The Great Plains of Izril, as they were called, were central to the southern half of Izril. A vast, wide, rolling landscape suitable for grazing flocks, fed by rivers\u2014lush, in short. A plentiful land if you knew how to live in it.<\/p>\n
Harsh for those who did not. The lack of fruitful forests and vegetation en-masse would repel Lizardfolk, who had long used all the wonders of Baleros\u2019 forests to be tools, medicine, building material, and more.<\/p>\n
By the same token, nomads of Chandrar used to Zeikhal, the Great Desert (there was a pattern in naming conventions), would see an abundance of potential, in the water alone.<\/p>\n
Drakes hated it. They built cities, defensible strongholds, out of stone and wood if they had to. It was one reason why they had not colonized this vast area.<\/p>\n
The second reason was that it was not theirs. The second name for this stretch of lands was the Gnoll Plains. Because the many tribes of Izril refused to give up this last place that was entirely theirs.<\/p>\n
Many tribes moved across Izril of course. They mingled with the Drake cities, made their livings in places where the land was not fully claimed by the walls of their sometimes-enemies. But they had slowly been forced out of many places they used to call home. In the past\u2014they had known more plains, in north and<\/em> south. No longer. Humans claimed that now.<\/p>\n And here was the truth many people forgot: the Plains Gnolls and City Gnolls that divided their species up broadly into two categories was a lie. Or a falsehood that had slowly become the new truth.<\/p>\n Once, there had been more. Gnolls of the forest. Gnolls who lived in the mountains. Gnolls of sea and yes\u2014even those who were more at home underground. But their homeland had dwindled to a fifth of its size with the Human occupation of the north and Drake cities.<\/p>\n Small wonder some Gnolls called this the Waning World, the era of decay. And yet\u2014five times a century, every twenty years, the tribes gathered.<\/p>\n The Meeting of the Tribes. While everything faded, they still came together. From as far as it took. To remember the past.<\/p>\n They were not gone yet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hundreds of tribes had made their journey into the heart of the Gnoll plains. Small\u2014only a hundred at most\u2014or large, passing a hundred thousand or even more, coming together in full strength at last.<\/p>\n Not all Gnolls; some sent representatives, not their full number. But here was Gnoll strength.<\/em> The Az\u2019muzarre tribe guarded the Meeting of Tribes, their descendants bearing Dragon-arms. And more tribes of similar power, old and new, were gathering.<\/p>\n Steelfur, who had created the Steelcloth armors so prized, superior to chainmail for their lightness and flexibility.<\/p>\n Gaarh Marsh, whose great protector, the Earth Elemental, had destroyed the walls of Drake cities.<\/p>\n Ekhtouch, paragons of their kind, known for their superior displays of physical ability\u2026and superior attitudes.<\/p>\n Plain\u2019s Eye tribe, one of the vastest, with many smaller or related clans, who trained the [Shamans] that held the magic of Gnoll-kind.<\/p>\n Weatherfur, who produced mighty leaders, a [General] of Pallass, and commanded the rains themselves.<\/p>\n The Ruinstrider Tribe, who had been a small, scavenging tribe until one of their own acquired a Relic-class artifact, and became a Named Adventurer.<\/p>\n Woven Bladegrass, who had engaged in multiple victorious campaigns against the Drakes.<\/p>\n And more. They were all gathering, meeting, exchanging ideas and of course\u2014gifts.<\/em> For the Meeting of Tribes would see each Gnoll tribe present something to be shared by all. During this time as summer ended, they would all benefit, and a tribe\u2019s status would fall or rise depending on their actions here.<\/p>\n A small tribe might ally with a large one, or make beneficial marriages, acquire gifts or insights\u2014or a large one be humbled as other tribes passed judgment.<\/p>\n This was the event that had begun four days ago. Let all Gnolls who remembered tribe and tradition gather! They had all arrived by the Summer Solstice, the countless Gnolls moving by foot or vehicle or mount.<\/p>\n \u2026Except for the band of Gnolls riding quickly into the Great Plains. They were a group of about five dozen Gnolls, two thirds mounted, the rest jogging along the riders and pack horses.<\/p>\n They were late. Late!<\/em> Their leader, a female Gnoll, was kicking herself\u2014and the others. Mostly with verbal tongue-lashings. The Gnolls set a dogged pace, but without movement Skills they\u2019d only now<\/em> arrived, and they had further to go to get to the Meeting of Tribes in the center of the plains!<\/p>\n \u201cWe must be the only group of Gnolls so slow! Move up!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia Silverfang shouted at the group of five-dozen. It wasn\u2019t even a large<\/em> group. She had thought to take as many as three hundred, but decided there was no need for that amount of cost. Smaller moved faster, anyways, and they were rejoining their tribe. The Silverfang Tribe, known for wealth as they were canny [Traders] and, well, silver from mines of old.<\/p>\n However, this group from Liscor, where part of their tribe had gone to settle and work ten years ago? Laaaate.<\/p>\n They had been delayed on the road. They had<\/em> been making perfect time to arrive by the Summer Solstice or even before. But something had halted their progress on the road.<\/p>\n News from their home\u2014Liscor. They were not Plains Gnolls, not really, anymore. They were used to the city. And from their city had come terrible tidings.<\/p>\n Erin Solstice. They had stopped a day\u2014then another\u2014to learn what had happened. To mourn\u2014even debate going back.<\/em> Eventually, after conferring, Krshia had decided to go on.<\/p>\n She could not help Erin Solstice in Liscor.<\/em> But perhaps at the Meeting of Tribes\u2026<\/p>\n It still slowed their steps. It made what should have been a joyous, excited group yearning to see their kin again after a decade\u2019s absence silent, depressed. Clearly, it was all Erin\u2019s fault for getting killed.<\/p>\n Or\u2026not killed? A Gnoll panting after having jogged for three miles mounted the horse he\u2019d been letting relax. He sat in the saddle, drooping, as the animal harrumphed<\/em> at the new weight on its back. Tkrn leaned against it.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t know exactly what had happened. It was hard for the Gnolls to even explain. Krshia had tried\u2014Erin was in a kind of stasis? Not dead, but unable to be revived and healed. Frozen?<\/p>\n Why would that stop her from dying? Tkrn didn\u2019t know. It sounded\u2026stupid. Even if someone had explained it to him fully, the idea of cryogenics was not something Tkrn would have accepted at face value.<\/p>\n To him\u2014Erin was gone, barring some great miracle. And he sniffed<\/em> into the horse\u2019s mane.<\/p>\n They were all much the same. Krshia, for all she snapped, didn\u2019t push the Gnolls of Liscor. Tkrn looked ahead at the front of the group.<\/p>\n There was Raekea and her husband, Jekss, a Drake. There was Beilmark, sans family, riding with a grim expression. She was Senior Guardswoman\u2014and ahead of her Krshia herself, talking with one of the best [Potters] in Liscor, Heriml.<\/p>\n Many of the Gnolls riding in this group could be called that. Best [Smith], Raekea. Best [Guardswoman]\u2014Beilmark, and another Senior Guardsman Gnoll. Krshia, the unofficial leader of the Silverfangs and Gnolls in Liscor and Councilwoman of Liscor\u2026and so on.<\/p>\n And then there was Tkrn. [Guardsman]\u2014not Senior Guardsman. And unofficially, that Gnoll who had nearly been fired for letting a group of Drakes and Gnolls nearly kill a prisoner, Calruz, and looked the other way while they tortured him.<\/p>\n \u2026Fitting? Tkrn sat in his saddle. Erin aside, he didn\u2019t feel like he belonged. Of course, he knew he was security\u2014a good half of the non-important Gnolls were [Warriors], [Archers], [Hunters]\u2014those who could escort the group the long ways here from [Bandit] and monster attacks.<\/em><\/p>\n But why me? <\/em><\/p>\n It seemed to the young Gnoll that he was undeserving of the honor of representing the Silverfangs of Liscor. He had a black mark. In fact, he had a black page<\/em> in terms of how close he\u2019d come to disgrace.