《Second Tier Sorcery》


 Second Tier Sorcery Chapter 1

    The room looked more like a space station bridge than a celestial command post.


    Low magic worlds were weird like that.


    "Now, you two, I know you''re just out of training, but trust me, Earth-8675309 is boring. There''s no magic to speak of. The greatest threat the mortal humans have on that world is each other. Worst case scenario, you witness a nuclear apocalypse, but that''s all up to the fates," Alaric said, the head Archangel over their particular branch of the multiverse.


    Five hundred years of education and orientation, and they were both being sandbagged with this boring assignment.


    The two recruits, one appearing as a proud and noble grey wolf, the other a white tailed jackrabbit, eyed each other with wary looks of concern before the hare reached up as if to groom her ears, only to straighten out her halo.


    "We won''t let you down, Sir," Riley, the hare replied.


    "I feel that would be impossible. Just keep an eye on things, contact central in case of an emergency, and follow the script the fates have left on that... oh what''s it called here? That''s right, a computer system. Do your millennia, stay out of trouble, and maybe you''ll get to advance," Alaric sniffed, looking down every bit of his nose at them, which made Grimm, the wolf, perk up his ears in annoyed bemusement.


    The humanoid angels didn''t have much nose to look down after all, but they did so exceedingly well.


    "Stuck up, prick," Grimm muttered to himself, the words coming out more like a growl.


    "Excuse me? Speak up!" Alaric barked.


    "Nothing, we''ll do as you instruct. Thank you for your trust," Grimm still remembered being a part of a pack ranked right in the middle. Life back then was a happy blend of politics and family, so far, the afterlife, was just politics.


    It beat freezing your ass off in winter, though.


    "Trust? Right..." Alaric''s voice trailed off as he looked back over at the strange computer station. It consisted of a massive screen, probably bigger than it needed to be. Currently a map of the seven continents were displayed on it, as a horizontal and vertical line moved across at seemingly random intervals, displaying esoteric blips of data on the map, but all was otherwise quiet.


    The whole mystical business was wrapped in a type of white metal. Buttons, flashing lights, and levers were arranged in neat rows, grouped for supposedly easy use, but those were mainly for tourists, of which there had only ever been one, long before their time.


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    The whole thing worked by neural control, and that machine was cataloging all of it, doing most of their job for them, feeding it back up to Weaver Central Command, the home of the Norns and other beings of destiny.


    People were living and dying by the thousands down there, history was being made, dynasties were beginning and ending, and all was working according to the plans that the Fates had laid down.


    That''s how things worked, after all.


    "Press the button to get routed to central in the unlikely event of an emergency, and just watch. That''s what we do best. Intervention is not our business. I don''t care if it''s a child in a minefield or a nun in a crosswalk... Fate is not to be tampered with; do you understand? Watch, stay out of trouble, and don''t make me come back here," Alaric lectured needlessly.


    Grimm and Riley shared a look again, which seemed to convey perfectly what they each felt.


    We don''t want you to come back either.


    "Got it; press the red button in the event of something unexpected; otherwise, just sit here and wait a few millennia until the promotion board gets around to us," Riley surmised.


    "Exactly, and whatever you do, do not get involved. You''re watchers. You observe and report. I cannot make this clear enough... DO... NOT... GET... INVOLVED, or Sacred Architects help me I will not be pleased, and it will affect your review," at that, the Archangel turned to leave, as Grimm and Riley looked at each other again, communicating as if by telepathy.


    Finally.


    "So this is weird," Riley said as the door slid shut behind Alaric.


    "Not so much; most of us are assigned some low level job like this out of training, at least that''s what they said in orientation. Didn''t you pay attention?" Grimm replied, looking over towards Riley, but they were already halfway to the console that took up the far wall of the room.


    "What?" The hare asked, as Grimm sighed.


    "I wonder if I ate them in a previous life?" Feeling as if they understood Riley better in that moment, he padded along behind her, tail swishing, enjoying the random reminder of old hunting trips.


    Prey was distractible, after all, paranoid and tasty, but that was another life, one they had left behind for this.


    Joy.


    Still, it wasn''t all bad. Patience paid, after all, and this was much more comfortable than the forest, even if he did miss his pack, not to mention that language alone was novel.


    "Were you fully sapient in your mortal lives?" Grimm called out to Riley.


    "Not like this, no, didn''t last long enough normally. I''d get a year, maybe two, then it would all start over, until that last time; had a good run then." She explained as they each arrived in front of the command console.


    "What happened?" Grimm asked.


    "Oh, I was getting old. I was maybe four or five years old by the reckoning of this planet''s time span; at least, I think so. You know how it is." Riley groomed her face before digging at the unforgiving metal floor plates.


    "I do, and then you got tapped for this assignment?" Grimm asked, dutifully getting to know his new packmate.


    "There was a bunch of leverets under threat of a hawk, not mine, but something sparked, and it just didn''t feel right, so I let them chase me. I lost, and the next thing I knew, I was standing in front of a being like Alaric. I took this gig, and here we are." She surmised before looking towards the wolf. "You?"


    "I was shot with what was called an arrow; I fought for my mate and our cubs. When given the choice, this seemed better than the cycle." Grimm explained, his ears folding back at the painful memory.


    "So I guess we''re both martyr types then, and we''re supposed to just sit here and watch? Seems anti-climactic," Riley folded her ears back and cocked her head.


    "Well, I suppose we can talk. That''s rare for our two kinds." Grimm replied.

 Chapter 2: A bad day

    Chapter 2


    Willa was down on her luck.


    With weary steps, she trudged down the hallway of her dilapidated apartment building. Built a hundred and ten years ago, it seemed it had last been updated sometime in the sixties. Turquoise paint peeled, and water spots dotted the ceiling, reminding her of the dark spots on the moon.


    Where there was acoustical tile, it had blackened and yellowed; all the while, the fluorescent lights buzzed.


    But hey, at least it was cheap... for New York.


    "I''m going to be ok." She assured herself, gripping a piece of paper in her left hand, clenching like a fist as she recited her mantra. Barely visible were the words.


    "Notice of severance."


    Half of her department had been laid off with her, it was just a crappy janitorial job, but it got her through since a series of unfortunate events had seen her lose her spot at the University six months ago.


    The death of her grandmother meant she had lost her financial backing, and now, here she was, alone, unemployed, and trying to make ends meet.


    Her job had been disgusting but perfect. Even on her meager salary, she was able to attend night classes and keep her belly fed on something approaching food, if not exactly.


    Sure, her sodium levels would have given a lab technician a nosebleed, but she was twenty five and still kind of immortal.


    There would be time to worry about nutrition when she could afford it.


    Now, though, that was all in jeopardy. Life sucked, or at least it had these last six months.


    Finally arriving at her door, there was more happy news waiting, posted in a cheery yellow that caused her to feel nauseous.


    Notice of Eviction due to Eminent Domain- Long Island Commuter Railway project.


    Something broke inside as she read the news. Turning, she looked down the hallway only to see duplicates of the very same notice on many of the doors she had passed, and for some reason, that made her feel even worse about her own predicament.


    "What am I going to do?" She couldn''t get a new place without a job, her savings were nonexistent, and her parents had died when she was twelve...


    Panic gripped her heart like an icy wind. "It''s ok... Lots of people live in their cars nowadays... I''ll take what I have, maybe head out west, find another shit job and another community college. Just keep moving, that''s what grandma said..." She recited those words, too, like a mantra.


    It was all she had left.


    Entering the small studio, it was as empty as she felt. A twin mattress and a few blankets occupied one corner. A PC and monitor, years out of date, were against the wall, looking out on the fire escape. She had an amazing view of a similar shit box apartment''s rear side, but at least it wasn''t a solid brick wall. The wall to her direct left had a small mini fridge with a hot plate on top of it before giving way to a mini bathroom.


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    175 square feet of crappy apartment, but at that moment, she realized how much she was going to miss the place.


    It had been hers, better than nothing, and paid for all on her own, a foothold from which she hoped to climb the mountain of adulthood.


    Now, all of that was gone, too.


    The tears flowed as the agony and the stress worked on her like twin prize fighters going at a side of meat. Her heart quivered in despair as her knees shook, then buckled, causing her to collapse in the doorway.


    "I don''t have anywhere to go." She sobbed, clutching her severance papers like a stuffed animal, rocking back and forth, the anxiety and the despair overwhelming her thinking.


    I could always just kill myself; hell, I might be better off...


    The dark solution blew like a winter wind through the back of her mind. Hope was already feeling like an impossible idea, but that...


    "No... why am I even thinking like that? Grandma wouldn''t want that for me... Mom and Dad..." She said, in defiance of the rogue thought, but they were all...


    Gone.


    Wiping at her eyes, she rose. "Just have to keep moving forward."


    Pulling out her cell phone and checking her bank balance, the first thing went right for the day.


    Dutifully, her company had direct deposited her final paycheck, and it wasn''t like she was going to have to pay rent that month.


    Setting the abused severance papers down on the mini fridge, Willa stalked towards the bathroom, washed her face, and then proceeded back out the door.


    This was a night for pizza and planning. Maybe she''d look at job listings while she munched? Her performance reviews were good, and janitors were needed everywhere, after all.


    Things would work out, either here or out west.


    Faintly, she blew on the tiny embers of hope she had, hoping for a flame, as she trudged back down the hallway, out into the chill of the early spring evening of New York City.


    Heading out back, moving through the alley that had always been safe enough, an ear splitting roar, followed by a scream, drew her attention to an obscured shadow filled spot to her right, lined with dumpsters.


    One of her neighbor''s kids was in the corner, shivering in fear. In front of her was a something that she couldn''t quite describe.


    It had the quadrupedal stance of an animal and seemed as big as a tiger but was devoid of all detail as if it was an outline made of nothingness itself. A deeper blackness than she had ever known made up the whole of the creature... if it was even a living thing.


    "Hey! Bad Dog! Leave her alone!" She screamed, drawing its attention. Two lurid yellow orbs that could have been eyes stared her down, forcing her to look away. It was as if the very existence of the thing clawed at her mind, forcing it to recoil in disbelief as it sprung to pounce.


    Meanwhile, back in the Celestial Control room, alarms were going off.


    "Oh Shit, Oh shit!" Riley fidgeted, pawing at the ground, as her wide eyes went somehow wider in horror.


    On the screen, the two lines converged over New York City. Flashing in red, in sync with the klaxons, were the words:


    <u>Erkandir Detected... Warning... Warning...</u>


    "This is what the button is for," Grimm assured, unnerved himself, as he slapped his paw down on it.


    "This is what the Celestial Military is for! Those things eat reality, unmake the tapestry! They''re supposed to be extinct!" Riley was shaking.


    "Almost extinct. We''re safe here... this is why we watch. One always seems to pop up somewhere every now and again, or so they taught us." Grimm, inside, was terrified, but showing fear wasn''t his way.


    Your emergency is important to us. Please remain on the line, and an Archangel team will respond within 100 years. You are currently 9366 in the queue for your multiverse section.


    "We''re going to have to go down there and do something," Riley intoned, nervousness dripping from her words as she watched in abject horror.


    The Erkrandir was stalking towards Willa now, ready to pounce...


    "Remember what Alaric said, don''t get involved. We need to be patient. Let the team trained for it handle it; we''re only watchers," Grimm counseled.


    "Then you wait here for help. Those things are outside the established order... That reality won''t last a hundred years if we don''t do something to hold it off," as if that settled matters, Riley pulled at her magic and vanished, appearing between Willa and the Erkrandir just as the beast pounced.

 Chapter 3: The Shenanigans of the Fates

    Chapter 3


    Somehow, impossibly, more alarms were sounding, interspersed between the klaxon''s wail.


    In the span of a few meager seconds, Grimm''s world had devolved into a world of shit.


    **Orlag event... Moving to the front of the queue... Gold Level Threat** flashed across the screen as Grimm, with a wave of his paw, batted at the notification.


    It moved to the upper right hand corner and tried to continue its distraction, though its demands were futile.


    There was a greater horror playing out. The Erkrandir was in mid-pounce as Riley appeared in full halo, spectral wings outstretched, reaching into the very walls.


    Willa thought she had cracked.


    Monstrous shadow beings and now angel bunnies? The stress was getting to her, clearly.


    That, or she had been shot by a mugger and was bleeding out; this strange reality, one last hallucination before the lights dimmed for the final time.


    "So much for moving out west," she said to herself with a sigh, accepting her fate.


    "Take the child and run! I''ll hold it off," The hare''s voice boomed with all the urgency of an incoming nuclear strike.


    Strangely the beast pulled back, landing just short of Riley and Willa, and cocked its head, distracted, seeming to sniff at the air.


    It didn''t have a nose or anything, really, save glowing yellow gems for eyes, yet it still had the appearance of an animal.


    Spurred on by her words, Willa gripped the arm of the crying six year old and yanked, pulling her towards her chest as the beast snapped in their general direction.


    Riley, with a flick of her paw, slapped it with a bolt of life magic, the essence of creation.


    The Erkrandir''s yellow eyes flashed to red as it howled, giving Willa all the more reason to run.


    Holding the child in her arms, she sprinted like a running back for the apartment entrance before setting down the child and turning back.


    "Run upstairs, tell your Mommy to call 911, go now!" She barked. The child, white with fear, bolted away as Willa scanned around for a weapon, any kind of weapon that she could find, her eyes landing on an old pipe.


    "I''m already crazy, so what''s it matter?" She laughed to herself, terrified, but she couldn''t let the angel bunny face it alone.


    "Celestial... Foooood..." The Erkrandir intoned their words, a projection of magical intent instead of sound. They washed over Riley like raw sewage before the foul unlife went back into a pouncing position, launching with all the force of its hind legs, just as Riley strengthened her wards.


    The air turned opaque around her as Willa came screaming around the corner. The attacker exploded into purple fire, passing through Riley''s defenses like they were nothing, jaws open, striking the hare in the throat, sucking down the very energy that allowed her to manifest and be.


    Her spirit flickered, becoming unmoored from the tapestry as she felt her very self being taken from her. Memories and will sapped, flowing out of her consciousness like a sieve.


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    In those final moments, she thought of what had led her to this fate, those moments of sacrifice, holding tightly to the image of her last great run against the hawk.


    As it was now, it was then, the child would live, life would continue, so it was all a fair trade.


    "Weird..." she thought; true oblivion felt a lot like dying.


    That was something she knew how to do, die well. It was what her species did, after all.


    Willa was in mid-swing. The pipe passed through the Erkrandir only to melt away, evaporating in a strange black mist, granting it a new target to feast on.


    Its now red glowing eyes snapped on her as it let go of the abused spirit of the partially devoured hare. Bits of Riley''s essence dripped from its jowls like blood as it gained, for a moment, greater definition. The barest hint of fur and teeth flashed into and out of existence, like a jump cut in a film as it focused on its next meal.


    Willa looked dumbly at the melted pipe as it continued to eat away in her hand. Her courage faltered in the full light of the futility of her action; turning to run, she felt the Erkrandir move through her as, for the first time, she saw her body fall independently of her spirit.


    Pinned down, the beast''s jaws pressing into the back of her spirit''s neck, she watched the light go out of her body''s eyes as she screamed.


    Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light as a half dozen beings with black wings and even blacker metal armor appeared in a circle around the gory scene of spiritual mayhem, drawing gleaming scimitar-shaped swords, holding them aloft towards the heavens.


    The Erkrandir turned to snarl as a white beam descended like a particle cannon from the sky, slamming it to the ground through the spirit of Willa as she felt more of herself being burned away to spectral ash.


    "Sleepy..." were her last words, as even that became strange, a disparate ball of memories, experiences, and perceptions sparked like the last lights of a dying power cell as Alaric flipped up the shield over his helmet.


    "Grimm!" He bellowed as the wolf appeared by his side.


    "Yes, sir?" The wolf asked, looking back towards Riley''s remains.


    She was a quirky one, but she had been his pack mate, someone to talk to...


    He whimpered low while looking down at the ground.


    "What is the meaning of this? You were told to not get involved," Alaric raged. The rest of the Celestial support team vanished without a word, leaving the wolf with his supervisor.


    There were other realities in need of saving, after all.


    "Riley did not think this reality would survive the wait, so she attempted to stall for time. Shortly after, the Orlag Alarm sounded, and you arrived. I remained at my station, as ordered," Grimm reported, feeling numb, ineffectual, and cowardly.


    They weren''t even twenty years into their assignment. Wasn''t this reality supposed to be boring?


    "At least one of you listened. You will remain here. I''m not done with you yet," Alaric turned, focused on the remains of Riley''s spirit, and whispered an ancient spell.


    Threads of coalescent energy became visible; one was coming off of Grimm, undulating between silver and gold, as was Alaric''s


    Each piece of the victims had their own thread that pulled towards a center mass, becoming coalescent. Strangely, Willa''s and Riley''s both moved towards each other before intertwining, heading off towards the sky.


    "Well, that''s odd, but no matter," reaching up to the air, Alaric, with a flick of his wrist, pulled down a pair of silver scissors from the ether, his annoyance riding high, and went to cut the threads where they intertwined.


    It was up to the fates now to reweave them into the tapestry, as their beings had become unmoored. Whatever was left of them would go on to create new beings, and things would fall back into balance.


    If the thread would just cut.


    "I don''t understand," A puzzled look crept across Alaric''s face as he worked on the threads of spirit, but they would not sever until, finally, the blades shattered.


    The threads turned a brighter gold at the sound of a ringing, cheap as dirt cell phone went off within a pouch on his belt, where his breastplate met his greaves.


    "Damnable low magic worlds. The indignities I have to put up with," already in a sour mood, he retrieved the device, flipped it open, and pressed it to his ear.


    "Yes, what is it?" He snapped.


    "This is Calypso, Weaver Central- Operator Badge # 5592113697521. You''re out of pattern," she reported, sounding bored.


    "Me, out of pattern?" As if to demonstrate her authority and knowledge, Calypso said the words along with Alaric.


    He got the point and fell into a chilled and terrified silence.


    This was not going to look good on his next performance review.


    "Orders?" He asked, knowing his place.


    "Good Boy. Those two have a destiny; their threads, as a result of their choices, are now destined to converge. Put them together, drop them in the astral, and let fate take its course. The wolf will serve as a guardian. Don''t make me call back," The connection clicked off as Alaric looked back towards Grimm.


    "It''s really not my fucking century," Alaric complained.

 Chapter 4: Quilting a Soul

    Chapter 4


    Every species and every culture that knew magic had a style to their magic.


    It was largely chalked up to differences in perceptions, the way that the Gods of their world, or the forces that led to magic''s discovery viewed the multiverse.


    Gods, after all, were mercurial and unique beings, forces of the fates themselves, and one of the few classes of beings that could defy their will and get away with it for at least a little while.


    Like anywhere and anything, there were rules you didn''t break and lines you didn''t cross without incurring not just penalty but cold and calculated wrath.


    Many a faith system had gone to its grave, depriving those Gods of worshipful attention and thus the power to project in those worlds because they played a short game, while the Fates always bet long.


    The humans in this world had a pithy phrase for such occurrences...


    The house always wins.


    This was why Alaric was paying dutiful attention to his assignment, chanting all the while.


    He liked chanting; it focused him and brought him back to simpler, mortal times when he was the bishop of a small diocese of churches dedicated to Lumos, God of Purity, in a reality adjacent to this one.


    He had been remembered as a saint there before the Mad Prophet had arisen and wiped his deeds away, his elevation due to the meticulous nature of his accounting, exposing a swath of corruption that traced back to the corruption of a particular nightmare God.


    They had loved him until the end and remembered his sacrifices. Such work had guaranteed the path that led him here because he had never... never pissed off Weaver Central or his former master Lumos.


    In short, Alaric was a saint because he was a perfect middle manager, his spirit born and bred for the task.


    Even now, he thrilled at pressing his underlings to work weekends.


    It was just... great.


    Yet for all those millennia of happy devotion, no matter the reality, working up the ranks, getting back to lofty positions with good vacation time that mirrored his mortal elevation to the bishopric, and gaining experience all the while, he still hadn''t an inkling of what the hell the fates wanted him to do in this case.


    Deus de lumine, Deus puritatis, arridere servo tuo," he chanted, letting the actions take his focus away from this fetid alley, in this disgusting low magic world, to the inner garden of his soul, allowing him to visualize the problem.


    "One," he said within, making a mental checklist, "we''re going to have to move the pieces to a great place of power. The district office would work; they have labs there and casting rooms."


    ¡°Deus de lumine, Deus puritatis, arridere servo tuo....¡±


    "Two, I''ll need a good spell, something to tie disparate souls together. That means creation magic... archaic creation magic," reaching out towards the eternal library, he felt his remote connection sync in as he sent the query...moments later, a complex magical diagram and sigil work popped into his mind.


    "Ah, life seam... That sounds perfect," he said. His eyes opened to find Grimm still there, sitting up, his eyes closed in focus.


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    A veil surrounded them. NYPD police were on the scene, taping things off, as forensics took pictures of the physical body of Willa and the ruined pipe, making sure to get the placards they had set down beside them in frame.


    One walked through Alaric, but it was of little consequence.


    It barely tickled.


    "Good job holding the veil. Now brace, I''m about to move us," Before Grimm''s ears could finish perking, reality warped and distorted around them and the pieces as a new room resolved around them.


    "District offices," Grimm intoned, his voice low, as his tail quivered in worry.


    "Do not panic. You''ve already been reassigned by Weaver Central, so you''re no longer my problem. Be grateful that you will be spared my wrath because if it were up to me, you would have gotten a lousy performance review," Alaric sneered.


    Taking out your anger on underlings was another aspect of what made him a great middle manager.


    "With respect, Sir, what did I do wrong? I counseled Riley to not get involved, pressed the alarm button, and waited for support. I fail to see what I could have done differently," Grimm asked, not wanting to make enemies.


    "That''s not my problem. This mess happened on your watch. So, no matter how dutifully you carried out your orders, it obviously wasn''t enough. I do not tolerate failure. Now, let me concentrate," Alaric reached out and cast the ancient magic he had cast once before as the threads of fate again became visible.


    The pieces now were before Grimm and himself in what appeared to be a perfectly square empty room. Blue Crystal sconces set into the wall glowed with a bright clinical azure light that reflected off the seamless, white marble floor, ceiling, and walls, showing off how devoid of all detail this space was


    It reminded Grimm some of the snowy times out on the vast plains that bordered his forest. Nothing but white in every direction, the world having lost all definition, which made what was there stand out all the more proudly.


    Much like the glowing gold strands coming off of what remained of Riley and Willa in this case.


    Alaric extended his index and middle finger on his right hand and drew it up level with his eyes as he recalled the sigil work and diagram from the Akashic Library. A seven-pointed, circled star flashed into existence in the perfect white marble of the floor at its center, followed by a pentacle that was then surrounded by a nine-pointed star, further filling the space. Completing the work, a circle surrounded, filled with ancient sigils that seemed to dance and move in a ritual moving clockwise.


    Faintly, Grimm could hear music, sounding much like a choir as the song of creation echoed through the space.


    Alaric let his right hand fall open, then held out his left as if making two ends of a box in front of his chest before splaying his fingers. The threads of the two incomplete beings flowed towards him for the first time, wrapping around his fingers as the archangel began to work and pull, weaving them together in complex magical geometry over the sacred sigil as the music pitched and faded.


    Grimm''s eyes widened in wonder as the pieces began to shimmer and glow before drawing together. A lagomorphic shape became visible, shining with light, as Alaric opened his eyes and let the spell complete.


    A white tailed jack rabbit resolved out of the brilliant light, sleeping peacefully in the center of the circle.


    "They look just like Riley," Grimm exclaimed.


    Alaric flicked his hand and hit the hare with a powerful sleeping spell. "Well, they aren''t; there are pieces of both the celestial and the mortal in such a way I''ve never seen in all my years. I wonder what the Fates could be up to?" He boggled, pondering his handiwork.


    "But what does that mean?" Grimm pressed, feeling a bit more bold. After all, Alaric was no longer his supervisor.


    "Above our pay grade. I''ve never encountered any being that was a mix of celestial and mortal like this. There are legends, of course, of wicked giants and world-ending monsters, but if that''s a world-ending monster, I''ll eat my halo," Alaric proclaimed, regarding this new creation with a dismissive air.


    Grimm''s ears perked in a moment of bemused joy. That would be a sight to see.


    Something was strange, though. Reaching out to her in an act of magical instinct brought the perception of not just light but the darkest of shadow, existing only as a flicker, like a fleck of ash upon freshly fallen snow.


    "Curious," Grimm thought, looking to Alaric before thinking better of asking any more questions.


    They were, at least, part celestial; as much as they were mortal, the magical construct that the original Riley had been reforged out of was mostly intact and made up much of their being.


    The wolf knew at that moment he was witnessing something that he''d never see again, no matter the eternity before him, synergy and serendipity meeting at a particular and unlikely crossroads.


    "Ok, I''ve done my part. Pick a spot in the astral, drop in, and wait for their incarnation," The archangel ordered.


    "I wasn''t trained to be a guardian; who do I report to?" Grimm protested.


    "Not my problem," Alaric sneered before vanishing, thrilled at the delegation. Efficiency, after all, was life.

 Chapter 5: The Celestial Surfer

    Chapter 5


    Grimm hadn''t moved. The white walls felt as if they were closing in around him, making it hard to breathe.


    Not that he needed to breathe.


    "Old habits die hard," He panted, another pithy little saying from the humans on his former assignment. No matter the species, the level of sapience, or the way a particular creation evolved, no one did clich¨¦ like humans.


    It was their singular, and greatest gift or curse throughout existence.


    The Volarions had better puns, though, or so he had heard in the water cooler talk during training.


    "Those familiarization and socialization programs really work," he boggled. There had been a time when his thinking was primarily confined to instinct, given to the impulse and need of the moment. The sun came up, the sun went down, and Grimm was simply Grimm.


    Then came sapience, and with sapience, education, and a deeper understanding of the impact of his actions. Bare metal aspects of his nature still shone through, having been given greater definition through the abstract nature of language itself.


    Words had been the most profound revelation. It was like howling, barking, and sniffing taken to a higher and more artful level.


    A spark of wonder drifted across his anxious heart like lightning in a forest. What would it have been like for Riley to suddenly find the world so much bigger?


    Hares were not near as social or as vocal as wolves, but that did not make her lesser.


    In many ways, she had been greater than him.


    The past danced through his memory, while the future loomed like a threat before him, as grim resolve froze over the ice of his guilt.


    He would never let a divide between duty and pack keep him passive ever again.


    If only he had gone with her, if only he hadn''t waited... Maybe then they could have held out long enough for Alaric to arrive.


    Maybe... The word itself was a chasm, yawning out beyond the edges of any universe, the possibility of what could have been but wasn''t, clearly delineating his failure.


    Please clear the room... It rose in his mind like a sensation, more than words themselves, speaking on similar levels to instinct, forcing Grimm to tense.


    It was a busy multiverse, after all, and this was just one small section, teeming with trillions upon trillions of dramas, big and small, playing out second to second.


    "Let''s get this done," he sighed, picking a better spot, a transitory space, floating in the astral where he wouldn''t be bothered, where he''d have more time.


    He had been the impetus for that particular spot''s creation, after all.


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    Reality warped and distorted around Grimm and the hare yet again, only to resolve in a beautiful pine forest.


    Trees were thick, tracing up a rise in the land, covering a small squat mountain behind him; before him was a large and grassy meadow. A stream bisected it, providing counter point to the short prairie grasses, granting a bit of drama to the space.


    Grimm took a deep, unnecessary but necessary breath and let the cool morning air with its thousands of scents fill his muzzle.


    This is where he had first appeared the last time he died.


    Every spirit had a "home" like this, a landing point created by a quirk of the astral. It was as much an expression of memory as hope, defined by the deeds and aspirations of a life. Within the constituent worlds of creation was an infinity of space, which meant there was an infinity of spaces to be.


    "Hello Grimm," The sound of wings heralded the arrival of a grey winged celestial with chiseled Chinese features. His hair was close cropped in a flat top style, and his eyes intense as he regarded the wolf, a wide and cheesy grin spread across his face as a counterpart to the gravitas of his appearance.


    "Hello," Grimm replied, already liking this archangel more than Alaric.


    It wasn''t a high bar to cross.


    "Dude... You''re wicked chill... Got this broody wolf vibe. I totally dig it, but this space, man, way to visualize! I''m Fengee, by the way, your new partner in bad assitude. Together, we''re gonna do a lot of good, my furry friend!" He held up his thumb and pinky finger, all the while curling in the rest of his fingers in between before rocking his hand back and forth.


    "Grimm, as you know, and thank you, " he bowed his head in respect.


    "So formal, so reserved...but there''s something fierce lurking behind those eyes. They set you as a watcher, mondo bad call man. What was Weaver Central thinking?" Fengee scoffed as Grimm cocked his head the other way.


    Try as he might, he couldn''t hold off a halting wag from his tail.


    "Taking that I ended up in a position you feel is more appropriate to my nature, it seems they planned correctly," Grimm replied as his gaze turned from the Arcangel to the still sleeping hare.


    She stirred but remained asleep; no doubt the spell would be wearing off soon.


    "I can dig it. Yeah, those kooky cats really get up to something with their yarn. Dude, do you think some actually might be cats? Huh... they''re often calculating," Fengee rubbed at his chin, "Nah, can''t get too stereotypical; that''s how they get ya!"


    "Thank you for meeting me here. I wasn''t sure if this was the right move or not. "Drop them in the Astral" is a little broad, so I thought I''d come here first. It helped me in my transition after my death. It is my hope it will help her wherever she is to go next," Grimm explained.


    "Trusting your instincts. Total guardian move. Way to rock it out the gate, but it''s more than that... Am I right, my man? You''re hurting," Fengee, surf lingo and all, had just pinned him to a proverbial tree.


    "I feel I could have done more for her, but Alaric, and duty got between me and my packmate. Never again," Grimm summarized.


    "Lesson number one," Fengee held up his hand. "All things have a beginning and an end. This moment was fated when Riley and Willa made their choice. Orlag events are choices that set the direction of the weaving. It''s where free will and destiny come into balance. It taught you something though, didn''t it?"


    The archangel''s eyes sparkled as Grimm''s eyes widened, and his ears went flat.


    "But she''s gone," Grimm countered, looking down at the sleeping hare.


    "Nah. My dude, you aren''t the same wolf that died all those years ago, and Riley, if that''s the name she rocks, won''t be the same hare. The ending is the illusion; the congruence of change is the hidden truth."


    "Heavy," Grimm intoned, his heart feeling lighter, pushing him towards play.


    "Cha, Wicked heavy. Lesson two, the past is either an anchor or a good morning wind. One will sink you; the other will let you fly," Fengee stretched out his massive wings in emphasis as a small noise rose out of the sleeping lagomorph like the break of dawn.


    "Thank you for everything," Grimm said.


    "Oh, it would have been a total chode move to leave you hangin. Between you, me, and that tree over there, Alaric is kind of a prick," he laughed conspiratorially as Grimm''s tail broke into full wag.


    The hare twitched, and her ears rose like twin towers.


    "So, keep an eye on her, but let her make her own mistakes. You''ll know when to get involved. You''ve got a good brain and a better heart." He patted Grimm between the ears. "And if you need me, don''t be afraid to reach out, wolf dude, but I gotta go. Catch Ya later!" With that, Fengee vanished, as the hare''s eyes snapped open.

 Chapter 6: Twenty Questions

    Chapter 5


    "Where am I? Is the kid ok?" The hare began before startling up on her paws. Her muzzle twisted into a snarl as she bolted back, moving in reverse until she worked herself up against a tree at the sight of the wolf.


    "Where''s the apartment? The city? The forest¡­ No¡­ no¡­ The control room? I remember an alley and a hawk¡­Oh, dear... What? You''re a... You''re a..." Grimm could see her heart palpitating through the quivers in her fur.


    "Try to stay calm," The wolf assured; all the while, she twitched for a moment, falling into a brief rictus, the panic overwhelming sense. She went to run but startled again, slamming her muzzle into the ground.


    The smack acted like a bucket of cold water. She bolted upright, only to continue with the verbal tirade.


    "Stay calm? Animals aren''t supposed to talk!" She protested, shaking her head, "this isn''t a novel by Lewis Carroll. Am I tripping?" Sitting up on her back legs, she pressed her paws to her head, "Somethings wrong... Boxes... Somethings wrong..."


    "Breathe... focus on me. I''m not going to hurt you. Do you remember me at all?" Grimm asked, keeping his body language non-threatening, looking down and away.


    It was his first time on this side of things, and his own heart was pounding, racing with his thoughts.


    The last time he was here, he had been terrified too.


    "You... You''re familiar, but I don''t remember you. There''s a sense of you, though...Gra... Gra... How am I talking?" The hare trailed off before she cocked her head to the right. Slowly, her muzzle raised towards Grimm''s silver halo.


    "We are each sapient beings, connected and speaking through magic. I am a celestial; you are part celestial and part mortal. All of these things will be understood in time," Grimm wagged his tail as the hare convulsed like a stuttering video.


    "I''m dead...again... Am I being punished? It''s like there''s two lives inside of me; one is faint, ghostly, but there, the other one is akin to concrete fragments of memory. It''s... It''s like icebergs. This body feels wrong, but not... didn''t I have thumbs?" She worked her left forepaw as she stuck it out long, forgetting all about her instinctual terror.


    "Some part of you had thumbs," Grimm recognized Riley at that moment, but did she?


    "Can you tell me your name?" He asked, the question smacking into her like a freight train, refocusing on him, but her breathing was slowing. Things were settling down.


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    "Maybe? One part of me says Riley; the other is slippery... We... Wi.. Something?" She stammered before looking down at the ground, her eyes dilated, portending true terror.


    "Something awful happened. Something I can''t remember, flashes of...? I''m dead, but that happens, right? Every couple years? Why is this more terrifying? Something is going spare inside of me. The other part is strangely calm. It''s like... water rushing to fill a void space. I''m scared... Can you help me?" She pleaded.


    "You''re alive, actually; death is just a threshold, and you''ve both crossed it. Now, let me explain," Grimm wagged his tail and let his tongue hang out, trying and failing to ape the appearance of a dog.


    "Nope, not buying that cheeseball routine," Riley chided, "so this is my freaky afterlife? Are you my Guardian Angel? What about the tunnel and dead relatives?"


    That wasn''t Riley, but Willa. Grimm could see the two pieces resolving into one soul before his eyes, inspiring both wonder and terror.


    Was it really this easy to make a person or to unmake one? All in all, this felt cruel. Two different lifetimes colliding into one. Creation was supposed to be beautiful, but this wasn''t. This was a train wreck, and all he could do was help her with the aftermath.


    Alaric... Grimm growled within.


    "This is more like a waystation. You''re the result of the choices of those who came before you, Riley and Willa. Each sacrificed parts of themselves for the survival of another; normally, you would each pass back through the cycle and incarnate separately, becoming part of new beings, but the fates ordained something different; towards what end is a mystery they are content to keep," A moment of realization dawned for the hare, as Grimm explained.


    "That explains the incongruence, but what''s the difference really if we were just pieces? Why not put us together if we were both there? It seems like we had similar goals," She trailed off.


    "You do seem similar. Riley told Willa to take the child to safety. She did, only to double back around and attempt to assist. Some souls naturally run towards danger. You were each that way," Grimm felt his own guilt deep within, like an unhealed wound.


    "The kid... are they ok? Are they safe after the... Orlag event?" She shook her head as if remembering was painful.


    "Yes, Riley and Willa both sacrificed the whole of themselves, but it was towards a successful and noble end," Grimm explained.


    "And you... stayed... behind?" She asked.


    "I thought I was doing my duty; for what it is worth, I am sorry. I suppose your genesis is an opportunity for both of us in this regard," the wolf said, dipping his head this time while his ears drooped.


    "That''s a good way to look at it, I think. Life isn''t static. You have to keep moving forward. Things were bad back in the human city, but they weren''t going to get better by me being sad about it. Buck up, buddy," a golden strand began to form out of the ether around the hare''s left back paw.


    "What''s that?" Her ears flattened as the right hindpaw began to vibrate, thumping the ground.


    "Your next incarnation looms. We haven''t much time. Are you ok?" Grimm asked.


    "Uh.. No...Nope... Uh, what the hell kind of question is that? I''m a long way from it. I''ve got all these screens floating in front of my eyes, disjointed memories, and the two parts of me died a martyr...before some kind of something made a Frankenstein''s monster soul that happens to be me. This is kind of nuts, but I''ll get through it. Just keep running, just keep moving, it''ll sort, or I''m nuts. What other choice is there?" Slowly, the golden thread began to go taught.


    "I will be watching. Remember my name, Grimm, speak it thrice, and if I can help, I will," he intoned.


    "I guess call me Riley. It''s got a nice ring to it, uh... shit... I still have no idea what..." Riley was pulled back in a sudden jerk before vanishing.


    "Bye!" echoed on the winds.


    "Stars, it''s been a weird day," Grimm said to himself, "Wait a minute. Screens? What screens?"

 Chapter 7: Purple Boxes and Fishermen

    <u>Chapter 7</u>


    The world was a blur of light and motion, ecstasy and pain. The sound of a far and distant song pitched to discordance, then a wail, leaving Riley''s ears ringing before everything went white.


    There was a feeling of descent, then the world went topsy turvy as disparate cracks of thunder washed over her, punctuating the cacophony of light and sound as if some giant creatures were echolocating by blasts around her.


    "Net!" Cried a voice as a headache blared to life. For a moment, her body, from muzzle to tail, felt like it was on fire, as the confusion of her initial moments with Grimm was replaced with the agony of being reborn out of the magic, only to be suffused with a fresh wave of numbing physical onslaught.


    A mesh that glowed with a faint blue light was covering her, keeping her from motion as her eyes fluttered open.


    "Where am I?" She said to herself and tried to get up, but her body would not respond.


    Adrenaline slammed into her, clearing the cobwebs further. Her world cleared, but still, all she could see were a series of purple hologram-like boxes overlaying one over another.


    At the front of the morass floating in her vision, one displayed:


    <u>Welcome to Calaria, a high magic world. Initiate Guide Y/N? </u>


    "Cage!" An older man in his mid-forties, his face weathered by age, looked her over before holding out his hand. A silver light like living flame burst to life, "low magic, mostly worthless, still she might fetch a few coppers at least, maybe even a silver to the right soul in the second tier."


    Another older man wearing spectacles and a dark robe made a notation in a small book he was holding before nodding and moving down the line.


    "Why are you doing this to me?" She called out before a young boy of no more than thirteen approached, lifted her by the net, and placed her in a small cage


    "Poor thing looks half terrified, she does," he didn''t seem like much. A tattered linen shirt and breeches clothed him in dull and dingy brown. No shoes covered his feet. Overall, he looked malnourished and dirty, but upon his face, a warm, hopeful grin still shone.


    "Easy there. I''ll get that stun net off ya," he said to himself before tapping a bangle on his left wrist. Reaching out, his hand passed through the cage, grabbed the net and removed it quickly in a deft and practiced action.


    "Quit yer dawdlin, runt! Put her off to the side with the others and let her calm down. We''ve a long day ahead of us," the gruff man ordered. He was holding what looked to be a fishing rod. The strange golden strand that had wrapped around her hindpaw was visible, running down the rod before coiling in the reel.


    Puzzlingly, it faded to a dull glowing green before her eyes as he flung the rod back, preparing to cast again.


    These damn boxes make it hard to see...  She thought.


    Poised at the edge of a building, they seemed to be about 2 stories up. Silver rods towered at the corner like strange antennae. Electric blue sparks crackled in the air. Ten men stood between the corners, including her captor. They''d each cast out the line, which would sail a few feet before vanishing into the ether, only for the reels to keep feeding out until they exhausted their reserve.


    Creatures and objects were flashing into view as men retracted their lines, suffering a fate similar to her own.


    "What the hell is going on?" She said again, but no one seemed to recognize her voice or, at the very least, give care to her concerns.


    The young boy lifted her cage and took her over to an area filled with a variety of beings. Some snapped and pushed against their confinement, while others seemed as scared and lost as she was.


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    "You seem a timid thing. I''ll set you where it''s quiet, out of the sun, and let you rest," the boy said to himself as much as her. Setting her with other such beings that looked more lost than angry.


    "At least he''s a nice jailer," Riley clung to the positive, using it like a toe hold to bulwark against the terror and confusion she felt as, again, her eyes focused in on the strange purple glowing boxes floating in her vision.


    Welcome to Calaria, a high magic world. Initiate Guide Y/N?


    Looking around, it certainly felt as if she needed a guide, and for a moment, she considered calling Grimm, but something told her that wouldn''t help.


    "I need to understand where to run and how to run before I run, so I''ll break it down into parts and pieces. I can get through this. I just have to keep moving," she said to herself, making a plan.


    Willing yes, as if reaching out for the "Y" in her mind, not knowing what else to do, the "Y" highlighted before vanishing, and a massive rectangle filled with English text appeared, hiding all the others.


    You have initiated the guide. Welcome to Calaria!!! This world has a high magical density, allowing for the spawning of high magic creatures like yourself.


    Your race is: Outsider, celestial, white tailed jackrabbit.


    Your current level is tier 2-0; progress to tier 2-1 is at 0.0%


    A terrifying and tragic magical event led your soul to be reforged with that of a celestial of greater power and a true enemy of greater shadow, leading to your rebirth in magic, opening your spirit to new paths of progression ordained by the Fates.


    You have the following abilities:


    Angelic Construct: Your spirit naturally interprets and translates magic and spirit into an informational system that filters through your consciousness, granting you a bonus to perception as well as an affinity with holy and life magic.


    Glossolalia: Your semi-divine nature grants you the ability to understand any language and speak it via magical projection.


    Enhanced Constitution: Your semi-divine nature grants you a bonus to resiliency and healing; while not immortal, you are hard to kill.


    Shadow Soul: Elements of an ancient enemy of reality are woven into your very being. Your true nature and potential is naturally hidden from others, and you have a bonus to stealth, infiltration, and chaos magics.


    Devil''s Luck: Things go wrong in the right direction for you. Your unique confluence of soul gives you a bonus to your luck while increasing your exposure to adversity.


    Stalwart Soul: A lifetime of challenge, setback, and failure has granted you a grim resolve, strengthening you against tragedy.


    Astral Pack Mule: Your affinity towards the astral grants you a protected space in which to hold items. The current size of your astral inventory is five square by two. Each element stored occupies a square, granting you ten current slots. Items stored will enter a type of stasis, forestalling their decay. Note: This will expand with level progression.


    These abilities grant evolution paths in the magic. Good luck!


    The giant rectangle flashed away as she began going through the others.


    "This is kind of cool," All she had to do was mentally reach out to it, and the box she was focusing on would come to the forefront, ablating some of the worry that she was in a cage, in an alien world, and she no longer had thumbs.


    Echoes of her human life floated like a ghost in her mind, but nothing was congruent. Instead, they were more a disparate collection of memories, lessons, and experiences, framing and shaping her world.


    She couldn''t even remember her human name, but the celestial side was even more shadowy. While devoid of almost all memory, it seemed to form the foundations of her subconscious and identity. She didn''t have thumbs, which upset the human side of her, but something deep within told her that was normal, that her body was normal and right, leaving her to feel like a quilted being, her essence made up of patches of what had once been separate and distinct entities.


    There was nothing she could currently do about those things, but knowledge was power, potentially leading her to paths of escape.


    Dismissing her reflection, she focused on her boxes and prompts.


    Inventory 0/10


    The box showed ten squares arrayed in two rows of five. Dismissing it, the next screen showed what reminded her of a character sheet from a beloved MMORPG she had played in the human world. In the upper right hand corner, a profile shot of what she assumed was herself appeared, that of a white tailed jackrabbit in their prime. Underneath was her name, Riley. Set to the right side were three bars, one green representing health, red, stamina, and purple for mana, but no numbers.


    "That makes sense. I never liked math," she said to herself, grateful that she didn''t have to crunch digits.


    An hour or so passed as she practiced, moving and calling up the guide, which seemed strangely limited. Multiple entries had the image of a padlock over them, which only frustrated her.


    She needed a way out, and soon, but hit dead end after dead end. Finally frustrated, she willed the last box away and tried to get comfortable in her cramped cage.


    "Devil''s luck indeed. I''m obviously not going anywhere for a while," she said as the boy returned, only to lift her cage and carry her towards a cart pulled by what, to her mind, looked like a pair of reptilian griffins.


    Proud beaks gave way to a sharp and severe beaked muzzle. Their bodies were covered in reptilian scales. Powerful legs ended in two tridactyl talons. At their back was a thick, crocodile like tail, the end covered in a puffball of spines that seemed to have been ablated.


    "Or maybe I am," she sighed, waiting for an opportunity and a way out to present itself.

 Chapter 8: A Magical Pet shop

    <u>Chapter Eight</u>


    Riley had never felt more humiliated.


    "I''m telling you, Kanver, that''s a beast with low magical affinity if I''ve ever seen one, twenty-six copper, and not a bit more," A swarthy shopkeeper eyed her and a few other magical animals, greedily rubbing his hands together.


    So far today, she''d been fished out of a pleasant forest, stunned with some kind of magical net, caged, and now this¡­ Of all the places she expected to end up, the magical pet shop wasn''t even on the list.


    They didn''t even have magic in the world that half of her had come from¡­ At least¡­ she didn''t remember if there was.


    The point still stood. This sucked, and she could still find no way out.


    "Seven silvers for the lot?" Kanver asked, his tone affecting and pleading. He was the fishing asshat that had dragged her out of that pleasant astral space, ending her conversation with Grimm.


    Hours later, her stomach grumbled, her throat was parched, and she was in no way closer to finding a way out.


    The rat bastard had even gone so far as to padlock her cage. Not that it would have made much difference otherwise.


    "Can you hear me?" Mental projection worked with her boxes, and it wasn''t like she had a body built to project sound, so she decided to go for broke with telepathy.


    It wouldn''t have been the strangest thing to happen that day by a mile, if it worked.


    The presumably magical bird, somewhere between a parrot and a duck, with bright and colorful feathers, a ducks beak and feet, but a parrot''s head, and a cockatoo''s plume, cocked its head at her before its feathered crest rose. It began making a terrible screeching, quaking racket, bouncing up and down, flailing its wings.


    "If that''s a yes, they aren''t sapient," she sighed and looked towards Kanver and Matros, the pet shop owner, running a quick mental calculation.


    If they knew she could think on their level, it might affect her chances of escape. There were benefits to being thought of as a dumb animal, magical or not; if she blew that ruse, then she''d lose a particular avenue for egress.


    Deciding to keep her sapience a secret from her jailers, she worked her way back into the cage and waited for this little drama to finish.


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    "Aye, that''s fair. Have your boy unload," Matros said, holding out his hand. Kanver reached out and grabbed up near his elbow, as the shopkeep did the same, before pulling a money pouch off his belt, emptying the contents in his hand, and counting out 7 shiny silver coins.


    "You lad, see to your duties, I want all of these critters unloaded in ten minutes, or you''ll feel the whip just assuredly as these cockatrice. In emphasis, he clapped his hands as the boy scurried up from his place standing behind the coach and began seeing to his duties, knowing his job.


    "So that guy''s a prick," Riley said to herself, as one by one and sometimes two by two, the boy unloaded the cages, moving them into the back of a shop.


    Riley caught the scents of fear and terror, along with every other thing, the mixed bouquet setting her on edge, especially as the aroma of blood drifted to her sensitive nose.


    "I''ve got to get out of here," her heart was racing with fear. Matros stuck his head through the door just as the kid set her cage down.


    "You lad, there''s a copper in it for you if you give them water," he shouted, causing the boy''s face to light up.


    "Right away, sir!" Dutifully, he went to a large trough and began working a hand pump; water, clean and cold, flowed out of it, filling the wooden basin as a maddening itch of thirst blossomed to full and desperate need within Riley''s mind.


    Nothing had ever smelled that good as he, in agonizingly slow motion to her mind, filled a stack of bowls piled up next to the trough. Tapping his magical bangle, he brought the bowls two at a time, reaching his hand through the metal of the cage, depositing them quickly, and finally coming to Riley last.


    Losing all control, she leaped for the bowl, lapping it down greedily until she dunked her muzzle, sucking water up her nose, inspiring a snorting fit.


    Pawing desperately at her nose, the inner cavity burned as she felt some of the liquid slide down her throat.


    The kid watched her curiously, snatched the bowl away while she was distracted, and refilled it, only to bring it back around.


    "There ya go, little beastie," he said, and at that moment, she felt grateful for that small bit of kindness.


    "Thank you," She said to herself, and, acting with greater calm, lapped slowly, the action coming as naturally as breathing to her.


    Cool spread through her midsection, forming out the edges of a gnawing, empty cavity within.


    "Hungry... It''s like I''m remembering to feel by degrees," she hoped food would come soon. At first, her mind snapped to pizza before switching to lush grasses and shoots, her mouth watering with competing memories.


    "Hungry," she whined, sprawling out in her cage, trying to ignore the metal pressing through the toes of her paws. She found some relief when she finally flopped against the side and stretched out.


    Having finished his duty, the kid left, only for Kanver''s voice to drift back to her ears.


    "I''ll be keeping your copper because yer'' late," as if to taunt him, the older man appeared in the doorway, flipping the coin.


    A wave of burning anger swept through her and, with it, a power like a flame of will, hot and fiery, rising in her chest, running down her paws. Startled, it broke her rage, and as quickly as the power came, it left.


    Distantly, she heard the sound of the carriage beginning to pull away. The kid went by the door and out of her life as quickly as he had come into it.


    "Boy.. Boy!" Matros called out conspiratorially, doing his best to keep his voice low; he stopped in the center of the door, holding something in his palm.


    "Thanks for looking after them. Don''t let that skinflint get ya down," he whispered before passing a copper off to him.


    "Huh," she grumbled before trying to get comfortable, waiting for her chance.

 Chapter 9: Id buy that for a silver.

    <u>Chapter 9</u>


    Don''t talk with your mouth full was one of the many rules that didn''t exactly apply anymore.


    "At least I have food," Riley said to herself with her mouthful.


    There were no clocks on the wall, no ticking herald of seconds marking the time, leaving Riley to piece out her days by the moments between fitful naps, full of disjointed dreams.


    Positioned along a back wall, she had a good view of the entrance, down one particular aisle. The store she had ended up in seemed to host few customers, which had given her mind a needed mystery to chew on. Why had Matros bought so many with demand so low.


    It gave her something to do, keeping her mind from panic. Sure, she was in a cage, in a body she only half recognized, and some kind of MMORPG system in her head, but all would be solved if she could just puzzle out why Matros had bought her in a lot.


    "There''s no hope like false hope," Riley glowered to herself, noting the strange way of dress here. There was nary a soul in T-shirts and jeans; instead, robes and tunics were the order of the day.


    A tall gentleman with bronzed skin, wearing long robes and a turban complete with two long feathers coming off either side, held his hand out towards her. A giggle echoed through Riley''s mind as she thought of her own ears.


    His fingertips began to sparkle with green light before he frowned, shook his head, and moved on to the next creature on display, which happened to be some kind of purple tortoise.


    "Wasn''t fast enough, eh buddy?" She chuckled to herself, having been making jokes like that for the last day at least. There was very little to do, nowhere to go, and barely even room to turn around in the cramped cage. Her paws and legs begged for movement, for a chance to hop, but all was denied to her.


    Every evening, someone stuffed a type of straw in her cage and refreshed her water, and for now, that was just going to have to be enough.


    At least she didn''t need to pay rent.


    "Always look on the bright side of life..." She sang, biding her time, playing with her informational overlay, and discovering just what she could get away with, making her own fun.


    The turbaned man must have liked the tortoise because he took up the cage and dutifully walked towards the shopkeep''s table. Matros was sitting in a high-backed chair made of ancient wood with a red velvety cushion.


    "My friend, my friend, I see you found a companion suitable for binding!" He called out jovially, rubbing his hands together as if already counting his coins.


    Those words set a deadline in her mind; whatever binding was, that was a no-go. It didn''t sound right, so she''d have to make her move before then.


    Maybe if she got bought, that would give her an opportunity, a few moments out of the cage, and she could bolt to....


    Well... the thought froze dead in its tracks; she didn''t quite know.


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    Nor did she know how she would live, what it would be like for her out there... She didn''t even know what out there was. While she had found a handy map screen in her overlay, it revealed little, only showing places where she had been, a paltry five miles at most displayed proudly with the rest of the land obscured by a black fog, denying her any chance.


    Maybe the person to purchase her would be kind, and things would work out.


    "Yeah, like that''s been my life so far," she scoffed.


    An older man entered the shop, the bell jingling, drawing Riley''s attention from the transaction. Old and stooped, he was dressed reasonably well in simple linen pants and a belted tunic. Silver rimmed spectacles rested at the edge of his nose. Scanning up and down, she noticed his shoes seemed to be well made, which was unusual from what she had seen; such a feature tended to belong to the more robed and affluent looking set.


    With a quick clasping of arms and the moving of coins, the tortoise had beaten the hare out the door once again as Matros scurried over, locking in on his next target.


    She flopped against the side of her cage, depressed, as the man walked over towards her, eying her cage critically.


    "Can I help you, good sir?" Matros asked in oily salesman.


    "I''m in the market for a companion for a young sorcerer. Your shop came highly recommended," the older man bounced on his heels, a look of pride on his face.


    "Would he happen to be related to you? Perhaps a grandson? You must be very proud," Matros continued, weaving his own brand of spell.


    "Oh yes, he is, in fact, a real second tier sorcerer, the first in generations, you see. No cobble work for him. He''s been studying at the academy and will be graduating next week. I was hoping to surprise him. My name is Darius, by the way," he held out his hand, and Matros clasped his arm.


    "Well met my friend! I''m honored you would choose my shop and would be happy to help with such an auspicious event, so let us discuss the budget, and I will guide you to an appropriate animal suitable for binding," The shopkeep said.


    Riley could practically see the dollar signs in his eyes.


    "Well, that may be a problem. You see, I''ve only a silver," The man pulled out an ancient and weathered coin from a coin purse on his belt.


    Matros frowned.


    Then he looked at Riley and back to the coin and found his grin.


    "Oh shit," Riley intoned, full of trepidation.


    "Why, that won''t be a problem at all; I''ve just the animal. You see, I''ve been waiting for the right buyer, and I think you may be the one," his eyebrow raised as he guided the man in front of her cage.


    "You see, this creature here would be ideal for your grandson, I think. Her scan classifies her as an herbivore, so she is very easy and economical to feed and has very low aggression. Beyond that, all of our companions come with a guarantee that magical ability is, in fact, present. We pride ourselves on our reliability. She currently assesses as low tier two, with minimal development, which is why I''m willing to let her go for a silver. There is much potential in this one." He praised.


    Riley wanted to feel flattered but could smell the bull shit as Darius eyed her critically.


    "One silver, and you''ve no others for me to consider?" The older man asked.


    "As you know, graduation is soon, and thus, I''ve had a very high sales volume here. I assure you, this animal is a good and rare deal; if anything goes wrong, I will offer you a thirty day guarantee of a refund at 50% of the original paid value. You must agree that''s a deal you''ll get nowhere else," he pitched.


    Riley grumbled as Darius rubbed at his chin, his silver grey mustache twitching.


    "Would you like to come home with me?" He asked Riley, peering into her cage.


    She swiveled her ears forward and twitched her nose before inching closer, rising as much as she could on her paws, placing her left fore paw against the front of the cage, and shaking her head in the affirmative.


    Matros'' eyebrow cocked again as Riley planned her escape.


    "Well, she''s friendly enough. I''ll take her," Darius agreed. Matros thrust out his hand as Darius reluctantly handed over his silver before taking up her cage.


    "An excellent decision. I am certain your grandson will be most pleased!" Matros predicted before offering his free hand to clasp arms yet again.


    This place was like Texas, Riley thought to herself, enjoying an inner giggle as Darius took up her cage and headed for the door.


    "Thank you!" He said over his shoulder before leaving.


    "Do tell your friends for all your magical companion needs!" Matros replied with a happy shout.

 Chapter 10: Did you know my grandson is graduating?

    Chapter 10


    Darius seemed happy.


    Though he walked with a slight stoop, there was a bounce in his step; upon his face was a broad smile that competed with the arch of his silvery mustache.


    All around him, people were teeming, the mixture of scents overwhelming Riley as the cage rocked and bobbed with movement.


    The streets here were narrower than what she could remember from her past lives. No vehicles lined the streets, nor had she seen many carriages pulled by those strange cockatrice creatures; instead, there were rivers of people, many shabbily dressed, some roaming barefoot.


    The smells in some places were choking as the phrase "unwashed masses" rolled through her mind. This world seemed medieval in development, yet somehow not.


    Though many of the people seemed dirty or malnourished, and the technology iron age, the streets were clean. There were drains every few feet punctuating and breaking up the cobblestone paths. At the end of every block, there was a row of what smelled to her like outhouses, though those smells were fainter than they should have been.


    Signs of inequality were everywhere; she had seen children dwelling on the edges of alleyways, half naked and starving, their haunted hollow eyes peering out, begging for rescue in the form of a crust of bread, all the while the few carriages she had seen, moving slowly through the packed in crowds defined an opulence that showed a chasm in this culture between affluent and poor that was cosmic in scale.


    The one thing she didn''t see were many animals, and the few that had passed by were riding on the carriages, always with a human in flowing robes. Those had to be magical companions, she reasoned, but what did that mean for her escape?


    She did not want to be bound to anyone; the fact that Riley had seemingly no rights in this society was bad enough. The idea that someone might be able to control her with a force she didn''t even understand horrified her further.


    Escape wasn''t the only goal; it was also about living beyond the escape that she had to worry about. It would mean nothing if she emancipated only to end up in a worse situation or dead.


    She''d been there and done that twice, after a fashion.


    What else was there to do then but let it ride, waiting for the right time, which may not come anytime soon?


    "I hope I can at least get out of my cage," she said to herself. Days without movement kindled a rising desperation within her chest.


    Devil''s luck, indeed.


    "Good morrow, Darius," A young man greeted as Darius dipped his head in greeting, only to turn.


    The man was wearing chainmail armor, with a black silk like surcoat overlayed. Two cockatrice, woven in artful embroidery, reared back on their hind legs, positioned back to back, their tails pointing up.


    A black dog that seemed to Riley like a great dane stood quietly beside him, watching, causing her fur to stand on end. Something deep pushed her back further against the wall of her cage.


    "Phineas, how''s the patrol today?" He asked, stopping for a moment to clasp arms.


    "Magical Medieval Texas," Riley laughed to herself. Beyond the smell of the crowd, she could smell food as they stopped, fresh fruits and vegetables.


    Cocking her head in a scan, she could barely make out booths ahead that had to be vendor stalls.


    "Huh... Do I not see as well as I used to?" So many things were slippery. Memories competed with sensations and experiences that felt completely natural. Scent and sound were, of course, the center of her world, like they had always been.


    "Except that wasn''t true for all of me..." Another cold shiver tremored through her soul as the revelation that she was indeed a new creature rolled through her like an earthquake.


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    "Busy, as you can see, but the cutpurses have been behaving today. That or they''re getting smarter while I''m standing still," Phineas laughed heartily as Darius joined in.


    "Well, I''ll leave you to it; no need to let an old man distract you from your duties," He bowed his head again respectfully.


    "I''m grateful, really, so take a minute, if you''d be so kind, and let me in on the mystery," He insisted, gesturing towards Riley.


    "A gift for my grandson. He graduates next week!" Darius beamed.


    "Oh, has he been assigned yet? Any chance he''ll be joining me out here?" Phineas wondered.


    "Who knows, the First Tier has their ways...Still, no matter the position, the honor of it all! Think of it, one of our family, not a cobbler, not of the peasants, but a real, second tier sorcerer! This creature cost me my savings, but I''m hoping this creature here will give him a leg up, so it''s coin well spent. A good sorcerer needs a good companion, after all. Especially if he lands somewhere dangerous," Darius'' voice grew haunted as Riley felt a new pang of guilt for wanting to escape.


    "Buck up, that was smart thinking, and I''m sure he''ll end up somewhere safe. If he lands here, I''ll keep an eye out for him and put in a good word with the captain," The guardsmen assured.


    "You''ve always been good to us, thank you, lad. Do drop by the house next week after the ceremony. We''re having a proper celebration," Darius insisted.


    "I might just do that; what do you think, Dulchas?" Phineas looked down towards his canine companion, who barked animatedly, sending Riley''s heart towards the stratosphere as she involuntarily startled within the cage.


    "Oh, I think we''ve upset my wee charge here. It''s ok, wee lass; we''ll have you out of that cage soon," Darius said.


    Riley couldn''t help but like him. She''d seen the gambit of types since arriving here, from jerk to kind, and Darius reminded her much of any proud grandparent. Warm, doting, and softened by the wisdom of many years, both good and bad, behind him.


    "I''ve got a patrol to do anyway, so I''m going to go check up on your neighbors. Good Morrow, friend, and give my best to your grandson," Phineas bowed his head and turned as Darius moved down the street.


    The smell of fresh fruit was overwhelming, competing with vegetables and hay, causing her stomach to growl.


    "Now he told me you were a herbivore, and I''ve seen you''ve been feasting on straw," Darius set her cage down briefly upon the cobblestone road, only to remove his weathered coin purse, cupping its bottom as if assessing its weight before emptying out the contents in his hand.


    "I have a few coppers, and I want ya to feel welcome, not that you can understand me, but still, an old codger has his ways, he does," He laughed to himself as more guilt twisted Riley''s heart like a pretzel.


    "You''d be surprised," she remarked to herself as Darius burned through his meager stockpile, visiting one stall and buying strange fruits and another, a bundle of fresh grasses that smelled both sweet and savory to her nose, causing it to twitch.


    Taking the bundles and a bit of twine one of the vendors provided him, he bound the grasses to the top of the cage, leaving bits of it to stick out while carrying the fruits in a burlap bag the fruit vendor offered him.


    Riley, none too proud, nibbled some of the bits that jutted through her cage, savoring the taste.


    It was far better than the straw that had been provided, and even that was pretty good.


    Without fail, every shopping trip turned into a news report about his grandson.


    "Tight-knit little place for all the people," She was becoming known by association as Darius told the tale over and over again until finally, trip done, they moved down the lane.

 Chapter 11: New digs

    Chapter 11


    About two blocks past the booths to Riley''s reckoning gave way to a more middle class neighborhood.


    Here, the lane was lined with shops, and wooden signs hung proclaiming a bakery, pub, tailor, smith, and cobbler. The bulk of the people moving on the streets still wore the simple linen clothes, but they looked to Riley''s eye healthier and a bit more hopeful, less stressed by life though still obviously challenged.


    In a lot of ways, they looked a lot like Darius, having found a precarious middle between soul crushing poverty and the true ease that affluence afforded.


    These were people like her human parents had been. Those memories, for all the fragmentation, spoke with powerful emotion. Her mother had been a teacher of something, and her father was¡­


    Was¡­ Some kind of driver? Of a large thing? It transported goods. What was that job?


    Truck...


    "Truck Driver!" A disparate collection of memories found their solidity, reflecting off each other like an amplified signal. Her father had been a truck driver.


    Ironic, considering they had died in a car accident while she was being watched by her grandmother. On one of his rare days off, they had gone out on a date, only to never return home.


    "That''s all I can remember," she said to herself, distracted as Darius went past the small row of shops, turning right and heading for an alley and a presumable back entrance.


    The memory of their loss was concrete, but a further pang of panic hit when she couldn''t quite remember their faces or how they had looked. Still, how her mother had sounded presented proudly in her mind, especially how she had said¡­


    I love you, ladybug.


    No matter what happened, if it was the last thing she ever did, she would hold on to what was left as she felt something solidify and harden deep within.


    Darius entered the back room of a shop that smelled of leather, wood, and human effort, setting her cage down in an empty space by the door.


    "Now you wait here, dear. I''ll not be long, then it''s up the stairs," he said, acting almost like he knew she could understand him.


    He quickly scurried away before moving stiffly up the stairs, gripping a convenient handrail, pulling himself along as Riley heard a chime when an exclamation point popped up in the upper right hand corner of her vision.


    Focusing on it, her friends, the purple boxes appeared.


    You have unlocked the skill, Subterfuge.


    Subterfuge, Shadow Soul (Passive)- You know when to hold ''em and when to fold ''em. Your time practicing stealth has influenced your path and progression in the magic. You now will receive a magical bonus in situations requiring guile, deception, and subtlety. Progression with this skill is currently at 1% Progression to tier 2-1 now at 0.5%


    You have unlocked the skill Analyze.


    Analyze, Celestial (Active)- Your curiosity at having found yourself in a new world you do not understand has caused your spirit to evolve within the magic. You want to know shit! A magical ability has been unlocked where a thing or being''s true nature and name can now be gleaned. Note: The higher the level disparity, the greater the chance of failure. Progression with this skill is currently at 1% Progression to tier 2-1 now at 1.0%


    "Cool, but how do I access my magic?" Riley wondered, pointing that question at her guide.


    A purple window appeared, revealing everything and nothing.


    Magic is the projection of your will against the will of an indifferent universe. You must hold the spell in your mind and project your intent.


    "Well, that sounds like new age horse shit," she thought glumly, settling down in her cage, pausing to rise only to nibble a few errant bits of the tasty grass and clover she had missed.


    Riley might not know exactly how to cast, but she was certain of one thing.


    Clover rocked.


    The sound of footfalls upstairs caused her ears to swivel as she tracked the sound to the top of the stairs.


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    "I want to see her. Da, you really shouldn''t have. Magical creatures are expensive, and it''s not like you''re flush with coin!" A woman lectured lovingly, her voice growing in crescendo, punctuated by the sound of feet hurrying down the stairs. She soon revealed herself in a long linen skirt, wearing a worn grayish white apron over a similar greyish white blouse.


    Like everything in this world, it was all linen and burlap; nary a bit of cotton was to be seen, though the apron was waxed, granting it some degree of waterproofing. Atop her head was a grey shawl tied back in such a way as to keep the hair out of her face.


    "Now Gwendolyn, you know I''ve many a friend in this town. It wasn''t too much, I assure you, and besides, it''s not like it won''t pay dividends. The boy needs a leg up," Darius said as the lady''s eyes fell upon the cage.


    "Oh, quite the adorable thing, save for those eyes, but my, that cage looks cramped," she said, full of compassion, moving over dutifully, hefting Riley''s confining metal prison up in her hands by its top as the hare prayed inwardly for release.


    Gwendolyn was stronger than she seemed, but still, the bulky nature of Riley''s current metallic home and hell presented an awkward challenge for her. It banged against the wall a few times, leading to a bespectacled man coming from the front and entering the back workspace.


    He also wore spectacles and had working hands but was wearing a leather apron, white tunic, and pants. He seemed like a more gaunt and younger Darius as the old man''s eyes lit up from the base of the stairs.


    "What''s with all the racket back here? I''ve customers in and out!" The younger man complained, wringing his hands.


    "Hello Cedric, don''t mind us. It''s just a gift for Tobias. You know it''s his graduation this we¡­" Darius began, only to be interrupted by Gwendolyn.


    "By the dead Gods, Da, we know, we''re all proud of the boy, as is every shopkeep and pub tender you''ve called on for weeks!" She laughed in exasperated amusement.


    "Preach it, sister," Riley chuckled at her own joke as Gwendolyn resumed her trek, finally reaching the top of the stairs.


    "I''ll be up later; just try to be quiet," Cedric complained as Riley heard his footsteps decrescendo.


    She found herself in an immaculately clean living space. Well-worn but well maintained furniture lined the walls. Something akin to a mix between a couch and a high backed bench dominated one side, while in the corner, there was a rocking chair next to a fireplace with a hearth. Upon it was a smattering of old books, as well as a box with a silver metal plate on its top; stacked to its side were what looked like clear quartz crystals. They were four sided but tapered at the ends down to points.


    Focusing in, Riley could see something that looked like energy coursing through the inside of them, like a Tesla ball, but no one else seemed to notice, or maybe they just didn''t care.


    Opposite the fireplace wall was a door that led to what Riley assumed was a kitchen, and to the left of that opening was a long hallway that no doubt gave way to the bedrooms.


    Gwendolyn set Riley''s cage against the empty wall nearest the stairs, "so, how do we do this? Is she destructive?"


    "I''ll be good. Just let me out," Riley said within, scooching towards the door, pressing her muzzle and paw against the front of the cage as if in emphasis.


    "I was framed, I swear, that cop had it in for me!" She joked wryly.


    She realized in that moment how much she missed being able to talk to people, but maybe that would change soon. Though there was no telling what kind of situation she was going into, these all seemed like nice people that wanted nothing more than for their kid to do well, and as such, that granted her some small place in their hearts.


    Maybe she didn''t even need to escape at all? She could establish communication, work out a deal, and win some allies in this world. It was better than starving after all or being on the run, and if anything else, it might buy her time and give her a chance to understand this new world and new reality


    "Wouldn''t that be nice?" Riley sighed, hoping for a change in luck.


    "Oh, the poor thing, I''m letting her out," Gwendolyn said, tsking, shaking her head sadly.


    With the latch flipped and the door open, a curious feeling of adrenaline moved through her as her paws quivered.


    "Well, come on out, little one," Gwendolyn coaxed; all the while, Darius moved over towards the stairs, which seemed to her like insurance.


    Haltingly, realizing she hadn''t even really moved on her paws before, Riley emerged, finding no grated metal walls to restrain her.


    Nothing had ever felt so good as she extended her forelegs and pulled out all the kinks in her back with a powerful arching stretch, slowly moving then hyper extending each hind paw back.


    Her ears flattened back as she took a few centering breaths. "Oh sweet, sweet freedom."


    "So what now? I suppose I''ll need to set up a litter pan. Is she like a calyx that way?" Gwendolyn asked Darius, who shrugged his shoulders.


    "Search me, dear. We''re in new territory, but I think she is too. It''ll work out. For now, let''s just watch and see how she does," Darius deferred, kicking that can firmly down the road.


    Riley was just happy to be out of the cage, having nowhere else to go for the biological necessities of her mortal existence; she had relegated one back corner for her bathroom, the other side for her hindpaws, keeping her muzzle far from the indignity of having no other choice.


    By god, she was happy to be out of there. Curious about her new environment, it pushed her on, past her passive reflections as she took the hint and began to hop around, slowly, gingerly, getting accustomed to the somehow familiar feeling, sniffing around, looking for good places to curl up or hide, nosing past doorways, confirming her earlier observations.


    "Yep, Kitchen and bedrooms," She said to herself as Gwendolyn and Darius watched from the stairs like sentries.


    Disappearing down the hall, there was a smaller door cracked open at the end; nosing through, she was shocked to find something like a bathroom. A metal tub was set into the floor, and a spigot came out of the wall. Just opposite her was a wooden box that ran its length with a hole in the center with a liftable lid.


    "I guess by this world''s standards, they''re doing pretty well," Riley concluded before hopping back down the hall, poking her head out before scanning towards Gwendolyn and Darius.


    "She seems ok, and she isn''t chewing, thank god. If you''ve seen the messes I''ve had to clean in my time from those spoiled brats and their companions, you''d lose what hair you have left," Gwendolyn shook her head in professional exasperation as Riley continued to explore her new environment.


    "I think I like this place," She said to herself. It was quite the step up from her old apartment.

 Chapter 12: Hello, Tobias.

    <u>Chapter 12</u>


    Compared to the cage, the apartment felt like true freedom.


    It was something like early spring in the city. The air had been cool, but a heavy humidity carried the chill through her fur and sank into everything around her.


    It wasn''t until Darius had started a fire that she realized how her hide had tensed and fluffed. An instinctual and subconscious tension let go as the cold was chased out of the room, and a ruddy warmth sunk into her, leaving her sleepy.


    Flattened out in front of the fireplace, lying on her side; it was her first moment of true peace since coming to this crazy place.


    The first comfortable and contented moments of her new life.


    Stuffed on grass and clover, satiated with water, and now a warm fire to lounge in front of, Riley was becoming reacquainted with the term relaxation.


    "Oh, nothing has ever felt this good..." She intoned as she drifted in and out before a blissful unconsciousness claimed her.


    The sound of footfalls drew her out of the inky well. Riley experienced a gap in time. The light coming through the windows was beginning to fade as Gwendolyn crept by her and checked on Darius.


    "Da, you and the beast have fallen asleep; Tobias will be home soon, and dinner''s almost ready," she said as the old man startled in his rocking chair.


    "Wha.. Who? Smells like stew, it does. Burson Stew? Did you head to the butcher while I was out?" He asked, puzzled.


    Riley had never smelled anything like it. Sweet and savory scents, a bit of pepper, a hint of cumin, curry but not exactly, all invaded her muzzle, as did meat and vegetables she had never encountered before.


    Her nose twitched, pulling the ambient air up within the cavities of her muzzle, allowing her brain to spark to life. Full alertness, like the sun parting the clouds, chased the fog of sleep away. Gwendolyn stepped beside her and set one of the clear crystals on the box with the silver plate.


    A gentle music began to fill up the space. Riley cocked her head, amazed.


    "Carry on upon the wayward road. That''s my favorite. What did I do? You aren''t putting the old man out to pasture, are ya?" Darius chuckled as Gwendolyn kissed his forehead.


    "You left your coin purse on the table, Da. You spent your last silver on the boy, and we both know those don''t come easy or often, no matter how much work we do. You''re a dear, sweet old man and proof I married well," she praised, patting his shoulder.


    "Oh, you''re too good to me, lass, even if you are a spy, but ya know I''ve always doted on the boy, and you were quite the prize, yourself. You and Cedric have always been a good match," Darius praised, sending the compliments back like a tennis match.


    Riley hauled herself up and propped with her forelegs, cocking her head in a scan to better take in the small drama playing out before her.


    "I''m a maid, Da." Gwendolyn countered. Darius threw out his hands dismissively.


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    "My boy was smart. Our little house and shop have never been cleaner, and you''re a fine cook," He praised with a gleam in his eye.


    "One is happy to serve," Gwendolyn curtseyed with a giggle.


    It had been a while since Riley had any proximity to family. With her grandmother gone, that was the end of anyone that really cared about her. Her life had been on a terminal slide since, until that last moment.


    "I guess my life didn''t really end; it just bounced..." Riley mused as she caught the sound of the back door shutting downstairs.


    "Should we get her back in the cage? Hide her?" Darius asked as Riley regarded him sourly, flattening her ears and drumming her hindpaw at him.


    Gwendolyn laughed, "Oh, I don''t think she likes that idea, Da; she seems right cross."


    "Balderdash, it was just the noises startling her," Darius said dismissively.


    Riley chose to get ahead of it and hopped between the chair and the fireplace, careful to avoid the rocking bits with her paws, as Darius again regarded her curiously.


    "I suppose she''s prone to hide herself," he laughed again as the sound of someone running up the stairs set the hare''s heart to fearful motion.


    "Burson stew? Man, I''m famished," Tobias said, bursting upon the scene.


    Riley scooted forward to get a better look at him but stayed out of view. He presented as a gangly youth, somewhere between sixteen and eighteen years of age. Rail thin, like his father, Cedric, he wore no spectacles, showing his green eyes to be intense but tired. A mane of thick black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, providing ample contrast to his pale skin.


    He was still all knees and elbows, having not fully grown into himself yet. In his right hand was a book strap, with three heavy tomes secured within, contrasting with a satchel bag slung over his left shoulder.


    Save for the long grey robes that he wore and the silver torc around his neck, he looked every bit like your average late teen, college-bound boy.


    "And how were your studies lad?" Darius asked as Tobias walked over to the bench couch and plopped down, letting his books and satchel fall to his side.


    "I aced all my theory classes, and my instructor said I did well on my placement exam," Tobias let out a slow, long breath before a cheesy grin broke upon his face.


    Riley was only catching snapshots of him as Darius rocked animatedly back and forth.


    "But what about your practical exams?" Gwendolyn asked absently as she set the table.


    Tobias winced, "passing, barely, but passing. I''m doing my best, Ma, and nothing is keeping me from graduating, at least."


    "Son, you''re soon to be out in the world. You''ve got all that learnin'' in yer noggin; all you need do is apply yourself, and you''ll be a fine sorcerer," she lectured.


    Riley recognized a worried mother when she saw one.


    "It''ll be fine. You''ve been riding me on that one failure my freshman year after taking on too many advanced courses. I can cast Ma, and I''m a quick shot with the books and scrolls. I''ll probably end up in a scriptorium or a library, and then it''s a quiet life doing what I do best," Tobias certainly sounded like a kid in that moment.


    There was a time when Riley thought things would go to plan, too, but the universe had disabused her of that notion three times now.


    Once at twelve, and twice at twenty five.


    She felt a new pity for Tobias. Adulthood and reality were going to smack into him like a freight train.


    A cold shiver ran through her as she realized that she was intended to stand next to him.


    "Poor kid," she said to herself, shaking her head.


    "Well, about yer casting, I might be able to help with that," Darius said proudly.


    "Unless you''ve found a companion somewhere for me, I doubt it." Tobias continued.


    "Funny you should mention that," Darius reached down and patted Riley''s hind quarter gently.


    She startled, hopping forward reflexively.


    Tilting back, she scowled as best she could at Darius.


    "It seems the freight train is running both ways today," she remarked within, as Tobias startled up and bolted towards her, causing her instincts to freak.


    Riley chewed it back, forcing herself to stand stalk still as Tobias looked her over.


    "Granda? How! When? This is awesome! A companion? I never thought..." His voice trailed off as Riley watched him.


    The excitement gave way to a deep and weary concern upon his face, cracking his joy like a thunderstorm washing out a picnic.


    "He''s hiding something. Something is wrong," Riley worried.


    "Well, you''ve been working to the bone and doing well. I''m so proud of ya, boy," Darius wiped at his eyes before clearing his throat, "so what are ya waiting for? Get acquainted already!"


    With a trembling hand, Tobias reached out and stroked her ears back.


    Riley endured it bravely, but part of her... liked it.


    "I hate my life," She intoned silently.

 Chapter 13: Hello, is this thing on?

    <u>Chapter 13</u>


    Riley was full to bursting.


    "Come on..." Tobias coaxed, holding out a bit of tenganut.


    A mix of apple and coconut, Riley found she couldn''t get enough of it, which was all the prompting Tobias had needed.


    He''d call to her, and every time she came, she''d get a reward.


    "Operant conditioning only works if you don''t kill me from overfeeding," she complained, hopping slowly forward, doing her best to keep up the timid animal act.


    He''d been at this for hours, and she had held out at first, stretching out her ruse, gradually increasing her rate of compliance.


    Hours from dinner, the night had grown late, and Tobias, after an evening of family singing and talk, was scribbling upon a bit of unrolled parchment he had retrieved from a tube within his satchel, with his three books open before him, sprawled out on the kitchen table.


    Riley, in a fit of curiosity, wanting a better view, hopped up in the chair beside him as Tobias startled.


    In an act of academic instinct, he pulled the strange reed from the parchment to avoid marring his writing, looking over at her with puzzlement.


    "Hungry?" He asked rhetorically before taking another bit of tenganut off a plate to his side, offering it to her.


    "No, but I need you to trust me so..." Riley took it from his hand in a skittish action, then nibbled it, letting the remnants fall to the table so she could more easily devour it.


    Tobias took a chunk off the plate himself and chewed it meditatively, running his right hand through his hair with a sigh.


    "What am I going to do with you?" He asked Riley, that same look of worry as before turning.


    "Funny, I feel the same," she said to herself in a pointed reply.


    Tobias set his elbows on the table and rested his head in his hands.


    "The walls are closing in... There''s so much pressure..." He muttered to himself, staring down at his parchment scroll as if it had all the answers.


    Riley cocked her head, paying close attention.


    Slowly, Tobias turned his gaze upon Riley and stared.


    "They''re all counting on me. I don''t know how much you cost, but it''s not like we have much," he monologued, "I''m going to fail... I''m going to fail."


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    "What should I do?" Riley wondered within. The last thing she wanted was to be enslaved to someone, but there was no denying that this family was full of decent people.


    Cedric had arrived for dinner with half of a wooden crate stuffed with remnants of linen and batting for a bed. Everyone thought she was a dumb animal, and she had been bought with a specific purpose in mind, but they cared at least a little bit.


    Compared to what she had seen in her brief experience in the world, she had gotten incredibly lucky.


    Hopping down from the chair, she moved over towards Tobias and pressed against his leg in a show of support and gratitude for not being a raging prick about things; all the while, the guilt of how much she was hiding tore at her.


    Tobias looked down, surprised, and then pet her ears back, "I need to talk to Justinian."


    Rising from his seat, he quietly padded over to his satchel and removed a small blue crystal that, to Riley''s eyes, had a similar spark of energy within it as the music crystal.


    Looking suspiciously about the empty room, Tobias walked towards the hallway and made certain the door to his parents'' room and the room he shared with Darius was shut before heading for the stairs.


    Riley watched him descend, then hopped over towards the banister and swiveled her ears.


    A blue flash followed as a new voice drifted towards her.


    "It''s almost halfnight, you ok?"


    "No... My Granda, he bought me a companion," Tobias reported as Riley again cocked her head.


    "Oh... Oh, buddy, you''re screwed. I know you can''t cast for shit," A warm chuckle punctuated the voice.


    "Keep it down! I''m down in the workshop, but if my family finds out..." Tobias continued.


    Inwardly, Riley grinned. Got ya!


    A pang of guilt washed over her ship of inner victory like a wave.


    Still, this was leverage. This was something she could work with!


    "Relax, you''ve got me through theory; I''ve helped you snow the inspectors, if only just. Is your companion intelligent?" They asked.


    "Seems like your average animal. We''re not rich; she''s only second tier. I can sense a bit of power within her, but not by much. Binding is a complex spell, though, and so far, I can barely pull my fire magic with the help you''ve given me. How can I know all the theory and not be able to put it into practice? It''s been years..." Tobias'' tone rose high and desperate as the voice interrupted.


    "You''ve never had any confidence, and I''ve never had any smarts. That''s why I swing a hammer, and you crack the tomes. If you''d just get over yourself..." This time, it was Tobias'' turn to interrupt.


    "You know my Granda has been telling everyone and their kras that I''m to be a sorcerer? I can''t walk in my damn neighborhood without people smiling at me like I''m some first tier hero... Local boy makes good might as well be a banner strung over the streets here! I''m... I''m so screwed..." His voice was quivering. Riley could feel the distress.


    She pitied him as she turned it over in her head.


    "There''s nothing I can do to help you with the binding, but I''ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for everything else. You sure she''s just a dumb animal, a second tier?" The voice pressed.


    "Seems that way, yeah. I wouldn''t be stupid enough to try a ritual. I know I can''t compete with something that could turn it around on me... I don''t want to get Fae blinded," Tobias replied.


    "Thank the twelve Gods they''re extinct, or you''d be a meal," Justinian intoned.


    "Definitely... Tomorrow, before class, the normal place?" Tobias asked.


    "Yeah, got our homework done?" The voice wondered.


    "Almost, then sleep, if I can sleep, that would be a change," he replied.


    "Hey, at least one of us can rest. See you then," The dull blue light faded as Tobias came up the stairs.


    It was time to make her move.


    Tobias trudged up the stairs like a man on the way to his own execution as Riley worked up her courage.


    Focusing all of her will, working with the thought much the same way she did as her prompts, she projected her words towards the worried sorcerer as he turned to put his crystal back in the satchel.


    "Hi, it sounds like you''ve got problems," Riley said, pushing with all of her will.


    "By the dead gods!" Tobias shouted, dropping the crystal and gripping the side of his head, looking at Riley as if he had seen a ghost.

 Chapter 14: True Confessions

    Chapter 14


    "Honey, are you ok?" Gwendolyn called out groggily, no doubt awakened by the noise.


    Tobias backed up slowly towards the door, his eyes watering, and whispered loudly.


    "Yeah, Mom, I stubbed my toe. Go back to sleep,"


    A faint glowing, sputtering red fire engulfed his right hand as he held it out toward Riley.


    "What the hell are you, an infernal? What are your intentions with me and my family?" Tobias growled, finding his steel.


    "My name is Riley, and no, I''m not," The hare replied, keeping her distance, even if he didn''t seem like much of a threat.


    "Why can you talk then? What''s going on? Second tier familiars are just dumb beasts with a bit of power, so how can you be something more?" He challenged, all the while his left hand shook.


    "Second tier, but as smart as a human, maybe a little smarter than your average human, really," she remarked wryly.


    "Are you a celestial then? Start making sense, or by the Gods, I will fry you!" His quaking hand tensed into a fist.


    "Half-ish, I think that''s a long story," Riley replied. For all his threats, he didn''t seem able to back them up.


    Tobias began counting to himself, taking deep breaths as his eyes narrowed, "Do you swear, by spirit and by magic, to tell the truth for our conversation? The entire truth. You¡¯ll hold nothing back?"


    "Well, yeah, all I want to do is talk," she answered.


    "You infiltrate my home acting like a dumb beast; I want to hear you say it!" There was something in his eyes that looked like cunning, but this situation was quickly spinning out of control.


    "Fine, if it helps, I swear by spirit and by my magic to tell the truth for this conversation. I swear to speak the entire truth and hold nothing back," she said sarcastically, mimicking his words, growing annoyed herself.


    A prompt blazed to life within her vision.


    You have entered into a magical compact and sworn an oath. You will now be compelled by its term for the duration of the period required. It can only be broken by an act of will, and you do so at your own peril¡­


    Riley felt something like a door open within her spirit as her eyes went wide.


    "Oh shit," She said, projecting all the while so that Tobias could hear her.


    Tobias grinned wickedly. "Tell me your true name."


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    "I already did, Riley," she replied without hesitation as the sorcerer''s jaw went slack.


    "And your story?" He pressed.


    Riley felt a massive rush of words pile up in her mind; fearing the consequences, she let it crash into her like a wave.


    "I was reborn a few days ago, remade from two beings that sacrificed themselves to kill this shadow baddy that I don''t quite remember the name of. My guardian angel laid it all out for me until some asshat with a magical fishing rod snared me and drug me out of the astral. Half of me was human, and the other half of me a celestial Jackrabbit. Trust me, I have no idea how any of this works¡­ anyhoo¡­ I ended up in a magical pet store in a world I''ve never been to, and people started talking about enslaving me. Then your Grandpa bought me, he seemed nice, and so I decided to roll with it instead of escaping, and here we are with you threatening me with your lame ass magic. To be fair, I fear exposure more. This place is terrifying. I''m practically ready to shit myself, but I was waiting for everyone to sleep to try the bath¡­"


    "You can stop," Tobias said as she relaxed.


    Even though her words were a function of magic, she still panted, out of breath.


    It was like she had lost all filter.


    "So you''re scared? I suppose that tracks," he echoed.


    "Half of me came from a world without magic. Just to be fair, so the magical hammer doesn''t zonk me, I''m really scared about that. I''m not totally sure about how much is on either side¡­ The jackrabbit seems more subconscious, and the human I was seems more in the higher functions, but I suppose that tracks, too. Are you going to hurt me?" She rambled like a record player on methamphetamine.


    Tobias sagged and stumbled over towards the chair. "I''m not a monster. Sapient companions are supposed to be a first tier thing, and they often come with contracts and agreements. It seems pretty clear to me this whole thing just kind of happened to you." He began, only for Riley to interrupt.


    No matter how hard she tried, when she tried to hold back, there was an ominous weight that pressed against her soul as if in warning.


    "It did, I woke up, and I was like this. When I got angry one time, this power rose up in me easy as anything, and I had to tamp it down, and there are these prompts. They''re kinda pretty, purple. Purple is my favorite color¡­" Riley rambled.


    "Easy, stop," Tobias urged, pinching the skin between his eyes.


    Riley took a deep breath, centering herself, but something within was riveted, like a fox ready to pounce on a mouse, eager for the next question.


    "I''m going to need to be more careful in the future about that oath thing. I wonder if this is what it''s like to be bound? Dammit! I want to share, but I don''t want to share, but I want to share," inside, she was dying¡­


    "Make it stop!" She begged.


    "You don''t mean us any harm?" Tobias asked.


    "No, I had no family when I died, and this has been nice. I need an ally, someone who understands the world, but I haven''t had a chance to find out yet what I can offer. You''re a kid that doesn''t understand that the world is going to run you over like a freight train, but you seem decent, even if you''re one hell of a liar," Riley winced.


    "What''s a freight train?" This time, it was his turn to look puzzled.


    "It''s this great big thing that moves on tracks that span up to thousands of miles, it pulls cars full of stuff or people on it, and it goes fast. They wipe out cars sometimes, and it always makes the news," she felt herself spinning up like a top again.


    "Cars? News? No, forget I asked," he sighed, looking down.


    "So you need a family," he asked, seemingly to himself.


    The magic prompting Riley didn''t care about anything but squeezing truth from her, "I don''t know if I''m lucky enough to have one of those, but a friend would be nice."


    Tobias reached out, causing her to wince back in fear.


    "Easy, easy, maybe we can work something out?" The sorcerer offered.


    "I''d really like that, and I swear I mean no harm. I just want to live and not be hurt or bound, and those tenganuts are nice, but if I eat anymore, I''m gonna hurl," Her ears flushed red in embarrassment as Tobias stifled a laugh.


    "Ok, I release you, truce?" He said as Riley pushed up into his still out stretched hand.


    "Truce!" She replied as the door inside her slammed shut.

 Chapter 15: But first, Breakfast

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 Chapter 16: Better than Hogwarts

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 Chapter 17: The Brothers

    <u>Chapter 17</u>


    "Now, this is more like it," Riley proclaimed, hopping slowly, finding herself in a vast parkland that separated the two monolithic stone buildings to her left and right.


    Green grass and copses of trees stretched out to the limits of her vision, and birds sang as if drifting upon the morning fog that collected in shallow depressions as if there were great cauldrons set into the earth, bubbling their witch''s brews.


    It didn''t matter that her paws were damp; the sun shone brightly up here, set against the backdrop of a perfect azure sky punctuated by white puffy clouds.


    Best of all, there was no noise, no traffic, no thick choking smells of exhaust or air pollution, just fresh air, thousands of sweet scents, and bird songs.


    Tobias was leading them towards a particular tree, a massive oak that seemed ancient with its towering branches, some of which went near to the ground, that had gaps interspersed at its base, allowing for semi-private booth like spaces.


    Within one, ensconced between two branches, a gray robed mage with broad shoulders and impressive height leaned against the trunk of the old tree with his hood up.


    Upon seeing him, Tobias quickened his pace.


    "Good Morrow!" Riley recognized the voice almost immediately as the one from the crystal call earlier.


    The man lowered his hood.


    Strikingly handsome and ruggedly built, long blonde hair spilled down towards his shoulders and was swept back, keeping it out of his hazel eyes, blazing like twin gems filled with mirth and confidence.


    "Justinian," Tobias said, his tone serious and broody.


    "Oh, buck up. Did you have your tea yet, and more importantly, did you get my homework done?" Justinian grinned and slapped Tobias on the arm before pulling him into a light headlock and fuzzing his hair.


    "Stop! Yes, it''s done!" Tobias complained but still seemed to be going with it like this was all part of the routine.


    "That''s more like it," he said, letting Tobias go as his eyes fell upon Riley.


    "So this is the creature, huh?" Squatting down, the broad shouldered sorcerer looked her over. "Cute little thing, but those eyes are staring through my soul."


    "About that¡­" Tobias began.


    "I''m Riley, nice to meet you," she said.


    His eyes went wide in shock.


    "Holy shit, she talks! It talks! She''s one of those kind of magical creatures. Are you, you man? Did she bind you?" Justinian was backing up towards the tree. A red glowing flame engulfed his right hand, as he tapped a spot on his belt with his left.


    The air turned opaque while he took a defensive position.


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    "I''m not fae blind, and she''s mostly harmless, though she will talk your head off. I tricked her into a magical oath and got the truth out of her," Tobias explained.


    Justinian relaxed, but only just; his defenses stayed up while his body language suggested he was peeking out the curtains at calm. "You''re sure?"


    "I swear by spirit and by my magic, I didn''t do anything to harm or bind him," Riley intoned the words, waiting for the prompt.


    Right on time, it blazed to life.


    You have uttered a true statement and sworn upon the power of your spirit. Words have power and can be used as weapons to defend or harm your own soul. Beware, there are lines you shouldn''t cross.


    "Oh, thank the Thirteen Gods, so you can talk, and you''re just second tier, huh¡­ I thought that was a first tier thing. Well, nice to meet you, and welcome to the conspiracy," Justinian''s defenses dropped as he squatted again, looking Riley over with a critical eye.


    "Nice to meet you too; so you make magical things?" Riley asked.


    Justinian''s eyes lit up.


    "I''m an artificer; think of me as your roguishly handsome magical blacksmith. If you need a special crystal, a special armor, or a vorpal sword, I''m your man," He bowed dramatically with a broad sweep of his massive right hand, "M''lady."


    Riley giggled as Tobias rolled his eyes.


    "He''s also a terminal braggart but as good as his word, most of the time. Speaking of which, I''m calling in a favor," Tobias said, making his pitch.


    "Hey bud, whatever ya need," Justinian nodded in emphasis of his words.


    "I need a set of Cram Crystals, just the standard stuff for years one through three," Tobias said, handing over a parchment case.


    Justinian grinned again with avaricious intent.


    "Hold this, please," He said, handing the case to Tobias as he rolled it out. The parchment, having no intent towards closure, yawned open as he inspected it, "This all looks good, so what do ya need those crystals for?"


    "A hunch. Riley is new to this world and doesn''t understand exactly how our magic works beyond instinct. I want to give her the basics like we do with every new batch of sorcerers. It could give me a leg up if I don''t end up cloistered," Tobias explained, the look of worry returning on his face.


    Justinian reached into a pouch on his belt and pulled out a green crystal. "Speaking of cloistered, this baby here would let me pass my trials if only it wouldn''t expose me as an academic fraud."


    He kissed it, then gently stroked it in exaggerated affectation, "Oh, I love you, baby; you''re the only reason anyone thinks I have any sense."


    Riley could see the electric energy sparking inside it as he ran it over the paper, and, to her amazement, the handwriting changed.


    "Done and done," Justinian said a few moments later. "By the dead gods, man, you look like shit. Have you ever gone a day without worrying?"


    "Not lately," Tobias stared down at the grass, the difference between the two was stark, but to Riley''s mind, they seemed like brothers, the jock and the nerd.


    "Keep practicing, keep trying, and you''ll get your breakthrough. Every caster does. You''re just holding out for the drama." Justinian pulled Tobias into a sidelong hug before fuzzing his hair again.


    "Why do you all swear by dead gods here?" Riley puzzled.


    "Because it would be right stupid to swear by a live one. They might just show up and hold you to your swearing. Even I know that," Justinian grinned.


    "Huh," Riley considered this new information, as well as her previous speech, as, distantly, a bell began to chime.


    "We''re half past seven, I should get to the shop, and you should move towards class," Justinian looked over towards the massive keep.


    "The crystals?" Tobias reminded.


    "Done. Meet me here after the last bell, and I''ll have ''em for you, along with today''s homework," Justinian grinned, "I''m so glad you don''t sleep."


    "Cassius doesn''t; he always comps us tea, and I''m afraid I''m going to bankrupt the poor soul," Tobias grinned, cracking a weary joke.


    "He overcharges the rich idiots that don''t know any better for the cheap stuff. "Finest brew in Ashenvale," my ass, I could take you to half a dozen shops in the lower quarter that had better, and so could you. He saves the good stuff for us," Justinian winked as they all began to move again. After clearing a small rise, a portcullis gate was revealed to the keep, with students milling about out front.


    "Now my day is perfect, I think I see Chadrick," Tobias moaned.


    "Want me to kick his ass?" Justinian smiled savagely this time.


    "Oh yeah, that would go over well. Let''s just hope he doesn''t see us." Tobias replied, his tone dripping with a weary defeatism, causing Riley''s curiosity to peak.

 Chapter 18: The Highborn Bully

    Chapter 18


    Tight groups of robed individuals were gathered in disparate clumps, forming a small but dispersed crowd, all gathered just in front of a drawbridge before the massive keep.


    ¡°You gonna be ok? I need to get down to the forge,¡± Justinian asked, as Riley noticed both he and Tobias were focused on a particular group of fellow student sorcerers. One in the center was talking animatedly as the rest gathered around him in a rough semicircle. Their robes were of better quality than most, and for the first time, Riley saw rings and necklaces festooning fingers and necks, many of which had a faint glow to Riley¡¯s eye.


    ¡°Yeah, just the normal morning gauntlet. Don¡¯t be late on my account,¡± Tobias had gone back to mournful and broody.


    ¡°See you later!¡± Justinian said, peeling off, moving past the tight knit cliques over the bridge as Riley observed the well dressed sorcerers with a critical eye.


    ¡°I¡¯ve some memories of High School. I suppose those are the rich pricks?¡± Riley projected.


    It was becoming more natural and, in some ways, easier than speaking. She pointed her thoughts in a particular direction, and people seemed to hear her; at least, Tobias and Justinian could.


    ¡°Chadrick Astor, the nephew to the king; he¡¯s got a personality like an overflowing chamber pot,¡± Tobias sighed, uttering the words like a curse.


    Riley snorted, ¡°Ok, that makes total sense.¡±


    ¡°Come again?¡± Tobias wondered as Chadrick spotted them, his eyes locking onto Tobias. A sinister grin spread across his face.


    ¡°Have you ever met anyone named Chad that wasn¡¯t a prick?¡± She asked rhetorically.


    The words hit Tobias like a missile. His eyes went wide before a hearty laugh escaped as if a caged bird taking flight.


    ¡°Oh, by the dead gods,¡± Tobias looked down, shaking his head, chuckling to himself quietly.


    ¡°Funny joke?¡± Chadrick sneered. He approached with four hulking monstrosities of fellow students in tow, ¡°Is it as good as the idea of you being a sorcerer?¡±


    ¡°Chadrick¡­¡± Tobias acknowledged, his tone stiffened as he looked towards the portcullis date.


    He had short cropped brown hair, and his robes were made of a smooth, silky material that caught the light with a dull shine. A large ruby pendant on a gold chain hung around his neck, emitting a faint green glow. Silver bangles hung off his wrist.


    Of similar height to Tobias, no more than 5¡¯9, there was a smug superiority that mixed with an oiliness that gave him all the charm of a sleaze bag politician.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t like him¡­¡± Riley felt a strange pang of fear, her fight or flight reflexes raging, scanning around for danger, while her brain screamed the threat was right in front of her.


    ¡°What¡¯s that you have there, Servant? Did your grandpa sell the business in a last ditch attempt for you to amount to anything, or did your mother hang out her shingle? I hear she¡¯s a fine lay for those with low standards at that inn she works in. It¡¯s not going to help; shiny trash is still trash,¡± His words dripped with bile and hatred.


    ¡°Trials are next week; it¡¯s not over till then,¡± Tobias said, sounding like a trapped animal, looking down at the ground, a quiet rage barely restrained, shone behind his eyes.


    ¡°Exactly, and then you will finally know your place. You¡¯re a poor excuse for a caster and an even poorer excuse for a son,¡± Chadrick said, raising his hands and pushing Tobias, knocking him back a few feet.


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    ¡°This son of a bitch needs a beating,¡± Riley growled, flattening her ears and drumming her hind paw; all the while, Tobias widened his stance. An orange flame suffused his hand as Chadrick grinned savagely.


    ¡°Does anyone else feel a slight twinge of magic? What are you going to do, Tobias? Light a candle for me? The Gods know you don¡¯t have enough to warm a crystal,¡± Chadrick held his palm up as Riley perceived a purple flame wrap around his hand.


    A black oily residue rimmed the flame and pooled in his hand, dripping down.


    ¡°Go ahead, challenge me, and you won¡¯t even see your trials before they snap a copper torc around your neck,¡± Chadrick¡¯s voice bellowed into a roar before throwing a kick aimed directly at Riley¡¯s ribs.


    Already on alert, she caught the action just in time and leaped back behind Tobias. A new power surged to life inside of her, which only terrified her further. White light flickered around her paws as she tried to pull it back, unsure of what was happening. Everything went topsy turvy as she fought a war between panic and her magic.


    ¡°You fucking son of a kraus!¡± Tobias surged forward, only for one of the bullies in support to push him down.


    ¡°Now, now, don¡¯t get uppity,¡± The wall of a man sneered. Chadrick nodded in approval.


    ¡°Thank you, Stanarius, it wouldn¡¯t do to get my hands dirty on such filth.¡±


    A bell began to chime four times¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to watching you fail,¡± Chadrick turned and began walking away, melting into the crowd of the students mustering for class.


    Riley dashed to Tobias and pressed up against his chest, ¡°What was that all about? Are you ok?¡± She sniffed him over worriedly.


    ¡°Easy, I¡¯m ok; it¡¯s just the daily morning drama,¡± he sighed as the rage abated, leaving an exhausted tiredness in its wake.


    ¡°This happens every day?¡± It was Riley¡¯s turn to worry, ¡°Bullies are the worst.¡±


    ¡°For years, Chadrick of Astor is the nephew to the King of Ashes, ruler of the Ashenrealm,¡± Tobias explained, rising, dusting off his robes.


    ¡°So he¡¯s got free range to be an asshole,¡± Riley¡¯s voice trailed off as the bell tolled yet again.


    ¡°Come on, we need to get to assembly,¡± Tobias began, moving quickly, wiping at his eyes.


    Riley could see that he was miserable as she hopped after him.


    Crossing the drawbridge, they entered the portcullis, a long tunnel stretched out before them, belying the thickness of the walls. Riley noticed they were smooth. There wasn¡¯t a hint of joints or mortar to be seen, as if the entire massive edifice was carved out of solid rock.


    Emerging out, after traveling at least a hundred feet to her reckoning, they entered a parade ground filled with students, seemingly arranged by year, row after row of robed sorcerers stood proudly before a simple wooden stage, on which black robed sorcerer¡¯s with golden torques stood, in a similar rectangular formation.


    At the lead, in front of a podium, was a red robed mage. Silver piping highlighted the fringes of his garments, and heavy bangles hung from his wrists. Long white hair was swept back, cascading down his shoulders.


    Tobias was moving right for a particular gap, as if left just for him, taking up his position. Riley took up the small bit of space to his right.


    ¡°Student Sorcerers, stand ready!¡± The red robed mage called, as everyone in the crowd drew to a form of attention.

