Book 7: Chapter 55: E_The Wandering Inn

Book 7: Chapter 55: E

 (The Wandering Inn is on break until November 3rd for the authors hands! November 7th for non-Patreon readers. See you then!) 

 Heres a fun fact for you that I learned today: people are really scared of little girls.

 Okay, I was aware of this. Theremonalities between worlds. For instance, Im aware of evil little twins being a staple in horror movies. But while I was aware that scary little kid was a horror trope, I wasnt conscious of that fact. It was like knowing a tomato is technically a fruit, or something.

 It never personally affected me. Because I, Laken Godart, am blind. And the idea of a strangely creepy girl standing in my hallway at night? Not really as scary. Id just walk into her, or more urately, bump into her with my cane if it wasnt my house.

 I dont get it. Anyone standing in a hallway at night in my home when theyre not supposed to be there is scary. I think its the entire effect.

 All this to say that the visualponent of horror is lost on me. One of the reasons why horror movies arent great is that, in a silent scene, where suspense is allegedly building? I cant see whatevers making everyone else so nervous.

 Not that I cant understand fear. Its just a difference in how you have to scare me. And theres lots of scary stuff, like dogs off their leashes, losing your way and having no idea where the hell you are

 That was me when I first met Durene. Now of course, I havendsense, or perhaps [Emperor]-sense? Durene called it that the other day and Im not a fan.

 But here I am. Sitting, listening to about, oh, two hundred individualints brought to me as a whole by Mister Prost. About creepy girls. To be more precise:

 [Witches].

 Your Majesty, itsits not just nerves. No one whos seen em at night gets a good nights sleep, and thats with your Skill sire, begging your pardon.

 Creepy little [Witch] girls, Mister Prost?

 Yes, your Majesty.

 The things that an [Emperor] has to deal withbut the [Witches] are an exception, not just me being hands-on.

 Witches and Goblins. Two uniqueallies? Groups that are part of the Unseen Empire. I believe its for the best. My people have reservations.

 And to be fair, Bvierr and the Goblin raids did happen. No one should demand that people whove lost family or friends to Goblins should wee them or be expected to forgive. Its just

 Arguments. Which Ive had with Durene, Rie, Beniar, two thirds of my advisors. And that group has expanded ofte. So when I turn my head, its expectantly.

 Witch Eloise, Witch Hedag, do you have anything to say on thecreepy little [Witches] topic?

 I hear a boomingugh. Its Hedag and Eloise who represent the [Witches] on my council. They epted when asked and obviously, they were my first choices. Mavika refused andits honestly for the best. But the [Witches] need representation, especially here. I want them to be more than bound by a pact.

 I think Im doing well. Or theyd tell me otherwise. [Witches] can be both enigmaticand refreshingly direct. And in this case

 I think your [Steward]s fears have merit, Emperor Godart. Or should I sayIm certain? But it isnt something solved in a moment. It ties to witchcraftand we are not of their covens.

 Thates from Eloise. I actually stir.

 Really?

 And here I thought people were being paranoid. But Hedags chuckling.

 Oh, your Majesty, weve no doubt of it. But its one thing to know and another to see, isnt it?

 It is indeed, Witch Hedag. Something of a problem with me, isnt it?

 [Witches] arent afraid to be honest either. I smile drily, but Hedag just chortles louder over Rie, Beycalt, and Gamel being offended. The others are used to it, like Wiskeria, whos sighing.

 I mean, go witness it, [Emperor]. You should be able to tell what your people fear even without vision alone.

 Hmm. Interesting. And since it doese from Hedag, I stand up.

 Does it happen every night, Prost?

 Around dusk orter, your Majesty. Should we?

 Of course. Do I need an escort or is it just scary?

 Im making light of it. But Gamel and Durene both agree toe with me. I sigh. Eloise just smiles. I can tell she does because shes taken to tipping her hat up to signal me. A downwards tip means its a frown or something. Shes used it more than once when giving me advice.

 Clever tricks.

 As we leave the throne room, which is both treasury and throne roomin other words, a part warehouse and a reception area with the wooden throne, now apparently painted, and a ce to put Riverfarms greatest treasures under guard, Im still making light of the issue.

 Honestly, its a relief from all this unpleasant and tedious business negotiating with other settlements. Cities and towns have be aware of the Unseen Empire and everyone wants somethingpreferably without having to pay.

 Guard your roads for free? Why certainly, let me just do that in exchange for trade concessions Id get from every [Merchant] anyways.

 How many nobles have replied for the party now, Rie?

 As my small group of about eleven walks through Riverfarm at dusk, I try to see whats changed today. Whats changed this month?

 Paved roads. To be precisetwice-paved roads. What a disaster.

 You see, when I firstid out Riverfarm in my head, I made ns for it to be farrger. I tried to think of all the basicswells at numerous points in case of fire, farnd, cing buildings such that you wouldnt have a smithy next to houses, for instance

 Riverfarm isid out very neatly; no weird roads or confusing intersections. I can visualize it all from a birds eye view. Which is very handy!

 But I make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. And one of my mistakes was that I didnt realize that after the first mad rush to put up enough houses and the essential buildingspeople would begin constructing things the way they thought was right.

 Case in point: paved roads. Sounds good, right? Onlythey used bits and pieces. Stones, parts of masonry from foundation-work, and so on to make one of those roads you get in Europe. Collectively strong, t-ishbut bumpy as hell and prone to having bits and pieces torn up and needing to be reset.

 I hate those roads. They are so difficult to walk on without tripping and they dont do people in wagons any favors as well. So, I demanded that if we were going to get roads, make them brick! Make them t and not prone to being torn up.

 Well, it took about four weeks to tear up the old roads and find the right [Bricyers] who knew exactly how to get bricks of the hardness and durability we needed. Sourcing the right y?

 Gah. But you dont see me kicking over stones, do you? Not one. Im not being petty about it either, no matter what Durene ims.

 Nice brickwork. Ill be interested to see how it takes its first winter.

 Isensethe eye rolls from Durene, even Wiskeria and Rie. I determinedly do not scowl, and keep an even pace. Im an [Emperor]. I dont have many demands, like a golden pnquin. If I want nice roads, Ill have them. And sewers! No one seems to think theyre a good idea, except for Rie. Its a Drake thing, apparently, or a big city idea which is somehow a condemnation.

 We have eleven names after Lady Imarris, your Majesty. None of the Five Families as of yetbut some of the nobility have followed suit.

 Betterte than never. It seems Ryokas n is working.

 Its amazing how audacious she is. Three of the Five Families,ing here? A party for the fae.

 I rememberst time. It wasnt a failurefar from it. But neither was it a huge sess.

 The fae are dangerous. True, they prevented Durenes cottage from being covered in the avncheand it would have certainly killed us both. But they can be cruel, capricious

 Still, its a favor to Ryoka. I owe her one, or so I feel. Andits an opportunity for Riverfarm. But the preparations are difficult, her [Messages] sporadic and she herself isnt exactly contributing hands or money to the cause.

 Ivolethes statue is finished?

 Yes, sire.

 Good.

 That was on my list of priorities. Near the top, actually. It seems to me that Id want to be known for keeping my promises, even to the fae in disgrace. As for the rest?

 Rie is helping with the party, even though she thinks its far too much work. Shes only going along because she believes its good public rtions for the Unseen Empirenot because she believes in Ryokas ritual, or even understands it. Shes reached out and got three names of nobles she knows toe along before Ieka Imarris made her pronouncement.

 Ieka. I remember her from riding with Lord Tyrion. Very polite, very knowledgeable. Part of his inner council. A [Mage]and one of the more powerful nobles outside of the Five Families. 

 Interested in mebut standoffish. Extremely so. She kept asking questions which Id deflect. How did Ryoka get her toe?

 Well just wait and see, Rie. Have we removed all the iron nails from the party grounds?

 At great effort, your Majesty, yes. Would you like us to brick the grounds as well?

 Someughter. Either theyre bing more rxed around me or thest sixteen meetings on roads really have left their mark. I smile.

 I thought you had already begun the work? See to it, Lady Rie.

 Hedag startsughing as Rie hesitates, unsure of whether Im serious or not. I have to rify that yes, it was a joke. My words have power.

 -

 The scary [Witches] apparently appear around Witching Streetfittingly. Itste evening and I feel the sun waning on my skin. Ah, the suns still taking a long time to set. Far better than winters where its gone before dinner.

 Witching Street. So-named because most of the new [Witches] who havee to Riverfarm are settled there. And yes, in the new houses, sometimes one or two per house if its Eloise or Hedagoften in small groups. Or covens?

 Certainly, multiple covens havee here seeking Riverfarms protection. It surprised me, honestly. I thought the pact I made with the coven was for [Witches] like Hedag or Mavikathose who were used of crimes and might be guilty, or might be prone to fear and prejudice.

 But Agrathas coven appeared first, and then roughly two more. The [Witches] seem to think theres an opportunity here. Especially to raise new [Witches] in peace.

 Hence, young [Witches] and the ones like Agratha, whos an actual [Teacher]the first one Ive met in this world.

 So far, the [Witches] havent given us more problems than the help theyve been[Witches] are an interestingbination of problem-solver, [Healer], [Mage], [Alchemist]but as Ie to Witching Street, very deserted except for [Witches] in their houses, the first problem manifests itself.

 Few of the Unseen Empires people are near the street. They do indeed seem to avoid it if myndsense is correct. I dont understand why. In my internal vision, the street is much like the rest. Oh, theres the smell of some [Witch]s experiment in the airI cough.

 Ah. One of the apprentices must have fouled a batch.

 Failed experiment. I cough and fan at my face. Still, youll smell worse from a tanner, right?

 Any creepy [Witches], Prost?

 Iugh as I turn my head. Prost hesitates.

 Your Majesty

 And thats when I hear it. Sense it, too. In the distance, theres chanting. I stop chuckling. Fall silent.

 Six small [Witches] are skipping down the street. Gamel makes a sound. I sensebehind mea group of men and womening back from the fields stiffen, then hurry off in the other direction. Fast.

 Theyre singing. So, six kids, ranging from as young as nine, to perhaps, a girl whos thirteen? Singing? This doesnt sound scary on paper.

 Butis the air colder? I feel a chill. And tingling on my skin. Like goose bumps. I twitchit feels as though theres a hand on my shoulder.

 What the

 My voice feels more quiet. I know there are people around mebut suddenly I feel as though Im standing alone. The street feels wider. The voices echo as the girls skip forwards. Singing andughingno.

 Chanting.

 The hats are in the well, the bodies in the dell 

 The gate is open and goes to hell

 Dead gods.

 Someone mutters behind me. I hearughter, again. The girls are skipping down the street in a line. Thenthey stop and start running in a circle around the one in the middle. Giggling.

 The ghost is in my hat, her corpse is dark and fell

 Take the bell and ring deaths knell

 And dont fall in the well!

 Ifeel someone grab my shoulders. I startDurene is trying to hide behind me. I sense their heads turning, hear more high-pitchedughter.

 Ah. Thats horrifying.

 I take it all back. I turn.

 Witch Eloise, Witch Hedag? Can you get them to stop that?

 Girls!

 Eloise raises her voice. I hear giggling. The young [Witches] stop.

 Yes, Witch Eloise?

 They chorus as one voice. I hear a murmur from the side.

 They definitely practiced that.

 Wiskeria. Durene meanwhile is giving me a massageor trying to pull the bones out of my shoulders with her fingers.

 Enough ying around.

 But were not ying, Witch Eloise! Were practicing our craft!

 Another six-in-one voice. More giggling. I hear Eloise sigh and beyond the basic, primal terror trying to pick at mymon senseit begins toe together.

 Ah. Not yours, Witch Eloise?

 Not mine, Emperor Godart. Precisely the problem.

 Well then, I think wed better reconvene. They dont stick to Witching Street, do they, Mister Prost? You were saying

 No, your Majesty. They wander down other streets. Lights go out when folkre drinking in pubs. They peek into houses through the windows so you wake up and

 He shudders. I begin to understand.

 Well, well. And Ive beenughing it off so far. Creepy little girls indeed. We cant have this. Suggestions?

 If youll give me permission, Ill stop them tonight, your Majesty.

 Wiskeria. I nod. This is why you have talented people on your side. People whore right for the moment. Wiskeria squares her shoulders, adjusts her spectacles, and begins rolling up the sleeves of her robe as she secures her hat. I wait for her to break the younger [Witches]s spell or

 Enough, girls!

 She sprints at the [Witches] and they shriek and run off. I sense them scatter as Wiskeria chases them, calling out all manner of cursesverbal onesif they dont <eme here right now.

 Erwas that a particrly witchy move, Witch Eloise?

 Ries voice sounds a bit strangled. Hedag chuckles.

 Nothing for stopping a good scare spell than smacking a head or two, Miss Rie. Wiskeria knows her craft. Lets head back now weve convinced yon [Emperor] theres something to be scared of, eh?

 -

 Witchcraft is a strange thing. Sometimes it seems so ordinary. Like Agratha sweeping up honey but leaving it pure. Other times its dark and magical. But it always makes sense.

 LikeWiskeria chasing off the girls by hitting them with a broom until they stop casting the fear spells? It makes sense because thats the least-scary thing I can think of. Also, very practical.

 The issue is that each coven, and each [Witch] is aw unto herself, Emperor Godart. Apprentices are apprentices even so, but

 but if you start telling them their craft, their mentor objects. I have it precisely, Witch Eloise. Im only curious of two things. Why are they doing it? Not just for fun, it seems. And how much trouble will there be if theyre forced to stop?

 A murmur of conversation among the other [Witches]. Ive dismissed most of the council for the night. Prost is here as always, Rie, Wiskeria, Hedag, and Eloise. Durene needed a lie down and some time at the pub after that scare.

 Joining us, though, are three more senior [Witches]. The one who replies is very technical with thatthatteacher-y voice. A tone ofmand, really. And of making you feel as though youre always in the wrong.

 To be precise, Emperor Laken, the young [Witches] are practicing their chosen specialty. It just so happens that the thing they make their spells out of in this stage of their careers is, regrettably, fear.

 Ah. I thought so.

 Scary little girls. And because theyre [Witches], they know theyre terrifying and use it to fuel their magic, like Mavika uses fear, Alevica uses resentment and loathing

 Like Witch Alevica? I havent seen her around. I trust shes doing well?

 A susurration. The other [Witches] dont like Alevica much, at least, Agratha doesnt.

 It would beregrettableif the young [Witches] try to emte Witch Alevica. They hold her in some esteem. We are trying to guide them onto the right path, your Majesty, but their teacher is Witch Oliyaya.

 Ah. Her.

 I dont think Ive ever heard her speak. Nor did she introduce herself. Shes one of the reasons why people imagine [Witches] would want to live in a camp outside of Riverfarm instead of in houses. And indeedOliyaya does. Or in a tree, or a swamp hutIm rather d of it. The only time Ive ever heard her is when she startedughing manically.

 Like Witch Mavika, it seems.

 Another delicate pause. Another witch, Rebeca, another one like Agrathaa teacher, replies quickly.

 Ah, but your Majesty, Mavika is even older magic. She has a flock. Her example isnt fair to use. Witch Agratha, Devay, and I are attempting to create a school of magic for young [Witches], but those like Oliyayaplicate matters. We would be all too willing to intercede on the Unseen Empires behalf, of course

 And heres where Eloise tugs on her hat. Downwards. Ah. I hear a grunt from Hedag, a dissatisfied one. And that tells me something else.

 Theres a split in opinions here, isnt there? Eloise and Hedag might not be fans of creepy [Witches] scaring everyone, but theyre not all on board with Agrathas teaching methods.

 Tread carefully. If I pick Agrathas side, I have no doubt she might use that to push her kind of witchcraft. Which alienates Oliyaya and

 I sigh. But Ive learned how to do this. And as an [Emperor]s tasks go, this is one of the most important. I lean on the thrones armrest, as if bored.

 So I would ask you to manage Oliyayas pupils to bring peace to the Unseen Empires people at night?

 If you deem it best, your Majesty, of course we would be happy to oblige. Witches are guaranteed protection, but yourws must be weighed against the craft of [Witches].

