The longest day of the year was a special moment.<\/p>\n
A time of meetings. A time of power. Of magic.<\/p>\n
On the day of the Summer Solstice, The Wandering Inn was filled with the grieving. A lost young woman who was neither dreaming, nor dead.<\/p>\n
Disaster. And broken promises.<\/p>\n
Lyonette had not left the inn. She had not gone for the great party in Riverfarm. This was not a time for parties. No one else had gone, either.<\/p>\n
Maviola El was dead.<\/p>\n
This day, the sun rose, burning with the colors of glory. A flame so distant. That burned all the brighter because one day, it too would go out.<\/p>\n
It burned across more than one world.<\/p>\n
This day was an important day.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
—-<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Daly Sullivan, no relation to the [Popstar] of Terandria, was in a bad mood today. He was restlessly checking the new, prototype steel-limb crossbow. Paige had installed sights.<\/p>\n
Crossbows. He stared at it, listening to the aggrieved argument. He scratched at his arm and stared, for a second, at the bug bites covering<\/em> his skin.<\/p>\n Over seventy on his body. He looked around and snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone toss me the bug balm, would you? I\u2019m starting to itch<\/em> again.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone did. Daly cursed as he slathered the ointment on his skin. The rest of the Bushrangers were equally as chewed up. Their bug spray\u2014in fact, charms\u2014had gone dead<\/em> during this last mission. They\u2019d been eaten alive in the undergrowth while trying to remove an infestation of baby Hydras.<\/p>\n \u2018Baby\u2019. Hah.<\/em> Daly had been in a foul mood. And that was before trying to kill a regenerating monster, let alone dismember it until the flesh stopped regrowing.<\/p>\n At least they had bags of holding these days. Small mercies.<\/p>\n However, he was in a bad mood for more than just that reason. Someone was dead.<\/p>\n He did not know her. And yet\u2014he knew her. The shock had not been followed by deep grieving. He had never spoken, actually, physically, spoken to Erin Solstice.<\/p>\n But she was from home. And she\u2026<\/p>\n A foul mood had engulfed the Bushrangers, who were privy to some details of the classified information in the United Nations company. No one wanted to start keeping secrets, but leaking the fact that another Earther had died wasn\u2019t great for morale. And that Joseph was actually from Earth and there were more?<\/p>\n Well, she might not be dead. But his dark mood continued. He heard it in the air as Dawson, Kami, Tofte, and the others aired their grievances. At last, Daly couldn\u2019t stand it any longer.<\/p>\n \u201cOi. All of you, shut up and stop whinging.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The others looked up, glaring his way. The Captain of the Bushrangers glared back, in no mood to be nice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the fuck are you so mad about anyways, eh, Dawson? You\u2019re mad because you didn\u2019t<\/em> get to haze Luan and the new recruits? Take that\u2014shove it up your arse and jump in the harbor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Daly. We\u2019ve been fighting and adventuring for months.<\/em> Luan just gets to stroll on in and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShow all of you up? Looks like it. Me included.\u201d<\/p>\n Daly scratched at another bite, irritably. Luan had gone off to get them treated by Geneva; he\u2019d been worried one was infected.<\/p>\n He\u2019d gotten eaten more than the others. A hundred bites, poor guy. But some healing potion or tonic would clear him up. Daly was only waiting to make sure he had no budding infection. Take the potion when you were in Geneva\u2019s presence. Luan had first go at it.<\/p>\n No one was happy in the Bushrangers\u2014at least, the \u2018old guard\u2019. Old guard, as if they had done this for years.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just not fair. We have Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n They were mad because Luan had volunteered to help with their mission hunting Hydras. Not people\u2014but he\u2019d been out of sorts since he kept having to dodge [Bounty Hunters] who wanted that stupid claim on him the Iron Vanguard had posted. The only way to overturn it was to match the bounty and the United Nations company didn\u2019t have the funds.<\/p>\n So he\u2019d come with some prospective new rangers. Someone had gotten it in their heads to make it a tough mission. Weed out the idiots who thought this was fun and games\u2014especially those who hadn\u2019t seen actual fighting and been found after the United Nations company settled in Talenqual.<\/p>\n It was stupid\u2014but there was some logic to it. Daly had told Siri and Tofte to ensure it didn\u2019t get out of hand. Sure enough, the bugs, the hiding and stalking for two days had made some of the new recruits give up the moment they got back to the city. The Bushrangers had done a forced march of nearly thirty kilometres<\/em> there, and again on the way back.<\/p>\n No huge packs, bags of holding and stamina potions\u2014but still. It was exhausting, especially the lifting of Hydra meat, fighting, setting up traps\u2014<\/p>\n No Rustless Vanguard or the other teams that sometimes joined with theirs for this mission either. Dullahans moved too slow, and the Hydras hadn\u2019t necessitated splitting the rewards. So, a no-fun, all-Human experience. That Drake and some of the \u2018non-Earth\u2019 volunteers had been left behind as well on clinic guard-duty to allow the Earthers to be themselves.<\/p>\n What made Dawson and the others so hopping mad was that despite not having Skills and being almost as green as the other prospective adventurers, Luan had marched there and back, and outdone all<\/em> of them in terms of keeping his energy up and being the most active member.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was going to the Olympics<\/em>, Dawson. What\u2019s there not to get?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs a paddler!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSay that when he\u2019s about and he\u2019ll smack you. Say it closer to me and I\u2019ll do it. So what? He was in better shape than we are now.<\/em> Still is.\u201d<\/p>\n The others grumbled. It amazed Daly. He\u2019d seen<\/em> how fast Luan was on the water. They all had. You wanted to say that Dawson\u2014decently in shape, good guy most of the time\u2014was a match for one of the world\u2019s top athletes? Even if that was in water?<\/p>\n \u201cYou know those terrible rugby players, basketball, baseball, football\u2014whatever you want? The ones who\u2019re in the worst teams in the sports leagues, Dawson?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWant me to start a list, Daly? What\u2019s the point?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bring them to a college team. High school team. And they\u2019ll destroy the competition. And that\u2019s the bad<\/em> players. Luan\u2019s in good shape. Deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bushrangers stopped quarrelling as the door opened. Luan emerged, bug bite-less and stretching.<\/p>\n \u201cNext. Sorry it took so long. Turns out\u2026we have leeches.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFucking hell.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Dawson exploded. The others checked themselves. Luan grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cBelow the skin. Get a thorough check out. I\u2019m off. Daly\u2014your team\u2019s got nerves of steel. I only wish you had skin like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet us some Stitchfolk and we will. Thanks, Luan.