The Wandering Inn

Book 2: Chapter 18

Erin woke up with a huge smile on her face. Today was the first day of the rest of her life, and for once, it was all amazing.

Slightly less amazing was the huge mess in her common room. Erins huge smile reduced in diameter, but she maintained a cheery outlook. True, her inn was trashed, but the money.

The money!

Gold coins, silver coins, copper coins. She had far more of the copper coins than anything else, but Krshia had given her several gold coins as shed brought goods up from the city throughout the night. Erin had a huge jar of money, and next to it was an even bigger jar, again filled with money.

And next to that

Erin had to hug herself, she was so elated. It had worked! Her crazy idea had worked, and shed earned so much!

She had to give some of it away, of course. She hadnt paid Selys or Ceria or Olesm for their help, and Ryoka had cooked up all the food! She wondered if the prickly girl would accept being paid. She would, right?

If only Toren was here, life would have been perfect. That made Erins smile slip, but just for a second. He would have cleared up this mess overnight and be staring creepily at her in the morning. But without him shed have to do it.

Well, it was a fair price for a wonderful night. Erin sighed, rolled up her sleeves, and got to work. She could get a head start before she made breakfast. Something involving eggs and bacon, she guessed. It would be too much work to mix pancakes.

As Erin began to hunt for dustrags, buckets of melted snow, and of course a mop and broom, she thought about last night. Shed leveled. So many times! Erin knew Level 20 wasnt actually that highSelys had told her almost everyone got to that before they died. But still. Level 21!

And the [Singer] class. Erin was surprised by that, but she had wanted to sing her best on the roof. And what were those skills?

[Perfect Recall] and [Control Pitch]. Did they work? Erin focused.

Yes. They did. Amazingly so, in fact! Erin could remember every lyric, every verse in every song shed ever sung. And what was more

Testing, testing, do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do!

Her pitch was perfect. Even someone with an autotuner couldnt have improved her voice. It made Erin feel weird; like her voice wasnt her own anymore. But that feeling soon gave way into a greater desire to sing!

Ryoka had taken away the iPhone right before she fell asleep. But Erin could still sing without the device. Besides, it was still enchanted and would probably blow Erins eardrums out if she used it.

Now, what song could she sing? Erin remembered her warmup, and smiled as the lyrics popped into her head.

She bent to pick up a discarded dress, gingerly holding it between two fingers, and looked out to the brightening sky. Erin opened her mouth, and sang.

Do, a deer; a female deer, re, a drop of golden sun!

-

Ryoka woke up to the sound of music. Because she had a hangover, this was a terrible, horrible experience. Each new verse was a nail being jack-hammered into her skull, and the pillow Ryoka pressed over her head was taking too long to suffocate her.

The heinous singing floated down from below, accompanied by the loud clink of porcelain being stacked together or silverware being organized.

What Erin had forgotten was that last night, everyone had imbibed quite a lot of alcohol. Shed drunk it too of course; but Erin was immune to alcohols effects and so she was the only person waking up this morning without a hangover.

After Erin got to la, Ryoka could bear it no longer. She seized the nearest object she could reach, staggered out her door and hurled it down the stairs. It turned out that shed hurled her bedside dresser, and it crashed into pieces as it hit the ground floor.

Ryoka heard the shocked exclamation from Erin. She grunted something and stomped back to her bed.

Rude!

But the singing stopped. Ryoka rolled back into bed and caught far more than forty winks.

When she woke up at last, it was an hour or two later and Ryoka was hungry. She stumbled out her door, and found everyone else was getting up as well. Their synchronization was probably due to the fact that the sun had hit all of their windows at the same time, and Erin still hadnt bought any curtains for her new inn.

Sleepy faces, and wincing expressions. Ryoka nodded to the others.

Ryoka.

Ceria.

Val.

Olesm?

The Drake staggered out of Cerias room and paused. He looked around at the other people in the inn. Slowly, he backed into the room and shut the door.

Ryoka stared at Ceria. The half-Elf shrugged. She didnt quite meet anyone elses eyes as they walked downstairs.

They found Erin bright and cheerful, and a steaming bowl of scrambled eggs, a plate of greasy bacon, and bread. Ryoka could have hugged Erin, but she was more interested in eating.

So. How did you all sleep? Um, sorry about the singing.

I quite enjoyed it. It was an unusual song.

Val smiled at Erin around his breakfast. Ryoka grunted.  Ceria nodded as she massaged her temples.

What a night. I cant believe half of what I remember. And what I do remember

She broke off, not looking at Olesm. And he was pointedly not looking at Ceria. Ryoka eyed his twitching tail. Erin didnt seem to notice either reaction. Instead, she pointed excitedly at the chessboard on the table.

Guess what, guys? Look at this! The chessboard I got was magical!

Everyone looked around. Olesm dropped his fork and Val whistled as he saw the ghostly pieces.