 Chapter 19: Everyday Miracles

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 Chapter 20: A particular alchemy...

    Chapter 20


    Riley felt lost in a fractured nostalgia as they finally arrived at their last class of the day.


    She was also sleepy; after a massive lunch and a night of low sleep, the afternoon descended into a haze, her full belly working as well as a sleeping pill, granting the world a dreamy, airy quality.


    Lunch had indeed been provided, and the thoughtful academy hadn''t left her out either, two carts in the mess hall provided both raw meat and fresh fruit and grasses for the companions of the students and faculty.


    Her existence was normal here, one of the many things that was close to the old world she partially remembered, but it wasn''t exactly the same. Service and working animals, of course, had existed there, but they were not a ubiquitous part of life, integrated and accepted as a matter of course.


    It was strange, the silver torc now around her neck, and her proximity to Tobias granted her an odd sort of respect in this new society. She had both more and less, if not rights, privilege and access than many of the peasants she had seen since arriving. She was a necessity, a magical being on the side of order and civilization, and such beings needed to be maintained.


    The common people, though, appeared to be more of a take-or-leave concern in the eyes of the furless authorities.


    "Huh, humans do feel like a different species," she said to herself, careful not to project as Tobias mixed ingredients, carefully tweaking and manipulating the heat on the potion. Every few minutes it would glow, its shade shifting, as the instructor either praised or instructed, but rarely grew impatient or criticized.


    Riley''s head swam as her drowsiness competed with her deep thinking. After days in a cage and moments of wonder and terror, it was, perhaps appropriately, at a school where she really began to parse things out and come to a greater understanding of how different her life and she had become.


    She was no longer human and did not care. Magic was real, and she was now a family pet with the ability to potentially level a city block once adequately trained.


    "I suppose these things happen," she said to herself again, except that these things didn''t happen.


    "Unless death is like this for everyone? Thrown into a new life and a new existence, sink or swim?" Her eyes went wide at that internal thought, wisping by with a hidden gravity.


    She had died, that event was firmly in her past, had met her guardian angel, and was now on the other side of that event.


    For all of its purported terror, it hadn''t been so bad, and she had died well. That was what her species did, after all.


    "My new species, kind of," she corrected herself, that thought tugging at a deep pang of concern.


    Everything was still disjointed, her thinking existing much like the icebergs of memory floating in a warm sea, dissolving slowly into the essence of the new creature that she was. She was working her own alchemy within, independent of the assignment and the students gathered around her.


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    "Now, Tobias, can you tell the class why we must increase the heat gradually, over the course of at least half an hour?" A kindly and beautiful dark skinned, black robed mage asked. Thin, with high cheekbones and a prominent nose, her brown eyes gleamed with interest and bemusement.


    "Quantitatively, the effect would be the same if we did not apply such finesse, but the more brutal and harsh the method of production, the harsher the reaction and effect the potion will have on the user. If it is made gently, it will effect gently; if it is made with haste and brutality, the reagents within will respond in kind. There is as much to do with a quality potion, therefore, in how it''s made as what it contains. Magic has a memory of sorts," he said, never taking his eyes off his beaker.


    "A thoughtful and correct answer, do all present understand?" She asked, as one student in the back raised her hand.


    "Yes, Guinevere?" The teacher asked warmly.


    "If magic has a memory, how can it not be alive? That part has always confused me," she admitted with a boldness and a clarity that belied a desire to know.


    "A good question. Do not worry, child. Many struggle with this maxim, and it is still the cause of much scholarly debate. Consider the breath; the breath in and of itself is not alive, but by drawing breath into one''s lungs, life is animated and thus sustained. However, the breath can carry other things upon it, chemicals, dust, and things of that nature.


    Now, with magic, it is the precursor for all life and all things to exist. Just as a breath can carry dust and other elements, magic carries elements of spirit, emotion, and intent. A wise sorcerer is thus ever mindful of their methods and mentality when they cast or create."


    Guinevere''s eyes lit up in understanding as many students paused from their work to consider the instructor''s words.


    That was another difference. It stood out to Riley like a beacon in the night. The instructors, at least, everyone she had seen that was actually teaching, cared deeply for their charges understanding, would work with individuals, and bandy about their questions treating them with respect.


    They did not just want them to know or pass their exams but to understand. Sorcerers here fought monsters, made up the government, and kept the world running, so it was incumbent that they knew not just what to think but how to think.


    "Now, we are coming to the end of our lesson for the day. Please finish your potions," the instructor moved towards her own work table and struck the tiny desk bell twice, its delicate chime causing Riley''s ears to twitch.


    "I think I like this place," She projected quietly as Tobias sent a flickering burst of magic through the liquid.


    The inspector eyed him with concern.


    After a few minutes to cool, he raised the beaker to his eyes and gave it a tentative shake.


    "The color is right, it smells right, I think it worked," he said, pleased with his result. Tobias secured it in a little cubby under his lab table with a host of others like it before shutting the door.


    His name was written on a label on the front of it, neighboring others.


    "Tobias, a word," the instructor commanded as the rest of the students began to file out.


    "Yes Ma''am?" He trotted up to the desk, as Riley shadowed him.


    "You''ve a new companion, yet I notice you still have difficulty holding your magic at times," she observed.


    Tobias'' ears turned red.


    "Still working that out," He replied, squirming a bit in place.


    "Yet you''ve had no problem passing your physical exams. I grow concerned. You will be relying on your magic soon. Would you like me to work with you, perhaps after class, in the training yard? I, too, am a fire mage, as you know," Her vibrant yet gentle voice threatened to put Riley to sleep again, no matter how serious the conversation.


    "If I pass my trials," he said, the worry evident, "I think it''s just a confidence problem. I''m working on some new angles."


    "Work fast, but have faith in yourself. I''m here if you need me; that offer stands." She smiled warmly.


    "I''ll think about it, but for now, if I may, ma''am, I''d prefer to take my leave. I''m needed after courses today. Know that I''m truly grateful for your concern," he gave a short but respectful bow.


    "It''s important we all reach our potential, for Ashenrealm, now run along. Remember, as sorcerers all, we never face our trials purely alone," She reminded him as he turned to leave.

 Chapter 21: An Awesome, Amazing, Whizbang day.

    <u>Chapter 21</u>


    Riley was making tight loops, hopping in a wide series of circles around Tobias'' legs in a vaguely forward motion.


    "That was so cool! It was so cool you''d have to go back to the 80s and get those funny wrap around shades, you know, like the ones in that movie," she rambled, spinning up like a top, "the potions kept changing color, and there was that one lady that got her tumors zapped. I even saw somebody fly! It was just oodles of rad!"


    While her voice trailed off, the strange, somewhat tribal dance she was working with her fits and fidgets did not ebb.


    "And I saw a dragon! A real dragon! Not in a fantasy book, dragon! This is sooo cool!"


    "It''s just magic. You take such joy in mundane things; it''s inspiring," Tobias chuckled, enjoying the warm sun and clean air. All around him, the birds were singing, and there was nary a cloud in the sky. The bucolic location worked upon him like a balm, offering relaxation and respite from his troubles.


    Riley stopped, her ears going asymmetrical. Her nose began to twitch as if signaling Morse code, "Just magic?"


    "Yes, and now it''s your turn," Tobias looked down at the twitching beast and grinned savagely.


    Riley''s ears went stiff and alert, "It''s my turn¡­"


    Her words trailed off towards the infinite possibility in those few words.


    "Well, what are we waiting for! Load me up! I want to fly!" She cried, putting on a burst of speed, paws digging into the dirt, launching her forward.


    After a few dozen feet of travel, she cocked her head back towards Tobias and drummed her hindpaw furiously.


    "Come on! Come on! Justinian is this way, right?" She projected.


    "You have it exactly right," Tobias said, fuzzing her ears as he passed.


    Cresting the rise, Justinian, in an almost perfect recreation of their morning meeting, was leaning against a tree with his hood up.


    Riley briefly reflected on every drug deal and nefarious dealing she had seen in any movie as Justinian lowered his hood and pushed off the tree.


    "There he is! I was wondering when the dark cloud would show up," Pulling Tobias into a sidelong hug, he took him in a gentle head lock and messed his hair.


    Tobias pushed off from his ribs, but not before poking him hard, "Ya goon, shove off."


    They both fell to easy laughter, and, for a moment, Tobias didn''t seem to have a care in the world.


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    "You two are like brothers," Riley chuckled, watching the little drama; all the while, the excitement bubbled within her like a cauldron.


    "I''m never going to get used to you speaking. A second tier sapient companion. That''s just wow stuff," Justinian grinned, "how was your first day?"


    Tobias grinned, "Brace yourself."


    "It was whiz bang! There were dragons, people fly here, and get healed like on those morning gospel shows and just¡­ wow!" Riley set to fidgets again, unable to contain her wonder.


    "You''d think she''d never seen magic before," Justinian shrugged.


    "They didn''t know where she came from," Tobias replied.


    The artificer''s jaw dropped.


    "How would that even work? You need magic to sustain creation," he began rubbing his chin in a slow, curious motion as Riley stopped.


    "We have technology, science, and stuff. There''s all kinds of novel ways to push electrons through circuits or use gearing to power machines. My world is built on those principles like yours is built on magic," Riley replied.


    They both regarded her as if she had grown a second head.


    "What?" She wondered.


    "Electrons? What the hell is an electron?" Justinian looked to Tobias as if he had all the answers, but he only shrugged.


    "It''s¡­ well... it''s physics¡­science! Tiny little particles smaller than anyone can see that make up everything! I don''t know exactly how it works, just that it does work, most of the time," she trailed off, lost in the weeds of her own thinking.


    "Well, you''re an experience," Justinian chuckled before looking towards Tobias.


    "She is, but the hour grows late, and we still need to cast a circle, or rather, you need to cast a circle for ritual, set out the crystals, and all that. After the day I''ve had, I''d like to get home, get my work done, and try to sleep for about six hours. Six hours would be nice," Tobias rambled, changing the subject.


    "Can I see them?" Riley asked, her ears going stiff as she rocked up and down on her hind paws.


    Justinian pulled out three crystals and set them before her; within, Riley could see shimmering prismatic rainbows of color pulsing through them. Upon their surface were numbers.


    "Oh, these are pretty," Riley using her front paws and forelegs like chopsticks, captured the first one and cocked her head to get a better look at it.


    A prompt flared to life.


    "I''ll go get the ritual circle set up. This should be as private a place as any this time of day," Justinian said, casting his glance around suspiciously.


    You have been given a cram crystal: Level 1, fundamentals and basics of magic. Consume Y/N?


    Riley could not help herself. Without thinking, she reached out, projecting towards the Y as there was a brilliant flash.


    It felt as if knowledge was a physical force, a speeding bus of data smacked into her brain, sending her thoughts flying, as concepts she had never conceived of before took root, flowering into new ways of thinking and perceiving. Esoteric concepts, the basics of casting and channeling, all became second nature in an instant as if she had spent years at the academy.


    "By the dead gods!" Tobias exclaimed as Justinian came running over from his work.


    Riley was on the ground, twitching, drool leaking out from her muzzle.


    "More," she rasped by mental projection, "that was so cool."


    "She consumed the crystal¡­. Without a ritual¡­ Just what in the realms is she?" Justinian ran his fingers through his hair, checking Riley over.


    "Dizzy...." Riley''s words came out like a groan.


    "None of this makes any sense. She''s only early two tier by assessment, but this is higher order magical creature stuff. Only a first or beings of the deeper astral should have that ability," Tobias puzzled, going down on one knee and petting Riley''s ears back.


    "Are you certain you''re ok?" Tobias asked.


    "Could it be her electrons?" Justinian asked nonsensically.


    Tobias looked up and shrugged.


    "Fine¡­give, give," Riley replied, pulling herself up on shakier paws. New connections were still being made as revelation after revelation rocketed through her mind, "this day is so rad!"


    A host of exclamation points were having a strobe party in the upper right hand corner of her vision.


    "Just take it easy. Catch your breath, I think dinner can wait," Tobias said, sounding intrigued.

 Chapter 22: Kung Fu!

    Chapter 22


    Riley was back upright, holding a crust of bread between her paws, nibbling it meditatively.


    "Feeling better?" Tobias asked; about fifteen minutes had passed, allowing Riley the time to stop randomly twitching.


    "Yeah, can we do the rest today? I''ve never learned so much that fast! It''s heady, a real rush," The prompt notifications were still there, demanding her attention, but she pushed that away. There was more work to be done and more to learn. It made sense to face it all at once instead of in pieces.


    "If you''re up for it, I''d love to see what you did," Tobias looked at her as if she was a tempest in a teapot, his eyes portending wonder and concern.


    "Me too, that was one hell of a bright flash; circles aren''t normally that rough, but outside of some First Tier shenanigans, I''ve never seen anything like that before," Justinian added.


    All concern for homework and schedules was gone, replaced by a hopping mystery.


    Riley, consuming the last bit of her snack, swallowed, "Alright, barkeep, hit me again!"


    She held out her forelegs and made a chopsticking motion with them, clapping her paws together as if they were tongs.


    Tobias chuckled and drew the second crystal up off the ground where Riley had left it.


    "Now, go easy," he cautioned.


    Riley took it, considered its prismatic beauty for a moment, then reached out to the new prompt.


    Light flashed, and again, she was knocked back as the data took root, but this time, it felt more like a car than a bus, carrying euphoria in its wake, racing through her brain.


    She shook her head, trying to get clear. A static-filled roar surged around, causing her fur to stand on end.


    Justinian and Tobias both watched in amazement.


    "That was a little smoother this time. Less bat to the face and more of a bad hit in a pillow fight. ANOTHER!" Riley felt insatiable; after a lifetime of learning the hard way, this seemed a quicker path to everything she had ever hoped to know.


    "It''s all in there, first position, second position for ritual casting, charts of times and tides for summoning¡­ Spraga''s dialectics on magical theory¡­" She rambled.


    "You''re certainly sounding more like a Calarian," Tobias grinned, looking again toward Justinian as they each shared looks of wonder.


    "When in Rome and all that," Riley trailed off, shaking her head, trying to clear the tinnitus that had seized her.


    "Or maybe not," Justinian chuckled, "she''s taking it well, fast recovery time."


    "What do you mean?" Riley asked.


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    "You''re getting a few years of basics in minutes. Normally, your first three years each start with one crystal, after which you spend the rest of your year working with what you absorbed. That''s how we learned, but we''re in a bit of a time crunch here, so we''re pushing a bit. All that aside, you seem to be handling it well," Tobias explained.


    "It''s a bit of a roar upstairs. My world is topsy turvy, but this is the raddest thing ever," Riley exclaimed, already eyeing the last crystal.


    "We can be late for dinner Riley. This is fascinating, but it''s not worth getting hurt over," Tobias cautioned.


    "Are you kidding? This is the best way of getting beat with a club ever devised!" She said, already reaching for the third.


    Justinian shook his head, "You''ve got a real live one with her."


    "Don''t I know it," he sighed and swiped the third crystal, holding it out for her.


    Taking it, acknowledging the prompt, there was another familiar flash, but this time, the concepts flowed smoother, as Riley blinked wide eyed.


    "That seemed better," Tobias eyed her curiously.


    "Smoother, it was like the first time it was breaking down walls in my own head, new concepts challenging old ones from the old place, maybe? These crystals function by a method of magical imprinting, but the mind still has to process the data. That''s what keeps it from being brainwashing. It''s just information; you have to decide how to work with it, but I''ve got all these concepts from somewhere else in competition. I still know about electrons, what physics is, and all of that, but I also have an understanding of magic and ritual work," Riley intoned like a scholar.


    Tobias and Justinian looked at each other, "Oh yeah, she''s getting it!" They both said in unison.


    "Let me catch my breath a moment," Riley closed her eyes and set her paws above her eyes, reaching out to her prompts.


    The purple boxes surged forward.


    You have absorbed Cram Crystal Level 1: Basic Fundamentals of Ashen Magic


    You have absorbed Cram Crystal Level 2: Intermediate Fundamentals of Ashen Magic


    You have absorbed Cram Crystal Level 3 Advanced Fundamentals of Ashen Magic


    You now have a basic understanding of the magic of the Ashenrealm, allowing you an understanding of the basics of magical theory and manipulation. Be warned the knowledge of a thing is only the beginning of the path.


    Riley dismissed the prompt and moved on to the next.


    Your knowledge of magic has now unlocked your combat abilities.


    Righteous Flame, Celestial, (Holy)- Shake and bake an opponent in the light of purity. This ability manifests an effect similar to fire.


    Chaos Cracker, Shadow, (Offensive)- Hello darkness, my old friend! You can now utilize the forces of chaos to send a bolt of coalescent entropy at your opponent, unraveling their physical body.


    Plant Whisperer, Life (Mixed)- You talk to your food; utilizing your abilities, you can cause plants to grow and, at your current level, control two, working them to your bidding.


    Riley''s eyes went wide as she accessed the last prompt.


    Healing Halo, Celestial/Life (Holy)- Dammit, Jim, you''re a caster, not a doctor! This area effect spell cures minor wounds.


    Progression of all skills is now at 1%, and progression to level 2-1 is now at 10%


    Riley centered and thought back to the first time she felt her magic and her meeting with Chadrick.


    It was instinctual then, the power leaping up without a thought. It was a natural reaction to the threats and injustices she had perceived around her.


    "But that hasn''t changed; it''s still an instinct. My emotions brought it out, though..." She pondered, reaching deep within, trying to think out the problem, but it was as if she couldn''t quite grasp her power that way because it wasn''t a thinking action.


    "It''s like my ears twitching, or the way my nose gets going when I smell something good, or the way I move. I don''t have to think about it. Do or do not, there is no try," she thought, talking to herself within.


    Closing her eyes, she tried again, going for a meditative place, recalling the emotions of joy at seeing the woman healed, how it felt to see the man fly in Tobias'' after lunch class, and then the anger at all the injustice she had seen, and now could, potentially, do something about.


    The power leapt up, but, knowing more what to do now, she did not resist it. White flame exploded around her, with rivulets of black shadow working their way through it. At the far edges of her peripheral vision, she caught the hint of spectral wings, massive in their scope, stretching out before her, as Tobias and Justinian dropped their quiet conversation and turned towards her.


    "Holy shit, I know Kung Fu!" Riley cried.

 Chapter 23: Breakthroughs and Breakdowns

    <u>Chapter 23</u>


    Riley felt the power surging around and through her, rising on the tides of her own elation as Justinian and Tobias regarded her with awe.


    "This is awesome!" Riley cried as she went through her list of spells, trying to find something, anything to cast, pushing her will and intent towards healing halo.


    A wave of white light rolled out from around her. Her mana bar dipped for the first time, losing easily fifteen percent of its total.


    Justinian and Tobias both straightened up and looked at each other in a surprised, shocked silence.


    "That was a healing spell," Justinian looked down at his hand and flexed it, "I cut the hell out of a finger a few days ago."


    Holding up his battered and scarred hands, there were no fresh wounds to be seen.


    "She''s a healer," Tobias said to himself in thoughtful reflection before a dejected look washed over his face, weighing him down like a winter''s rain.


    "I''ve got a few offensive spells too, and, ooh, analyze!" Riley, too lost in her own joy, began casting again, watching the bar dip a little each time.


    Justinian, Artificer, Level 2-2


    Buffs Active:


    Happy go smithy: Joy in what you do is an art form all its own. This buff adds a bonus to all forms of magical production.


    Debuffs: None


    Tobias, Fire Mage, Level 2-1


    Buffs:


    Overthinker: A penchant for over analysis grants special insight into problems and magic alike


    Kind Hearted: In a hard world, Tobias has chosen the harder path and refused to grow harder with it, inspiring loyalty and friendship.


    Debuffs:


    Cursed Confidence: Magical connection is limited or stifled due to a lack of faith in himself.


    Bullied: Years of persecution have both hardened and weakened him


    Oak Tree, Plant, Not Magical


    It''s an Oak Tree. You talk to plants; pray they never talk back.


    Tobias began to storm off, drawing Riley''s attention. She grounded her cast, looking towards her sorcerer in confusion.


    "Did I do something wrong? Was it rude to analyze?" She called out.


    Tobias muttered under his breath, an anger rising within him.


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    "By the dead Gods, even a newbie casts better than me," he kicked at the ground before yanking the silver torc off his neck and throwing it to the ground.


    "Hey, be careful with that! It''s a one off!" Justinian complained.


    Tobias glared.


    "It''s not going to matter in about a week anyway," he snapped, closing his eyes and pulling at his power.


    Riley saw a sickly orange flame stutter into and out of existence, covering his right hand as he breathed slowly in and out.


    "Bud, you''re angry. Fire mages shouldn''t cast when they''re angry," Justinian warned.


    Tobias began to shake, his form going rigid, pulling with all his might until, finally, the power snapped and fizzled, dwindling down to nothing.


    "Gaaah!" He yelled towards the sky and fell to his knees, hanging his head in his hands.


    "No matter what I do, it doesn''t work, but Riley picked it up in seconds. What''s wrong with me?" Tears flowed down his face as he shook.


    "Was this my fault?" Riley looked towards Justinian as a storm of emotions surged through her.


    "Nah, he has bad days like this, and now that the pressure is on, well," he gestured towards Tobias before moving over towards him, setting a hand on his shoulder.


    "They''re gonna fit me for a copper torc. Then Chadrick and everyone else will be right," he looked up at Justinian, terrified.


    "You''ve been my best friend since we were five, man, and I''ve seen it in you. All we need is one breakthrough, and you''re rollin. Keep fighting, keep pushing; something is bound to click," Justinian encouraged.


    "Yeah, I''m the one about to break. I don''t sleep, I don''t eat, I can''t focus, which doesn''t help, not to mention everyone at my house telling me they''re proud of me day and night when I can''t even light a fucking candle without my torc," Lost in self revulsion, he stared down at the ground, horrified.


    Riley tentatively hopped over, "Maybe I could help."


    Tobias reached out and stroked her ears back, smiling weakly, "With all of a third year''s education in magic and basic spell work. You''re a good soul, Riley, but I''m defective. I don''t know if I can be helped," Tobias'' breath caught in his throat. His hands were trembling.


    Riley drummed her hindpaw, riding a growing tide of anger, "The only thing despair does is hand the baddies the win! It''s a self fulfilling prophecy! The only way things get better is if you work towards it no matter how futile it feels."


    "Well, it feels pretty futile. I have less than a week," Tobias spoke like a profit of doom.


    "So, what''s your class schedule like? What time do we have to practice? Justinian, how swamped are you?" Riley asked, reaching for any advantage.


    "Me, I''m coasting. I''ve got my project done, save for some tweaking, and I know how to forge. As for class schedule, tomorrow is dedicated to study and prep, and then we have the weekend. Basic trials begin on Monday with the Magical Expo and conclude with the combat trials on Friday and Saturday," Justinian explained.


    "So we all have time to work and crack at this problem and really push until it breaks. We have a week, but it''s a good week, and it kicks off with three solid days to prep, right?" Riley sounded like a general marshaling her troops for war.


    "I suppose," Tobias said, lost in a well of depression.


    "So help me, by the 13 Gods or whatever, I will bite you! You''re a good person, and I''m not about to give up on you or let you give up on yourself. They''re going to have to drag me away kicking and screaming!" Riley felt the power rising in her. Quickly she channeled it down into the earth, not wanting to inadvertently harm Tobias further.


    She had an idea about his problem, but the trick would be getting him to see it.


    "Alright, so I''m on board. We meet tomorrow, normal time?" Justinian asked.


    "That''s the start, but then we book a casting room or go someplace quiet, and we work at this till we fix it," Riley proclaimed, firmly in command.


    "I guess we know who wears the robes between you two," He snarked.


    Tobias glared with a look that could melt steel.


    "Dude, easy, easy¡­ but if she was a nasty, she''d have totally fae blinded you," Justinian nodded gravely.


    "I know, you jerk," out of nowhere, Tobias began to chuckle, then laughter built, crescendoing into a howl before the tears fell. He took a deep breath, seemingly letting go of some of the weight he was carrying, "One way or another, I think I''m bound, like it or not."


    "What?" Riley worried.


    "It''s fine," He smiled gently, like sunlight after a storm, "OK, one last try for good and all. I suppose I should take every chance I can," he said, rising.


    "Now that''s more like it!" Riley replied, pressing up against his legs.

 Chapter 24: Eye of the Tiger

    Chapter 24


    The next morning, Riley could not stop humming to herself.


    "You know what we need? A training montage! Like, the hero, at the end of their rope, goes back to training in a desperate hour to use what time they have left to prepare for the challenges yet to come!" She bounced on her paws as they made their way up the switchbacked path, rambling with excitement and focus.


    "You are a very strange creature," Tobias observed, looking a bit more bright eyed than most mornings.


    "In this world, I''m a space alien, but I don''t know if I want to meet your leader. At least you''re looking better," Riley said. Her own purpose was driving her forward, causing her chest to hum with an undeniable energy.


    "It''s the eye of the tiger; it''s the feel of the fight, rising up to the challenge of our rivals¡­" She hummed along to her mental soundtrack, hopping to the beat.


    "Space Alien? Never mind. Yes, I did get some sleep for once. It''s not like they can assign a bunch of homework the day before the big Expo," Tobias reasoned.


    "Honestly, that sounds like something Instructor Chadrick would do," Riley giggled while Tobias shuddered.


    "Unless they start courses in how to be a massive pile of cockatrice dung, I think he''s well and truly screwed on that part," Tobias replied with a savage grin.


    "In that, Chadrick is truly first tier," Riley chuckled, passing the guards, hopping by with a non-projected "Good Morning!"


    In a world she didn''t fully understand, certain things like anonymity and the ability to not be heard felt like allies. The assumptions of others had worked like a cloak and a pause button, granting her time to find a tentative place in this strange new reality.


    Alien Riley truly felt lost in space sometimes, and those allies she had, she did not want to lose.


    "And there''s Justinian, like always," Tobias said, shaking her out of her reflections.


    "He always does that, leaning against the old oak tree dramatically, looking all mysterious and cool," Riley observed.


    "He''s always liked his drama, which is funny because the second he opens his mouth, life turns into a comedy," He grinned while holding up his hand in greeting.


    The hooded figure nodded and pushed off from the tree slowly as if in testament to their words.


    "Hey buddy, hey bunny, was it?" Justinian lowered his hood, wearing a big cheesy grin.


    "Bunny, you got it right!" Riley confirmed, having a small laugh again in acquiescence to Tobias'' point, all the while boggling at how her translation power worked. It seemed to know context and understand nuance better than she did. Still, it wasn''t its power and processing, for lack of a better term, a function of her own spirit made manifest? Did that mean there were parts of herself she didn''t quite understand?


    Riley cocked her head to look down at her paws and concluded, after pondering them for a moment, that there were definitely parts of herself she didn''t quite understand.


    Hell, there were parts of herself she didn''t even remember being there before.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon."Riley, you with us?" Tobias asked as she cocked her head the other way to get him in a better view.


    "What?" She asked.


    "You ok? I said I got in early and managed to snag a casting room down on the basement levels. We''ve got to get through our morning mustering, but after that, I can meet you down there. It''s not too far from the forge," Justinian explained.


    "There''s a basement? How far down does this place go?" Riley boggled.


    "As students, we aren''t allowed to know; it''s something about security measures, but most of us speculate the Keep goes down at least as far as it goes up, which would mean ten levels minimum. The cloistered are housed down below, and the forge works are on the first level, keeping Justinian where he belongs. Below that are probably the vaults where they store the dangerous stuff. At least, it stands to reason." Tobias explained.


    "Hey buddy, right here," Justinian held up his Pinkie, ring, and thumb out towards the sky, tucking the remaining two fingers down.


    Tobias returned the strange gesture, "Yeah, I love you too, asshole."


    Off in the distance, the bell began to chime.


    "I''ll walk with you before heading down to the forge," Justinian said as they began to move along while Riley scented the air.


    Climbing briefly once again in moments the large Keep became visible, but today, no dragons were flying, nor students congregated in their tight cliques.


    In the strange ambient silence, tension crackled like a portent of a coming storm.


    Riley''s fur stood on end.


    "Today feels odd," she said, projecting out towards the two.


    "Next week is trials, Riley; our entire lives will be defined by what happens this week. I''ve literally been training for this since I''ve been four years old." Tobias exclaimed.


    "We''ll get you there," She promised, a grim focus seizing her.


    It wasn''t just the gathering outside. Within the parade ground of the Keep, there were vast stretches of room, as only two sections of students seemed present; those of the 14th and 13th years, alongside the red robed mages present on the stage.


    "For today only, we have the entire run of the Academy," Tobias explained, getting ahead of Riley''s questions.


    "Yeah, I could have gotten the good anvil today, the sacrifices I make for you," Justinian chuckled, patting Tobias on the shoulder, "casting room 7b, after muster, we''ve got it all day."


    "You got the big one?" Tobias'' eyebrows rose up in surprise.


    "And a few other surprises, but I''m going to go check-in. Being late today would not be good for me," Justinian smiled easily before peeling off as the bell tolled again.


    Riley saw Chadrick enter, walking regally, heralded by a hawk cry, causing her fur to stand on end, and cocking her head to get a view of the sky.


    To the limits of her vision, though, the sky was clear. There was no speck orbiting and nothing she could scent; still, that noise filled her with dread.


    "Get out of my way, servant," Chadrick said, knocking Tobias out of position rudely before taking his place four down from him.


    "You know what Riley? I really hope you can help me just so I can show up that prick," Tobias swore with grim resolve.

 Chapter 25: Hopping Yoda

    Chapter 25


    "This isn''t working," Tobias said, dripping with sweat, the casting room reeking of effort.


    His silver Torque was set upon a rough hewn table by the door, next to an array of potions that, to Riley''s eyes, all glowed.


    She eyed him critically as Justinian took a glowing green bottle and offered it to Tobias.


    "It''s been forty five minutes, take a swig, perk up," Justinian said.


    Taking it, Tobias chugged a good half of the stamina potion before his coloring brightened.


    "What am I missing? We''ve been at this all day, and I''m not a moment closer," Tobias threw up his hands.


    "Let''s go at this from another angle," Riley said, pondering the problem, "Justinian, you cast pretty easily, don''t you?"


    "After a fashion, I''m an artificer, so my casting works through physical effort. The things I make, if I put the right amount of focus and will into them, it gains magical effects," he explained.


    "So, how do you do it? What''s the mechanism for your cast?" Riley questioned like a teacher.


    Justinian shrugged, "I just do it. Nothing makes me happier than working a forge and creating things. It''s what I was made for, raised for, but it''s more than that. There''s a purpose to it. Every day I make things that help fortify and protect others or advance the fields of my art, and make no mistake, it''s very much an art, so when I take up the hammer, something inside of me thrills, and the magic just¡­ flows."


    "So it''s emotional and instinctual. It''s like that for me, too. The first time I felt my magic, I watched a poor kid get cheated out of a copper by the bastard that captured me. He couldn''t even afford shoes, but this greedy fuck took the extra money he earned for giving me water," Riley recalled, tamping down the power she felt spring up within.


    Tobias ran his hands through his hair in frustration, "It''s just not like that for me! There are methods, like Spraga''s, that are integral to proper casting. It''s a science. Right action, rightly applied, leads to the right effect."


    "Which is obviously wrong because if that worked, you''d be the greatest caster of your generation. You''re all up in your own head, but you aren''t listening to your heart. A Jedi''s strength flows through the force," Riley lectured, her projected voice growing raspy all the while.


    "Magic does suffuse all things, but reason is the reins upon the beast," Tobias argued, ignoring the metaphor he had no hopes of understanding.


    "You''re awfully academic for a fire mage," Justian sighed, leaning back against the wall.


    "The theory and the practice is what sings to me. It''s what gives me joy, just as you forging materials does for you. There''s an art to the representation of magic, the way the forces work upon our physical plain, and through those representations, I gain an understanding of the wider universe. It''s a way not just to define reality but understand it in greater fullness," Tobias'' tone grew hushed and reverent, like a priest before an altar.


    "It is beautiful. I''m just beginning to have an understanding of it, but it''s one of the most beautiful things I''ve ever encountered. You know there''s not magic where a lot of me comes from; there, what we call scientists define the world through physics in much the same way you describe," Riley explained, puzzling out his problem.


    "That would be interesting. I am curious about your world," Tobias admitted, his eyes still sparkling with wonder.


    "If there''s one thing I''ve learned from being here, it''s that anything is possible, but without magic, I don''t know how we''d get back or even if I could function. Hares are not sapient where I come from; we don''t have the processing for it, but we''re getting lost in the philosophy here¡­" Riley trailed off as an idea sparked.


    "That''s it! I think that''s been our problem all along!" Riley exclaimed, elation causing her to bounce on her paws.


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    "Mind letting me in on it?" Tobias asked as Justinian observed with interest.


    "Think back, when was the first time your power manifested? Tell me the story about it," Riley perked her ears in interest.


    Justinian''s face took on a wistful grin, "Oh, that story, go on, Tobias."


    "Well, we were both first years, kids, ya know?" He paused, his eyes going distant in reflection, "Justinian''s magic hadn''t manifested yet. It''s often like that for Artificers. They test for ability at birth, but it takes a while to show. Anyway, the other kids were teasing Justinian."


    "Chadrick?" Riley asked, going for the easy target.


    "He was one of them, but he wasn''t the ring leader then. It wasn''t till he lost his brother that he really began to turn cruel. All the teasing seemed wrong to me; it felt wrong, and suddenly, there was this power inside me, whispering to me. I rushed forward, and it flared when I pushed the bully down. My fingers were sparking, but I didn''t know how to cast yet; there were no fundamentals, it was just¡­ instinct..." Tobias'' look grew puzzled as if he was beginning to grasp something.


    "What happened next?" Riley prompted.


    "The bully stood and, for a moment, was intimidated, then his friends pushed me down, and they all started beating the fire out of me. Justinian tackled him, and things devolved into quite the rumble before the instructors separated us. We''ve been best friends ever since," Tobias said.


    They both reached out and clasped arms, reveling in old glories.


    "Then that''s what I want you to do. I know you love your theory, but the theory isn''t helping you. Go back to that place, to the emotion and the drive. Let that be your guide, trust your feelings, use your intuition," Riley pressed.


    A funny look traced across Tobias'' face before he firmed up, planting his feet, "I can try."


    "No, you can do it; there is no try. Have faith in yourself. Let me guide you," She urged, ripping off Yoda for all it was worth.


    Tobias closed his eyes.


    "Ready?" Riley asked.


    "Ready," He reported.


    "Now, go back to that place. Remember how it felt. Justinian was being mocked. He got pushed down," Riley projected, her voice as soothing as she knew how.


    Tobias grimaced, and Riley noticed a brief flash of power in his hands. "That''s right, feel it, let those feelings guide you to your power, think of all the years you''ve been bullied, how it made you feel, think of how much you wanted to change things, how much you wanted to react, how angry it made you feel, how resolved it made you to not be the same kind of monster," Riley rambled.


    Tobias'' hands began to glow with a fearsome orange light.


    "I''m¡­ so tired of being pushed around," Tobias muttered. "By the dead Gods, I''m..."


    "You''re what?" She challenged.


    Tobias gritted his teeth, "Angry."


    Riley tried not to think of Sith Lords. Then, suddenly, his color brightened, and the power burst forth.


    Tobias'' eyes snapped open, startled, "I can feel it. It''s feeding off my feelings. They''re, they''re guiding me to my power! It''s not thinking it''s doing, an expression of my soul, a manifestation of my outrage. It all makes sense! It all makes sense!" He cried, rolling his palm up towards the ceiling before pushing towards the wall. A small ball of fire erupted from his hand, and screamed across the room before striking it.


    "Oh yeah!" Justinian cried, pumping his fist into the air.


    Tobias, took a deep breath and recentered planting his feet, his hands brightening all the more, "It''s ok to feel angry. I can do something with it!"


    "You''ve got to stop running from yourself, Tobias. I''ve only been with you a short while, but I''ve seen you strangled under the expectations and weight of everything this world has put on you. You don''t realize how brilliant and capable you are, and it''s costing you everything. Stop trying to be the perfect sorcerer and start being yourself," Riley admonished.


    He eyed her with a strange kind of reverence born on a growing affection, "That''s why it was so easy for you. You aren''t laboring under the same conditioning I am. You don''t have any other recourse but being who you are in all your strangeness. Your feelings are all you have."


    Riley cocked her head, pondering.


    "You''re probably right. There''s a saying where I come from that there are no negative emotions; what makes something negative are the choices you make. It''s not bad to feel anger or outrage; it''s bad to let it become poisonous. It''s bad to let it keep you from being who you are or costing you who you are. Magic is as good an outlet as any, I think," Riley said.


    Tobias, for the first time, had hope in his eyes as he let the power fade, "I''ve a long way to go, but I think I might finally be on the path."

 Chapter 26: Magical Murder Pace Weekend

    Chapter  26


    They had created a monster.


    "Pull, push," Tobias said, chanting the words like a mantra.


    Riley, casting along with him in time, within the small casting room, made small motions with her paws. A white ball of flame erupted from them, traveling next to an orange ball of flame from Tobias.


    Silver crystal, antenna-like structures occupying the corners were glowing red hot with heat. A shimmering field caught the bolts before impacting the wall, dissipating their energy and ablating their damage.


    "Need another break," Riley panted in staccato, falling to all fours. The purple bar of magic in her overlay was flashing the same shade, bracketing the now mostly empty space.


    A powerful headache dwelled at the edges of her perception, threatening to work an aggressive and nasty coup, ruining her peace and focus in the process.


    "Me too," Tobias wiped at the sweat from his brow. Even his robes were moist, and the heat of the room wasn''t helping.


    "It''s been hours, at least twelve¡­ I think? We got here at seven bells. I heard the chime for seven again a while ago," Riley reckoned, going by the curious way they kept time here in the Ashenrealm.


    Tobias opened the door as a burst of cool, fresher basement air wooshed in, providing ready relief before taking a magicka potion off the table, pouring half of it in a bowl for Riley before chugging the rest of it down.


    "Which means we''ve got three more to work before they kick us out of here to scrub it down. I''ve got to be ready," day two of the Magical Murder Pace weekend was underway and almost done.


    For the first time in her life, Riley longed for the frantic pace of a Monday.


    "Ugh¡­" She flopped on her side, then on her back, flailing all four paws in the air in the process, "Dead! You''ve worked me to death."


    She let her tongue lull out of her muzzle before going limp.


    "You don''t have to cast with me, ya know? They wont be examining you, but take your potion all the while," He tapped at the bowl. Riley reanimated, hopping over to it on weary, shaking paws.


    "I want to learn too, and it''s fun to watch literal balls of fire erupt out from my forepaws, but the pace, driven much? You''re like the terminator on amphetamine the last two days!" She lapped and saw the bar replenish while her stamina remained low. It did help her feel better, at least.


    Tobias cocked his head, in a way, imitating Riley, pondering the strange and esoteric words as if they were magic spells themselves.


    "I guess I am driven. This is something I''ve been waiting for, no focus torc, nothing to get in the way of me and the power. Yeah, I''m dead exhausted and starving to boot, but I can cast!" He exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air in victory.


    "And god, man,  do you need a shower! I could probably use a bath, too," Riley went for broke, challenging his hygiene, hoping it would have the same effect it had on her when she was a teenager.


    Tobias tentatively sniffed at an armpit before jerking his head away, "I smell like a dead kraus, but I suppose that''s just what hard work does."


    "God dammit," Riley finished her potion and let herself go flat on the floor, reveling in the deep coolness transmitted up from the ground.


    "Just another couple of hours, and I promise you a nice hot bath. In the meantime, why don''t you rest?" Tobias offered, already moving back to the center of the room, as the wards were now cool, "We''ll do less damage that way."


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    ¡°Already¡­ ahead.. of¡­¡± Riley felt a deep feeling of unconsciousness wash over her as she noticed, briefly, that her stamina bar was blinking.


    Blissful blackness overcame her before the sound of voices drifted to her sensitive ears. Alertness caught, like sparks in grass.


    "Master Teranaga," Tobias exclaimed, grounding his cast before turning his attention towards the door.


    "Wha? Where?" Riley scanned around to see the dark skinned sorcerer from the potions class.


    Strangely, the room was still cool, and the wards weren''t glowing.


    "A servant informed me there was still one student in a casting room. I chose to investigate. Apparently, you have been here all day?" She asked, as her nose twitched almost like Riley''s.


    "Cram session. I think I''ve worked out the problem with my casting, but I''ve still got a long way to go before I have the right finesse, I think. It''s hard to keep the fire consistent. Sometimes it slaps, sometimes it booms," Tobias explained.


    Riley marveled at how, after 14 hours of almost constant work, living on potions and a bit of bread, that could still be his one and only focus.


    Everything had fallen before that one goal, and inwardly, part of her was happy for him. Still, there was also the part of her that desperately wanted that hot bath and her comfortable half crate, along with an unbroken span of sleep.


    "Indeed, consistency in casting is often difficult for many students. Here, hold fire for me," she said, drawing up beside him, facing the wall.


    Tobias'' hand suffused in orange flame. He slowly rotated his outstretched fingers and thumb, palm up. A ball of fire flashed into existence, floating inches above him.


    "Very good, now feel your magic; feel how if you feed it. The flame will become more intense, and if you deprive it, the flame will fade. Your magic sustains it; finding a good balance when you cast with the power you have at your command will be the next step for you, I think," Contorting her hand into a claw like position and rotating it palm up, a similar burst of reddish orange flame appeared before her, showing the deftness of her control, causing it to brighten and dim.


    Tobias nodded thoughtfully before rolling his palm down and then snapping it forward, sending a ball of fire flying towards the wall.


    "You are indeed gaining control of your cast. I am impressed after seeing you struggle. You are pushing because of your trials?" Teranga assumed.


    "That and I just had my breakthrough. I''m still struggling sometimes, but it''s coming easier, and it feels so good to finally have some momentum and confidence," he admitted.


    She patted him on the shoulder.


    "You''ve always been a good and dedicated student, but that''s enough for the day. Return home, wash if you can, and come back tomorrow, but also be certain to rest. Your spirit needs that time as much as your mind," the older sorcerer advised.


    "Preach it, sister," Riley felt a huge yawn seize her as she stretched out on trembling paws.


    "That''s a good idea. I think my companion is more tired than I am, and that''s saying something," Tobias observed.


    "You should care for her. A good companion is worth their weight in gold coin," Teranaga said, slightly bowing before turning to leave.


    "You''re absolutely right she is," Tobias affirmed.


    Riley felt a swelling of pride.

 Chapter 27: Surprise Noble

    Riley panted with effort but stopped before her mana bar bottomed out.


    Tobias, losing his casting partner, looked down at her, "Potion?"


    "I''m ok. Unlike some people, I''m trying to pace myself," she grumbled sourly, fatigue eating at her easy demeanor, "Where do you get all of those anyway?"


    "I make ''em. Potions are the one thing I was kinda good at before I worked out my casting," he smiled, showing a bashful pride, before he looked down at the floor.


    "Huh, I suppose that makes sense," Riley pondered as five bells distantly reached her ears.


    Here, the sounds from above carried faintly, giving her the barest impression, but it wasn''t like her ears missed much.


    "Yeah, formula, precise measurements, the application of heat; I am a fire mage, after all," he beamed.


    It was amazing what a few days of success could do for a soul.


    "You''re sounding better, more confident," Riley stalled for time. Distantly, the sound of heavy boots falling in a particular pattern caused her ears to swivel.


    Justinian!


    Her heart thrilled. After three torturous days, she was going to get out!


    "Heya Boyo!" He stuck his head in with a smile and, to Riley''s surprise, was dressed in a silk-like tunic with heavy black trousers and black boots polished to a high shine. A large belt with a polished brass buckle dominated his midsection, on which hung a sword and a large coin purse crossed by a satchel he wore crossbody.


    Atop his head was a broad-brimmed hat made of some type of animal hide with a long white feather coming off of it.


    Riley giggled, "You certainly clean up nice. I''ve yet to see anyone in that kind of dress."


    "It''s more common among the minor nobility," Tobias shook his head, "What are you all dressed up for?"


    "Why, to rescue you, the Margrave of Solstheim does request and require your presence this evening," Justinian straightened up as Riley''s eyes went wide.


    "You''re a noble?" She boggled.


    "M''lady," He bowed in a sweeping action, removing his hat all the while.


    "But, how? You''re blue collar as they come! You swing a wrench for a living!" Riley balked.


    "Uh, this tunic doesn''t have a collar, and I swing a hammer most of the time," Justinian puzzled.


    "I mean, but¡­ uh¡­ your work on my world would mark you as working class. I thought you were from a poor family," Riley explained.


    Justinian''s eyes went a bit wide.


    "Me? No, my aunt is a first tier sorcerer, guaranteeing our title for this generation. I come from a family of them. My mother married a second tier, which caused a bit of a dust up, and it resulted in me. Second tier, but still deeded my hereditary rights by magic and birthright," Justinian replied.


    "How did that work out?" Riley wondered, growing curious.


    "Oh, Dad was a ranger, a black blade, and died on a mission. I was just a baby, so I never knew him. Anyway, that quieted things right down, not to mention that I was born with magic. That''s all you need, magic and bloodline to inherit a title," Justinian shrugged, grinning like the cat that ate the canary.


    "But it''s ok for you to hang out with Tobias?" She wondered.


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    "I''m only a minor noble, and Tobias is magical too, which affords him some status. He''s also been my best friend since four. I could hardly give a shit if someone saw it as a scandal, not that they would. The rules of your world don''t apply here," Justinian explained.


    Riley nodded thoughtfully, "I''m starting to see that."


    "Do you really need me? I have hours of work to do yet," Tobias complained.


    "Should I get a servant down here to make it official? You know I don''t stand on my title much, but you need a break, man, and I''ve got the power," he grinned devilishly.


    "I hate you, but whatever you''ve got planned, I stink from here to your family''s lands. I''m going to need to go home to bathe, then I have to get ready," Tobias made excuses. Still, Riley could see the bulwarks of his defenses eroding.


    Justinian reached into his satchel and tossed a small blue bottle over towards Tobias, who deftly snatched it out of the air.


    "Mr. Magiclean? You''re serious. These cost a silver!" Tobias threw up his hands.


    "Wait a minute, I cost a silver!" Riley protested.


    "You were a real bargain, then," Justinian praised as Riley felt her ears flush.


    "That''s not the point; this costs real money!" Tobias protested.


    "And? Pop the cork, dump it out over your head, and let''s get underway to the Prancing Cockatrice. I''m buying you dinner, Riley, too," He stood implacable as Tobias sighed.


    "There''s a good lad," Justinian said as Tobias opened the bottle and poured it out.


    Riley saw it glowing blue; a similar light covered him before vanishing in a flash.


    "Minty," Riley sniffed the air, regarding the now clean Tobias with wonder; even his robes looked sharp.


    "It''s good stuff, and I keep a small supply. You should see me after a hard day at the forge," Justinian said, holding out his hand towards the door, "You coming?"


    "Fine," Tobias said, fetching his satchel full of potions off the table before trudging out the door sullenly.


    "Thank you," Riley said as she hopped by.


    "Oh, there''s something in this for all of us," Justinian turned and brought up the rear, shutting the door behind him.


    The sun was still up but beginning to touch the horizon as they emerged on a cool, misty early evening. Birds sang their nighttime song as if in farewell to the day as Riley made her way down the switchback path, only to find another surprise at the base.


    A carriage was waiting.


    "Justinian, we can walk. This is too much," Tobias protested as a footman opened the door.


    The artificer knocked on his head. "Next week, one way or another, they''re splitting us up, friend. You''re going off to your destiny, and I, mine. I''m certain we''re going to stay in touch, but this could be our last chance to meet and have a laugh over a good ale for a while. I''m going to miss you, brother," he reached out and clasped Tobias'' arm.


    Tobias looked down sadly.


    "I hadn''t considered that. This is it, isn''t it? The last night. Wow, it''s finally here," Tobias said, his tone tinged with wonder and regret, "There''s no time left; you''re right."


    Justinian nodded soberly, "After trials next week, I''m to report home. My aunt apparently is pulling strings about my final destination, assuming I pass. This really is our last shot."


    "Then let''s make the most of it, but we should go easy on the ale. I still need to be able to cast straight in the morning," Tobias said, boarding the carriage.

 Chapter 28: Hopes and Dreams

    <u>Chapter 28</u>


    They were in another quarter of the city Riley had never been to before.


    Here, the cobblestone lanes were narrow, but the sidewalks were wider. Quaint shops, with their hanging wooden signs, hung over window displays, full of high end items.


    Toys, shoes, and general goods were each arranged in artful ways so as to entice buyers, as finely dressed people strolled upon the lane.


    At the corner, a brightly lit painted sign showed a cockatrice, wearing a top hat and biting a cane, reared back on its hind claws.


    Riley had been glued to the window of the door the whole ride, prompting a dilemma for the footman as he went to open the door.


    "Oh, sorry," she said to herself, hopping down and scooting back into the cabin as the door opened.


    "Enjoying the view?" Justinian asked, exiting first, causing the footman to bow.


    "Oh, come on, man, I''m not as stuffy as all that," Justinian grinned as Riley, and then finally, Tobias emerged.


    "As you say, Sir," The footman deferred while Justinian handed a few coppers to both him and the driver before they moved off to find another customer.


    "So what is this place? Favorite hang out?" Riley asked, scanning around, "We seem to be in a fancy part of the city."


    "It''s a place where the noble set and sorcerers hobnob," Justinian grinned wider, showing teeth, "as we will be among their auspicious ranks soon, I thought it only fair we get acquainted."


    "So we''re crashing a noble establishment?" Riley''s eyes went a bit wide.


    "Well, I technically have a right to be here, and they serve companions, so who''s to complain?" He shrugged.


    Justinian began to walk towards the door. Faintly, Riley could hear something like guitar music gently playing and the murmuring voices of dozens of conversations.


    They moved along, pulled by his gravity.


    "So you did this because of me?"


    "Nah, there''s plenty of places in Ashenvale that serve companions, but this seemed fun. It''s not really forbidden for us to be here. I''ve got title, and we''re each of the magic, so relax, trust me."


    "The last time you said that, I ended up in the infirmary with a broken nose," Tobias sighed, shaking his head.


    A hulking brute of a man was waiting on the other side of the door, towering over them. Riley balked as she stared up at the nearly seven foot tall man, dressed in a simple, leather armor, with a golden torc around his gargantuan neck.


    His right hand glowed blue for a brief moment, then she detected a flash.


    "May I announce you, sir?" He boomed with a deep bass voice that Riley felt like an earthquake.


    "The Margrave of Solstheim and his entourage," Justinian replied, putting on airs of regality.


    The load bearing wall of a man turned on his heels in a slow motion about face before calling out to the room.


    "The right honorable Margrave of Solstheim and his Sorcerer Entourage!" His voice boomed, drowning out the music as everyone stopped and as if one entity all turned to look towards the entrance.


    "Good evening," Justinian called out and took off his hat, bowing with a flourish.


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    Curiosity satisfied, everyone went back to what they were doing.


    "This is so weird!" Riley exclaimed as they made their way towards a table near the back.


    Across from them were scarred and battled hardened soldiers, all wearing black armor, carrying swords with an obsidian hilt.


    They watched from the corner warily as if expecting danger at any moment.


    Justinian pulled out a chair, "M''lady."


    "I''m allowed at the table?" She balked.


    "By the dead gods, you''re strange. Of course, you''re allowed!" Tobias exclaimed.


    One soldier at the table regarded her with a brief but passing interest.


    Riley, fearing an angry manager, took her seat, perching on the chair, letting her forepaws hang down as she scanned about for danger.


    Music still gently played all around her, though no musicians were on the stage, leaving Riley feeling a bit scrambled. This place reminded her much of the restaurants she remembered from her previous life.


    Everything was clean and well polished. The scent of castile soap and a minty cleaner hung in the air. The greatest oddity was that she was both allowed inside and seated like any other guest.


    "Riley, the health code violation," She giggled to herself as she caught notice of a woman wearing an apron who was making a beeline toward their table, causing her to perk up.


    "Good evening, loves; here for dinner, mead, or perhaps an ale? We also have tea if that will suit," She smiled broadly.


    "No menus," Riley thought, talking to herself, watching with interest.


    "Dinner and ale sounds lovely," Justinian smiled back, showing buckets of charm, "but cut us off after two, would you?"


    "And for the companion, sir?" She asked.


    "A bowl of water, tenganut, and some clover, if you would," Tobias answered.


    "Dinner and an ale. You''ve come on a good night. We''re serving henlan roast with vegetables fresh from the Varanlands, and for your companion, I''ve just the thing," She said with a bit of gentle pride before scurrying off.


    "Wow, no one cares," Riley boggled, relaxing all the more, bouncing on her hindpaws.


    "You''re more nervous about being here than I am," Tobias said.


    "You better get used to this; after next week I bet you''ll find yourself in places like this often," Justinian chuckled.


    A look of nervousness spread across Tobias'' face.


    "I might be able to cast, but passing my trials is not a foregone conclusion," he cautioned as the waitress reappeared as if by magic, setting two ales down on the table from a tray followed by a bowl of water for Riley.


    Tentatively, she lapped at it, ready to be yelled at, yet nothing happened.


    "Are you kidding? You''re the scholar of our class, and now you can cast. They''re going to sandbag you in some stuffy research or scholarly position, and you''ll spend your days boring everyone to death in esoterica. That, or you''re going to get drafted," Justinian shrugged as


    Tobias laughed heartily.


    "Oh yeah, like I''m cut out to be a soldier," Tobias replied, leaning back in his seat and taking a long sip off his ale.


    "Well, here''s to our destiny and to our friendship." Justinian raised his glass as Tobias, and he clanked theirs together.


    "To destiny," Tobias echoed.


    "What''s the drinking age here?" Riley wondered aloud.


    "What''s a drinking age?" Tobias and Justinian both said in unison.


    "Uh... never mind," Riley blinked in surprise, then went back to her water.


    Tobias settled down in his chair, taking another long pull of his ale, letting his body relax, "You know, it''s strange; it felt like this day would never come, yet here we are."


    Justian shrugged, "I don''t feel like things will change that much for me. Sure, my aunt is arranging my future, but I''m only good for one thing in the eyes of the realm. Luckily, I love doing it. I''ll be in some forge somewhere, pounding out items until I''m too old to swing a hammer, then I''ll teach."


    "I''m hoping for something in alchemical research or maybe a scriptorium," Tobias mused, "it would be nice to stay in Ashenvale, near the family. Granda isn''t getting any younger, but I doubt I''ll get that lucky."


    "Why''s that? Where do you expect to go?" Riley asked; both seemed much older than eighteen at that moment.


    "Valenheim is the premier magical academy in the realm, Riley, so we''re in demand. With my grasp of theory, I''m almost certain, I think, to end up in a more scholarly position. Still, I''ll probably be in an academy out in one of the other cities for a while. People work their whole lives to end up instructing in Valenheim," Tobias explained.


    "That''s going to be hard," Riley knew a thing or two about being alone.


    "With my monthly pay, I''ll be able to take care of them from a distance and even stay in touch with the occasional message, but this was always going to happen. As sorcerers, we are born to privilege, but that privilege comes with a duty to the people. We go where we are needed, we serve as we''re needed; it''s the trade off for what we were gifted with at birth," Tobias explained.


    Riley nodded, pondering.


    "Ok, man, lighten up. It won''t be that bad, and you know I''ve got you covered if you ever need anything, and you know that goes for your family, too. When your Granda takes ill, I''ll see he gets the best care," Justinian assured.


    "Thanks, friend, but you''re right; let''s cheer things up a bit; I want to enjoy this night while it lasts," Tobias affirmed, taking another long sip.


    The music stopped before being replaced by something more lively, and a dancer walked out upon the stage.


    The crowd erupted into cheers as Justinian held up his mug of ale.


    "Alright, this is more like it!" He cried, pulling his coin purse off his belt.

 Chapter 29: Trials Week

Chapter 29


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    Combat Sorcery!


    Fire and Flame!


    Ice and Wind!


    A spectacle of life and death!


    Friday! Friday! Friday!


    Don''t miss it!

 Chapter 30: Live Fire Ethics

    Chapter 30


    "This is wrong!" Riley said to herself, not projecting.


    Panic gripped her heart; she did not know what to do.


    "Begin," an instructor cried, standing in front of a simple wooden podium, his reed pen hovering over the parchment.


    Half of the parade ground had been converted into a firing range. For the last few days, it had all been stationary targets, moved further out each round.


    Today, they were people, all wearing copper torcs. Some carried targets above their head, running at random angles; some milled about or remained stationary, wearing large placards about their neck with a blue X upon them.


    Riley closed her eyes, refusing to look, as Tobias took a deep breath and began firing.


    A muffled cry reached her ears, for her to open her eyes with a jerk.


    Tobias had struck a target but singed a hand in the process. The man couldn''t have been older than twenty four. He crumpled to the ground as Tobias winced but kept up the pressure.


    They just left him there, his hand visibly blackened and burned.


    The last target went down, and Riley looked to the instructor in what had become a reflex.


    He checked a form and handed it to Tobias, along with a stamina and mana potion.


    "Take these, then report for your final holding trial," he said. Two of the servants dragged their fallen comrade off to what Riley hoped was the infirmary.


    She had a healing spell, primed and ready to go, but didn''t know the rules, and the last thing she wanted was to hurt Tobias'' chances of passing.


    Her heart tore between two opposite and contradictory poles as she gained a new hatred for this place.


    "Are you ok?" Tobias asked.


    Riley realized she was shaking.


    "Hell no, I''m not," She snapped before wincing.


    "I hurt him," It seemed amazing that Tobias knew her so well in that short of time.


    Riley looked up in a scan and noticed he was just as conflicted.


    "Are you ok?" She asked in echo.


    "I tried my hardest, and they''ll see him healed; still, it''s the first time I''ve ever hurt anyone with my magic. I don''t know what I could have done differently, though," Tobias stopped and stared down at the ground, then downed his two potions.


    "We do our best, and if we ever have a chance to change things, we do," She said, deferring, which left her feeling no better.


    In fact, she had never felt more like a coward.


    Moving down the hall, they approached a door, on which Tobias knocked twice.


    "Enter, apprentice," came the military like reply.


    Three instructors were waiting on the other side as Tobias handed over his paperwork. The centermost one, looking it over critically, nodded before issuing his orders.


    "Hold fire in your hand."


    He gave a curt bow before saying, "Yes, instructor," His words short and clipped.


    Riley saw the orange light suffuse his hand, and the ball of flame appeared, floating above it.


    The center instructor''s eyes narrowed, watching for a few eternal moments, then flipped over an hourglass.


    The entire week had been like this, a balance between boredom and terror. They''d report when summoned for a few hours of testing, firing fireballs at targets, or creating a defensive wall of flame, followed by the holding of flame.


    Today was the worst, though. Riley could not get the live fire exercise out of her mind.


    "That poor kid," She said to herself. The fear of throwing Tobias had kept her quiet. It was only between exercises that it felt safe to talk.


    After today, she had a whole new appreciation of the consequences of failure.


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    It was as if society here was a funhouse mirror; in some ways, things were better, and in other ways, it was shockingly worse.


    When they weren''t under trial before three seemingly random instructors, they were in a casting room as he practiced and worked, doing what he could to prepare for the challenges ahead.


    "Keep it up, you''re doing fine," Riley praised, breaking her rule, watching the sand ran down into its basin.


    Five minutes, then ten, twenty, and finally thirty minutes of sand collected in the hourglass, leaving Tobias straining with the effort, sweat beading off his brow. The time stretched out into a frozen eternity of waiting.


    As always a copper torc rested in front of the center instructor, an encouragement and a warning against failure.


    Some students had already vanished from the regular churn between exam and casting room, the numbers dwindling by the day, while the ranks of the cloistered grew by fits and starts.


    The stress was intense.


    "Dispel," came the order. Instructors scribbled furiously until the one sitting at the center looked to the right and to the left, conferring with the others.


    "You''ve shown a solid effort these last four days. We are in agreement you have sufficient ability to face the final trial," They each nodded in agreement.


    Tobias slackened for a moment, then returned to rigid attention, "thank you, instructors."


    He bowed deeply, following custom and training.


    "Dismissed," Was the only reply. He turned, spinning on his heel in an about face, moving quickly out the door.


    Justinian was waiting, sitting at a bench by the door, rising with a hopeful look in his eye, "Well?"


    "Passed everyone so far, but I think I got close with my wall trial yesterday, and I just singed someone," Tobias let out a deep, relieved breath.


    The artificer pulled him into a hug.


    "I told you you''d make it!" He said, pumping his fist into the air while Chadrick strode by.


    "Out of my way, servant," he snapped before striding into the room.


    "I still have my combat trial. Maybe I can fight Chadrick; he''s a monster I''d love to fry," Tobias grinned wickedly, "so, how are your trials going?"


    "Piece of cake, but I''ve got my big demonstration tonight, as you know, and I need a favor," Justinian grinned.


    "Anything you need. Is this about your elemental armor?" Tobias wondered.


    "Exactly that. I could do the same thing with charged Magistones, but I''d like to have a mage to give it a little drama. Now that you''ve all but passed your trial, well, it will psych the crowd up for your grand victory tomorrow," He said, patting Tobias on the shoulder as they began to walk.


    "Do people ever die during the combat trial?" Riley asked.


    "Sometimes, but it''s rare. There are trained sorcerers ready to jump in, but that''s an automatic failure," Tobias explained.


    "And I''ll be on the field next to him?" She worried.


    "Nah, you''ll be confined to a cage for your own safety. Will you be ok with that?" Tobias asked.


    "You''re the one that''s going to be risking his ass. I''ll be fine," Riley replied,  chewing on a decision she was wrestling with.


    All she wanted to do was help the stress, pushing her forward down a path she had never considered before.


    "So what now, man? More casting room time?" Justinian asked. They came to the stairs, which led them down to the lower levels.


    "It''s what, just after 3 bells? I thought I''d go to the expo with Riley, get some food, and clear my head. It''s been a week of terror, but I''ve made it. Only one hill remains to be climbed," Tobias sounded tired but resolved.


    "The fair sounds nice. If I had to stare at that copper torc for five more minutes, I was going to go nuts. What''s the idea of that anyhow? As if the trials aren''t already threat enough," Riley complained as they descended.


    "It''s a reminder of the cost and an old tradition. Only those that meet the standards are considered worthwhile. It''s a reminder that our worth hinges on what we can do, not who we are. The privilege of being born with magic invites the care of the Ashenrealm but at the cost of service," Justinian recited, sounding reflective as they emerged out onto a bright and beautiful spring day.


    "One way or another, you''re going to pay the bill in copper or gold," Tobias replied.


    The saying sounded old, a calarian clich¨¦ with all the gravitas of a hammer blow.


    Riley stretched and reveled in the warmth, trying to chase the chill out of her soul, "The world I came from had inequality, too, but I saw starving children on my way home from the pet store. If they were magical, though, that wouldn''t have happened, right?" She pressed, finding their way out through the portcullis, back over a bridge.


    Tobias looked down towards her with a mournful look, shaking his head.


    A sea of tents, rivaling that of a small town, had sprung up between the castle and the academy over the last few days. Pennants blew in the gentle spring breeze, in myriads of colors. At the very back, as if a Castle in its own right, was the largest tent Riley had ever seen, dwarfing any circus she had ever been to. Its blue and white striped canvas billowing gently in the wind as it caught the air.


    The sweet and salty smells of greasy food took her back to the fall and late summer fairs of her youth, early comers milled about, some eating food on sticks.


    For a moment, Calaria didn''t seem so alien and strange.


    "Want to hit the ball toss? I''ll bet it''s open." Justinian asked.


    A black robed sorcerer passed.


    Riley recognized the spectacles of the man from the roof where she was fished out of the astral and noticed the copper torc around his neck.


    "Good morrow, Sorcerers," he bowed reverently, scurrying past, not bothering to wait for a reply.


    "He was cloistered," Riley whispered.


    "You''ll see a lot of copper torcs over the next few days. This is the only time of year they have a chance to see their families or cut loose a little," Tobias explained.


    Riley''s mood soured, "How can this world be so amazing and so terrible all at the same time? They''re still people."


    "They are, and most of us remember that, but there are always a few jerks," Justinian said.


    "At least that''s something," Riley glowered.


    "This is my fault, isn''t it?" Tobias sighed.


    "No, I just don''t know how to feel. Is that fair? Where I come from, I wouldn''t be allowed at the table, but people are supposed to matter, but we still have homeless folks and corporate greed. No one would think I''m a person there like they do here, but something like that live fire drill couldn''t happen, legally, at least. I''m confused!" Riley shook her head, trying to chase away her demons.


    Tobias frowned in introspection, "I suppose no place is perfect; I don''t know how I''d begin to fix it, though,"


    "So tonight? I think I''m going to go set up, I ate earlier." Justinian asked.


    "What?" Tobias looked towards the artificer in confusion.


    "My trial. You''ll be there? I want to go check on something," He replied.


    "Yeah, the exhibition tent, right? 7 bells?" Tobias asked.


    "Right, see you then," Justinian replied.

 Chapter 31: Dinner and a Show

    <u>Chapter 31</u>


    Nothing smelled quite right.


    The idea depressed Riley. There was all manner of fair food and calories for days. The smells themselves sparked memories of things like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fried cheese. Some of those memories were distant and shadowy, but the scents themselves brought them to a disjointed mishmash of fractured recall.


    She had lived with her parents in a place called Iowa, which was somewhere in either America or Canada; she could not remember which, or was Canada a state, too? Something ate at her, telling her she should know those basics, yet like so many details of her old life, they were slippery at best, save for a few things that existed, like hard points, implacable and immovable in the past.


    It was why the Expo food depressed her. To her memory, it all smelled familiar, but to her instinct and current mode of thinking, it was all wrong until they had found a "companion cart."


    Spears of fresh fruit on sticks, one called a jogana, especially desire and hunger in her mind as much as her stomach, not to mention the stacks of fresh clover and sweet grasses.


    The fair food might have smelled familiar, but that companion cart smelled right.


    "No charge, sir," the attendant said with a curtsey, "we always comp our friends at the academy. You do so much for us."


    Tobias looked pained and drew a few coppers from a pouch that was hidden in a pocket in his robe, "let''s just call this my own thank you then. My parents are common folk, too."


    He set the money down on the table and walked away with the woman beaming.


    "That was good of you," Riley said, her stomach grumbling as she hopped beside him. Tobias stopped at another booth full of greasy drumsticks from some unfortunate animal, acquiring his own food.


    This vendor took his money joyfully, "Thank you sorcerer."


    "You know where we live. I grew up in the lower quarter, and I see exactly what you''ve seen; I''ve just become more accustomed to it," a morose brooding hung from his words.


    "You''re bothered by what happened earlier," She surmised.


    Up ahead, Riley saw the familiar oak tree, now with tables and folding wooden chairs set out underneath it.


    "I am. Well, that and seeing how you reacted to it. You were shaking, afraid of me," Tobias sighed, picking a seat in the shade and sitting down.


    Off in the distance, four bells tolled, Tobias, mindful of the grease, set his leg down on the paper wrapping it came in, only to see to Riley''s food first.


    "I don''t think you''re a monster. I actually think you''re going to be a very good man," She praised.


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    "Maybe you should think less of me," He held out the jojagna fruit towards her, allowing her a tentative nibble.


    The taste of banana mixed with the stony flesh of pear seized her like a warm hug. Something feral took control and drove her to gobble the flesh of it down.


    "Easy, easy! Mind the stick in the center!" Tobias chuckled.


    "Dessert!" Riley exclaimed, elated. A series of happy grunts erupted, and her left hindpaw twitched.


    "Ok, I''m remembering this one; better than tenganut?" For the first time since the trials that day, she saw him smile, which caused Riley to stop.


    "What?" He asked.


    "That, right there, is why you''re a good man," she pointed a paw at him in emphasis of her point.


    "Because you like fruit?" He puzzled.


    Riley huffed. "Because you want to see someone other than yourself happy. You paid the Lady for my fruit, you care about that man you hurt, and you''re already thinking of going to the practice room to get better, aren''t you?"


    Tobias chuckled ruefully. "Am I that predictable?"


    "Yes, you are, and that''s a good thing. If I couldn''t count on you to be a good man, then I wouldn''t feel comfortable making you the offer I''m about to," She replied.


    "Offer?" Tobias cocked his head.


    "I know something about magic and oaths thanks to those cram crystals. For tomorrow''s trial, I''m lending you my power, full bore. You''re expected to have the benefit of a companion to boost your casting, right? I don''t quite understand it all, but I know enough to forge a magical compact," she held herself back from her fruit to drive the point home.


    Tobias leaned back, his face growing pale.


    "You mean that? After what you saw me do?" He marveled.


    "Yes, because of the person you are. You remember my treats, you care about the commoners, you''re not blind to this world''s cruelties, you''ve just accepted them, which is the same thing that happened with me in what I can remember of mine. I didn''t let the badness in the world stop me from trying, and I see you making those same choices," her passion caused a response in her power, pushing Riley to ground.


    Tobias pet her ears back, looking at her with obvious affection, "You''re the best purchase ever."


    He smiled like a goon, causing Riley to snort, "I was in the bargain bin; I guess we both got lucky."


    Devil''s luck indeed, she reflected.


    They passed the hour, chatting idly. Tobias'' mood rose like the sun in the morning sky. Riley stuffed herself to the gills with clover, all while more people filtered into the fair as the workday approached its end.


    The hour melted by, and soon, the bell struck five times over, prompting Tobias to stand.


    "We should make our way towards the artificer''s tent. Justinian is going to be setting up his demonstration soon."


    "I''m looking forward to that; I''ve never seen an artificer cast," Riley said, hopping down, careful of her full stomach.


    "I ate so much, I can barely hop," She stretched with a yawn.


    The crowd was growing, but still, that same halo of space formed around them like it was a natural phenomenon. Only other students drew in close. Even at her small height, Riley could catch the bubbles of space caused by the sorcerors and students as they moved through the crowds, creating currents of humanity.


    Riley saw a group of people gathered around what looked like an octagonal boxing ring, elevated up six feet off the ground.


    Two opponents were squaring off in leathers. Riley drew to a stop and watched as orange and green auras of flame wrapped around the opponents.


    One pushed off, and the ring cracked with a loud bang as he rose ten feet up in the air before descending like a lobbed artillery shell.


    The green glow intensified around his foot; he flew towards his target as if suspended by wire and weight. Quickly, his opponent flipped backward, moving towards the corner by successive flips and cartwheels, then stopped in mid-air just long enough to adjust his angle and push off a corner support, rocketing towards the other.


    They finally collided fist to foot. A shockwave exploded around them, punctuating the air with a gust of wind and a massive boom.


    Riley''s ears went flat, something deep within told her to run or freeze.


    She chose freeze, only her jaw disobeyed, slackening down.


    "First time seeing Kinetic Sorcerers?" Tobias asked, drawing up beside her.


    "Outside of the movies, yeah! This is so cool!" She cried.


    "I''m glad I built extra time into our transit," Tobias chuckled.

 Chapter 32: Justinians Trial

<u></u>


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 Chapter 33: Power, Promises, Opposites

    Chapter 33


    Riley''s paws twitched in the electric atmosphere. Upon the air she could scent the heady smell of fear, stoking her concerns.


    "I''m doomed," Tobias said, looking down at a piece of paper upon which was a number.


    "No, you''re not, friend. You''re a better sorcerer than you think." Justinian replied, pulling Tobias into a brotherly hug.


    The roar of the crowd and the sound of magical spells being slung punctuated the air, making it hard even to speak. They were in a mustering tent, one of many, waiting for their turn.


    "How could I have drawn Chadrick as a partner of all people?" Tobias was white with tension and fear.


    "Bad luck, I suppose," Riley considered her abilities, knowing she was a part of the coming battle, too, causing a strum of anxiety to shake her to her core.


    Devil''s luck, indeed. They were going to have to work with Tobias'' own devil to survive.


    "Not helping," He replied, sounding exhausted.


    "Why haven''t they put us together yet?" Riley worried.


    "Normally, they have to pair four or more together for a trial, but there''s been a lot of monsters this year, so they cut it down to two. Working in groups improvisationally is part of the job of a combat mage," Justinian explained.


    "None of this is fair!" She drummed her hindpaw angrily, thinking back to the injustices she had seen.


    "The world isn''t fair," Tobias agreed, falling quiet.


    A servant wearing a copper torc reentered, "Twenty minutes, sir, till you report to staging."


    "Did you hear about Ceravare? She didn''t make it. Dead. I saw it?" Tobias was looking down towards the ground again. His focus had never been more intense.


    "That''s not going to be your friend, you''re going to kick that monster''s ass," Justinian affirmed, shaking Tobias by his shoulder.


    "Riley, are you ready? Are you sure you still want to do this?" Tobias asked.


    "I am, now more than ever. I''ve been working on my wording and think I''m ready," it had been her main focus, granting her a needed distraction.


    "Thank you. Are you certain you want to do this?" Tobias asked, planting his feet and closing his eyes.


    "We''re going to get through this together," she affirmed, taking a long, steadying breath, trying to put the image of Ceravae''s broken body out of her mind.


    She had never watched someone die before, save for that one moment when she saw the light go out of her own eyes.


    Resolve seized her. That wouldn''t be Tobias if she had any say about it.


    "I swear by the spirit and by magic, my power unto you. I forge a temporary connection for the duration of these trials and speak it true. Let us cast together, let us share this burden together, and triumph together. So speaks my heart, so speaks my soul, so be it!" Riley intoned, pushing the power bubbling within her towards her words, granting them magical impetus.


    "By spirit and by truth do I accept your terms. Let our magic be bound together for these trials. May we face these threats together. Let our magic be one!" Tobias'' power erupted, suffusing him in an orange aura, wreathed at its edges in Riley''s own magic, the flames gaining a corona of white and black.


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    A prompt flared to life within her vision.


    You have forged a party by magical compact and are now bound in spirit and in truth by the terms you have set. Warning, this can only be broken at great personal cost to your soul and will forever mar your spirit if you do so. Your magical abilities are now accessible to party members, as theirs are accessible to yours.


    They have been added to your status screen.


    Riley''s eyes widened as she pulled at her interface. A new picture, that of Tobias looking serious and broody, now dwelled under her own, complete with the status bars she was familiar with. Reaching out towards his image, an abilities page appeared.


    Tobias, Second Tier Sorcerer, Apprentice


    2-1, progress to 2-2 at 85%


    Buffs: Overthinker, Kindhearted, Driven


    Debuffs: None


    Abilities:


    Flame Wall, 2-1, 80%


    Fire Bolt, 2-2, 0%


    "With the power she''s pulling, I almost pity the fiends you''re up against," Justinian shook his head sadly before gaining a malevolent grin.


    Tobias curled the fingers on his right hand up as he rotated his palm towards the ceiling. "It feels different, but I can''t quite place it, almost like discovering hidden rooms that were never there before." He muttered, staring down at his hand before shaking his head, grounding.


    Riley perceived a sparkling whitish silver line running just above the ground, connecting her to Tobias. It was thin but there, as she felt his power mixing with her own, augmenting her own capabilities.


    She also felt his worry and nervousness.


    Focusing, Tobias projected. "Riley, can you hear me?"


    Her ears flattened as his words roared within her mind, "Not so loud, you can do that?"


    Tobias, for the first time that day, grinned. "Most sorcerers can with focus, and revenge is sweet."


    Riley recalled how he had gripped his ears the first time she had spoken in this world.


    "We having a projection party?" Justinian whispered within, chuckling all the while.


    "Wait a minute, do people use this to cheat?" Riley balked.


    "For exams, they set up warding towers that are designed to block magical projection, " Tobias explained, seizing upon any distraction.


    "Huh¡­ I''ve heard that some schools use cell phone jammers now. I guess it''s kind of the same thing," Riley mused, boggling at what she both did and didn''t remember.


    A random news story from a year or two ago, clear as day, Iowa being a part of America or Canada? Utter mystery.


    "Cell phones?" Justinian asked this time.


    "Like your com crystals, but with greater ability," Riley explained.


    He nodded, accustomed to her strange.


    The man in the copper torc reentered, "The last bout ended earlier than expected; let''s go."


    Not waiting, he turned as Tobias fell into line.


    "I''ll be out there cheering you on. You''re going to do fine, brother!" Justinian said before exiting towards the stands.


    "Nervous, nervous, nervous," Riley chanted to herself, in time with her hops, as the roar of the crowds grew only louder.


    Navigating out of the mustering tent, they briefly entered the full light of day, only to enter into the massive tent currently dominating the magical expo as Riley began to shake.


    Something was wrong. There was a strange malevolence she could feel, almost smell like there was rotten magic stinking up the area with a fetid miasma.


    Chadrick was surrounded by an entourage, talking animatedly with Sorcerers in golden and obsidian torcs, along with observers from the college.


    He seemed confident and perfectly at ease.


    Chadrick pulled at his power; the purple light suffused his hand, dripping as ever with oil to Riley''s eyes.


    "Try not to get in my way, servant; just cower behind me, and you may live through this," Chadrick sneered.


    Riley''s eyes locked on a hawk perched on his shoulder, its feathers black as pitch.


    Flaring its wings, it emitted a haunting cry.


    "Easy, Mavora, they won''t slow me down," He sneered, petting at the hawk''s chest.


    Its burning yellow eyes bored into Riley, causing her to drum instinctively. Flashbacks of the Erkrandir thundered within her soul and drove her stomach towards a sickly nausea.


    A black obsidian flame suffused the being to her eyes, dripping with the same oily residue she had seen within Chadrick''s magic.


    "Celestial," It projected with pure malevolence and menace.


    Her ears shot rigidly up as all focus shifted towards the hawk.


    "You can speak!" She marveled.


    Riley pulled at her power, readying herself for combat, casting analyze.


    Mavora, Infernal, Tier 2-4


    Bound companion to Chadrick of Astor, Duke of Ashenrealm.


    Enemy ability and level prevent further analysis


    "That hawk, it''s a baddie! It''s an infernal!" Riley screeched, projecting towards Tobias.


    He paled, his hand beginning to shake.


    "Try to stay calm, Riley. We''ll get through this," Tobias replied as her ears swiveled to the sound of an opening cage.

 Chapter 34: Trial by Combat

    Chapter 34


    "Everyone ready?" Teranga, the sorceress from the potions class, asked.


    "Ready." Both Tobias and Chadrick said, just slightly out of sync.


    Riley was within her cage, currently held by a man wearing a copper torc.


    The obsidian hawk had her own minder, this one a lady, as they each stared the other down.


    Riley felt a drive towards combat she had never known before. Something instinctual within her told her the real threat was just inches away, which drove her magic forward, the power sparking at the ends of her paws.


    Mavora flared her wings again, beating against the walls of her cage, before screeching at Riley.


    "Your mage will die, and then you shall." The hawk hissed.


    "Prepare to be disappointed, you overgrown chicken!" Riley drummed her hindpaw in defiance, causing the man holding her cage to struggle.


    "Celestial, with a mortal taint, Familiar... the long past... You will know oblivion this day," Riley cocked her head at the infernal''s words, finding distraction from her rage.


    "Familiar? What''s familiar?" Her head cocked in confusion.


    Mavora spread her wings and screamed.


    Riley''s fur stood on end, her instincts taking over, forcing her back against the walls of the cage, as far as she could get from Mavora.


    "It seems your companions are eager for this fight," Teranga observed with a knowing smile.


    "Mavora is probably hungry and knows food when she sees it," Chadrick snickered.


    Riley, meanwhile, closed her eyes and fought towards calm.


    With a nod from Teranga, Tobias and Chadrick moved out onto the battlefield, with the coppers carrying the cages following behind them.


    The noise of the crowd smacked into Riley like a wave, driving her back towards panic. Thousands of people were packed in like cordwood, occupying bleachers that stretched up towards the ceiling of the tent.


    The battlefield itself was grass and pockmarked with craters, blackened here and there from the day''s trials. Blood and viscera of all types had been flung everywhere, sending her nose into overdrive piling more fuel onto the fire of her instinctual fear.


    Far on the opposite side, fifty feet away, were two massive cages. Riley could see the magic burning around them, keeping what was within, secured.


    Her heart froze as an ear splitting roar emerged from one of them. Even the hawk turned its focus away from her.


    The man in the copper torc set her cage down in a predetermined spot, outlined by a white box that had been painted upon the grass; about four feet away, the hawk''s rested. Its talons gripped through the cage, tearing furrows into the dirt.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, for our next trial, Chadrick of Astor, Duke of the Ashen Throne, and Tobias of the Valenheim Academy face off in mortal combat for golden torc and survival itself!" A hidden announcer''s voice boomed through the arena, drawing her ears up and alert, allowing the sound of the roaring crowds to batter her mind further.


    Slowly, the doors of the monster cages drew open, causing the crowd to go wild.


    Riley detected a surge of magic from the hawk; a black, oily outline framed one of the beings, a giant eldritch leech, with successive rows of lamprey like teeth, providing garish accent to its pink flesh that faded into a shiny, slimy black that covered the whole of its body. It fed upon the power, erupting in black and grey flames to her eyes.


    Instinctively, her own magic burst forth as she cast Analyze.


    Asanago, Infernal Being, Leech


    Utilizes Poison and Chaos magic to deadly effect.


    Weakness: Holy, Salt.


    Buffs: Elemental Resistance, Enraged, Infernal Focus.


    "Being an eldritch horror is kind of its thing."


    It locked in on Tobias and charged across the battlefield towards him.


    In reply, undaunted, two quick fireballs erupted from his hands.


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    The crowd cheered as they screamed across the battlefield, impacting the monster right in the teeth.


    The flames washed over it to no effect. Tobias pulled again, halting its motion, containing it within a corral of flame.


    Riley briefly glanced in the upper right hand corner of her vision, Noticing Tobias'' status bars next to her own. His mana had hardly dipped in spite of his casting.


    That''s when she became aware of a bracket between her mana bar and his own in her overlay.


    "He''s got access to my mana, too!" She exclaimed, her paws wrapped around the wire of the cage, torn between excitement and concern.


    Slowly, a being of living shadow emerged out of the next cage and stopped as the leech struggled within Tobias'' flame wall. It twitched and jerked desperately, searching for a path out.


    Riley felt a tug, and the white corona appeared again, wreathing Tobias'' power, adding its color to the flame wall, halting all forward motion as seconds ticked by like years.


    But why wasn''t the other monster attacking?


    Following the black line from the hawk, it seemed to be wrapping around a being of coalescent smoke. It meandered strangely upon the battlefield, vaguely in the motion of Chadrick, who stood dramatically, as the purple oily magic appeared around his hand. He squeezed his fingers in, rolling his palm forward towards the enemy.


    A bolt of purple hued ice surged across and impacted the being.


    It screeched in pain and terror while the ice traced fractal crystal patterns across its body of coalescent shadow before evaporating in a black mist.


    A strange standstill fell upon the arena.


    Riley cast Analyze.


    Panterzoon Shadow Fiend, Chaotic


    Sonic, poison, magically vampiric


    Weaknesses: Ice, Holy


    Buffs: None


    Debuffs: Infernal puppeteer, Bewildered, Confusion


    "Pants not included."


    Bolt after bolt of ice flew, slamming into the panterzoon as it cowered in a heap near its cage.


    The crowd began to boo, deprived of the violence they craved.


    With a terrifying scream, the leech launched itself through Tobias''s flame wall. Its flesh blackened and burned; thick ropes of oily smoke erupted off it as it whined and thrashed in agony.


    Wounded, it angled its mouth towards Tobias, a few of its teeth making up the outer edges folded out and launched towards him. He dove, flattening himself against the ground, but not before one caught him in the cheek, ripping it open from jaw to temple.


    "Argggh!" He cried, instinctively slapping his hand over the wound. The blood poured over his hand like water, soaking the collar of his robes.


    Tobias pulled at Riley''s power as he writhed and fought to shut out the pain.


    Healing Halo¡­


    Riley felt her power dip as fifteen percent of her mana bar vanished in an instant.


    The magic erupted from her cage like a wave, washing over Tobias; the bleeding stopped as the curious sound of flesh knitting together reached her sensitive ears, leaving him with a new and prominent scar.


    Chadrick, in supposed noble action, turned his attention towards the leech and fired a few ice bolts. They impacted, drawing its focus before it locked back in on Tobias, stalking forward.


    "It''s the god damned hawk! It''s tilting this fight!" Riley projected towards Tobias.


    "Hawk or not, I''m doing my best here!" Tobias'' voice echoed within her mind, full of panic and fear driving her own.


    "It will not be long now," Mavora growled, turning her attention towards the leech. Riley saw the shockwave of healing magic slam into the leech. Its body reformed as Tobias threw a fire bolt at close range, tearing a new hole that quickly healed.


    "Oh dear," Tobias dropped his cast and began to move back diagonally from the monster. An ethereal calm descended upon him, casting fire bolt after fire bolt.


    Holes appeared, only to close moments later.


    Riley''s eyes narrowed as she noticed the hawk, wreathed in an aura of shadowy power. The black lines to the monsters pulsed, connecting them back to her.


    "That line of power. It''s like a power cable," The anger bubbled within her like a volcano.


    She pulled at her magic in a building rage, visualizing her connection to Tobias, pushing the power towards him, through him, targeting the monster.


    Righteous Flame.


    A massive surge erupted from the hare. Her power dipped precipitously, costing another twenty percent of her mana bar.


    Tobias, animated by the surge, threw a bolt of flame with a tiny orange dot at the center of a blazing white inferno. It sailed across the battleground, impacting into the leech, and then enveloped it like it was coated in pitch.


    His hands glowed with power as he drew both together and then pushed out towards the leech, sending a line of flame seemingly connecting himself and the monster as their mana bars lost another ten percent.


    It howled in agony as Tobias bathed it in white hot death, incinerating it to ash, the impact pushing a type of magical feedback through the black line of power.


    The hawk''s eyes went wide just as it hit her. Mavora slammed back into her cage before falling limp, unconscious.


    The black wisp of power from Mavora vanished before her eyes.


    Critical Attack, Combo- Flame Wall, Fire Bolt


    Asanago Annihilated


    Riley saw the words blink in her overlay just under their status bar.


    "Booyah!" Riley leapt in joy, ignoring the feeling of her back impacting the top of the cage.


    The Panterzoon coalesced into a shadowy, wolf-like figure now freed from its confusion.


    Chadrick looked back toward Mavora''s cage and turned pale. The panterzoon charged, emitting a deafening sonic wail that forced Chadrick to freeze.


    Tobias fell into a run, knocking him out of the path of the charging monster. Riley pulled at her power and pushed through Tobias yet again; he raised his hand, acting in concert with her cast.


    "Righteous Flame!" She cried.


    Tobias cast a flame wall, drawing his fingers closed, crushing the monster within it.


    It howled in agony, charging through the flames; bits of it flashed into ash, slowing its motion to a limp. Some in the crowd began to leap from their seats, the noise crescendoing to a deafening roar.


    Tobias sent another white wreathed bolt of orange flame towards the charging beast, protecting Chadrick, his greatest enemy, from certain death.


    It sailed through the creature, burning much of the monster away. Gaps in its shadow body allowed the light of day to pierce through it. It howled, now staggering on its inky paws, then firmed, leaping over Tobias, landing between him and Chadrick.


    He fell back on the ground, casting ice bolts, but it stalked forward. Its maw opening wide, Riley saw a prismatic light begin to flow from the fallen sorcerer as the being fed on his power.


    Slowly, the holes were closing as they healed, and Chadrick went pale, curling into a fetal position.


    "Help," He mewed weakly.


    Tobias drew back, getting some distance, pulling with everything he had left.


    A white burst of flame, this time highlighted by an orange corona, flew, impacting the monster from behind. It exploded into a mist, coating Chadrick in a s strange viscous slime.


    Righteous Flame, Critical attack


    Panterzoon Annihilated.


    Tobias dropped to his knees as the crowd went wild.

 Chapter 35: Summa Cum Laude

    "We won!" Riley cried, bouncing in her cage. "We won! We Won!"


    Chadrick was curled in a fetal position, shaking, while Mavora was still out cold. Tobias rose from his knees, looking around, lost in a stupor, until his eyes locked on Riley''s cage.


    "Are you ok?" She cried out, beating against the side of her cage.


    "Hush now, beast. Your master is unharmed," the servant from before said, grasping the handle above her.


    "That won''t be necessary. Let her free." Tobias order.


    "Of course, sir," The servant said, with a bow, opening the door.


    Riley flew from the cage, dashing across the grounds, leaping into Tobias'' arms as he went down on one knee.


    "I don''t think I could have done that without you," Trembling, he held her tight to his chest.


    "I''m just so glad you''re safe!" Riley grunted, nuzzling tight against his chest.


    The healer she had seen zapping cancer rushed out, attended by two servants carrying a stretcher. She knelt down next to Chadrick.


    Her hand glowed as she moved it over him, and her nose twitched, then wrinkled in disgust.


    "You can help him up," She ordered.


    Each took one arm, lifting the Duker of Astor, revealing brown streaks that had soaked through his robes.


    "Unhand me," He slapped their hands away, stalking off the way he came, grabbing Mavora''s cage in a seething rage.


    "Please tell me that means he failed. He needs to be knocked down a few pegs," Riley said.


    Chadrick turned, pointing a long and bony finger.


    "I won''t forget this!" He spat, before vanishing.


    "Sir, we need to clear the field; there are other students," The man in the copper torc urged.


    He couldn''t have been older than thirty, his face pained, torn between duty and expediency.


    "Thanks, friend," Tobias smiled, letting Riley go, "where to next?"


    "You''re to follow me to one of the muster tents. That is all I know, sir," He replied.


    Passing the staging area and the next two hopefuls, the servant led them left, out of the grand tent to a medium-sized one set off to the side.


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    Entering, Tobias stiffened at the sight of an old man in maroon robes that, to Riley''s eyes, looked ten years past his expiration date. On a table in front of him was a black robe and a golden torc.


    "Grandmaster Silas," Tobias exclaimed, going down on one knee.


    Riley cocked her head.


    "You''ve acquitted yourself especially well today and throughout your trials, so I thought I''d handle this bit personally. You passed," He held out a shaking, decrepit hand towards the robes.


    Tobias remained rooted, staring down towards the ground, "I''m honored you''d take the time, sir."


    "That is, of course, not the only reason," he chuckled.


    Riley tried not to think of the crypt keeper.


    "Sir?" Tobias asked.


    "It is my understanding that you have a new companion. They often augment a sorcerer''s ability, leading to manifestations of new power, but you showed abilities we''ve never assessed before. Tell me, how did you come by her?" He asked.


    "Oh shit, this is bad," Riley went from tension to panic. Slowly, she began to look for exits, backing up.


    "A gift from my Grandfather for trials. Her magic is of the celestial and chaos," Tobias reported.


    "Which leads to the life confluence! She''s a liminal, a rare and valuable specimen. One would be surprised if she were just a dumb beast then. Say hello, little one; you are under no threat from me," The old man smiled ruefully while Riley felt the jaws of fate clamp down upon her neck.


    "Uh¡­ Hello," she projected.


    "It''s always been my understanding that sapient companions were only of the first tier," Tobias continued to kneel with his head bowed.


    "Normally, it is so, but with confluences, things become.... murky. You are wise to keep that close to your vest. It will prove an ally in your trials to come, and for now, at least, I shall keep your secret. It is the prerogative of every sorcerer team to face the world in their own way. You have earned that right, but be warned, I am not the only one who has seen your abilities," he cautioned.


    "Please, sir, if I may ask, what do you intend? How am I to be assigned?" Tobias asked.


    "That I cannot say, but you have distinguished yourself both as a scholar, a caster, and brave all the while. I try to make time to meet the standouts. The future of our order rests on the shoulders of those like you," He rose, shuffling by Tobias with an awkward stooped gate, "ah, and you may go."


    Tobias stood, looking down at Riley, removing the silver torc from his neck.


    With a sigh, he set it down on the table. Years of fear and doubt lifted off of him like a weight.


    "Was that wise? Tobias, I''m scared," Riley scanned around again, searching for any sign of a waiting ambush.


    A prompt flashed to life in her vision, alongside two exclamation points that pulsed in the upper right hand corner of her sight.


    Your magical contract has expired, and your party has been disbanded.


    "Tell me how I could have done otherwise? He clearly knew, and others might know too," He replied.


    "What does that mean? Will people try to split us up?" She worried.


    "We''re supposedly bound to one another, so that wouldn''t work. To be honest, I have no idea what he intends, but he said he''d keep our secret," Tobias shrugged.


    "Not comforting," Riley said flatly.


    "No, it is not. You''ve been nothing but chaos since you came into my life, and I''m thankful to the thirteen gods for you," He said, taking up the golden torc, turning it over in his hands before fitting it around his neck.


    "I''ve been waiting my whole life for this, and I wouldn''t have made it today without you. Chadrick intended to kill me."


    "He did. Mavora was using her magic to buff and control the monsters. It smells rotten," Riley said.


    "Then we made an enemy by surviving," Tobias surmised, rubbing at his chin.


    "By all means, let''s keep pissing him off," Riley said.


    Tobias nodded and took up his black robe.


    "Should I hop out to let you change?" She asked.


    "There are some things you don''t want to see, and this seems private enough, so at least turn away. Next, we need to go find Justinian and my parents," Tobias grinned, all as the look of new concerns shone from behind his eyes.

 Chapter 36: Out of the frying pan...

    <u>Chapter 36</u>


    Tobias emerged out of the tent with fresh black robes.


    To Riley''s eyes, they seemed a little big.


    "Wow, look at you!" Riley exclaimed; his old set of greys, worn from battle, were rolled up and tucked under one arm.


    The young sorcerer grinned from ear to ear.


    "Someone''s happy," Riley grinned with her words.


    "I always expected to end up in black robes, but not with a golden torc," Tobias explained.


    A servant drifted by, bowing as he passed.


    "Good morrow, sorcerer. May I serve?" He asked.


    Tobias looked at the man, confused.


    The servant blanched pale, "I meant nothing by it, young master."


    Still reeling from the events of the last few hours, Tobias''s mind finally caught up. "I''ve just recently earned my golden torc. I was still a student an hour ago."


    "Oh, well then, sir, may I humbly offer my congratulations," The servant bowed again.


    "Weird," Riley boggled, "it''s like we got a first class upgrade."


    Tobias regarded her strangely while the servant waited with practiced patience.


    "Oh, you''re waiting for me to dismiss you," Tobias shook his head, bewildered, "it''s been a very full day. Would you, uh, dispose of these for me?"


    The copper noticed the grey fabric bundle under Tobias'' arm and brightened, "Of course, sir, I''ll handle it personally and take my leave, and once again, congratulations."


    Bowing once more, he took the old robe and scurried off.


    "I suppose I should get used to that," He sighed, watching the man move quickly to his tasks.


    He had to have been at least twice his age.


    "Do you want me to bite your ankles if you get a big head?" Riley asked, pressing up against his legs.


    "That might help. I''m feeling a bit overwhelmed," Tobias sighed, running a finger over his new scar.


    "We survived, and we weren''t meant to, and you proved yourself wrong. I love it when I''m right." Riley drummed her hind paw, claiming her fair share of elation, kicking off in a leap, twisting her body, then zoomed around him in a tight circle.


    "Prideful beast," Tobias said, kneeling down to pet her ears before looking around, "Justinian said he''d meet us with the family at our normal place after the match. Jogana fruit on the way?"


    "You don''t have to tell me twice, but what happens now?" Riley asked.


    The thoroughfare was a ghost town as they walked past bored attendants manning booths. Distantly, the background roar of the crowd pointed to where most were.


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    Servants in copper torcs, some using aids to focus their power, were moving people on platforms along a smooth floor, interspersed between statues of monsters and soldiers, something called "Blackblade''s Gambit."


    To Riley, it was the teacup ride from Disneyland, with a little extra flourish and a lot less moving parts.


    "This place never fails to surprise me with how similar it is to my past life," She mused, bounding alongside Tobias.


    "You''ve said as much, but as to your question, now we wait. At some point in the next one to two weeks, a messenger will come by the house and deliver my orders," Tobias explained.


    Riley''s ears went crooked.


    "What about graduation ceremonies? Celebrations? What about you going to a scriptorium for a nice quiet life?" Riley balked.


    "I don''t know what a graduation ceremony would be. As for the rest of it, after meeting Grandmaster Silas, I''m beginning to worry about my future," Tobias sounded pained as he walked up to the companion cart, purchasing Riley''s favorite treats with another few coppers from his pouch.


    "In a graduation ceremony, you wear a funny flat hat with a black robe, and the leader of the school moves a tassel on the hat from one side to another before giving you a fancy piece of paper," Riley explained.


    "You come from a very strange place," He observed.


    "Maybe every place is strange except the place you come from," Riley replied, as a blur of a man impacted into Tobias.


    "Look at you, saving Chadrick! My hero!" Tobias took the blow full on from Justinian, struggling to hold onto Riley''s treats all the while.


    "Don''t remind me, that little prick wanted to kill me. I guess that''s gratitude for you," Tobias sighed, his smile contradicting the seriousness in his eyes.


    "That bad, and you''re yet to be assigned?" Justinian looked worried.


    "Yeah, I''m nervous, brother. This was supposed to be a victory; instead, it''s just the doorway to new problems. I''ve made an enemy in the royal court," Tobias shook his head.


    "If there''s any justice in this world, they''ll slap a copper torc around his neck. His performance was shameful," Justinian''s flashed with anger and disgust.


    "He''s the nephew to the King of Ashes; they''ll give him a golden torc and marry him off to some poor first tier woman in the hopes of producing first tier children," Tobias spat bitterly.


    "A fate worse than death," Justinian nodded.


    "And he''s got an infernal companion!" Riley added, hopping aboard the Chadrick sucks train.


    "The hawk? Fuck me. Well, powerful companions seem to be in vogue this season," Justinian set one hand behind his head. "This just doesn''t get better, does it?"


    "No, and in spite of what I''ve done, in spite of how I saved his ass, I''m now at his mercy. He doesn''t need to lift a finger to send me to some shit hole or mire me up to my neck in trouble. I should have let the panterzoon have him," Tobias shook his head.


    "Maybe I perma-fried the hawk, and he''ll be too busy hating new people to care about us? I mean, we don''t matter in his world anymore, right?" Riley knew one thing above all, that there was no hope like false hope.


    "You fried his hawk? Good job," Justinian fuzzled her ears.


    "She had it coming. They were controlling the monster, tilting the fight," Riley explained.


    "That tracks with infernal magic. If he wasn''t a royal..." Justian trailed off.


    "It was Riley''s celestial magic that guaranteed my survival. It would have gone differently otherwise," Tobias knelt down and held out the jogana fruit for Riley.


    None too proud, she devoured it greedily.


    "I just don''t know what to tell you, man," Justinian said, at a loss.


    "I don''t either. I did meet Grandmaster Silas, though; he summoned me after the trial. My one saving grace may be that there are bigger people than Chadrick and his grudges invested in my future, but that''s not a good thing exactly either," Tobias'' said with worry dripping from his words.


    Riley''s ears went flat.


    "Let''s go find my family. I want to enjoy this while I can." Tobias rose as Riley finished her treat.


    "We''re all camped out under the old oak tree. You''re just making friends all over, aren''t you?" Justinian grinned, leading the small group on.


    Riley noticed the two blinking exclamation points again but decided it would keep for a moment when the future didn''t loom like a blood red moon on the horizon. Being able to wait felt like far more than a luxury. Her eyes widened as she noticed for the first time it felt like control, some modicum of choice that buffeted against the chaos of her new life.


    "So celestial magic, huh?" Justinian asked Riley, "Shouldn''t you have wings?"


    "I do have wings; when I pull at my power, at least I can see them sometimes," Riley affirmed.


    Justinian stopped, his mouth hanging open. "She can see magic?"


    "She can see magic; catch up," Tobias said with a grin.

 Chapter 37: Into the Fire

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 Chapter 38: Partnership

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 Chapter 39: Family Matters

    Chapter 39


    "Are you alright, son?" Cedric asked as they emerged from the bedroom.


    "Just working things out, I''m a little spooked," Tobias admitted.


    Cedric smiled warmly.


    "This is part of growing up, part of becoming a man, and you''ve become a fine one. You''re doing your service; now, we all wish it was different, but that doesn''t change the truth of things," he affirmed, taking a long pull off his pipe.


    Tobias sighed, "Every sorcerer owes the kingdom their service. I just...wish I had more time. I don''t even know what to take with me."


    "We''ll you''ll need a fine pair of boots, but I can help with that, and I believe Granda has a gift for you from his youth, don''t you?" He asked, turning to the older man.


    "I do at that! I''ll be just a minute," Darius rose and went to leave.


    Tobias held up his hand.


    "Just a minute. I know you''re all worried about me; you obviously heard me arguing," Tobias began as Gwendolyn drifted in from the kitchen.


    "You''ll be fine, love," she said, kissing him on the forehead.


    "That doesn''t mean I''m not going to be taking risks, but I wanted you to meet someone before I go. I''ve got an edge," Tobias said.


    "You mean Riley, of course," Darius beamed with pride.


    "Hello," She projected out to all of them.


    Cedric dropped his pipe and reached for the poker near the fireplace.


    "She''s¡­ did she bind you son?" Gwendolyn went pale.


    "I swear by my spirit and by my magic that I haven''t bound your son, nor has he bound me. We''ve made a magical compact to share our power but nothing more. All I want is to see him succeed," Riley said quickly, as it


    appeared the family was marshaling for war.


    They all, seemingly at once, relaxed.


    "It''s funny how well that works," She mused.


    "Nothing sinister that thinks would mar their soul that way. It might even break them from their magic," Tobias explained.


    "Shouldn''t you know that? You''re obviously a thinking beast. It seems I got my silver''s worth, at least," Darius chuckled.


    "I''m no Einstein, but I''d like to think I''ve got some smarts. I''m learning a lot right now and kind of been thrown in the deep end of the pool," Riley replied.


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    They looked at her, confused.


    "Riley''s from a world without magic; at least part of her is. She reincarnated here out of the greater astral, before being captured and sold as a companion. She doesn''t fully understand how our world works yet," Tobias explained.


    "It''s been a wild two weeks. I''m still missing my thumbs," Riley admitted.


    "Oh, you poor thing, this must be just awful for you," Gwendolyn cooed.


