Book 8: Chapter 2_The Wandering Inn

Book 8: Chapter 2

 The Great ins of Izril, as they were called, were central to the southern half of Izril. A vast, wide, rollingndscape suitable for grazing flocks, fed by riverslush, in short. A plentifulnd if you knew how to live in it.

 Harsh for those who did not. Theck of fruitful forests and vegetation en-masse would repel Lizardfolk, who had long used all the wonders of Baleros forests to be tools, medicine, building material, and more.

 By the same token, nomads of Chandrar used to Zeikhal, the Great Desert (there was a pattern in naming conventions), would see an abundance of potential, in the water alone.

 Drakes hated it. They built cities, defensible strongholds, out of stone and wood if they had to. It was one reason why they had not colonized this vast area.

 The second reason was that it was not theirs. The second name for this stretch ofnds was the Gnoll ins. Because the many tribes of Izril refused to give up thisst ce that was entirely theirs.

 Many tribes moved across Izril of course. They mingled with the Drake cities, made their livings in ces where thend was not fully imed by the walls of their sometimes-enemies. But they had slowly been forced out of many ces they used to call home. In the pastthey had known more ins, in north and south. No longer. Humans imed that now.

 And here was the truth many people forgot: the ins Gnolls and City Gnolls that divided their species up broadly into two categories was a lie. Or a falsehood that had slowly be the new truth.

 Once, there had been more. Gnolls of the forest. Gnolls who lived in the mountains. Gnolls of sea and yeseven those who were more at home underground. But their homnd had dwindled to a fifth of its size with the Human upation of the north and Drake cities.

 Small wonder some Gnolls called this the Waning World, the era of decay. And yetfive times a century, every twenty years, the tribes gathered.

 The Meeting of the Tribes. While everything faded, they still came together. From as far as it took. To remember the past.

 They were not gone yet.

 -

 Hundreds of tribes had made their journey into the heart of the Gnoll ins. Smallonly a hundred at mostorrge, passing a hundred thousand or even more,ing together in full strength atst.

 Not all Gnolls; some sent representatives, not their full number. But here was Gnoll strength. The Azmuzarre tribe guarded the Meeting of Tribes, their descendants bearing Dragon-arms. And more tribes of simr power, old and new, were gathering.

 Steelfur, who had created the Steelcloth armors so prized, superior to chainmail for their lightness and flexibility.

 Gaarh Marsh, whose great protector, the Earth Elemental, had destroyed the walls of Drake cities.

 Ekhtouch, paragons of their kind, known for their superior disys of physical abilityand superior attitudes.

 ins Eye tribe, one of the vastest, with many smaller or rted ns, who trained the [Shamans] that held the magic of Gnoll-kind.

 Weatherfur, who produced mighty leaders, a [General] of Pass, andmanded the rains themselves.

 The Ruinstrider Tribe, who had been a small, scavenging tribe until one of their own acquired a Relic-ss artifact, and became a Named Adventurer.

 Woven degrass, who had engaged in multiple victorious campaigns against the Drakes.

 And more. They were all gathering, meeting, exchanging ideas and of coursegifts. For the Meeting of Tribes would see each Gnoll tribe present something to be shared by all. During this time as summer ended, they would all benefit, and a tribes status would fall or rise depending on their actions here.

 A small tribe might ally with arge one, or make beneficial marriages, acquire gifts or insightsor arge one be humbled as other tribes passed judgment.

 This was the event that had begun four days ago. Let all Gnolls who remembered tribe and tradition gather! They had all arrived by the Summer Solstice, the countless Gnolls moving by foot or vehicle or mount.

 Except for the band of Gnolls riding quickly into the Great ins. They were a group of about five dozen Gnolls, two thirds mounted, the rest jogging along the riders and pack horses.

 They werete. Late! Their leader, a female Gnoll, was kicking herselfand the others. Mostly with verbal tongueshings. The Gnolls set a dogged pace, but without movement Skills theyd only now arrived, and they had further to go to get to the Meeting of Tribes in the center of the ins!

 We must be the only group of Gnolls so slow! Move up!

 Krshia Silverfang shouted at the group of five-dozen. It wasnt even a <emrge group. She had thought to take as many as three hundred, but decided there was no need for that amount of cost. Smaller moved faster, anyways, and they were rejoining their tribe. The Silverfang Tribe, known for wealth as they were canny [Traders] and, well, silver from mines of old.

 However, this group from Liscor, where part of their tribe had gone to settle and work ten years ago? Laaaate.

 They had been dyed on the road. They had been making perfect time to arrive by the Summer Solstice or even before. But something had halted their progress on the road.

 News from their homeLiscor. They were not ins Gnolls, not really, anymore. They were used to the city. And from their city hade terrible tidings.

 Erin Solstice. They had stopped a daythen anotherto learn what had happened. To mourneven debate going back. Eventually, after conferring, Krshia had decided to go on.

 She could not help Erin Solstice in Liscor. But perhaps at the Meeting of Tribes

 It still slowed their steps. It made what should have been a joyous, excited group yearning to see their kin again after a decades absence silent, depressed. Clearly, it was all Erins fault for getting killed.

 Ornot killed? A Gnoll panting after having jogged for three miles mounted the horse hed been letting rx. He sat in the saddle, drooping, as the animal harrumphed at the new weight on its back. Tkrn leaned against it.

 He didnt know exactly what had happened. It was hard for the Gnolls to even exin. Krshia had triedErin was in a kind of stasis? Not dead, but unable to be revived and healed. Frozen?

 Why would that stop her from dying? Tkrn didnt know. It soundedstupid. Even if someone had exined it to him fully, the idea of cryogenics was not something Tkrn would have epted at face value.

 To himErin was gone, barring some great miracle. And he sniffed into the horses mane.

 They were all much the same. Krshia, for all she snapped, didnt push the Gnolls of Liscor. Tkrn looked ahead at the front of the group.

 There was Raekea and her husband, Jekss, a Drake. There was Beilmark, sans family, riding with a grim expression. She was Senior Guardswomanand ahead of her Krshia herself, talking with one of the best [Potters] in Liscor, Heriml.

 Many of the Gnolls riding in this group could be called that. Best [Smith], Raekea. Best [Guardswoman]Beilmark, and another Senior Guardsman Gnoll. Krshia, the unofficial leader of the Silverfangs and Gnolls in Liscor and Councilwoman of Liscorand so on.

 And then there was Tkrn. [Guardsman]not Senior Guardsman. And unofficially, that Gnoll who had nearly been fired for letting a group of Drakes and Gnolls nearly kill a prisoner, Calruz, and looked the other way while they tortured him.

 Fitting? Tkrn sat in his saddle. Erin aside, he didnt feel like he belonged. Of course, he knew he was securitya good half of the non-important Gnolls were [Warriors], [Archers], [Hunters]those who could escort the group the long ways here from [Bandit] and monster attacks.

 But why me? 

 It seemed to the young Gnoll that he was undeserving of the honor of representing the Silverfangs of Liscor. He had a ck mark. In fact, he had a ck page in terms of how close hede to disgrace.

 Zevara had been on the edge of firing him for his conduct. Everyone else had been released from their duty as a member of Liscors watch, without bonus or pension or so on. Tkrn had been allowed to stay

 But hed been demoted back to a rookie guards status, forced to work with the rookie patrols, and given unenvious assignments. Hed debated quitting with all the hostility towards himbut hed stayed.

 What else would he do? He already had the ss andit was what he knew. Fortunately, some of the Watch had at least talked to him, like the rookies. Jerci for instancea new Gnoll [Guard].

 She was riding with the group too, mainly because she had rtives in the Silverfang tribe and her mother, a high-level [Scribe], wanted her to meet them.

 But Tkrnhe urged his destrier forwards as the group slowed to cross a bridge moving over a long river. The ancient stone path funneled the groupbut he managed to slide ahead of the others.

 Aunt. May I have a word?

 Tkrn saw Krshias head turn. She lookedwell, the same as ever. TallGnolls were tall, male and female, with no difference in heights, brown fur thick, her eyes sharp. She was an expert [Shopkeeper], a former ins Gnoll who hade to the city to work, and now a [Councilwoman] of Liscor.

 The younger [Guard] had always known his aunttwice removedto be a leader of the Gnolls, ever since he was small. He barely remembered being a ins Gnollhed left when he could barely walk on two legs to go to the city of Liscor with his family.

 But he did know that Krshia had been important in the Silverfang tribe. Her sister was the [Chieftain].

 Tkrn, what is it? Trouble?

 Krshia looked at him, brown eyes glinting behind her frown. Tkrn shook his head as his horse stopped alongside hers.

 No. Aunta word if youre not busy?

 She hrmed, but nodded. They rode at the head of the group, as some Gnoll [Hunters] scouted ahead.

 What is it, Tkrn?

 IIm just wondering what will happen when we reach the Gnollmoot, Aunt.

 She looked nkly at him.

 The what?

 The Gnollmoot. Erthe Meeting of Tribes, yes?

 Tkrn corrected himself. Krshia gave him an odd look.

 Who would call it a Gnollmoot? Who told you that nonsense, nephew?

 Erin.

 Krshias ears drooped. Some of the Gnolls listening nced up. It was hard to have a confidential conversation; normally Gnolls didnt try to listen in, that was respectful. But every Gnoll knew that if you wanted to talk secretly, you dug a hole, cast a [Silence] spell, and then hoped no one was listening.

 Ah. I forgot she called it that. Sillyhrmph. The Meeting of Tribes will be a grand event, Tkrn. With plenty to do! Not that I do not expect you to keep watch and obey! There will be time for that and festivities. I hope you have money saved.

 I do.

 Tkrn dully patted his coin pouch. It was thest thing on his mind. Who wanted to have fun? If he wanted to have fun, hed have stayed in Liscor and hung out at Erins inn for five minutes.

 His aunt seemed to understand that and sighed.

 It is hard, Tkrn. But we will do business on behalf of the tribe and thus deliver our gift and enrich all. That is important. We can do little in Liscor right now and may do good here.

 Theres a war going on between us and Hectval. I should be there. The Watch will be fighting.

 Tkrn mumbled. He heard a snort from behind him.

 Beilmark. The Senior Guardswoman, paired with Jeiss, the best [Swordsman] in all of Liscor, shook her head. Tkrn had never known what she was known for; maybe just being reliable and good and high-level.

 We should not have gone to war, no! At least, not without an army. Liscors Watch is notrge enough and we dont train our [Guards] to fight in wars! In streets, in units, yes! We nearly lost a huge number of civilians. What is happening? We should be thereat least to represent on the Council.

 She looked pointedly at Krshia and Raekea at that. The two Gnolls frowned.

 Elirr is there.

 He is only one. Thats an all-Drake Council.

 Alonna and Jeiss are to be trusted, Beilmark. Even Lism, yes?

 Hrm. If you say so, Krshia. Two months ago you would have cursed me saying his name. How things change, eh?

 Beilmark gave Krshia a long look. Raekea the same. The female [Shopkeeper] fidgeted slightlybut Tkrn had no idea why.

 What did you want to say, nephew? You will see the Meeting of Tribes soon enough. Which reminds me, we should exin to the young ones what to expect, Beilmark.

 Krshia coughed into her paw, changing the subject. Tkrn saw her look at him. He hesitated, but came out with it.

 Aunt. Why did you choose me toe with you? Of all the Gnolls in the city?

 The older Gnoll frowned mildly. She was in her early forties, but still yet to show real signs of age; grey fur and so on.

 You are a [Guardsman], Tkrn.

 You know what I mean, Aunt. There are more Gnoll [Guards] than just me. Jerci I can understand more than me. You know Imin disgrace.

 Tkrns ears drooped. If his tail had been wagging, it would have done the same. But you couldnt get more depressed, even thinking on his mistakes.

 Krshia exchanged a nce with some of the other Gnolls. They slowed a bit and she and Tkrn rode ahead.

 Tkrn

 Everyone knows what I did, Aunt. Or failed to do.

 When the group of [Guards] and civilians had begunpunishing Calruz for his actions in the dungeons and with the hateful Raskghar, Tkrn had turned a blind eye. He had been angry. But he had also known that the Minotaur was a prisoner.

 He had wavered, but not told anyone. Not stopped it. Not even done more than talkuntil Mrsha had been in danger. Then, and only then hed drawn his sword with the Watch Captain.

 But not enough. Tkrn felt as though his fur was paintedred with shame. As though everyone were always thinking of what hed done when they looked at him. They probably were.

 Krshia knew this too. She eyed him, pursing her lips, as if to say something. But as she nced ahead, across the incredibly tndscape, her lips quirked.

 She almost smiled. It was not a super-happy smile, but it was stillTkrn saw her reach for her side and pull something out.

 Ah, it is much to say, Tkrn. But sayinghere.

 She handed him something. He stared as she proffereda belt knife?

 It was hers, made of good steel by Raekeas forges. Wornprobably years old. There was even a notch in the handle, worn smooth but made by some cut or ident long ago. Tkrn blinked as he took it.

 What, Aunt? What is this?

 Your answer.

 And with that she kicked her horse lightly and it shot forwards. She left Tkrn with the belt knife. He stared at it.

 Something wrong? Krshia, let me

 Beilmark shouted after Krshia, riding after her. She paused as she saw Tkrn with the object.

 Whats that, Tkrn?

 I asked AuntI asked Krshia why she took me after what I did, Beilmark. And she gave me this.

 The Senior Guardswoman eyed the knife. She blinked, wrinkled her brow, then groaned.

 Oh, the knife. Bite my fur, shes doing that? Well, do your best.

 She shook her head. Almost amused, she rode after Krshia. Tkrn stared at her back. Another Gnoll passed.

 It was a bit of armor for me. Ah, this brings back memories!

 Chuckling, he rode with Beilmark after their leader. The Gnolls passing Tkrn as he slowed chuckled, or shook their heads. They seemed to know what it meant, the older ones. Jerci just gave Tkrn a nk look. But that gesture somehow made the Gnolls look ahead, straighten slightly, even in their grief.

 They were heading into the ins. For themhome.

 They wereing home. Tkrn stared at the belt knife. He looked around.

 But I hate riddles.

 His intive voice was ignored by all.

 -

 Later that day, Krshia looked up as the others were having a brunch on the road. Tkrn had patted his horse down and given it a bit of stamina potion and they were just about to go.

 Ah, nephew. Do you have my belt knife yet? Or have you not understood?

 She smiled as he squatted down around the small fire and boiling tea. He hesitatedBeilmark, Raekea, and some of the older Gnolls were sitting there. They looked up and he flushed under his furbut he nodded.

 I think I do, Aunt.

 He proffered her the knife. Krshia regarded it, but didnt take it. Tkrn had thought for about two hours as he rode; there wasnt much else to do. The Gnoll ins, love em or hate themgot sort of simr after you stared across the t, tndscape for a while.

 Its a lesson. You want me to understand it. You gave me the knife becauseof this.

 The Gnoll indicated the one obvious thing on the knife. Raekea didnt stamp her des; she trusted the quality to will out. The tool was old, but still sharp as a razorhed cut his finger while ying with it. Yet that notch on the handle was noticeable.

 Its damaged. A bit. You should really fix the gap.

 Ive been meaning to rece the handle for years. But I never get around to it. Your point, nephew?

 Tkrn took a breath. He thought he was right; it was obvious and there was no other answer he could think of.

 Well, the knife is me, isnt it? Ive made a mistake. But I can still fight andand do whats needed. Thats why you took me, right?

 He waited, as the small group of Gnolls looked at each other. Their faces were unreadable, but then Krshia stirred. She took the belt knife, carefully put it in her belt, and patted the notched handle.

 Hm. Hrm. Well now. I like that answer. I think Ill take it. What do you all think?

 Tkrn blinked. He saw the other Gnolls grin toothily. Beilmark pped one knee as augh burst from her throat.

 I like it too! Good answer, Tkrn! Although, if it were a notch on the de Id disagree! I wondered if hede up with something.

 She chuckled. The others did too. Tkrn looked at his aunt.

 Wait. Was that the answer?

 She shrugged.

 I have no idea. It sounds good, though.

 His jaw dropped.

 But I thoughtyou gave me that knife becausewhy did you give me that knife?

 To see what you said.

 She winked at him. The young Gnolls eyes bulged. The other, older Gnollsughed harder because of it. Raekea pulled herself upright and fondly patted Tkrns leg. She offered him a fresh cup of tea, chuckling.

 Sit, Tkrn. Dont be too mad. My mother did the same to me when I was your age and ruined one of her crucibles. Its a time-honored traditionalthough among ins Gnolls. Krshia, is that what inspired you?

 The [Shopkeeper] ducked her head modestly.

 I thought it was appropriate. I wondered if Tkrns parents had done it to him, but he was always dutiful.

 Tkrn turned redder as the others chuckled.

 You mean, you didnt know what Id say and you didnt have a lesson?

 Mm. Pass the tea, Raekea. Whats this vor? Mint? Eugh. I hate mint.

 Krshia sipped from the cup as she sighed.

 Its a good answer, Tkrn. It has bones in why I did take you. You are my nephewmore than that? I thought it would be good for you to see the Meeting of Tribes. But that is a Gnoll way of teaching. Every Gnoll of the Tribes learns that lesson. It helps us understand how you think. Sometimes the answer is very good. Sometimes, not. Right, Beilmark?

 How, he thought? Tkrn blinked. He turned to the Senior Guardswoman. Embarrassed, Beilmark scratched behind one ear.

 Ah, well, many are younger than you when we are given something. I spent two days with the dagger my father gave me after I lost a horse. I wanted to know, why do you put up with me even though I make such bad mistakes? Came up with many stupid suggestions he refused to take. In the endI got him to take it back.

 What was your answer?

 Grinning, and very amused, Raekeas husband leaned forwards. The Drake was treating this as a holiday; he was the best [Smith] for tools and weapons, Raekea the best [Armorer]. Beilmark chuckled ruefully.

 I think I said, because I can carry things for you. Heughed and decided that was good enough.

 The others guffawed. Another Gnoll, a [Tracker], raised a paw.

 I bought my mother a new bow after she gave me hers. I thought that was what I was supposed to do. Saved up for two months. Sheughed herself sick and took the bow.

 Moreughter. Tkrn began to feel a bit better. Although he was still flushed as she sipped at the hot mint tea.

 Children travel a lot and get very impatient, you see, Tkrn. We have to think up ways to keep them silent on the moveand hopefully actually grow!

