Book 6: Chapter 28_The Wandering Inn

Book 6: Chapter 28

 The grass was lush and green. The perfect height, which was to say, short. Not like the tall, whippy adult grass that was what real grass actually looked like. This grass was fresh. It had the kind of green quality and density that you only saw onwns religiously tended to by their owners. It was the kind of grass that invited the viewer to walk outside barefoot, so you could wriggle your toes in it.

 There was the grass. It was growing on a hilltop. And on that hilltop sat an inn. The doors flew open. A young woman raced out onto the grass. She raised her arms and then cartwheeled across the grass.

 Its spring! Proper spring!

 A white shape bounded out the door after her. Erin Solsticeughed as Mrsha raced onto the grass and did a flying belly flop. Erinpleted her cartwheel and caught herself, a bit dizzy.

 I did it! Hey Mrsha, did you see that?

 The Gnoll nodded rapidly. She raced around on Erin on all fours, then got onto two legs. She raised her arms, waving them, clearly encouraging Erin to do it again. The [Innkeeper]ughed.

 Like this, Mrsha! See? Here I go!

 She took three steps, raised her arms, and then lunged. Her body twisted down, her hands struck the ground, and to Mrshas amazement, Erin cartwheeled. The Gnolls tiny mouth popped open as Erin cartwheeled across the grass.

 Whoopwhoop! I nearly went over the edge, there! Careful!

 Erin caught herself a second time, this time from going over the edge of the hill. It would be a somewhat steep roll down the hill, and the lovely grass covering the top hadnt managed to infest the slopes. Brown mud stared at her as she hopped back towards the inn. She spotted a figure standing in the doorway.

 Cartwheels! Want to try, Lyte?

 The [Princess] stared at Erin, perplexed.

 Ive never done something like that in my life. How on earth did you do that? You dont have the [Tumbler] ss, right?

 Erin hesitated.

 Do I need to? Its just a cartwheel. Most guys cant do it, but I learned it in gym ss.

 Oh. Another of your Earth things. You can really just do that?

 Erin propped her hands on her hips as she smiled at the younger girl.

 I bet you can do it. Come on. Its simple. Watch. All you have to do is put your arms up, lunge, and then twist

 She did a slower cartwheel to show Lyte and Mrsha. It was too slow, so Erin fell down halfway through. Mrsha leapt on her, tail wagging, and Erinughed.

 Mrsha! Youre getting heavier! Off! Lyte, you try.

 Youre sure you can do that?

 You dont need a ss or a Skill for everything, Lyte. And this is easy-peasy. Come on.

 The [Princess] looked dubious. But then she shrugged. She raised her arms.

 Okay. Like this?

 She copied Erins pose. Erin nodded. Lyte took a deep breath.

 Alright. Then

 She took five steps back, and then came out at a run. Erin opened her mouth to tell Lyte she was going too fast, when the [Princess] did a perfect triple-cartwheel past her and Mrsha. The Gnoll and young woman gaped. Lyte caught herself at the edge of the hill, raised her arms, and smiled.

 Done!

 She turned and Mrsha crossed her arms, shaking her head. Erin raised her voice.

 Cheater! You used your [wless Attempt] Skill!

 Lyteughed as Mrsha indignantly signed not good to her. She held up her hands, palm out and bowed her head. Im sorry. Then she turned to Erin.

 Well, I wanted to do it right! And now that I did it right, I can do it again. See?

 So saying, she took a step, and did a nearly-perfect cartwheel again. Erin put her hands on her hips, miffed.

 Cant you fall down once or twice? Thats unfair!

 Lyte sniffed, raising her brows in an imitation of Pisces.

 What, and descend to the level of you peasants? Besides, its convenient. I can learn how to do something right once and never have to worry about it again. Like my poached eggs. Or learning how to flip pancakes. Or riposting in my sword lessons from Yvlon and Pisces.

 Yeah, butbut I cant do that.

 Erin sighed mournfully. She nced at Lyte as the girl raised her arms to encourage Mrsha. The Gnoll child was wobbling a bit on her two feet, although she could walk when she needed to without issue.

 Ill trade you my uh[Alcohol Immunity] Skill for your [wless attempt].

 No thanks.

 Ill throw in [Lesser Endurance]? And [Quick Recovery]?

 You have your rare Skills, I have mine. If you could trade, Id take your [Wondrous Fare] Skill for it and nothing less.

 Ooh

 Lyte turned to smile at Erin. Then both watched as Mrsha raised her arms, frowning hard. The Gnoll cub tried to imitate Erin, but only managed a slow somersault. Erinughed.

 You nearly did it! Come on. Let me help you.

 Like her gym instructor had once done, Erin helped lift Mrshas legs as the Gnoll went through the cartwheel.

 Look? See? Its not hard at all.

 Erin said that, but she noticed how uneasy Mrsha looked when she was upside down. Lyte, watching, flicked some hair out of her face.

 You say this is from your world, Erin. Do people do that all the time?

 Well, only the athletic ones. I havent done it in ages, but I saw the grass and

 Erin waved a hand. Lyte nodded. Mrsha kicked her legs to make sure Erin was holding them tight.

 Dont worry, Mrsha. Erin wont let go. Its not dangerous, see?

 Yeah! The worst you could do is cartwheel and hit your head or something. Or roll down the hill.

 A finger poked Erin in the back, hard. Mrsha looked up anxiously.

 Ignore Erin. And on that note, Ive never seen anyone I knew personally do cartwheels, Erin. Maybe they did in the towns or viges, but only [Tumblers] and other entertainers would do that. Ive never seen a [Knight] or [Warrior] pull that off. I wonder if its a defensive move?

 Idont think so?

 Erin tried to imagine Ceria or Yvlon cartwheeling out of the way of an attack. She shrugged.

 Its just for fun. Whatre you worried about, Mrsha? Ive got you!

 I dont think Gnolls do acrobatics. I could see Garuda doing this, or String People. But some species arent built for it. Imagine a Drake trying this? With the tail? Or a Duhan.

 Erinughed.

 Yeah! I should show Maughin! Or Pelt! Maybe that would make himugh.

 So saying, she patted her belt and felt a leather sheathe against her fingers. Erin adjusted her personal kitchen knife, and caught Mrsha as the Gnoll warily did a handstand and promptly fell forwards.

 Easy! Its not hard, Mrsha. Although maybe a handstand would be simpler. But I bet you can do it. Want to try one on your own?

 Mrsha shook her head vigorously. But after four more slow cartwheels, she did give it a try. Erin and Lyte apuded wildly and Mrsha raced around, looking delighted. Lyte bent down and Mrsha hopped into her arms.

 You have to learn to do that so you can show Krshia. Shell be very impressed. Right, Erin?

 Exactly! And Ill show Maughin! Hey Mrsha, did you know you can do multiple cartwheels? Well, Lyte spoiled that. But watch me!

 Erin took a breath and inhaled the fresh, cool air with delight. She stared up at the blue sky, the bright sun, and beamed.

 Its springtime! Here I go!

 Mrsha and Lyte sat down on the grass and watched as Erin began cartwheeling across the small hilltop. Aside from the inn, the hill had room for a few outhouses, a sign, and little else.

 The inn was still partly-destroyed from the Goblin Lords attack on Liscor. The third floor and tower were gone. But the second floor and ground floor had been all fixed up. It looked a bit ramshackle, but if you focused only on the bottom, it was quite nice. And Erin Solstice, the [Innkeeper],ughed in the spring air outside of her inn.

 Whee! Whohoo! Yeah! Watch me! Hold on. Im getting sick.

 She paused to steady herself. Her stomach wasnt pleased. Erin put a hand on one of the walls of her inn.

 Whoof. Is this what getting olds like?

 I wouldnt know.

 Lyte grinned as Erin turned to re at the eighteen-year old girl and Mrsha, who was six. Erin shook a fist.

 Just you wait. Youll be twenty before you know it! Or twenty one. My birthdaysing up and its getting close to summer!

 Well throw you a party. And Mrsha will cut up your cake so its nice and easy to swallow. Shell even help you with the icing, right, Mrsha?

 Lyte tickled Mrsha. The Gnoll wriggled and yelped silently. She squirmed out of Lytes grip and raced away. Erinughed.

 Lets do a flip next! Hey, I bet I canno, wait. I cant. But Lyte can do one with her fancy Skill!

 Youll have to wait four hours until that. Mrsha, you can run about, but remember, you cant leave the hill! Its dangerous and youll get mud all over your paws and fur!

 The Gnoll paused as she scampered towards the edge of the hill facing Liscor. She looked back and put a paw over the edge, staring at Lyte. The [Princess] frowned.

 Mrsha. Dont you dare.

 Mrsha weighted the odds of disobedience and grudgingly drew her paw back. Erin smiled as she crept over. She leapt and snagged Mrsha. The Gnoll thrashed wildly in delight.

 Gotcha! Lets y tag, Mrsha!

 A big smile came over Mrshas face. She nodded rapidly. Lyte sighed.

 I have to manage the inn. You two have fun. But please dont get all muddy!

 Yes, Mom!

 Erin raced after Mrsha,ughing. Then she stopped. She frowned and looked up suddenly.

 Mom?

 Mrshas slowed. She turned around. Lyte bit the inside of her cheek. But her gaze was fixed on both Erin and Mrsha. Because Erins face had suddenly gone nk. Both the Gnoll and the young woman hesitated. Erin Solstice stared up at the sky. And for a moment, Lyte saw her expression cloud. Then she shook her head and the smile returned.

 Whatever. Hey, this isntrge enough to y tag in and we dont have enough people! Liscors all mud and rain, but at least weve got grass, right Mrsha? Lots of it! But I bet Celum has a lot more.

 She looked at Mrsha. The Gnoll nodded and smiled, and her tail wagged a bit. Lyte sighed in relief. She walked back towards the inn as Erin decided to give Mrsha a piggyback ride instead. She paused at the open door to the inn to look around.

