Book 9: Chapter 30


    <strong>[The Wandering Inn store is having a Solstice sale! Check it out here!]</strong>


    <strong>(Trial of the Alchemist, a mystery-fantasy by Trevor Mnson, ising out free on Royalroad! Check it out here: /fiction/61221/trial-of-the-alchemist-mind-bending-mystery-fantasy)</strong>


    On the day of the tournament, the <Heroic Quest> in honor of Zdona, the [demistress of Ancients], everyone agreed on a few things.


    Firstlythat inn never ran out of entertainment. Apparently, you could just hit the [Innkeeper] on the head and shed spit out a new <Quest>.


    Secondlyeveryone wanted to know <i>who</i> Zdona was. No one really remembered her, which said a lot about her age. That wasuntil a bunch of Chandrarian nations and even monasteries began digging up amon name who had codified and sometimes improved entire schools of fighting.


    <i>A demaster of another time. </i>So old that there were bounties on the books in Nerrhavias Fallen for a full scroll of her sword-techniques that pre-dated Nerrhavia dying.


    Nothing would do but for the Iron Vanguard to show off an entire wall in one of their cities that showed sword-forms for Duhans. And Drath itself decided to announce in singr text the following, which Drassi read on her broadcast:


    <i>demistress Zdona had visited the Empire of Drath to learn from the masters here in the Lightness Era. -1176 D.O.M.</i>


    That meant, of course, if you were Sir Relz, you actually <i>popped</i> the monocle off your face as you fell over on your desk. He and Noass were running the desk while Drassi was in Liscor. When he came round, he told everyone that it didnt stand for the Demons famous war-leader, but the era where magic itself was dead.


    As for the negative yearssome idiot had retroactively decided to count everything in that era backwards as when magic returned was the restoration of all that was good in the world and thus Year 0.


    That [Historian] had been murdered in his bed for his crimes.


    Anyways, the third thing everyone agreed on was that there was <i>no time </i>for a proper tournament. Someone was currently screaming at Noass about it as the Drake nodded along sympathetically.


    <i>A proper tournament takes weekspossibly months or even a year to organize right! There needs to be crowds, stakes! </i>Who are thepetitors? Wheres the mysterious masked individual? The foreign team? We need buildup! Drama! <i>And time for more people to show up!</i> Months of practice lead-time for eachbatant! Betting! Love-affairs between rivals! Sabotage before the tournament even begins, and day-long exhibitions for the entire week at least!


    They hadopinionson how a tournament should go. One day? Noass hesitated as Earl Altestiel and Hundredlord Cortese of Kaaz fought for space on the scrying orb.


    Altestiel was the one with opinions about the tournament. Cortese had a simpler objection.


    <i>I must be there!</i> Half of Kaaz would goyou tell that [Innkeeper] to dy her quest! Ill charter a ship this day! Ill pay Wistram to teleport me! Give me wo days, and Ill make the journey!


    In fact, people wereing in via Pass, Invrisil, Celumwhatever areas the door could reach. Archmage Valeterisa herself was teleporting in with guestsafter charging them extensive fees.


    People without ess to magic? A carriage rolled in this morning alongside a Gnoll practically strapped to a horse. The carriage disgorged what looked like a dead Drake.


    II made it? Am I toote?


    The Drake in question had raced out of his city the instant he heard about the <Quest> and rode down four horses in the night before ordering the carriage to drive him to Pass or crash into the walls. He had slept not one wink for thest eighteen hours.


    The tournaments starting at midday. Who are you, sir?


    Drassi bent over the Drake. He stared up at her.


    Midday?


    He peered at the sun still risingand immediately passed out. Drassi looked at the snoring figure. Then at the Gnoll, who looked half-dead.


    And where did you ride in from, sir?


    <i>Comoller.</i>


    Isnt thata hundred and sixty miles <i>south</i> of Pass?


    <i>Yes.</i>


    The Gnoll fell out of his saddle, but he had the wherewithal to drag himself into the inn.


    These were, of course, exceptionally wealthy individuals who could pay for spot-teleportation or multiple horses and sprint from their locations. And even thenCortese, Altestiel, and the furious people of multiple continents would never get to Liscor in a weeks time, much less a day.


    It said very clearly that the world needed faster transportation, and Archmage Eldavin was among those listening to theints.


    But the fourth and main thing that everyone agreed upon?


    <i>That Maestro was a bastard. </i>Possibly a magnificent one, but he and Symphony were something. In fact, Sir Relz had to cut Cortese and Altestiel offmostly because his other interviewee, Deniusth, hadnt stopped cursing his name for thest thirty minutes.


    Orchestrawas not going to make it back in time. They had taken off after the thieves from Albez, and because they had rushed so far south at their top speed, they had literally made it impossible to return in time.


    Thus, it looked like the tournament would be having mostly local fighters from several regions of Izril with a few drop-in guests who had managed the journey. <i>Outrageous.</i> The Maestro, then, was the target of ire as well as grudging admiration. You could hate him taking something you wanted.


    You could, understandably, dislike a trained killer holding someone at daggers edge. Then againSymphony had killed no one and lost no one in their concert-Skill. That was the kind of thing some employers liked to see. But even if you hated the Maestro, there was something to him.


    It was like watching a [Baron] deliberately extend a foot to trip up the young [Princess] on her debut in court as she held a ss of Amentus Juice that stained wonderfully, and she was crossing a royal carpet that cost over two hundred thousand gold coins. He was definitely a bastardbut you admired how he made the y.


    So everyone did have to askwho <i>was</i> this Maestro, the famous rival of Deniusth and Orchestra? Where did hee from? How did a Gold-bell dueliste to be leading a famous assassination group with little regard for his own safetyor his face being known to the world as a killer?


    The day that defined Linvios Reiscale had happened about thirty years ago. Almost to this day. He had thought of it and not thought of it for thirty years.


    It happened in Szsars towers. It was spring, and a thousand guests, mostly Drakes, were already gathering, cing gifts in a veritable heap, dining on the expensive food being served to them.


    They hade across the continent for this day. In factone notable Human had evene all the way from the north to attend the wedding.


    Linvios stared daggers at Deniusth every time the two locked eyes.


    Bastard.


    He <i>would</i> show up to an obligatory wedding invitation just to show Linvios he had ss. He wasnt even the Nemesis of My Hour. Just Linvios personal, most hated person in this entire world.


    Later, people like Colth and Deniusths friendsand Linvioswould hear of their rivalry, which would span decades, where both endeavored to kill or humiliate the other. At this moment, both carried silver bells. But Colth had gotten one thing wrong.


    <i>It wasnt Linvios wedding.</i> The Drake was fiddling with his suit, and Szsar did love suits. But this was a more formal wedding, so the groom, in the oldest traditions of their kind, had put on something closer to a robe of glittering metal. He looked like an [Emperor] with a triangr hat cut from Truegoldced cloth, adorned with little charms hand-made by his closest friends and family.


    The little red charm around his wrist hade from Linvios. Wall Lord Itreus was staring out one window nervously, but as Linvios looked back, the two exchanged a long look.


    Did he really show up? Your rival?


    Yes. I heard he was in Chalence, but he came four thousand plus miles. Just to spite me.


    Huh. Better him than <i>my</i> nemesis. Is Zail out there?


    Wall Lord Zail was waiting, and Itreus saw Linvios look out and spot the Drake. Zail, the scion of House Gemscale, stood tall, elegant, wearing his medals and gemstone coat as his longsword stood out from his jacket. A true military man.


    Hes here.


    It will be strange, not wanting to throttle him at every passing moment. I wish you and Deniusth could do that.


    That was all Itreus said. He lookedmagnificent. His scales had always been closer to pearlescent than most Drakes, faintly pinkish as they turned to amber-red. He had been in fights about it with Linvios, even when they were in their thirties. But at this moment, he seemed like no one could provoke him to violence. He was more thick-set than Linvios, especially his tail and legsbut not as much a warrior as the acimed [Duelist] of Szsar.


    But thenhe was a Wall Lord, and he and Zail would lead their city as the next generation tookmand of theirpanies.


    <i>Look at him.</i> Itreus nced at Zail and sighed. Then Linvios glowered at Deniusth again.


    Him? It would never work. For a man who ys the violin so well, he doesnt understand what <i>harmony</i> sounds like. Hes a solo act. A selfish one.


    His rivalry with Deniusth was both musical and driven by their personalities, their simr skillsetsand the ways their intersections made them butt heads. NoDeniusth would never be his Nemesis of My Hour.


    <i>Linvios wouldnt ever be married, anyways. </i>But Zail hade, and they had put their bad blood behind them.


    There was a tradition, amongst Drakes, of marriage. Just like Humans and other speciesbut Drake traditions were different. One aspect of their weddings that astounded most other species was this:


    They would have a best man, a groomsman just as the bride would invite her closest friend. Only one. If you were ying by the oldest rules from the time of Dragons, you had only one. No multiple best friends. You chose, and that was it.


    You could say their weddings indicated the speciesa gift to the bride and groom should be expensive. This was a disy of wealth. The weddings started terrible fights sometimes.


    However, there was one thing Drakes did that was also cultural, and it was this: you invited your worst enemy as well.


    Perhaps not one whod stab you on sight. But if they showed upyour Nemesis of My Hour, as the fanciful title was referred to, would stand with the best man. They would be privy to your finest hour in this wedding, and thereafterwhatever grudge youd held would be gone.


    The leadup to this moment had been months of negotiations, hashing out all their animosity, seeing if Zail and Itreus could actually even stand each other long enough to do this thing. Linvios had thought they might actually stab each other multiple times.


    But this was the highest honor you could give someone. And Zail had epted in the faith you were meant to and put down his long feud with Itreus for good. Here he was.


    Almost time now. A married man.


    House um and House Torimine. Joined at the hip. I wonder what Ill do. I cant just wander into your new home and bother you now. Maybe Ill create an adventuringpany and spite Deniusth. Call itsomething musical to annoy him and his precious Orchestra. Or maybe something else.


    Linvios didnt know what that future held. Only today. He looked back, and Itreus bright yellow eyes held his for a long, long time.


    Youll always be wee.


    He was House Torimine. umthe family he was marrying intowas the famous house who had created the um Swords, one of Szsars Gem Regiments. That said a lot about their fame and wealth, but Itreus might actually be the family head. If not thathe was marrying the daughter of the current Wall Lord Hezzien.


    The two Drakes stood there a while. Linvios pushed the curtains back and came to stand next to Itreus. He held out an arm, and Itreusin his robes that Deniusth had imed more befit a bride than the groomleaned on him.


    Almost time.


    How they looked, Linvios didnt know, and how long they waited, he wasnt sureuntil aughing voice spoke.


    <i>There you two are.</i> Ancestors, I knew it. Honestly, youd think I was breaking up the greatest friendship the Walled Cities have ever seen. Look at them, Careei.


    A Drake Wall Lady made the two start. Linvios bowed slightly as he saw the bride, Wall Lady Calistoca,ing their way. She had on much the same robesbut he didnt remember how they looked, in this memory of today.


    She was as happy as could be, unfussed with the stress of the wedding, and graceful. And Itreus smiled widely at her as she threw her arms around him.


    Careei, her best woman, rolled her eyes as she saw Itreus and Linvios.


    They were like this allst night. I saw them at the grooms party. In their cups, just talking with each other, not doing anything else practically into dawn.


    Im not stealing him, Linvios. You two can run about like alwaysuntil Father has him managing thepany.


    It was something, to like Calistoca. It was hard not to, but Linvios almost wished he didnt. She took his ws, and he said something he forgot that made herugh. Then


    And then, like that dream, Itreus was standing there, and everyone was growing silent. Zail was waiting, and for onest second, Linvios stood there and looked at Itreus.


    They never said a word after that. Never said it. Never realized, in words, anything but well-wishes, congrattions, the formalities of this moment.


    If he should have said somethingLinvios found himself walking out of the curtains before the bride and groom to the apuse. He stared at the dazzling chandeliers overhead, and he couldnt remember if he were breathing or not. He looked back once, and the Drake was walking towards him, in those glittering robes. Then Zail put a hand on his side, and Linvios, that expert with the de, knew his part.


    Swords.


    He drew a sword with Zail and crossed it in the air high, high overhead. The two bridesmaids did the same with daggers since neither were trained warriors. And underneath that arch of steel, Itreus walked past Linvios.


    The two held onest gaze, and it shimmered, those pale eyes. That day, his friend smelled like the sharp fragrance of an orchidand then Linvios lowered his heavy arm, heavier than any other day he had held a sword.


    That day, more than the rest as he drifted away from his old friend, took up professions selling his services as an [Assassin], built up a reputation as Szsars assassin-group for hire


    <i>That day defined him still.</i>


    Maestro? Maestro, are you sure this is wise?


    A greyer Drake blinked, and hispels blew in the cold breeze. He stood outside of Liscor, in the Floodins, and his people, Symphony, looked at him nervously. He nced aroundand saw the death-stares of Manus, the Liscorian citizens, and indeed, the Watch Captain and everyone else.


    It took some gall to just walk back to Liscor after what he had done yesterday. But he had been promised amnestyand he did not much care if they came for him.


    The Maestro feared nothingbut he nodded at the First Flute.


    Of course its not wise. But it is a performanceand we stand here, not Orchestra. If theye for usretreat. Otherwise, I am told this is not a bloody curtain call for anyone. Mind your des. The best oue is levelsor that Skill for any one of us.


    Symphony nodded. The Drake adjusted his suit absently. Hed changed it to another cut of dark fabric, but another orchid was still pinned to thepel.


    His bell rang once, and he checked it as he lifted the conductors wand. He wouldnt be allowed to use the magical instrument, which could summon weapons at willbut he carried it until the tournament began.


    <i>He must have been unsettled. </i>It had been a long time since Itreus had contacted him for anything. The [Painter] ruining so much art.


    <i>The Maestro agreed with the [Innkeeper], a bit. </i>Sellme had ruined goldbut gold was not the same as people. It was careless, foolishbut Sellme had been a rabble-rouser that still pointed out injustice.


    <i>Requiel ute Minen had been a wonderful piece, beloved by all. </i>If it had just been thatthe Maestro might still have refused, even for an oldfriend.


    But one of the paintings had just been a vanity piece, which, yes, ought to be destroyed because it was just overvalued paint done by a Level 30 [Painter] who captured scenes without substance, images without anything behind them.


    It had been of two Drakes crossing swords over a pair of Drakes about to be married. A remembrance of a day Linvios knew by heart.


    It will be bloody.


    That was all the Maestro said. He looked across the fields to where House Veltras was warily set up, and the [Lord] was arguing with his subordinatesand the Wind Runner who had destroyed the Guild of Assassins to the north. He admired that. He looked sideways at Manus, entrenched in their own position, and wondered who would be more hated.


    <i>Manus? Veltras? Symphony?</i>


    It didnt matter. What they didnt see was that it wasnt about the end of the performance. It was the highs and lows, the mistakes, the grandeur of seeing someone at their finest. If he died today?


    The Maestro looked up at the cloudy, grey skies.


    <i>Let it be a better piece, a far truer song ever after. </i>He waited for the tournament to begin.


    So that was the Maestro.


    Strange. Strange, how you could either know someone for a second and know them full well, like Lupp, or know someone for a long time and feel like a stranger.


    People were tough. Running was easy. So Ryoka Griffin didnt run in the morning. She stayed where she was. But she felt


    Terrible. Justifiably terrible. Mrsha threw clods of dirt at Tyrion the moment he walked through the front door. And he dide back.


    Oh, yes, he did.


    You are <i>insane.</i> Youre risking your life, your


    <i>Yourck of levels.</i>


    to participate in some stupid tournament! These are real des! Unenchanted, but they can kill on ident! And theres any number of people who hate your guts!


    Yeah.


    <i>Lord Veltras, </i>I must insist you stop. This is in the name of House Veltras, and the branch families will back me upon this. Remove me from my post if you must, but Ullim? Soldiers. Pull Lord Veltras back. Now.


    Yeah.


    Jericha was speaking to Lord Tyrion Veltras as the younger man checked the sword and shield he was going to use in the tournament. She was alive with worry, exasperation, and she pointed at the [Soldiers], who hesitated as they stepped forwards.


    The yeah wasing from Ryoka. She felt it wasmebut Jericha was going <i>off,</i> and she was right. Lord Tyrion Veltras just nced to the side.


    I am participating, Jericha. It would be more unseemly if I did not. That Skill


    He hesitated, and he nced towards the inn.


    Is worth the risk. This is a levelling opportunity for me. Soldiers, ignore her.


    They stepped closer, and Tyrion stared at them. So they froze upand looked at Jericha. The fact that it was a question between whose authority they followed was really funny.


    Ullim was the tie-breaker. He looked at Tyrion and Jericha and leaned over to whisper to her.


    Lord Veltras would never refuse this, Jericha. You know that. It would be odder if he <i>didnt</i> participate. And much as I hate to say itI believe hell put up a fight. His jaws set. He once challenged a half-Giant around this age.


    Everyone stared at Tyrions jaw. The [Lord] unclenched it and glowered at Ullim, but the [Majordomo] looked so nostalgic that Jericha just grabbed at her hair.


    The moment this begins, that [Spearmaster] wille after us. Manus would love to <i>identally</i> maim Lord Tyrion.


    Then perhaps we should ensure he does not. But Jerichathe honor of House Veltras is on the line.


    Ullim was crazy. <i>He</i> had a sword and a buckler, and the seventy-something man looked like he was ready to get into the fighting. Ryoka Griffin looked around.


    You cant do this, Tyrion. Im taking over, Jericha. This is a bad idea.


    I love tournaments.


    Tyrion Veltras actually made Ryoka speechless for a second. He looked at her and then nodded at Ullim and Jericha.


    This is a well-known fact about me. I have participated in every tournament I have ever been able to attend. If this was a jousting tourney, you could not tear me from it with an Adamantium chain. I have won several tournaments, you know, Ryoka. If this were a matter of pure swordy, without Skills, my chances might be even better. Dont you think it would be worth the risk to gainwhat sounds like a Level 50 Skill?


    He was actually excited. Ryoka stared at him and realized the [Lord] was smiling tightly. Then she realized she forgot. He was so stoic and unmoving like a rockthat she forgot martialbat and this kind of thing was literally what he did for <i>fun</i>. Jousting at training dummies.


    No, I dont. And I dont think you know how many good fighters are on the field. There are Gold-ranks!


    Ive beaten Gold-rank adventurers in spars. Their technical ability varies. As long as Deniusth isnt thereColth the Supporter is acimed. That Maestro and Spearmaster Lulv, likewise. Ullim, mark both.


    The [Majordomo] nodded. Ryoka pointed a shaking finger at the other people.


    There were <i>hundreds</i>, and thousands upon thousands more watching. But while a lot of people were debating whether or not they should enterthe most confident and talented were already warming up.


    One of them was a huge Drake she really wanted to talk to doing warmups with a group of little Gnolls of varying ages. He was showing a girl how to adjust her spear, and she was dying to speak to Guardsman Relc.


    Theres more than one [Spearmaster]! See him? [Spearmaster]. And theres Klbkch the yer, Lehra Ruinstrider, uh


    Ryokas head swiveled. Her problem wasnt who to single outit was who <i>not</i> to single out. Every single adventurer who used a de from Erins inn was here. Every single adventurer in the <i>city</i> who used a de was here.


    The Antinium were here. [Crusaders] were lined up with Painted Antinium, and a group of them were staring daggers at Manus. <i>Dead gods, Want was here! </i>He wasughing as he tugged a sword out of the way of Garia and Viceria, who were trying to literally kneecap him and drag him away. Garia was kicking at her fathers shins, but he looked delighted by the moment.


    <i>He might have fun</i>but Ryoka was nervous. Tyrion had a in steel de from House Veltras armory.


    Many of the others had des theyd found since there was no magic allowed. In factshe even <i>heard</i> someone, Emessa, shouting.


    <i>A masterwork de from Master Pelt! ce an order now and he can have it done in fifteen minutes or less! Steel or mithril! Pay for the highest quality</i>payment in advance.


    Master Pelts anvil was ringing. The Dwarf was actually set up near the gates, and hed created an impromptu forge. Ryoka had been surprised that the surly Dwarf shed heard was a famous drunk was here.


    But Pelt knew battlefields andpetitionsand the chance to double his profits for the month or make many times more than that?


    Shed seen the Wall Lady and Wall Lord from Manus, the Drake with the weird body and Aldonss, go over and order two mithril-alloy des so theyd have an edge.


    Ryoka stared for a long time at Rafaema, who looked<i>off.</i> Bloated, almost, but she was also thin enougha fit warrior. Why did Ryoka feel like her scales <i>bulged</i> at times as if?


    A piece of dirt bounced off Tyrions shield as he raised it. Mrsha.


    Mrsha, stop! Please


    Ryoka went to the Gnoll, but she was ring at Tyrion. She ran offand Ryoka realized it wasnt <i>Mrsha</i> whod thrown the dirt.


    <i>Youre a bad man! Go away!</i>


    Visma raised another piece of dirt to throw, saw Tyrion staring at her, and ran so fast she tumbled down the hill. Mrsha and Ekirra bent to help her up.


    Tyrion Veltras was one of the most hated people here. ButRyoka Griffin was also up there, and the Maestro and Manus. Especially Spearmaster Lulv.


    In fact, the only thing preventing Tyrion from being jumped was the fact that everyone thought he was one of the most dangerous men in the worldand Erins tournament. Everyone wanted to know how it would be organized, whether or not they had to have a massbat before the finalists dueledrification on the rules and so on.


    Could you fortify the ground? Miss Griffin, if were allowed to do thatcould you check for us? Can we use [Mark Target] on foes, or are we just limited to personalbat Skills? Can we use Skills at all?


    Jericha was ncing around, and she turned to Ryoka. The Wind Runner hesitated, but Tyrion dipped his head.


    It would be good to know. Andare Sammial and Hethon still in the Haven?


    They had better be. Ill check. Justjust


    Ryoka ran off without figuring out anything else to say.<i> Just why does every visit to the inn have to go like this?</i>


    You know, you could say that despite Erin being held hostage, her putting on this <Heroic Quest> did satisfy a lot of her goals. It got her attention, was a levelling opportunity, and, as Drassimentated, the eyes of the world were on this moment.


    I think I can see more contestantsing in. It looks like every adventurer you can name is here, Sir Relzand Pass has just sent in Keldrass and his mewardens. In fact, I see <i>dozens</i> of Passian [Soldiers]. Those wouldnt happen to be soldiers who are active-duty, are they?


    <i>I believe, Drassi, there may have been an exception granted for today. Completely understandable.</i>


    The Drake was counting.


    Yesbut I think there are over a hundred of Pass [Soldiers]. We are next to the City of Inventions! Is that fair? Dead gods, they might be [Generals] and whatnot! Is that General Duln, the <i>First General of Pass?</i> Sir Relz, is it fair to have a hundred Level 30+ [Soldiers]?


    Noass cut in.


    No rule against it, Miss Drassi, and that seems like youre forgetting all those Antinium on the field. Plus, its Liscor. Unfamiliar terrain.


    Its grass hills and valleys. The tournament is on the t ground where we y <i>baseball,</i> Noass.


    Unfamiliar. It just seems to me like youre singling out Pass here, Miss Drassi. House Veltras is sticking together.


    Yeah, all twenty of them. Is Pass working together? Are you allowed to team up?


    Drassi was looking around and eying the distinctsidesthat were appearing. Ande to that, she had a few more questions on her list.


    I just dont know if this will be bloodless. Especially if someone whips out an area-of-attack Skill. Can they do that? <i>Are there safeguards against someone identally being cut in half?</i> I think we need to check the rules. SoIm going to try.


    She turned as Noass began to defend the legitimate use of numbers and tactics and grouping up on ones enemies in a tournament setting. Drassi, pointedly, just aimed a w left.


    Have the cameras focus on what looks like someone trying to bribe the adventurers to join Pass side. Ill be live in five


    She hurried into the inn. Drassi looked around, and the ce was bustling. People were asking for food,ing in via the doorand like her


    Wheres the [Innkeeper]? <i>Wheres the [Innkeeper]? </i>I am here representing Kaaz, and I would like to make her an offer she cannot refuse


    A Human was talking to Lyteor trying tobecause Ser Sest was in the way. And the Thronebearer calmly held up a hand.


    Sir, sir<i>[Silence, Please].</i>


    Thronebearers. They sucked at fighting, but they had all the Skills you wanted for jobs like this. The people trying to get to Lyte would have had better luck getting through a brick wall. Drassi hesitated, but the guard at the stairs let her through.


    To prevent people going up through the inn, a defender had been posted and given a chair and a stick to poke everyone out of the way. That person was Gothica, and the [Goth] would tell anyone, <i>anyone in this world</i>, to fuck right off.


    She was enjoying her job, but she let Drassi through. She was impressively doing a good job, too. Any number of people might not fear the stickbut her aura was actually like a dark barrier of shade that was making several people bounce off or <i>slow </i>as they ran into it and back out, cursing.


    Of course, if you got past Gothica and went up the stairs, the second room on the right held Erins room. You could get to it. If you were a friend.


    Otherwise, Shriekde would kill you. Drassi slowed as the Named-rank looked up from her perch on another chair. She wasnt getting ready for the tournament; she had no interest among all the adventurers.


    Erhello. Can I speak to Erin?


    Let me check. Move and Ill stab you in the foot.


    Drassidecided not to move. She saw Shriekde open the door, and it let out a very irate voice. The Drake said somethingand then opened the door wider.


    Go in. She wanted to see you anyways.


    Drassi gingerly passed by the Named-rank and into Erin Solstices room. Thereshe saw the [Innkeeper].


    Erin Solstice, during this great day of days, was not downstairs in the innsmon room or causing havoc or attacking Tyrion with a pan.


    She was, in factlying in bed. ring so hard that Drassi expected to see scorch-marks on the walls and ceiling.


    I need bisque. Just for today. Someone help me get up. I get it. Ive been using it as a crutchbut I <i>need to get up.</i>


    Oryou could use the wheelchair.


    Someone was arguing with Erin. The [Innkeeper] stared with wrath at the person talking.


    Why?


    Because the <i>wheelchair</i> makes you remember you need to exercise. It doesnt strain you so badly you use healing potions. Which you did not tell me about. That is my fault. But your enchanted food is a crutch, and you lean on it.


    Well, maybe Ill use it just for today.


    Erin Solstice was arguing with the only person brave enough to have it out with her. Not Lyte, not Mrsha, not even Numbtongue.


    Sinew Magus Grimalkin stood there, arms folded.


    Erin. I have been aware of howpushy I can be. But I am telling you againyou have made no progress in your recovery. If anything, I feel as though youve lost your recovery. Healing potions. Your Bulkup Bisque. This is the result. Anyone who can dispel those enchantments or if it runs out


    I get it. <i>I get it.</i> Alright?


    Erin stared at the ceiling, and the Drake fell silent. She looked so frustrated and angryat herselfDrassi didnt want to say anything. Grimalkin opened his mouth, and you could tell he really was trying.


    Because he <i>didnt</i> want to pile on her in this moment. But Erin still wanted the bisque, not the wheelchair, and Drassi understood why. It really wasnt fun being confined to one when you could magically just stand and do everything after eating some admittedly dull bisque for the hundredth time.


    <i>But someone had to do it. </i>SoGrimalkin exhaled. He looked to the side and didnt lecture Erin.


    He called in reinforcements. He asked for <i>help</i> moving this incredible weight, a spotter for the burden even he couldnt lift.


    Erin Solstice looked up as a woman stepped forwards. Lady Pryde Ulta looked down at the [Innkeeper], trapped in her bed, glowering and ring out the window. The [Lady of Pride] raised her nose and spoke one word.


    <i>Pathetic. </i>Are you going to be like this the next time someone counts on you? There are no shortcuts. Just effort.<i></i>


    Then she turned and walked out the door. Grimalkin hesitatedbut Erins reddening face said that something hadnded. She stared at the wheelchair as Drassi waved a w.


    Uhhi, Erin. Bad time?


    The [Innkeeper] looked ready to pop. With shame, with embarrassment. The [Lady of Pride] knew how tonce someone with their own sins.


    Drassi knew that Erin would throw things and possibly set the room on fire if she said the wrong thing, like Sir Relz or Noass. So all she did was gesture at the door. Shed left her broadcasting team behind. Her Gnoll, Drake, even Duhan team


    It was just her. But she was a [Reporter]. Erin looked at her as Drassi brushed at her neck spines.


    I know its a bad time. Get mad at me, but hear me out. Erinsometime soon, Id like to sit down with you.


    Im going to be doing a lot of sitting, soon.


    That was all Erin said. She stared at the chair, and Drassi coughed.


    No, Erin. I mean, sit <i>down. </i>Talk. Interview you. Theyve seen you time and time again. But I want them to see <i>you.</i> If youe downstairs


    She reached out and picked something up. Then she handed Erin theb, and the [Innkeeper] saw Drassi hold up a mirror.


    <i>Knock them t, would you?</i>


    The [Innkeeper] looked at her friend. Her <i>friend</i>and she took a deep, long breath.


    Put a pillow on that chair for me. It gets ufortable, Drassi.


    There they were. Symphony. Tyrion. The man who had waged war on Liscor, and no one was taking him out. Some [Assassin] waltzes in, holds Erin hostage, and he got to stand there without a hole in his body?


    The problem wasit was unclear who was in charge. And that problem wasrger than you thought, because Watch Captain Zevara was ready to arrest everyone here and throw them into the new prison Hexel had built for a month.


    That was justice to her, the very <i>basic</i> start of it. Manus had made de facto war against Liscors army.


    But she couldnt prove it. She knew it, but she couldnt prove it, and that jangled every nerve that believed in actualw and order. Andshe was no fool.


    You will <i>arrest</i> anyone attacking someone outside the bounds of this tourney. No objections!


    She was barking at the Watch on the walls. That included Antinium Soldiers and angry [Guards].


    But Watch Captain


    <i>Silence in the ranks!</i>


    Senior Guardswoman Beilmark barked, forestalling a chorus of voices. She wasnt happy either, but Jeiss, Beilmark, and several senior pairs had Zevaras back. The Watch Captain was fuming literal smoke, but she wasnt an idiot.


    She looked an angry young Drake in the eyes, and unlike <i>her</i> previous Watch Captain, when she spoke, she exined.


