{"id":9648,"date":"2020-12-06T05:20:34","date_gmt":"2020-12-06T05:20:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=9648"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:02:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:02:02","slug":"interlude-the-innkeepers-knight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/12\/06\/interlude-the-innkeepers-knight\/","title":{"rendered":"Interlude – The Innkeeper’s [Knight]"},"content":{"rendered":"

(A podcast talking about The Last Tide is out, featuring one of our Discord moderators, Blue Juice! <\/strong>Check it out here!<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

War had come to Terandria. Ailendamus vs the Dawn Concordat.<\/p>\n

It was one of several wars in the world. But this was an actual war on the ground, rather than a war in treaty only. There were a few \u2018wars\u2019 that had been going on for centuries by kingdoms removed far from each other. For instance, Khelt was technically<\/em> at war with about six Terandrian Kingdoms.<\/p>\n

But no one was marching armies. Ailendamus was. The first forces had already moved across Kaliv\u2019s border, torching, raiding, fighting with the Griffin patrols. Already, the Wing of Shame, led by the infamous Griffin Prince of Kaliv, had fought several unofficial battles with Ailendamus\u2019 forces.<\/p>\n

The Dawn Concordat was still mobilizing armies. As was Ailendamus, in many ways. This would not be as short as the Forty Six Minute War of historical fame. Both sides were preparing for an extended conflict that might deplete resources. Ailendamus did not want to make a point, or stop at humiliating their opponents, or grabbing a single border spot.<\/p>\n

They intended to go all the way. Or so many like Knight-Commander Calirn feared. Ailendamus had swallowed two kingdoms whole already. Absorbing the Dawn Concordat might make them a Terandrian superpower, the first in a millennia.<\/p>\n

Who would stand against Ailendamus at the moment, though? Pheislant? Noelictus? Ailendamus had fought both in strictly non-war settings and beaten both in actual wars. The other kingdoms danced on the edge, a parody of the Reim-Jecrass conflict. Although Ailendamus had made it clear that even indirect aid would put a target on any other kingdom\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

Still. Still\u2014the Dawn Concordat was not alone. There were always brave souls, people who would champion a cause against great odds. Crusaders of orders founded to take up causes.<\/p>\n

[Knights].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first [Spring Knight] went flying past the landing party that had disembarked from The Narwhal\u2019s Bow<\/em>, an Ailendamus Galleon-class ship. The officers and [Sailors] stared.<\/p>\n

[Knights] did not normally fly. Nor did the figure in green armor seem capable of unaided flight. And as it turned out\u2014nor had he flown by himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cEscape attempt!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Sailors] shouted belatedly. The temporary military camp beyond was abuzz with shouting. The [Knights] were trying to escape!<\/p>\n

The Order of Season\u2019s armor shone with the colors of summer on another [Knight]. A Summer Knight, resplendent in yellow and orange, was fighting with a sword, keeping a group at bay.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d made an escape attempt at last, after having recovered from the battle at sea. The fact that they\u2019d been allowed to keep their armor on had been a grave mistake; a group of two dozen [Knights] fought forwards, shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Order of Seasons! To the horses!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A female voice\u2014another Summer Knight\u2014was leading the lot. The navy hesitated. They weren\u2019t at sea and [Knights]? The [First Mate] of the ship, who\u2019d come personally, raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cBows! Hit them in the legs\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the [Sailors] aimed, forming a defensive circle around the officers. But they never got a chance to join the [Soldiers] in their fight.<\/p>\n

Another [Knight] was fighting with a mace and shield, battering down a [Soldier]\u2019s guard. He raised the mace to deliver the final blow and turned as he saw something barreling at him. He whirled, placing his shield\u2014<\/p>\n

The fist<\/em> deformed his helmet and dropped the [Spring Knight] like a sack of stones. The other [Knights] turned as a huge man roared into the fight. The same fellow who\u2019d tossed Ser Markus like a sack of wheat.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut \u2018em down, boys! Come on, you armored ponces!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He spun on one heel and belted another opponent across the face. He was fighting barehanded<\/em>, but his fists deformed unenchanted metal. A [Knight] came at him with a sword and he blocked the strike on his forearm and checked the other figure to the ground with one arm.<\/p>\n

\u2026As it turned out, the commander of the land forces might have been careless, but only because he didn\u2019t see the armor as adding to the Order of Seasons\u2019 threat. Indeed, it was a giant<\/em> of a man. Hyperbolically; he wasn\u2019t an actual half-Giant, although he was well over six feet tall.<\/p>\n

Also\u2014huge. Heavyset. He had to be three hundred\u2026possibly four hundred pounds? And it was a mistake to say it was all fat. Indeed, as another [Knight] rushed forwards with a roar, the [General] charged<\/em> into him and sent the figure flying.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake down the [General]!\u201d<\/p>\n

The female [Summer Knight]\u2019s blade glowed, the plain steel beginning to deform with the heat.<\/p>\n

[Aura Blade]. The specialty of the Order of Seasons. The [General] spotted the threat and grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAha!\u201d<\/p>\n

He strode forwards, as his rough-and-ready soldiers and officers put up more of a fight than the Order of Seasons were expecting. They weren\u2019t perfect, military [Soldiers], but they were experienced, decently leveled\u2014<\/p>\n

And of course, they far outnumbered the group that had been captured at sea on their way home. More [Knights] went down, subdued by the sheer numbers.<\/p>\n

A few kept fighting. Summer Knights, the experienced Spring Knights\u2014and a figure in plain metal armor, not as decorated as the others. A foreign [Knight] from Izril. He stood with his back to the female Summer Knight.<\/p>\n

\u201cFace me, [General] of Ailendamus!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia Kallinad raised her sword and saluted the [General]. He just charged at her. She pivoted\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Lance Thrust]!\u201d<\/p>\n

All the force of a charging [Knight] on horseback put into a fast blow. The huge [General]\u2014who had hair like armor on his thick arms\u2014stopped his rush.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Steelguard Block]!\u201d<\/p>\n

He blocked<\/em> the sword, swearing as the tip struck his arm and singed his hair. Talia recoiled; she\u2019d cut fairly deep, but her sword\u2019s tip hadn\u2019t even hit bone!<\/p>\n

Two Skills met, but both had a dozen more. Talia jerked back her blade, noting the blunted tip. The steel was suffering from the burning heat she was infusing into it. But she still increased the temperature, using her [Aura Blade]. The man clearly had skin like iron! She had to burn him. She whirled the sword.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Swallow\u2019s A\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n

She stumbled, making an incoherent noise of pain. The other [Knights] turned. Talia began to fold up as the [General] shoulder-charged once more and threw her down. He didn\u2019t give her a chance to fight back\u2014he stomped<\/em> on her chest and went on, roaring.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Ailendamus! Give it to \u2018em, boys!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

What had happened? If you had time to process it, one would have realized that the [General] had, in fact, used a Skill without having to shout its name. In fact, he\u2019d used [Flash Punch] before Talia could activate her second Skill, combined with [Extended Reach: Three Feet]. The combination of both Skills\u2014<\/p>\n

Well, the point was Talia was down. The other [Knights] faltered. She was their best fighter! Two put up their blades, realizing that even if they made it to the horses, their comrades would be left behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYield! Yield!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Soldiers] disarmed them, as the [Knights] tossed their weapons down and knelt, raising their arms. More began to surrender.<\/p>\n

One kept fighting. He was the [Knight] in plain armor. He\u2019d already downed three [Soldiers] despite them fighting in groups, using potions and falling back. He\u2019d seized a short spear and was using it while holding a dagger in the other hand.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t fight\u2026like a [Knight]. Not setting himself, using his sword and shield and holding ground. Rather, he lunged into combat, willing to grapple and stab<\/em> his opponents at point-blank range. Retreat, pivot\u2014if anything the armor seemed to slow down his natural fighting style.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a brawler. Back up! Back up, you idiots!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [General] saw the [Knight] spin. The other Order of Seasons [Knights] were calling out, but he wasn\u2019t listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice! Lower your blade! Ser Solstice!\u201d<\/p>\n

The foreign [Knight] turned. He saw the [General] coming at him. The helmeted visor portrayed nothing of the man inside. But perhaps\u2014was there a crimson glint? Certainly, a cold stare seemed to emanate from the visor.<\/p>\n

The [General] grinned. He charged\u2014and Ser Solstice, known to some as the Goblin Slayer, moved to meet him. He brought up the spear\u2014then dropped it in a feint.<\/p>\n

[Grand Slash]!<\/em><\/p>\n

It was just a dagger, but suddenly it had an arc as wide as a greatsword\u2019s! And the force! The [General] reared backwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cShit\u2014[Rolling\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n

He rolled<\/em> under the blade, suddenly agile as a fox. The [Knight] caught himself as the [General] came up. He had a dagger\u2014but he\u2019d seen how strong the man was. So he spun\u2014<\/p>\n

An armored foot caught the [General] in the face. The man staggered\u2014and an armored gauntlet crashed<\/em> into his nose. Then came the dagger, stabbing in the side. Ser Solstice was a blur of blows. He raised his fist, aiming a finger at the man\u2019s eye\u2014<\/p>\n

The [General] caught the fist. He twisted<\/em>, but the [Knight] refused to give up. Even as he moved, he stabbed again, going for the man\u2019s neck\u2014<\/p>\n

The huge head came down in a head-butt that the [First Mate] heard from dozens of paces away. The impact made everyone wince.<\/p>\n

A metal divot in the [Knight]\u2019s helmet. Yet still\u2014he struggled, despite the probable concussion. He went for a punch\u2014and the [General] let go and punched as well.<\/p>\n

Both fists connected. The [General] didn\u2019t even blink at the blow to his shoulder.<\/p>\n

The [Knight] lay on the ground, motionless.<\/p>\n

\u201cTough bastard. Anyone recognize his armor?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [General] kicked him onto his back as the [Soldiers] advanced. The others were surrendered or being tended to. Some scratched their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cDunno, [General]. \u2018Es got no insignia. Balls like an ox to challenge you, though. Rest are Season\u2019s lot. You want we should kick the crap out of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. Just tie \u2018em up again and don\u2019t let them get a hand on a blade, you idiots!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [General] cursed. He caught sight of the naval officers and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s more salt-sucking worms. See to it!\u201d<\/p>\n

He stormed off as the [Knights] were taken into custody. This time they were being stripped of their armor\u2014at least their helmets. They\u2019d just arrived in the war camp, off The Narwhal\u2019s Bow<\/em>, and had launched their desperate escape attempt with a stolen knife. A [Soldier] bent for the unknown [Knight]\u2019s helmet\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d<\/p>\n

The authoritative tone from one of the [Spring Knights] made the man hesitate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t remove his helmet. That [Knight] is the Goblin Slayer of Izril! Ser Solstice! He\u2019s sworn an oath never to remove his helm!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Order of Seasons\u2019 [Knights] barked. The [Soldier] scoffed. He reached for the helmet\u2014<\/p>\n

And the [Knights] stirred. They looked ready to fight again, even the ones who\u2019d just surrendered. One of the officers, a [Captain], raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Knight]\u2019s honor and stuff. Leave it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was familiar with Terandria\u2019s knight-orders and their touchy pride. If it meant not having to beat the armored people into a pulp a second time\u2026the [Soldier] shrugged and got three of his friends to help drag the unconscious figure into a tent.<\/p>\n

This was the scene. This was the moment. The Order of Seasons\u2019 [Knights] found their wounds bandaged\u2014broken bones set, rather than tended to with a healing potion, to make their escape harder. They were glum.<\/p>\n

From the ship battle at sea with the Ailendamus fleet, to their escape attempt on land as they\u2019d disembarked to the coast, to this. At least they would be ransomed. Their names would be taken, their families and their Order contacted for a hefty sum, and they\u2019d be allowed to go free.<\/p>\n

That was how it worked. Someone would remove Ser Solstice\u2019s helm eventually. A small infraction, but they were<\/em> [Knights]. Common [Soldiers] would not get this luxury.<\/p>\n

Talia would be incensed, with her defeat as well as their failure to join the Dawn Concordat and disgracing her Order when she woke.<\/p>\n

Ser Solstice\u2026the Goblin Slayer\u2026and as he was called by his friends, Rabbiteater, would awake to the news of his inevitable ransoming and know it was his death. He had had one chance. Only the \u2018knightly vow\u2019 he\u2019d taken had saved him. But when they asked his name, checked his identity?<\/p>\n

He should never have surrendered. He should never have come here.<\/p>\n

The Goblin sat, dizzy and sick. Waiting for the truth to will out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The naval landing party approached the [General]\u2019s tent. The flag of Ailendamus and his personal crest\u2014a bear\u2019s paw\u2014was flying. The sight of the twined lances like arrows made the [First Mate] reflexively salute\u2014then he knocked on the tent.<\/p>\n

\u201c[General]?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man was inside, pouring himself a drink of wine. There were a lot of things to say.<\/p>\n

Firstly, that he hadn\u2019t removed the armor of the prisoners. Second, the fact that the man ran a clearly lax camp\u2014not much military discipline? Third? Drinking by day?<\/p>\n

But the [First Mate] was no [Captain] of Ailendamus. And while they were on the same side, the sight of the huge man beating [Knights] down with his bare fists checked any rebuke from the navy\u2019s representative.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral Yerzhen, isn\u2019t it? I\u2019ve come at the behest of Bombard-Captain Legoris, of The Narwhal\u2019s Bow<\/em> to confirm you have possession of the prisoners. The escape attempt was ah\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019re you?\u201d<\/p>\n

General Yerzhen looked up after a moment, and the [First Mate] realized not a single word had been heard. Yerzhen rubbed at his head once.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn helmets. That last bastard had a thick one. Must\u2019ve been a Skill or good steel. Who\u2019re you? Ah, navy idiot, aren\u2019t you? Yeah, we have the prisoners. Sod off.\u201d<\/p>\n

That level of disrespect was too much, even for the [First Mate]. He straightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral,<\/em> I am the [First Mate] of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPiss. Off. We\u2019ll ransom them. Hey!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He bellowed and one of his officers came running. Yerzhen offered the man a cup of wine\u2014which was accepted\u2014and talked while downing one himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet the [Knights] ransomed by tonight. Go to the Order of Seasons and get\u2014what is it? Two hundred gold a head? Four hundred? They don\u2019t want to do it? Families. Then we\u2019ll just toss \u2018em in one of the prison trains otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it, [General].\u201d<\/p>\n

Yerzhen turned to the [First Mate].<\/p>\n

\u201cThere. Happy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Technically, that was all the [Captain] had sent the naval team to do\u2014and perhaps get a sword and shield as a trophy. But the [First Mate] felt the navy\u2019s pride had been stung. He glowered and put a tiny bit of that into his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral Yerzhen, I feel that given the escape attempt, you should take more precautions\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecautions? I\u2019m<\/em> the one who has to ransom the bastards! Go hop on your boat and row off!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Fleet of Ailendamus will not be disrespected\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [First Mate] had a hand on the shortsword he carried, ignoring the risk and his nervous company. He ducked<\/em> as Yerzhen hurled his entire bottle of wine at him. The [Sailors] saw the [General] whirl and backed up, leaving their officer to face the man\u2019s wrath as he strode across the tent, bellowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLance-arrows take your damned fleet! <\/em>You\u2019re the bastards who caused trouble for me!<\/em> His Majesty\u2019s so wroth with me, he has us guarding prisoners<\/em> and toadying about! All because one of your salt-for-brains [Admirals] went and attacked Nadel and<\/em> gave away our war plan!\u201d<\/p>\n

He prodded the [First Mate] so hard the man staggered. Suddenly, the pieces fit and the officer paled.<\/p>\n

This was General Yerzhen, who\u2019d been implicated and then cleared in the disastrous attack on the Lord of the Dance. Foreign saboteurs had orchestrated the entire thing, but the [Admiral] had been relieved of command.<\/p>\n

And the man who\u2019d been impersonated, who had<\/em> in fact been in the right spot. Ready to attack Calanfer until the plan had been leaked?<\/p>\n

Yerzhen of Ailendamus. Or, as some called him, Yerzhen, the Bear. The Bear-General of Ailendamus, who could bend steel with his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s his name? Admiral Deckless? I\u2019ll rip his head off if I ever meet him\u2026he on your ship?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cN-no, General. I apologize for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll ransom your prisoners. They want to escape? They can get past me,<\/em> a [General] of Ailendamus. Think that\u2019s likely? No? Then get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yerzhen was in a terrible mood. He saw the naval crew make a swift retreat. The [General] went back to his drink, pulling out a bottle of gin this time. But no amount of alcohol could cover the disgrace<\/em> he was in. And it wasn\u2019t his fault! He\u2019d done everything perfectly. If he ever found out who\u2019d impersonated him\u2026<\/p>\n

His hands clenched and unclenched as he strode around his war tent. The mood in his camp was equally despondent. The rough and ready \u2018Bear Brawlers\u2019 as they were affectionately known were a seasoned group, not as professional as some groups, but experienced. Sidelined because their [General] was in disgrace.<\/p>\n

[Illusionists] could be terribly cruel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the same time, in Liscor, a group of children were playing a war game of their own. Children played games, across every species.<\/p>\n

And they tended to take from real life. So in this case, instead of being [Soldiers], they were the Watch.<\/p>\n

\u2018Guards\u2019 would have to fight bad guys, who used to be just \u2018Humans\u2019, but were now more nuanced. Sometimes they were monsters, other times, evil [Necromancers].<\/p>\n

The game was very complex. If a [Necromancer] killed a [Guard], for instance, the [Guard] became a Zombie. Or a Draug\u2014but that was often cheating.<\/p>\n

[Mages] got to cast spells, and adventurers got to play too. There were about thirty children, running about the inn.<\/p>\n

Customers were complaining, but the kids were also playing in the garden for the wonderful variety it offered. They hit each other, tossed each other into lakes, or pantomimed the hitting in lieu of actual striking. There was a gender imbalance in who actually hit each other, and several young boys of every species had gotten into a brawl twice. Ekirra was nursing a scratch on one cheek that Limi, a Drake boy, had given him.<\/p>\n

Now, a group of guards were fighting off evil Humans coming to besiege the city. Mrsha, who\u2019d lugged a \u2018trebuchet\u2019 towards the \u2018city\u2019, which were two overturned tables, was under fire. The defenders were pelting them with wads of cloth, towels\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNo dirt! No dirt!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra yelped angrily. He scrubbed at his eyes and the dirt throwing stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is getting out of hand. They\u2019re making a mess!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, let them. They\u2019re having fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was more blas\u00e9 than Lyonette, who disproved of all this \u2018roughhousing\u2019 which was not how Mrsha should behave! Also\u2014Erin wasn\u2019t going to clean this up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe guests are paying for a relaxing experience, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo they\u2019re not. They\u2019re paying for weird shenanigans. This is part of the deal, right, Menolit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely. Five gold says the kids take the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was betting with Wilovan and Ratici. Erin wanted to know how he\u2019d gotten that much gold. But the adult\u2019s concerns were not that of the city under siege!<\/p>\n

Indeed, the defenders were outnumbered five-to-one, and their rain of projectiles had nearly run out. Now, the attackers were about to break into the walls. That was when a little Drake emerged from the side.<\/p>\n

Visma! She was neither guard nor evil Human soldier. She had\u2026Erin paused in working on her new menu, where she was writing in a new dish\u2014the Oteslian Trench\u2014for vegetarians.<\/p>\n

What was Visma supposed to be? The kids had codifying items, like a \u2018helmet mug\u2019 or a \u2018wand\u2019\u2014Mrsha had a real one\u2014but Visma just had an apron\u2026and a small frying pan\u2026<\/p>\n

The Drake child raised it over her head as both sides stopped fighting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am the consequences! Raaaah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRun!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra yelped and both sides fled into a screaming anarchy. Menolit hammered the table in fury, but the \u2018Erin\u2019 was running about, dispensing justice and organizing a mob to beat up all non-Goblins.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2014is that supposed to be me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The seasoned guests were laughing their tails off. Erin didn\u2019t know if she was supposed to be offended.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not fair! You can\u2019t use the Erin in a siege!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used the Erin in the last battle! We get to use ours!\u201d<\/p>\n

The defenders of the city shot back. Mrsha glumly nodded. That was fair. She fled as Visma chased her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m spitting blood! I\u2019m spitting blood!\u201d<\/p>\n

She had gotten her hands on some ketchup. She was flinging it around. This prompted Lyonette to raise her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it! That\u2019s too much! Visma! Enough! Vis\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late. The Drake girl joyfully hurled a clawful of \u2018blood\u2019. It splattered, half hitting Mrsha\u2026<\/p>\n

