Book 7: Chapter 17: S_The Wandering Inn

Book 7: Chapter 17: S

 (MouthyMaven (Andrea Parsneau) is recording The Wandering Inns Volume 2 audiobook on her server! You can check her out, but be warnedits live recording, mistakes, swearing, and all! You can find her server here, as well as times when she records!)

 It turned out that summer was hot. Not just in temperature, buthot. The sun could scorch at times and while Izril wasntBaleros, or at least, what people imagined Baleros to be, an endless, humid, jungle, it was true that parts of Baleros had that swampy, oppressive heat that went into your lungs and dehydrated you to death.

 But thenChandrars weather could freeze and scorch you in Zeikhal, and yet there were wonderful coasts full of verdant greenery too. It was rude to generalize.

 All of that didnt really matter to the young woman lying in a puddle of her own sweat in a dry patch ofnd. She looked around, vaguely.

 shot. Whysithot?

 She mumbled as she looked around. Then her head flopped down. You could die like this. She might die like this. SoErin Solstice rolled over. Once, twice, doing full-rotations. She stopped next to a ss pitcher.

 Lovely ss, beaded with condensation from the cool liquid within. Erin Solstice stared at the lemonade and licked her lips.

 Mm.

 It would be deliciously sour and sweet. Perfect for the dry mouth she had. Erin reached for it. And someone lifted the pitcher up and poured himself a drink.

 Noooooo. Monster.

 Numbtongue stared down at Erin as he paused with a ss raised to his lips. Erin paused and corrected herself.

 Sorry, Numbtongue. I thought it was some monster. Like Lyte.

 Oh. Right. Want some?

 He found another ss lying in the dry, arid ground and filled it. Erin reached up.

 My savior!

 She drank, gratefully. Numbtongue casually sat down. He too was covered in sweat. And dirt. He stared at Erin. She waved the ss at him and he obligingly refilled it. This time with the water pitcher. There were actually threethe third had apple juice. Becausewhy not?

 Its hot.

 Erin mumbled as she found the hydration in her to sit up. She had been miserably hot, she realized. Dehydrated. But now, the liquid was doing her a world of good.

 The Goblin shrugged. He stared at Erin, and then the dryndscape around them. An acacia tree, arid, tall grass yellowed and scarcely greenhe peered at Erin.

 Why are you sitting here?

 Here, as inthe driest part of her Garden of Sanctuary. The arid-section, to be precise. Erin wiped her forehead.

 It was cooler! And I was digging a hole. See?

 She pointed to the left. Numbtongue looked. Erin had abandoned her shovel to flop onto the ground. But shed been working hard; there were several holes in the ground. Erin nodded proudly as she pointed.

 See? I cleared the ground! Got rid of the weeds, made some spacehows your end going?

 Mm. Chopped down a tree. Well, kicked.

 Awesome. Wellwait, what?

 Numbtongue pointed. Erin sawa tree. In the jungle-section. Someone had ripped the roots out of the ground, and with Birds help, literally pushed it over. She stared at Numbtongue.

 He had also dug every hole hed been assigned. And weeded the entire area. The [Bard] was sweaty and dirty, but he wasnt dead. Erin stared at her cup of water and then at her friend.

 You have a green thumb, Numbtongue. You know that?

 The Hobgoblin grinned. He got the reference and joke. He waggled his thumbs at Erin.

 Can nt now? Bird is chopping tree up.

 Sure. Just give me a second to stand up?

 Numbtongue waited for seven seconds. Then he stood and pulled Erin up without effort. She sighed, standing. And she saw Bird was hard at work.

 La,. Chop, chop. I am helping chop wood. Which is good. This song has rhymes. I will think more up in time.

 The Antinium [Bird Hunter] was holding an axe. He was chopping at the tree, removing limbs with eager, if inexperienced, effort. Erin saw a little white shape grabbing each branch he tossed to the side and pulling it away. A young woman with red hair was putting the branches to one side with the little Gnoll. Theyd be good firewood once they dried.

 Five people stood in the Garden of Sanctuary. Just five. An [Innkeeper], a Hobgoblin, a [Princess], a white Gnoll child, and an Antinium Worker. If you wanted to reduce them to the basics.

 They were nting things. Erin was no [Gardener] or[Horticulturist], but she reckoned that it was time. She nodded around as Bird looked up from his task.

 Hello, Erin. Are you done melting?

 I am, Bird. And no thanks to you all! I could have died there! Of dehydration!

 Erin waved her arms, smiling. Lyte sighed as she wiped sweat from her forehead.

 Mrsha would have smelled you dying, Erin. And you didnt dehydrate. You fell asleep.

 No I didnt.

 Youid down and slept for twenty minutes. I saw you.

 Erin opened her mouth and looked around for confirmation. She saw Numbtongue nodding.

 Huh. Really? WellI worked hard!

 Numbtongue uprooted a tree.

 Wasnt hard. Weak tree.

 The Hobgoblin pounded his chest as Mrsha flexed her biceps and waved her paws to show she had helped! Erin smiled.

 Wellthat ground is harder! This is nice soil. Lush. Fertile. I think. Lets nt stuff. Wheres the seeds?

 Here. And here. Are we really doing this?

 Lyte had a handful of roundseed cores. She handled them very gingerly; theyd break if you squeezed hard. Theyd been mostly denuded of the blue flesh, the sweet fruit they resided in. Erin nodded.

 Yup. Lets put four of them herefour over in the arid spot, and four

 In every biome. I get it, Erin. Numbtongue?

 Lyte tossed him the cores. The Hobgoblin caught them and walked off. Lyte looked at Erin.

 Do you really think theyll grow in the dry spots?

 I have no idea where they grow. What do I look like, a gardener?

 Absolutely not. But they do grow inLiscor. So why not put them in the temperate section?

 Well, they get submerged by water once a year for like, a month. So I dont know where theyd grow.

 And your answer is to put them in every section?

 Erin Solstice smiled triumphantly. It was her logic, which was why Lyte and Mrsha were giving her skeptical looks.

 Its an experiment. Weve got ground to spare! Anyways, were nting more cocoa seeds. And all the vegetables.

 She pointed to the side. In another section filled with friendly grass, the kind you could wiggle your toes in, some space had been cleared near the vine-covered walls. Lyte nodded; theyd nted hundreds of little seeds with some fertilizer earlier this morning. Carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, even some wheat and other nts.

 I hope it grows well. It would certainly cut down on costs. Especially if someone makes them grow, isnt that right, Mrsha?

 The little Gnoll nodded her head proudly. The [Druid] produced her wand and waved it about. Shed make the garden grow!

 And all the nts? Not just the ones you like? That means not just garlic and squashes and wheat, Mrsha. Cucumbers too. And potatoes.

 The little Gnoll stuck out her tongue.

 Bleh. Potatoes? Cucumbers? They were both Terandrian foods Lyte loved to feed her. The [Princess] picked Mrsha up and cuddled her.

 If we get good crops, I might make you a treat, Mrsha. Fresh food!

 And blue fruits! And chocte! All free! Mountains of chocte! And faerie flowers growing on the hill! Andand apple trees! Although those might take a while.

 Erin threw up her hands excitedly. This was it! Free food! She saw Bird throw a seed core into a hole, kick the pile of dirt over it, and smack the ground a few times with a shovel.

 I am done nting, Erin.

 Thanks, Bird!

 May I go back to the tower now?

 Yes, Bird.

 Lyte and Erin chorused. Bird waved at them. Lyte sighed as she flicked hair out of her face.

 Well, Im sweaty and dirty and I think we all need a bath. But we also have work. Ishkrs about to get off-duty, Erin. Ill take over for himwill you take Mrsha to the public baths?

 The private little bathing room Lyte wanted made wasnt done yet. There would be a hot tub in ita big one, as well as other, convenient cleaning ces. And thanks to Erins Garden, water wouldnt be a huge issuealthough Lyte wanted to divert the local stream to run by the inn so theyd avoid draining the pond.

 Divert a stream. She had the Antinium working on it. And the inn wasing together. The 2nd floor was done, there were new tenants in the innthe [Mages], the yers of Celum, and more. Erin nodded as Mrsha edged backwards.

 We can take a bath. Itll be fun, right, Mrsha?

 The little Gnoll wrinkled her nose. She didnt see the point. Nor did she want to sit in a public bath while Erinwho could be slowsplished about and got clean for half an hour. Or longer! She shook her head and pointed towards the pond. Erin frowned.

 Mrsha, no. We can get clean with soap! Its fun, right? Mrsha? Come back here. Mrsha

 The white Gnoll raced off. Erin ran after her, shouting. But she didnt realize that her attempt to stop Mrsha from taking her own bath was actuallya trap.

 Numbtongue, walking back from his finished nting, saw Mrsha waving her paws at him and signaling frantically. He paused, grinned, and obligingly stuck out a foot as Erin ran past him. She tripped and saw the pond.

 -

 Mm. I have nothing. Damn. Three Archmages again, Palt? Whatre the odds?

 Montressa threw down her hand of cards and red. She was sitting at a table. Gambling. She saw the Centaur smirk and reach for the pot.

 Good ones, Montressa. Especially if you know when to fold. Which you dont.

 I nearly had a straight.

 Beza grumbled. Palt rolled his eyes. He reached for his cigar and lit it with a snap of his fingers. Montressa and Beza saw him take a puff, and sigh. Then the Centaur looked around. But Erin wasnt here.

 Shes still nting in the garden. Youre clear, Palt.

 Thanks, Mons.

 The [Illusionist] sighed and puffed away. Erin Solstice still had a ban on him smoking in her inn. It was the one sour note in an otherwise quite pleasant experience. The three [Mages] were guests of The Wandering Inn.

 And right now, they were gambling. With cards.

 New cards. Montressa peered at the little deck Palt was shuffling. Cards. They were hardly unknown to her. Although this particr deck and configuration were.

 I dont like this game. Palts winning far too often. If youre cheating Palt, Ill pull out your tail hairs one by one.

 Beza gave Palt a suspicious look, as was somewhat appropriate for a [Mage] specializing in illusion spells. Palt smirked at her.

 Not at all, Beza. Stay away from my tail. I just understand the rules of the game better than you. I told you, its about odds.

 And luck. Do you have any luck-Skills?

 I wish. Another hand?

 Sure. But were going down in the ante.

 Montressa grumbled as she slid four copper coins over the table. Palt gave her a t look.

 Come now, Montressa

 Im not losing silver to you while Im ying the game. Anyways, this games decent. Not sure its that great. And Wistram already knows about it.

 The Centaur puffed on his cigar.

 True, but Miss Solstice is introducing it. Poker. Im a decent fan; I yed with some of theguests, though. Thoughts?

 I object to these cards. Theyre all Drakes. Even the Archmages.

 Beza held up one ying card. Montressa and Palt nodded. They were ying cards, from this world. Card games existedif not the specific ones Erin knew. There were four Archmages that Palt was shuffling into his deckthe equivalent of Aces, Erin had decided.

 Well, she ordered some cards from Liscor. Drakes being Drakes, of course theyd make all the cards Drakes. Archmage Zelkyr, Archmage Salindecanot speciesist at all. Oh, look. A Gnoll [Soldier]. I dont see any of them on the face-cards.

 The Minotaur held up another card with a lowly Gnoll [Soldier] and a symbol marking it as 3. Montressa looked for some chips.

 Are you making a point, Beza?

 Im making chatter because Im tired of losing to Palt. And Im bored. Were banned from the garden

 To be fair, so am I.

 Shut it, Palt. Were banned, so why dont we do something?

 Like what?

 Something other than wasting money ying cards!

 Beza put down her fist on the table and the cards and drinks jumped. Palt sighed. He puffed on his cigar and gestured around the inn.

 It was a quiet day. A few days since theincident with Klbkch. And the dozy morning had brought cards to the innand gardening. But not in any big way.

 Beza, Beza. You have to be patient. Just wait until Erin gets back. Then, we can let her know how we feel about the cards. Proving once again were not weasels from Wistram

 So you can get in her good graces. I dont think telling her how her ying cards idea is going will earn us many points, Palt.

 Montressa sighed. But it was that sort of morning. She reached for more chips and wondered if she was eating too much. It reminded her of Wistram, actually. Good food, drinks, time on your hands

 And a bee. In the quiet morning, arge bee detached herself from the ceiling. She flew downwards, like a stealthygiantbee. Bright yellow and ck. Buzzing. A colossuspared to most insects.

 Apista alighted on the Centaurs cigar. Palt went cross-eyed and stopped smoking. Montressa and Beza stared. After a second, Montressa whispered at him.

 Palt, you have a bee.

 The Centaur didnt move. Probably because he was aware of this fact. Apistas wings beat hard. She lifted, and the cigar dropped out of Palts mouth as he leaned back.

 The bee flew away, carrying her prize. The Wistram [Mages] stared. And Apista buzzed through an open door and into her little nest that Lyte and Mrsha had made for her in the Garden of Sanctuary.

 With the cigar, which she lit as her wings beat sparks and the air burst into fire around her. And the cigar smoked and Apista was happy.

 After all, what was a bee if she could not fly as high as could be? A bee was high as she could be. And she was free.

 But not herrades in the dark. So the bee went higher in her head. For the hive fought valiantly. But one day, if not rescued, theyd be dead.

 Those were the bees thoughts. But who could hear them? No one. At leastno one listening. Not even the [Mages]. They just stared after Apista. Palt slowly fumbled out another cigar from his belt pouch.

 Do you think Erins trained the bee to smell you, Palt? Can they smell?

 She hasnt. That bee just wants my cigar. Itshehas good taste.

 Palt glowered after the bee, from one smoker to another. Apista didnt hear or care. She was high in the sky of her headrather than in reality, which could be cold and dark and dead. She could do nothing to save the others.

 And the one person who could have heard her was busy. A sopping wet Gnoll hung under one arm as Erin Solstice, dripping, stomped through the open door to the Garden of Sanctuary.

 Heads rose. They stared at Erin as she put Mrsha down. Ishkr looked up from his job waiting a table. He looked at another Gnoll, a new hire. The rookie stared at Erin.

 ErrIshkr?

 The other Gnoll, the veteran of The Wandering Inn, didnt even look up as he went back to taking an order. The guest didnt bat an eyelid as he requested a smoked fish. Nor did the other guests, after a quick look to make sure Erin didnt explode or start spitting blood. Ishkr nodded to the new Gnoll [Waiter].

 Get a towel, Rkhi. Better make it two.

