The Wandering Inn

Book 9: Chapter 25

Book 9: Chapter 25

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[The Blood of Liscor, Book 8 is out on Audible and as an e-book! Find it here!]

Thereafter, for a short while, as with every single time, they took a break. It was not that the days got less busy.

If anything, they were packed in with things to do. The first thing Erin Solstice did when she got back to her inn, the day when Facestealer attacked and was defeated, was sigh. She stared at the hole in the wall, which looked like a vaguely humanoid brick had smashed through itthen noticed the stress-fractures on part of her common room walls from where it had tried to break through into the garden.

I wasnt even here. And it still sort of exploded.

Lady Pryde was quite upset as she gazed upon the devastation. Mostly because she hadnt been there. Grimalkin, in between checking on the survivors, passed a stone over Erins head. Then he made a few notes as the white runestone glowed and produced a few flashes of color he noted.

Hmm. Well, Ill call it inconclusive.

Erin gave him a strange look as Mrsha urgently bent over Ylawes Byres, shaking him. Are you dead? Are you dead?

His blonde head rose, and the most disheveled man in the world looked up. Mrsha gave him a thumbs-up of relief, and he fainted again. The inn was swarming with guests like Klbkch, [Crusaders]and guilty Named-ranks. In the midst of it all, Erin had an odd vase and a dress shed bought from the antique store, and somehow, that was the weirdest thing to Selys.

Erin. You went shopping? Youand that dress looks hideous.

She pointed to the objectionable style, which would probably have gone well with someone else in a different era on another continent. Erin Solstice wrapped the dress around the vase, put it down on a non-shattered table, and looked at Grimalkin.

Whats inconclusive?

He pocketed the stone.

I was testing whether or not someone hexed you or possibly cast a second curse regarding your inn. You haventgained some kind of Skill related to property destruction, have you?

Erin gave him a sour look.

No!

Ah. Well. Perhaps it is only a matter of time.

It wasnt all funny. In fact, very little of it was. People were dead. An amazingly small number given Facestealers danger, but he had still killed a number of Gold-rank adventurers and Antinium [Crusaders].

Anyone not lucky enough to be Ylawes Byres and his team hadnt survived Facestealers attacks. The [Knight] didnt pin down his survival on luck, either. Dawil had broken six ribs despite his armor, but he was conscious enough to explain it the next day.

Lads got a thick head. House Byres has a long history of taking head-injuries. You think them Yoldenites can survive a blow to the skull? One time, one of Ylawes ancestors stopped a cave-in in one of their mines by letting the boulders hit his skull repeatedly.

Erins mouth opened and closed. The Dwarfs face was perfectly straightuntil he snorted. He winked at Ceria, and she cackled.

Nah. Lads got [Avert Mortal Blow]. Its probably how that thing kept missing him.

Whoa. Really?

Dawil was checking the odd blade hed received from the dungeon of Liscor. He was eying the bright metal, closer to white than silver, a pale sheen. A deathly sheen.

How do you think hes survived the battles weve been in? Luck? Well, hes got more than a bit of thatand Skills too. [Luck of the Foolhardy]. Dont tell him I told you that, though. Hes quite embarrassed about some of the Skills hes gotten.

Thatmade so much sense to Erin. Ylawes Byres did strike her as the kind of guy whod give all his money to a [Scam Artist] and then find a bag of gold on his next mission.

A fool. Arguably, a traditional one who had, at the very least, a family history of trying to kill off an entire species. Fierre Lischelle-Drakle had a lot to say about House Byres, and so did her entire family. Also, he could be really dense when it came to his sisters. And Mrsha thought he wasnt that cool.

An extraordinary, courageous fool whod helped bring down a monster that entire Named-rank teams couldnt. He had possibly helped save dozens of lives, and Vuliel Drae, Nailren, and Infinitypear and Rasktooth had stepped up when Gold-ranks fled. And that wasnt even thinking about what would have happened if Facestealer had entered Liscor

So of course, Erin let him rest, and while Hexel slithered around her inn, the next day and the days thereafter, she made sure he wanted for nothing. Every day he came down, looking less dazed and less dead, the guests would applaud.

You really neednt have them do that, Erin.

On the sixth day, he took her aside and told her it wasnt necessary. The [Innkeeper]s response was to giggle.

I never said a word, and Im not using a Skill or an aura, Ylawes. They just like you.

And Erin had the pleasure of seeing him turn red to his ears. But then, he quite deserved it.

They all did.

Infinitypear and Rasktooth had been prepared for their eviction or possibly just to pay rent after a month of staying at The Wandering Inn. After all, Lyonette had been quite clear about that. But when they came with all the coins theyd saved up, the [Princess] refused to take the money.

But you said

I know what I said, but you saved the entire inn! Dont be sillywe should be paying you.

Okay. How much?

Rasktooth perked up, and the [Princess] hesitated because she hadnt expected that. She looked around, fussed into the kitchen, and came out with a bunch of mini-cakes. Calescent followed her.

Theyre not ready! Im practicing

For such a big Hobgoblin, he was very picky and nervous about the quality of the food that he served to Erins guests. This was his big shot, and he only relented when the two adventurers were quite clear theyd eat anything cake-related.

In the end, the two were given six mini-cakes frosted up, and they were promised access to the inns full menu for a while. So it was then they went down into Liscor and finally bought that hat.

A big, red one sat on Rasktooths head, and he put a feather that Bird had given him in it. The tricorne had very lovely black stitching and edgework, and it was a royal red.

The [Merchant] who sold the hat gave Rasktooth a discountfor one of the mini-cakes and also saving Liscor. Qwera also sold Infinitypear a shortbow since they had coins left over, and the two went hunting with Bird that very same day.

It was quite fun, although the range of all three varied. Bird had a solwood recurve hed bought from the Hawkarrow tribe after his last few bows were damaged, with a functional draw weight of about 70 pounds before his Skills.

The actual draw weight was far more reasonable at 45 lbs. Magical wood and the [Bowyer]s Skills made for a powerful, powerful bow, and Bird could tune that up higher.

By contrast, Infinitypear had a shortbow with a draw weight of merely 25 pounds but commendable strength given the materials and Skills.

Rasktooth had two hand-crossbows. Thus, you had Bird shooting long-range while Infinitypear and Rasktooth would run around, shooting as they got closer like two desperados. And what were they hunting?

Well, Bird kept looking for the invisible bird he claimed was around every corner or the elusive waterbird. Or a penguin that Kevin had told him about. But their real, tangible quarry which they bagged two of was the Garbichug Revolter.

And by bagged, they shot the gigantic, trash-eating pests, tossed their bodies at a Rock Crab, then into Shield Spider nests. The three and watched as the Rock Crab refused to eat the first Garbichugand the Shield Spiders actually carried out the other Garbichug and tossed it onto the grass. It didnt seem to decompose, even eight days later. And only then did Bird spot the mini-Garbichugs eating the corpses of the ones theyd shot and learn he had to burn them.

He announced this to Watch Captain Zevara when she came to The Wandering Inn. The Watch Captain was an erratic guest, but she had plenty of reasons to be there after the Facestealer attackscoordinating with Invrisil, Pallass, and Riverfarm came to mindand Erin also had very friendly rates for the Watch.

It was Lyonettes initiative in conjunction with Imani. The [Chef] was still a friend to the inn, and upon request, shed done some big thinking with Lyonette. The [Princess] had used her connections to the City of Growth to facilitate a new concept at the inn: cheap, filling dishes.

Oh, they had hamburgers and pizza, but those were still actually fairly intensive to make. You could do a line-assembly job, but for Calescent? Even he would get sick of flipping a hundred burgers.

So why not make something even better? Somethingyou could sell for cheap (but profitable) prices at a lunch or rush-hour that could feed hungry Workers or even the Watch? Lyonette wanted the [Guardsman] market. She had observed how much Relc could eatbut noted he was not always that picky about what so much as it was plentiful and good.

Therefore, Imani had done some testing and come up with the new lunch menu. One of the hits Zevara herself was chewing on was rice with curry.

Yep. Rice. Curry. The trick was how you prepared it. A big cauldron could make rice with minimal effort, especially if you had a Skill like Calescents.

[Dont Burn It]. And[I Stirred That]. His two Skills effectively replaced a lot of the effort that went into manually making soup or rice. So his real limit was how much of the ingredients he had, the prep time, and how many cauldrons he could run simultaneously.

The end result was that he was petitioning for a kitchen upgrade, and so was Lyonetteand the inn had huge bowls of soup, curry, and other foods for cheap.

The Antinium loved the rice-based dishes, and some had their own, personal spoons to eat portions big enough for their different mouths. Long-handled, with their names on it. They loved it, and an [Engraver]-[Carpenter] in Liscor was making fantastic money selling them custom spoons. Custom spoonsand all the business to her because she was kind enough to make spoons for Antinium. There was a lesson there, but most people needed it spelled out.

Bird appeared before Zevara as she was savoring the spicy dish. Calescent had his Skill that prevented people from being too spiced-out, but he would happily turn it off for you.

His spice-levels ran from Mrsha likes this to Redfang spicy to Void Eater Goat levels. That last one actually required you to eat it outside, and you had to pay for a healing potion for your tongue up front. Erin hadnt actually seen anyone manage to down it entirely. Saliss had done a bite. Pryde had taken a mouthful and then decided she had to sit in her rooms for the next two hours. Commendably, she never made a sound, but she declined another bite.

Klbkch had made the mistake of thinking that, as an Antinium, he did not have the same issues with spice. He did.

The point was that Zevara was enjoying a really hot bite when Bird spoke. He just sat down in front of her.

Liscor has a pest problem.

We have a what?

She looked up. Of all the things to talk aboutoutside, the Watch was lining up for lunch. They were occupying the Floodplains in large numbers, not only because they had expanded their ranks, but because the villages and farmsteads needed more patrols.

But the real reason they were out there was because Hexel was marshaling a huge team to secure the dungeons openings. He was reinforcing the hole in the ground and building a cap over it that could stop hordes of monsters from ever coming out again. Even if Facestealer triedwell, it would buy them time.

It was costing a lot, but they had Antinium and, crucially, Liscors support and the Councils as well. The Shield Spider populations were downeven the Rock Crabs were learning not to try and attack the new villages. Most people had learned Erins blue fruit trick, but even the ones that hadnt?

Zevara had just been over to the Lischelle-Drakle farm where theyd apparently chased one of the Rock Crabs off. Brave [Farmers]that man Himilt had claimed theyd hit it until it ran and had not gotten hurt. She had advised him on the seed cores and possibly building some walls.

So, Zevara had thought her new focus would be crime in the expanding Liscor. Or diplomacy with other cities. Or hostile cities like Hectvalalready enough on her plate.

So what was this about?

Pests? What are you talking about?

Garbichug Revolters. You have them. I have killed sixteen this month. Five this last week. There will be more. They are coming. You are not prepared.

She just stared at him as he gave her the most serious look she had ever received from him in her life. Bird had threatened war on Pallass with less intensity than this.

It was so disturbing that even when he went off to beg Erin to conjure more magical birdies for him to shoot, guilt-free, that she actually put it on top of her list.

None of the people in the Adventurers Guild could help her. Selys, who still worked part-time, helped Zevara pull records on the Revolters, but they were considered a Bronze-rank threat. It was, in fact, the new [Druid], Shassa, and the Ornithologists Associationa group of [Bird Watchers] and other people with the classwho understood Birds alarm. They told Zevara to issue an alert to all farmsteads and buildings to mind their trash and wasteand to lock down the sewers of Liscor. But, of courseit was too late.

Garbichug Revolters looked like giant, mutated ducks. They had duck-beaks and that kind of formbut they had teeth. Their skin looked either moldy or slightly putrid thanks to the excrement they loved to eat and use as a self-defense weapon. They smelled worse than that.

Oh, and they had the aggressive temperament of geese. They would attack anything they thought was weaker than them and eat anything they could.

They were not Crelers. They were cowardly and ran from almost all threats. They had the offensive power of a giant duckwhich was dangerousbut a Bronze-rank team could take them out with little issue most times. A healing potions worth of damage at most.

The problem was, Garbichugs dodged arrows, and they were good at escaping. The other problem? They loved big sewers.

They had come to Liscor en-masse as the Shield Spiders were reduced, and their presence quickly earned them a bounty from the Adventurers Guild. They found their way into the sewers and began to compete with the other pestsgiant rats, sewer slimes, and the larger insects.

Also, they were quite, quite immune to most deterrents. More than one [Farmer] reported trying to chase them away with the seed-core trick only to see them eat the seed core and survive.

The amount of poison inwell, it explained why their bodies were so immune to decay and why almost nothing would eat them aside from their own kind. Calescent himself had a very nasty encounter with them one day when one stuck its head through a kitchen window and began to eat off a stove top.

He promptly blew his famed death-spice into its face, and the creature just spat at him without seeming to mind the attack. Calescent punched it instead.

The sounds of a Hobgoblin charging out of his kitchen to match a Garbichug in hand-to-hand combat was a weird way to start your day. The inn shot out of their beds, and half the guests were armedthe other half retreating into the gardenwhen they realized it wasnt a monster attack on the same level as Facestealer.

Ylawes Byres found Calescent covered in shallow bites, slapping another Garbichug as they tried to get at the outhouse. He drew his swordand felt a chill run down his arm.

You needed gloves to wield the Gravesword without feeling the effects. Orto be a [Necromancer]. Still, it was light, true, and Pelt had re-contoured the handle to fit a Humans hands.

The first Garbichug had been ignoring Birds two arrows in its sides, but the instant the [Knight]s blade kissed it, it backed up warily. It actually deflected his sword with one clawed foot and tried to spray him with more spit and dirt it kicked up, but he cut it shallowly six more times.

The sixth time, the Garbichug fell over backwards and was getting up weakly when a spear of metal went through its head. Ylawes backed up as Yvlons arm telescoped back into a normal hand. She flexed her armwhich had been torn in half by Facestealer nine days ago. It was almost completely recovered, and she grimaced as she eyed the gore.

Ylawes new sword sapped the energy of anything it cut. He aimed the blade like a wand at the second Garbichug and spoke.

[Firebolt]!

The conversion from death magic to other types of magic wasnt the best, but it still produced a nasty bolt of flames the size of his hands. It sped at the Garbichugand the monstrous bird dodged. It turned, flipped its feathered butt up at Ylawes, and then began sprinting away.

You

Calescent was roaring in outrage. Someone raced out of her inn and threw a jar of acid. Erin Solstice nailed the fleeing bird in the back with the green acid, and Ylawes winced. He watched the bird shriek, writhe around on the ground as steam rose

Then get back up and keep running. The steam stopped rising, and Erins jaw dropped.

Whits immune to acid?

I told you. I told you they were coming! You didnt listen!

Bird shouted down from above. Erin was still staring when the third Garbichug poked its head out of the restroom. This one had a mouthful ofand it was about to spray at

Erin held up her hands to shield her face as Ylawes raised his shield, but the Garbichug never attacked. A third group had emerged, and Infinitypear raised his spear overhead. He was too far to hit the Garbichug, but he raised his spear and shouted.

[I Have Seen It Die]!

Ylawes saw the Garbichugs eyes bulgeand the monster swallowed. It stared at something in horror as it saw Infinitypearand then turned and began waddling off at top-speed.

Good job, Infinitypear!

Erin breathed in relief. Ylawes felt a rush counter to the Graveswords chill burning through him. A kind of fearless breath in his body as Infinitypears Skill activated.

A fitting Skill for someone who had bested Facestealerif not necessary against the fear of Garbichugs.

Bird was loosing arrows at both Garbichugs, and Falene poked a staff out the window and sprayed the grass with [Firebolts] of her own until someone screamed at her not to set the Floodplains on fire.

Ylawes new sword from the dungeon was very finebut it was out of stored power, and he didnt feel like chasing after the Garbichug, so he just cleaned the blade. Normen, Numbtongue, and Calescent were giving decent chase, but the damn birds were so fast they gave up. And they were dodging all the ranged attacksuntil someone decided to try out her new Skill.

One side!

Erin, Yvlon, and Ylawes turned, and the [Knight]s left foot went icy cold as a path of ice shot down the hill, covering the grass. And then a half-Elf went down the hill.

Ceria had taken the time to put on some slippers, and she was sliding down the slick ice like a shot. Ylawes had seen this trick beforebut what he hadnt expected was to see Ceria actually using it in a combat situation.

Let alone sohis jaw dropped.

I thought she was poor at skating. Yvlon

Hed seen Ceria skating, and Yvlon and Ylawes, as citizens of House Byres, had plenty of skating experience on a local lake. Ceria had, ironically, been worse than the rest of her team.

At leastshe had been. But now, the [Prankster] was skating like a professional. She was adopting one of those poses Erin saw in the olympics or from professional skaters, one leg raised along with her arms. She twisted and did a double-axel spin before landing and speeding up.

Even the fleeing Garbichugs looked impressed. Ceria did a backflip, and Yvlons eyes narrowed.

There is no way Cerias that athletic. It must be her new Skill.

She leveled up?

Erin and Ylawes were astonished, but Yvlon shook her head.

Not her main class. She wont tell me what the new class isbut that skating. Its annoying me. Anyone getting that feeling?

Ylawes and Erin turned back to watch the half-Elf showing off and blowing kisses at Pisces and Ksmvr. Yesthere was something slightly obnoxious about Cerias new Skill

[Mischief Skill: Wings Upon Ice].

She got the Garbichug, though. Cerias [Ice Spikes] at close range were fatal, and she was skating back when her Skill ran out of power. She promptly face-planted and had a bloody nose by the time she got back to the inn.

Wbell, dat sucks. Stop labbing, Yvlon. I got the bird.

Healing potion, Captain Ceria?

Ksmvr offered her a bottle, but Ceria waved it off.

Its just a bloody nobe, Ksmvr. Weve gotta be sparing. Darb it.

She groaned. Any other time, shed happily have a healing potion, but they only had eleven bottles in the Horns.

A large number, actually. Theyd geared up after coming back from Chandrar, and that was great. The only thing wasOctavia wasnt selling healing potions anymore. You couldnt find any at regular prices on the market, and all the adventurers had told each other not to waste any.

Thus, Ceria gloomily pinched her nose until the bleeding stopped, feeling like a Bronze-rank again. She did brighten up when breakfast was served by a grateful Calescent.

Is a big breakfast for heroic adventurers. New foodis a lobster.

Calescent, you dont serve lobsters for breakfast!

You did for Ceria. She brightened up instantly and consented to trying Calescents new attempt at lobster, a dish which he readily admitted he had no experience in preparing. Still, he knew how to cook something properly, and Goblins were masters at not poisoning each other with cooking.

Whered we get lobsters from?

Erin was confused, and Calescent took the Silver Swords order.

You want lobster?

His heroic adventurers clearly still included the Silver Swords, even now, and they all demurredthey would rather have the standard breakfast, thanks.

Ill have an omelette today. Id like green, red, orange, and purple bell peppers diced up, onions, cilantro, a Yellat mash, cheese, and two mushrooms to complement it. Easy on the pepper, and a tasting sauce on the side. Ohand will you use one of the nut-based oils and duck eggs if you have them?

Falene Skystralls order made Erins mouth fall open, but Calescent happily nodded without even bothering to take notes.

Is good nuts. And you?

Pancakes. With syrup. Lad?

Erthe same. Falene, you dont have to order like that.

The two other adventurers remonstrated with Falene, who gave a Pisces-sniff.

I rather think Chef Calescent enjoys preparing something elegant.

Disgusting is more like. Why not eat a salad with how much you put in that omelette? Thats not an omelette. Thats a narrow egg shell on top of all that green.

Dawil was grousing, but good-naturedly. Erin Solstice decided shed sit with the Silver Swords that morning.

Hows your back doing, Ylawes? Hows them ribs, Dawil?

Almost as good as the ones I had last night.

The Dwarf smacked his lips, and Ylawes rubbed at his back.

Huh. I didnt even notice it when I raced outside. I suppose thats proof its healed.

Great!

They hadnt spared healing potions on the Silver Swords, but even so, healing a battle like that took a while. Erin was chatting with them as the day started.

Nine days since the Facestealer attacks, and the inn was mostly repaired. Erin had used her Skills along with Hexel, and [Partial Reconstruction] had helped close a lot of cracks on the walls. Even so, hed warned her the foundations had shifted from Facestealers blows, and hed needed to replace the wall with a hole in it.