    We are the Watch of Liscor. Agents of thew. Your ss means you have sworn to uphold ourwsbut we are not blind. I know what Manus did. I know what that [Lord] down there did. Technicallyunder thews of warI have no recourse to arrest him, only bar him from Liscor. Yes, the Council or any official could arrest him under a number of objections. But we are also not stupid.


    The Watch looked at Zevara, and she exhaled slowly. Klbkch and Relc were standing on the tournament groundsin a sense, theyd gone rogue. In arger sense, she hoped one of them got stabby.


    If I arrest a single soldier of Manus, we have a Walled City against us. If I arrest Tyrion Veltras, all of the Five Families will first cut trade with us. Then hire assassins or mercenaries and, depending on what they do, put all of Liscor into jeopardy.


    The [Guards] were silent as Zevaraid this out. Nothing she said made her happy; she felt like she had acid for Dragonbreath. But it was also true.


    I will never order a [Guard] to break thew to do anything that endangers Liscor. This tournament is unsanctioned, unregted, and when ites to Named-ranks, foreign powers, sometimes thew bends or breaks.


    She turned to stare over the walls, and the Watch waited. It took them a beat to realize that was it. They looked at each other, and someone exhaled.


    Within the grounds of the tournament, though, they might beif not killedthen cut bloody, and anyone participating can attack Tyrion Veltras, right, Watch Captain?


    Thats my understanding, Senior GuardsmanCouncilman Jeiss.


    Zevara corrected herself. Theyd really have to revisit his rank. You couldnt have two positions that conflicted with each other like that. But Jeiss was nodding.


    The [Swordsman] of the Watch, considered the best aside from the newly re-bodied Klbkch, nced down the wall. Then he cleared his throat.


    I think the Watch understands the situation, Watch Captain. Thew is thewand we are the Watch.


    Simply put. The [Guards] looked glumuntil Jeiss nced at Beilmark. And the Gnoll woman smiled.


    Sometimes, even we make mistakes. As I told you this morning, you idiot, Jeiss.


    I know, I know. But I wonder if the Watch Captain knows?


    Zevaras head turned, and she gave them a suspicious re. Jeiss and Beilmark looked innocent as she growled.


    Know what?


    I was just pulling up the duty roster, Watch Captain, and Jeiss, that idiot, clocked in when he should be off-duty. Hes off today and tomorrow.


    Okay. Well, go off-duty, Jeiss.


    He was a family man. Forgetting was unlikethen Beilmark innocently tapped something at the top of the sheet.


    Not to bother you, Captain Zevara, but it looks like you might have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Look whos supposed to be enjoying a two-day break too.


    What are you talking about? I didnt


    Zevara reached for the little calendar, and then she saw Beilmarks grin. The Senior Guards nced at each other, and the <i>second-</i>best swordswoman in the Watch hesitated. She eyed the name crossed out in ink and then Jeiss innocent look.


    If were off-duty, Captain Zevara, I thought I could use a new Skill. You go to the inn now and then. What say we go see how Relc and Klbkch are doing? Theyre off-duty too.


    The Watch Captain hesitated as the [Guards] heads swung from the two Senior Guards to the Watch Captain. Was it something terrible she was teaching all of them?


    <i>Thew bent in front of power and necessity. </i>Zevara knew that full well. And sometimesif you bent thew far enough back, it sprang back into position like a flexible ruler and smacked you in the face.


    I may just do that. Guardsas you were.


    <i>Watch Captain Zevara strode down the ramparts as the people below looked up at the unexpected cheering. </i>And she was not the only one making a sudden appearance.


    Erin Solstice had done nothing wrong. She did nothing wrong, and someone had to pay. Orif she made a mistake. If she was less than perfectly, rationally calm and collectedso what?


    Her friends knew who they wanted to stab. Erins friends had, to put a fine crossbows point on it, just seen her die. And seeing an [Assassin] with a de to her throat?


    Well, it might bother some of them. For the honor of the [Innkeeper] of The Wandering Inn, many people had taken to the field.


    Pisces Jea was warming up with his rapier as Ksmvr tested the two des hed taken out instead of the looted ones from Chandrar. They were eying Symphonybut then Yvlon Byres stomped onto the field.


    Yvlon. Are you participating?


    Im not in danger of losing a hand. And if I need a de


    Yvlon had a sword in one hand, but she also morphed her arm into a de. Pisces eyed it and opened his mouth to say something about her going berserk. Then he looked at Symphony and decided they deserved it.


    One feels that might be cheating.


    That was all he said, and it was more in concern shed be kicked out for the arms. But someone else spoke up cheerfully.


    A des a de. And it seems like innately magical metals good. Doesnt matter if you have a dead body, either. Soif Pass can have their officers on the field, I might say hello to some folks. Itll be hard to stop from killing them, though.


    All three adventurers turned. Ceria Springwalker was sitting out, but it seemed they had a new, temporary captain.


    Jqua Ivirith was wearing one of her remaining Raskghar bodies. And she was carrying her metal il. Her metal il of razordes. <i>Demas Metal.</i>


    The instant Pass officers saw that, General Edellein raised an objection. But Jqua was within the letter of thew.


    No enchantments, no armorjust a dead body she didnt care if she tore up. The Demas Metal was magical. But it was just a de.


    Im going after Symphony. Pass Ill ignore. What about you?


    Symphony or House Veltras. We can take or leave Manus.


    Yvlon had found out she could crack her knuckles. It sounded like metallic hammers smashing together. Jqua grinned as someone joined them.


    <strong>Moores staying out of it. I talked him down from picking up a sword. Hes too big a target. But youve got me. Halrac joining in?</strong>


    Halrac? Dead gods, I hope not. Hes not a swordsman. <i>Bird</i> was talking about using his bow because arrows are sharp. But Lyte vetoed that.


    The [Silversteel Armsmistress] broke away from studying Symphony and turned to see Halrac, Revi, and even Briganda keeping back. Seborn shrugged.


    <strong>Briganda is out too, and Revi just cant swing a sword that well, despite not really being afraid of sharp things. I told her she could sew on anything we lopped off. Brigandas a mother, so thats fair. But Halracs better with a sword than youd think.</strong>


    That was news to almost no one. Halrac looked like he could hold his own even if he lost his bow. The adventurers were limbering up in their corner of the field, below the inn. The Antinium had one side, and their group was like a body in itself.


    <i>People were taking sides. </i>Sowhile some adventurers like Keldrass team were nodding to fellow [Soldiers] from Manus, the adventurers were an independent body. Someone else called out to them.


    Hoi there! You lot fighting? Lets have a truce, then. No one stabs each other in the back until the finals. Got it?


    Jqua turned her head, and Pisces groaned. But even he nodded at Captain Todi as he swaggered over.


    Todi? Jewel? What are you lot doing here?


    Levelling up or getting a chance to show off. Selys told me to go for that Maestro or Tyrion Veltras. But I would have done it for free. Hate the fact that I cant use a wand or anything, though.


    Todi had a shortsword in one hand and a shield in the other, and he seemed ufortable at the thought of a fair fight. Hispromise was going from adventurer to adventurer and making a ceasefire arrangement.


    He had also, incidentally, done that with the Antinium, tried it on Pass, the inns guests, the Gnolls, and even the Goblins.


    <i>The Goblins.</i> Rags, Numbtongue, even Badarrow, were lined up next to Redscar, who was just staring at Tyrion across the field. No questions who they wanted to run into.


    Looks like Liscors over there. Lets also agree not to go after Relc and that lot, eh?


    You mean, Relc doesnt go after us. Hes a [Spearmaster]. Technicallywho would outrank him in sheer sword-skill?


    Pisces had a healthy respect, in this moment, for the fact that without [sh Step], his dueling abilities were a lot lower than hed like. And Relc?


    Jqua looked at Seborn, who shrugged fairly confidently. Jewel fiddled with her rapier as her two teammates looked at Todi and Ksmvr, who was too modest to say anything.


    Ill nip over and arrange a truce. Good, good.


    He hurried off.


    Now, this was the baseline of contestants.


    Wall Lady Rafaema was refusing to leave for the same reasons as Tyrion; in fact, she had an even better reason. Despite the risksif <i>she</i> could win a Skill?


    Was that even possible? She had a great chance. She was, after all, a you-know-what, and even without Skills, she had Lulv and Aldonss and Manus best on her side.


    In her eyes, House Veltras, Pass, and perhaps the adventurers would be the most dangerous targets. Symphony might have started this, but they would be picked off in the first few minutes.


    Her confidence was only doubled because they had an ace-in-the-hole courtesy of Luciva. The slumbering Drake that had tumbled out of the carriage?


    <i>That was Zeter, the Swordsman of Six.</i> Named-rank adventurer. He might havee some of his way on Wyvern-back.


    Watch out for the yer and the Gecko. Lulv, no grudge-matches.


    I hear you.


    The Gnoll was ring at Aldonss, who was testing his wall-Skill. If it worked, theyd just hunker down and wait to pick off weak targets. Rafaema had approved the n, and only Ferris was groaning.


    Its not going to work. Wall Lord, SpearmasterIm telling you, this inn is cursed. That [Innkeeper] has a chaos Skill. <i>Our n is not going to survive first contact.</i>


    Rafaema nced at Ferris and hesitated. She had doubted him yesterday, but she was inclined to listen to him this time. Aldonss just shrugged calmly.


    Pass wonte for us until the end. The strategy is sound, Ferris.


    They were obviously going to team-up. Chaldion was a bastard, but he knew the score. Ferris just shook his head. Lulv was turning his head to snarl something at the [Infiltrator] when someone ran over to them on all fours.


    It was a little white Gnoll. She came to a halt as the isted group of Manus soldiers, near one of Liscors walls, turned. Some raised their weaponsnot because of Mrshabut because of the ominous Gireshia trotting after her friend.


    des down. This ce isnt safe, little girl.


    Lulv smiled at Mrsha. She looked at him. Rafaema was focused on Mrshathis was the girl from the scrying orb! The girl from the Meeting of Tribes. Ferris just hid behind Rafaema.


    Mrsha du Marquin had been throwing things at Tyrion. But she really had no words to express her anger. She knew Manus. She knew what theyd done to Olesms forces and the Antinium.


    For once, the little Gnoll girl yed no games. She got into no trouble by trying to death-spice with Calescents mix. She just handed a card over to Lulv, who unfolded it and read itthen stared at Mrsha as she backed up. The little Gnoll trotted down the hill, up another, and sat down on her butt with the spectators and stared at the Manus soldiers.


    This is what Mrsha wrote:


    <i>I am going to curse you with all the bad luck in the world.</i>


    The <i>Doombearer</i> was staring down Lulv as he hesitated. Aldonss just sighed.


    Shame we dont have a [Sniper] or an agent in the crowd.


    Rafaema looked at him. The Wall Lord rified after a moment.


    <i>Joke.</i> I doubt she can do anything.


    His confidencested about eight seconds. Thenevery head turned to the inn. It was obviously through there that a lot of guests wereing, via the portal door. Rafaema had been tagging a few interesting ones like that [Pirate], but everyone turned as someone came through that made even the scrying orbs focus on her.


    Is thata <i>Troll?</i>


    Aldonss head swung around, and he instantly focused on the figure.


    Half-Troll. Riverfarm. Sheis going to be tough to take down with unenchanted des.


    Durene and a group of Humans from Riverfarm paused on the hill, looked aroundthen stared at Symphony and Manus. Rafaemas scales tingled.


    <i>A lot of people wereing here she hadnt expected. Maybe Ferris was right. </i>Maybe


    Does anyone have anything to bribe that kid with? Some gold? Ferris, what do you bribe children with? Candy? Buy her a bag of sweets


    Then she felt a <i>prickle,</i> and her confidence in having Zeter on her side waned. For someone walked out to join the other adventurers.


    Colth, the Ultimate Supporter, and the Favor of the North, Caleis, both stepped down the hill. As did the famous duo, Rasen and Teithde. Named-ranks.


    <i>Four Named-ranks. </i>They lined up, and Lulv swore under his breath.


    Youre going to see if that sword training paid off today, Rafaema.


    His confidence was still therebecause some of the people he would have been truly leery of facing in battle couldnt participate.


    No Xrn. No Valeterisa. No Grimalkin, even. Even a hundred angry Antinium werent that dangerous to someone of his level.


    Indeed, you could say even Erin Solstice herself expected this tournament to be bigger than it turned out to be. One day.


    One day meant that Earl Altestiel was screaming at the scrying orb in much the same way as Niers Astoragon. Foliana, Tulm the Mithril, <i>Xol</i>, the Thousand Lances of Kaaz, even Fetohep of Khelt had asked if she could dy her <Quest>.


    Raelt was certainly unhappyeven though theyd given him amentator role. It was, after all, up to chance. Lulv had his counters like Relc, who was waving at the other [Spearmaster], so the battle could go down to odd individuals.


    LikeYsara or her brother, wes, or even Infinitypear and Rasktooth, who were waving weapons around happily. If a lower-level warrior got lucky, they could take out a strong fighter, right?


    Believe in the fairness of tournaments. The dark horse betting was through the roof. Believe<i>until the air began to split. </i>Until Xrn herself flew above the [Crusaders]and Valeterisa looked up.


    Oh. Hes here. Wonderful, I had questions about teleportation.


    ThenRyoka Griffin froze as she jogged towards the inn. She turned her head, and a chill ran down her back. She stumbled, eyes wide, and Erin Solstice sat up in her bed as Drassi and Ishkr helped her into her wheelchair.


    Who is


    <i>The Archmage of Memory appeared in the sky with an explosion of color. Like a bursting constetion of stars. </i>He stood on a tform of light as Rafaema stared at Mrsha, and the Gnoll girl hesitatedand then decided shed done her job.


    Eldavin descended, ncing at Ryoka Griffin, Magnolia Reinhart, and then around as hispany, two men and one woman, somewhat unsteadily touched ground.


    Ah, good. We dont appear to bete. <i>Courtesy of Wistram.</i>


    His voice boomed, and everyone focused on the three people Eldavin had brought. Personal friends, really. Betokeningthe fact that the Archmage of Memory could do what he wanted.


    Ser Greysten, Archmage Viltach, holding a de and trying not to puke, and the Springs Warden, Dame Pertheine, looked around, wide-eyed.


    Naturally, Eldavin would return them whence theyde, though he had admitted it would be slower and require multiple hops. He would have loved to pull the King of Duels and someone like the Herald of the Forests, but just getting here had required half the Council of Wistram to link up.


    And he could have taken Cortese, or one of the Thousand Lances, instead of the two Order of Seasons champions and Viltach. But Eldavin and the Order of Seasons were allies from the war.


    <i>Plus</i>the Archmage of Memory had a crystal sword he was calmly practicing sword forms with. Sword forms that made a certain Unicorn eating from a bucket of popcorn look up sharply.


    <i>Eldavin intended to win this himself.</i>


    The Archmage of Memorys appearance pushed a lot of contestants outand some in. Lyte had been debating entering despite the risk to her limbs. She backed out.


    So did Noass and Sir Relz. In fact, most people were concerned for the injuries they might obtain.


    <i>No killing</i> means you can still be bleeding out when they haul you off the field. And a lost handno one has Potions of Regeneration anymore. Wellmaybe the Archmage of Memory. Ysara, you must be mad.


    Qwera was arguing with Ysara. Not even Vetn, an acimed expert [Thief]even if he refused to fighthad even given the fight a thought.


    But thenhe was checking on Tesy. The Drake was lying in the [Garden of Sanctuary], looking half-dead from his travails. The Gnoll had forbidden him from leaving.


    Tesy? You good?


    Im dead. Go away, Vetn.


    That was all the Drake said. He was limp like a rag, and his white scales looked sickly. Vetn prodded him with the cold te and the hamburger. Then he stood up.


    Tesy wont eat.


    Qwera was rubbing a paw in her gold fur, which could use a touch-up. She shook her head.


    Let him. He knows how serious what he did was. That little idiothe cant stay there forever. But as long as hes in danger of being knifed


    The two were leaving the [Garden of Sanctuary], but when she heard this, Ysara Byres folded her arms.


    I agreed with not killing him, but there has to be some consequences for what he did, Qwera.


    There will be. Ill hit him.


    The Golden Gnoll saw Ysaras offended expression. She snapped in exasperation.


    Dead gods, Ysara. He nearly<i> died! </i>His life is in dangerpossibly for as long as he lives. Drop it.


    The [Lady] hesitated, but someone else coughed. Vetn <i>jumped</i>and Erin Solstice rolled out of her rooms in a wheelchair. Ishkr was pushing her and swiveled the chair around to face the wall as the door opened again, revealing themon room of the inn.


    Ill figure out something too. No one kills Tesy. Hes gotta paybut drop it. Alright. Alright, lets see what this stupid day has to bring.


    <i>Erin! </i>Erin, someoneshe shouldnt be<i>its Eldavin!</i>


    Someone rushed towards Erin the moment she wheeled through themon room. Ryoka was dead white, and Erin saw a look of true fear in Ryokas eyes.


    I thought you cut off his head.


    <i>Dontdont joke. </i>I didnt tell you whats wrong with


    Then Ryoka noticed the others and shut her mouth so fast Vetn felt his ears try to detach from his head and follow the Wind Runner. Ryoka grabbed Erins wheelchair.


    We need to talk. Excuse me


    She wheeled Erin left as Ishkr nodded to Erin.


    Ill deal with the inn. But you have a hundred people who want to see you, Miss Erin. And I cant hold them back forever.


    <i>Five minutes, Ishkr.</i>


    The two vanished to the side, and Vetn headed into themon room.


    Going to cheer on Ysara as she loses an arm and turns into her younger sister?


    Ysara ignored Qweras pointedment as the woman stalked towards the door. Vetn just stared nkly outside then went to sit down at the inns bar.


    I hate blood. This is all stupid.


    He had, legitimately, no desire to watch people cutting each other up. Qwera raised her brows, but she knew Vetn was genuine. Even during the Meeting of Tribes, he had shed not a drop of blood. She walked off, and Vetn looked at Ishkr.


    Can I get a ss of Rxlvn?


    Nobut Ill sell you one-tenth and an ale.


    Fine.


    The [Head Waiter] went for the keg on tap marked with a huge ants head on the side and warnings on the ck barrel. He pulled the stopperheld a mug under it, and hesitated.


    Hm. Thats strange. Did Rufelt sell more than I thought?


    He investigated the keg, and Vetn called out.


    Just give me a Firebreath, then.


    Obligingly, Ishkr did just thatand found two empty bottles. He stared under the bar, and then his head rose.


    Excuse me. Did anyone seeJoseph here a few minutes ago?


    The inns staff looked at each other, and no one had seen a thing. Ishkr cursed under his breath.


    Hold on, Ill just order recements and bother Rufelt. Theyre catering the show in their bar, anyways. Can I get youbeer?


    That was one of the things definitely untouched by the mysterious pilferer. Vetn epted it sourly and heard a few people arguing behind him.


    Peki. You dont use a sword. Gluing a razor de to your fist is against the spirit of the tournament.


    But I can participate. Ive fought masters of weapons before. There was a [Peerless Spearmaster] in Pomle. Im doing it.


    No, youre not. And neither is Wil!


    Merrik was trying to block the two students from leaving the inn. Wil looked unhappy.


    Its the chance of a lifetime, Merrik


    And with respect, since you cant use the Diamond Shortsword, you will get cut up, Wil. <i>Ill</i> dare it, and I bet Dawil and Elgrinna will, but youre not good enough. The Professor tells us to face factsthats a fact.


    Wil hung his head. He stared out the window.


    Ser Greysten is out there. I feel like a fool. ListenI wont go and participate, but at least let me ask how Talia is doing! This is unbelievable. If the Archmage of Memory can teleport across continents


    <i>Fine. </i>And take notes! Peki, I need you to promise on your feathers not to go out.


    The [Martial Artist] was in great danger. Not just because she wanted to go hand-to-hand against so many sword-experts, but because she was too good. Merrik suspected that a lot of blood might run, but every [Healer] was present.


    But the only way to stop someone of Pekis level was to literally lop off an arm. The Garuda glowered as she peered over the Dwarfs shoulder. Venaz was already outside with a mundane greatsword being forged by Pelt.


    If I swear on my feathers, youll let me go?


    Absolutely.


    The Garuda brightened up. Merrik rified.


    if you break your promise, we will pluck every feather off your body. Wingfeathers included. Swear to the grandfathers. I know thatll take months to grow back.


    <i>That</i> made the [Martial Artist] hesitate. She wavered as someone slid into a seat next to Vetn at the empty bar.


    Hey there.


    The Gnoll turned his head and saw a young woman resting a crystal hand on the bars counter. She lookedwell, not innocuous. She had a low-cut dress, and she looked like some kind of socialite.


    But he recognized the face paint and the padding that gave her a distinctly different look than her real face, and he suspected she had contacts on. The wig was definitely fake.


    She smelled of perfume too, something cloying, to hide her scent. Pretty good. He gave her breasts an obligatory, polite stare. Shed definitely done a lot to draw the eyes that way. Lady Ieka Imarris was still staring.


    As for the crystal handVetn raised his brows. He stared at the other [Thief] as she smiled at him.


    I saw your work in the city yesterday. I havent seen hands that fast in a while. Youseem talented.


    Her voice was suggestive. Low, husky, and intriguing. Vetn took a sip from his cup as Ishkr slid another at the young woman.


    You look pretty good with your hands too.


    Hands <i>and</i> feet. But yes, mostly my hands. You should see what I can do in private.


    She winkedand he caught her non-crystal hand as it snuck towards his belt pouch. She was fast! But Vetn just raised his brows.


    Sounds exciting.


    I wish I could have pulled that off. You <i>are</i> good. I bet I know your name.


    Ruefully, she pulled her hand back, and Vetn sighed. He was pretty sure all this should have had him unable to stand up without embarrassing himself. The coy tone, the looks


    The other [Thief] might have noticed she wasnt getting the response she looked for, so she leaned over.


    What say we have a more intimate discussionelsewhere? Im sorry for being so forwards, but this is a good moment. I need someone with your talents. You remind me of my father, you know.


    Vetn nearly spat his drink across the bar. He coughed andughed.


    <i>Thats</i> how you start? Seriously?


    He saw the young womans face turn red. She caught herself, trying to y it off.


    I just meantnevermind. Listen. I have something Ive been working on, but I might need a hand. And youre the best [Thief] in the city right now. Andyoure in a bind. Your friend, the [Painter]?


    Vetn instantly felt his hair rise, and he began to stand, but the young woman called out.


    Dont y it off. Everyone knows. Hes a dead Drake walking. You want to help him? Paying off his debts might be a good way.


    The Thief of Clouds had thought the same thing, but he jerked around in his seat, scowling.


    A million gold wont put a dent in it. And I doubt you have that much money if you cant even afford a real silk dress.


    The young woman rolled her eyes.


    <i>Spicy.</i> Listen. Theres more than one way to take at least Symphony off the table. The Walled Cities can post whatever bounty they likebut you and I know its the Faces and the gangs whore the real threats. Hear me outand this might help out. Its old, but I think you know it.


    She shed something, and Vetn saw a glittering mark out of the corner of his eyes. He turnedand the Gnoll stared at the token the young woman slipped into the front of her dress. Yep


    <i>That was definitely a false pocket in the breast pads.</i> He exhaled hard, but if that were the real thing


    Alright. Lets get out of here. The walls have ears.


    He put a coin on the bar top for both of them, and Ishkr eyed the young woman as she smiled and hopped off the stool after him. The Gnoll called out after them.


    <i>The entire jar of peanuts isnt free. Bring it back.</i>


    So Eldavins not the guy you resurrected. Got it. And he <i>might</i> hold a grudge about the head-chopping thing. Hes not the biggest problem today.


    Erin Solstice could be amazingly calm when she needed to be. Ryoka Griffin was practically wringing her hands, but Erin Solstice sat in her wheelchair and red.


    She red at Drassi. She red at Ryoka. She red at a breakfast of cereal Ishkr put in front of her. She red at the people asking her questions, and mes, orange and too-bright, of frustration burned across the table.


    Tournament rules? <i>Tournament rules? I dont have any. </i>You forfeit if you forfeit. If you cant move or fight, youre out. Dont kill each other. Three big slices and youre done or something stupid like that. <i>Get out of my inn.</i>


    Erin, this is serious.


    <i>Im serious. </i>That Maestro forced my hand, Ryoka! I dont have anything because he made me do the <Quest>! And I <i>dont</i> have control over it! I was going to test out how stuff like this worksand <i>I dont know how to make it safe! </i>Someone could get hurt or dieI dont know if the rules will stop that or what!<i></i>


    The [Innkeeper] was shaking with frustration. Then, Ryoka understood why Erin had beenying abed and wasnt out there trying to control the situation.


    It was alreadyErin Solstice would have canceled it, but she couldnt. The cat was out of the bag.


    Reagen was sticking his head out of a little sack, <i>meowing</i> loudly and looking around for Numbtongue. He had decided this was his favorite thing in the world; a bup sack that had been holding some loaves of bread that Colfa and Himilt had brought to the inn. Colfa was pinching Fierres ear.


    No fighting.


    But <i>Mother</i>


    Youre no good with a sword. I dont care if Miss Griffin has freed the Archmage of Izril and crossed des with the Archmage of Memory himself. <i>You are not to fight.</i> Especially as it is bright out.


    There are clouds!


    Fierre. The answer is no. Listen to your mother.


    Himilt tipped a hat to Erin, and she waved at him. Fierre looked at her fatherand threw herself into a chair, scowling so hugely. But she listened to her father.


    Mister Himilt! Are youhere?


    Ryokas mouth fell open, and the Vampire nodded.


    It seemed time to go. We came to see you and thank youagain. Interesting events follow you about, though, like rain. Farmer Lupp asked us to say he was well if we saw you first.


    Luppthis is a mess. I cant believe Ive done this.


    Ryoka sat down at a table and put her face in her hands. It was Erins turn to reassure her friend. She wheeled over to the table and patted Ryoka on the back.


    Wee to my life, Ryoka. Hey, Ishkr, we got any drinks?


    <i>Someones </i>stolen everything, Erin. I dont know who.


    <i>Joseph.</i> Did he fall off the wagon? Or was it Crusader 57? Is Bird trying to get birds drunk? No, of course. Its Snapjaw and Numbtongue throwing a party.


    Erin ran down the list of likely suspects as Ryoka shook her head. Gothica stepped around Erin, poking people back, and Ryoka had to know about the [Goth] too.


    <i>Too much to do.</i>


    Miss Griffin. I know this is a terribly pressing moment, but why dont you and the delightful Lischelle-Drakle family join me? I have a pleasant spot on a hill to watch the tournament.


    Ieka called out as Ryoka hesitated. The Courier panicked, saw Erin moodily stabbing her cerealwith a forkand replied without thinking.


    Id love to, Lady Ieka, but I, uhhave to help around the inn. Ill get your drinks, Ishkr! You have a basement, right, Erin?


    Yep! Hey, howe <i>she</i> remembers? Who remembers basements? Right there.


    Erin pointed as Lady Ieka looked slightly wounded. Ryoka found herself opening the door to the basement. Maybe she could scream and curl into a fetal ball down there. At least Visophecin hadnt shown up. She had an image of Rhisveris sock puppet holding a sword in its mouth and challenging everyone to a fight.


    Life couldnt get stupider than that.


    Ryoka sighed as she went down into the dark basement. Damn. <i>Perspective</i> didnt really help here. She tried, idly hoping she could switch through theyers of reality to see a brighter basement, but the most mundane thing was the most impossible.


    Faerie rules. Ryoka only saw a bunch of neatly stored kegs and rat-proofed bins of ingredients, a hole in the floor that led to the Free Hive, a Unicorn drinking out of a bucket and the half-empty barrel of Rxlvn


    Taletevirion ignored Ryoka Griffin as he exhaled every few sips. The young woman stood there, probably looking for the drinks, but hed collected them all, and the basement was wonderfully cool.


    A few dead bodies in the corner, but name a basement that didnt have one. He was feeling <i>warm.</i> Every few sips of the Antinium drink, the Unicorn would exhale.


    Whew. <i>Whew.</i> Tastes like fermented bugs and fungi, but kicks like a Kelpie. <i>Whew, thats good!</i> I might have to take some to show old Teriarch.


    This might actually take him down. Magical creatures were notoriously hard to get properly drunk because their metabolisms were so strong. But this? He hoped there was a barrel around here somewhere.


    The Unicorn was somewhat unsteadily wandering around the basement, kicking the lids off bins, when he noticed the young woman hadnt left. She was staring in his vague direction.


    Yeah, yeah, piss off, whoever you are.


    He waited for her to find whatever she was looking foruntil he noticed something odd. Her eyes werefollowing him. The Unicorn stoppedand slowly walked left.


    The eyes of the Wind Runner, emerald green, moved left with him. Taletevirion felt a moment of panic, but his secrecy and <i>dont-notice-me</i> spells were in full force. He rxed a bit, but that was uncanny.


    He didnt mess up and leave shadows or footprints like Teriarch often did. The Unicorn danced leftand then stared at Ryoka.


    Im not here. You dont even see a horse. Shoo, shoo.


    She <i>jumped</i> slightly as he said that, and the Unicorn saw those eyes go wide. Then the young woman backed up, and Taletevirion gulped.


    Ryoka Griffin stuttered.


    A Ua Unic<i>a</i>


    The Unicorn looked Ryoka straight in the eyes and then recognized the marks of the fae on her. His stomach rumbled, and he let out a long, huge groan mixed with a burp.


    Oh <i>shit.</i>


    Erin Solstice red at Lyte as the [Princess] suggested they charge an entry fee. She red at Chaldion as he came over to suggest that she codify some rules about teams.


    Here was the thing. Erin Solstice could normally glower with the best, but you had to admit that the Cyclops, Lyte herself, and several others were even better rers in general.


    They had the natural haughtiness, irritability, missing eye, and so on of the greatest glowering champions ever to grace this world.


    Right now, the [Witch of Second Chances] had such a look of malignant rage and subdued fury on her face it looked like a rictus death-grinbined with a screaming warriors howl in the heat of battle.


    Queen Marquin of Cnfer would have praised that look as being one that could cause a [Barbarian] to shit themselves. Oliyaya, who hade in to watch the bloodshed, was so moved she had to show Mavika and her apprentices a real [Witch]s face.


