The Wandering Inn

Interlude Adventurers (Pt. 1)

When did it happen?

What happen?

He leaned on the pommel of his horses saddle. A rich saddle, high-backed and made for long-distance riding. Padded subtly, and enchanted so you had even less chance of slipping during a ride.

All the things he didnt want to show the youngsters. All the things he had never had when he was young, because he hadnt really needed them.

Deniusth the Violinist looked at the saddlehorn.

This year. It feels like its been disaster after disastergreat events happening. People dying. The changing of an age. I know thats probably whybut what started it?

Eldertuin, Viecel, and Gores were the ones he was addressing. Orchestra was there, but they were the Named-ranks. Gores had been with Deniusth from the start, when hed carried a rapier and the two just played musical instruments for fun.

The King of Destruction waking up?

Eldertuin scratched at his chin; hed gotten rid of that stupid-looking beard from a few years back. Odd, how it felt like just a moment ago that Deni remembered seeing it.

Odd, to think Valeterisa was wandering about the inn as if she hadnt been gone eight years. Eight years. And he hadnt woken her up.

Not that hed known. But theyd known. Not that they were the best of friendsbut theyd known each other. It was just counting the adventurers whod vanished, even Couriers, and hearing Larra stop sending people to check on her.

It was standing at her mansion after dodging the artillery spells and looking into that doorway and feeling his [Dangersense] tingle.

It wasbeing afraid. Hed never told anyone that hed gone. Then some City Runner did the impossible and woke her up. Saved Salamani, too.

Was he intimidated by them? The rowdy Gold-ranks, riding ahead of the ones whod chosen a wagon, the Silver-ranks he didnt know, who were staring at him?

Or was it the feeling in his bones? Deniusth shook his head.

Its not just the King of Destruction. It feels likeof course him waking up had something to do with it. But all these recent events. Why did you come south, Eldertuin? Youve got a family. Kids. Youre a Terland.

Im just married into the family. Alorelle and I discussed the matter, and she knows House Terland will be needing representatives in the south.

Eldertuin murmured, shrugging his broad shoulders self-consciously. Deniusth had never been marriedoh, hed been standing with a ring on his finger twice. Before hed fled the altaror the second time, someone had broken into the wedding and eloped with the bride.

But never married. Yet even he, the constant philanderer in his friends eyes, the one Mihaela could never let up about his dyed hair, as if that were the greatest vanity in the world

And Alorelle just let you go? To the new lands of Izril, an entire continents journey away? To danger and death and perhaps glory?

Eldertuin was the [Farmer] who had a swing that could knock an Ogre flat, whod risen to become a Named-rank, married into the Five Families. A real roots-to-riches story. Literally. Hed grown turnips or something. The man whod gotten everything you could ever want.

He didnt really talk about his wife. His children, yes. But she seldom visited the Haventhree times over their entire marriage of a decade and a half?

It was one of those things you didnt talk about. At least, not out of the blue.

At night, after all the laughing and reminiscing had been done, while you were nursing a drink and everyone had gone to bed, or over the campfire in the midst or at the end of a journey togetherthat was the time.

That was the time to bring up all the names of the dead and the things you couldnt say under blue skies. Because it was too personal.

Deniusth had adventured for a long time, and nothing had ever been as rewarding. Nothing had made him feel as alive, not any drug or experience. Yet he also quite liked the experience of being a famous celebrity in the north.

Not just that.

He murmured as they rode to Albez. How long had it been since he had been here? Forty damn years ago, elbowing aside [Treasure Seekers] and civilians digging in the dirt when it was first uncovered, a snot-nosed Bronze-rank with a practice sword hed sharpened up? Deniusth began to speak, and the other Named-ranks and older adventurers listened.

I first realized it when Maviola El resigned.

A few heads rose, and he saw the Halfseekers looking at him. In fact, some of the Silver-ranks, whatthe Pride of Kelia, those Gnolls, the Flamewardens, Drakes riding the wagonthey looked at him oddly.

Oh, right. Hadnt she come down here? Deniusth stared back in time.

And he was old enough to remember the [Lady] of House El when hed first become Gold-rank and gotten invited to those parties. Already old. Well, shed been in her nineties when she passed, hadnt she? Red hair gone mostly white like Mihaelas wasbut a blazing tempest of ideas, arguing with other [Lords] and [Ladies], setting fire to things.

It wasnt just that she resigned. It was who she put in her place. Deilan El. You know, hes a progressive in House El?

I thought he was just good at manufacturing stuff.

The other Named-ranks were up to date on a lot of politics in the north. Deniusth snorted.

He isbut House El would have loved to replace Maviola with a more conservative pick. Someone who went back to their basics, manufacturing crossbows, providing magical goodsnot a radical who continued Maviolas Kaalblades and Valeterisas projects. I heard she was considering Desinee El, her niece. She would have been stable, stepped down after a few yearsinstead, you got someone who believed in her vision. That kind of thing is what I mean. It felt like it was happening around the world.

He looked again at Jelaqua Ivirith and wondered what the Minds of Selphids were. A friend had told him something had just gone down in Balerosthey were sorting out the aftermath, but it had warranted some kind of long-range Tier 7+ bombardment from Drath.

And the Blighted Kingdom.

What was going on? It felt like things were shaking. Shaking so hard that all the old constants were moving. Even Named-ranks like him felt it.

Insecurity. He had not been at the battle in Ailendamus or seen ghosts himself. Deni still didnt know what that King of Khelt, that undead ruler, had called the alarm about.

Yethe had looked upon a Revenant with his very own eyes for the second time in his life and been reminded that there was a nation ruled by undead. That was probably why Terandria had sent that crusade. Dead gods, you had that in the same year the Gnolls claimed the Drakes had stolen their magic.

And last year, someone had said that the Slayer of the Antinium was dead, and Deni had been toasting the news in Mihaelas guild.

Maybe that was the start of it all. The world was shaking, and Deniusth thought of Seamwalkers in his mansion in Colosset, one of the lovely harbor cities of the north. Despite all his comforts and blankets and riches, that made him cold.

It was not the only reason hed come this way. But the Named-rank adventurer looked around and felt like the others had sensed the same thing he had.

A calling, perhaps, among the best. A sense that if they wanted to remain Named-ranksthey had to go.

The New Lands called him. Called him like a song, a stage, and a waiting audience. Deniusth felt an almost erotic urge, and he had never lusted for anything or anyone like that. Young and old, just like Mihaela always said.

Albez. There it is.

Theyd been travelling fast from Celum. The mad rush of adventurers had largely changed to a groups travel. A few had raced ahead, but Deniusth knew that Eldertuin had the actual map theyd been cross-referencing with older details.

I cant believe Ceria Springwalker gave you that.

She must think she owes you a favor for the Village of the Dead raid. I cant believe you went.

Even Viecel the Mad Gambler had called it a bad bet. Eldertuin shook his headhed come back covered in glory, but it was temporary, and he hadnt gotten that much out of the raid.

A friend asked me to help. An old friend. I didnt go in half as hard as they did.

Young idiots. Charge a death-zone with Revenants

Deni began and then closed his mouth. Some of Orchestra, his team, looked at him, and he looked so aghast the younger members began to laugh.

Dead gods. Did I just say that?

It was the exact kind of thing hed heard older adventurers say of him. The Named-rank stared up at the sky. Then he turned in his saddle.

Think well find anything in the ruins?

Who knows. But itll be a good warm-up. Whats the worst that could happen? Ill bet you we find something interesting within the first hour. Wager a finger on it.

Viecel flipped a coin up, and Eldertuin groaned.

Viecel

But it was too late. The Selphid caught the coin and grinned.

[Wager Set].

Named-ranks. They were so different from Gold-ranks that even older adventurers like Jelaqua and Halrac were watching and listening to them.

For one thing, they were older, by and large. Colth and Lehra were outliers by far. Named-ranks, thoughthey were that because they did the impossible.

Orchestra was the team that cleared the dungeon, Chalence, and made a fortune beyond fortunes. Saliss of Lights, jokester and nudist or not, had killed entire swarms of monsters by himself.

Every single one had more than one story about them. Eldertuin the Fortress had held down half a dozen Trolls in single-combat. Viecel had famously killed one of Terandrias [Dukes] in an honor-duel that had ended a war between Baleros and Terandrian kingdoms.

They were larger than lifeand surprisingly normal. They roughhoused at the Haven like kids, but Jelaqua was curious.

What made the Named-ranks so different? She had seen Eldertuin and Elia from afar, but this was her chance to see them in a more natural element than a raid. Andshe glanced at her team.

How far and how long away was that rank, if they would ever reach it? Jelaqua glanced at Halrac and sighed and knew he had to be thinking the same thing as he looked her way.

A lots happened in a year, yeah? Garen and

She trailed off as Moore and Seborn looked at her somberly. Jelaqua stared up, then back the way theyd come and grinned.

And we still keep coming back to The Wandering Inn. Weve leveled, but will we ever change that much? I wonder. Weve got Ulinde now, and you got Briganda, Halrac. Did you get much new loot from Riverfarm? That [Emperor] okay with you riding off?

We did ask, Jelaqua. As for gearHalracs wearing his Boots of Balance. Thats about it. Whats with that flail?

Revi eyed the blue-tinted metal flail at Jelaquas side, and the Selphid laughed self-consciously.

Oh, we got that from the Meeting of Tribes. And a few other things. Ill show you how it works if we run into any monsters.

Revi shuddered, eying the scythe edges of the flail instead of spiked balls.

Just so long as you do it well ahead of me. As for monsters, maybe well get a few zombies, but with this lotwhat could stop us?

She indicated the sea of adventurers, and Typhenous chuckled.

Revi, are you tempting fate?

Someones got to. Come on, arent you curious?

Revi indicated the Named-ranks, and Jelaqua knew what she meant. She did wonderwhat kind of a threat would challenge all these Named-ranks? An Adult Creler? Worse? Even with Albez and Liscors dungeon for that matter

What could go wrong?

Elsewhere, in Liscor, a group of Councilmembers were adjusting their clothes as they waited for a door to open to visit Riverfarm.

An [Innkeeper] was already over there, introducing Larra to an [Emperor]right before an angry street-light chased her around for causing so much trouble. A coven of [Witches] were equally as bemused, but more than one was considering a shopping trip to Invrisil.

But that was their side-quest to have. The real adventure was already taking place.

The Horns of Hammerad, Colth the Supporter, and Stargazers Promise were the three teams in The Wandering Inn who hadnt raced off to Albez. Of course, there were a lot of Goblins lingering about, but Colth looked as cool as could be.

So, youre gonna grab this Stalkers corpse? Want, uhwant a paw?

Lehra looked excited at the prospect, but her teammates elbowed her.

Their [Monk], Emper, looked disapproving.

Etiquette, Lehra. Its their treasure.

Technically, its no ones

Elgrinna murmured. Lehra whined in agreement, but Emper and Suxhel were steadfast.

The Horns have been fighting in that dungeon for ages. If they want help

The Horns of Hammerad glanced at each other. Ceria scratched at her hair.

Tempting, but I think well try it alone. With Colth, I mean.

Aw, thats fair. But if you need the hide processed, I know a guy.

Lehra was the most reasonable of adventurers despite her clear desire to be included. In factamazingly so.

The other adventurers who hadnt gone to Albez and werent part of this exciting moment could just listen in. And that was Saliss of Lights, Tessa, and even Glitterblade, Jewels team.

Damn. Do you think we could just go down and find?

Jewels teammate, Hilten, looked at Toimt and Jewel, and she kicked him. Hard.

You want to get in more trouble, Hilten? Besidesthats a Vengeance Dungeon. You dont just waltz through it. We have no maps from the adventurers whove scouted the traps. Were not geared up for it, and theres a boss monster on the loose.

Yeah. Butdamn.

Some teams had all the luck. The Horns were that team as far as Glitterblade were concerned. Although that luck might have come from the [Innkeeper]that was what Jewel was betting on, and it was why they were volunteering their time as effective bouncers for the inn.

Also, they were curious to see how Colth and the Horns would tackle this issue. Becauseof a suretyGlitterblade was going to blab about Cerias revelations if any of the other teams came back from Albez. Them or the other guests whod been listening in. More than one avaricious ear had been snooping on Cerias comments, and there were even some [Lords] whod hurried off upon hearing about the fantastical corpse in the dungeon.

That meant that the Horns had a day or twoor less if the Albez rush didnt stay all night. They were on a time limit, and Ceria was outlining the problem.

I think I could rely on my memory if we got to the Raskghar campthe problem is, I have no idea where that is anymore. Or all the traps Calruz took me past. Nor do we have any guides. Numbtongue, do you remember anything about how to get through the dungeon?

The [Bard] glanced up.

Nope.

What about a guide? DamnBevussa left.

Yvlon cursed. The Wings of Pallass and Keldrass Flamewardens were some of the most experienced teams whod made a habit of continuing to explore the dungeon. Well, that was half the issue. The other half was

So this inner city has a bunch of fleshy humanoids. Do they attack with any kind of acid? Anymagic?

Colth was frowning as he tried to parse the threat. Ceria hesitated.

No. They just overwhelmed even the Raskghar with sheer numbers. I think they might regenerateCalruz kept ordering the Raskghar to hack them up.

What kind of numbers? Hundreds?

Thousands. The longer you stayed, the more arrived. He estimated there might be tens of thousands or more. Hundreds? Its a huge city. Pallass might rival it in sheer size.

Pallass? Youre joking.

Ceria was closing her eyes shut, and her fingers were pressed to her temple.

I never thought of it beforebut it was vast. That hole in the centerwe were hours in it, but Calruz always retreated before we were overrun. And the Raskgharwell, they were Raskghar, and they had artifacts. They still had to flee.

Well call it massed monsters, then. And assume theres more dangerous types or surprises. So, from the openingheres the dungeon maps the Adventurers Guild had. No one has a route to this inner city yet, but its going to be a long journey through a trapped dungeon with monsters everywhere.

Colth was plotting the route out, and Yvlon and Ksmvr, even Pisces, were listening in. Colth the Supporter had already proven he was an analytical adventurer.

This was a lot of variables. Traps, monsters, FacestealerCeria Springwalker, for her part, was thinking.

She had the circlet on. She knew she was being empowered by its effects, intelligence being the most obvious one and her increased spellcasting abilities. And what her mind was telling her

Well, even without the circlet, Ceria was pretty sure she would say that this was a terrible idea.

Horns or not. Even after clearing the Village of the Deadno, especially after running into Tolveilouka, she should know how stupid it was to go in without preparations. How would she tackle this?

Whats Colth going to say? Ceria waited, and the Ultimate Supporter looked up with a smile.

Alright. Ive formulated my plan. Do you want me to share it, Captain Ceria, or do you have a preference?

Me? I was going to say were not getting to Stalkers corpse without a lot of unnecessary risk. Frankly, Id ask for two more Gold-rank teams as backup at minimum, especially with Facestealer in the mix.