Hexel had made the seam-lines almost invisible and used the same wood, but Erin could tell the inn was damaged. It was nothing thatd crop up in a year or two, and Hexel had stated he believed the inn would not last that longor be rebuilt before he needed to deal with the problems existing.

She had thanked him for his confidence in her. But the truth was that Erin was counting the gold theyd pulled in of late and thinking ahead.

These days, these quieter days, Erin was focused on a few key elements. Now that her inn didnt have a huge hole in the wall, she decided to speak to a few people as she dined with Ylawes.

Are you going back to House Byres, Ylawes?

He looked up from a mouthful of pancake. Ylawes grabbed a napkin and spoke, shooting a glance sideways at the other guests.

Thats rightand I was wondering if Yvlon and Ysara wished to accompany me. With their friends, of course. It is only a few days ride from Riverfarm. With travel Skills, we could cut that in half.

Erin glanced over, and Yvlons head rose sharplybut Ysara only glanced up from where she was eating with Qwera, Vetn, Mrsha, and Gire that morning. Yvlon was conflicted. Ysaraunenthusiastic.

Are you gonna go with your team?

Ive actually invited Vuliel Drae and Nailrens team to go with me. And, ahInfinitypear and Rasktooth.

Ylawes hesitated as he glanced at his team. Falene bit her lip and didnt speak, but her silence said as much as Dawils actual comment.

Itd be good to welcome them into House Byres. Especially if were journeying together.

The Silver Swords were expanding. It wasnt finalizednot yetbut Erin glanced over at Rasktooth and Infinitypear. They looked eager. She? She saw Falenes unspoken words, and while Erin didnt share the half-Elfs likely reservations, she had a few of her own.

Got it, got it. So you, uhyoure gonna all adventure together?

Id be proud to.

Ylawes Byres either didnt notice or didnt acknowledge Falenes reservations. Erin Solstice opened her mouthbut she glanced over and remembered how strong certain species hearing was. So what she said, instead, was

Lets hang out later, okay, Ylawes? Just as soon as I check in with the Haven and everywhere else. Mkay?

Mkay? Erof course.

Then Erin was upshed had her morning bisque, and she estimated she had till sometime this evening before it conked out on her and she had to rest. She was experimenting with the flavor and figuring out how to make it last longer. [Lions Strength] was another option, but since Bezale used scrolls, it meant that another [Mage] had to learn it. Falene, Pisces, and Ceria had all offered to add it to their lists of spells to learn.

Now, one of the things that had changed since the Albez and Facestealer incidents, as they were being known, was that the Haven was on the move. It had passed Invrisil, and while it still had many notable guests and more flocking to see the famous inn, it was heading south.

To Liscor. Theyd be going past Liscor in fact, once the Haven got here, and the adventurers were either already moving through Pallass and heading to the new lands or content to wait for the Haven to keep moving.

Somelike Deniusth and Orchestrawere already gone. Variable Fortress had apparently decided to move out, and they would be passing through The Wandering Inn today when heading to Pallass.

Colth was one of the few adventurers not heading ahead, and a few other teams were considering their routes still. However, they were not staying at The Wandering Inn.

There was a divide since Erins actions at Albez. And from the Facestealer incident. Erin thought the reason Colth hadnt shown up so much was because he was embarrassed to have let Facestealer escape. As for the other teams like Deniusth? Wellshe suspected they were holding a big grudge.

Larra was cooler to Erin than their first meeting, but the two were still friendly enough for Erin to install one of her gateways in the Haven. Bribing her with a spellbook had helped, but, as the [Witches] would describe it, Erin was in competition with Larra. They werent hostile. They werent enemies, but they had different goals.

A friendly rivalry? Erin certainly wasnt inclined to be that unfriendly, but she wondered if theyd be at odds in a more serious way later. Larra had complimented her on her inns defense against Facestealerand warned her never to pull the same trick on Deniusth and the other teams again.

The fact that you gave away the treasure from the other adventurers was wise, Erin, and I have put in as many words into the others heads as I think will fit. But they are adventurers. They do not take kindly to being stolen from.

To which Erin had given her a big smile and said

And I dont like them murdering lower-rank adventurers, even if they are thieves. Im sure you would have reined em in.

Theyre adventurers, my dear. Ever tried to rein back a flood of wild animals?

So? Theyre still our guests.

That was pretty much the difference. Anyways, Erin still had the benefit of meeting the Havens guests, and not all of them were jerks. In fact, more adventurers were still heading south. Larra had prevailed upon her closest friends to accompany her, like Mihaela, but some were justassociates.

For instance, Erin always stared at the fellow in Larras inn who was sitting this morning at a table with a cup of tea in hand, reading from a newspaper over a refined breakfast. She stared and stared until the Named-rank grew so uncomfortable he put down his newspaper.

Can I help you, Miss?

Caleis Berkesson, the Favor of the North, was a man made out of handkerchiefs. His very face, and what skin he showed underneath a kind of old-fashioned doublet, was made up of the cloths.

How do you drink like that?

He tilted his cup up, and Erin saw the liquid pass through a mouth of cloth. The Named-rank adventurer was made up of questions.

Handkerchief man.

Please stop calling me that. Its an effect.

So all the clothes, Hanky Man

Please call me Handkerchief Man.

So all of them are from nobles youve helped or who like you?

Caleis nodded. He pulled a seat out and stood until she sat down. He wasmannered.

In a way that even Deniusth or Colth were not. Some of the Named-ranks had the etiquette they learned to socialize with others in high-brow societyfor Caleis, it seemed not only second-nature but intentional.

And yes, he did the pinkie-thing with the cup of tea. He inclined his head as Erin sat.

Each one is a bit of power. A bit ofwell, I suppose youve noticed how my class has changed me? Its not detrimental. Or rather, it saved me. I was scarred badly from an encounter with a monster once, and this is far more preferable to how I looked.

What kind of monster? If thats not private?

The Named-rank shook his head.

This is all a matter of history. I ran intowell, it is a bit embarrassing. But topical. I ran into an Acidfly Queen. Something local to Liscor, in fact. My encounter was much further north. It melted

Erin blanched, and Caleis nodded.

Since then, I was lucky enough to gain this particular class and Skill. I was a [Nobles Friend]a very odd class, I know. Since then, Ive become a [Warrior of Etiquette], an [Oathsworn of the Aristocracy], until my current class. Forgive me if I do not divulge the exact nature and level of it.

Whoa. Thats sofascinating. But does that mean your power will get weaker if you head to the new lands?

Caleis didnt shrug but lifted a hand and gently waggled the fingers.

Some authority is direct, but Named-adventurers cant rely on a specific place and time. Besidesmy interests in the new lands arent quite the same as Orchestras or even Eldertuins. I will be escorting the Five Families and other noble interests. Hence my delaymost have not yet reached even Pallass. I believe I am contracted to look out for an Ieka Imarris, House Reinhart, Terland, WellfarHouse Veltras has not yet made any direct moves that I know of, but I will check on each group regardless of a contract.

For free?

The Favor smiled, or at least, his lips moved like that.

Levels, Innkeeper Solstice. Im bound to my class. Supporting the interests of the Norths nobility rewards me in levels far faster than combat with monsters.

Aha. That made all the sense to Erin. What else would attract someone at his rank? Wellshe shook one gloved hand and stopped bothering him. Shed sort of gotten to know him this last week as he hadnt been part of the original group.

The other Named-rank adventurers whod recently appeared were nothing like any Named-rank team or individuals that Erin had ever met. They were scary, terrifying, and Erin had no idea what to make of them.

Mostly because the Champions of the Coast were a pair of Named-rank adventurers. And they were a married couple.

Rasen and Teithde Verithe were the first two adventurers in a committed relationship that Erin Solstice had ever met. And despite being an item for twenty years apparentlythey were in their fortiesthey had been together even before that as Bronze-rank adventurers.

If they made Erin uncomfortable with their displays of actual affection and Teithde feeding her husband breakfast, then they made the other adventurers really uncomfortable.

So are you ever going to marry, Halrac? Come on, you cant sit like that forever. Youre already turning grey.

Teithde, leave him alone.

They were an interesting duo, too. Rasen looked more normalat least compared to his wife. He had a huge greatsword that reminded Erin of Ulrien, but unlike Ulrien, Rasens greatsword accompanied a bow and a host of gear. He was apparently a great all-rounder

And his wife was a Silver-bell [Spell Duelist]. She had a tattoo on one cheek and down her neck that looked like a flowing tide, and she introduced herself to Erin.

Im Teithde Cirullina Verithe Wellfar.

Her husband looked extremely embarrassed, and Erin blinked at the first four-name person shed ever met. Teithde had blue hair, flawless skin, and she looked like Mars or another heroine straight out of a story. Her eyes were bright, bright gold.

Wellfar? Wow, youre from House Wellfar?

Yes.

No. I meanthats unproven. Teithde

Rasen muttered, looking askance. Erin blinked at Teithdeand the woman rolled her eyes.

House Wellfar denies it, but I have roots. I was the bastard daughter of

Lets not get into it. Especially with the Favor here. Its a delight to meet you, Miss Solstice. I suppose its rare to see a couple adventuring?

The two were friendly, approachable, and Erin was privately delighted to hear Teithde gently bullying Halrac. As Larra put it when she came over, the two were a sight.

The Champions of the Coast are proof that adventurers can hold down permanent relationships. However rarely.

It just takes work. As much work as adventurers put into their exploring and slaying monsters. Not everyone wants to do thatand its hard for a Level 40 [Warrior] to acknowledge anyone else as being an equal. But you have to.

Teithde frowned, this clearly being a sore point with her, and Rasen ducked his head. Erin was fascinated by the Champions, but againthey were one group on their way south. She hoped she would meet them again.

Erin was sure they all had the same qualities that Saliss talked about that made them crazy. But today, she was just here to meet one more person.

Hi Larra, hows it going? Oh, youre pretty close to the High Passes!

Erin turned and peered out across the slowly-moving landscapeevery day they drew closer to Liscor. Larras smile was patient.

The same as ever, Erin. Im mostly preparing for our trip past the Bloodfields.

Youre going around it though, right?

The older [Innkeeper] brushed at her black skin, and Erin saw a long scar running up one arma claw wound.

You can never be too sure. I heard about the Adult Creler, and the Bloodfields have tricks like any death-zone regardless. I have been hiring [Mercenaries] and more [Guards].

Now Erin looked around, she thought she did see an uptick in the armed forces here. However, Larra was a stickler for quality.

I may ask to visit Pallass againits a shame that Drake, Guardsman Relc, wont consider an offer. Do you think theres any chance?

Relc? Uhno. I dont think he wants to have that kind of danger in his life.

Larra nodded understandingly. She glanced around and summoned a familiar with a crook of a finger. The spectral imp hovered as Erin looked around for Barnethei, but she only saw the busy inn. It was always busy and had some event going on, or promotion. Erin had heard that Lyonette was going to coordinate a night with the Haventhey traded guests or used Erins access to Invrisil to funnel guests to the Haven. It was making good money, and Erin was so glad she didnt have to deal with it.

Who are you looking for today?

Colth. And maybe Valeterisa, but mostly Colth. Hes gotta stop hiding! At the very least, everyone wants to talk about the hide and stuff.

Ill have him directly. He is embarrassed, you know. He took the dead adventurers personally.

Erin nodded, her smile growing serious, and the other adventurers looked up.

Yeah. Howhowre the survivors?

The DullahanGrinievwould like to thank your [Server], Ishkr.

Oh! Should I send him over?

What if he worked at the Haven for a day? Lightlyand we could send over eight of our staff? As part of our shared guest night?

Barnethei appeared, and Erin jumped. She gave the energetic, dazzling [Vice Innkeeper] a long look but then nodded slowly.

I guess that might workbut Lyonette needs lots of help, and Ishkr

Not to worry. Our staff can adapt, and we just want to toast the brave Gnoll. Hell mostly be fawned over.

Barnethei winked, and Erin sighed.

Well, sure. If Ishkr agrees, okay. Can Lyonette visit too?

She didnt miss the [Vice Innkeeper]s wide smilebut Erin just frowned a second as Larra interjected.

Just so long as that little childMrshadoesnt get up to too much trouble.

Larras reservations echoed Erins in a sense, but where Erin was dubious about Barnetheiwell, Larra was right to fear Mrsha the Conveyor of Mischief. Erin smiled politely at the other two [Innkeepers] and felt like this was all what Agnes, Ulva, and Timbor had wanted to do with her back in the day.

Only now, she really was among [Innkeepers] of her level. It was not entirely unpleasantbut neither was it always fun. Yet she could accept the Mrsha part. So Erin gave the two an evil smile.

Dont worry about Mrsha. Shesgoing to have a fun day too. Heh. Heheheheh.

She tried Elirrs evil laugh, but Erin really didnt have any natural talent.

Mrsha du Marquin didnt see her friends as much these days. Oh, she had new ones who were just grand.

Nanette was settling into the inn. She was still getting to know people, and shed follow them around all day to learn how they lived. She was endlessly curious, and shed already spent a day sitting with Selys at the Adventurers Guild, petting Jeckel the Wyvern at Elirrs shop, and being a credit to her age.

Mrsha, by contrast, had thrown mudballs at passersby on the main road with Gire until they got in trouble. But Gire had a job, and she was being a Chieftain, so Mrsha had to find other great peoples.

Like Vetn, Qwera, and Ysara, who were lots of funbut Qwera didnt want Mrsha messing around when they were selling goods. Vetn was bored.

Tesys off causing trouble again. Im just guarding Qweras shop, but Ill head off soonshes nearly done her bazaar work. I wont stay with her. You be good. Have you seen that Wer guy?

Mrsha shook her head as she and Vetn laced up skeins of thread. He was making a grab pouch which would wrap around something if he delicately flicked it outand like a miniature net, secure it for later.

Mrsha really wanted a few of her own, but the process was intensive and the grab pouches broke fast. She was really just waiting for more cool people.

In other words, Visma and Ekirra.

The context of Mrshas development as a child wasinteresting. Well, being a Doombearer, the last survivor of a tribe, being raised in Liscor and being adopted by a [Princess]that was all within the realms of normality.

It was all within the realms of this world. But Mrsha also had, to put a fine point on it, alien tutelage. Which was the cooler way of saying that Earths children had also invested in her upbringing with mixed results.

She had older brothers in Numbtongue and Bird. She also had Kevin, who would tell her stories of Earth and play his many, many pirated movies or songs and relay anecdotes of various quality with Joseph and anyone else.

Erin had told Mrsha about things like the nature of gravity as it pertained to mass. She had also described airplanes.

She also told Mrsha about cotton candy, and Kevin had broken down the lore of Lord of the Rings and Halo.

Mixed results.

The point was that this was at odds with Mrshas two friends, Visma and Ekirra. And they too were different. Visma had a doll collection that now included Antinium and was expansive enough to have intergenerational blood feuds.

She was normal. She was growing up in LiscorEkirra was the Little Crabs star player under Joseph, and Pallass was scouting him.

Yet they were kids, and so Mrsha was waiting for a fun day ofsomething. There was always something to do with cool people. But they had to be cool.

Erin was not always cool. Lyonette was dubiously cool at the best of times. The Thronebearers were uncool. Cool people could always find something to do, like fishing in the koi pond, exploring, trying to get a class

And today, Lyonette had arranged a big group of people including Mrshas best friends. In fact, eleven other children, two Human, the rest Gnolls and Drakes, were lined up at the door as Mrsha saw her friends arrive.

Vetn waved Mrsha off as she raced over, looking curiously at the children whom she didnt all know. But to her great astonishmenttwo of the children were from Riverfarm! Prosts daughters!

Miss Mrsha! Hello! Are you joining us? What are we doing?

The girls were confused, and Mrsha realized she could show them the garden and all kinds of stuff! She was delightedand Lyonette was smiling as she nodded to Ser Dalimont, who was, for some reason, apprehensive.

Should we fetch the nets, Your Highness?

Not yet

Mrshas ears caught their muttered conversation, but she was shaking paws with Ekirra.

Mrshamrshamrshaintroduce me to these people! They smell weird. Where are they from? Did you see my game? The coach let me score two goals! What are we playing?

Ekirra was bouncing around with energy as usual, and he was wearing his jerseyhe had four copies, and some of the other Liscorian kids were looking at him with awe and jealousy.

You played in the game. Can I be on the team?

A younger Drake tugged on Ekirras tail, and he turned.

Dont grab my tail! And only if youre super-good and practice hard. You should come to practice. Its fun!

Mrsha listened as Ekirra told the others about the best thing everplaying soccer. He had levels, and he was very cool to the other kids. Mrsha, herself, wished Ekirra had more time to play with them.

She expected Visma to be just as happy to see them, but the Drake girl was oddly subdued.

Visma? Where have you been?

Mom was helping the Council do something. So was I.

The evasive answer didnt quite register with Mrsha right away. But she was waiting for Lyonette to tell them when they had to be back or stay in the inn. Still, her instincts let her down.

I hope you all behave yourselves, especially you, Mrsha. And Ser Dalimont will be helping mind you, so listen to him, alright?

The [Knight] bowed, and all the children but Mrsha looked up respectfully. Mrsha just wrinkled her nose at Lyonette as they lined up behind Dalimont. Were they playing in the city on the playground? That was cool.

She wasnt going to steal food after Mister Wailant lectured them. She was a good girl. Mrsha was curious why they all lined up and held hands. She held Ekirras and Vismas as Lyonette smiled.

Ser Dalimont will take you to your activities. Alright, Mrshalet me know how much fun you have!

Only then did a little bell go off in Mrshas head. Fun? Lyonettes idea of fun sucked. She twisted around and then scribbled a note.

Hey, where are we going?

They marched through the door to Liscor as Liska let them through, and Ekirras nose wrinkled up as he read Mrshas note. Some of the children were impressed; Ekirras literacy was worse than the other twos, but he had had to learn to read because Mrsha could only write.

I thought we were gonna play at your inn, Mrsha. Visma, where are we going?

Youll see. Were doing what I did yesterday.

The Drakes ominous comment made Mrshas hair stand up. She poked Visma.

Wait, what are you talking about?

Then she saw Ser Dalimont watching her out of the corner of his eye. Then Mrsha realizedthey werent going to the playground at all. And when she saw the Drake holding her staff and waving at the children, Mrsha felt a pit open in her stomach.

Shassa Weaverweb was the opposite of cool. Ekirra glanced at Mrsha, then Visma.

Visma, you said you were helping your mom with Council stuff. What was it?

The little Drake girls head rotated slowly. She gave her two friends and the other children listening in a big, toothy grin.

The Council made it. They call it school. And we all have to go every single day except weekends. And I had to go yesterday. Now youre doing it too.

Ekirras face went blank. But MrshaMrshas face went pale. She tried to back away, but Visma had a hold on her paw, and Ekirra wasnt letting go.

School? Skuul? Schuuuuuul?

Then she realized why Dalimont was there and why Lyonette had been smiling. Mrsha tried to yank away, and she howled silently.

You traitor! You sold us out!

Visma was laughing at her. Laughing and laughing as Ekirra began to panic, but the children were linked up, and Shassa was beckoning them to a classroom, a jail cell!

Were all going together!

Visma pulled Mrsha into the hell of education. Mrsha tried to resist. She made a break for it, and Ser Dalimont had to carry her back, kicking and fighting and biting. Her paws latched onto the doorway, and she howled.

No! Noooooo! Noooooooooooo

Then the door closed. And Mrsha was in schooland the passersby were extremely disturbed and decided to call the Watch just in case.

School. Mrsha sat in the little desks made for this prototype school and class and knew it was the end of good things.

She was going to sit here and do homework. Shed have lessons and have to do math all day. School? They were dead.

Mrsha, its not that bad! Stop scaring me!

Ekirra whined. Visma looked almost happy, the traitor. But Mrsha just wrote on the card.

Were dead. Youre dead. You just dont know it.

She knew school. Lessons and tests andMrsha clawed at her face and pulled down her eyelids as she recounted the horror of it. If you didnt get good grades, you were in trouble! You had to sit herefor hours and

By the time Shassa finished introducing herself to the other students, Ekirra was in a mortal horror like Mrsha. The two sat there as Shassa clapped her claws.

Im Shassa Weaverweb, a [Druid] from Oteslia. I am going to be teaching you all today, like we do in the City of Growth. I hope youll all have lots of fun and mind your manners, okay? I know some of us come from very far away, but I want us all to enjoy ourselves. If you have any questions, just raise your paw or claw or hand like this.

She was laying out classroom etiquette, having them introduce themselves. Mrsha darkly watched Prosts daughters tell everyone they were from Riverfarm and answer questions.

