Book 8: Chapter 7: L_The Wandering Inn

Book 8: Chapter 7: L

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 another defeat for the Dawn Concordat today, after a night-battle we were unable to broadcast. Details are stilling in, but the facts are the facts, isnt that right, Miss Drassi?

 Until we find out the facts were wrong, Sir Relz, yes.

 Ahem. What we do know is that Ailendamusunched a surprise attack on the city ofGerex, am I pronouncing that right? With some kind of alchemical or magical explosive. Hence the sneak attack; our monitoring of the impending battlefield may have actually necessitated the event.

 The real question is: did they do something that vites Terandrias conduct of war, Sir Relz?

 We have no proof to that indication, Miss Drassi

 Right. So why did they attack at night? Just the element of surprise?

 It is a viable tactic to one versed in strategy,Miss Drassi.

 Well, Sir Relzto someone not versed in the art of war, poison gas spells seem like a vition of Terandrias rules of war. But guess who used it?

 -

 Drassi and Sir Relz were not amiable co-hosts like Noass and Sir Relz were. But that just made for better television, so they got put together for the Ailendamus coverage.

 People liked Drassis forked-tongue-in-cheekmentary. Other people, who sometimes ovepped with the first, appreciated Sir Relzs perspective as someone who often linked events to ongoing economic or business factors, and had a working knowledge of adventurer teams, nations, and so on that Drassicked.

 It was another defeat for the Dawn Concordat. Fair was fair; Ailendamus outnumbered the three nations inndmass, poption, and every other factor except number of royal [Princesses], tamed Griffins, or half-Elf poption inrge ways.

 However, analysts were quick to point out reasons for the failure or sess on the part of the Dawn Concordat. Ailendamus was the established aggressor. They fielded multiple armies of high-quality troops, Greatbow artillery, [Mages], [Knights]it was simplistic to say they were average, but perhaps well-rounded without noticeable w was more appropriate.

 They were hard to beat with cheap tactics, as a good army should be, unlike, say, specialized armies that were infantry-specific, or all-bow, and so on and so forth.

 The Dawn Concordat was interesting. They had excellent archers from Gaiil-Drome, and half-Elf forces to call upon. Griffins from Kaliv, as well as goat-cavalry. And Cnfer had the Thronebearers as well as strong political strengthand six [Princesses], three of whom were married, as well as the Second Prince, so four strong alliances with nearby kingdoms.

 Howeversome unique factors had entered the war.

 The first was the immortal Griffin Prince of Kaliv, who had now in three major officers in ambushes or full-out-assaults. The first attack had been notable, but he had still killed two more officers in incredible feats of non-mortal ability.

 Dropped from the skies to ughter an enemymand.

 Challenging the enemy [General] to a duel and ying him after eighteen deaths, despite the enchanted weapons and poisons brought to end him permanently.

 And thest and most notableadopting an Antinium war tactic. Emerging from the ground after having been buried there while the enemy camped, killing the enemy leader, and fleeing.

 It was the kind of thing a depressed Anand could watch all day. The [Strategist] sat in a lump in the middle of nkets, with a bunch of Free Antinium, curled up, eating ramen, or the recipe Erin had once fed them.

 Specialty noodles made of a non-flour substitute, thick and chewy. vored and seasoned hot water which you boiled them in, and added meat, egg, and bugs. Preparable in arge pot.

 Imani had actually figured out the way to make it Antinium-edible. Squash could be noodled. Lentils could be noodled. Erin had been appalled by how many things could challenge the sanctity of regr noodles.

 But she hade up with the idea, so Anand liked to remember it as it being her ramen. Shed taught Garry and him and Pawn and Bird one happy, boring day. And hed been shocked to realize that such happiness could grow boringpared to his old life.

 Bird had added only turkey, goose, and chicken meat to his ramen. Anand went slurp as he watched the glowing scrying orb.

 Yes, the Griffin Prince was extraordinary. The fact that he used Antinium-tactics made Anandhappy. Or intrigued orsomething. He would have been that, rather.

 If Erin werent dead and the world copsed into meaningless oblivion.

 But a surprising w had also emerged and it was the golden [Knights] of Cnfer. The Thronebearers.

 They had lost battles because, when relied on for their martial might and to be the sledgehammer of the vanguard, they were more like a mallet. They were justnotgood.

 And everyone was mocking them. From their fellow Orders to the [Strategist]mentators to the Drakes to

 The Armored Antinium can be fielded inrger numbers than these elite [Knights]. And achieve the same, if not greater effect since they do not retreat as much as they do. This is my derision. I am mean. Ahaha.

 Anand spoke dully. Two of the Free Antinium huddled in the mass of nkets and food looked at him. Archer A11 slurped down a noodle. Goat nodded once.

 The Free Antinium did not move. They just watched TV. Erin had said that was what one did when sad things happened. nket, TV, food. Anand had remembered it.

 It didnt help much. But it was something to do. The Free Antinium had been broken by the newsthose in the Hivnds, that was. Belgrade and the [Crusaders] prepared for war.

 But no one was testing boats hereother Antinium were doing it and doing a bad job. Anand refused to move, though.

 Even when the Grand Queen poked him. She stared at the huddle of Antinium in her throne room, watching TV.

 Anand. Do you intend to spend another day in mourning?

 Probably.

 The Grand Queen, on her mound in the center of the cavernous room,manding the Antinium of Izrilstared down at Anand. She had tried threats, bullying, persuasion, waitingit had not urred to her to try to be nice. She opened and closed her mandibles.

 When will you finish this waste of time? It was one Human

 Anand looked up. He met the Queens gaze. And the Custodium surrounding the Grand Queen stirred as he replied, openly, without a hint of subservience.

 It is not for you to tell me when to stop mourning, my Queen.

 The Queen saw him turn back to watching the scrying orb. After a minute, Goat turned up the volume. The Grand Queen opened and closed her mandibles as her antennae worked frantically. If he was not so necessarythe Free Antinium

 She just wished theyd stop watching in her throne room. It was getting distracting.

 -

 Just dont see how these Thronebearers are losing so badly. For [Knights], youd expect some great strength. But were not seeing aura abilities, poison, unique mountsreally feels like Cnfer is letting down their alliance in terms of contributions so far.

 Commentary from a Balerosian [Strategist]. Who knew so much about the Thronebearers of Cnfer. If you knew them

 You knew that was sort of urate. The Thronebearers of Cnfer were not among the most militant [Knight] orders. The truth was, they were good on parade. They were excellent diplomatspared to many. They wererge enough, numbering in the thousands; she had never actually known their numbers, but they wererge for a [Knight] order. Maybe over ten thousand of them?

 But they were not the most fantastic [Knights]. They had strong membersa fewbut to see it now was to see their weakness.

 And it hurt. It hurt, because thementary was truthful and also inurate, but impossible to refute. More than that?

 It was her home. And it hurt to see spectacle made of war threatening everything she had known.

 Her kingdom.

 Lyte du Marquin could still not look away. And even now, on thest leg of her journey to Oteslia, after threeno, four days counting this morningof almost non-stop riding in the enchanted carriage with Ferris, Wilovan, Ratici, and Saliss, she was still watching.

 Somewhat rude, that woman. They fought hard.

 Wilovan delicately adjusted his hat in the carriage. Perhaps he might have made a more indecorous remark in privatepany, but with the youngdy so passionate about her kingdom and their protectors, a man had to choose his words.

 Ratici nodded.

 Fellows fought hard and moved out when things were lost. Fight another day.

 The two Gentlemen Callers exchanged a nce as Lyte didnt look away from the glowing scrying orb. They felt like their tongues would have been better suited if they were silver. At least then, theyd have an excuse for not being encouraging. Not their strong suit.

 On the other hand, the naked Drake lying across his entire half of the carriage on the padded seatshis front objectionably facing the sky, without a nket for modestyspoke without even an attempt at preserving anyones feelings.

 They suck. Lyte. Hey, Lyte. If I walked into their headquarters with all of them there, think I could take all of them on, or are they as bad as they look?

 He poked her in the leg. The carriage was not thatrge, and he used his tail with dexterity. The [Princess] didnt replyfor about ten pokes.

 Wilovan swatted the tail on poke eleven. Saliss gave him a look.

 Miss Marquin is having adifficult day, sir. A bit of kindness isnt unwarranted, a man should think.

 The Gnoll addressed Saliss stiffly. Saliss washard to enjoy when he was being Saliss. He could be a great friend. But there was such a thing as too much of one person. Especially Saliss.

 And theyd been cooped up in this carriage for four days. Saliss bared his teeth.

 Well, Im a big believer in not lyingabout hopeless causes. And they look pretty inept to me.

 Wilovan was just drawing breath when Lyte muttered.

 The champion of their order hasnt taken to the field. Fathe [King] must be holding back all the high-level ones as well.

 All eyes swung to her. Ratici leaned over, in the midst of ying a version of solitaire with himselfand getting annoyed since he was making Raticis life harder by cheating.

 Their champion?

 They call him the Lightherald of Cnfer.

 For a moment, she was far away. Far awayand back in time. And she was in Cnfer.

 Home. Oh, but it had been so long, despite being less than a full year! A lifetime ago.

 And now she remembered it, it was as the Lyte of now. Not the Lyte who walked around calling people peon and being used to servants and being so constantly, secretly miserable.

 She remembered the Eternal Throne of Cnfer. She remembered her family and how she had acted. She was ashamed.

 Nostalgic.

 And fearful for this war. Because she knew Terandrian politics. She knew Ailendamus.

 They wont destroy Cnfer, even if the Dawn Concordat loses. Theyll just make them subservient. Father wouldnt give in even if the armies were at the gates of the pce. Hes cunning. Hell sign a dealthe other kingdoms wont allow the Dawn Concordat to just vanish. Somend taken, vassalizationnot be destroyed or the crowns eradicated.

 But what if Ailendamus just decides to take everything? Who will stop them?

 To prevent the fears rising up in her chestas if she needed moreLyte spoke. The coach was quiet; Ferris drove in the front, and it was muffled. The windows were shut, and Lyte looked at an image.

 A shining [Knight] in armor. The first time he had walked into the throne room and knelt, the radiance of his aura had made the child wonder. She had thought her fathermanded the greatest of warriors the world had ever seen.

 The thousandth time, she was tired of the pageantry. The ten thousandth

 The Lightherald of Cnfer? Never heard of him. Is he good?

 Ratici saw Wilovan try to kick Saliss tail. The [Alchemist] twitched it out of the way. Lyte shook her head, smiling bitterly.

 Its not one person, Saliss. Its a royal title. And its a trick. My f

 She hesitated. Then gave up. Wilovan, Ratici, Salissknew. She hadnt been good with her guise.

 My father, King Reclishas a Skill. He bestows the power of Cnfer on his chosen [Knight] and they gain a powerful aura. Skills.

 [Boon of the Throne]. That was why she knew her own boon Skill, had been so enamored of it. She knew the true power. Saliss sat up slightly.

 Oh. Interesting. And you said there are higher-level [Knights]?

 Yes. Thronebearers get auras of light. Blinding, and they have enchanted armor. Good enchantmentsI thought so. But father wontmit them until he has to.

 Seems like Kaliv is in trouble.

 Lyte shook her head. It looked like that, but

 Those are low-lying cities. Once Ailendamus besieges the higher-altitude settlementsthats when the danger begins. Or if they try to push through the passes.

 Ah. Then perhaps the news is exaggerating the situation, Miss Marquin?

 Wilovan suggested. Lyte looked at him. Then at the orb.

 No. Theyre in trouble.

 She bowed her head. The carriage fell silent, even Saliss. ThenLyte felt the momentum slow for the first time that day.

 Passengers, Miss Marquin, Adventurer Saliss andpanywe have arrived at Oteslia atst.

 Ferris deeply relieved voice sounded via the embedded speaking stone in the wall of the coach. Lyte pulled down the window.

 Oteslia atst. She stared at the City of Growth and the central, vast tree behind the walls. Around the overgrown walls, covered in massive vines, she saw the Walled City was surrounded by a vastmoat? No, ake in truth. Defense and water source.

 Countless floating rafts seemed to be semi-permanently stationed here. Lyte saw birdsso many of themflying about. Animals, on the walls themselves! And in the sky, among the smaller fliers

 Pegasi. Oldblood Drakes, too. She stared at the Walled City known for its agriculture and forgot about Cnfer for a moment. For here

 She hade here to bring back a friend. A member of her family in Liscor.

 For hope. It had been too long already. Saliss sighed as he leaned out the window.

 About time. I thought you said this coach was fast. Were not tipping!

 Ferris turned and gave the Drake a look.

 -

 Four days to Oteslia from Pass was incredibly fast. You were going down the main roads, true, which cut down on dangers like monster attacks or bandits, but only an enchanted carriage could dream of doing that.

 It was a good part of the south! So, Ferris being part of the best travellingpany in all of Izril had seemed like a stroke of luck.

 The one stroke of luck in the midst of the worst thing ever.

 -

 Before.

 Lyte du Marquin sat with Mrsha. Holding her. She was weepingbut she had long since plumbed the depths of that well.

 Why? Why now? Why

 Why like that? Hectval? Of all the things

 Numbtongue sat on the hill. Mrsha didnt move. Bird had locked himself in his room. Everyone was grieving.

 Eriny in the [Garden of Sanctuary] and only a miracle would cure her.

 So a miracle the [Princess] had to find. It had not been easy. She spent days grieving. Hopingbut none came.

 She said goodbye to Mrsha, even though it was like tearing at her chest with a barbed hook. She begged the Gentlemen Callers for aidbut they gave it without even naming a price.

 She went to Saliss. He was already preparing to leave himself.

 Well go together, then.

 Lyte had gone to Ferris, relieved. She had gotten in the carriage andleft.

 Left her daughter behind.

 Left the inn, and Erin lying there.

 Left, promising to return, carrying all the gold she could take, chasing madness.

 An antidote? A potion to cure mortal wounds and a frozen body? A means to unfreeze Erin while keeping her from dyingpletely?

 Geneva Sc had written the problem, not the method. She had been frank about the odds. But Lyte had seen no other way, no other ce to go than Oteslia. The Healer of Tenbault? She knew the odds of getting in there.

 She had cried, missing Mrsha on the first night they camped. The second night, the third

 She was on the fourth day. Lyte felt naught but guilt at how Mrsha had begged her to stay. But it was dangerous. She had to hurry. Hurry, to find a panacea.

 -

 Now.

 The Eternal Throne of Cnferthe official name for the crown and capital city of Cnferwas a wondrous ce.

 Lytepared every great feat of architecture to it; she had never had to in Liscor because, erthere was nopetition.

 But now, seeing Oteslia, an overgrown wonder for any [Druid] or a nightmare for a [Gardener], in front of her, she had topare it to Cnfer.

 And everywhere was found wanting.

 She had gone through First Landing. She had left Pheint, but seen the pce from afar, and gone to dances and gatherings in other nations.

 Nowhere was as fine, as majestic, asamazing as Cnfer. They wereparable in other ways; Invrisil was a wonderful trading city. Pass, one of the great Walled Cities of old, and so on.

 But Cnfer was built out of, on top of, something that had existed perhaps before Pass itself. It was a kind of open secret; no one talked about it directly, but most royal families probably knew, and especially the ruling one of Cnfer.

 The Eternal Throne was, in fact, a Dragonthrone, one of the ancient seats of power used by Dragons in eras when there were Dragonlords.

 A relo Dragonthrone was alike, some were contained worlds, others had apparently been mobile, ording to the legendsCnfer had been founded on one. Of course, people knew the throne was magic.

 How could you not stare at the golden staircase ascending to the heavens, the great dais where you walked on air until you came to the Eternal Throne and knelt before the [King] of Cnfer and [Queen]?

 What they forgot was that the Dragonthrone was more thanthe throne. And in fact, the Eternal Throne was built for Humans, and the entire dais was in fact the original throne, altered for the new rulers.

 They forgot thateverything was the Dragonthrone. For more than one Dragon had been meant to sit in conve, or as guests.

 So when you marveled about Cnfers streets, the nigh-indestructible inner city, carved of shining rock and metal and theparatively paltry outer city, but founded on the glowing roads and walkways that invigorated you just to tread upon? When you gazed upon the six gates to the city, each fortified with dread magic?

 Those had been thrones. The buildings had been constructed out of other thrones, and the roads had been part of the Dragonthrone. The power that made those gates so dangerous to assail, the power in the throne?

 The Dragonthrones original power, taken.

 Lyte had been shocked to learn that. She had always assumed the ce had been made by half-Elves, Dwarves, great Human [Masons] of old. The truth was painful, especially because every Cnfer citizen visited the Eternal Throne and the city once in their lives.

 It was like bing an adult. Until you had seen the wonder of the city, knelt before the monarch and known your kingdom was made of greatness the likes of which other kingdoms could not aspire toyou had not known your homnd.

 That was why Cnfers people were devoted, the [Knights] even named Thronebearers. There were evenws about spitting or emptying chamber pots in the streets. The Eternal Throne was kept clean and you could be beaten bywor just by anyone who saw you at the time.

 So. Compared to that, Oteslia wasdifferent. The untidy greenery of it all, the rampant nature actually offended Lytes sensibilities at first. Who would let those gigantic roots and vines cover the walls?

 But then she saw it as the worlds greatest garden and had to respect that. Especially since Oteslia could feed all six Walled Cities in times of need and produced every variety of herb, root, nt, and many livestock animals you could name. And hopefullyall the things needed to counteract Hectvals poison.

 You can cure it, cant you?

 The four passengers had disembarked to stretch as Oteslia came into view. They saw the bridge to the Walled City was in fact simr to Liscors. Floating wooden structures that could be sunk.

 I could cure it if she was up. I have six antidotes that worked on the sample you gave me.

 Saliss was slowly gyrating his hipsthen stretching one arm over his body, the nextsome of the people in vehicles exiting or entering the city were staring.

 And you didnt mention that because?

 The Drake saw Lytes stare. He shrugged.

 None of them work on frozen bodies. Thats my problem, Lyte. Ive never had to apply something to an ice cube.

 Dont call Erin that!

 Lyte was shocked by the flippant tone in his voice. But one look at Saliss eyes made her stop. He grinned; the grin never reached his pupils.

 Fine. Ice-girl. Better?

 Wilovan shifted. He hadnt noticed Saliss eyes, and the trick of reading him there. Erin had taught that to Lyte; she noticed stuff like that.

 Wilovan and Ratici, though, were so unlike Saliss. Criminals, but honorable ones. And Saliss was so different from Lyte

 What a motley crew. Lyte shook her head. The only normal person was Ferris, and she felt bad for the poor Gnoll. Hed been carrying them here at a very reasonable price.

 Ferris? Were ready to go.

 The water-bridge wasrge enough for multiple vehicles on the left-hand side to roll in, while ones on the right came out. There was little dy, but no one was zooming across the deep, deepke. That gave Lyte plenty of time to eye the curious floating objects on the water.

 They looked like rafts, at first. But when she looked closer she realized.

 Saliss. Youve been to Oteslia before, yes?

 Yup. My secondno, third-most visited city. First is Pass, seconds Manus. Third is Oteslia, fourth is Szsar for gemstones. Fifth is Fissival, sixth is Zeres.

 Lyte hadnt asked for his ranking. She saw he was sticking his butt out the carriage window, mooning the passing people to let his tail swing in the breeze.

 Why are you doing that?

 Because theyre screaming at me. Whats your question, Lyte?

 He grinned. The [Princess] had forgotten. She listened to Drakes shouting insults at Ferris and Saliss, then stared out thekeside window. Wilovan was looking at Ratici and the Drake was shrugging.

 Oh, yes. What are those floating rafts? They lookno ones living on them, or fishing. Well, some are.

 Saliss popped back onto her side. He peered out and Lyte pointed to Gnolls and Drakes on the rafts. They werent reallypaddling. Some were fishing, but that seemed like a secondary thing to their main upation. He grinned.

 Ah, yes. Those are [Farmers].

 [Farmers]?

 Mhm. Theyre using floating gardens. Never seen one before? Look, I think some are harvesting.

 Indeed, now he exined it, it all made sense. Lyte saw them tending to crops sewn into floating gardens! The rafts were made of dried roots, or something buoyant, and the soil held evenly-spaced crops which loved water. The fishing [Farmers] were actually on their breaks.

 Thats ingenious!

 Yep. Thats Oteslia for you. If someone grew something, they found out how to do it. See? The floating beds arent the onlykeside agriculture. They have fisheries along the edges and from the city. And therethats where all the rice in Izriles from so we dont import it from Baleros.

 He pointed to paddies along theke. Lyte peered at the submerged rice growing there.

 Paddies, floating raft-gardensand they hadnt even entered the City of Growth. She shook her head.

 Wehavent talked much about Oteslia.

 Too busy mourning. Well, Im here so Ill be your guide until we find someone better.

 You know your way around? And youll help us?

