Book 2: Chapter 42_The Wandering Inn

Book 2: Chapter 42

 She was a [Princess]. She was royalty. She was heir to one of the glorious kingdoms of Terrandria, and she had seen more in her eighteen years of life than mostmoners could hope of glimpsing in their entire lives.

 And she understood people. People were dreary, dull, and most had small ambitions and smaller minds. But Lyte du Marquin couldnt understand the person called Erin Solstice. She was a mystery.

 Of course, to look at Erin, one would immediately notice her in looks. She had a modicum of attractiveness perhaps; her teeth were not crooked and she had no ring disfiguring features, but she was no courtly beauty.

 And indeed, her ss was mundane as they came. She was an [Innkeeper]. Onlyshe wasnt just an innkeeper.

 She yed chess, the game of [Strategists] and the nobility. She yed it better than anyone Lyte had seen, and that alone was inconceivable. But more than that, she treated with the lesser races as if they were people, and she employed a vicious, horrible, ghastly undead skeleton as if there were nothing abhorrent about the idea!

 And yet, and yet. She was also kind. Grudgingly, Lyte admitted that fact as she broke her fast on the thick gravy and biscuits. She dipped a steaming chunk of biscuit in the meaty sauce and consumed it ravenously.

 This was not the elegant food she dined on nightly in her home. But it wasan eptable repast nheless. That was one small point in Erin Solstices favor.

 Something snuffled at Lytes leg and she looked down. The young Gnoll cub sat on the ground underneath her table, staring up at Lyte with wide, curious eyes.

 Another point. At least Erin Solstice, for all her myriad ws, was kind to children. Even a Gnoll child was not without merit.

 And this one

 Lyte nced around, but the Drake female and Solstice were talking, and the odd City Runner was talking with the horrible Antinium. And the skeleton was in the kitchen. So Lyte broke off some of her biscuit, dipped it in gravy, and lowered her hand under the table.

 Mrsha immediately glomped onto Lytes hand and licked it, which made the girlugh. Quietly. Shed always loved the dogs that the [Kennel Master] raised, and the Gnoll child was more than a mere animal. Sheit had broken Lytes heart to hear the tale. Not for the Gnoll tribe of course; they were ghastly beasts. But the Gnoll child had looked so sad

 What was she doing here? Lyte frowned as she wiped her fingers and resumed eating. She should be headed north, with as much coin as she could take. Lady Magnolia would surely take her in, despite Solstices lies. And then

 And then, Lyte could find her true calling somewhere else. She could search for adventure, rather than continue being trapped by mundanity.

 She would not escape without cost, though. The humiliation Lyte had already suffered was beyond forgiveness, and worstshe had another ss.

 [Barmaid]. Level 3. And she had gained a Skill. [Lesser Stamina]. It made napping more difficult, but on the other hand it allowed Lyte the energy toplete the many irrelevant tasks Solstice forced upon her.

 That was the greatest affront of all. Her royal ss had been ruined by the addition of amon ss. It was an unforgivable urrence; Lyte had been sullied. If her father were to learn of this

 Lytes stomach clenched. What did she care of her father? What did he care of her? He had probably only sent search parties as far as the shores of Terrandria, never imagining she would have the courage to book herself passage to Izril. And she had survived monsters, starvation, and even the horrible mob that had cast her out of Liscor to get this far.

 She was only staying at this inn because she had no choice. But soon, she would be restored to her rightful position. And perhaps then she would extract some form of retribution upon that damnable skeleton.

 A [Barmaid] ss. Of all the insults! Lyte scowled as Mrsha sniffed at her feet and recoiled. It was uneptable! She was not destined to wait uponmoners like a useless peasant!

 But she had leveled up. There was that. Lyte stared at her food, suddenly less hungry. It had been so long, shed almost forgotten what leveling up was like. That had been nice.

 Perhaps

 Lyte hesitated, and shook her head. No, it was ridiculous. But a thought nagged at her mind as she pushed back her te. It was intolerable of course, being ordered around, being subservient to another. It was ridiculous that she should level in any ss other than [Princess]. But

 But it was better than being useless.

 

 -

 So, I was thinking, I need to make my inn more popr, you know?

 Erin gestured around her inn as she spoke to Selys. She wasnt trying to be mean of course; she had a nice inn. Everything had been built by the Antinium, and she even had ss windows. Even Pes inn didnt have ss windows. Butit wasnt enough.

 I mean, Ive got that faerie flower drink, but I need to work on that. I was really thinking, though, that I need more stuff.

 Stuff?

 Selys looked at Erin nkly. Erin nodded and tried to exin.

 Remember the acid flies? Well, the Antinium loved those. I had a full inn some nights, and I made tons of gold coins! But now its winter, Ive got nothing special to sell. And I dont get many guests. Plus, I made a bit of money selling the acid fly acid, you know?

 Dont remind me.

 But Selys, just think about it! It was so usefulit helped kill Skinner, and you can melt undead with it really fast. Even if it does smell.

 Where are you going with this, Erin?

 WellI was thinking I could sell stuff to adventurers.

 Selys eyed Erin suspiciously.

 What kind of stuff?

 You know, like seed pod cores. Ive still got some and they scare those Rock Crabs away. Plus, if I find more boom bark I could maybe sell that.

 Didnt Toren blow up your inn with that?

 Okay, maybe not boom bark. But it could be good business, you know! I just need to go exploring.

 Selys nced out one window. The snowfall fromst night had stopped, but the snow was so deep that there were practically no features to thendscape. Even opening the door this morning had necessitated quite a bit of arm strength on Erins part.

 Exploring? In this weather? Erin

 Ill get Toren to guide me. I think Mrshas scared of him, anyways.

 Both females looked over and saw Mrsha prowling around after Toren as he mechanically swept and cleaned up themon room. Every time he turned towards her she would scoot under a table, but she kept eyeing him warily.

 Your skeleton scares me, Erin. Okay, if hes with you I guess you can always let him fight monsters and run away. But be careful, alright? Shield Spiders still make their nests and [Dangersense] doesnt cover all kinds of traps.

 Sure, no problem. But that means Ill have to leave Mrsha with Ryoka.

 Erin looked over at Ryoka. She was still staring at her te, although shed finished eating. Klbkch was watching her, and it looked like Ryoka was in deep thought.