 Springtime for Liscor. It was actually a disgusting sight. The hill that The Wandering Inn stood on was indeed lush, where the grass and other nts had yet to reim the mostly muddy Floodins around Liscor. No matter where Lyte looked, she only saw brown mud and dirt, with sparse patches of color where the nts were regrowing. But the valleys were still full of thickening mud. And aside from Liscors drab walls, the mountains were the only distinct contrast in the background.

 And yet, the area around the hill was verdant. And the culprit responsible for that was sitting next to Erin, tail innocently wagging as she panted excitedly. Erin picked Mrsha up and twirled her,ughing.

 Whos the best little [Mage] ever? You are! Yes, you are! Did Moore teach you how to do this?

 Mrsha shook her head and reached for her little wand strapped to her side. She waved it excitedly and Erin leaned back before she got an eye poked out.

 All by yourself? Well, dont work too hard. But you did very good! Maybe I should give my [Gardener] a raise?

 Sheughed as the Gnolls ears perked up. Lyte watched as Erin handed Mrsha a copper coin and Mrsha, as serious as any Gnoll with money, spirited it away in the tiny pouch she now carried around her neck.

 So there sat Erin Solstice, ying with Mrsha. Weeks had passed since the days when she hid in her rooms. And even if the sun was asionally lost for the clouds and rain, those days had passed. The eternal rain around Liscor had ended. And things were looking up.

 Better and better. Lyte walked back into the inn. And it was Lyte who straightened her apron and checked for grass stains. Her red hair was tied back with a handkerchief, and it was a familiar eye that Lyte ran over the guests in her inn. Because it was her inn.

 For now. Erin was on break. She still cooked and helped with some tasks, but she often went into Pass. Or just walked around Celum, or yed with Mrsha. She needed it. And Lyte needed this.

 Not too busy. Drassi, can you make a run into Liscor? Erins thinking of trying to make more egg drop soup. And she uses a lot of eggs. I think shes being too literal.

 Can do, Lyte!

 A Drake happily saluted and abandoned her table-cleaning duty. Lyte nodded to the [Barmaid], then raised a finger.

 You have one hour.

 Aw. Okay, fine. Ill be back!

 Drassi pouted, but she and Lyte knew that an hour was more than enough. And given the chance, the [Gossip] would have happily spent three hours chatting with everyone she met in the market and on the way back. She headed towards the magic door. Lyte turned her attention past her.

 Im telling you, Pisces. It may not be economical, but these guarding contracts are worth good money. We can do a few ande away with gold. Whats your issue?

 She saw a group of adventurers sitting at one of her tables. Pisces, Yvlon, Ceria, and Ksmvr were all sitting together, arguing. They too were a fixture of the inn. Pisces raised one finger as he sat back, nursing a cup of water.

 They may be worth more money as a whole package, but as I exined twice, Ceria, the pay-per-hour is far, far less reasonable than we would earn hunting monsters. Moreover, we do not level any of our sses when we guard our clients. In most cases. Its more efficient to hunt down monsters rather than waste time on fruitless idle work.

 You just dont like standing around. You could read while we did it, you know. We dont all have to be on guard duty all the time. Its good pay.

 I do not mingle well with most of our esteemed clientele.

 Yvlon sighed.

 Thats because you sneer at them, Pisces. Look, until we get better requests by going north or getting that door to Invrisil open, we cant do monster hunting all the time. Were wiping out the local jobs. Well have to go to Ocre or Wales soon.

 Yes. Our efficiency is a cause for great distress in the other teams. Another sign of dominance.

 That came from Ksmvr. Lyte snorted gently and Ceria and Piscesughed. Yvlon sighed.

 Ceria, dont encourage Ksmvr. I told you, Ksmvr, its not polite to say that to the other adventurers in the guild.

 Keep doing it, Ksmvr.

 The Antiniums head swung back and forth between Yvlon and Pisces. He wavered, then turned to Yvlon.

 I will not do so in the future, Yvlon.

 Traitor. Is it so wrong to mock the teams, which, might I remind you, conspired to jail all of us and then attempted to usurp our mission? We may have struck a nonaggression pact, but I personally believe

 Shut up, Pisces.

 The adventurersughed again. They sat back easily and Lyte saw Ishkr pass them with a tray of drinks. He was heading towards the back of the inn. And when she turned her attention and ears there, another conversation became audible. Or rather, a soliloquy.

 Is this a dagger which I see before me,

 Thehandletoward my paw? Come, let meclutch thee.

 I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.

 On the stage, watched by a few scattered tables of early morning guests was a Gnoll. He stood on stage, grasping at a dagger before him. Macbeth, staring at a very real dagger being held up on a string, paused in his delivery of the soliloquy and coughed. An impatient voice yelled from behind the curtain.

 Cut! Whats wrong this time, Yimur?

 The Gnoll looked apologetic as the other [Actors] appeared. Two of the audience members sitting at the tables booed; the yers of Celum took no notice. The ten or so veteran Human actors and new aspiring cast of Drakes, Gnolls, and Humans crowded around the lead Gnoll.

 Sorry. Its just thathrr, its these lines, Director Temile. I do not know if this is all too fitting for a Gnollish Macbeth. You see, I agree with the changing of hand to paw, but this dagger? It makes no sense, yes?

 He scratched at one red-brown, furry ear as he spoke to Temile, the lead direct and [Actor] now that the main cast had left Celum for the north. The man scrubbed a hand through his hair impatiently.

 It makes no sense. Why not? Its a dagger. Macbeth is staring at it. Whats there to wonder about?

 Yimur spread his paws out helplessly.

 If it is a dagger, why does Macbeth have a hard time seeing it? Even if it is pitch-ck, he should be able to see it if he can make it out. Gnolls have very good eyesight. I understand that a Human might not have an issue, but if I see a dagger, I know its a dagger, yes?

 He looked around. The other Gnolls nodded along with some of the Drakes. Temile groaned.

 Its meant to be a metaphor. Look, Erin exined it to me once. This fellow, who youre ying

 Macbeth.

 One of the Drakes added in helpfully. Temile turned to re.

 Yes, Macbeth. Whose part you were selected to y before all the others, by the way, Yimur. Hes staring at a dagger. In his mind. Alright? Well get rid of the prop. Or maybe well say its an illusion spell. But he doesnt know its a dagger, see? Hes wondering if hes gone crazy.

 Even so, if it were a Gnoll, he would know what he sees. Why does he have to wonder? I know thats a dagger. And thats a spoon. And thats a cup. Why would I waste words wondering, even if my mind is ying tricks on me?

 So would Drakes. We know daggers. Were not all crazy like you Humans.

 The non-Human cast agreed. Temile clutched at his hair.

 Its an illusion in the mind! Madness! Hes thinking to himself, alright? And if you want to be Macbeth, youll start imagining a dagger too! Take it from the top!

 Temile stomped back behind the curtain. Lyte watched as Yimur the Gnoll disconstely took his position again. The Gnoll stared at the air and gasped.

 Is this a dagger which I see before me,

 Thehandletoward my paw? Yes! Come, let meclutch thee.

 I have thee not, which surely indicates an illusion spell and yet I see thee still.

 Cut!

 Lyteughed. So did some of the audience. The yers of Celum werent ready to put on any big ys, not if the arguing cast was any indication. But they were practicing every day in the inn, day and night, and the casting call had attracted nearly a hundred applicants. And they did bring in some guests, who came just to watch the ys and the actors working out the bugs in their routine. When they finally started putting on proper ys, Lyte expected some good business.

 But the inn was still pulling in money. Not huge money, but enough. Lyte had big ns. And as a breathless Erin came in with a tousle-haired Mrsha, Lyte was pleased enough that she could just direct one of the Gnoll servers to bring Erin and the Gnoll some water rather than have to do it herself. Erin smiled as she came to a table and Mrsha drank thirstily from her cup.

 That was fun! Hows the crew, Lyte?

 Dreadful as I understand it. You want to give them some pointers?

 Erinughed as she watched Yimur do another take of Macbeths soliloquy.

 No thank you! I got enough questions from Jasi and Wesles lot. The yers are a lot more into ys than I ever was. Theyd be right at home in a ss discussing all that. Im just lucky that I got a B- in ss.

 Thats one of your scores, right?

 Lyte tried to remember Erins lessons about Earth. The young woman nodded.

 Its uh, below average. A tiny bit. Anyways, I remembered the ys thanks to my Skills. Someone else can interpret them. Whew! Im beat. I think Im going to do some work now. Enough grass.

 She plucked at some grass stuck to her tunic. Mrsha shook her fur and Lyte sighed. Someone would have to clean that up. She still helped clean. But the smile on both faces was eminently worth it. She cast a nce at Erin. The day had started well. And knowing the [Innkeeper]s new routine

 Are you going to Pass today? Id like you to look for some rarer ingredients in the market if you do.

 Erin hesitated. She frowned and nced back towards the magic door. Ishkr trotted over and changed the dial holding the magic stones. He checked all the locations for waiting guests, shrugged since there was no one, and closed the door. Erin shook her head.

 Maybe not Pass today. Im gonna stop bugging Rufelt and Lasica every day. Plus, I want to make some stuff to take to them. I promised Id show Lasica my cakes! So how about it, Mrsha? Want to help me make some cakes today? If you promise not to keep stealing from the bowl, Ill let you lick the spoons.

 Mrsha looked up and nodded rapidly. Lyte frowned.

 Mrshas been gaining a bit of weight, Erin. She needed it, but no extra slices of cake. Okay?

 Mrsha shot Lyte a betrayed look. Erin smiled.

 I promise. And its great weather for it. I just need to maybe get more eggs and

 Her head turned towards the bright windows, letting in sunshine. Erin frowned. She was suddenly struck by a thought she hadnt had in months.