    "It''s not so bad. You''ve all made it easier. I''m really sorry to have kept this from you, but at the beginning, I intended to escape, and this was my ace, my edge. Then it just kind of took on its own inertia." Riley explained; still the guilt echoed within.


    "That explains your trials," Cedric reasoned, "I know you''re good at what you do, son, with the way you study, but¡­"


    "I''m not that good, or rather, I don''t have that range of affinity," Tobias finished. His father nodded.


    Darius walked over to Riley and bent down to get closer to her level.


    "Thank you for helping my boy and going with him. I''m truly sorry for the cage lass."


    "You were the first people that were nice to me; it''s forgotten," Riley replied.


    Darius moved down the stairs only to return a moment later with a cloak and a fine pair of boots, rugged and unadorned, with thick, heavy soles.


    "It''s going to be an adaption from what you''re used to, but I intended them as a gift for you anyway after the Noble canceled the order. Don''t worry; the guarantee he paid covered the materials," Cedric said.


    "It''s time to go soon, isn''t it?" Riley could feel the time slipping away.


    "Yes, it''s near enough to four bells, and it wouldn''t do to be late," Tobias replied.


    Riley nodded.


    "I''ve some bread and cookies for the journey. You can keep it in your satchel, love. I''ll wrap them up," Gwendolyn said, disappearing into the kitchen.


    "I might be able to help with that; bring it here?" Riley offered.


    "More surprises?" Gwendolyn asked, returning with a wooden tray.


    Tobias took it and kneeled, holding it steady for Riley.


    Riley put her paws on it and focused intently on the bread and cookies, using her will to tell it where to go.


    They vanished away while an inventory screen appeared within her vision, showing the newly stored items.


    Tobias boggled.


    "What did you do?" He asked.


    "I used my inventory space. I''ve got an astral pocket; it''ll keep it fresh." She beamed with pride.


    "You''re just full of surprises, but the tray?" Tobias asked.


    Riley referenced her overlay, and sure enough, it was there occupying its own slot.


    "Sorry. Observe, there is nothing up my sleeve!" She proclaimed.


    The tray appeared out of the ether before her.


    "I see what you mean about giving him an edge. She''s a rare and fine creature, son; there''s not many in the second tier like her, I''m certain," Cedric boggled.


    "There''s none like her that I know of," Tobias replied with pride, taking the cloak and boots from his grandpa and then disappearing back into his room.


    Gwendolyn smiled, "I can see you''ve been good to him, but you''ll look after him, won''t ya, dear?"


    "I lost my parents when I was twelve in my old life and my grandmother six months before I died. It''s felt good to have a family again, even if I''m only the family pet. You''ve been kind, you''ve stuffed me to the gills, and you''ve raised a fine son. I''ll do my best, I promise." Riley affirmed.


    "You''re more than that, dear. You helped him through his trials, and you''ll help each other through what''s to come. You''re a part of us now, for good and all; you come back safe, too." Darius said.


    "Hear, hear!" Cedric replied, just as the heavy sound of new boots striking the floor caused her ears to swivel.


    Tobias emerged with his cloak over his black robes, ready to go.


    It was a tearful goodbye; before long, Riley found herself with Tobias out the door and upon the empty lane, with the smell of fresh bread being baked at the bakery hanging heavy in the air.


    Far in the distance, a bell rang out four times as the watchman began to call in the night.


    "Four bells and all is well!"


    It seemed to Riley''s mind that all was not well, that the world had gained a ragged edge, but that''s just what life did; it mutated and contorted strangely to ever keep one within the borderlands between ok and screwed.


    "Devil''s luck indeed," She said to herself, hopping after Tobias as they moved through the misty quiet morning.

 Chapter 40: Shrinkage

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 Chapter 41: Do you want to be friends?

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 Chapter 42: Resolve

    <u>Chapter 42</u>


    Six days in, and Riley had gained a new appreciation for the word rest.


    "I died. I went to hell," she panted in between the syllables of her inner monologue.


    Tobias trudged forward, with Zorna ever snapping at his heels.


    A prompt notification flashed in the upper right hand corner of her overlay, numbly Riley willed it forward.


    Through continued exertion, your stamina level has increased. Congratulations!


    Progress to level 2-1, now at 85%


    "Yay me," she sighed, noticing her bar was more than half drained.


    The blinking had become a fearful thing, a harbinger of pain to come.


    Every time they stopped without orders heralded a beating.


    This was not the childish malevolence or selfishness of Chadrick; this wasn''t a game. This was the work of an artificer hired to pound sorcerers into hardened steel.


    Cid seemed to have more respect for animals than people and had largely left Riley be, but watching him hurt Tobias drove her to rage and despair, hurting her in different ways that competed with the soreness in her paws and the ache in her ribs.


    Tobias bore bruises to his midsection. His hands were cut and bleeding from falls, and in spite of her healing magic, he had gained a limp.


    There was only so much she could do in the few small hours they were allowed to rest at the end of long and torturous days.


    The kraus snarled, snapping Riley savagely from her reflections.


    Tobias stumbled. Sweat poured from his forehead, his face a mask of tortured agony.


    "That tears it!" Riley was beyond concerns of consequences or reason.


    She had to make it stop.


    The power leapt up, feeding on her outrage.


    She channeled down into the earth.


    Pictures began to form in her mind of the vast root networks of trees and other plants.


    Plant whisperer.


    Up ahead, an ancient and deep root ran under the road. With a whisper of power, she bid it to stir, feeding it with her life magic. It put off new shoots, angling up, pushing through the hard packed earthen road.


    "Riley...." Tobias panted, "What are you channeling?"


    She seized on the moment, willing it to break from the earth, wrapping around Zorna''s back paw just as the kraus pushed off.


    Zorna yelped and jerked rudely to the right before she fell, muzzle planting into the dirt. Cid stopped and dropped down off his mount, running back towards his companion in a panic, forgetting all about Tobias as he checked her over.


    "That was not smart," Tobias said, whispering through the magic.


    "Was this you, boy?" Cid demanded, a look of barely restrained rage on his face.


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    Zorna was whimpering, rising up on three shaky legs, favoring her back left.


    Regret flashed, only to evaporate like a morning mist amidst the angry sun of her outrage.


    "I''m a fire mage," Tobias replied cooly, offering nothing.


    Cid, fuming, stalked over to his saddle bags and pulled out a healing potion, feeding it to his companion. Zorna perked almost instantly and sat with her tongue lulling out next to her master.


    "That''s not what I asked you," Cid stalked forward, his eyes cold with rage, "Was this you, boy?"


    "No," Tobias said, his tone flat and emotionless.


    "I''m starting to think you don''t want to be friends." Cid pressed.


    The young sorcerer held his words.


    Cid reached out with his hand and patted him on the cheek.


    "Well, Zorna here, I think, needs a rest. Are you ready to stop?" As if his rage were a mask, Cid put on a broad smile, looking towards Tobias with fatherly affection.


    Tobias, meanwhile, stayed quiet.


    "Don''t want to talk? Do you think being obstinate will help? Fool," He chuckled.


    Tobias stared. Cid vaulted up, balling his fist.


    Tobias remained still as a statue.


    "That''s right, give him nothing," Riley encouraged, silence, so far, had been one of the only ways they could fight back.


    "Oh, I like that. Alright, boy. We''ll stop for the night, gather sticks for a fire," he ordered.


    Riley hopped alongside as Tobias began to forage for sticks and branches.


    "You know, it''s kind of pretty here," There were no signs of human habitation from anywhere that she could see. For the first few days of travel, they had passed through farmers'' fields and green space, passing through concentric rings of ancient walls seemingly carved out of solid rock.


    Farmland, wall, farmland, wall; by the third day, they had ventured through a town but hadn''t stopped. The further they moved from Ashenvale, the narrower the roads grew and the more wild the country became.


    Off in the distance, Riley could see mountains, towering, thrusting up into the atmosphere, cutting a craggy line against the sky, topped with snow, the rolling green hills they currently found themselves in stretched out as if reaching towards them. Thick copses of trees existed in bunches dotting the landscape.


    "How are you holding up?" She prompted, pressing against his legs.


    "About the same. I''m exhausted, and I''m tired of this. I don''t know how my life could have gone this wrong," his voice, even within her mind, was on the edge of despair.


    "Every step we take is a step away from him. It''s one moment less that we have to deal with his manipulations," Riley encouraged while he continued to gather his bundle.


    "Nothing works. No matter what we do, he always finds a way to twist it around and hurt me," Tobias stopped and stared down at the ground.


    "Taking Zorna out of the picture got us an early quit at least," Riley offered.


    "But we can''t do that all the time, and he already suspects I had something to do with it. We''ve no idea of the consequences; no matter what we do, we lose! This fucker is worse than Chadrick," Tobias, in spite of his sore legs, began to stomp around, from twig to branch, his anger rising and, with it, his power.


    "No¡­" He whispered quietly to himself, "I''m not going to let him get to me. I''m not going to give him the satisfaction. If it''s the last thing I do, I''m going to out stubborn that fuck!"


    Riley could see the struggle underway as his patience and tolerance eroded like an earthen dam in a hundred year flood.


    "We''re going to be ok. This isn''t going to last forever, even if it feels like forever. Get harder, get stronger, but don''t let this kill your heart. He''s not worth it. We''re in this together," she assured.


    "Any regrets?" For the first time in recent memory, he smiled wryly as Riley grazed at the grass.


    Lately, she was constantly hungry.


    "No, I made my choice, and I''m not going to let him take away my sense that I did the right thing. I don''t like my life right now, but I''m going to keep moving forward until that son of a bitch is a hundred miles behind me. Rangers roam the countryside, right? Take bounties?" Riley asked. They had had this conversation before.


    That wasn''t the point.


    "They mainly operate alone or in groups of opportunity, yes, elite monster hunters," Tobias replied.


    "That''s our end game. We go through this hell, we get to the other side, and then we have some freedom. That''s what we''re fighting for. This won''t last, and you''ve got me to talk to. Let the awful asshat stew," Riley said to herself as much as Tobias. The space stretching out between now and then felt like an eternity.


    "It''s going to end," he whispered the words like a prayer.


    "It''s going to end," Riley echoed in response.


    Tobias, having his arms full, moved back to where Cid was setting up camp and began arranging some wood for the fire.


    "Feel like talking, boy?" Cid asked.


    Tobias only stared impassively.


    "Hmm, seems you want to be obstinate, so I''ll give you a choice. You can talk with me a while and have dinner, or you can head over to that stone outcropping, practice your magic, and starve," Cid said, pulling some jerky from a pouch within his saddle bag.


    He chewed it meditatively.


    Tobias'' stomach growled; still, he turned and trudged over to the rock.


    Riley noticed a curious grin on Cid''s face as she followed.


    "Don''t worry, we still have some bread and cookies. It''s not much, but it''s something." Riley reminded him, grateful for her inventory space.

 Chapter 43: Breakthroughs and Beginnings

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 Chapter 44: You want me to kill you?

    <u>Chapter 44</u>


    "Form 1!" Cid barked; Tobias, with a chipped and weathered sword, drew up in an arcing form as Cid drew down, in an inverse of the very same movement.


    "Form 2!" He ordered. Tobias shifted the blade in his hands and drew it to the side.


    "Parry!" The slow motion dance continued, and Riley watched with interest.


    Things had changed; they were still hard, but there was food, some level of understanding, and with it, a new motion to their days.


    Another week had bled by since that fateful morning, and her body was feeling better and, if anything, stronger. They had been sleeping through the night and starting each day like this, running through the ten forms and defensive positions of Calarian swordsmanship.


    "Wrong!" Cid cried before striking Tobias'' shoulder with the pommel of his sword.


    "Do you have to hit so hard?" He dropped his guard to rub at his shoulder, only for Cid to slam both hands into Tobias'' chest, knocking him to the ground.


    "Never drop your defense in front of an opponent. Pain is a punishment for stupidity; get smarter, and you might survive to hurt less!" He snapped, but for all his aggression, Riley could see the signs of care at the edges of his malice.


    Tobias rolled back into a defensive position and then rose in a diagonal projection towards Cid, drawing up into form 1, sweeping from the bottom up in a leftward arc.


    Cid caught the blade and parried, moving in a feint that Tobias caught. He leapt back before snapping his sword to a central defense, catching the deadlier blow.


    "You learn fast. I like that. Now form up. Let''s go through those positions again and tighter this time!" Cid barked.


    Riley took a deep breath and, bored, began playing with her prompts, finally pulling at her map.


    "We''ve been going in circles?" The path out of Ashenvale was clear, with the successive rings of defensive walls, but from what she could see against what she could not, they had been ranging in a wide loop just outside the final wall.


    Riley looked towards Cid and Tobias. It seemed at that moment that Cid was teaching her things, too.


    "Always check my prompts," it was easy to forget they were there, even with the notifications that popped in the upper right of her vision, especially when she was being run to death. Still, for the last few days, she had the easier part.


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    Hares did not use swords. She didn''t have the thumbs for it, which still kind of annoyed her, but that did leave her time for grazing and resting before the day''s run.


    She felt a bit guilty watching Tobias work when she had time to graze, rest, and reflect.


    "So this isn''t so bad, and I have my magic. It''s actually pretty fair," She said to herself, not wanting to distract Tobias.


    The heavy sounds of hilt meeting flesh passed over her ears once again.


    "Mmmmm¡­" Tobias groaned, shoving down the pain, snapping back into a ready stance, shaking his head.


    "You''re getting smarter with every hit!" Cid encouraged.


    Not wanting to watch, Riley reached out towards her prompts again.


    You have been afflicted with the debuff "potion fatigue"


    You have been afflicted with the debuff "exhausted," experience gains halved so long as this debuff persists.


    Your stamina has increased. Progress to level 2-1 now at 95%.


    Complete level ascension to continue progression!


    Analyze is at 95% of 2-1


    Chaos Bolt is at 5% of 2-1


    Plant whisper is at 60% of 2-1


    Healing Halo is at 70% of 2-1


    Riley felt a strange surge of guilty pride at her plant whisperer level. It had gotten a workout the last three days when she found a particularly tasty patch of grass and clover to glean from.


    She had farmed the hell out of that patch, her hunger seemingly never ending.


    Scanning around the forest to the sound of clanging swords, a new realization dawned.


    "This whole world is a kind of an all you can eat buffet," Her eyes went wide, and her tail twitched with gluttonous avarice.


    Another clang distracted her, but to her surprise, this time, it was not Tobias but Cid on the ground.


    Tobias looked smug.


    "Good move, Cid replied, rolling to one side, striking Tobias'' wrist away from him, then, while pushing his hand one way, slapping against the fingers wrapped around the blade, wrenching it so the pommel was facing Tobias'' face.


    Cid popped him in the chin. Tobias struggled back, only for the old instructor to hold the tip at his neck.


    "Mercy and hesitation will get you killed. You haven''t won till your opponent is dead, not disarmed, not incapacitated, but dead," Cid flipped the weapon over and held it out for Tobias to take.


    "I understand," He nodded grimly as Cid drew up beside him and slapped his shoulder.


    "You do? Then I look forward to seeing it in the future," he smiled, his eyes sparkling with mirthful menace.


    "You want me to kill you?" Tobias balked.


    "I want you to try. Now, have you ever ridden a cockatrice before?" Cid rubbed at his chin over his long scar.


    "No, I suppose that''s another thing to learn?" Tobias reasoned.


    "That''ll come. We need to move today; will you be comfortable holding on, you think. Can you do that and handle Riley?" Cid asked, treating Tobias almost like an equal.


    "Probably, may I ask why, Sir?" Tobias wondered.


    "We have a mission, and I need you fresh. It''s time to apply some of what you learned," As if that settled matters, Cid began mounting things to his cockatrice, loading his saddle bags, and preparing to deploy. Finally, he took his black blade sword up from the ground and slotted it home within its scabbard at his waist.


    "You think I''m ready?" Tobias asked, trotting over to grab his rucksack.


    "Give it here," Cid held out his hand as Tobias passed it over. Cid hooked it to the saddle horn before shaking his head. "No, I don''t think you''re ready, but I am, and that''s what training is for, to get you ready. Now, are we done having tea?"


    Tobias chuckled in spite of himself. "Riley." He called as she hopped up beside him.

 Chapter 45: Elves are people, too.

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 Chapter 46: The Survivors

    <u>Chapter 46</u>


    At least they weren¡¯t running.


    Riley could scent the tension in the air; Cid moved with predatory intent, watching the sides and the wood more than what was in front of him, while Tobias moved two steps behind and to his right, never taking his hand off his sword.


    Her ears moved as if they were on a swivel, catching every sound.


    ¡°We make quite the group,¡± she thought to herself when a snap of a twig far forward drew her attention.


    Riley¡¯s nose began to twitch, and with it came the feeling of air with its thousands of scents, cooling the inner chambers of her muzzle as it suffused through her skull.


    People. Her brain reported the scent of humans and fear; they had to be just ahead.


    Drumming the ground, she called out to Tobias, ¡°People, up ahead.¡±


    Zorna barked, her tail rising as if in agreement with her words.


    Cid drew his blade, ¡°Hold, brace!¡±


    A moment later, a mage emerged, following the rough hewn road out of a shallow depression. Spotting the rangers, she raised her hand in greeting.


    A burst of wind brought the heavy scent of blood to Riley¡¯s nose. Her hackles rose, forcing her on her guard. More survivors appeared, moving along the small road as if the walking dead.


    People in torn clothes and bandages shuffled along, shell shocked and bewildered. Children, with their eyes red and cheeks tear streaked, moved alone.


    At the very back was a cart bracketing the gloomy procession.


    ¡°Survivors from Landon.¡± Cid surmised.


    ¡°My companion has healing magic. Do you think it could be useful, sir?¡± Tobias asked.


    One of Cid¡¯s eyebrows raised from behind the patch covering his eye.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find out,¡± sheathing his sword, he approached the mage.


    ¡°Good morrow, Sorcerer,¡± Cid said in greeting.


    ¡°Good morrow, Ranger. We could have used you a few days earlier. I am Maritha,¡± She said, lowering her hood. Her high cheekbones contrasted with round, almond-colored eyes, and deep bronze skin that caused her golden torc to shine all the brighter.


    ¡°Are those the rangers? The blackblades are here!¡± Rose a cry of hope from one amidst the procession.


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    ¡°They¡¯re here now, but not when our mages were dying and when our families were being eaten in front of us! Too little too late!¡± Another voice challenged in response.


    ¡°People, peace, they cannot be everywhere. We all knew the risks when we took up the charter. What matters is they are here now to avenge our fallen and to see us through the night,¡± Maritha soothed.


    ¡°Is anyone in need of healing? Are you provisioned well enough?¡± Cid asked, ignoring the disdain.


    ¡°Many could, aye. Will you establish camp with us and help us keep watch through the night? We could use you,¡± Maritha replied. The cool professional mask she wore fell for just a moment. Her breath hitched while terror danced within her eyes.


    ¡°Were there any left behind? Any missing?¡± Cid asked.


    ¡°None, only pieces. The town is a ruin. Help didn¡¯t come. ¡± She explained, firming up, fixing her facade of calm back into place.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s little need to rush. I received the dispatch from Ranger Central just this morning. I suppose you were already evacuating then.¡± Cid asked, his voice showing more kindness than Riley had yet seen.


    ¡°After the first twenty came out of the woods, we knew it was bad and defaulted to the standard three and one. I gathered the villagers and prepared to evacuate while my fellows took the point and attempted to eliminate the threat with help from the town militia. They were sadly only the first wave. Their numbers were endless, eventually overrunning our defenses,¡± Maritha reported.


    ¡°How did you get them out?¡± Tobias asked.


    ¡°Our rally point for those that could not fight was a hill outside Landon. The antlions were single minded once their fellows started dying. We watched the town fall in relative safety. Once the monsters were satisfied, they withdrew for a time, allowing us to check for survivors, but still, our escape was narrow. Many would not have been content to run if they had been forced to leave family behind,¡± She looked back with regret towards the cart.


    ¡°We¡¯ll make camp and keep watch with you through the night. Once established, we¡¯ll see to the wounded. Are you well provisioned?¡± Cid asked again.


    ¡°Better than you, I suspect. We have enough. What we need is a night to rest in relative safety,¡± Maritha said.


    ¡°Tobias, I want you to start setting ward fires at the perimeter, there, there, and there. We¡¯ll establish near the rear and keep watch in two shifts. You¡¯ll take the second; I¡¯ll be the first. Maritha, you¡¯ve a long journey still ahead, so I¡¯d prefer you to rest tonight with your people,¡± Cid ordered, taking charge.


    ¡°Thank you, I will try,¡± She replied, ¡°People, fan out, but do not drop out of line of sight. We need to gather wood and materials so this young ranger can help keep us safe,¡± Maritha commanded. Without question, some, even the injured, began gathering sticks and kindling.


    ¡°I could talk to the plants and make a bramble wall?¡± Riley offered, desperate to help.


    ¡°Would a bramble wall be useful?¡± Tobias asked.


    Cid eyed him with surprise.


    ¡°Your companion again? Boy, after this is over, you and I are going to have a serious talk. Until then, get to casting!¡± Cid snapped, sounding angry.


    ¡°I think we¡¯re blown. There goes our edge,¡± Riley complained, hopping off towards the wood line.


    ¡°It¡¯s too late to worry about it now, these people need our help, that¡¯s more important,¡± Tobias insisted.


    Riley sighed, ¡°Just what I need, another voice of reason in my head besides my own.¡±


    Reaching down towards the earth, feeling the power rise in her, she pulled at the vines and bramble that grew at the base of the trees, feeding them with life energy, suffusing them with the force of creation itself.


    Channeling, the plants latched onto the energy with vigor. The ground rumbled and quaked as vines shot up, occluding the path, tracing up the trees, interlacing, and locking, stretching out around them in a circling wall, towering eight feet high before abating.


    Both mana and stamina bar began to flash in warning. Riley panted, grounding out her spell, riding out the ring of tinnitus in her ears.


    It was then that she noticed that Cid was watching her, staring with shocked focus.


    ¡°Oh fucking perfect,¡± She complained, dropping to the ground on all fours to rest as a prompt notification flashed in her vision.

 Chapter 47: Trust but verify

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 Chapter 48: Scary Grandpa Energy

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 Chapter 49: Horrors

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 Chapter 50: Magic Theory

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 Chapter 51: Bug Hunting

    Chapter 51


    Tobias and Cid''s rucksacks had each been unloaded, their contents arranged side by side in a neat square.


    "Always check yer kit before you go into the shit. This is no time for fear or failure, boy. You make sure you''re ready, you know what you have, you know that it can perform, so you can perform. Leave nothing to chance," Cid lectured.


    Tobias nodded, staring down at the various pieces of gear with a look of stern but nervous resolve.


    "It doesn''t seem like it should be as heavy as it feels," Tobias wondered, his eyes falling on the potion vials.


    He had two of each needed, stamina, mana, and health. Next to them was a dagger for his belt, flint and steel, which seemed superfluous to his mind, and bandages with strands of a green leaf woven into them. There was even a sewing kit, with a large bore needle useful for repairing leather armor, a folded wax tarp, folded tight, and a light crystal set into a fabric strap resting on top of it.


    "It''s a balance; you''ll customize your load out as I have once you''ve gained some experience and found your own way. Rangers are as individual as anything, boy. Now, is everything in good repair? This is not just cursory; this is serious," Cid insisted.


    "It seems good to me," Tobias answered, checking everything over.


    "Then belt on your sword, set your dagger, and let''s get packed and ready. Leave out your headlamp; you''ll need it," Cid replied, already loading his gear into his dimensional sack before shoving it into the rucksack he had pulled off his mount.


    "Give it here," Riley projected just as Tobias finished loading up.


    With a focus of will, it vanished into her inventory space, taking up eight slots.


    "Wow, it unpacked everything," Riley marveled, willing the pack to manifest, saving her one space, "Is it ok to leave this here?"


    Cid watched, rubbing at his chin, "Yes, good thinking. "


    All hint of his harsh demeanor had evaporated, replaced by an intense focus and concern.


    "Zorna come, beast, drop that bramble wall. We''ll leave the mount here. This will be our fallback point should all else fail. If something occurs and I am incapacitated, there is a com crystal to Ranger Central in the left saddle bag. Make contact and hold for extraction; are we clear?" Cid insisted, his tone one of deadly seriousness.


    "Yes Sir," Tobias nodded stoically.


    "Then strap on your crystal and let''s get to bug hunting," Cid ordered.


    On the other side of the bramble wall, the blue lights of the glowing crystals cast a ghostly pallor upon the ground, the light stretching out wide, casting long shadows.


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    "This place is even creepier in the middle of the night," Riley projected.


    "Shush! Keep it quiet." Cid insisted.


    "But my voice doesn''t make noise?" Riley wondered, keeping it to herself.


    With Cid in the lead, they moved stealthily forward toward the houses they had cleared.


    The reason became clear soon enough. A straight swath of field cut out an almost perfectly straight line, tearing off towards the woods as if someone had decided to begin construction on a new road.


    "Walk beside, not on; it''ll be soft," Cid whispered as they stalked along, heading towards the darkened wood, the canopy so thick it sheltered whatever lay within from the scant moonlight.


    The path of destruction only continued. Even trees had been attacked in the monster''s paths, having been chewed down to stumps, driving Riley''s worry higher.


    "It''s like a river¡­ A river of bugs?" She said to herself, keeping her thoughts within, all as she kept her magic within reach, listening for any sound that wasn''t the rustling of branches in the chill night breeze.


    Yet, only a mournful quiet greeted her with all the warmth of the dead.


    Finally, after almost a half hour of pure, preternatural silence, a cavern yawned ahead, with dirt piled up over an entrance at least ten feet in circumference.


    Riley trembled, "What now?"


    "We wake ''em up!" Cid said, flexing his hands within his gauntlets, "Now, draw yer sword, take up position over there, but do not engage. I''ll draw them out and lead ''em on a merry chase through the woods with Zorna here. Once three waves have passed, you''ll enter in and deal with the rest. Got it?"


    "We''re going to face this alone?" Tobias balked.


    "I''ve got Zorna, you''ve got Riley. Trust in your companion, boy!" Cid slapped his shoulder, then drew a magistone out of a pouch upon his belt.


    "Don''t give into your fear. One day, you''re gonna die, but the way you respond to fear determines if you''ll meet it standing or kneeling. Rangers stand until the end," Cid said. As if that settled things, he chucked it into the hole while Tobias took up his position with Riley at his side.


    "Clear!" Cid dove away as a massive boom shook the ground, followed by an intense flame bursting out the entrance, lighting up the night.


    Scrambling to his feet, Riley saw Cid take out another and begin counting.


    A rumble shook the ground like a growing earthquake.


    "Oh dear," Riley fretted as  Cid chucked another down the hole.


    Another boom followed, and flames screamed out into the night, and with it, the rumbling only grew stronger.


    A series of high pitched shrieking wails ripped through the night.


    "Here we go!" Strangely, Cid did not draw his sword;  instead, he took up a boxer''s stance, centering himself in front of the yawning mouth of the artificial cave with Zorna at his side.


    Her tail was up, the claw tip pointed forward like a scorpion''s stinger pulsing with a dull yellow light.


    "His hands, they''re  glowing blue again!" Riley whispered to Tobias.


    "The old man is committing suicide," He worried, rooted in place, refusing to disobey his orders.


    The first drones emerged, six legged and seven feet tall, covered in a spiny yellow exoskeleton. They were jointed like mantises, with the jaws and head of a stag beetle.


    Cid crouched, then launched himself up in the air with a powerful burst of magic, rocketing at least fifteen feet up, only to descend like a meteor, his feet angled for the first charging insect.


    Landing upon it, it exploded. Unfazed, Cid pivoted on his heel and threw a punch, detonating the head of the second. Methodically, he began to work through the oncoming wave, fighting towards the hole, throwing furious combinations of jabs, uppercuts, and kicks. With each strike, to Riley''s eyes, a blue pulse of magic flashed.


    Zorna lagged back like an artillery platform; yellow arcs of lighting sparked from her tail, ripping through the monsters and decimating the first wave.


    Cid leapt back, breathing rapidly, with a manic grin on his face, covered in bug slime, twenty five corpses of antlions laid out in a ring around him,


    "That''s wave one! Go in on wave three," Cid cried.


    "Holy shit, he''s Chuck Norris!" Riley boggled, her eyes wide.

 Chapter 52: Flaming Sword!

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 Chapter 53: Boss Music

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 Chapter 54: Aftermath

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 Chapter 55: Growing up

    Chapter 55


    "I feel like a deformed porcupine," The goo had dried in her fur, leaving spikes she could easily see in her wide field of vision.


    "Uh, huh," Tobias grunted as he trudged by dragging two bodies towards a burn pit.


    "What about resting?" Riley asked again as Cid dropped two more within, looking around the now emptier streets.


    "Hush beast, there''ll be time enough when the work is done," he snapped, his tone cold and sharp.


    It hit Riley like a north wind, silencing her protests...for the moment.


    Weren''t they supposed to go to the cathedral? Get clean? Get some rest? Decompress?


    With Cid, nothing was ever that easy; there were no straight lines with her instructor.


    "I should have known that well enough by now," she said to herself glumly, settling down as best she could with her mud caked sticky paws and spiked fur.


    "A bath, a real bath with nice bubbles and hot water would be so nice right now." luxuriating in the memory, she stretched out, forepaw over forepaw, only for the burning stitch in her side to return, reorienting her brutally to the here and now.


    It was then she realized she had never had a bath, not on this side of things.


    "Well, it''s certainly time," Riley fidgeted, replying to her own thoughts.


    Was that talking to herself? In a way, the projection of her voice had become an exercise in talking to herself, of holding the words in her mind and pushing them to others instead of down to some physical voice box.


    Her brain was her voice box, and she knew a thing or two about speaking her mind.


    Riley giggled within as an idea struck.


    Sensing no danger, scenting nothing on the air save for the toxic bouquet of bug guts sticking to her fur, Riley pulled at her power, reveling in the contentment of a full mana bar.


    Hopping to an intersecting lane, she found a few corpses and, using her power, willed one strong root to grow and carry the remains of the poor soul along before dropping it in the pit.


    "So, you finally decided to work along with us?" Cid accused.


    "I''m still getting accustomed to the idea I can," Riley replied, refraining from showing off her lack of thumbs.


    "Keep adapting, keep it up. Your mind is your only limit. Get past can''t, and you can think your way out of anything," the old man lectured as Riley went to retrieve another body.


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    "He''s like a marine drill sergeant that ate a fitness instructor," Riley grumbled to herself as the day wore on, the hot sun beating down, causing the mess covering her hide to grow in stiffness and stink.


    "That''s never going to come out," She complained, having long exceeded her tolerance for the abject misery she was experiencing.


    Landon looked a lot cleaner, at least, and there were new prompts to address, but first, a bath, a real bath.


    "I never thought I''d miss bubbles, of all things," She glowered, but Tobias was looking better.


    "You''ve hardly said a word since Cid ordered us to work," she said, trying to spark some fire of dialogue within him.


    Tobias pulled at her power as much as his own, adding heat to the burn pit.


    The putrefying remains flashed to ash in the holy light while he watched.


    Tobias took a deep breath and sighed.


    "Hard to know how to feel. There''s a lot on my mind," he temporalized.


    "That''s understandable. I don''t know how I feel about it either, but I think I''ve got it easier than you," she replied, which drew a stare as Tobias turned his head from the pit.


    "What about this is easy? We saw the orphans. By the dead gods we''re burning the remains of their parents after killing the thing that used them as food," Tobias trailed off, his eyes widening with the horrors of the last few days.


    "I remember dying, it really sucked. Nothing about death is easy or clean, or even right. Death is a byproduct of life that hits like a bomb. I''ll never forget the looks in those refugee''s eyes, but I also won''t forget that I could do something about it," Riley insisted.


    "I just... I had it easy, came up in the city, and have always had my magic. These people out here in the frontier towns, it''s life and death for them every day. I''ve always been so consumed with my own problems, with finding my power, proving myself, and living up to all the pride that was given to me like it was a noble birthright; all the while, people were living, bleeding, and dying out here. I feel... selfish," Tobias winced as if the words themselves were razors cutting into his soul.


    "I don''t feel selfish; I feel empowered. I hate this ugliness. I hate the bug guts in my fur and the burning bodies in this pit. I hate every bit of the death, but for the first time in any memory I have on any side of any life I could make it stop, and I did. It wasn''t perfect, it wasn''t easy, and people still died, but a lot more are going to live. Landon has a chance, and those refugees have closure. That means something, and that is shining brighter than the bad all around me," Riley rose up on her hind paws in emphasis of her words before leaning against Tobias''s leg.


    "We made a difference. I used my magic for something good..." His words trailed off again as he absently grasped until he found the top of her head and scritched through her sticky fur.


    "We did, and the better we get as rangers, the more people we can help. That means something to me. It keeps the horror from being all that I see," Riley replied, thumping her hindpaw in an involuntary reaction.


    "When I saw you go down," Tobias winced, "it''s been a little more than a month, but it feels like years. You came along, and everything in my life started to slide to here, but I don''t see how I could have gotten here without you. I..."


    "It''s a day for incomplete sentences. There''s no bracketing this stuff. You''ve come to mean a lot to me too. Life has always had a kind of momentum, but this feels like a roller coaster compared to what it was before. You''ve made a scary world better, and I don''t want to lose you to this muck, be it to a monster or what the monsters do. Stay you, Tobias, I need you," Riley insisted.


    "Oh, I''ve changed, and I don''t think I''m done. It''s real out here. It''s not about class, abstract concepts, or clean numbers. It''s crying children, broken bodies, and decimated towns, but you''re right; we have the power to do something about it," Tobias'' tone sounded firm.


    Cid approached with Zorna padding behind him, tossing one last body into the pyre.


    "You two quit standing around. Let''s find the tavern for this place," he smiled wryly, as inwardly something with Riley relaxed.


    "Oh thank the thirteen gods," Riley said, hoping to finally get that bath.

 Chapter 56: The Duel

    Riley rose up out of the water within the tub like a sea monster, the water cresting at her neck, leaving little room for bubbles.


    A green scum accented the bubbles, as did dirt and grime, the result of weeks of build-up from the city streets and the endless running through the woods.


    "Oh, nothing has ever felt so good," She whispered, eyes closed, ignoring the tickle of suds existing between her ears, which stood like twin towers, rising up over the lip of the tub, as she remained centered, and transfixed within it, the hot water soaking into abused muscles and her recently healed frame.


    Reveling in the relaxation, Riley checked her prompts:


    Righteous flame progression to 2-3 now at 20%


    Chaos Bolt progression to 2-3 now at 20 %


    Healing Halo progression to 2-3 now at 10%


    You have been afflicted with the debuff "Sore Ribs." Your movement and reaction speed is decreased!


    "Just another reason to soak," She muttered, her eyes half lidded.


    ¡°1,2,3,4!¡± The sounds of Tobias going through his sword training drifted over her sensitive ears, forcing her eyes to open. She flattened her ears, trying to ignore the noise and distraction of his ambition.


    The sudden rush of warmth through them forced her muzzle to dip in deep relaxation.


    Straightening up, not wanting to get soap up her nose.... again, she shook her head in an effort to gain greater consciousness.


    ¡°5,6,7,8,9!¡± Riley felt the tug on their currently shared power as the light of an orange flame showed through the paltry fabric door, providing an illusion of privacy.


    As it turned out, the town didn''t have a tavern or an inn, but it did have a laundry.


    "Good enough," she said with rumbling agreement towards that errant thought, only as Tobias got going again.


    "1, 2,3,4!" He had hardly taken time to wash or eat; there was a new focus and direction to him.


    "I hope he''s ok," Riley worried within, only to see Cid burst through a drying room in the back, looking cleaner than she had ever seen him.


    She eyed a tub of clean but cold water next to her, contemplating the awful impending moment when her vacation would end.


    "I hate trains," She allowed herself a whine to punctuate the thought, which caused Zorna to perk up her head from where she was resting in the corner.


    "What? You don''t even like baths. You''re missing oooouuut," she teased.


    The kraus barked.


    "Zorna hush!" Cid said. Riley noticed he was strapping on his sword and tying back his hair.


    She needed to get out; it was clear enough that Cid saw something, too.


    "God dammit," Hooking her paws over the lip of the tub, she pulled herself out, the cold attacking her wet fur with almost physical force as she wearily hopped her way toward the rinsing tub.


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    Tapping it tepidly with a forepaw, her ears flattened again as she jerked back.


    "It''s ice cold!" Landon must have been pulling from a deep well or a snowmelt creek. Tobias had been the one to heat her water, and it was perfect, beyond perfect.


    Wearily, she looked back towards the soapy basin with longing.


    "What''s on your mind, boy?" Cid asked, prompting her toward action.


    "Just practicing, sir," Tobias replied.


    "Oh," the sound of a blade being drawn drew Riley''s attention, "show me."


    "I hate my life," pulling at her power, she reached out for righteous flame, her paws glowing white.


    Holding them over the water for a few moments, she was distracted by


    the clanging of blades, losing her cast.


    "Good, nice form. Now try to actually hit me!" Cid laughed in his mad, manic way.


    "Fuck it," With a hop, Riley leapt into the still cool water and forced her muzzle under.


    "Oh god! Oh god!" rising up, she shivered before falling into a groom, making sure to get her ears, trying to work the soap out of her fur.


    A blade clanged. It sounded like Tobias'', followed by the wet sound of fist meeting flesh.


    "Tighten that defense. This isn''t a game!" Cid snapped.


    Tobias grumbled in anger, prompting her to pull herself out and shake herself off, sending water flying everywhere, forcing Zorna to duck and run for cover.


    "Good enough," she said, pausing to shake one more time. Now feeling not just chilled but frozen, she dashed out to see Tobias charging hard for Cid, sword low, broadcasting form one. At the last moment, he slid, then rolled into a forward summersault, going for a low form nine, scything at his instructor''s knees.


    Cid, like a ballet dancer, took a quick step back and brought his sword down in form two, impacting Tobias'' blade and driving it towards the ground using the position to pop him in the chin with the pommel.


    "You bastard!" Tobias spat, rubbing at his sore chin with his free hand.


    His eyes burned with fury.


    "Guilty," Cid chuckled warmly.


    "Let''s set up again," Tobias worked his jaw, then snapped back into a ready position.


    Cid shrugged and lurched forward, holding his sword with one hand, drawing Tobias towards a defensive position, catching the blade.


    As he pivoted to exploit the weak strike, Cid flicked Tobias'' wrist with his forefinger. A blue flash pulsed in Riley''s vision, throwing off the strike.


    Tobias'' sword landed in the dirt. Cid threw a savage left cross, knocking him to the ground.


    He looked up, his eyes broadcasting pure and feral rage.


    Riley didn''t know what to do.


    "You''re angry. Anger doesn''t help, boy," Cid lectured.


    Tobias leapt to his feet, taking up his dropped sword and launching into a flurry of attacks.


    Cid kept his blade down, moving like a ballroom dancer, staying just out of reach until he found an opening. Then, with one palm strike, he disarmed Tobias again, rewarding his efforts with a right cross.


    "Still got some fight in you?" Cid held out his hand and gestured towards himself in invitation.


    "By the Dead Gods! I need to be ready! This shouldn''t happen! I''ve..." He trailed off, the anger cooling strangely towards despair.


    "You''ve never seen it up close and personal, have you son? It''s a bit different from your book learnin, isn''t it?" Cid asked, his words hitting with all the force of one of his charged strikes.


    Tobias dropped down to his knees before plopping down in the dirt, hanging his head in his hands.


    "What did we really do here except show up too late? It all seemed so noble when we parted ways with the refugees the other day, righting the wrongs and doing our duty, but it''s not enough, is it? The victims are still just as dead, and it''s going to keep happening no matter how much I do. There''s no winning this war," he panted, holding back a crumbling dam of emotion.


    "We''re always too late for the dead, and we''re often too late for the survivors..." Cid began.


    "Then what good is any of this?" Tobias interrupted.


    "It''s about minimizing the damage, blunting the cost, and stopping the bleeding. Nothing can be done about what''s been spilled, but left unchecked, those bugs would have bred to the walls of Ashenvale, threatened every town outside the defensive rings, and even a few beyond. The dead are just that, dead. Their troubles have ended, but some people will keep living because of what we did, and the trick of it is they''ll never know, but we will." Cid explained, his eyes showing an empathy Riley had never seen before.


    "And that''s enough?" Tobias challenged.


    "Who knows, but the anger at what''s lost is a sure path to becoming a monster yourself. You gotta make a choice, boy, right here and right now," Cid pointed down toward the ground.


    "Well?" Tobias said, wiping at his nose before rising.


    "You can let it kill your soul or drive you to be better. Rangers are called to stand, and I''ll train ya the best ways I know how, but maybe now you understand a little why I push you so hard. This is real, and now you know that, but I won''t have you enraged. You''re just another monster to be put down if you''re gonna do nothing but grieve and get angry," Cid''s gaze hardened with his tone.


    "I understand, at least, I think I''m starting too," Tobias held out his hand.


    Cid clasped it.


    "Excellent, we can finally begin," He grinned manically.

 Chapter 57: True North

    Chapter 57


    "Ready?" Riley projected in a harsh whisper.


    "Ready," Tobias replied, crouched low with his sword out, pausing to ferret into a pouch with his free left hand, only to crush some leaves between his fingers.


    The monster''s nostrils flared as their pupils dilated. Just ahead of them, the fabric of reality seemed torn, the air distorted in a strange warping effect around a glowing white aperture pulsing with light.


    Riley could feel the magic racing through her body like an electric current, causing her fur to stand on end.


    "Now!" Tobias ordered, keeping his voice far from sound.


    Riley dropped the veil, and they appeared, causing the monster to startle; its mouth yawned wide in threat, opening a long vertical slit that appeared across its furless, vaguely feline face, rows upon rows of teeth showed proudly, revealing a barbed tongue that crawled out of its throat like a worm.


    "Wow, you are one big ugly," Riley remarked as Tobias thrust, piercing the palate of the creature''s muzzle before driving the sword into its brain.


    With a shuddering protest and a whine, it fell dead.


    "It''s a valkovick," Tobias said.


    It seemed like an almost normal creature dead with its head flopped closed. Chitinous plates covered its body but were puffed out by squares of wiry fur underneath.


    Eight long legs came down from its felinoid body, with three toes on each paw; the centermost had a velociraptor like claw. At its back was a long rope like tail that ended in a chitinous spiny tip, much like Zorna''s.


    "Riley, hand me the three crystals," Tobias asked as he stepped over the body.


    She hopped next to him, rising to her hindpaws, holding her forepaws out towards the ground.


    Three white, dull gems appeared.


    Tobias set them in a triangle formation around the aperture, and, as if synced, each began to pulse with light, slower at first, only to increase, until the effect mirrored a strobe, the tear in reality began to dim, and then fade, before snapping away in a flash.


    He grinned, taking one up, "Mana potions."


    "Give ''em here," she said, pawing at them dramatically. Tobias set them down in front of her as each vanished back into her inventory.


    Mana crystal X 3


    The label hovered over them as she checked her overlay, a near instinctual action anymore.


    So much had changed in seven weeks.


    They were still in training, but it seemed like things were nearing their end. Still, neither she nor Tobias knew when that would be; they weren''t supposed to know.


    Cid had said that was part of the fun.


    Still, it was clear they were building towards something. Morning exercise, instructions in wild plants, and the occasional mission had all given way recently to them actually doing their job, working on their own without support while Cid waited back in camp.


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    "Do you think Cid ever gets bored without us around to torture?" She asked Tobias while he checked the plants and bushes around the aperture.


    A curious, star shaped glowing white flower was in his hand; with practiced subconscious action, he placed it into a pouch on his belt.


    "He''s probably busy thinking about the next recruits he''ll get to grind down in fun and exciting ways. Don''t you want to be friends?" Tobias grinned like a psychotic axe murderer, then shuddered.


    "If I never hear that phrase again, it will still be three steps past too soon," Riley shuddered in marked solidarity with her sorcerer before scanning around one last time.


    "So, you think we''re about done too?" Riley asked, looking around nervously as if her words could bring a curse, "We should go, just in case he''s timing us again."


    Tobias nodded and began to move stealthily, being careful of where he put his feet.


    Riley skulked after him.


    "It seems likely. Cid says we''ll know we''re done when we get to Ranger Central up in the northern highlands. We''ve been moving north to my reckoning," Tobias projected his voice, keeping to stealth.


    "That''s what my map says, too. For the last two weeks, almost straight north, which is out of our pattern, normally we range around," She confirmed.


    "Hence the name," Tobias let the chuckle go audible, happy with his pun.


    Riley groaned, "It''s been getting colder too. It feels like snow, even if there isn''t snow. There''s a scent to the air."


    "Well, we are up in the mountains. The evidence really seems to be stacking up, doesn''t it?" Tobias pondered.


    "Which is what has me concerned. With Cid it''s never direct or easy. There''s always an angle with him," Riley''s anxiety rose with each bound as they broke through the wood and found a long road stretching out toward the horizon.


    "How''s your magic?" Tobias asked.


    "I leveled recently. I''ve got plenty of juice!" Riely beamed with pride as she regarded her 80% full mana bar, checking her status sheet.


    Riley, Celestial White Tailed Jackrabbit, 2-4


    Righteous flame progression to 2-5 now at 40%


    Chaos Bolt progression to 2-5 now at 35 %


    Healing Halo progression to 2-5 now at 20%


    Minor Veil progression to 2-5 now at 80%


    Plant Whisperer Progression to 2-5 now at 80%


    "You have gotten stronger. I think we both have," he said, not quite getting the concept.


    "You have. You seem confident. I''m proud of you!" She praised.


    Tobias looked up and down the lane.


    "Veil us," He ordered.


    Riley pulled at her power as Tobias stepped onto the road, keeping to the far side near the bar ditch.


    "It''s far from a scriptorium, or what I thought I wanted to do with my life, but after Landon, I''m glad I can use my magic for good. It''s nice to be out here and free, I guess. Outside of Cid and his orders and his ways, when we''re on our own, we''re on our own, with no one telling me where to stand or what to do. It''s like I''m on a threshold between that life and this one, with Cid being a doorway. Is that weird?" Tobias asked, sounding distracted, watching carefully for monsters to come exploding out of the wood.


    "That sounds like growing up to me, but I never made it much past you, and I never had that sense of direction. Life was just rote survival until my end. I tried to do the right thing, whatever that means, and it kinda got me killed, but I never really had the opportunity for a path like you did." Riley admitted.


    "Didn''t you go to, what was it you called it, the place of higher education, the university?" Tobias asked.


    "Because I was supposed to like you were supposed to go to the academy and be a sorcerer. It''s fuzzy, though; I don''t remember why I was there, just that I was there. It''s one of those things I lost in transition, so, I mean, I''m not that reliable of a source," There were so many things she couldn''t remember, stacked next to things she knew she''d never forget.


    Riley caught the scent of smoke and cooking food in the air, "Cid''s cooking, so I guess we''re going to have a little time at least."


    Tobias brightened, "A few hours to rest would be nice. How much purified moon water do we have left?"


    Riley checked her inventory, "Four bottles. We should restock in the next town if we can. The high moon is next week, isn''t it? "


    "Yes, but only Lordia so it''s the lesser of the two. Hadia isn''t for two weeks after, lesser moon, lesser effect," Tobias explained.


    "You''re the expert. Do they ever go full at the same time?" She asked, her curiosity bubbling.


    "Twice a year, marking the solstices, that''s when you can do some real crazy stuff, magically speaking," Tobias stopped. There was a flickering light ahead, just off the road, filtering through the branches.


    Riley dropped the veil as Tobias looked back towards her, making a low whistling noise, mimicking a night thrush bird.


    Cid answered back, calling out, "Dinners ready!"

 Chapter 58: Finding Home

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 Chapter 59: Noble Concerns

Chapter 59


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 Chapter 60: A Royal Welcome

Chapter 60


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 Chapter 61: Enhanced Interrogation

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 Chapter 62: The Price

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 Chapter 63: Darkness Rising

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 Chapter 64: The Escape

    Tobias and Cid found themselves outside their cages, all traces of their chains gone as if reality, itself, had been edited.


    "Zorna!" Cid scrambled across the stone, pulling the dead kraus into his arms as Tobias took up Riley and cradled her against his chest.


    "She''s unconscious but alive," Tobias reported.


    Riley was twitching as if caught in a nightmare, her body tensing then relaxing as her paws flicked.


    "Please don''t be dead. Please come back to me," Cid rocked back and forth, weeping bitter tears.


    With reluctance, he sat her down, looking left and right as his eyes fell upon Tobias.


    "I''m sorry I couldn''t do more. I''m sorry it came to this," Cid whispered the words like a prayer as Tobias looked at him with pure, malevolent rage.


    Tobias launched across the stone and slammed into  Cid, wrapping one hand around his neck, the other glowing orange, illuminated by the fireball hovering just above it.


    "Be angry at me later, kill me later, but we need to get the hell out of here, and I know the way. Take up that dagger and his sword. I know where we can find the rest of our equipment, hurry!" Cid urged.


    "We get out, and we settle this," Tobias growled, his words hardened steel as he dropped his instructor.


    "That''s fine, just move!" Cid begged.


    Tobias set Riley down, unbuckled the belt and scabbard, and unceremoniously yanked it from the desiccated Iskaros, strapping it on, then spitting on his corpse.


    "May you be forgotten, you piece of trash."


    Riley twitched, emitting a small pathetic groan.


    "She''s trying to come out of it," Tobias brightened.


    "Then we shouldn''t be here. Come on, and hand me that dagger," Cid held out his hand as Tobias passed it over.


    He looked at Zorna mournfully, "I''ll come back for you. You deserve a burial; there''ll never be another like you."


    Dropping low, Cid led them quietly through a labyrinth of tunnels.


    It was clear to Tobias they were below ground. There were no windows anywhere to be seen, and something about the smell and the feel of the air told them they were down deep.


    "This place is ancient; no one quite knows who built it or what secrets are still hiding within, but we know some of her ways," Cid explained, his voice a harsh whisper, as he turned a corner, finding a heavy banded door.


    Scanning around, Cid gently struck the door as a disproportionate bang rocketed through it, knocking it off its hinges.


    "Where are the guards?" Tobias asked, scanning around nervously.


    "Not here. Part of that is by design. The rest is Iskaros, no doubt. He''d not want there to be an audience for the black acts he just did," Cid explained.


    They had entered a small storage closet, retrieving their gear. Riley stirred again, pitching restlessly against the crook of Tobias'' arm.


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    "Throw it all into your rucksack, and let''s move!" Cid hurried, strapping on his sword, before returning the dagger to Tobias.


    Taking it, he resecured it on his belt, "What now?"


    "Follow me. Timbergarde is just a few days journey from Ranger Central. This is a fallback point," Cid whispered as he skulked through the labyrinthine hallways.


    "Meaning?" Tobias asked as they turned down yet another corridor, coming to what appeared to be a dead end full of old furniture.


    "It''s home territory. Lord Gaius is a greyblade," Cid grinned, opening a drawer on what looked to be a decaying dresser, reaching in, and depressing switches in a series of clicks.


    In a pop of magic, a door resolved into the stone next to them.


    "Up and out," Cid ordered. Opening the door revealed a steep and ancient, weathered stone staircase.


    Ascending, the sound of roaring water grew in crescendo until it became deafening.


    Up ahead was flickering daylight as the air became misty and the floor slick with damp and moss.


    "Where are we?" Tobias asked as his boots fell upon the last few steps.


    "Behind the waterfall, a labyrinth of tunnels runs through Timbergarde. Some were let out into an old caving system; who knows who built it, but they built it to last.


    "What about Zella?" Riley began to fidget as Tobias spoke.


    "We''ll be back for her, but first, we need reinforcements and to figure out what the hell is going on. That hawk was Chadrick''s?" Cid ran his fingers through his hair in bewilderment.


    "Mavora, yes, but what was Iskaros on about? A brighter dawn and a new order isn''t Chadrick''s speed. He''s a bully, nothing more," Tobias, lost in puzzlement, forgot some of his earlier anger.


    "There''s more to this than we''ve both seen, that''s for sure," Cid mused darkly.


    "That doesn''t change that you had her tortured!" Tobias snapped, coming back around.


    "It''s the final trial, and you two held up well, but I understand if you hate me, Ranger," Cid replied.


    Tobias cocked his head, "Ranger?"


    "You''ve taken up a blackblade and shown yourself worthy of the title. You didn''t break. You did your duty. I''m proud of you no matter how this pans out." Cid replied and then, curiously, held out his hand.


    Gripped by sudden anger, Tobias clocked him with a haymaker punch that caused Cid to spin on his heels.


    He spit, blood mixed in with the clear fluid as he wiped at his nose.


    "Suppose I deserved that."


    "You deserve a hell of a lot more. Are we secure?" Tobias asked, scanning around warily.


    "We''d be safer in the woods, but I don''t think Gaius or Filvas is involved. His leaving was supposed to be our chance for escape. Still, making assumptions will get you killed," Cid replied with a time worn wisdom.


    "That''s the second time that sonuvabitch has tried to kill me," Tobias sneered.


    "And would have were it not for Riley, no doubt," Cid replied.


    "That still doesn''t explain how we escaped or what the hell she did," Tobias pondered.


    "No, it doesn''t, but she''s something special, son. You two have a future if she''s willing," as if that settled things, Cid turned and began to move out of the roughhewn chamber, finding a narrow trail that clung to the side of the canyon.


    "This path will let us out into a small chase of forest. There''s a bridge set a couple miles back that should let us double back around, then we''re no more than a day from Ranger Central."


    "So this is it? I''m done? Just like that?" Tobias said the words slowly as if they were unreal.


    "No, Ranger, this is the beginning for you and an ending for me," Cid moved deftly, navigating the rocks and keeping to the trail, moving like a stealthy shadow as Tobias followed.


    "What do you mean?" Tobias maneuvered around a boulder while facing a larger one within his mind.


    "My Zorna is gone, and I''m getting older. They''ve been pushing me to move on for years, and maybe it''s finally time. Maybe you''ll just kill me and make it easier," Cid spat the words, slowing down over a slick patch.


    A yawning chasm hovered just inches from their boots; one slip would mean certain death.


    Riley fidgeted in Tobias'' arms again, wrestling with a quiet nightmare.


    "You''re a bastard, and right now, I''d like nothing more, but we''re short enough on allies as it is. This whole thing has me spooked. Quite frankly, you''re worth more to me alive, for now," Tobias admitted, the words riding the anger he felt.


    "That''s fair, son. No matter what you decide, it''s clear you''ve learned well," Cid looked back with a sad look of pride in his eyes, fully accepting his fate.


    Coming to the bridge, they moved swiftly through the forest, with Timbergarde moving around their vision''s periphery.


    Finally, they came to the spot where it had all begun as Cid, pulling his dagger, began to break up and pull at the dirt, digging with his fingers.


    Tobias set Riley down gently as he helped him, slowly revealing the contents buried beneath.


    "Will move on after this, set up camp for the night, and make our way into Ranger Central tomorrow," Cid offered as Riley startled awake.

 Chapter 65: What am I?

Chapter 65


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 Chapter 66: Falling apart

    Chapter 66


    Cid was staring at a glowing crystal that easily fit in his palm.


    "You two stay here," he sat it down and began checking his gear.


    Tobias scanned around nervously. "We''re in a vulnerable position in an unknown situation. We need to check in and move. You never stay in the same place if that place is compromised. We''re compromised."


    "You''re the one that taught us that," Riley echoed.


    Cid took up the crystal again, then set it down, "No, you two stay here, I can''t leave..."


    His hand shook as he tightened his sword belt and began checking over his gear again.


    Tobis gripped him by his shoulder, "Dammit, this isn''t what she would have wanted! We don''t know who our allies are! Iskaros was your commander, right? Well, why not Filvas? Why not anyone else in the castle? Mavora is still presumably on the grounds, so this may be a pursuit. We need to fall back and reposition! We need help."


    Cid grasped Tobias'' wrist and ducked back, twisting and setting one foot forward as he came beside and just behind him.


    Tobias went face first towards the dirt, twisting with the motion. He landed on his back and scrambled back before leaping up on his feet.


    "Son, get out of my way," Cid wiped at his nose as his eyes narrowed.


    "Guys, stop! There''s no time for this!" Riley demanded, drumming her hindpaw in emphasis.


    Tobias drew his sword and set it in his favorite defensive position, centered and out front. "Don''t make me do this. It''s been too long a day; too much has happened. By the dead Gods, we need you together, not falling apart!"


    Cid charged, sweeping up from a low right only to change direction and shift to form nine, cutting horizontally at Tobias'' midsection.


    Tobias pulled away, as he moved his sword in an undulating pattern, up towards form two, pulling down in a quick slash that he pulled back at the last moment only to shift to form six, plunging and stabbing his blade towards Cid returning the action in kind.


    Their black blades finally made contact, resounding with a crystalline clang, that echoed off the trees.


    "Riley, you tie him up, I''ll keep him distracted." Tobias projected towards her as Riley pulled at her power.


    A surge of guilt and fear kept her from grasping onto it as Cid charged forward.


    "Riley..." Tobias urged.


    "I''m trying, but I can''t! I don''t want to hurt anyone!" She whined back.


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    With a blue pulsing flash, Cid leapt back, left, finally right, and appeared in a blur behind Tobias, who was already in mid-spin. Catching Cid''s blade before it took him across the shoulder.


    "Dammit, Riley! Do it now!" Tobias demanded.


    She could hear the pulsing rhythm of her heart within her ears. The world swam violently, and her stomach tensed.


    Tobias needed her. This was what she was for, "Come on... Come on!"


    Gripping, pulling, and screaming within herself, reaching with desperation, the magic wouldn''t come. Every time she reached, a part of herself recoiled in horror.


    "I can''t be the monster! I won''t be the monster!" She shivered and began to face groom, desperately seeking calm while the world fell to pieces around her.


    "By the Thirteen Gods, would you two pull yourselves together? We''re handing them the win! This is bigger than our problems. Zorna''s dead. Getting yourself killed isn''t going to help! Riley, have a little faith in the both of us, please!" Tobias roared as Cid''s anger burst into full fury.


    "She''s not dead! She can''t be dead! It''s my fault!" He screamed and swung his blade in a vicious swipe, form one, as Riley caught the blue flash just as Tobias caught his blade.


    Tobias'' black blade chipped before sailing out of his hands, flying, scything through the branch of a tree.


    Cid had his sword pointed at the base of his neck, in position to kill, as Tobias dropped his hands, palms open.


    Riley caught the orange pulse. With a quick mental effort, Tobias launched a fire bolt from his left hand, flashing into Cid''s face.


    "Arghh!" Cid cried, slapping at his face. His eyebrows burned away.


    Taking a boxer''s stance, Tobias took one step back, only to pivot on that foot and jab Cid viciously in the nose before following with an uppercut.


    Cid fell to his knees before falling face first onto the ground, unconscious.


    "By the cursed dead Gods, that was completely unnecessary!" He groaned, looking up at the sky, wiping his face with his left hand, regarding Cid with pure confusion.


    Slowly, his gaze turned toward Riley.


    "My magic resisted me. I''m... I''m sorry; I''m worthless!" She looked down at the ground, dejected.


    Tobias shook his head impatiently, "Everything''s falling apart. We could be minutes from capture, and everything is falling apart."


    "Can you carry him? I''ve got twenty five inventory spaces now. It should be enough for the gear?" Riley asked.


    Tobias took up the crystal Cid had set down and secreted it in a pouch on his belt before tossing his rucksack over to Riley and taking up Cids, then retrieved his sword, stuck into the base of a tree.


    "We need to talk about what just happened. I''m worried about you," Tobias said, all business.


    "We do, but I don''t know what to say. I wanted to eat you and wasn''t thinking like a person anymore. I''ve never lost myself like that. How would you feel?" She challenged as he did a quick patrol around the camp.


    "That''s fair, but you don''t have the luxury of falling apart here. I know that''s harsh, but Riley, something could be threatening the realm, and we''re in the middle of it. This is bigger than us, bigger than our problems and reservations. We do because others can''t or won''t," Tobias replied firmly.


    "You sound like Cid," Riley said with pride.


    "Not lately," Tobias answered bitterly.


    Riley looked down at the sleeping instructor, "It''s like a part of him died with Zorna."


    Tobias hauled him up and took him into a fireman''s carry, "I''m pretty sure a part of him did. The light flickered and died in his eyes when Iskaros killed her. She wasn''t a tool to him. She was a part of him, maybe even magically. He''s not in his right mind right now."


    "You''ve changed too," Riley did her own patrol, looking for anything missed, then nodded towards the sorcerer.


    "We all have, but right now, I''m scared and feeling alone. We need to fall back on our training and get going," Tobias, wasting no time, began to move as quietly as he could forward into the woods.


    "What about Ranger Central?" Riley asked as she hopped along after them.


    "With the security they have in place, I don''t know if I could contact them, but if Cid isn''t cooperative, I''m going to have to try. Otherwise, we''re alone out here. We don''t even know where it is," Tobias'' voice broke, allowing the fear to shine through.


    "One step, one choice at a time, we make a chain of good decisions and it leads to good results." Riley recited.


    "For now, that means we keep moving," Tobias replied.

 Chapter 67: Run for cover

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 Chapter 68: Ranger Central

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 Chapter 69: Paperwork and Dragons

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 Chapter 70: The Hidden Blade

    Chapter 70


    "This place has everything," Riley boggled at the hidden community.


    The grounds of the northern tower revealed a strange wonderland.


    "It''s like a hidden city," Tobias looked around again, awed as they left the quartermaster.


    "In many ways it is. Only rangers are allowed here, so when we get too old to serve or broken down, many of us end up here in the north quarter. The tower there is temporary lodging, where we''ve been assigned," Cid explained.


    "Level Nine, rooms C and D," Tobias recited as if testing his memory.


    Instead of a grassy field, there were houses and cobblestone lanes, contrasting strangely with the smooth stone construction of the towers and keep. Even the tower was different, standing on a massive platform with eight graceful arching legs, creating an open air space where the first floor should be.


    The effect continued down, connecting the walls back to the main keep.


    Twin pillars spaced every ten feet chased back to a massive door, letting out to the main area. There was a walkway made of the same smooth stone, allowing easy access to the western side, which was constructed almost as a mirror to the eastern area they found themselves in


    In the center of the small village was the quartermaster''s warehouse, with the rest of the structures radiating out from it in tight, carefully constructed rings contained and concealed by the umbilical stone walls that connected the western and eastern towers.


    "They''ll be enough time for gawking later, but we''ve not much time for eatin, keep up!" Cid snapped.


    "His mood has been shifting like the weather," Riley projected to Tobias, who nodded gravely as he moved to keep pace.


    "I''m hoping they''ll grant him some downtime and let him grieve," He replied as they turned left, coming upon a tavern, complete with stable.


    "This is the Hidden Blade. Never eat in the commissary unless you''re desperate or broke; you''ll thank me later. Now, who''s up for an ale and some eggs before we get grilled by command?" Cid asked, rubbing his hands together.


    "You had me at food," Riley answered for the both of them.


    The murmur of dozens of individual conversations washed over them, mixing with the feel of over warm air and cooking food.


    Riley, amongst the cacophony, heard Tobias'' stomach rumble as Cid cleared his throat.


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    "Everyone! A moment of attention, please," he cried as every voice fell silent, and Riley began looking for a quick exit.


    "Cid?" Tobias challenged.


    "This is Ranger Tobias, and he won''t be needing this anymore," without ceremony, Cid reached behind his neck and pulled off his golden torc before holding up two made of obsidian.


    The room erupted into cheers.


    "United in magic and purpose, we are the tip of the blade. We serve and bleed for theAshenrealm," came a hearty toast from a lady ranger, who moved like a cat. Young and lithe, every movement was a poetry of motion, flowing into the next like her body was made of ribbon, blowing in the wind.


    The rest of the room broke out in chorus as Cid placed it around Tobias, then Riley''s neck, "United in magic and purpose, we are the tip of the blade. We serve and bleed for the Ashenrealm."


    "For the Ashenrealm," Tobias replied with a weak stutter, holding up his hand in greeting.


    "I''ll see these are turned in," He assured as people filed over to grasp arms with the new Ranger, and offers of drinks abounded.


    "I''ve duties still. I''ll have to settle for tea now," Tobias eyed an open table and moved towards it while Riley did her best to avoid being trampled.


    As if by magic, once they got seated, two massive plates of breakfast were brought, consisting of twin mounds of blue eggs and bread, along with Tobias'' tea.


    Still, the congratulatory train did not stop, as people filled by to slap his shoulder or welcome him to the corps.


    "And what does your companion eat?" Asked the waitress.


    "Fruit and grasses, mainly. She''s mad for tenganut and jogana," Tobias replied over the din.


    "We''ll not leave you out, love," She assured Riley, pausing to pat her between the ears.


    "Thank goodness, this would be torture otherwise," she replied to herself, watching Cid and Tobias eat.


    Her stomach rumbled; grass and greens had been scarce the last few days, and the stress had been high.


    She fidgeted, squirming a bit in her seat, before falling to a face groom, trying and failing to not feel surrounded and trapped, fueling a low key simmering panic that was all too familiar.


    Still, the new torc around her neck felt different. It wasn''t just an accessory but a point of pride. It was something earned, not given, which made as much a difference as the material. Its presence itself marked the journey she had endured.


    "Endured is a good word," She said, having her own private conversation as her food arrived and her mood brightened.


    "Praise the Thirteen Gods, clover, tenganut, and jogana!" She exclaimed, diving in, a feral hunger overdriving her reason.


    "Riley, chew, Tobias cautioned.


    "Take your own advice!" She projected back.


    Her fur rose as her hide tightened in endorphin soaked rapture at the familiar, succulent taste. All hints of the cold earlier were gone, and despite the noise and the smell of humans, relaxation worked its way down deep, leaving her heady.


    Her mind pitched between panic and peace, the mixed signals sending her ears crooked as if they were each receiving a different station.


    About half an hour into their feast, Tobias was on his fourth cup of tea, and Riley on her second Tenganut, while Cid was through his second ale when a servant entered and made their way to the table.


    "Rangers Cid and Tobias, I''ve been instructed to bring you to the Generals," he announced.


    Tobias sighed, taking one last, long pull off his hot tea.


    "Fair enough, lead the way," Cid said, polishing off his ale.


    "He didn''t look keen to stop," Riley whispered to Tobias.


    "No, he did not. We''ll have to keep an eye on him after this meeting," Tobias said before rising to follow the servant.


    "Should I be nervous?" He asked Cid.


    "It''s just a report, not a trial, son. You''ll be fine," He assured as they made their way out.

 Chapter 71: The Three Generals

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 Chapter 72: Cid’s Past

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 Chapter 73: Should we?

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 Chapter 74: Magical Library Mysteries

    Chapter 74


    "Magic library!" Riley squeed, dashing down an aisle of curious shelves filled with dozens of diamond slots; within each lay a scroll.


    The smells of ancient vellum and wood percolated around her, along with dust. A disused desk sat neglected at the main entrance, upon which was a floating crystal cube hovering over a metal circle.


    Riley came dashing up the aisle to the right of the one she had descended down, sliding to a stop in front of Tobias.


    "Where are the people? And the Magical doodads and the nightmare books that eat souls?" Her whiskers twitched in confusion.


    "Haven''t you had enough of eating souls?" Tobias mused, kicking off a pang of guilt within her.


    "Fair, but there aren''t many books," she scanned around. The ones she could see were all sitting on tables, at the end of the shelves, and chained there.


    "It takes a lot of time and effort to print a book, Riley, and it is multi-disciplinary. Scribes must record, binders must bind, you need leather or metal for the cover..." Tobias trailed off, taking up the cube.


    "Magical doodad!" Riley pointed at his hand, "You used magic to affix your patch; why not use magic to make a book?"


    "You can, to be certain, but normally, that effort is applied elsewhere. Still, it does happen. I''d wager these works were all produced that way. Now, watch. I think you''ll enjoy this," Tobias said, closing his eyes and holding up the cube in front of his face in both hands, cupping the tiny object.


    Riley saw his magic flare in a bright orange aura for half a second, then the cube pulsed green.


    An arrow appeared on the floor, pointing toward one of the shelves.


    "Cool!" She bounced on her hind paws, skipping around the arrow.


    "I guessed as much," he chuckled and began to move.


    The arrow moved with him, its direction changing as he went.


    Riley''s ears went slack before giving chase.


    "How''s it do that? I want to know!" She asked.


    "It''s a catalog crystal, part of a sorting spell. Think of it like a filing system. You think about what you want, and the crystal finds it. Every scroll and book here has been tagged with a magical tracker, and that info is inscribed within this little cube here," he stopped and held it up in demonstration.


    Riley could see the green light pulsing within.


    "Are they always cubes? Is the shape significant?" She asked as the arrow chased up a shelf and highlighted a scroll.


    Tobias took it, and the arrow reappeared, pointing them in their next direction.


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    "I suppose it could be any shape, but that''s more a question for Justinian than me," Tobias replied, taking another scroll.


    "Do you think we''ll see him soon? I hope he''s ok." Riley asked.


    "If we get assigned to the capital like the generals said, absolutely; don''t see how we couldn''t. It feels like it''s been forever between then and now," Tobias mused.


    "He''s been at the castle, what, three months now? He might be a good source on the jerkface," Riley replied.


    "That''s the Duke of Jerkface; show proper respect," Tobias chided, finally coming to a highlighted book chained down.


    "This is all there is?" He wrinkled his nose in disappointment before turning his head towards a gated entrance that led to stairs.


    "Rangers don''t seem like big readers on the main, no offense," Riley observed. The layer of dust on the desk and shelves seemed to speak in silent witness to her words.


    "That''s fair. Though Cid does know his theory. He certainly quoted it readily enough," Tobias said, distracted.


    "The western tower is supposed to be all library, but this is just one level," Tobias looked around, pondering the mystery, setting down the scrolls on the table.


    "This will keep a minute. Come on, Riley." He said, moving over towards the gate.


    With a tentative push, it opened on squeaky hinges.


    "Is this allowed?" Riley asked, scanning around like she was about to knock over a liquor store.


    "To the best of my knowledge, yes," Tobias replied with a mischievous grin.


    "That''s not an answer!" Riley challenged.


    "It is, actually," ascending the stairs, Riley reluctantly hopped after him.


    Tobias'' jaw dropped as they entered the next room.


    The floor was coated in dust, showing years since the last visitor. Disused shelves contained row after row of books. Ancient tomes that stood timeless, their covers each made of some type of red scale hide embossed with golden sigils.


    "Forgotten knowledge..." He muttered reverently under his breath, striding over to the first book within reach. He began to turn it over in his hands as Riley looked at the title.


    The english words popped into her brain after a moment of scan.


    "Fengvar''s History of the Iilvis Mining expedition, riveting,"


    Tobias looked at her with pure, shocked surprise, "You understand these symbols?"


    "They only looked funny for a minute? I do have a translation power," she reminded.


    "You do! Do you know what that means?" His voice rose high and excited.


    "We''re going to be spending a lot more time in the library?" She asked. The boredom of such a thought yawned before her like a dark abyss.


    "Riley, who knows who wrote these. There are volumes of scrolls and dead language books like this all over Calaria. Who knows what secrets you could unlock!" Tobias sounded giddy.


    "Before or after we kill the monsters?" Riley asked.


    Tobias deflated, "I suppose you have a point."


    He sat down the book as Riley felt a pang of guilt.


    "It''s ok. Maybe we should report this to our superior or something? It could be a side project? Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to be a massive nerd!" Riley pondered.


    "Why would they care? If these books were dangerous, they wouldn''t be stored here. Still, if you see something ancient and you can read it, tell me. You keep paying dividends on that silver we spent," Tobias patted Riley''s head in obvious affection.


    "Dangerous? It''s a book. They don''t look anything like the Necronomicon," Riley tentatively poked at one with her forepaw.


    "Necronomicon?" Tobias shook his head.


    "An enchanted ancient book that woke up baddies that devoured souls," Riley explained.


    "What is it with you and devouring souls?" Tobias looked at her, puzzled.


    "I dunno, it''s kinda been on my mind lately," she admitted, nodding to her guilt lurking like a shadow.


    "That''s fair," Tobias agreed, "Still if these were enchanted like that, I doubt they''d be behind an unlocked gate."


    "Well, if the books aren''t going to hurt us, what''s the harm? Why don''t you pick a few, set them where I can scan them, and then you can go downstairs and do some research? I''ll let you know if I find anything interesting?" Riley offered like an olive branch.


    Tobias turned the ancient tome over in his hands, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, "I don''t know."


    "Come on. We''re not going to tell anyone," Riley tempted.


    "Agreed," Tobias took a deep, steadying breath, "You don''t mind?"


    "It''s a magic library; of course I don''t mind!" She said as Tobias began grabbing books.

 Chapter 75: Echoes of the Ashen Wars

    Chapter 75


    She had a system, and it worked.


    Perched on Tobias'' new cloak, with the ancient tomes spread out before her occupying the other half, turning pages and opening the ancient works were the greatest challenge.


    At least the paper wasn''t paper and, thus, not so fragile. They seemed universally made from vellum, and the ink seemed fresh as if sustained by a hidden process of magic. Which, she mused, was most likely correct.


    The problem was not so much her lack of thumbs, which annoyed her, but the fact that her "wrists" had less dexterity. They only rotated and tilted so far.


    Books were not made with quadrupeds in mind, after all, but that was all part of the "fun."


    "That''s right, this is fun," she reminded herself, "Magic library."


    Using the claws on her left paw, she worked them under the vellum page and curled at the joint, pulling up as much as her dexterity allowed.


    The page tented at the rough center and began to pull away, giving her room to get her right paw underneath, and, with practiced and laborious action, she raised it and got the page to turn.


    "No thumbs, but who needs them?" She said to herself with false bravado, feeling a surge of victory every time it worked.


    Adapt! Cid''s mantra of torture echoed throughout her mind in punctuated memory.


    Well, here she was, adapting and ready to go cross eyed, from the hours of work she had put in, reading the most dry and dusty material she had yet encountered.


    Book after book had spoken of mining expeditions or contained purchase orders, holding little that was interesting or fun to her mind. However, they were all books, which was itself unusual, so there was, at least the possibility of wonder hidden somewhere under the purchase orders.


    Now if she could only find it...


    Focusing on the page, she tried to not translate it automatically. With focused intent she aimed for the words and symbols underneath her magical overlay, scanning between two open books.


    On the four pages open before her, each page containing two columns, row after row of perfectly printed and uniform text presented itself. Strange sigils crawled in perfect lines, indecipherable in their current state, but it offered another clue.


    "They''re all printed. They had a type of printing press, whoever they were," her mind boggled as things began to click.


    These records were mass produced. This wasn''t a library, but a records vault for this keep!


    "Tobias would want to know all about that!" She mused and went to hop but then stopped to consider that she had no idea who these people were or even what they were.


    Here, they could have been anybody.


    There were also still books to check, and her revelation would keep. Another hour ticked by, as Riley went through record after record, finally coming to the one she had saved for last.


    While all the other book covers were made out of a pebbly scaled leather, this one was smooth and black, its velum pages were leafed in gold, and on its front, a silver dragon was stenciled into its cover overlayed over a golden snowflake.


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    It was no wonder that Tobias had picked this one. Everything about it seemed important and, to her, otherworldly.


    So she had saved it for last, a type of informational dessert, hoping to find it to be a spell book.


    "Maybe there''ll be a portal hidden inside to an ancient treasure room? Or a doorway to Atlantis?" She mused as she flipped the cover to reveal its title page:


    Annals of the Winter Court, in honor of Queen Gemred, Ruler of the Dark Fae, founder of Winterelm.


    Fae books! These were fae books! Reverently, with trembling paws, she turned the next page to see woodcut printed images occupying either side of what she knew as Ranger Central and Timbergarde.


    "Tobias! Tobias!" She cried, dancing in a loop, excited about her discovery.


    "Riley?" He exclaimed with alarm, rushing up the stairs, "What''s wrong?"


    "This place is a faery fortress! Dark Fae! Queen Gemred built it. I don''t know when," She hopped around his legs excitedly as Tobias blanched pale.


    "What?" He asked, his tone dripping with anxiety.


    "Those books are fae books. That''s what the script is!" Riley bounced, elated, filled with wonder.


    "They are? That''s troubling," he replied, looking around as if checking if they were alone.


    "Why troubling?" She wondered.


    "They were the ancient enemies of the kingdom and were wiped out in the Ashen Wars. Their knowledge is said to be dangerous and best forgotten. Are you ok?" He knelt down and began checking her over.


    "I''m fine. What do you mean dangerous? Why would it be dangerous to know things?" She puzzled.


    "By the dead Gods, I should have been more careful. If they were anything but fae tomes," He cursed, pacing back and forth.


    "So it could have been a Necronomicon?" Riley shuddered, eyeing the book with suspicion.


    "Maybe. Many rumors persist about the fae and their traps, death curses. The war ended strangely. These are things that are dangerous to speak of," he whispered under his breath as if utterance alone could invite doom.


    "Strangely?" She pressed.


    "The Fae vanished in entirety after a mass ritual suicide, but there are competing theories among the scholars as to their aims. The King of Ashes took his name from those he vanquished. He burned their remains in great pyres that were said to light the roads at night. Nothing was allowed to remain or be remembered. Every bit of knowledge of theirs was banned until their culture became a legend and a byword," Tobias explained.


    "It was a genocide then," Riley shivered at the word.


    "It was us or them, or so I was taught," Tobias said with a sigh.


    "They always say that. It doesn¡¯t make it right, " she observed.


    "It was two millennia ago, at the founding of the kingdom. Who can say for sure? I never questioned it before Cid and his talk of elves," he shrugged, looking like he was wrestling with something.


    "In my experience, conquering governments always say the ends justify the means, so it''s good to question even if it was long ago, so why don''t we stay a while and see what that say?" She offered.


    Tobias'' eyes went wide, "I think it''s better if we let this one sleep and keep it quiet. Who knows how it would go over, but I couldn''t bear to see those books burned. A secret kept lets it sleep for another day," Tobias replied.


    "They''d do that, but that''s wrong!" Riley exclaimed.


    "Knowledge can be a dangerous thing, and it could be a dangerous thing to us as well. If I want to keep you safe, it''s best we keep this quiet. The truth is, I don''t know, but I''m not itching to find out Riley. Fae lore is illegal in this kingdom. They are ancient enemies that intended us malice. Whether they truly were or not doesn''t matter. That viewpoint is enforced," Tobias explained.


    "I''m going to set things back to order. If anyone asks, we were curious and nothing more. Got it?" He urged.


    "Got it," Riley agreed, joining the conspiracy.


    "So did you find anything useful?" She asked, feeling safer going to another topic.


    "Very little, but it all seems fairly basic. It''s actually easier than a binding ritual, ironically." Tobias mused as he began setting books carefully back on their shelves.


    "How easy?" Riley asked, full of suspicion.


    "We both swear our power to each other, much like a magical oath. It''s a commitment sealed by our power and will bind our souls together. We''d use a standard circle to enhance and concentrate the effect, but honestly it doesn''t seem all that necessary from what little I''ve seen. The punch of the spell is in the words of the oath more than anything," Tobias explained.


    "Maybe Cid would know more? If we''re going to do this or consider it, I want to know everything," Riley insisted as Tobias took up and shook out his cloak.


    "There''s nothing I can do about our footprints, but all that means is that we were up here looking," Tobias said, fastening it back on.


    "Exactly, we were just wandering. There''s no harm in that, so let''s go find and pick his brain!" Riley replied.

 Chapter 76: Impromptu Intervention

    Chapter 76


    Cid wasn''t hard to find.


    "Hello son," he said, taking a deep pull off his ale.


    "I''m glad I didn''t take the bet," Riley remarked with an internal grin.


    "Barkeep, see to my friends," The bartender looked around suspiciously, eyeing Tobias before peeking over the bar.


    "I don''t think they drink," He said with a chuckle in his voice.


    "In another life," Riley projected.


    The man''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "Riley!" Tobias cautioned.


    "I''m... I''m sorry, miss," The bartender began.


    "It''s fine. We''re all rangers here. If there''s one safe place in Calaria, it''s here, and bartenders keep secrets everywhere, I think." She hedged, feeling suddenly sheepish.


    The barkeep nodded thoughtfully before taking and polishing a glass.


    "Fair enough," Tobias surrendered before setting his hand on Cid''s shoulder, "Let''s find a table so she can get a seat."


    "Unhand me!" He shrugged off Tobias'' grip in a sudden fit of anger before rising unsteadily on his two feet.


    "Don''t you think you''re overdoing it? It''s not yet noon," Tobias asked.


    A number of drinkers at the bar, already deep in their cups, looked down and away.


    "Oh, are you looking to instruct me now? Well Ranger, I outrank you," Cid hitched up his belt, spilling some of his ale on his jerkin.


    "He''s really bad today," Riley shared with Tobias, leaving Cid out of it.


    "Grief is an ugly monster," Tobias said, projecting as a sidebar, finally getting Cid sat down.


    "I''ve more to mourn. You''re going to be my last trainees," He interjected, holding up a piece of folded paper, "Barkeep another round."


    "Hold that ale a moment. Hot tea for me and a bowl of water for my companion," Tobias ordered.


    "You''re no fun!" Cid spat.


    "Your being retired? " Tobias wondered.


    "Worse, they''re promoting me. I''m the head of training now, so I''m getting good and drunk before I have to go on duty next week," He looked down at the empty mug miserably.


    "It will give you some time to heal at least," Tobias offered, setting his hand on Cid''s shoulder in support.


    "They released her body today," He added suddenly, reaching  for his empty mug.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Then we should lay her to rest, but you need to be sober for that! How long are you going to feel sorry for yourself?" Riley growled her words.


    "Riley!" Tobias snapped.


    "You''ve done nothing but drink since we arrived. It''s ok to mourn, but this is self-destructive, and it''s something neither Zorna or Elandriel would have wanted!" Riley hissed in frustration.


    "You little shit! If you think I''m about to be lectured..." Cid began, stumbling to rise.


    "Then do something about it! Pull your power! Lets dance! At least that''s something better than this. You have to be alive to be angry!" She bounced on her paws, the chair creaking as she did so.


    "Keep it down, or take it outside!" The bartender snapped.


    "This isn''t helping anything. You two both stop it! We''re supposed to be a team. Cid, we came to get your help on some things, " Tobias said, trying to derail the anger train.


    "Funny way of going about it. You think you got room to judge me, lass? You think that torc gives you some kind of authority... huh!?!" Cid was out of his chair, pointing at Riley, causing a scene, swaying like a reed in the wind.


    "Hell no, I hardly feel worthy of it, but I thought you cared about me. Enough to run me to death and pound lessons into my head. It seems you need the same, and I care about you enough to tell you that I hate how you''re dealing with all this. I''d take this goddamn thing off and toss it at you if I could!" She drummed her hindpaw and puffed up.


    "Riley, watch the blasphemy, settle down!" Tobias cautioned.


    The denizens of the bar, drunk and sober, were watching the display.


    "Is he arguing with that companion?" One whispered to another.


    "Not even I''m that drunk yet," They replied.


    Cid blinked wide eyed at Riley and then sunk down in his chair, deflating like a balloon.


    "Twenty three years, love, I had something like you and Tobias are building. How would you feel if that was all taken away?" Cid pointed an angry finger.


    "I lost everyone I cared about before it was my turn to go. My parents were dead before I was thirteen, and it hurt. It messed me up for a long time; it still messes me up, but I know despair is a trap. You said she was all loyalty? All duty? Well compare and contrast!" Riley demanded.


    Cid blinked in shocked silence.


    "Barkeep, tea." He said after an eternity of seconds.


    "Riley, that was not smart," Tobias scolded.


    "He''s not drinking, he''s thinking, it''s a start. You be the good cop. I''ve been the bad one," she countered.


    He blinked at her in confusion before setting his own course. "Tomorrow, when you''ve had some chance to sleep it off, we''ll go out before dawn, find a good spot, and honor her with the sunrise," Tobias offered like an olive branch.


    "Aye, that''s the proper way. You''ll be there then?" He asked.


    "We wouldn''t miss it," Riley said for the both of them.


    Their tea finally came. As Cid and Tobias sipped meditatively, Riley lapped at her water with abandon.


    None of them saw the servant enter, looking relieved as he made his way towards their table.


    "You''re the one from the other day," Riley said to herself, having made enough of a show of her sapience for one day.


    "Rangers Riley and Tobias, you''re to come with me to the Generals immediately," He intoned seriously.


    "What''s this about?" Tobias asked.


    The servant only shrugged as Tobias took one last long pull. "It''s a shame I have to leave this behind."


    Standing, he dusted off his jerkin, "The same place as the day before?"


    "Just so, sir, this way," He said, turning expecting to be followed.


    "I''ll find you later," Cid waved a hand dismissively, staring down at the table as they left.


    "Riley, don''t you think you were a little hard on the old man?" Tobias asked as they moved towards the walkway that would take them to the Keep.


    Rangers flitted about silently as the silhouette of the transport dragon again darkened their path.


    "No, I don''t. There''s depression, then there''s self-pity. Letting him go on is doing nothing but enabling him. At some point you have to push him to start living," she replied curtly, keeping an eye on the flying beast as it came to its landing spot.


    "It''s not been a week! Let him have his time." Tobias argued.


    "Do you think the generals are going to allow that? Either it comes from us unofficially, or it comes down officially and really ruins his day. He might not recover from that," Riley argued.


    "That''s fair, but if we push him too hard, he''ll break." Deep into their own conversation, neither noticed they had crossed into the Keep until they began climbing the stairs.


    "Tomorrow, we''ll say our goodbyes. He''ll have some closure, and then he can start walking the path instead of wallowing upon it." Riley hoped.


    "Just a moment, Sir, I''ll announce the both of you," The servant bowed before slipping behind the door.


    "Huh, that went quicker than I thought," Tobias looked around, surprised.

 Chapter 77: The Proposal

    Chapter 77


    Riley stared at the icon in her magical overlay of a hare like herself, chained tightly to the ground.


    Crippling Self Doubt- Active


    "Thank you Captain Obvious," she said to herself, perched in her chair, staring out into the night.


    It was clear from the illumined windows that they were not the only rangers who were early risers or restless sleepers. Memories of Ashenvale, of their early morning walks to the academy, contrasted in stark counterpoint to what she could see here.


    Every house was quiet in the capitol city past four bells, but here, it was barely after two, and much of the small "town" was awake.


    Some of it was, no doubt, due to training. Cid had pushed them to start early and finish early. Moving in the night was a ranger thing, an element of her new culture, and it wasn''t so bad.


    Riley liked the nights. There was a peace in the early mornings that existed nowhere else when nature itself rested, save for a few holdouts like herself and, it seemed, Ranger Central below.


    She knew, however, as she reflected, that was not the only reason, as she stared out on the night, watching cloaked figures move stealthily from place to place. It was in the depths of the peace of the night that the nightmares could find you, that the memories wouldn''t be silent, that your soul would grapple with all that happened and all that it had done.


    "You''re quiet," Tobias said, standing in front of the bed with all his gear laid out upon it as if contemplating the depths of its mysteries.


    "How''s it looking?" Riley deflected, sighing.


    "It''s all here, but I keep fearing I''ll forget something. There''s also the question of loadout. What do I want to carry? What do I want you to carry?" He scratched the back of his head before glancing over at her.


    "We''ll work out our method. Keep your sword and dagger on your belt," she proclaimed in a fit of wisdom.


    "Obviously," he scoffed, "I''m thinking I''m going to keep it light for me, maybe see the quartermaster about a smaller pack. I''ll stop in today before we deploy."


    The reminder hit Riley like a winter wind as her attention again fell on the debuff in the upper righthand corner of her vision.


    "I think that would be smart..." She mused, growing distracted with the window again.


    "Riley," His words poked at her, phrased as a question, and felt like the lure for a snare.


    There was too much to think about for her to want to talk, too much to consider.


    "Breakfast? Want to go get food?" She asked, kicking the can.


    "The Hidden Blade is open, and tea would be nice. Maybe some eggs, too...Ok, I''m sold," Tobias pulled his black ranger cloak off the bed and fastened it on, checking his weapons.


    "Expecting mortal combat on the way? Has an angry rok sworn revenge for taking their eggs?" Riley teased.


    "A good ranger is always prepared," they both said in unison, parroting Cid.


    Moving down the stairs and finally out the door, a bracing mountain chill greeted them as frost sparkled in the crystal lamplight.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "Mornings always smell so clean," Riley remarked, hopping at pace as the cold spoke distantly to her nerves through her fur.


    Tobias drew his cloak closer as they walked, passing a few more cloaked and hooded figures as they trekked, finally arriving at the Hidden Blade.


    It was a strange mix; the room was divided between those starting their day, mostly sat at tables, and the ones ending their day, mostly drunk at the bar.


    The smell of eggs and bread competed with that of ale as tankards and plates moved about, accented by the few drinking the hot tea that Tobias adored.


    Riley boggled at the scents, feeling her nose twitch as Tobias found a table.


    "It''s weird not seeing Cid here," she said, happy that he was, presumably, sleeping it off.


    Tobias nodded as the waitress came by, "Hot Tea, breakfast for me, fruits and grasses for my companion, with a bowl of water."


    "Right away, Sir." She smiled congenially before vanishing back towards the kitchen, returning a moment later with their drinks.


    "You''re quiet," Tobias poked again, taking a long sip.


    "I''ve been talking," Riley said, bulwarking behind her verbal shield before drinking down some water.


    "About everything, but what''s been bothering you," Tobias parried.


    "I''m still having trouble casting," she confessed before tilting her muzzle towards the floor.


    "And we''re deploying today, back to Ashenvale. We got our orders," Tobias said, finishing the thought.


    "But that''s not the whole of it. Every time we''ve succeeded, we''ve done it together. You passed your trial because I shared my magic. We got through training for the same reason. Now, we''re both going back as rangers, and it feels... weird, " Riley''s voice rode high on the magic as their food came.


    "Oh sweet, sweet, comfort food," she said, nibbling on some tenganut.


    "What''s weird to me is that it bothers you that they see you as a person. Cid''s word is as good as a gold piece here, and he says he trained you, so you''re one of us. They even granted you your own gear requisition, so what''s so hard about it? You''re a good ranger, Riley, and you''re right. We''ve made it this far working together," Tobias affirmed.


    "Then maybe we should establish another contract, but for how long this time?" Riley puzzled.


    "How''s for good sound? Let''s bond our magic," Tobias grinned devilishly before taking a sip.


    Riley choked on her food, "For good? Even after what I did to Iskaros? I''m dangerous."


    Tobias rolled his eyes, "You ripped into Cid yesterday for being unable to let go and move on, but you''re just as guilty. This is, how do you say it, bull shit, that''s right... It''s bull shit, Riley. I''ve got the power to kill a good number of folks in this room, so do you, and so do a lot of people in here, no doubt. You act like one moment of weakness, caused by external factors of all things, suddenly makes you a bad person. Well guess what, you aren''t, and Iskaros got what he deserved," he replied, chewing on his eggs meditatively.


    "Getting magically hitched doesn''t just solve the problem, though!" She retorted.


    "Hitched?" Tobias looked up towards the left, pondering as he swallowed, "No, it does not, but you might understand just how I feel about you with that tight of a connection, and that might help."


    "This is a big thing, Tobias. You don''t make a major life decision for practical reasons alone or because you think it will help me," Riley countered, thrusting her paw toward him in pointed emphasis.


    "Maybe not," Tobias paused. "But those aren''t my only reasons. I''ve had a lot to think about these last few days. The truth is, you''re right. I''ve made it this far because you were right by my side the whole way. I''m alive, I''m not wearing a copper torc, and I''ve become a Ranger, something I never thought I''d be, because you''ve been there, helping me, Riley. Is it so strange or odd a concept that I don''t want to lose that or even take it further if I can? Cid said his connection to Zorna balanced him out. Well, with weak contracts and your outright freakishness, you''ve balanced me out already, so why not jump and see what it''s like with a bonded connection? What we''ve built works."


    "By the dead Gods, you''re smooth..." Riley boggled, taking a deep breath, "You really feel that way?"


    Tobias rolled his eyes, "You know I do. It''s kinda scary to admit it, but I''ve known since that moment I saw you hurt. I wouldn''t handle your loss half as well as Cid''s been handling Zorna, and you''ve seen what a mess that''s been."


    "I know how you feel. I never thought I''d have a family or a chance to make a real mark on the world, but now I''m here. All I know is that I don''t want to lose you, and I want to be there to help you face whatever is coming," she replied.


    "So it''s decided then. I have faith in you, Riley, even when you don''t. Can you trust that?" Tobias asked.


    Riley looked towards him and slowly bobbed her head, "I can trust that. Ok, Tobias, let''s see where this goes."


    Her front paws shook, and the debuff icon vanished, replaced with a prompt notification.


    You have begun to resolve the conflict within yourself by trusting in the faith of another. You''ve begun to accept your power and your place within this new world.


    Tobias chuckled, "So it''s going to be a busy day. We''ll see to Zorna, then surprise Cid, how''s that sound? Maybe it will give the old man some hope."


    Riley inwardly grinned, "I think I like it, but where''s my ring?"


    "Ring?" Tobias looked at her, confused.

 Chapter 78: Farewell at First Light

    Chapter 78


    Cid''s eyes were sunken, dark rings rimmed them within their sockets, his skin an ashen grey, as he stood before a hastily dug hole that went deep.


    He stared down into the inky blackness as if yearning for it to consume him. Tobias set his hand on his shoulder in support. His eyes never wavered from the space, not even flitting to the bundle wrapped in fabric to his left.


    It had been an arduous trek through the tunnels of Ranger Central, then down towards the tree line, but Cid had insisted, both on the spot, and carrying the burden of her body.


    "She''ll be able to rest here," His voice cracked within the quiet grove of evergreen trees. They were standing before a towering spruce. The first lights broke the horizon, prompting the sounds of just waking birds, singing in greeting to the day.


    "Well, old girl, I know how much you hated it when I hesitated," Cid chuckled sadly to himself before sliding into the hole, his head barely peeking out over the top of it, taking the bundle and laying it down reverently, hauling himself out.


    He sniffled as he stood, "You were a good companion and a better friend, and all of the family I had left from the tribe. Give Elendril my best and let her know it won''t be much longer if there''s any justice, but I''ll hold here till the work is done. It''s what you both would have wanted," Turning, taking in air with a severe gasp, he rapidly walked away, leaning against a tree for support.


    "Should we try to talk to him?" Riley whispered. She was no stranger to funerals; memories of her parents and grandmother percolated in her brain. Closed caskets and bright flowers, the smells of food and death mixing oddly in the halls of the mortuary.


    It was far more natural here, with cold, clean air and misty frosts sparkling in the first lights of the coming day. She had watched the sky brighten as Tobias and Cid had dug, only for the sky to give way to its blazing display of color, oranges and reds burned in beautiful testimony to life in the face of death''s night.


    Yes, this was better. There were no hovering pastors eager to make a sale or tinny, oft repeated statements. There was just life and death at its most real, the beginning of a day, at the ceremonial ending of a life.


    It would be a reminder, a lesson, someday, but today... it just sucked. It sucked that there wasn''t more time, it sucked that it had come to this, it just plain sucked in general, Riley concluded.


    She had long ago learned, when her parents had left, that she hated endings and not knowing what was next for them or if they would truly continue.


    Her eyes went wide as she realized that she knew now they had gone on. That the spirit was as real as magic, which was as real as anything.


    She had seen the light go out in her eyes before waking up anew. There was another life waiting at the end of her old one, and if it was true of her, a tiny speck within a vast infinity, then how could it not be true of everyone?


    Zorna would continue beyond the now, just as she had.


    "But what of the Hawk? The ritual?" She said to herself, the words soft and fearful within her mind.


    It couldn''t stand; there had to be a way to undo it and set things back to right. Zorna deserved her afterlife, her next chance. It was a sin, more than anything she had ever known, that something eternal could be sacrificed for the mortal, for something so base as power.


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    She didn''t need to understand any more than that. Mavora needed to go down and hard, right along with Chadrick, maybe... depending on his involvement.


    An icy resolve gripped her as she stared down into the hole.


    "I''m going to stop this."


    The sound of shoveling snapped her out of her reflection, of dirt hitting cloth, as Riley realized her whole body was tense.


    Taking a deep breath, she let the tension go.


    She wished it was that easy for Cid, who was still braced up against the tree, watching Tobias fill in the hole with dirt.


    "Should I tell him about our choice? Or should we let him grieve and tell him later?" Riley prompted Tobias.


    "I honestly don''t know," He whispered under his breath, stopping to get a glance at Cid.


    "I''ll talk to him," Riley decided.


    "Gently this time," He replied. She flattened her ears in a scold.


    "Ass..." She cursed as she hopped.


    "Leave me, beast. I need some time," Cid demanded as she approached.


    "Do you really mean that?" Riley paused to reach out and touch his leg, making contact, "It would help me to talk."


    Cid sighed, "What is there to say? You were right, I need to move on, but I don''t know if I can, really. There''s a hole inside, and I know grief is the process of learning to live with it, but it''s been a long, hard life, and I''m full of holes. My spirit practically whistles when the wind blows."


    "It''s a clich¨¦, but it''s a day at a time thing. You think about the good you did, the good moments you had, the people you inspired with your brutality. You beat up Tobias and me real good," Riley joked.


    Cid chuckled, "You two have something special. Hold on to that."


    "We plan to. We were wondering if you''d join us after you''ve had some time to mourn. We plan to bond our magic here in her honor, but we understand if you don''t want to stay. It''s already been a hard day," Riley spoke gently, careful of every syllable, prompted by a strange feeling of mournful love percolating inside.


    She had found a family, and a purpose, something she had longed for...but only realized it as she had to say goodbye.


    It was like her own genesis; that day, too, was one of revelation, ending, and beginning, of final acts of courage and hopeful, fateful decisions.


    Cid smiled for the first time in what seemed like forever, wiping at his eyes again. "I''m happy for you two and honored you want to make that commitment here and include her."


    "Zorna is family too. Today is where we start to make it right," Riley cocked her head to look directly at Cid, reaching out with her paw to make contact yet again.


    His voice quavered as Riley pressed up to his legs, "Let''s keep talking. Tobias is almost done filling in the hole."


    Cid laughed suddenly, his voice breaking the peace of the morning and the soft sounds of shoveling, causing Tobias to look towards them both.


    Surreptitiously, he nodded to Riley in support.


    "Come on, beast," Cid prompted, moving back towards the grave, standing straighter than he had before.


    "Goodbye my dear," He said with mournful longing before helping Tobias cover her until a raised mound stood before the tree.


    "No marker?" Riley asked.


    "We''ve a good one. I know this place, and it''s not too far a walk," Cid patted the spruce in emphasis.


    "It does kind of stick out," Riley agreed, as they each regarded the other awkwardly, sitting in silence, serenaded by bird song.


    The sun finally crested the ridge of the mountains, bathing them in light.


    "So Riley here told me you were to bond your magics to each other?" Cid asked, rocking on his heels.


    Tobias nodded, resting his hands on the shovel handle, "We have, but we wanted to ask you about it and how it worked with Zorna."


    "Oh, it took some effort, you''ll probably find it easier, you see, she didn''t have words like your Riley, couldn''t afterward with anything but intent and heart, but afterwards, when I knew she saw me as pack, I swore to her, for life and beyond," Cid mused, walking in the memory, "When it''s sharing and not taking, both sides benefit, but it takes more work and care than most sorcerers have patience for."


    "But how did she swear?" Riley asked, curious.


    "With intent and will. She got the funniest look after I said my words, looked at me as if she could understand everything I had just said and done, and then, there was this sudden surge of connection. It was as if... I dunno; my soul had another side to it. We were inseparable from that moment forward. There''s more, but the words to describe are as slippery as an eel."


    Tobias and Riley looked at each other awkwardly.


    "So what are you two waiting for? Get on with it!" Cid demanded, crossing his arms.

 Chapter 79: Spirits Intertwined

    Chapter 79


    Tobias took a deep breath and centered, looking down at Riley, who was looking up at him, as he pulled at his power.


    Riley saw the orange glow light his hands as he held them out, pulling as if drawing water up towards himself, only to turn his hands over and cast them down.


    The power she could see flowed around him and snapped to that of a circle, dancing with the burning energies of a flame around them as she added her own power, the mixing of white hot light with shadow. Her paws appeared to burn before letting the energy drop, willing them into a cast.


    Her circle overlayed his, as white hot fire, bristling with shadowy darkness, percolated and encompassed his circle of flame.


    Cid watched from a distance with a funny smile on his face.


    "Riley, you have endured my trials with me and helped me to find my magic and my place in the world. You have endured with me, stood beside me. In honor of that crucible, do I swear by every fiber of my being, my spirit, and my magic unto you, beyond the bounds of mortal life. Let our power be joined; let our destinies intertwine," Tobias intoned reverently.


    "Tobias, there''s so much I don''t understand about this world and this life, but I know that my place is by your side. I''ve found family and purpose in my journey with you. What we have is special. I trust you, and it is in the spirit of that trust that I swear my spirit and my magic unto you, for good and all, in this life and beyond," Riley intoned, with her paws quivering.


    "Let the bond be forged, our magic be joined for good and all, in memory of fallen friends and future hopes," they each said in unison as their circles joined, the orange energies of Tobias'' power mixing in with the white light and shadowy darkness of Riley''s.


    Riley''s eyes snapped open to see a golden thread reaching out from Tobias, intertwining around one coming from her, as a clear picture in her mind formed, not only of his confidence in her but his worry that he might not measure up, his hope to fulfill all the faith that had been placed on him and the burdens that he carried, and then, suddenly, feelings of confusion mixed with wonder.


    "I see something... some kind of... words, texts, and bars..." Tobias puzzled.


    "You can see my overlay?" Riley asked as Tobias turned in a slow circle around him.


    "And the magic, do you see a burning circle around us? Orange, white, and black?" He asked, in awe.


    "Welcome to my world," A number of prompt notifications were blinking.


    Tobias touched at thin air as if trying to grab what was floating in his vision.


    "Are you two alright?" Cid wondered, watching with confused curiosity.


    "We''re fine...I think... I''m level 2-5, what''s that mean? And you''re 2-6?


    We''re in a party? This is what you see?" Tobias asked again.


