Book 8: Chapter 57: H


    He was right, all along. I think I knew it, deep down, or at least, I thought he had a point. But he was right. Necromancy is just magic. It is all just magic. Everything we are


    The half-Elf hesitated. She took the circlet off her head and stared at it. She dropped it, and it rang as it struck the floor.


    But it was still on her head.


    Its just magic. Good and evil are spells we cast to call things that. It doesnt matter what the truth <i>is</i>, just how we react to things. What matters is what we believe.


    She yed with the smooth, dark bone of the thin circlet. She touched the jewels set into a glittering, golden crown, heavy enough to hang low on the head. It changed. But it was hers. And it whispered to her what it was and what it could do. Or were those her thoughts?


    Ceria Springwalker closed her eyes. She stood, facing the mirror, and looked at herself. The half-Elf spoke.


    What Im trying to say is


    She hesitated. Looked herself in the eye, and smiled.


    Im not very good at being pretentious. Even a magic circlet cant stop me from being an idiot.


    Ceria grinned wider. Then she reached up and touched the circlet again.


    Its not half-bad, though.


    A glittering circlet of bone set with a single frozen crystal as pale as ice sat on her head. A line with a single faint snowkettice holding the gem. Ceria nodded and closed her eyes.


    Freedom.


    She spread her arms, and the gem glowed faintly. Magic surrounded her, and her mind feltshe left something behind. Or it lost its hold on her. The circlet glowed, and she knew it had powers she hadnt even begun to tap into.


    But the first of these was this: she looked at herself and thought of everything that was, and everything that mattered to her. From a different point of view.


    Free from morality. Free from conscience. Free fromeverything. A mind unfettered, made more intelligent.


    Atst, Ceria Springwalker looked at herself. Her grin turned rueful and crooked. She touched the circlet.


    Heavy.


    She didnt take it off.


    They called herIce Squirrel.


    The Frozen Chipmunk.


    The Mouth of the Horns of Hammerad. Yet-girl. Okay, the Mouth nickname was a stretch, but she didnt have other names.


    Truly. She was just Captain of the Horns of Hammerad. Gold-rank [Cryomancer]. The Sirens possible new squeeze. That half-Elf with the bone hand who kept eating everything in sight but was fun to drink with.


    She was new to Gold-rank, so she didnt have a nickname like Halrac the Grim. It said a lot that her greatest im to fame was the Vige of the Dead raid


    And the only title that mattered. That even Savereswless lot respected.


    <i>Crelerbane. </i>Hells Warden.


    That you respected. But the half-Elf herself wasinoffensive. Amusing more than charming, but she was friendly, personable, and you knew her rough level and capabilities. She couldnt <i>move</i> Savere;pared to the Bleakbeaks, let alone Bloodtear. Or <i>Shifthold</i>, which was now at port in a berth isted from the others.


    She wasnt there yet. Most people werent. Most people would never be, so it was easy tough or ignore her one-note trick, which was stuffing her face full of food until it looked like she had doubled the holding capacity of her face.


    Until the circlet appeared on her head. Until you saw a <i>Relic-ss item</i> sitting on her head, and heard it was cursed in some way. Until you realized all the times youd pped her on the back or made fun of her, and all the times she was silly and idiotic and her guard was down


    <i>It had always been there.</i> Invisible.


    Thenwhen she turned to you with her cheeks full of food and grinnedwell, there was a horror to that.


    Omusc, the [Piger], and the other [Bandits] in the enforcement squad whod taken Nerhs, the little, no-name vige which had led to all this, were sitting at Cerias table. A bit away from her. The banquet hall of Saveres capital, Runsblud, was strangely quiet.


    <i>Ib a chubby chipmunkh!</i>


    Ceria grinned around. No oneughed. Omusc stared at the circlet on Cerias head.


    <i>It had changed again.</i> It was now a pale bone circlet with some kind of ice jewel. It sat on the half-Elfs dirty blonde hair, glinting innocuously, without the true sheen of powerful magic. Indeed, when you cast [Detect Magic] or used a Skill, it was like a piece of scrap.


    Omusc needed to use the bathroom. Her stomach had an <i>explosive</i> anchor it wanted to drop. She was more nervous than mostbecause she had both [Innate Spell: Detect Magic] <i>and </i>[Quick Appraisal], and a host of Skills pertaining to her ss.


    [Piger]. Which meant get the most valuable items and run in a raid. An important ss, which also meant she was apetent leader if need be, and a good fighter. She tried her [Quick Appraisal] again.


    <i>Nice-looking headband: piece of carved bone and a ss gemstone. Probably worth 9 copper to a reseller. A few silver for the looks.</i>


    That was what her Skill told her. Her <i>Skill</i> said that thing was a piece of crap that only looked good.


    Omuscs brain told her that was a Relic with a curse that had outsmarted the Siren of Savere <i>and</i> her Skills. Her guts churned.


    Ceria turned her head around, looking disappointed at theck of a reaction. She swallowed with difficulty, nearly choked on her mouthful, and sipped some water.


    Come on. Nothing?


    She looked around, grinning. As if today was just like yesterday, before theyd found out what was on her head.


    Alright, I need a new trick. But Im not shoving anything up my nose. One of my friends tried that once. She tripped. Did not end well.


    A few of the [Bandits] chuckled unwillingly. That was funny, and horrific to imagine. Ceria smiled. She turned to Omusc, and the [Piger] met her gaze. Ceria raised her brows.


    Its the circlet, isnt it?


    Yeah.


    Normally Omusc would snap back, something like, what did you think it was, idiot? But she just held her tongue. Ceria sighed. She thoughtfully reached up and lifted the circlet off her head. Everyone stared at it as she put it on the table. The half-Elf took a breath. She blinked a few times and scratched at her head, repeatedly.


    Whoof. Okayhow about now?


    Everyone looked at the circlet, sitting on the table next to her te. Omusc eyed it.


    Ice SquirrelCeria. Thats not a good


    Ceria blinked at her, reaching for her drink. Then there was a <i>sh</i> across the ground.


    <i>Hey!</i>


    Ceria grabbed for it, toote. Someone <i>dove</i>, and the circlet <i>vanished</i>. Omusc whirled, cursing, as the table burst into chaos. [Bandits] leapt, grabbing, drawing des, but the [Thief] was already half over the table and vaulting another.


    <i>Stop them! Theyve got the</i>


    Omusc saw other diners surging to their feet. The [Thief] went for a window. She never made it.


    Someone leapt up from their table and dove at her. She did an [Evasive Roll], ducked a thrown chairand ran right into a de.


    A [Knifemaster] sitting at another table didnt bother standing up. They just tossed the de through her chestthen grabbed for the circlet. Omusc saw a brawl breaking out. Everyone was trying to grab the circlet. Some were trying to put it onothers toss it in their bag of holding and book it.


    Damn


    She surged to her feet, drawing her own de, and saw Ceria sitting there. She was picking at her te, ignoring the fighting, helping herself to another bite of gravy-covered meatballs, todays special. Omusc eyed her. Ceria nced up.


    Ceria! Arent you going to


    The [Enforcement Raider], Abelesque, stopped, staring at the two of them. Her crew was watching the fight, but reluctant to wade in. There were three bodies on the floor and from the bloodthey wouldnt be getting back up.


    <i>Enough!</i>


    The Siren of Savere herself came bursting into the room with a wave of water. The fighters looked up, saw her aiming a finger, and ran for it. Some put up their weapons; the ones with the circlet went for the window again.


    A st of water went through a back like an arrow, pressurized force cutting through armor and flesh. But someone <i>tossed</i> the circlet and six figures <i>leapt</i> out, never mind the two-story drop.


    <i>Recover the circlet!</i>


    The Siren shouted. Her personal, loyal fighters went for the window and doors. She whirled, face white with anger and


    And then she saw Omusc, staring at Ceria, slowly sheathing her de. The other bandits, all looking at Ceria.


    The half-Elf calmly took a huge bite of her breakfast and nced around. It was that casual act that let the other diners knowthey turned.


    Four dead in this room, not counting the original [Thief]. The Siren focused on Cerias head. Her hair was a bit messy, and there was no indentation, no circlet. Ceria looked up, and her pale eyes glinted.


    Alright. I think Ive got it. First trick? Chubby chipmunk. Heres the second icebreaker. A magic trick. First you see it, then I let someone take it. Then


    She tapped the side of her head.


    <i>Tada.</i>


    <i>The circlet was back on her head.</i> As if it had never left. Omusc recoiled and mmed into another [Bandit]. It wasnt just that it had been <i>invisible</i>a strand of hair had been right there, where the circlet was. Had it reappeared? Teleported? Messed with her appearance?


    Ceria sat there, looking around as Revine Zecrew, Omusc, and the others looked at her.


    Just thought Id get that out there so no one tries grabbing it. So how about it? Maybe Ill work on it so there are fewer bodies next time. I didnt think anyone would fall for it.


    She winked at Omusc and nced at the five fallen figures in the room. Ceria took a sip of water. The [Piger] looked at Ceria and something escaped her mouth. Abelesque toounprompted, unrehearsedthey startedughing.


    It wasnt exactly amusedughter. At the same time? That half-Elf, sitting there, eating with an icebreaker that killed five people?


    That was Saveres kind of humor. Ceria got the joke. She grinned and winked as a few people threw food or utensils, cursing at her. They sat back down and the Siren eyed Ceria. She turned on her heel, but not before snapping.


    Ceria, my floor. Fifteen minutes.


    The half-Elf nodded. She saw a few figures get up and saunter over for a quick word or to keep cursing her out. A [Trickster] wanted to congratte her, and Omusc watched. From being a Gold-rank in a foreign city to now?


    She was a little <i>too</i> good at fitting in. Everything Omusc thought she had pegged down about Ceria was pping around in a storm. The real question waswhat would happen next? Everyone wanted to know. And that included people who would have never cared about Ceria a few weeks ago.


    The Siren of Savere rarely felt nervous. Tenseangryyes. But afraid?


    She had faced down gang leaders and [Pirate Captains], from the famous Admiral Seagrass to the Drowned Folks deadliest marauders. Sometimes shepromised or eded against her will, but it was Revines firm belief that she could kill anyone who sailed the sea. Some battles would almost certainly result in her death, but there was always the possibility that anyone who crossed her would end up with a hole in their forehead.


    By contrast, she didnt like unknown quantities. What bothered her wasnt an overwhelmingly strong person, because you could run from them or bargain, or team up. It was not knowing how someone would jump when the storm rolled in.


    It was part of the reason why she and her sister didnt get along. The Siren of Savere paced around her rooms on the top floor of the Sirens Lookoutthe informal nickname for Runsbluds pce.


    She was half-watching Ceria out of the corner of her eye. The [Cryomancer] was reading a spellbook and standing in the practice rooms, which could contain high-grade magical spells. She was currently posing on one foot like a martial artist, the other foot resting against her knee. The spellbook floated in front of her as Ceria raised both hands upwards, spreading her fingers in aplicated pose. Every few seconds, the page would flip and Cerias eyes would skim across it.


    What in the name of Rhirs hells is she doing?


    Revine craned her neck, trying to find purpose in the pose. There were ways to chant to enhance a spell, or poses one could take; there was even a magical theory which proposed supporting spells with naturalistic movements to coordinate the flow of mana could enhance or facilitate easier casting.


    Ceria just looked like an idiot. She stood on the tips of her toes; Revine admitted it was astonishing bnce. Then she did a quick transfer andnded on her other foot, repeating the one-legged pose.


    The Siren wasnt the only one watching the antics. A Drake with a huge, white beard and robes was watching, eyes locked on the circlet on her head. So were the servants, gazing at Ceria out of the corners of their eyes.


    Revine? Are you there? Revine? I think we lost her. Hey, turn the ship around! We need better reception! Try riding that wave over there or something


    The Siren snapped back to reality. She lifted the customized speaking stone to her lips.


    I can still hear you, Rasea.


    Her voice was resigned. She heard that famous tone, like it wasughing at all times, and, behind it, the chatter of a ship. Then Rasea Zecrew, one of the most famous [Pirates] in the world, spoke.


    Good! Good! So hows Savere, Revine? Lots of interesting things happening? Stolen anything good, recently? I heard the Empress of Beasts is loose. Say, are the Bloodtear Pirates hanging out there? I heard one of their navies was sailing in.


    Revine closed her eyes. She had a headache.


    Everything isfine here, sister.


    They were having a speaking stone call. Which was not actually thatmon, even though such spells were possible. But to carry on a conversation in real time rather than a [Message] spell, you needed a Wistram-trained [Mage] who could enchant two identical lodestones of enough power to carry on a conversationand even then it only worked within a certain radius of Savere.


    Often Rasea, a [Pirate Captain] who sailed the <i>Illuminary</i>, the worlds fastest ship, would often be far too far away to carry on a conversation. However, Revine was a [Bandit Queen], and that conferred certain privileges.


    Such as them not having to worry about this speaking stones call being interrupted, which was a real hazard of mostmunication spells. Even so, long-distance calls werent thatmonmainly because the two sisters didnt often get along.


    Yet right now, Rasea was cordial, even chatty.


    Good old Runsblud. Is the Hanged Bait still open? No ones shanked old Ernol yet?


    As far as I know, no.


    Hah! Hes got more lives than a Cat O Nine Lives! I miss his drinks, though. Finest in any port, isnt that right,sses?


    There was a chorus in the background to the effect of, <i>aye, Captain!</i>, <i>never had better!</i>, <i>Im one of theds, Captain</i>, and so on. Rasea went on as Revine rolled her eyes.


    You know, its been too long since we talked. We should have a drink. Head out! Have a night in some coastal port, sink a few ships. What do you say?


    Revine sighed.


    Rasea. Youve heard about my guest, havent you?


    A pause, infinitesimal, followed by a heartyugh.


    <i>What? </i>Guest? I dont know <i>what</i> youre talking about, sister. Although, if youve got guests, I should meet them, eh? We can swap stories. I was on the trail of those [Strategists] and those damned Swords of Serept, but theyre ind and I dont feel like sailing up a river with all those Drakes about. I just thought Id head back, embrace my sister


    Rasea. Stop it.


    Of her many qualities, good and badand she had manyRasea Zecrew was not exactly known for subtlety, and Revine knew her well. She was drawn to action and stories like a bee to sugar or Dreamleaf. Rasea paused, clearly thinking on how to tackle things next.


    Alright, big sis. My favorite sisterso, uh, youve got that famous Gold-rank team, eh?


    Just one. Dont tter me.


    Is it <i>ttery</i>? Were family!


    You tried to stab me thest time we met.


    Only because <i>you</i>you know what? Lets let bygones be bygones. Im just curious, Revine.


    You and half the world.


    The Siren watched as Ceria cast a spell. [Ice Wall]. It rose upwards and she hopped over on one leg to inspect it. She put a hand to the wall, frowning. <i>What was she doing?</i>


    Will this take long? I dont want your ship in my ports. I have a gang war brewing and theres a Drowning Nighting


    <i>Mistake.</i>


    You dont <i>say.</i> How big? Bloodtear started it, didnt they? Hah! You couldnt ask them to postpone it until we get there?


    If youe anywhere within ten miles of Savere, I will sink the<i> Illuminary</i>. Clear off!


    Revine snapped. Rasea paused.


    Dont be like that, Revine. I just want to <i>see</i> this Relic. So its so good it fooled you, huh?


    Her tone was now needling. Revine knew what she was doing butit was working. She gritted her teeth.


    Not just me. Omniscel the Omnipotent fell for it himself.


    A high-level [Enchanter] <i>and</i> my big sister? Well, well, well.


    You are noting here. The Relics probably bound to Ceria Springwalker andI am warning you, Rasea.


    Just tell me what it <i>does.</i> Its an Archmages circlet, isnt it? Not too useful for me. If its all sparkles and spells, Ill leave you alone, so lets talk, huh?


    Revine hesitated. That was true. Rasea loved treasure, but she liked magical swords and armor more than artifacts she couldnt use. She sighed. Family always knew how to push your buttons.


    Its some kind of powerful mental circlet. Thats all I know. It can create false copies that fool everyoneand its cursed. Or at least, the [Enchanter] thinks so. He thinks it attached itself to Ceria when she picked it up.


    Rasea whistled through the stone.


    Interest<i>ing.</i> Ive seen a few of those. Is it sentient?