 Do you think thats wise?

 Well, Ryoka did bring Mrsha this far.

 No, I mean, look at her.

 Selys pointed back to Mrsha. The Gnoll cub had lost some of her fear of Toren. She was reaching out and even as the skeleton turned, she grabbed his ankle curiously. Toren whirled, and Mrsha fled, yelping in terror.

 Toren! Dont scare her!

 Erin went to cuddle Mrsha. She looked at Selys.

 Whats the matter?

 She needs entertainment, Erin. She cant stay in an inn all day, and she needs a minder, not

 Selys nodded to Ryoka. The other girl was still motionless. Toren approached and tentatively reached for her te. The other girl made no response, even when he waved a bony hand in front of her face.

 Right. Well, what should I do? Maybe I could leave her with Krshia?

 But that would mean she was around Brunkr, and Erin didnt like that.

 Leave the child with me.

 Both Selys and Erin turned. Lyte had stood up. She raised her nose at the two of them imperiously.

 What was that, Lyon?

 The girls eyes shed, but she made noment about her name. Erin liked the sound of Lyon better than Lyte, anyways.

 I am bored. I will look after the childMrsha.

 Erin and Selys exchanged a look. Erin tried to make her tone friendly.

 Well, thats really nice of you to offer, Lyte. Butuh, I thinkumno.

 Lyte scowled.

 Why not? I am quite capable of looking after a child.

 She red as both Drake and Human exchanged a dubious look. Selys coughed into one w.

 I can take Mrsha, Erin. Ive got a day off and besides, theres a yground in the city. She can have fun with other kids there.

 A yground?

 Erin had never seen anything like that, but then, shed never bothered to explore the city fully. Selys nodded.

 Shell be safe with me. And Im sure shed like to have fun, wouldnt you, Mrsha?

 The Gnoll cub looked up at Selys. She wagged her tail a bit and sniffed at the Drake as she crouched down.

 Shes sort of like a puppy, dont you think?

 Erin whispered to Selys as the Drake scratched Mrsha behind the ears. Selys shrugged.

 Gnoll cubs are pretty animal-like. And Mrshas young; I wouldnt worry about it. Drake hatchlings like to bite everything they can fit their mouths around. Arent Human children different too?

 Erin thought of screaming babies and toddlers who would eat bugs and sand and poo. She nodded.

 Wellif you dont mind, that would be great, Selys! Thanks! Then Lyte can help me and Toren look for cool stuff.

 Lytes brows snapped together.

 What was that?

 Hey Toren!

 Erin called out to the skeleton. He looked over at her.

 Were going out! Get your sword and put the dishes away, okay? Lytesing too!

 The skeleton appeared to perk up when Erin mentioned the sword, but when she mentioned Lyte he seemed to sag. He walked into the kitchen as Erin went over to Ryoka.

 Hey Ryoka, is it okay if Selys takes Mrsha for the day?

 Mm.

 Ryoka didnt look at Erin. Erin hesitated.

 And uh, Im going outside. With Lyte and Toren. Im going exploring.

 Mhm.

 The other girls face didnt change. She was clearly deep in thought, or sleeping with her eyes open. Erin hesitated.

 I will inform her, Erin Solstice.

 Klbkch nodded from his seat. Erin smiled at him.

 Oh, thanks Klbkch! But are you sure you want to stay?

 The Antinium nodded.

 I would like to chat with Ryoka Griffin. Take care while you are exploring. Do not hesitate to run.

 Dont worry! Im going to bring a frying pan and a knife.

 Klbkch stared at Erin. She gave him a thumbs up.

 See youter!

 -

 Its cold. And wet.

 Lyteined loudly as she followed Erin and Toren through the snow. The skeleton was breaking a path through the deep snow, but even so, Erin had to fight just to keep moving. The snow was deep today, even for someone used to Michigan winters.

 Erin had seen snow that went knee-deep, but she couldnt remember ever seeing waist-deep snow. But in some of the valleys, the snow had umted to the point where it made progress impossible.

 Why are we even out here?

 Lyteined even more loudly Toren slipped in the snow and face-nted. Erin sighed. She was already regretting taking Lyte with her, but it was either that or inflict her on Ryoka. And Ryoka would probably kick Lyte in the face.

 Why hadnt she left Lyte with Ryoka?

 Come on Lyon, its not that bad.

 Erins foot found a divot in the ground and she windmilled her arms wildly to stay upright. Lyon stared at her in disgust. But instead of her usual snide remarks she folded her arms.

 Do not mistake me; I am grateful for your assistance in my time of need. But I am not your ve, to be ordered around at your whim.

 I didnt say you were. But were all working in this inn together, Lyon. I own it, but I need your help.

 And how is this helping your inn, pray?

 Lyon gestured at the whitendscape. She stared at Toren as the skeleton sloughed ahead of them.

 It will take the better part of a day to get anywhere. And what are we even looking for?

 Erin shrugged.

 I dunno. Hunting monsters? Gathering mushroom and rare stuff? Maybe theres a mine around here somewhere.

 Erin had no idea how mining worked. And the look Lyte gave her told her that she probably wasnt going find any gemstones any time soon.

 You. Wish to hunt monsters?

 Well, want is a strong word. But Torens got a sword. And armor.

 Erin pointed at Toren. The skeleton had stopped to watch the two girls argue. He was slowly sinking deeper into the snow as his holey bronze armor weighed him down. Lyte sniffed.

 That thing fills me with no confidence.

 WellI have a frying pan.

 Erin lifted it to prove her point. Lyte stared at the frying pan.

 Are you unwell in the head? How will a frying pan kill monsters?

 Hey! I killed a ton of zombies with a frying pan! Well, not this pan because they get really gross when the brains and stuff get on it but

 Wait, you killed a zombie? By yourself?

 I had help. There was this undead attack and I had to kill a bunch of undead. Some Antinium Workers came to help me, and a lot of people died. Oh, and there was this horrible huge flesh-worm-thing that attacked. And a lot of zombies and ghouls and even these Crypt Lords tried to kill me, so yeah.

 Erin was aware that Lyon was gaping at her. She cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed.

 Anyways, if its just a Shield Spider or a Rock Crab were fine. I can scare away Rock Crabs and Toren and I can kill Shield Spiders.