    "My brain interprets magic that way, I guess. It''s a lot like a video game I played in my other life," The memory percolated through her mind, along with images of the title screen and overlays.


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    "Fantasy and science fiction... Knights of the Galactic Alliance...I see it, but I''ve no idea what that is! You''re really from another world!" Tobias exclaimed.


    Riley felt the wonder, "Duh... You didn''t believe me?"


    "No I believed you, but now I can feel it, I keep getting flashes, images of things. I feel your heart like it''s beating next to mine," Tobias could not hold back the tears of awe, his face wet and streaked as he gazed upon the world with new eyes.


    "You keep thinking of Justinian and your family. It''s not like thoughts but memories, impulses of emotion, right? You wish they were all here," Riley boggled.


    Tobias wiped at his eyes. "Yes, exactly! It''s going to be good to go home. We''ve much to share."


    "So what now? Do we just close the circle?" Riley asked, following his lead.


    "It''s served its purpose, I think... We''re definitley connected." Tobias centered, and grounded, as Riley did the same. They each found a natural rhythm, having a better sense of the other.


    The magic eased and dissipated, returning to its natural rest.


    Cid, as if sensing the conclusion, walked over and pulled Tobias into a sidelong hug, "Weirdest damn memorial I''ve ever been to, but she''d have been happy to see it, I know it."


    "Weird for me too. It feels just as you said, but.. more..." Tobias trailed off, losing his words.


    "More is right," Cid replied with a gentle nod.


    Tobias pulled at his power and watched his hand pulse orange. "I can see it now, see the magic like she can."


    "There will be a lot of benefits, but I think it''s different for each soul because souls come in all kinds. You''ll work it out," Cid assured, patting Tobias on the shoulder, sounding grandfatherly.


    "We will, but for now, I''d like to walk back and take the time to reflect on all this. It was a simple enough ritual, but it goes deeper than I can say," Tobias explained.


    "I''d like that too. We''re due out this afternoon, and I hate to rush it but we''ve still got last minute things," Riley said.


    "Zorna''s at rest. We''ve done all we can here. Thank you both for honoring her and me," Cid said awkwardly.


    Tobias took up his shovel in one hand and then made motions in the air as if he were interacting with a screen.


    Riley watched with bemused curiosity.


    Suddenly, the shovel vanished, and she saw it appear in her inventory space.


    "Oh, that is a fine thing, I like that," Tobias grinned before repeating the action with the second.


    "Handy. You two go on ahead, I''ll catch up. Meet me at the Hidden Blade before you go," He said, clasping arms with Tobias.


    "Understood." Tobias nodded and began walking along with Riley, only to walk into a tree.


    Riley felt the embarrassment as she fell to giggles.


    "How do you navigate with this thing in your face all the time?" He complained.


    "Will it away, what I call minimizing it. It''s like controlling your fire. With a thought, you can make it surge or fade before a cast. The same is true with the windows," she instructed.


    Tobias blinked after a moment of mental effort, "Oh... but up in the corner, I still see my health, mana, and stamina bar... weird. This is how it''s been for you?"


    "Since I woke up here. I don''t know if you''ll get prompts, like I do, but I''ve got a few just begging to be answered. These little exclamation points flash up by my bars if I don''t give them immediate attention," Riley rambled.


    "Exclamation points? Huh," Tobias mused as they made their way along, and Riley risked it, willing them forward.


    You have bonded your spirit and your magic to another for life and beyond in a special ritual. This action cannot be undone.


    Tobias has been permanently added to your party.


    You have gained "Spirit Bond." Unlocking new evolution paths within the magic.


    Your mana pools have been combined, granting you each additional casting power!


    Ability unlocked: Fire Bolt, Elemental, Active, 2-5: Cast a bolt of elemental fire at an enemy


    Through the fire and the flame, you carry on!


    Flame Wall, Elemental, Active, 2-5: Create a burning wall of flame for defensive or offensive purposes.


    And it burns, burns, burns, that ring of fire!


    "Cool," She mused, dismissing the last of them.


    "Do you think we really helped Cid?" She asked.


    "I do, thank you Riley," Tobias replied.


    "For what?"


    "For caring enough to share your magic and to fight for me. You and Justinian believed in me when I didn''t, and now, well, I love you, Riley. I knew it before. I knew that you had become family, but I feel it now with greater clarity.


    "I love you too, Tobias. I wouldn''t have made it without you," Riley replied, as they made their way back towards Ranger Central.

 Chapter 80: Ranger Riley’s Requisition

    Chapter 80


    "You''re excited," Tobias observed as they walked into the Quartermaster''s warehouse.


    Built as a simple massive rectangle around which half of Ranger town was centered, the inside held the wonder.


    Rows upon rows of every imaginable kind of gear sat behind a long wooden counter that bifurcated the large space, leaving only a small waiting area and walkway at its front.


    Standing behind the counter, perfectly centered, was a tall, somewhat portly man Riley guessed was in his late forties.


    His right arm ended at a stump just below the elbow, to which a prosthetic was attached, glowing with the same shade of brown magic she had seen around Cid''s map.


    Claw like scars crossed his face, forming an x pattern, yet he still had both eyes. Raising his artificial limb, he placed it across his chest before he bowed, "Good Morrow Ranger Tobias, back so soon?"


    "Ranger Sylvester," Tobias gave a short bow in return, "I''ve actually a requisition form for another Ranger; Riley here needs some gear, if you have it."


    Sylvester made a show of looking around before regarding Tobias curiously, "Do you mean your companion?"


    "Yes, actually," Tobias insisted, passing over the requisition as Riley giggled within.


    Tobias shot her a side long glance and grinned, "Go ahead."


    "Yes, I''m Ranger Riley; I''ve yet to be outfitted," She announced.


    Sylvester went pale.


    "By the dead gods!" He stumbled back, making clanking noises as he did so.


    That''s when Riley noticed that he had a prosthetic banding wrapping around his left thigh as well.


    "I know how much you enjoy doing that now," Tobias chuckled while projecting.


    "It never gets old, but if we get notable, it''s going to ruin all my fun," Riley pouted in reply.


    Sylvester quickly gained his composure and smoothed his hands over the brown leather apron he was wearing, "Ranger Riley, could I ask you up on my counter?"


    "I''m game," She said in affirmation.


    Tobias wrapped his hands around her, carefully supporting her hindpaws, lifting her up.


    As if by magic a measuring tape seemed to appear in his hand.


    "That looks like messenger armor," Sylvester muttered, pulling at it, finding it loose.


    "Hmm," He ran the tape one way, then another, "may I slip off your armor?"


    "Go ahead," She confirmed as he unbelted it, eyeing the strap.


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    "And how did you come by this?"


    "It fell off a truck," Riley replied.


    Sylvester raised an eyebrow, "What''s a truck?"


    The image flashed across her sorcerer''s mind, "I understood that reference."


    Riley giggled, "Thank you, Captain America!"


    "And that one¡­." Tobias blinked in surprise before "translating."


    "She means it was a discard. Notice the handle has been removed. It came that way."


    "Ok... well, with her length and circumference, I''m afraid I have nothing that would fit her. Most companions that wear our combat armor are far larger. I can, of course, furnish you with a ranger bag and certain other accoutrement, but as to how she''d carry them, that raises another question," Sylvester replied deferentially.


    "The Generals worried the same, but we''re en route to the capital, and I know an artificer there who should be able to assist us. As to her gear, we have a solution at hand," Tobias asked.


    "Of course! You''ve certainly thought this out," he pulled a writing reed from below his counter and made notations before affixing it with his seal, "one purchase authorization, now to see to the rest."


    Sylvester hobbled off, limping a bit on his artificial foot, which did not seem anywhere as advanced as his arm.


    "We report to transport next, right?" Riley asked.


    "Yes, then we''ll most likely be issued a Cockatrice and be on our own a few weeks before we arrive in Ashenvale. That means downtime and a chance to hone our routines, get used to each other''s magic..." Tobias said as Sylvester came trundling up with a dimensional bag, a ranger dagger, two sets of health, mana, and stamina potions, a waxed cloth canvas tarp, and a set of green leaf bandages.


    Riley, still on the counter, held out her paws, "Now you see ''em, now you don''t!"


    One by one, they vanished into her inventory space as it gained yet another fifteen slots.


    "Since you''re a team, she''ll have to make do with your map and tracker, and oh, this," pulling out a locked chest from under the counter, he withdrew a com crystal and handed it over.


    "Cool," Riley exclaimed, feeling much more the part.


    "Is there anything else?" Tobias asked, looking back towards the door.


    "If you''ve a moment, I''ll add some punch holes to her armor straps. It should make it more useful in the interim and affix her ranger patch.


    Riley''s ears perked up in surprise. "Really? I get a patch!"


    "Please, hurry, we have to report to transport in the next half hour," Tobias insisted as Sylvester took up her gear.


    "Yes sir, it shouldn''t take more than five," He smiled, moving towards a small side room.


    "I''m going to be all official and everything!" She bounced on the counter, with excitement ringing across their bond.


    "Good," Tobias chuckled, petting her ears back.


    Ten minutes later, with snugger armor, ranger patches, and fully kitted out, Riley had never felt more confident.


    "I''m spiffy!! She twirled as they exited, her heart riding on a high wave of euphoria, while Tobias was focused forward like an arrow in flight.


    "Come on," he urged, already into a quick jog, dashing across the keep.


    "I hate tight deadlines," Riley complained, though the pace was nothing to her.


    Finally exiting the main keep, they drew up towards a building set against the eastern tower, complete with a massive stable full of cockatrice.


    Far in the center of the field, six blue crystal lamps strobed every few seconds, delineating the landing area for the dragon transports.


    "Do you think we''ll get to see one land before we go?" She asked Tobias, feeling like a little kid all over again.


    "Once we have our cockatrice, we make our own schedule. We''ll stall a bit, even if we have to make up later," he promised.


    "Well, what are you waiting for! I want to get a good seat," In a quick sprint, she dashed towards the door, only to find Cid waiting on the other side.


    "Thought I''d say goodbye and pull some strings," he slapped Tobias across the shoulder as they walked towards the counter.


    "Lunch was enough. I''m still full," Tobias patted at his stomach before they both clasped arms.


    "Got your orders?" Cid asked, looking better than he had.


    Tobias nodded, passing over his papers.


    "This is Ranger Tobias, reporting for his first assignment with Ranger Riley here. I''d consider it a special favor, Helga if you''d see he''s assigned my Zella. I won''t be returning to the field," he asked, passing over the requisition.


    "I''ll see it to myself, but you owe me dinner," she winked at Cid, who blushed before she pulled out a large book.


    "Oh, I''m afraid that won''t be possible. They''re due out in half an hour on the dragon. Departure is set for three quarters past three bells," she replied, sounding apologetic but professional.


    Riley screamed, "I''m going to ride the dragon!?!"

 Chapter 81: The Dragon 737

    Chapter 81


    Tobias and Cid were still shaking their heads and wobbly on their feet as they exited the transport office.


    "How can I get tinnitus if it''s mentally projected words? By the Thirteen!" Cid cursed.


    "The first time Riley spoke to me, she about blew me out the window. She can be loud," Tobias replied with a moan, speaking as if she wasn''t there.


    Riley didn''t care.


    "I''M GOING TO RIDE A DRAGON!" she chanted like a mantra, making loops around the both of them, unable to settle down.


    Cid grinned, "First time?"


    The response hit like a wrench tossed into her gears, "You mean you have?"


    "For the last audit. They do these every fifteen years or so, shakes things up, keeps us honest," Cid shrugged, "No reason for the last one that they ever told me about, but it''s not like I know everyone."


    As a result of her outburst, yet another individual was in on her secret, as Riley came to the sad realization that while she had the ability for stealth, she lacked the personality.


    Yet the Generals didn''t care and insisted on equipping her. Cid kept the secret like a leaky water bucket, which was to say, about as well as she did. Even her torc was black now, not silver like the ones companions wore.


    Outside, it would be different, of course, and perhaps more dangerous. Still, Ranger Central had felt like the safest place she''d been since arriving.


    Riley felt puzzled, still riding high on adrenaline, realizing suddenly why so many rangers chose to live here as her mind reeled between topics.


    This was a community, a brotherhood, people who understood what this life was like and what it cost. They didn''t care about her shape because she had earned her place among them, suffering and working as they had.


    A Ranger wasn''t a human but someone who did a ranger''s work and went through a ranger''s trials, just as she had.


    Would the Blackblades feel that way about elves? Would an elf even stand a chance if they were given one?


    She looked towards Cid, and her processing bricked, leaving her strung out between confusion and excitement as she heard an approaching roar, which caused her brain to reboot.


    "I''m going to ride the dragon!" She cried as Tobias gripped the side of his head again.


    "Riley, please stop doing that," He begged.


    Riley began to spin.


    "Ok, I''m a professional. Be calm; I''m a professional," she said, slowing herself down as her paws trembled and her body vibrated.


    The massive beast landed, sending a shockwave of force that caused the earth to ripple as it did so before throwing back its head in a roar as the rider patted it''s neck.


    "That''s a girl," he praised, "Stairs!"


    A cockatrice pulling a staircase that looked more like siege works rushed up to the side of the massive scaled beast, as another, came up just behind.


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    "Just a moment, wait for the arriving Rangers to disembark, and then you will be seated," a servant droned dully.


    Riley thought of every airport she had ever been in.


    "This is not a 737! This is a DRAGON," She shouted as Tobias sighed.


    "We know Riley. It''s ok," Tobias pinched the skin at the bridge of his nose.


    "I''m sorry," She attempted to contain her joy, bouncing on her hind paws gleefully, scanning every which way.


    Cid, true to his training, was watching her with a passive, sadistic glee.


    Finally, the last ranger departed.


    "Form a line and have your transport orders ready. If they are classified, a flight requisition should have been provided to you," the servant, sounding three steps past bored, announced.


    Cid queued up with them.


    "I''m just here to see them off," he said, stepping out of the way.


    "Papers, Sir," The servant looked them over. "We will quarter your companion in the back cages. I''m talented in sleeping spells if they are prone to anxiety. Is Ranger Riley not with you?"


    "You''re looking at her!" Cid chuckled, pointing at the hare.


    "Hello," Riley waved her paw as she noticed that Tobias had the very same cheshire grin.


    "Oh, just a moment. Bilvus, we''re going to need a first tier companion restraint for the seat, extra small!" He cried without ceremony.


    "Dude, way to take the joy out of things," Riley complained as the servant passed the papers back.


    "We do our best, Ma''am." He replied dryly.


    Riley tentatively set her paw on the very alive beast.


    "It''s... She''s... warm," even through all the fur, Riley could feel the smooth pebbly scales.


    "Keep the line moving," The servant barked.


    Riley hopped to the first available seat, only to be greeted by the rider.


    "Let''s put you in the middle. May I put this harness on you Ma''am?" He asked, patting the seat just behind him.


    Tobias got seated to her left, "Do you need any help from me?"


    "No, Sir, we''ll see to your partner," he replied.


    "You''re being very professional about all this," Riley commented as she took her seat, sitting up on her hind paws.


    "Well, we''re normally moving around first tiers and nobles. You wouldn''t stick out as oddly among their number," Bilvus replied, sliding a harness over her armor.


    Straps fed around the armrests of the wooden seat and attached to the rods that held up its back. Finally, he slid a wooden panel through a channel carved in the wood at the front of the seat, granting Riley her own skybox.


    "How''s that feel? Anything too tight?" He asked.


    Riley was trembling, her excitement surging forward, "This is real, I''m going to fly... Uh, It''s fine. I can''t fall, I don''t think."


    Trying it out, she leaned to the left, then the right, but there was only so far she had to move before the restraints caught and went taught, preventing her from doing anything but sit up.


    "That''s the idea. Sir, you can belt in now. It''s those straps across your seat. One feeds into another," Bilvus instructed as Tobias made them click.


    "This is kinda like a 737," Riley said to herself, scanning around.


    Tobias'' leg was bouncing.


    "Are you excited?" She asked, her own emotions whiting out his own.


    "I know you are. It''s all I can feel and a little fear," he replied.


    "I think the fear part is from the both of us. This is going to be roller coaster cool!" Riley bounced.


    "Most definitely, I''ve never been on a flying mount before," steadying himself, he took a few deep breaths.


    "I''ll be here when you get back," Cid waved as the last Ranger to board crossed their path, then sat down. In practiced motion, she clicked her belt.


    "Good morrow, fellows," She nodded and smiled affably as Bilvus took his seat and grabbed the reigns.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, we should be in the air five hours if we catch a good wind. That will put us into Ashenvale about nine bells," he announced as Riley felt a huge surge of magic.


    The dragon''s wings glowed with silver white power.


    She looked at Tobias, who was equally filled with wonder as a shimmering bubble appeared around them.


    With the beat of its mighty wings, they were airborne. At first, it seemed like they would fall, but with each successive beat, they gained more altitude until they were high in the sky, drifting lazily around.


    "Oh my God! This is so freaking cool!" She bounced as much as the restraint harness would allow her.


    The dragon titled its wings, banking into the wind, pitching into a severe downward angle towards the ground.


    "Oh God! We''re gonna die!" She screamed.


    A massive burst of silver magic wrapped around them as the ground began to blur, and the wind howled distantly through the shimmering silver barrier.


    Riley, in a fit of habit, spurred on by terror, cast analyze.


    Sky Strider Dragon, 2-10


    Buffs: Transport Ward


    Abilities: Magical Flight, Speed boost


    Current level prevents further analysis.


    "Cool," she exclaimed, as a nagging, petrifying fear drew her attention towards Tobias.


    He was looking straight head, gripping the armrests for dear life, looking as green as the forest below.


    "You got this, you''ll be ok," Riley projected, forgetting her own wonder for the moment.


    "Rookies," The ranger beside them shook her head, before trying to get some sleep

 Chapter 82: Home Again

    Chapter 82


    "I want to go again!" Riley exclaimed, making loops around Tobias, who wavered uneasily within her orbit.


    Every muscle was sore from being held taut; for five hours, she had been unable to move beyond pitching from side to side as the dragon banked and flew.


    "Ughhh," Tobias groaned.


    Riley stopped, centered in front of him, her ears erect, as the adrenaline burned like a fire within her, pushing every muscle to vibrate.


    Bouncing up and down, her words projected as a shout, "Are you ok? You feel terrified and a little green. I think you do! In some ways it made the trip cooler and more roller coaster like!"


    Unable to contain her energy, she fell into a looping spin.


    "Ugh..." Tobias moaned again, rubbing at his forehead, before finding a tree to slide down, thudding on the cool ground.


    Riley, like a fur bearing missile, smacked up against his chest, "Thank you for that! Thank you for everything."


    "I didn''t do anything, Riley," he groaned.


    "Oh, you did a lot! A lot, a lot! Where are we? This place seems familiar," Becoming more aware of her world by degrees, she scanned around.


    There, just over a hill, was the grand castle of the Ashenrealm, with the Valenheim Academy set just beside.


    "We came in on the other side of the wall. We''re on the far side, opposite the city," Tobias yawned and shook his head.


    "Are you ok?" Riley snuggled in close.


    Tobias absently pet down her back, "It''s been a trying day. I don''t think I like dragon riding as much as you do."


    "Couldn''t you feel what I was feeling from it? Did it help?" Riley puzzled as he continued to pet absently, finding his calm.


    "It mixed too well with my fear, kind of the inverse. We''re like two sides of the same copper," he mused.


    "We are now!" She could feel her heart beating out like a techno song in her ears.


    "Come on," Tobias said with another groan as he began to rise, "Let''s get to the Prancing Cockatrice; that''s our check in."


    "Why does that keep sounding familiar?" Riley puzzled.


    "It''s the same place Justinian took us before the trials," Tobias reminded as he began to move, trudging up the hill.


    "Oh yeah, I remember seeing three rangers there, now that you mention it," she remembered, hopping through the grass as her stomach rumbled.


    "Food and lodging are included, right?"


    "They are, I guess the inn is a front. The Generals didn''t explain too much," Tobias mused.


    "They hardly explained anything. Report to Ashenvale. You''ll be lodging at the Prancing Cockatrice. Use this phrase to check in and wait for your field officer. They had to drag us halfway across central for that?" She complained, pulling at the memory.


    "Riley, I was there too," Tobias mentioned.


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    Riley stopped, her ears going crooked as Tobias moved past, "Oh yeah..."


    Tobias chuckled, a wry smile spread across his face, "You''re even more distractable when you''re excited."


    "Uh, guilty? " Riley''s head snapped to the right as she caught the roar of the dragon launching itself into the sky.


    All else was quiet. The dark of the night mixed with a cool yet humid air, prompting memories and reflections.


    "Nine bells and all is well," Echoed distantly over the deserted grounds, rising up from the city in ghostly acapella.


    "We''re home, but it feels more like years than months," Riley could feel the nostalgia percolating through their connection as he spoke.


    "It feels like another lifetime," Riley mused as they crossed the grounds, finally coming towards the gate.


    "For you, that''s really saying something," Tobias chuckled.


    "Eh, I''m really not all that special. I''m willing to bet this isn''t the first life for most people. I just happen to remember the transition," Riley mentally shrugged before yawning.


    It truly had been a long day. As the adrenaline ebbed, fatigue itched at the edges of her eyes, which mixed with the hunger she felt, having been hours past noon when they had last eaten.


    "I wonder if I did something to end up where I am? And old souls go round until they go forward; life''s circle forever unbroken," Tobias hummed as they crossed out of the castle grounds.


    "Good morrow, Ranger," the guardsmen greeted sleepily.


    "Good morrow fellows," Tobias replied.


    "Who says you did anything? I didn''t do anything to be sent here. A golden line appeared around my paw, and suddenly, I was dangling by my leg and utterly boggled. I''d have been terrified if I wasn''t so zonked; hell, I was terrified anyway," Riley recalled, pulling at the scrambled memory.


    "I''m glad you''re here, whatever the reason," Tobias replied.


    "Me too, I like it here," Riley agreed as they moved and made their way through the city like ghosts haunting its streets.


    It truly was familiar, echoes of a past that seemed further away than it was, as if they had aged a lifetime in four months.


    The warmth of the late summer hung ephemeral upon the streets. As they moved, the cool breeze from the mountains surrounding sang in counterpoint, reminding them that no season was eternal.


    Finally, after an hour of quiet walking past higher end shops and quaint well tended homes, the familiar sign of the Prancing Cockatrice came into view.


    Tobias, slipping down his hood, entered as a wave of noise and light hit them both with near physical force.


    "Good Morrow Ranger, what can I do for you?" The barkeep asked as Tobias approached. He was busy polishing the surface of his bar in a lazy circular pattern as he grinned.


    "I''m up from Avondale, and my Cockatrice went lame. Aventus said this was a good place, and I should ask for Sabina," Tobias recited as Riley watched curiously.


    The barkeep nodded and turned, leaving without saying a word.


    An older woman, in her late fifties by Riley''s guess, came from the kitchen a moment later.


    "This way, loves, I''ll see you to your room," she said. With a quick glance toward Riley, Tobias followed as she led them up the stairs and down the hall, stopping at the last door on the left.


    "You''ll be staying here. We''ll talk inside," she prompted, unlocking the door and revealing a medium sized room far larger than their quarters at Ranger Central.


    A simple twin bed was set in the corner, with one side against the wall, set out of view of the window, which was both shuttered and barred. A small desk and chair were opposite it, with a wardrobe just to its side. A few feet from the door, in the center of the room, was a dining table with three chairs around it.


    Setting the key on a small entrance table that had a washing bowl and a clean folded towel beside it, the older woman pulled out a chair from the table and sat down.


    "You say Aventus sent you?" She asked.


    "Yes, he was quite the stocky gentleman and said I''d find a good meal here," Tobias replied in code.


    "He''d be sad to hear that. He thinks he''s losing weight. That said, he''s not wrong," the woman paused before nodding, "So you are who you say you are. I''m Ranger Sabine, now, let me get a better look at you, I suppose that''s your partner, Riley?"


    "Yes Ma''am, it''s nice to meet you," She replied congenially.


    "Polite, and you let Tobias do the talking. Smart, better than the reports indicated. You''ll both do fine," she grinned.


    "Reports? What reports?" Riley asked, confused.


    "Nothing you need to worry about," she grinned wryly.


    "You''ve both passed training and shown you have what it takes; that''s the first half of the journey. I''ll see you through the second. You need to learn our methods and our ways. Work hard, don''t be idiots, and don''t get killed, and we''ll get along fine. Shine me on, and you''ll wish Cid had killed you," she leaned forward and grinned with menace.


    "Yes Ma''am," Tobias snapped to attention.


    She chuckled.


    "By the dead gods, you''re green, but I suppose they all start somewhere. Your orders came in on the morning, dragon, but there will be time for that yet. Let''s get you a meal, let you settle, and we''ll begin in the morning," She offered.


    Tobias relaxed, "It sounds good to me. Food and rest would be welcome after the day we''ve had."


    "It''s possible. I''ll have the girl send something up," she said, rising, pausing to pat Riley between the ears before leaving.

 Chapter 83: On the job training

    Chapter 83


    Riley groaned, rolling over, curling up into a tighter ball on her favorite corner of the bed.


    Her ears twitched at the sound of the bell ringing distantly outside.


    Clang-Clang-Clang-Clang.


    A moment later, nightwatchmen could be heard in the distance, "Five bells and all is well!"


    "I want to sleep," she complained as Tobias snorted and blearily raised his head.


    "Riley? Are you ok?" He scanned around the dark, quiet room in wary confusion.


    "Five bells, I guess I was sleeping light," she replied, stretching out, arching. Pulling her forepaws as far behind her head as she could.


    Moving her jaw, she licked a bit at her lips before settling down, inviting unconsciousness to claim her, only for the bed to jostle.


    "You''re not getting up," Riley balked.


    "We were out by eleven, and I don''t want Sabine to catch us unready," Tobias yawned again before tapping a blue crystal lamp.


    It glowed to life. Riley shut her eyes against the luminous ferocity.


    "Go ahead and sleep, Riley. I''ll get ready quietly," Tobias offered like an olive branch.


    "Go ahead and sleep, he says," she grumbled, pulling the kinks out of her back, "you flip on the light and start stomping around, making noise, but yeah, sleep."


    "You are a grumpy beast today," he grinned mischievously.


    "Sleeep," Riley dragged out the word in reply.


    "You can," Tobias said, dragging the dining room table to one wall, making room.


    "Evil!" She slunk off the bed, then stretched paw over paw.


    "In all seriousness, I''m going to work on my sword forms, then get dressed. Rest a couple more hours. It''s not like you need to do much to be presentable," Tobias yawned.


    "It''s fine. I''ll work on my magic," She yawned while checking for waiting prompts.


    Tobias shrugged as he took up a pitcher set on a small shelf under the entrance table, poured some water into a bowl, and set to washing his face.


    "Do you want anything before I begin?" He asked, taking up his blade.


    "Nah, I''m good," Riley closed her eyes as she heard his sword unsheath.


    A moment later, she caught the sound of it occasionally slicing through the air; floorboards would creak, but otherwise, there was no sound.


    "I guess I really could have slept," she yawned again, the drowsiness from the adrenaline hangover threatening to drag her down as she centered.


    Pulling at her power, she grounded, only to draw again, falling into the rhythmic motion while keeping an eye on her mana bar.


    Pull, ground, pull, ground, pull, ground...


    The inner words rang in rhythmic cadence with the rise and fall of her paws. All was warm, safe, and comfortable, with only the sound of Tobias'' blade occasionally sounding in the accent of her thoughts.


    Pull...ground... pull...Her eyes felt heavy as unconsciousness draped over her like a warm blanket.


    A sharp knock sent her to panicked alertness, causing her to leap as she became aware of a gap in time.


    The fur on one side of her face was flattened, and just before her was a small pool of drool.


    Outside, the birds were singing.


    "You knock like a cop!" Riley complained as Tobias, fully dressed, answered.


    "Ah, awake already, that''s good," Sabine said. Balanced in her left hand was a tray with two mugs of tea set before a plate piled high with eggs and bread next to a bowl of clover and grasses. Two spears of Jogana fruit rested between the plates, drawing Riley''s full and undivided attention.


    "We''re normally up early, and I don''t want to get too out of pattern," Tobias replied warily as she sat down the tray on the out of place table.


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    "Sword forms, right?" Sabine asked knowingly.


    "It''s gotten meditative. I like it. It helps me think and kind of sets my mind in order for the day. It also feels proactive. The better I do with a sword, the more likely I''ll see tomorrow," he reflected, moving towards the table and taking a seat.


    "Smart," she took up one of the mugs of tea, "Dig in, I''ve already eaten, and there''s the matter of your orders."


    "Will you be going out into the field with us, like Cid?" Riley asked, hopping over for her own breakfast, scrambling up into the seat, waiting to be served.


    Tobias set her bowl in front of her before launching into his own meal.


    "She''s got you trained," Sabine remarked with a laugh, "No, I''m a station chief. Think of this as orientation, but in one way or another, you''ll have a chief for much of your career. We''re your direct report when you''re in country or on a mission in the city. Normally, we disseminate orders, provide support and services, and guidance to those just entering the brotherhood," she explained.


    "Which leads me to this," Reaching into her apron, she pulled out a small metal scroll case with a lock over the front of it, next, spiriting out a key that she was carrying in her dress pocket.


    "You''ve been assigned the code name Rowan, Riley is Greenbrier, and I am Willow. They will be used on all official orders as a last ditch security measure. Secrecy is everything as a ranger, especially when you''re operating in a city. Most of my greens think we do nothing but kill monsters in the wild, but it''s far more than that. When things get out of hand, when the mess gets big enough, we respond and handle it. That''s the core of our mission. We deal with special threats to the Ashenrealm no matter where they reside or whom they might be," she said pointedly.


    Tobias only nodded as Riley kept her ears perked, "We were dispatched to Landon during training from Ranger Central."


    "That will happen from time to time. It''s been a busy year; for whatever reason monster attacks and unusual incidents have been at an all time high. Normally, you patrol your territory and check in every so often in a town, and occasionally, new orders will come in. Lately, though, our coms network has been getting a workout," Unlocking the case, she pulled out a scroll and unrolled it next to the tray.


    "It''s blank," Tobias observed, his brow furrowing in confusion.


    "For now. When you''re done chewing, let me see your torc and com crystal."


    Tobias, mimicking his magic casting, rolled his hand palm up towards the ceiling as the crystal appeared, then removed his torc, handing it over.


    "Nice trick," She observed, placing the crystal at the bottom of the scroll with the torc surrounding it, pointing away from her, "You set it up like this and..."


    The crystal pulsed three times as words slowly faded into view.


    ROWAN-GREENBRIER-SECURE- INVESTIGATE SERIAL MURDERS WITH CONNECTION TO THE TIMBERGARDE EVENT, ASHENVALE, PURSUE ALL LEADS, REPORT WITH FINDINGS. ESTABLISH AND REPORT ON ANY AND ALL NOBLE CONNECTIONS. WILLOW WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT AND CONTACT WITH THE CONSTABULARY.


    "Well, it looks like you''re going to be busy," Sabine said with a wicked smile.


    "We know what caused the Timbergarde event, though. It was Chadrick; send some guards to his place in the castle, interrogate his ass, and this will all be wrapped up by lunch," Riley''s ears went crooked in confusion.


    Sabine regarded her as if she had two heads, "You want to storm in and accuse a member of the royal family on scant evidence?"


    "What''s scant about it? His familiar tried to kill us! He''s guilty, a bad seed," her eyes narrowed in loathing.


    "Watch your words, Ranger," Sabine warned.


    "But... but...if he was a commoner or a normal second tier," Riley looked towards Tobias.


    He regarded her sadly as he felt the wave of emotion hit him, the feeling of drowning in an argument.


    Help.


    Sabine straightened up, her look growing severe, matching her tone.


    "Nobles are not commoners, and the royals are another matter entirely. You will show the proper respect. There are ways things are done, and for now, you are to investigate all angles. We know his companion has some level of connection to what happened to you in Timbergarde, but does that apply to all instances? Is there a pattern, a chain of events? If he''s dirty, we''ll see to it that some manner of justice is done, but one event is not enough," Sabine said, her words ringing like the slam of a door.


    "We''re supposed to fight monsters. I''ve been trained to know them when I see them," Riley grumbled.


    "You''re trained to succeed when all else has failed, Ranger. The monster hunting, the training you''ve undergone, is supposed to teach you to adapt, face impossible odds and challenges, and overcome them. We are whatever the Ashenrealm needs us to be. Right now, I''ve got no less than twenty three separate murders in the last year and a half going unsolved, many from families of worth and importance," She replied.


    Her words made Riley itch, "Every life is of worth and importance, even the son of a bitch we aren''t allowed to touch!"


    Sabine closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As she opened them, there was a strange and weary familiarity, as if she had this conversation dozens of times before, "Look, there''s what we know and the way things are. You aren''t from here. Suffice it to say, the only reason this matters is due to the fact someone other than a commoner has been killed. You may not like it, but there are certain realities to how this world works, Riley, and you can either bash your head into the wall or adapt. One way will serve your goals at least partially; another will see you ineffective on any level. Make your choice."


    "You do care," Riley realized, her ears perking in surprise.


    "People being ripped apart sound the same, be they noble, sorcerer, or commoner. You only need to see it once before you don''t want it to happen to anyone else," Sabine replied.


    "I''m sorry," Riley offered.


    "Don''t be sorry. Be effective. The Ashenrealm is a far sight from fair, just, or kind, but you''ve got an opportunity to make it at least a fraction better. Don''t squander that," She insisted.


    "That doesn''t change the fact that we''ve little training in investigation," Tobias mentioned, breaking his silence.


    "You''re going to have to learn by doing, but that''s what I''m for. This isn''t new to me. First off, report to the castle barracks and speak with Commander Wystan, after which you''ll want to check in with the Abbot of Linnan Ealdre," Sabine guided.


    Riley cocked her head at the untranslated words.


    "It''s a logic puzzle; you start with what you know, and you use that to frame what you don''t," Tobias straightened up in his chair.


    "Exactly, you see what you have, you build a theory, and you test it," Sabine replied.


    "So it''s like alchemical research in that way," Tobias took a long pull off his tea, "And we have business at the castle anyway."


    Riley''s ears perked up at that.


    "Come to me if you have any problems or if you get stuck. I''ll be checking in with you at least once daily. Now get to work," Sabine rose and left.

 Chapter 84: Earth Vs. Calaria

    Chapter 84


    Riley could not help but recall her first walks to the academy as they moved at a rapid pace.


    It did not seem to matter that the streets were thick with people moving towards their daily labor as if Tobias was Moses himself. The seas of folk parted before him as he moved, never having to slow down.


    Some even crowded further out into the lane as he created a wave of humanity, crowding the narrow carriage lanes.


    "Good morrow, Ranger." Some would say, while others would pull their children closer and stare about warily.


    "Ok, it was weird before; now it''s just plain eerie," Riley marveled, feeling something like a supervillain.


    Some whispered and gestured quietly; those who looked scruffy or perhaps a bit nefarious to her eye vanished down alleys.


    "What I''m wondering is if it''s going to make this assignment easier or harder," Tobias mused as they began to climb their first hill, moving toward the castle.


    "Probably both, like everything. Do you want to know what''s funny?" Riley asked as she bounded, happy for the space to move if nothing else.


    "What''s that?" Tobias asked, sounding distracted.


    "In the world I came from the idea of magic existing is seen as an easy out, an answer to everything." She mused.


    Tobias slowed, then stopped and looked at her strangely before falling to laughter, causing the people around to look at him wide-eyed as if he had caught some deadly malady.


    "By the dead Gods really?" The chuckles continued to erupt out of him like an earthquake. "When did magic do anything but make life harder?"


    "Well, it''s easier to start a fire at least." Riley mentally shrugged.


    "Fair point, but beyond the practical." He gestured vaguely around him.


    "Well, nothing is easy back on earth, either. People seem to be people no matter where I''ve gone. Though this world is pretty medieval compared to where I came from," Riley explained.


    Tobias, mindful of the crowd that was keeping a respectful distance, began to move again as she spoke.


    "You''ve used that word¡­medieval a few times, but it doesn''t translate," he prompted, turning left.


    "It was a time period after a great empire called Rome fell. Things got very primitive and regressive until something called the Enlightenment. Things started to get better then. That''s where things like human rights really got their start." Memories of college courses flashed in her mind like the dying embers of a campfire.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "Human rights?" Tobias stopped again, pausing at the concept.


    "Yeah, in my old world, the nobility that''s left is largely ceremonial. There was a series of rebellions where the commoners killed a lot of them. People vote on their leaders now. If these murders happened there, they''d be investigated no matter who got killed, and they''d never stop looking, officially at least," Riley mused, going off the memories of hundreds of TV shows that still existed in her patchwork of recollections.


    "People have a say in their governance? That sounds like chaos." Tobias replied.


    "Oh, it is, and it''s basically what you have now with a few extra steps, but we''re all raised on the easy lie that the government cares about us, and we have a say, and some people go right on believing until they''re part of the illusion." She scoffed.


    "But you care about people. Sabine, how does it go...Pissed you off?"


    "I do care about people, and I think most people care about people. It''s the systems and the mechanisms that make things cruel and unnecessary, the idea that there''s a way things are done. In my view, if the system doesn''t honor a basic set of values that life is sacred, burn it, bin it, and find a better way. I don''t think that''s something that should be comprised on," Riley mused.


    "So which world do you think is better?" Tobias asked, growing curious.


    Riley paused and puzzled as the switchback path came into view.


    "Neither. On earth, there''s advanced technology, but children still starve on the streets like here. If you get sick, there''s advanced technology and healthcare to help you get better, but only if you can afford it. The governments talk about universal rights and equal justice under law, but it''s unfairly applied. It''s a world, good and bad. If anything, Calaria is more honest about its brutality. "


    "Did you try to change things there?" Tobias asked.


    "No, I wanted to, but it was hard enough to survive. Those memories are the most fuzzy. I remember so much about rights and freedoms that they must have been everywhere, but there''s also this revulsion inside of me at my powerlessness there that''s just as inescapable if ephemeral. The inequality exists very much like a fog, but the details are just gone. I knew there was a constitution in the realm I lived in, but I''ll be damned if I remember what it said. It''s¡­ frustrating. How do you be good in a world where you have to compromise to eat?" Riley asked.


    "You make the best choices you can and live the best life you can. Perfection is impossible, but that doesn''t mean you can''t try and be decent," Tobias shrugged.


    "That''s what I like about here. Nothing is easy, but I feel like I can do something. Being powerless really sucks," Riley replied.


    They were coming to the top of the path. Passing student sorcerers that quickly moved out of the way, as much as the path would allow, crowding the edges.


    "Is it weird being on this side of it?" Riley wondered.


    "I''d liken it to how you feel. It was a different life in a different time. Now I''m here; nothing makes sense, and I''m doing the best I can," Tobias chuckled.


    "Smooth," Riley replied as they passed into the grounds.


    "Good morrow, Ranger." The two guards said in unison.


    "Would one of you give me directions to your barracks? I have business with your commander," Tobias asked officially.


    They each turned pale and looked at each other nervously. "Is there trouble?"


    "No monsters, nothing pressing; there are matters I''m looking into that he may be able to assist me with," Tobias replied.


    They each let out a long, slow breath.


    "Twins?" Riley said to Tobias, causing him to break out in a grin.


    "Oh, that''s good sir." The guard nodded in affirmation to his words. "Just head up to the castle grounds. It will be back and to the right within the parade ground, tucked up against the castle. There''s no way to miss it."


    Tobias gave a polite bow, "Thank you. I wish you a quiet day."


    "Oh, I''ll be sleeping soon. We''re off duty in about an hour''s time," he smiled.


    "Then enjoy your rest. Good day, fellows." Tobias said as he passed.


    "Well, he seemed nice enough," Riley heard the one say to another as they made their way towards the castle.

 Chapter 85: The Viceroy of the Commons

    Chapter 85


    "Make way! Make way for the Viceroy of the Commons!" called a Crier in a spotless silver uniform with white piping.


    Upon his chest was the heraldic cockatrice of the realm.


    An honor guard of four troops was marching ahead of a closed carriage. Its cockatrice pranced in artful, trained motion, causing the bells on their harness to jingle as they approached.


    "Ooh, a muckety muck," She said to Tobias as they stepped out of the way to allow passage.


    He kept his eyes down, as did all those around him, but Riley stared, "Is this a royal? Some high born noble?"


    "The viceroy of the commons is the representative of the royal family to the people, Riley," Tobias said reverently as the carriage went by.


    Chadrick sneered out from behind the door with Mavora on his shoulder. As he caught sight of Riley, his eyes went wide in concert with hers.


    "No fucking way," she cursed.


    Tobias sighed. "Come on Riley."


    A surge of emotions hit her.


    "You''re angry," She blurted out the words, surprised by the onslaught.


    There was no sign; not even his shoulders were tense as he walked, save for the stony silence that percolated around him like tombstones in a cemetery.


    "Of course I''m angry. An untrained kraus would be a better choice for that position. It''s...typical," Tobias projected, careful to keep his words far from audible.


    "How can I help?" She queried as they made a direct line towards the barracks.


    "Let me focus on my work. Chadrick getting more than he deserves has already filled up too much of my life, and it''s firmly in the category of things I can do nothing about," he replied, sounding suddenly tired.


    "But he''s the bad guy! We can take him down! He''s guilty!" Riley proclaimed in a whine.


    "Of trying to kill us? Yeah, twice, and the fact remains we don''t matter enough for it to matter, as to the rest of it? Maybe... and that''s a big maybe. Riley, take your blinders off. You''re not a cockatrice, and it''s unbecoming of you. There are other, bigger monsters than Chadrick in this world, and those are the ones we can kill, thankfully," he sighed again and let his hand rest upon the door, trying to center himself.


    "You''re right," She agreed with drooping ears.


    "Remember those kids from Landon, the widows? Well, we''ve got twenty three victims in need of some kind of answer. I intend to give them the right one, even if it''s not the one I want," His left hand hardened into a fist as he yanked the door open and strode into a small anteroom.


    "I''m here to see Commander Wystan," Tobias announced to the posted guard.


    "Of course, Ranger, Sir." He firmed up at attention before turning about face, leading them into a wide open room with bunks built three high framing each side.


    "Corporal Aethelred, see to my post until I return," he ordered as he passed.


    "Yes Sir!" Aethelred replied, fastening on his sword while rushing toward his post.


    "Are we at war or something?" Riley scanned around.


    "This is the royal seat, Riley," Tobias explained, projecting.


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    "Fair enough," she replied as they crossed the last of the bunks. Two doors were set to either side of them, leading to more bunk rooms. Just in front of them was an iron banded door with a plaque proclaiming it as the Office of the Watch Commander. After knocking twice, the guardsman took up position at the side of the door as if keeping watch.


    "Do you think they dream in that position?" Riley snickered.


    "Do you know how many dreams I have now about endlessly running?" Tobias countered.


    "Fair, kinda same, but running away is one of my weird animal things," Riley replied.


    Tobias chuckled softly, brightening some, just as a gruff voice shouted, "Enter!"


    Riley''s jaw dropped in surprise at the visage of a portly, balding man in his fifties. He was clad in battle leathers that had been considerably let out to accommodate his bulging belly, which protruded over a wide leather belt like a sheer cliff. On one side, keys hung on a loop. The top of his head was shiny and bald, save for the hair that framed the sides in what Riley considered "the Picard style." A tight gold torc wrapped around his neck, combining with the ruddiness of his face to give the impression he was choking. His beady, watchful eyes framed a sinister grin, portending menace.


    "That will be all, Sergeant Albrecan. Return to your post," he growled.


    "Yes Sir," The guard set his fist over his left chest and left with a bow of his head.


    "Ranger Tobias, I presume," He held out his fleshy hands, allowing them both to clasp arms. "I was told you were to be in contact with me. How can I help?"


    "Yes, sir, thank you for your time. I was instructed to report to you about the series of murders that''ve occurred. I''ve hardly been briefed, so I was hoping you could bring me up to speed," Tobias replied.


    Wystan gestured to a chair that sat across from his desk.


    "Interesting," he rumbled before turning in his chair, which creaked under his impressive weight.


    He unraveled a few scrolls set on a shelf behind him before grabbing one and passing it to Tobias.


    "Most have been commoners, which isn''t too much to worry about, really, but the first was a sorcerer. This was about a year and a half back. That, of course, was unusual and drew the attention of the Guard. The most recent murders, though, indicate motion away from the castle grounds, almost like it''s eating its way out of the city," Wystan explained.


    "You''re referring to Instructor Alecto," Tobias replied.


    "Did you know him?" Wystan asked with all the skill of a trained interrogator.


    "By reputation, I was recently in attendance at the Valenheim Academy. His death was announced, but I had no idea it was believed to be murder or monster attack," Tobias replied.


    "Ah, then you''re new to the Blackblades. Yes, the victim was found desiccated, devoid of fluids, and literally crumbling. He was the first. Since then, whatever the hell is doing it has been chewing on the odd noble, but most victims are predominantly commoners. If only it had kept to the lower stations, I could''ve put this one to bed as an unsolved," he tsked, shaking his head.


    "I don''t think I like this man," Riley replied, her eyes narrowing into a scowl.


    Tobias nodded subtly.


    "And you say the perpetrator has been keeping away from the castle grounds lately?" Tobias questioned.


    "Aye, it does seem to be the way, though it will occasionally pop back up in the vicinity of the royal lands before ranging down again. I swear it''s making loops, but the truth of it is, there are no eyewitness accounts, just desiccated bodies as if everything vital has been stolen from them," Wystan yawned, revealing stained yellow teeth.


    "That does sound like what Mavora did, but they''d have no reason to range with their level of access," Riley thought out loud as she felt a hint of approval from Tobias.


    "Anything else I need to know?" Tobias pressed.


    "All pertinent details that we''ve been able to glean are in the report scroll there, and I''ll make sure to loop you in on any further murders that occur while you are investigating. Now..." He trailed off, looking to his left and right, before pulling a small coin purse out of his desk, "I was wondering if you and I might talk about helping each other."


    Tobias went pale. "Help each other?"


    "Oh it''s just a thought, a hypothetical. You handle this quietly, end the threat, then you let me take the credit and another piece of filth gets the blame that deserves it. We have a proper hanging, the public gets to see justice done, and everyone wins," Wystan smiled affably as Riley fidgeted with rage.


    "And I assume that coin purse is for me?" Tobias queried.


    "Oh this? Why, I thought it was yours...if we have an agreement," Wystan pressed, holding out his hand to clasp arms.


    Tobias rose and straightened his cloak, "I''ll take it under advisement. Would you permit me another question before I go, in the interests of our new working relationship?"


    "Of course, Ranger, I''m really hoping we can be friends. That''s how things work in the capital, favors. This is your chance to get in on the ground floor and meet with the right people," he explained.


    "I see; how''d you come by this post?" Tobias took a deep, centering breath, trying to find a quiet place of peace between two converging storms of emotion, his own and Riley''s.


    "Oh, well, family connections, of course. I''m the heir of Turnworth," he replied with pride.


    "I thought as much, you''ve a noble bearing to you, sir. Good day," Tobias bowed his head before turning to leave.

 Chapter 86: Anger Management

    Chapter 86


    Chapter Tobias was seething, his chest heaving, rising, and falling as he exited the barracks.


    Riley could feel it, and it dizzied her, the emotions striking her equilibrium and destabilizing her world.


    Drunkenly, she stumbled upon her paws as she fought to get control.


    They had shared emotions since their bond, tiny flashes of insight or images, if not direct thoughts, like tiny rainstorms, sprinkles really, adding an accent to the day.


    This was the opposite; this was a hurricane, being buffeted by the winds of rage, driven on by all the indignity he had suffered, hot and cold.


    Finding the ground, she fought for the calm the eye of the storm promised, centered as if she was about to pull at her magic, then went through the process of grounding, granting her the ability to fight his emotional onslaught as much as her own.


    Tobias was stomping towards one part of the parade ground, where soldiers and guards were training, moving towards a practice dummy.


    "Oh, we''re about to get a show!" One of the guards called out, stopping all the motion of his company as the training yard fell silent.


    Tobias glared in such a way that the man stood back and gripped the hilt of his own sword tighter before turning, facing the dummy, and drawing his black blade.


    Memories flashed, images beat down like rain upon her as she dashed forward to catch up.


    Form 1...


    Form 2...


    Form 3...


    Every movement was clipped, devoid of grace or flow, instead replaced with force; each swing of his blade drove deep into the wood of the dummy.


    Yanking it free, wood chips went flying as he executed a recovery, then started again.


    Form 6...


    Form 7...


    Form 8...


    More guards at training found the courage to draw closer, impressed by the fury and relentless assault.


    Form 9!


    Riley felt the burst of power and saw their mana bar dip as his black blade exploded into flame while slicing through the center of the dummy, splitting it in half and setting it on fire as he did so.


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    The action shocked him, tempering his fire, leaving him panting and bewildered.


    With deft and easy action, he let his sword fall into his scabbard, regarding the crowd around him with wonder.


    "Who do I need to see about paying for the dummy?" He asked, the picture of serene calm.


    "Da- Don''t trouble yourself none about it, Sir," said a brute of a man in a barely fitting tabard denoting him as the guard.


    "We have loads of ''em. The forge work sends up a batch whenever we burn through the old ones; they do," he paused, then scrambled for his words, "No pun intended, young Sir."


    "That''s right, I need to see Justinian," Tobias looked around before pointing at the large man, "You, which way to the forge works?"


    The man jumped back as if Tobias was going to stab him, "Ju-just behind the barracks, Sir. You''ll find a door into the castle. It leads down; you can''t miss it."


    "Very well, that''ll be all," as if that settled things, he walked forward as the guard parted like water before him.


    Riley hopped behind, watching warily.


    "Did you see that?" One whispered.


    "I''m just glad I wasn''t on the other end of it," replied another.


    Tobias moved like a man taking an afternoon stroll, crossing back across the parade grounds. Finding the door, he gripped the handle with a shaky hand.


    "Are you ok?" Riley asked, knowing he wasn''t, taking a moment to press up against his legs.


    "I''m beginning to understand why Cid hates nobles. The indifference bothers me..." He trailed off in reflection, his hand still on the handle.


    "But are you ok?" Riley demanded.


    "I''m getting there; seeing Justinian will help," he said, pulling open the door.


    A hellish wind roiled over them, baking hot and humid, causing Riley to shut her eyes.


    "Right door," Tobias nodded before descending down.


    "Dante had a guide, you know," Riley complained, her humor falling flat, as he dwelled in a placid calm, deferring his anger as if he was dislocated from it.


    "Talk to me." She whined, not knowing what else to do.


    "I feel...small. Remember Granda and his pride of me? I was the neighborhood golden boy. Well, I made good, lived up to all of it, and I feel like the way you were talking about earlier. Rage, because for all my power, I feel helpless," He shrugged, moving down the spiral staircase as it only grew hotter.


    "But we aren''t helpless," Riley countered. The sound of clanging, hissing, and banging began to pitch in discordant symphony around her.


    Arriving on the main floor, the air cooled as they stepped off the stair; massive vents chased down the walls set at ceiling height, which easily towered fifteen feet over their heads, circulating and bringing fresh air down into the shop, from where, Riley did not know, before rushing back up the stairs they had just ventured down, forming it into a giant chimney.


    "This is cool!" She projected, happy she didn''t have to yell.


    Three rows of anvils, five deep, stretched out before them, set wide enough apart for there to be three forges each row and three kilns.


    Bellows worked by magic, Riley could see glows of orange and red everywhere, while artificers, in heavy leathers, wearing thick black goggles, hammered out swords and armor.


    Chasing along the back of the shop were work tables, where leathers were being produced or mail. In the back corners were smaller workstations complete with anvil and forge, where yet more artificers were making magic jewelry, bracelets, and other items.


    "It''s like a factory floor," She boggled, overwhelmed by how clean and industrial of a setup it was.


    Artificers moved like dancers from station to station, hammering out their wares, ever mindful of their fellows.


    "How do you think we''ll find him in this bedlam?" Tobias scanned around, with one hand resting on his sword hilt, as a servant came into view from a side room that looked strangely official. He was carrying a clipboard of all things, a first to Riley''s sight since she had arrived.


    "That guy!" She pointed out the busy servant, checking on the work going on at the forge, all the while keeping a respectful distance.


    Tobias, locking on target, set off for the man, holding up one hand in greeting.


    Upon spotting the ranger, the man''s eyes went wide, "How can I help you, S-sir?"


    "I''ve business with artificer Justinian. Will you take me to him?" He asked.


    "Right this way," the servant, forgetting all other business, turned and led them out of the main forge room and into another, revealing a massive storeroom. Gear stacked on crates stretched back into blackness. Weapons hung on racks lining the wall.


    "Holy shit," Riley exclaimed, as, down one row of shelves, Justinian came into view.


    "Tobias!" He shouted, running forward, wrapping him up in a huge bear hug

 Chapter 87: Brotherly Concerns

    Chapter 87


    "So you met Wystan?" Justinian chuckled and shook his head sadly before taking a drink from a metal tankard, "That man is a foul wind at a summer picnic."


    He had led them to a break room. A few artificers dwelled in the corner, eating their food or drinking from metal cups. A water spigot was set into the wall next to a trash receptacle.


    "Yeah, we''ve met," Tobias said in dogged resignation, staring down at the floor.


    "He offer you a coin purse?" Justinian asked offhandedly, taking another sip.


    Tobias blinked in surprise.


    "So he did; no wonder you look pissed," Justinian said before taking another drink.


    "That''s not the only reason," Riley finked as Tobias eyed her suspiciously.


    "Hush, Riley," he ordered.


    "We bonded our magics. I''ve got special insight," Riley volunteered.


    "I''ll pay you a silver if your information is good," Justinian offered, taking one from a coin purse, setting it on the table, sliding it surreptitiously over towards Riley.


    Tobias groaned.


    "Well, if you aren''t going to talk about it, I can''t help!" Justinian threw his arm over him in a sidelong hug.


    "You know how quiet he gets," Riley reminded.


    "Oh, I do, especially when he''s brooding, like now," Justinian nodded knowingly, taking a sip.


    "Yep, he''s brooding and... annoyed," Riley volunteered, pulling at their bond.


    "I''m right here," Tobias growled.


    "Auditioning to replace the gargoyles around the academy?" He poked at his best friend.


    Tobias narrowed his eyes.


    "This break room reminds me of something from Earth," Riley deflected.


    "Oh?" Justinian asked, taking another pull off his water. As he sipped, his eyes shifted towards Tobias.


    "All that''s missing is the fridge and the microwave," Riley commented.


    "Ah," Justinian replied knowingly, looking towards Tobias again.


    "Something that makes food hot and something that makes food cold," Riley explained.


    "Sounds like magic," Justinian said, wielding the small talk like a weapon.


    "It''s science. It can seem like magic," Riley replied.


    Tobias threw up his hands and began to pace.


    "We have a winner!" Justinian took up Riley''s paw as if proclaiming her the champion.


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    "We got in last night; it''s not yet high sun, and I''ve seen vileness, corruption, and apathy that makes me want to burn something!" Tobias raged.


    Quickly, two artificers dwelling in the corners finished their drinks and left.


    "Sounds like Ashenvale," Justinian agreed.


    "I don''t know how I''m going to do this. I have to investigate this series of murders, something I''ve never done, mind you; Chadrick still wants me dead and looks to have tried..." Tobias trailed off, seething.


    "And you''ve been holding all this in how long?" Justinian asked.


    "Oh, this is just weeks of repressed rage working itself out. Training was fun, and by fun, I mean grueling, torturous, and terrifying," Riley replied.


    "I''ll bet," Justinian said, rising to refill his tankard.


    "Chadrick tried to kill us during our last training module and sent his hawk to do it. The kid is just begging for an ass kicking," Riley''s voice dripped with malice.


    "He''s the Viceroy of the Commons now, and he doesn''t deserve it, but I hear he hates it and considers it beneath him. May it drive him to jump off the north tower," Justinian held up his tankard in a toast.


    Tobias glowered as the dam broke.


    "It''s more than just Chadrick. It just... was a lot," he took a deep breath to steady himself as Riley felt the emotions churn within him.


    Tobias sat back down with a long sigh, "I saw some things and lived through some things I don''t want to talk about. I''ve got the weight of all this on me, and I''m barely nineteen. It''s a bit much."


    "You had a birthday? Do they not celebrate those here? Happy Birthday!" Riley interjected.


    "About two weeks ago, and we do, I just didn''t feel like celebrating at... where we were," he paused, looking towards Justinian.


    "I get it. I know there are some things you just can''t talk about; for all my ribbing, we''re still brothers, man, and  I love ya," Justinian patted his hand.


    "I liked my nice, quiet little life, but it''s over, and they won''t even let me hunt monsters yet. At least that''s clean. This is just... diving into a privy pit," Tobias stared down at the floor.


    "Yeah, I''m the lucky one down here, but it''s not like I don''t hear things. Wystan is a snake; you be careful around him. He''d sell his mother for two coppers fair, but I don''t know what to tell ya, man. There''s a lot of apathy in the nobility towards the commoners. It''s a disease," Justinian took a long, slow pull off his water again before shaking his head.


    "So what do I do?" Tobias asked his friend.


    "What you''ve always done, you do your best. Are they still quartering rangers at the Prancing Cockatrice?" Justinian grinned.


    "You shouldn''t know that," Tobias replied briskly.


    "What did I just say? I hear things!" He threw up his hands in mock exasperation.


    "Yes, they do," Tobias admitted, sounding defeated.


    "Well, that confirms that rumor. Anyhow, I know this noble, Lady Godwin; she''s a good and genuine soul, but works society like I work a forge. Don''t let the smile and the dimples fool you, friend. If it moves, shakes, or gossips, she knows it," Justinian began.


    "That sounds like a contradiction," Riley observed.


    "You can fight the system or work within the system. Those rightly or highly placed by birth or deftness have the chance to do a lot of good working in the backrooms. She''s trustworthy, and I guarantee she cares and knows more than old Wystan ever will, but this is the reality of things, friend. Are you interested?" Justinian offered like an olive branch.


    "Yes," Tobias moaned.


    "Smart. I''ll reach out discreetly, and we''ll set a meeting where you''re quartered. We''ll see what we can see," Justinian patted him affably on the shoulder.


    "I missed you, brother," Tobias said, staring down at the table.


    "I missed you too, and I''m glad you came to see me, but even I don''t know everything. Lady Godwin can help," he deferred.


    "Before you go, I was wondering if you''d be interested in making gear for Riley," With a wave of his hand, he produced the requisition papers.


    "Really? Let me see!" Snatching them, he smoothed them out on the table as his eyes went wide.


    "Mythril? Seriously... this is an authorization for mythril mail and you brought it to me?" Justinian''s voice grew squeaky as if in contradiction to his impressive bulk.


    "Is that good?" Riley asked.


    "That''s amazing! I love you, man!" Justinian bowled Tobias over, knocking him out of his chair and pulling him into a hug.


    "Let me go, you oaf!" Tobias tried to pull away but could not escape the vice grip of his arms.


    Finally, he went limp, and Justinian let him free.   Smoothing down his apron, he took upon a professional air, "Do you have time for some measurements, Miss?"


    He bowed deferentially to Riley, who giggled, blushing in her ears, "Why, Sir, for a discerning gentleman such as yourself, I could spare the time."


    "Twelve Gods save me from this circus," Tobias complained, flopping again into his chair.

 Chapter 88: Law and Order

    Chapter 88


    "Can I help you, Ranger, sir?" the shopkeeper asked, smiling affably.


    "Is it starting to feel like that''s your name yet?" Riley wondered.


    Tobias nodded subtly in agreement with her projected words, "I need a detailed map of Ashenvale, something with the streets clearly marked if possible."


    "Something of that detail would cost a bit, sir, a silver at least. They require a great amount of work, very fine," he replied.


    Sighing, with a deft motion, the coin appeared in Tobias'' hand.


    "But we already have a map," Riley complained.


    "We do, but I need something I can mark up," he explained as the shopkeeper vanished into a back room, appearing a moment later with a rolled-up scroll of heavy vellum.


    "Thank you for your patronage," he bowed as they made their way out.


    "You''ve been spendy today," Riley hopped after him, the tingling bell above the door heralding their exit.


    "Thank the Thriteen for Justinian and his largesse. We need to be ready, and I''m starting to think we''re on our own out here, but I suppose that figures," Tobias said, turning in the direction of the Prancing Cockatrice.


    Pulling at her own map, Riley could see that line now firmly established, one of many cutting through the shadowy fog of where she hadn''t yet been.


    "Wystan did say they were operating in loops," she agreed, reflecting on her own journeys.


    The route from Tobias'' childhood home to the Academy was clearly visible, including the path that took them by his favorite tea vendor, as was the Prancing Cockatrice, and their route out with Cid as they began training.


    Habits. Everyone had to live, so everyone had them, so why wouldn''t it be true of monsters as well?


    "Everything has needs. You need materials at the moment; I need to talk." Riley began.


    "You always need to talk," Tobias teased with a chuckle.


    "Hey! So maybe that''s something else; maybe what we''re hunting has needs, too, or goals? Why do they hunt what they hunt? Is it drive, aggression, or cruelty? If it''s Chadrick, and it''s gotta be Chadrick, he has a burning need to be the biggest prick in the room, even if I''m pretty sure he''s the smallest, so are the victims related? Maybe some perceived slight?" Riley rambled, ripping off her memories of "Law and Order" for all they were worth.


    "I understand what you''re doing, and I appreciate it, but we''re just getting started here. Asking questions is important, considering angles is important, at least that''s the way I''m approaching it, but speculating wildly isn''t going to help, Riley. We need to go over this scroll that Wystan gave us this morning and see what we can see, then speculate from a foundation of knowledge," Tobias lectured.


    "And you say you''ve never done this before, but will there be lunch somewhere in there? I''m hungry, and it''s past high sun," her stomach grumbled in emphasis.


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    "Well, I haven''t, but I''ve done a lot of research and had to work things out; this doesn''t seem all that different. You start with a foundation of hard facts in alchemical research, and you let that lead you to other facts. I could be completely off, but I think that will also apply here," Tobias replied.


    "Seems logical, makes sense to me," Riley agreed, trying to ignore her growling stomach.


    Stealing another quick glance at her map, they seemed to be getting close.


    "There''s also Lady Godwin, that''s a lead, right, an angle?" Riley said, making conversation.


    "Yes, but right now, I want to focus less on the noble angle and look for other causes," Tobias replied.


    Riley stopped in her tracks. "Why? We already know he''s involved!"


    "No, we don''t. It''s a solid working theory and feeds into our biases. Chadrick travels. He has commitments and obligations that take him out of the city as the viceroy, so we can''t be sure he was here for all of them. Research is not about validating your pet theories; it''s about looking for new ones and challenging what you know. I''ve got a grudge, so I''m going to work against it, not for it. This is about the pursuit of truth, not emotional satisfaction. I''m not going to be blind here," he reasoned.


    "You''re way more analytical than me, and you seem more focused. Your emotions have gotten calmer at least," Riley observed as the sign for the Prancing Cockatrice came into view.


    "And you''re fidgety and hungry, so let''s get some lunch," Tobias offered.


    Riley''s ears perked at the mention of food, "I''m sold."


    Tobias chuckled, "I knew you would be."


    "This bond thing, it''s kinda weird in a cool way," Riley observed.


    "I''ve gotten to see a bit of your world, no thoughts really, just emotions and images. You think of those metal carriages a lot when we''re walking, and those plays projected on screens, those things made up a lot of your life, didn''t it?" he asked as they came to the door of the Prancing Cockatrice.


    "They did; life is a lot quieter here and slow. For instance, we haven''t been home yet," she replied.


    "Would you have lunch sent up to our room, along with some grasses, clover, and jogana fruit for my companion?" Tobias asked the barkeep.


    A tentative quiet hung over the Pracning Cockatrice, just past its lunchtime rush. Straggling diners dwelled in corners, eating quietly, enjoying the restive peace.


    "Of course, sir, right away," he replied congenially, calling for a waitress.


    "I''m hoping we can return home tomorrow. Right now, this investigation is eating up the day, and Ma and Da are working no doubt. We''re going to have to find the right moment," he said as they climbed the stairs, finally arriving at their room.


    Tobias plopped down at the desk chair, setting out the map and the report scroll upon it before running his hand through his hair with a sigh.


    "Gods, today has already been exhausting," he complained.


    "It has," Riley stretched out, paw over paw, and yawned as a sharp knock drew her to startled attention.


    "Enter!" Tobias shouted.


    Sabine strode in with their tray and set it down on the dining table before shutting the door. "How''d things go with Wystan and the castle? Anything to report?"


    Riley could smell the food, the distracting scents of her own meal, drawing all focus, carrying her to her seat.


    "Is it okay to speak freely?" Tobias asked, rising and switching chairs, setting Riley''s bowl in front of her before attending to his own.


    "I''m your station chief; if you can''t talk to me, who can you talk to?" Sabine asked with a shrug.


    "I got the report scroll and met with a friend of mine in the castle. Wystan is about as corrupt as they come, a monster in his own right. I don''t like the man," Tobias reported.


    "He is. Scum often rises to the top, Ranger, but you can''t let your revulsion get in the way of your mission," she lectured.


    "It won''t. I''ve a firm grounding in the idea there are things outside of my control. That said, Wystan has his own agenda, and we should consider that going forward," Tobias replied, taking up his bowl of stew, which smelled like a dozen things Riley had never encountered before.


    "Cherock stew, it''s a root vegetable," Tobias projected quietly to Riley, filling up the brief pause.


    "Excellent, you''re learning already; working with  the unreliable is what we do. You''re going to have to compartmentalize and glean the good stuff from the cockatrice crap. So who''s this contact in the castle?" Sabine asked.


    "A friend from school. He tends to know the gossip and is abreast of events. I thought he''d be a good person to tap," Tobias replied.


    "Good thinking, I''ll leave you to your lunch. Keep me apprised," Sabine said, before exiting.

 Chapter 89: Striking out and Starting Strong

    Chapter 89


    Riley sat perched on the bed, watching Tobias pace back and forth before setting a pin and referencing the unrolled report scroll on the desk.


    For hours he had made the same loop.


    - Reference Scroll


    - Drop a pin


    - Stare


    - Pace


    Twenty-three pins now formed a geometric series of swirls on their one silver map as he stood back like an artist, placing his hand on his chin while his free hand cupped his elbow, taking a deep breath.


    "That''s all of them. I''ve found all the locations," he announced as if expecting a revelation to leap out at him.


    The first four had been the easiest, because it involved pinning it to the wall, then the real work had begun.


    "You know, where I came from, they''d have colorful balls on the end," Riley observed, causing him to turn.


    "Oh? Huh," He replied, distracted.


    There, lost in the mystery, an emotion was percolating she didn''t expect... contentment.


    He was enthralled, deep in thought, and far away from his problems, looking only at the puzzle.


    His fingers came away from his mouth, dancing a few scant inches from the map, tracing out and mimicking the pattern. Sure enough, there were long oval loops radiating out from the castle grounds like flower petals.


    A wave of frustration overwhelmed the contentment as he pushed away from the map, placing both hands on the desk.


    "But what does it mean? Nesting sites? Is it nomadic? Are they targets of opportunity, but if so... what opportunity? What do the victims have in common? On the face of it, nothing," he muttered to himself, staring at his handiwork as if it held the secrets of the universe.


    Distantly, the sound of music drifted up from the stairs and from under the floorboards.


    The nighttime entertainment was beginning.


    Riley stretched out paw over paw, pulling out the kinks in her back with a yawn.


    "Would you mind if I went downstairs?"


    "What?" Tobias turned, blinking wide-eyed.


    "The music''s starting and I''ve been up here for hours. It would be good to move. Hell, it might do you some good to get away awhile," she prompted.


    "Oh, well, will you be ok on your own?" he asked.


    "Huh¡­" Riley realized in that moment she had never really gone off on her own before.


    "I didn''t mean anything by it," Tobias said quickly, picking up on the jumble of emotions flowing through her.


    Striding over, he opened the door a crack, giving her room to nose out.


    To her eyes it yawned like the abyss itself, the veritable unknown staring back at her.


    "No, you didn''t do anything, you care, I know that, and I think I''ll be ok. In fact, I think it would be healthy for me," she resolved, all the while settling back down on the bed.


    "But you aren''t going," Tobias prompted.


    "I know that," she replied, as the fear surged like caustic acid.


    "Nope, I''m not giving into that," Riley resolved, hopping down in defiance of how she felt, moving with courage towards the door.


    Nosing out as if fearful she would alert a guard, on timid paws she ventured to the banister, then down the stairs as the festive music grew louder, and the floor vibrated with the forceful impacts of people dancing.


    She trembled.


    "It sounds like fun," she lied to herself as her heart rate spun up in her ears. Within her mind, she reached for Tobias and how he felt, trying to distract herself. There was that contentment again, a feeling of peace before the puzzle, the contrast, showing her own anxieties and fears in a deeper light.


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    "It''s in my mind," she said, trying for distance as she sought refuge on his side of their bonded souls.


    A woman in a colorful skirt twirled by the stairs, dancing through a wide open space made by the crowding of tables against the walls. A scant few patrons ate their meals, watching with rapt interest, some moving and swaying in their seats.


    Scanning around, Riley found a chair, sat against the wall, away from the door, that seemed safe enough.


    The trick was getting there.


    The world fated to muted greys as her veil covered her in subconscious reflex. As the first song of the night came to its gentle close, Riley slunk against the wall, watching warily, making her way towards the chair.


    Safely there, she let her power drop, appearing as if by magic.


    "By the dead Gods," a patron complained, walking beside her, regarding her curiously.


    Riley cocked her head and looked at him dumbly.


    The man shook his head in bewilderment, "I think I''ve had enough to drink. Switch me to tea, barkeep."


    Safety assured, Riley settled in to watch the show. An hour passed of dancing and music, the place filling in for its evening customers, as bowls of rich stew began to arrive from the kitchen, being brought to random tables.


    "This isn''t so bad," she said to herself as Justinian entered, wearing his jaunty hat, with a beautiful woman holding on to his arm.


    Tall and statuesque at 5''10, she was also rail thin, causing Riley to think of a bird. An indigo blue dress that descended down to her ankles highlighted perfectly her beautiful blue eyes that were bracketed by curly auburn hair. Justinian guided her to a table near the back and scanned around, spotting Riley; he held up his hand.


    "Look at you, out on your own," he praised, pausing to ruffle her ears.


    "I''m a free and independent hare that needs no sorcerer," Riley replied proudly.


    "No doubt, good morrow, Ranger," he bowed deeply, taking off his hat with a flourish.


    "Where''s my no-account brother? The very idea of leaving a lady unescorted, the nerve!"


    "I told you, I''m an independent beast," Riley sniffed superiorly.


    "You are, I''m more worried about him without one of us supervising. Combat sorcerers are such children," Justinian shook his head sadly.


    Riley giggled, "He''s upstairs staring at a map he paid a silver to poke holes into."


    Justinian''s brow furrowed in confusion, "Wait here; I''ll go fetch him and make introductions."


    Stomping away, he was only gone for a moment before reappearing with Tobias. With their mutual aid, people made way, leaving her no room to be stepped upon, as the memory floated by of her intents to escape upon her arrival in Calaria.


    "That would not have gone well," she said to herself as she hopped, bracketed by her escorts.


    "Lady Godwin, may I present my brother in spirit, Ranger Tobias," he bowed as she held out her hand.


    "A pleasure to meet you, M''lady," Tobias took her hand and bowed in kind before they both took their seats.


    "The manners are much more civilized here," Riley mused to those involved in her conspiracy.


    "The pleasure is all mine, Ranger. Justinian here speaks endlessly about you. Tell me, is it dangerous?" she leaned in as if rapturously interested, allowing Riley a closer look at her eyes.


    They seemed serious, focused, and sharp, belying her easy tone.


    "It has its moments, but I''m just getting started. Justinian and I were in the same class. We, uh, came up together," Tobias replied awkwardly.


    She giggled behind her hand, "Oh, how lovely."


    She gently touched Justinian''s shoulder, causing Riley to prick up her ears, "And who is this with you, your companion?"


    "That''s Ranger Riley," Justinian stated flatly with a grin.


    "How cute, and what wide eyes!" She giggled again.


    "Hello," Riley said in practiced reply.


    Lady Godwin''s eyes went wide as she stammered, "By the thirteen, I''m sorry, I didn''t think... you''re second tiers? Oh, what am I saying, you''re Blackblades, but that''s...unusual."


    Her voice dropped half an octave and lost all pretext of lilt as if the real her suddenly stepped from behind a persona.


    "Why, aren''t you full of surprises," she said as if a switch had been flipped.


    Tobias cocked his head, "Riley''s unique; we''re a team. She provides an edge in the field I''d never have with a regular companion."


    "I''m starting to understand why the Generals sent you. Justinian tells me you''re curious about the murders?" she asked as a waitress came up to take their orders.


    "Dinner for the table, these strapping lads look hungry, don''t they?" She giggled; the fa?ade was up again as she pulled out a silver and overpaid, "Gentlemen, your drinks? And what would your companion prefer?"


    "Two ales for us, grass and fruit for Riley," Tobias said.


    The waitress nodded and vanished as if ephemeral.


    "That should guarantee us some privacy and good service. When Justinian told me, I wasn''t sure what help I could provide," she explained.


    "Well, what can you tell us about Chadrick?" Riley asked as Tobias shot her a look.


    "Chadrick? He''s a fool and unworthy of the title given him. Strutting around with an infernal hawk as if that''s something to be proud of. The Royals once had standards," she whispered conspiratorially as their drinks came, and the waitress left as quickly as she had appeared.


    "I understand he''s unhappy with his position," Tobias continued neutrally.


    "Oh, interminably, says it''s beneath him, hates it almost as much as he hates you," she replied, dropping the information like a live grenade.


    Tobias raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh, I know, darling, he''s incessant about how you humiliated him, complains to every servant that has the misfortune to be in his service. The brat is spoiled, but he''s no killer. Do you think he might be involved?" she leaned forward in rapt curiosity.


    "We''re considering all angles, is all," Tobias deflected.


    "So you''re looking at all those that have access to the castle ground then? That''s quite the list, and you''re starting at the top; that''s curious... I suppose Rangers have their ways. If you asked me, though, your suspicion is in the wrong place," she let her hand fall on Justinian''s upper arm again.


    Riley began to squirm in her seat as Lady Godwin inadvertently took a bat to her favorite theory.


    "Where would you start?" Tobias asked.


    "Why, at the beginning, the academy was where the first murder happened, correct? I understand Inspector Alecto could be a bit of a scourge to students and servants alike. To me, darlings, that sounds like someone might have just been aching to kill him, but what do I know?" She laughed brightly as their food arrived.

 Chapter 90: Jump Scare

    Chapter 90


    Squared off, opposite the room from each other, it appeared as if a strange battle were underway.


    Riley sat, perched on her hind paws, with her forepaws forming an inverted V, almost touching, drawing, and grounding, practicing, feeling the flow of her power, channeling it towards various spells.


    Tobias, meanwhile, worked through his sword forms, flowing from movement to movement.


    Riley could feel his concentration stacking on top of her own, but with it, a sense of unease hung strangely as if a fog upon the air that had clung around him since their meeting with Lady Godwin the night before.


    Shifting her focus while continuing to draw and ground, Riley broke the early morning silence.


    "What''s bothering you?"


    Tobias continued to work through his motions, never stopping, "I was so damnably eager to get into this case. I spent a silver, met with Wystan, and had every opportunity to start at the beginning, but I didn''t."


    Riley perked as it all clicked in, "You''re doubting yourself."


    "How''d she see it, and I didn''t? It''s so simple!" He complained, working back to form 1.


    "She understands people; it''s her work," Riley replied.


    "It''s my work, too, now," Tobias sighed.


    "And we are both still learning. Lady Godwin has had a lifetime of training in being an information broker, as much as anything. Cut yourself some slack; it was your first day," Riley demanded.


    "Adapt," Tobias chuckled.


    "Adapt. Kicking your own ass over missing something isn''t going to help. Learning from your mistakes will," Riley, dropping to all fours, pulled out the kinks in her back.


    Tobias paused and looked back at the map, "It''s not like it was all wasted; I did need to familiarize myself with the case, and I''ve got a direction."


    "Attaboy," Riley praised.


    Setting his sword at the top of his scabbard, he let it drop into his sheath, then moved over to the water basin to wash his face and run his fingers through his hair, finally donning his leather jerkin.


    "Breakfast?" Riley asked, getting her hopes up.


    "Indeed, what do you think about heading to the academy today and then visiting the family? We can stop by the cathedral on the way," Tobias offered.


    "That sounds great! What''s at the cathedral?" Riley asked, growing curious.


    "The Abbot of Linnan Ealdre, Sabine suggested we check in with them. They''re the High Priest of the God of Death and oversee the crypt and the bodies that rest there," Tobias explained, sensing her confusion.


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    "Oh... sounds spooky," Riley replied.


    "There''s nothing to fear from the dead, only the living," Tobias stood as he spoke, "I''m going to go put in our order for food."


    "Before you go, would you unroll the report scroll on the floor? I need to get caught up now that you aren''t hogging it," she quipped, the edges of a tease dancing on her voice.


    Tobias ruffled her ears as he passed by, only to take the scroll up off the desk and, after a brief scan of their quarters, rolled it out between the bed and desk.


    "Do you want me to set the desk lamp down as well?" He offered.


    "No, thank you, servant. Be about your business," She said dismissively.


    "I''ll remember that no jogana fruit for you this morning," he teased.


    "Hey! No fair!" Riley complained, hopping towards her morning reading.


    "Welcome to Calaria," he remarked wryly before leaving.


    The sound of his boots echoing down the hall framed a quiet that hung over her like a blanket. Calaria was far more tranquil than the world she distantly remembered. There was almost always the sensation of sound there, from the background hum of electronics to the motions of machinery.


    Yet, Calaria was devoid of those basic distractions. Silence was prolific here, especially in the small hours of the morning when she found herself awake.


    To be certain, there was often something to draw her attention, the scuttling of a rodent or the call of the guards, but they were not constant; they were punctuations, underlining actions that framed the greater quiet that surrounded her.


    It was strangely oppressive, still, and distracting; a feel of preternatural pause framed the silence as if it was a container, like the world was aching for expression, holding its breath.


    As she began to read, she thought back to a ticking clock her grandmother had, how it could define the nights, drawing attention while the world rested, and she wrestled with whatever had kept her up.


    "By the Gods, this is dull," she complained as she went over the report, wondering how it was made. Entries were set like an outline. Next to each victim''s name was something like a semicolon, and then on the line below, a handwritten entry describing the scene, listing witnesses, of which there were none, ending with who made the initial report.


    It told her both everything and nothing as she went down the list until coming to the end.


    Twenty-three victims existed upon the scroll, with room for more. A considerable reserve existed at the base as if waiting for the next murder.


    Yet, Calaria drifted on with a casual placidity. No one seemed overly worried, and Wystan viewed it as some twisted opportunity.


    It struck her as strange, as another oddity popped up in her mind.


    Where was Tobias? Ordering breakfast shouldn''t have taken this long.


    "Tobias?" She projected loudly, not knowing if her words or feelings of unease would carry that far.


    The world continued blissfully in its quiet, growing ominous at its edges.


    "Tobias!" she cried again as the shutters of their window flew open with a bang. Her heart fluttered to panic; instincts took over, and her power jumped to the fore. Scurrying nails scraping against the wood added punctuation, shredding the peace of the night.


    She vanished under a veil as she hid beside the bed, poking out warily.


    Two glowing eyes gazed in from the window as Mavora beat her wings against it.


    The sound of boots rushing up the stairs caused her ears to swivel a moment later while the hawk launched itself into the night.


    "Riley? What''s wrong!" Tobias entered with Sabine a moment later with his weapon drawn.


    "Mavora, she was just outside the window!" She shuddered, reappearing from under her veil.


    Tobias, noticing the open shutter, strode to the window and peered out into the night, sheathing his sword.


    "Strange. Why show up now?" He puzzled before turning and moving towards Riley.


    "Intimidation, it seems you have an enemy," Sabine stated the obvious.


    "Are you ok?" Tobias asked worriedly.


    "Just spooked, but I don''t understand why she would show. What purpose does it serve?" Riley boggled, her heart still racing in panic. "And where were you?"


    "We were chatting downstairs, talking about the case," Tobias explained.


    "Still think Chadrick is innocent?" Riley pressed.


    "I don''t know if I ever felt that way exactly, but this was Mavora, not Chadrick," he deflected, pausing to consider his words, "They could be meaning to distract us or bait us into stupidity. He doesn''t have to be a serial murderer to be a serial prick. The one thing I''m certain of is he wants us to fail. If we storm in over one petty incident, it would be playing into his hands."


    "By all means, let''s ruin his day," Riley replied as she stared out the window into the night worriedly.

 Chapter 91: Back to School

    Chapter 91


    Riley watched warily; a general sense of unease percolated through her day like the autumn wind blowing over Ashenvale.


    Late summer it might have been, but that meant the halcyon days of warmth would soon be at their end. The wind seemed to blow in an ominous herald that autumn and winter were coming.


    "You''re quiet, Riley," Tobias observed, walking with a confidence born on the wings that he was home.


    The verdancy of the castle grounds stretched out before them in the mid-morning light. Trees were green, and the sun beat down in defiance of the scented autumnal breeze. Puffy clouds drifted by as Riley scanned for black dots, wanting nothing more than to be undercover and indoors, hiding from the perfect day.


    "Yeah," Riley trailed off and perked her ears higher, determined to not be surprised. Yet nothing happened as they passed the oak tree and moved over the drawbridge that led them into the Valenheim academy. Tobias turned left as he entered through the main entrance.


    Riley recognized the familiar office where she had gotten her silver torc.


    "Good morrow, Ranger," a servant in a copper torc bowed as he approached the counter.


    "Good morrow, fellow, inform the headmaster that I have business to discuss with him," Tobias replied, using every bit of his rank and status.


    The servant turned pale, then bowed again. "Right away."


    He scurried off as if a fire had been lit underneath him.


    "Does it feel weird?" Riley asked.


    "Yes, yes it does," Tobias replied, scanning around, as Riley felt an odd mix of both nostalgia and... regret.


    She perked up and cocked her head in a scan. Tobias picked up on her curiosity, then shrugged before patting between her ears.


    The familiar red-robed mage that Riley remembered from the morning assembly entered, bowing deeply.


    "Hello, hello, Ranger Tobias, you''ve done us all proud!" He beamed, clasping his hands together. Rail-thin and balding, what hair he had left was pulled back, spectacles rested on the edge of his nose that he peered out over, and his red robes hung heavy on him like they were a size too large.


    Riley, looking him over, could not help but think of a turtle, the images popping into her mind.


    Tobias suppressed a giggle, coughing into his hand while shooting her a wry look of bemusement.


    "I can''t help what my mind does!" She complained between the two of them.


    "Headmaster Dodson, might we meet in your office? I have matters to discuss with you," Tobias intoned, his words dripping ominously.


    "Is¡­ Is there trouble?" He asked.


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    "None at all. This is about an investigation I''ve been assigned, of which you may be able to assist the kingdom," Tobias replied, summoning every bit of official weight he could muster.


    Riley felt a wave of bemused contentment and satisfaction wash over him.


    "You''re enjoying this," she snickered.


    "You''re damn right I am," he replied with that same bemused confidence.


    "Why certainly, right this way," He bowed again, with trembling hands, and emerged a moment later from behind the counter.


    Leading them down the hall and arriving at an iron-banded door, he pushed it open, only to reveal a row of small, cramped offices, each with its own banded door.


    Moving down the hallway, he led them to the last one on the right. Keys jangled as he pulled them from a pocket on his robe.


    Unlocking the door, he scurried inside.


    "This is not what I expected," Riley scanned around the closet of a space.


    A large wooden desk took up a good third of the room and was perfectly centered to allow someone to transit behind it on either side, but offered precious little room. Two scroll racks chased up the walls behind it, framing a simple wooden chair, of which two identical models were set precisely opposite to allow the door to swing.


    A blue light crystal set into the ceiling shed its light on the tiny space as the Headmaster seated himself, sitting up as if at attention. "Now, we may speak in private. What is this about, Ranger?"


    "It pertains to the death of Instructor Alecto. I understand he was killed a year and a half ago while I was still a student here," Tobias asked.


    "Yes, a terrible business. He was an excellent weather mage, cold as winter but a gifted caster," Dodson replied, his eyes betraying the loss of a good friend.


    "Walk me through it. Where was he found? Did he have any enemies?" Tobias asked in rapid fire.


    "As for enemies, I know he was disliked by his students and hated by the servants, but not enough to kill him. It would be a long list if we were to compile everyone that might have a grudge, though. He demanded nothing but the best from everyone around him, maximum effort. Weather mages are often meticulous, as you well know. There are so many variables to track and impacts to consider; they tend to become perfectionists; otherwise, crops fail, people die, and you know how it goes with magic." He shook his head, looking down at his desk.


    "How was he found?" Tobias prompted.


    "It was rather grisly. I don''t recall the exact time, but he was found by two servants beginning their day, so I''d put the discovery between three and five bells. The Guard found nothing unusual other than the state of his body, which was essentially mummified and crumbling," Dodson explained.


    "Do any of the coppers have such an ability? A water caster, perhaps? You said he was hard on servants," Tobias pressed.


    "A servant having that ability? My dear Ranger, they''re coppers," he chuckled as if enjoying a private joke.


    "Excuse me, it''s just the idea of it, you understand, but yes, he was hard on them. As you know, coppers are our failures. They missed their opportunity to contribute to the magical work in any meaningful way. Some of us look on them with pity, but others hold nothing but revulsion. Alecto had no room or compassion for failure and demanded perfect obedience."


    "Which is more than enough reason for someone to want to kill him," Riley surmised.


    "Was there any investigation done of the students or the coppers?" Tobias asked for Riley.


    "There was, all was normal. Students are barred from the grounds after sunset, as you will recall, and coppers are locked in their wards after ten bells. All were present and accounted for in the nightly counts. It was outside of trials season, and all extraordinary exceptions were also considered," Dodson replied.


    "That sounds like a prison!" Riley was forgetting her unease as she found her anger.


    Tobias stiffened. "Were there any unusual events? Did any coppers go missing before or after? Anything unusual?"


    "Coppers go missing from time to time, but that''s a matter for the Guard and retrieval teams," Dodson deflected.


    "And what of the students, did any go missing in that time?" Tobias continued as if speaking patiently to a child.


    "I don''t know, but that would be more unusual," he stammered.


    "Do you keep records?" Tobias snapped.


    Dodson flinched. "Why... Yes, yes, Ranger, we do."


    "Then I want you to compile all records for me, going six months back and forward, and have them delivered to the Prancing Cockatrice," he rose briskly.


    "Of course, and if there is anything else you''d think to need, you are but to ask," he bowed and held out his hand.


    Tobias looked at it, then turned and left.

 Chapter 92: Crucibles of Light and Dark

    Chapter 92


    Tobias stormed down the hallway and out onto the academy grounds.


    "You''re angry," Riley said, continuing to battle Captain Obvious for the title.


    "By the dead Gods, you were there! How can you not be? The utter disdain. They''re still people!" he seethed.


    His rage was only fueling the general feeling of unease she felt. A strange sense that she was being watched settled upon her like a wet blanket the moment they had ventured outdoors.


    "You were almost in the same position," Riley poked at the anger balloon.


    It popped as he sagged, "I was until I met you. It''s ironic, isn''t it? Had things gone a little differently, I''d either be dead or locked in at 10 bells every night; instead, I''m a Ranger and given all the respect I''d have never had, and the difference is as thin as a hair."


    "That fear, though, made you a better man. You care; you didn''t try to boss or bully me or take me even when it would have been easy to do so," Riley argued like a defense attorney.


    "Thinking you were always destined for a copper torc changes your perspective about those that wear them, that is for certain," Tobias agreed as they came to the towering oak under which they once met Justinian.


    "It feels like another life," Tobias said, touching the tree and closing his eyes. Slowly, his emotions simmered down to a deep reflection and gratitude for what might have been but thankfully wasn''t.


    "How about some tea and a jogana fruit if we can find it, tenganut if we can''t. There''ll be more than one vendor on the way to the cathedral," he offered like a peace offering.


    "Like I''m one to turn down food, but it''s not necessary; you didn''t hurt me," Riley explained.


    "It''s not that¡­ It''s¡­I¡­" He struggled for his words  as he tapped his leg and began to move, ¡°I love you.¡±


    A wave of emotions rolled over her in an instant, causing her fur to bristle. Riley faltered, almost stumbling, tossed by the deluge, but a warm undercurrent anchored her and helped her find her footing. Images flashed of her being hurt in the Antlion cavern and the desperation he had felt, mixed with long hours suffering in training, as she ran and worked beside him, giving way to shared meals and long, deep talks. Devotion, gratitude, and... love.


    It was certainly not romantic, nor was it exactly familial. Instead, it was born on the battlefield through the experience of mutual suffering. It was a bond that transcended words, knitting their souls together in a way that transcended even the magic that had made it possible, reforging them, making them both better and, somehow, whole.


    As she felt his emotions, they framed her own, stopping her in her tracks. She could not deny what her spirit knew for truth.


    "I love you¡­" Riley said , having said as much before, but this was strangely different.


    Contentment chased the unease to the further corners of her mind as they turned down the switchback path, retracing the route they had taken home from class all those many months ago.


    It was one of many changes that had occurred since arriving in Calaria. Those months felt like years in the greater span of time, carrying oceans and volumes of experience that her twenty-five years of life on earth hadn''t touched.


    She had simply lived more and done more here. Her life in Calaria was a life writ large.


    Riley reveled, content in the wonder and the terror of this strange new life, as the sun shone down irregularly, broken up by the pitch of roofs and squat tenement buildings, their four or five stories of height making them skyscrapers by the standards of the Ashenrealm. In the distance, growing closer by the moment, was the spire of the grand cathedral of the realm.


    They had passed it often, but Riley hadn''t yet been inside. She knew from the outside that it contained towering stained-glass windows, which added color to its dark grey stone.


    Its crystal spire gleamed in the morning light as if beckoning to her. Its construction was built not as a fortress in the center of a town but as a capstone, a crown jewel. A growing excitement punctuated her hops as she pondered what it might look like inside, just as a cloaked figure dashed by them and pushed Tobias into an alley. Figures emerged out of the dark, with the runner drawing up behind, surrounding them both.


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    Tobias drew his sword.


    All were wearing masks over their eyes and had hoods up. Riley saw the glows of power begin; auras of reds, greens, and blues began to appear as she felt her own anger rising in contest to her fear.


    "You''re outnumbered, Ranger," said the biggest one, centered before Tobias with a sword out, his black clothing and mask belying all identifying features, save for cold green eyes, that seemed dead and lifeless.


    Tobias scanned around him, "Guard, to me! Guard to me!"


    They all laughed as the leader spoke, "So you are a coward."


    He growled as a sadistic smile crawled across the lower half of his face like a spreading wound.


    "There''s four of you and one of me, so who''s the coward, really?" Tobias replied with a sinister grin as his black blade exploded into flame.


    "Learn to count, there''s six," the man chuckled.


    "Six? I only see four?" Riley said, confused.


    The man''s face lost all mirth as Tobias charged, and Riley pulled at her power.


    Flame wall-Righteous flame... COMBO!


    Orange and white light lit up around them in a semicircle, licking the stone of the buildings, leaving it black and charred. The man coming up behind ran right through the flames, caught unaware, his clothes catching in an instant.


    "It burns. Put me out!" He shrieked in pain and surprise.


    Riley, with her wide vision, saw his skull glowing orange as if lit from the inside out. A white light penetrated through his eyes. The next moment, he collapsed in a writhing heap until a final shudder heralded his death, still cooking within the flame before crumbling to ash.


    The rest leapt back with shock and horror etched into their gaze as the brute in the center charged, meeting Tobias'' blade.


    The ring of contact rebounded off the walls as Tobias shifted his blade to parry, dropping away, coming up in Form 1, slicing diagonally.


    The man shifted back a fraction of a second too late, leaning back on his foot, barely avoiding a lethal blow. A red line began leaking blood, blossoming across his face, starting at the left side of his jaw and tracing up, cutting a corner through his eyebrow a scant inch from his right eye.


    Ice bolts and a chunk of earth flew from the other two casters in support, striking Tobias upon his jerkin, knocking him to the ground, taking his wind.


    Riley reached for her vines, pulling with everything she had. The ground rumbled, and cobblestones flew as a massive tree root ripped up from the earth, wrapping up the ice caster.


    Flailing, he cast his magic while Riley slammed her paws to the ground. The root, following her will, smashed him brutally down into the cobblestone. The sound of grinding bones and snapping vertebrae sang a deathly chorus as his ribs caved. Pink froth spewed from his mouth, stifling his cries of pain as he died.


    "Tougher than I thought. Target his companion, I''ll finish the whelp," the brute of a leader chuckled.


    Tobias stumbled up on his feet, blood trickling down from his nose.


    Bolts of earth flew towards Riley, sending her scrambling up against the wall, a rock clipping her ear. Her stomach tensed in fear as her mind registered the damage, the warm, sickly deluge soaking her fur and leaking over her head.


    Referencing their health bar, Tobias was down about twenty percent, but ok, while hers was barely down at all. Pulling hard, watching their shared mana pool, now below eighty percent, she cast...


    Flame wall


    The orange light suffused around her, but compared to her spells, it was cheap. A wall of flame roared between the caster in support, sending him scurrying back to avoid the fate of his fellow.


    "Are you ok?" she asked dumbly, trying to hold off on casting her healing spell, knowing it sucked down the most mana.


    "Hell no, but I can still fight," Tobias replied and charged, dropping his blade low, telegraphing his move. The brute surged forward, his hands glowing purple.


    Their blades clanged again, but a wave of force impacted Tobias, driving his sword back towards his shoulder.


    Sensing that he could not stop the motion, he turned it, causing the flat of it to slap against his collarbone. It gave way with a sickening crack as the blade dropped from his hand.


    "Tough, but not tough enough," the brute chuckled, lifting his blade for a killing strike.


    Fear darkened Riley''s world. The world seemed to slow. Without thought, Riley reached for her darker magics, driven towards rage.


    Chaos cracker.


    The black bolt flew from her, striking the man in the chest. Still in mid-swing, he screamed, somehow continuing the deadly travel of his blade, though his clothes decayed, and a necrotic blackness spread across his skin. The unmistakeable smell of rot flooding the air.


    Her mana bar dropped down another five percent as she kept power to the flame wall, keeping the support caster back, trying to juggle the battle as Tobias pitched forward at the last moment, pushing himself up between the man''s arms.


    His dagger was in his still functional left hand. With force of will, it erupted into flame as he drove it into his gut, pulling it upwards. The blade sliced like a hot knife through cold butter as it burned and sizzled on its pathway up, finally meeting resistance at his breastbone.


    Tobias twisted it, then drew it out and stabbed into the man''s ribs again and again, the blade still burning, letting out a feral scream of rage as he did so.


    The brute''s eyes flickered in shocked surprise before the light of his life faded away, his limp body forcing Tobias to the ground, causing another scream as the weight came down on his broken bone.


    "Tobias!" Knowing it was well past time, Riley reached for her healing magic.


    Healing Halo


    A sickening and strange gurgle proceeded the crack of bone as the collarbone violently snapped back into place. A sense of sickening agonies hit Riley through the bond, leaving her woozy.


    Another figure emerged from the dark and appeared behind the remaining support caster.


    They never saw them appear, the being moving like a creature of living shadow as a black blade erupted from their chest, disappearing only for the entity to swing, taking off their head.


    Sabine swung her sword sharply, clearing it of blood. "Can you run? I got here as soon as I could."


    "You were following us! What kept you!" Riley cried.


    "Later, Tobias, can you move?!?" she shouted.


    "Get him off of me and I can," Tobias replied, his face ashen white.

 Chapter 93: Ranger Realities

    Chapter 93


    Panting and exhausted, Sabine finally slowed as they turned down the street for the Prancing Cockatrice.


    In spite of his recent wounds and the ashen color on his face, exhausted from the trauma of healing, Tobias sustained his breathing while Riley moved beside, too panicked to think of anything but escape.


    "Ok, ok. I think we''re safe," Sabine said, placing her hand on the hilt of her sword, "This way."


    She turned down a small chase that led to a back alley, stopping short of the Prancing Cockatrice, then pulled out a key after making certain they hadn''t been followed, entering the backroom of the clothing shop next door, or so they thought.


    They were instead in a small anteroom, more a sally port than anything, with two more doors, one to their right, one to their front, leading into the clothing shop.


    Riley could hear faintly the merry songs of the tailor as he sang to himself, hard at work; Sabine opened the door to their right, leading down to a flight of stairs.


    "Remember this route. You''ll be using it from now on to leave the tavern," Sabine ordered, descending into the depths, revealing a small basement with a collection of furnished rooms. It was devoid of windows but otherwise identical to the ones on the second story.


    "You''ll be billeted here for the remainder of your assignment. Any objections?" She asked.


    "It beats sleeping up against a tree," Tobias replied, rubbing at his shoulder.


    "The stairs here lead up to the larder. The door is hidden behind a shelf, but you should avoid using the main entrance from now on," she continued all business.


    "Ok, great, I just have one question; what in the heck is going on? Who were those people?!?" Riley exclaimed.


    "Assassins, they weren''t wearing torcs so they were probably hired from one of the city''s criminal syndicates. As to what''s going on, you already know," Sabine replied, sitting on the bed.


    "That''s three times the bastard has tried to kill me," Tobias glowered before thudding down in a chair, staring at the floor.


    "I''ve never used my magic to kill someone before. When my shoulder broke, I just lost it. It feels different than killing a monster," he trailed off as Riley felt the surge of guilt and confusion rampaging through his soul.


    "The first one is always the hardest, but don''t let it get easy or let yourself off easy. This is something you should struggle with, even if you did the right thing, and the sons of krauses had it coming," Sabine snarled.


    "I burned people. I saw them cook," Riley shuddered, her words echoing Tobias'' tortured conscience.


    "You did. There were a hundred and one things you could have done better, but that''s combat; it''s a shit show. Thankfully, you survived it. Now, learn and be better next time. You two need to stop operating under the assumption that the Ashenvale is somehow a safe place. You''re rangers; that black cloak and torc make you more of a target than you know, even when you don''t have enemies amongst the royals," Sabine launched into full lecture, thrusting her finger into Tobias'' chest.


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    "Will it be investigated? Will there be consequences?" Riley asked as Tobias stared at the ground, unmoving in the face of her criticism, nodding along with the words that were pounding him like hail. His outer fa?ade of shock hiding the chaos of the storm within.


    "This is my home. I know these streets; I''ve walked them my entire life." His face took on a look of deep confusion, then anger, as his right hand clenched into a fist. The tensing muscles causing him to wince.


    "You''re to remain here the rest of the day and give yourself time to recover and process. This was a hard lesson. I''m sorry you had to learn it, but we all do. As to consequences, officially, it never happened. I''ll update Ranger Central on the particulars and get full reports from you tomorrow, but this will go down as just another bunch of unsolved murders. Neither side wants this to get out, so it won''t. It happens every day in Ashenvale," she said, rising, beginning to pace.


    "Yet we''ve been tasked to investigate twenty-three murders?" Tobias asked, with a tortured look of confusion on his face.


    "Enough nobles got eaten for it to draw our attention. You and I both know this world isn''t fair. We''re outnumbered, we''re surrounded, and we''ve got snakes that have full access to our bed chambers. In spite of this, we have held the line against chaos and death for two thousand years because that''s what we do, Rangers. It''s the core of our order; no matter the cost, no matter what it takes, and no matter the trial, we come through and watch out for one another," Sabine intoned with a seriousness that lent a special gravity to her words.


    "That''s why you followed us." Riley surmised.


    "Mavora showing up was fucking amateur night tactics. You don''t telegraph to an enemy like that, even if it''s personal, which I know this is," Sabine spat.


    Riley could see how much she cared.


    "Thank you for being there," She said for the both of them.


    "It''s what we do for each other. From now on, you will move with discretion, you will work on your coordination, and you will not die on my watch, do you get me?" Sabine snapped.


    "Yes, Ma''am," They each said in unison.


    "That means more training. Do you think Riley and I can use the commons area down here? Beyond that, I have some ideas, but I''ll need funding. How long till my monthly stipend begins?" Tobias asked.


    "You''ll be granted two silvers a month retroactive to the start of your training. I''ll get on the crystal and see what I can do to expedite payment. As to the basement, it''s all yours. No one''s going to hear you down here," She replied.


    "Thank you, for now, though, if permissible, I''d like some time to think. This was a lot," Tobias asked, looking up from the floor at her.


    "I''ll send some lunch soon with a healing potion. You two are to stand down for the rest of the day. You can move what items remain in your former quarters later. You might not think so, but you did well; you survived, and that counts," at that, Sabine left, shutting the thick banded door behind her.


    Riley, like an unleashed rocket, hopped up on the bed and pressed up against Tobias, "Hold me, I''m scared."


    Tobias, with his left, held her tight, "I am too. Why is this more worrisome to me than monsters?"


    "People are always more worrisome than monsters. Monsters are what they are, but people make choices. Those choices can lead to terrible consequences," Riley replied offhandedly, her mind drifting.


    "That was profound," he chuckled sadly.


    "Do you remember the antlions?" She asked.


    "Of course, I''ll never forget Landon," Tobias scoffed.


    "They were all drive, nothing else, which made them predictable. They''d still chew your face off, but that''s what they do. With people, you never know if they''re going to be your friend or stab you in the back the first chance they get. Take Chadrick; you never did anything that bad to him, did you?"


    "I''ve thought about that. We had our spats, but he was always the bully, but this is far beyond a schoolyard rivalry. Assassins? I wonder how much he paid and for what? I''m indifferent to Chadrick. I''m pretty certain I hate him less than you do. He''s just another spoiled noble to me, or he was. I''m taking the fact that he wants me dead pretty personally," Tobias trailed off before staring at his hands again.


    "He''s on my bad list. I don''t like bullies, but it''s not hate, or at least it wasn''t. Powerful people being corrupt jerks is just," Riley huffed, searching for the word, "Infuriating."


    "It is," Tobias nodded, his voice sounding as if he was a million miles away as he stroked absently down Riley''s ears.