<\/p>\n Zevara had been on the edge of firing him for his conduct. Everyone else had been released from their duty as a member of Liscor\u2019s watch, without bonus or pension or so on. Tkrn had been allowed to stay\u2026<\/p>\n But he\u2019d been demoted back to a rookie guard\u2019s status, forced to work with the rookie patrols, and given unenvious assignments. He\u2019d debated quitting with all the hostility towards him\u2014but he\u2019d stayed.<\/p>\n What else would he do? He already had the class and\u2026it was what he knew. Fortunately, some of the Watch had at least talked to him, like the rookies. Jerci for instance\u2014a new Gnoll [Guard].<\/p>\n She<\/em> was riding with the group too, mainly because she had relatives in the Silverfang tribe and her mother, a high-level [Scribe], wanted her to meet them.<\/p>\n But Tkrn\u2026he urged his destrier forwards as the group slowed to cross a bridge moving over a long river. The ancient stone path funneled the group\u2014but he managed to slide ahead of the others.<\/p>\n \u201cAunt. May I have a word?\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn saw Krshia\u2019s head turn. She looked\u2026well, the same as ever. Tall\u2014Gnolls were tall, male and female, with no difference in heights, brown fur thick, her eyes sharp. She was an expert [Shopkeeper], a former Plains Gnoll who had come to the city to work, and now a [Councilwoman] of Liscor.<\/p>\n The younger [Guard] had always known his aunt\u2014twice removed\u2014to be a leader of the Gnolls, ever since he was small. He barely remembered being a Plains Gnoll\u2014he\u2019d left when he could barely walk on two legs to go to the city of Liscor with his family.<\/p>\n But he did know that Krshia had been important in the Silverfang tribe. Her sister was the [Chieftain].<\/p>\n \u201cTkrn, what is it? Trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia looked at him, brown eyes glinting behind her frown. Tkrn shook his head as his horse stopped alongside hers.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Aunt\u2014a word if you\u2019re not busy?\u201d<\/p>\n She hrmed<\/em>, but nodded. They rode at the head of the group, as some Gnoll [Hunters] scouted ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Tkrn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2019m just wondering what will happen when we reach the Gnollmoot, Aunt.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked blankly at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThe what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Gnollmoot. Er\u2026the Meeting of Tribes, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn corrected himself. Krshia gave him an odd<\/em> look.<\/p>\n \u201cWho would call it a Gnoll\u2026moot? Who told you that nonsense, nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s ears drooped. Some of the Gnolls listening glanced up. It was hard to have a confidential conversation; normally Gnolls didn\u2019t try <\/em>to listen in, that was respectful. But every Gnoll knew that if you wanted to talk secretly, you dug a hole, cast a [Silence] spell, and then hoped no one was listening.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. I forgot she called it that. Silly\u2026hrmph. The Meeting of Tribes<\/em> will be a grand event, Tkrn. With plenty to do! Not that I do not expect you to keep watch and obey! There will be time for that and<\/em> festivities. I hope you have money saved.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn dully patted his coin pouch. It was the last thing on his mind. Who wanted to have fun? If he wanted to have fun, he\u2019d have stayed in Liscor and hung out at Erin\u2019s inn for five minutes.<\/p>\n His aunt seemed to understand that and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is hard, Tkrn. But we will do business on behalf of the tribe and thus deliver our gift and enrich all. That is important. We can do little in Liscor right now and may do good here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a war<\/em> going on between us and Hectval. I should be there. The Watch will be fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn mumbled. He heard a snort from behind him.<\/p>\n Beilmark. The Senior Guardswoman, paired with Jeiss, the best [Swordsman] in all of Liscor, shook her head. Tkrn had never known what she<\/em> was known for; maybe just being reliable and good and high-level.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should not have gone to war, no! At least, not without an army. Liscor\u2019s Watch is not large enough and we don\u2019t train our [Guards] to fight in wars! In streets, in units, yes! We nearly lost a huge number of civilians. What is happening? We should be there\u2014at least to represent on the Council.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked pointedly at Krshia and Raekea at that. The two Gnolls frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cElirr is there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is only one. That\u2019s an all-Drake Council.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlonna and Jeiss are to be trusted, Beilmark. Even Lism, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHrm. If you say so, Krshia. Two months ago you would have cursed me saying his name. How things change, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n Beilmark gave Krshia a long<\/em> look. Raekea the same. The female [Shopkeeper] fidgeted slightly\u2014but Tkrn had no idea why.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you want to say, nephew? You will see the Meeting of Tribes soon enough. Which reminds me, we should explain to the young ones what to expect, Beilmark.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia coughed into her paw, changing the subject. Tkrn saw her look at him. He hesitated, but came out with it.<\/p>\n \u201cAunt. Why did you choose me <\/em>to come with you? <\/em>Of all the Gnolls in the city?\u201d<\/p>\n The older Gnoll frowned mildly. She was in her early forties, but still yet to show real signs of age; grey fur and so on.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are a [Guardsman], Tkrn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what I mean, Aunt. There are more Gnoll [Guards] than just me. Jerci I can understand more than me. You know I\u2019m\u2026in disgrace.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn\u2019s ears drooped. If his tail had been wagging, it would have done the same. But you couldn\u2019t get more depressed, even thinking on his mistakes.<\/p>\n Krshia exchanged a glance with some of the other Gnolls. They slowed a bit and she and Tkrn rode ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cTkrn\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone knows what I did, Aunt. Or failed to do.\u201d<\/p>\n When the group of [Guards] and civilians had begun\u2026punishing Calruz for his actions in the dungeons and with the hateful Raskghar, Tkrn had turned a blind eye. He had been angry. But he had also known that the Minotaur was a prisoner.<\/p>\n He had wavered, but not told anyone. Not stopped it. Not even done more than talk\u2014until Mrsha had been in danger. Then, and only then he\u2019d drawn his sword with the Watch Captain.<\/p>\n But not enough. Tkrn felt as though his fur was painted\u2026red with shame. As though everyone were always thinking of what he\u2019d done when they looked at him. They probably were.<\/p>\n Krshia knew this too. She eyed him, pursing her lips, as if to say something. But as she glanced ahead, across the incredibly flat<\/em> landscape, her lips quirked.<\/p>\n She almost smiled. It was not a super-happy smile, but it was still\u2026Tkrn saw her reach for her side and pull something out.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, it is much to say, Tkrn. But saying\u2026here.\u201d<\/p>\n She handed him something. He stared as she proffered\u2026a belt knife?<\/p>\n It was hers, made of good steel by Raekea\u2019s forges. Worn\u2014probably years old. There was even a notch in the handle, worn smooth but made by some cut or accident long ago. Tkrn blinked as he took it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Aunt? What is this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour answer.\u201d<\/p>\n And with that she kicked her horse lightly and it shot forwards. She left Tkrn with the belt knife. He stared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething wrong? Krshia, let me\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Beilmark shouted after Krshia, riding after her. She paused as she saw Tkrn with the object.