 The Named-rank Adventurer looked at Lyte. He hesitated, opened his mouth to make a flippant remark, and sighed.

 Yes. I have to buy a lot of my stock since Im out of potions. But yes. It wont be easy, you know. I dont have a lot of weight in Oteslia; even the old man doesnt. Different cities, different rules, and Pass fights Oteslia as much as helps it.

 He meant Chaldion. Lyte nodded.

 Ill do whatever it takes. But do you know where to start?

 Saliss scratched at his head. He turned his dusky yellow scales to catch the light.

 I think I do. I dont have a lot of weightbut I do have some contacts. I just hope I dont annoy them, showing up rtively unannounced. Tact, people. Lets remember decorum and politeness while were at a new city. Obviously.

 Lyte, Wilovan, and Ratici stared at Saliss. The [Alchemist] stared out the window, deliberately oblivious.

 They were already doomed.

 -

 It was an interesting time in Oteslia. The city was at war with the Walled City of Zeres.

 But then, it had been for months now. And the enemy armies were fighting sporadically to the south. Mercenary forces doing most of the work.

 It was mostly the expense that had people groaning. But Zeres was trying to impose tariffs on exported produce, so what could you do but go to war? Drake city politics.

 More of actual note was Magnolia Reinharts arrival to Oteslia. She hadnded at Zeres two days ago, and already entered the City of Growth. Now, the gathering at Oteslia was attracting attention.

 People were arriving to meet the first member of the Five Families to walk in the south for centuries. Not all as her ally.

 To say it was troublesome was to undery the First Gardeners migraine. And she had at least one per week. She took all kinds of medicinal aids.

 Pills, supplements, medicineit was an ongoing struggle thest four Gardeners had suffered from.

 The problem was that healing potions healed wounds. Mental painor migraines brought on by stresswere harder to solve. You could drug yourself into not feeling it, but how could you work?

 Effective painkillersshe gulped down a pill from the isles of Drath shed used her meager budget to purchase and grimaced.

 Barely effective. But it did do something. The First Gardener, Shaerrha Brasswing, suffered on. She had lots to do. This Magnolia Reinhart had brought trouble; of course shed known the Five Families could be dangerous, but this was more than shed bargained for. The Serpentine Matriarch, already at odds with Oteslia, was holding a grudge. And all these dignitaries from abroad, as well as the Meeting of Tribes bringing a lot of foreign trade to the city

 Oteslia was closest to the Gnoll ins, and thus actually in a position to benefitor suffer if the Meeting of Tribes brought conflict.

 So, Magnolia, Zeres, Gnoll tribesand that was only the big stuff. There were the [Strategists] with their wounded friend still attracting [Bounty Hunters] after their artifacts, aftereffects of the Golden Triangle scam, which had impoverished the poorest of the Walled Citys citizens, the Demons Curse

 And always, always, the cause of her migraines, her stress, and yes, affection and pride at times, her adopted son.

 Cire. Cirediel Anvidualln Olicuemerdn, to be precise.

 The Dragon of Oteslia, the boynot yet grown, not for another centurywho was the reason the First Gardeners had a lifespan twenty years shorter than average. Stress.

 And it wasnt just the First Gardener who had to deal with Cire, oh no. She just had to clean up after his messes, and act as his mother.

 The real challenge was faced by the people on the front, the unsung heroes who worked every day.

 -

 Mivifa Selifscale, Named Adventurer of Oteslia, spent up to an hour in front of the vanity every morning.

 Which was ironic because her careful attention to the makeup, copious expenditure on potions and creams and other beauty products wasnt for hernot really. She grimaced as she checked for grey in her scales; added a bit of color here, tried to remove some wrinkles here.

 The Oldblood of Feathers, as she was known, was a famous adventurer. She could sprout wings of feathers due to her connection with her Pegasipanion. She was the highest-level [Beast Master]-[Rider] adventurer in all of Oteslia, perhaps all of Izril now that Tritel, the Moonlight Rider, was dead.

 It gave her no pleasure to hear of his death. She thought about that, and Ci, the horse part of the duo. What was happening to her?

 When she had time, shed head north and check. But Mivifa was one of the types of adventurers who was always busy. No cycle of extreme danger and then long rxation for her, like some who had made it to the top.

 Every day she had something to do. And that something began the moment she finished her scrupulous routine.

 Unlike Humans, sagging skin wasnt really a Drake thing. No, it was discolored scaleswrinkles did appear, in a sensebut also just how your neck spines were, the vibrancy of color.

 It sometimes shocked people who got to know her how much the Oldblood of Feathers spent on beauty products, especially those to make her young. But as quirks for Named Adventurers went, it was a mild one. Most had some weird w or obsession; so what if the female Drake wanted to look like she was still in her twenties, despite being twice that age? Let it be. She was responsible, without scandal, and a hero of her city.

 The truth was, Mivifa would have done away with all the beauty products and time spent if she could.

 But it wasnt for her.

 So, Mividel Maxiw, no rtion to the Named Adventurer, Silver-rank in her twenties, exited her rtively modest apartment an hour after waking. And stretching; you had to stretch. She already knew someone would be waiting for her.

 Mivi, whats on the wing?

 A Drake folded his arms and leaned against the doorway. It was the kind of lean with attitude. He spoke casually, without formality; his neck-spines were oiled back, and he had on a trendy jacket and shorts. He was Oldblood; his wings were long and vermillion, like his scales.

 Fetale, I was just monking out over breakfast. I am good to fly today. Wheres Cire?

 The Drake raised one thumb-w, using themon vernacr of Oteslias youth, despite not having wings herself. The other male Drake, Fetale, made a psht sound.

 How should I know? Hes circling. I figured wed meet up at the Rootsee whats what.

 Mivi nodded. They leaned on the balcony of her apartment. After a moment, they both saw that Mivis neighbor, a female Drake in herte thirties, was sweeping her porch. She had systematically winced her way through the entire greeting and was giving them a side-eye. She hurried inside after a moment.

 Mividelsagged after a moment. She looked around, checking the skies, and after a moment shuffled over to Fetale.

 Where is he actually?

 Cire. Fetale dropped the casual lounge-maneuver, which took a lot of practice and was actually straining on the back. He rubbed at his shoulders.

 Morning fly with some of the actual kids. Weve got eyes on him. Were meeting at the Root to hang out.

 Got it.

 Mividel sighed. That was her actual name; Mivifa was the alias, the Named Adventurer. She lived in this apartment, unlike the very nice, much more sumptuous one she had in the upper part of the city. But she had gone out that door in full youth-mode.

 Just in case he was there, as he sometimes was. She nodded.

 Lets slide on down to the Root, then.

 She was trying. But Fetale caught her before they headed onto the street.

 Mivi. I cant do this anymore.

 She looked at the other young Drake. Fetale could have beenneen. Orif you looked past his glossy scales, his trendy dress for anyone still in their teens, and looked at him

 Thirty.

 Mividel was older than her neighbor, and she knew the other Drake had long-since figured it out. Oteslias Treewatch had probably spoken to her and let her knoweverything, if she didnt just know already.

 That one look had made Mivi feel old. She stared at Fetale.

 What do you mean, Fetale? Today or?

 Her heart sank as the Drake leaned on the balcony. He stared down at the street, with genuine, 100% actually young people, and older ones, mingling, going about their day.

 This, Mivi. I cant do it. I was doing my appearance this morning and I looked myself in the eye. It all justfell apart.

 Dont do that. Listen, Fetale

 No. Im serious. MiviI cant be you. I gave it my best shot. But Im thirty, and my wife is talking about a family. She knows the job, butam I supposed to tell her to wait another decade? Five years? Please. I need out.

 This was the conversation she hated to have. And it had looked likewell, this was setting the tone for her morning. MivifaMividelMivichewed on her lip for a second, and then realized she might be ruining the gloss.

 Fine. I get it, Fetale. Butfoursix months. Six months, alright? Well phase you out. You can even bring up settling down. Starting tomorrow, start easing back on the makeup. Got it?

 He gave her a relieved smile, and a guilty one.

 Thank you, Mivi. Im sorry. I thought I could keep doing it. Its just

 Silently, she patted him on the arm.

 Its fine. Well put you on surveince, or one of the non-contact jobs. But you get to find your recement, or train one, huh?

 He groaned. Thenchecked the position of the sun.

 Wed better take wing. Roots just opening and you know Cirell be there. And he doesnt wait.

 Mivi knew it full well. He might wait for herbut why risk it? She and Fetale hurried down into the street. There they moved at a jog. Sprightly. Youthful.

 She was the only one who had done it for this long. Everyone else hadquit. Fetale was actually fairly long for his job. Ten yearsno, fourteen, reallysince hed been recruited. And he had been a deliberate choice. Mividel had been an ident. Her bing Named Adventurer had also beenwidental. But she was ideally ced, such that the First Gardener relied on her and she essentiallymanded the Treewatchs branch in this area.

 But how much longer could she be Cires friend? She and Fetale were old, and growing older. At least,pared to the people they were hurrying to meet.

 There they were, about eleven Drakes, two Gnolls, all sitting, around four tables at the Root, a popr hangout for younger people in Oteslia. Mivi recognized them all; two more nted individuals like her and Fetale; the rest actual kids.

 Four unpredictable ones. Those not in the know, or not trustworthy. She grimaced. It might be a rough day.

 She, Fetale, and the two Drakes who casually called out to her, had a ss inmon. Mivi was a [Beast Master], a [Pegasus Flier]

 And an [Actor]. The ss had existed before the yers of Celum. She slid over, actually sliding on her ws.

 Hey, people. Whats growing? I miss anything?

 Mivi!

 A loud voice called out. Mividel turned, and in the center of the gaggle of teens washim. The young Drake, who could have been seventeen, lounging around with all the others, at home, and not acting.

 The one who never changed. The reason for the Gardeners headaches, Mivis strange circumstances.

 A beautiful young manboy. Something in between. His scales were brown and purple and green, blending across his body. He was apparently Oldblood; he had full wings, and could spit an acid. But that was to trivialize what he was.

 Among the other Drakes, even ones naturally gifted with beauty or extraordinary athleticism, he stood out. He was so handsome it hurt, and he never seemed to run out of energy.

 He was Ciredielbut everyone called him Cire. Son of the First Gardener.

 Dragon of Earth.

 Yo, Cire.

 Mivi slid into a seat hed kept waiting for her. Cire, her best friend, grinned at her.

 Took you long enough! Youre never up when we are for the mornings!

 He teased her. Mivi grinned.

 You know me. I eat breakfast, Cire.

 And I cant wake up at dawn anymore, especially if I have to do my makeup. Fetale just jerked his chin at Cire, too cool for greetings. Cire copied it.

 Went for a fly since we were all wearing wings. We were talking about whats going next. Thought we might go see if we can get out the gates. The Meeting of Tribes is whats what, and everyones talking about mad sights. Whats your thought?

 Mivi grimaced, but only inwardly. She nced around casually and saw a covert w-sign from one of the other nts.

 The Drake with her leg up on the table, leaning back, had given Mivi the sign. Newith dyed neck-spines, the tips of her wings painted to almost resemble ws; oh, and her actual ws too. She looked like she spent half her time running with a gang, and the serving staff of the Root were ring at her. Shed added a spiked cor, another fashion trend, and she had bite me scrawled on one arm over her scales.

 Anyone could have reasonably assumed this was a teen in the height of rebellion, like many of the people Cire surrounded himself with. And they did have Nes look. What made the Drake stand out was that she was twenty six, a decorated [Wing Lieutenant], and extremely serious in actuality.

 The covert sign meant that this was not a nted idea. Mivi nced around and saw a young Drake with crimson scales and ck wings smirking and nodding at a Gnoll she didnt know.

 Great, Cires made more friends. The Dragon boy did so easily; he was popr in the city, famous, and likable. But it didplicate things.

 You want to go over the walls, Cire, my guy? Your mother will tear up. Twice.

 Fetale jumped in before Mivi. Cire scoffed.

 Her? I dont follow her rules. We could fly to the Meeting of Tribes, get backno one notices. What do you think, Mivi?

 He looked at her. The Drake swept back her neck spines in a practiced, bored motion.

 You want to fly all the way to the Meeting of Tribes, Cire? Thats likemiles. Dozens and dozens. And Im not flying there.

 Oh,e on. Youve got Fessi

 He meant her Pegasus. Mividel was still a [Pegasus Flier], one who was a Silver-rank adventurer. Fiction was based on fact. But the Drake just leaned back as she grabbed for a morning tart as a tter was brought around. Everyone tried to snag a snack.

 Please, Cire. You want to fly all the way there when theres better mour to be had here? Im not monking for hours just to stare at a few stalls for an hour or two before we have to get back.

 Thats whats what. I say we wing about thekes. See what we can get into locally. You want excite? Check the bazaars; Gnollslle here to sell.

 Ne added. Mivi jerked her head at her. Good timing.

 The three voices made Cire hesitate.

 Thats a good point. Hey Meltno-go on the Meeting of Tribes. Maybe if something interesting is there.

 Aw,e on, Cire. Its amazing!

 Melt, the Drake whod suggested it, was actually young. He nced at Mivi, annoyed, and pointed to the horizon.

 Theyve got a Named Adventurer there! The Stargnoll and her team! And it only happens every twenty years! Youre saying you dont want to see that?

 Cire hesitated. He cast a nce at Mivi, then rxed.

 Named Adventurer? Oteslias got twono, threeing in and out. And Ive met one. Theyre boring as Duhans.

 No way. Youre rogueing with me.

 Am not.

 The Earth Dragon flicked one wing.

 Met Mivifa the Oldbloodst year. My mmy old woman had her over. Stuffy and boring as you can get.

 Aw. Really? I heard she was cool.

 You think that, but she wouldnt even fly with me.

 Mivi rxed, nodding along, feeling a surreal sensation creep down her back. Cire thought he knew her, but that was an [Actress] who had yed in for Mivi.

 All was going well. These rogue elements, Melt and the two Gnolls, plus the Drake girlfriend of one of the two Gnolls, werent interfering too much. That was when it happened.

 Besides, the Meeting of Tribes isnt that rare. Ive known likefour that took ce. We can always go to the next one.

 Melt frowned. Around the table, half the people stirred. The other half just blinked.

 What are you talking about, Cire? Its every twentyyears.

 Nah, its not. Its

 Cire frowned. His eyes flickered. Before he could say or do anything, Ne lifted her foot, and smacked it on the table.

 All the dishes jumped. Everyone stared at her as she rocked onto her feet.

 Im bored as a Duhan. You lot going to monk about Gnoll events? No offensebut Cire probably remembers some other random gathering. You know his memorys shot.

 Hey!

 Cire feinted a punch at her shoulder. Everyoneughed, and some of the Gnolls chuckled.

 Tribes, theyre always gathering and meeting. I cant fly and unless someones carrying me, I say lets scatterbrain and see whats what.

 To Mivis relief, one of the City Gnolls echoed Nes statement. Cire leapt to his feet. He crammed another tart into his mouth.

 Sounds good. Lets see the bazaar, though!

 Mivi hopped to her feet and felt a twinge in her back. Gah! Posture! She frowned at the tarts. Theyd have to get another [Chef] if he kept having breakfasts like this. One who could incorporate something better than jam, sugar, and bread into the snack-foods.

 One minor crisis averted. She checked the others to see if they were thinking about the Meeting of Tribesment Cire had let slip, but she didnt think it was a huge issue. She nodded to Fetale and Ne. Then she strode after Cire.

 It was hard. Harder than being a Named Adventurerwell, not trying to fight Wrymvr. Shed beenid out with a flu for thest two weeks, and so had had to be with Cire after that. Hed been worried about her.

 This was her job. As long as she could do it, she would. But she was forty four. She couldnt do this another century.

 Oh. Mivi closed her eyes. And for a second, she was a young Drake again.

 And he had never changed. Cire ran down the street,ughing, jumping and gliding down a staircase.

 He didnt change. Not since she was eleven and met the cool, older Drake and wanted to inspire his respect. And then realized he didnt grow taller. That some of the older Drakes and Gnolls wereoff.

 That was why Fetale and the others quit. Not just because they got too old. But because it hurt to move at different speeds through time.

 -

 Oteslia, the Walled City of Growth, had four gates you could enter through theke over bridges. Lyte was anxious; but she knew the city was vast, and they might need to be here a while.

 But shed go home to Liscor and Mrsha after two weeks, bring them here if she had to. She checked the gold in her bag of holding, her enchanted artifacts, and saw that even Saliss was making concessions to this foreign city.

 He had put on pants. Not any upper garments, but some alchemy-stained pants.

 What? Im not in Pass and I cant spend a week in jail.

 He grinned as he inserted his tail through the hole in the Drake-style pants. Lyte looked at Wilovan and Ratici.

 You couldnt have put those on during the four days it took to get here?

 I could have. But why would I do that?

 Anyways, he was an asset, an asset. Lyte reminded herself of that as the carriage stopped. The Drakes and Gnolls were speeding people through the gate after stopping them for only a few seconds. When it came to thema problem arose.

 Lets seeIzrils Wonders, right. Passengers?

 Four.

 The [Guard] did a bored head-sweep. He blinked at Lyte, but took it in stride. He nodded, stepped back; hed been holding a gemstone. He consulted itthen did a double-take. He stared at the passengers.

 It must have been an artifact-scanner or something to detect magic-levels because he seemed to perk up a bit. He blinked at them again, and then held up a w.

 Quickly, with practice, he rifled open a small flipbook of loose papers. It looked like

 Ah. That would be bounties and warning illustrations.

 Wilovan murmured. Lytelooked at him.

 As in, for criminals?

 Killers, famous [Thieves], and so on.

 Ratici nodded. Lyte stared at the [Gentleman Thief]. Ratici adjusted his cap.

 And you didnt think to?

 Miss Marquin. We are an upstanding lot!

 Wilovan looked hurt. And indeed, the [Guard] went through the flipbook, checked them again, this time tapping another amulet, and saw that they werent under an illusionand didnt match his papers.

 Very good. Sorry, everyone, random security check. But you seemgood to go.

 Lyte exhaled. She had been worried about herself as much asshe smiled and then the [Guard] held out a w.

 I just need to see your travel documents.

 Salissblinked. Wilovan, Ratici, and Lyte, stirred. They stared at Ferris through the sliding door gap. The Gnoll slowly hunched his shoulders.

 Shit.

 -

 The problem wasand this was most embarrassing to Ferrished nned on taking Erin to Manus. In which case he wouldnt have had a problem.

 But he and Saliss had forgotten since they had little need to deal with basic travel. They were a special agent and Named Adventurer, respectively.

 The [Watch Sergeant] came over to see what the holdup was as the Oteslian [Guard] spoke to Lyte as if she was mad.

 You have a passport, Miss, dont you? I assume your travel grade is at least Grade-2 to request official transport? Izrils Wonders is an establishedpany.

 Of course it is. Butwe werent asked for a passport when we hired the carriage.

 Now all eyes were on Ferris. The [Watch Sergeant] frowned.

 I will investigate this with Izrils Wonders, Miss. They need to check documentation. You, [Driver]. Your name?

 Ferris was cursing to himself as he produced his documents. The [Sergeant] turned to Lyte and smiled apologetically.

 This appears to be a simple error in produce. In that case, may I see your Grade-1 passport, Miss?

 She visibly hesitated. The Gnoll [Sergeant] paused.

 You do have some passport, Miss? What Drake city did youe in from?

 Wellwe came from the north.

 Past Pass? And you didnt stop at any city along the way? Really.

 The [Sergeant] gestured and more Oteslian [Guards] sauntered over. That was a bad cover story. Any Drake city she entered would have issued her at least a Grade-1 passport.

 Idid not know I needed a passport. But I can prove I came from Pass. I would like to send a [Message] to someone who can vouch for my authenticity, if I may.

 Chaldion? Grimalkin? Lytes mind was racing. The [Sergeant] just raised her brows.

 If you entered Pass, miss, you would have been issued a passport. I think this calls for an investigation.

 She felt a tug at her arm. The first [Guard] whispered in her ear. Inside, Lyte was looking at Wilovan and Ratici, who hadtensed a bit at the word investigation.

 Sargeits high-quality artifacts. They didnt fit any of the wanted posters, so I was just going to mark them and let them through, but

 She grimaced. This was getting hairier by the second and it was the morning. She was just about to tell everyone to step out slowly, when the door opened.

 She recoiled as a Drake wearing only pants emerged. She lifted her spear and the other [Guards] hefted their weapons, but he shoved something at her.

 Saliss of Lights. Hi, this Humans with me.

 The [Sergeant] blinked. Then she stared at the mithril-ted card, glowing magical writing, and her eyes went round. One of the [Guards] made a sound.

 Named Adventurerhold on. Someone get me a ss of Identification. Excuse me

 Five minutester, the [Sergeant]pleted the check. She handed the card back and bowed.