 Erin. Trouble with water? Need a drying spell? Hows the nting going? Care for a round of cards?

 Palt tried to smile and hide his lit cigar as Erin turned her head to stare at him. The [Innkeeper] narrowed her eyes. She stomped over as Mrsha, quite proud of herself, walked over to the fire to get dry.

 And that was the day. Erin sat down, taking a towel from Rkhi, grumbling about evil Gnolls and jerk-Goblins. Eying Palts cigar pointedly as he winced, and getting dealt into the hand of cards as Montressa and Beza leaned over, relieved to have someone to beat. After allthey werent bad at cards.

 Palt was just too good. Lyte came through, ready to relieve Ishkr, as the second shift began to rece the first one and the lunch crowd arrived in trickles from different locations. Mrsha sat by the fire, wondering why Apista had suddenly gone cloudy after being sadshe did that a lot. Bird sat in his tower and the Workers building the 3rd Floor got free bird samples, gratis.

 Numbtongue was wondering if he could steal Apistas cigar while he practiced fishing in the pond. He rather liked fishing. He might go miningter.

 It was that kind of day. Nothing much was happening in The Wandering Inn, by the inns standards. The most that might happen was a conversation about thieving bees, which was justboring.

 In Liscor, Relc returned to work after two days off due to injuries. Senior Guardsman Klbkch was on indefinite leave. The Free Antinium had guests.

 Small events andrge. Boring and consequential in Liscor.

 As morning rose in Pass, Grand Strategist Chaldion fell.

 -

 In the way of things, Grand Strategist Chaldion fell down the steps. He was walking with General Edellein ckwing of 4th Army when he tripped. One moment, he was arguing over the distribution of funds and recruits. The next, falling.

 It was just the idental slip of his walking cane. And he, overbnced, was unable to catch himself. And the other Drakes around him realized what was happening toote. They had amazing reflexes, boosted by training and Skills. But surprise was surprise.

 They were a bit too slow to catch him. And he tumbled down eight steps on the Northern Grand Staircase before General Edellein and his [Strike Commander] leapt after him and stopped him from falling further.

 That was all. Eight steps. But it was a poor tumble. And Pass citizenry who saw the incident stopped and stared. When they didnt see the Grand Strategist immediately rising, they had a thought. And when General Edellein called for a [Healer] and a stretcherthe Walled City worried.

 All the Walled Cities worried. Over a single moment. An ident that had nothing to do with Wyverns, the machinations of Humans or other foreign powers like the King of Destruction. Of course, they demanded answers as word spreadtoo quickly, as it now did by way of [Messages].

 Oteslia. Inquiring about the state of Grand Strategist Chaldion.

 Manus. Is this information confidential? Requesting lockdown of unnecessary gossip.

 Fissival. And how did you find out about it, Manus?

 Zeres. Seconds Oteslias request.

 Szsar. Seconds both requests.

 Manus. Pass, confirmation?

 Pass. Standby.

 Zeres. Ancestors, not again. Pass, CONFIRMATION?

 Pass. Go to Rhirs hell and stop spreading gossip. From Grand Strategist Chaldion, verbatim. Exiting shared [Message] spell.

 

 He wasnt dead. But neither was he alright. Anddespite his words, there was worry. About thirty minutester, Grand Strategist Chaldiony in a bed in the best [Healer]s personal treatment clinic. And the [Healer] was fending off queries from a hundred different people, including several [Senators] and General Edellein and more.

 She was, somewhat ironically, a Gnoll. And they were mostly Drakes; Pass leadership. The Gnoll woman, a City-Gnoll born and raised in Pass, was trying not to growl her replies. But she did snap with a bit of a hiss in her voice.

 He is fine. Fine as can be expected for someone of his age falling down the stairs! It would have been worse if he hadnt been caught. But he needs rest, which means no visitors. None!

 But we applied healing potions on the spot! Are you sure hes

 General Edellein ckwing, a rtion to thete Thrissiam ckwing and Osthia ckwing, two family members whod been lost recently, was not having a good day. First the Wyvern attack that his army had failed to fight because theydid the ineffective ambush, next, this. Right next to him. He was thus very concerned, for his reputation as well as Pass military leadership. He peered past the [Healer] into the room.

 Chaldiony in a bed lined with stones enchanted with healing properties. The very fabric of the bed itself was aposite fabric-gel that he was not happy about lying in. One of his legs was raised and in a sling. For all that, the Drake looked healthily annoyed. He was conscious. But his old scales, grey and ked off in ces, were mottled with bruises. His left leg had a fractured bone.

 The female Gnoll [Healer] propped her paws on her hips and sighed.

 General ckwing, you did everything you could. However, Grand Strategist Chaldion is too old for potions to work perfectly. I told the Grand Strategist as muchst time. He should have a personal [Healer] or [Bodyguard] with the appropriate specialization on him at all times. A [Minder], at the very least. Hell be sitting on that broken leg for at least two days, even with my best crystals and recovery Skills. And hell have to take more care.

 Two days? But I was in and out of here in sixteen hours when I broke my w

 You are half the Grand Strategists age. Bodies develop resistances to healing potions, General. You know this.

 The Drake flushed at the tone in the [Healer]s voice. But it was basic knowledge any [Warrior] knew. He cleared his throat.

 Wellobviously, yes. Then in that casewhat about another [Healer]? No disrespect, Healer Demerra, but perhaps the Healer of Tenbault might?

 The Gnoll womanughed.

 If you could get her to make a visit to Pass, that would be the miracle, General. And even if she were able to restore the Grand Strategists health, the fact remains that any fall could have done this. He needs an aide. And he has to have one. No arguments. Someone has to order him to have one.

 The Drakes standing around in conference looked ufortable. They exchanged nces. One of the [Senators] coughed.

 Healer Demerra, one does not orderGrand Strategist Chaldion.

 He was the Grand Strategist of Pass. Older and more experienced than any Drakehere. Perhaps anywhere. None of them, any of them, had been serving in their positions when he had first been appointed head [Strategist] of Pass. Some of them hadnt even been born, back then.

 Someone must. He has fallen before. If this was in his quarters, or somewhere out of the public eye

 Demerra let her voice trail off. The others looked at each other. Senator Errif winced. The Gnoll adjusted his skullcap.

 Its bad enough in the public eye. We cant have anotherpse in confidence. As for, erm, ordering Grand Strategist Chaldion, we could put it to a vote in the Assembly

 Hell just ignore it.

 [Strike Commander] Bes, known as Lighthouse Bes for reasons that were entirely uninteresting, predicted glumly. The others paused, and nodded. What were they going to do? Relieve Chaldion of his post? He was the best [Strategist] they had, the best and highest-leveled of all the Walled Cities. And oldest.

 And yet. General Edellein searched for ideas.

 Whatwhat about a Ring of Stonescales? We have Barkscales-level enchantments in our army. Any number of artifacts. Surely that might

 The [Healer] glowered. People loved to tell her how to do her job.

 Stone skin, fur, or what have you isnt much good if your bones are ss, General! Grand Strategist Chaldion could use a high-grade artifact, like a Ring of Health. But that is relic-ss. If the Walled City could source one, I would be happier. Even sohed quickly be dependent on it.

 Do we have anything like that in our treasuries?

 Senator Errif looked around. Healer Demerra snapped.

 We do not. Ladies and gentledrakes, I remind you that this is age. And there is little anyone can do

 She paused. And reconsidered her words because they were patentlywrong.

 There are options. Many of which I have explored, and so has the Grand Strategist. Even so, few options are cheap, let alone convenient, even for Pass. I would like to remind you all of one thing: Grand Strategist Chaldion is one hundred and six years old.

 Everyone stopped. General Edellein opened his mouth and closed it a few times. But then he nodded.

 In the face of that, no one had anything to say. Demerra sniffed and ushered them into the waiting room, sealing her clinic against intruders. A squad of 4th Armys elites were blocking the doorway as well; no one would assassinate the Grand Strategist.

 The others talked outside the clinic. Edellein paused.

 I forget how old he is. Hes as spry as someone three decades younger.

 Lighthouse Bes chuckled, and prismatic light lit up the inside of her throat for a second. But then she realized no one else wasughing. She adjusted her armor, blushing.

 I think we all take Grand Strategist Chaldions youth for granted. At leasthis health. But he is aging.

 The others nodded. It was moments like this, moments like when you heard Zel Shivertail was dead, that you feared for the worst. If Grand Strategist Chaldion were to pass away suddenly, or Dragonspeaker Luciva, orCaptain Femarthe Sharkcaptain of Zeresany one of the Drake heroes, their bulwark against the Antinium suddenly grew weaker.

 But what could be done? Rece him? Maybe in three decades. But today? The highmand of Pass shuddered and argued and made very little in the way of concrete ns. And that was what they did thest time Chaldion had fallen, or snapped his wrist, or taken ill with amon cold.

 And while they worriedsomeone else heard the news.

 He listened. Nodded. It was news hed heard before. Sowithout worrying, or rushing about, or getting into an insults-match via [Message] spell, he went into his home, pulled out a few of his possessions, and made an arrangement or two.

 A whileter, Octavia Cotton went back to The Wandering Inn to find a little Gnoll passed out by the firece. Mrsha was snoring and giggling after warming herself back up. Erin was ying cards. Her opponentswere not happy about it.

 How did you do that?

 Palt threw his hand down in disgust. Erin smirked as she pulled the hefty pot over.

 I told you not to gamble. Wait, do I get to keep all of this?

 Gambling makes it fun. But how

 I count cards. I meanI learned to. Its like chess, except not. But I had these friends who loved towell, they stopped ying. Which is good, because gamblings bad. Like smoking!

 Whats counting

 The Stitch-Girl saw Erin poking the stacks of coins. The [Innkeeper] looked up vaguely.

 I didnt know there were actual [Gamblers] in this world. But its just a strategy. I dont y much, butoh, hey Octavia. I thought you were going to study with Saliss?

 The [Alchemist] frowned. Something about what Erin had just saidbut then she smiled ruefully and shrugged.

 Saliss had to cancel. Whats that? Cards? Can I y?

 Oh, really? Why? And you know how to y cards, Octavia?

 The Stitch-Girl gave Erin a curious look.

 Everywhere has card games, Erin. Even Nerrhavia and Chandrar. What game is this?

 Poker.

 Poke? Well, Ill learn. I didnt catch why Saliss was busy. Wheres Numbtongue?

 Fishing.

 Montressa was on her third bowl of chips. She couldnt stop herself. And she was sure she shouldnt be eating this much ketchup and mayonnaise. But she kept crunching. Chips, friesit went well with drinks. Too well.

 You have fish?

 We tossed some in the pond. Not the huge, jumpy, bitey ones. Those are jerks. Okay, you y like this, Octavia

 Erin began to exin. Octavia listened as Beza grumbled and demanded to be dealt in; she was on a losing streak and convinced her luck would turn! The [Alchemist] wasnt upset about the cancelled lesson. She still woke up and pinched herself that she was being taught at all by a living legend.

 She didnt think much of it; after all, Saliss was an important Named Adventurer and [Alchemist]. He had any number of things that could keep him busy.

 -

 Healer Demerras clinic wasnt exactly besieged by crowds. But there were people keeping tabs on the ce. [Informants], the kind of fences for information like Fierre, busybodies, well-wishers, for any number of reasons. But they were not allowed in.

 4th Companys Elites were a mix of Drakes and Duhans. A pair of Gnollsno Garuda. The kind of elites who took after Relc, rather than, say, Bevussas old squadron, or Keldrass. That meant they were quick, rather than burly. True, Relc was both, but the Gecko of Liscor was famed for speed over brawn, ironically.

 No ones allowed entrance. Dont block the street!

 The Drake [Major] was snapping at people asking questions. And he was not in a mood to share details, even if hed been privy to them. He put his hand on the hilt of the mace he carried when words werent enough.

 Not that many people tried. That wasuntil a rather familiar voice and figure caused a disturbance in the crowd.

 Coming through! Hey! Whoops. Where are you going? The streets big enough for all of us. Hey! Hey. Do I know you?

 A Drake with dusky yellow scales, rather slimmer than the [Soldiers] in their armor, was navigating through the crowdalthough no one really stood in his way. In fact, they got out of his way rather quickly.

 Because he was naked. The squad recognized him on sight of course; anyone living in Pass for any amount of time would.

 Saliss of Lights, Saliss Oliwing, Named Adventurer, famous [Alchemist] and even more infamous nudist, walked out of the crowds, holding up a w for people to high-five. No one did. He didnt look put out by this. And he strolled towards 4th Armys squad and the doors.

 Halt. No ones allowed in. General Edelleims orders.

 The [Major] called out weakly. The two elites, a Duhan and Drake, crossed the des they carriedlong ive-type weaponsin front of the doors. Saliss paused.

 What? Oh, hey. Do I know you? Dont mind me. Im just going to bothI mean, say hi. Ill just slip in and

 He tried to limbo under the spears. The Drake [Major] stared at Saliss. Like a true Passian, he almost forgot Saliss was naked, even though it wasobvious.

 Adventurer Saliss, no one is allowed in. Not even a [Senator].

 What? No one? Come on, make an exception. I know you, you know me, I know Edellein. Youre, uh, Qune, right?

 No, sir. And I cant open the doors

 Saliss was edging around the spears. The [Soldiers] were looking at the [Major] for guidance. By all rights, they should have already picked Saliss up, mmed him onto the street, and proceeded to kick him hard enough to justify his visit to another [Healer].

 For someone else they might have. But Saliss just leaned on the two spears the [Soldiers] were keeping crossed. He gave the Drake [Major] a cheerful grin.

 Itll just be a little bit. Promise! I wont get old Chaldion too riled up. Anyways, I brought lunch. Choctes. And this nice pie I got from this inn in Liscor. Have you heard?

 Adventurer Saliss, I cant

 Let me just slip under the spearshey. Nice armor. The dooroh, its locked? Well, Ill just

 The elite [Soldiers] of 4th Army stood to stiff attention as the naked Drake did something to the lock. There was a click, and he slipped inside. They did not stop him. They did shout ten kinds of obscenities at the young Garuda who tried to copy Saliss and raised their weapons.

 But not towards Saliss. They let him in, embarrassing as it was for their pride. Because it was that or Saliss would walk in, through 4th Armys best and brightest if he wanted to. And both groups knew it. And the affable, liked, tolerated, Named Adventurer, Saliss of Pass, who was always cheerful and annoyingly friendly, would walk through those doors today. And anyone who got in his way. Hed done so before.