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that, Tkrn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI asked Aunt\u2014I asked Krshia why she took me after what I did, Beilmark. And she gave me this.\u201d<\/p>\n The Senior Guardswoman eyed the knife. She blinked, wrinkled her brow, then groaned.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, the knife. Bite my fur, she\u2019s doing that<\/em>? Well, do your best.\u201d<\/p>\n She shook her head. Almost amused, she rode after Krshia. Tkrn stared at her back. Another Gnoll passed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a bit of armor for me. Ah, this brings back memories!\u201d<\/p>\n Chuckling, he rode with Beilmark after their leader. The Gnolls passing Tkrn as he slowed chuckled, or shook their heads. They seemed to know what it meant, the older ones. Jerci just gave Tkrn a blank look. But that gesture somehow made the Gnolls look ahead, straighten slightly, even in their grief.<\/p>\n They were heading into the plains. For them\u2026home.<\/p>\n They were coming home. Tkrn stared at the belt knife. He looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I hate<\/em> riddles.\u201d<\/p>\n His plaintive voice was ignored by all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that day, Krshia looked up as the others were having a brunch on the road. Tkrn had patted his horse down and given it a bit of stamina potion and they were just about to go.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, nephew. Do you have my belt knife yet? Or have you not understood?\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled as he squatted down around the small fire and boiling tea. He hesitated\u2014Beilmark, Raekea, and some of the older Gnolls were sitting there. They looked up and he flushed under his fur\u2014but he nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I do, Aunt.\u201d<\/p>\n He proffered her the knife. Krshia regarded it, but didn\u2019t take it. Tkrn had thought for about two hours as he rode; there wasn\u2019t much else to do. The Gnoll Plains, love \u2018em or hate them\u2014got sort of similar<\/em> after you stared across the flat, flat<\/em> landscape for a while.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lesson. You want me to understand it. You gave me the knife because\u2026of this.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll indicated the one obvious thing on the knife. Raekea didn\u2019t stamp her blades; she trusted the quality to will out. The tool was old, but still sharp as a razor\u2014he\u2019d cut his finger while playing with it. Yet that notch on the handle was noticeable.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s damaged. A bit. You should really fix the gap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been meaning to replace the handle for years. But I never get around to it. Your point, nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn took a breath. He thought he was right; it was obvious and there was no other answer he could think of.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, the knife is me, isn\u2019t it? I\u2019ve made a mistake. But I can still fight and\u2026and do what\u2019s needed. That\u2019s why you took me, right?\u201d<\/p>\n He waited, as the small group of Gnolls looked at each other. Their faces were unreadable, but then Krshia stirred. She took the belt knife, carefully put it in her belt, and patted the notched handle.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Hrm. Well now. I like that answer. I think I\u2019ll take it. What do you all think?\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn blinked. He saw the other Gnolls grin toothily. Beilmark slapped one knee as a laugh burst from her throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI like it too! Good answer, Tkrn! Although, if it were a notch on the blade I\u2019d disagree! I wondered if he\u2019d come up with something.\u201d<\/p>\n She chuckled. The others did too. Tkrn looked at his aunt.<\/p>\n \u201cWait. Was that the answer?\u201d<\/p>\n She shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea. It sounds good, though.\u201d<\/p>\n His jaw dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I thought\u2014you gave me that knife because\u2014why did you give me that knife?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo see what you said.\u201d<\/p>\n She winked at him. The young Gnoll\u2019s eyes bulged. The other, older Gnolls laughed harder<\/em> because of it. Raekea pulled herself upright and fondly patted Tkrn\u2019s leg. She offered him a fresh cup of tea, chuckling.<\/p>\n \u201cSit, Tkrn. Don\u2019t be too mad. My mother did the same to me<\/em> when I was your age and ruined one of her crucibles. It\u2019s a time-honored tradition\u2026although among Plains Gnolls. Krshia, is that what inspired you?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Shopkeeper] ducked her head modestly.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought it was appropriate. I wondered if Tkrn\u2019s parents had done it to him, but he was always dutiful.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn turned redder as the others chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, you didn\u2019t know what I\u2019d say and you didn\u2019t have a lesson?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Pass the tea, Raekea. What\u2019s this flavor? Mint? Eugh. I hate mint.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia sipped from the cup as she sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a good answer, Tkrn. It has bones in why I did take you. You are my nephew\u2014more than that? I thought it would be good for you to see the Meeting of Tribes. But that is a Gnoll way of teaching. Every Gnoll of the Tribes learns that lesson. It helps us understand how you<\/em> think. Sometimes the answer is very good. Sometimes, not. Right, Beilmark?\u201d<\/p>\n How, he thought? Tkrn blinked. He turned to the Senior Guardswoman. Embarrassed, Beilmark scratched behind one ear.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, well, many are younger than you when we are given something. I spent two days with the dagger my father gave me after I lost a horse. I wanted to know, \u2018why do you put up with me even though I make such bad mistakes\u2019? Came up with many stupid suggestions he refused to take. In the end\u2026I got him to take it back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was your answer?\u201d<\/p>\n Grinning, and very amused, Raekea\u2019s husband leaned forwards. The Drake was treating this as a holiday; he was the best [Smith] for tools and weapons, Raekea the best [Armorer]. Beilmark chuckled ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I said, \u2018because I can carry things for you\u2019. He laughed and decided that was good enough.\u201d<\/p>\n The others guffawed. Another Gnoll, a [Tracker], raised a paw.<\/p>\n \u201cI bought my<\/em> mother a new bow after she gave me hers. I thought that was what I was supposed to do. Saved up for two months.<\/em> She laughed herself sick and took the bow.\u201d<\/p>\n More laughter. Tkrn began to feel a bit better. Although he was still flushed as she sipped at the hot mint tea.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren travel a lot and get very impatient, you see, Tkrn. We have to think up ways to keep them silent on the move\u2014and hopefully actually grow!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia reached over and ruffled the fur on Tkrn\u2019s head. He sighed and sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well, Aunt. But really\u2014am I supposed to just learn and enjoy myself?\u201d<\/p>\n She became more contemplative at the serious tone in his voice. The others looked at Tkrn and he felt that unpleasant feeling. But at last\u2014Krshia shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Tkrn. I did take you because I thought it would be good. But I could have taken many Gnolls, yes? I took you because we are related, because I know you, because you are a decent level\u2014and because you did do the right thing in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly at the last moment, Aunt.\u201d<\/p>\n He hung his head. Krshia nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Only then. Not enough\u2014but at least, nephew, I know you will do the right thing then.<\/em> Next time, do it sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a painful relief to hear. Tkrn looked up and she smiled at him. Then she sipped at her mint tea and gagged.