    Revines back prickled.


    I dont know. But the only effects Omniscel has traced have been enhancing intelligenceand something called Freedom from Morality.


    <i>Oho.</i> And what does that do?


    The Siren of Savere stared at Ceria, who was hopping about, casting [Ice Spikes] at a target with one foot. She spoke, slowly.


    As far as I can telleither the intelligence booster isnt that effective, or this half-Elf truly needed it. As for morality?


    Rasea cackled in the background and Revine was silent.


    I just watched her pull a prank over breakfast that killed five people. She didnt even blink.


    Savere had many stone-cold killers, but even they had some reaction to death. Ceria? It didnt even put a sway in her step. Revine lowered the speaking stone. Ceria had just done a hop and <i>crashed</i> face-first onto the ground. The circlet hadnt gone flying, though; it stayed anchored to her head like it was glued on.


    I have to go. Dont add to my troubles, Rasea. <i>Shifthold</i> just docked, and I have to deal with that.


    Some of Raseas crew had clearly been listening in, because there were groans, and Rasea herself sounded less enthusiastic.


    <i>Shifthold?</i> Maybe its not worth a quick trip after all. Blegh. Illthink about it, sis. I am bored. Im almost tempted to see if we can sack Medain and free the King of Duels. But we have <i>work,</i> and I suppose its not that interesting. Hey, if that circlet does anything else interesting like free teleportation? Just say the word and Ill kidnap some handsome [Prince] for


    Revine hung up. She was half-tempted to toss the stone out of her open-air balcony, but instead she just tucked it away with a sigh. Then she strode over to the practice rooms and threw the clear ss door open.


    <i>What are you doing?</i>


    She stared down at Ceria Springwalker. The half-Elf nced up as Omniscel half-crouched next to her, shouting.


    Thats right! <i>One, two, three! Testicles! </i>Hows that for Magus Grimalkin impressions?


    He tried to flex, and Ceria broke off from doing pushups. She looked at Revines incredibly annoyed face and wiped at her brow.


    Im, uh, doing tests. Omniscel, you can stop. I think theres <i>definitely</i> no physical enhancements in the circlet. No bnce, no speed, and definitely no strength. I can barely do thirty pushups in a row.


    The Drake [Enchanter] lowered his arms, unflexed, and began writing notes, which was ironically an even better impression of Grimalkin than before.


    Interesting. Youd think theyd add that in, but maybe its tooplex with mental magic. Or they had a limited amount of enchanting capacity, even for a Relic-ss object.


    Testing?


    Revine realized Cerias stupid antics had a point. Ceria pushed herself up and shrugged.


    Yeah. Now I know Im wearing it, Im letting Omniscel help me figure out what it does. Its definitely helping me concentrate, butno physical boosting.


    You seemed fairly well-bnced.


    Ceria had stood on one leg for five minutes without wobbling. The half-Elf shrugged.


    Thats not new. See?


    To prove it, she grabbed her right foot and began hopping about in a circle, then doing a spin-hop that Revine thought would make her throw up or fall over.


    Ceria did neither, and she spun, lifted a finger, and shot an ice spike into a painted target across the room. She hit dead-center.


    Huh.


    Omniscel eyed Ceria, impressed. So was Revine.


    Did Illphres teach you that, too?


    Ceria smiled sadly.


    No. I learned that. She taught me how to <i>aim,</i> but she never adventured; you have to know how to run, turn, and hit your targets.


    Huh. Revine had neverher aim was supetive, and it had to be since she could hit a target at extreme range, beating out an ordinary [Archer] with a longbow with her infamous [Water Spray] condensed into a pinpoint jet.


    However, she had to admit, she didnt practice the running spellcasting of adventurers. Could she do that?


    <i>Never when anyone could see me.</i>


    I always had good aim, Omniscel, even before I went to Wistram. Its not an eye-booster.


    Ceria was reading his notes over his shoulder. The Drake crabbed away from her.


    Stop altering my impartial observations!


    He slowly underlined eye-booster just to spite her. Ceria shrugged. Then she went back to studying the spellbook.


    And what are you doing now?


    The Siren was of two minds on Ceria. Firstly, she realized why her [Corruptors] had been as effective as spit; Ceria was alreadypromised by a possibly greater force.


    <i>Was the circlet sentient? What kind of curses did it have? Could Ceria be trusted?</i>


    She was thus uncertain if training Ceria or keeping her anywhere near Runsblud was wise. There were cursed objects that transformed you or ate your mind


    But Ceria was Illphres apprentice. Moreover, for all her antics, she herself seemed intelligent enough to know wearing a foreign Relic was a problem.


    Are there any other curses, Omniscel? You can tell, cant you?


    The Drake frowned.


    Its not that easy. Sure, your average face-melting enchantment is pretty easy. That acid spell doesnt belong. But all the <i>real</i> curses look like beneficial magic. So, um, if you wake up as some kind of horror in the night, Ill be sleeping far away from your rooms. <i>But</i>


    He sighed.


    I dont think its cursed like that? Its just got enchantments that are dubiously beneficial.


    Youre basing that on your instincts?


    The Drake looked offended. He tugged at his beard; it <i>was</i> real, but the Siren had heard he just used a beard-tonic for some inane reason.


    Context, Siren, <i>context.</i> Ceria snatched it from their of a powerful [Necromancer] as he was apparently killed in an ambush. You dont leave powerful cursed objects just lying around unless youre <i>really</i> sadistic or some kind of [Mastermind] who expects adventurers to try on objects like that. It sounds like this was his personal circlet. Soits probably safe.


    He made air quotes with his ws. Ceria nodded.


    I could take it off, but I dont feel any different. Just dumber. Slower.


    She lifted the circlet off her head. The Siren and Omniscel both looked skeptical. Ceria scowled at them.


    Its actually off my head. See? I only notice the mental aspect.


    If thats so, then let Omniscel inspect it.


    The Siren reached out for the circlet, preparing a containing spell, and Omniscel backed up.


    <i>Containment! Containment first</i>


    Ceria instantly lowered the circlet back onto her head as the Siren approached.


    And now its back on.


    Revine halted, ring at her. She got Cerias nd smile in return.


    What are you doing?


    Keeping the circlet, Siren Revine. Im not an idiot, even without it on. I dont <i>really</i> want to give away a Relic-ss item. Ill never get it back if I hand it over. Soeven if theres a chance something is eating my brain, I suppose I have to take it.


    The Siren eyed Ceria.


    You dont trust me?


    Ceria snorted. She smiled, but she raised one eyebrow and Revine blushed.


    Im not exactly a greenhorn, Siren. But it doesnt change the fact that Im your guest, either. If you want to keep teaching me magicwe can definitely talk about deals. But the circlets off the table.


    The Siren hesitated. Ceria was calm and cool. Collected. Her nervousness and uncertainty were gone, and Revine had to wonder if <i>that</i> was an act. Was any of Cerias personality real?


    That was the uncertainty she didnt like about the circlet. That, and the other factions interested in Ceria. Butafter a moment, Revine nodded.


    What are you studying, then? More spells?


    At least this exined how Ceria was mastering magic in a fraction of the time she should have, missed tutge from Illphres or not. The half-Elf gestured at the book, and the Siren saw it was <i>Fundamentals of Ice Magic</i>, which sounded like a beginners bookbut was more theory than actual spellbook.


    Ive got one chance to improve myself. I was always behind Pisces a bitand I never got to study, just adventure. I want to learn the kind of magic that willplete my training. I think Im getting it. Hardening ice, changing itspositionextra-cold ice.


    Can you do ice cubes that only make a drink <i>cool</i>, not super-cold? Id pay a fortune for those on demand.


    Omniscel waved a w. Ceria and Revine stared at him, and he backed up.


    Just a joke. Just a joke. [Cryomancers] and [Hydromancers], not a drop of humor in them. [Pyromancers], now, a ball ofughs and a house on fire


    You want to change theposition of your ice?


    Ceria smiled.


    Thats right. I can do [ciersheet Ice], and that held off even an Adult Creler. But ice magic is adaptive. Versatile. It


    <i>Is strong because you can create anything you can imagine with it.</i>


    Revine finished her sentence. Those were Illphres words. She looked at Ceria, and the half-Elf nodded. Revine mumbled.


    She used to argue with me all the time that <i>ice</i> could be more adaptive than water.


    Thats what she always told me.


    Shes clearly wrong.


    Ceria snorted, then caught Revines re and raised her hands.


    Do you know some of the other ice qualities? Thats what Id like to focus on. Rough ice, blood ice? Its what I need, right now.


    Need?


    The half-Elf tapped the side of her head. The circlet glinted and Revine stared at that, but Ceria met her eyes.


    Yes. Ive been thinking about my weaknesses as a [Mage] andits not the circlet talking. Its just me, Siren. Its still just me.


    Revine wished she could believe that. But she nodded, nheless, and began speaking with Ceria. The half-Elf listened, eyes bright, circlet shining. She continued on as normal with nothing being normal.


    That evening, the Bleakbeaks began attacking Bloodtear Pirates who walked alone or unwisely moved about in smaller groups on the streets. The Bloodtear Pirates demanded an audience with the Siren of Savere.


    And so did Alchemist Irurx, the captain of <i>Shifthold</i>.


    How much time had he wasted, in days of peace andfort? If he had worked a bit hardernow, when it matteredit might have helped more.


    The first real attack on Pisces caravan came roughly a week into their journey through the ss Straits. He stumbled out of his tent and saw the enemying clearly by day.


    <i>Day</i>, because they slept during the day and travelled at night; the <i>re</i>ing off the ss Straits meant the freed [ves] and [Bandits] had to camp in the shade of a dune. It also meant the ss Straits were both as bright as the sun itself and <i>hot</i>. So hot the sand melted into the very ss that formed this long stretch ofnd.


    They had been safe for a week. Pisces had feared the worst when the flying carpet found them, but it had been downed by the Necromancer, Azkerash, and he had assured Pisces he would hold back Roshals eyes as best he could.


    <i>He had failed. Or something else had consumed his attention, because Roshal was still pursuing them.</i> Not with elite [ve Masters] or [ve Lords], but with rank-and-file. With hired mercenaries and expendable troops. Pisces could not know how many had died, sniped out of the air by spells.


    He <i>did</i> see Roshals attacking force, though. Like the Goblins who had raided the caravanthey hit hard and fast.


    <i>[Sand Mercenaries].</i> They charged out of the sands, riding camels, both people and mounts equipped with visors to shield them from the bright re, screaming, shrieking.


    <i>To arms! Get up! Get to your squads!</i>


    Merr the Storm was bellowing as Pisces raced out of his tent, fumbling with his robes, rapier drawn. He whirledsaw Roshals warriorsand then saw them <i>screaming</i>, fleeingPisces hesitated.


    <i>What the?</i>


    One of them <i>vanished</i> as a beam of something sted a hole in his back. The camels were running, wide-eyed, and half of them were on foot. Running <i>towards</i> their camp. Away from the real attackers.


    <i>Monsters! Monsters from the ss Straits!</i>


    Merr realized what was happening faster than Pisces. Roshals mercenaries were being routed. They had snuck up on the caravanonly to be ambushed in turn. But by <i>what?</i>


    Hidden from the ring ss road by the dune, the people could only see shes of something. A kind of ray-spell, to Pisces eyes. Screamsbut no sound he could pick up on the other side. Pisces searched for Merr.


    She had parked the wagons in a circle around their camp, and now she had a standard defensive line. Fighters with spears and swords to hold the gaps, and people with bows trained on the crest of the dune.


    <i>Merr! </i>I will scout it out!


    She looked at him, hesitated; Pisces saw her ncing around, then she swore and called back.


    Dont lose your head!


    He nodded. No dont take a risk; they had to know <i>what</i> was attacking. Monsters, someone had said. But what?


    [Invisibility]. [Muffle]. [sh Step]Pisces crested the hill and went blind. The <i>re</i> from the ss Straits! He tried to shade his eyes, but he didnt know the spell


    <i>Spells.</i> A [Mage]s toolbox, and if he had a proper,plete spellbook, he would have looked upPisces squinted, then swore. He came stumbling back, half-blind.


    Pisces! What is it?


    Eloque called out. Merr rode over. Pisces pointed.


    Some kind ofss monster. With a center eye. Not Crelers. Not scorpions, but


    Merrs eyes flickered. She looked around, and a [Bandit] swore.


    Shield Kingdoms guard us. It must be Crystal Lights. Boss, boss, we have to move! Theyll set us all on fire!


    He was a Stitch-man. Merr licked her lips nervously.


    How many?


    Only sixty.


    Pisces assured her. But rather than reassure the [Bandit], he went pale.


    <i>Sixty?</i> Boss, we cant fight <i>sixty</i> of em! Theyll kill us before we close, and were blind out here!


    Merr swore.


    How fast do they move?


    Slow. We can outride them on horseback, even with wagons. But they have a range of


    <i>Mount up! Get rolling! You lotright up against the dune! Theye up, you take five swings and run!</i>


    Merr roared at once. She singled out a squad of [Bandits], who turned pale and hesitated. Merr snapped.


    Do it or Ill fill you with arrows! Ill cover us with a storm. Will that work?


    The [Bandit] looked up and brightened.


    Should do!


    Were running?


    Pisces was incredulous. He was still blinking spots out of his eyes, but the caravan numbered in the hundreds. There were sixty of the monstersMerr looked at him.


    Unless youre hiding the rest of your team up your ass? Yeah!


    We can win! I have a Skeleton Lord and


    Pisces was counting the [Bandits], but Merr seized his arm.


    Unless you want to lose lives, were <i>running.</i> This isnt an adventure, this is a [Bandit]s fight. We dont fight monsters unless we have to! Move!


    Pisces looked at her. She was ordering everyone to run, moving the wagons, hitching horsesMerr pointed as the shes and screaming stopped.


    Theyre already dead.


    Boss, call the storm <i>now.</i> If they see us, well die. They <i>shoot</i> rays of sunlight, and in the middle of the day, its like eating an enhanced [Fire Bolt] spell!


    Pisces hesitated. When you said it like <i>that</i>rays of light? He had only roughly made out a small group of shining things with six legs each, like a sort of spider with a strange <i>eye</i> in the center that shot a st of concentrated light.


    Sixty. Butwait.


    <i>How many of Roshals warriors had they killed? </i>How many rays could one of these Crystal Lights shoot each minute?


    Merr swore and raised her hand. The [Bandit Lady] shouted.


    [Summon Dust Storm]! <i>Go!</i>


    The first people in the caravan were already riding. The wind was picking up. Pisces saw a cloud of dust whirl up, obscuring the ring sun. He hesitated.


    Come on, Pisces!


    Eloque shouted. Bearig had Rophir in his saddle and was riding. Pisces looked back.


    Wait a moment. MerrIll catch up.


    You stupid? Dont try to buy timetheyre expendable, youre not! Theyre just going to tie them up for a second then go!


    Merr snapped, pointing at the rear guard. Pisces shook his head.


    Not that. The bodies. The <i>bodies</i>


    She blinked at him. Then she saw the [Necromancer] go full-tilt, shing back across the sands and up the dunes. Eloque shouted as a figure charged after Pisces. But then the first Crystal Light came over the dunes.


    They were half-lost against the sandstorm. But the sight of one was still disconcerting. It was a crawling, five-foot-tall monster with ss skin, like the ss ants that Pisces had seen. It had internal organs exposed to the light, but somehow the incredible heat didnt seem to bother the creature.


    Rather, it <i>focused</i> the heat into a single huge eye, and emitted a beam of light that turned sand to ss. It gnashed two pincers, and an open maw below the eye could tear and bite.


    But it was that <i>eye</i> that made them so dangerous. Merr pointed as the sandstorm blew around them, and more Crystal Lights came crawling over the dunes.


    <i>Go, go! The rest of you bastards, with me! Hold them off and then break! </i>Ride!<i></i>


    The sandstorm picked up, and the shing rays of heat melted the sand and dust, diffusing among the particles. More crawlers came over the dune, and but for the sandstormthe [Bandits] charged, fighting then breaking away to buy the caravan time.


    <i>It was bad fighting.</i> Merr hacked at a Crystal Light and found it was like trying to cut through iron armor. The ss was <i>hard,</i> and the center eye discharged a beam of light at her face. She swore, maneuveringthen saw the eye grow dimthen begin to light up, less than six secondster.