Ceria sighed. Lehra looked up excitedly. But Colth just rubbed his hands together with a smile.

You think so? I wont rule it out, but I think we can begin nowand possibly gain intelligence about our route and even recover Stalker before Deni and that lot get word of it.

What?

All the adventurers looked at him. Even Saliss turned to Tessa and tapped the side of his head. She shrugged, but Colth was a Named-rank. His eyes glittered.

Us Named-ranks need to prove were worth more than the title. Let me show you how a professional takes down the dungeon.

He winked at the others to show them he was just kidding, butCerias brows rose. And what separated the Named-ranks from regular adventurers? Wellshe had to admire it.

Albez was just past Remendia, half a days ride out. If you had Skills or magic, youd get there fasterand the adventurers had plenty of both.

Actually, Remendia still slowed them up because half the city wanted to meet Deni and the other Named-ranks.

Bronze and Silver-rank adventurers were flocking to Albez even an hour into the first part of the dig. They rode up, stopped, did the wide-eyed and whispering thing, then approached and asked, meek as kittens, if they could help join the search.

Deniusth lifted an arm and wiped sweat off his brow, then cursed as he got dirt on his forehead. He was holding a shovel and tossed it to the huge, scarred [Thug] whod become a Silver-rank.

You want to dig? Well give you a share of whatever we get, but Orchestra and Variable Fortress have a claim on any relicswith a share to the other Gold-ranks that are here. Deal?

Yes, sir! Its an honor to meet you, Adventurer Deniusth.

The famous duelist smiled wanly, then retreated. He had dirt all over his cloth armor, and he removed one glove and stared at the blisters.

He did not reach for a healing potion, but he did stop digging. The first hourthe first half hour

The first fifteen minutes had seen him going into Albez and choosing one of the spots theyd thought hadnt been searched and digging like he was a young man. Then hed quickly lost his patience and energy.

An hour in and he was done. Deniusth went over to sit, drink some water from a flask, and watch the other adventurers at work.

We barely need diggersnot with [Geomancers].

He watched as Moore shifted a huge mass of dirt with a spell, but the half-Giant had to be careful and work around the crumbling ruins he was excavating. It was all too easy to bury more of what they wanted to get athence the tools for specific unearthing of doorways.

More adventurers were sitting about, but the majority were down there, checking different spots as Eldertuin and the other Captains traded off Cerias map.

Deniusth was being watched by Anith of Vuliel Drae, Nailren of the Pride of Kelia, Jelaqua, Halrac, Keldrass, Bevussa, and a bunch of other teams. What they noticed about the Named-rank was his impatience an hour in. The first thing that made Named-ranks different?

Damn this. Hey! Harper!

He shouted at one of his teammates. And yesshe was a harp-carrying adventurer. She seemed to be a junior member of Orchestra, a Gold-rank. But then, his team was rated as Named-rank as well as having two adventurers.

Yes, Deni?

Contact Remendia. Tell them I want to hire [Diggers]. And get more [Geomancers]. We dont have to dig ourselves. Get a hundred.

The other adventurers turned and blinked. Hire diggers? The cost of a hundred, especially if they had a guild, would be hundreds of gold pieces! More!

But the Named-rank Adventurer didnt even seem to consider the cost of that, even if they found nothing. Nor did his teammate.

Want them here in the hour?

Sure. Get the Drivers Guild to transport them. Hey, Eld! Im calling in diggers! Stop wasting your energythis stupid ruins deeper than I remember!

One of Keldrass teammates shook her head when she heard that and lifted the shovel she was using.

Fucking incredible. Thats a Named-rank for you.

Hes got the coin. This isnt fun anyways.

Keldrass didnt know if he was defending the Named-rank on principle or because he saw Deniusths point. But the Violinist certainly had leadership of the other adventurers. A lot threw down their tools when they heard thatbut more kept on going.

Hey, the armory of that [Mage] that the Horns found is practically excavated already. Should we take a look down there? I bet you they cleared it out. But maybe theres a few gold coins that werent melted?

An adventurer joked, pointing to the section the Horns had gone into. It was, in fact, very neatly excavated. In fact, someone had even marked the place off with bright paint, and a few confused adventurers were pointing at the others.

Why not?

Some of the teams present were from Invrisil, and so the Waterborn Raiders, a lessupstanding group of adventurers, had also come to see what might be dug up.

They were staying far, far away from Moore. Griffon Hunt, the Halfseekers, a lot of teams had become famous from the Village of the Dead raid. Not theirs. Not enough.

Why, even the Distinguished Staves looked like theyd upgraded some of their gear from the payout. The Waterborn Raiders still felt like theyd been cheated of the true haul of goodsbut it had been coin in their pockets, despite losing one of their own. They should have gotten more given that.

Old Geni had, at the raid. The Distinguished Staves looked smaller, despite the shiny new staff one of the [Wizards] was using.

None of these Named-ranks even knew her, beyond a passing name. These northern lot had sat on their asses, and now they were taking charge of this? Well, they werent going to get their way.

Spoken Vow, the team that had gone with the Horns, was still mourning one of their downed teammates. Well, most of them were.

A [Knife Fighter] named Riz, no other full name or last name given, glanced up as she heard the Waterborn Raiders comment. She turned to her captain instantly.

Hey. Didnt the Horns run into some kind of trap down there? Think there are any runes left? I know someone whod pay a lot for them.

I bet any [Merchant] would.

Her Captain blinked, then brightened up with sudden interest. The Waterborn Raiders looked up, and Spoken Vow and their team traded glances.

Those Named-ranks look like theyre having brunch. Say, Spoken Vow. You just stay here and well take a look for you and report back, huh? If theres something, well cut you in.

The Captain of Spoken Vow, Mickey, was not an idiot. The Waterborn Raiders were sixteen strong, and Spoken Vow was down a member, but they were also a numerous Gold-rank team. Both groups eyed each otheruntil Riz interjected.

You cant pry runes off the wall without gear. Any excavation will take a while, and its a trap room, idiot. Unless you cracked the walls. Then, maybe, wed be able to grab something, but that much stone will fill all our bags of holding. Lets go down together. If there is a profittwo teams are better than twenty.

The Waterborn Raiders leader hesitated and eyed her. She gave him a big smile, and he blanched.

Right you are. Stop growling, Orelo. Idiot. Come on.

He shoved one of his teammates, and Spoken Vow relaxed, surprised, as the Waterborn Raiders glanced around, then both Gold-rank teams sliiiid towards the opening in the dirt.

The sight of two Gold-rank teams disappearing into the ruins might have gone unnoticed as the other adventurers were still working, but not to most [Rogues].

Oi. Viecel. Did you see that?

The Selphid looked over as the [Rogue] in Variable Fortress glanced over. The Selphids eyes followed a pointing finger.

What?

Two teams just headed into that place the Horns cleared. Might be they think theres something valuable.

Oh, really? Well in that caseget Eldertuin and Deni. Anyone have an hourglass?

Uh

Nevermind. Its been an hour.

The Gambler sighed again. Then, as Insill came over to offer the Named-rank adventurer a flask of water , the Drake [Rogue] saw the Selphid produce a belt knifeand press it against one of the three fingers on his right hand.

He cut the dead finger off and tossed it to the ground. Insill froze, and the Selphid looked up.

The [Gambler]s face was blankand then he smiled.

Is that water for me? Thank youdont mind the finger. I knew it was a bad bet, but imagine what Id have won?

He kicked the finger aside, and Insill was motionless until Viecel reached for the water flask. He took a huge drink, then waved to Deniusth. Insill saw him glance at the Drake.

Thanks, kid.

N-no problem, sir

Insill backed up, and his team had seen the entire thing. Pekona wasnt diggingshe only had one hand. She sat, quieter than she even normally was as Dasha, Anith, and Larr all took a break.

Did you see that? Guysguys, did you see

Yep. Stop staring, Insill. Hes a Selphid. No wonder they call him the Mad Gambler. I bet you he does that all the time.

Dasha was trying to play it cool, but she was gripping her beard hard with one hand. Anith shook his head.

A bet? He bet wed find treasurewhat happens if he wins?

Insill didnt know, but he knew what happened if Viecel lost. The Selphids missing fingers suddenly made sense, and the Drake saw the [Gambler] waggling his two fingersforefinger and thumbat Eldertuin. He didnt hear what the Fortress said, but Viecel lifted his two fingers and spoke loudly enough for even Vuliel Drae to hear.

[Double or Nothing]! Something by tonight. Two fingers

Selphids. Dead gods.

Some of the other adventurers were mildly horrified despite being veterans. One of them looked sideways at the others.

Not the craziest thing theyve done. Did you hear there was something in Baleros this morning?

Before they could gossip, Vuliel Drae saw Deniusth leap to his feet and go running to the place where the Waterborn Raiders and Spoken Vow had disappeared into.

Those bastards!

Naturally, half of the other Captains ran after him. But before even the Violinist could get into the secret lair of Warmage Threskthey heard a shout, and then Spoken Vow, the Waterborn Raiders, and a third adventuring group emerged from the tunnel, arguing.

All three had pickaxes and tools, but the third adventuring team looked like they had been working harder than the rest. And they were clearly confusedtheir Captain stared around at all the other people present.

the hell? What map? Were not sharing anything, so back offCeria Springwalkers contracted our team to grab those runes, and if you want them, you can talk to her. Weve been here a damn month and

The Silver-rank team of Gemhammer made Denis mad dash slow. The other teams looked up, and Jelaquas mouth opened. Nailren spotted the familiar face of Earlia, with a mining helmet on, and her teamand realized why he hadnt seen her about since coming back to Liscor.

She did what?

Captain Earlia spotted the Named-ranks and went white. But her team was wearing bright, shiny new gear, and they had marked off Cerias dig-site

And theyd been harvesting the runes. Ever since Ceria got back from Chandrar, in fact. Deniusth slowed as he realized why Ceria might have been eager to give away the map in the first place.

Youve been dismantling the trap room? You didnt say, Ceria!

Yvlon was outraged to hear about it, but Ceria just rolled her eyes.

I was going to let you knowonce we had all the runes harvested. Some are broken or fragile, and besides, I hired Earlias team. They get 30% of whatever we sell it for.

30%? That sounds low.

Yvlon was astonished, but Ceria just smirked as she contemplated the disappointed adventurers.

She leapt at the offer. She knows how much all thats worth, especially for a Silver-rank team. Earlia told me its not even hard, assuming no monsters are in the area. I promised wed help clear out any nests, but shes just been carefully pulling the runes out.

Howd she do it without getting caught by the spell?

The half-Elf tried to remember.

Earlia claimed theyd do what we didtoss a bunch of soot and cloud ash down there. Apparently its a fire that bakes ash to the walls. They are professionals.

Ksmvrs mandibles were still open, but Yvlon realized what Ceria had done.

You meanwe just gave all those excited adventurers a treasure map when Earlias team has been taking the only valuable thing in Albez out for ages?

We didnt promise them that. But yeah. Its pretty funny when you think about it.

The half-Elf snorted. Yvlon just gave Ceria an odd look, but after hearing Colths idea, she couldnt rightly complain. Because what sounded to Yvlon like a bit of skullduggeryboth made her feel like she was emulating Ylawes.

And frankly, it seemed like a real Named-rank move. After all, the Horns were about to enter Liscors dungeon with only an hour of prep time.

Ready?

Colth was standing at the edge of the chasm, looking down into the pit. Yvlon knew there were steel barricades in place down there, which had to be unlatched to let adventurers through. She tensed, despite herself, and Ceria turned. Pisces was standing with Colth, lookingsurprised. Even awkward, but the other teams gathered around to watch saw the ropes begin to lower.

Ready! Lets do this!

Colth was strong enough to lower the ropes himself, but Yvlon hurried over to help, and the first being began to descend into the darkness.

Into the dungeon of Liscor, where the last protectors of the dungeon waited. They had battled the Antinium, even with the Small Queens advance. They had husbanded the depleted monster populationsand the dungeon had reconfigured against the tireless adventurers.

In the darkness, troops of enchanted armor patrolled. Hordes of monsters, Crypt Worms, and undead stayed clear of the Free Hives trapped entrance and waited.

Snatcher sensed the first body dropping into the chasm and turned from counting heads. So few heads.

No monster heads. The Raskghar were gone. The Goblins were gone. Less adventurersand it hadnt gotten the blue things head.

It had tried. The being of thread had given it a chance, and it had triedbut the last of the three great protectors hadnt been able to take the most valuable part of its collection.

Light had burned it. Magic had nearlynearly killed Snatcher. But the head.

The heads.

So many heads had eluded it. The little white thing. The five green ones. The adventurers.

Was itangry?

Was Snatcher angry? Such an odd emotion to have after all this long while. Pain was a rare thing for it. Names, pain, dutythose were so long ago. It still remembered what it was supposed to do.

Guard Mother.

But it had long since given in to its desires. Taking heads. It had Stalkers face, and it would have taken Skinnersif Skinner had ever had a head worth taking. This should have contented Snatcher, for its home was decorated with its trophies.

But was itangry? 

WAS IT ANGRY ABOUT THE PAIN? ABOUT THE INTRUDERS? WAS IT ANGR

Something walked the dungeon, and Snatcher prowled out of its lair, and monsters fled before it. It knew danger and deathbut if this intruder had a head worth taking, Snatcher would have it. It wanted more. More and more, and it was starting to wonder how many heads lay above.

How long did it have to guard Mother?

Was she even still down there? Ohyes. 

Did she have a head worth taking?

The Horns entered the dungeon, and the whispers began at once.

Okay, we have no idea where were going. Solets try the routes on this map that Bevussas team used and go from there. If we find an old Raskghar camp, I might be able to navigate to another one.

We should have asked Calruz for help.

No, we shouldnt have.

Cerias voice and Yvlons were very distinct as the team crept forwards. The metal barricades that demarcated danger areas and safe zones had several layers due to Facestealer and the other monster threats. The first layer was around the opening of the chasm. It took some doing to lift the heavy metal bar and open the door, and the Horns were arguing the entire while.

Dead gods, I hate this place.

Pisces muttered as Colth kept silentfor now. Ksmvrs voice was a whisper.

Captain Ceria, Comrade Yvlon, please keep quieter.

Right, Ksmvr. Damn lever. Okaytheres a trap left here. Left!

The scream was just in timea body slammed into the wall and avoided a magical trap. Instantly, the team began arguing.

Say that earlier, Ceria!

I said left! Why are you going left?

I just heard left!

Well, listen to the context in my voice, Pisces. Any monsters ahead?

The whispering team fell silent, and Colth called out.

None that I can see. Lets call out the trapsshow Pisces ahead of time, maybe?

Got it.

They moved ahead, and the adventurers slowly navigated around the traps. They weretoo casual.

Dead gods, I need a snack.

Ceria, keep your voice

Movement on our left. Whats that?

Everyone frozeand something crawled away from them. Colth murmured.