 Hey. You know, it is springtime.

 You dont say?

 Lyte nced at the windows and raised her eyebrows. Erin blinked at her.

 What I mean is, its been spring for a while. I hear some [Farmers] are even pulling in harvests. Everythings growing, right?

 Mrsha rotated her paws in front of her chest, twitching her ears impatiently.

 Go on, go on.

 Erin absently nodded.

 Right. SoI wonder if we can harvest some blue fruits?

 Both Lyte and Mrsha sat up. They stared at Erin. She looked at them.

 We couldnt in winter. But it is spring. Right? They were the first things I ever ate here. And I bet the trees are still there.

 Could be.

 Lyte blinked. Blue fruits? She had no ideano, wait, she did remember Erin moaning about not having any. Erin got to her feet. She looked at Mrsha.

 Want to go for a walk?

 The Gnoll grinned. Lyte hesitated.

 Put your boots on first, Mrsha. And no running on all fours! And Erin, remember to take some emergency items.

 Yes, Mom!

 -

 And there they were. Blue fruits, hanging from the pale grey trees. The bright, rounded shapes were unnaturally colorful in the muddy valley. Mrsha and Erins boots sshed in the bottomyer of congealing mud. Both Gnoll and young woman were slightly muddy; it had been a dirty trek. But it was worth it. Erin breathed out as she stared up at the blue fruit trees.

 Oh wow. So thats why theyre impossible to knock down. They were under water!

 The valley of blue fruit trees had indeed been under water. When the rains hade, this entire area had been submerged, Erin was sure. Now, as the sun and air slowly dried the area, higher valleys like this were nearly dry. Still, Erin was fascinated that none of the blue fruit trees had copsed. She was sure the mud and draining water might have shifted a lot of thendscape. Why hadnt the trees been toppled? She walked around one, staring up at the tall branches.

 Must have some kind ofincredible root system. And the ability to photosynthesize under water? Can trees hold their breath? Nowaitdo they need to breathe?

 Mrsha looked nkly up at Erin. The young woman stroked her chin.

 Well, I was bad at biology anyways. And look! Theyve got blue fruits! Well, hmthose are ck.

 She pointed at some of the fruits higher up. Mrsha squinted and nodded. The smaller fruits on the limbs were ck, wrinkled, not nearly as lush or round as the lower-hanging, earliest blue fruits.

 So the fruits arent ripe until theyre blue. And theyve got those big, poison seeds. Dont bite any until we get to the inn, Mrsha. Im serious. I think I got poisoned once and I threw up. Pisces said theyre deadly and hes right sometimes.

 Mrsha nodded seriously. She eagerly waved the basket shed carried. Erinughed.

 Yes, yes! We can get some! Lets see. I normally just kick the trees and wait for the fruits to drop. But ick. And that sometimes makes the cores break. Why dont we do it like this? Mrsha, you get a ride on my shoulders. Can you reach them?

 The Gnoll nodded. After shucking her boots, she stood on Erins shoulders and began plucking fruits. Erin kept her steady and the Gnoll filled the basket. Although she had to stop every few seconds to nce down at Erin for reassurance that Erin was holding on tight. Mrsha really didnt like heights, or cartwheels or anything that altered her sense of gravity.

 Erin wondered if that was a difference between her species and Mrshas ancestors. Humans evolved from apes, right? What did Gnolls evolve from? Hyenas? Erin bet there was a video of a monkey doing a cartwheel. Right? There had to be one.

 The orchard was bigger than Erin remembered. Or rather, looking at it now and all the budding fruits hanging off the tall limbs, Erin was sure that it could provide the inn with enough fruits all year if the trees kept producing into the fall. Especially with her [Field of Preservation] Skill. The only thing was that Erin didnt remember there being nearly so many fruits when shed first found this ce.

 We can make a lot of blue juice, Mrsha. Get those ones too! Well get a big basket and Lyte can help us get the restter. Or well borrow a bag of holding from Ceria.

 Erin trotted over to another tree. She stared up. The trees had a lot of fruit! So why hadnt she noticed so many? Did they produce less in the fall? Or did the orchard have other eaters? Shed never seen one of the Dino Birds eating from it, and the Rock Crabs avoided the ce like the gue. So how

 Mrsha was reaching for another blue fruit when she noticed Erin had stopped. She kicked gently, and then looked down. Erin was staring nkly up at her. The young womans voice was quiet.

 Oh. Rags tribe must have eaten these all the time as well.

 Mrshas ears drooped. Erin stared up at her and her face scrunched up. But neither she nor Mrsha cried. Erin stared at the basket tucked under one arm. She lowered Mrsha. It was nearly full to the brim, anyways.

 Its okay. Lets go back, huh? And then you can have the first batch of blue fruit juice. I think we should water it down though; its too sweet! But hey, we can make a carrot cake, okay?

 The [Innkeeper] smiled. And after a moment she didnt need to force it. Mrsha nodded eagerly and Erin carried her back to the boots, which were partially embedded in the mud. Erin looked at the orchard as Mrsha put her boots on.

 This was Erin Solstices new world. With less evil Goblins, but one dear friend. Instead of walking alone, a little Gnoll held her hand. And her inn had patrons, guests she knew and loved and people who came to her inn because it was a ce. Everything changed.

 Except for Rock Crabs. One came over the hill and Erin and Mrsha chased it away and legged it back to the inn. Rock Crabs sucked.

 -

 I shouldnt have let you go. Not without a guard.

 Lyte was fretting when Erin and Mrsha told her the story. The Gnoll shook her head while she let Lyte clean her fur with a bit of soapy water. Erin raised a hand.

 Hey. In my defenseI did have some potions and a Tripvine Bag. Its just that blue fruit cores work best on those rock-jerks.

 Its still dangerous. At least neither of you were hurt. But you both have to take more care. At least bring more items! Or we can have Ishkr or Numbtongue go with you.

 As what, bait?

 Lyte recriminations were cut short by Ishkr emerging from the kitchen. The Gnoll had the basket theyd brought back and some blue paws. He ced the basket on the table and Erin saw it was filled with sticky blue fruit cores, all unbroken.

 Good work, Ishkr! That was quick!

 No problem, Miss Erin. Im going to get some water and wash my paws. Where do you want the basket, Lyte?

 By the window, Ishkr. They can dry out and then well keep them to chase the Rock Crabs off. No, Apista! Leave Ishkr alone. And dont you dare break those cores! Ishkr, sorry, but can you wash them in the stream first?

 Lyte chased Apista away. Ishkr eyed the Ashfire Bee and nodded.

 Watch out for those big fish!

 Erin called at the Gnolls back. Then she turned to Lyte.

 I love employees.

 They are useful. Ill pulp the rest of the fruits myself. It really is as sweet as you imed! I thought you had to be exaggerating. And the colors!

 The [Princess] smiled widely with delight. She wanted to rub her hands together, but they were all muddy and Mrsha was squirming. Erin nodded. She had a cup herself. She sipped from it.

 Its so sugary! Just as good as anything back home. Totally worth nearly getting eaten by a Rock Crab for.

 Lyte nodded.

 We can sell your blue fruit drinks for a big profit, I think. Especially since no one else in Liscor seems willing to harvest blue fruits.

 Pisces, sitting close to them, leaned over.

 Because theyre a deadly poison. The amount of toxins in one fruit core could kill you quite, quite dead even with a healing potion! Ive told Erin this time and time again. The fact that none of us have perished yet is a statistical anomaly, not a cause forcency!

 He stared at the three females. Mrsha rubbed her nose. Erin rolled her eyes and Lyte took Pisces words to heart. Pisces stared at them, then sat back up right and raised his empty cup.

 Another blue fruit beverage, if you would be so kind. I will admit that the shariferous nature of the drink makes it quite refreshing.

 Me too. I love this stuff. Tree rot, Id forgotten how good it was!

 Ceria sighed as she sipped from her cup. Yvlon looked mildly appalled as she watched both get big refills from one of the Drake [Servers].

 Id forgotten how sweet this is. Its okay for me. No more, thank you. Do you have any water?

 She pushed her cup back. Ksmvr gently vibrated in his seat as he reached for the pitcher.

 I believe I am experiencing a sugar overload. I will have another, thank you.

 Lyte gently motioned and the female [Server] drew back before Ksmvr could help himself. She turned to Erin.

 Do you have a price set? Or can I choose one?

 Erin shook her head.

 I dunno. You charge what you want for it, Lyte. And we should start putting out those acid fly traps I told you about. Remember? No, wait. You dont. You came after the acid flies!

 The [Princess] frowned.

 Ive seen those green things buzzing around with all the dead fish and mud. Thats money too?

 It is. Ill tell you all about them! And my traps! I sold this horrible face-eating acid stuff for a lot of money to adventurers!

 Lytes eyes lit up. The idea of selling acid in jars sounded dangerous, and the concept of farming flies was gross. But she could get behind the idea of money. The idea of acid flies filled her with avarice, rather than disgust. Okay, and a bit of disgust. She snapped her fingers together, thinking of a good spot for the traps. Not too close to the inn; Mrsha might get hurt.

 Ill take care of it. AndPisces, its six copper coins per cup! Got it?

 She looked at Pisces. He yelped.

 Six copperthat is sheer robbery, Miss Lyte! Sheer, pure, theft of

 Ceria pped the [Necromancer] on the shoulder.

 Pisces, youre rich now. You can afford the drinks. Remember?

 Oh. In that case, Ill take a sealed container of the drink, if you would. And some snacks for my room.

 Lyte rolled her eyes. She looked back at Erin, doing some quick calctions.

 Six for now. If we sell just thirty four cups or a few pitchers, were up an entire gold coin, Erin.

 Ooh. Thats a lot more than I charged. I think. Yeah, I used to charge two copper coins. Wow.

 Erin shook her head. Lyte bit her lip.

 No wonder you never made money, Erin. You need to bepetitive.