 Adventurer Saliss! Your identity checks out. Please excuse usyoure free to enter the city. The other passengers, though

 She looked into the carriage. Saliss reached out and casually unhooked the door.

 Funny story. They actually came from Liscor via Pass. Magic door. So they never went through the gates.

 Liscor?

 The Gnoll was nk. But one of the [Guards] had heard about it.

 Theyve got some kind of teleportation door, [Sergeant]. It might have actually happened.

 Thats a vition in protocol. And Liscor doesnt issue travel documents?

 They havent really had to in centuries.

 She tsked.

 Well, in that casewell go through Pass and confirm this. The drivers in trouble either way. Im sorry for the confusion, Adventurer Saliss. Are these passengers acquaintances of yours? It wont take more than a few hours if all is in order.

 He nodded reasonably.

 I get that. However, Im Saliss.

 She hesitated as she went to utch the doors.

 Yes, sir, you are. Free to go

 She reached out and he stepped in front of her.

 But Im Saliss.

 Yes, Adventurer?

 She stared at him. He gestured at the passengers. He spoke slowly, as if to try and get the words to sink in.

 Theyre with me. And I vouch for them. And Im Saliss.

 She replied, just as slowly, as if talking to a child or an extremely fragile person they were having to stop.

 Yes, Adventurer Saliss. But theres protocol

 And Im Saliss. Theyre with me. Why dont you contact Pass now?

 He smiled. Lyte, in the carriage, saw the [Sergeant] thinking.

 -

 It was true that Drakes had rules and regtions that Human citiescked. But it was also true that a Named Adventurer was a Named Adventurer. Saliss rxed as their carriage was taken to the side.

 Ferris was in trouble; Saliss hadnt given him any protection, but Lyte, Wilovan, and Ratici were having their Grade-2 documents written up at this very moment, instead of the hours-long wait. Authority was speed in bureaucracy.

 I forgot about those stupid documents. I never have to worry because Im Saliss.

 So youve said. Can you exin what they were talking about?

 Lyte saw the [Scribe] working on her paper documents; theyd get stamps and time codes, signatures, and such, but they werent anything like his mithril card. Saliss shrugged.

 Grade-1 is basic. You can enter cities, and youre not a criminal. Almost anyone can get those. Grade-2 means you can use services like carriages, buy goods in bulk, etc. Grade-3 means you can purchasend; most people can get Grades 1-3. Grade-4s more about your clearance. And so on. They go up pretty high.

 Lyte eyed him.

 So what is yours?

 He was picking at his teeth.

 Me? Grade-6. Because they dont like me. I should have like, a Grade-8; Grade-9 is for top brass like a [General] or head of state. Walled Cities are petty. You know, Zel Shivertail was only actually Grade-7?

 She nodded slowly. This might not matter too much for her future, but it was just another way in which she was realizing how cut-off Liscor had been.

 Miss? Were nearly done with your background certifications. Pass has provided thatI can write in thest details. Adventurer Saliss, can you sign one of the authentication forms here?

 Saliss sighed and did it three times. The [Scribe] stared at him; she was in awe of Saliss, probably because she hadnt ever metSalissand only knew the better rumors.

 Yes, what do I do?

 Lyte sat there. The Drake smiled.

 Just your name, age, country of origin, and minor details, Miss.

 Ah. Lyte du Marquin hesitated. She eyed Wilovan and Ratici, who both looked just as unhappy about this kind of documentation. She opened her mouthand then had an idea.

 Lyon Solstice. Spelled L-I-O-N, by the way. Ie from CInvrisil.

 I see, I see. Lion Solsticeage?

 Eightno, neen this year.

 We try to be urate, miss. Eighteena few more questionsany prior criminal charges with a Drake city? Nomhm

 Lyte was sweating a bit. But the [Scribe] was writing all of it down! Wilovan and Ratici gave identical responses, nearly. First Landing was where they came from.

 All right! This is all set.

 The three rxed. The [Scribe] smiled brightly.

 Now, all I have to do is take your statement via truth stone that the following is correct, you sign here, I sign hereand were done. Let me just find my stone

 Lyte began sweating again. She saw the [Scribe] fussing about and then the Drake of the hour swept in. His name was Saliss. It should have been Chaos.

 Hey. I know this is taking a bit, so Im going to just stand outside in front of the carriages until youre done, alright?

 The [Scribe], Watch Sergeant, and other people in the gatehouse office looked around. Saliss stood up.

 And he had removed his pants. The [Scribe] recoiled. The Desk Sergeant stared.

 Adventurer Saliss, what are you

 Dont mind me! Just going to do some stretches while I wait. Not like Im in a hurry or a famous adventurer or anything! Excuse me! Stop! Pushups here. One, two

 Adventurer Saliss, we have a procedurewhy are you naked?

 Lyte began to breathe as she heard amotion. People were shouting, screaming, and still, Saliss was quite audible.

 Dont mind me! Nothing to see here! How long will it take? Thirty minutes? A thousand pushupsno, two thousand. Hey! What are you staring at?

 Lyte had never seen someone sign or stamp the passports as fast as in the next two minutes. She received hers, the ink still wet, and she was practically thrown out of the gatehouse, with Saliss pants. He put them back on and Wilovan inspected his passport.

 Now that, sir, was a handy bit of improvisation.

 I me Ferris. I hope they take it out on him. What kind of [Driver] doesnt do this? I thought he was a professionaler, [Driver].

 Saliss grumbled as he put on his pants. The [Guards] stepped back. The unlucky gate crew had gotten word from higher-ups; Saliss had been here before.

 Thus, Lyte entered the city. And the effort it had taken just to do thatsort of set the stage for everything else. This was not Pass, where they had numerous connections. She had gold, and Saliss was a Named Adventurer.

 But Oteslia wasnt their city. Lyte felt at her money in the bag of holding and wished there was a lot more. She wished she had an Erin to let loose to get all the favors they might need. Orsomething of true value. She had some of Numbtongues gemstones, all the gold the inn could spare.

 There was one thing she could pay. One very valuable item that even the City of Growth might not have. A flower from and beyond this one.

 Or she would have. If only. Because disaster struck time and time again. Something had happened on the Summer Solstice. It had barely mattered among all the rest. But still, it twisted in Lytes gut. A dark visitor, never seen. And a consequence of their passage

 All the faerie flowers were dead.

 -

 Hey, why are we monking around when we said thered be something Archmage around here instead of the Meeting of Tribes?

 Trantion: Why are we wasting time, sitting around, doing something pointless, when we said there would be something grandiose, exciting, magical around here instead of the Meeting of Tribes?

 The ng was the hardest part to keep up with. It kept changing and it was really only the kids who used it. Mivi had never heard a fellow adventurer use monking as a verb. Nor was it entirely urate. They said Archmage to mean cool.

 But they had clearly never met an Archmage before. Anyways, she and the others were sitting on a rooftop. Those without wings had climbed up. They were tossing bits of tart at flocks of birds; a monkey climbed up and was shooed away by one of the Gnolls.

 Oteslia had animals. It was haven to countless species, and it was considered the least-militant of all the cities along with Fissival. One of the most inclusive too; Gnolls were in far higher numbers here, along with other species like Garuda, Humans, even Selphids, and half-Elves in fair numbers.

 Nature was for Oteslia. It wasnt always great, though. The streets got dirty from all the uh, excrement, and if youd ever been hit by aerial Pegasi poo, you understood why the streets had lots of cloth canvas awnings and stter shields.

 Hey Vuc, you dont like it, you can Creler off.

 Mivi retorted to one of the genuine young people. He huffed and gave her a side-long look of appraisal. She ground her teeth. He knewbut he wasnt suited for this.

 Come on, Vuc. This is fun. Look at all the sunlight down there.

 Cire was admiring the visitors, especially young Drakes or Gnolls of a female persuasion. Mivi sighed. He waspredictable. And unfortunately, once he had reached a certain point in his adulthoodabout when shed been twentyhed hit a Dragons stage in puberty.

 As in, he had sex. And he went through rtionships like Mivi went through scale polish cream. It was really, really troublesome to deal with and a new phase in Oteslias difficulties rearing him.

 Mivi had heard that the Dragon of Manus had been just as bad, although she was female and perhaps easier to deal with in some ways than a brash Dragon boy. Then againperhaps not.

 Different, not easier. Anyways, Cire was infamous for it. And the problem was

 Hey, dont be jealous, Miv.

 He was sitting next to her. He twined his tail around hers and tried to put a w down the back of her pants.

 Mivi nearly kicked Cire off the rooftop.

 Cire, knock it off.

 He looked hurt and scooted back as the othersughed.

 Come on, Miv! Its been ages since we were a thing. I thought you were down with it. Whats gotten into you? Well, whatever.

 He looked hurt, then turned his head as if he didnt care at all. Mivi tried to calm down. But that?

 Twenty plus years ago, then, for a while ten years back. And heforgot. Deliberately, or identally. Mivi on the other hand had long-since changed.

 If Mivis giving you the cold wing, Cire, take a look at that. Theres a ins Gnoll! Shining.

 One of the other genuine youths pointed. Cire was staring in a moment.

 Where? Where? Wow. Is that markings from her tribe on her fur? Shes wearing nothing?

 Ne gave Mivi a look and muttered.

 You okay?

 Yes. Forget about it.

 Perhaps she shouldretire. Her past rtionships, when they had been the same age and she had been head-over-tail in love with him, wasplicating the now, especially when he thought they were still back then, or no time had passed. She was to me, as well as the borate system of lies and deception. But the alternative had been bad, too.

 Fetale was going to start aging up. Hed stop using makeup, start being too old to hang with. Soon, Cire would understand he was older and if he met Fetale

 But he wouldnt. Fetale and he wouldnt meet again. So it went.

 Resigned, Mivi listened to the young Drakes pointing out attractive females. This, at least, was the true upation of young males of most species. It wasnt just her and Ne rolling their eyes.

 I bet you that you couldnt talk to her for more than a minute, Vuc.

 You what, Cire? Bet.

 The Drake Oldblood, outraged, leapt from the rooftop and made his way through the crowd. His friends jeered orughed as he went for the ins Gnoll they were so taken with. He did his best, leaning against the stall and introducing himself.

 He struck out after eight seconds. The Gnoll was clearly older than him, and clearly not in the mood for this. Vuc flew back as Cire and the others made fun of him.

 Told you. I bet I could get her tough, though.

 You wish.

 Vuc muttered sullenly. He was blushing, but trying not to show it. Cire pointed arrogantly down at the crowd of visitorsing through the northern gate.

 You name any one down thereIve got Gold-rank moves. Everyone knows that.

 He bragged. That raised their tempers. Mivi sighed. Vucs head turned.

 You dont have madwhat about her, then?

 The same Gnoll? Psst. You ruined that, Vuc.

 Oh yeah? What about her?

 Another Gnoll. Cire shrugged.

 Not interested.

 Oh yeah? That Garuda, there.

 Ieh. I could do it. If I wanted to.

 I dare you to.

 Why that Garuda? Im not into feathers. What about that Drake, there?

 Cire pointed. Vuc snorted.

 I thought you could talk up anyone, Cire. Not just your own species.

 Oooh. Some of the new Gnolls whistled. Cire turned red.

 Oh yeah? Point and Ill decide. Give me options!

 That Gnoll. Or thatMinotauress! Hah, youve got moves enough for her, Cire?

 Not interested.

 Why are you wagging your tails off, Vuc, Cire? This is boring.

 Mivi called out. She gave the young Drake, Vuc, a warning nce. But he was too angry. He pointed.

 What about that Gnoll? Come on, Cire! I [Druid]-dare you. No, I Demon-dare you!

 Vuc

 Cire was getting angry. So was Mivi. She knew what the Drake was doing.

 He knew what Cire was. And he also knew that a lot of Cires Gold-rank moves had to do with the fact that Oteslians knew too.

 That was why Vuc was pointing out Gnolls, non-Oteslians who werent in the know. It was stupid, childishhe deliberately turned away.

 Come on, Cire. How aboutthat one? I Dragon-dare you.

 Mivi heard another oooh, andughter. But Cires head spun around. He stared down at the person and then looked at Vuc.

 Sure. Youre on.

 There was no way hed have turned down that dare, even though it wasmon pance. He leapt from the rooftops and sauntered through the crowd.

 Vuc was grinning triumphantlyright up until Mivi tugged him back with a friendly arm like steel. She dragged him away as the others watched Cire make his move on the female visitor that Vuc had pointed out.

 In an alleyway, Vuc grinned, almost as if he expected something.

 Whats this about, Miv

 She put an arm against his throat and pushed his head into the wall.

 Listen, you little hatchling. Stop egging Cire on or I will throw you into a Shield Spider nest, understand?

 He gurgled. Mivi was a Named Adventurer; he was just a kid. She increased the pressure slightly.

 You know exactly why not to provoke Cire. And you. Are. Doing. It. Enough. Stop talking, find an excuse to leave, and dont let me see you again or we will have problems. Understand?

 She kept the pressure on. He gasped when she lowered her arm.

 Youyou cant do that! Imyoure an adventurer! Ill tell

 Mivifa folded her arms.

 Tell someone? Listen up. Thats two mistakes youve made today. If you dont want to forget thest three months since you met Cire and wake up in your bed, you are going to walk out of this alleyway, and leave. Dont go back on the roof. Tell someone? Go ahead and find a Guardswoman. See what happens.

 She stared at him. He flinched. This was Oteslias secret. Mivi pointed.

 Get lost.

 He ran. She looked around, and saw Ne lounging at the alleyways entrance.

 Send a group after him. I dont trust him to be halfway smart.

 Got it.

 He was going to wake up with hazy memories at best. And Oteslia would have spent gold on another stupid kid who couldnt handle the truth. Mivi rested her head against the wall before leaving.

 Wouldnt it be better to?

 No, the truth could note out. Cire was too young, and she knew exactly how other citiesother nations might respond. But this actingmaybe that had to end. She felt like there were Drakes like Vuc every week. No wonder Oteslia was poor. Well, this was a poor excuse. But shed seen the budget and it wasnt helping.

 Why did Cire have to take so long to grow? She felt bad about scaring Vuc already. He was just a young Drake. Barely more than a brat and she was a Named Adventurer. She went out of the alleyway just in time to see Cire ost a young woman in the street.

 -

 Okay, whats our first step?

 I think its to meet with my contact. Unless you have somewhere you want to start?

 Saliss of Lights sauntered into Oteslia with Lyte, Wilovan, and Ratici. The Gentlemen Callers held back, politely letting the two take lead. Lyte nodded.

 She had no contacts here. No knowledge of where to start.

 Whos your friend? Another [Alchemist]?

 Saliss winked at her.

 You think my only friends are [Alchemists]? Wait, you think I have friends? Touching. But we need a ce to stay, and introductions. Oteslia is about knowing people as much as having gold to spend. And well have to go outside of my regr suppliers to find the exotic stuff and experts.

 Lyte had feared that. She nodded.

 Do you know where to find them?

 Eh, I thought Id ask. Heyhey you. Is the Oldblood of Feathers in the city? Im Saliss. Excuse me

 The Drake promptly went to the nearest person, a ins Gnoll shopping in the market right by the gates, and tapped her on the shoulder. Lyte sighed.

 He had Erin-energy. Which could be a good thing, butshe looked around.

 She didnt know where to begin. Did Saliss even need her? Ratici sidled up.

 Miss Marquin. If you feel safe in Saliss presence, Wilovan and I might do a bit of recon ourselves, as it were. See what our scene looks like.

 She nced at him.

 You wont cause trouble?

 The Gentleman Caller tipped his cap.

 Well be discreet. But theres few ways for us to help you aside from sorting out the wrong sort unless

 Yes, thank you. Erwhatever you need to do. Ill stay with Saliss.

 Youll be safe?

 Ratici studied her. Lyte swirled the Cloak of Balshadow and showed him her ringsand the Wand of [Fireballs] that Hedault had recharged for her.

 I think so.

 He nodded. Wilovan tipped his tall hat and they vanished in a second. Lyte turned back to Saliss

 And the Drake was gone. How did an [Alchemist] without a shirt vanish? The crowd swirled around her.

 It was like being in a new city again. Lyte felt a moments apprehension. She was alonelike Erin had been. Maybe she should have asked for one of the two to stay with her? But it wasnt like shed be hurt in a crowd. Surely. She made her way forwards, looking for familiar scales or a voiceor just someone screaming about nudity.

 Hey, lovelydy. You look lost. New to Oteslia? I could show you around.

 And within a moment, someone had found her. A Drake leaned against a shop counter, grinning. Lyte blinked.

 Um. Hello?

 The Drake had loose trousers and a tunicboth rather nice, but altered to make room for his wings and a tail. That already made him Oldblood, but he was, well, rather splendid.

 His scales were a unique green coloration that turned to brown or even purple in ces. A pattern almost as vibrant as Lizardfolks, unlike the Drake monochrome color. And he lookedhealthy.

 It was hard to describe. It was like the one out of ten thousand, or a million, who had a vitality that let them do back-to-back marathons, or other obnoxious feats of endurance. He gave her a grin with swagger.

 The names Cire. And you are?

 Not interested. In spite of all his good looks, Lyte did not intend to waste time. Nor was she avable in any sense of the word.

 Very pleased to meet you. Excuse me. Im just looking for a friend, actually.

 She stepped around him. The Drake blinked as she walked past him in a moment. He hesitated, nced at a distant roof, and hurried after her.

 Come on! Whos your friend? Where are you from, Miss? The north? Another continent? Are you here to buy something? I know everyone in the city.

 Im sure you do, but Im really busy. Thank you!

 It was funny. Lyte had not had this problem before. Not in Liscor, or even First Landing when it might have worked.

 Something abouther personalitymight have repelled young men trying it then. Lyte vaguely recalled something like that. Actually

 Cire was walking next to her.

 Where are you going, at least? Do you have an inn in mind? I bet you dont. I know the best spots. How about

 He saw the young woman with fiery hair swing around. Lytes blue eyes met hisshe was very attractive, even if she hadnt dressed upand the Dragon felt ashock of something. He blinked at her. But then he saw her friendly mouth open and

 Excuse me, peon. But I dont recall inviting your solicitations. Begone, and do not trouble me again.

 She lifted her chin and sniffed. He stared at her. Lyte walked off through the crowd. Or tried to. Five steps and he was asking where she was from again.

 -

 Aaay, my crew. Vuc and I just had to message each other over something and he had to tele out. Someone spell me on whats the fly with Cire?

 One of the Gnolls who wasnt part of the team turned to stare at Mivi.

 What? Is that Oteslian ng I dont know? Because that didnt sound like words.

 Mivi hesitated. Then dialed it back.

 Is Cire down there still?

 Yep. Hes eating his own tail with that Human. Looks like hes gone 0-4. Hell be eating grass soon if she brushes him off any harder.

 Id eat her grass, if you know what I mean.

 Youre disgusting. Waitdo Humans even have that?

 Believe me, they do. Because Ive seen it so many times.

 Mivi sighed. She coughed and felt her lungs rasp. But would she go another ten minutes against Wrymvr the Deathless rather than be stuck here?

 Maybe, honestly. She looked down at Cireand shook her head.

 Im going down there.

 Ne blinked at her. But Mivi had had enough. She wasnt Cires age and he wasnt acting his. That poor young woman probably didnt want to have a Drake trying to flirt with her. Mivi hopped down off the roof again and walked through the streets.

 Doctrine among the group overseeing Ciresgrowthwas to let him do anything that wasnt drugs, dangerous, or revealing. And they had implemented the false actors and memory-altering program after far too many close calls.

 Cire wasnt Rafaema, and Oteslia wasnt Manus, which could suppress rumors or news. Mivi had been inducted into the group at eighteen, when Cire had told her he was more than he seemed while they werea couple.

 Since then, Mivi had taken more and more responsibility. Nowshe felt like Oteslias organization of secrecy had gone too far. Cire was uncontroble, and he needed some discipline. Perhaps not like Rafaema; Mivi had met her as Mivifa or on the joint-visits every few years at minimum for thest of the Dragons.

 Rafaema had always seemed too controlled, too perfect and rigid. A product of Manus. But Mivi was tired of Cires wildness. He had to grow up some day.

 Dead gods. He still thought the First Gardeners before the present one had gone on vacations around the world. Or if he did know

 He surely did. But the boy refused to admit the truth. Oteslia and the First Gardener had once tried to confront him with it. Disastrous. He had nearly starved to death in mourning. It had taken six years to recover his shattered health. Mivi had read the reports, and the First Gardener had resigned in shame.

 Even so.

 -

 Lyte was wondering how much trouble shed get in for a [wless Attempt] punch to the face with this annoying Drake. He would not give up.

 And he was distracting her from finding Saliss. She kept thinking he was ahead

 Come on, just your name and Ill leave you be.

 Lyon. Will you go away?

 Lyon. Sssexy. Hey, you know that Im like, famous, in Oteslia? My mothers

 Lyte stomped off. She saw amotion ahead and hurried towards it.