    Erin Solstice red at Gothica when the [Goth] reached out to poke her mockingly, and the Goblin stared at Erin, did not poke, and decided to sit with her ws folded together.


    The [Innkeeper] saw Sir Relz and Noass and <i>beamed</i> in such a delightful, charming way that Valeterisas own business-face looked tepid byparison.


    <i>Noass, Sir Relz!</i>


    Eris this a poor moment, Miss Solstice? We were hoping to ask about the tournament.


    The world focused on the [Innkeeper], and Erin Solstice smiled. She smiled in a way only the Archmage of Izril could recognize, and Valeterisa stopped as she and Eldavin walked into the inn. Eldavin himself remembered the innand he eyed Erin Solstice as she gave the cameras a huge grin.


    I would love to, Sir Relz. But before I begin, can I just take a moment to say something important?


    You have the floor. I cant imagine anyone else could upy our broadcast.


    The Drakes looked at each other and chuckled. Erin Solstice gave them a happy smile. Valeterisa began to take mental notes as Erin went on.


    Thank you. Before I talk about my <Heroic Quest> and this famous tournament, Id just like to talk about something very important. And thats an uing holiday I have nned. In fact, lets call it the sponsor of this tournament. Not Symphony or The Wandering Inn<i>have you heard about Christmas?</i>


    The two Drakes faces went ck as they stared at Erin. Noass rifled through his notes on the tournament and the hundred questions he had. Drassi was just frozen behind Erin, jaw agape.


    Say what now?


    Its this great holiday. Its about a mana <i>person</i> called Santa us. Every year, when winteres, people buy or make presents for each other and give them out. Id like to invite everyone to join in this holiday, because Santa us will be handing out presents to all the good girls and boys in the world.


    <i>What?</i>


    Sir Relz and Noass had no context for this, but Eldavin, Valeterisa, and every Earther did. But even theywere just amazed by how Erin was doing this. The [Innkeeper] hadunched what Eldavin had been arguing with Aaron Vanwell for thest fifteen days over. The young man might be getting ahead of himself, but storming up to the Archmages Table showed just how passionately he hated


    The worlds first mandatory ad-break featured Erin Solstice holding up a picture of Santa us as Sir Relz tried to steer her back to the tournament. It was actually a pretty good oneshed hired someone in Invrisil to do a mockup of a huge man with a red coat and poofy white hat and beard, beaming at the audience. Then one of a Drake in the same outfit.


    <i>Santa works all year-round to make presents, you see.</i> And he has a bunch of helpers! A bunch of Antinium and Goblins work in his workshop to make toys, and if youre good, boys and girls, you might get a present this year! If notyou get a lump of coal. Can I get some support for the holiday? It would be great if Pass joined in, or Khelt or maybe the Forgotten Wing Company


    She stared meaningfully into the camera. And at least three different leaders of their respective organizations had a brief sh of insight.


    <i>Perhapsperhaps its not good if Erin Solstice leans on us after all. Especially if this is what she does with that power.</i>


    Miss Solstice, please! Pass is in the middle of a tournament that could arguably result in a boon of incredible power! We dont have time for this!


    Erin Solstice lowered her image of Santa us. She stared at Noass and then shrugged.


    Okay, then. Each city can only put in ten contestants. Total. Go tell the people outside.


    She folded her arms and turned her wheelchair around. Somewhere in the world, several people fell in love all over again at the sheer pettiness of it. A Titan, among others. Erin peeked over her shoulder at Noass waxy face.


    No? Okay then. So, one of the things in Christmas is presents. But firstyou decorate. This is the tree a lot of people use, and <i>these</i> are the stockings. And peppermint canes. And eggnogI have a recipe here


    She fished out a list as everyone realized that Erin Solstice might have been strong-armed a bit too hard. Because now, she was going to force her message down everyones throats, whether they liked it or not.


    Wonderful. And just imaginewe can make people watch this. For free, every thirty minutes. And people will pay us for a one-minute slot. Then, when theints grow too much, we can have the<i> audience</i> pay us for an experience without any advertisements.


    Eldavin murmured to Valeterisa. The sheer mercantile nature of it all was beautiful, in a disgusting kind of way. The Archmage of Izril shuddered faintly.


    Fissival would love it. You would do well there, Eldavin.


    The Archmage of Memory hesitated. He wished that didnt <i>sting</i> so.


    Ryoka Griffin stared at Taletevirion for two hundred and fourteen seconds. Two hundred and fourteen seconds in silence as she and the Unicorn processed things.


    Ryoka could see him.


    He could tell she could see him and that she was fae-marked. A windfriend.


    She knew he was probably an immortal in hiding, from the Vale Forest.


    He could sense Teriarch on her, and the Wyrm and other immortals.


    She saw hed been stealing alcohol from Erins inn.


    Taletevirion knew that there were any number of powerful individuals in the area and a camera that the entire world was watching.


    Ryoka was aware the Unicorn was a highly powerful being if no one had noticed him, even Erin. He could almost definitely kill her.


    The Unicorn could logic that Ryoka was probably not inclined to reveal his identity given her proximity to the other immortals, but she might represent one or more of their agendas. She was almost definitely one of the young women Teriarch was waiting for, and that was a full can of donkey crap. She also looked pretty good.


    The Wind Runner stared at the Unicorn, and despite the dingy basement, the Rxlvn fumesing off himhe looked like something out of stories. But not one of those glowing Unicorns full of innocence. He looked like he could run you through. The being horses would want to be, just like Humans wanted to be superheroes. He was taller than most stallions, his coat whiter than fresh snow, and his horn had that pearlescence that shifted across multiple colors even in dingy light. She was super d her alleged attraction towards immortals was not activatingand it had <i>better</i> not.


    The thinking and reverse thinking between the two took up those two hundred and fourteen seconds. The irony wasthis wasnt eithers first rodeo. What would they say? What would happen next?


    Ryoka Griffin stared at the Unicorn, and then she spoke.


    No. Oh no, absolutely not. Not this time. Im too busy. This is <i>ridiculous.</i>


    I hope youll keep this between you and Teriarchwait, what?


    Taletevirion hesitated as the Wind Runner didnt say what hed thought she would. Ryoka Griffin just backed up.


    You know? No, of course you do. But thats it. You know what? Piss off. Get lost. <i>Im done.</i> I dont need another stupid immortal in my life. Not now! Whatevers wrong with youI cant help you, understand? We never saw each other. Just get out of the basement, and Ill hit myself with a hammer.


    Whwhat?


    The Unicorn actually backed up a step as Ryoka backed upthen whirled. Something leapt down the steps, and he nearly sted the orange cat to smithereens. But Reagen just <i>meowed.</i> Ryoka exhaledhardand then stepped towards Taletevirion. She jabbed a finger at him.


    Get yourself sorted out. Im serious. I dont want to know who you are. I dont know youand I cant help. I wish I could, but


    He began to splutter at this point, in outrage more than anything.


    Help <i>me?</i> Who are you? No, I know, that Courier who can blow around with the wind. And youve met Teriarch. Another one of his poor heroines. But help<i> me?</i> Dont be ridiculous.


    Ryoka threw up her hands.


    Great! Perfect! Just stay out of my business. Noyou know what? Go to Ailendamus if you need protection. You might find some. But its not on me. I really would like tobut I cant help.


    She stepped back, folded her arms, and stared at him. The Unicorns mouth opened and closed several times as the caty on its back, waving its paws up at the air.


    Wow.


    That was all Taletevirion said after a second. He looked at Ryoka. She shrugged.


    Listen, Im sorry


    The Unicorn cut her off.


    No, <i>Im</i> sorry. And impressed. Its not every day you meet someone with an ego bigger than a Dragons. <i>You? Help me?</i> The first thing you say upon seeing a being of myth and legend is, Im too busy for this? As if you couldwhat? Solve my issues? Fight my battles for me? Just amazing. The sheer gall of it. I have, and I say this honestly, legitimately met less presumptuous self-importance in an entire <i>court</i> of half-Elves. And youpressed all that personality into, what, a minute of speaking?


    He trotted around Ryoka and nearly kicked over his bucket, staring at her in a kind of impressed disgust. Ryoka had turned red.


    I just meantthese things happen to me.


    Oh, of course. Unicorns, you cant swing a cat around without meeting one. Im sorry Im in your way,<i> Miss [Hero]. </i>Dont let me stop you. Wheres the [Bard] to mythologize your exploits? Is it the cat? Is he going to turn into a long-lost [Bard] from fifteen eras ago?


    He pointed his horn at Reagen, and the Wind Runner stared at the cat with the Unicorn. Reagen sneezed on himself. Taletevirion raised his head.


    You half expected him to, didnt you?


    ListenIm not taking you lightly. Ill probably have a panic attack about thister. And tons of questions for Teriarch.


    Fat chance he answers them.


    The Unicorn grunted despite himself. Ryoka groaned.


    Exactly! And he was supposed toe to me!


    Hah! Another broken promise by the Dragonlord of me who never breaks a promise unless its one that he didnt think mattered.


    The Unicorn snorted andughed as Ryokas mouth curved upand the two caught themselves. This time, it was Ryoka who pointed an using finger.


    See? You know him, I know him. I cant do this right now. Erin is running a tournament andI cant help.


    Help me. Theres that phrase again. Do you just look at people and think, <i>its time for me</i>whomever you are<i>to interfere and uplift this poor persons life!</i>


    The Unicorn tossed his mane of hair back and struck a supercilious pose. Ryoka was so flushed it was travelling down her shoulders, but she snapped back.


    Listen, pal


    Oh, were pals now, are we? You are a speck I wont remember after todays drink. Dont associate with me, you pretentious Human. Look at youyou even run barefoot as if that makes you special or in touch with nature like some pretend-[Druid]. <i>They wear sandals and shoes.</i> I go bare-hoofed because I have hooves. Giant <i>nails. </i>Fleshy feet were never meant to run on brambles and thorns, and thats all you get in the grass.


    Taletevirion had a thing about feet. Disgusting. Gnolls had pads, Drakes, scalesbut Humans? All they had was foot fungus on the bottoms of their feet.


    Ryoka was reeling from the insults, seeing a Unicorn, and sudden paranoia about being dragged into <i>another</i> gigantic affair. But this was too much. She pointed a trembling finger at the bucket and bottles behind Taletevirion.


    You dont have a problem? Youre squatting in Erins basement, stealing liquor with invisibility spells, and drinking <i>Antinium</i>-made <i>Rxlvn</i> out of a bucket. Dont tell me you dont have a problem. Teriarch has the decency to pay for the things he steals, at least.


    The Unicorns mouth hung open for a good thirty seconds, and Ryoka realized his teeth were objectionably white. Maybe being a Unicorn meant you purified most things, because she didnt see him brushing his teeth. Taletevirion managed aeback after another few seconds.


    Bags of holding were invented for people with hands. This inn and the other inn I raided are rich. And before <i>you </i>go and bother Teriarch, just so you know, hes not going to sleep with you. He doesnt do that. A thousand young women have thrown themselves at him and bounced off that idiots scales.


    <i>I wasnt</i>


    Of course not. You just appreciate him as a Dragon. And <i>also</i>, so you know? Wyrms? Lucifen? <i>Badpany. </i>You might think youre being a cool mortal and they like youand they probably will enjoy yourpany right up until theyre eating your liver. <i>Words to the wise.</i> Just a hint.


    Ryoka Griffin and Taletevirion had to step back after thatst exchange. Reagen, the impartial judge, was too busy chasing a little undead mouse across the basement to really pay attention to what was going on, and Azkerash was so busy trying to create a puppet that he didnt really do more than put his mouse through evasive maneuvers.


    A tiny portion of his mind wondered why Ryoka was talking to herself, but he assumed she was crazy.


    If there were invisible judges, it was hard to say who had lost thatst exchange. Ryoka was panting. She backed up.


    ImIm not talking to you. Pay for the damn drinks, and Ill tell ErinIll tell her something.


    Oh, please. I can cover my tracks. It was one of the [Thieves]. Do you know how suspicious it is to leave a pile of gold coins around?


    Fine, <i>Ill </i>pay for you.


    How generous. I can already feel Im being saved!


    Ryoka Griffin was retreating up the stairs. The Unicorn snapped at her as she wavered.


    Well? If youre serious, you havent heard from Teriarch that Im <i>done. </i>Stay away from the Vale Forest. Its safeand it had better well damn stay that way, or Ill run you through. <i>Stop teasing Tyrion Veltras and go bother the Reinharts. Or the Els!</i>


    How do you


    <i>I read the newspapers. </i>Do you think I sleep all day?


    Ryoka knew she should leave or she would have a hundred billion questions. She was turningbefore she closed her eyes and threw her head back.


    Oh, fuck meone question?


    Am I a Djinni?


    Taletevirion looked exasperated as he levitated bottles into<i>he did have a bag of holding!</i> The Unicorn tried to hide it as Ryoka pointed. The Wind Runner gobbled silentlythen spoke.


    One question. <i>One.</i> Do you, uhdo you know if there are any Dryads left? If there was a seed, in a wand, for instance? Do you know how to, umhatch it? Grow it?


    The Unicorn <i>froze</i> with thest of the Rxlvn keg hovering in midair. He looked up, and the Unicorn stared at Ryoka. Then he hurriedly tossed the keg into his bag of holding.


    Thats not new.


    Huh?


    <i>Thats not damn well new. </i>Shut up. I dont care. Bringing one back wont heal a forest. There are no more seeds, no moreit doesnt matter anyways. Its not new, not my job, and I dont know anything about it.


    He began to trot past Ryoka, up the stairs. Ryoka was blinking, and she didnt know about the Unicorns self-imposed Geas. Taletevirion was halfway out into the inn when he turned his head, cursed, and snapped at her.


    You have to grow it in a great forest. And the Vale Forest is dead. A Treant couldnt do ittheyre all part of the ocean, now. Maybe one of the kelp forests if the Water Dragonlord preserved any. But a <i>real great forest, got it?</i> Where would a seed be?


    In a wand of ironwood from Albez?


    Taletevirion and Ryoka Griffin stared at each other. The Unicorn opened his mouthand Ryoka hesitated, realizing this was the greatest natural magic expert in the entire world. Then Taletevirion kicked her in the stomach.


    <i>Nope.</i> Im out.


    He practically galloped out the door, and everyone in the inn looked around at the gust of wind. Eldavins head turnedbut he just saw the door shutting and a long tail of


    Was that a horse?


    He looked at the basement as a swearing young woman mbered out, only to tell Erin that Reagen had smashed all the alcohol bottles in her inn. Which was a <i>terrible</i> lie, but it was all Ryoka could do.


    The Unicorn ran like spit, right up until he turned his head and recognized Teriarchs simcrum. Then he stopped, in the stand of Blue Fruit trees, and put the keg down. He poured himself another bucket shakily.


    Not new. Not newwhat in the name of Phoenix shit was up with that sword hilt? NoI dont want to know. <i>Its not new.</i>


    He kept telling himself that.


    The [Innkeeper] was awake, and she was the most interesting thing happening today. Definitely. As people waited for her to finish selling Christmas ande outside


    Well, it was an understatement to say people were impatient. Bahei had to physically stop Sammial from running through the [Portal Door]. Even sothe boy managed to pierce Magnolia Reinharts barrier enough to stick his head through the door.


    A boy <i>screamed</i> into the inn during Erins broadcast where she was describing hanging a wreath over a firece you hopefully had.


    <i>No one cares about this stupid thing! Get on with it!</i>


    That statement alone almost redeemed him in the eyes of many. Erin Solstice, upon hearing this, deliberately began talking about the significance of nutcrackers and humming Christmas jingles.


    Never let it be said that Erin couldntpete for annoying with the best of them. That was probably where Mrsha learned it from, honestly. Mrsha had just not learned that you also needed to bribe the people you annoyed so often.


    Besides. Bahei nced down as Liska began to close the door. The [Door Gnoll] looked as impressed as Gothica. But the [Vice Innkeeper] also looked amusedbecause he had a hand over Sammials mouth. Sammy stared at the person whod done the screaming, and a red-faced Hethon ducked back into the Haven.


    But only Ryoka had noticed the difference in the two boys voices. <i>Sammy</i> had been going to ask for a mini-tournament for children with knives so he could invite Princess Oesca to visit.


    At any rate, someone had realized something about Erins tournament that no one else had. Incidentally, it was legitimately one person in the thousands now-gathered on the Floodins and even more watching.


    <i>One person had realized something very, very important. </i>But in the meantime, during the boring intermission where Erin was slowly educating a world about Christmasand that <i>was</i> mildly entertaining


    Someone <i>else</i> decided that they needed to put on a show.


    Tyrion Veltras was watching the Archmage of Memory warming up. His sword moved in patterns that made the [Lord] uneasy.


    Hemight be a Gold-ranked duelist. No, a [Swordmaster] without the ss. I cant read his forms.


    There was a level beyond sheer martial prowess. Even the most self-trained warriors who never studied fighting could hit someone with a club as hard as they wanted in the right spot. That was how a [Maceman] could down a Gold-bell duelist.


    A blow was a blowbut of course, you could train your muscles to make a certain kind of blow faster, more lethal. You could hone yourself, learn to exploit weaknesses in most peoples guards. The craft of designing weapons, teaching swordy, and codifying it while analyzing other fighting styles culminated in things like the rapier.


    The rapiers very design and unique style was meant to pierce armor and be the famously lethal step-in strike that often ended a fight in a second. A master of the sword, in the same way, could parry a blow, sometimes even arrows or spells, in the blink of an eye.


    Tyrion Veltras knew there was one more form beyond that. And he thought he saw it in Eldavins movements. An understanding where swordsmanship crossed from the physical realm into the impossible, the <i>magical.</i>


    Ksmvr, ironically, was the best example of this in a tangible form. The Silver Illusion sword-school created actual illusions, walls of deshe literally <i>bent</i> reality at angles.


    But lightly. The Antinium hadnt learned the true depths of de mastery. <i>Eldavin</i>


    Eldavin made Tyrion uneasy. Lulv, Relc, and the other best warriors on the field were eying him. If an unhelpful Unicorn was inclined to interfere in this match, he might have vouchsafed that Eldavin was the one unfair contestant.


    Forget the young Lightning DragonTaletevirion stared at Eldavin, who could fight with all Teriarchs mortal knowledge in a body that was <i>almost</i> perfect. He was not a fair entry into this tournament.


    Even the Named-ranks here were mortal, though their Skills might eclipse everything else. Actually, and ironically, they were grumbling that since they were banned from killing blows, a lot of their best Skills, like Yvlons [Arc of the Moon], were too dangerous to use.


    Looks like there <i>are</i> some kind of safeguards. Look at that. I bet that happens if were disqualified. Better watch your des,ds andsses!


    Todi wasughing. Every head turned as a Drake in Pass ranks began to glow. The Drake yelpedtried to drop the enchanted de hed been sneaking in a sheath


    At this point, Tyrion expected the Drake to vanish and appear outside the tournament grounds. Or maybe a magical sign would indicate he was disqualified?


    <i>It almost seemed as if the glowingsted too long.</i> As ifperhapssomething were figuring out what should happen. When it did, Tyrion saw the glow change to a sh


    Something <i>kicked</i> the Drake thirty feet. He went flying, hit the ground, <i>bounced</i> with the most sickening thud that Tyrion had heardlike someone falling off a horseandy still.


    Todisughter stopped, and he paled. A [Healer] ran over, but an indigo-scaled Drake was faster. Onieva leapt overthrew a potion downand perhaps that saved the Drake.


    <i>Every rib is broken. </i>I think his hearts stopped.


    The sight of the [Healers] trying to resuscitate the downed Drake was enough to make everyone check themselves slowly. Tyrion wasnt sureeven if hed known that wasingif he could dodge that.


    The sight of the Drake <i>jerking</i> and breathing didnt diminish theconsequences. Especially because he began to screamand then passed out from the pain.


    That wasnot a proportional response. Did the [Innkeeper] set that up?


    Jericha was looking at Ullim in concern. That had been a Level 30 [Officer] of some kind. She imagined that would kill someone without his levels. Ullim shook his head.


    No, I doubt it. She may be directbut shes not murderous, and her friends are in this.


    Perhaps we should make sure were not carrying hidden des or


    Jericha hesitated, but Ullim shed a hidden de up his sleeve at her.


    Jericha, if it has not punished useverything done so far is legal. Including the Selphids, mithril des, and all else. Important information.


    House Veltras looked at Ullim, their [Majordomo], and he was saying much the same thing as Chaldionwho had ordered the deliberate rulebreakingand the other analysts. <i>Definitely dont use magic, though.</i>


    <i>Try not to kill. It was your life on the line, too.</i>


    The sight of the rulebreaking punishment made some of the contestants reconsider their entry into the tournament. The rest were just relieved


    Perhaps well be fighting in brackets? If sothe [Innkeeper] might winnow the most numerous sides like the Antinium and Pass down against each other. That would be the fairest way to do it. This tournament might take more than one day. At least that seems to indicate sabotage is unlikely.


    Symphony was watching, with less concern, the Drake with splintered ribs poking out of his chest. Hed probably make it.


    They were organized, the sixty-some of them, into two groups. Instruments and choir. But alsoeach one reported to a superior for smaller assignments.


    For instance, they were grouped, like an actual orchestra, into divisions. Woodwinds, brassand then by instrument. Not all had a leader; a trombone might not have a First Trombone but report to the First Trumpet instead.


    But each [Assassin] like that, from the First Flute to the others, was the best. The only one who trumped them all was the Maestro.


    <i>Gold-bell duelist.</i> He had a simple estoc, today. Thinner and lighter than normal, more like a hybrid-rapier strengthened for repeated shes of metal-on-metal. Like everyone else, he had no armor, and his formal suit made him stand out from the most in-cloth clothes the others wore.


    He was enjoying his moment at the center of attention, even if it was enmity. In fact, Wistram News Network had made their Channel 1 the coverage of Erin. Channel 2 was for thementators, from Raelt and other de-experts.


    Channel 3 was being devoted purely to Deniusth, who was <i>still</i> ranting insults about the Maestro. Noass was keeping himpany and, asionally, feeding the fire.


    Surely you have something to say about this Maestro, Sir Deniusth? I am told you went to his wedding?


    His name is Linvios, and I did not go to <i>his</i> wedding, but Wall Lord Itreus. WhoI notehas quite fallen out with this <i>criminal.</i> This de-for-hire. He is a thoroughly pathetic man.


    But isnt Symphony considered Orchestras rivals?


    Deniusthughed for a good half a minute, throwing his head back.


    Our <i>rivals?</i> Theyre a nuisance who havent the courage to face Orchestra in the field. They merelyinterfere. Linvios has never defeated me in a duel for thest twenty years.


    Deniusth hadnt defeated Linvios either, but he didnt see fit to mention that. It was truethe two were too evenly matched. Yet Deniusth was taking this moment to continue insulting Symphony.


    They are the very definition of quantity over quality. Linvios is a [Hired Sword] and a [Thug]. He has the musical talent of a grasshopper, and as you clearly saw, Noass, he menaces and intimidates without regard to safety. No ss. No shame.


    The Maestro had no love of Deniusth either. And he admittedfreelythat he insulted the Violinist first.


    <i>But really.</i> The Drake looked around, still standing upright. Deniusth was going too far. His blood was singinghere they were, standing in honor of a [demistress] so old and grand her named echoed to this day.


    They were disgracing her. Now, he had cause to regret forcing Erin Solstices hand. He watched Eldavin showing offthe half-Elf might have been nervous despite his showy entry, or he would have thought the same thing the Maestro did.


    <i>Someone </i>must interject some ss into this moment. Symphonyweapons down. We are not participatingyet. Instruments up. Lets have a song.


    Maestro?


    However, he was gesturing, and the members of Symphony began to bring out instruments.


    <i>Wait, whats Linvios doing? That show-off</i>


    The Maestro turned off the orb with Deniusth on it. He raised his conductors wand, and to his relief, he wasnt attacked by the <Quest> or [Innkeeper].


    Harpsichord?


    Here, Maestro.


    Good. Drums, I dont think this is the mood for some ssic opera. Lets have something<i>upswing.</i> One of the private pieces that was such a hit.


    Symphony looked up in astonishment, but that was what the Maestro thought fit. This wasntsadlysolemn enough for a true piece of art. It was rough, impromptubut there was a joy in that too.


    A steady beat. Lets have the choir fulfill most of the space. But Id like a faster pieceharpsichord and hand-organists.


    Hed heard some <i>amazing</i> instruments from the Singer of Terandria. The Maestro had wanted what was apparently being worked ona pianothe moment hed heard it.


    But the harpsichord and organ were close enough. He raised his voice.


    <i>With me, choir. One, two, a-one-two-three,radada dada da~</i>


    They werent words, not quite, but they rolled off the tongue quite well, and the choir obliged him. The harpsichord and drums yed louder, and the other contestants and watchers turned.


    <i>What kind of music is that?</i>


    Selys blinked and sat up. It was like nothing shed heard before. But she would be wrong in thinking it was new to this world entirely, which was her instinctual reaction these days. The music was faster than she was used to, and it had a pep that made her want to tap her leg instinctively.


    She had no contextbut Kevin, sitting with Ceria, sat up and pointed.


    Thatswait a second, thats


    One other group had context for the music. Mirn looked up from where he was whispering to Chaldion, and the [Grand Strategist]s eye narrowed.


    Ive heard that somewhere.


    Regardless of the context of the music, the Maestro knew how to conduct. The Drakes and Gnolls sang with him, an odd choir of masked figures who tore the ck veils and cloth away to sing in rather magnificent harmony.


    Only Deniusth wasnt impressed. Noass was tapping his foot to the music.


    That sounds ratherintriguing, Sir Deniusth, if you dont mind me saying.


    <i>Theyre talentless hacks. </i>Symphonys choir moonlights as an <i>a cape group. </i>Theyre still murderers!


    Indeed, there was something slightly sinister to the songing from Symphony. The oddest blend of a swinging dance number and ominous sound. It made you want to get up and danceand look over your shoulder.


    The Maestro, though, was performing. And while not all of Symphony was needed for this song, many were joining the choir from the instruments section. he First Flutestepped forwards as he beckoned. Still conducting with his wand, he took her w and swung her out. She whirled and linked elbows with him.


    <i>Around</i>and then they were dancing lightly. Kicking wideand Pisces started.


    <i>That looks like [Duelist] exercises.</i>


    Abination of dancing and music. The Maestro was purely showing off now. The First Flute took his handand swung herself <i>through</i> his legs as he spread them, sliding on her knees up onto her feet.


    Huh.


    Cara OSullivan propped her chin up on one fist. She saw exactly what they were doing. And unlike the rest of the watchersshe slowly took a long gulp of wine.


    Sosomeones already invented electro swing. Now <i>theres </i>a fun group. We should really tour Izril. I wonder what their story is.


    <i>Assassins dancing. </i>What would they see next? The Maestros impromptu-music onlysted about four minutes. When he turned and bowed, not many people apuded. But he had certainly reminded them he was there.


    That bastards showing off. Heysomeone show him what adventurers can do.


    Todi snarled. He looked around, and Dasha stared nkly at him as she hefted a handaxe.


    Why dont you do that? Dance for us, big man.


    Shut up, Silver-rank. Heywait a second. Isnt one of your teammates a [de Dancer]? Show us a trick!


    He meant Pekona, and the Drathian woman looked up. She had one arm, and she was carrying a shorter, curved de. She and Dasha were the only two members of Vuliel Drae on the field, supporting wes. Honestly, Anith had wanted to forbid Dasha joining in, but she had imed Dwarven solidarity.


    As for Pekonahe hadnt the heart to deny her. The woman had skin a shade darker than Ryokas, and she was shorter by a head. Her raven hair was a mess, and she looked far less confident than she had before.


    Iam not a good enough [de Dancer] to dance. I am at the beginning of a path unending. A disgrace to my lessons.


    She had been like this the entire time since meeting the [Sword Legend]. Which was fairher arms had not healed like Yvlons, and unlike Prince Zenol, her arm hadnt been resewn.


    If anyone had been unfairly treatedPekona had onlye away from the practice courts when shed heard about the tournament.


    Todi, of course, knew nothing of this, but it was amazing how the man could poke at people when they were down.


    Well, youre depressing. Alright, then


    He was looking around when that some<i>one</i> who had realized some<i>thing </i>about Erins tournament before everyone else pushed forwards. Every head turned, and Pisces blinked.


    Oh no. Not you. With respect


    Yvlon Byres reached out and tried to halt the neer, but a number of adventurers were here. Even Spoken Vow, the team who had fought against the Eater Goats and Gargoyles, and A Pact of me and Sword were here. Only a few of them from each, but Captain Mickey of Spoken Vow and the [Knife Fighter] were both ncing over.


    Riz.


    There was an entire backstory in Spoken Vow, a Gold-rank team whod gotten quite lucky ofte. The Eater Goats had been badbut theyd killed a lot of monsters. Ever since their new rookie joined up, new to Gold-rank herself.


    Like the Maestro, like everyoneeveryone had a history, like Mickey the Moored, Captain of Spoken Vow. A long one, a books worth of tales and grief and triumph.


    But if you wanted to summarize themyou could do at least one member of Spoken Vow very quickly. And it was Riz, their [Knife Fighter]. You would say this to Normen or Alcaz, and theyd understand.


    You would say: <i>Riz is a former Face. Just like Shriekde or Ratici and Wilovan. Facecarver Riz. Shes one of the scary ones.</i>


    And they would get it. Even Todi, with some kind of preternatural instinct, had never picked upon Riz like the rest of Spoken Vow. Even if their synergy with their [Hedge Mage], [Trick-Shot Archer], [Dual Slingshot Skirmisher], and [Entrenchment Fighter-Captain] created quite a lot of fighting potential and versatility, you could easily say that over half the sheer killing potential was in one of their members.


    Todi might not have realized the same thing that Ceria and Pisces and Ksmvr did, which was why the Horns hadnt hung out with Spoken Vow after the fighting. But he still stood away, again, with some kind of animalistic sixth sense. You could notice the subtle signs, like how Riz always seemed <i>bnced</i>. How shehadnt mourned the loss of their [Slingshot Skirmisher]. Her tears were crocodile.


