The Wandering Inn

Book 3: Chapter 4

When I came down with Ivolethe on my shoulder Erin freaked out.

Oh my god! A faerie!

She doesnt do subtle. As every eye turns to me I glance at Ivolethe. The small fairy is just sitting on my shoulder, looking around with keen interest.

Shes not even that cold; shes definitely part ice, but shes not giving me frostbite, which  I think is a definite improvement. To be honest, its like having a miniature air conditioner on my shoulder. Not ideal in the winter, but Id pay anything for one on a hot summer day.

Howd she get in? Dont cause an avalanche again! Please? Its not even my inn!

I have to smile as Erin tries to shield herself with a serving tray as a shield. She really, really cant do subtle. I wait for someone to ask what Erins looking at

Until I realize theyre still staring. Everyone. Agnes, the guests, the two barmaidseveryone. And theyre looking directly at Ivolethe.

Slowly, I look at the faerie on my shoulder. She looks like normal, but

Hey Ivolethe. Can the otherssee you?

The faerie shrugs as she looks around the room.

Perhaps. There is much iron here. Too much for a glamour.

She looks at some of the gaping faces.

Yes. I think they can, or they would not gape like buffoons.

It talks!

Agnes exclaims in tones of ringing horror. Yep. They can hear Ivolethe, too. I stare at Erin. She stares at me.

Wait, where are the rest of them, Ryoka?

I look around the room. Everyones still staring. This is amazingly awkward.

Ill uhexplain in a bit. Can we get a seat, Erin? Agnes?

That breaks the spell. In a few seconds Im seated in the center of the room, while everyone tries to cluster around me asking questions. I hate it. I try to relocate to a corner of the room, but Erin wont hear of it and Agnes is beaming. She probably smells another attraction for the inn.

Ivolethe looks unconcerned as well. She stares up at the Humans around us, older men and women mostly, mostly married couples or travelers, and sniffs. Ill say this for her and the other faeries; theyve all got the air of little queens, with the arrogance to match.

Well? What are ye staring at?

No one moves. Even Erins staring with fascination at Ivolethe as she sits on my shoulder. I clear my throat.

Shes right. This is private, so if youd all leave now?

Yes, begone or I will curse ye with faerie magic!

No one moves. Ivolethe scowls. For my part, Im at a loss. Normally mycharming disposition helps scare away even the friendliest busybody, but these people are too fascinated by her. One of them, a burly man with massive forearms, speaks.

Is this really a Winter Sprite? Truly?

Yup! Doesnt she look cool? I guess faeries cant disguise themselves when theyre indoors, huh?

More confusion and looks among the other onlookers.

Faeries? What are faeries?

I open my mouth at the same time Erin does, but both of us pause. This world doesnt know about the fae? Even though there are actual faeries that visit regularly? Ivolethe sits up with indignation on my shoulder.

Whelp! Ignorant fool! I am a member of the Winter Court! I demand respect!

The man just looks at her curiously. I sensetrouble.

Theyre the creatures that bring winter each year?

And throw snow at us from the sky?

And torment the animals?

Some of the other onlookers look closer at Ivolethe. To her credit, she shows not a whit of fear. Can faeries even feel fear? When have I ever seen them even acting afraid? Oh yeah. When they were facing down a fire-breathing Dragon. Shit.

I dont think annoying her is a good idea.

Erin looks scared. She told me the faeries once threw an avalanche into her old inn when Pisces bothered them. Idont want to see that here.

But Ivolethe appears remarkably restrained despite her clear ire. Why? My analytical side takes less than a second to give my unhappy brain a response.

Normally, any of the faeries would have thrown snow or frozen the people around us if they were this mad. But Ivolethe hasnt done that because she cant. Cold iron saps a faeries strength and makes them mortal. She cant use her magic here.

What she can use is her mouth. So she does.

Leave me you fool, or I will make you suffer! A faeries oath on it!

Thats bad too! I open my mouth, but the big guy isnt impressed any longer.

You cant do anything. Youre just like one of them Fraerlings in Baleros. Tiny.

He cautiously pokes her where her breasts would be if she had nipples. I open my mouth and shove my chair back, but Ivolethe moves first. Her tiny mouth opens and bites.

The scream is immediate and loud. Ivolethe might be tiny, but shes still big enough to take a chunk out of the mans finger. Not just a chunk; she bites so far down that I see bone as he yanks his hand away. Her teeth cut through his flesh like nothing.

The man screams again as he holds up his bloody finger. Everyone, including me, stares in horror at Ivolethe. The faerie looks supremely unconcerned as she turns her head and reveals bulging cheeks. She chews, swallows, and grins at us with bloody teeth. Then she waves at Agnes, whose smile has frozen on her face.

Innkeep! Your finest meat and drink! I am a guest here, am I not? I want service!

The onlookers desert our table in seconds. The big man might have come back for vengeance, but Agnes drags him away with promises of a healing potion. Erin and I stare at Ivolethe as she hops off my shoulder and onto the table. After a while Erin looks at me.

SoRyoka. Introduce me to your friend.

I nod. Ivolethe triumphantly leaps up as one of the barmaids comes hurrying back with some stew. Erin must have made it ahead of time, because it smells delicious. The faerie leaps into the bowl as if it were a hot tub and immediately begins chomping down on her immediate surroundings. I carefully move the bowl into the center of the table and clear my throat.

This isIvolethe, Erin. Shes one of the Frost Faeries thats been following me around since I met them. And she is my friend.

Right. Thats what I said.

No, I mean, shes my friend. I am friends with a faerie.

Did I say that with too much reverence? Maybe. But the words that I speak aloud are magical in their own way. A faerie. I really have one of the fae sitting in front of me, chomping down on a slice of potato the size of her head in a bowl full of soup. My friend.

Oh my gosh.

Erin finally gets it. She puts her hands on her cheeks in delight.

You made a friend! Ryoka made a friend! Im really pleased to meet you, Ivolethe! Any friend of Ryokas is a friend of mine. Im sure well get along great

No.

Excuse me?

Ivolethe doesnt even look straight at Erin. She takes another bite of the potato and squishes it into a ball with both hands. Then dunks the potato into the gravy and scarfs the rest of it down. Her eating is both disgusting and fascinating to watch.