 The young woman paused. She screwed up her face and then gave it a resigned shake.

 But what if theyin? Or its too expensive? Id feel awful. Im no good at being mean.

 Well, I can be mean. Peon.

 Lyte smiled and Erinughed. The [Princess] nced down at Mrsha. The Gnoll was dozing in her arms.

 You need a nap, Mrsha. Too much excitement already.

 She lifted the sleepy Gnoll up and looked at Erin.

 The money will be very useful. Im getting the Antinium to do a lot of construction work. First theyll be expanding the hill. But Pawn hasnt been too active ofte. I think hesthinking. I hope he visits today.

 Erin nodded.

 Yeah. I havent seen him. I hope hes okay. It took me a long time and he lost Yellow Stters and a hundred other Soldiers. I could see if Klbkch will let me into the Hive after the cakewait, expanding the hill?

 She blinked up at Lyte. The [Princess] shifted Mrsha to one arm as she began to exin. Then she saw Erins eyes slide to the magic door, currently connected to Liscor. Forewarned, Lyte was already turning when the door burst open and Olesm Swifttail burst into the inn.

 Im quitting.

 The Drakes blue scales shed in the spring sunlight. Hede through the magic door at a run. As it mmed against the wall Mrsha woke up. She stared at Olesm as he hurled an armful of letters, half opened, onto the ground. Erin and Lyte stared at Olesms heaving chest, the tears in his eyes, and the letters. The Horns and other guests turned to stare. The yers of Celum stopped rehearsing.

 One of the Gnoll regrs in the inn raised his mug. He grinned cheerfully.

 Atst! Blue fruit juice and drama! This is what I pay for!

 -

 It had been nearly two weeks since thest huge dramatic incident in the inn. Plenty of time for peace and quiet, which it had to be said, was much needed. But some habits died hard it seemed. And Lyte was savvy enough to know exactly what to do.

 Anyone want more blue fruit? Im mixing it with some ales, spiritsIll try some blue fruit and gin mixer. Special discount. Only eight coppers to try it out! We also have some great pretzel snacks and some fries. Mayonnaise is free for a big tter. Hands? Anyone?

 As Ishkr circted the tables with the staff and Lyte made a killing, Erin was with Olesm. She got him into a seat as the Drake sniffed and pounded the table, upset, but not actually crying that much. The Horns watched, munching their food and Mrsha began sneaking fries from tes as Erin sat.

 Come on, sit down Olesm. Whats this all about?

 Sorry. I didnt mean toe here. I mean

 The Drake [Strategist] sniffed and Erin watched some snot disappear back up a nose hole. She made a face.

 Uh, napkin?

 Here.

 One of the employees passed her one. Erin beamed. It was so nice to have hired help.

 Thanks, Fysi! Here, Olesm.

 She passed Olesm a napkin and he blew his nose. Drakes had noses like lizards, which meant their nose-holesErin looked away as he wiped and sniffed again.

 Im sorry. I really am. I know you dont want to see me. But I just got this all by City Runner and I

 Erin stared at Olesm. She felt a mix of emotions. Anger, guilt, heartachebut none of them were overpowering. She nced around. Numbtongue wasnt in themon room. He was rxing after having a bad encounter with some Rockmites the other day. And if he dide down? Well, Erin would deal with that.

 She had a lot to say to Olesm. And he had done a lot. But Erin didnt feel able to kick him out of her inn, distraught as he was. So she put her past with him aside for a second. Because they were friends. And Erin could know that, now. They were friends, still. And so she patted him on the back.

 Its okay. Whats wrong?

 My newsletter. II knew it was a bad idea. But I thoughtand I sent it and I didnt get an immediate response, because I didnt check! They were alling in letter form. From my big clients. I didnt even go to the Mages Guild. Ive been too afraid to. Ive been reading the replies. Butoh, Ancestors. Im quitting. Im never writing another newsletter again.

 Olesm copsed into his seat, hupping as the scales around his cheeks turned darker. Erin looked around.

 Your newsletter? You mean, the chess magazine with the strategy? Whats wrong with it? I thought everyone loved it! Hey, a blue fruit juice over here? With gin?

 Thank you.

 The [Strategist] snuffled as he epted a cup. He took a big drink and blinked. He stared at the cup.

 You have blue fruit juice in again?

 Yup. Just today. Are all those letters about your chess magazine?

 Erin stared at the letters Olesm had dropped. The Drake nodded.

 Iyou know I normally do chess games and now those games of Go? Well, I had some of your old ones written up. But I thought Id give somementary. Just as a [Strategist]! You know? I do have the ss. But the response

 His w indicated the pile. Ishkr dropped a bunch on the table and Erin nodded to him. She reached for one of the opened ones and stared at a long letter full of angr script.

 May I, Olesm?

 Go ahead.

 The Drake put his head down. Erin read the letter out slowly, ignoring the screeches as the inns patrons edged closer to read. Pisces unapologetically levitated a few letters towards him. Yvlon pped his arm. Ceria grabbed a letter to read. Erin ignored both.

 Dear Strategist Swifttail. With respect, please eat your tail, then stand in front of a wagon so your death increases the intelligence of our species as a whole. YourmentaryI hesitate to call it an actual analysisof Liscors battle with the Goblin Lord is ludicrous, ill-thought out, and frankly wrong. Moreover, it is purely unnecessary in what is meant to be an impartialmentary on chess.

 Erin blinked. The opening of the letter looked like it had been written by someone very angry. And the contents suggested the same.

 Your notions about Goblins are the most ludicrous worm slime Ive ever heard of in my life. I cannot fathom how you ever became [Strategist] for a city. Liscor is ill-served in your position, and I personally cannot bear to read your inane drivel any longer. I am unsubscribing from this newsletter. Please refrain from sending me any correspondence in the future. Strategist Beillfamt of Tullss. Whoa. What did you do to make him so angry?

 Just keep reading.

 Olesm didnt look up. Erin reached for another letter. She got two lines in this time and recoiled. There wasnt any mention of what Olesm had done that was so egregious, but the sender was very explicit in what should be done to Olesm.

 Wow. He wants you to do what with a Creler? No, Mrsha, you cant see.

 Erin hurriedly pushed Mrsha back. Meanwhile, at the Horns table, Pisces was cackling as he read through a letter. Yvlons lips twitched as she read from her letter.

 Dear Scales-for-brainsoh my.

 Ceria read from another.

 To the idiot who thinks he knows strategy

 This one is golden. I will hunt you down and eat you alive. You have been warned! Ah, its too much! May I take some of these to readter?

 Pisces waved his letter,ughing even harder. Olesm buried his hands in his ws.

 Some of them couldnt even be delivered. The Runners Guild said at least fourteen contained poison, feces, hex spells, and bugs!

 Are there any bugs here?

 Ksmvr looked interested. Erin shook her head. She read another letter, frowning. Then she looked up.

 You said Goblins werent monsters?

 The inns guests nced at Olesm. He jumped and slowly met Erins eyes. She looked at the letter shed received. This one wasnt as rage-filled as the others.

 To Olesm Swifttail of Liscor,

 I wished to write you a letter in regards to yourtest newsletter, of which I am subscribed. I am a passionate fan of the new game of chess, and sincerely interested in the strategic elements of the game, as well as this new game of Go, which has just reached my city. However, I was somewhat disturbed when I discovered that yourtest edition of your newsletter contained a substantial analysis of the Siege of Liscor andmentary on the Goblin element which factored into the entire affair.

 Without delving into the mechanics of your analysis of the battle itself (which I have to say was well done), I confess to being greatly disturbed by your suggestions that the Goblins were in fact victims of Human and Drake politics in the battle. 

 I was even more rmed by your proposal for a hypothetical peace with the Goblins, wherein the Adventurers Guilds bounties on Goblins would be rescinded and they would be considered people. Let alone forging trading and non-aggression pacts with smaller Goblin tribes! I consider this suggestion dangerous, not to mention irresponsible to suggest to your audience, and I believe many of your readers share the same opinion.

 We have had Goblin pacts in the past. Historically, there are four instances of Goblins on Izril being awarded exemptions from monster status. In all but one case, the Goblin individuals or tribes eventually came into conflict with the sovereign powers and were destroyed. Most recently, Garen Redfang, a noted Gold-rank adventurer ughtered half his team before fleeing. I understand he perished at Liscor, which all to the better. But it only proves the point: history shows Goblins are unlikely to be trusted. 

 Strategist Olesm, your arguments, while well-intentioned, fail when shone upon with the light of history. I have enclosed three books with this letter, which detail in part the efforts to make any kind ofsting pact with Goblins on Baleros and Chandrar respectively, as well as their use as auxiliaries in Rhir at one point. Note the Baleros book Monstrous Warfare with additionalmentary by none other than Niers Astoragon, the Titan of Baleros whom I understand you hold in some regard. He underlines the same points I have just made.

 Please educate yourself and present any further arguments with factual references to back up your assertions, or at least an acknowledgement of counterarguments. I do await further newsletters with impatient anticipation, and would request that you include a more basic guide to the strategy of this new Go game that hase from Baleros. You appear to have a quite expert yer you are sourcing from, but the nuances of your three examples are lost on me at the moment. Thank you for your time.

 Yours truly,

 [Strategist] and [Historian], Quelmi Seventails of Fissival

 

 Erin stared at the letter. Olesm was hitting himself on the forehead. He snuffled.

 Yeah. I wrote it. I just thoughtI know what you must think, Erin. And I thought you were right! Sort of. At least at the battle, I thought, if we had tried some other tactic, or if wed had any framework for peaceI just suggested using Goblins as a deterrent for other monsters! I proposed hypotheticals in which they could be treated as something other than monsters. And I got

 He waved a hand weakly at the letters. Erin picked up another. This one said that if Olesm ever made it to the Drakes city, he would be beaten. The next one was from a Human. It was no less vitriolic. Erin shook her head. She looked at Olesm.