 Another telling answer. If I deem it best. And that wasnt exactly a promise to obey all of Riverfarmsws.

 Perhaps it would be best to tell Emperor Laken why Oliyaya and her pupils like fear first, wouldnt it, Agratha? Young man he is, and sharp as the [Reaper]s sickle, but he might not see the issue.

 Thates from Hedag with a bark of augh. I smile as Agratha makes a noise of discontent rather like Rie. She was clearly hoping Hedag wouldnt say that.

 Whats this, Witch Agratha?

 Ermonly that there areplications in some of Witch Oliyayas pupils, your Majesty. All girls may be a [Witch]! It doesnt change

 You cant see it, Laken Godart. But young Witch Cirsa is the survivor of a fire. Her family perished in the mes and she was orphaned. Oliyaya adopted her as a pupil.

 Eloise spells it out atst. I exhale.

 Ah.

 I wouldnt have sensed that. I can tell with myndsense where people are precisely, how theyre standing, everything about their posturesnot facial features. Not yet, if its even possible.

 Its just features. The child

 Agratha trails off. I turn my head.

 I take it she hasscars, Witch Eloise?

 Yes, your Majesty. Which I realize may not be as troubling to you. But they trouble Witch Cirsa. Especially other peoples reactions to them. Hence her decision to y upon them. Most of Oliyayas pupils are like that. And she herself.

 I see.

 It all bes clear. Small wonder. I feel sympathy now, despite having been scared myself. Agratha and her trio are silent as they wait for me to reply. Its Rie who helps set me up.

 A tricky situation, wouldnt you agree, your Majesty? On one hand, we have [Witches] practicing their natural craft. On the otheryour subjects are disturbed. Is there nomon ground to be found?

 Thank you, Rie. She spells out that Im aware this will inconvenience me either way. One of the other [Witches] makes a sound as she shifts. I nod.

 It is troublesome, Lady Rie. But as I have agreedI will make every courtesy and afford [Witches] every due possible. Far be it from me to decide what [Witches] are.

 A tip of the hat upwards from Eloise and an exasperated sigh from Agratha. I suppress a smile. Youre wee. I wonder how much I just gave Eloises camp, if she has one?

 Even so, Witch Oliyaya and her pupils cannot terrorize Riverfarm. Witch Hedag, will you speak to Oliyaya and ask that the scary little [Witches] confine themselves to the only asional haunting?

 Your Majesty, all parts of Riverfarm?

 Mm. No, good point, Mister Prost. Certain streets of Riverfarm may be scare zones at night. Some residents do seem to enjoy being terrorized. It adds spice to life.

 Like people who insist on watching horror movies. Its a happypromise and sending Hedag seems like the safest bet. I hear more sighing from Agrathas lot. And once again, Emperor Laken has steered the rocky course of negotiations!

 Huzzah. I stretch. I want to eat something.

 Anyways. Creepy little girls, even if they are horrifying, arent the biggest thing Riverfarm has to deal with. If you want to deal with real problemswellthe next day was even more of a headache.

 Goblins are good at giving me headaches. I think they enjoy making trouble for me.

 -

 Where do I even begin? Theres too much to saywhere are you, I guess? Can I ask that? Or is itdangerous?

 It might be. But this is the only way we can talk. The safest waywell, how confident are you?

 Um. S-six?

 Six?

 That wasnt Elenas voice. Ryoka stared at Palt usingly. He shrugged.

 The Elusive Lot.

 He whispered back. Elena was arguing with someone on the other side.

 You are all listening in!

 Were keeping the spell active! You want to chat on an unsecured spell? We could get you a decent artifact, I guess.

 Well? Will you?

 But we want to listen in!

 The argument between Elena and an unknown speakerPalt was writing Galei as Galina frantically transcribedended in the background. Galina had experience in transcribing, apparently. Erin was resting her hands on her chin, just staring.

 Thats one of the Elusive Lot. Do you know about?

 Yes. Im umallied with Ullsinoi. We are.

 We? There are more of you?

 Yes.

 Ryoka Griffin, aka batman, was sweating. Elena made a sound.

 Imaybe dont tell me?

 The Elusive Lot knows. Id rate this as a six out of ten myself. But we have to try. Lets keep anything extremely important secret. But I can tell you we have a safe ce. In Izril. In

 Ryoka looked at Erin. The [Innkeeper] shrugged. Ryoka still hesitated.

 In Izril. If we could get you out, wed bring you here.

 How safe is safe? Weve heard how bad it isI saw some terrible stuff myself. Not all of its bad, but I sawmonstersand Carathe [Popstar]she showed me a text chat that apparently happened before I arrived. Thats how we know you. Some people

 Yeah. I know. You knowasdf? The

 Imani flinched. Ryoka chose her words carefully. Elena made a sound.

 I think so.

 It was Crelers. Thesurvivors with us.

 Oh. Oh my godweve found more people who survived monster attacks, but you found? Some people have horrible stories

 We have to stay on topic. Sorry, but I know were on a time limit.

 Palt nodded. Elena took a breath.

 Okay. Youre in Izril. Got it. Umthere are things we should tell you. I dont know what you know. But first? Listendo you have a scrying orb?

 Yes. Weve seen all the broadcasts, including the SingerCaras?video.

 Ah, right. Well, shes telling you important things. You caught that, right?

 Ailendamus, Wistram, er[Necromancers]? Seek safety with Noelictus, Cnfer, half-Elves, Dwarves? Just in general?

 Theres only one major Dwarf settlement in the world. And the half-Elveswell, Cara knows some. Yeah. Good. I knew youd get it. I got it at once, and Cara and I cant talk. Its too dangerous.

 So Wistram is keeping you all hostage? You cantmunicate?

 Someones always listening if we talk. They want Cara toe to Wistramand no, we cant leave. Were told well be able to once Wistram has control of the situation. Butshe asked for volunteers and I came here.

 Who?

 Oh, Cara, sorry. She has more Earthers and she was suspicious of Wistram. I volunteered

 Write this down! Ryoka was waving at the others as they poked and nudged each other. This was huge! And more was yet toe.

 Elena caught herself once more.

 Never mind that. Listen. Dont ever, and I mean, ever say anything about Earth in front of a scrying orb. Or give away who you are! Its usually safeWistram cant see everything. Butand we cant confirm this, the others with mesomethings up with Wistrams scrying television thing. I thinkthey might be able to see through some of them.

 Ryoka nearly dropped the stone Palt was focusing through. He caught the stone before the artifact could break. Erin threw up her hands.

 Illuminati! Aaaa

 Who was that?

 Someone else, sorry.

 Ryoka had pped a hand over Erins mouth. The [Innkeeper] was pointing at Kevin and gesticting for him to get a hammer. Ryoka quickly spoke.

 Are you sure?

 Nearly. I heard them talking about obscure artifactsones they cant hack into. Theyremonitoring all kinds of people. The King of Destruction, other nationseven the Antinium.

 Oh no. Ryoka felt her stomach twist. Thatthat wasnt good. Erin was sitting bolt-upright, focused on the conversation. For the Wind Runner herself? The cost of telling Elena had already paid off.

 Well make a note, thank you, Elena. Well remove all the scrying devices or be careful to

 Actually, I dont think you need to do this, Miss.

 A startled sound from Elena. Ryoka stopped.

 Hello? Who is this?

 Master Galei!

 Hello, Palt! I just had to break in here.

 A friendly male voicePalts master?spoke up. He addressed the Centaur directly.

 Psst, Palt. How friendly are we getting? We could consult herebut Id like to hear it from you first.

 The Centaur hesitated and looked at Erin and Ryoka.

 Master Galei? Id call these significant allies.

 Other voices in the background. Ryoka frowned. How many [Mages] were in the Elusive Lot? And listening in? Even Palt didnt know. Galei murmured.

 heard him. I say we take itno votes! Well leave you two to talk, Miss batman. But I just wanted to tell you that if youre just enchanting a mirror with [Scrying], youre not in danger of Wistram reversing the spell to watch you. Not if Palts doing it.

 Oh.

 Ryoka looked at Palt for confirmation. Then she snapped back towards the stone she was using to speak through.

 Wait. Wistram is watching us through scrying orbs?

 Oho! She got it! I knew she was smart! Thats five secrets you owe me!

 Someone chortled in the background. Palt sighed and reached for a cigar. Ryoka felt like she never wanted to meet the Elusive Lot in person. It was like listening to faeries, a bit. At least in their chaotic insanity.

 Thank you.

 Heres Elena again. Alsoyou have about six minutes left. We cant keep this up forever. Is this chat going to take long?

 Elena sounded rushed.

 Six minutes? But we have too much to say! Okaylistengive that back!

 Galeis voice again.

 Ah, I thought so. In that casewell do itter tonight. Mm. One of our warded rooms.

 Wait, again? You just said

 Ryoka and Elena were both confused. Galei made a sound.

 I meant, we grabbed Miss Elena not knowing how shed react or how long this was. Were casting a linked spell in a damned hallway! Its not perfect! Well resume thister. Miss Elena, youll just have to show up in one of our secure areas where we can let you talk far longer without the same risk.

 Oh. Willwill it be safe? Archmage Feors in my faction, Mage Galei. If he finds out

 The Elusive Lotughed in the background. Ryoka saw Palt give her a nod as Kevin made a motion. With a resigned look, Palt handed out a spliff to beckoning hands. Erin scowled. Ryoka reached out and Erin smacked her hand down. Like hell Ryoka was going to turn down Palt, though.

 Galei turned to Elena on their side of the call. He was a Centaur and he looked offended Elena even had to ask.

 What,municate without anyone in Wistram knowing? My dear, half of the [Mages] in Wistram could do that. Were the Elusive Lot. We could dance naked in the hallways while screaming secrets from Earth if we wanted!

 Do you?

 -

 Who ising to the Summer Solstice party? I have no idea if Ryoka will seed with her n to get three of the Five FamiliesI dont even know why shes so convinced itll seed.

 But Im still excited because I know someone ising. Someone Ryoka told me about a long time ago, when we first met.

 Her other friend from Earth. And for that alone, Id roll out a red carpet. If we had one. We have carpets. They may be red?

 All the way from Liscor. But if theyre not on the way already, how can they get here? Ryoka seems convinced she can just run over and maybe she can, but her friends? Unless they have a magical carriage

 Thats been bugging me all week. It took me ages to get backtrue, we were escorting the Goblins in wagons, and that was the slowest trip you could organizebut its still a huge problem.

 As it happens, today my answerse from the same source as my headaches.

 Goblins.

 

 -

 Laken Godarts musings on guests for the mid-summer party, musings on his growing empire, and everything else, were idle thoughts.

 But unlike everyone else in the world, at any given time he had at least a dozen people willing to listen, hear him out, and devote every waking minute they had to an idle question.

 Such was the power of an [Emperor]. Instantly, Lady Rie signaled covertly to one of her attendants that they should get a [Message] spell to Miss Ryoka Griffin about that matter. Someone else produced a map and began calcting the average speed of people on horseback from Liscor to Riverfarm.

 Laken Godart could, if he really wanted, know the airspeed velocity of the Izrilian swallow,den, uden, and even if it was a migratory bird. Terandrian swallows were harder of course, but he could probably find that out too.

 Your Majesty, we could send Beniar and the Darksky Riders to escort whomever it is, but only if we have ample time. These visitorstheyre important?

 Lady Rie was not privy to the Unseen Emperors every thought and confidence and she resented it. The [Lady] was an aplished personage in her own right. Not extremely high-level in the [Lady] ss, but still more than her level indicated.

 She didnt miss the fact that Durene gave Laken an excited look, or that he himself sometimes slipped up and referred to Ryokas guests as friends from home. She didnt have all the pieces, but she knew there was a puzzle and that was an important first step.

 The [Emperor] took his time in replying. And his morning walkabout of Riverfarm meant all his advisors not currently at-work waited with him.

 Prost wasnt here. Nor was Beycalt, Master Ramthose were representatives of significant branches of Riverfarms talents. Master Ram for the [Farmers], [Herders], and so on. Beycalt responsible for construction

 Master Helm, the [cksmith] of Windrest, was here. When he probably should have been at work. But the man was newly-promoted to his position and seemed to feel that he should be here. Hed either calm down or Prost would take him aside to tell him that Laken preferred he do what needed doing; hed be summoned at need be.

 Gamel shifted, keeping a lookout for migrating swallows, monsters, or anything else that might trouble Laken. Durene was walking along, snackingRie eyed her as she crunched noisily on some popcorn.

 Want some, Laken?

 No thank you, Durene. Ryokas friends are greatly interesting to me, Lady Rie. I dont know them myself. But I consider their visit to be as important as any nobles. Lets ask about Liscorif they leave now, they might still be toote. They certainly will be if they moved as slowly as we did. Can we arrange for one of the coaches that go across Izril?

 Rie had to think.

 They stop at Liscor, certainly, unless its flooded, your Majesty. Perhaps thats what Miss Griffin is counting on.

 Flooded? Wait, Lord Veltras mentioned that and it was damned muddy when we were thereoh, the rains. But I didnt think that meant it flooded.

 The [Emperor] had to be told about Liscors odd weather patterns. He was interested in Liscorbut better atpartmentalizing than he had been.

 Lady Rie, please prepare any notes on Liscor. I know enough about the city from the siegebut not enough, it seems. Well discuss it tonight.

 Of course, your Majesty.

 Rie smiled. Another opportunity to talk privately with Laken Godart and learn moreas well as ingratiate herself. She saw Durene grunt and eye her, but all the [Pdin] did was cram more popcorn into her mouth.

 It was Master Helm who volunteered, with voice-cracking nervousness, an important factoid.

 Youryour Majesty! I think theres a faster way from Liscor to Riverfarmat least itd make it a sight shorter, if youll forgive me speaking up!

 Master Helm? Go on.

 Laken turned and the [Smith] found himself at the center of attention. Master Helm, who could cheerfully handle hot steel and shout orders to apprentices in the center of his vige, turned beet red with stage fright.

 Ersireits ersomething Ive heard second-hand, mind. But I umites from Liscor. That is to say, I heard from Halrac theres a door there. Magic. Connects to Invrisilnever seen it myself, but

 Laken, who had politely been listening to the confused reply, nced up instantly. Or his head rose while his eyes stayed shut.

 A magic door?

 Lady Rie had heard the same rumor. It had been one of those things shed dismissed as not being able to seperate truth from rumorbut Helms retort made her check through her notes.

 I heard the same thing, your Majesty. It seems hardly possiblebut I did hear Lady Magnolia used a door to get from Invrisil to Liscor in a day. I thought it was a limited artifact but apparentlytheres a door of teleportation that can take you across the continent in a moment.

 Remarkable. Is it a relic? Could we get one?

 The [Emperor] was fascinated, as well he should be. Rie pursed her lips.

 Magnolia. The name had been sour on her tongue, especially in light of recent events. The woman had more lives than a cat. She had been seconds away from being ended and Lord Tyrion Veltras had let her escape.

 Now this business with poisoning his children. Rie felt like the Circle was overreaching. She knew how much power they had and she knew how much danger one of the Five Families could bring. If they took Tyrion Veltras and his House, it would make the Circle incredibly powerfnd their reach was already long. But if not?

 Ill see, your Majesty. But it would cut any travel down to a scant day or two at most with an overnight carriage.

 That was what she said to Laken about the door. The [Emperor] nodded.

 Well then. A magic door. And it connects to multiple cities, Master Helm? I wondercould it reach Riverfarm?

 Rie bit the inside of her lip hard. And connect toDrake cities? She didnt like it. Not one bit. It was dangerous if everything was true; shed heard the door in Liscoralready a Drake cityreached Pass. One of the Walled Cities and principle enemies of the north. Theyd been responsible for sending the Drake [Infiltrators] to ruin the northsnds.

 But it was a worthwhile question to ask. Master Helm hesitated.

 I wouldnt know, your Majesty. I only heard tell of it. Butyoung Halracthat is, Adventurer Halrac would know all about it!

 The [Emperor] smiled. And that smileLady Rie scowled behind a handkerchief as she pretended to dap at her cheek, even though she was almost certain he couldnt tell what her facial expressions were.