I thought something was off. Well now, thats not something you see every day.

Ryoka frowned.

What is it?

Some kind of duplication spell and magically connected board, I would guess. Obviously.

Ryoka turned her head, and saw Pisces lurch into the inn. He looked and smelled like hed been sleeping outside. The trash that fell from his robes attested to that fact.

Pisces.

Ceria. I see you are having breakfast. Allow me to join you.

Pisces inserted himself at Cerias table, much to her displeasure. Erin glared at Pisces, but she didnt oust him from the inn. Instead, she looked back at the chessboard.

So its like a magic chessboard that allows you to play against someone far away? Cool! I hadone just like it back at home!

Ryoka glared at Erin while Pisces and Val raised their eyebrows. Olesm was busy inspecting the board, murmuring excitedly over the ghostly pieces. They did look quite impressive, especially as it turned out that the ghostly wisps followed the pieces as the Drake tried moving them across the board.

Theyre cold!

The pieces were indeed cool to the touch, and Ryoka imagined holding solidified air as she touched them. Erin stared at the board, and the pawn moved on the other side.

Well, this is an invitation to play if ever I saw one. Sounds like fun!

Ryoka tried to quickly run through the consequences of playing a game, but she couldnt think of too many. Besides, whoever had sent the board clearly knew it had arrived.

Erin reached for a piece, but Olesms tail twitched and she paused, seeing it. The [Tactician] hesitated, and then looked at Erin pleadingly.

Cancan I play a game? I wouldnt want to impose, but Im curiousafter youve played a few games, do you think I could try?

Well, why not now?

Erin moved aside and gestured Olesm into the seat. The Drake gaped at Erin and Ryoka smiled in her seat.

What? But noI couldnt do that!

Olesm protested as Erin pulled back the chair for him. She shook her head at him.

Oh come on. Its not like its that important who plays first. And besides, the other person has no idea who I am. Go on! I need to clean up anyways.

If youre sure

Olesms hands were twitching as much as his tail as he sat at the chess board. Hesitantly he peered at the pieces, and then moved a pawn forwards.

While he was waitingand Ryoka wondered if hed be waiting for a long time given the time zones that could be involved for the other player, she looked at Ceria. The mage was looking at Olesm, but she turned to Ryoka and also turned red when the human girl nudged her.

What? Ryoka?

Id like to talk with you about learning magic later. If youre not too busy?

Ceria smiled wryly.

Not at all. Ive got a few things to do this morning, but would a few hours from now be fine?

Sounds good. Im going to run and then rest some more. Ill meet you back here.

It moved! It moved!

Olesms excited voice caught everyones attention. Ryoka glanced over, and saw a piece had indeed moved. Olesm was transfixed, but then he cautiously moved a piece. After a few seconds, the invisible opponent replied.

That was impressive. It hadnt been what, more than a few seconds? Had the mysterious sender been waiting for someone to make a move? Ryoka liked chess, but she wasnt nearly as fanatical as Erin and Olesm were.

Im going to stay here and clean up while Olesm plays, and then Ill play. Itll be a fun day!

Erin collected plates and cutlery as she announced that fact to the room. Ceria nodded and gestured at the mage at her side.

Pisces and I will visit the city. I want to see Yvlon and hes going to get new robes.

I am?

Pisces looked dubiously at Ceria. He plucked at his much-stained robes.

My current garments are quite suitable.

They are not.

Everyone agreed with Cerias statement. The half-Elf pointed at Pisces.

Youre disgusting. Youve still got that gold we paid you for Ryokas leguse some of it!

He hesitated, and rose to follow her as she walked towards the door.

Ah. About that. You wouldnt be able to give me a small loan, would you?

The door shut behind them. Ryoka and Val left soon afterwards. That left only Erin and Olesm in the inn. Erin kept tidying up, getting rid of stains, forgetting everything in the rhythm of work.

It wasnt easy. But it wasnt hard either. In truth, only the stains and bits of food particles that got into cracks in the floorboards and under chairs and so on irked Erin. Now, why couldnt she have gotten [Advanced Cleaning] or something instead? Although her two skills did sound useful. Erin wondered what kind of food shed be able to make tonight. Hm. What should she make tonight?

After a while, she heard an odd thumping sound coming from Olesm. She looked, and saw his tail as smacking the ground as Olesm stared at the table. There was a helpless look in the Drakes eyes.

Olesm? Whats wrong?

He turned to her. Olesm looked like he was about to cry as he pointed to the chess board. The white chess pieces were covering the board, while only a King and two pawns remained on his side.

IIm sorry. I cant do anything.

-

Ryoka inhaled the fresh, cold air as she stepped outside. Winter. Ah, winter. She wasnt a fan.

The cold and snow made it impossible for her to run barefoot, and so she hated the winter. That was all there was to it.