She knew the [Emperor] was a dithering fool, but this was pure treachery. This was against all that was good and proper. How could Erin allow this?

Mrsha got up and sulkily held up a card explaining who she was when called upon. Ekirra, the vacuous nincompoop, gave his spiel about soccer and how much he liked his team as if hed forgotten what was coming upon them.

Alright, now we know each otherlets begin a lesson, shall we?

Everyone looked apprehensively at Mrsha as she lay back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling. Death upon them. A death of boredom, the Goblins would call it. The other children had heardor rather, readMrshas dire portents. So they gazed upwards in trepidation as Shassa fussed around and then produced her first prop of tedium.

Alright. I know this is something youve never done before, go to class. Or have you? Miss Chimmy?

N-no, Miss Weaverweb. We dont have schools as such in Riverfarm.

The girl stood, then remembered she could sit, so she raised her arm and blushed as she replied. Shassa corrected her with a big smile.

Thank you, Chimmy! You dont have to raise your hand. Im just explaining what school is. Its a way to learn instead of apprenticeships. Every child takes lessons until theyre thirteen in Oteslia, by law. There are all kinds of lessons and [Teachers], from mathematics

Mrsha slumped in her chair.

law

Ekirras smile faded.

and all kinds of exciting classes and lessons. Why, you might even get a class! [Student] is a class that comes from only school. So lets have a little sample classif you like this, your parents will hopefully agree to send you to school and Liscor will adopt the practice. That would be wonderfulOteslia isnt the only place to use school education. Why, even Wistram and other nations use this method.

Mrshas head rose.

Wait, this wasnt guaranteed? If this went badly, they might free the rest of Liscors children from this fate?

She knew what she had to do in that moment, and Mrsha stared around the bare classroom. It was going to be hard to burn this place down, but as Erin was her witnessshe would see it done.

At the very least, shed make sure this lesson didnt go the way these scheming [Princesses] and [Teachers] wanted. So she waited as Shassa lifted her prop for the first lesson.

Alright! Who here knows how to string a bow? Raise your claws!

Mrshas facescrewed up in confusion. She saw Chimmy and one Gnoll boy raise their paws slowly as the nervous children hesitated. Then Mrsha recalled that, yes, she too knew how to

How many of you have shot a bow? Has anyone ever hunted before?

Uhthis time, only the Gnoll boys paw stayed up, and Mrsha realized he was a Silverfang from the tribes. Shassa asked him to stand, reintroduce himself as Kolm Silverfang, and explain that hed once shot some arrows at a Corusdeer herd from the safety of some wagons and he knew how to sling-hunt. Mrsha was impressed. Even she had only hunted game and hares and such did not count to Gnolls.

Sling-hunting is very convenient. Its more economical since you just need a stone, but bow and arrows translate better across professions. We may have time to do both, but right now, Im going to pass the bow around. I have two moreI want you to get a feel for it, and then well show you how to hold them and learn how to be responsible. No one wants to hurt someone else, and you can injure someone very easily with a bow, understand? Kolm, can you tell us what the biggest animal you hunted was? Does anyone have a [Hunter] or an [Archer] in their family? Anyone they know?

Wellthe children looked at each other, and Mrsha of course knew Bird and Halrac and all the great [Archers]. She had to write out a small recount as the children were given the shortbow sized to them and shown how you held it.

Remembernever nock an arrow when youre facing something you dont want to hit. Dont aim it at anyone. Nock is a word we use to describe loading an arrow into a string. This is how you write it.

Shassa was demonstrating bow handling, writing the word on a chalkboard, and making sure they all got the bow safety tutorial as well. By her own admission, she was not a high-level [Teacher], but she had adopted this lesson plan from

wait a second

It was only after twenty minutes of helping Visma hold the bow correctly and being shown a target they could shoot little cloth bag arrows at that Mrsha remembered they were in schuuul. She looked around apprehensively.

Where was the essay? Where was theShassa saw Mrshas look of confusion.

We cant shoot too much indoors or use slings in here. Dont worry, Mrsha! Well be going to Celum next where we have a nice, safe place to practice shooting.

Are we gonna hunt, Miss Shassa?

The [Druid] lifted a claw.

People do hunt with bows all the time, Ekirra, but as a [Druid], I dont wish for us to hunt without necessity. But thats a lesson for laterwell be practicing on targets. Dont worry, Ive set them up, and well even have a competition! If youre lucky, maybe one of you will get an [Archer] class!

We get classes like that?

Chimneys eyes went round, and Shassa nodded.

Its rare, but if you should have a talentalright, follow Ser Dalimont, please! Remember, bows down, and no one nock an arrow. Does anyone need to go to the restroom at the inn before we go to Celum?

Mrsha walked with Ekirra and Visma and feltconfused. When they got back to the inn, Lyonette appeared to watch them, but she let Shassa take them to Celum. Where, as promised, there was a little archery area set up just outside of the city with logs, rocks, and other targets. The children were allowedin groupsto shoot arrows, and Shassa watched.

She only intervened to break up arguments, stop someone from swinging a bow around and aim at another child, and to direct them at various targets. They even had slingsbut only two children very far apart were allowed to whirl them.

You could slap yourself in the back of the head with the sling, too. Mrsha did just that the first time she tried over-energetically to whirl one, and she clutched at the back of her head.

Are you bleeding? Remember, everyone, be careful.

Wheres my healing potion? Mrsha rubbed at her head, and Shassa carefully inspected the wound. She did not give Mrsha a healing potion. But she did hear Mrshas thoughts and cheerfully held the sling out.

I think youre okay, Mrsha. Pain is a wonderful lesson. I believe thats something Druid Nalthaliarstrelous would agree on.

Mrsha hated it when adults got smart. But she learned how to skim a stone through the air with commendable speed, and her arms were just getting tired when Shassa clapped her hands.

Wonderful, everyone! Whos tired?

They raised their hands, and the [Druid] laughed.

Whos hungry?

More hands raised. Mrshas stomach rumbled, and Shassa pointed.

Then well go back to the inn and then to Riverfarm! Thenwell see if we can find food.

Find it? But the inns right there.

The Drake gave Ekirra a mischievous smile.

Yesbut Riverfarm has a great big forest. Well forage for some snacks. Ive heard there are even natural sweetberries and Sages Grass there. Miss Lyonette has promised to give anyone who finds Sages Grass a cupcake for lunch.

Wait. WaitMrsha saw the kids look up, and she was more confused. Were gonna forage for food? Shassa pulled out a little book, and she led them to Riverfarmwhere the first thing they did was get a lesson on what to do if you saw a monster or dangerous animal, although the [Emperor] was keeping an eye out. The next thing they looked at was a book of local fauna and how to spot a good mushroom or dubious berry.

Then they were set loose in groups of four, with Shassa, Ser Dalimont, and a volunteer from Riverfarm watching the children from afar. Mrsha picked her first blackberry and got a thorn in her paw, but she was allowed to eat anything she foundso long as it was actually edible.

And only after theyd come back, shared their haul, and Shassa was teaching them how to make a fire and cook some of the food did Mrsha see the little hamper of actual lunch theyd have once they learned how to cook it all. Thenshe had to raise a paw.

Yes, Mrsha?

When are we going to start the school lessons?

Shassa blinked at the questionthen she began laughing, and Mrsha realizedthis was it. This was skuul. No, wait.

This was school. And it was entirely unlike what shed expected. But thenMrsha had been taught by bona-fide aliens. Foreigners to this world.

The horror-stories that Erin, Kevin, Joseph, and other malcontents of Earths various educational systems had related had an entirely different culture, level of industry, and requirement of their school systems. They were expected to learn algebra and progress into physics and biologywhich were not inherently boring subjects.

Mrsha herself would have loved to know how this world workedfor instance, how far down the water tables went. What she hadnt realized because the Earthers were bad teachers themselves was that education wasnt the problem.

Sometimes you had bad teachers. A good teacher could make anything fun or, at least, easy to learn. A bad one?

In that moment, Mrsha realized one thing that she had taken for granted: Erin and Lyonette were bad teachers. She had never stopped to think of their aptitude, but they taught math like a chore. Shassa played gamesshe wrote nock on the board and taught the children a word in between showing them how to draw a bow rather than Lyonettes lessons the way she had learned itreciting a string of words from rote.

It was not Josephs fault he might have had a bad science teacher, but it didnt mean that the science or the education was faulty. And Shassa was teaching lessons of this world, things Oteslia thought every child should know.

By the time they were done with lunch, the Drake was directing them to somewhere elseand it was the inns own garden.

Swimming lessons! Who here cant swim?

Mrsha got to cannonball into the pool with Ekirra and Visma and help the nervous children to swim for the first time. Then she learned to float on her back and three different ways to swim. Breaststroke, free crawlof course, Shassa had different words for it.

Its hard to swim with fur, so you Gnolls need to learn how to tread water differently. At sea, there are riptides which pull you through the water, sometimes deep down or far out to sea! If we have the chance, well find a gentle river and show you what thats like or just a bigger lake. When youre tired, come out on the grass, and Ill tell you about Drowned Folk!

By the time the midmorning turned to early evening, Mrsha was exhausted in the best of ways. When they came back to the classroom, Shassa asked them to name every known species in the world and gave them a little fact about each. Mrsha, of course, knew almost all of them perfectly, but even she hadnt known there used to be a Halfling people.

Then their parents and family members came to pick them up. Mrsha went with Ser Dalimont as Shassa called out.

Tomorrow, well be visiting some friendly animals at Councilmember Elirrs shop and learning how to take care of them. Then well be practicing magic!

Wh

Mrsha walked straight into the doorway as she turned her head. All the children looked back, and the Drake winked.

Make sure you can attend!

In that way, she was very clever, because Mrsha almost turned right back around and demanded to learn Shassas arcane ways. The [Druid] did know how to tailor a lesson to convince even the most dubious families that school might not be a bad idea. As shed told Lyonetteshed save the mathematics classes for a bit later and make them only one part of the day.

Mrsha went away, thinking this thing might not be such a bad idea after all. But only because shed given it her full approval. And besides

This beat Lyonettes lessons any day of the week.

While Mrsha the Scholastic was at her first day of lessons, Erin Solstice returned with Colth in tow to The Wandering Inn.

The Ultimate Supporter was subdued, but when he saw the Horns he went over to shake their handsand the Silver Swordsand assure them that their hard work and sacrifice had not been for nothing.

Stalkers hide has been fully cleansed and processed by the Havens own teams. Larras an expert at magically ensuring theres no residual poisons or whatnot in that kind of stuff. She cant tailor to save her lifebut Id trust her to purify anything but Creler corpses.

Its only been nine days. What, does she need that much soap?

Yvlons attempt at humor provoked a silence until someone realized she was joking. The [Armsmistress] had a deadpan delivery that was too good. Yvlon coughed, flushing, as Erin listened in, and a few other teams gathered around.

Colth had compensated most of his friends and the teams in gold, but the Horns were in this for the hide, and the Silver Swords were due something.

The Graveblades theyd found from Facestealer had been divided up. They were all swords, interestingly, an entire small armory of death-magic that was shaped for Drake claws. What that meantwell, Pisces had an incredible theory that the Horns believed.

In practice, the swords had gone to the other teams whod helped do the fighting. One to Orchestra, for instance, one to other teamsof note, Griffon Hunt had gotten such a sword, and Briganda was the one happily swinging it around in lieu of her axe. No one in the Halfseekers wanted or used swords.

They were already top-tier artifacts, but the real bounty was the hide. Colth shook his head as he explained.

Soap would ruin the hide in some cases, and nothings strong enough to remove a serious toxin.

I know, I was just making a joke

Yvlon flushed, and the Ultimate Supporter grinned.

Just making sure you know Im not messing up twice. Larra has a process. [Cleanse] is simplebut it can fail. She takes it in a room and bombards the hide from all angles with her [Arcane Familiars]. Purifying crystals, physical scrapingthe works. Anything thats removed that isnt valuable is incinerated and disposed of. Then she runs purified water across what remains, and if she thinks theres any contaminants, it goes back. She didnt like Stalkers hide or Facestealers, so she ran it through multiple cycles.

Fancy. Thats a high-level [Mage] for you.

Ceria wanted to know the exact process and resolved to spy on Larras setup if she could later. Pisces frowned.

Thats surely expensive.

Colth shrugged.

It isand I took care of it. Larras a friend, and besides, this is all my fault.

It was a good plan. Right until we were all fooled.

Ksmvr offered Colth a double-edged olive branch, and the [Supporter] grimaced.

I should have thought of that trick. The deaths are on meand I thank you for letting me give away the Graveblades to the affected teams. Now, though, let me report. I took the liberty of sharing the hideor rather, letting experts inspect it because its so damn big. I convinced the best [Tailors] and [Leatherworkers] I could find to take a look, and I had Master Hedault pop in.

He produced a piece of paper and read out their findings.

Stalkers hide has faint enchanting marks, as if it used to be a conduit for more spells. Facestealer? None besides magical damage. Both are clearly magical, artifact or relic-grade hides. Stalkers is in remarkable condition despite the age and destruction of the headFacestealers is a mess. However, testing indicates they surpass Wyvernhide quality in both cases. No one went up in scope, but I can personally guarantee Facestealers is rated against Tier 5 spells.

The adventurers looked at each other. Colth went on, eyes flicking up to gauge their reactions.

Stalkers hide would fit a being about as large as a small house. Even accounting for the need to process it and scrap itit would make numerous full sets of armor, and it has an active camouflage effect. Of notewe have no bones. Neither Stalker nor Facestealer left any behind.

No bones?

Pisces did move at that. They had used undead to port the corpse in their desperate pursuit of Facestealer, and he had tried to animate the dead monsterbut he had chalked his failure up to its power, not the bones. Colth made a face.

No bones in all the body. Odd, right?

A shiver ran through the Horns. OddCeria was reminded of Skinner. But Colth went on.

Regardlessthe hide seems to be fit to pass Relic-grading according to the Guild of Tailors. Thats preliminary, but its either relic-grade or top-tier artifact level. And we dont have grades of relics anymore.

He folded up the paper and looked at the others with a smile, and Pisces rubbed at one ear.

Did I, ahare you implying, Colth, that there might be enough of the hide to fashion a set of armor for all of us?

He meant all five of them, including Colth. The [Supporter] raised his brows.

Five? Possibly we could give away a set of armordepending on how economical the hide is processed.

A suit of Relic-class armor? Ksmvrs mandibles were open, and Ceria whistledthen her eyes narrowed. Yvlon Byres had realized something as well, and she coughed into one fist.

I think theres a catch, isnt there, Colth?

The budding excitement waned, and the [Supporter] winked at her. He spread his hands.

Any guesses?

It took them a second of looking at each other, and then Dawil, whod been listening in, grunted.

Aha. I got it. Its the Adamantium hammer issue.

Ylawes opened his mouth. He had been about to ask if Larra or another team wanted the hide, but Colth nodded.

Whats the Adamantium hammer issue?

The Adamantium hammer fallacy is that you cant hammer Adamantium without an Adamantium hammer. Even Mithril deforms. But how do you make an Adamantium hammer without

The ore itself? Maughin was a perfect example of that toohe had yet to even manage to heat his ingot to forging temperature. Dawil rolled his eyes.

Which, by the way, is how they did itthey cast a lump of Adamantium and stuck it on a handle. But I assume none of those [Leatherworkers] wanted to try a shot at Stalkers hide?

Colth shook his head.

The woman I asked wouldnt even consider it, and shes the best [Tailor] Invrisils got. So heres our issuewe need an expert in working monster hide. It has tons of quirks, and its difficult and requires a specialized class and equipment. Either we went to First Landingand theres only a high-level [Tailor] thereor we find somewhere else. Anyone have a contact? Because, frankly, I know people who could do Wyverns, but not this.

Few people had ever hunted a monster on Stalkers level. The Silver Swords were at a loss, and Ceria, Ksmvr, Pisces, and Yvlon were all helpless. The half-Elf scratched at her head.

You knowsomeone from my homeland might be able to do it. The Kingdom of Myth, Erribathe, is known for, uhfantastic stuff. Worth a shot?

Colth pulled a face.

You want to send something that expensive over a continent? Let alone the fact that every [Bandit] and [Pirate] would go after it

Yeah, damn.

Ylawes Byres wondered if Gralton or House Veltras might be able to help. Famous hunters often had access to good craftspeople, but it was, in fact, a newer prospective member of his team that spoke up.

I know who to contact.

Everyone turnedand Larr of Vuliel Drae puffed out his chest. Even Anith stared at him blankly until the Gnoll looked around and glared.

Has everyone forgotten who Im related to?

Arent you Hawkarrow? They do bows.

No, my uncle, my uncle! I tell you all the time

Dasha slapped her forehead.

Of course! I always put wax in my ears when you say it! But youre related to some important Honored Gnollwho?

Larr was getting angrier and angrier.

My Uncle! Honored Shedrkh! Of Soliest Yerr! The Gnoll who made Kraken Armor!

Colths eyes lit up. Insill, Pekona, and Anith gasped as if this were the first time hearing it, and Larr got so mad only Nailrens paw on his shoulder kept him from exploding.

Now theres a famous leatherworker. And were heading southId hate to leave this hide with anyone short of a Gold-rank team for security or Larras inn. But Larrcould you contact your uncle? Or get us a way of introduction? Its far from the new lands, but worth a shot.

At last, Larr hesitated. He scuffed at the floor.

I, ermy Uncle does keep up with me, but I will have to wait. Yes, I can tell himand he will surely be interested!

It looks like we have a place to visit. The Gnoll Plains. Huh. I was just there.

Ceria Springwalker cupped her chin in her hands, and her eyes twinkled. Pisces frowned at her.

Are you suggesting we go all that way?

Someones gotta guard the hide. Besideswe might have some credit with the Gnolls. Doubly besides? Its closer to the new lands, and if youre set on going

Ceria Springwalker looked around, and Colth smiled.

Well, that makes me feel like weve got a path forwards. Let me know if your plans change, but otherwise, I might count on you to make the pilgrimage south.

Erin Solstice looked over from pretending to play a game of chess against Nierswell, she was playing, but she was listening in. She looked at the Horns, and it hit her.

Her friends were going to leave soon. Again, and once againErin Solstice exhaled. She hated change. No matter how good it was.

She hated the fact that they got better and shined so much. If they didnt, maybe they could have stayed. But Erins eyes strayed back to the boardthen she looked around for Venaz, Peki, and Merrik. And they toohad to continue onwards. So Erin only waved a hand.

Guysif youre gonna go south, you might as well take the Horned One.

She pointed, and Venaz looked around. He stared at Erin, aghast.

What did you call me?

She gave him a blank face. Venazs superior attitude did provoke some bullying in Erin.

Dont like that? How about Venaz the Great and Powerful Whose Wisdom Cannot be Surpassed? The Second Coming of the Titan of Baleros? Mister Green Greatsword? Calruz 0.5? Mister Minotaur?

The Minotaurs look of chagrin grew and grewespecially because he had yet to take a single victory in chess off Erin. It only grew worse as he heard his classmates laughingand then the quiet guffawing coming from the speaking stone attached to Erins chessboard.

Lyonette was teaching one of the little Goblins how to properly organize a serving tray so it wasnt balanced badly. She was patiently trying to show the Goblin balanceand the Goblin was protesting that balance didnt matter. If they stacked all the drinks on this edge, they could just carry it in the most dangerous-looking way possible.

What was life without the thrill of fear that any second your Goblin [Server] might toss an entire tray of flaming Minotaur Punches into your face? Nothing, that was what.

To be fair as wellthat was the charm of The Wandering Inn. Erins relentless nicknaming of people, the chaos, the surpriseand lets be fair, the poor service. You came here for the magic, the possibility of seeing something to make your day that much more unusual.

Lyonette had finally gotten Sticksthe Goblin was nicknamed Sticksto carry the tray in a semi-logical manner when she heard the front door open and what sounded like a larger crowd blow in. She turned, smilingand blinked.

Hello, take any soh.

She started as the most colorful crowd strutted into the common room and formed a line. And they did strut.

The Havens serving staff had on that bright uniform that Larra had tailored in multiple colors according to the buildings they worked in. Eight of them marched forwards and nodded to Erin.

Miss Solstice? Innkeeper Barnethei sent us over. Where would you like us?

Their leader had frosted green tips to her hair, and she either had magic in her blood or the most unusual set of ruby-sparks in her brown eyes. Erin blinked as Lyonette looked around and realized why the inn was lagging a step behind was because Ishkr had left for his appointment at the Haven.