The other half hit the table behind Mrsha. A gentle rain of condiment splattered all over [Knight Marshal of the Rains], Earl Altestiel of Desonis, his two [Knight] bodyguards, and half of the table. And their food.<\/p>\n

Visma stopped with the sudden guilt of someone who knew that something terribly wrong <\/em>had occurred.<\/em> Mrsha as well. They stared up at the adults as a Human man rose, flushing with fury.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl! You children\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They fled behind Lyonette as the [Princess] practically ran forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cTowels! Liska! And water! I am so sorry,<\/em> Earl\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel wiped at a smear of ketchup on his chin. His aides were already using cleansing spells and enchanted handkerchiefs. He waved the outraged [Knight] down as the man was bellowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo be quiet, man. They\u2019re children. I believe you\u2019ve been struck. Play dead. We\u2019re all casualties. Or\u2014what, does the blood boil ours in our veins?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled as the [Knight] wavered. A terrified Visma peeked out as the Earl laughed. She relaxed slightly and volunteered the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to join the Erin-army! You\u2019re only free if you do something crazy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere, you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl chuckled. Strategist Kiish looked horribly offended at\u2026everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cMilord, we could arrange a private room if you wish to dine here\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

By here<\/em>, she clearly meant \u2018in this cesspool of wanton disrespect and filth\u2019. But the Earl just fixed her with a stern look.<\/p>\n

\u201cKiish, that would completely defeat the point.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl sighed. They just didn\u2019t seem to understand. Sometimes he despaired of his loyal, competent, yet\u2026narrow-minded<\/em> aides. Ask them to destroy the enemy\u2019s fortifications and they would give you a hundred solutions. Ask them to find the value in this inn? They would rather sip tea in a fancy Invrisil caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

This was The Wandering Inn. And today\u2026it was chaotically calm. The kids, somewhat subdued, moved their playing to the higher floors and the garden. Now that the battle for Liscor was over, they\u2019d probably play \u2018dungeon death\u2019 with Facestealer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Facestealer! Me! Me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ekirra howled as the others tried to get the position. Meanwhile, Mrsha had gone over to Palt and was tugging on his leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Mrsha, I\u2019m busy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He was making more of his products, rolling powder up, inserting magical plant bits between tobacco, and so on. He also had a few mushrooms from the Wailant farm. But he obligingly bent over.<\/p>\n

\u201cPalt, can you cast [Darkness] on the second floor for us? Pwease?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha\u2019s handwriting was accompanied by a cute little heart. Palt chuckled at the bare manipulation in the writing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you have the Shadow Loaf?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha shook her head rapidly. She didn\u2019t know where Erin had put it! And besides, they wanted darkness!<\/em> Then they could creep about, hiding from the \u2018Facestealer\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, alright then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt heaved himself to his hooves with a sigh. He passed by Numbtongue, who was practicing on the guitar. The Hobgoblin demurred when Mrsha asked him to help play.<\/p>\n

A fun, grand time. Erin Solstice was a bit miffed about her role in the games, but she let it slide. She wandered over to a blue Drake playing chess against an Antinium in a corner of the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm! Any news from Maviola?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake and Belgrade looked up. Olesm shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. She\u2019s still on her way. Saliss too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. A lot slower since they\u2019re not like, running all the way back, right? With [Haste] potions and stuff\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Erin, hello.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Belgrade. What\u2019s up?<\/p>\n

The [Trapsetter Tactician] stopped waving one hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas Miss Ryoka sent word?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Erin\u2019s smile faltered.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026She\u2019s still recovering, I think, Belgrade. No word from her. I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be sending [Messages] by the time Saliss and Maviola arrive. Like, tomorrow. Right, Olesm?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s when Maviola thinks she\u2019ll arrive. Tomorrow or the next day. Ryoka will be awake by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surely. Erin sighed, but Ryoka was fine. Being tended to\u2026Maviola and Saliss were coming back, and the Circle and Guild of Assassins was being taken to pieces.<\/p>\n

The worst was over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The reason why Wilovan and Ratici were here was because their job had yet to end. And they were watching the door. Because they didn\u2019t think the Guild of Assassins were going to take this lying down.<\/p>\n

In fact, they had rooms, and some good fellows were keeping an eye on Invrisil\u2019s side. Similarly\u2014they were reassured by the presence of a [Strategist], the Earl\u2026even off-duty [Guards] and people like Menolit, who was a [Veteran].<\/p>\n

What was very interesting though was\u2026The Wandering Inn had no lack of notable guests. Normally, the cycle went in ebbs and flows. Something weird or astonishing happened, like the advent of pizza and the inn filled. Then\u2026after all the excitement, it emptied for a while.<\/p>\n

Breathing room. But after the battle for Invrisil, the ebb had never occurred. The inn was crowded. The [Innkeeper]\u2014no, the entire building, the place, the landmark\u2014was becoming a place where you went, rain or shine.<\/p>\n

And speaking of rain\u2026Earl Altestiel himself was a face<\/em> that put even the Faces to shame. A name far larger than Lord Alman of House Whatever.<\/p>\n

Chaldion had made an appearance only yesterday, Grimalkin was re-invited although he had only come to check on the weights room lists\u2026<\/p>\n

It was not only the Titan of Baleros who took note. Although certainly, Wilovan and Ratici represented his will and eyes in the inn. But he had let the moment pass him by. His visit was beyond due. Yet if you didn\u2019t strike while the iron was hot\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cPelt! Come on in! Come on in! What\u2019s the occasion?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was greeting the Dwarf. He stumped into the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make a fuss. I\u2019m just here to consult with Kevin. What\u2019s the first order? Also\u2014ale. Make it three mugs. What do you want, Kevin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Look at the bustle! Kevin spread out his designs and the list of orders. After much deliberation and infighting\u2014Khelt was still on top.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need six<\/em> bikes. Not all the same model\u2026take a look at my off-road designs. Can you make\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I look like an amateur? I have steel! I have stockpiles of good metal! Give me the numbers. Where\u2019s my ale?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre was running over numbers in her head. Liscor or Invrisil? Or Pallass? \u2026No. But how much was a lease on a small place if she\u2014?<\/p>\n

Palt was trotting back downstairs, carefully<\/em>, as a cloud of darkness enveloped the second floor. Hexel had cause to complain about it\u2014he was on his day off!<\/p>\n

It seemed like one of those days. Erin was telling Silveran to check for Hedault if Pelt was here. She really should have been checking the metaphorical windows.<\/p>\n

A storm was coming.<\/p>\n

\u201cSave me a game, Belgrade!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] called out to the Antinium. She saw more people waving for her, but noticed Altestiel first. The Earl had waited for her to be free.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014hey, Altestiel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish whisper-howled. Erin ignored that since Altestiel never seemed bothered, even pleased by the title.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for being so cool about the ketchup. Are you here for anything? Can I get\u2026someone else to get you something?\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw him smile at that. Altestiel\u2019s hair\u2014purple and silver, his yellow eyes\u2014not to mention his ghost green-white cloth armor mixed with the light cherry pink of the sigil of Desonis were a striking combination. He seemed at ease in the inn\u2019s humble chairs as he might be in royal comfort.<\/p>\n

And he was an Earl. She knew Ilvriss had been the same, but his\u2026rank was more apparent to her now. She had more of a sense of his level, and power.<\/p>\n

And here he sat. The Earl looked around the inn and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be delighted to play a game of chess if you had time, Miss Solstice. As ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course! I\u2019m always up for chess!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was happy, especially because Altestiel was an opponent she had to concentrate against. She could and had smoked some players while not even looking at the board, cooking and cleaning. But Altestiel was one of the few who could challenge her and beat her with anything like regularity, especially if he used a Skill.<\/p>\n

They went over to a board that was already waiting. Half of the retinue wanted to follow, but the Earl made them sit, much to Erin\u2019s relief. They weren\u2019t bored<\/em>, for all they seemed to think the inn was beneath them.<\/p>\n

When they saw their liege lord would be occupied, some went to the weights room, another went to play cards, and some more to watch the play in the other half of the inn. The [Silence] spell and a curtain really did do wonders to make the actor\u2019s setup feel like a different place entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great to have an opponent who\u2019s free. Um\u2014I mean, I have the chessboard\u2026a different opponent, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. The magic chessboard. Quite an interesting thing, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite her canny chess opening, Erin had walked into that conversation. She hesitated as she placed a piece.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yeah. Any ideas who might own it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA few. But I would not like to guess. Anyone can commission a magical chessboard with the means, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. Well, they\u2019re a good player. Beat me yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

It had been a good game. Erin was just frustrated she lost. She was<\/em> competitive where chess was concerned. Altestiel smiled, thinking over his next piece.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot think of many who could beat you in a game of chess. That narrows it down quite a bit. But again, it would be speculation. An educated speculation, but\u2026I have to say\u2014it was worth travelling this far to meet you, Miss Solstice. My only regret is that I will have to return to Desonis soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Aw. Your vacation is ending?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish, who\u2019d refused to go too far, coughed. Altestiel hesitated and his genial, rather smoothly-calm expression flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014may have extended my stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another pointed cough.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKiish? Why don\u2019t you stand over there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel pointed. Kiish hesitated, then slunk off. She peeked at them as Erin eyed Altestiel.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarching orders?\u201d<\/p>\n

He actually laughed at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy [Queen] is capable of giving them to me. But we\u2019re not at war<\/em>\u2014it\u2019s just this Ailendamus business. She would rather have me closer to home, rather than separated by a sea if the worst came to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, the war. Right. Um\u2026how much trouble are you in?\u201d<\/p>\n

A loud cough. The Earl\u2019s smile really<\/em> twitched.<\/p>\n

\u201cKiish? I will<\/em> make you wait by the outhouses. Nothing to worry about, Miss Solstice. A bit of royal displeasure fades.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin raised her eyebrows. The [Knight Marshal] looked at her, and then sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014The royal decree may have come yesterday. You see, we\u2019d been nearly a month over our projected time already, travelling, touring before reaching Invrisil. But one day won\u2019t trouble her Majesty. No matter what kind of\u2026threats\u2026she may make in anger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh. Why are you staying, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl paused. It was a rare moment when he was being routed in words\u2014thanks to Kiish\u2014as well as on the chessboard. Refreshing, really. If it was another opponent who wasn\u2019t so enjoyable? He might have been rather annoyed, or at least, competitive.<\/p>\n

But he wasn\u2019t just playing chess.<\/em> The Earl Altestiel of Desonis was, if you asked Olesm or his adjutants, or many of his enemies, a rather clever man.<\/p>\n

A [Knight Marshal]. Not low-level. He solved problems, and those problems were sometimes entire armies.<\/em> He was clever enough to read the signs placed all over the inn. To ask questions about the history.<\/p>\n

\u2014Still, his opponent was nearly impossible to read. The outer layer? Of course. The challenge was one no one had managed yet, to his knowledge.<\/p>\n

Another man might tread carefully. But the Earl had a royal order threatening to drag him back\u2014and the [Knights] would do it if it came to it, despite being in his service. Moreover\u2014Altestiel was Altestiel. Unlike Lord Bel, he didn\u2019t dance.<\/p>\n

When it came to it, he played his hand and let the rain fall. The [Knight Marshal] sighed and mustered his best cards.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Miss Solstice. The answer is\u2026you. Desonis is far from Liscor, or even Izril. I would hate to be out of touch with such a fine chess opponent. And an interesting person and place like this!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s fingers slipped on a pawn. But then she looked up and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Altestiel! I wish you could stay a bit\u2014but maybe we can play chess via [Message]? You know chess notation, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStrategist\u2019s Olesm\u2019s magazine has educated me as to it. Such a complex system. I wonder where he got it from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Mhm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin avoided the gaze. Altestiel waited; he could handle the awkward silence. But so could she.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour move.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight Marshal] checked the board.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is indeed. Miss Erin Solstice. Do you know much about Desonis?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s got a [Knight Marshal]?\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed. Erin clarified.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s on the coast. But um\u2014no.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is quite fair. Desonis is rather waterlogged, in fact. Many tributaries\u2014if you have a map, it looks like fingers, bits of land instead of a solid coastline. Marshy would be an uncharitable way of describing it. I\u2019m told some Lizardfolk feel right at home, and we actually have a small population.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel nodded as he passed by the table. Altestiel made a small gesture towards him and the Lamia grinned and bowed slightly. The Earl went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe specialize in fishing, as many coastal nations do, but we also have some rather fine sky-buildings\u2014that is to say, highly elevated architecture, to deal with the flooding that often occurs during monsoon seasons. And if I might say so\u2014Desonis pottery is rather well-sought across the world. Excellent clay and other deposits in the marshes, you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh. That does sound nice. I\u2019d like to visit someday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should like that quite a bit. A shame your door has not nearly the reach. And teleportation on that level is\u2026impossible for all but an Archmage. It would tax even my finances.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl sighed. Yes indeed. Then he looked at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I would be delighted if that \u2018someday\u2019 were sooner, Miss Solstice. Have you ever considered travelling?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin hesitated. Olesm\u2019s head rotated slightly at his table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014to the other Walled Cities? But it\u2019s far for even that. It sounds very<\/em> far to Terandria.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould I offer you an escort? Passage, lodging?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s tempting! Maybe when I have time\u2026someday. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel smiled as Erin looked up guiltily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the problem, isn\u2019t it? You\u2019d have to have a sufficient reason to travel about. Well, Erin\u2026it may be indelicate of me to put it just so<\/em>, considering we have only met, but I hope you might consider it seriously. I would be delighted to entertain you. And I think you might find Desonis to your liking. I cannot transport your inn across the world\u2014but I would arrange any number of other alternatives. Lodging for however many guests? A second inn?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice hesitated as she reached for a knight in trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2014super generous, Altestiel. But we\u2019d be an inconvenience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI assure you, it would be my delight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish was edging closer slowly, a frown on her face. Belgrade poked Olesm; the Drake was just listening. Palt hesitated in rolling up a cigar.<\/p>\n

Wait a moment here.<\/p>\n

Altestiel looked at Erin. She smiled faintly.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026That\u2019s really nice of you, Altestiel.\u201d<\/p>\n

What a perfect, airtight defense. Deliberate or not, no wonder they\u2019d fallen. Better than a wall of pawns. Altestiel just smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a remarkable player, Erin Solstice. And it seems I must say it outright. Would you consent to me courting your affections, Miss Erin? However briefly I have\u2014I\u2019ve been rather taken with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin placed the knight. She sat back, smiled at Altestiel. Then she rubbed at one ear.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Crash.<\/em> Olesm had fallen out of his seat. Altestiel\u2019s smile was like the moment he\u2019d ordered the halberdiers into the flank and committed his entire line to holding off the enemy\u2019s front, eight years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to court you, Erin. With your permission.\u201d<\/p>\n

She froze in the act of tugging at an earlobe. The ambient conversation in the inn\u2026slowly went silent.<\/p>\n

What had he just said? <\/em>Casual eavesdroppers, other people sensing the moment, looked up. Someone edged past the curtain and [Silence] spell and interrupted a play.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Get over here and listen\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s mind was blank. She opened and closed her mouth like a goldfish. Altestiel himself was somewhat taken aback.<\/p>\n

Asking to court a [Lady] was common enough. Asking her directly? He\u2019d thought it was a masterful act. But Erin\u2019s stupefaction was either a Level 30 [Actor]\u2019s Skill or genuine.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish broke the silence. Erin and Altestiel realized everyone was staring.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue, Palt, Olesm, Belgrade, Lyonette, Ekirra and Mrsha on the stairs, Hexel by the door, Menolit, Kevin, Hedault, Selys\u2014Pelt was drinking and laughing his butt off\u2014looking.<\/p>\n

Erin immediately turned crimson. Altestiel? He coolly raised a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrivacy, please?<\/em> This is rather rude.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone immediately turned away. Then realized they\u2019d turned away.<\/p>\n

Erin started. The Earl\u2019s aura felt like cool water, touching everyone but her. In this inn\u2014it was the second-most powerful aura. She hesitated. But the question was\u2026she stared at Altestiel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am indeed. I wouldn\u2019t lie about something like this, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hesitated. He was in his early forties! He was\u2014she stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really serious? But why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I find you fascinating. I\u2019m only asking to court you, Miss Solstice. And I believe I did have to ask. Nothing more. Would you consent to let me tender you my affections, however poorly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cN\u2014why?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl didn\u2019t look away, at Kiish, his other companions, all of whom really<\/em> wanted to get a word in edgewise.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. You are one of the most unique people I\u2019ve ever met, and in a positive way at that. You could charm a Creler, I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled, ignoring the comment. The Earl looked Erin up and down. He saw her, perhaps more clearly than most people.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could go on. But I would like you to believe, Erin Solstice, that there is something you possess that is deeply attractive. Would you at least let me explain why?\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned bright red. He\u2019d said that with a straight face. In front of people! Numbtongue stared at Altestiel. The man was cool as\u2014rainwater. As slick as a puddle. Or some rain-analogy.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice had no idea what to say. \u2018No\u2019 was her first instinct. But why? It was just\u2026sudden.<\/p>\n

Olesm expected Erin to say no. He waited with sheer confidence, willing to applaud Altestiel, but convinced it would be a no. He waited for it to come in a second.<\/p>\n

Then five seconds.<\/p>\n

Then twenty\u2026<\/p>\n

After a full minute, Erin looked at Altestiel.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? But wh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you unwilling to even consider it a moment? If that is your answer, I will accept it, Erin Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight Marshal]\u2019s face fell. He hesitated, then stood slowly. Looking\u2026<\/p>\n

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

Palt murmured. That was what was missing. Erin looked at Altestiel. Then she stood, flustered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone waited on her response. Erin looked around, and then, beet-red, muttered.<\/p>\n

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

And Altestiel took The Wandering Inn by storm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI feel as though I\u2019ve failed you, Ser Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia Kallinad was flushed with embarrassment. It made Rabbiteater feel embarrassed for her. Also\u2014dead.<\/p>\n

He was going to die. But the Hobgoblin had thought that many times. It was almost a friend\u2019s thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026we should have continued to fight. As it is, we will be ransomed. At cost. I think my family will pay your ransom, but it is a [Knight]\u2019s shame. This is not how I hoped you would see the Order of Seasons, at our lowest.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Knights] murmured agreement. They were all sitting, cuffed, in a tent. Not in full chains, and not treated too harshly; they\u2019d been tended to with rough military medicine and even given food, albeit gross food for the [Knights].<\/p>\n

Good for Rabbiteater. And most crucially\u2014they\u2019d let the \u2018Goblin Slayer\u2019 keep his armor. The other [Knights] were partially disarmed, all helmets off\u2026<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t last. Talia indicated the [Soldiers] on guard in front of the tent.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we had fought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

If, if, if. Rabbiteater thought back to the moment it had all gone wrong.<\/p>\n

Ailendamus ships at sea. They\u2019d told the [Captain] to pull over and surrender the [Knights], even though his was a neutral vessel. Talia had ordered him to lose the pursuit.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d fled. A fight had broken out. A fireball had burned the sails, and three ships had drawn alongside. It would be a fight three-to-one, perhaps in the water.<\/p>\n

Not exactly ideal for the [Knights], with their horses belowdecks and most not at home with naval combat. Talia had conferred with her Order and elected to surrender.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater could have opposed it. But the odds of survival\u2026<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou will be ransomed, Ser Solstice. No improprieties will be taken. The Order of Seasons would not stand for that and Ailendamus is not entirely<\/em> morally corrupt.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Spring Knight raised her voice to address the [Soldiers] outside. They ignored her. The others explained.<\/p>\n

The thing was\u2026they needed to know who Rabbiteater was. They would ransom him, expecting a [Knight] to be able to pay something or be imprisoned.<\/p>\n

But who would pay Rabbiteater\u2019s ransom? And even if they did\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI regret your vow may be broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia finished. Rabbiteater nodded. He should have just jumped ship and abandoned them.<\/p>\n

But he\u2019d been playing [Knight].<\/p>\n

Playing [Knight]. A good way to put it. Rabbiteater was a Level 5 [Knight]. Not a high-level one. Not\u2026a [Champion].<\/p>\n

It was time to be honest. The Hobgoblin turned his helmeted head to look at Talia.<\/p>\n

She had a huge<\/em> black eye from where she\u2019d been hit. No healing potions until they were ransomed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTalia. I have to tell you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ser Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026lied. I am not\u2026a [Knight].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Order of Seasons stirred. They all looked at Ser Solstice, who they had embraced as their own. Talia\u2019s eyes flickered.<\/p>\n