I will not be your friend, Human. I have made one friend, and she is the reason I entered this place of iron and sacks of flesh. I do not need another, and if I did, it would certainly not be ye.

Erins face falls. I dont quite look at her, and Im not quite smiling behind my hand. Looks like shes met someone she cant instantly charm. Hah!

What? But you guys like me, right?

Why should I or any of my kin like a thoughtless waste of space like ye?

II made that big feast for you all! You loved it! And you paid me in gold, which turned out to be fake flowersbut you said it was a great meal! You did!

I cough.

I dont think Ivolethe was there, Erin. Not all the faeries stayed around your inn. Some were with me the entire time.

Oh. But I did make food! Magical food! I even got a Skill from it!

Ivolethe looks slightly impressed. She stops eating to study Erin from head to toe, at any rate.

Truly? A faeries banquet? I was not there, but my kin spoke of it. My answer remains no.

I interrupt Erin before she can try again. Im not sure how Ivolethe would react if Erin pushed the matterand I dont want her losing a digit.

Im sure Erin respects your decisions, Ivolethe. But shes my friend as well. My best Human friend. I uh, was just wondering if we could talk. Unless youre busy?

Erin gives me a betrayed glance, but Ivolethe just shakes her head. She sinks deeper into the bowl of soup; I notice the steam has already stopped rising, and it looks like the gravy is starting to congeal thanks to Ivolethes freezing presence.

If I had aught to do, I would be doing it. And we are already talking, fool.

Yikes. Ivolethe may call herself my friend, but shes clearly going to be the kind of friend who uses words as barbs no matter how close we are. I always wondered what having a friend like that would be like.

I wondered what having a true friend would be like, too. Maybe thats why I cant stop smiling. Erins looking at both me and the faerie oddly.

You look so creepy right now, Ryoka.

Shut up, Erin. Ivolethe? Why can everyone see you indoors? Is it because of the iron?

Ivolethe sits up a bit in her bowl as two more come for Erin and me, complete with soft, warm sliced bread. She stares around at the other tables, and the other guests instantly look down at their food.

Hmf. It is the iron. Too much of it interferes with our magic. Outside it would not matter, but indoors is like a cage in a way. I cannot use my spells. But I can bite.

She grins at me again with those sharp teeth. Erin shudders.

Interesting. But Erin and I can see you no matter if were outside or not. Why is that?

A tiny shrug.

I do not know. If ye had the eyes of a cat or godor ye were great masters of magic like Myrddin, it would make sense. But ye arent.

Erin looks confused.

Whos Myrddin?

Merlin, Erin.

Oh. Oh. Merlin! Hes real! Whats he like? Does he have a cool staff? What kind of magic did he

I cut Erin off, although I really want to know as well. The thing about faeries is that you have to stick to one subject and keep bothering them about it. Get sidetracked and theyll lead you down a merry trail of breadcrumbs, but never get to the truth.

We dont have that kind of magic, Ivolethe. So how else would we see you? Are there any ways mortals can see faeries?

She shrugs again.

Plenty. If you stood in the right place under full moon, or caught us dancing without glamorif you had the secret drink of the fae, you would be able to see us, but I would know if ye were taught thusly.

Drink? Of the fae?

Erin looks confusedagainso I explain it to her. How does she not know any myths about faeries?

The faeries drink would be given to people trusted enough to enter a faerie mound. They would be able to see the secret world with it. Could it be that?

A rude snort.

Hardly. Ye cannot simply make the faeries drink by chance. Ye would need the essence of countless gases and things not known to ye humans. Poisons and humors of foul natures beyond your ken.

Such as?

Ivolethe sighs dramatically. But theres a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Ye truly want to know? Then, grab as many insects as ye can, Humans! Crunch them up in your mouth, for one of the ingredients is the shell of bugs that may be used to create blood out of water.

Ew! You have to eat that?

Ivolethe nods in satisfaction as Erin wrinkles her nose. But I pause. Blood out of water? That sounds like part of a riddle; probably the rhyme to the faeries drink theyd tell people. Blood out of water. A dye?

When you say insects that can be used to create blood out of waterdo you mean carmine? In that case, Erin and I have eaten lots of that already.

What? We have?

Erin turns horrified eyes to me. Ivolethe looks up sharply as well. I nod.

Carmine is a big ingredient in anything colored red, Erin. Skittles, lemonadeif youve had anything like that in the past, youve eaten ground up insect shells.

Just a little bit, in truth. But Erin turns pale and Ivolethe looks

Well, there are many other things that go into the brew. Not justthat.

Maybe weve eaten all the ingredients before.

Really? Like bugs?

We eat countless bugs each year, Erin. Theyre all ground up in our food. And companies use a lot of preservatives

I think out loud as Erin makes gagging sounds over her meat.

The U.S. government started putting fluoride in the water decades ago. And we breathe in any number of pollutants that we didnt in the past. Add that to whatever they put in most foods in the form of preservatives and to change the tasteIvolethe, what else goes into your brew?

As if Id tell you! The brew is secret to all mortals! And yed never guess in a million years!

Really? Let me just list off a few things and you let me know if Im getting close. Sodium nitrate? Propylene glycol? Uhwhats it calledolestra? Monosodium glutamate? Sodium benzoate?

She glares at me.

I do not know half of these names! You must be making them up!

Really? Well, sodium benzoate originally came from benzoin, a resin found on trees. Its an ingredient in incense

I see Ivolethes eyes widen. Just for a fraction of a second, and then her head spins away.

I-I dont know anything about such things. This talk bores me!

Erin and I exchange a glance. But Ivolethes mouth is clamped shut. Erin leans over to me, looking slightly green.

Do you think its true?

What, that we ate all of the ingredients of the faerie brew? It might be possible. We eat a lot of weird stuff, Erin.

Not that! Do we really eat bugs?

I sigh.

Yes. We do, Erin. You know about all the stuff food companies put in candy and fast food. Why are you surprised?

I thought they were just chemicals and poisonous stuff! If I knew bugs were in Skittles, Id never eat any again!