Oherhi!

Flustered, Erin swung away from her regular Venaz harassment and hurried over. The staff bowed a bit then, but very shallowly. They were interesting.

Not just because they were clearly a professional staff that were sizing up the inn and guestsand Antinium and Goblinslike seasoned veterans of the service industry, but because they had a number of qualities Lyonette noticed.

Obviously, anyone who could see a Goblin or Antinium without blinking was good. This lot may have seen The Wandering Inns guests before, but they had a veneer that gave them a friendly attitude without going into too intimate.

Practiced, in short. Lyonette had seen the same from Calanfers staff, and you noticed when it was lacking in other nations or places. This lot could handle unpleasant guests without ever giving away their distaste, Lyonette bet.

However, what struck her were two things. The first was, well, their skin tone to the Terandrian. Only Kaaz and a few nations among Terandrias kingdoms had a majority of darker skin tones that Lyonette normally associated with other continents. But like Larra, it seemed the staff was more diverseamong humanity, at least.

Second, and tangential to that, these [Servers], [Waitresses], possibly just [Staff Members], were clearly trained to wait on nobility. They had that subtlety about them. The way they drew back a foot when they bowed, how they held themselveseven rudimentary hand-gestures made Lyonette feel vaguely like she was in court.

Howeverthey struck an interesting chord in that their bow to Erin and to Lyonette as Erin introduced her second-in-command was slight. Respectful, but not deferential. They knew who Lyonette was, but the [Princess] got a nod as if they were [Earls] meeting a [Duke]. Not staff members addressing a [Princess]or even servants in a household.

That had to be either the difference between Izril and Terandria or Larras particular spin on things. Either way, it didnt actually bother Lyonette, but she found it interesting.

Interesting as the way the staff were clearly here to spy on the inn, even if only on a personal level. They followed her around as she took charge, and she noticed their brows rising and the silent looks as they met Calescent and saw how the inn worked.

Alright, that is the basics ofof how we run. Do you have any questions?

The Havens staff shook their heads, and their leader addressed Lyonette.

Eight of us should be enough for a crowd, Miss Marquin. Innkeeper Barnethei did say to call in reinforcements if it was needed.

Oh. How very generous of him.

Possibly condescending. Lyonette had an image of that flashy [Vice Innkeeper] smiling superiorly, and she felt a flash of rivalry with the Haven. Yes, The Wandering Inn was far more humble, but it had shot up in prominence. Shed show the Havens staff what they had.

Alright, then, Miss Navien, will you take the bar? Ishkr normally runs that. Three for the floor orders, two for the [Grand Theatre], and if two of you could help clean up

The Goblins and Antinium were hard-working, but they hadnt figured out the flow of the inn yet. A table full of dirty dishes from a large crowd of [Guardsmen] needed washing. Lyonette hurried over to helpand one of the Havens staff stepped over.

[Kitchen Delivery]. Ill begin washing right away, Miss Marquin.

The plates, glasses, and utensils vanished. Lyonette blinkedanother of the Havens staff produced a cleaning cloth emblazoned with the Havens sigil and ran it over the table. The pieces of food that were too large to catch ran onto the flooranother had a broom already. Two passes and the table was spotless.

Lyonette gulped as the Havens staff spun into action. She looked around for Erin, and the [Innkeeper] was watching.

Whoa, theyre pretty good. Do they get magical dustrags?

Erin looked fascinated, not intimidated. The Havens staff were watching her as Erin socialized with her guests. Lyonette began to step up her own game, realizing she could take more time off with this crew. She wonderedwhat Ishkr was seeing.

She hoped Barnethei was just being friendly.

The truth was that the eight members of staff whod gone to The Wandering Inn were not ordinary employees. Each one was at least Level 20+, which was high-level for service industry jobs at entry-level positions like that. In fact, three were sub-heads of their various buildings and thus over Level 30.

[Staff Manager of Cleaning], for instance. That was Navien. Barnethei had told her to take a visit to The Wandering Inn.

Because of course he wanted to show them off. It was only good manners to be as friendly as possible too, but honestly?

The Haven and The Wandering Inn were in competition. It was friendlier than most other classes, and Larra and Erin themselves werent putting on the sparring glovesat least not openly. Still, two famous inns?

You had to strike a contrast. Barnethei was the [Vice Innkeeper] of the Adventurers Haven, but to many, he was the [Innkeeper] they thought ran the place. He was the front, and he made sure the Haven actually ran events, that everyone had a good time.

He was the Lyonette of this place, and he might quit his job within a month. Certainly, after they got past Manus his days were limited.

Quit might be too dramatic a word. Barnethei was checking his coatroyal purple today and gold-edged. It was always gold or silver filigree and such. He knew he looked like a performer, the leader of a circus or menagerie. That was entirely by design, as was the staffs flashy dress in bright satin and faux-silk cloths; shiny without being too gaudy.

It was meant to make the Haven feel special. More than your run-of-the-mill pub or tavern. Of course, this sprang from the days when Larra was first getting started and the Haven didnt float or have an entire complex attached to it. Still, now the Haven had a reputation to maintain.

Same with the bow-tie. Barnethei had a top-hat too that he sometimes used, but that was pretty ostentatious, even for him. When he was done, he exited his private dressing room and strode into the Haven.

Guests, esteemed friends, Im sorry to keep you waiting! Shall we?

His eyes twinkled. His voice was a stage-voice, and even the Players of Celums famous Kilkran had complimented him on his projection. As if those [Actors] were the first people to learn how to play to a crowd.

Barnethei had learned from [Bards]. In fact, Lyonettes observation about the staff of the Haven was spot-on. They did get etiquette training, and it was actually very hard to apply for a role here.

Not just because the pay was excellentyou got all the free bread Larra produced and free food as well. But Barnethei had to know you were here for at least a year or two to justify the lessons in how to serve nobles, speech lessons, even tutoring in how you walked.

The staff were spaced around the first area he entered, which was the Havens outdoor deck and public areas where most people got their baskets of free bread. They had the largest kitchen herewhich often churned out the bread sticks and other cheaper foods for the casuals.

Casuals. The Havens staff had a private lexicon for the type of guests they got. The outdoor decks and such were lovely viewing places that even the best guests like Mihaela likedthey had a second floor, and the entire expanse looked out over the circular railings across wherever the Haven went. You could watch the farm building slowly float past the central Haven building, or the libraryand walk across the various bridges to anywhere you liked.

The Haven had a library, farm, extended guest suites, and even a bathhouse attached to it. Larra was always adding buildings and removing themshe had a limit to how many she could make fly, and she might decide they really didnt need a set of rooms and remodel them. But the core amenities were always the same.

Fine beds, fine food, and fine entertainment. The central Haven building had three floors, but each floor was massive. The outer guest area where they stood was the cheapest and largest, and they got progressively more impressive the further in you went.

Outside, the library and farms were always huge draws for casuals. You could pet cows, some of which were magical, and buy feed to give to little chicks or even rent a horse to ride if you hadnt come with one from the stables. As Erin had noticed, there was an attached Mages Guild, Adventurers Guild, and even Merchants Guild in miniature here so you could conduct business while staying at the Haven.

[Mages] loved it here. Barnethei, surveying the outer deck, spotted a familiar figure he hadnt been able to get rid of. He strode across the deck as a [Stellar Server] accosted him and spoke. She didnt whisperthey spoke while walking along. Even if there was an emergency, you played it off.

Barnethei, theres a duel brewing in the Moments Bar.

Damn. Who?

[Lord] and some Drake. They got into it over the Veltras attack on Liscor

Barnethei didnt groan, but his smile turned into a wince. Duels between noble guests were not uncommon. Though sometimes it was a matter for bodyguards. Still, they knew the rulesthe Drake and Gnoll populations would cause friction.

Ill be there in a second. Buy me time.

She vanished. Barnethei quickened his pace, slowing only to pat someone on the shoulder.

Yes, the breads free. Hello! Im Barnethei, the Havens [Vice Innkeeper]. I hope youll enjoy yourselves. Ask the staff or a familiar for anything.

A smile was all it took sometimes. He often did linger and chat with someone wanting to talkbut he had to move. So he slowed for only a few steps at the tables before hurrying across a bridge. There, he called up.

Archmage. Archmage Valeterisa. Innkeeper Larra would like you to return any books youve checked out.

A figure jumped and hid a book behind her back. She was sitting on the roof of the tower-library, impressively tall and one of the larger private collections. A red-haired [Mage] standing below the tower turned around, looking guilty.

Montressa du Valeross had been trying to get her mentor to come down for the last half-hour. Valeterisa peered down at Barnethei and called out cautiously.

Im not done reading them. And Im stealing nothing. I am an Archmage, you know. Montressa, Im still an Archmage, arent I?

Barnethei knew her of oldshe had been a guest here when he had first been employed by Larra. So he let his tone grow slightly acerbic.

Archmage, you have a habit of teleporting or flying away with all your books. Larra would prefer to get some of her books back before eight years have passed. In factyou still have several books in your mansion. You may check out one book at a time.

I am an Archmage, Barnethei.

Larras orders. Incidentally, will you be staying here much longer?

Valeterisa was fiddling with her glasses. She frowned as she checked her books.

You seem to be keen on getting rid of me, Barnethei.

He lied with a smile. And he knew she cast [Detect Truth] on everyonebut he was a [Vice Innkeeper]. He had to lie to the nobility of Izril all the time.

Not at all. Id just remind you that you do have a habit of turning off any spells you run into that you dont care for. And your shadow familiars get in the way of our arcane ones, and guests mistake them for the staff. Finally, Archmage, you keep asking our staff to buy you any reagents or materials you need.

Arent I an honored guest?

He ignored that. Technically she was, and Larra would suffer Valleys presence for ages, but Barnethei always tried to expedite Valeterisas leaving if only for the staff. He was in charge of their morale, and he was allowed to move the inn.

Consider leaving in a week? Mage Montressa, Im sure you have work to do.

Archmage, we are going to be at Liscor soon, and you have that project

Oh, very well. Ill think about it.

And the books?

Valeterisa grudgingly began sorting through the pile of thirty-eight shed piled up on the roof. Barnethei decided that was a winhed also have to send up some familiars to clean the giant picnic shed made with all the dishes since he was certain she was not going to do it for him.

Small potatoes, really. But here was the thingBarnethei was passing back when one of the staff who managed the library poked her head out and gave him a relieved nod. He winked with one eye as he passed.

Colousa was a proper [Librarian]; Larra needed a dedicated one, but so far, shed just recruited a series of lower-level ones who tended to leave after a year or two. Colousa was good, knew every book in the library, and shed shout at a [Lord] dog-earring a book. You needed that kind of spunk in the job.

However. Even Colousa had limits. She was terrified of the Archmage of Izril. Not least because for all of Valeterisas good qualities, she had levitated Colousa into the ceiling to get a book she wanted. And then left her there.

You needed to be able to dance with Dragons to rise to the top here. Well, you needed the levels too. That was part of Barnetheis permanent issue, which was going to be compounded when he left the Haven.

He wanted talent. And talent?

The Adventurers Haven had all of the norths youths to recruit from. True, they didnt want to train up someone with no levels, and not everyone wanted a job here when you could be an adventurerbut they could poach good staff from any inn they wanted. Even soBarnethei could replace all of his regular staff in about a week. Hed hate doing itbut he could.

He could not replace the heads of each building. The good ones, at least. Navien was one suchlosing her would be like losing a foot. A Level 30+ expert in the exact class that was neededa [Head of Cleaning] as opposed to a [Cleaner]was a very specific role that hed be competing with Magnolia Reinhart and every major employer over.

It was like the famous Salii paradox. If you had someone that goodyou were almost bound to lose them because theyd outgrow your position. Barnethei was proof of that.

He was going to quit his role in the Haven, and Larra needed a replacement. She had yet to find oneoh, shed have temps, but hed be gone, and he suspected shed have to step in and resume her role for a year or two before she found someone who could run things in his place.

However, Larra had let him goeven encouraged himrather than double his pay or offer more incentives because she thought it was for the best. Her answer to the Salii Paradox was simple.

If they were going to leave because they were so good, why not give them your job?

Barnethei was going to quit the Havenand start up a new inn with Larras blessing, a quarter of her staff, and all of her support. That was why she was moving the Haven to the new lands. He didnt know where exactly, but when it opened, the Second Havenhis working name for itwould be one of two inns that Larra controlled.

Possibly one of dozens, in time. Barnethei had a vision. It was one Larra shared, and it was of a series of the best inns across Izril, possibly even other continents, with Larras name attached. Inns so good they took over the top spots in whatever region they landed in.

If Larra could expand her class and magicif they found the right talent, they could do amazing things. It wasnt far-fetched either.

Larra the Haven had been a Named-rank [Mage], but like Deni, like all her friends, her levelling had slowed to a crawl once shed passed Level 40. However, shed passed Level 50 by doing the unthinkablegaining the [Innkeeper] class and then merging [Wizard] and [Innkeeper] together.

These days, Barnethei thought Larra leveled faster than her adventurer friends, for all they risked their lives, because running an inn was a constant. It was hard to find a challenge as a Named-rank, and you could die, as Denis wounds against the Kraken Eater tribe had shown.

But running an inn? Running two inns? Taking one across the continent? That was what might take Larra to Level 60. Same with Barnethei.

Hence the Havens decision to go south. The new lands would mean gold and levels and opportunity for Larra and Barnethei. The Haven was well-defended, the staff were excellent, and if Barnethei wanted for anything, it was just more top-tier talent.

And he thought hed found at least one in Liscor. Even if Larra herself was disappointed. She had come to see if the new [Innkeeper] of The Wandering Inn might be a good replacement for Barnethei. One look at Erin Solstice had told her that The Wandering Inn wouldnt be joining hers any time soon. She had decided Erin was just a very convenient ally.

However, Barnethei wasnt inclined to be entirely toothless. He was sure he couldnt steal an actual [Princess] of Calanferand he still wanted to know why one was working at the inn. But he could take one other person.

The Haven was not The Wandering Inn in many ways. It didnt do amiable chaos. If you didnt get your order within a regular, narrow window, something had gone wrong.

However, it was also far more of an attraction than Erins inn. The free bread was the lure for the casuals, as were the magical lightshow and the familiars. They did a lot of the dirty work behind the scenes, cleaning, delivering things, doing simple tasks as they were rather stupid.

One floated through the first hallway Barnethei strode into, through the main doors of the Haven that you saw when you came up the main ramp. Most people passed through the foyer to the right where the open-seating area was.

From the foyer, you went left for some of the more interesting rooms, or up where they had private, large-scale dining for nobles or important guests who wanted privacy. The guest-suite also stretched out from here, and Mihaela Godfrey was currently

Barnethei slowed and saw the Guildmistress of First Landing giving him a warning look as she slowed, sweating, and a few nervous City Runners looked up. She must have taken a few under her wing.

Keep it up. I thought you wanted to train. YouFals? Chin up here.

Mihaela Godfrey indicated with her chin, and a pair of City Runners that Barnethei recognized grunted. Garia Strongheart and Fals were both hand-picked by Mihaela, and he memorized their faces because it meant they had a shot at being Couriers.

Guildmistress, I see youre teaching some prospectives?

Got a problem with it, Barnethei?

She was daring him to say something, and unlike Valeterisa, Mihaela threw her weight around deliberately. Often with kicks. Barnethei smiled weakly. He noticed a few guests staring at the six Runners and Mihaela.

Perhaps you could refrain from using the balustrade as a work-out device, Guildmistress?

No.

They were hanging from the railings of the curved staircase that led up, beautiful alabaster marble by the by. Currently doing pullups. Mihaela was sweating onto the floor, and this was why Barnethei was happy about his new inn.

Hed get his own weirdos, but he wouldnt have to deal with Larras old friends.

Ill send a cleaner, then. Larra will bill you if you break the marble.

Its enchanted.

He gave up and walked away. The truth was that Mihaela, Valeterisa, and to some extent, any Named-rank adventurers were a match for Barnethei most of the time. Anyone else?

Innkeeper Barnethei! I was looking for you! Are we having another gentlemens night tonight? Soon? I have Lord Detri here and Lord AlmanAlman, have you been here? House Sanito. We were going to stop by at least once before the inn leaves the north!

A [Lord] stopped Barnethei on his way to the Pub of Best Moments, the dedicated bar and one of Larras most famous rooms in the inn. He stopped, smiled, and took the [Lord]s hand.

For the [Lord] of Izril, Lord Ilner Elone of the distant members of the famous House of Elwas very congenial with Barnethei. In fact Barnethei even clapped him on the shoulders.

For you, Lord Ilner, I will set up a private room tonight. What time and how many should I expect?

Oh, I think well besix? Six. Alman, you will enjoy it. Dont worry, well play for small coins at the start.

Ill be skewered if I lose a fortune, Ilner.

Barnethei knew House Sanito, and he knew that Alman Sanito had to be worried about his finances. Especially when gambling with peers. But he took the mans hand and smiled in such a disarming way that Alman blinked with gratification as he leaned in.

Dont worry, Lord Sanito. The Haven offers fake-currency instead of coins. Little adventure-coins. The kind of thing adventurers would use on long expeditions. You can bet a favor or a dare instead of gold.

Another thing from Larras past. It also explained why Ilner loved the gentlemens night where a number of men would gather for drinks, good food, and Barnethei overseeing the event and games. It was a getaway from their wives and duties andcruciallyvery cheap compared to some of the entertainments you could buy.

You will enjoy it, Alman. On my word. Barnethei is the finest [Innkeeper] Ive met. If you arent laughing within the first twenty minutesfeel free to invite any other guests, Innkeeper.

Barnethei smiled as Ilner gave him permission to fill the room with commoners. It was going to be a challenge. You had to meet people that Ilnersnobilitywouldnt rub against.

I will have everything set up at a quarter to ten then.

Splendid. Dont let me keep you. Lets get settled in then.

They had a waiting member of staff to lead them to their rooms, and Barnethei smiledand then sped up. He was really hoping there wasnt any blood in the Pub of Best Moments. It would also take him a good thirty minutes to organize the gentlemens night

All within spec. All within control. Barnetheis head turned, and he saw a flurry of no less than eighteen familiars carrying the luggage of the nobles after the servants. Another was coming from the kitchens with a complimentary glass of wine for each man.

Barnethei could sense the Haven moving, and it wasnt even rush hour yet. Above, he thought that a certain [Lady] Tetra El was having a girls moment with her friends away from her husbandthey were probably laughing over a late lunch.

That was just food. That was justthe basics. What the Haven was known for was spectacle. For magic.

A different kind of magic than The Wandering Inns though. When Barnethei pushed open the double-doors to the Pub of Best Moments, he felt the air change.

A pitch of excitement rose through the room that had nothing to do with the standoff between the angry Drakes and the [Lord]. The very air felt alive, and there was a spice in it

This was one of the rooms that the regulars, the real regulars came to. [Lords] and [Ladies]. [Merchants] and famous folk. Less adventurers than you thought. Those were the serious guests, the ones who arguably got the least from the Haven besides shelter and companionship.

But the regulars loved this place because it came from Larras magicand her Skills.

This was one of the [Innkeeper] class greatest Skills that Barnethei had ever seen. He had gotten no room-Skills yet, probably because he was a [Vice Innkeeper] and had no place. It was an enduring grief of his because he might have gotten one already.

Thisthis [Pub of Best Moments] though. It sparkled. And he thought his coat took on an additional luster. He felt taller, and when he spoke

Ladies and gentlemen, please! Remember the rules. The bars a place to leave our troubles behind. What seems to be the issue?

A wave of people in dresses and coats turned, like a kind of ballroom. Extraordinarily beautiful women and the most handsome of Izrils men stepped back, cheering him on, and he nodded to people he thought he remembered despite the masks.

You could take the most attractive people in the worldfrom Mars the Illusionist, Lady Wuvren, the Lord of the Danceand theyd fit right into the crowd here.

The Havens regulars. Most had masks on, conventional ones that looked like a statues face or worked silver or gold. Some had cloth coverings or veilsbut they were largely ornamental, covering only the mouth or letting the eyes peek through the masks.

They were sharply dressed too, and Barnetheis resplendent coat seemed right at home with the finest tailoring in the north. Normally, the room was filled with conversation, laughter, and cheersright now it was quieter.

Because of the pair of Drakeswell, the two standing with fists clenched were opposite a cluster of men. At least one was a [Lord], and he had a hand on his sword.