    Ironically, Yvlon gave Riz a nod and a thumbs-up, and the [Knife Fighter] gave her a smile of kinship. Pisces eyed Yvlons oblivious face. But then he turned his attention to the person that all the adventurers were staring at.


    Including Riz. And besides Yvlon, only one person among all the adventurers had earned the slight nod she gave. Another thing you could notice if you were Ceria and wore the circlet. A Face from the streets had little respect for even Gold-ranks.


    Colth and the Named-ranksperhaps. But that was more like a wolf respecting a puma. Yet one person was striding across the tournament grass right now. And like Riz


    Typhenous had once been a Face.


    Typhenous, Typhenous, <i>stop!</i> Youre old! Youll break every bone in your body!


    Revi was chasing after him. But Typhenous the gue Mage was the sole member of Griffon Hunt who wanted to participate in this tournament. He was arguing with her as she pursued him.


    My dear ReviI do have a history with des, you know. Ive lost a step, but that lot is soso much sh. So much sh and color, and not a whit of respect for the woman who runs these streets. Erin Solstice. Southerners, you know?


    The [Summoner] halted a bit as she tried to understand his words.


    Absolutely none of that made sense. Typhenous, youre going senile. Look at you!


    <i>Look at him.</i> He didnt have on his robes as they were enchanted; instead, he had a younger mans tunic and leggings. Long, even baggy. Good for blocking a bit of de. Typhenous was striding along, and he had on a simple knife at his belt.


    Longbut hardly a <i>sword</i> or Jquas il or a <i>damn spear that could be longer than you were.</i>


    Ever heard of <i>reach</i>, Typhenous? That Gnoll is a [Spearmaster]. Hell stab you while youre jogging up to him.


    Revi, I do appreciate the concern, but youre rather in danger yourself.


    The tournaments not started yetPisces, help me talk Typhenous out of hurting himself! Todi!


    Revis right, Typhenous. This is dicey. See what happened to that Drake?


    Typhenous gave Todi a nd smile. Todi, though, abandoned his instincts to go and grab Typhenous and save the old man from his ego. Right up until Riz stepped over.


    Master Typhenous, are you going to greet them? Can Iwatch?


    Miss Riz. Do you want to help me? At my ageI feel the frailty of my bones, as Revi says.


    So saying, Typhenous took Rizs arm and leaned on her as they walked across the grass. Revi stormed after them, but Pisces halted her.


    Revi


    Help me! Hes too old to get hurt!


    Yes, but who is getting hurt, please?


    Ksmvr peered at Typhenous. He was heading straight for Symphony. Revi drew in a breath to <i>shout</i> at the [Skirmisher]then remembered that Ksmvrs grasp of humor was weak. She turned her head.


    The sight of a man with a beard of white hair reaching down his chest on the tournament grounds approaching the killers of Symphony made Tyrion, Manus soldiers, and everyone else look over. A few cameras swung down, and Rafaema frowned as she stared down at the man. Her keen Dragon eyes spotted something odd.


    Weird. That old Humans going to get hurt. Whats that on his off-hand?


    Lulv was yawning as he waited for the fighting to start. But as he swung his gaze over to Typhenous, his eyes sharpened. He looked down and spoke a word as Aldonss frowned. Even the Wall Lord of Manus couldnt tell what it was, but Lulv knew it.


    Huh. There are all kinds of odd weapons on the field here. I guess it pairs with the knife. Hes lucky he didnt get disqualified by the <Quest>. Thats a caestus.


    A what?


    Rafaema herself vaguely recognized the name. Lulv gestured at the short glove with metal protrusions on the knuckles.


    Type of tough glove. Hard leather and metal. Some people use it in [diator] bouts or arenas. Or in back-alley fights. A parrying weapon like how [Fencers] carry a dagger.


    Think he knows how to use it?


    Aldonss remarked as he reached for a report on which Gold-ranker this was. Lulv didnt reply.


    The gue Mage stopped in front of Symphony. And they stopped ying as he halted. Riz stepped back, smiling, as Typhenous brushed at his clothes.


    You know, I really am old.


    He began speaking, and Revi <i>did</i> fear he was going senile then, because no one had said anything. But like someone continuing a thought, the gue Mage went on.


    Miss Solstices honor has been impinged. Which is one thingand I daresay a number of finedies and men here are in defense of that. But in my dayI must be old, because when I was a young man, if we saw the <i>south</i>ing up and dancing about, wed have said something about it.


    Symphony looked at the old man. And what they saw was not what half the concerned citizens of Liscor calling for someone to take the old man to safety saw.


    Typhenous eyes were the faintest tinge of pink across brown. Striata of pinkced between the in color. With his beard, he looked like a genuine, kind old man who might offer a toffee to a child or ruminate on the good old days.


    He was a Gold-rank adventurer, one of the oldestif not biologicallythen in actual, functional age. But his career as a Gold-ranker was actually fairly short.


    So why did he have a title when Revi, Seborn, Jqua, and so many others didnt?


    <i>Typhenous the gue Mage. </i>That was one thing. The second was why he had a skillset and talents that had both caused trouble for his team and sometimeshelped.


    If you were someone from the streets, youd know him. The old man whod made it to respectable. Not because hed sold out or quitbut because hed <i>survived</i> for decades. The ultimate respect to that.


    Typhenous. A former Face.


    He had three sses that defined him. The first was [Rogue Mage]. The second? [Knifefighter]. The third was [Underworld Survivor].


    Facecarver Riz would obviously know someone like himperhaps had even emted his departure into the realm of adventurers. They used to call him Typhenous the gue Knife.


    <i>Knifemaster of the streets.</i>


    The old man drew a knife from his belt and held it in one hand. His left hand had the bulkier caestus, but he could still hold a knife with it. He showed Symphony the de as they put away their instruments.


    Half had swords or long, wicked, curved daggers. One had a hook guisarme. Another group carried spearsand Typhenous had a knife.


    It was about as long as his hand and had a tapered end with a slight curve near the tip, like most knives. A in, leather-wrapped handle that Typhenous had adjusted just this morning.


    It wasnt like his regr knife Revi knew as she halted in the grass, sensingsomething. Typhenous had an enchanted knife, so it was obviously no good. His regr knife was actually quite strange, and he would borrow her belt-dagger because his was fairly crap at cutting.


    It had a wavy edge, like a slithering snake, and it was thus useless for slicing. Plus, he would never slice up any of the sausages or anything edible with it.


    Now, the new knife flicked up, and Typhenous turned his body slightly, presenting only his caestus-hand to the waiting [Assassins]. The Maestrothe Maestro was smiling.


    Typhenous turned and winked at the watchers. Ekirra was worriedly shouting for the nice old Typhy toe back. MrshaMrsha was eying the knife. Typhenous waved at Ekirra with his free hand.


    <i>Hm? Where had the knife gone?</i> He looked around as the cameras focused on him. Had he dropped it? The old man felt aroundthen found it.


    He pulled it from behind one ear. He pantomimed surprise as he found itthen he shrugged and flipped it in a whirling arc up into the air. The old man closed his eyesand caught the whirling dagger hilt first.


    <i>That</i> was when Revi remembered that Typhenous had gone after the Drake Revenant [Sword Legend] when he had challenged them all. And the [Sword Legend] had called Typhenous slowand old. She looked around and began to back up in the grass on a hunch.


    This time, Typhenous performed the flick trick with two fingers. Up the knife spun, rotating a dozen times in a whirl. He flicked his hand upand a <i>second</i> knife appeared. This time, he caught twoone between his forefinger and middle finger, the other between middle finger and ring fingerby the tips of the des.


    <i>Flick, flick, flick.</i> He caught three in his hand. Then he made all three vanish, possibly up his baggy sleeves. The gue Mage turned, and a fourth knife, this one slightly pink, an odd metallic de that might have been painted, appeared on his fingers. It had more curveand serrated edges around the base where it met the hilt.


    Typhenous had a de of grass. He tossed it up, held the knife up, and the de of grassnded on the knife and fell onto the ground in two pieces.


    That done, Typhenous rolled the <i>sharp</i> knife across his fingers. The de <i>moved</i>, walking across his knuckles. Mrsha had seen people do that with coins. Typhenous did it with a knifethen he twirled it around.


    Not once did he <i>hold</i> itthe old mans hand whirled, and the de rotated as his knuckles, and his hand made it spin in the air, as if gravity refused to touch it. Thenhe flicked it up, and two knives danced across his hand.


    <i>Knife tricks.</i> The old man was winking at a [Witch] who rolled her eyes as she sipped from a cup of tea. But the rest of the audience was staring. ThenTyphenous exhaled.


    I really must be old. This used to be so easy. Ah, well


    <i>His arms began moving faster. </i>And his handshis armsknives began to sh across his arms. He <i>bounced</i> one off an arm, caught it across his neck by tilting his head, and Revi tried to count how many he was holding.


    <i>Elevenfifteen? </i>Or were some glittering afterimages of des? The old man was working hard now, and Symphonywatched. They didnt think it was just a parlor trick.


    Neither did Riz.


    Can I greet our friends across the mountains too?


    Riz, my dear, I was hoping you wouldnt ask.


    At that, the other [Knife Fighter] flicked her hands out, and a pair of longer des appeared in her grip. She began performing much the same trick as Typhenous, but two-handed. She couldsomehow<i>walk</i> a de up her arm with minute changes of her bodys motion. The two were juggling the spinning knives, and the hypnotic sight reminded Revi of Typhenous stories.


    <i>Young streetds andsses, showing off. Spinning a de and catching it, hopefully without losing their fingers. Right before the blood started pouring. </i>She had thought he made up a lot of tales, because not even Stitch-folk were that careless with des.


    But Typhenous was putting on a show for the waiting tournament audience. And it seemedevery step was carrying him a tiny bit closer to the figures waiting there. One stephe reached out for his spinning knivesanother


    Riz stumbled and grabbed at a de as her Captain called out for her toe back. She nced back


    Miss Solstice, <i>please!</i>


    Sir Relz had to interrupt the thirty-second minute of Erins Christmas pitch. She looked at him.


    Alright, Sir Relz. Im nearly done. What?


    We justwanted rification on the tournament rules! Distribution, matchups, whos going first. Brackets?


    Erin Solstice gave the Drake a long look with narrowed eyes, as if trying to figure out if he were mocking her. When she saw his Sir Relz face in full force, Erin Solstice shook her head.


    Listen. What part of I was a hostage dont you get? All these people asking me to change the <Quest>? Dy it? I cant. Tournament brackets? If you think everyonell stand around, you do it. But why would someone like Chaldion let you put rules on the tournament?


    Wellif thats so, why dont you justmence it already? All this waiting around on you!


    Sir Relz was huffing angrily, wondering why he had wasted his time. And thenErin Solstice looked at him, and the audience perhaps realized something that one man had figured out first. Her mouth fell open.


    What are you talking about?


    The Drake hesitatedthen he heard the first <i>scream</i> from outside. Then it clicked.


    The Festival of des in honor of Zdona


    <i>It had already been underway. </i>Typhenous the gue Knife rammed the first de straight into one member of Symphonys shoulders. He nted two more in the stomach and an arm as Riz knifed the same Gnoll in the back four times.


    <i>Non-lethal.</i> Probably. Then they were <i>sprinting</i> back to the adventurers as the entire grassy field exploded into violence.


    <i>Now that was a proper Izrilian greeting. Just like I remember! Hah! Look at them go!</i>


    Thementary wasnt from the scrying orb at the moment. Even the King of Duels, Raelt, had frozen at the unexpected way <i>criminals</i> handled things.


    Even Symphony, who had probably expected it, hadnt thought the old man would attack that fast. How many times had he stabbed that [Assassin]? And hed done it with another Face.


    The ck-d Symphony swarmed after Typhenous and Riz in the scrying orb. And all Viscount Visophecin could think was


    <i>I wish I were there.</i>


    He was trying not to smile as blood fell in droplets onto the grass, seeping into the earth. As steel rang from sheaths and voices rose in agony and rage.


    Then he remembered he was among his kin, House Shoel, the Lucifen and Agelum. Then he did smile.


    A cruel smile, of someone who would have leapt into that fen of bloodshed and presided amongst it.


    <i>A judge in gore, an arbiter of hellfire and brimstone.</i>


    His counterparts looked different. They sat, and Uziel, lonely without Razia or Gadrea, wasughing. But heughed like warhorns and triumph. If he descended with wings and watchful eyes, he would have been standing in triumphand bloodcelebrating the bravery of it.


    They wanted to be there, Lucifen and Agelum both. They longed to beand the worst part was that Visophecin knew he could have made it.


    The Gateways couldnt reach across continents so easily, of course. But he had methods almost as fast as Eldavin. And Rhisveri could have probably teleported any number ofbatants in.


    They couldnt. Unlike Eldavin, it was wiser to hide their true powers. Teleporting so far would attract attention. So even Rhisveri refrained in a show of wisdom.


    Thus, Visophecin just watched, eyes glowing with delight. See that old man <i>run.</i> See Pass [Soldiers] draw their des and set themselves in ranks, as if this were an actual battle.


    But seethe Lucifens eyes turned. He had a bet with Rhisveri, actually.


    <i>Who was more hated? </i>The instant everyone realized the festival of des had begunthey focused on three targets.


    Symphony.


    Manus.


    House Veltras.


    The real question waswho was most hated? The answer came like a plume of glorious fire. Not Dragonfirebut an echo of it.


    It rolled across the grass, and the figures standing on one of the hills took cover. ThenVisophecins smile widened as he saw an angry Watch Captain point a sword, and Tyrion Veltras turned. Watch Captain Zevara and dozens of off-duty [Guards], private citizens of Liscor, Goblins, Antinium, and, yes, even Passian Drakes went charging for House Veltras.


    <i>Close ranks! Close</i>Lord Veltras, no!


    Jerichas first instinct was to have the two dozen men-at-arms shield her [Lord]. But one look at Zevaras breath attack had made her realize that Skills were in y.


    Skillsand natural weapons like that. It didnt seem <i>fair</i>especially because the second thing she heard was a voice.


    <i>[Raise the Wall]! [Crossbows: Overwatch]!</i>


    Wall Lord Aldonss pointed a w in vengeance for the first sh between him and Tyrion. Fifty some crossbows appeared in the air


    All aiming at Tyrion Veltras. No other ranged weapons were on the field besides throwing weapons, and the [Lord] looked up as Jerichas stomach twisted.


    <i>They shouldnt have allowed this! He didnt have his levels! He</i>


    It was toote. Tyrion was moving. And he wasnt headed towards his own people, but away. He had realized, in an instant, that he would be a fire ma for the entire field. So he charged down the hill, shield raised.


    The crossbows tracking him<i>fired</i>. Not in one volley, but in threespreading out their fire so there was no possibility of dodging. Tyrion Veltras muttered.


    <i>[Great Shield].</i>


    He lifted his shield, and the ovepping spectral bolts <i>cracked</i> against a barrier in the air. The [Lord] looked leftand <i>sprinted</i> out of another jet of mes. He began running, and Jericha halted.


    Wait a second


    <i>He was fast! </i>The [Lord] took off as a Drake swungand twisted around. Jeiss tried to correct his trajectory, but even when he began running, he realized Tyrion Veltras was already sixty feet away.


    Jericha hadnt really seen Tyrion running footraces. He was a passionate [Rider]and besides, he was in his forties.


    <i>Had</i> been. Now, a younger man of twenty-eight was booking it. He ran so fast that half the people charging at him turned in a wave, and the first person Tyrion Veltras ran into was Menolit.


    <i>You bastard! [Scythe Rush</i>


    The [Veteran] came at Tyrion, and the [Lord] ducked into the sweeping sword. It <i>nged</i> off his shield, and Menolit reached out to bring his own shield down on Tyrions bare head. Then he realized the [Lord] hadnt stopped his mad run.


    Tyrions shield rammed into the Drake, and the [Lord] went under and heaved <i>up.</i> With sheer strengthhe <i>tossed</i> Menolit off him, and as the Drakended on his back, one boot stomped on his chest as Tyrion ran on.


    That wasthe move was so stunning that most of the [Duelists] chosen to analyze this fight were lost for words. Because Sir Relz and Noass had ssically failed again.


    Theyd chosen fighting experts and masters of the de. Not [Soldiers]. Not street-fightersbut Tyrion <i>had</i> seen battlefields. This was a bloody, nasty fight with no rules. And he was fighting like a <i>young man.</i>


    No Skillsjust the overwhelming confidence of the young that they could run, jump, and do anything they needed to. Andthe recklessness that age had tempered.


    An older Tyrion would have never left his forces. This Tyrion? He did the first thing that had urred to him. As half the battlefield ran at Tyrion


    <i>He charged straight at Pass.</i>


    That idiot


    General Edellein of 4th Army sneered at Tyrion as a [Sword Lieutenant] and a hundred plus top-tier officers readied themselves. Theyd take him out in a second! Then General Duln swore.


    <i>Brace!</i>


    <i>Half the battlefield wasing at Pass. </i>General Shirka, thest [General] on the field, looked up.


    Liscorsing. <i>des! Hold formation! Hold</i>


    <i>Get the Antinium. On me!</i>


    Edellein saw their [Major of the Charge] assigned to that task leading Drakes and Gnolls down the hill towards the [Crusaders]. Then he saw someone else had had the same idea.


    <i>From the left</i>


    Symphony plowed into Pass <i>left</i> nk as Tyrion Veltras swung across their right, leading Liscors citizens and his pursuers into a melee with Pass soldiers, who reacted just as they were trained. Tyrion ducked under a Gnolls spear, and the two men vanished as Pass realized it was under attack. Edellein was snarling around.


    <i>[Reform Ranks]! Get me a [Mark Target]! Get</i>


    Then he saw the first figure leaping <i>up</i>, dozens of feet through the air. The [General] swore as he reached for his sword. He had a w on it and could unsheathe it in less than a second.


    He should have had it bared already. The Maestronded as one of Edelleins [Strategists] shed at him.


    <i>Cut the Leaves].</i>


    Edellein blinked. His sword was half out of its sheath when he felt the burning pain on his leg, shoulder, stomachhe copsed along with three of his officers.


    <i>General down! General d</i>


    The First Flute threw a dagger into an officers chest, and the [Paralytic de] took down a Drake. She leapt after the Maestro. The Drakes were formed up in ranks, but they had no <i>armor.</i> The Maestro just <i>jumped</i> as Shirka leapt after him. Symphony didnt check whether Edellein or their opponents were down any more than Tyrion did. He swung his shield, clipped someone full in the faceand kept running.


    It was a brawl, and that was <i>before</i> the adventurers entered the fray.


    Damn! Hes getting away! Lulvhold your ground or Ill rip your tail off!


    Aldonss was cursing, but he had the wall up, and the soldiers of Manus were on it. Tyrion Veltras had vanished in the fighting, and his people were covering him. They stayed on the hill, but more than one person pursuing Tyrion <i>jerked</i> mid-run and began to turn on them.


    Is that old man using [Provoke Target]?


    Rafaema was staring at the person covering his [Lord]. Ullim, wasnt it? The [Majordomo] was forcing Jeiss off Tyrionand the Drake was charging Ullim and House Veltras instead.


    [Battlefield Lure]. I could take them out.


    Lulv snarled. He was itching to go out huntingbut Aldonss was watching Rafaema. <i>She</i> was burning to get into it.


    I can fight. The odds of them cutting me are


    <i>Iing.</i>


    The forces of Manus turned. While most of the angry members of Liscor had gone after Tyrionthey werent forgotten either. Lulvs hair rose, and he turned his head slowly. And the first thing he saw was a huge greatsword resting on someones shoulder. And heard a voice as at least two hundred Antinium halted at the base of Manus hill.


    Hey, bitch. Remember me?


    Spearmaster Lulvs eyes focused on Crusader 57. He and half of Squad 5 were looking up at him.


    <i>Me?</i>


    Uh oh. Lulv was already losing his temper. Ferris groaned as he counted the numbers, and Aldonss shifted as the [Soldiers] tightened ranks. Crusader 57 shook his head.


    Sorry, I meant your mother. Look who thought they could just walk through our city. I remember your ugly face. We spanked your elites in the war. Guess whats going to happen now? I dont see your fancy armor and weapons.


    Lulv


    Rafaema raised her voice as the [Spearmaster] stared down at the Antinium. He twitched.


    Wall Lady?


    The [Crusaders] were staring up at Manus, and Rafaemas breath <i>crackled.</i> She feltthe words came out of her mouth before Aldonss could say something, and she knew they were right.


    <i>Take them out.</i>


    The [Spearmaster] turned his head. His teethall of themshone as he lifted his in spear. His in spearwhich began <i>twisting</i> the air around it as he raised his voice. Crusader 57 realized Crusader 53 wasnt here<i>because maces werent sharp.</i> He hesitated as Lulv shouted.


    <i>[Spear of a Thousand Graves]! </i>I need no armor. [Spear Art: Fangs of the Dire Wolf].


    Then he leapt off the wall and came down like a howlinget at the Antinium.


    Oh <i>sh</i>


    Crusader 57 tried to swing his zweihander, but a bolt of lightning <i>kicked</i> him off his feet. Just a weak oneand the Antinium looked up. The [Crusader] saw a Gnolling at himand his sword


    <i>Fell. </i>Along with his arm. Crusader 57 stared at the stump and the green blood racing out, not realizing there was no limb anymore.


    My arm. mY aRM, yOu BAstaRD


    Lulv wasnt there any more. He cut Tonis leg off as the Antinium tried to whirl. Then he was moving ona spear stabbing an Antinium in the chest, green blood running to the ground.


    <i>He was too fast! It was like the battle all over again. </i>But this timeone of the [Temrs] raised a sword.


    <i>[Sword of Judgement].</i>


    Lulv whirled and dodged away as the [Temr] pointed down at Manus. They were flooding down the hill, after the Lightning Dragon. But as he aimed the Miracle


    Nothing happened. The [Temr] felt no release of faith. He only heard aa kind of voice disapproving in his head. After a pause, so infinitesimal, but so significant. As if something had been watching, deciding.


    <i><Quest: Miracle Disabled.></i>


    Mush.


    The [Temr] whisperedthen Lulvs spear was whirling and blood was flying everywhere.


    <i>No magic. No miracles. </i>Eldavin had realized the same thing as the Antinium. But unlike themhe was trusting to his martial abilities.


    Viltach, best of luck to you. I might reconsider entering the fray.


    The half-Elf spoke lightly as Ser Greysten and Dame Pertheine, the Summers Champion and the Springs Warden, stared into the bloody fighting in dismay.


    <i>Limbs were being lost! Blood was actually flying</i>. Viltach had read ounts of battlefields before, and hed heard of nonsense like arterial blood spraysbut that was actually fitting, here.


    It reminded him of the day he had realized he was no warrior. When he and his fellow students of Wistram ran into a real war and he exited it, never to seek this kind of thing again. He had thought this was <i>civilized.</i>


    Now, the Archmage of Terandria was pale as he held the longsword he was familiar with. Familiarbut no silver-bell duelist. Hed thought if they had a tournament, brackets


    And you, Archmage?


    The Springs Warden was considered to be the best single-person duelist in all of the Order of Seasons. Even Dame Voost was only the Season of Summers finest. Pertheine looked at the Goblinsone of the reasons shed agreed to this stunt.


    She couldnt believe that Eldavin was considering going down there. In her experience, Archmages were pragmatic cowards when it came to martialbat. But the half-Elf looked<i>excited.</i>


    <i>I remember this. </i>Is Ryoka? No.<i></i>


    She was staying out of it. As was Magnolia, watching. Eldavin looked at them and seemed to murmur to hispanions as much as himself.


    There she is. But this is juststress relief, stress relief.


    Was he <i>real?</i> Viltachs mouth opened. And as if someone had decided to disabuse Eldavin of his madness, the first adventurer came charging up the hill.


    <i>My name is Captain Todi!</i> Lets get the Archmages, boys!


    Captain Todi had chosen the most famous targetin his mindfor a bit of quick glory. He had promised Selys to attack Tyrion, but one look at Pass army had disabused him of that notion. Besides, beating an Archmage? <i>Drinks for life.</i> He had seen Viltach and rightly assumed that a [Mage] wouldnt be a dueling master. But he had made a mistake with the rest.


    Ser Greysten disarmed one of Todis Elites with an axe. Well, what he really did was hit a charging [Warrior] so hard the mans own block saved him from the cutbut the blow still threw him head-over-heels down the hill.


    Dame Pertheine was faster. She actually <i>flicked</i> a sword out of the hands of one of Todis teammates with a bad grip. Then she parried a shortswords wild jab and shed a leg in the same motion.


    Artery cut. You had better quit.


    The [Warrior] paled as one of the women raised her hands as the Springs Warden aimed a de at her throat. Todis wild charge carried him straight into Eldavin.


    The Archmage of Memory looked at the Captain, who seemed to realize he was outmatched. He backpedaled and sensed the nine members of his team


    <i>Six were down</i> or surrendering within the first five seconds. Eldavin raised his de.


    <i>Ah. A dueling salute from Rihal. </i>Didnt I give that bastard a ring?


    He performed a sh in the air that cut down at a forty-five degree angle, then twisted back in a horizontal line, twisted upand down.


    A mark of Rihal. Todi swore he could see the glittering lines of the de like afterimages.


    Er


    He kicked a spray of dirt up and lunged. Todis sneak-attack made Viltach flinch. When the Archmage of Terandria looked up, Eldavins sword finished its arc.


    Captain Todis swordthe upper half of inded in the grass. Todi stared at the sword hilt in his hands. <i>Hed bought that from Pelt! </i>And he saw no wed grain in the steel. Just acut


    I surrend


    Todi got his wish after all. The cameras clearly showed Archmage Eldavin kicking an unnamed adventurer stupid enough to challenge him straight off the hill. Todinded on his back as Archmage Eldavin blocked a throwing dagger. He caught itand threw it back at the member of Symphony, who dodged the de.


    I hope we meet at the end. Nowtime to level as a [Warrior].


    Then he was racing down the hill, and the first person who ran into him was Jeiss. The [Swordsman] put up a better fight than Todi.


    Hested eight whole seconds.


    <i>The droplets of blood were trickling down, now. Green, red</i>and orange.


    <i>Gaaah! </i>I dont want to kill you, you idiots! <i>Get back!</i>


    Jqua Ivirith was bleeding as Erin Solstice stared out a window. The [Innkeeper] was shakingand Jqua was whirling her il around. Keeping everyone around her away as the adventurers broke up. Some were trying to save Typhenous. Others were locked in battle with the nearest person they had seen.


    But this wasnt what anyone had expected. Jqua was bleedingshe was creating a whirlwind of dangerous Demas Metal around herbut several throwing daggers were sticking out of her dead flesh.


    Erin. This is<i>is this what you wanted? Can you stop it?</i>


    Lyte was horrified. She was d, now, that she had forbidden Dalimont and the others from joining the fighting. The Thronebearers were supposed to be looking out for Mrsha, keeping her out of trouble.


    Erin didnt say anything. Her face was whiteand the inn was silent.


    <i>Thisthis isnt a duel. I cannotment on this. King of Duels, what do you think?</i>


    Six minutes into the battle, someone finally said something, and King Raelt looked up. His voice echoed through the inn.


    This is a battlefield. Any [Duelist] who holds a Gold-bellwe have all been told by our own masters and peers that this is the true test of an expert. If you obtained your Gold-bell only by private duelsI have heard it said that some call that a worthless achievement. There is one Gold-bell duelist on the field right now. And he earned his. Look.


    The Maestro emerged from the fighting, stepping out of Pass ranks without a cut on his suit. His estoc was redbut the Gold-bell duelist stood out. He strode towards a pair of adventurers, and one gulpedthe other held his swords at the ready.


    Young duelist. I think its time we had our moment.


    The Maestro beckoned at Pisces, and the [Necromancer] paled. But he stepped forwards as the Maestro produced a rapier of his own and Ksmvr lunged forwards. Two-on-he [Brave Skirmisher] recoiled as his des were repelled. The Maestro lowered his stance, and Pisces nearly ran into the first lungethen he was advancing across the field, fighting Ksmvr and Pisces from both sides.


    <i>The best fighters werent even being pressed. </i>Eldavin, the Maestrothe Springs Wardenit didnt matter that they had no armor or enchanted des.


    Like Lulv, cutting through the Antinium, they were too <i>fast.</i> It was like an actual adult fighting a childtheir Skills put their reactions on a separate level.


    Even Tyrion Veltras was keeping up. Despite his lower levels, he was a veteran of enough battles to have that sixth sense in the back of his head.


    But hed already taken a long cut down one arm. <i>Was he going to fall?</i>


    A knot of Drakes was surrounding him, jabbing spears as he deflected numerous attacks at once. The [Lord] lifted a sword


    <i>[Fourfold Strike]!</i>


    His de struck a guard and hit three targets at once. But it was not his famous <i>eight-</i>fold strike. His opponents backed up, but either he was taking it easy, conserving his Skills


    Someone whirled a throwing axe at his back, and the [Lord] pivoted. He blocked the blowand down came a halberd from behind.


    General Duln. He was aiming for Tyrions right shoulder. The Duhans stroke came from two dozen feet away.


    <i>[Phantom Cut]. </i>The perfect move for someone who wouldnt fight in the front ranks and still threaten foes. Tyrion was trying to twist leftwhen the Duhan aborted his attack. He pivoted


    He actually managed to <i>block</i> the throwing dagger with the shaft of his halberd. But the force of it still sent him stumbling back.


    <i>Who</i>


    <i>[Assassin]! Assas</i>


    They were blunted, Duln realized. Someone was actually crazy enough to blunt the daggersbut then he realized that didnt matter.


    One hit still cracked ribs or knocked [Soldiers] t. And Ressa was throwing a dozen with each second. She threw into the clusters of soldiers as General Duln saw a group of [Maids] and a [Butler] with glowing legs throw themselves into the fighting.


    <i>Rescuing Tyrion.</i>


    Reinhart is fighting with Veltras! <i>On them!</i>


    Reynold!


    Magnolia Reinhart shouted. She had ordered her people to save Tyrion. The [Lord] whirled as a man ran past him.


    The former [Lieutenant] looked like he was on the battlefield againand his foes were right in front of him. A [Sword Lieutenant] <i>blocked</i> his furious sh.


    [Perfect Guard]. [Perfect Counterattack].