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough wasting time! We are close to the Meeting of Tribes! I want to be there sooner! Sooner! Tea break ends in five minutes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mint-tea hating tyrant.\u201d<\/p>\n Beilmark huffed as she sipped at her cup, and then produced a canteen for more on the road. That was Tkrn\u2019s first introduction to Plains Gnoll tradition. It would be far from the last. And as midday came, the rolling plains began to rise slightly. They crested a hill\u2014and saw the first smoke trails rising in the distance. Hundreds of them, thousands. A vast encampment in the distance. The Gnolls pointed and shouted\u2014<\/p>\n There was the Meeting of Tribes. And the Silverfang Tribe, their kin, were waiting to greet them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She heard and smelled them before she laid eyes on the Gnolls.<\/p>\n To be a Gnoll was to experience the world in ways that Humans and Drakes could only understand a fraction of. Their sense of smell and hearing was so poor!<\/em> Then again, they could happily walk through places that had rank odors and barely complain about it.<\/p>\n And as Krshia had observed, keeping secrets was hard around a people who smelled and heard everything.<\/p>\n Still\u2014the wind. She sniffed the air and smelled the odor of thousands of fires, albeit terribly far away. Smoke, cooking scents, even blood\u2014oils and steels in countless profusion. And the natural scent of the Great Plains.<\/p>\n To her, it was home. But she heard<\/em> the howls from behind and in front of her as well. Gnolls stood in their saddles and howled<\/em> greetings from afar. And the answering ones?<\/p>\n There was a timbre and pitch unique to a tribe. The Silverfang\u2019s were long, loud, with a curious warble thrown in. Krshia bared her teeth. Raekea exclaimed with a laugh.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re waiting for us!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls picked up the pace, their maudlin mood forgotten for a moment. Krshia smelled a new scent coming directly at them as the wind sent it downwind.<\/p>\n Silver and spice.<\/em> Not necessarily each Gnoll having one or the other, but there was that mix of both scents on the natural odor of Gnolls and so on.<\/p>\n Silverfangs were great [Traders], and they also had claimed old silver mines and worked them. Moreover\u2014as the new Gnolls came into sight, loping across the ground from where they\u2019d been camped, outside the central profusion of tribes\u2014Krshia saw decorations on their fur.<\/p>\n Plains Gnolls. Less clothed then their City Gnoll kin, except for the warriors. Also, bearing earrings, armbands, and of course, dyed fur.<\/p>\n Silver <\/em>streaks in their fur, rather. Tkrn blinked as he saw the curious pattern on one of the Gnoll warrior\u2019s fur along the mane of her neck. Krshia recognized it.<\/p>\n Warrior\u2019s markings. <\/em>In the past, they were more than symbolic. You decorated the neck and down your back and even your arms with a special silver dust dye. To ward away ghosts and\u2026bad things.<\/p>\n Krshia remembered wearing the same dye proudly herself. She had been a [Hunter], apprenticed to the [Shaman] for a year or two\u2026her heart swelled with nostalgia and memory. In this moment though, it was more good than not.<\/p>\n \u201cKindred!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The howl came from afar. Two of the Gnolls were riding back towards the Meeting of Tribes. Krshia slowed her gallop and laughed as she raised her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cSilverfang kin! Do you recognize us at sight alone?\u201d<\/p>\n It was a group of a dozen, minus the two heading away. They slowed, waving up at her as she slowed. Huge, toothy grins. They were half-warriors, half other Gnolls, wearing the traditional silver ornaments. Silver and ivory, silver and jewel\u2014the Silverfangs had a motif and they let people know they embraced it.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that Honored Krshia of Liscor? Councilwoman<\/em> Krshia, or so we have heard! Greetings, Aunt! We were told to sit here and not return until you arrived! We are glad you did; we want to join the Meeting of Tribes!\u201d<\/p>\n The female Gnoll with silver dye running in stripes down her mane and back spread her arms. Krshia dismounted. The two embraced there and then, and Krshia sniffed the younger Gnoll politely as she did the same.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were delayed unavoidably. We are sorry, yes? I shall tell my sister\u2014the Chieftain the same! Is Chieftain Akrisa close?\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa, her sister. Long had it been since they\u2019d seen each other. The younger Gnoll beamed\u2014then turned her head and sneezed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell met, Aunt Krshia! Yes\u2014she camped the way you would be coming. And two of us rode to get her. She\u2019ll be here soon\u2014how many are there? Sixty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust under.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014achoo!<\/em> We were ready for ten times that number if need be! But that is well. Honored elders, greetings!\u201d<\/p>\n She bowed, very politely to the older Gnolls in front in turn. That included Tkrn, which amused Krshia. Until she realized it was her mistake.<\/p>\n \u201cTkrn, move back. You\u2019re not Honored yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Beilmark laughed as she nudged Tkrn. The other Gnolls were dismounting to pat the Silverfang Plains Gnolls, hug\u2014they were more intimate physically than Drakes might be, or Humans with formal handshakes and whatnot.<\/p>\n Some of the Silverfang Plains Gnolls began sneezing, and apologizing. Krshia raised her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cAllergies? I forget\u2014I have not asked your name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Honored Krshia! Forgive me! I am Dekava! [Hunter-Warrior] of four full years since my markings. It\u2019s just\u2014you smell of the city! Oil and dust and Drakes all over you!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia blinked. They did? She hardly noticed, but if Dekava insisted, it must be so. She self-consciously sniffed herself, then smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNot that bad, surely!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Just different! Apologies! Will you introduce us?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia nodded. Ah, yes. This was back home alright. The request was more than just formality\u2014she pointed, singling out the six Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is Honored Beilmark, Senior Guardswoman of Liscor. Honored Raekea, [Armorer] and<\/em> Councilwoman of Liscor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The eight Plains Gnolls bowed slightly to each in turn. Memorizing the names of the six Honored Gnolls. Of course, Tkrn and the others knew them as the same, but Krshia noticed Tkrn blink as Dekava bowed to Beilmark, placing her paws together as she bowed.<\/p>\n \u201cA warrior of the cities! Honored Beilmark, it is good to meet you! We would love to see how they fight there later. And an [Armorer]! We knew you were coming, Honored Raekea! Our smiths will wish to exchange knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I will be glad to do so. Well met, Dekava. And you are\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n They made a point of saying \u2018Honored\u2019 each time. Which was much like City Gnolls. Except\u2026Tkrn coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cBeilmark. Do you want the guards to spread out or\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Beilmark half-turned.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019re fine, yes, Tkrn? The Az\u2019muzarre tribe patrols. Just keep them nearby.\u201d<\/p>\n Dekava\u2019s ears perked up. She turned to Tkrn.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, you must be Honored Beilmark\u2019s son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Plains Gnolls blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cHer\u2026nephew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHusband?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n They eyed Beilmark. She snorted with laughter. Tkrn shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Tkrn. [Guardsman]. Regular Guardsman of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n Dekava\u2019s look of confusion turned to one of understanding. She smiled and seized his paws. She shook his hands vigorously with hers.