 Word got around.

 -

 Chaldion was staring at the ceiling when he heard the familiar voice arguing with the [Healer]. The old [Strategist] sighed and glowered, but he knew even Demerra wouldnt keep Saliss out for long.

 Nor did she. Because soon, a figure poked his head through the doorway.

 Heeeey Chaldion. Youre looking terrible!

 Saliss waved cheerfully. The old Drake nced up and gestured with one w. The magical projection of Noass and Sir Relz vanished; hed been watching a scrying broadcast. At least he had entertainment. Scrying, books, correspondenceno chess, though.

 Saliss. Im not in the mood for you. Go. Away.

 The old Drake turned his head. Saliss spread his arms. He edged around the bed. Gyrated, rather.

 Aw. Come on, Chaldion. Here I am, to cheer you up! Look! I even brought you lunch. Since I bet no one thought of that! Tada! Pie! And chocte. Want some? Ill feed you. Say ah.

 I will have you thrown off the walls first before I let you feed me. Get out.

 The Drake watched Saliss busy himself around the bed. Saliss had a floating tray in front of Chaldion with the pie and a fork propped in the center.

 Demerras clinic had a lot of expensive treatment options. Like healing crystals ced around the bed which naturally boosted a bodys recovery. Floating trays, options that relieved stress on an injured patientit was a far cry from a simple cot and some poultices.

 But as she saidshe couldnt cure old age. And a [Healer] was a[Healer]. At some point, Demerra did rely on magical objects. Tinctures to aid natural healing potionswhich could do a lot.

 Saliss was an [Alchemist]. And Chaldion, eying the cake and half-melted choctes that Saliss put on the tray, glowered at Saliss. His one good eye shed.

 I. Fell. It was perfectly natural. I do not want or require your sympathy, Saliss.

 Aw, dont say that. What would the Walled Cities do without Chaldion the Great and Powerful? The Grand Strategist of Pass! Oh, heavens! I swoon just imagining it!

 The Named Adventurer pretended to do so by the bedside. Chaldion looked around for his stick. He swiped irritably at Saliss with his ws and winced.

 I. Am. Fine. I do not need a minder oror a bodyguard!

 Aw,e on, Chaldion. Its only a matter of time before someone hires a killer to off you. Or the Antinium get you. Frankly, if they asked me, and I was an [Assassin], Id do it at a discount. They dont even need a knife, just a staircase. It would be the perfect assassination.

 Saliss spread his ws past Chaldions head. The old Drake just stared at him. Then he flipped up his eye patch withmendable speed for someone his age.

 The naked Drake ducked. There was a shthe st and sh of light wasnt too strong since Chaldion didnt have his good eye in, the ones that could do nasty things, but it still sted around the enclosed room.

 Demerra came running.

 No casting spells! Saliss! If you cant avoid provoking Chaldion, youre leaving!

 I didnt do anything! Hes touchy! And old! And he smells likeew.

 Saliss protested as Chaldion swore and looked for his bag of holding, which carried more deadly weapons. It was missing, on the nightstand. Demerra pointed at Saliss.

 Stop provoking him.

 Fine, fine. Dont ruin your pie, old man. Or the choctes! Mm. These are great. Have you had any? Say ah.

 Chaldion stared at Saliss. It was the kind of stare that couldnt kill, but only forck of trying. The fact that hed actually had his missing eye reced with magical gemstones that could kill with a look proved Chaldionsmitment to the art of the death-re.

 But it didnt work on Saliss, who was giving him a smarmy smile. The Named Adventurer leaned on the gel-bed Chaldion was resting on.

 If youre good, Ill bring you entertainment. Like Erin. Or Olesm. Or we can get Grimalkin in here to teach you how to lift!Yeah! So youll have strong bones that dont break whenever you sneeze!

 Saliss posed, flexing his slim physique. And Chaldion, turning redder behind his grey, king scalespaused. And abruptly, the anger went out of him. He didnt give up per sehe just put it away.

 The old [Strategist] eyed the pie and mangled choctes. Saliss had helped himself to some of the melted choctes. And it wasnt as though Saliss had brought an oversized pie; it was actually closer to tart-size, given Chaldions stomach capacity. He looked at the pie, choctes, and then Saliss. And he spoke, in a quiet voice.

 Can I assume you put the age potion in the pie, rather than the choctes? Ive had my fill of them.

 Saliss stopped, mid-smile. The younger Drake looked at Chaldion. And his smile slipped. For a second, the two Drakes met gazes. And the anger and annoyance of Chaldion, Saliss insincere taunts. It vanished. Saliss took a breath, and heaved a sigh.

 It doesnt fit in choctes. I dont even want to think how Id manage that. At what process in making it? And if I poured it on top? Nah. Its in the pie. Eat the entire thing. I think its a mincemeat pie. Erin made it.

 He held up a w.

 And before you think its something else, its just a meat pie. She told me she was trying to figure it out. I thought it was self-exnatory, but apparently its different. Anyways, its good.

 Hmf. At least you got me something I can stomach. What kind of meat?

 Pork?

 The old [Strategist] nodded. He picked up the fork and began to eat. In silence, Saliss watched Chaldion take bite after bite. It was a decent pie. And the potion added did little to take away from it. Wellit did a bit.

 It still tastes foul. I dont suppose that youth potion is in here too?

 The [Alchemist]ughed. He produced a little vial. And Chaldion saw a vibrant, viridian glow. He put his fork down for a moment and sawmagic.

 A potion, held in Saliss w. And it shone like what it was. Pure, magic. A Potion of Youth. Something that could make even the oldest of people young. For a moment, a week.

 Hmf. So you did make one. I got the report, but I know how often you fail. The worlds already abuzz with people ready to pay far too much for it. How was making it?

 Saliss shrugged, tiredly. He spoke conversationally as he found a little stool and sat. Chaldion kept eating.

 You know how it is. Actuallyno, nah.

 He waved it away, but it was toote. Chaldions good eye snapped towards him.

 Erin Solstice. Something in her inn helped you improve the process. Her fire. Or was it the flowers mentioned? Something else?

 Salissughed innocently, waving it off.

 What? Why would you

 He fell silent. Then he looked at Chaldion.

 Go rot yourself, Chaldion. Why do you have to bother her?

 The unexpected aggression would have caught anyone off-guard. But Chaldion just grinned. Victoriously.

 For the same reason youre interested in her, you brat. So. Something helped with your process?

 Saliss swore under his breath. But eventually, he nodded.

 It helped in the refining process. No ingredients, which would be massive. But Ive gotanother 6% chance of making the potion rather than it exploding.

 Useful. Very useful. And you wont tell me what her level is? You know I will find out.

 Leave her alone. Shes not your anything.

 Shes not a bystander either. You may stay out of it. This is my decision as a [Strategist]. You are a busybody that Pass deigns to call on and suffer.

 The two Drakes glowered at each other. Saliss turned his head and saw his tail was moving snappishly over the floor. He took a few breaths.

 Well, Im going to sell my Youth Potion on the market. You can pay me for it, Chaldion. Ill give it to you for the same price thest one went for. How about it? You can dance around for a week like when you were young. The durations a week now, by the way.

 Congrattions. Im sure any number of petty idiots would like to sire a new generation of fools. I wish you the best of luck selling it.

 Oh, not me. I have an apprentice now. And I have someone to sell it for me. Sales skills, you know? You going to eat the choctes?

 After the pie. Dont touch

 Saliss swiped a chocte. Chaldion hissed at him. He settled back as Saliss smirked and moved his head back out of smacking range. ThenChaldion was quiet again. He looked at Saliss, seriously.

 Tell me. Honestly. How much does the Potion of Youth earn you?

 What? Trying to outbid thepetition already? I told you

 And how much do you spend on the Potion of Reverse Aging in this pie each time?

 Chaldion pointed at the pie on the tray. Saliss froze, mid-cavort. He looked at Chaldion. And shrugged, as innocently as could be. A perfect shrug. Like an Erin-shrug. And his voice was as good as Erins. Better.

 Eh. You know how it is. You make money, you dont make money.

 The old Drake looked at Saliss steadily. He looked at the pie, and gestured with his loaded fork.

 If I didnt eat the pie?

 Id probably feed it to you with a funnel. Anyways, I cant just spike your drink. Its best eaten with food.

 Saliss voice was perfectly serious for a second. Chaldion nodded.

 Im not turning it down. Put the funnel away or Ill shove it somewhere well both regret.

 Is that an offer or a threat?

 The [Alchemist] chuckled as he put away the metal funnel. But the two of themChaldion chewed, swallowed.

 How much?

 I dont count numbers, old man.

 Liar. Ive never met an [Alchemist] who didnt. Its that much, is it?

 Saliss turned his back abruptly. He rested his elbows on the bed as he leaned against it.

 Im getting better. Its two years now. If I get to four, or higher? Thats a real savings. Im still leveling up. And I dont depend on levels. Who knows, maybe I will find something amazing at that inn?

 The Drake regarded his grey scales on one arm. As he chewed, he thought he saw them brighten a bit, turn colorful. Some of the ces where dead scales had ked offwere they starting to regrow? Was it just his imagination?

 And until then? Noeven if you master it. How many Potions of Reverse Aging will you give me? How much of the profits of your adventuring work, your Potions of Temporary Youtheverything elsegoes into this pie?

 Eh. Id charge Pass for it, but the Walled City cant pay all my bills. Enjoy your pie, old lizard. I liked it.

 The other Drakes head never moved. Chaldion poked the back of it with his fork.

 Be serious for once in your life. When will you stop, Saliss?

 Silence. Just pure silence. And then, Saliss replied, without turning his head.

 When you dance naked with me in the middle of Pass.

 Chaldion snorted, despite himself. He looked at the pie, finished but for a quarter and put the fork down for a second. He chewed on a bit of chocte.

 Hmph. Then, I suppose Id better prepare to live forever.

 Laughter from Saliss. Chaldion enjoyed the sweetness for a moment. He felt better already.

 Two years. It hadnt always been two years. He still remembered when it was one. And the cost

 People often said it was amazing that Chaldion had lived as long as he had. A hundred and six years. But he looked like he was in his seventies, at thetest. Andin a wayhe was. How many potions was that? More than just twenty. How much gold? Even the old [Strategist] feared that numbers truth.

 Chaldion just looked at Saliss. Eventually, he went back to eating. He cleaned the pie tin, carefully, wasting not a crumb. He put down the fork, saw Saliss turn, about to make some smartment and leave. And the old Drake couldnt bear it. He spoke to Saliss naked back.

 You cant keep me in this world forever, Saliss. Im too old for it. And I am no hero. Just a [Strategist]. Someday, even your age potions will stop working, just like the healing potions.

 The [Alchemist] paused. He sat back down and kept facing the opposite wall. The two Drakes werent alone. There was a little fly, buzzing around. Saliss must have let it in when hed walked inDemerra allowed no pests in her clinic.

 Im doing pretty well, arent I, Chaldion? Youre younger than when I started.

 By three years.

 Thats three years on timeitself! What do you want? Fine, Ill brag when I get you to fifty.

 The fly buzzed as Saliss raised his voice. It was just a fly. Althoughif it ate some of Saliss healing potion in the pie, would it turn into arvae? Chaldion wondered. What would someone else, like, say, the Blighted King, or even the King of Destruction pay for a service Chaldion got for free? Even against his wishes?

 What was it you told me once, Saliss? Four [Alchemists] in the world can make Potions of Temporary Youth? How many can reverse age?

 We dont brag about it. Thats how you get captured forever. Temporary Youths one thing. Reverse Aging? That makes people go crazy. No sane [Alchemist] advertises that, and were all a bit sane if we make it this far. Hazard of the job.

 Saliss pointed that out. Chaldion nodded.

 So you might be the only one whos able to create them.

 Rediscovered. No one makes anything new in our line of work. But yes, I am better than Xif. He thinks were equals. Iugh about that, when Im in a bad mood. Praise me more.

 Saliss raised his w and made a beckoning motion. Chaldion snorted.

 You didnt bring me any wine, did you?

 What, and ruin your good mood? Ive got some shots of that filth Rufelt makes. Your Chaldions Eye, minus the sweet. Not that you mind. But I think Demerra will kill me if I give you any.

 Put it in my bag of holding and pass it to me.

 Saliss did. Chaldion sighed as he took a covert draft. [Healers]. Tyrants every one. After a moment, he spoke again.

 Its a waste on me. How much gold? What kind of [Alchemist] would you be if you werent making these potions and giving all your profits to me?

 Everyone needs a hobby, Chald. Can I call you that? Besides, its kept me busy. And youre the Grand Strategist now. Its a public service.

 Chaldion looked at Saliss. The Drake still hadnt turned to face him. It was easier for the both of them.

 Im the Grand Strategist because Im old. Im no Niers Astoragon.

 Yeah, youre taller. So what?

 Listen to me.

 The old Drake swiped at Saliss head in genuine anger. Saliss ducked without even looking and the w missed him. In a waythat reassured Chaldion most of all. He calmed down again.

 Im not the Titan of Baleros. Im only a Grand Strategist, and thats after I had twice the time most [Strategists] have. Im not a hero like Zel Shivertail.

 Yeah, youre not dead yet.

 This time Chaldion tossed the pie tin. The fly and Saliss dodged. The Grand Strategist went on.

 We need a hero. The Antinium will attack a third time. And an eighth. They wont stop. They overpowered the Blighted Kingdom and the only reason it survived was because they wanted to leave Rhir. Listen to me, Saliss. I am not that hero. Zel Shivertail was. And he was killed.

 By a Goblin Lord.

 That practiced necromancy. A single Goblin Lord spellcaster, who beat the Tidebreaker in singlebat, out of sight from everyone. Thats not strange to you?

 Saliss was silent. So was Chaldion. He paused, looking around the room. But the two Drakes spoke no further on a hunch that Chaldion might have had. The Grand Strategist took another breath. He did feel better, truly. Not only had he received another two years of lifeor rather, de-aged by two years, the effects of the potion wouldst with him for as long as a month.

 What a waste.

 Saliss. I cant rally the cities against the Antinium. Or the Humans. I couldnt even convince the Assembly to reinforce Liscor. And I pushed for that.

 Youre just not bossy enough. But yeah. You failed. Feel ashamed.

 Chaldion inhaled and exhaled.