Thats notwhy would you be okay with? Okay, never mind Erin. Ivolethe?

You shall get nothing from me! I will not reveal my kinds secrets so easily!

The faerie sinks up to her ears in the cold soup. I raise my hands.

Im not going to ask you any more questions. I was just curious. Why dont we talk about something else.

Yes! Lets!

Erin grabs her milk and drinks deeply from it. With a little coaxing, I get Ivolethe to come out of her stew. She dries herself off on a slice of bread, and then she sits on the table with Erin and me. And we talk.

So, what did you do after I left you, Erin?

Oh, I just made some stuff at Octavias. You know, more experimental stuff.

Huh. Wheres Octavia now? Ive never seen her eatdoes she do it at her home or should we invite her here now and then?

I think that would be the polite thing to do, but Erin shakes her head.

I dont know, but Octavia wont want to eat today. Shes in bed with bad food poisoning.

I pause.

How bad?

Bad.

And how did she get so sick, Erin?

The other girl doesnt quite meet my gaze.

I uh, fed her something that didnt come out as well as Id hoped.

I see.

I would like to try it!

Oh no, its impossible. I threw it outit was starting to stain the pot. It was just another failure.

Erin sighs. I eye her.

Youve been going over to Octavias every day. Still trying to make new recipes?

Yup! I dont want to go back to Liscor until I figure out how to make more cool stuff.

What about your inn?

What about it? Mrshas safe with Selys, and I dont know where Toren is. My inn can stay where it is, right?

But Lyonettes in it.

Oh. Yeah.

Erin smacks her forehead lightly. I shake my head. Erin hesitates.

Shell probably be okay. I really want to stay here for a little while longer, though, Ryoka. I can experiment with Octavia all day, and I can help Agnes out at night!

And youre not bored? Youre okay with that?

Erin looks at me blankly.

Yeah. Why not?

Ivolethe and I shrug at the same time.

Doesnt matter to me.

Tis your choice to die of boredom.

Erin scowls at us, but then she smiles widely at Ivolethe again.

SooooIvolethe! You must have lived a long time, right?

The faerie eyes Erin suspiciously.

That is obvious.

And you met all kinds of cool peoplelike Merlin and King Arthur, right?

Perhaps. What of it, mortal?

Erin throws up her hands.

Tell me stories! Tell us all about Merlin, and the knights of the round table.

Ivolethe considers this, one tiny hand on her chin.

No.

Why not?

I do not want to.

Please?

Erin

No. Such tales are too grand for the likes of you.

But

I put a hand on Erins shoulder.

You heard her, Erin. Ivolethe doesnt want to tell, so you should respect her wishes. Besides, she probably didnt see any of the good parts.

What?

Ivolethe sits up in outrage. She leaps upwards and flies towards my face.

Ye think I did not witness the legends in person?

Well, you dont want to say. So I just assumed

Fool! I was there when the boy became a king! I witnessed the instant the true king fell, and I have seen countless miracles besides! I saw the three kings die to each of Lugaids spears! How dare ye!

Im just saying, you talk big, but if youd care to share a story that you remember

Hah! I will recount to you a legend beyond all else!

Ivolethe flies into the air and raises her voice.

Behold! I will tell you for the one true king of Camelot! His sword still sits in Avalon, waiting for his hand to draw the ancient blade! Listen well mortals!

All heads turn as the small faerie begins to declaim. She has an amazingly loud voice, and the story

Im going to get to hear King Arthurs story. I feel like a kid again. This is amazing.. Erin gives me a delighted look, and I wink at her. What can I say?

I do know a bit about faeries. Or at least, this one in particular.

-

The next day dawns bright and early. Or so I suppose. For once, Im sleeping in.

So is Erin. And the rest of the guests in the inn for that matter. In fact, some are still snoring as I walk downstairs and find them lying on the tables or ground.

As it turned out, Ivolethe did know the stories of King Arthur, the entire story. The true story. And she told it to us last night, with many dramatic flourishes and a whole host of embellishments its true, but it was true. Every word of it. Faeries dont lie, and to look at Ivolethe as she was speaking was to believe.

It was true. And if I were an author I would have tried to capture every word she spoke on paper. Or maybe that would have been an impossible task, because her story was one of the greats.

In the end, we just all fell asleep listening to the tragic end of the tale of the King of Knights. His kingdom in ruins, his knights dying on the field, and only the hope of his eventual return to keep spirits strong in the dark times to come. Thus, the King of Camelot closes his eyes and breathes his final breath.

And here I thought I was being smart by ripping off the poets of my age. No wonder faeries looked down on us mortals for not creating stories that can match that level. If youve got forever to live, your standards for good storytelling rise accordingly.

Of course, that was last night. In the light of the day, all I want is for a hot meal before I go running. But with Erin so tired, that might be asking too much.

She has [Advanced Cooking] as a skill, but apparently you need to be at least moderately conscious to make it work. Or else not even that skill can fix dumping a bag full of flour onto an iron griddle. At least I got the pan off the fire before the flour combusted.

Mandatory near-death experience for the day completed, I finally make myself eggs and let Erin snore in the kitchen. I open the door

And find Ivolethe waiting outside. The faerie grins at me, hovering in the crisp winter air. Honestly, I hadnt even realized shed left when I dragged myself into my room upstairs.

Ivolethe. How are you doing?

Well, mortal!

She flies immediately to my shoulder and lands on it. Then she fidgets, and flies up to my head. I stare up at her dangling legs and sigh. But I make no comment.

As I begin to walk down the street a tiny frozen leg kicks me on the temple.

So, what are ye doing today? More staring at books and cursing? Or will ye run about like a snail once again?

If youre bored, you can leave. You dont have to follow me all the time.

Bah. I might miss something interesting. Besides, there is much to do that will amuse me in the meantime.

I shrug, but feel a bit better. I try not to smile so openly; it doesnt feel natural.

Suit yourself.

Its a short jog to the Runners Guild, but I pause at the door. Ivolethe senses my intentions and tenses, but she makes no move to get off my head.

Im going inside. Do you want to wait somewhere else?

I will stay right here.

The iron wont bother you?