 Krshia reached over and ruffled the fur on Tkrns head. He sighed and sniffed.

 Very well, Aunt. But reallyam I supposed to just learn and enjoy myself?

 She became more contemtive at the serious tone in his voice. The others looked at Tkrn and he felt that unpleasant feeling. But atstKrshia shook her head.

 No, Tkrn. I did take you because I thought it would be good. But I could have taken many Gnolls, yes? I took you because we are rted, because I know you, because you are a decent levnd because you did do the right thing in the end.

 Only at thest moment, Aunt.

 He hung his head. Krshia nodded.

 Yes. Only then. Not enoughbut at least, nephew, I know you will do the right thing then. Next time, do it sooner.

 It was a painful relief to hear. Tkrn looked up and she smiled at him. Then she sipped at her mint tea and gagged.

 Enough wasting time! We are close to the Meeting of Tribes! I want to be there sooner! Sooner! Tea break ends in five minutes!

 You mint-tea hating tyrant.

 Beilmark huffed as she sipped at her cup, and then produced a canteen for more on the road. That was Tkrns first introduction to ins Gnoll tradition. It would be far from thest. And as midday came, the rolling ins began to rise slightly. They crested a hind saw the first smoke trails rising in the distance. Hundreds of them, thousands. A vast encampment in the distance. The Gnolls pointed and shouted

 There was the Meeting of Tribes. And the Silverfang Tribe, their kin, were waiting to greet them.

 -

 She heard and smelled them before sheid eyes on the Gnolls.

 To be a Gnoll was to experience the world in ways that Humans and Drakes could only understand a fraction of. Their sense of smell and hearing was so poor! Then again, they could happily walk through ces that had rank odors and barelyin about it.

 And as Krshia had observed, keeping secrets was hard around a people who smelled and heard everything.

 Stillthe wind. She sniffed the air and smelled the odor of thousands of fires, albeit terribly far away. Smoke, cooking scents, even bloodoils and steels in countless profusion. And the natural scent of the Great ins.

 To her, it was home. But she heard the howls from behind and in front of her as well. Gnolls stood in their saddles and howled greetings from afar. And the answering ones?

 There was a timbre and pitch unique to a tribe. The Silverfangs were long, loud, with a curious warble thrown in. Krshia bared her teeth. Raekea eximed with augh.

 Theyre waiting for us!

 Of course!

 The Gnolls picked up the pace, their maudlin mood forgotten for a moment. Krshia smelled a new scenting directly at them as the wind sent it downwind.

 Silver and spice. Not necessarily each Gnoll having one or the other, but there was that mix of both scents on the natural odor of Gnolls and so on.

 Silverfangs were great [Traders], and they also had imed old silver mines and worked them. Moreoveras the new Gnolls came into sight, loping across the ground from where theyd been camped, outside the central profusion of tribesKrshia saw decorations on their fur.

 ins Gnolls. Less clothed then their City Gnoll kin, except for the warriors. Also, bearing earrings, armbands, and of course, dyed fur.

 Silver streaks in their fur, rather. Tkrn blinked as he saw the curious pattern on one of the Gnoll warriors fur along the mane of her neck. Krshia recognized it.

 Warriors markings. In the past, they were more than symbolic. You decorated the neck and down your back and even your arms with a special silver dust dye. To ward away ghosts andbad things.

 Krshia remembered wearing the same dye proudly herself. She had been a [Hunter], apprenticed to the [Shaman] for a year or twoher heart swelled with nostalgia and memory. In this moment though, it was more good than not.

 Kindred!

 The howl came from afar. Two of the Gnolls were riding back towards the Meeting of Tribes. Krshia slowed her gallop andughed as she raised her hand.

 Silverfang kin! Do you recognize us at sight alone?

 It was a group of a dozen, minus the two heading away. They slowed, waving up at her as she slowed. Huge, toothy grins. They were half-warriors, half other Gnolls, wearing the traditional silver ornaments. Silver and ivory, silver and jewelthe Silverfangs had a motif and they let people know they embraced it.

 Is that Honored Krshia of Liscor? Councilwoman Krshia, or so we have heard! Greetings, Aunt! We were told to sit here and not return until you arrived! We are d you did; we want to join the Meeting of Tribes!

 The female Gnoll with silver dye running in stripes down her mane and back spread her arms. Krshia dismounted. The two embraced there and then, and Krshia sniffed the younger Gnoll politely as she did the same.

 We were dyed unavoidably. We are sorry, yes? I shall tell my sisterthe Chieftain the same! Is Chieftain Akrisa close?

 Akrisa, her sister. Long had it been since theyd seen each other. The younger Gnoll beamedthen turned her head and sneezed.

 Well met, Aunt Krshia! Yesshe camped the way you would being. And two of us rode to get her. Shell be here soonhow many are there? Sixty?

 Just under.

 Iachoo! We were ready for ten times that number if need be! But that is well. Honored elders, greetings!

 She bowed, very politely to the older Gnolls in front in turn. That included Tkrn, which amused Krshia. Until she realized it was her mistake.

 Tkrn, move back. Youre not Honored yet.

 Beilmarkughed as she nudged Tkrn. The other Gnolls were dismounting to pat the Silverfang ins Gnolls, hugthey were more intimate physically than Drakes might be, or Humans with formal handshakes and whatnot.

 Some of the Silverfang ins Gnolls began sneezing, and apologizing. Krshia raised her eyebrows.

 Allergies? I forgetI have not asked your name.

 No, Honored Krshia! Forgive me! I am Dekava! [Hunter-Warrior] of four full years since my markings. Its justyou smell of the city! Oil and dust and Drakes all over you!

 Krshia blinked. They did? She hardly noticed, but if Dekava insisted, it must be so. She self-consciously sniffed herself, then smiled.

 Not that bad, surely!

 No! Just different! Apologies! Will you introduce us?

 Krshia nodded. Ah, yes. This was back home alright. The request was more than just formalityshe pointed, singling out the six Gnolls.

 This is Honored Beilmark, Senior Guardswoman of Liscor. Honored Raekea, [Armorer] and Councilwoman of Liscor

 The eight ins Gnolls bowed slightly to each in turn. Memorizing the names of the six Honored Gnolls. Of course, Tkrn and the others knew them as the same, but Krshia noticed Tkrn blink as Dekava bowed to Beilmark, cing her paws together as she bowed.

 A warrior of the cities! Honored Beilmark, it is good to meet you! We would love to see how they fight thereter. And an [Armorer]! We knew you wereing, Honored Raekea! Our smiths will wish to exchange knowledge.

 And I will be d to do so. Well met, Dekava. And you are?

 They made a point of saying Honored each time. Which was much like City Gnolls. ExceptTkrn coughed.

 Beilmark. Do you want the guards to spread out or?

 Beilmark half-turned.

 I think were fine, yes, Tkrn? The Azmuzarre tribe patrols. Just keep them nearby.

 Dekavas ears perked up. She turned to Tkrn.

 Ah, you must be Honored Beilmarks son?

 No.

 The other ins Gnolls blinked.

 Hernephew?

 No.

 Husband?

 They eyed Beilmark. She snorted withughter. Tkrn shook his head.

 Im Tkrn. [Guardsman]. Regr Guardsman of Liscor.

 Dekavas look of confusion turned to one of understanding. She smiled and seized his paws. She shook his hands vigorously with hers.

 Ah, I see! Pleased to meet you, Tkrn! Theyre [Guards]. The same group.

 Ah. The others nodded. Krshia coughed, but only half in amusement. She was going to have to remind the others to always say Honored Beilmark and so on. Shed forgotten how seriously

 Ten years. Her head turned as she heard another howl in the distance. Massed voicesshe looked around and stopped.

 There came the true Silverfang Tribe. Nearly a thousand Gnolls loping across the ground, and leading them, a familiar form and voice. She howled again and Krshia answered her.

 Akrisa Silverfang was, in fact, shorter than Krshia. But far more athletic. She did not stand behind a counter all day. She raced across the grass, her tribe racing past her.

 Wow.

 Tkrn stared. He had scarcely seen so many Gnolls at once! Nothat wasnt correct. He saw countless Gnolls every day in Liscor. But here was a mass of furry bodies, fur ranging from blonde to ckand not a scaly tail to be seen among them.

 A Gnoll tribe. They bounded forwards and, abruptly, stopped. Krshia and the sixty or so Gnolls from Liscor were on foot, hurrying forwards.

 Sister! It is good to see you, yes!

 Krshia called out joyfully. She saw her sister raise a paw, smiling. But she had abruptly stopped. And the thousand or so Gnolls shed brought abruptly halted behind her, leaving her in front. They raised their heads

 And Krshia halted. She had been going to run and embrace her sister as much as Dekava. But the sudden halt in the mad rush of exhration at seeing her kin was jarring. She eyed them

 Er, form up behind me.

 The other Liscorian Gnolls blinked. But they formed a rough wall behind Krshia and advanced, slower.

 Whoes before the Silverfang tribe?

 A voice shouted before Krshia could close the fifty or so feet between them. Krshia stopped again, blinking. That was ritualisticshe answered reflexively after a pause to search her memory.

 Kin from afar! Seeking to meet those with our blood and will!

 The Gnolls ahead of her paused. One shoutednot Akrisa. A Gnoll next to her. Krshia recognized a [Shaman]s markings and blinked again.

 We greet our kin from Liscor! What do you bring, kin who have been gone so long?

 Krshia frowned, hesitating. She hadnt meant to do this in front of all.

 We bring ourselves, and our knowledge from a city far away! To join Silverfang to Silverfang once more!

 She replied. The [Shaman] standing next to Akrisa paused. She saw him whisper to her sister. And Akrisa shook her head slightly.

 What else do our kin bring?

 A murmur of surprise ran through both sides. Krshia hesitated. She turned, and whispered.

 Tkrn. Go with Jerci and the others. Grab the book.

 The book, aunt?

 Yes. Now. Hurry.

 Tkrn and a few younger Gnolls hurried back to a horse with only one burden in the center of the caravan. Even nowa group of eight Gnolls stood around it, as they had the entire way here.

 Of course, it looked just like a covered bundle in a nket. But as Tkrn and the others fussed around it, unstrapping it and lifting italthough even Mrsha could have dragged it, light as it wasit was revealed to be a vast square of something.

 A tome. They brought it over and the Silverfang tribe stirred expectantly. Krshia was staring at Akrisa. But her sister refused to look at her. She was staring at the sky as the [Shaman] called out.

 What does our kin bring from the city where they have been gone for so long?

 We bring knowledge! A gift for the Meeting of Tribes!

 Krshia called back. She was gettingnot angry, but perplexed. She recognized the forms. She motioned the three Gnolls supporting the tome. As they passed her, she stopped themthen removed the nket.

 The giant magical book shone in the light. The writing on the tome, bound in some magical leather she had no way of identifying, was as pristine as if it had been printed a second ago. Not a sign of age

 The pages were brilliant, beautiful, without imperfection. Far frommon parchment. The book, to even Krshias limited [Shaman] knowledge, glittered with power. Even for Tkrn, who had no knowledge of magic whatsoever, he felt a presence. His fur stood on end.

 The Silverfang tribe sighed as they saw it appear. The [Shaman] himself made a sound.

 Thatis that what the Silverfangs of Liscor bring?

 Yes. And this one presents herself before Chieftain and tribe. Are we wee, kin?

 Krshia approached as the book was brought halfway forwards. She spread her paws, looking at her sister. Uncertainly, Tkrn and Jerci and the third Gnoll tilted the book so all could see.

 Thenand only thendid Akrisa look down. Krshia saw her sisters face.

 Older. Older by two years. Not that muchand yet it was when you grew up together. Still young. A younger Chieftain now,pared to their mother. Silver beads hung in her mane; she had a single earring on the left, a miniature silver fang, the tip marked by ruby. Their mother had worn that.

 A variation on the warriors patterns on her mane. Like ins Gnolls, she only wore a type of breast band and loincloth in the hot summer air. Both patterned fabrics,fortable and beautiful.

 She carried a spearthe Silverfang Chieftains spear. Appropriately, an enchanted spear, closer to a ive since it was curved.

 She met Krshias gaze now, brown eyes deep, and her voice was softer than Krshias, but calm as she nodded.

 You are wee, kin. Present yourself.

 Again, Krshia hesitated. This was not what she had imagined. But she approached, and then, knowing she should, knelt in the grass. She looked at Akrisathe [Chieftain] was already moving. She touched Krshias arm, and gently bade her to rise. Then, she embraced Krshia.

 Kin. You are wee, my sister. You and the Gnolls of Liscor! And you bring a great gift with you! A gift worthy of the greatest of tribes! Let it be said!

 Her voice rose and she turned with Krshias arm in hers, thrusting it up into the air. Thenthe Silverfangs with her howled and shouted, throwing themselves forwards to cluster around the magical tome, grabbing the surprised Tkrn, Jerci, hugging them

 All as it should be. But why the ceremony? Krshia turned to Akrisa, and the two shared a look. What should have been them embracing andughing turned into a single moment of

 Honored Krshia! Honored Krshia-aunt!

 A shape hit Krshia in the leg. She staggeredand saw a little Gnoll racing around her. His fur was darkera mix of her and Akrisas brown and ck. He had two ck spots around his eyes, such that he looked almost like he had a mask on.

 Cers!

 Akrisas pause turned into a note of exasperation. The little Gnoll clung to Krshias leg. Then he let go, running about the two.

 Mother, this is Honored Aunt Krshia, yes, yes? And thats a magic book! Are there more! Can I see it? Motherthey smell! Mother

 Cers Silverfang, enough.

 The [Chieftain] of the tribe was exasperated as she spoke to herson? Krshia stared. But she had received news of it. It was justhe was nearly Mrshas age! A bit younger, and so full of life and chatter it reminded her of, well, Ekirra. And if memory served

 Satar. I told you to watch your brother.

 Exasperated, Akrisa turned. And there a blonde Gnoll with the [Shaman]s staff trotted forwards, looking hugely embarrassed.

 I tried, MChieftain. But he escaped me. Because he bit my arm.

 She glowered at Cers. He ttened his ears.

 I did not.

 Satar Silverfang and Cers. Krshia knew one and had heard of the other, though he had not been bornst time she visited. Satar had been just a child, and shyly greeted Krshia with an embrace.

 Honored Aunt Krshia.

 Satar. It is good to see you. And this must be Cers, yes? I am your aunt.

 Hello! I am Cers!

 Heughed, purely full of energy and excitement. Unrestricted and untamablelike many Gnoll children his age. In factpossibly worse than a City Gnoll because the second thing he did was dash at the horses.

 Wait, thats dangerous k

 Beilmark called out. But the young Gnoll leapt onto the back of one of the horses, swinging himself onto it. Bareback, he rode the surprised animal forwards.

 Mother! Horses!

 Cers, enough!

 His ears ttened and he dismounted as his mother looked at him. It was an adult-look, the kind that told a child this was thest straw. Krshia was busy inspecting Satar.

 She looked like her father. Krshia wondered if shed meet him. Cers on the other hand? He wasclearlynot Satars fur type. Nor was he from the same father.

 The [Shaman] had ck fur, and a speckled pattern of russet-red on his tail and ends of his legs and arms. Cers hadnt inherited that, but Krshia greeted him.

 Shaman Cetrule, it is a great thing to meet you once more.

 Indeed, Honored Krshia.

 They exchanged a more formal hug, sniffing each other. Krshia was still taken aback at how shed met her sister. She looked at Akrisa.

 Sister

 Chieftain.

 The one word stunned Krshia into silence. Akrisa looked at her warningly, then raised her voice.

 Silverfangs! Back to the camp! Quickly! Put that nket on the artifact. Shaman Cetrulecan you mask its magic? Even I can feel it upon my fur.

 I will try, Chieftain. Honored Krshia, did you bring anything to mask it with?

 We used a nket

 Some mud, then. We did prepare. The mud-nket!

 Krshia blinked. Suddenly, the Silverfangs were moving. The ins Gnolls brought something she half-recognized.

 It was a mud nket, a word for a rather peculiar Gnollish invention. It was, wellmud encased in a holding material. It was usually fabric, woven such that the mud didnt escape.

 Why did you need a nket of mud? Well, to keep the heat in! It was an instor that they used in some yurt-type housing that needed to resist super-cold situations or the opposite, heat. You could create steam-baths with it since it really helped keep the moisture in.

 However, this was a special one. Krshia saw-smelled silver mixed liberally in with the mud. The heavy fabric was draped over the tome. Instantlythe magical aura faded.

 Impressed, Krshia blinked. She turned to Cetrule.

 You came up with that?

 At the Chieftains request. We will use that to hide it. Bring it to my tent. I will safeguard it, until the Chieftain desires it presented.

 Krshia opened her mouth againthen saw her sister look at her. She closed her mouth.

 To the camp, then. We return in celebration! Our kin have returned and our great gift is here!

 The Gnolls cheered. They helped the Gnolls from Liscor mount and return, whooping and howlingbefore being admonished to keep it a secret. Still, the mood was celebratory.

 Only Krshia was confused at how she had been weed.

 -

 The Silverfang camp was on the edge of the gathering of the Meeting of Tribes. And Tkrn, swept up by the chaos of it all, saw the Meeting of Tribes at first as a vast, sprawlingwork of lights.

 He understood more as he approached. It was not, at first nce, thergest sprawl of tents and Gnolls imaginable, a chaos of people. It was in fact organized. For a given value of organization.

 Each tribe had their own area. Each one with tents, eating, cooking spaces, and so on. Not all were one tribe; some were mixed.

 But between each tribe was a generous amount of space. A kind of neutral ground in which other things were set up. ces for smiths to sell goods, activities,munal eating grounds

 Private and public was a good way of looking at it. Obviously as well, there were good ces; the areas near the river where the Meeting of Tribes was taking ce was already filled with countless tribesnot right at the border, but close enough to make gathering water simple.

 Most tribes wanted to be in the center of it, such that the center of this sprawling area was filled and there were only gaps on the outer rim where thetest tribes to arrive were ced. Thus, the worst ce to be was the one where you had to walk to both river and to get to the center area.

 Which was where the Silverfang were. In fact, they hadnt even properly camped.

 A thousand Silverfangs hade to greet Krshia and the others and Tkrn had naively assumed that was all there were. He was wrong.