It looks like just a small scavenger insect. Bile maggot. Bigger than most Ive seen. I hope they donthatch.

Dead gods, how many monster species are down here?

Yvlon was disgusted. Pisces replied.

Lets not go that way if possible. Just on chance.

Fair point. Alright, were going ahead. Watch for trapsand if you hear any rumblings, remember the Shield Spider avalanche?

Dead gods, I hate this place.

The Horns of Hammerad were not enforcing silence or cohesion as the figure in front stumbled forwards warily, head swinging left and right. In fact, they were trusting too much to the map. If a monster jumped them

Lehra Ruinstrider was watching the Horns progress with Colth. She would be the first to admit her team had poor adventuring discipline. Shed realized that after their final battle with Dragial, actually.

The Halfseekersthat was a professional team for all they were fun and relaxed. They had excellent teamwork; Lehras did too, but their team tended to support the Stargnoll.

But the Horns? Lehra had heard they were good enough to take on the Village of the Dead raid, but their banter right now was the most unprofessional stuff shed heard ofand she did know dungeons.

The Ruinstrider tribe didnt do dungeons, mostly, but the distinction between ruins and dungeons sometimes got too close for comfort. You kept quiet, you took few chances, and you didnt trust the map.

The Horns were doing a lot of stuff wrong, and Colth didnt seem inclined to reprimand them. If anything, he was observing them and even bantering with Pisces.

You know, for a team that did the Village of the Dead raid, I cant imagine this dungeon is much worse.

Its traps. I hate traps. I have had entirely too many experiences encountering hunters snares or traps in forests.

The [Necromancer] grumbled. Colth gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder as Lehra watched.

Unprofessional. Chaotic. Too loud by halfCeria was chomping down on some fries, and Yvlon was eating them too. Dead gods, they even had Mrsha in between Ksmvr and Colth watching it all.

It would have been the most irresponsible dungeon crawl everif the Horns were actually down there.

The view of the dungeon lurched, and Ceria winced.

Pisces, can you keep the view steady?

I cant tell if the skeleton trips. Whats that on our left?

A wall.

The adventurers were crowded arounda scrying orb. And the orb was giving them a wide-angle view of a dungeon, two swinging skeletal arms, and a very faint light as a skeleton awkwardly navigated the maze. Ksmvr was drawing a line down their map as they reached the last point Bevussa had been to. Mrsha was hugging Pisces arm as they saw an axe swinging in front of them.

Dead gods, an actual swinging axe trap.

Yeah, well, this one shoots spikes out the sides if you get too close. Pisces, can you make the skeleton roll?

Stop heckling me. This is hard enough to do at range!

Pisces hissed. The skeleton hesitatedthen did a few steps, and the viewpoint spunand everyone heard a crash and snapping sounds.

Good job, Pisces.

At this, the [Necromancer] threw one of the napkins at Ceria. He pointed at the scrying orb as Colth stirred.

Is the undead dead or?

I believe I can reassemble it. Hold on. The further we get from our location, the more difficult this will be to project my mana. So I need less distractions and more guidance, Ceria.

Sorry, Pisces. Id make it a Frostmarrow Skeleton if I couldbut I dont know if you can control it. Here, have some fries.

Everyone sat back as Pisces went to work, and Lehra turned to her team. Suxhels mouth was still open, and they all sat thereincluding Jewels teamwith a kind ofof voyeuristic shame hanging about them.

Is this even legal? This feels like cheating!

Cheating who, exactly?

Elgrinna was smiling, but Lehra felt like someone should be holding up one of those yellow cards in that soccer game shed watched.

Its just so cheap!

The skeleton got back up, and the Horns went back to directing Pisces forwards, but more quietly. Lehra gestured to it.

Look at them! They get to explore the dungeon with a skeleton, and theyre not evenpeople have died andthats Named-rank adventuring?

Colth had come up with the idea. He looked quite pleased about coming up with the conceptand he was even extrapolating ideas.

Adventurers have tons of items that do the same thing. [Beastmasters] would use mice or birdscanaries in the mines, you know? But a skeleton is soexpendable. I may see if other teams bite at the idea if I can copy the spell once were done here.

The scrying orbs a great idea. We never had orbslet alone ones to burn.

The reason why they could use an expendable scrying orb was mainly due to Palt and other high-power [Mages] capable of casting the scrying enchantment. Ceria was jotting down a noteif you could make a free scrying orb out of a glass orb, that was a spell to learn.

Lehras team was used to scouting, but they felt this was a bit too easy. However, another adventurer disagreed.

Its cheap, underhanded, and as safe as can be. Thats Named-rank for you. What, did you think we played fair? Rookie.

Saliss of Lights was watching the Horns with one sardonic look at Colth. He glanced over at Lehra and kicked at her lightly.

But Adventurer Saliss! You dont do this!

Saliss pointed at his chest.

I dont do that?

You fight with potions! This is

Lehra ducked as Saliss actually threw another napkin at her face. He looked genuinely annoyed by her comment.

Listen, kid. Lehra. Rookie. Newbie. Peon. Uhchild.

Her team looked unsure whether or not to take offense, but Saliss pointed a claw at Lehra.

Shut up. If you ever say that to me again, Ill have Tessa kick the fur off you. You sound like some kind of wet-behind-the-ears Bronze-rank.

Adventurer Saliss

You shut up too, whoever you are.

The Drake pointed at Emper, and the [Monk] fell silent. The Drake stabbed a table with one claw.

Adventurers dont play fair. You want to know the last fight I had outside of the Meeting of Tribes? I fought a room full of high-level [Rogues]. And what I did isI inserted a Potion of Acid Clouds into the room and closed the door.

Lehra fell silent and blanched. Saliss glared at her.

If it was Crelers, Id do the exact same thing but add fire as well. When I hunt monsters, I dont walk up to them and give them a shake of the claw and wish them a sporting match and agree not to hit them under the belt. I ambush them when theyre sleeping. If I need to, I dig a hole and put sharp sticks at the bottom. If I think theres a fair fight, I run away and come back later.

But you fought Belavierr and the armies

He grabbed her arm and hissed at her.

Thats not adventuring. Thats idiocy. This is real adventuring, and if you had any sense, you would have taken out that Wall Lord who was hunting you the first time you beat him rather than let the Halfseekers clean up your mess.

Chastened, embarrassed, Lehra ducked her head. In fact, Colth turned to give Saliss a long look, which the Drake returned with a middle finger.

I dont want to hear it, Colth the Upstanding. Shes a rookie, and she needs to hear this. Or she wont live another year.

Lehra shrank down at her table and stared at her plate. That was until Saliss stomped off to ask Ishkr how annoyed Laken Godart might be if Saliss showed up. The Drake was really unhappy to learn Laken was blind.

Saliss has done a lot of heroic things against overwhelming odds. Like his defense of Pallass. Hes looking out for you. Dont take it the wrong way; he is right that you and your team need to work on surviving before being heroes.

Colth got up from the table where Pisces was walking his skeleton into a wall. Lehra glanced up.

I know thatits just, I dont feel like a Named-rank all the time. Most of the time.

Colth was sympathetic. He patted Lehra on the shoulder.

Completely understandable. I made it to Named-rank, oh, six years ago, and youre younger than I was! But you need to remember something, Lehra. Even if you dont feel like ityour threats will be Named-rank. If someone goes hunting you, they dont take a band of [Thugs], they bring an army. Same for adventures. Youll be the highest-level person there, and you cant be the one who folds.

His words struck Lehra harder than he could have known. She had been at the Meeting of Tribes. If she had been able to use the Blade of Mershi properly or

Watch your back! Watch your

The scrying orb went dark, and Yvlon stopped shaking Pisces as the snarling, red-eyed monster leapt. Pisces jerked back in his seat.

Children.

The monstrous child-mimics that pretended to be children had snuck up on Pisces. Colth groaned and hurried over as the Gold-rank team began arguing over what had gone wrong.

I thought you were a duelist, Pisces. Whys your skeleton got all the grace of a drunk Palt?

Hey.

Palt looked hurt as he trotted past them. Pisces protested.

I may be able to control itbut I am not used to seeing through a scrying orb. I hope we havent lost it. We should enchant a plain piece of glassand I need you to stop shouting in my ears!

Right, sorry. What ifwe sent the skeleton in armor?

Were not losing good armor.

Okay, then, what about a Flask of Fire? Or something to defend itself?

How about a [Haste] spell? Or [Speed]. I could cast [Speed], and we could give the skeleton a shield. Frankly, we should probably add [Light] to it as well. Sneaking around in the darkness made it harder to navigate, and the monsters clearly took notice it was there.

Colth sat down, and the Gold-ranks conferred as they went over the issue. Lehra glanced up at them and sighed.

Whys it feel like the Horns are closer to Named-rank than we are?

Maybe they are if they combined all their levels, compared with ours. Nothats definitely the case.

Suxhel knew their team was Gold-rank, but she eyed Pisces and compared his probable level to Lehras. In levels, the Horns might actually be superior to Stargazers Promise.

But what made Lehra better? Well, aside from sheer levels like Colth or Saliss, the answer was one thing. Lehra glanced down at the gleaming bracelet on one arm.

Relics. The first monster encounter at Albez was fastbut stronger than anticipated.

Lich. Undead horde. Liiiiich!

It was a throwback to the first monsters that the Horns had ever encountered at Albez. Namelyan undead spellcaster.

A Lich.

The body of a dead [Mage] emerged as the first civilian diggers caved in a hither-to unexplored tunnel. A Lich rose out, shooting lightning bolts and [Fireballs], and hundreds of undead poured after it.

The ruins of Albez had been a magical community, so the dangerous undead variant made sense. It was more than a match for most Silver-rank teams with its sheer magical killing ability.

But not that many Named-ranks and Gold-ranks. In fact, the first bolt of lightning never even hit the terrified woman running screaming away from the Lich.

[Accident Protection: Monsters]! Get out of there!

Earlias [Mining Captain] Skill made the first bolt of lightning swerve. It was such an odd Skill that even the other adventurers were surprised. But then the adventurers were charging into the fighting.

Frankly, it was overkill, and half the teams didnt even get into the opened pit. The adventurers were in more danger of hitting each other, and Halrac loosed one enchanted arrow that detonated on the Lichs barriers before he heard a shout.

No area of attack spells! Damn it, get out of the pitnevermind, warriors in!

The sensible thing to do would be to stand back and hit the undead in the pit with [Fireballs], but the adventurers had gone inand more monsters were awakening from the fighting.

The undead horde had, apparently, been sharing space or competing with huge, burrowingpigs. They had huge tusks that rose upwards with shovel-like ends, and their mouths were cilia, waving tendrils that feasted on dead meat.

Rotbore Pigs!

The angry pigs were as large as boars, and they slammed into the undead, and the adventurers in the pit were facing their charge as well as the corroded weapons of the undead and the Lichs indiscriminate magic.

Again

It was overkill.

Eldertuin the Fortress slammed a sword against his shield, and the Lich whirled. A bolt of lightning, orb of acid, and fireball all shot towards the Fortress shield, and he hunkered behind it.

[Provoked Opponent].

Ive got a bead, Captain. Want me to take a shot?

The [Archer] of Variable Fortress, his team, was aiming at the Lich. Halrac loosed another invisible arrow, but it had shields up, and it was surviving the first volley from adventurers confident enough not to hit the adventurers below.

No. Let it attack.

Eldertuin held his ground, and the shield barely vibrated as more spells lashed it. He glanced overand Deniusth had his sword drawn, but Orchestra was also standing at the top of the pit. Casually, the Named-rank swung his bow through the head of a climbing Ghoul, but that was all.

Orchestra had a huge attack radius, and so the adventurers whod jumped downDasha, Jelaqua, the Waterborn Raiders, and a host of otherswould have been hit. Deniusth was eying the Lich, but he saw Eldertuin and knew there was no point to showing off.

After allthe Fortress shield was beginning to awaken.

Eldertuin had a tower shield, huge and square, curved to protect a lot of his body even when held at his side. He could cover his entire form with it, large as he was, and it was the one relic-class item he owned.

A gift from House Terland upon his marriage. It was decorated with their motifs, a beautiful relief on the front, but the real secret was the object in the center.

It was

An eye. And the eye was normally closed until enough magic hit it. Whereupon it slowly began to open

The Lich only sensed something was wrong when it saw a gemstone eye of the Golem Shield open. Then it saw the eyes pupil glow whiteand the undead began to fly back.

Too latea beam of light lanced across the ground, and Halrac threw up his hands to shield his face. He saw it pierce the barriers and hit the Lichwhen he lowered his hands, a flaming shower of ashes was falling.

Dead gods. Now theres a shield.

Briganda swore in admiration. She hadnt gone down into the pit, but she was ready to leap. No wonder Eldertuin had held an entire part of the Village of the Dead raid on his own!

I hear its got other effects. Like a localized earthquake. None of the Named-rankers going to show off? Viecels just sitting there.

The Selphid was indeed, as were Orchestra. But thenRevi blinked down into the pit of adventurers and saw a few teams shouting.

Hey! Let us back out!

The Waterborn Raiders were climbing up. They had been mad enough to leap into the fight after realizing that Earlias team were taking the runes, but they were backing out. And indeed, even the other Gold and Silver-rankers in the pit were climbing out.

It had been barely forty seconds. What wasRevi looked into the pit, and her jaw dropped.

Hundreds of undead. That was not an idle thing. Vuliel Drae or the Pride of Kelia could conceivably take down that horde, but if they leapt into that pit, they had good odds of never coming out. They would require planning, traps, chokepointsbut Nailren was sure he could have taken the undead down with enough arrows and time.

Yet that was the difference between his team and, say, a Named-rank one. Saliss of Lights could eliminate that horde in five seconds, he was sure.

Now, the Gnoll saw something that made his heart skip. Because if that was true

Then how fast was one adventurer taking down this horde? Even Deniusth had fallen silent, and the other teams, from Spoken Vow to the Raiders to even teams like the Silver Swords, were shocked. Ylawes backed upshield raised despite himself

Because Jelaqua Iviriths flail wasnt stopping.

Demas Metal. It was whirling, blades coated in water and gore, and the metal edges swung through Zombies and Ghouls so fast that the [Steelforged Whirlwind] barely stopped moving. She didnt riposte, parry, feint, or do anything so slow as take the undead on one by one.

Her flailwork was that of a Gold-rank adventurer whod done this for agesbut it was a careful dance of hammering her opponent, pulling the flail back, and hitting them again. Death by a thousand strikes.

This? The Selphid herself was caught off-guard by the lack of resistance. She slashed through a zombies corroded chainmail and into its chest, whirled the Demas Metal flail around

The only thing that lasted more than a second was a Crypt Lord. That horror appeared, and Jelaquas flail slashed at its sides, its face, and bloated bodyit swung at her, and she danced backthen the Crypt Lord stared at its missing arm. It went down so fast Ylawes wondered if he could have done that with one of his Skills.