    "We killed people today," he shook, holding Riley tighter. "I don''t know what that makes me."


    "A survivor. I''m just so glad you''re ok. I love you, Tobias. I was so scared," Riley blurted out the words.


    "I love you too, Riley," he replied, staring again at the floor.

 Chapter 94: Nightmares

    Chapter 94


    Their new room was certainly quieter.


    It was built like a bunker, carved out of stone by magic, Riley assumed.


    No sounds from the tavern above filtered down, nor did the sound of footfalls or noise from the stairs.


    Amid thick wooden doors, the lack of windows, and the depth of the place, it was as if they existed at the edge between two worlds.


    The silence felt like a living thing, preternatural and omnipresent, wrapping around her like an invisible fog.


    Yet, amidst the silence, there was also peace, a pause in the world, far from the fears of men lurking in alleys and the greater chaos that was Calaria.


    For months she had been outdoors, where her instincts were alive with sensations of threat, half-whispered revelations in her thoughts encouraging her to ever be wary, ever watchful, and for good reason.


    More than foxes, monsters lurked in the shadows on two and four legs. Nowhere was safe anymore, except maybe here. Out of sight, under cover, secured as if she was a treasure in her own right, that feeling of safety worked like a balm, pulling them both to a deep, black slumber.


    The tall man loomed, with glowing eyes like Mavora, emerging from the shadows of her nightmare as her eyes shot open. She leapt and ran, into the blackness.


    Tobias rolled out of bed, grabbing for his sword in the darkness, only to fall and slam into the ground.


    "By the dead Gods!" he cursed, banging his head on the bed.


    A sensation of stars followed an impact, her muzzle deflecting off something hard; next came choking. Her mouth and airways were stifled by her own blood as a blinding light chased away the dark.


    Riley pressed up into the corner, shaking in fear, while her nose bled.


    "Riley, Riley, look at me; we had a nightmare. By the Thirteen, your face," Tobias said as a wave of healing magic rocketed from around the hare.


    The blood staunched, and she stumbled woozily, "It still hurts."


    Tobias plopped on the floor, pulling his legs crossed, then gently lifted Riley into his lap.


    "My shoulder still hurts, too. Healing fixes the damage, but it doesn''t spare you the pain. You''re ok now; it was just a dream," he soothed, petting her from ears to tail in gentle stroking motions.


    "Third one tonight. Was it mine or yours this time?" She asked dreamily, only to perk up her head in fear of another nightmare.


    "Who can tell? We share dreams now; I know that much. The things I''ve seen...Information tablets, ribbons of stone roads, fantastical cities, magical carriages," Tobias trailed off.


    "Men with swords wanting to kill us, antlions, valkoviks," Riley muttered sourly.


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    "Ok, that too. Are you going to be ok?" He smiled down at her, never stopping the slow rhythmic action.


    "You''re gonna put me... back... to sleep... I don''t want to sleep," Riley complained.


    "I don''t either," for a moment the pretense of his strength parted like a veil to reveal the very real struggle still occurring underneath.


    "What time is it?" Riley asked.


    "Only the Gods know. Maybe I should get a pocket watch too?" Tobias mused.


    "If we''re going to be down here, it might be smart unless they cost like a bazillion silvers or something," she grumbled, wrestling with her foul mood.


    "We have our own private bath down here since it''s just us," he mentioned idly.


    That caused Riley''s ears to perk up.


    "Bath?"


    "You''re covered in blood," Tobias pointed out.


    "I think that would be nice. My muzzle still smarts; maybe the heat will help?" Riley wondered.


    Lifting her up, he carried her into the rough-hewn washing area with a wooden tub and exposed pipe bolted to the wall. Checking a set of cabinets on one side, he found some washing soap in a glass bottle.


    A moment later, the hot water was roiling with suds. Riley eagerly slunk in, hooking her back legs over the edge, struggling to find her own way in.


    "You know I could help you with that?" Tobias reminded, standing with his arms crossed, watching her.


    "I''m independent, and I aim to remain so," she proclaimed, flopping into the water, sending a splash of suds sliding down the wall after impact.


    Riley rose out of the hot water like a sea monster.


    She snorted and sneezed, the burning in her muzzle giving way to tingles.


    "Adapt!" Tobias shouted.


    She bounced, splashing some water, flicking with her front paw before falling into a facial groom.


    "This does help, thank you," she said, cocking her head, spying red wisps of color in the murky water.


    "Will you be ok if I attend to my own business for a while?" He asked, looking towards the door.


    "Go, I''ll be here all day. Send the servant when you need me," Riley said, mimicking a British accent.


    "Spoiled beast," Tobias shook his head sadly and strode out.


    Riley caught the sound of ascending boot steps as he went up the stairs until the world got quiet again, save for the popping and chattering of the suds, which filled up her hearing as the most present sound.


    She knew she could hear like a safe cracker, but points of reference to what it was like before her arrival in Calaria eluded her. Her senses were her senses, and devoid of any external frame of reference, they were neither better nor worse. They simply were.


    This body felt natural to her, even if it did lack thumbs. It felt familiar and like her own and had since the moment of initial shock, sitting before Grimm.


    A voice like his drifted through her mind.


    I am watching; you are doing well, packmate. Soldier on.


    She brightened, then let the water do its work, relaxing her.


    The time passed after a moment of blackness came as soon as it went.


    This time, there were no dreams.


    "Wha? What?" The water had gone cold, and the suds were gone. On the other side of the door, left cracked, she could hear Tobias practicing his sword forms.


    Searching with her hind paw, she found the plug at the center of the wooden tub and twitched and pulled until it gave way.


    Slowly, the water spiraled down, swirling around her, revealing her like a prize exhibition at some modern art show, as she was left dripping, with suds clinging to her fur.


    The crackling noise of exploding bubbles caused her ears to twitch, bringing with it the faint memories of Rice Crispies.


    Looking up, the pull chain for the rudimentary shower head loomed, just out of reach with no way for her to grasp it.


    "It would probably be cold at first," she said in consolation before swallowing her pride.


    "Tobias!" In almost the same instant she heard him sheath his sword and pad in on his bare feet.


    ¡°Rinse?¡± He surmised.


    "Whatever do you mean? I was curious about the time," she asked as he pulled the chain. A deluge of cold water hit her, warming slowly towards comfortably warm.


    "I love that you have indoor plumbing here, ass," she mused.


    The last of the rid whisps of blood mixed with the soap suds, swirling around her hindpaws before rushing down the drain.


    "It''s just past three bells, we were up on time for us. You got into the bath about half an hour ago," he chuckled.


    "Grand," Riley replied, then shook herself out, sending Tobias scurrying behind the door.


    "I could have fetched a towel!" Tobias complained.


    "Where''s the fun in that?" She proclaimed as she hopped out.

 Chapter 95: Shadows, Strategies, Histories

    Chapter 95


    "I don''t know if I like this," Riley said, facing off with Tobias, who was on the other side of the room.


    Barring any other direction beyond the permission they were given,


    Tobias had spent part of the morning clearing the commons area of any tables or chairs that sat against the wall, of which there were few.


    An empty stone space now surrounded her, devoid of all definitions save for the rough-hewn stone.


    "We need to practice, and the way this place is built makes it a good casting room. We''ll start slow," Tobias encouraged.


    "Ok, I understand..." Riley trailed off as Tobias charged forward, his hand taking on an orange glow.


    Fire bolts flew to her right and left while Tobias drew his sword.


    Riley scurried, rolling to one side, forcing Tobias to change his motion before she pulled at her veil.


    Vanishing away, he stopped, scanning around.


    She tapped the back of his leg, reappearing, "Tag! You''re it."


    Tobias chuckled, "Tag?"


    Riley let a few memories from her former childhood flash to pictures within her mind.


    "Oh, interesting," he said a moment later.


    He drew his blade with the tip centered between his eyes, "Let''s try without the veil this time. Dodge and move around my blade."


    "I really don''t like that," Riley complained again.


    Tobias went down on one knee and pet her ears back with his free hand.


    "I know you don''t, but I like what happened yesterday less. We''ve got to get better about thinking quick and responding right. Sabine''s not always going to be there to keep us from getting killed."


    "I know, I just don''t like the idea of you attacking me," Riley said, pushing up into his hand.


    "I''m not. I''m preparing you. I''m preparing both of us," he assured.


    "Ok then," Riley firmed up and dropped down on all four paws.


    Tobias began moving through his forms. Riley scurried back to a casting position, rising up on her hind paws, only for Tobias to come at her, disrupting her cast.


    "You''re more vulnerable vertical. Try to cast on all fours," he criticized, coming at her again.


    "It''s hard," she whined as he wove in, moving slowly, being careful to not hit her.


    "Adapt!" Tobias chuckled darkly, "Change how you visualize the flow of your power."


    "Like it''s that easy!" Riley dodged a downward swipe, form two, hugging the wall, moving to the opposite side of the room, using her speed, forcing Tobias to pursue.


    "No excuses!" He launched a firebolt, punctuating his reply. It sailed across and ablated on the stone, stopping her direction of travel as she again braced on all four paws, moving to go the other way.


    He fired again, stopping her.


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    Riley grunted in frustration.


    Focusing, trying to innovate, Riley visualized the power localizing between her ears. A bright orange glow briefly suffused her vision before a bolt launched in Tobias'' direction.


    He dove out of the way and rolled, "Good! Let''s go again."


    "Says the burgeoning expert that couldn''t cast three months ago!" Riley teased.


    "That''s low," Tobias challenged, forming up for another assault.


    "Psychological Warfare!" She replied with a twirling spin, starting to find the fun in it.


    An easy half-hour passed. It turned into a game, their movements growing more dynamic as each lost their fear. Riley would veil, then send a firebolt, tapping Tobias''s leg, or Tobias would catch her, sword stopping just inches from her ears when she rose to cast.


    Old habits died hard.


    "Riley, why rise at all? You can cast from any position," Tobias challenged.


    "It feels right, it''s comfortable. You have your hand motions. Whenever you pull something from our inventory or cast a flame wall you rotate your palm up. When you throw fire bolts, you roll your hand forward and palm out," Riley countered.


    "Being comfortable will get you killed," Sabine said, emerging from the shadow of the stairs.


    Tobias spun and raised his sword to a defensive position as Riley scurried up beside him.


    "How did you do that?" she asked dumbly.


    "I''m a dark mage. Darker magics are my specialty, as is the manipulation of shadows," Sabine reported.


    "Chaos?" Riley replied.


    "They''re related, a lesser version. I have a few necrotic spells, but most of my skillset relates to stealth. The way magic forms within the user is related to the construction of their soul. We all have affinities," The older ranger explained.


    "How long have you been watching us?" Tobias asked.


    "About fifteen minutes, you''re doing well." As if in reward, she drew a coin purse out of a pocket on her apron and offered it to Tobias.


    "Four months'' pay, there''s eight silver there. It goes fast."


    "It does. I spent a silver on that damn map. From now on, can you see that half of my salary is sent to my family?" Tobias asked.


    "You''re the cobbler''s son in the lower quarter, just off Tadrey''s butchery, right?" Sabine asked, prompting her memory.


    "The very same," he smiled, hefting the coin purse in his hand, "This is more money than my Da brings in a year."


    "I''ll see to it. Your plans for the day?" Sabine asked.


    "My Ma should be off from her work, so I plan to head home, then check in with the Abbot on my way back in. There''s little to do beyond that at this juncture. Have any records from Valenheim arrived for me yet?"


    Tobias, with familiar flourish, caused the coin purse to vanish away as Riley saw it pop up in their inventory space.


    "See!?!" She pointed her forepaw accusingly.


    "Nothing has arrived as of yet. You two go carefully today. Remember if you are unwary you are liable to be followed or watched, especially now. Do not think one failure will deter your enemies," Sabine lectured.


    "Yesterday sobered me quite a bit, but I cannot let that turn into fear or keep me from doing what I need to do," Tobias sheathed his sword and scanned around.


    "I agree. This is an unfortunate reality of what we do. Making enemies is a time-honored tradition, especially when we operate in cities. There''s always someone who thinks they should be able to get away with everything and doesn''t care who they hurt," she sighed.


    "That sounds like a story," Riley prompted.


    "We''re all recruited from the academies. Do you know Salstholm?" Sabine asked.


    "It''s in the northwest, isn''t it? That''s rustic country," Tobias, sensing this might be a long conversation, pulled some chairs from the room he was using as storage.


    "You''re certainly making yourself at home," She said as she sat.


    "Give me permission, and I''ll have my walls painted," Tobias chuckled, sitting across from her.


    Sabine chuckled, "Don''t get cocky, Ranger. You have it right about Saltsholm. I come from a solid family of second-tier nobility, but it''s different on the frontier. Monsters range closer to the walls of the town, and my father was often campaigning when he wasn''t dealing with politics."


    "That doesn''t sound good," Riley surmised.


    "Our lands were small but prosperous; a great river ran through half of it, making us the enemy of our neighbors, the fiefdom of Toristen. Nothing was ever proven, but my father was poisoned and died. Strength matters most, and he had the strength to suppress any kind of official investigation. Shortly after, the King of Ashes merged our family''s lands into his own and dispossessed my mother. I was 17 when she was reassigned as an instructor at my academy. Then I was recruited to the rangers a year later after having passed my trials," Sabine fidgeted in her chair as if sitting still was painful.


    "How long has it been since you visited?" Tobias asked, leaning forward.


    "She''s been gone for years now. One day, when I retire,  I plan to visit, but it''s a long journey, and I may never see the hills of my home again. In truth, though, it hasn''t been my home for almost forty years. The son of Toris now rules in his stead, and all is forgotten of my father save for the fading memory of a few," She rose as if challenging the long-held sadness to a duel.


    "See your family and then the Abbot. Chadrick is a distraction; thwart him by doing good work and serving with distinction," She said; without further word, she glided out.

 Chapter 96: Homecoming

    Chapter 96


    Tobias was preparing to leave as if he were going to war, checking his equipment, tightening down straps, and even polishing his sword. Finally, around seven bells, there was nothing left to do as he let his black blade slide home in its scabbard.


    He looked down at the white rag, now covered with rusty brown stains, and sighed, "Ok, I think I''m ready."


    "But you aren''t moving," Riley countered.


    "I know, I know," He sighed again.


    "Deja Vu," Riley replied.


    "One thing, you know more about this overlay than me. What do I do about the blinking?" He asked.


    "Blinking?" Riley puzzled.


    "There are these symbols flashing in the upper right of my vision, a line with a dot underneath, just above my status bars," Tobias prompted.


    "Oh, those! Yeah, I have them too. They''re notifications. It''s called an exclamation point. I kinda tune them out. Just reach out to them like you would with your casting or pulling your inventory screen," she explained.


    "Oh." Trying it out, a flood of information popped up in his vision.


    Assassin of the Midnight Rider Level 2-6, Kinetic, Human


    Assassin of the Midnight Rider Level 2-5, Ice, Human


    Assassin of the Midnight Rider Level 2-4, Wind, Human


    Assassin of the Midnight Rider Level 2-2, Earth, Human


    Moving through the prompts detailing the damage of the battle, his eyes went wide.


    "It tracked everything. Assassin, 2-4, Defeated, critical hit, Righteous Flame, Flame Wall combo; this is fascinating, but isn''t second tier, just second tier?"


    "You haven''t noticed that yet? I''m at 2-6, you''re at 2-5, check your status screen, noob!" Riley teased.


    "I wonder how high it goes? I suppose it makes sense. Experience leads to deftness, which would belie a more nuanced method of classification." Tobias pondered like a scholar.


    "It seems to top out at 2-10; that''s what Cid was, as well as Zorna and a few others I''ve analyzed," Riley instructed offhandedly.


    "So does that mean my potential is finite, or is it more nuanced still? I guess we''ll see. You have a most unique way of perceiving our world, Riley." Stooping down, he pet her ears back.


    "Thanks, it''s kinda nice and kinda annoying at the same time." She replied, pressing up against his legs.


    "Ready to veil us?" Tobias asked.


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    Riley nodded emphatically at his words.


    "Then let''s get underway." Tobias began moving up the stairs with Riley behind. She pulled at her power, veiling them both just as they were about to exit out into the alley.


    The world dropped to a muted grey as Riley noticed the first small dip in her mana bar.


    Tobias''s eyes shifted up and to the right, then projected. "How long can you hold this cast?"


    "Hours, if need be, after the initial investment it''s the definition of a slow burn, especially given that I have access to your mana now too," Riley explained as they came to the end of the alleyway.


    Tobias scanned about, looking for his opening in the morning foot traffic. Seeing his opportunity, he began to dash across the street.


    "Watch out!" Riley cried.


    Tobias, sensing her panic, stopped just before a cockatrice went racing down the center lane.


    "Thanks. It''s a little harder to move when they can''t see you," He replied sheepishly before resuming his trek, crossing the lane safely, only to move down an alley.


    "Well, keep to these back ways as much as possible, avoid the traffic lanes," Riley said.


    As they moved, they passed an individual in a dark green cloak and hood, watching the Prancing Cockatrice intently, wearing a familiar black mask.


    "What do we do?" Riley whispered as Tobias'' hand fell to his blade.


    "We''ll let Sabine know when we get clear. I don''t want to take the chance of him hearing us," Tobias projected.


    "But what if they''re watching your family''s house?" Riley asked with a whine.


    "Then they die," Tobias shrugged.


    Riley hopped along in silence as they crossed another lane, moving towards the lower quarter, ever watchful, picking their way through the city.


    It took longer this way, waiting for gaps, dodging carriages, and moving at odd angles toward their destination as they chased down alleyways.


    The first hour passed due to their circuitous route, with their mana bar ticking down like a timer.


    The alleys were not empty, though, especially as they got further from the castle. The poorest of the commoners dwelled there, just like in the cities Riley remembered from Earth. Drunks and those insane chattered and cursed at one another or laughed and shared a bottle facing their miseries in the only way they knew how, while scantily clad women waited at the entrances, calling out to the men who passed.


    "That kid just took a coin purse!" Riley observed as a child dashed down the dark alley, away from the light of the open street. A man who was surrounded by three other children took it before pointing back towards another lane.


    "Street rats, that man is known as a Piper, kind of a criminal ringleader of cutpurses and pickpockets," Tobias explained, sounding almost as if he were giving a tour.


    "There''s a difference?" Riley asked, confused.


    "In method, but not intent, both will rob you blind; they just have different ways of going about it." Tobias chuckled.


    "You''re strangely comfortable with all this. It''s a social services nightmare down here." Riley complained.


    "It''s life in the Ashenrealm, there, but for magic and luck would we be." He sighed, resigned to the cruelties of his world.


    Finally, after a tour of the seedy underbelly, she would not soon forget, she saw, for the first time in what felt like a lifetime, the small cobbler shop nestled in among the others on the lane.


    "We''re home!" She cried, checking her mana bar, finding it only about fifteen percent exhausted for their two hours of travel.


    Her paws told the story the mana bar did not, sore from the uneven alley stones and blackened from the dirt and mire she had hopped through; all she wanted was a moment to wash and get clean.


    "Not yet, Riley. We''re going to do a sweep to see if anyone is trying to acquire us here. I''m not walking my family into an ambush." Tobias said, gleaning her thoughts, his voice made of hardened steel.


    "Fair," She agreed, making a pass through both the alley and the lane, passing the familiar door as they did so.


    "No one seems to be watching. I''ll slip in and drop the cast," Tobias went to open the door but found it locked, checking his pockets.


    "Oh dear, I left my key on the dresser," scanning for people one last time, he sighed, "Drop your cast, I''ll ring the bell."


    With an act of will, they appeared on the stoop as Tobias pulled the small rope, and a tingling bell rang just inside.


    Riley could hear footfalls ascending down the stairs before Gwendolyn opened the door warily.


    "Tobias!" She cried, throwing her arms around him in a hug.


    Oh, you''re looking fine, son, but come in, come in. Have they been feeding you? You look all skin and bones. How about some lunch?" She chortled.


    "I''m fine, Ma, I made it." He reported, his voice showing a tiredness and exhaustion it hadn''t before.


    "Oh, and there''s Riley too, in full battle dress and patches. How are ya love?" She knelt down and pet her ears back.


    "I''m happy to be home." She replied as they followed her in.

 Chapter 97: The Monstrous Jackrabbit

    Chapter 97


    A young boy, no more than ten years old, was working in the backroom as they entered. Rail thin, with hollow cheeks, he worked diligently, resoling a shoe, his eyes drifting up at the distraction while his hammering slowed down.


    "Monster!" He cried, shooting out of his seat as Tobias'' hand reflexively fell to his sword, and Riley firmed up beside him.


    Gwendolyn rushed over. The child was holding the hammer up in a ready pose, shaking in the corner.


    "Monster?" Riley puzzled, looking around.


    "Cousin Harold?" Tobias boggled, his mind slipping a gear. "What monster?"


    "There..." he pointed at Riley as Gwendolyn carefully drew the boy into a hug.


    "That''s no monster, love; that''s his companion. Tobias is a ranger. It''s ok, dear. Riley is a part of the family." She soothed.


    "Monster? Me?" Riley puzzled further as a strange guilt took hold of her that flashed to an odder anger. "I''m not scary, I''m adorable!"


    Harold looked at Tobias wide-eyed, scanning him over, his gaze ending at his blade.


    "A Ranger? You Cousin?" He spoke the words reverently.


    "I am, and I''m not the only one. Riley isn''t just my companion but my partner. She''s a ranger too, see the black torc?" Tobias spoke in gentle, soothing tones.


    "I do..." Harold stammered. "Does that mean she''s a talking beast?"


    "Oh incessantly," Tobias joked, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation.


    "Hey!" Riley stomped his booted foot with her hind paw in protest as Harold laughed.


    "I''m sorry; you startled me. I''m quite afraid of monsters," Harold looked down as he apologized.


    "It''s ok, I''m new to this world, and it scares me sometimes too." Riley offered magnanimously.


    "What are you? I''ve never seen such a creature!" Harold wondered, emerging from the corner, forgetting his fear.


    "I''m a Jackrabbit, which is a kind of hare," Riley perked up proudly.


    "Jackrabbit...Are there many where you come from?" He asked, bubbling with questions.


    "Like me, no, I''m kinda a one-off," she explained awkwardly.


    "Riley was a gift from Darius for Tobias'' trials before we knew what she was. She was caught by an Astral Fisherman," Gwendolyn explained, smoothing the boy''s hair back.


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    "When did you and your Ma arrive from Ashton? Is it temporary?" Tobias looked around, confused.


    "I''m apprenticed to your Father!" Harold reported proudly.


    "There''s been some changes, love. With you joining the Rangers and moving into adulthood, it was time to think of the future," Gwendolyn said, beaming with pride.


    "It seems so," Tobias replied.


    "We received a letter from Aunt Astrid shortly after you departed. Harold is ten now, and that''s high time he learn a trade and start his work. They sold their home, and she took a job at the inn. Let''s go upstairs and have some tea. We''ll get all caught up," she offered.


    "I''ve got more to do down here," Harold announced, moving back to his chair, taking up the shoe he dropped.


    "See to your work, love. Come on, you two," Gwendolyn hurried Riley and Tobias up the stairs.


    The child began hammering away again, making muffled thumping sounds that drifted faintly up the stairs.


    "Where''s the uncle in all of this?" Riley asked as they got seated at the table and Gwendolyn busied herself making tea.


    "He was killed by a Shiragon when Harold was five. My understanding is he and another villager cornered it, and it went crazy trying to escape the trap it had stumbled into. He was a carpenter who built houses for new settlements, like Landon," Tobias summarized, dancing over the painful family memory.


    "Which is why he was scared of me," Riley said, putting it all together.


    Tobias nodded.


    "What''s Landon?" Gwendolyn asked, scooping leaves into a tea kettle.


    "It was our first mission with our Training Officer. Let''s just leave it there," Tobias replied in non-answer.


    "Sounds rough," Gwendolyn poked.


    "It was," Riley replied, offering nothing.


    "So where''s Granda? It seems strangely quiet around here." Tobias shifted in his seat uneasily.


    "He''s at the Cathedral, love. He''s been there in the mornings, praying to the Thirteen for your safety. Cedric is manning the shop with Harold to do the small work. All in all, things have been smooth, but we''ve missed you son. How long will you be home?" The kettle began its song, and Gwendolyn swiftly scurried off to the kitchen only to return with mugs, tea leaves, and snacks.


    "We''re on an assignment, so as long as that lasts, presumably. I expect a few weeks at the very least," Tobias explained.


    "Well, we can do up the bench for ya, or the floor if you''d be comfortable but we gave Harold your bunk. You''re welcome, though, love. It''s just so good to have you home." Rising, she moved over to Tobias'' seat and hugged him before patting Riley on the head.


    "We''re billeted at the Prancing Cockatrice. We''ll be fine Ma," Tobias assured.


    "That''s a fine establishment. They must be paying you well," She said proudly.


    "It''s covered by the Corps, I''d no choice in my lodging, but they are paying me well, to that end...." Tobias, with a slight gesture of his right hand, called forth his coin purse and set two silvers on the table.


    Gwendolyn''s eyes went wide.


    "These are for you, Ma, and the family. Use them however you wish. From now on, each month, a silver will arrive here." Gwendolyn pushed the coins back towards him as he spoke.


    "Son, that''s your money, I can''t imagine what you must have done to earn it," she replied.


    "You can''t, but I can spend it how I wish. This is no time to stand on pride, Mother. You and Da aren''t getting any younger, and I promise you I''m not going hungry," Tobias challenged.


    She poked him in the ribs. "I doubt you''ve been eating fine by the looks of you."


    "Hey!" He jerked out of the way. "I''m fine Ma, it''s been a tough few months, but I made it. I''m a full-fledged Ranger now, as is Riley."


    "You were serious about what you told Harold, then? How''s that work?" She puzzled.


    "Quite well, actually. We bonded our magic in a ritual adapted from first-tier methods. I don''t think I''d have made it without her." Tobias looked towards Riley with a shy smile.


    "Well then, I''m truly glad you''re home for a while. You two didn''t give us a lot of time to get acquainted." Gwendolyn complained.


    "I''m sorry about that. I really want you all to like me," Riley said awkwardly.


    "Oh, Riley, we like ya fine, and I''m sure it''s only the beginning. You''re welcome, dear." Gwendolyn smiled warmly, pouring Tobias a cup of tea.

 Chapter 98: The Heavens and the Earth

    Chapter 98


    ¡°So the glowing entertainment box isn¡¯t magic?¡± Darius said, rubbing his chin. ¡°How¡¯s it work then?¡±


    ¡°Science and electronics. There¡¯s physical rules that dictate how all things are made up and how things interact. If you can manipulate those, it produces magical effects. My world is full of doodads and gizmos that do a lot of what we can do here. Like we use radio waves instead of crystals for communication,¡± she explained, chattering animatedly, front paws twitching with her words as she bounced on her back paws.


    ¡°Seems like magic would be easier,¡± Harold mused, kicking his feet, which hung just a few inches above the floor, as he sat on the bench.


    ¡°Well, as I said, we don¡¯t have magic there,¡± Riley countered.


    The child scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re fibbing! Magic is everywhere. How could it not be there and be here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s above my pay grade; different world, different rules? We are talking about another universe, and I¡¯m about to give myself a nosebleed.¡±


    Her ears went crooked in testament to her words.


    ¡°What¡¯s a universe?¡± Cedric asked, having closed the shop early.


    ¡°We¡¯re in one,¡± Riley replied awkwardly.


    ¡°No, this is Calaria,¡± Darius corrected.


    ¡°Well, yes, but¡­¡± She paused and fidgeted with her front paws, ¡°Calaria is in the universe, and the stars at night, they¡¯re actually giant balls of gas that are burning in a process called fusion. There may even be other worlds orbiting them! Everything is like this delicate balance and the sum whole of everything in this reality. I think this is right, but I¡¯m not a scientist; I¡¯m waaaaay out of my comfort zone here; well, that¡¯s a universe!¡±


    Harold, Cedric, and Darius looked at her as if she had tentacles coming out of her ears before Darius fell out of his chair laughing.


    ¡°Oh, dear me¡­¡± He lost himself to the chuckles again. ¡°Balls of gas in the sky, universes, non-magical worlds¡­ Oh, spare me! My old ticker can only take so much!¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m right,¡± Riley boggled, her ears twitching, ¡°at least kinda right. What do you think is up there?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a great firmament. Those are the distant lights of the kingdoms of the Gods, Riley; everyone knows that,¡± Cedric replied.


    ¡°And have you ever seen a God?¡± Riley challenged.


    ¡°Well, not personally, but the God of Justice showed up last year, and the God of Healing stopped a plague in Da¡¯s time. Wasn¡¯t that right, Darius?¡± Cedric countered.


    ¡°Yes, in fact, he did! I was about Harold¡¯s age, and that plague took my sister before he appeared. There¡¯s a statue in honor of that event at the Cathedral. I passed it just today. The Gods have to be from somewhere, Riley. Still, it¡¯s a good tale,¡± Chuckles rumbled through him like the aftershocks of a great earthquake.


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    ¡°But...but...but... I¡­ You win,¡± Riley dropped to all fours, sullen, having neither the science nor the philosophy to take her story further.


    ¡°It was still a ripping good yarn,¡± Cedric praised.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± she said, her tone flat as she heard Tobias trudging up the stairs.


    ¡°Riley, we need to go,¡± he announced as Gwendolyn came out from the kitchen.


    ¡°You¡¯re all cutting up fine, I hear,¡± she smiled and drifted over towards Tobias, patting his cheek.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Riley asked, noticing him still holding his com crystal.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been ordered to report in. It¡¯s about that business we ran across this morning,¡± Tobias couched his words carefully, scanning around the room.


    ¡°Super secret ranger stuff¡­¡± Harold whispered reverently.


    ¡°Duty calls? Oh, love and I just put on your favorite dinner. Is there no way you can stay?¡± she pressed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, no. Riley, how¡¯s your mana?¡± he asked, all business.


    ¡°Topped up and ready to go,¡± she reported, happy for the reprieve.


    ¡°Son, you¡¯re frightening us. Are things ok?¡± Cedric asked for the family.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing you need to be concerned about,¡± Tobias replied as the back doorbell rang downstairs.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it. That¡¯s for me. Riley, we need to go,¡± he said, moving for the exit.


    ¡°It really is ok. It¡¯s just that we can¡¯t talk about things, and Tobias doesn¡¯t want to lie to you. We keep you safe by keeping you out of it,¡± Riley explained.


    ¡°We understand. You two, just be careful,¡± Cedric called down the stairs.


    ¡°I love you all. We¡¯ll be back in a few days. Riley¡¯s right, I don¡¯t want to lie to you, but I can¡¯t tell you about it,¡± he said back, his words growing fainter as he moved.


    Cracking the door revealed the guard, Phineas, and his kraus.


    ¡°Ranger Tobias! You turned out fine. I told your Granda I¡¯d put in a word for you, and you went and made us all proud. So, what¡¯s this about?¡±


    ¡°Keep a patrol on this neighborhood and look out for figures in hoods and black masks. If you see them, don¡¯t hesitate,¡± Tobias replied.


    Phineas firmed up and saluted, ¡°We¡¯ll keep a weather eye out, worry not. I understand you¡¯re looking into the strange murders that have been going round?¡±


    Tobias only nodded before projecting towards Riley, ¡°Let¡¯s veil and get going.¡±


    ¡°Until next time. Thank you, friend,¡± Tobias held out his hand as they both clasped arms.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Riley insisted as they slipped out the door, her veil falling on both of them, ¡°You scared the crap out of everyone there!¡±


    ¡°It was purposeful. I want them to be watchful. Sabine has our stalker in custody,¡± Tobias intoned seriously as they moved through the bright afternoon streets.


    ¡°Is he talking? What did he say?¡± Riley switched gears.


    ¡°He¡¯s not saying much, but whatever he¡¯s volunteered prompted Sabine to send the guard. We¡¯re in a very volatile situation here, and I¡¯d rather my family feel the need to be cautious without explaining that a member of the Royal family may be out to kill us,¡± Tobias continued as Riley noticed they were making a wide circle, moving through not just their neighborhood but moving towards the one behind.


    ¡°We¡¯re doing what we can then, but what¡¯s stopping Chadrick from just ordering the guard away on business or things like that?¡± Riley challenged.


    ¡°It would be too overt. If he could come out that brazenly and attack a Ranger or his family, he¡¯d just order me arrested and killed or do exactly as you¡¯ve wondered, but he can¡¯t. This is politics, Riley, noble politics, and we¡¯re second tier grunts right in the middle of it,¡± Tobias¡¯s jaw and shoulders were tense, his hand on his blade as his eyes scanned warily.


    ¡°Tobias, look down that alley,¡± Riley beckoned as they crossed back up towards the Cockatrice, a rough block or so away from their home.


    ¡°I see him,¡± Tobias drew his dagger, sighting in on a man in a cloak and a black mask, keeping to the shadows, watching the passersby.


    ¡°If you kill him, they¡¯ll know you were here. It will signal this is an effective strategy to draw us out. Think with your head, boy!¡± Riley projected, in a perfect imitation of Cid.


    Tobias ducked his head sheepishly and let the dagger fall back into its scabbard. ¡°Fair enough. They must have moved up when Phineas came through the neighborhood.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± Riley complained.


    ¡°Neither do I and truly, it¡¯s the last thing we need,¡± Tobias commiserated as they stealthily moved up the lane.

 Chapter 99: Wait, I get paid?

    Chapter 99


    "I''m sending you out of the city for a while," Sabine announced as they entered their room at the Prancing Cockatrice. Seated in a chair, she was cleaning her blade.


    "Is that really necessary? We''re right in the middle of an investigation. Speaking of which, did you learn from the man who was waiting for us here? " Tobias asked, his voice stern yet confused.


    Riley could feel his worry mixing with her own, making her paws tingle upon the stone.


    "I learned that you''ve got a two-gold bounty on your head that was set from within his organization. Other than that, things are too compartmentalized for him to know anything more. In any case, he won''t be anyone''s problem anymore, but it doesn''t solve the issue at hand," she replied, her tone cold and matter-of-fact.


    "You killed him?" Riley asked, fearing the answer.


    "I didn''t actually, but he might wish he was. While you two are out clearing some bounties for me, I''m going to trade him back to his bosses, well, what''s left him. I might just be able to get in front of this," she replied.


    "What business do you have with the underworld?" Tobias asked.


    "We''ve had dealings from time to time. We serve the Ashenrealm, and sometimes that means getting your hands dirty. This little war that Chadrick started is bad for business. It''s straining my contacts and putting my operatives at risk. You''re not effective if you''re constantly looking over your shoulder," she replied.


    "But what if there''s another murder in the meantime?" Tobias pressed.


    Sabine shrugged. "Then it''s another chance to catch the perpetrator. We''ve already got twenty-three dead; what''s one more?"


    Riley balked, "That''s cold."


    "That''s life, Ranger, people die. Frequently, they die in unpleasant ways. We''re one of the few that stand between the people and that unfortunate reality, so you better get comfortable with the fact it happens," Sabine lectured.


    "I understand death happens, but that doesn''t mean I''m going to become calloused to it. It''s not nothing. Every one of those victims was a person!" Riley challenged, her ears heating in anger.


    Sabine smiled sadly. "Hold on to that as long as you can."


    "That''s bullshit. At some point, you made a choice to stop caring. I don''t have to make the same one," the hare drummed her hind paw in defiance.


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    "You''re right, and if you can manage it, you''re a better Ranger than I am, speaking of which," Sabine drew out her coin purse and counted out eight silvers.


    "What''s this about?" Tobias asked.


    "Riley''s back pay. Neither of you works for free," she replied.


    "Wow, I never expected to be paid," Riley admitted.


    "You are entirely too innocent for your posting," Sabine shook her head, staring at Riley with a type of concerned wonder.


    "I''m not innocent. I''m principled," she countered.


    "Principles or not, it''s eight silver! Riley, pop it into your inventory before Sabine changes her mind," Tobias prompted as the older ranger grinned.


    "Either way, limitations will get you killed," Sabine lectured, shifting in her seat.


    "How long do you think it will take to get the heat off us?" Tobias set to pacing as a wave of jumbled emotions hit Riley.


    "Who knows, but you being seen in Ashenvale isn''t going to help any of us at the moment. I need time to work my connections and see if I can''t leverage things in our favor or at least shift things back to neutral," Sabine explained.


    "Do I still have time to see the Abbot and maybe get Riley''s armor? We can move with stealth, but there are preparations I''d like to make that may help us survive," Tobias said, wearing new grooves in the floor.


    "Provided you can do it without being seen, and otherwise base out of here, I''m willing to give you a few days," she replied.


    Tobias nodded. "Ok, that''s fair. Do we have a secure runner that can go to the Castle for me and make the inquiries with Justinian?"


    "I''ll see to that myself tomorrow; otherwise leave me a list of what you need, and I''ll see it''s acquired." At that, Sabine rose and sheathed her sword.


    "I''ll have it by the morning, and you may want to post more guard. We spied another assassin around my parents'' house," Tobias replied as they each clasped arms.


    Sabine pinched the skin between her eyes. "I''ve only got so many I consider reliable, but I''ll see to it. Why didn''t you handle this yourselves?"


    Tobias looked towards Riley. "We didn''t want to give away the fact that we were operating in the area. If we killed them, it would be the equivalent of sending up a flare that my family was a viable way to acquire me. I didn''t want to put them in the crosshairs by acting impetuously."


    Sabine considered his words. "That was good thinking. Right now, they''re fishing. Two gold is a lot for anyone below the first tier which is ample incentive. The best thing you can do is not be seen, which is why I''m sending you out of town."


    "Perhaps we''ll wait to meet with the Abbot then," Tobias replied.


    "It''s probably wise. We''ll meet again tomorrow, and then I''ll have some bounties for you to chase. We''ll coordinate further from there after you''re supplied," she said, leaving and shutting the door behind her.


    Tobias sighed, moved over to the desk, and began working on a list.


    Riley hopped after him. "You''re all jumbled up inside."


    "People are trying to kill me; one of them showed up near my family, and for all the power my title is supposed to give me, I feel like things are burning, and I''m in want of a bucket to pitch water," he replied.


    "We''ll face it a day at a time. We''ve got Sabine, we''ve got each other, and I just netted a salary. You''ll feel better after I get you a jaunty hat like Justinian''s." Tobias looked at Riley before laughing quietly.


    "I don''t think I have the ego for a jaunty hat, but thanks," he reached down and fuzzed her ears.


    "Is it weird that I''m looking forward to hunting monsters for a while?" Riley asked.


    "Considering our lives lately, it will be less stressful," Tobias sighed before setting to work on making a list.

 Chapter 100: The Mad Scientist

    Chapter 100


    Riley''s nose burned, and her ears twitched at the sound of bubbling liquids. At the desk, just across the room, Tobias was working feverishly.


    A large wooden case was open on the floor beside his feet, its contents disgorged upon the workspace, where beakers and glass tubes, some heated by candles, ran fluids into a central collecting beaker that was glowing with his orange fire magic. She sneezed, inspiring a furious face groom, which did little to chase the sulfurous odors from her muzzle, nor did the cracked basement vent that led to a hidden output in the alleyway.


    "This is where urban legends come from. I bet there''s yellow smoke percolating up from a hidden grate, inspiring tales of a skunk monster loose in Ashenvale!" Riley drummed her hindpaw in agitation, the foul air making her moody.


    "Wha?" Tobias tilted his head away from his alchemical kit for a brief moment, revealing tinted brass goggles that covered his eyes.


    "I said you''re a mad scientist!" Riley yelled louder than she had any need to, which inspired Tobias to wince.


    Tobias''s head cocked as he turned slowly after checking a candle flame and the contents it was heating. "Another Rileyism?"


    "They''re scientists, and they''re well¡­ mad¡­ driven to nefarious or evil ends in the pursuit of their discipline. In the old movies, there was always some kind of kooky dude who was mixing up mayhem, or attaching laser beams to animals'' heads, or things like that." She explained, feeling his confusion only blossom like some strange flower.


    "Rileyism." He said, agreeing with his previous observation before turning back to his work.


    Riley huffed. "Just what does it do anyway?"


    Tobias drew a small bit with a dropper out from the beaker and let one drop fall to the floor. A bright flash whited out her vision as a thunderous boom rocketed through the floor, making her paws tingle with the shockwave.


    "Holy shit." Her ears went flat as the tinnitus raged, and Tobias coughed.


    "It works!" He announced, holding one finger aloft in victory.


    "Mad¡­ Scientist." Riley shook her head as the world began to come back to sense, only for the sound of someone racing down the stairs to become prominent.


    Sabine busted through the door a moment later with her sword drawn. "Ranger Tobias? What in the name of the Thirteen are you doing down here!?"


    "I spilled a drop; needless to say, it works." He lied as Riley''s eyes narrowed in his direction.


    Tobias put on a sheepish smile as Sabine let her sword fall into its scabbard. ¡°Dropped¡­ right¡­¡±


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    "I''m sorry for the noise; it''s a bit more potent than I expected." He explained as he set up ten vials in a rack, then donned a thick leather glove and carefully poured the contents into each as Sabine turned pale.


    "Mind that you don''t spill!" She cautioned as Tobias took on a sadistic grin again.


    "I''ve got my towel set up strategically; there''s little chance of danger." He said in a cool professional tone.


    "That work table has slats, and you''ve already shaken the foundations. What have I been telling you about keeping a lower profile?" Sabine crossed her arms and stared, demanding an answer.


    "I''ve done nothing but take deliveries and spend Riley''s money all day. If you have a mission for us, we''ll leave by nightfall." He replied amicably.


    "Justinian sent word by messenger it''s going to be at least another week on Riley''s armor; he said he''s putting some "extra work" into it, and as to your mission¡­" Fearlessly, she slapped down a rolled-up scroll on the table next to the Alchemy set.


    Tobias turned pale this time. "Careful!"


    He shot out of his chair and plastered himself against the wall as Sabine chuckled darkly.


    "I thought as much." She said. Riley giggled.


    "What about the people that want to kill us?" The hare asked.


    Tobias unrolled the scroll and began to read it over. "Is this right?"


    "As to the people that want you dead, I''m meeting with people that know people. It''s best to leave it there, but I''ll be chasing my way up the chain while you chase monsters, and that scroll is 100% accurate. We''ve a confirmed sighting of multiple monster infestations within the fourth and fifth defensive rings around Ashenvale." Sabine''s tone grew grave, dripping with threat.


    "When did this come in?" Tobias''s finger was moving from word to word, furiously reading.


    "Just this morning, a lone survivor made it into the third ring, and the guard sent a messenger. It''s likely I''d have sent you anyway, that or handling it myself. Sometimes things work out. There''s information in there about where you will be billeted. From the never-ending stream of deliveries this morning, I assume you''re well supplied." She assumed.


    "Oh, this is nothing. One of these days remind me to tell you about a little something called "Amazon."" Riley said.


    "Where''s the guard in all of this?" Tobias asked.


    "They are holding the perimeter; otherwise, we are keeping this quiet, which is why we''re sending in a Ranger team sooner rather than later. The lone survivor that ran the message has been sequestered, so you''re to move in, neutralize the threats, and then move out before this gets out to the greater population. This kind of thing could inspire a crisis of faith, and with the rate of monster attacks increasing, that could translate into a loss of faith in the Ashen throne. We cannot allow that to happen." Sabine''s voice took on all the dulcet tones of a drill sergeant.


    "How often has this happened?" Riley asked.


    "It once was so rare as to almost never occur; this is the third time in the last year." She replied.


    "Roughly when did the first one tick up? Say around a year and a half ago? I understand it got bad around then." Tobias asked curiously.


    "Roughly, what are you driving at?" Sabine eyed him with curiosity.


    "That''s about the time the murders began," he rubbed his chin in thought.


    "Don''t go leashing all your cockatrice to the same wagon. We don''t know if they''re connected." Sabine lectured.


    "No, we don''t, but it is a strange coincidence. What I''m driving at is, what if we''re not looking for a murderer? What if we''re hunting a monster? It started about the same time; there''s a definitive pattern to their work with only a few outliers. I wonder...." Tobias rose and strode over to the map, staring at it as if it would give him an answer.


    "Until you can present me with actual evidence, it''s just a theory. You have to be careful about playing to your biases, so consider it, but consider more, too. Now, have you ever ridden a Cockatrice?" Sabine smiled wickedly.


    "A few times, I know the basics, but I''m by no means a gifted rider," Tobias replied.


    Sabine only smiled wider. "You''re about to get a lot more practice."

 Chapter 101: The Ratcatcher

    Chapter 101


    "This feels humiliating," Riley complained, looking at the open rucksack.


    Tobias was knelt down, holding it open, "Wasn''t this your idea? It''s just a bag, and I need to keep both hands on the reins."


    "Uh-huh¡­ No laughing!" she demanded before hopping in.


    Tobias pulled at the drawstring, drawing it closer, but left her room to move before carefully sliding it on as Sabine appeared from the shadows.


    The older ranger stifled a chuckle, then looked surreptitiously around the stables.


    "See!" Riley complained, setting both her paws on Tobias'' right shoulder, peering out from that side of his head.


    The chuckles broke into furious laughter. "You look like a two-headed monster!"


    Tears began to fall, streaking down Sabine''s cheeks, as she threw a hand over her chest while she shrieked.


    "Let me down. I want off!" Riley demanded.


    Tobias crossed his arms and sighed. "It''s the best way. You didn''t want to ride in a saddle cage."


    His cold logic hit Riley like a bucket of water, only fouling her mood further, "I''ve had enough cages for one lifetime, thank you very much."


    "Then it''s the rucksack," Tobias replied flatly.


    Sabine, meanwhile, was gripping a lumber beam with one hand, working on her composure, wiping at her eyes. "I''m sorry, it was just her ears peaking up over yours, then the look to one side."


    Riley grumbled, her whiskers twitching as if her anger had a heartbeat. "Was anyone watching?"


    "I made a patrol and saw no one. It seems the random disappearances and killings are having a chilling effect," she smiled like a predator, inspiring Riley to tense.


    "Then we should get underway." Tobias gripped the saddle horn then put one hand in a stirrup.


    The Cockatrice pranced in place uneasily before stepping away.


    Sabine sighed.


    "Definitive action yields the best result. Don''t be timid. You''re the boss of her, act like it!" Sabine snapped and, in demonstration, gripped the saddle horn of a Cockatrice in the next stall and with deft, confident action, hoisted herself up on the waiting beast.


    Tobias groaned this time but tried again, pulling himself up and onto the saddle.


    The beast whined and clicked, unsure, as Tobias patted her neck.


    "Easy, Svad. Don''t you want to be friends?" He grinned sadistically.


    "Oh, you didn''t," Riley shook her head, disappointment dripping from her tone.


    He turned his head to one side and grinned in a manner that, to Riley, was all too familiar.


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    "By the Dead Gods!" She lurched back, tumbling against the back wall of the sack, causing Tobias to lose his balance.


    A steadying hand from Sabine stopped his fall, keeping him in the saddle.


    "I''ll ride with you a while and make certain you don''t kill yourself," Sabine, kicking her heels, moved the beast out with her, as Tobias did the same.


    "I was thinking I could veil us. Maybe we could move out undetected that way," Riley offered.


    The older ranger shook her head. "Stealth like that is a bad option when you''re mounted. People need to see and hear you coming. You move at a good pace with your hood up, and all anyone is going to see is two rangers moving through Ashenvale."


    Tobias flipped up his hood. "Then let''s get underway."


    Sabine led them out as those on the sidewalks, returning from their day''s work, made way, cutting them both a wide berth, allowing them to both come up side by side in the lane.


    "Make way!" Sabine cried before digging her heels into the Cockatrice''s side, as Tobias did the same.


    Each beast kicked off at a rapid gallop, moving down the lane as Sabine tugged at the reins, speeding through the first intersection, slowing only barely to make a left, as Tobias lost some ground, pacing behind her while he awkwardly worked the reins.


    Under his inexpert direction, it weaved and pulled, wanting to go its own way. "Easy, Svad, easy."


    "I feel like I''m in a Martini!" Riley chattered as they moved down the cobblestone path, heading for the southern gate, far across town.


    "Just try to hold on," Tobias called back, following Sabine, who maneuvered deftly, weaving around carriages, causing Tobias to fall back around every tight turn or quick action.


    "I''m trying not to be sick!" Riley complained. The world pitched and rolled while the minutes ticked by.


    Finally, after about forty minutes, they came to a high gate manned by six guards. The portcullis was still up, though the sun was moving towards its setting.


    "You''re just in time, Ranger. We''re just about to close for the night," one said to Sabine.


    "We''re on official business; let us through in the name of the King of Ashes," she replied tersely.


    The man nodded and looked toward Tobias, and whistled twice before stepping back. "Safe journey."


    They galloped out, revealing green, grassy hills bathed golden in the light of day. Small farms delineated by stone walls dotted the landscape, bifurcated by the winding road that chased off toward the horizon.


    "How long will you accompany us?" Tobias asked.


    "I''ll see you to the second wall, then I have to turn back," she replied, kicking her heels once again and putting on some speed as the gates of Ashenvale began to fade behind them.


    Entering a wooded copse, Sabine slowed when a stout man in a cloak and mask walked out in the center of the roadway.


    "Ranger Sabine, I believe we have business. You''re holding my man, making inquiries," he announced as she came to a stop.


    "What is this?" Tobias scanned about nervously, dropping quickly from Svad, barely waiting for the beast to stop.


    In quick action, he unshouldered Riley, allowing her to hop out.


    Pulling at her power, she cast analyze.


    The Ratcatcher, 2-10 Criminal Underboss


    An item is preventing further analysis.


    He''ll make you an offer you can''t refuse¡­


    "Relax, Relax, you''re all so tense," A wicked, creeping smile crawled across his face like a spider as he held up his hands. "I''m alone. I''m here to talk, and besides, is hurting me really worth your family''s life?"


    He sneered towards Tobias, whose neck tightened in a seething rage.


    "You bastard, if you hurt them¡­" He began, only for the Ratcatcher to interrupt.


    "Oh please, that old song. We all understand the stakes, but surely you didn''t expect me to show up here without assurances."


    "What do you want?" Sabine demanded, scanning around the woods, sizing up the location.


    "I''m a businessman. You have one of my employees; you''ve cost me good men, and word has reached me that you wished to discuss terms. So let''s discuss terms," he shrugged and cocked his head, waiting for a reply.


    "Fine, you allow Tobias to pass, guarantee to him that his family will come to no harm, and we''ll talk this out. Then you can tell me how you came to be here," Sabine''s eyes narrowed in hatred. It was clear she was in no mood to bargain.


    "Oh please, your little operation is nothing compared to my own, and the castle leaks like a sieve. I''m as much a king as the King of Ashes and in some ways, a little more. That, you get for free, and, as I said, no harm will come to Ranger Tobias'' family so long as I return safely, so if you wish to negotiate on his behalf, he may go. I understand the monsters are surging just past the third defensive ring," he tsked, shaking his head sadly.


    "I''m not leaving you here," Tobias said, with his hand on his sword.


    "That''s exactly what you''re going to do. I''ll send word about your family as soon as I''m done here. Let me do my work; the people of the realm need you to do yours. It''s time for you to be a Ranger, Tobias," Sabine said, patting him on the shoulder.

 Chapter 102: Bad Moon Rising

    Chapter 102


    Even in the dark of the night, with barely a sliver of moon, the large military encampment was easily visible. Blue crystal lamps atop large wooden poles delineated the perimeter of the temporary base, where tents arranged in a grid fashion showed similar precision to what Riley had seen from the trial fair.


    "I''m worried about Sabine and the family," she said as Tobias sighed.


    "I am too, Riley. It''s taking everything I have to not ignore my duty and sprint for Ashenvale," he replied in a familiar response.


    This tennis match of a conversation had been going on for the last three hours, interspersed by long, stony silences between matches, all as the night grew darker and, with it, each of their moods.


    "Good Morrow, Ranger! Captain Quinn''s expecting you. Head straight up the way here, and you''ll not miss the command tent," called a guard standing at a makeshift gate. Even now, commoners were working with some aid from those in golden torcs harvesting wood and setting a lumber barricade around the camp.


    He tensed and saluted as Tobias passed, "Thank you. I wish you an easy night."


    "By the will of the Thirteen Gods, so be it," Riley heard him mutter under his breath as they moved up the lane.


    Drawing roughly to the center, the command tent was indeed impossible to miss, made of silver-grey fabric. Its stakes and rods had formed it into a pyramidal-topped square, with long poles rising from each of its four corners proudly displaying the familiar banner of a reared back cockatrice.


    Directing Svad to a hitching rail, Tobias slid off carefully, unslinging his pack with equal care, allowing Riley an easy exit.


    "Oh, ground, I missed you," Riley dug at the hardscrabble dirt with her front paws only to realize they had set up across the road itself. The command tent occupied the rough center of what would normally be a thoroughfare, with the rest of the tents spreading out into an ever-widening field contained within the ever growing barricade.


    "By the dead Gods, this is a lot of effort," Tobias scanned around, his jaw tense but his eyes worried as a series of bright balls launched far forward of them, lighting up the night.


    The ground rumbled as a boom chased through the air a moment later, causing Riley''s ears to flatten as Tobias turned white.


    "This seems worse than Landon," he said, his hand shaking.


    "Let''s talk to the Captain, then freak out," Riley offered as Tobias took another centering breath, squared his shoulders, and did his best not to appear as if he was heading to his own execution, striding into the tent.


    "Oh, you must be Ranger Tobias. Quinn, Captain of the guard, good to meet you!" He held out his hand, his face erupting into a warm smile.


    He was taller than Tobias; Riley guessed he stood about six foot three, making him a redwood in comparison to her diminutive height. Well-muscled arms clearly showed a well-chiseled physique otherwise hidden by a steel breastplate and metal greaves.


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    Tobias clasped his arm, "Nice to meet you, but if you''ll forgive me, I fail to see what I can do on top of all of this."


    Quinn grinned wider. "Modesty! That''s a rare feat among magic users, and Rangers especially."


    "It''s earnest; just how bad is it?" Tobias insisted.


    "Oh, it''s not as bad as all that. We''ve been decimating the hordes and preventing their advance, but we still need you to slip behind and take down the portal. Buck up, lad!" Quinn moved over to a table as he spoke, showing a map that glowed with a familiar brown light to Riley''s vision, the magic within updating it in real-time.


    "Now, I''m not fully briefed on your capabilities, but for stealth, I''d recommend inserting here or here far on the western or eastern flank. You don''t want to go direct as that''s where we''re stoning, taking out the bulk that has already come through," with deft motion, he gestured to specific spots as Riley listened passively.


    "What''s the chance of a tier-one manifestation?" Tobias rubbed at his jaw as he stared down at the map, considering his options.


    "Low, which is why it''s just us out here. That said if the lynchpin monster is a first, well, run like an infernal is after your soul, and we''ll relay to the castle to send a first-tier team. Don''t risk your ass for heroics, Tobias," in an affirming gesture, Quinn gripped his shoulder and shook it.


    "Go in, destabilize the portal, take out the lynchpin, and mop up what we can. Standard bounty rules?" Tobias asked.


    "Aye, ears, heads, horns, or anything monstery, and you''ll get your bonus. So, good enough? Feeling better?" Quinn asked, looking at Tobias with fatherly concern.


    "I do, thank you. What kind of monsters are we seeing?" Tobias asked, making a show of looking over the map.


    Quinn took a sudden, sharp breath. "It''s undead and insect from what we''ve been seeing."


    "Zombies!?!" Riley''s ears perked up as a chill went through her.


    What she felt from Tobias only added to her concern. "Which is why you have the siege works out."


    "Aye, lad. They come shuffling out endlessly. You know there''s no shortage of bodies in the Ashenrealm, new or old. That portal popping up in Brewster only made it worse," setting both hands on the map table, he looked down in solidarity with Tobias.


    "Do you want west or east?" Tobias asked Riley by projection.


    "Do they run?" Riley quivered as every patchwork memory of every monster movie she had ever seen ran over her grave.


    "They can run, but that''s mainly the skeletons," Tobias began, projecting, keeping their secrets.


    "Skeletons!?!" the hare squeaked.


    "Skeletons, zombies, revenants, most likely we''re going to be dealing with a Lich Queen or a Minor Devil as the lynchpin. Monsters are monsters; we kill monsters, so do you want west or east?" Riley felt Tobias'' resolve harden like steel, which helped her find her own.


    "Your call, I can''t see the map, and you''re trained as well as I am," she deflected.


    "Then we go west," Tobias looked up towards Quinn, "We''re going to insert from here, so make sure you keep your fire out of that grid."


    "Will do. When you make it to Brewster, our overflight intelligence indicates the Cathedral is intact. Assess for survivors, but base out of there, you''ll be safe. This com crystal will connect you immediately back to the command tent. We''ll support you from a distance as we can," Quinn patted Tobias on the back.


    "Can I ask one more favor before you go?" he asked, handing over the com crystal.


    "You''re the one in command," Tobias deferred.


    Quinn''s eyes sparkled, "Oh, I like you. Ride out in view of the front lines and the troops, making a tour of the camp. It will help morale."


    Tobias sighed as if put upon. "Of course, Captain, contact me with any details."


    Quinn held out his arm again, with one last hearty shake, Tobias left the tent.


    "Well, let''s get this done," Tobias said, checking his blade.


    "At least it sounds maybe better than Landon? I mean, we have support?" She offered in false hope while Tobias knelt, allowing her easy entry back into the rucksack.


    "We aren''t that lucky, but we still have work to do," Tobias grinned sardonically as Riley hopped in.

 Chapter 103: Night of the Living Dead

    Chapter 103


    "Those poor people..." Riley trailed off. She was sitting up on her hindpaws at the peak of a hill next to Tobias, who was leading Svad by the reins.


    "They aren''t people anymore. Listen to me, Riley, they''re just shells, no matter what they look like. They''re husks now, cannon fodder for the lynchpin entity," Tobias replied, who was looking ahead, standing like a statue, with one hand resting on the hilt of his blade.


    Just outside of Brewster, a field of shambling horrors moved about below them, made up of the recent and long dead. Rotting and broken bodies groaned, limped, and crawled along with no sense of direction or purpose; their eyes, if they had them, were milky white, unfocused, and dead.


    "They always say that in the movies too...it doesn''t help," Riley said, staring at the corpse of a young girl, no more than ten years of age.


    One arm was gone, and her throat was torn open, leaving her head to hang down upon her chest like a broken puppet. Black semi-dried blood added a dark accent to her once beige dress as she moved about directionless.


    Tobias went down on one knee, turning towards her, petting her ears back, "Do you trust me?"


    Riley scoffed, "Duh... Why would you even ask that?"


    "Then trust me that I know their souls are gone, and we''re the only chance these poor people have at putting their bodies to rest before their remains do something horrible. We honor the dead by fighting for the living," he looked at her with grim resolve, gripping his sword tighter as he rose, drawing it.


    Riley pressed up against his legs, "You''re right. I can feel it. This is an offense against the natural order."


    The feeling felt like an instinct; something deep within her, beyond her conscious understanding, that recoiled in horror and knew  it had to end.


    "Then let''s set it back to right," Tobias rose as he spoke, his sword erupting into flame.


    Riley cast analyze on the dead girl.


    Zombie, Level 2-1, Infernal, Necromancy


    Abilities: Sense Magic, Sense Life, Ignore Damage, Unfeeling, Singular Resolve


    A reanimated corpse infested with necrotic infernal energy.


    Fun Fact: A group of Zombies is known as a "Congress"


    "Oh dear," Riley gasped as the Zombies, like one massive entity, all turned in their particular direction.


    Tobias grinned, rotating his palm in a clockwise circle before pointing it forward towards the horde.


    Firebolt


    Riley felt the tug on her side of the magic. White-rimmed balls of flame erupted out of his hand, peppering the horde below, and prompt notifications began to stream in.


    Your party has inflicted burning... Critical hit.


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    Zombies are weak to Holy Magic... Damage increased.


    The flames caught, spreading like a creeping disease, igniting strips of tattered, ancient clothing and desiccated flesh. Still, they moved forward, unaware and unhindered, as the first dozen fell, only to be trampled underfoot, spreading the growing inferno.


    "This is like a turkey shoot," Riley said, pulling at her power.


    Flame Wall


    A long barricade of flame stretched across the bottom of the hill, burning with white and orange magical energies. Undaunted, the undead began to shamble through it, igniting and flashing to ash against the holy assault.


    Your party has inflicted burning... Critical hit.


    Zombies are weak to Holy Magic... Damage increased.


    Holding out his left hand palm up, Tobias cast two successive walls behind Riley''s as the crowd continued to press forward in a wave.


    "Keep up the pressure!" Tobias called out, unleashing another torrent of firebolts as Riley made time reinforcing and overlaying their flame walls, falling into their new practiced coordination.


    She stretched, scanning around, referencing their mana bar, which was already down to 65%.


    "They can rest now," she said, as a strange kind of satisfaction rested uneasily over her soul.


    It was the way they moved and thought, or rather, didn''t think, that made it easier. There was no spark of intelligence or will left to them, only a strange instinctual motion and draw that caused her to feel pity instead of guilt.


    In a world of terrible choices, this was for the best. Their bodies flashed to ash and could never be violated by whatever it was that had done this to them ever again.


    She only hoped that wherever these people had ended up, they were happily ignorant of what had happened with their remains.


    Satisfied with her bulwark, Riley conjured her vines. The zombies predictably ignored them, even as they began to slam down into the earth, wiping out columns of them in relentless assaults, all three working independently, only piling up the damage.


    An hour dragged by as Tobias began to perspire, and Riley''s ears began to heat, with their mana dropping at a steady burn, now at twenty percent.


    "I''m getting exhausted," she panted, trying to push away the sensation of a woozy headache pressing against her consciousness.


    "That''s..." Tobias paused to breathe, exhausted by the mental effort, "How they get you."


    With a quick rotating action, a mana potion appeared in his hand, pulled from their inventory.


    He gulped it down, letting out a long, slow breath, surveying his handiwork.


    The bottle clanged as it hit the ground, joining a collection of three more scattered around his boots.


    Riley, meanwhile, held out her paws over the ground and drew them closed, taking a stamina potion from her inventory.


    Working the cork out with her teeth, she announced, "Tuck and roll!"


    Flopping, rolling to her back before imbibing it, suppressing her desire to cough and choke as it slammed down her throat.


    Her thinking cleared, as she saw the effects in her overlay, each bar, replenishing, setting up for the next salvo.


    Tobias scanned out over the battlefield, his sword in his right hand, resting at his side.


    Piles of ashes were before them as the successive flame walls burned, glowing orange, delineating their edges, lighting up the night like the bonfires they were.


    A few zombies still roamed about.


    "Time for mop-up duty. Svad, hold," Tobias ordered, as the Cockatrice pranced uneasily but, otherwise, stayed in place.


    Riley dispelled their flame wall as Tobias braced his sword low and to one side.


    "Let''s go," he urged, taking off in a jog, flanking the piles of ash and super-heated earth, moving for Brewster.


    Riley followed after, moving a few steps beside in an easy bound as he shifted and weaved, altering course as Zombies turned in their direction.


    With a wave of his sword, Tobias drew up into form one, then dropped it, bifurcating the unfortunate creature diagonally, cleaving through its skull, and destroying its brain.


    It fell lifeless and dead. Not slowing down, he moved towards the next, his breathing easy.


    "This is more like a workout than a fight," Riley observed, just as a black and red light erupted onto the battlefield.


    A creature resembling a horned reptilian monkey rested on its haunches just in front of them. A spade-tipped tail rested against their back before curling out, hanging like a vine towering above their head, the spade tip pointed behind them.


    "Oh, the master will be so pleased it''s you, and even more so when I bring him your heads!" The entity chortled, erupting in a black aura of infernal energy.


    Tobias took up a defensive position, as his eyes tracked up and to the right, checking their power, while Riley cast analyze:


    Imp Soldier, Chaotic, Infernal, 2-7


    Abilities: Infernal Flame, Poisoner, Whip Tail, Entropic Bolt, Dimensional Storage.


    Servant of a Minor Devil


    Fire Resistant


    Servile and base, it will claw you in the face.


    Riley could not staunch the instinctual rage that gripped her heart.


    "Let''s kick his ass!" She cried as the magic began to fly.

 Chapter 104: Imp’s Wrath, Riley’s Rage

    Chapter 104


    A cold fall wind blew across the impromptu battlefield, kicking up wisps of ashes from the greater pile as a tense standoff was underway.


    The imp flicked a claw forward and fired towards Riley. Riley flopped again, dodging a bolt of entropic energy that flew, just missing her ears.


    The imp paused at that and waited, hunched over with its claws hanging up front.


    Tobias watched with his sword in a ready position, wrestling with the emotions surging across his connection from Riley. Holding herself back with gritted teeth, an anger and focus boiled deep within, obliterating all concerns of fatigue or exhaustion regardless of the time they had been awake or the lateness of the hour.


    "Get control," Tobias projected, fighting for the same middle of peace himself.


    As if some hidden signal was sent, the imp charged, exploding across the short distance with a burst of speed. Tobias juked back, and Riley went to cast. Her instincts kicked, breaking her focus, as the Imp appeared in front of her, swiping at her face with his claws, missing her by a scant few inches. She rolled out of the way, only to kick off in a wide arcing run, with the demonic being just behind.


    "Riley, try to work towards me," Tobias urged, pulling at her side of the power.


    "Working on it!" She cried as she felt her heart rate spin up, preparing herself for the tight turn, planting her forepaws and then kicking to the left before digging into the soft earth, forcing her direction into a tight arc. Flattening her ears, with the creature snapping just a foot or more behind, she dashed under Tobias'' legs, grateful for his wide stance just as he let loose a bolt of righteous flame.


    "Cheating! Cheating!" The infernal cried, throwing itself to the right, hard, as they shoulder-checked the ground at speed, rolling into an ugly tumbling spin, barely missing the bolt. Sliding across the dirt, they dug their claws into the ground, slowing their motion only to leave long, deep furrows, and came to a stop with a hiss.


    "This is between us, human! Abandon her, and you may yet live to see another sunrise. I will allow this, yes..." They bargained. Riley, meanwhile, took up a closer position, stepping out from behind Tobias, panting.


    "No deal. You come after her; you come after me," The sorcerer declared, gripping his sword with both hands.


    The imp''s eyes flitted to Riley, then back to Tobias before hissing again. "You delay my victory, so I will delay your death, making you scream for it before it comes!"


    Launching again, with a fresh burst of speed, it closed the distance with preternatural grace, leaping into the air only to conjure a thin, rapier, swiping at Tobias. Moving with practiced grace, Tobias drew his blade up, deflecting the rapier, only for the imp to swipe with its left front claw. Four symmetrical lines of blood began to leak from his neck as the imp landed on the ground, pausing to lick its claws clean.


    "Hmm... Blood. I like your tas..."


    Riley interrupted, pulling at their shared power, casting in rapid and practiced succession.


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    Holy Inferno


    Fire Bolt


    The bolt sailed true. Riley felt a strange tinge of power wrap around the infernal. The imp''s wrist glowed green, highlighting a bronze bangle tightly gripped around its wrist that so perfectly blended in with its hide as to be camouflaged. The bolt hit and dissipated against an opaque shield that flashed into existence only to vanish as quick as it came, inspiring more hellish laughter, pricking at her pride, and fueling her barely constrained rage.


    "Just die already!" Riley screamed.


    "No!" The Imp replied joyfully, weaving and flipping into another attack with his rapier. The flurry and rapidity of the strikes overwhelming Tobias, keeping him on the defensive.


    "Riley! Drain him, damn it! Do it now!" he screamed, deflecting and dodging against a relentless assault, all as tiny cuts began to appear on unexposed skin, causing blood to drip.


    A sense of queasy unease settled upon her, only to be broken by her concern as Riley cast, not on the imp but his bangle.


    Mana Vampire


    Riley felt a surge of power hit her, all as the green light faintly glowing on the Imp''s wrist flickered, then died.


    "What?" It exclaimed, growing distracted. Its eyes fell towards the bangle in shock, granting Tobias an opening. His blade caught the Imp at the edge of the jaw, slicing up through his left eye.


    Black blood flew as it hissed, leaping away on three limbs, cursing all the while.


    "Cheater! Cheater!"


    Righteous Flame/Fire Bolt


    A cold and sinister chuckle seeped from Riley. White celestial light flew true.


    The imp attempted to collect itself, blood dripping, mimicking the pitter patter sound of raindrops as the bolts impacted, filling the air with the sound of sizzling, burning flesh mixed with the scent of brimstone as it shrieked and burned.


    "It hurts!" they screamed, as their voice melted into a strange chortling wail. The fire danced across his skin while it rolled uselessly on the ground.


    Skin blackened to shiny charcoal, the imp clawed across the ground, only for nails to rip out from cooked flesh, whimpering in agony, trying to escape the fight they had started.


    Tobias stalked forward, blade up for the kill. The imp rolled away, skin tearing into deep red gashes across its back, inspiring screams of pain as a bottle appeared in the imp''s mangled and burned claw.


    Enduring the pain with garishly white teeth glinting out from their burned flesh, they downed a healing potion. Blackened skin turned supple and scarred, while flesh knitted and drew tight across the imp''s face in fresh, terrible burn scars, while their singular, milky white eye glowered with special hatred.


    Sniffing the air, they reached up and pulled their rapier again, leaping out of the way to the sound of stretching and straining freshly scarred skin with a hiss.


    Their head turned as they craned what was left of their ears towards the party.


    "He''s blind," Tobias muttered quietly under his breath, astounded that the creature could still be alive after the sheer amount of damage it had endured.


    "Can still hear, still smell you and your wretched celestial filth!"


    With superhuman resolve, hatred, and ability, the creature launched forward into an acrobatic display of claws and strikes from their tiny rapier, only to juke back and pant, exhausted.


    Riley''s anger wrestled with a strange form of pity rising in her heart.


    "The only thing to do is end it," She said within.


    Mana Vampire


    Chaotic magic flooded into Riley as she cast, as something in her soul responded, lapping up the power, begging, screaming, and pleading for more.


    "I..." She whispered, but her own instincts drove her on, holding the cast, draining it down. The abused creature gripped the sides of its head and began to seize.


    Tobias'' sword exploded into celestial flame as he stalked forward and drove his sword deep through the creature''s chest. "


    I... will... not be the last..." They chuckled strangely before gurgling and immolating into ash, with only the strange bronze bracelet left behind, resting now atop a pile of ashes.


    Tobias collapsed down to his knees, panting, running a hand across the wounds in his neck. "Riley... Heal me, please."


    She dashed over and pressed up against him.


    Healing Halo.


    The wounds knitted as the cold wind blew across the battlefield.


    "Are you ok?" He asked.


    "I think you got the worst of it," she replied as each of their gaze fell upon the bracelet.

 Chapter 105: A Commoner’s Nobility

    Chapter 105


    "Don''t touch it!" Tobias called, stopping Riley in her tracks.


    Her paw hovered inches above the magical item as she looked back, chastised.


    "Analyze first, use your brain, use your power," he groaned, rubbing at his forehead with a sigh.


    "Oh... right," Riley replied, casting analyze.


    Ward of the Winter Knight


    *Uncommon Legendary Artifact*


    A legendary item lost during the Ashen Wars, this item imbues the wearer with a powered ward against magic scaled to their current level. This item is currently depleted and, thus, inert. It will feed on the ambient mana of the wearer. This item is currently unbound.


    "It''s clean. Nothing cursed or spooky, save for its name, ''Ward of the Winter Knight.''"


    Tobias'' eyes went wide as she spoke. Striding over towards her, he plucked it out of the ash pile and examined it more closely. The bracelet shimmered, turning to a muted silvery grey in his hands, as the once bronze crystal embedded into its center began to pulse and glow with an orange light.


    "By the dead Gods, fae armor! How do you think he came by it?" Tobias turned it over in his hands, examining its artful filigree.


    Groans from some of the last zombies approaching drew both of their attention. Tobias, with a jerk of his hand, stowed the bracelet in his inventory.


    "Let''s get this done and move to Brewster. I''m tired."


    Riley yawned in solidarity. "I''m sleepy, too."


    Carving through the remaining zombies proved a simple task as the first lights of dawn broke on the horizon, casting the cathedral spire of Brewster in dark silhouette.


    "Svad!" Tobias whistled twice.


    The well-disciplined beast began to charge down the hill in their direction, joining them as they pushed through the bush, emerging into the depopulated town.


    Doors and unsecured shutters banged gently in the predawn breeze, the air possessed of a preternatural quiet, highlighting every sound. There were no signs of life or survivors, no lights in the windows, or the barest hints of a whispered word or prayer as they stalked through the streets.


    Tobias moved with his hood down and his sword out while Riley''s ears craned like radars. "Standard sweep, we clear the streets, check any open door, then end at the Cathedral at the center," he projected, gently opening an already cracked door as his blade glowed to life with flame.


    "Together, right?" Every instinct honed from every horror movie Riley had seen told her Brewster was not a place to stay but rather, burn to the ground. Preferably while she was putting it behind her.


    "Riley, you''re a ranger," Tobias scolded.


    "And? Backup is a thing, you know!" She replied.


    "I''d do ok without you," Tobias turned in the predawn light and flashed a mad cheesy grin.


    "That''s what the sidekick always says before they get slaughtered," Riley skipped by on her paws, forgetting for a moment her fear, sticking her nose in the air as she passed.


    "Sidekick?" Tobias'' head cocked.


    "My lackey, lackey." He could feel, in that moment, her sardonic grin that had no place on her muzzle but stood out proudly in their bond.


    "Zombie, on your left!" Tobias cried.


    Riley leapt up into the air and scurried to her right, hiding behind a trough, peering out warily, all as her front paws glowed with power.


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    It was not the sound of groans that reached her ears, but shrieking laughter as Tobias set his hands on his knees, crouching with a wheeze, as he fought for control. "Lackey indeed."


    "Of course you realize this means war," Riley intoned, her whiskers twitching.


    Tobias straightened up. "Truce. We need to keep an eye out. The city isn''t cleared yet."


    "You say that now, but you fired the first shot, don''t start what you can''t finish," Riley emerged and returned to his side, taking the time to butt up against his legs.


    "I''m doomed. I can see it all so clearly now," Tobias mused.


    "You''re just figuring this out? Laaaccckeeey," Riley teased.


    "Goon," he chuckled, checking another door.


    Yet there was no life or unlife to be found in Brewster, only the odd bone or bloated, partially devoured corpse. Not even the insects had found the place yet. The stench, though, seemingly rising with the dawn, would most likely change all of that soon.


    "How many of the people that lived here did we kill out there?" Riley wondered as they finally came to the Cathedral. The sun was well on the way to rising now, the sky to the east blazing in a brilliant palette of oranges and reds.


    "We didn''t kill any of them. We set their bodies to rest," Tobias corrected, stalking up to the cathedral door, pushing it open. "That said, between us and the encampment, most of those that lived here are gone. I doubt any of the non-magical escaped."


    "So it''s worse than Landon." Riley scanned around again before they both entered. Pews were pushed to the edges of the walls, but the altar and Cathedral were otherwise strangely intact. Its heavy stone walls and barred windows were unblemished, as if it had passed the storm without concern.


    "Looks clear," Tobias said, pulling the door closed before barricading it, dropping the huge wooden bar bolted into the wall on a swiveling hinge.


    It groaned, falling closed with a thud.


    "You realize you just locked us in with whatever might be in here?" Riley asked.


    "Look around. No zombie made it this far, and we''ve seen no sign of the lynchpin entity. Unless it''s hiding in the spire, it''s one large room here. We''re safe; you can relax," Tobias, as if in demonstration, sheathed his sword.


    "Set up camp and have some dinner?" Riley asked, mollified by logic.


    Tobias held out his hands over the floor, and the air shimmered as his bedroll appeared from his inventory, neat and prepared. Riley, taking the hint, joined him, setting up camp, popping her bedroll next to his, falling into a comfortable routine. With a focus of his power, stones in the floor began glowing red, putting off heat.


    Scanning around, satisfied with his handiwork, a large sandwich appeared in Tobias'' hand that he chewed meditatively.


    "Don''t forget about me!" She complained.


    "Adapt," Tobias grinned.


    Riley''s ears flattened.


    "I''m giving you a bad review," she quipped, sitting up on her hind paws, holding her front paws over the stone. Clover and grasses in a wooden bowl appeared, allowing her to nibble.


    "So what started the Ashen Wars?" She asked, making conversation.


    "The same thing all wars are fought over. Power and territory. Human kingdoms in the Ashenrealm are untrusting of the other races. There''s a lot of bad history, but the Ashen Wars were especially bad," Tobias paused to munch on some tenganut he had pulled, pausing only to set some in Riley''s bowl.


    "What made it so bad?" She asked.


    "It was especially vicious and bloody. The war made no distinctions between villagers or soldiers; whole towns and tribes were wiped out.


    The human kingdom at that time was called Damar, led by King Cadomedd. He was deposed by one of his generals, Oswiu, who became the first King of Ashes and started the war," Tobias gazed off into the distance, chewing meditatively.


    "The name alone tells me everything I need to know," Riley replied dryly.


    Tobias chuckled. "Even though I am of his kingdom, I can''t look back on what he did and think he was anything more than a brutal tyrant. He killed the generals that would not submit to him and then waged a campaign against the fae so brutal the survivors committed ritual suicide. They wiped themselves out instead of surrendering. Our history hides it in flowery terms, but there''s no way to look at that war honestly and not realize it was a horror," Tobias looked down. Riley felt his unease and his qualms bubbling in his soul.


    "But you''re a soldier of the King of Ashes now too. We both are," she observed, lumping herself in with the guilty.


    "Not like that, not even if ordered. I only hope I''m strong enough to keep my word if I''m ever called to. The common people don''t know anything beyond a happy mythologized view of the conflict, but we were taught the history, taught to view it as a necessary sacrifice, the cost of duty and victory," Tobias continued, the words spilling out of him now.


    "Yet you don''t see it that way?" Riley pressed, trying to make sense of what she was feeling.


    "I was bullied my entire life as a student, was always the commoner kid, often on the outs save for Justinian. I know how bullies justify their actions, and I will never be a bully," Tobias stared at her, convicted.


    "That seems a fine line you''re walking," Riley challenged absently.


    It hit Tobias like a stone. Riley stopped eating, looking up at him with concern.


    "It was two thousand years ago, ancient history I can do nothing about, but even ancient history holds lessons. It''s one thing to stand up for the law and the people, it''s quite another to become a monster in the name of duty. Tell me, do you think I''d ever willingly serve under Chadrick?" He asked.


    She could feel his anger, constrained under logic and care. "No, never."


    "Exactly. I''ll fight for my family, I''ll fight for my kingdom, but I won''t do it blindly. You don''t think I don''t see it? I was born into a commoner family, Riley, my family is one of the lucky ones, and my grandpa saved his whole life to scrape together half of what we make in a month. I''m not a patriot, but I am a soldier," he said with surprising conviction.


    Riley dragged her bowl with her teeth over to his side and flopped against him. "You''re a better man than you realize."

 Chapter 106: Breakfast Philosophy

    Chapter 106


    Riley didn''t remember falling asleep.


    Her eyes fluttered open as the competing feelings of warm and cold, along with soft and hard, echoed distantly through her conscious mind.


    Riley''s head and front legs were resting across Tobias''s lap, with the rest of her flopped on the stone. Her left hind paw was compressed and tingling, competing with soreness and bleariness from the day before.


    Tobias, meanwhile, was resting against a pillar, his head tilted back with his mouth open, breathing quietly. Both his plate and her bowl had the remnants of an, at best, half-eaten meal. The light streaming down from the crystal spire seemed warm and old, heralding that they had indeed slept all day within the ethereally quiet space, with its thick stones and heavy wooden doors insulating them from sound, ensuring their peace.


    Riley looked longingly at the bedrolls set side by side. "So much for that idea." She projected without thinking, her voice traveling like a mental poke.


    Tobias''s mouth snapped closed as his head righted with the opening of his eyes. He blinked groggily before stretching out his back, inspiring a series of pops.


    "I don''t remember falling asleep."


    "It''s gotta be the potions," Riley surmised, pausing to face groom, "Just like healing potions fix the damage, but you still get the scar, the rest of the stuff charges you up but doesn''t spare you the fatigue. It all catches up with you."


    Tobias looked at her with surprise. "That was remarkably intuitive."


    Riley scoffed. "I''m not stupid, and I have experience, thank you very much."


    "Some people never put that together. I wonder if Cid did with the way he pushed us. No, he knew; he just likes inflicting pain," Tobias concluded.


    "Oh yeah, Cid''s a sadist, but he has a purpose. I wonder how he''s doing?" She wondered.


    "Probably going out of his mind at Ranger Central. Maybe I can get Sabine to send a message on our behalf when we get back?" Tobias took on a thoughtful expression as Riley pressed up against his midsection.


    "Good idea, and good morning..." Her words trailed off within her mind as she yawned again, "Five more minutes?"


    Tobias shook his head. "No, we cannot tarry. That lynchpin monster is still about. There''s still work to be done."


    Riley moaned dramatically, pulling herself up with slow, torturous action. "Fine! You know you''re getting as bad as he is."


    Tobias grinned. "Don''t you want to be friends?"


    The hare shuddered, moving over to her food bowl nibbling at some of the greens.


    "We have fresh," Tobias reminded.


    "This is fine. Waste not, want not," she replied with her mouth full.


    Tobias chuckled. "I''ve some Rok Eggs. I love having an inventory space. It''s quite the useful power."


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    With a wave of his left hand, a frying pan appeared, and with his right, two blue eggs were in his palm.


    "Are there dimensional sorcerers? Like Kinetics, Elementals, all of that, or is it a secondary power?" Riley asked, finishing what she started last night.


    "Most of them end up in logistics, which makes sense. It''s not exactly a combat affinity," Tobias explained.


    "Until someone stores a boulder and conjures it above somebody''s head," Riley replied.


    That stopped him in his tracks for a moment as the eggs hovered above the frying pan. "Fair point."


    Cracking the shells, he stowed them away instead of leaving garbage.


    Summoning his power, he held his hand over one of the flagstones, which, a moment later, began to glow orange with heat and fire. Holding the pan over it, the radiant heat inspired the eggs to sizzle and pop. "A little butter, a little salt."


    He grinned as Riley scoffed. "You''re so hopelessly spoiled."


    Tobias placed a free hand over his chest. "I''m just getting my silver''s worth."


    "That fancy map was a silver. Your alchemy kit was a silver. Trust me, you got your money''s worth the first day," Riley concluded, finishing the remains of her dinner before sitting up proudly.


    "Bargains are hard to find," he agreed as he eyed his eggs suspiciously, poking a yolk with a finger. "Perfect." He smiled and set it down, pulling a fork from his inventory, and began to eat out of the pan.


    "And they say I''m the animal." Riley watched as Tobias devoured his breakfast with a special kind of eagerness.


    "I burned a lot of energy yesterday," He said defensively, while his eyes took on a far-off look, his chewing slowing down.


    "What''s this?" He muttered absently.


    "You have defeated Zombie x 105, you have defeated Imp Soldier... Level up? What''s a level up?"


    "Firebolt... 2-7, Flame wall 2-7, Flaming Sword 2-7... I... I got stronger?" His eyes boggled as they fell upon Riley.


    "Oh yeah, I''ve got some prompt notifications too," Riley said absently.


    "It wasn''t just you talking colloquially. You have a sense of your progression. You have a direct confirmation of your growth..." Tobias''s words dripped with reverence and awe.


    "Well, yeah, doesn''t everyone get stronger? They don''t need a prompt to know that." Riley replied.


    "Perhaps, but not everyone is like you or comes from a place where information just floats in front of them like this. There''s knowing, and then there''s knowing, you know? It might be hard for you to understand," Tobias gestured with his right hand holding a fork.


    "I didn''t have my interface till I came here. It''s part of my new life, I get it, but, I mean, everyone gets better with practice." Riley felt puzzled as she looked up at the prompts in the corner of her vision. There was no memory, outside of video games, of having a status screen. Still, every bit of her way of being in this world felt natural, enough so that she ignored it and... took it for granted that it was there.


    "Well, it is cool and all, but when it''s every day." She concluded, talking to herself. "I need to get caught up myself. Thanks for that." Riley said, pulling at her own prompts.


    "Learn to check your status screen, noob!" Tobias shouted with a bemused chuckle.


    "I didn''t level," she replied a moment later, feeling a strange disappointment, "Mana Vampire is holding me back."


    "You hardly use it," Tobias observed clinically.


    "It scares me. It''s already at 60% of the way to 2-8, and I''ve only used it twice. It takes as much as it gives. I''m a herbivore, dammit! I don''t like feeling like a predator," she explained, feeling a rising panic.


    "You saved us with that; you drained the bangle and dropped the wards. I doubt the fight would have gone that easily without it. We all eat something, Riley. You eat plants and magic energy. I eat Rok eggs and damn near anything else cooked and in front of me. The place you come from, they don''t see things like we see them here. Life is a balance, and it''s a cycle. Everything lives off of something else''s life. Everything pays a death at the end of its run. It is the way of things, both fair and not, because nothing is all good or all bad; those extremes would be a horror," Tobias pet her ears back soothingly.


    "You say that, but I did eat someone''s soul and got a level boost out of it," Riley said, condemning herself.


    "Who is to say you did? You consumed the energy of the soul, perhaps, or the magic surrounding it, but the actual spark of being?"


    He shrugged, "You didn''t get any memories, any other aspect of their being, did you?"


    "Well, no," Riley admitted.


    "You have your powers, and you use them for the right reasons. There''s no sense in taking on more trouble than you already have. I don''t think you''re some world-ending creature." Tobias concluded.


    "That''s the thing, I think some small part of me is," Riley replied, swallowing hard.

 Chapter 107: Infernal Treachery

    Chapter 107


    It was a strangely quiet morning. The streets of Bremerton were empty, but even the forest seemed devoid of life. Within the early days of autumn, when birds would sing, or insects chirp, there was instead a silence that hung over the area like a winter''s fog.


    "Eerie..." Riley trailed off.


    "It is," Tobias agreed, for what felt like the fifteenth time that hour.


    Her projected voice cracked the serenity like a board snapping, ratcheting up the tension like a constricting cable around his chest.


    "Something I keep wondering..." Riley trailed off again, chewing on a problem, anything to keep her mind distracted.


    "Yes?" Tobias replied testily.


    They had been moving overland through the woods, following the remnants of a trail left by what seemed to be the first cadre of zombies to hit Bremerton. Dragging footfalls left a clear trail through the brush of broken trees, disturbed vines, and pieces of desiccated flesh. Their path seemed to shadow an overgrown road leading towards the Bremerton graveyard.


    "How did the zombies eat all the birds?" Riley asked; her ears weren''t just perked but strained up, tilting slowly, trying to catch any sound.


    "They wouldn''t; the life in this area has fled, which is not good news," Tobias replied.


    Riley shivered.


    "Perfect, just perfect!" She muttered, moving with deference to the silence, watching every step and planning every hop, using every bit of her training.


    Riley felt something, a tremble in the ground, rumbling through her paws, if faint, which gave way to a distant sound of motion.


    "Hold! I hear something," She whispered.


    Tobias, sensing her distress, along with her words, dropped low and firmed his grip on his already drawn sword, cocking his head with one ear towards the air, listening intently.


    "Form up and keep a good watch. There is a hunter about, and we are in enemy territory!" A distant voice sounded.


    Tobias went pale. "That''s goblin speak; someone has brought a company through the portal."


    "They know we''re here," Riley replied, skulking closer to her partner.


    Carefully, Tobias picked his way to a rise, turning towards the road they were shadowing.


    "Here they come!" Tobias gestured as the first beings began to file past.


    Grey-skinned, standing no taller than four feet high at their best, each was wearing crude bone armor and carrying stone spears, marching four abreast in a sloppy formation.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Riley cast analyze


    Goblin Soldier, Infernal, 2-3


    Abilities: Poisoner, Thief, Ice magic


    Infernal soldiers of the Underworld, they are cowardly alone, but find their courage and lethality in packs.


    Still more ethical than an average group of politicians


    Tobias''s jaw tensed. "We have to warn the Captain just as soon as they pass."


    "Should we go back? Help in the fight?" Riley asked.


    "No, we wait here, get an estimate of their numbers, and relay intelligence, then do what we''re tasked to do. If we close the portal and destroy the lynchpin, they can''t bring in reinforcements," Tobias replied, still projecting his voice.


    "Someone''s coordinating; this isn''t a simple monster attack," Riley said as the eightieth goblin went by.


    "No, it isn''t. We''re dealing with a Minor Devil. The Imp last night was a good hint, but this guarantees it," At that, the silver ward bracelet appeared in his hand, "Hold out your paw."


    "You need that more than me," Riley replied, not moving.


    "You''re the healer, and you still have the larger vulnerability when you cast," Tobias countered.


    "But it doesn''t fit," Riley ducked and wove within her words.


    "Paw," Tobias insisted as the last group went by.


    Riley huffed but sat up on her hind paws, holding out her foreleg.


    Tobias pressed it home. The gem glowed white, then pulsed black, only to shrink, fastening around her paw.


    An urgent prompt flared to life.


    You have equipped "Ward of the Winter Knight." This item is feeding off your mana and will provide you with a defense against magical attacks.


    Your level is 2-7; the item is, therefore, at 2-7 and will level with you.


    "Power up!" Riley giggled, examining the strange bracelet, all hints of protest gone, as the com crystal appeared in Tobias''s left hand.


    Gripping it, he projected through it. "Captain, this is Ranger forward, urgent report."


    "This is the Captain, you have an update? We''ve not seen any more Zombies since your last check-in," The words were not audible, as it was the first time when Tobias reached out to Justinian, but rather, the resonance rang through within her mind, over their bond.


    "There¡¯s a Goblin Army, at least a hundred strong, presumably moving forward toward your position," Tobias replied.


    "An army? We''ll send runners for reinforcements immediately. Thank you, Ranger Forward, good hunting. Get that portal closed. We''ll handle the Mucks. Command, out."


    The light within the crystal faded as a blue-skinned being, wearing strange crystal armor, horned, carrying a pitchfork in one hand, appeared, only to look down at their hand, then turn in their direction.


    A demonic grin spread across the devilish face, sharp and pointed features, framed malevolent yellow eyes. Fangs glistened with malice, poking down past silver lips, all as a forked tail swung.


    In his hand, he was holding a com crystal.


    "Come out, come out, little prey! I heard every word! My, my, it does not bode well for my poor Goblin Army!" He mocked, pointing his pitchfork at a random tree. A gauntlet of blue-white magical energy surged from the prongs of the pitchfork.


    "Brace!" Tobias cried, tucking his head down, as Riley pressed up against his side and covered her head with her forepaws, flattening herself against the ground.


    The bolt struck, freezing and cracking the tree before exploding into dozens of shards and splinters as the water within expanded into ice. The top fell, crashing down across the road, landing just a few feet from the blue devil.


    "I think we found the lynchpin," Riley surmised.


    "Not just that, it seems," Tobias replied, rising.


    "Ah, seeking a quick death then?" They asked, as their demonic grin opened to a baleful smile.


    "If you surrender, I''ll make it quick," Tobias replied, unflinching in his resolve.


    A laugh like an oil slick flowed as Riley cast analyze.


    Sprazrael, Blue Devil 2-9, Elite


    Abilities: Master of Ice Magicks, Elemental Resistance, Enhanced Rapid Healing


    Demonic Commander


    Colder than Hell


    "Oh, I''m going to enjoy watching you freeze and die!" He said, pointing his pitchfork and bracing to attack.

 Chapter 108: Fury, Resolve, Resolution

    Chapter 108


    It was an easier battlefield for Riley than it was for Tobias. That, however, was changing by the moment.


    Mired in the bushes, each bolt flung presented a consequence from dodging. Tobias was bleeding, covered in cuts from thorns, sticks, and branches, and bruised from colliding with tree stumps.


    "That imp was a good servant, and you deprived me of him!" Sprazrael seethed, pointing his pitchfork in the direction of each rustling bush.


    Already, there was a circle of destruction spread out fifty feet in each direction.


    "You''ll be joining him soon!" Tobias taunted, hiding behind a rock obscured by a bush. Two bolts hit, one after another, cleaving the stone with a deafening crack as Tobias pulled at a veil and attempted to reposition.


    Riley popped up behind the fiend, dropping her veil and emerging from behind a small boulder.


    Holy Inferno


    A white bolt of pure celestial flame shot from between her ears, sailing across the frosted roadway striking the devil in the back. He screamed, going down to one knee as his flesh cooked and sizzled, dissolving in the purifying flame.


    Tobias charged, breaking from cover, sword up for a quick strike, going for form two. A sickening laugh poured from the fiend like cackling cancer as his back knitted together, and he rose, only to stab at Tobias, discharging a bolt of frost from his pitchfork.


    Tobias did not cross his blade with the prongs, instead deflecting the edge of the shaft, pushing it from his path of travel, sliding into a roll, and swiping at the legs of the fiend. The blade bit in, cutting a chunk of flesh, allowing black blood to pour down around his hooves, eating into the road like acid. The fumes rose and hit Tobias'' lungs, causing him to cough as the wound knitted closed around his retreating sword.


    Seizing on the distraction, Riley conjured her power.


    Flame Wall/Holy Inferno- Combo!


    The devil began to cook in the hellish flame, buying Tobias time to retreat back and reform his strategy.


    Screaming, writhing in agony, with staggering steps like a golem, he jerked back as Riley felt a huge surge of magic. Again, the devil''s flesh healed, even as Tobias rose and peppered him with celestial firebolts.


    Every hole closed as fast as it burned through.


    "Feeble, useless, I am no stranger to pain! By all means, exhaust yourselves... It will only make my victory more sweet!" Sprazrael taunted.


    "By the Dead Gods, nothing is working! He heals too fast!" Tobias.


    The smoking blue devil cackled in defiant fury.


    "We keep up the pressure!" Riley replied, projecting back, unable to keep the desperation away from her tone.


    "Don''t panic in the fight, think and survive! Adapt!" Memories of Cid''s relentless training echoed  through her mind.


    Plant Whisperer


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    Three vines grew up out of the ground, only to be cut down by frost bolts, freezing in place like ice sculptures. Tobias drew his sword into the ready position while the devil was distracted, only to charge. The blade erupted into flame as he brought it down, colliding with the tines. It was a battle between fire and ice; frost formed around the tip of the blade only to flash into steam just as fast.


    Riley saw their mana bar dropping precipitously as they struggled, and the devil grinned. Twisting the pitchfork, Tobias, instead of letting go, rolled with it, only to pull back at the exact moment he was in the perfect position to run Sprazrael through. The blade hissed and popped, cooking whatever was inside before exploding out of the devil''s back.


    The fiend hissed and, with the blade still sticking clean out his back, slammed his fist into Tobias with supernatural strength. His head snapped to one side, and his jaw gave way while he skipped rudely across the ground.


    Unconsciousness claimed him before his body slammed into a tree with a terrible crack, ragdolling. Unconcerned, Sprazrael pulled the sword from his gut and tossed it to the side, turning all of his attention onto Riley while she cast Healing Halo. The spell spread out from around her, slamming into Tobias, keeping him alive, to the sound of dozens of sickening pops.


    His unconscious form heaved in a deep breath, confirming that he was still alive as much as she still felt him distantly through her bond.


    A headache hit her, along with a stiff wave of vertigo, her mana bar blinking. "What''s your plan?" She stalled.


    "To kill you. You won''t be the first Rangers I''ve ended. High minded, arrogant fools. The rest you don''t need to know. You could run, though, or beg and make it more diverting. That may inspire in me some mercy," he grinned malevolently with a shrug, toying with her before firing a bolt to her left and right.


    The ground turned to ice around her as she looked back toward Tobias while her instincts screamed for her to flee.


    "I''m not leaving him! Are you sure you don''t want to monologue?" She cried, stalling for dear life, rebelling against her own deeply held programming, all as the mana drain made her sick. She barely had five percent of her power bar left, and even if she could run, where? Nothing had worked, and there was only enough energy for one more cast.


    "I have to do it... I have to do it...I don''t have any other choice," she chanted like a mantra.


    Mana Vampire


    The devil laughed and charged, only for Riley to cast it again and again, desperation seizing her heart as she felt something within reach out and connect with the fiend, the spell burning a pathway open between the two of them.


    There was a sense of a vast ocean of mana at the fiend''s command forming within her mind and, with it, a rising avarice as a dark whisper echoed up from her soul.


    Hungry...


    Mana Vampire X 2


    Hungry!


    Power slammed into her as she found a near uncocious rhythm. Thoughts flowed like waves rising to peaks only to recede back into a greater whole of being.


    Hungry!


    I have to save him!


    I love him!


    I won''t be the monster!


    She flowed from one cast to another.


    Plant Whisperer, Holy Inferno, Fire Bolt, Flame Wall, Mana Vampire


    The magic erupted out of her in a relentless cascade, slamming into an already beleaguered blue devil.


    Desperately, she could feel him reaching for his healing magics, only for her to yank the mana away, a part of her soul greedily lapping up the energy.


    Holy Inferno, Fire Bolt, Flame Wall, Mana Vampire


    The mystical being began to desiccate, deflating like they were little more than a balloon, burning blue skin melting off of bones, screaming and writhing in terror and agony.


    "How?" They managed to say, as their horns fell to the ground while they swept their claws back over their head, only to fall and seize.


    With one final shudder, Riley felt the soul let go of its body, the death sending out a strange wave of backlash through her as something in her mind screamed before a wave of blackness drifted over her like a blanket.


    The last thing she saw was the prompt:


    You have consumed the essence of Sprazrael, Elite Blue Devil. You have defeated Sprazrael, Elite Blue Devil.


    There was no sensation of time where she found herself as her eyes opened, only to see three mirrors before her.


    She was reflected in the center, save that the jackrabbit was a celestial with bright white fur and angelic, spectral wings. A halo, cocked slightly, rested above their head. To the right was a human girl, no older than twenty-five years of age, who seemed familiar, but she couldn''t place it. On the left was a beast made of living shadow, its yellow eyes glowing with menace, portending doom with every inch of its body. The human girl waved while the jackrabbit winked, only for the erkrandir to tilt its head curiously.


    Life is a balance. It takes all to make a life. Fear not. She heard a booming voice around her before her eyes snapped open, and she was in Tobias'' lap.


    He was resting against the tree that he had impacted, looking sick from the pain and trauma he had been through, save for a large smile on his face. He looked down and pet her ears back, "I told you, you were a ranger."


    "I''m just so damn glad you''re alive." She replied, pressing tightly against him.

 Chapter 109: The Resonance of Balance

    Chapter 109


    A long and torturous battle gave way to a weary dawn.


    All Riley wanted to do was sleep.


    Tobias, still pale and feeling sick from the trauma, trudged stoically forward, making his way up the road toward the cemetery as Riley moved beside him, beleaguered by all that had happened.


    The strange voice rang in her ears again. It sounded some like Grimm.


    Life is a balance. It takes all to make a life. Fear not.


    "That''s easy for you to say," she said to herself in reflection, letting the cool predawn air chase away some of the cobwebs, with her reflection acting as her other crutch, keeping her going, keeping her moving, distracting her from the soreness in her joints, or the low-level buzz of fatigue and grit that felt like sand in her eyes that seemed to be growing by the moment.


    "We verify the portal is closed, we check in with command, and we sleep the day in the cathedral," Tobias said, offering his words like a conciliation.


    Svad had been left behind, tethered in town, next to a full trough of water, safe from the deluge of events that had transpired between now and then.


    It did not matter that it had only been one battle. It had been enough.


    As if in harbinger to that truth, notifications blinked for her attention in the upper right-hand corner of her vision, and, like always, she was choosing to ignore them.


    Hopping into a tree wouldn''t do, after all.


    "So, no pushing back to Ashenvale?" Riley asked, seeking confirmation, hoping against hope.


    A safe cathedral was just as good as a safe basement with a bed.


    "Not till tonight unless you can present a compelling need too. I''m doing my best to hold down what breakfast I have left," Tobias admitted as they came upon a broken down stone wall.


    True to form, a glowing, blue-white tear in reality presented itself, existing at the border between the graveyard and the forest. Just behind it were dozens of blown open graves, with bits of coffin lumber strewn about.


    Otherwise, it was preternaturally quiet; not a bird sang or flew, or squirrel ran from tree to tree, which granted the scene a strange and quiet dignity akin to the calm after a thunderstorm.


    The portal pulsed, its ovoid edges distorting.


    "We don''t have long to harvest its energy," Tobias announced, racing forward as three stones appeared in hand.


    Setting them out, forming a rough triangle around the strange aperture, it began to pulse faster as the stones glowed brighter, strobing with light all as the portal began to fade.


    With a pop, it vanished as if it had never been there.


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    "Somehow it just got even more quiet," Riley said, her projected voice booming like a sheet of thunder.


    "Portals have this inaudible hum. You can''t hear it, but you can feel it; makes you tense," Tobias tapped his chest for emphasis.


    Gathering up the stones, he held the three aloft in triumph. "Mana potions."


    "You just want to play with your new alchemy kit," Riley accused.


    "It''s not playing. It''s serious business," he countered.


    "Uh-huh..." Riley said, her tone dripping with disbelief.


    "Still, I wish I could have used more alchemy in that fight," he confessed, setting his hands on his hips, surveying around.


    "I don''t know if it would have made much of a difference," Riley replied as they began to make a circuit, checking tombs and graves for any stragglers.


    "I''ve never seen a healing ability like that. You''re probably right. You had to drain him, didn''t you?" Tobias''s words were casual, but she could not help but sense his deep concern over their bond.


    "Can we talk about this later?" She asked.


    "The monster''s dead, and that''s what matters. Of course, it will keep," he said.


    Riley winced as she felt the concern increase, saying what he wouldn''t.


    "Yes, I drained him, ok, and then I had a vision, all three sides of myself, with a booming voice talking about balance and how I shouldn''t be afraid, but I don''t feel afraid! I feel....guilty." She made a show of peeking over a grave, trying to distract herself.


    Far down was an open coffin, missing its top, looking like a prop from an old west horror movie.


    Riley could feel Tobias probing their connection, reaching out across his half of the bond.


    "I''m here. I understand," he said, checking the last row, leaving it at that.