Technically, Ryoka could run barefoot in the snow. Some runners could even run through freezing water in the winter; shed seen Youtube videos. But it was a bad idea to do on a long run, and dangerous. Besides, her parents had freaked out when they learned Ryoka was doing it, so that was that.

Val appeared next to Ryoka and began doing the same sort of stretches she was doing. She glanced at him, and wondered if they were thinking of the same thing.

A morning run. It was the best time for it. Her body was stiff, and her head was still fuzzy and hurting from last night. No help for it but to run it all off. Daily morning runs were a part of Ryokas lifeif she wasnt going on a delivery today, she wanted to run for a while.

Are you going for a run? Want company?

Vals offer surprised Ryoka. She stared at him for a few seconds before replying.

Id just slow you down. Youre way faster than me.

It didnt even hurt to admit. There was such a huge difference between them it would hurt more to deny such an obvious fact. But Val didnt seem to think so. He scratched at his neck and looked at Ryoka.

That may be true, but why would that stop us running together? I dont have to use Skills. In fact, I prefer not to. [Double Step] and [Quick Movement] might be great for long distances, but they make me far too tired to do whenever I feel like it. So, that run?

Sure.

It was odd. Ryoka wasnt a social runner. On the track team in high school, shed been just as antisocial as anywhere else. In fact, she was even more ostracized there because she was the track teams best runner and she didnt get along with anybody. A pariah who showed up for events and track meets and nothing else.

That had been her parents fault as much as hers. Theyd forced the coach to let Ryoka train by herself, since she would anyways after the track team finished. A bad decision. One of many Ryoka hadnt protested or had made over the years.

She hoped running with Val was a good idea. She let him set the pace, and he led her here at a reasonably fast jog through the snow. Not too fast; she soon realized he wanted to talk as they ran, which was another unknown concept to her.

That was one wild night, wasnt it? Ive seen celebrations in cities that didnt reach that level. And the music! Dragons above, Ive never heard anything like it!

It was good, wasnt it?

Words didnt capture that night for Ryoka. It wasnt magical or anything life-changing, but it was special all the same. It wasslightly magical, okay. It was a good night. A rarity for her.

And that device Erin was usingwas that yours? It makes music?

Itplays back music.

Ryoka fished out the iPhone from her pocket and showed Val. It was off, and he peered at it curiously before picking up the pace.

I dont understand it, but Ive seen objects that record sight and sound. And smell. I assume its like that?

Its from where Erin and I come from. You can think of it as magic. Its close enough.

Perhaps it had been a mistake to give away that she had the iPhone, but that conversation with the others had illustrated just how borked the idea of keeping their world secret was. Besides, there was a benefit to giving some things away.

Let me know if you meet someone who has something like this, though, will you? Id be interested in meeting them.

I would too, especially if theyre anything like you and Erin!

Well, they might be. But I havent met anyone else.

Ryoka felt her legs warming up as they ran through the wet snow. The sun was warm on their skin, and she was feeling better by the second. Nothing beat a good run, and surprisingly, the conversation didnt hurt either.

Again, Ive got to thank you. That charm you hadI want to repay you somehow. It was extremely expensive.

Like I said, forget about it. Its one favor from a Runner to another.

Ryoka shifted uncomfortably. What Val had said sounded a lot like what shed heard Fals saying all the time.

Still. Its not a small thing. A thousand gold coins

This time Valceif made a face and slowed down so he and Ryoka were next to each other. He looked at her seriously.

Ryoka, were Runners. When one of us needs help, other Runners give what they can. If we need someone to help carry a delivery, we ask. Because we are alike, you and I. Today you needed help; tomorrow I might be the one in trouble, or someone else. Im just paying back favors I received in the past.

She considered that. Val looked around and sighed.

Look, Im not too happy about losing that charm either. But thats how life works. We lose and we win. The last Runner who helped me out took two arrows pulling me to safety after a [Bandit Lord] jumped me. Its the least I can do.

Ryoka nodded. Then she lowered her head.

Damn it. Im a fool.

What? Why?

Ryoka tried to explain as best she could. It sounded terrible and confused to her earsshe wasnt used to talking aboutanything with anyone. But Val seemed to get it. He slowed slightly as he thought.

Hm. I understand what that Fals guy was saying, but thats not exactly how I view it. Its a problem with small-time Guilds. Here

He changed directions as he jogged through the snow. Ryoka followed him, and noticed they had just avoided a suspiciously flat spot.

Shield Spider nest?

Other Runners warned me they like to hide in the ground during the winter. Good thing theyre the only dangerous monster that lays trapsat least, during this time of year. Id never come here in the Spring or Summer without preparing a wand or two.

Val shook his head.

Still better than Crelers. Dead gods, I cant stand those things. But where was I? Oh, right. Small Guilds like that are different than what Im saying. There its follow the rules or get out. But Couriers dont answer to our Guilds in the same way. We back each other up if were in danger, but no one bosses anyone else around. What that Fals guy and the guild wanted you to doId be on your side as well.