 Thank goodness. Saliss? S

 Arge dog with a hurt foot was whining in the crowd of onlookers. A [Guard] was confronting a family of four. Drakes.

 We havent done anything wrong!

 No, Miss. But your pet is injured. And you appeared to be pulling it with you. We havews in Oteslia.

 Its a scratch.

 The mother and father were exasperated. One of the two Drake childrenholding the leashwere impatient.

 He got it while ying fetch! Do you have any authority to detain us, sir?

 The father was not an Oteslian, that was for sure. Lyte slowed as she realized this was not a Saliss-incident, surprisingly. Just amonce altercation.

 Over an animal? The [Guard] was sighing.

 All I need you to do is apany me to check with a truth stone about

 This is ridiculous. I heard Oteslia was full of inane rules, but this? We have an appointment at the Merchants Guild!

 The Drake father was blustering. The mother, more sensibly, was trying to calm him down.

 Guardsman, what if you checked on uster? Deardearlets not shout at the Watch.

 The two sons were in theirte teens, like the annoying Drake. Lyte was scanning for Saliss when she heard one of them say something.

 We dont have to deal with this.

 Indeed we dont. II request an adjudication of [Druids]! Hah! I heard you can do that! Have one sent to uster.

 The [Guardsman] lowered the pad where he had been talking with the wife.

 SirI dont think you want to do that. Sir

 But it was toote. The crowd looked around and people began circting it.

 An adjudication of [Druids]? Lyte had never heard such a thing.

 Oh, wow. Hes in trouble.

 Cire popped up next to her, smirking. She stared at him and nearly walked away, but she was curious.

 Why?

 You dont ask for the [Druids] if you want to get out of something. Hed better hope no ones nearby orwhoops!

 A shout. Someone was moving through the crowd. Lyte saw shaggy, fur robes, a bare-chestedwell, debatablyGnoll with an antler-staff? Wood had be antler near the top. He hurtled through the crowd.

 Clear the way! [Druid]! Wheres

 He saw the scene. The outraged family, the [Guardsman] who was backing up in resignation

 Lyte didnt know what she expected. But she didnt expect the Gnoll [Druid] to shoulder-charge the young Drake man holding the leash, knock him t, and pick up the dog.

 Hurt animal! Clear a path! Wheres my backup!

 The Drakey on his back as the Gnoll stormed towards a second [Druid]. She was a Drake and bent over the dog.

 Oh dear. His paws wounded. Are you hurt anywhere else?

 The dog instantly stopped whining and perked up. A healing potion was produced; the family stared as the animal was instantly healed.

 A potion on a dog? What madness is

 The Gnoll was ignoring him. He bent down as the dog tested its paw.

 Yes, yes. And how did it happen? Who hurt you? Was it a rock or? Dont be shy.

 The two [Druids] looked up. They stared at the Drake whod been holding the leash. The Gnoll rose.

 Someone called for a [Druid]?

 Yes, Druid. These four Drakes in regards to the animal.

 The [Guardsman] saluted. He stepped back as the family stared at him. Lyte saw him turn and justwalk off. As if his part had ended.

 I see. Well, Bertel here ims his paw was hurt whilst being dragged about by that one. And that his living conditions are less than ideal. Sometimes hes not fed on time.

 What? How do you know our dogswhat is this?

 The Drake [Merchant] was outraged. The Gnoll [Druid] leveled his staff.

 Druid Oc. My verdict is confiscation and fining. Whats yours?

 Death!

 He looked at her. The Drake amended her statement.

 Fine, what you said.

 Very well. The fine is four gold pieces. And Berteles with us.

 What?

 The word exploded from the fathers mouth; he had been gasping for air the entire time. The [Druids] were already telling the dog how hed like their new ce.

 You cant do this!

 On the contrary. You asked for an adjudication of [Druids]. You pay up. And if you harm a dog again, youanywhere near Oteslia, or where we walk, well find you and

 Lyte stared.

 And thats legal?

 She breathed. Someoneughed.

 Thats Oteslia! We have two enforcers ofw. The Treewatch, and the [Druids]. They dont interfere with each other. But people only ask the [Druids] if theyre talking about nts, animals, or whatever. And the [Druids] arent nice. That guy was an idiot.

 Cire again. He put an arm on Lytes shoulder.

 Youve never been to Oteslia. But I know the [Druids] too. Let me introduce you to

 Take your arm off my shoulder or you lose it.

 He blinked. Cire eyed Lyte. She put her hand on her swords hilt.

 He took his arm off her shoulder.

 Aw,e on. Im just

 No. Enough! Stop bothering me or Ill call the Watchor the [Druids]!

 Cire smirked at that.

 What, them? Go ahead. They know me. Everyone loves me.

 Lyte doubted that, but his confidence made her hesitate. Either he was a better liar than she imagined, or

 Cire! Why are you monking about? Stop bothering her and lets go swimming or something.

 Another Drake approached through the crowd. Lyte saw light green scales, makeup around the eyes, analmost absurdly vivid clothing.

 She looked like some of the Passian kids who begged Kevin for skateboard lessons. Cire turned.

 Aw, Mivi! Youre Crelering me up!

 I cant Creler what never flies. Come on. Sorry, Miss.

 Lyte was rubbing her ears. Something was seriously wrong because they were using words the wrong way. Mivi grabbed Cire and he tried to resist.

 Ill look you up, Miss Lyon!

 Please dont!

 She stepped away, relieved, as the crowd broke up. The red-faced [Merchant] was paying a fine under threat of being stabbed with the antler-staff. The Drake who had mistreated the dog was getting dirty looks and another lecture as he watched his pet disappear for good.

 And then Saliss appeared.

 I think my friends here. Hey, Lyte. Where were you? Where did Hatman One and Hatman Two go?

 She red at him. Saliss sauntered over in his pants, and grinned at her.

 Where have you been? Ive been osted once already!

 He shrugged.

 Sorry, but hey, not like people with crossbows are running around here, am I right? Hah! Hah! Ha.

 He frowned, as if the joke had hurt even him. Then he turned. Cire was struggling with Mivi.

 Whos that Drake without a shirt? Hey, Miss Lyon! Im way cooler! Come on, Mivi

 Saliss head turned. He blinked at the Drake, at Lyte, and grinned. Thenhis eyes slid back with a frown. Lyte heard him mutter.

 cant read eitherwait a second. It cant be

 He stared. Not at Cirenot longbut at the Drake whod frozen for a second and then tried to drag Cire back into the crowd with renewed gusto. She turned her head, but Saliss was already striding forwards.

 Hey. Heyis that you? Mivifa? Well, I just say your name and you turn up! Its me! Saliss!

 He spread his arms wide with a grin. Cire stopped fighting and the Named Adventurerwho had been using all her considerable strength but barely managed to drag him half a dozen paceslooked around.

 Mivifa? Oh, no. Im Mividel. Sorry, wrong person.

 Saliss stopped. He eyed the young Drake as Lyte blinked at him. She knew the name of the Oldblood of Feathers. So did Cire, who crowed at hispanion.

 Hah! It happened again, Mivi! Wait. Did he just say his name was Saliss? As inno way. Thatd be Archmage.

 He stared at Saliss. The [Alchemist] ignored him. He was justlooking at the young Drake woman. Thenhe grinned.

 It is you. I sold you that Feigned Youth Potion. Dont y games, Mivifa. I need a favor.

 Cireughed. Mivifa was giving Saliss ten kinds of unspoken warnings. On the rooftop, Ne, Fetale, and the others were silently panicking.

 I dont know who youre confusing me with, mister. But Im Mividel.

 Yeah. And Im Saliss of Lights. Finedont be like that. But Im stopping by your ce in thirty minutes.

 Listen to this guy.

 Cire wasughing. But Saliss wasnt. He was looking at Mivifa andCire. Lyte was blinking at both of them. Mivifa let go and Cire pointed.

 No way youre Saliss of Lights.

 The [Alchemist] looked at him. He shrugged.

 Yeah. No way. Lyte? I think we should be going. Did your Hatguys tell you where you were meeting up? No? Theyll find us. Lets check in at the Alchemists Guild and then Ill meet my old friend.

 He turned and winked at Lyte openly. Cire snorted.

 Hey, guy. I dont know who youre trying to Creler about. But dont just throw names around! Saliss of Lights is awesome. He blew up thousands of Humans! You cant just steal his style!

 He shouted at Saliss. They were attracting more looks. Saliss looked around. He nced back at Mivifa. And at Lyte. She gave him a warning look.

 You are meeting a friend, right?

 She stressed the word. Saliss shrugged.

 Yep. Well, no. Comrade. Acquaintance. Also, it may be Oteslia. But if you want attentionyou get it.

 Lyte tensed to grab his w. But he just took her by the arm and led her briskly away. Cire keptughing and jeering as Mivifa stood still, sweating under her makeup.

 Did you hear that guy? What a lunatic, Mivi

 Saliss flipped a bottle over his shoulder as he walked through the crowd. The people by the north gate saw it rotate upwards, and upwardsand then fall, spinning. Mivi jumped for it, but Cire was in the way. He saw it l

 Poomph.

 It wasnt toxic, and it was actually colored air, so those caught in the massive epicenter of the cloud werent harmedno more than the dust stirred by the explosion made them cough, really.

 Still. People across the city and even the First Gardener, having tea from her balcony, saw the huge, rising cloud of reddish dust expand and turn into a grinning Drake for a secondthen slowly drift apart on the wind. She spat out her tea.

 She had another headache.

 -

 Mivifa Selifscale, Oldblood of Feathers, stood in front of the First Gardener. To say she was in trouble was an understatement.

 So, Cirediel now knows you are the Named Adventurer. And Saliss of Lights has entered our city at a time when mass pandemonium is thest thing we need.

 Yes, Maam.

 Mivifa was sweating. She had removed her makeup, but was no less tense. She had lost Cire only after literally dodging into the Adventurers Guild to clear up the mistake. She felt bad for anyone trying to handle him now.

 The First Gardeners migraine was legendary today.

 Please tell me Saliss of Lights knows nothing.

 No, First Gardener. He does not.

 The Drake looked up, massaging her temples. Shaerrha looked more worried than Mivifa could remember her being in ages.

 He cannot learn anything, Adventurer Mivifa. Not about this. A Named Adventurer would be bad enough since we cannot control them. But he is the Cyclops grandson. And if that Drake learned about Cire

 Mivifa nodded and felt a cold clenching in her stomach.

 The Cyclops of Pass. No one called him that in his city, but the great [Strategist] of the Walled Cities was known to every other city.

 And not for being a kind, inclusive helper. He led them in times of war. But when Pass was at odds with other citieswhat might he do if he knew Cire was a Dragon?

 First Gardener, I will do whatever it takes to keep Saliss of Lights from knowing. But I cannot manage Cire at this time.

 Of course not. They will have to do without. Help him to be on his way, by all means. Is heas troublesome as all the reports say? I recall hisst visit

 The First Gardener saw Mivifa grimace.

 Ive worked with him directly, First Gardener. Honestly? Hes worse than the incidents you saw from afar.

 Shaerrha shuddered. She rubbed at her temples again.

 I needwhere are my pills? There must be new medication.

 Mivifa looked sympathetically at her boss and friend. Since they helped care for Cire, Shaerrha was one of the few people that Mivifa could talk to. They spent time talking andmiserating.

 The pills from Drath not working?

 Barely. They dont fog me over, but they dont do much when its bad. Id go back to Dreamleaf if it wasnt sowhere isoh, heres something new. From our [Herbalists]. Argh. I suppose its better than nothing.

 She unveiled another pill, this one perfectly round, and sniffed at it. Then she popped it into her mouth and chewed. Mivifa went on.

 I think Saliss is here to replenish ingredients.

 Give them to himobviously let him work, but what else?

 I dont know, First Gardener. But Ill see to it.

 Good, good. My ws are full with Reinhart and the new guests. Ill just have toto

 Shaerrha was resting her forehead against the steaming tea cup for relief. Then, slowly, her shoulders untensed. She sat up, and blinked.

 First Gardener?

 Mivifa hesitated. The Drake looked at the box and then at the Named Adventurer.

 The pains gone. That pill just took my entire headache away with it. And I feel light as

 She stared at the box. So did Mivifa.

 That must be some new drug! Ive never seen anything work like that on you.

 Neither have I. Who made it? Misten? Hes not high-level. Has he reached Level 50? Notheres no way. Id be hearing it from the rooftops. What isoh.

 She stared at a note attached to the wooden box, with the padded interior which held five more of the miraculous pills. Mivifa waited.

 First Gardener?

 Its the new discovery I was telling you about. The flowers. And they justthis could be it, Mivifa.

 Shaerrha looked up excitedly. She gestured at the note, and the box.

 This could be the next Sages Grass.

 Mivifa smiled despite herself. It was the newest thing toe to Otesliaa nt that people were saying might be like Sages Grass, a revolutionary new herb. If sothis was when Oteslia would shine. She bowed.

 Thats one bit of good news, First Gardener. If youll excuse me

 She left the First Gardener to sit back, blissfully free of pain for the first day in years. Shaerrha hadnt credited the rumors; there was always the next big thing. But this? She stared at the note.

 Faerie flowers? Where did theye from?

 -

 Saliss and Lyte didnt wait on Ratici and Wilovan. He introduced himself at the Alchemists Guild to a flurry of excitementas if his showy bottle hadnt done that to begin with.

 Once again, Lyte felt helpless, riding on his fame and ability to move mountainsliterally, it seemed. She watched and observed.

 Oteslia had a lot of color to it. Terraces seemed to make up the city, built around the giant tree which hung over everything. It provided shade even in the daytime, and the leaves alone were huge. Shed seen one crew dragging a single leaf off a home to be processed.

 And Oteslia was all about processing what it grew. It had massive farms, fed by theke, nts grown in vast gardens. You could buy anything that came out of soil here. Even nts suited to arid climes, tundras.

 [Druids] ruled here, as did the First Gardener. They flew Pegasi about, and Lyte felt like a girl reading of them in books and dreaming of finding and taming one.

 Ah, but all that was overshadowed by the mission. And Saliss was taking them to Mivifas home in the upper part of the city.

 That was her?

 Yep. I recognize makeup and attempts at covering up stuff. I have an eye, you might say. And Mivifas one of my clients.

 So shes not going to be angry you revealed her?

 The Drake grinned.

 Of course she is. Thats the n, Lyte. Think about it. Im a Named Adventurer, she isshe can introduce me, get us contacts. But were not staying at her home.

 Lyte eyed Saliss suspiciously. She was good at politics and thought she had a handle on the finer points of diplomacy; she didnt use Erins all-or-nothing style, but Saliss had lost her.

 How so?

 He shook his head.

 Lyte, Lyte. No one likes hanging out with me. You think Mivifa wants to put me up? No, shell help me find a good ce, do everything to keep me off her back. No one likes being around Saliss all the timeeven I cant do it all week.

 She supposed that was true. Saliss led her towards the nice part of Oteslia,rge homes, practically mansions. Not as rich as some parts of Pass, she thought, until she realized the real luxury was into the homes built into the tree itself.

 Mivifa the Oldblood of Feathers had a huge studio mansion, with arge pool, outdoor area; even for Oteslia, it was a lot ofwn. That was until Lyte saw Feathi, the Pegasus, grazing outdoors. Saliss waved.

 Hey! Theres Feathi! Hey! Its me!

 The Pegasus took one look at Saliss and put up one of her brilliant, speckled wings and hid behind it. Saliss looked at Lyte.

 See? Now, lets go bother Mivifa so we can bring back the person everyone actually likes.

 He smiled so sadly, then. But he was bounding up the steps in an instant.

 -

 Mivifa flew back to her home with feathered wings. That wasMividels home. She slipped in from the porch, having shed the wings with feathers she could grow two blocks away. She just had to grab

 Cire was sitting in her living room, on the worn couch. Mivi froze as she entered.

 Hey. So, like, was he your ex or something? Or was that really Saliss of Lights? Because everyones saying he is. Soare you Mivifa?

 He was looking at an illustration of them together. Around her little home. Mivi froze.

 She hadnt prepared. Had he seen her vanity? She normally only used this ce to sleep and host parties where Cire wasing. It wasnt a ce lived in.

 What? Youre Creler-brained. Hey, I sorted it out. He thought I looked like Mivifa. Maybe that was Saliss. Archmage, right? Maybe Im rted to Mivifa after all, though.

 She tried with a grin. Cire just looked at her.

 When he sat there, alone, not socializing as he almost always was, he looked older. Despite being so young. He didnt even like sleeping alone, Mivi knew.

 He said he had bad dreams, alone.

 You know, youve been a Silver-ranked adventurer for a while. Likehow many years now?

 Mivifa froze as she walked into her apartment. She tried to shrug.

 Years. Who uses those stupid numbering system. Thats the tree-system, Cire. I dont bother, do you?

 Normally hedugh. Today? He just looked at her.

 Wheres Fessi?

 At the stables. What, you thinkyou are monking, Cire. Just because we both have Pegasi? Do I have wingsing out my back?

 Atst, the Dragon grinned. He rxed.

 I know that! Im justpping about. That was weird, is all. But heyyou saw I was nearly in that Human girls pants, right?

 Gross. And no, you werent. If I hadnt dragged you off, shed have stabbed you.

 Mivifa was relieved, and thought he was just as relieved. Cire scoffed.

 She was into me. There was something about her, you know? She was likeshining. But not just because she had a nice body. There was something else.

 Mivifa frowned, but she put it down to bluster.

 You mind Crelering off? I need to talk to the Guildmistress.

 Aw, no, really?

 Yep. She wants to make Saliss happy, so guess who gets to help because you had to make him toss a potion?

 I Crelered up. Look, Ill make it up to you.

 Whatever. Get lost, you.

 She smiled until he was gone. Then she packed up the few things she needed to take.

 Fetale slipped in and she red at him.

 Thanks for the warning.

 Its on your [Message] scroll. He lost us, believe it or not. Hes too fast when he wants to besorry.

 Its Archmage.

 Gah.

 They both grimaced and grinned at the ng. Mivifa turned.

 I need to deal with Saliss. Handle him for me?

 Yeah. I guess Im in charge until hes gone. Mivi

 She turned. Fetale was standing there.

 Hm?

 The Drake met her eyes, seriously.

 That was the most shaken Ive seen him in years. Hes not going to stay fooled. Were putting together a Mivifa so you can deny it, but

 Her smile vanished.

 I know. It might be time for Mivi to leave.

 He nodded slowly. With heavy wings, Mivifa changed and flew towards her home.

 -

 It was two of them. The Human and Saliss.

 That surprised Mivifa as she flew back to her home. The Oldblood of Feathers had thought it was mere coincidence or a passing acquaintance.

 She didnt know why Saliss was hwait, yes she did. That war with the Guild of Assassins in the north.

 Shed forgotten about the massive detonation hed caused. He had to be out of his potions stock, even for Saliss. And his power relied on having hundreds, thousands of pre-prepared battle potions.

 No wonder hede here. Mivifa went over what to say as shended on the patio, and went in through the back. By the time she opened the door, she was half-smiling.

 Saliss, just when my day cant get worse.

 Mivifa!

 He had a simr expression. Lyte, behind him, half-bowed, uncertain what to do. Mivifas eyes flicked to her.

 Hello, Miss. Sorry about mythe young Drake who bothered you, earlier.

 Oh, its nothing, Adventurer Mivifa. My name is

 This is Lyon. Mivifa, lets talk. Lyte, you stare at the door for a moment.

 Saliss strode on through, closing the door in Lytes face. Mivifa heard an outraged sound. She sighed.

 Im sorry, Miss Lyon! The patios open around back. Saliss, do you have to lock her out?

 Named Adventurer stuff.

 The Drake was being his usual, antagonizing self. But in truth

 Here was the thing. Mivifa did not hate Saliss. On the contrary, she and he got along. Better than she did with the Swordsman of Six of Manus, for instance. Or Shriekde, although those two were pr opposites.

 They understood each other in a way. Shed known him back when he was just Chaldions grandson, and she was just Mivifa the Flierone of those generic names you sometimes got. Not even a real title. Just something likehey, that adventurer with the Pegasus is pretty good. Who? Mivifa. The flier? Oh, her

 But Saliss? Perhaps it was Cire. One was unintentionally childish. Saliss was all intention. And if you remembered that, sometimes he was a lot more bearable.

 Sometimes.

 Nice ce you have. Feathi still hates me.

 Saliss had found her kitchen. He had an amazing memory; hed already put some tea on. He was ncing at her, but Mivifa just folded her arms.

 She likes you, as much as thats possible. Did she do the wing-trick? Thats her being yful. If she hated you, shed fly over you and give you a shower.

 Hah! I knew I liked her. So. Sorry about interrupting your fun.

 Saliss nced up. Mivifa kept her face half-smiling, even though her insides went cold. That was Saliss. He could switch from friendly to barbs in a moment and some idiots couldnt tell which was which. Hed been pissed during their failed raid on the Antinium. Now he wasdifferent.