    <i>[Lieutenant of Perfection], Comois, 4th Army.</i> Edelleins champion. He almost hit the [Butler]but Reynolds glowing, <i>magical</i> legs actually halted his charge and carried him back.


    <i>So fast</i>Duln was stunned as he checked his own <i>mundane</i> cloth armor he had switched out his usual armor for.


    <i>Howthose are artificial legs.</i>


    Tyrion looked as surprised by Reynolds legs as the save. The [Butler] hesitated, and his eyes flickered as the swearing [Lieutenant] advanced.


    He heard somethingbut he had no time to process it as Tyrion and Magnolias servants backed out of the fighting.


    <i><Quest: Exception allowed.></i>


    <i>What was? </i>Then he heard a terrible din from the left, and he saw Pass forces run straight into the Painted Antinium and [Crusaders].


    <i>The blood was sttering. </i>An Antinium looked down as a de cut off their mandibles. Then a dozen shes made the [Crusader] fall over.


    <i>No killing!</i>


    The Passian [Soldiers] haltedbut the wounds were deep. And they were going after the Antinium.


    This was the perfect moment. The perfect moment to lop off a limb orone Drake screamed as his blow trying to sever a downed Antiniums legs turned into a desperate counterstroke.


    <i>Pink Stripes. </i>The [Soldier]s de shed off two fingers on the Drakes axe-hand, and the Drake stumbled back.


    <i>My fingers! My</i>


    <i>Get Pink Stripes to safety! Now!</i>


    A voice bellowed, and Antinium seized the Worker whod lost parts of his mandibles and Pink Stripes, who was bleeding from the gut. They ran him off the field.


    Yellow Stters was shouting as Antinium went down, fighting the Drakes.


    They are bleedingPawn! We cannot let this happen!


    He was agonized, watching his people bleed. But PawnPawn was staring at Tyrion.


    Miracles are not working. Tell them to leave if they wish. But there is Manus. And Pass


    He looked at the Drakes and Gnolls, and he saw something else. Yellow Stters just saw his people bleeding, but The Crimson Soldier put a hand on Yellow Stters shoulder. He pointed.


    <i>Look.</i>


    Pawn whispered.


    Thats how they really feel about us. So remind themof the consequences.


    He had not been surprised by the attack on Antinium from the two Walled Cities. It still hurt. But the Passian attack into the Painted Antiniums lines?


    <i>They had no armor, the Drakes and Gnolls. </i>They couldnt kill. Anda screaming Gnoll had a chunk torn out of one of his legs as a fallen Worker <i>bit</i> and hung on. Nor did the Antinium seem to fear their wounds.


    [Cure Mundane Wounds].


    Zimrah spoke, and Pawn himself touched Pink Stripes. The [Priest] had a weaker version of Zimrahs Skillbut it was good enough.


    [Mass Heal Minor Wounds].


    The wounded Soldiers and Workers blood stopped dripping onto the grass. Their limbs would not returnbut so what?


    We will put gel on this.


    Yellow Stters assured the [Crusader] whod lost his mandibles. The Soldier <i>cked</i> the remaining parts angrily. He wanted to go back and hit the Drakesbut he was out. And Pawn just looked at Yellow Stters.


    We will level. And limbs will regrow. Trust me. Theirs wont.


    He looked at the Passian soldiers. Many were officers. A Drake was clutching at an axe embedded in the bone. And


    <i>There were so few healing potions.</i>


    The [Healers]. The [Healers] were trying to heal the wounds, but the first wounded were screaming.


    <i>Healing potion! Use a healing potion!</i>


    II cant! Hold this here!


    One was making up a bandage, but one of the Gnolls didnt seem to know what to do to stem the bleeding. Drassi herself ran over.


    Whats going on? Why arent they being healed?


    With what potions? We cant afford thatand supplies are limited. This damn tournamenttheres no more healing potions!


    A furious Passian GnollHealer Demerra, owner of the crystal healing beds, whod healed Chaldion himselfwas holding a crystal over a slowly-closing wound.


    <i>We need a potion! Hell die without</i>hes belly-cut!


    A Drake was staring at something red half-falling out of a cut in his stomach. Drassi paledand a healing potion was produced. But the other [Healers] were trying to close wounds, and some had no idea how to do it.


    <i>Many of the wounded people were just lying on the grass. </i>There was so much fightingwho was going to run in and risk being cut?


    Perhaps a crazy Runner. Someone came out of that melee, holding a young Gnoll clutching at his leg and howling in pain.


    <i>Vok! You fool!</i>


    Someone rushed over. The young Gnolls leg was a mess of bloodhed been fighting when an angry Antinium had bit him. One of the younger [Healers] stared at the legbut this wasnt critical enough for a potion.


    Help him! I have to get


    The Runner was jogging back into the fray when Ryoka Griffin raced over.


    Fals?


    He was the one whod grabbed Vok. Garia StrongheartFalsand, Ryoka realized, Miha herself were running into the battlefield and yanking people to safety.


    <i>Not just them. Local Runners were doing the same. </i>Following the Guildmistress example. They werent fighters, but the unknown force wasnt after them. <i>An exception had been made.</i>


    My leg! My <i>leg</i>will I walk?


    The mandibles had torn a chunk out of Voks leg, right around his calf. He was staring at the torn fur and blood, and Ryokadidnt know what to do.


    Tourniquet. Can you stop the bleeding?


    IIm a [Potions Healer]! But


    Ryoka was fumbling with her own healing potion to give to Vok. But someone <i>snapped</i> as Drassis broadcast showed the bloodwhich was making many viewers queasy and forcing several nations to turn off the images to spare the children and sensitive.


    <i>Dont waste a potion on that! Give me a look at it</i>sterilize those goddamn needles! Apply pressure to slow the bleeding!


    <i>What the? </i>Ryoka Griffin twisted, and Healer Demerra lowered her own scrying orb. A furiousDuhanwas shouting at the [Healers] from the orb.


    Wh-what do we do, Miss?


    Show meits an artery cut. Use a potion on it. Listen to me, you need to apply three drops. Dont pourlook, this is how you sew something up. Ill cut my arm and


    A <i>Duhan</i> was snapping orders at the [Healers], giving the ones with no surgical expertise a crash-course in dressing wounds. But that word had made Ryoka stop. Thenshe heard more screams, and Fals grabbed her.


    Youing? That [Doctor] told us to grab the wounded! Come on!


    Ryoka looked at him, then ran after him to drag one of the Antinium out. And nowsome of thebatants were realizing the Antinium were healing better than the [Healers]. But Zimrah was already getting tired.


    And the blood was flowing now, flowing and


    The King of Destruction was among those watching. Curiously, Flos Reimarch had not seemed asenthusedby this disy or as desperate to get to the fighting.


    Almost as if he had sensed how it was going to turn out from the start. Contests were one thing. Ser? Wonderful games or vying to one-up another were excellent diversions.


    <i>This was just violence. </i>He sat as the [Duelists] quitmentating. The King of Destruction spoke to Noass briefly.


    Pass will quit the field. Perhaps not Manus. There are less of them, and theyre guarding themselves well. The Antinium may notbut we will soon see most of the adventurers leave. The Named-ranks are fighting well. Is that the Favor of the North I see?


    Colth, Caleis the Favor of the North, Rasen, and Teithde were fighting a group of four. Four Named-ranks were currently wiping out anyone who got in their way.


    Colth had two long daggers and was fighting calmlynot even looking pressed as Rasen and Teithde used a sword and shieldbo. Caleis had a mberge, and the handkerchief-man was cutting a Passian [Soldier].


    Gently. He onlyid open the Drakes chest and clothing with a shallow cut.


    How do you mean, ererKing of Destruction?


    Noass was confused, but Flos didnt bother to borate. He just pointed as General Duln, bleeding from a close-encounter with Ressa, grabbed something from his side.


    He blew three short horn calls, and the Drakes and Gnolls looked up. They had already been backing away from the Antiniumbut now, almost all the Passians began flowing off the field, some throwing down their des.


    Its not worth it. Tyrion Veltras might wish to quit too. His limbs, at the very least, or eyes, are in danger.


    Flos observed quietly. But the stubborn [Lord] was still there. The King of Destruction was eying the remaining fighters.


    Nowit will be grudges and hatred enough to risk losing your arms. The best will take longer to fall.


    The King of Destruction was right. He didnt need to be there to understand what was happening.


    It was Chaldion who had ordered the retreat. Mirn was sitting next to him, scarcely believing he was next to the famous Grand Strategist, but Chaldion had demanded to speak with him. For a long time, Mirn <i>had not existed</i> to the Cyclops, despite being Saliss friend.


    Now, the [Grand Strategist] was snapping at a protesting Edellein, who wanted to go back <i>in.</i>


    You fool. <i>Call them out.</i> A limb isnt worth a level. This was a mistake. Officers out. Keep the [Soldiers] and [Sergeants]. Liscorian tactics.


    He was seeing clearly how costly this festival was. Pass was quitting the field in drovesbut the truth was, they werent being contested that hard.


    <i>The fighting had been so bloody that everyone had actually slowed.</i> Mostmon citizens saw someone losing a hand and decided they werent willing to do this. But the ones still fighting had no care for that.


    Orthey were just too angry to retreat.


    Tell [Lieutenant] Comois to retreat!


    The [Lieutenant of Perfection] was ignoring orders. And 4th Armys best swordsman had already taken out Dasha and Merrik. Watch Captain Zevara fell over, trailing smoke.


    <i>Zevara!</i>


    She stared down at the tip of a bloody sword as the Drake cut past the remaining [Guards].


    Watch Captain. Yield.


    Comois waited for her to nod before striding on. Merrik was cursing as he pulled Dasha up. She was bloody and dead-white behind her beard.


    Bastard. [Perfect Stab], perfect


    His head was ringing. Hed lowered his guard to protect her when he saw the [Lieutenant] stab Dasha three times amidst the shoulders. Then gotten a kick and a sh that had cut deep into his shoulders, despite his [Granites Armor] Skill.


    <i>That Drake was amongst the best here. </i>But the furious advance of Pass [Swordsman] halted as an enraged woman walked towards him.


    Pekona, one-armed, lifted her curved wakizashi. She lowered her center of gravity as Comois spat.


    Drathians, now? <i>En garde.</i>


    [Dance of Wisps].


    Despite her one arm, Pekona had something that Merrik yetcked. The [Stoneshorn War Leader] nced sideways and saw Pekona vanish.


    Comois ducked the first slice as she appeared, but unlike regr [Fighters]his sword wasing up for a counter, which missed as she slid down, practically face-first to the ground, and scythed upwards. They separated, and Merrik shouted.


    <i>[Healer]!</i>


    Only someone as furiousor as furious and confident as Comoiswas still in the fight. Orsomeone with a grudge or without fear of losing limbs.


    The Goblins hadnt entered the fray for the first eleven minutes. They had held on their hill, and ironically, no one had wanted a piece of them.


    <i>Who wanted to fight monsters? What would they gain?</i> Rags was staring down into the fighting. She only spoke once.


    Tyrion is there.


    Now?


    Snapjaw was gnashing her teeth, looking eagerly at Rags. But the Chieftain just shook her head.


    Manus. Wait, wait, wait.


    They waited. They knew a battle when they saw it, and Rags was biding her time. She did <i>not</i> like the Archmage of Memory or the Named-ranks.


    Only one Goblin ignored Rags. He had gazed down into the fighting, and he could wait no longer.


    <i>Redscar!</i>


    Snapjaw whispered as the Goblin drew his des. Thunderfur was howling in the distance, but as the [Chieftain of the Maw] reached for Redscar, Rags lifted a w.


    Redscar?


    He had two swords in hand. Just like always. They were not enchantedbut the leader of the Redfangs looked back at Rags. If she told him to stay


    She didnt. Redscar grinned at Rags and nodded to her. She returned his look with grave worrybut he just inhaled the air.


    <i>It felt as though something was calling to him. </i>This momentthis ce was perfect.


    Garen would have loved it here. Im going, Chieftain. <i>Redfangs. Guard her.</i>


    He lifted his sword overheadand then Snapjaw heard a <i>screech</i>. Icecube was roaring so loudly that Jeckel, in Elirrs shop, began to scream too. But it was apanied by dozens of wolf-howls.


    The Liscorians, the watchers, looked at that Goblin as he raised one de overhead. And thenNumbtongue saw it.


    The [Bard]s lips moved as Reiss ghost looked upand Pyrite and Shorthilt turned. For <i>they</i> saw another ghost in Redscars shadow.


    <i>It should have been like that. All along.</i>


    Reiss whispered in the [Soulbard]s ear, and Numbtongue nodded. A Chieftain on the hind her champion, a warrior of des. It had not happened the right way the first time.


    NowRedscar began walking down the hill, but each step carried him down. Faster. <i>Faster. </i>As if he couldnt wait, and his grin was all sharp teeth.


    He leapt down as Thunderfur howled, and the first person he met was a famous name. He had been hiding his true powerbut the Gnoll who had rode in just in the wake of the Swordsman of Six had been lucky enough to be in the region.


    He was Gadiekh, the Worldpact Adventurer. And though he did not have his Bow of Quexals, nor the Serpentarrows of Baleros, nor his de from the Blighted Kingdom or Armor of the Dunes from Chandrar


    The Gnoll looked up and saw the Goblining down upon him. He lifted his de and roared.


    <i>[Battle Stance: Vow of the Knight]!</i>


    He held himself like a rock, and the Goblin descended on him. Gadiekh <i>cut</i> across the air, and the sound it made was like a great <i>tearing</i> of space. Redscar-


    Redscar <i>danced.</i> So fast and so close that Gadiekh realized hed made two mistakes.


    <i>The Goblin had no fear of his life.</i>


    <i>[Crimson Whirls My de].</i>


    The Skill appeared over the Goblins head, but he made no sound as he came at Gadiekh, des moving in sync.


    <i>Poetry? From a Goblin?</i>


    The Gnoll cried out and made his second mistake as he raised a de to block one sword. Redscars sword met hisand Gadiekh heard the <i>crack</i> of his sword breaking. He stared at it in horrorfor he had trusted too long to Relics and artifacts.


    But Redscar had held a rusted piece of iron in ce of a de. Henced across Gadiekhs chest, and the Gnoll fell back, reaching for a backup de. But the Goblin knew neither mercy nor sportsmanship.


    <i>Only blood.</i>


    A Named-rank adventurer fell so fast that half the audience barely realized what had been done. He had not proimed himselfbut people like Baheis blood ran cold. It had been more than an unlucky de that sealed the Gnolls fate.


    <i>That Goblin kept going.</i> He arose with a deep wound on his arm and barely nced at it but to bind it with a piece of cloth. Then he charged forwards.


    <i>Straight into Pass lines. </i>The Drakes and Gnolls looked up as a Goblin leapt at them. They would have surrounded him, tried to bring him down with tactics and numbersbut they had more problems.


    Numbtongue was ncing downand he saw Tyrion Veltras backing up. Aldonss, Rafaema, and the rest of the [Soldiers] of Manus had fared better than Pass. They were the City of Warand they were advancing on Tyrion as Jericha and six remaining House Veltras soldiers not too wounded to keep fighting tried to get to him.


    Someone else had the same idea.


    <i>To Tyrion Veltras!</i>


    The Favor of the North, Caleis, was urging Colth, Rasen, and Teithde to save Tyrion. The Ultimate Supporter was reluctantthe Champions of the Coast, likewise.


    Well, Rasen was. His wife looked as excited as could be by the fighting. Despite possibly being the weakest of the four, Teithde was fighting without fear, and the four Named-ranks hadnt taken a single wound so far.


    <i>Rafaema, Named-ranks!</i>


    Aldonss swore as she stormed at Tyrion. He was trying to catch his breathhe had a huge gash on his arm and another on his leg and backbut none of the wounds were bleeding. Probably [Bloodless Wounds].


    The Lightning Dragon turned, and even her heart sank as the four Named-ranks halted and Tyrion swung his shield up. The [Lord] focused on themthen barked.


    <i>Behind you!</i>


    All four Named-ranks dodgedbut it was too slow even so. The first de was a greatsword. It shed through the air as someone <i>hurled</i> it. Zeter, the Swordsman of Six, cut with a scimitar next and a shortsword in his other hand.


    He lopped Teithdes arm off at the elbow, and she screamed. Colths eyes went wide as Caleis cried out; the greatsword had torn a hole in his side.


    <i>Teithde!</i>


    Rasen howled as the Swordsman of Six leapt forwards. <i>He had woken up. </i>And the Named-rank woman was missing her arm


    <i>You bastard, that hurt!</i>


    Teithde lifted her stump and sprayed the Swordsman of Six with her own blood. Even Manus soldiers couldnt believe that.


    <i>She was a Named-rank. </i>But even for them, she was mad! The Swordsman of Six engaged the other three Named-ranks as Rasen tried to drag his wife to safety.


    And while they did thatTyrion Veltras was facing all of Manus. Aldonss calmly pointed his de at Tyrion.


    On my mark


    Two Drakes with spears on his left. Rafaema was ready to breathe lightning with Aldonss in front, and another [Soldier] had a knife to throw. She feltslightly embarrassedbut this was a battle.


    Ressa and the [Maids] were locked in ce. Symphony had decided to object to their presence, and the Maestro himself was fighting Ressa.


    Tyrion Veltras. Alone atst. He looked about, but Jericha had fallen. Eldavin had run into House Veltras and hadnt even stopped.


    Who else would help him? The [Lord] looked around, and his eyes zed in a cold mask of fury.


    Come, then, Manus. Time to avenge our debts.


    ThenRafaema realized he hadnt quit out of bravado or some sense of not wanting to look poorly. <i>He just wanted to stab them all.</i>


    She inhaledand Aldonss, who had been watching their backs as he lifted his sword, cursed.


    <i>Now? Who isrear, rea</i>


    The [Soldiers] of Manus turned. They could handle Ullimbut the old man had already retreated, seeing how deadly this battlefield could be. House Veltras was not better than they were, nor were any number of [Crusaders] save for the Antiniums best.


    <i>But the Minotaur with one arm just ignored the spear that rammed his shoulder. </i>He <i>snapped</i> the staff, mmed the Drake into the ground with one fistthen he swung his axe.


    Do you have. No.<i> Honor?</i>


    Calruz of Minos <i>roared</i> it in the third Drakes face, spraying the Drake with spittle. Rafaema just stared. Then she opened her mouth.


    The first <i>bolt</i> of lightning hit the Minotaur and sent him stumbling back. But he shook himselfthen roared.


    <i>[Thunder Hammers Blow]!</i>


    <i>Ff</i>


    Rafaema went deaf as the battleaxe came down and part of the ground <i>exploded.</i> The Minotaur went into Manus lines, fearless, and Aldonss cursed a blue streak.


    <i>Another high-level [Warrior]? Where</i>


    Tyrion Veltras saw Calruz surge out of the fighting as he disarmed a [Soldier] of Manus. Tyrion shed across the Drakes shoulders, hesitated as he raised his swordand the Minotaur and the [Lord] faced each other.


    I am on your side.


    Calruz exhaled, steaming in the cold with fury. His eyeswerent red with berserk rage. Tyrion Veltras stared at him, then saluted him.


    Who are you? Why are you siding with me?


    <i>To show you I have some honor left.</i>


    That was all the Minotaur saidthen Manus charged them. Calruz whirled his axe. He couldnt defend himself, but his scarred hidehe ignored a dagger that nced <i>off</i> his skin, as tough as steel. Tyrion was fasterhe dodged Aldonss as the Drakes sword shrieked off his shield. Then he jerked.


    [sh: Dyed Explosion].


    Tyrions back mmed into the ground, and he blocked the sword aimed down at his pelvis as Aldonss tried to stab down.


    We dont need more Veltras children.


    The Wall Lord <i>ducked</i> as a blow cut the air. Then he dodged back as Calruz came swinging in. Tyrion rose, and the Minotaur put his back to Tyrions. <i>Someone else was attacking Manus.</i>


    <i>Tyrion Veltras! Face me! I am Venaz of House Minos!</i>


    Another one.


    Tyrion muttered. A furious Minotaur was fighting his way up the hill, tangling with Manus [Soldiers]. Calruz grunted.


    <i>Him.</i> Ill have words with him as well. Lord Veltrasdo you see my honor?


    He looked at Tyrion, his blue eyes zing. The [Lord] was confusedbut he knew Minotaurs, and he nodded his head, exhaling hard as sweat ran down his neck and back, matting his hair. Grit and blood in his clothes.


    <i>Dead gods, he felt alive and young again.</i>


    I do.


    Calruz lifted his axe, and Tyrion almost tensedbut the Minotaur pointed it. Across the hill.


    <i>Then believe me when I say they have it too!</i>


    Tyrions head turned, and he stared at the Antinium in the distance. The Beriad were engaging Lulv. Anda Drake [Strategos] was ordering the Antinium off the field.


    Olesm. He had personally authorized a certain Minotaurs entry into the battle. Calruz stared at Tyrions look of bewilderment. Then he plunged towards the other Minotaur.


    <i>Venaz! We have not finished things!</i>


    Ah. Oop


    The two Minotaurs went crashing down the hill as Calruz shoulder-charged <i>into</i> Venaz. Leaving Tyrion alone again. He was so startledhe nearly missed Aldonssing up behind him.


    The Wall Lord wasnt as much of a closebat specialist as Tyrion, but Tyrion had lost many of his levels. The two struck and parried at each other, and they were evenly matched.


    <i>Aldonss was the power of the walls. </i>His sword could leave an explosive attack on things he cut. He could call for showers of bolts or reinforcements.


    So the Wall Lord was intrigued why Tyrion seemed so<i>weak.</i>


    You should be better without your horse. Holding back? [<i>Push the Ranks</i>].


    His own shield came up, and he <i>heaved</i> with such force he could disrupt an enemy formation with itor throw a man a good dozen feet. Tyrion rolled as he came up, and his sword leapt up.


    <i>[Piercing Thrust].</i>


    The de went through Aldonss shield and into the Drakes forearm. The Drake snarled. The two were locked together, shoving with their shields, trying to create an opening to stab the other through.


    And Tyrion was<i>frustrated.</i> He was burning with energy. The same restlessness in his blood, an inexhaustible supplypared to the older man he had been.


    <i>He hadnt realized the difference youth made. </i>Aldonss himself lookedif not tired, then as if he were guarding his energy, like the trained warrior he was.


    The Drake grunted as the younger [Lord]s feet churned into the dirt, shoving at him. A firebrandhe <i>shoved</i> back with all his force, and the [Lord] was pushed backand the Human hit Aldonss again, <i>mming</i> his shield into the Drakes arm. The Wall Lord twisted out of the way of a cut.


    A firebrand with the Skill of a veteran! <i>A nightmare for Manus! Twenty more years of this monster growing in strength unless he was taken out.</i>


    Yetthe frustration was written on the Humans face in his cold snarl. The sword stabbed again, and Aldonss turned it.


    <i>[Dragonscale Patch].</i>


    His scales <i>glimmered</i> and became harder than steel across his side where the de cut once more. He was definitely losing the contest of des. But the [Lord] who had in Lucivas daughter


    <i>He should have been better than this. </i>All the pieces were there, but it was like Lulv without the spear arts. Deadlyfast and filled with boundless energy.


    <i>Not capable of taking Aldonss life without a Skill. </i>The Wall Lord raised his sword.


    <i>[Fire From the Walls]!</i>


    <i><Quest: Skill disabled.></i>


    Wall Lord Aldonss cursed. Then his sword began to glow.


    <i>[Armaments of the Lightning Dragon]. </i>The Level 51 [Lord of the Walls] eyes glowed as Tyrion stared at the de and shield coated in


    <i>He really wished he had his enchanted items. </i>The [Lord] croaked.


    <i>[Summon]</i>


    <i><Quest: Skill disabled.></i>


    Aldonss first strike made all of Tyrions hair stand on end, and he felt the <i>charge</i>. He was even faster nowand the only thing that saved Tyrion was his new Skill.


    [A Second of Time]. The [Lord] stabbed the Drake in the legand that slowed him.


    Not bad. But somethings off.


    The Wall Lord glowed with the lightning as Tyrion backed up. If they locked desTyrion didnt doubt what would happen.


    <i>If he had hisnce, he would have been able to use his new Skill. If he had a horse</i>Tyrion Veltras didnt dare speak his next Skill.


    <i>[Ten-Foot sh]. [Repel Point]</i>


    His Skills were weakerbut he knew this. Aldonss had to block a sh from afarbut he did it expecting Tyrion to be electrocuted. But the lightning <i>bounced</i> away from Tyrions de, and he aimed a [Lunging Strike] straight at


    Aldonss stepped back. He grunted as the tip, only the very tip of Tyrions sword, cut into his breast.


    Thatwas Tyrions chance. Now, the lightning crackled as Aldonss charged. The [Lord] swung his shield up. Take it. <i>Take it and</i>


    Aldonss swung his sword down as Tyrions shield and sword came up. And the two [Lords] des met silver in the air.


    <i>Klbkch the yernded. </i>Then he struck right and left.


    Heh.


    Tyrion Veltras tasted a burning cut and a <i>cold</i> de in his arm. Aldonss deflected a sh.


    <i>yer!</i>


    Klbkchs second cut nearly took his arm off. The yer whirled his des left, and Tyrions [Fourfold Strike]


    <i>He blocked each one. </i>The [Lord]s sword darted high and low, like a minnow, as the Wall Lords lightning de shed against the silver metal of Klbkchs swords. He was between them and


    <i>Fighting both at the same time. The yer was making a fluttering insect sound.</i>


    <i>He wasughing. </i>The lightning was refusing to run down Klbkchs swords. How? A Skill? Were they enchanted?


    <i>Or were they made of something ancientbut </i>unenchanted? Klbkch stabbed Tyrion again, then hit Aldonss so hard the Drake reeled and stared down at his shield with a cut halfway through it.


    I know both of you. This should prove Im not old.


    He was speakingmadness. Was he really? Tyrions blood boiled as the yer held out his swords, each one facing a different direction. He stood between the Drake and the Human, and they attacked at the same time. And Klbkch keptughing.


    Calruz hoped he had done something. But Tyrion was alone. Hewas busy fighting with Venaz.


    The other Minotaur had lost his greatsword when Calruz mmed into him. Now, he had two hands on Calruzs battleaxe, and the two were fighting for it.


    Venaz couldnt believe it, but even with two armshe wrenched left, and Calruz headbutted him. The [Strategist] stumbled back, but he held onto the axe. Then he began punching Calruz with his free hand until he realized he needed two hands to stop the axe from being wrenched free.


    The two were stumbling, tumbling aroundkneeing each other, literally smashing heads as they fought.


    <i>Calruzenough! Im avenging Erin Solstices honor</i>


    <i>There is no honor on this battlefield. Olesm sees it! So does anyone with eyes!</i>


    The Beriad were holding Lulv off so the rest of their kin could make it to safety. Olesmhade to tell the Antinium to stop this pointless, bloody battle. Calruz hade to prove a point to Tyrion in the onlynguage the man knew. To make a difference for those brave children.


    And to punch Venaz in the face. He did just that as Venaz wrenched the axe free.


    Calruzs fist <i>crashed</i> into Venazs nose, and the other bull-man reeled. Then Calruz grabbed the haft of the axe again and kneed Venaz in the groin.


    You intended to leave? <i>Without passing judgment on me?</i>


    Calruz was furious. He<i> mmed </i>Venaz into the ground, and the [Strategist] kicked him back. The axe went flyingand both Minotaurs didnt go for it. They just raised their fists. They chargedand Venaz grabbed Calruz with two arms as Calruz tried to grab Venaz by the throat.


    <i>I already rendered my judgment. I thought you understood the concept of implication!</i>


    Calruz snarled.


    I <i>begged</i> for an arbiter of the Beriad


    <i>And I didnt kill you! What did you thinkthatmeant?</i>


    Venaz punctuated hisments with a punch to Calruzs gut. He ate an uppercut as he tried to follow it up. The furious [Prisoner] roared.


    <i>You y games with me? </i>My honor is on the line. My <i>salvation</i>and you just walk


    He came at Venaz, intending to m the Minotaur again, but Venaz threw a series of punches that made Calruz slow and raise a hand to shield his face. Then the two were literally locked at the horns as they tried again to knock the other down.


    Honor? Honor is something we <i>all</i> struggle with! I could never give you redemption in a momenteven if I carried your axe! You fool! Keep struggling! The King herself said so!


    She d


    Venaz threw an elbow, then another punch. Calruz was on his back now, and Venaz mounted him and began to throw a series of punchesuntil both brawlers heard something.


    <Quest: Disqualified.>


    Venaz looked up. And he realized they hadnt been fighting with a de for a good two minutes. He sensed a glow and swore.


    Oh


    The sight of two Minotaurs being <i>kicked</i> across the grass like dolls was the funniest thing Toren had seen all day. He pped his ribs as heughed. Especially the one-armed one.


    He hated that guy. No, wait, he respected him? He felt bad for him?


    <i>Emotions were hard. No consistency.</i>


    He was hearing a lot of chatter from thementators. Everyone was saying things like the Duhan in Mithril armor, who was agreeing with Bethal Walchas. Well, her husband was supposed to bementating, but Bethal was louder.


    Someone <i>stop</i> this madness! Regardless of the Skill


    Liscorians were calling for the same thing. But it could not be stopped, and the fighting


    <i>The fighting was vicious.</i> The scrying orb cut to an image of Typhenous surrounded by Symphony. He wasshing out with his knivesand they were stabbing him. The man to start the fight backed up as a Drake chose this moment to run him through the back.


    Sword Lieutenant Comois had three approaches. Either he disarmed fellow Drakes or people he liked, he wounded others enough to force them to quitor he lopped a limb off someone he didnt like.


    The bleeding [Knifefighter] might have been in the first or second categorybut Typhenous <i>kept fighting</i>and he shed a knife across Comois cheek so deep it showed the Drakes snarling teeth and gums. Then Comois lifted his de and pointed to Typhenous legs.


    There was no honor herebut had anyone expected any? Maybe idiots, but from Erin? Erin didnt fight with honor. She <i>fought,</i> and if there was one thing Toren respected about her, it was that.