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Expert Rower] smiled as he grasped Daly\u2019s arm. The [Axe Warrior] resisted the urge to scratch at his bites or stare at his skin. Geneva could not come fast enough; Siri was in the checkup room like a shot. Luan shuddered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not doing that again. And I think those idiots chasing me gave up. I\u2019ll do a delivery. You have my sincerest respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Had he been taking lessons from Ken? Or listening in?<\/em> Or perhaps that was just Luan. The others fell silent as he bade farewell and jogged out the door. Heading to the harbor. Daly rubbed at an arm, thought he saw a strange, subtle bump under his flesh and stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Everyone, pipe down and let\u2019s draw lots who\u2019s getting into Geneva next. Last person picked, we\u2019ll give them a mercy by letting them set themselves on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n The others clustered around. Tofte moaned.<\/p>\n \u201cI hate<\/em> this continent. Why can\u2019t we take aquatic jobs with Luan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCrelers in the water, Tofte.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hate this world.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Luan jogged down to the harbor where his boat was in storage. He paid the [Harbormistress] his rental fee; he\u2019d already gotten a juicy delivery request. Gold, for an experimental scroll in Talenqual. He was going to drop off some of Geneva\u2019s pre-made cures in their doses at the same time.<\/p>\n He\u2019d meant what he said to Daly. Endless respect for his group. Enough that he didn\u2019t mind the hazing; he\u2019d had it done before in other groups. Plus\u2014they\u2019d failed.<\/p>\n He got into his boat, looking around for [Bounty Hunters]. But he\u2019d gotten sharp and no one had really noticed he was in the city as far as he could tell. The Bushrangers had arrived before dawn today and headed straight for the clinic.<\/p>\n Quickly, Luan got in the boat and began to, well, row. Two strokes and he was shooting past an incoming ship. The [Captain] of the low-riding cutter whistled as he saw the City Runner flash past.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that\u2019s<\/em> a fast boat! Who\u2019s that Sea Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLuan the Rower. Talenqual.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWrite him down\u2014are those enchanted oars?\u201d<\/p>\n Luan grinned as he passed out of earshot. Not enchanted. Just skill. Just practice. Just Earth technology and magic, making the boat and equipment light as\u2014if not lighter\u2014than the top-of-the-line stuff from his world.<\/p>\n And Skills. He skimmed out of the harbor, moving faster than any other craft, even those with magic wind in their sails. They waved at him, and the [Rower] raised one hand for a second, calling out.<\/p>\n He felt safer now. Once he had a head start, the [Bounty Hunters] usually gave up. Luan sighed as he left the jungle-swamps of Talenqual\u2019s land behind and headed into the rivers and sea. No less dangerous; there were giant crocodiles, sea monsters, sea-[Raiders], and yes, Crelers in the water.<\/p>\n But it beat leeches under your skin. He shuddered and checked his gear. Crossbow, a few artifacts\u2014a map, and so on. Luan began to row, using a magical compass as a guide, and mirrors to check around him.<\/p>\n However\u2026he never noticed the group trailing him. Because the second craft was invisible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2026And then Ryoka Griffin woke up.<\/p>\n She had been dreaming. Unhappy dreams, nightmares, amid the nonsensical ones. Of running. Of Ferin.<\/p>\n Of falling. Even in her dreams, she knew she had to make it. She was crawling along the ground, fighting for every inch of ground. And she knew not how far\u2014or how much longer.<\/p>\n She had to make it.<\/em><\/p>\n In her sleep, the young woman had been straining so hard the rest of the world seemed far off. She was reaching for the vial. Trying to lift it upwards. Only\u2014it wasn\u2019t Tyrion Veltras who reached for it. It was Mrsha.<\/p>\n Then Lyonette, face disapproving. Erin\u2014<\/p>\n Ivolethe.<\/p>\n A voice spoke, as Ryoka was fumbling with bloody fingers. Ferin was trying to capture it with a loop of wire. It didn\u2019t really make sense\u2014but she was knocking it aside as it sliced off her fingers with its sharpness, trying to pick up\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cPick up what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Someone asked. Ryoka had no answer. The voice was curious.<\/p>\n \u201cYou nearly died, didn\u2019t you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n That was definitely so. Ryoka\u2019s closed eyes flickered. In her dream, she saw Erin bending, smiling, asking her.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s time to wake up. You\u2019ve been sleeping too long.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She was awake. The voice disagreed. And after a second\u2014it sounded peeved.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI want to speak to you. Stop saying \u2018no\u2019. Wake up. I command you! We\u2019re nearly there. Stop dreaming!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSammy\u2014Jericha said she\u2019s healing. We should leave her alone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Another voice. Suddenly, the first was younger. The second older, but more hesitant. The first made a foot-stomping sound. He coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s going to miss her own party! Did you hear me? I said\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka had just found the vial. But it had turned into Ivolethe\u2019s statue again. She let it drop into the wind\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWake up!<\/strong>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n It was an order. A command, however young. The power of an aura. Ryoka\u2019s eyes\u2014<\/p>\n \u2014opened. She inhaled.<\/p>\n And woke up.<\/p>\n The two young [Lords] recoiled as the young woman sat up, her black hair flying about as she reached for the vial\u2014then a healing potion\u2014then\u2014<\/p>\n Sammial backed up a step. Hethon, his older brother, stared at Ryoka Griffin. The City Runner, his mysterious savior. The one who had brought the cure, who looked maybe Chandrarian or Drathian and had no background.<\/p>\n No levels.<\/p>\n She looked around, dazed. Then tried to leap forwards. Since she was lying under bed sheets in the inn, she tangled and spectacularly went over the footrest of the bed into a crashing heap.<\/p>\n \u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial breathed. He\u2019d never seen someone face plant like that. She had not failed to disappoint, and it was the first five seconds of her waking up.<\/p>\n \u201cWh\u2014where am I? What\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka looked around, dazed. Hethon tried to bow\u2014Sammial ran up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re awake! I knew it! Wait until I tell father what I did!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He was going to be in such<\/em> big trouble. Hethon saw the Wind Runner\u2019s eyes focus on him. She stared.