 You didnt interrupt much. Although what happened to respecting privacy?

 He shrugged.

 I was deniable. But you could have said Ill tell Mivifa if I see her. Thats sort of how [Spies] do things. I think. You dont acknowledge me, I dance naked on your doorstep. Thats how it works.

 That was true. Mivifa red, but he was unapologetic. If shed been thinking, rather than panicking, she would have done that.

 Howre the lungs?

 Another change of topic in a moment. Mivifa coughed, reflexively.

 Good. They got me a full treatment. No permanent scarringnot much. Nothing like Izrils Courier got. She actually sent me a [Message], you know. Making sure I was alright.

 Huh. And here I thought it was a secret operation. So much for that.

 Saliss poured two cups. And then put a third out, empty. For Lyte. Mivifa saw him toss one end-over-end at her.

 She didnt flinch. The liquid never left the cup. And it slowed and fell right into her hand. She sniffed, sipped.

 Neither one missed a beat. If you blinked at that, you werent able to be a Named Adventurer.

 I think Oteslia contacted her, honestly. To make sure they knew how to deal with the poison. I never thanked you for bailing us out.

 Well, it was a stupid idea and I just went full-idiotic until even the Antinium had enough. They werent being serious, either.

 Saliss rxed. The two adventurers nodded; that was recap for you. No talking about we nearly died, or what was up with Klbkch the yer being attacked by Wrymvr? If they knew, or had ideasthey represented each others cities.

 A careful dance. And Saliss could dance. The opposite of Cire, again.

 About what you saw

 Mivifa brought it up and Saliss was ready.

 Secret. Lips sealed. Help me out, though. You know Im out of potions?

 She exhaled.

 Ill introduce you to anyone you need. Not that you dont have a reputation. But I bet the First Gardener would lean on the big suppliers just to have you out of her city. Please dont cause more altercations.

 No promises.

 He grinned. Mivifa waited. One, two, threesip. And then it was daggers out again.

 So, that Drake was pretty young.

 He was almost predictable at times. If you knew him. Mivifa folded her arms, as if defensively. And this was her time to be an [Actor]. Her first ss.

 Its my business what I do in my spare time. You never asked when you sold me any of the potions.

 The [Alchemist] looked at her. And Mivifa felt her stomach churning. He might not say anything. Probably not, actually. But if he didthis was what the First Gardener had asked of her.

 If it came out that Mivifa the Oldblood of Feathers chased younger men about in her free timeit wasnt the worst thing toe out about a Named Adventurer. It was only her reputation.

 For Cirediel, she would do it in a heartbeat. Saliss shrugged.

 Fair enough. He was cute, I guess. Im not an expert on what Drake women like. But they dont get younger than that, do they?

 Mivifa was caught mid-smile. She reflexively answered.

 No! Of course not!

 This time the [Alchemist] did grin. His eyes flickered. She saw him flick a w and knew hed been using some kind of potion.

 Good to hear. Because Id have had to kill you, otherwise.

 They looked at each other. The air tensedthen both Named Adventurersughed. They began talking, Mivifa asking about the Guild business, why hed even done something that stupid. Saliss about the Meeting of Tribes and new developments in Oteslia.

 Both of them knew Saliss had meant every word hed just said.

 -

 Lyte stomped around the back of Mivifas home. The gate was unlocked, which made her worry the Named Adventurer was as careless as Saliss

 Until she realized Mivifa had the worlds most dangerous attack-Pegasus in her huge, openwn. The splendid creature wasnt actually snow-white, like all the picture books. If anything, her fur and feathers were a slight blue, and speckled with bright bits of cerulean.

 She was magnificent, too. And intelligent. Lyte halted.

 She had begun to realize how much Saliss was doing and how little she was. Hed gotten her into the city, found them a contactif not a ce to stayand knew Oteslia.

 Lyte hadnt even been able to chase off an obnoxious Drake. The [Princess] did not like feeling useless. It was nostalgic, but not everything nostalgic was good.

 She knew Saliss had to be discussing something he couldnt say in front of herDrake politics perhaps. So she waited outside. Feathi was watching her, a bit warily, but she must have a connection with Mivifa that told her Lyte was harmless.

 Was she like Apista? Lyte investigated the nice patio, built onto the balcony. Mivifa was a[Beast Master], ording to Lytes vague knowledge of her. Apista was hardly a dedicatedpanion, but Lyte had a few Skills. And Apista was smart enough to send messages, do guard duty on Mrsha, even go hunting for rats and other pests. And that was a bee, no offense to Apista.

 On a hunch and memory, Lyte turned. She walked out onto thewn and the Pegasus wings instantly rose in an aggressive position. She was already horse-sized, but when she raised the wings, she looked massive.

 Lyte halted. She gulped, and thenbowed. The Pegasus blinked at her. Lyte bowed very gracefully.

 Hello, Pegasus Feathi? My name is Lyon Solstice. I am very pleased to meet you, and hope I am not intruding

 -

 Ill let you stay here. Four? Its no problem. My apartment can handle that many, easily. Mind youa lot of rooms are dusty.

 Saliss hesitated.

 We can go to an inn or somewhere.

 He was taken aback by her putting him up. Mivifa just shrugged.

 I dont care.

 In truth, she wanted Saliss under her watch. Shed live with seeing a naked Drake walking about and his constant annoyances for a week or two. He shrugged.

 Well, arent you generous? Okay, lets meet Lyon. Shesinteresting. And shes here for that antidote I mentioned.

 Who got hurt?

 Another Human.

 He said it lightly, but Mivifa thought that was what she would have to dig intoif she cared. She nodded, and they walked out onto the patio, negotiationspleted. There she saw Lyte just in time to see her bow, and Feathi trot over.

 Mivifasughter made Lyte jump. Then blush. But the Oldblood of Feathers leapt from her patio and soared all the way to where they were in one gliding jump. Saliss copied her and stted onto thewn. He rolled after her, then sprang to his feet. Feathi snorted at him, but continued to let Lyte stroke her head.

 Im sorry. I didnt meant to insult you, MissLyon? But that was cleverly done! Feathi doesnt let many people so close.

 The Named Adventurer was approving. Lyte smiled, and felt like it was the first smart move shed pulled off sinceing to Oteslia.

 What did she do? Ive never seen that mule with wings ever let anyone pet her head without you being there first. Hey, Feathi. Its meha!

 He jerked an arm out of range as the Pegasus bit and missed. She was a lot moreaggressivethan the legends of the gentle, winged steeds indicated.

 She introduced herself and bowed, Saliss. You could be more respectfulFeathi understands everything people say. Was that spontaneous, Miss Lyon?

 No. Id heard of bowing to a [Beast Master]spanion in mywhere Ie from.

 Saliss blinked at Lyte. Mivifa was approving.

 Well done. Im told youe from Liscor. Thats a long ways away. Is it true the citys practically unrecognizable? Ive flown there once or twice, but Ive never gone much further.

 Its something. AhI am Lyon Solstice. Pleased to meet you, Adventurer Mivifa?

 Call me Mivi if you like. Im told I can help you find an antidote? And that there are twopanions of yours in the city? I hope they know where to find you. Either way, youre free to stay at my ce. Itsrge enough and I owe Salisssomething. I dont have much to eat, but we can find something. And tomorrow Ill do any introductions you might need.

 Lyte blinked. That would be helpful! A Named Adventurer in her city, vouching for them? She looked at Saliss and he shrugged.

 There was a stroke of good luck. Lyon found Mivifa friendly, considerate, asking how the journey had been, offering some fresh tea, and for someone to find Ratici and Wilovan, and a good hostess.

 The exact opposite of Saliss, in short. The [Princess] found herself talking about Liscor as they had Oteslian snacks, including the infamous Oteslian Trencha hollowed out, giant vegetable with other sides and dip you slowly ate.

 Wilovan and Ratici entered Mivifas home about that time, blinking around and tipping their hats to her and bowing deeply. Mivifa smiled at them.

 You must be Wilovan and Ratici, yes? I am Mivifaor Mivi. Come in and have something to eat.

 It is an honor to meet you, Miss Mivi. We hope were not too uncouth to be staying herewe could find a nice spot and not take up on your hospitality, as a Named Adventurer surely has more to do.

 Raticis unique way of speaking made Mivifa smile.

 Not at all. If I can manage Saliss, everyone else is far easier.

 Hey! Thats entirely urate!

 So they were all sitting around, snacking, and the [Princess] saw Mivifas eyes light up.

 Ser, baseball, and these contraptions. Skateboards, bicycles? Liscor has changed. And Pass gets to benefit from all that?

 Eh. Theyd benefit more if they werent so tight-tailed about security. But thats Pass for you. I should have brought you a souvenir if I thought you were so interested. Its not hard to make a ser ball. Its like an inted dder or something.

 Saliss was gobbling down vegetable-and-cheese fritters, another snack. Oteslian cuisine, Lyte observed, skewed away from the normally meat-heavy diets of Drakes and Gnolls. She didnt mind that; it was good food.

 Ratici and Wilovan were notably ufortable, probably because Mivifa was technically thew at times and they might actually be out-leveled. Or maybe it was Feathi, sitting inside the house and munching on food. She didnt contribute to the conversation aside from asionally buffeting Saliss with a wing, but it was something to have such a majestic animal clearly listening.

 OhI dont want to y myself, not more than once or twice. But it could be veryengaging for the youth of Oteslia. They do get bored. Oteslia was importing the games, but we have to get the pieces shipped.

 This was another chance for the [Princess] to be helpful. She jumped in with a smile.

 You dont need that, Miss Mivifa. Some [Trader] is selling you a polite lie. You could manufacture everything for the ser and baseball games here. You just need a [Carpenter], [Leatherworker], or [Tanner] with the right Skills and you could set up a game in a day or two!

 Really? And do you know the rules, Miss?

 She was there when it first pioneered.

 Saliss grinned. Mivifa actually got up to fetch a notepad and pencil.

 I would love to actually work on this, Miss Lyon. Againwe cant get those [Actors] here, but the First Gardener is interested in ys of our own. Do you know the rules?

 Yes. I would be delighted to help you, for your hospitality.

 Mivifa wrote down all of the notes, smiling to herself.

 We have space, and its just carved wood for those bats? That [Trader] wanted gold forwell, Ill get this to the right people. And those skateboardsI would really take it as a personal favor if you could get, oh, a dozen to Oteslia? Just one? We can probably make more.

 That was the first interesting thing. Lyte smiled and agreed to all of it; she actually asked Wilovan to send a [Message] to Kevin that very hour. Which wasnt even necessary to go via Mages GuildMivifa had a Scroll of [Messages] she loaned Lyte.

 But it was interesting to Lyte because she was a [Princess]. And a [Worldly Princess] at that. One of her Skills that she had often not needed to use had activated.

 [Lesser Intuition]. It was one of several shed gotten, and normally only helped her figure out that Mrsha was being very good for a reason that meant shed broken or spilled something.

 Now, thoughshe wondered why Mivifa would fast-track sports to Oteslia. Either she was the most civic-minded, helpful Named Adventurer Lyte had ever metand again, that wasnt hard given the small pool that included Salissor something else was up.

 Especially because shed seen Feathi snort and roll her eyes when Mivifa had talked about the bored youth. Curious.

 But Lyte had a very pleasant time with a thick, delightful pottage that Mivifa made herself, and talking about Liscor.

 Aside from the reason why they hade, of course. Mivifa was charming, frankly inspiringshe showed them the wings she could manifest at will.

 I never could fly, and I was jealous of everyone who could. Thats how I met FeathiPegasi choose their riders. But I never dreamed I could actually fly myself!

 She leapt into the sky, and Feathi flew around her. Lyte, Ratici, and Wilovan looked up at the dream of flight made reality. The two Gentlemen Callers took off their hats a momentfor respect.

 Saliss was taking a bath. Even there, the [Alchemist] let someone else enter the baths after him and Lyte found the bathroom was filled with bubbles, some half as tall as she was. Pink, green, blue

 It was actually a lot of fun, but sheined to him anyways. He just winked at her.

 Thus their first night in Oteslia came to a close. The next day, they got to work.

 -

 The next day, Lyte awoke feeling confident and ready to take on Oteslia. She had a quick meeting with Saliss after breakfast; Mivifa had already left, but had stocked her kitchen and left a note saying shed catch up. She was getting the different sports toolsmissioned, apparently.

 Another twinge of intuition. But then Saliss brought up the cure and Lyte was focused on that.

 Alright, I need to go around and buy all the rare reagents. Im out of potions, and I made somebut I have to buy in bulk to resupply. I thought wedbine that with looking into ways to cure icecube Erin.

 The Gentlemen Callers red, but Saliss just grinned. Lyte felt a twinge of apprehension.

 So we just go around and ask about the poison?

 What? Oh, no. Its just that the people we want are in the same ce as the [Gardeners], [Herbalists], and so on. Duh. And dont worry; Ill put my gold into this.

 You dont have to. Ive brought money

 Saliss snorted. Lyte looked at him, offended. The Drake was leaning back, munching on a blueberry muffin.

 What?

 Oh, nothing. You want to do this yourself, be my guest.

 I didnt say that. I just meant, let us pay for everything we can. Youre wee to help

 He sniggered at her. This was Raticis cue to slowly adjust his cap.

 You seem to be dismissing Miss Marquin, sir. Quite ungentlemanly, if I may say.

 Well, Id hate to be ungentlemanly.

 Saliss looked at the Gentleman Caller. The two stared for a moment, then he looked at Lyte.

 Pray, how much did you bring for the fix Erin project, Lyte?

 He almost purred. Lyte had a bad feeling, but she stuck out her chin.

 Everything The Wandering Inns made that we dont need to keep it running a few months or havent put into expansion orother projects! Thats 1247 gold pieces!

 An astonishing sum for an inn to have in reserve. It was thanks to Erins windfall sales, and all the new things shede up with. Lyte smiled smugly for just one second.

 Then she remembered what a [Princess] would think of those numbers. Her face fell. Saliss stood up.

 Thats a lot of money for a civilian. Yup, yup. Anyone short of an adventurerwow. So much gold. Let me just check what I have on me

 He reached into his bag of holding and pulled out a handful of gold coins. He tossed them onto the floor. Lyte saw a few roll under the couch. Saliss repeated the gesture.

 He slowly, and deliberately began tossing handfuls of gold onto the ground. When he had created a pile reaching up to his knees, Lyte gave up.

 I get it. But surely it wont cost thousands of gold to

 find a cure that might involve stuff like mithril, Sages Grass, or other extremely expensive things? Do you know how much a Krakens Heart costs? Krakens have multiple hearts, at least one in each tentacle, for adults. And I could still buy your inn and have change for the price of one.

 Saliss stood on a pile of gold. Lyte stared at him; Raticis fingers were twitching. The Named Adventurer hadNamed Adventurer money. [Princess] money. She had forgotten that her allowance had been enough to pay the entire staff of The Wandering Inn and then some.

 And an adventurer could be as rich as a nation. Saliss began shoveling his gold back into his bag of holding.

 This is my spare change, incidentally. I have more in the Merchants Guild; I dont carry around tens of thousands of gold pieces. By the way, Im poor right now. Or I will be, once I buy everything I need. But dont worryIll contribute.

 Thank you.

 Lyte whispered stiffly. Saliss sat back.

 And whom are we visiting, sir?

 Wilovan looked like he wanted to smack the Drake. Saliss raised a w and went abruptly serious.

 Im visiting [Herbalists] and [Merchants] and [Suppliers]. You are going to follow me around. But Mivifa will introduce you to the people you need.

 Not those groups?

 Lyte was confused. She thought the point was to get Saliss what he needed so he could begin his studies into curing Erin. That, or ask fellow [Alchemists] in Oteslia. That was her rough n.

 Saliss just shook his head.

 If you wanted a good [Alchemist], Lyte, youd go to Pass and me and Xif. You heard about those kids with the poisoned Selphid?

 Lyte vaguely did. Saliss grinned.

 They went to Oteslia because it was closer. Which makes sense, but it was also slightly off. You seeyou go to Pass for established recipes. Because the [Alchemists] there can make it. Otesliawell, it can be remade here cheaply so that was smart. But if you want medicine, or to create something new? You go to Oteslia.

 Not Pass again? I thought [Alchemists] made new things too.

 We do. But were experimenters. What happens if I infuse Sages Grass water with the element of sulfur and then heat it into a gas and toss lightning into the mix? Hintnothing. Its boring. We dont know what were making, a lot of the time. But in Oteslia, you want a specialist ss who can do the job reliably, not kill themselvesusually.

 Which is?

 Lyte felt like Saliss enjoyed lecturing and holding back the truth. But he was also exiningas aggravatingly as he chose to do it. The [Alchemist] grinned.

 A [Researcher]. Someone whose job it is tofigure out how to do something. Oteslia has more raw materials than anywhere but Szsar, and Fissival has magical versions of this, butyou want medicine? Hire a [Researcher] for something new. Hire a [Schr] to find out if its been done before. Hire a [Shaman] or a [Druid] to see if there are traditional ways of making it happen. Thats who you need.

 Lyte looked at him. She was embarrassed to admit it, but she hadnt known there was a [Researcher] ss, even with her knowledge of sses. Once again, Saliss was her guide. She nodded.

 Thank you.

 Ill let you ask. I can do it once I finish shopping. Its almost as if Saliss could do all this himself! But that would be silly, wouldnt it?

 Wilovan shifted, but Lyte gave him a shake of the head. The Named Adventurer was just poking at her again.

 Why did youe here, incidentally? That cute Mrshathe innwhy did youe, Lyte? I never asked.

 She flushed nearly as red as her hair.

 Because no one else was finding anything to cure Erin. And I thought I could make a difference. That

 Only I could do it right. Saliss grinned at her. Not mockinglywell, not entirely. But altogether too knowingly.

 Spoken like everyone with an ego. Everyone thinks they cany bricks or paint walls until they try it. Well, speaking as someone with the <emrgest egoI know I can make a difference. Lets go and get this research going. Ill race the [Researchers] to find something anti-frost. Alright! Motivational speech done! Lets go!

 He sprang out the door. Lyte followed; Wilovan growling insults under his breath and Ratici muttering the same. Saliss, aggravating Saliss, overconfident, but helpful, led the way into Oteslia.

 The next four hours saw him eating his words.

 -

 Adventurer Saliss! A pleasure to have a Named Adventurer in my humble establishment! Sages Grass? Of course, of course. For you, sir, we can do you a bushel at six hundred gold, even. How many can I put you down for?

 The [Herbalist] beamed. Saliss did not. He looked at the smug Drake, and leaned over the counter.

 Did you just say six hundred a bushel for Sages Grass? Do I look like an idiot? Or made of gold?

 The [Herbalist] of Leafholds, one of thergest suppliers to [Alchemists] who exported a lot of goods, gave Saliss a long look.

 Not at all to the former, Adventurer Saliss. But Im afraid Sages Grass is very, very dear ofte.

 How about Obsidian Leaf?

 It just climbed in price. This morning! Im so sorry

 The Drake sighed, leaning his chin on his hands. Saliss growled.

 I bet. And this didnt happen to be because Igrena sent you word to raise the prices?

 The Drake gave him a wide-eyed look.

 MissIgrena? Oh, you mean Igrenas Herbatorium! How is the fine old Gnoll doing?

 Shes changed her ss from [Supplier] into [Robber]. Look, I know you have lots of everything on my list. Stop gouging me or Ill go to another shop! Oteslia has lots!

 The Drake sadly tsked as he investigated the numerous items on Saliss list.

 This is all so rare and expensive. Even to grow in Oteslia, Alchemist Saliss. I couldnt do more thanexcuse me? Could one of you bring the day-prices over?

 One of his apprentices ran over a list, freshly written, with a bunch of crossed out prices. Lyte winced as she read over Saliss shoulder. Everything was 20% to 80% higher.

 Saliss gave the [Herbalist], Master Igniz, a narrow-eyed look. The [Herbalist] beamed, quill raised.

 Now, how much can I put you down for?

 -

 Those lizard kissinghoard stealingmoney Crelers think they can rob me? Im Saliss! I annoy people!

 Saliss stormed out of the eighth shop in half as many hours. Leafholds guards nervously held open the door, but Lyte was impressed.

 Saliss had not blown up the shop, caused a fuss, or even removed his pants. She was confused as to why, at first.

 Not why every [Herbalist] in Oteslia had almost the exact same prices. That was obvious.

 They saw the news. Ironically, Pass News Network had shot Saliss in the back with crossbow bolts, to use a poor metaphor. Normally, Named Adventurers exploits might be the talk of the city, but there was always someone who hadnt heard.

 These days, everyone knew Saliss was out of potions. So Oteslias emporiums of alchemy goods knew that they could turn a massive profit. And they had apparently decided to universally agree to raise prices, rather than let him find the one person willing to undercut the others.

 Clever.