Dead gods! Ivirith is tearing them up! Was she always that good?

An adventurer from the north exclaimed shakily. Ylawes saw Dawil reaching down and swung himself up the crumbling dirt walls.

That flail

Its like that metal was made for her. Look at her!

Dawil was beaming, and Ylawes smiled despite himselfalthough he felt frankly envious. When Jelaqua halted, the Selphid was panting. Her dead bodys chest rose up and down, and the Selphid looked around.

What thedid I do that?

Everyone looked at her team and then the minced bodies. A Ghoul crept up, cradling a severed arm, and leapt at Jelaqua. She turned with one hand raised to punch itand the Ghoul vanished mid-leap in a blaze of magical missiles.

How many was

Ylawes lowered his arm as dozens of arrow-spells hit the Ghoul mid-jump. Falene broke in, breathless.

Sixty-one. How did he

She looked up, and Moore lowered his staff, blinking. The Silver Swords looked up, and then Ylawes saw what had changed about the [Green Mage].

That staff he held was made of dark metal, reminiscent of iron, but infused with sprinkles of light, like it was some kind of gemstone ore embedded in the metal. And the tip was a set of sapphire claws clutching an orb that glowed with power.

Did Moore always have that staff?

Ylawes was almost certain he had not. The half-Giant lowered it, and Falenes mouth worked. Then she pointed.

No. Thatsthats

Wall Lord Dragials personal staff and the gift from the Demas Metal tribe glinted among the Halfseekers personal equipment. In fact, Ylawes thought Seborn had a new cloak, and Ulinde seemed to be wearing boots adjusted for a Drake

They looted the Wall Lord. They looted a Wall Lord of Fissival? And got away with it?

Deni couldnt take his eyes off of the Halfseekers gear.

Apparently, they split some of it with the Stargnolls team. Did you see that flail? Thatswhat tribe was selling that metal? Its not even enchanted, and she tore up that group of undead. We could do that. Obviously. But

The Named-ranks reacted to the Halfseekers performance in the pit almost more strongly than the lower-rank teams. Because they saw what that meant.

That staff might not be relic-class, but if it wasnt, it was as good as anything Deni or Eldertuins [Mages] had. And gear?

Gear was what separated Named-ranks from Gold-ranks. Levels too, but gear?

Saliss of Lights was a kind of exception in that he could manufacture his own gear, and it was a limited supply. But those items changed everything.

Eldertuin the Fortress had no fear of a [Warrior]s worst nightmare: hostile magic. Similarly, each Named-rank Adventurer tended to have an object or objects that put them above ordinary members of their class.

For instance, Deni had heard that Three-Color Stalker had a pair of blades that would kill almost anyone she stabbedand there was nothing more terrifying than a contest where the first blow ended everything with the worlds best [Rogue].

There was something else Named-ranks had that other adventurers didnt, and that was exemplary gear that wasnt based around combat.

In fact, as the [Diggers] got back to work and the adventurers decided to make camp around Albezs ruins, Deni went to chat with the Halfseekers. He had noticed Griffon Hunts Captain had an invisible bow, too, and in exchange for being allowed to inspect both, he showed them his scarf.

My instrument is obviously custom-made. An old enchanted violin from the Rihal Imperium, apparently. Whatever that was. Its got a host of magical effects.

Its that old? So your team plays magical effects? Like a group of [Bards]?

Ulinde was nervous and excited, but you needed a rookie like that, and Deni let her admire the bow of his violinwhile cautioning her to be careful, because it was sharp.

Exactly. Magic, swordplay, and music all in one. But we have a lot of tools for every encounter. For instance, this saved my life.

He tugged at the scarf with a grimace, but the huge wound in his neck running into his chest didnt hurt. He justfelt it.

Thats a death-wound if you dont mind me saying so, Captain Deni.

Typhenous observed quietly, and the Named-ranks lips twisted.

I was just lucky enough my team got to put it on me. Someone else might have died of shock. Its the fourth Relic-class item between our team.

More than most. Briganda whistled as Deni let them touch it.

A Scarf of Wounds Relief. We bought it after Chalence. Half a million gold pieces, and that was a steal.

Half a million

Its worth four times that or more, by now. Its saved our lives so many times I cant even count. No wound will worsen or bleed with it onand itll slowly heal. SlowlyIm not risking a healing potion. The damned axe might have been poisoned or putrid.

His only other option without the scarf would have been to rush to the Healer of Tenbault and beg her on hands and knees to save his life.

Gear made the team. Deni wondered if the Halfseekers would consider an offer on any of their artifacts. Then againeven for someone rich off of Chalences loot, there was a limit to how many Relic-class items you could buy.

No ones getting the Helm of Fire. I mean, none of us. Its a huge bidding war between nations, still. The Walled Cities versus that Emir from Roshaldamn shame. Were the ones who could use the items and get them!

Deni groused as he stared at the dark ruins. They had found nothing tonight, but he wanted to find something.

Relics. They were worth thousands of gold pieces spent on diggers, ten times that. If he had a proper set of legendary armor orthere was nothing else for him to buy. Potions? Maybe a few rare ones.

Expensive homes, security, connections? All these things didnt matter when a monster had you in its claws.

Relics. Deniusth wondered how many were buried in the new lands. Andhe thought of the Blade of Mershi. How many Named-ranks might be made by a single Relic alone?

Assuming, of courseyou could hold onto it.

Three more skeletons died in the dungeon of Liscor that night. One ran into a trap. Two were taken out by monsters, but in their journey, they managed to get further ahead than any adventurer ever had.

Nevertheless, Pisces head was sore from trying to move the skeletons, and Colth was encouraging, but practical.

This method works. The problem iswe might run into Albezs treasure seekers, but theyve apparently camped out for the night. Good for us. Lets try to refine our strategy tomorrow.

Erpleasure to be working with you, Colth. Do you want to stay here?

If youve got a room, Ill take it. But lets go over Cerias memory again. We have to plot a route to this city. Sorry, boss, but this is the only thing we can do while Pisces rests. We could do more dungeon runs, but I think we shouldnt agitate it.

He was meticulously making maps of Cerias own memory and comparing them against other blueprints of the dungeon. In factColth seemed to be coming to the conclusion that they needed more intelligence about the dungeons layout.

Which he suggested meant a visit to Calruz. Ceria didnt know if that was wise, but she had to admit, Colths methods had been zero-risk, all potential reward so far.

By contrast, the restless Lehra had gloomed off, and Saliss and Tessa seemed unaffected by the search for treasure.

I dont do dungeons. Tessa, this nostalgic for you?

Hm. I killed people. I only did a few dungeons.

Right. You eating well? Erin feeding you?

Mhm.

Whats mhm? Yes, no? Give examples.

Saliss poked Tessa until she drew a blade on himbut then he just poked her with a spoon.

They were a different kind of Named-rank than Colth and the Havens lot. Less focused on the adventure, at least for the moment. Saliss had once claimed that any adventurer who made it to Named-rank was crazy in their own way, and Lehra might qualify.

ColthColth was professional, intelligent, and oddly sycophantic at times. He had taken to calling Ceria boss, and shed heard he did act like that. Wellsometimes the madness wasnt obvious. Sometimes it was.

Viecel the Gambler tossed the last two fingers on his right hand into the fire. Eldertuin had adventured with the Selphid for a long time, but even he winced as the Gambler removed the digits.

Enough damn gambling, Viecel. This is meant to be fun. The odds are were not going to find

Deni snapped at Viecel, but the Selphid just looked up with a flat expression. Then he smiled.

Want to bet on it? Come on, Deni. Put some gold on the line. Lifes no fun finding just a small treasure.

We dont all have fingers to spare. Were not all damn Selphids.

Viecel shrugged.

Fingers arent worth much, thats true. In that caseI wager a real wound. Blood or treasure, even up.

Viecel. Enough.

Eldertuin grabbed his arm, but the Gambler was relaxed. He spread his arms.

Its just a wound either way, Eldertuin. And besides, itll add to whatever we get if I win. Ive got to send something back to the kids. Especially now.

He looked earnestly at the Fortress, and Eldertuin looked like he wanted to arguebut all the Named-ranks had heard about Baleros.

Besides, these were old arguments. Viecel had bet worse and more before.

Perhaps they should have stopped him long ago. The Gold-ranks were talking with Silver-ranks and Bronze-ranks about stories, and some of them were asking, enviously, how you reached the level of Horns or beyond.

Its not luck. Its taking a risk. A calculated risk. You always, always play it safe, rookies, but sometimes youve gotta do what youve gotta do.

The Waterborn Raiders Captain was more genial than expected when they were sitting with full bellies around an open fire, but other adventurers cautioned him.

Dont say that to the younger adventurers. Then they just take risks. Figuring out whats a calculated risk in the first placethats how you make it.

The higher-level you are, the less risk you have to take. I didnt make the rules.

The Waterborn Raiders Captain defended himself with a glance at Deniusth. The Violinist pretended to ignore itbut then he stared into the distance.

Risk. You say that now, Captain Foeer, but Ive got a mountain of risks I never took. Friends who I never backedand never saw again. The Archmage of Izril was just some kid when I was a Bronze-rank, you know? We were never friends in the sense that we were that close, but she sometimes helped us out. And for eight years, she was lost. Colth, Eld, Mihaela evenwere the last ones, but when I look at you all, I knew this many adventurers growing up.

He gestured at the gathering of hundreds, and the Violinist took a cup of warm cider. He drank it and felt the warmth seeping into his bones and a painful nostalgia.

Eighteen. Eighteen adventurers from the Havens days are all Larra knows. Eighteen originals. Thats how many make it, you know. Eighteen ever retired or made it to our age.

He looked around, and the younger adventurers fell silent. Yet Deni didnt mean to dampen their spirits. He looked around, then sprang onto one of the barrels hed paid for from Remendia.

I dont know if it was worth itbut I never was able to quit adventuring. Even after I made my fortune. It drags me back again and again, and when Im hereI see a new chance. The new lands of Izril.

He looked at them, and they all stared up at him, some with eyes shining, others as jaded as his. Deni took a huge drink.

Never touched. Never explored! A new era upon usthis is a rebirth, friends. A new chance! Everything Ive failed at, this time, Ill do it right. Im going to head into Izrils new lands like a Bronze-rank and start afresh. And when I do, any adventurer I meet will be right there with me. Well team up, Bronze-ranks and Orchestra. Will I see you there?

He looked around and received a wild cheer from most. The Violinist grinned and felt that excitement calling him on as he tossed more wood on the fire.

A new start, with all the gold and artifacts his teams got.

Seborn muttered sardonically to the Halfseekers. Ulinde broke off from her admiring stare of Deni, and Jelaqua stretched out.

Let him rile the young ones up, Seborn. I thought you were all about hope these days?

Faith isnt blindness. Hes going to get some of them killed.

The Drowned Man eyed the food from Remendia, and he didnt recall Deni starting that fire. Halrac seemed to share the same opinion.

If the Named-ranks are going south, I hope theyve brought more provisions than a regular adventure. Were not going. Are you, Jelaqua?

Ah, I have things in Pallass to think ofand were flush from recent events. Wellthink on it. The real question is who here is going. Id have thought that Griffon Hunt would go.

Weve got a contract with Emperor Godart, and thats almost as good as new lands.

Revi put in, and Typhenous and Briganda nodded. The Halfseekers raised their brows, but Halracs new boots obtained at practically no danger spoke to that.

Their two teams were more content than almost any other group. Vuliel Drae, the Pride of Kelia, even the Flamewardens were raising tankards to Denis speech.

Relics in the new lands. Or more? What could they find there that they couldnt find in a dungeon here? Even tomorrow?

Jelaqua wondered sleepily. No one had an answer, but perhapsHalrac looked at Deni and thought of Ulrien and his own team of Griffon Hunt. When he looked around, he saw Revi and Typhenous, still new, and Briganda.

Perhaps, the [Bowman of Loss] realized, it wasnt about objects to Deniusth and the older adventurers.

Perhaps it really was aboutwho.

Everyone was asleep, and it was, apparently, some damn [Witch]s hour as a [Necromancer] stomped through the underbrush, swearing as his robes got caught on every conceivable branch. Pisces Jealnet was up late, and hed been walking for forty minutes.

Forty minutes at midnight. Plus, the new [Portal Door] that Erin had set up was a huge, huge problem for clandestine meetings like this.

You want me to keep it here? I guessand you can still adjust it. See? The dial system is even there! What, you want to go somewhere, Pisces?

He had to give her a lie about an early-morning Players of Celum performance, and he was sure Erin hadnt bought it. But she had put it out, and then?

Well, lets assume you got to Invrisil unseen. Which was already uncertain. Then, Pisces had to walk the quiet streets and hopefully not get mugged. A real possibility, even for a Gold-rank adventurersomeone might not know who he was, and that didnt stop a club from hitting the back of his head! Hed elected to cast [Invisibility] the entire way.

Then he had to get out the gates, and the [Guard] didnt exactly just let anyone outor back in. Pisces had decided just to jump off the walls. Getting up? Wellhe felt like he could [Flash Step] past a [Guard] when the gate opened.

This wasnt a Drake cityInvrisil had low walls and little paranoia about saboteurs. But then Pisces had realized he wasnt anywhere close to the place hed been shown on the map. So here he was, hiking for forty minutes to some alleged ruins near a forest.

He was mad. He was, in fact, not having fun at all or feeling like this was a productive use of his time. It felt like another lifetimeliving in a dirt cave around the Floodplains, not washing, ever, and occasionally waking up with centipedes in his hair. Let alone skulking around in the middle of the night.

Pisces didnt know how you did it. Part of him suspected that you just got used to the privation. After allhe slowed as he saw some old stonework long since abandoned. It looked like a mill and farmstead, literally overgrown by trees.

It wastoo nostalgic for him. The [Necromancer] saw no movement around the ruined windmill, but one look told him that was where anyone would be sleeping since it was the most intact building.

[Detect Life].

The [Necromancer] was still invisible. He saw no less than six figures, two apparently watching from the ruined walls of the farmstead and four inside the windmill.

Sloppy.

Not that hed have done much better. If someone were trying to detect youwell, Pisces at least could cast invisibility. Something occurred to him, and he tried another spell.

[Detect Death].

Ah. Suddenly, Pisces noticed a lot of other signaturesin the ground. He stopped, because buried in the farmsteads ground were no less than thirty-four skeletonsand two undead gargoyle-skeletons.

And an undead giant cat.

Now thatthat was a trick he hadnt ever pulled, simply because he didnt run with hordes. But it was the oldest [Necromancer] trick in the book. Any [Bounty Hunter] or Bronze-rank adventurer coming out here wouldnt have much proof these vagrants were up to no good.

And if they did force the issue, they were going to have an unpleasant surprise.

Did they dispose of people after them? Did they attack [Guards] or were they just robbing corpses? He had defraudedwell, scared people out of money. How did they get food? Robbery or

Pisces shook himself as he stealthed forwards. It wasnt his responsibility. And yet

He knew the person he was going to see.