Not overmuch. It is simply a shackle indoors, not a needle in the skin. Even if it feels so.

Huh. I wonder how uncomfortable it is? Are faeries allergic to the metal, or is it like kryptonite?

If you dont want to go inside, thats fine with me.

I shall stay.

No, I really dont think you should go inside.

After her last interaction with people other than Erin and me, I really have a bad feeling about letting Ivolethe inside a building. But she bends down to glare at me.

I insist! I do not fear the iron!

I sigh. For a being that calls herself my friend, Ivolethe doesnt seem capable of yielding on any point. Or maybe she considers her stubbornness part of friendship.

Just dont cause trouble, okay? Andcan I persuade you to hide in my belt pouch?

The faerie is silent on my head for a few seconds.

Mayhap. Is there food in the pouch?

Let me get some.

That was how I found myself stuffing fried meat and sticky-sweet jam buns into a belt pouch, much to Ivolethes muffled delight as I walked into the Runners Guild. I close the pouch; Ivolethe assured me she wouldnt suffocate inside if I did, and Im honestly not sure if faeries breathe.

Ive got a Frost Faerie in my belt pouch. Well, theres that. I walk into the Runners Guild and stop when I see a familiar face.

Garia!

The broad-shouldered girl turns and gives me a big smile. But then her expression changes to one of dismay.

Ryoka? I didnt know you were heretoday.

I walk forwards, frowning. Garia seems nervous. And then I look over her shoulder and see a crowd of people, Street and City Runners alike, clustered around one person. She has a familiar face. Sallow, I would call it, although pinched is the more accurate word.

Persua.

Shes standing in the center of the room, surrounded by a huge number of peopleeveryone in the Guild, in fact. Even the [Receptionists] have come out from behind their counters, and an older man is standing by Persuas side. I thinkhes the Guildmaster. I dont know. He normally never comes out of his small office.

Persua is basking in all the attention, talking loudly in her shrill voice and laughing often. When she laughs, the others laugh with her. Its like how she normally interacts with her posse, but now everyones doing it. Shes so engrossed she hasnt noticed me yet, and from the way Garia drags me to one side of the room, maybe thats a good thing.

Whats going on?

I whisper to Garia as I look back at Persua. She doesnt look that differentnew clothes and running gear maybe, but shes just the same unpleasant person who once had my leg crushed by a wagon. My fists itch to break a few of the bones in her face.

I dont see Fals. Hes normally in the same room as Persua, mainly because she tends to follow him about wherever possible. Hes not here today, though, and his absence is somehow conspicuous.

Ryoka, why are you here? Didnt you hear what was happening today?

No, I did not.

I frown at Garia as I take a seat at a far table from the group. No one tells me anything. Mainly because I dont listen if its an invitation to hang out or hear the latest gossip. But thisI probably should have paid attention to.

Whats going on, Garia?

Its Persua. Todays her going-away party. Shes going to move to Invrisil, orsome other city up north. She might come back this way, but shes not going to be around here so everyones having a party for her!

Persua? Going north? Best news Ive heard all day, and Im barely awake still. I smile at Garia with genuine pleasure.

Whats wrong with that? If shes going, Ill congratulate her as well and help her on the way out.

Garia doesnt grin at my response. She doesnt like violence anyways, but she looks worried. Theres an odd emotion in her voice I cant quite place. She lowers her voice even more.

Ryokashes going to be a Courier.

What?

I cant believe my ears. Persua? A Courier? Shes not nearly fast enough to be one. I should knowI saw Valceif and Hawk running, and theyre like lightning compared to me. Persuas barely quick enough to be a City Runner, and shes lazy to boot.

But Garias eyes are deadly serious as she nods. And I remember that moment where I swore she passed me on the road earlier

No. It couldnt be. Could it?

How?

She leveled up and got a Skill, Ryoka! A rare oneshes not even Level 20, I know that for a fact, but she learned a powerful movement Skill. Everyone heard about it! Ever since then, shes been completing deliveries so fast none of us can keep up.

A Skill. Of course. I feel a bit sick. Persuas got terrible form, bad endurance, and shes got no incentive to train or push herself. But give her a Skill and suddenly she can outrun anyone.

Was it just luck? Orhow do you get Skills?

Garia looks miserable as she shrugs. No, not just miserable. Jealous. Thats the emotion Im seeing in her.

Normally the good ones come up every ten levels. But you hear storiessome of it is chance, and Persua got lucky. Really lucky.

Okay, what skill did she get?

[Double Step]. Its one of the core skills most Couriers have. That and [Quick Movement]those were the ones Valceif had, remember? If you get those, people say youre already two thirds of the way to becoming a Courier!

Fuck. I remember Valceif running as if he was taking two strides for every one of mine. Garias right; get even one of those skills and theres no Human from my world that could touch you. That iscompletely unfair.

Whys she going north, then? It sounds like she could stay here and make a comfy living.

Well, Couriers make way more money and have more respect up north. And, Perusa has been doing just that! Shes completed almost half of the requests in the guild by herself. Theyll have to make her a Courier soon, or well all be out of work!

I drum my fingers on the table, good mood completely forgotten. Persua the Courier. I wanted to be one, but I cant run fast enough. Valceif told me that I might be one if I proved myself, but Persua? Before me?

Its really, really pissing me off. Butand I have to think of the plus side here, at least she wont be bothering me again. And if shes taking high-level requests, maybe someone will put a hit out on her and shell end up dead. I can only dream.

But for now, I think Ill get out of the way before I have to deal with Persua again. Im about to ask Garia if she wants to join me at Erins new inn so I can drink the bad taste from my mouth when Garia makes frantic gestures. I dont even have to guess to know that Persua is coming my way; it just makes sense. When I step in crap while running, oftentimes theres a second pile waiting for my other foot*.

*Translation: When it rains it pours. Plus, Persuas a spiteful little monster, so shell take any opportunity to try and piss me off.

Why Ryoka, I didnt see you there! Come to congratulate me on my special day, have you?

Garia freezes, and goes pale. I stare at her, considering my next move. I dont turn around. I dont change my expression.

Hello, Persua.