 You think theyll listen to me more after today? All of Pass saw me carried here. I dont me them for pulling back. We need a hero. Someone younger. Someone who can inspire. Bring together our squabbling, idiotic species.

 Dont forget the Gnolls. They hate that. Also, this is sort of their continent too.

 Im not forgetting anything you insolent little lizard!

 The [Strategist] turned purple in the face. He gulped for air and tried to go on. Convince Saliss. He had to try again.

 You could be one. You are one. A hero. Pass greatest child. You could bring us together. You and your potionsyou could do it. No one else in the city has the will.

 Chaldion waited for a response. After a moment, Saliss shrugged.

 Theres Grimalkin.

 He could barely stall the Greater Wyvern. You could have beaten it.

 No answer. They both knew it was true.

 Who could rece you? One of the Gold-rank adventurers? General Edellein?

 Both of themughed at that. Edellein was no Thrissiam. And Thrissiam ckwing was dead too.

 Thrissiam might have. But hes dead. We have too many dead hopes, Saliss. But you could do it. Be Pass hero, even now.

 Chaldions voice was pleading. Buthe saw Saliss head turn. The [Alchemist] looked back at Chaldion once. Then he gestured towards the wall. Towards the fly, picking over the tin.

 Everyones a hero, Chaldion. That fly on the wall? Thats a hero if it dies in battle. Drakes, Gnollswe have too many heroes in our culture. Its not for me. I dont want to be one.

 The Grand Strategist exhaled, tiredly. Furiously, exhausted. No good. It was the same argument and both of them knew it.

 If you werent

 Like you?

 Chaldions head rose, wrathful. But he contained it. He stared at Saliss, and his eyes narrowed.

 So stubborn. Ive met Turnscales. If Shivertail was he Walled Cities abandoned him, ignored him because of his politics. That was our fault. But you? I know enough about Turnscales. Thats not a choice. You dont have tobe like what you are.

 This time it was Saliss turn for his head to snap around. He stared at Chaldion, wide-eyed. With the same fury of a thousand conversations. He opened his mouth, stopped himself, and then spoke. Slowly.

 Youre right; I could pretend. Im good at it. I could be the great hero you all want me to be. Put on pants and armor, strut around talking about how amazing Pass is and how superior Drakes are.

 I dont want that.

 A fly buzzed past Saliss face. He pped his ws together without missing a beat. Then he wiped the guts on Chaldions bed.

 Ew.

 The two Drakes didnt break eye-contact, although Chaldion resolved to get that cleaned. Saliss went on.

 I could. And maybe it would be for the good of all Drakes. I doubt it. But guess what? I want to choose, Chaldion. And I choose this.

 He jabbed a thumb-w at his chest. Chaldion stared at him. Then he put his head back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

 What did I do wrong? What made you turn out like this?

 Saliss stared at the old Drake. He spoke slowly.

 You gave me everything I needed. Look at me. Im a Named Adventurer. The best [Alchemist] in all of Izril. Isnt that enough? I found who I was. Your mistake? It wasnt turning me into a [ve] to Pass, a blind idiot like the ones youin about.

 Chaldion stared straight up.

 So you say. But all I see is a disgrace.

 You cant even look at me, old man.

 Painful words. The two of them tore chunks out of each other with words alone. Saliss turned and walked towards the door. Heboth Drakes shared a thought. They should have known it would turn out like this.

 The Antinium areing. We need a hero to lead us. Can you be that hero?

 Chaldion stopped Saliss at the door. The Named Adventurer turned, w on the doorknob.

 No. Im just me.

 Then who will lead us back?

 The quavering question struck Saliss harder than any of the old arguments. He looked at Chaldion, turned away.

 Enjoy your medicine, Chaldion. And stop falling down stairs.

 Then he walked out the door and shut it softly behind him. Not mmed; that wasnt really Saliss. The Drake teased Healer Demerra as he walked out and she gave him that look. Envy, annoyancebecause she knew what he could do. Or guessed. But she was wise enough to keep that to herself.

 Gnolls often were. Saliss left the clinic, bothering the [Soldiers] on guard duty, and gyrated up the steps. People stared. They pointed. But they didnt see through him. Chaldion, for all he had one good eye, had more vision than all of them.

 AndErin Solstice, for that matter. Saliss only dropped the mask when he was in his alchemyb on the 9th floor. He had a home. But in some ways, he was safest here. Certainly, most of his protections and such were built into this ce.

 The Drake leaned against the wall as he entered hisboratory. He covered his eyes with one arm and sagged. For a single second. And then ten. Then a minute.

 Stay alive, Chaldion. Stay alive.

 That was all he really wanted to say. A fall? Damn it. Ancestors take it. After the Wyverns? After who knew how many wars and conflicts and ancient? Saliss had the urge to explode staircases everywhere in the world.

 But he just rested there. Hurt, furious. Andunable to be with himself, alone, like this. For any number of reasons.

 Chaldion wanted a hero? Saliss fished in his belt pouch. And he pulled out two items. He stared at one of them dully. The Potion of Youth, which would earn him hundreds of thousands of gold coins? Tens of thousands at least. It depended on the market. A coveted item.

 Temporary Youth. The real thing? That was alchemy, Octavia.

 Saliss murmured to himself. But he put the Potion of Youth away for a moment. And the other potionSaliss looked at it. Then he turned. He put his wed hand back on the door, and then he uncorked a vial. He paused, for just one moment. And wished there was a potion to change Chaldions mind, rather than his body.

 But [Alchemists] werent miracle workers. So Saliss lifted the vial to his lips.

 He drank a potion and changed.

 -

 In Liscor, a Drake sat at an outdoor caf which was pioneering a new treat. Sweet cream tea. Or, as the Drake owner was advertising itCream Tea.

 The name brand could use some work. But the point was that someone had made it and in the way of fads, every tea-lover had to try it out, critique it, and tell all their friends theyd tried it.

 The idea for the tea was actually based on ice cream; people had been innovating, but theyd failed to crack Erins mysterious recipe.

 (Ice cream is now permanently on sale at The Wandering Inn! 2 silver a bowl! Ludicrously expensive, but who else is selling it? Huh? Huh? Alsofree ice cubes. And depressing fire!)

 Nevertheless, theyd made progress. And this new tea brand wasdecent. Too sweet by half, but it had something to it. The caf was close to crowded, but each table had a decent remove and most patrons were being cycled in and out. You had to wait for a table and your turn.

 Unless you were one of the two Drakes sitting there. One of them had light green scales, wearing a very stylish cut of clothing made of high-quality cotton. The other, bright yellow scales and was dressed for work.

 Selys had not waited for a table. One had been procured for her when the owner saw hering. And Drassi, as her friend, was also free to enjoy her tea as long as she wanted.

 Mm. Nice snacks. Whats this? Cream and scones?

 Too much dairy. Im gonna throw up. Hand me your hat.

 Selys recoiled as Drassi reached for her hat. The Drake swatted at her friends ws.

 Back off. I like this hat. What about the tea?

 Its good. But expensive. Do you know how much theyre charging for all of this?

 Selys paused.

 I do not.

 Nor had she asked. Shed assumedrightlythat she could cover it whatever it was. Selys Shivertail adjusted her hat and noticed the envious stares. The [Heiress] paused, and again, felt that sense of surreality at her position, the amount of gold she knew she had. But only for a moment. She was getting used to it.

 Money. It bought so many things. Andit was wrong how much it could buy. A position at the top of the line, for instance. Respect, or at least, privilege.

 We didnt wait in line to get in here. I would have been right at the back of the lineI couldnt even have gotten a tea before work started. Oh. Hey! Is that you, Fransk?

 Drassi pointed down the line of waiting guests and waved to a Gnoll. Selys winced.

 Stop waving, Drassi.

 Why? What are they gonna do, kick you out?

 The [Gossip] and one of Selys best friends looked at her nkly. It was true as well. Selys shifted ufortably. Her name was one of the up-anders around Liscor. Selys Shivertail, owner of the Heartme Breastte.

 Part of it might have been due to her Skill. [Shadow of His Name]. Or it might have been the money again. Because Selys was rich.

 Sohow much is the tea? Three silver a cup? Ew. And I thought Lyte was greedy. And the scones and creamlets see. That would be how many hours of work for both of us if I was paying?

 Drassi curiously and unashamedly began adding up numbers. Selys blushed.

 Drassi

 No, Im curious. Do the math with me. And how much money does Keldrass pay you per day to rent the armor?

 Drassi.

 What did you say? Like, three gold coins per day? And thats because youre giving him a discount in case he finds treasure. Just asking.

 The former [Receptionist] took a deep sip of the tea. It really was too sweet. A bit invigoratingthe [Teamaker] had a Skill after allbut it was just a fad. The recipe would have to be improved.

 Former [Receptionist]. It was true that Selys still had her ss. Butshe didnt really work as much in the Adventurers Guild anymore. She was there for parts of the day, and she came by to help train the newbies. But even her grandmother had let her stop working as much. It was a hobby now; Selys didnt need the coin.

 He can afford it, Drassi. Adventurers make that kind of money every single day.

 Drassi rolled her eyes. That wasnt the point and both Drakes knew it.

 I know that. I heard Keldrassining that his team only pulled in, like, five gold coins on a bad day. Five gold coins. Thats likeErin pays well, but I cant toss five gold coins out. Id sit down and cry if I lost five gold.

 You heard him wrong, Drassi. Hes mad if his team earns fifteen gold a day.

 Oh.

 Selys felt the need to rify.

 Its from the dungeon. With the monster parts bounties, he can make a lot of money. And thats an average

 Right. So he can afford to pay you a measly three gold coins each day.

 The [Gossip] and [Bartender] gave Selys a bright smile. The Drake shifted. She was still friends with Drassi, who was a childhood confidant and who hadnt been affected by Selys newfound wealth. In that she hadnt asked for favors. But this conversation wasawkward.

 Adventurers make tenshundreds of thousands of gold coins. And they spend it on potions, armor, artifacts. And because I can rent the Heartme ArmorI dont have to work. Because my unclebecause Zel died. But he wanted me to have this. Should I feelguilty?

 Absolutely. Its totally unfair.

 Selys stared at Drassi, poised to take another sip of tea.

 Really?

 Her friendughed and waved one w.

 No, Im being serious. Its disgusting. But heyat least youre benefitting, right?

 Im building houses. An entire apartment.

 Good for you. How much is rent?

 Drassi, are you in a bad mood today?

 The [Gossip] winked at Selys cheerfully.

 Im not. Im just throwing numbers around. Does it bother you?

 Selys put her cup down. She was done having tea. Her friend chewed on a scone and sighed.

 Think I can get a bag so I can share this with Mrsha? Ive got work in twenty minutes. Orcan you lend me your bag of holding?

 What? And absolutely not. Drassithats disgusting. Cant you stay? I wanted to talk more.

 Work! Hey, can I get a bag for this?

 The [Bartender] was talking with a [Waitress] as she shoved her scone and the whipped cream into one mess. The worst part was that Selys was sure Mrsha would eat it and enjoy it.

 Erin could let you off, Drassi.

 The [Gossip] paused. She looked back at Selys as the other Drake fumbled for an appropriate tip and the money for the food. She saw a gold coin sh as Selys put it down on the table.

 The two Drakes looked at each other. Drassi nced around at the caf. Tea parlor, whatever. It was for well-to-do Drakes and Gnolls, and they were waiting in line. The [Waitress] was already thanking Selys profusely for a silver tip. Drassi smiled with teeth.

 Im sure she could. But you wouldnt ask her to do that, right?

 The two Drakes looked at each other. And Selys feltshe nced at the tip. That wasnt something most Drakes did. It was more of a Human tradition, but Selys had adopted it because it made a difference. She could afford to tip.

 Silently, Selys got up, and the two walked through the streets towards The Wandering Inn. They joined a crowd around the door.

 Whew. Looks like a bigger crowd. I guess word got around about Erins new card games. Its great when shees out with something interesting.

 Drassimented as they got into line. Drakes and Gnolls looked around. Some of them seemed to take offense to thement.

 Were not here just for entertainment, Miss Drassi. The Humans not the only fun in Liscor.

 A Gnoll sniffed at Drassi, doing a pretty good Pisces impression. Selys suddenly missed him. The other people waiting for the magical door to be switched to Liscor agreed.

 Its not like shes the only entertainment in Liscor.

 Of course not. Theres dancing, card games, dice games, magic games, drinks, socialization, music, um[Bards] with jokes or news

 Sex.

 Drassi helpfully nodded as she bnced her snack-bag from the caf in one w. The guests coughed or shuffled their feet awkwardly. Someone went on.

 Training, ball throwing, sekachswimming in the spring, and visiting the [Traders], cooking

 Sekach, a Drake game of conquest and hoardingstealing the opponents treasure. yed with colorful pieces of wood. The subject of many fights between yers.

 Umys? Baseball?

 Two new crazes sweeping Liscor. But the ys were confined to The Wandering Inn mostly; there were some knockoffs, but The yers of Celum were the best without question. And baseball? Teams were ying for fun, but there was some talk about anotherpetition. People wanted Erin to organize it.

 The guests in line frowned. And who had brought that game to the city?

 No, thats her new stuff. But there are pets!

 Everyone agreed. Pets. Pets were good. See? Liscor had more entertainment than just the crazy Human with the inn! Absolutely! They could entertain themselves elsewhere.

 At that moment, the door opened. Drassi pushed past everyone.

 Excuse me! Ive gotta get to work. Mrsha! I have a treat! Let me know if youre noting through. Hi, Ishkr. Want some cream scones? Anyone whosing throughwe have card games! Poker! Thats what its called, right?

 She smiled back through the doorway. Selys and the other Liscorians looked at each other. There was tons of stuffelsewherethey could do for fun. Tons of it. However, well

 -

 Erin! Whats new?

 The young woman in the inn looked up to a small avnche of guestsing through from Liscor. She saw Selys, DrassiMrsha had already raced towards the Drake [Bartender] as she set up.

 Selys! Hi! Ive got cards!

 She waved her hand in the air. Selys, walking over, saw Erin was alone at her table. There were a number of guests and familiar faces around the inn. At other tables.

 Cards? Oh, the poker thing Drassi mentioned. How do you y? Im free for the day. Hello, Mrsha!

 The Gnoll waved at Selys absently. Drassi had scones with cream! Selys turned to Erin. The young woman was exining.

 Its this fun game. You can y with a group. Want to learn?

 Sure. Will anyone y with us?

 Selys looked around. She caught the eye of a Centaur, moodily smoking near an open window.