Ama, the [Necromancer] from the very first days of Pisces learning magic, had changed markedly. He still remembered herand himselfas ganglingganglerous teens. Yes, that was a suitable word for it.

Oh, theyd been studying magic and raising undead, but there was something about their youth that had been too much pretense. Everyone, really. It reminded Pisces in an unhappy way of Gothica. But where Gothica was seriously a [Goth], whatever that meant, some of what the young [Necromancers] had been had really just been rebellious, hanging out with undead because they knew it was wrong.

Well, jokes or not, they had all paid for it with their lives. And the real [Necromancers], Feren, Gewilena

They had been Pisces age now, even a year or two on him still. Now, he realized how they must have seen the new acolytes and [Necromancers]. Feren had been always concerned about being found, hoarding moneyand getting Azkerashs undead-farm to work.

As Pisces had observed, it hadnt really gotten off the ground. The rotting zombies made people sick and stankand fell apart. None of the [Necromancers] understood farming, and so they also stole and caused trouble and pretended their undead were something more than putrid corpses. In that sense, they might have been no better than a group of [Bandits] with undeath magic

But for Gewilena, the artist who made sculptures out of bone and gave them life. She and Feren had been a cut above the others. While he was more pragmatic and a good fighterhe had even tried to teach Pisces [Flash Step]

Gewilena had been able to make powerful undead out of bone. Her undead creations had been on par with a Bone Horror, Pisces suspected.

This was all ancient history, of course, but Pisces remembered it all. He hadnt ever been caught. His father had made sure of thatand the local [Lord] had put the others to the torch.

Hed thought no one survived. But AmaPisces remembered her. Another student of Gewilena, obsessed with cats. By the looks of it, she had reached Gewilenas level in artistry.

If not common sense. It was odd, going back down memory road now. Pisces had always remembered himself as being the best [Necromancer] behind Feren and Gewilena. Which waspossibly true? Ama was just one of the kids who didnt have his touch, his magical ability. His fencing grace.

Dead gods, I was insufferable. The younger Pisces had been constantly after Feren or Gewilena. Good thing he had adopted a measure of gravitas and dignity after Wistram. Yes, that was how he was going to think of it and not remember any embarrassing moments ever after that at all.

But Ama, think of Ama. Pisces walked past the undead, listening. He could hear quiet murmurs and shushes from the hidden figures. They were about as good at this aswell. Kids playing at being outlaws.

Ama must have set up the undead like this. He could sense her magic strongest of all. She was the new Ferenand these were the new Pisces and Amas.

So why are you doing this, Ama? Didnt she learn the lesson hed learned in Ailendamus? They would hunt you down.

He didnt know, but this was his first chance to talk to her since the battle against the monsters. Shed told him to meet her here and that they would be waiting.

Well, to be precise, hed had to meet with one of her acolytes twice in Invrisil, who, both times, had told him that she was thinking and investigating his background. After the second meeting during a gibbous waxing moon, hed been told to come here.

think hes going to show up, Deathlady Ama?

Well see.

The windmill was denuded of the actual blades, but the door was intact. Inside, Pisces could see a bunch of pallets to sleep on, some mismatched cooking supplies, and a lot of bones.

It wasnt the worst campsite, he supposed, and he heard a scraping soundwhich turned out to be the four [Necromancers] carving bones inside.

They had little curved knives, and they were carving some of the Gargoyle bones to better fit new undead. Even, Pisces saw, painting them. One was using a very crude water dye and paintingwhiskers onto a cat face?

Yep. That was Ama. It looked like she had not only salvaged the last cat undead hed partially destroyed, but was making a new one. This one had a movable jaw, but looked like one of those tigers from the books of Baleros. And, apparently, it would have orange and black stripes. A lighter yellow-orange for whiskers.

Ama didnt notice Pisces, despite her eyes focusing on the view out the windmills open door. She was watchful, even as she patiently cut slivers of bone off what would become an articulated cats leg.

Do you think hell join the cabal, Deathlady?

Well see. Hes a Gold-rank adventurer now. He hasnt tried to turn us in

He must be over Level 30! At least! He could lead us to greater magic. Teach us

Lead the cabal? Havent I done well enough? Are you trying to replace me, Rodden?

She turned, and the carving knife gleamed under the moonlight. One of the younger [Necromancers] froze and stuttered.

N-not me! Im just saying, hes a famousId never do that, Deathlady!

Pisces rolled his eyes. Well, Ama didnt seem to need to establish a rule of fear if that was all it took. They were kids, the other five [Necromancers]. Youngteenagers to young adults.

Strange. Ama appeared far older now, watchfuland he recognized the burn scars on her arm and face. Nor did she seem entirely unskilled with the dagger.

Time had not been kind to her. Well, nothing for it. Pisces paced back to the forest, stepped behind a tree, and unraveled his invisibility spell. He emerged and heard, even from afar, a cry of alarm. He raised one hand and wondered what the hell he was going to do.

What are you doing here, Ama?

He only asked her that when they were alone. It took twenty minutesthe younger neophytes, the Apprentices of Death, the [Necromancers] didnt want to leave Pisces be. They were agog and incautious. More than one like Rodden told Pisces their real name by accidentthen tried to pretend it was an alias.

By now, Pisces had figured out the entire organization of this cabal. Hed participated in a few, but never really fit inthis was a less-harmful version of the stereotypical necromancer living in a dark castle and raising undead.

Sometimes, they allied with bandits or were part of a gang. Other times, they were individualsAmas group was made up of locals around Invrisil. They stole bones and corpses, dug up valuables, and, Pisces suspected, sold their undead to gangs.

Still, they were pests not even worth having adventurers go after. Their theft of the Gargoyle bones really was the grand heist of the year.

Ama folded her arms and scowled at Pisces.

Its been whateight years? Seven, and thats the first thing you say to me. You show up, a Gold-rank adventurer, without even apologizing?

For what? I saved you from being attacked by Vaunts soldierswhat were you thinking, trying to rob them? Attack them with an undead? There were Gold-rank adventurers out there, and any one of them could have wiped out your entire group, Ama. I have a friend who could punch that cat to death with her bare hands.

Ama sneeredand grew angrier.

You must be crazy. Thats an [Artisan Bone Construct], my Sillias. Hes chased off Mothbears and killed Corusdeer!

Is he a Bone Horror?

Pisces was sardonic. Ama, outraged.

Bone Horror? Hes better than a mismatch of bonesdidnt you see how he moves? Like a cat! He can even flex his back like a cat and

I meant in terms of combat ability.

Combat ability, what are you, Feren?

She sneered at him again, and Pisces blew out his cheeks. This was not how he expected his first conversation to gowhich really meant hed forgotten how [Necromancers] were. Each one thought their undead were the best.

Im not talking about aesthetics, Ama, Im talking about sheer killing ability. Yvlon Byres can take out two Bone Horrors with her hands. I saw her smash in an Adult Crelers head with a broken sword. Do you want to see what happens if your cat makes her mad?

Ama hesitated. She swallowed a bit as, perhaps, she hadnt realized how close to a hostile adventurer shed gotten.

Thats just a rumor. Your team didnt really kill an Adult Creler. You did? You?

She gave him an incredulous look that Pisces felt was slightly warranted. He just sighed and scrubbed at his hair.

Its been a long time, Ama. I didnt recognize you at first. Only that cat gave you away. Gewilena would have been proud.

He expected that to bring them back to the start, but Amas face went white. Then she raised a hand and tried to slap him.

How dare you bring her up!

Pisces stepped back, and she overbalanced. He saw her right herself and kick outhe stepped back.

What are you doing?

The other [Necromancers] were watching from afar. Ama caught herself, and then she raised a wand.

You

Pisces saw the tip glowing fiery-red and moved before he thought. His rapier rose and knocked the wand aside. Ama froze as he held it past her head.

What is wrong with you?

The [Deathbane Necromancer] snapped. He was furious now.

I gave you those Gargoyle bonesI let you and your cabal go, and now youre trying to hit me?

You think that makes up for what you did? You sold us out, Pisces. Gewilena, everyoneeveryone died but Feren and me. All because your father figured out where we were hiding!

Ah. Suddenly, Pisces fury went out, and his arm lowered as if a heavy weight were upon it.

I never told them anything.

So they just found us without you doing anything?

Ama spat. Her cheeks were white, but a flush was creeping back into them. She turned, and the same fury that had propelled Pisces up till Liscor was still in her. Only in hernow Pisces understood.

He sheathed his rapier.

I didnt, Ama. Truly. Believe me, I wanted to stop it, but the first I heard was that Lord Ecte was going after the farmfrom my father. He beat me half to death, and when I arrivedall I found was ash. Then I saw them execute Gewilena and the others.

Ama listened, eyes wide with disbeliefbut flickering.

That cant be right. They found us without a warning. No scoutsthe first thing I saw were those [Knights] marching in. Feren told us to run, but we were still eating lunch when they attacked. Gewilenas undead got two, but everyone elsesFeren had to kill a [Knight] to get us out.

I didnt know that. I thought he was burnt. No one mentioned casualties. II didnt tell them.

They must have followed you.

The other [Necromancer] was still angry, but it was draining out of her, replaced by old grief. It was a long, long time ago. This felt like opening a wound up, but Pisces had already thought of Gewilena before. And Ama

I dont think they needed to. They just needed to know we were there. It wasnt as if the farm was that well hidden, Ama. Once Lord Ecte got wind of it, how hard would it have been to cast [Detect Life]? I could tell you were all hereand the undead in the ground.

She looked up, alarmed, and then her face twisted over.

Feren never believed you sold us out. He thought they tortured you.

Ferens alive? Is he here?

Pisces latched onto that. The most skilled [Necromancer] had been in his mid-twenties, no duelist like Pisces, but able to cast [Flash Step] and [Deathbolt]. He had also wanted to be like Azkerash and even tried dying his hair white in imitation of his mentor. Pisces had always thought that if anyone had been able to make it

No. No, we parted a long time ago. Hes still in Terandria. Working with Ailendamus.

What? You have to be kidding.

Ama shrugged.

I was with him for a long time. But hes obsessed with creating a huge cabal and an undead army. He wants revengebut Ailendamus hires him to cause trouble with other nations. Raid villages, attack peopleidiot. He was up to something big the last I heard of him.

Pisces shook his head.

Youll need to tell me more about that. And you? Howd you get to Izril?

The same way you did. I justleft Terandria. Izril was closest, so I went to a port, but theres almost nowhere safe. I should have gone to Baleros or Chandrar, but I couldnt afford it. I finally found a place to make my undead here. And its been going well. Sillias is my finest creationno matter what his combat capability is.

She had to actually raise the undead from the ground to show him off. Pisces saw the cat flex, roll over, and even pretend to wash a paw with a bone tongue of all things.

It was impressive and reminded Pisces of Gewilenabut it was also amazingly useless.

How long did you spend on making that tongue?

Uh, five months. It was hard figuring out how to move it properly. Want to see him perch on a ledge?

Ama was excited to show her cat off, but Pisces was glancing at the sky.

Ive got to get back to the inn. I justI wanted to know whats going on, Ama. Whats your cabal doing?

Learning necromancy. What else? Thisthis is art. And Im happy without your help. Those Gargoyle bones will make great protectors and fuel more projects. Thanks for that. Youre a famous Gold-rank. I cant believe those damn adventurers dont stab you. What else is there to say?

She looked at him like a stranger, and Pisces glanced around the ruins. He imagined living in that windmill, and looked at the kids.

Do you rob people for money?

No. What are you, trying to make sure nothing comes back to you? Believe me, I wont try that if we run into an adventurer.

She said it too fast, crossing her arms. Pisces huffed.

Im notwere old friends, Ama. At least, we were. I just dont want you to get in trouble bothering the wrong people. Do you need money?

She shrugged defensively.

We get by.

He dug in his bag of holding.

I bet. Here.

He held out a handful of gold, and the [Necromancer] stared at it. She almost reached for the gold, then her face turned paler, and she swatted at his hand.

I dont need that. I dont need you.

Its just a gift.

Well, I dont need it.

Fine. Im trying to be helpful. Clearly, I wasnt needed here or anywhere else! Lets agree to part on that.

Pisces lost his temper and turned on his heel. He stalked offbut Ama called out after him.

Pisces, wait!

She caught up to him, and he turned. The angry [Necromancer] saw Ama hesitate. She looked back at the cabal, then whispered to him.

Youmy cabal is small. Since youre such a high-level [Necromancer], will you raise a Bone Horror or something for them? I had to tell them we knew each other.

He stared at her, and she flushed. Pisces bit his tongue, and Ama whispered.

Theyre causing no one harm, but they want to all level up and earn lots of gold. Theyll run off to another cabalthe Gargoyle bones are huge. Its better if they dont.

There are other cabals about Invrisil?

She gave him a long look.

Not Invrisil specifically. But there are some bad ones out there. Please, Pisces. Getting involved with Izrils gangs is a bad idea.

Without a word, Pisces looked at the [Necromancers]. He sighedthen fished in his bag of holding. He spilled a pile of bones onto the ground and, with a flourish, clicked his fingers.

Willthis do? Its just a bear.

The two-headed warbear roseor at least, a simulacrum of one. The original bear and his Skeleton Lord were back on Chandrar, so Pisces just used the Gargoyle bones for this one.

The bear head looked stupid with bone fragments crudely making it up. Pisces supposed he should alter the design or carve some bones up to make it look better. But he knew Amas method took forever. Maybe some paint? But that flaked off in combat. Maybe it could do more than lumber about.

He expected Ama to sneer at his creation, but the [Necromancer] gasped, and the other five practically sprinted over as the warbear rose. Pisces looked at Ama.

Its not nearly as functional as your cat. My original was lostwhat?

Howhow did you do that?

Do what? Oh, I had the warbears template saved.

No, animate a Bone Horror like that? It takes half an hour for me to raise one, and you

Pisces blinked at Ama.

Ive always raised undead that fast. Its harder with creations above regular skeletons, butIve practiced.

Practiced? Who practices animation speed? You had no ritual, and the bindingsthe bindings are terrible.

Ama walked around the undead, and Pisces bristled.

It does well in a fight.

It probably only lasts as long as it fights. Ew! Is this how you articulate the joints? Look, its paw barely does more than go up and down!

Ama fearlessly wiggled the warbears paws as it reared up, demonstrating a classic swipe. Pisces grew defensive.

Thats all it needs to do.

Yes, but you could make it actually adaptive. This thing just charges and bites, doesnt it? You know, bears are more clever than that. Have you inlaid the bones with more strength or speed?

Nnot everyone has time to make a custom undead. I, in fact, know how to make a Skeleton L

Pisces hesitated and closed his mouth on that. Ama hadnt heard.

Classic Pisces. You make undead like Feren. No customization.

I made a skeleton with a crossbow in its chest!