    "The Erkrandir is a "true enemy of reality," whatever the hell that means. It was all drive and no sense, which is exactly how I felt when our mana bottomed, and I was feeding on him like some type of vampire bat, so what makes me different?" She asked, her voice quiet and small as Tobias pulled out his com crystal.


    "Ranger Forward to Command," Tobias said, letting the conversation wait.


    "Little busy Ranger Forward. Move up that line! Keep up the pressure, Cavalry, move to the eastern flank, repositioning through the rear," came the reply from the Captain.


    "We''re an hour and a half out, moving quick. Do you need us to come in and assist?" Tobias asked, the tension chasing away all other tiredness and concerns.


    "Negative, we''ve taken some losses, but this is, at best, a preliminary force. Our lines are holding. The best thing you can do is take down that portal. Is it done? That will help us the most right now," he asked.


    "Closed, and lynchpin entity defeated," Tobias reported with a hint of pride.


    "Exactly what I needed to hear. Report in when you can, we''ll be waiting. Command out."


    The crystal dimmed as Tobias looked towards Riley. "Successful mission."


    "Our first successful mission," she added, as joy chased away some of her fear.


    "Let''s go, goon," he said, walking towards the entrance of the cemetery.


    For a while, they moved in silence, enjoying the quiet early morning hours with its misty coolness. Sun dappled through the forest as Riley reflected over and over again, caught in a loop of rumination and resolve.


    "You''re not a true enemy of reality, Riley," Tobias said, his voice breaking the peace just as they crested a small hill, bringing the depopulated city of Bremerton into view.


    "How can you be sure? When I''m out of control, I stop thinking. There was this strange sensation of flow and instinct at the end of that fight like I wasn''t driving," she began.


    "And that''s where you''ve gone wrong. When the threat was over did you feed on me? Or start roaming around like a monster seeking victims?" Tobias challenged.


    "I passed out," Riley countered again.


    "So? What about the last time, with the Imp? You didn''t then? Your instincts kicked in, and in the heat of battle, you followed them until the battle ended. That''s what the voice is trying to get through to you, I think. You might be part Erkrandir, but you''re part Celestial, too, and in between those two forces is a unique balance. Life confluence, remember? That doesn''t mean you won''t swing to one side, but never all the way. That ability has saved us three times now; it''s our trump card, and you''ve responded each time not with elation but concern. That should tell you something," Tobias pointed down at her, all while looking longingly at the Cathedral.


    "That''s... That''s fair, I guess," Riley replied, at a loss for words.


    "You''ll feel better after dinner. I think we both will," Tobias replied.


    "And sleep," Riley added.


    She only hoped she could.

 Chapter 110: Revelation and Resolve

    Chapter 110


    Awakening upon the flagstones of the Cathedral, the first thing she saw was her bedroll, again unused, and a partially eaten bowl of food before her.


    ¡°Oh, this again,¡± she yawned groggily, looking around for Tobias, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She projected, just under a shout, but received no response.


    Nervousness gripped her heart, forcing her up on her hindpaws. As she scanned about warily, she noticed the doors were open. Craning her ears in that direction, she could hear the quiet scuffling of Tobias as he went through his morning practice.


    ¡°How asleep was I?¡± she wondered, as close to out loud as she was able. By the right of her species alone, she was a light sleeper, but not last night. Not even food was enough to keep her conscious once her safety was guaranteed.


    Her stomach grumbled at that thought, her attention turning from the open door and a practicing Tobias to that of her food bowl, but a greater need pushed her hunger pangs away.


    Settling down in her favorite comfortable resting position, Riley closed her eyes and pulled up her prompts.


    You have absorbed a soul and incorporated the energy into your own, triggering evolution paths in the magic.


    Level Up! You have reached level 2-8.


    All current abilities are at Level 2-8 at 10% progression.


    I¡¯d go into it, but you like to ignore these prompts anyway.


    Riley boggled, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you have a mind of your own too¡­¡± She trailed off, keeping her attention within, but her prompt interface remained silent.


    ¡°Even my subconscious is a smart-ass,¡± she concluded a handful of moments later. But instead of diving into the leftovers from her dinner, she continued to look within, letting her spirit reach out to the magic she could feel all around her.


    The feeling of the power was electric when she focused; she felt her paws tingle and twitch, her heart rate spun up as something core within her leapt for joy.


    ¡°But it¡¯s deeper than that,¡± she concluded, not knowing how she knew.


    Spurred on by the mystery, she let herself sit and drift down into the awareness of that power, feeling it in fullness, moving through her like a river through its channels.


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    Then softly, as if born on the winds, was the perception of music, of gentle choral singing mixed with birdsong, that sounded like the distillation of a thousand spring mornings mixed with Danny Elfman¡¯s greatest hits on shuffle.


    She¡¯d always loved ¡°Ice Dance¡± in particular; it made her think of winter and, strangely, hope. But that¡¯s what the Yuletide holidays were for; hope in the darkest times.


    ¡°Riley¡­ focus,¡± she chided herself. The sense of music and power faded whenever she became too distracted, too focused on her conscious thoughts, but there, amongst the serendipitous chorus, was the same phrase she had heard after her battle with Sprazrael:


    Life is a balance.


    And it was then that she saw herself, floating in the center, between a white ball of pure light that, strangely, had wings and the Erkrandir, similarly suspended.


    Tendrils of bright white energy came off the celestial orb and, in a perfect chaotic mirror, tendrils of black off the Erkrandir. Both spiraled around her, feeding into her very being, leaving her feeling as alive and balanced as she had at any other moment of her lives.


    ¡°She¡¯s a liminal,¡± Those words that Tobias had spoken in explanation rang out in her memory as if announcing a particular truth, yet there was something more, just beyond the surface.


    Life was liminal, and that¡¯s where she took her power. Just as life found its wings in the strange meeting between its beginning and its end, creation, and destruction, so too was she forged out of the same fire, a microcosm of that life. Prey, yet predator. Celestial, yet infernal. It took all sides to make a person, all elements.


    There was no art without the clever manipulation of light and shadow, and there was no life without the clever manipulation of light and shadow. In those borderlands, choice, love, and hope were not just found; it was where they grew, as did pain, suffering, and death, rising like noxious weeds.


    If uncontained, either side could dominate and upset the ecosystem, but if managed, the rarest flower of them all would grow:


    Peace.


    With that revelation, for the first time since the encounter with Iskaros, Riley felt that peace, anchoring her soul in the resolution that she should not fear the dark but the imbalance of the dark, the easy path.


    Life was meant to be a rainbow, a balance of forces, not a monoculture. A monoculture, in and of itself, was an imbalance, and she wasn¡¯t just alive but a reflection of life as a creature of magic.


    ¡°And so is everything else that lives, too,¡± she said, opening her eyes.


    A prompt notification flared.


    In defiance of her snarky subconscious, she reached out for it immediately.


    You have come to a deeper understanding of your being and begun to resolve a deeply held conflict and fear within yourself. You are on the path that has no destination save for growth. By following this evolution path, you have come to a greater understanding and, therefore, utilization of your power within the magic. Congratulations!


    ¡°Cool,¡± she resolved and took a deep breath, letting the memory of that special moment linger before digging in and sprinting across the large empty room, poking her head out the door.


    Tobias, in the late evening sun, was sweating with his shirt off, inspiring a fit of giggles.


    ¡°You look like you just went through a montage in a martial arts movie,¡± she quipped, offering nothing in explanation.


    Tobias conjured a towel from their inventory and wiped his face. ¡°I thought so. That¡¯s why I do these things, for your esoteric and occultic references.¡±


    ¡°Are you done? Had your hour?¡± she continued.


    ¡°I have. You were sleeping hard, and I didn¡¯t want to wake you,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Thanks for that. I think I needed to sleep. I think I also need to follow your example and develop a morning routine. I just spent some time in reflection, and it really helped me,¡± she announced.


    ¡°I knew I felt something; you feel better. There was a surge of beauty and peace before a quiet, happy kind of resolve settled. It helped my form get smoother,¡± Tobias mused, going down on one knee and sheathing his sword in one fluid motion.


    ¡°Sounds right, and I leveled up! I¡¯m 2-8 now. Is it time to go home?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, we need to see to our duties in Ashenvale,¡± Tobias replied.

 Chapter 111: A Captain’s Pride

    Chapter 111


    Two carts were bracketing the procession of the guard.


    One was full of the dead, each wrapped in the blanket they had been issued with their gear. On either side of the wagon hung the banner of the Ashenrealm.


    The other cart was full of dead goblins positioned at the rear of the convoy.


    Together, they framed the returning soldiers like some garish counterpoint to the victory.


    Yet still, the people cheered.


    Riley could not rest within the rucksack. The rhythmic yet jerking motion of Svad, mixed with the morning heat and schedule whiplash, conspired as a set to make her miserable.


    She could tell that Tobias fared no better.


    "I say again, this is hardly necessary. I have pressing business; allow me to ride ahead," Tobias insisted as people cheered, gathering at the roadside to watch the show


    "Ranger, this is the last time I will be slapped for my kindness. I told you last night, and I have told you multiple times this morning, that you will be given the honor you deserve, or I will complain to your commander directly," Captain Quinn snapped.


    He nodded from underneath his hood and pulled his cloak closer, the only form of protest he had left.


    "As you say, Captain," subconsciously, his hand drifted to the hilt of his sword before returning to Svad''s reins.


    "Riley, next time we make up a story, veil through the lines and return home that way," Tobias projected, having gone from frustrated to fuming.


    "Agreed," she nodded.


    "That''s better, try to enjoy this. These are the people you have saved. They need to know these things," Quinn''s easy demeanor returned.


    Tobias only sighed.


    "Yeah, we should have veiled and snuck out. It''s always better to ask forgiveness than permission," Riley commiserated, feeling sick.


    "Billeting us in a dead man''s tent, insisting we sleep, and then ride in with the company. This isn''t about me or the people. This is about the Captain. This is politics," Tobias spat.


    "You''re just figuring that out now?" Riley''s tone was sour, in congruence with her mood. "That Captain is bucking for major, and now he''s got a Ranger on a tether for the next few hours at least."


    Tobias groaned again. "Two Rangers, but I take your meaning."


    They rode on in sullen silence as people pointed, stared, and cheered. The crowds only thickened as word spread, and they neared the city until, upon arriving at Ashenvale, the march had become a full parade.


    "Drop the hood, son, let them see you," Quinn ordered.


    Riley could feel the defiance bubbling up within him.


    "No...sir." He spat the words as if they were two different, malevolent sentences, dripping with disdain and frustration.


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    "Then I''ll have a talk with your commander after this is done," Quinn said, never breaking his smile, waving to the crowds.


    Riley felt the coldness build up in Tobias like a wall, as memories of being bullied and forced percolated like rising waves within their bond.


    Suddenly, the seas calmed, then froze, as a realization dawned, like the sun breaking through the clouds.


    I''m not just a student anymore...


    Riley''s ears perked as the realization fed a new fire of defiance.


    "You do that. I''ll make my own report, of course," Tobias replied.


    "Oh, we will see who has more weight. I''m not an enemy to make, friend," the Captain continued, reaching over to grip Tobias'' shoulder.


    The gesture seemed friendly, but Riley heard his armor creak.


    "I suppose we will. Let''s see, interference in an official investigation, delaying a King''s official in their duty. It might start as a report, but it could end in charges. I wonder how that could affect your advancement?" Tobias wondered out loud.


    Quinn stiffened, then let go. "If I had only known you had pressing matters..."


    His smile became strained as Tobias interrupted.


    You did, I made this clear multiple times. Now, am I dismissed, or should I wait to make my report?"


    His tone hit with all the force of a slap from a gauntlet.


    The war of words continued as the crowds remained ignorant and adoring, tossing out flowers and flower petals before the victorious soldiers.


    "You''re dismissed, I thought we could be allies. Make no mistake, this will be remembered," Quinn threatened.


    "I do not like bullies, nor being used. You remember that, Captain," Tobias dropped his hood, letting Quinn catch every bit of intention held in his withering glare.


    Tobias pulled at Riley''s side of the magic, conjuring a veil, slipping Svad out of formation, down through a gap in the common folk, and moving down a quiet side street before reappearing.


    "Was that smart?" Riley asked.


    "I have no idea, but it was necessary, and it''ll let me get ahead of things with Sabine at least. For all his valor, he''s a scheming social climber," Tobias spat, putting his hood back up.


    "Remember, keep an eye out if you can. We''re back in the city, so we aren''t safe," he continued.


    "Says the man that was just burning zombies and reporting the movements of a Goblin army," the hare quipped.


    "Which should tell you something," Tobias replied wryly.


    Riley considered his words. "Fair."


    Racing through the streets, with Svad charging hard down the lane, carriages made way, and people clung to the edges while the shops of Ashenvale went by in a blur.


    Guards cried out as if heralding their path, "Ranger coming! Make way! Make way! In the name of the King of Ashes!"


    The cry relayed, just ahead of them, clearing their path until finally, they burst into the stable, startling the stablemaster off his stool.


    "Oh, good morrow, Ranger, I heard a victory parade was to come through," the kindly man asked.


    Tobias tipped him a few coppers. "It may, but I have pressing business, if you''ll excuse me."


    Vanishing again, the man looked around and shrugged before attending to Svad. "Let''s get you cleaned up and fed a good meal."


    In minutes, they were back in the basement. Riley let out a sigh, now gratefully back on solid earth, with Sabine standing before them.


    Tobias, without preamble, launched into his report.


    "Wait, the Blue Devil had one of our com crystals?" Sabine interrupted.


    "He did," Riley confirmed with a nod,


    "At least, one tied to the King''s Guard. There''s no indication our network is compromised. I understand it to be separate," Tobias added.


    "Still, that''s not good, and again points to someone high up, helping the enemy. You keep bringing me bad news. I''ll look into this, personally," Sabine replied.


    "We may have brought you more trouble still," Tobias swallowed hard, explaining the parade.


    "So Quinn''s a grandstander?" she said at the conclusion of their report.


    "It seems a common problem. Will there be consequences?" Tobias asked.


    Sabine laughed, "You''re my subordinate, not his, you were temporarily attached, and they''d have to go through Ranger Central to court-martial you. You''re fine."


    "This is sounding like a common problem," Riley surmised.


    "You two are still green, so those outside your chain will think they can bully you, and this time, he almost got away with it. We''re trained and expected to be independent. Next time, check in with a guard, then vanish before they can summon the brass. I''ll cover you," she grinned knowingly, "Now follow me."


    Leading them to a room opposite theirs in the basement, she threw it open to reveal multiple stacked wooden boxes.


    "What''s all this?" Tobias asked, boggling.


    "These are the records you requested. They came by wagon a few days ago," Sabine explained.


    Tobias regarded them with a grim kind of joy. "I think I''m going to be busy."

 Chapter 112: The Thrill of the Hunt

    Chapter 112


    A few small stacks of flat paper ringed around the desk, dwarfed by triangular piles of scrolls.


    It appeared as if some strange arcane ritual were underway as Tobias, with a fresh scroll, scribbled notes with his reed pen, all before a blue crystal lamp, set up like a chamberstick, pulsing with its clean light as he worked.


    Riley watched with unreserved awe as he lost himself in his quest. On the wall, precariously tacked, was the map he had purchased for a silver.


    His eyes would flip up to it in brief, furtive glances before dropping back down to the scrolls.


    Having little else to do but watch and feel his contentment through the bond, Riley contented herself by listening to the magic; the way it hummed and sang, like a distant choir, was soothing after all that had happened in Bremerton, allowing her to drift in and out.


    Her consciousness began to move like a barge down a sleepy river, putting into port here and there but otherwise was content to drift on the currents, ever bordering on sleep.


    Peace and quiet had grown valuable in her time serving with the Rangers. After months of training, hard-fought battles, and mixed days and nights with little rest, the ability to rest and just be, which at one time would have left her bored, now rendered her grateful for a moment to catch her breath and process.


    So much had happened since she had died... which, upon reflection, was the point of dying, it seemed. It was an epic change for mortal life, or nothing at all, depending on whom you asked.


    Looking down at her forepaws as she felt the low-level power that moved through the world, manifesting to her senses as a unique and pure form of beauty, she concluded that the former was more true than the latter in her case.


    "Probably every case, too," she muttered to herself.


    "Huh?" Tobias looked up and, as if remembering he had a body, stretched, yawned, and then, finding nothing pressing, got back to his reading.


    Riley wondered offhand what could be so interesting and why the daily lives of servants needed to be so fully and necessarily documented in the first place.


    It seemed an awful lot of work for nothing. But maybe that was the point.


    The society of the Ashenrealm wasn''t as strange as it appeared. In many ways, it was much like the world she remembered. The powerful helped the powerful, and in some ways, it was more egalitarian. Still, in other ways, it was terrifyingly fascist.


    Everyone that had power was made to serve the state, one way or another. Power was concentrated behind the throne, as power was wont to do, but for all the monsters, the politics, and the jobs to be fulfilled, the work necessary to keep the sorcerer corps going wasn''t constant enough to justify anything of that size, or at least she didn''t think so.


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    They were busy, after all, but not that busy. Cid talked about how attacks were up, and they had just cleared a bunch of zombies out of Bremerton, but their caseload seemed manageable enough, and society did not seem frayed under the added weight.


    The shops were stocked full, and the common folk did not seem discontent. Everything, at least by appearance, was working as it should.


    True, not all were combat sorcerers, but the combat seemed under control, so it made sense there would be bureaucratic departments full of make-work assignments devoted to tracking and records to fill the gaps. If for no other reason than to keep an inventory of the valuable resource they had in surplus... magical people.


    The coppers were the commoners in the magical hierarchy, both better and worse off than the peasant class they reflected. They were beyond blue-collar; they were more like magical serfs, and all of their value was reflected in what they did and how often they could do it.


    She shuddered to think that Tobias had almost ended up there. Especially considering his current trajectory upward.


    When he had found his magic, he had found himself, and, truly, that''s where she had found herself, too.


    "I''m hungry!" Tobias shot up from his chair, finger pointing down at an entry as if that revelation alone held some kind of mysterious merit.


    Riley startled and juked back, only to fall off the bed in surprise. The stone floor clearing her feelings of both lethargy and relaxation in one brutal moment.


    "I''m happy for you," she groaned as Tobias rushed over, kneeling down to check on her.


    "Are you hurt?" he asked, the concern evident in his eyes.


    "What made you do that?" Riley asked, inching forward to press up to him.


    "Well, I''m hungry, and I think I''m making progress," he grinned with all the excitement of the chase.


    "Do you want food first, or do you want to tell me what you''ve got?" Riley asked, sitting up on her hind paws.


    "The amount they track is fascinating alone, including every work assignment and logs of when they go to sleep or wake up. They even track attendance for meals. It''s eerie, but it also lets the reader build a picture of their life. Work assignments are done in much the same way. Not just when it begins and ends but where, assessments on progress, overall attitude, etc.," Tobias began.


    Riley shuddered. "That sounds all very Orwellian..."


    Tobias cocked his head. "You''re going to have to explain that one to me."


    She paused. "He was an author; he wrote about super-surveillance states."


    "Well, he''d have a field day with all of this, but all that record-keeping has given me a suspect, I think, Hedwig." Tobias''s eyes sparkled with joy.


    "Ok, why?" Riley asked.


    "Well, he was declared missing, and a bounty was placed for his arrest two days before the murders, but it''s more than that." Rising, Tobias strolled over to the scroll he had been scribbling on.


    "He worked all over Ashenvale, acting as a general magical laborer on any number of projects. He''s gifted with water, so they had him working here, on the intercity canal, and here on the Ox street public privies, the central sewer processing here..." His hand danced across the map. At every location, an iron pin or pinhole was hanging from the sheet.


    "Those are most of the murder locations," Riley boggled.


    "Exactly, and he was billeted at Valenheim, of course, but guess which instructor wrote him up for discipline multiple times?" Tobias asked, leading her.


    "The one that was killed presumably, Alecto, I think it was," she replied, searching her memory.


    "Exactly right. This is a strong circumstantial case, enough to talk to Sabine and see about where we can go next with all this business. It''s a good enough reason enough to get some lunch. As I said, I''m hungry," he grinned, the feelings of elation spilling over into Riley.


    "Well, I''m hungry too. Upstairs to eat?" She prompted.


    There was still plenty in their inventory, but that didn''t beat fresh cooking from the Prancing Cockatrice.


    "Oh absolutely, and I think this evening, we''ll see Justinian and perhaps finally get to the cathedral after lunch if there''s time," he rambled, ordering what remained of the day in his head.


    "You are in a good mood," Riley observed.


    "I like this work. I like the chase and the challenge. It''s also better than getting my ass kicked by blue devils. Though that, too, has its merits, sword practice mainly," he mused.


    "I think we''re both finding our happiness," Riley replied as they made their way for the stairs.

 Chapter 113: Safety and Happiness

    Chapter 113


    It felt like they were playing catch-up as they neared the Cathedral of Ashenvale, still moving under a veil.


    "Is this still necessary? We have a lead, and Sabine told us to do this before Bremerton," Riley challenged, sighing.


    "We have a lead, but more information isn''t going to hurt us. You''re just full from too much lunch," Tobias countered.


    "Too much clover, but I''m happy, and I''m safe enough," Riley confirmed, "Still, a walk is probably for the best."


    "Worried you''re going to get plump?" Tobias grinned.


    "Never comment about a girl''s weight! I''m worried about getting ambushed," she parried imperiously.


    In a world where everything had changed, perhaps nothing had changed more for Riley than her concept of safety.


    At one time, it had been tied to a place. A place was safe or a time; there were hours where you simply did not venture out for fear of what could be lurking in the shadows.


    Upon reflection, the fact she had died from a type of living shadow while the sun was still up set her to inner giggles.


    Safety had been an illusion in the end. Life was until it wasn''t. Just as you could slip on a bar of soap in the tub or fall down the stairs.


    Life was what it was until it wasn''t, and that was as true in Calaria as it has been on Earth.


    Still, it was not as if her life was devoid of all security; rather, it had mutated, been changed, and reborn much as she had.


    Places might not be safe, or times, but some people were, and so too were some actions.


    Traveling under a veil was one of them. It did not matter that they had assurances from Sabine that a deal had been made; in fact, the very idea a deal could be made caused Sabine to feel marginally less safe in her mind.


    But her veil was a type of security that she could guarantee by herself, which was the most concrete safety she could find.


    "Are you all right? You feel strange," her trusted other asked.


    "Yeah, happy to be out, and a day out of combat is nice. How are you?" She yawned in emphasis, regarding the small sense of mana drain with a kind of joy.


    "I''m fine," Tobias replied, doing his best impression of a stone.


    "Are you suuuurrrre?" Riley asked, dragging it out.


    He chuckled. "Yes, goon. Would it be weird to say that I''ve been happier lately than I think I''ve ever been?"


    "Like we''re a picture of normal anything. I can see it. You liked learning but hated the Academy for obvious reasons. Training was only enjoyable if you''re a masochist, but we''re thick in clover, and you''re enjoying playing detective. I say, be happy; life is short, trust me," she said in hard-earned wisdom.


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    "Fair point," Tobias agreed as they crossed under a thick stone archway set into a high rock wall.


    Far from the perfect symmetry Riley had seen at the Valenheim Academy or the castle, this wall was made of jointed stone bricks, finely cut and pressed together; tiny, perfectly symmetrical lines were present where they were joined.


    The scents of seemingly a thousand flowers hit her sensitive nose as they entered a garden, exploding with the life of late autumn, as much at its zenith as it was at its end.


    There were bursts of colors in every direction, flowers in dazzling arrays of every imaginable hue, vine work traced up over trellises, offering shade upon well-worn cobblestone paths, not one of which moved straight, but rather curved, passing fountains, each one dedicated to a different god, or small ponds with benches for reflection.


    A straight path led to a staircase, wide and inviting, of which the garden paths branched off, ending at a row of six heavy metal doors, set in brass, with religious scenes embossed into them.


    High above, rising to a pinnacle, was the steeple, poised over a massive belfry, rising over three feet high, set opposite to the entrance.


    "My God, I knew it was big, but I didn''t know it was that big," Riley exclaimed, sitting up on her hind paws, her nose pointed towards the sky, trying to take it all in.


    "Wait till you see the inside," Tobias grinned.


    Riley''s tail went stiff in concert with her ears. "Come on!"


    Racing up the stairs, she felt Tobias drop their veil as he trudged after her.


    Arriving at the top, Riley fell into a tight spin. "I wanna see!"


    "Let''s hope you unlock a door-opening spell soon," Tobias grinned again, slowing his motion.


    Riley stopped, flattened her ears, then drummed a hind paw. "If I do, what will I need you for, hireling?"


    She sniffed at the air superiorly before falling to a groom.


    Tobias clutched his chest. "Oh, I am wounded, for I have not heard that fifty-six times!"


    Gripping the brass handle firmly, he pulled.


    The door opened easily, in defiance of its massive weight and size, allowing a burst of incense-scented air.


    Not waiting, Riley raced in; her quick "Thank you!" failed as a shout only because it was sent by mental projection.


    Her race was short, though; entering the wide-open room, she slid to a stop as her mouth dropped in awe.


    There was nothing like this that she could remember seeing. Two hundred-foot ceilings were covered in some type of abyssal black paint that allowed for gleaming gems set into the roof to sparkle and glow.


    Some had to be blue crystal lamps, but, for the first time, those were not the only colors. Reds, greens, yellows, and even purples gleamed in a perfect imitation of the night sky.


    Not to be outdone, towering, one hundred foot tall stained glass windows filled with depictions of the thirteen Gods chased down either side, ending in a massive rose window behind an equally enormous altar. Upon which was the ancient candelabra-style idol, holding each of the thirteen symbols, the last one being bathed in ethereal light, directed down from the steeple.


    A diamond-like crystal torc, pointed tines up, bathed in the light as it glowed with magic.


    Finally, behind the altar, embossed into the stone wall, was a carved relief of the Thirteen Gods, standing as if for a class photo, with the God of Magic in the center, holding a staff tipped by an identical torc in his left hand, with his right hand raised as if in greeting.


    Long pews, hewn out of dark woods, greeted them on either side, with a purple carpet chasing up the aisle leading to the altar.


    "This blows any church from Earth out of the water by a mile, and they''ve got some doozies," Riley''s voice came as a hushed, reverent whisper.


    Tobias himself could feel the electric tingle of awe and wonder mixing with his own sense of devotion, standing beside her.


    Dipping his head, he touched his torc. "For the Ashenrealm"


    "Do you need a minute?" He whispered, projecting.


    "I think I need a year," Riley replied, all hints of humor chased from her tone.


    "Take a minute; you''ll only see it this way once. Make the best of it," Tobias replied.


    Riley looked at him for a moment, then turned back to take it all in.


    Darius was over to the left, about halfway up, with his arms crossed across his chest, praying quietly yet fervently with his eyes closed and head down. He was one of about two dozen pious souls, all come to make their daily pleas and prayers.


    Tobias turned his head, drawn by Riley''s own sense of recognition, and smiled softly. "Bless the old man; he does love me," he whispered to himself.


    "Should we go over and say hello?" Riley asked.


    Tobias shook his head, "Let''s leave him to his prayers. We''ll be home again soon enough. It wouldn''t be proper."


    She nodded, staring up at the imitation night sky with awe, as her fur stood on end.


    "Ok, I think I''m ready," Riley announced after an eternity of five minutes passed.


    "Then let''s go find the Abbot," Tobias replied.

 Chapter 114: The one that got away…

    Chapter 114


    In sharp contrast to the awe-inspiring public face, the back section of the cathedral was beyond boring.


    "Can I help you, Ranger?" An older gentleman in a copper torc intoned nasally.


    He was seated behind a desk, just inside a cleverly hidden door to the back area of the cathedral. It was a first for Riley, having been accustomed to the fortress-like cathedrals of the towns, but there, just before the altar, far and to the left, hidden by two columns, was a small door leading to an L-shaped hallway that opened, only to be guarded by this desk, set at the center of it.


    "I have business with the Death Abbot. Is she available?" Tobias asked, straightening up with all the power of his office.


    "Third door on your right, do mind the stairs. They will take you to the undercroft. Is she expecting you, Sir?" He asked as Riley wondered if the man was capable of talking anywhere but through his nose.


    "My commander sent word we were en route, but nothing is fixed," Tobias answered.


    "Very well, I do know she is currently on-site, so make your way. Do you wish for me to precede you and announce you...Sir?" The man''s eyes gleamed with regulation politeness.


    "Thank you, no," Tobias said, moving quickly past the desk as the man set back to his tasks, which seemed, at that moment, to be not much at all.


    "Are we sure he wasn''t dead?" Riley joked.


    A hallway full of doors waited just behind the servant. The third door on the right sat perfectly in the middle, the third of six on that side.


    Tobias heaved as the heavy metal ring caught, and the unusually thick and heavy door pulled away, breaking a near-hermetic seal.


    A gush of wind washed over Riley, bringing with it the potent smell of death, causing her stomach to tighten and her fur to stand on end.


    Roughhewn stone stairs led down into the earth, lit by blue crystal lamps set into the wall.


    "That''s not spooky at all! Do you have your regulation candelabra handy?" Riley pressed closer to Tobias.


    "Come on, fearless one. There is nothing to fear from the dead," he rolled his eyes and began to descend. The staircase spiraled, remaining narrow, before opening to a large, well-lit area that looked like a modern morgue had been established inside the Paris catacombs.


    Arched openings gave way to small slots in the wall, holding stone slabs. The ones occupied had a thick form-fitting curtain drawn across. Incense braziers burned constantly, perfuming the air, adding powerful sweet accents to the faint undertones of decay.


    Sat in the rearmost part of the room, dominating that wall, was a massive furnace with a heavy iron door.


    In the center of the room was a stone table. A body was upon it, wrapped in a sheet.


    Just behind it was a grinning woman who looked to be part skeleton in her own right. It was clear, at first sight, that she was ancient. Milky blue eyes stared out, unfocused. Bony hands were folded and held under her chest, protruding like sticks out of a heavy and worn grey robe.


    A crystalline torc was around her neck. Her silver hair was drawn back into a bun.


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    Riley cast analyze


    Morrigan, Abbot of Linnan Ealdre, Deific Servant of the God of Death


    ????????


    ??? ???


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    Her ancient head craned toward the hare as Riley''s spell washed over her.


    "Oh, Riley, the one that got away. Celestial, with a taste of something more. Light and dark in balance, the life confluence, and like all life, you have found your way here..." Her rough, gravelly voice trailed off, fading like a specter, all as her mouth turned to grin.


    "Feeling really freaked out right now!" Riley exclaimed, taking refuge beside Tobias.


    "There is no need to fear, child. I meant nothing by it, and if that''s Riley, you must be Ranger Tobias. I have been expecting you both. You have arrived at exactly the right time," Her piercing yet far-off gaze turned towards him.


    Tobias gripped the hilt of his sword in reflex.


    "My, My, what untrusting children." She tsked, shaking her head.


    "Be at peace. I mean you no harm." She craned her head in interest, the grin plastered across her face never changing.


    "Apologies. I meant no offense," Tobias forced himself to relax, all as Riley remained on guard.


    "I know. Habits are the way of all living things, and yours have been ingrained by the trials you have endured. You follow the path of duty and are here about the murders, at least some of them. There is a path and pattern to your coming, as it is for all things. You are in luck. This one has just arrived in the last half-hour. Your commander should be aware of this by the time you return." She spoke as if speaking were a memory, a far-off recollection of near-forgotten days.


    "Screw the murders, how can she hear me? I wasn''t even talking to her!" Riley exclaimed.


    "Respect, Riley!" Tobias projected.


    "I am the servant of a living God. It has its advantages, and you are known to him. Quite known, in fact. I hear and see and am not of the second tier. You need not fear me, though many do, as they fear my master." She replied.


    "I didn''t mean or intend any offense. You just are kinda spooky, Ma''am." Riley replied awkwardly.


    "Riley!" Tobias'' voice echoed off the walls.


    The hare flattened her ears against her back, head dipping in shame.


    "No offense was taken. Your actions are natural, child, though you have seen more of the road than many have the privilege to know," Morrigan said, her voice soft as an autumn wind.


    "Some, but it''s all kinda jumbled. The first thing I remember is a forest and meeting my guardian. I never saw your master," Riley''s voice softened, reflective.


    "Death wears many guises and dwells amidst the shadows. Yet if you think on it, even your end was nothing to fear, for it led you here. There is a path to life. My master is a God of the far horizon. There is no ending, only change. That is a lesson you embody," She smiled fondly.


    "Huh, that''s... that''s something to think about," Riley marveled.


    Tobias cleared his throat, drawing the Abbot''s attention back to business, "This is the most recent murder?


    "Indeed, desiccated and drained like all the others, I have done no ritual in anticipation of your coming." She raised her skeletal hand and pointed with a bony finger.


    "Is there anything I should do before unwrapping them? A ritual I should undergo? I am not versed in these areas and would prefer to not run afoul of your master," Tobias replied, his voice deeply reverent.


    "He is more forgiving than you realize. Feel free to explore. You are brave in wanting to act on your own," she praised.


    "Death is inevitable, so why fear it? If unwrapping a body gives me a hint as to where to go, then it''s an angle worth pursuing," Tobias, at that, stepped up to the table, took a deep breath, and began unrolling the shroud.


    Morrigan, meanwhile, closed the distance and assisted as the desiccated and dried husk of a once-living human being slowly came into view.


    It was impossible to tell anything about them, save that they had been female. Age or identifying features were all obscured as there appeared to be no fluid left in the body.


    The skin had hardened, drawn tight over bone, wrinkling into strange peaks and valleys, taking on a jerky-like consistency.


    Dead, dry eyes stared forward, appearing like sunken raisins. The eyelids pulled so tight over the skull that there were places where they were tearing.


    "That poor lady," Riley exclaimed, straining on the toes of her hindpaws to see, less out of curiosity than being another pair of eyes for Tobias.


    "My first impression is that it''s congruent with what we''ve seen before, but..." Tobias drew close, scrutinizing the corpse.


    "What''s this? Do you know, Ma''am?" Tobias asked, looking to the Morrigan.


    There on the neck of the victim was what seemed like a lamprey bite; tiny pinpricks formed six circular rows, drawing tight to the center, where a crater remained.


    "That is how most of the desiccated victims have died, but not all." She replied.


    "Do you have locations on the ones that were desiccated but didn''t have this marking?" Tobias asked as Riley felt the intrigue in him bubble forward.


    "That information can be provided." The Abbot replied.

 Chapter 115: Getting a Clue

    Chapter 115


    Sabine was pacing back and forth as Tobias watched from one side and Riley from the other, looking at the map precariously pinned to the wall, then down at the floor.


    "By the dead gods, I don''t like it, but it makes sense. Are you certain?" She pressed.


    "It''s the only explanation I can see that fits the information we have. All of the victims with bite marks are confined to these two areas and very specific locations at that. With your permission, we''ll breach into the sewers. I think they''re hiding here," Tobias tapped an area on the map.


    Sabine''s eyebrows perked. "What has you so confident?"


    "They seem to range. The first attack was up on the castle grounds, but they''ve not been back since. If you look, though, there''s a pattern. Roughly every two weeks, they engage and attack, then switch sides. If this timing is correct, there are a number of bodies that we haven''t found, which explains the gaps in the timeline.


    Given that any creature or being can only move so fast or so far without rest, this range on the map is their hunting ground. It''s therefore logical to expect they''d nest near the center of their activity. It works the same with people," Tobias explained.


    Riley could feel the pride in him, fierce and strong.


    "Logical," Sabine ran a hand through her hair. "Most people have their favorite shops and routes. Normally, that''s close to their home, but that still leaves the outliers."


    "It does, but those outliers don''t have the bite mark, according to what I''ve gotten from the Abbot. It''s clear we''re dealing with two different hunters here. I''m certain of it," Tobias'' words rang with confidence.


    "Which means we''re getting deeper, not closer to the surface. Either two criminals with two very similar methods are operating congruently, or one is using the other for cover, and somehow this all ties into an attack on both of you that happened on the other side of Ashenrealm. I do not like this," Sabine looked down at the ground and appeared to be cursing quietly to herself.


    "Not just that, it at least has circumstantial ties to Chadrick via Mavora," Riley mentioned, doing her best to keep her tone neutral.


    Tobias and Sabine''s eyes met as the air seemed to frost with concern.


    "Riley''s right," Tobias finally said, shattering the silence.


    "One problem at a time. How soon can you be ready to hit the sewers?" Sabine asked.


    "Oh joy," Riley grumbled.


    "Justinian is dropping off Riley''s armor in a few hours. We could move just after that or in the morning," Tobias offered.


    "Morning, please, morning. We just got our schedule straight," the hare begged.


    Sabine snorted. "What''s this schedule you keep talking about? You go when and where you''re needed. That said, we have the benefit of time. Tomorrow morning is fine."


    "Thank you, wise and benevolent ruler," Riley, as if emphasizing her fatigue, yawned then stretched.


    "Just get it done, Rangers. I''ll continue to make inquiries on my end," Sabine pulled a small pouch from her apron pocket and set it on the table. "Your bounty from your last mission. Good job bringing down the blue devil."


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    Tobias picked it up with a thank you, opened it, turned pale, and dropped it.


    A gold coin rolled out onto the floor.


    "Paydirt," Riley boggled, beaming inwardly with pride.


    "I knew the horns were valuable as alchemical agents, but..." Tobias trailed off, staring down at the coin, looking at it as if it weren''t real.


    "I can exchange it for silver if you''d like, but you may want to open an account with the local bank at the rate you''re going," Sabine wore a curious smirk on her face, watching the scene with interest.


    Tobias picked it up and looked at it. "This is more money than my Da makes in years. I could buy a cottage with this. A place for Granda." His eyes sparkled with possibility.


    "Depending on the location, that and more. You did good work, Rangers," Sabine smiled, patted Tobias on the shoulder, and left.


    "You know half of that is mine," Riley said, full of mischief.


    "We''re a team," Tobias replied.


    "We are, and so we share," she continued.


    Tobias sighed. "Alright, what do you want? Should I break it into fifty silver?"


    "I desire..." she trailed off, letting the word hang in the air, pregnant with possibility.


    "Fruit."


    Tobias laughed. "Ok, fair deal."


    "Are you really going to buy Darius a house?" She wondered.


    "I might. Would you object to that? You weren''t wrong about this belonging to both of us. He''s shared a room with me, and now Harold. It would be nice to see him in comfort for his remaining years," Tobias sighed wistfully.


    "Then let''s do it. However that works here. I bet we could find something. Are you certain a gold would cover it?" Riley asked innocently.


    Tobias raised his hand to his chin in thought. "It depends on the quarter. He''d likely not want to leave Ashenvale and want to be near Ma and Da, so I''d say it''s doable. If not a cottage, at least a decent apartment. Maybe one of those tower jobs we passed so often on the way to the academy."


    Riley pressed up against him. "You''re a better soul than this world deserves sometimes, you know that?"


    "Only sometimes?" He grinned mischievously.


    "Well, I haven''t gotten my fruit yet, but you''re still on the side of good," she replied.


    "Well, let''s fix that. Up for a walk? There''s a fruit vendor you like near the Castle," Tobias offered.


    "If there''s food involved, always," Riley replied.


    "That''s the spirit," Tobias checked his sword and strode across the stone with a bounce in his step.


    Riley, too, could not keep his feelings of joy from mixing with her own. Her paws tingled, and everything seemed bright, regardless of the macabre nature of their job as of late.


    They had survived. Faced off against zombies, demons, and devils, only to live and thrive, and now, because of their work, other people, good people might benefit.


    "I could get used to this," she said to herself as they ascended the stairs.


    "Remember to veil us at the end of the alley," Tobias prompted.


    "Duh," Riley scoffed.


    Opening the door, they skulked down the alley, Tobias with his hood up, as a familiar man stepped out of the shadows.


    "Tobias. I thought I might find you here," the masked Ratcatcher said.


    "So you''ve just been waiting here in this alley for me to show up?" Tobias spoke through gritted teeth, one hand on his sword.


    "Oh, no, no, let''s say I have an office in the neighborhood and that I''ve been watching your comings and goings, not that you make it easy," he said, offering nothing at all, banging his cane on the ground.


    "You''ve been spying on me," Tobias pulled his sword.


    "Peace, Lad, if I wanted you dead, you''d be dead. I come as a friend," he replied, nonplussed.


    "What''s that going to cost me?" The ranger growled.


    "Oh, your bill has already been paid, but you should watch yourself. Your career hasn''t gone unnoticed, and you have enemies around you. Some that have yet to make themselves known. The contract placed on you was only the opening move. There''s still pieces to this game," the Ratcatcher smiled from behind his mask.


    "And you''re supposed to be my ally?" Tobias snapped.


    "No, but you are interesting, and something of a client now," he replied cryptically.


    "What exactly did Sabine agree to?" Riley asked, projecting to both.


    "Oh, nothing she hasn''t agreed to before. We''re old friends, after a fashion. Information that''s useful to stability is beneficial to both our lines of work, so we''ve developed an uneasy understanding over time, if not a friendship. Gold is one thing, but good information can be worth even more. Lately, so much of what I do has revolved around your activities and things you''re getting too close to," the strange criminal banged his cane a few times upon the ground before turning to leave.


    "What does that mean?" Tobias demanded. "You''ve hardly told me anything I don''t already know."


    "Oh, it''s enough to make a man cautious if he has any sense," the Ratcatcher replied, turning the corner and vanishing from sight.

 Chapter 116: Hard Realities

    Chapter 116


    "You were given a good warning, Ranger. Maybe it''s best to let it wait," Sabine cautioned, sitting on the stairs with a look of concern.


    Tobias had his gear laid out on the table: exploding potions, his cloak, leather jerkin, and all the various tools of the trade, buffeted by the shopping spree that had accompanied their fruit run.


    Dutifully, he was checking and rechecking; mana stones sat perched over the chest of his jerkin, recharging it.


    Riley tried to stay calm among the tumult of emotion that had been buffeting her throughout the day, but there was only one conclusion to be gained from the grim resolve she felt, bordering on anger, through their bond.


    Tobias was going to war.


    "There are two ways to respond, actually: defensive and offensive, assuming the ratcatcher isn''t involved, and that''s now a big assumption¡­" Tobias began.


    Sabine held up her hand. "He''s not, my info is good on that."


    "Then hitting them hard is me acting out of pattern, which is the best way to take them by surprise," he replied, as various bits began vanishing off the table.


    "By visiting a sewer, you''ve deduced is a lead well into the night hours?" Sabine asked, her look of caution being replaced by one of concern.


    "You''ve obviously been feeding the Ratcatcher my reports, keeping him updated on the status of my investigation. It seems an odd coincidence that he''d show up the moment I''m getting ready to make a move, so you tell me?" Tobias turned from what he was doing, holding his sheathed sword in his left, with a look of icy accusation on his face.


    "Look, everyone, can we just calm down before this gets any more¡­" Riley began as Sabine shot off the stairs, pointing a finger.


    "What exactly are you implying, Ranger?" She snapped.


    Tobias braced and pointed back with his free hand. "That you''re off making nice with shady people who''ve already tried to kill me. Which, from my vantage point, would be a fair wager to make!"


    Sabine narrowed her eyes. "By the dead gods, you''re right, I am! Because of those connections, a one-gold bounty is off two of my rangers, and their family is still breathing! This business isn''t clean. You''re one of Cid''s; you should know that. If you''d pull your head out of your ass for ten minutes and bother to breathe, your head might clear enough to realize you haven''t been doing all this or surviving all of this by yourself."


    "Direct hit¡­" Riley projected quietly as Tobias blanched and then went pale.


    He took a deep breath, then fell heavily into a waiting chair set beside the table, still holding his sword. "That''s fair, I''m sorry. I feel caught up in this whole thing; it''s some kind of terrible wave, and I''m being launched with its momentum. I don''t know who to trust, I don''t know where to land¡­"


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    His voice broke into a stammer as Riley pressed up against his legs, and Sabine came around.


    "It''s a heavy burden, this kind of work," she commiserated.


    "Meanwhile, everyone thinks I''m a hero, except that I feel like I''m drowning and being threatened by what I don''t know all the time." Tobias let his sword rest against the chair so that he could hold his head and rub at his temples.


    "I don''t think you''re a hero," Riley agreed in mock support.


    "Thanks," Tobias sunk his head heavily into his hands.


    "That''s the side of this business that most Rangers never see until they''re through training. You learn how to think on your feet, and then you spend the rest of your life honing those skills, or you die. You''re trained to be on the ugly side of order, the sharp end of it, and that means getting dirty sometimes, making compromises, and going where others wouldn''t go," Sabine lectured.


    "At what cost though? I''m not about to throw people under the bus for a jailer, or cooperate too freely with criminals in the underworld," Tobias said, drawing a line in the sand.


    "Nor should you; we get dirty to protect our people and the Ashenrealm, not because it''s easy or convenient. It''s a fine line to walk, sure, but it''s a line you have to walk. Fall too much on one side of it, and you''re a monster; fall too much on the other, and you''re dead under mysterious circumstances," Sabine replied.


    "And that''s what you''ve been doing with the Ratcatcher, walking that line," Tobias concluded.


    Sabine nodded. "You begin to see sense. We''ve been working together for years. Yes, he''s scum that would sell his mother for a silver but not a copper. He deals in information and is privy to information I''d have no hope of obtaining, and occasionally, yes, he does ask for favors, and there have been occasions where I''ve told him no. Most of the time, he respects that; sometimes, I have to insist on that respect."


    "I see; where do you draw the line? How do you draw it?" Tobias asked, his tone almost a plea.


    "I do math. I look at the innocents that will and won''t be hurt, and I think of the Ashenrealm. Sometimes that means I do things off-book, sometimes that means I kill people, but never for the Ratcatcher, always for the realm, and the safety of its people. The day I lose sight of that, you are free to take that blade there and use it to stake me through the chest," Sabine locked eyes with Tobias in a glare so insistent and icy that he could take it as nothing other than a demand.


    "I understand. I''m sorry for my foolishness, and am grateful for your help," Tobias replied.


    "We''re both grateful," Riley added.


    "You''re too young to see it yet. It''s easy to be gung-ho and think this is all a swashbuckling adventure, but all it really is, is wading through shit for far too little reward and credit. Most of the time, the people we''re saving never really see what we''re doing. They just get the propaganda the nobles put out that keeps them all in line. It''s the way of things," Sabine sighed again, looking down at the floor, sounding suddenly tired.


    "All of that said, I hold my theory is sound. You say the Ratcatcher is reliable, well, he wouldn''t have shown up unless he knew something. He''s counting on me to react, and that may have been his intent," Tobias reasoned.


    "How do you mean? Line it out for me," Sabine asked.


    "He knows something is going on, knows it needs to stop because it''s bad for his business, so he warns me in a way that''s guaranteed to light my fuse. He was tipping me off that I''m on the right track," Tobias concluded.


    Sabine stopped and looked down, her hands rising to her hips.


    "Ok, fair, how long till Justinian gets here?" Sabine asked.


    Tobias turned his hand just as an expensive new pocket watch appeared in his palm. "Within the hour, I''d think."


    "You can''t tell me you hadn''t already worked this out on your own," Riley said accusingly, pointing a paw at Sabine.


    "You may be right about that, but for all my concern about the Ashenrealm, there is one overriding concern I have that you haven''t considered," she paused, begging the question.


    "Oh?" Riley pressed.


    "I don''t want you two to die; you''re green, but you''re mine. Something''s been going on for a while, something neither I nor the Ratcatcher have been able to shake, and somehow, this case you''re on is putting you right in the middle of it," she replied.

 Chapter 117: Noble Darkness, Ranger’s Light

    Chapter 117


    Justinian, dressed to the nines, was holding a familiar black-handled case, and was scanning around the basement. "Nice place; do you sublet to rats?" He asked, his eyes taking it all in as they flicked from the rafters to the floors.


    "Like where you work is any different. It''s underground too," Riley scoffed, defensive of the only home she had.


    "Yeah, but my apartment is respectably second story. Only peasants live in the basement," he sniffed with a fake superior air.


    "That''s only to get away from the smell you nobles leave behind," Riley quipped as Justinian threw a hand over his chest.


    "Run through by a Ranger... It''s a conspiracy!" Falling dramatically to one knee, instead of feigning his death, he swept off his hat with a modified bow, before setting it to one side on the floor, only to set the case flat and open it.


    "M''lady, show mercy on a humble servant. I present you with your requested wares." Dramatically he flipped up the latch and drew it slowly open, revealing a segmented deep black armor plate, that gave way to mail over what would be her stomach and lower torso.


    Artful filigree had been inlaid into the plates, offering accented curves, drawing attention from tightly set mail rings, so small it almost appeared as if it were forged of a strange fabric.


    Riley cast analyze:


    Mythril Ranger Armor, Masterwork, Elite


    Endurance augmented 50%, Elemental Resistance augmented 50%, Magical resistance augmented 50%


    Slowly regenerates mana when not in active use.


    This item was made with love, concern, and familial friendship, granting an additional 10% modifier to all base effects.


    "It''s amazing," Riley''s eyes widened as she struggled to find her words, "You''re amazing!"


    "Justinian, this is too much," Tobias objected.


    "Don''t worry, you aren''t getting the bill on this one, but it''s some of my best work. You two are my family, and I know what kind of horrors you''re facing out there. I do repairs when I don''t have orders, and I''ve scrubbed my fair share of blood off of plate mail, so just take it, ok, and try not to die."


    Awkwardly, Justinian rose and pulled Tobias into a hug.


    Tobias sighed and pulled away but let his hand rest on his best friend''s shoulder. "You don''t know the half of it. The way Sabine talks, we''ve stumbled into something bad."


    "Which is why you aren''t drinking on my tab tonight and celebrating my greatness, I take it," he smiled mischievously.


    "Yeah, the attacks seem to occur overnight at intervals, so the hope is we will catch it in a rest period, but I don''t expect it to be that easy," Tobias looked down as Riley felt a sudden feeling of being lost and adrift rising like an ascending iceberg from within his soul.


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    "You think the monster is the doorway to a wider conspiracy," Justinian concluded.


    "Sabine thinks so, and that doesn''t leave this room," Tobias pointed a finger, landing squarely in the middle of Justinian''s chest.


    He smiled wanly. "Brother, I could have told you that days ago."


    Tobias'' jaw fell open as Riley asked for him. "What do you know?"


    "There are so many cabals, power alliances, and other horseshit roaming around the second and first tier halls of the castle I''m surprised you aren''t even more busy, but if you''re crossing over into their games, man, you should have let me know sooner. If Sabine''s right, well, just watch your ass and remember it''s ok to run, and it''s ok to be a little blind. You''ve got more to think about than you," Justinian replied.


    Tobias went pale. "My family..."


    "Would be right in the middle if you exposed the wrong Noble. Go wherever you''re going with your eyes open, but don''t be afraid to keep them shut. Talk to Sabine before you do anything stupid, or me. Do you understand?" Justinian had lost all joking manner and gripped Tobias'' shoulder with his massive right hand.


    "Ok, friend, stay upstairs for a while and have a drink for me. My Granda is already at the Cathedral offering prayers most days," Tobias replied, looking back towards the door.


    "I''ll do that. Riley, up on your hind paws. Let''s get that ill-fitting kit off of you," Justinian replied with a nod, going back down on one knee.


    She complied, letting her forepaws hang out front, cocking her head in a scan as Justinian expertly pulled at buckles, and soon, the messenger armor fell away.


    The cool black metal added punctuation to the edges of her fur as it warmed, clinging in the exact right places, offering a greater comfort that, at first, seemed odd and out of place.


    "I feel like I''m part beetle!" She said a moment later, after the last strap was fastened, and tentatively hopped around.


    The segmented, overlapping plates covering her back moved with her, preserving her mobility, while the mail that tucked up under the plates over her ribs gave her forelegs enough space to move.


    "Whatever those are, they''ve got nothing on you," Justinian said, tussling her ears before rising.


    Riley boggled again at all the differences between their world.


    "Thank you again, friend," Tobias held out his hand, allowing the brothers to clasp arms.


    "I''ll be back tomorrow, and I expect you to give me an evening to get you at least mildly drunk," Justinian said, hugging him again.


    "Fair enough, old friend," Tobias smiled before turning and moving towards the back entrance.


    "See you tomorrow! Don''t worry, we''ll be fine!" Riley called back, hoping she wasn''t telling a lie.


    They left through the back entrance, and as they threw open the door, a chill wind blew across both of them as if in herald to winter.


    "Riley, veil, and keep close and quiet," Tobias ordered, falling into business.


    With a nod, she pulled at her magic as they made their way into the night.


    Checking their inventory, she eyed a new key given by Sabine. Only to notice her mana gauge was now surrounded by a soft glowing golden box, along with a green arrow pointing up, set just beside it.


    Buff Active, Mana Regeneration


    "Cool," she said to herself, keeping her thoughts away from Tobias, who was busy navigating and avoiding the people moving about on their evening tasks.


    It was well past eight in the evening, and the day''s crush of returning workers to their homes was done, but the nighttime entertainment was just getting started.


    People clustered around bars, laughing, some already drunk, while carriages whisked others to their evening destinations.


    In some ways, Ashenvale reminded her much of what she could remember about New York, too.


    "It was the city that never rested... Wait... that''s not right, well, not exactly..." She said, following Tobias while splitting her attention between the people and her own internal monologue.


    "What was it?" She mused, grasping for the exact turn of phrase as they turned one corner, then another, before she felt a strange pall of magic and then a choking stench that drove all such distractions away.


    "By the dead gods, that is foul," she gagged.


    "We just crossed the ward barrier for the central sewer," Tobias said before spitting. "How can it be a smell you can taste?"


    "And it''s about to get worse, isn''t it?" Riley asked rhetorically.


    "I''m afraid, much. For now, we''re still outside," Tobias replied, as he produced the key.

 Chapter 118: Sewer Spelunking

    Chapter 118


    There were no bricks, no signs of manmade work, yet the space still felt unnatural. Smooth stone walls, floors, and channels, gray and gritty, arched into weathered tunnels with walkways set beside them.


    There were spider lines of cracks visible in places, the only evidence of its ancient construction. The edifice itself possessed a type of timelessness that felt eerie simply because it was a sewer.


    Even amidst the foul miasma, Riley could feel the magic coursing through the place, singing to her beneath her misery.


    Tobias, meanwhile, was scanning around, with a blue light crystal headlamp wrapped around his head, casting medically bright shadows, highlighting every bit of filth visible in the fetid water churning beside them like a polluted river.


    "Some of this stonework looks like it''s from Ranger Central or Timbergarde," Riley said, sitting up on her hindpaws, taking it all in.


    "Another city built over an ancient ruin, but some of it is us. What you''re witnessing here is a very special application of water and earth sorcery working in tandem," Tobias replied.


    "So what now?" Riley asked as Tobias balked.


    "Please tell me you have a plan beyond poking around and seeing if we stumble into something," she asked, her tone almost pleading.


    Tobias'' eyes shifted left and right before looking down. "Not exactly... This creature hunts in two-week cycles and follows a particular pattern. It also hasn''t been spotted feeding yet. Which means it''s either very stealthy or..."


    "It''s using the sewer like its own road system," Riley replied, finishing the thought.


    "Exactly, there are only so many places that connect through here to each of the places where there was a murder. That''s a lead, or at least I think it is," Tobias scratched the back of his head before pulling a piece of his cloak over his nose.


    "It doesn''t help," he let it drop and spit again.


    "So... What next? You''re the one obsessed with fancy maps. Spending our silvers on things other than fruit," Riley grumbled, teasing.


    Tobias glowered down at her,


    "That one was requisitioned from Public Works for free... Now, follow me, glutton," Tobias strode off with more bravado than Riley felt he had the confidence for, judging by their connection.


    Yet he continued forward, following the path. Every dozen feet or so, there would be a type of short bridge that flanked an opening on either side, but, dutifully, he passed each junction until the long passage dead-ended in a flat wall, with one opening sat center, over the water, with a T-like bridge connecting either side to the entrance into presumably the next chamber.


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    The water flowed underneath, through its own channel, set into the rock, its narrowing causing it to rush and speed, all as it seemed to drop into a hidden waterfall that rushed, just out of sight.


    Tobias crossed over to the other side, with Riley following close behind, only for a tingle of powerful magic to race through her body, sending an electric jolt that caused her fur to stand on end.


    She stopped, instinctively turning towards the entrance to the next room, as Tobias, heeding their connection, also stopped.


    "What do you have?" He asked.


    "Magic over the water. It''s pretty strong; it seems centered on that opening," she reported as she pulled at her power, wanting to be ready.


    Tobias peered down over the arch, under the clinical light of his headlamp, sigils faintly carved into the rock glowed. "It''s a purification ward, step one of the cleaning process before the water gets dumped back into the river."


    "Well, aren''t you full of useful information," Riley quipped.


    "Who wants fouled rivers or streets for that matter? Smelling this once underground is enough to make me grateful that it''s not above ground," Tobias replied.


    "Amen to that," Riley agreed.


    Tobias mouthed the strange new word before shrugging, and Riley let it drop before continuing down the other side, back the way they came.


    Another half an hour crept by before the opening they had entered through neared.


    "Well, this has been a riveting experiment in how much revulsion I can stomach," Riley groaned.


    Tobias, undaunted, turned and began walking straight down the first door on his right.


    "Fine," Riley complained, seemingly to herself, yet projecting anyway. // "It''s part of the job; it''s not all glamour and battle," Tobias replied, sounding older than he had the right to be.


    "What about my life is glamorous? Everyone at least thinks you''re a ranger," she countered.


    Tobias paused for a minute before turning left down the first open tunnel. "Dragon rides, travel to exotic locales, fancy inns. You''re a spoiled beast."


    Riley scoffed. "Sleeping on stone cathedrals, almost getting eaten by an asshole infernal hawk, putting up with your shit..."


    "Hey!" Tobias complained before turning left again.


    Soon, they entered back into the main, massive chamber.


    "It seems the information I was able to find was right. It''s on a grid, so we continue to search out until something pops up," he announced.


    Riley only groaned again. "Should we split up? We could search faster that way?"


    Tobias paused to consider, then answered quickly. "No, I don''t think that would be wise. If we run into something, well, I don''t do as well without you by my side."


    She could tell in that moment that under all the bravado and reason, there was a strong undercurrent of nervousness he was hiding, even from himself.


    "You''re right, we''re a team. Let''s keep looking. The faster we find the baddie, the sooner I can get a bath," she replied.


    Slowly, over hours, they made their way through the tunnels, carefully backtracking each advancement, ensuring they would not get lost. The overall grid network ensured that there would always be a pathway back until, finally, the color of the stone changed, down what felt like the fifty-second random passage Riley and hopped down.


    Her paws and lower quarters were now covered in a brownish-gray dust; all she wanted was away from the smell and a nice hot bath to wash the filth from her fur.


    A deeply ingrained instinct tried to push her towards a face groom until the sight of her gray, almost ashen paws turned her stomach.


    "Riley, look!" Tobias turned his head, letting the light fall upon the doorpost forged out of lighter, sandier stone.


    Strange sigils began to shimmer until, to Riley''s eyes, they twisted and mutated into English.


    For vengeance, for a reckoning to set right, let all those disaffected enter here and find the path to retribution...


    "Those aren''t purification symbols," Riley said after reading aloud.


    "No... No, they are not," Tobias replied.

 Chapter 119: Portal Peril

    Chapter 119


    Riley scanned around. "Something doesn''t math here. How could no one know this was here?"


    The room was large, bordering on cavernous, and carved out of off-white stone, seemingly from one solid piece and set into the other. Bench-like channels drew down to a central ring, reminding Riley of Greek amphitheaters.


    More squiggly sigils ringed the walls of the ceiling, arcing in a decreasing spiral, with the final phrase arcing around over the center point of the room.


    In the name of hatred and war, all will be repaid...


    "We''re no more than a thirty-minute walk from the central chamber we started in. I''m not liking this," Tobias echoed, his own fear amplifying her own.


    A moment later, he drew his sword, and his com crystal appeared in his left hand.


    "Rowan, Greenbrier, secure, requesting support. We are..." The light within the crystal flickered and pulsed before fading away.


    "Oh dear..." Riley''s words trailed off as she and Tobias both turned towards the entrance they had come through.


    "Where''s the door?" Tobias scanned around, as did Riley, scurrying forward, retracing their steps, going so far as to set her paw on the wall.


    Smooth, sandstone-like rock pushed back as if nothing had ever been there at all.


    "We walked right into a trap," Riley lamented, her ears drooping.


    "I don''t think so. I think we stumbled onto a portal skip," Tobias rotated his head around the room, taking in the strange details. "Does this still feel like underground to you, or sewer? Take a breath; it smells... cleaner."


    Riley reluctantly filled her lungs through her twitching nose. "It does, now that you mention it, but I still don''t like it!"


    "Neither do I. Portal magic like this is very powerful, very old, or both. They only open at specific times or conditions and move you to another location, hence the name," Tobias explained.


    "So, we could be in enemy territory, hanging out in their main ceremonial chamber, just waiting to get our asses shot off, grand," Riley surmised.


    Tobias turned pale and dropped into a defensive stance as Riley pulled the veil over both of them.


    "Wait a minute. We have a map!" Riley looked up and to the right as the temple room appeared laid out in her overlay. No door was indicated behind, but there was a swirling blue symbol where it should have been, crossed over with a black X.


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    Three other entrances displayed, set up like the cardinal directions.


    "No joy; we''ve never been to wherever this is before, but two of those doors are also portals," Riley announced.


    "We''re definitely on the right track. I''m willing to bet whatever''s been killing people, especially if it''s Hedwig, he found his way here; that must mean there''s a way back. Too much makes sense; the timing of the portal would keep it out of the way. It''s the middle of the night; work is done during the day, but if he had cause or found himself down here..." Tobias considered, hiding in plain sight under their veil.


    "Or if he was led here or called?" Riley completed the thought.


    "We can''t get lost in speculation. Let''s do some reconnaissance," Tobias offered.


    Skirting around the outside of the room, Tobias cut a wide arc, heading for the opening to their left. Arriving before it, he paused and peered through the opening.


    All was blackness; not even the light of his crystal headlamp penetrated.


    "Portal one..." Riley announced.


    Grasping his sword, he let the tip of the blade penetrate the darkness before pulling it back.


    "It appears stable for the moment," Tobias announced, moving on to the next, only to find the same at the opening opposite their entrance.


    "Portal two," Riley narrated.


    Finally, they came to the last door. The light fell through the space, illuminating a room with a spiraling ramp leading up into the ceiling.


    "Should we try the crystal again or try our luck with one of the two? Maybe Sabine can find us," Riley asked, full of trepidation.


    "It''s either being suppressed, or we''re far out of range. If it''s being suppressed, whoever is doing it might be able to track us with it. Remember the blue devil?" Tobias cautioned.


    "Then why aren''t they on us already?" Riley challenged with cold logic.


    "Well, because we might already be trapped, or they''re confident enough in their security, they don''t care. If we just leave, and the monster is here, then we might have enemies to our front and our back," the young ranger replied grimly.


    "That''s what I like about you. You''re so optimistic. Well, let''s get this over with. Find the monster, kill the monster," Riley said fearlessly as she began to move up the ramp, heading for the opening when she stopped, overwhelmed by a hanging foul air that seemed to be hovering, clinging to the ceiling of the room.


    "Oh God, I thought the sewer was bad," she choked and gagged as the unmistakable odor of decay mixed with that of unwashed bodies.


    "My eyes are burning," Tobias blinked in a futile attempt to clear them as he slid past Riley, taking point.


    "Stay near to me, keep that veil up, and keep your ears up, too," he ordered, brimming with concern.


    "Way ahead of you," Riley affirmed.


    As they crossed the door, scores in the stone became visible, long claw marks cut into it, carving out furious furrows, stood garishly, highlighted with hints of dried blood, staring out in grisly dull browns.


    There, on the floor, curled in a corner, was a sleeping humanoid monster, a torn dirty brown robe clung awkwardly to their distorted torso before fraying into tatters over long arms that flayed out into claws.


    The hood was down and pockmarked with blood, revealing a bald head with pointed ears swept back at a severe angle. What nose they had left was shaped more like a vampire bat than anything human, their jaw distorting out underneath it, framing a monstrous, permanent grin, the seam of their mouth now stretching up behind their ears.


    Around their neck was a strained and stretched copper torc cutting into their hide.


    "That''s Hedwig..." Tobias gasped in shock as Riley cast analyze.


    Hedwig, Moroi, fae-blinded infernal servant, Level 2-8, elite


    Consumes Life energy, Stealth, Elemental Resistance, Stealth Resistance, Magically Perceptive, Perfect Hunter


    Once a human being, they are now an undead nightmare, feeding on life itself.


    Beware that which lurks in the shadows.


    At that moment, the bestial, once-human being raised its head and sniffed the air shortly before focusing in on the vague position where Riley and Tobias were poised.


    An ear-splitting roar filled the air as it bounded in a feral leap towards them.

 Chapter 120: Vampire Slaying

    Chapter 120


    As if Tobias wasn''t even there, still under veil, the beast landed in front of Riley.


    Every instinct the hare possessed freaked as her legs begged for her to run. Shocked, she lost hold on her magic.


    The veil failed. Hedwig''s eyes contracted down to points upon seeing them, his head shrinking back in animalistic surprise as Tobias swung his sword, missing by scant inches, all as a vicious and feral but awkwardly timed swipe swept across his armor.


    Like dancers in a ball, everyone found new positions. Tobias''s left hand was glowing orange, as his right held his sword, which drew the momentary notice of the twisted human fiend, yet as he stalked, padding on all fours on monstrously elongated arms, ending in feral claws, it was clear his focus was on Riley.


    Their eyes locked, and a pitiful moan dribbled from the monster''s lips.


    "Hungry...."


    Riley reacted as if slapped. Her eyes went wide as she juked back, shaking her head. A familiar guilt hit her, mixed now with pity. "You poor thing, you must be starving," she said, her ears falling crooked.


    Tobias held the middle in defensive line, assessing, taking stock, waiting for the right moment to move.


    Rotating around the large space, a long silence drew out as each waited for their moment.


    "That poor thing has killed a lot of people!" Tobias reminded, steeled, and ready to strike.


    "I know, let''s do this quickly," Riley announced, pulling at her power.


    Hedwig sniffed the air as if catching the scent of food, his nostrils dilating.


    Flame Wall/Chaos Cracker


    Will and intent, focused on a target, Riley felt the power well within her, saw the glow in her paws, everything happening as it had so many times before, but the moment she projected forward, letting the spell loose, it slipped from her paws.


    Hedwig reared back and began drinking the spell''s energy in, drawing it across the room; it sparkled like a particle river to Riley''s eyes, spidering through the air, all as their shared mana pool began to drop precipitously.


    "Riley, ground! Ground now! Dispel your cast! He''s a mana feeder!" Tobias, spurred on by a concern bordering on panic, charged, pointedly keeping the flames and his magic away from his blade.


    Riley stumbled on her paws but followed her partner''s advice, pushing the magic away, letting it go to dormancy, and cutting the spell by shifting its focus from Hedwig to the ground.


    Hedwig roared, his head snapping in Tobias'' direction as, in mid-swing of form two, Tobias was coming from above.


    As if the swipe was nothing at all, Hedwig reached up, his elbow contorting at odd and unholy angles, and caught the blade between his elongated thumb and index finger.


    The blade buried itself halfway within his distorted paw-like hand. Tobias went to pull it away, yet the rest of Hedwig''s fingers wrapped around the blade, holding it firm.


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    The metal sliced but held fast at contact with bone while blood dripped down in a pool. The twisted human''s eyes flicked, more in curiosity than pain, before focusing back in on the Ranger.


    With a pop of his hips, Hedwig rose on two legs, bent still at an awkward angle, and slammed Tobias to the ground.


    He let go of the blade still buried in Hedwig''s hand. The beast ignored it, forcing his right hand down into the ground for support. The sword, tore through at an odd angle, cutting another path of exit. Black blood now oozed out over the floor, outlining Tobias''s jerkin in a disgusting liquid cascade.


    The vampire slammed his left over Tobias''s chest, and immediately the wound in his right hand began to close, all as Riley noticed their mana bar was dropping again.


    "Get up!" she cried, drumming her hind paw in emphasis, not knowing what to do.


    "I''m woozy, he''s got... me... pinned," Tobias''s words slurred, all as his eyelashes fluttered.


    Riley knew it was up to her.


    Think... Gotta think... Fire is out, chaos is out! Vines!" Riley pulled at her power, drawing the attention of the feeding Hedwig for a moment, but the spell failed as she reached out for any organic life in the strange structure.


    A useless prompt flared to life, taunting her.


    There is no plant life or medium present for it to grow from. This spell has failed.


    Meanwhile, their mana bar continued to drop. Tobias struggled helplessly, his flesh already becoming pale and drawn.


    Hedwig licked at his lips before emitting his painful cry... ¡°Hungry.... mooooore...¡±


    The word fell from his distorted jaw like death''s own herald.


    The world flowed down until it moved like a series of slow-motion flashes for Riley, as memories seemed to overlay in real-time. One moment, she was there; the next, in Timbergarde, staring at the desiccated body of Ranger Iskaros...


    "Getting ready to be starving, asshole!"


    Mana Vampire


    The spell began to work in reverse. It wrapped around the twisted human and began funneling its energy away, all as he took from Tobias, creating a strange kind of feedback loop.


    Tobias still struggled, weakened by the drain, his energy flickering like a candle in a windstorm, all as Riley buffeted their mana, keeping him alive.


    A bestial howl tore through the night, seeming to shake the rafters. Dust drifted down in heavy motes. Hedwig''s head swiveled up, then locked in on Riley.


    Not holding back, she opened the floodgates, greedily taking in the energy, pulling with all her might.


    The beast let go of Tobias and then stopped, rising up on its hind legs as Riley felt a tug of war in magic.


    "Hungry! Give it back!" Hedwig moaned.


    The pull was immense. Riley, putting physical effort into her cast, holding it open with all of her will, began to push back on her paws. Still, the energy slowed to a trickle and then began to reverse.


    Their mana bar, once at seventy-five percent, dropped to sixty in a seeming instant.


    "Balance, not extremes," Riley said to herself, knowing the trap of pulling too hard, seeing an example of the very same monster she never wanted to become.


    Behind Hedwig, Tobias was trying to get up. On shaking hands, he pushed himself up onto all fours, shambling towards his sword.


    Meanwhile, Riley felt the connection to Hedwig, one that she could not ground or break. Lost in an awful stalemate, she felt herself being pulled forward, pulled towards the monster, all as strange memories of her last moments in her previous life began to flash through her mind.


    Then there were others not her own... The sorcerer at the academy screaming in horror, then dozens more, all assaulting her focus, as Hedwig began to drink her magic down.


    "Tobias! Get up! He''s killing me!" Riley begged. He had his sword now and was trying to rise.


    Their Mana bar plunged to forty percent and was dropping fast, but Riley still had time for one last cast.


    Healing Halo


    Ten percent of their shared mana vaporized as Hedwig''s took another twenty. A headache slammed into Riley. Her mana bar began to blink while the world faded at the edges of her vision. Still, the spell sailed past the fiend, too embroiled in the feeding to notice the dismal magic passing around them.


    It hit Tobias like an invigorating spring rain; he stiffened, then rose, gripping his sword, and wasting no time, charged, slamming it through the beast''s chest.


    The black blade ripped through Hedwig''s heart and exploded out through his rib cage. Not done, Tobias pulled back as the monster dropped to all fours.


    The blade moved, irrespective of bone and tissue, until Tobias pulled it free in a feral and vicious arc, cutting the fiend to the pelvic arch with all of the strength he could muster.


    Black blood gushed everywhere before Hedwig fell to the floor, dead, and Riley collapsed across from him.

 Chapter 121: Thinking with portals…

    Chapter 121


    "Riley!" Tobias rushed over, leaving his sword dangling like a reed, jutting from the corpse of Hedwig.


    "I''m ok...Did anyone get the number on that bus?" She groaned, flopping on her side before curling into a ball. "My everything hurts."


    "Easy. Take a mana potion." Not waiting, Tobias called one to his hand, then popped the cork, holding it so it trickled gently down.


    Riley lapped at it greedily. "Purple... my favorite."


    Tobias chuckled.


    Riley''s eyes blinked as the potion hit; righting herself, she sat up but still managed to stagger, unsteadied by the whipsaw events of the last few minutes.


    "Well, my grand plan and trump card backfired spectacularly. Good job on the rebound," she praised.


    "You''re fine." He ruffled her ears while regarding her with confusion.


    "He latched on to my mana siphon. Is that a good word for what I do? He pulled a Star Trek," Riley complained.


    Tobias cocked his head. "Star Trek?"


    "Yeah, they''re always rerouting power, or reversing the tachyon flow, or some other nonsense, except this time, he reversed the mana flow. Being on the other side of that game sucks," she observed.


    "I know, it felt like he was chewing on my soul," Tobias agreed before slamming down a mana potion of his own, chasing it with one for healing.


    "It felt like dying all over again," Riley agreed, her wide, haunting eyes only growing more haunted.


    "That''s not going to happen while we''re together," Tobias affirmed. The blood pool was chasing ever closer toward them, inspiring Tobias to lift Riley without ceremony.


    "Promises, promises," Riley said, her words too honest to convey scorn; she pushed up against his chest, not protesting the minor panic-inducing action, as he carried her across the room before setting her down again.


    "Well, at least not for a long while," Tobias corrected.


    "Hopefully, a good long while, but I''m not liking this," Riley replied, moving on towards business, pushing away from her traumas.


    "The skip portal sealed behind us; we''re the only ones here, and we have no idea where the exits out go," Tobias rattled off, holding up his hand, counting out each point.


    "Another trap," Riley agreed.


    "A trap laid by the person that set Hedwig loose on Ashenvale. So the next question: were they watching the portal and triggered its closing, or did we set off some magical tripwire?" Tobias pondered.


    "If it''s option A, should we wait around to find out?" Riley posed, inspiring Tobias to ease her off his lap gently before stalking across the room to retrieve his sword, followed by Hedwig''s copper torc.


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    With a thought, it vanished as Riley checked her notifications. Sure enough, prompts were waiting.


    "We shouldn''t. What''s your status?" Tobias asked.


    "Eighty percent-ish and full of vinegar, but how do we get out?" Riley asked.


    "We have three choices unless the doorway home is opened, and I''ve no idea which one is the best. Either way, we could be walking into an ambush," Tobias replied.


    "Jumping through a random magical doorway sounds like a great idea. That sounds like a compelling plot twist in a fantasy novel. Not optimal," she complained.


    "Riley, look around. This is some kind of ancient temple; you translated the warning on the door. Dead Gods can still have followers," Tobias urged.


    "Plural," Riley''s heart sank.


    "Exactly, and we''ve already been through one battle. How are we going to do against a congregation?" Tobias challenged.


    ¡°But if we walk through, they could be waiting on the other side,¡± she challenged.


    ¡°No matter what, it¡¯s a risk, but whatever trapped or guided Hedwig here either knows we¡¯re here or they soon will. If we¡¯re going to take a risk, it seems like the safer one would be the portal,¡± Tobias reasoned.


    "At least we¡¯re picking our doom. Ok, let''s see what''s behind door number one," Riley replied, moving for the ramp with her ears forward and every sense straining to pick up any sign of danger.


    The eerie and preternatural silence of the place carried with it an ominous threat, as every motion, every movement of their own seemed impossibly loud.


    "So which one?" Tobias projected, not wanting to break the silence of the place, looking back towards the way they came, finding the magical doorway still gone.


    "Let''s keep it simple. What about the one on the opposite wall to where we came? It''s no better than any other," Riley offered.


    "There is another choice. We could split up; it increases our odds that one of us would end up someplace to get help." Tobias offered. She could feel the pain caused by his logic resonate over their bond.


    "No, we go together, or not at all," Riley affirmed, shutting down that avenue.


    "Then your choice is as good as any," Tobias said, walking towards the black swirling mass, and, without hesitation, stepped through, with Riley hopping after him.


    The world tilted violently as they were both swallowed by an inky void before a burst of hot, dry air washed over Riley''s fur, followed by the feeling of impact and warm stones.


    Pain coursed through her body as she noticed her health bar drop by an easy ten percent, along with her mana and stamina.


    "My ears are ringing," she projected, which hurt, adding to the choir of agonies rocketing through her body.


    "Unstable... Portal.... skip..." Tobias gasped, using his sword like a cane, rising up on it, and looking around.


    They found themselves in an alley full of strangely foreign smells. The air sweltered like they were in the peak of summer.


    Far down at the only opening, surrounded by towering stone buildings, a massive figure passed by, illumined in silhouette by the sun. Easily over 7 feet tall, dwarfing any man he had ever known, with a long muscular tail protruding out the back.


    "What the hell is that!" Riley exclaimed.


    "By the dead Gods; that''s a dracovani," Tobias boggled as he sheathed his sword and raised his hood.


    "And what the hell is that?!?" Riley demanded.


    "They''re a reptilian race that we share Calaria with. Judging by the fact it''s high sun and their presence, I think we''ve arrived in their kingdom, on the other side of the world," Tobias rotated his hand, calling forth his com crystal from the inventory.


    Its glow had returned, but when he tried for a connection, only silence echoed around them.


    "Out of range, but at least we''re back in Calaria," Tobias was trying to hide his nervousness but could conceal nothing from Riley.


    "We''ll be ok," she affirmed, unable to hide her own feelings of fear from him any better.


    His right hand shook, finding its way to the hilt of his sword. "Don''t focus on the problem; focus on the next step."


    Tobias'' face was ashen white as he took a moment to lean against the wall. He pressed his head to the warm stone as his stomach lurched.


    Riley gently set a paw on his knee. "It''s ok. I''m scared, too. You don''t need to be strong for me all the time. We share the good stuff and the bad."


    Tobias nodded slowly, taking a steadying breath, "It''s a hard thing to fight. I''m supposed to be strong."


    "Then be strong enough to trust me and carry some of those burdens, too?" Riley offered.


    Tobias straightened before looking down on her with a smile, going down on one knee to stroke her ears back. "I love you, Riley. I''ll try."


    "I love you too, goon. So what do we now?" She asked, scanning around.


    "We should try to find an embassy, consulate, or cathedral, some point of contact with the Ashenrealm as soon as we''re able to discover where we are," Tobias began to move with intent for the alley entrance.


    "Come on, Riley," he beckoned.

 Chapter 122: A strange new land… again

    Chapter 122


    The air was hotter and dryer here but not desiccated like a desert.


    Riley reasoned they had to be closer to the planet''s equator, but that did little for her paws.


    If she stopped too long, the heat in the off-white paving stones would catch up with her, afflicting her with hot feet that kept her moving.


    The heat and the constant jolts of near or actual minor pain worked with her fatigue and the slow setting in of soreness from the day''s battle, adding to her sense of overwhelmed exhaustion.


    Once again, the world had tilted violently, becoming something unrecognizable and strange.


    Thick spices drifted across the air, setting her nose to twitch and itch, while new languages arrived at her ears, garbled before finding their way to words within her brain.


    "Where exactly are we going?" Riley asked for the third time.


    They were moving under veil, avoiding the strange creatures that dominated this place.


    It was clear they were far from home.


    The dracovani roamed about, appearing as bipedal dragons of an impressive size, the smallest among them towering nearly seven feet in height. They moved in tight clusters of three females, the largest leading the smaller, most with a retinue of no more than five males that gaggled behind them.


    The males were the slimmer and smaller of the two sexes here, adorned scantily in bright colors, wearing only loincloths that left little to question about their masculinity, barely hidden by loose-fitting cloth.


    Their tails were long and slender, and many wore cosmetic powders on their face and down their arms, accenting the iridescent color of their scales.


    Riley could feel the stress like a cord ratcheting ever tighter around her chest, reinforced by the strong sense of danger and outright fear from Tobias that kept her suspended somewhere between terror and wonder, which kept her eyes forward on the task and the hot, burning stones.


    "I think towards help," Tobias said, finally.


    "How do you know? We don''t even know where we are, and... Ow! Damn!" She quickened her pace, trying to utilize Tobias as shade while they crossed a particularly sunny patch.


    A wide and crowded marketplace stretched out before them with nary a human to be seen, but the dracovani were everywhere, and it seemed, enjoyed a less rigid social structure than the Ashenrealm. There were no torcs and little distinction between commoner and elite beyond jeweled adornments and the finery of what little clothes or armor they wore.


    The women seemed to prize their armor, with the more affluent wearing shining plate mail and swords whose hilts gleamed, showcasing artful filigree, while the males seemed to prefer large jewels hanging from pendants or gleaming headdresses with silver wire.


    "Those winged ones, how do you think they get their armor on?" Riley puzzled, her wonder distracting her from the distracted Tobias.


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    "Carefully, I''d wager, but to answer your earlier question: When in doubt, look for the spire of a cathedral. The religion of the Thirteen Gods is everywhere, which means a little bit of home is everywhere," Tobias explained as if by rote.


    "God, you''re programmed," she scoffed as Tobias suppressed a laugh, all while dodging another cadre of giant, bipedal reptile people.


    "Tell me who isn''t a product of their environment and the culture they were raised in? Do you think you''re any different, little Miss Perfect, with your ideas of equality and democracy and all that nonsense?" he challenged without meanness.


    "It''s different for me because I know I''m right," she shot back with mocking pride.


    "Oh, ho. You''re an imperialist, who knew?" Tobias accused as he looked up and then turned down another lane.


    "Tell me again about the Ashen Wars," Riley shot back as they exited the market, which meant less chance to be stepped on, but were back in the winding streets and twisted lanes.


    Very few roads seemed to run straight to Riley''s recent experience, but for the first time, she saw it. A tall spire with a crystal apex. A bit of the Ashenrealm, like an outpost of familiarity in a strange and distant land.


    It took another ten minutes to find it, but finally, a familiar, if small, building came into view that was part cathedral, part New England church, and part fortress.


    Tobias broke into a quick jog, moving up the steps. "Riley, hold the veil until we''re on the inside. We don''t know who may be watching."


    "You''re nervous," she observed.


    "We''re military assets in a nonaligned country. We''re on friendly terms with the Dracovani, but we''re not allies. There''s never been a need. I have no idea how they''d react to us being here," Tobias sighed.


    Riley scanned around, "Maybe they''d understand. It''s not like portals aren''t known. It''s not like we meant for this to happen,"


    There had been no time to plan, only move, as the hunt had become a crisis.


    "Do we really want to tell a neutral nation that there''s a potential doorway, even if unstable, right to the heart of our capital city? I can see multiple ways that could go, none of them good. Now, can we get inside and off the street?" He snapped, the exhaustion and annoyance wringing out his patience.


    Riley got it and flattened her ears. "Of course. Am I too trusting? How can I be too trusting?"


    "You''re naive, at least about Calaria, but that''s because you''re new," Tobias knelt down, taking the time to pet back her ears as Riley pressed up against him.


    His black armor radiated the heat back into her already baking fur as she caught the scent of the sweat pouring off him.


    "Are there any other races besides human and Dracovani?" Riley asked.


    "Just the dwarves and the elves," Tobias replied, opening the door, and a thick burst of cooler air, scented with incense, washed over them, a benefit of the burning braziers up near the altar and the thick stones by which the cathedral was constructed.


    "Dwarves...Huh...." Riley considered, grateful to be out of the heat. This cathedral was the smallest one Riley had visited, not much bigger than a country church, with its two banks of pews numbering five rows total. Three paths led to the altar, all straight, one up the center and one on either side.


    Small stained glass windows, six on each side, paid tribute to the thirteen Gods of the Ashenrealm.


    The place seemed empty, other than the smoking incense; there was not a human to be seen.


    Tobias neared the backmost pew, then kneeled in respect before rising, cutting down the row, and making his way up the church''s right side.


    His intentions were clear as a small wooden door came into Riley''s view.


    "Hello, Father, are you in?" Tobias called out, wrapping on the door quietly.


    The sound of snoring, followed by a surprised snorting, came through the door.


    "Wha? What what! A visitor? Uh... Yes! Yes, my son, come in!" The voice was grandfatherly, wavering with old age.


    Tobias opened the door, his eyes falling on a man and an office that looked like a museum piece. Old scrolls occupied dusty shelves. An ancient and weathered human sat behind a chaotic desk, wearing black robes and a golden torc.


    He barely fit inside his clothes. His wrinkled skin was drawn in some places and saggy in others, matching well with his deep-set eyes and long but heavily thinned gray hair that spilled down to his neckline.


    Around his neck was a gold chain, fastened to a crystal torc, the lines latched to the tines so that it always pointed up.


    "I''m Father Thelfrith, my son, but what business do the Rangers have with me?" he asked with trembling hands.


    "I need your help, Father. We fell through a portal and arrived here by accident. We need help to get home," Tobias said with all the seriousness his position granted him.


    "Oh dear, you better sit down and tell me what you can about it," the Father said, motioning to a chair.

 Chapter 123: The Art of Diplomacy

    Chapter 123


    "This is excellent tea," Tobias said, relaxing in a chair set opposite the Father''s desk.


    They had both washed quickly; Riley was drying and cooling, happy for the relief from the hot stones and sickening filth of the sewer.


    "Well, it should be; they grow it here, after all," Father Thelfrith took a sip from his own cup, closing his eyes to savor the taste.


    "Anything for your companion?" He asked, motioning to Riley, who was sprawled out, lying against a wall, propped on her side.


    "A bowl of water would be lovely; it''s hot," she replied to Tobias, keeping her thoughts from the priest.


    "You can talk to him; we''re not exactly hiding here," Tobias projected back towards her before saying, "Some water, if you have it, and if it''s not too much trouble, some tenganut?"


    "I don''t want to scare the old man; he looks half dead as it is," she replied.


    "I can see to the water for now and perhaps fruit later if she''s in no danger. Such a strange beast she is," the Father commented.


    "Oh, she is at that," Tobias chuckled at his private joke.


    "Hey!" Riley complained.


    He disappeared out a door, calling out from the hall, "I''ll be but a minute; I drew up a fresh bucket of water at lunch!"


    "Are you certain we''re safe here?" Riley''s eyes danced around the office, identifying the exits.


    "I hope so, but we have to trust someone. He seems harmless," Tobias replied.


    "Don''t let that blind you; I seem harmless too," Riley cautioned.


    "You mean you aren''t?" Tobias challenged.


    "Oh, har har," the hare huffed and set her head down dejectedly on her front paws just as the priest returned and set down a bowl of cool water before her.


    "Thank you," Riley said.


    Thelfrith shot back and gripped his pendant. "By the Thirteen, she talks!"


    "Some say too much. I think just enough," Riley replied.


    "Allow me to introduce my partner, Ranger Riley," Tobias chimed in, hiding his annoyance as Riley projected to just him.


    "It was your idea."


    Tobias only glowered.


    "Well, you are both full of surprises. A pleasure to meet you, Riley," the priest dipped his head in a respectful nod, which pushed Riley to sit up and nod in return.


    "Nice to meet you as well. Would you do me the trouble of telling us where we are?" she asked.


    He blinked confusedly a few times before sputtering, "Why, you''re on Calaria. The Kingdom of Gravin, city of Delos."


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    "We came through the portal by chance; the skip we followed closed behind us. It was this or remain in a pocket realm, so we decided to take a chance," Tobias explained quickly.


    Thelfrith moved behind his desk and sat down, taking another sip from his tea. "So you were hunting a monster then?"


    "After a fashion, we were tasked to investigate a series of murders, and that led us to our current situation. I can''t say too much about it. You understand," Tobias deflected.


    "And that somehow led you here; pocket realms that connect multiple locations are rare, as you know. Normally, it''s tied to ancient, non-human magics. Fae and Elven, mostly," Thelfrith observed.


    "I actually confess to knowing very little in the way of portal magics; alchemy is more my academic specialty," Tobias demurred.


    "Oh, God¡­" Riley complained.


    "Well, for whatever reason, portal-capable humans are a marked rarity, but it''s not so with the other races. While humans often exhibit great affinity for particular veins of magic, like my ability to heal, or your ability to..." He paused, his eyebrows furrowing, grasping for information he did not have. "To do whatever magic you do. Other races are, generally, less powerful but multidisciplinary, with a few exceptional standouts."


    Tobias sat up in his chair. "That is interesting. Is this a hobby of yours?"


    "My son, I''ve been a priest in a foreign land, trying to bring the light of the Thirteen Gods to these Dracovani savages for the last twenty years. You pick some things up," he laughed and took another long sip from his tea.


    "Imperial asshat," Riley muttered to herself and Tobias in judgment.


    "Twenty years is a long time to live among people you don''t respect," Tobias said, playing the diplomat.


    "Oh, I respect them fine; there are many good people among them, but they can only go so far with their backward ways. That''s why we''re here, humans, I mean. We point the way to the wholeness of the truth, bearing the noble burden for the other races that would otherwise suffer in ignorance. It''s why we''re the ultimate inheritors of Calaria. We were given the burden and the joy of the knowledge and thus are favored with the power the Thirteen grant us," the old man said, falling to full lecture.


    Riley flattened her ears as her eyes narrowed in barely restrained disgust.


    "I see," Tobias said, his voice chilling.


    "On to business," he snapped, his voice freezing out any friendly concern, "can you help me with my predicament? Perhaps connect me to local resources or fellow rangers, even a trading delegation?"


    "Tobias... I... I can''t even... Asshat!" Riley wrestled down her mouth, grateful she couldn''t be heard in that moment.


    Father Thelfrith looked down towards Riley and then back up towards Tobias.


    "There is an embassy in Varang. It''s about five days journey on foot. I do have a communication crystal that will reach there in case of emergencies," Thelfrith rubbed at his nonexistent beard in consternation.


    "So no consulate or local group that you know of?" Tobias pressed.


    The old man threw up his hands. "Alas, Delos is a minor port city; all of the action is at Varang further up the coast."


    "Then I think I''m going to be needing that com crystal and a little bit of privacy if you don''t mind, Father," Tobias asked, putting effort into making his tone official.


    Straightening up in his chair, the old priest practically leapt out of it.


    "Why of course, you can use my office, and I''ll grant you all the privacy you require. Beyond that, you''re welcome to stay with me in the rectory. It will be good to have the company," he said wistfully.


    "Thank you. I wish I could explain more, but it is official business," Tobias deferred.


    "I''m almost eighty years old, son, I know Ranger business is serious. I''ll be but a minute," at that, he left, scurrying out.


    "I don''t like him. I don''t like him at all," Riley complained as soon as the man was gone.


    "We need him for the moment. Do you remember the contact procedures Sabine had us memorize?" Tobias challenged.


    "Distracting me with a pop quiz isn''t going to help my mood; that''s more your thing," Riley sighed.


    The priest came in a moment later, set down a com crystal, and left as Riley hopped over towards the desk.


    "Give it here," she demanded.


    Tobias rolled his eyes and held it out for her, letting her "chopstick it" between her paws. It glowed to life a moment later.


    "Rowan, Greenbriar, Shipwreck, Safe Harbor, Castaway, Forest Fire."


    The crystal pulsed as Riley projected through it, and Tobias smiled at her with pride.


    "Passphrase." The reply was terse.


    "By the light of...uh... Arctos and the power of Galdor do we walk the path in Midnight and high sun," she recited.


    "Standby..." Five minutes of tense silence passed like an agony until another voice broke in over the line just as the crystal changed from an amber inner light to purple.


    "Greenbriar, Rowan, Secure... This is Birch, On station. What''s the situation, report?"

 Chapter 124: Portal Lag

    Chapter 124


    "Is there such a thing as portal lag?" Riley asked with a yawn, waking from her nap.


    Tobias sat up in the pew.


    "I''m up, I''m up, portal lag?" He asked, looking down at Riley with confusion.


    "Time change whiplash. We call it jet lag where I''m from. You show up in a new place, halfway across the world, and it throws your internal clock out of whack," she explained.


    "Internal clock? I''ve only ever lived in the Ashenrealm. I''ve never been through a portal before today, or was it yesterday now?" Tobias grappled for what he did know like a bit of flotsam in a sea of confusion.


    "Ah..." Riley yawned, having hit an unexpected dead end.


    "So what''s a jet?" Tobias asked, trying to get comfortable in the pew.


    "It''s a gigantic, super fast, metal flying machine," she said, playing tour guide to her original reality.


    "But metal is heavier than air?" he puzzled.


    "Yeah, it has something to do with principles of lift or some such. Needless to say, it works," Riley bobbed her head in lieu of being able to shrug.


    "Without magic?" Tobias scoffed.


    "Science!" She intoned with the full force of a 1940s radio announcer''s drama.


    "The more I learn about your science, the more I think it''s just a more complicated magic," Tobias shrugged this time and scratched the back of his head before pulling his pocket watch, trying to distract himself.


    "Why is this taking so long?" he sighed, sounding every bit the impatient teenager.


    In truth, it had been too long since they had slept. They had lunch, then dinner with the priest, but they had been ordered not to leave the Cathedral, which only left them with two places to go. The pews or the office.


    "Because this is boring, but it''s better than the passively speciesist colonial asshat," Riley grumbled, then adjusted her sprawled out body against the pew, trying to find some way of being comfortable.


    "Why are these as bad as the ones I remember on Earth? I was heavier then, but these suck just as much!"


    "Well, they aren''t made to be an all day thing," Tobias explained with a shrug, "There''s no padding."


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    "Bullshit. Darius is practically renting his spot these days," she retorted.


    "I know. It''s just another reason we need to get home!" It was impossible to miss the look of concern on his face.


    Riley sat a paw upon his knee, cocking her head to get a better look at him. "Hey, it''s going to be ok. We got the baddie, and we got another lead out of it. It''s becoming the mission that never ends. We''ll be back home before we know it, and we can redefine our relationship with the concept of job security. I''m sure there are just dozens of monsters masquerading as nobles and ne''er-do-wells to hunt out of all of this."


    Tobias chuckled before taking a knee and began to pray.


    Her ears perked in surprise as she felt the devotion mixed with concern. Riley had never known Tobias to be a religious man, but in that moment, he was.


    Like Darius, she concluded, it depended on the situation, and she could not ignore the fact that while she was curious about these new lands, he had been much closer to abject terror.


    After all, he had less experience with being thrown into a world or a country he didn''t understand unexpectedly. She, on the other hand, that was just her life now. Daily terrors, mixed with wonder, formed the foundation of her strange new life.


    No matter how comfortable Calaria got, and in some ways, it was getting strangely comfortable and home-like, it was never going to be Earth, never going to be what she had once known, and while Riley had come to accept that, accepting something was quite a different thing from feeling truly at home.


    Tobias, meanwhile, was just coming to grips with that lesson.


    She let the minutes pass by in silence as Tobias prayed, wanting nothing more than to get out of there, when suddenly, the door opened, and for the first time that day, there was another visitor to the small cathedral.


    Riley craned her head around as her ears shot forward with surprise.


    This was no black-cloaked ranger; they weren''t even human to begin with. Instead, a towering 7''5" Dracovani entered, complete with a sword almost as long as Tobias, protruding up from behind massive shoulders.


    The sheer width of sway in her tail brushed against the sides of pews as she walked forward with surprising grace. Iridescent black scales caught the light of crystal lamps in all the myriads of color the various angles of light hitting them could provide.


    Fierce white teeth poked out here and there from a long muzzle. Purple eyes shone out with a disciplined ferocity, highlighting her scaled head and two long protruding horns.


    "That cannot be our contact!" Riley said, startled.


    Tobias''s jaw was hanging slack, his head craned around from the kneeling position he had taken.


    In a seemingly suicidal gesture, his hand fell to the hilt of his sword as the massive, dragon-like creature slid awkwardly into the pew behind them, perching on the end so that her tail could drape across the back.


    She groaned with the discomfort before, in hissing, accented Calarian whispered, "Greenbriar, Rowan, as one that dwells under the Birch. I bid you follow, yes. You are to come with me."


    Tobias and Riley each shared another look of shocked concern, added to the pile of thousands that had passed between them in the last few seconds alone.


    "Is this about passage?" Tobias replied, keeping to the code they had been given.


    The Dracovani rumbled, the vibrations passing like a pleased growl.


    "Passage, yes, though your purse was cut, arrangements have been made. You will travel with me peacefully."


    Tobias, on trembling legs, rose.


    "Come on Riley."


    "Which... is which...?" The dracovani asked, long pauses framing each word like monoliths in their own right.


    "I''m Tobias, Rowan; Riley is Greenbriar," the ranger explained.


    "Not human, yet ranger? Odd for the Asehnrealm, yes," she replied with a grumble before rising.


    "This one is Terrox."


    "I''ve been pretty lucky overall," Riley affirmed.


    "Terrox, I greet you as a friend," Tobias bowed clear of the pew before holding out his hand.


    Terrox gripped him at the elbow, swallowing Tobias'' arm with her massive claw.


    He gulped before she chuckled, let go, and led them out.

 Chapter 125: Diplomacy and the Dracovani

    Chapter 125


    I can scent your fear as clearly as I scent your magic, Rowan-Tobias. All is well, I am well-fed, you will follow," Terrox "assured" with their trademark rumbling chuckle.


    Tobias swallowed hard again, which earned him a swish of her massive tail.


    "Wait a minute, you smell magic?" Riley asked.


    Terrox tilted their head back, muzzle swaying like a barn door, to watch her with one bright purple eye. "Yes, it is the way of the Dracovani, and your scent is... most strange."


    She scented the air again, tilting her muzzle up as she walked through the empty, balmy streets. "Life, yet death; celestial, yet infernal."


    Riley boggled. "Does it smell good?"


    "Better than human fear. The celestial scent, most rare, oddly pleasing. I have only caught it at a few shrines to ancestors, high rites... but no fear from you, yet small, yet food," Terrox rumbled again, enjoying their intimidation game.


    Riley''s eyes narrowed as the power leapt to her paws. "I''m used to being surrounded by predators and even more accustomed to humbling them. I am not food."


    "I like you, tiny fierce creature, sure in your power, like a Dracovani." The reptilian praised.


    "So where are you taking us? Is it far?" Tobias pressed as he moved like a ghost, with his hood up and his eyes down on the ground ahead.


    Riley, hopping beside, could not miss his hand ready on his sword.


    "Outside of the city is the meeting place. I have done this many times before," Terrox assured.


    "So you''re a spy?"


    "Riley!" Tobias spat her name like a curse.


    "Much like a Dracovani! I am... what is the word in Calarian..." A series of clicks and guttural growls escaped her throat.


    "Mercenary, opportunist, or rogue? You work for whoever pays you best," Riley puzzled as the words popped into her mind.


    "Yes! I am clanless. Opportunity is found where it is found. No blood family exists to give me title or aid. You speak my language?" Terrox, this time, boggled.


    "Kind of," Riley offered in a non-explanation.


    "Follow, follow. You are safe. I am paid well and have honor. This one knows you have no choice but to trust, but you can trust Terrox, yes."


    Tobias, in that moment, gripped his sword harder as Riley felt the beginnings of a cast starting in his spirit.


    "We''ll be okay," she projected, hoping she was right, and, with nothing better to do than ignore her prompts, tried to enjoy the scenery.


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    Keeping an eye on things was good tradecraft, after all, and this was a new country with new dangers.


    Ashenvale felt closer to the world she had known, but in Delos, even the passing familiarity was gone. Nothing looked, sounded, or even smelled the same. Even something as simple as door frames and windows were outsized and odd.


    Strange signals that her translation power did not parse hung from buildings that were otherwise mysteries. No pubs seemed to exist on corners, but some buildings had a strange blue smoke drifting lazily from their windows in great clouds. Anything familiar only seemed to accentuate the avalanche of oddity, as Riley felt even more out of place than normal.


    Though it was only early evening, the streets were deserted like the Ashenvale at four bells. Only guards walked the empty streets, carrying blue crystals in lanterns that draped from their raised tails.


    None of them had paid them any mind, never bothering to check, sure in their authority, passing Terrox without even a nod as if she was somehow beneath them.


    "It''s Gojira!" Riley exclaimed to Tobias as they passed another sentry with a bemused chuckle.


    He did not even bother to sigh, his head on a swivel as his hand stayed near his sword.


    Finally, after a half hour of winding streets and new mysteries, a massive wall came into view, with two guards in shiny black armor guarding it.


    "What do you want, Terrox?" The one on the left said in Dracovani.


    "Two for the embassy. Their papers were lost, and in accordance with treaties, this one was contracted to conduct them safely to have this remedied," Terrox withdrew a piece of paper from a pouch on her belt and handed it over with a deferential bow of her head.


    They passed it between each other, "What do you make of such things? This one is ever an errand runner for the humans."


    The guard on the left began scrutinizing the document, her eyes flicking to Terrox, then Tobias, and finally Riley.


    Riley sat up on her hind paws, holding up a forepaw in greeting, before projecting, "Hello, we''ve had some bad luck," in perfect Dracovani.


    The two guards shared surprised glances. "You speak our language?"


    "It''s helpful when you''re visiting a foreign country, don''t you think?" She replied.


    "This one would not know firsthand but agrees all the same. The papers are in order; there is nothing suspicious. The human is afraid, also not suspicious," the growling, rumbling laughter suffused through all three of them.


    "He''s good for opening doors, but little else. It''s so hard to find good help these days," Riley lamented.


    "Take your servant and travel safely. May you have better luck in the future," the guard on the right said with a bow.


    "Were you talking to them?" Tobias asked, having been left out of the loop.


    "Obviously, I was conducting diplomacy," Riley explained.


    "I can feel you grinning even if I can''t see it. Did you make me look like a fool?" Tobias complained, drafting off her emotions.


    "I''d never do that. I was outlining our unique arrangement, and we''re out, aren''t we?" She replied.


    Tobias only sighed in response.


    "How much longer?"


    "There is a thicket of jungle not far from here, no more than thirty minutes walk. We will rendezvous with Birch there," Terrox assured.


    Having no better choice, they each followed until, about ten minutes in, they turned off the main road onto a disused and overgrown path.


    A human was waiting in an old grove with his hood up. Terrox held up her hand and crouched low, blending into the night.


    "What''s the matter?" Tobias whispered.


    "Something smells wrong," She prompted.


    Riley scented the air. "That''s blood, fresh."


    "Yes, and that magic, it is not Birch!" Terrox replied.


    "You can come out, I''ve already heard you! " The figure said, with his back still turned.


    "Where is Birch! What is the meaning of this?!?" Terrox demanded, rising like an oak.