    <i>Zeikhal-damned monsters!</i>


    She lifted a throwing dagger and <i>hurled</i> it through the eye. The Crystal Light <i>screamed </i>in a low, warbling growl, and began shing at the air. Merr rode back, mming her de into the head of another.


    The [Bandits] were not faring well. To injure the Crystal Lights, you had to stab them in the eye, and that eye would st you with searing light. They fired so <i>fast.</i> A smaller group was no danger, but sixty could kill six <i>hundred</i> in the open if they got the chance to keep firing.


    The [Bandits] were no heroes. They hammered on the Crystal Lights, saw how tough they were, and began fleeing. The Crystal Lights <i>growled</i>, attacking, but were indeed slower than horses. However, they were scuttling to clear the sandstorm to where they could make a firing lhe first broke left, out of the whirling dust cloud, and its body <i>shone</i> with painful light. The eye grew brighter, and it trained on a distant wagon.


    Even hundreds of feet away, the wagon burst into me to screams from the people riding there. The eye grew brighter; the monster was <i>feeding</i> on the light, absorbing it to use its attack rapidly. By night it was far weaker. It took aim at a camel next; a meal for at least a few days


    Pisces ran it through the eye with his rapier. Panting, he saw the eye <i>burst,</i> and the monster <i>screamed</i>, but its brain wasnt behind the eye, instead suspended above it. It recoiled, and Pisces yanked the de free.


    Pisces! <i>Watch out, theyreing!</i>


    The [Necromancer] turned and <i>vanished.</i> Invisible, he walked left as more Crystal Lights emerged from the sandcloud. Merr was galloping back; she had warned him. Pisces saw one of the Crystal Lights focus on her and stepped forwards, angling for another eye-stab. He saw the monster hesitate


    <i>Then swivel towards him.</i> It <i>saw</i> him, somehow. The monster was locking onto his body heat, but Pisces couldnt know that. He threw himself sideways, and a beam sted through the air. He <i>felt</i> the heat cooking his side and rolled to his feet.


    The sand made moving hard. Andanother Crystal Light took aim. Pisces flicked his other hand up, then saw a figure charge out of the dust and <i>crash</i> into it.


    Ivery! The Skeleton Lord actually knocked the Crystal Light back with the force of his charge and began hammering on its head. The undead was so strong he began to <i>crack </i>the monsters armor, but the Crystal Light began snapping at him with its jaws. They failed to rend Iverys bones, and the Skeleton Lord continued hammering it down.


    But the rest of the sixty were emerging. Pisces was beating a fast retreat now that he realized this was a shooting gallery and that he was the closest target. The Crystal Light that had nearly singed him was lining up another shot. So he cursed, flicked his wrist, and activated the ring on his finger.


    <i>[Shatterbolt]. </i>A thin, pale sliver of energy struck the Crystal Light just on the side, missing its eye. Pisces cursed again; aiming was difficult with that trick


    <i>Then the monster exploded.</i>


    Pisces shielded his face. He saw the entire ss body <i>break </i>and the monsters insides rupture. It copsed, and even the other Crystal Lights slowed in dismay. Pisces wished he could do that twice.


    As he couldnt, he [sh Stepped] backwards, pointed a finger, and spoke.


    [Deathbolt]!


    A ck bolt struck one of the Crystal Lights, went through the armor, and it staggered, stunned. Woozily, it shuffled from side to side, then scuttled back into the cloud.


    <i>Two shots, then.</i> Pisces turned and ran. Because two Crystal Lights had been maimed in the eye, but only one was dead; Ivery was smashing into the brain of the next, but that meant there were <i>fifty-six</i> angry monsters about to unleash death-by-sunlight on Pisces.


    They were actually forming a battle line, lighting up and discharging beams of light. Pisces dodged left and right, feeling the air sizzle as Ivery ran for it as well. Some of the [Bandits] and mounts screamed as they were hit on the limits of the Crystal Lights range; their skin blistered, and some caught fire.


    Ironically, Ivery was the most immune; he just ran after Pisces, bones turning ck, but with no flesh to bake.


    <i>If only Ceria were here with an [Ice Wall]! </i>He couldnt cast [Bone Wall] withoutPisces threw himself behind a dune. The air over his head charred.


    [Bone Wall]!


    It took him only a few seconds to concentrate enough to throw it up. The ivory wall began charring as bones rose up to shield his retreat. Pisces got up and <i>ran.</i>


    His team. They could have helped fight that manynot that they would have after seeing what the things were capable of. But Yvlon could probably smash the Crystal Lights with pure strength. Ksmvr could <i>dodge,</i> and Ceria could shield them. Without them


    The <i>crack</i> made Pisces head turn. He nched; the angry monsters had just sted apart his wall of bones in seconds, heating it so fast that the bones <i>cracked</i> from the sheer heat. But he was almost out of rangealmostthe caravan just needed another five minutes! The Crystal Lights focused on Pisces as Merr whirled her horse.


    <i>Pisces!</i>


    She saw nearly <i>twenty</i> monsters focus on him from different angles. Ivery was <i>on fire</i> and running, iling his arms. The Crystal Lights eyes glowed in unison


    And then the first Ghoul came hurtling out of the smoke andtched onto the back of the nearest Crystal Light. It <i>jerked </i>as the feral undead began to hammer on its head. The Crystal Light scuttled back and forththen another sted the Ghoul off its friend. The monsters turned and saw their prey, the dead people, were getting back up.


    <i>It was round two.</i> Zombies and Ghouls charged forwards, grappling with the ss monsters. Merr saw Pisces look over his shoulder andugh. Nearly a hundred undead came out of the sandstorm, still wearing their charred armor. They didnt use weapons, not being intelligent enough to wield them, but they were strong as undead, fearless, and the Crystal Lights recognized the threat.


    The two sides began battering at each other, monsters cutting and <i>biting</i> the undead who shed at them with pure brute strength. Pisces and Merr, racing away as only a few beams shed overhead, saw the fighting.


    Dead gods. You really <i>are </i>a decent [Necromancer]! How manyd you get?


    All of them.


    <i>All of</i>


    Merr saw Pisces gulp for air. He felt like throwing up.


    I just burned through my entire mana well. Can I geta ride?


    She nodded and offered him a hand. Pisces swung himself up. He looked back and shook his head.


    Dead gods.


    The undead were <i>losing.</i> A hundred plus zombies and Ghouls were getting the hell kicked out of them by half that number. They tried to <i>bite</i> and w the ss armor of the Crystal Lights and did no damage at all, unless they hit the eye or just bore the monster down by sheer numbers. This was one foe that was a bad matchup. They would have arguably done better against <i>Mothbears.</i>


    Damn. No wonder the local lot were scared shitless of them.


    The Crystal Lights were setting the undead on fire. Pisces watched as the undead went down, some being torn aparthe whispered and jerked his fingers.


    Come. <i>Come.</i>


    Merr nced at him. By now, the caravan was out of danger.


    What are you doing?


    Trying to salvage some of them. Weve already lost over half their number. They were Stitch-folk.


    Cant you animateoh.


    Merr looked at the burning undead. The Stitch-folk had gone up like torches; there was nothing left to animate. As for the zombies and Ghouls? Wellsome were just incinerated. More vaporized than burned.


    However, the rest began to flee from the Crystal Lights, who kept sting them until they seemed to realize there was no point. They left the undead to stride on, burning. Pisces, panting, watched them follow as the caravan kept riding. Merr rode ahead.


    Hey! Stop running so fast or well run into a Sand Worm or something as bad! Slow! Slowhow far do they chase us? Well keep running until we find a new spot and


    The brush with monsters and the natural dangers of the ss Straits took another hour of marching before Merr called a halt. She told them to set up camp, and the weary people just threw down tents, climbed into them, and fell asleep.


    All those except the guards who had first watchand Pisces. Wearily, he sat, rubbing at blisters. He reached for a healing potion and a mana potionthen stopped.


    <i>We dont have enough to waste.</i> Grimacing, he resigned himself to the ring headache and burnt skin. He did sit down, but he had to stay awake.


    Eloque found him pping himself every few seconds as he kept nodding off.


    Pisces, what are you doing?


    I have to stay awake. Just a bit longera bit longerdont stop


    Eloque pped him across the face. None-too-gently. Pisces jerked. The Lizardwoman eyed him.


    Better?


    He rubbed his cheek.


    Thank you.


    Eloque smiled briefly, then looked up. A figure came jogging over the dunes. The [Bandits] looked up.


    <i>Att</i>oh. Its that thing.


    They eyed the burnt Skeleton Lord, who came to a halt, shield and sword in hand. Ivery trudged down the hill, lookingwell, a bit defeated. <i>They dont fight fair, chief.</i>


    Pisces ignored the Skeleton Lord. However, some of the [ves] saw Ivery and decided to remove the ash on his bones. Why they liked him


    There.


    He struggled to his feet after another fifteen minutes. Eloque had a cup of tea. She sipped at it as Pisces reached for it and hesitated.


    Oh, fine.


    She handed it to him with a grin. Pisces took a gulp. Then he nodded to the hill.


    No one panic. Its just undead.


    The [Bandits] looked at him. Eloque raised her brows, but the only person who noticeably reacted was Rophir. He stared at Pisces, then crawled into the tent he and Bearig shared.


    And, sure enough, a minuteter, the first charred body came over the hill. Eloque nched.


    Ew.


    The zombies and Ghouls were, like Ivery, a collection of terrible burn victims. Them being dead didnt change the fact that they looked horrible. What was perhaps worse?


    Dead <i>gods</i>, Pisces. It smells like charred meat. I dont <i>want</i> to be hungry.


    Merr came out when she heard the smallmotion. She paled, and Pisces nodded.


    I dont think these are as salvageable as I hoped.


    The [Bandit Lady] shook her head instantly.


    Absolutely not. They smell like dinner and every scavenger downwind of here wille looking for a meal.


    Pisces nodded. He stared at the undead hed put his life in danger to salvage and grimaced. <i>thirty-one had made it.</i> None of them looked able to function. Howeverhe put a finger to his lips.


    I might be able to repurpose them.


    How, exactly?


    The [Necromancer] looked around.


    Its going to be very messy. I should do it far from camp. Ill be back inthirty minutes.


    He began to chug the mana potion after all. Merr raised her eyes. She and Eloque followed himthen hastily came back. Bearig had gotten up and was making a snack before everyone slept for their evening march.


    Whats Pisces doing? Food?


    Eloque and Merr shook their heads without a word. Merr muttered.


    Peeling them.


    Bearig thought about what that meant, and then shuddered and went back to stirring the stew.


    Pisces Jea stared at piles of bone. He did not stare at the flesh, organs, and other things in the deconstruction spell hed learned from Azkerash.


    <i>He</i> felt slightly queasy. Mostly because of the fleshy bits.


    This is why I dont deal with flesh-and-blood creations as much.


    He shuddered. Pisces checked himself, then sat down.


    I have her bones.


    Archmage Nekhrets bonesy in his bag of holding. But he didnt want to use them. Not now. Not casually.


    <i>Not after hed seen what Toren was capable of, and all his ws.</i> He had no time to hand-scribe the necessary binding runes onto the bones. So he decided not to waste them.


    Thirty-one bone piles. Pisces hesitated. It wasodd.


    He hadnt <i>raised undead</i>, not for a purpose, not deliberately, outside the heat of battle, for a long time. Thirty-one bodies.


    So many. How would he exin it to the Adventurers Guild in Izril? <i>Oh, yes, I just happen to have thirty-one bodies lying around. All [Bandits], I swear.</i>


    But this was not Izril. They were [vers] or, at least, people working for Roshal, and Pisces had little sympathy for their fates. His concern was to keep the caravan safe.


    <i>We nearly died to indigenous monsters. If that raiding party had hit us</i>


    He needed tough undead. But which ones?


    <i>Archmage Chandler, are you there?</i>


    Pisces raised a finger to his brow, but the Necromancer had not checked in for several days now. He was presumably alone. So Pisces sat there.


    How much time had he wasted? It came back to him, the guilt. He <i>had</i> studied, of course. Hed learned [Deathbolt] and even how to summon a Bone Behemothbut Pisces had to admit that he had slowed his studies while enjoying the inn.


    He had been skating around on waxed floors, eating good foodgood food for Erinand helping Selys pick artifacts and arguing with her rather than


    Of course, that was living. But Pisces still regretted it now.


    <i>What do I make?</i> Like an [Artist] staring at a nk canvas, he was somewhat at a loss. Pisces decided to go from the top.


    I cannot make a Bone Behemoth. Too noticeable. Too much mana, and not enough bone. The [Ritual of the Lord of Bones] is not avable for another three weeks. Therefore


    He went down the list in his head. Azkerash had told him there were more forms of undead than Pisces had ever dreamed of, but it was one thing to know thatanother to easily maintain and create undead. Pisces immediate repertoire of undead was low, and it made life simpler.


    The warbear. I dont have bear bones here. Bone Horrors? Perhaps. Ordinary skeletons. AndSkeletal Crawlers. I <i>could</i> make a project of shaping the bones, but Id have to do that on the move


    And it was annoying and difficult and they needed an army <i>now.</i> Pisces sat there. Damn. Maybe hed stick them in a bag of holding and just animate them when he?


    <i>A [Necromancer] is not a [Summoner], young Pisces. We create undead to persist, not to appear and disappear. Know your ss.</i>


    Azkerash had admonished him on that very thing. Pisces frowned. Butwait a moment.


    He felt at his bag of holding. Lifted it.


    It <i>was</i> his bag of holding. It had been taken from him, and the contents inspected, but to his knowledge everything was still in there. He had only checked for Nekhrets bones, as Igheriz had not known their worth, buthe stared thoughtfully at the piles of bone.


    Bone Horrors were powerful. Skeletal Crawlers were dangerous ambushers. But Bone Horrors were slow, and hed be able to maketwo. Three, if he stretched things.


    Skeletal Crawlers were weak in a straight-up fight, and Pisces didnt see a lot of confined spaces for them to fight and hide in. So that left shaping themor basic skeletons.


    <i>Weak skeletons.</i> You could give them armor and weapons, but until he mastered the art of upgrading them into Skeleton Knights and so on, they sort of sucked. Azkerash made use of skeletons, though. Every [Necromancer] did, but in <i>legions.</i> He had thirty-one. Put them up against thirty-one living fighters and theyd be crushed.


    <i>No worth for their individuality. Except</i>Pisces frowned. He reached for his bag of holding and pulled something out. He exhaled, slowly.


    Oh. Youre still here. Excellent.


    Slowly, he put the bears skull on the ground and smiled.


    <i>What is that?</i>


    When Pisces came marching back with his undead, Merr the Storm took one look at the two skeleton horses, the Skeleton Warbear, and twenty-five skeleton warriors and freaked out. She almost climbed into Eloques arms.


    Its a warbear.


    Its a giant fucking rat with two heads! <i>Gah!</i>


    Merr backed up as the [Bandits] and [ves] murmured. Pisces eyed her.


    It isnt <i>that</i> divergent from a standard bear, simply reinforced. I forgot I had the bones in my bag of holdingand two skeletal horses.


    Thats great news. They can pull the wagons; some of the horses were killed.


    Eloque sighed, but Merr was still hiding behind her.


    Keep that thing away from me.


    Merr, its just a bear.


    The Lizardwoman was amused. Merr looked at her.


    You say that like that fucking thingsmon or something.


    Of course it is


    Eloque nced around and saw the other Chandrarians staring at the bear. Not in horror like Merr, but only Qshom and the other non-Chandrarians knew what it was based on.


    You dont have bears in Chandrar?


    Of course notits too hot. Youve <i>never</i> seen a bear, Merr?


    No. And I dont like it.


    Pisces was amused. Imagine being afraid ofbears


    He hesitated. Was that actually a genuinely decent phobiapared to mice? Was he the fool?


    Warbear aside, the undead did not receive the horror they would have on Izril. If anything, the [Bandits] were relieved.


    Better them than us. But whyre there only twenty-five skeleton guys? I could have <i>sworn</i> there were more.


    I had to use the bodies of seven to fully finish these skeletons.


    Pisces exined. Merr edged away from the Warbear, who was sidling up to Ivery. The Skeleton Lord stared at the Warbear, who was actually Pisces oldest battle-undead. The warbear did nothing, being more mindless. It didnt even react when the Skeleton Lord slowly climbed onto its back. Ivery swung his sword a few times and looked around.