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, I see! Pleased to meet you, Tkrn! They\u2019re [Guards]. The same group.\u201d<\/p>\n Ah.<\/em> The others nodded. Krshia coughed, but only half in amusement. She was going to have to remind the others to always<\/em> say Honored Beilmark and so on. She\u2019d forgotten how seriously\u2026<\/p>\n Ten years. Her head turned as she heard another howl in the distance. Massed voices\u2014she looked around and stopped.<\/p>\n There came the true Silverfang Tribe. Nearly a thousand<\/em> Gnolls loping across the ground, and leading them, a familiar form and voice. She howled again and Krshia answered her.<\/p>\n Akrisa Silverfang was, in fact, shorter than Krshia. But far more athletic. She did not stand behind a counter all day. She raced across the grass, her tribe racing past her.<\/p>\n \u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn stared. He had scarcely seen so many Gnolls at once! No\u2014that wasn\u2019t correct. He saw countless Gnolls every day in Liscor. But here was a mass of furry bodies, fur ranging from blonde to black\u2014and not a scaly tail to be seen among them.<\/p>\n A Gnoll tribe. They bounded forwards and, abruptly, stopped. Krshia and the sixty or so Gnolls from Liscor were on foot, hurrying forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cSister! It is good to see you, yes!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia called out joyfully. She saw her sister raise a paw, smiling. But she had abruptly stopped. And the thousand or so Gnolls she\u2019d brought abruptly halted behind her, leaving her in front. They raised their heads\u2014<\/p>\n And Krshia halted. She had been going to run and embrace her sister as much as Dekava. But the sudden halt in the mad rush of exhilaration at seeing her kin was jarring. She eyed them\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cEr, form up behind me.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Liscorian Gnolls blinked. But they formed a rough wall behind Krshia and advanced, slower.<\/p>\n \u201cWho comes before the Silverfang tribe?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A voice shouted before Krshia could close the fifty or so feet between them. Krshia stopped again, blinking. That was ritualistic\u2014she answered reflexively after a pause to search her memory.<\/p>\n \u201cKin from afar! Seeking to meet those with our blood and will!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls ahead of her paused. One shouted\u2014not<\/em> Akrisa. A Gnoll next to her. Krshia recognized a [Shaman]\u2019s markings and blinked again.<\/p>\n \u201cWe greet our kin from Liscor! What do you bring, kin who have been gone so long?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia frowned, hesitating. She hadn\u2019t meant to do this in front of all.<\/p>\n \u201cWe bring ourselves, and our knowledge from a city far away! To join Silverfang to Silverfang once more!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She replied. The [Shaman] standing next to Akrisa paused. She saw him whisper to her sister. And Akrisa shook her head slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat else do our kin bring?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A murmur of surprise ran through both sides. Krshia hesitated. She turned, and whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cTkrn. Go with Jerci and the others. Grab the book.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe book, aunt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Now. Hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkrn and a few younger Gnolls hurried back to a horse with only one burden in the center of the caravan. Even now\u2014a group of eight Gnolls stood around it, as they had the entire way here.<\/p>\n Of course, it looked just like a covered bundle in a blanket. But as Tkrn and the others fussed around it, unstrapping it and lifting it\u2014although even Mrsha could have dragged it, light as it was\u2014it was revealed to be a vast<\/em> square of something.<\/p>\n A tome. They brought it over and the Silverfang tribe stirred expectantly. Krshia was staring at Akrisa. But her sister refused to look at her. She was staring at the sky as the [Shaman] called out.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does our kin bring from the city where they have been gone for so long?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe bring knowledge! A gift for the Meeting of Tribes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia called back. She was getting\u2026not angry, but perplexed. She recognized the forms. She motioned the three Gnolls supporting the tome. As they passed her, she stopped them\u2026then removed the blanket.<\/p>\n The giant magical book shone in the light. The writing on the tome, bound in some magical leather she had no way of identifying, was as pristine as if it had been printed a second ago. Not a sign of age\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n The pages were brilliant, beautiful, without imperfection. Far from common parchment. The book, to even Krshia\u2019s limited [Shaman] knowledge, glittered<\/em> with power. Even for Tkrn, who had no knowledge of magic whatsoever, he felt a presence.<\/em> His fur stood on end.<\/p>\n The Silverfang tribe sighed <\/em>as they saw it appear. The [Shaman] himself made a sound.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2014is that what the Silverfangs of Liscor bring?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. And this one presents herself before Chieftain and tribe. Are we welcome, kin?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia approached as the book was brought halfway forwards. She spread her paws, looking at her sister. Uncertainly, Tkrn and Jerci and the third Gnoll tilted the book so all could see.<\/p>\n Then\u2014and only then\u2014did Akrisa look down. Krshia saw her sister\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Older. Older by two years. Not that much\u2014and yet it was when you grew up together. Still young. A younger Chieftain now, compared to their mother. Silver beads hung in her mane; she had a single earring on the left, a miniature silver fang, the tip marked by ruby. Their mother had worn that.<\/p>\n A variation on the warrior\u2019s patterns on her mane. Like Plains Gnolls, she only wore a type of breast band and loincloth in the hot summer air. Both patterned fabrics, comfortable and beautiful.<\/p>\n She carried a spear\u2014the Silverfang Chieftain\u2019s spear. Appropriately, an enchanted spear, closer to a glaive since it was curved.<\/p>\n She met Krshia\u2019s gaze now, brown eyes deep, and her voice was softer than Krshia\u2019s, but calm as she nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are welcome, kin. Present yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Krshia hesitated. This was not what she had imagined. But she approached, and then, knowing she should, knelt in the grass. She looked at Akrisa\u2014the [Chieftain] was already moving. She touched Krshia\u2019s arm, and gently bade her to rise. Then, she embraced Krshia.<\/p>\n \u201cKin. You are<\/em> welcome, my sister. You and the Gnolls of Liscor! And you bring a great gift with you! A gift worthy of the greatest of tribes! Let it be said!\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice rose and she turned with Krshia\u2019s arm in hers, thrusting it up into the air. Then\u2014the Silverfangs with her howled and shouted, throwing themselves forwards to cluster around the magical tome, grabbing the surprised Tkrn, Jerci, hugging them\u2014<\/p>\n All as it should be. But why the ceremony?<\/em> Krshia turned to Akrisa, and the two shared a look. What should have been them embracing and laughing turned into a single moment of\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cHonored Krshia! Honored Krshia-aunt!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A shape hit<\/em> Krshia in the leg. She staggered\u2014and saw a little Gnoll racing around her. His fur was darker\u2014a mix of her and Akrisa\u2019s brown and black. He had two black spots around his eyes, such that he looked almost like he had a mask on.<\/p>\n \u201cCers!\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa\u2019s pause turned into a note of exasperation. The little Gnoll clung to Krshia\u2019s leg. Then he let go, running about the two.