 Theyve always been clever bastards. Damn, damn, damn

 Saliss stomped around in front of the shop. The Drake within was slyly watching. Lyte folded her arms, thinking.

 I dont understand, Saliss. They know you wont buy at these priceswhy isnt one willing to mark it down a bit and get all the sales?

 Because I have to buy! They just have to outwait me, and they will. But Ill buy through third-parties. Ill find the cheap stuffbut it means that Ill probably be paying above market price on everything, even if its not at their rates! Theyll line their pockets with gold!

 And you didnt destroy the entire shop because?

 Lyte looked at the nervous [Guards], who were wondering the same thing no doubt. Saliss red at Lyte. He pointed at his face.

 Do I look stupid? Im not about to destroy my suppliers!

 So there are actually people you refuse to antagonize. Amazing. I should start selling herbs.

 Well, you should think about being generous. Because the next time theres a monster attack, guess who cant afford to help?

 Saliss bellowed into the shop. Master Igniz waved at him. Saliss muttered to Lyte.

 They wont all be in on it. Theres always someone whopromises. Trouble isI could buy all of the Obsidian Leaf in Leafhold and Id still need more. Damn, damn

 After a moment, the Drake looked at Lyte.

 And why are you here? I thought you were asking about a [Researcher]!

 She gave him a shamefaced look. This was one of the business districtsbut a specialized one. Next to vast, indoor gardens where specialist nts were grown, [Herbalists] had made their shops. This in particr was Horticulturalists Way, where any number of [Schrs] and [Researchers] did business next to the providers of the very same nts and ingredients they needed.

 We have been. Butcould you, um, get them to open their doors?

 She felt more useless again. And she had done her best. Saliss stared at her, then apanied her to the fifth [Schr]s residence.

 Four [Researchers], all the best in the area, had signs saying not taking research subjects or no appointments avable. Even this [Schr] had refused to even open the door for Lyte.

 She thought she was charming! She knew that if she could get in the same room with them, she could make a good case for Erin.

 But she couldnt even get in their shops without Saliss.

 He effected this Erin-style. He hammered on the door until an angry [Schr] appeared.

 Cant you read the sign? Who in the name of Rhirs hells are

 Im Saliss.

 S? The NamedI am extremely b

 Im Saliss.

 Adventurer or not

 Im Saliss.

 Lyte felt like shed get arrested if she tried that. And she didnt have theability to just repeat her name fifteen times until the [Schr] let them in.

 And even then?

 He was a young Garuda, apparently from Chandrar. An up-andernot the best, but Lyte had tried four before him who refused to even see her. She did her best.

 I am so sorry, Schr Meirq, but Adventurer Saliss and I are both desperate to find a cure for my friend, as you see. And you were rmended as being the brightest and most energetic [Schr] in all of Oteslia.

 She held his wing-hand for a second. The Garuda hesitated.

 [Calming Touch]. Also, a [Charming Smile]. Lyte was using [Basic Negotiator] and her [Imperial Aura], all to soothe and tter the Garuda.

 It seemed to be working pretty well, because he blushed and preened at his messy, ink-stained feathers. As Garuda went, he probably had trouble with his own species; his plumage was disordered and Lyte wonderedpolitely speakingif he might havee to Izril to have better luck outside his species.

 Wellthats very kind of you, Miss Lyon. And a Named Adventurers patronage

 Not to mention the revolutionary insights of curing someone in such a state. And the gratitude of Liscor?

 She pressed him. He blushed again.

 Of course, of course. I tell you whatId be delighted to look into the matter. Frozen flesh? Not to mention detoxifying a venom? I can think of a number of [Herbalists] and [Researchers] I could contact who might get in on a project like thisif amply funded.

 Saliss sighed. But Lyte brightened. At <emst!

 Well pay for speed and a team if needed! How soon can you begin working?

 Ah. Welltwo months?

 Lytes face fell. The Garuda hastened to qualify.

 Its not that I dont see the urgency! Its just that Im in ah, <empetition at the moment with my fellow [Researchers] and so on. I would make this my second top priority, but

 You cant put it aside even for someone mortally wounded?

 The Garuda looked distressed at Lytes reproachful look. He blushed under his feathers.

 I am sorry. But this iswell, it could define my career. Literally put me above all mypetition, Miss. And its a certain thing. Two months. From what you say, your friend can wait that long. Lets discuss it over dinner. I can spare an hour or two tonight if youMiss? Miss?

 Im going to another shop. Meet you after the next researcher?

 Lyte nodded. She walked to the next address. And then met up with Mivifa, Ratici, and Wilovan.

 The Oldblood of Feathers had returned frommissioning the sports projects to help. She was looking miffed.

 Thats the third [Researcher] <empletely upied, Miss Lyon. Have you found anyone?

 No, Mivifa.

 Not one? Something must be up. I wonder

 The Named Adventurer frowned. She looked at Ratici and Wilovan. They tugged at their hats.

 Im terribly sorry, Miss Lyte. But even Miss Mivifa couldnt sway the [Researchers], as it were.

 Lyte stared, incredulous. Mivifas frown only deepened.

 Something must be up. Ive never seen Horticulturalists Way this obsessed. Even if theyre allpeting, theres always someone willing to spare time forand is Saliss still having trouble buying anything?

 Yes.

 Mivifa sighed.

 The First Gardener wont be happy. But she wont want to fight all the [Herbalists]enough is enough. Saliss is one thing and he can take care of himself. Hes rich. But this is a mission of mercy. Follow me.

 She strode back to the first [Researcher] that Lyte had tried. It was a rather strangebuilding. Lyte saw lots of enchantments around it, and the doors were locked. She suspected it was the kind of ce where experiments both dangerous and mundane could be carried out; it was long and had few windows, althoughsix chimneys.

 Excuse me! This is Mivifa Selifscale! I request a meeting with Researcher Dromenl! At once!

 The Named Adventurer knocked on the door and shouted loudly. People in the street nced at her. She knockedwaitedand then, after no response came, began to lose her temper.

 By the order of the First Gardener of Oteslia, open this door! Now! I know theres someone in here! If you do not open this door within the minute, Oteslias Treewatch will force it open and lock the facility down for the day!

 There it was. Lyte was impressed; Saliss had never used his authority like thisor rather, that of the city. But Mivifa was clearly more trusted by the local government. Named Adventurers were their cities.

 And sure enough, an assistant practically sprinted out of the back rooms at that. He fumbled the doors open, breathing apologies.

 I am so sorry, Adventurer Mivifa

 I demand to see Researcher Dromenl. Now.

 The [Princess] had had the sense that Mivifa had a temper. Here it was on disy. She waited in the empty lobby as the assistant ran off.

 Researcher Dromenl was actually Human. Lyte was surprised, but the aged man was clearly a resident of Oteslia for a long time.

 Adventurer Mivifa! What can we do for you? Idid not realize you were here. Is the First Gardener well? No side effects? The pills

 They worked splendidly, with herpliments. She wants more. What I want to know, Researcher, is why every facility of study is closed! I have a guest from Liscor, vouched for by Saliss of Lights and myself who cant even get a single Level 20 [Schr] to help her! The First Gardener herself is interested in this case.

 Mivifa was throwing all stops out for Lyte. The [Princess] introduced herself, and Dromenl blinked at her.

 My, the First Gardener? Youyoungdy, do you know you have an extraordinary hair color? Less than 2% of all Humans have this vivid shade of red; its considered a marker of royal heritage in Terandria, and thats not far off.

 She froze.

 ErIve always been told so, sir. But please

 She rushed to exin the issue. Researcher Dromenl was fascinated.

 A frozen body that is neither alive nor dead? Poison? Of course we can help! Why, I could freeze half a dozen rats

 Researcher, the [Druids] dont approve of that.

 One of the assistant [Researchers] whispered urgently. The entire team had turned out after Mivifas wrath had been made clear. Dromenl hesitated.

 Of course. One doesnt want to offend the [Druids]. Butlittle rats?

 This is very good, Researcher. Thencan I count on you to help Miss Lyon? She can fund the entire projectand Saliss of Lights as well.

 Mivifa was smiling. Dromenl and his team perked up at fund; Lyte got the impression they were always hungry for funds, even in the best facilities. But thenit happened.

 Er, we will make it our top priority, Adventurer Mivifa. After our current line of investigation is done.

 Mivifas smile vanished. So did Lytes.

 What is this about, Researcher?

 He hesitated and looked at Ratici, Wilovan, and Lyte. The two Callers, not at home here, were ncing around and murmuring to each other.

 Candidly, Adventurer, thats confidential. I could tell youbut not outsiders. No offense to Miss Lyon, but we verge on a huge discovery! I am 100% confident of this and that is an extraordinary thing to say, haha

 He looked excited. Mivifa hesitated.

 Tell me. Excuse me, Miss Lyte. But it is confidential between research facilitiesdoes this have to do with?

 She walked away with Dromenl. Lyte wished she could read lips or had a hearing spell, but the facility was probably guarded. She walked back.

 Seems something is attracting attention, Miss Lyon. Wed like to help, but Ratici and I arent the most charming of sorts insofar as ites to polite negotiations between upstanding sorts.

 Wilovan murmured. Lyte shook her head.

 Its fine, Wilovan. Thank you for looking around. I dont know what this issomething wrong, Ratici?

 The Drake was scratching at the back of his neck. He tipped his cap.

 Begging your pardon, Miss Lyon. Old habits.

 Ah. The [Thief]. She hesitated.

 I dont think Mivifa would take kindly to any

 Not me, Miss Lyon. I wouldnt jeopardize anything. Its justtheres something valuable back there. Familiar. I was trying to ce it.

 Lyte blinked. She wondered what made Raticis [Thief] senses tingle. She nced at Wilovan.

 You cant hear?

 They ward the entire facility. Sensible, Miss Lyon. Im afraid were in the dark, so to speak.

 He shrugged and she sighed.

 Mivifa was no better. She knewbut obviously it was a secret matter.

 I can see why they dont want to help. The First Gardener might be able to insist one drops the issue. They dont all have to work on the same thing, although if one gets luckyIll bring it up with her. But it is a find, Miss Lyon. Lets find Saliss and see if hes had any luck.

 -

 He had not. Saliss was spitting mad as he stomped from shop to shop. Wilovan and Ratici had taken themselves off to do some investigating on the sly, as it were, and Mivifa was checking more researchers to confirm they were all on the same thing.

 Lyte glumly watched him enter another shop, the smallest so farpared to all the big ones. He had been shouting really pithy insults at all of the unified sellers of herbs as he realized they were working together to raise prices on all the things he needed.

 She expected him to do as he had done in thest shop; kick the door open, and ask if the shopkeeper wanted to make money, or be an obstinate Lizard.

 However. This shop wasinteresting. The Drake at the counter leaned over and blinked.

 Is that Saliss?

 She was middle-aged. Saliss walked up.

 Herissa. Please tell me its not everyone marking up their prices?

 She swished her tail as Lyte looked around the establishment. This wasnt a huge facility, but it was doing well. The [Herbalist] sighed.

 They smell money, and youre rich, Saliss. Sorry. Whats your list? As if I dont knowits been going around.

 So theyre working together? Creler eggs! Id chuck it in their gardens if it wasnt a war crime!

 Dont be too madtheyre doing it to all the [Alchemists]. They know theres a shortageor will be once youre done buying. The television.

 Damn Sir Relz and that thing. Im gonna take off his pants live!

 Sheughed at that.

 Let me know so I can watch! Alright, alright. Stop stamping around. Lets see. Obsidian LeafsulfurEir GelSages Grasswhy do you need that? And whos your Human friend?

 She was ncing warily at Lyte. Saliss waved a w.

 Shes from Liscor.

 Really? The Liscor Ive heard about? Is she?

 No, but shes a friend. And I bought Sages Grass from the [Farmer] in Celum, but hes a damned [Pirate]. Literally. Still cheaper than Oteslia, but his is only one farmI need it all.

 The [Herbalist] pursed her lips.

 Well, I need some for my brews too. Alright, heres what I have. I made it up as soon as I knew what you were dealing with. Its all I can spare.

 Lyte blinked. The Drake [Herbalist] began putting box upon box on the counter. Saliss rxed.

 Thats your entire stock.

 Well, I can get more faster than you can. And you can pay me just enough for a profit.

 Saliss hesitated.

 Let me at least do market-value. Everyone else is going to gouge meyou might as well earn something. Maybe theyll think twice now that you did this. Unless you want me to keep silent?

 She waved a w.

 Theyll be furious, but it happens. Good luck, Saliss. Hows Pass been?

 The Drake nced at her.

 Same old, same old. Oteslia?

 Better than Pass.

 Hm. Need a tail while Im here on anything in particr?

 Another look at Lyte. The Drake shook her head.

 Nothing I can reallyin of. Just dont get yourself killed, Saliss. I nearly swallowed my tail when I saw the fight with those Human [Assassins]. Tell Mirn hes wee to vacation here at any time.

 Saliss nodded. They actually hugged. Lyte blinked as he put the boxes in his bag of holding and signed a slip for her to cash in at the Merchants Guild.

 You got your ingredients?

 Enough to begin working. Herissas not a huge supplierbut she gave me what she could. Maybe itll help. Hopefully it doesnt put her in too much trouble with the Herbalists Guild.

 He sighed. Lyte hesitated. The Drake had just forked it all over without even haggling, unlike the united [Herbalists] and [Suppliers] of every species.

 Do you know her? It sounded like she owed you a debt.

 Saliss nced at Lyte.

 Were old friends. And yes, we help each other. Forget about it. Friendship and stuff goes beyond economics. I still need more. I could wish for ten Herissas and Id still need more. Damn. Lets see if that makes Igniz change his tune. Any luck on the [Researchers]?

 No. Theyre all working on some project or other.

 Really. Thats what I heard. Half the shops are selling something in the backrooms. But Im not interested right now. Probably some wonder herb like usual. Ill see if I can find out what it is after this.

 They were walking back into Leafhold when they saw an angry customer arguing with Mister Igniz.

 But this is ridiculous, no? Listen, you cannot charge these prices! Pass [Alchemists] cannot afford it!

 Then they will buy it somewhere else. Oh, Baleros maybe.

 The angry Gnoll with stained fur stuck his finger up at the Drake as Saliss and Lyte came to an abrupt standstill. He was actually trembling with fury. The Gnoll was old and he still wore his partly-corroded apron.

 This is robbery! We have been doing good business for years! And right when I need help most, you

 Xif?

 The Gnoll turned at Lytes voice. He started, then stared.

 Is that Miss Lyon? And

 His gaze turned left. The yellow-scaled Drake gave him a huge smile. Xif went white under his fur as Saliss opened his arms wide.

 Xif! Just the Gnoll I didnt want to see! Lyte, run and get me some shears, will you? I have a promise to keep. Xif, remember the inn and those [Assassins]? This is how I express gratitude!

 Saliss!

 The Gnoll [Alchemist] yelped. Lyte saw his hand go to his side as Saliss strode forwards, w clenching into a fist. She saw the Gnoll [Alchemist], second-best in Pass turn

 Then rip a club from his side and charge at Saliss. Even the Named Adventurer didnt expect that.

 You bastard, Saliss!

 Me? You big-mouthed [Alchemist] idiot

 The two went rolling onto the floor, punching and biting at each other. Master Igniz shouted as the shops employees and guests scattered. Saliss was howling.

 Do you know how many potions I wasted because you couldnt keep your mouth shut? I could have walked to House Veltras, but noooooIm going to burn your shop down, Xif!

 Was it you? Was it you? Everything I had was there! You

 Saliss caught the club as the old Gnoll panted. He held Xif off him effortlessly.

 Wait, what?

 He forced Xif back as the guards and Lyte dragged him back. The Gnoll struggled, but he was older, andthere were tears in his eyes.

 My shop. Was it you?

 Saliss hesitated. He sat up.

 Wait

 Someone burned it down. My shop! Everything I had!

 Xif was sobbing. The old [Alchemist] looked weary. And sad. Saliss and Lyte blinked. The Named Adventurer got to his feet.

 OkayIve said a lot of things. But I didnt do that. When?

 Two days ago. I wasing here to do business and my apprentice saidits all gone. All my work, myboratory, my homeI knew it wasnt you. But someone heard what you were saying orthe Watch said it was arson.

 Arson. Saliss stood there, blinking at Xif.

 Waitbut someone didthats madness. Pass needs your potions! And burn down your shop? Even Im not crazy enough to actually do that!

 It took out eighteen other buildings. They actually burned itI had anti-fire wards, but someone must haveIve lost everything, Saliss.

 The Gnoll copsed, weeping. Lyte stared at him as Saliss looked around. Master Igniz looked apologetic.

 Alchemists, Im deeply sorry to hear about this. But pleaseno fighting in my shop.

 Both Xif and Saliss red at him. Xif slowly rose, pointing a trembling paw at Igniz. He turned to Saliss.

 You arriving makes sense. I was trying to buy enough to make potions again when the prices skyrocketed. No ones willing to help me in my hour of need!

 Too right. Oteslian price-gougers!

 Saliss patted Xif on the shoulder. The two outraged [Alchemists] turned on Igniz. The Drake folded his arms.

 Pass has always lived richly off the ingredients we supply. Im sorry about your shop, Xif, but you both have gold.

 Yes, and we earned it! Or do you think making a Potion of st is as easy as watching an herb grow for six months?

 Have you not ever seen Vorepir infestations? Let me tell you

 The heated argument took ce as Lyte stood back. Xif, Saliss, and Igniz were trading insults as Mivifa, Ratici, and Wilovan arrived to once again report no luck. Atst, Igniz threw up his ws.

 Alright! Alright, listen. I know its hard, but our prices arent that far off! Try negotiating rather than telling us were all cutthroat [Pirates]! Were willing toe down if youre willing toe up.

 Above market price? Come on!

 Saliss snapped. Suddenly he and Xif were united. Igniz hesitated. He lifted a w.

 tell you what. Ill sweeten the deal. You two give me a fairer offer, and Ill throw in a sample of a new ingredient both of you will be begging me to buy. I wanted to have arger sample, butfollow me.

 The two [Alchemists] exchanged suspicious looks. But they followed Igniz into the back of the shop. Lyte watched as she turned to Ratici and Wilovan.

 Someone actually burned down Xifs shop.

 Thats terrible. A man shouldnt lose everything.

 Wilovan looked shocked. Lyte nodded. She felt bad for Xif, and she had been right on team-shave with Saliss a moment ago. But that was just talk. Some idiot had actually?

 What do we do about the researchers? Mivifa, can you share anything about what theyre researching?

 The Oldblood of Feathers looked ufortable.

 II dont know, Lyte. Its business. I can share that its new, and its very efficacious. Ive seen it working myself. Maybe if Saliss finds outIgniz might have a sample. But I cant just divulge th

 WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

 The voice was so loud that everyone flinched. Saliss came raging out of the backrooms with Igniz dragging at him.

 You thief! You crook!

 Saliss, let go! Thats mine! I only have one sample

 Who is responsible for this? Ill burn down your shop!

 Xif was right behind Saliss, waving his enchanted club. Lyte had no idea why they were so upset. Thenshe saw the mysterious item that had been sweeping Oteslias research teams, and the [Herbalists] shops. The enigmatic wonder-herb of the moment. The secretobvious

 She stared at the little yellow flower in the pot and Saliss face. He turned to her, eyes wide with fury.

 And all the pieces fell into ce.

 -

 They were called Faerie Flowers. Wil Kallinad had heard it more and more from the best [Herbalists] in Oteslia. Apparently someone had managed to cultivate the things and while they were few in number, they had astonishing effects.

 And they were easy to work with. So much so that research was exploding. And the results were already

 Yerran? Can you hear me?

 The Selphids eyes opened slowly. She gasped, as the Gnoll body jerked; she had been takingmand of its systems. She opened her eyesmade them move in different directions, opened and closed her mouththen looked at him.

 Wil?

 He grabbed her in a fierce hug. Feshi let out a howl of delight.

 It worked! Yerraare you?

 The Selphid flexed her body, still testing it out, then gently hugged Wil.

 II can move! It doesnt hurt!

 There were no tears in her eyes like Wils, but a bit of orange fluid had been excreted when he had first administered the new medicinal variant. She shuddered.

 The painI was in agony for days. Weeks! How long?

 Nearly a month. The poisons still in there. Im so sorry. We went as fast as we could, yes, but

 Feshi was hovering next to her. Yerra nodded.

 I remember. You all worked so hard.

 You took the arrow meant for me. If it hadnt been for you

 Wil Kallinad was thinner. He hadnt slept or rested fully until Yerra had been better. And even after the first antidotes had been manufactured,ing from Xif of Pass by Courierhe had spent money liberally to see it done. But even then.Yerra shuddered.

 The pain. It didnt go away, even though I felt the antidotes working. But that new medicinewhat is it?