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019re you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Hethon. This is Sammial.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy was trying to untangle Ryoka and only making it worse. She stared at the two of them.<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n The two young boys faltered.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u2026ones you saved? The ones you brought the cure for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n She\u2019d forgotten their names!<\/em> The young woman tried to hide it at once, but it was obvious. Hethon exchanged a look of dismay with his brother. And here they\u2019d been told she was a brave person who\u2019d come all this way for them! Certainly, father had insisted on the best [Healers] and even taken them all this way.<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2014Hethon and Sammial\u2026Veltras?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s mind started to focus on the facts. The two young [Lords] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Sammy. Sammy,<\/em> not Sammial. This is Hethon. My older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial added, to make sure she got it right. The young woman looked like she needed all the help she could get.<\/p>\n \u201cI made it? I did it! Did I? Oh, dead gods. What happened to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She lurched up\u2014fell down. Her legs and arms were weak from, well, nearly a week and a half of inactivity.<\/p>\n So many days had passed. She had no idea. Ryoka looked around, as if Hawk, Salamani, and Tritel and Ci were right behind her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe other Couriers. They were right with me when the [Assassins]\u2014Ferin\u2014what happened to them?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at them. Hethon blinked. Sammial wrinkled his forehead, as if missing a step that should have been there. There was no \u2018milord\u2019 or \u2018sire\u2019. But he answered, as if she were a peer of the realm.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u2014the Couriers fought bravely, Miss Griffin. House Veltras saw to them. They almost all survived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost?\u201d<\/p>\n Hethon wavered. Tactfulness in the face of death was not something the young boy had ever had to learn. Sammial\u2014didn\u2019t even try.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Moonlight Rider died. But his horse lived. He sacrificed himself for the horse. Everyone was talking about it. You nearly died too. You were shot by three <\/em>crossbow bolts. Jericha said that if one was an inch to the left, you\u2019d have never walked again.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka stared at him. Abruptly, she sat down. Hethon and Sammial realized she was in her undergarments and turned their backs instantly.<\/p>\n \u201cTritel\u2019s dead?\u201d<\/p>\n Hethon peeked over his shoulder. The Wind Runner\u2019s face was a sudden mask of grief. And\u2014it looked too familiar. Guilt and grief.<\/p>\n The worst was yet to come.<\/em> But neither one knew that.<\/p>\n \u201cTritel\u2014was anyone else\u2026? Hawk. Salamani? The [Witches]? My friends?\u201d<\/p>\n She turned to them, her eyes flickering as she realized they might not know. Sammial turned around, then turned back for her modesty.<\/p>\n \u201cAll safe. The Guild of Assassins tried to kill some of the others. Like your [Farmer] friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLupp?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She shouted his name. Hethon winced. Ryoka went up again\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry! House Veltras saved them! They protected everyone! <\/em>The Guild\u2019s strongholds are burning and father says he\u2019ll hunt down the Circle of Thorns\u2014those that haven\u2019t surrendered already.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial boldly informed Ryoka. She stared at the two [Lords]. Around the rather rich guest room of\u2026an inn? A shuttered glass window, the [Lords]\u2014Ryoka\u2019s mind began to piece more together.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been saved. I\u2019m somewhere in safety. Lupp is safe. Lupp was in danger?<\/em><\/p>\n Tritel\u2019s dead. I have to\u2014to\u2014how did Hawk even get there?<\/em><\/p>\n Ferin must be dead. Or\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n More thoughts occurred. Grief, guilt\u2014but sudden urgency, too. She had to get ready for the party! Tell Erin and Mrsha and the others she was alive! How long had she been out?<\/em> Ryoka looked around\u2014then stared at the two boys.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Why are your backs turned?\u201d<\/p>\n They were facing the other way. Hethon muttered, the tips of his ears flushed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re half-naked, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka looked at her undergarments.<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n She grabbed the blanket. Looked around for clothes; there were none to hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s my bag of holding? My gear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJericha has it. I\u2019ll get her.\u201d<\/p>\n Hethon marched towards the door. Ryoka blinked, swaying. She felt so\u2026weak! Well, she\u2019d been shot. Fallen out of the sky, run for days on end\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cMaviola? Saliss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoth fine. The Drake went home. Father says it\u2019s almost<\/em> a shame he didn\u2019t die since he\u2019s the enemy, but he\u2019s offering money for everyone who helped.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka relaxed a bit. Sammial peeked, seemed to decide the blanket had restored Ryoka\u2019s modesty, and turned about.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saved\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cSaved\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka heard the wheezing sound. Familiar\u2014she saw the young boy double over and reached out for him as he was struck by a fit of gasping coughs for air.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine! Don\u2019t touch me!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n He shoved away her hand. No\u2014his voice<\/em> had stopped her. Sammial inhaled, his cheeks flushed. Ryoka had heard a rattling cough in his lungs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe poison?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFather says I would have been worse if not for you. I have a [Healer] now they\u2019re not all cowards.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial panted for breath. Ryoka opened her mouth\u2014but he had decided it was his turn to ask questions.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saved me. Me and Hethon. Father will reward you for that. But I want to know why<\/em> you did it. Was it really for this party?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. I\u2014needed a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo it wasn\u2019t<\/em> for fame or money? That\u2019s what some people said.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial informed Ryoka with a child\u2019s bluntness. She shook her head, slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI just needed a favor. And\u2014it was the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n She felt embarrassed, saying it like that. Sammial stared at her. And like a child, he nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you were brave because it was for us? But you didn\u2019t even remember our names.