 You can!?

 Well, yeah. You just hit them and keep dodging their fangs. And legs. Oh, and dont fall into their pit traps.

 This was all normal to Erin. But Lyte stared at her as if this was allpletely new to her. Which,e to that, it was.

 ButSilver-rank adventurers take on requests to y Shield Spiders!

 Yeah?

 Erin scratched her head. Lyon stared at her. The silence lengthened until Erin felt it was time to move.

 Okay, weve got to go. Toren, take us to the ce you found the mushrooms!

 She turned and began to follow Toren. Lyte followed them after a few seconds.

 It was mercifully quiet for a while, but Erin was beginning to suspect that Lyte, annoying though shed been, was right. After about thirty minutes of struggling in the snow, they were only a hundred feet away from the inn.

 Alright, new n! Were going into the city!

 Of course, when they got in sight of the gates and the Drake Guardsman on duty, Erin realized that there was another problem.

 Oh, right. Lyte cante inside and neither can you, Toren.

 Both skeleton and [Princess] gave Erin a t look. She smiled and scratched at her head.

 Um. Okay, Lyte, you stay outside with Toren. Ill be back soon!

 Lyte stared at Erin as the girl shook snow off her boots and proceeded down the freshly cleared streets of Liscor. Then she looked at Toren.

 The skeleton stood where Erin had left him. He was staring at the snow. Just staring. Lyte knew the skeletons features never changed, but she got the distinct impression he was upset. He was gripping his sword rather tightly.

 Slowly, she edged away from the skeleton and then looked at the guard. The Drake on duty stared ahead, boredom written into every inch of his body and his slowly wagging tail. Hed eyed Toren once, but apparently the guards knew about Erins undead helper. Slowly, he scratched at his butt.

 Lyte decided to stand right where she was. After a few minutes of waiting in the cold snow, she sneezed.

 -

 Snowshoes?

 Krshia looked nkly at Erin. The Human sneezed again and nodded.

 Yeah. Do you have any?

 Krshia scratched at her furry chin. Today Brunkr was nowhere to be seen, and shed told Erin that he was still sulking.

 There is not much call for them outside, yes? The roads, they are melted clear with magic spell and many feet. And it does not usually snow so deeply.

 Yeah. Um. Oops.

 Erin recalled several drunk faeriesughing as the flew out of her inn. She had the feeling that might have precipitated the sudden weather change.

 Krshia eyed Erin, but shrugged.

 I may be able to find some. But none that will fit Human feet, yes? They will require resizing. And certainly none for your undeadthing.

 Oh, Ive got [Advanced Crafting], and I only need a pairs for me and Luh, I just need two. Toren can run pretty fast through the snow since, you know, he doesnt get tired.

 And the snow had a lot less mass to constrict in his case. Skeletons were thin.

 Krshia nodded.

 But you will still be quite slow, yes?

 Yes? I mean yeah, that is a problem.

 Erin frowned. She wanted to get around, at least so she could do some exploring and maybe gather some rare mushrooms like the ones Toren had found. Maybe she could sell them to the faeries for actual gold this time, or use them in a dish. But it was hard to explore when you moved at a cial pace.

 The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] thought as she and Erin stood together in front of her stall. It was nice to be on speaking terms with Krshia again. She always had good advice for Erin.

 Lets see. If snow shoes were too slow, what was faster?

 How about skis?

 Skis?

 Erin tried to exin. Krshia looked nk.

 Snow shoes we have, but thesepieces of wood seem too fragile. Gnolls would not use such things. Perhaps a Drake might have such devices.

 The tone in her voice suggested that only a Human would be that crazy, and even then, possibly only Erin.

 Welldarn. Maybe I could make some, though. Can I buy some wood? I mean, itd be hard since Lyte doesnt know how to ski. And Toren cant eithertoo bad we cant all just

 Erin paused. Her train of thought stopped, as she switched transportation methods. Okay, skiing might be a bit impractical, but there was another easy way to travel in the snow, wasnt there?

 An idea sparked in Erins mind.

 Hey Krshia, do you have any sleds? Can I buy one? Nocan I buy one and a lot of wood? And some nails? I have a hammer. Ooh, and some leather. Or maybe rope. And do you have bells?

 The Gnoll frowned at her.

 Wood is expensive in the winter, Erin Solstice. I would not ask, but I have not the coin to make promises to other shopkeepers. Are you sure you have the money?

 Ive got gold. Lots of gold.

 Erin reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a handful of gold coins. She pped them on Krshias counter.

 Krshias eyes bulged. Erin smiled sheepishly.

 I saved up. And Halrac tips a lot. So about those bells

 -

 T-there you are!

 Toren looked up at the sound of Lytes voice. The grinding impatience and simmering resentment in what would have been his heartif he had onefaded for a moment when he saw Erin. Atst, his stupid mistress would give him an order and hopefully he would soon be released.

 But his hopes were dashed when he saw what Erin was carrying. The girl was trying to lug a huge pile of various types of wood as she dragged a wooden sled on the ground. She had a box of nails and screws precariously next to a saw on top of the load.

 Hey Lyte! Hey Toren! Sorry Imte! It took a while to get all this stuff!

 Lyon stumbled towards Erin, her teeth chattering.

 Im freezing. Youve been gone for an hour!

 Sorry, sorry. I really am. But look! We just need to get this back to the inn and we can build some really cool stuff with it!

 Build? Build what?

 Toren wanted to know that too. Erin was smiling oddly, and he didnt like the look she was giving him. It was almost as if she was measuring him, and the skeletons nonexistent blood ran cold when he saw the bells.

 He wanted to run. Something about the glint in Erins eyes made him want to run.

 Hey Toren,e here for a second, will you?

 -

 It was a cold, snowy day around Liscor, and on the continent of Izril in general. The snow had fallen hardst night, and so even the most determined travelers like City Runners and caravans following the main roads were moving at a snails pace.

 The Frost Faeries considered this entertaining. Theyughed and threw snowballs at one poor Gnoll who was dragging a toboggan filled with supplies across the snow. Yes, the snow could not be avoided. It was everywhere, making peoples lives a misery. The Frost Faeries felt smug at that thought.