You would?

That surprised Ryoka, although perhaps it shouldnt have. Val clearly wasnt one of the Runners in a guild, and hed treated the other Runners like a different kind of people.

Were a community, not a cult. And its not like I go around tossing charms at everyone I meet. If that pinch-faced girl wanted help for instance, I would have let her get hexed all day long.

He gestured at Ryoka as they powered up a steep hill.

Youre different. That Fals guy, the girl I saved

Garia.

Right. Well, theyre only going to become Couriers if they get really lucky and learn a good skill. That doesnt seem likely to me. But youre faster than them without levels. And youve got the grit to run all night to get here.

You think so? But I dontI dont have any levels. I could never run like you do.

Ryoka admitted that with a lot of regret. Shed always assumed that levels were just a cheap trick, a way to cheat or play someone elses game. But of all the things in the world, seeing Val run like that had tempted her the most.

Ifif I decided to level up, maybe that would be better. Smarter. More sensible.

Shed expected Val to agree with her, but instead he seemed wary of the idea.

I personally dont think its worth it.

Why not?

Well, for one thing, and please take no offense, butyoull never reach my level if you start now. I know [Warriors] and other classes level up faster if they kill stronger enemies and so on, but [Runners] gain levels differently.

How so?

We level up based on how far weve run, and how challenging it is. True, you could do some horribly hard runs, but even then, I doubt youd hit Level 10 by the end of the year, and it would just get slower from there.  No, Id say youve got your own unique style without levels. You should continue as you are.

That was the first time Ryoka had heard that opinion. She glanced at Vals profile and his bent nose.

You think so? No one else Ive met shares your opinion.

Well, its a preference thing. And besides, you probably dont know this, but Skills arent the same even for people with the same class.

Ryoka had inferred something like that from comments from other Runners, but she hadnt ever heard it from the horses mouth so to speak. She let Val go on as they ran a slow circuit of the Floodplains of Liscor.

Skills arehow should I describe them? Theyre like a gamble, but a safe one. As you level up, youll definitely gain some good skills and some not so useful ones. But you can generally predict which ones youll get based on your class.

Ah. A pool of options?

Val lifted a thumb up and inclined his head at her.

Precisely. There are rare skills you can get like [Double Step], and not-so-rare ones. For instance, almost every [Warrior] is going to get [Thick Skin] if they go for close-range combat sooner or later. But they might get it at Level 5, or Level 50. Wellnot Level 50.

Why notwait, there are rare skills every 10 levels?

Good guess! Yeah, I got my [Double Step] skill at Level 30. And of course sometimes you can learn a rare skill, but that takes training and some luck. I suppose if you had a class you could learn something that allowed you to move faster but

Not worth it. Right. But how can I run faster without classes?

With magic, of course. Ive met people like you before. People without levels, I mean. Thats how they overcome the problem.

Ryoka slowed and her foot skidded over a patch of ice. She caught herself and ran after Val as he paused for her to catch up.

You have?

Yeah. I meet them now and then. People of all kinds choose not to level. Well, theyre not too common as you can imagine, but I do run across them now and then.

Are there any differences between them and others?

Attitude? The way they get treated? Nothing else.

That was disappointing, but maybeRyoka tried to keep the conversation going while she thought.

And you think I can become a Courier even without Skills? With magic?

Its possible. You just need the right equipmentthe right magic if youve got the talent. Not all Couriers are fast. Some run a bit slower than you, but cant be stopped. Theres a [Marksman] among us who rides a horse. She snipes anyone getting in her way from two hundred feet away.

Hm. So build up my rsum until Im famous enough, huh?

Your what? Oh, you mean take a lot of prestigious requests? Yeah. Get a name for yourself as a trusted Runner and itll happen. You just need to take requests no other Runner will do.

Well, Im on a good start.

Oh? How so?

Ryoka hesitated. But shed talked honestly with Val so far, and she wanted to be on a level. Besidesshe told him briefly about Teriarchs request, leaving out all of the really interesting details.

Val whistled.

Eight hundred gold pieces? Youre kidding. Thatsno wonder your guy was expecting a Courier.

Well, it was forty gold pieces and a potion until I started bargaining with him.

Hah!

Val had to think as they ran on. Ryoka had asked him whether he knew of the lands past the Blood Fields, omitting any mention of undead or the person she had to find, Azkerash.

The Blood Fields? And the southern lands, huh? Youve got a problem there, but Im not sure I can help you. Ive only been down that way once or twice.

Pity. Ill manage.

You shouldnt have to go in there uninformed, though. And while I might knowhold on, let me see if I can find the other Courier nearby.

What?

Val reached into a pouch at his belt. He pulled outa stone, of all things. It was vaguely like the one Teriarch had given Ryokaa normal smooth stone, although this one was inscribed with glowing symbols rather than an arrow.