    <i>Yes, this feels right.</i>


    Pisces had just caught sight of the first Skeleton Lord with a <i>warbear </i>mount, and he was wondering if hed created another Toren, or if the undead was justintelligent. Why not a horse? Qshom and some of the [ves] eyed it.


    Iverys got a steed? Ivery andBearbones.


    <i>Do not name that</i>


    Toote. The second undead got a name. Pisces rubbed at his face and got sand in his eyes. Meanwhile, Merr was poking the skeletons.


    Somethings funny about them. Say, Pisces-boy. You didnt, uh, <i>fail</i> necromancer-ss, did you?


    Pisces whirled around in outrage. Eloqueughed, but then she noticed it too.


    Wait, these <i>are</i> off!


    He sniffed in outrage.


    I will have you know that my knowledge of the anatomy of species is second to <i>none</i> in this caravan!


    Are you sure? Because Stitch-folk know about how bodies look. And Im <i>definitely</i> sure you messed up the ribs


    Merr pointed out the very strange ribcage of the skeletons. She turned and saw Pisces smile. His modified skeletons lined up, five of them, for a test demonstration.


    These are more than simple Skeleton Warriors, Merr. Once per battle, you simply shout<i>Skelisis!</i> And th


    The ribcages of the five skeletons <i>exploded</i> outwards, and a splinter-spray of bones sted into the sand. The [Bandits] ducked or swore, and Merr leapt back. Pisces beamed.


    His designs from back at the inn had been roundly critiqued by Azkerash and,e to mention it, Selys. She had pointed out the futility in making Crossbow Skeletons, and instead suggested a one-off trap. Azkerash had disapprovedbut Pisces had never heard him criticize the actual structure, just the concept of costly skeletons.


    Well, these ones were now going through their test run. Merr eyed them.


    We could send them in and st the enemy to bits. And you just shoutwhat was it? Skelisis?


    Pisces nodded.


    I can engineer them to respond to your voice as well as mine. You see


    Merr was waving a hand.


    But Skelisis? Can you, uh, give them a better code phrase? Because Im not shouting that.


    The [Necromancer] looked at her. Some of the [Bandits] and Eloque sniggered. The [Necromancer] threw up his hands and stalked off.


    Pisces! Come on! Its an objectively stupid password. I love the skeletons. Lets give em some of the crap weapons. You just suck at naming things. Leave it to us. Ivery and Bearbonestop tier names. You could put em in any [Bandit] gang and theyd never get anyone to bat an eye


    Another day down. Despite it all, Pisces didnt think it was the worst of them. It was a close call with death. It was dangerous, and he felt Roshals hand following them. But they were <i>alive.</i> Pisces exhaled as Merr found him. She pped a hand on his shoulder.


    d you were with us. I dont think either groupd have done as well without us being on the same side.


    He sniffed, then relented and smiled.


    I suppose not. Do you think well find civilization or reach a kingdom where we can leave the ss Straits soon?


    Merr shrugged. She exhaled, then sniffed the air too. Pisces wondered if she was mocking him.


    Could be. I, uhergh. I hope so, because we need more supplies, and more supplies means I can tribute and get reinforcements from the


    She trailed off. Pisces looked at her.


    From the Siren? Is there a problem with that?


    Noits. Well, damn me. The fighting and undeadPisces, you <i>stink.</i>


    Pisces blinked at Merr. She was holding her nose. He realized he did somewhat smell of burnt flesh, undead, sweat, grime andhe grimaced.


    My robes are clean. I trust the sand and grit will take away the worst of it.


    Whatjust that? When did youst clean yourself?


    Pisces smiled at Merr.


    We <i>are</i> in the middle of a desertnd, Merr. I dont think theres time for a shower, if we had the water to spare.


    She stared at him.


    Are you telling me you havent taken a singleyou havent washed yourself <i>once</i> for over a month?


    Pisces hesitated. He coughed.


    Itsthere isnt any water. So naturallyI have been meaning to learn [Cleanse], but IMerr, we are <i>all</i> in desperate straits. I will cast [Neutralize Odor]. Theredone. You see? No one bathesMerr?


    He followed her, but she was backing away. The [Bandit Lady] held her nose.


    There arent any showers around here! Theres not a well or


    <i>Oi, someone help me get this idiot a steam bath!</i>


    Steam baths were a concept Pisces had vaguely heard of but never seen implemented. They were not <i>hot baths</i>, or even saunas.


    Pisces made the mistake ofparing the two since he had seen saunas before, and he got the look he often gave other people. That shut him up throughout the entire setup process, which was actually quite quick.


    The concept was simple. In a ce with less water than most climates, how did you keep clean if you didnt have ess to an oasis or the like?


    Pisces had half-wondered if it had something to do with scrubbing yourself with hot, dry sand or something. He didnt say that part aloud because the instant he thought of it, he suspected Merr would go tell him to try that on his unmentionables and see how much fun that was.


    A steam bath took ce in the steam tent, which was a bit more reinforced than other tentsto keep air <i>in.</i> Youd enter through two heavy ps, and then sit in a room with a single feature, aside from a few cleaning tools and a chair.


    The entire way you cleaned yourself was through the steam; the literal condensation in the air. It would umte on your skin like a shower, only slower. And the heat and limited water this technique needed? It all came from a simple, boiling pot of water over a fire.


    Most modern caravans had magical equivalents to this, which helped rehydrate the air and were even more efficient. Theyd looted a steam generator among the caravans goods, so that was what was running now. An everburning me, no less.


    Fancy. And I, ah, sit here and scrub myself? You know, I am not <i>filthy.</i>


    Merr, Eloque, and half the people gathered around the steam tent stared at Pisces.


    Says the man who hasnt bathed for a month. Is it Izril thats filthy, or Terandria?


    <i>Neither.</i> I am far from unhygienic! Have you been smelling anything?


    Eloque shuddered.


    Only because you keep casting de-scent spells! You know filthiness makes you sick, right? The Nagas tell everyoneoh, <i>swamp rats.</i> Hes been eating and doing everything with those hands!


    Everyone stared at Pisces hands, the harbingers of gue worse than Yellow Rivers. He turned red.


    I clean them regrly!


    Sure you do. In you get. Donte out until youre <i>actually</i> clean. At least his robes are enchanted. I bet theyd be brown, not white, if


    Pisces stalked into the tent as the others muttered about the disgusting Humans and their ways. They were still audible, and he heard Qshom quite clearly talking.


    I have heard they sit in mud. In, ahDesonis? <i>Mud baths.</i>


    Its considered a skin treatment! That is <i>one</i> Terandrian nation!


    Ah, but they <i>do</i> do it? Can you imagine how that would get in your armor?


    Or stitching?


    We dont have either!


    Well, it gets <i>somewhere.</i> You know, I heard that Drakes have thesemunal baths. Only, instead of being steam, its water. Eugh.


    That was from a Stitch-man. Pisces bristled, and the crowd lost some of their members. Eloques voice was audibly indignant.


    What is wrong with that?


    Sharing dirty water? Please. The things some people do


    Pisces sat there in the steamy room, which had yet to actually reach maximum condensation. He could already feel the grit beginning to turn wet as he added some sweat. It did not feelpleasant.


    At first. Then, as he removed his robes and decided they <i>could</i> use a bit of a dusting, enchantments or not, and undergarments, he looked around and found a towel, put it over hisp, and decided it wasnt <i>bad.</i>


    Hot, and he was breathing in humidity, but it <i>was</i> nice to feel moisture on his skin. And there was a brush to scrub withhe wasnt <i>that</i> dirty. But still. Something to it.


    What surprised Pisces, though, was that the arguments and banter continued, though it grew a little less present. The crowd was still talkingno, wait.


    It sounded like a dozen conversations now, all semi-muted and inaudible. Pisces remembered there were more tents being set up, and realized everyone was taking that time to bathe.


    He sat back, wishing he had a bench to rest against, and wondered how long you were supposed to do this. Until the water ran out? That might be a while. Not that Pisces was against long bathing or even baths. It was just that there was a finite amount of time in the day, and unless someone would helpfully draw a private bath for him, he did not feel the need to <i>share</i> his


    The tent ps opened. Pisces <i>jumped</i>.


    upied!


    What is this, a toilet? Please dont tell me you shat in the bucket. Also, your Skeleton Lord is riding the bear around camp. Scoot over.


    The tent ps opened and Pisces mouth opened. Merr the Storm pushed in, sealed the ps


    <i>What are you doing?</i>


    The [Bandit Lady] looked up, saw Pisces expression, and grinned wickedly.


    Oho. <i>Someones shy.</i> Wait a second


    I thought this was a private experience. Merr


    She poked her head out of the steam bath.


    <i>Hey,ds andsses! Pisces our boy hasnt ever heard of mixed bathing! Hes as red as a lobster in here!</i>


    Pisces heardughter and jeering from the [Bandits]. He was half-standing and sidling around, but Merr was in the entryway.


    I wille backter


    Oh no you dont. Its a waste of water, and weve none to spare. Youre just lucky I didnt stick you in a tent with ten [Bandits] as filthy as you are.


    Merr stomped on in, set a chair down, and sighed as she stretched. Pisces stared at her and then turned the other way. Mainly because Merr was naked. <i>Completely</i> naked, and grinning at him.


    You have a towel on? Is that for me or do you do it in private?


    Merr, I am warning you


    Dont be shy. Unless youre embarrassed. Or this is too much for you? We kick theds out who make things awkward, but Ill let you stay even if that towel moves.


    She cackled at his back. Pisces decided he would never get in a steam tent ever again. He realized that the longer he stared at a wall, the worse it would get, so he slowly rotated in his seat. Merr stared pointedly at his towel, then grinned.


    There we go. See? Lets have a chatand I bet youll have a quick bath. I wont stay long; the stitching gets a bit loose the longer I rest.


    He stared at her, averted his gazeand Merrughed. She stared at <i>him</i> without a problem, and Pisces flushed.


    Of all the Chandrarian customs Ive had to suffer, this is the


    Worst? Pisces, my boy. We were just [ves]. Youll live through seeing some breasts, even if its not your preferred mount.


    He opened his mouth. But Merr had stopped teasing him and was reaching for a brush and cloth. By now, it <i>was</i> getting harder to see, and he was sweating and feeling condensation roll down his everywhere.


    Some fight to wake up to this morning, eh?


    Pisces blinked.


    What? Ohyes. Dangerous monsters.


    d they killed those fucking raiders. I never felt theming. The lookouts mightve spotted them, but that was a nasty group. What do you think Crystal Lights rate?


    Rate?


    In Izril. Silver? Gold?


    Ohahprobably high-Silver if theyre alone. But that was a fearsome assortment. A group of sixty could threaten a city. Astonishing, really. I cant recall seeing something like that in Izril, aside from Crelers or monsters in dungeons


    The [Bandit Lady] gave him a wry grin.


    Thats Chandrar for you. We dont have worse thingslots of people say that. But my old boss used to say it was just that we had more <i>space</i> between them. More space for things to get tough.


    Merr was industriously removing grit from her skin. She kept talking, because it was awkward to share a steam tent in silence, but after five minutes it was less <ipletely mortifyingly awkward</i> and more simply ufortable. After ten? He eyed her shoulders, not simply peeking, but looking at


    A Stitch-Person. Pisces had never actually seen a Stitch-Personuncovered before. He had seen dead bodies, but contrary to everyones perception of the most degenerate [Necromancers], he was at least respectful of the dead. He did notdo things.


    Stitch-People had that tell-tale pattern of stitches around where limbs connected. They were <i>not</i> in the same ce. For instance, some, like Octavia, had a ring of stitches around their neck. Others had it lower down, around their corbones. Most had stitching around their wrists, armsfor easy recement.


    But they had stitching <i>everywhere.</i> Merr had two huge rows of stitches running down around her shoulders, and another near her hips.


    Patchwork people. And you could remove any part of yourself and turn it into cloth except


    It is so weird seeing someone without stitches. Youre pretty fair-skinned too, nevermind the sunburn and tan.


    Merr was eying <i>him.</i> Pisces turned red again, but she only grinned.


    Dont mind me. I like to bother people. Kick em down early, thats how I have to run my gang. Im not used to havingpeople around, rather than underlings or other gang leaders.


    Ah. Well II take no offense.


    Pisces began scrubbing absently at his skin and realized he had <iyers</i> of grime. Merr eyed him.


    Might take a while for you.


    Indeed.


    Pisces decided to wait a bit longer. Merr kept working. She nced at him.


    At some point Im probably going to ask you to get my back.


    The [Necromancer] sighed. <i>Of course.</i> He stared pointedly at one wall.


    Is thisnormal?


    Merrughed softly.


    In Chandrar? No. Theres plenty of solo bathing and onlyds bathing. This isnt thatmon. Families would do it, or friends who know each other.


    <i>Then why</i>


    Pisces half-rose, saw herughing at him, and realized this was why. He sat back down glumly. But he had to admit, it was sort of funny.


    Merr was easygoing. She reminded him quite a lot of Jqua in some ways, but where Jqua would pull back


    So youve been a [Bandit Lady] all your life?


    [Bandit]. My first ss. I was levelling when I was six. Not that you get [Bandit] straight offI think I was first a [Scrounger]. Kid-sses, you know?


    No, Ido you mean [Page]?


    Page? Whats that, like books?


    Pisces had to exin the system of knighthood that went from page, squire, to knight-in-training, then full knight. It was somonce to him he expected everyone to know it, but Merr just nodded.


    Yeah, that sounds like kid-sses to me. Its rare they get full ones unless theyre actually doing something. [Aplice]thats another one. [Lowlife]?


    Its a verygeneric ss. Like [Peasant], I suppose.


    No shit. Someone actually gets that ss? Now <i>theres</i> a ss that was made to stink.


    Pisces grimaced.


    People do obtain it. I think its the kind of ss one acquires in lieu of anything else.


    Whats lieu mean?


    Ityou acquire the ss because you cant do anything. I understand what [Peasants] are good at isworking and surviving acrimterrible conditions. They have a variety of Skills, but I have heard there are some benefits.


    Merr raised her brows, interested.


    Really? Like what?


    Pisces stared at a wall, trying to remember the stories.


    Surviving a famine, for one. Or a terrible winter; people would find viges of [Peasants] who had taken fewer deathspared to more prosperous ones that had frozen to death. The [Peasants] stretched their firewood and food supplies with Skills.


    Merr whistled.


    Something for everyone, eh? Thats what I always heard. Theres no ss in this world that doesnt offer you something. Except the Blood sses and Skills, though.


    Pisces shivered. He knew what that meant. He had one himself.


    [ve]. You know about more sses and Skills than I. I considered I possessed a broad spectrum of knowledge


    Merr shrugged.


    [Bandit Lady]. We trade information, and so, yeah, course I learned up on stuff like that. Most people dont even know Blood sses exist. Tradeoffs. You pay something. You get something.


    Yet Skills. Blood sses. Are there any others? I may know of one myself. Royal Skills are known to beunique.


    Merr raised her brows.


    I wouldnt know, but Ive heard they get nice things, yeah. Let me see. You know you can get Skills by training hard?


    Pisces nodded.


    Rarely.


    Yep. I once tried to learn [Scythe Cut]. Spent four months trainingnever got it. I think you need a good teacher or theres something elsetheres folks you can <i>pay</i> to tutor you, but I never bothered.


    Really?


    The Stitch-Woman removed her left breast to examine it. Pisces <i>stared</i> as she sewed it back on. She grinned wider, then turned.


    Want to give scrubbing my back a try?


    I


    Im just kidding. We have brushes. I wouldnt trust you to scrub a camels ass. Heh. Yep, theyre out there. ExpensiveI could raid for a month and barely have enough saved to pay them. But apparently they do good work. You get a Skill they teach you or your money back. [Tutors]. [Weapon Masters]. And so on.


    It was a fascinating conversation. Before he knew it, Pisces had really stopped being ufortable. He had never talked with Merrnot privately. And this was as private as you got.


    Any more Skills?


    HmmRoyal, Blood, Yet


    That cannot be the true appetion, surely.


    Merr stopped brushing at her back and turned her head. She looked at him over her shoulder, genuinely irritated.


    Are you doing that on purpose?


    What?


    Trying to make me feel stupid?