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n Why was she talking to this kid? Ryoka looked around\u2014then decided to wait for clothes and \u2018Jericha\u2019. Sammial wrinkled his brow.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you have done it for anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo not just because we\u2019re important?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess? It wasn\u2019t purely altruistic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what that means. Explain it. And stop using complicated words!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked again. Was he\u2014was that an aura?<\/em> Or was she imagining stuff?<\/p>\n \u201cIt means\u2014\u2018doing good things for nothing\u2019. I did want something from your father. Where is he? Where am I?\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial ignored the question. He stared at Ryoka, looking at her.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you brought the cure because you wanted a favor and<\/em> to do the right thing? Do you want gold?\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019re offering, I\u2019ll take it. <\/em>Ryoka half-shrugged. Sammial tilted his head.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you lying? I don\u2019t feel<\/em> you\u2019re lying. I can tell, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not. I did it because it was the right thing to do and because I needed a favor only your father could help me with.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka half-rose. At least to look out the window.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you help father because you\u2019re a slut?\u201d<\/p>\n The Wind Runner paused, one hand on the windowsill.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026What?\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial was looking at her innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what the other City Runner called you. She said you did this only to seduce father. And that you got all the other people killed because you were a selfish, greedy bitch. That\u2019s what she said. Then Jericha hit her and tossed her out. I got to watch the guard kick her out. She kept coming back so they had to drub her. She was nasty.\u201d<\/p>\n He said that with some satisfaction. Ryoka\u2019s mouth moved.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich City Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Purse-a?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPersua?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep. She had the cure, but she was late. Father told Jericha to offer her some money, but she threw a fit and called you all kinds of names. What\u2019s a slut? No one will tell me, even Hethon. Because he doesn\u2019t know either.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s mouth opened and closed. Persua had been here with the cure? How uncharacteristically brave. And\u2014thrown out and beaten?<\/p>\n Well\u2026even in the darkest night, there was a silver lining indeed. Ryoka shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not a\u2014don\u2019t use that word.\u201d<\/p>\n She almost smiled at the thought of Persua mouthing off and\u2014dead gods, why didn\u2019t I wake up for <\/em>that? Then Ryoka was reminded of something.<\/p>\n Whore. <\/em>Only, it wasn\u2019t someone calling Ryoka<\/em> that. It was something the fae had once said to Ceria\u2026<\/p>\n The fae. The party.<\/em> Ryoka\u2019s smile vanished.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go. Thank you for telling me, er\u2014Sammy. Is your father\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n She strode for the door, adjusting the blanket so it wouldn\u2019t reveal anything. The boy blocked the door.<\/p>\n \u201cStop! I didn\u2019t give you permission to leave! I have more questions! Can you control the wind? You cannot leave a [Lord]\u2019s presence without my permission!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt someone tug<\/em> on her shoulders and legs invisibly. She looked back at Sammial. He was scowling at her with regal displeasure.<\/p>\n What a little brat.<\/em> Ryoka was reminded of herself. She shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, kid. I\u2019ve got to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will stay! I command it!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka walked to the door, opened it a crack, and looked outside. Sammial stared at her back, open-mouthed.<\/p>\n \u201cI said\u2014why isn\u2019t it working?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. But I have to know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Wind Runner swung the door all the way out and stepped through it. Then she saw a woman\u2014a [Mage]?\u2014striding up the stairs behind the second, older boy. Hethon Veltras and Jericha stared at Ryoka. Ryoka blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Um. Hello?\u201d<\/p>\n The aide to Tyrion Veltras looked Ryoka up and down, mildly shocked. She saw Sammial stomping his foot behind her. Ryoka looked at Jericha. The woman gazed at Ryoka, then at her slipping blanket. She offered Ryoka a change of clothes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are awake, Miss Griffin. Just in time. Lord Sammial, Lord Hethon, please exit the room and allow Miss Ryoka Griffin time to change. I shall inform Lord Veltras at once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka took the clothes. Sammial reluctantly left the room. Hethon stared at his mysterious savior. Jericha closed the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A minute later, Ryoka was just buttoning the shirt as the door opened. She was glad that whomever had chosen the clothes\u2014Jericha?\u2014hadn\u2019t chosen the most restrictive clothing.<\/p>\n Probably because she was a Runner.<\/p>\n The woman entered before Ryoka. The City Runner turned from the full-body mirror. She had been checking herself. Seen the scars where the crossbow bolts had gone through her. She had one just to the left of her belly button and down, mirrored on her back.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t matter. And it did, a tiny bit. She\u2019d worry about it later.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m er\u2014sorry. I wasn\u2019t thinking and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n After she\u2019d been given more time to think, Ryoka felt like she might have made a poor impression greeting Jericha half-naked like that. But the woman just bowed slightly as she shut the door.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Hethon and Lord Sammial are eager to speak with you, Miss Ryoka Griffin. Lord Veltras had been on his morning ride, but he will doubtless be impatient to do the same. I have had a breakfast set for you\u2014and I would like to speak before you descend.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Ryoka, with that courteous impassiveness of Magnolia\u2019s maids, servants like Reynold. But there was something behind her gaze. A number of things, chief of which was appraisal. And other emotions.<\/p>\n If Ryoka could have read them\u2014it would have been curiosity. And sympathy.<\/p>\n The Wind Runner could not. She only felt uneasy.