Ah, Innkeeper! TheseDrakes were arguing about House Veltras and the Goblin Lord. They were bringing up

You sieging our city? What were you going to say, you puffed up fleshbag?

Some of the guests gaspedbut there was a lot of laughter there too. Barnethei was relieved about that. The Pub of Best Moments wasnt a place where fights often broke out due to its natureit was mostly between people showing off.

Indeed, the two Drakes seemed mostly defensive, though both looked ready for a brawl. If anything, the [Lord] brandishing the sword seemed unwilling to put it down and come to fisticuffs, for all neither Drake had reached for a blade.

Then againBarnethei wouldnt have tried either Drake with his bare fists without a really good reason. They both had scars, and one was missing half his tail. Former soldiers, Barnethei had no doubt.

Menolit and Relc had refused to back down even with the sword waving in their faces. The only thing that had saved the [Lord] from Relc taking the sword and shoving it somewhere unpleasant was the Gnoll who was interposed between the two.

Barnethei exhaled as he saw the [Bartender] waving apologetically at him and the staff keeping the crowd back. This was another room that he personally oversaw, but it needed a dedicated expert.

Normally, it was Alanna who could handle this thingbut hed sent her off to The Wandering Inn. Yet, Barnetheis exchange was already paying off.

For it was no less than the star of the show, Ishkr, who was standing there. The [Head Server] looked vaguely exasperated as he spotted Barnethei, but he was fearlessly blocking both sides with nothing less than a furry arm.

Lord Coore, please, you know there are no blades allowed in the room. I would not like to ban youlets sheathe the blade and sort this out.

The [Lord] hesitated as Barnethei strode over, equally fearless of the blade.

But the honor of the north

Rules are rules, Lord Coore. The Haven is very strict about them. It would be unfortunate if Innkeeper Larra were to need to invoke the [Law of the Inn]. That would certainly result in a years ban, or longer.

That was all it took for the sword to hastily go back in the sheath. In fact, Coores supporters vanished as soon as Barnethei appeared. No one wanted to be banned from this place.

What, were not fighting? Lame. I would have taken them all, Ishkr.

Relc was disappointed, and Barnethei heard Ishkr murmuring.

This isnt The Wandering Inn, Relc. How did you two get in here anyways?

We were invited. Specially. At least, I was. Relc tagged along since I was told I could take a guest.

Menolit adjusted his jacket haughtily. He looked around and whistled.

Some place. And here I thought Erin was the only one with a special room.

It took only a few minutes for Barnethei to send Lord Coore away, calmed down, with a drink on the house. Then he was approaching the Drakes.

Gentlemen. Is this Menolit from Liscor Hunted and Senior Guardsmanno, pardon me. Spearmaster Relc?

A few heads turned as Barnethei raised his voice slightly. People loved to listen in, and he saw Lord Coores head rise from his table.

Were allowed to be here! And yeah, thats me. Eryoure not that short [Innkeeper]. This place has two [Innkeepers]?

The Drakes werent as up-to-date on the dynamics of both inns. Relc looked guilty, but Barnethei held out a hand and shook the Drakes crushing grip with a huge smile.

If you were admitted at the door, you have every right to be here, sirs. In fact, I just wanted to offer you two a drink at the bar, gratis. Free. I apologize for the commotion.

What? I meanthats great. It wasnt our fault anyways. That guy brought up

Barnethei interrupted carefully as he took Menolits claw.

It was no ones fault, sirs. Lets leave politics at the door, shall we? This is the Pub of Best Moments, and if youre not smiling when you leave, its a shame all around.

The Drake [Veteran] and owner of the rising company blinked at him. Relc hesitated and then grinned.

Sure, so, uhhey. Whats this place about? And whyd Menolit get a fancy invitation?

Well, because hes clearly someone worth meeting. And the Haven welcomes anyone worth meetingI believe the invitation was to all parts of the inn. The Pub of Best Moments is more informal, you see. A bar and hangout. If you two wanted a different kind of experience, we have private dining above, the balconies are for public dining

Barnethei rattled off a few of the areas as the Drakes listened. He gestured around the bar as he signaled to the doorwoman.

But this is really one of the Havens treasures. Im not surprised you two found it. But pleaselets start you off right. Try on a mask if you fancy it. Its not a requirement, but it is part of the fun.

The two Drakes eyed the set of masks that were offered to them. Relc put on a feathered Garuda-type mask, laughing.

What are we, putting on costumes like Erins Halloween thing?

That must be some kind of Drake custom. Barnethei shook his head.

Not at all. Its for informality. You dont need to use names, gentlemen. I may have given you awaywhich is my faultbut you dont ask, and you dont need to tell. Of course, the fun is also sharing stories and accomplishments.

Hm. I still dont get it.

Relc was scratching at his neck-spines, but Ishkr seemed to understand. He was staring at the bar, and hed already found another Skill of Larras. Barnethei beckoned the Drakes over to the bar.

Clear a space, please! First-timers hereif you dont quite get it, sir, take a seat here.

He pointed to some slightly worn seats that were coveted at the bar. They were dead-center, and the [Spearmaster] clearly sensed there was something different about them. He eyed the red paddingthen sat down gingerly. Relc gazed around blankly, then rolled his shoulders as if he felt a prickle running down his spine.

Whats going towhoa. Hey. What themy voice!

His voice had suddenly changed. Gone up slightly while keeping the deep bass rumble. But it wasnt just his voice. Relc looked down, and for the first time, realized his casual [Guardsman] outfit, worn leather and chainmail, had vanished.

Whwheres my uniform?

Merry laughter filled the air. The guestsHumans mostly, nobles and guests who knew the Haven and had come with itwerent being malicious. Not here, at least. Not even to Drakes.

And not to Relc when he sat in this seat. The Drake turned, and Menolit slowly sat down next to him. The Drake looked at Relc and then at himself. Then he twistedand exhaled.

Oh.

They were sitting in the first Skill that Larra the Haven had ever gained as an [Innkeeper].

[Seat: My Best Angle, My Finest Side]. Menolit looked down, and the casual jacket and clothing he had worn to the Haven was gone. In the [Pub of Best Moments], he was wearing a hand-tailored checkered jacket that showed off his chest. There were no stray threads, and the flaking dead scales along one claw had vanished.

It looked like he had applied scale cream and had worked on his appearance for hours over the last two weeks. His neck-spines were sharpened, and his boots were buffed and shone. But that was just the effect of this room.

Everyone looked good here. Hence the crowd, which looked like a vision of Izrils finest Humans mingling without showing the imperfections. When they spoke, they didnt stutter or hesitate. It felt as if someone had given you a silver tongue and a rod in your spine, more courage than even liquor could fortify in your veins.

But the seatah, that was different too. Menolit glanced down, and his tail curled around the chair. His entire tail. He looked at it, mystified, and then at Relc.

What happened to you, Relc?

The [Spearmaster] looked up, and Barnethei saw a slightly younger Drake, his scales flashing green, leaning on the bar. An enchanted spear rested next to him, and when he touched itBarnethei thought he could cut down a tree with a single blow when he held it.

The Gecko of Liscor sat there, and it felt as if you had just seen him walk off the battlefield, covered in glory. Relcs goofy look and genial face that so many took at face-value

Even Ishkr had rarely seen the Drake that Erin Solstice knew and called friend. He wondered if this was the Relc that Erin had always known.

[Spearmaster]. Veteran of countless battles. But when Relc turned his head, they caught another side of him too.

A grinning, rueful face as he checked himself out in a small mirror placed just for that purpose. A low chuckleand you were reminded he was older too. A father. If hed been a Human, he might have had a beard. Relc rubbed at his chin.

Would you look at that? I cleaned up okay, didnt I?

Then you could see it, the longer you stared. The kind of father who did check on his daughter. A Drake telling jokes

Turn and turn. A [Spearmaster], a [Sergeant], wearing burnished armor where the crest of Liscor sat proudly on his chestplate. 

A Senior Guardsman,a member of the Watch who had stood in front of corruption in a city far from home.

A father doing his best.

A friend and [Guardsman] on patrol you wanted to see.

So sat Relc. On that slightly-worn bar stool, he had no bad angles no matter how you tried to see it. It was doing a lot of work right now, and Menolit looked no less good. From one side, you could see the Drake whod fought in war until hed been wounded so badly he had to leave. From anotherthe man whod built up a company. A brave, if sometimes bluff figure

The crowd looked at the Drakes and crowded around as they exclaimed, laughing, teasingand Lord Coore himself stood up.

Well, theres a better look at you two. Another drink for the bar, upon me! And I shall apologize, especially to a [Spearmaster]. Im something of a duelist myself, friend. Whats your name again?

Relc glanced upthen laughed and took the mans hand as Menolit ordered a drink from the [Bartender]. Barnethei exhaled as Ishkr eyed the chair and then stepped back, trying to fade into the crowd. But Barnethei kept an eye on him and the Drakes. They did look extraordinary so long as they sat there, and that was the allure of this room.

The chair didnt lie.

Not exactly. You see, it was just showing you what people like Erin Solstice or a partner saw. What it took time to see, what could sometimes be hidden or what could not be seen any more. Your best angle. Every good quality you had.

And people wondered why the nobility flocked to this inn when there were rich and private establishments elsewhere. This room was famous.

The chair hadnt always been that good, by the way. It had just been a fun one that made you look good at the start. The room and Larras levels had made it stronger. When Barnethei had first joined the inn, oh, twenty years ago, it had already been famous.

Why, hed heard that people had copied the mask motif and the informal setting even in Ailendamus of all places. Their Court of Masks was different.

So what, we dont use names unless we want to?

Its fun for anonymitys sake. But we do tell stories. Soldiers always have some good ones when they find their way in here. I imagine you have at least one, Mister Spearmaster?

A teasing voice replied, and Relc turned just in time to see someone, a Human woman with a mane of brown hair, seat herself across from him at the bar. He stared at her low-cut dress and hesitated. Relc realized that the two seats he and Menolit were in had a thirty-minute time limit. Small wonder; everyone wanted a turn. However, in the interim, the two Drakes were being warmly greeted. Very warmly in the case of the woman leaning over.

UhI, uhhave a few. Hi. Im RI mean, nice to meet you.

She chuckled like velvet rubbing together, and he jerked his eyes up and blushed. And then Relc and Menolit realized the other reason why this room was so popular.

Barnethei was circulating the room and greeting people he could recognize, masks or not. He was smoothing over any small issues people had, taking personal requests

Entertaining the regulars. He leapt upon a table and shouted as the bar rumbled.

Ladies, gentlemen, whomever you are, well be having a display of magical lights in two hours come duskand well give out wands and targets! Apparently, Larras decided to make it a hunting game, and youll win prizes if you can score enough points! Then, I have the pleasure to announce a gentlemens night as well as a ladies retreatIll be heading the gentlemens night, so inquire if you would like to come. Finally, we have a set of two new drinks and the latest treats from The Wandering Inn, which well be distributing in moments!

Cheers greeted his statement. A few of the staff were bringing out bowls of popcorn and other foods that Barnethei had asked for, but pride of place was the bowl of flaming gelatoand the Minotaurs Punch.

Glory and fire. Barnethei saw one of the staff pouring flammable alcohol onto another dish and lighting a cherry jubilee on fire. He wondered if it would start a trend. The Haven hadand fiery dishes were fun, if hazardous.

He wished he could steal the flames that Erin Solstice produced. But for now, the guests practically fought over the precious shots of glory, and Barnethei lifted the secondcanistergingerly.

Well be saving this one until tonight, I think. After dinner.

Come on, Barnethei! Whats the second drink?

Several people demanded to have a sip now and flashed goldbut the [Innkeeper] held it back teasingly.

Ive been assured this isunfortunatelytoo strong for all but the best! No, Im not lyingits called Rxlvn, and the Antinium made it. Aha, who wants to have it now? Its apparently so strong it can knock someone out with a single shot. We might have a contest later.

He winked, and the crowd cheered. This was the role Barnethei liked. Beautiful women and handsome men enjoying themselves with no thought of tomorrow.

The regulars fed the Havens coffers. Oh, the adventurers were the guests Larra truly cared about, and she had free bread for the regulars and entertainments for allbut the nobles of the north came to the Haven because of what Larra gave them.

When Barnethei got down from the table, the [Bartender] on duty, a woman with black skin and white sweatpale and brighterspoke to him. She mopped at her brow as the magical sweat showed shed been working hard. You didnt have sweat like that from drinking regular water.

Larra liked having a mostly female staff, and she had views on her guests for all they liked her. She was very protective of her people being harassed, and those helpful familiars could get nasty very fast if you broke the Havens first rule.

Barnethei, sorry about the fight. Should we start doing toasts? Weve got two Gold-rank teams who are willing to recount the Facestealer attack.

What about Colth?

He refused.

Barnethei had expected that, and he turned around. He narrowed his eyes at the crowd and spotted a Gnoll trying to hide behind a cluster of people.

Go ahead and bring Griniev in. Ill get our guest of honor too. Did he do anything?

Besides stop the fight? He asked what he could do, and hes pretty good at serving drinks. But I didnt see any wild Skills off him. Is he going to be Alannas replacement or did you want to put him somewhere else?

Everyone in the senior staff knew of Barnetheis goals. The [Vice Innkeeper] shrugged.

Skills dont matter as much as personality, and if he can face down a fight within ten minutes of walking in heremake sure he doesnt slip out, will you? Not that he will, but hes tricky.

Ishkr had been running from Barnethei for the last two weeks. The Gnoll gave the [Vice Innkeeper] an exasperated look, but he hadnt refused to come here. Barnethei thought that was a good signalthough the Dullahan who strode into the room and took Ishkrs paws before hugging hima huge sign of affection from a Dullahanmight have been the reason.

Either way, he wanted Ishkr to hear his pitch. Barnethei looked around and saw Relc sitting at a table with who he thought was possibly one of the [Ladies] of House Merrimorn from Terandria. He laughed and lifted a flaming glass of liquor and called out to get the crowds attention again.

The Wandering Inn was interestingbut how could you ever beat the Havens magic?

Ishkr Coresh Silverfang hated being the center of attention. In that way, the Gnoll being toasted by the adventurers and thanked by the profusely grateful Dullahan was like Larracel herself.

Larracel Delais had never craved the spotlight, so she had installed Barnethei as the innkeeper long ago when she realized he liked and was very good at his job. In fact, the regulars didnt know she was the owner of the inn. Some of them legitimately thought Barnethei was the owner. Others, that he was the real [Innkeeper] and the Haven was the owner who rarely visited.

They did not square the humbler, shorter Larra with the imposing Named-rank [Wizard]. She added to the effect with her outfit, which made her look like the cleaning staff. In that way, she could see people unguarded and make decisions without them presenting their best selves to her.

Ironic, in her [Pub of Best Moments]. Then again, it didnt touch her. It was her Skill, and this was her inn. She had only popped in to see if Barnethei had handled the fightand to watch Ishkr.

She caught Barnethei as he shared a Minotaurs Punch with some delighted [Lords] and [Ladies]. They were cheering the Sacrifice of Roses, and their eyes were wet already. The [Innkeeper] stepped away as the drink took hold and the nobles saw the past. Larra nodded at Ishkr, who was refusing a Minotaurs Punch of his own.

He makes little of himself. Are you sure you want him?

Theres a lion under that Gnolls fur. If I met you for the first time, Miss Larra, I might have been fooled.

That made her smile because it was true. Then Larra eyed the flaming beverage.

What a terrifying drink. No wonder that Erin made it if she ran into Maviola El.

She was a patron here, wasnt she?

Larra waved that off.

Everyone from Tyrion Veltras to Ulva Terland has been here. She was never a regular. She claimed my inn lacked the heat for her. Always a flame-metaphor, that one. She detested this room as well.

It was not hard to see why, if you knew the secret of this room and the seat. Ohit did make for pleasant encounters. The two Drakes were melding with the nobility better than they would in any other setting. Yetthe Haven was not run just to make the nobility happy.

How much have you sold today?

Let me check with Roreen.

Barnethei stepped back and whispered with the [Bartender]. She was an interesting classyou couldnt just be a [Bartender] in this room. Roreen was actually a former [Accountant] who had run with the Merchants Guild for a while. Thanks to that, she never missed an order served.

four hundred and eight gold pieces as of today. Were advertising the Minotaurs Punches as exclusives.

Just so long as they dont realize Erin Solstice is selling it for a fraction.

Or that it was cheap liquor with the flames added. A massive killingbut the nobles were misty-eyed, speaking of the Sacrifice of Roses.

Perhaps theyd been there. Perhaps theyd lost familybut Larra had been in First Landing too, and many of the faces here hadnt been the ones who walked against the Goblin King. House Walchas, House Valerundthose had been the houses that bled out on that battlefield.

She said none of this. Like Colthno, his issue was different.

Larracel just let the nobility have their fine moment, their private dining, and the gentlemens nights that Barnethei arranged. It was Roreen who made sure all the drinks were counted and the meals, the complimentary glass of wine, the expensive linens all were added up and presented as an unobtrusive bill for her richest clients.

It was best to have an underling pay iteven the [Lords] and [Ladies] sometimes gulped at the prices they racked up. If you could charge it to House Els [Financier], for instance, you didnt have a fight. Then the nobility would head off happy, groan about the costs later, and come back when they had more or felt like splurging.

Larracel cared about the gold her inn made. She cared about it so much sometimes it kept her up. It was said that all Named-ranks were crazyshe had retired, so perhaps her madness was just the madness of an [Innkeeper].

The inn was, in a way, Larras nightmare. Oh, it generated vast profits, but the irony was that it ate away at her coffers too. For all the thousands of gold it made, she had to pay her staffand she did pay them well!pay Barnethei, pay the magical costs of running it.

Animals required feed. Her famous free bread benefited from her Skills, but all the liquors, foodstuffs cost a fortune. And even if she made a massive markuplets say she had a hundred thousand gold.

She could sit on that hundred thousandor use it to buy enough magicore, enchanted materials, and such to build a new building like the library. Larracel had been saving up desperately, hoping that someone would find an artifact of cornucopia.

For every valuable item or relic she recovered that added to the value and profits of the Haven, it cost a fortune to acquirebut shed be earning more money after the purchase. Enough to buy the next great improvement or hope she leveled.

Gold and more gold. Barnethei looked slightly harassed as she pressed him about the gentlemens night.

I have three [Merchants] in Invrisil Ill reach out to. Perhaps some of the Drakes in Pallass?

Good.

She was satisfied with that. But then Barnethei brought up something that made her scowl.

I had a word with Valeterisa about

Leave her be. Her young apprentice is keeping her far, far more in check than before.

Yes, but the staff are getting tired of her, Larra. I didnt chase her out! And you know shes occupying your [Law of the Inn].

Larra had to admit, it was true. But her serious guests, the adventurers, Valley, and the others? She had told Barnethei again and again to spare no expense on them. They were her children, and Valley was a silly girl who needed someone to make sure she did things as mundane as eat food and wash her clothes.

Somedaysomeday shed have enough gold. Barnetheis new inn would double their profits if it went wellof course, there were all the startup costs, hiring new staff, the risk

But someday, shed have enough. Larracel the Haven had not been the hero who went into Chalence and came back as nobility. Deniusth, damn him, had done that. Hed been generous with his friendsbut not enough to buy her a landed nobility.

Then again. Four million gold pieces each to the teams whod gone in there and survived among the hundreds who had not. All that goldbarely bought a landed nobility among Denis spending.

Larracel didnt want to spend that much. All her friends? The nobles who came up to her, delighted by the new drink and asking for little favors? Theyd make that day easier.

Of course, she didnt want to be noble for the sake of it. It was just that the title and class came with many perks, and using that influence, using a fortune in gold

She was old now. Oldlike Mihaela always complained they were, white-haired. But in a decade, Larra might have enough to put the Haven down. To buy enough land and places and staffto keep the rest of her unruly children occupied.

It cost a fortune, a fortune of fortunes to keep Deniusth from going crazy. To provide for their quirks and madnesses? Larra had done the costs, and she knew it would take ten years yet. Less, if this venture in the new lands worked out. But then

She had seen her Haven break. Seen monsters flood in, armies go through the walls, and seen too many of the people she had promised would be safe die to ever go back to dungeons. To adventure, like Deniusth. Gold came slower in her inn, but safer. Far, far safer.

She might be seventy or eighty or even ninety by the time she was ready. Then theyd truly be old. Ten years, maybe more if she found a way to buy Saliss Potions of Youth. Ten years and possibly, then, there would only be a handful left and their children.