 Shed been getting better, but agonizingly slowly, able to talk and tell them how much it hurt in her ss jar enchanted to hold her, but it had been too hard to see. ButWil gestured with a trembling hand.

 Its a new pain-drug one of the [Researchers] came up with. Faerie flowers. Youll need to take it along with more antidote treatments until youre all better, buttheres no pain?

 She wept an orange tear that matted her fur.

 None. Thank you, Wil. Thank you.

 She hugged him tight. Wil rxed. He didnt mention how much the experimental medicine had cost, nor the rarity of the nt. But there was more growing andYerra was better.

 Atst.

 -

 Xif had once bought a single faerie flower from Erin, using a Skill to force the sale. Saliss had been given more for friendship.

 Both had sent them to Oteslia after [Gardeners] in Pass had failed. Because Oteslia grew things. It was their specialty. It had beenmonths ago.

 It was tempting to me Xif. But his Skill was [The Avid Collector]. And he had paid what Erin was willing to sell the flower for.

 It was an unfriendly sale, as Szsar would well know, but it had been legal. It urred to Lyte, now, that she wasnt needed here. The best person to have would have been

 Selys.

 [Everything Had a Price] would have let Saliss and Xif buy what they wanted. Maybe at the same prices? Maybe not. But either waythe faerie flowers were in Oteslia.

 But they werent a secret, or being kept by one person. And againyou couldnt me Xif.

 Because he was as angry and confused as Saliss.

 I have forty one flowers, which is all the person I sent them to could produce. And they had numerous failures and setbacks! What about you?

 I told my [Gardener] that this was top-secret. Which is why I cant see why Igniz had onelet alone all these [Researchers]!

 The Gnoll and Drake traded looks. They came to the same conclusion at the same time Lyte did.

 -

 Saliss kicked the door to the indoor growing house open.

 Master Elroz! We need to chat!

 He bellowed. Lyte stared into one of Oteslias greenhouses for unique nts.

 Shed heard Erin talk about greenhouses, but hadnt been as surprised as Erin thought. Because of course, Oteslia and other ces had enchanted buildings to grow nts year-round.

 For instancethis greenhouse specialized in difficult nts. It cultivated things like sswhistle, the exceptionally fragile nt that would actually kill itself under its own weight in time. That was how it reproduced, butrge varieties of the thin, weak nt were more valuable.

 So there was a low-gravity chamber where hanging pots of the nt grew, suspended in the air, branch-structures slowly expanding under ss roofs.

 There was a chamber Saliss stormed through that Lyte wonderingly saw had massive trees with roots nearly twenty feet long, as to touch the water below. That was because the roots were valuable, so the trees were encouraged to grow them long.

 Saliss found Master Elroz tending to the faerie flowers. They were in a room of their own, bathed in sunlight andLyte noted, nted spaced-out in beds filled withmana stones?

 Yes, glittering mana stones, and surrounded by pools filled with chopped-up Sages Grass and water! She felt the mana density here; they were feeding the faerie flowers with rich mana, as well as strong fertilizers, Skills, and everything else. There were other experimental beds at hotter or colder temperatures, and the Gnoll was renting a handful of

 Alchemist Saliss! I was just going t

 He got no further before Saliss put him in a headlock. Xif had his club drawn.

 Master Elroz, Master Elroz. I was going to pay you a visit after shopping, but it seems like I have to put you at the top of my list. And Im getting sort of annoyed about my list. I told youI paid youto grow Faerie Flowers in secret. So why does half of Oteslia have one?

 The Gnoll [Gardener] tried to speak. But all he made was a spluttering sound; Saliss was choking him. Xif was swinging his club.

 Lets do my [Culturist] next. What say wey him out, burn the ce down and

 Father! Father! Ancestors, stop! Someone call the Treewatch!

 A horrified Gnoll raced across the greenhouse. She grabbed at Saliss, but the Drake refused to let go.

 Saliss! Enough!

 It was Mivifa who strode in and forced the Drake to stop choking the Gnoll [Gardener]. The Named Adventurer saw the [Gardener] copse, gasping, to the floor. Lyte watched with Wilovan and Ratici.

 -

 II didnt sell a thing, Master Saliss! I obeyed your instructions to the letter!

 The Gnoll protestedfrom behind Mivifawhen he could finally speak. His daughter, a younger [Gardener] with dirt in her fur, was protectively shielding him. Saliss was furious. Lyte had never seen him so angry and Mivifa actually had a hand on her sword as she blocked him.

 Then who was it? Xifs person?

 I dont know, Master Saliss. But more samples began popping up as I was having sess with my flowers. I assumed more people were sending it in, or another source had been discovered

 Xif and Saliss traded looks. They charged out the door, Xif with his club raised. Lyte looked at Mivifa. The Named Adventurer was cursing.

 Saliss! Dont kill them! Master Elroz, I need you to swear to me that it wasnt you. Im sure Saliss confirmed it

 I swear, Miss Mivifa. I cant speak for whomever Alchemist Xif hired. It might have beenhe was persuaded to shareOteslian generosity.

 The Gnoll coughed. Mivifa bit her lip. She turned to Lyte.

 Is there any chance that it could havee from anywhere else, Miss Lyon? Thesefaerie flowers?

 Thats what everyones talking about, isnt it?

 Lyon met her eyes. The frightened daughter of Elroz, the Gnoll, and Mivifa all nodded.

 Its the newest thing. We thought Master Saliss had found a source, but someone else had discovered it. Like adventurers finding it in a dungeon. Isnt it possible it was just someone else?

 Lyte smiled. That was a fair assumption. She met Mivifas eyes and shook her head.

 No, Miss Mivifa. Its impossible. Because I know where the faerie flowerse from and theres no way anyone got another sample.

 The Named Adventurer blinked.

 You know? Then it was Liscor. Theres no chance?

 None. So it was Xifs person. Orno. I cant imagine how anyone else would get that.

 Unless the Frost Faeries had tricked someone else with fake gold. And they didnt even look like faeries to anyone but Earthers. Mivifa saw the certainty in Lytes eyes and cursed.

 Ancestors. Then this is Crelered to all hells and back. Id better stop those two from murderingMaster Elroz, you stay here. Ill make sure Saliss doesnt lose it.

 The Gnoll nodded, eyes wide. Lyte barely stopped at Creler as a verb, but it was curious. She hurried after Mivifa.

 But how did it happen? Someone sold it despite Xifs orders?

 Yesno. Sort of. ItsOteslian generosity.

 Lyte stared at Mivifas back. The Named Adventurer gave her a pained look.

 -

 The [Culturist] had gotten word Xif and Saliss were on the warpath. Her private gardens were closed, and she was nowhere in sight. Xif and Saliss had broken down the door and searched the ce.

 Oteslian generosity.

 Saliss spat when Lyte repeated the phrase. The [Princess] raised her brows.

 Meaning?

 Meaning, I bet the [Culturist] Xif hired went to someone else after she failed to grow the flowers. Asked for tipsmaybe even lent one out if she had spares. As a thank you. And someone else began growing them and selling them

 I told herI paid her for secrecy!

 Xif stared around. Mivifa cleared her throat.

 Master Xif, Saliss. Oteslias more liberal about sharing ideas and

 And goods that we paid to be kept secret?

 Both [Alchemists] turned on her. She raised her ws.

 Dont snap at me! Lyon ims its impossible for the flowers to have been spread, but youre certain no one even took a single flower or clipping?

 Lyte hesitated. So did Saliss and Xif. It waspossiblethat someone might have used a dried faerie flower, or taken one back when they were on the windowsills in the inn. OrErin took them out to use for the faerie drinks and the Minotaurs Punch. Someone could have stolen one.

 Possible, but unlikely. Extremely so. She repeated that, and Mivifa ran a w through her neck spines.

 Saliss, Master Xifneither of you hits or attacks anything. Ill help you sort this out, but peacefully. You dont do that, and Ill call the Treewatch, understand?

 The two [Alchemists] fumed, but they nodded. Saliss snapped.

 I want to find Xifs person. Who is it, Xif?

 Culturist Greeka.

 Ill ask the Treewatch to investigate. In the meanwhilelets see where Master Igniz got his flower.

 Lyte fell behind the three as they stormed off with the power of fury to the herbalist. Wilovan and Ratici found her panting and slowed.

 Bit of a spot it seems, Miss Lyon. Goods miscedgrown, should I say. Tricky business. Not something Im used to. Rather like growing gold, isnt it, Wilovan?

 Indeed, Ratici, indeed. Would that it were so simple with our lot.

 What do you twothink? Did Master Elroz or his daughter sell the flowers? The culturist?

 Lyte panted. The Gentleman Callers nced at each other. Wilovan tapped the side of his nose.

 A gentleman never suspects ady. And his daughter looked innocent as could be to my eyes, Miss Lyon. Wasnt questioned; didnt need to be, honestly. Master Saliss is a sharp sort, and that Miss Mivifa, but it could be wasnt even the culturist to me.

 Really?

 Lyte doubted that. Ratici illuminated her. He leaned in.

 Master Elroz has a number of staff, Miss Lyon. Assistant hands. So too would a good [Culturist]. Seems to meeven if one of the two was to me, theres plenty of cracks for a flower to slip through. And the problem with growing isit wont be easy to find the source.

 She looked at him. Raticis words turned out to be prophetic. Master Igniz was all too rmed as Mivifa herself confronted him with the angry [Alchemists], but he was willing to say where hed gotten the flowers.

 It was a friend, alright, Alchemists, Adventurer Mivifa? A[Gardener].

 A [Culturist]?

 Saliss snapped. Igniz frowned.

 No. a friend. And respectfullyunless the Treewatch orders me to, I will decline to divulge who it was.

 Master Igniz, this may be a matter of theft. I am a Named Adventurer, true, but I will bring in the Watch if I must. You know my authority. By the First Gardener, I am conducting this investigation and everything you say is being tested under truth stone and Master Saliss potions.

 The [Herbalist] gulped. But he held his ground.

 I swear to you, Adventurer Mivifa, it was not a [Culturist]. Moreovermy friend gave me a sample as a token of appreciation. Iunderstandhe had nearly a dozen more and was growing more as fast as possible and giving a few more out for handsome sums to other researchers.

 Lytes eyes narrowed. This was uneptable! Saliss didnt even keep the words inside.

 Tell me who. Tell me now, Igniz, or so help me, Ill do to this ce what I dreamt of doing to Xifs!

 The Gnoll was nodding. Mivifa rounded on Saliss.

 Saliss! Enough!

 Igniz backed up.

 I dontlisten. If you tell them, it wasnt from me. I stole nothing!

 Then give me the flower!

 Xif reached for it, but the guards and employees closed ranks around Igniz. He guarded the pot with both arms.

 Absolutely not! It could be worth a fortune! No one has any to sell from Oteslia yet, but I have a buyer overseas

 Its not yours to sell!

 Xif roared. Mivifa had to push both [Alchemists] out of the shop.

 Master Igniz, you will not sell that until the Treewatch and First Gardener decide on this. Saliss, back up. This isnt your city. Dont make me call a group to arrest you.

 Saliss calmed down. He stormed towards his next victim, the [Gardner]. But Lyte was beginning to sense a bad pattern.

 -

 The [Bluemoon Gardener] was made of sterner stuff than all the rest. He refused to let them see how many flowers he had. And even when grabbed by Saliss, he refused to waver.

 Look, Alchemists. Ive stolen nothing. And I can swear before any number of truth stones you want! I was given this flower. Yes, I grew more! So what? And yes, Im sharing or selling it about! Its a wondrous nt! Looks like gold if you look at it under the right lightand it has any number of properties! Im no [Alchemist], and even I can uncover a few! Its going to make me rich.

 Its. Not. Yours. And it wasnt meant to be spread about!

 Saliss snarled in his face. The [Gardener] was unmoved.

 Its not yours either, Alchemist. Its a nt and it can benefit everyone! Maybe someone illegally spread it about to begin with. Wellcharge them. But the rest of us gave each other notes on how to grow the tricky devils properly. And were sharing it with the research teams because everyone will benefit once all the effects are documented. Oteslian generosity!

 Oteslian generosity. Lyte was getting sick of the expression. It wasnt a hard concept to grasp.

 Sometimes, a [Researcher] needed to look into, say, the effects of Threadvine. So maybe a [Gardener] helped with that. Maybe they were paid back in turn. Perhaps the horticulturalist techniques of growing a tricky flower were spread around.

 Everyone benefited. This was amunity. Oteslian generosity exined why the flower was in so many ces, despite still being so few in quantity. Everyone of note had one.

 Lyte saw the reason, even sound arguments for that kind of goodwill and cooperation. However, the notion of free exchange of goods and mutual cooperation for everyones benefit horrified the Passian [Alchemists], who had wanted it to be secret.

 How dare these lizards work together? This means war! A boycott, Saliss! We have to tell the Alchemists Guild in Pass!

 Xif was growling and Saliss was nodding as they paced about Mivifas home. The Oldblood of Feathers was exasperated. At their attitudes, as well as the situation in general.

 Without finding the first thief and recipient, everyone else could and did im innocence, as Ratici had warned. Moreoverit was exceptionally hard to take the flowers back. Mainly because, as Igniz pointed out when summoned to the First Gardeners residence, how did you know it hade from Saliss or Xif?

 -

 First Gardener. Yes, Alchemists Saliss and Xif might have had those flowers first. But they are a nt. Its entirely possible someone else got a hold of them.

 Impossible!

 Igniz glowered at Saliss as the First Gardener, headache-free, listened to the argument. The [Herbalist] and a group of fellow [Gardeners], [Researchers], and so on, were pleading their case.

 The fact remains that Master Xif and Saliss sent the flowers here. They are iming ownership of the faerie flowers, which were illegally grown despite their payments for security and secrecy.

 The [Herbalist] scoffed.

 But that doesnt mean our flowers came from them, First Gardener! Flowers germinate. With respect to the [Alchemist], even Sages Grass came from numerous sources when it was first grown en masse!

 Not in this case and you damn well know it!

 Saliss hissed. The First Gardener turned to him.

 Alchemist. Can you prove that these flowers only came from one source that only you and Xif could have ess to?

 The Named Adventurer hesitated.

 I can swear via truth spell, First Gardener

 But can you swear that there was no chance it came from anywhere else? We need proof! How did these miraculous nts only fall into your possession?

 And there it was. Saliss hesitated and nced at Lyte for just a second. So did Mivifa. The problem wasSaliss probably could exin they had onlye by way of Erin Solstice, or Lyte could.

 But she would have to exin about the frost faeries and Lyte didnt know how much Saliss knew. The end result was that it was hard to say yes, those faerie flowers absolutely came from the samples sent by Xif and Saliss and not from the inn by way of someone else, also I cant tell you how I know those flowers are the only ones in the entire world.

 The First Gardener pointed this out, albeit more diplomatically. The two [Alchemists] listened as she spoke.

 I cannot simply order each flower confiscated and given to the two [Alchemists].

 Thats fine. Well let you burn them. So long as you dont inhale the fumes.

 Researcher Dromenl burst out at the same time as the others.

 What? Outrageous!

 This could revolutionize medicine! First Gardener, youve already

 Ooh, burning them does something? What?

 Silence, please!

 The First Gardener rubbed at her temples unconsciously, although she didnt really have a headache. Lyte, who was listening in, realized what was happening as she tried to soothe the [Alchemists].

 She was going to let the faerie flowers stay in the possession of the Oteslians. The [Princess] knew this to be a fact.

 Why? Because she was a [Princess]. And the First Gardener ruled Oteslia. Lyte hadnt missed that the First Gardener was using a pill based on faerie flowers. And even thenwho would turn down the next Sages Grass?

 I am terribly sorry, [Alchemists], but I do not rule in favor of destruction or confiscation.

 Xif made a strangled sound and turned away, throwing his paws up. Saliss? He narrowed his eyes.

 This is between Oteslia and Pass, First Gardener. I warn youthis will be more than a little incident.

 She hesitated. The Oteslians went silent and even Mivifa looked uneasy. The grandson of Chaldion waited. The First Gardener slowly shook her head.

 Even then, Alchemist. I hope we can discuss the issue further, perhaps even offerpensation and certainly find the culprit. But I cannot simply take away this product from the different groups present.

 She indicated them all. They all stood there, representatives or individuals, smiling, thanking her. Saliss looked at the First Gardener. He walked to the doors, opened them, and mmed them so hard they shook on the way out. Lyte followed him, thinking.

 -

 For the first time ever, Saliss had lost in terms ofpersonality? The Saliss-level antagonism had fallen apart in face of Oteslian, well generosity.

 It was not fair. It was not right

 But flip it on its head and it was two [Alchemists] trying to suppress a miracle ingredient that might help countless people! Who mattered more, the individual, or the group, no matter if there had been some illegality?

 That was Oteslias ethos. Lyte sat in Mivifas apartment. Outside, she, Xif, and Saliss were bellowing at each other.

 A right to-do.

 Wilovanmented as he fixed himself a drink. Feathi stuck her face in his mug and sipped the strong bourbon. The Gnoll stared at herthen put the mug down and made himself another.

 The problem to Lyte, was that the faerie flowers were not of this world. They were Erins. And the [Innkeeper] had never wanted to share them with Xif or spread them.

 But she refused to say it, even if it changed things. And honestly?

 It would not. The First Gardener was a ruler. She wanted those faerie flowers. So Lyte sat there.

 She felt useless. And seeing Saliss run into thisthisoutrage hadnt helped her bad mood. She closed her eyes.

 The faerie flowers should be our trump card. Thats not fair.

 It seldom is, Miss. Begging your pardon, but all levels y with daggers under the table. The daggers just look different.

 Ratici tipped his cap as he took a drink from Wilovan. The other Gnoll nodded. Lyte nodded too.

 I know that. Its just

 She felt like those Oteslians were arrogant. Sneering at Passian greed while denying any wrongdoing had taken ce on their part. It rankled her. She knew pride and rude prejudice. She had embodied it. It was no more fun to see in this form, or fair.

 But what could be done? She sat there, thinking. There was something she could do, wasnt there? She hadnte all this way for nothing.

 She hade for Erin. This? This was just a distraction! Lytes eyes opened wide. Yeswhy did it even matter?

 Because the [Researchers] were focused on the flower. What ifshe told them Erin had been responsible for them? She frowned.

 But Erin had no more left. And yetdamn! She felt at her pouch. Slowly, she took something out.

 We dont have anything more than Saliss gold. And I dont have the flowers myself. If I did, I couldprovebut they all died. And I wish Erin was here. If she wasI dont have

 She was fumbling with something. Staring at it. Ratici nced up.

 Whats that you have there, Miss?

 Wilovan looked up too. Lyte hesitated. She put it back in her belt pouch.

 Nothing. Maybe. I dont think it can helphere. I just

 She had left the inn. But she had taken one thing when she had stopped in Erins room for something, anything. A bit of hope, an edge.

 A ring.

 But it was just brass. Maybe Erin had only used it as jewelry. Lyte put it out of her mind.

 What do you two think of the flowers, Ratici, Wilovan?

 The two Gentlemen Callers looked at each other. Wilovan tipped up his hat and scratched at his head.

 Well, its a straight snatch-and-whistle, if you dont mind me being a bit of the street, Miss Lyte.

 Snatch and whistle?

 She smiled. The [Worldly Princess] liked to learn new things, but they came from a different world than even the one she had learned. Wilovan exined.

 Fellow snatches something, passes it onto the next. That fellow puts it down, or hands it off. So the third fellow can say he dont know how it was gottenor say he paid for it all legal. Easier than saying it fell off a wagon, which truth spells fail. By the time its gone from six people, its hard as can be to identify the culprit.

 Mind you, the smart Watches dont care and make trouble for everyone. But you canpersuadew to not bother investigating. The First Gardeners a bit tricksome, if you dont mind me saying.

 Everyone is. My father included. Hed do exactly as shes doing.

 Lyte sighed. She respected that, actually. It was justthey were doing it to her. She sat there, thinking.

 But what would Erin Solstice have done, if shede here and learned of this? epted it? Done what Saliss was doing and gone to war between Walled Cities? Lyte thought. Then her eyes opened wide. Ratici and Wilovan blinked as she stood up.

 Miss Lyon? Heading out?

 They reached for their coats. Lyte looked at them and nodded. She raised her chin and inhaled.

 Yes. I might not be as good as her, butits time.

 -

 The doors to Igniz shop, Leafhold, blew open. The [Herbalist] looked up and the additional [Guards] hed hired stirred apprehensively, but it was not Saliss of Lights who enteredbut a young woman.

 Master Igniz?

 Yes? Can I help you, Miss? Does Alchemist Saliss or the First Gardener have another request?

 He eyed her, recognizing Lyte from earlier. The young woman shook her head. She put one arm on the table as Wilovan and Ratici tipped their hats and loitered, inspecting goods.

 I am Lyon Solstice. And I believe I have a way to resolve the issue of the faerie flowers.

 The Drake hesitated.

 Indeed? I am not willing to sell them.