<\/p>\n \u201cMother, this is Honored Aunt Krshia, yes, yes? And that\u2019s a magic book! Are there more! Can I see it? Mother\u2014they smell! Mother\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCers Silverfang, enough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chieftain] of the tribe was exasperated as she spoke to her\u2026son? Krshia stared. But she had received news of it. It was just\u2014he was nearly Mrsha\u2019s age! A bit younger, and so full of life and chatter it reminded her of, well, Ekirra. And if memory served\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cSatar. I told you to watch your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Exasperated, Akrisa turned. And there a blonde Gnoll with the [Shaman]\u2019s staff trotted forwards, looking hugely embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried, M\u2014Chieftain. But he escaped me. Because he bit<\/em> my arm.\u201d<\/p>\n She glowered at Cers. He flattened his ears.<\/p>\n \u201cI did not.\u201d<\/p>\n Satar Silverfang and Cers. Krshia knew one and had heard of the other, though he had not been born last time she visited. Satar had been just a child, and shyly greeted Krshia with an embrace.<\/p>\n \u201cHonored Aunt Krshia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSatar. It is good to see you. And this must be Cers, yes? I am your aunt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello! I am Cers!\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed, purely full of energy and excitement. Unrestricted and untamable\u2014like many Gnoll children his age. In fact\u2014possibly worse<\/em> than a City Gnoll because the second thing he did was dash at the horses.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, that\u2019s dangerous k\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Beilmark called out. But the young Gnoll leapt onto the back of one of the horses, swinging himself onto it. Bareback, he rode the surprised animal forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cMother! Horses!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCers, enough!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n His ears flattened and he dismounted as his mother looked at him. It was an adult-look, the kind that told a child this was the last straw. Krshia was busy inspecting Satar.<\/p>\n She looked like her father. Krshia wondered if she\u2019d meet him. Cers on the other hand? He was\u2026clearly\u2026not Satar\u2019s fur type. Nor was he from the same father.<\/p>\n The [Shaman] had black fur, and a speckled pattern of russet-red on his tail and ends of his legs and arms. Cers hadn\u2019t inherited that, but Krshia greeted him.<\/p>\n \u201cShaman Cetrule, it is a great thing to meet you once more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed, Honored Krshia.\u201d<\/p>\n They exchanged a more formal hug, sniffing each other. Krshia was still taken aback at how she\u2019d met her sister. She looked at Akrisa.<\/p>\n \u201cSister\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain.\u201d<\/p>\n The one word stunned Krshia into silence. Akrisa looked at her warningly, then raised her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cSilverfangs! Back to the camp! Quickly! Put that blanket on the artifact. Shaman Cetrule\u2014can you mask its magic? Even I<\/em> can feel it upon my fur.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will try, Chieftain. Honored Krshia, did you bring anything to mask it with?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe used a blanket\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome mud, then. We did prepare. The mud-blanket!\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia blinked. Suddenly, the Silverfangs were moving. The Plains Gnolls brought something she half-recognized.<\/p>\n It was a \u2018mud blanket\u2019, a word for a rather peculiar Gnollish invention. It was, well\u2026mud<\/em> encased in a holding material. It was usually fabric, woven such that the mud didn\u2019t escape.<\/p>\n Why did you need a blanket of mud? Well, to keep the heat in! It was an insulator that they used in some yurt-type housing that needed to resist super-cold situations or the opposite, heat. You could create steam-baths with it since it really helped keep the moisture in.<\/p>\n However, this was a special one. Krshia saw-smelled silver<\/em> mixed liberally in with the mud. The heavy fabric was draped over the tome. Instantly\u2014the magical aura faded.<\/p>\n Impressed, Krshia blinked. She turned to Cetrule.<\/p>\n \u201cYou came up with that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt the Chieftain\u2019s request. We will use that to hide it. Bring it to my tent. I will safeguard it, until the Chieftain desires it presented.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia opened her mouth again\u2014then saw her sister look at her. She closed her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the camp, then. We return in celebration! Our kin have returned and our great gift is here!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnolls cheered. They helped the Gnolls from Liscor mount and return, whooping and howling\u2014before being admonished to keep it a secret.<\/em> Still, the mood was celebratory.<\/p>\n Only Krshia was confused at how she had been welcomed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Silverfang camp was on the edge of the gathering of the Meeting of Tribes. And Tkrn, swept up by the chaos of it all, saw the Meeting of Tribes at first as a vast, sprawling network of lights.<\/p>\n He understood more as he approached. It was not, at first glance, the largest sprawl of tents and Gnolls imaginable, a chaos of people. It was in fact organized. For a given value of organization.<\/p>\n Each tribe had their own area. Each one with tents, eating, cooking spaces, and so on. Not all were one tribe; some were mixed.<\/p>\n But between each tribe was a generous amount of space. A kind of neutral ground in which other things were set up. Places for smiths to sell goods, activities, communal eating grounds\u2014<\/p>\n Private and public was a good way of looking at it. Obviously as well, there were good places; the areas near the river where the Meeting of Tribes was taking place was already filled with countless tribes\u2014not right at the border, but close enough to make gathering water simple.<\/p>\n Most tribes wanted to be in the center of it, such that the center of this sprawling area was filled and there were only gaps on the outer rim where the latest tribes to arrive were placed. Thus, the worst place to be was the one where you had to walk to both river and<\/em> to get to the center area.<\/p>\n \u2026Which was where the Silverfang were. In fact, they hadn\u2019t even properly camped.<\/p>\n A thousand Silverfangs had come to greet Krshia and the others and Tkrn had naively assumed that was all there were. He was wrong.<\/p>\n Nearly ten times<\/em> that number or more were spread out, a vast conglomerate of tents and Gnolls. They looked up as the ones who had greeted him came racing back, howling the good news.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will establish our position at last! Now we know our kin are here! Inform the Plain\u2019s Eye and Az\u2019muzarre tribes!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chieftain]\u2014Akrisa\u2014was shouting. His Chieftain? It was an odd thought. Tkrn was so caught up as he, Jerci, and the other younger Gnolls stared at the kin they had never met or known, that he nearly missed Krshia turning.<\/p>\n \u201cTell the Plain\u2019s Eye and Az\u2019muzarre tribes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAz\u2019muzarre has organized this, Honored Krshia.\u201d<\/p>\n Chieftain Akrisa spoke\u2014a bit stiffly for sisters, Tkrn thought. He saw Krshia hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. But Plain\u2019s Eye?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are forming a map of all the tribes. They would want to know. In fact, I have not yet met with their Chieftain. I was holding off until you arrived. They will want to meet us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n There was a second layer running to the camp that Tkrn did not quite understand. He<\/em> did not, but Beilmark looked up and blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cPlain\u2019s Eye must be even more powerful if we\u2019re presenting ourselves to them. <\/em>Ah, we\u2019re back not a minute and it\u2019s like we never left, huh, Raekea?