 But thenmovement. From their position high overhead, the faeries saw something odd making its way across the snowy ins. They swooped down, keenly interested in anything unusual. And as they got closer their tiny jaws dropped and their eyes bulged.

 Theyd seen sleds before, of course. The Gnoll tribes used them for all kinds of transport, and sleighs were simrly used in colder weather. But thisthis was different. No horse pulled the sled that had been mounted on skis, and indeed, this device alone was making quick headway in the deep snow. Because of what was pulling it.

 A horse, fast as it might be, could only travel on rtively clear roads. The same went for a dog team; even the best dog sleds would have issues in waist-deep snow. But there was one creature that ignored all temperatures, which could run full-sprint for hours on end without tiring, and most importantly, couldnt disobey orders.

 Mush, mush!

 Erin shouted happily as Toren pulled the sledge shed built through the snow. The wide and long vehicle shed constructed with the use of her [Advanced Crafting] Skill was six feet long and wide enough for both her and Lyte to sit on itfortably.

 The skis shed mounted on the bottom allowed the sledge to speed around even in deep snow, and Toren made it all work. The skeleton iled his arms wildly as he ran through the deep snow, and Erinughed as the reins shed fastened to his body jingled and rang in the crisp air.

 A leather harness for her skeleton, a sled for Erin and Lyteand they were speeding across the winterndscape with quitemendable speed. In truth, Toren could only pull the sledge about as fast as Erin could jog at the best of times, but it was a pleasant ride, and most importantly, Erin was riding and not fighting through the snow.

 Erin pped the reins again and Toren endeavored to run faster. She looked over at Lyte and saw the girl had the same expression on her face as the Frost Faeries overhead had. A sort of ck-jawed stare with zed eyes for the full effect.

 Isnt it great?

 Lyte stared at Erin. Her eyes were fixed on Toren. The skeleton was fighting his way through another thick drift of snow, his jaw gnashing furiously as he pulled the sledge up a hill.

 Go for it, Toren!

 From her position at the head of her ride, Erin stared across the openndscape. This, now, this was what shed been missing. This was fun. She felt a songing on, and began to sing, her voice carrying for miles around.

 Dashing through the snow, on a one-skeleton open sleigh, over the hills we go,ughing all the way!

 Erins voice echoed across the snowyndscape as the wind rushed past her head. She pointed.

 There! Go that way, Toren!

 She was pointing towards a cave opening in the distance. Toren change directions, and Erin whooped as she felt the sledge shift smoothly on the snow.

 Let us ride! We demand to join in!

 Erin looked up and Lyte screamed as Frost Faeries flew down from overhead,ughing and pointing at Toren. They settled on the side of the sledge and for once Erin didnt begrudge their presence.

 What song is this? We must sing along!

 Sing! Sing for us!

 Okay! Everyone join in!

 The faeries cheered and Lyte stared at one as itnded on Erins head. The young woman thought of the few Christmas songs she knew by heart, and began to sing.

 Youd better not shout, youd better not cry;better not pout, Im telling you why! Santa us ising to town!

 Ooh, threats! Good!

 Who is Santa us? Does he eat children?

 Run faster, dead thing!

 Toren staggered as a snowball bounced off the back of his head. Erin looked at the Frost Faeries in surprise.

 Havent you heard of Santa us? Lyte?

 No one had. And it was a bit too windy to exin about Santa, so Erin found herself switching songs.

 Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful! And since weve no ce to go; let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

 This was a song the Frost Faeries could get behind. They cheered andughed and started singing along with Erin.

 Let it snow!

 More snow! Lets bury yon mountains, sisters!

 What? Wait! Dont do that!

 Erin shouted at the faeries as more snowkes, heavy thick ones, began falling from the sky. The faeries looked at her. So did Lyte.

 Who are you talking to?

 Erin pointed at a Frost Fairy.

 Her!

 Lyte stared at the Frost Faerie, and then at Erin with the look of someone who clearly feared she was sharing a seat with someone who was insane. Erin remembered Lyte couldnt see the faeries.

 Theyre faeries! You cant see them buttheyre little blue people! Theyve got wings and they speak to me and Ryoka! They make it snow, but Im telling them to stop!

 The other girl edged away from Erin. But the snow had begun to fall and it had also stopped as soon as Erin hadined. The rest of the sleigh ride was filled with more Christmas songs, most of which the faeries sang with Erin. The only one they hated was Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, because they thought he was a freak.

 As they reached the cave, Erin leapt off the sledge, still arguing with the faeries.

 He was not a freak! He just had a redshining nose, thats all! It was probably magic!

 Bah! He was an abomination! Twas right of the other reindeer to shun him!

 How bright was his nose? Bright enough to light up the sky?

 Who is Santa us?

 Oh hey, this is one of the caves where Toren found all those mushrooms, right Lyte?

 The [Princess] stared at Erin.

 Um. Yes?

 Good! Lets go get some poisonous mushrooms!

 The faeries cheered and Erin walked into the cave. She ran out a few secondster.

 Bear!

 It was a sleeping bear, but that was more than enough for Erin to retreat back to her sledge. She pointed at Toren. The skeleton had paused to squat in the snow, probably to take a break from the efforts of pulling the sled, and the jingling harness she had put on him.

 Toren, theres a bear! You go in there!

 The skeleton brightened up considerably. He reached for his swordErin had made him leave his armor behind so he would move faster. She scowled at him.

 Dont hurt the bear! Just get those mushrooms! And be quiet; dont wake the bear up if you can help it!

 As she and Lyte sat in the sledge, Erin listened to the faeriesughing overhead. Lyte eyed the fuzzy blue shapes she identified as the dangerous and unpredictable Frost Sprites and ducked whenever any of theme close.

 Are we just gathering mushrooms?

 Well, to begin with. Well visit all of those caves Toren found and see if we cant find something cool, okay?

 Lyte shrugged and sniffed. She wiped her nose, and eyed Toren as the skeleton skulked back out of the caves, holding two handfuls of discolored mushrooms.

 Are we going to take all of the mushrooms with us? How will we carry them?

 Erin snapped her fingers.

 Youre right!

 She waved at Toren and hissed at him.

 Toren! Get the rest of the mushrooms quick, will you? Were going back to the inn! We need jars! Lots of jars! Ooh, and I can make us lunch!