 Ah. Captain Halrac and Griffon Hunt. Well, I owe them a visit about a problem already. Lets finish our walk and meet them, then.

 He walked on. Rie fell back.

 Beatica, find me everything regarding the magic door and notes on Liscor for his Majesty. Have them to me before dinner.

 Of course, Lady Rie.

 The former [Councilwoman] of Lancrel didnt meet Ries eyes. She bowed low, and scurried off. And here she had once been a self-proimed rival for Riverfarm. Well, shed assumed she had been, but she was smart enough to throw herself on Ries mercy when Laken had returned.

 Now she was a useful subordinate. Of course, once a traitor, always a traitor, as the saying went. ButRie Valerund wondered if Beatica wouldnt be a good low-level operative of the Circle of Thorns. She might be a first good recruit. The Circle had ways to ensure that old truism about traitors only applied to people not in their organization.

 The Circle had yet to spread its roots in Riverfarm. To her knowledge, Rie was only one of three operatives in the area, and thergest at that. The other two hade simply to monitor her work with the [Emperor]. Until now, no one had given Riverfarm a passing thought.

 Rie had gotten lucky. Lucky indeed; the Goblin raid had not been nned. But here she was, advising an [Emperor]. It was rising her star as both [Lady]and member of the Circle of Thorns.

 She only wishedwell, that Laken were easier to persuade. He couldnt see, and a melodious voice wasnt half as effective. She needed him to embrace the Circle of Thorns. Or else, if he became an enemytheyd cut him. And they could work well together.

 -

 Rie caught up with Laken Godart as he finished his walk and headed into Riverfarm proper. It was now arge town and still growing. Rie had never seen expansion this fastor sessful. But the rumors were already spreading.

 The [Emperor] of the Unseen Empire had traded his physical eyes for the ability to see all things. He could speak the tongue of beasts, and could tell if you were lying. He even allowed untrustworthy [Witches], evil Goblins, and more onto hisnds because he didnt fear them

 True and false. True and false. But it was certainly true that being able to monitor all hisnds meant that there was little fear of [Bandits]. They keptingand [Thieves] too. Laken would find Beniar in the middle of the night and tell him, oh, two hundred [Bandits] wereing here, or a [Thief] had just broken into a housewould you mind dealing with them?

 A Skill worthy of an [Emperor]. Rie was jealous. It also made working in secret very hard. Shed been trying to figure out how to induct members of the Circle of Thorns and eventually concluded it had to be done outside of Riverfarm entirely; she had nearly, nearly tried to use a secret basement, right up until shed learned Laken Godart could see under the ground as well.

 That kind of thing gave her ulcers. What else was he hiding? Who was he? And why, oh, why was he so willing to allow Goblins a second chance?

 It was an enduring mystery about him. Rie had thought Laken was mad. But apparently, madness was spreading.

 -

 The Goblinds of Riverfarm had been contentious the moment the first Goblins prisoner wagon had rolled into the vige. There had been threats. Arguments. People had left over their presence.

 They were Goblins. But the [Emperor] had insisted. The Goblins had made a wall. Riverfarm had made a wall.

 They had nearly been killed in a standoff that had ended with an angry [Cook] and adle. People had first been outragedthen paranoidthen suspicious

 After months, they werenot okay with it. Not at all! If you struck up the right person with conversation, theyd rant about how [Emperor] Godarts one w aside from maybe the [Witches] and his thing about brick streets was Goblins.

 But the fire of hatred had been reced by, well, experience. Not eptance. You stared at Goblins for long enough as they built their walls, you stayed awake all night holding the sword and watching for them to slip over and slit all your throats to no avand slowly the [Emperor] got his way. Hatred became sullen eptance, which was still aplete willingness to kick all the Goblins out if Laken changed his mind.

 And then hade Griffon Hunt. And everything changed again.

 The little, grey-skinned Goblin had a poofy hat. This was a fact. You could take the hat off the Goblin if you were fast enough, but shed probably bite you and hit you with herdle.

 The [Cook] had to have a hat. And Pebblesnatch, the Goblin [Cook], was cooking.

 It was a variant of something shed once heard Erin talking about. Nothing fancy. Pebblesnatch was not a fancy [Cook]. She was young, even as Goblins measured their craft and still learning.

 Here was how it went if she could remember it right: you had chicken stock. Which was not, in fact, chicken in your soup like Pebblesnatchs first three experiments had yielded.

 You soaked chicken in liquid and let it releasechicken essence. Pebblesnatch had worked with the fermenting expert, Holdnose, and the chicken stock tasted good. Just in casePebblesnatch had added tiny bits of cut up chicken to the broth. Because why not? It was her recipe.

 Nexta bit of flour. Erin said corn starch, but Pebblesnatch had stared at corn for a long time and not found any white stuff. Soflour. You could put flour in soups.

 The other bits were easier. Some wild garlic from the Goblinds. And ginger! The two roots came from Ulvamas stocks, actually. Pebblesnatch had seized them while Ulvama wasnt looking. Two bumps on her head attested to the sacrifice paid for good ingredients.

 Pebblesnatch had actually figured out how to make garlic powder. It was super dry and shed removed the edible-but-tasteless shell as a snack. Now she added ginger and the powdered garlic to the stock and mixed it all up.

 Her guests kept watching Pebblesnatch to make sure she didnt wipe her nose with her ws or do something weird. Which shed never do! Pebblesnatch had learned from the best. You scratched your butt after cooking properly.

 She brought the stock up to a simmer after a taste. Yum. Any Goblin would eat this as it was, but Pebblesnatch had learned the joys of cooking. Well, a snobby Mountain City Goblin might not

 The Goblin took this time to admire the stone stove. And the kitchen! What a lovely kitchen! The Human [Cook] was staring at her nervously, but the Goblin had been able to use the kitchen.

 What next? Eggses. Lots of eggs. Pebblesnatch whisked them up in a huge bowl. Fat big eggs, small eggs

 Um. Halrac. Those are wild birds eggs.

 Its probably edible.

 Pebblesnatch ignored her audience. She whisked up her broth vigorously as it simmered. Thenin went the eggs! Not all at once! She poured the blended mixture in and it became little fragments. Mm.

 Now shes licking the bowl, Halrac.

 Shes done with the bowl. I think.

 You had to lick things clean. The Goblin red at her guests. Yum, raw egg. She smacked her lips.

 Revi neednt have feared. Pebblesnatch was amazing. Shed gotten a new Skill as a [Forager Cook]. And that was: [Remove Food Poisoning]. No more throwing up or having mad poos after the wrong thing!

 Anyways, she was doing this right. The soup was all hot and Pebblesnatch took it off the burner and added some magic.

 Hot spices! Green onions! A bit of butter! And done! Pebblesnatchs Dropped Eggs Soup was done! It had bits of chicken, a nice spice, eggsand it was a soup!

 You couldnt ask for more than that, could you? The Goblin heaved it over to the table in a big pot and begandling it into bowls. She stared at her guests for breakfast this morning.

 Griffon Hunt examined the meal as they sat in one of the mess halls of Riverfarm. In the Humannds. Not the Goblinds. And here was Pebblesnatch.

 Ive never seen a soup like that.

 The Human [Cook] edged around Pebblesnatch and into his kitchen, as if to make sure she hadnt stolen everything or poisoned it while he was blinking. The other Humans, whod been surreptitiously watching the Cave Goblin, eyed the glistening soup with the same dubious expressions.

 But Halrac? Hed been in an inn and served this exact soup. It wasnt the same, but the adventurer took the bowl Pebblesnatch offered him. He dipped a spoon into the broth, blew on it, and put it into his mouth.

 The [Cook] waited. Halracs face didnt change as he chewed the egg bits, then swallowed. The rest of his team, especially Revi, waited. Briganda pulled Cades hand away from his bowl.

 Its good. And it tastes like the other soup. Just more chicken. Im almost certain its safe, Briganda.

 Its almost certainly safe. Pebblesnatch exhaled slowly. That was the kind of praise you worked these long hours for. Especially from Halrac. She beamed as the [Scout], of his own volition, took another spoonful.

 The things I do. Are you sure, Halrac? That was a lot of eggs.

 Doesnt Ceria eat them raw, Revi? It looks a sight better than most of the cuisine I had as a boy, I must say.

 Typhenous took a bowl and ate with good humor. It was actually a pretty good soup and Pebblesnatch seized a loaf of white bread which would go well with it. Briganda tried some before giving it to Cade.

 Hey, it is good! Nice inn-food. We could have actually made that on the road. Here, Cade. Its a bit spicy.

 Spicy?

 The boy was still staring at Pebblesnatch. It was butt-scratching time since she was done cooking. She stared at him.

 Thanks, uh, Pebblesnatch. It looks good. And it tasteshuh. Hey, this is really good!

 Revis eyes widened as she took a bite. She rxed and Pebblesnatch beamed. The Stitchgirl [Summoner] looked around at her team.

 Whew, and here I thought itd be horrible!

 Pebblesnatch glowered and Typhenous nudged Revi. But the Stitchgirl had never been known for her ability to keep her opinions to herself. Revi sighed.

 And then she looked around and saw Riverfarms people watching the Gold-rank team eating a Goblin dish with mingled horror and shock. They looked away as Revi red.

 Halrac, are you sure this was a good idea?

 Nope. But she kept insisting and it was this or the Goblins camp. Which would you have picked?

 Ahgood idea to have it here.

 The [Cook], oblivious, helped herself to her own dish. She stared around therge mess hall. The Goblins needed to build something this nice! They were working on it with all the wood and such, but everything was so polished. More Skills and time, she decided. Shed tell Leafarmor and Raidpear and Ulvama about it when she got back.

 She was in the Unseen Empiresnds. The Human-part, not the Goblinds. Pebblesnatch had thought this day would nevereunless she was running for her life. But she had never expected old friends to show up.

 Griffon Hunt. Halrac hade home, as well as seeking a mysterious employment offer. He had met Laken Godart and then, when hearing of the Goblinds, gone to investigate.

 And hed found Pebblesnatch. Or rather, shed found him. The Goblins smile was big on her face.

 never seen a Goblin smile.

 Someone muttered. Briganda looked about.

 And you never will if you keep your distance. Hey, you want a bite? Its good soup! What is it, eggs and chicken?

 She waved at the Humans. And most didnte overbut one or two did.

 Mostly former Windrest vigers. They looked at Halrac as he shrugged and ate. And a Halrac-shrug was good enough for them.

 Is this the Goblin?

 Thats Pebblesnatch. A Goblin.

 And you know her?

 Revi rolled her eyes, already out of patience with the same conversation they had gone through countless times over thest week. Typhenous exined.

 Shes an acquaintance, Miss. A [Cook]. She used to work at an inn we stayed at. Her name is Pebblesnatch

 The Cave Goblin stared nkly at the Human woman and waved. It shocked them, somehow, to know she could hear them. As if they knew Goblins could listen, but not that they really understood.

 Halrac was wearing his permanent scowl. Pebblesnatch kept waiting for him to burst into a huge smile or to say this soup had changed him for the better. Maybe not this time?

 It was a funny thing. She didnt know Halrac super well. He was just one of Erins guests. Buthe had been there. He was from the inn. And when she had been alone in Riverfarm, a face from there was all she wanted to see.

 Thanks for the meal, Pebblesnatch.

 Revi ended up eating two whole bowls. She leaned back with arge sigh.

 Erin is going to flip when she learns Pebblesnatch actually learned how to cook.

 Shes going to flip in more ways than one when she hears about this.

 Halrac pushed back his empty bowl and sat back. The rest of his team nodded. Revi alternatively winced and smiled.

 What do you think shell do? Burn down half of Riverfarm?

 Some of the other breakfasters looked up sharply and Revi earned a smack on the back of her head from Briganda.

 Dont joke about that.

 Sorry, sorry! Ah, my eye!

 One popped out of its sockets andnded as a bit of cloth in Revis bowl. Cade began choking on his spoonful of soup as Revi reached for her eye. Briganda immediately helped him spit up into his bowl.

 Sorry. Anyways, what do we think? We have to tell her, right?

 Revi looked around as she washed her eye in her water cup and put it back in its socket. Pebblesnatch listened with half an ear; she was three-bowls down and currentlya-ing.

 The problem, Revi, is that you were indelicate, butpletely correct.

 Typhenous sat back with a sigh. He looked around Riverfarm.

 And I cannot imagine her attitude will earn her much sympathy around here. Even if were doing our best.

 He gestured to Pebblesnatch. Revi grinned.

 Erin wont care.

 Thats the problem.

 Halrac growled. After a second, Griffon Hunt all nodded. That was right.

 Pebblesnatch was here. So were other Goblins from the Siege of Liscor. Laken Godart had been responsible for the trebuchets that had assailed Liscor. It made sense from the Human perspective. The Great Chieftain Tremborag, Goblin Lords, history with the Drakes, and all that.

 Butwould Erin Solstice see it that way? They had met Pebblesnatch a while back. And still, they hadnt [Messaged] Erin to say, hey, we found your Cave Goblin friend, want to pick her up?

 Revi had wanted to on the first day, in the first hour. It had been Halrac and Typhenous who predicted that it might lead toissues.

 Such as Erin Solstice punching an [Emperor]. Such as Erin Solstice leading a Goblin rebellion to mutual bloodshed. Such as Erin Solstice doing anything that she had in the past. Including marshaling Numbtongue to lead a one-Goblin, one-[Innkeeper] raid on Riverfarm that might pull in monsters like Saliss of Lights orany of her friends.

 You could see Erin getting away in Liscor with thatif only because of her history. But Laken Godart? No one wanted to risk it.

 So here they sat. Griffon Hunt watched as the Cave Goblin, groaning,y on the floor on her back. Cade dangled his legs at the table, staring at the Goblin. She wasnt the monster his Box of Wonders had produced. His mother had tried to exinsome Goblins were evil, but not this one.

 That was how the [Emperor] found them. Laken Godart paused in the doorway as everyone sprang to their feet.

 Isthat Goblin well? Im sensing shes lying on her back.

 Bloated, your Majesty. Not dead.

 Rie murmured in his ear. Laken rxed.

 Ah, good.

 Your Majesty. Is something amiss?

 Halrac rose to his feet. He was more ustomed to Laken after a week or two of living in Riverfarm. CertainlyGriffon Hunt was willing to call Laken your Majesty and stick around for the dirty work.

 It had paid off. Briganda adjusted her new beltwhich was actually an extremely old Belt of Strength. It made Brigandas already threatening grip and swing far more intimidating.

 And fun fact about good artifacts; it didnt just enhance her arm muscles, but her back, her legs, everything. Briganda could do a backflip with it on. Or do most of one with armor on; and face nt much to her sons amusement.

 Boots and a belt. Griffon Hunt had taken their cut of the secret escape room theyd found on the first day and the boots were on Halracs feet. Typhenous and Revi had both wanted themand Briganda, againbut they turned out to be non-resizable so theyd only fit Halrac. And even then, they were a bit too big even for his feet.

 Boots of Stability. High-grade. If Brigandas belt was, say, a five out of ten, Halracs were a seven on the adventurers loot scale. At first, everyone had assumed they were just Boots of Water Walking. Since you could walk on water with them.

 As it turned out, you could walk on quicksand or mud with them and not sink too. Also, if someone rammed Halrac, like, say, Revi with a run-up, shed just bounce off. Only Briganda could even budge Halrac with them on, and even then, not knock him down.

 It wasnt earthshattering equipment, but it was nice. Whomever the luckless person whod died in there had been, it was pretty clear theyd been a [Rogue] or [Thief] of some sort. The kind of person who could steal something, backflip or climb over a wall, and run across a river to escape their opponents before hiding in their getaway secretir and then run out of oxygen and die because the teleport spell broke.

 And that was the first thing Griffon Hunt had investigated. The rest hadnt been as wonderfully rich, but theyd discovered a small gold vein, uncovered two old nests of kleptomaniac animals and monstersone with a little magic ring that Griffon Hunt had forfeited since Typhenous had a better Ring of Manaall of which had earned them some share for investigating.

 So when they considered telling Erin Solstice, it was carefully because this was a good thing and Griffon Hunt didnt want to jeopardize it. And as it happened

 The door in Invrisil?

