/p>\n They were what she wanted to be. Her admiration for them in this moment, at this time\u2014Ryoka wanted to turn into someone like them.<\/p>\n \u2026A pyromaniac old woman who had sex with Drakes way<\/em> younger than her and an annoying exhibitionist streaker. Yes! No, wait.<\/p>\n What they really were, and revealed only when they were needed. When the chips were down and the world was ending.<\/p>\n Glorious.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A moment. The wind blew across Ryoka, and she felt not the exhaustion in her body, or fear. She looked ahead as they broke from the forest.<\/p>\n Then the first arrow thunked<\/em> into the ground two dozen paces ahead. The three looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cSell me to Salazsar!<\/em> Break\u2019s over! They\u2019ve found us!\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss threw a potion before Ryoka had even processed the figures ahead of her. They hadn\u2019t expected his reaction. Nor the speed at which the potion travelled, as fast as the bolts. And the range\u2014<\/p>\n [Remote Detonation].<\/em> The flask bloomed<\/em> ahead of Ryoka and Maviola as they turned left. Then saw\u2014there was no need.<\/p>\n The group of six had been stationed as a sort of checkpoint on the road ahead, a vantage point, sighting for the three. Saliss\u2019 explosion of yellow covered the group of [Assassins] in the tower of stone. Ryoka saw them tumbling off the fortification.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you hit them with?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpores! Don\u2019t run that way! Blow the wind the other way!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka raised her hand. The wind blew the yellow cloud away as Maviola ignited her Kaalblade again, pointing a finger to use her [Fast Fireball] spell\u2014<\/p>\n None of the figures got up. They lay, twitching. Ryoka stared at Saliss. He was looking around, upwards, as if trying to find scrying spells.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s torn it. They\u2019ll notice the dead [Assassins] fast\u2014especially if they had lifestones on them. Let\u2019s move.<\/em> Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn it. Maviola\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She tossed the scroll from her belt. The [Lady] caught it, unfurled it.<\/p>\n \u201c[Minute of Speed]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The wind blew<\/em> at their backs, changing from the ordinary weather patterns and the gentle breeze. The three accelerated, <\/em>under the effects of potions and Skills. They had to beat the closing net as the Circle reacted.<\/p>\n The scrying orb in Saliss\u2019 claw lit up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMagic detected! They\u2019ve found them!\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette\u2019s head jerked up from dozing. Palt was shouting. The [Princess] heard the common room come alive. The vigil broken.<\/p>\n Someone tumbled out of her room and clashed down the stairs. A Gnoll, who\u2019d fallen asleep with the help of a [Sleep] spell, woke, and raced after Erin.<\/p>\n The broadcast by Wistram revealed the three again. Saliss, Maviola, Ryoka\u2014Drassi and Sir Relz weren\u2019t even talking. They were just watching with everyone else.<\/p>\n \u201cThey found them!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Scrying] spell was watching from above. Wistram must have decided that they weren\u2019t endangering the three. And it was easy to see why\u2014<\/p>\n Another bloom of light, from a [Fireball]. Maviola El pointed and blew some [Riders] away. More flashes\u2014<\/p>\n Saliss\u2019 potions. He was scattering them at the distant figures, who were reluctant to approach. You couldn\u2019t have missed it. The Guild was homing in on them again.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no. They found them!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin saw Ryoka running, aiming a wand and shooting arrows of magic at the [Assassins].<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d they find them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey must have run into them by accident. Can they get away?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014sorry, everyone. We\u2019re watching the Guild of Assassins and the three\u2014Runners\u2014they\u2019ve just been intercepted!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Drassi\u2019s voice broke through the silence. She looked around and Sir Relz sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes. They appear to have been caught out after nearly four hours of silence. <\/em>We didn\u2019t reveal them\u2014it looks like the Guild is deploying every [Assassin] they have. That\u2019s\u2026a lot of them.