She did not seem very surprised, but a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, you have not our class, Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was her name for him. Solstice. Knight Solstice, Ser Solstice. Even that would become a lie. Rabbiteater shrugged. A Goblin\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have the class. Level 5. But I am not\u2026a knight.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried to explain to her what he meant. It was hard; he was no Numbtongue.<\/p>\n

He just didn\u2019t feel his class. And that was probably why he\u2019d stopped leveling. The more he understood about their culture, the harder it was to be one of them.<\/p>\n

They embraced such different things than the Redfangs, than Goblins. Knightly virtues. A code of conduct. A way of fighting\u2014ideals that Rabbiteater loved.<\/p>\n

But he was not them. He was a Goblin, in disguise. He had no [Lord]. No [King]. No Order. He\u2019d abandoned his Chieftain.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d lost his tribe, his people.<\/p>\n

His brothers were dead, but for Badarrow.<\/p>\n

He said these things, in ways that Talia could understand, or so he hoped. She nodded, slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I see. You are not a [Knight]. But you gained our class. Thus\u2026it is a strange thing. A [Knight]\u2019s class should not be so easily bestowed. My friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at the other knights. One of the Summer Knights frowned, trying to scratch an itch on a knee with his elbow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard something of the like, Dame Talia. But perhaps Ser Solstice fulfilled most of the requirements. So long as a man is of good character, has armor, and a cause, is he not a [Knight]? That is a question for an Autumn Knight to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others nodded. Rabbiteater just shrugged. Perhaps Goblins had no [Lords]\u2014at least not in the same way, so he didn\u2019t need such things. Perhaps he was close as it got.<\/p>\n

Did it matter? It did to Talia. It did to Rabbiteater, really. He looked into her earnest eyes as she scooted around to face him. Even bound, sitting cross-legged, there was something in her that drew him to her.<\/p>\n

Righteousness, perhaps. Not just\u2026arrogance. But a belief there was right and wrong.<\/em> And that you could do the right thing. That was why he\u2019d followed her across the sea. Also, because she smiled at him.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI think, Ser Solstice, that you split hairs too easily. You may not feel yourself a knight. But if you have the class, then, Ser, you are<\/em> a [Knight]. And one worthy of respect, for all we are different in many ways!\u201d<\/p>\n

The others murmured agreement. Rabbiteater? He laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I take my helmet off\u2014you will not say that.\u201d<\/p>\n

And then there was silence. Rabbiteater\u2019s nerves vibrated. His heart beat.<\/em> But he was tired of the lie.<\/p>\n

Talia looked at Rabbiteater. Did she see a crimson flash of light between the visor? Perhaps not. She looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026If, Ser Solstice, I were to judge you only by what I see, not the content of your character, I would be a poor [Knight] myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

So she said. He yearned to believe her. Rabbiteater just shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember that. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have already sworn it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then came the officer, and the group of [Soldiers] accompanying a [Mage]. They pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou. Come with us. Let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first Spring Knight was hauled to their feet and marched, with some civility, to have their words and name taken and confirmed. To be ransomed. Rabbiteater closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice. House Kallinad might ransom you along with me. I will tell the officer to do so\u2014it is hardly an imposition.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes cracked open and hope blossomed. But only for a bit. Talia looked at Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, Ser Solstice. Should it come to it, they will ask\u2014is there anyone who might ransom you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater thought of a smiling young woman. A place to be safe, until it wasn\u2019t. He closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I don\u2019t think so. I left it behind. Can\u2019t ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had no right to ask. He\u2019d left them all behind to do what?<\/p>\n

Play at being a [Knight]. Talia nodded.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crisis. Crisis in The Wandering Inn.<\/p>\n

What was new? But no\u2014seriously.<\/p>\n

This was different.<\/p>\n

Earl Altestiel, the cunning [Knight Marshal of the Rains] had made his move and cemented himself in the annals of guests to the inn. At the very least, he\u2019d managed to render Erin Solstice speechless.<\/p>\n

And yet, Selys couldn\u2019t help but feel that this was all hilarious.<\/em> At last! At last\u2014<\/em>she looked at Drassi, who\u2019d rushed over at the news.<\/p>\n

At last, here was some earth-shaking drama that demanded<\/em> all their attention\u2026that wasn\u2019t actual death or monsters.<\/p>\n

Because it was a big deal! Even if it wasn\u2019t an Earl, that had been a dramatic scene. And as a consequence, Erin\u2019s allies had flooded out of the woodwork.<\/p>\n

Ah\u2014to be more specific, it was Drassi, Selys, Montressa, Bezale\u2014it would have been Krshia if she were still here\u2014Visma, Mrsha\u2026Lasica, Lyonette, and even Viceria!<\/p>\n

Reinforcements for the wayward [Innkeeper]. Okay\u2014some of the reinforcements might not be as helpful, but the female gender had come to Erin\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n

If only to buy time from the Earl\u2019s dramatic statement. He seemed content to give Erin a few minutes\u2014it had been twenty\u2014and word was spreading.<\/p>\n

Selys wondered what his next move would be. He had been, in her opinion, exceptionally clever in how he\u2019d gotten Erin to agree to even let him court her. Just getting past that hurdle had stopped\u2026<\/p>\n

She glanced past Erin, who was talking with the others, and saw a bunch of heads immediately turn.<\/p>\n

There they were. The usual suspects. The people who\u2019d taken the news the most<\/em> seriously. All the \u2018might-have-beens\u2019, the \u2018not-yets\u2019, or the maybes.<\/p>\n

Palt. Olesm. Numbtongue? Yes, Numbtongue! And for some reason, Dawil.<\/p>\n

\u201cDawil?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys frowned. The Dwarf had come with the Silver Swords and arrived at Invrisil after their dramatic fight with the [Assassins]. The Dwarf was stroking his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm hissed at the Dwarf. Dawil eyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you<\/em> here? I thought you were hooked up with Maviola El?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not! I mean\u2014I am! I\u2019m just here to\u2014to watch the Earl fail. And see how it happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm huffed. Similarly, you could argue that Palt was out of place. He kept looking towards the kitchen. But there he was. Dawil just shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m five minutes back in Invrisil, and not only did Miss Solstice lead the Black Tide into the city, she\u2019s got Master Pelt<\/em> and Master Hedault<\/em> working on that bicycle thing. And this! I\u2019m throwing my beard into the competition. Think I\u2019ve got a chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ylawes rubbed at his face. Selys shook her head, although\u2026she gave the Dwarf like, four times the odds of the Drake standing next to him.<\/p>\n

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

Drassi whispered. Selys grimaced.<\/p>\n

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

Word had spread.<\/em> Most were here for entertainment, but it seemed like people had decided that the courtship of Erin Solstice was now a competition\u2014put your hats in or be silent! Wait\u2014<\/p>\n

\u2026No, Wilovan and Ratici were standing outside of the ring of bachelors. Ah, good. Meanwhile, some people were just confused.<\/p>\n

Erin was one of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She asked for the umpteenth time. At this point, even Mrsha and Visma punched her lightly on the butt. Erin jumped.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, you are amazing.<\/em> You\u2019ve never had anyone court you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s ever asked,<\/em> Lasica. Not like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they should. Rather than hovering around like acid flies over a rotting corpse.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Chef]\u2019s words made half the bachelors standing around flinch.<\/em> Numbtongue just folded his arms. He didn\u2019t seem sure if he fit in.<\/p>\n

And frankly\u2014two species were confused about the proceedings here. Pawn walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette, can you expl\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Wall of Femininity] blocked him from interfering with Erin as she tried to rally. Lyonette broke off and tried to explain\u2014Belgrade was hovering as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s courtship, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, you mean, like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here! Am I late? Dead gods, I can\u2019t have missed it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The door slammed open. Everyone flinched\u2014<\/em>and Jelaqua Ivirith strode into the inn. She inserted herself into the group. Ulinde\u2014did not follow. The Selphid walked over with Seborn and Moore, shaking his head; he was a male Human today.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is everyone making a huge deal about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked around, trying to breathe.<\/em> Mrsha handed up a card, solemnly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s funny.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica read. She swatted at the little Gnoll and Mrsha bounded away. Lasica would have chased after her, but that would have given Rufelt an apoplexy, for all she wasn\u2019t even showing<\/em> her pregnancy yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren. But you\u2019re right, Erin. This is ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. They should just walk over to you, announce their intentions, and present gifts or ask you to join them in activities! The Earl was half-right\u2014he just shouldn\u2019t have left you hanging!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica gave Bezale the side-eye. The Minotauress clearly had a different perspective on this than the Drake.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy <\/em>point is that this is too much. Erin, if you don\u2019t like it, tell this Earl to stop. Otherwise\u2014enjoy the attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] looked at the [Cook]. Viceria half-nodded and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to not be courted?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! No! I don\u2019t want to make him upset. I just said yes\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the point, Erin. Is this so unfamiliar?\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa put in. The others nodded. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What am I supposed to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnjoy it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to what he\u2019s saying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop asking \u2018why\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReciprocate?\u201d<\/p>\n

The group turned towards Drassi. The [Reporter] held her claws up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly if she wants to!\u201d<\/p>\n

From the looks of it, that was the last thing on Erin\u2019s mind. Which was\u2026in itself curious. Selys had long observed that Erin seemed<\/em> to lack even a single romantic bone in her body. Heck\u2014Selys might have had the ill-fated relationship with Hawk she felt very<\/em> bad about now\u2014but she had wanted, well, romance.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wasn\u2019t that a natural thing? From Jelaqua to Bezale to Lasica to\u2026well, the kids were kids. But even they pretended to play \u2018inn\u2019, and such.<\/p>\n

Each in their own style. It was definitely wrong to say it was all one thing. For instance, Rufelt was not Wailant was not\u2026Maughin. But the commonality was there. Short-term, like Drassi\u2019s flings. Long-term marriages\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, do you want to\u2026fall in love?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys put it into a simple question as direct as the Earl\u2019s. Erin stared at her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of question is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pertinent one? If you\u2019re going to be all Dullahan about it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s speciesist!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014you should let people know. I guess the first question\u2014the only question is, Erin\u2014do you want to be in a relationship?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin opened her mouth. Selys went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeday. Ever?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Fierre offered a blood sausage to Mrsha as she sidled up. The Gnoll sniffed it, and declined. Apista buzzed about\u2014she wanted in on this too! Fierre ducked.<\/p>\n

Everyone else waited. This was the question. Heck, Krshia Silverfang might have turned around right there and then to join in. Maviola would have ridden in and Ryoka would have probably crawled out of her coma if only she knew this was what was at stake.<\/p>\n

As it turned out, the answer was easy. Erin Solstice\u2019s gaze cleared. She looked at Galina, Rose, Imani, around at the others, and then at Selys. It was a whisper, but it was certain.<\/p>\n

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

Selys exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess that\u2019s one problem solved. Now we just have to figure out everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was a bit relieved. She hadn\u2019t been sure, entirely sure what the answer would be. She looked around as the others debated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Erin should hear the Earl out. Poor man\u2019s got to go. It\u2019s flattering, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be intimidated. An Earl?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s like Goblin Lord, right? Very important?\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t kn\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She jumped. Snapjaw was there. She stared pointedly as Badarrow talked to Numbtongue. He looked around and waved at her. Snapjaw folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u2026Yes. Look at that. Then why hadn\u2019t Erin\u2026? Some were obvious. Olesm had been obvious like the sun. Palt? Ditto. Now, it might be preference. But while Selys could have believed that about another Human, Erin?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s see. Goblins\u2019, and there had been as many as five, but you could understand that. Olesm\u2026Palt\u2026and Culyss?<\/p>\n

No, he didn\u2019t count. Selys sighed. She was curious to wonder how the Earl would approach this. He was clearly smart enough to get past Erin\u2019s first defense: obfuscating obliviousness. But could he go the distance?<\/p>\n

For that matter\u2014whose side was this group on? The answer, it appeared, was obvious.<\/p>\n

They were on the side of the most interesting thing that had dragged them away from their jobs and everything else. The possibility of the L-word. Or possibly the R-word. Not so much the sex word.<\/p>\n

But the possibility there was<\/em> love. Or romance. Or\u2026at least watching the wagon-pileup that might occur. All these things were valid reasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. If he wants to\u2026I don\u2019t know. Lasic\u2014Montressa, Drassi, Selys. What am I supposed to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018do\u2019, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi bent down. Lasica folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why did you ask them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you\u2019d forgotten how dates work\u2014ow!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica smacked the back of Erin\u2019s head. The others chuckled. But it became clear to almost everyone that the issue was now more than Erin\u2019s objections to being romanced herself.<\/p>\n

She was clearly nervous. Afraid. Erin, who had done so much. And why?<\/p>\n

Why not? Had not each and every one there not felt the same trepidation? A countless number of fears.<\/p>\n

What if I embarrass myself? What if I ruin things? What if I\u2019m hated? What if\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

A commonality they all could understand. Well, perhaps not Mrsha or Visma. They looked at each other. And Montressa had it. She glanced at the shuffling Centaur, at Kiish, who\u2019d returned to stare at Erin as if all this was her fault.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. I think what you should do is just\u2026relax.<\/em> Can I give you a hand with that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could, I would, Montressa. I just don\u2019t know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do anything. Just be\u2026[Calm].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t any other kind of spell. But the glowing hand made Erin jump\u2014then relax.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Hey. That\u2019s better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin exhaled. Selys saw Drassi give Montressa a thumb-claw up. The [Aegiscaster] nodded.<\/p>\n

Next came Jelaqua. The Selphid actually had some good advice as Erin breathed and Mrsha and Visma ran off to find Lyonette. Belgrade had vanished upon hearing a condensed version of what was happening.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, just relax.<\/em> Have fun! No one\u2019s expecting anything of you so you don\u2019t have to promise anything. But\u2026take it seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin nearly needed another [Calm] spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cH-how, Jelaqua?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026imagine if you think it\u2019ll work. Look around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin did. Jelaqua pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink it\u2019d work out with that Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCulyss? No.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there you go. Hey! You! Out! You\u2019re not needed!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Jelaqua shouted at Culyss. Erin tried to stop her. But the point, however made, worked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. Just\u2014Erin. Just see how it goes. Do you think there\u2019s even a chance? Haven\u2019t you daydreamed about stuff like that before? Like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys closed her jaws before she could give anything away. Erin looked at her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. I\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all they wanted to hear. Lyonette strode over.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. Out of your clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Menolit\u2019s head snapped around. Erin grabbed her apron and stood up.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI mean, in your room. What are you, children? If Earl Altestiel is going to court you, you owe it to him to at least not wear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at the floury apron and clothing speckled with Erin-blood from the game and some dirt from gardening. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis<\/em> is where it gets complex!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPutting on clothes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! I mean\u2014what\u2019s appropriate. Do I super-dress up? It makes me nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could cast [Calm] again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe [Mind Blank], Montressa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezale nearly got kicked down the stairs by Selys, who hadn\u2019t forgotten their first encounter. Chastened, the Minotauress joined the group going up to Erin\u2019s room. The [Innkeeper] was protesting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you have us<\/em>. And you need us, Erin. Especially if your taste in clothes is as bad as your cooking variety. What do you have? If we need to, we can get someone to buy a decent\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica chivvied the others into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took only ten minutes to get Erin into decent clothing. Which\u2014after she\u2019d kicked out most of her \u2018helpful friends\u2019, was a more stylish take on jeans and a t-shirt. Well, that was too casual. It was more reminiscent of the loose garments favored by City Gnolls of both genders combined with an open, short-sleeved (yet high necked) blouse. Fierre had suggested that one for various reasons.<\/p>\n

Liscorian style. Lyonette wanted something more formal, but that, to Selys and the others, was suggestive. The Earl hadn\u2019t asked for anything and he\u2019d rather sprung it on her. Just something nice.<\/p>\n

As Erin descended the stairs, it began in earnest. The doors blew open\u2014<\/p>\n

And Garry came striding into the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am told that someone is trying to take Erin away to another continent to marry her! I wish to court you, Erin! Do not go!\u201d<\/p>\n

He had a cake. Selys stared at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so it begins. The courtship gifts. At least someone<\/em> came prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bezale\u2019s comment zinged over the suitors once more. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cGarry\u2026there are so many things that\u2014is that cake insect-free?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The [Innkeeper] had expected nothing less. She bit her lip, but the [Calm] spell really was helping. How silly! And yet\u2014she looked over her shoulder. There they were. She supposed she\u2019d always known. Okay\u2014she\u2019d sort of been deliberate about not knowing. But\u2014<\/p>\n

Numbtongue? The [Bard] met her eyes, and then looked past her. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

Really?<\/p>\n

But there he was. What had Jelaqua said? Imagine\u2026Erin turned back to Garry, her mind going elsewhere for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Garry. It\u2019s just\u2014I\u2019m letting someone court<\/em> me. I\u2019m not even dating! Wait, is this a date?\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned back to look at the others and got a mixed response. Erin threw up her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Earl\u2019s not even here! It\u2019s not like I need<\/em> a cake! What flavor is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA cherry-cheesecake blend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really? I\u2019d actually love a slice if it\u2019s bug-free\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Then came the sound. At first, it was low. It had been building, but as Erin stepped forwards to investigate the dubious cake, she heard a murmur. A rushing sound.<\/p>\n

The rain began to fall on the roof of The Wandering Inn. Everyone looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe [Weather Mage] didn\u2019t predict rain today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Invrisil, Wilovan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, quite so, Ratici. Yet I recall Liscor\u2019s skies were right clear a moment ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was just<\/em> rain. But\u2026everyone slowly looked towards the windows. Erin hesitated. Garry looked around with the cake in his hands. And it occurred to Selys, belatedly, that she had made one mistake in prepping Erin.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d forgotten to ask how an Earl<\/em> might court someone, tactful or intelligent as he might be. Slowly, every guest went to the windows or the doors. The [Innkeeper] just walked outside, past Hexel, who was measuring the new portal-room out with his apprentices. The [Architect] saw Erin pass and he winked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn exciting day.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

She looked at him, with trepidation, one hand on the door. The Lamia regarded Erin thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should imagine you\u2019d like this more than most, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rain fell harder. Erin heard it drumming. Like her heart, despite the spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2014don\u2019t know if I can answer them. Why would I like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s them showing you how much you matter to them. Well, young men do it poorly. We\u2019ll see about Earls. But if their hearts are in the right place\u2014friendship isn\u2019t a bad place to start. Or do you dislike them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked around. A faint smile crossed her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose they\u2019re okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

She winked at a Hobgoblin and got an embarrassed grin. Two, really, but Snapjaw elbowed Badarrow so hard it went away.<\/p>\n

That made more sense. Then she opened the doors and saw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning\u2019s clear weather was being replaced by rain. Rain<\/em>, despite the clear skies of the morning.<\/p>\n

\u2026And the clear skies of now. Watch Captain Zevara stared. Just ahead of the inn was a localized weather front.<\/p>\n

Rain, falling from the clear skies. It had turned grey, but not cloudy. Not dark.<\/em> And there was light. Oh yes. And one more thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the rain\u2026purple?\u201d<\/p>\n

She saw the tint<\/em> in the weather. But no one answered her. Jeiss whistled slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that<\/em> is an entrance, Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Marshal of the Rains stood in a ray of light, as the wind and rains blew around him. His company had spread out and were lifting wands or artifacts towards the sky. Directing the weather\u2014<\/p>\n

But the rains were his. They fell around Erin as she looked up, mouth open slightly. A gentle rain, flurrying. And then\u2014caught by the mist and droplets, the sun touched the prisms.<\/p>\n

And there were rainbows. They cascaded from the beams of light emitted from Kiish\u2019s wand. Arcs of every color, hanging in the air.<\/p>\n

Double rainbow? More than Erin could count. And as she stepped outside\u2014the curtains of rain parted. The grass was wet underfoot, but Erin\u2019s only touch of the rain was as she put out a hand and felt it at the tips of her finger.<\/p>\n

An invisible umbrella surrounded her. No one else. Rain got in Olesm\u2019s eye as he leaned out the window and he cursed.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026Altestiel?\u201d<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t changed his clothes. But he had<\/em> added to them. A mantle sat on his shoulders. So familiar yet subtly different that Numbtongue and Badarrow started. A cloak\u2014or perhaps a veil, so thin it was\u2014of water.<\/p>\n

Colored water too, looking misty and the palest ice blue imaginable while still being transparent. Luminous on its own.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin halted. But the Earl walked towards her. He had been standing on a hill just opposite The Wandering Inn. Yet\u2014instead of walking down the valley and up the hill, which would have been less dignified and taken longer, he walked out.<\/p>\n