 Palt. Do you want to

 No.

 The Centaur nced up. Normally, Palt was affable as could be. Right now? He gave the deck of cards a dark look. Selys blinked. She looked at Erin, whom she was fairly certain Palt liked. Erin wore a guilty expression.

 Anyone else? Montressa? Beza?

 I will not y with her.

 The Minotauress folded her arms. Selys looked around.

 Bird?

 No! I am not ying! You cannot have my birds!

 The Worker shouted. He was possessively clutching his boiled eggs to him as he had lunch. Selys looked at Erin and raised one brow.

 What did you do, Erin?

 Nothing! I was just yingand I kept winning

 Miss Erin has an unusual gift for ying cards. Which in turn takes away from our enjoyment of the game.

 Palt exined as he blew a smoke ring out the window. Erin blushed as Selys looked at her.

 Well

 Apparently its known as counting outs. And Erin can do it in her head.

 Montressa was counting the coins she had left. Erin had returned some of the money, but shed swept the table too many times for anyone else to be happy. Shed even won two birds off of Bird.

 You never told me youre a [Gambler], Erin.

 Selys was surprised. Erin shook her head instantly.

 What? Psh. I dont gamble. I thought you all liked to y!

 She pointed usatorially at the Wistram [Mages]. All three looked quite put out.

 We like to y fair games, Erin.

 Montressa shot back. Erin turned red.

 What? All three of you were cheating! You used magic to see my hand!

 Thats how you y in Wistram! And it didnt help because you figured it out each time we tried! Youyoure using calctions to win! Thats not fair!

 Its just math! Odds! Probability! Its easy! And you have to not show people what youre really thinking.

 So says the board game expert.

 Selys rolled her eyes. Of course Erin was good at games like this. She could be surprisinglypetitive and when she learned a game, she learned it. Especially how to win. And her poker face? Erins poker face? It was probably unbeatable.

 So, do you want to y, Selys? OrI know! Why dont you check out my garden? I was nting stuff with the others all day.

 I

 Selys nced at the cards and table. And at the Garden of Sanctuary. And she realized she didnt really want to do either. Perhaps it was that, or Drassistlingment that made Selys look back the way shede.

 You know, Erin? I was sort of wondering. Is the door to Pass open? Imight want to visit again.

 Erin Solstice blinked. She looked at Selys. And then she smiled.

 Yeah. And the grass has it fully charged up so its easyeasier. Lyte wants to charge people. But if we go now, she doesnt have to know

 I can pay

 The [Heiress] saw Drassi roll her eyes. Erinughed as she led Selys down the passage to the door. She waited as a group of Humans came through.

 Youing for the inn?

 Uh? No, Miss. Were here to work, actually.

 A small group of women and men hurriedly bowed to Erin, some removing their caps. Erin smiled.

 Really? Where are you from? WaitEsthelm?

 Weve got day-jobs in Liscor.

 Ohthen let me put you through. One sec, Selys

 The Drake watched as the Human disappeared. Liscor was changing a lot. Selys looked at Erin, in her [Innkeeper]s work clothing, a bit dirty from gardening and newly dried from her pond bath.

 Do you want toe with me, Erin? Im actually hoping I can meet some people in Pass, and I have someacquaintances Keldrass rmended me to.

 Erin Solstice paused at the door.

 Um, I probably should stick in the inn, Selys. I could go through, but thest time I wentaaah! Wyvern attack! You know? I might hold off.

 The young woman mimed and Selys nodded. When you put it like thatshe was somewhat d as Erin adjusted the door.

 One to go through! Hey Zekia, is that you?

 Halt! You cant just openMiss Solstice!

 The voice instantly became resigned as Erin poked her head through the doorway and waved. Selys nced at Erin.

 You know the guards?

 Sure do. I sometimes leave pizzas in the door at night. They stopped shouting as much at me. And threatening to shoot me. Hey Zekia, this is Selys. Cant she go through? I told you, the doors all charged up now. See? I can jump through, jump backwaitasecond. Im gonna stop doing that now.

 Erin caught herself, turned to Selys and smiled. The Drake [Lieutenant] on the other side sounded resigned.

 Miss Solstice, we cannot just waive the list. We have a system!

 Yeah, but the door has magic now. Come on. Its Selys. Shes been here before.

 That doesnt constitute a reason to let her through. Miss Solstice, we cannot allow you to break the ruleswait.

 The pair of eyes behind the sliding panel flicked to Selys. The Drake eyed the steel doorcrions from which the guards could shoot throughand the other eyes watching her. She saw the Drake [Lieutenant]s eyes widen.

 Do you mean Selys Shivertail, as inthe niece of General Shivertail? The owner of

 Erin blinked. The Drake, Zekia, looked at Selys. And the [Heiress] saw her step back, confer with one of her squad mates. Then Zekia spoke again.

 Miss Shivertail?

 Umif this isnt legal, I can go back

 Selys pointed weakly over her shoulder. She was no Erin. ButZekia paused.

 Allow me tenfive minutes, Miss Shivertail. I willmunicate with the Watch Captain on duty. Pardon me.

 She stepped back. Erin stared at Selys. And the Drake waited nervously in the box of a room where the door was now stored. Until Zekia came back, opened the door, and motioned Selys through.

 Right this way, Miss Shivertail.

 What? Youre letting her through?

 Even Erin was taken aback. Zekia nodded to Selys and the [Heiress] realized that there was someone waiting for her.

 Miss Shivertail is on a list, Miss Solstice.

 She is?

 A Drake with a monocle was waiting for Selys. He bowed quite smartly and adjusted the monocle he was wearing. Selys recognized him of course, instantly. The world would recognize this Drake. And he was not alone. Watch Captain Venim gave Selys a smart salute and Erin a re. The [Innkeeper] waved. But it was for Selys the two Drakes were here.

 Miss Shivertail? My name is Sir Relz Hauscale of Pass. And this is Watch Captain Venim. I had the good fortune to be speaking with the Watch Captain when I heard about your desire to visit our city. May I be the first to wee you here?

 A pleasure, Miss Shivertail. I had the honor of meeting your uncle. Twice.

 Venim nodded to Selys. She blinked at him. And then at Sir Relz.

 Ive uh, been here before. I just wanted to visit becauseIm Selys. Uhpleased to meet you.

 Sir Relz didnt miss a beat. He bowed and offered his arm.

 Ah, in that case, it would be my delight to introduce you to Pass, Miss Selys. Or rather, a part of it simply begging to meet you. We were aware of our peers in Liscor, but this is a fortuitous circumstance.

 Me? Why?

 Sir Relz gave Selys a curious look as Watch Captain Venim saluted them and went to lecture Erin on bothering the [Guards] on duty. Erin blinked after Selys.

 What people? Hey, are you that monocle-jerk? Hey!

 Sir Relz ignored Erin. But he answered Selys as he gestured down the street, waving at people who turned to stare at him and thus, Selys.

 Society, Miss Selys. Proper society. And if youll allow me to be forthrightit pays to get to know an up-anding Drake. I doubt anyone has introduced you to the right circles. But for the niece of General Shivertail and the owner of a relic-ss artifact

 The [Heiress] looked at Sir Relz. And she looked down at her clothes and adjusted her hat as he led her down the street. And she realized

 She might be underdressed. Erin stared after her friends back. High society? She scratched her head.

 No ones ever invited me to high society.

 Watch Captain Venim closed the door in Erins face. The Drake sighed.

 I cant imagine why.

 -

 High Society. It needed the capital letters. Because it was high society. The kind of society you couldnt get into without something.

 Fame. Wealth. Connections. A mix of the three. It was a world hidden from the masses. And it had its own rules and system. Most people were probably aware it existed. But if you danced in the world of the elite you understood the game, even if you didnt y.

 You had to. And the young, female Drake who appeared in the ritzy room of socialites knew none of the rules. You could just see it, from the way she looked around at the dcor, the nameswide-eyed, impressed. That wasnt how you were supposed to do it. Even if you met your hero, you were supposed to be casual. Act as if you belonged and everyone might believe it.

 Then againshe belonged. Or else why would she have been invited? A name ran around the room as fast as lightning.

 Selys Shivertail. Heiress to the Heartme Breastte. Rtive of a hero of the Drakes. Richwell, moneyed. And new to all of it.

 Ancestors. Theyre going to eat her up.

 One of the watchers on the outside of the roommented as she saw Selys being swept into the room by one of High Societys darlings. Sir Relz himself, one of the two [Commentators] whose star was on the rise. And she was being introduced to the other big names in Pass.

 This is Lord Werdin ckwing, Miss Selys. One of our distinguished noblesLords and Ladies of the Wall, as Im sure youre aware.

 Simply Werdin, Miss Selys. Were not exactly as antiquated as the other Walled Cities. I have a number of business interests. The ckwing family is one of thergest in Pass. And this is my wife. Lady Melika. And my daughter, SalkisSalkis, this is the Selys Shivertail. Owner of the Heartme Breastte!

 Look. From the sides you could see the Wall Lordone of Pass few remaining familiesintroducing his daughter, whose scales shone like onyx. Lady Salkis, the demure, sheltered young Wall Lady, her father, Lord Werdin, who was more business-Drake than noble. And his wife

 A delight. Truly.

 Selys blinked at the plumed Garudas colorful feathers. Butpoints to her, the young Drake greeted Lady Melika. A Garuda.

 Unthinkable in another city. But Melika was stunning, and her marriage to Lord Werdin after his scandalous divorce was set in stone for nearly a decade. Sir Relz was adjusting his monocle, speaking quickly, still in hismentator-mode. Which really meant giving his opinion on everything and everyone.

 Were far more progressive than other cities, Miss Selys. Not a strong Human poption as Liscor has, certainly, but our Garuda and Duhan minorities are growing. Id like to introduce you to everyone here; its not a <emrge gathering. Butwell, this is the ce we tend to congregate in. The Nobles Fancy.

 An inn?

 Selys was taken aback. Sir Relz chuckled as did Lord Werdin, Lady Melikathe Garuda sheltered her beak with a wing as sheughed.

 Well, what else would you call it? But an innI suppose it fits, but this is one fit for royalty. The [Innkeeper], Adalton Serristailwonderful fellow, well introduce youdesigned this ce based on Terandrian mansions. With a ssic Izrilian take, of course. But any Human [Lord] or [Lady] would be envious of this ce.

 He gestured around. Selys looked around the room designed for socialization and privatepany. You couldnt pay to get inyou had to be invited. Rather like Tails and Scales, honestly.

 But Tails and Scales wasnt the 6th Floorsrgest building by far. The Wandering Inn, [Grand Theatre] and all, was dwarfed by The Nobles Fancy. The most expensive and eliteinn in Pass. And thenonly because the idea of a hotel hadnt been properly introduced yet.

 This is a marvelous residence. Ive bought my own room and stayed for, dead gods, it must be eight years now. Lord Werdin has his own estates, but we like to visit here. Its something of a hub. Linger here long enough and youll meet anyone from General Edellein to Grand Strategist Chaldion himself.

 Sage nods. Across the room, someones face twisted at the names. Edellein ckwing. Their family was the big name of course. And ChaldionLord Werdin was nodding sagely.

 Rarely. Although he had made an appearance now and then. Although I fear we wont see him for a while. Have you heard about the ident, Miss Selys?

 ident? No. I thoughtI saw him just the other day at The Wandering Inn.

 A pause. Sir Relz blinked behind his monocle. Some of the outsidersughed, those in the know about the other inn. It was as if these people forgot that Chaldion met ordinary plebeians as well. And that he preferred Tails and Scales, which didnt serve most of High Societys clientele.

 Ah, wellit was today. A terrible tragedy. He slipped on some stairs. Hes at the healers now. Broken leg, as I understand it. Ohand let me introduce you to Miss Duskal.

 Oh no. Um

 Selys found herself shaking a hand of a Duhan woman and staring at the head being borne by an attendant, rather than asking about Chaldion. The torso bowed slightly.

 I am in charge of Pass manufacture of mechanical devices. Its export to other cities. Control and design.

 The Duhan woman was very formal. But she offered Selys a cordial smile. The [Heiress] looked at her rather riveting armor studded with costly metal and clearly designed for ornamentation rather thanbat. Miss Duskal preened like a Garuda under the gaze.

 Are you an [Engineer], then? And you makesiege weapons?

 A titter ofughter. The Duhan woman looked offended and hurried to correct Selys.

 Oversee. I manage the [Engineers] and Pass innovations. Which are of course, the pride of Izril.

 Unmatched. And here is Dellibe, our [Merchant of Curios]. Well, not exactly of Pass, but he circtes between all the Walled Cities. Say hello, Dellibedont let him make you an offer for the armor, Selys. He couldnt afford it. And that fine Drakedy with the white and pink scales is a [Fashionista]

 It was funny. Here were sses and people you had no idea existed. Well-dressed sorts of various invisible ranks falling over themselves to be remembered by the important people. Who, of course, changed with the seasons and the whims of High Society.

 It wasnt too long ago that Relz was one of the hangers-on. And Noass would have been allowed in here only on sufferance.

 A female Drake hanging out near the back of the circle engulfing Selysmented acidly to the Duhan in fake-gold armor. Well, it looked good, but she was quite aware that it was just gold leaf painted onto ornamented, in steel.

 He was an [Auctioneer]. She waswell, her. The two traded nces. The Duhan, whose name was Calert, whispered back as he adjusted his head.

 Dont let Relz hear you say that. Do you knowher?

 The Drake snorted. She cast her eyes dismissively around the gathering. Selys hade at a good timewellsort of. Most of the movers and shakers were here, and she was getting to know them all.

 Shes a kid from Liscor, Calert. She inherited the Heartme Breastte.

 Ah. Does she have any ns on selling it?

 The Duhans eyes lit up. As stated, he was an [Auctioneer], and he was allowed in these sorts of gatherings because he often sold the very things Pass eliteand other elites across the world, even [Monarchs]fought over. The Drake flicked her tail and smacked him in the leg.

 Dont think about it. You dont have the security to protect the armor even if it went on sale, Calert. Im surprised no ones stolen it, but I hear shes renting it out to Gold-rank adventurers. Smart for her, but someones going to make a move eventually.

 Calert buffed at the spot that had been smudged on his armor, nervously checking to see if the gold paint had ked away. He gave the Drake a re. But she was immune to it.