They lit up as Val touched a finger to the rock. Ryoka heard nothing, but Val must have heard a voice, because he began talking to the air as they ran.

Ah, hello? Am I speaking to Hawk? This is Valceif of First Landing. Im in the area, and I was wondering if you had time to consult with me and another Runner. Were just outside the city, running. Would you like to? Thanks.

He tucked the stone back into his pocket and looked at Ryoka.

Ive called Hawk, a Courier who does runs around here. Hell be with us in a few seconds.

That was no exaggeration. Barely ten seconds after Val had spoken, Ryoka spotted something hurtling towards them out of the city gate. She barely caught sight of the Runner himself; the snow geysering up behind him was what caught Ryokas eye. He intercepted the two Runners within seconds, and the snow cascaded down around them as Hawk, Beastkin, giant talking rabbit, and Courier of Liscor appeared.

Valceif! Im surprised they sent you down here!

Hello, Hawk. Well, you know how it is. You were busy, and I was nearby and they needed a rush job so here I am.

The two Runners claspedhands. Ryoka stared at Hawks large paw, and at his furry face and athim.

She couldnt deal. No. Noshe was lost. He was a giant rabbit. This wasnt just seeing a Drake or a Gnoll, this was a talking rabbit with pants and a six-pack. Ryokas mind was dissolving at the edges.

And this is Ryoka Griffin, a City Runner. I was hoping you could help her. Ryoka, meet one of the fastest Couriers on the continent.

Hawk. Im the Courier around here. Please to meet you, Miss Ryoka.

Ryoka took the paw gingerly, and shook it. He hadfive fingers, but four toes on his feet. The fur felt smooth and warm in her hands and she met his brown eyes and tried to smile.

Val took over the conversation. He briefly explained Ryokas delivery, adding a few details she thought were unnecessary.

Shes a City Runner, but a step above the other ones. I was hoping you could give her some advice.

Hawk smiled at Ryoka and shrugged.

Well, I can keep you from running into too much trouble, but theres always some war or skirmish going on down there. Its risky for a City Runner or even an inexperienced Courier. You might want to reconsider going down there, Miss. How much are you getting paid? Is this request really worth it?

He wasnt precisely arrogant, but he seemed too relaxed to be taking the conversation seriously. After seeing how fast he ran, Ryoka couldnt blame him for thinking she was small-fry.

She steeled herself. Rabbit or not, he was still a person. Remember that. Erin made talking to other species look so easy. She grinned at Hawk, and decided to take him down a peg. Just a peg.

You could say that. My deliverys worth eight hundred gold pieces. Think its worth doing?

Hawk tripped, but caught himself before he face-planted in the snow.

Eight h

He eyed Val. The other human was grinning at him. Hawk smiled ruefully, and nodded at Ryoka in apology.

Well, Ive underestimated you, I can see. But my point stands about the danger, especially if youve got something that might attract attention. Want to give the request to me? Ill do the delivery and cut you in on a hundred gold pieces.

Ryoka shook her head. She wasnt about to trade the request, even if it would mean no risk to her. After what shed learned about Teriarch, she just had to fulfill his request, for more reasons than one. Val looked at the other Courier reprovingly.

Hawk.

The rabbit man raised his hands defensively.

Im just asking. Okay. I thought you werent being serious, but Im sorry Miss Ryoka. Right then. This is a serious delivery.

And shes doing it.

I just offered.

Thanks, but Im fine.

Ryoka gestured to her belt pouch, where the letter and ring were hidden.

Besides, what Im delivering is spelled to only be carried by me. Youd probably die if you tried to take it.

Thatsan important detail. Right. Well, advice Im happy to give. What do you need to know? Travel routes? Current battlefields?

All of the above and local monsters and so on. Ryokas never been down that way.

Hawk nodded. His ears twitched and he looked out at the pristine snow around them.

Mind if we run and talk?

Its fine with me. I know a good route around here with some nice flat spots. Want me to lead?

Sounds good.

Go ahead.

They set off. Like Val, Hawk adjusted his pace so Ryoka could comfortably keep up. It felt odd, being the slowest person in the group. Hawk began to talk as they ran together.

Now, do you know where youre going or do you have a moving target? If its something like one of the Walled Cities, youll be able to get there pretty easily. If not

Ive got a spell that points me in the right direction. I have no idea where Im going.

Val groaned.

I hate those.

Hawk nodded. The rabbit took long, easy strides that made Ryoka envy him. He didnt even seem bothered by the snow as he ran through it. Well, he had pads on his feetpaws.

Tricky. If youre going by spell, you could run right into a monster nest or one of the war zones down there. There are a few conflicts going on, and any Human running past is going to get shot at, Runner or not.

What? Soldiers dont attack Runners! If they know youre a Runner, they should leave you alone!