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n [Riders]. People in those unmarked carriages. Erin\u2019s hands tightened. The Guild was coming after the three. [Assassins] were firing crossbows, shooting spells back, but Saliss was keeping them all back by the sheer firepower the Drake was laying out. Anything that tried to get closer than four hundred feet was almost instantly blown apart.<\/p>\n But he didn\u2019t have unlimited potions. Erin\u2019s hands clenched.<\/p>\n \u201cCan nothing be done?\u201d<\/p>\n Pawn was standing with Lyonette. He was praying, but he was looking around. Lyonette was mumbling.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to give her my\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stepped forwards. She put her hand on the mirror.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Stop blocking the screen!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone shouted. Mrsha ran over to punch whoever it was. Erin ignored them. She looked at Ryoka, tossing the spent wand and grabbing another one.<\/p>\n \u201c[Boon of the Guest].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The other guests turned. Montressa jerked upright. Lyonette swung around.<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka kept running. Erin saw her stumble, point\u2014an [Assassin] was blown<\/em> off her horse by a sudden jet of wind. Ryoka ran ahead, pumping her arms and legs\u2014<\/p>\n Erin didn\u2019t see anything different. She shook her head. She hadn\u2019t felt the sense she got with Skills, either, like when she threw a [Minotaur Punch].<\/p>\n \u201cI must be too far away. Or there\u2019s something\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a new Skill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] didn\u2019t even look at Lyonette. She clenched her fists. She felt helpless.<\/em> And everyone here\u2014she looked around.<\/p>\n Palt, Montressa, Bezale, Ulinde and Jelaqua, who had changed bodies\u2014Fierre, who had reappeared after being buried by rubble, staring at her friend, leaving only Salamani missing\u2014Menolit, Pawn, Yellow Splatters, Xrn, Olesm, Grimalkin\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cIf they were in the south, the Walled Cities could do more. Long-range casting\u2014Fissival is out of range. Spells have their limits. So do Skills\u2014unless there\u2019s a connection.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Sinew Magus] was conferring with the others. Erin saw, with a slight shock, he was talking with a man she knew. A new guest of the inn. But a friend, almost certainly.<\/p>\n Earl Altestiel nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cMy storm skill only extends to, well, a hundred miles around me at the furthest I could \u2018throw it\u2019. And they would have to be in my army for my Skills or those of my [Strategists]. A hundred miles. I never thought that<\/em> would be too short range.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about the door? Could we overcharge the enchantment? We have more mana\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot simply overcharge a spell. You are talking about the limitation of the bindings, not a lack of mana.\u201d<\/p>\n Hedault interrupted Selys. The Drake looked around helplessly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we have to do something!<\/em> Let\u2019s go raid Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s mansion\u2014see if she has a spare carriage!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe took it. Even if someone could shapeshift into a bird\u2014they wouldn\u2019t catch up in time to help. Hope they run into Vail Forest, little land friend, Mrsha. There is a Circle there.\u201d<\/p>\n Nalthaliarstrelous. Even he<\/em> was here. Erin saw a Gold-rank team talking with Todi\u2019s Elites. Jewel, a Gold-rank Captain who had joined the fighting in Invrisil\u2014<\/p>\n People had helped fight the [Assassins] that even Erin hadn\u2019t seen. People she hadn\u2019t asked. The [Druid] had crushed an entire part of the city by himself. So many, here for the same reason.<\/p>\n Watching. Lord Alman Sanito and his wife stared at Numbtongue, who was whispering with Badarrow. They had come to bury Lord Toldos.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026how many? <\/em>Big? Can they fly\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo slow. Fat, heavy. Good for carrying\u2014not good catching.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Bard] looked up. Erin\u2019s head turned. So many people here. All feeling what she was feeling.<\/p>\n What Izril was feeling. Look at her. Maviola\u2019s banner was aflame again. Kaalblade in her hand, banner in the other.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lightsaber, isn\u2019t it? Not as cool, but\u2014she never told us. Think I can buy one?\u201d<\/p>\n Kevin muttered to Rose. She made no reply. She, like the rest, was watching. Helpless. But they wanted<\/em> to help. Erin tightened her grip.