 Nor was she entirely wee here. She was not a mover or a shaker or someone who enjoyed ying the games of High Society. But thenthat was because this Drake was aware that high society was rather like the low society. In the underworld of Pass, there were faces. Master criminals, and gangs. Like the ckwing family, except not sanctioned by thew. And anyone who was anyone had to obey the rules down there too.

 The only difference was that High Society just ostracized you if you made a mistake. In the shadows, you got stabbed and if you were lucky, people found enough of you to identify.

 At least [Thugs] are honest about when theyre about to bash you over the head and take everything you own. How much do you want to bet half of Miss Selys new friends are just begging to try on the Heartme Breastte so they can be first to show it off? Shell get a lot of favors until the novelty wears off. And then shes at the back of the line. Unless one of them get her first.

 The Duhan shushed hispanion, looking around, askance. But no one was listening.

 The Nobles Fancy really wasfancy. Refreshments were of course, freely offered and the [Innkeeper], Adalton, was keenly aware that his clientele werenting here for just the feed or rooms, but the service and the scene. So there was entertainment to be had at all hours.

 Including the work Calert was here for. The [Auctioneer] was checking a magical time-teller nervously; it reflected the sky above him.

 Ive got to begin the bidding soon. Onievado you have it?

 The Drake sighed. She plucked something from the bag of holding she wore and dangled it at the Duhan. Heads turned. Even with Selys in the middle of the gathering.

 Fresh from himself. Catch.

 She tossed it. The vial of liquid spun through the air and Calert grabbed desperately at it. One of his arms detached and caught the vial. It hovered in the air and slowly floated back to his body. He was sweating.

 Onieva! Dont do that!

 Rx. Dont get your tail in knots. Saliss wouldnt put his potions in a regr ss vial. You can get the money from him. And Im done being his Street Runner.

 The female Drake snorted. She turned. And she missed Calerts re at her back. She looked around, disinterested in the entire room. But Selysas Calert hurried away with the item of the hour, Onieva counted.

 Ladies and Gentledrakes, we are ready to begin the auction. Our top itemwhich will be bid on worldwide is a Potion of Temporary Youth, brewed by Saliss of Lights himself!

 Calerts voice echoed through the hall. And scrying mirrors began to light up as viewers from elsewhere tuned in. Like many auction houses, those from afar could bid on items in Pass.

 Well, there were private auction-houses too, with darker items on sale. Chandrar had them. And there were even more elite gatherings than these. But Pass was notable, despite being smaller for one thing.

 The Potion of Youth. Onieva saw heads turning. Everyone who was anyone here turned. Some werent even that old. But it was the name, the power and desire that made them look for the very item shed tossed at Calert. And which gave the fake Duhan his small amount of power here.

 Youth. A way to restore age, however temporarily. Lord Werdin broke off from speaking with Selys, and Onieva chuckled, seeing the naked desire in his eyes. This was why she stuck around. And also why they let her in here.

 Fat chance youll get it, Werdin. You cant outbid the really rich. And for what? One week.

 The Drake was drinking something expensive. She made a face and spat it into an ornamental vase. She caught sight of one of the few Gnolls sniffing at her in horror. Onieva stuck out her tongue. The Gnoll hurried off, shaking his head in disgust. And Onieva strolled across the room.

 You must attend one of our gatherings, Miss Selys. I am part of it, but Healer Demerra organizes the events. I believe there is one in four days. Allow me to send you an invitationit will be at my estates this time, but we do alternate locations.

 Ohuhand what do you all do?

 Duskal, the rich Duhan woman whose armor was totally authentic and totally worthless, smiled grandly.

 Speak, of course. About such matters that concern us. But we also bid on our own small collections. Demerra has a collection of very fine healing crystals which rejuvenate the body. There are tonics, other artifactsah, but speaking of which, the auction has begun. I was waiting for this. If youll excuse me?

 Her head was looking as well towards the auction, and the vial of viridian liquid. Age. Duskal had to be pushing sixty. Oh, to be a young Duhan for a moment! But shed be bidding against the worlds biggest purses. She wouldnt make it past the first round of bidding, but shed be part of it, just to proveshe could have it if she beggared herself.

 Selys saw the Duhan woman walking quickly towards the auction house. We measured tread, with the attendant Duhan holding her head on the pillow. Now that was rich. Someone just to hold your head. She tried to count how many invitations shed received.

 One from Duskal to joina circle of Pass most wealthy? Lord Werdin wanted her to visit his estatesthe shy Lady Salkis was a bit younger than Selys, but he seemed to think theyd be friends. A Gnoll had told Selys there was this delightful trend to go to Pass HuntingSelys had been under the impression that it was all fake, ording to Erin, but maybe not?and someone wanted her to go to

 A party tonight?

 Sir Relz had invited her to that. One in this veryinn. Selys nced about. She was tempted to go. And she felt distinctly poorer than she had with Drassi. Sir Relz was on the scrying orb! And Duskhal controlled all of Pass engineering?

 Psst. Idiot. A word of advice. Stop gaping and pretend youre not impressed. And dont go to that party.

 Selys jumped. Someone was standing next to her. She saw a taller Drake, slim, with rose-and-cobalt scales eying her from the side. She had a ss in one w.

 Excuse me?

 She had to have misheard the idiot. The female Drake looked at her.

 You dont want to go with them to their fancy shindigs. Youre just going to do the most expensive and overpriced drugs and have mad sexor buy a bunch of magical healing gemstones or illusions. Again, overpriced.

 Selys blinked. Here was someone who didnt fit in. The Drake eyed Selys with urbane amusement. And she had a sharp tongue. Selys frowned.

 How would you know that?

 Ive been, of course. If you want to, go ahead. But youre going to catch something. Or get hooked. Youre new to High Society, arent you? Its all a bunch of idiots in a bucket moring for attention and youre the newest bait.

 She reminded Selys a bit of Drassiwhen Drassi was in a bad mood. She was also fairly familiar for someone whom Selys had never met. Selys red.

 Im new here, yes. But I dont think weve met. Im Selys. Shivertail.

 niece of the great General Shivertail, owner of the Heartme Breastte. Yes, so Ive heard. Congrattions. You got lucky, like everyone else here. Including myself.

 The Drake transferred the drink to her other w to hold out a w to shake. Selys stared at her. The [Heiress] folded her arms.

 Charmed. And you are?

 A slight smile, like a razors edge.

 Onieva Oliwing. Yes, yes, rted to the great Saliss Oliwing. Please dontpare us. Hes part of the family, but distantly.

 Saliss? You mean

 Pass naked, dancing [Alchemist]? Or Saliss of Lights? Same one. I delivered the Potion of Youth. Thats my job. Alsobeing rich. How do you do?

 Onieva drained the ss. Then she tossed it. Selys winced, waiting for the ss to shatter, but instead of breaking on the carpet, itnded softly. Onievaughed, ignoring the looks she was getting.

 Nothing breaks in The Nobles Fancy. Fancy for tricks. And Im afraid that Shivertail is a big namein Manus, Selys. General Shivertails family moved there back when he became a big hero. But around here, if youre not ckwingor Oliwing I suppose, were rtivesyou need something else. Dont let anyone steal that Heartme Breastte or theyll never let you back in.

 She gestured around the room. Selys hesitated.

 What makes you think Im part of this ce? I just came here to visit and I was spiritedhere.

 Onieva gave Selys a sidelong nce.

 Well, you seemed so taken with thembut good for you if youre not interested. I just came here to warn you that this is an elite group. Not everyone hangs out here. Im the only Oliwing who does, and its just to deliver Saliss potions and tweak tails. You wont catch Chaldion here and they banned Saliss long ago.

 Chaldion? Hes rted to Saliss?

 The [Heiress] stared. She saw Onieva wink at her.

 Chaldion Oliwing? Yeah, theyre rted. And not happy about it. But both of them hate this ce. Dont let Relz fool you. Hes just like all the other people here. Go visit Tails and Scales if theyll let you in, or somewhere with real people.

 Onieva. Are you bothering our newest member?

 A voice floated back down the hall. Selys and Onieva saw Lady Melikaing back their way. Onieva stage-whispered to Selys.

 And herees Melika. A literal [Socialite]. Married into the ckwing family. She came from Baleros. Look at all the beautiful Skills and illusions that go into her feathers!

 Her whisper was a bit too loud. Or just loud enough. Melikas eyes narrowed like a hunting bird. Onieva backed up, smiling with all her teeth.

 And my time is up. Im leaving, Melika. Dont lose another feather. Selysyou were warned.

 She walked towards the doors as, behind her, the auctioneer shouted numbers and people bid on the Potion of Youth. Selys nced over her shoulder at Onieva. Melika adjusted her ruffled plumage as she extended a wing.

 Im sorry you had to meet that Drake, Miss Selys. Shes something of a ck sheep in her family. Even Saliss of Lights, assingr as he is, has some redeeming value. Miss Onieva leeches off both her rtives. She mainly delivers potions for her cousin. Now, you muste see the auction.

 She led Selys back towards the bidding, speaking into Selys ear. Onieva was walking towards the exit.

 I doubt you will win any of them; the bidding is fierce today, with the Potion of Youth, but it is something to see whats being offeredwhere is Salkis? I do hope youll be friends, but my stepdaughter is rather reclusive. She disappears for long periods. Studious. Well

 A strange world. Selys felt her head spinning, but the richness of this ce spoke to her, even above Onievas warnings. Something at the heart of her heritage, Drakes, Dragons, loved the feel of this ce. Power, moving unspoken.

 And yetOnieva made Selys look back onest time. That Drake had given her a warning, sharp-toothed as it might have been. She had been uncannily familiar too. Had they met?

 No. Surely not. Selys shook her head. And she was wrong, of course. But, contrary to what she might have believed, this wasnt her moment.

 -

 A Drake walked through Pass. And she attracted very little attention. Almost by design. Wellshe got looks for her unique coloration of scales, rose pink fading darker to cobalt. And she wasnt unknown. In fact, she got friendlier looks after leaving The Nobles Fancy.

 Onieva! Are you delivering another potion? Did Saliss make another Potion of Youth?

 A Garuda apprentice [Alchemist] was making a supply run from the 1st floor trading market. He was flying up, with a package in one w. Flying hard; even the extra weight was hard on him. Onieva called out as the Garuda pped past her.

 Its Temporary Youth. And yes he did! Go bother him about it if you want one.

 Hah! He never answers anyone. Even when Xif pounds on his door all day! WaitI heard he took an apprentice. Is that

 Sorry, cant hear you!

 The female Drake shouted back cheerfully. She heard an oath from above as the Garuda spiraled, straining to pull the ingredients for his master all the way to the 9th floor. He could have taken an elevator, but he probably saved a few minutes doing it like this. Onieva continued her walk, going down, not up.

 And she had no more conversations as she walked. Some of the [Alchemists] knew her, but it was actually most of Pass elites that knew Onievas name. After allshe was Onieva Oliwing. Not Saliss, or Chaldion.

 Everyone knew those two. And Saliss, on a trip to any floor, would invariably speak to most people he passed by. Even if it was them pleading with him to put on pants. But Onieva walked in silence. If she did recognizetwo faces in the crowd, she didnt call out to them. And they did not acknowledge her.

 Down. Further down. Not down the Grand Staircases, but one of the numerous smaller staircases. The 6th floor had a lot of activities for people with money. But Onieva wasnt in search of those things. She headed down. And down. And

 The 1st and 2nd Floors of Pass werent ces for the ultra-rich. In fact, they were something of the opposite. Because that was where traffic was highest; people came in and out of the city through there. There were high-capacity lodgings, plentiful shops, the trading bazaar. But the rich preferred to take that at a remove.

 Also, the 1st and 2nd Floors were by far thergest. Because Pass floors grew progressively smaller the higher they got, the bottom two floors utilized all of the Walled Citys incredible space. And in that alone the 1st floor made Liscor small byparison.

 There were ces in Pass that even regr residents didnt know. There was crime in the Walled City. Not as much as in the north, or perhaps, more urately, thew cracked down harsher on crime, which meant those that survived were up to the challenge. But if you knew where to look, you could find crime.

 And secrets. Like this. As she descended, Onieva pulled out a handy rain cloak. As if it wasnt a warm evening. Butthe sun wasnt visible as she walked under the shadow of the 3rd floor, along the second. There was artificial lighting, but it wasnt the same.

 Further inside, along the walls. No one wanted to live in the shade all the time, so there was another metric of wealth. The richer you were, the closer to the edge you lived, literally. And alsothe higher. Somewhere around the 6th floor was where the bell-curve of wealth reached its peak.

 Now her scales were concealed. And her face was hidden in the shadows of her hooded cloak. Onieva walked carefully, amid a dense intersection of buildings.

 There. Youd never know it among the other buildings. But here was a suspiciously new door. And this buildingOnieva studied it, and put her w on the door. She whispered a phrase and the door clicked. The lock opened and she pushed the door open. She stepped into

 A bar. Or perhaps pub was a better word. Yes, a pub. The difference was that a bar was where you got alcohol. A pub was for everything.

 Then again, there was alcohol here. But also food. A few tables and chairs, of varying qualitybut it wasnt exactly the cleanliest of ces.

 And the bar lookedwell, worn was a poor descriptor. There were also, coincidentally, no windows. But there were twothree exits. And a cer. Onieva counted.

 Huh.

 She threw back her hood and removed the cloak. It went into to the bag of holding. Onieva sensed eyes on herthey had been on her the moment shed entered. But only a few lingered. People recognized her here.

 Onieva. I havent seen you in a week.

 A voice came from the bar. The female Drake made a beeline for the Drake owner of this establishment.

 Mirn. This ce is awful.

 Dont say that. Youll wound my pride. Here, have a sandwich on me. And a drink?

 A te and drink were slid across the bar. They didnt exactly do a smooth, Rufelt-quality slide; they hit a bump and would have gone over the side if Onieva hadnt caught them. She grabbed the drink and te and swore. Then she took a bite of the sandwich and promptly spat it over the bar counter.

 Ancestors. What is that?

 Onieva! Its food! Cant you tell?

 That is the stalest food Ive ever had. And Ive eaten five-week old bread by ident. At least that had fresh mold. You cant cook, Mirn. Dont tell me you tried?

 The Drake looked at her old acquaintance. Another Drake leaned on the counter. Mirn, the owner ofthis ce at this moment, grinned at her. He had an infectious smile, also a scar across his bottom and upper lip.

 I didnt. I bought these from some idiot and its all weve got. They went stale, alright?

 When did you buy them?

 This morning.

 That exins it.