Val looked indignant, but Hawk only smiled at him.

If you can prove youre a Runner before they fill you with arrows, be my guest. Besides, they use spells that blast an entire area, so theres no guarantee you wont be caught up in one. My advice is just stay away, but if youve got to head into one of those zones

He began listing locations off, and Ryoka tried to memorize them. Val pulled out a map of the area and began marking spots for her. Another gift. She tried to refuse, but he told her it was only worth a gold coin or two. In response, she tossed two at him as they ran.

Just be careful. You can talk to soldiers if they arent trying to kill you and usually get past, so thats not the real problem.

What is?

Hawk leapt straight over a five foot high drift of snow and landed lightly. He turned and ran backwards while Val and Ryoka went around it.

Things to watch out for? Id start with the Gnolls. Keep away from them unless youre absolutely sure you know which tribe it is. Some are friendly towards Humans and other species, but others will try and eat you. Believe me, I know from experience.

He scowled, rubbing at his neck. Ryoka could just imagine the conflict that would ariseshe looked at Hawk and decided she would never be able to eat rabbit again. Not that she was particularly a fan in the first place.

There are several nasty Goblin tribes down that way. Dont underestimate them; theyre not like the normal ones around here. Umthere are lots of monsters, but theyre mostly hibernating or hiding in the winter. Watch out for Snow Golems, though. Theyre practically invisible in the snow. Oh, and Wyverns. The white ones come down from the mountains sometimes and they love the cold.

Ryoka knew what a Wyvern was, but she couldnt believe the other thing Hawk had said.

Snow Golems? Do you mean giant snowmen?

Snow things.

Right. Sorry.

Common mistake. I suppose youve seen what happens when some stupid brats make a snow Drake and forget to give it clothes? Imagine that, only ten times bigger and with icicles with claws and teeth. Plus, they can hurl snowballs filled with rocks.

Hawk shuddered.

I hate them so much. If you ever know youre getting close to a group of them, bring some kind of fire spell with you.

And Wyvernskeep an eye on the sky. If you see anything overhead, even if you think its an eagle, make sure youve got somewhere to hide where they cant reach you. They can dive incredibly fast, so be careful if its cloudy.

And youre not going to talk me out of this, despite the danger?

Ryoka looked at both Couriers, amused. This sounded almost as bad as the High Passes, but then shed just been told by everyone that it was suicidal to try to go there. Both Val and Hawk shook their heads. Val gestured at her as they began to circle back in the direction of the inn.

If youve taken the contract, youre bound to deliver it. And if youre the type to give up just because you might die, youll never become a Courier.

Ryoka grinned, and Hawk and Val returned it. It was odd, being in sync with other people.

Anything else?

The undead. Be very wary of them.

This time Hawk looked completely serious.

You werent here for the undead that attacked, were you?

I saw the aftermath.

Yeah, wellthey werent nearly as bad as the ones you can find around the Blood Fields. I mean, there was that big one, but individually, the worst undead out there were Crypt Lords.

Thats nasty enough. Theyre commander-types.

Yeah, but they were commanding zombies, skeletons, and ghouls. Not scary. But a lot of the undead you can find down there are leftovers from the Necromancer.

Oh.

Ryoka looked between human man and rabbit man.

The Necromancer? You mean the one who raised the undead army? What kind of undead are we talking about here?

Hawk shuddered.

Horrible ones. Smart ones. He enslaved wraiths and ghosts and built new types of undead. Lookjust before you go, buy some emergency gear. Something to get you away quick if you run into a group of them.

Ryoka felt at the potion at her belt, and remembered the ones shed gotten from Octavia.

Ive got some stuff.  And four healing potions and three stamina potions. Enough?

Should be.

As long as you dont stray too far from the roads. Healing potions are only useful if youre alive to use them. Best trick is not to get hurt.

Agreed. Just dont get hurt.

And dont give up! Delivery or die!

Ryoka had to laugh. Both Couriers were like her. It was amazing! She took a breath and quoted from memory.

Neither rain nor snow, nor gloom of night shall stay these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds, huh?

Both Val and Hawk looked at Ryoka in astonishment.

Thats quite good! Where did you hear that?

Oh, its a quote from my home about Couriers.

Neither rain nor snowyeah, I like it!

Hawk nodded his head and Val did as well.

We might just have to use that line! Thanks, Miss Ryoka.

Call me Ryoka.

Miss seemed to be this worlds way of being polite, almost like Japanese honorifics. She bowed her head at the other two Couriers as they slowed on their approach to the inn.

Thank you, both of you. I owe you a lot. Ill repay the favor someday.

Bah. It was nothing.

Hawk waved a paw dismissively. And then he grinned at Val and Ryoka.

Talk is cheap, but meeting other good Runners? Its great to meet other people who can run! You wouldnt believe how slow the ones around here are. And hey, maybe we can go back to that inn for some more hamburgers afterwards, hey?