 The skeleton twitched.

 -

 Are thosebees?

 The third cave Erin and Lyte found after a hearty lunch harbored a strange sight. Erin cautiously peered into the depths of therge cavernous hole in the side of the mountain and stared at the shapes moving around in the darkness.

 Lyte hung back. Erin beckoned her closer, and the girl reluctantly approached. She was holding a ball of lightit turned out she knew the spell, even though she didnt have the [Mage] ss.

 I think those are bees. What do you think, Lyte?

 The girl hesitated. She flinched as one of the shadows flew closer.

 Theyretheyre bugs! I didnt think any were alive in the winter! Why do you even care? Theyre horrible!

 Yeah, but are they bees or wasps?

 Erin frowned at the bees. She thought they were bees. She could vaguely make out a certain fuzziness about them, and hos looked different. More evil. So. Bees in the winter. It was certainly something she hadnt expected to see, especially in a cave. But then, she supposed bees had to live somewhere. They didnt migrate, after all. Or did they? Were these special winter bees?

 Thest three caves theyd visited had been uninhabited except for some nt life and mushrooms. Erin had made Toren scrape mold and fungi and pick mushrooms and put them into ss jars. She really doubted shed do anything with the mold, but she was feeling scientific. And adventurous, which was why she hadnt immediately run when shed seen the flying insects in the darkness of the cave.

 One of the faeries that had decided to make her own nest in Erins woolen hat hissed at the insects. It seemed to hear this and buzzed closer. As its features became clearer Erin and Lyte backed up fast.

 It was a bee. A big bee. In fact, it was the biggest and most terrifyinglyrge bee that Erin had ever seen in her life. Shed heard of the Japanese Giant Ho which could grow longer than a human finger, but these bees were in a different category altogether.

 They were as big as her entire handno, bigger. The bee buzzed closer and Erin saw a huge stinger and long legs, and the familiar yellow fuzzy patch around the ck carapace of the bug. She froze in ce as it approached, seemingly staring at the Frost Faerie on Erins head.

 And it wasnt alone. As if they had sensed the intruders, suddenly a swarm of bees began flying over towards the invaders. They wereing out a huge nest that was actually blocking a good part of the cave. The massive hive was anchored to the stone walls and Erin could hear a thrumming from within.

 The lead bee buzzed closer and Lyon and Erin froze in ce as it approached. Toren stared at the bee curiously, but without a hint of fear. In a situation like this, Erin considered the best move to make was not to aggravate the insect. Any sudden moves could make it angry, but fortunately Toren didnt seem inclined to attack and Lyte was scared stiff. They could back away without triggering

 Wretched insect! Know your ce! Begone!

 The Frost Faerie on Erins head flew up and smacked the bee on the head. Frost spread from where shed touched the insect and it recoiled. The bees suddenly became agitated, and the Frost Faerie flew at them, screaming insults.

 Erin didnt need to see any more than that. She turned.

 Run!

 Lyte was already gone. Toren watched as Erin ran out of the cave screaming and the Frost Faerie retreated, shout insults at the bees as they swarmed after her. The skeleton leisurely walked out of the cave; the bees totally ignored him as they chased the two Humans and one immortal outside.

 Erin flung herself into the snow and tried to bury herself deep. Lyte was doing the same. Above her, she heard the rest of the faeries shouting in outrage and a horrible, terrifying buzzing overhead.

 After what seemed like an eternity of tinny voices shouting and buzzing confusion, Erin dared emerge from her snowy cover. She found several dead bees littering the snow around herall of them frozen, and triumphant faeriesughing and chasing the few remaining bees into the hive.

 Take that, ye craven fools!

 Trouble not the fae!

 It seemed like there was some definite antagonism between the species. And even as Erin watched, the faerie began eating one of the bees. They tore it apart and

 It took Erin quite some time to pull Lyte out of the snow. The other girl just screamed and tried to wriggle further into the snow bank when Erin touched her. When she finally came out she was red-faced with the cold.

 I am not going in there again! You cant make me! I wont!

 Dont worry Lyon, were not going in. I promise.

 Erin tried to soothe Lyon. Atst, the other girl subsided, and Erin took a few deep breaths to steady herself.

 Well, yeah. Those are some scary bees. And even if the Frost Faeries can beat them

 Anytime!

 We fear no stingers!

 Bring out your Queen! Well duel her!

 I really dont want to get stung. So. Toren!

 The skeleton looked up. He was gathering up dead bees and stuffing them into a ss jar, a measure Erin wasnt sure if she approved of. Well, she probably would have told him to do it anyways, but the bees were even more horrific crammed into the jar.

 Erin found a big jar and tossed it to Toren.

 Go into the nest and get me some honey! And honeb. Dont do too much damage to the nest and dont hurt the beesif you can. Okay?

 Her skeleton stared at Erin with what almost looked like an aggrieved air before he nodded and walked back into the cave. Erin settled back into the sledge and looked at Lyte.

 Hell be fine. I think. I mean, hes dead and a skeleton. They cant really hurt him, right?

 Lyte just stared at Erin. She wasnt hurt, but she was still breathing heavily.

 You are insane! I thought you were just unnatural, but you are clearlyinsane!

 No Im not.

 Erin was hurt by the usation. Lyte shook her head. Erin turned back to the cave and listened.

 Wow. You can even hear them buzzing from here.

 The buzzing from the cave was indeed an audible thrum that could be felt even from here, like a bass beating out of a speaker. Erin and Lyte waited for another minute, and then heard the buzzing change in quality. Suddenly, it grew much, much louder and there was an audible note of menace to the sound.

 Uh oh. Looks like Torens at the hive.

 S-should we hide?

 Why? Hes the one getting the honey.

 Erin felt rather smug. Even Pooh Bear couldnt do as well as she could with a skeleton helper. Lyon shook her head.

 But even if hes unharmed, what happens when they follow him out and find us here?

 Erin stared at Lyte. The girl stared back.

 Run for it!

 In the sledge, the Frost Faeriesughed as the two girls jumped into the snow and began trying to cover themselves again.

 Hah! Foolish mortals! Let the buzzing thingse!

 Yes, well freeze their wings. We wont run from any overgrown flies!