<\/p>\n It was enough. She had not called an army to Izril unbidden. Lord Toldos had not died alone. Poor Redit, Teor\u2014<\/p>\n They had not fought for her alone.<\/em> It was too much.<\/p>\n This could not continue any longer. That was what Izril felt, surely. Erin only wished\u2014she looked up as the luck began to run out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was inevitable. Saliss was a Named Adventurer. But he had a limit on his potions. They were moving fast, high-level, burning artifacts. But you couldn\u2019t expect to run through a gunfight without being shot.<\/em> Let alone so many encounters.<\/p>\n The first arrow struck Maviola in the shoulder. She cried out. And a second one hit her in the back.<\/p>\n Long-range shots. They didn\u2019t go through. She yanked them out, grabbing for a potion.<\/p>\n \u201cPoison.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn. Drink this!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss flipped a potion at her. A glowing cure-all. Maviola drank it, coughed\u2014Ryoka saw some of the color return. Then a healing potion.<\/p>\n \u201c[Volley: Venom Flight]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet out of range!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss threw a potion up. It blew most of the arrows apart, but more were landing. The [Assassins] had mobilized and they were using Skills.<\/p>\n They weren\u2019t idiots. They were attacking further than Saliss or the other two could easily hit them. Crossbows, bows\u2014Ryoka saw a flicker.<\/p>\n A [Longbow Assassin] forced the coach to stop<\/em> as he drew an arrow. He was aiming at her. She blew at him and the wind rocked the coach. But too far away for her to control. He checked himself\u2014loosed\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c[Forceshield]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The scroll in her hand glowed<\/em>. Ryoka saw the barrier appear. The arrow blew through it. [Piercing Arrow], [Longrange Shot], and\u2014<\/p>\n Someone tossed a vial on her. Ryoka jerked\u2014<\/p>\n The arrow struck her in the chest. The spinning tip dug<\/em> into her flesh, lodged\u2014Ryoka yanked the arrow out. Stared at it. Then she whirled.<\/p>\n Saliss lowered the vial as Maviola pulled herself upright.<\/p>\n \u201c[Alchemy: Shortened Span] for [Doubled Efficacy]. I\u2019m out of defensive toughening potions. No more [Ironscales], [Barkskin]\u2014I knew<\/em> I should have kept some instead of selling them all at once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRide.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola gasped. The [Longbow Assassin] was reloading. Ryoka ran.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019d wasted his supply of potions on her and Maviola.<\/em> Alone, the Drake wouldn\u2019t have burned through his stash.<\/p>\n \u201cNah. I was already low. Just don\u2019t get hit. The potion\u2019s already worn off.\u201d<\/p>\n It was true. And the [Archers]\u2026Ryoka gritted her teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cBlow, wind! Please!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She emptied her bag of holding. The group of archers looked ahead and saw the three vanish for a second. A cloud of dirt and sand and caltrops shot<\/em> at them. Horses and the unguarded figures screamed as the whirlwind engulfed them.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka pointed ahead. All of her tricks, all of the other\u2019s\u2026this wasn\u2019t a sprint, or a covert run.<\/p>\n It was a marathon. And the trouble with marathons was that you got tired. You had to manage your strength for the entire run. If they stumbled at any point in this run\u2014<\/p>\n Maviola El looked at the cloud of dust. She snapped her fingers. Ryoka saw a jet of red fire, bright<\/em> red, unnaturally\u2014<\/p>\n Thump.<\/em> The detonation<\/em> was a dust-cloud explosion. It didn\u2019t kill all the [Assassins], but\u2014Ryoka looked at Maviola as they ran.<\/p>\n Together, they were stronger than the parts. Well\u2014perhaps Saliss was better on his own. But she wasn\u2019t useless!<\/p>\n \u201cLake! Around or over? Saliss?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola pointed ahead. Past the open grassland by the forest was a lake. They were avoiding the road which the [Assassins] were flooding down. The [Alchemist] didn\u2019t hesitate.<\/p>\n \u201cAround! You idiots don\u2019t know how to [Waterwalk] even if I splash you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s something you have to practice too?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka shouted. The milling archery group was stymied behind them and she had a moment of relief. Another encounter down. How many more to go?<\/p>\n \u201cOf course! You think you can just walk on water?