<\/p>\n \u201cI uh, didn\u2019t mean to expose myself\u2014not that I did\u2014to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLord Sammial is impetuous. He should not have tried to wake you with his aura. It could have gone wrong, but your timing was impeccable, Miss Griffin. Lord Veltras might have attempted to do the same himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Good?\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha nodded. She studied Ryoka again. Then she bowed, crisply.<\/p>\n \u201cForgive me, I have not introduced myself. I am Lord Tyrion\u2019s personal aide-de-camp <\/em>and bodyguard. Jericha Synthel of House Veltras, [High Mage] and [Noble Aide]. I, and House Veltras, are in your debt, Miss Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n The Wind Runner stared.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014I\u2019m Ryoka. Ryoka Griffin. Um, Wind Runner of Reizmelt. Er\u2014[Wind Runner].\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha\u2019s brows rose smoothly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not, Miss Griffin. Forgive me. We took off your artifacts for magical healing. Nor are you of Reizmelt. Or Izril.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman hesitated. Oh shit.<\/em> Jericha went on.<\/p>\n \u201cRest assured, Lord Veltras is purely grateful. It is my duty and that of House Veltras\u2019 staff to look into such matters. Your friends, as Lords Hethon and Sammial might have informed you, are safe\u2026from the Guild of Assassins and Circle of Thorns.\u201d<\/p>\n Her gaze flickered. Ryoka saw it, but she was too busy being flustered.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. Truly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the least we can do. The Circle will be eradicated. The Guild of Assassins will pay.\u201d<\/p>\n A dark flash across Jericha\u2019s eyes. Ryoka gulped. Not someone to anger. She\u2019d already noticed enchanted armor and the wand. Ryoka cast around for something to say.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m grateful, truly. I don\u2019t mean to be rude\u2014but I\u2019d like my friends to know I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe kept them apprised of your condition. I shall assist you in expediting news of your recovery. Similarly, we have treated all those who participated in the delivery that we could find. Recompense is being paid for all incurred expenses\u2014with the exception of the Drake, whom I understand had an outstanding bill of astonishing magnitude. However, Lord Veltras will fairly reward all those who came to his aid.\u201d<\/p>\n Oh. They really were <\/em>grateful. Ryoka blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cT-thank you. You\u2019ve done everything. I\u2014how long have I been out?\u201d<\/p>\n Another look. Jericha exhaled.<\/p>\n \u201cA week and a half, nearly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA week and a\u2014<\/em>oh no!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka jerked. That was practically\u2014she whirled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2019ve\u2014I\u2019ve failed! I was going to ask\u2014maybe there\u2019s still time. I need a favor! I know this is wrong, and Lord Veltras is a [Lord] of the Five Families, but when he arrives, do you think\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014There\u2019s this party. And I need one of the\u2014three<\/em> of the Five Families to attend! Is it the Summer Solstice?\u201d<\/p>\n They were too far away. <\/em>Ryoka began to hyperventilate. Jericha spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka looked at her. Jericha had a mildly exasperated look on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you would allow me to finish\u2014Lord Veltras received your request. He assented. He will attend this gathering with the [Emperor] of Riverfarm on the Summer Solstice. Which is today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re\u2014too far.\u201d<\/p>\n It was all the way back near Invrisil. Ryoka wanted to run. But her legs were jelly. She wanted to scream. All her plans!<\/em> And she\u2019d gotten\u2014<\/p>\n Wait. Maviola. Magnolia? Tyrion? It was three! But they were so far away! Jericha pinched the bridge of her nose. She had spectacles.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin. Please, listen.<\/em> The Summer Solstice is today. Lord Tyrion Veltras received your wish to attend the party. Your waking was the only complication. However\u2014you are in an inn less than forty miles from Riverfarm. We have been transporting you as you slept to arrive at the party in time.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner\u2019s head turned. Jericha gave her a small smile.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Oh.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s heart was still beating wildly. But that\u2014oh.<\/p>\n It was almost like other people could arrange things and keep to a schedule. It was almost like they were better than Ryoka at it. And it was also<\/em> almost like she had decided to embarrass herself on purpose. But Ryoka didn\u2019t need to work at it to be a master in her field. It was sheer, natural talent.<\/p>\n Noise from outside. Horses\u2014Ryoka heard the din of a large number of them. Jericha glanced out the window.<\/p>\n \u201cLord Veltras has arrived. He will speak to you at breakfast; it is very early morning, you see. We should arrive within the hour at Riverfarm, after a short breakfast. However, I wish to\u2026apprise you of a few details, Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n Something was off about that statement. But Ryoka saw the last flicker in the professional fa\u00e7ade. Everything had been going so well\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n The [High Mage] took a breath. And she looked uncomfortable for the first time. No\u2014she had been from the beginning.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026The party aside, issues of decorum, Lord Veltras\u2019 safety and what you wished\u2026no. No. Miss Griffin. You may wish to sit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it Tritel and Ci? I\u2014I know. Did anyone else\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt a sudden fear gripping her heart. Jericha just shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNot on the delivery. Sit down, Miss Griffin. I received a missive for when you woke up nearly a week ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? What does it say?\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha produced a folded piece of paper. Ryoka unfolded it with shaking fingers. She noted the sender as she unfolded it.<\/p>\n The Wandering Inn, Liscor. <\/em>From Erin? But the way\u2014had something happened? [Assassins]? She looked up, searching Jericha\u2019s face for anything.<\/p>\n \u201cI have read the [Message] myself. Please\u2014Miss Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha cleared her throat. Ryoka read. Her eyes skimmed\u2014stuck. Went back up. Focused on a word.<\/p>\n The [Aide] stood there. Below, Hethon and Sammial ran as their [Bodyguards] kept everyone<\/em> back in the screened inn to tell their father that Ryoka was awake!<\/em> Lord Tyrion nodded as he dismounted. But he did not ascend yet. Jericha had told him too. And he did not know her.<\/p>\n But he understood.<\/p>\n Silence in the room. A minute. Two. Ryoka\u2019s eyes were flickering down the page. Going back up. Reading again. The rest of her didn\u2019t move. After four minutes, Jericha felt moved to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2014were unable to send aid to the inn. You see, it is not part of the north. We believed it was secure. We did<\/em> have agents in Celum and Liscor watching the door. But it was\u2014a Drake city.