Into the air. Onto a path of water. A road, like the light-bridges of Embria\u2019s 4th<\/sup> Company. Erin rubbed at her eyes. Then she turned to Montressa, who was standing stock-still behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026That\u2019s impressive, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Aegiscaster] nodded slowly. The [Water Bridge] carried Altestiel forwards. He stood in front of Erin as it built itself out of the rain.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Erin Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

He swept her a courtly bow. Faintly, Erin looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you weren\u2019t going to make a big deal about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I say that? Besides\u2014I often do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes twinkled. He held an arm out, bowing again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice. I\u2019m told it\u2019s safer these days. Pray\u2014would you care to walk with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

In the rain? But it didn\u2019t touch him. Erin looked at the colors and softly falling rain. The wind blew around her. And she felt\u2014<\/p>\n

That sensation you got when you stood, in the center, or watching a fabulous storm. Admiring the way the wind blew over a million blades of grass, moved the trees. Watching the rain fall a trillion drops each second.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nature, all-encompassing. Unsurpassable. And awe inspiring. Erin might have been intimidated. But then she remembered what the others had told her. Hexel\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

And she looked at Altestiel. Really looked<\/em> at him. He looked around, with the same youthful excitement in his eyes. He was dressed like royalty. He walked on water.<\/p>\n

\u2026But for a moment, Erin saw a boy who loved to stand in rainstorms. Maybe that\u2019s where his class had started.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalk? And do what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk. Tell me more about your favorite games of chess. Or I\u2019ll talk about rain. Did you know it rains ice from the skies in the far north?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHail?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin laughed. She stepped out, and then bounced on the bridge of water. It was buoyant, a bit slippery, but not as much as you\u2019d expect!<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa! This is so cool!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, isn\u2019t it? I walk around like this all the time when I have a chance. Her Majesty calls it showing off, but she\u2019s just jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Montressa watched Erin hesitantly take a few more steps, asking if she could fall. The [Knight Marshal of the Rains] gestured and the bridge moved with them. And they began to walk. Across the Floodplains, escorted at a distance by Kiish and the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cDude.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin looked at Joseph, who was open-mouthed. Well\u2014almost everyone\u2019s mouth was so wide open Apista could have flown in and out. Palt stared after Erin. She was actually\u2026?<\/p>\n

Someone put a heavy hand on his shoulder. The Centaur jumped. Bezale looked down at Palt and shook her head at the [Illusionist]. She gestured out of the window as the rains and rainbows followed Altestiel and Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had better work on your<\/em> gift, Palt. I would tell you I\u2019m rooting for you, but that Human has class.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked off as Mrsha happily ran about in the rain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ser Markus and Dame Talia were being interrogated when Ser Solstice was brought in. Not dragged, not shoved into the chair, although he was bound and watched. By more [Soldiers] than either [Knight], the two noticed with some dismay.<\/p>\n

But then, the Bear Brawlers had seen Ser Solstice fight. And they respected someone who fought with his all-or-nothing improvisation. It was painful to say, but the Order of Seasons with their discipline and expertise with their chosen weapons<\/em> had not done as well in the mad chaos of the escape attempt.<\/p>\n

Ser Markus was a bit dizzy; he\u2019d been thrown like a bowling pin from one of the northern kingdom\u2019s games by that [General]. But they\u2019d given him some water and time to mutter his name and persons to contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit here. No sudden moves. Hey, where\u2019s the third [Mage]? Get him in here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ate something bad. One sec.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Soldiers] were rough, crude, and still\u2014they had well-maintained weapons and a casual confidence about them. That [General] hadn\u2019t been the only one to take down the [Knights]. They were good [Brawlers] as well as [Soldiers].<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is Ser Solstice here? I told you that House Kallinad would pay his ransom and mine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia was outraged. The officer, a [Captain], who\u2019d been taking down her details shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHouse Kallinad\u2019ll pay more than the Order of Seasons, but why do we have to go to one? You. Get money from both if you can, that\u2019s the smart way. We\u2019ll just see if this \u2018Solstice\u2019 fellow has anyone who wants to pay to keep him safe. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDisgraceful. The Order will not forget this, nor Pheislant!\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia fumed. It was a considerable threat given the fact that the Order did<\/em> crusade to right grievances. It was not wise to offend a [Lady] of a powerful family, either. Yet the [Captain]\u2019s reply was a snort.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd? There\u2019s a lot of stuff they \u2018haven\u2019t forgotten\u2019. I didn\u2019t hear Pheislant declaring war.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smirked. Talia turned red with fury. The table she\u2019d been sitting at began to smolder\u2014and the [Soldiers] checked themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summer Knight subsided and her aura faded. Ser Markus only wished he had command of his aura like hers. But both were more concerned about\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rabbiteater. The Goblin sat there, still in his armor. He could hear the Humans murmuring. That was a good way to look at it.<\/p>\n

Humans. And he was a Goblin. They were all\u2014<\/p>\n

The [Captain] turned and Rabbiteater stirred. Wait a second. That was a half-Elf.<\/em> He\u2019d just been speaking so casually that the Hobgoblin had missed his pointed ears. He didn\u2019t look as\u2026fancy\u2026as Falene. On the Elven Dignity Scale, he was really close to a Ceria. Unwashed face, stubble\u2026<\/p>\n

Half-immortal beauty. He gestured at Ser Solstice with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Why\u2019s his helmet on? Get it off and get his name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis oath\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone shut up Talia with a prod from the butt of a spear. It was the [Lieutenant] who replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one\u2019s some famous \u2018Goblin Slayer\u2019 from Izril, [Captain]. Unusual situation. Wiped out dozens of tribes by himself, so I hear. Swore an oath never to take off his helmet.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

And so it began again. Rabbiteater closed his eyes. The Order of Seasons was not shy about lauding him\u2014or their fellow [Knights]. They\u2019d told variations of his cover story all the way across Izril. The [Captain] listened with interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he done? You\u2014Slayer. Got a tongue?\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence. Rabbiteater sat there. The [Captain] frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make this hard. When the [Mage] comes, we just want your name\u2026Ser. We\u2019re not savages. You tell us who to send a [Message] to\u2014we\u2019ll get your ransom, you\u2019ll go free. We\u2019ll feed you, make sure you don\u2019t drop dead. Can\u2019t say fairer than that. If you were a common [Footsoldier] we\u2019d not be as nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater folded his arms. The [Captain] exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make you talk one way or the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead and torture. Have ten fingers. Start with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin [Champion]-[Knight] put his hands on the table. He stared at the gauntlets. Even taking them off would reveal him. But the worst would come\u2026<\/p>\n

The [Captain] stared<\/em> at the Goblin Slayer. He looked over his shoulder. One of the [Soldiers] whistled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey give \u2018em steel balls in Izril, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr fat tongues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice, I know you\u2019ve sworn your vow. Don\u2019t be unreasonable!\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia hissed. Markus joined her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has sworn an oath<\/em>, sirs. If you respect [Knight]\u2019s vows at all, let him keep his helm! Ser Solstice would rather perish or be tortured than remove it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTree rot. This is stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exasperated, the [Captain] swept his hand through his hair. Rabbiteater didn\u2019t expect him to acquiesce. They were captives.<\/em> But\u2026he did.<\/p>\n

Because Rabbiteater was a [Knight].<\/p>\n

\u201cFine! It stays on! We don\u2019t need to lop off a finger. Dead gods. Just get that [Mage] in here!\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Ailendamus [Soldiers] murmured as the [Lieutenant] took over. Rabbiteater heard them whispering.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeard he\u2019s killed more Goblins than a Named Adventurer. Over a thousand Hobgoblins slain by his hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho told you that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the [Knights]. Swore she saw him kill an Ogre in battle with a single blow. Threw<\/em> his weapon. Fights with anything he\u2019s got. Sets traps\u2014a Goblin\u2019s worst nightmare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Do you think he takes requests? My home had a Goblin tribe problem\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

See how they looked at him. Respect? Pity? Curiosity?<\/p>\n

They were wrong about him. Both his captors and his friends.<\/p>\n

He was no [Knight].<\/p>\n

He was not the Goblin Slayer.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t even Human.<\/p>\n

He was a Hobgoblin, a Redfang, far from home. He had lost his tribe, lost his brothers in arms. Lost\u2026<\/p>\n

What\u2026what was he supposed to be doing again? Rabbiteater wished it had not come to this.<\/p>\n

Then the [Mage] arrived. The [Lieutenant] conferred, and the [Mage] just shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need much. Let me just set up the [Truth] spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a glowing light. Even Rabbiteater knew truth spells. The color binary was yellow and purple for whatever reason. But it was always the same.<\/p>\n

Yellow<\/em> was truth. Purple was falsehood. Any mix was a half-truth. The [Mage] sat back as he conducted the interview with the [Lieutenant]\u2019s help.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll we need to know is who to contact. And\u2026a name to give them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis oath\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you two shut up?<\/em> We\u2019ll use whatever he wants! Goblin Slayer! Ser Solstice!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant] barked. Rabbiteater saw Talia was writing a [Message] on a scroll, corresponding with the Order of Seasons or House Kallinad. He supposed he\u2019d have to do the same.<\/p>\n

But the first step was harder than it looked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho do we contact, [Knight]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one. No one to ransom.\u201d<\/p>\n

He had hope he\u2019d live if House Kallinad would pay for him. That his [Knight]\u2019s vow would keep his helmet on because of the Human\u2019s silly rules. The [Mage] sighed, exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cTricky one, huh? You get one in every ransom group. Everyone thinks they\u2019re all alone. But they always have someone<\/em> who\u2019ll shell out gold for them. You have someone like that, Ser Knight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

The truth spell was yellow. Only a hint of purple. The [Lieutenant] hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty clear to me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense! He just thinks<\/em> that. Truth spells aren\u2019t infallible. Let me jog his memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] seemed to be taking his job seriously or it was a point of personal pride. Maybe he was a [Ransomer]?<\/p>\n

The [Mage] leaned forwards and Rabbiteater saw he had a hawkish nose and a rather weak chin. Olive skin\u2026distressingly attractive pink irises that didn\u2019t fit his rough-and-ready appearance.<\/p>\n

\u201cFamily. Everyone\u2019s got family. Where\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia stirred. So did Markus. The Goblin Slayer had never talked about his past. The [Mage] glanced at the spell.<\/p>\n

Half-truth. He sighed dramatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. Let\u2019s take it one by one. First\u2026Mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know. Probably dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSiblings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] checked himself. They were all complete truths.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026were they accidents? Disease? Natural causes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, Telich\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant] hissed at him. Rabbiteater looked at the [Mage]. The truth spell tempted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMurdered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yellow truth shone through. The [Mage] hesitated. Someone muttered a word.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblins.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The story was being pieced together by the audience to the legend of the Goblin Slayer. The [Mage] cleared his throat awkwardly.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Well\u2026no ransoms there. How about\u2026your people? Your city? Your sworn [Lord]?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater had pledged to help Rags. But his Chieftain? He thought of that glorious Goblin and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll dead. Everyone I had is dead. Murdered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLancearrows bugger me, this is depressing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone murmured in the background. The [Mage] himself looked distressed. But he noticed the telltale mix of colors in the truth spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there are some alive, aren\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rags, Badarrow, Snapjaw, Calescent\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin?<\/p>\n

It was true. Rabbiteater was silent. The [Mage] tapped a finger on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of them would pay for you, wouldn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin doubted Rags was accepting [Message] spells. He thought of Erin and shook his head slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI left them. I will die here. Do not\u2014deserve\u2014to bother them.\u201d<\/p>\n

His truth shone from the spell. The [Lieutenant] looked at the [Knight] and turned.<\/p>\n

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

The [Mage] shook his head. He\u2019d seen \u2018loner knights\u2019 before and such, but this was a new one, even on him. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2014you. Toss me that flask, right? Ale? Someone pour this bugger a drink. Then\u2026let\u2019s figure out who\u2019s<\/em> out there. If any.\u201d<\/p>\n

A flask and dirty cup was produced. Rabbiteater found a drink in his hands\u2014and a straw. But the questioning continued, to find a name. The [Mage] wanted to know who remained. Purely out of professional curiosity this time. And in time\u2026he sent a [Message] to Liscor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn was a flurry of activity. Many people were just discussing the grandiose gesture. The Earl and Erin were still walking the Floodplains.<\/p>\n

Even so\u2014opinions were divided.<\/p>\n

\u201cShowoff. Who likes<\/em> grand gestures like that? It\u2019s not how I\u2019d<\/em> want to be courted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit looked annoyed. One of the female Gnolls snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re an expert? Oh\u2014also, you\u2019ve had so<\/em> much success yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Veteran] looked incredibly hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just saying\u2026and I have had success! But who likes that kind of fancy thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people do. It seemed to work on Miss Erin now, didn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly makes it harder for the competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every head turned towards a flustered Drake looking around in his bag of holding, for something\u2026anything. Olesm sensed the eyes and looked up. Menolit and the gossip circle turned their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not got a chance. No prep, nothing. Missed his chance. Disgraceful for a [Strategist], really. But I have seven silver on my guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Which guy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Menolit gestured. And Numbtongue was there. Intently listening to his advisor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to give her something pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. This?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good. What about two?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin eyed the cut emerald. That was a good point. He was glad Visma was advising him on this kind of thing. He fumbled around in his mining sack and produced a sapphire.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have anything shinier?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

In the Antinium corner, Lyonette was shaking her head playing her \u2018advisor\u2019 role mainly by trying to talk Garry out<\/em> of baking another cake.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust\u2026just tell Erin you like her, Garry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I not make a grand gesture? Romeo says many kind words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a play. And that might<\/em> work. But not on Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette was wavering. Half of her wanted to say that Garry didn\u2019t understand courtship and that the issue wasn\u2019t the same and that Erin wouldn\u2019t abandon him. The other half? Well\u2014she and Pawn? So why not?<\/p>\n

She was more amazed that Erin had gone along with Altestiel, [Calm] spell or not. Lyonette would have assumed it would take a Tier 6 spell to have Erin let her hair down. Speaking of spells as well\u2026<\/p>\n

If Olesm was not<\/em> courting Erin and purely here to watch Altestiel fail because he had Maviola and he was completely over Erin\u2026and Numbtongue was making an effort, and Garry was looking for flowers with Bird\u2014Palt was talking with Imani.<\/p>\n

The two had not joined the rush. Or the fun in watching and speculating whom Erin might choose. There were more prospective suitors. Dawil had produced a rather fine bouquet of brandy in a crystal decanter. Ylawes was giving him grief.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHaving lots of fun, lad. Having lots of fun. And who are you to say I don\u2019t have a shot? Because I\u2019m a Dwarf? That\u2019s heightist.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] threw his hands up. Imani half-smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like a lot of people want to court Erin all of a sudden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Earl\u2019s opened the floodgates. They don\u2019t really have a chance. I\u2019d say\u2026there are only a few who might.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Cook] did not look at the [Illusionist]. She spoke, in a very calm, deliberate tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2014I think a lot of people are more worried that Erin would fall in love. Even if she\u2019s not loved\u2026a lot of people like her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUs included, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. She\u2019s a terrible restaurant manager. But she\u2019s kind and generous and\u2026brave. That\u2019s why you like her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dead silence. The Centaur stared past Imani. He took a long inhale on the cigar.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani nodded. Her face was composed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2019s tricky.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Centaur shuffled his hooves.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s not as if there were other reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. But you liked her. You\u2026you should give her something from Baleros. I know you have trinkets. Something fun. A little mage-gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt started. He looked at Imani.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I should give a gift?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd confess. The Earl proved you have to or she\u2019ll just ignore you. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Okay with that?<\/em> Palt didn\u2019t say it. If he had, Beza and Montressa might have broken all four of his legs. Imani stared past Palt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it matters, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at him. Palt flinched.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what am I supposed to do? Wait here? I\u2019m not a second-best prize.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and walked away. Not into the kitchen, but upstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou damn donkey. I thought you were tactful.<\/em> Or at least, intelligent!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMule\u2019s ass. You\u2019d better watch your tail at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa and Beza shoved past Palt, going after Imani. The Centaur opened and closed his mouth.<\/p>\n

He bowed his head. Then looked up.<\/p>\n

The rain had returned. Palt\u2026waited. He just wanted to see. So did Olesm. Numbtongue glanced up. Dawil produced some beard oil.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was laughing when she returned to the inn. Just\u2014laughing. Giggling at a joke Altestiel had made. She did not look swept off her feet. But what was better and worse depending on how you looked at it\u2014<\/p>\n

She looked at ease.<\/p>\n

\u201cWater bridges are so cool.<\/em> Mrsha, you have to try them! You can slide down them like\u2026a slide!\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved her arms. The Earl smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about that game of Go, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

The proverbial ball was in his court and he was going for a second point. Erin looked around as the Earl pointed to a waiting chess table\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! I am courting you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry and the Antinium. The [Chef] pushed past Altestiel. He had a dandelion plucked from the Garden in one hand. Altestiel stared at the Antinium. Kiish\u2019s jaw dropped in horror.<\/p>\n

This was the competitive field?<\/em> But before Erin could so much as blink\u2014or laugh\u2014Numbtongue had appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere. For you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He offered her an emerald orb. So exquisitely clear and perfectly shaped by Pyrite\u2019s techniques that it made even Altestiel do a double-take. A marble of emerald, in which were caught only two imperfections; a tiny bit of amber and a gap of air.<\/p>\n

It glittered in the sunlight speckled with rain, a prism of its own. Erin oohed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s so nice, Numbtongue. But it\u2019s too much. Really\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Erin hesitated. Badarrow and Snapjaw, the cheering squad, were silently nodding their heads. Be honest.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hobgoblin put it into her hands and closed her hand on it. Erin looked at the gem. It really was a Hobgoblin\u2019s gift. Both worth something\u2014and useless. A shiny trinket. Good for adventurer bait.<\/p>\n

Then she looked up at him and realized what it meant.<\/em> She looked at Garry. At Olesm, inching over. Dawil coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA token of my affection, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

He offered her the alcohol. Erin stared at it. Then at the Dwarf. Falene had her head in her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cDawil! When did you get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust an hour ago. May I offer you my sincerest compliments, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel looked like he was unsure of whether to laugh or take this seriously. Erin too. But then she looked around and realized\u2014<\/p>\n

But for Dawil, they were serious.<\/em> Her smile faded. Her blood pressure went up.<\/p>\n

And she noticed Palt wasn\u2019t joining in. Montressa listened to the swearing and clattering on the stairs and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, donkey.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What did they see in her? Why had the Centaur stopped pressing his suit? Perhaps\u2026because he saw something. Sensed he might fail? Or realized there was something better?<\/p>\n

You would have to ask him why. It could be, simply, that when the chips were down, the stakes raised, he realized he liked the idea of Erin more than the person. Especially since the [Innkeeper] had a standing policy against cigars and smoke. And she cooked garbage food.<\/p>\n

Or something else entirely. Yet if he was one\u2014why the Earl? What did he see? He could have courted any [Lady] or even royalty across the world. Beautiful women. Intelligent geniuses.<\/p>\n

Why her?<\/em><\/p>\n

It was like some kind of comedy. Or\u2014alternatively\u2014a standard event in The Wandering Inn. But Strategist Kiish couldn\u2019t believe her reality.<\/p>\n

She\u2026had her history with the Earl Altestiel, her sovereign [Lord]. That was not unrelated, but Kiish had made her peace with it. Even so\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. Nice crepe mixture. You um\u2014you\u2014you sure you don\u2019t need a hand? Guys?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin smelled the sizzling crepes she was making for lunch. She saw Garry insert a spatula and flip the nearly-done one over. The delightful sizzle<\/em> was accompanied by a plop<\/em> as Olesm dropped his.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue peered at his batter suspiciously. The Earl was determinedly ladling a portion onto his pan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite engaged. But could you show me how you\u2019re supposed to cook this, Miss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cS-sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

They were making food. Garry had, by a reasonable argument involving food, gotten Erin into the kitchen. She had accepted, if only to escape the rush of suitors and buy time.<\/p>\n

\u2026They had followed her in and were \u2018helping\u2019 make lunch. Erin\u2019s skin was prickling. This wasn\u2019t like normal. They were serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cBacon crepes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dawil happily adjusted his pan as he stood on the stool. His crepes had tiny bits of bacon in them. Erin eyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Good for you, Dawil.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Altestiel. The Earl seemed to be having fun.<\/em> That was the weird thing. He winked at her as he saw her expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is quite fun. Kiish and my people won\u2019t let me so much as touch a pan. I\u2019ve never actually learned how to cook. Am I doing it right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. What, you\u2019ve never touched a frying pan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I actually think this is the first time in my life. That\u2019s regrettable, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin just stared at Altestiel. He looked like he was having genuine fun.<\/em> And perhaps\u2014<\/p>\n