 Nearly ten times that number or more were spread out, a vast conglomerate of tents and Gnolls. They looked up as the ones who had greeted him came racing back, howling the good news.

 We will establish our position atst! Now we know our kin are here! Inform the ins Eye and Azmuzarre tribes!

 The [Chieftain]Akrisawas shouting. His Chieftain? It was an odd thought. Tkrn was so caught up as he, Jerci, and the other younger Gnolls stared at the kin they had never met or known, that he nearly missed Krshia turning.

 Tell the ins Eye and Azmuzarre tribes?

 Azmuzarre has organized this, Honored Krshia.

 Chieftain Akrisa spokea bit stiffly for sisters, Tkrn thought. He saw Krshia hesitated.

 Of course. But ins Eye?

 They are forming a map of all the tribes. They would want to know. In fact, I have not yet met with their Chieftain. I was holding off until you arrived. They will want to meet us.

 I see

 There was a secondyer running to the camp that Tkrn did not quite understand. He did not, but Beilmark looked up and blinked.

 ins Eye must be even more powerful if were presenting ourselves to them. Ah, were back not a minute and its like we never left, huh, Raekea?

 She sighed. Tkrn turned to her.

 What do you mean, Beilmark?

 He saw the Senior Guardswoman frown.

 Its Honored Beilmark, Tkrn. We should have rememberedbut it has been nearly a decade. Call me that unless were around friends. Raekea too.

 Do I have to do that, dear?

 Her husband wondered aloud. Raekeaughed.

 They make an exception for outsiders, Jekss. Butits tribe matters. We should have exined

 Whats there to exin? Just be polite. Were City Gnolls these days. Did you hear that introduction? Kin from afar.

 One of the older Gnolls sighed. The Gnolls of Liscor murmured, but quietly. Tkrn blinked. He began to understand that greeting was more than mere tradition.

 -

 What was that, Akrisa? We have been sisters for four decades and you did not acknowledge me until I presented our gift?

 The Chieftain of the Silverfang tribe lived in a tent far bigger than Krshias apartment. Contrary to what many might thinkyou could build some fantastic temporary structures with bags of holding. Krshia could have fit three apartments of hers into this space and had room to spare.

 A vast, domed ceiling, thick walls with the mud nket instors that kept sound outall enchanted of course. She recognized a [Shaman]s markings against insects on the walls, one against prying, and one more for cooling.

 Three marksan extravagant use of power for all but a [Chieftain]. Each one took a toll on the [Shaman] to upkeep, however slight. Well, Silverfang was plentyrge enough to support the spell easily and perhaps it was one of the other [Shamans] who had cast it.

 Thirty minutes had passed since the wee. The other Gnolls were in camp, getting settled, being weed.

 Krshia was in Akrisas tent. She would sleep herethe Gnoll families did. In fact, there were rooms within the huge tent, formed by walls of cloth.

 Luxury beyond Krshias apartment. But she was too upset to appreciate it. She turned to Akrisathe [Chieftain] had put down her spear and was sitting.

 Silkap. I have some. You must be hungry. Silkap and bread?

 Akrisa looked past Krshia. The Gnolls furious re did nothing. Krshia folded her arms.

 Yes. Please. We only had brunch.

 Theres a jar there. Ill get some bread.

 The [Chieftain] roserathershe got someone else to get some freshly baked tbread. Krshia had already undone the jar and put a huge amount of the Gnollish spread in a bowl. She was ring as Akrisa reappeared. Krshia grabbed the bread, tore a piece off, and held it up sarcastically.

 This kin from afar thanks the Chieftain for the food. We share it as Silverfang alike.

 She pasted some silkap onto it and bit. The fact that it tasted really good after her long trip didnt help. Hot bread, silkap tasting of meat, some chive, strong withrd like their mother made itmm. She masticated furiously.

 Rather than rise to the bait like she normally would, Akrisa just helped herself.

 Thats quite good. You should say that tonight when we eat in public.

 The City Gnoll stopped mid-chew. Her eyes narrowed.

 What? Akrisa, you are tempting my patience.

 I am, yes? Well, that is terrible, no? For kinmuch less sistersI should have given you an embrace. A kiss and weed you without ceremony or gift! How could I?

 The [Chieftain] murmured softly. Krshia nodded furious agreement.

 You humiliated me in front of my people.

 Hrm. Your Gnoll-people. Your Liscor-Gnolls. YourCity Gnolls.

 We are of Liscor, now! But we are still Silverfang! What has gotten into you to make you so distant! Whats wrong with you? You should be rejoicing! I have brought a great gift! I

 Krshia was snatching another piece of bread when Akrisas paw moved. She reached out and, before Krshia could dodge, snagged Krshias ear.

 Between two fingers. Krshia yelped.

 What are you

 Her older sister twisted her ear.

 You little brat. You were always like this. Why are you so mean, Akrisa? Why do you not hug me? What happened to the dozens of spellbooks we sent money for you to buy, hrm? What about the [Fireball] you told me blew up our gift? Why are you three days <emte?

 Ow! Let go of

 Akrisa twisted her younger sisters ear harder. Krshia yelped. And she had forgotten.

 Firstly, that her sister had never been less temperamental than she herself could be. Second? She was an older sister. And some things never changed.

 Youe herete, and you think I can just run over on all fours and lick your cheek? Twist my tail, Krshia! I am a [Chieftain] now! I have to establish you are returning and make you follow some traditions or let half the tribe use you of being favored! Which you are! You are mad that I made you show everyone the gift our tribe hasbored for ten years to bring after you said it was exploded?

 I told you we got a new one!

 And there were weeks of the entire tribe fearing we had lost all! For that matteryou act like there is nothing wrong? What happened to the warriors I sent to you, hm, Krshia? What happenedto Brunkr?

 Abruptly, the fingers let go. Krshia leaned awaybut suddenly her anger was gone.

 Oh.

 Oh?

 Akrisa looked at her, almost disbelieving. Krshia hung her head.

 I

 If you say you forgot, your cousin will kill you. And she will have to find a way to turn you into a zombie, because I will kill you first.

 Akrisas eyes shed. Krshia raised her paws.

 I did not forget, sister. I would never. It is justanother important person was lost to us recently. That is why we were dyed. We were grieving.

 The older Gnolls face flickered. Abruptly, her ire went out and she sat down.

 More death? Another Gnoll? No? Either waythat city seems to bring death. So many. Not that the ins are ever safer. But BrunkrMenoa mourns. I made her stay. But she will want to speak with you.

 I brought his ashes and belongings.

 Good.

 They sat once more. This time, Krshia didnt take the silkap. She hadforgotten. Somehow, Erin had wiped the memory of it.

 Warriors to aid youkilled by Gazi Pathseeker before she rejoined the King of Destruction. Brunkrlost to a Named Adventurer who turned out to be false. Regrika ckpaw. Our kin, eaten by our foe thought lost to time, lost in battle with monsters from the dungeon. This is what I hear, Krshia. I have feared for you for thest year.

 Akrisa spoke now, directly to Krshia. The younger Gnoll hung her head.

 I sent word each time. Butit must have been harder to hear it.

 It was. Time and again? Six times, the tribe asked whether your going was a mistake. Whether it would be best to travel to Liscor to bring you all back, rather than to leave you in what seemed to us to be death and danger. What is happening there?

 Much. A dungeon, athere was an inn. I cannot exin it, Akrisa. It is a longer story. And a sadder one. The Human I wanted to bring? She isgone.

 Akrisas gaze darkened.

 More sadness. Krshia

 She reached out. Krshia guarded her ear, but this time Akrisa just drew her into a one-armed embrace.

 I am sorry, Krshia. I am. We have much to say. It is just that I could not wee you with open arms. Not after what was lost. You had to present yourself, and even then, I did not make you ask or wait upon my judgment. Some wanted that. If only to preserve my power.

 What? Preserve it? Are that many trying to unseat you as Chieftain?

 Krshia blinked. Akrisa let go of Krshia and gave her a crooked smile.

 Aside from the usual malcontents, you mean, yes? Only one. And she sits across from me.

 Krshias mouth fell open in denial. Akrisa waved at it as she took some silkap and bread.

 You have done too well. A year before? I could have weed you, the loss and idents aside. Now? Councilwoman Krshia, who sits on a Drake citys Counciles here. Some wonder if you are a Chieftain of the Liscor Tribe instead of a sister to the [Chieftain].

 I would never

 I know. But they said it. That should have quieted them down. Just do say something before we eat.

 Krshia stared at her sister. She saw Akrisa sigh. Then look up. Unbidden, but in unison, the two began to chuckle.

 Ive been gone too long from the tribes. Not a day back and it is all the same.

 Akrisas chuckle was more rueful.

 A bit. Some things have changed, but I did not upset the old ways of the tribe. Ah, Krshia. It has been too long. Sit. Tell me what needs telling before Cers scampers in. He will want to know all the storiesbut some things must be told only to me, mustnt they? Well, perhaps tonight with Cetrule.

 Krshia rxed. Nownow she felt like she was back. The ufortable wee began to make sense. And her own guilt? She remembered it.

 Brunkr. It felt too long for how shortly ago it had been. She ducked her headbut more silkap was offeredand Akrisa got up.

 Some cheese! I have goatsunless Cers took it to snack on. Aha! There it is.

 She produced some crumbling cheeseand then a brie for contrast. And some baked yet, and some wine. It was hardly the most expensive spread, but it was filling and tasty. The two properly broke bread now.

 Theres too much to say, Akrisa. ErinI can tell you all her story. For it is a good one. But enough to let me say that I am a Councilwoman thanks to her. And that Liscor is a city with its own troubles. Vast ones. The Antinium

 Madness. The thought of you living with them under you? I still shudder.

 Akrisa shook her head. Krshia sniffed.

 They are quite nice. In factthey have names. They are a people now, a proper one. Perhaps even allies.

 You must be joking, no?

 Not at all. But that is for you and Cetruleeven Honored Gnolls to hear. Let me think. For us two? WellI am a bit mixed on how I feel, but I am a [Royal Shopkeeper] now. Level 33. And I have some interesting Skills there. A Level 11 [Councilwoman]oh, and I leveled up in [Shaman] after all these years.

 Akrisas eyes widened.

 Royal? How did thate about?

 Part of the story. I met a [Princess]there is one living in Liscor. I did not write to you of that. But it is my hope we meet her, when we summon Mrsha.

 The Doombringer? You wrote of that, Krshia. The [Longstrider Scout] I sentVvrow? He thought you were mad.

 She had sent Vvrow to coordinate things. He had been impressed by Krshias ssbut perhaps that was one of the reasons Akrisa had had trouble. Krshia sniffed.

 White Gnoll-child. Not a Doombringer. I intend to prove that to the tribes.

 Good luck. I cannot believe it myselfbut I will listen! Do not give me that glower, Krshia.

 Akrisa took another sip of wine. Krshia sighed.

 She is a good child. A [Mage]! She learned magic from the book, Akrisa. It can be done!

 The Gnoll [Chieftain] coughed.

 Stop telling me things while I drink, Krshia. It is going toe out my nose. So many developments in one year! Because of that Human?

 Krshias face fell. Stillshe waited as Akrisa took a longer draft of wine.

 Im also sleeping with that Drake I wrote to you of, Lism. On the Council.

 Akrisa sprayed wine onto the floor and her fur. Krshiaughed so hard she fell over. Her older sister threw the empty cup at her.

 You littleyou are mad! Mad andLism? I thought you wanted him dead!

 Things change. Ohand by the way. If you want me to get you better wine, give me a barrel and Ill give it back to you after a month or two. [Appreciating in Value] is my Level 30 consolidation Skill. I have some gifts from Liscor that have increased in value in my care.

 Akrisas jaw dropped.

 What? You must be joking with me.

 Not at all. Here, let me just

 Krshia went to her bag of holding and belongings. She reached in and fished out the first of the gifts she had brought from Liscor. She handed something to Akrisa. It was a bottle of wine.

 I bought this for barely a few silver on bargain. I didnt taste this one, but I had a second bottle of the same and it was the cheapest, foulest wine I could think of. Its been in my care since I got the Skill, about four months now.

 Her sister eyed thebel and cheap ss.

 It looks like its not worth the cost of the bottle.

 Well? Lets have a try.

 The Chieftain of the Silverfang tribe gave Krshia a long look.

 Im reminded you were a trickster, Krshia. If this is one of those pranks like the time you covered our old [Shaman]s tail in sap

 You wound me, Akrisa. Im dignified in Liscor. People respect me.

 Ill bet. Well

 They poured a cup. Akrisa sniffed suspiciously and Krshia held her breath. She hadnt opened the bottle, and the uncorking made her heart flutter. But the first sniff made both Gnolls do a double-take.

 That cant be right. It smells like

 Akrisa dipped her tongue into the cup. She did a little taste and her eyes went round. Krshia inhaled a proper bouquet. She took a sip and gasped.

 Oh, that is good.

 Marvelous. But its

 The two looked at each other. Then they both began tough. Krshia chortled and Akrisa took a huge draft and smacked her lips. Then she began to guffaw.

 Cers! Cers, where are you? Come here and have a drink of your aunts wine!

 Sheughed as she poured a cup of the finest grape juice Krshia had ever had into a cup. It tasted like it was made of excellent grapes, butKrshia wasughing as the tent ps opened and a Gnoll raced through.

 Grape juice? Where? It smells so good!

 The little Gnoll could detect the quality even more than they. Krshia scratched at her head, bemused.

 It must have been closer to grape juice than wine! Either that or? I dont know how my Skill works!

 Have you tested it? Sip, Cers! Well share this at dinner with the others. Its the product of your aunts hard work!

 Its so goooood! Do they have this in Liscor all the time? Its so tasty! My tongue feels like its sparkling!

 Cers took a sip, and then rolled about on the floor happily. It was such an innocent thing Krshiaughed and felt her heart ddening for the sight. She talked as the boy raced out with the cup to show his friends.

 I have tested it! Kept it secret, mainlybut the key is that it takes time. A week is barely enough time to notice much! Mind youI have tested it.

 And?

 It works on two objects at most. There is aa limit to the expense I think it can reach. And as of yet, it does not work on magical objects.

 Ah, these limits make sense. And you are only Level 30.

 Krshia nodded. She was an odd Gnoll, she would admit herself. She had reached Level 30 by consolidating her [Trader] ssbut she had still achieved it in ten years ofing to Liscor. And she was a [Huntress], a [Shaman], and a [Councilwoman] now. All parts of her life.

 So we cannot give you magical weapons to keep. What about quantity?

 The Gnoll winked.

 Well, I had tested it on smaller objects since people ask questionsit has to be where I sleep, you see? In my actual care, not my shop. But if you would like to roll a barrel of something into my tent

 People will think City Gnolls drink wine like water! I will have it done. Then what did you try it on, besides this juice?

 Akrisa chuckled. Krshia shrugged.

 Since I had this maturing for four months, only one thing at a time. I experimented. I put some grit in butterin a week, it was all gone. Two weeks and it was good butter. Then I tried it with a rock.

 And?

 Nothing. It was a rock. I think it has to have actual value. I gave that up, and then I did water.

 Water?

 Akrisa snorted. Krshia held up a paw.

 Listen. It was fresh after three weeks. I could swear it was like a minor stamina potion, yes? Excellent water. I could make money from doing nothing! Althoughits not much.

 Amazing. And you got this Skill because a [Princess] helped you? Here I work for my Skills and I feel mine is suddenly less worthwhile than yours! I can protect us from monsters with [Tribe: Warding of Safety]all but the worst! But yours is so fun.

 The [Chieftain] huffed. Krshia gave her a little smile.

 I suppose it is in our natures. You became Chieftain, after all. It is not a fun job. And I

 She stopped, the cup halfway to her lips. Akrisa sighed.

 You had to leave. Wellyou have done well, Krshia.

 She smiled, and so did Krshia. Ten years ago, Krshia, [Trader] for the Silverfangs, had proposed the idea to the new Chieftain of the Silverfang Tribe, Akrisa. She had been granted the Gnolls and funds to go to Liscor and try this great venture. Because her mother, the old Chieftain, had refused her. And becauseKrshia did not fit into the tribe. Because, she had told her sister then, she needed something else.

 Because being a ins Gnoll was not for me. Krshia sipped quietly, savoring the taste. Soon, Cers would race back in, with his sister, and she would greet Akrisas new partner. Say her apologies to Brunkrs mother. Mourn and bear her burdens and respectfully show deference to her sister.

 She was willing to do all of it. She was d to be here, now. But it reminded Krshia

 This was not her home. There were reasons shed left the tribes. She would always be a Silverfang. But not all that ins Gnolls did was right. So she felt. But for now, she drank grape juice and looked at her sisters family. Ah

 She was just a bit jealous.

 -

 Tkrn did not know what he had been led to expect since he had no expectations. So he couldnt reallyin about the Silverfang tribe.

 Not that he would. But if he did

 It was just a bit weird. That was all.

 The introduction to the Silverfang tribe hadnt been that odd to Tkrn, although hed noticed the older Gnolls eying each other during the ritual greetings. But soon they were in camp and Tkrn had a real wee.

 Gnolls were not afraid to put paws on each other and one practically dragged Tkrn off to give him a celebratory drink. And again! Noints!

 Tkrn felt odd drinking by day since a [Guard] was always sober on duty, but the Velrusk w was a fine, more savory mead. Also, purple. But he liked it and it wasnt as astringent, which Gnoll ptes shied from inrge. Drakes loved Firebreath Whiskey for the same reason. Tkrn could only stand oozing from every pore for so long after each shot.

 Youre from the city, yes? Whats it like? Do those Drakes give you a hard time? You brought the magic booktell us about thatno, this dungeon first!

 Is Liscor like Oteslia? Smaller? Did Honored Krshia bring anything else back besides the magic tome? What happened to the other spellbooks?

 Guardsman. So do you get [Warrior]s Skills or is there some difference in ss? Show me your best one!

 It was like being at a family reunion, only, he was the center of attention rather than the cousin expected to greet everyone and not get in the way of the adults. Tkrn rather enjoyed that.

 He also enjoyed meeting Krshias familyhe didnt know there were two children of Chieftain Akrisa! Tkrn memorized names dutifully.

 There was the [Shaman], Cetrule, who hadnot married [Chieftain] Akrisa. But they were a couple so it was a technicality? Lets see. Satar was a half-sister to Cers, the little Mrsha-age cub who kept running around offering grape juice to everyone.