    But that festival of des called to him. Just like it called to the others, in the blood now gushingso loudly that the Maestro, Tyrion Veltras, Lulv, <i>wouldnt quit.</i>


    Couldnt. And if you could go


    Toren turned his head left, and the argument between the ghost and the Necromancer ended.


    You are breaking the spirit of the quest. I know rules. A puppet is still a proxy.


    I will take that risk. [Diamond Body]. [Barrier of the Damned].


    A wall of bones rose around Azkerash, and his body <i>shone</i> in Torens gaze as the Necromancer gestured to his own view of the battle. A Drake with a rapier tried to walk into the Festival of des.


    The puppet made it about five steps before something decided this was not okay.


    <Quest: Entry denied.>


    Now, wasnt that interesting? The ghost watched as the Necromancers puppet jerked back. <i>The crossbow Skill from Aldonss was allowedthe [Wail of Agony] from the First Flute was abat Skillbut no support from the walls. </i>Magical legs? Fine. Selphid bodies, fine.


    No puppets. The ruling wasinconsistent. But it fascinated Nerrhavia so much her stitches would have tingled if she had a body, because she sensed adeliberation behind this.


    And it went after Azkerash. Practically no one noticed the puppet go sprawling in the grassbut what Nerrhavia and Toren saw was the same kind of


    Light? It wasnt yellow or white as Toren saw it. It was more like the <i>idea</i> of light, and he wasnt even sure it was light itself. It gathered around Azkerash and, like the others<i>kicked</i> him in the chest.


    Of course, the Necromancer was dead. Plus, he had enchanted himself just in case he was penalized, and he didnt even move, just sighed as he stared at the battlefield.


    Then young Pisces is the only other qualified duelist on the field. I suppose you are right, Nerrhav


    He was standing back, disappointed beyond belief, when Toren, Azkerash, and Nerrhavia noticed the glow wasnt fading.


    Itpulsed a second. As if something were realizing that it hadnt really gotten Azkerash. There was a moment of reconsideration. Nerrhavia slowly moved to the far edge of her prison, and Toren decided


    Azkerash was whispering another spell when the light <i>red</i>


    Venitra, Oom, Ijvani, and the other Chosen were in the courtyard of the castle, watching the scrying orb there. Devail was unhappy because Azkerash had told him it was too risky for him to enter.


    The tower where Azkerash worked loomed above the castle, and the rest of the damage Bvierr and the creation of other Chosen had caused was all repaired, almost unnotic


    <i>The earth quaked, and the undead above and buried beneath it shifted.</i> A nearby Drake town felt the reverberations.


    When Venitra picked herself up and looked up, she saw the hole in the side of the tower. A body had hit the reinforced masonry and gone through it and hit the ground so hard as to cause the earthquake. Andshe stared at the shattered tower and then the <i>crater</i> fifteen feet deep.


    <i>Master?</i>


    <i>Punishment to those who interfered. </i>The only thing that could make Visophecin look up from his enraptured stare of the scrying orb was a brieftremorthat ran through House Shoels mansion.


    Didnt we have earthquake wards in Ailendamus?


    Azemith looked up suddenly, but Visophecin was already on his feet. It didnt take him long to pinpoint the origin of the tremors.


    The pce in Ailendamus and the wing destroyed by the assassination attempt on Oesca was in the middle of rebuilding. Which was why the [Architect] in charge was <i>really</i> unhappy to see another hole in the <i>wall</i> of the pce.


    The Wyrm, thankfully, regained consciousness before anyone spotted his head poking through the wall.


    There werent many experts on the field. Most couldnt attend. And some who tried


    Suffered.


    Lulv knew this abstractly. He was grinning. His blood was racing, and he was alive.


    <i>The Antinium were in full retreat, but he was still cutting off limbs. </i>Hewas one of the best fighters present, and so were Aldonss and Rafaema. With Zeter


    Blood. Blood welling beneath his feet, in his fur. The [Spearmaster] had fought and nearly died on battlefields like this. No wonder even [Duelists] and adventurers fled.


    <i>This was a war! A battlefield!</i> The Gnolls spear was howling when he sensed his real opponent. He stopped, and a Drake lifted his spear.


    You know, I really dont like you.


    Senior Guardsman Relc stared at the Gnoll covered in blood. Relc had been helping the Watch get to safetyuntil he saw Lulv tearing up the Antinium. Indeed, Klbkch had stopped kicking around Tyrion and Aldonss as he saw the carnage.


    <i>Gecko.</i> Lets see who wins this time.


    Lulv whirled, teeth bared. This timehe wouldnt let Relc engage in a fistfight. And he might have ten levels on Relc.


    The Drake seemed to know it, too. But he set himself. The [Spearmaster of the Wolf] leapt at him.


    He was a [Spearmaster] who specialized in overwhelming attacks. He could cleave through the battlefieldbring his foes down with terrible wounds.


    <i>Relc? </i>He was fast. But he hadnt advanced his ss. <i>His [Triple Thrust] Skill was</i>


    Not good enough. He didnt have enough spear arts.


    They locked des, and Relc nearly lost his tail to Lulvs [Scythe of the Field].


    <i>[Spear Art: Fangs of The Dire Wolf]! </i>Relc swore. <i>[Spear Dance: The Fish Leap]</i>


    The two spear arts collided, but his was evasive and Lulvshunting. He tore a chunk out of Relcs shoulder. The Drake was sturdy and stacked low-level Skills, but Lulv was the [Spearmaster] of <i>Manus.</i>


    He needed to rescue Aldonss and take out Tyrion and the yer. The Gecko could dancebut even as a famous headhunter, he hadnt met enough experts. He was pushing himself back, using a fanciful spear-dance to use the spear like a leg to kick himself back through the air. Lulv raised his spear.


    <i>[Throw of the Wyvern Hunter]!</i>


    He <i>threw</i> his spear, kicked another one into his hands, and the Drake blocked the spearbut hended off-bnce, knocked down. Lulv was almost on all fours, like a wolf.


    <i>Legs.</i>


    <i>[Spear Art]</i>


    The third speartip was nearly inserted up his rectum when he noticed the presence behind him. The holder followed her jab up with a full extension of her spear, and the Gnoll <i>howled</i> as he dodged the attack just in time.


    <i>Who</i>


    Tekshia Shivertails spear dance was fast and short. The former Gold-rank adventurers shes mostly cut furbut Lulv felt his fur open up and blood well forth.


    The first blood hed shed so far! If that had been her famous, fiery spear


    <i>Tekshia Shivertail!</i>


    Gecko, youre letting the city down.


    ThanksTekshia.


    Relc was on his feet. SuddenlyLulv was reminded of something. <i>Liscor had two</i>


    <i>[Relc Feint]!</i>


    A voice roared, and the Gnoll <i>twisted</i>, realized what Relc had s


    Both [Spearmasters] unleashed their Skills from two sides. Good as Lulv wasthe Gnoll blocked a series of blurring stabs from Relc, <i>twisted</i> under a guillotine strikeand Relc kept stabbing.


    <i>Unending stabs</i>Lulv stumbled back with a hole in his arm, and Tekshia shed one leg.


    Think I got a tendon. Careful. Dont bruise the meat. Braise, braise.


    My shoulders braised!


    Suck it up.


    <i>They were teaming up on him! </i>The Gnoll was less outraged than worried. He stumbled backand the two crossed spears as they struck.


    <i>They must have trained together!</i> He escaped the second dance, stumbling, and one of his arms felt dead. Pinpoint strike. He looked between the two, snarling.


    <i>Did he surrender? Would that work? </i>He couldnt die or lose a limb here. And Rafaema and Aldonssbut Tekshia was eying him, and Relc was panting, looking behind Lulv.


    Tekshia


    Silence, Relc. This isnt about <i>you.</i> You are <i>Spearmaster Relc. </i>And I am Spearmaster Tekshia of Liscor. This fool hunted our armyId make it so he never sitsfortably again, but this isnt about that, either.


    Her eyes were glowing. Glowingand Lulv was wondering what she meant until he realized that the glow wasnt just a Skill or her emotions. It was liternd pink. Relc hesitatedthen he lowered his spear as Tekshia did the same.


    A [Spearmaster] is still a [Spearmaster], even wounded. And Lulv is good enough to fight with one arm. Nevertheless<i>your turn, girl.</i>


    She stepped back, and Lulv whirled about. He recognized the face.


    The red scalesnot the spear burning with <i>pink</i> fire. But he saw the people behind her. Audiencenot on the field, but he knew them.


    Three hundred [Soldiers] of Liscor were on their feet. But it was 4th Company, Skywalkers Company, who was screaming the loudest. The Antinium too. Embraim and his Antinium were cheering the Drake holding the spear aloft.


    After alleven if Wing Commanders Narkr and Xith were appalled to have Antinium cheering the Drake standing there, they couldnt help but shout.


    Because the [Spear of Glory], [Wing Commander] Embria, was walking towards Spearmaster Lulv.


    A former [Spear Hunter]but one of the best Drakes in Liscors army with a spear. Yet she would not, <i>could not</i> obtain the next ss. Like the bells of [Duelists], there was only one way to advance her ss.


    <i>This is a [Spearmaster]s challenge!</i>


    Tekshia shouted, and the audience roared as Embria locked eyes with Lulv. He had bested her during the war. Nowthe wounded Gnoll lifted his spear one handed and howled at the sky.


    Relc watched his daughter advance, and he had no more taste for blood. No morehe looked at his partner, Klbkch. And the yer stood there.


    Tyrion Veltras had run away. Klbkch had let him go because it was more fun taking on all of Manus himself. Only that odd one had left, the Drake girl with the sword, after Tyrion.


    Wall Lord Aldonss was bleeding from three dozen cuts, and he couldnt keep fighting. Klbkch had quite enjoyed the feeling of


    <i>Completeness.</i> Not fullybut he could <i>move </i>like he wanted to. He might not have his Skills back, but he had proven it didnt matter.


    <i>I still have it. Im not old.</i> That was Klbkchs entire point to entering this festival. Just vanity. Just a sense of loss and wanting to prove he was still the Centenium he remembered.


    That was, until he saw the green blood on the grass. And he saw how many Antinium were lying, hurt, on the grass.


    Who had done that? Manus? No, they had been mostly on the defensive. The adventurers? Some had shed with the Antinium, but most had actually quit the field. Only Colth was still theredodging back from the Swordsman of Six. The Favor of the North had retreated rather than risk his limbs.


    Sothe answer was Pass. Pass hadrgely pulled its officers off the field. The [Generals], everyone Chaldion had deemed too important to risk maiming. But at least one [Lieutenant] was thereand their [Soldiers] were fighting.


    They might not have armor, but their levels were still higher on average than the new Antiniums. And they had left a trail of blood in their wake.


    Just Soldiers. Just Workers. Klbkch saw them holding their wounds, the rest being attacked as Olesm tried to pull them off the field. A [Sergeant] was leading nearly forty lower-level [Soldiers] forwards.


    <i>Command Skills.</i> He was empowering them Liscor-style to cut down Painted Antinium. Klbkch saw them bleeding and flinching as they were cutwithout dyingby the soldiers.


    Their limbs would heal. And they were <i>just</i> Antinium. Silently, Klbkch stared at them. He turned his back a second.


    Just


    <i>May I call you father?</i>


    Silly, stupid Anand. Klbkch turned his head back, and the [Sergeant] looked around wildly.


    My [Dangersense]


    The Free Antinium on the field looked up. The remaining forces of Pass looked up as Chaldion began barking orders.


    <i>Fall back! All forces</i>


    Toote. He did not leap into the fray like some great grasshopper or flying bird. He just ran. Ran, with two silver des trailing behind him.


    Like a silver mantis ws. Like an insect from an ancient age. He left a trail behind him in the wind and grass. His kin, Xrn, Wrymvr, and the Queens watched. Xrniavxxel whispered softly.


    <i>At </i><ist</i><i>. The yer.</i>


    The [Command Sergeant] saw the bluring his way and raised a w to point. He stared at the stump on his wristand then Klbkch brought his de down again. Again and again and again


    The squad of six stared down at the severed arms, ws still clutching their des. Then they made sounds as animal, as old and primordial as pain. The yer lifted those des and turned.


    Your legs.


    He swept them across one [Soldier]and then advanced on the others. So fast they were still hearing Chaldions call to <i>run.</i>


    He could not kill them allbut he could hurt them.


    <i>Hurt them as badly as they had hurt his people. Fair was fair. </i>Klbkchs des lifted as Pass found itself under attack by silver.


    <i></i>


    <i>Silver and steel. </i>Someone else was rampaging amongst the Passian [Soldiers]. She had gone berserk, and not even Ksmvr could stop her.


    It wasnt because of her wounds, though she was bleeding. Her arms had gashes on them, but they morphed into spikencing Drakes and Gnollsinto des that telescoped for dozens of feet. She was a whirlwind of metal.


    <i>The Silver Killer of Izril. </i>Yvlon Byres.


    All the Antinium, downed and bleeding. They looked like Ksmvr to her. She had lost herself in a rage, throwing herself at Pass [Soldiers]. Nowbetween her and Klbkch, they were in full retreat.


    But Yvlon didnt see themor the other adventurers.


    <i>Yvlon, stop</i>


    Ksmvr was shouting, but Pekona dragged him back. She had a long cut down one arm from her duel, which she had broken off. Now, she shouted at him.


    <i>Your friend has gone mada calming Skill. Does anyone have one?</i>


    Ksmvr looked at Pekona. The two of them had taken fewer wounds. But Yvlon


    Yvlon Byres ran at a figure standing over an old man in a trail of blood. Typhenous was on his back.


    The [Lieutenant of Perfection], Comois, turned as Yvlon Byres saw him. She pointedand a finger <i>pierced</i> the ce his chest had been. He actually parried itand when one hand raised a de


    <i>Yvlon wasnt using her sword arts. </i>She couldnt. She just swung at him as he shed at her armsand Comois snarled wider.


    <i>Adventurers.</i>


    He hacked at her armrealized he couldnt cut through the silver metnd dodged a swing. Ksmvr was running at him when Comois swung his de down.


    Idiot.


    Yvlon stumbled, charged at him, and fell on her face. She looked back nkly, and Ksmvr made a sound.


    <i>Her foot stood there in the grass. </i>The [Sword Lieutenant] had cut it off at the ankle. Yvlon looked upand he stabbed her through the flesh part of her shoulder. Then he deflected a sword.


    Ksmvrs <i>screech</i> was followed by his most wild attack. It nearlynearly cost him his own legs as Comois <i>cut</i>, but Pekona parried it.


    <i>Get back!</i>


    Ksmvr was shielding Yvlon, who was staring at her foot. Comois just stepped back.


    yer, next. But first


    He looked down at Typhenous. The old man was barely breathing, but he had cut Comois across his face, and another dagger had wounded the Drakes side. The only two wounds Comois had. The Drake aimed at the old mans legs. So long as he was conceivably alive and not dead from the stroke


    <i>Stop!</i>


    Revi was screaming at Comois. The adventurers were on their feet, but Pekona was trying to pick up Yvlons foot. She didnt seem to realize the Drake was no honorable desman.


    <i>Pisces?</i> Revi looked around as the adventurers howled at the Drake. Jqua was out. Seborn separated. Moore himself was running down as Gire tried to stop him.


    The [Lieutenant of Perfection] aimed down at Typhenous legsthen <i>twisted.</i> Pisces <i>lunged</i> out of the grass, and the Drake knocked his de aside. Without [sh Step], Pisces couldntComois kicked a second de up, swung it down as he shed at Pisces.


    It never reached its target. Typhenous was staring up, teeth gritted, when the [Lieutenant] staggered. Pisces had <i>shed</i> his sword-hand, and a shard of silver metal had pierced one foot.


    <i>Yvlons hand. </i>But the Drake looked up, mystified. As if the de buried halfway through his neck was the most offensive thing anyone could have done and he had been innocent of the rest.


    You c


    The words bubbled with blood around the edge of Halrac Everams sword. Revi halted her mad run towards Typhenous. Briganda had shielded Cades eyes the entire time


    <i>The adventurers went still. </i>The [Bowman of Loss] had seen Typhenous go down and started running the moment he saw what Comois was doing. But unlike the others


    <i>A killing blow.</i> It might not have been the first so farbut it was the first <i>deliberate </i>blow. Chaldions head snapped around as Edellein roared.


    <i>Comois!</i>


    The peerless swordsman of the 4th Army fell. Halrac stared at the dead Drake, then reached down for Typhenous. The old man looked at his Captain.


    <i>Idiot.</i>


    But Halrac hadnt even hesitated. The man froze as light enveloped him. <i>Brighter</i>no. More intense than anyone else. He looked upand everyone around him heard a word.


    Echoing in their heads like an announcement.


    <DISQUALIFIED.>


    The [Bowman] jerked back, as if trying to d


    <i>He vanished. </i>Leaving nothing behind. No whisper. No trace. He was just gone, and Typhenous bloody fingers scrabbled in the grass.


    Halrac? <i>Halrac?</i>


    He did not reappear. No oneRevi dragged Typhenous to safety as this festival began toe to a close.


    <i>The blood was a stream, and now a river.</i>


    Erin Solstice sat in themon room of her inn. She couldnt bear to look at it any more. She wastrying to stop it.


    <i>But she couldnt. And something was dawning.</i> The blood


    The blood made Fierre want to drink. But even she saw what wasing.


    Thest fighters were cutting each other to pieces. It was no longer a game. It had never <i>been</i> a game.


    When the Goblins moved, it was because someone attacked them. And it was shameful because it was Archmage Eldavin.


    <i>Him of all? </i>The Unicorn stared at the half-Elf, and he knew that was not Teriarch. Because he scattered the Goblins, left the Chieftain bleeding as he wounded Badarrow, stabbing him through one knee.


    Not killing strokes or even the same level of maiming as that [Sword Lieutenant]. But effortlessly. He went after the other adventurers next, as if just picking and choosing targets.


    The Goblins broke upand ran straight into Eldavins guests. <i>Greysten. Pertheine. Viltach.</i>


    That was their mistake. Ser Greysten was trying to call out.


    We want to


    He nearly lost his head. Pertheine backed up as Numbtongue swung at her, and Snapjaw, Peggy, and half a dozen Redfangs covered Rags and Badarrow being carried away. But only one Goblin faced Greysten.


    The Summers Champion had two axes he held in each hand. He nced at the figure who had nearly cut him down and saw


    <i>Redscar had two des.</i> One longer, a longswordthe other a shortswords length. Just like Garens de and the other enchanted sword he carried.


    The Goblins eyes were glowing. Ser Greysten swore as he lifted his axes. When he and Redscar met, blood flew from the first chop.


    <i>Th-this is</i>


    Viltach was trying to support Pertheine. The Springs Warden was taking on <i>six</i> Hobs at a time! He had been frozen half the battle. And because of that, Viltach, like someone thinking he was dreaming when it was realityhad not realized the gravitas of this situation.


    He was trapped in the nightmares of his youth, and when it came upon him, he fought as if he were in a war. <i>But he should have run.</i>


    Someone moved to his left as the Springs Warden unfolded a [de Dance] thatshed out like a hundred dandelion seeds, scattering shes through the air. A Goblin leapt backand Numbtongue and Viltach locked eyes.


    The Archmage of Terandria swung first. He hacked down, and Numbtongue dove away, cursing. Viltach opened up Numbtongues back with a second slice and raised his sword.


    <i>Shorthilt rose. </i>He parried the third strike and drew his sword back. Then he flicked it up.


    He cut Viltachs arm off, and the Archmage stared at it for a long time in disbelief.


    <i>Father!</i>


    Somewhere, a chorus of voices arose. The bloodless Viltachs face stared at Numbtongue as the Goblin lowered his de, away from a killing stroke.


    Everyone forgot Viltach was athe man slumped over as Pertheine cursed and fought the Hobgoblins back to drag him to safety.


    Ser Greysten?<i> He was bleeding. </i>So was Redscar as the two struck each other. They leaned on each other, so close that Greysten felt like he could feel the other Goblins heart beating.


    He kept trying to make roomneither had space to do more than cut with their desbut the Goblin refused to back <i>up.</i>


    Like Gadiekhthe [Knight] realized his mistake. He and Redscar were perhaps equal in battle experience, in practice. Maybe Greysten had the advantage in years.


    <i>But he was used to armor. </i>He twisted as Redscar shed across his chest, going for his organs. The Summers Champion struck back, but the Goblin just twisted as a de rammed into his ribs and lodged there.


    <i>One of them embraced the blows. </i>Took one tonce a needle straight into Greystens gut. <i>He wasughing. </i>He was


    Summer faltered on that hill as the Order of Seasons watched their champion duel. Only a single Goblin, a [Knight] among them, was screaming his heart out. Be it a mere Goblin, a war leader of a band of raiders


    <i>He could ze brighter than the summers heat.</i>


    <i>Rivers, now. Rivers of ichor.</i>


    The [Pirate] had joined Colth and was trying to fight off Zeter. The Swordsman of Six was trying to end his enemies.


    <i>Humans.</i> Colth had half a dozen wounds, but he refused to quit. He was the [Supporter] of legends<i>but he was facing a [demaster]. </i>The raking cuts along Zeters arms proved that Colth had put up a fight where his peers had quitbut Zeter was determined to end things on his terms.


    Like a bullying bastard with a de. Want had jumped in, thinking he could tilt the scalesand realized he was out of his depth.


    <i>Humans</i>


    <i>The Swordsman of Six could use six swords at once. Make the others hover and attack.</i> He cut Want so fast the [Pirate] barely felt it. He only noticed the trail of blood when Seborn appeared.


    <strong>Bastard</strong>


    Colth just fell over as Zeter lifted his sword into the air. Blood loss had taken Colth out. Zeter looked like a diator of Manus, and he had decided to take a limb from each. Cripple his foes. He needed to take out Want and Seborn.


    <strong>[Pirate], go left</strong>


    Argh, okay!


    Seborn was a [Rogue]. Seborn, a [Pirate] on his own terms. They were no strangers to the dance on the decksbut Want realized he should have given Zeter the dues he would a desman at sea.


    <i>He was impossibly fast.</i> He blocked Seborns flurrying stabs, <i>caught him in the shadows</i>, and Wants scimitar halted as he brought it down with all his force against the Drakes greatsword.


    Youre not Named-ranks. You dont deserve this.


    Zeter <i>kicked</i> Seborn hard enough to send the Drowned Man rolling. Want lifted his sword.


    Wesurrender. Just let us get Colth out. Theres no need for blood, man.


    The Drake was panting, and he looked at Want with that damned nk stare of a [Soldier] who saw only enemies.


    Are you mad? You think well pass up this opportunity?


    He flicked a w, and a long dagger hit Want in the shoulder. He went down, howling, and swore he heard his wife and daughters voices.


    <i>Not here. </i>Garia wouldntstKlbkch was slicing up Pass. Half the people here had gone mad with the frenzy.


    <i>Like Bloodfeast Raiders. </i>He saw Zeter standing over him as Colth rose like a zombie. But he had no chance, no chance, even with Seborn


    Want was trying to <i>hold</i> one of Zeters des in his shoulder rather than let the Named-rank yank it free. He was bracedbraced with terror for the blow that would take a limb for life. Hed never afford healing, and the Healer of Tenbault couldnt


    <i>The blow never came. </i>What he <i>did</i> hear was a <i>curse</i> and the ringing of des so loud and fast that Want knew it had to be a Named-rank. Pisces? Then he saw a green leg in his vision and felt a hand on his shoulder.


    <i>Get up and run!</i>


    <i>Numbtongue?</i>


    It <i>was!</i> A Goblin threw himself at the Swordsman of Six, and Zeter heard a <i>whuff</i> as a de came at his head.


    <i>Fast</i>but the Named-rank parried it with one of his des and shed back contemptuously. The Goblin retreated, silent, blocking des and grunting. Thensomething uncanny happened.


    As Zeter lowered himself for a de-draw Skill with the curved katana he carried, he waveredand the Goblins eyes changed. He grinned suddenly, and his face changed-


    <i>[de Draw: Steeldawn sh]!</i>


    The Goblin parried it! Somehow, he <i>saw</i> iting, and while the block threw him back Dragonblood sword <i>cracked </i>slightlyit should have gone straight through sword and bone and everything else. His entire stance and fighting style changed as he came in with more eleganceand even more aggression.


    Zeter had rarely seen someone change <i>style </i>in battle. That waslike how he fought.


    <i>Scimitar.</i> The Swordsman of Six was still faster. He reached up, caught the de, and would have taken the Goblin but for a presence at his back.


    <i>A shadow</i>he twisted, and a Drake tried to bury her two long daggers in his back. Her onyx scales alone made Zeter hold back from cutting off her arm as she flipped back.


    <i>Salkis?</i>


    The Goblin hesitated as his stance changed <i>again.</i> Zeters head swung from the Drake, who was panting.


    Dont give him


    <i>They went for him on both sides.</i> Zeter washe grabbed a dagger and deflected each blow as Colth limped forwards and Seborn shadowstepped around the two, looking for a chance to strike.


    <i>A Goblin and a Drake, working together? Impossible!</i>


    Want couldnt believe his luck. Numbtongue! The Goblin was covering the downed [Pirate]. But the Hob was bleeding, and Zeter nearly maimed him as he aimed his greatsword and the floating de <i>swung</i> at the Goblin. Only Numbtongues own savior had pulled him out of the fray.


    Salkis had a cloth mask over her face, but she was <i>shing</i>, forcing the Swordsman of Six back with as much skill as Seborn.


    Even so! Colth, Seborn, Numbtongue, and Salkis werent enough to keep him off them. He was <i>the</i> Named-rank adventurer of des in the south! The des he wasnt personally wielding swung around him, so he could fight even surrounded.


    He would have taken them out, starting with Want. That scimitar <i>spun</i> as Zeter threw itand Numbtongue tried to parry the de with his sword andmissed. The de kept going towards Wants legs.


    <i>Yet it stopped.</i> Someone <i>caught</i> the sword, and the force of it ground boots deep into mud. It drove one foot down into the soil, nearly a foot deep, and Zeter


    Zeter had only seen someone do that twice before. The Swordsman of Six halted. Colth couldnt do that, wounded as he was. Zeter <i>shed</i> with his sword, and for the second timesomeone <i>parried</i> the de.


    <i>Who?</i>


    Then Want saw his savior who had interceded to save his friends life. Hisnew friends life.


    The [Farmer] had a wide-brimmed, ck hat on his head, and his clothing was ck as his family stood on their feet. But Zeter was watching him as warily as Colth.


    Himilt held a in longsword as he covered Numbtongue dragging Want up. Then there were six of them, backing away.


    Leave us, Swordsman of Six.


    <i>Ill remember this, Zeter. And Teithdes arm! </i>I am no Deniusth. We will settle this.


    Colth called out, and Zeter hesitated. He was certainly seeing the murder in Colths eyesbut he was counting the six fighters. And


    He looked at Himilt, and though he could not know


    The Vampire stood there, like a scarecrow under moonlight. The sun was setting, and the grey skies were turning darker. Darkerhis red eyes shone in this field of blood.


    He made Zeter hesitatethen Want felt Himilts other hand on his shoulder.


    Come. This is madness.


    My friendmy friendsIm not gonna forget this.


    That was all the [Pirate] said as Numbtongue and Himilt dragged him off the field. What insanity. Zeter was running now, to save Pass. Want had seen those poor Antinium getting minced.


    But what the yer was doing


    <i>This was war. This was why hed quit the sea. </i>It was never a cup of blood for a cup. It became


    Oceans.


    The yer was refusing to let Pass [Soldiers] leave. He had cornered them, preventing them from reaching the [Generals] and other officers trying to rejoin the tournament. And he was cutting offlimbs.


    There was no pity or hesitation as he swung his des. Nor could anyone who had exited the tournament already rejoin it.


    If this tournament were honorlessthe yer was earning the abhorrence of countless nations. And the understanding of some. One thing to see him ignore his people suffering.


    <i>Understandable to see what he did in vengeance. </i>The King of Destruction understood. But Pass was watching their soldiers being maimed.


    And it was too much for some. A cry broke through the sky, and Merrik looked up.


    <i>Peki! No!</i>


    He bellowed as a figure descended, someone who had not entered this senseless bloodbath before. He shouted at the falling Garuda until he realized


    <i>Her feathers were spring green, not a mix of purple and green.</i>


    Bevussa Slenderscale, the Captain of the Wings of Pass, dove at Klbkch. The yer lifted his des as she dropped with a shortsword into battle.


    He whirled his swords up, and they shed like mirrors. When Merrik could see nexthe stared.


    <i>Because Bevussa wasnt limbless.</i> She darted left, shaking blood off her feathered arm. Then she shouted at the [Soldiers].


    <i>Run! Ill cover you!</i>


    Again, she dropped as the yer turned on the Passians. Andit looked like she <i>tumbled</i> as she came down. A sweeping de meeting two silver shes.


    She was good with the de. So good she merely lost blood and feathers rather than limbs. Had he known that about her?


    Merrik didnt know. Only that Pass was cheering Bevussa, and as if reminded she was not his true enemy, Klbkch just turned and sprinted after thest [Soldiers]. His des swept low for their legs, and he deflected another lunge from Bevussa.


    Enough.


    Someone parried the de. Parried it so hard Klbkch nearly swung into Zeter. The Swordsman of Six ducked a <i>cut</i>and someone stabbed him too.


    Klbkchs des whirled. He shed at the Swordsman of Six, who tried to shout this was his rematchbut a de nearly hit <i>Klbkch.</i> The Antinium leaned out of the way. Bevussa halted, staring at thest figure.


    <i>Who would fight for Pass? </i>Zeter was taking attacks from one side as he swore at the neer.


    Were on the same <i>side</i>


    A <i>sh</i> cut off his neck-spines at the tips. Then a wed hand pointed at Bevussa, and the Garuda leapt back. She turnedand the two swordswomen held their ground as Klbkch tilted his head. Bevussavaguelyknew the stranger, but just like no one had known how good she was with a de


    <i>She had no idea Chaldions grandniece was this talented.</i>


    What is he doing?


    She. Its <i>she.</i>


    Mirns voice was the only thing that Chaldion heard. He was on his feet. In horror. Mortal, mortal horror.


    Losing members of his army? sses changed. Losses happened. It hurtbut it wasnt personal. Losing Zeter would be a disaster, or Lulv.