Val and Ryoka paused. Ryoka remembered how many shed eaten yesterday, for both lunch and dinner. Val was clearly thinking the same thing.

No.

Not for at least a month.

Both Val and Ryoka said it at the same time. Hawk looked slightly hurt.

Why not? You were both at the inn last night, werent you? The one with the music? It was great! I must have eaten eight of the things, and then I got some tail, if you know what I mean.

He grinned at Val and made a wiggling motion with his paw.

Drakes. So slippery, you know?

Val and Ryoka exchanged a look. Val looked at Hawk.

Tail? You dont mean

Ryokas mind literally shut down at the idea of Hawk eating eight hamburgers and then finding a female Drake and

Neither human spoke, but they both accelerated at the same time. Hawk had to increase his stride to keep up. He glared at them as he kept pace.

Oh come on! Do you think Id be into fleshy people like you? Id rather kiss a Minotaur first. At least they have something covering them! Furballs, you humans are so touchy.

-

Olesm was not a Drake given to arrogance, but he still had his pride. It had been badly crushed, beaten, and stomped by a certain human and the undead, but it was still pride nevertheless.

Hed leveled up, risked his life, and tried to learn to play his favorite game as best he could. Hed learned from the greatest chess player in the worldErin, and he thought hed made something of himself.

But now he knew the truth. The cold waters of reality were lapping around his head, and Olesm was too downtrodden to even bother trying to swim.

He felt Erin come over, and wished, wished, he was the kind of person who could capture her heart. But he was a [Tactician] not a good one, not nearly as good as one in Liscors army but he had a special skill. He could read people, and she wasnt interested in him.

At all. Oh, she liked him, but Olesm knew it wouldnt be more than that. And of course, hed found someone

It was just that she was like a beacon to him, a font of knowledge and unexplained mystery that stirred his soul. And he had let her down. He could barely look at Erin. Shame made Olesms tail droop.

Ilost. Three games in a row. I couldnt even put up a fight.

Erin stared curiously at the chessboard as Olesm cringed. He couldnt even bear to see how badly hed been demolished. It hadnt even been a battle, really. Just the other player pushing Olesms head down into the waters and holding him there while he drowned.

Huh. That other guys good. Or girl. Probably a guy, though.

You can tell what gender he is just by looking at the board?

Olesms tail drooped ever further. Erin was so far above him

No! I just meanwell, all the Grandmasters back home were mostly guys. Girls didnt play chess as much so I meanthm.

She stared at the board, and then started resetting the pieces. Olesm stared glumly at the board.

I think I made him mad. Ordisappointed him. Im so sorry.

After the first game, the other player had reset the board quickly. But this time he or she let Erin put all the pieces back. Yes, Olesm could feel the disapproval radiating off the pieces. It scourged him, and he couldnt deny it. If he had found out that the player whod come up with that marvelous puzzle was just someone on Olesms level.

Olesm lowered his head to the table. He would apologize, leave the inn, go to the city, and not bother Erin again until he was ten levels higher. He would

A hand brushed the spines on Olesms head and he jerked. Erin patted him gently on the head as she took a seat at the table.

Theres no reason to be mad for playing someone worse than you are. Everyone has to learn. If this guys mad, Ill teach him a lesson for you.

Erin flipped the board around, and moved a white pawn. Olesm hesitated, but his pulse suddenly began to speed up.

Hes quite good.

I know. I could see. SoI guess Ill take this seriously.

Ill justIll give you some

Olesm backed up until he was a tables length away from Erin. He waited, with bated breath as she stared at the board. Then, almost reluctantly, he saw a knight move to F6. His spirits sank again.

This waswhat had Erin called it? Oh, yes. Alekhines Defence. It was an aggressive opening to counter with, and it hinted that the other player had grown tired of playing Olesm. At first hed played very cautiously, but now

Erin smiled. She moved another piece forwardsa knight to C3. Almost instantly, the other player countered, moving his knight again, but Erin didnt stop. She started playing pieces rapidly, as soon as the other player moved his.

Olesm could feel the shock running through the board. The other player had probably just realized someone else was playingOlesm hadnt moved his pieces so quickly, and certainly not with such skill.

For five whole minutes, the game paused, and Olesm could feel the other side recalculating. When the game resumed, it was slower, and the other player took his time thinking his moves over.

Oh.

It was a soft sound, in the gentle silence of the inn. It came from Erin as the game was more than halfway done. Shed made a mistake, and the other player had taken her queen. Olesm stared at the board in shock, and then at Erin. She was surprised, but she just looked at the board and started recalculating her position. He heard her murmur as she tapped her chin.

Hes quite good. Yeah.

And then

She grinned. It was an expression like many of the bright smiles Olesm had seen and felt before, but this one was different. It made his scales tingle.