 Onieva pushed the te away. She sighed.

 Your bag of holding isnt good at preserving food, Mirn. Stop buying this stuff.

 Its the only one with the capacity I need. Have a drink.

 The Drake urged his friend. Onieva took a swallow. She opened her mouth.

 Spit it and Ill make you eat the entire te.

 The Drake warned Onieva. She closed her mouth.

 This is disgusting.

 But its cheap. Honestly, it is bad. But its all we could get on short notice. Take a seat. Whereve you been?

 Their greetings finished, the two Drakes leaned in. Mirn wasnt exactly circting the room, waiting on clients. And Onieva noticed most had brought their own food or drinks. Some were chatting together, or finding new people. Cautiously.

 In the background, someone had set up a music crystal. Onieva heard a thumping beat and a female voice. She smiled and began to tap her foot.

 Catchy.

 Isnt it? The Queen of Pop. Shes selling those music crystals. Thats a gift. The kids are loving it.

 Mirn tilted her head, indicating a group of Gnolls and Drakes and a single Garuda dancing wildly in a corner. They were being treated with some forbearance, despite the pubs clientele differing wildly in ages. But the pop song didnt bother anyone unduly. In factOnieva smiled.

 I should buy some. For myself, obviously.

 Obviously. Cant share it with me.

 Youll just put it in here. And then someone might ask questions. And I am done with questions. And Im in a bad mood, Mirn.

 The Drake rolled his eyes.

 No, really? And here I thought to myself Mirn, you know when I see Onieva? Its always when shes in a good mood. What crawled up your tail today?

 Ohyou know the usual suspect.

 Right. I heard.

 Mirn went sober for a second. He investigated a mug, picking at a bit of something. Onieva checked her mug; Mirn was in theory a [Pub Owner], a [Publican]. In theory, because he didnt have that ss and because his establishment was nothing like Tails and Scales, or even The Wandering Inn.

 Rufelt would have probably burned down this ce if he knew it existed. But he didnt. Not many people did. This was a word-of-mouth ce. And you had to know the password. You had to be invited. And you had to need it.

 Somehow, people found this ce, through any number of whispers, chance meetings. Even though it changed locations, even though there wastrouble. In a way, it was as magical a spot as The Wandering Inns magical door. But Onieva would have paid a lot for Erins magical door. Let alone her garden.

 Mirn. Ive got a lot to tell you. Not just my problems. But have you ever thought of being an actual [Pub Owner]? Or [Innkeeper] or something? Even a [Bartender].

 Who, me? Well, my ss is adjacent, Onieva. Adjacent. But Ive thought of it. I could clean up each ce. I used to, remember?

 Absolutely. You mind at least swabbing the floors?

 The Drakes smile slipped. He studied Onieva.

 Ill think about the next good ce we find. But we wont be here long, Onieva. Weve got tails.

 The Drake paused, halfway through the bad drink.

 What kind?

 I think its official. Im d youre here, actually. There was a bad situation with thest bar.

 I didnt hear. Im sorry. I was in theboratory all of this week. I barely made a new potion after the Youth Potion and I have an apprentice. And that was on top of the Wyverns

 Mirn nodded. He was dressed in casual clothes, not a [Bartender] or other owners distinctive clothing. He could, if needed, disappear into a crowd. Everyone could. Most hade here with some sort of disguise. And some still wore them.

 Onieva looked past tables, at the dancing youths. The two Gnolls she recognized and the Garuda. Not the Drake. The Gnolls were a couple. Both male.

 I heard about the apprentice. Its all the buzz in the alchemist circles. Do you mean Saliss has an apprentice?

 Onieva looked back at her friend. She jabbed her chest with a w.

 I have one, Mirn. Shes a good kid. And I was delivering the potion. I met this young Drake. Selys Shivertail. Niece of Zel Shivertail. She was getting tangled up in society with all the rich idiots at The Nobles Fancy.

 I hear they have good food there.

 Rich food. Dont get any ideas, Mirn. It tastes almost as bad as this stuff. Just get me something stronger, will you?

 Firebreath Whiskey,ing up.

 The Drake pulled out a bottle of the stuff and filled a ss. Not a shot ss, or a cute tumbler. A proper drinking ss. Alsonot a tiny bit. It was two thirds full and Onieva took the ss and drained half. Mirn winced.

 Do [Alchemists] have iron stomachs?

 I could take an acid bath. But you learn to drink anything and everything. Come on, fill it up. Im not in a good mood.

 Fine, fine.

 The level of strong liquor went up in the ss, and went down just as fast. Onieva exhaled slowly. Then she reached for her bag of holding.

 And your payment, good sir.

 Thank you, miss. Is this a tip?

 Mirn watched as gold spilled onto the counter. Onieva wagged one w; she was blocking the others from seeing the small fortune as Mirn made it disappear into his bag of holding just as quick.

 This isnt the tip. Just payment for my drink. This is todays tip.

 She produced several small bottles of a glowing liquid. Mirns eyes went round.

 Is that

 Straight Orgasminium, mined from the halls of Saliss of Lightsboratory. And I made it while teaching my new apprentice, so I dont have to lie if I get interrogated about it.

 Onieva tapped the glowing bottles of liquid pleasure, which shed made a few days ago while teaching Octavia. Mirn reached for one.

 I thought they were banned. Even you said you couldnt risk making ityou can do it if its your apprentice?

 Yup. Nice loophole, right? If youre found with it, I was giving them away. Which Ill doter, with a few of the bottles.

 One, twosix?

 Split them into quarter-doses if you need to. Thats all Ive got, Mirn. Xifs got two bottles, but knowing him hes already traded it for favors from his Gnoll friends and social circle.

 The Drake spat the words. Mirn nodded.

 These ones will go straight to the ones who need it most in their life.

 The glowing potions disappeared as well as the gold. Onieva sighed. Her head lolled back as the whiskey hit her all at once. Mirn looked at her.

 What would I do without my best customer?

 Keep running this ce. Only, your clientele would eventually end up sitting on the ground and eating dirt and bugs instead of using tables and awful sandwiches.

 Hm. Sounds appealing. Sotell me.

 Onieva passed a w over her eyes. She turned to face Mirn at the bar.

 Chaldions fine. I slipped him some of the you-know-what.

 Again? How much did you spend to?

 Ill make it back with the Potion of Youth. Enough. I have a new lead on some ingredients. Im not in the mood to talk shop, Mirn.

 Im just asking. In all seriousness, if you disappear, Im not going to have the money to keep renting new ces. Let alone recing the door oryou know.

 Onieva sighed.

 Dont worry, Mirn. Saliss of Lights knows how to juggle his finances. And hes not an idiot. If worsees to worst, hell sell some of his potions.

 Not hunt Wyverns in the High Passes?

 The Drake opened one eye and gave Mirn a look.

 Hes not an idiot, I said. He doesnt risk his life without a damn good reason. Those adventurers are going to get ughtered there.

 Really? Damn. Theres one of us in a team nning to head north. Should I warn her off?

 Onieva sat up slightly.

 Really? Who?

 Drake. Shes been here twice. Her teams after that gold, like anyone else. Should I?

 The [Alchemist] closed her eyes and thought.

 No. Its a fair risk for a team. That much gold for a Wyvern? I have no idea whos posting the bounty, but if its legitimateId jump at it and take the risk if I was that level. Shes high-Silver rank, right? I think I know who youre talking about.

 Yes.

 Neither Drake mentioned names. Nameswere a risky thing to mention in this ce. After all, this was a bar, a pub for a particr sort of person. They had a name in Drake society.

 Turnscale. Or at least, that was a broad term. It didnt cover Onieva quite right. Drakes didnt have a name for her. Mirn regarded his friend.

 Does Saliss have any more Polymorph Potions, Onieva? Im asking for a friend.

 The Drakes head was lolling a bit. She was tiredthe alcohol was working fast. But her body was dispersing the drink just as quickly. She sat up, shook her head.

 [Polymorph] is the spell, which applies to people turning intopletely different forms. This is different, Mirn. And I cant make itstthats not my specialty, and even if it was, this is serious magic.

 I know. But could youSaliss

 A fist smacked the bar. Mirn recoiled just in time. He saw Onievas eye ring at him. Even her eye color was different. Violet.

 Me, Mirn. Its always me. Im as authentically Saliss as I am when Im Onieva.

 So, always lying through your teeth?

 The two Drakes looked at each other. Onieva sagged back down.

 Yeah, probably. Were different, you know? Ive been noticing it more and more. Saliss likes smoking. I like drinking.

 Mirn eyed the empty ss.

 You dont say. Look, the potions arent for me. Id only be curious to try it once, and even thenIm fine in my scales. But there are some people whodneed them.

 The [Alchemist] closed her eyes.

 I cant make enough of them, Mirn. This isnt just scales-deep. Itsplete. Itd be easier to buy illusion spells. Or

 Its not the same.

 No. Damn. But I cant. Someone finds that potion, and they will trace it back to me or Xif. Or one of a few [Alchemists] in this city. Saliss cannot be linked to you. Ill give you gold, even the other potions, but not that.

 The male Drake chewed that over. He nodded atst.

 Fine. You do enough for us as it is. Sono potions.

 Want me to ram one right up your ass?

 No thanks. Not even as Saliss.

 Bothughed at each other. Onieva made a fist and Mirn chuckled. He looked at his friend. Then he decided to ask another question on his mind.

 But lets say you perfect the potion and it doesnt wear off. Would you ever consider not being Saliss? I mean, youd have to have an excuse. But if it could be permanentalso, do you ever get the urge to have sex asSaliss? Or only as you? Or does it change between?

 He saw Onieva pause. She closed her eyes. But then she shook her head.

 Im not in the mood to discuss every way Im a disappointment to my grandfather, Mirn.

 Mirn sighed.

 He hasnt changed?

 Do you think he would after all this time? No. That old bastard is the same. I could strangle him. Rgh! Hero this, future of Pass that. Havent I done enough?

 Onieva made a grasping motion with her ws. It was something Saliss would never do. But theneven if he was the famed nudist of Pass, he was also Pass hero. Or as close to it as they got.

 Saliss is pretty beloved. I didnt hear anyone even so much as calling you out for the naked dancing for a week after the Wyvern attack.

 The [Alchemist]s lips twitched and she rxed.

 That was funny. But Saliss is the closest I can get to what Chaldion wants. And even thenIm not putting on pants. Id rather tweak all of Pass tails as their famed Named Adventurer than be the respectable hero. Id be a fraud.

 Mirn was slowly trying to polish a cup and smearing it with some kind of oily residue. He eyed Onieva from the side as another Drake came in, following a group of cloaked and masked Duhans.

 And youre not a hero already?

 Dont you start, Mirn. We dont need heroes. We need to changewe needI could do it. I could. I could walk around, pretending to be as perfect as Chaldion wants. He might even be proud of me. But thats not what I want to be. I have to drink this potion. Come here or walk around Pass as me. Or I will snap. Even as Saliss, I cant pretend to be a good Drake. I have to run around naked and annoy those idiots. Or else I feel more and more like an imposter.

 Mirn nodded. He watched as the Drake neer walked over to a table. The people there greeted him warmly. They were all friends here.

 Turnscales. Orpeople that didnt fit, like Onieva. There werent many of themor at least, many who came here. But more than you thought. How many were there, really? How many had no clue? Or were afraid to know the truth?

 Whats wrong with us, Mirn?

 The [Alchemist] stared past him. At nothing. At the wall. Mirn leaned on the bar.

 Me? Nothing. You? Youre rude, violent, a nudist, you enjoy annoying people no matter who you are, you gobble food

 He dodged the swipe from the ws. Onieva stared past him. And Mirnwas concerned. This was bad, even for her. Chaldion and Saliss seldom spoke because this happened. And Chaldion and Onieva?

 Never.

 Tell me about Zel Shivertail, Onieva. He was one of us?

 Turnscale. Yeah. I met him a few times. Never in secret. I bet you he could never havee here.

 I wish I could have met him. I bet you I could tell. Youre sure?

 Onieva looked past Mirn.

 Absolutely. Youd know in a heartbeat. I think he found me out.

 General Shivertail. The Tidebreaker.

 Mirn closed his eyes. The hero of the Drakes. He was dead. But the knowledge mattered. They were not alone. If Zel Shivertail had been one of them, they were not wrong.

 He was one of us, Onieva. That means something.

 It means Drakes, the cities need heroes, Mirn. It means the old mans right. And that the world needs Saliss more than Onieva. It means I shouldnte back here. And you know what? Part of me agrees. Thats why Im Saliss. Because I know we need Saliss of Lights. The Antinium. Humans. Monsters. We need him. Not someone whos a traitor to our species.

 The Drake was resting her head on the bar. Mirn had nothing to say to that. He left her for a moment as someone came over.

 Mirn, Mirn. That Drake is asking if this is our regr gathering spot.

 A Garuda whispered urgently at him. The Drake saw the neer circting the tables. Laughing, smiling. But somethingthe Drake felt a warning bell go off in his head. He looked at the Garuda.

 Thats not bad, Quet

 But the Garuda had the same thought as Mirn.

 Its how hes asking, Mirn. You know? Likest time.

 His feathers were standing up. Mirn grabbed the Garuda and towed him back. He whispered, urgently.

 Dont get rmed. Onieva and I are both here. Ill deal with it. Tell everyone else not to run for the doors. Stay put.

 The Garuda nodded. Mirn strode over.

 Hey! You! No one asks questions here. You cane back tomorrow. No details, no names. Dont you know the rules?

 He red, and saw an unfamiliar face turning towards him. The Drake was young. Fairly handsome. Nice tail. He raised his ws, looking sheepish.

 Sorry, Im new.

 No questions.

 Mirn repeated. Nothing was certain. He saw Quet ncing at him and nodded. Keep an eye out. He got a nod and went back to Onieva. She was past depressed and spiraling. Now she was staring at the ceiling. And when one of her eyes moved towards Mirn, he got worried.

 Do you ever feel like burning it all down, Mirn? Sometimes I wonder if I could.

 Burnwhat down, Onieva?

 Pass. Sometimes I wonder if I could. Just destroy the city, maybe. I cant destroy the walls. But the rest of it? If only the people werent in the way. Then it would be easy. I could do it. They couldnt stop me. Not at first. It would be like the Greater Wyvern.

 She stared past Mirn. And he remembered. His friend was a Named-Rank Adventurer. Mirn made his voice cheerful.