 Theyughed as the buzzing sound turned into a roar, and then the faeries paused as the bees emerged from the cave. Not just one or two or even a hundred; thousands of bees poured out of the entrance, engulfing something in the center which waved and struggled wildly.

 The faeries stared at the thousands of bees congregating around Torena swarm so huge that they began to blot out the sun overhead. They exchanged a nce and then dove into the snow with Erin and Lyte.

 Erin peeked up as the bees swarmed angrily. She couldnt see Toren among all the bees. Where was he, trying to get back to the sledge? But then her eyes widened as she saw him.

 Her skeleton was in the center of the swarm of bees. And he wasnt on the groundhe was in the air! They were lifting him up! The angry bees lifted the struggling Toren off the ground, ignoring his iling, until he was a speck in the sky. Then they dropped him.

 Erin and Lyte and the faeries saw Toren falling to earth. They felt the thump he made as he smashed into the ground, the snow doing nothing at all to cushion his fall. They saw his bones scatter into the air, and all ducked as the bees flew back into their hive.

 It was a long time before anyone dared to move. Then, Erin got up and stared at Toren, or rather, the scattered bones that were Toren. They were wriggling towards each other, over, say, a radius of about fifty feet.

 She cleared her throat several times, and looked at Lyte. The girl had found the jar of honey Toren had extracted, safe where he had dropped it in the snow. A massive chunk of honeb floating in a huge pool of honey. A maggotor rather, a baby bee was wriggling inside the sticky liquid.

 Erin stared at the maggot. She looked around, and found Torens head in the snow. The skeleton stared at her reproachfully. The faeries stared at the beervae and licked their lips. Lyte threw up.

 Um. Well, good work everyone. Lets take a five minute break, okay? And can you look around for Torens bits? I think thats his hand over there.

 -

 Aside from the bees, though, it was really a pleasant ride through the snowy ins around Liscor. Once Toren was reassembled and the faeries hadeatenthe beervae, he pulled them onwards and Erin and Lyte could rx and try to warm up. The honey was delicious, and all things considered, they felt good. Even the Snow Golem attack didnt bother them much.

 Aaah! Help!

 Lyte screamed as Erin found herself pulled off the sledge by a snowman twice her height. Erin hit it with her frying pan repeatedly, but the packed snow resisted her blow. The Snow Golem opened its mawsticks for teeth snapping at Erin as she struggledand then bit down on her midsection.

 Ow!

 Erin screamed in pain and punched the Golem in the head. His bite didnt hurtwell, it didnt hurt half as bad as it should have. His teeth were just fallen branches and sticks after all, so while they drew blood as they pierced Erins winter clothing, they didnt do much more damage.

 You jerk! Toren, help!

 The skeleton attempted to rush to Erins aid, but two more Snow Golems were blocking his way. They smacked at him with blobby hands made of snow, and tried to bury him with their bodies. And that was it. That was all they could do, really.

 Erin raised her fist and punched the Golem in the face. Her [Minotaur Punch] reshaped the Golems face a bit, but again, her hand wasnt exactly the best weapon to use against a creature made entirely of snow.

 What she really needed was a shovel. And once Erin realized that, she just dug herself out of the Golems grip. Toren was busy slicing the other two Snow Golems apart with his sword, but Erin had little trouble disassembling her own Golem. The only dangerous moment came when he tried to smother her with his body, but by that time shed realized he had a braina core of beautifully whiteand coldsnow. She punched that and made the Golems head explode into powder and the Golem copsed.

 Panting, Erin got back in the sledge as Toren put his foot through one of the Snow Golems heads and tried to get it loose while the other one bashed him repeatedly with a rock. Lyte offered Erin a towel.

 Thanks.

 Erin stared at the Frost Faeries reproachfully. They wereughing and cing bets on whether Toren would kill the Snow Golem now or after it had knocked his head off.

 You lot could have helped, you know?

 Bah. Yon enchanted snowballs are no threat.

 One of the faeries waved a tiny hand at Erin dismissively. Then she cheered as Toren beheaded thest Golem with a sh of his sword. The skeleton did it in a shy mannerhe ducked as the Snow Golem lunged at him, and his body blurred. Erin blinked as Torens sword sliced the head off the Golem and the rest of the body copsed.

 Wow, that looks like a Skill, doesnt it, Lyte? I wonder how he did that? Can the undead level up?

 The girl just shuddered and stared at the abominable snowmen. She stared at Erin.

 How are you so calm? They tried to kill you!

 Yeah, but theyre not that dangerous. Besides, isnt it so cool?

 Lyon stared at Erin. Erin stared back with a smile on her face.

 Some monsters are horrible, but this is magic. And were on an adventure, right?

 Are we?

 Yeah! Oh hey, Toren, wait!

 Toren paused, foot raised as he prepared to stomp the Snow Golems head into mush. Erin frantically waved at him.

 Wait! Give me a jar!

 The unnaturally pure snow in the snow Golems head froze Erins hands even through her gloves as she shoveled it into the jar. But it was definitely magical, so she filled another big jar with snow. Toren stared at the Snow Golems face as Erin finished extracting the contents of its head.

 Erin smiled as she held up the heavy jar and stared at it. The snow might melt, but she could see if it was still magical afterwards. Or maybe shed leave it outside and keep it fresh. Would it create another Snow Golem if it was outside? How did they even form, anyways? Did they eat people? Could they even eat? She breathed onto the ss and wiped away the condensation as she stared at the shimmering white snow inside.

 Snow Golem brain-snow.

 Erin thought about that for a second.

 Ew.

 -

 They were quite a ways away from her innfarther than Erin had ever gone, in truthwhen they found the Corusdeer corpses. Erin shouted for Toren to stop the sled and jumped out to stare at the hacked up body parts lying in the snow.

 This is so awful. What could have done this?

 The deer had been hacked to bits, at least ten of them. Theyd stained the ground red, but the white snow had covered the bodies partially. Only the area around the horns was melted in truth; even as Erin stared, the horns gave off steam in the air.

 Something killed them, but didnt eat them. What? An adventurer?

 She couldnt imagine Halrac picking on poor animals, but maybe theyd attacked him. Toren looked the other way as Lyte stared at the bodies and the faeries debated whether they were hungry enough to have deer after the bees.