Because there was a light in Erins eyes he hadnt seen before. And as she moved the next piece, punishing the bishop that had stolen her queen, he thought she looked

Hungry. Yes, that was it.

Whatever else you might say of Erin, her skill at chess was indisputable. In this world, chess had lived in the minds of a few players for less than three years. But Erin had grown up playing chess as a child. She had breathed and lived the game, playing more matches in a year than Olesm had in his life.

Erin had grown up studying over 1,500 years of chess. Shed learned from Grandmasters and countless games she could look back on. Chess strategy had evolved much since the origin of the game, and Erin had learned to play at such a level that even among the 600 million players in the world, she still stood close to the top.

To Olesm, she was a god of chess that had come to this world. He had never beaten Erin; never even come close. But it is lonely, standing alone at the top. Only once hed seen Erin challengedonly once had he ever seen her lose.

Shed played a hundred Workers at once and then taught them an Immortal Game. And then she had played one of her own. Olesm still remembered that game.

It must have been so lonely, afterwards. To play against players who couldnt even make her take the game seriously. But now. But now

Erin played silently, sitting with her back straight against the chair, posture perfect. She didnt look around, didnt chatter happily as she played. For once, she was concentrating completely on the game. And as the game drew close to its ending, her responses got faster, her concentration even deeper.

At the end, Erin took the black King, and Olesm remembered to breathe again. Erin sat back in her chair and laughed in delight. And that sound was pure and made him realize that she was happy.

Happy to have won. But happier to have played.

Come on. Another game?

Erin started resetting the board, but she tapped one of the ghostly pawns on the chess board once. And Olesm saw the black pawn move up and gently tap the board as well.

They understood each other. They were two players separated by hundreds, possibly thousands of miles, but they understood each other. They were here to play. So they did.

Another game. And another. Erin won both. Olesm watched as the fourth game began, and realized the truth.

Yes. Whoever was on the other side of the chess board was not Erins equal. But they were close. So close. And in each game, they sent a message to Erin, one written in every closely-contested exchange, every lost pawn and checkmate.

You are not alone.

Olesm wiped tears from his eyes. His heart ached, and he knew it would be silly to anyone watching. But there was a beauty in this that only someone who loved the game could see.

It took so much to look away, but he had to. Olesm walked into the kitchen and found what he was looking for. Hed found a bunch of parchment Erin had bought when he was helping out. It was still there, in a cupboard with an ink pot and quill.

Olesm returned to the living room and stared at the game. It was going slowly, and he looked at Erins face just for a second. She was closing her eyes, smiling gently, and his heart hurt for a moment.

He slowly picked up the quill and dipped it into the ink. Olesm began to write, noting down each move in the shorthand notation Erin had taught him.

And Erin smiled, and the chess pieces moved. They danced on the board and the Drake listened to history being made.

-

Far away, and in a large tent on the middle of a hot and humid day, Niers Astoragon, second in command of one of the Four Great Companies of Baleros, and highest-leveled [Strategist] on the continent, gently pushed over the king and stared at the chess board.

He ignored the sounds of battle around him. His soldiers would emerge triumphant, and his lieutenants had the battle well in hand. Interfering with them would only impede their growth.

No, instead, he stared at the shimmering board and the magical pieces arranged on it. He had lost. For the fourth time. It had been closeever so close! But he had lost. For the fourth time.

Niers did not rage. He was not, in fact, angry. Instead, he smiled, in much the same way Erin had. He put one hand on his chin and stroked it, feeling stubble rasp under his fingers. He had forgotten to shave, or sleep for that matter. He had been waiting to play the puzzle-maker and after an initial disappointment, his patience had been rewarded tenfold.

For a second, Niers debated hunting for his razor. He would have borrowed one of his lieutenants blades, but he hated how they fussed over him. A dagger as large as he was was still a dagger, and he was more than strong enough to lift it. It was just awkward, that was all.

Appearance trumped desire. Niers was a Level 63 [Strategist], and on his shoulders the fate of his company rested. He could not let his soldiers down. Butperhaps after he had played another game?

Niers reached down for a chess piece, and then he paused. A sound was coming from outsidea dissonance in the sounds of battle. Niers listened, and sighed. Some fool had just deployed the other armys elite vanguard against his soldiers, turning this skirmish into a far bloodier battle.

His soldiers would need his help. Niers raised a hand and said two words.

[Assault Formation].

The air on the battlefield changed. Satisfied, Niers turned back to the board, ignoring the roar that came from his soldiers as the tide shifted once more.

He looked back at the board. He had sent it on a whim, judging the cost worth the possibility of a decent game. But now a bigger question loomed in his mind, one hed wished he had asked sooner.

Who are you?

The chess pieces didnt answer out loud. But as Niers saw the white side reset itself, he knew he would find part of the answer in the game. He sat down, concentrated harder than he had for what seemed like years

And began to play.