 Satar was a [Shaman] in training, or a new one. Cers was clearly belovedif rascally as most Gnolls his age. Everyone seemed to respect Akrisa, which was good.

 No problems! The only issues were when Krshia brought out an urn of ashes and the objects ofTkrn saw her approach an older Gnoll. The Gnoll took the urn, the belongings, heard Krshia out, and then punched her.

 Brunkrs mother. Also one of Krshias cousins. Half the tribe stirred and Akrisa held up a paw. Some of the [Warriors] began to move, but Menoa was already walking away.

 Whew. If they had to drag her off, it would have been worse.

 Raekea breathed. Her husband, Jekss, was coughing out his drink.

 That wasnt bad enough? She nearly broke Krshias jaw in front of everyone!

 Her son was killed while under Krshias care. Shouldnt she be angry?

 The Drake blinked. One of the ins Gnolls sniffed at him. They regarded Jekss much like the Gnolls from Liscor.

 Outsiders. Curious and in the case of the other Silverfangs, beloved, but strange. Tkrn saw Krshia rub at her jaw. She didnt immediately heal it either, although it was gone by dinner.

 That was uh, interesting. But the real interesting stuff? It came after dinner.

 -

 Dinner was a huge affair. It took ce over hours since not all the tribe would eat at once. Tkrn listened to Akrisas speechand Krshia thanked her as kin once more, which seemed to be approved by everyone.

 Silverfang food wasnt as oundish as anything Tkrn might have expectedagain, if hed done that. Because, obviously, Silverfangsprised most of the Gnolls in Liscor and they had brought their cooking with them!

 There was more of an emphasis on dried foods, however. A bit more dried meats rather than fresh cut you could buy at markets, and not so many vegetables that couldnt be easily acquired. The Silverfang tribe transported their food, so they didnt have the luxury of warehouses with preservation spells.

 Our [Shamans] can dy the food rot, but we dont sit and grow food. Only the Greenpaw tribe and a few others stay in one ce.

 Dekavaughed in amusement. She was eating with Tkrn, Beilmark, and some of the others; the Gnolls of Liscor were spread out, to socialize with their kindred. Dekava had attached herself to Tkrn, Beilmark, and Jerci and her parents. Not out of sheer politeness or the Chieftainsmand, either. She was clearly interested in Tkrn and Beilmark and Jerci as [Guards]it was she who had pestered them to show their Skills off.

 Tkrn was uh, politely, average for his level and age. Which meant he was a Level 16 [Guard]. Not exactly impressive. His best Skill?

 [Fast Leg Sweep]. A variation on the traditional [Leg Sweep] Skill hed gotten at Level 10. It meant he performed the Skillfast.

 He could take down even a Senior Guard if they werent careful and it was definitely useful in a scuffle! However, it wasnt uh, the ability to strike three times simultaneously or a [de Art].

 Dekava had given Tkrn a polite smile before demonstrating her [Hunter-Warrior]s ability[Pinpoint Strike]. She could ce any arrow or de wherever she wanted once. It was considered simr to [Unerring Throw] or Skills like that, but superior in uracy, if limited in uses.

 She wasnt that higher-level than he was. OnlyLevel 19. Soon to be Level 20. And she was a year younger. Tkrn was at least d Beilmark had agreed to show off one of her Skills.

 Well, how do you get your food then? You cant buy all of it.

 The Gnoll [Warrior] bared her teeth in a grinthen realized he was serious.

 We raise herds! Most Gnoll tribes do. The ins have lots of food. Just not for us. Sheep for clothing, goats for milkcows if you can stand herding themhorses to travel, pigs for meatall of it for meat in the end.

 Indeed, it was meat and dairy as much was vegetables. Tkrn chewed appreciatively; Gnolls were not meant to live on legumes alone.

 By the same token thoughfruits were a delicacy. Which was why Krshias grape juice gift was so wee. Tkrn wondered how much shed paid for it. He hadnt gotten any since they had brought it, but it smelled heavenly.

 We do get fruits now and then. From Oteslia. We trade with the cities or other tribes for things we dont have. But we stick to ournds. Where the silver mines are. We cant leave them anymore; we left two thirds of the tribe there.

 Two thirds?

 Tkrn looked around at the vast sea of Gnolls. But then he remembered; Liscor was farrger than the Silverfang tribe these days, even with their full numbers. It was just that they were all in one ce!

 Its rare for them too, Tkrn.

 Jercis father leaned over as he snagged another piece of gristle, his favorite. He chewed happily and spoke while chewing.

 Normally, Gnolls work and carry out their tasks and dont see the entire tribe except for special asions like this. I grew up in a smaller camp and only saw all the Silverfangs once or twice a year. Some tribes send younger Gnolls to work in cities, and so on.

 Hmm. Those days were nice. Sleeping wherever you wanted, always seeing something new, huntingthat was how we met!

 Jercis mother snuggled closer to her father. The rookie [Guard] looked horrified.

 I never should havee here. Gah!

 She stood up to get a drink. Tkrnughed and saw Dekava nearly falling over. They looked at each other. The ins Gnolls really werent that different from City Gnolls!

 Honored Beilmark! Will you show us your Skills?

 Before Tkrn could say something, Dekava leapt up. Beilmark groaned.

 I just ate. But I suppose since weve all settled inone time.

 Some of the younger Gnolls looked around excitedly. They clustered around and from the Chieftains fire, Akrisa and Krshia nced their way. They watched as Beilmark massaged her back.

 I can put on armor if you like, Honored Beilmark! What shall we do? Spar? Or will you demonstrate if its dangerous?

 Im not putting on armor after days of riding in it. You can use your spear or dagger or attack me with bare hands if you want, Dekava. Ill show you my Skill.

 Beilmark sighed. She wasnt reaching for her weapon though, and Tkrn knew she could use a number at will. Dekava noticed it too. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

 Wont you draw a weapon, Honored Beilmark?

 Nope.

 The Gnoll woman smiled slightly. Tkrn saw Dekavas ears tten slightly.

 I am a full warrior, Honored Beilmark. I wouldnt want to hurt you. I was told [Guards] of Liscor were only half as prone tobat as a [Warrior].

 There was a murmur and ooh ofughter from the watching Gnolls. Tkrn frownedbut Beilmark just smiled.

 Thats certainly true, Dekava. My job is to keep the peace, not fight all the time. Although I do both. I can tell if youre guilty, and stop you if you steal something. But I wouldnt want you to take me lightly. Go on.

 She spread her paws. The younger Gnoll frowned as her friends and onlookersughed. She hesitatedand then grabbed for her spear on the ground. She whirled it up and thrust at Beilmark.

 Tkrn made a sound, but it was butt-first, not spearhead. It was still the kind of blow that could crack a rib if

 Beilmark knocked the tip wide with one arm and stepped in. Which wasnt necessarily good because Dekava was already moving her spear up to clip Beilmarks j

 The Senior Guardswoman touched Dekava and the ins Gnoll was suddenly lying on the ground. She blinked up at the fading sky as everyone gasped.

 Whwhat

 Beilmark knelt on her chest as Dekava struggled to rise.

 And you are under arrest. This would be where I take away your weapon and restrain you. Guardsman Tkrn, see to the criminal.

 Tkrn stood up, grinning, as Dekava struggledbut Beilmark had her pinned. The older Gnoll let go and grinned as the others demanded to know what shed done!

 [Immobilizing Touch]. Locks up someone for just a few seconds depending on their level. Relc barely stops. But if you want to end a [Thief]-chase

 She walked back to her seat. Jercis parents were apuding her andughing. Dekava got up, flushing.

 But thats not a [Warrior]s skill you use in battle!

 It got you.

 Beilmark was unruffled. Dekava was spitting mad, but Tkrn was delighted by the rebuttal from one of the Watchs best [Guards].

 Skills and perspectives. It was going well, and Dekava was pestering Beilmark for a rematch with a group of the new [Warriors] of the Silverfang tribe when Krshia stood up.

 Kin! We are honored to be here. And it is my honor to return to my tribe. By the Chieftains will

 She nodded to Akrisa, and her older sister inclined her head with a slight smile.

 we bring more than the great gift for the Meeting of Tribes! We also have smaller tokens from our city. We will share them now.

 Oh, the gifts! Jerci, get ours.

 Her mother called out. Tkrn brightened up and Dekavas head swiveled. The Gnolls of Liscor had brought giftstons of them, in fact! Theyd packed their saddlebags and bags of holding with things from home.

 Things the Silverfang tribe needed or personal tokens of affection. Apparently, they should share them now, so Tkrn dug out some of his.

 Hed been given some money by Krshia and bought items the other Gnolls had said would please. Tkrn hadnt been surebut after their brief chat, he understood the value of his gifts more now.

 Whetstones! Good ones, too!

 Straight from Esthelm. I know its nothing fancy, but theyll put an edge on any steel you have.

 Beilmark was passing hers out to the other [Warriors]. Dekava crowed at the high-quality equipmentbetter than what Tkrn owned. He grinned.

 Will you take a gift from me, Dekava?

 She spun, and then looked at him quizzically.

 What is this?

 He gingerlyvery gingerlyproffered one of his gifts.

 Please dont drop it. And dont open it either! Itsa weapon.

 She stared at the glowing green liquid in the ss jar. A little ck fleck floated in ita dead fly.

 What isthis? Not a potion.

 She dubiously inspected the ss jar as the others clustered around, admiring the glow.

 Its acid. Dont drop it! You throw it at a monster and they uh, melt.

 Dekava nearly dropped it and everyone dove back as she stared at the acid jar.

 This is a powerful weapon! This is your gift?

 She looked at him admiringly. Tkrn coughed. He felt he needed to be honest.

 You can actually buy them cheaper than you think. I also have some oil for des, and um

 Besides the other acid jars hed bought from The Wandering Inn, he had oil for maintaining steel weapons, and thest thing he was sure the Silverfangs didnt have. Dekava practically grabbed the long, t box and sniffed itthen sneezed again.

 Another [Alchemist] thing? What is this?

 Matches. You take them out, strike them andyou have fire! I thought it would be useful for someone without flint or tinder.

 I should have thought of that myself. Id forgotten they were cheap. Good work, Tkrn.

 Beilmark gave him an approving look as Dekava experimentally tried out a match. She struck it too slow the first time, but the second time it lit on the red stuff on the boxs side. She nearly dropped it into the match box, but then waved it about!

 Its so fast! Faster than a flint and tinder andhot! What is this? From Pass? Its new!

 Dont let it burn your fur! No, an [Alchemist] in Liscor made it! It was all the rage a while ago.

 Tkrn puffed out his chest, delighted at the reaction. Then he saw the other Gnolls storming over.

 Tkrn! Friend Tkrn, may I have a box?

 No, me! I have to scout out and Im sick of trying to start a fire when its wet and raining!

 I want an acid jar! Great friend Tkrn

 Amused, he was passing out his collection of goods when Dekava and the other younger Gnolls squabbling over his awesome gifts abruptly fell silent.

 Those are useful tools, both. Our cousins bring back much of use, Dekava. Perhaps it is so useful you would consider letting the older [Hunters] and [Warriors] inspect them?

 Tkrns head turned. He saw one of the older Gnolls, a senior [Warrior] by his dye and well, age, step forwards. He expected Dekava to argue. Her face twistedbut after only a second, she proffered both acid jar and matches.

 I would be delighted, Great Warrior.

 The other Gnolls who had fought so avidly over both acid jars and matches turned. Instantly, they offered their gifts to the other senior [Hunters] and [Warriors].

 Tkrns mouth opened but he felt an elbow hit him in the ribs at once. Beilmark. He closed his mouth as he saw something peculiar take ce.

 The older Gnolls liked his gifts as much as the younger ones. So much so that they instantly put them in their bags of holding if they had them, or took a match box, remarking how handy it was if you didnt have a [Shaman]. The younger [Warriors] looked longingly, but then they began to fight over the whetstones and de oilthose that were left.

 What was that? Tkrn looked at Beilmark. She beckoned him aside and whispered very quietly.

 More honored Gnolls get preference. Dekava gave up her gifts for the tribe. Its customary. Dont worryshe got something in return.

 What, exactly? But Tkrn already saw the Gnoll whom Dekava had given her items to, advising her on how not to wear down the whetstone and her smiling.

 Status. Now that brings me back.

 Jercis father had stopped smiling as much. He chewed on the same bit of gristle as he watched the younger ones fight over what was left. Tkrn looked at him.

 Mister Orrlis that normal?

 In the tribes,d? You see that all the time. Its one of the reasons I left.

 The Gnoll spoke more like a city person than one of the ins Gnolls. And Tkrn rememberedhe made axles. Not a useless upation here, but more of a city thing. The Gnoll stretched out.

 Lets say youre a [Hunter] and you find a dead adventurers scabbard or something. Enchanted. Wellif you were in Liscor, Id say thats your luck. Here? The right thing to do is to show it to the Chieftain or [Shaman] or a senior, Honored Gnoll. Maybe they let you keep it if youre lucky, but chances are you give it to the best Gnoll who needs it.

 Or most senior.

 His wife murmured just as quietly. Orrl nodded.

 But youll be credited for it! Your status in the tribe goes up, especially if you give something good. And someday youll be in that spot sothats the tribe for you. Tribe first, Gnoll second.

 Tkrn blinked. His first thought was: well, that sucks. But he wisely kept it to himself.

 -

 The second peculiarity of Gnollish culture came moments thereafter. Gnolls were drinking now, and a second wave assailing the cooking fires and eating merrilyand talking about the gifts!

 A cksmiths puzzle? You shouldnt have.

 Oh, its just this little thing. You can experiment with how to solve it

 Really, you shouldnt have. How much did this costpared to those matches, say? Or that lovely cookbook? Thank you so much

 The point was that most people were happy with their gifts. Also, that Tkrns second-cousin Zekoon couldnt pick out presents.

 Another Gnoll waved something at Orrl.

 ErOrrl. What is this? A cheap club? Couldnt you even add metal to it? And what are these? I cant use them in my sling and theyre not much better than our balls. Even our young have some enchanted ones. As for thesegloves

 Orrl grinned as he threw an arm around the perturbed Gnoll.

 My friend, you will enjoy this. Have no fear! Have you ever heard of?

 Tkrn was grinning as he saw Orrl begin to exin. Then his face fell as he remembered why the Gnoll knew of that game at all. And then his ears perked up as he saw the first drinkers begin talking loudly around one of the fires.

 Im d our cousins enjoy Liscor enough to live there for a decade. But Ive been to Drake cities too. And you know what my experience is? Its being called dog.

 Tkrns head turned as a Gnoll groused to the others. Some of the City Gnolls were blinking.

 Dog?

 Its Drakes. Not only do they go to you first if someones stolen something, theyre always saying it. The bad ones dont even lower their voices. Smells like a dog, or untamed savage. You know, I once worked under a [Foreman] and after a day of hard work, he actually said good dog to me. Thats what its like living in a Drake city.

 The [Guardsman] actuallyughed at that. The listeners turned to him as he trotted over.

 Wait, are you serious? That cant be true.

 The Gnollining had slightly ragged fur, and looked rather upset. He must have had a bad day; burrs were still tangled in his fur.

 You think Im joking?

 It was arge group around the fire, and their heads turned to Tkrn and the speaker. The [Guardsman] raised his paws.

 No! I meanit sounds incredible.

 Thats never happened to you in Liscor? Not once? Your fellow [Guards] dont talk behind your back?

 Nope.

 Tkrn couldnt even imagine it. The other Gnoll scoffed, but Tkrn scoffed at the idea. Zevara would string that person out to dry!

 No shopkeepers or people on the street?

 Not a one. Theyve done stupid stuff before. There are plenty of Drakes whove had issues with uswell, before the Humans came along. Now they mostly hate them. But we dont stand for it.

 How do you mean, dont stand for it?

 A curious question from Dekava. Tkrn shrugged.

 We just boycott the shop or business. There was a problem with Wishdrinks not letting in as many Gnoll groups. So we all stopped going and they changed their minds. Well, the new manager did. Ive never had what you describe, mister?

 Its Serral. And you must be exaggerating. I know what other cities are like. Ever heard of Paworkers?

 Tkrn had, but only recently. He spread his paws out.

 Thats some cities. Its not what living in Liscor is like. Believe me, its fine.

 He told the other Gnolls, trying to inject some reality into the rant. He didnt mean to offend Serralbut realized that was what he was doing.

 The other Gnoll bristled.

 Oh, so Liscor is perfect, then? Tell me, until recently how many Gnolls were on your Council?

 Well

 And how many Watch Captains were Gnolls? Has there ever been a Gnoll Watch Captain?

 No, but we have a good one. So no ones lining up for the job

 And if they did, would they get chosen, or would a Drake be chosen first? For that matter, if your precious city is so good, why havent I heard of other Gnolls having wonderful experiences in theirs? Who here has been to Drake cities and had that kind of experience?

 The Gnoll looked around angrily. No one raised their paws, although some of Liscors Gnolls looked ufortable.

 Maybe its one city where you think everythings fine. But is it really? Or do you just not see whats wrong?

 He challenged Tkrn. The [Guardsman] hesitated.

 No, I admit theres things that are wrong. Its justnot all cities are bad

 And you have been to more than me, yes?

 Well, Ive been to Human cities

 Where there are tons of Gnolls, yes?

 Something was happening. The group around the fire, including Dekava, was growing, and Gnolls were nodding or talking to each other as Serral spoke. Tkrn had invoked something by ident. Not knowing the rules, he tried to reply.

 Look, Liscor is really nice, Serral. The Drakes are kind, nice. Some other cities might be bad, I dont know.

 You speak kindly, Tkrn. But you are nave. Young.

 Serral scoffed back. He turned, and he was addressing the listening crowd around the fire as much as Tkrn. He took a swallow from his drink and went on.

 Maybe the only reason Liscor is so good is that there are enough Gnolls to force the Drakes to treat us civilly. Maybe if there were not so many Silverfangs and so organized with Honored Krshia, we would see exactly how nice the Liscorian Drakes are. What I experience is tolerance at best, and incivility and insults and suspicion most of all. But why trust my opinion, no? Ive lived and travelled to more cities than young Tkrn herebut thats all.

 More agreement. Tkrn felt himself shrinking as he struggled for a response and found his tongue wasnt quick enough, especially with the food and drink in him.