But that was her dream, the Havens private little dream. A plot of land and enough to occupy the silly children she had left so they wouldnt walk off and face another Facestealer. So yes

The gold kept her up.

Valeterisa wont walk off with any books. I have changed the law. No stealing the inns property. Do you need me to change it to violence?

For Lord Coore? I think its sorted.

Larra nodded, relieved. Her great Skill, the [Law of the Inn], was a famous one among [Innkeepers]. With it she could compel even Valeterisaif not to stop hoarding dozens of books.

It did not work on monsters of Facestealers ilk. Another thing to fearbut Larra said none of that out loud. She patted Barnethei on the shoulder as she watched Ishkr. He was bowing slightly to her.

Hes promising, that Gnoll. If you steal him, Ill handle Erin Solstice.

She thought she could calm the other [Innkeeper] if she was angry. Barnethei smiled.

Afraid well lose Alanna and the others to Erin?

Larra looked at him blankly, then the two chuckled and laughed. Larras inn dazzled the nobility, and they tossed gold coins down like water. Erin had fine guestsbut she needed a true grist to fuel her inn. And Larra would notwould never charge Colth what she charged her regulars. Erin needed people she did not love. So Larra blew a kiss to this silly room.

May it once again make her lots of coin.

The top staff at the Haven were holding down The Wandering Inns regular crowds quite easily. Even with the Players of Liscor putting on a performance, they were easily able to coordinate with the Goblins and Antinium.

If anything, Lyonette was purely just amazed by their levels. Twice now, shed seen one of them using a Skill to rectify a problem before it began. A raised voice from a squalling infant turned quiet. A dine-and-dasher froze until Alcaz put a hand on his shoulder.

They were unfortunately competent, and Lyonette gave up trying to direct them after it was clear they knew how to adapt to minor issues.

She almost wished Erin had caused some chaos that required her direct intervention. Just so she could show off how the inn really was.

But the [Innkeeper] herself was relaxed. She was sitting, chatting with one of the Havens staff.

Whoa, so Larras got an entire bathhouse?

Its not quite the same as Liscors, Miss Solstice. Its private bathing in the larger guest suites. The piping was expensive to laythe bathhouse proper is no hot springs as its too heavy to transfer. The farm is the heaviest due to the soil and animals, and Miss Larracel can barely keep it in rotation. Shed try having it roll across the ground, but theres no way to transport something that heavy without a huge amount of magic. So she hasnt paid for that yet.

Gotcha. Gotchaso whats the bathhouse?

More like a steam house, Miss Solstice. Have you ever seen?

Erin snapped her fingers as Alanna sat at the table, glancing at the rest of the inn. Mrsha was telling Lyonette all about her satisfactory schooling experience as the [Princess] listened in.

I should do that. Steamhousegot it. And shes got a library. And a farm. And she puts on magical lightshows? Did I hear you right when she said shes copying Wailant? Heyhey Lyonette, Mrsha! Theyre gonna pass out wands and shoot targets! We should go!

Ierthat does sound like fun, Erin!

Lyonette replied as heads rose and people looked around. It did sound like fun, and Mrsha brightened up. It was justwhy was Erin saying the competition had something better?

She was too relaxed. She didnt seem bothered at all! Erin was joking with Alanna.

Hey, if shes copying Wailant I hear thats lots of fun. Just so long as everyones not naked. Because I hear thats also a Strongheart thing.

In fact, she was so unguarded it seemed to make even the Havens staff curious. Alanna glanced up as Navien passed by, and the two shared a look for a second that seemed to last slightly longer than usual. Erin Solstice blinked at them, smiling, and then poked someone passing by.

Peggy, hows it going? You want a break?

Nah. This job is easy. Not like getting leg eaten.

The Hobgoblin grinned, and Erin smiled.

Just so long as youre not tired! I dont want Rags to beat me up. Sayis she coming back soon?

Rags had begun heading back to Goblinhome to manage it, but she had returned fairly regularly. Alanna glanced at the other staff and then smiled at Erin.

Miss Solstice, are you planning on moving your inn or expanding it?

Hm? Me what now? Are you talking to Hexel? Im thinking about adding morebut itll be costly. As for moving it, I cant just put the inn on wheels. I feel like itd roll down the hill and crash. Were not going to the new lands, if thats what youre asking.

Soare you planning to expand or change anything in the future?

Alanna pressed her. Erin Solstice frowned and chewed on her lip as she shrugged.

Hm. I guess so. I mean, there is a huge remodeling job I want to save up for. Aside from thatmaybe Ill see about opening my portal door further. Thatd bring in new guests. Why, are we gonna be competing with the Haven?

The woman smiled, but oddly. She looked at Erin and then gestured around the inn.

Its justyouve reached such a high-level, Miss Solstice. The staff and I were a tiny bit curious how you got here so fast and whether you had any plans to keep on going. Innkeeper Barnethei will be starting his own inn, you know. Were you planning anything like that?

He was what? Alarm bells rang in Lyonettes head, and she felt a sinking feeling as she thought of Ishkr. But Erin just nodded.

I think Larra told me that. I think I waslucky I leveled so fast. Plus, Ive had a lot of monster attacks. My ambitions for the inn, yknow, arent like Larras. Barnethei seems like an ambitious guy. Do you like him?

Alanna smiled, and Lyonette sensed her gaze searching Erin up and down, puzzled.

He is. And we do quite appreciate himhes worked for Larra longer than anyone else. We like the Haven, Miss Solstice. It wasnt easy, getting to where she is. So we were just wondering

What is it you do? Erins inn had the [Grand Theatre], but it was humbler. More than that? Now Lyonette sensed the real difference between the staffeven the way Erin talked to Peggy.

Ambition. The same thing burning off Barnethei hung about the Havens staff, and ErinErin had such a polite smile on her face and looked so calm, Lyonette finally realized why the [Innkeeper] was hanging around here rather than wandering off.

why my inns sucky?

Id never say

Alanna looked alarmed and glanced at Navien. Erin laughed.

No! I know you didnt mean it, but it really is humble. We just dont have that much gold compared to the north. Plus, youre right about me not having many scheduled entertainments. I should do more. Is your ability to talk with your eyes a Skill you get from a serving class?

The Havens staff frozeuntil Navien raised a brooch hanging at her neck.

Innkeeper Larra enchants our gear herself, Miss Solstice.

See, thats useful. I could use a magical dustrag.

Erin sighed longingly. Then she slapped her hands on her knees and got up. Lyonette saw Erin holding her back and wincing. The plain, brown-haired young woman hobbled about, swearing, and Lyonette suspected Erin had been cutting down on healing potion.

The Havens staff watched her out of the corner of their eyes, but Erin had no familiars to help her upjust Gothica, who laughed at Erin as she passed by. Her inn of three floors was mostly devoted to the common room and guest rooms.

For all the food was preserved, it was largely mundane, and there was no farm or library, and the high-level guests

Well, it did have those. If anything, the one thing that felt familiar to Alanna and Navien and the others were the guests.

Gold-ranks, hanging out around Erins inn like this was the most natural thing in the world. Even Named-ranks. Lehra Ruinstrider, offering Mrsha a bit of taffy shed just bought in Invrisil.

Ylawes Byres, rubbing at a black eye as Yvlon profusely apologized, tromping in with Vuliel Drae and the other teams. Erin Solstice looked about and called out.

Hey, Ishkr. Didja run away?

I had a number of toasts. I said all I needed to to Adventurer Griniev. I wouldnt expect Relc or Menolit to be back though, Miss Solstice. They seemed quite happy in the [Pub of Best Moments].

Oh! I want to visit that!

Erin Solstice laughed. Every head spun around. And there he was. Alanna actually jerked in her seatbecause she hadnt seen Ishkr come in. Neither had Liska, who was on a short break as Inkpage took over. She stared at Ishkr as the Gnoll placed two mugs of ale on the bar, and Navien nearly leapt over the counter.

The Havens staff looked at him, and then they felt prickles on the backs of their necks. Alanna turnedand Erin Solstice was staring at her. The hazel eyes were wideand then she looked like the Grandmaster of Scales for a second.

Gotcha.

The eyes were plain, but they twinkled with mischief. Then, and only then, Erin Solstice tilted something back on her head and you remembered her hat was made of flames.

Blue fire roiled around her fingers. It burned azure, like a Dragons eyes, like a nebula deep in space, flickering as Erin took her hat off for a moment and stretched. She put her hat on the table, and it burned there as the Havens staff slowed, and a swearing [Vice Innkeeper] looked around his bar for a Gnoll whod vanished.

The hat burned like sadness and like something else. Because, of course, a color was deeper than one meaning, and so was a memory. Erin held her back a moment, then looked up.

Since youre having an employee exchange and since Ishkrs sorta done, Id say you all can go off-duty for an hour or two. If you wantwhy dont you come with me? Its a special occasion, but Id say itll give you perspective. Plus, you should all get dinner after.

The evening was growing later and later, and the Havens staff looked at each other as guests began to file towards the door for The Adventurers Haven. After allall the spectacle and fun was over there. Erin Solstice winked, then she looked over.

Hey, Ylawes. Does your team have a second?

Dawil raised his brows as Falene stopped ordering a complex salad and sighed, mildly exasperated. But Lyonette felt the hair on the back of her neck begin to rise. And when Erin Solstice slowed down and plucked at someones shoulder, Lyonette felt one of those chills she sometimes got.

It ran down her arms and back. A shiverbut not of fear. Of anticipation. Erin Solstice looked down, and Lehra Ruinstrider looked up, and her eyes opened wide. She almost fell out of her seat as Stargazers Promise gazed upwards. Erin stuck out a hand.

Hi there. I realize I actually never introduced myself to you. Emper, right?

Of the Monastery of Galam. We have spoken briefly, yes. Has Lehra done something again?

Please no.

Elgrinna, the Dwarf, stood as Emper, the [Monk], took Erins hand. She looked at him.

Galam? Wheres that?

Northeastern Chandrar. Along the coast. My monastery is smallit is hardly the same as theMonks of Sottheim for instance.

Empers hesitation said it all if you knew about Sottheim. Elgrinna chuckled.

And I am from Dwarfhome as every Dwarf is. Suxhel?

Baleros.

The Gazer didnt elaborate, but Erin just met one of her many eyes and nodded.

Of course. May you see with eyes unblinded.

Truly, without minds clouds. How do you know that saying?

Erin chuckled as the Gazer [Wizard] hesitated.

Ive met a few Gazers in my time. Do you all have a moment? Id like to show you something.

The two teams looked confused as they rose. Erin waved at the Horns apologetically and called out.

Just a small group. I guess the Havens staff can come. Just this once. After allwere showing off, arent we?

She smiled at them and then tried to shoo Mrsha away, but the Gnoll had suddenly glued herself to her best-buddy Lehra. Erin sighed, but nodded.

Silver Swords. Just the three and the four of Stargazers Promise. Plus eight of the Havens Staff and a rogue MrshaErin gave the Havens staff a second look as if regretting her promise already.

Should I come, Erin? I can take Mrshasweetie, let go

Mrsha was horizontal as Lyonette pulled, trying to dislodge the furry barnacle from Lehras shoulder. Erin looked at herthen Yvlon, Pisces, and around the room.

Letsdo this in smaller chunks. Ill call on you another day, Lyonette. We wont be long. Possibly. Im probably lying. Alright, this way everyone.

She pointed, and a door appeared. Thenand only then, Alanna looked up and shaded her eyes. After all, light was pouring into the inn.

Then she saw the [Garden of Sanctuary].

What the [Knight] and the Stargnoll saw and what it meant to them wasdifferent. Alanna was one of Larras staff, and she knew House Byres, of course, as well as the famous Named-rank. She had a lot of context, but all she could speak to was her experience.

Which wasafter a disappointing inn, the feeling that Erin Solstice had been holding back. Now, Alanna felt goosebumps as if she were walking into the Havens most magical rooms for the first time.

The [Garden of Sanctuary] was unlike anything shed ever seen. Oh, a magical pocket-garden was something Larra could probably do. That wasnt what made the Havens staff slow. Larracel the Haven could do almost anything with magic a modern [Mage] could, even one of the Archmages of Wistram. She could buy fantastic spells and enchantments.

So what impressed them was something impossible. And what was impossible were the falling stars.

They rained down, showers of light across a black night sky as the two teams entered the garden. Suxhel stared at them in bewilderment, same as Falene.

Like it? I can do special effects now.

Erin caught a glowing ray of light, bright orange, that splintered across her hand and faded. Ylawes Byres stared, but Dawil was simply chuckling in delight.

Do we get to see the other gardens, Erin? Ive been dying to ask. You know, that little rascal caught a koi fish and put it in a pot? It slapped Numbtongue in the face while he was playing on that device he likes so much.

Oh really.

Erin stared at Mrsha, and the Gnoll looked the other way as she held Lehras paw. They were all walking up the hill as the [Innkeeper] shook her head.

No, not the other gardens. Although itd be sort of fun to see if Suxhel can see through mud.

I have no context for that statement. May I receive it?

The Gazer raised a hand, and Erin fluttered her fingers.

Later. Were doing something more important first. Something a long time coming. I know Ive been tardybut I didnt want to do this, really. I guess I hafta, especially if Ylawes is going home.

The Silver Swords looked at each other, and Lehras ears perked up.

Mershi.

Everyone looked at her, and Lehra held the Blade of Mershi. Her gauntlet wasvibrating under her paws. She stared at Erin.

What do you know? Do you know what the blade is? Do you know

She was almost gagging with all her questions that she had put off. But to her disappointment, Erin shook her head.

You know, I dont actually know where it is, concretely. Or all of what they did. All I have are stories. Second-hand reports and such. No onewho was there told me anything. So I wasnt lying when I posted that <Quest>.

Oh. Wait. How do you have second-hand reports?

Erin shrugged.

Dead people like to talk.

At this point, Alanna was sure the [Innkeeper] was just conjuring illusions and lying well. Because this seemed to be going too far. Barnethei could put on a show, but he knew the difference between unreality and even the Havens best illusions. She began to fall out of Erins little trick as they passed up a hill.

The mist was just a low-tier spell. And the statues she sawthe huge amount of space was probably an illusion spell. The [Innkeeper] looked back at Lehra.

The Crossroads are where you start.

But where do I find them?

The frustrated Stargnoll cried out. Erin Solstice sighed patiently as Mrsha nodded rapidly.

Im sorry. I dont actually know. I know there were a lot of ways in. Magically, with Skills evensome people said theyre all overgrown. Dangerous. But thats where youll find it.

What, clues?

The [Witch] turned her head, and a strand of mist floated past her face. She might have even been enjoying thisher smile vanished, and her voice seemed to come from everywhere as Alanna lost track of her.

No. Mershi. You cant find what was lost if it was never here to begin with. Izril was always bigger than Izril.

Lehra ran forwards a stepand Mrsha began tugging on her paw excitedly as she had a sudden, incredible thought. Maybemaybeif they were talking about weird places with tons of magic and stuffhadnt a certain white Gnoll talked about?

But the Stargnoll wasnt listening. She ran forwards through the mist and cried out. Ylawes stumbled after Erin.

Erin, where are we going

Then he too vanished.

Alanna. Whats going on? Is this magic or a Skill?

Its just a trick.

Alanna reassured one of her coworkers. She was convinced of it. Right until she saw Ylawes Byres had come to a halt. He had fallenonto his behindand he sat, holding himself up with his arms. The Stargnoll, Lehra, had frozen, and her team had drawn their swords. She held a glowing blade, coated in the Armor of Stars. Like some kind of tableauDawil had his broken axe raised, and Falene was backing up, holding her staff.

The Havens staff watched from afar as the mists parted. Mrsha hid behind Erin, but her eyes were round. Erin stood there, amidst the black sky falling with bright stars of color, and looked up at the Dragon.

He was larger than any monster that Alanna had ever seen, the statue greybut somehow still managing to convey the shining scales and the form of the Silver Dragon.

He was larger than a house, half the size of the Havens main building, and he stood there. Not rearing, not with wings spread menacing like some Wyvern caught in battle.

Not like a beast at all. Instead, the Dragon sat on his haunches, like a cat almost, head raised back, snaking upwards. He had a helmet upon his head, like a [Knight]s, and armor arrayed his body. He even had pauldrons upon his shoulders and an armored tailgraceful metal that evoked his very nature.

Yderigrisel, the last Dragon-Knight, stared down imperiously at the son of the house he had championed for countless millennia. He was haughty and proud, brave and virtuous.

Like the Haventhe statue of this dead soul caught his finest side. He was so real that as much as she triedAlanna couldnt claim he was fake. Howhow

Erin stared up at Yderigrisel solemnly. Solemnly, sadly, and with familiarity. She was the one to break the silence.

Ylawes. Thats the Dragon youre looking for, isnt it? The Silver Knight of House Byres. Hes dead.

The [Knight-Seeker of the Silver Dragon] jerked around. Everyone turned to Erin, and Lehra lowered her blade, but Mershis relic was screaming, a call to battle that ran through her. It sounded like

TRAITOR.

But Ylawes? The [Knight] looked upon the end of his questbefore he had even begun it. His voice shook.

Howhow do you know?

I met him. Hes dead, Ylawes. If youre searching for his bodyI dont know where it is. But he was brave. If this helps you level or helps you searchhe was a brave Dragon. I think he did terrible things, though. As terrible as the foes he helped slay. But I dont know his story.

Erins eyes glittered as she pointed, and Ylawes head turned to the Silver Dragon. Nownowhe thought he could hear a whisper. A whisper in his very marrow, that came from his class.

SeekDragon of knightly pride.

where Dragons died

stemCrelers tide

It was a voice that would grow louder when he slept. The next hint inhe tried to rise, to ask more questions, but he couldnt. Erin Solstice looked at him and then jerked her head softly.

Stay here a second. I have something else to show the rest of you.

Erin. Who did you meet? I mean, how did you meet? No. The real question iswhy are they gone? Are they ghosts? Or

Falene was the one who spoke. And it was to Falene that Erin went next. She stopped Mrsha.

This ones just for you, Falene. I dont have anyone for Dawil. Sorry.

Sorry? Ill just stay here with the ladand the Dragon. Ill, uhsettle for that.

Dawil twisted his neck, trying to formulate a joke. But Erin just drew Falene off into the mists. When Erin came back, she was alone.

Lehra. You guys, come with me. I dont haveanyone special to show you, Suxhel, Elgrinna. But Lehra should at least see a few people. I never really met them up close and got to askwell. Maybe itll help you level.

Help you level? Lehra gripped Mrshas paw for emotional support.

Whowho am I meeting, Erin?

Chieftain Serunial. EmperI just want to introduce you to some great rulers and people I met. I dont know the Monastery of Galam, but perhaps you know

This time, Alanna followed Erin through the mists. She kept seeing flashes as she tried to follow the [Innkeeper], and she realized she really was being let to see something she shouldnt. Erin Solstice had pulled something out of her bag of holding and lit it.

A lantern burning with pink flames illuminated the mists like a will o wisp. The Havens staff followed Erin through what felt like darknessand one of them grabbed the others.

What? Its safe.

II saw a spider-person. I swear. It looked like a Centaur, but it had a spiders parts for

Dont be silly. Dont

Then they heard a howl from Lehra and froze. But the Gnoll had vanished with Elgrinna. And what they saw instead, in the brief swirl of dark clouds, was

Falene Skystrall. She was kneeling in front of a statue that Alanna thought lookednormal. Normal, until something about the ordinary half-Elf made her heart palpitate too hard. And why was Falene weeping?

Then the mists closed in, and they found themselves standing in front of a sea of statues that had Emper bowing before them. Alanna stoppedas eighteen figures stood in a line behind a sea of faces.

The rulers of Khelt were overshadowed by Serept, the half-giant, but only in size. Erin Solstice stood with Emper, pointing out figures and asking if he knew them.

That dudes the King of Destructions grandfather. You know him?

Iyes. And this is

The Stitch-man had been lucky enough, like the rest of Lehras team, to see the Pub of Best Moments. Like the Havens staffthey had seen the best side of Lehra, not the goofball that got them into trouble and ateand slept witheverything in sight.

The changing seat of good angles presented a hundred different viewpoints, all flattering. The statues had only one face when you saw them, and they had no color, no context.

Yetthe wind blew, and Emper shivered, though the [Monk] had [Lesser Resistance: Elements]. He shivered, because the stone eyes that stared down at him had a story he only knew in fables. Stories and illustrations and carvings, of which there were thousands.