 Halrac didnt blink, but Revi traded a nce with the others that everyone, including Laken, noticed. The [Emperor] nodded.

 I have an interest in receiving some visitors through the magic door for a party during the summer solstice. Do you know about the door?

 Weused it, yes, your Majesty. I dont know if it could reach Riverfarm, but it can move withinfour hundred miles of Liscor? We asked about it.

 Halrac nced at Typhenous, too-casually. The [gue Mage] schooled his features and neglected to mention who had helped figure that out. Or that they were on a first-name basis with the owner.

 I believe so, your Majesty.

 Really? Well thendo you happen to know who owns the door?

 A[Innkeeper] in Liscor.

 Griffon Hunt saw the [Emperor] raise his brows.

 Really.

 Yes, your Majesty. Apparently she got it after an adventuring team indebted to her cleared a dungeon.

 I see. Some relic, then? Rie

 Ill see about the door, your Majesty.

 Good! And I see you havePebblesnatch here?

 Griffon Hunt as a team were dying to put their heads together and figure out how Erins name had even managed toe to Riverfarm. And what this might mean. Halrac nodded slowly.

 I was told it would not be a problem, your Majesty?

 Of course not. I approved it myself. Im grateful for yourstanceon Goblins, Captain Halrac.

 The mans eyes flickered. And this was the same [Emperor] whod assailed Liscor? Well, Erin Solstice might be gratified to hear that. But she still might punch him.

 I see. Thank you, your Majesty. We are making sure Pebblesnatch doesnt get into trouble. As we said, we know her.

 From Liscor. It seems a lot happened around that city.

 Yes, it does seem that way.

 By now, Pebblesnatch had recognized the [Emperor] and his entourage. She sat up, warily, eying him. Was he here for her famous Dropped Eggs Soup?

 As it turned out, she was partially right. When he heard about the soup, Laken wanted to try it and half of his entourage insisted on poison and taste-testing it first.

 Ah, egg-drop soup. With chicken?

 Pebblesnatchs jaw dropped.

 You know this dish, your Majesty?

 I think I do. Amazing. Goblin cooking isno, that cant be right. I havent heard of riceLady Rie, do you know what rice is?

 Itsa Balerosian nt, your Majesty. Ive had it in some dishes

 Aha! We should grow some if possible. Its quite good. Well, I pronounce a Goblins cooking as excellent! Even nostalgic!

 The [Emperor] actually had the audacity to open his eyes just so he could wink. And didnt that drive Lady Rie insane? He was from Baleros? Or was it a trick? But how had he known what

 Is there anything you would like us to do, your Majesty? Or should we continue investigating the dig site to the northwest?

 Laken was investigating every underground spot or strange location in a radius around Riverfarm and they were sixteen miles out so far. It wasnt like every mile had something unique in it. The [Emperor] held up a hand as Gamel proffered a handkerchief.

 Perhaps if time allows, Captain Halrac. But Id be most grateful if your teamand Pebblesnatch herecan apany me to resolve a pressing matter in the Goblinds. I hope with negotiationand a friendly Goblinwe can find answers.

 The adventurers and Riverfarms people stirred. Laken Godart sensed Halracs head lift and the Gold-ranked [Captain] eyed him. Laken could not sense what was all in the Goblinds of course, but he had some knowledge.

 For instance, that the Goblins actually possessed the iron-ore deposit there which Riverfarm had begun trading for. Laken had a view of both walls, which now encircled all of the Goblinds with no gapsand he had people who told him of the growing Goblin settlement.

 Yet trouble continued. And Laken felt this one could beconcerning.

 What is the matter, your Majesty? And how may Griffon Hunt assist?

 Laken turned towards Pebblesnatch. The Cave Goblin slowly covered her face with her poofy hat.

 Nothing the Goblins have done, Captain Halrac. Its justI do believe there are more of them. A lot more. Id rather like to know how they got there.

 The Gold-rank team stirred. So did Lady Rie, the entourage, the people of Riverfarmthey all stared at the Cave Goblin pretending to take a nap. Halrac closed his eyes.

 Ah. A good question, your Majesty.

 -

 A second Goblin tribe had arrived in the night. They had gone into the Goblindsover the Humans walls and been admitted by the Goblins walls.

 Afundamental w of Riverfarms hard work of months was that they had never considered that Goblins might want into the verynds they had worked so hard to safeguard.

 This tribe was a medium-sized tribe for the area. In other words, around three times asrge as the original Flooded Waters tribe had been; roughly the same size as they had been after Rags took over and before assimting other tribes.

 However, to the more senior Goblins, this tribe represented more than justother Goblins. Raidpear and Leafarmor of the Redfangs, Ulvama of the Mountain City tribe, and a Flooded Waters tribe [Mining Leader] by the name of Sparkstones were the four Goblins who gathered to meet the Chieftain.

 Sparkstones was female, incidentally, and had been part of the Goldstone tribe, whose members even now held positions of respect for their technical knowledge, if notbat or strategic or magical prowess. Pyrite had taught his tribe well.

 And she knew this tribe.

 Greystone Tribe.

 She looked at the Chieftain, a surly Hob who smelled of soot and iron to Ulvama. And indeedhis was another mining tribe. The first thing hed asked was about Pyrite.

 Goldstone Chieftain dead.

 Dead?

 The Greystones Chieftain was astonished. And upset. He was a self-proimed rival to Pyrite; his tribe had known the Goldstones Tribe as the two wandered mining ranges. Unlike Pyritehis Goblins were specialists in using mineable ore to make weapons of iron, even armor. They were sought-after by other Goblin tribes who paid them to arm their warriors.

 Goldstone Chieftain too hard to kill. Mistake.

 Dead. Impaled-dead.Sacrifice death. But death.

 Sparkstones bleak tones convinced the other Chieftain. He had to walk off and kick the nearest Goblin he found. After a brief fight; it had been a Mountain City Goblin, he came back.

 Good miner, Goldstone Chieftain. Good miner.Many pretty, worthless stones.

 And that was all he said. If he sounded callous; he had seen it before. Even good tribes died.

 What interested Ulvama was the state of the tribe, not why the Greystone Chieftain hade. She knew why he hade.

 She had summoned his tribe.

 The Greystone Tribe was a proper one. It had a [Shaman], it did not have an odd tribalposition, or something unique about it likeevery other tribe in the Goblinds. It was not freakishly strong like the Redfangs with an imbnce of Hobs; the Greystones had seven total and they looked askance at the Redfang Hobs, probably hoping their Chieftain wouldnt make them challenge the famous tribe to see who was best.

 They also had a [Shaman]. She was a [Stoneshaper Shaman], low-level but with the kind of spells that really helped a tribe like the Greystones. Ore detection, melding stone to move the right way, sensing or preventing passage copses

 She bowed repeatedly to Ulvama, who condescended to let her join the Greystone Chieftain for this meeting. The Hob rumbled.

 Good walls. Lots of Humans. Shaman saye. Soe. Hunted-death otherwise.

 Raidpear and Leafarmor nodded knowingly. So did Sparkstones. Ulvama made an irritable noise.

 What hunters? Where was Greystone Tribe before this? Exin.

 She spoke in themon tongue. Reluctantly, the Greystone Chieftain rumbled more exnations.

 To the two Redfang Hobs, Leafarmor and Raidpear, the Greystones plight was one that many tribes that werent the Redfangs had suffered. His tribe was average-sized. Which meant they sometimes would raid very weak [Trader] caravans, steal, attack viges if desperatebut they never really fought Humans. Indeed, the Greystones lived off of trading with other tribes rather than conflict.

 And if a rising tide raised all ships or whatever the saying was, a strong Goblin brought wrath down upon every tribe. The Goblin Lord was dead at the Siege of Liscor, but the Humans had kept eliminating Goblin tribes for months thereafter.

 Too many Humans. Too many hunters. Tribe hide. Tribe run. Much running-death.Too-strong Humanse. Gold-ranks. And then

 The Greystone Chieftain shuddered.

 Arcsinger.

 The other Goblins went quiet. Even Ulvama bit her lip in silence.

 Elia Arcsinger, the famous Named Adventurer was operating out of Invrisil. And wherever her famous name travelledGoblins died. The Greystones had been trading with three other Goblin tribes in the eastern hills around the same time as the Ogre raids. Retaliation from adventuring teams had wiped out the other tribes to his knowledge and sent the Ogres fleeing higher. The Greystone Chieftain had been prepared to do the samewhen Ulvama had found his [Shaman].

 Ulvama?

 Raidpear looked at Ulvama. Leafarmor frowned darkly and Sparkstones struck a shower of sparks into the fire she was building, muttering. Ulvama smiled sweetly at Raidpear.

 This ce is safe. So more Goblins make it more safe.

 She fooled only the Greystone Chieftains[Shaman]. The other Hobs and Sparkstones exchanged looks. Ulvamas ambitions had not died with Tremborag. And she seemed keen on building the Goblins base of power, here.

 The problem was thatLeafarmor dragged Raidpear away to have a quiet argument. Ulvama would have listened in, but she didnt really need to.

 The two Hobs argued. Leafarmor made several gestures spelling out Raidpears entanglement with Ulvama in a rtionship was affecting his bias when it came to taking her to task for disciplinary issuesespecially without consulting the leadership.

 Raidpear, less eloquently, tried to defend himself that while he was perhaps affected, his overallmitment to the safety of Goblins was not mitigated by his sentiments for Ulvama. If anything, they offered a valuable insight into her tribe and a parallel bias as it pertained to

 At this point Leafarmor hit him. Ulvama rolled her eyes as the two Goblins got into a short fistfight, egged on by the other Redfangs. She knew this would be trouble. But it was one she was willing to dare.

 She did not like Gold-rank adventurers, no matter what Pebblesnatch said. She did not trust the [Emperor]s words. She wanted Pebblesnatch toe back now. Besidesthe Greystones could help mine.

 -

 The Goblins had begun mining the ore deposits they had coincidentally been ced near. That was the basis for the interchange between Humans and Goblins.

 Few of the Unseen Empire were good [Miners] to begin with, and while Laken Godart had lucked out that some were of the Goldstone tribe. Now, the Goblins had iron in abundance.

 But they craved steel. Nails, hammers, and so on. Cut wood, like the Humans could manufacture and Pebblesnatch so loved. Spices, cooking materials.

 So they traded. It had really begun to pick up as Griffon Hunt arrived. Pebblesnatch being willing to gesticte and point at things the Goblins wantedalong with a few other Goblinsmeant the Humans would bring things the Goblins wanted, the Goblins would put bags of ore on the ground, and theyd point and go nuh until both sides were reasonably happy.

 It also helped with matters like crimesuch as there were between Goblins and Humans. Goblins stealing from farms and warehouses had precipitated a lot of bad will and since Laken Godart wasnt able to imprison or punish Goblins as easily as Humans, hed instituted an easy system.

 Any Goblin who was caught stealing was ransomed at their body weight in ore. Until then, the Goblins received no supplies from the Unseen Empire. The Goblins considered it a good alternative to being shotand it stymied the thefts.

 After the second portly Hob was caught sneaking out of a henhouse at night with a bunch of eggs and five hens, an enraged Sparkstones hade down on the thefts. No more! Unless it was a really small Goblin who could get some produce, that was. But no more!

 All this to say that when Pebblesnatch raced back into the Goblinds to tell Ulvama that the Humans wanted to know why there were more Goblins, there wasnt an immediate rush to battle stations. The Goblins, like Griffon Hunt, had realized there was a potential here for a good thing. Not a perfect thing. A thing born out of blood and death. But theyd be silly to turn it down because of that.

 Pebblesnatch, tell Humans other Goblinse because they hear it is safe.

 Safe? How Goblins hear?

 Leafarmor folded her arms. Ulvama rolled her eyes.

 Goblins hear.

 Emperor is not stink-mind. Emperor knows no Goblins escape.

 Goblins listen to the wind. Tell [Emperor] that.

 Pebblesnatch opened and closed her mouth. And how was she supposed to say all that? She did her best; Ulvama had been teaching her.

 Emperor stink-brain.

 Ulvama raised her smacking-hand and Pebblesnatch leapt behind Raidpear. The Hobgoblin smacked his lips.

 Pebblesnatch make good foods in Humannd?

 Dropped Eggs in Soup! Pebblesnatch nodded eagerly. Ulvamas ears perked up. But hold on! They werent done with this Goblin issue!

 Unfortunately, everyone else seemed to be. The Greystone Chieftain was consulting with Sparkstonesmostly about what they could expect to mine and how the food situation was looking. He brightened up as Sparkstones pointed at Pebblesnatch.

 Dropped Eggs? Mm. Make, make.

 Leafarmor ushered the little Cave Goblin over to her cooking areaconsiderably less fancy and hygienic than the Human onesbut Pebblesnatch had Skills now. The [Forager Cook] happily grabbed the biggest pot. She was so d shed tested out her recipe on Griffon Hunt first!

 Raidpear. The Humans. Pebblesnatch tells them first.

 Ulvama plucked at Raidpears shoulder. They had to be assuaged! The Redfang looked at her nkly.

 Mountain City thinking. Humans get angry anyways. Not Pebblesnatch fault.

 She blew out her cheeks. Mountain City thinking? It was so much harder for Ulvama to find supportand Raidpear was no Tremborag, undisputed ruler of the tribe who thought along the same lines. Leafarmor had as much authority as he did.

 Frustrating! She had been able tomand thousands of Goblins at her whim, and the entire tribe through Tremborag! The [Shaman]s magical body paints began to glow as she got annoyed.

 Pebblesnatch tells Humans

 Ulvama tells Humans herself. Ulvama has best words.

 Leafarmor twisted as Pebblesnatch adjusted her hat and prepared to work the wonders of culinary magic. Ulvama hesitated. But Sparkstones looked up with the Greystone Chieftain, Raidpears ears twitched as he kept his silence

 Shed gone too far this time. The [Shaman] bared her teeth as the other Goblins regarded her expectantly, and then turned away. After a minute, she turned and stomped off towards the Humansnds.

 It wasnt just that it was a mix of tribes and not the Mountain City tribe alone. It was thatRaidpear, Leafarmor, even the Greystone Chieftain, were not the kind of Goblins to inspire the others to action. They had not the ambition, not the drive. Ulvama neededa [Chieftain]. Or for that damn door to start working.

 -

 Anything?

 It looks like shes gone back to making that soup.

 What? I thought she was going to ask about the new Goblins! What do we do?

 Revi lost her temper as Griffon Hunt waited on the Human walls. Halrac said nothing. He was watching from a vantage pointwhich was Brigandas shoulders.

 The Unseen Empire had yet to put up towers, which would have given their [Archers] an unparalleled shooting position. And that was because Laken had let civilians make the damn wall. The Goblins had sniper towers, but Halrac didnt want to stand on the ones Riverfarm had in progress.

 Halrac, youre a lot heavier than Cade. You going to take much longer?

 Briganda glowered up at Halrac. He didnt look down at her.

 Stop moving. I think one of themsing this way.

 Pebblesnatch? One of the Redfangs?

 No. The [Shaman].

 Ah!

 Typhenous smiled and stroked his beard. Revi looked at him in disgust.

 You old lecher. Thats a Goblin.

 Is it my fault if I admire body art, Revi? Incidentally, have you ever met some of the [Sailors] in ports with those amazing tattoos all over?

 Not impressive, Typhenous. Im a Stitchgirl. String Folk can put all kinds of tattoos on their body.

 Yes, but thats just thread and ink, isnt it?

 Sos an actual tattoo. Ours are just easier to put on and remove.

 Thats my point.

 Silence. Lets hear what the [Shaman] has to say. Typhenous, youre on defensive spell duty. Mind she doesnt hex us or cast a charm spell.

 Halrac hopped down. He stared at the [Shaman] making her way warily over with a dozen smaller Goblins as backup.

 Shes pointing at you. You want to go alone or do you want us?

 Briganda observed. Ulvama pointed at Halrac, and then pointed to the neutral zone, and beckoned as she walked forwards with her staff. Halrac grunted.

 Ill hear her out. Revi, Typhenous

 Yeah, yeah. Weve got your back.