 Someone came to his rescue before Serral could go on. Tkrn jumped as he felt a paw on his shoulder. He looked left

 And there was Krshia. She cut off Serral.

 You say that despite not having been to Liscor, Serral. It seems there is ack of knowledge on both sides, yes? And I have been to more cities than both of youbined. And am older than both! What if I told you that Liscor truly was good?

 The angry Gnoll turned. There was a murmur and Tkrn felt Krshia nudge him back. Suddenlyit was Serral and Krshia. They were

 Debating. Tkrn saw the crowds heads swing back and forth, listening. Now hundreds of Gnolls were listening from afar as Serral scoffed.

 And was Liscor so wonderful as Tkrn described, Honored Krshia? Or was it just as I said, and Gnolls had to fight for their rights?

 No. It was not always so nice.

 Krshia held Serrals gaze as she dipped her head. He smiledbut she undercut him with her next sentence.

 However, Tkrn is not wrong. He speaks from his only viewpoint, which is just as honest as he says. Liscor was ufortable with us when we first came. But it was not force that made the citizens warm to us, but that we were there and they grew used to us. Just as they grew used to Antinium. Because both species mixed and mingled. Perhaps the problem with other cities is that they only know Gnolls whoe and go, not settle in numbers.

 A second murmur, of intrigue. Serral frowned.

 And why should we, if they treat us so?

 Perhaps because Gnolls of the ins sometimese to Drake cities with as much disdain for them as they do for us, Serral. Or do you show up to your job smiling?

 Politeughter. Krshia waved a paw as he began to growl.

 I am not saying that you are wrong, Serral. Only that you call all Drake cities one thing. When I say it depends on how well they know us. There are good cities with good peopleperhaps many cities, only some ruled by hostile Drakes or not used to us. And I say Liscor is one such. That is all.

 He hesitated. But after a moments thought, the inebriation seemed to be too much for him to tack on a coordinated response. Defeated, Serral just growled.

 Would that every city were Liscor, then.

 He stomped off to get another drink. Krshia looked around and so did Tkrn. He heard murmurs of agreement, some sharing their own experiences. Then Krshia turned to him.

 Your first day in camp and you must start a debate, hrm, nephew?

 She pinched his ear roughly. He yelped.

 Aunt! I hate when you do that! What did I do?

 You participated in a debate, Tkrn. Do you not know one when you see it? And you very nearly made yourself and Liscor look like fools, yes?

 Krshia indicated the crowd. Tkrn, wincing, pulled his ear to safety.

 I dont understand. Did you win the debate? Serral just stormed off.

 She gave him a long look.

 So? I persuaded the ones who matter and thus I won.

 She indicated the listeners. Tkrn saw they were nodding at her, and even the Chieftain looked approving.

 I dont understand.

 One of the ins Gnolls chuckled. It was Cetrule. The [Shaman] nodded to Krshia, who smiled.

 It is a custom of tribes, young Tkrn. When Gnolls argue, others listen. Whomever is judged most right wins, even if the two never reconcile. The goal is to persuade those who listen of your correctness, not to simply talk. And the one who wins often sees the other sidee around if all agree.

 Serral hadnt, but he was having a longer drink then going back to the conversations, which were indeed skewing positive. Tkrn shook his head.

 I cant imagine trying that in Liscor. Some of my fellow [Guards] would never admit theyre wrong.

 Well, they are Drakes. We are Gnolls.

 Cetruleughed. Tkrn hesitated. Hed meant his coworkers in general, which now included Humans. Jerci was incredibly stubborn.

 It is good you had Honored Krshia with you. She is quite renowned and her tongue has not lost its skill, I see. Silvertongue Krshia was your nickname, wasnt it?

 Cetrule addressed Krshia. She rolled her eyes.

 Silvermouth they called me, since I picked too many arguments. Well, you will hear more such debates, Tkrn. Larger ones, between tribes. Thenthe audience is [Chieftains] and [Shamans] and the oue matters. Try not to cause any more trouble tonight though, yes?

 Chastised, Tkrn nodded. He slunk back to his tentwhich was a rounded dome shape, small though, and he was sharing it with two more male Gnolls. But it was protected from the wind and he had drunk and eaten well. The Silverfang tribe was weing.

 It was just a tiny bit different. That was all.

 -

 To Inkar, the Gnolls had never been that different from her culture. At least, they had many oveps.

 Magic sheep? Magic sheep were different. And so was this.

 She knew horse fairs. She knew cities. But the Meeting of Tribes was a wondrous event, such that the young woman was d to havee to this world.

 Despite the heartache. Despite the loss. Despite danger and death.

 She still felt sad when she thought of the crashed airne. But enough time had passed that she had stopped mourning ande out of her shock. More importantlythis was the time when she might find her answers.

 The Meeting of Tribes. She was practically bouncing to see all the things here. You could trade for valuable goods! Pay to learn secrets, have fun seeing each tribes wares and antics, and of course, y games.

 However, it had been four days since the Summer Solstice begun and the Longstalkers Fang tribe had arrived and she had yet to go out and see everything.

 The first day theyd just arrived and setting up and finding a space with Eska negotiating for room for their herds had taken all day. Inkar didnt begrudge that.

 Or the next day, when they had to build some temporary fences. After allthieving and poaching existed in the tribes and the rare animals of their tribe were valuable. Inkar had hoped to go into the main Meeting of Tribes, which was already bustling that night, but shed been asked to keep Deskie, the [Magic Spinner] who was so important and Inkars friend,pany.

 Sometimes Deskie needed help since she was older. And Inkars clothing was proof of their great friendship. Deskie had woven the fabric of Waisrabbits into the lining of Inkars clothing.

 So two days had passed. And on the third day, there were all kinds of activities to be done! Water needed to be hauled, the sheep fedyou could spend an entire day just doing tasks for the tribe and apparently they were shorthanded so Inkar had no choice, even though some Gnolls who should have been helping if they had all this work were alreadying back talking about what theyd seen.

 Theres Lehra Ruinstrider in the camps! People are surrounding her tribes camp and asking to meet her!

 I met one of the Steelfur n! They havesteel fur! He let me touch it! Its not painfulnot much, but its spiky!

 She wanted to join in, but Eska said there was an emergency with the Greenpaw tribes [Cook] and they just needed Inkar to help make some of her lovely dishes. So Inkar made some of her dishes from Kazakhstan.

 On the fourth day she figured out what they were doing.

 Inkar, I know you must be anxious, but could you help us build a new spinner? We cant quite figure out how all the pieces work.

 One of the [Spinners] looked at Inkar a bit too innocently. And Inkar knew that the entire weaving group could put together the spinners by hand, and carve the pieces themselves if need be.

 She went to find Eska.

 Why am I not allowed to enter the Meeting of Tribes?

 The [Chieftain] was talking with some of the Honored Gnolls from the Greenpaw Tribe and the Longstalkers. Inkar knew it was a breach of etiquette, but she was too angry and hurt to care.

 Eska looked up and made an excuse to the others. She sighed and took Inkar away to her Chieftains yurt to talk.

 Inkar, the Meeting of Tribes is for Gnolls. I would let you join in if I could, but we must make sure you areallowed to participate. Few outsiders of your species are allowed to go to more than the periphery.

 Then can I at least go there?

 Inkar pleaded. Eska sighed.

 I fear you may get into trouble or stand out, Inkar. And you are something of a secret that I hope the Chieftains will discuss. But it will be celebrations and politics will note for a while.

 I must wait until then? It is not fair! Please, Eska?

 The [Chieftain] hemmed and hawed, but she would have been blind and heartless not to see how cooped up Inkar felt.

 Very well. Tomorrow, though. I will ask theins Eye tribe to make a statement to the other Chieftains about outsiders this Meeting of Tribes. I have been trying, Inkar, but they are busy meeting with the other great tribes. But tomorrow, even if I cannot secure their agreement, I will send someone with you.

 Inkar was content with that. She spent the rest of the day brushing the Shockwooliesher clothing allowed her to do it without those nasty static shocksand cuddling the friendly animals. Although, part of Inkar remembered that the friendly sheepies could and would cluster together and stop someones heart if they detected a threat.

 Well, good for them. They liked her, and she liked the animals. But she was restless all night, waiting for her chance to explore the meeting of tribes!

 -

 The next day, Eska yawned as she rose bright and early. She sighed. Another day of waiting to meet the more important tribes. Skies willing, her tribes fortunes would change after this year

 Oor. What are you doing loafing around? Is Inkarr not up yet?

 She spotted a male Gnoll taking his ease at one fire, having, well, a meat sandwich. More meat than sandwich, really. He was toasting the bread. He looked up.

 Inkarr, Chieftain? No, she woke an hour ago. Practically bouncing to see the Meeting of Tribes.

 And youre letting her wait?

 The [Chieftain of Herds] frowned. Oor had befriended Inkar, along with Orrehnot surprising since they were from the same family. But since the [Stalker Hunter] was busy making eyes with one of the Ekhtouch tribes [Warriors], Eska had picked him.

 The Gnoll gave Eska a nk look.

 Why would I make her wait, Chieftain? She went into the Meeting of Tribes already. Barely stopped to appreciate good food.

 The [Chieftain] looked at him.

 And you are not with her.

 Oor nibbled his sandwich delicately, savoring the crisp bread, the juicy meats mixing vors.

 I will catch up, Chieftain. You did say I should show her around. Just as soon as

 Eska nearly kicked him into the fire.

 I told you to escort her! That does not mean let her wander off, you idiot, you! Go find her! If she gets into trouble

 Oor scrambled to his feet. He ran past Deskie as the old [Magic Spinner] tsked. But then she smiled.

 Do not worry, Eska. Inkarr is a good child. She would not cause mischief. Worry more about our other Gnolls than her. We have many of our tribe exploring out there. She is not alone.

 I do. But I do not worry about what Inkarr will do. I worry about what other Gnolls will do to her!

 -

 Eska was right to be worried. Because despite Oor assuring her it was fine and that hed catch up in five minutes, just as soon as I prepare a proper breakfast, yes? He did not. And an hourter?

 She was lost.

 Not metaphorically lost. Not spiritually lost, or morally lost. Just lost. Physically, among the countless tents and ces of the Meeting of Tribes.

 In theory she wasnt. As Tkrn had observed, Inkar had seen the same; each tribe had their own grounds. The areas between the camped tribes was neutral space where everyone could walk.

 The problem wasthere were no signs. And she couldnt just walk up to random Gnolls. Wellshe couldbut she was suddenly shy. Everyone was staring at the lone Human in the crowd! Inkar tugged the hood over her face. Like that, she was just a short Gnoll.

 She wandered through the Meeting of Tribes, staring, smelling the delicious roasting meats, seeing a Gnoll breathing fireand then run around shouting as he identally caught the hair on his face on fire.

 Gnolls of every type were here. Artisans like Deskie, [Warriors], [Shamans]

 No, that wasnt right. All kinds of ins Gnoll were here. Few of the cities. Some came, but they were almost as much outsiders as Inkar. Twice, she saw Gnollsughing at an overdressed Gnoll who had a suit of all things, or a dress!

 It was a culture unto itself, as fiercely proud of being nomadic as Inkar had known from home. City versus countryside. Old versus new.

 She was content to wandering until Oor found her. But Inkar was lost. And getting more lost by the minute. The problem was mainly thatshe didnt have a good nose.

 -

 Tkrn understood how the Meeting of Tribes wasid out. Simrly, while hed have a chance to wander, Krshia impressed on him and the other younger Gnolls not to get lost.

 Remember the scents of the camps around ours. We are setting up our boundaries now, but if you get losttry to find a simr scent.

 That was how they did it. Scent! No signpostsand why would they be needed among Gnolls? Each tribe was marking their area. Tkrn eyed the [Shamans] and Gnolls assigned to the task.

 Er, Aunt. I mean, Honored Krshia? How will we mark our area? Bypeeing on the ground?

 Krshias head slowly rotated. Jerci stared at him. Dekava, who was tasked with helping guide the City Gnolls,ughed so hard she nearly threw up her breakfast.

 Bite my fur, Tkrn. Are you insane?

 Beilmark pped the back of his head. She pointed.

 Were using scents. What are we, animals?

 Indeed, the Silverfang n was burning some incense in bags along the border of their camp. Spice and silver. That was their scent. It would be easy for Gnolls to pick it out from afar, even with all the other thousands of scents.

 Tkrn rubbed the back of his head as the others made fun of him until they were released. Dekava was stillughing.

 Shall we explore the Meeting of Tribes together, Tkrn? Or would you like to help mark our territory first?

 She teased him. Tkrn glumly knew everyone in the tribe would hear of his idiocy by nightfall. He shook his head. Think of the fun stuff!

 I would like that, Dekava. Erexploring the Meeting of Tribes! Not the other part.

 Sheughed. He felt like he had two left feet around her. Why, oh why did he turn into a fool? Especially because he thought

 Tkrn was reminded of another date hed gone on, at his aunts insistence. With a young Human woman whode to the city just a month or two ago

 His heart sank again. Erin was like a shadow over everything. Sometimes he forgot for a moment. But it was still fresh.

 Dekava noticed the sudden slump but clearly pretended she didnt.

 Theres so much to do. I want to see the Steelfur tribe and how much they sell their Steelcloth for. I dont have much golddoes being a [Guard] pay much?

 I wish. I havent been saving up so I can spend likea gold piece, at most.

 That was his entire savings, not including some money Krshia had given him for the event. Dekava shook her head at him.

 Weve been saving for years for this day! What were you doing?

 She meant the other Silverfangs. Tkrn hunched his shoulders defensively.

 I didnt know Id being! I thoughtwell, theres still a lot to see, right? Can we meet some of the Named Adventurers, do you think? Ive always wanted to meet one. I meanI have. But a Gnoll one. Like Gamur the Axe. I had a toy of him when I was small. Hes here, right?

 Is he a true Gnoll? Of course he is! But I dont know if well be able to meet him. I want to meet them too, and all the Chieftains.

 Dekava sighed. Tkrn looked nkly at her.

 Why not? This is the Meeting of Tribes. If theyre here

 She frowned.

 Tkrn, did you not hear your Honored Aunt?

 ErI was thinking about peeing on doors.

 She rolled her eyes.

 We cant just walk into another tribes camp! Only the free ground. And Ill just bet the important Gnolls wont let us in. Unless were invited by a member of the tribe or were given dispensation

 Tkrn realized each tribe would have guards at the entrances. The areas outside of each camp were free game, which was why Gnolls were setting up there. But his dream of meeting his childhood herohe drooped.

 Oh. Fine.

 Come on. Someone had better make sure you remember all the rules. Whats this about peeing on doors?

 I thought it was something you did! We did it as kids all the time

 So youre saying you did this recently? As an adult?

 Tkrn had a terrible feeling Dekava wasughing at him, not with him. They entered the Meeting of Tribes as he wondered if he could bribe her not to tell.

 -

 Inkar had no special nose. Special hearing thanks to her gift of friendship as a [Worldly Traveller]yes. But not the nose of a Gnoll, which was what she needed here.

 She wasnt helpless, though.

 One, please.

 She handed over some coppers for a stick of meat. It was very cheap, but good. The Gnoll minding the rotisserie where he was slicing off bits of meat and putting them on sticks gave her an odd look, but he took her money.

 She savored the hot bite. Of course, she could have eaten in the camp, but there was something to this. Buying food, walking around, eating it

 It was so exciting! Look! There were Gnolls showing off weapons to each other. They carried everything from wood and ivory to iron and steel and enchanted weapons! Inkar was no warrior, but she found it fascinating, like the warriors of old in her world.

 Some werepetingothers just talking, catching up with friends from afar. And they were old and young!

 A little Gnoll ran up, sniffing.

 Whats that? Where did you get it?

 She was on all fours. Inkar smiled at the child as an exasperated parent pushed after her.

 Right there.

 Do you have to pay for it? Can I have a bite of yours?

 Vrers! Enough! I am sorry, Miss

 The mother snatched up her daughter, and then did a double-take.

 A Human? Here?

 Oh. Im sorry

 Who let you in? This is the inner area, not

 Inkar ducked back as heads turned. She saw the mother stare at her, then look around. Inkar turned quickly, pushed past some Gnolls, and vanished.

 Where was Oor? She was going to give him a hard time! Maybe she needed to find her way back to the Longstalkers camp, or failing that, maybe move out of the inner area. Inkar looked around.

 The problem was that there were very few easily-essible high spots. The ins were t. And Gnolls did not build up, but out. She frowned.

 Thenshe saw something peculiar as she scanned the sky. Was thata bird?

 It was not the Roc, the gigantic bird that could be ridden by multiple Gnolls, even before fully grown. But neither was it a proper bird. It was toorge for that. Was that a birdperson?

 Yes! The figure was pping in the distance, circling, then descending. Inkar stared.

 Garuda? She knew only one species in the world were native fliersbesides the Oldblood Drakes. One of them was here?

 Oor forgotten, she headed in that direction. She had to meet one! She passed down the street, avoiding a tribes camp. The [Guards] were armed with some shiny metalbut a Gnoll was shouting.

 Demas Metal Tribe! We are epting orders! Our Chieftain will talk to yours about the metal! No peeking!

 Inkar half-turnedbut the guards in front of the tribe were frowning at her and she certainly couldnt afford amission.

 Human. So she hurried on, and found the edge of the inner camp.

 Perhaps it was wrong of Eska to have camped in the inner area. But her tribe was next to Ekhtouch and Greenpaws smaller contingent. A ce of honor thanks to the Ekhtouch and it would have been wrong to abandon Greenpaw, who were really too small on their own.

 Still, the inner camp was not for outsiders. Inkar saw some Gnolls with a distinctive eye dyed onto their fur or armbands manning a kind of checkpoint. She gulped as she realized she was on the wrong side of one.

 She didnt know how theyd react. She knew they were ins EyeDeskie called them powerful traditionalists. And she didnt want to cause trouble for her tribe and Chieftain. SoInkar edged forwards. She strode towards the Gnolls idly waiting at the checkpoint and sipping teathey really werent doing anything other than turning away outsiders. Before they noticed hering up from behind she called upon the magic and

 Pop.

 Inkar appeared past the checkpoint and a tent. A Gnoll jumped as she saw Inkar appear.

 Holy not-my-Ancestors!