    "Oh there''s been a change in plans," the man turned to reveal a blood-soaked face.


    Kicking at the ground, a ball-like object arched through the ear with a sickening plop.


    Terrox growled with menace as she regarded the human head that stopped its motion just a few feet from her.


    "That is Birch... This is Enemy... We fight!" She cried, drawing the massive claymore off her back.

 Chapter 126: The Infernal Puppet

    Chapter 126


    Riley shook her head, trying to make sense of what she was seeing, all while a mournful roar ripped through the peace of the night.


    Terrox had tilted back their head, emitting a call that echoed for miles, which sent Riley to the dirt, her paws slapped over her ears in a nearly useless protective action.


    Even Tobias gripped his ears in pain as the killer smiled all the wider.


    "No fair! No fair. If you''re calling for your clan, I''m calling for my friends," the fiend demanded, stomping his feet like a child.


    Riley forced her eyes open, sounds sounding distant and different after the audio assault, only to watch the man act like a petulant brat.


    She shook her head, still not trusting her eyes, "Tobias... am I losing it? Do you see that?" she cried, doubtful of her current reality.


    The man quit stomping in a tiny circle only to rub his hands together gleefully. Next, he bowed.


    "What do you see beyond the antics of this idiot?" Tobias had drawn his sword as Terrox''s eyes locked on her one target.


    "Smells strange. Other creatures. Infernal beings," Terrox sniffed at the air, holding her position in defense.


    "There''s coalescent shadow everywhere, moving like it''s a ritual. One''s behind him, puppeteering him like a marionette," she said before casting analyze.


    Wigstan, Faeblind Human, Infernal Servant, 2-10


    Necromancy, Immune to Poison, and Status Effects, Detects magic, Unholy Speed


    Terrifying ghouls, in search of blood, terrorize your neighborhood.


    "And I''m bored," he let his hands hang down in front of him dejectedly.


    "Oh! I know what to do. I''ll take your head, capture your companion, and eviscerate this idiot for calling her friends."


    Terrox, tired of waiting, charged as the shadows seemed to thicken around them as if the night was actually closing in.


    Wigstan yawned dramatically before rolling out of the way, letting his hands drag behind him, breaking and tearing open fingers in the process.


    Black blood streaked then seeped across the ground as his hands erupted in a pulse of black magical energy.


    "Stay still!" Terrox charged again as Wigstan ragdolled up at the waist, his hands hanging as if naturally unanimated.


    With an action that started at the shoulder, he forced his hands to shake; the fingers snapped back into place, sending more droplets of blood everywhere.


    That''s when Riley realized the head of Birch''s mouth was snapping in her direction.


    "Gah! Son of a bitch!" She quickly jumped back as Tobias began to run forward, only for an arm to erupt out of the ground and catch his heel, sending him flying towards Wigstan in an uncontrolled fall.


    The fiend''s arms found their strength and, balling his right into a fist, brought it up in a vicious uppercut, striking Tobias directly in the solar plexus.


    Riley heard ribs give way as he groaned in pain while ancient Dracovani and human skeletons began to pull themselves up from the ground.


    "Gotta love the old haunts. Long, long ago, people like me were worshipped. Reve...!" He was interrupted by a vicious swing from Terrox that almost took off his head.


    He pulled back in the nick of time but still lost his nose. It went flying and hit a tree as Riley pulled at her power, buying time for Tobias to roll away with a muffled scream, one hand holding his sword, the other holding his aching rib.


    "Would you shut the fuck up!" She cried.


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    The magic found its purchase in roots and fragments of seed, long dormant within the compacted soil. Animated by her life magic, brambles sprang forth, tying down the skeletons that had just made their way up from the hard-packed dirt. Their ancient bones mired in hard, dry clay from countless years of being sequestered underground.


    Righteous Flame, Flame Wall


    The bramble immolated in celestial fury as the skeletons flashed to dust.


    "That was not nice!" Wigstan complained.


    Terrox leapt through the flame, trusting in her scales, cutting with her massive claymore it moved with the agility of a rapier in her enormous claw. Holding it one-handed, the easily thirty-pound blade moved with grace and finesse, slicing through the air with an audible whump.


    Wigstan moved in a circle, with cat-like speed, just out of reach of the blade. The cavity that held his nose leaking black-tainted blood down his throat, covering his face and armor and darkening the golden torc around his neck.


    Tobias downed a health potion, his face a masque of pain as the ribs snapped back into place.


    Ashen-faced, he used his sword like a cane, pulling himself up before pausing to take a few moments to breathe.


    Terrox was keeping Wigstan harried, still in hot pursuit, allowing Riley to rush over to Tobias'' side.


    An ominous rustle and the snapping of branches from the jungle brought grim tidings.


    "That does not sound good," Riley said, challenging Captain Obvious for the crown.


    "He''s way more powerful than he should be," Tobias gasped.


    Wigstan drew his sword, and instead of stepping back, flanked to the right.


    Terrox fell for the ruse and drove right beside him.


    Wigstan thrust his sword expertly between the armor plates. Terrox cried out in pain, countering with a whip of her tail.


    Wigstan went flying, his body breaking and folding like a shut book as it split a tree in two, the action heralded by the snapping of a myriad of bones.


    He congealed in a broken mass, bloody and torn, eyes still sparkling with menace, cackling in either pain or delight.


    "By the dead Gods, how is he still alive?" Riley boggled.


    The bubbling stream of laughter roared to a cascade of cackles as a mass of shadow coalesced down to one point; a red lion materialized with glowing black eyes, shining like obsidian jewels wreathed in purple fire, all as a host of the dead emerged from the murky night surrounding them.


    Terrox, with blood dripping from her armor, flew in a mighty leap, sailing over Tobias'' head, and began cutting down the dead behind them in fluid, pulverizing motions, cleaving the undead like tearing paper, ignoring the blood dripping down her armor.


    "Wigstan quit dawdling. Stand up," The lion ordered, pausing to lick a paw.


    As if the words themselves were a healing spell on shattered legs, Wigstan moved like the cat was pulling him by invisible strings, the writhing mass animated and straightened while the zombies and skeletons shuffled forth.


    "I''m really beginning to hate this case," Tobias remarked with a weary sigh as four vials appeared interspersed between his fingers.


    With a downward casting action, he hurled them in the direction of the zombies surrounding them in a half-moon arch, closing in on them in a 180-degree line.


    Four massive explosions soon followed, peppering them with dirt, rocks, and burning bits of still-smoldering bramble, followed by arms, limbs, and pieces of bone.


    One shard zipped across Tobias'' cheek, crossing his scar from his trials.


    Fresh red blood leaked down as his face twisted into a grin. "Successful test!"


    "Expensive test," Riley countered.


    "You say this now? Fight!" He drew his sword again and began to charge for the lion, who braced his paws and roared.


    Instead of striking with sound, they hit with the force of a gusting wind, knocking Tobias back and sending him cartwheeling into a bush.


    "My arm!" He cried.


    "Hold on!" Riley shouted, casting healing halo, followed by analyze.


    Leon caip¨ªn dearg, Level 2-10, Infernal, Elite


    Kinetic Mage, Unholy Speed, Bloodthirsty.


    Murder as an art form. He''s ready to paint his masterpiece.


    Terrox''s wound stitched closed as Tobias'' arm snapped into place, causing him to stifle another scream before a stamina potion appeared in his left hand.


    Doubt flooded his mind as he stumbled up, the pain ringing through his abused body.


    "All of my training, everything I''ve done, and we''re just barely holding our own..." He whispered quietly as the world seemed to draw in around him.


    "Focus through the fear! The lion is the key to all of this!" Riley shouted.


    "How perceptive. Normally celestials are damnably blind," Leon critiqued, idly examining his claws.


    Tobias heard the shuffle again, and more dead erupted, drawing his focus while Riley stared down the lion and Wigstan whispered his spells, his hands glowing black, and his eyes closed, defended by his master.


    An occasional childish giggle suffused his casting as he worked his infernal magics, calling the dead to his aid.


    "I''ll show you how blind I am!" Riley countered.


    "Such bravado, you bore me, but if you want death, who am I to argue?" The cat yawned, arching back into a pouncing position.


    Righteous flame/Chaos Cracker


    The magic sailed true and hit exactly where the lion had been, one second too late.


    A red line sparked across the battlefield, appearing behind Riley.


    With a swish of his tail, wreathed in black burning magical power, he tapped Riley as he went by.


    Her shield bracelet glowed as a bubble of force snapped around her before shattering, hitting with the full force of a club, knocking her to the ground, smacking her muzzle hard.


    "Kumquat..." She sputtered, as the stars danced in her vision.


    "Fae armor! Thief! Usurper! Celestial Filth!" Leon spat, swishing his lethal tail in annoyance.


    "You want it back? Come take it, bitch." Riley replied, stumbling up on her paws.


    Tobias, enraged, jumped between her and the lion, disrupting his focus.


    The twisted creature drew his muzzle to the ground and growled, his tail swishing with dangerous intent.


    "I''ll say this once. Leave here, take your wounded reptile, and abandon the celestial. Do this, and you shall live. I''ll even see you have a comfortable place in the new order," Leon offered.


    "Whatever you think you''re about to accomplish, I''m going to burn it to ashes," Tobias retorted.


    "Oh such bravado," The cat yawned. "This is tiresome. Oh well, I suppose you both die then."

 Chapter 127: A fight to the death

    Chapter 127


    Magic flashed, Terrox roared, and Tobias dove and charged. The battle pitched like a metronome.


    Righteous Flame/ Plant Whisperer


    Vines erupted from the ground and came alive with white, celestial fire.


    Focusing her will and magic, she slammed the life energy into them, healing them as fast as they were consumed.


    The three vines laid waste to the undead coming through, keeping a clear arena, allowing Terrox and Tobias to pursue the lion and his infernal, human puppet.


    Tobias'' head was wreathed in sweat. Terrox panted but undaunted, pressed on.


    With a ferocious roar, Leon darted past Terrox, his tail striking her knee.


    With a crack, she went down and bellowed a roar, but instead of collapsing under the wave of pain, she rolled and caught the lion with the flat of her blade, sending him flying, bouncing off a rock with a groan.


    Three of his ribs green sticked, erupting out of his flesh, as black-tinted blood flowed.


    Healing Halo


    Riley''s spell hit Tobias and Terrox both, snapping joints and healing wounds, but both were gaining new scars.


    She saw dark magic swirl around the lion while Wigstan leapt, his arms hanging loose, before spinning like pinwheels as he cartwheeled through the air.


    A familiar black blade appeared in his hand. Suddenly firming up, he came down in a vicious swipe.


    Tobias Caught the blade with a two-handed defensive grip. Still, he flowed with it, allowing the momentum to push him out of danger, exposing Wigstan''s flank.


    With quick action, rotating at the wrist, Tobias cut two deep vertical gashes into the back of the fiend, severing bone and spinal cord.


    The lion began to stumble up on his paws, flesh, and bones knitting as he did so.


    "Oh no, you don''t!" Riley could see her mana bar blinking in warning. Bracing her paws, she reached for Mana Vampire.


    The spell hit Leon, siphoning his power. Riley tugged with all her might, greedily drinking down his infernal energies.


    The bar rapidly filled, maxing out, yet Riley held the cast, intent on ending the fight.


    "No... I will not let it end this way." With a force of will so strong as to tug Riley forward, she felt as much as she saw the ball of coalescent energy glow between his paws.


    Leon unleashed it, slamming it into the earth through Wigstan, who sat up and then rolled out of the way of Tobias, moving carefully in for the kill.


    Sensing his master''s plight, he charged for Riley as Terrox weaved and worked through more waves of undead, trying to come up from behind.


    Leon began to desiccate, dried skin pulled taught over his broken ribs, exposing their jagged outlines like new mountain peaks, tenting under dried flesh as black blood began to weep from his eyes.


    "I... am... going to end you!" She cried, wrestling with her own demons all the while, losing all sense of the battle and the dangers at hand.


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    Wigstan was moving with speed towards her.


    "Look out!" Tobias cried, breaking into a slow and sluggish run as he noticed his own stamina bar blinking like a taunt, his body singing a choir of myriad agonies.


    She looked up, breaking her spell, as Leon collapsed to the ground.


    Riley''s eyes contracted in fear as she saw death on a collision course towards her.


    Mere inches away, Wigstan was on the descent, the black blade gleaming in the tepid orange flames burning all around them.


    In that instant, she felt Tobias cast...Fire Bolt


    It sailed and hit the fiend, throwing off his attack. He slammed down to the ground, landing on top of Riley.


    Her bracelet glowed and pulsed with a flash before the light went out, and the barrier broke, bathing her in flames.


    Terrox, with a roar, swung her tail, knocking Wigstan off the hare, allowing her free movement.


    Burning like a candle, Riley screamed, "Stop, drop, and roll! Stop, drop, and roll!" Wrestling with her instincts to flee, to run off into the forest like a burning, wailing ember.


    Cool ground met her as she rudely tossed herself around over and over again before Tobias finally got to her, wrenching off his cloak, smothering what flames were left.


    Terrox kept them covered as Tobias forced a healing potion between her singed lips.


    Shuttering, nearing shock, Riley weakly lapped it down as the pain mercifully eased while healed nerves still echoed the burn.


    Still, her world fuzzed until Tobias forced a stamina potion down through the other side of her muzzle.


    "Does she live?"


    "Bar-B-qued, but alive. God, that sucked," Riley gasped weakly. "Please tell me that scream earlier wasn''t just for show."


    "We must hold, but help is coming." She assured.


    "Protect her." Tobias, without ceremony, let Riley spill out onto the ground, then rose and drove his sword through the neck of the burning Wigstan.


    Not waiting, he pulled the blade, thrusting it through his heart, then each of his lungs in a desperate, stabbing motion.


    "Do you realize how hard it is to find a human worth training!" Leon spat, stumbling up on rapidly healing paws, looking much more like the zombies he called, the black blood cascading like ebony tears, framing his muzzle as smoke rose from his singed mane.


    Leon wavered and almost stumbled, revealing his false bravado before he braced his paws and roared.


    "Oh boy... That''s a huge swell of power," Riley warned.


    Wigstan spasmed and sat up once again, but all the light of life from his eyes was gone.


    With a vicious swipe, his arm bending unnaturally towards the back in a sudden swing, he impacted Tobias and knocked him away, sending him flying, as his ribs snapped, fusing to his spinal column, before exploding out his skin in bony protrusion.


    "Tobias!" Riley cried, only to see him down a healing potion.


    Checking their inventory, she realized it was their last one.


    Wigstan rose upon the new limbs like a giant insect, his coccyx elongating into a scorpion-like tail, as horns grew up long and arcing from his forehead, competing with elongating fang-like teeth, that cut his own skin to the bone as they protruded down past his jaw and up towards his eyes.


    Meanwhile, a disquieting rumbling rolled through the forest yet again.


    "Get behind, cast in support, target the lion. I will take care of the abomination," Terrox whispered.


    Riley, still smoking, with singed fur and burned ear tips, took up her position as desperate inspiration seized her, pushing her to cast as she never had before.


    Mana Vampire/Plant Whisperer...


    New vines exploded forth from the ground, so black they almost disappeared into the night. Glistening with obsidian skin, they shot towards Leon.


    The cat went to dodge, only for his left front paw to collapse, slamming his muzzle into the dirt as the vines beat upon his battered body before wrapping around him.


    Riley, visualizing her intent, curled her front paws into the ground.


    Heeding her will, the plants tightened around the cat''s body and neck, strangling off his airway as the cursed vines drank down his mana.


    Her bar began filling once again as once-living animals broke into the clearing, followed by even more zombies and skeletons.


    A yellow flash blinked across the battlefield. In its wake, heads of skeletons and undead animals fell left and right like broken toys.


    Riley thought she saw some vague humanoid figure for the briefest of seconds, before the yellow streak appeared again and more fiends fell.


    Terrox bellowed a joyful roar as she danced around the fiend that once was Wigstan, bobbing and weaving, swiping, going for the creature''s mobility.


    With a swipe of her blade, she took three of the bony ribs, then another, as Riley felt Leon''s death near.


    The last of the current wave of Zombies fell as Tobias began to move for Leon, sword held out behind him.


    Before Riley could drain him fully, he drove his black blade through his head, trusting Terrox to keep the undead monstrosity at bay.


    With the cat''s death, what remained of Wigstan fell, dissolving into black and red muck like a deluge, spreading out in a fetid pool.


    In the aftermath, a new figure came into view, dressed in loose-fitting black linens with a black mask covering his face. Only his eyes were visible.


    An obsidian torc was around his neck, and a scimitar-like black blade was in his hand.


    "Caedmon, my love!" Terrox cried as the mysterious ranger put on his burst of speed once more, landing in her arms.


    "Hello sweetheart, I came as soon as I could." He said before looking towards Riley and Tobias with a nod.

 Chapter 128: Dangerous Shadows

    Chapter 128


    Caedmon stared down at the head of Ranger Birch, now finally allowed its eternal rest.


    "He was my station chief. I served under him for years." His eyes looked lost and, somehow, betrayed.


    Terrox drew up beside him and set her tail against the back of his knees. "He was a good man who paid on time and was not given to complications. This one will miss him."


    "I''m fine," Caedmon turned away, shutting his eyes as if trying to shut out the harsh realities sinking in before looking towards Tobias.


    "You aren''t, and no one would expect you to be alright," Tobias set a hand on the Ranger''s shoulder.


    Caedmon shrugged it off, "The mission comes first. I can grieve later. It''s what Birch would have wanted."


    "We are the tip of the blade. We serve, and we bleed for the Ashenrealm," Tobias agreed.


    He held out his hand, which was swathed in tight-wrapped fabric akin to bandages. Only his fingers were free and exposed to air, "For the Ashenrealm. I''m Caedmon, as you''ve heard, call sign Fir. I take it you''re Rowan?"


    Tobias clasped his arm. "Ranger Tobias, you''re correct, and this is Ranger Riley, Greenbriar."


    "Hello," Battle weary, burned, and exhausted, even the effort to sit up caused her to ache.


    "I''ve heard tale of the four legged Ranger. Did she gain sapience, or was she born with it?" Cademon asked as the hare flattened her ears in annoyance.


    "I was born with it, and I''m right here. Talk to me if you want to know about me," Riley snapped.


    Caedmon shrank back, "I''m sorry, I meant no disrespect."


    "You didn''t. I shouldn''t be so cranky, so why are you dressed like a ninja with a scimitar?" She countered.


    "Nenja with a sci-ma-tur?" He mouthed the strange, untranslateable words as Terrox''s reptilian eyes sparkled with interest.


    "He''s of the Westguard. They have a slightly different manner of dress," Tobias answered.


    "Yes, I summered here in my youth. My parents worked in the embassy, but Westguard was the nearest magical academy to these lands. After my trials, I was recruited into the Rangers, and my background convinced Central I would serve well here. How did you come into the service?"


    "Fished from a portal, sold as a companion, and then Tobias lucked out and got me as a Trials present." Riley summarized.


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    "I see. That''s quite the journey," The masked Ranger nodded in ascent.


    "Excuse me, but we should not tarry. With Birch dead, contact must be made to command, and we must operate as if we are compromised. Enough time has passed for rest and the establishment of new alliances. We go." Terrox urged and, not waiting, began to trudge back the way she came through the brush.


    "Harvest the tail of the lion and take the golden torc from Wigstan. I''ll slow Terrox down, but she''s right; we''ve wasted too much time as it is," Caedmon urged as Tobias nodded in agreement, setting to the grisly task.


    "Shouldn''t we discuss where to go first?" Riley asked.


    "Not here is a start," Caedmon replied, moving agilely through the brush, staying two steps behind and to the right of the trudging Terrox. "My love, slow down. We have to take our bounties."


    The massive reptile only groaned in response as Tobias yanked the golden torc from Wigstan''s neck, placing it in their inventory.


    "Were you aware of Birch''s mission?" Tobias called up to the bushwacking duo as he and Riley scurried to catch up.


    "You mean to investigate the murders or to fetch you?" Caedmon called back before tapping Terrox on the shoulder. "We hold here, for a moment,


    I want to make contact before we get to the road."


    "What murders?" Riley asked as Tobias narrowed his eyes.


    "Desiccated victims, all with ties to humans," Terrox began as Fir held up his hand.


    "Let me check in before we talk any further," Caedmon removed a crystal from a pouch on his belt.


    "Fir, Birch is felled, Rowan and Greenbriar still standing. Landslide. Overrun, Scythe Moon, Compass Rose."


    "Authenticator?" Came the terse reply.


    "By high sun and high moon, does the light of Galdor illumine our lives, over sea, hill, and dale, upturned points like crescent moons, guide our way."


    "Standby."


    The crystal pulsed from amber to a familiar purple a scant thirty seconds later.


    "Relay, Refuge, Milkmaid, Evergreen, Right Hand, Shadow fall."


    "Acknowledged," The Ranger replied. Moments later, the crystal dimmed.


    "That''s a different codebook than what we use," Riley remarked.


    "It''s different for each station," he replied, looking to his left and right with a sigh.


    "But there''s been a series of murders with desiccated victims?" Riley asked.


    "Later, we''re on a deadline." Caedmon urged.


    Tobias sighed. "What''s the plan?"


    "We make for the embassy in Avanagarde. A few hours down is a tavern that''s friendly to us. We''ll pick up cockatrice mounts and then ride hard after a bit of rest."


    "Will I have a way of contacting my station chief on arrival?" Tobias asked.


    "Every embassy has a relay crystal. It should be no problem. You''re out of the Ashenvale, correct?" Caedmon asked.


    Terrox growled low, "Talk and move humans."


    She broke through the bush. The road was just ahead.


    "Yes, we''ve been investigating the murder of desiccated victims and tracked down the culprit, but only one of them. The one that left a visible wound." Tobias replied, working to establish trust.


    "Two kinds of victims, interesting. You fell through a portal skip, right? That would explain a few things, but how would the monster get back if you couldn''t?" Caedmon asked, speaking in a hushed whisper.


    No one was out. The night was humid and warm, in defiance of the autumnal season in the Ashenrealm.


    "That seems obvious to me. Whoever owned that space was opening the door for him. There''s a hidden perpetrator, maybe a whole cadre of them," Riley surmised.


    "You and Birch together. If there is a mastermind and they knew that you were both investigating, that would be to good an opportunity to pass up," Caedmon looked down in shock.


    "Which is why they sent such a powerful team. There''s something sinister working in the shadows. It''s undeniable," Tobias agreed.


    "This is quickly becoming a Kingdom level threat. We need to make for Avanagarde and bring the Ranger Central up to speed," Caedmon urged.


    "There isn''t a moment to lose. I fear things are in motion already," Tobias blanched pale as the party quickened towards a run.

 Chapter 129: Riding Hard for Avanagarde

    Chapter 129


    The hot sun beat down upon them, warming the black leathery skin of the already hot cockatrice, as their meaty claws beat down upon hard, scrabble earth, jolting Riley awake yet again.


    "I''d kill for an unbroken hour of sleep." She groaned.


    Within their connection, she could feel Tobias'' misery and discomfort as well, the heat baking him in his black cloak, the sticky feeling that came from hours of sweating, and the general fatigue of almost two days without sufficient rest.


    "We''re almost halfway. We''ll be switching mounts soon. Try to catch some more sleep," Tobias urged, good naturedly ignoring his own suffering.


    "Oh, if I get anything more than fifteen minutes of light and broken sleep,I''m groggy the whole day," Riley glowered.


    After a scant hour at the inn, procuring what supplies they could, they were back underway with the rising of the sun, riding like hell for Avanagarde.


    Riley sighed, pressed up against Tobias. The sweat leaking out from his jerkin was making things uncomfortably moist, but there was little she could do about it, stretched out sideways over their mount like some kind of hunting prize.


    Being pressed up against a sweaty human was better than falling off at speed, after all...


    Or being in the rucksack.


    "I don''t bounce as much, at least," she mused, counting her blessings.


    The scenery pitched and rolled in syncopation with the claw beats of the running creature, its hot breath and laboring heart audible to her sensitive ears.


    A lathering foam was covering the poor beast''s mouth as it ran for all its worth towards their intended direction.


    Small tufts of jungle delineated the borders of acres of cleared lands, growing the tea Tobias loved so much. It was becoming familiar to see Dracovani clans working in the fields, many wearing broad straw hats, each with an opening allowing their horns to protrude through.


    Riley yawned, her mind drifting to the particular thicket of jungle where they had battled the night before. It was the last place she had been anywhere near cool.


    "Prompts... I''ll get caught up with my prompts," she said to herself, all as she felt Tobias begin to dip, his head drooping in accordance with the feeling of extreme fatigue over their bond before he straightened up and slapped himself.


    "Don''t hog all the fun. Can I help?" She quipped, going for humor, still her tone was testy.


    He only grumbled in response.


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    "I''m sorry," Riley mentioned, willing the interface forward.


    A deluge of windows surged forward, making her dizzy.


    You have defeated Hedwig, faeblind infernal servant.


    You have consumed a portion of his mana and his soul.


    Riley shuddered to consider the implications of such a deed.


    You have reached level 2-8. Congratulations! All abilities have increased.


    You have unlocked the ability "Prompt Brevity."


    Your neglect of a core informational system intrinsic to your being has altered its expression in the magic. You will now receive information in a more compressed format.


    You have unlocked the boon, "Balance in all things."


    When faced with a greater temptation to give into the darker side of your nature, you tempered this with wisdom and still found reason to trust yourself. This greater confidence has buffeted your soul, granting all abilities an increase in potency.


    Quickly, she flipped through them. "Zombies X 73... Oh, I''m nearing another threshold... Holy shit!"


    You have consumed much of the essence of an elite infernal, defeating a true enemy of all celestials. This was a being of deep and ancient power, adding an additional experience modifier to your progression bonus.


    You have reached Level 2-9. Congratulations! All spells are currently at 25% progression to level 2-10


    You have unlocked "Ascendancy."


    Your immortal soul and unique nature are continuing to define your mortal existence, pushing you toward a horizon. The continued exposure of immortal energies have unlocked long hidden pathways of progression in the magic.


    Continue to level up to discover more.


    Your analyze ability has evolved to Celestial Insight. Congratulations!


    You will now be able to sense a being''s alignment and opinion of you, along with other information. This will work for all tier one and tier two creatures unless restricted by item or deity.


    Your bonded soul has transferred access to these abilities to your partner.


    Your dimensional storage has increased. You now have space for 75 items. Congratulations!


    "I wonder what ascendancy does?" Riley stared at the translucent screen staring back at her, with the baking landscape just behind, showing her character sheet and Tobias'', each revealing that they were at level 2-9 and almost to the pinnacle, 2-10.


    And then what? She knew that there was a time when you stopped growing and reached the top of your game. She had never encountered anyone beyond 2-10. Even Cid, her demonic trainer, was 2-10, and it was common knowledge that your tier was where you lived and died.


    All of society in the Ashenrealm was based on that rule. Second Tiers lived and died as Second Tiers.


    But maybe not¡­


    "I guess I''ll find out. I really need to check my prompts more," she said to herself as the cockatrice began to slow.


    Perking up, hoping for relief, there was a squat, three-story building set just off the road ahead, with a stable out front.


    "An inn, thank the Gods!" Riley proclaimed, dismissing her windows.


    Caedmon was riding at the fore next to Terrox atop a massive cockatrice.


    They slowed, drawing up alongside Tobias, whose eyes were squinted both against the sun and the fatigue he felt.


    "We must make haste, friend, but we must also be certain to rest. What say you to a few hours of sleep, a wash, and a meal?" Caedmon asked.


    "Can we afford it?" Tobias looked back as their mounts synchronized through what Riley presumed was instinct.


    "I''ve been watching you droop in the saddle, and I''m not all that better. It''ll do no good to arrive in Avanagarde dead or injured. We''ve each taken enough damage as is," he replied, his eyes smiling out from his loose-fitting mask.


    "Are you hot in that thing?" Riley asked.


    "Oh terribly, I''ve leather armor on underneath. The robes billow and move air, but they''re still black. It was better when I was a student. We wore grey robes," he sighed wistfully.


    "A wash, some rest, and a meal would certainly help," Tobias concluded.


    "Then let us make haste for the inn and hope the tap is cold and the bathwater hot," Caedmon laughed jovially before spurring his mount forward.

 Chapter 130: Avanagarde at last

    Chapter 130


    "We''re Rangers of the Ashenvale! Open the gates! Make way!" Caedmon cried, riding hard.


    Riley pressed against Tobias for dear life as he compressed her body against the beast while he leaned over the reins, spurring the cockatrice on.


    Grease caked her fur from being pressed up against Tobias; every scent was tinged with the miasma of sweat and effort, both human and animal.


    The most frightening part was that this was becoming normal. Her brain was already passively deleting the extraneous information all as it streamed in from every sense.


    This was merely the latest insult, the latest challenge to be endured until it stopped for a few moments that were all too brief.


    Spying their black cloaks and human visage, or perhaps because they knew Caedmon, the gates parted, revealing an inner wall with yet another gate made of heavy jointed lumber, allowing no view into the inner courtyard.


    Just behind, a structure towered up, perfectly centered within its inner walls, but from Riley''s vantage, all she caught was a crystal spire that reminded her somewhat of the Ashenrealm Cathedral.


    Dashing through, Caedmon pulled up the reins, causing the cockatrice to rear back and skid, almost toppling over, allowing Tobias to catch up.


    A moment later, they were both stopped, with the outer gate closed behind them. Calls went out to guards manning posts up on the wall as Riley caught sight of various auras of power snap into being.


    "Stand ready!" Called the soldier on the right.


    "Ready on the wall!" Came an echo in chorus.


    "Ranger Caedmon, where''s Ranger Stithulf? Is there danger?" Asked the guard on the left, who was wearing a golden torc.


    "No immediate danger, but be ready. Sithulf is gone, felled in battle, but avenged by Ranger Tobias, Riley, and I," Panting, he dismounted before indicating behind him.


    "Good morrow, Ranger. Should we be expecting Riley?" The other guard asked.


    Tobias eased off the saddle before gripping Riley gently, setting her on the ground.


    "I''m Ranger Riley, and yes, I know I''m unusual. Second Tier, talking, hopping beast at your service," she groaned.


    "The Gods and their ways!" The soldier marveled.


    Everything hurt. She smelled like a mix between a human and a reptile, which caused her stomach to quiver and threaten rebellion.


    "At least it''s empty," She moaned pitifully as the guards regarded her with interest.


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    "You must be tired. Are we safe? You came in hard!" They asked while the one on the right spied out the gate looking for trouble.


    "We''re safe for the moment but on a mission. I''ve been riding hard on a retrieval," Caedmon explained.


    "And that''s where you lost Sithulf. A pity, he was a good soul and will be missed." The guard said.


    "He will. He was my commander," Caedmon looked down at the ground.


    Terrox pressed her tail against his knees.


    "He lived well and will be remembered well. Let us all hope we can honor his memory by meeting the same fate. Such a soul has nothing to fear from death. His deeds will tell the truth of him to the Gods he honored," Terrox intoned.


    "Amen," Riley said, inspiring more looks from the Guard.


    "Excuse me, fellows, we''ve tarried too long as it is. Please clear us as we have urgent business," Caedmon affirmed, rising up to his full height before pulling off his hooded mask for the first time.


    Deeply bronzed skin and fierce brown eyes formed a subtle contrast to curly, raven black hair so dark it almost seemed tinted blue. White ink tattoos formed down his jaw in artful loops and crests before chasing down his neck.


    "Everyone talks so fancy around here," Riley whispered to Tobias, who cracked a smirk, his white smile contrasting against his dirt-smeared face.


    "May the light of the Thirteen guide you, open the gates!" The Captain of the Guard cried.


    "For the Ashenrealm!" Echoed in chorus.


    "Rah, rah, rah," Riley muttered under her breath.


    The inner doors creaked open, revealing an oasis-like compound with a massive fountain streaming into the air, set in front of a white art deco gothic structure that screamed to Riley "Ashenrealm," complete with four towers and a crystal spire, jutting up from the back.


    "I will return later. See to your business, and ready my payment," Terrox rumbled, ever focused.


    "Certainly," Caedmon said with a practiced professionalism.


    They both nodded content in their obfuscation before the guard.


    Entering in revealed water channels radiating out from the draining fountain that fed beautiful flower gardens and cooled the air, making the evening much more pleasant.


    "Come on, Riley." Tobias prompted, seeing her veer in the direction of some of the flowering clover amidst the plants.


    "Whhhyyy?" She whined before firming up, finding her discipline.


    Caedmon led them not through the main entrance but instead veered to the right and went in through a near-hidden door, letting them into a staircase at the back right tower.


    A cool burst of air blew up from an inner staircase as he unlocked and opened the door.


    The air grew humid as they descended three stories, and the wall grew dark and damp, leaving parts of the natural, rough-hewn stone gleaming under blue crystal lamplight.


    Riley entered what, to her eyes, looked like a war room, and within it was the largest com crystal she had ever seen.


    Dominating the back half of the large room, it towered up at least ten feet high, barely missing the ceiling by a scant few inches. Just in front on either wall were two doors, and nearest the front, sat into a corner was a massive table, with all manner of charts and scrolls spread across it, with a map of the Dracovani realm tacked to the wall.


    "Ok, let''s report in," Caedmon said, moving over to the table. Up against the wall were a series of chairs. He set three in a loose ring, allowing each of them to take a seat.


    "I''d like to check in with Sabine first, then loop in Ranger Central with her on the line. She should be able to transfer back through the relay in Ashenvale, correct?" Tobias asked.


    "Aye, oh, I suppose you''ll be needing a key''d in crystal. Just a minute," he disappeared through one of the doors. Next, the sound of him rummaging through crates and drawers reached Riley''s sensitive ears.


    "Ah ha!" He emerged a moment later and tossed the crystal over towards Tobias, who caught it in his left hand.


    "Thank you," Tobias said, turning his focus towards the crystal. It glowed clear for a moment, then, guided by his intent, flashed and finally turned a solid purple.


    "Rowan, Greenbriar, Secure, Willow... Flash, Update, Forest Fire."


    "Passphrase," came the familiar voice of Sabine through the crystal.


    "By the light of Arctos and the power of Galdor do we walk the path in half night and high sun," Tobias replied.


    "I got word you ended up in Delos. What the hell is going on, Rangers?" She snapped, sounding more worried than mad.


    "A lot, verify secure? We have a lot to talk about." Tobias replied.

 Chapter 131: War amongst the shadows

    Chapter 131


    The conversation had drug on for the better part of an hour.


    Riley''s head bobbed as even the will to focus her words was becoming a tedium. Still, an electric current of tension in the air kept zapping her awake.


    "Multiple fae blinded second tiers, many with more power than they should have, operating on multiple continents, through Portal skips... By the dead gods, Rangers, you had one simple assignment. How did it lead to this?" Sabine''s voice sounded haggard over the crystal. A long, slow breath rattled through the air like a chill winter wind in autumn.


    "Hedwig was a cover, as was Wigstan on this side, but the Infernal running him wanted Riley," Tobias reported.


    "Riley? You left that out." Sabine challenged.


    "It''s because it''s the one piece I''ve been struggling to put together, but it tracks. What if our encounter at Timbergarde wasn''t just about revenge but about her, too, something this..." Tobias paused, grasping for the right word, fatigue eating at his coherence, "Cabal wants or needs?"


    "That feels like a leap. Every time I get around an infernal, there''s this low-key rage that hits like an instinct. It makes sense that it would work both ways," Riley countered.


    "You''re part celestial, but you have a similar mana feeding ability. We can''t overlook that aspect. All of this is tied to infernal, and all points to a wider conspiracy spread out amongst the disaffected within the second tier. Hold position. I need to bring in Central on this. Keep your crystal nearby," without further preamble, the glow dimmed before winking out in his hand.


    "This way," Caedmon rose and led them across the room through the back left door, revealing a series of shower stalls in a locker room format.


    Walking over to a cabinet set up against a wall, revealed rows of clean white soap, of which he took one.


    "Get clean, we''ll get a quick meal, and we''ll wait for the thunderstorm of shit to rain down upon us. There''s dark clouds on the horizon," Caedmon sighed, looking as if he was carrying all of Calaria on his shoulders.


    "Do you want to go first?" Tobias offered to Riley.


    Riley felt her ears flush, "That''s sweet of you, but just help me get this armor off. We all need to wash, and I''ll nap while I wait."


    There was a particular space of bench that looked inviting underneath, shadowed, with a good view of the door and a row of lockers to one side, offering security and nominal privacy. It was close to everything she wanted at that moment.


    Tobias ruffled her ears before going down on one knee. Her armor sloughed off with an audible jingling thwump, allowing the air to fully reach her back fur for the first time in days.


    Eyes half-lidding in sudden relief, Riley splayed out her forepaws before slinking under the bench.


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    "Take your time," she yawned.


    "I''m gonna..." Her world went black mid-sentence as she found herself descending rapidly into an inky black world of pure exhaustion and only the barest desert of existence.


    Eye''s fluttering open after what seemed like a moment later; her nose flooded with the now foreign smell of soaps with a heady mix of steam.


    Tobias was out of his armor, wearing instead simple linen clothes he kept stashed in their inventory, and she was in motion, gathered up in his arms.


    "What? When?" She scanned around from her mobile perch.


    They were halfway to the shower stall.


    "You''re just as shot as I am. I lost about ten minutes myself and woke up on the floor, leaning up against a wall. Best sleep I''ve had in days," he yawned.


    A tingle of alarm ran through her groggy mind. They were strung out and exhausted, pushed well past their limits, while a hidden enemy worked against them in the shadows, but this was the embassy. It was supposed to be safe ground, home ground, where what authority she did have mattered, and all worked for the benefit of the realm.


    She hoped. Memories of Timbergarde alone blew like a chill wind through her soul.


    The sound of a squeaky valve being turned brought her attention as Tobias tested the water before gently setting her underneath the deluge.


    Riley sat up, surprised by the warmth and the sudden relaxation in her muscles and coat before the heavy wool blanket-like blackness again claimed her.


    Flashes of awareness followed, once when her coat got jostled by a scrubbing bar of soap, again as the hot water penetrated deeper, soaking her fur, until finally she was dripping and being jostled in a large towel Tobias had gotten from somewhere.


    Broken hour of sleep that it was, she felt better.


    "Clean at last, I can''t smell you or the reptile, or me, just soap," Riley sighed in relief.


    "Which reptile, cockatrice or Dracovani?" He asked, stroking back her dripping ears.


    "Why not both?" Playfully, she shadowboxed with her forepaws, inspiring a brief slapfight from Tobias.


    "I let you nap and hosed down both of our armors. It wasn''t much, but it''s something. Everything is drying now," he reported before scanning around the room with haunted eyes.


    "Do you need food, or would you rather rest? I vote for rest."


    "Sleep is the better course. Let''s go out and tell Caedmon," She agreed.


    Walking out, they found him already napping in a chair. Used to roughing it on cathedral floors, Tobias and Riley picked out a corner, set out their bedrolls, and let the blackness claim them one final time.


    The softness and familiarity of her bed hit her like any drug Riley had ever heard of as a rush of pure euphoria rode in herald to the exhaustion chasing just behind.


    An inestimable time later, a flashing light caused her consciousness to stir like embers catching in wet grass. A heavy, wrathful grogginess mutated into a headache as her eyes forced themselves open on a blinking com crystal.


    Her throat was burning dry, and her mouth felt as if it was lined with paste.


    "Tobias..." She projected with an ironic clarity.


    His mouth clicked closed like he was part snapping turtle as he struggled to open his eyes.


    "Sabine got back to us," She reported wearily, her eyes already drifting closed.


    "Caedmon, Caedmon!" Tobias cried as the ranger startled up in his chair, instinctively reaching for his sword.


    "What? Where''s the target?" He demanded.


    "Com Crystal," Tobias reported before pulling himself up and grabbing the magical device.


    "This is Willow, authenticator: By the thirteen do we guide our lives, and keep watch against the dead Gods lest they rise again. I''ve three tenganuts for four coppers, for the right buyer? Are you interested in a trade?" The crystal snapped purple, as Riley replied.


    "I''ll take five for four if you can wait till half night. By the light of Arctos, and the power of Galdor do we walk the path in half night and high sun."


    "All three of you are on the next dragon out. It''s landing at the embassy in the morning. Your mission and orders are classified between the Generals and me, no one else. Pack what you need. Replacements for your station will be arriving and taking your place there. You will travel incognito. Draw from Embassy stores for golden torcs and robes. Documents are being transmitted via the secure channel. They will arrive within the hour and will allow the torcs to be encoded with your cover identities."


    "Back to the Ashenvale? What are our orders on arrival?" Tobias asked.


    "We prepare for a war amongst the shadows," Sabine replied.

 Chapter 132: A bit of romance

    Chapter 132


    "Dragon!" Riley proclaimed, dancing on her paws in a tight loop while Tobias and Caedmon waited with their hoods up, protecting themselves from the fierce, early morning sun.


    "How can it be almost winter at home and an inferno here?" Tobias complained, looking up at the sky and squinting his eyes in deference to the sun.


    "Axial tilt!" Riley cried in response, pausing only to loop the other way.


    Free of her armor, with her thinner fur allowed to breathe, the morning was hot, but with her ears up, it wasn''t exactly terrible.


    "Axial what?" Caedmon asked.


    "Science!" Riley cried, not slowing her dance.


    After a long night of sleep and no less than three tenganuts that morning for breakfast, life felt all the more alive again. No death marches across the tea plantations, no attacks coming out of the shadows, at least not yet... and now, in a nod to nostalgia, Tobias was back in his black robes and golden torc.


    Within the span of months, building from spring, summer, and into autumn, only to be tossed rudely back to near summer, there were years that had elapsed in time by feel. The looming uncertainties and challenges of the academy, the peril of the trials, and their training had grown to a type of fondness in her recollection.


    In progress it was miserable, and looking back, she couldn''t say it had been much fun, but things had been simpler. Without the benefit of hindsight, the knowledge she now possessed, sure, it was terrifying, but they had come through, they had survived it all, and now, as if in monument to the victories and foibles of the past, here they were, about to ride the dragon.


    "DRAGON!" Riley proclaimed again, in line with her thoughts, pausing to loop the other way.


    "Where does she get her energy?" Caedmon asked, staring down at the excitable hare as Tobias chuckled.


    "She steals it from her kills." He commented with a wry smile.


    "Hey!" Riley skidded to an abrupt halt, all as the world kept up its tumble.


    Shaking her head to reestablish a non-rotational equilibrium, she drummed her hindpaw in annoyance.


    "I had sleep and food. You watch your tone, ass!" Riley challenged.


    "Or what? I''m next?" Tobias kept up his teasing like an older brother.


    Kneeling down, he playfully shoved Riley. Skidding back, she hopped up on her hind paws and began to shadowbox.


    Tobias laughed and slapped playfully back as a lumbering shadow fell over the both of them.


    "Dragon!" Riley cried, cocking her head, only to be disappointed. "Oh, hello, Terrox."


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    "My love, I have come at the appointed time," The reptile intoned, speaking always as if near prayer, then without ceremony, bearhugged Caedmon, lifting him up off the ground.


    He kicked his feet, gasping for enough air to make words. "Put me down! We''re supposed to be undercover. We''ll be seen."


    "Oh, such a fussy mammal. Who is around to see?" Refusing to let go, she rubbed the bottom of her long muzzle through his hair before nuzzling at his cheek, stopping only to lick the spot with a long, forked tongue.


    Riley and Tobias watched with rapt interest, each fighting back the giggles, while Terrox finally set Caedmon down.


    He adjusted his robes in an attempt to combat the indignity he had suffered, blushing fiercely, which was visible in spite of the deep bronze color of his skin.


    "That is beside the point," He complained before letting his hand rest against her scaley chest.


    "They will not let me come," Terrox said, her voice near a whimper.


    "You''re a local asset; it would give us away." Caedmon agreed, mournful.


    "But you will come home to me, yes? You. You are my only one. We are clanmates. You are what I have that makes me happy. You must not die. This would anger me," her eyes were pleading, in stark contrast to her bold proclamation.


    "We''ll keep each other safe and see him home to the limit of the will of the Thirteen," Tobias swore.


    "Your heart is good and has been tested by combat and fire. May your words bear true, beyond their sentiment." In deference, she turned to bow before locking Caedmon again in her gaze.


    "Remember, you carry the memory of my fallen clan with you," she gently ran a claw down his tattooed jaw and neck.


    Yielding, Caedmon craned his head away, reveling in the touch of his love.


    Finally, he righted, focused on her, and smiled.


    "I will miss you, but carry you with me. It will be good to be back amongst my people for a time, and the threat we''ve found is real. Once handled, it is unlikely I will be taken from this place again."


    "And if reassigned?" Terrox challenged.


    "We''ve been banking my bounties for years. Wherever you go, I will follow. Wherever I go, you will follow. This is our way," Caedmon set his hand over her heart again, gazing up into her large reptilian eyes.


    "I wish I could still cry!" Riley blubbered through the mental projection before covering her nose with her paws and sucking in a deep torrent of air through it, "It''s just so beautiful."


    "Steady, dear," Tobias said, kneeling to stroke down her back.


    Riley launched into his arms as if rocket assisted, "I love you, too."


    "By the dead Gods; all these emotions flying around!" Tobias protested just as the sky darkened.


    "It is time, my love. I will come home, have faith in that," Caedmon assured.


    Terrox patted his shoulder before leaning to nuzzle once more, "I will pray to my ancestors for your return. Farewell."


    As if her emotions were on a spigot, she turned and left.


    Riley''s ears swiveled, and eyes brightened as the realization of her coming thrill ride hit her full force.


    "Dragon!" she cried, switching gears as the feeling of beating wings came down.


    This beast was larger, with silver scales, and the cabin, this time, was enclosed. Save for a bench with belts out front. Servants raced out from a small building attached to the Embassy and wheeled stairs up to the strange chamber tethered to the dragon.


    A moment later, people emerged, heading down the stairs, including three black cloaked Rangers.


    Spying Tobias and Caedmon, they gave a covert nod, before continuing about their business.


    Finally, two guard emerged, one cried out. "Make way for the Viceroy of the Commons!"


    In a near instinctual reaction, Riley pulled a veil as Tobias reached for the very same power over their bond, vanishing in place just in time as the sniveling face of Tobias'' old bully emerged on the gangway, with Mavora perched on his shoulder.


    For a moment, he looked towards Caedmon like he was regarding a bug before pounding down the stairs, storming furiously towards the main chamber of the Embassy.


    "Tobias?" Caedmon whispered.


    "Still here, but it wouldn''t do to be recognized," he called out from the ether.


    "You know the viceroy? He''s gone, by the way." Caedmon mentioned.


    Hedging his bets, Tobias let the veil stay a few more moments before letting it drop. "We went to school together, and he keeps popping up in this case."


    "And they won''t let us shake any answers out of him." Riley grumbled.


    "Politics," Caedmon spat, his face a snarl.

 Chapter 133: Tropical Dwarves

    Chapter 133


    "It''s been two days. How have you not calmed down?" Tobias asked.


    The cabin on the back of the dragon was conspicuously well-appointed.


    Comfortable chairs, set in twos, with an aisle bifurcating down the center, brought recollections of air travel she could never afford.


    "What? What!" Riley''s head jerked as if on a pull chain, snapping with rapid, precise action so harsh that her neck popped, tearing herself away from the window.


    "She''s pumping her wings, we''re banking!" She reported lost in the experience of it all.


    Tobias sighed with a curious grin on his face, reaching out his hand to pet gently down her neck.


    "At the very least, I get to enjoy some of your wonder, too," he said to himself, looking to the left.


    Caedmon was sprawled out across two seats, his mouth hanging open in a deep sleep.


    "There''s no attendants here or restroom, and it''s quieter than an airplane," Riley reflected to herself, all as her thoughts projected towards Tobias.


    He nodded dutifully but saved his questions to spare himself from the confusion they''d cause anyway.


    A sudden tug brought his attention forward to a blank metal wall with a tiny door set into it, as if exiting would somehow help should the beast have a problem.


    "I wonder what happens if she gets a cramp?" He wondered out loud, face suddenly turning pale.


    Having no armrests to grip, he instead contended himself with gripping his seat like it was the saddle horn on the saddle of a cockatrice, his heart leaping up into his throat as the terrifying sensation of falling gripped him.


    Riley, gently this time, turned her head and set her paw on his left leg.


    "We''re ok, just landing. Are you sure you don''t want the window? It might help with the fear."


    "Positive," He remarked, trying not to think of vomiting.


    "You really don''t go for this flying business," Riley observed, dueling ever with Captain Obvious.


    "I like my feet surely set on solid ground, thank you very much," he sighed.


    Riley''s wide vision allowed her to keep an eye on both him and the window. Her vision was somewhat fisheyed. With enough focus, she could catch glimpses of her tail.


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    "But that makes my head hurt like I''m trying to go crosseyed." She remarked to herself, muttering through her projection.


    "Crosseyed?" Tobias looked down at her, puzzling at the murmurs of her within his own mind, gently rolling under the boat of his consciousness.


    "Just thinking out loud. We''re landing, time for lunch break, I guess? Maybe it''s a port of call?" She pondered.


    "They did say we were coming into Alacia today. That''s the Dwarven capital city. Home of the tenganut." Tobias, in spite of his fear, grinned before a fierce bump rocketed through the cabin.


    He shut his eyes, hands flying to the sides of his seat for dear life, before cracking one eye open and scanning around.


    "We''re on the ground," he remarked, letting out a long, slow breath, his rigid form finally relaxing, puddling into the seat like he was made of liquid.


    "An Island Kingdom? Tropical Dwarves! That seems odd," Riley bounced on her seat, her excitement quickly switching to her next target.


    "Of course, Dwarves are tropical? What else would they be?" Tobias pondered.


    "Mountain dwellers that dig mines deep into the earth. If they dig to deep they wake the Balrog of Morgoth!" She replied.


    "Why would dwarves mine? They already make a fortune in sending fruit to the Ashenrealm." Tobias challenged.


    Riley sighed. "What?"


    "They mine in your world?" This time, Tobias'' brow knitted in curiosity.


    "They do in stories, but it''s only humans on Earth. No dwarves, elves, or fae," Riley replied.


    "And no magic outside of your science. The more I learn about your world, the more odd it seems," Tobias remarked.


    The door swung open as laundry vent level humid air slammed into her full force.


    "Ah-uh!" She bolted out of her seat like a fur-bearing missile while Tobias tapped Caedmon on the leg.


    "Come on, we have to catch her before her excitement out runs her sense." He called, as the other Ranger snorted, looking around confused.


    "Are we down? When did we land? Oh stars, my back¡­" Seeing Tobias flee down the cabin to the shouts of angry servants on the landing, Caedmon, wasting no time, put feet to floor, dashing after him.


    "Dead gods take you, foolish kids!" One servant cried.


    "Riley, stop!" Tobias ordered, his projected voice booming.


    Riley, feeling his worry and concern more than anything, skidded to a stop halfway to a fruit stand overflowing with tenganut and a few other delights she had never smelt before and was desperate to taste.


    "But I''m hungry!" She whined.


    "And we have to be careful. Remember our cover," he admonished.


    Riley''s ears drooped. "I''m sorry, I guess sometimes I get carried away. Oh, look at the dwarves¡­ They''re wearing grass skirts?" She boggled as a pointy eared bearded person stomped by her on thick legs, wearing little else.


    The woven grass skirt brushed at his ankles as he padded across the cobblestones barefoot.


    Spying Riley staring, he nodded his head in greeting. "Good morrow, humans, I bid you welcome! That''s a fine companion you have there, but her eyes, quite a ghostly sight¡­ be sure to visit my cousin''s stand if you''re hungry now."


    With a knowing grin, he gestured with a thumb behind him before turning back to his path, whistling happily as he went along.


    "Well, he was unexpectedly friendly," She said, her ears down with wonder.


    "Dwarves generally are known for friendliness and hospitality," Caedmon reported, catching up.


    "So what''s next?" Riley asked.


    "We''re to check in at the Dancing Kraus Inn for messages. Our dragon isn''t due out till the morrow," Tobias replied with a wide smile. "Weren''t you paying attention when we got our orders?"


    "I may have been a little distracted." She admitted.


    "You think so huh?" Tobias crossed his arms.


    Riley demonstrated a small distance between her forepaws before widening them out as a curious sensation hit her.


    "Somethings¡­ bad¡­ something doesn''t feel right, it''s pissing me off, that way," She indicated with her left forepaw, scenting the air.


    Tobias turned his back in that direction before whispering to Caedmon. "Do you see anything behind me there? Anyone watching?"


    "I''m not sure of it, but I think I just saw someone turn and move quickly down an alley. Should we chase?" He asked.


    "No, but keep an eye out, Riley only ever feels that way around infernals," Tobias replied.

 Chapter 134: To market, to market…

    Chapter 134


    Small, dark speckled, wood houses with thatched roofs shaped like upturned crescent moons were set in circular groups of fours, sixes, and eights. Each one was individually small, its main entrance letting out to a small courtyard with a circular cooking structure taking up the middle.


    Older Dwarves sat in chairs leaning up against their shingled houses, watching children as they played in the courtyard, around the long circular table that ringed the cooking area, broken up in the same manner the houses were arranged.


    Meanwhile, both men and women cooked, roasting fish and some strange tusked creature with a long muzzle and blunted teeth, turning it on a spit.


    "This is cool," Riley remarked, her head on a swivel. They were moving down a cobblestone lane, the clusters of houses each occupied what would have been a large one or two acre lot on earth, complete with gardens and tenganut ripening in their trees.


    To her understanding, tenganut''s were brown skinned, but hanging from the trees in bunches of three, revealed bright red, fuzz covered sacks that weighed down their branches with clusters.


    A dwarf standing on a ladder hacked a cluster down with a blade similar to a machete, dropping it down to a waiting helper, who held a knife. They then cut into the outer, leathery layer, revealing the brown-skinned prize underneath, setting it into one basket and the outer sack into another, forming two distinct piles.


    Her stomach growled with hunger.


    "I wonder if they taste better fresh?" Riley pondered.


    Tobias chuckled as he tried to keep an eye on all that was going on around him, "You''ll have ample time to find out, I''m certain, but first, we need to get to the inn."


    "It is my first time here, my friends. Is it the same for you?" Caedmon asked, watching warily but still with a wide-eyed interest.


    Hiss-Hiss-Hiss


    Riley craned her head. That noise had come from behind her, hadn''t it?


    Tilting her head revealed nothing there. Dwarves moved merrily about their trees or cooking their food to the sides of her as the city bustled about, with no danger to be seen.


    "Did you hear that?" She asked Tobias.


    Surreptitiously, he turned around, with a wide smile on his face, as if taking in his surroundings like a tourist, all as his sword hand fell to his belt.


    "Hear what?" He replied, a look of growing worry blossoming upon his face.


    The noise repeated but in a slightly different pitch.


    "And there''s another one. You don''t hear that? It''s loud enough, " Riley wondered.


    Tobias'' brow creased in concern. "No, but your ears and senses aren''t just better. They''re magically better."


    "Trouble then?" Caedmon asked.


    "I''m not sure, but something is here, watching us. It''s time for superhero rules," Riley said, sitting up on her hindpaws, scenting the air.


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    Something like rot drifted faintly on the breeze, but even that was far away.


    "Superhero rules?" Caedmon asked as Tobias pinched the skin between his eyes.


    "Make sure the civvies are outside the line of fire and limit collateral damage," She recited.


    "And what''s rule number two?" Caedmon asked, intrigued.


    "Always stick the landing," Riley nodded sagely as a look of pure confusion washed across his face.


    "If you ask any more, you''ll just grow more boggled, trust me. How far until the inn?" Tobias slowly scanned around, joining Riley in her surveillance.


    Caedmon unrolled the tiny scroll they had been covertly passed at their last stop, "The end of the lane should open into a marketplace. From there, it should be directly on the other side. Our contact should be waiting there. "


    "We should keep moving. We''re inviting trouble." Not waiting, Riley began hopping forward, and Tobias moved up beside her.


    "Slow down, and pick your path. We don''t want to tip our hand, but we should be quick about it. The marketplace is sure to be crowded. It wouldn''t be good to fight there." Caedmon said, setting a quick pace.


    "Superhero rule number one. You comprehend well, my Padawan learner," Riley said in a faux British accent.


    Reaching the entrance of the marketplace, a dull noise grew into a roar, revealing a space packed with hundreds of dwarves and other races, all milling about.


    "There''s a lot more than dwarves here," Riley remarked, watching a group of humans in brown cloaks go by.


    "These islands are a trading hub between our three cultures," Tobias said, moving slowly into the crowd.


    "Let''s split up here. I''ll go left, you two, go right. Whoever gets to the Dancing Kraus first makes contact. Skirt the edge, but melt into the crowd." Caedmon suggested.


    "And if we get attacked, we can draw them away from the bystanders in the center. Riley, take point and stay in front of me. I don''t want us getting separated," Tobias said, raising his hood.


    Riley hopped deftly, weaving and bobbing like a prize fighter to avoid being stepped on, "Way ahead of you."


    Crossing a darkened alley, her head turned as something seemed to flicker for half a second.


    Hiss-hiss-hiss


    "We''re being followed. The hissing is back," she reported.


    "Then let''s make it harder for them," Tobias turned left, heading deeper into the crowd, spotting a group of Dracovani eagerly chatting among themselves.


    "Get beside the lizards, keep them to our right. Let me know if anything unusual pops up," Tobias said.


    Looking down the lane, Tobias could see the sign proclaiming the Dancing Kraus at the end of it. A black-robed figure hurried by and disappeared, ducking into the squat opening.


    "Caedmon''s there," He said to Riley.


    "He''s speedy. I''m keeping my ears perked, but I''ve not seen anything. While I do all the hard work, why don''t you buy some fruit?" Riley half joked, half suggested.


    Pursuing a booth, Tobias smiled, "Good idea. They''ve got all your favorites here and a few new things to try."


    "Oh dear, I fear I may grow spoiled with all this travel," Riley replied with fake concern.


    Tobias produced a handful of copper coins as if by magic in his hand; next, a number of fruits disappeared into their inventory.


    "Anything?" He whispered, making his way casually down towards the inn.


    "Nothing yet. We may have lost them in the crowd," For reasons she couldn''t fathom, her fur was standing on end. There was a ready tension to her world like an infernal or something worse was just beyond her sight, but aside from the strange hissing, there was nothing to suggest anything was wrong.


    The day was sunny and would have been hot, save for a cooling breeze that wafted over the island like the Gods'' own air conditioning. People were milling about, and for all she could see, the dwarves seemed a happy and welcoming people, content in their lives.


    That honestly put it one up on the Ashenrealm. What was it about humans that they seemed to pursue misery for their fellows? So many acted as if they were drowning, content to pull others down, if only to pull themselves up by inches.


    "Misanthropy later, focus, Riley, focus," Tobias critiqued, drafting off her thoughts.


    Every sense was craned while the muscles at the base of her ears strained from the exertion she was putting into them, but there was still nothing.


    "We''re running out of cover. Get ready for a fast run to the inn," Tobias cautioned.


    "Thanks," In truth, she hadn''t been watching directly in front of her but to her right. That''s where the strange tug of wrongness kept coming from, or, at least, she thought that''s where it was coming from.


    Getting stepped on was a small price to pay, after all, if it kept her from getting her ass shot off.


    "Alright, dash!" Tobias urged, breaking out of the crowd in a full run, with Riley bounding forward a few hops ahead.


    As they broke into clear lane, she heard it once again.


    Hiss-Hiss-Hiss


    "Contact!" Riley shouted, the noise running across her soul like nails on a chalkboard.


    "By the dead gods, we were almost there," Tobias turned, his black blade appearing in his right hand just as the sky began to darken.

 Chapter 135: Ghosts of the Nightmare Gods

    Chapter 135


    Red lighting crashed across the darkening sky, setting off explosive booms that caused the ground to quake and tremble.


    A growing choir of worried concern began to rise from the marketplace just down the lane as people streamed out, running for cover.


    "Brace for combat," Tobias ordered.


    "Assessing for target," Riley replied, her tone squelched by adrenaline, just as the door opened behind them.


    "Peace, friendlies!" Caedmon called, stopping Tobias in mid-turn.


    A black cloaked ranger, with black blade drawn was with him. Tall but willow thin, he seemed near the verge of starvation. Pale skin pulled tightly over spindly bones, arms, and legs.


    "I take it you''re Rowan?" He asked in a high-tenor voice.


    "And Greenbriar. Nice to meet you, Sycamore," Riley replied.


    ¡°Ah, the four legged blackblade! Charmed to meet you, the name''s Eastmund by the by," he laughed easily, eyes sparkling with delight and curiosity.


    "I hate to break up such a civil discourse, but those clouds are swirling. My blade, Tobias?" Caedmon asked as it appeared in Tobias'' left hand.


    "I''m Tobias, and that''s Riley, of course," Tobias mentioned, handing off the sword.


    "Strength in numbers, lads," Eastmund said.


    "Riley, stay close, you''re unarmored," Tobias reminded.


    "So far it''s just a bit of weather, odd, boss fight kind of weather, but I''ve got my shield bracelet," Riley replied.


    Hiss-hiss-hiss.


    Riley''s ears swiveled to the right as a dwarven guard in pebbled leather armor ran by, heading for the marketplace, only for a black bolt to erupt out of the shadows and cut him in two.


    "Contact right!" Riley cried over the dying man''s screams.


    A black, tarry abomination slithered out from the shadows, multiple tentacles erupting from its body at chaotic angles and placement, with four beady red eyes.


    Riley cast Celestial Insight just as another flurry of bolts erupted from behind it, as the entity charged.


    Chuthara, Anomaly, Chaotic Dark, Level 2-8


    The creation of a Nightmare God, this being from another realm has been pulled here by the power of rising chaos. There are always two, a soldier and a caster.


    Hello again, Children. Nice little universe you have here¡­


    "Where''d those come from?!?" Tobias cried as the party broke into various directions, each dodging out of the way of the volley.


    The black bolts hit a window of the Dancing Kraus behind them, and it dissolved into a puddle of goo, followed by new screaming in strange languages inside.


    "They''re scared, but I don''t think anyone is hit yet," Riley reported glancing behind her.


    "Scream at them in dwarvish to get to cover!" Tobias cried, already in a charge toward the soldier.


    Riley projected as broadly as she could, spying a few of what she took for barmaids and a tavern keeper.


    "Civvies warned, Tobias! There''s two of them!" Riley cried as he charged up the center, with Eastmund and Caedmon flanking from either side.


    The creature melted away, unnaturally contracting its oil slick of a body to the left and the right as Tobias swung before wiping out three tentacles in each direction, striking him across the chest.


    Tobias dropped into a retreating roll as elements of his robe dissolved into goo, revealing his armor underneath as pieces of it hung down, impeding his motion.


    Caedmon went to thrust his sword, but the tip of the blade chipped off just inches from what would have been a lethal strike, inspiring a shriek of rage as the creature switched targets, its red eyes rolling through its body to focus in on him.


    "It''s warded! Get some distance; we have to kill it with magic!" Eastmund stopped his charge and pulled at his power.


    Riley saw his arms and hands glow with a strange brown light, encompassing his sword, before he thrust it into the ground.


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    The cobblestone below him gave way as if made from paper, a cleft growing in the ground, pulling down the creature, only to slam the earth shut closed around it.


    An eerie quiet fell, broken only by the distant rumbling of the ground.


    "More eyes, leering in the dark, down that alley!" Riley rose on her hindpaws to motion towards their right, as the closed ground exploded upward, launching rock and debris high into the air, as the Soldier Chuthara rocketed out of it, wailing in rage.


    Tobias turned his head to look, only to look away, towards the soldier.


    "I don''t see it!" He cried.


    "No contact," Caedmon echoed as the same curious action occurred with him.


    "You idiots, I just pointed¡­" Black bolts flew from the dark, and Riley realized in that moment that it was up to her. Curious, she again cast Celestial Insight.


    "Riley, take command, you''ve got visual!" Tobias called out.


    "Call your target!" Eastmund replied.


    "On your order," Caedmon echoed.


    Chuthara Caster, 2-7, Chaotic Dark


    Always with a soldier, their nature as beings of pure chaos war with perception. Only those of a certain nature and design can perceive them without special warding.


    It''s a joyful world, you know!


    "Mother fucker," Riley swore, pulling at her power, "Let''s shake and bake!"


    Her paws wreathed in white magical energy before she called her power to life.


    Righteous Flame/Flame Wall


    A circle of celestial flame surrounded and corralled the caster as it shirked and burned in agony. Not in any mood for mercy, Riley mimed her intent, drawing her paws closed, the power following her paws as the circle drew in towards its center.


    Burning and sputtering, an unholy shriek came from above as the soldier fell from the height to which it launched itself, drawing her attention from the immolating creature.


    It landed with a splat before drawing together like a coalescent pool of oil, its tarry body rising from its fall, unhurt and uninjured.


    Meanwhile, the caster was half its original size, and parts of it were still smoking.


    "You three focus on the soldier. I''ll deal with the caster," Riley ordered.


    "We push them towards Riley''s cast," Tobias directed.


    Tobias'' hands glowed orange, Caedmon''s yellow, and Eastmund''s brown as bolts of magic, cobblestone, and lightning began to fly, driving the soldier back toward its injured caster.


    Riley sensed her moment.


    Righteous Flame/ Flame Wall


    Pumping everything into the spell, she drew down the circle this time, corralling the chaotic fiends in a narrowing aura of celestial oblivion, pushing her paws closed while still dumping mana into her cast, watching her reserve trickle down.


    She watched her mana almost causally trickle down, refusing to stop, her celestial instinct driving her on. Following Riley''s example, the rest began to pour their magic on. White lightning shot from the fingers of Caedmon as stones rained down, and the earth fell away under the two infernal creatures, creating a pit.


    Tobias, finally, began casting fire bolts until nothing remained, and a prompt flared to life.


    You have defeated Chuthara Caster, Congratulations!


    You have defeated Chuthara Soldier, Congratulations!


    Riley dispelled her cast, only a smoking crater remaining of their foes. Pausing to catch her breath, a mana potion appeared between her outstretched forepaws before she tucked and rolled, only for the fur at the back of her neck to rise.


    "We aren''t done. Everyone, draw in, get ready!" The storm was still swirling above them, red lighting arcing through the sky.


    In a flash a red bolt detonated near the entrance to the marketplace, sending a shock wave of dark, chaotic energy through all four.


    "I think we''re going to clock a bit of overtime on this one!" She cried.


    A figure formed in the clouds, a massive silhouette of a hawk, flaring its phantasmal wings. It screamed, the piercing cry sending Riley to the dirt, forepaws clawing her ears down, as the rest of the Ranger team fell screeching.


    "Mavora?" She wondered as the icy grip of fear seized her heart.


    "I hope not!" Tobias replied.


    There on the ethereal winds, as the storm began to fade and the blue sky began to show, a lone voice drifted on the winds before a shaft of sunlight formed like a spotlight.


    At its core were two beings in silhouette, appearing as a human male and female. The woman was standing just in front of the man and to the left, with him holding her shoulders.


    She was holding out her right hand.


    "Riley," she cried, her voice drifting on a faintly held memory as much as the wind, "Baby girl, come to me."


    "Ma¡­ Momma?" Riley quivered as she felt a fierce magic wrap hold of her, powered by her own longing.


    Family, home¡­


    It was right there, waiting, in the shadow of the day.


    "Riley, what are you doing?" Tobias worried, his hands glowing in orange light.


    "Don''t hurt them! They''re my parents!" The hare broke into a run, taking up the middle between them.


    "No, it''s not, it''s just a light beam. It''s a trap. Shake it off." Caedmon affirmed.


    "There''s nothing bloody there, Greenbiar! Don''t be daft!" Eastmund cried.


    "I''ve got no target!" Tobias shouted.


    "Do we aim for the light beam?" Caedmon wondered.


    "No!" Riley begged as much as ordered.


    "What''s keeping you, child? Come to the light, dear. We haven''t long. We miss you." The entity cried.


    Riley looked back towards Tobias, then forward towards what felt in every way like her parents.


    ¡°I.. want to¡­ but¡­ but something is wrong¡­¡± The answer was right there, in front of her muzzle, but she couldn''t place it.


    "Riley, I''ve had enough. You need to get back here now!" Tobias charged forward, his worry and concern screaming through their connection, but her heart wouldn''t let her stop.


    "Stay away!" As if in warning, Riley dashed forward, easily outpacing him, stopping just before the shaft of light, looking up into what was the shadow of her parents.


    "You''re almost there. We don''t want to leave you again, Riley. Please, come with us," the voice cried.


    Tobias raised his hand to cast. "Take it down, but be careful. Don''t hit her!"


    A type of gravity seized him as Eastmund cried, "Something is keeping me from casting!"


    Riley looked back in confusion, then towards her supposed mother.


    "But that wasn''t my name then, was it? It was¡­." The memory caught and spun as if slipping a gear, "Something else! You''re a monster!"


    Backpedaling away in horror, the shadow lunged for her, revealing another creature with yellow eyes dripping in a black, slimy aura as her confusion burned away to rage.


    "Join us, baby girl!" It lurched forward as Riley screamed in fury.


    ¡°I¡­I¡­ How dare you use them like that!" Her form exploded in white fire, reaching higher than the buildings around her.


    Caedmon, Eastmund, and Tobias each fell back, but not before Tobias caught the outline of spectral wings and their mana bar dropping by half.


    A huge wave of flame rolled out from Riley, washing over the entity.


    It screamed in agony as it died, evaporating into black mist.


    "Momma¡­" Riley cried before falling into convulsions and curling in on herself, "I''m sorry."

 Chapter 136: Interrogation and Intrigue

    Chapter 136


    Riley was awake but disturbed. Curled into a ball, she tried to shut out the noise in her mind as Tobias drew up beside her, going down on one knee.


    The prompt floating in front of her vision existed almost like a taunt.


    You have defeated Greater Demonic Mimic. You have been afflicted with the debuff "Psychic Trauma."


    The idea that the prompts were coming and going on their own regardless of their urgency was proof enough that her normal control and fortitude were shot.


    Within, she was tossed on the waves of her soul, pitching and rolling with the waves of emotions as Tobias pulled her into his arms.


    "It''s okay; I''ve got you," he soothed, cradling her to his chest. He looked back towards the inn and then forward towards the marketplace.


    Burning stalls were still smoking, their piles reduced to ash, but all the people had thankfully run away. Only the remains of the torn-in-half dead guard littered the ground, sparing the group any further horror.


    "Is she alright?" Caedmon asked, drawing up beside the two, setting his hand on Tobias'' shoulder in support, while his other held his weapon.


    "A shaft of light monster? And what was with the hawk? I''ve never seen a shaft of light monster before," Eastmund stared up at the sky as if the answers were about to fall on him from the clouds.


    "Nor I. These last few years keep finding ways of becoming more strange," Caedmon set his hands on his hips, scanning around warily.


    "Who am I even? I feel like I just killed my parents, but I can''t even remember my parents beyond shadows¡­ They appeared as shadows," Riley asked, talking to no one, her words ringing like phonetic nonsense within her mind.


    "You''re my partner, Riley, in the magic and in this mess, and you just did a very hard thing," Tobias soothed.


    Inwardly, he had felt it all¡ªthe assault, the longing, and the despair. He knew better than anyone else, save for Riley, what she had just gone through, and in his mind, she shone all the brighter for it.


    "Excuse me, but what in the name of the dead gods is going on?" Eastmund pressed.


    Tobias looked up sternly but not enraged. "That monster¡­"


    "Mimic," Riley groaned, interrupting. "Not the treasure chest with teeth kind, something worse."


    She shivered, pressing up against him, trying to shut out the world in response to the hell burning in her inner world.


    "It used the form of her dead parents, beckoned for her to join them, and used their memory like a weapon," Tobias finished.


    "Uh, Mimics haven''t been seen in Calaria since the Ashen Wars," Eastmund said, sounding more like an academic than a soldier.


    "I know," Tobias agreed, looking up towards his fellow ranger, "and that just keeps coming up. One after another, we''ve encountered fae-blinded mortals, ancient monsters, and lurking plots. It''s all beginning to add up to something bigger than a collection of murders."


    "But the Fae weren''t vampires; that''s a whole other mess, also gone, thank the Gods. All my victims have been desiccated and drained," Eastmund countered.


    "But vampires do just that. They feed on the life of a victim, and the fae keep popping up. The past isn''t staying dead like it''s supposed to," Tobias countered, with a look of deep worry on his face, as a small unit of Dwarven guards in full armor charged in.


    "Alright, Humans! Up with your hands, and open with yer tongues. Do you mind explaining this mess?" said their leader, carrying a crossbow.


    In response, Caedmon and Eastmund drew to either side of Tobias, each taking a defensive stance while he protected Riley in his arms.


    Not setting her down, he drew to his full height.


    "Some kind of monster ambushed us. Sigrid and I are sorcerers on business for the Valenheim Academy. We were meant to meet with Eastmund here, who was to serve as our protection, when the sky went red, and people started screaming," Tobias answered, keeping to their cover.


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    The captain''s eyes glanced over to the torn-in-two dwarf, the edges of either end still slowly melting into the black twin pools that spread around both pieces. "And I suppose that''s what happened to Pickvic?"


    "He died a hero, running towards the marketplace trying to assess the danger. His loss gave us time to respond," Eastmund added.


    "And how am I to know you weren''t the cause of it?" The smaller dwarf drew up towards Tobias, who was cradling Riley.


    "I''m a fire mage, Sigrid is of lightning, and Eastmund here is a geomancer. We''ll gladly hold our power to demonstrate. None of us have the right magic to conjure beings like that, nor did we have time to conduct a ritual. Sigrid and I just arrived off the dragon," Tobias argued, looking towards Caedmon.


    "He''s right. We weren''t here for half an hour. Ask anyone," Caedmon affirmed, holding up his hands.


    "Which just leaves you, Ranger boy, what have you to say for yourself?"


    The captain, with his long red beard contrasting against his black plate armor, switched his focus.


    "By all means, check with the tavern keeper. I''ve been there since lunch and etched nary a symbol upon the bar top. Though he may complain about the amount of nuts I''ve eaten. I rather like the variety you have here," he smiled congenially.


    The captain''s eyes shifted to the left and the right again before falling on Riley.


    "Rest assured, we''ll check, and if any of this comes up smelling rotten..." The captain began...


    "With all due respect, sir, these two gentlemen were fresh off the dragon and were assaulted in your capital city. I''ve already provided an alibi and have no reputation for causing trouble. It''s a rather poor look for a kingdom that prides itself on hospitality," Eastmund offered.


    The dwarf narrowed his eyes, "You''re all staying at the Dancing Kraus, I assume?


    "Aye that we are, due out on the morning dragon, two days to home," Caedmon affirmed.


    "You''ll remain confined there and will be escorted in the morning. Should we find any reason to doubt you, we will hold you, so don''t go getting any ideas about sneaking off in the night. That would anger me, boys, and you do not want to see me angry," the guard captain puffed up, then looked towards Riley again.


    "Was your companion injured in the fight, lad?" he asked, for the first time showing concern.


    "It was some kind of psychic assault. She''ll be fine; she just needs to rest," Tobias answered. As if on cue, Riley, strangely silent while she dealt with her own internal hurricane, worked up the strength to whimper pathetically.


    "Something strange is afoot. That''s for certain," the captain looked towards Pickvic''s body, then back towards the Rangers.


    "And your name, Sir?" Tobias asked.


    "Guard Captain Bomberdel, at your service. Dirk, Tomagan, you will post yourself at the Dancing Kraus and see our guests are protected," Bomberdel barked without so much as turning.


    Two of his men stiffened and fell to rigid attention. "Sir, yes, Sir."


    "That''s hardly necessary," Tobias answered.


    "I didn''t catch your name either, boy," Bomberdel''s eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath, "And I''ll decide what is necessary."


    His friendly demeanor vanished like the sunlight falling behind a winter cold front.


    "It''s Ericsson of the Valehnheim Academy. Please check with the Embassy to verify our credentials," Tobias replied.


    "And you''re certain you''re sorcerers, not Rangers like this one?" Bomberdel turned the conversation like a knife as his eyes fell on the black sword Caedmon was still carrying, then Tobias'' tattered robes, showing the jerkin underneath.


    "I, uh, happened to be carrying two," Eastmund replied awkwardly.


    "It seems this day is full of luck, good and bad," Bomberdel grinned knowingly, narrowing his eyes.


    "Lucky more, you each had the sense to use it. To your quarters, and cause me no more trouble!" He ordered, pointing behind him towards the Dancing Kraus.

 Chapter 137: Deus Ex Machina time?

    Chapter 137


    The Dancing Kraus was smaller than its name implied.


    The largest area was the tavern floor, filled with smaller than normal tables, which were built more for Riley than Tobias and were perfect for Dwarves.


    Still, the tavern keeper, accustomed to all manner of travelers, pulled some human-sized chairs out of storage that were as rough-hewn and weathered as all the others, creating a comical scene that seemed tilted 45 degrees off of reality.


    Tobias, Eastmund, and Caedmon all sat in their chairs, their knees peeking up above the table that existed more like a coffee table then actual restaurant furniture, tucked into a back corner, watching doors and exits, each with grim eyes, yet merry smiles as they sipped cautiously at their ales.


    Riley, meanwhile, was in the doorway to their room, overlooking a balcony that gave her a good view of the Tavern floor below. The three Rangers were getting acquainted, along with the dwarves flooding in at the end of their day, unconcerned about the attack earlier so long as the booze flowed.


    The noise of a myriad of conversations washed over her like a wave, some of the patrons already deep in their cups, showing that one stereotype from her world''s fiction carried over.


    Dwarves here, too, knew how to pound them back.


    She nibbled on some tenganut Tobias had left for her on a plate, having pushed it over to her current spot by judicious use of her nose. Though still upset she didn''t have thumbs, life without them had become imminently more practical as she adapted around the problem instead of mourning it.


    Riley sighed, "I wished that worked for everything."


    Her thoughts drifted back to the encounter, to the shadowy figures aping the memory of her parents. It wasn''t their cries that haunted her, not really; the shameless tactics of the greater mimic rather only left her with deeper questions.


    Mimics to her mind, from the occasional flirtation with Dungeons and Dragons to the MMORPG she loved that inspired her prompt system, were experts in creating perfect replicas of whatever thing they were aping to lay the trap, which left her with a question she could not get free of, all while the debuff continued to count down in her overlay.


    Was this mimic different because it was real, possessing limitations and abilities that she wasn''t aware of, or was it only able to form an incomplete picture because that was all she had, a life not even half-remembered before this one?


    "There was more that made me than just her¡­ but her stuff is the only thing I can even partially remember," Riley''s eyes grew even more haunted and troubled as Tobias'' head drifted up, finding her gaze easily, and with it came his concern, mixed with something else equally unmistakable.


    Love.


    "We''ve been through a lot together," She said, continuing the conversation with herself, doing her best to project the lie that she was ok through their bond, his spirit reflecting back with a feeling that was akin to calling bullshit.


    He remained in his seat, taking a long pull off his ale. His eyes raised and focus before nodding, and looking back to his new companions.


    Riley closed her eyes, and reflected within, let her breathing center her, shutting out the noise from around her.


    The blackness here was peaceful, a respite from the chaos and the pain of their daily sojourn, and there, floating, drawing away from the physical she pulled at her prompts.


    You have defeated Chuthara Caster, congratulations!


    You have defeated Greater Mimic, Congratulations!


    Your abilities have advanced. Progress to level 2-10 at 38%


    Inwardly, she smirked, "No credit for the soldier, huh," before clearing her mind and focusing on her breathing.


    "New age horseshit¡­" drifted across her mind. She acknowledged the thought before letting it drift, seeking in that moment only peace. Still, amidst the worry, the regret, and the aftermath, one question refused to leave her alone.


    Why did they keep coming for her?


    With Mavora, it was easy to chalk it up to the instinctual rivalry that existed between them, regardless of the parts of herself that were actually darker than an infernal, but there had been a consistent thread she could not ignore since becoming known to whatever opposing force they were facing.


    They wanted her and had tried to kill her on multiple occasions or negotiated with Tobias for her capture.


    "But why?" The thought wouldn''t leave her alone, no matter how much she tried to focus on her breathing or push past the pain and find that dark, quiet moment of peace that was so much like sleep in some ways but also anything but.


    Moreover, how did they keep finding her?


    Certainly, she was an unusual creature in Calaria, the only one of her kind in more ways than one, and her jokes were the absolute best, but that one factor, especially, didn''t math.


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    This world was different than the one she had known, but their military focus, the compartmentalization of information, method of communications, all of that was as encrypted and professional as anything that had ever existed in a military thriller novel, perhaps even more so.


    Were they compromised?


    There had been a number of faeblinded second tiers that had become enslaved to beings that seemed to be reincarnations of once fae, but without more information, that, too, was just jumping at shadows, which was something she couldn''t afford as it felt like everything was drawing down to an inevitable conclusion, one she didn''t like.


    Caedmon had been investigating the murders in the Dracovani Kingdom. Eastmund had been investigating the ones here. She and Tobias had been on the ones in the Ashenrealm, and now they were all together, long after the fiends were dead because their hunch was correct.


    The fiend was just a smokescreen, one controlled by the actual villain or villains, but how could that extend to those in the ranks of the Rangers? There were certainly those disaffected, but could it really be that bad?


    Feeling miserable, she tried to hold focus, trying to push away all the questions she didn''t have answers to but needed to be aware of to avoid any further traps, but how, how could she be ready for everything when she was effectively, still blind?


    The worry began to push her towards panic until, within her mental space, she felt a familiar presence, as two blue eyes shone, resolving out of the dark beside her.


    "Grimm?" She opened her eyes to find the tavern empty and quiet. Nary a soul was below, including Tobias, as if they were the last two beings in all of Calaria.


    "What is this?" She demanded, her panic rising even further.


    "Peace, Packmate, we are just outside of their time and space. All is well; reach out with the bond you have. You will still feel him there," The wolf replied, sitting on his haunches, slowly wagging his tail.


    "Packmate? Well, you did save me when I called on you. I suppose that tracks," Riley mused, pacified by the truth in his words.


    Tobias was still there, and everything was ok.


    "I did, I swore, and thus, here we are," he dipped his muzzle and nudged her affectionately.


    "So why? Deus ex machina time?" She asked.


    Grim chuckled, "Nothing so dramatic as that. Trust yourself. You are closer to the answers than you may think. Trust Tobias. You have a future, and a destiny together that the Fate''s themselves have ordained."


    With a blinding flash, another celestial appeared, a tall man with Chinese features. His close-cropped hair was arranged like a military flat top, "Hey dudes and dudettes! Grimm, I thought we talked about this?"


    "We did, Fengee, but I never said I agreed. She needed support, and thus, I am here. My duty to her as guardian is higher," he countered, as his tail stopped wagging.


    Fengee rolled his eyes, "Take your moment. I''ll cover for you, bro, but be quick. We''re needed, and you know they know, right?"


    "Of course they know. It is their nature to know all things," Grimm replied.


    "Needed for what? Late for a surfing contest?" Riley quipped.


    "Above your pay grade, fuzzbutt, and I haven''t surfed in years," Fengee replied.


    "His surfing days ended after he tried to jump a shark in the 1970s," Grimm explained.


    "Harsh. Fonzi did it, and that wasn''t an incarnation but a hard earned vacation. In my last life I was a Taoist monk in 14th century China from the same world part of you comes from, little one," in a brotherly gesture, he reached out and tousled Riley''s ears.


    "Radical, so, what was so important that you both had to pull me out of reality to talk to me? Are you sure this isn''t deus ex machina time?" Riley pressed.


    "It was to tell you an obvious truth," Grimm intoned.


    "Obvious truth?" Riley asked as Fengee watched with a sardonic grin.


    "I had a master like you once, all dramatic one liners and all that." He reminisced with a grin.


    "Go get eaten by a shark again," Grimm snapped with playful malice at Fengee.


    He rolled his eyes, patted Grimm between the ears, and replied, "Such a nice doggy," before vanishing.


    Grimm growled, "I am not a dog!"


    Riley projected the clearing of her throat.


    "Ah yes¡­" Grimm collected himself, finding his dignity.


    "Just as your current struggle lies in your past, so to, does this worlds struggle reside in its past. Resolution will not come with aggression but understanding and balance. Farewell," Riley blinked as the noise of the tavern hit her full force.


    Shaking her head to clear the cobwebs, she sighed and cocked her head so she could get a better look at the ceiling.


    "And how does that help?" She complained, projecting toward Grimm with all her might.

 Chapter 138: Rangers Resolve

    Chapter 138


    Tobias ascended the stairs, his form rigid, moving at a clipped and controlled pace.


    "I''m ok. I promise I''m ok," Riley called out to him.


    His motion didn''t cease but the tension in his shoulders relaxed. Upon arriving, he went down on one knee, as Caedmon and Eastmund each glanced upstairs before returning to their ale, watching the room.


    "What was that? It was like you were far away, but you never moved, just got very still," Tobias puzzled, pausing to pet her ears back.


    "Grimm..." Riley replied, cocking her head in a scan, her way of looking right at him.


    "The Celestial that put you together?" He rubbed at his chin in thought.


    "I don''t know if it was him or if he was just the welcome wagon, as it were; he''s my guardian angel. By the Dead Gods, that''s so weird to say; you''d think it would come with a trumpet solo and some cheesy 80''s feel-good music," she quipped, feeling embarrassed.


    "Ok, and what exactly did he have to say?" He wondered, choosing his mysteries.


    "That the struggle lies in our past. That''s it. No deus ex machina, no astounding revelations. I''m not some chosen one. I didn''t even get transfigured into something newer and more powerful to beat the baddies... at least, not this time. Does it count if I ended up like this?" Riley, editing herself for once, at least a little, rose on her hind paws and flexed her forepaws so that Tobias could see.


    "No thumbs, but I do have awesomely cosmic powers, but I''ve broken my ribs... uh... more than a few times. I''m pretty mortal for a superhero, not even Batman level. Well, maybe silver-age Batman level," Riley rambled.


    "You''re scaring me. You always go off like that when you''re nervous." With a barely trembling hand, he pushed her ears back in a pet.


    "I do? I guess I do... Those are the things I remember most, and I don''t understand why, but it gives me comfort and adds wonder to this world. For everything that the humans on Earth achieved, Tobias, so many people were miserable. They sought escape in fiction and substances. There were all these high-minded ideals, but just behind them, the world was just as cruel as here, in some ways even more so," Riley looked down, scanning the floor.


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    "Saying is easy; doing is where the work comes in," Tobias agreed before adjusting, crossing his legs, sitting against the doorpost, and pulling Riley into his lap.


    Riley rested her head on his knee. "Who said that?"


    "Granda," Tobias replied, his look growing wistful.


    "I miss him too," Riley fidgeted, unable to get comfortable drawing near to something painful in her own soul, poking at her.


    "What we do keeps them safe, even if it''s indirect. Rangers serve the Ashenrealm; we protect the people outside of the normal command structures. As terrifying as it was to be selected, on the other side of it, this is one of the rare places where we can really make a difference every day," Tobias said, grappling in the dark and trying to reassure her.


    "But what if I''m the reason all these people are dying? What if it''s all happening because of me? What if it was because of what happened that led me to be here?" The questions raced out of her as if it were a living thing in its own right. Shuddering, she nudged harder against Tobias''s knee with a whimper.


    Tobias'' eyes widened in revelation. "I don''t think that''s what Grimm meant. The first murders happened before you were here."


    "But Mavora and Chadrick, since our trial, they seem focused on me. Why?" Riley pressed.


    "We''re dealing with some kind of wider conspiracy. This is way more than a monster hunt, which is why we have Eastmund and Caedmon with us. The fact that Mavora keeps popping up tells me Chadrick''s involved, but he''s too much of a sniveling prick to be anything but a dupe or a lackey. If it wasn''t for his title, I''d throttle the little shit and shake the answers out of him, but I can''t," Tobias spat the words.


    "God, if you then could hear you now," Riley observed.


    Tobias chuckled. "There was a time when I had a lot to fear from pricks like him. That time is over."


    "I''m proud of you. I love you, Tobias," Riley said.


    Her ears flushed as an awkward tumult of emotions flooded their bond.


    "I love you too. Us ending up together truly wasn''t luck, it was fate, I think. All I ever really cared about, outside of my family, was magic. Magic was always going to be my life, and now I have a partner to share that magic with, which has made it all the more special," he looked down with a gentle smile.


    Riley''s ears quivered. "So you aren''t worried that I''m not some world-ending monster?"


    "Only in a world of fruit trees," Tobias quipped.


    The joke hit Riley like a speeding bus, sending her into fitful convulsions as laughter flowed out around her as a mental projection.


    Tobias, drafting off her own emotional state, soon joined her. Tears flowed as he rested his head against the doorpost, gripping at his side.


    Finally, Riley found her calm. "What''s next then?"


    "By ship or by bricks, we have to be on the dragon tomorrow, even if that means sneaking out under the veil. We report in, and we do what we do best, wage war from the shadows, end the threat, and move on to our next assignment just as Sabine said," he replied with conviction.


    "Just that easy? It''s hard to hit a target that you can''t see," she countered.


    "We know we aren''t just looking for one monster anymore. All of these sorcerers and servants we''ve taken down is our biggest clue. We''ll use their lives to triangulate and find the ones that don''t want to be found. One way or another, we are ending this. Far too many have been hurt already, including you," Tobias growled.

 Chapter 139: You knit?

    Chapter 139


    Grimm''s words continued to echo through her mind as she gazed out the window, paws pressed up against the translucent crystal glass.


    The cabin was cool and clammy, a perfect companion to the low-slung clouds and the grey weather they brought with them just outside.


    For hours, they had been making their way through a foggy bank, with only a brief expanse of blue underneath them, stretching out to the limits of their visible horizon.


    What was unexpected was the swirling eddies the dragon''s wings made in the mist¡ªtrails of spiraling air compacting it into puffs of swirling white that they quickly left behind.


    It was hypnotic, in a way, meditative, as with all living things, the dragon had a rhythm to its being. She could even hear her heartbeat, slow and ponderous; it paused for as much as five seconds between beats, before resounding like a distant bass drum to her sensitive ears.


    She yawned as her mind synced with the rhythm, as Grimm''s mysterious message echoed again.


    "Just as your current struggle lies in your past..."


    The wings of the dragon beat as if underlining the phrase.


    "So too does this world''s struggle reside in its past; resolution will not come with aggression but understanding..."


    Riley huffed and peered down just in time to see them clear the fog bank.


    The land became visible just ahead: black sand beaches that stretched out to the grey horizons, interrupted by vertical grey-streaked cliffs that towered hundreds of feet above the beach, before giving way to a forest.


    Catching a current, the dragon, Shasta, banked up, causing the cabin to tip back, pushing people into their seats.


    Caedmon rolled up over the armrest before being deposited on the floor as they righted, traveling with the momentum, ending up wedged between the front of the cabin and his seat row.


    He once again had his section to himself, something he was exploiting to full measure.


    Nonplussed and undisturbed, he curled into a ball and continued his sleeping.


    "I don''t know how he does it," Tobias boggled.


    His fear was ringing in her mind from their bond, adding strange punctuation to her morose reflection as he gripped his seat for dear life.


    "Like that would save you," she quipped under her breath as Tobias turned his head.


    "What wouldn''t save me?" He asked, looking towards her.


    "Oh, if there was an accident, we''d all be just as dead no matter how much you gripped your seat," she mentioned offhandedly.


    Eastmund was journaling, driving her mad with curiosity. Paper was at a premium in Calaria, and books were largely unknown. Still, with a reed pen, that never seemed to run dry of ink, Eastmund had been writing for hours.


    He looked up from his scribbling with a reed pen, his primary means of distraction. "She''s right, ya know. The impact would tear us all apart."


    Other passengers shifted nervously in their seats as Tobias turned a whiter shade of pale.


    In an act of mercy, as much as a shift in course, Riley pulled herself briefly away from the window to nuzzle up and snuggle against his chest.


    "But that''s not going to happen. Shasta''s a good dragon, and we have a greater destiny beyond today." She winced, sounding like a fortune teller, as the phrase ''new age horseshit'' drifted through her mind.


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    "More words of wisdom from your guardian celestial?" Tobias chuckled, stroking down her back.


    "Kind of? He said we''d be OK, then again, he said I''d be OK after being torn apart by a chaos monster only to be sewed back together into a completely new person, so I''d take that with a grain of salt," she looked up, and let her ears droop.


    "Comforting. Eastmund, just what are you writing anyway?" Tobias asked.


    "This was a gift from my training officer. I''ve always liked scribe work and chronicling. He gave me this magic book he found on his travels. It''s eleven craft, I think. There''s always a blank page, and it knows where the information is that I want to recall if I think about it in the right way. It''s my little hobby, well, that and knitting," he admitted, coughing into his hand.


    "Wait, you knit?" Riley''s ears perked in shock.


    "Well, I dabble, mainly make blankets; the locals go mad for them in Alacia. It''s a good way to guarantee goodwill," he shrugged.


    "I see," Riley replied imperiously, chewing on the new data. "So you''re a ranger who writes and knits. Tobias likes alchemy; maybe you two should talk more. You could date!" she wiggled her ears, teasing.


    "Riley, that''s more Justinian''s thing," Tobias admonished.


    Eastmund looked up as if considering the point before shrugging it off and going back to writing.


    Her ears went crooked. "You mean he... but I never..."


    "I was his first crush, I think," Tobias relaxed in his chair.


    "Is that taboo? Do people get upset?" Riley forgot all about Grimm as some new hidden element to Calaria shone in all its unusual glory.


    "Why would they get upset? What would it matter the type of companionship one would prefer?" Eastmund asked.


    Tobias looked at her as if she had grown a second head.


    "Huh. Never mind, long story," Riley gave Tobias an affectionate nudge before turning back towards the window, pondering the primitive world she had found herself in that wasn''t so primitive in some ways, after all.


    The towering edifice of Timbergarde rose above the forest in all its might and grandeur as Grimm''s words echoed again.


    "Guys, the Fae killed themselves at the end of the war, right? " she asked.


    "Aye, The legends say that their armies were forced out of their redoubts and fortresses until they became surrounded at Coime¨¢d Oighear; there, instead of capture or surrender to the King of Ashes, they committed mass suicide," Eastmund summarized.


    "Tobias called it a ritual suicide," Riley recalled.


    "There was some speculation on that, but it''s been two thousand years since the Ashen Wars; the Ashenrealm is stronger than it''s ever been. If it was a ritual, it truly fizzled," Eastmund replied.


    "You think it did," Riley replied in challenge.


    "Well, convince me otherwise," he retorted.


    "Look at our case. It all seems to have ties back to the very same war that ended strangely in a world full of magic and weird shit. My world didn''t like coincidence; Calaria laughs at coincidence. After all, Grimm did say the answer was in the past," Riley offered.


    "That was thousands of years ago; that''s more like ancient history. Still, it''s worth asking the Generals about it. Maybe we could even check out the ritual site," Tobias posited, just as Shasta banked again.


    "Aye, it''s a good enough plan, but with the way things have been going lately, if it is a ritual, it''s nearing its zenith," Eastmund replied, his words dripping with worry as the dragon began to slow.

 Chapter 140: Intrigue amongst the shadows

    Chapter 140


    An eerie sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu drifted over the hallway like a fog as Tobias sat on a bench like a statue, with Eastmund and Caedmon each resting against the wall on either side of it.


    Only his right leg showed movement, bouncing up and down. His heel rose, only to fall, as Riley sat centered before him, her ears down with worry.


    "Don''t be nervous," she said, her own instincts being flared by what \ her subconscious insisted was a danger signal from a trusted one.


    Tobias blinked and stared at her dumbly, breaking his thousand-yard stare to regard her as if she had just arrived. "Huh? Me? I''m not nervous; I''m focused."


    Riley grunted in disapproval. "Uh-huh, you can''t lie to me."


    Tobias chuckled, his smile breaking like the sun through the clouds, long enough to give her a pat before the sound of footfalls on the stairs drew each of their attention.


    "Well, this is the thanks I get. I train you, send you off proper, and you drag me into a mess," came a familiar voice.


    "Cid!" Riley squeaked as Tobias shot up and darted over to greet him.


    They each clasped arms regarding the other with wide smiles.


    Riley pushed between the two to headbutt his knees, her nearest


    approximation to a handshake. "They called you in?"


    "Aye, that they did, lass, and a good thing too. I''m tired of collecting dust in this museum," he said with familiar acerbicness.


    "Fellows, this is my training officer, Cid. Cid, this is Eastmund, Sycamore, and Caedmon, Fir," Tobias gestured to each.


    "So that''s the rest of the team, huh? Well, off ya pop, let''s not keep the three waiting," Cid ordered congenially, taking command.


    "We haven''t been summoned yet," Tobias cautioned.


    "Why do you think I''m here? Come on, boy," without reservation, he strode to the door, knocked twice, and opened it.


    Riley looked up at Tobias and cocked her head, before all fell in behind the old instructor, coming to the now familiar rough-hewn table with the three ancient generals sitting behind it.


    Riley wondered if they left to sleep or were, like their table, part of the furniture here.


    "Rangers Cid, Tobias, Riley, Eastmund, and Caedmon, reporting as ordered, Sir!" Cid formed up at attention, as the rest all fell into a line beside him.


    "Very good, now, do you so swear, by your magic and spirit, that the report you are each about to give is true to the best of your knowledge? We will need each of your oaths." Kivara demanded.


    "I do," echoed from all, as Riley and Tobias saw the familiar prompt again flare to life.


    "At ease then, we''re going to talk a bit." Kivara took up a small brass handbell off the table, its handle worn smooth and its bell tarnished with age, having none of the golden luster that suggested it had ever been polished, and rang it three times.


    A bronze torc''d servant entered from a side door and bowed.


    "Fetch chairs for all, including the companion," she ordered.


    "Yes, Ma''am," the servant disappeared, behind the door, and returned setting out chairs, with others that joined him as if by magic.


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    "At ease, each of you take a seat. You, Athelred, are dismissed. Secure these chambers, see we are not disturbed by anyone until you are summoned," she ordered, as the sound of locks turning in the door echoed off the cavernous room.


    Riley saw as much as felt a sparkly field of magic snap into place around them as all noise from outside fell silent.


    "We are secure. Nothing being said will leave this room, understood?"


    Hilvar, the bearded man on the left, asked.


    "Understood," each agreed.


    Sylvanus smiled. "So let''s get down to it then. You returned to investigate the murders, and potentially members of the Royalty, what did you two find?" Eastmund and Caedmon each stiffened, listening with respectful silence.


    "We pursued the murders primarily, finding that we were on two cases, not one. There were subtle differences in the method. We did consider the possibility that they may be separate in their entirety but there was too much circumstantial evidence tying them together.


    Our investigation concluded with us stumbling through a portal skip in the sewer, engaging Hedwig, and eliminating that threat which led us to the Dracovani kingdom," Tobias summarized, calling for the bloody copper torc from their inventory.


    Leaning, he set it on the table as each of the generals looked at it with concern.


    "And Chadrick''s involvement?" Hilvar asked.


    Riley perked up, "There''s conclusive evidence to see that he''s involved, but there''s been no opportunity to get close. At multiple points during our investigation, we encountered faeblinded humans under infernal control, all with seeming ties to the extinct fae kingdom.


    Mavora herself has shown up at multiple points. The level of interference was bad enough that we had to take an outside assignment because of a bounty placed on our heads. Things were getting too hot to stay in the city. It would be more fantastical at this point to assume they aren''t involved, but I''m not sure if Chadrick is a willing participant."


    "You mean to say that he may have been bound by his familiar?" Kivara asked.


    "Well, yes, it''s been a familiar song throughout this case. One killed Caedmon''s training officer and commander. Hedwig was twisted and bound by an infernal to act as a smoke screen for whatever they were up to. The one X factor is the dwarven kingdom," Riley replied.


    "Only a handful of victims had been found. There''s a lot of ocean out there, and we did take down that psychic mimic. That''s also where we last saw hint of Mavora," Eastmund reported.


    "A psychic mimic? Those are legends from the fae wars," Sylvanus paled.


    "Far more than legend," Tobias replied, chilling the room.


    "Can... Can I speak freely?" Riley asked, begging for permission.


    Each of the Generals looked at each other while Tobias stiffened and braced.


    "Go ahead," Kivara asked.


    "Chadrick''s a sniveling prick, self-centered and selfish to the core, but this is above his pay grade. I really wanted it to be him. It feels good to punch a bully, but my money is on Mavora at this point or whoever they''re all serving. He''s likely just another diversion," Riley sighed, sacrificing her pet theory upon the altar of logic.


    Tobias turned pale as Eastmund coughed, and Sylvanus suppressed a laugh.


    "There is the matter of his unscheduled trip to the Dracovani Kingdom," Hilvar mentioned offhandedly.


    "Aye, he diverted the dragon, claiming a diplomatic emergency," Sylvanus added.


    "We saw him exit," Tobias said.


    "Aye, we did," Caedmon affirmed.


    "So we have a legitimate threat to the kingdom and proof of a wider conspiracy spreading through the ranks of the second tier," Kivara sighed.


    "It''s worse than that," Sylvanus paled, "it means we have another leak, another compromised Ranger. Your movements were limited to us and our agents."


    "It couldn''t have been one in the embassy?" Eastmund asked.


    "No," Kivara replied as an icy chill fell over the room.


    "Which explains the secrecy, the oath, the closed sessions," Riley surmised.


    "And why we''ve been moving posts for months, but whatever agenda this cabal has, it''s staying out of our sightlines," Sylvanus looked even older in that moment.


    "The question is, what do we do about it? Assassinating Chadrick doesn''t seem like it would solve this problem. This is systemic rot that could take down the kingdom. It goes beyond one man," Hilvar wondered.


    "You can''t just go off and eliminate a member of the royal house!" Caedmon objected, sitting forward in his chair.


    "We''re Rangers, son. We do what we have to do to ensure the kingdom and the royal line survive. Roses have to be pruned to thrive. It''s been done before," Sylvanus sighed.


    "Everyone settle and leave the ghosts to the past where they belong," Kivara demanded.


    "Did you manage to find the temple we found in the sewer?" Riley asked.


    "No, but that is not to cast doubt on your journey. It''s just more proof that it was a trap laid for you or a door someone has closed deliberately upon its discovery," Hilvar replied.