    Pisces opened his mouth.


    No Iits a habit. I tend to


    He stopped. It <i>was</i> a habit that he liked to throw in words that made people stop. He hesitated.


    Im sorry.


    Merr rxed slightly.


    Eh. Its fine. As long as youre notughing at me, I wont kick you through the tent. I hate that the most.


    I would not do that. Ever.


    Her back was turned, but he heard a smile in her chuckle. After a while, she went on.


    I guess youd call them Fame sses. Fame, Royalty, Blood. Oh. And Ive only heard of this, but theres alsoOriginal stuff.


    Pisces sat up.


    Original?


    Yep. And youd call that <i>green.</i>


    Green.


    Merr raised one hand.


    Dont look at me. But youve felt the Blood sses. You get it, right?


    Pisces did. His lips moved. A <i>green</i>wait a second.


    Original. By original, you mean new. As in


    Someone gets it for the first time, yeah. A new Skill.


    Pisces stared past Merr. His lips moved.


    I think I know at least one person with that kind of ss or Skills.


    <i>Really.</i> Well, I dont think its special beyond being, uh, new. But I could be wrong. AhInheritance Skills. You know those. Not just the ones you get passed down, either. Skills thatst. ces. Legacy Skills.


    Pisces was counting. There were more uniquehis brows raised.


    When I consider how many there areI have gained only one of these unique Skills.


    Theyre rare for a reason. Ive heard theres even another one.


    Really? What <i>else</i> could there be?


    Pisces was fascinated. Merr chuckled drily.


    Nah, dont hold your breath. Its justone time some [Sage] or another did a count. He saidtheres green, Original, red in Blood Skills. Yellow in probably that Royal stuff. Even Yet Skills. Theres Skills you dont even notice.


    Mhm.


    Sowheres the damn <i>blue</i> stuff, eh? Blue and maybe purple.


    Pisces stared at Merr.


    And are there?


    She shrugged.


    I have no clue. Some idiot just said there ought to be them, right?


    I supposeit does make sense. Do you personally know anyone who has any of these Skills? Besides[ve].


    That word dropped into their conversation. Pisces tried to say it normally, but he couldnt. His neck itched. He remembered


    Merrs eyes flickered, but she replied normally.


    Aside from that? Yeah, I know some Blood Skills and Yet Skills. I <i>have</i> a Yet Skill. But Blood Skills? Nasty. One fellow had one that made him tougher. Not just feeling less pain<i>tougher.</i> But guess what happened?


    Hm?


    He startedgetting tougher skin. Rougher. I even think he grew a bitit freaked everyone out, and I kicked him out of the gang. Never heard what happened to him. I asked him how he got it, once. Then I decided I didnt <i>want</i> to know. You get me? You dont want to know how they get those Skills.


    Pisces nodded slowly. The mood turned more somber. Merr kept scrubbing; she was nearly done. Pisces was beginning to do so himself, but he had dirt <i>everywhere</i>. And his hair


    You really are a ball of dirt, eh?


    I suppose you were right.


    He sighed. Merr nodded. She sat there, skin cleaned. He saw her nce at him. Merr smiled, looked at the tent ps. Thenpaused.


    Id better get back out there and keep order. Nice magicing today. Raising a hundred undead in one gothats Gold-rank for you. Wistram graduate, never mind not finishing schooling.


    Pisces ducked his head. Merr nced at him.


    Hows the spellbook going along?


    He grimaced. He also had the half-burned book from Albez, and some of the books that Azkerash had given him, but they werent <i>spellbooks</i> as much as theory.


    Slowly. The new spellbook isless valuable immediately. It might behoovebe better if I just studied spells.


    <i>But the new spellbook was fascinating.</i> Pisces wished Ceria had the Albez book, but they had traded it off andhe hoped she was well. He would find her.


    Merr nodded. She looked towards the tent ps again, then spoke.


    You said you were a decent [Mage]. You know a bunch of spells, right? You learned [Condensation], and you thought you could pick up [Cleanse]


    If I had the right magic. Is there a spell that would be helpful?


    The [Bandit Lady] hesitated. She looked at Pisces, then past him. For once, her easypanionship faltered.


    Nah. Maybe. Do you knowwell, spells that make people forget things?


    Pisces stirred. Merr nced at him and grinned, but this time it was fake.


    Justyou know, nk it out? I heard some [Mages] that ran with gangs had something like that


    Remove a memorypletely, you mean?


    She nodded, still not quite looking at him. Pisces stared down, only half-thinking of the answer he knew. He looked at her.


    Iaplete memory removal spell would be beyond me. Its very powerful, to be able to do that. I am sure it is possible


    He thought of Azkerash.


    But not


    Ah, it was just a thought! It might help some of the others sleep at night. I was just curious.


    Merr stood up abruptly. She turned,ughed as she stretched, then reached over to p him on the shoulder.


    Im heading out. You keep scrubbing. Eugh.


    She wiped her hand on her shoulder. Pisces started, then smiled. He looked at Merr. They held each others gazes too long, and then she walked out into the cooling world outside.


    Pisces sat there for a while. Like a single drop of color in a bucket of waterhe wondered if that was what Merr had trulye here to ask. He almost wished he knew that spell


    But no. That was too close to Riqre.


    <i>Riqre and</i>Pisces remembered his dreams. Roshal. They had nearlye. He sat there in silence; for how long, he couldnt have said. Probably only minutes.


    Then someone entered. Pisces blinked as someone shuffled into the tent.


    Merr said it was empty<i>Merr!</i>


    A distantugh. The Lizardwoman shook her fist, then stared at Pisces. At least she had a toweltwo towels. She sighed.


    Hey.


    Ahhello.


    Eloque hesitated. Then she sat down on the vacated stool.


    Just so you know, Im not scrubbing myself here. Ill find another tent.


    Perfectly reasonable. I would vacate, but


    Eloque eyed Pisces working on one arm.


    Dead gods, youre like me and my stitches. How can someone be so dirty?


    Im not that


    Pisces gave up. Eloque half-rose, then sighed.


    Theres lines for the steam baths. Ill join a queue. Merr didnt bother you too much, did she?


    Not really. It was actually a convivial talkthat isenjoyable.


    Eloque nodded. Her lips moved. She adjusted the towels, making sure they werent slipping.


    Shes tough. Did she ask you about memory spells?


    Pisces stopped brushing at his skin. He looked up.


    Yes. I dont have any.


    I told her you didnt, but she wanted to ask. Not that I think itsgood. Its too much like them. Like Roshal.


    Pisces nodded slowly. The Lizardwoman turned her head. She extended an arm.


    How do I look?


    He stared at bright scales, glowing in the faint light from the steam generator. <i>Clean scales.</i> They had faint marks, but the thread was gone. It ran up to Eloques shoulderand then


    <i>Everywhere.</i> The Lizardwoman saw Pisces gaze and turned. This time he did turn away.


    Its a work in progress.


    It looksbetter. I cant tell from just the arm, truly.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eloque nod. She sat there in silence for a moment.


    It would help if they could forget. If everyone could. You know, someone got stabbed yesterday?


    Pisces nced up.


    One of the [Bandits]?


    That was one of his fears and why he hadnt trusted Merr. He still trusted her; not necessarily the others. Eloque shook her head.


    No. It was one of the freedone of us. We have those big tents, and she must have rolled over or someone else did. She woke up when they were partly on top of her and she stabbedwell, it was a Stitch-woman, so it wasnt bad.


    Oh.


    Yes. Like that.


    It was Roshal. Roshalthe encounter had brought it back. They were running. Not just free. Pisces sat there. Thirty undead werent enough. He tensedand Eloque looked at him.


    Well make it. Or we wont. Either way, we wont go back.


    No. I will get you to the coast. ToIzril. If the others dont want to find their own way. But I have promised it, Eloque. And I have allies.


    He looked up and met her gaze. The Lizardwoman tilted her head.


    You know, I believe it. I saw that carpet go downthat was the most beautiful thing Ive seen in my life. I actually think, some days, that we might escape. But you know something?


    What?


    She sat there, tail slowly waving in the steam bath. Eloques neck frills began to open. So strange, as strange in her ways as a Stitch-person. But just Eloque. She looked ahead.


    I couldnt join in the conversation with you all the other day.


    Which one?


    Futures.


    Oh.


    Pisces tried to say something, but he just waited. Eloque looked past him.


    I dont see mine. Bearig wants to go home. Qshom wants to start a business. They have sses, families. Dreams. Me? I came to Chandrar when I was young. Ten years. All I have is this ss. The only thing I can do is


    You dont have to do anything. Im an adventurer. The items we looted from Igheriz are enough to make a living for a long time. You could travel wherever you want, and start afresh.


    Pisces spoke quickly. Eloque nced at him.


    Yes. But I cant go home. My vige sold me. I agreed to it, but I cant go back there. Not with Roshal wee on Baleros shores in most ces. I could hide in apany that refuses to treat with them. But I dont have a future.


    He had nothing to say to that. Eloque met his eyes.


    Thats not a bad thing. At least I can be worried about that. I used to <i>know</i> my future. So I wanted to saythank you. To you and the Death of Chains. I thank her every night. I know shes a Demon. But she killed Igheriz.


    Yes. I thank her too.


    The Lizardwoman smiled brightly.


    Ill leave you to scrubbing. You have some dirt behind your ears. Ears and noses. Humans are so funny.


    She stood up and left. Pisces felt rattled by the talk. What could he say? What could he have said? What could Erin have


    <i>There is an inn. Believe me. You cannot imagine it, even as I describe it. There is an inn in a city far from here. It is not perfect, but it is what you need.</i>


    <i>I will take you there.</i><i>And someone will greet us at the door. I dont care if she throws a pan at me.</i>


    By now, Pisces was waiting. He had gotten his arms and his neck, and he was actually cleaning his hair with little cupfulls of water from the [Condensation] spell when the next person came in.


    It was Bearig. The man knocked on the door ps, unlike the other two.


    Pisces? Do you mind sharing the tent?


    Come on in, Bearig.


    Strangely, it was more ufortable as the [Cook] shuffled in. The two men stared at each other, and Bearig coughed; he had a towel too.


    Im sorry for interrupting.


    No,e in. It isrge enough for


    I wouldnt have, really. But the lines are getting long and I had to let Rophir wash himself. I dont want to


    Not at all.


    He was the opposite of Merr. Too polite because he held Pisces in some regard. The [Necromancer] gestured, and Bearig sat. He was heavier-set than most, but he was losing weight. Pisces and Bearig eyed each other.


    So Eloque and Merr were both in here?


    AhEloque thought it was empty.


    I saw her waiting in line.


    Their conversation was about as deep as a puddle. And that was why it was ufortable. Pisces hesitated. He liked Bearig. The man respected him.


    That was not the same as his connection with Eloque and Merr. But they had been chained up together for a long time. Pisces knew Bearigs back as well as


    Well. He tried to smile, and Bearig returned it. He rxed.


    That was all it took. Pisces saw Bearig pull something out.


    Do you have any soap?


    I do. Thank you


    They got to work. Bearig was fast, perhaps trying to respect Pisces time. To make conversation, Pisces stared nkly ahead. <i>That snack was most excellent. We survived those Crystal Lights, didnt we? How are you feeling?</i>


    <i>Nice weather today.</i>


    He shuddered. These were, no offense to him, Ksmvr-level remarks. NoKsmvr tended to have practical statements and only used these because he thought it was social etiquette to do so.


    These were <i>Yvlon-level</i> conversation topics. Pisces just defaulted to the only thing he could think of as the silence drew on.


    So, Rophir took a steam bath?


    Bearig looked up.


    He did.


    You didnt?


    He washed himself. I asked, but he doesnt wantpany.


    Of course not. Thats very kind of you toits very good of you, what you do, Bearig. Taking care of Rophir.


    Thank you.


    The [Cook] mumbled. Pisces felt he was being too humble. He twisted.


    Truly. No one else took care of him. II wouldnt know how. I have no siblings, and childrensomeone needs to help him, and you do important work. If I can help?


    Bearig seemed surprised by thepliments. He turned a bit red.


    I just do what I can. Its nothingmendable.


    It is. Rophir is not always easy. Ive seen him punch you or bite


    Hes suffering. It doesnt hurt. Much.


    Bearig rubbed at his side and Pisces saw some blotches on his skin. Bruises. He shook his head and Bearig scrubbed as if theyde away.


    Its nothing to what hes been through.


    Does he talk? I have never heard him talk


    Bearig talked to Rophir all the time. The [Cook] shook his head.


    Never in words, but he can make it clear what he wants. He is a bit older than he looks. Just a bit. But half-Elves


    Im sure. Iyou do it so well.


    Well.


    Bearig stared past Pisces. He shook his head slowly. The [Necromancer] was trying to be encouraging, but it wasnt working. Not because Bearig was too modest. Because


    The [Cook] slowly ran a cloth down his arms. He nced up and met the younger mans gaze. Seriously. He spoke quietly.


    I am trying, Pisces. But its not well. Id like to treat Rophir like I would my son, but he isnt. Hes terribly hurt. Im just taking care of him.


    Thats all you can ask for, surely.


    Pisces saw Bearig take a deep breath. He let it out shakily.


    Is it? If he were my sonwhen I think of whats been done to him, or when he wakes up screaming, but <i>silent</i>I am helpless, Pisces. I am angry. Emir Riqre did things I would have killed him for. But I watched. We watched.


    We were [ves]. Hes dead.


    Bearig nodded. Pisces felt his skin crawling. Riqre was a name not uttered in the caravan. Igheriz, Hromeyes. People spat as they mentioned them. Not Riqre. Yet Bearig invoked him, here. In this ce, filled with steam and, strangely, privacy.


    I have been thinking, Pisces. Howyou heard me talk of Nerrhavias Fallen? I employed [ves]. I could never afford to buy them, but I rented their help. I did. It gnaws at me. I remember themand I remember not caring, being annoyed when they made mistakes.


    You didnt know what their lives were like.


    Pisces saw the Stitch-man staring nkly ahead. The [Cook] passed a hand over his face.


    Does that excuse it? Perhaps I have seen the worst of Roshal. I hope sobecause if there <i>is</i> worse, I hope never to see it. Yet I wonder, Pisces. How many more Riqres are there?


    The [Necromancer] slowly looked up towards the ceiling.


    His evil was one of a kind.


    Was it?


    Pisces mouth was dry despite the steam.


    Igheriz and Hrome called him a monster. Even <i>they</i> did.


    Even so. He existed. How many more exist?


    The young man felt revulsion building in him at the thought. Bearig nced at him, then away.


    I shouldnt say such things. Not now. But I think of them.


    Why?


    The [Cook] shook his head. His hands trembled as he worked on his chest.


    Iwhen the attack came this morning, I fled. Rophir was ready to fight. He has a daggerbut I ran when Merr told me to. Shes teaching us how to fight, and I know how to swing a cleaverbut I was d she told us to run. I couldnt fight.


    Youre not an adventurer. You dont havebat sses. We all contribute in our ways, Bearig.


    He half-nodded.


    But when Roshales, it will be you who fights. It is your burden thats heavier than mine, Pisces. I regret that. I wish I was a Level 15 [Warrior], at least. I am levelling in that ss, but slowly. I thought it was a fools errand, a young mans fancy to be a fighter. NowI have to rely on other people to protect me from the worst. It is a terrible thing, being so helpless.


    Pisces didnt know what to say. He had never felt like that. No


    He had once. When his inspiration burned. When he had seen Skinner attacking Liscor and feared for the inn, for Ceria. When he had fled the monsters that ravaged Wistram


    I have felt that all throughout my life, Bearig.


    The man looked up. Pisces stared at him.


    I know it well. Its not just you.


    The [Cook] blinked at him. Then he ducked his head.


    Then, Im doubly grateful you and Merr are here. II suppose I will do what I can. Train and cook and help Rophir.


    Someone must cook. It does make us feel better, rather than eat horrible food. If Ceria were cookingmy captain, my friendshed be serving bread dipped in eggs and sugar water.


    Bearig shuddered.


    JustI can see that as a kind ofbut just?


    The two menughed over that. Pisces was about to mention Erins cooking, which was functional but hardly asnuanced as Bearig could do, despite her Skills. But he saw the [Cook] staring out the tent again.


    Someone was making a loud, keening sound. Not entirelyit didnt sound like a person.