<\/em> It\u2019s slippery when wet! And it\u2019s always\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo the right. They\u2019ve flanked us.\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola\u2019s voice stopped Saliss and Ryoka. They turned. A group had emerged from the lake they were moving around.<\/p>\n They hadn\u2019t walked on water. They had<\/em> disguised themselves, hiding under the surface to bait the three into passing close by. Now\u2014they shook water from themselves, took aim.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Get behind m\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss was reaching for a tonic. Ryoka heard the twang.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The second flight of bolts hit the Drake for the first time. He\u2019d thrown himself in front<\/em> of the young woman.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s immune to poisons! Saliss of Lights is <\/em>not downed\u2014he\u2019s on his feet! Running\u2014but\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Relz\u2019s voice faltered. Cara saw the young Human woman yanking him up, onto the back of the [Lady]\u2019s horse as the Drake yanked the arrows out of his scales. The horse slowed, and the Wind Runner pointed back. The wind blew the second volley off-target. She rode\u2014the metal-and-wood vehicle\u2019s wheels flashing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a bike.\u201d<\/p>\n The Singer of Terandria looked at Ryoka Griffin from her trailer in distant Terandria. She felt like she hadn\u2019t blinked<\/em> or looked away from the orb since being roused by an urgent [Message] from Wistram.<\/p>\n She hadn\u2019t said that. One of the others in the room, the silent audience of Earthers, had muttered that. Cara didn\u2019t need to say \u2018that was a bike\u2019. She had eyes. But she thought\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n That\u2019s \u2018batman\u2019?<\/em><\/p>\n She had never talked to the person that Aaron, Blackmage, had referenced in their chats. Like Cara\u2014the other had learned to distrust Wistram\u2019s involvement. But there she was, apparently. There was some trust, something between her and Aaron. The Singer of Terandria saw her fighting.<\/p>\n Brave. Stupid. Some mix of the two, or something else.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re in trouble. They\u2019re out of buffs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Greg. This isn\u2019t a game.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Thien rounded on the guitarist. Cara said nothing. So\u2014this was the Wind Runner of Reizmelt? It was a good post for someone from Earth. And this was where she was.<\/p>\n \u201cAdd her to the list, Abebi.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs she going to make it? They\u2019re being attacked\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Rae looked worriedly at the image. Cara had a moment\u2019s thought. Any Earther who saw this\u2014would know Ryoka Griffin\u2019s name. Even more than they knew the Singer. A bike. She had to be desperate.<\/p>\n Well. Cara had thought that Ryoka\u2014\u2018batman\u2019\u2014was a secretive, even paranoid sort. But then, it fit the description of a crazy person who ran around in a bat-costume punching people.<\/p>\n \u201cTurn that off, Abebi. The rest of you\u2014with me.\u201d<\/p>\n Cara sighed. The others looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cCara! You\u2019re not going to watch?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatching does nothing. Thien, get your drums. Greg, guitar. Everyone, get set up.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The band looked at Cara. It was night!<\/em> Not that they couldn\u2019t conjure an audience; the crowds followed them everywhere. But\u2026Abebi looked at Cara.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s up, Cara?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Popstar] walked outside.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Set up the stage! <\/em>Hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n She bellowed, and the caravan woke up. The [Singer] looked around. Makeup, dress\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you going to do, Cara?\u201d<\/p>\n Some of them were uncomprehending. But some of them who\u2019d been with her looked up sharply. Cara focused on the orb in Abebi\u2019s hands. She let one of the [Clothiers] present her with a selection of outfits.<\/p>\n \u201cThat one. Hurry up. Just cover any mistakes. And\u2014let me think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSong?\u201d<\/p>\n Thien looked at her sharply. Rae was still uncomprehending. Cara bit her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething action-packed. Just find one. It\u2019s not the song that matters. I\u2019m trying to\u2026if I were closer, I could summon aid. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to sing? <\/em>But Cara, they\u2019re a continent away!