 The [Princess] smiled. Her blue eyes glittered as she tossed her red hair back.

 No, Master Igniz. Ichallenge you. To a game of chess. The winner takes the faerie flower!

 The Drake blinked. The customers, employees, guards, and two Gentlemen Callers stirred. Lyte smiled with serene confidence, belying the flutter in her chest.

 But she had learned from the greatest yer this world had ever seen. And [wless Attempt] burned in her mind. Master Igniz blinked, looked at her, and

 -

 Lyte du Marquin sat with her head buried in her knees. Outside, Saliss was stillughing. The Gentlemen Callers sat, clearing their throats, giving her room.

 Master Igniz had refused to take her chess challenge. In fact, he hadughed her so hard out of his shop hed actually hurt himself.

 Everyone had. Lytes cheeks and ears were burning.

 Stupid. Shed tried. She really had! But shed failed to pull off the origin of the [Innkeeper] of Liscors mythos for a few reasons.

 Firstly? Erin hadnt challenged Lism. Shed confronted him and hed tried to trick her, not knowing of her chess skill.

 Second? Who was going to wager a flower of that much worth on a chess game?

 Thirdly? Well, it was just a stupid idea. Lyte knew Erin would have been more inventive. She would havehave

 Well, if she knew, shed be Erin! Ande to that, Erin didnt always seed. In fact, business and economics were where she, Lyte, was supposed to excel!

 But she had no tools! No leverage! The [Princess] sat there until Feathi licked her ear. Then she yelped.

 Im fine! Thank you, Feathi!

 The [Princess] looked at the Pegasus. Feathi gave her a sympathetic look. Lyte stared about, glumly.

 The problem wasshe was a [Princess]. And it urred to Lyte now that a [Princess] wasnt the person who charged into battle. Or if she didit was with an army at her back.

 She was good at managing people. At diplomacy, yes, and a [Worldly Princess] did a lot of things. But she had always had her staff.

 And she had left them all behind. All she had was Saliss, now incapacitated by hrity, maybe Xif, Mivifas friendship, and the Gentlemen Callers, who didnt have the Skills to fight in the world of negotiation or business treachery.

 Lyte sat there, calming down.

 What would Erin do? How about you stop thinking what Erin would do, hm?

 The problem is, there is something here. I just

 The [Princess] frowned. And thought. And then she had a good ideaor the beginnings of one. She blinked.

 What would Erin do? How about this? What would Erin not do? What could Erin not do that Lyte could?

 Because she had an Erin, who was actually Saliss. Lawbreakeror maybe just chaotic influence. But Lyte had seen him fail. He had gold, insanity, and levels on his side, but Oteslia had beaten him.

 It was time for a [Princess] to do something. And Lytes head slowly rose. She had resources. Fewbut they were there. Sports, knowledge, and

 Wilovan, would you care to pass me the chips?

 I do believe I would, Ratici, old chum.

 Fascinating turn of phrase, that. Old chum. Nautical?

 One assumes so. Although chum is not a rather endearing thing, to my understanding of it.

 Well, I shall take it in the spirit it was intended, then. Here are the chips.

 Thank you, sir.

 Thank you, old chum.

 She stared at the Gentlemen Callers. Lyte had investigated into them, a bit. Or at least, listened to Palt.

 Ratici, Wilovan. I have arequest.

 She spoke slowly. The Drake and Gnoll duo looked over. They saw Lyte du Marquin sit up slowly.

 She had no crown. Nor was she Lyte at this moment, but Lyon Solstice. And yetSaliss had failed. Oteslias First Gardener was unwilling to help.

 Perhaps it was time for some good, old-fashioned, underhanded monarchy. After allshe was a [Princess] of Cnfer. The smiling, angry [Princess] beckoned the two Gentlemen Callers over. They looked at each other.

 That was when the Gentleman Callers errand of guilt and aid, sprung from their failure got interesting. Because the [Princess] had just remembered who they were. And if Lyte didnt know how toy bricksshe did know how to hire the [Bricyer].

 -

 Later that evening, Master Igniz was locking up for the day. He still felt smug about putting it to those Passian [Alchemists]. Prices would soon mean his stockpiles of goods would be worth a lot more, and the flowers? Thising meeting of the rich and powerful and the Meeting of Tribes?

 Business was good. He carried the faerie flower with him as he locked up. He was going to put it somewhere safe. The First Gardener had instructed him to not sell it while the matter was investigated, but hed have this on a Courier-ship to Chandrar as soon as was legal.

 He didnt break the <emw. Humming, the Drake locked the shop, activated the enchanted seals

 Whoops, terribly sorry, sir.

 He turned and collided with a Gnoll. The man steadied Igniz. The Drake wasnt concerned about himself. He checked the pot and the flowerit was intact. He smiled.

 No problem at all. Have a good

 The Drakes eyes rolled up and he copsed. People in the street turned as the man cried out in rm.

 Someone call the [Healer]! I think the poor fellows had some kind of fit!

 He stood there, reaching for a potion, as someone ran to do just that. The passersby were worriedbut the Gnoll seemed to know just what to do. He stood there, until Master Igniz began toe around, and then, certain he was well, walked off before Igniz woke up.

 Must have been the sunmaybe you were hurt, or maybe its overwork. You were lucky, Master Igniz. Someone had a potionshame I didnt see what the cause was, but youre in the peak of health. But do stop by my clinic, just in case.

 The local [Healer] assured Igniz. The Drake groggily sat up.

 Thatthat was fortunate. Maybe it was stress? Or the day? I

 He looked around. Then, in rm, patted his vest. He stared about.

 The flower. Where did it go?

 The [Healer] stared at him, puzzled. Igniz shot to his feet and demanded everyone turn out their pockets or look for

 But of course, the flower pot was long gone.

 -

 Researcher Dromenl was working all-night. Again. He knew he should sleep, but half the staff were sleeping here rather than going home. It was justtoo exciting!

 They had eight samples of the flowers, dearly acquired, rather than the one of everyone else. But thenthey had a staff of eight of the best [Researchers] in the city! They would crack the flowers secrets first, he was certain.

 He was even certain that the flowers had another form that no [Gardener] had managed to grow. It was thanks to Dromenl that they even knew how to germinate the things.

 Bee pollination. Cross-pollination Skills kept failing so use bees. Simple. Butterfliesthey resist Skills, but hand-tending yields fascinating results.

 He murmured to himself as he walked back from the bathroom to the flower he was working on. Hed known about incineration, but he wondered if freezing a bit of his sample might? Well, better to hold off until he had more

 The man dropped his cup of tea with a shattering sound that had all the [Researchers] on their feet. They ran to check on him, make sure nothing valuable had been br

 The faerie flower pot was still there. And the soil. But the bloom was gone. Scooped out, reced by a single, fat gold coin. So were all of the other seven. In the span of time Dromenl had gone to the bathroom. Gone.

 -

 Across the city, a crime spree was taking ce. It was fast. Expertly done.

 One of the best [Horticulturists] opened his window for some fresh air. He closed it after a minute when a bee climbed in. He didnt even notice his flower had been reced by a little bell-flower for the next hour.

 The Garuda [Schr] that Lyte had talked with didnt sleep in his research area. He awoke the next day to find someone had broken in. Rather than fight the double-enchanted lock with six cunning tumblerstheyd grabbed the door and ripped it out of the socket. Theyd left goldenough to cover the costs! But the flower was gone.

 And those were the mundane heists. The real ones were far more impressive. Like the shadow that flickered through one of the private gardens and stole twenty two flowers in between the [Gardeners] tending them, and raising the rm. First five were missing, then eightthey realized the rest had been stolen as they panicked and looked around!

 Word spread of the thefts, but too slowly. Nowhere was safe! A flower in a vault with venttion too small for anything but air to enter was stolen! How? The owner was found asleep at his desk, with nary a bruise, and his key ced in front of him!

 Stealth and force. Where one didnt work, use the other. And where neither one worked alone, use both.

 A pair of men strolled across Oteslia by night. They had a list. After a fellow should n things straight out. Normally, theyd take more time.

 But a [Princess] had seen all of the anxious people trying to protect their interests. And she had a good memory. They hummed a haunting tune, a childrens rhyme. asionally one or the other would part for a bit, and join the other.

 The nights been long and the bodies are wet,

 But dont you fret; be quick and aint not a guard wholl be upset

 The good folk are rising, and were off to our beds,

 The smart thieves away with the loot and the slow ones are dead.

 The rhyme of one of the great gangs of Izril. And two experts. Oh, but it had been a long time since they practiced their craft. It felt good. Liberating.

 Oteslia knew crime. But it did not know one of the best duos in Izril. They were so quick.

 Enchanted window.

 I see it. One, two, three

 Wilovan seized the crack of the window, yanked it up. His Skill silenced the explosive crack of masonry and wood. Ratici leapt through the narrow gap, his body twistingit would have been a struggle for him normally, but the single leap carried his entire body through without even brushing the sides.

 four, fiveWilovan counted to ten. He heard a rustle, and Ratici dove back out.

 That fast?

 Sitting on the table. On we go.

 The rich man awakes and his goods are gone,

 The wise man doesnt ask, and looks at the ones who yawn;

 But says not a word from dusk till dawn.

 What a glorious night! Wilovans head was bare at times, and he was an indistinguishable Gnoll, or one wearing a maskRatici likewise. But they strolled and did a jig near the end, chuckling, singing together.

 Ah, but theres a smart girl. A [Princess], youre sure?

 So they say. Bright future ahead. I feel like weve earned our beds, eh, Wilovan?

 Ratici sat back. Wilovan nodded. They both stared down.

 Sixty seven faerie flowers. That was all that had been produced beyond what Xif and Saliss had personally had grown. A littleand a lot, spread out across Oteslia. But there they were, brightly poking up at the two from the little cup.

 A fortune. A wondrous nt. Wilovan slowly turned to Ratici.

 A mans fortune can look like a lot, Ratici, old friend. Makes you think.

 I think a mans fortune is his word, which is his bond, Wilovan.

 The Gnoll touched the brim of his hat.

 Too true. I was rather thinking that some should be sent back to the innto grow again.

 Ratici rxed.

 Ah, that. Miss Lyon said they were cared for. That Saliss will open his shop and have Miss Octavia transnt some he had in hisboratory.

 Oh, good. Beautiful little things, eh? Look like gold if youwell then.

 Wilovan put the cup of flowers down. Ratici produced something from his pocket. He poured the liquid into the cup.

 There was a striking sound. Wilovan tossed the match and both men stood back. Theyd been warned.

 The cup red as the liquid ignited. The match vaporized. They stood there a moment. Then walked off, humming, as the sun began to rise.

 -

 The next day, the Treewatch and Oteslias best growers and schrs descended upon Mivifas home. Saliss and Xif were both summoned before the First Gardener.

 Theyre all gone! Where did you take them? I never thought youd sink so low

 Lyte listened to the proceedings. But the Oteslians had made a mistake. Both Xif and Saliss were honestly bewildered, as was Mivifa.

 Saliss nced at her just once. But under truth spell, they admitted to knowing nothing.

 So did Lyte.

 I swear I did not instruct anyone to steal anything, or conspire to do so myself, or use magic or Skills to effect the theft of the faerie flowers. Nor do I know where they are.

 She hadnt, either. Sheddiscussed the matter. With two men of certain understandings.

 As it were.

 It was all in how you worded it, and the distracted [Guardsman] and the crowd had only focused on Saliss and Xif.

 Misdirection. Even so, everyone knew.

 First Gardener, we demand the flowers in the two [Alchemist]s possessions be distributed amongst us! It is only fair!

 The group beseeched the First Gardener. Saliss and Xifs eyes red.

 I will burn it all before I let that happen! This will be more than an incident!

 Xif vowed. Lyte just watched the First Gardener massage her temples.

 The [Princess] knew more than the [Alchemist]. The First Gardener would do just thatshed waver and try to cate, but shed never let this slip away. So, as the First Gardener was turning to Mivifawho had also been looking at Lyte and the conspicuously absent Wilovan and Ratici, for all she hadnt mentioned anythingLyte spoke up.

 Excuse me, First Gardener. But I believe this has gone on long enough. We have been very patient, but this is too much. I request adjudication by [Druid]!

 The angry crowd stirred. The First Gardener blinkedthen narrowed her eyes as she spotted Lyte. Cire, poking his head out of his rooms to see why everyone was shoutingstared too.

 However, Igniz and the others were triumphant. He practically crowed.

 Hah! Let the [Druids] sort this out, yes! Good idea!

 But hed celebrated too soon. The First Gardener looked at Lyte, frowning.

 That is your right, Miss Solstice. But are you sure? The [Druids] aredirect. And even I cannot lightly overturn their judgment.

 Lyte du Marquin smiled. And the First Gardener felt a twinge ofbut it was toote.

 Yes, First Gardener. I request adjudication by Druidand I name the Druids Shassa and Nalthaliarstrelous to pass judgment!

 The room went quiet. Saliss began tough again. He nodded at Lyte and she inclined her head to him.

 -

 A non-Oteslian [Druid] cannot pass judgment in Oteslia!

 He is the highest of his circle in Invrisil.

 Hes biased

 I am a [Druid]. Be silent or I will hit you.

 Nalthaliarstrelous stood with Druid Shassa in the center of the arguing crowd. More than one [Druid] hade; they knew about the precious flowers. But Lyte had requested the two by name.

 She had remembered, as a [Princess] does, how the child-kidnapping [Druids] had intended to go to Oteslia. How clever! Magnolia Reinharts great warrior of nature, here in Oteslia when she was.

 Perhaps it was just coincidence. Now, Nalthaliarstrelous regarded her. He turned to Shassa as they eyed one of the flowers taken from the two surviving gardensboth under watch. Theyd be confiscated by Saliss and Xif if they won.

 If not? They went to the people of Oteslia.

 It is clear someone stole all the flowers, Druid Nalthaliarstrelous.

 Shassa ventured after a moment. The [Spider Druid] was clearly nervous.

 He was not. The [Druid] looked at Lyte.

 Yes, someone. Thieves, no doubt, with a reason to do so.

 She smiled innocently back, keeping her face straight. Nalthaliarstrelous pointed.

 I mean, you.

 But there is no proof, Druid.

 She calmly replied. Everyone was ring. Nalthaliarstrelous harrumphed.

 I do not need proof. You called for [Druids]. The evidence is in as the smile on your face. Which is my evidence. Exin yourself, Miss Solstice.

 The [Princess] did not sweat. She did incline her head.

 Very well, elder [Druids]. Perhaps the flowers were stolen. Destroyed?

 Destroyed?

 Igniz repeated. Lyte didnt even look at him.

 Who knows? But Druid Nalthaliarstrelous

 His eyebrows rose as she actually pronounced his name.

 I believe you and I, and Druid Shassa, know that there was only one ce they came from. And if they appeared in ces other than that of Xif and Saliss gardens, they were stolen. I have no proof. But you were there.

 Both had walked Erins [Garden of Sanctuary]. They had seen the flowers. Nalthaliarstrelous had evenmented on them. Shassa bit her lip and looked at Nalthaliarstrelous.

 His eyes narrowed.

 Burning such nts should be a crime. And if they can help Otesliamany people and animals, I rule that they should be spread around as widely as can be, as Sages Grass was, rather than hoarded!

 Lyte felt sweat run down her back. Shed forgotten how much he made her mad. But this was her shot. So she went on, nodding.

 Perhaps so, Druid Nalthaliarstrelous. But do you deny that it is also wrong to steal and lie about the truth, even if it is obvious but without evidence?

 She indicated the Oteslians and they shifted. Nalthaliarstrelous snorted.

 This entire affair is petty and childish. I agree with that. And I say those flowers came from one garden alone. Druid Shassa. Do you deny that?

 IIbut they were grown elsewhere and they are nts, Druid Nal

 He glowered at her and raised his staff. Half the [Druids] edged away from his wrath. Shassa actually had to block his staff as it swung at her head.

 Okay! Yes! I dont see how they could havee from anywhere else!

 The First Gardener looked worried.

 But Druid Nalthaliarstrelous, this incident is highly tenuous. Could we perhaps take a break to

 You called for [Druids]! We dont wait on justice!

 He snapped back. She looked at the other Oteslian [Druids]. Lyte just smiled.

 Druid Nalthaliarstrelous. Let me assure you of one thing. Oteslia will not be without the faerie flowers. But it will ede to basicw of possession.

 The old man in his filthy robes looked at her.

 Exin.

 Saliss and Xif have their flowers. Oteslia can trade for them. But they will trade.

 She met his eyes. The [Druid] harrumphed.

 So thats your game. If you werent the littlendfriends mother, I would hit you. As it is[Stinking Cloud].

 Wha

 Lyte was engulfed in a cloud of putrid, foul brown air. She stumbled out of it, coughing and hacking. Nalthaliarstrelous was already turning away.

 The flowers are the [Alchemist]s. They were stolen, and it is a crime to steal that which was so carefully raised and taken care of. Shut up, all of you!

 The other [Druids] were protesting. Nalthaliarstrelous raised his staff and Lyte saw druid-politics at its finest. He shouted on.

 They came from a ce of old roots and power! You know they were stolen, shared about! Well, this is whates of lies and deceit. Buy the damn things! They must be boughtso be it! Beg or buy for them. This judgment is over!

 He mmed his staff on the ground and walked off. Lyte shouted an insult at his back and got another [Stinking Cloud] to the face.

 But shed won.

 -

 Afterwards, Lyte regretted tellinghintingfor Wilovan and Ratici to burn their stash. But Saliss and Xif had flowers, and she hadnt been sure if Mivifa would order them searched.

 Better to deny anything.

 She soaked for three hours before the magical spell abated. Feathi was fanning her dry as the first people slowly came to negotiate.

 Saliss and Xif were waiting. They had desires. Lots of herbs, ingredientsand they were about as kindly-disposed to the people who wanted the flowers as Lyte was to Nalthaliarstrelous.

 However, there was business to be done. And more than one [Researcher] wanted those flowers. Sothey had to negotiate.

 It had begun. And it had only taken two days. Lyte sighed as she saw Dromenl in the waiting crowd. She beckoned at him, smiling.

 Mivi looked at the strange Human girl. She eyed Saliss and Xif, who had put their feet up on the table while Igniz took a seat, having to drag it across the room.

 How things changed. Just a few more things had shifted in those two days, that not even Lyte could predict.

 Rumors about the heist. Oh, what a splendid job. How skillful. You might apud if you heard about it and realized a small group had done itand a new one to the city.

 Oteslias gangs were unhappy. Not as it were. They were as angry as could be. They had been assured burning down Xifs shop would skyrocket the value of the flowers. Nowwhat theyd been intending to steal once the value was established was in a Named Adventurers ws. They began to ask just whom had tread in their city.

 The second thing? A Dragon was daydreaming as he sat, rather unhappily, with his mother at a tea time.

 So that Human was a mother? No way. So young. Cire knew it happenednever to anyone he slept withbut Fetale had been talking about it. He couldnt imagine

 Hed known Lyon was special when he looked at her. But why? He didnt care about the flowers, but Mivi had dropped by to say she might have ess to a skateboard soon, which was totally Archmage. He yawned at the table and the First Gardener judged him.

 Cirediel! Be polite. I am so sorryshould I say Lady Reinhart, or?

 The Dragon looked up. A woman dressed in pink smiled at him as a [Maid] stiffly poured more tea. Magnolia Reinhart met Cires eyes and he thought there was something too-knowing about her look. But then the [Lady] wasughing.

 You must call me Magnolia, Shaerrha! We should be friends before we part! But do tell me about that curious incidentand what was that young womans name? Lyon? How very interesting.

 Cire blinked and sat back. At least it seemed like interesting things hade to Oteslia. He wouldnt be bored for a while. And he had heard Rafaema wasing too.

 He was excited for that, even if hed y it cool. He eyed the tall [Maid]. He wondered if he could talk to her instead of the [Lady]. She was probably into him.

 That would be so Archmage.

 -

 [Worldly Princess Level 23!]

 [Skill Endowment of the Thief obtained!]

 Lyte woke up from a nap with a single faerie flower on her nkets. Feathi ate it and then went cross-eyedor as much as a horse could. Lyte eyed her chest and sighed in relief.

 Authors Note: Too many words! Also, someones got to read them! If you didnt seeBook 3 ising out! And yes, they are books now.

 ng is hard. Writing Cire is actually so hard.

 I might have been able to do two chapters. But I challenge myself every time I write! Somehow, its never sessful when that challenge is to write less!

 But I got through everything on my notes for this chaptersometimes I dont, and perhaps thats a good thing. But I did, so thats that. Let me know what you think and thanks for reading! Until next timeconsider preordering the audiobook or spreading the word!

 The Goblin yer, a [Princess], and Talia by Plushie!

 Foliana and Ivolethe plushies by Kalmia!

 Geneva, Dominance, Fierre, and more by Chalyon!

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Book 8: Chapter 7: L