 She eximed as Inkar appeared. The Waisrabbit clothexpensive, highly prizedwhispered in Inkars clothing. Shed used up the magic charge to hop a tiny bit forwards.

 Sorry!

 Inkar apologized. She rounded the tent as she backed away from the Gnoll and herpanions. The Gnoll adjusted her spectacles, staring.

 That was so cool. Did you see that?

 She turned to herpanions. Adventurers? The Gnoll was wearing spectacles, and there was a Human man next to her. Inkar blinked. Another Human! Then she did a double-take and stared.

 Wait a second. His skin was darka bit darker than hers, and he had a different clothing stylea type of robe made of one piece of cloth looped around his body.

 But he wasnot Human. Not unless they looked like that movie with the monster made out of parts in it. His arms, his neck, his ears all had little stitch marks in them!

 Emper, did you see that? She just appeared!

 I saw. Good morning, miss.

 The Stitchman replied. He half-bowed to her. Inkar caught herself bowing back.

 Stop being so impressed, LehrLenna. Its a minor teleport spell.

 That came from someone standing next to the Gnoll with spectacles. Inkars head turned. She saw a five-foot high

 If she had stared at Emper, the String Man in surprise, her eyes nearly popped out of her head at the second person standing there. And her gaze was answered by five eyes.

 Thethe person was short. And she had five eyes. Had Inkar mentioned that already?

 Three central ones. Top, left, right. Like a triangle, upying most of her face. Nose? She had two nose holes, much like a Drakes. But she was notsimr to Gnolls, Humans, String Folk, or Drakes, who all alternated on the basic humanoid shape.

 For one thing, this person had oddly-segmented arms, fingers, and though Inkar could not see them, feet. An odd curl to her fingers on each handand she only had four of each.

 She was squat. Her neck, if she had one, was not one that allowed her to crane her head. That didnt imply she wasnt flexible; it was only that her head wasnt the flexible part. Her lower body seemed to have far more artiction.

 Her skin was a dark orange, neither fur nor skin as Inkar knew it. Call it a hide, then. But it transformed to a kind of green the lower it went down her body, in a striating pattern. Oh, there was more to add to hershe was as alien as Inkar had ever known. But the main thing were the twotendril eyestalks looking Inkar up and down.

 Waisrabbit fur in her clothing. Very lovely stitching.

 The Gazer announced. The Gnoll snapped her fingers.

 So thats what it is. I should buy some! Imagine me teleporting like that! Bam!

 Grandfathers spare me from the thought, LerhLenma. Whatever your name is.

 A short woman added. Inkar saw a Dwarfpractically the least interesting member of all four. Aside from the Gnoll, who wore a shining armband andspectacles?

 They were all wearing spectacles, Inkar noticed. The Gnoll adjusted hers and then nudged the Gazer.

 Suxhel. Youre staring.

 Dont touch me, please, Lemm. You know how much I hate it.

 The Gazer swiveled an eye-stalk without turning around. Her voice was mild. She did something oddher eyestalks dipped rather than head nod or bow or anything else.

 Greetings, Miss Human. Apologies for staring.

 NoIII am pleased to meet you? I am sorry, I have never metany of your people!

 They smiled at that. Inkar saw Emper turn to Suxhel.

 And she does not scream or run. I told you your fears were unfounded, Suxhel.

 That is statistically one Human out of thirty eight, Emper. They have a poor track record.

 Emper, Suxhel, and the Dwarf woman held out a hand.

 Another Human at the Meeting of Tribes? Im Elgrinna Geostrand. Pleased to meet you.

 Inkar. Iare you a Dwarf?

 Ah! Yes I am.

 The woman grinned. Meanwhile, the Gazer had discussed how many good meetings she had observed versus poor with the Stitchman. The Gnoll was bouncing about.

 Do they sell Waisrabbit fur stuff? I want to buy some!

 She addressed Inkar. And her name wasLemm? Lenna? Lenma? Inkar blinked and shook her head.

 No, this was stitched by the best [Weaver] of the Longstalkers tribe

 Really? We should visit them, guys! Magic clothing for all! Itd help us get away from Ni and Lord Dragial every

 All three of the Gnollspanions shushed her. Lemm fell silent guiltily and they all adjusted their spectacles.

 Which had no ss, Inkar noticed. They might have been magical, but she didnt see any magnification in the ces where the lenses should be.

 Where are they?

 Inner camp, I think. Sorry guysyou cant go in just yet. Chieftains talking about it

 Well, we can checkter. And youre not spending our gold on teleportation gear, Lemmy. Youd just teleport yourself into a Crelers stomach. Nice meeting you, Miss.

 They nodded to Inkar and strode off. The Gnoll was protesting.

 Name one time Ive make a mistake like

 This morning. You kicked over an entire barrel of fresh fish.

 Ah. But on the other pawwe have fresh fish for dinner. There are no unhappy mistakes, right, Emper? You believe in goodwill and stuff, right?

 There are. Im a [Monk], not a [Saint], Leena.

 Inkar stared after them. The Gazer had to stride to keep up with the others. And Inkar was relieved to see other people doing double-takes as well as her.

 There were more species than just Gnoll in the outer areas of the Meeting of Tribes. Gnolls still predominated by far, but there were Humans and Drakes and other species trying to capitalize on the event.

 Inkar felt more at home here anyways. Shed see about getting back to the Longstalkers tribeter. For now? She strode past the checkpoint, smiling. It didnt ur to her that her brief appearance where even a team of adventurers couldnt go might have raised a few eyebrows.

 And Gnolls had exceptionally thick eyebrows.

 -

 Tkrn lost Dekava. It wasnt his fault! One second theyd been talking, the next?

 Poof. Shed run off the instant someone shouted that the Woven degrass was holding a sparring tournament. Winning warrior got an enchanted weapon of their choice!

 Dekava! Dekava! Where did?

 Tkrn gave up after ten minutes of searching. He hadnt seen where shed run off to with the other [Warriors]. Norsecretlydid he want to watch a fighting tournament, at least right now.

 Crossbows. Theyd shot Erin with crossbows. Tkrn found some benches installed and sat down on one glumly. He was still processing that.

 He wished Dekava well, but this Meeting of Tribes mattered more to her than him by far.

 I might be able to join another tribe, Tkrn! If a Chieftain sees me and likes me, she might offer me a position in her tribe!

 Do you want to leave Silverfang?

 Yes! No. Its justI want to be important, and it will take a long time here. I can make my fortune during this event. Anything can happen. Thats how Satar, the Chieftains first daughter, came to be, you know. Last Meeting of Tribes, the Ekhtouch and Silverfangs made an agreement for children.

 Children. So Satar was a child of a union between this Ekhtouch and Silverfangand that was one of the agreements that could be reached here. A Gnoll could be headhunted by other Chieftains. Tribes could buy vast supplies of armor, or a powerful artifact

 Tkrn realized he didnt know what Krshia or Akrisa hoped to gain from this event. He wondered if the magical tome would be the most important thing on disy. Surely so.

 Anyways, the seat was nice. It was a shame he couldnt find Dekava

 Fighting tournament on the fourth day of the Meeting of Tribes! There have been four winners! Everyone who wants to participate, this way! Gnolls only!

 Not a chance of finding her. Tkrn watched the Gnolls march past excitedly. He wished her the best of luck. Wherever she was.

 He was going to see if he could find wherever his idol Named Adventurer was, or check out the sights. Tkrn had seen a Garuda flying above just a minute ago, and he was smelling good foodhe was still a bit depressed and sort of at a loss, really, though.

 Erin was dead. He wished she were here. Shed be running around, shouting something and Krshia would be exasperated, but she belonged at an event like this. She was the event. She was Liscor. If she had been therest night, he wouldnt have needed to exin there were good people who thought kindly of other species.

 Shed be dashing past him shouting something like

 Are those flying pigs? Pigs can fly? I mean, of course they can! Did you see that?

 An excited voice. Higher-pitched, moreTkrns head spun. He shot to his feet.

 Er

 A little figure hopped through the crowd. Tkrn saw a Lizardman, using a stick like, well, a jumping rod. He hopped with amazing distance, bracing his one good foot on the stick. The other was missingso he jumped rather than walked.

 For all that, he was fast. And an exasperated person was trying to follow him through the crowd. A big Gnoll with paint on his furTkrn heard him calling out.

 Viri! Come back!

 Merish! Merish look at that! Flying pigs!

 Where? Tkrn was distracted by both things. He heard a squeal and a shout. Apig with wings flew past him, loose of its tether.

 Tkrn stared at it. Yes, it was a pig. Yes, it had wings. But those two things conjured a much different image than the flesh-colored wings on the pigs back, not feather but a kind of horrible membrane reminiscent of bats wingshe shuddered.

 Some things should not be allowed to exist.

 Careful! It bites! Its carnivorous! Someone grab my pig!

 And flying pigs were only one thing to see out of all of it. Butand this was perhaps a problem only for himthere was such a thing as too much to do. Everywhere Tkrn looked there was an activity. Something he should spend all of his time looking at since he might not see it for twenty more years.

 And what he really wanted to do was go to an inn far, far away, and visit an [Innkeeper]. Or just sit and process it still. Pee on Hectvals walls. Pee on their damned Council.

 So, thenwhen Tkrn heard the sound, his head turned. He stood upand smiled for the first time that day. He went back the way hede. Because that sound made even the people clustered in the Meeting of Tribes outer grounds look around.

 It was a crisp sound. Meant for summer. It reminded Tkrn of where it hade from. An ideaand a gift from a city. He remembered an inn. And a glorious day.

 -

 Crack. Inkars head turned when she heard the sound in the distance.

 It could have been nothing. One sound among many. But she had the gift of Gnoll hearing. And that sound wasdistinctive.

 It was not the most important thing in the world to her. But she had heard it enough that it lodged in the memory. A bit of familiarity. She nearly went back to admiring the Gnollish piecesthey did wonderful tapestries and she wished her smartphone were working so she could show Deskie. Well, maybe the older Gnoll would want to visit? Inkar was marking the ce in her memory and trying to create a map of the Meeting of Tribes when she heard it again.

 Crack. More Gnolls looked around. And that keen sound made Inkar remember it. She walked the way it wasing from.

 It could not be. It was probably only something simr. And yetand yet. She did not truly believe shed see it, but as she passed by camps, towards the edge of the Meeting of Tribes closest to her, she saw a familiar gathering. She heard that sound and saw the bat swing.

 Crack. The baseball bat met the ball and it went flying. The Gnolls stared at the ball soaring through the air and someone ran in a mad pelt to grab it.

 Inkar stopped, eyes wide.

 It cannot be!

 But it was. One of the Gnolls pointed as the ball was thrown a bit clumsily back.

 And what did you call this? WaitIve seen it on the television the Drakes broadcast. Its called

 Based ball. One of my kin from the cities gave us a set of the ying tools. Were ying a game.

 That sounds like fun. Entertainment for the Meeting of Tribes! Have you seen the Foot The Ball game?

 We have one of those too!

 Really? But I heard it was all the way from Liscor! Is there a tribe thats gone that far north? Or has someone figured out how to make those balls? The ones with the ck and white dot-things?

 Gnolls were congregating to a new activity. And it seemed the tribe putting on this impromptu game and providing the tools wasSilverfang? Inkar wasnt up to date on all the tribes, but she knew this was a bigger one.

 And it was status, status, even for providing free things. The Silverfangs were tentatively setting up a field with some Gnolls with more clothing exining the game. The ins Gnolls listened, some drifting back to the Meeting of Tribes, some willing to give this a shot.

 Inkar looked at both games. And she knew.

 Ohshe hadnt actually seen the broadcasts. The Longstalkers had debated getting a scrying orb, but Eska had called it frivolous and their [Shaman] agreed. They didnt need to stare at something all dayalthough Deskie had privately told Inkar that the weavers were going to buy a cheap one so they could work and watch!

 But Inkar had not seenanythingyet. Until a week or two ago she had thought she was the only person in this world.

 Then she had seen the crashed airne and known. Now? She saw the game and had another thought.

 Excuse me. Excuse me. Do you know this game? Baseball? Where does ite from?

 She began asking the other Gnolls around her, urgently. Most had no idea, but a watching person uncrossed his arms long enough to inform her in a slightly surly voice.

 Baseball. Comes from Liscor. Its been on Wistram News Network. Liscor, again. We need to head there, Merrik.

 Later. We still cant move Yerra.

 Hrmph.

 The Minotaur snorted. Inkar gave him a wide-eyed look, but thanked him, ducking her head. He nodded.

 Maybe I should try it. The swinging of that bat seems very much my style.

 Well, if I y, its going to be that. Youre not going to get me running after a ball all day. Pekis down for it, though.

 The Dwarf indicated the Garuda, who was already joining the Gnolls kicking the ball around and listening to the rules.

 Tkrn! Will you help us exin the rules? I forgot how many yers there are!

 A Gnoll waved at a younger one trotting across the ground. Inkar looked at the Silverfangs. It was unlikely they knewthere was not a Human in sight here. But she had to ask.

 She walked forwards. And someone grabbed her roughly.

 Thats the one. Colorful garmentssmells of animals. You, Human. How did you get into the inner camp?

 Inkar looked around. The Minotaur and Dwarf turned back. An angry Gnollin fact, three of them with an unfamiliar tribes markings were ring at her.

 What? II wasnt anywhere.

 Inkar lied desperately. She might have told the truthbut these were not friendly-looking Gnolls. They werent necessarily warriors either. They looked like camp-Gnolls. But angry ones.

 Liar. One of ours saw you in the inner camp! No non-Gnolls are allowed there! The Decles Tribe is going to find out how you got in. Come with us.

 One took Inkars arm in an unfriendly grip. She shook her head.

 No! I am with the Longstalkers Tribe! Let me go!

 She protested. One of the Gnolls snorted.

 Longstalkers? Thats some tale. Theyre good, traditionalists. Not like the mavericks.

 He cast a nce at the Silverfang tribe and shook his head. Inkar didnt see what was wrong with this game, but the Gnoll clearly did.

 If you are, the Chieftain will find out! Come with us!

 His grip tightened. Inkar yelped.

 Ow! Stop!

 Here now. At least escort her without tearing her arm off.

 Merrik, the Dwarf, scratched at his beard. The Gnoll from the Decles tribe snarled at him.

 Back off, outsider! This is tribe business and this Human broke ourws!

 Merrik frowned, but the Minotaur put a hand on his shoulder.

 Tribal business, Merrik. We respect thews or Feshi would have our horns.

 Pah.

 Inkar wasnt resisting. She marched with the Gnolls, reluctant to cause an incidentand besides, Eska could sort it out. It was ufortable, but she was moving with the Gnolls right until a Gnoll ran into the four, panting.

 Oor. Late by a minute. The panting Gnoll had run everywhere, trying to track Inkars scent through the Meeting of Tribes. He would have arrived sooner if he hadnt lost it at the checkpoint.

 Wait! Shes with us! Longstalkers tribe! My Chieftain sent me to go with her!

 He gasped. The three Gnolls halted. One eyed Orr.

 Were Decles tribe. This Human was in the inner camp

 Yes! Yes, shes with our tribe! Sorryshes with us.

 Orr! Inkar sagged with relief. But the three Gnolls didnt seem happy with that. One eyed Orr suspiciously.

 You might not be Longstalkers. You could be a random Gnoll. And why would the Chieftain of the Longstalkers make such a foolish mistake?

 Orr bristled at that. So did Inkar.

 Chieftain Eska has her reasons. And both Ekhtouch and Greenpaw know a human is with us!

 The Gnolls snorted at Greenpaw, but frowned at Ekhtouch. They looked at each other uncertainly, but their leader bared his teeth.

 Fine. Then our Chieftain will investigate both matters! Come on.

 He tugged Inkar and she yelped. She was willing to go with them, but did they have to drag her? Oor frowned.

 Thats not necessary. Well go to Longstalkers first if we have to. Let InkarrHonored Inkar go.

 The Gnolls around looked up. The Decles Gnolls gawked.

 You must be mad. Honored? This is a bad ruse. Youre bothing with us.

 Oor reached for Inkar.

 I dont think so. If you want to askask Longstalkers or Ekhtouch! Inkarr, Im sorry. Lets

 Dont.

 The other Gnoll pushed Oor back. The [Warrior] stumbledand then his eyes narrowed. He looked at the three. They red back, fur rising. Inkar tried to say something.

 Oor, its fine. Well sort it out. Peacefully.

 Im not going to let them drag you to another tribes camp like a criminal, Inkarr. I am Longstalkers warrior! Let her go!

 The other Gnolls shook their heads. One growled.

 Decles doesnt answer to Longstalkers. Follow us if you want to, but were taking her

 He yanked Inkar and she stumbled. That was thest straw. Oor went for him. Which, in the annals ofbat decisions wasnt the most intelligent.

 There were three of them and one of him.

 -

 Tkrn was busy showing the other Gnolls proper form for swinging. He didnt notice the fight andmotion at first. Then he heard a shout.

 Stop! Stop it!

 He looked up. So did other Silverfangs and Gnolls. One called out.

 Whats that?

 Fight. Two other tribes. Dont worry; ins Eye or Azmuzarre or a Chieftain will sort it out.

 Reassured, the other Gnolls went back to the game. There was always minor stuff like that; even this morning, Tkrn had seen Akrisa break up a fight between the children of the Silverfang tribe. But his attention had been diverted. Then he heard the second shout.

 Stop! Help, help!

 He turned and dropped the bat. It was unconscious. In the outfield, Jercis mother, an avid yer of the game, was warming up her glove. She saw Tkrn turn and go running.

 He was a [Guard]. A member of Liscors Watch. He might not have been Beilmark or Klbkch-level, but there was one thing a member of Zevaras force learned and that was that if someone called out, you ran.

 [Guards] got paid to run towards danger.

 Not blindly of course. Tkrn was already scanning the crowd. Looked like a ssic brawl to you. And that was a female voice shouting for someone to stop.

 It never urred to him that he was out of his jurisdiction. Baseball had brought him home. So Tkrn bellowed, reaching for his side reflexively.

 City Watch! Out of the way!

 Gnolls turned and moved aside as he rammed through them. It workedalthough their response was a bit different than Liscors citizenry.

 What did he just say? City?

 Tkrn halted as he saw the scene. Zevara had taught him well.

 Assess the scene for critical threats. Weigh the odds. 