She gave him a blank look as he furiously poured bones out of his bag of holding. Pisces neglected to mention that he hadnt used that combat skeleton in almost any battlehe really did just raise skeletons or the warbear or the Bone Behemoth.

Franklywhen you had a Bone Behemoth, most problems got squashed. Aside from armies of monsters. But Ama just sneered at his skeleton.

Hey, raise the Scottie the Scout Skeleton. Bring him over here.

Scottie the Scoutyou name your undead?

Pisces forgot how Ama was. Actually, Gewilena had named all the zombie laborers. She just gave him an arch look.

Yes, I do. And I have [Personal Undead] Skills.

Thats a Skill?

Thats a Skill? Ahem.

Pisces froze as he heard a voice that no one else did. Ama flicked her brown hair out and pointed.

Death Apprentices, clear some space. Let me show my peer what hes forgotten. Scottiedance!

The skeleton was just a normal one, although for some reason he had an jerkin and pants on. Clearly new clothing, not the stuff the skeleton had been buried in. For a given value of newit was tattered stuff. The skeleton with its bright yellow eyes did a jig in place with surprising nimbleness.

That wasactually somewhat impressive. Skeletons had mobility but not dexterity. Pisces could get his to run, but a dance? He refused to look impressed as a voice spoke in his head.

Young Pisces. It seems appropriate that now I reach out to you. At yourconvenience, we must speak.

Absolutely, Archmage.

Pisces was sweating suddenly, and he wished Ama didnt look quite so smug given her audience. She took his expression for mockery and glared.

Not good enough? Okay, Scottieflip.

Scottie the Scout Skeleton backflipped. Pisces eyes bulged. It wasnt even an amateurish backflip; Scottie curled up into a ball and then landed with both arms raised.

Wh

Thats quite impressive.

Even Azkerash sounded mildly intrigued. Pisces stared as Scottie kept dancing.

You can make a skeleton do that? Did you just say[Personal Undead]? Ive never heard of that. And believe me, I, uh, Ive been studying from the greatest tomes of undeath.

Ama just laughed at him.

Why would they have anything to do with Skills? And you dont know how fast skeletons can move? Scottie can run on a vertical wall. Hey, make Scottie do a wall run for Pisces.

The other [Necromancers] herded him off, but Ama stepped forwards.

Just between us two, I suppose Ill share that since you showed us your bear. Not a lot of [Necromancers] know about [Personal Undead]. I know, because Gewilena did it.

She never told me about that.

Pisces felt hurt, and Ama shrugged.

Maybe she didnt have the Skill. Not a lot of [Necromancers] named their undead. They treat them like disposable tools. Feren hasnt named a single undead hes ever raised. I bet you havent either. If you dont treat a skeleton as valuable, of course its not going to do anything.

Pisces and Azkerash stared at Ama in silence. She smirked.

Youve never named a single skeleton, have you?

I, uhhad one of my skeletons named Toren.

Pisces neglected to mention who named it. Ama folded her arms.

Well, there you go. Its like pets. [Personal Undead] can gain useful SkillsSillias mends himself from scrapes, so I dont have to keep repairing himeven your damage is gone.

Archmage Chandler? Is this true?

Pisces had to ask. Surely, in the two hundred years of Archmage Chandlers existencethe great Necromancer of Terandria was silent.

I have not needed to nickname any undead without personality. Nor have any of the apprentices I ever taught expressed such odd behaviorundead were servants and protectors in my time. Interesting subsections of magic exist everywhere. As for imbuing bones with additional power, that is something I practiced when necessary. However, this catundead is overdone in every respect. Does it have a purring function?

Pisces looked at Ama, and she gave him a triumphant look, as if feeling she had won something. Whichshe had. He stood there as she exhaled.

I wish Id had Sillias when we were back at the farm. We might have gotten everyone out.

Im sorry, Ama. II am sorry.

She looked at him bleakly, then turned away.

Youre famous, and you have a team now. Im glad. Listen, were not always going to be here, but if you want to come by, I can teach you how to make a Scottie. Did youever learn how to cast [Deathbolt] or other spells? Finding tomes or swapping spells is hard. I feel like I could learn it now, but Feren never got around to teaching me. Or any other spells.

I might. Ill think about it. Right now, I do have to run. Ive got to go get some sleep, Ama.

She nodded at him, but when he turned, she held out her hand. He reached out to take it, and Ama curled her fingers.

I could take some gold. If youre giving it away.

He gave her a slightly irked look, but produced a handful of gold coinsand then another. Ama hurried it into her own bag of holding, and the two stood there, not quite sure how to continue.

How is the, um, adventuring going, anyways?

Oh, were exploring a dungeon. With Colth the Supporter, no less.

Pisces snorted mildly, but Ama looked stunned.

A Named-rank? How does he fight? Isnt he one of Izrils most eligible bachelors?

Possibly. Hes not that charming.

Ama gave Pisces a long look.

And youre the judge of that? Whats it like, anyways? Is he the best fighter in the world or something?

I dont know. We havent even gotten into the dungeon. Ive actually been exploring it via a skeleton. I have to control one and send it down hundreds of feet and miles into the dungeon, past trapsto navigate through it. Sensible, but slow.

You can control it that far?

The [Necromancer] was impressed, but this was more familiar to her, so Pisces described the orb setup and how Colth had come up with the idea. Only here, far, far away from the inn and prying ears did he say what he suspected the rest of the Horns had thought.

It was a novel idea coming from someone whos never worked with a [Necromancer] before. Very sensible, safe, and practical. Colth is about as adept as, ah, a junior [Necromancer].

She laughed at that. Colth had been very pleased by his idea, and Pisces had forbore mentioning that theyd used expendable skeletons in Albezand spiders, here. Colth had tweaked the concept and made it more useful, but it wasnt that original.

So hes smart enough to be a [Necromancer]. Thats better than most meatshield adventurers Ive run into.

True, true. He is a dangerous man. I dont know in which sense, but I do know that. I wonder how these Named-ranks will act in Drake landsah.

The ah was because the giant cat, Sillias, was padding over. Pisces backed up, but then he saw it twine around Ama, like an oversized, affectionate regular cat. He wasnt sure if shed commanded her undead to do that or if it was just created to do that at odd intervals.

Either waythe [Necromancer] stroked its head and scratched it under the chin, smiling, and Pisces had to admire that.

It is a work of art. He is. Gewilena would have been proud.

Ama colored a bit and nodded at him.

You really dont make art anymore, Pisces? You? Gewilena taught you to carve bone as well as I did.

His head lowered. Pisces stared at the ground, then felt a burning itch around his neck. His skin crawled on his back, and he looked upand Amas smile went away.

No. I do admire Sillias, Ama. Butmy undead, as many as I can raise, as strong as they can betheyre still not enough. I abandoned artistry to make them strong enough to kill monsters. And theyre not capable of killing real horrors. Not yet.

Uncertainly, Ama glanced at the direction of his warbear, still being inspected by the junior members of her cabal.

Is that why youre adventuring? How many monsters are there in the world, anyways? How many Creler nests? Ive never seen one and I live out in the wilds.

She laughed uncertainly, and Pisces looked somberly at her.

The bad ones look like people. They are, in my experience, the most difficult to kill.

Ama stopped laughing and gave Pisces a longer look. Then she did nod, ducking her head to hide her face behind her long bangs.

Yeah. They are. I stay away from them, but you and Ferenhow many more have you met?

I met a number on Chandrar. Then I was rescuedI ran away. I left some good friends behind.

Pisces whispered, like a confession. He looked at the cabal and Izrilsafe. Despite the monster hordes. Ama watched her old friends face, and she saw Pisces look over his shoulder.

Again. She had thought he was impatient and wanting to be gone. Then she wondered if he was lookingsoutheast. Following the distant connection of death magic she sensed coming out of him. Impossibly far away.

Chandrars a long way away.

That was the only thing she could think to say. She had never seen the continent of deserts and old kingdoms aside from scrying orbs. It was just an idea to her, like Khelt or Azkerash himself.

But Pisceshe nodded, then said something he hadnt told his team or even Erin. A conclusion hed come to.

It is. It is, Ama. It will be a long journey back, and an ordeal. HoweverI have left too much unsettled with foul men and abhorrent deeds on Chandrar. I abandoned noble folk. I hope they can wait. Either way, I must return and bring them here. Or be damned.

His eyes stared into the distance, and then he looked nothing like the boy with the practice rapier who she remembered, eagerly sitting around with the other young [Necromancers] and playing at undead. Then, she could see how hed become a Gold-rank adventurer. And though neither she nor Pisces could see it, nor hear his voicethe Necromancer could see them and hear.

The Archmage of Death smiled, like a man named Perril Chandler once had, when he breathed and held Silvarias honor in his hands. Like an older mentor seeing a worthy pupil on his long, treacherous road.

A path so dangerous even he would have hesitated before stepping upon it, for he knew Roshal and Chandrars treachery. Butthe Necromancers lips moved, his thoughts focusing, thinking. Wondering what he could give his successor for the trials ahead.

And while Azkerash watched Pisces, the Tyrant of Cloth, the great ruler of those lands who knew both Roshal and Chandrar better than any othershe watched Azkerash.

Nerrhavia smiled too.

Nothing much else happened that night. Aside from one person getting a verysuitable notification that made this morning fall into context. A decision had been made, or possibly, a threshold crossed.

Two points on a dataset made a line. A cluster, a trend. Well, if this were going to continueif this were more than a hobbywhat would it become? A voice measured the choices thus far and spoke:

[Prankster class obtained!]

[Prankster Level 8!]

[Skill Convincing Lies obtained!]

[Skill Pardon the Joke obtained!]

[Skill Mischief Bank obtained!]

[Mischief Skill Wings Upon Ice obtained!]

Oh? Ooooh!

A half-Elf flailed around in her sheets and then landed on the floor. Ceria Springwalker couldnt believe it. A new class? Now?

Was this comeuppance or? She couldnt tell, but after some thinkingand especially analyzing that unique Skillshe decided this was a good thing. The [Cryomancer] was tempted to run outside, but it was late. So, instead, she just tiptoed outside, saw a sleepy little Mrsha being led to the outhouse by Lyonetteand froze their door lock solid.

She did not level, much to her dismay.

The next morning, Pisces wondered why the normally friendly Lyonette served Ceria a burnt piece of bacon on some untoasted bread with a scowl. And she had, apparently, personally burnt the bacon.

Mrsha was also slightly bleary-eyed and scowling at Ceria, but forgave the half-Elf when Ceria promised to teach her some magic.

Quality over quantity, I guess.

He had no idea what she was talking about. But then, Pisces himself was, ahlow on sleep. He was very, very grateful for Erins [Twofold Rest] Skill, because he had had an unpleasant night.

Ama was one thing. But his night hadnt ended with her. He had hada very interesting conversation with Azkerash.

The Archmage of Death waschatty of late. He asked Pisces about his studies, his team, and his return from Chandrar. Even Erin Solstice.

Was he aware of Erins quests? Perhaps he was regarding Pisces more and more as an unofficial apprentice.

Pisces was, of course, as polite as possible, but the Necromancer hadnt contacted him to impart any magic or purely for social politeness.

Young Pisces, I have reached out regarding the new lands of Izril. It is my understanding your team has not decided to enter the new lands. Is this so?

N-no, Necromancer. They have made no such commitments.

Pisces began sweating the instant he heard this. Azkerashs mental tone, however, was pleasant. Even conversational. Pisces wasnt fooled.

My interests tend towards the new lands of Izril also. In the pursuit of your own levels and your career as an adventurer, I suggest you embark there as well.

Toassist you in your goals, Archmage? My team has commitments, and while I am sure there is a wealth of opportunity there, I cannot force my Captain, Ceria, to do anything.

Pisces replied swiftly, and Azkerash paused.

Naturally, but I would assume you have no little weight. I happen to know there is a great opportunity in the new landsthe <Mythical Quest> aside. If not what, it will be invaluable to all, or so my source assures me.

He sounded displeased, so Pisces clarified.

Naturally, then, Archmage. Youyou think it is that important?

Azkerash took his time replying, and when he did, Pisces heart sank.

Just as I have taken your side against Roshal, young Pisces, so too do I assure you that the new lands have an opportunity you must not miss out upon. Consider this a friendly piece of advice.

Pisces swallowed. Well.

In that case, Necromancer, I will begin my preparations at once.

Properly, young Pisces. Properly. But your foresight in accepting my guidance is noted.

Pisces forehead rested on the table. He wondered what he was going to do.

Wellobviously, go to the new lands. Hed known from the start that the Necromancers help had consequences. Now, he was calling in the favor from Chandrar.

And it had been a favor worth having at the time. But could he endanger his team? Pisces shook his head.

Whatwhat would Azkerash ask of him? Perhaps just to find whatever this was. Either way, the favor had been called in, and Pisces was only grateful he hadnt missed all the hints Azkerash was dropping.

His wrathwould not be pleasant. But Pisces looked at Ksmvr, who was gobbling down just toast with butter and cinnamon for breakfast, and Yvlon and Ceriaand he spoke as Ceria was munching on her single piece of burnt bacon.

Everyone, I have decided I will be joining the expedition to the new lands. Purely as a matter of self-improvement. You need not accompany me, nor do I expect it. I am quite self-sufficient, and frankly, I can understand if you would prefer we split a time.

It washarder to say like that. Pisces tried to sniff and sneer at the same time as he gave his team an arch look. Yvlon nearly spat out her breakfast porridge.

You what? The new lands? Where is this coming from, Pisces? We havent discussed it?

He raised an arch eyebrow.

No, indeed? Well, I have decided. For myself. Last night. Im sure you can form your own opinion, Byres, but Ive made up my mind. Again, your attendance is not mandatory.

She turned red instantly, and Pisces waited for a punch or a snap. Instead, Yvlon exhaled hard.

Did Ceria freeze your door locks, too? Illwell, its not like the idea isnt appealing. But this is a team-decision, Pisces. Some forewarning would be appreciated.

The [Necromancer] shrugged, trying to keep his brows arched.

Again, Byres, this is my personal decision. You need not join me. I am announcing my intentions to the group as a whole. What you decide isnt my concern.

This time, her fist clenched hard on the metal spoon, and it began to bend. Yvlon gritted her teeth.

If I didnt know better, Id say you were deliberately saying it like this to annoy me

Comrade Pisces, Yvlon, please. Pisces is simply letting us know his intentions efficiently.

Ksmvr looked worried and patted Yvlon and Pisces on the shoulders. She calmed down and shot Pisces a quickhurt look.

Sorry, Ksmvr.

Yes. Well, Im determined.

Pisces felt his stomach clench and guilt shooting through him. He turned to Ceria, and the half-Elf was propping her head up on her chin.

The day gets weirder and weirder. Why are you so certain, Pisces? I thought youd be keener on going back to Chandrar, not Izril.

He flinched. The [Necromancer] avoided Cerias gaze and mixed truth with half-truths. The best sort of way to lie.