    Is that Rophir?


    Bearig nodded. He began to hurry.


    Hes hungry.


    <i>That was hungry?</i> Yet Bearig began finishing his own cleaning. Pisces was down to his belly by now, and he did feel cleaner.


    You <i>do</i> do well, Bearig. Truly. No one is perfect, but you are kind to him, and he needs that.


    Bearig was already rising. He stopped as he trudged towards the tent ps. He nced back towards Pisces, and his face wasclouded. NoPisces looked at him and saw the [Cook]s eyes sh.


    I am helpless, Pisces. When I look at Rophir, I am angry.


    The [Necromancer] nodded slowly. Bearig went on, hand on the ps.


    I know you mean well. But I am not. I am not. <i>Well?</i> I cannot be his father, even if I wanted to. His familyhe had to kill his parents, night after night. I cannot hold Rophir, and tell him all will be well. When he wakes, screaming, and turns to me, I cant tell him there are no monsters out the window. He has <i>seen</i> monsters. One tortured him and held him captive.


    Pisces saw the [Cook]s fists clenching. The [Necromancer]s lips moved. He slowly straightened.


    You can remind Rophir that they die. Monsters die.


    The Stitch-man stopped. He looked at Pisces and nodded slowly. He murmured.


    I wish I had his bones. Then I could show Rophir that.


    He turned and left the tent. Pisces was alone once more. However, he had a bet going on. And sure enough


    Excuse me. May I use this tent?


    Qshom, looking hugely embarrassed, entered. The Duhan man was in his cloth armor, but he had to remove it to clean his actual body. Pisces nodded.


    Come in, Qshom. I will face the other way if you like


    That is very kind of you. I hoped to bathe alone, but I understand this is impossible.


    The Duhan was the shyest of all. So much so that Pisces began to feel like <i>he</i> was the lecher, and deliberately faced the other way the entire time Qshom was in the tent. The Duhan man ced his head down and began to clean himself with every air of extreme difort, for all hed been in Chandrar long enough to know the custom.


    Pisces was nearly done. He wondered what theyd speak of before they came to a topic around Roshal, or the future orQshoms own battles with inner monsters. He was waiting for a segue in. Tailoring into how Qshom would bring up that hed had to originally sew the stitches into Eloque or something horrific.


    He was waiting. Waiting, searching for his own conversation topic. But so focused on that that he was more distracted than anything. Atst, he spoke.


    Have you been sleeping well, Qshom?


    The Duhan made a sound. He hesitated, then ced his head on a little stool so it looked up at Pisces. Now it was the Humans turn to be ufortable; Qshoms body cleaned itself while his head held a conversation with the young man.


    Well.


    Really. Nothing is bothering you?


    Qshom smiled mildly.


    Nothing I shouldin of at the moment.


    Pisces nodded. He waited. <i>And now Qshom said</i>


    After a few moments, the Duhan looked at Pisces.


    How are you faring, Pisces Jea?


    The [Necromancer] blinked. He looked at Qshom. No one had asked him that. Off-guard, he blinked.


    II am also well, Qshom. I cannotin. I am justfocused. Focused on survival and evading Roshal.


    That was the truth. He could have said so many things. His nightmares. His fears for his team. His desire to find Erins cure. His uncertainty about his ability to keep everyone safe, his ability to help them with anything that truly ailed them.


    Its just that I was talking with Merr


    Qshom listened as the words burst out of Pisces. The Duhan listened, nodding, asionally interjecting, but listening. Pisces scrubbed, realizing his hands were shaking. He had known pressurebut not this. This was something else.


    <i>Terror.</i> He had fought for his life. Not his very soul. The worst that could happen with the Crelers was that you died as painfully as possible.


    He realized he was doing to Qshom what the others had done to him, and was guilty. He couldnt ask for a magical answer to these problems. Yetsurprisingly, the Duhan just nodded when Pisces trailed off.


    It is a strange thing, Pisces Jea. A strange thing. Is it afort, I wonder? To meit is slightly.


    Comfort? Whats afort?


    Pisces could not imagine anyfort here. The steam baths? Talking with others? He supposed so, but the [Tailor] just smiled. He spoke, slowly, meeting Pisces eyes.


    Why, simplyto know that these days, these days past, this time alone is it. These are the hardest days we will ever live through. Whateveres next, when we walk out of the desert, we will have survived it.


    Pisces Jea looked at the Duhan. The hardest days they would ever? He opened his mouth to object. To say


    Then he trailed off. He met Qshoms eyes and nodded slowly.


    It is a strange feeling indeed.


    The Duhan smiled, and that was all they said. It was a long bath, but when Pisces emerged, he did feel better. He sighed, looked up at the sky.


    Then continued onwards.


    Savere was change. Some cities were built on stagnation, on ensuring continuity. These were cities that had limited trade with the outside world. That could enforce or try to enforce something static.


    Not so for Savere. The mightiest criminals onnd and sea came to this harbor. When they didsometimes they left intrigue, blood, or mysteries in their wake.


    To rule Savere was to see thingsing, to move with the tide as it ebbed and flowed. Only a fool, Rasea, saw the world as an endless stream of battles you could win.


    Five Bloodtear [Pirate Captains] stood in front of the Siren of Savere. She sat on a throne that augmented her magic, with her most trusted subordinates at her back. With her was the [Aeromancer]-[Hydromancer], Ureita, her own [Bandit Generals], and high-level fighters, including Omusc.


    It was not going toe to battle. It should not. The Bloodtear Captains had taken only their seconds into this meetingbut it would be a ughter on both sides.


    So they spoke civilly. Yet they did not mince words.


    Bleakbeaks are raiding our crew.


    A battle you started, Captain Aldrail.


    The Siren looked pointedly at the Gnoll. He grinned, and the other captains chuckled.


    Your Majesty.


    Captain Jiupe swept her a bow that was fairly sincere. Gorry, the [First Mate] of Aldrailsmand, watched from the side, grinning at Omusc, who didnt meet his gaze. Jiupe looked up, and the half-jellyfish woman grinned.


    Were not here to squabble overw nor who started what. Weve obeyed Saveresws and kept it between us outsiders, isnt that right enough?


    Mostly.


    There had been smaller incidents, but Revine would give them that. Jiupe nodded, and her eyes glinted.


    Then we only request what is already agreed. Bleakbeaks is callin for their friends. Land versus sea. Well, we just want to make sure its okay with you all, you being the Siren who rules Savere.


    For?


    A Drowning Night.


    Revines skin prickled. All five [Captains] were grinning at her. She shifted.


    Bloodtear hasnt ever needed to request that before. You want to fight? Pick a night and do it. Leave those inside alone. Savere has seen Drowning Nights before and will since. Bloodier than any five shipseven Bloodtearcan manage.


    It was a mild insult and a reminder. Two of the [Captains] eyes shed, but Jiupe looked at them and they calmed down. Then they started smiling once more.


    Youre wrong about only one thing, Siren. Which is why we ask. We know Saveres seen blood. Sois it okay? <i>A Drowning Night?</i>


    Revines skin prickled.


    I just said it was.


    Captain Aldrail grinned. The Gnoll spread his arms.


    Tonight, then. But what about tomorrow?


    The throne room hadnt been exactly chatty, but the others of Savere looked up. Revine leaned forwards.


    Tomorrow?


    Tonight and tomorrow and every day. Until thest Bleakbeak dies or flees Savere. Let them bring every gang in a thousand miles. They think this will go a night. We of Bloodtear petition Your Exalted Majesty


    Jiupe and the others bowed mockingly, the light of madness in their eyes


    For free rein. Under yourws. As long as it takes.


    The Siren saw Omusc shudder. Even her most stalwart [Generals] looked uneasy. <i>Bloodtear. Madpeople of the sea.</i>


    The harbors would be filled with bodies, and the streets would be red from one Drowning Night. A week? The Siren imagined the undead rising, the sses, the destructionher lips moved.


    No. Savere weathers Drowning Nights like a storm. I will not have a week of it. Pacts or not, you will damage the city. You have not paid enough for me to tolerate <i>that.</i>


    Then well pay a thousand gold pieces a night.


    One of the [Pirate Captains] countered. <i>Theyd take more of that from the Bleakbeaks if they won.</i> The Siren drummed her fingers on the armrest.


    I have made up my mind.


    The [Captains] looked at each other.


    Can we convince you otherwise, Your Majesty?


    No. My will is final. One night.


    The Siren rose. She had a second audience, and this one she was looking forward to even <i>less</i> than Bloodtear. The Alchemist Irurx. He was upstairs, in her private domain. She did not want him there, but it beat him and the Bloodtear Pirates getting into it.


    Besides, she hated to admit it, but she had business with him. His ship had faithfully obeyed hermands; they let no crew on shore and only sent for what they needed. Any other crew would have rioted at that. <i>Shifthold?</i>


    So silent. Yet [Pirates] and [Rogues] came, whispered at the docks with figures, and paid for potions. Because Alchemist Irurx was one of the best in the world and some of his potionsyou couldnt pay for them anywhere else cheaper.


    Revine didnt know what he wanted for the audience, but she suspected it had something to do with Ceria Springwalker. The Bloodtear Pirates had clearly been hoping to meet her, but Ceria was waiting for Revine.


    Upstairs, in her rooms. Omusc would have watched herRevine began to leave the throne room. The [Pirates] were vocally unhappy, but she wasnt going to continue this conversation. Jiupe muttered.


    I guess thats that. One night or therell be two sides were fighting, eh?


    Revine slowed. She looked back.


    What did you just say?


    The Bloodtear Pirates smiled innocently at her. Jiupe coughed into one fist, her Human one.


    Justyin it out, Your Majesty. We cant rightly break Saveresws. Not without making an enemy of the Siren herself. Wed have to fight the Bleakbeaks, their friends, <i>and</i> Savere. If we continued. Or you gave us an extension. But youve said your piece, and I respect that, woman to woman.


    She smiled, a toothy grin on one half of her face. The Siren stared at her. Without a word, she turned and stalked off.


    Siren? What the <i>hell</i> was that?


    Her people followed her as the [Pirates] filed out of the room. The Siren looked around and saw her [Raid General]. She pointed.


    Pull the army into the capital.


    The <i>army?</i> But you said we were going to chase the Empresstheyre all the way at


    Dont argue. March them this way <i>now.</i>


    The Siren did not like what the Bloodtear Pirates were implying. This was her ground, her city, and for all they were fearsome, even Raseas famous crew couldnt storm Savere alone. But what did that mean?


    Revine. I could tail them invisibly and see what that meant


    Ureita, be silent. The rest of you, disperse. Omusc, get to Ceria Springwalker. I have to meet with <i>the Alchemist.</i>


    The [Mage] trailed off, hurt, and the others nodded. They broke up, and Omusc strode ahead of the Siren. She ascended the stairs.


    <i>Alchemist Irurx was a half-Elf.</i> He had to be, for Shifthold to be soold. To be one of the greatest [Alchemists] in this world on the other side of propriety.


    He hade from Terandria, but made his name in other parts of the world. He was one of the few [Alchemists] who had survived Nerrhavia Fallens purgewhen they infamously tried to make potions out of Actelios Sshs unique ingredients. People had tried that before, and the nation hade down like a hammer when it had been uncovered.


    Irurx survived. <i>Shifthold.</i> He traded in Roshal, too. He bought people. He fought at sea and dealt with [Pirates] and Drowned Folk. He had a massive bountyfor a single man. Few people tried to im it.


    You could buy magnificent potions from him. Healing, stamina, magicall your standard goods, and a thousand top-quality potions were now in Saveres treasury. The best kind of stuff youd find on the market.


    However, there were items Irurx sold that were <i>not</i> on any markets listings. He was no battle-items specialist. No healing savant. His specialty was one thing.


    Potions of Skill. Potions of Transformation. Hirelings of the kind you unleashed. Beasts ofburden.


    Drink one of his potions, and if you were a fumble-fingered [Thug], for eight minutes youd be able to flip over walls and pick locks with toothpicks. Or converselyyoud fight with all the abilities of a Level 28 [Warrior].


    Other [Alchemists] could do that, but Irurxs were stronger, more potent, and his crew was known to bedifferent. What few you saw of them were generally hooded or clothed. They were beyond loyal to him, such that Revine would never try to corrupt one. She didnt <i>want</i> one.


    What did he want? The Siren entered her private quarters and snapped.


    Alchemist Irurx. I <i>apologize</i> for the wait. Alchemist


    She looked around. Where was he? She felt like she would have smelled him at once; even now, there was some kind of mycenoid odor in the air, like fungus and mold and the conditions to grow it, mixed with the alchemical fugue.


    But it wasnt immediate. The Siren looked around.


    Where is? You!


    She pointed and a servant flinched.


    Where is the Alchemist?


    The woman flinched and hurried to reply.


    Hehe was just here, Siren! But he left about ten minutes ago


    For the restroom?


    The thought of Alchemist Irurx having something as normal as bowel movementsthe Siren hesitated.


    Wellwhere is he?


    If it was <i>her</i> private bathrooms, shed be casting [Cleanse] spells all day. The servant hurried off, clearly weighing having to find Irurx versus the Sirens wrath. Revine tapped her foot until someone came hurrying to find her.


    Siren!


    It wasnt the servant. Revine turned and saw Omusc striding her way. The [Piger] looked worried.


    Where is Ceria? Nodont bring her here. Dont tell me shes downstairs, making an ass of herself in front of those pirates!


    The Siren was losing her patience. She nced out the window and saw it was getting <i>dark.</i>


    Drowning Night ising. Dont let her outside. Were sealing the pce!


    Those damned Bloodtear Pirates! She hadnt expected them to do a Drowning Night tonight. What were they hinting at? Omusc bowed.


    Ill find her.


    You had better. <i>Find her and get her back here if shes outside.</i> Dont bothering back if shes not with you!


    Siren?


    Omusc turned pale. Revine actually gave her a shove.


    You heard me! <i>Get Ceria</i> or you will live to regret it!


    Omusc hesitated, then turned and ran to beat the fading sun. Revine looked around, foot tapping. Circlet. Irurx. Where was?


    She had a sudden suspicion. But before she could act on it, the Siren heard distant screams,ing from overhead. She cursed.


    There were Garuda in the air. Hundreds. Outside Savere, she could see figures stalking the streets as people hurried into homes, boarding them up. They were actually fortifying the ground.


    Those idiots.


    The Bleakbeaks had called in every gang to teach Bloodtear a lesson. They outnumbered the [Pirates] by far. The Siren thought they were <i>both</i> fools for this petty toll in bloodfor what, a handful of treasure and loot from the others corpses? Maybe Irurx would pay them for the dead bodies.


    She had to admit, though, there were morendfolk than she had thought. Even with five ships, it would be five-to-one with just the people she saw in the open, and Bloodtear would have to fight defensively or theyd be surrounded and ughtered.


    <i>However, the Bleakbeaks made one mistake.</i> They were furious because their own had been brutally ughtered in the bar over a petty insult. No gang would take that lying down, but Bloodtear?


    <i>They were maniacs. Theyd fight to the death once you roused them.</i> And they gave no quarter once it was truly a battle. Even so, a week of fighting would empty their ships and they werent stupid. So why?


    The Siren had her answer as she gazed out her balcony. Her senses over her domain tingled. Slowly, she turned her head.


    <i>The sun was setting.</i> It looked red against the sky; [Sailors] beware. But that wasnt what the Siren saw.


    Telescope.


    She nced aroundthen strode over to a telescope. Her beloved Watercat bounded towards Revine, yowling, but she paid him no mind as she bent over the magical artifact. The Siren whirled it across the sea.


    No.


    The wind was picking up. As the sun turned red, thendfolk waited for the Drowning Night.


    A storm was blowing in. Another one. But this one wasnt one the Siren had conjured or allowed. She could feel it building in the distance. She reached outbut her hand trembled as she felt how strong it was.


    <i>She couldnt toss this one towards another nations coast.</i> It was backed by more than just a powerful tempest. It wasnt a magical typhoon, thank sleeping Krakens. But it was backed by a force she knew at once.


    <i>A Skill.</i> Multiple Skills. The Siren began sweating.


    Oh no.


    This was what she had once warned Ceria about. The Siren was mighty. But sometimes the Siren had to know fights that were deadly. And this? She stared through the telescope and saw them,ing in fast.