 The [Scout] descended from the wall and walked forwards as Ulvama waited, staff in hand. Halracs face did not change. He knew she was watching himand his empty hands, probably to make sure he wasnt holding the invisible bow. Halrac did not arm himself.

 But neither did he smile as he stopped across from Ulvama.

 He did not like the female [Shaman]. She did not like him. Halrachad some feelings for Pebblesnatch, who had practically clung to him. But Ulvama? He and she were the kind whod killed each other over the years.

 As if sensing his thoughts, Ulvama bared her teeth.

 Human. Afraid of more Goblins?

 His Majesty, Emperor Godart, wants to know where they came from and why theyre here.

 Laken had asked Griffon Hunt to intercede since they knew Pebblesnatch. Alsothe Redfangs tended to respect the Gold-rank adventurers, albeit grudgingly. Ulvama bared her teeth.

 Far away. Goblins hear of safe ce for Goblins. Goblinse. Smart-[Emperor] surely thought of this?

 She spoke with that halting awkwardness of Goblins. Or at least, pretended to. Halracs eyes narrowed.

 How did they hear about the Goblins encampment here? His Majesty was sure no Goblins had left or entered the area until now.

 Ulvama scratched at the ground with the butt of her staff, drawing something. Halrac was unmoved; Typhenous or Revi would call out if she was casting something. The [Shaman] peeked up, then scowled as she saw Halrac was unmoved.

 Goblins hear things. [Emperor][Emperor] sees everything around Goblinds? And in Goblinds?

 Who knows?

 She scowled at him. Halrac saw her flick a w dismissively

 [Hex Eater]! Halrac!

 Typhenous pointed his staff. Halrac dove to the side as Revi pointed her wand and shouted.

 [Wind Orb]!

 Ulvamas eyes widened. She raised her staff and the orb of wind burst in midair. The Goblins behind her shouted and raised their weapons. One reached for a horn as Halrac lifted his bow,ing out of his roll.

 Stop! Do not blow a horn, idiots!

 The [Shaman] shrieked at the Goblins. One choked, lips pursed as he tried to suck the breath back in. At the same time, Typhenous was shouting Halrac down.

 It wasnt a mind-hex, Halrac! Hold! Hold!

 The [Scout] lowered his bow slightly so he was aiming at Ulvamas leg. The [Shaman] was tensedher eyes flicked upwards at the old [Mage].

 What was it, Typhenous?

 Briganda was tensed, ready to leap down there. The Goblins were muttering too. The [gue Mage] chuckled, and in a carrying voice, informed Halrac and the Goblins what the spell had been.

 It wasa flea hex. A minor spell as they go. The [Shaman]Ulvama?was trying to attract some onto Halrac.

 Oh, dead gods.

 Revi sighed. Halrac stared at Ulvama. The Goblin pursed her lips, looking peeved.

 Wasnt there a flea outbreak thest time a Goblin thief was caught and the Goblins had to pay a fine?

 I think there was indeed. Well, it was slickly-done. And it would have worn off after twenty minutes. Hard to pin on Miss Goblin.

 She bared her teeth at Typhenous, then Halrac.

 Little prank.

 The [Scout]s eyes narrowed. He put down his bow and the Goblins rxed, including Ulvama. But Halracs scowl was warningly dour.

 Ive had enough games. Youre quite well-spoken for a Goblin. Why are the Goblins here? Give me a straight answer.

 Ulvama chewed this over. Atst, she spat.

 Fine. Goblins came because they heard about Goblinds. Too many Humans hunt them to the east. These Goblins are [Miners]. [Smiths]. They will make more ore and iron for your Humans. Happy?

 No. But Ill carry your words to Emperor Godart. How many Goblins are there? How many Hobs? And how armed are they?

 The [Shaman] spat answers and then stomped away. Revi was impressed as Halrac walked away.

 Wow, you actually got her to speak. Apparently thats Ulvama. She hates Humans more than most.

 Im aware.

 Pebblesnatch had pointed her out on Griffon Hunts one tour of the Goblinds. Not far in; just around the outside so she could show them some things from afar. Halrac climbed up the walls and for a moment, stood with his team.

 So? I guess its up for the [Emperor] to decide if he wants more Goblins. Lets tell him. And about the fleas?

 Tactfully, Revi. No doubt the [Shaman] will stop now her bluff has been called. Well bring it up in the throne room.

 Hah. Nice throne.

 Dontugh. Hes an important client, Revi.

 She ducked her head silently. Halrac looked back at the distant Pebblesnatch which he had seen while on Brigandas shoulders.

 She looks happy.

 Briganda offered cautiously. Halrac nodded after a moment.

 Happier than I thought a Goblin would be. Theyre fed, no ones actually attacking them

 He trailed off. And then there was Ulvama. Typhenous stroked at his beard and Revi bit her tongue.

 So, do you think its okay? To leave them like this? Justfor a while?

 The Gold-rank Captain folded his arms. Revi went on.

 Well just monitor them until we can get a break. In a month, or if another team shows up. And thenwe ask to take Pebblesnatch back to Invrisil. Go through the door, Erins happy, and we can let her know there are more Goblins here that dont need rescuing.

 Typhenous nodded. So did Brigandathe issue was Halrac. He stared ahead.

 Its lying by omission. She would want to know.

 Halrac! Shelle here, punch everyone, and cause a riot! You know Erin! Shell find the Goblins, hear [Emperor] Godart out, and then go, Im the Face-Punching Consequences girl and hit him!

 The face-punching

 Typhenous chuckled at the look on Halracs face. Revi blushed.

 You know what I mean! She says stuff like that! Lookwere here. Lets just watch the Goblins. Its not like theres more space back at Liscor, is there? Or that Watch Captain Zevara is keen on having more?

 All valid points. Halrac rubbed at his hair. Was it really okay? He saw Typhenous nodding, and Brigandas shrug of amiable indifference. Revi looked at the guarded Goblinds and her face went sober.

 Anyways. Its not just Erin wed have to watch for. Its Numbtongue.

 That was the closing argument. And a good one. If Erin Solstice could ept the Goblins were in a better ceNumbtongue had lost his friends, his tribehis team at the Siege of Liscor. And the person behind part of that army was here. Halrac wondered what he might do.

 Fine. Lets go tell this [Emperor]. Andnot a word about Erin Solstice. We dont tell her, we dont tell him. If were keeping confidences, we do it both ways.

 Fair enough.

 The others sighed as Halrac led the way back to Riverfarm. That was an adventurers brand of honesty for youas honest as it got, anyways. Revi stretched.

 How much loot do you thinks buried around here, anyways?

 We got that [Thief]s Chest of Holding opened. It was trapped. Apparently its got scrolls. Were entitled to a pickno doubt General Wiskeria will want some, but there is apparently an intact [Firestorm] scroll in there.

 No way. Really?

 Briganda turned to Typhenous eagerly. The [gue Mage] saw Halrac turn his head.

 Typhenous, well aim for that. Youll be in charge of it. Not Briganda. Dont let her touch one.

 Halrac! I was young!

 What happened?

 It was before your time, Revi. Briganda burned down our camp and half a forest.

 Ididnt know you could activate them by speaking while holding it! I didnt open it or anything!

 And now they were going to get a scroll and more loot theyd hopefully dig up. The Gold-rank team thought about that.

 You know, Lady Valerund told me that if we could pull in another Gold-rank team shed make it worth our while. Think we could get any more? Or do we not want to share?

 Revi nced at the others. Halrac thoughtfully watched a bunch of birds flitting from branch to branch. Now, if this was Liscor, theyd be too terrified to sing

 Certainly, at some point it would be refreshing to have another Gold-rank team here, in case we run into another Creler nest or a considerable threat. Riverfarm is growing and where theres this much industry, threats tend to pop up

 Typhenousment elicited a wary nod from Briganda. She gestured at her belt.

 Butloot, Typhenous. Were pulling it in.

 Obviously, we can wait. But if we were to tell another team

 The [Shield Maiden] blinked and then smiled.

 Theyd owe us a favor. Smart. A big one too, for a plush job like that.

 All the Gold-ranks nodded. Oh yes. There was such a thing as debts and thisfar from being the no-pay, grunt-work job theyd assumedwas a wealthy job with minimal danger and high reward. A team might owe them a lot of favor for something like this.

 Likeenough favor to join them on a quest to investigate a Dragon. Not that a Belt of Strength and some Boots of Stability were enough for that. Halrac was trying to figure out how you blocked dragonbreath when you didnt even know which type. Fire was presumable from what a certain [Innkeeper] had said, but did you want to take that risk?

 Favors, right. Who might we tell? The Horns? The Halfseekers?

 Revi rubbed her hands together eagerly. Halrac made a sound.

 Theyre hardly the only teams we know. And theyre not the most professional. We could reach out to some established teams.

 If its Todi, Ill take off my ears before I have to listen to him on shared duty

 Todis at the bottom of the list, Revi. Id rather take a good Silver-rank team first. Or a new Gold-rank team.

 Good. So? Briganda?

 The Onyx Bucklers. Um, whos professional? DamnI heard Kerimane disbanded his team

 Well talk about it. I doubt any team off Izril would want toe all the way here

 Halrac, Halrac. With the kind of loot weve been getting? If we dig up even another medium-grade artifact we can im in the next month, I know Chandrarian teams wholl rush over here and owe us a major favor. Lets just see what that dig site holds, hmm? The [Emperor] says it looks big. Treasure vault?

 Keep your expectations low and be careful, Revi.

 But even Halrac couldnt keep a smile from his lips. Artifacts and loot and egg-drop soup. Everything was looking up for their team. For the Unseen Empire? The Gold-rank team returned to Riverfarm proper just to find a second group had arrived.

 Bringingtrouble. Although not necessarily for Griffon Hunt.

 -

 Theres a lot Wistram doesnt know, I think. Or most of them dont. They pretend to, but you just have to ask multiple people. y on their egos. And theyll wink or revealthe point is, Im almost positive they dont know what brought us here.

 Do they have any theories?

 Lots.

 Elena was sitting down this time, which was helpful. And also not surrounded in whatever ck abyss the Elusive Lot had conjured. She had a notepad, a seat, and even some snacks and a drink while she talked.

 She did not have anyone else from Earth with her, unlike the mysterious batman, who had told her others were listening in. If Elena revealed anythingand it was probably not going to be to Aaronshed do it afterwards. Anyways, this was mainly her telling her new ally abroad important information.

 Elena consulted her notes. Shed been hard at work trying to figure out what was most important to say. Firstly, how theyd all got here.

 There are lots of theories. The biggest ones are that theres some kind of interdimensional rift that opened and sucked us through. A naturally reurring phenomenon or some huge ritual-level spell. What caused it? Wellit might havee from Wistram, actually. But not the [Mages] on the lower floorshave you heard about the Golems?

 The entrance exam? Yeah.

 Palt shuddered. Erin remembered Ceria telling her about it as well. Elena gulped and went on.

 You have? Wellpeople have always said they think [Mages], even [Archmages], could still be living up there. Like Archmage Zelkyr. If there was a grand spell that could have teleported us here

 But its not confirmed? There are no traces?

 Nope. There are other theories too. But the other real threat is um, the second thing I wanted to bring up. How much do you know about Rhir?

 I know there are some Earthers there. Has something happened to them?

 Youcould say that. ckmageAaronisnt in direct contact with them. The Blighted Kingdom keeps everything locked down, and even Wistram isnt able to just waltz in. But theres bad newsing from Rhir. One of the Demons biggest threats apparently healedor came back to life and Wistram was freaking out about it.

 I heard about thatthey think this person could have done it?

 They call her the Death of Magic. She was on a short list of names of people they thought could cast a spell of that magnitude. Shesat least Level 70. Probably Level 80? They say she learned magic from Dragons. An [Archmage] of Wistrama rebel who joined the Demons when the Demon Kingdom was founded

 Ryoka sat back. But Valeterisa had intimatedshe lifted the stone up and spoke urgently.

 Theres a living [Archmage]?

 Yep. Thats the stuff Wistram likes to keep quiet.

 Well, so much for the Archmages being dead. With Azkerash, that made two. Ryoka drummed her fingers on the table.

 Okay. Thanks for letting us know. But theres not much we can do to investigate. And no one heres going to Rhir.

 Right. And if I learn anythingbut Wistram doesnt know. Moving onwell, if were talking big secrets Wistram has, in general, the scrying orb was the huge one. But I wanted to tell youtheyre almost certain the King of Destruction has an Earther.

 Erin waved her arms frantically. Ryoka nodded. Gazi. Oh no.

 Got it.

 You do know about the King of Destruction, right? Because theyre really nervous of him, even if all these nations are dering war.

 Were aware. But hes far away.

 Okay, moving on. About the AntiniumWistram thinks theyre like, the biggest threat Izril has to face. Theyre weak, but Wistram keeps putting them high on their list. Its likeKing of Destruction, Death of Magic, Antinium in that order. The Antinium arent that badpared to the ones on Rhirif theyre still around. Ever since Wistram helped wipe them out at sea

 Ryoka looked up. Palt stared ahead, avoiding her gaze. And especially Erins.

 Elena, how do you know this?

 I asked. The [Mages] let things slip when theyre quizzing us about Earth. By the waysomeones buying sulfur. A bunch of it from the big markets. Wistram is tracing itbut all they knew is that it went to Chandrar.

 Fuck.

 Yeah, right? Anyways, listen. Not everyone here is on the same page aboutsecrets from Earth. I think six people know how to make gunpowderalthough two might be talking out their asses. Butwere not united. Im trying to get them to agree to keep quiet, but a lot are from other nations or theyre frightened kids and Wistram is bribing them

 Are we on the same page that giving Wistram firearms is bad? Is the Elusive Lot?

 Were thinking about it. Miss Elena has been arguing with the Council and Archmages. Shes quite persuasive.

 A sly voice. Not Galei or Taxi. Palt was listening, shuffling his hooves too quietly to be heard. Elena paused and then went on.

 Caras on the same page. Lookif you could reach out to her, shed be a valuable ally. I could give you one of my code signs. Andcould we really leave Wistram?

 The Elusive Lotseems to be on board?

 Ullsinoi is on board, Miss Elena. Not because wed like to get rid of you. Far from it. We just believeoh, whats that saying? Dont put all your potions in the same basket. Especially the explosive ones. Well talk.

 Elenas voice didnt immediately take over after that. Ryoka was fiddling with a quill. What to ask? What to ask? There was a lot that was so specific. How much did they know about the Antinium? But the Elusive Lot were listening.

 They couldnt knoweven if they knew Ryoka and Erin were in Liscorhow close the Antinium were to them. Even Palt probably couldnt exin that, if his look of guilt said anything either way.

 Not total trust. And too many questions for answers. Atst, Elena sighed.

 Im sorry. I was trying to look up magic spells orsecrets I could tell you. But were justtheyre having some of us take sses as students. Most, actually. Some are inventing thingsI think they want us to feel like were part of Wistram.

 Sounds like ssic indoctrination.

 Yeahyeah, but its working. Lots of kidsI told you some survived horrible, things, right?

 Tell me about them. Whats it like at Wistram? Lets start there, if we cant think of anything.

 Ryoka heard a short intake of breath from the other end. Elena hesitated.

 Its not bad here. Really. Were all divided up into factions, but we see each other regrly. Wistramits like a bunch of different groups, all fighting over how to do the same thing. Aaron was the first. Aaron Vanwell. Hes ckmage.

 Whats he like?

 Hes never left Wistram. I dont think he gets it when we talk about monsters. But hes a good guy. Younger than I thought, Cara too. Hes about, oh, neen? I think thest count was that there were around forty one of usabout half are over eighteen, the rest under. Its really split. We have a gi kid. She popped intowe have this therapy session because when she arrived

 Ryoka listened with Erin as Elena spoke. Sending a message to the first person she could chat to on the outside world. Erin looked at Ryoka and unspokenthe thought shed between the two.

 They had to do something. Even if it was only to help. And that was because Erin was Erin andPalt thought the exposure to the outside was good for the Earthers trapped in Wistram. Onlywas it Elena being drawn to the outside, or the outside being drawn into Wistram?

 Palt wondered what the Elusive Lots game was. He had told Ryoka and Erin you could trust them, and you could! They were practical, loyal to some degree, and intelligent. But they were still a faction of Wistram. He wondered if their end goal was to really get Elena outor reel someone else in.