 Gingerly, Erin approached and stared at one of the Corusdeers horns. She was fairly sure she couldnt use the meat; it might have frozen, but something could have infested it oror it could just be rotten. She held one hand out towards the horn and touched it.

 Its hot!

 It actually burned her fingers when Erin took off her glove to touch it. She sucked at her fingers and waved Toren over.

 I want all these horns. Um, wrap them in something or they might set the sledge on fire.

 Toren stared at the Corusdeer hed killed and kicked one of the deers heads. Then he ttered his jaw and unsheathed his sword and got to work at hacking the horns off the heads. He wasnt quite wishing the sledge would burst into mes. He was more praying that he identally crashed into a Shield Spider pit and they killed everyone at this point in the journey.

 -

 Well, that was fun!

 Erin stretched as Lyte staggered into the inn and copsed next to the fire. The girl moaned softly, and Erin turned as Toren lugged the huge collection of jars and the hot Corusdeer horns into the inn. The faeries flew in as well,ughing and in extremely good spirits.

 Wheres Ryoka and Klbkch?

 Both Human and Antinium were gone. Ryoka must have finished her thought, and Klbkch was probably back in his hive. And Selys and Mrsha hadnt returned yet. Erin stared around the inn, momentarily deted. Now there was no one to share her amazing discoveries with. She looked at the jars Toren was piling on the table.

 No, not like that, Toren.

 He was creating an unstable pyramid, as if he wanted the ss jars to break. Erin scowled at him and he began putting them in a more stable configuration.

 Lets see. What did we get?

 She had several small jars filled with different kinds of mushrooms. Some were green, some were purpleone type was a really tall mushroom that came up to knee height and had a spotted crown the size of a car tire. Shed had to cram that one in to the jar. And another was a really tiny mushroom that glowed in the dark. They were all promising, if not edible.

 She also had the honey Toren had stolen from the Hivea huge jar of it that Toren had to use both hands to carryand another jar filled with dead bees. And she had the Corusdeer horns and a jar of Snow Golem snow.

 Erin rubbed her hands together happily. Toren put the bundle of horns in a corner of the inn and folded his arms. Lyte moaned.

 This is such a great day.

 Not only did she have new stuff to experiment with, she had a new way to travel! Now Erin could actually go ces, with Toren to pull her. She couldnt believe she hadnt thought of it before, but an undead could pull her around all night! Why didnt everyone haveundead horses or something, and ride carriages around? Maybe Pisces could make an undead horse for her.

 Erins mind was spinning with possibilities, but one thing was tugging at her mind. She walked up to one of her windows and stared at the sledge. It was part sled, part sleigh. And it was so useful. But

 Yeah. There was one thing you did in the winter that Erin really hadnt done yet, had she? Shed been so sick of the snow, and the Frost Faeries that shed forgotten. Winter was supposed to be fun! She remembered countless days when shed thrown snowballs, made snow angels, and gone snow sledding. Of course, that was a lot of workErin actually preferred snow tubing. Now that was amazingly fun.

 Of course, it was only fun because there was this amazing lift you could hook your snow tube to. It carried you up a huge hill and then you could sled down. If you had to climb the hill every time it would get old fast. It was too bad this world had nothing like that.

 Toren crept towards the inns entrance, hiding his sword behind his back as Erin stared at the sledge. Yeah, too bad. Because it would be amazingly fun to ride down a hill in that. But shed have to pull it up.

 Unlesssomeone does it for me.

 Erins eyes shifted sideways and Toren froze as he tried to open the door silently. She grinned.

 Hey Toren? Ive got another job for you!

 -

 The [Guardsmen] on top of Liscors high walls were often bored, but today was a bad day where they were not only bored, but cold. They shivered on their posts, freezing despite the modicum of cover the crentions gave them from the biting wind. A hot drink would warm them right up, but sadly they would have to wait until they were relieved to enjoy such luxuries.

 asionally, Watch Captain Zevara or Senior Guardsman Klbkch woulde up with some hot drinks for everyone on guard, but it didnt look like one of those days. Relc had stomped by an hour ago, and one look at his face had discouraged any such suggestions. Besides, that Drake never paid for anything if he could help it.

 So the [Guardsmen] were mildly intrigued when they saw the Human young woman whod already gained some renown in Liscor sitting at the top of a hill. Her skeleton had untangled himself from its harness, and she was staring down the steep incline.

 Theyd seen her riding around on the sled earlier of course, and theyd remarked on the oddity of the sight. But now the Human was doing something different. She stared down the hill, and then called something towards the skeleton. He ran at the sled and pushed it, and then the [Guardsmen] heard the scream, slightly dyed, as the girl went flying down the hill.

 That was the thing. A sled was customary for sledding for one reason. It was actually slower than something like a sleigh or skis. This was important; while speed was preferable, there was such a thing as too much speed.

 The guardsmen watched the girl shoot down the hill at a speed faster than any horse could gallop, and heard the shriek of terror turn toughter. They watched as she waved and hollered at the skeleton, and then saw it run down the hill.

 Of course, each Drake and Gnoll on watch had been thinking the same thing: sure it was fun to ride down the hill, but the Human would have to pull the heavy sledge back up, and that would be exhausting. But then as they saw the skeleton run down to the sledge and begin to drag it back up the hill they realized what was going on. Erin shouted and waved at her skeleton as it slowly dragged her back up the hill, and then she slid down again, going even faster on the ttened snow. And she did it again, and again, and again

 -

 Ryoka couldnt tell if it was envy in her heart as she stared down at Erin, or sheer amazement. Shed actually done it. Shed actually found a way to trivialize even Torens existence. From undead warrior, hed be a glorified dishwasher and cleaner. And now he wasnt even that.

 He was a sled lift.

 That is the stupidest thing Ive ever seen in my life.

 Ryoka muttered the words as she and a crowd of [Guardsmen]and arge body of Drakes and Gnolls citizenrywatched Erin as sheughed and shot down the hill again.

 Selys held up Mrsha so the Gnoll could see Erin. The Gnoll stared with fascination at Erin, and Klbkch just stared at the sight, perplexed.

 That is so stupid.

 Ryoka felt she had to repeat herself, because no one had responded to herment. She looked down at Erin on the sleigh and hesitated.