Were they still on the date? Was that walk in the Floodplains a date?<\/em><\/p>\n

It had been fun. Erin had been unsure of herself for the first six minutes, nervous, awkward\u2014right up until the Earl demonstrated the slip-and-slide nature of the water bridges and slid down a hill like a kid. Then Erin had joined him.<\/p>\n

And they\u2019d talked! Mostly about chess. He did love the game and had quizzed Erin intensely<\/em> on the game of Go, which he\u2019d been hesitant to pick up because there wasn\u2019t as much documented strategy. Erin owed him a game of Go.<\/p>\n

All that was fun. Was that\u2026?<\/p>\n

Erin supposed, the question was, could she see herself doing more than that? And the answer was\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, so Go allows you to place a piece wherever.<\/em> But the same strategies apply in the small area. That\u2019s actually sort of easy\u2014you\u2019ve seen capturing pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a sense, simpler than chess since each go piece is static. You simply surround and conquer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel nodded. Erin grinned.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue, Garry, Dawil\u2026no one else was there. Well, that wasn\u2019t quite<\/em> right. Two [Servants] were waiting just out of sight. And Kiish was probably still lurking about. Like a ghost.<\/p>\n

But the dining room was quite splendidly lit. The fireplace was second fiddle to the mage lights hanging in the air. Erin kept glancing around the furnished room. It was so\u2026rich. Yet comfy! What really impressed her was the grand dining table. It could fit all of Altestiel\u2019s guests who came to his home.<\/p>\n

They were sitting by the glass window instead. A magnificent<\/em> glass frontage that looked out onto Desonis\u2019 swamps. And it was more beautiful than Erin had imagined, even with Altestiel telling her all that.<\/p>\n

His mansion, like most of the architecture, was high off the ground. So the style was to have these open windows or terraces that gave you a long look across the scenery. In the sun and spring, the marshes bloomed with color. When it rained, it was an awesome sight.<\/p>\n

Erin sat next to Altestiel, placing stones and showing him a standard move.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just that you\u2019re playing the entire board while<\/em> fighting the small encounters. You can\u2019t let your opponent build up on any one side\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSplitting your attention. I hate it, thank you. This is why I have [Strategists]\u2014to fight the areas I can\u2019t devote my attention to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just like chess. Stop being so hesitant. Let\u2019s play!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin elbowed the Earl as he sat next to her. Altestiel sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou only say that because you\u2019ll beat me the first twenty games. I insist on using my Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I beat you\u2014promise you won\u2019t make it rain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise nothing. If I<\/em> beat you, what do I get?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin elbowed again. She turned to look at him\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Miss Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry waved a hand in front of her face. The [Innkeeper] started. It was just\u2026<\/p>\n

A daydream. She looked around. And saw Altestiel beaming over his crepe\u2014which he\u2019d accidentally folded in two.<\/p>\n

She nearly shot<\/em> out of the kitchen. What was that? Erin had\u2014well, she\u2019d done what was suggested! Could she see herself and Altestiel\u2026?<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, this is the silliest thing I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette had been watching from the kitchen\u2019s entrance. She saw the [Innkeeper] rushing at her and Erin dragged her into the Garden.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette. I need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not making your suitors go away. Reject them if you don\u2019t like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about Earl Altestiel. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette hesitated.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know the Earl, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. He\u2019s a famous figure in Terandria. Do you know how much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Tell me about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] stared at Erin. She did a double-take, looking back at the kitchen. Oh. Oh.<\/em> Then she took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Well then. I don\u2019t know as much as his people, but his reputation is plain. He\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped, searching for the right word. Erin waited.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Moody. He might be influenced by his class, or his personality influenced the class. It\u2019s hard to tell, often. But he\u2019s like\u2026water. Slow to anger, rather genial. Very <\/em>liberal\u2014you can tell by how he just adapts to the inn. Still, there\u2019s stories of his temper. He doesn\u2019t calm down fast. He\u2019ll rage for weeks if court rumors are anything to go by. And he holds grudges.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he once kept invading a nation and started a war after six battles without the crown\u2019s permission. All because he was feuding with this other [Lord]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA war? <\/em>How did it turn out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin didn\u2019t know. She didn\u2019t know about him. Her jaw dropped. Lyonette nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ended when he killed the [Lord] and won the entire war. I know you\u2019re from Earth. But it\u2019s amazing you don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked at Erin. And that was the thing. Erin shook her head. She stood there for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about him, please? I don\u2019t know anything about\u2026not his history. Was he married? Does he have family?\u201d<\/p>\n

She listened. Trying to make sense of the man who found her so intriguing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was ill-planned. Perhaps overconfidence on the part of his opponent. Or simply\u2014the knowledge that if they didn\u2019t take this spot, their reinforcements, the heavier [Knights] stalled in the storm, would never advance further.<\/p>\n

Either way, the first ships from Pheislant had left Desonis\u2019 fleet in the waters, or fleeing into the distance. The Earl Altestiel stood, watching them advance.<\/p>\n

\u201cLoose! Target that [Mage]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish was shouting, the command of the archers at her disposal. They had the high ground; it was a steep hill and the six thousand [Soldiers] under his command were entrenched.<\/p>\n

Yet the enemy was still disembarking from their ships. The first wave had already begun to climb, warded by spells, shields up.<\/p>\n

But the rains fell, making the ground muddy. And the Earl?<\/p>\n

\u201cForwards at a walk.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He whispered. The line of spears advanced. They had to\u2014they had to fling<\/em> the enemy down the hill. But there were ten of Pheislant for every one of Desonis\u2019 forces.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold for fifteen hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

He repeated it to himself. Kiish turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLord Altestiel\u2014we should secure your retreat.\u201d<\/p>\n

He ignored her. Behind her, his banner was planted in the ground. His words had been spoken for all to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will die here before I retreat past this spot.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Heavy infantry were struggling upwards. Idiots. Desonis\u2019 line was moving down the hill. Spells exploded in the air as his [Mages] gave them cover. The [Marshal of Rains] spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe line will advance at a trot!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Faster now. And the Earl\u2019s legs moved too. Kiish reached for him, but he was bounding down the muddy terrain. Ignoring the slippery ground as his enchanted boots carried him through the ranks of his forces.<\/p>\n

\u201cForce them down! Charge!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He leapt past them, surging down the hill at the startled first wave. His sword plunged through the first faceguard, and the hill ran red with blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin listened to Lyonette\u2019s tale. She had not been there. Nor\u2014perhaps\u2014had Altestiel really<\/em> charged the first rank by himself as the stories Lyonette had heard in court made out.<\/p>\n

But he had fought.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe held out for fourteen hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait. Not fifteen?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] of Calanfer shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Actually, they carried him half-dead off the field. Full retreat. His forces were nearly routed. But they held for fourteen hours.<\/em> By the time Pheislant had marshaled the full invasion, Desonis had brought all they needed to bear. He was called a hero. I think we burned pictures of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, Calanfer was on Pheislant\u2019s side for that war. But we thought it was a brave victory, even so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin rubbed at her head. Lyonette made everything so complex. <\/em>But that was Altestiel?<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s here, making bad crepes in my kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey looked okay to me. But\u2026yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? He\u2019s way<\/em> too famous to be here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo was Zel Shivertail. And besides\u2014I remember someone else who went charging across the mud with an army. And you did<\/em> fight from the front.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s mouth did the goldfish thing again. But that wasn\u2019t heroic.<\/em> That had been desperate. Despairing\u2026<\/p>\n

Yet they tell stories about that and get everything wrong.<\/em><\/p>\n

She wondered what Kiish or Altestiel would say about that battle. Maybe they\u2019d tell it like she would tell\u2026<\/p>\n

That was the [Knight Marshal of the Rains], though. A powerful man. A war hero. Certainly one of the more influential people in his kingdom.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d asked to court her. Erin paced in the garden for a moment. And he was making crepes. He\u2019d walked with her on the Floodplains and was still here<\/em>, even after Garry had practically shoved him aside to talk to Erin. Willing to do the dance and not order everyone to move aside. And he surely could unless Erin stopped him, with his aura.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Perhaps because he wanted to see more of her.<\/em> And perhaps because he likes what he\u2019s seen.<\/em><\/p>\n

That thought was practically Lasica in tone and nature. Yet, Erin had to agree with it. That was so\u2014so\u2014<\/p>\n

Mrsha wandered into the Garden, to wash her paws in the pond. She\u2019d tried making crepes too, but with limited success. She paused and then padded over to Erin. She produced her notepad, scribbled for a moment, and then handed Erin a note. She could have signed and often struck a balance between the two, but she had no word for this in her lexicon, yet.<\/p>\n

Erin looked at the brief word in cursive.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomato.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin put her hands to her cheeks. They were hot! She glanced into the inn, into the big kitchen where the cooking was going on.<\/p>\n

Oh no. She was taking this seriously. Selys or whomever it was had put the idea into her head. Altestiel\u2014she half liked him. She didn\u2019t know him as well, but\u2026<\/p>\n

She looked at him, at the Antinium furtively inserting flies into his crepe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cErin. It is morning. What will we make to eat today?\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice woke the [Innkeeper]. She groaned and rolled over in her bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGarry! I\u2019m sleepy. Do I have<\/em> to cook today?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Chef] shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are tired, I will make you breakfast in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked towards the kitchen. Erin hugged him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGarry! You silly Antinium! You\u2019re too nice. Come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She threw her arms around him. The Worker started. Even now, he looked surprised and pleased by the hug. He patted her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must let go, though, Erin. I have to make you sustenance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, I\u2019ll<\/em> make you sustenance. And we\u2019ll both make Bird his chicken-and-eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u201d<\/p>\n

They walked into the kitchen, and Erin slapped his hand down as he reached for the dried flies. That was the one downside of Garry\u2019s cooking\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was easy to imagine. Garry and Erin were so natural. They\u2019d done<\/em> stuff like that. It was easy to imagine that in the future. But even as Erin could visualize a fun moment with him\u2014not a relationship.<\/em><\/p>\n

Because that would be more than what they were. And what they were was perfect. He was her dear friend. Her chess companion.<\/p>\n

More than that?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Garry leaned on the doorframe. He was nibbling on a rose. Actually eating it. He had everything right. And everything wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s have the sex, Erin. I have studied a book.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her mind actually shut down at this point.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. <\/em>Never in a million years!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha\u2019s face fell. She lowered the plate and the crepe with the smiley drawn in ketchup. Erin caught herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you<\/em>, Mrsha! I was talking about\u2014I\u2019ll have your crepe! So yummy! Ketchup and\u2026crepe\u2026great. Really.\u201d<\/p>\n

She coughed. This was getting out of hand. But now someone had opened Pandora\u2019s box, it couldn\u2019t be stopped. She looked past Garry. Sorry, Garry. But it was an impossibility. Like Bird\u2014or Pawn, or Belgrade or Anand or anyone else.<\/p>\n

But was he<\/em> serious? Because\u2026she could picture that. At least\u2014some of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a cold winter. The kind where even The Wandering Inn\u2019s floorboards would freeze without a fire running. Erin hopped from foot to foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cAah! Aah!\u201d<\/p>\n

The fire was just starting, but she hadn\u2019t slippers! The pain! She\u2019d rather be stabbed\u2014oh no, wait. She\u2019d rather not.<\/p>\n

But it really<\/em> sucked. Where were her slippers?<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Mrsha, where are my slip\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin saw him sitting in the cold common room in the dawn. Somehow, that damned Hobgoblin had the nerve<\/em> to be only in boxers, not even a shirt!<\/p>\n

But the giant blanket he\u2019d taken from upstairs more than made up for it. And the growing fire\u2014Erin hopped over.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumbtongue! Have you seen my slippers?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Hobgoblin was munching on something. Erin looked around. Then realized this was foolish.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, budge over.\u201d<\/p>\n

He obligingly scooted over on the chair. Erin sat right next to him, shivering.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

She leaned against his chest, as he obligingly wrapped the blanket around her. Erin looked around for Mrsha the Slipper Thief and\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

But it was softer. Erin shook her head. That was weird. This was getting out of hand. But she had to ask herself.<\/p>\n

Did she like Numbtongue?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh yes. But did she like him as more than\u2026Numbtongue? There was the question. And once again, Erin ran into the same roadblock. A telling one.<\/p>\n

Altestiel\u2014Garry\u2014well, Garry was different. But Numbtongue?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Goblins had a direct way of hinting at intimacy. He\u2019d offered her a complimentary backrub. Which Redfangs knew how to do surprisingly well given that they often trained until they were sore.<\/em> And as Erin was relaxing, he sidled over to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm?\u201d<\/p>\n

The monosyllabic word conveyed a lot<\/em>. As did his posture. Erin blinked.<\/p>\n

He poked her in the side. And she\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nope. She had nothing more to go with. Well\u2026she could extrapolate. But beyond that spot was uncharted territory. Mostly.<\/p>\n

She\u2026was afraid to imagine more. And yet, look around. Were there people she admired? Loved?<\/p>\n

A part of them\u2014yes. Absolutely. She could see it even in the ones who weren\u2019t \u2018suitors\u2019. Like\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tobacco smoke was heavy in the air, the drinks giving a flush to the cheeks. The inn was full of laughter, raucous, arguments, the rolling of dice.<\/p>\n

But they went quiet as she took the stage. The woman, in her late twenties, nearing thirty, winked as she took the magical microphone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one\u2019s out to my favorite Hatmen of Invrisil!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice winked. And a pair sitting at a table at the center of the room looked up and tipped their hats. They were surrounded by other hatted men, and indeed, most of the guests in the crowded inn had a hat. It was all the style in Invrisil.<\/p>\n

The band struck up a fast beat as the woman began to sing.<\/p>\n

She was performing on the stage with a hat and bright suit ensemble. And yes, she had a fedora with a ribbon tied around the base; she was performing with a band in a jazzy club that The Wandering Inn had turned into.<\/p>\n

Erin twirled a cane as she tipped a hat to Rat\u2014Wilovan<\/em>, and blew a kiss that had half the audience reaching for the little heart. Because that was a Skill?<\/p>\n

[Kiss of Love]. Yeah, yeah\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026That one was a stretch. But could she imagine <\/em>it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. How do we prank them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin peeked around the corner. Dawil chortled as he stroked his beard. Falene was reading a book as Ylawes polished his helmet. The Dwarf whispered as she leaned down and the two laughed so hard they nearly gave themselves away\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And Erin realized. These were all daydreams of things that were all too easy to imagine.<\/em> Because they could happen. Prank Falene and Ylawes? Each one\u2014except for the vaudeville dancing on stage thing\u2014was realistic.<\/p>\n

But if you wanted to be realistic\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cErin, my dear, the [Queen] <\/em>is expecting our presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Erin was wrapped up like a caterpillar in blankets. She was playing chess with an opponent from afar. The Earl strode back and forth, nearly tearing his hair out as the [Tailor] fussed with his clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2014it\u2019s the most important event of the year!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I want to play chess.<\/em> You know I don\u2019t like social affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy love<\/em>, my rainbow-in-the-rain. We do this every time. And please, please don\u2019t make a scene. Can I ask you to at least address them with proper titles? We don\u2019t want a repeat of the last war,<\/em> do we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw. But I was playing chess\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin rolled out of her blankets with a scowl. Her hair was messy, she hadn\u2019t chosen her clothing\u2014the Earl knew they were going to be very<\/em> unfashionably late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yeah. She could be a jerk. Erin strode around the garden. She had bad sides. They<\/em> had bad sides. She could just picture it. Take the same stretch-example, for instance\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was four in the morning. And it wasn\u2019t the inn\u2019s table.<\/p>\n

It was a comfy table. A small one. Meant for a family. Or just a couple. You could be family with only two. Couldn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n

The others were like family. They\u2019d come by. Friends, companions. Hats hung at the door in this safe place.<\/p>\n

Laughing and smiling in the good times.<\/p>\n

Now\u2014she sat there. As she always did. Waiting.<\/p>\n

The door opened. A figure walked in. She rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWilov\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped. He must have forgotten this always happened. Erin walked over towards him, but he halted her.<\/p>\n

It was just in the way he stood. He didn\u2019t meet her eyes.<\/p>\n

His hat was missing.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cA spot of\u2026bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

He exhaled. Erin wanted him to sit down. But he stopped her. Something dripped to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot there. Not\u2014there. I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

He did not want to sit in that happy place. Not with blood on his hands.<\/p>\n

Who was it? Did they\u2026deserve it?<\/em> She was too afraid to ask. Was it a [Guard]? An accident?<\/p>\n

A child?<\/p>\n

The silence between them stretched until it could break. In the silence, blood dripped to the floorboards. Leaving a stain by morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEnough.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Erin Solstice said. The last imagination ended. Too much. Too real.<\/p>\n

Maybe not the family. Not the romance. But that lay at the heart of her relationship with Wilovan and Ratici.<\/p>\n

It hurt. The what-ifs<\/em>. Because they weren\u2019t just \u2018ifs\u2019. You\u2014could you look at the person the same way again? If you imagined trying to build your life around with them?<\/p>\n

She had not considered Olesm. Nor did she now. Erin stood in the garden. And her breathing was hard.<\/p>\n

This was why she hated it. Because it wasn\u2019t light. She looked at Altestiel and wondered what ten years might be. Not tomorrow. If she could forget the future, she could enjoy now.<\/p>\n

Erin walked back into the inn. Five minutes had passed since her talk with Lyonette. Seventeen since she\u2019d gone off\u2014everyone was having lunch. And her convivial, go-with-it attitude was gone.<\/p>\n

This was how she felt in the past as well. This was\u2026<\/p>\n

Not fun. Erin dreaded going back and talking to Altestiel. It was almost a relief to see the Street Runner panting and calling for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s me, yup. Me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake pointed towards the door she\u2019d run through.<\/p>\n

\u201cUrgent [Message] waiting for you in Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it? Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin began to stride from the door. The Street Runner didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

By the time Altestiel came out, followed by the suitors with crepes of dubious quality\u2014Erin Solstice was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took only twenty minutes to connect. Rabbiteater had expected to be led away, but he just sat there. Ser Markus was led away after his correspondence was done. Talia remained\u2014perhaps delaying her correspondence to watch him.<\/p>\n

He had been given a quill. The [Lieutenant] in charge of the \u2018negotiations\u2019 had written a brisk [Message]. Rabbiteater could read it\u2014although it took him a little bit to figure it all out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To Erin Solstice, [Innkeeper], The Wandering Inn, Liscor, Izril:<\/em><\/p>\n

A [Knight] going by the alias of Ser Solstice, or the Goblin Slayer of Izril has been captured in battle with Ailendamus. Per the rules of engagement, his safety and possessions will be assured provided a ransom of no less than 100 gold pieces. Failure to deliver the sum will lead to his internment as a prisoner of war. Please respond within the hour; failure to do so may lead to complications.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Ser. It\u2019s just to motivate them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant] reassured Rabbiteater. The Goblin was silent. A hundred gold? It might not be much for a [Knight]\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

But it was too much for Erin. He debated using his manacles to try choking the officer to death. But he\u2019d never get out of the tent with so many soldiers.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant. Are we giving away the cloak and axe? That\u2019s good gear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on the ransom. Shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019d taken his cloak and axe. Rabbiteater shifted.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brothers gave them to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

An uncomfortable silence. The [Lieutenant] didn\u2019t look at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure House Kallinad will pay the equipment fees.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will. This is unnecessary extortion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery piece of gold goes towards our forces, milady. A hundred gold may be trivial to you, but it would pay the wages of every man in this tent for a year. More.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant]\u2019s retort meant he missed the first inky letter appearing on the page. Somewhere, across the world, an [Innkeeper] was writing on an expensive scroll. Rabbiteater\u2019s eye widened.<\/p>\n

He did not want this.<\/em><\/p>\n

He wanted this.<\/em><\/p>\n

He missed her.<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper]\u2019s fingers trembled on the quill. The [Scribe] was overseeing the writing. But he had let her write. She hesitated as she wrote.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This is Erin Solstice. I might know a Ser Solstice. I\u2019d think of him like my family. But how do I know it\u2019s him?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Rabbiteater jerked. He had thought\u2014the [Lieutenant] turned and stared at the page.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh! A response. Hm\u2014do you have proof?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Ser Solstice. The Goblin\u2019s fingers trembled as he tried to write. A clumsy scrawl, but Talia had helped him, and Numbtongue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I am Ser Solstice. I do not know how to prove I am me.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant]\u2019s mouth worked as he read.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014I think a personal name or details would be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The reply was quick. Almost gentle. He could see her writing each word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hello, Ser Solstice. Do you like to eat rabbits?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