<\/em> Even the [Strategists] were saying\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Cara looked at Rae. She snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nowhere my voice can\u2019t reach. Tell Aaron I need a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Someone started playing a song<\/em> out of the scrying orb. Ryoka saw Saliss twist.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestor\u2019s tails, what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Singer of Terandria appeared on the screen, in a corner of the broadcast. Erin nearly broke the glass.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? What? This isn\u2019t the time for\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis one goes out to the Wind Runner of Reizmelt, the [Alchemist] of Pallass, Lady El and whoever believes in doing the right thing!\u201d<\/p>\n The Popstar of Terandria began to sing.<\/em> Erin\u2019s jaw dropped. She saw Drassi and Sir Relz reacting, asking furious questions\u2014no one had told them either! But then\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ryoka sped up.<\/em> She felt her body, shaking with nervous adrenaline and the potions, relax.<\/em> Something like actual rest replaced the magic and alchemy. Maviola\u2019s flagging mare perked her head up and snorted.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a [Singer]\u2019s Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss looked at the orb. Then he grinned. The [Assassins] behind them were covering their ears. Ryoka heard a pop song\u2014<\/em>was it that loud and objectionable?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Banshee\u2019s Voice]. [Melody of Speed]. [Song of Rejuvenation]\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Cara sang.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss leapt off Maviola\u2019s back. They were coming down the road, the three forced back. He raised a potion and lobbed it ahead of him.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn, I need to ration these\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Potion of Firespark Blast flew through the air. Ryoka saw it flying ahead as the group of oncoming [Riders] split<\/em> into two. They knew how to dodge the [Alchemist] by now. The potion curved, trying to tag the left group\u2014but too slowly.<\/p>\n Then it split<\/em> in midair. Two potions landed. Ryoka flinched<\/em> as two fiery explosions laced with sparks obliterated the leftmost group. The other group of [Assassins] instantly peeled back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She stared at Saliss. He could duplicate<\/em> his potions? The Drake was staring at his own throw with wide eyes. Then he looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Old Man.\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t know what he meant at first. Saliss strode forwards. Suddenly\u2014he was lobbing potions fast.<\/em> They split<\/em> in midair, curving with unnatural speed. And he was moving like\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c[Army: Duplicate Projectiles]. [Path to Victory]. [Battalion: Arcs of the Swallow].\u201d<\/p>\n Chaldion of Pallass\u2019 eye glowed.<\/em> He sat in the war room, alone. He had dismissed the lesser [Strategists], the [Generals].<\/p>\n His Skill did not affect the other two. One was a [Lady]. The other\u2026an entry on Grimalkin\u2019s lists. But the last was his<\/em> family.<\/p>\n Saliss. And he would not die here. The [Strategist] was watching the projection. The [Singer]\u2019s voice, which was like a shriek to the [Assassins], was aiding the three. Her voice could reach around the world so long as there was Wistram to send it.<\/p>\n Clever. Was it enough? Chaldion was using an hourglass, managing his Skills. Saliss had taken advantage of the increase in his already nigh-unstoppable firepower. The [Assassins] had backed off.<\/p>\n But those arrows.<\/em> Chaldion had a few Skills that would protect Saliss, but the Named Adventurer had dodged almost everything. The ones who needed it were\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Arrows. They were landing around her. Ryoka felt a pressure on her head! No\u2014it was squeezing<\/em> her. Maviola was suffering from the same.<\/p>\n \u201cLong-range hexes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss cursed. Ryoka felt the ring Hedault had given her glowing, burning her finger as it fought them off. There were [Mages] throwing their own clouds of darkness, trying to slow them. And the arrows!<\/p>\n \u201cForwards! My Skill! I have to use it! [S\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Maviola cried out. So did her mare. More arrows were falling. Ryoka cried out. A cloud of black fog was flying towards them.<\/p>\n \u201cMaviola!