\u201d<\/p>\n Hectval.<\/em> An accident. A petty little raid.<\/p>\n Ryoka read down the letter Lyonette had sent to her. Up again.<\/p>\n The [Princess] wrote it out. Not just Erin. But Maviola. In shaking words. Jericha had made this copy. There was no way for Ryoka to know how many tears had stained the page that Lyonette had written.<\/p>\n She was almost the last to know. The others had been told. A week ago\u2014<\/p>\n The Slayer had listened to the screaming as he checked his swords. Just sat there, tending to the blades, saying nothing. Only the Queens asked what was <\/em>wrong. And he had no words for them.<\/em><\/p>\n The [Emperor] sat on his throne, covering his face with one hand. Wondering what would happen. Halrac was missing. Cade was crying\u2014so was Revi. Typhenous just gripped his beard, so hard his hand turned white.<\/em><\/p>\n Yvlon kept Ksmvr company. Ceria had just passed out. Drinking. Pisces had left. He had been shaking. Refusing to say anything until he was out of sight. Out of hearing. Tears still ran down Ceria\u2019s cheeks. Frozen water. Somewhere, the [Necromancer] begged for help. Voice shaking, eyes overflowing with liquid. And yet\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n \u2014Among many. The words struck Ryoka again. Just\u2026printed words.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Erin is dead.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lyonette clarified it. But\u2014that was how she said it. Not \u2018neither dead nor alive\u2019. Not more hopeful words. Because those said that she would<\/em> recover. And the truth was that even the [Doctor] didn\u2019t know how. And\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ilvriss is trying to find a potion or artifact. Saliss has made what he thinks is an antidote. Everyone is looking for a way to revive her.<\/em><\/p>\n But no one knows what to do. Ryoka. If you read this before the party, please, respond. <\/em><\/p>\n Do something if you can.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ryoka read again. She saw it, clear as if the [Princess] had sent a picture. More than a superior healing potion. More than just poison.<\/p>\n More than a mortal wound.<\/em> Bring her back. After her body was frozen. After she was\u2014<\/p>\n Impossible. Ryoka knew half of what Geneva did. A quarter. And she knew no science from her world would save Erin.<\/p>\n Even a Wall Lord\u2019s treasury had nothing immediate. Ryoka thought all this. Then she read again.<\/p>\n And again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Erin is dead.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jericha waited six minutes. Then eight. After nine, she counted down the next minute in her head. On ten minutes exactly, she cleared her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka Griffin?\u201d<\/p>\n The Wind Runner said nothing. She was not\u2026crying. Jericha slightly bent to make sure of that. She looked at Ryoka. But the young woman looked\u2014the [Aide] hesitated. And then reached out to touch Ryoka\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n In the inn, below, Tyrion was waiting at the breakfast table being served personally by the [Innkeeper]. In the light of things, it was probably not<\/em> the place to be. But there wasn\u2019t exactly another place large enough to accommodate his escort.<\/p>\n \u201cFather! Father, come on\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial was trying to drag his father out of his seat, not wanting to wait.<\/p>\n \u201cSit down<\/em>, Sammial. We will wait for Jericha to summon Miss Griffin. A [Lord]\u2014a man does not simply walk into<\/em> a lady\u2019s room\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He was turning to admonish his son as Hethon reached for a crusty piece of fluffy<\/em> bread made with \u2018baked soda\u2019.<\/p>\n A scream tore through the inn. Hethon\u2019s hand jerked. Tyrion stood in a moment, hand on his sword. He halted the bodyguards as they surged for the stairs.<\/p>\n It was a female voice. Ryoka\u2019s? Hethon stared at his father. Tyrion looked towards the stairs. He waited.<\/p>\n No second scream. No more sound. He waited\u2014then nodded to one of the female [Bodyguards]. She ascended the stairs, and came down in less than twenty seconds. She gave Lord Tyrion a nod.<\/p>\n The two boys had no idea what the nod meant. Tyrion did. He sat back down. He did not reach for the bread. The [Innkeeper] stared upwards. The [Lord] simply waited.<\/p>\n After ten minutes, Ryoka Griffin went downstairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was the sixth worst breakfast Hethon and Sammial had ever sat through. They were bouncing with questions. One comment from Jericha made them realize this was not the time.<\/em><\/p>\n Lord Tyrion had bowed to Ryoka. In his way, he had asked if she wished food, or to be underway. Ryoka had greeted him, sat down.<\/p>\n She\u2019d eaten breakfast. It had garlic in it and Hethon liked it a lot<\/em>. It was as puffy as some of the best [Baker]\u2019s bread and there was a fine repast.<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin said nothing. Or rather\u2014she responded mechanically. Lord Tyrion only buttered his roll. Ate with efficiency as Sammial babbled questions that Jericha kept shushing.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is so tasty. Why is it so puffy? What\u2019s baked soda got to do with it? What\u2019s soda? What\u2019s a sl\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Hethon kicked his brother under the table. Sammial kicked back and forgot his question. Jericha went into the kitchen; she did not sit to dine, obviously. Ryoka was a rare exception. Although, Tyrion had<\/em> made sure his bodyguards were eating in shifts. The female [Bodyguard] was surreptitiously chewing on her own fresh, hot garlic bread.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s \u2018baking soda\u2019, Lord Sammial. Some alchemical invention you use in food. Very safe. We had it tested of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaturally, Jericha. Inquire about the manufacture.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Lord Veltras. Already done. I believe it is already being sold by [Alchemists] in major cities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlchemists made this? But healing potions taste bad.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial was impressed. Hethon stared at Ryoka. He couldn\u2019t help but remember the scars from the crossbow bolts. She was also very pretty. Of course\u2014so was Jericha. And many of the [Ladies]\u2014and his mother. But different.<\/p>\n Her face was so blank, though. He wanted to ask who<\/em> had died. Jericha had only said that it was Miss Griffin\u2019s friend and obviously, don\u2019t<\/em> bring it up.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Quite. If it produces this quality of bread, I imagine every [Baker] will see a demand for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion\u2019s voice was as stiff as his back. He was slightly uncomfortable in his sons\u2019 presence. They did not often breakfast together; the sons rarely waking up as soon as their father. But Lord Tyrion had not missed a meal, not been out of his sons\u2019 presence for more than an hour since their recovery.<\/p>\n Hethon was all better\u2014he wished they\u2019d stop treating him like he was glass. But Sammial\u2019s cough had come back. And it wouldn\u2019t go away. Sometimes he couldn\u2019t breathe\u2014so the [Healer] was here and\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026made it.