Good morning to you too, Ryoka! How are you today? You were gone for so long in Liscor, I thought you were dead. But you arent. Did you get a lot of deliveries done while you were away? Or did you just like sleeping with non-Humans that much?

Is that an insult? I shrug. Im not giving Persua anything, even if shes not apparently the best Runner around.

I had fun.

I still refuse to look her way. Persuas shrill voice goes up an octave as she grows frustrated. She walks around me and I catch a glimpse of her pale, sharp features and her pursed lips that compliment her sour expression.

I dont like her. I hate her guts. But Im also smart enough to know that shes goading me in her hour of triumph, hoping to get me in trouble. And you know what?

Im not going to do a thing. Its time for the ultimate Ryoka skill: acting impassive. Guaranteed to annoy anyone with an ego.

Im not sure if youve heard, but Im going to be a Courier now. Isnt that wonderful?

The old man whos probably the Guildmaster clears his throat nervously.

Actually Persua, thats not decided yet. Youre a wonderful Runner of course, but a Courier

He brakes off as Persua gives him a vicious look. She turns back and gives me a big, fake smile. I just grunt.

What do you think, Ryoka? Wont I be a wonderful Courier?

Mhm.

She blinks at me, and then frowns. I look slowly around and see the other Runners standing and watching us. I know some of them by face, if not name. Theyre City Runners, the people who band together and pat each other on the backs. They follow the leader or the fastest Runners, like Fals. Some of them are Persuas people, but most are just like Garia; afraid to cross someone like Persua.

The others are Street Runners, desperate to suck up to anyone for a bit of help, a leg up, anything. Theyre standing behind Persua as if theyre afraid shell blast them to ash if she gets unhappy. Garia is frozen in her seat, and Im at the center of this maelstrom. No way out but deflection. Bring it on, Persua.

Dont you want to say something to me? Before I go?

Not really.

I wish I had a drink so I could sip it calmly. I study Garias face as Persuas fake smile turns into a frown.

You know, I saw you yesterday. Well, I think I saw you. You were moving so slow, I thought, that cant be Ryoka. But you were gone so fastits hard, being the fastest Runner around.

Im sure it must be.

Another scowl, covered up again. Persua might have all the abilities of a weasel, and the ability to backstab people and even orchestrate attacks, but shes not that good at concealing her emotions.

You know, Ive been taking all of the deliveries recently. I justdo them. One after another. Its so easy.

Some of the City Runners shift at that, which makes me privately happy. They dont like Persua much, and Im sure theyll be glad to see her back. But I dont let my features change for an instant.

Good for you.

Persua grinds her teeth audibly. I keep my hands on the table, calm, cool, collected. Im wondering if I can get her to storm off or throw the first punch. I would enjoy that.

But she doesnt blow her lid. I see Persua pause, and then her eyes flick to the tabletop.

I notice youve lost something. Did you leave your fingers behind on one of your runs?

The other Runners go silent. I feel the spike of emotion in my stomach. My fingers. Garia gasps in horror as she notices them for the first time, but I refuse to react. I look at Persua coolly, meeting her evil little eyes.

Are you going to stand around or do some deliveries, Persua? Because if youre just going to stand around talking, then do it in another corner of the room.

She blinks at me. I dont blink back. I hold her gaze; Ive beaten her in a staring contest before and Id love to humble her again. But she doesnt play my game. Instead, she smiles and looks back on me.

Crap. I shouldnt have reacted. She knows I was annoyed. No help for it.

Im so sorry if my little party is bothering you. I suppose great City Runners like you are too busy to socialize, right? Too good for us lesser Runners?

I shrug.

Pretty much.

Persuas face goes flat, and little pinpoints of rage appear in her eyes. She smiles at me again.

Its justand I know you dont mean to be rude, but you areyou havent told me how happy you are. And I know you wouldnt want to be rude, would you?

She wants me to congratulate her? I meet her gaze steadily.

Come on. Dont you have anything to say?

No. But she might go away. But no and never and not in a million years.

Cant hear me, Ryoka? Did you lose your ears as well as those fingers?

I heard you. Congratulations. Piss off.

The words pop out before I can stop them. I hear an audible gasp from the peanut gallery, in more than one place, and some titters of laughter as well, quickly silenced. Persuas pale face blushes and blotches in places.

That was a mistake. I just humiliated her, and instead of backing off, shes going to try and make an example out of me rather than lose face. I know how the routine goes. I grit my teeth and wonder how I can deal with this.

Maybe if I just walk out? But no, shell just call that a win or block me from leaving. And I dont run from bullies. Lets see what she does next.

Persua looks around, and meets the eyes of some Runners around her. Her personal posse, the ones who kissed her ass even before she learned her fancy Skill. She jerks her head and they move out from the crowd. I count them. Foursixseven

That is such a rude thing to say, Ryoka. And on my special day as well! Here I am, Courier-to-be and youyoure just a Runner. I think you should apologize. In fact, I insist on it.

Oh? Shes going to get her friends to beat me down? Im impressed; most girls wait a few months before they get that nasty. But then, this is another world and Persuas a demon wearing crappy skin.

The other Runners step back when they see whats about to go down. The old man tries to interject, but his voice is wavering with nerves.

Persua, I really think

Her head turns and the Guildmaster goes silent. I feel a moment of sympathy for him; hes probably not going to get much respect once she goes. Everyones going to remember how she walked all over him. But then I remember that hes supposed to be in charge, and that hes a coward. The other runners flank me, as if theyre a local mafia bosss thugs and Im the cringing victim.

Well? Im waiting for my apology.

Persua faces me, supremely confident because shes got a few Runners behind her. Oh come on. They dont even have combat classes, most of them! Im taller than all but one of the guys, and shes seen me take down a Bronze-rank adventurer.

Okay, there are ten of them. Plus Persua. But Ive changed a bit since we last met as well. The first day I found Erin, I had Octavia refill all of my potions and alchemical bags. Ive got two of everything ready to go, and I know several magic tricks as well.

I keep still. Not exactly a power play, but Im not going to react to her stupid little posse.

Im not apologizing for anything. And if you dont get your obnoxious little cronies out of my face, theyre all going to suffer.