 -

 A snuffing, panting thinges up to me to investigate. I hold still.

 What do blind men and Runners have inmon? We dont like strange dogs off their leashes. But then againI scratch at the huge Aldasian warhounds head and it makes a happy noise.

 I do like dogs. And guide dogs are a wonderfulpanion for some of my friends. Anyways, the [Lord] who brought this pack here gave me some of his love of animals.

 Lord Gralton Radivaek, surly and even oafish to anyone that walks on two legsfriends to furry, four-legged animals everywhere. Even cats. But he doesnt breed cats.

 There you go. Good fellow. Hes blind so dont run about. Thats Draugmot. Named him after a Draug his mother brought down.

 Dead gods, hes huge, Gralton! His Majesty should not be inwould you call off thisthis chaos?

 Lady Rie sounds exasperated and put upon; shes trying to hold her ground as a dozen dogs mill around her.

 Some of my subjects are watching from far, far away. And I can understand why.

 Packs of dogs can be a terrifying thing if they turn on you. And these dogs? Some are smaller, like smart terriers or, well, a griffon-dog that Gralton brought whos currently surrounded by Griffon Hunt. But some are Aldasian warhounds, or part-wolf mixes that are probably as big as actual wolves from my world due to magic and the variance in dog breeds.

 Stop barking at me, Rie. His Majesty told me toe over whenever I felt like it. Were allies. And Ive brought him a gift.

 Gralton growls back; I hear muffledughter from the side.

 LordLord Gralton! This one wont stop climbing on me!

 Durene is gently trying to remove a huge puppy trying to lick at her face. Graltonughs and its a pleasant thing to hear.

 Dogs. Nearly four dozen dogs, of many different breeds. Gralton stormed into Riverfarm an hour ago, as I was waiting for Griffon Hunt to investigate the Goblin situation. And guess what?

 So theyre all for Riverfarm, Lord Gralton? To what do I owe this pleasure? And Ill happily ept this gift. But why exactly?

 The kennels are filling up. Mostve the breeds we had enough to repopte. Thought your Unseen Empire needed dogs. Theyll be good ratters instead of that crow-[Witch], herders, guardsanyways, there wouldnt be any dogs to give if you hadnt sent the [Witches].

 The man clears his throat, awkwardly.

 Thank you, your Majesty.

 I smile.

 Youre wee. And we are allies, Lord Gralton. About time it paid off after that long ride north, right?

 True!

 He evenughs like a dog barking. And then Lord Graltons striding about, keen to introduce me to all the dogs hes brought.

 No poodles or Chihuahuas Im d to note. They dont exist for Lord Graltonhe was offended I even asked if he had them.

 What,pdogs? Damned sorry things. They cant live except to be fed and pampered. Ill keep them, but not raise them. Closest Ill get is a thinking-pug. One of the Melull breeds.

 Melull?

 Smart dogs. Close topdogsbut let em loose in the wild and theyll survive. Smarter than any other dog in the world. They can draw, understand you perfectly[Mages] loved to have them.

 An entire world of dogs unbeknownst to me is Graltons kingdom. Myself, Im just pleased to have his gift. Certainly, animals are wee to the Unseen Empire. And Radivaek-dogs are like Walchas horses, apparently. Famous across Izril, even the world.

 Lord Gralton, this is a magnificent little Griffon!

 Revi calls out from where shes petting the dog her team was named after. Fun factsince I only heard it, I always thought it was Griffin Hunt. But apparently its a y-on-words.

 Griffon Hunt. Didnt your team buy some dogs from me years back? What happened to them?

 The [Lord] sps Halracs hand and the [Scout] nods.

 We let them go to a [Hunter]s team, Lord Radivaek, after the incident in the north. We wouldnt have let them die or abandon them.

 Oh, the gue thing. Wellgood. Id have to kill you if they got eaten by a Griffin!

 Graltonughs and only Briganda, the mother-warrior, joins him. Ive heard of the teams pastthe old man, Typhenous, is shifting his feet and looking down.

 Your team used to use griffons to huntGriffins, Captain Halrac?

 The [Scout] turns to me and nodsthen remembers I cant see. Perhaps because Im so able to look at people because of myndsense. WellI caught the nod so yes, I can see as well as any person! Just dont ask me to read your features. Or tell you what color anything is.

 Its better than nothing.

 Yes, your Majesty. Griffons are excellent hunters and guide-animals. More than thattheyre good at sniffing out Griffin nests and provoking them into attacking.

 Really?

 Thats how we used to ambush Griffins, your majesty. A griffon runs out and barks and the flying monster goes after it. Theyre too small for a meal, but they can taunt monsters.

 Smart dogs. Smart team. You frencing or does Laken have you working for him?

 Theyre on a contract, Gralton. Digging up artifacts.

 Speaking of whichwe should get to the next site. Your Majesty.

 Halrac bows. I assume hes delivered the report to Prost about the Goblins. It must not be dire and Graltons here, so I bid them farewell.

 Gold-rank team. And theyre working for you for a song or do you have more gold than I thought?

 Gralton grunts. I walk with him, surrounded by a furry, panting horde.

 Oh, theyre working practically for free, Gralton. I think we pay them a few gold per week.

 How? Did you rescue them from the snow as well?

 I smile as he twists to stare at me.

 No, theyre content to work for cheap so long as I give them half of what they dig up. Secrets in the ground.

 Gralton listens as I exin about thendsense and then he exhales and swears.

 Ive had dogs sniff out buried monsters and treasure before, but every damn seam and passageway? Youll leave Izril without any secrets left to find!

 I cant go deep, Gralton. Anything long-buried stays there and I hope theres nothing like a monster down there. An [Emperor] has to improvise.

 Sure enough. Sure enough. Listen, Godart. I came here for two reasons. Why dont you and I feed the hounds and well discuss it privately? Howre the Goblins doing, by the way? Still building damn walls?

 Thats Gralton for you. Better than Rie? Well, I dont suspect Gralton of trying to poison Lady Bethal Walchas or ordering Wiskeria to attack the Goblins. I know its only Ryokas suppositionbut Im beginning to believe it if only because Ries the only person whos ever given me the impression shes got more yet to hide. [Witches] are different and besidesthey werent here when it all went down.

 Which begs the question of course: why? Well, one thought springs to mind. And thats a name Ive been hearing on a lot of peoples tongues.

 Interesting. I just had a thought. I have never heard Lady Rie mention them.

 -

 The Circle of Thorns. Theyre popping up on everyones tongues. You heard about Lord Tyrions boys?

 No.

 Lord Gralton turns to stare at me. I sit there, feeling like this is another obvious thing I should know about. Butdont.

 No one told you? Not Lady Valerund orno, shed be the only one, wouldnt she?

 She hasnt brought it up. Perhaps she thinks its not important? I heard about Lady Reinhart surviving an assassination attempt, but Im not looking outwards.

 You should on this. I came to ask about it myself. Veltras is getting desperate. He asked me to get a message to youI dont think he knows youve got [Mages] with [Message] spells of your own.

 Really?

 Were sitting together in my private chambersin Riverfarm. Durenes cottage is still a ce of residencebut more seldom do each of us stay there. We have a ratherrge home in Riverfarm, as close to a mansion as there is, despite me objecting to the unnecessary space.

 As it turns out, its necessary to let Bismarck and Frostwing have the freedom to move about. Not that Bismarck gets to roam around indoors all the time; hes generally helping by the fields. The [Farmers] can actually get him to pull a plough if they guide him with food, but hes mostly there just as a mascot. Who eats too much.

 Frostwing is shrieking at the dogs milling about the backyard. I tell her to quiet down so we can talk and she moodily flies to the roof. Frostwing is another way I can monitor the Goblins, by the way. Although she never actually flies over the Goblindstheyre aware shes my bird, but Im not going to risk a Goblin with a bow shooting at her.

 Tell me about this, Gralton. What about Lord Tyrions sons? I know he saved Magnolia Reinhart

 From the Circle of Thorns.

 My eyes dont narrow since theyre closed. But my brow definitely creases. Lady Rie did not mention that.

 Hmm. I only heard it was an assassination attempt.

 I guess my ears are sharper.

 Radivaek takes a huge bite of the mutton hes sharing with his dogs. I motion for him to go on as I turn in my seat.

 Durene? Can you find Lady Rie? Tell her Id like her toe here to consult on Lord Graltons issue. And telloh, Prost toe too.

 Anyone else?

 Shes out, feeding Frostwing and Bismarck in the yard. I think. Rie and Prost are my go-to confidants. Then I have a thought and call back.

 Eloise and Hedag, of course. Wiskeria too. And if shes heresummon Witch Mavika. Tell her its about [Witches].

 Gralton is looking at me as I turn back towards him.

 You really did embrace the [Witches]. You knowin some parts adventurers are paid to chase them off.

 And do viges drown [Witches]? Burn them at stakes?

 Sometimes. And if youre going to lecture me about Goblinshuh. Sounds about damned right. People always say [Witches] bring gue, bad luck, stillbornswonder how true that is.

 I dont have much of a smile, but Im d he sees it my way. And while we wait for the others to arrive, Gralton catches me up on what no ones told me. Then he gives me Tyrions plea.

 -

 By the time they arrived, Laken Godart was unable to sit still. He was pacing. Andangry. Furious.

 Enraged.

 Those cowardly

 The next part was a stream of invectives in anguage no one knew. Durene might have recognized a few words at best, and thenguage since Laken had been teaching her.

 But Lady Rie? She stopped in the doorway, listening hard. That wasnt made-up. Nor was it Drathian. Shed asked for a sample and it wasnt even close.

 Your Majesty? What is

 Enter! No questions, Rie!

 The [Emperor] whirled and snapped. He was angrier than Rie had ever seen him in recent memory. Only a few times had she ever seen him this furious. Catching the edges of his mood, she sat. SuddenlyLady Valerund was worried.

 The rest entered. Prost sat alert, Durene sidling in after Hedag. The [Witches] sensed the [Emperor]s mood; how could they not? They were watchful.

 Mavika camest. She wouldnt have except for how Laken had phrased his request.

 The bird-like woman was, in her way, as much changed by her ss as Radivaek. More so, in fact. A huge raven perched on her shoulder and Rie sidled away from her. It was Mavika who spoke in her sibnt voice.

 Why did you call me, [Emperor] of men?

 A reminder. Laken Godart turned. For once, he wasnt about to y even-handed, calm counterpart of Mavika.

 Because I want you to listen, Witch Mavika. Graltonpleasetell the others what you just told me.

 The [Lord] was only too willing. In silence, the others listened. And Lady Rie felt the uneasiness in her stomach turn towell, something like fear.

 Lord Tyrions sons are poisoned. The Circle of Thorns is holding em hostage unless Lord Tyrion bows to their demands. He doesnt say what. But he asked me to appeal to Emperor Godart. His words arelet me check.

 The [Dog Lord] found a folded piece of paper, carelessly crammed into his vest. He stared at it, and then read it out loud slowly.

 hope Emperor Godart will recall any debts and the goodwill of House Veltras in this hour of need. If there is any [Alchemist] or [Healer] of such Skill as to be able to assisthe wants you to help find the cure.

 Rie stirred. Thiswas not good. The look on Lakens face was murderous. She had feared this would happen. She hadnt imagined Tyrion would reach out to Laken himself. It proved how desperate he truly was.

 Damn Gralton. This was why Rie had omitted the Circle of Thorns as much as possible around Laken! It was not

 Not a good look. To put it mildly. Not all of the Circles highest members moved alike. Someone had ordered Magnolias death. Someone elsenot the same person whod ordered the assassinationhad ordered the poisoning. That much Rie knew.

 There were reasons. Good ones. The Circlebut Laken Godart had been introduced to them in the worst way possible. Rie covered all this with genuine distress for the two boys.

 Your Majesty

 You knew about this Lady Rie? And neglected to mention it in your daily briefings?

 All eyes turned to Rie. The [Lady] answered, as if bound by truth spell.

 Iapologize, your Majesty. I did not think it was pertinent. I assumed whatever one of the Five Families were to deal with was removed from Riverfarms affairs and that of the Unseen Empire.

 I see. In the future, anything of note in Izril should be directed towards me, Lady Valerund.

 She inclined her head humbly. But it did not escape her notice; Laken Godart had been genuinely surprised by the news. So did he have sources of information outside of Riverfarm that were so specific? Or had he really known how to make trebuchets all by himself? Or was it so sporadic?

 Intrigue was a game of learning and watching what you gave away. Howeverit was different depending on who you yed against. And right now, the [Emperor] was too furious to be subtle.

 It didnt mean the game wasnt going on. But Rie had a sinking feeling. She told herself that there was little he could do.

 Poison. Terrible things. Many a Terandrian dynasty has suffered from that sort of thing.

 As if you wouldnt know. Youe from those very houses on Terandria. Rie saw Eloise innocently sipping her tea. As if a pointed hat took away her past.

 Poison, your Majesty? And Tyrion Veltras is appealing to the Unseen Empire? But surely he has [Healers]. [Alchemists]. All of the Five Families could cure most poisons.

 Wiskeria looked ufortable. Laken shook his head. Radivaek bared his teeth as he tore another strip of meat off to feed to a waiting dog.

 They tried. Last count over forty dead [Healers] and [Alchemists] ran afoul of [Assassins]. No ones even identified whats making the boys sick before they get knifed in the back.

 [Assassins]. And theyre actually threatening the Five Families?

 The [Pdin] was incredulous. Rie shook her head. A half-Troll [Pdin]. Well, that might exin why she had so much trouble charming Laken Godart if that was histaste. Almost as bad as Wuvren

 Threatening the families of [Alchemists] and so on, Miss Durene. And your Majesty, I caution you. Even the Five Families have been affected by the assassinations. Riverfarm isvulnerable. Despite your protections.

 The totems couldnt stop one of the Guilds finest. They could walk across the ground invisible, or teleport in, or fly. Riedidnt want Laken Godart to incur the Circles wrath.

 Beyond her fears of him doing something rash, though, Rie was still a bit confident. And that was becauseshe exined the issue.

 Reaching Lord Veltras manor is a long trip, your Majesty. Doable in any other time with speedeven overnight! Especially with a carriage, or dedicated travel-specialist. Lord Veltras himself could make the journey inbut these are not safe times. Any [Healer] or [Alchemist]or [Witch]would be exposed.

 She nodded to the four [Witches] in the room and saw three pointed hats turn in affront. Mavikas didnt. She just narrowed her eyes.

 Is that so, Lady Rie?

 If Lord Veltras cannot do itas I said, the situation is horrific, your Majesty. But I do not think this is Riverfarms time to strike at a foe like thisCircle of Thorns? Theyre unknown, perhaps not even Izrilian

 Dont overy your hand. Rie shut up. Gralton rumbled as he sat back and tossed the bone to the fighting pack of dogs, who raced outside after it. Rie was grateful that Prost closed the door.

 The Circle of Thorns. Well, thats the second time theyve intersected with Riverfarm in a meaningful way.

 Rie felt perspiration begin to touch at her neck and back. Did he mean?

 Witch Mavika, is this the same group that attacked your coven? Wiskerias?

 Oh. Rie rxed a bit. Mavika nodded. Her voice wasnt a hiss, but it was low, intent, as was her posture. Like a bird eying a rival.

 They named themselves that. As if it were to strike fear into the coven. So they said. The ones I hunted said little of value. They were tools.

 She killed the Ranks. Low-grade [Assassins] which the Guild could rece. At very little cost. No doubt theyd swarmed the poor [Witches] of Wiskeria and Mavikas coven. Rie bit her lip.

 When she was one of the Petals, the highest position on the Circles inner council, shed apply more finesse and grace to how they handled things. Sometimes the Circle was a delicate kiss, other times all the elegance of a sledgehammer on a hand. The inner members were a varied lot in styles.

 Then it seems the [Witches] owe the Circle a grudge. As for Riverfarm? The Unseen Empire has no personal issue with any particr nobleand few favors as well. House Radivaek and House Byres are our allies. Lord Tyrions house isaffiliated. But I dont know if I owe him any favors. Thats my stance.