    This, thoughhe just looked across the field as Pass went silent. Someone was covering thest of the soldiers, sword pointed up, holding it at the ready like the master she was. Zeter was confusedbecause of course, he felt like he was facing a Named-rank.


    <i>Because in a sensein a very real sensehe was.</i> Though she was no warrior with that ss


    Onieva was an [Alchemist] of that level. And she stood with de in hand.


    <i>Chaldions heir. </i>But Saliss would never have done this. Chaldion still didnt understand. Because he still thought it was Saliss.


    But Mirn knew, and he was trying not to weep with fear, with exultation.


    Onieva and Bevussa were fighting side-by-side, and Pass was watching a <i>swordmaster</i> in their ranks. The feckless,yabout cousin of the famous Saliss of Lights and grandniece of Chaldion


    <i>Could never, would never hide behind anonymity again. </i>Onieva lifted her sword, and Pass cheered her as she smiled, light shing off pink and blue scales.


    Tyrion Veltras was amazed he had survived this long. He was counting them, now, and realized how many of them


    <i>Sung.</i>


    That was how he had heard it described, once, by one of his aunts who had been gifted with the de. Everyone could say the words with the right musicespecially in a choir.


    But some sang louder, more beautifully than others. It didnt mattera loud enough voice would drown out the most elegant yet soft voice, especially one weakened by age, sickness, or injury.


    <i>But who was that half-Elf? Eldavin?</i>


    Eldavin, peerless above all. Some made sense. Tyrion had faced the Springs Warden, and he knew her acim with a de would have matched him if he had his levels. Zeter, likewise. The Maestro was a Gold-bell duelist.


    Butthat Drake with pink and blue scales had arguably more talent, more <i>practice</i> and acumen from battle than the Gold-rank Garuda. Itshowed.


    Spearmaster Lulv was limping now. But he stood as a Drake gently carried his daughter away. The Gecko turned his headand Lulv tensed, but Relc brought his daughter to a [Healer]. And Lulv


    Lulv hesitated and felt at the two holes, one in his arm, one in his leg. Both so deep he knew a potion was needed or he would lose both limbs. He looked at the battlefieldand had to drag himself away.


    <i>Klbkch the yer.</i> The Goblin with the two des that had tried to attack himRedscar?


    He was stepping away as Ser Greysten checked his open wounds and had to withdraw or bleed out. The Summers Champion was red with blood, and he <i>sang well.</i> As well as any warrior.


    A one-armed [Sword Dancer]the [Necromancer], Pisces, and the Maestro.


    The Maestro had been safeguarding his Symphony. He had personally forced many of Symphony to leave when he saw how bloody this was. He was stilldueling. Dueling Pisces.


    Gently, though. His and Pisces rapiers shed as they seemed to stride down the field. The two fought without tricks or teaming up on each other.


    <i>Beautifully.</i> The Maestro didnt try to kill Piscesand when he ced his de at the [Necromancer]s throathe didnt force the young man to quit or wound him to do so.


    Keep practicing, young man.


    That was all Maestro Linvios said. Pisces looked at him, covered in sweat, and the Maestro put up his de.


    It was almost as if the rage against him had been eclipsed by the deeds performed by other people on the field. He had killed no one. Maimed no one.


    He was still trying to conduct himself with dignity that was not always returned to him. <i>He didnt belong in this festival of des, dedicated to Zdona and sullied by red.</i>


    Tyrion Veltras saw it all. Then someone spoke, and he felt the crackle in her words.


    Look at this. <i>Look at this. </i>Youyou are emblematic of what haunts us. <i>War without end. </i>You did not have to attack, again and <i>again.</i> Here you stand in Liscor. Do you have no shame?


    Tyrion looked about, and there stood someone else who sang oddly. <i>With such practice and strengthbut oddly, as if she had never seen </i>battle.<i> Old and young. </i>Dangerous and not.


    Rafaema of Manus held her longsword low, aimed up, two hands sped on the sword, a traditional <i>en garde</i> pose. Tyrion lifted his sword, holding it wide of his shield covering his chest. He spoke through the burning in his lungs.


    Who are you?


    Her eyes went wide with fury. She <i>shed</i>and he pivoted left and cut her hard across the shoulder. She cried out, and somewhere, her people cried out with the woundbut it was shallow.


    <i>Hard. An ironflesh Skill? </i>She was<i>fast.</i> She came at him like lightning, and they tangledbut she tired faster.


    <i>A loud, sharp song like shes of lightning. </i>She blew chunks out of the grass with thunder, and then he found a Goblin at his back. Tyrion stabbed Snapjaw in the stomach, and Rafaema looked up. She opened her mouth to roast Redscar, a monsterand Pisces ran his rapier through her leg. He looked up as Zeter and Onieva crashed into the battle, and then there was Klbkch, Bevussa, Pekona, a woman with a rapier, shaking and standing to the side


    <i>An ending of things.</i>


    Taletevirion watched Eldavin do what the Dragonlord of me was so regretfully good at. Why he hid so longand why his simcrum should not have been allowed to live.


    <i>He destroyed.</i>


    Five of Symphonys best including the Maestro had stayed to fight. Eldavin ran into them, and three fell, missing a hand, a foot, an arm up to the elbow


    Bastard.


    That was all he said. <i>The Floodins were turning into another Bloodfields.</i> He could sense the grass drinking it all in. If this happened a hundred times, a thousand


    Even without death, this was too much. And Eldavin was too good. He was after the First Flute now, and the Maestro struck at him, so furiously even Eldavin had to back up, sword deflecting strikes of that long estoc the Drake used.


    <i>But he was too good. </i>Even a Gold-rank duelistfell back, cut across the wrist. But not deeply enough to sever bones. The [Healers] would have tobor to save that arm if a potion wasnt used. There were so many woundedand Zimrah was passing out, the power of the few [Priests] all but gone.


    And he had no morality.


    Eldavin, that was. Taletevirion knew that the half-Elf probably considered himself moralbut it was a mans mortality with no wisdom of age behind it. Look how he treated [Assassins] instead of his other foes, shing off limbs as if they were <i>lesser</i> by virtue of their ss.


    And that <i>Swordsman of Six had none.</i> He was still trying to lop off limbsthis time the [Lord]s.


    Tyrion Veltras had finally run up against his match. He knew what to do, tried to pivot, parry, and overwhelm Zeters defenses, strike one solid blow against the six Zeter could


    But he was unable to. In Taletevirions eyes, the [Lord] held a de of a spruce saplings branches instead of steel. He touched Zeters spinning wall of Skills, and though the [Lord] was the better


    The Skills were walls of stone that Tyrion could not reach over. Zeters sheer strength <i>tossed</i> the [Lord] back, and he raised his ws in triumph, holding down his foes all by himself.


    Even Klbkch couldnt touch him easily. But the Antinium sang even more beautifully than Tyrion. Like a wounded voice regaining itself. When Zeter faced the yer, his Skills cleaved the earth and sent showers of dirt fountaining up.


    <i>He was sinking into silver mists. Lashing about as the insect danced like a waterbug in a pond of illusions. Almostthe Swordsman of Six took a blow that cut him down one arm, but his Skills protected him. Handicapped and shielded by them, like a babe in heavy swaddling cloth. </i>If the yer had the same levels, this would be over already.


    If you had ever studied the sword or seen a master train long enough, you would have understood more than anyone else who the most graceful on the field was. Ressas own sword fell behind even Tyrions, but she was a fighter, throwing daggers and ded chains, distracting Zeter.


    If only Magnolia could have reveled in it like the Goblin, Redscar, who came at Zeter without fear and forced the Swordsman of Six to take him seriously. But she only saw her dear friend fighting as blood ran down her arms.


    <i>She had never wanted to see this again</i>and here the [Lady] stood, almost in the same ce as when she had led an army across the Floodins to face the Antinium.


    <i>A girl of sixteen, at the head of the Five Families, waving a sword and believing </i>this<i> was glorious. </i>Magnolia tasted the bile of it. She saw the fallen Antinium and other speciesand she had seen it too many times.


    What purpose is there to this?


    She looked aboutand saw the one great master of des who had <i>not</i> entered the battle. Even a Dragons pride had brought Eldavin into the fray. But one immortal of them all remembered there was more to majesty than the tip of a sword.


    Taletevirion had long stopped drinking, but he was still hidden, and the Wind Runner was trying to close wounds with the [Healers], drag people away. So he was surprised when someone spoke to him.


    Taletevirion. Will you speak to me a moment?


    He jumpedand a [Lady] in pink stood there.


    Magnolia.


    Her [Maid], Ressa, was still trying to save Tyrion. A dedicated servant. All the others, from the Silver-bell [Maid] to Reynold, were out. Only the best remained.


    <i>Only</i>Taletevirion thought that the young [Necromancer], Pisces, shouldnt be amongst the finalists. Ksmvr and Pekona fought with him, and as a team, and they all had talent, but without his magic, he was weakest of the three. The Maestro, ironically, had covered for Pisces by dueling him so long.


    It has been a long time since we talked.


    If you want small talkget lost. Im not in the mood.


    The Unicorn, master of battles from the Vale Forest, looked bleakly at this bloody sight. He had fought his own kin and othersbut this was a disgrace. Though he understood how it hade to this.


    Magnolias fingers were sped together tightly, but she spoke, her voice kept airy.


    Very well. This is not the moment. I just came to ask youif you had paid attention to my deeds in Oteslia.


    He snorted.


    It is thest Great Tree of Izrils south. Even if theyve leeched it to hatch that little brat who runs about. I saw.


    Did you approve?


    The Unicorn tossed his head angrily. What was with the stupid questions? Yes, he ran about Izril and did as he pleasedbut the Vale Forest was stillrgely safe. No Crelers had truly gued it since the Creler Wars.


    <i>Am I not sworn toe to fight if true war calls? </i>Did I send you a message saying otherwise? Yes, Magnolia, I approve. And I daresay that gigantic fool youvee to see<i></i>


    He lowered his head, calmed himself.


    He will see what you have done for what it is. A true attempt to build peace.


    Magnolia Reinhart, so guarded, so secretive, looked young when he nced her way. Youngand relieved, like a young woman not sure if her path was right. So he didnt regret saying it.


    I am just trying to


    She never finished it, but he did for her. <i>Impress him.</i> Nothat wasnt right. That was uncharitable, because she had spent half her lifetime already at this. He whispered.


    You are growing a great forest from a single seed. I see it, Magnolia.


    She bowed to him and murmured.


    I heard a variation of that saying ofte. <i>A society grows great when old men nt trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.</i> It soundedquite apt when I heard it.


    The Unicorn did look away, because he was ashamed, then. Ashamed, and his voice was old as hey on his front, for all he was still the warrior. But once, he had been the diplomat, the healer, more than the warden. His voice broke ever-so-slightly where once it had echoed in ded halls.


    Imthats well said indeed. Im sorry, Magnolia. I believe in that quote with all my heart. But it seemsI somehow managed to outlive even the trees.


    He closed his eyes, and the grass seemed to weep around him in the cold winters air. But Magnolia just looked at him and nodded.


    You approved, though? You saw what I did and how dear it cost mebut how I continued? How I will, even if my work burns down and I have to sift through the ashes?


    The Unicorn opened his gaze and met hers with rare respect. Respect such as he had not shown Ryokabut he didnt know her.


    Everyone could be brave a moment, but he had seen twenty years of courage. So he dipped his head.


    I do.


    Behind him, the Swordsman of Six struck Pisces, and his sword cleaved straight through the [Necromancer]s side. Pisces stopped and stared at the cut running up to his spine. He fend Ksmvr leapt on top of him as the Named-rank adventurer aimed another cut, and Ksmvr blocked it with his body.


    He raised his de, and Jewel deflected the greatsword he aimed down at the two.


    <i>I am Jewel! A Silver-bell duelist! </i>Stay back!


    She screamed, face white and red with terror and determination. In the innthe [Innkeeper] sat frozen, unable to move, fighting against something rising from the blood. Her fingers<i>twitched.</i>


    Magnolia Reinhart stood in the shadow of the Amentus trees with Taletevirion as they saw this obscene bloodsportand she looked at him. <i>Looked at him, </i>and her voice cracked across hernds, and the Vale Forest shook a hundred thousand leaves of autumn onto the ground.


    <i>Then how dare you sit there? Stand, Last Unicorn!</i>


    He jerked to his hoovesbut he held there as Ksmvr tried to pick up Pisces and they shouted at him toe to a [Healer]. Taletevirion looked at Magnolia as Klbkch stabbed Zeter through a footthen whirled to face Eldavin as Rafaema wiped blood from her eyes.


    <i>There stands a Dragon and the memory of one. Would you have me fight them?</i>


    He snarled back, and Magnolia pped him. Not as hard as she could, but she pped him and put the other hand on his head and stared him in his eyes.


    Are you a <i>sword?</i> Go and do what you have always done! <i>Save them.</i>


    The Unicorn looked at herand then the bloody mess of it all. Then he lowered his horn, nudged her aside, and charged. He ran forwards, springing into motion, fast<i>faster.</i>


    He raced past the weary Guildmistress, the Courier of Izril, who was bending over, hands on her knees, trying to <i>breathe</i> as poison clogged her lungs and continued to eat away at her breath. Miha was choking


    <i>Until a breath of clear air filled her. </i>She inhaledand saw something run past her. Quicksilver. A dream. A being faster than sheshe tried to catch it.


    <i>But the Unicorn just ran faster. His horn glowed,</i><i>and Miha Godfrey felt Wrymvrs poison halt in her veins and some of it vanish.</i>


    If only he could have stayed an hour, a day, a week with her. Yet there was only one of him, and a sea of blood. He ran into it, driving forwards with the horn shining brighter as if trying to drag the tides with him.


    Klbkch and Eldavin looked at one another, and the twostopped.


    Stopped as the remaining bloody fighters, Symphony, the Maestro, and all the others, locked in the final throes of this madness.


    Who are you?


    I could ask the same question. Youwho taught you that sword style? You fight as well asyou fight impossibly well.


    Eldavin was breathing hard, but his body tired so slowly he knew it was on par with a Named-rank of this eras. He felt <i>alive</i>but Klbkch made him feel uneasy. The swords reached for him like two silver arms, and Eldavin threw them back, too hard, losing his cool.


    <i>I taught myself.</i>


    They were fighting, too equally for Eldavinsfort, when something <i>shed</i> along his arm. He twisted, grimacingand waited for the wound to heal.


    Only to hear a voice.


    <Quest: Magic cancelled.>


    Then he faltered, and his head turnedand Klbkch nearly cut him down. But Eldavins head whirled as he saw <i>something</i> shooting past him.


    <i>Was that</i>


    I dontI dont have the energy.


    Zimrah was trying to get up, to heal the many wounded as Ksmvr ran over with Pisces. The [Necromancer]s face was white, and he was cut so badly blood was


    <i>It would be a deathblow.</i> But Zimrah didnt know if her shaking hands could even use [Cure Mundane Wounds] again. Each cure exhausted her!


    Then she felt a springs breeze blow across her face. A hand reached down, and Ksmvr, a hole through his side, jerked as a brown Antinium who seemed more lithe than the others touched his side. Ksmvr yelped.


    Stop


    Then he stared at the closed hole in his body. Zimrah turned, and the Antinium tilted his head towards her. She stared into those multifaceted eyes and knew two things in that moment.


    <i>This was no Antinium.</i> Andthey were beautiful eyes.


    You heal like someone pouring a cup over a fire, no matter how big or small. It isnt your fault that you didnt know. Healing is an art. It is not a paste or a potion to pour. It is a balm to apply perfectly. You wield the razor of life.


    He traced her hand over Pisces side, and Zimrah stared at the stranger. She had never thought of it that way. But if the Miracle she prayed for was more than


    <i>She bent over Pisces, </i>and the line began to dissolveand Zimrah did not copse this time. The stranger nodded, looked around, and kept running. Many limbs were already fallen, and even he could not mend a tree long cut.


    <i>But he could try.</i> His eyes glowed.


    A Drake with white scales halted amongst Pass lines and beheld the Drakes and Gnolls holding severed limbs. He looked at Healer Demerra, at the Duhan shouting orders out of the scrying orb.


    <i>Anyone who can sewjust hold a hand over those wounds! Press! </i>Does no one know how to sew?


    Selys Shivertail was trying to stitch up flesh, but it was nothing like cloth. A screaming Drake was white under his scalesGeneral Edellein was a tough man, but the nerves were cut along one leg.


    Im trying not to hurt


    A pale white w reached down, and Selys thought it was Tesy for a moment. But the w picked up the needle and drove it straight through flesh without hesitation. Another w held down the [General]s kicking leg and stitched.


    <i>Geneva Sc looked over as a Drake spoke, </i>sewing the leg shut andpounding the [General]s agony.


    Hurt them if you must. But hold <i>on </i>to them. With me. With thread or magic. <i>Stop ying with beautiful healing and stitch!</i>


    He shouted at Demerra, and the Gnoll dropped the healing crystal. Mercilessly, the Unicorn picked up another needle and sewed flesh like cloth. And the [Doctor], the Duhan, almost wept. <i>Because she was not alone.</i>


    On, the Unicorn went, and he was changing. It didnt matter. Form was an illusion, nevermind if he was a Drake


    A Human with silver-white hair, staring at Yvlon Byres wounds. He saw her vice grip on the stump of her leg and the whites of her eyes. In silencebetween the bubbling saliva at the corner of her mouth suppressing even the barest whimper of painin the raging of her bloodtwo cold, immortal, sympathetic eyes gazed down at the woman of metal.


    Someone was hurrying over with a healing potion for Yvlon. He pretended to stumbleand a <i>hand</i> seized the creeping Tolveilouka before he could touch Yvlons wounds.


    The half-Elf stared into eyes that had lost more than his. Pale silverand he backed away. The Unicorn turned as he let go without a word. He pointed down his hand, smeared with blood, as he turned, looking ahead for someone else crying out in pain.


    <i>As if he had no time for her. </i>The [Armsmistress] almost screamed at him until she saw<i>he was pointing at her arm.</i> Her metal arm, twisting with pain. Thenat the ce her foot had been.


    No. Imafraid. Itit will consume me


    The woman spoke then, with shaking hands and voice. And all the Unicorn said was this:


    It will define you, or you will define it. It is not your master unless you allow it. <i>Choose. </i>Women of metal forged themselves with hearts harder than the hammers they endured.


    Then he ran on. <i>On. </i>A Gnoll with fur as pale as ivory passed by Mrsha as she tried to hold a cloth to Typhenous body. The potionsthey were using potions, but he wasnt getting <i>up</i>! But a Gnoll reached down, and she felt <i>green</i>


    <i>The old mans eyes shot back open. </i>He jerked upright as the bloodless skin flushed. The Gnoll didnt say another word; he just stood. Racing on, vanishing from Mrshas sight even as her head whirled around.


    <i>He left no footprints. </i>He raced past bodies like a breeze in the forests, so fast and graceful that Ryoka Griffin heard the air singing around him.


    The Unicorn. Only seen sparingly. Never on camera. He ran faster, trying to race death.


    And then


    Ask yourself one question, now. As this terrible day came to a close.


    Thisfestival of des.


    Not a tournament. It had never <i>been</i> a tournament with genteelws and rules. The [Innkeeper] sat in her inn as Shriekde stood watch, and if you looked at this day in its entiretyask yourself one question:


    <i>Why?</i>


    Why had ite out this way? Because she was forced by the Maestro? Because Erin Solsticewanted this?


    Those were possible answers, but they didnt exin this bloodshed. This madness that seemed to take ahold of the yer, Tyrion, and the others. Almost as ifdespite themselvesthey <i>couldnt</i> leave the bloody grass.


    This was the questionwhy did this happen? Did this really honorZdona, a [demistress of Ancients]? If you asked yourself thatyou might then realize the error in your thinking.


    Perhaps


    Perhaps if you examined your thinking, you might understand the facy in all of this. Which was assuming that this was destroying Zdonas good name. Perhaps the <Quest> reflected the intent or the person behind the power.


    <i>Why would this day honor her?</i>


    WhowasZdona?


    And why did the <Quest> require Erin Solstice to have a Talent Potion to post it?


    The answer wasing. Erin Solstice felt it. It was more than creeping dread, more than a sensation of blood pooling without end.


    She had started this allbut even she hadnt realized what it meant. Now, she was fighting itbut it wasnt as if she could fight a thought. There was nothing to push against, nothing to resist. She felt a voice in her head.


    <Quest conditions activated.>


    Erin? Do you want something?


    Tessa was watching her, but Erin Solstice didnt say a word. She hadsomething on the table in front of her. Tessa had expected Erin to tell her to run out there and save her friends, but Erin hadnt.


    She was staring at a little vial of viridian liquid, glowing as a simple cork stopper held the contents in ce. It was the same one that had vanished. NowErins shaking hand picked it up. A thumb knocked out the cork, and Tessa realized


    <i>Erin was trying not to lift the vial up.</i>


    Erin?


    Tessa looked around for magic, a hostile Skill, or somethinganything. But she could not hear the voice in Erins head.


    <b></b>


    <Zdonas Trial of a Thousand des: Fulfilling quest.>


    <Zdona Ischen, Level 84 [demistress of Ancients] not found. Searching>


    <Zdona Ischen, Level 84 [demistress of Ancients] not found.>


    That voice was so displeased. Erin hadheard it before. Just once. Just once, when she came back from the dead and slept, she had thought she had heard the barest <i>ounce</i> of something more than just calction.


    She heard it again. It wasnt pure anger or even irritation or frustration. It was a kind of emotion like her mesa kind of dissatisfaction.


    <i>This wasnt right.</i> It must be fixed. Erins hands shook as she lifted the vial to her lips and opened her mouth. Then she heard the voice soundsatisfied. As if it had just figured something out.


    Erin, sitting in her wheelchair, opened her lips and tasted the faintest hint of<i>Yets?</i> Then she heard the voice as her aching body suddenly jerked.


    <Zdona Ischen, Level 84 [demistress of Ancients] not found. Creating temporary copy based on>


    Erin?


    Shriekde saw the young woman drink down the vial to thest drop, then let the bit of enchanted ss fall. It rolled on the floor as Tessa, Shriekdesuddenly backed up.


    The Named-rank adventurer drew her des, put her back to the wall, and stared. Every scale on her body froze as the young womanclosed her eyes in her chair. Then stood.


    <i>Stood</i>, so gracefully she trailed an afterimage as she took a step, two, then turned. She lookedtaller. She looked older.


    <i>She didnt look like Erin at all.</i>


    Who are you? What did you do with


    Tessa saw the woman throw back her hair, and though she knew it was hazelit suddenly looked faintly turquoise and longer and her fair skin darker, almost as if Tessa could see golden stitches.


    <i>A woman gazed out of Erin Solstices face</i>and for the second time, someone <i>else</i> looked around in her body, flexed her hands. She nced around and whispered in a surprisingly quiet voice.


    The festival is almost done, and Im called here. I was dead. I was fighting


    She passed a hand over her eyes, and they flickered.


    nevermind. We get only one chance, and I did not y death. I need a de.


    <i>Who are you?</i>


    Tessa shouted, and Zdonas head rose. She smiled through Erin Solstices lips.


    Zeter, the Swordsman of Six, did not know who Rafaema wasexactly. But he knew she was on his side, and her lightning breath seemed to have no end. It was driving back the other fighters, and he was waiting for his chance to hit either the yer or the Archmage.


    They were going to win. He could almost taste that legendary Skillbut the remaining fighters weretough.


    Jewel was just a brat, and hed already cut her twice along the wrists to warn herbut she kepting, like a little dog that didnt know how to quit. That Drake<i>Onieva?</i>


    She was dangerous, but she had no Skills. At least, very few that worked on him. She reminded him of Saliss. Or maybe it was the Cyclops. He could best her with his Skills, but Bevussa was in his way, and he was loathe to cut her permanently, even if she was a Garuda. They were both Walled City adventurers.


    But the yer. The yer and Lord Veltras were enemies to the quick, and he would have cut them down if he couldbut the [Lord] had a time-Skill and all the reflexes of his ss.


    <i>The yer washad wounded Zeter twice.</i> But he could be brought down.


    Tyrion first. Either he was taking it easystillor he didnt know who he was up against. He had just blocked a sh from the Maestro, and the damned traitor shouted.


    <i>Watch out!</i>


    Zeter lunged.


    <i>[Cleave the Hills]!</i>


    He roared, and everyone either ducked or <i>leapt</i> as his swing tore the entire battlefield around him. Tyrionducked. And he looked up as Zeter pointed a w. Zeters five other swords, spinning behind him, might be mundane. But they took aim at Tyrions limbs


    The inn exploded. Not all of it, but Zeter was facing it, and he saw a hole open in the wall and shrapnel blow out with the sheer force of the explosion. Something flew through the air, and the Drake hed been expecting to fight against or fight with<i>Shriekde, that useful maniac</inded on the grass.


    Shriekde! Youre with


    Tessay on her back, staring up at the sky. She hadno daggers in her ws, which was unusual. And she looked stunned. Zeter hesitated as Tyrion rolled away.


    <i>Had something just hit her out of the inn and all the way down here, about two hundred feet away?</i> He raised his head and then felt something run all the way down his spine.


    Terror.


    Zeters confidence, his focus on Tyrion and Klbkcheverythingleft his mind in a second. He stopped fighting and turned his head.


    Straight towards the inn. Klbkch, Eldavin, everyone in the tournament ground suddenly turned as a kind of silence enveloped all.


    Which was silly. You didnt have scenes like that in Zeters experience. In stories, everyone froze when the [Hero] entered the throne room. In practice, even when Luciva herself was visiting you, someone was whispering or telling a joke or your tail itched.


    Onlythis time, his voice seemed to reduce itself down to nothing. Nothat wasnt right. The sky, the air


    <i>Whats going on?</i>


    A figure walked through the inns hallways, humming slightly as she inspected the swords shed found. Pekona had a de she could no longer use one-handed, and some of Pelts works had been on disy, in every style, for thepetitors to purchase.


    She wasturning her head, staring left and right, touching the walls, but she seemed drawn to the outside, as if she knew she had a purpose that could not wait. She hummed a luby of Chandrar they still might know to this day.


    When she opened the doors, Erin Solstice stood outside. Or rather, her body did. But again


    <i>When they looked at her, they saw someone else. </i>As if the afterimage of her were Erin. And the real woman had turquoise hair, long and trimmed straight by a de because she was too careless for aught else.


    Her stitching was golden, but the skin was careless, worn cotton, as if she had once worn finer but could no longer be bothered by it all. Her eyesher very <i>pupils</i> seemed sharp, as if the round dots of ckness were not circr, but edges of a million straight lines. Only, the color, a light grey, looked like lines of water running to light white as they met the pupils.


    She was tall, long-armed, and when she looked out, her back was slightly hunched over, as if standing tall were wrong. She did not have a pleasant smile, nor did she look as if she remembered what it was like to sit with a friend.


    Yetwhen she buckled the katana to her belt, it seemed as if thatpleted her and she were wearing a loose garb of silk, faded with des, stained by weathercut at the hems, a light coat of faded brass buttons open and fluttering over an open skirt that reached just down to her ankles. A mix of clothes and cultures from the ces she had been.


    Terandria, Drath, Baleros, Izril, Chandrar, of course, Tiernas, the Continent of sseven the undersea havens. Everywhere but the sted destion of Rhir where nothing lived.


    She rested a hand on the hilt of the katana,ughing lightly with delight.


    A true de of Drath! Simply made, but they endure! And lookwhat a strange, small little festival! It calls me hence. Lend me your body, Erin. You have given me a glorious deathand a chance even now. <i>I shall teach them what you wished.</i>


    Her eyes flicked down, and she stared at this familiar sight.


    Then everyone seemed to hear that voice again and remembered how it had been posted. This time, they remembered how it had been worded.


    Zdonas Trial of a Thousand des. <i>Trial.</i> As if this were something that had once been done. To gather a thousand people and shed blood.


    <i>Potential to gain the Unique Skill of Zdona.</i>


    Potentialthat of course meant it wasnt guaranteed. Now, though


    Zdona looked down, and she stared up at the clouds hiding the sun as it tried to sink to the High Passes.


    <i>To see the sky once before I vanish! </i>To breathe air and shed blood under wild wind and in thends of the living! <i>Look, oh masters of old!</i>


    She cried out, lifting a hand, and looked upon the final people locked in strife. Jewel, Dame Pertheine, Eldavinand at the others, tending to their wounds. At everyoneas if they were foes, and Zdona cried out.


    <i>I see the unworthy and the talented, the weak and the glorious. </i>Look now, [demasters] of each and every era! I am Zdona, [demistress of Ancients]! We convene the oldest trial in blood and glory! Face me, you warriors gathered here! Show me the sharpness of your souls!


    With every word, her voice grew until it was booming across the Floodins, scaring Razorbeaks and other birds into the air where they fled in every direction. Ceria Springwalker looked up, and even her circlet was afraid.


    Oh, fuck.


    The Stitch-woman looked down as she put a hand on the sheathed de and lowered herself. Every person with a sword, wounded or not, in the fighting or not, lifted their weapons instinctively.


    <i>But for a moment, Zdona paused and looked up.</i>


    Mrsha chanced a glimpse up. The girl didbecause every warrior, from Gire to Lytewas shaking and staring at Zdona. But the little Gnoll girl stared up at the sky, and she saw the same thing as Sammial Veltras.


    The [Lord] of House Veltras broke away from the scrying orband stared up at the sky. The Haven was nearing the High Passes, and he sawthe exact same thing as what the scrying orb showed.


    She split the sky.


    He said it in a very, very distant voice and pointed. Every head in the Haven looked up, and therea line was widening in the grey clouds of winter overhead. Sunlight, bright and pale, and the blue skies beyond shone down on a patch ofnd in between the mountains.


    The light shone so beautifullybut it never touched Zdona. Instead, she stood in the shade, and so did The Wandering Inn. For the light emerging from the cut clouds


    <i>Split amidst a cone of shadows just past Birds tower. </i>Bisected in two.


    Zdona admired the light and took one deep, long breath. Then she tensed with Erins legs and leapt.


    It was sixty seconds before she touched the ground. Naught but air blew around her as she fell towards the ground, elerating as gravity took hold of her. The people staring at her falling from the inn realized she was heading <i>at them</i> and ran.