 It was three Gnolls beating on a fourth, with a young Human woman being held back by one as she tried to drag them back. By the looks of it, the Gnoll being knocked around had given as good as he got; two Gnolls had bloody noses and looked a bit battered.

 But three versus one wasnt an easy fight. And it was definitely this Gnoll receiving a ssic beat down now. Tkrn strode forwards.

 Alright, break it up! City Watch! Who started it?

 The tone ofmand worked everywhere. The Gnolls and crowd turned. They stared at Tkrn.

 City Watch? Who are you?

 The one holding back the young woman blinked. And Tkrn remembered that he was not in Liscor. His authority waveredand went out.

 ErSilverfang tribe. You cant just beat that Gnoll to death!

 He pointed at the Gnoll [Warrior] who was trying to swing dizzily. One of the Gnolls growled.

 Stay out of it! Were Decles tribe, and this Human was in the inner camps! A Gnoll tribe brought her in! We didnt start this eitherthat Gnoll came at us.

 Tkrn saw one knock the dizzy Oor backwards. He noddedand unconsciously interposed himself between the fighting Gnolls. Oor stopped. And the crowd murmured.

 Hed done it now. But the [Guardsman] in Tkrn was telling him to do one thinghis brain another. What was he doing? Krshia would have his tail. But he remembered what shed said.

 You did the right thing in the end. Next time, do it faster.

 I think hes had enough, dont you? Lets all calm down.

 The Gnolls eyed him, but it was another skill that any member of the Watch learned. Reasonable tones got you a long way in a heated situation.

 Fine. We have the Human.

 I didnt do anything wrong! Oor! Are you okay?

 The young woman protested. Tkrn frowned. He was stepping on the edge, he knew, but he held out a paw.

 Hold on. What has she done wrong?

 She was spotted in the inner camp!

 The leader was losing his patience fast. But the crowd was watching and he needed to justify himselfeven if he clearly thought it was a waste of time. Tkrn looked at him.

 You have eyewitnesses? On what authority are you taking her?

 Eyewitnesses? Were not conducting some city-investigation! One of ours saw her and we identified her! Were bringing her to our Chieftain. Stay out.

 The Gnoll snapped back. Tkrn tilted his head.

 I have a truth stone. You didnt even ask her if she was in the inner camp?

 That was proper procedure. Some of the Gnolls looked amused as the Decles tribe Gnolls stared at Tkrn.

 Hes got a point! Leave the poor Human alone! So what if one slipped into the inner camp?

 Shut up. This is our tribes business!

 Your tribes business? Says who? Youre Decles. Not ins Eye.

 Were traditional! And Humans shouldnt be allowed at the Meeting of Tribes! Any more than these other outsiders! Drakes especially!

 The Gnoll snapped. He gave an unfriendly look to all the non-Gnolls around. Tkrn frowned. The atmosphere was turning ugly. Confrontation did that. He wished he had a calming Skill.

 The Gnoll behind him tried to push forwards, heedless of the danger.

 Shes not an outsider! Shes part of our tribe! Our Chieftain calls her Honored! Shes our guest to the Meeting of Tribes! You have no right to take her!

 The Gnolls listening were surprised. The Decles Gnolls? Contemptuous.

 Thats reason enough to bring her!

 Soyoure arresting this Human because she went into the wrong camp? Despite being there because she came with a tribe?

 Tkrn made sense of it atst. One of the Gnolls shot him a warning look.

 Shes a Human in our sacred grounds. Thats enough. Now, weve wasted enough time! Move aside!

 He went to shove past Tkrn. And both Oor and Tkrn blocked him.

 No. Thats not good enough. Youre not ins Eye and this Human has a right to be in the camp if a Chieftain vouches for her. Its your tribes will against

 Longstalkers Fang! And Ekhtouch and Greenpaw vouch for her!

 The crowd blinked at Ekhtouch. The Decles Gnolls snarledbut they sensed they were losing ground.

 It was a debateor a quasi-one. Tkrn blocked the path of the Gnollsbut he had a bad feeling he knew where this was going. And he didnt have any backup. He looked around

 Enough!

 The Gnoll in front of him took a swing as Tkrns head turned. The [Guardsman] was ready for this, though.

 [Fast Leg Sweep]!

 The Gnolls fist never reached him. He went over backwards with a shout of surprise as Tkrn moved. Oor leapt over him and tackled the second Gnoll. The third growled and Tkrn reached for his baton

 And remembered he wasnt on-duty. Also? Not wearing his leather armor or chainmail. He raised his fists and blocked a furious punch. Ow. Tkrn lurched backwards, his hand-to-hand traininging to him. It was Relc who taught that. And Relc taught

 Tkrns fist hit the other Gnoll in the sr plexus. The Gnoll coughedand the one Tkrn had downed was scrambling up, Tkrn obligingly kicked him in the stomach. Oh

 Shit. Suddenly, it was a fight. The two Gnolls took on the three from the Decles tribe as the crowd watched. Tkrn moved back, keeping them from getting around him. Watch training. He was actually better than a Gnoll [Warrior] in this kind of scramble. His heart was pounding. But more than that?

 He knew Krshia was going to kill him.

 -

 It was one fight among many in the Meeting of Tribes. And in an area of miles upon miles, no one wasing to break it up right away.

 Anyways, it was normal. So many Gnolls of different tribes and there was always a quarrel. Sometimes you had to let it ride out.

 The danger was inesction. But as of yet, the crowd was just watching. And to the surprise of the Dwarf, he wasnt holding the Minotaur back. If anything, Venaz was calmly holding him back.

 Not tempted to join in, Venaz?

 What am I, a savage, Merrik? This is clearly a dispute overw. Wed be interfering in a serious way if we got involved. That Gnoll with the leg sweep is doing well.

 Indeed, it was three versus two, but the Longstalker [Warrior] and the Silverfang city [Guard] were holding their own. The three Decles Gnolls werent exactly the highest-grade trainedbatants. And no one was throwing out more than a [Quick Strike] or [Leg Sweep].

 A proper brawl. But only five contestants. The young woman was hovering, but wisely not actually joining in. All five Gnolls were fighting as more Gnolls abandoned the game or came over.

 Whats happening? Are they fighting? Whats the issue?

 Some of the Gnolls turned their heads, catching more interested parties up.

 Fight over a Human being where she shouldnt. Those two are defending her. Silverfang and Longstalkers, I thinkthe other tribes Decles.

 Hrm. And the Human broke the rules?

 Thats what theyre fighting about. Hey, you want a pop-the-corn?

 A Silverfang ins Gnoll offered some of his gift to the neer. The Gnoll snorted. He watched as Tkrn, bloody-mouthed, got one of the Gnolls in an arm-bar.

 Youareunderarrest.

 The Gnoll wheezed. Another Decles Gnoll was on the ground, stunned or unconscious. Oor was beating down the third in a reversal.

 Tkrn was reaching for his cords, which he did have on him. And he was wondering what to do next. He didnt have Zevara or a patrol of [Guards] to help him haul the Gnoll off. He should just find Krshia, Beilmark, or a Silverfang and

 Someone broke the ranks of the circle of onlookers. Tkrn was restraining the cursing Gnoll. He heard a voice.

 Which one of you is Decles tribe?

 Me!

 The two Gnolls on the losing end of things shouted. Tkrn turned his head. He saw a Gnoll with thick, almost metallic gray fur nod.

 Understood.

 Then he grabbed Tkrn and hit him with an uppercut that sent Tkrn flopping off the downed Gnoll. Tkrn stared at the sky for a second and then jerked. He sat up. The Gnoll with the strange fur was standing over him.

 What are you

 The other Gnoll kicked at him. Tkrn rolled away. He saw the Gnoll advancethen pivot and kick Oor off the third Decles Gnoll. The two awake Decles tribe Gnolls jumped the Longstalker [Warrior] again from both sides.

 What are you doing?

 Supporting allies. Steelfur tribe.

 The Gnoll cracked his paws. Tkrn scrambled up. He hesitated. Did he just say

 The other Gnollshed out with a much faster punch than the other Decles Gnolls. Tkrn dodged it and countered. His fist struck the other Gnoll in the jaw; the Steelfur Gnoll didnt even try to dodge.

 Ow.

 Tkrn felt like hed just punched chainmail. Spiky chainmail. He stared at the other Gnolls fur. Steelfur. Oh Rhirs hells

 -

 Now whats happening? I cant see. Give me a ride on your back, Venaz?

 I would rather die. Another Gnolls joined the fighting. Seems to be on the side of the Decles tribe. Hes taking apart both of the other Gnolls. Well, it is three to two again.

 Venaz wasmentating to Merrik and Peki. The Garuda was fluttering up.

 Steel fur. Not fair, not fair.

 Theyre losing.

 Venaz agreed. He was munching on some popcorn. He offered the Silverfang Gnoll some coins, but the crowd was passing around snacks.

 Isnt anyone going to help the Silverfang? His tribes here!

 Merrik eximed. Some of the Silverfangs looked uneasy. They nced sideways

 Seven Steelfur Gnolls looked around. They were watching the fight where their lone friend had joined in. Merrik sighed.

 Ah. Superiority by numbers. Goodds.

 A few Gnolls shared Merriks opinion, but they had reservations.

 We should do something.

 Theyre Steelfur. You fancy fighting armor for fur?

 Some of the Silverfangs were whispering. Someone was already running to get Akrisa, Cetrule, or another Honored Gnoll. In the meantime?

 -

 Tkrn felt like he was fighting mini-Relc. Not as strong or as fast, but nearly as tough, at least without anything more than his fists.

 The young woman was trying to stop them, but a Gnoll shoved her off her feet. Oor was down againTkrn growled.

 This wasnt right! He felthe looked at the young woman, who had been singled out for being in the wrong ce at the wrong time, but mainly for being Human. He remembered someone else who had had a bad entrance to a good city. His city.

 Give up and lie down.

 The Steelfur Gnoll advised Tkrn. The [Guardsman] shook his head. His face hurt.

 Not a chance.

 He backed up though. Even one-versus-one, he was going to lose. The Gnoll advanced and Tkrn saw his buddies keeping back the Silverfang tribe. Tkrns head was ringing. Was he in Liscor?

 Assess the situation. Weigh

 Brawl incident. Esction with member of Liscors Watch. Danger of idental death or injury. Human civilian in dispute. At this point in time, [Guardsman], what is the correct move?

 Zevara was bellowing in his ear. He knew the answer. Tkrn dizzily reached for his neck. He produced something. The Steelfur Gnoll went cross-eyed. Inkar, lying on the ground, stared. Then she reached up.

 She covered her ears before Tkrn blew on the whistle. Every Gnoll in a hundred meters shouted in agony and clutched at their ears. Tkrn blew again before the Gnoll knocked it out of his mouth. Then he punched furiously.

 Reinforcements! Another Watch patrol would be here in

 A fist knocked him back into reality. Another one threatened to knock him out of consciousness. Oh, right. There wasnt more of the Watch

 But the sound had definitely attracted even more attention. More people were asking what the heck was going on. Including some Gnolls investigating the weaving who recognized Inkars voice.

 That cant be Inkarr, can it?

 One of the weaving group looked over. More were hearing.

 Its a fight over a Human! Some Gnolls want to kick them all out! Steelfur and Decles are kicking the fur off anyone who disagrees!

 That was the garbled version of the truth that made its way out of the immediate event. Other Gnolls looked at each other. More went running for Krshia or Akrisa, but they were deep in their camp, discussing white Gnolls and Humans, ironically.

 -

 And Tkrn was out of time. Dizzily, he looked up; the other Gnoll had a grip on him and was punching him. He blockedthen his arm slipped. The Steelfur Gnoll raised an armInkar was being held back by the third Decles Gnoll, on his feet.

 Someone grabbed the arm. The Steelfur Gnoll twisted.

 Who dares

 Enough. Stop this. Let the Human and these Gnolls go.

 Someone spoke. Tkrn was too dizzy to make it out. The Steelfur [Warrior] wasnt about to listen to that, no matter how reasoned the tone, though. He spun

 [Power Strike]!

 He hit the other Gnoll in the stomach with all his might. Tkrn heard a whoof and groan from the crowd. The other Gnoll growled. The Steelfur Gnoll went cross-eyed, staring at his fist. Then the answering punchid him t.

 Everyone saw the Gnoll hit the ground. They waited for the Steelfur [Warrior] to rise. His eyes were rolled up in the back of his head.

 Erad!

 The other seven Steelfur [Warriors] rushed forwards. They charged Tkrn and the other Gnollthe second Gnoll spun. The Steelfurs Gnolls were fearless. Their fur was steel thanks to their Chieftain! They

 saw the magical sigils light up. They tried to stop. Merish hit a second Gnoll with an elbow in the jaw, then picked up a third and tossed him. The [Shamanic Warrior] squared off against a fourth and punched.

 Tkrn got to his feet. His head was ringing. Suddenlymore Gnolls were fighting. One seized him and he saw more Decles warriors flooding into the fight. They jumped the lone [Shamanic Warrior]for all of five seconds.

 Then more Gnolls shouted.

 Thats Merish! ins Eye tribe to me!

 Gnolls spotted one of their kin under assault by Steelfur and Decles. They charged away from their posts and entered into the fray.

 Wait, stop, st

 Tkrn kicked the Decles Gnoll who was shouting. Toote for both! He grabbed Inkar and dragged her back.

 Protect civilians in a brawl

 Stay back!

 He shouted. She nodded, wide-eyed.

 What had been a five-person fight was now in the dozens. And the reason was getting more muddled by the second. Three more [Shamanic Warriors] and a number of ins Eye Gnolls without [Warrior] sses ran forwards.

 Whats happening? Merish! Merish!

 An angry little Lizardman was hitting Gnolls with his staff. But he was one of the few using weapons.

 -

 Whats happening? Why are they brawling?

 Its a fight over whether Humans should be allowed into the Meeting of Tribes at all! Theyre trying to kick that Human out!

 What? Inkarr?

 The anti-Human Gnolls were increasing in number. Whereas Tkrn and the Gnolls embroiled in the fightingnow Silverfangswere trying to shelter the one Human in the midst of the chaos.

 Three students of Baleros watched, increasingly antsy despite the Minotaur assuring them it was a Gnoll affair and they werepelled not to interfere. They saw some of the Decles Gnolls grabbing at Inkar as the [Guardsman] tried to block them. It was looking bad

 The Steelfur Gnolls were just too tough for anyone but Merish and the [Shamanic Warriors] to go fist-to-fist with. Two joined the Decles group and they were dragging the young woman away. She blinked out of existence and the Steelfur [Warrior] snarled. He turned and saw her running.

 Stop!

 He ran after her. Tkrn was shouting.

 Halt, criminal!

 But he was embroiled in the fighting. The Steelfur warrior lunged at Inkar and ran neck-first into the arm. The second figure threw him to the ground.

 I like Humans! Whos bullying people?

 She cracked her knuckles and removed the spectacles. The coughing Steelfur Gnoll tried to get upthe female Gnoll hopped on his chest and then leapt forwards. Merish was tangling with four Gnolls at once.

 Emper! Elgrinna! Get over here!

 She leapt and drop-kicked one of the Steelfur Gnolls in the back. They both fell downand the unknown Gnoll hooked a leg as she came up. Then she shoulder-tackled another in the gut.

 The angry two tribes found more outsiders joining into the fight. A Stitchman stopped a charging Gnoll with a palm to the chest. Inkar saw the Gnoll go flying and stared as Emper lowered his hand.

 [Force Palm]. Stay behind us, Miss.

 The [Monk] bowed to her again. The Dwarf just grunted.

 Im going to kill LemmingSuxhel, watch our backs!

 She lowered her head and charged headfirst into a groin. Emper strode forwards and the other Gnolls around Inkar were flung back. Not by a physical blow, but by a look.

 The Gazers five eyes swung from target to target, moving them by force ofsomething. The four adventurers were joining in.

 Venaz was vibrating. Merrik was staring at the female Dwarf, frowning.

 I swear I know her. How many female Dwarf adventurers in Izril are there? Venaz, are we just going to stand here with our beards up our asses?

 No! Dead gods! For the House of Minos!

 Venaz charged into the fight. Peki and Merrik grinned. Althoughat this point it wasnt clear whom the Minotaur was fighting. It was just a brawl, and as Tkrn could have told you, at some point the reason behind it was lost.

 The Gnoll staggered out of the fighting, spitting blood and feeling as though hed cracked at least one finger. He looked around for Inkar and staggered towards her. Something began to pick him up, lifting him into the air

 No! He protected me!

 Tkrn was dropped. The Gazer shifted her attention away. Inkar rushed forwards.

 Wheres Oor?

 Who? That guy? Hes

 Either enmeshed in the fighting or out of it. Tkrn looked over his shoulder.

 The fighting was still making its way towards her. Some of the Decles Gnolls were rushing past them towards the Gazer and Tkrn and Inkarr. They passed some older, female Gnolls.

 It is Inkarr! Shes in trouble! Go find Chieftain Eska! Or Deskie! Now!

 A Gnoll eximed. One went bolting through the crowd. The Decles Gnolls passed the weaving circle Inkar had made friends with

 One of the [Weavers] grabbed a Decles [Warrior]. She was twenty years older than he was, but she put him in a chokehold and two more went down and the older Gnolls began kicking them.

 Tkrn wasughing even as he towed Inkar away. It washe looked at the young woman. She was different. But it reminded him of her.

 Chaos for the right reasons. Merish yanked Gnolls away from Viri as the Lizardman insulted his opponents, hopping away.

 Wheres the Human? I

 Someone charged into him and punched the Gnoll. He howled and knocked his opponent t.

 The Humans not here! Back away!

 He snarled at his smaller opponent. The Gnoll with white stripes on his cheeks hesitated, his paw raised to strike.

 What Human?

 Merish stared at him.

 Why are you here?

 We heard there was a good fight!

 The Gnoll grinned and punched Merishthen regretted it.

 -

 Venaz was carefully demonstrating the superior fisticuffs of the House of Minos. He was aiming for the Steelfur warriors, who were a proper fight, when he saw an old Gnoll walking through the brawl.

 Instantly, he snapped out of his fight-mode.

 Old Gnoll! You! Honored elder! It isnt safe!

 The Gnoll was short for his kindcloser to five foot five, which was a short Gnoll. He was gray, as old as the oldest Weatherfurs Venaz had met. The Minotaur blocked thebatants as he tried to steer the old Gnoll away.