    "They do seem to want Riley for reasons we don''t know. Wigstan tried to negotiate my handing her over," Tobias reported.


    Riley felt a pang of fear race through her as her ears went flat.


    "The question is why. Do they want her because she''s our only countermeasure, or is it something more? " Sylvanus wondered.


    "I wish I knew," Riley replied as the three muttered worriedly amongst themselves.

 Chatper 141: A question of ethics.

    Chapter 141


    It looked as if a traveling arms and potion merchant had gone out of business in their billeted quarters.


    Each Ranger had claimed their own quarter, and all but Tobias had rucksacks. All were dutifully checking their gear; only Cid was missing, seeing to his prep in his own space.


    After hours of debriefing and deliberation, the Generals had not just come to a decision but rendered judgment.


    "Riley," Tobias looked up from sharpening his blade, "Are you ill? You haven''t touched your fruit."


    Riley looked up from the plate of cut tenganut she was having a staring contest with, "It''s hard to think of food at a time like this."


    "We just have to get it done," Tobias said with gritted teeth.


    Riley didn''t have to share a bond with him to smell the bullshit.


    "There''s a phrase for this back on earth, extra-judicial killing. It''s a fancy way for the governments to say murder so that it sounds official. It doesn''t have the same taste as assassination, but that could also fit," she grumbled bitterly.


    "That doesn''t change our mission, and it''s not like the prick doesn''t deserve it. We''re Rangers. We do what we must to protect the Ashenrealm," Tobias replied, acting as if his mind was made up when, deep down, she knew he was anything but resolved.


    "I don''t like it either, lass, but there''s no doubt he''s guilty, and if we can flush the rest out before more innocents die, well, bad monster, dead monster, bad man, dead man. Sometimes you have to do the hard thing," Eastmund said, sheathing his blade home.


    "You say that, but if we get burned, it''s not just going to fall on us. What''s the King of Ashes going to have to say  if we get known by killing his nephew?" Caedmon replied, adding to the argument.


    "The Generals did say they would be sending Sylvanus to brief the King after the fact," Tobias retorted.


    "And a fat lot of good that would do! Yes, we killed your nephew. Yes, everyone and old Bessie saw it, but it was for the good of your throne. We''re still just as dead," Caedmon complained.


    "As fate allows, I suppose, so we''re doing this?" Eastmund said, falling from assured to rattled, staring down as if peering into an abyssal pit.


    "It just feels wrong. I know he''s a prick. Mavora''s been there for almost all of it, too, so he''s clearly involved, but just ganking his ass?" Riley shook her head, wrestling with her morality.


    "Ganking?" Caedmon asked.


    "Slang for killing. Murdering the shit out of someone," Riley replied.


    "Your world has many names for murder," Eastmund observed.


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    "That''s because it''s one of the things humans on my world are best at, sadly. This kind of stuff happens all the time between governments; in the poor areas, that''s where the criminals rule, and any authority meant to stop it is normally corrupt," Riley explained, her stomach turning sour.


    With trembling paws, she pushed the plate of food away before moving toward the door.


    "Sounds a lot like here, then," Caedmon replied.


    "When I first came to this world, the magic filled me with wonder and terror, but the more I stay here, the more I realize it''s not really that different. People are the same everywhere you go. Pricks like Chadrick are a dime a dozen on my world, and they''re a dime a dozen here. Now, would one of you let me out?" she asked.


    "Where are you going? We''re out on the first dragon in the morning for the Ashenvale," Tobias reminded.


    "I want to go for a walk, wander where it''s safe for a while, and try to clear my head. There are some things I want to work out," Riley replied.


    "Suit yourself. I''ll walk you down, then you''re on your own," Tobias replied, going for humor with a weak smile, rising to escort her.


    As he shut the door and they moved toward the stairs, Riley felt it coming.


    "What''s this really about?" he asked.


    "Remember the library we found, full of records from the Fae Kingdom? I want to peruse the books, see what I can find," she explained.


    "Even if there was an answer in them, I doubt we''d find it in so short a time," he replied as they slowly made their way down the stairs.


    "But I have to try. Everything from my bracelet to the enemies we''ve fought seems to have ties back to the Fae, Tobias. You''re too smart to think that''s a coincidence," Riley almost tripped as she fluttered her left hind paw for emphasis.


    "It always seems to have a mind of its own when my emotions go nuts," she observed, briefly switching topics.


    "I''m not saying it''s a bad track, just an untimely one. This has already gone on long enough, too long by my estimation. Still,  you need to remember their society was in chaos at the end of the war. I doubt they''d have time to make their fancy books at the very end. It was a slaughter until it was a suicide, and it was all a long time ago," Tobias replied.


    "That''s what I''m looking for, not just any books. I''m not going to start at shelf one or whatever and work my way back; I''m looking for the last ones they made. If there''s something in there that could help, a suicide note or some kind of lead, that''s better than just killing a person."


    They came to the bottom of the stairs. Tobias sat his hand on the doorknob and then paused.


    "It seems a change of tone from you. You always saw him as guilty," Tobias replied, his voice strangely distant.


    "I think he''s guilty of a lot of things, but he''s a person, not a monster, demon, or a zombie. That doesn''t mean he hasn''t made monstrous choices, but he wasn''t even in that room to defend himself. A secret group got together and decided he should die, and so now he dies. How can you be comfortable with that? How can you be certain they wouldn''t do that to us if they had cause? Don''t you see the questions it raises?" Riley''s projected voice grew high and shrill.


    "Those things happen all the time, Riley. We live and we die for the Ashenrealm," Tobias parroted.


    "And if it was Darius, or your parents, or me, would you be so quick to just accept?" She snapped, her anger rising.


    "No, no, I would not, but none of you would ever do anything to warrant such treatment," Tobias replied, his voice pained.


    "It always starts with a reasonable exception. It always ends with you becoming the monster you fought if you aren''t careful," Riley replied.


    "And that''s why you want to look," Tobias'' eyes lit up as he was putting things together.


    "I agree he''s guilty. I know we have to do this, but that''s me now. The day after it''s done, I want to be able to look back on this moment and be able to say that I fought against that to the last, that I tried every way out before I took the easiest one because that''s the only way I see that I come out of this with my soul intact.


    I am of the life confluence, right? Light and dark meeting in the middle? I don''t want to lose that balance, and I don''t want to lose my soul; I''ve already had too many try to take it from me," Riley felt her heart rate speed up in her ears, bringing with them a heat that radiated down as her passion gripped her.


    "I think I''ll go with you," Tobias said as they both stepped out into the night.

 Chapter 142: Dead Gods

    Chapter 142


    Riley''s mind screamed for rest, all while passionate hyperfocus drove her on, her desperation cascading down the chasms of her fears like the run away waters of a flash flood.


    "Can''t stop, I have to find something," with itchy, heavy eyes and a clumsy paw, she turned the thicker than she was accustomed to paper page.


    Hooking her claws under it, a technique she had perfected only hours ago, it gave way with minimal noise of ripping as the magic worked to make the page legible.


    Tobias snorted his head down on a table, arms wrapped around a book, fully asleep.


    Riley''s burning eyes narrowed, "Quitter."


    As if in response, he jerked, repositioned, and then settled, his breathing becoming heavier.


    Tobias had been right about one thing; it was clear from the tomes she had been pursuing, often dry material about military supplies and requisitioning, that they didn''t have much time to make their fancy books.


    Compared to much else in the old library, in many ways similar to what she had known on earth, the books were uniformly and professionally finished, with leather spines and proper covers... but not all.


    The ones she had been finding, tucked in one particular area before the shelf sat strangely empty, were more like binders than books. Hastily assembled pages, meetings of minutes, or old forms, with holes punched through to allow for the weaving of cord.


    It was clear that things had been deteriorating. The reports and concerns of the officers had become more and more dire. It was no longer about losing the war or territory but about everything they held dear and, with it, a rising bitterness, often with reference to one particular dead god.


    "There it is again, Venosicipher. What a name," Riley muttered to herself as the words popped into her brain in perfect English.


    Over the last eight hours or so, pushing towards the twilight hours of the morning, she had become somewhat of an expert at the ending of the Ashen Wars.


    Within all the records, reports, and requestions, a type of story emerged, rising from behind those dry and dusty columns to reflect a growing desperation.


    More and more, as she had progressed through the final five years, supply requisitions were being answered with apologies, and officers'' reports were growing angrier, but this volume, in particular, held something special; as she turned to the last page, scanning it for all it was worth.


    "This volume is dedicated to the God of Revenge and Regret. May he repay us for our devotion in vengeance by delivering the blood of the enemy''s children who have destroyed us."


    "Holy Shit! That''s new! Chilling but new!" Riley exclaimed, leaping up and down upon the stones she had been warming for hours.


    Her left leg twinged in warning of a cramp as Tobias shot up, sword appearing in his hand as he did so. "Where is it? Where''s the monster?"


    Riley landed, temporarily reinvigorated and giggled to herself. "No monster, soldier boy. I found something, but I want to confirm my theory. Hand me the next book, it should be next years."


    Tobias yawned before closing his book, trudging over to the shelf, and laying it down after opening it to page one.


    "No, silly, I want to see the dedication on the last page," she prompted.


    Tobias groaned wearily, "After that, I think I need some tea."


    His sword vanished back into their inventory, only to be replaced with his pocket watch. "It''s half past three bells...we have to be awake in two hours to deploy."


    "Some of us haven''t slept at all," Riley grumbled as Tobias turned the pages.


    There it was again.


    "This volume is dedicated to the God of Revenge and Regret. May he repay us for our devotion in vengeance by delivering the blood of the enemy''s children who have destroyed us."


    "They switched Gods; up until these last two years, every volume was dedicated to Egana, Goddess of Wisdom and Direction," Riley explained.


    "Interesting. I suppose that makes a kind of sense; they had lost by then. The last two years of the Ashen Wars was largely a pacification campaign. Their army was broken," Tobias said, pausing to yawn.


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    "So they were angry, but they refused to quit." Riley summarized.


    "Until their ritual suicide. That''s about as definitive of a surrender as one can give," He replied.


    "What do you think would have happened under the King of Ashes if they had surrendered?" Riley asked.


    "Much the same, they''d most likely be worked to death, with those outside of the territory left to wander. Much like what happened to the Elves at the fall of the Avamari Empire," Tobias expounded with dispassion, the history distant to him.


    "What is it about people? Cultures on my world did the same to others they saw as different and strange," Riley looked down at the stones, feeling lost as to her own role in all of this.


    She killed monsters with impunity, after all, and other things...ostensibly for the greater good.


    "And on that logic, rivers of blood and bone have flowed." She muttered to herself, her thoughts growing dark with the depth of the night.


    "The Elves aren''t any less guilty in their far past, nor the Fae or, I assume, the Dwarves. I know nothing about the Dracovani, but they''re even more of a warrior culture than us. Maybe ask Caedmon about that one. This is what we do to each other, whether I like it or not," Tobias shrugged and stared down at the same floor.


    "And so the Fae are gone, but what happened to Egana and Venosicipher when they did? Did they die? Are they dead Gods? " Riley asked.


    "Dead or departed. A God cannot sustain itself in this realm without the devotion of their believers or similar anchor, so long as one exists they can hold a connection, but should that number fall to zero, and thus the flow of magic to them is disrupted, they must return to the greater astral or die. As you may realize, their power diminishes as this occurs," Tobias intoned like a professor.


    "So they feed on the magic delivered via the prayers and the rituals? If it''s like an exchange, what would the ritual suicide of an entire society do? Would that act like a big enough¡­ anchor?" Riley looked up towards Tobias as all the blood drained from his face.


    "Oh dear... I don''t like where that line of reason is going," Tobias sat down in the chair before rubbing his temples. "Tea, there needs to be lots of tea, and soon."


    "But I don''t know how we''d prove it, so I have an understanding, a plausible theory, but no way to chase it, which is frustrating after so much work," She huffed, then rose up on her hindpaws, face grooming to clear the cobwebs.


    "Do you feel any better about what we have to do?" Tobias asked, already knowing the answer.


    "No, and I hope I never feel better about it. Necessity and morality don''t always meet cleanly, and some things you should wrestle with, no matter how necessary they are. We''re the secret police. I don''t think I can ever be fully comfortable with that," she replied.


    Tobias nodded before stroking back her ears. "You know you make me better?"


    She nuzzled into the pet, pressing up against his chest, "I''m glad it''s helping one of us. I just feel caught up in a current I can''t escape."


    " If taking out Chadrick flushes a conspiracy and saves an innocent, that''s fair in my mind. The Generals filled us in on a lot of things we didn''t know. We kill monsters," Tobias shrugged.


    "Like how many special trips he made that lined up almost perfectly with the murders? Yeah, fair, but to me, that''s a reason for a trial. Humiliate him, drag out his sins in front of the people, and let the courts render a judgment, but that wouldn''t work here, would it?" Riley sighed again.


    "They''d never convict royalty that close to the throne, but it''s not like he''d survive long enough to go to trial. Just the hint of shame cast upon the throne would mean his end," Tobias replied.


    "Which is kind of what''s happening now. By the dead Gods," Riley''s hindpaw drummed with anger, "Let''s clean up and find breakfast. I''m dying for food even if I don''t feel like eating."


    "You mean me clean up." Tobias corrected with a wry smile as he stacked books and set them back on shelves.


    Halfway through, alarm bells began ringing, and with it, a chilling cry in the night.


    "Monsters in Camp! Monsters in camp!" Echoed in from outside.


    The fur rose on Riley''s neck as the surrounding wards fell.

 Chapter 143: The Siege

    Chapter 143


    "This is not a coincidence!" Riley''s voice carried with it all the force of a yell, while Rangers in discordant groups streamed around them, some running in their direction, others, out towards the danger.


    "You don''t say?" Tobias replied with sarcasm dripping from his words before body checking into another ranger, each tumbled to the ground.


    Without apology, they each scrambled up and darted by.


    It seemed everyone had a place to be.


    Tobias'' com crystal appeared in his hand, "Cid, what''s your location?"


    "We''re in the residential tower. A servant of the Generals is here. They want us in the central chamber. Where in the infernal hells are you, boy?" He snapped in reply, just as the feeling of a minor earthquake rolled through the fortress.


    Riley saw a pillar of dust rising up from her back left quarter as the walls fell.


    Tobias looked up towards the central castle, "Get moving, we''ll meet you there."


    "In motion, out," Cid replied.


    The com crystal vanished away. Tobias looked behind him, to see the disparate array of rangers falling into small units of fives and sixes, forming a small column of troops.


    "This is bad," Tobias'' voice was shocked and small as he stared with disbelief; black swords flashed in the night, waiting for the imminent assault.


    "It''s going to be worse if we don''t support. There''s enough here to hold the line, but we''ve got to do our part; come on!" Riley urged, only to trip a man and take his boot to her ribs as they crossed paths.


    "Ungggh..." She flopped to the ground, her wind gone, not waiting the power rocketed out from around her.


    Healing Halo


    A rib ground sickeningly back into place as Riley twitched upon the ground.


    Suddenly, she took in a deep, cleansing breath, shaking her head.


    "Watch where you''re going!" Tobias shouted, "Are you ok?"


    "It''ll settle. Oh, I wish healing worked like it did in books, " Riley opened her eyes in time to see Tobias scoop her up from the ground, as multi colored flashes of light, and the crashing of swords sounded behind them.


    "The battle is joined." Tobias remarked, collecting her to his chest, holding her somewhat like a furry football Crouching down, he resumed his run towards the central keep, where a line of guards blocked his path.


    "Rowan, Greenbriar, we''ve been ordered to report to the Generals. Cid is just behind me coming from the barracks tower. By the light of. Arctos, and the power of Galdor do we walk the path in midnight and high sun!"


    The guard furthest to the right nodded, and the rest parted like an opening door.


    "Make way!" Came the shout as the remaining rows opened to let them pass.


    "Set me down, we can move faster now." Riley demanded as they made their way through the massive door.


    "Why haven''t you secured this?" Tobias asked one of the two men manning an interior station.


    "We have our orders; see to your own," He snapped.


    Tobias set Riley down, allowing her to rocket up the stairs as Tobias passed station after station of posted guards.


    Cid, Caedmon, and Eastmund were all waiting, just outside the generals'' chambers.


    "Where have you been all night?" Cid asked, his tone suspicious.


    "The library looking for leads, Riley can read the old books," Tobias replied his voice strained and terse.


    Cid''s eyes sparkled with curiosity, dancing with a near-feral madness, "You''re just full of surprises. What do you want to bet this is related to the case?"


    "Ya think?" Riley snapped as a servant threw open the door.


    "You four, come on, hurry!"


    Entering, another Ranger squad of six was waiting with their swords drawn, each watching an entrance, staying close.


    ¡°Orders?¡± Cid asked Kivara.


    "We''re clearing a path to the dragon now. These men will lead you, get to the Ashenvale, and see to your mission while there''s still a kingdom left to save. Timbergarde and Ashenvale are under siege, as are we," Kivara''s voice was grave and tense.


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    "The King?" Eastmund asked, turning pale.


    "The last report is that he''s fled after fighting off a first-tier attack. Thank the Thirteen for the Greyblade Rangers. The kingdom seems to be splitting between noble families across the spectrum of power. It''s like nothing we''ve ever seen. Sylvanus will go with you and ride on to meet the king," She replied, as the old man stepped up.


    "We need to move. Can you keep up?" Cid asked.


    "Do I look dead?" he grinned, "Now, enough talking. We have to move while we can."


    "Go with the light of the Thirteen!" Kivara called out.


    As they exited, it was a scene out of hell.


    Flaming boulders were falling from the sky, as an army of the undead streamed through the ruptures in the walls, at the very back, surrounded by a shimmering ward, was a grey cloaked figure, her features indistinguishable at that distance, with her hands folded, chanting quietly.


    As they rushed, stepping over their fallen comrades, Riley cast Celestial Insight


    Dame Morgana of Ravenwald, Chaotic Dark, 1-1


    Level prevents further analysis


    ...And the wrath of those scorned will rise to cut your throat in the night.


    There was a reason for her focus, no less than fifty rangers were swarming around her, trying to get close, but unlike the second tier magic Riley had seen before, she was some type of multicaster.


    Every time a ranger fell, they would rise, and join the ranks of the enemy, tearing apart their former fellows while the grey robed mage peppered the field with jets of freezing ice.


    Spiked projectiles of frozen water flew across the battlefield as if fired from trebuchets, tearing men in half, which only added to the ranks of the undead.


    Their escort formed out in a wedge as swords clashed with teeth and bone, cutting a swath through the back line.


    "Holy shit," Riley exclaimed as they turned, exiting out the inner walls, putting the main battle behind them.


    "Just another day in sunny Ashenvale. I''m beginning to miss Alicia!" Eastmund cried, cleaving a former ranger from shoulder to hip.


    "I think Terrox would like to summer here," Caedmon replied, taking down another fallen ranger with a swift arc of his curved sword.


    The dragon was just ahead, saddled and ready, as a burst of air and flame came from their left.


    Three of their escort flashed to ash with no time to scream as General Hilvar grinned, stepping out from the smoke.


    "What is the meaning of this?" Sylvanus balked


    Hillvar drew his blade.


    "It''s time for a new order, a return to the way things were when the strongest survived. Our Kingdom was founded by a man who could not tolerate the weakness of the old regime, and that time has come again! The weak have cost us too much in the lives of good men." Hilvar''s voice was pained and full of remorse yet resolute. On his wrist was a silver bangle, pulsing to Riley''s eyes with orange light.


    "Traitor!" Cid shouted as a defensive perimeter formed around Sylvanus.


    Celestial Insight


    Hilvar, Aeromancer 2-10, Lawful Neutral


    Hope and faith drown in a sea of endless sacrifice.


    "He''s not fae blind!" Riley cried.


    "No, I had no need to be twisted to do what was right nor did Iskaros. We must do what is best for the Ashenvale. We''re all Rangers, so I''ll give you a chance to do what is right before the Dame, or I put you down. Hand over Riley, recognize this new order, and you can thrive within it. Enough of us have died already," he pleaded.


    "You''re no ranger. Not any longer." Cid spat.


    "You dropped the wards, didn''t you? You caused all this!" Sylvanus accused.


    "We each know the meaning of sacrifice, Sylvanus. Now, stand down and hand over the beast!" He roared.


    "Rangers don''t betray their own. I thought I knew you," Sylvanus growled.


    "Come and get me!" Riley cried.


    Hilvar braced, summoning his magic with a weary sigh, "So it''s the hard way. So be it.

 Chapter 144: Traitors Gambit

    Chapter 144


    Hands glowed with power as each of the rangers traded surreptitious looks; a pregnant pause full of false peace rested uneasily between them all.


    Cid charged, his feet and ankles glowed blue as he pumped kinetic force into his leaping, shooting past Riley and Tobias as if assisted by a rocket.


    In a split second, Hilvar was gone with a whoosh of air.


    Cid, expecting contact, went careening forward before stumbling, and the rest of the party scattered.


    Two bolts of orange flame flew from Hilvar''s bracelet, sending balls of fire up into the night, casting the field in hellish shadows.


    Fire flew from Tobias'' upturned palm while lighting danced from Caedmon''s fingers. Eastmund tore up chunks of earth with his magic, each of the magical projectiles streaking with deadly speed.


    With another woosh, Hilvar moved, disappearing in a blur, before popping up, as if by teleport at their three o''clock, running circles around them.


    "You missed lads! Want to try again?" He taunted.


    Sylvanus sighed, "It was my hope you could be reasoned with. At least then your death would have been honorable."


    "You''re an old fool..." Hilvar spat.


    The groans of approaching undead led Riley to crane her head around, only to see the silver eyes of Dame Morgana fixated in a thousand-yard stare on their location, glowing with a preternatural menace perceptible at a distance, until danger more local tore her focus away.


    Still, the Zombies came. Caedmon pitched to the right as bolts of electrical energy flew from his fingertips.


    The smell of burning flesh percolated upon the air as the zombies fell. Tobias, dashing forward, slammed his boot down on each, crushing their skulls, allowing their bodies to finally rest.


    Hilvar, seizing on the distraction, appeared before Sylvanus, thrusting out a heavy boot, cracking into his upper chin.


    The joint bent backward, snapping with an audible crack as the bone avulsed through the skin, and blood began to soak into the black material, darkening it as it did so.


    His eyes fluttered back in shock.


    Cid shared a look with Tobias, who gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.


    "Riley, we''re going to distract. Do what you can for Sylvanus," Came the mental projection of Tobias, lasting no more than half a second, the final syllable falling while all fell into a seemingly coordinated motion.


    Cid charged, launching himself forward again, his black blade gleaming in the ghostly blue crystal lamp light, throwing long shadows across the field.


    Hilvar flashed away, appearing now at their six o''clock, as Riley rushed over to Sylvanus. Tobias, anticipating the motion, cast fire bolt.


    The orange flame seared and sizzled through the misty air of the pre-dawn morning.


    "He always moves right, never left!" Tobias projected to the team.


    In  a scramble, Hilvar jumped again, moving as if he was part clock, before he could raise his arm to fire from their nine o''clock, Eastmund had a large boulder flying to cover the direction.


    As they fought, Riley summoned Healing Halo, only for half a corpse to animate, as a bolt of ice careened towards her.


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    "Get down!" Tobias cried.


    Rilley flattened, the projectile sailed over her by scant inches, thwarting her cast.


    The uppper half of a dead and fallen ranger groaned, pulling itself on top of Sylvanus as Riley began to pull at her power again. "Hold on!"


    Plant...


    Sylvanus,  gaze firmed with rage and mad resolve flashing in his eyes like lighting before he pulled a small dagger from his robe, driving it down into the fiend''s head again and again, puncturing the skull, making short work of the brain as he plunged it in and out, finding an outlet for his pain.


    Riley dismissed the vine she had been summoning while Sylvaus screamed, then rolled, heaving the mass of dead ranger off him.


    Taking three quick breaths, he pulled down on his broken leg, the bone and muscle went taut, realigning and setting, as Riley caught the reason he had pivoted onto his left, good side.


    He vomited from the shock but, with laser-like focus, locked onto Hilvar as  Riley saw the power flicker to life in his hands.


    "Brace!" Riley cried, letting loose her healing magics, inspiring another scream of pain as the bone slammed home, knitting back together.


    Hilvar moved again, breaking pattern, appearing first at their six but then flashed forward in a burst of wind, appearing next to Riley.


    "Bad Move," Riley said, already holding a cast, letting the power flow into plant whisperer.


    An ancient tree root rocketed out of the ground, clipping him in the jaw, sending him teetering back, shattering his nose.


    Cid dashed forward, slamming him hard in the solar plexus, breaking ribs. "You sent Iskaros! You both betrayed me!"


    Another blow to his chest caved it in, "You helped that monster kill my Zorna! You covered it up! You fed us to him! You rotten bastard!"


    Hilvar collapsed down on one knee, his left hand raising in one final defiant attempt to blast Cid with a firebolt.


    Cid stepped out of the way, grabbed him by the wrist and elbow, and broke his forearm over his knee.


    The bone avulsed out of flesh with a sickening crack as Hilvar wailed in pain and collapsed as if no more than a puddle of goo while the rest of the party watched on in horror.


    Kicking him in the ribs, Cid pushed him over with his boot, grabbed the old man by his collar, and raised his hand for a killing blow. The power of his kinetic magic danced around his hand as Riley threw up her paws, wrapping Hilvar in vines, wrenching him away."He''s beaten. Stop!" She demanded as Cid turned his gaze upon her, full of rage.


    "He''s killed people I''ve trained tonight! He helped kill my Zorna! Give him back to me! He dies!" Cid growled.


    "Think with your head, dumbass, not your anger! He''s an intelligence asset, and we have bigger problems!" She spat.


    Cid quaked with anger as Sylvanus pulled himself up, face pale with pain and trauma, "Stand down, Ranger. He''s beaten. There was no hope against all of us, but maybe now he can be useful before we take his head."


    Hobbling up, still favoring his right leg,  he stood between Cid and the wrapped-up Hilvar and set his hand on Cid''s shoulder.


    "Don''t make me make it an order," He whispered, his eyes broadcasting pure and marshall intent, empowered by the years he had spent under command.


    "Dead Gods take you," Cid spat at Hilvar, turning his back, holding his sword rigidly at his side.


    "He''ll get his. Riley heal him enough to keep him alive. I''ll remain behind and see to his interrogation, then follow after. You four get to Ashenvale. The dragon is waiting," Sylvanus said, taking command.


    Riley sent her healing magic as a scream echoed in duet across the battlefield from Dame Morgana, wards faltering under a relentless barrage.


    Still, the dead littered the battlefield, Rangers torn to pieces, rested here and there like discarded toys, littering the space.


    "We''re turning the tide." She surmised, then caught sight of the dragon.


    "Wait a minute! We had a dragon! Why didn''t we use the fucking dragon?"


    Sylvanus chuckled. "A dragon that has developed a taste for human blood is a bigger problem than these two. Be grateful that she is as committed to her handler as you are to your sorcerer, or none of us would be here to have this conversation. A dragon is never tame, they just have reasons for patience, little one."


    "Holy shit..." Riley had faced down zombies, monsters of all stripes, and rampaging insects the size of small cars... She didn''t want to think of fighting a dragon. This world had enough horrors as it was.


    "Uh-huh... Good call," She squeaked, as her ears went crooked.


    Tobias and the others cast their gazes over the fields of dead, and zombied rangers, littering the grounds of Ranger central, as each felt the icy hand of fear grip them.


    "This cost us to many men, to many good people," Tobias observed, taking up the battle against Captain Obvious for Riley.


    Sylvanus nodded. "But even that tells us things. There is systemic rot in the kingdom, but the rebel position is tenuous. We forced their hand, which gave us an edge. They weren''t able to prepare. Though the kingdom is under siege, all is not lost, but you must see to your task while the rest of us see to the traitors in our midst. Go now, rush to Ashenvale, and pray the city holds. May the light of the thirteen shine upon you."


    Eastmund held up one finger. "But you were to inform the King. Surely Kivara can handle things here, sir?"


    "Circumstances have changed. Hilvar has much to share that the King will want to know. It now falls to me to make certain my report is thorough before I brief our Lord of Ashes, " The old mage''s gaze turned icy and full of hatred as he looked upon his former colleague.


    "That''s enough dawdling! Come on, the mission awaits," Cid ordered, stomping angrily towards the massive beast.

 Chapter 145: Roller Coaster

    Chapter 145


    Riley''s stomach leapt up next to her heart in her throat.


    "We''re going to die!" She cried as the wind roared around her.


    The world pitched and spun around their open air cabin, as the dragon seemed to be having the time of her life.


    She dipped and rose, only to dive again, screaming over tree tops so fast the protective warding strained and sparkled blue to Riley''s eyes.


    Tobias, as pale as a ghost, had his eyes clenched tight. Every muscle was rigid as he gripped onto its base for dear life.


    "Ah-hah! I knew they tied us down for a reason." Cid laughed, bouncing and rolling with the dragon.


    Caedmon was somehow asleep as Eastmund sat stoically, staring straight ahead.


    "I want to get off!" Riley cried, never one for roller coasters. The serene, placid beauty of gentle flight as the world stretched out before her was one thing. It added to the magic and the wonder that she knew.


    "But this shit is lame!" She screamed as Tobias winced both with the drop and the shrill sound of her mental projection bouncing around his mind like buckshot from a shotgun.


    With a twitch, then a cramp that seized his core, he forced himself over the side to vomit.


    Leaking through the wards, the fluid and mess soon became a victim to aerodynamics as the screaming wind whipped it off into the wee hours of the morning.


    "You''re going to be waking up some peasant with a surprise!" Cid cackled, slapping Tobias on the back, which almost started the whole process over again.


    Hanging, more like clutching for dear life over the side of the open cabin on the back of the dragon, his woozy and tortured mind caught sight of the unmistakable signs of the outermost protective walls of the Ashenvale.


    "We must be setting some kind of speed record," Eastmund called, preternaturally calm.


    "Are you possessed?" Tobias cried.


    Eastmund smiled with a zen-like shrug, "I''ve already survived worse."


    "I''m not convinced there is a worse than this... and I''ve seen some shit," Tobias replied.


    "Don''t steal my lines!" Riley retorted, her claws having left dents and furrows in the bench they were strapped down to, just as a loud whoosh had them roaring over a tower barely twenty feet above its crenelations before the beast, blessedly, slowed and began to descend.


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    "Please be over, please be over," Riley squeaked.


    As if in acedence to her prayers, the beast touched down gently before emitting a contented roar.


    "At least one of us had a good time. Next time, we need to set a safe word, " Riley relaxed, going slack against the board like seat.


    She felt like a puddle of goo.


    Fully out of danger, her stomach grumbled as the fatigue warred against the adrenalin.


    Standing about fifteen feet out in the center of the field was a ranger with her hood up.


    "She''ll get you the rest of the way, untie yourselves, I must make haste back to Ranger Central," The dragon rider ordered, not even bothering to turn around.


    Tobias called his dagger from their inventory, and, on shaky rubbery legs rose, freed Riley and scrambled down a rope ladder attached to the side of their open air cabin.


    Upon reaching the ground, he sat her down only to flop beside her, stretching out his arms.


    "Is he alright?" Came the voice of a young woman. Peering out from under her hood were two fierce brown eyes shining with intelligence. Her body was waifishly thin, though her leather jerkin and pants were immaculately clean, even her boots shone, though everything about her was as impossibly thin as Eastmund was.


    "I am Ranger Redbud and will be taking you the rest of the way. Sabine sends her greeting," She said, holding out her hand towards Cid.


    "Is this about the wagon or the cockatrice we hope to buy?" Cid replied, clasping arms.


    "One broke a toe, so I''m inclined to take you myself. The poor beast can''t even prance," she replied in code.


    Cid nodded. "And you''re a portal specialist? That''s rare."


    "It keeps me busy, even if I can only cover a few hundred miles at a time. I often move messages around," she said with a shrug.


    "Is there anything we should know before you drop us in the city?" Caedmon asked.


    "The attack was repelled; shortly after, the Viceroy of the Commons returned to take command. I was ordered to report this to you directly," she replied.


    Riley''s fur stood on end as Tobias went pale.


    "He just arrived after the fact?" Cid balked.


    "The report was he was en route after an emergency envoy to the Dracovani Kingdom. With the King Of Ashes away in a secure location along with his other advisors, he was the highest-ranking official remaining, so it happened under the auspices of the law. He has taken measures to bolster the guard and has been making strange moves. There are eyes everywhere and people disappearing."


    "Sounds ominous, but it could work to our advantage. If they''re scurrying around, we might be able to slip through," Caedmon pondered.


    "All I know is that I am to move you, then make haste for Ranger Central. It will be a shorter journey for me than it was for you," she replied, bowing her head.


    "Then let''s see you on your way. What do you need us to do, lass?" Cid asked.


    "Everyone form a ring around me and crowd in, no more than an arm''s length away. You may experience some discomfort," she explained, as all gathered round, with Riley sitting up right in front of Tobias legs.


    Reality warped and distorted, the world and its colors tearing themselves into violent prism and shapes before greys and dull browns began to wash out the golden hues of the field and the blueness of the sky they had left, just as the smell of earth hit them.


    Riley felt the urge to run as her stomach rebelled while the world resolved around her. With steely resolve, she held fast as their basement respite came into view.


    "Out of my way!" She cried, running for the restroom, as all save Ranger Redbud collapsed down to the floor or to one knee.


    "Oh, I''m never going to be used to that," Cid bellowed, shaking his head, rising first.


    "Further is worse. Farewell, and may the light of the thirteen guide you," Ranger Redbud said, before vanishing away as quickly as she came, only for the sound of boot falls to echo on the stairs.


    "Rangers, we''ve a lot to talk about," Sabine announced without ceremony as she stormed into the room.


    "Aye, it sounds as if we''re going to have to storm the castle," Caedmon replied as the pathetic sounds of Riley retching echoed through the low ceilings and off the walls.


    "Why storm when you can go under the walls?" She grinned.

 Chapter 146: Team Murder train or Team Black Hole?

    Chapter 146


    "Cid! How good to see you," Sabine smiled, stepping down from the stairs after her dramatic announcement.


    Moving seductively, Riley perked her ears in concert with Tobias''s raised eyebrow as she drew up close to him.


    "Hello..." Cid grinned awkwardly.


    Sabine slugged him in the gut, forcing him to double over.


    "You said you''d com...I was so disappointed," she cooed, as Riley and Tobias'' jaw dropped.


    "Work got in the way," Cid gasped, his breath knocked out.


    "Details? I''ve silver to burn!" Riley straightened, craning her head in a right-side scan to get a better picture of the event.


    "I don''t know if I''d survive it," Cid grinned like the maniac wizard he was, stumbling back to plop down in a chair.


    "I''m certain that can all be attended to over ale later, but now, we''ve a royal to murder," Caedmon said like he was going out for bread and milk.


    Sabine rolled her eyes, "Is that one yours?"


    Cid shook his head. "Nah, he''s a Dracovani import. I understand they''re a direct people."


    Caedmon shrugged, "They grow on you."


    "And I''m assigned in Alacia," Eastmund added, holding up one finger towards the ceiling.


    "They couldn''t send me people with more local experience," She sighed, rubbing her forehead between her thumb and index finger. "Typical


    bureaucratic blind fuck up."


    "You didn''t see the attack on Ranger Central. There may not be locals with experience left," Tobias shook his head as if trying to shake the memory.


    "And, with respect, Ma''am, that''s what we''ve you for," Caedmon replied with an amiable smile.


    Sabine looked at him as if she smelled blood.


    He held up his hands. "We''re more familiar with the murders, the methods used. Between the three of us, we''ve all been working on the same case from different corners."


    "Fair enough, and it points back to Chadrick after all. Riley, you were right all along. He may not be the lock, but he seems to be the key to this thing," Sabine admitted.


    "I wish I could say I was happy about it. He''s more a tool than a key. I think  his hawk is driving him like a Chevy." She replied.


    Confused looks spread through the room like a virulent disease.


    "She''s controlling him, riding him like a cockatrice?" Riley corrected, reading the room.


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    "Regardless, it''s not going to be a problem for too much longer," Cid grinned with menace.


    "I know it''s not our orders exactly, but if we can capture, should we?" Caedmon asked as all eyes in the room turned towards him.


    "Meaning?" Sabine asked.


    "Well suppose the long eared ranger is right, if he''s being puppeted, maybe we could just kill the hawk, throw him in a dark hole, tell the world he''s dead, and shake him till all the goodies come out. We all know this is a wider conspiracy, but killing him, if he''s the real face of it, will most likely send our enemies to ground and make our jobs harder," Caedmon explained.


    "Those aren''t our orders. He''s a high visibility noble; you can''t just throw him into a dark hole and expect no one to come looking. Quit yer angling boy; the Generals threw that out for a reason. It''s too dangerous," Cid replied.


    "Though unofficially, if we can capture him, we can shake the details out of him before we finish the job," Sabine''s look grew predatory.


    "Uh...I don''t know if I''m team murder train or team black hole here, but do you hear yourselves?" Riley asked, her voice strained.


    "Yet you always thought he was a villain," Tobias countered.


    "Yeah, but that doesn''t mean I want to kill the prick!" Riley protested.


    "We''ve a mission, we''re professionals, and we serve the Ashenrealm. There will be no diversions or distractions. How is this a concept neither of you have grasped? He needs to die for the good of the kingdom, so he dies." Sabine snapped as a knock sounded behind them.


    In an instant, blades flashed from scabbards or appeared out of dimensional inventories. Riley, already up on her hind paws, began pulling at her power.


    "Relax, he''s a friendly. I invited him," slowly Sabine walked by and unbolted the door to the hidden back entrance to reveal a familiar masked acquaintence.


    "Ratcatcher," Tobias spit the words.


    "Still not my biggest fan, even in these times of strife and trial? The capital attacked, along with strongholds of the king, and I hear an old friend of both of ours is now holding emergency command," Ratcatcher replied.


    "He paid you to kill us!" Riley complained.


    "And then you and your associates showed me it was too costly. I am a businessman after all," Nonplussed by the display of weapons still out, the Ratcatcher waltzed through the room like a man without a care in the world.


    "Which means you could be positioning to sell us out," Cid pointed.


    "Oh, I doubt that would be profitable at all. An upstart coup, even the first in two millennia that has gotten this far, well, I doubt it will succeed. If it does, you''ll be dead, and I''ll still have more than enough resources to ingratiate myself with the new regime, so either way I win with no treason. Isn''t that delightful?" He clasped his hands together and giggled to himself as if he had been invited to tea.


    "Excuse me, nutter, but yer working for us," Eastmund observed.


    "Oh, I am, I am, but I can always say I was forced. I am a criminal, after all, and what could I do against such a number of rangers? Oh, spare me, m''lord, I had no choice," he chortled to himself.


    "I agree with Eastmund; he''s a nutter. Toss him back where you found him," Caedmon demanded.


    The Ratcatcher shook his masked head sadly, "Well, I can see when I''m not wanted."


    "You''re wanted plenty, I should know," Sabine grinned darkly, "Besides, no one has smuggled more in and out of the castle than you."


    "Oh, many have tried, but they''ve all strangely disappeared, it can be such a tragic business," The Ratcatcher looked down with a heavy sigh.


    "Enough of your posturing! We have a mission, and we''ll see it done. When do we leave?" Tobias demanded.


    "We''ll go over our approach, then you all need some time to rest and recover. We deploy at nightfall. This will be easier in the dark," Sabine replied.


    "Do we have any intelligence on location? Guard strength? What about the first tiers?" Cid asked.


    "The first tier greyblades all left with the king, as is normally the case. The second tiers took it in the teeth, but the attack was repelled," Sabine replied.


    "Mainly undead, right?" Riley asked.


    "The same kind of attack as you faced in Ranger Central, yes," Sabine replied.


    "And then, at the end of the battle, Chadrick arrived?" Tobias looked puzzled. "He attacked his own people?"


    "He didn''t attack anything. Shortly before he arrived, the two main sorcerers at the lead of the necro army fled as the guard broke through their ranks. Chadrick, being the highest ranking noble still remaining, inherited command from there," Sabine explained.


    "That sounds less like a retreat and more like a diversion," Cid said as the room grew quiet.

 Chapter 147: All Aboard the Murder Train

    Chapter 147


    Riley wasn''t sure what a schedule meant anymore.


    So much in her life had been irregular as of late, meal times, rest times, the day to day life of a busy Ranger often allowed for none of those things.


    Life came as she found it and went just as fast, and it had all led her here.


    "Is this what it''s like for my feral cousins?" She yawned, her consciousness already dimming and, with it, her thoughts wandering.


    Life was sudden, brief and often brutal for them too, and as she drifted, some far off half remembered recollection of some strange subconscious memory floated to the surface, one of running and motion, muted colors, and then, a sudden stop followed by blackness.


    Whole, dark, and complete, Riley descended down with the distant recollection, plunging into the subconscious recesses of her mind as sleep finally claimed her, and with it, her perception of time skipped.


    A series of loud bangs erupting from somewhere up the back stairs fished her rudely from the inky well of desperately needed rest.


    "What... What''s that?" Her head startled up as she scanned around, and then she heard the unmistakable sound of Sabine''s bootsteps, trodding across the stone floor of their basement hideout, which was almost enough to send her back down.


    Her head began to dip, as she sat her muzzle down back on the softer that she was used to bed, and with Tobias at her side, his warmth and scent an ever present comfort, she felt herself drop like stone, until a voice robbed her of her peace.


    "Tobias! You''ve got to let me see Tobias right now!" There was another time skip, but this one was brief. Sleep had almost caught before slipping a gear.


    "Justinian? That''s Justinian! Tobias!" Using her hindpaw, she drummed her Sorcerer awake, kicking him in the ribs.


    He snorted and shot up with a start, his black blade appearing in his hand.


    "What? What is it? Are we raided?"


    "Justinian is up the stairs. It sounds bad!" Riley raised a forepaw to point as best she could.


    "What''s this about?" Sabine''s voice echoed down. "You''re covered in blood, and it''s the middle of the day! Did anyone see you?" She asked in rapid fire, her voice worried.


    "Soldiers... at his house... The Guard... The King!" His words pulled Tobias to his feet like a magnet as the conversation trickled down.


    "Let me get you down the stairs. I''m sure they''re both up by now," Sabine said, her voice turning gentle as the rest began to stir.


    "Trouble?" Cid poked his head out.


    "I think so. We''ve a wounded friendly," Sabine sounded back, her words punctuated by the scuffling of someone limping along down the steps.


    As if a bell had been rung, all assembled in the main area, waiting for trouble. Without word or prompting, Eastmund positioned himself at the back stair and Caedmon at the front, moving up with stealthy grace and his dagger out, crouching just below the door.


    The second Sabine passed them by, Eastmund made his way up past them, helping him towards a chair, as Cid emerged with sword drawn.


    "Justinian!" Tobias cried, having finally gotten a good look at his best friend, dashing up to help Sabine.


    Riley nodded to Tobias while a rising anger crackled like a fire between them, fed by the dry wood of concern.


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    "Oh God, get him in a chair, and I''ll heal him!" Riley said.


    "That''s trouble," Cid observed, grappling with Captain Obvious for the title.


    Two knocks in rhythmic cadence followed a moment later at the front; Caedmon answered with two knocks.


    Cid nodded gravely, "We''re as secured and in position as we can be."


    Justinian''s blood left a trail as they helped him across the room; his left eye was swollen closed, and one arm was clearly broken. His clothes were tattered and streaked a dull brown. His leather jerkin was torn and hanging off him.


    He moved with a staggered, limping gait, dragging his right foot. The only


    thing whole about him was a familiar, threadbare cloak that covered and obviously had hidden him from sight as he made his way through the city.


    "You should see the other guy." Justinian, in spite of his pain and obvious injuries, smiled and chuckled to himself as Sabine eased him down.


    "What happened? That''s my Granda''s travel cloak?" Tobias pressed.


    "He already needed another one, thanks to you. Now I''ve an excuse to make him one," Justinian grinned again, then winced, "Before we get to the healing, you have to know... They came for Darius and, I think Harold. I did what I could..."


    "They took my family?" Tobias'' face went pale.


    "I tried to stop them... but I''m not a fighter like you. Still, I gave as good as I got before they pounded me into the dirt," He coughed and looked for a place to spit before choosing a spot on the floor. "Sorry, but I''m all messed up."


    "They didn''t take you, though, or his Ma or Da?" Caedmon looked suspiciously at Justinian.


    "I don''t know why. I just know they kicked the hell out of me and that Cedric and Gwendolyn were tending to me when I woke and left to get help," Justinian winced from the pain.


    "It''s a threat," Sabine growled, "They start with his Grandfather..."


    "And come for the rest if I don''t show. He wants me to charge in. They''re baiting us," Tobias snarled.


    "When I got the news about the King, and Chadrick to boot, I made my way out of the castle through the tunnels. I promised you I''d look after them," Justinian coughed, and went suddenly paler then he had been.


    Tobias patted his hand, "Easy, start at the top. Why not let Riley try to heal you?


    For the moment, it seemed as if his anger had abated, but Riley knew better and could feel it bubbling like Magma under an over-pressured volcano.


    Riley rose on her paws, holding her paws an inverted v, prepping a cast, as Justinian held out a hand towards her.


    "I don''t want to pass out! There''s things you need to know! The King of Ashes is dead; the heir apparent has fled, but they haven''t let that out. That''s when I knew I had to run. Chadrick has the castle through the Challenges, as he was there to take command," The air in the room chilled to deep winter, as Cid looked to Sabine.


    "The King is dead?" Cid''s eyes were wide with shock.


    "Yeah, surprised you didn''t know, but the last we heard Ranger Central had fallen. Someone took out the com crystal relay in the castle during the attack, so there''s all these rumors flying around. What I do know is the enemy was here, hiding amongst us. It was a fiasco, guard killing guard, noble killing noble. Even some first tiers went at each other. Things were coming apart at the seams until suddenly the attackers just broke and fled, right as Chadrick was arriving." Justinian continued.


    "Ranger Central repelled the attack. We stopped the bastards cold. Did the King fall in the siege?" Cid asked as Tobias ground his teeth impatiently.


    "It was your murderer, some assassin in the night. He was found desiccated, consumed, along with his guards, before everything went to shit. It made the rounds amongst the servants, and I just barely heard and ran before they locked everything down and the presumptive heir fled... I don''t know if they followed me or if they had orders, but this is bad, man... It''s really bad because an hour after I arrived, the soldiers came through the door saying they had an arrest warrant for Darius."


    "They might be coming here next," Caedmon suggested from the bottom of the stairs.


    "Then we have a vested interest in not being here," as if appearing from nowhere itself, each in the room turned to see the Ratcatcher leaning against the opening of the door to his current sleeping quarters.


    "We should run. First, though, we need to know what happened, and he needs a healing. The guard just showed up and took Darius?" Riley prompted


    "I slipped out of the castle and made way for your home. I got there by dawnrise, but the soldiers arrived about an hour later. They claimed Darius had warrants, but they took Harold without excuse, which got your Dad involved and me out of hiding."


    "Are my parents alive?" Tobias asked, worry crowding in around his fear.


    "Last I saw, but I don''t know. They were only interested in Darius and the boy and said they were taking him to the castle." Justinian sputtered.


    "Then we know where we''re running too. Sabine, Cid, it''s time I dealt with this prick once and for all," Tobias turned as if ready to take on the world alone.


    "Hold your place, stupid boy. They aren''t on us yet, and you going off halfcocked is going for the bait. You''ll do no good for your Granda dead, and our mission is unchanged."  Cid lectured.


    "Do you have a better plan?" Tobias growled.


    "All aboard the murder train. I''m ready to kill this prick." Riley replied, her own anger bubbling to the surface with Tobias.


    "Then we do it smart and do it right," Sabine replied, nodding towards the both of them.

 Chapter 148: A bad plan today...

    Chapter 148


    Sabine emerged as if taking off a cloak of shadows, appearing at the bottom of the back stairs like a phantom.


    "The streets are utterly dead. I don''t think anyone saw him approach," she announced as Justinian, still pale but recovering, nodded in agreement.


    "I don''t remember seeing anyone, not that I was in that good of a state to keep watch," he smiled and straightened to laugh before his face paled and he curled in on himself.


    "It''s going to be a while before I can swing a hammer easily," Justinian said to himself, wrapping his arms around his torso and leaning down.


    "You did enough. Rest here," Tobias said, with more gentleness than Riley knew he felt.


    Within he was a cauldron of rage, every movement carried with it the insinuation of menace. Even his normal gaze had turned steely and full of hatred.


    It would have scared her if she wasn''t wrestling with her own fury.


    Tobias'' eyes twitched to the right as he caught sight of the Ratcatcher angling for the back stair.


    In a blur of motion and training, his power flashed to life in his left hand, cupping fire in his palm, while his right throttled the Ratcatcher and slammed him by his neck into the wall.


    "And where, by the dead Gods, do you think you''re going? You''re on this ride," he snarled.


    "Tobias, let him go," Cid ordered, then stepped up and put his own hand on Tobias'' extended right, "I wasn''t asking, son."


    "Circumstances have changed, with the king dead, and the throne in flux, the smart move is to wait for the dust to clear. I am, after all, a businessman, and with the way things are this is looking like a bad investment." The criminal held up his hands in an apologetic gesture.


    "You gave us your word. We have an agreement," Sabine snarled, ready to pounce on him herself.


    "You should know better. I gave you my word, but circumstances have changed. Sometimes, it''s better to cut and run. If you had any sense, you would as well, but Rangers are never that bright when it comes to these matters," he sneered.


    "You''re afraid of some smarmy second tier royal putting on airs, than you are of us, eh?" Caedmon asked with disbelief.


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    "No, I''m afraid whoever is behind him orchestrating this mess. It''s obviously beyond him, so the smart money is to wait till the shadow reveals itself, not go off half-cocked on an assassination ploy that may land us all in irons and crystal," Riley caught the barest hints of power sparking between his fingers, yellow like fools gold.


    This was getting bad.


    Tobias let him go. "I see you again, you die, I don''t care the circumstances. I will not forget this."


    In his voice, there was no limit or remorse.


    "Understood," the strange masked criminal adjusted his robes and went to leave when Sabine slugged him and knocked him to the floor.


    The pyrite light flashed across his hands for a minute, heralding lightning in their sparks just as Sabine fastened crystal shackles on his wrists.


    "If you aren''t going to be part of the solution, then you''re a problem to be managed. You''ll be held here until we return, then we''ll decide what to do with you. You aren''t leaving here to sell us out to the enemy," She announced.


    The masked nose dipped down as his eyes scanned the floor. "Oh, but our previous dealings and our years of friendly business surely count for something? You don''t want to ruin a good thing if you survive this..."


    Sabine hit him with all of her force twice, once in the gut and then in the face, partially breaking his mask, revealing the face of an old man, badly lacerated across the cheek by the shattered material.


    "The circumstances have changed," She shot coldly as his head lulled.


    Sabine shook out her hand. "I''ve wanted to do that for ages. Caedmon, secure him in one of the rooms and search him."


    "That still leaves a problem. How are we to get into the castle? Wasn''t he our guide?" Eastmund asked.


    "Riley and I will scout ahead and report back," Tobias said, already moving to leave.


    "Oh, by all means, volunteer the both of us for suicide. It''s not like I haven''t died enough already!" She complained as Cid stepped in front of him.


    "Boy, she''s right, you aren''t thinking with your head. Stand down and let us plan," He growled, his tone full of warning.


    "Get out of my way. They have my family!" Tobias roared, taking a defensive stance, a black blade appearing in his left hand.


    Cid slapped him across the face.


    "And that anger will get them killed. Is that what you want, to watch them die in the attempt before you get eliminated yourself and give Chadrick everything he wants? I trained you better. Use that anger. Let it make you cold. Let it make you efficient; don''t play into his hands!" Cid roared.


    Tobias spit on the ground, flecks of red coloring it. Straightening up, he seethed, pushing up chest to chest against Cid.


    "Fight me, kiss me, or step off, boy," He threatened with focused menace.


    Riley got between the two, "That''s enough of the Testosterone Power Hour! Tobias, he has a point. Your family is my family. They''re the only ones Ive got, so step back, and let''s do this right, or I''m going to beat you with a vine till you see more angels than just me!"


    "I''m not hearing any options, only threats!" Tobias shouted, storming back into the room.


    "I know some ways. I got out once," Justinian mentioned, straightening before rising shakily on his feet.


    "Out of the question, you''re recovering," Tobias demanded.


    "Not your decision, I''m afraid. Brother, let me do this for you. I wasn''t able to save them, but maybe I can get you to a place where you can. I''ve had worse," Justinian replied.


    Riley, for the first time, felt his anger truly dip since the news hit him, as he embraced his best friend in a firm hug.


    "Ribs, Tobias, ribs! Still tender!" Justinian gasped, patting him on the back.


    "You''re confident you can get us in?" Sabine asked.


    "I''m an artificer, making something out of nothing is kind of my specialty," Justinian replied with a manic grin.

 Chapter 149: Whos the Boss?

    Chapter 149


    "Riley, do you detect any magic, any traps on the door?" Sabine asked.


    Under her cloak was a crowbar.


    Riley scrutinized the door for dear life and cast Celestial Insight.


    The prompt hit her like a brick.


    It''s a door, dumb ass.


    "Stupid prompt... It''s not the boss of me," she grumbled to herself. A quick check while everyone was prepping showed she and Tobias both were now at 2-10, Ascendant.


    That was the top of the pack, which made her her own boss.


    "What was that, Ranger?" Sabine snapped.


    "There went that idea... It''s a door, looks clean, no sparklies, no danger that I can sense," Riley replied.


    Deep within her patchwork soul, she felt something like laughter echoing off her subconscious.


    "Ok, this one will do," Sabine announced, trying the door handle and finding it locked.


    With a deft and practiced action she slipped the crowbar in near the latch then whistled in a distinctive bird like pattern.


    Echoes came from opposite ends of the lane a moment later as both Caedmon and Eastmund reported that the night street was clear of guard, or onlooker.


    With a brief and echoing pop, the door wrenched open.


    "Finally," Justinian grumbled, stepping in, still pale but regaining his strength fast.


    "After seven stops and no hits, what makes this one a yes?" Riley asked.


    "That''s easy, lass; this is the one she didn''t know about," Cid replied with a smile, seemingly happier than any there.


    Another whistle, brought Caedmon and Eastmund scurrying in behind them, as they all filed inside a small room no larger than a hundred square feet, seemingly carved out of the same smooth grey stone as the walls.


    "We''re at the base of the hill, before the windy part. How far down does the wall go?" Riley pondered.


    "Far deeper than this. We''re in the copperways. It''s a warren of tunnels, mostly used by the servants, except in times of need," Sabine replied.


    "So the walls aren''t secure," Riley wondered, as Tobias quietly fumed.


    "It depends on who you''re fighting and how good your intelligence is," Cid replied.


    "Which I just witnessed to full and deadly effect. There was so much chaos, there wasn''t even time to get the wards up," Justinian, already pale, gained a haunted timbre to his voice.


    "Exactly, which is why I wanted the Ratcatcher for this particular mission.


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    Any way in that I know, will most likely be known and potentially watched by those on the castle grounds we''re up against. Criminals, servants, and workers generally have a different view of the grounds, and often better than a soldier assigned to defend it," Sabine explained.


    "They know where the bodies are buried, and they have to know how to move fast." Riley reasoned. "So, how do you know about this place?"


    She looked to Justinian pointedly, who coughed uncomfortably into his right hand.


    "Well, up that ladder there, there''s a tunnel that takes you to the under basement beneath the Valenheim Academy''s forge. It saved me from being late more times than I could count," he said, a bit too quickly to seem honest.


    "I smell bullshit," Riley replied, picking up on his tell.


    "Oh, it''s at least... partially true," Justinian admitted, his eyes scanning around.


    Sabine patted him on the shoulder, "It''s fine son, you aren''t the first artificer I''ve known. You move a bit of your goods and leftovers on the side?"


    She grinned knowingly, which only turned Justinian paler.


    "Well, actually..." Justinian lost his words.


    Riley feared he was about to pass out.


    Tobias meanwhile stood like a statue as Cid moved forward and climbed the ladder at the back wall, popping the hatch.


    "It''s clear," he whispered down before disappearing up it.


    "I''m worried about you," Riley prompted Tobias as the others piled by.


    "There''s little to worry about; I''m more focused than I''ve been in a long time," Tobias replied, his tone clipped.


    Riley butted up against his legs like a cat. "That''s not what I''m feeling. You''re so full of anger; you''ve got tunnel vision, but you''re tougher than this!"


    "They have my family. The one thing I''ve most feared. I can handle being bullied, mocked, or looked down on for my station, but they laid hands on my Granda and took my nephew; how should I respond to that?" He said, his voice a roar strangled down to that of a whisper.


    Sabine poked her head out of the hole, "You two, quit the melodrama and get up here!"


    "You respond by doing everything you can to save them. How many times have we used a target''s emotions and habits to lure them into traps? Do you remember the Antlions? We used their instincts to play them like a fiddle. That''s what Chadrick is doing to you," She explained before hopping over to the ladder and looking up.


    Tobias, in spite of his anger, chuckled, before a look of worry washed over his face as he caught up with Riley, lifting her gently and tucking her into the crook of his arm.


    "I don''t know how to stop being furious," He admitted, as he climbed the ladder.


    "You don''t stop it, you don''t suppress it, you don''t let it control you. Accept that you''re angry, but also accept that if you don''t channel that anger into something useful, which is not going off half-cocked, Darius is going to watch all of us die before it''s his turn because Chadrick is that kind of bastard," Riley let her words fall like a judge''s hammer.


    Tobias stopped, half poking out of the upper hatch, blinking as if a revelation had dawned.


    "Have you had your moment, Ranger? Do you need some tea to think? God damned amateur night," Sabine muttered, surly as ever, before her own look of revelation dawned.


    "I think I have a plan that might set things in our favor," She announced, as all eyes turned towards her.


    "Anything that would make this feel like less of a suicide mission would be grand for my morale," Caedmon said with a weary smile.


    "Remember our encounter with Mavora on the windowsill, just after you arrived? There is some professional bearing to the tactics of our enemy, but its disparate and few. Consider what you said of Hilvar, and and the Dame of Ravenwald thinking to take down all of Ranger central..." Sabine began as Tobias got the idea.


    "Or Chadrick sending his hawk to spook Riley, which set us on edge and had us watching when the assassins came," Tobias replied, finishing her sentence.


    "Exactly. The enemy, for all of their coordination and infiltration, is poor on tactics. They''re not acting cohesively, nor are they thinking like soldiers. They''re thinking like nobles with grudges, going for slights, going for bullying tactics, and overwhelming force in the dark. We can use that, twist their backroom bull shit in our favor," Sabine''s voice grew excited.


    "And how do you propose we do that?" Eastmund asked.


    "By letting Tobias and Riley take the bait," she grinned murderously.

 Chapter 150: Fate and Honor

    Chapter 150


    "It''s a veritable warren down here..." Tobias remarked as they passed yet another intersection.


    "That''s rabbits, not hares," Riley challenged.


    "What the hell is a rabbit?" Cid asked as Tobias sighed.


    "You know she wants you to ask," Tobias replied.


    "We know, we know..." Came a chorus from Sabine, Eastmund and Caedmon.


    Riley giggled and projected towards her sorcerer, "At least having a plan is helping you deal."


    "And what a plan it is," Tobias projected back while his emotions were still boiling. All of the hate was being poured into a focus on the road ahead, acting like a welding torch, cutting a path through fear and reservation, leaving behind nothing but steely determination, fluxed through the desperation he felt to do something.


    "So how much longer till we''re above ground and get to this suicide mission?" Eastmund asked.


    "Oh, we''ve been above ground for about ten minutes if my timing is right... It smells right." Justinian replied.


    "Yeah, less humidity on the air. It''s not as heavy," Riley replied, instantly getting it.


    "A jogana fruit for our winner," Justinian grinned, sounding more and more himself though he still seemed pale and weak.


    "You better pay up," Riley said with all seriousness.


    "I''ll bury you in them once we''re on the other side of this," Justinian assured.


    Riley''s ears perked up, "Deal!"


    Justinian chuckled as the stony silence washed back over them like a wave and with it a bone chilling grim resolve set in .


    Riley could feel fate whispering.


    It won''t be long now.


    And with that thought, reaching out like the icy hand of fate itself, came a choir within her mind.


    Would they be too late?


    Would they be able to do anything?


    Would Darius and Harold be ok?


    On and on, the questions swirled within the recesses of her mind until one thought stopped her in her tracks.


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    One question was missing from the choir, one that she knew Tobias felt, even if she couldn''t read his thoughts.


    Was this to be my end?


    "Huh..." Riley thought to herself, the ping of curiosity ringing out through her soul so loud and clear that even Tobias turned his head to look at her and, noticing the distance, uttered a familiar phrase.


    "Come on Riley," his voice called like a messenger, bringing with it foggy half remembered recollections of her last moments, running from danger, only to run back towards it, of standing on the line against impossible odds, of watching the light go out in her own eyes, disembodied from the physicality that had always anchored her soul in place.


    Slowly, she began moving again as her thoughts churned forward with each hop.


    This was her fate. It was always going to be her fate because it was who she was...


    "I''ve been here before," She said to herself with grim resolve, drawing up closer to Tobias finding strength not in the inevitability of events, but the inevitability in her soul.


    Live or die she was going to stand, and what would be, would be. Maybe she would survive in this reality, or maybe she would escape into another one, but something deep down told her she would continue, and that ablated all fear.


    For a brief moment, the words of the Abbot drifted there.


    Riley... the one who got away.


    And that was her truth... the truth of her kind, no matter how much they lost, one always got away, and thus life continued.


    "Here we are," Justinian said, breaking her focus.


    "Tobias, you go right, straight down this passage, and you''ll emerge in the back corner of a ballroom. I''ve been there many times. Exit, and two rooms down, you''ll see a grand staircase going up; follow that to the throne room," Justinian guided.


    "Are we sure he''ll be there?" Caedmon asked.


    "Oh yeah, he''ll be there," Tobias and Justinian said in unison.


    "I know you often move with stealth, but you need to make some noise, get his eyes on you, and we''ll be there to back you up. The miserable son of a kraus isn''t expecting a flank. He''s expecting you to come riding in half-cocked and high on nobility. Save your magic, hit brutally but efficiently, and stay alive long enough for us to get your family out. You got that, you two?" Sabine said with a deadly seriousness that shadowed all her previous words.


    "Should we try to com you with intel? We''re going into this blind," Tobias asked.


    "If possible, if you can achieve your mission as a distraction, certainly, but we''ll not be far behind you. He''s expecting you to come alone, so we''re going to give him that," Sabine replied.


    "Be safe, you two," Cid slapped Tobias on the back as his black blade appeared in his left hand, called from their shared inventory.


    Cid chuckled, looking down at the once chipped sword Tobias had taken from Iskaros, "Put it to good use."


    Without further word, Cid turned, and Justinian gave a nod that communicated volumes when combined with the look of worried pride in his eyes.


    It was all coming down to this.


    In a moment, they were alone, the soft boot falls of their team receding down the stony corridors of the castle, and still, they had not encountered one servant, one person to be bound, gagged, or coerced into silence.


    "Riley, is your armor tight enough? Shield bracelet fed? We''re going to do this fast, loud, and expensive," Tobias asked. In his left hand, three explosive vials appeared.


    "We go all out for family. I''m ready; do we veil on the way in? Give ourselves an advantage?" She asked.


    "To get through the initial guard, yes. The quicker and cleaner they die, the closer we get to the throne. Afterwards, we bring down the thunder," With a rotating twist of his wrist, the vials disappeared, only to be replaced by his dagger.


    "Gods, you''re such a drama queen," Riley chided.


    "I learned it from watching you," Tobias replied as he pushed the hidden entrance open, and their veil fell upon them.

 Chapter 151: Frontline

    Chapter 151


    Pools of blood marked their passage.


    "Up ahead," Tobias projected as Riley nodded in agreement.


    They were in the main hall of the castle. Red carpet chased through the center, giving way to a majestic and wide staircase that was a masterpiece of beauty in its own right.


    "I''ve never seen anything like it" Riley boggled. The stairs themselves resembled a water fall in motion, some type of carved, almost perfectly transparent crystal caught the light, and flowed with seemingly frozen channels and eddies down towards the main hallway.


    The railings were made of gold and silver, twisted, shaped, and hammered into what looked like tree roots and vines, granting the hall an ethereal and otherworldly air.


    "We can look later. Focus, assess," Tobias ordered, laser-locked on the mission before him.


    Riley concentrated and cast Celestial Insight with a sigh.


    Castle Guard Reserve, Lawful Good, 2-1


    Castle Guard Reserve, Lawful Neutral, 2-2


    Lots of presentations, not much preparation...


    "More rookies and ceremonials." She reported, as her stomach lurched.


    Tobias, moving like the shadow of death stalked forward, as Riley pulled at her power...


    Plant whisperer.


    Tiny vines threaded up between the stonework before the staircase. With a flick of her paws in the direction of her will, the vines wrapped around the ankles of the unfortunate Guards slammed to the ground with a sickening crack.


    Weaving her power into the spell, the vines continued to grow up and around them, cutting off a half-uttered shout, as bones cracked, and ligaments tore.


    Tobias emerged and, in quick, remorseless action, thrust his dagger down, slamming it into each lung before slitting their throats. Deprived of the ability to gasp, their eyes widened in horror as each saw death coming for them.


    Riley quivered as Tobias whipped his dagger toward the floor, sending a spray of blood over the artistic staircase.


    She choked back the urge to vomit or turn away, "This is war. This war, it''s not ok, but the alternative is worse,"


    No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t convince herself as the blood leaked out from the mess of vines, seeming to frame the memory of the prompt within her own mind.


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    Lawful Good


    Lawful Neutral


    "I know, they''re just in the way, and they don''t deserve this, but either we leave them behind and our rear exposed, or we take them out quick and clean. Give me a better option, and I''ll take it," Tobias replied, not needing to be told.


    "This Castle is in the middle of a slow-moving coup''d''tat. I don''t like it but I don''t see any other choice," Riley justified, saying the words with a twinge of disbelief.


    "Remember much of the guard fled. These men chose the wrong side and died, but before you weep for them, remember two innocents are caught in all of this that are only here because of us. We have to make that right," His voice grew cold and resolute as he spoke, like ice freezing over a lake in winter.


    Riley nodded, "Get the Civvies out. Superhero rule number one."


    She took a deep steadying breath that did nothing.


    "Potion up and get ready. It''s time to get noisy," Tobias ordered as the com crystal appeared in his hand.


    "At the base of the stair, minimal resistance, moving towards the throne room, and kicking off the fireworks, status?" He whispered.


    A moment later, Sabine''s voice flowed across it, "Waiting on you. Breach."


    "Tuck and roll," Riley gripped the conjured mana potion from her inventory between her two paws, worked out the cork, bit it, and rolled, suppressing her urge to cough as the liquid slammed down her throat.


    It only lasted so long, with a mighty gulp that made her chest and throat burn. The remainder spewed forth in tiny droplets as she sought to clear her abused respiratory system while Tobias easily tossed one back.


    The sound of running, far at the top of the massive staircase, of armor jingling drew their attention as Riley and Tobias shared a look.


    "We lit this candle. We were hardly stealthy on that last takedown," she critiqued, pulling her veil.


    Four soldiers, seeing the twin pools of blood, came running down the stairs before one held up his hand.


    "Whoever did this is still here. Stay alert!" He called out as each of his men crouched in a ready position, scanning around, telegraphing their concern.


    Tobias, safely obscured, shook his head. "It was such a nice staircase,"


    His dagger and sword vanished away only for three vials to appear between his fingers in each hand.


    Riley hit the deck and scrambled to throw her front paws over her ears as Tobias Tossed three vials, then three more in a quick left, right movement at the feet of the soldiers before dropping down himself, pulling his cloak over his face.


    Six concussive booms shook and rattled off the walls of the palace, followed by a terrible crashing thud that sent debris pelting over them, raining down like hail stones.


    The men never had the chance to scream as Tobias looked up, with the dust raining down all around him.


    "It was a nice staircase," Riley remarked with sadness. A huge portion of it had collapsed and descended into the floor below.


    The guards were gone, either swallowed up in the rubble or vaporized entirely.


    "Alarm! Alarm!" Came the cries of guards throughout the palace.


    "Riley! Wrap up the doors!" he ordered.


    She nodded, pulling at her vines, reaching out with her magic, looking for the hints of seeds, long dormant under the heavy cobblestones, some perhaps from fruits dropped or dozens of meals, balls, and galas, just waiting for the right prompting the right magic to will them back to life.


    There were so few, but it hadn''t stopped her so far, she realized. There was something about crossing her most recent threshold that had the power coming easier than it ever had, and with it, her perception of the magical sharpened, but, maybe that was cumulative?


    She paused for a moment, halting her movement, as she considered, what was really the difference between 2-8 and 2-10, especially if the human mages of this world didn''t have idea of that nuance...


    Tiers were just tiers here. What about her perception w...


    "Riley, by the dead gods cast!" Tobias urged, projecting with forceful timbre, his words echoing off her mind snapping Riley from her brief reflection, slamming magic into the seeds she found, just as one of the doors began to open.


    The vines growing up, along with plants, and the branches of fruit trees, and roots wrapping around cobble stones, slammed the door home lopping off a hand at the wrist.


    Distantly, the screams echoed through the wooden door as the grand reception area became a strange and unruly forest of food plants, their revenge patient, but total.


    "I talk to my food indeed," Riley remarked as she and Tobias began to pick their way up over the ruined staircase.

 Chapter 152: Everyday Heroes and Super Villians

    Chapter 152


    ¡°I hear boss music,¡± Riley said as they neared the door to the throne room.


    ¡°Boss music?¡± Tobias prompted, his nerves eating through the fear.


    ¡°Every video game I¡¯ve ever played... So many of them end in a castle, you take out a few guards, and then boss music. It¡¯s time to take down the big bad,¡± She explained.


    Tobias sighed.


    ¡°But there¡¯s no convenient power-ups here or health items, so it¡¯s not exactly right,¡± she rambled.


    ¡°Riley, you¡¯re an unknowable, alien, and utterly strange beast, but I thank the Gods for you. I wouldn¡¯t be who I am without you, and I love you,¡± Tobias said, the words spilling out from him like a waterfall.


    Her ears went flat as her whiskers twitched, only for Riley to turn around and mule-kick him in the shins.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± Tobias asked, struggling to keep his voice above a whimper.


    ¡°That¡¯s dying talk! No one is dying today save for our target,¡± she insisted.


    Through their connection, he could feel her worry and concern.


    Looking back, knowing they were short on time, he knelt and pet her ears back. ¡°No dying today. Let¡¯s go get Darius and Harold and be done with it,¡± As Tobias spoke, another explosive vial appeared in his hand.


    ¡°Super villain rule number one, know how to make an entrance,¡± Riley intoned as they both cleared a good ten feet back, ducking behind some debris.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve looked upon this castle my whole life with awe. I never thought I¡¯d be tearing it down,¡± Tobias grinned madly before letting the vial fly.


    With a thunderous boom, the heavy banded door to the royal throne room exploded into splinters.


    Tobias and Riley charged forth, calling for their magic. Paws and hands glowed as they breached in, and the dust cleared.


    The room was massive, more like the main chamber of a cathedral, but even more grand, with three stories of stained-glass windows stacked one row above the other like a pyramid, showing scenes from the ages of the Kingdom of Ashes.


    At the back, perched above the throne, was a rose window, showing the first sovereign and his final ¡°victory¡± over the Fae.


    Thereupon a golden throne, at the top of a carved stone staircase, sat Chadrick, with Mavora on his shoulder.


    Darius and Harold both were chained to pillars near the throne holding up the ceiling.


    ¡°Tobias, run! That¡¯s not Chadrick! Not anymore!¡± Darius cried, his face bloodied and anguished.


    Chadrick¡¯s face twisted into a sadistic grin, around his neck hung the pendant Riley had seen at Timbergarde. Far from inert, now it pulsed with iridescent light, undulating through the spectrum of colors, adding an eerie and ethereal beauty.


    Tobias drew his sword and pointed it toward the throne, ¡°In the name of the King of Ashes, I¡¯m ordering you to surrender to the custody of the Rangers of the Realm. Release my family.¡±


    ¡°That oughta work, thank you, Ray...¡± Riley quipped.


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    ¡°Tobias, so good of you to come to your death,¡± came an unnatural voice from the mouth of Chadrick. The words crawled like a corrupting filth across the stony floor, dripping with corruption.


    ¡°His eyes are red and sparking. Kind of on the nose,¡± Riley snarked as the former viceroy stood up and moved like a strange puppet. Arms and feet jerked in cryptic and unnatural patterns.


    Tobias took up a bracing position as the hawk turned her attention upon Riley with murderous intent.


    Riley cast Celestial Insight.


    Chadrick Astor, 1-0, Augmented, Deific Vessel, Chaotic Evil


    Sold his soul and others for power.


    You should probably run.


    With a flash of blinding speed, Chadrick appeared in front of Darius¡¯ column and slammed his hand around his neck.


    Riley saw the energy bleed off of him as Darius gasped in shock, his skin growing pale and his eyes sunken.


    Tobias screamed and charged while Darius sputtered.


    ¡°Run... boy... I¡¯m an old man already. Get Harold and get...¡± The old man¡¯s head went slack while Tobias was in mid-cast.


    With an anguished cry, he slung a fire bolt.


    Chadrick held up his hand as if in greeting and absorbed it before flicking his hand in Tobias¡¯ direction, sending him flying back into the wall, skipping across the floor as he traveled, battering and abusing his body.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Riley screamed as Mavora took off in flight, with a hawk¡¯s cry she dived towards the hare, as every instinct within her told her to run.


    But Riley was not helpless. She had more than just her legs for defense.


    Righteous Flame/ Flame Wall


    The flames leapt up not just racing across the floor, but dropping down from the ceiling as if both were slicked in oil. Mavora went to turn, having to stop her dive to prevent being immolated, only to pull up and find more flames closing around her like a maw. Throwing herself back, her wings beat in a blind panic to prevent being crunched between the blades of flame racing towards her.


    Which is exactly what Riley was counting on.


    Mana Vampire


    Reaching out, she pulled with all her might, her power wrapping around the hawk as the beastly demon cried out in panicked anguish.


    ¡°All that power, all that work, and he never shared any of it with you, did he? You stupid bitch!¡± Riley screamed, worried and fearful for Darius. The thought of him dying, or having already died, pushed her towards rage.


    Tobias, meanwhile, pulled himself up, his eyes first locked onto the lifeless body of Darius, hanging limply from the column, only for his eyes to flick towards the still squirming body of Harold, whose face was twisted into a mask of pure horror.


    ¡°Super hero rule number one, get the civvies out,¡± Tobias whispered to himself, scanning around for any sign of Sabine and the others, yet they were nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Hey, you miserable son of a Kraus!¡± Not waiting for his words to finish, Tobias threw an explosive vial towards Chadrick, arching the shot so that it sailed parabolically between the jaws of Riley¡¯s flame wall.


    Chadrick, stupidly, looked down as it impacted and exploded, denting and chipping the stone, sending pellets of debris shattering stained glass windows.


    Unhurt and unaffected by the rain of glass sparkling in a thousand colors, he looked toward Tobias. He grinned before turning his attention to Riley and his struggling familiar Mavora, who was locked in the rictus of Riley¡¯s mana draining spell.


    The hare was pushing everything she had into the siphon, doing all she could to keep Mavora disabled, drawing from what felt like an infinite well of dark power.


    The hawk fluttered on the ground as if its wings were broken, already looking sick and diseased, feathers were falling out as Chadrick watched with deatchd interest.


    ¡°Master, help me! Her grip is too strong! I did all this for you! I fell for you! Repay my loyalty!¡± Mavora screeched out, yet Riley felt no pity.


    ¡°You killed Zorna! You hurt my family! Now I¡¯m going to take everything from you!¡± Riley seethed.


    Tobias cast another firebolt. As if stepping out of the way of a slow pitched softball Chadrick blurred to the right.


    ¡°Did you really do it for me, fool? Did you ever truly betray him? You¡¯ve served your purpose. Now receive your reward,¡± raising his hand before closing his middle and index finger towards his thumb and making a twisting motion Mavora¡¯s head twitched left then right, before her body went slack and Riley felt what was left of her tortured soul flow past her in a hot yet icy burst of pure ethereal rage.


    ¡°What?¡± Riley blinked up in surprise as Tobias, with a black blade in hand, charged.


    ¡°Tiresome,¡± Chadrick held out his hand and with a gesture towards the floor slamming Tobias into the cobblestones as if gravity had a grudge against him.


    Far across the room from behind the throne, a small door opened as Sabine and the others entered quietly.


    ¡°Let him go!¡± Riley seethed, casting chaos cracker towards the fiend.


    Predictably, Chadrick absorbed the assault and took one step toward her.


    ¡°Mavora served her purpose, but her replacement is finally here.¡± He grinned as Riley felt a tug, and it felt suddenly as if the entire world slammed down upon her.

 Chapter 153: Ascension

    Chapter 153


    Cid and Sabine charged across the ruined battlefield of the throne room, moving with practiced and stealthy grace as Eastmund and Caedmon hung back, taking up position by the pillars that held Darius and Harold.


    Riley''s vision was going in and out as a vice-like magic held her down.


    Tobias lay about fifteen feet away, unmoving. She could not even tell if he was breathing.


    Panic seized her as the world pulsed in and out like a heartbeat, and she realized it wasn''t just that he was motionless...


    She couldn''t feel him either.


    Since that one moment, swearing to each other, he had always been the other half of their power. His emotions were never far, his soul never out of reach, but now... He didn''t just feel far away. He felt gone.


    Tobias... she tried to project meekly, but the words only rattled within her own mind. Her power was kept from her; her very magic was denied.


    Chadrick glanced over his shoulder only to see Cid on a collision course, moving with blinding speed, his sword out, aimed for the center of his back.


    With a flick of his hand, Cid''s momentum altered as if struck by a bat, launching him backward, hands and feet stretching out before him.


    A twisted grin spread across Chadrick''s face as he slowly turned towards Sabine, who, wisely, vanished under a veil.


    "More irritants, forestalling my ultimate ascendancy. Do you not realize you tax a God?" With a circular hand gesture, multiple black portals opened in the room, and hosts of shadow like beings emerged, harrying Eastmund and Caedmon, who were holding a perimitter in front of the pillars for reasons Riley could not discern.


    With bursts of lightning and hurled stones, the entities fell, evaporating in dark puffs, only to be replaced by more. Then, suddenly, Sabine appeared, only to scythe through one with her black blade and vanish, appearing across the battlefield like a jump cut in a film.


    Then Riley saw it. Another figure emerged from the small servant''s door near the throne room.


    Justinian, and in his hand was his hammer. In his left was a chisel, pulsing with power.


    Chadrick, content with the working of his minions, turned his attentions back towards Riley, approaching so close she could smell his breath, leaning and leering over her like the predator he was.


    "Scumbag..." Riley projected with all her might.


    A hard kick to the ribs followed her words as Chadrick tsk''d.


    "Servants should be seen and not heard. I''m going to enjoy breaking the will out of you," he hissed in a voice that was all his own.


    Riley''s heart beat faster, filling with fear. Desperately, she tried to find some way, some tactic to forestall what was feeling more and more like a suicide mission.


    From deep within the pop culture encyclopedia of her mind, an idea flickered to life.


    Supervillain monologue.


    "You''re.... doing... all ¡­ of this for power?" Out of the corner of her wide vision, she saw Tobias twitch, and her heart soared in hope. His fingers barely moving, Tobias'' arms trembled as he tried to force his way up off the ground, yet the spell held him.


    Riley, searching for some kind of answer, tried to call at her prompts, tried to perceive her overlay, but something was going wrong with her magic. It was like it was all being kept from her, but, try as she might, she couldn''t reason it out.


    Why was all of this happening? How could he be doing all of this?


    Because he''s the vessel of a God, dumb ass...  Came the ringing rebuke from within her own mind.


    "What more is there than power?" Chadrick sneered, a look that was all his own, regardless of what was possessing him.


    "This pathway started with sacrifice and vision. It took the death of my own brother in ritual to summon Mavora. Still, it was a necessary and worthy sacrifice. Just as the fae''s suicide elevated a general to king, so now have others been offered to elevate me to my lofty place."


    Riley balked as her party dealt with their own problems, fighting what seemed to be an endless shadow army pouring from the portals. Even Cid was back up, punching and slicing through creatures as fast as he could find them.


    Tobias, meanwhile, twitched and sputtered but could not find the strength to rise.


    "You did all this to be some God''s bitch. You''re pathetic," Riley taunted, going for her strongest weapon of all, sass.


    Chadrick grinned and contracted his hand. Riley''s ribs exploded into pain and agony.


    "It''s not wise to anger me, servant. Now, do hold still," He mocked.


    Riley scrambled, panicked, but there was nothing she could do.


    Going for broke, she pulled at her final card, "Grimm, Grimm, Grimm!"


    She screamed the words with all her might as the celestial wolf appeared, only to be tackled to the ground half a second later by Fengee, seemingly out of view of all the others.


    "Sorry, pup, but I can''t let you go and commit suicide like this. You cannot defy the Weavers!" Fengee cried as he wrestled with the wolf.


    "She is my packmate! I cannot let this continue," Grimm whined, struggling against the vice grip of the archangel with all his might.


    Fengee looked towards Riley sadly, "She has everything she needs to succeed or fail. Some battles aren''t fought without but within. It''s time for her to make her own choices."


    "No!" Grimm screamed, and Fengee looked right at Riley and winked before vanishing.


    Timbergarde flashed through her mind and the strange ritual where she had turned the tide while Justinian finally got Harold free, and in a mad dash, carrying him in his arms, made for the servant''s door, only to disappear behind it.


    Chadrick began to chant in some strange, eldritch language as Riley felt more of his power wrap around her soul.


    Soul... The word echoed off her mind with all the power of a thought, just out of reach.


    Squirming under the assault, the thought sparked to life.


    Some battles can''t be fought with out but must be fought within.


    Riley looked towards Tobias as a strange and preternatural calm fell over her, "If this doesn''t work, if something happens to me and I stop being me, know that I love you."


    Tobias, in a titanic act of will, turned his head, his eyes wide with horror, almost as if he could understand.


    Riley let go,and let Chadrick''s magic connect deep, wrapping around her. It began to eat at the bond between her and Tobias like an acid, but if there was anything she had learned from her connection to Tobias it was that willing connections ran both ways.


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    Zorna! She called out from within, reaching out across the connection. Her outer vision faded like the lights were being brought down on the world.


    In some ways, it all felt familiar. It felt like dying all over again as she found herself in a strange black space that seemed to stretch out towards infinity.


    Off towards the horizon, a black tower loomed with a glowing red light shining out from its windows and ports. Red lightning crackled as distant thunder rolled.


    Before it were seas of souls, all consumed for Chadrick''s ascendancy, bound and trapped within, just as she was.


    "Uh Hello? Anyone here?" Riley called out, seeking a friendly face.


    The crowd began to part as a young man emerged with a Kraus beside him.


    "Not you, too. Tobias is still out there, alone... You were the last piece," Darius lamented, looking down at the shadowy ground.


    "He doesn''t have me yet, but I let him think so. One thing I learned from Tobias is these soul connections work both ways. I can beat him, I think, but not on my own. I need your help," she said, her voice carrying with it the seriousness of the grave.


    "What are you driving at?" Darius asked.


    "Tobias and I got where we were because we shared freely with one another. He didn''t have to break me or dominate me to get me to share my power. I offered mine, and he offered his... I''m betting it all on the idea that it''s universal." Riley began as the look on Darius'' face brightened.


    "You want us to willingly share the last of what anchors us here with you. With you here, you''re a bridge," he replied, rubbing at his chin the same way Tobias did.


    "I''d neither want to or know how to hold you. I''m kinda guessing here, but I''m sure I''m right, and even if I''m not, if you all can cross, at least you''ll be free," Riley sighed.


    The souls were crowded around her as one in particular emerged, with a young boy standing by his side.


    "My brother started all of this with me. I''m sorry it led to all of this," the young boy no older than thirteen, looked down with eyes that bore the weight of pain far beyond his years.


    "It''s ok, kid. It wasn''t your fault," Riley said.


    "Just so," The King of Ashes replied.


    Even in his death, he wore a crown atop his head and nodded in agreement, "She speaks of a good plan. What say you fellows? Do we go down as prisoners, or do we seize our freedom and die as warriors?"


    Zorna, ever silent but always strangely wise, padded towards Riley and nuzzled against her chest before vanishing, and the hare felt a surge of power.


    Next, Darius reached out and sat his hand between her ears, "If that''s the way it has to be, I freely give whatever power I have to you just save my grandson."


    "I promise, you''re going to get your silver''s worth," Riley assured.


    "Oh, I got that and more," Darius said as he slowly evaporated away.


    You have met the requirements to ascend... Initiate transfiguration for you and your partner? Y/N


    With every bit of will Riley had left she reached for the Y, as there was a blinding white flash and her eyes snapped open to Chadrick gripping the sides of his head.


    One after another, Riley felt the souls taken siphon through her, young and old, noble and commoner, each giving something before ascending to their next fate.


    "Now you can rest," Riley said, as she felt the power build towards a raging crescendo.


    Tobias, finally free rose, as he looked towards Riley only to see ethereal wings lift her off the ground, reaching wall to wall in the throne room as the shadows around shrieked, and still he felt the power flowing into not just her, but him.


    A flood was erupting out of Chadrick as he screamed in agony, his voice twinning, somehow separating into that of two different beings as he tumbled back.


    Riley''s head turned as she focused in on him and saw one last prompt.


    You have ascended to Tier 1-0. The souls you have liberated have shared the last of their power with you before crossing as a thanks for their liberation.


    Now go kick his ass.


    "You think you''ve accomplished anything? We are transfigured! This vessel is mine!" he teased.


    "I call bull shit," Riley snarled and flicked a bolt of fire as a test.


    Chadrick went to move, made all the motions of quick action that had ended in countless blurs, but barely moved in time to avoid taking it in the chest.


    Instead, his heavy black robe sported a new hole through the left arm.


    "Yep, total bullshit!" Riley chuckled, feeling heady from the rush of power that was sparking across her soul.


    She called to the magic within her and Calaria, feeling a deeper well of connection than ever before. Her mana bar had barely dropped. In fact, it felt so much like it had at her beginning here.


    There was infinite possibility, infinite promise in this moment, breaking like a sunrise across her spirit.


    Landing, her fur glowing with white light, she stalked forward like a hunter seeking its prey as the blackened eyes of Chadrick widened in horror.


    Raising his hand, nothing happened, as he looked at his left hand in disbelief, scurrying back towards one of the shadowy portals still open, but flickering.


    The infernal beings erupting out of it were now fleeing back through it in a desperate attempt to escape as Eastmund, Caedmon, Cid, and Sabine each dropped one after another in a harried assault.


    "Our power? What did you do!" Screamed the twined voice of Chadrick and the God now trapped within him.


    "Doors swing both ways," Riley said with dispassion as Tobias rose, blinking, staring down at himself as if discovering a new side to his existence he had never known before.


    His eyes locked in on Chadrick, and now, able to move, he charged.


    White flame engulfed his black blade. As it burned, coated in ethereal magic, it''s color changed, lightening to grey.


    Chadrick reached for a sword at his hip and drew it just in time, but now his hands were shaking. The blade trembled in his hands as Tobias batted it away, deftly disarming him.


    "Give me room!" Riley shouted. Tobias, in reply, punched him in his chest, driving Chadrick back as one of his ribs broke, and he screamed.


    "You''re done," Riley sneered as she made her first, first-tier cast.


    Celestial Inferno


    A laser like beam of flame erupted from between her paws, as Chadrick, in a fit of survival broke into a run, dodging and weaving futilely as the flame glanced off the back of his head and the left side of his face.


    Screaming, that side of his skull immolated. He fell to the floor, backpedaling, the skin warping and burning, turning to dust.


    As the flesh burned away, and he screamed, inching ever closer to the black portal, a new face emerged, revealed by purifying flame.


    A reptilian red eye gleamed out from blackened and burned scales, and a heavy orbital socket ribbed with spines jutted out, revealing the hidden nature lurking beneath.


    "He''s part infernal," Tobias gasped as Riley readied another assault, and in one last desperate move, Chardick leapt trough the portal.


    In a flash, he was gone as an eerie peace fell across the throne room.

 Chapter 154: In Memorium

    Chapter 154


    It was raining in Ashenvale as Riley and Tobias followed two caskets.


    Behind them were two distinct companies of rangers, the Black Blades, led by Sabine, Eastmund, Caedmon, and Cid, and just beside them, a company of the Greyblades, the first tiers, led by General Ecbert.


    So much had changed for them in a week.


    "I bet Darius is pleased wherever he''s gone," Riley said, trying to prompt something other than deep grief from Tobias.


    A sad chuckle escaped his throat. "If his soul still lives, I think so. Who''d ever think a commoner would be buried next to the king?"


    "Oh, I''m sure he''s still around," Riley assured.


    "They shared, I didn''t take them, nor would I want to. Enslaving souls was more Chadrick''s thing," Riley replied, hiding, as ever, behind what humor and commentary she could find.


    "As is running. There''s been no trace of him, no portals, no nothing. He killed my Granda, and he got away." Riley felt the grief turn to rage within his soul.


    "And ironically, that''s what saved us, but I''m going to miss him too. He was my family. He saved me from slavery and opened the door to a new home. I have you because of him, and I''ll never be able to thank him enough," All of the pain Riley had been avoiding hit her like a wave, forcing her ears to droop as her heart broke anew.


    "I''ve died. I know what happens, kinda, and all this still hurts. How can I know in my soul he''s still out there somewhere and still be this sad? The same thing happened to me," she mumbled to herself, still sharing with Tobias and staring down at the mud.


    At some point, they arrived at the graveyard. Tombstones carved into large crystal torcs pointed towards the sky like uplifted arms waiting for the attention of the Gods they worshiped.


    "Because he''s there," Tobias pointed to the casket, "and there."


    He pointed up towards the sky.


    "But he''s not here," he pointed down at the ground. "I''ll not hear his laugh again this side of life, or see him smile, or pray in the cathedral, and I''m..."


    His voice quivered before he found his steel.


    "I''m going to miss him. I know everything that you know. I command forces with powers granted to me by the Gods, but I''d fight them all just to get him back," Tobias stared down at the ground again, his eyes haunted and lost.


    "That''s because he''ll always live here," Riley stood on her hindpaws, forepaws dripping with soaked earth, and with a manipulation of her forelegs, managed to tap her chest, leaving a brown streak across her whitening fur.


    The autumn had come, and a long winter seemed to loom as an ominous herald for both their hearts.


    This hurt. There was no other way to say it. There was no escaping it.


    There was only living with it.


    "Grief isn''t healing, Tobias. It''s learning to live with the damage it''s wrought. The hole never goes away. The healing comes after that journey," she shared after a former lifetime, now gone, of hard-earned wisdom.


    "You lost your family, too," Tobias said, watching them lower his casket down.


    "But you haven''t. Your Ma and Da still live. Harold made it, as did your Aunt. Darius died not just to give us a chance but for his family. It''s what he loved and worked for. It''s why he bought me for a silver. Darius knew you''d be sad at his passing, but this was always going to happen someday unless the job got us. I just wish we had more time," Riley, in spite of her logic, wrestled with a pain that was all too familiar.


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    This had happened too much across two lifetimes and hurt too much to ever be easy, but with each passing loss, she had gained a twisted kind of experience.


    It was amazing what you could get used to.


    The time moved by in a blur; the world seemed to shift around them, as water soaked her fur, and prayers were said. It all melted into noise, light and rhythm, of which they were both unwilling participants, like a leaf being carried on a river, towards an inevitable destiny.


    "And, by the light of Galdor, go in peace," The Abbot intoned, wearing white robes and an ethereal expression, holding her hands upwards towards the sky.


    In a mass, the crowd began moving towards festival tents set up by the coppers of the Valenheim academy, which Riley had not seen since the day of their trials.


    "Tobias, a moment now that the dead have been put to rest." General Ecbert demanded, his grey cloak contrasting strangely against Tobias'' black one.


    "Sir, with respect, I need to find my family. Can this wait?" Tobias asked.


    The general bristled, gripping Tobias shoulder, "No, Ranger. The kingdom comes first, always. We''ll get you back to them as soon as we can."


    Tobias sighed, world-weary, and nodded in acquiescence. "Yes, Sir."


    "Ranger Riley, you will follow as well," General Ecbert insisted.


    "Like he could go anywhere without me," she joked, hiding behind her humor like a mask.


    Strangely, General Ecbert led them back into the castle, entering through a side door in the main courtyard, navigating labyrinthine hallways until they arrived in a large nondescript room, with one table, and seven chairs behind it.


    Tobias stiffened as the Crown Prince entered, drawing to attention before kneeling down.


    "The Strongest of All; I am honored, sir," Tobias said as Riley held up her paw.


    "Hi Boss."


    The young man, not much older than Tobias, chuckled, "The reports of you were accurate, I see."


    Riley looked down and away, as inwardly she grinned while five more people filed in, including General Kivara, Grandmaster Silas, and one sorcerer that Riley had never seen before, clad in greyish white robes, wearing a crystal torc around his neck.


    "We are all assembled. Assess them," The Crown Prince ordered as Riley saw the sorcerer reach out.


    A prompt flared to life, and with it, a wave of energy rolled through her.


    Kilvoaran, 1-5, has cast True Sight upon your party.


    "First tiers, of low ability but powerful, each has untapped potential." He said in a nasally voice that caused Riley''s mind to scream, "Nerd."


    "May I see your blade Ranger?" The Crown Prince asked.


    Tobias briefly looked up and then drew it from his scabbard, holding it up in both hands like an offering.


    "There are legends of black blades turning grey. The last are all tales from the Ashen Wars. We all teach that such crossing is impossible, but you have shown it is merely improbable. The legends are true," he said, his voice booming with regal authority.


    "As you say," Tobias replied.


    "Sire, in each case, the legends speak of an outworlder companion and always a celestial just as Riley is," Kilvoran replied. He looked down at Riley with a face etched with concern.


    "But this is not taught?" Tobias replied.


    "And what good would it do to fill the second tier with ambitions which generations could not aspire to? Have we not already seen the result of such pointless striving? It is a royal legend that has been kept within my house for two thousand years, and with it comes a warning. The Gods'' favor will only shine in this way again in time of dire need, and as we have seen the need is most dire." The soon-to-be king explained.


    "We''re about to get drafted again," Riley shared with Tobias alone.


    He shot her a look of both concern and bemusement, "I think so."


    The Crown Prince took the sword from Tobias'' hands and then tapped him on either shoulder. "I, the Strongest of All, future king if proven by coming trial and regent of this realm, do establish you and Riley as Knights of the Greyblade, with all noble titles, duties, and compensation thereof."


    Tobias turned pale and looked as if he was about to pass out. Instead, with titanic effort, squeaked out, "Yes, Sire."


    "You will be given Astor Hall, once occupied by the Viceroy of the Commons, as your familial lands and will report to General Ecbert. Now rise. There is much to discuss," as Tobias turned, the future king, in a show of trust, turned the hilt of the sword towards Tobias with the point facing him.


    Tobias nodded in respect and slowly took the blade before sheathing it.


    "Get your family and affairs settled, for you''ll have little time to mourn. We''ve been in counsel with General Kivara all week. Your first assignment will be hunting out the network that Chadrick used for his conspiracy. You will not rest until everyone involved is dead for their blasphemies against the throne." General Ecbert ordered.


    The atmosphere of the room grew frosty as if winter had come early.


    "If I may, sir, I''d like to form my own team and draw from the black blade rangers I''ve worked with," Tobias asked.


    "That can be arranged," General Kivara replied while Riley looked up toward Tobias.


    "Yep, drafted again." She sighed, knowing this was only the beginning.

 Epilogue: Astor Hall

    Epilogue


    The carriage rocked and shook, hitting seemingly every rock and dip upon the road, but Riley hardly noticed.


    "I can''t get a clear read on you; you''re all jumbled up." Tobias prompted distantly as he gazed out the window while she struggled to remain centered on the padded bench across from him.


    "Everything has changed again, like always," Riley temporized, kicking the can of conversation further down the rough-strewn road they were currently being taken down.


    It seemed a fitting enough metaphor for her life so far in Calaria.


    "We just buried Granda and met the presumptive heir. We''re first tiers. Grey blades." Tobias looked down at his hand like it was something new.


    Riley understood all too well what that was like.


    "He was the first person that showed me kindness here. He''s the reason I have you," She reflected.


    Tobias could feel her smiling at him wistfully, even though she didn''t have the body language for it.


    It was just one of many things that had gotten strange since the fight with Chadrick and their ascension, along with a host of new abilities and ways of seeing the world he was only just beginning to understand.


    They had the month, according to orders, to get settled into Astor Hall, their current destination.


    "Yeah, we''ll see how long that takes to change," Riley scoffed like she could read his mind.


    Maybe she could. Tobias thought. He definitely felt like he could read hers sometimes.


    Lately, it seemed like they weren''t just bonded but knitted together.


    "I only can some¡­" Riley caught herself just as the carriage began to slow, "Entwined souls, new ability."


    Tobias grinned but said nothing, and in spite of her concentration in that moment, she could not parse him out.


    "Holy shit, it''s a witch''s castle!" Riley shot to the floor, rising on her paws and resting them against the door.


    Astor Hall came into view, taking up all of the small window of the carriage, providing Riley with a fleeting vista devoid of greater details.


    A moment more and the carriage stopped. Riley scooted back, allowing the footman to open the door.


    Two craggy towers skulked up into the air, made of a rough-hewn grey stone that also formed the walls, the entire edifice itself built into the flattened peak of a small mountain that overlooked the greater city of the Ashenvale.


    "This should settle all accounts," Tobias said, passing the footman a silver.


    The driver''s eyes went wide, "For that much of a courtesy, we''d be happy to remain here for you, sir, if you won''t be long."


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "If the haunted castle doesn''t eat us first," Riley remarked, her voice a high pitched squeak.


    "It looks like no one has been here in years. Yes, if you gentlemen wouldn''t mind holding, there''s another silver in it for you upon return to the Ashenrealm," Tobias offered.


    Both of the men were beaming with smiles now, "Of course Sir knight. We''ll be right here."


    "Feeling spendy?" Riley projected to him alone as they approached a heavy banded metal door set into the portcullis.


    "We''ve far more than we could spend, and it''s a bit far to walk. I expected something more maintained, but this is going to take work." Tobias drew a key from his inventory and slid it into the lock on the heavy banded door. As if in testament to his words, it ground open with all the dulcet tones of a woman being murdered.


    "Not helping with the creepy castle angle." Riley shuddered.


    "Tell me about it. Maybe we should do what Chadrick did, rent quarters in the city, move the family there." Tobias proffered.


    "We''ve got a lot of light on us right now. This may be exactly what we need until the world gets used to us. At the very least, it''s more roomy than the apartment above the shop." Riley countered.


    Striding across the parade ground, dust and debris collected at the corners. Four stalls for cockatrice lined either side but were currently empty, the wood worn and disused.


    "It''s like no one has lived here in a hundred years," Riley said to herself.


    Tobias nodded absently, one hand on his now grey blade in testament to the instincts that a hard life had forged in them thus far.


    Finally, they came to the main door of the keep, and another key appeared in Tobias'' hand.


    This time, it opened effortlessly, the hinge well-greased, only to reveal a room full of white sheets draped over furniture before a massive


    staircase, leading up halfway to the second story, then turning 90 degrees left and right.


    A massive portrait of the sneering Chadrick stared down upon them as if in judgment.


    "I know the first thing I want to burn," Riley said.


    Tobias didn''t need their stronger connection to know she was absolutely serious.


    "Me too."


    "But it''s glowing¡­ kind of purple," She said in afterthought.


    "It is..." Tobias squinted, his brow furrowing in concentration, as something whispered to both of them.


    Ability: Augmented Reality, Passive


    Sense magical workings, veils, and traps, as well as the auras of those around you.


    Current level 1-0, 1%


    Tobias strode up the stairs, then pulled at his magic.


    Firebolt


    The first tier bolt wreathed in white flame sailed and hit the portrait oblitering it into ash, leaving a lazy cloud of smoke to float ponderously up towards the ceiling.


    "Hey, I wanted to do that!" Riley complained, only for her ears to go rigid at what lay behind the portrait.


    A badly charred door collapsed inward, revealing a secret room just beyond.


    "Come on, Riley," Tobias prompted, drawing his sword and holding it to his side in a low-ready position.


    She called forth the magic as she hopped, readying her Celestial inferno spell, as a cramped, windowless study came into view.


    Facing the door was a massive wooden desk, bifurcating a quarter of the room. Shelves lined each wall, even framing either side of the now nonexistent door.


    "Stop!" Tobias urged his voice a strained whisper.


    Before them, set into the floor was a complex magical circle, of make and model he had never seen.


    "It''s not glowing. It''s magically inert; don''t ask me how I know, but I know something about it feels familiar. Infernal, I think." She replied.


    "Still, we move around the room until we''re sure," Skulking around, hugging the edges between the complex geometry and the shelves, Tobias was heading for a perch set just beside the chair, with a makeshift work table before it.


    An ancient book, similar to what they had each seen in the Library at Ranger Central, was open before it.


    Tobias flipped it to its title page, only for his eyes to sparkle with surprise.


    "Only one ritual, that one... It says there should be more, but the pages are blank," Tobias''s face is knitted in confusion.


    "But how can you read it?" Riley pressed.


    Tobias looked up and to the left, as his prompts flared to life. "Entwined souls again. It''s like some kind of helpful daemon is helping me parse this out?"


    "Daemon?" Riley worried.


    "A spirit, not a demon, Riley," Tobias explained before pausing, "Wait¡­ how did I know that?"


    "OK, we''ve got a little time. I think we should let this lay for now and go over our abilities on the carriage ride home. This is getting weird. Dinner at the Prancing Cockatrice?"


    Tobias smiled. "This will keep. I could certainly use some tea."


    __

 Prologue: First Tier Sorcery- Distant Dreams of Yesterday

First Tier Sorcery Prologue- Distant Dreams of Yesterday


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