 Youwouldnt do that, though. Its a shit society. But we need the cities. And were still Drakes, arent we? You cant quit being that. You cant stop being a Drake, right?

 He believed that. But the [Alchemist] just looked past him.

 In a heartbeat. But you know why Im still me? Its because I still love that old idiot. Still. And because hes right. Not aboutOnieva. But because Saliss is needed. He has to do terrible things, Mirn. Things I cant even tell you about. The Antinium dont stay in their Hives all the time.

 She whispered that and Mirns scales tingled. Onievas head rolled. She looked at him again, seriously.

 And even then. Even when hes seen me fighting for Pass. Chaldion wont look me in the eye. Not me. After all Ive done. And you know what? Im keeping him alive until hell look at me. Because someday hell die. And when he does, theylle down on us harder. Turnscales.

 She raised her voice. The pub went silent. Mirn saw the Drake neer circting near the back look up. The forbidden word made the other guests look at Onieva nervously. They knew her, but

 She was too angry to care.

 They wont ignore us after the old man. Theyll hunt. Overturn every rock and exile us. If they dont find enough rope first. But its not like that everywhere.

 You meanOteslia? I hear its easier there. Or Zeres?

 Its the same in all the Walled Cities.

 Onieva snapped. She pointed at Mirn, her finger remarkably unwavering despite how drunk she was.

 Im talking about other ces! It doesnt have to be like this, you know. Nerrhavias different. For Drakes, at any rate. They care about your fabric. Soironically, us Drakes can walk around as we please. Its the Alterkind they hate. So its the same everywhere, actually. Nevermind.

 Onieva, youre drunk.

 Mirn gently pried her ws off her empty cup. Onieva stared at him. Then she shook her head. Mirn remembered his friend. She hade back from Nerrhavia as a seasoned [Alchemist]. With a potion and her name. And a resolution not to take an apprentice and get romantically involved, ever.

 The normal atmosphere returned after a while. Onieva idled as Mirn fed her some of the terrible sandwiches.

 You should get food from The Wandering Inn. They have good food. Its a nice ce.

 Yes, yes. But its not for us. Liscors like Pass, I bet.

 It could be better. It could all be better. I could burn it down.

 If you burn this pub down, Ill hit you.

 You couldnt touch me. No one can. Im the biggest disgrace in Drake society and they cant fire me or stop me. Isnt that funny?

 Hrious, yes.

 Mirnhes asking if there are more ces like this one.

 The Drake was bothering some of the other clients. This time Mirn looked up. Onieva jerked upright and pointed a finger. She didnt bother with subtlety.

 I am so angry at that old damn Drake. Hey! You! Stop bothering them or well pull out your scales one by one!

 She shouted at the Drake. And Mirn saw the Drake look up nervously. He waved apologetically and slid towards the doors. Mirns scales chilled.

 Onieva. I think that guys

 Yeah. Clear everyone out.

 The [Alchemist] might have been beyond drunk, but she was still an adventurer. She narrowed her eyes, and sobered up almost at once. Mirns clients watched sedately as the Drake left, smiling around and apologizing. The instant the door closed they moved.

 Downstairs. No one bother with the doors!

 Mirn snapped. Everyone flooded towards the real secret exit. Mirn checked all three of the magical doors hed installed.

 Erin wasnt the only one whod learned you could install your own magical doorways. These were only reinforced and magically locked. Onieva looked around and cursed.

 Weve got four minutes, I bet. Grab the doors.

 No. Theyll slow them down

 Mirn was herding everyone out of the secret hole in the basement. It led to the 1st flooreveryone was hurrying out into the street, scattering. Theyd done this before. But Onieva was angry. Her tailshed.

 How much do they cost? Grab the damn doors.

 Onieva, forget about them ande on.

 There was a sound from outside. Mirn spun. A voice bellowed.

 This is the Watch! Open the door at once!

 The Watch. Not someone else. Ancestors. Go on. Ill buy you a minute.

 Mirn hesitated. He flicked a de out of his side pocket. Both edges were razor-sharp. You could open someones throat with it in a moment. The [Protector] looked at Onieva. She was drinking another potion.

 Get lost, Mirn. Ill find you again.

 He nodded. And vanished through the trap door. Onieva sat by the bar. Silently, as the lights flickered out.

 No crystals ying music. No drinks. Some crappy sandwiches on the floor. Even the tables and chairs were gone, in the bag of holding. Only the Drake remained as the Watch, exasperated, finally decided to st through the wall rather than the reinforced doors theyd been battering.

 They found no Turnscales. No illegal activities. Only a female Drake, sitting at the bar. And her scales were deep green. She was taller than she had been a moment ago. And when she turned, the [Infiltrator] whod discovered the ce didnt recognize her. Her mouth flickered as the Watch aimed their weapons at her.

 Put your hands up! Where are the others?

 The [Captain] barked at her. Onieva narrowed her eyes. And she opened her mouth and spat frost. They went for her. And she grabbed a club. There were a lot of them. But she was a Named Adventurer. They had no idea.

 Four minutes and a halfter, Onieva let thest ones run. She stood amid unconscious bodies. Broken bones, frostbite at the worst. No more. The Drake had a few bruises. Nothing worse. They had barely touched her.

 She could have killed them with a wood club. It would have been easy. The Drake paused. She bowed her head.

 This has been a really terrible day.

 She paused to kick a Drake in the groin on the way out. She stepped into the street and took a final potion. All the liquids were giving her a stomachachethey would have done horrible things to a regr stomach. But the [Alchemist] walked through the streets. She made only one mistake, and corrected it before she left.

 By the time the Watch flooded into the empty den of depravity, a Drake was walking through Pass. Invisible to their eyes, camouged by his very nature. Of course, everyone looked at him.

 But that was only because he was extremely naked.

 -

 It was a terrible kind of day. And it had started with a fall. Andat the heart of it all was Chaldion. Love, terrible, fraught, and twisted. Bitter. And a Drake had not had a good day.

 But he didnt end the day by burning down the city. Or even murdering anyone. Because he had lived through worse days. The Drake [Alchemist] stretched in the sun. And he felt all wrong. But that was as much a sense of himself as the world.

 Saliss of Lights walked through Pass, as invisible in his own way as Onieva. And if anyone recognized himif he saw Mirn in the crowd, he gave no sign of it. Pass needed a hero. And if anyone knew him, they kept it secret.

 Gnolls were good at keeping secrets. So were Duhans. So were the sort of folks who existed outside of what was good and pure and right. And this was the world Saliss protected. Year after year. Until, perhaps, his potions stopped working. For todaylet it be.

 Hey. Its me.

 The Drakey in the hallway in Erins inn. t on his frontthere were children about, after all. He inch-wormed his way down the hallway, ignoring the looks he got.

 Excuse me, Mister Saliss. Would you mindnot doing that? People are worried.

 Lyte, a bit flustered, tried to get Saliss to get up. He rolled over.

 Better?

 No. Erin? Erin.

 The [Innkeeper] came after a little bit. Saliss stared up at her. And he was ready to stop annoying her after a while. She didnt deserve full-Saliss. He respected her, liked her a bit. From a fellow person with a mask to another.

 But the young woman didnt chase Saliss away, or shout. She just squatted there as he stared up at her.

 Hey.

 Sup?

 Nothing much. People dont like me ying cards.

 You dont say?

 Nope. I have a great poker face, apparently.

 Whats poker?

 Cards.

 Oh. You dont say.

 Mhm. Why are you lying on the ground?

 Because it was there?

 A stupid answer. But the young woman smiled. And she saw straight through him. Wellpart of him.

 You wanna drink? Octavia says Chaldion got hurt. Is he okay?

 Saliss looked up at Erin. And he sat up abruptly.

 Chaldion? Psh. Hes fine. Ornery as always. I had a lot of drinks.

 But is he okay? And we have milk. And blue fruit juice.

 Saliss paused.

 Ill have some milk. Chaldion? Hed probably like a visit. You know him. If you go visit, can you y chess?

 Sure.

 Ill let you get by the [Healer]. And Ill pay you to slip some spicy peppers into his food.

 Ill think about that.

 The Drake found himself sitting at a table. And he felt a bit better as he found cards being exined to him. It wasnt anything in particr he enjoyed. But he beat Erin in a single hand of cards by bluffing. Because her poker face was an open book to an expert. It was obvious if you knew what to look for.

 And the Drake was alone. Alone, in an inn. Alone in a city. After allhe knew there were people like him. But there was no background, no understanding in this world for what Saliss felt like.

 In this world. But someone understood. A young woman understood a bit. Not everything. In fact, very little. But she understood his mood. And the [Alchemist] rxed. Forshe had many things. Glorious fire. Flowers.

 Keys, perhaps, to his potions. Towards immortality. He owed Erin Solstice nothing but goodwill. Saliss looked at the young woman and feltcontent.

 Until the door opened and reality stepped into the inn. The Named Adventurer turned. And he saw a sh of color.

 Shimmering eyes. Azure chitin. A staff. And a slim, feminine form. Made for her. The Drake locked eyes with someone who knew exactly what she was. And he felt fear.

 Xrn, the Small Queen stepped into The Wandering Inn. And she brought silence with her. She looked around. And she was a stranger and familiar.

 She had been here once before. But not this inn. And this timeErin Solstice paused, with a te in her hands meant for Saliss. Because perhaps she understood.

 The Small Queen.

 Someone whispered her name. Liscors residents stared in trepidation. But those of Pass paled. Not a month ago, they had seen a Worker standing on their walls.

 Look. And remember.

 First the yer. Next? Xrns eyes swirled like a neb, changing colors, vast as clouds in the sky. And she shone like glory. Forgotten, until youid eyes on her.

 Centenium. The True Antinium of Rhir. Saliss sat there, looking at her. And he saw her looking back at him. The two appraised each other.

 It would bethe Drake shuddered. Then he saw the Antiniums head turn. She walked towards Erin.

 Erin Solstice.

 Um.

 The young woman looked at the Antinium. Xrn smiled. She inclined her head.

 I would like to speak to you, Erin Solstice. Greatly so. I am Xrn of the Grand Hive. Do you remember me?

 Iyes. Youre

 Xrn, the Small Queen. Hi. They call me Saliss.

 The Drake popped out of his seat. And everyone turned to look at him. Saliss struck a pose. Xrn stared at him.

 You are naked. Fascinating. I know you.

 The [Alchemist] grinned. He felt every single potion on his person. Ready to throw, or detonate.

 It would be

 Sorry, I didnt want to slow your roll. Its justI have a question.

 Yes? Ask.

 The Drake spread his arms.

 Is it war? Im asking for a friend.

 A pause. And theughter. Everyoneughed at that, with nervousness, and thenrelief. Saliss grinned. But he never took his eyes off Xrn.

 And she? She smiled. And then sheughed. And it was a strange, fluttering, alien sound. Insectile. It made theughter stop. And the Small Queen looked at Saliss. And she replied.

 Silly little Drake. The question is not yes or no. The question is: with whom? Because we never stopped.

 Erin looked at Xrn. And Saliss nodded. He walked out of that inn. And back towards Pass. And he said only one word.

 s.

 -

 This was the end of it. It began with a fall. And ended with a conversation. A female Drake sat next to a bedside. She had pink and blue scales.

 Rose and cobalt. She looked at the old Drake. And he looked past her.

 Hey, Chaldion. Will you look at me?

 He made no answer. He didnt look at her. Or respond.

 The Drake sat there. Too afraid to try and touch him. Too proud to walk away and deny the truth for his reality.

 It felt like they had been sitting like this forever. But this was the first time. But it had always been like this. One refusing to give. And the other trapped.

 It could havested this way forever, without changing. ButOnieva spoke.

 Shes a Level 40 [Magical Innkeeper]. And she has two Skills Ive never seen before called [Immortal Moment] and [Wondrous Fare]. Lots ofbat Skills for an [Innkeeper]. Weird spread.

 Chaldion jerked. His eye moved and then found the female Drakes face. He opened his mouth. And she spoke before he could. She produced a jar of glowing green acid and stared at it. A gift from an inn.

 Sometimes I wonder if shes on our side. I like her. I think shes a good person. But I dont know. And sometimesI wonder. People say such things.

 The two looked at each other. Onieva twirled the jar of acid on one w, caught it as it wobbled. The [Strategist] just looked at her.

 When we get down to it, Chaldion, are we on the same side? Because were both Drakes of Pass. If Im not, let me know and I can be the monster I think I am.

 She showed him the glowing jar. The [Strategist] made no sound. Onieva tossed it up, caught it. And thenthe jar vanished into the bag of holding. She went on, tired. Uncertain.

 Xrn, the Small Queen is in her inn. She wants to talk to Erin.

 A sound. The two Drakes looked at each other. Chaldion opened his mouth.

 Onieva leaned forwards. She stared into Chaldions eyes. Her mouth opened, closed. She searched for words but none came around the pit in her stomach. Atst, she asked, with all the feeling in her.

 Who is she?

 Chaldion stared at her. He stared at Onieva, through her, away. His one good eye jerked backwards, dancing away. But she was there. He looked back at the two eyes, staring. Waiting.

 And he said nothing, for so long. His mouth stayed closed. But there was no immortal moment. Forever was too short. And they had so little time.

 Atst, the old Drake replied. Slowly, each wording out slowly. As he met the eyes and looked away and back.

 And away again.

 I dont know. Someday, I will find out whether shes ally or foe or something in between.

 He saw the Drake bow her head. For a long time she sat there. Then she looked up. Her eyes shone with no magical light. Just a reflection, and water.

 Make it soon? Im tired of waiting.

 She reached out. Chaldion looked at the w as it took his. He closed his eye.

 I promise.

 Authors Note: The end. Im not sure about this chapter. Mainly because I went through a terrible time writing it.

 Me-wise. The chapter was probably fine since I got it done, but the first chapter after a break has always sucked. And Im still recovering from something. I could have taken more time off, but the world sort of sucks too right now. I want to write.

 Still, Im not at what Id call 100%. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I am back from the break! But wow. This took me about10 hours? Wait, thats normal. I guess I just need to get back into the rhythm!

 Hope you enjoyed, really. And I have some art to showcase! Todays artist is Znter, who has done The King of Challenges in an amazing scene! Also cute Horns of Hammerad art! But Im showcasing the amazing picture for another one of Innworlds heroes.

 Find the rest of all the new art in Fanworks! Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading! See you next chapter. Which is likein three days. Hm. Back to work!

17kNovel

Book 7: Chapter 17: S