 I want to ride that thing.

 Shed gone snowboarding and skiing before, but Erins crazed vehicle was another level of crazy. It had all the speed of a ski, but added a good deal of weight to the momentum of the ride. Plus, there was virtually no way to steer the thing, so you could only hang on for dear life and pray like hell you didnt crash.

 If Erin had a stuffed tiger in the back of her ride it would have been perfect, but this looked fun enough.

 What is it? Ive never seen something like that.

 Selys was frowning at Erins vehicle. Klbkch nodded.

 It is not a sleigh, and nor is it a sled. It is some hybrid of the two.

 Its a goddamn sledge.

 A what?

 Its somethingwell, its something from where Erin and Ie from.

 Klbkch stared at Ryoka and she caught his eye. He nodded slightly.

 Ah. I see. And this is a device used for entertainment?

 I guess. Thats how shes using it.

 Wheee!

 Her voice was audible even from where they were standing on the battlements. The others watched as Erin shouted at Toren. She was clearly telling him to push her. The skeleton took several steps back, and then ran at the sledge.

 Wow. He pushed her hard.

 Indeed, it almost looked as if the skeleton was trying to push Erin as hard as possible. She shot down the hill in the sledge, going even faster on thepacted snow.

 Erin screamed andughed as she shot down one of the hills, and then screamed in an entirely different tone as she noticed the rock. From their position on the wall, Selys, Ryoka, and Klbkch saw Erin wipe out.

 Wow. She flipped.

 Head over heels. First time Ive seen that.

 She is not moving. Has she been seriously injured?

 NoI think shes stunned. Look, shes starting to wiggle.

 The Human girl was making an involuntarily snow angel in the ground. Ryoka looked at Mrsha and saw excitement shining in her eyes. Yes, this was a ride to bring out the daredevil in any kid.

 The crowd below was watching Erin, but already Ryoka could see people peeling off and hurrying back into the city.

 Looks like shes started a trend.

 Indeed, even the adults wereing back with sleds and things to slide on. Ryoka grinned. It was stupid. It was dangerous. But hell, she was going down there and trying it.

 Hey Mrsha, want to go for a ride?

 The Gnoll child stared at Ryoka. Klbkch stared at Ryoka. Selys looked down at Erin.

 I call the front!

 -

 OhAncestorshelpmeImgoingtodie

 Erin sat on a hill and watched as Selys zoomed past her, screaming at the top of her lungs. Klbkch stood next to her, watching as Drakes and Gnolls dived out of the way of the uncontrolled sledge.

 I am afraid that vehicle is too dangerous. The other sledders must vacate the hill before it descends or a life threatening ident may ur.

 Yeah.

 Erin nodded and winced as she felt at the bruises on her back and butt. Shed dly given up her chance to ride the sledge after the second time shed had a major wipe out. Now Selys and countless other Drakes and Gnolls were queuing up for a turn. Toren was tirelessly pulling the sledge up a hill, and hed already amodated Ryokas request to ride it down ten times.

 Ironically, only Mrsha had been banned from using the sledge. Instead, theyd given the small Gnoll a much smaller sled that Krshia had begun to enterprisingly sell to the citizens. Some people had their own sleds, but it was rare for them to have this much fun in the snow, Erin gathered.

 I mean, its dangerous to be outside the walls. And besides, its a lot of work. But that skeleton of yours is really handy, Erin!

 So said Selys after she returned slightly windblown but unharmed from her exciting ride. Erin grinned and offered her the jar of honey. Selys eyes bulged at the sight of the massive jar of sweetness.

 Where did you get that, Erin?

 From a huge bee nest! Actually, Toren got it, but the bees lifted him into the air and dropped him! It was crazy! And we got attacked by Snow Golems! And we found these horns!

 The Drakes mouth fell open when Erin showed her one of the horns shed taken from the deer. Shed had to remove a bit offlesh, but now it was helping keep her warm as she sat in the snow. The horn radiated heat, which was extremely useful.

 Are those Corusdeer horns? Where did you get all of them, Erin?

 I found a lot of dead bodies in the snow. They were just lying there, so I found them. Theyre a deers horns?

 Ryoka stomped up the hill, shivering, Mrsha right behind her. The Gnoll was happily rolling around in the snow and dragging the small sled shed been riding, but she began sniffing at the air and made a beeline for the honey the instant she saw it.

 What the hell is that, Erin?

 Nothing would do but that Erin exin everything to Ryoka, Selys, and Klbkch as she let Mrsha lick honey from her paws. Selys shook her head in amazement after Erin was done.

 You are crazy, you know that? You could have fallen into a Shield Spider pit, not to mention those bees can kill anything theye across! And the antlersit was a windfall you found them, you know. Even Gold-rank adventurers dont like taking on a herd of Corusdeer, and their horns are really useful! I can pay you four silver per each antler. The Adventurers Guild sells them to [Alchemists] and [cksmiths].

 Ryoka frowned.

 That doesnt sound like a lot.

 Well, the Guild needs to take a cut, and after all, its not like we want people to just go around provoking Corusdeer.

 Selys exined defensively as Mrsha tried to dip her entire paw into the jar of honey. Erin gently grabbed Mrshas arm, and then she noticed something wriggling in the honey.

 Why not just cut out the middleman? You can probably get twice that if you negotiate with them directly.

 Selys red at Ryoka, but Erin shook her head.

 I want to try and use them.

 She saw Mrshas eyes following the movement, but save for Klbkch and Mrsha, no one had noticed. Ryoka rolled her eyes, but shrugged. She bent and dipped her finger into the honey.

 Good stuff, though. You can make a lot of treats with this.

 She licked her finger as Erin opened her mouth, and then frowned.

 What the?

 Slowly, Ryoka reached into the honey and grabbed at the wriggling thing. Selys covered her mouth and Mrsha backed away as Ryoka pulled out a huge, fat, wriggling beervae. The Asian girl stared at thervae as it tried to climb up her hand. She stared at Erin, as the other girl gave her a sheepish grin.

 Ryokas face turned green. Klbkch stared at thervae with interest, and he spoke at the same time as some Frost Faeries swooped down from overhead. They both asked the same question.

 Are you going to eat that?

17kNovel

Book 2: Chapter 42