Of all the things I know Persua was expecting, she wasnt expecting that. Her face goes slack, and I feel the people around me shift. Garias looking at me as if Im insane and trying to signal me to say Im sorry, but Im calm.

If they want a fight, Im completely ready. Persua might have a Skill that makes her faster, but Id love to see if she can dodge a pepper potion to the face. If she tries anything Ill use [Flashbang] and then hold her down while I pour the potion in her eyes. Im just hoping she takes the bait.

She doesnt. Persua eyes me, her companions, and then decides not to risk it. She tosses her head and turns away.

Youre not even worth my time.

Coward.

I toss the insult at her back and see it stiffen. I dont know why I said it; my mouth just wont stop in situations like this. Persua turns back, a smile full of hate on her face. We dont even try to pretend towards civility now.

Fingerless insect. My back is all youll see of me from now on.

Beats looking at your face.

How many mutts and lizards did you sleep with in Liscor?

Oh you know, one or two. More people than youll ever sleep with in your life.

I wouldnt touch one of those mongrels or scaly freaks with a stick.

Theyd just run away screaming when they saw your face.

Whore.

Bitch.

Youll be stuck here forever, you pathetic, classless slug.

And youll never be a proper Courier in a thousand years.

We meet eyes for one last moment, and then Persua turns away. I let her walk to the other side of the room, followed by the group and dont make any move until shes laughing loudly with them and not looking at me. Then I sigh and turn back to Garia. She looks like shes swallowed her tongue.

Well, that was fun. Now Ive got to warn Erin about Persua as well.

I hate my life.

Im out of here. Garia, do you want to join me in the Frenzied Hare? I could use a drink.

Garia starts and stammers as she looks at me.

I uhI

She doesnt want to get on Persuas bad side. Fine. I sigh and stand up. My heart is pounding fast, but I got the better of Persua in that one. No matter how hard she laughs

Im halfway across the smooth wood floor when I sense a blur. Persua seems to blink across the room, and then I feel her foot tangle with mine. She moves too fast for me to react; I trip forwards

And catch myself, thanks to an ungainly wind milling of arms. Ive been tripped before, and Ive got a good stance. Nevertheless, I stumble forwards and hear Persuas mocking laughter.

How clumsy of you. What happened, Ryoka?

I turn and look at her. Shes smirking off to one side, daring me to say something. I consider my options, and decide its not worth it. Thats her small victory; if she does it again shes dead.

I walk on, adjusting my belt pouch. Persuas still laughing, but I just make sure she didnt grab anything from me. Potions? Check. Teriarchs bag of holding? Check. Belt pouches?

One of the pouches is undone. I feel at it, and find cold, greasy meat and jam-covered crumbs in the pouch. Nothing else. My heart skips a beat. I whirl around

Vengeance!

The shout springs from the tiny Frost Faerie that flies at Persuas face. The girl only has a moment to scream before Ivolethe is all over her. The faerie flies around Persua, shouting triumphantly as Persua screams and people shout in surprise.

Take this! And suffer that, ye mortal wench!

She rips at Persuas hair, tearing out strands and bites and scratches at Persuas face. The girl is screaming, flailing at the small creature, but Ivolethe is everywhere. But then Persuas hand connects with the faerie by pure chance, and Ivolethe is flung to the ground.

What is it? Kill it!

Persua shrills as another Runner dashes forwards and scoops Ivolethe up. She yells at him and tries to bite, but he has a finger under her chin. Everyone goes silent as they see for the first time what Ivolethe is.

What creature is this?

Is itits not a monster? A Fraerling? Its too pale! And it has wings!

Let her go.

I stride forwards, but Persua and her cronies immediately block my way. She stares at me, blood dripping from the scratches on her face and the places where Ivolethe yanked away skin as well as hair.

You did this.

I ignore Persua and look at the Runner holding her. Hes uncertain, but his grip on Ivolethe is strong and no matter how hard she struggles, she clearly cant break free. And neither is she freezing him either; she must not be able to without her magic.

Thats not a monster. Thats a Frost Faerie. Let her go, now.

A Winter Sprite?

He looks at Ivorethe, stunned. She tries to move her head, but his fingernail is under her chin. She glares and dripples spit onto his thumb, but thats all she can do.

Kill it.

Persua hisses at the other Runner. He hesitates. My heart constricts, and I raise my voice.

Harm her, and I will kill you. My word on it.

The Runner looks back to me. Hes one of Persuas flunkies, but I know my eyes are serious. I mean every word. Persua looks at me, and then at the faerie. Then she smiles evilly.

Is this your friend? Do you have to make friends with monsters since no one else likes you?

I ignore Persua and hold out a hand.

Give her to me.

Dont listen to her.

Persua interposes herself between the Runner and me. She gestures, and now her posse steps around me. I dont even look at them; my eyes are on Ivolethe.

Ive never seen a Winter Sprite before. Is this what they really look like? They must be the rarest of all monsters; how did you catch this one?

I try to tune out Persuas words. What can I do? If I grab for her, what if Ivorlethe gets hurt? How can I talk Persua down peacefully? Noits the Runner whos got her. Focus on him.

But Persua blocks my view of the Runner. She looks at me, and now I see the hatred shining in her eyes, pure and simple. She turns to look at the other Runners.

Have any of you ever heard of a Frost Faerie being captured? No? I bet that if we sold her to a [Merchant] or an [Alchemist], theyd pay hundreds, no, thousands of gold coins for her.

The Runners around me shift. The mention of that kind of money changes their eyes, and some of them slowly walk over to the crowd around me.

Shit. This is bad. But I have to let Ivolethe get free. I look past Persua and raise my voice.

If you harm her, you will suffer for it. I dont care how many people youve got; Im not letting you take her. Shes a living being.

She attacked me!

So?

Persua hisses with fury. She takes a step forwards, and her arm jostles the Runner holding her. Instantly, Ivolethe shouts, her voice ringing in the Guild.

Sisters! Sisters, hear me call and take retribution

Her voice cuts off as the Runner reapplies pressure on her chin. But the damage is done. I see the other Runners looking nervous and try to capitalize on that.

Did you hear that? She just shouted for her sisters. Youve seen the Frost Faeries and what they do when theyre mad. What do you think will happen if you kill one of their own?