\u201d<\/p>\n She sighed. Tkrn turned to her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, Beilmark?\u201d<\/p>\n He saw the Senior Guardswoman frown.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Honored<\/em> Beilmark, Tkrn. We should have remembered\u2014but it has been nearly a decade. Call me that unless we\u2019re around friends. Raekea too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo I have to do that, dear?\u201d<\/p>\n Her husband wondered aloud. Raekea laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThey make an exception for outsiders, Jekss. But\u2014it\u2019s tribe matters. We should have explained\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s there to explain? Just be polite. We\u2019re \u2018City Gnolls\u2019 these days. Did you hear that introduction? Kin from afar.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n One of the older Gnolls sighed. The Gnolls of Liscor murmured, but quietly. Tkrn blinked. He began to understand that greeting was more than mere tradition.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, Akrisa? We have been sisters for four decades<\/em> and you did not acknowledge me until I presented our gift?\u201d<\/p>\n The Chieftain of the Silverfang tribe lived in a tent far bigger than Krshia\u2019s apartment. Contrary to what many might think\u2014you could build some fantastic<\/em> \u2018temporary\u2019 structures with bags of holding. Krshia could have fit three apartments of hers into this space and had room to spare.<\/p>\n A vast, domed ceiling, thick walls with the mud blanket insulators that kept sound out\u2014all enchanted of course. She recognized a [Shaman]\u2019s markings against insects on the walls, one against prying, and one more for cooling.<\/p>\n Three marks\u2014an extravagant use of power for all but a [Chieftain]. Each one took a toll on the [Shaman] to upkeep, however slight. Well, Silverfang was plenty large enough to support the spell easily and perhaps it was one of the other [Shamans] who had cast it.<\/p>\n Thirty minutes had passed since the welcome. The other Gnolls were in camp, getting settled, being welcomed.<\/p>\n Krshia was in Akrisa\u2019s tent. She would sleep here\u2014the Gnoll families did. In fact, there were rooms within<\/em> the huge tent, formed by walls of cloth.<\/p>\n Luxury beyond Krshia\u2019s apartment. But she was too upset to appreciate it. She turned to Akrisa\u2014the [Chieftain] had put down her spear and was sitting.<\/p>\n \u201cSilkap. <\/em>I have some. You must be hungry. Silkap and bread?\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa looked past Krshia. The Gnoll\u2019s furious glare did nothing. Krshia folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Please. We only had brunch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a jar there. I\u2019ll get some bread.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chieftain] rose\u2014rather\u2014she got someone else<\/em> to get some freshly baked flatbread. Krshia had already undone the jar and put a huge amount of the Gnollish spread in a bowl. She was glaring as Akrisa reappeared. Krshia grabbed the bread, tore a piece off, and held it up sarcastically.<\/p>\n \u201cThis kin from afar thanks the Chieftain for the food. We share it as Silverfang alike.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She pasted some silkap<\/em> onto it and bit. The fact that it tasted really <\/em>good after her long trip didn\u2019t help. Hot bread, silkap<\/em> tasting of meat, some chive, strong with lard like their mother made it\u2014mm.<\/em> She masticated furiously.<\/p>\n Rather than rise to the bait like she normally would, Akrisa just helped herself.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s quite good. You should say that tonight when we eat in public.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Gnoll stopped mid-chew. Her eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Akrisa, you are tempting my patience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am, yes? Well, that is terrible, no? For kin\u2014much less sisters\u2014I should have given you an embrace. A kiss and welcomed you without ceremony or gift! How could I?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chieftain] murmured softly. Krshia nodded furious agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cYou humiliated me in front of my people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHrm. Your Gnoll-people. Your Liscor-Gnolls. Your\u2026City Gnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are of Liscor, now! But we are still<\/em> Silverfang! What has gotten into you to make you so distant! What\u2019s wrong with you? You should be rejoicing! I have brought a great gift! I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia was snatching another piece of bread when Akrisa\u2019s paw moved. She reached out and, before Krshia could dodge, snagged<\/em> Krshia\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n Between two fingers. Krshia yelped.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Her older sister twisted<\/em> her ear.<\/p>\n \u201cYou little brat. You were always like this. Why are you so mean, Akrisa? Why do you not hug me?<\/em> What happened to the dozens of spellbooks<\/em> we sent money for you to buy, hrm? What about the [Fireball] you told me blew up our gift?<\/em> Why are you three days late?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOw! Let go of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa twisted her younger sister\u2019s ear harder. Krshia yelped.<\/em> And she had forgotten.<\/p>\n Firstly, that her sister had never been less temperamental than she herself could be. Second? She was an older<\/em> sister. And some things never changed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou come here late, and you think I can just run over on all fours and lick your cheek? Twist my tail, Krshia! I am a [Chieftain] <\/em>now! I have to establish you are returning and make you follow some traditions or let half the tribe accuse you of being favored! Which you are! You are mad that I made you show everyone the gift our tribe has labored for ten years<\/em> to bring after you said it was exploded?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you we got a new one!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd there were weeks of the entire tribe fearing we had lost all! For that matter\u2014you act like there is nothing wrong? What happened to the warriors I sent to you, hm, Krshia? What happened\u2026to Brunkr?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Abruptly, the fingers let go. Krshia leaned away\u2014but suddenly her anger was gone.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa looked at her, almost disbelieving. Krshia hung her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you say you forgot, your cousin will kill you. And she will have to find a way to turn you into a zombie, because I will kill you first.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa\u2019s eyes flashed. Krshia raised her paws.<\/p>\n \u201cI did not forget, sister. I would never. It is just\u2014another important person was lost to us recently. That is why we were delayed. We were grieving.\u201d<\/p>\n The older Gnoll\u2019s face flickered. Abruptly, her ire went out and she sat down.<\/p>\n \u201cMore death? Another Gnoll\u2026? No? Either way\u2014that city seems to bring death. So many. Not that the plains are ever safer. But Brunkr\u2026Menoa mourns. I made her stay. But she will want to speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI brought his ashes and belongings.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n They sat once more. This time, Krshia didn\u2019t take the silkap.<\/em> She had\u2026forgotten. Somehow, Erin had wiped the memory of it.<\/p>\n \u201cWarriors to aid you\u2014killed by Gazi Pathseeker before she rejoined the King of Destruction. Brunkr\u2014lost to a Named Adventurer who turned out to be false. Regrika Blackpaw. Our kin, eaten<\/em> by our foe thought lost to time, lost in battle with monsters from the dungeon. This is what I hear, Krshia. I have feared for you for the last year.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa spoke now, directly to Krshia. The younger Gnoll hung her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI sent word each time. But\u2014it must have been harder to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was. Time and again? Six times, the tribe asked whether your going was a mistake. Whether it would be best to travel to Liscor to bring you all back, rather than to leave you in what seemed to us to be death and danger. What is happening<\/em> there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMuch. A dungeon, a\u2026there was an inn. I cannot explain it, Akrisa. It is a longer story. And a sadder one. The Human I wanted to bring? She is\u2026gone.