    <i>Sails billowing. Blue drops on red hulls. </i>Their gs were ck. She counted.


    threefivedead gods. <i>Eleven.</i>


    Three full fleets, including the ones in the docks. She had seen so many of them gathered only once. They wereingandthe Siren stared out into the streets where the mocking Garuda were jeering, daring the [Pirates] toe out.


    They had no idea. The Siren didnt care about them, though. <i>Damn them.</i> She was sweating, despite the ocean breeze.


    This was abouteither she reversed her decision, or <i>sixteen Bloodtear crews and their [Captains] </i>would force the issue.


    Jiupes grin. <i>If you do not relentthen its us against Savere, eh?</i> And if she did? If she bowed to them? Would that be enough? Orwas that the pretext?


    Get the army. Get me my [General]. Tell them the army has to arrive <i>now. </i>Notter. March them with every movement Skill, with every


    The Siren went for her speaking stone. The army. They <i>needed</i> the army. With it, even Bloodtears full might


    Amid it all, the Sirens panic as the first Drowning Night began, she forgotpletely about Omusc. The cawing of the Garuda kept going until they saw the sails in the distance. And then an entirely new sound would fill the streets.


    The Siren was busy. But she realized something, as she shouted at her people and braced. Not for today, but tomorrow. Her sister wasnt answering her hails. Yet then, Revine looked around after nearly two hours.


    <i>Where is Alchemist Irurx?</i>


    He had never shown himself. Atst, the Siren of Savere put something together. He was missing, but he <i>had</i> been here. He was unexpectedly gone.


    And so was Ceria Springwalker. The Siren stared out of her balcony at the dark ship anchored far from the others.


    Night fell. A storm blew into harbor. She looked up as the first drops began to hit the city. A Skill made storm.


    Ceria Springwalker halted as she walked with the masked half-Elf across the decks of Shifthold. He gestured towards the Captains cabin as a figure garbed from head-to-toe in stained ck bowed deeply, holding the door open.


    After you, sister.


    Alchemist Irurx bowed to his half-Elf cousin. Ceria held up a hand, her skeletal one, head turning to those distant ships. It was raining. Butshe held up her hand and something fell into it.


    A drop of red. It sshed over her bones. <i>Like blood.</i> Ceria Springwalker looked at the [Alchemist], who had invited her to his ship.


    Whats that sound?


    Slowly, Irurx turned. He spoke in a t voice.


    The Bloodtear Pirates. They are singing.


    She heard it now. From the ships at dock, and an echo at sea. Silencing the Garudas screams. Hovering over Savere. A chant to make even her skin tingle. She had never heard the likebut <i>this</i> was Bloodtear.


    [We Sailed Under gs of No Quarter], [A Storm at Our Backs], [We Took No Prisoner]. <i>[Blood in the Waters, Blood in the Sky].</i>


    She stared out at the ships at sea. Then turned to the Alchemist. He beckoned her inside, smiling. Ceria exhaled, slowly.


    Entanglement.


    Then she walked into his cabin. The Alchemist smiled as he removed his mask. His eyes never left her face and the circlet on her head.


    They fought in the shadow of the ss Bazaar.


    <i>Fought</i>, but it was an ever-doomed fight. That they did fight at all was desperation, wild courage because they knew what awaited them.


    The observers watched.


    Roshal. You see them, brothers and sisters?


    One pointed them out. They too were not in the city, or rather, sprawling trading bazaar that watched on without interfering. They had been banned, and were debating their present course.


    Roshal ignored them too. They had eyes only for their quarry.


    [ves].


    Hundreds. The [ve Masters] and [ve Takers] had them in wagons and lines, but there were so many that they required even more [Guards]. Fortunatelyfor Roshal, they had that many.


    This was a hunting party. Across Chandrar, Roshal was moving. Where it had cowered, it now sprang up since the Death of Chains was confirmed to have left Chandrar. And in her wake, the freed [ves], liberated from their chains, were being pursued.


    Each one would be found and reimed. Thisst, desperate group, who had fled a famous [ve Master]now deadhad been caught t-footed by morning. They had weapons, and surprising numbers.


    These [vers] had no Djinni, or they would have trampled the others in seconds. They werecautious. Roshal hade under attack, though no one would say exactly how, only that it might be rted to the Death of Chains.


    So they employed mortal [Guards] and [Mercenaries] in great numbers. Not least, the [ve Masters], the leader of whom was riding into battle with an enchanted sword. He swung it carefully,shing with a Whip of Paralysis in his other hand. He only severed the limbs of Stitch-folk, and, one by one, the desperate band was being caught, only a few, the most defiant, killed. Each one was worth money, and the captives were being thrown with the others.


    Dark deeds. Roshal should not stand proudly, yet they do. I have thought on it long, brothers and sisters.


    One of the watchers remarked. He was eating simple bread and water, grimacing at the sight. The others nodded.


    <i>They</i> were a group of only sixty, yet they feared neither the ss Bazaars intolerance nor Roshal. Roshal had been known tomake mistakes when it came to those they took as [ves]. But this lot would not flinch. They had simple weapons, as most travellers did, simple clothing. They had been begging for alms, but they were odd.


    Tell me, brother Izreal. What are you thinking?


    Only that these are a people who did not ask to be [ves]. Perhaps they were people who have done terrible things, but very? Isnt there room for redemption? Doesnt it go against our very core of beliefs?


    The others looked thoughtful. One woman sped her hands together.


    I do not know. We must discuss it. But now?


    I know.


    The ves had no chance. Yetthe words lingered on the man called Izreals lips. <i>Did they fear numbers? </i>Did they fear adversity? They served a ruler who could shatter Roshal if his full fury was brought against them. Turn it to ss and ashes, even more than the ss Straits.


    What was right? What washe thought hard as he watched the battle winding down. And because he was watchinghe saw the first figures on the hilltop of one of the great dunes.


    Pisces Jea stared down at the battle below. He had sunk down into a crouch, and Merr was on her belly.


    <i>Damn, damn, damn. </i>Stick a cactus up my ass<i>now? </i>They beat us to the bazaar!


    This was the ss Bazaar shed been telling Pisces about, which shed wanted to hit. Pisces had been dubious about it, but Merr had told him she <i>needed</i> the loot to keep the gang running.


    However, the [Scouts] shed sent ahead to n their route for the day had woken everyone after another night of marching to sound the rm. <i>Roshal was there.</i> A huge group of [ves] whod been recaptured.


    And


    [ves]. They were trying to get to the gates, but the gates were barred, and Pisces knew that the upants of the ss Bazaar would stand aside or hand them right back to Roshal.


    Nowhere to run. Yet they <i>fought</i> becausePisces clenched his teeth.


    What do we do, boss? Theres a <i>lot</i> of em.


    One of the [Bandits] looked ready to turn around, rich bazaar or not. Merr the Storm was silent. She was staring down at Roshals people.


    There are hundreds of ves. Just as many guards. Nono Djinni. I see few [Mages]. But we are outnumbered, even if they have not spotted us. That does not even ount for the ss Bazaar, if they intervened.


    Pisces was counting. Merr muttered.


    I heard they had a bit less than what were seeing; the caravans contribute to the defense. If you scare themRoshals tougher. Yeah.


    She looked up at Pisces. He stared at her. Merr spoke, ncing down the slope. Eloque, the freed [ves], [Bandits], [Raiders], all milled around, but quietly, waiting.


    We could head east. We keep out of sight? Maybe they dont realize were even here. Even withwith that many [ves] theyd have to split up. Wed be able to keep them off us, with my Skills.


    Right.


    They stared down at the fighting. Pisces lips moved. It was a terribly dangerous battle. He saw Merr slowly rising. She looked at him, a hand on her sword hilt.


    The odds are against us. Were outnumbered.


    Pisces nodded slowly. He stared at the people. There were children down there, and the [Guards] were cheering on the ones on the attack.


    We are. But there is a second army down there.


    Merr blinked as he pointed down at the people in chains. She looked up and exhaled. Pisces wavered. He looked down at Eloque and the others.


    Ifbut if we fail.


    The [Bandit Lady] followed his gaze. Towards Bearig, Rophir, Eloque, and Qshom. She pped him on the shoulder.


    We can spare four horses. But if we go down there, Pisces, mydtheyre nearly done.


    She pointed. Thest three dozen [ves] were pressed against the wall. Pisces looked down at them.


    Boss, this is stupid.


    One of the [Bandits] tried to argue with them, eyes moving uncertainly from Merr to Pisces. Because shecked context. Merr nodded simply.


    It is.


    They came down the hill without warning. [Raiders] and [Bandits], charging over the top of the hill in a second.


    Roshal didnt even see them at first. A sandstorm blew downwards, and the [vers] only saw that. They shouted warnings though; they <i>sensed</i> it


    Then they saw the first [Rider] break through the dust and grit at her back. She rode down on the unguarded lines of [ves], a sword held high. After her came a figure on horseback, a ming rapier drawn. He aimed a finger and a bolt of ck light went through one of the [Guards] tending to the wagons. He copsed without a word, and the [Bandit Lady] chopped downwards.


    <i>Charge! Wipe them out!</i>


    The riders burst out of the sandstorm blinding their opponents. They rode down, shing and breaking away, going for the sides, fighting, as figures on foot charged after them. There were strange creatures amid the storm. The [Guards] who turned, locking des with people charging forwards on foot, saw glowing eyes amid the dust.


    <i>What was that?</i> Someone was shouting.


    <i>Merr the Storm! [Bandit] attack! Open the gates! Its him! Its the [Necromancer]</i>


    Then the voice cut off as a giant <i>bear</i> made of bone leapt out of the darkness, and a figure on its back brought a sword down.


    A Skeleton Lord. Andthe [Guards] shouted as the glowing eyes drew nearer, revealing burning mes in pale sockets of bone.


    <i>Undead! Skeletons!</i>


    <i>Keep the [ves] shackled! [Rally To Me]!</i>


    The [ve Master] with the enchanted sword whirled. The [vers] around him rallied, standing firm as the [Necromancer] and [Bandits] tried to break the shackles on the [ves]. Some tried to grab keys from dead [Guards], but the wagon bars were iron and so were the chains!


    A figure burst past the fighting there and charged the main body of Roshals fighters. He flicked a ring, and the [ve Master] leaned out of his saddle as a bolt of magic shed past his head. A [Guard] saw the figureing at him and raised his shieldso Pisces stabbed him in the guts.


    Merr the Storm broke forwards. She whirled her sword overhead.


    <i>To me! Keep moving! [Fight Like You Mean It], you half-balled idiots!</i>


    The [Raiders] and [Bandits] screamed, surging forwards to sh with the armored [Guards]. Off-guard, they falteredthen held as the [ve Taker] leader raised his sword.


    <i>[Feet of Stone]. Stand or die. Roshalmands it! Now[Advantage: The Unchained].</i>


    Merr faltered as a spear <i>shed</i> at her face. She knocked it down, but suddenly a quarter of the fighters found the [Guards] and [vers] fighting faster against them, <i>stronger</i>the [Necromancer] cursed, raised his hands, and sted a line of [Guards] with mes.


    <i>Fire!</i>


    They ran, screaming, rolling, but it didnt ignite the Stitch-folk fully. The [ve Master] recoiled, then pointed his sword down at Pisces.


    <i>That is the ve worth a million gold pieces! Ten thousand to the one who brings him down!</i>


    The [Guards] charged. Pisces backed upthen vanished with an oath. He reappeared, running one of the [Mages] through the side, and whirled.


    It was chaos and confusion. Three sides watched the fighting, at first, for nearly three whole minutes, obscured by Merrs summoned storm that had given her that famous name.


    The ss Bazaar saw the attack and hesitated. <i>Merr the Storm.</i> However, as the [ve Master] rallied his forces, it became clear this was not Merr the Storm, head of Merrs [Storm Bandits], the lighting-fast raids of her elite [Bandits].


    She was deadly,shing about even with a disadvantage, but <i>she</i> was not themon [Bandits] who had levels from below 10 to 20 at most, generally. They came to a rapid decision as Roshals people hammered on their gates.


    Slowly, the ss Bazaar began to open the gates and archers appeared on the walls. The [ves] began to be herded inside as a relief force moved out to support Roshal.


    No. Theyre attacking.


    The second group to see the fighting was Eloque, Bearig, Qshom, Rophir, sitting on the horse pawing the ground in front of Bearig, and the other nonbatants. Merr had excluded those not ready to fight in her eyes, the young and old.


    <i>If it looks like were losing, run. Well catch up. Well break away if we have to.</i>


    That was her order to them. Eloque had the spear shed been given, but she knew she wouldntst more than a single sh in the thick of that fightingnot without support. Roshals guards were dangerous, and the [Bandits] faltered as arrows began to rain down from above.


    They have a chance. Pisces and Merr are there.


    Qshom murmured. The Duhan was feeling at his cloth armor, and Rophir kept looking from Bearig to the battle. The [Cook]s lips were moving.


    Come on, Pisces


    Rophir stared down at the battle. <i>He</i> could see better than the other ves, both in terms of pure eyesight and how it was going.


    The initial assault had pushed Roshal back, but they were rallying, and they wouldnt be swept away by the sheer impact of the charge. It was a battle and so both sides had to lean on what they had.


    Numbers and, arguably, training and vantage from Roshal. Equipment too. What did the freed [ves] and [Bandits] have against all that? The element of surprise.


    The undead, who had surged into the fight. Even as Rophir watched, one locked des with a [Guard], who began to hammer it down. The skeleton was knocked t, and the warrior lifted a mace to hammer it to dust


    The ribcage <i>exploded</i> as the [Bandit] Merr had assigned to the job pointed and shouted.


    <i>Spray!</i>


    A simplemand. The skeletons ribcage <i>exploded</i>. The [Guard] toppled over, armor and face shredded, and the skeleton, now lighter, got up, and, ttering its jaw, attacked the other [Guards], who fled the deadly trick-skeletons.


    That was one advantage. The second were the threefour fighters.


    <i>Ivery. Bearbones. Merr and Pisces.</i>


    The four were higher-level or far more dangerous than anyone else present. Ivery had fallen off Bearbones, and the warbear was standing on two legs. It brought its full weight <i>down</i> on a [Guard], then savaged another as they hammered on its armor.


    Ivery shed, whirling around with his superior strength and speed. Not finessebut as he fought in the melee, a warrior with a huge battle axe charged him. Ivery raised his shield and it <i>split</i> before a furious [Overpowering Chop]. The skeleton stared down at its off-hand as it staggered. The man raised his axe for another down-swing


    And Ivery <i>threw</i> a rock into his face. Rophir <i>saw</i> the mans nose <i>crunch.</i> He staggered. How had<i>there was no</i>


    Iverys magically bound rock reappeared in the Skeleton Lords hand. He stabbed the man through the chest, then <i>whirled</i> and threw it like a baseball pitcher through part of someones <i>skull.</i>


    Two figures. Merr was fighting amidst the [Bandits], using her Skills.


    [Hammering Blows]! <i>Get that bastard! Stop them from getting those ves into the city!</i>


    She was matching the [ve Master]s Skills and fighting at the front. The [Bandits] were ready to break and run, but Merr kept them in the battle. Even so, with all of it, they would have run. They would have been overwhelmed, Iverys magic rock and Bearbones or not, if not for him.


    Pisces whirled, running a [Guard] through. He aimed a finger, shot a [Deathbolt] through someones chest, and sprayed mes around him. Just a Tier 2 spell, but it kept them back. He [sh Stepped] to the side, evading a swinging man with a club, and an arrow <i>curved</i> as it shot at him.


    <i>Alive! Keep him alive!</i>


    The [ve Master] was screaming, but the [Guards] were desperate. Pisces aimed another finger and they scattered.


    [Deathbolt].


    Where he pointed, they died. Pisces rapier took someone else, shing across their leg, then when they struck wildly, across their <i>eyes</i>. His mouth was open. He wasboring for breath, but he never stopped moving.


    He was shouting. Fighting wilder and with more savagery than he ever had before. <i>Die. Die!</i> He aimed a finger up and an [Arrow of Light]a regr onehit an [Archer] in the groin.


    <i>Low shot.</i> Pisces sprayed the archers on the walls with the spell, wishing he had Cerias aim. Wishing he had her spells. He retreated, put his hand up.


    [Bone Wall]! It blocked off the bandits on one side, letting Merr focus forwards. Pisces closed his eyes.