His eyes widened. The [Lieutenant] looked purely confused. The Goblin\u2019s fingers trembled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only as food.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Is this confirmation?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The Ailendamus officer relaxed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, well, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

He scribbled industriously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Solstice, the fee is a hundred gold pieces, with additional fees for the artifacts under Ser Solstice\u2019s purview at his time of capture. If you are unable to pay the full price, please state so and negotiations may begin.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Erin Solstice sat there. Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was alive.<\/em> Far north? He was off the continent!<\/em> Badarrow had been mistaken. And captured? She looked at the [Mage].<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where he is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTerandria, Miss Erin. I\u2019m sorry, but it\u2019s too far even if we wanted to tell. And Mage\u2019s Guild policy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it. How would I send gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014if you brought it to the Mage\u2019s Guild. Or if the Merchant\u2019s Guild gave us a guarantee\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The ransoming was new to the Drake [Scribe] as well. Erin nodded slowly. Her pulse raced.<\/p>\n

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

She looked at the scroll again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This was no imagination, but a true story. A moment in time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHufflepuff is\u2014it\u2019s this thing in a story. It just means you\u2019re a hard worker. Y\u2019see, I call you that because you\u2019re not like Badarrow or Numbtongue or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater sat in the kitchen as Erin peeled potatoes. Pebblesnatch was frying them up. The [Innkeeper] was trying to explain to the sad Goblin. Before he was a [Champion]. When the Cave Goblins had been freed. There were a lot of mouths to feed. Erin reached for some salt for the cheesy potato dish.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot too much there, Pebblesnatch. We\u2019ll still bake it\u2026look, Rabbiteater. It\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am worst.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin nodded. He was no wordsmith like the [Bard]. No brave and emotional fighter like the [Berserker]. Not as skilled as the [Weapon Expert]. Nor a [Sniper].<\/p>\n

He was just Rabbiteater. He did not excel<\/em>. Rather, he could do a lot of what the others could do. A better shot than anyone but<\/em> Badarrow. Better at hand-to-hand fighting than anyone except<\/em> Headscratcher.<\/p>\n

The reason they were talking was because he\u2019d heard Erin calling him the strange word. Now it made sense. Erin glanced sideways at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not an insult\u2014well, in this story, see, people make fun of them because their talent is \u2018hard work\u2019. They\u2019re like\u2026the common crowd. They\u2019re not the smart ones, or the brave ones. Or the jerks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. Good ordinary Goblin.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Erin tossed a potato peel at him. Rabbiteater caught it, and munched on it. She shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not an insult to me.<\/em> Because\u2026I\u2019m a Hufflepuff, Rabbiteater. Me too.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you smart. You\u2026are\u2026smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

He corrected himself. Erin smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot according to the online test. I\u2019m 40% Hufflepuff, 60% Gryffindor. But everyone gets Gryffindor. And really\u2014I\u2019m good at chess. I was talented. But you don\u2019t just \u2018win at chess\u2019 because you\u2019re smart. Even the smartest people in the world would lose to someone who played chess and knew the patterns. That\u2019s why I like it. It\u2019s not a game for geniuses. You probably do have an edge if you\u2019re really smart\u2026but it\u2019s like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHard work.<\/em> And you\u2019re good at so much! That\u2019s why\u2026don\u2019t tell anyone else, but I\u2019m rooting for you more than the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

She winked at him. Rabbiteater wondered if she said that to the other Redfangs. Maybe. But she smiled at him and he believed her. He went back to peeling potatoes. And that was all. Erin hummed as the only Redfang who had time to learn to cook helped her make dinner.<\/p>\n

Her great, brave friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all were. Erin\u2019s eyes were overfull. The [Scribe] looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry\u2014can I get some room?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Miss. I\u2019ll just\u2026call me if you need me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. Her brave Goblin protector. Headscratcher. Shorthilt.<\/p>\n

He was alive.<\/em> In danger. More than anything\u2014more than being courted, given gems? She pulled out the emerald and wondered how much it would go for. She could pay. She would pay.<\/p>\n

But she wished she could see him. Her fingers were tight on the quill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Okay. <\/em><\/p>\n

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

The response was hesitant. Erin could see there was someone else writing another response; the Goblin\u2019s response was slower, clumsier. It was him<\/em> writing. They were talking. If only\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is that an affirmation that the ransom can be paid? For both artifacts, the addition in gold will be\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin scribbled over the writing and it stopped. She dipped her quill in ink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ser Solstice, have you been eating well?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes. Good food.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two hundred gold pieces per artifact, at two coming to a full total of\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

Shut up. Ask Ser Solstice if he remembers the guy who keeps playing the guitar.<\/em><\/p>\n

I remember.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2014500 gold pieces! 500 gold, due within two days.<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n

He\u2019s getting fat. I think he misses you.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Silence. Rabbiteater hunted for his quill. He\u2019d dropped it. His hands were trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He is fat?<\/em><\/p>\n

Getting fatter. Also, needs deodorant. That\u2019s\u2026smelling stuff for sweat.<\/em><\/p>\n

Miss Solstice, can you pay the fee?<\/em><\/p>\n

He is well? Is there\u2026anyone else?<\/em><\/p>\n

I met a guy who likes to shoot arrows. But no. I miss you.<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ailendamus will accept the payment to any Merchant\u2019s Guild\u2014<\/span><\/em>shut up shut up!<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you okay? Why did you go, Ser Solstice?<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What did he say to that? The Goblin hesitated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Okay. No need to pay. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Ignore that. We\u2019re willing to accept 400 pieces contingent on immediate<\/u> payment for both [Knight] and equipment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cross out his words again and you\u2019ll regret it, buddy.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant] stared at the line and at the [Knight].<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is<\/em> this?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Sorry. Had to go.<\/em><\/p>\n

I think I understand. I\u2019ll pay. Can I help you?<\/em><\/p>\n

You gave me too much already. I left. Is okay.<\/em><\/p>\n

No. We miss you. Are you with [Knights]?<\/em><\/p>\n

300 GOLD PIECES. RELEASE UPON DELIVERY GUARANTEED. PAY VIA MERCHANT\u2019S GUILD AND SEND CONFIRMATION TO GENERAL YERZHEN ARMY. END OF COMMUNICATIONS.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin stared as the paper stopped glowing. She tried writing, but the scroll had deactivated. She looked around and huffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow rude!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment. Then\u2014she looked at the paper and took it in. Ransom? Hostage? He was in disguise, then. She shuddered. Then she shot out of her chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cRabbiteater!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRidiculous. The Earl shouldn\u2019t be competing<\/em> for her hand. She should either accept with incredible<\/em> gratitude or decline!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish was still furious. People were looking for Erin\u2014she\u2019d vanished. You had to watch her. Take your eye off her for one second\u2014the Earl was doing well. But the cracks were showing in his strategy.<\/p>\n

To be fair, he\u2019d gotten far. But she<\/em> couldn\u2019t even understand why it was an issue. One of Desonis\u2019 [Knights] was of the same opinion.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo disrespect to the [Innkeeper]. But Miss Erin Solstice is\u2026an [Innkeeper].<\/em> Her Majesty won\u2019t allow this even if his lordship petitions her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. What does this offer Desonis? She has<\/em> a reputation, I will own, but her actual value? If you compare her abilities to one<\/em> of Lord Altestiel\u2019s Skills\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The small group of grousers really should have watched their flanks. The Earl waited at the table behind Kiish. Like some bad play, she didn\u2019t notice he was standing behind her until their silence and stares made her turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrategist Kiish. I must say I understand your complaints. I certainly expected them. But I\u2019m disappointed in you. You, of all people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMilord\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] stood up. The Earl\u2019s yellow eyes were clouded with disapproval. Her tongue halted in her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe silent. And I will explain since it is not clear. Did I hear you call Miss Erin Solstice\u2026insufficient? Weak? Useless to Desonis?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy lord\u2014I was only referring to the fact that you command armies.<\/em> And she is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn [Innkeeper].\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel finished the sentence. Kiish nodded, nervously. The Earl sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What is her level?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer level, Kiish. Estimate it. She\u2019s blocked from [Appraisal]. But what is her level? Estimate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman\u2019s lips moved. She had to guess\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least 30. And if I<\/em> would guess? Over 40. Kiish. My loyal [Knights]. My company. Who here is over Level 40? That exalted barrier few in their lifetimes may breach.<\/em> Show of hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl raised his. He looked around pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she were a [Lady], would anyone complain? What kind of Skills would she have if she were a [Princess]?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette froze in front of him, with a tray of drinks. Altestiel\u2019s smile was directed all at Kiish. He accepted a glass and took a sip.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer level speaks for itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut her Skills, sire?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Knights] ventured dubiously. He gestured outside. The Earl could call storms, create bridges of water. Altestiel nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll grant you that one, Merwood. And my answer is: her Skills are<\/em> weaker than mine. Her class is not <\/em>[Marshal], [Lord], [High Mage]\u2014that does change things. But consider this\u2014that Garden. She took the Skill that royalty have had. That is hers.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The others looked at the [Garden of Sanctuary], which was being used to play tag with children. Silence. The Earl nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cA weak class? Perhaps [Innkeeper] is. But\u2014Kiish. Have you ever met a Level 70 [Farmer]? Level 60?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard tell of ones over Level 50\u2014but no, Earl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen how do we know if it is a weak <\/em>class? It seems to me that Miss Erin Solstice has the right abilities for her nature. Or could you\u2014or even I have unified the Black Tide to fight for me? Created a place where Goblins, Antinium, Drakes, and Humans walk about in peace?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight Marshal of the Rains] smiled. And that was why. Kiish hung her head. Her dislike had blinded her. Whereas Altestiel had admired from the start.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel murmured. He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2014it\u2019s because she can\u2019t display them well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMilord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of her fire. Not seen it myself except with that delightful Minotaur Punch drink. But\u2026a Level 40 Skill, wielded by an [Innkeeper]? She has few active<\/em> Skills. And in that\u2026she reminds me of the King of Destruction. I wonder what the true power behind Erin Solstice\u2019s Skills looks like. I should like to see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The company from Desonis was silent. One of them spoke at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you are intending to pursue your courtship?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the end, Merwood. Now, are you here to help me or get in my way?\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at each other. Then stood. Kiish sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve all failed. You know that, you um\u2026Antinium. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica was sitting at the bar as Rufelt did some side-bartending just to keep his paw in. They\u2019d been watching the courtship of Erin and the [Chef] was talking to Garry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas the cake not enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Chef] was consulting Lasica and the Drake had to own\u2014she was not<\/em> at home with Antinium, but a fellow [Chef] was a fellow [Chef]. And she respected both Imani and Garry\u2019s efforts and creativity. Not Erin\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but you never had a chance. Maybe in the future\u2026but the Earl\u2019s lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so? He appears to be ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAhead. What is this, a game?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe had one chance. He did well. But he had to sweep her away. He managed to impress Erin. But he didn\u2019t manage it. Now everything with a pulse is after her.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at Dawil, Numbtongue, Olesm\u2026Garry looked at Altestiel, other Drakes, Gnolls, Humans who wanted to try their hand.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t get it. Lasica clarified.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re like damn ants swarming ov\u2014er\u2026bees around honey. And Erin\u2019s the honey. Does that make sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

Apista flipped up her stinger, offended. Rufelt chased the bee away from his drinks and his wife. Garry\u2019s mandibles opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see. We are getting in each other\u2019s way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade and Pawn, his wing-ants, nodded, taking notes. Lasica sighed long and loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just that. How do you think the honey feels? Er\u2026Erin? Making a grand show, giving her gifts\u2014Dawil had better not sing that song. Or that Gnoll.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glowered, pointing two serenades out. Garry tilted his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think it\u2019s always pleasant to be fought over? For that matter\u2014there are too many<\/em> people watching and trying to get her to choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that bad? Erin should make her choice, should she not? That will relieve the pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belgrade raised a hand. He flinched as Lasica glowered at him. The Drake adjusted the intensity of her glower.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does she have<\/em> to choose because you all want her to? Boys!\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed. That was only one argument though. The truth was\u2026Lasica cast about. And pointed once more towards something in the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth is though\u2026not all of you are a good match. I can see him with Erin more than most of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry deflated as he saw who Lasica meant.<\/p>\n

Kevin. He paused, a Mrsha-crepe in his mouth as everyone stared at him. The worst part was\u2014it did make sense. Kevin had a bit of Erin-energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must withdraw my suit, then. Do I leave the cake?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lasica looked at Garry and shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you want to court Erin anyways? Do you think she\u2019d leave you for the Earl? Really? He\u2019d have to drag an entire Antinium Hive over the water and I\u2019d love<\/em> to see that. He never really had a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Garry mumbled. Lasica shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Erin Solstice is petty enough to just leave you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, dear. You\u2019re being too harsh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rufelt admonished Lasica. But it made Garry feel better. He decided he would stop courting Erin. Besides\u2014he\u2019d heard about sex from Pawn and it seemed so inconvenient.<\/p>\n

Then the door opened and Erin Solstice stormed into the inn. Dawil whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYlawes! Falene, enchant my voice! Erin Solstice, by beard\u2019s oil and combed curl\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Half a dozen suitors rushed forwards, with hastily-assembled gifts. The [Innkeeper] saw the mob. She blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked through them. Garry saw the people slow as they tried to crowd in front of them. As if suddenly weighed down.<\/p>\n

The jovial, carnival-air of the inn faded. Altestiel\u2019s head snapped around. Olesm stopped fidgeting and reached for a [Message] scroll on his side.<\/p>\n

Lyonette felt it too.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRabbiteater\u2019s been captured on Terandria. I have to pay a three hundred gold ransom. I\u2019m too busy for dates. Lyonette\u2014we need to pay it now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin strode for the [Garden of Sanctuary]. There was a crash<\/em> as Numbtongue fell out of his chair. Badarrow rose from his seat as Snapjaw cursed.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMiss Solstice\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel rose. He made for Erin. Again, he was smart enough not to charge after her through the door. Rather\u2014he put a hand out and touched the invisible barrier at the door as Lyonette, Mrsha, and the others raced through after Erin, shouting questions. The Earl called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. Allow me to send the fee from Desonis at once. Kiish\u2014contact the Merchant\u2019s Guild and have it sent posthaste. It will also allow us to confirm your friend is safe. You cannot simply trust every force at its word. But I can ensure there will be honesty if there were any doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n

His hand suddenly passed through air. The Earl stepped through the doorway as Erin turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d do that, Altestiel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour friend must be a [Knight].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl remarked slowly. But he hadn\u2019t missed that it was the two Goblins<\/em> who\u2019d gone after Erin fastest. The [Innkeeper] hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA Goblin. Wearing armor.\u201d<\/p>\n

A second of hesitation. The Earl ignored Numbtongue and Badarrow\u2019s looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not exactly a hard conclusion to come to. I have seen the disguise that Numbtongue employed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s smart.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha signed up to Lyonette. The [Princess] eyed Altestiel. He was. <\/em>Worryingly so. And what was more\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThe confirmation should arrive in five minutes, Earl. Apologies\u2014the Merchant\u2019s Guild is on the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kiish smushed<\/em> her face into the Garden\u2019s door before speaking. She clutched at her nose and glared at Erin. The [Innkeeper] hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, you paid them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a line of credit. Pray, would you tell me more about the situation? It is entirely possible they might be close to Desonis\u2014or that we could at least communicate if they were to reach a major city.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl gestured towards a table. Erin hesitated. She looked at him again. Numbtongue touched her arm. He was nodding and looking at her pleadingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Thank you, Altestiel.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled. And Erin realized he was still courting her. She couldn\u2019t help but feel that if there was<\/em> a way to make her like him\u2014<\/p>\n

It probably was through the Goblins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And like that, it was done. Rabbiteater blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2026just paid the ransom. Guaranteed by Desonis.<\/em> Wait, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lieutenant] was shocked. Not to mention discomforted. Not even the Order of Seasons had that<\/em> fast a line through the Merchant\u2019s Guild, but the money was good. He regretted lowering the price at once.<\/p>\n

But there was no renegotiating. The ransom had been confirmed<\/em> through Ailendamus\u2019 diplomatic lines. Which meant it was now a matter of the kingdom\u2019s integrity to make sure<\/em> the Goblin Slayer was repatriated with armor and dignity intact.<\/p>\n

Done, done, done. And no one had taken off his helmet. Talia Kallinad relaxed.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was just miffed. He immediately put it down to an Erin Solstice thing. Which needed no explanation. He believed.<\/p>\n

But he wasn\u2019t happy. He wanted to pick up that quill. Talk to her.<\/p>\n

He wanted to say sorry.<\/p>\n

He wanted to know what to do next. As they led him back to the tent and he sat with the Order of Seasons, who treated him like a friend, one of them\u2014the Goblin was miserable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Solstice sat across a Go board, playing with the Earl.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026he\u2019s okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have confirmation via Ailendamus. It would be a diplomatic incident if a [Knight] were to be disgraced. Regarding the helmet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl drummed his fingers on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf your friend has kept his secret, I doubt they will do anything at this point if he does nothing untoward. I can insist, and arrange communications. Kiish, put pressure on them through one of our [Diplomats].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have sent word to the palace. Her Majesty would like a word, and Master Erimith will attend to the matter himself. But he is ah, being summoned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. He\u2019s in his seventies. Old. Probably napping.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl nodded to Erin. He was so\u2014decisive. It was like\u2026Lyonette? Or maybe herself. Terandria wasn\u2019t Erin\u2019s area of expertise. It was Altestiel\u2019s. He knew ransoms and\u2026politics. So he was helping solve her problems.<\/p>\n

The thing was? Erin was super-grateful. There were just two things and she\u2019d finished with one.<\/p>\n

The first was trying to figure out if the Earl was doing this to butter her up. But as far as she could tell, he was genuinely trying to help, courtship aside. And he seemed to like<\/em> her without pretense.<\/p>\n

She felt like she would be able to tell. That was her job. She was in her inn. She had the measure of Altestiel. And he was\u2026cool.<\/p>\n

And second? She didn\u2019t feel like it was resolved.<\/p>\n

It was too neat. Rabbiteater got freed? Ransom paid, he was on his way, doing whatever he was with strange [Knights] abroad. Hurrah!<\/p>\n

But\u2026she wanted to talk to him. More than play Go\u2014she made another mistake and Altestiel capitalized on it. Unlike her imagination, he actually liked this game, possibly more than chess! And he was pressing her hard in her preoccupied state.<\/p>\n

Caution: Imagination might not match reality.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll organize it and have a result within the hour, Erin. I hope this is helpful, not intrusive.\u201d<\/p>\n

And there it was. The day crystallized like this, as Erin reached for a piece. She looked up. And met Altestiel\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

Layers. First layer? He had to know she was grateful for his help. Perhaps it was calculated. She thought it was genuine.<\/p>\n

Second layer. He liked her because of her deeds. Because of her level. He was dreadfully smart.<\/p>\n

Third layer? She thought he did<\/em> have affection for her. Frightening as it was to think that. Because\u2026they had similar interests. Because he was a kid who liked to dance in the rain as much as he was an Earl.<\/p>\n

None of the parts disqualified the whole. On the whole? Erin liked Earl Altestiel a lot. She thought she would in any circumstance, even if he had not come to Invrisil when he did. Even if she had not had his help in the siege. She could even see how they fit together, for all their differences.<\/p>\n

So she took a breath. A long, painful breath. Then another for good measure. Then she remembered to exhale.<\/p>\n

Altestiel looked at her oddly. But they were sitting together, in a small area of space; both auras keeping the others back. Erin felt it was unconscious on their parts. A desire for space. Perhaps because she\u2019d known this moment was coming.<\/p>\n

She placed a piece. Altestiel reached for his black stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove is a weird thing, Altestiel, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

His fingers slipped on the stone. The clatter<\/em> was loud. The Earl caught himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that, Erin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLove. Liking someone romantically. Weird stuff, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Indeed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sudden squall in the middle of a battle. Unexpected breeze. The [Knight Marshal] looked at Erin. She regarded his stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been great today. I mean\u2026courting and all. I just have a question. Because\u2014helping Rabbiteater, all this stuff? Chess? Am I in love with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm was choking on his fries. The Earl\u2019s fingers simply curled around the smooth, polished stone. He waited. Erin looked up at him, meeting his yellow eyes with her hazel ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Am I supposed to feel\u2026something else? Because if I am, I love everyone like I love Mrsha, or no one at all. And that means you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