\u201d<\/p>\n The young [Lord]\u2014all three of them looked around. Ryoka Griffin stared at the roll.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, Miss Ryoka?\u201d<\/p>\n Lord Tyrion spoke, very graciously giving her a lot of deference and not asking she use his noble title. Hethon hadn\u2019t seen him do that with anyone<\/em> before. Ryoka muttered again.<\/p>\n \u201cMy friend made it. Baking soda.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour friend?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn [Alchemist] made it for us. Another friend. But my friend asked her to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy \u2018friend\u2019, Miss Griffin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha had looked over sharply. With keen interest. Lord Tyrion\u2019s eyes flickered. The Wind Runner whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cThe one who died.\u201d<\/p>\n Fifth worst meal ever. Hethon stopped eating the bread and decided to have some sausage instead. Sammial opened his mouth to ask a question and his father looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin. If you would like to rest\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go to the party.\u201d<\/p>\n Hethon wondered if she was ready for the party.<\/em> Certainly, even Tyrion looked slightly confused. But he nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAt once, then. Two minutes, Hethon, Sammial.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you would like a tonic, Miss Ryoka\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha murmured discretely. Ryoka looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Certainly\u2014there were no tears. She was not weeping, or shouting or\u2026<\/p>\n Hethon knew mourning. He had seen it after his mother died. He had seen grief.<\/em> Ryoka Griffin just looked blank. Of course, he had seen that too. But he had expected more after that\u2014scream. So filled with anguish.<\/p>\n The sun was shining brightly, just rising in the early morning. It had yet to rise over Liscor, where the High Passes blocked the sun. But it was bright enough here. It had been a glorious summer day. The longest day of the year, skies blue, warm\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cLord Veltras! We may be under attack! It began just\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Hethon saw a shield blowing past his face. A man was actually flung off<\/em> his feet by the gale-force winds howling around the inn. The young [Lord] looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Wind Runner.<\/em><\/p>\n Ryoka started as she saw the howling gale. The inn had been so well-made\u2014and perhaps the Skills of this [Innkeeper] so good, she hadn\u2019t heard the shouting or felt the wind blowing. She looked out.<\/p>\n The gusts of air and screaming breeze stopped. The escort of three-dozen of House Veltras\u2019 finest stopped sheltering and looked at her.<\/p>\n Two of the carriages had been blown over. The wind had destroyed part of the stables\u2014everything around the inn for thirty feet had been ravaged. Nothing past that.<\/p>\n Sammial and Hethon stared as Ryoka began to apologize. Lord Tyrion just shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cPay for the damages, Jericha. Inspect the carriages\u2019 axles. Hitch up the horses. We ride for Riverfarm. I intend to get there within the hour.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And so they did. It was hardly as if Sammial and Hethon were unused to travel in general, or this; they\u2019d been moving for the last five days. It was easier with Ryoka not lying in the spare carriage; they could all sit in one.<\/p>\n Another impropriety in the normally perfect delineation between noble and commoner. Neither son complained, though. Normally only Jericha or Ullim would ever ride inside the carriage.<\/p>\n Both boys kept staring at Ryoka as they rode. Gone was the howling wind; now, a strong breeze gave the horses relief as they carried the carriage forwards. If anything, they were amused by how she<\/em> reacted to their mode of travel.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get to Riverfarm, forty miles away so soon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Griffin. There are ways of travelling that far that quickly, magical teleportation aside.\u201d<\/p>\n If Jericha was expecting Ryoka to blink at that, the City Runner nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I\u2019ve seen Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s carriage and\u2026other vehicles that move that fast. But this doesn\u2019t look like that level of enchanted carriage.\u201d<\/p>\n Apparently the Wind Runner had flown<\/em> on her last stage of her trip! Through the typhoon!<\/em> Hethon wanted to ask\u2014again, not the time.<\/p>\n At \u2018other vehicles\u2019, Jericha did the peering thing she did with the spectacles that Hethon liked, but Ryoka was too distracted to notice.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. However\u2014that will not be necessary. Lord Veltras, the carriage is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well, Jericha. Ride with Miss Ryoka and my sons. Hethon. Sammial. You are to give Miss Griffin peace.\u201d<\/p>\n That was an odd statement to Ryoka\u2014until she realized something.<\/p>\n They\u2019d attached the carriage to Lord Tyrion\u2019s horse.<\/em> She stared as the man rode, on a unique contraption.<\/p>\n \u201cYou see\u2014Lord Veltras is a superior rider. By this means, we can easily reach Riverfarm within the hour. It is an honor few are granted.\u201d<\/p>\n To make a [Lord] into, well, a [Driver]! Hethon hadn\u2019t understood until now why they normally rode in a regular carriage. Sammial bounced up and down. He loved<\/em> the sensation of speed.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it can go forty miles an hour? What about eighty?\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion\u2019s head turned back to Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026I can reach that speed. In a carriage it would be difficult. That will not be necessary today, I believe. Nor will I attempt it, Sammial.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are those who believe such speeds will inevitably destroy vehicles, unless they are relic-class, Lords Hethon, Sammial.\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha adopted her lecturing tone of voice; she often supplemented their [Tutors]. Ryoka made a sound. Hethon glanced at her. She just looked out the window as if it were normal to see the ground blur<\/em> so.<\/p>\n Another clue. If Ryoka Griffin\u2019s mind was like static. If the world were turned upside down.<\/p>\n If Erin was dead\u2026she was taking it pretty well. Look how well she was taking it. Ryoka hadn\u2019t tossed herself in front of the carriage. Or stabbed herself with the butter knife. She\u2019d blown the winds by accident.<\/p>\n She was perfectly. Calm.<\/p>\n Tyrion Veltras, riding with his escort around him, boosted by his Skills, watched as, beyond him, the wind snapped<\/em> the branches of the trees of a nearby forest. He forbade comment.<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin sat there, listening to Sammial asking if he could try a flying carpet\u2014how fast did they<\/em> go? And so on. She was just\u2014<\/p>\n Relaxed. Amazed at how steady she was. Because she would not panic. She would not weep.<\/p>\n Not now.<\/p>\n The Summer Solstice.<\/em> Ivolethe.<\/em> All Ryoka Griffin had to do was\u2014<\/p>\n Bring.