 You actually wrote that Goblins arent monsters? And you didnt expect people to jump down your throat and try to pull your stomach out?

 Ceria looked skeptically at Olesm. He red at her with one red eye.

 I thought theyd understand my point, Ceria! These are supposed to be [Strategists]! Cant they ept an idea? Instead, they hate me. Its over. No ones ever going to read my newsletter again. Im going to be a pariah in every city in the world.

 He copsed into his seat. Yvlon rolled her eyes.

 Dont be dramatic. Theyre not all bad. This one thinks youre hrious. Have a read.

 She flicked a letter at Olesm. He grabbed for it and read. His face only grew more morose.

 So Im a joke as well as a traitor and an idiot. Wonderful.

 He slumped back over and drained his entire cup. Erin stared at the second letter. She shook her head.

 So they didnt like it. Not all of them hated it. Andmaybe your ideas did suck.

 This time everyone stared at her. Erin looked around.

 What? Maybe they did.

 Youre thest person Id ever expect to hear that from, Erin.

 Ceria gave Erin a very long look. The [Innkeeper] sighed.

 Olesms writing to [Strategists]. Maybe his proposals sucked. Strategically. You know? I know about magazines and being good at something. I used to make fun of idiots who wrote in the chess stuff I read. This letter says that Olesm didnt think his arguments out or use facts. I get that. It doesnt mean his ideas werent right. Just that he didnt cite his sources and stuff. See?

 She passed the letter to Olesm. He began to read gloomily. But then his expression grew more intent. Erin looked around.

 Hey, everyone grab a letter. Theyre not all bad, are they?

 This ones not.

 Lyte passed one to Erin. She read it.

 Too much personal opinion. Not enough chess. I didnt sign up for that, thanks. Lyte, this isnt nice.

 Its not super bad. And they say they want more chess, right?

 Indeed. This one advises Olesm to stick to what he knows. Heh.

 Pisces chortled. Ksmvr waved another letter.

 This one seems the least hostile. Miss Erin. Come see.

 He handed Erin a letter. She read it. It wasnt so much a letter as a pair of sentences.

 I dont agree about the Goblins. But keep up the good work.

 There was no sender or address. There were, however, four gold coins stuck to the back of the letter. Erin nearly dropped the letter in shock. When she showed Olesm the letter, the Drakes head snapped up and his eyes went wide.

 What? That cant be right. Thats a bribe to have the City Runner hit me over the head or something. Isnt it?

 It came with the letter and you dont have a bruise. I think its for you. Andlook. Heres another.

 Ishkr had another letter which Erin read out loud.

 To Olesm Swifttail. I like it. None of my [Strategist] teachers liked your proposal. Theyre probably sending you outraged [Messages] right now. But I wanted to say that we study strategy in Manuss school, and all of my ssmates think your strategy makes sense. Why do we have to practice the same strategy that Drakes a thousand years ago used? Ally with the Goblins? Try out new ideas? I wish you taught my school instead of these old ke-scales. Please keep writing about new and interesting things like this! Wow! Olesm!

 The Drake grabbed the letter and read it himself. Then he read the long one Erin had gotten. His eyes widened.

 They actually liked it? This is from students in Manus? But thats the officer training school!

 This onesplimentary too. And this one.

 More letters began appearing in front of Olesm. Of course, for every good letter there were ten or sometimes twenty bad ones, but they started appearing the more Erin looked. People who hated Olesms guts, people who wanted him to get back to chess. Ambivalent, amusedit wasnt all vile. Of course, the vile letters still hurt. Erin was so offended by one letter she had to burn it.

 That hurt my feelings! Wow! No one reads that, especially not you, Olesm. Youll seriously cry.

 Pisces justughed harder.

 A [Writer] or [Scribe] wrote that. They can make words hurt as much as stones. Ah, but this is good.

 He sipped from his drink, reading another letter. Erin red at him.

 Im d you can enjoy Olesms pain.

 The [Necromancer] looked up sardonically.

 Why shouldnt I? Its not as if any of this matters.

 It doesnt?

 Everyone looked at him. Pisces shook his head. He scornfully tossed his letter into the firece.

 These are just words. Well, I suppose the letters that were trapped bear some danger. But what should Olesm care about anyones opinion? He is free to say what he chooses. And if he is correct, then the opinions of his peers are worth less than the barking of dogs. If he is wrongwell, he is still free to say what he wishes. But deriding an opinion is the mark of small-minded folk.

 His eyes glittered as he leaned over his table, looking at Olesm. Ceria followed Pisces silently with her head. After the [Necromancer]s speech, the inn was silent. Olesm slowly looked up. He looked down at the letters in front of him. Then, abruptly, he rubbed at his eyes and stood.

 Imgoing to write an immediate newsletter. After I read those books. He said there were three other times when Goblins werent considered monsters in Liscor? And one that didnt end in death? Im going to find it. And do a tutorial. AndErin, can you show me how that Shogi game worked?

 He looked at Erin. The young woman blinked.

 Of course. But youre writing another newsletter?

 I have to rify my position. And put more chess into it. IllIll attach some of the notes the Adventurers Guild gave me on the Raskghar too! Thats critical information! I cant just do nothing, can I?

 Olesm grabbed at the letters. He looked around. Pisces nodded. He raised a cup and downed his drink as well before standing.

 I believe Liscor wouldck the books required. But Pass may well have the tomes you want, Olesm. Why dont we visit the city ande back to study Erins games?

 The [Strategist] paused.

 You want toe with me, Pisces?

 The [Necromancer] pretended to inspect his robes.

 I imagine youd want to craft a suitably epassing reply to your detractors. And I personally think a few scathing remarks would not go amiss to the more asinineints. A proper, cited essay isnt easy to do either. You would do far worse than Wistrams top student in drafting a proper dissertation.

 Former top student.

 Ceria whispered. Pisces ignored her. Erin blinked. And then she remembered that Pisces and Olesm did hang out together from time to time. The [Strategist] sniffed again.

 Thanks, Pisces.

 The [Necromancer] smiled, and looked ufortable at the genuine emotion. He conjured a sneer to hide it.

 Lead on, friend Olesm. And dont drip on me. Miss Solstice, we will be borrowing the door to Pass. If you dont object?

 He raised his brows as he steered Olesm towards the door. Erin opened her mouth. Then she paused.

 Nope. Go ahead.

 Pisces opened the door and Pass streets appeared for a second. Then he and Olesm walked through and the door went dead. Erin winced, but then she grinned.

 You big softie.

 Thats certainly new.

 Ceria started at the door. She blinked at Yvlon, who blinked back.

 Who knew Pisces would actually volunteer to help anyone. Well, Id better recharge that door. Damn. Ill get it up and running, but those two might have to stay in Pass the night.

 Grumbling, she went over to the door. But Erin caught the pleased look on her face. The [Innkeeper] looked at the letters, and swept the ones on the table into a pile.

 Well, I think Ill wait and see if they can find a way back. Im always free to talk about chess. And GoI think I can remember a few good games. Hold on. Do we have a good Go board? I should get one made.

 She got up. The inns guests sighed. The show was over. And as if on cue, Numbtongue wandered down the stairs, yawning and scratching at a few recently-healed bites on his legs. He stopped when he saw the crowd.

 Morning. Whats that?

 He pointed at the blue fruit juice. Erin beamed.

 Blue fruit juice! Want some?

 The Hobgoblin looked dubious, but he epted the drink and downed some of it. Instantly his eyes brightened. He had another cup as Erin exined where shed gotten it and gave him a summary of what had just happened. The [Bard] didnt seem disappointed to have missed Olesm, but after a few seconds thought, he grabbed some of the letters to read himself. No one stopped him.

 Lyte was counting the coin from her recent sales. She looked around, and then came to a second decision.

 Ishkrno, actually, Numbtongue, can you do me a favor?

 The Goblin and Gnoll looked up. Lyte gestured towards the magic door that Ceria was recharging.

 The doors got only a bit of energy left, but it should recharge in an hour. And its got enough for a few teleportations. SoNumbtongue, can you bring a door out to the orchard and find a ce for it? That way well spare the trip and danger collecting the fruits from now on.

 Erins eyes brightened with delight.

 Ooh. A door right next to the orchard? That would make everything so much easier! But why Numbtongue and not Ishkr?

 Numbtongue can call down lightning bolts. Ishkr, set the door to his stone just in case. Numbtongue, do you mind?

 The [Bard] eyed his drink and shook his head.

 Easy. Ill do it.

 The Hobgoblin grabbed his guitar and a blue fruit on the way out. Lyte followed him, pointing the orchards direction out for Numbtongue.

 Just use your emergency door for now. Ill order adoor from Liscor or Celum.

 He nodded and ambled out. Erin smiled. That was another thing. Numbtongue was so casual. He talked, he did his thingand he belonged here. And Lyte certainly didnt hesitate to ask him to lift something or help her out.

 Erin got out a Go board and the stones and put them on a table. She remembered her magical chessboard and inspected it.

 No moves sincest time. But thats okay. We dont y too often. I wonder if my opponents bored? Im not. Just busy.

 Despite having more time on her hands, Erin just didnt y chess as much as she had at some points in her life. There was an entire Walled City to see. And besides, a few games every other day was good enough. It wasnt like she was obsessed. But for Olesms newsletter, Erin was only too happy to begin recreating some devilishly hard Go games and chess matches.

 Ironically, it was that which killed almost all interest in her. The inn patrons returned to watching the y, while Ksmvr and two of the guests who liked chess watched Erin with pure fascination. She was happily exining a game to them when the door opened and Numbtongue strolled through. He wiped his feet on the rug and tossed a blue fruit at Lyte.

 Done.

 Wow! That was fast!

 Erin looked up. Numbtongue gave Erin a long look.

 Its been thirty minutes.