Yes, the [Sculptors] and [Painters] and even the [Writers] had been good enough to capture aspects, even capture her as she had been. But they were still images. This feltrealer. For all the soul was gone, the body long decayed

Queen Merindue of Nerrhavias Fallen stared down at the Stitch-man with the same eyes that had seen a tyrant die. They were not the same gaze that Erin had first met her with. Intrigued, kind, and pettily annoyed with sharing the land of the dead with her mortal enemy, Nerrhavia.

There were more sides to the [Queen] of Nerrhavias Fallen, but this was somehow more and less than the Pub of Best Moments. It captured only one side of her, and Erin longed to have known the others. How did Merindue look as she laughed with a child upon her lap, as she had told Erin they did when Nerrhavia lay dead, in relief?

How did she flirt or weep orplay chess? Erin would never know, and in that sense, she envied Larras great Skill. But what she held was this.

The statue was a memory of someone who would never return to the lands of the living. And so, if Larra could have been here, she would have traded every Skill she had for this one of Erins.

The two [Innkeepers] truly did desire what the other held. But this statue

Merindue wore no armor. Yet she wore her simple robes like a shield, a slash of somethingpowderacross the front. Each thread and piece of her cloth-body looked like it had been sewn for war, and her skin resembled metal as much as flesh.

Whatwhos?

Some of the others had no context for who this was. Emper did, and he reached out a shaking hand as he leaned upon his staff. Erin gestured to the faint material that the grey stone revealed.

Chalk. I think. She said they put chalk on their clothing. To mark them apart from the rest of their enemies on that day. There were so many who fought against Merindues allies they couldnt tell who was who. Solike the Gnolls did, they wore chalk, and she said it worked.

What day? Who is this?

Suxhel thought she knew, but only when Emper turned did he confirm her question.

This is Queen Merindue. One of thethe first rulers of Nerrhavias Fallen. She brought down the Immortal Tyrant, Nerrhavia.

The statement shocked the [Wizard] into silenceshe looked at Erin and then another statue in the mists. The Gazer saw one of her own kind and froze

The Witch of Eyes stared down at her. And Suxhel was petrified. It was Alanna who spoke, feeling a chill continuing to race through her. Yet she was compelled to try and throw doubt. How could Erin know? She pointed at Merindue and the robes.

She has no armor. If she was fighting, why didnt she wear any?

It didnt matter, she said. Not against Nerrhavia. Not that day of days. She said

Erin put a hand to her forehead and laughed ruefully. She turned sadly.

She said it wasnt necessary for her, but I never got the full story. Like them all.

Her head turned, and the others caught such a wave of sadness from Erin the [Innkeeper] sagged. Yet it was Emper who spoke.

No. On the day the Immortal Tyrant died, Cotton and Silk and Hemp walked without steel. Without metal or enchanted cloth. With robes alone and plain cloth they threw themselves forwards. Armored in Skills and defiance against the Tyrants guardians.

Erins head came up. Her hazel eyes flashedwith gratitude, with light.

You know her story?

Emper turned, and his head shook as he nodded. So ErinErin took his arm urgently.

Then tell me. Tell me them all. Suxheldo you know who this is?

She pointed to the Witch of Eyes, and Suxhel looked at her as if she were crazy. But now it was Erin who stumbled forwards, desperately, hungrily. Begging them to speak as she told them what she knew.

Was it grief burning across her hat? Hope? Wonder? Something else?

It illuminated Merindues eyes. Those imperious eyes, which had stared down immortality and seen it die. But this place was more than the statue. It was a story.

Emper had looked upon the greatest of his people and knew her name and her greatness. ErinErin pointed up at Merindue.

She has a great smile.

And that changedeverything. Emper looked up, and Erin tried to tell him what it had looked like. It seemed, then, almost like the [Garden of Sanctuary] was listening too, to what even it lacked.

Still, Erin did not weep. Not as Falene did. The half-Elf knelt in front of her statue and knew not who it was who stared down at her with sword raised overhead. Only that her grief and guilt overflowed, and she felt it upon hera curse. The wrath of Winter Fae.

Grief without end. And Ylawes looked up at his statue, the Silver Dragon, and wondered who the great protector had been. Who his house had been. Dawil whispered his Grandfathers names, and on Erin walked as Lehra howled in front of Serunials statue. With Mrsha, in front of the [Archmage of the Eternal Grasslands], Kishkeria.

We were there. We knew magic. Sadness, lossand triumph.

The [Innkeeper]s eyes were dry as she led Emper forwards. If anything, she looked more like a [Witch] than she had in any moment before this. Mysterious. Sadbut proud as well. Like a character out of a fable with a mysterious book. Only, hers was a garden that made people weep.

Nanette heard Mrsha howling from afar, but she did not go up onto the hilltop. She was playing with Nerry amidst the Sages Grass.

Well, playing. The Sariant Lamb was trying to drag itself up the hill, and Nanette was stopping it and avoiding being bit.

Isis she alright?

Lyonette was wavering, having come into the garden. Nanette looked up at her earnestly. The Thronebearers were staring above, and their time would come. So would Lyonettes

Marquin was here, too.

I think shes fine, Miss Lyonette. The garden is terribly sadbut Witch Erin knows what shes doing.

Does she? Why did she let Mrsha up there?

The [Princess] was more dubious. To that, Nanette quoted Califors favorite sayings.

Children should see wonders and magic. Terrible things. They should meet legends so they know how it was done and that it was done.

But shes so sad

Lyonette put a hand over her heart as Mrsha howled again. Nanette just smiled as she put Nerry in her lap, and the Sariant Lamb, panting, gave up and listened. Apista flew over to greet the lamb and got a tiny hoof in one side for her trouble.

Nanette separated the two and patted Apista on the head. She gave the others a bright smile.

Thats just Miss Erin for you. Every door in her inn leads to something ridiculously happy and funny or cripplingly sad.

The Thronebearers and Lyonette turned to the witch in silence. Down the hill, Numbtongue, laying on his back and playing the guitar for Octavia, sat up. He jerked a thumb at the witch.

She gets it.

The emotional damage of her statues might be impossible to quantify. Falene reappeared later, shaking and speechless. Lehra was wiping at her eyes, and she and Mrsha had howled in front of the Gnolls.

Why are you doing this, Erin?

Dawil helped up Ylawes when the [Knight] saw her reappear with the others and the staff of the Haven, dead silent. Erin looked down at him, and instead of answering right away, she sat down on the grass.

Ylawes. I know you invited Vuliel Drae and Nailren to join your team. I think thats great. Would youconsider not inviting Infinitypear and Rasktooth?

What? Why? They were incredibly brave.

He didnt know where the question was coming from. Not at first. Erin sat next to him.

Yeah, they were. Theyre cute kids. They were so braveRasktooth went to the Meeting of Tribes for me. We saw what happened. I see. Sodo you think you could leave them be?

Then he saw it. That desperately sad look in her eyes. Ylawes hesitated and looked at Erin. Then at Dawil. The Dwarf gave him no help for once, and Ylawes Byres sat there a long time, listening to Falene begin hiccuping. For some reason, that helped.

II could, Erin. But I meant what I offered them. It would hurt them greatly if I turned them down. Theyve all but accepted.

Can I convince you to go back on your word?

The [Knight] paused. He looked at Erin.

Of course you can. What he said, instead, came out of him like the words hed said to Ysara. Sometimes, perhaps often, they were poor. Rarely

I could. But those two arent even adventurers. They stood up when Gold-ranks quailed. They deserve more. They were meant for more. And I think theyre too brave to sit by idly. Better to have someone watching them

than not. And time isnt unlimited. Youre right. I justno. Youre right.

Erin Solstice stood up, and her face was shadowed. She looked at Ylawes and then nodded.

Then I dont regret showing you those statues. I only wish I had more to show.

You monster.

Falene choked out. She was wiping her face on her robesthey were streaked with her makeup and tears. Erin looked at her.

Level up, Falene. Its all I can give you. Thenwhen you need help, ask me. Ask me, Lehra. If its potions, Ill ask Saliss. I dont know wherebut if I can help, I will. No matter who I have to find.

She looked at Mrsha, then, and the little Gnoll solemnly nodded. Then, and only then, Erin turned to the Havens staff. She addressed them, as the Silver Dragon and the statues faded into the mists, until they stood on a hilltop above the garden and realized bare hours had passed, for all it felt like days.

An [Immortal Moment].

Im not planning on making my business a success, Alanna, everyone. The Wandering Inns not really good at making money, and I dont think even Mr. Math will help with that. Maybe. But its just not that kind of inn. Levels? We need more of them. All the levels. So yeah. I guess the first renovation for my inn will be a ballista. If I ever figure out how to buy one. Laken only sells trebuchets. We could use a handbut only if youve got the right stuff. Speaking of whichlets head down to the garden.

She was glancing at the door leading out of here, and Erin raised her brows. She gestured, and the rest of the guests realized it was late, practically night. The inn was closing, and a figure walked into the common room as the last employee, the greatest employee of the inn, cleaned up.

The inn was closing as the [Vice Innkeeper] walked in. The Haven had more late-night events, but The Wandering Inn did have a closing time. Even if that sometimes came after midnight.

However, Lyonette had carefully funneled the remaining guests to the Haven for their lightshow event. She ran this place like a home, and she thoughtcorrectlythat children would have a hard time sleeping with people up and about downstairs.

Mystifying. Especially from a [Princess] of Calanfer. She was just leaving coin on the tables.

That was the frustration Barnethei had with this inn. The talent. It was not hopelessif anything, he knew more than anyone else how well this inn was placed to succeed.

It was at the center of a teleportation network as Liscor re-entered the world as a business hub. It had two new species visiting it that even the Haven couldnt touch. It had produced Drassi, a world-famous [Reporter]!

And it had let her go. True, that might have been inevitable, but Barnethei had checked the prices. They slashed prices, so he doubted the inn was even making a profit on their Goblin and Antinium prices. They didnt have to gouge their guests, but they could charge them more, offer them exclusive services.

That Gnoll was here as Barnethei knew hed be. The [Innkeeper] had no idea how hed gotten out of the Haven, especially since someone had been at the door, but he couldnt get away.

The inn had to close, and there was a small crew closing up. Two Goblins and one of the Antiniumnone of the Havens staff.

He wondered where they were. Possibly, Erin had let them go back to the Haven. Either way, it meant that the inn had a lot of work to do, and Ishkr was directing the apprehensive two little Goblins and the Soldier at a room of tables.

Erins [Grand Theatre] stretched hundreds of feet. Shed had a good number of guests tonight with the play, and while there had been active cleaning, there were scraps of food on the floor, chairs and tables pushed backand most that had been used needed cleaningand the last dinner-guests had left their plates.

Even Calescent was off-work, happily resting after a full day of cooking. Barnethei eyed the room and thought it would take a crew of eighteen or a smaller group of nine. Six, at minimum, with good Skills to do this in a reasonable way.

From the look of things, the Soldier had [Wider Clean] as his Skill. He was polishing about half again as much dirt around his cleaning cloth, and the Goblins were industriously swabbing down tables.

However, Ishkr didnt seem perturbed. Barnethei heard his low voice.

Just take the plates to the kitchen and stack them up. Ill handle them. Then clean the tables and put the chairs up. Then we push the tables to the walls and sweep. It wont take long.

Lotta tables. Lotta plates. Is this clean-death?

One of the Goblins grumbled as the other nudged him, but Sticks went to work dutifully as Ishkr promised him it wouldnt be.

Youll get to rest in an hour, I promise, Sticks. The others should be back from the Haven by then. I think there is even some of Calescents cookie dough you can share.

That put a pep in their step. The other workers were swinging around the inn with more of a will as Barnethei coughed. Ishkr looked up, sighed, and the Goblins and Antinium hesitated.

Inns closed. You go. Come back later.

Sticks called out, and Barnethei chuckled.

Im not a guest. Looks like a lot of work. The Havens staff should have helped clean up, Mister Ishkr. Mind if I lend a hand?

The Gnoll hesitated. He glanced around, then turned his back rather deliberately on the man.

If youd like. The Havens staff are with Miss Erin. This wont take long, anyways.

Ah. So she often leaves you to clean up the entire inn? I heard you were working by yourself when she wasdead. An entire inns not a sane job for one worker. Even if it was mostly closed. And you really havent thought about my offer?

The Gnoll said nothing, so Barnethei watched him work. He did know this job. Unlike the Soldier carefully putting one plate on top of the others with his clumsy hands, Ishkr piled them up, whisking utensils out of the way and dumping them on top. Then he repeated the process with two more stacks of dishes seven tall. When he was done, he picked up all three bunches in his arms.

It was an impressive sight, and if he tripped, Erin would lose a non-trivial number of her plates. Improbably, Ishkr seemed to have a kind of third arm that let him keep the three stacks of dishes steady.

Barnethei joined Ishkr without a word, rolling up his sleeves. He wasnt above bussing tables.

I started in the Haven cleaning tables, you know. Now, Im about to start my own inn. Larra knows how to reward loyalty.

So you keep saying. And Erin doesnt?

The two worked side-by-side, although it was clear that Ishkr was trying to work faster so he lost Barnethei. Unfortunatelythe man flipped up a plate and skimmed it into the kitchen.

Hey! No breaking

Sticks mouth stopped moving as he saw the plate bounce off a wall and flip itself onto a stack of dirty dishes. The porcelain was completely unharmed, and Barnethei tossed six more, as if they were made of steel.

[Dishes of Steel]. A [Busboy]s favorite Skill.

Ishkr gave Barnethei an exasperated look, so the [Vice Innkeeper] simply made a stack of nine bowls. Ishkr retaliated with twelveand the two stacks of dishes grew impossibly tall. Sticks and the other Goblin stared as the Gnoll and Human strode to the kitchen. Their burdens were in danger of hitting the ceiling, so they had to bend over to let them clear the door jamb.

Barnethei stepped faster, his polished boots clicking over the inns floor like a tap-dancer. He noted that Ishkr wore plain hide sandals. Cheapand his uniform resembled any generic [Bartender]s.

You never said how much she pays you. A silver an hour? Less? You and I both know you could charge by your level.

I like my job. Its relaxing. I dont need to be paid a fortune.

Ishkr tossed the dishes into the soapy water, annoyed. He yanked them out, put them in a bucket of clean water, and tossed them onto a rack to dry. Barnethei passed his own hand over a dish, and the dirt and food vanished.

[Bound Spell: Cleanse]. He looked over to ask if Ishkr was going to washthen he realized that the dish was clean. Ishkr dunked another into the soapy water, pulled them outand he just had to wash the soap off.

They tore through the dishes so fast they were stepping out of the kitchen as a Goblin carried in their load of utensils. Barnethei pointed a finger at Ishkr. So that was how one Gnoll had done all the dishes! He wanted Ishkr even more, now.

Ahbut is relaxing going to help you keep levelling?

Barnethei saw Ishkr pause as he stacked cups high. The [Innkeeper] did the same, whisking all the tumblers down the bar. They slid across the wood and spilled drinks and stopped at the other end. He took a rag and swept it down the bar, leaving nothing behind in its wake.

Im looking for a challenge, Ishkr. I need a staff who can handle anything that comes at them. Well be in the new lands, serving adventurers and every nation in the world.

And you think Ill be good enough for that?

I think anyone who can lure a boss monster away from the inn has what it takes. I think Erin Solstice needs you more than you need her. And I think you can see what Im offering. You could be great. You could be serving a hundred [Lords] and [Ladies] every night.

Im fine. I dont need fame. I dont need wealth. Besidesmonsters are bad for my health.

Ishkr dumped the last plates in the kitchen and turned, visibly annoyed, and the Goblins and Soldier looked around and realized the dishes were gone. They began to clean the tables, then put a chair up on each clean one so they could push it aside and clear the floors.

The [Vice Innkeeper] and [Head Server] strode past them, still talking.

Monsters are the last thing I want to see. But youyoure holding yourself back, Ishkr. I can see it. Does she even know what level you are? Come with me, and well find out who you could really be.

He swept a cloth over his table, and Ishkr did the same. Now, the Gnoll growled, and some of his fur rose as he furiously mopped at a stain.

Is it that fun being at Larras inn? I saw what it was like. Its all glamor and show.

So?

Its about a profit. Your real guests are those nobles. How much do they spend on the inn?

The [Innkeeper] shrugged.

As much as they want. Its worth it to them, and they never run low on coins. Larras engineered her inn to attract them.

Fun. Your staff loves them, I can tell. Especially catering to their every whim.

The sarcastic comment needled Barnethei. The rotations were toughbut he snapped his fingers and calmed down.

It pays well. The gold pays for the enchantments on the inn. It pays for the farm. It pays for the magic. And my Skills come from Larra herself. Or do you think your inns fine as it is? It could be better.

His cleaning cloth cleaned the entire table in five point six seconds. Barnethei tossed his cloth aside as Ishkr took slightly longer. He pulled out a second cleaning cloth, slapped it on the other tableand Ishkr looked over. He frowned at the first cloth, wondering if Barnethei was offering it to him. But the fancy red cleaning cloth lifted without Barnethei touching it. It whisked over to a second table, and to the watchers astonishmentbegan to clean the mess by itself.

Barnethei winked at Ishkr.

My [Innkeeper]s got real magic. Does yours have automated cleaning? Familiars? How much time are you wasting manually hauling water? Dont you want to do more?

Im not a talker. Drassi was a talker. Not everyone wants a job where they have to be the center of attention.

Then dont be! Come with meand find a challenge worthy of your Skills! Dont you want to know what its like serving a hundred guests in a new inn in a land no ones claimed?

Ishkrs paws slowedthen became a flurry. He cleaned one table and a second as his paws moved like a storm.

[Flurry Scrub]. By now, the Soldier was nudging the little Goblins and pointing in awe. Barnethei wasnt done. He grabbed a bucket and dipped the cleaning rags into it. It came out sopping wet.

[Free Refill: Scented Soap of Taima]. He applied a light coating, then a brisk one with a cloth that was permanently wet. Ishkr gloweredbut the tables were sparkling. He grudgingly did the same.

So you have a lot of Skills and more levels than me. I dont like you.

You dont know me.

Barnethei corrected him, and Ishkr sighed.

I have a sister here

Ill hire her too. Or if you like, let her stay and find her own way.

Shes not clever enough to do that unless I stay.

Hey. That would have really hurt Liskas feelings if she were listening in. Barnethei laughed.

If youre worried about supporting her, family

Dont have any.

The [Innkeeper] clasped hands with Ishkrs paws for a second and leaned in.

Then join mine. I can pay you well enough to let your sister not worry about coins. We have a staff. You met Catheis, Roreen? Do they look like they think this is a temporary job? The Haven takes care of each other. No offense to the new workers, but how many stayed on besides you? No one.

Ishkr looked past Barnethei.

We never had permanent staff before. This timetheyll stay. Besides, there was always Silveran.

And he left. This inn pushes them out when they get too big. The [Innkeeper] builds people up and sends them away. Shes not making her inn bigger.

Shes got plans.

Ishkr broke away and pointed at a piece of tobacco someone had stuck to the table in the most unpleasant of ways.

[Remove Stubborn Stain]. It vanished, and Barnethei called out at his back.

Shes not good at her only job: making the inn better. Taking care of her staff. You were stuck here for months when she was

She was dead. Dont talk about what you dont know.

Ishkrs paw jabbed warningly at Barnethei, and the man raised his hands. In silence, they cleared eight more tables in minutes and then walked back.

Chairs?

Fine.

Each chair was hoisted up backwards onto the table so the seatwhich had to be cleanedtouched the tables surface rather than the dirty legs. Ishkr lifted them easily with practice, and Barnethei saw him shove an entire table with chairs included across the inn to a wall.

That was a task the Soldier had to help the two Goblins with. Barnethei was impressed. His attitude was simpler.

He pointedand the table moved. The chairs lifted, and the [Vice Innkeeper] flicked out a hand. He swished his wand and winked. Ishkr glared at him.

You have to want some fancy Skills. At least a spell.

[Magic: Advanced Telekinesis]. The Gnoll just shovedand a table went flying and bounced off the wall. Sticks oohed.

[Heavy Push]. The [Innkeeper] and Gnoll stared at each otherthen the two began moving tables faster. Ishkr with his paws, and Barnethei with magic.

I dont seeyou doing that much better than me.

You havent seen all of my tricks.

Neither have you. Why would I want to go with you? Give me a reason more than gold and fame and a challenge. I get enough of all that here.

The [Innkeeper] tossed a table aside.