<\/em><\/p>\n Erin.<\/em><\/p>\n Back.<\/em><\/p>\n If she failed, she could break into pieces. Teriarch. She had to talk to Teriarch! Maybe he\u2019d be there. He had promised. Surely. He had mended her heart.<\/em> What was a frozen body to a Dragon? No, wait, he definitely had some grand healing artifact. She\u2019d trade anything he wanted for it. Anything in the world. Surely\u2026<\/p>\n What if it failed? Maviola wasn\u2019t there. And Magnolia\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n If she failed\u2014if\u2014<\/p>\n Erin was dead.<\/em><\/p>\n Calm. Ryoka inhaled.<\/p>\n It was a long ride, for how short it was. In time, Jericha saw fit to press Ryoka. Gently. But she had to. She let Hethon and Sammial fight over the Box of Wonders where they were conjuring armies to fight each other.<\/p>\n \u201cNo fair. You can\u2019t use [Knights]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSays who? Stop using [Mages], then, Sammy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka. I feel at this moment I must clarify some matters with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Jericha spoke. Sammial and Hethon glanced up, listening covertly. Ryoka started.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine. What? Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n The [High Mage] gave Ryoka a moment. But she was insistent.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ryoka. Lord Veltras considers his debt to you a matter of honor. Few occasions would ever merit his attendance on such short notice. Let alone unasked, with his sons recently recovered\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re fine,<\/em> Jericha.\u201d<\/p>\n Sammial belied that by coughing. The [Aide] dipped her head, but she looked back at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand this is a huge honor. Thank you. I cannot be more grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka looked like she was speaking through a numb face. Jericha nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014And Lord Veltras has met with\u2026Emperor Godart. However, as his aide, I would like to know what this party\u2026is. As well as any possible dangers to Lord Veltras. We have been receiving [Messages] from a Lady Rie Valerund instructing us of a number of oddities. I understand there will be guests of the \u2018Unseen Empire\u2019. Strange guests indeed. Moreover\u2014there will be danger. Lord Hethon and Lord Sammial will not be endangered.\u201d<\/p>\n It was not a question. Ryoka jerked, glanced up. Jericha adjusted her glasses, looking at Ryoka again. The young woman hadn\u2019t changed into her clothes or equipped her artifacts. Even then\u2014the spectacles were enchanted with a number of powerful spells.<\/p>\n It was true what Jericha saw, or else Ryoka Griffin was at least<\/em> Level 40 or had some kind of magical artifact of a relic-tier embedded into her body. Well, with how much the [Healer] had pulled out of her stomach, Jericha doubted that.<\/p>\n Even so. Oddity beyond<\/em> oddity. Lord Tyrion was listening in via speaking stone, over the rush of wind from outside the carriage as he rode.<\/p>\n He had not cared. Debt was debt. But the more Jericha had investigated\u2014first as a rote matter, and to protect Miss Griffin\u2019s associates, the more curious both had become.<\/p>\n She. Had. No. Levels.<\/em><\/p>\n Not classes. Not Skills. Tyrion had first assumed she was some kind of expert [Rogue], but Jericha had found nothing even after upgrading the [Appraisal] spell.<\/p>\n Similarly\u2014no one knew Ryoka Griffin. Oh, Celum did. Invrisil. Liscor. But no one knew where she had come from before Celum. No one had any identity of her family, her past\u2014<\/p>\n Jericha had searched her possessions and found nothing extremely<\/em> unique. But the fact remained that the Five Families would normally be able to identify most common people\u2019s roots down to when they\u2019d first developed baby teeth.<\/p>\n The levels were one thing. The fact that she commanded the wind without, extraordinary. But not unheard of! That would have been enough to interest Tyrion. But there was her connection with the [Emperor]. The inn.<\/p>\n She had woken the Archmage of Izril. She had delivered to the High Passes, to a Grand Magus thought long dead. She had run the Bloodfields.<\/p>\n And she carried a bag of holding of such superlative quality that Tyrion had considered it would have upgraded his personal gear if he\u2019d replaced his with it.<\/p>\n Of course, a lot of this was explainable. Tyrion was no fool. Ryoka was obviously the beneficiary of patronage from Grand Magus Eldavin. She had earned it through bravery, as he himself had witnessed. She had attracted Magnolia Reinhart\u2019s attention, though, and that he could not readily explain. Perhaps Magnolia was headhunting, but she had taken an unusual interest in Ryoka.<\/p>\n Now, he listened as Ryoka replied to Jericha.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is\u2026danger. I\u2019m sorry. I would have said as much. The kids\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am Lord Sammial Veltras! Not a k\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Muffled, Jericha soothing Sammial\u2019s wounded pride. Ryoka went on.<\/p>\n \u201cThe kids should not go to the\u2026full party.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo the missive indicates. Will they be safe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the guests, yes. They would be anyways. They don\u2019t hurt children.\u201d<\/p>\n The guests?<\/em> Lord Tyrion checked his equipment. He had brought the Aegis of Veltras, the personal shield his family carried, as well as his personal dueling sword and lances. He had his armor on. And his guard could have slain a hundred [Assassins] in open combat by themselves.<\/p>\n But he feared [Assassins] and poison, which he realized he had few defenses against. Jericha pressed Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat guests are these?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re\u2026strange folk. I can\u2019t explain fully.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid you must<\/em>, Miss Griffin. Lord Veltras will not allow his sons to be placed in more danger. Nor he himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey behave\u2014differently. Listen. There are rules. Don\u2019t promise them anything. Don\u2019t agree to anything. Be respectful\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDjinni rules? Are these djinni?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. But that\u2019s a good way of thinking of them. Djinni that you cannot<\/em> offend. Just as powerful, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyrion shifted in his saddle. And the mystery deepened.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand there will both be [Witches] and Goblins, albeit kept safely under guard. Both of which are\u2026unusual?\u201d<\/p>\n To understate things. Ryoka started.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Them. Yes. They should be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to see a Goblin!<\/em> Why don\u2019t we kill them, Jericha? They\u2019re Goblins.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Sammy again. Lord Tyrion listened with impatience, but the ethics of Emperor Laken\u2019s personal choice regarding Goblins distracted the conversation for twenty whole minutes. And they were already moving into Riverfarm by the time they got back on track. And in that time\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c