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa\u2019s gaze darkened.<\/p>\n \u201cMore sadness. Krshia\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She reached out. Krshia guarded her ear, but this time Akrisa just drew her into a one-armed embrace.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry, Krshia. I am. We have much to say. It is just that I could not welcome you with open arms. Not after what was lost. You had to present yourself, and even then, I did not make you ask <\/em>or wait upon my judgment.<\/em> Some wanted that. If only to preserve my power.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Preserve it? Are that many trying to unseat you as Chieftain?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia blinked. Akrisa let go of Krshia and gave her a crooked smile.<\/p>\n \u201cAside from the usual malcontents, you mean, yes? Only one. And she sits across from me.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s mouth fell open in denial. Akrisa waved at it as she took some silkap <\/em>and bread.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have done too well. A year before? I could have welcomed you, the loss and accidents aside. Now? Councilwoman <\/em>Krshia, who sits on a Drake<\/em> city\u2019s Council comes here. Some wonder if you are a Chieftain of the Liscor Tribe instead of a sister to the [Chieftain].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would never\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But they said it. That should have quieted them down. Just do say something before we eat.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia stared at her sister. She saw Akrisa sigh. Then look up. Unbidden, but in unison, the two began to chuckle.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been gone too long from the tribes. Not a day back and it is all the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa\u2019s chuckle was more rueful.<\/p>\n \u201cA bit. Some things have<\/em> changed, but I did not upset the old ways of the tribe. Ah, Krshia. It has been too long.<\/em> Sit. Tell me what needs telling before Cers scampers in. He will want to know all the stories\u2014but some things must be told only to me, mustn\u2019t they? Well, perhaps tonight with Cetrule.\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia relaxed. Now\u2014now she felt like she was back. The uncomfortable welcome began to make sense. And her own guilt? She remembered it.<\/p>\n Brunkr. It felt too long for how shortly ago it had been. She ducked her head\u2014but more silkap<\/em> was offered\u2014and Akrisa got up.<\/p>\n \u201cSome cheese! I have goat\u2019s\u2026unless Cers took it to snack on. Aha! There it is.\u201d<\/p>\n She produced some crumbling cheese\u2014and then a brie for contrast. And some baked yellat<\/em>, and some wine. It was hardly the most expensive spread, but it was filling<\/em> and tasty. The two properly broke bread now.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s too much to say, Akrisa. Erin\u2014I can tell you all her story. For it is a good one. But enough to let me say that I am<\/em> a Councilwoman thanks to her. And that Liscor is a city with its own troubles. Vast ones. The Antinium\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMadness. The thought of you living with them under you? I still shudder.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa shook her head. Krshia sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are quite nice. In fact\u2014they have names. They are a people now, a proper one. Perhaps even allies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou must be joking, no?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. But that is for you and Cetrule\u2014even Honored Gnolls to hear. Let me think. For us two? Well\u2026I am a bit mixed on how I feel, but I am a [Royal Shopkeeper] now. Level 33. And I have some interesting<\/em> Skills there. A Level 11 [Councilwoman]\u2014oh, and I leveled up in [Shaman] after all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cRoyal?<\/em> How did that<\/em> come about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPart of the story. I met a [Princess]\u2014there is one living in Liscor. I did not write to you of that<\/em>. But it is my hope we meet her, when we summon Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Doombringer? You wrote of that, Krshia. The [Longstrider Scout] I sent\u2014Vvrow? He thought you were mad.\u201d<\/p>\n She had sent Vvrow to coordinate things. He had been impressed by Krshia\u2019s class\u2014but perhaps that was one of the reasons Akrisa had had trouble. Krshia sniffed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhite Gnoll-child. Not a Doombringer. I intend to prove that to the tribes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck. I cannot believe it myself\u2014but I will listen! Do not give me that glower, Krshia.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa took another sip of wine. Krshia sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is a good child. A [Mage]! She learned magic from the book<\/em>, Akrisa. It can be done!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Chieftain] coughed.<\/p>\n \u201cStop telling me things while I drink, Krshia. It is going to come out my nose. So many developments in one year! Because of that Human?\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia\u2019s face fell. Still\u2014she waited as Akrisa took a longer draft of wine.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m also sleeping with that Drake I wrote to you of, Lism. On the Council.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa sprayed<\/em> wine onto the floor and her fur. Krshia laughed so hard she fell over. Her older sister threw the empty cup at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou little\u2014you are<\/em> mad! Mad and\u2014Lism? I thought you wanted him dead!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThings change. Oh\u2014and by the way. If you want me to get you better<\/em> wine, give me a barrel and I\u2019ll give it back to you after a month or two. [Appreciating in Value] is my Level 30 consolidation Skill. I have some gifts from Liscor that have increased<\/em> in value in my care.\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You must<\/em> be joking with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. Here, let me just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Krshia went to her bag of holding and belongings. She reached in and fished out the first of the gifts she had brought from Liscor. She handed something to Akrisa. It was a bottle of wine.<\/p>\n \u201cI bought this for barely a few silver<\/em> on bargain. I didn\u2019t taste this one, but I had a second bottle of the same and it was the cheapest, foulest wine I could think of. It\u2019s been in my care since I got the Skill, about four months now.\u201d<\/p>\n Her sister eyed the label and cheap glass.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like it\u2019s not worth the cost of the bottle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell? Let\u2019s have a try.\u201d<\/p>\n The Chieftain of the Silverfang tribe gave Krshia a long look.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m reminded you were a trickster, Krshia. If this is one of those pranks like the time you covered our old [Shaman]\u2019s tail in sap\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wound me, Akrisa. I\u2019m dignified in Liscor. People respect me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll bet. Well\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n They poured a cup. Akrisa sniffed suspiciously and Krshia held her breath. She hadn\u2019t opened the bottle, and the uncorking made her heart flutter. But the first sniff<\/em> made both Gnolls do a double-take.<\/p>\n \u201cThat can\u2019t<\/em> be right. It smells like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Akrisa dipped her tongue into the cup. She did a little taste and her eyes went round. Krshia inhaled a proper bouquet<\/em>. She took a sip and gasped.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that is good.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n