    <i>Arise! Rise and fight for me, bodies of the worthless in life!</i>


    They rose. [Guards] cried out as zombies rose, from [Bandits] and [vers] alike. They fell, wing, adding to the numbers of the fighters. Pisces gulped for air.


    In his very soul, something was emptying itself. He felt it.


    [Ashen Mana Well]. He drew on it until it was expended. <i>Rise! Rise, and fight for a just cause! This battle will never end. For all those that die, I will call them back!</i>


    <i>I am the [Necromancer] of the Horns of Hammerad! Flee or die!</i>


    Pisces shouted. He saw Ivery racing past him and drank from a mana potion, thest of three he had. The [vers] hesitated. Pisces lifted his finger.


    <i>I shouldnt have let Mrsha have that wand.</i> He focused a seconda [Bandit] fell, screaming, as the [ve Master] shed across her neck. An arrow nearly struck Merr and hit someone in the arm. The [ves] were fighting, but they were being dragged into the city


    <i>It rested on him. </i>Pisces gathered the mana and shouted.


    <i>[Acid Orb]!</i>


    Scatter


    A squad of [vers] saw the orbing. Too fasttoo <i>close.</i> The backwash actually spattered Pisces cheek and <i>burned</i>. Not as deadly as Erins acid butthey ran, screaming. Pisces drank another potion.


    [Deathbolt]. [Deathbolt]!


    He shot two [Guards] dead. Something was happening.


    <i>My [Ashen Mana Well] is recharging!</i> He realized it was filling up with every death, with the undead around him. But <i>only</i> with death magic. [Deathbolt] worked. Undead worked. But


    The mana from the potion filled his veins again and <i>burned.</i> He was pushing himselfbut Pisces aimed a finger up. A trail of fire followed it as his focus wavered. It didnt matter. It was still magic in a box. <i>Push and</i>


    [Fireball].


    The [Archers] vanished. Spells he had never had to employPisces used them one after another.


    The vers wavered. <i>Gold-rank adventurer!</i> Merr wasughing.


    <i>Get them! GetPisces! Watch out!</i>


    She shed, but the riders charging forwards refused to get anywhere near her. Pisces looked up and saw the leader of this banding straight at him.


    The [ve Master]. Nomultiple [ve Leaders]. He aimed up


    [Deathbolt]. One fell, white-faced, from her saddle. Pisces used [sh Step], trying to evade. He leapt sideways and the horses began to turn, but were far wide of him. He saw the [ve Master], the deadliest, probably highest-levelled of them, sh, but that was just a feint.


    <i>The whip!</i> Pisces <i>ducked</i> and the tip <i>cracked</i>, missing his cheek with the paralyzing tip. He whirled.


    <i>Die</i>


    His finger came up. The [ve Master]s hand tightened.


    [Recapture the Runaway].


    Pisces felt something <i>lock</i> around his neck. A metalhe choked, and was dragged off his feet as the horse and rider, now tethered to him by a gleaming rope, began to <i>drag</i> him across the ground.


    <i>Pisces!</i>


    [ve Taker]. <i>A ss devoted to recapturing [ves]! </i>The rider was dragging Pisces around on the ground and he was shing at the rope attached to the cor to no avail. And just like thatit turned around.


    Rophir heard Eloque scream. The morale of Merrs bandits faltered in an instant, and the [Guards] pressed in. Pisces wasnt out, nor were his undeadbut he was fighting with the [ve Master] and they were on the back foot.


    Theyre losing.


    Qshom whispered. Rophir waited.


    He knew what wasing next. They would all be taken captive. Given to someone like Riqrebut not before things were done to make sure they would never try to escape again.


    We have to help him! SomeoneMerr!


    She was trying, but the [ver Leaders] were keeping far away from her. <i>Someone had to help Pisces.</i>


    Rophir knew it. Someone else, to turn the battle around. It was


    <i>It was what Riqre always said. Quality over quantity. </i>The half-Elf boy waited.


    Now. Now they would wonder how, these powerless [ves] without a ss. Then


    He felt someone shift behind him. That big oaf. Thatkindly man. Rophir waited.


    Rophir.


    Bearig looked down at him, a grave look on his face. Rophir waited.


    <i>I know. I know it has to be done.</i>


    <i>So ask.</i>


    The half-Elf boy waited. [Assassin]. Young. But he had a ss and levels


    Somewhere, Emir Riqre wasughing. He touched the dagger at his side. He felt Bearig lift him upthen he handed him to Qshom.


    Qshom, hold onto Rophir. Ride away if it looks south.


    Rophir stared at Bearig. Eloque turned. She had the spear in her ws, and twice now she had hesitated, almost looking as if she would ride into that fighting.


    Bearig?


    He watched as Pisces finally forced the [ve Master] to let go of the rope. Staggering, Pisces whirled, shing, but his magic was locked down. Not his Skills.


    Bearig had a meat cleaver. A [Cook]s tool that was also a deadly weapon. He drew it now. Stared at it.


    Im no fighter. I may get in the way. But I have been thinking.


    He stared down at the battle. His lips moved. He only spoke and hesitated a moment. Less than a minute in total for all of it to take ce. When Bearig turned, his eyes were bright.


    I beat a [ve]. I rented ves, for my restaurant. I would curse at them, beat them if they were too slow, if they made mistakes. I treated them like I wouldnt treat a dog.


    The others looked at him. Bearig turned back.


    I have a dream to go home. To find my family and live happily. But even if I doI will never forget the things I have seen. Nerrhavias Fallen, my home. I asked if she knew. Her Majesty. She must. I have seen terrible things. I cannot go back and live in peace. Even if I was given the chance? I cannot.


    He stared down at the [vers] and people fighting. His eyes locked on the [ves]. On the [ve Master]. The people in chains were watching Pisces, desperately. They had the eyes Rophir and the others had once had when they stared at Czautha. But Pisces was faltering.


    Bearig. You will surely die.


    The [Cook]s shoulders were shaking. He was sweating.


    I know. ButI will not run. Better to die than be a [ve]<i>no.</i> No! I will never be a [ve] again.


    He hefted the cleaver and looked at them.


    Such peoplethey deserve worse than death. All I will give them is death, if I can. Whatever it takesin this next minute or year. I will be free. I am no [ve]. Nor will I see anyone else be a [ve]. No more cors and Riqres. <i>Never again.</i>


    He kicked his horse in the sides and the beast took him down the hill. Slowly. Then gathering momentum. Qshom hesitated. Eloque looked at the other [ves]. Some were already moving forwards. Rophir leapt off the saddle.


    <i>Bearig!</i>


    The Duhan jerked and stared down. But Eloque was riding after Bearig next, then the others. The [Cook] charged, straight down. Some of the [Archers] saw and began taking shots at him from the walls. Most of the [Guards] ignored him. He was one man, face white, holding a cooking tool, not a sword.


    But the [ve Master] turned. His grin as he conjured more bindings and circled Piscesfaded. An odd, uncertain look entered his eyes as his head turned to stare directly at Bearig.


    <i>Perhaps he heard it.</i> A sound under the light of day. A rarity that only urred a few times. When you earned it. A temporary Skill.


    A revtion from the divine.


    Andit echoed in the [Cook]s ears. A will as old as his people. A voice that had set the first of them free. From Elucina, to now.


    [ve ss removed!]


    [Rebel ss obtained!]


    [Skill  Mortal Enemy: vers obtained!]


    [Skill ]


    <i>[Rebel]. </i>He crashed towards the [ve Master], who rode away from him, whip cracking.


    They were still losing. But the sight of a mere [Cook] charging the enemy was enough. The Stitch-man spoke.


    I have seen enough.


    Brother Izreal. There is nothing against


    He whirled to the others.


    There is not. But there are contradictions. Were our own people not once [ves]? Were they not freed? Look. Those [ves] fight for freedom with courage. Roshal? There is no redemption in Roshal. I am called.


    You must not make such decisions alone. You are not the will and voice and teacher.


    One of the other sixty stood up to confront Izreal. He met the uncertain gaze.


    I am certain. It lies in my heart and the heavens. Or do you fear the might of Roshal, Lazimeh? Is it not written? <i>Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will never leave nor forsake you.</i>


    His hands sped together. The woman kneeling next to him looked up. Slowly, the Stitch-man drew a simple club.


    I hear his voice. As He is my witness. I will go alone and smite them if I must and answer to the [Prophet] alone.


    He turned and began walking towards the fighting. Horseless. He had simple cloth clothing and a simple weapon. They had been begging and preaching odd faith in the ss Bazaar, and thus been exiled.


    <i>Strange people who spoke strange words that made the ears ring.</i> Fearless. No wonder they had been exiled. Alone, Izreal walked, and he had taken a name that was half from holynd, half from his people. A new name for a new calling. A better calling.


    He walked alonefor a moment. Then a Stitch-woman caught up. She was murmuring, and when he heard her voice, he picked it up.


    This was written.


    <i>When you go forth to battle against your foes and see armies of horses and chariots and enemies more numerous than you, be not afraid of them. For the Lord thy God is with thee</i>


    <i>More enemies?</i>


    Disbelieving [Guards] on the edges of the fighting saw the sixtying down the slope. Just sixty people, far less terrifying than undead or anything else. One aimed a bow upshot an arrow.


    Someone went down, a cry of painan arrow in the leg. The [Guards] rxed. They were exactly what they seemed. The sixty began charging as arrows came their way, and a rank of [Guards] moved out to ughter them.


    Thenthey saw something odd. One of the women had stopped next to the Human man. She reached down, dragged the <i>barbed</i> arrow out of his flesh, and he screamed and nearly passed out. She benttouched his leg.


    <i>There was no potion.</i> But suddenly, he was rising, blood still on his legs, and charging, screaming. The [Guard] who saw it stared.


    <i>What was that?</i> Then the first of them, led by a man with a club, came charging down the hill. The [Guards] set themselves. They saw the figure leading them raise the club and shout a word that <i>echoed</i>.


    <i>___ protect us!</i>


    And there was light. It pierced even the arms raised to shield against it. No mere [Light] spell. The air <i>boomed,</i> and the earth shook under the [Guards] feet. Some caught themselves; one ran through one of these strange warriors and killed them dead.


    But another lifted a shield and saw the mace burning with white fire. It came down like a hammer and sent the figure sprawling back. An [Elite Mercenary] locked his enchanted de with a simple shortsword and stared at the <i>iron</i> weapon that took no damage in disbelief.


    Magic. Magic versus


    <i>Faith.</i>


    [Pilgrims]. [Believers]. [Acolytes]they surged forwards, blinding their foes, the words of a strange belief on their lips.


    Merr shouted, seeing them breaking through. She raised her hand and the dust storm rose once more. But the strange new group and the freed [ves] fought without being blinded.


    Pisces ran through the cover, looking around.


    <i>Bearig! B</i>


    He saw a half-Elf boy bring down a [Guard] from the knees. Saw Eloque and Qshom fighting and ran through their opponents from behind. Then he saw Bearig.


    The [Cook] brought down the cleaver on the [ve Master]s arm and hacked down to the bone. The man screamed, and Bearig wrenched the cleaver up and brought it down again. Again and againas if he was hacking at some carcass.


    <i>Let all who hold chains beware. </i>Pisces looked around. Then he ran through the ss Bazaars gates. The confused guards and [vers] saw a Gold-rank [Necromancer] charge out of the darkness, a ck light swirling around his aiming fingertip. Then followed a [Rebel] and a [Cook], a half-Elf boy, a Skeleton Lord


    The ss Bazaar fell in a second round of fighting, followed by a surrender. By more fighting, really; Merr the Storm shouted at the people barricaded within.


    <i>If youre [Traders] and people of this ce, you live! Give up Roshal or die, all of you!</i>


    Roshals guards knew what awaited them outside. There was no hope of running or winning; Pisces had freed the [ves], and they had taken the bazaar. They fought the people inside, rather than leave.


    Afterwards, Pisces found Bearig. The [Cook] sat there, half his face puffed up. The paralzying whip had struck him several times near the end.


    Rebel. I am a [Rebel]. A ss as old asthe Rebel of String.


    Heughed. Pisces looked at him. A blue ss. Or perhaps it had only been how he was saved.


    Merr was counting heads, riding among the freed [ves], ordering her remaining [Bandits] to strip the ss Bazaar. They had paid a dear price for victory. Ordinarily, they might decide to run or kill her for the loot until she found a loyal crew. However, the freed [ves] outnumbered them and there would be no need to petition the Siren for more reinforcements. [Bandits] fought for gold. [ves]?


    Eloque was sitting down, throwing up. Not so much from the gore or horror of killing [vers]she had drunk an entire bottle of water down and it hade right up. Bronze-rank mistake.


    It was thest group Pisces sought out. They were only thirty-some strong now. They had fought with amazing spiritand little actual skillbut theyd somehow exacted a terrible toll.


    It was theirck of armor that did them in. Whatever they had trusted insome of them had survived arrows striking them and bouncing off, or taken blows that would surely have killed themothers had just died.


    However, more were on their feet than he had any reason to expect. As he watched, a woman bowed her head and ced her hands over a cut side.


    You will not die today, Brother Izreal. Not while the Lord watches over you.


    He askswhat he asks


    The man gaspedand Pisces saw light. A sh of


    <i>It was familiar.</i> He stopped, and saw Izreal rise. He touched at his side, and it was whole.


    <i>That was not a potion. Nor a spell.</i> Pisces saw the woman look up.


    Youre the [Necromancer].


    She said it with little rancor. If anything, she was impressed. The man turned and bowed to Pisces.


    I am d to see you lived, and these good people survived. May we introduce ourselves?


    Please. I am Pisces Jea.


    A pleasure.


    No recognition. So they didnt have scrying orbs. They had foughtintercededwhy?


    Because my heart told me to. Because I felt the calling.


    Izreal smiled. Pisces saw the others nod.


    You are people of conviction.


    People of <i>faith.</i> The ss Bazaar cast us out, but we find converts among [ves] and those who suffer. We spread the word of truth across Chandrar. We are small, but our sses shine bright. Already, we level, so we know our cause was just, our faith not misced. I am Marrieh.


    The woman smiled. She was Human too, and Pisces blinked at the strange statements.


    <i>She had levelled?</i> He hadnt seen her take a napmaybe someone had hit her so hard shed passed out?


    <i>No.</i> He looked at them and his memory touched him.


    You must think our sses strange, but perhaps it is well you have seen the truth. There is something I would like to tell youtell all those here, Pisces Jea. A great salvation hase to us all. To this world! Rejoice!


    Izreal smiled at Pisces. He was caught off-guard when Pisces smiled back.


    Ihave seen this before, actually. Once.


    <i>Pawn. </i>Izreal stared at Pisces, then burst into a huge smile.


    Then the news is spreading! You are a friend twice over, Pisces. Shall we rest and talk?


    We shall indeed. But pleasetell me. Who <i>are</i> your people? Do you lead them?


    Izreal shook his head as Marrieh smiled.


    We are only one group. We were founded around the [Prophet]. We are the People of Zeikhal, who can survive even in the great desert because we want not for water or mana.


    <i>Mana as in?</i> Izreal continued.


    Our true name you will not understand until you hear it. But we are simply


    He smiled, spoke, and Pisces ears rang. Somewhere else, five heads rose, and they looked hungrily towards that desert continent, guarded by that damned sword and light.


    Can you repeat that?


    Pisces rubbed at his ears. Izreal smiled.


    We are the People of God.


    <strong>Authors Note:</strong> It me. 24,000 words was not enough to split Pisces <i>and</i> Ceria. Frankly, Id have liked to do it but


    I cant. Im running out of steam; an entire years worth of steam. I recharge every break, but it is a cumtive drain. I may have to take a longer break for the New Years as usual, but I intend to go until Volume 8 ends and then take a huge break.


    However, Ill try to keep quality up. If it dips, let me know. For now, part of that is keeping short-er chapterslike uh, Volume 6 length. Hope you understand.


    Theres nothing else to talk about, clearly. Nothing important in this chapter aside from steam baths. If you scrolled down from the top, you can close the tab now and sleep easy.


    So uh, bye. Thanks for reading!


    <strong>Pixel Golems by y!</strong>


    <strong>The Crimson Soldier, Yellow Stters, Rasea and more by Gridcube!</strong>


    <strong>Chandler by Eris!</strong>