 The [Emperor] calmed down a bit. Lady Valerund exhaled silently. Good, he was being logical. That was wh

 However. Anyone who stoops to poisoning children and hostage-taking is as good as an enemy. How would you trust someone like that?

 Damn! And everyone was nodding along, including Rie. Prost, Durenewell, they were righteous [Farmers]. Wiskeria believed inw, which wasmendable, but foolish, Eloise was smiling and doing that obnoxious tip of the hat.

 And Hedag? Oh, Rie rolled her eyes as the [Witch] with the axeughed.

 Well said, Emperor! But if words were deeds, wed not need for the Hedag. Do you intend to swing at this Circle? For youve surely seen what happens when the axees the other way. The Drakes fires are louder than the [Assassin]s de. But the other wille for Riverfarm.

 Well put, Witch Hedag. Emperor Godart, I encourage you to think over this matter. I would not wish to endanger Riverfarmor put one of our [Witch] allies to undue risk! Which I assure you wille if we enter this situation unguarded!

 Rie jumped in a touch breathily. Lakens head swung towards her.

 Im well aware that the Drake [Infiltrators] were a direct result of our attack on Liscor, Lady Rie. Neither am I ignorant of the dangers of [Assassins].

 Oh, but you are! You have no idea how the Guilds best can operate! Rie wished shed told Laken more, now. A Level 50 [Assassin] could walk into Riverfarm and leave nothing living. Perhaps one of the [Witches] could fight someone like that. But this was not how it was supposed to go!

 Lord Veltras is calling for any favor he can, your Majesty. However, the fact remains that in order to cure his sons, an antidote for a poison that is unknown is needed! Someone must go to House Veltras, to the west. And the only specialist I could name in Riverfarm with that level of knowledge would be

 She nced to one side. And everyone looked at the old [Lady] with the cup of tea. Rie nodded at Eloise. But what she was really thinking was

 If I have to, Ill let you ride to House Veltras, Eloise. And you will not make it. 

 That was the best solution she could imagine. Laken made an effort which Rie would publicize, and the Circle wouldnt be interfered with. Lakens fingers drummed on the table.

 Is that your belief, Witch Eloise? Who among the [Witches] in Riverfarm are good with poisons? In Izril?

 Eloises eyes flicked towards Laken and then at Hedag and Mavika. The two gave her silent looks Rie tried to interpret.

 In Riverfarm? I believe you mean, cures, your Majesty. Wiskeria, for instance, knows poisons. Cures are much harder. You can mix swamp water into a cup and hope it makes someone sick, but neutralizing a poisonif it were simple, Id name Agratha, and half a dozen other [Witches].

 And for this case?

 Probably myself. In Izril, there are oh, a number of experts. I know of someone as aplished as I am in both poisoning and curing. ButI doubt she would consent. Among the healers, then, Id be most suited in this region.

 Eloises eyes slid sideways to Mavika and the older [Witch] shook her head slightly. Ries eyes narrowed.

 Another expert? Well, it didnt matter. Shed have to arrive at the mansion and there was at least one of the Faces there ready to halt anyone.

 Really? Then, Witch Eloise, do you think you could cure a poisoned [Lord]? Two of them?

 Yes.

 What a fast answer! Eloise sipped her tea with the unshakable confidence that made Rie very nervous. She went on.

 In time, certainly. But as Lady Valerund saysthe issue is not merely me attending to these two poor children, but arriving there in one piece. And I fear, your Majesty, that the journey is too dangerous for me to undertake.

 Rie exhaled. Laken frowned.

 Really, Witch Eloise? What if I were to offer Witch Mavika the chance to oppose her foes and her price? Certainlyif I couldnt name it myself, House Veltras can. And an escort? Beniar, Griffon Hunt

 No, your Majesty. Please, hear Witch Mavika out.

 Eloise gestured to Mavika. The [Emperor] stopped and Rie was rewarded with a look of genuine frustration.

 Surely, Witch Mavika, you could escort Eloise that far?

 The bird-[Witch] looked ufortable. She folded her arms as her raven red around the room.

 Each one to their task, Emperor Godart. If you ask me to kill one of this Circles agents, this I may consider, with spell and malice and wing and w. But if you ask me to protectit is not my craft, and not what I do. An [Assassin] is honed to kill. That is not my craft or will.

 So shed fail. Everyone interpreted this after a moment. Laken emitted a frustrated sigh. Eloise adjusted her hat again. And Rie was

 Impressed, really. Look at these two [Witches], being practical. They didnt outright say they understood how dangerous the Circle of Thorns was, but they were refusing all the same. Well, she had heard [Witches] were a sensible lot.

 Even if its not your specialty, Witch Mavika, what aboutan army? Lets say you, a Gold-ranked team, Lord Radivaek?

 I have dogs. Not that Id pit them against poison-wielding bastards. But go on, Godart.

 Witch Hedag, your role strikes me as protection. What about you? Other [Witches]?

 A boomingugh from Hedag, but she shook her head.

 You mistake me, Godart-boy, although I see how you came to the conclusion! But think of a Hedag. A Hedages once theres rot to be found and hacks it away. If I protectits those that cry out for help, from small evil. Small men and women. Not shing des. Not a heros lot.

 Gold-ranks as well, your Majesty. Griffon Hunt is certainly capable, but Captain Halrac and his team are specialized for monster-ying. It is not impossible, but I caution you

 Rie trailed off delicately. She was waiting, and rewarded as Laken sighed. He was losing his temper. Durene looked just as angrybut Laken shook his head.

 I begin to see why even the Five Families are having trouble. Safeguard someone all the way there to try to cure them, eh? Iunderstand, Witch Eloise.

 Thank you, your Majesty.

 She stopped fidgeting and adjusting her hat. The [Emperor] shook his head.

 Gralton, thank you for bringing this to me. I dont knowIll see what can be done. Why dont we break? Its about lunch anyways and I need to clear my head.

 I could punch something. Is that tree still needing to be uprooted?

 Durene growled. And like that, the meeting ended. Mavika stalked out of the househer raven left her shoulder with an angry caw, no doubt reflecting her emotions. The [Witches] were silent as they left.

 Ishall attend to my duties, your Majesty. Mister Prost?

 The [Farmer] walked out with Rie, shaking his head.

 A terrible thing, poison. And to those two boys, Lady Valerund.

 Terrible indeed, Mister Prost.

 He really meant it. He was an honest man, as far as Rie could tell. It was one of the reasons why she liked Riverfarm. An honest [Emperor], people who were hardworking, able to rebuild time and time againthis was what Izril needed.

 The Circle was there to do what honest, hardworking people never thought of. Rie exhaled. Shed have to monitor Laken Godart closely to make sure he didnt take it in his head to do something stupid. The Circle was aware people woulde to Tyrions aid.

 Bynd, by sea, by magothing was going to reach him save as the Circle willed it. Rie knew some of the n and she had no desire to watch the Unseen Empire suffer. It was very, very good that the [Witches] were sensible.

 She hurried off tomunicate with the Circle and get updates. And that was Rie Valerunds big mistake. She should have been watching more carefully.

 -

 When Lady Rie is gone, I sit back down. Graltons left, Durenes gone off to vent her fury, and so is everyone else.

 I think that confirms it. Lady Rie seemed passionately concerned for Riverfarmbut she leaned a bit too hard on the lets not anger the Circle, shall we? angle. A bit too little shock and concern for two children dying of poison, or so I feel.

 Or maybe Im just biased because I think Im right. Time to find out. I stretch and, just in case someones listening via spell or in person, remark to myself.

 I think I shall go for a walk. Gamel? Im going to have a walk in the forest. Have a horse readied for me, please?

 Yes, your Majesty.

 My [Knight] appears and after a few minutes, Im off. Lets seealong the Goblinds is probably good. Few people go that way, and theres a nice forest we cut in half with those damned walls.

 -

 Pebblesnatch stared down at the [Emperor] of Riverfarm from the wall. She was in one of the towers, hiding from Ulvama. Pebblesnatch had stolen her magical dyes as food coloring for her pot and Ulvama was ready to smack her silly.

 Shede across the [Emperor] quite by chance. He was busy discussing some Human-problem with Gamel, the young man who was keeping himpany. They had another escort of [Riders] keeping a great distance. Pebblesnatch had keen ears though, so she heard Laken and Gamel talking.

 Someone was sick? Oh no! But they could cure thembut they couldnt because of [Assassins], whatever that was. Some kind ofofmonster? Evil Humans?

 Pebblesnatch listened to Ulvama shouting furiously behind her. You know, if she was more kindly disposed towards this [Emperor], and if Ulvama was less irateand if Pebblesnatch had the lexicon to express herselfshe would have told Laken that Ulvama was great at healing stuff.

 She could cure Pebblesnatch-induced food poisoning, Goblins who got sick from mushroomsshe was really good at it! Too bad Laken Godart wasnt able to order Ulvama around like his subjects.

 Stillmaybe this was Pebblesnatchs big chance? Ulvama could cure this person, everyone would be happy, and Pebblesnatch, after taking her due credit, would be so beloved shed get enough ingredients to make anything she wanted! The Humans would let the Goblins go into the empire and thered be no need for all these walls!

 Then maybe the sad little [Witch] and Pebblesnatch could be friends. The Cave Goblin began to slither out of her tower to begin this chain of events. Shed learned this kind of optimism from Erin Solstice, incidentally. Cave Goblins didnt usually have such convoluted ns of things going right.

 As Pebblesnatch hopped along the Goblins wall, waving and shouting at the oblivious [Emperor] in the distance, she saw someone picking her way towards the duo, having bypassed the escort waiting politely behind. Laken Godart held up a hand and therePebblesnatch saw an old Human woman with a hat walking towards him, with a basket in one arm.

 Oh. One of the [Witches]. The tea-[Witch]. Pebblesnatch began to climb down, undeterred. Thensomething swooped out of the skies, making her duck.

 A raven alighted on a branch over the [Emperor]s head, cawed once, and turned into Mavika. Pebblesnatch froze. Whats this, now? The [Emperor] motioned Gamel away. He turnedand Pebblesnatch watched in fascination.

 -

 It doesnt take them long to get to me. Well, we walk for about twenty minutes and Gamels mandatory escort of some of the cksky Riders is shadowing usbut they wouldnt stop a fellow member of the Unseen Empire, would they?

 Witch Eloise is gathering herbs. Mavikas appearance is more dramatic.

 Your Majesty?

 Gamels caught off-guard, but I just nod.

 Gamel, Ive been expecting them. Keep the cksky Riders from noticing them. Say Immeditating. Collecting my thoughts. Ill signal you when its time.

 Yes, your Majesty.

 He hurries off. Good man, Gamel. He doesnt ask questions. I sigh, and turn to Witch Eloise.

 So what do we call that? Tug up for smile or yes, tug down for no, and spin your hat around for

 I had to be obvious, your Majesty. I do apologize.

 Eloise actually blushes a bit. She was making all kinds of mad signs while she told me to my face that she wouldnt risk her neck. I nod.

 Witch Mavika. Are Wiskeria and Hedag noting?

 The two older [Witches] look at each other and shrug.

 Neither one need participate. We are the [Witches] who matter here, Emperor Godart. Did you notice the maliceing from your [Lady] sworn?

 Mavikas tone is brusque. I nod.

 Ah. I wondered if you could sense that. Lady Rieis not all she seems, is she?

 Few people are. Im quite d your Majesty did not need to be told. Well, better the [Spy] you know. I was reluctant to speak more in that ce, Emperor Godart. Not that our intuition proves anything.

 Mavika jerked her head, clearly of a different mind. Eloise shot her a quick nce.

 She was simply disturbed by the idea of opposing this Circle. We would not like to make pronouncements, would we, Mavika?

 Well understood, Witch Eloise. My conclusions are my own. And I have been aware of this issue for a while. Lets put that aside for one moment. What else would you like to say?

 Durene is going to beg to be the one to thump Rie on the head. Orwhat will I do? Argh. But I was warned. He told me there would be at least one, and

 Well, enough of that for now. Eloise looks around and to my surprise both she and Mavika sit along the forest trail. I end up sitting too.

 Frankly, your Majesty, we spoke no untruths. Its unwise to lie as [Witches], let alone in the presence of truth spells if there are any about. Mavika would fail to guard me against what I assume the Guild of Assassins could send, especially if they were forewarnedeven if not, the roads are certainly watched and each person who could help Lord Veltras screened.

 Really. Sois the answer more [Witches]? Or one you dont seeing?

 Mavika grinned.

 The other [Witch] who could certainly cure any ills would die ere she reached House Veltras manorwithout the need for [Assassins]. And that was if she deigned to leave her home. Which she will not. Not for all of Riverfarms riches.

 Well then. I assume you have some answer?

 Brightly, Eloise smiles at me. Oh, it was wise to put her on my inner council. I shuffle the order around in my head. Lets sayProst formonsense things, Wiskeria for intelligent matters, Rie for possibly untrustworthy advicebut Ill say that Eloise is now my most knowledgeable, trustworthy advisor.

 Shame.

 As I said, your Majesty. The journey is too dangerous. I would never, ever risk it, even if I had House Veltras army riding to escort me. That issuch a bold move it would simply escte the matter. Lead to open conflict.

 I nod, slowly. Yes. The Circle wouldnt back down. Itd be a running battle with damned armies of [Assassins] and far more danger, even with the Five Families support. Not a smart move.

 And [Witches] love to have smart answers. Straightforward ones. I almost smile myself. Somemonality between [Emperor] and [Witches] there.

 And how would you solve this?

 Witch Mavika has sent her crow familiar to fly to House Veltras. In the meantime, with yourpermission and at your request, I am willing to decipher the poison that afflicts Lord Hethon and Lord Sammial.

 I blink.

 What is the airspeed velocity ofno, never mind. House Veltras is to the west, not the north, isnt that right?

 Not nearly as far as First Landing is from here, no, your Majesty. But I may begin solving the riddle of poison at once. Ifit is your will. Because as I am sure you know, Emperor Godart, there will be reprisals.

 Now Eloise looks at me and I catch the full implications of her warning. I sit back, thinking.

 I have two questions. What will you ask, [Witches]? And will you ept your risk if I ept mine?

 Eloise and Mavika smiled. For answer, Mavika tips her hat up and gives me a direct, disconcerting stare. I cant see her face, but Ive had Durene describe her eyes to me and I can feel them on me now. Birds eyes, overlyrge in her face.

 The Circle has made enemies of [Witches], Emperor Godart. For that alone, we would dare it. But also because we have made a pact, here, and if [Witches] die, it is only because an [Emperor]s will is thwarted. Is that not so?

 No one will be killed on mynds, Witch Mavika, without me doing everything to stop it.

 She nods, quite pleased. Eloise is next.

 As for the price, your Majesty? Well, as we said, it could be an act of [Witches]. Howeverif the Unseen Empire would like to involve itself in our action

 Take credit, you mean.

 Perhaps a little too direct, there. Eloise looks a bit offended.

 Dere itself the beneficiary of [Witches], and my work at your request as an example of that pact, your Majesty. We would ept that. Andsomend.

 Im sure if I could see them, both Mavika and Eloises eyes would do that glinting thing Ive read about. I always wanted to know if it was actually a physical motion or just an impression.

 Land, Witch Eloise?

 Land, your Majesty. In perpetuity. A ce for [Witches].

 You dont just mean, Witching Street, [Witch] Eloise. Do you?

 She smiles. I know she does.

 We may discuss the issue. But if we were given asmall forest? We would consider ourselves in your debt.

 I sit back. [Witches] want to practice witchery more witchily than before. Okaybut if its between Lady Rie and Eloise, I know which one to pick. So I smile back.

 We can discuss forests, [Witch] Eloise. Or other locations. We have an agreement in either case. Nowhow can you safely uncover the illness? And what might you suggest we do when the cure is found?

 The [Tea Witch]if that is her sschuckles. Mavika makes a sound like a bird.

 It is struck, [Emperor]! Let it be that neither [Witch] nor ruler regret this.

 She takes off. Is she literally flying? I hear Gamel and the [Riders] exim in rm. Ill have to ask. Eloise is slower to rise.