She nodded. The Earl\u2019s face clouded. Erin looked at the pieces.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to explain it. Sorry, Altestiel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waited, gently. Kiish pumped her fist in the air, then looked around and collected herself. Erin ignored the onlookers, pushing them back<\/em> in her mind. This was just for her and him. He\u2019d earned that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026here\u2019s how I can say it. Chess. It\u2019s like chess. You know, there was this guy who fancied me who once said that if he beat me, we should date. I mean\u2026I kicked his butt, but come on.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl coughed, almost hiding a smile. Erin glowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy soul isn\u2019t in the chessboard or anything. The chessboard is only a piece of wood. Even enchanted wood. I didn\u2019t marry it. I hated it, when I was younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYounger?\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes flickered. Erin missed that.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I loved it, and then hated it because it was all I was. Just someone to play and win or lose. So I quit. Then I came back because I did enjoy it. But it\u2019s something I really\u2026really\u2026like. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s love.\u201d<\/p>\n

She regarded the stone as she put it down. Altestiel placed his.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are more important things to love than a game. I\u2019d trade playing chess for the rest of my existence to bring just one of them back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo would I.\u201d<\/p>\n

He murmured. Erin didn\u2019t know who he was talking about. But she did. As she thought of her next move, she spoke. It helped to play. She had to be honest since she was concentrating on the game as much as her words.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I\u2019m trying to say\u2026is that you couldn\u2019t win me over with chess. Not even if that guy was the best chess player in the world. A Grandmaster\u2019s Grandmaster. That wouldn\u2019t ever work. Because it\u2019s chess. I\u2019d be like, \u2018he\u2019s good at chess. Okay\u2019. And I\u2019m sorry. But I really liked walking with you. You helping\u2014I think we\u2019re friends. But I don\u2019t think it changed how I felt. I just know you like me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at him. He exhaled, slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs rejections go\u2026I have had far worse. Many delivered in ruder ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

She ducked her head, embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I just don\u2019t feel<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed. Erin tried to clarify.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2014if it were possible? For someone to like, be someone I\u2019d want<\/em> to fall in love with right away?\u201d<\/p>\n

Half the population in The Wandering Inn listened from afar. Erin put it into words, piece by piece as she cornered one of Altestiel\u2019s formations.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there was someone to fall in love with\u2014I guess they\u2019d have to be grander than anyone I\u2019ve met before. Sorry, Altestiel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrander?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He sounded hurt for the first time since she\u2019d talked to him. Erin glanced up. Oh yes, a kid with a storm. She shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant\u2026even grander than an Earl.<\/em> I couldn\u2019t\u2014see myself falling in love anyways. Not if I was worried about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater. <\/em>Erin gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone who could protect them all. All the people who\u2019ll tear out pieces of my heart if they die. How am I supposed to love someone and be selfish for me while they\u2019re out there?\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d taken the copy of the conversation with Rabbiteater. It crumpled in her pocket as she gripped it. That was what she wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t protect them with gold alone. You\u2019re too weak. We all are. If there was someone who could capture my heart with who they were alone\u2014it would be someone who could promise me they will not die. Or if they do\u2014it will not be in vain. Who could give meaning to this world and what happens. Does that make sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does. Strangely, it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel was looking at her. Erin realized what she\u2019d said and blushed. But the Earl just shook his head. A bit mystified.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2014does make sense, Miss Erin. However, I don\u2019t believe what you\u2019re describing is love at all. Perhaps\u2014inspiration. Someone you could follow. A\u2026[King]. Or [Queen]. But I could never love a vision like that. It is a dream, a beautiful one, but without\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured. The [Innkeeper] ducked her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I suppose I don\u2019t know what love is, do I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you felt it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. What\u2014what is it supposed to be?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl sighed. And he seemed smaller then. If there was a final blow\u2014it was that. He raised his head, looking at the board that was suddenly out of his control. He met the [Innkeeper]\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo me, Erin Solstice? Love is wanting to hold someone. To know how they think. Love\u2014is listening to them breathe. It is wanting to know<\/em> them. Lust is part of it too, I suppose. Burning infatuation, as much as long held respect and admiration. I have not loved well, so I confess I am a poor one to answer it. How it starts\u2014is a desire to talk to someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. Erin became a tomato to Mrsha and ducked her head.<\/p>\n

Oh. So that was how it was.<\/em> Garry snapped his fingers in understanding. The Earl went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove to me\u2026love is wanting to split who you are and combine it with them and be better for it. That is what it seems to me in older couples. When it sparks, it is childish, romantic. Heated. An obsession of wanting to know, even if that will not turn out for the best. Does that make\u2026sense to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. Erin smiled briefly. That was good enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Altestiel. But then, I don\u2019t think I love you, then. And I don\u2019t feel that spark.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight Marshal] nodded silently. Erin was glad he didn\u2019t look\u2026exploded\u2026by the admission. He and she hadn\u2019t known each other too long. He just looked greatly disappointed. She went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to try. As friends. But I\u2019m afraid you might never find what you\u2019re looking for. If that\u2019s okay\u2026I\u2019m fine with it. But I don\u2019t want to hurt you by what I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt nodded with a sigh. Imani passed the cigar up to him and he took a puff. Olesm hesitated, and Numbtongue nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should be delighted to be your friend, Miss Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl smiled. But then he sighed again.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I see. I don\u2019t have enough time. I did not have enough time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] smiled, regretting it just as much as he. Altestiel lowered his chin\u2014then slapped his knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn. I should have come here straight away! I shouldn\u2019t have waited. Why did damned Ailendamus have to make war? My [Queen]\u2014I should just extend my visitation another month.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel folded his arms, ignoring his suddenly-worried company.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t answer solely to the crown. If she hadn\u2019t forced my hand\u2014one month of actual conversation? I could play chess! Level! It\u2019s ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Altestiel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your<\/em> fault. This entire event\u2014damn Desonis\u2019 marshy palace. I\u2019ll go tour Chandrar.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarl\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Lordship\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had it with the crown\u2019s damned orders! You can tell her Majesty that just because she\u2019s<\/em> been divorced twice, she needn\u2019t interfere with my delights! Get me a [Message] scroll!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s jaw opened slightly. The Earl glowered about. She\u2019d thought he\u2019d handled the conversation really well. But was\u2014<\/p>\n

Was he sulking?<\/em> Erin could almost see the raincloud over his head! Wait a moment\u2014<\/p>\n

A bit of water hit her on the head. Altestiel sat there, muttering.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one month\u2014<\/em>I\u2019ve never met anyone as talented as you, Miss Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut just in chess\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s simply unfair. Damn this day.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He slapped his knee. Erin thought it was the most childish thing she\u2019d ever seen.<\/p>\n

She liked Altestiel even more. He sulked like Mrsha<\/em> would if she could speak! Erin started laughing. The Earl looked affronted and the rain began to spread, pattering off his enchanted clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t appreciate mockery after being let down, Erin. You wound me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

And so it was done. Olesm looked relieved.<\/p>\n

\u201cTold you so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys smacked his arm. Hard.<\/p>\n

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

She felt bad for Altestiel. Not least because\u2014it wasn\u2019t even half a date<\/em> and Erin laid that on him? Ancestors! No wonder she was alone!<\/p>\n

And yet, the Earl\u2019s depression did not last long. The rain stopped. He was soon laughing with Erin and badmouthing his [Queen] only a bit.<\/p>\n

The truth was it was a failed venture from the start. A romance in a day? That was one of the movies on Kevin\u2019s laptop and even Selys knew that was fake.<\/p>\n

Altestiel had probably known it from the start. But he was the kind of person to go down swinging, even against hopeless odds.<\/p>\n

The others knew it too. The smart bookies were collecting the money from the day\u2019s bets. And paying out to the odd winner who\u2019d predicted just this outcome.<\/p>\n

Drassi scowled as she counted out coins for Hedault and Dawil. She glared at the Dwarf.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet against yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I did. And I had a lot of fun and<\/em> made money.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Dwarf smugly sipped from his mug. Then he looked at Erin and sighed. He nudged a green shin.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake a note for next time, lads. Do it right. The door\u2019s open.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Hobgoblin looked down at him. Dawil squinted up\u2014then edged over and elbowed Numbtongue. And the Dwarf made one mistake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was never that simple. <\/em>The [Knights] were in the tent when the group of [Soldiers] entered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere he is. Come on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019re seeing what\u2019s behind the helmet. We\u2019ve got a bet<\/em> on it. Don\u2019t worry, we won\u2019t show you [Knights]. Not a word! Just me\u2014and it\u2019s a truth spell, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Soldiers] turned. And Rabbiteater recognized the [Mage] with a jolt in his chest.<\/p>\n

Telich with the truth spells. The [Mage] was rubbing his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him to the interrogation tent. You two\u2014stand watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an outrage!<\/em> He is a prisoner of war and a [Knight]! Hey! I demand\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

[Silence]. The spell enveloped the [Knights]. They surged to their feet\u2014but the other [Soldiers] knocked them down, subduing the shackled [Knights]. Talia shouted wordlessly as four grabbed Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

Ah. <\/em>Behind his helmet, the Goblin smiled.<\/p>\n

He felt better this way. This felt right.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t harm you. It\u2019s just a single look. Inquiring minds are willing to pay to know\u2026apparently you know someone important, Ser.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] assured the silent [Knight]. He hustled Rabbiteater into the tent. The Hobgoblin was tensed.<\/p>\n

One [Mage].<\/em> Four [Soldiers]. They were flanking him and had a grip on him\u2014and he had manacles on arms and legs. But\u2026they had made a mistake. He let them escort him, shuffling. He tensed as the flap opened\u2014<\/p>\n

And saw ten more [Soldiers], all co-conspirators, waiting to see the truth behind the helmet. Rabbiteater untensed. He looked around then laughed and sighed.<\/p>\n

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

The [Mage] ordered them to put him in the chair. Four held him down\u2014the Goblin was just waiting. Open the helmet. He at least had his teeth.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone help me get the helmet off! Damn! It\u2019s locked! Even the visor! Someone\u2019s got a secret. You, you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Something was wrong. Erin Solstice listened to Altestiel\u2019s complaints. She was smiling. Laughing. But she felt it.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater. She stopped smiling.<\/p>\n

Yes, Rabbiteater. That was the thing that had hung over her. In this day of weird failed courtships, something had become plain to Erin.<\/p>\n

Why\u2014was she spending her time looking for something she didn\u2019t need? That she might want now and then\u2014when something mattered more?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAltestiel. Thanks for your help. I\u2019m sorry I\u2026well, sorry it didn\u2019t work out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was doomed from the start.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earl looked up and the [Innkeeper] nodded. She looked around the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s anyone else who wants to court me\u2014you can try. But I\u2019m not really interested. If I was\u2014wouldn\u2019t I court you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her audience looked at each other. Lasica rolled her eyes. Erin went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just busy. That\u2019s all. I have friends. Great friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy, she\u2019s going to do the glory speech.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice from the back. It sounded like Menolit. Erin laughed. But the tingling in her head\u2026it felt like a ringing bell.<\/p>\n

[Dangersense]? But she instinctively sensed\u2026it wasn\u2019t her<\/em> in danger. Altestiel glanced up, frowning. Erin inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Something like that. But\u2014it\u2019s so hard to keep them safe.<\/em> I can while it\u2019s my inn. But it\u2019s so hard out of it. And I\u2019m not cool with that. I\u2019d like to protect them everywhere. Even if it\u2019s impossible, I want<\/em> to.\u201d<\/p>\n

She clenched a fist. Palt stopped smoking. Mrsha\u2019s leg began to jitter on the table as Lyonette held her. The Gnoll\u2019s ears perked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t remain the same forever. Nor will I ever let them die. If I have to struggle\u2014and beg every favor in the world, I won\u2019t let them go. No matter how far you go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette hesitated. She glanced at Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear, stop that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The plate of fries was jittering slightly. Lyonette saw the glass of water trembling. She looked at Mrsha. Wait a moment. The Gnoll wasn\u2019t even touching the\u2026<\/p>\n

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

Altestiel rose. The [Innkeeper] was breathing in and out. Numbtongue, frowning, felt the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in the name of Nagas\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel shot out of the hallway in alarm. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe entire inn is vibrating!<\/em> Is it an earthquake?\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he saw Erin Solstice. Her brows were creased. She was concentrating. So hard she nearly burst a blood vessel. She was straining\u2014<\/p>\n

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

Selys murmured from the side. The [Innkeeper] closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw them all doing it. It\u2019s a clever trick. If they can do it, why can\u2019t I? I just didn\u2019t know how it worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Worked?<\/em> Numbtongue glanced at Badarrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis might be dangerous. Trying to force a Skill is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Altestiel was knocked over by the two Hobgoblins. They surged forwards, Snapjaw behind them. Hovering around Erin. She reached out and grabbed their wrists.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to see anything. Distance is just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were prying at the helmet. The bear-[General] had dented it such that it was hard to open. But they were slowly prising<\/em> it off him.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was distracted. He was waiting. But he felt it. A pressure in his head. Painful.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2014what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t hurt him. The General will have our heads!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not! He\u2019s just complaining to trick us. Hurry up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Perhaps they felt it. The three men strained. And the Goblin tensed. The others were holding him fast. But he felt like\u2014a familiar hand was reaching for him. It felt like\u2014<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her nose began bleeding. Not a cool nosebleed either. Both nostrils. Altestiel made a sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re pushing too hard! Stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

She ignored him. It felt like\u2014a barrier that was deforming<\/em> in her head. Like it was made of plastic. She pushed harder.<\/p>\n

Why? <\/em>She looked at the two Goblins. Around the inn. She pointed at the sign.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were here. They stood in this place. And I will never forget it! This inn will not forget they were here. My silly friends. My heroes. My protectors.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

The words of Ser Solstice were clenched in one fist, the paper crumpling. Erin shouted at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were right here. I asked you to die for me! <\/em>Okay? Enough? It\u2019s never<\/em> enough! You will always<\/em> be here. Even when you leave!\u201d<\/p>\n

The statues in the garden. Numbtongue\u2019s claws dug into her shoulder. The ghost of the Goblin Lord watched. Slowly, he reached out and touched her shoulder.<\/p>\n

Then there was light. Selys was wavering, wondering why Erin was so upset. She threw up her claws as she rushed towards Erin along with the others.<\/p>\n

Flame.<\/em> It burned around her, a flash so brilliant the others put up their hands to shield their eyes. Erin did not reach for it.<\/p>\n

It was not a color they knew. For a moment\u2014then Selys stumbled. The floorboards, the walls!<\/p>\n

The inn was shaking.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Bird shouted from his tower. Below, Erin Solstice raised her hand. She broke past distance. Reaching out.<\/p>\n

She was no [King]. But he had sat in this inn! He was her guest!<\/p>\n

And she would never forget that. She shouted the words into the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Boon of the Guest: Zel Shivertail]!<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Altestiel\u2019s eyes widened. Lyonette gasped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—–<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The visor popped<\/em> up. The [Soldiers] stared\u2014and then recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cG\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Goblin sat there. Eyes wide. Blinking into the light. Had he heard that right? The [Soldier] reached for his sword as the [Mage] jerked, his fingers to his temple.<\/p>\n

\u201cImpossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a fucking\u2014kill it! Kill\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Soldiers] didn\u2019t know what the three had seen. They moved, to stop the disgrace to Ailendamus\u2019 name. Seeing the crimson eyes and green skin, recoiling. The ones holding Rabbiteater tightened their grip.<\/p>\n

Too late. Too slow. The four [Soldiers] went flying.<\/em><\/p>\n

The [Mage], Telich, stared blankly as a figure rose. He saw the visor close. Then a crimson flash from between the visor\u2019s slits. He looked blankly at the [Soldiers] on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing? Wh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater grabbed him. Telich cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Flame J\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n

A claw like a razor severed<\/em> his throat. It had gone through the steel gauntlets! The Hobgoblin stared at his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cKill it! Kill the Go\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He lowered the dying mage. He saw a [Soldier] jump at him, snarling, a spiked brass knuckle aiming for his head. He was so\u2014<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater punched<\/em> and stepped back. He saw the man\u2019s head snap back\u2014back\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

The dead Human dropped like a sack onto the ground. The other [Soldiers] stared in horror.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he was a [Brawler]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at the [Knight] as he regarded the claw sticking out of his gauntlets. A razor\u2019s edge. Yet\u2014his armor was gleaming. Reinforced.<\/p>\n

An arrow bounced off the chest plate. The figure had already been dodging. He leapt forwards. The [Archer] put up his arms to block.<\/p>\n

The second blow broke both arms and the man\u2019s face. The [Knight] whirled. The [Soldiers] stared in horror at the crimson light shining from his visor. One of them whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAilendamus save us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPrisoner escape!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The bellow came from General Yerzhen\u2019s tent. He emerged to see the army\u2019s camp in chaos once more.<\/p>\n

The [Knights] were free! They\u2019d broken out of the manacles! How?<\/p>\n

The answer was Talia Kallinad. Her armor was glowing<\/em> from the heat of her aura. She\u2019d melted<\/em> the manacles on her and her comrades. They were burned from the heat. But they fought with a furious intensity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening?<\/em> They were ransomed!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf [Captain of the Fist] was incredulous. Then he heard the shouts.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice! Where is he?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose damned idiots!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf shouted. Yerzhen looked at him.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe foreign [Knight]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no time to explain. Nor did the Bear of Ailendamus wait for a response. He just growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me later! I\u2019ll murder whoever started this! First I\u2019ll break all the bones in their bodies!\u201d<\/p>\n

He charged towards the [Knights] with a roar. The half-Elf [Captain] knew where to go. Not after the [General].<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lot! With me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He roared. Two squads of the Bear Brawlers raced after him towards the interrogation tent, the only conceivable place where they would take the Goblin Slayer. He was going to murder<\/em> whoever was in charge, probably the [Mage], Telich, who liked to skim money\u2014<\/p>\n

The [Soldiers] burst into the tent and saw a dozen bodies on the floor. Dead. They stared at the figure in armor. He was flexing his hands. And\u2014he had a sword in his hand. He\u2019d been adding a throwing axe and a buckler to one arm. Daggers to his belt.<\/p>\n

The emotionless visor swung around as the [Captain] and the [Soldiers] stopped. The [Knight] looked at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoblin Slayer.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The figure leapt. The half-Elf put up his fists. He was a [Brawler],<\/em> who could fight with bare hands or street weapons as well as a sword! He lashed out\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Mach Punch]!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] caught the fist. He seemed as surprised as the half-Elf. The [Captain] tried to pull back\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rabbiteater adjusted his grip, and flung<\/em> the half-Elf by his arm through the air. He was pretty sure he\u2019d broken the man\u2019s wrist.<\/p>\n

But he hadn\u2019t killed him. The first few punches he had\u2014even without meaning it. He was\u2014stronger. Faster! Incomparably so. The [Soldiers] stared.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater nearly drew the sword\u2014but something in him told him.<\/p>\n

Punch<\/em>. He made a fist, stepped in\u2014and one of the men collapsed, eyes rolled up in his head. His jaw might have been broken, but he was alive.<\/p>\n

The second slashed with a sword. He saw the [Knight] make a claw out of his right hand\u2014he slashed through<\/em> the sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cImpossible\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was impressed too. He looked at his claws, sharper than steel.<\/em> Then he turned.<\/p>\n

Somehow\u2014it had been Erin. He didn\u2019t know how. But\u2014<\/p>\n

The camp was in chaos. The [Knights] were fighting. But the [General]\u2014Rabbiteater turned as he heard the familiar roar<\/em>. He began to run.<\/p>\n

Two more men went down, punched into tomorrow by a single blow. The [Knights] were hemmed in, fighting once more.<\/p>\n

A repeat of this morning. The [General] kicked<\/em> one in the chest plate and caved it in. Markus grabbed his comrade\u2014then they spotted the [Knight] who\u2019d stopped.<\/p>\n

A half-Elf was on his feet. His right arm hung broken, the wrist\u2019s bone snapped. But his left hand was raised.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other [Soldiers] held back. Was that\u2014? They stared at the [Captain of Fists] as he and the strange Ser Solstice squared off. The [Knight] took a step\u2014<\/p>\n

[Flicker Step]! [Minotaur Punch]! [Double Strike]! [Enhanced Impact]! <\/em><\/p>\n

It was a step and haymaker punch.<\/em> The kind the [Captain] had used to fell [Knights] in actual battle. It caught the [Knight] off-guard.<\/p>\n