 It has?

 Mrsha was asleep in the seat next to her. Erin looked at the chess board.

 Huh.

 Then she went back to exining chess to her small audience. Lyte treated Numbtongue to a bowl of chewy pretzels and mayonnaise as a thank-you, and Ceria yawned, mana spent and tired. Yvlon got up as the yers of Celum began a run-through of Macbeth.

 Im going to do some training in the Adventurers Guild. Ksmvr, will you join me?

 I am being fascinated, Yvlon. I fear I must decline.

 Ksmvr waved a hand at Yvlon. She nodded and ambled through the door to Celum. Erin stayed where she was, smiling. She had some blue fruit juice, she was ying chess, and she had just seen the pawn on the magic chessboard move experimentally.

 The crisis with Olesm was over. She had blue fruits, acid flies might be on the way, and Erin had games to y, and a cake to bake. Pisces and Olesm mighte back tonight and in that case Erin would have fun teaching them some more strategy and seeing what theyd wrote.

 That was her day. And it was a fine day. It would have happened almost just like that too, but for a strange thing. Five minutes after Yvlon had left, she thrust the door open.

 Hey. Theres a huge crowd in Liscor. It looks like some kind of protest! Anyone know what its about? It looks like Krshias leading it!

 She said it to the room, but her eyes went straight to Erin at her table. The young woman paused in moving a spectral chess piece and looked up.

 Who, me? I didnt do it.

 Ceria, Mrsha, Lyte, and Ishkr all turned to look at Erin. Numbtongue poked his head down the stairwell with his bowl of pretzels in one hand. The yers of Celum and other guests turned to stare. Erin raised her hands.

 It wasnt me! Honest!

 She hesitated and rolled her eyes up for a second.

 Ithink.

 And in fact, for once the event had nothing to do with Erin. It had been started by people who had no intention of involving her, and nothing in her inn or any of her actions had started it, in any direct sense of the world. It was happening outside of Erins inn and outside of her ability to influence the situation greatly.

 It was a novel situation.

 -

 In Liscor, the name of The Wandering Inn was as famous as that of the Tailless Thief. It was a ce that almost everyone had heard of. Most people could point it out, even if they called it an eyesore or a festering hotspot of trouble. Of course, there were people who spoke only praise of it. And those who didnt care.

 But love it, hate it, the inn had be part of Liscor. It was known. And the young woman who ran it, Erin Solstice, was just as infamous. People recognized her on the street. That insane, loon of a Human. The girl who protected Goblins. The [Innkeeper] whod helped destroy Skinner. Friend of the Antinium. Foe of the Raskghar. That crazy human.

 And her life was full of event. So here was someone in Liscor who did not have an eventful life. He was a Drake. And his name was Stales Greenscale. He had green scales.

 Nothing about Stales life was that extraordinary. Nor was he an extraordinary figure. Oh, he has some qualities which were out of the ordinary, but only in a mundane sense. He was not one of the Oldblood, although his great, great aunt had been gifted with vestigial wings. A source of much pride in the Greenscale family.

 Stales himself though had no defining features. His scales were an olive green. He wasnt particrly tall, although his tail was half an inch stouter than the average. Stales was proud of that fact, and worried about the slight bleaching of color in his neck spines over the years. He was in his middle ages and often dressed in less contrasting clothing to entuate the color of his scales and spines. Because he wasnt married. Hed always waited for the right Drake toe along (or Gnoll, you couldnt be picky, although the fur was something to think about), but hed never justclicked with anyone.

 So Stales was looking, but not too hard. And honestly, wasnt he a catch? If you were into ordinary fish, he wasa trout? A good one, though. Stales was a [Merchant], the current head of Liscors Merchants Guild. And he was a wealthy Drake, at least in Liscor. That made him slightly unordinary, even influential. But unlike the more ambitious breed of [Merchant], Stales was content to make money, save it, and not put his tail on the line to earn a vast amount.

 He was happy. Or at least, he thought so. Stales one goal in life was to find Miss Greenscale, or Greenfur, again, as the case might be. Not Greenflesh, thanks. Stales had gotten over his weird years and a body covered in skin just didnt do it. He knew it was only a matter of time. He was a desirable candidate, after all! He was head of the Merchants Guild, fairly wealthy, and he was even part of Liscors Council.

 Sometimes Stales forgot that himself. It wasnt as if it was a brilliant job. A Councilmember earned a small stipend from the city, met once every week or more if need be, and generally made decisions that would keep Liscor running. Usually this just meant following the advice of Liscors [Strategist] and the army, which sent regr suggestions back.

 Sometimes the Watch Captain brought forwards an issue, and the Council had to debate on what course of action was best. They always had options, and deciding between those options could get heated at timessometimes there were even quills thrown about! But it was seldom arduous.

 Until recently of course. The events of thest few months had given Stales more grey scales than he could count. The Council had been meeting almost every day near the end, and always to little gain. The Watch Captain wanted her orders and of course something had to be done. But was the Council the body to really do it?

 None of them were [Politicians] or [Leaders]. It was frankly a waste of levels, which was why the Council was always made up of Guildmaster or other prominent members of Liscors society who rotated on a bi-yearly basis. Usually Liscor ran itself, with asional input from the army or its Watch Captain and [Strategist]. But recently?

 At least Zel Shivertail had been around. And Wall Lord Ilvriss. Stales shuddered as he sat at an outdoor restaurant and had some perfectly ordinary sdto watch his figure. If Wall Lord Ilvriss hadnt kindly stepped in and given his aid to the Council, who knows what might have happened? There was just no precedent for any of the disasters that had hit Liscor, from the dungeon to the Raskghar. And the Council wasnt about to steer the boat that was the city itself, thank-you.

 Stales was looking forwards to getting out of his job. Hed helped Liscor survive the worst and even potential war with the Humans and he could pat himself on the back for that. Hed appoint a sessor as was the custom of the Council and the poor Drake he nominated would be in charge for two years.

 Stales was already looking at his second in the Merchants Guild, a really outstanding young Drake who was only in his thirties. Solid, sharp. It never crossed Stales mind to nominate anyone outside of his Guild. The Merchants Guild, which was almost solelyprised of Drakes, needed a voice on the Council. Just in case. It wouldnt do to go somewhere else and rock the boat, would it?

 This was Stales Greenscale. You could sum up his life in less than a thousand words, and even that would probably be too many. He sat at a restaurant eating sd, even though greens gave him gas. And he was not prepared for anything interesting to happen to him. Unfortunately, interesting spotted him on the street, strolled over with a brisk, excuse me! and sat down at his table.

 Stales looked up, fork in his right w as a Drake slid into the seat across from him. This Drake was interesting. He had an eye patch. His scales were a sharp viridian and he was imposing, physically and in demeanor. When he spoke, his voice was more of a bark; it had that quality that made every sentence sound like a statement.

 You there. Youre Stales Greenscale, arent you? Ive been looking for you. Mind if I have a word? Regisav Sixtails. [Butcher].

 He held out a w. Stales stared at him, but then saw the invitation for a handshake. He hesitated, but it would have been rude to refuse, so Stales shook the proffered hand.

 Er, how do you do? Im pleased to meet you. Stales, as you know. Head of the Merchants Guild and [Merchant] myself.

 Pleased. So tell me. Whats this about Liscor not funding the City Watch?

 Huh?

 Stales stared at Regisav. The [Butcher] leaned further over the table.

 I said, the City Watch. I hear were not giving Watch Captain Zevara all the funds she asked for. She ns to double the Watch. I say thats a good idea. We need more boots on the wall. The damn armys not here to pick up the ck. I get thattheyre earning us coin in Oteslia, but with that dungeon, we need defenders, right? Cant let the Antinium do all the job. So whys the Council not giving her the funds?

 He stared expectantly at Stales. The [Merchant] blinked and fumbled for his words,pletely off-guard.

 Iwhere did you hear that? Thats confidential information!

 His mind raced as he wondered how this Drake had found out about the Councilstest vote. It would be public knowledge, butdrat Watch Captain Zevara! Was she causing trouble because theyd turned down her request? It was just like those young, hot blooded female Drakes. He ground his teeth. The Council would have having words with her. Heposed his face and smiled insincerely at Regisav.

 Im sorry, Butcher Regisav, was it? Im not at liberty to discuss the Councils decisions myself.

 That sounded good and official. Unfortunately, it didnt work. The viridian Drakes brows shot up and he raised his voice.

 Oh, so you wont discuss why the City Watch isnt being properly funded with me? Is there some kind of big secret? Its just a question!

 Heads began turning at the restaurant and on the street. Stales winced as he saw a couple of Drakes pause and stare.

 Its not that! Its just that I uh, I cant speak for the entire Council.

 But you all made the decision. Whats there to hide? Is itck of money? Will the army be sending more soldiers? Its got to be something. Come on, just tell me.

 Regisav prodded Stales. The [Merchant] was sweating.

 Itslook, its aplicated issue. I could pull up all the necessary reports, but some of them are ssified and its just not something I can get into. Here. While Im eating?

 He tried not to sound hopeful. Regisav frowned, but to Stales great relief, he reluctantly nodded.

 I suppose thats fair.

 Stales sighed. Too quickly as it turned out. Regisav edged his chair closer to the table.

 Alright then. Why arent you thinking about taxing Liscors dungeon? And why arent there any Gnolls on the Council?

 What? Tax, Iwhos telling you all this!

 Stales saw to his horror that the Drakes on the street were listening close, as were some of the diners at the table. He looked around for the [Waitress], but she didnt appear inclined toe over for the bill. Regisav pointed a thumb-w over his shoulder.

 I heard some Gnolls talking about it. Said the Council doesnt ever ept Gnolls or new ideas. Why arent we putting an entry tax on the dungeon? And why isnt the Council doing something about rent?

 Wait, what tax on the dungeon? Were not taxing the adventurers?