 Oh, it wont take too long, hopefully, your Majesty. You see, the Circle might be aware of [Witch]s unique talents, but I doubt they know all of our tricks. Finding what ails the young [Lords] Veltras is not easy. But I am very good. Ill need help. But I dont need to be there.

 What then?

 Sheughs as I offer her an arm.

 Divination.

 -

 Divination. Not [Scrying]. Nor is it like the ss [Diviner]. It was something partly lost in this day and age. A different kind of magic. A different technique and way of looking at things.

 It looked

 Well, it sounded like cheating to Laken Godart. But that was also very witch-y.

 At firstit had all the hallmarks of a true ritual straight out of the fairytales. Eloise did not waste time. Norit seemedhad she thought Laken would refuse her.

 Multiple covens hade to Riverfarm. Even if not all the members were here and there were more young [Witches]-in-training than beforethere were any number of adult [Witches].

 Almost all of them were here. Mavika, Oliyaya, Agratha, Devay, Rebeca, Eloise, and more. Wiskeria was admitted into their number; only a handful had been excluded like Hedag.

 The others were watching. Apprentice [Witches], a small sea of pointed hats, sat around an inner circle. There was Eloise, with a small magical fire, a potmultiple pots with ingredients simmering away, emitting noxious fumes

 It was why they were outside. The [Witches] had found a perfect de. It was, in fact, the forest they would rather like to have. So they worked their magic here.

 Laken Godart was one of the onlookers. Durene hade too, and was nervously watching while linking arms with him; just in case she squeezed his hand too tightly.

 It began with a chant. The young [Witches] took it up first. It was a whisper. Two names, echoing around the ground in uneven harmonybut it was a harmony.

 Veltras. Veltras. Sammial Veltras. Hethon Veltras. Veltras, Veltras

 A susurration of sound. Lakens skin began to prick with nerves. As far as he knewLady Rie was upied. Prost had that job. And this area was being watched. Hed deployed the cksky Riders to keep everyone five miles away from the forest.

 But thisthe air felt thick. It was onlyte noon, but the shadows of the canopy seemed to thicken.

 The de had been breezeless. Now, a low wind blew up around the sitting [Witches]. Laken spotted Ntes figure, whispering with the others. He could not see her face and he didnt want to interrupt Durene to tell him what hisndsense couldnt.

 Veltras, Veltras. Poisoned be, reveal to me.

 Now, the inner circle moved. Eloise sat in the center. She raised something and gazed into it.

 A tea cup. Of course. But the contents were swirling. And Laken saw tea leaves moving about, forming shapes, as he walked along the edge of the ritual. Durene hurried after him.

 [Tea Omens]. Whatever Eloise saw made her grimace.

 Fennel root.

 Her voice was normalthe whispering in the background died down. Mavika handed it to her.

 I see sweat andbored breath. Coughing which does not cease. Paleness about the lips. Blood on the cloth.

 She announced the first symptoms. Eloise nodded. Wiskerias eyes flickered.

 Fever. But the coughing

 I will fight it. Sages Grass. A brew to eat away at anything made of arsenic, first.

 The [Witches] murmured their acknowledgement. Laken heard voices, specting.

 Basilisks root, perhaps

 What do they smell of, Mavika?

 Incontinence and foulness, like the gas from swamps.

 The [Crow Witch] was watching elsewhere. Eloise washalf-listening. She shook her head. Turned up the heat by putting one of the small pots on a burner. She made tea in the second. Or so Durene whispered to Laken, and that was one of the smells he caught.

 A cure all?

 Oliyayas voice was surprisingly normal for when it wasnt cackling. Laken asked Durene to describe whatif anything was unusual about Oliyaya.

 Herhands.

 To see what magnitude of poison we are working with. It should narrow it downnow, to test it. Witch Oliyaya, to you.

 Eloises voice was quiet. She turned and handed the first of three brews to Oliyaya. Laken frowned. Had she made the cure already?

 Nothis was the essence of divination Eloise had meant. The whispering began again.

 Veltras, a cure for Veltras

 Show me your fate.

 The [Witch] spoke. Then sheughed. It was suddenhigh-pitched, madughter. Durene jumped and grabbed Laken.

 Death! No chance at all!

 She tossed the pots contents to the ground. Laken heard the sizzle as whatever it was met the mes. The other [Witches] murmured.

 Next!

 The second brew made Oliyaya hesitate.

 A flicker of life among the weeds. A single moment in a hundred.

 And that was the cure-all. More potent than we thought.

 A [Witch] sitting next to Wiskeria murmured. Laken was fascinated. The third brew?

 Death, again!

 Oliyaya discarded the contents. The apprentice-[Witches] murmured as Eloise began to prepare her brews anew. Oliyaya sat back.

 One more chance I have yet to see.

 Then take this. A bezoars gift. It will surely fail if the [Assassins] know their craft. But how do they die?

 Mavika handed her something. Oliyaya took it and shook her head.

 The bezoars gift in vain. Even with itthe [Lords] wane.

 Laken Godart was fascinated. So this was divination. But how did it work? He heard some of the younger [Witches] asking that very question, witnessing the true Skill and skill of their elders.

 I sense a Skill amid this. Break the chains, Eloise.

 Mavika hissed at Eloise. The [Tea Witch] paused, then nodded.

 I require a gift. Witch Rebeca.

 I will break the [Assassin]s hold, Witch Eloise. Give me your brew.

 The audience watched, spellbound as the pot changed hands. The second [Witch] murmured. And Laken was beginning to understand. He leaned forwards, and even Durene forgot her nerves

 And we can see, young [Witches], how each [Witch] is performing the divination using abination of Skills! Witch Oliyaya is using her [Prediction of Sess] Skill inbination with Witch Eloises herb craft.

 Witch Agratha pped her hands together as she decided to take this moment to lecture the audience. Half of the [Witches] sitting there turned and gave her dark looks.

 Rather like someone who decided to exin every trick as a stage magician performed it, Agratha went on as Witch Oliyaya glowered at her.

 You see, Witch Oliyaya can only use her Skill so many times, but I will be using [Renew Skill]a very useful Skill if put in conjunction with other Skills. This way, Witch Eloise will be able to test out numerous brews and see how effective they are. We are isting the poison by the cure

 Witch Agratha. The ritual is ongoing.

 Mavika hissed at her. The [Witch]-[Teacher] hesitated. She made a sound of discontent.

 Ahyes, Witch Mavika. I just thought it was ideal to teach in the moment. Well review thister!

 She beamed at her pupils. Laken was informed by Durene that the other [Witches] were rolling their eyes at this point.

 Different kinds of craft, I suppose.

 He saw why Eloise wasnt a fan of Agratha. And alsowhy Agratha had not been invited to the same gathering as Bvierr. Totally different style. AlsoLaken wondered what Bvierr would have done if Agratha had decided to exin her magic.

 He wondered if Agratha could.

 Ah. Skillbreaking works. Buttheres some magic in it! The cure needs more. More! The children have a flys chance caught by deadly web, but it grows!

 Would you say thats a one-in-ten chance, or one in a hundred still?

 Agratha got another dirty look from Oliyaya and the others. The [Witches] murmured. Eloise looked around.

 I have none of the rarest materials. Witch Devay? I seek your aid.

 I have seen some of what you seek, Witch Eloise. What do you wish?

 Mithril dust. Andhave you witnessed Darcaws Pearl?

 No, Witch Eloise.

 Then

 Laken saw through Durene, a phantom substance appearing in Devays empty bowl. This was where the magic began working with Skill. The other [Witches] had to help Devay.

 A half-cure for a half-sickness. We must ount for that.

 Another [Witch] murmured. And Laken got it again, before Agratha whispered her exnations. The [Witches] were supplementing anyck of Eloises ingredients.

 On it went. After the third pass, Oliyaya had to take a break. Another [Witch] took over from her. Not with the same Skillshe used another Skill as Eloise did. [Tea Omens] provided more enigmatic answers than Oliyaya, who was using Mavikas proximity to the children to ascertain the odds of sess.

 Oliyaya wouldnt have been able to divine at the range without a physical link with Mavika, who could share Skills with her raven. And the [Tea Omens] Skill could be vague. The other [Witches] began producing their own means of divination. Frustratingly, Agrathas medium was a cking abacus.

 But it was Eloise who worked. And her knowledge of herbs craft andLaken realizedpoison was what was leading her to identify the increasingly narrow set of poisons that could produce the effects in Hethon and Sammial.

 Both in cure and symptom. Laken Godart had to leave after the eleventh tryalready an hour and a half had passed.

 I think theyre narrowing it down. Tell me at once when theyre certain, Durene. No matter where.

 Oliyaya had gone from predicting certain death to a young mans chance of taking a mortal wound, to the toss of a coin. Of course, the [Witches] wouldnt be satisfied until the cure was close to 100%

 Although if the two boys were too sick, it might never be a certain thing. Theyd find out. Meanwhile, Laken Godart decided to put the next part of the n into motion.

 Lady Rie, thank you foring on such short notice.

 She sat across from him warily, watching Laken Godarts smile. The [Emperor] had summoned her and so Rie hade.

 She was no fool, however. The sudden absence of every [Witch] in Riverfarm and Laken himself giving orders she was not privy to?

 Has somethinge up, your Majesty?

 Just now. Excellent news, Lady Rie. I actually went after Witch Eloise to ask if there was anything more that could be done. She had no ideabut it was Witch Mavika who recalled an old magical ritual that might actually iste the poison from afar.

 Anold ritual, you say? Well, your Majesty. That is splendid news.

 The [Lady] smiled. So did the [Emperor].

 I asked them to begin at once, naturally. Eloise seems to believe theres a chance. And this is so much less involved than risking life and limb, isnt it?

 Absolutely, your Majesty. What a splendid idea. I am so d Witch Mavika recalled a powerful magic such as this.

 The [Emperor] sighed. He stood up and, with casual certainty despite his closed eyes, turned his back to Rie to face the window in the room where they were sitting.

 It is. It is. And it is the right thing to do. Children should not be poisoned. That is despicable and heinous. We can all agree on that, despite the risks.

 Of course, your Majesty.

 Rie Valerund watched the [Emperor]s back. Grimly, he waited. He sensed, after a moments dy, an old [Mage] sitting outside tug once at his beard. Laken sighed.

 Im d you agree, Lady Rie. I truly am.

 Was that a test, your Majesty?

 Lady Rie smiled, or at least put a smile into her voice. Lakenughed, a bit guiltily.

 Would you believe me if I said that sometimes I do have to check? After Sacra, you know, I gained a few Skills that help me learn how to hold my own in regards to truthfulness.

 A small sigh. Of relief?

 I thought so, your Majesty.

 Well, I was hardly uncertain of you, Rie. I was just unsure if you thought it was wise to test the Circle of Thorns in this way?

 The [Lady] hesitated. She bit her lip and went on after a delicate pause.

 Truthfully, your Majesty? I fear what they might do if Witch Eloise aids Tyrion Veltras. The Circle of Thorns attacking the Unseen Empirethe thought of it terrifies me.

 Tug. Laken decided that while hed keep a mental eye on Typhenous, Rie was too smart not to tell the truth. She went on as he nodded.

 While I ampletely in favor of the sick children living if at all possible, I fear the reprisals. Riverfarm is not yet able to engage with thisCircle of Thorns, your Majesty. Or to move Izril atrge.

 Nice way of putting it. Laken nodded a few times.

 It is tricky. However, as [Emperor], I had no choice at all, really, Lady Rie. If I could help and I did not? If I were Tyrion Veltras, I would never forgive such a thing.

 Ican see that. Not that he would find out, surely?

 Secrets, Lady Rie! Secrets have a tendency to get out. I only hope the Circle of Thorns willdirect their ire elsewhere.

 Your Majesty?

 She blinked a few times. Not that Laken could know this. The [Emperor] sighed as he turned back to face Lady Rie.

 Of course, as soon as Eloise reveals the cureif she can, ratherI intend to tell Lord Veltras. But it stops there. Eloise has told me herself that she probablycks the ingredients to manufacture the cure. And even if she made itwho would pick it up?

 II see. So you intend to provide Lord Veltras with knowledge of the antidotethis is clever, your Majesty! And well thought-out! I believe it may work!

 The [Lady] grew excited again; audible relief in her voice. Laken nodded solemnly.

 Its all Riverfarm can do. As you said, theres no point in making the Circle of Thorns my enemy yet.

 Truth and truth. Smile. The [Emperor] paused.

 I wonder if the Circle will think of it that way.

 Lady Rie Valerund sat there. That she did not reply was due to many thoughts running through her head. Chief among them was that she was the only person whom Laken Godart was speaking to about his ns regarding the Circle of Thorns. Then againshe was the only really qualified person here besides perhaps Eloise, and the [Witch] was busy.

 Then againwas it a ploy, or genuine, or? But Lady Ries indecision onlysted a moment. After all, you had to tell the truth. So she sighed.

 I cannot imagine, Emperor Laken. Truly, one cant predict what the Circle of Thorns might do as a whole. ButI should imagine that this is the most Riverfarm can do without arousing their full wrath.

 That was what I thought, Lady Rie. Well have to see, of course. Ill put the Unseen Empire on alert. But I thought you should know first. I value your counsel.

 Thank you, your Majesty. As you know, I have every wish that the Unseen Empire prosperwith my help, small as it may be.

 The [Emperor] smiled again. Then, Durene crashed through the front door.

 They found it! Oh, hullo, Rie.

 -

 Later that day, Tyrion Veltras, disheveled, unkempt, rose as his [Majordomo] burst into the bedroom unannounced. The [Lord] rose from the bedsides where he had kept watch and Ullim whispered to him.

 Certain? Can heno.

 The [Lord] found a second wind just as the Circle of Thorns received a message that someone hadplicated their ns. Butas their informant tried to assure themnot significantly!

 The [Witch]s recipe was a veryplicated alchemical brew. Not unheard ofbut meant to neutralize a five-poison blend. And it called for either Skills or alchemical ingredients so rare that she herself didnt have them, mithril dust being the least rare by far.

 And that was as far as it went. It was already more than enough. Tyrion Veltras rose from his vigil. Onest chance. No longer did he need someone toe here.

 The [Assassin] with the mask ducked back into her rooms as he bellowed an order.

 Send to First Landing! Send to other cities! Bring it here! By spell or beast or by horse or on foot!

 His private, desperate appeal between the noble houses of Izril became a public [Message]. Wistram picked it up.

 A cure for House Veltras. Poison and treachery and two childrens lives. Who would hear it and dare the Guild of Assassins? Within the hour, Tyrion Veltras, who had waited so long and tried so much to no avail got his answer.

 To Tyrion Veltras from First Landing, regarding Delivery of Cure request:

 Your delivery has been epted.

 Couriers outbound.

 

 

 

 

 Authors Note: Im on break! Also, I hate bugs. I really hate bugs. I see onervae-thing inchworming around and I think I have an infestation.

 Idont think I do. But you never know! Its like [Assassins], always hiding in thest ce you expect!

 Anyways, that was why this chapter was hard. Me taking time to check cupboards and stuffIm still paranoid. But theres no obvious [Assassin] squeezed into my saltshaker, so I might be good.

 Ahem. Im on break until the 3rd of November! But dont fret! The Patreon poll for the next side story should be up right before this chapter goes live! So if all went well, you can vote on what you read next!

 See you then. Untilter, Ill be rxing and resting my very tired mind and hands so I can deliver more good chapters! Andstaring around for bugses. And [Assassins]. See you in a week!

 Todays art is brought to you by ArtsyNada, who Ivemissioned to do Rasea Zecrew in her poster-recruitment pose! (Artsy has also done other arts, like a kiss between Elirr and Hexel for free! Free!) Also, images of the Walled City and more by mg, and a picture of Laken and Durene by GridCube, among others! Give it appreciation!

 The Kiss and Rasea by ArtsyNada!

 Instagram: /illudanajohns/

 Ko-fi: /illudanajohns

 Commission info: /OmNDuK8.jpg

 

 

 The Walled Cities, Crelers, Wyvern Lords, Cognita and more by /henodus2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fast Food, Laken and Durene, Honor, Skateboards and more by GridCube!

17kNovel

Book 7: Chapter 55: E