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll stop that cloud! Grab her! Potion of Dispel! No? Damn! Get the cloud, Ryoka!\u201d<\/p>\n Saliss lobbed more vials as Ryoka went for Maviola. She looked up as another volley was called. No\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Volley: Blacksteel Rain]! [Instantaneous Reload]! Kill them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone got Skills. Ryoka raised her hand. The arrows and<\/em> the fog were coming. And one was death. She blew the fog away. And two clouds of bolts and arrows, loosed so fast they were one storm, fell towards them.<\/p>\n Her ears popped.<\/em> The pressure on her head\u2014Maviola\u2019s head was turning.<\/p>\n \u201cNot the hex\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s ring had stopped burning. Yet she still felt like something\u2014someone was grasping<\/em> her. Her\u2014shoulder?<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we can\u2019t have this, can we?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Someone spoke in her ear. Ryoka felt the pressure intensify.<\/em> The poisoned arrows flew downwards\u2014and the voice spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201c[Greater Blessing of Armor].\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The arrows\u2014bounced<\/em> off Ryoka\u2019s skin. Maviola straightened. Ryoka felt something\u2014she looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cWho was that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Venith Crusland stared at the King of Destruction. Flos Reimarch had a sheen of sweat on his face. He\u2019d struggled for the last ten minutes. But at last\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty? How did you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m tired of watching <\/em>such entertaining events unfolding. I thought I could do it and went for it. You may have to adjust your battle plans, Venith.\u201d<\/p>\n The [King] grinned. His eyes sparked as he saw the three moving through the arrows, past the confused [Assassins].<\/p>\n \u201cConfirmed, [Blessing of Armor]. But who could have used\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction laughed. He straightened. \u201cI am the King of Destruction. If I want to bless them, I will. [Rapid March]. [Induction: The King\u2019s S\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated, lowered his hand. Flos scratched at the back of his head and chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, not yet. I got carried away there. Hah!<\/em> But wouldn\u2019t it be funny if\u2014Venith? Don\u2019t look at me like that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The King of Destruction.<\/em> Pandemonium. Chaos. Just the kind of thing that Flos Reimarch lived for.<\/p>\n The Archmage of Terandria ignored the screaming Drakes in the scrying orb with gritted teeth as best he could.<\/p>\n \u201cSilence them! I need to concentrate!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He ordered the others. The linked group of [Mages] agreed. Archmage Viltach focused the magic in Wistram to his will.<\/p>\n His eyes were on the three, fleeing the [Assassins] still. They had switched to spells while the blessing was in effect.<\/p>\n One of them was from Earth. For that alone\u2014Viltach inhaled, exhaled. He was no [Archmage]. Not yet. But he was not one of the greatest [Mages] of Wistram for nothing.<\/p>\n \u201c[Greater Far Cast]. [Concentrate Mana]. I need to overload this spell. Someone use the [Indirect Hex] Skill! [Area of Diffusion]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mages] were murmuring Skills, using their magic to target a spot so far out of range of Wistram\u2014it took fourteen of them of Viltach\u2019s circle, linked with him. But still\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Greater Lightning Bolt].\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The orb was on a five second delay. But Viltach hadn\u2019t been using it as anything more than an aid. The bolt targeted the nearest warm bodies. Blew apart one of the oncoming coaches. The [Assassins] once again scattered. You could almost hear them screaming \u2018where had that come from?<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomeone\u2019s boosting them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Ranks were trying to get<\/em> the three. But everything in existence was getting in their way! Spells out of nowhere, Skills activated\u2014<\/p>\n They didn\u2019t belong to the King of Destruction. But still\u2014Saliss split into three<\/em>, and two doppelgangers took arrows and thrown daggers meant for him. The Drake screamed at the sky.<\/p>\n \u201cStop using your damn Skills! I feel like I\u2019m going to hurl!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The pressure<\/em> on Ryoka relaxed a bit. It was like\u2014multiple people fighting<\/em> to lean on her. If she didn\u2019t will it\u2014<\/p>\n