 Someone broke in from another table. The [Butcher] turned around.

 Apparently not. And we could. Thats the thing. Blew me away when I heard it too. Were not taxing the adventurers, even though theyre bringing in gold from the dungeon. And theres no ns to deal with rent.

 No ns? My [Landy] charged me an entire silver piece more than she didst month!

 Someone on the street strode over to the table, tailshing furiously. Stales leaned back as a young Drake practically hissed at him. Suddenly he was at the center of attention and he didnt like it one bit. Regisav, who was now speaking for a crowd, leaned even further over the table.

 So about this tax.

 I havent heard about any tax! Not one thing! Who proposed it?

 Krshia Silverfang.

 Whos that?

 The [Butcher] shrugged.

 A [Shopkeeper]. I know her from Market Street. Shes pretty famous. Runs a clean shop. Good prices. I sell my meat to her

 Why would I know about some [Shopkeeper]s ideas?

 Stales was outraged. That outrage stopped cold when some [Butcher] gave him a re over the table. Regisav tapped the table with one w.

 Because shes been trying to get the Council to consider her suggestion for weeks! Apparently shes tried everything. And the Council just hasnt listened. And its a damn fine idea, taxing the adventurers! Not to mention it could pay for the Watchor expanding the Adventurers Guild! But that Krshia, she brought up another good point. Why are no Gnolls on Liscors Council? Its all Drakes, and all Guild Leaders too. [Merchants] and so on. What about a [Butcher]? We dont have a Guild, but our ss has never had a seat on the Council. Ever.

 He looked meaningfully at Stales. And the Drake might have been an ordinary person, but he was still a [Merchant]. He could process fast and he knew a bad situation from his days as a [Trader]. He stood up abruptly, fishing for coins in his money pouch.

 Im sorry, sir. But I cant just sit here and tell you about the Councils decisions on request! If there is a request, well consider it as long as ites through proper channels.

 Which are?

 What?

 Regisav looked impatient.

 What are the proper channels?

 Stales hesitated. I dont know was not a good answer here.

 Talk to Strategist Olesm! Or Watch Captain Zevara! As for Gnolls, the Council selects its own members. Theck of a Gnoll on the Council is just

 He trailed off. There were six Gnolls watching now. They stared at him with their big, brown eyes, unblinking. One of them, a male Gnoll, or a very burly female one, folded his arms.

 Go on. What is it just? Why arent we on the Council? Does the Council just never pick Gnolls?

 Of course not. Dont be silly.

 Then why not let us pick the next Council? With a public vote?

 The question threw Stales. He stared at the Gnoll, along with a lot of the Drakes. But more than one face looked interested. Stales was just horrified.

 What, like some kind of election? Are you mad?

 Its just a suggestion. Thats what I heard too. Youe from Market Street?

 Regisav turned to the Gnoll. The Gnoll nodded and bared his teeth.

 We could vote on the next Council. Why not? We could elect the best representatives. Gnolls, Drakesmale or female. Only, I was told that the Council wouldnt even hear Honored Krshias request, or any of her suggestions.

 The [Butcher] grunted.

 Im just worried about the City Watch. We need more funds for our [Guardsmen]! If this Council wont do it, how do we know they wont pick another Council thatll just do the same. And not answer any of my questions.

 He looked pointedly at Stales. The [Merchant] spluttered as he backed away from the table. But he bumped into someone behind him who didnt move.

 This is all ridiculous. The Council chooses the best members to rece us as we see fit. We make the best decisions for Liscor. Theck of money going to the City Watch is regrettable.

 Ah, so it was unavoidable, then? Is the city out of money?

 Stales jaw worked for a second as his mind mped down on any words out of sheer self-preservation.

 I cantment. Excuse me, I have to go. I dont have time to talk about elections or whatnot.

 So youre just going to avoid the issue? You wont even tell us why you wont allow it?

 The Gnolls looked outraged. Stales tried to back away again and failed.

 Im not avoiding it! Im just very busy! The Council will decide. Later! Youyou cant just walk up to a Councilmember on the street and ask questions, you know!

 No one budged. The angry Gnoll folded his arms.

 Why not? You are a member of the Council, yes? Why can you not defend the Councils decisions? You made them, did you not?

 The walls were closing in. And the walls were made of bodies, of scales and fur. Stales looked around wildly for any sign of escape. He found one and jumped for it.

 Askask Watch Captain Zevara! Yes, shes the Watch Captain of the City. She can field any requests.

 The crowd looked at each other. Regisav shook his head sadly. He hadnt gotten up from his seat.

 Shes put out a public announcement that the Watch has no part in the Councils decisions beyond enforcement. Shes also said that shed support and help enforce an election. Even for her own position. You didnt hear?

 He had not. Stales closed his eyes. He was going to kill Watch Captain Zevara. If he ever got back to the Council, hedhedput forwards some kind of motion for censure! What was the precedent for disciplining Watch Captains? Well, Stales was going to do some research and find out for once. He snapped atst.

 Im notlook, we have a meeting every week. Im not the one responsible for all of the decisions! Its a collective decision! A vote! Its out of my ws, get it? Now, please, I have to be going.

 He turned around. Drakes stared at him. Stales put his hands out to push and thought better. One of the Drakes tapped a w to her chin. She was the [Waitress].

 But the Councils what, eight people? See here, you have a vote. Youre one eighth of the Council. Would you support an election? Or put the idea before the Council yourself? Thats all I want to know.

 Stales hesitated.

 I cant decide that. Its got to be a majority decision. I cant just give

 He looked around, hunted. The [Waitress] propped her ws on her hips.

 Why not? All we want to know is what you, personally, would do. Not what the Council does.

 II

 This had never happened. Stales was hyperventting. When the previous Councilmember, the former head of the Merchants Guild had told him about the position, hed described it as just a series of boring meetings. Hed never hinted to Stales that hed ever be surrounded and asked these sorts of questions! He was a Council member! He shouldnt be subjected to this!

 Whats your opinion? Yes or no on elections? No Gnolls in the Council? Yes?

 Regisav was pushing Stales. The others were watching, calling out questions. The [Merchant] spun, and a desperate sentence escaped his lips.

 Of course! Of course Id support Gnolls on the Council. Elections! Why not? We could try it.

 The mood of the crowd instantlyrxed. They started murmuring, and Stales saw his chance to escape. He began to push through the crowd, taking advantage of the lull. Right up until he heard the voice from the Gnoll.

 You hear that? He supports it! Thats one fifth of the votes right there for a majority! Lets tell Honored Krshia! Spread the word, Councilman Stales says yes to elections!

 Wait, you cant do that!

 Stales spun around. He began to panic, but it was toote. Already someone was calling it out.

 Councilman Stales says he would allow an election for the Council seats! Thats at least one vote right there! What do the other Councilmembers have to say?

 Wait, wait! Dont shout that! I havent decided! Not entirely!

 Stales screamed desperately. The crowd twisted back on him. Regisav the [Butcher] looked incredulous.

 But you just said yes! Wait, were you lying?

 No, no

 Stales the [Merchant] waved his ws frantically. He hadnt been lying! Well, not entirely. He would have brought it up before the Council. Maybe. And they probably would have entertained the idea for a few seconds. Hed just said that to get the crowd off his back. But having tomit to that exact idea?

 Only, now the crowd was staring at Stales. And they had heard his words and worse, were taking them at face value. There was nofortable, closed city hall meeting room where Stales could debate with the other seven Councilmembers whom he all knew, and look for the best and easiest option, or ask Olesm or Zevara for their opinions. There was no Wall Lord Ilvriss to take charge, or orders from the army. Zel Shivertail was dead.

 And all Stales had were his own opinions and words in this crowd of Liscors people. And he would be ountable for everything he said. The Drake looked around wildly, realized there was no way out, and screamed once before fainting. Unfortunately, they were all there when he woke up.

 -

 The crowd that had gathered in Market Street was no riot. It wasnt an angry mob, or even an audience to a tragedy of spectacle that usually urred when Erin was present. It was just a crowd, filled with listening citizens. Because the center of attention wasnt Erin Solstice for once.

 It was Krshia Silverfang. She stood on her stalls counter, almost as if she were hawking her goods to passersby. But her stage was muchrger this time, the audience more crucial. And her words had more impact than any goods she could have sold. Because this time Krshia was selling an idea.

 Its very simple, yes? Liscors Council needs to be changed!

 The Gnoll was speaking to the crowd. It was the third crowd shed addressed this morning, and it was thergest one yet. People slip in and out, some having heard what Krshia had to say, others bringing friends to listen. Liscor was, after all, a small city in therge scheme of things. And Krshia was a known face. She had a simple message too, which helped.

 The Council should be reced. It will be reced, yes? This is the year when the Council changes! But do we want them to choose their recements? Do we trust the Council to make good decisions? Have they made good decisions before, I wonder?

 The crowd muttered. No one exactly leapt to the Councils defense. Krshia nodded and went on.

 What did they do when the Raskghar attacked? Or when Liscor was under siege? It seems to me Watch Captain Zevara handled all of the work! And perhaps that is well, for a Watch Captain is in charge of a citys security. But why then were more funds not allocated to the Watch? Why didnt the Council begin implementing new regtions on the dungeons? Why has rent doubled, yes, doubled in some parts of the city without the Council addressing the issue?

 Tell us, then! Why arent they doing anything?

 One of the Drakes called out impatiently in the crowd. Krshia gave him a bitter smile, one with lips.

 The answer, Mister Silkscale, is that the Council, this Council, does not act. It maintains. And a city that does not change bes weak. The Council does not give more funds to Liscors City Watch. It does not pass newws. It does not, in fact, do anything. Which is why many of us are fed up!

 Her words provoked a lot of nodding in the crowd. Not wild cheering; Drakes were hard to get to cheer and Gnolls even harder in many respects. But they were nodding with her. Krshia raised her voice to carry even further.