 Safe? Ah, its a fight. A fight. Good

 The old Gnoll looked around. He was naked except for a single, very traditional, loincloth. He looked at Venaz.

 Minotaur. Excellent.

 He grinned. Venaz stopped. His internal warriors senses were tingling. He saw the Gnolls eyes open wideand then his teeth bare themselves. Venaz saw veins stand out under the old Gnolls furthen tendons.

 Then the Gnolls eyes developed that spark ofragethat Venaz recognized in Minotaurs. His body seemed to convulse. And washe suddenly taller? Like, an entire foot taller at least?

 Ahelder. I dont want to

 Toote. The old Gnoll [Berserker] grabbed Venaz arm. And the Minotaur suddenly had serious reservations

 -

 Did someone just throw that Minotaur?

 The female Gnoll who had been wearing spectacles blocked a punch with her armguard. Some of the brown paint ked off and revealedinstead of the disguised leathera brilliant glow beneath. She punched back, then whirled.

 Someone behind her! She raised a fist

 And Tkrn held up his hands, shielding Inkar.

 Stop, stop!

 The Gnoll looked at Tkrn. She blinked.

 Ah! Its the Human! Get her to safety!

 Im trying! But its chaos!

 Even the nearby tents and stalls were involved in hundreds of Gnolls fighting. Even if that was only throwing things or cheering on their favorite tribe. The Gnoll adventurer grinned.

 Follow me! Well get you out! Emper! Where are?

 There! There is the Human who started this!

 A howl from the left. Tkrn and Lehra turned. Inkar, looking around for Oor, froze.

 Warriors from the Decles tribe, including the original three. But this time

 Theyd drawn their weapons. Tkrn groaned.

 Oh no. Esction.

 The Watch knew this. Let a fight go on too long and eventually, if it wasnt contained or just a spirited brawl, it turned ugly. Someone drew a knife. And that wasnt necessarily the dangerous part. The dangerous part was

 They have weapons!

 One of the [Shamanic Warriors] with Merish shouted. Instantly, he drew a steel throwing axe. The Steelfur and Decles warriors around him scrambled back. And they went for their weapons.

 No! Stop! No bloodshed!

 Someone cried that out. But it was toote. Ill will or the desire to fight had turned into real bloodlust. The Decles Gnolls advanced. Tkrn reached for the sword or baton he hadnt broughtbecause the Meeting of Tribes was supposed to be safe.

 Stay behind me.

 No, Ill run! Dont

 Stop.

 The female Gnoll adventurer looked calm. She blocked the way as the armed Gnolls advanced. They aimed their weapons at her.

 Move aside! We are Decles tribe and we will have that Human even if we have to draw blood to do it!

 They were beyond reasonand indeedthe inciting incident was too petty for this. The female Gnoll held her ground.

 No. Youll have to go through me to do that. And you dont want to do that.

 Watch out! Theyre not going to stop!

 Tkrn shouted at her. She just grinned at him. He heard more howls.

 Silverfangs had arrived atst. Dekava had arrived with her spear, but that was just adding to the danger. It was going to be a battle!

 Enough! This has gone on long enough! By my authority, that Humans under my protection!

 The female Gnoll shouted. The Decles Gnolls charged, heedless. Tkrn looked around for a weapon. A torch on a pole. A baseball bat! Something to save the suicidal brave Gnoll

 The adventurer raised her arm. And the king brown paint on her armguard fell off. The Gnolls staring at her saw a sh of light on a metal beyond steel. She raised her arm and shouted.

 In the name of the City of Stars!

 The gauntlet glowed. And thenthe de of Mershi shed. The Gnolls around her cried out. Tkrn shielded his gaze. And when he looked again, the Gnoll was holding a spear. Her body was covered in segmented, glowing armor.

 The armor of stars. Drake armor. Thest heirloom of the Walled City of Stars. The Decles tribe halted as Lehra Ruinstrider, Named Adventurer, lowered the de.

 Everyone halted. Merish, panting, shielding Viri. Venaz, Peki, and Merrik, as Feshi and some Weatherfur Gnolls halted, skidding forwards.

 Krshia and Akrisa, with Beilmark and some of the Silverfang tribes best warriors.

 Wide-eyed, Dekava, Tkrn, and the others turned. Lehra lowered the spear, looking a bit embarrassed. She scratched at the back of her helmet.

 Darn. And here I was hoping to keep my cover for at least a day!

 Sheughed as her team formed up around her. A Gazer [Wizard], a Stitchman [Monk], and a Dwarf [Axe Thrower]. Members of one of the most famous Gnoll-led teams in the world, and one of the few Named Adventurers of her kind.

 Stargazers Promise, and Lehra Ruinstrider, the [Magical Warrior].

 The fighting stopped. Mad with rage they might be, but the Decles tribe wasnt suicidal. Nor did anyone want to challenge the Named Adventurer. Not even Venaz. Tkrn, panting, saw more Gnolls flood forwards in the sudden silence.

 Is that Lehra? The Stargnoll?

 Chieftain Eska stared for only a moment. Deskie didnt even stare.

 Inkarr! What happened? We heard the Decles tribe was kicking up a storm after you and came. Are you hurt?

 The old [Magic Spinner] checked Inkar over, and then the Longstalkers were surrounding her. Not just them; eighteen of the Ekhtouch and Chieftain Orelighn of the Greenpaw tribe was there with his people too.

 What is happening? Why are my warriors engaged in a brawl

 Another Gnoll strode through the chaos. Krshia and Akrisa approached as Chieftain Eska looked up. Lehra turned and gasped.

 Chieftain Iraz!

 The Chieftain of the Steelfur tribe was one of the most famous Gnolls living, such that even Tkrn knew his name. And Steelfurs might was founded on his Skills.

 His fur looked like metal itself. And it was apparently tougher than even steelsort of a misnomer for the tribe, then. Tkrn saw him halt.

 Silverfang. Greenpaw. Longstalkers Fang. And Steelfur. The Chieftains regarded each other in the aftermath of the fighting. And this too was familiar. Tkrn looked around.

 All you need now is a crazy Human to serve cake.

 He saw Inkar jump and look at him. Krshia stared at the slightly-dizzy grin on Tkrns face.

 What happened here? Lehra, those are my warriors youre pointing your spear at.

 The Chieftain of the Steelfur Tribe was first to speak. Iraz looked at Lehra. The much-younger Gnoll looked guilty.

 Sorry, Chieftain Iraz. I didnt mean to pick a fight with them. It was justthey were going to throw this Human out and I had to stop them.

 Throw a Human out?

 Irazs brows came together. Instantly, the Steelfur warriors protested. They hurried forwards, clearly worried.

 Not that, Chieftain! We wereing to the aid of Decles, who were in a fight over custody of the Human who broke the Meeting of Tribesws.

 She did not!

 A howl came from the back. Oor stumbled upright, extremely battered but furious. Eska gasped.

 Oor! Who did this to you?

 Those brutes went after Inkarr for being in the inner camp! Even though I said Ekhtouch and our tribe vouched for her!

 And Greenpaw!

 Chieftain Orelighn added. Iraz looked around.

 Chieftains Akrisa, Eska, Orelighn. Are your warriors mixed up in this?

 It appears so. One of our kin came to the aid of Longstalkers Fangs. We just heard of it, Chieftain Iraz.

 Tkrn winced as Krshia and the other Gnolls red at him. But not too long. Oor was still talking.

 They didnt take our word for it. Nearly twisted Inkarrs arm off and said that their tribe would decide things even after I told them to go to you, Chieftain Eska!

 Is this true?

 The Decles Gnolls were off-guard and unhappy at the sudden change. They glowered, and one spat.

 The Longstalker warrior attacked us first! That Human was in the inner camp and we did exactly what we should have when one of ours spotted her!

 You didnt think to ask ins Eye or the tribe involved before dragging her off? As for my warriorsdid you jump into the argument without even establishing whether Decles was right?

 And who would not take Ekhtouchs word? If we vouch for her, one has either lied and used our word without our consentor there is nothing to say.

 One of the Ekhtouch Gnolls sniffed haughtily. That actually helped since every Gnoll rolled their eyes at this. The Decles Gnolls were quiet. Iraz looked around, vexed. It was Krshia who coughed.

 No tribe is entirely without fault. Perhaps we should make amends ande to the truthter.

 Well said. Inkarr, you wille with us. And if anyone would like to argue,e forwards!

 Deskie snapped. The esteemed weaver looked around for a challengeeven Decles wouldnt step up to that one with her.

 But they werent happy. Tkrn rxed slightly as the mood deescted. Iraz turned to Akrisa, Eska, and Orelighn.

 I will speak to Decles Chieftain. He will be furiouslet us talkter.

 Skies willing. Thank you, Chieftain Iraz.

 He nodded curtly and strode off. Half the Steelfurs went with him, but the other half remained to help fix the damages.

 In the aftermath of a fight in Liscor, Tkrn was used to outrage. Drakesing out in safety to assign me, the Watch taking names and damages for punitive fines and so on.

 This was different. The tribes were helping fix the damages, talking, making upand, surprisingly, doing so with a fair amount of goodwill. A Steelfur warrior rubbed her jaw as she offered a paw to Merish and he took it.

 Good fight. Nice to see other tribes can still punch.

 Another Gnollmented. Tkrn shook his head. This would have been the start of some serious grudges in Liscor. But the ins Gnolls had a different attitude towards fighting. Sometimes it was necessary.

 Then againthe Decles tribes Gnolls just spat and stormed off back to the inner camp. Someone tsked.

 They drew weapons first and they cant even acknowledge a good fight? Someone should have pped all of them as cubs.

 A Gnoll with those markings on his fur who hade for the good fight groused. It was an old Gnoll with grey furthe same one Venaz was avoidingwho walked over and kicked him.

 You dont beat children, you fool. You beat adults. Children are too small to understand, and too fragile. That was a good fight. But we missed it because all of you were too slow!

 He growled. Tkrn, reaching for a potion, eyed the neers.

 What tribe is that?

 Dekava nced over as she produced a potion to help tend to his and the other Silverfangs wounds.

 That has to be Wild Wastes. They train [Barbarians]. [Berserkers] too. If I know that old Gnoll, hes a famous one.

 Too right! And there was no one to fight. I wanted to take on another Named Adventurer.

 The old Gnoll had heard her. Lehra Ruinstrider was surrounded by admirers, but he seemed to be interested in her for entirely different reasons. He grinned.

 You were two feet taller in the fight.

 [Berserker]. Were Wild Wastes tribe. And those Decles Gnolls needed a good initiation ritual. I am Berr. Some called me Honored Berrigral. But I dont care. You, youngling. You fight well for a City Gnoll. Shame you havent fought enough.

 He gave Tkrn a gap-toothed grin. Here was a scary old Gnoll. He reminded Tkrn of Tekshia.

 Initiation ritual, Honored Berr?

 To toughen up young Gnolls. We dont beat cubs. But we do kick out the stupid of our young warriors when theyre nearly of age. Every Gnoll thinks he or shes the toughest [Warrior] in the world. So. We make them fight a cow when theyre sixteen.

 The two young Gnolls looked at him.

 You meana Razorhorn Bull or something like that, Honored Berrigral?

 He looked puzzled.

 No. I mean a cow. An angry one.

 So just a bull.

 Mm. They dont have to be male. We dont give them any weapons. They get to fight with their paws versus a cow. All those spitfire Gnolls think theyre so strong until a cow sits on their legs. They usually dont die, though. Thats what those Gnolls need. Traditionalists. Always arrogant.

 Isnt Wild Wastes a traditional tribe?

 Berr gave Dekava a nk look.

 I suppose it is. But we dont care. Good fight, younglings! Call me if you have another. Especially if you get Iraz. I want to see if hes any tougher.

 He wandered off. Tkrn stared after him. Truly, the Meeting of Tribes brought all kinds of Gnolls.

 Krshia smacked him. Then she pinched his ear.

 And what were you doing?

 Aunt! I was just trying to helpmy ear!

 Tkrn whined. Krshia was in the middle of tongueshing him when someone came over.

 Excuse me. Please do not be too angry atTkrn? He helped me. I would have been hurt otherwise.

 Tkrn and Krshia turned. Inkar hade over with the Longstalkers to apologize and thank him. Chieftain Eska nodded, a touch warily, at Akrisa. Krshia let go of Tkrn. She smiled, ruefully.

 At least he did some good this time. You areInkarr?

 Inkar of the Longstalkers. Yes.

 Inkarr the Traveller. And she is Honored Inkarr. I think of her as a granddaughter!

 Deskie put in fondly. Krshia blinked, but she smiled.

 Honored Inkarr. I am Honored Krshia. And this is my nephew who causes much trouble, Tkrn!

 He hung his head. But Inkar nodded at him.

 Thank you, Tkrn.

 It was nothing. Im uha [Guard]. I just acted on instinct, Miss Inkar.

 She blinked.

 Say that again.

 I acted on instinct?

 No, my name.

 Inkar?

 The young woman was delighted. She pped her hands.

 I knew someone could say it!

 Tkrn realized he hadnt put the rolling rs on the end of her name that every other Gnoll did. A city entInkar wasughing.

 Oh good, shes safe. And is this Silverfang? I was going to y baseball.

 Amotion. From the side came Lehra Ruinstrider, as some of her tribe kept the crowd back. Tkrn and the others stared. Half the Gnolls bowedbut she grinned.

 Hello. Is it Tkrn and Inkar? Im Lehra.

 She casually stuck out a paw. Inkar hesitated, then she took it, and Tkrn did likewise. He blinked at her.

 Youre the Stargnoll. The youngest Named Adventurer in

 Dont call me that. Just Lehra is fine. And youre from Liscor, right? The city withpopcorn. Ive been dying to try it, but not even Oteslia had any!

 Popcorn?

 And cake. I heard you have special, tall cakes. And ice cream and

 The Gnoll looked longingly at her team. Half of them rolled their eyesand when a Gazer did it, that was something.

 This was the moment. Merish was shaking his head, a bit embarrassed. But he too was looking at the Human. Tkrn was speaking.

 Thank you for helping. I justwe have Humans in my city. So when I thought someone was trying to get rid of one because she was Human

 I like Humans. My entire team is like me!

 Lehra grinned. Merish looked at Viri, who was hopping forwards, excited to meet a Named Adventurer. And that was the attitude. He himself remembered a gloriouspany. It had been so short

 You too. Hello. Thank you so much foring to help.

 Inkar smiled shyly at him. Tkrn turned and began to thank Merish profusely. The [Shamanic Warrior] waved it away.

 I am warrior Merishof ins Eye. I only did what I thought was right. This is Viri, from Baleros.

 What a strange group. Venaz listened from afar, remembering his own business in Liscor. Tkrn was trying to assure Lehra that it wasnt actually that hard to get popcorn.

 You can make some with dried corn and oil. And salt. Andyeast, although that might be optional. But we have some if you want. And cakes, I think.

 Really? Can I buy some?

 Tkrn shrugged. A secondter, Chieftain Akrisa nearly knocked him t. She smiled at the Named Adventurer.

 The Silverfang tribe would be honored to give you as much as you want, Adventurer Lehra. You and your team! And to a warrior of the ins Eye tribeplease, you are all friends this day.

 Merish ducked his head, more reserved than Lehra, who was practically dancing at the idea. She turned to Akrisa.

 Chieftainare you all from Liscor? Did the Silverfang tribe go there? I hear theres all kinds of exciting stuff that way!

 Not our tribe, Honored Lehra. But our kin work there and havee all this way to join in the Meeting of Tribes. This is Honored Krshia, my sister, who leads them. You know Guardsman Tkrn. Here is also Honored Beilmark

 They did the introductions. Tkrn felt odd, standing next to such an important Gnoll. He saw Inkar keep ncing at himand then at the baseball field, currently being repoptedand then her Chieftain.

 Is this where baseballes from? They are yingbaseball, Eska.

 A meaningful look. Tkrn nodded, without seeing the way Krshias eyes sharpened at the correct pronunciation of the game on first go. Anda Human among Gnolls. She nudged Akrisa ever-so-slightly as Eskas ears perked up and she stared at Inkar.

 Yes. A Human in Liscor invented the game. ActuallyI know Joseph, the Human who made ser. Football, rather.

 Really?

 Different emotions. Viri was excited and Merish, tired, was happy to see that in the Lizardman. Simple and in. Lehra was interested.

 Venaz curious as he came over to introduce himself.

 Inkar? She blinked. Krshia Silverfang looked at her, and then saw Eska and Orelighn looking at her sharply. She smiled.

 And she knew. She stepped back as she let Tkrn talk to this chance group, of extraordinarily important people. Feshi, who trained under the Titan of Baleros and whose tribe was as great as the ins Eye tribe represented by Merish? The Named Adventurer, the Stargnoll?

 That was one thing. But most importantlyshe looked at Inkar. Whom they called Inkar the Traveller. Krshia bared her teeth as Akrisa watched her.

 -

 Later that day, Elirr, taking a break from another Council meeting to discuss the war with Hectval received a simple missive from the Silverfangs at the Meeting of Tribes. He read it, reading the hidden code in the [Message].

 

 Please prepare Mrsha toe. She will be needed.

 Alsosend one of the Humans. We have met another.

 His eyes widened. And the Meeting of Tribes truly began as Tkrn met new friends and people after a game of baseball and a fight.

 It was almost like the old days.

 Authors Note: Why~ is it such a long~ chapter~?

 I might have been able to do this in two parts. The tradeoff would have been a more boring chapterbut more expansion on the Meeting of Tribes and scenes.

 There is definitely more to say, though, so perhaps this is fine. Either way, I hope you enjoy! We are three chapters in and Im already tired of counting.

 But I might be getting back into the stride of things. At least, I am enjoying Gnoll cultureare you? The Meeting of Tribes was actually supposed to be before thisby like a Volume or two before I realized how much there is to say.

 So it goes. But more Gnolls and people are meeting. And Im sure there will not be any dramatic results from all of this.

 Ahem. Thanks for reading and Ill see you next time!

 Simon-Erin by LeChat,missioned by /lechatdemon

 Stash with all the TWI rted art:https://sta.sh/222s6jxhlt0

 

 Erin ying chess by asfaitita,missioned by /samiamarini/

 

 Torsion Crossbow, Facestealer, Ivolethe, and Stitchworks by MrMomo!

17kNovel

Book 8: Chapter 2