    <i>Dead gods, dead gods, dead</i>


    Jewel ran. She turned her head back as <i>Erin Solstice</i>no, the [demistress of Ancients]nded. She had unsheathed her de.


    The greatest [demistress] of her era left a line in the grass that stretched a thousand feet. The cut went so far down that an Antinium Worker stared straight up out of the Hive up at the woman.


    How curious. So thats what it was.


    Zdona smiled at the Worker<i>but he had no des. </i>She hade here for <i>des.</i> Zdona rose, and she lifted her sword.


    Who shall be first?


    No one moved. Thena voice called out.


    <i>Symphonythis is the greatest performance of our lives. </i>On me.


    The Maestro looked at Zdona to make sure it was allowed. But she just beamed as the Drake looked around.


    Figures in ck, some missing limbs, formed up around him. He looked at them, and some were shaking. But the Maestro simply produced a longsword and held it at his side.


    His magical conductors wand had changed into the sword, and Zdonas smile widened. There was no thought in the Maestros mind to obey thews of the quest. If he had time, he would have put on armor.


    Symphonywalk with me.


    <i>They bunched up.</i> Not shoulder-to-shoulder, but in a mob. Walking together, des at the ready. The [demistress] stared the Maestro in the eyesthen she began to walk.


    <i>You have the honor of seeing it. Be it so coarse as to speak a Skill aloud</ie, singers of deadly little lubies.


    Symphony slowedthen sped up. They advanced, and the First Flutes hands were shaking on the hilts of her sheathed daggers. Zdona had not drawn her deit was somehow resheathed at her waist.


    Your best Skills. ywe shall never know a greater performance than this.


    That was all the Maestro said. His voice shook. His w tightened on the longsword hilt, and the world around Symphony narrowed until Zdona filled the entire world. She strolled towards them, hand on her swords hilt.


    They were about two dozen feet away when Symphony struck as one. The First Flutes des cleared their sheaths.


    <i>[de Art: Execution of D-Minor].</i>


    Her daggers came out like a song. A falling crescendo with two notes. Onestraight for Zdonas head. The other to ram through her chest.


    The First Flute closed the two-dozen feet in a blink of an eye, and the cuts could have rent through a [Knight]s enchanted armor without slowing. It never urred to her to pull her attacks or try to save Erin Solstices life.


    Sixty [Assassins] did the same. Sword arts, spear dancestheir most deadly attacks. They took aim for Zdona, and the Maestros sword cleared its sheath.


    But hehe alone wavered. For he saw Zdona lean out of the way of the First Flutes first dagger strike. She twirled the katana up as she unsheathed it.


    <i>[Lightning Iai]. </i>A move from Drath. An unsheathing of the sword so fast it sundered the First Flutes second knife, and the bolt of lightning arced down from the skies and hit the Drake mid-step.


    He saw the perfect move send his great performer down in a single strikebut the Maestro also saw Zdona draw a pair of daggers she had stolen from Shriekde and <i>cut</i> the air.


    A vortex sucked in the poisonous gasand she swung her daggers across the world. Sundered it as they shed upwards into a smile


    <i>[Dagger Art: Grin of the Vortex].</i>


    The First Trumpet wasnt even close to the tears in space, but they ripped the Gnolls fur out, left his eyes bloodshot, him bleeding from every orifice from the sheer pull until the rifts closed.


    He saw these two things, you see. The Maestro. Then he saw one of the members of the choir leaping at Zdona.


    Zdonawho leapt and spun and twisted, and her sword cleared the air.


    [Leap of Twin Swallows]a shortsword dove down in two ces.


    <i>A body, cut.</i>


    Each strike was beautiful. Each Skillmastered. Learned, not simply acquired from levels. And Zdona did them all simultaneously.


    <i>Sixty [Assassins]. </i>Sixty counter attacks. It looked to the Maestro as if Zdona were going for a walk. Simplystrolling forwards. But simultaneously, activating sixty Skills and cutting down each and every member of Symphony.


    <i>All at once and independently. </i>It took just a heartbeat, but each blow yed out as fast as they should. And she wasing towards him.


    <i>[Walk of the demaster, Path of Legends].</i>


    That was what it meant. A sheer disy of insurmountable talent. The Maestro rxed. And smiled.


    You are the most beautiful being in the entire world.


    Then he put a w on his de. He drew his sword, and the entire <i>world</i> sang in a narrowing crescendo of music as he strode towards her. First <i>prestissimo</i>, then allegro, adagio


    The Maestro left a trail in the Floodins where bare grass had been cut into beautiful patterns after his sword art.


    But he fell, with the rest of Symphony, as Zdona walked. Her Skill took a breath, a second, and it carried her a hundred feet.


    Then she sheathed her katana, and the Maestroy with blood running across his suit. But his smile


    Next.


    Symphony didnt get up. The [demistress] looked aroundand she was after them all. Not just [Assassins]. Someone had to stop her.


    As if she saw the magic moving across the ground, Zdonas hair swung around, and she shook her head.


    No magic. You did not shed blood. You were not worthy.


    A foot touched the ground, and then she was gone. She vanishedand a thousand paces away, the first words of a spell


    <i>[Chain Light</i>


    Zdona removed her sword from Grimalkins raised w before he felt the pain. The tip of the sword had run straight through his raised palm. She stepped back and looked at him as he froze.


    A warning.


    The heads were still swiveling towards her, their nk stares changing to fear, when someone pushed themselves upfaced that monster, that impossible woman.


    This is


    Zevara was on her feet. She <i>exhaled</i>and the woman leapt, twisting her torso over the mes. Zdonanded, and the Watch Captain raised her de. She <i>jabbed</i> with it, intending to twist and cut it up.


    To her surprise, the [demistress] seemedslow. She still moved like quicksilver and slowly unsheathed the katana, deflecting Zevaras jab along the emerging de. Zevara tried to cut across Zdonas<i>Erins</i>neck. But the woman just raised the hilt of her sword, catching Zevaras longsword across the katana.


    No.


    That was all Zevara heard. A faint hint of disappointment in that voice and those eyes. The two were locked at the des, but Zdonas katana, aimed down, just <i>flicked</i> up.


    Fastbut again, she shouldnt have been visible.


    <i>It still cut Zevara</i>, a de shing up across one armpit and the bottom of her jaw. She stumbled, fell overand Jeiss shouted.


    <i>Watch Captain! [Sword Art: The Smanders Tail]!</i>


    A swingZevara was still sinking to her knees. She would have warned Jeiss


    He was standing in front of his family, who had run after him. Zdona saw the deadly cuting. She lookedbored.


    She nted a longsword in the grass, and Jeiss swing <i>nced</i> off the de as she parried his sh with a simple twist of the handle at the perfect moment. Then she drew the sword up and, holding it like a ssical longsword specialist, cut down. Jeiss saw the move and went to parry and riposte across her chest.


    Zdonas sigh was quiet. She drew the longsword across his face, cutting in a z before he expected it. And again


    <i>She was moving at his speed. </i>Swinging as fast as Jeiss or Zevara could.


    <i>There was still no contest.</i>


    Not you. You should have never wed.


    People ran as she turned from the two downed Drakes. Then, Zevara, clutching at her bloody wounds as Jeiss cried out, saw Zdona turning to them all.


    <i>You.</i>


    She pointedand Dame Pertheine lifted her de.


    Two minutes.


    Dame Talia had seen Pertheine training with the other heads of the Order of Seasons. She had seen the Springs Warden go all-out against Knight-Commander Calirn. Even a secret duel with Voost where the two settled who was the better duelist.


    The Springs Warden sang with her de like the greatest [Knight] of her order, a brief song that made even Zdona smile.


    The wind itself called to the Springs Warden, whirling down, a cyclone upon the grasses, and she stepped in a dance with the [demistress] that carried her across the Floodins. Each strike, Talia was certain, could have wounded her mortally.


    At the end of it, the wind came down in a gale fit to blow down the walls of Liscor, a hurricane of winds upon the [demistress].


    Zdona cut the air in half, and the Springs Warden knelt as a hundred of Pertheines cuts struck air and a single reply slipped past the Dames ribs and gently kissed her beating heart.


    The [Knight] looked up with blood on her mouth, and the [demistress] addressed her.


    You sang too much together. In armor, in pride. Not enough alone.


    Then she swung her sword again, and Talia knew that, in time, the Order of Seasons would rey and rey that match to see exactly what had been done, to see how to step to avoid a blow just so, and see the perfect curve.


    But she could not see it right now, through the tears. Springs championy there, bleeding onto the grass.


    <i>Arc of the Moon].</i>


    A de through steel. Zdona looked down at the woman with one good leg, swinging a sword wildly.


    She didnt reply to Yvlonbut her shortsword kept going and swept the top of Yvlons metal arm off. She caught the handhanded it to Yvlon, and walked on.


    Shortsword, now. She kept picking up des. Each one she knew the use of. But she wasinspecting the people here.


    She cut through Pass [Soldiers] without a word for any of them. As if searching. She paused twice, once to stare at Chaldion with a look of disappointment as the old [Strategist] stared at her.


    [Path to Victory].


    <i>He was blind. </i>Zdona moved on. Three [Generals] of Pass stood against her, and sheughed.


    It was as if each encounter took longer for the people involved thanthan how fast it was for those watching. She had cut through hundreds already. Then Chaldion realized what it was.


    <i>She was walking in between [Immortal Moments]. Was sheusing Erins Skills?</i>


    She had to be. Bevussa dove down, and Onieva leapt over a copsing General Edellein. This time, Zdona halted.


    <i>Ah. You</i>


    What they said to each other, then, Chaldion couldnt hear. But Zdona smiled. Onieva tried to dodge as Zdona leaned over and <i>shed.</i> Bevussa fell out of the sky, trailing feathers.


    <i>Was she murdering them all? </i>Chaldion bent over Edelleinand saw the de had gone deep in his side. <i>But he wasnt dead.</i> He looked upand he saw Zdona looking about. <i>Searching for something only she could see.</i>


    She found it in the Minotaur. He stood with one arm holding an axe. The [demistress] let him strike at her, leaning out of the way of each blow.


    Youre afraid for Erin. Holding back.


    Calruzs arm was shaking. Zdona looked so amused by the notion of it, thoughCalruz barked.


    Theres no artistry in my form. No craft in my strikes.


    Not one-armed. Not with the crushing weight of a battleaxe. He meant that almost as aint orchallenge.


    For answer, the Stitch-woman tossed aside the rapier shed picked up. She picked up a battleaxe like hisan exact replica, dripping with frost, from the grass. It looked<i>heavy</i>and she swung it up, and the body she wore actually stumbled.


    Minotaur. It is not in the subtlety of every strike. It is knowing and perfection such as that [Lieutenant of Perfection] could not understand with a ss alone. Come.


    She walked at him. Shouldering the heavy axe. He hesitatedand saw the death in her gaze. So he heaved his axe up and charged.


    They swung their axes at the exact same time. She was as fast as he was, matching his strength for strength.


    But somehowCalruz was the one who went reeling backwards, and he stared at the shattered axe de as she stood over him.


    Like that.


    Then she brought the axe down.


    <i>The Swordsman of Six did not impress her in the same way.</i> She looked at the floating des and sneered at the five artifacts and the Relic-ss greatsword.


    You are a swordsman indeed, no master.


    Iam an adventurer.


    He roared and drew his greatsword up, dubbed the Fang of Manus. Zdona drew her shortsword back in an exaggerated motion, behind her backand the two des collided. Zeter was <i>braced</i> for the impact. But all he felt was a <i>ringing</i> in his dethen his greatsword wavered.


    She left the steel shortsword halfway through it. As she walked on, he grabbed the long dagger. He swiveledand she did too, Zevaras longsword in her hand.


    The Swordsman of Six kept rotating and then fell over in the grass. Zdona lowered the de and then looked up.


    Why are you crying, girl?


    Im unworthy again.


    Pekona lifted her wakizashi, and Zdona looked at her.


    <i>[demasters] are equally unworthy. </i>In lifeI would have cut your arm off. I mastered art, not kindness. Show me.


    There was no confidence in the song that came from the [de Dancer]. She had seen Toren dance, and he had done it for the sheer joy of it, with talent, and humbled her. She expected Zdona to end it with a single blow, take another arm, but the [demistress] parried each strike roughly, using force to turn Pekonas shes.


    <i>Stopface me in a dance!</i>


    The Drathian woman shouted in outrage as Zdona fought her like a [Knight], turning blows with brute strength and simple deflection. For answer, the woman raised her sword up and rained down blows on Pekona, breaking her guard, taking away the artifice of it.


    The destination is the same.


    She raised her sword high overhead, angled down around her back, and Pekona saw it. When Zdona brought it down, the simple Terandrian form looked beautiful again. She buried the de in Pekonas shoulder and left it there.


    Try this de. Try them all. Youve only ever sung with the melody of home.


    She knew all their capabilities, all their strength. But three times she drew her sword and <i>fought</i>.


    The firstwas against Ksmvr. He looked at her, shaking, and sheughed.


    Your silver blooms!


    She cut him down with the key-schools of Samal, the paradise. Then she turned.


    <i>And you are the heart of it. What happened to you, great one?</i>


    Klbkch stopped. He spoke haltingly.


    I died. <i>[Recaptured Sublimity].</i> Shall we?


    Zdona bared her teeth.


    <i>Show me something even I have never seen before!</i>


    Her leap left a physical arc in the air, a deadly <i>cut</i> that remained for minutes thereafter. At first, she moved so fast she was a glittering blurand their battle could not be seen. But to them, it looked as though Klbkch had created a world of silver falsity and lured her inbut she fell like aet, breaking apart his illusions, seeing through the heart of even glittering artifice. He had never met someone like her, and he felt regret in every line of his exchange.


    <i>My body</i>


    <i>You fight like youve lost it.</i>


    The two locked des, and Klbkch stared at Zdona. Her teeth bared


    He leapt, and she thrust a de up. She stabbed towards the very rising moon, and Klbkch realized something.


    <i>I should have</i>


    <i>adapted after losing it.</i>


    Hended, and his swords <i>rang. Rang and rang as he had never heard them, like the chimes of an insects shell,</i> so loudly that he feared they might break. Zdona saluted his des. He raised his swords, but his Skill burnt out.


    A bug with des now, he lowered his weapons and stepped back. But he remembered itin the very depths of his soul and began to realize how dull his heart had been without polishing it. Zdona looked wistfulbut in that moment, someone who was merely observing made a sound.


    <i>Oh. Oh!</i>


    Even Valeterisa had been watching, though she had no taste for mere swordsmanship. But the magic Zdona used with her mastery of the de was beyond even the Archmage of Izril. Yet it was seeing her and Klbkch fight that crystallized something in Valeterisas head.


    The Wind Runners hints with her magic that had no Skill or level behind it. Seeing Eldavin as he had firste to Wistram


    And now, Valeterisa pped her hands together as it all made sense.


    Of course! It should also be elegant! It should have always made <i>sense.</i> Numbers that fit, not memorization. But magic must be beautiful. Form matters as much as function. Like the clocks! Without both


    <i>Her great work looked so ugly, now. </i>But if it must look beautifulshe saw a path open up in her head. And she began to chase it. If intention were the blocks upon which she built to her goalthe route there was like a bridge under silver moonlight, illuminated by art.


    Artas Zdona would agree, was in everything you could do. She was, like a [Potter] at the kiln or a [Carver]ying hands upon a chisel, someone who refined and worked and endlessly pursued a higher ideal. Klbkch had been a wonderful surpriseif only she had met him when he was in his <i>prime.</i>


    Surely, then, after that, the [demistress] would beam with delight when she saw the half-Elf waiting for her. Eldavin stood there, and his de traced the same schools she breathed in every motion.


    All she did was frown.


    You


    <i>Eldavins de mmed into Liscors walls. </i>He tried a sword artbut he didnt have the Skill, and the [demistress] who leapt over the walls, changing her trajectory through the air with a wave of her sword,nded.


    Shepleted her thought after forty-five seconds of matching him. And her face was puzzled. Thenhostile.


    <i>You know the song and the words. But you dont practice. </i>You sing loudly, but you have not earned it. You dont deserve this.


    I


    They met once more, and he tried to roar like a Dragon upon the battlefield. Spread a wing like me and cut the world with fire.


    <i>A dance of swords that descended from the heavens and left nothing in its wake. </i>Like Dragonfire spun into sheer artistry and talent, footwork, de, and body all moving in a single melody.


    He couldnt. His mind knew the stepsbut Zdona <i>was</i> that thing that Eldavins memory had copied. And she


    <i>She burned in that dance of Dragons </i>and left scars on Liscors wall, and she demonstrated how it should be. A simple broadsword in her hands turned white with heat, but refused to melt, and a [Smith] screamed, for here was the worthiest wielder of his craft that he had ever found!


    <i>His grandfathers would have forged a sword for her.</i>


    But not Eldavin. His sword suddenly felt clumsy in his hands as Zdona finished the dance.


    You did not master thiswhomever you are. You are a Skill incarnate. All borrowed power, no form of your own. <i>But even masters elevate Skills. </i>You have earned nothing.


    He tried to deny it with a sweeping step of his des, tried to copy a tapestry of falling strikes like stars.


    Zdona nailed Eldavins shoulder <i>into</i> Liscors wall with such force that the sword snapped. The woman turned away.


    Raise that de in my presence and I will take your head off.


    On and on. Jewel and Pisces fenced her, and she held a rapier,ughing with delight and mocking their failings.


    She cut them down.


    Possibly, she didnt know any other way. Possiblythat was Zdonas teaching method. Maybe she just wanted to. <i>She believed only in blood. </i>She might have beena bit of a bastard in life.


    Thrice, she fought with light in her eyes, wild and excited, seeing something <i>new</i>, testing their limitsonce that excitement turned to frustration and contempt.


    But three more times she bowed.


    Once, to the thing no one saw, thin airand bowed deeply.


    Master, will you not fight with me? Even if you will not dance this day away? To youI could give you what is so richly deserved. Perhaps. Will you not dare it and try?


    <i>She was excited, then,</i> and the [demistress] looked almost as if she might weep whenapparentlythe answer was no. As if a challenge had been denied her.


    Perhaps she was a marite, dancing to someone elses tunebut if so, one that didnt mind the strings so long as she was allowed to dance once more.


    The second time, a look of great confusion passed over her face. She haltedand a Goblin holding two swords, one red and famous, looked at her.


    A monster sings? <i>Hah!</i> I thought your ilk long dead.


    So said Zdona. For when <i>she</i> had livedhis kind had only been legends, hunted. She looked down mockingly at him, and the Goblin lifted his head.


    Redscar exhaled as sweat chilled across his body. But what he said to that eternal refrain was this:


    You people always try. Again and againfight me, great warrior.


    A great sneer came over Zdonas face. She was offendeduntil the Goblin lifted his des. Then she looked at him as he came off the ground.


    Like a great bird from a people she had never dreamed of, stepping carefully, spreading two wings of red feathers.


    <i>She had seen better. </i>She had seen <i>faster.</i> Zdona struck him with steel once, with impatience, and the heron flinched not at all. He struck back, and with such pride


    <i>He sang a song he had taught himself, an echo of the Chieftain he had served. It ran in his bones and his blood. It sounded</i>


    Beautiful.


    Zdona was no longer mocking, then, as Redscar knelt. Not because he had been bestedbut because he could no longer move. And he cursed his body for betraying him.


    A look of concern crossed over the [demistress] face. She touched her heartas if the body she possessed were in painand then at her eyes, as if searching for scales fallen from them.


    No. He <i>sings.</i> And a purer song than


    Her eyes swung over Zeter, over Eldavin, and the warriors she had left in her path. Zdona stood over Redscar, in confusion, and a sudden understanding swept over her face.


    Then she bowed her head.


    Had I been alive to realize this truthI had never faced a Goblin in my years. No wonder your kind refused to die. <i>Stand, onest time, warrior. And show me how you would die.</i>


    In that momentperhapsshe did Erin Solstice a greater favor than all this carnage and misery. Her words forced the Goblin to his feet by willpower alone, and she saluted him.


    <i>A great bird spread his wings upon the Floodins, a fledgling yet growing. </i>But he<i>he might fly one day.</i>


    Zdona walked on, letting him copse in her wake. And she looked for them, strange beasts and exotic creatures. Real beings amid a world of fakery and Skills. Had they but livedthe [Champion of War], Salui, and the [Sword Legend] trapped in a Revenants body would have wept with joy to meet someone like her. Just as she had wept to see Sprigaena. But on Zdona searched, for seeds and creatures she knew. She found few.


    <i>Not a [Paragon]. Not a Watch Captain or all but one [General]. Not in the [Spearmasters] three</i>for they were eithercent, finished with ambition, or already searching. Zdona was looking for something, and when she touched it in them, she kissed them with steel and gave them her blessing.


    Ressa stood next to Lord Tyrion Veltras and the people of the north. First went Colth, and she smiled like himtwo demonsshing each other with des until he fell again.


    <i>Sinister warrior, you had a fine teacher. Keep practicing. Come now, girl of shadows.</i>


    Ressa went next, with Reynold, and she felt a hint of remorse. For Zdona looked so regretful as she knocked Ressas hand down and caught the dagger.


    You could have walked this road. And you didnt. What a <i>waste.</i>


    Sometimesyou want to help someone more than yourself.


    The tip of the sword was running up through Ressas chin, tickling the bottom of her tongue. Zdona withdrew the dagger and flicked it aside.


    Then I have nothing to say. Because I was always alone. And the sword was all I ever wanted. Come, child of Trolls. Show me courage. <i>Youst of all, lord of the woods.</i>


    She and Durene locked des for a moment, and all the strength of the hills couldnt move Zdonas arm as she let Durene have one blow against a raised greatswordthen answered in kind. When she turned, Lord Tyrion Veltras looked the second ghost he had met in the eyes and nodded.


    He lifted his sword, and his shield too. Confusedno, earnestly. And Zdona bent down and picked up a shield.


    <i>Oh, stranger. Oh, man trapped in a boys body. Oh, childhave you never seen art with sword and shield?</i>


    Ive seen it with ancebut never sword and shield. Show me. Please.


    So she struck her shield with the swords hilt, and then she raised the shield overhead as he brought down a sword with all his might. wes Byres, Ysara, and Tyrion Veltras rained down blows against a wall of steel higher than the Walled Cities, thicker than Facestealers bonesand as light as a feather.


    Ere she cut them down, she showed them it didnt matter. Shieldswordspearknives or greatsword. There was art of it, buried at the bottom of each. But she did cut them down. As the [Lord] of House Veltras raised his shield, she pressed a de through it, through his arm, and watched him finallyy down.


    Just as promised. Only at the end, as the woman looked around and saw no more foes to behold, did she seem to wake up from a dream.


    Ah. Is that it? Is that it? So shortso sweet!


    She held a hand up.


    I would give anything forbut I owe her my death. s, I see it now. And I am done.


    She blinked a few times. Passed a hand over her head and staggered, then looked down ruefully.


    So this is what a body of flesh is like? I was so afraid it mighte apart at the seamseven more than cloth!


    The woman was standing on Tyrions back. She nced down.


    Stranger, you have longer than I. Damn you. I give you nothing but


    She spat on his head.


    envy. Cherish your years. <i>Would I another decade even in age! I envy half-Elves! I wish I had sat at the feet of her, the origin of this all, and worshiped her and begged her to learn!</i>


    She almost cried, staring at the image of an Elf only she could see. NowZdonas presence was wavering, and she wasing more to herself. But even she could sense she was


    <i>What happened then?</i> Namesceswho called me here? ErinI should repay her. Has she any enemies? Youtell me whom this girl hates, and I will kill them.


    She looked around, pointed at Drassi, and the [Reporter] and [Camera Gnoll] stared at her, frozen. Frustrated now and looking almost panicked, Zdona whirled around.


    Beautifulnd. For a mealwhat year is this? Who are you? Who <i>are</i> you?


    She stared at Selys, then Tyrion, as if she had never thought to ask. Zdona was growingerratic. But as her head cleaved left and right and Drassi realized she might be in <i>more</i> danger right nowZdona froze.


    She turned to thest person and appeared. She kicked the ground, and it was like teleportationthat was how fast she moved. What could she <i>do</i> in this time? Chaldion was calling out.


    You need to kill<i>to kill</i>


    He was trying to stride over to her, but one look at his face and a dozen hands, paws, and ws held him back. <i>Everyone</i> in earshot stopped the Drake. Chaldion fought with them.


    It didnt matter. Zdona was reaching out to someone, entreating.


    Show it to me. Please? I shant hurt you.


    She was, of course, talking to Ryoka Griffin. It was always Ryoka Griffinbut Zdona barely looked at the Courier. She was staring at


    <i>The Windsword.</i> The famous Kaalde that Ryoka Griffin had been gifted by Lord Den El. When Zdona saw it spring to life, she cut it in halfsaw the light fade, and tears sprang to her eyes.


    Ryoka could not make it work for her in that short time, but the [demistress] bowed then. She bowed over the de and gazed at it so wonderingly.


    Another hundred years. There is no school for this! Nothere is, there surely is! <i>Wars fought I darent dream of! </i>Mysteries leftif only. <i>Damn you!</i>


    She rose and shouted at the sky.


    <i>Damn you! </i>But enough. If only I had<i></i>


    <i>She uttered the eternal refrain of ghosts and then raised her hand. </i>A great calm passed over her, and the air hushed. Zdona cut nothing more. She just stood there, weary, and nodded.


    Yes. Yes. Here you are, Miss. Catch her, ere I go.


    Zdona stepped closer to Ryoka Griffin, and the Wind Runner lifted two shaking hands. But the [demistress of Ancients] seemed to be counting something, nodding along.


    Yes, each one. Yes and yesmay I not say? Damn you twice upon Dragons scales, then. And thank you, if aught can be said to one such asyes.


    She didnt seem there anymore. But as she fadedZdona said onest thing. She wrinkled Erin Solstices nose, looking at something with a huge frown.


    Who? <i>Oh.</i> I care it not. I know how it would bebut these things happen. I would cut down those who dishonored my festival and trialsbut I am not living, am I? No, I would not <i>always</i> cut down one. It varies. Such things do. Let him go, then. Punishment? I care it not. I


    Then, though she would doubtless have liked more words, more time, and more deeds, Zdona Ischen sighed.


    Just a sigh. The longest sigh in the world. It was more than breath. It waseverything. Leaving the young woman who copsed without a word into Ryokas arms.


    Erin Solstice stared out of her own eyes againand then it really was over.


    Zdonas Trial of a Thousand des, the <Heroic Quest> of Liscor, came to a close. It had left surprisingly few dead. Far too many wounded.


    But however the blood.


    However the grief.


    Despite the carnage and senselessness and the travails of it all


    <i>From that day, her name echoed. And when you looked at her, caught by magic, her image reflected across an [Innkeeper]s face, for a second, you could see her raise that sword.</i>


    No one was worthy of Zdonas great Skill. But it echoed.


    In the Minotaurs mind, as he was led back to the armys camp, one-armed, without salvation, redemption, or punishment. Yethe was ashamed that he reveled in the glory of it.


    Ashamed that a pair of mice made his heart warm, that he still clung to the cheers and the words burning in his mind.


    [Skill  He Left Pride in His Wake learned.]


    It came to the [de Dancer] as shey, clutching her des, and word came from her very [Emperor] to safeguard the katana that Zdona had touched, to send it back to be enshrined as a relic. Once againno, for the first time after she had knelt before a Drake in an undead body, she dreamed.


    [Skill  She Danced in Moonlights Grace learned.]


    In the grasp of Spring. Though she was unworthy of itthough fell deeds had been done and the consequences might not be mended, as the Archmage of Memory bore her back to her Order, shey there and heard a voice that brought a tear to her own eyes.


    And she was resolved to repay the Goblin of her suspicion, make amends. She had called him, knight, but still held him at arms length. Until now, for she had heard and seen much that shook her. The Warden of Spring had a winters chill upon her, though, but Spring worked hardest in the cold.


    [Skill  When She Drew Her de: Time Fled Her learned.]


    Andsst of all, thest thing that came from Zdona herself, not some impartial arbiter, not from their own struggles and realizations, but from <i>her</i>, to the worthyand she might have selected any or all, but she did judge fairly, so only chose four


    Thest voice came to the Hobgoblin whoy slumbering against his Carn Wolf. And he alone had thought this entire affair was great and glorious and how it should be. The Hobgoblin bared his teeth, and his red paintand scarswere so intermingled he could not tell the difference sometimes.


    He alone thought this had been an excellent day.


    [Skill  He Walked and Shadows Split learned.]


    And then? Wellthe [Innkeeper]y in her bed, and this time, she couldnt move at all. Shey thereand the world changed and talked, and there was much to do.


    But what could trump this? What else coulde besidespleasea break? A breath of fresh air and all the rest in the world?


    Perhaps only


    Christmas.


    <strong>Authors Note:</strong>


    Ivee to a conclusion ofte. When I am calm, the writing is calm. The pacing, style, is calmer. When I am stressed, near the end of a writing cycle or the year, I write chapters that be frantic, rushing forwards.


    Writing imitates life. And so, depending on my energy, mood, the tone of the story changes. Being calm is good. It doesnt mean the plot moves slow; if anything it might be incisive, fast-paced, and hopefully even elegant at times.


    When I am tiredas of nowthe writing can border on manic. It certainly might affect the level of proseand by prose, I mean descriptions, my ability to set the scene, and so on.


    Like a heartbeat, I suppose. Your heart can be beating a mile a minute while you run slow or fast. Your pace is not always connected to your experience.


    Does this analogy make sense? Ive written about 90,000 words in six days. I hope it is good. One Christmas chapter leftand hopefully I can finish Volume 1. Throw all the energy into the fire and create something good.


    Good and fast. I have done all I can in the time I had, and I hope you enjoy it. Enjoy itagain, different from always being happy and reassured. Thanks for reading and hope youre doing well.


    pirateaba


    <strong>Gargoyles and Gargoyle Bossels by Enuryn the /Enuryn_Nat</strong>


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    <strong>Tesy the [Maid]? A proposed way to pay off the crimes, by /buttscord</strong>


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    <strong><strong><strong>Tesy [Maid], Christmas, Suprised Pikachu aba andby /Brack_Giraffe</strong></strong></strong>


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    <strong>The Maestro and Peki the de by Fiore!</strong>


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