That makes the Runners think twice. Some of them shift and edge back a bit. No one wants to suffer the vengeance of creatures that bring the winter, no matter how much they might earn.

Persua looks uneasy too, but shes too stupid to think straight. She whirls and screeches at the Runner.

Shut her up! Squash her already!

Dont do it.

The Runner holding Ivolethe hesitates. His hand shakes and the faerie is gasping, but he doesnt let go. I step forwards.

Let her go. Now.

You coward! Give it to me! Ill do it!

Persuas patience snaps. She reaches for Ivolethe, but the Runner pulls away from her as well. I step forwards again, thinking hes seen reason, but he raises her up. I halt, hand outstretched. Persua stares at the Runner, eyes flinty daggers.

What are you doing?

He licks his lips. But hes staring at me now. He opens his mouth and croaks a word.

Coin.

What?

Youyou want her back, youve got to pay for her.

I stare at him incredulously. He cant be serious. But oh, yes, he is. He pauses again, but he holds onto Ivolethe tightly as he looks at me.

We all know youve got a lot. Wellgive it over. And then Ill let her go. Otherwise

He squeezes a little harder and Ivolethe cries out. My blood boils, but Persuas all smiles now.

Thats right! Just hand over your belt pouchesand your potionsand well call it even. Okay?

Those greedy bastards. But the Runners eyes are serious, and Ivolethe is in pain. What should I do? If I give them Teriarchs gold coinsbut Ivolethe

I stare at Persua. I stare at the Runner. I stare at Ivolethe, and come to a swift decision.

Fuck it. [Flashbang]!

The world and sound itself explode into confusion and chaos. I closed my eyes, but the sound wave still hits me like a physical thing. My ears ring and go silent; but Im already charging into the Runner, body-checking him to the floor.

Theres no time for thought or anything else. I reach for his flailing hands. I have to get Ivolethe free. Get her loose. Grab his arms. Break his bones. Bite his fingers off. I punch him repeatedly as I search for the small blue shape among the dancing spots in my vision. Where is she?

Nowhere. Gone. Shes free! I see a blue shape flying towards the door, and then someone strikes me from behind.

Persua is on top of me, fingers clawing, biting, kicking. Shes like a wildcat, and some of her friends try to batter me as well. I roll over, and pull out one of Octavias potions.

The pepper potion would be better as a spray. But one good toss still gets it on a lot of faces and eyes, including Persuas. I shield my face and feel the hot liquid stinging as it reacts with my skin, but the screams are worth it. I stumble up and see Persua stumbling away from me, shrieking as she rubs at her eyes.

Something in me snaps. Her little insults, her tripping me, my crushed legand Ivoletheall explode outwards in a fist that catches her on the cheek and sends her to the ground. Persua tries to get up, but I kick her down and then mount her as she flails and begin to punch.

Punch her. Hurt her. My ears are ringing, but now I hear the roaring of blood, and all that I want in this or any other world is to bash her face in. I hit and hit and hit, until something drags me back. I struggle, fighting, but whoevers holding me is too strong.

The rage hammering every inch of me subsides after a while, and I stop struggling. Thats when I hear and see and think again, and realize Im being held by two strong arms.

Garia?

I look around and see my friend, her nose bleeding furiously, holding me back as Persua lies on the floor. People are still shouting in painI see Runners clutching at their eyes and more raising their voices, deafened. Two people are with Persua, and then I see the girl herself lying on the ground.

Her face isI only now begin to feel the pain in my hands. My fingers hurt terribly, and I feel small lacerations and bruising on my skin. I see the echoes of their impressions on Persuas face.

Its already swollen. I can barely see her features, and theres blood. A lot of blood. I broke her nose, even parts of her face. Shes crying, and shaking, and the [Receptionist] holding the healing potion barely knows where to start. But as the swelling reduces a tiny bit, one of her eyes swivels towards me. And I hear her voice.

You.

She struggles, but the two women hold her down. Persuas face is filled with blood and snot and tears and who knows what else. But her voice is intact. Its a trembling mess of emotions; not a shriek, but a warbling, piercing whisper.

Ill kill you.

Im near enough to Persua that I can feel her spitting as her malformed lips form the words. Her eyes fix on me, wild, and the words pour forth, hatred in each syllable. Tears run through the blood on her face, but she still stares at me.

Ill kill you. I swear it. Ill have you raped and killed. Youll die screaming.

Ryoka

Garia tries to pull me back, and the [Receptionists] try to force us apart. But Persua thrashes and I refuse to move. She screams.

Ill kill you! Youll die horribly! There wont be pieces left of you! Ill kill you and everyone you love, you

The [Receptionist] tries to jam the potion in her mouth, but Persua just spits out a broken tooth with the potion as she continues shouting at me.

Theres a crazy look in her eyes. Garia holds me back as I stare at Persua. She continues speaking, half-sobbing, half-cursing. Theres nothing I can say to her, nothing to reply with. So I just kick her in the stomach and watch her puke before Garia pulls me away.

-

Two hours later, I stand outside in the cold snow. I barely feel it, even though I havent had any of Erins soup. I feel the cold air blowing my clothes and dont care.

Ivolethe.

The faerie hovers in the air next to me, looking uncharacteristically serious. Im dressed up, and shes naked. But I feel like the colder one. My heart is very cold. Very still.

I slowly sit down in the snow, and the faerie flies down next to me. The snow is wetI dont care. I dont have anywhere to be, and I cant stand. Not right now.

After a while, the faerie speaks.

Twas an unexpected encounter, was it not?

I look at her. Ivolethe looks back.

What the hell am I supposed to say to that?

I am not sure. But did it end how you expected?

I laugh, shortly.

What do you think? Im banned from that Runners Guildmaybe all of them right now. They might press charges, or make me pay for whats left of the building.

Shortly after I left, the other Frost Faeries appeared. They crashed an avalanche of snow into the building. If it hadnt been desertedas it was, it destroyed nearly everything inside. The last I saw, the building was so full of snow that people were having to chip away at the compacted ice.

What a mess.