The fist crashed against the jawline of his helm. The [Soldiers] cheered. There was no stopping that! He might be d\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

The second punch broke the half-Elf\u2019s jaw. The [Captain] nearly dropped. He sagged, his jaw hanging loose.<\/p>\n

General Yerzhen turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cUlne?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] saw the [Captain] swing again. He had a tenacity to match a Redfang. But he was slow\u2014Rabbiteater hesitated. His strength\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cProtect the [Captain]!\u201d<\/p>\n

[Soldiers] of Ailendamus, good [Soldiers], grabbed the half-Elf and dragged him back. He was out almost before they caught him. The others spread out.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get close! He dropped Captain Ulne with a single punch!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCrossbows! Where are the [Mages]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater whirled. Talia and the Order of Seasons were shouting for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice! To us!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no surrendering now. The [Captain] aside\u2014the [Soldiers] were dead. Their blood was up.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater raised his fists. He still felt\u2014tingly. And he felt a hand on his shoulder.<\/em> He kept looking there. Looking for Erin\u2014<\/p>\n

But there was no time.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack! All of you! No one else dies! If he got Ulne, then he\u2019ll get through me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bear of Ailendamus roared through the ranks of the [Soldiers]. He halted. And Rabbiteater looked at the [General] of the army.<\/p>\n

His <\/em>[Dangersense] began to tingle. Even with whatever was in him?<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Either you leveled up or something\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yerzhen\u2019s eyes narrowed. The [General] stopped, regarding Rabbiteater. Could he see it? Did he know what had happened? Rabbiteater didn\u2019t know himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He meant the [Captain], not the others. Yerzhen clenched one huge fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever met a [Knight] who said \u2018sorry\u2019.<\/em> You lot! Stop the other [Knights]. The rest of you\u2014keep this one from running. We\u2019ll make it a fistfight!\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Bear Brawlers cheered. They formed a ring, confident suddenly, cheering on their [General]. Rabbiteater recognized the ritual, if not the details. It was like a Redfang fighting ring.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on. They call you the Goblin Slayer,<\/em> huh? I\u2019ve fought Hobs before. And Chieftains. Even the great hulking bastards.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bear General smashed a fist into one hand. Rabbiteater wavered.<\/p>\n

Even\u2026?<\/em><\/p>\n

The power infusing him suddenly felt strained<\/em>. He looked at the man and checked his own weight. He realized\u2014he might weigh less than half<\/em> the Bear General\u2019s weight. Armor or not.<\/p>\n

But the strength! The two stared at each other. Then Rabbiteater drew the sword. He slashed as he went for the dagger.<\/p>\n

This time Yerzhen caught the blade. His eyes narrowed. He tore it from Rabbiteater\u2019s grasp and then snapped <\/em>it with his bare hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to need a better sword. Come on, Ser Knight.<\/em> Show me what you\u2019ve got!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBear! Bear! Bear!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Soldiers] were chanting. Rabbiteater hesitated. Then he tossed the throwing axe behind him. Daggers too. He raised his fists. Then he charged<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The first punch was so fast even with his enhanced reflexes he barely ducked it. Rabbiteater threw an uppercut\u2014<\/p>\n

Yerzhen blocked it with a grunt. He stared at Rabbiteater, then threw a hook. The [Knight] dodged back.<\/p>\n

It was just a blur. Rabbiteater faltered. Yerzhen swore.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a thrones-damned Skill buff!<\/em> Too bad it wasn\u2019t a capstone level, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook out his hand. Rabbiteater stared at his fist as if it had let him down. The Bear grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

He charged with a roar. Rabbiteater made the mistake of attacking. His fist hit the man in the shoulder and then the shoulder-charge threw him to the ground. He rolled\u2014<\/p>\n

Talia saw Yerzhen\u2019s fist crumple the side of Ser Solstice\u2019s helmet. The figure staggered. She shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It occurred to Rabbiteater that he had underestimated Yerzhen. He had no idea what level the man was. The world flashed<\/em> as he stumbled.<\/p>\n

The fragmentary thoughts in the nanoseconds of consciousness turning on, off, resetting the power and rebooting\u2014<\/p>\n

Maybe he\u2019s better than Garen Redfang.<\/em> Ridiculous! Or was it?<\/p>\n

He was\u2026<\/p>\n

A [General]. Half a second. Rabbiteater\u2019s head lowered\u2014the helmet was dented against<\/em> his head. Then he saw the second<\/em> punch coming at his head.<\/p>\n

He jerked backwards, fell on his back. Yerzhen stomped.<\/em> Rabbiteater rolled away.<\/p>\n

Everything was slower. He was faster<\/em> now\u2014he heard the roar of blood in his ears. The cheering [Soldiers], one noise. He surged upright, threw a punch.<\/p>\n

It rocked the huge man. Rabbiteater saw<\/em> it. Yerzhen\u2019s eyes crossed for a second. Rabbiteater threw a second\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2014Landed. Landed?<\/em> His mouth was full of blood. He tried to sit up and realized he was on his front.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, that\u2019s two <\/em>punches! The [General]\u2019s killed [Knights] with one!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone was shouting. Rabbiteater pushed himself up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want my axe.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was like fighting Badarrow with arrows. Fists\u2014bad. He looked around\u2014then saw the Human charging at him. Rabbiteater dodged\u2014went flying again.<\/p>\n

Properly flying<\/em>. He hit the ground. Stared upwards.<\/p>\n

Level 40 [General], then. There was no way\u2026he was a Level 29 [Champion]. Level 50?<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026cause you\u2019re just\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Someone said something? He turned his head. Saw the fist coming down.<\/p>\n

The blow to the back of his head hammered him into the mud and dirt. Talia shouted as the armored figure collapsed. She saw Yerzhen raise his arms, roaring to his army of countless thousands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s because you\u2019re just borrowing it. It can\u2019t compare with the genuine article. Not yet, at any rate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater jerked. He opened his eyes. He looked around and nearly fell out of his chair.<\/p>\n

He was leaning back in it, rocking on two legs. He sat forwards. The chair landed.<\/p>\n

The table held an empty plate. A mug that had dregs of milk. A meal? Rabbiteater looked for the speaker.<\/p>\n

Zel Shivertail sat there, taking his ease. He was picking at his teeth delicately.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s because you\u2019re borrowing my strength. I don\u2019t fight with my fists. Claws. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

He showed Rabbiteater his claws. The Hobgoblin turned. Zel looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m not here. And you have to roll. Left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLef\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rabbiteater rolled left<\/em>. The foot smashed down where his back would have been. Yerzhen cursed. The Goblin surged upright, but the kick sent him stumbling onto his feet. His head\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026you think is happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake shrugged. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo service. This inn hasn\u2019t changed much. But I rather liked the [Princess]. Did I know she was a [Princess]? I don\u2019t think I\u2019m quite real. Half-real. Made up of what she<\/em> thought of me. Filled in by the Skill, rather. Isn\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned in his seat. Erin plonked <\/em>the steak down and folded her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! I\u2019m doing my best! I\u2019m not even sure if I\u2019m<\/em> here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zel nodded. Rabbiteater rubbed at his eyes. He realized he was out of his armor.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Why a steak? At least bring me something Imani\u2019s made. If I came back from the dead, could you at least bring me a new dish? Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGah! You\u2019re like Grimalkin. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin threw up her hands. Zel rubbed at his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember Grimalkin of Pallass. He challenged me to a fight like this. I refused.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has two hundred pounds on you. Even with [Boon of the Guest]\u2014he\u2019s got at least ten levels, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But I had to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [General]\u2019s voice was commanding without even trying. Rabbiteater ducked his head, flushing, as if a senior Hob were telling him he was an idiot while still being nice. Zel shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you have to. I understand that. But look at him. Even with my strength and speed and toughness\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Bear of Ailendamus kept charging.<\/em> He was big. His body could absorb<\/em> punches. He had weight. Rabbiteater had a [Boon]. But he wasn\u2019t\u2014<\/p>\n

Dodge!<\/em> The [Knight] went back, weaving, ducking punches. The Bear was slower and he roared. He tried to shoulder-charge and Rabbiteater tumbled. The cheering [Soldiers]\u2019s voices grew a little less loud. Rabbiteater threw a hook\u2014the Bear General went for a trade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Down again. Zel sipped from a bean soup. Erin was distressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s losing!<\/em> Can you help him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m helping enough. Rabbiteater\u2019s finding his pace. I don\u2019t know more than you do. Are you here?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe just my Skill. Maybe me? I don\u2019t know!<\/em> Rabbiteater! Get up! Give him the old one-two!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIgnore her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater was panting, sitting at the table. His arms hurt. He felt dizzy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I supposed to do? Do\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up. It\u2019s not over. See? Look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo tired. Is this real?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zel Shivertail stood up. He walked over. His claw grasped Rabbiteater\u2019s neck\u2014but gently. He turned the Hobgoblin\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at him.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Yerzhen stumbled. Just for a moment. Rabbiteater stood. Panting, he made claws\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s not trying to kill you. Have you seen him use a Skill?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater hesitated. Zel had grabbed his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you draw blood, he\u2019ll try to kill you. He\u2019s making this a fistfight. Beat him there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s so tough!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Zel glanced at Erin, irritated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s more dangerous still. Listen. Rabbiteater has a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at the shorter Hobgoblin. Placed a claw on his shoulder and leaned down.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a [General], but he\u2019s not acting like one. If he were a [General] leading an army he wouldn\u2019t fall no matter how many punches you threw. Not if it mattered. He doesn\u2019t think he\u2019ll lose. He\u2019s overconfident. You can take him. But you\u2019re running out of time. This boon is going to fade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re using it up, I guess. Stronger, shorter. And it\u2019s far away.\u201d<\/p>\n

The inn was already fading. Zel reached for the bowl of bean porridge and took a bite. Then he put it down.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood enough. You\u2019ll only get one shot. If the [Soldiers] see him fall or Yerzhen thinks he\u2019s losing he\u2019ll use a potion and end the fight. Provoke him. Do. Not. Fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The muddy [Knight] charged with a roar that silenced the Humans. The Bear of Ailendamus stared incredulously. Then he bellowed and roared.<\/p>\n

Both men drew their heads back at the same time. They met and the head-butt<\/em> made every watching person wince.<\/p>\n

Yerzhen staggered. But the [Knight] dropped as though his strings were cut. Falling\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. Get up.<\/em> You\u2019re a [Warrior], aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was holding onto him as Rabbiteater swayed. Refusing to let go. The [General]\u2019s voice was a bellow, like Garen Redfang\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cStand up! Don\u2019t you have something to fight for?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yerzhen stared as the buckling knees straightened. The [Knight] looked up at him. Yerzhen seized his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cBastard!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The two heads collided.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was so afraid you were dead. I miss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He lay on her lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cHad to go. Everything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Why are you sad, Rabbiteater?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t this what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin looked into his eyes. He half-shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Human things. Human fights. Is\u2014I am not a [Knight]. See?\u201d<\/p>\n

She understood, this Erin. Without him having to explain. Maybe it was part of Erin. Part of him. And part of Zel, listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get it. You don\u2019t know if it\u2019s okay to\u2026go so far away. But Rabbiteater. I would never make you protect me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what am I supposed to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zel snorted. Erin laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilly. You\u2019re supposed to do what you think is right.<\/em> Why do you think they made you a [Champion]? Why do you think I love you? Just tell me this. Do you want to lose?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHells\u2026<\/em>[General].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bear turned. The [Knight] was looking at him. Dizzy, the [General] whirled. The third impact was the loudest.<\/p>\n

Ser Solstice\u2019s helmet deformed.<\/em> But it was the Bear-General who stumbled back. He shook his head\u2014brought it down with a roar. And he stumbled away.<\/p>\n

Then he raised his fists. The [Knight] stepped in. He punched the huge man in the chest, swung, locked arms, was knocked back. But he kept coming.<\/p>\n

Yerzhen took a punch to the jaw. He roared and clubbed Rabbiteater along the head. The [Knight] staggered\u2014<\/p>\n

And took the uppercut on the jaw. He stood there, poleaxed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brave friend. My [Champion].\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin stood there. The world had become just a few feet around her and Zel. The [General] nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen. If you\u2019re a [Champion], you\u2019re a [Champion]. If you\u2019re a [Knight], you\u2019re a [Knight]. Who said they know what being a [Knight] is? They\u2019re Human. Perspectives differ. I\u2019ve seen cowardly, poor [Knights] and the bravest [Warriors] and everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was kneeling. Erin grabbed his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/em>Who cares if you don\u2019t have a [Lord]? You can be my <\/em>[Knight].\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Rabbiteater looked up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven now? Even after everything?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you left? Nothing will ever change. You might not be fancy. You\u2019re a Goblin. So what? You\u2019re my<\/em> [Knight]. My [Champion]. I\u2019ll never let you be anything less. And I\u2019ll never abandon you. No matter how far you go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods. Is your skull mithril or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yerzhen panted. The [Knight] shook his head. This time\u2014the [General]\u2019s face caught a fist. He swung\u2014ducked.<\/p>\n

A hit to the belly that made the man nearly spew. Kick\u2014the [Knight] spun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop holding back!<\/em> You\u2019re fighting like a [Knight]! Fight like a Goblin! Cut loose!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [General] was howling in his ear. Erin in the other. Stand. He had to\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Knight of Solstice rose. He howled again. Yerzhen felt a flash of unease. He jabbed\u2014<\/p>\n

The Goblin jumped and kicked<\/em> him in the chin. A roar from the [Soldiers]. Yerzhen stumbled. He screamed.<\/em> The [Soldiers] groaned. The [General] had just been kicked between the legs!<\/p>\n

\u201cBastard!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A hammer\u2019s blow from above. The heaviest hit so far. The [Knight] fell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to come back! You can\u2019t fall down! Get up! Get up!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She dragged him to his feet with the [General].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] rose before he\u2019d even dropped. And his fist\u2014<\/p>\n

Yerzhen stumbled back. He raised his guard\u2014<\/p>\n

Another blow rocked him back. Then another. The [Knight] punched. One! Two! The fist went under<\/em> the man\u2019s arms, hit the chin.<\/p>\n

Again! <\/em>He drew a fist back and hit<\/em> the man in the chest. Keep going!<\/em> It all felt\u2014was he sitting in the inn?<\/p>\n

He pivoted around a desperate fist. The counter put the [General] on the ground. Rabbiteater waited for him to rise. He saw the Bear of Ailendamus roar and charge.<\/p>\n

I never should have made you think you had to protect my inn.<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin whispered in his ears. Rabbiteater charged at the [General]. He kicked <\/em>the man as he charged, knocking him down. The Hobgoblin leapt on Yerzhen\u2019s chest. Hit him\u2014he was knocked backwards as the [General] threw him off.<\/p>\n

Stand and fight.<\/em><\/p>\n

Zel Shivertail lifted him up. Yerzhen stared up as the [Knight]\u2019s fists flashed in the light.<\/p>\n

One. Two. Six. Ten\u2014the [Soldiers] were rushing forwards. The [General] was rocking back on his feet, carried over by the blows. Rabbiteater swayed.<\/p>\n

The Bear of Ailendamus fell onto his back. In the silence, Rabbiteater saw the frozen [Soldiers], staring up at the deformed helmet. They backed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood enough. And good job, Rabbiteater. Straighten your back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zel Shivertail clapped him on the shoulder. The [General] was approving. Rabbiteater stood straight. He would have fallen, but Erin was there. She looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be waiting for you to come back. Have an adventure. Do good things. Fall in love. Be silly. Make mistakes. But come back and tell me about it, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

He reached for her. But she was gone. The [Knight] stumbled. Then he remembered.<\/p>\n

He kept his back straight. The [Soldiers] backed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u2014the [General]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

If he took a single step, he\u2019d fall. He was dizzy. He heard the babbling voice in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Level 32\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Yes. That was what they\u2019d mistaken. He was not just the Goblin Slayer. Not just Ser Solstice. He was their warrior. They had made him.<\/p>\n

Rabbiteater raised a hand and roared.<\/em> The [Soldiers] fled, dragging their [General].<\/p>\n

[Champion].<\/em> The Goblin laughed. He swayed\u2014<\/p>\n

And the racing figures broke through the camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Talia Kallinad aimed the spare horse his way. The Order of Seasons was mounted! She had his cloak, streaming behind her, and the axe in her hands. He stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop them! Stop\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Soldiers] were too afraid to get close to the [Knight] who\u2019d brought down Yerzhen. Talia slowed. She jumped from the saddle, reaching for Rabbiteater.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe beat<\/em> the Bear of Ailendamus?\u201d<\/p>\n

Voices. Rabbiteater heard the others talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t ride. You\u2014Markus. Get him moving! Cut a path forwards! Move! Move!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Hands were helping him into the saddle, urging him along. The horse ran next to another. Rabbiteater just sagged against the horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wondered what Erin would say. Then\u2014the last voice spoke to him. Saying something that made his eyes flutter open.<\/p>\n

[Knight-Errant Level 9!]<\/em><\/p>\n

A knight-errant. A word he barely knew. A [Knight]. But one\u2026who went on quests. A silly [Knight], on an adventure. Who would one day go home.<\/p>\n

Believe there was something right. Ahead of him, Talia was riding, glancing back towards the limp figure. Rabbiteater adjusted his helmet, broken nearly to bits. Around him, the Order of Seasons raced like an honor guard.<\/p>\n

The light was fading in the evening. The [Knights] streamed away from the camp, and would soon be hard to track. Not that pursuit was organized or coming. The Goblin heard a voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSer Solstice. Ser Solstice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBean porridge. What?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour helmet, Ser Solstice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Helmet?<\/em> The Goblin felt at it. It was dented but\u2014what? He looked up. And realized he could see the face of the [Knight] helping him stand in the saddle more clearly. Ser Markus. The Knight of the Spring looked Rabbiteater in the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe visor\u2019s up.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Slowly, Rabbiteater lowered it. Ser Markus looked at him. Then at Talia, two more who\u2019d helped get him into the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had better get you another helmet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Was he blind? The Goblin, the [Knight], the [Champion], wanted to laugh.<\/p>\n

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

He waited for them to dump him out of the saddle. Ser Markus looked around. He spoke towards Talia\u2019s back, the other two.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw a [Knight] beat a [General] with his bare hands. I\u2019ve seldom seen greater valor in battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHear hear!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the other [Knights] shouted, oblivious. Rabbiteater looked at Ser Markus. Then he laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Somewhere else, Erin Solstice sat, weary. But she was smiling. She felt\u2026he was safe. That was all. She sat there, in her room, and looked at an imaginary Goblin.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome home someday. Don\u2019t take too long, okay? I\u2019ll be waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled as he asked a question.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>I declare this to the one of the most AMBITIOUS return-chapters ever. Also, long. Also, two chapters in one.<\/p>\n

Parts might be weaker for having to combine both storylines. But it was literally 2 votes of difference and I thought both side stories were too good to pass up!<\/p>\n

Did I fail? Did I succeed? I hope you enjoy. I might take off two<\/em> weeks after December, just so you know. For the New Year! Call it my Christmas present! I\u2019m warning you in advance!<\/p>\n

But I\u2019ll get to more later. Rabbiteater\u2019s levels, more consequences, more story! Until then\u2014I\u2019m going to rest. Whew! Ambition. That\u2019s my downfall. Ambition.<\/p>\n

Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The art for this chapter is by ArtsyNada who has a very pertinent image, and a scarf!, Brosciple of Brodin (is that right?) who\u2019s done AMAZING Antinium, Toren, and a young Badarrow, and\u2026Pie. Who has done an accurate Mrsha and Lyonette interaction. Give them all laudations! Is that word right?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Deodorant and Scarf by ArtsyNada<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illudanajohns\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ko-fi:<\/strong> https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/illudanajohns<\/a><\/p>\n

Commission info:<\/strong> https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/OmNDuK8.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hungry by Pie<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toren, Young Badarrow, and Antinium Soldiers by Brosciple of Brodin!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Antinium <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Toren <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Young <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(A podcast talking about The Last Tide is out, featuring one of our Discord moderators, Blue Juice! Check it out here!)   War had come to Terandria. Ailendamus vs the Dawn Concordat. It was one of several wars in the world. But this was an actual war on the ground, rather than a war in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693087,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693136],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-9648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-7","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nInterlude - The Innkeeper's [Knight] - The Wandering Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/12\/06\/interlude-the-innkeepers-knight\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interlude - The Innkeeper's [Knight]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(A podcast talking about The Last Tide is out, featuring one of our Discord moderators, Blue Juice! 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