 We want a new Council. And we, the Gnolls of Liscor, want to be on it.

 She tapped her chest. This provoked a few howls, simr to cat calls but much deeper, in the crowd. The Drakes looked around, but Krshia didnt sense a lot of distrust of the idea. Just curiosity.

 And how does that help the Council? We get Gnolls who do nothing, instead of just Drakes?

 Someone called out, andughter followed. Krshia wondered if there was a [Heckler] ss. Probably, yes. She grinned in the direction of the shouter.

 No. The Council should be made up of those who will passws. Who will change the city. So why should the Council rece itself? Would it not be better if, instead, the city chose its Council this year?

 She may have been too roundabout in her statement. The crowd digested what Krshia meant and then someone called out incredulously.

 An election? Like some kind of democracy? You have to be joking! Were not those loons in Pass!

 That provoked the most unified head-nodding yet. Krshia bared her teeth desperately. Shed had to sell them on this twice. And she was a good [Shopkeeper]. She could do it again!

 Would you want the army appointing the Council? Or the existing Council to rece itself? How else would you choose a Council?

 No one had an easy answer for that. Which was the point. Krshia waved a paw at them.

 Elections are strange, yes? But think of it. We could choose our own Council. We could choose eight of our best, rather than eight Drakes many of us have never heard of. Who here knows the name of a single Council member? Anyone?

 The crowd waited. And there was no response. Krshia, who knew the names of all eight, nodded slowly.

 You see? But if we elected a Council, we would know what they would vote for. Where they would stand. You would get a Council that acts, yes? And if some Gnolls were to be part of the Council, well, it would be because they were trusted by all. Is that not so?

 So you want an election. To choose the next Council.

 Someone near the front raised their voice. Krshia bowed slightly to an older Drake.

 Yes, sir. A fair election. Gnolls and Drakes bothpete for a seat on the Council. Nothing is gained that is not deserved. Is that not an idea worth considering?

 The people of Liscor looked at each other. And some were nodding. Krshia had a moment of hope as she saw a few more figures join near the back. And then, from behind her, she heard a mocking tone.

 Gnolls have lived in Liscor for about a decade. Your people were a tiny minority until then, Silverfang. Now you strut in and demand a voice when we Drakes built this city and have lived in it for centuries! How is that fair, Krshia?

 The slightly hissing, indignant voice was familiar. As was the ring expression. The tight-lipped smile. And he was standing on his own stall too. Krshia red.

 Lism.

 Youre disrupting my business, Silverfang.

 The [Shopkeeper] red at Krshia. She red back. The feud between her and Lism was well-established. If there were two top salespeople on Market Street, it was Lism and Krshia. And they got along about as well as Drakes and Gnolls had historically done.

 Why should Gnolls be part of the Council, Lism? Why should they not? What is wrong with giving the option to anyone who the city trusts?

 Only that our Council has led the city fine until your people came along. Now you want elections? Is this a tant power grab, or just insurrection against the city, Krshia? Whats wrong with the Councils decisions? Last I checked, Liscor was still standing. Or is defeating the Raskghar, beating back the Humans and Goblins and those damned moths not good enough for you?

 Lism studied his ws as he spoke, nonchntly. But he look he gave Krshia was anything but. And he got some nods in the crowd. Not as many and not from any Gnolls, but some. Krshia gritted her teeth.

 I did not say the Council has done nothing

 Thats what you just said, Silverfang. They did nothing.

 Well, perhaps it was the City Watch and adventurers who did the work while the Council made no changes!

 The Gnoll snapped back. Lism raised his brows.

 And what should they have done? They let the adventurers and the City Watch do their job. How is that a fault? Should the Council run about ying Face-Eater Moths themselves?

 His words provoked chuckles. Krshia cursed Lism as she flushed and regained her footing. When she spoke, she ignored Lisms question and stuck to her script.

 I say the Council has not done enough. That is what I am saying, Lism. And if I were on the Council, I would do more! I have put suggestions before them, tried to get their attention and been ignored! So! I am telling all you what I would do instead, since Liscors Council will not listen to me!

 Krshia turned her back on Lism and felt his scowl. She spread her paws, speaking and sincerely and as clearly as possible.

 If I were on the Council, I would put a tax on adventurers entering the dungeon and use the money to expand the Adventurers Guild. I would give more funds to the City Watch, to empower them to fight any foe that threatens Liscor in the future! The Council has not done either of these things, but if there were elections and I were elected, I would make that happen!

 Krshia watched the reactions of her audience. They perked their ears up, or looked at each other approvingly. But that was just the opening. Krshia took a breath.

 Not only that. One of the crucial issues is the soaring rent. You know it. I know it. We all pay more because Liscor is full. That is why, I say to you all now. If I was on the Council, I would solve this issue of rent. I would expand Liscors walls.

 A hush. And then a shout of incredulity from Lism and questions and noise from the crowd. Krshia raised her paws.

 Think on it. Liscor can hold less than a hundred thousand souls when bursting to capacity. And we are an important city, a gateway, but think of how small Liscor is! Have you not heard people of the Walled City calling Liscor a backwater? How long have these walls stayed the same? Liscor cannot growrger than our walls. But we are not Rock Crabs, yes?

 She got several nods before Lism burst out. The [Shopkeeper] was furious as he pointed a w at Krshia.

 You cant expand the walls, you idiot! Theyre enchanted! Theyve been here for centuries!

 Why not? They are still just stone. Enchanted stone. But that can be built, surely?

 Lism opened his mouth furiously and hesitated. Krshia jumped in.

 Before the Second Antinium Wars, Liscor had many smaller viges around the Floodins. Why not build more? And, I know this from the records, Liscor was not always this size! It too was built! The walls expanded twice before reaching this size! I say, why not expand them again? Why not build more walls, more houses? Why not?

 Becausebecause of the cost! And because its not needed! Weve had these walls for decades! At least!

 Lism faltered. But he hadnt prepared for this debate and Krshia had. She grinned at him and felt the maliceing off him.

 So? It is just stone. And if you say we cannot afford to pay for it, Lism, I say, that is why I propose the tax on adventurers! And Liscor has its treasury. We have ie from our army. We can build it cheaply.

 Oh yes? And who can build an entire wallrge enough to hold back the spring rains before next year?

 The Drake red angrily at Krshia. She smiled. Thank you, Lism. She looked around, and the answer was on the tongue of half the people in the crowd.

 The Antinium can. And if I ask them, I think they would. They could build us arger city. They are Liscors allies, are they not? And we could have arger city. We could put a fair tax on the adventurers, expand the City Watch. But the current Council will not do it. But if we had an electionif, friends. If that were possible.

 Krshia looked across the faces, scales and fur. And she saw a Human one, peeking up and holding a white Gnoll at the back of the crowd. Krshia grinned at Mrsha and she bowed, ignoring the simmering Lism.

 I think it is possible. And this is our city. Shouldnt we decide what we want it to be?

 And her people looked up at her. And they got the idea.

 -

 Later that day, all eight of Liscors Councilmembers found themselves under siege. Not in the literal sense, but very much close to it. They were confronted at work, on the streets, and in their homes by insistent citizens, angry citizens with little regard for personal space. And like Stales, they found that Liscors people wanted direct answers.

 Krshias message was spreading like wildfire. An election? Well, why not? It wasnt as if they were going to turn into Pass. And choosing your own Council? There was some idea to that! And why not Gnolls? They were part of the city, sure enough. And did you hear what Krshia would do? And if she could runwhat about you?

 It was one of those ideas that took hold. Well, why not? What did Liscor have to lose? And look at how much it had to gain. Like the debate over Goblins, the conversation invaded the streets, routing the indifferent and forcing people to take sides, figure out what they thought.

 But one Drake didnt need to think. Hed known exactly what he thought the moment he heard Krshia speaking.

 Outrageous.

 Lism the [Shopkeeper] strode through the streets, fuming. Hed been unable to keep standing on the stall with thatthat Gnoll gleefully shouting at the crowd. Lism knew he couldnt stop her, not alone, but she waspletely wrong. He could stand her ideas about adventurers, even if he personally would kick them off. He might even agree with her ideas about the Watch. But the Antinium?

 Never. And Krshia? Lism would soon as pull off his tail and eat it rather than see that sanctimonious, smug Gnoll on the Council seat. He stormed into the Mages Guild and up to the front desk. The [Receptionist] on duty stared at him. Lism snapped, almost too angry for words.

 Send a highest-priority [Message] to Liscors High Command at once. Tell them there is a situation in Liscor that requires their immediate attention.

 A [Message], sir? High priority? You want instant delivery and straight to the [Mage] in the army? Thatll cost gold, sir. We cant do that unless its an emergency. Are you sure?

 The young Drake looked ufortable. Lism drew up short. He red at her.

 What? Yes, of course its an emergency! I want an immediate connection! Dont worry about the cost; theyll pay for everything! Tell them I must speak with them at once!

 She hesitated.

 Sir, I cant just send a priority request. Let alone to the army. Thats a serious alert! Id have to get the Watch Captains permission at least to do that. Or the Councils. Or Strategist Olesms. Do you have their authorization?

 Ithe Council is indisposed, but Im acting on their behalf! This concerns them!

 Lism pounded a wed fist on the desk. The [Receptionist] stared at it. And then at him. She frowned slowly.

 Maybe I should call my boss. Sir. Please hold on.

 She backed up, making a not-so-convert gesture to one of the other [Receptionists]. Lism saw the Gnoll pull a tiny string that would ring an outside bell. For the Watch. He flushed and bellowed.

 There isnt any time for this! I demand an instant [Message] to the High Command! They need to hear this! Dont you dare pull that string again! Do you know who I am?

 They blinked at him. The Drake [Receptionist] opened her mouth, peered at Lism, and then shook her head slowly.

 No.

17kNovel

Book 6: Chapter 28