The short version of what went down is that Persua went to the best local Healer around to get treated for the injuries the potion couldnt fix. The Runners scattered, mostly thanks to the other Frost Faeries pelting them with shards of ice, freezing them, and so on. I think the Guild staff would have liked to hold me accountable, but when they saw the faeries literally destroy the entire Guild in one go, they had second thoughts. So did the Watch, which is how I found myself politely asked to leave the city now rather than be kicked out.

I probably could have stayed. But I didnt want to be anywhere near Persua, not even in the same city. I still remember the look in her eyes.

Its not over. Ive never seen anyone look like that, but I know without a doubt that she meant every word she said to me. Part of me wishes Id gone back and taken my knife and stabbed her right there and then. Shes never going to forget. But Im not a murderer.

No matter how close I got back there.

What a mess. What a horrible, terrible

The faerie looks up at me. I stare down at her. In a way, this is all her fault. Persua would have left me alone if Id just walked on. But I cant hate her for what she did. Its what Id do for Erin, the exact same.

From now on, Im not taking you inside ever again. Got it?

She nods.

That is fair.

I shiver. Now Im feeling the cold again, but I stay seated, cross-legged.

Im just glad youre okay. If that Runner or Persua had triedwould they have killed you?

Another nod.

Better that you had let them. If she had slain me, her death would have followed before the next moon rose in the sky.

Chill from within, chill without. I stare at Ivolethe.

Who would have killed her? The other faeries?

She shakes her tiny head.

Not my sisters, no. There are others among the Winter Court who move in matters of death. And they are far more terrible than we.

I dont want to know. I dont. Ivolethes faceI dont want to know. Some things about the fae terrify me.

Its better that you didnt die.

Perhaps. But that girlshe swore a dire oath against you. Such things can only be resolved in blood.

Youre probably right.

I know she is. But I cant think about that now. I cant, or Ill have to choose between killing her now or

Shell be a Courier. And I wont see her.

Bah. That one would give up all for vengeance. Her blades will find you no matter how far apart ye are.

I guess Ive just got to outrun her, then. Although shes faster than I am now.

Mm.

We sit in silence for a while longer. I bow my head. Ivolethe just looks at the still landscape.

I was jealous of her, you know. Just a bit. I dont like Skills and Classes butIm so slow and weak without them.

Ivolethe looks up at me silently. I avert my gaze; look at the gray horizon as I try to explain.

Its always the same argument. I think Im giving away something by leveling up. Oror Im compromising, taking the easy route to success without any effort. But there is effort required, and whats the harm in doing what everyone else is doing? Its only logical.

More silence. Ivolethe just listens as I externalize my struggle and confess.

But its hard. I want to be strong. Erinsshes stronger than me in so many ways. But I thought that would be fine. I could do things my own way, become a Courier evenI had Octavias potions, and I can even do magic. But it turns out I cant even do magic that well.

Some snow blows off of the ground and into the air. I watch it whirl upwards and away.

I cant do magic. And Ive hit my limit physically. I couldtry altering my body, I guess. Teriarch mentioned that. But thats cheating too. I just wish there was a way to be faster. Just faster. If I were faster, Id be happy with the rest.

So what is it ye wish?

Ivolethe turns to face me in the snow. I look down at her, and feel that same sense of envy.

I wish I was better. Justbetter.

Tis a tall wish. Even a King could not grant your request. Why not be content with your self as it is now? You are brave and quick; is there aught else you need?

I know shes right, but at the same time, shes wrong. I shake my head and shiver.

Who I am isnt enough. I want to become more. Is that too much to ask?

For a while Ivolethe studies me. Then she smiles, teeth flashing in the winter sunlight.

It is. But mortals have always wished for such. That is why you spread like wildfire while we remain, timeless.

She looks rueful and sad, and happy at the same time, like an adult watching a child play. My heart aches.

I dont know what to do. What would you do, in my place, Ivolethe?

She looks at me from head to toe.

What is it youve dreamed of, Ryoka Griffin? What do you wish for with all your heart?

Its an important question, but I know the answer in a second. I just have to think back to the day I started running. I speak my reply to her and the cold.

I always wanted to run like the wind. I felt it once, when you led me and Mrsha away from the Goblin army.

I remember the rushing air behind me, and the sense of weightlessness I felt. Each step was forever, and I watched the world fly past me. For a second I was wind, and I lived my dream.

Well then, I would search for that. I would seek to run as the wind, for that is my dream. If I did not chase such things, I would not be mortal, no?

How?

I have to laugh.

Even a Courier couldnt run like that. At least, not Val or Hawk. And certainly not without levels. How would I ever get that fast, when I cant even outrun Persua?

Ivolethe spreads two tiny hands.

We are friends, are we not? What do friends do but help each other?

She grins at me again, and I pause.

What? How could you help?

You want to study magic? To become better? I told you once; you will not find what you look for in a book. But perhaps it is because ye havent seen what magic truly is.

I know what shes hinting at. But I have to hear it out loud.

What are you suggesting?

Slowly, Ivolethe flies upwards until she sits in the air in front of me. She looks me in the eye, still smiling.

Ill teach you the ways of the fae, not the tricks mortals use. I will teach you to listen to the wind and run like we do. That is what a friend does for a poor mortal who wishes to be better than she is.

My heart is thundering. My breath catches in my throat.

Can you do that? Isnt it against the rules?

No one has made rules against this. No one has been mad enough to try. But for you, friend, I would try. Its worth a shot, eh?

I look at her. Ivolethe grins at me, a tiny, mad faerie. My friend. I stare back at her, a shivering, depressed Human girl who dreams of flying. Slowly, I offer her a hand.

If youd be crazy enough to try it, Id be forever in your debt.

Ivolethe wrinkles her face in disgust and slaps away my hand.

Bah. Do not make such promises so lightly. Nae, I offer you this: I will try to teach you to run like the wind for one thing.

Name it.

Friendship.

She offers me a tiny hand. I dont hesitate. I reach out, and her grip is like melting ice, winters thaw, the moment of tiny warmth in the frozen heart of the world. We shake, and it is done.

A faeries bargain. A friends promise. A childs dream.

The wind blows, and my heart races off with it.

To run like the wind.