Id give you a percentage of the profits you pulled in. In timeId give you an inn. You have a future with me. Or are you going to work this job when youre sixty? Larra will teach you magic. We wont take you for granted. Can you say the same about Erin Solstice?

Ishkr slipped and nearly slammed his head on a table. He took a second to reply.

She knows me. She trusts me.

She has to give you more.

No, she doesnt. She doesnt have to buy my loyalty.

The Gnoll and Barnethei looked for another tablepossibly to throw at each other because now they were glaring. Barnethei told himself to calm downthis negotiation wasnt supposed to be hostile, but at least Ishkr was raising his voice.

It was time to clear the floor. By now, the Goblins and the Soldier were wavering, clearly unsure whether they were needed here. One offered Barnethei a mop, and the Soldier did the same.

Ishkr had one of those long, horizontal mops that you used for cleaning a wide space, and Erins [Grand Theatre] was longer than any area but the outdoor section of the Havenand it was arguably still longer in sheer verticality.

A giant straightaway. You could run down it and clean italbeit line by line. Something about this pleased Barnetheis mind, the satisfaction of not having to think about navigating the room. He might have liked it here if he were a boybut he was determined to show Ishkr what he was missing.

What level are you, Ishkr? Im Level 41. Your Skills are good, but you dont have the spark. Youre a fantastic worker for an amazing [Innkeeper]but she hasnt given you what Larra has to me. I have magic and more. What can Erin give you?

Something the Havens staff cant dream of. This inn will never be rich like yours. It doesnt need to be. Leave me alone.

Ishkr began running down the floor. But Barnethei was right behind himand when Ishkr turnedhe nearly slipped. Barnethei caught him by the armand Barnethei caught him by the other arm.

Two [Innkeepers] glanced at each other and grinned. They adjusted their hats as Ishkr got up slowly. And nowthe Goblins were goggling. So were the Soldier and Lyonette and Liska and half the people peeking down the stairway, out of the garden, and from the hallway.

Clones?

[I Worked Like Three Men].

A third Barnethei grabbed a mopand they were racing along, three-to-one. Each man had thrown off his colorful coat, revealing the white shirt beneath, stained with sweat. Because it was sweatBarnethei ran down the inn, pushing the mop and sweeping the dirt and detritus ahead of him.

Hed put sweat into every day of the inn. Worked his way up. He glanced at Ishkr, and the Gnoll was keeping up but doing a third of Barnetheis work.

Dont you want to put in theeffort? Ishkr?

The Gnoll was like him. Hed worked a job without asking for praise, andBarnethei gritted his teeth and sped up, pushing his legs to run across the ground.

He just wanted to reward him for it.

Ishkr deserved it. They deserved it. How long did they have to do this? Work for an [Innkeeper] in her innthat wasnt a dream. Every member of the staff, Barnethei to Alanna to the girls and boys starting work

They had to have more. Their own inn. Because this was Larras dream that Barnethei had given over two decades for. It was time to chase his own. And Ishkr

Are you going to shackle yourself to your [Innkeeper] forever, Ishkr?

He panted in three voices and heard a sigh somewhere behind him. It sounded calmer, unstrained, and as Barnethei turned his head, he heard Ishkrs reply.

So thats why we dont see eye-to-eye. You think I need to leave. I like it here. And what I get from Miss Erin is something you cant comprehend. She could never pay me what you want from Larra. Neither can your [Innkeeper]. But I? Look at your Skill, Barnethei. Then look at mine.

What? What was that supposed to m

Barnethei looked overor rather, three men turned their heads. Three clones of the same [Vice Innkeeper]. It was a Skill so rare and so useful that only a few people in all of Izril had ever mastered a version of it. The famous [Assassin] of Magnolia Reinhart, Barnethei

The product of work and excellence. Ishkr couldnt keep up with it, it was true. Barnethei was higher-level, and the Skill was superb. Even Larra herself couldnt duplicate her body like that.

Howeveras every eye, from Lyonette holding Mrsha to the Havens staff peering out with Erin Solstice smiling in the gardenand the inns guests staring through the windows or down the stairsthe snoopers finally saw it. Liskas jaw dropped, and Barnethei?

He slipped, and all three men nearly went crashing down on the cleaned floors before catching themselves. And Ishkrpassed him. He shot across the inns floor, holding his wide mop ahead of him, collecting a wave of trash. But that wasnt the surprising part.

The Gnoll was smiling as he stood there, and his clothing wasnt covered in sweat like the hard-working [Innkeeper]. In facthe was standing, not running.

The Gnoll slid over the polished floorboards, balancing on his sandals. He kicked the floor lightlyand sped up. He was gliding across the inn, and he sped up as the three Barnetheis chased him!

The Gnoll turned as he reached the far wall and deposited the line of dirt there. Then he pirouetted like a [Dancer] and kicked off the far wall. He leaned on the mop, grinning at Barnethei as he began shooting back across the floor.

Gliding. Nosliding. Skating on the floor as if it were Cerias ice. He kept going, pushing himself forwards, and Barnethei saw the Gnoll effortlessly spinning across the [Grand Theatre]. Even at a dead runthere was no way the [Vice Innkeeper] could catch up. Not to

The Skill wasnt running out. Barnethei had assumed it was a temporary one, but Ishkr kept going as the [Vice Innkeeper] slowly began losing ground in the cleaning war. Ten minutes, fifteentwenty-three and Ishkr kept going. Then he looked around and saw just sparkling floorboards. The last of the dirt was being swept out the front of the inn by Barnethei. So Ishkr just turned to the [Vice Innkeeper].

I dont think you understand, Barnethei. I quite like The Wandering Inn. Its challenges arent the Havens. You can tempt me with gold and an innbut dont tell me your [Innkeeper] gives you more than mine. Theres something here your inn wont have.

And whats that?

The [Vice Innkeeper] was sweating. He looked at Ishkr as the Gnoll smiled. The [Head Server] put his mop against one wall and turned.

Your Skills help you work better. Mine? Mine make me happy. Ive served crazy Archmages and the Titan of Baleros. Your staffs served a hundred thousand nobles who pay you well. But I quite liked my guests. And even the ones I hated left me something.

He was striding towards the door. Barnethei ran after him. He reached for Ishkrs shoulder.

Youre too talented not to be recognized, Ishkr! Even if you dont leavethe [Innkeeper] is wasting your potential!

The Gnoll spun and put his hands on Barnetheis shoulders.

My potential? You keep talking like Im one in a million.

You are. I cant find someone of your levelsomeone who can stand up to a monster and even the Witch of Webs in any corner.

Ishkr shook his head. He patted Barnethei on the shoulders and then spun the [Innkeeper] around.

Thats where youre wrong. You must think Drassi was born to be a [Reporter]. The truth is that she just talks a lot. If you want a great employee, someone wholl be famous and as good as youturn around.

Then Barnethei saw a tiny crack in the wall hed missed and a bunch of faces peeking through the [Garden of Sanctuary]. He saw the Havens staffand then looked up and saw the Horns peeking down the stairwell. Ishkr looked at them, at Ceria, at the two Goblins and Soldier having a cookie, and yes, even at Erin Solstice. He spoke as she turned redder.

Erin Solstices inn isnt a place where she finds great workers. Its not that kind of inn. It may not be famous or richbut I like it. I like her kindness and when she pushes people off cliffs. It is not easy or pleasant to work here sometimesbut neither is your inn because all you care about is making that profit. Erins inn? Erins inn is harder. Most employees quit, but the ones who stay? They are normal people, Barnethei. And if they stay, they become something. Anyone can be special. Much like Miss Erin herself.

He let go of Barnethei, and the man staggered. The [Innkeeper] whirled as Ishkr stepped back to the open door. Then the Gnoll smiled.

Even my sister might make something of herself. I doubt it, but Ive been surprised before. And me? I dont actually like working that hard. But I stay herebecause Ive gotten things I want. Your job is an obsession. I get off work.

And do what?

The man stared at him. For answerthe Gnoll touched his chest. And he used a Skill that one of the Goblins, Numbtongue, recognized.

[Emergency Evacuation].

A Skill for a waiter in one of the most dangerous inns you could work at. Ishkr grabbed his own vestand tossed himself through one of the open windows. He bailed out the window so fast that Numbtongue just saw Ishkr roll out through the opening, land on his feet

Wheres he going? After him!

Lyonette, the other spies, and Barnethei went charging down the hallway to the front door. Normen himself had gotten Octavia and Numbtongue when theyd heard Ishkr was having a showdown with Barnethei. Obviously, theyd gone.

Everyone wanted to know what Ishkrs secret was.

Ceria Springwalker was trying to lug a bowl of popcorn after her team. She was one of the last people outside, and shed been chewing it down the entirehighly-entertainingconfrontation.

As she reached the front door though, the half-Elf stopped with a handful of greasy popcorn kernels coated with yeast in one fist. She stared outand saw Barnethei running full-tilt after Ishkr.

For a little bit. But the man gave up, panting, as he stormed up the second hill outside of The Wandering Inn and stared after Ishkr. There was no point, after all.

He was never going to catch the Gnoll skating across another hill. Cerias eyes bulged as she saw Ishkr sliding, leaving a trail of grass behind him.

He was still sliding! The Gnoll was balanced like Kevin on his skateboard, arms spreadknees slightly bent. But he was moving across the Floodplains, sliding down hills and picking up speed before sliding up hills and occasionally kicking the ground to give himself a boost.

Skating. It was as if the grass, the soileverything was coated in a layer of wax. In fact, that was exactly what was happening. Ceria realized that Ishkr wasnt slowing down. Nor was he going to. The Skill wasnt turning off.

[Self: Slippery Waxed Floor].

The Gnoll could even cannonball off a hill and shoot down on his back. He was

Ksmvr spoke happily amid the silent crowdMrsha was freaking out, and so was Liska.

Look, Captain Ceria. Ishkr is also better at skating than you are.

The Ice Squirrel began choking on her popcorn. And Ishkr?

He kept going. Then he turned, because there was distant cheering going onand embarrassed, he waved at the walls.

The Watch had seen Ishkr doing this late at night before. Like he had escaped from Facestealerthe Gnoll was shooting across the hills and valleys. When he hit the northern road being paved towards Esthelm by Hexels crews, the Gnoll slid across the dirt past amazed travellers. A Drake on horseback looked askance as Ishkr caught up.

His fur was blowing in the wind, and Ishkr was smiling so hugely that Liska was sure shed never seen her older brother having so much fun.

That rat-tailed bastard. He never saidhe never

Ishkrs a private guy. Hes probably super-embarrassed. See? Hes going north. I bet Drassi knew he could do this, though.

Liska jumped as Erin Solstice leaned on Dawils shoulder. She was laughing, beaming at her best employee.

Hes got a few more cool Skills too. I think he gets them every time he meets a weird guest.

Like what?

[Magic Piercing Throw]. Oh, and hes never late to work. I asked him about it one time, and he told me he got it from my door and just never told anyone. See? Hes tricky.

Ishkr had vanished behind a hill and hadnt reappeared as everyone stared after him. But Erin Solstice just straightened and, holding her back, hobbled back into the inn. Liska followed her and realized she should help Erin; the [Innkeeper]s legs were trembling with exhaustion.

I just need to sit down a sec. Oh, hey, Ishkr. I think the crowds back. And you just cleaned up, too.

Perhaps we could sit in the garden instead, Miss Solstice?

Liska dropped Erin, and Ishkr glared at his sister as Erin yelped and fell over. He walked out from behind the bar, and Liska gobbled, staring back over her shoulder.

But youI just show did

The Gnoll sighed loudly as Mrsha came racing back in and slammed into a table as she spotted him. Erin got up, and she and the [Head Server] chorused.

[Never Late To Work].

Duh.

Ishkr smugly pointed to the bar. Then he blinked out of the air and reappeared behind it. The older brother watched his sister lose the ability to speak. Her accusatory paw pointed at him.

Youyouyou

Ishkr laughed. He threw back his head and barked a single huge laugh at his sisterthen saw the guests coming back in. He looked around for somewhere to hidebut they were staring at him, and Erin Solstice caught Ishkrs gaze.

No getting around it anymore, Ishkr. Now the cats out of the bag. Mrshas going to be bugging you to give her rides everywhere, and Ceriall be competing with you all day. Hedault and Kevin too, I bet.

Drat.

He didnt look that put out, actually. Just embarrassed. The Gnoll turned as Barnethei walked in, and the [Vice Innkeeper] locked eyes with him.

Slowly, Barnethei approached the bar and realized hed left his top-hat there. He picked it up and leaned against the counter as the Havens staff joined him. They looked at Erin, and she winked again. Mischievously.

When Larra heard of thisBarnethei leaned over to Ishkr.

One question. All things asidewhat is your class?

The Gnoll eyed Barnethei, but he looked at Mrsha, lowered his voice so that most people, even the Gnolls, couldnt hear, and whispered back.

[Head Server of Tales and Fables]. And you?

The Human man sighed. And it was a long sigh that came out of him as he stood there.

[Vice Innkeeper of Spells]. So thats it.

Erin Solstice looked between the two. She patted Barnethei on the shoulder, and he looked at her. The two of them had, interestingly, never really spoken. Perhaps because of Barnetheis polite disdain for Erins methods as he saw them. But the [Magical Innkeeper] just smiled.

Ishkrs got a cooler class than I do. At least, I think so.

So says the [Witch of Second Chances].

Ishkr muttered. Erin rolled her eyes. She spoke to Barnethei, looking him in the eyes and finding the Silver Swords, and Stargazers Promise behind them, watching her. Then the Horns and Colth, who had appeared as if hed known this was a good time to show up.

Youll find your class in the new lands, Barnethei. I just bet you will. We all have a lot to do. And a long way to grow. Ishkr just might be doing it differently than you think.

She turned, and the Gnoll sighed longer and louder.

I have been working hard, Erin.

Itll be different. Less keeping everything in the inn running and morewell, itll be hard.

I knew it.

He glumly shook his head, but when he looked at Barnethei, the Gnoll raised his brows. This was his challenge. Erin Solstice reached out, and he helped her stand. She was tired, but she turned to the others.

Id like to rest too, but time goes on and stuff. And we will be needed for our friends in the new lands too. Barnetheis innand whatever we can do.

Then she coughed a bit, and Ishkr looked into the crowd.

Who are you looking for right now, Erin?

Uhthe Silver Swords. Ive gotta think of another way to help Lehras team. I knewI met so few Gnolls. I know less about Izril thanother things. Sorta ironic, that.

Erin had to sit down at one of the chairs and tables as Ishkr found the Gold-rank team. Then he was being hounded by Liska and several other members of the inn, most of whom wanted to know if he could extend his personal Skill to them.

Erin? You wanted to see us?

The Silver Swords approached somewhat hesitantly. Falene hid behind Dawil and Ylawes, glaring at Erin. She was not in the mood for more emotional damage from seeing images of her ancestors. Nor had it been clear why Erin showed her the statues. Just to make her level up? Was that how it worked?

Maybe for Ylawes seeking class, but not her. Erin Solstice waved them down.

I did. Sorry for springing the statues on you, Ylawes. If I could have, I would have prefaced it with, yknow, stories.

Stories of theof him?

Ylawes shot a glance around the inn. Erin turned, and half the adventurers looked away innocently.

Yeah. I dont know enough about that guy. I met him briefly. And all the people who could tell me the real storiesare gone. IdI think Id be able to show Pisces a lot more. Same with Lehras team. I only have hints. Hints and secrets, and not all of them make sense.

She looked miserable then, and Ylawes looked at her and was reminded of a [Witch] from the stories, the hand holding random swords in lakes. And perhaps that was how one of them had looked when all they could offer was an enchanted blade and guidance.

Nothing more.

What about me? Did you justshow me that to get a rise out of me?

Falene was less charitable. She had looked upon that statue, and without knowing who the Elf wasfelt such a wave of grief and agony that she was still flinching away from the open [Garden of Sanctuary]. As if her very blood remembered something.

In response, Erin Solstice looked up and met Falenes gaze. She had that samekind pitilessness that she sometimes used. The very same insistence on getting her way that could make you hate or like her.

It reminded Nanette, peeking at Erin from behind Calescent, of her mother. Of [Witches]. But Erins version of it was kind. It probably made the knife sharper.

No. I showed you her statue because I didnt really want the Silver Swords to recruit Rasktooth and Infinitypear. Itsit might be the right thing to do. But itll be hard. I haveless to give Ylawes. Just clues. Just a statue and a bit of context.

Thatsmore than anyone could dream of. Even our tapestries, even back home, I dont think Id find anything as real as that statue.

Ylawes Byres murmured, and Dawil nodded. He looked at Erin.

And no one for me?

If they were thereI didnt meet them long enough. Im sorry, Dawil.

Erin expected the Dwarf to be disappointed, but he just smiled crookedly.

Then thats my story to chase down. I know where to beginbut help out Falene first, eh?

Erin nodded. She took a breath, then looked Falene in the eyes again. The upset [Battlemage] saw Erin Solstice focus on her, and she felt uneasy.

If youre going to show me another statue without warning, I will cast a spell on you.

She vowed, holding her staff at the ready. But Erin Solstice didnt. She opened her mouth, and her tongue moved. It touched the tip of her teeth, and she closed her lipsas if holding something in. Or building something.

The inn was still buzzing, even if people were watching Erin out of the corners of their eyes. When she did speak, the word was quiet, but it somehow cut through even the loudest laughter and voices.

Her name was Sprigaena. And they called her the Traitor of Elves.

Falenes fingers tightened around the staff. She fired a [Firebolt] past Erins left earunconsciouslyand the [Innkeeper] ducked. But Falene and the Silver Swords were just staring at her. So the [Innkeeper] went on, leaning out of the way of Falenes staff.

I didnt show you her statue to be mean. Find outI dont know who she was. I know part of it, but I hope you could

Find out? Me? Im no [Historian].

Then ask your kind. Ask the half-Elves in the colonies. I dont care who you tell, but I thought Id leave you in charge. Her name was Sprigaenaand I think she regretted everything she ever did. But I dont know the history they wrote about her. Her soul is beyond saving. But maybe you can still redeem her past.

Erin Solstice looked Falene Skystrall in the eyes, and a shiver passed across the half-Elf. A name so old it had been almost lost exceptand Falene looked around and wondered who might know.

Archmage Feor? Zedalien of the House of El? The Treespeakers? And she realized why, of the two half-Elves that Erin knew and trusted, Erin had gone to her and not Ceria. The half-Elf of Gaiil-Drome sat there, shoulders hunched, as Erin Solstice exhaled.

Yderigrisel the Silver Dragon. Sprigaena, the Last Elf. Is that loud enough for you all?

She turnedand the guests of the inn froze. Erin raised her voice. Then she called out, to the spies that were definitely hiding outside the windows and staring at the guard-adventurer, Tessa. To the chess board that the Titan wouldnt listen throughand to anyone else.

I want to know their stories too. And Ill show their statues to anyone worthy because theirs are tales that should be told. I wish Ishkr had served them. I wish they were hereso find out. Ill say their names. All the great ones I met. Califor, Serept, Elucinaall of them in time. And each story. I want to know if they were really monsters or heroes. Velzimri

She stared around the inn, and some of those names landed. Octavias eyes nearly fell out of their sockets, and Erin exhaled.

Even the Putrid One had a name. Ill say them and say them again, even if its only so we learn from their mistakes. Even if its only to steal whatever they left behind. Ill say every name but six. Thats my vengeance. Everyone deserves a legacy except for those whove earned only silence.

She looked around, and then the names whispered again. And Ishkr? Ishkr stood behind the bar, leaning over it. He smiledand wondered if ever someone who knew those names, or whose names would echo like that, would enter the inn. Surely, they would. And when they did

He couldnt wait to see what happened after that.

Authors Note: Am tired. Somehow that break didnt end up curing much. I have 22 chapters of Volume 1 due left by the end of the year.

Also, Christmas. Also, work. I think I am winding down on my yearly energy, but Ill continue on as I can.

Just know that I am looking forwards to the two-week break at the start of the new year. Once again, I have written too muchIll do better next chapter.

Thats all we can do. Some days we slip. We go on binges of bad things to have too much of. Food, drugs, alcoholwords

Ive written a 33,000 word chapter, and Ill kick this habit starting tomorrow. Dont cry for me. Im already dead. I think a wise man said that.

Ill see you next chapter with more energy. For now, hope you enjoyed it.

Ishkr, Liska, and Revi by butts! Give likes and the things on Twitter. Assuming its still around when you read /buttsarts

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