First the new lands, then Chandrar, perhaps. WI am not ready for Chandrar. Suffice it to say, my mind is made up, and if you all would prefer to stay here, I understand. Noware we going to investigate this dungeon or not?

He got up swiftly and backed away from his team. He hoped Yvlon would look angrier, but she justgazed at him, and Ksmvr looked hurt and Ceria too perceptive. Pisces whirled away, not sure what he wanted.

But he didnt want to lead them to their deaths.

What the hell was that about? Silver and steel, did Pisces sleep on rocks or something?

Yvlon whispered to the other Horns as Pisces stalked off. She was upsetnot just angry at his sudden announcement, but at how uncharacteristic it was.

He did come back to the inn quite late. Perhaps his sleep was less than adequate? He is upset, not at us.

Ksmvr tilted his head left and right. Ceria and Yvlon frowned at him. But they had forgotten.

The [Teammate] folded his arms smugly. [Sense Affection (Platonic)].

Now thats interesting, Ksmvr.

Ceria murmured as she watched Pisces back. Her eyes flickered, and Yvlon muttered.

Its not like I havent thought about the new lands, but wheres this ambition coming from? Do you think its about Roshal? Does he want to level up that badly?

Her hand clenched, but Ceria shook her head. She looked at Ksmvr, Pisces, and then nodded to herself.

I bet its that favor he called in for Erin.

Ksmvr and Yvlon looked up. Ceria scratched at her head, thinking hard.

Theres no reason for Pisces to be this dramatic about itor unpleasant. It was like he was baiting you, Yvlon. Or else hed try to persuade us all by being smarmy or debating it. I think he doesnt want us to go. But he has to.

What? Hes being threatened

Yvlon half-rose, and Ceria clarified.

Favor called in. Sort of different.

Then we must go with him. Is it because we did not obtain the Helm of Fire?

Ksmvr looked agitated, and the half-Elf shook her head.

Impossible to say, but I bet whomever Pisces is in debt to isnt happy about that. Promised a Relic-class item and it gets put up for auction?

Who is it, do you think?

They hadnt asked, and Yvlon had probably assumed, like Ceria, it was a contact on the level of some local [Bandit Leader] or whatnot. But when you thought about itCerias eyes narrowed, and her mind began racing.

Could be a [Lord] or [Lady], could be somethingelse. You meet powerful people by chance, believe me. The question isare you guys up for a journey to the new lands?

Yvlons mouth opened, and Ksmvr stared at Ceria. His mandibles clicked, and Ceria looked after Pisces. The Horns of Hammerad hesitated a moment, and Yvlons chin came up. She began to nod, and Ceria was smiling when Ksmvr spoke up.

For Comrade Pisces, of course. But I do not see the point. What do these new lands have?

Ceria and Yvlon twisted in their seats and saw Ksmvr staring blankly at the map of Izril and the new butt appended onto it that Gothica had scrawled there, hanging on a wall. His antennae waved, but the eager adventure in his voice? It was not there. Ksmvr scratched at his chin and then sighed.

The Horns quiet mood was not really noticed with the rest of the bustling inn. And when the Named-rank came down the stairs, the energy returned to maximum.

Colth! I thought I sensed someone sleeping up here. I missed everything yesterday. Mrsha said you were doing something in the dungeon?

Erin Solstice was getting out of her wheelchair and stretching. Colth bowed to her.

Just a bit of careful dungeoning, Miss Solstice. Hows Larra doing? Im sorry I missed the [Emperor]. How did that go?

Um, its going. Well, everyones mad at me, but were doing the introductions-thing. Itll take a bit, but I guess weve gotta do it. Im going over to Riverfarm now to be niceand negotiate a deal.

Erin? Negotiate?

Relc rubbed at his earholes as he chewed on breakfast. He looked over, and Erin shook her fist at him.

Hey! I can too negotiate! Im getting cheap, unlimited eggs. Since Mister Ram is a [Rancher]. Deal of the century.

Lyonette rolled her eyes and whispered to the others as she passed by the table.

Shes neglecting the door transport fee, Liscor doing trade negotiations and all the other cities, tariffs, oh, and Wailant is trying to declare his farm a separate entity that everyone has to deal withCeria, did you actually eat that toast? Mrsha sneezed on it! I have real breakfast. Let me get it.

The half-Elf didnt appear affected by the news. She turned back to Pisces and raised her brows.

Ready for another day of skeleton-explorations, oh Captain, my Captain? Since youre making all the decisions. Weve got time. But lets look into who else is going to the new lands, eh? I wonder if the other teams are working with a group or a nation.

Pisces slowly nodded and, with a sighgot back to work.

Unlike other days, neither Liscor nor Albez were bearing immediate fruit. Which was not to say there was no fruit possible!

The civilian [Diggers] were hard at work by the time that Ylawes Byres got up. Unlike the other teams from the north, he was used to sleeping on hard ground, and Falene even had a few tricks to make the ground soft and keep them warm in the autumn.

Which was why he objected, slightly, to the sight of a magical tent being deployed by one Gold-rank team and Orchestras actual house.

Is that a house, Dawil?

Lad, thats a house.

Even the Dwarf didnt have a smart remark in the morning as the two swished tooth-cleaning liquid in their mouths and spat it. It looked like a colorful cabinwith reinforced metal doors and windows.

And arrow crenellations. Someone had mixed a fortress defenses with the homey design.

Its one of the Havens specialties. Must be that Larracel either made or loaned ityou know, a deployable resting spot? Ive heard that you can weather monster swarms in it.

I wonder how it works against Shield Spider avalanches?

Ylawes had to admitthe sight of that cabin did not make him feel better about his own sleep. Nor did these Named-adventurers frankly.

Ylawes liked to think he was aagood adventurer. He tried not to overcharge people in need. He fought well, he thought, for his level and rank. His team made a difference.

It just felt like that commitment to the Silver Swords ethos was leaving them behind. The Halfseekers, yesterday, had proven what a massive spike in power their new gear afforded them. Griffon Hunt? Well, Halracs team wasnt as notably differentbut they were in the employ of an [Emperor], and to hear Halrac talk about it, it had its perks.

What had Ylawes done for the Silver Swords? The [Knight] felt like it was what he hadnt done for them. They hadnt done the Village of the Dead raid. They hadnt gotten much from Wistram, just a few secrets. Big ones, but non-actionable ones at the moment.

Heeven his latest level up hadnt rewarded him with a Skill. Hed survived an encounter with a horrific Golem in the academy and hadnt gotten a Skill.

Oh, and his sister, Ysara, didnt have one kind word for him after years of not seeing her. If there were one upsideno. Even that wasnt a direct benefit, just a worry.

Ylawes only felt more weight and a kind of competitive pressure he didnt like. And he saw the same feeling among the lower-ranked teams.

Dead gods. So thats Named-rank.

Captain Nailren of the Pride of Kelia had been at the Meeting of Tribes, but even he seemed surprised by Orchestras fame. He turned as Ylawes walked over.

Captain Ylawes.

Captain Nailren. Good morning to you, sir. Do you know if theres a breakfast?

Orchestras apparently paid for it for everyone. Not sure what were doing, no? All the civilians are digging for us. Just stand around and eat.

The Gnoll wasnt too familiar with Ylawes and vice-versa, but they were both teams whod gone into Liscors dungeon and thus cordial. Ylawes saw skewers of meat being roasted by a [Cook]. A cook, instead of camp provisions!

Nailren noticed Ylawes consternation and grinned.

I wonder how theyll do in these new lands. Is your team going?

Idont know. Perhaps. Its a large commitment, and we may be needed in the north. What of your team?

Yes, absolutely.

The Gnolls reply surprised Ylawes, but Nailren just stared south.

I wished to come to The Wandering Inn to ask Erin Solstice for adviceand to stock up on supplies and deliver the Antinium, Antherr. But the new lands? They are my peoples lands, no matter if every other power in the world is going. A real, true adventure. Of course I must go. I just fear Ill be outmatched by the competition.

He gazed at Orchestra and shook his head. Ylawes found some real sympathy in his heart for the Gnoll. When he did think of it like that

It is not fair that the Gnolls lands are being taken. I can agree with that, Captain Nailren.

The Gnoll looked surprised by the comments, but he nodded at Ylawes.

Youre kind to say so.

Its just words. Can I grab something for you to eat?

I have to get my teams foodlets go and see, hrm? I smelloatcakes. Geh. Maybe Ill just have the meat.

The Gnolls did not appreciate a hot oatcake dipped in a bit of honey. Then again, it did sit a bit heavy in Ylawes stomach assuming hed be doing something strenuous soon.

Not that it seemed like that was going to happen anytime soon. The instant a new or old passage was uncovered, a team would head into it and clear whatever monsters there were and report it had already been searched.

Albez wasnt like Liscors dungeon; the endemic monster population was incredibly small. Undead were often a more common threat because they could just stay buried for ages; a living monster had to eat.

Anyways. Ylawes re-introduced himself to some of the Silver-rank teams being ignored with all the Gold and Named-ranks about.

Captain Anith of Vuliel Drae? Your team made it out of the Village of the Dead raid, then.

The Jackal jumped and gave Ylawes an odd look before bowing. He was reserved, dignifiedand his team was completely ignored by most of the Liscorian teams.

Captain Byres. Mostly unscathed. Pekona lost a hand.

Ylawes bit his tongue because hed forgotten one of their number, the silent Drathian [Sword Dancer], had lost a limb dueling the Revenant. She just nodded to him as Dasha waved at Dawil. Dawil pretended not to see her.

Not inclined to trade stories?

The Halfseekers and even Griffon Hunt were talking shop with a lot of the northern teams, but Anith, Insill, Larr, and Pekona looked uncomfortable.

Werenot that welcome among some of the teams. After the dungeon incident. With the moths.

Ah. Of course.

Ylawes had been there, and he knew that was their fault. Stillthere was such a thing as forgiveness, and theyd fought in the Village of the Dead raid. He studied Pekonas severed wrist and wondered if she could use the long, curved blade with only one hand. Actuallyit looked shorter. Perhaps shed switched out the sword for a one-handed version?

Katana, he thought the name was. Which meant the shorter blade was a

My team is having breakfast with the Pride of Kelia. Why dont you sit with us?

Vuliel Drae had been eating alone, so they brightened at the offer. Dawil and Nailren gave Ylawes a longer look, but they were cordial as they made room. Falene, of all people, scowled as she finally emerged from her tent.

My sleepwould have been better at the Adventurers Haven. Perhaps we should have reconsidered our position, Ylawes. I dont think this joint dig will yield much reward even if we do find something.

She hinted, strongly, that they should return, and Ylawes nodded.

Its good to be sociable though, Falene. We may run into many of these teams, and watching a Named-rank one is a sight. I know Orchestra, and Ive seen Variable Fortress fightinglets mingle. I dont think Deniusth has the inclination to stay more than a day.

He was certainly pushing the civilians hard. And impatientlyYlawes suspected that the map Ceria had given the adventurers hadnt yielded anything good.

If he were a suspicious sort, he might actually suspect Ceria had checked those locations with Gemhammer already. No, she was quitehonorable? At the very least, she was no rogue.

Youve seen the Named-ranks fight?

I grew up in a noble house. And any boy follows Named-ranks about whenever theyre in the region. I begged my father to take me to some of their dungeon crawlsand watched from afar.

Ylawes was embarrassed, but he did know more about the Named-ranks than Falene and Dawil, who were Terandrian.

In factOrchestras had a lot of teammates over the years. Crowdcaller Merdon was a member of their team, and theyve even journeyed with Barelle the Bard.

Doesnt surprise me. Arent they a bit of a contentious team, though?

Dawil grunted, and the Silver-ranks looked surprised. Anith frowned.

Contentious, Captain Ylawes?

Dawils exaggerating. Mostly. They just tend to be a polarizing force in the adventuring community. Lots of rivalries for an adventurer with as much history as Deniusth. Its politicalthe Silver Swords dont often get tangled in that sort of thing.

Like Walled Cities teams and Gnoll adventurers. I get it.

Nailren sighed through his nose. Ylawes hunted around for an interesting factoid about Orchestra or Variable Fortress.

Ihm. I even know they have a rival group. Or nemeses.

What, a team that wants them dead?

Not an adventuring team. No. More like a group of mercenary-assassins. They call themselves Symphony. Orchestra and Symphony who like to fight each otherI didnt come up with the names.

Everyone was giving him a look like he was lying. Ylawes was adamant, though, hed heard the rumors! Dawil just chuckled into his beard.

Well, at least theyre consistent with their enemies. If we ever pick a fight with them, well have to change our names to the Silver Tambourines.

The laughter at that was pleasant, and Ylawes ended up feeling better about that morning than last nights fruitless excitement.

Deniusth was not so pleased. The Named-rank was watching the digs and complaining loudly when Ylawes walked over to see if anything was happening.

Thats almost all the rooms weve seen on the map. Is Albez tapped? Colth never showed up, damn him. I think somethings up in Liscor.

Give it until midday or evening, Captain? Weve paid for a lot of help

We might as well see it through. Anyone else have any hints about Albez? Can we send more [Rogues] to check out the tunnel the Horns found?

Deni gave orders despondently as Ylawes marched up to where Halrac was sitting. Jelaqua was showing off her new artifacts with her team.

Halrac.

Ylawes. Enjoying being back around Liscor?

My back isntnor Falenes. But I was glad we made it for the Orefell attacks.

Halrac nodded.

Good job. We would have gone, but I didnt think wed make it to Invrisil then Celum to Orefell. We might have with a carriage, but the odds looked grim.

It was rare to hear a compliment from Halrac. But he didnt tend to prevaricatewhich meant it was genuine. Nor did he make excuses.

Briganda has a child, doesnt she? Its entirely understandable.

Hmm.

The [Bowman] didnt say anything else, just grunted. Ylawes found a seat as the two watched the adventurers milling about.

How is the job working for an [Emperor]?

Relaxing. But rewarding. Boots of Stability.

Thatsquite good for not embarking on an adventure. Or did you? How did you get them?

Halrac relayed the experience of first doing favors for Laken Godart as Ylawes listened.

Not that weve gained more artifacts of the same quality, but it makes our job very consistent. We can take down [Bandits] or monsters, and the pay is lowbut it has perks like housing, food, and so on. Im still tempted by the new lands, but not much. Its too far for Briganda, and Typhenous is old enough to make it a long journey. Revis the one whos itching

She wont quit the team, will she?

Halrac hesitated.

I think she wont. Shes more loyal than you think, but its her choice. Actually, I had a thoughtwell, having access to Erins door means we can still go abroad.

It was certainly the largest convenience Ylawes had ever found. He was about to talk about Wistram and his feeling of failing Erinor perhaps his sisterswhen Halrac glanced at the dig.

This is a waste of time, though. Albez is huge, and were either looking for one spare room amidst all the others or digging in the wrong place. This was a cityunless we uncover the entire hillside, theres no chance well find anything more since Cerias map is a dud. Ive been doing a lot of digs, and the amount of earth you have to shift is insane.

Ylawes agreed.

Plus, [Treasure Hunters] and [Geomancers] already scoured the region. If there is anything valuable, it must be beyond them. Shame your [Emperor] doesnt own Albez.

Halrac paused. His lined face flickered, and his eyes shifted.

Hmm.

Suddenly, he got up and motioned to Ylawes. The [Knight] blinked, but Halrac was already walking over to where a group of three were playing cards.

Do you have any Mages?

Nope. Go digging.

I dont want to. I can tell that cards going to shock me.

They were playing with a magical deck, and Revi was complaining as Typhenous indicated a pile of cards you pulled up. She put a handkerchief on her hand as Briganda and Typhenous scolded heruntil Halrac squatted down.

Ylawes just had an idea.

Ylawes! Pull up a seat and pick up some cards. Want to drag the Silver Swords over and talk? How was Wistram?

Briganda grinned up at him, and the [Knight] squatted next to them, but Halrac made an odd gesture where he pointed a forefinger forwards then dragged his thumb around.

Instantly, Griffon Hunt fell silent, and Typhenous whispered a spell.

[Hush]. There we go.

Again, Ylawes was reminded that this was a professional team that knew hand-signs. The [Bowman] spoke louder as the magic settled over them; it felt like a bit of cotton was inserted into Ylawes ears.

Revi, Typhenous, do you know anything about Albez? Who owns the ruins?

Halrac, not me?

Briganda protested, and he looked at her. She lifted her hands.

Revi, Typhenous?

Typhenous eyes sharpened as he glanced at Ylawes, and Revi whistled.

Halrac! Youre not thinkingwait, thats smart. But no way we can buy Albez. Even Laken wouldnt go for that.

It depends on whether or not it needs to be bought. Typhenous?

Halrac has a point. Technically, Remendia sells permits to Albez, and so do Ocre and a few other settlementsthey split the profits. But no city owns Albez. That would imply theyre accountable for monster attacks and incidents here. I wonder. Are you thinking we try a totem?

Contact His Majesty first. But have you got one?

Briganda patted her bag of holding.

Sure do. Eight five-foot sized ones from the prospecting trip we did. Ive got three in my bag, and Typhenous, Revi, and you should have the other five. Think itll encircle Albez?

Ylawes was incredulous.

Excuse me, are you suggesting the [Emperor] claim the ruins? Can he do that?

Halrac just grinnedand he did have a mirthless grin.

Temporarily. If its unclaimed land, he can put down a stake. The eight totems we had were from him inspecting the hills. We set them upit can cover about five hundred feetand he checks if theres any minerals. He was trying to buy a goldmine.

That felt like it was exceptionally underhanded to Ylawes. Especially if the owner of a patch of land didnt know how much that was worth. Still, Typhenous was already sending a [Message] off, and Griffon Hunt didnt have long to wait.

As long as its not disturbing anythinghes interested in trying.

Well, lets set up the totems. Well tell the others if we find anythingYlawes, want to join in?

The totems being hammered into the ground didnt escape some adventurers notice, but Halrac didnt explain what was being done. Typhenous just lied about it being a kind of dowsing, and all Ylawes saw was the decorated totems of the Unseen Empire being arranged and then Typhenous and Revi relaying what the [Emperor] said.

Hes busy, so hell relay it via Ries [Mage] when he can. He says no good here.

Is it claimed?

Temporarily, but he says it looks dark except for the people above the ground. Can we try the edges of the ruin, over there?

Griffon Hunt began to yank up the totems and move them as Dawil whispered to Ylawes.

Now thats a kind of Skill usage I never thought Id see. Smart.

You dont think its odd, Dawil?

The Dwarf shrugged.

Lad, its making use of all your tools available. If youre going to say its cheating or unethical to do what you canthats like saying its unfair to have a map and compass rather than the stars and your own memories.

When he put it like thatYlawes decided to help move the totems. It wasnt hard; he just helped clear a hole and hammer them in about five feet, and that was enough for the [Emperor].

No good. Keep moving towards the exit.

They had to redeploy them twice, then hammer them five feet deep before the [Emperor] figured out the problem. Revi cursed to Vuliel Drae and the Pride of Kelia, who were also loitering around.

Its a no-go, Halrac! He just said he sensed dirtright at the edge of the ruins! Damn! Snap my stitches. Its all dark in this area. Looks like he cant see into a dungeon.

She kicked a totem and hopped around angrily, but it was real disappointment in her voice. Ylawes exhaled a bit.

He wasnt sure if he was disappointed or not, but apparently, the [Emperor] could claim this land because it was up for grabs and very deliberately no ones propertybut either magic was suppressing his Skill or it was somehow accounted for.

Dungeons cant be explored via an [Emperor]s Skills? I wonder if thats because they are still inherently part of whatever they used to be. Well, at least we know the edge of Albez is here.

Typhenous kicked at the crumbling edge of the pit, which indeed was where the excavation ended. Halrac began to tug up one of the totems and nodded to Ylawes.

It was a good try. Guess thats it.

Ylawes Byres nodded. The Ruins of Albez were old, anyways. When a place like this was known, it got explored to every conceivable part, and it was rare for someone like Cerias team to catch a break.

Nowtrue secretsthose were rarer. More dangerous. He rubbed at his face. He had always dreamed of finding a clue to a real treasure and quest like that, like Liscors dungeon, actually, butit was harder to be simply given a task with no goal.

How was he supposed to answer a call to arms? Even if it came from everything he knew and held dear. Why not his father? Why was he the only one that could be found? Had that really been

A ghost of House Byres?

He didnt know. He didnt know what was true or the scope of the threat describedand it would have been very helpful to hear that his family had a buried armory. Or even where he should begin his quest.

Perspective. Boundaries. Even a continent would narrow it down.

Whats that, lad?

Dawil looked at Ylawes, and the [Knight] jumped.

Oh

He hadnt told Dawil because even his friend might think Ylawes was crazy. The [Knight] had been wanting to pay a visit home to look up the name, at least, before he told Falene and Dawil.

Yrendiev Byres.

The Silver Knight of the Skies is no more. Yderigrisel is dead in body and soul. His spirit joins the legions of the brave and damned in the lands of the dead. This war is lost. But we have dealt a blow to the enemy. Now, House Byres must rise to the call.

Ylawes barely heard the voice at first. His head was still ringingthe small cabin of the ship deck hed been allocated was a poor place to fight. But he had fought in close-quarters before.

His sword lay on the ground, and the ghost aimed a blade bearing a familiar crest down at the [Knight]. He had disarmed Ylawes

Who are you?

Yrendiev Byres. Has our house grown so small, [Knight] of the modern day? You are the only one I could reach. Another journeys with the might of Chandrarthe other lies on lands claimed by the enemy. So to youI call you to arms.

It was a harsh face, half-remembered, as if the person bearing it had begun forgetting what they looked like. But the armorthe armor was silver, translucent, and the face was visible, though even the hair and eyes were forgottenthe scars stood out.

The sword never wavered as it struck Ylawes harshly on the shoulders, as if knighting him a second time. Then a hand grabbed his shoulder and forced him up.

What do you mean?

Prepare for war, [Knight]. Resurrect Byres arms and forces. Our oldest foes are not eradicated, and these new ones fear no enchanted blades. Find the corpse of the Silver Dragon and pledge yourself to Byres anew. Thenscour Izril of its tainted foes. Down to the last child and drop of blood. Poison every river and well this time.

Poison? What poison?

The hand released him, and Ylawes inhaled, choking. When he looked up, the [Knight] was turning his head.

Damn them all. Seamwalkers and monstrous consumers of soul. To arms, House Byres! To arms and glory! Silver and steel and death!

He raised his blade as he turned, seeing some unimaginable foe in the distance. Once, that head looked back, waiting for an answering roar from his descendant across the ages. But all he saw wasa confused stare.

He had bruises on his throat after thatand chilblains from where the ghost had grabbed him. That was proof enough, but Ylawes had still wanted to investigate that name. But the thing that had halted himhad thrown him into doubt was something the ghost had said.

What poison?

Wells? Rivers? Poison? Ylawes knew Yderigrisel was dead. Was his corpse stillsomewhere in the world?

What war? What battle? How was he supposed to

He should have felt honored, chosen. This was the moment in every story that a [Hero] was called forth. A champion needed.

But that ghost had no face, and the wrath in his voice was so murderous it had made Ylawes skin crawl. And for onceYlawes had wondered if he were doing the right thing.

Or if not the right thing, the practical thing. First, he had reconsidered Goblins and Antinium as dread foes.

Then he had seen the [Crusaders] power, which he so envied. Now? Now he looked at the other teams who had somehow advanced past him. Silver and steel, honor and duty. These things were good and constantso why did Ysara shout-whisper at him in the night that she couldnt bear to be in their familys home more than a day or two whenever she returned?

That she was glad Yvlon was no [Knight]?

Yrendiev Byres. A name was more than anything else. A record that he existed was surely in the Byres history books.

That would at least prove something, be a starting point for a decision, but Ylawes had rushed to Orefell, and now he was here. At least Erins door would make the journey faster. Maybe he could head from Riverfarm. That was only a three-day ride!

Ylawes brightened up, and then something occurred to him. He glanced at the ruinsand at the totem poles and wondered if Halrac had thought of that.

Surely he had. Ylawes was not the man you went to for an underhanded or even cunning plan. The [Knight] opened his mouth and hesitated.

Should he?

Ah. Halrac. Wait a second before you dig up those totems.

The Captain turned to Ylawes, and Dawil glanced up. The [Knight] hesitated.

It occurs to mewell, I dont know much about how all this works, but is it conceivable theres one use you could use the totems for? With Albez?

Like what? WeLakencant tell whats down there.

Revi folded her arms, but Ylawes was shaking his head.

No, this is true, but I just thoughtboundaries. Even if its just confirming what we allegedly know, isnt that useful in and of itself? Even if you cant see what youre aiming for, if the imprint is therethen youd know something is there or not there. Does that make sense?

It did not, and Revi gave him a look like he was mad until Ylawes managed to explain what he was trying to think of. ThenDawil was slapping him on the lower back.

Lad, that is the most intelligent thought Ive ever heard of! Pointy! Toss away that staff because Ylawes is taking your class!

Even Halrac gave Ylawes a quick smile. The [Knight] tugged up a totem pole as Briganda had to have Typhenous explain it.

Wait, we cant see the dungeon

Ah, Briganda, we cannot. But it occurred to Ylawes there in a stroke of genius that if we cannot see the dungeonwe can still have His Majesty confirm the dig site encircles Albez completely. And perhapsif there are any buildings not hither-to uncovered.

Then Briganda got it, and even the Pride of Kelia and Vuliel Drae were excitedly planting totems around, moving the eight like a net, dragging it around Albez much to the amusement of the other adventurers.

Hey, Griffon Hunt, Silver Swords, if youre bored enough to play plant-the-stick, come on over and lets compare artifacts!

One of the Waterborn Raiders was shouting as the other teams worked. They ignored him, and Ylawes got into the rhythm.

All Laken needed was a moment, so Typhenous would hold up a hand for five seconds once the totems were planted, get the all clear, and theyd switch four totems to the next spot, moving in 500-foot chunks. It was fastbut Albez was huge.

They were two-thirds around the entire pit in an hour as they got into a real rhythm, and Ylawes feared theyd find nothing after all. Stillhed be satisfied with that and feel like theyd truly plumbed every depth of this place.

Then, Revi halted as they were picking up the totems and put a finger to her forehead, smudging her cloth-skin with dirt. Typhenous looked up suddenly.

Wait. Go back. Back

All the adventurers looked up, and Ylawes found his heart skipping a beat. Typhenous tugged Nailren back, Insill ran back, and they replanted the totems. Revi frownedthen pointed at Ylawes and Briganda, whose two totems were next to the pit.

Hey, bring those two up! Bring themover here!

She gestured away from the pit, and the two warriors lugged their totems over. Then Revi told Nailren to do the same, and Halrac planted his totem in a huge rectangle

Four hundred meters away from the edge of the excavation. Rather near where Earlias team was working, actually. Revi gestured to Briganda as Typhenous murmured a reply.

Drive the totems deep. Deep as theyll go.

Got it. Aw, damn

Briganda began to split one in half from the repeated impacts, but Revi just urged her on. Ylawes drove a maul into the head of another totem and clumsily buried it deep. Then everyone was crowding around Typhenous and Revi.

Well?

The [Mage] held up a hand, and then his eyes widened. He smiled, and Revi suppressed a whoopthen groaned and looked at the other adventurers. Halrac just waited, but even his foot was tapping.

Thats it. Well let you know, Your Majestyand the other teams will be all over it. Thank you. Guyswe can either pretend nothings up and come back later

Revi. Theres no way the other teams will let this slide. Even if they havent noticed us. Spit it out.

Halrac nipped the idea in the bud and Revi cursed, much to Ylawes relief. Typhenous was the one who pointed straight down.

Well, Captain Ylawes, Halrac, I believe then we should talk to Captain Deniusth and the others. Because His Majesty claims that while he cant tell whats too far downgiven our small totemsthe highest point is right here. Its apparently buried, but theres actually an empty pocket belownigh on a hundred feet down. No wonder most [Geomancers] and [Treasure Seekers] didnt find it.

Find what? What, Typhenous?

Briganda almost shook him, and the Plague Mage smiled.

Well, he cannot be sure, but he is certain this complex connects to the rest of Albez. As for what were standing onhe says they look like stairs.

Ylawes head rose, and Dawil let out such a whoop that the other dispirited and bored adventurers turned. Deniusths head turned like someone hearing that call to adventure, and everyone looked down.

The digging began in earnest.

Authors Note: Its gonna be an arc! The people have voted, and what they said wasadventurers over Khelt. And I answer.

All the side-story options were arcs coming up, but this is the one were dealing with first. And again, I am editing Volume 1 and it is kicking my butt. But I did 3 chapters of V1 that Ive edited while writing this chapter, so the system is working.

This system will never happen again. This is actually a grind on par with Volume 8s ending in terms of how much work it feels like. Okay, 70% of how hard it was to end Volume 8. Still a lot.

But the prize is a rewritten Volume 1, and I think there are substantive improvementsplus we might be able to put it into print. I dont, uh, know if Andrea will re-record Volume 1. Seems like a big ask.

However, we are making progress. In other newsIve got nothing. God of War: Ragnarok is coming out soon. I feel like in an alternate timeline, I wouldnt be a writer, just angrily reviewing most games for their stories. Which often suck. God of War has a, uh, 50-50 chance of being good. The last God of War was goodbut it has some flaws.

Ill start my career as a reviewer later. Writing for now! Get ready for some old and new plotlines mixing together like soup. Or some other analogy here.

Pirate Plushie by /shop/GoodLongYarn

Erin and Ryoka and Belavierr by Deepsikk, the [Lazy Artist]?! I didnt call them that.